Chapter III Fluid absorption in high bulk nonwovens

Abstract

The component which is central to all absorbent products and which has been the subject of detailed studies for several years is the absorbent core. This chapter focuses on the fluid imbibing and holding behavior of the absorbent core. The chapter discusses the methodology used in conducting tests, the models employed in predicting behavior, and the results obtained in a number of experimental studies. The key requirement for absorbent core is the ability to imbibe rapidly and hold large amount of fluid under pressure. The total volume absorbed and held under pressure is largely determined by the interstitial space among the fibers, the absorbing and swelling characteristics of the material, and the resiliency of the web in the wet state. The chapter also discusses two parameters of major interest in characterizing absorbency—the absorbent capacity and the rate of absorbency.