Biodegradable barrier film and absorbent pad utilizing same

Claim 1

A disposable absorbent pad comprising a biodegradable absorbent filler material and a moisture barrier layer, said barrier film comprising a matrix of a non-biodegradable film- forming material (as herein defined) which is resistant to solubility in water having a biodegradable material homogen- eously dispersed therein, said biodegradable material being present in said film in an amount from 40 to 60 percent by weight based on the total weight of said biodegradable material and said non-biodegradable film-forming material in said film. 2. The pad of claim 1 wherein said barrier film also contains a plasticizer in an amount not more than 60 weight percent based on the entire weight of the film. 3. The pad of claim 1 wherein said barrier film, said biodegradable material and said non-biodegradable material are each present in amounts from 38 to 45 percent by weight based on the entire weight of the film. 4. The pad of claim 1 wherein said biodegradable material of said barrier film is a carbohydrate. The pad of claim 4 wherein said carbohydrate is a starch. 6. The pad of claim 4 wherein said carbohydrate is a dextrin. 7. The pad of claim 1 wherein said biodegradable material of said barrier film is a protein. 8. The pad of claim 6 wherein said protein is collagen. 9. The pad of claim 1 wherein said non-biodegradable film- forming material of said barrier film is a water-insoluble polyvinyl alcohol. The pad of claim 1 wherein said non-biodegradable film- forming material of said barrier film is polyethylene. 13 90,671 79,802/75 11. A disposable absorben pad comprising a b.iodegradable absorbend filler material (as herein defined) and a moisture barrier film, said barrier film comprising a matrix of a water-insoluble polyvinyl alcohol having homogeneously disper- sed therein a dextrin and a plasticezer, said dextrin being present in an amount from 40 to 60 percent by weight based on the total weight of dextrin and polyvinyl alcohol and said plasticizer being present in an amount from 10 to 75 percent by weight based on the entire weight of said film. DATED this 23rd day of January, 1978. PERSONAL PRODUCTS COMPANY By their Patent Attorney of GRIFFITH, HASSEL FRAZER Fellows, Institute of Patent Attorneys of Australia. 1 14 490,671