[Problem] In an absorbent that is a mixture of ground pulp and a water-absorbent resin of the sort used in conventional sanitary products, it is difficult to achieve uniform mixing of the water-absorbent resin and the pulp, and therefore gel blocking occurs during absorption, giving rise to problems of diminished absorbent capacity, permeability to liquid, and instantaneous absorption rate, as well as increased re-wetting and poor dry feel. [Solution] Provided is a composite with which a water-absorbent resin and pulp powder are placed in direct contact, preventing gel blocking, improving the absorption rate as well as the post-absorption dry feel and permeability to liquid, improving the instantaneous absorption rate, and reducing re-wetting. It is moreover possible for a water-absorbent resin and a paper powder of specific particle diameter to be placed in direct contact, and to prevent gel blocking, without the need for exterior surface crosslinking for the purpose of preventing gel blocking, as during production of conventional water-absorbent resins. This composite was discovered to be capable of maintaining high-performance absorbent power, and of absorbing high-viscosity solutions, which was difficult to achieve in the past.
