MULTI-CHAMBER PROCESS AND APPARATUS FOR FORMING A STABILIZED ABSORBENT WEB

摘要

An apparatus and process for forming an absorbent web (26) includes an airlaying of a first fibrous stratum (28), and an airlaying of an intermediate fibrous stratum (40) onto the first fibrous stratum. A liquid, wet-strength agent is distributed onto fibers of the intermediate fibrous stratum, and at least a second fibrous stratum (28) is airlaid onto the intermediate fibrous stratum (40). The method is desirably configured to operatively form or join the intermediate fibrous stratum (40) with the first and second fibrous strata, and render the intermediate fibrous stratum (40) substantially non-dispersible in an aqueous liquid. In a particular aspect, the strata of the web (26) can be operatively compressed prior to curing the wet-strength agent. In another aspect, the liquid wet-strength agent can be distributed onto the fibers of the intermediate fibrous stratum (40) during an airlaying of the intermediate fibrous stratum.