| abstract |
A web of thermoplastic multicomponent substantially continuous fibers is thoroughly and evenly mixed with absorbent materials prior to deposition on the forming wire to result in superior adherence of the absorbents to the thermoplastic components and hence result in superior performance of the web. The multicomponent fibers have a low melting point sheath which can be fully activated to melt and wet the absorbent particles. The web can then be densified and cooled, securing the absorbents to the web with hardened flow joints and enabling the web to carry high loadings of absorbent while maintaining good web integrity. |