The present invention concerns an absorbent article, preferably a disposable absorbent article, such as a diaper. An absorbent core useful for an absorbent article is disclosed which imparts increased wearing comfort to the article and makes is thin and dry. Further disclosed in a process for obtaining such a core. Specifically disclosed is an absorbent core useful for an absorbent article comprising a substrate layer, the substrate layer comprising a first surface and a second surface, the absorbent core further comprising a discontinuous layer of absorbent material, the absorbent material comprising an absorbent polymer material, the absorbent material optionally comprising an absorbent fibrous material and the absorbent fibrous material not representing more than 20 weight percent of the total weight of the absorbent polymer material, the discontinuous layer of absorbent material comprising a first surface and a second surface, the absorbent core further comprising a layer of thermoplastic material, the layer of thermoplastic material comprising a first surface and a second surface and wherein the second surface of the discontinuous layer of absorbent material is in at least partial contact with the first surface of the subject layer and wherein portions of the second surface of the layer of thermoplastic material are in direct contact with the first surface of the substrate layer and portions of the second surface of the layer of thermoplastic material are in direct contact with the first surface of the discontinuous layer of absorbent material.
Further disclosed is a process for providing a storage layer for an absorbent core useful in an absorbent article, the process comprising the steps of:

providing a substrate material comprising a first surface and a second surface
depositing absorbent material onto the first surface of the substrate material in a pattern, the pattern comprising at least one zone which is substantially free of absorbent material, and the pattern comprising at least one zone comprising absorbent material
depositing a thermoplastic material onto the first surface of the substrate material and the absorbent material, such that portions of the thermoplastic material are in direct contact with the first surface of the substrate and portions of the thermoplastic material are in direct contact with the absorbent material.