Factors Affecting Rewet Performance of Absorbent Cores, 1991 Nonwovens Conference Proceedings

Several properties of absorbent core design and construction were systematically investigated for their effect on the rewet performance of a standardized absorbent composite system. These included: superabsorbent polymer (SAP) location in the pad, type and form of SAP, absorbent performance of the SAP itself, pad density, relative amounts of superabsorbent and fluff fiber, and species and processing history of fluff fiber. Rewet was measured using a test developed by Weyerhaeuser’s Personal Care Products Division, which is similar to others used in the disposable hygienic products industry. It was found that the above parameters can have a large effect on rewet. When these conditions are optimized, it is possible to reduce the amount of both SAP and fluff fiber and still achieve good rewet performance. These results suggest guidelines for both pad design and selection of materials in producing disposable absorbent articles where dryness is important.