PRODUCTION OF WATER ABSORBING NONWOVEN FABRIC

摘要

PURPOSE:To obtain a water absorbing fabric excellent in water absorbing characteristics and flexibility by applying a monomer solution having a viscosity increased with a water-soluble polymer compound to a specific value to a specified nonwoven fabric according to a specific method and then carrying out polymerization. CONSTITUTION:A monomer [preferred example; (meth)acrylic acid or salt thereof] capable of forming a water absorbing polymer by polymerization is blended with a water-soluble polymer compound, e.g. hydroxyethyl cellulose, to increase the viscosity to >=100cP. The resultant aqueous solution is then impregnated or applied to a nonwoven fabric having >=60% compressive elastic modulus. The obtained nonwoven fabric is then led at least a pair of rolls having a gap of <=15% based on the thickness of the nonwoven fabric in a normal state and passed between the rolls. The aforementioned monomer is subsequently polymerized to afford a water absorbing fabric excellent in flexibility, moisture absorbing and desorbing rate and water absorbing rate. The resultant fabric is suitable as sanitary materials, such as paper diaper.