Importance

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Abstract

Particles, such as superabsorbent particles, are bound to fibers, such as cellulosic fibers, by a binder that has a volatility less than water. The binder has a functional group capable of forming a hydrogen bond with the fibers, and a functional group that is capable of forming a hydrogen bond or a coordinate covalent bond with the particles. The binder is activated or reactivated by addition of heat, liquid, or mechanical energy. Therefore, fibers treated with binder may be shipped to a distribution point before particles are bound to the fibers. The binder may be a polymeric binder selected from the group consisting of polyethylene glycol, polypropylene glycol, poly (caprolactone) diol, polyacrylic acid, polyamides and polyamines. The polymeric binder has a hydrogen bonding functionality or coordinate covalent bond forming functionality on each repeating unit of the polymeric binder. Alternatively, the binder may be a non-polymeric organic binder that includes a functionality such as a carboxylic acid, an aldehyde, an alcohol, an amino acid, an amide, and an amine, wherein there are at least two such functionalities on the molecule. Particles attached to the fibers in this manner are firmly adhered and are not easily dislodged. Fibrous products produced by this method include fibers to which particles are bound, and fibers which have been treated with the binder but to which particles are not bound.

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First Claim