Importance

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Abstract

A stabilized surface-segregatable, melt-extrudable thermoplastic composition suitable for processing by melt extrusion to form a fiber or film having a differential, increasing concentration of a siloxane-containing primary additive from the center of the fiber or film to the surface thereof, which differential, increasing concentration imparts hydrophilicity to the surface of the fiber or film, which composition includes at least one thermoplastic polymer, at least one siloxane-containing primary additive, and at least one siloxane-containing stabilizing additive. During formation of the fiber or film, the primary additive rapidly segregates in a controllable manner toward the newly-formed surface of the fiber or film, thereby resulting in a controllable differential concentration of the primary additive, which concentration increases with increasing distance from the center of the fiber or film to its surface. The weight ratio of the polymer to the additive is in the range of from about 1 to about 1,000. The preferred polymer is a polyolefin such as polyethylene and polypropylene. The stabilizing additive prevents or minimizes degradation of additive and/or polymer during the melt-extrusion process. The stabilized thermoplastic composition is useful in the preparation of fibers or films which have hydrophilic surfaces. The thermoplastic composition is particularly useful in the formation of nonwoven webs which are used in the construction of such disposable absorbent products as diapers, feminine care products, incontinence products, and the like.

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First Claim