| 摘要 |
An absorbent structure (54) is formed as a nonwoven web of a plurality of polyurethane foam particles (58). The foam particles (58) may comprise complete cells of groups of cells and fragments of cells (60). Alternatively, the absorbent structure may be formed as a nonwoven web of a plurality of polyurethane foam cell strands. One embodiment of the invention combines foam particles (58) or foam cell strands (60) or a mixture of particles and strands with wood pulp fibers (56) to form the nonwoven web (54). Combinations ranging from 10 % by weight foam and 90 % by weight wood pulp to 90 % by weight foam and 10 % by weight wood pulp may be used to form the absorbent structure. Optionally, a binder is added to the web. Optionally, a superabsorbent polymer (SAP) is added to the polyol component prior to forming the foam that is then ground to form the foam particles or foam cell strands used in the nonwoven web. Conventional untreated generally hydrophobic polyurethane foams with pore sizes ranging from 10 pores per linear inch to 150 pores per linear inch can be used to form the nonwoven web. |
