| abstract |
A coform nonwoven web that contains a matrix of meltblown fibers and an absorbent material is provided. The meltblown fibers are formed from a thermoplastic composition that contains at least one propylene/α-olefin copolymer of a certain monomer content, density, melt flow rate, etc. The selection of a specific type of propylene/α-olefin copolymer provides the resulting composition with improved thermal properties for forming a coform web. For example, the thermoplastic composition crystallizes at a relatively slow rate, thereby allowing the fibers to remain slightly tacky during formation. This tackiness may provide a variety of benefits, such as enhancing the ability of the meltblown fibers to adhere to the absorbent material during formation of the coform web. In certain embodiments, the coform web may also be imparted with texture using a three-dimensional forming surface. In such embodiments, the slow crystallization rate of the meltblown fibers may increase their ability to conform to the contours of the three-dimensional forming surface. Once the fibers crystallize, however, the meltblown fibers may achieve a degree of stiffness similar to conventional polypropylene, thereby allowing them to retain their three-dimensional shape and form a highly textured surface on the coform web. |