A disposable absorbent article includes a topsheet, a backsheet and an
absorbent core disposed therebetween. One or more of the backsheet,
topsheet, and absorbent core is constructed of an absorbent composite that
includes an absorbent layer of hydratable fine fibers in the form of
microfibril obtained from cellulose or a derivative thereof and super
absorbent polymer (SAP) particles bonded together by the hydratable
fibers, and a nonwoven substrate supporting the absorbent layer such as
SMS. The absorbent layer is coated over the surface of the nonwoven
substrate. The core may include one uniform layer of the absorbent
composite or a composite having one layer of the nonwoven substrate and a
plurality of segmented absorbent layers applied thereon. In the latter
design, the absorbent layers are spaced apart from one another to expose
surface sections of the substrate. These non-coated surface sections
provide wicking zones which allow room for the absorbent layers to expand
and prevent gel blocking.
