An absorbent article includes a liquid permeable topsheet, a liquid impermeable backsheet, an absorbent core being disposed between the topsheet and the backsheet, wherein the absorbent core includes an absorbent material disposed in an absorbent deposition area and enclosed in a core wrap. The core further includes a first swelling chamber, a second swelling chamber, and an external zone. The absorbent material comprises superabsorbent polymer. One or more permanent seals separate the first swelling chamber and the second swelling chamber from the external zone. The swelling chambers consist of absorbent material immobilized by water-responsive bonds, wherein the water-responsive bonds deteriorate upon exposure to water such that the absorbent material is flowable in the wet state; and the external zone comprises absorbent material that is immobilized by thermoplastic adhesive, such that the absorbent material is immobilized in the wet state.

An absorbent article includes a liquid permeable topsheet, a liquid impermeable backsheet, an absorbent core being disposed between the topsheet and the backsheet, wherein the absorbent core includes an absorbent material disposed in an absorbent deposition area and enclosed in a core wrap. The core further includes a first swelling chamber, a second swelling chamber, and an external zone. The absorbent material comprises superabsorbent polymer. One or more permanent seals separate the first swelling chamber and the second swelling chamber from the external zone. The swelling chambers consist of absorbent material immobilized by water-responsive bonds, wherein the water-responsive bonds deteriorate upon exposure to water such that the absorbent material is flowable in the wet state; and the external zone comprises absorbent material that is immobilized by thermoplastic adhesive, such that the absorbent material is immobilized in the wet state.