Apparatus And Method Of Forming A Composite Web Structure And An Absorbent Structure Comprising Said Web

A method and a device of forming a composite web containing at least one layer of superabsorbent particulate material and at least one layer of fibrous material, the web being intended for use as an absorbent structure in absorbent articles. The layers of fibrous material and at least one layer of particulate material are deposited in consecutive steps on a moving foraminous support ( 12 ), wherein the airborn stream of particulate material when entering an applicator chamber ( 15 ) is allowed to expand and is forced to change flow direction at an angle between about 90 and about 125° , preferably between 100 and 120°, with respect to the first flow direction , resulting in a considerable reduction of speed of the stream of particulate material as it exits the outlet opening ( 19 ) of the applicator chamber ( 15 ). The invention further refers to an absorbent structure has a composite web made according to the method and includes at least one discrete layer ( 22 a,b) of superabsorbent particles arranged between discrete layers ( 19 a-c) of fibrous material.