A substrate includes a double-network polymer system including a cross-linked, covalently-bonded polymer and a reversible, partially ionicly-bonded polymer, wherein the substrate has a moisture level less than or equal to 15 percent of the total weight of the substrate, and wherein the substrate includes a latent retractive force. A method for manufacturing a substrate includes producing a double-network hydrogel including a cross-linked, covalently-bonded polymer and a reversible, ionicly-bonded polymer; elongating by force the double-network hydrogel in at least one direction; dehydrating while still elongated the double-network hydrogel to form a substantially-dehydrated double-network polymer system; and releasing the force to produce the substrate.

An absorbent article comprises a liquid permeable topsheet, a liquid impermeable backsheet, an absorbent core between the topsheet and the backsheet. The absorbent core comprises an absorbent material. The absorbent article further comprises a distribution material between the topsheet and the absorbent core. The distribution material is notionally divided in a front region, a back region and a middle region located between the front and the back region. Each of the front, back and middle regions is of the length of the distribution material. At least one of the front, back and middle regions of the distribution material comprises one or more layers. The one or more layers of the distribution material comprise a fibrous structure made of wet-laid fibers.

A process and apparatus is used for making a fibrous nonwoven web with uniform, directionally-oriented projections by depositing fibrous material onto a first forming surface with holes positioned above a second forming surface with both forming surfaces traveling at different speeds to one another. As the fibers are deposited onto the first forming surface, a portion of the fibers are drawn down into the holes of the first forming surface forming the projections which contact the second forming surface. Due to the speed differential between the two forming surfaces the projections are uniformly skewed in the same direction. The resultant material is particularly suited for use as a wiping material which can be more abrasive in one direction but which is softer to the touch when wiped in the opposite direction thus making it a dual purpose material.

A layered product including at least one natural fiber layer including a web of natural fibers and at least one SAP layer including a non-woven substrate including a thermoplastic polymer fibers and a superabsorbent polymer adhered to thermoplastic polymer fibers, wherein the non-woven substrate is a high loft fabric, for example an airlaid or spunlaid non-woven, and wherein the natural fiber layer and the SAP layer are connected to each other by needle punching, stitch bonding or using an adhesive. A process to prepare the layered product and the use of the layered product in for example horticulture.

A substrate includes a double-network polymer system including a cross-linked, covalently-bonded polymer and a reversible, partially ionicly-bonded polymer, wherein the substrate has a moisture level less than or equal to 15 percent of the total weight of the substrate, and wherein the substrate includes a latent retractive force. A method for manufacturing a substrate includes producing a double-network hydrogel including a cross-linked, covalently-bonded polymer and a reversible, ionicly-bonded polymer; elongating by force the double-network hydrogel in at least one direction; dehydrating while still elongated the double-network hydrogel to form a substantially-dehydrated double-network polymer system; and releasing the force to produce the substrate.

A contoured absorbent pad for a diaper comprising a liquid permeable inner layer, impermeable outer layer, and a moulded absorbent core. The inner and outer layers are adhered together with the moulded absorbent core located between the inner and outer layers. The absorbent core includes fibers and superabsorbent materials and is moulded in a shape that is contoured to complement the human anatomy in the area of the upper buttocks and lower back.

An absorbent article having a pair of longitudinal edges, front and rear transverse edges, a front end region, a rear end region, and a central region disposed between the front and rear end regions. The absorbent article has a liquid pervious topsheet, a liquid impervious backsheet, an absorbent core disposed between the topsheet and the backsheet, a pair of outwardly convex longitudinal central channels formed at least in the central region. The traversal distance of the pair of outwardly convex longitudinal central channels decreases towards both ends of the channels to define a central closed area. The absorbent article has a rear channel defining a rear closed area in the rear end region.

A substrate includes a double-network polymer system including a cross-linked, covalently-bonded polymer and a reversible, partially ionicly-bonded polymer, wherein the substrate has a moisture level less than or equal to 15 percent of the total weight of the substrate, and wherein the substrate includes a latent retractive force. A method for manufacturing a substrate includes producing a double-network hydrogel including a cross-linked, covalently-bonded polymer and a reversible, ionicly-bonded polymer; elongating by force the double-network hydrogel in at least one direction; dehydrating while still elongated the double-network hydrogel to form a substantially-dehydrated double-network polymer system; and releasing the force to produce the substrate.

A disposable diaper includes: a first inflected unit formed in an absorber and extending along a product widthwise direction; a second inflected unit formed in the absorber, extending along the product widthwise direction, and positioned towards a rear waistline unit from the first inflected unit; and a crotch unit formed between the first inflected unit and the second inflected unit. The size of the crotch unit along the product longitudinal direction is 30 mm or more and 150 mm or less in the natural state of the disposable diaper.

An absorbent article that can be a sanitary napkin. The absorbent article comprises a topsheet joined to a backsheet and has an absorbent core material disposed therebetween, the absorbent core material being a fibrous absorbent material exhibiting on one side thereof discrete raised portions. The raised portions define a continuous network of channels, the channels defining a void region adjacent the topsheet of the sanitary napkin.