IMMOBILIZING PARTICULATE ABSORBENTS BY CONVERSION TO HYDRATES

摘要

The invention provides absorbent compositions, a method for handling and immobilizing particulate absorbents and absorbent articles produced therefrom. Absorbent materials such as cross-linked, water-soluble and water-swellable particulate polymers are immobilized and safely handled by adding thereto an aqueous liquid such as water or saline in amounts sufficient to form hydrates in which the water comprises from 20% to 80% by weight of the total hydrate. The hydrates may be extruded, sprinkled, or sprayed and can be incorporated into absorbent articles such as diaper and tampons by conventional means. The hydrates unexpectedly increase the total water absorbency of the absorbent on a dry basis. J? 1227