Liquid absorbent materials e.g.for personal care absorbent articles

A liquid-absorbent material suitable for a liner material 12 for personal care absorbent articles such as diapers contains a plurality of peaks 48 across its surface at spaced-apart intervals separated by channels 51. Disposed within the peaks is a liquid absorbing material 50 capable of absorbing body exudates and liquids in general. The material of the present invention has other uses as, for example, a packing or liner material for packaging and shipping materials containing liquids. In addition, the peaks can contain other additive such as soaps so the material can be used as a wash pad or cloth. The material 50 may be contained in tubular compartments as shown and may be rolled or folded. Alternatively it may be layered within trapezium-shaped compartments. The outer skin 40 is suitably nonwoven. The material 50 is also preferably fibre or fibrous material. Superabsorbent particles may also be used and odour-reducing or anti-microbial agents may be included.