Liquid distribution and retention medium

A fibrous web which includes a first zone composed of fibers which have been treated with a surfactant and a second zone composed of fibers which have been exposed to a corona field. At least one of the first zone and the second zone constitutes less than all of the fibrous web. In addition, the fibers constituting the second zone also constitute a portion of the fibers of the first zone. The first zone and the second zone may involve essentially the same portion of the fibrous web, provided that both zones do not encompass the entire fibrous web. Both the first zone and the second zone may constitute less than all of the fibrous web. In certain embodiments, the fibrous web will be composed of fibers which are at least partially oriented in one direction. Either the first zone or the second zone may encompass all of the fibrous web. That is, the entire fibrous web may treated with a surfactant or exposed to a corona field. Desirably, the entire fibrous web will be treated with a surfactant. Alternatively, the fibers of the second zone may be the same fibers of which a portion of the first zone is composed. The fibrous web may be employed as a component of such absorbent product as diapers; incontinent care products; and feminine care products, such as sanitary napkins and tampons.