The present invention relates to absorbent articles, typically for feminine protection, including a topsheet, a backsheet and an absorbent element positioned between the topsheet and the backsheet. The absorbent element includes a fluid storage layer which is a liquid absorbent thermoplastic composition. The absorbent thermoplastic composition is a polymeric base material having particles of water-insoluble water-swellable absorbent material dispersed therein. The liquid absorbent thermoplastic composition is configured in a plurality of unattached spaced apart zones.