An absorbent composite structure suitable for absorbing aqueous body fluids is provided which includes a substrate having two surfaces, a plurality of hydrogel-forming polymer particles and a chemical cross-linking agent capable of bonding to both the substrate and the hydrogel-forming particles. In at least a substantial portion of the structure, the majority of the hydrogel-forming polymer particles are connected by the chemical cross-linking agent directly to at least one of the substrate surfaces. The absorbent composite structure can be incorporated into an absorbent article. A method of making the absorbent composite structure is also disclosed.