Compositions of ion-trigger polymer coatings on water-sensitive polymer films

The present invention relates to polymer compositions that are water stable on one surface and water-sensitive on the opposing surface. More particularly, the present invention encompasses flushable, barrier films that retain their integrity in the presence of body waste fluids, but which disintegrate and disperse in the hydraulic flow of a toilet. The present invention provides a composition comprising an ion-trigger polymer coating joined to a water-sensitive substrate. When the composition is employed as a diaper outercover or a pantiliner baffle, for example, the ion-trigger coating is oriented toward the body and is exposed to bodily fluids. The coating inhibits the transport of the fluids to the inner, body-side water-sensitive substrate, maintaining the structural integrity of the composition. When the entire article is disposed of in a large volume of water, such as in the hydraulic flow of a toilet, both the water-sensitive substrate layer and the ion-trigger polymer coating layer mechanically weaken and break apart into small pieces.