US 7521588 B2
A polymeric web exhibiting a soft and silky tactile impression on at least one side thereof is disclosed. The silky feeling side of the web exhibits a pattern of discrete hair-like fibrils, each of the hair-like fibrils being a protruded extension of the web surface and having a side wall defining an open proximal portion and a closed distal portion. The hair-like fibrils exhibit a maximum lateral cross-sectional diameter of between 2 and 5 mils, and an aspect ratio from 1 to 3. Methods and apparatus for making the polymeric web utilize a three-dimensional forming structure having a plurality of protrusions being generally columnar forms having an average aspect ratio of at least about 1.
1. A polymeric web comprising a polymeric film, said web exhibiting a soft and silky tactile impression on at least one side thereof, said polymeric web comprising a precursor web having a first thickness and a pattern of discrete generally columnar protruded extensions, each of said generally columnar protruded extensions being a protruded extension of said precursor web and having a side wall defining an open proximal portion and a closed distal portion, and wherein said precursor web is thinned at or near said closed distal ends of said generally columnar protruded extensions, wherein said generally columnar protruded extensions have a largest lateral cross-sectional dimension at said proximal portion, wherein said generally columnar protruded extensions have an aspect ratio of at least 0.5.
2. The web of
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12. The web of
13. A disposable absorbent article comprising a fluid pervious polymeric web comprising a polymeric film, said polymeric web exhibiting a soft and silky tactile impression on at least one side thereof, said polymeric web comprising a precursor web having a first thickness and a pattern of discrete generally columnar protruded extensions, each of said generally columnar protruded extensions being a protruded extension of said precursor web and having a side wall defining an open proximal portion and a closed distal portion, and wherein said precursor web is thinned at or near said closed distal ends of said generally columnar protruded extensions, wherein said generally columnar protruded extensions have a largest lateral cross-sectional dimension at said proximal portion, and wherein said generally columnar protruded extensions have an aspect ratio of from about 0.5 to 3.
14. The disposable absorbent article of
15. The disposable absorbent article of
16. The disposable absorbent article of
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30. The disposable absorbent article of
31. A fluid pervious polymeric web exhibiting a soft and silky tactile impression on at least one side thereof, said polymeric web comprising a polymeric film, said polymeric web comprising a precursor web having a first thickness and a pattern of discrete generally columnar protruded extensions, each of said generally columnar protruded extensions being a protruded extension of said precursor web and having a side wall defining an open proximal portion and a closed distal portion, wherein said generally columnar protruded extensions have an aspect ratio of at least 0.5, and wherein said precursor web is thinned at or near said closed distal ends of said generally columnar protruded extensions, wherein said generally columnar protruded extensions have a largest lateral cross-sectional dimension at said proximal portion.
32. The fluid pervious polymeric web of
33. The fluid pervious polymeric web of
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38. The fluid pervious polymeric web of
39. The fluid pervious polymeric web of
40. The fluid pervious polymeric web of
41. The fluid pervious polymeric web of
42. The fluid pervious polymeric web of
43. The fluid pervious polymeric web of
This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 10/324,366, filed Dec. 20, 2002 now U.S. Pat. No. 7,402,723.
The present invention relates to a polymeric web exhibiting a soft and silky tactile impression on at least one surface. More particularly, the present invention relates a three-dimensional polymeric web exhibiting a soft and silky tactile impression that can be used as a body-facing topsheet in disposable absorbent.
It is extremely desirable to construct disposable articles, such as absorptive devices, including sanitary napkins, pantyliners, interlabial devices, diapers, training pants, incontinent devices, wound dressings and the like, with a soft cloth-like surface feel to the user's skin at any anticipated points of contact. Likewise, it has long been known in the disposable articles art to construct absorptive devices that present a dry surface feel to the user, especially during use. By having a soft, cloth-like body-facing surface that retains a dry surface feel during use, an absorptive device gives improved wearing comfort, and minimizes the development of undesirable skin conditions due to prolonged exposure to moisture absorbed within the absorptive device.
While woven and non-woven fibrous webs are often employed as body-facing topsheets for absorptive devices because of their pleasant surface feel, macroscopically expanded, three dimensional, apertured polymeric webs such as the commercially successful DRI-WEAVE™ topsheet marketed by Procter & Gamble Company have also been utilized. One viable polymeric web of this type is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,342,314 issued to Radel et al. on Aug. 3, 1982. Such webs have been shown to exhibit desirable fluid transport and fluid retaining characteristics. Desirable fluid transport characteristics allow the topsheet to acquire fluids, such as urine or menses, and pass to fluid into the absorptive article. Once absorbed into the absorptive article, the fluid retaining feature of the topsheet preferably prevents rewet, i.e., the movement of fluid back through the topsheet. Rewet can be a result of at least two causes: (1) squeezing out of the absorbed fluid due to pressure on the absorptive article; and/or (2) wetness entrapped within or on the topsheet. Preferably, both properties, fluid acquisition and fluid retention, are maximized. Said differently, preferably a topsheet will exhibit high rates of fluid acquisition, and low levels of rewet.
Other macroscopically expanded, three dimensional, apertured polymeric webs are known. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 4,463,045 issued to Ahr et al. on Jul. 31, 1984 discloses a macroscopically expanded three-dimensional polymeric web that exhibits a substantially non-glossy visible surface and cloth-like tactile impression. Ahr et al. teaches the criteria which must be met with respect to the regularly spaced pattern of surface aberrations in order to diffusely reflect incident light and thereby eliminate gloss. Ahr, et al teaches that the surface aberrations in the web should exhibit an average amplitude of at least about 0.2 mils (i.e., 0.0002 inches), and most preferably at least about 0.3 mils (i.e., 0.0003 inches) for a more clothlike or fiberlike tactile impression in the resultant web. Despite its advancements in eliminating gloss, the structure of the surface aberrations of the web in Ahr, et al. can lack desired softness. As recognized in the art, for example is U.S. Pat. No. 4,629,643, issued to Curro et al. (discussed below), the lack of desired softness is believed to be due to the structure of each aberration, which can be described as having the properties of an “arch” that behaves as a discrete structural unit, resisting deflection. This lack of sufficient deflection detracts from the softness impression experienced by the user's skin.
One proposed solution to improve the softness impression to the web of Ahr et al., was disclosed in the aforementioned U.S. Pat. No. 4,629,643 ( Curro, et al. '643) Curro, et al. '643 discloses a microapertured polymeric web exhibiting a fine scale pattern of discrete surface aberrations. Each of these surface aberrations have a maximum amplitude and, unlike the web structure disclosed in Ahr, et al. at least one microaperature is provided that is substantially coincidental with the maximum amplitude of each surface aberration. The forming of microapertures at the maximum amplitude of each surface aberration provides a volcano-like cusp with petal shaped edges. It is believed that the resultant web surface that is in contact with the human skin is of smaller total area and is less resistant to compressive and shear forces than the unapertured “arch-like” structures taught by Ahr et al.
Although the microapertured film of Curro, et al. '643 imparts superior tactile impression to the skin of the user, it has some drawbacks related to certain fluid handling properties when used as a topsheet in absorbent articles. For example, it has been found that a web as disclosed in Curro, et al. '643, when used as a topsheet on a sanitary pad can permit an unacceptably high amount of rewet, i.e., fluid that returns back to the skin-facing surface of the topsheet after initially having passed through the topsheet to be absorbed by the sanitary napkin. In particular, it appears that a web according to Curro '643 can be more susceptible to rewet under pressure. This is because when such a product is used as a topsheet in a catamenial product, for example, absorbed fluid can be urged back out of the product through the many microapertures of the topsheet. It appears that each of the microapertures in the structure of Curro, et al. '643 can provide a pathway for fluid to escape from an underlying absorbent core in an absorbent article under the pressure of normal wearing conditions. These pathways in the web structures therefore cause decreased fluid retention and increased rewet in the absorbent structures.
Attempts at alleviating the shortcoming of Curro '643, i.e., attempts to both maximize softness and reduce rewet, can be found, for example, in U.S. Pat. No. 6,228,462 issued to Lee, et al., on May 8, 2001. Lee discloses a compression resistant web comprising rigid polymers. The compression resistance of the rigid polymers helps reduce rewet, but the rigid polymers utilized tend to decrease the softness of the web.
Furthermore, the hydroforming processes disclosed in Curro, et al. '643 and Lee ''462 for making macroscopically expanded, three dimensional, apertured polymeric webs results in a formed film that must be dried after hydroforming. Due to the many interstices of the microapertures that can retain water, drying commercial quantities of these webs consumes significant amounts of energy, and can require significant capital investments in drying equipment. One example of an approach to effectively dry such webs is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,465,422 issued Sep. 22, 1987 to Curro, et al.
One further drawback associated with the webs disclosed in Curro '643 and Lee '462 when used as topsheets on sanitary napkins is the tendency of the microapertures to entrap fluid, such as menses. The entrapment can be in the microapertures themselves and/or between adjacent microapertures. Fluid so entrapped remains at or near the surface of the web, and can, therefore be in contact with the wearer's skin for prolonged periods of time. This contact negatively affects the skin health of the wearer and causes the topsheet to not have a clean appearance post-use.
Another attempt at making a soft, three-dimensional, macroscopically-expanded web having an improved functional surface is U.S. Pat. No. 5,670,110, issued to Dirk, et al. on Sep. 23, 1997. The web of Dirk et al. utilizes fibrils achieved via a screen printing roll. However, screen printing is a relatively slow process for making commercial webs for consumer articles.
Accordingly, it would be beneficial to have an improved formed film web that has superior tactile impression and superior fluid handling properties.
Additionally, it would be beneficial to have a formed film web that has superior tactile impression and provides for superior fluid retention and rewet characteristics.
Additionally, it would be beneficial to have a formed film web that has superior tactile impression and provides for superior cleanliness for hygiene articles.
Additionally, it would be beneficial to have an improved process for making a formed film web that has superior tactile impression and provides for superior fluid retention and rewet characteristics.
Finally, it would be beneficial to have an improved apparatus for use as a forming structure for forming a formed film web that has superior tactile impression and provides for superior fluid retention and rewet characteristics.
A polymeric web exhibiting a soft and silky tactile impression on at least one side thereof is disclosed. The silky feeling side of the web exhibits a pattern of discrete hair-like fibrils, each of the hair-like fibrils being a protruded extension of the web surface and having a side wall defining an open proximal portion and a closed distal portion. The hair-like fibrils exhibit a maximum lateral cross-sectional diameter of between 2 and 5 mils, and an aspect ratio from 1 to 3.
While the specification concludes with claims particularly pointing out and distinctly claiming the subject matter of the present invention, it is believed that the invention will be better understood from the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying Figures, in which:
As used herein, the term “macroscopically expanded” refers to the structure of a web formed from a precursor web or film, e.g., a planar web, that has been caused to conform to the surface of a three-dimensional forming structure so that both sides, or surfaces, of the precursor web are permanently altered due to at least partial conformance of the precursor web to the three-dimensional pattern of the forming structure. Such macroscopically-expanded webs are typically caused to conform to the surface of the forming structure by embossing (i.e., when the forming structure exhibits a pattern comprised primarily of male projections), by debossing (i.e., when the forming structure exhibits a pattern comprised primarily of female depressions, or apertures), or by a combination of both.
As used herein, the term “macroscopic” refers to structural features or elements that are readily visible and distinctly discernable to a human having 20/20 vision when the perpendicular distance between the viewer's eye and the web is about 12 inches. Conversely, the term “microscopic” is utilized to refer to structural features or elements that are not readily visible and distinctly discernable to a human having 20/20 vision when the perpendicular distance between the viewer's eye and the plane of the web is about 12 inches. In general, as used herein, the primary apertures of a web disclosed herein are macroscopic, and surface aberrations, such as hair-like fibrils as disclosed more fully below are considered microscopic.
The term “planar” as used herein to refers to the overall condition of a precursor web or film when viewed by the naked eye on a macroscopic scale, prior to permanently deforming the web into a three-dimensional formed film. In this context, extruded films prior to post-extrusion processing and films that do not exhibit significant degree of permanent macroscopic three-dimensionality, e.g., deformation out of the plane of the film, would generally be described as planar.
As utilized herein, the term “interconnecting members” refers to some or all of the elements of a web, e.g., web 40 in
In a three-dimensional, macroscopically-expanded web, the interconnecting members may be described as channel-like. Their two dimensional cross-section may also be described as “U-shaped”, as in the aforementioned Radel '314 patent, or “upwardly concave-shaped”, as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,514,105, issued on May 7, 1996 to Goodman, Jr., et al. “Upwardly-concave-shaped” as used herein, and as represented in
The term “continuous” when used herein to describe the first surface of a macroscopically-expanded, three-dimensional formed film web, refers to the uninterrupted character of the first surface generally in the plane of the first surface. Thus, any point on the first surface can be reached from any other point on the first surface without substantially leaving the first surface. Conversely, as utilized herein, the term “discontinuous” when used to describe the second surface of a three-dimensionally formed film web refers to the interrupted character of the second surface generally in the plane of the second surface. Thus, any point on the second surface cannot necessarily be reached from any other point on the second surface without substantially leaving the second surface in the plane of the second surface.
As mentioned above, although the microapertured film of Curro '643 imparts a superior tactile impression of softness, it can also permit undesirable rewet when used as a topsheet on a disposable absorbent article. The web of the present invention solves this problem by providing for softness via surface aberrations that exhibit low resistance to compression and shear, comparable to the web of Curro '643, and yet do not permit fluid flow via microapertures. Therefore, one benefit of the web of the present invention is superior softness together with minimal rewet when used as a topsheet on a disposable absorbent article, such as a sanitary napkin.
In a three-dimensional, microapertured polymeric web 80 of the present invention, each interconnecting member comprises a base portion, e.g., base portion 81, located generally in plane 102, and each base portion has sidewall portions, e.g., sidewall portions 83 extending from each longitudinal edge thereof. Sidewall portions 83 extend generally in the direction of the second surface 85 of the web 80 and join to sidewalls of adjoining interconnecting members intermediate the first and second surfaces, 90 and 85, respectively, and terminate substantially concurrently with one another to define secondary apertures, e.g., secondary apertures 72 in the plane 106 of second surface 85.
As shown in
As shown in cross-section
In general, because the actual height h of any individual hair-like fibril 225 can be difficult to determine, and because the actual height may vary, an average height havg of a plurality of hair-like fibrils can be determined by determining an average minimum amplitude Amin and an average maximum amplitude Amax over a predetermined area of web 80. Likewise, for varying cross-sectional dimensions, an average dimension davg can be determined for a plurality of hair-like fibrils 225. Such amplitude and other dimensional measurements can be made by any method known in the art, such as by computer aided scanning microscopy and data processing. Therefore, an average aspect ratio ARavg of the hair-like fibrils 225 for a predetermined portion of the web can be expressed as havg//davg.
The dimensions h and d for hair-like fibrils 225 can be indirectly determined based on the known dimensions of a forming structure, as disclosed more fully below. For example, for a forming structure made according to predetermined dimensions of male protrusions, e.g., protrusions 2250 shown in
In one embodiment the diameter of hair-like fibrils 225 is constant or decreases with increasing amplitude (amplitude increases to a maximum at closed distal end 226). As shown in
As shown in
It should be noted that a fluid impermeable web having only the hair-like fibrils as disclosed herein, and not having macroscopic apertures, can offer softness for any application in which fluid permeability is not required. Thus, in one embodiment of the present invention, the invention can be described as a polymeric web 80 exhibiting a soft and silky tactile impression on at least one surface thereof, the silky feeling surface of the web 80 exhibiting a pattern of discrete hair-like fibrils 225, each of the hair-like fibrils 225 being a protruded extension of the web surface and having a side wall 227 defining an open proximal portion 229 and a closed distal portion 226, the hair-like fibrils maximum lateral cross-sectional dimension at or near said open proximal portion, exhibiting a cross-sectional diameter d of between about 50 microns (about 0.002 inch) to about 76 microns (about 0.003 inch), and can be at least 100 microns (0.004 inches) 130 microns (0.005 inches). The hair-like fibrils can have an aspect ratio from 0.5 to 3.
For disposable absorbent articles, where a topsheet having a fluid permeable, three-dimensional structure is desired, the invention can be described as a polymeric web 80 exhibiting a soft and silky tactile impression on at least one surface 90 thereof, the silky feeling surface 90 of the web exhibiting a pattern of discrete hair-like fibrils 225, each of the hair-like fibrils 225 being a protruded extension of the web surface 90 and having a side wall 227 defining an open proximal portion 229 and a closed distal portion 226, the hair-like fibrils exhibiting an average cross-sectional diameter d of between 50 microns (0.002 inches) 130 microns (0.005 inches), and an aspect ratio from at least 0.5, 1, 1.5, 2, or 3 and wherein the web 80 further exhibits a macroscopically expanded, three-dimensional pattern of macroscopic surface aberrations, e.g., primary apertures 71 superposed thereon, the macroscopic surface aberrations 71 being oppositely oriented from the hair-like fibrils 225, that is, the primary apertures extend from a first surface 90 to a second surface 85 of polymeric web 80.
The “area density” of the hair-like fibrils 225, which is the number of hair-like fibrils 225 per unit area of first surface 90, can be optimized for use in absorbent articles. In general, the center-to-center spacing can be optimized for adequate tactile impression, while at the same time minimizing fiber-to-fiber entrapment of fluid. Currently, it is believed that a center-to-center spacing of about 100 microns to 250 microns (about 0.004 inch to about 0.010 inch) is optimal for use in sanitary napkins. Minimizing entrapment of menses between fibers improves the surface cleanliness of the sanitary napkin, which, in turn improves the cleanliness and skin health of the wearer.
In one embodiment, “superposed thereon” means that the polymeric web appears generally as shown in
Precursor web 120 can be any polymeric film having sufficient material properties to be formed into the web of the present invention by the hydroforming process described herein. That is, precursor web 120 must have sufficient yield properties such that the precursor web 120 can be strained without rupture to an extent to produce hair-like fibrils 225 and, in the case of a three-dimensional, macroscopically-apertured, formed film, rupture to form macroapertures 71. As disclosed more fully below, process conditions such as temperature can be varied for a given polymer to permit it to stretch with or without rupture to form the web of the present invention. In general, therefore, it has been found that preferred starting materials to be used as the precursor web 120 for producing the web 80 of the present invention exhibit a low yield and high-elongation characteristics. In addition, the starting films preferably strain harden. Examples of films suitable for use as the precursor web 120 in the present invention include films of low density polyethylene (LDPE), linear low-density polyethylene (LLDPE), and blends of linear low-density polyethylene and low density polyethylene (LDPE/LLDPE).
Precursor web 120 must also be sufficiently deformable and have sufficient ductility for use as a polymeric web of the present invention. The term “deformable” as used herein describes a material which, when stretched beyond its elastic limit, will substantially retain its newly formed conformation.
One material found suitable for use as a precursor web 120 of the present invention is DOWLEX 2045A polyethylene resin, available from The Dow Chemical Company, Midland, Mich., USA. A film of this material having a thickness of 20 microns can have a tensile yield of at least 12 MPa; an ultimate tensile of at least 53 MPa; an ultimate elongation of at least 635%; and a tensile modulus (2% Secant) of at least 210 MPa (each of the above measures determined according to ASTM D 882).
Precursor web 120 can be a laminate of two or more webs, and can be a co-extruded laminate. For example, precursor web 120 can comprise two layers as shown in
The precursor web 120 preferably comprises a surfactant. In a three layer laminate, the core layer can comprise a surfactant while the outer layers are initially devoid of surfactants. Preferred surfactants include those from non-ionic families such as: alcohol ethoxylates, alkylphenol ethoxylates, carboxylic acid esters, glycerol esters, polyoxyethylene esters of fatty acids, polyoxyethylene esters of aliphatic carboxylic acids related to abietic acid, anhydrosorbitol esters, etyhoxylated anhydrosorbitol esters, ethoxylated natural fats, oils, and waxes, glycol esters of fatty acids, carboxylic amides, diethanolamine condensates, and polyalkyleneoxide block copolymers. Molecular weights of surfactants selected for the present invention may range from about 200 grams per mole to about 10,000 grams per mole. Preferred surfactants have a molecular weight from about 300 to about 1,000 grams per mole.
The surfactant level initially blended into precursor web 120 (or optionally the core layer in a three layer laminate) can be as much as 10 percent by weight of the total multilayer structure. Surfactants in the preferred molecular weight range (300-1,000 grams/mole) can be added at lower levels, generally at or below about 5 weight percent of the total multilayer structure.
The precursor web 120 can also comprise titanium dioxide in the polymer blend. Titanium dioxide can provide for greater opacity of the finished web 80. Titanium dioxide can be added at up to about 10 percent by weight to low density polyethylene for blending into the precursor web 120 material.
Other additives, such as particulate material, e.g., calcium carbonate (CaCO3), particulate skin treatments or protectants, or odor-absorbing actives, e.g., zeolites, can be added in one or more layers of precursor web 120. In some embodiments, webs 80 comprising particulate matter, when used in skin-contacting applications, can permit actives to contact the skin in a very direct and efficient manner. Specifically, in some embodiments, formation of hair-like fibrils 225 can expose particulate matter at or near the distal ends thereof. Therefore, actives such as skin care agents can be localized at or near distal ends 226 to permit direct skin contact with such skin care agents when the web 80 is used in skin contacting applications.
The precursor web 120 can be processed using conventional procedures for producing multilayer films on conventional coextruded film-making equipment. Where layers comprising blends are required, pellets of the above described components can be first dry blended and then melt mixed in the extruder feeding that layer. Alternatively, if insufficient mixing occurs in the extruder, the pellets can be first dry blended and then melt mixed in a pre-compounding extruder followed by repelletization prior to film extrusion. Suitable methods for making precursor web 120 are disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,520,875, issued to Wnuk et al. on May 28, 1996 and U.S. Pat. No. 6,228,462, issued to Lee et al. on May 8, 2001; both patents the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.
A fluid pervious polymeric web of the present invention can be utilized as a topsheet on a catamenial device, such as a sanitary napkin. For example, a polymeric web 80 of the present invention exhibiting a macroscopically expanded, three-dimensional pattern of macroscopic surface aberrations in the form of primary apertures 71 combines softness properties with excellent fluid rewet properties (i.e., reduced fluid rewet compared to previous webs, such as the web of Curro '643).
As shown in
The sanitary napkin 20 has two centerlines, a longitudinal centerline “I” and a transverse centerline “t”. The term “longitudinal”, as used herein, refers to a line, axis or direction in the plane of the sanitary napkin 20 that is generally aligned with (e.g., approximately parallel to) a vertical plane which bisects a standing wearer into left and right body halves when the sanitary napkin 20 is worn. The terms “transverse” or “lateral” as used herein, are interchangeable, and refer to a line, axis or direction which lies within the plane of the sanitary napkin 20 that is generally perpendicular to the longitudinal direction.
As shown in
Sanitary napkin 20 preferably includes optional sideflaps or “wings” 34 that can be folded around the crotch portion of the wearer's panties. The side flaps 34 can serve a number of purposes, including, but not limited to protecting the wearer's panties from soiling and keeping the sanitary napkin secured to the wearer's panties.
Polymeric web 80 of the present invention can be formed by a hydroforming process on a single three-dimensional forming structure 350 and can also be annealed and/or dried on the forming structure 350 prior to rewinding the web into roll stock for further processing. The three-dimensional structures of a polymeric web, e.g., polymeric web 80 shown in
Precursor web 120 can be extruded and chilled immediately prior to being fed directly onto the surface of forming structure 350, or it can be fed from a supply roll, as shown by supply roll 501 in
In the process described in
Once precursor web 120 is adjacent to and being “carried on”, so to speak, the forming structure 350, precursor web 120 is directed over stationary vacuum chamber 520 which is interior to forming drum 518. Although the hydroforming process described herein can be accomplished to some degree without vacuum chambers, in general, vacuum chambers aid in better three-dimensional web formation as well as liquid removal. As precursor web 120 passes over vacuum chamber 520, the outwardly-exposed surface of precursor web 120 is impinged upon by a liquid jet 540 discharged from high pressure liquid jet nozzle 535 between a pair of stationary liquid baffles 525 and 530 which served to help localize splashing liquid. The effect of the liquid jet 540 is to cause the precursor web to conform to forming structure 350. As precursor web conforms to forming structure 350, both the hair-like fibrils 225 and the primary apertures 71 can be formed. As primary apertures 71 form, vacuum from vacuum chamber 520 aids in removing excess liquid from the web, and, in some cases aids in forming precursor web 120 to forming structure 350. As precursor web 120 is passed under the influence of high pressure liquid jet 540, it is permanently deformed to conform to the forming structure 350, thereby being formed into three-dimensional, macroscopically-expanded polymeric web 80 of the present invention.
In the process described with reference to
In general, therefore, more than one fluid (e.g., water, air) can be directed to impinge on, and do energetic work on, precursor web 120 in stages. It is believed that, for thermoplastic precursor webs 120, as the temperature of the precursor web approaches its melting point, it more easily stretches without rupture to form over protrusions 2250 of forming structure 350. However, for forming macroapertures it is more desirable to have relatively high strain rates and relatively rapid rupture, and for forming hair-like fibrils it is more desirable to have relatively low strain rates and no rupture. Accordingly, in a two-stage forming process, the temperature of the impinging fluid at first and/or second stages can be adjusted independently, depending on the dwell time over which each impingement acts and the temperature of the precursor web 120 to form both macroapertures 71 and high aspect ratio hair-like fibrils 225 independently.
For making webs suitable for use as a topsheet in a disposable absorbent article, precursor web 120 can be a polyolefinic film from about 10 microns to about 100 microns in total thickness. For such precursor webs 120, high pressure liquid jet 540 is typically water at a temperature from about 15-95 degrees C., operated at a pressure in the range of about 200 psig to about 1200 psig and a water flow rate in the range of about 18 liters (4 gallons) per minute to about 62 liters (14 gallons) per minute per 25.4 cross-machine direction (CD) mm (1 inch) of width of the precursor web 120.
After passing beyond the high pressure liquid jet 540, (or jets, as discussed above), polymeric web 80 of the present invention can be dried while still on forming structure 350. For example, as shown in
Using a heated drying medium 600 has an additional benefit for making webs 80 of the present invention. Prior art macroscopically-expanded, three-dimensional polymeric webs, such as the webs disclosed in Curro '643, are dried in a separate process after being removed form their respective forming structures. These webs are typically wound onto a roll for storage until needed for web processing of disposable articles, for example. One problem associated with prior art webs is the compression setting that occurs during winding and storage. Without being bound by theory, it is believed that three-dimensional polyethylene webs can experience a secondary crystallization over time which “locks in” the collapsed, wound state of the web. It has been found that by first annealing three-dimensional polymeric webs by subjecting them to elevated temperatures for a sufficient time, this observed compression set is reduced or prevented altogether. In general, however, it is difficult to subject prior art webs to the requisite temperatures due to the relatively fragile structure. That is, if a prior art web is subjected to annealing temperatures, the web tends to lose the three-dimensional structure formed on the forming structure. For this reason, therefore, drying the web while still on the forming structure provides a significant processing benefit by permitting processing with sufficiently high annealing temperatures to anneal the web, while at the same time drying it. The annealing temperature will vary depending on the time of drying, the polymer used and the thickness of the web, but, in general, for polyolefinic webs, a drying/annealing temperature of between about 50-250 degrees C. is sufficient.
After polymeric web 80 passes the drying (or drying/annealing) stage of the process it can be removed from the forming structure 350 about roller 610 and is thereafter rewound or fed directly to subsequent converting operations.
A forming structure of the present invention, such as forming structure 350 referred to with respect to
A comparison of
In general, because the actual height hp of each individual protrusion 2250 may vary, an average height hpavg of a plurality of protrusions 2250 can be determined by determining a protrusion average minimum amplitude Apmin and a protrusion average maximum amplitude Apmax over a predetermined area of forming structure 350. Likewise, for varying cross-sectional dimensions, an average protrusion diameter dpavg can be determined for a plurality of protrusions 2250. Such amplitude and other dimensional measurements can be made by any method known in the art, such as by computer aided scanning microscopy and related data processing. Therefore, an average aspect ratio of the protrusions 2250, ARpavg for a predetermined portion of the forming structure 350 can be expressed as hpavg//dpavg. The dimensions hp and dp for protrusions 2250 can be indirectly determined based on the known specifications for making forming structure 350, as disclosed more fully below.
In one embodiment the diameter of protrusions 2250 is constant or decreases with increasing amplitude. As shown in
Forming structure 350 can be made of any material that can be formed to have protrusions 2250 having the necessary dimensions to make a web of the present invention, is dimensionally stable over process temperature ranges experienced by forming structure 350, has a tensile modulus of at least about 5 MPa, a yield strength of at least about 5 MPa, and a strain at break of at least about 1%, preferably at least about 5%. Dimensional stability is necessary only for commercial processes as described with respect to
In a preferred embodiment, protrusions 2250 are made integrally with forming structure 350. That is, the forming structure is made as an integrated structure, either by removing material or by building up material. For example, forming structure 350 having the required relatively small scale protrusions 2250 can be made by local selective removal of material, such as by chemical etching, mechanical etching, or by ablating by use of high-energy sources such as electrical-discharge machines (EDM) or lasers.
A portion of a prototype forming structure 350 made of steel and having protrusions 2250 made by a conventional EDM process is shown in
In another method of making forming structure 350, a base material susceptible to laser modification is laser “etched” to selectively remove material to form protrusions 2250 and forming structure apertures 710. By “susceptible to laser modification” means that the material can be selectively removed by laser light in a controlled manner, recognizing that the wavelength of light used in the laser process, as well as the power level, may need to be matched to the material (or vice-versa) for optimum results. Currently known materials susceptible to laser modification include thermoplastics such as polypropylene, acetal resins, thermosets such as crosslinked polyesters, or epoxies, or even metals such as aluminum or stainless steel. Optionally, thermoplastic and thermoset materials can be filled with particulate or fiber fillers to increase compatibility with lasers of certain wavelengths of light and/or to improve modulus or toughness to make more durable protrusions 2250.
After the polymer layer is cured to have depressions 701 the polymer layer is laser etched to form protrusions 2250 having distal ends 2260. Laser etching can be achieved by known laser techniques, selecting wavelength, power, and time parameters as necessary to produce the desired protrusion dimensions. In the forming structure of
In one embodiment, forming structure 350 formed as a cured polymer on a support layer can be used as is, with the support layer being a part of forming structure 350. However, in another embodiment, the cured polymer can be removed from the support layer and used alone. In this case, it may be desirable to only partially cure the polymer, remove the support layer 903 and finish fully curing the polymer material.
A web 80 made on the forming structure shown in
It is believed that a polymer web 80 of the present invention suitable for use as a topsheet on a disposable absorbent article (e.g., a sanitary napkin) should have a density of hair-like fibrils 225 of at least about 1550 per square centimeter (about 10,000 per square inch). The density of hair-like fibrils 225 can be about 2325 per square centimeter (about 15,000 per square inch), and can be about 3100 per square centimeter (about 20,000 per square inch) and can be about 3875 per square centimeter (about 25,000 per square inch). Since for some webs it may be difficult to determine exactly where first surface 90 begins and ends, density can be approximated by taking total area of a predetermined portion of polymer web 80 and subtracting out the area of primary apertures 71 as projected in the first surface 90 of that predetermined portion. The area of primary apertures 71 can be based on the projected area of the depressions 710 of forming structure 350. By “projected area” is meant the area of a surface if it were projected onto a plane parallel to that surface, and can be imagined by analogy, for example, as an “ink stamp” of the surface.
The web 80 of
The difference between the webs 80 shown in
One interesting and unexpected result of using a CaCO3/PE blend for a skin layer of precursor film 120 is the formation of regions of roughened outer surfaces 228 at or near the distal end 226 of hair-like fibrils 225 as can be seen on the web shown in
Therefore, in one embodiment polymer web 80 can be described as having hair-like fibrils 225 in which at least a portion near the distal end 226 thereof exhibits regions of relatively greater surface roughness 228 than the remaining portions. By using different additive particulate matter, the regions of relatively greater surface roughness 228 can provide for other benefits. For example, particulate skin treatments or protectants or odor-absorbing actives can be used. Importantly, webs 80 comprising particulate matter permit actives to be delivered to the skin of a wearer of an article using web 80 in a very direct and efficient manner.
In general, it is believed that any non-diffusing ingredient (particulate and non-particulate) blended into the melt of a polymer of precursor web 120 can be exposed upon strain of the polymer near the distal end of hair-like fibrils 225. Specifically, actives such as skin care agents can be localized substantially at or near distal ends 226 which can be the primary skin contact surfaces for web 80. Other known methods of imparting localized strain to polymeric films can also serve to expose non-diffusing ingredients in layers. For example, embossing, ring rolling, thermovacuum forming, and other known processes can provide for localized rupture and exposure of active ingredients of polymer films.
Other methods of making forming structure 350 include building up the structure by way of localized electroplating, 3-D deposition processes, or photoresist techniques. Photoresist techniques include forming a three dimensional structure by use of an appropriate mask over a liquid photosensitive resin, such as the UV-curable polymer disclosed above. UV curing is effective at curing only the portions of a liquid resin exposed to UV light from a UV light source. The remaining (uncured) portions of the liquid resin can then be washed off, leaving behind only the cured portions. The liquid resin UV-curable polymer can be placed on a tray, for example, to a desired depth or thickness and appropriately masked and UV light-cured to selectively cure the portions to be protrusions 2250 and to not cure the portions that will be the apertures 710. Curing can be done in stages, so that first a negative mask having UV blocking portions corresponding to forming structure apertures 710 (having UV blocking portions in a pattern of teardrops, for example), can be used to first partially cure the polymer by directing a UV light source orthogonal to the mask for a sufficient amount of time. Once the polymer is partially cured in the unmasked areas, a second mask comprising a plurality of closely spaced UV-transparent spots or dots can be placed between the light source and the partially cured polymer. The polymer is again cured by UV-light to fully cure the portions of the polymer that will be the protrusions 2250. Once the protrusions are fully cured, the remaining uncured polymer (and partially cured polymer) can be removed to leave a forming structure having similar characteristics as those shown in
Other methods of making forming structures are contemplated, including creation via a molding technique, in which the forming structure 350 is cast in a negative impression mold, cured, and removed. Also, forming structures could be formed by way of electroplating techniques, in which successive layers of material are built up into a suitable form.
One of the advantages to making forming structure 350 from a flexible polymeric material, such as the material described with respect to
As can be seen in
Belted forming structure 351 and polymer web 80 are guided in the direction indicated in
Drying means shown in
Drying drum 802 can have a vacuum chamber 808 to aid in fluid flow through polymeric web 80 and belted forming structure 351. Additionally, fluid removal means can be utilized to remove liquid removed from polymeric web 80. Fluid removal means can include a simple drain in forming drum 802, but can also include active removal via pumps as is known in the art to recycle water back to the hydroforming apparatus. Drying drum 802 can have a positive pressure chamber 810 which aids in removing excess moisture from the surface of forming drum 802 prior to repeating the process of supporting belted forming structure 351. Liquid removed can be simply captured in container 804 and removed appropriately, such as by draining into a water recycle system.
Once polymeric web 80 and belted forming structure 351 are guided off of drying drum 802, polymeric web 80 is separated from belted forming structure 351 at separation point 830. From this point polymeric web 80 may be, if necessary, subjected to additional drying, such as by radiant heat drying means 840, and likewise, belted forming structure may be subjected to additional drying means, such as forced air drying means 850. In all cases, other drying means as suitable under the processing conditions can be utilized as necessary to ensure that polymeric web 80 is sufficiently dry prior to final processing into roll stock and belted forming structure 351 is sufficiently dry to avoid introducing moisture into the interior of hair like fibrils 225 of polymeric web 80. Sufficiently dry means dry enough such that post-manufacture moisture related problems such as mold or mildew in the polymeric web are minimized or eliminated.
All documents cited in the Detailed Description of the Invention are, in relevant part, incorporated herein by reference; the citation of any document is not to be construed as an admission that it is prior art with respect to the present invention. To the extent that any meaning or definition of a term in this written document conflicts with any meaning or definition of the term in a document incorporated by reference, the meaning or definition assigned to the term in this written document shall govern.
While particular embodiments of the present invention have been illustrated and described, it would be obvious to those skilled in the art that various other changes and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. It is therefore intended to cover in the appended claims all such changes and modifications that are within the scope of this invention.
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