POLY(ETHYLENE OXIDE) AND ORGANICALLY MODIFIED CLAY COMPOSITIONS HAVING REDUCED MELT VISCOSITY AND IMPROVED STABILITY TO AQUEOUS FLUIDS AND A ONE-STEP PROCESS FOR MAKING THE SAME

摘要

The present invention discloses water-responsive with improved stability to aqueous fluids comprising water or water vapor, processes for enhancing the stability of water-responsive compositions and processes for making such compositions. The compositions of the present invention comprise a water-responsive polymer and organically modified clay particles. In one embodiment, the water-responsive polymer is a polymer of ethylene oxide, specifically poly(ethylene oxide) and specific graft copolymers of poly(ethylene oxide). Films of the present invention are water-responsive and breathable and are especially useful for personal care applications including disposable diapers, feminine pads, pantiliners and training pants. Advantageously, compositions of the present invention have reduced melt viscosity and are more easily melt processed into films, fibers and other articles.