A composite absorbent structure and method are disclosed including
providing a first wicking layer having preferred liquid transport
properties in a preferred contact with a second absorbent retention layer.
The composite absorbent structure of the present invention provides
preferred liquid transport and liquid retention properties. The composite
absorbent structure has a first wicking layer in a preferred contact with
the second retention layer by a novel intimate contact means effective to
achieve a Contact Intimacy Ratio providing the preferred liquid transport
and liquid retention functions when the first wicking layer and the second
absorbent retention layer are combined together in accordance with the
present invention. In one aspect, a bonding agent is used in the present
invention in combination with the first wicking layer of wettable fibers
and a second retention layer of a hydrogel-forming polymeric material,
preferably superabsorbent, to form a composite absorbent structure having
the preferred Contact Intimacy Ratio and providing the preferred liquid
transport function and the preferred liquid retention function.