Abstract:
The present invention is a high capillary suction storage absorbent member comprising an agglomerate of particulate hydrogel-forming absorbent polymer and particulate high surface area open-celled hydrophilic foam. In another aspect of the invention the agglomerate of particulate hydrogel-forming absorbent polymer and particulate high surface area open-celled hydrophilic foam is disclosed. The absorbent member is useful in the containment (e. g. , storage) of body liquids such as urine. In one embodiment, the storage absorbent member comprises the agglomerate. In another embodiment, the absorbent member comprises the agglomerate adjacent to at least one sheet, strip or piece of high surface area open-celled hydrophilic foam material. In either the storage absorbent member or agglomerates of the invention, the high surface area open-celled hydrophilic foam comprises from about 1% to about 98%, preferably from about 15% to about 85%, more preferably from about 30% to about 40% by weight of the member or agglomerate, respectively. An unique aspect of the agglomerates according to the present invention is that they are formed without the use of a separate bonding substance, such as an adhesive.