Surface conditioning agents for nonwoven fabrics constructed with polyolefin synthetic fibers, polyolefin synthetic fibers, and spunbond nonwoven fabrics constructed with polyolefin synthetic fibers.

Abstract

DEPCT66 This invention addresses the problem by improving the wetting ability of the conditioner. A surface for non-woven fabrics formed with polyolefin synthetic fibers and long-term hydrophilicity. A spunbond nonwoven fabric formed from synthetic polyolefin fibers with a surface conditioning agent. The nonwoven fabric formed from polyolefin synthetic fibers according to this invention has the following characteristics: By having specific ether ester compounds and specific ester condensation products in the fabric. This spunbond nonwoven fabric, formed with polyolefin synthetic fibers, as described in this invention, has: A characteristic feature of surface conditioning agents for nonwoven fabrics formed from synthetic fibers. Polyolefins are attached to that. -----------------------------------------------------------

Description

Treatment agent for polyolefin synthetic fiber nonwoven fabric, polyolefin synthetic fiber, and polyolefin synthetic fiber spunbond nonwoven fabric

[0001] The present invention relates to a treatment agent for polyolefin synthetic fiber nonwoven fabrics, polyolefin synthetic fibers, and spunbonded polyolefin synthetic fiber nonwoven fabrics.

[0002] Generally, polyolefin-based synthetic fibers are used as raw fibers for nonwoven fabrics. For example, nonwoven fabrics are produced by the spunbond method using polyolefin-based synthetic fibers. Nonwoven fabrics produced by the spunbond method are called spunbond nonwoven fabrics. Durable hydrophilicity and other properties are imparted to nonwoven fabrics by applying an oil agent that functions as a nonwoven fabric treatment agent. Nonwoven fabrics imparted with durable hydrophilicity and other properties are used in a wide range of fields, including hygiene products, medical care, and civil engineering.

[0003] Patent Document 1 discloses a water permeability imparting agent as a treatment agent for nonwoven fabrics, which contains an alkylene oxide adduct of a polyhydric active hydrogen compound. The polyhydric active hydrogen compound disclosed is a partial ester of a polyhydric alcohol having a valence of 3 to 6 and a fatty acid.

[0004] International Publication No. 2016 / 121673

[0005] In order to more effectively impart functionality to nonwoven fabrics, it is necessary to more uniformly apply the nonwoven fabric treatment agent to the fibers that make up the nonwoven fabric. To apply the nonwoven fabric treatment agent more uniformly, it is necessary to improve the wettability of the nonwoven fabric treatment agent to the fibers that make up the nonwoven fabric. However, improving the wettability of the nonwoven fabric treatment agent tends to reduce the durable hydrophilicity of the nonwoven fabric. Therefore, it is an issue to suitably improve both the wettability of the nonwoven fabric treatment agent and the durable hydrophilicity of the nonwoven fabric.

[0006] The present invention has been made in view of these circumstances, and its object is to provide a treatment agent for polyolefin synthetic fiber nonwoven fabrics that can suitably improve the wettability of the fibers constituting the nonwoven fabric and the durable hydrophilicity of the nonwoven fabric. It is also an object of the present invention to provide polyolefin synthetic fibers having this treatment agent adhered thereto, and spunbonded polyolefin synthetic fiber nonwoven fabrics having this treatment agent adhered thereto.

[0007] The gist of the treatment agent for polyolefin synthetic fiber nonwoven fabrics that solves the above problems is that it contains at least one of the following first ether ester compound and the following second ether ester compound, and the following ester condensate.

[0008] First ether ester compound: a compound in which alkylene oxide having 2 to 4 carbon atoms is added in a total ratio of 1 to 500 moles to 1 mole of an ester compound of a polyhydric alcohol and a monovalent fatty acid.

[0009] Second ether ester compound: a compound obtained by condensing a compound in which a total of 1 to 500 moles of alkylene oxide having 2 to 4 carbon atoms are added to 1 mole of an ester compound of a polyhydric alcohol and a monovalent fatty acid, with a fatty acid having 4 to 26 carbon atoms.

[0010] Ester condensate: A condensate having a degree of condensation of 1 to 5 and having structural units formed from a hydroxycarboxylic acid having 6 to 22 carbon atoms and having a hydroxy group and a carboxy group in the molecule.

[0011] In the treatment agent for polyolefin synthetic fiber nonwoven fabrics, the content of the ester condensate is preferably 0.01 to 20% by mass.

[0012] The treating agent for polyolefin synthetic fiber nonwoven fabrics preferably contains 80 to 99.95 parts by mass of at least one selected from the first ether ester compound and the second ether ester compound, and 0.05 to 20 parts by mass of the ester condensate, relative to 100 parts by mass of the total content of the first ether ester compound, the second ether ester compound, and the ester condensate.

[0013] In the above-mentioned treatment agent for polyolefin synthetic fiber nonwoven fabric, the hydroxycarboxylic acid is preferably one represented by the following Chemical Formula 1.

[0014]

[0015] (In Chemical Formula 1, R １ R: a saturated hydrocarbon group having 4 to 12 carbon atoms or an unsaturated hydrocarbon group having 4 to 12 carbon atoms; ２ : a hydrogen atom or a saturated hydrocarbon group having 1 to 8 carbon atoms.) Regarding the treatment agent for polyolefin synthetic fiber nonwoven fabric, R in Chemical Formula 1 １ is preferably a saturated hydrocarbon group having 8 to 10 carbon atoms or an unsaturated hydrocarbon group having 8 to 10 carbon atoms.

[0016] Regarding the treatment agent for polyolefin synthetic fiber nonwoven fabric, R in Chemical Formula 1 ２ is preferably a saturated hydrocarbon group having 6 to 8 carbon atoms.

[0017] In the above-mentioned treatment agent for polyolefin synthetic fiber nonwoven fabrics, the ester condensate preferably has a condensation degree of 1 to 2 and a cyclic molecular structure.

[0018] The polyolefin synthetic fiber for solving the above problems has the above-mentioned treatment agent for polyolefin synthetic fiber nonwoven fabric attached thereto.

[0019] The gist of the present invention is that a spunbonded nonwoven fabric made of polyolefin synthetic fiber that solves the above-mentioned problems is that the above-mentioned treatment agent for polyolefin synthetic fiber nonwoven fabric is adhered to the fabric.

[0020] According to the present invention, the wettability of a treatment agent for polyolefin synthetic fiber nonwoven fabrics to the fibers that make up the polyolefin synthetic fiber nonwoven fabric is suitably improved, and the durable hydrophilicity of the polyolefin synthetic fiber nonwoven fabric is suitably improved.

[0021] (First embodiment) A first embodiment of the treating agent for polyolefin synthetic fiber nonwoven fabric (hereinafter also simply referred to as treating agent) according to the present invention will be described.

[0022] The treatment agent of the present embodiment contains at least one of the following first ether ester compound and the following second ether ester compound, and the following ester condensate.

[0023] First ether ester compound: a compound in which alkylene oxide having 2 to 4 carbon atoms is added in a total ratio of 1 to 500 moles to 1 mole of an ester compound of a polyhydric alcohol and a monovalent fatty acid.

[0024] Second ether ester compound: a compound obtained by condensing a compound in which a total of 1 to 500 moles of alkylene oxide having 2 to 4 carbon atoms are added to 1 mole of an ester compound of a polyhydric alcohol and a monovalent fatty acid, with a fatty acid having 4 to 26 carbon atoms.

[0025] Ester condensate: A condensate having a degree of condensation of 1 to 5 and having structural units formed from a hydroxycarboxylic acid having 6 to 22 carbon atoms and having a hydroxy group and a carboxy group in the molecule.

[0026] By containing at least one of the first ether ester compound and the second ether ester compound and the ester condensate, the treatment agent can favorably improve the wettability of the treatment agent to the fibers constituting the polyolefin synthetic fiber nonwoven fabric, as described below, and can also favorably improve the durable hydrophilicity of the polyolefin synthetic fiber nonwoven fabric to which the treatment agent is attached.

[0027] The polyhydric alcohol is not particularly limited and may be an aliphatic polyhydric alcohol or an aromatic polyhydric alcohol. The aliphatic polyhydric alcohol may be a saturated aliphatic alcohol or an unsaturated aliphatic alcohol.

[0028] Specific examples of the polyhydric alcohol include ethylene glycol, glycerin, sorbitan, and trimethylolpropane.

[0029] The polyhydric alcohols may be used alone or in combination of two or more.

[0030] The monovalent fatty acid is not particularly limited, and may be a straight-chain fatty acid or a branched fatty acid, and may be a saturated fatty acid or an unsaturated fatty acid.

[0031] Specific examples of the monovalent fatty acids include 12-hydroxystearic acid, ricinoleic acid, lauric acid, stearic acid, oleic acid, pentanoic acid, and octanoic acid.

[0032] The monovalent fatty acids may be used alone or in combination of two or more.

[0033] The ester compound of the polyhydric alcohol and the monovalent fatty acid may be a natural oil or fat, such as coconut oil, rapeseed oil, sunflower oil, soybean oil, castor oil, hardened castor oil, sesame oil, fish oil, or beef tallow.

[0034] The natural fats and oils may be used alone or in combination of two or more.

[0035] Specific examples of the alkylene oxide having 2 to 4 carbon atoms include ethylene oxide, propylene oxide, and butylene oxide. Among these, ethylene oxide is preferred. The polymerization sequence is not particularly limited, and may be a random adduct or a block adduct.

[0036] The alkylene oxides having 2 to 4 carbon atoms may be used alone or in combination of two or more.

[0037] The number of moles of the alkylene oxide having 2 to 4 carbon atoms added is preferably 5 to 120 moles.

[0038] The ester compounds in the first ether ester compound and the second ether ester compound may be the same or different, and the alkylene oxides having 2 to 4 carbon atoms in the first ether ester compound and the second ether ester compound may be the same or different.

[0039] The fatty acid having 4 to 26 carbon atoms in the second ether ester compound is not particularly limited, and may be a straight-chain fatty acid or a branched fatty acid, or may be a saturated fatty acid or an unsaturated fatty acid.

[0040] Specific examples of fatty acids having 4 to 26 carbon atoms include lauric acid, oleic acid, stearic acid, octylic acid, behenic acid, and maleic acid.

[0041] The fatty acids having 4 to 26 carbon atoms may be used alone or in combination of two or more.

[0042] The hydroxycarboxylic acid having 6 to 22 carbon atoms, which is a constituent unit of the ester condensate, is preferably one represented by the following formula 2.

[0043]

[0044] (In Chemical Formula 2, R １ R: a saturated hydrocarbon group having 4 to 12 carbon atoms or an unsaturated hydrocarbon group having 4 to 12 carbon atoms; ２ : a hydrogen atom or a saturated hydrocarbon group having 1 to 8 carbon atoms. １ is preferably a saturated hydrocarbon group having 8 to 10 carbon atoms or an unsaturated hydrocarbon group having 8 to 10 carbon atoms.

[0045] R in Chemical Formula 2 ２ is preferably a saturated hydrocarbon group having 6 to 8 carbon atoms. When the saturated hydrocarbon group has 6 to 8 carbon atoms, the durable hydrophilicity of the polyolefin synthetic fiber nonwoven fabric can be more suitably improved.

[0046] The above ester condensate preferably has a condensation degree of 1 to 2 and a cyclic molecular structure.

[0047] There are no particular restrictions on the content of the ester condensate in the treatment agent, but the content of the ester condensate in the treatment agent is preferably 0.01 to 20% by mass.

[0048] There are no particular restrictions on the proportions of the first ether ester compound, the second ether ester compound, and the ester condensate contained in the treatment agent. When the total of the proportions of the first ether ester compound, the second ether ester compound, and the ester condensate is taken as 100 parts by mass, the treatment agent preferably contains 80 to 99.95 parts by mass of at least one selected from the first ether ester compound and the second ether ester compound, and 0.05 to 20 parts by mass of the ester condensate.

[0049] By ensuring that the content ratios of the first ether ester compound, the second ether ester compound, and the ester condensate are within the above ranges, the wettability of the treatment agent to the fibers constituting the polyolefin synthetic fiber nonwoven fabric is more suitably improved, as will be described later, and the durable hydrophilicity of the polyolefin synthetic fiber nonwoven fabric to which the treatment agent is attached can be more suitably improved.

[0050] The treatment agent may contain other ingredients.

[0051] Specific examples of other components include ionic surfactants such as anionic surfactants, cationic surfactants, and amphoteric surfactants as amphoteric compounds, or nonionic surfactants, monohydric or polyhydric alcohols, fatty acids, fatty acid esters, wax compounds, and silicone compounds.

[0052] Examples of ionic surfactants include phosphate ester-type ionic surfactants and sulfonate ester-type ionic surfactants. Specific examples of phosphate ester-type ionic surfactants include potassium lauryl phosphate and potassium butyl phosphate. Specific examples of sulfonate ester-type ionic surfactants include sodium alkyl (having 12 to 16 carbon atoms) sulfonate.

[0053] Examples of nonionic surfactants include polyether-type nonionic surfactants, ether-type nonionic surfactants, ester-type nonionic surfactants, etc. Specific examples of ether-type nonionic surfactants include a compound in which 10 moles of ethylene oxide are added to 1 mole of lauryl alcohol, and a compound in which 120 moles of propylene oxide are added to 1 mole of pentaerythritol.

[0054] A specific example of the ester-type nonionic surfactant is a compound in which 20 moles of ethylene oxide are added to 1 mole of stearic acid.

[0055] These other components may be used alone or in combination of two or more.

[0056] There are no particular restrictions on the content ratio of the other components in the treatment agent. The treatment agent preferably contains the other components in a ratio of 1 to 30 parts by mass per 100 parts by mass of the total content ratio of the first ether ester compound, the second ether ester compound, and the ester condensate.

[0057] Second Embodiment A second embodiment of the polyolefin synthetic fiber and spunbonded nonwoven fabric made of polyolefin synthetic fiber according to the present invention will be described. The polyolefin synthetic fiber of this embodiment has the treatment agent of the first embodiment adhered thereto.

[0058] Here, polyolefin synthetic fibers refer to synthetic fibers synthesized using olefins or alkenes as monomers. Hereinafter, polyolefin synthetic fibers may also be simply referred to as synthetic fibers.

[0059] Specific examples of synthetic fibers include polyethylene fibers, polypropylene fibers, and polybutene fibers. These may be used alone or in combination of two or more. Furthermore, polypropylene fibers may include modified polypropylene fibers copolymerized with various monomers, composite polypropylene fibers of polyethylene and polypropylene, and the like.

[0060] The fiber may also be a composite fiber with a core-sheath structure in which either the core or the sheath, or both, are polyolefin-based fibers, such as a polyethylene / polypropylene composite fiber or a polyethylene / polyester composite fiber in which the sheath is polyethylene fiber.

[0061] There is no particular limit to the amount of the treatment agent of the first embodiment that is applied to the synthetic fibers, but it is preferable to apply the treatment agent (not including the solvent) in an amount of 0.1 to 2 mass % relative to the synthetic fibers, and more preferably 0.3 to 1.2 mass %.

[0062] The treatment agent can be applied to synthetic fibers by a known method, such as a dipping method, a spraying method, a roller method, or a guide oiling method using a metering pump, using, for example, an aqueous liquid containing the treatment agent of the first embodiment and water, or a further diluted aqueous solution.

[0063] The polyolefin synthetic fiber spunbond nonwoven fabric (hereinafter also simply referred to as nonwoven fabric) according to the present invention is produced by the spunbond method.

[0064] The method for producing a nonwoven fabric by the spunbond method preferably includes the following steps 1 to 7.

[0065] Step 1: A raw material supply step in which raw material resin for synthetic fibers is supplied to an extruder.

[0066] Step 2: A melting and extrusion step in which the raw resin is heated and melted in the extruder and extruded through a nozzle equipped with a spinneret.

[0067] Step 3: A spinning and drawing step in which melt spinning is performed from a nozzle, and the melt-spun fiber is then drawn using an ejector.

[0068] Step 4: A collecting and transporting step in which the fibers that have been subjected to step 3 are collected on a conveyor to form a web, and the web is further transported by the conveyor.

[0069] Step 5: A fusion step in which the web that has been subjected to step 4 is passed between a pair of heated rollers to fuse the fibers together.

[0070] Step 6: An application step of applying the treatment agent of the first embodiment to the nonwoven fabric formed through step 5.

[0071] Step 7: A winding step in which the nonwoven fabric that has been subjected to step 6 is wound onto a winding roller.

[0072] The nonwoven fabric of this embodiment can be manufactured through the above steps.

[0073] The treatment agent of the first embodiment and the synthetic fiber and nonwoven fabric of the second embodiment can provide the following effects.

[0074] (1) The treatment agent of the first embodiment contains a predetermined ether ester compound and a predetermined ester condensate, which favorably improves the wettability of the treatment agent to polyolefin synthetic fibers.

[0075] (2) By applying the treatment agent of the first embodiment, the durable hydrophilicity of the spunbonded nonwoven fabric made of polyolefin synthetic fibers can be suitably improved.

[0076] The above embodiment can be modified as follows: The above embodiment and the following modifications can be combined with each other within the scope of technical compatibility.

[0077] In the second embodiment, the synthetic fibers to which the treatment agent is applied are polyolefin-based synthetic fibers, but this is not limiting. The treatment agent may be applied to synthetic fibers other than polyolefin-based synthetic fibers. Similarly, the treatment agent may be applied to a spunbond nonwoven fabric made of synthetic fibers other than polyolefin-based synthetic fibers. Examples of synthetic fibers other than polyolefin-based synthetic fibers include polyester-based fibers, polyamide-based fibers, polyacrylonitrile-based fibers, cellulose-based fibers, and lignin-based fibers. These fibers may also be composite synthetic fibers made of two or more types of fibers.

[0078] Specific examples of polyester fibers include polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polytrimethylene terephthalate, polybutylene terephthalate, polyethylene naphthalate, polylactic acid, conjugated polyester fibers containing these polyester resins, etc. Further examples of polyester fibers include modified polyester fibers such as basic or acid dyeable polyester fibers, antistatic polyester fibers, and flame-retardant polyester fibers.

[0079] In addition, the nonwoven fabric to which the treatment agent is applied is a spunbond nonwoven fabric in the above embodiment, but this is not limiting. The treatment agent may be applied to a nonwoven fabric other than a spunbond nonwoven fabric. A nonwoven fabric other than a spunbond nonwoven fabric refers to a nonwoven fabric whose web is formed by a method other than the spunbond method.

[0080] Examples of web formation methods other than the spunbonding method include dry methods such as carding and airlaid methods when the raw fiber material is short fibers, and wet methods such as papermaking methods. Also, examples of methods for bonding fibers include meltblown methods and flash spinning methods when the raw fiber material is long fibers. Examples of interfiber bonding methods include chemical bonding, thermal bonding, needle punching, spunlace, and stitch bonding.

[0081] The treatment agent may contain components typically used in treatment agents, such as stabilizers to maintain the quality of the treatment agent, antistatic agents, antistatic agents, binders, antioxidants, ultraviolet absorbers, and defoamers (silicone-based compounds), within the scope that does not impair the effects of the present invention.

[0082] Examples will be given below to more specifically explain the configuration and effects of the present invention, but the present invention is not limited to these examples. In the following explanation of the examples and comparative examples, % means % by mass.

[0083] Test Section 1 (Preparation of Treatment Agents for Polyolefin Synthetic Fiber Nonwoven Fabrics) (Examples 1 to 40 and Comparative Examples 1 to 7) The first ether ester compounds (A1-1 to A1-10) shown in Tables 1 and 2 were prepared by the following method. Note that for A1-1 to A1-4 shown in Table 1, natural fats and oils were used as the ester compounds of polyhydric alcohols and monovalent fatty acids.

[0084] In A1-1, 933 g (1 mol) of castor oil and 2 g of sodium hydroxide as a catalyst were added to an autoclave, and the atmosphere was replaced with nitrogen gas. Then, 4,400 g (100 mol) of ethylene oxide was injected to carry out an etherification reaction.

[0085] Next, 40 g of a known inorganic synthetic adsorbent was added to the liquid that had undergone the etherification reaction, and the mixture was stirred at about 80°C for 30 minutes. The mixture was then transferred to a filter precoated with diatomaceous earth, and the inorganic synthetic adsorbent that had adsorbed the sodium hydroxide catalyst was removed to prepare A1-1. A1-2 to A1-4 were also prepared according to the synthesis method for A1-1.

[0086] The type and number of moles of the ester compound and the type and number of moles of the alkylene oxide in the first ether ester compound are as shown in the "Ester compound" and "Alkylene oxide" columns of Table 1.

[0087]

[0088] As shown in Table 2, in A1-5, 62 g (1 mole) of ethylene glycol as a polyhydric alcohol and 600 g (2 moles) of 12-hydroxystearic acid as a monovalent fatty acid were charged into a reaction vessel to carry out an esterification reaction. The ester compound obtained by the esterification reaction and 2 g of potassium hydroxide as a catalyst were added to an autoclave, and the atmosphere was replaced with nitrogen gas, after which 1,408 g (32 moles) of ethylene oxide was injected and the etherification reaction was carried out.

[0089] Next, 17 g of a known inorganic synthetic adsorbent was added to the liquid that had undergone the etherification reaction, and the mixture was stirred at about 80°C for 30 minutes. The mixture was then transferred to a filter precoated with diatomaceous earth, and the inorganic synthetic adsorbent that had adsorbed the potassium hydroxide catalyst was removed to prepare A1-5. A1-6 to A1-10 were also prepared according to the synthesis method for A1-5.

[0090] The type and number of moles of the ester compound and the type and number of moles of the alkylene oxide in the first ether ester compound are as shown in the "Ester compound" and "Alkylene oxide" columns of Table 2.

[0091]

[0092] The second ether ester compounds (A2-1 to A2-20, Ra-1, Ra-2) shown in Tables 3 and 4 were prepared by the following method. In A2-1 to A2-12 shown in Table 3, natural fats and oils were used as the ester compounds of polyhydric alcohols and monovalent fatty acids.

[0093] In A2-1, 933 g (1 mol) of castor oil and 2 g of sodium hydroxide as a catalyst were added to an autoclave, and the atmosphere was replaced with nitrogen gas. Then, 660 g (15 mol) of ethylene oxide and 348 g (6 mol) of propylene oxide were injected to carry out an etherification reaction.

[0094] Next, 16 g of a known inorganic synthetic adsorbent was added to the liquid that had undergone the etherification reaction, and the mixture was stirred for 30 minutes at about 80° C. Thereafter, the mixture was transferred to a filter precoated with diatomaceous earth, and the inorganic synthetic adsorbent that had adsorbed the sodium hydroxide catalyst was removed.

[0095] The liquid from which the sodium hydroxide catalyst had been removed and 600 g (3 moles) of lauric acid as a fatty acid having 4 to 26 carbon atoms were charged into a reaction vessel and subjected to an esterification reaction to prepare A2-1. A2-2 to A2-12 were also prepared according to the synthesis method for A2-1.

[0096] The type and number of moles of the ester compound, the type and number of moles of the alkylene oxide, and the type and number of moles of the fatty acid having 4 to 26 carbon atoms in the second ether ester compound are as shown in the "Ester compound" column, the "Alkylene oxide" column, and the "Fatty acid" column in Table 3.

[0097]

[0098] As shown in Table 4, in A2-13, 62 g (1 mole) of ethylene glycol as a polyhydric alcohol and 600 g (2 moles) of 12-hydroxystearic acid as a monovalent fatty acid were charged into a reaction vessel to carry out an esterification reaction. The ester compound obtained by the esterification reaction and 2 g of potassium hydroxide as a catalyst were added to an autoclave, and the atmosphere was replaced with nitrogen gas, and then 1,408 g (32 moles) of ethylene oxide was injected to carry out an etherification reaction.

[0099] Next, 17 g of a known inorganic synthetic adsorbent was added to the liquid that had undergone the etherification reaction, and the mixture was stirred at 80° C. for 30 minutes. Thereafter, the mixture was transferred to a filter precoated with diatomaceous earth, and the inorganic synthetic adsorbent that had adsorbed the potassium hydroxide catalyst was removed.

[0100] The liquid from which the potassium hydroxide catalyst had been removed and 847 g (3 moles) of oleic acid as a fatty acid having 4 to 26 carbon atoms were charged into a reaction vessel and subjected to an esterification reaction to prepare A2-13. A2-14 to A2-20, Ra-1, and Ra-2 were also prepared according to the synthesis method for A2-13.

[0101] The type and number of moles of the ester compound, the type and number of moles of the alkylene oxide, and the type and number of moles of the fatty acid having 4 to 26 carbon atoms in the second ether ester compound are as shown in the "Ester compound" column, the "Alkylene oxide" column, and the "Fatty acid" column in Table 4.

[0102]

[0103] Furthermore, the ester condensates (B-1 to B-21, Rb-1 to Rb-3) shown in Table 5 were prepared. These ester condensates may be commercially available products or may be produced by known methods. When produced by known methods, they can be produced, for example, by a dehydration condensation reaction between a hydroxy group and a carboxy group contained in raw materials.

[0104] In Table 5, R １ , R ２ means a hydrocarbon group or a hydrogen atom in a hydroxycarboxylic acid having 6 to 22 carbon atoms, as shown in Chemical Formula 2 above.

[0105] R in the ester condensate １ Type of R ２ The type of hydroxycarboxylic acid, the number of carbon atoms, the degree of condensation, and the molecular structure are shown in Table 5 under "R １ ” column, “R ２ ", "Number of Carbons", "Degree of Condensation", and "Molecular Structure". In the "Molecular Structure" column, "○" in the "Cyclic" column means that the molecule has a cyclic molecular structure, and "○" in the "Chained" column means that the molecule has a chained molecular structure.

[0106]

[0107] Next, the components shown in Table 6 were added to a beaker so that the first ether ester compound (A1-1) was 99.5 parts by mass and the ester condensate (B-1) was 0.5 parts by mass, and the mixture was thoroughly stirred to prepare the treatment agent for polyolefin synthetic fiber nonwoven fabric of Example 1.

[0108] The treating agents for polyolefin synthetic fiber nonwoven fabrics of Examples 2 to 40 and Comparative Examples 1 to 7 were prepared using the components shown in Table 6 in the same manner as in Example 1. The type and content of the ether ester compound, the type and content of the ester condensate, and the type and content of other components in the treating agent for each example are shown in the "Ether ester compound (A)" column, the "Ester condensate (B)" column, and the "Other components (C)" column in the "Treatment agent for polyolefin synthetic fiber nonwoven fabrics" column of Table 6, respectively.

[0109]

[0110] Details of C-1 to C-7 listed in the Other Components (C) column of Table 6 are as follows.

[0111] C-1: Lauryl phosphate potassium salt C-2: Butyl phosphate potassium salt C-3: Alkyl (C12 to C16) sulfonate sodium salt C-4: Polyethylene glycol (molecular weight 600) C-5: Compound in which 10 moles of ethylene oxide are added to 1 mole of lauryl alcohol C-6: Compound in which 120 moles of propylene oxide are added to 1 mole of pentaerythritol C-7: Compound in which 20 moles of ethylene oxide are added to 1 mole of stearic acid Test Section 2 (Production of Polyolefin Spunbond Nonwoven Fabric) Polyolefin spunbond nonwoven fabric was produced using the treatment agent prepared in Test Section 1.

[0112] That is, the treatment agent prepared in Test Section 1 was diluted with water to prepare an aqueous solution with a concentration of 0.25% by mass. A treatment bath (bath temperature: 25°C) was prepared using this aqueous solution, and a polypropylene spunbond nonwoven fabric (bath weight: 20 g / m) was added to this treatment bath. ２ The polypropylene spunbond nonwoven fabric was wrung out using a mangle at an adjusted wringing ratio so that the amount of the aqueous liquid attached was 4 g per 2 g of the fabric, and then dried at 80°C for 30 minutes with a blower to obtain a treated nonwoven fabric with a solids attachment amount of 0.5% by mass.

[0113] Test Section 3 (Evaluation) The wettability of the treatment agents of Examples 1 to 40 and Comparative Examples 1 to 7 to nonwoven fabric was evaluated as an evaluation item for processability. In addition, the durable hydrophilicity of the nonwoven fabric to which the treatment agent was applied was evaluated as an evaluation item for the nonwoven fabric. The procedures for each test are described below.

[0114] (Wettability) Each of the treatment agents described in the Examples and Comparative Examples was heated to about 70° C. Each heated treatment agent was added to ion-exchanged water heated to about 50° C. with stirring to prepare a 10% aqueous solution of the treatment agent.

[0115] Next, the polypropylene nonwoven fabric to which no treating agent had been applied was conditioned for 24 hours in a thermostatic chamber at 20° C. and a relative humidity of 60%.

[0116] 10 μl of a 10% aqueous solution of each treatment agent was dropped onto the conditioned nonwoven fabric. The state of the treatment agent permeating into the nonwoven fabric was visually observed. The time until the treatment agent completely permeated was measured and evaluated according to the following criteria. The results are shown in the "Wettability" column of Table 6.

[0117] Evaluation criteria for wettability ⊚ (Good): Penetration in less than 4 seconds ◯ (Fair): Penetration in 4 seconds or more but less than 6 seconds × (Poor): Penetration in 6 seconds or more (Durable Hydrophilicity) The spunbond nonwoven fabric prepared in Test Section 2 was cut into small pieces of 10 cm x 10 cm. These small pieces of nonwoven fabric were conditioned for 24 hours in a thermostatic chamber at 20°C and a relative humidity of 60%.

[0118] The humidity-conditioned nonwoven fabric was placed on top of five stacked sheets of filter paper, and a cylinder with an inner diameter of 1 cm and open ends was placed in the center of the nonwoven fabric so that its axis was vertical.

[0119] 10 ml of 0.9% saline was poured into the cylinder, and the state of the saline being absorbed into the nonwoven fabric was visually observed, and the time until the saline was completely absorbed was measured.

[0120] The nonwoven fabric was then removed and subjected to air drying by blowing hot air at 40°C onto the nonwoven fabric for 90 minutes. After air drying, the nonwoven fabric was again conditioned and the test of absorbing physiological saline solution was repeated three times. The results of the third test were evaluated according to the following evaluation criteria. The results are shown in the "Durable Hydrophilicity" column of Table 6.

[0121] Evaluation criteria for durable hydrophilicity: ⊚ (Good): When the time required for the saline solution to be completely absorbed is less than 5 seconds; ◯ (Fair): When the time required for the saline solution to be completely absorbed is 5 to 7 seconds; × (Poor): When the time required for the saline solution to be completely absorbed is 7 seconds or more. As can be seen from the results in Table 6, the present invention suitably improves the wettability of polyolefin synthetic fiber with a polyolefin synthetic fiber nonwoven fabric treating agent. It also suitably improves the durable hydrophilicity of polyolefin synthetic fiber spunbond nonwoven fabrics to which the polyolefin synthetic fiber nonwoven fabric treating agent has been applied.

[0122] The present invention also includes the following aspects.

[0123] (Appendix 1) A treatment agent for nonwoven fabrics, characterized by containing at least one of the following first ether ester compound and the following second ether ester compound, and the following ester condensate.

[0124] First ether ester compound: a compound in which alkylene oxide having 2 to 4 carbon atoms is added in a total ratio of 1 to 500 moles to 1 mole of an ester compound of a polyhydric alcohol and a monovalent fatty acid.

[0125] Second ether ester compound: a compound obtained by condensing a compound in which a total of 1 to 500 moles of alkylene oxide having 2 to 4 carbon atoms are added to 1 mole of an ester compound of a polyhydric alcohol and a monovalent fatty acid, with a fatty acid having 4 to 26 carbon atoms.

[0126] Ester condensate: A condensate having a degree of condensation of 1 to 5 and having structural units formed from a hydroxycarboxylic acid having 6 to 22 carbon atoms and having a hydroxy group and a carboxy group in the molecule.

[0127] (Appendix 2) The treatment agent for nonwoven fabrics according to Appendix 1, wherein the content of the ester condensate is 0.01 to 20% by mass.

[0128] (Appendix 3) The treatment agent for nonwoven fabrics according to Appendix 1 or 2, containing 80 to 99.95 parts by mass of at least one selected from the first ether ester compound and the second ether ester compound and 0.05 to 20 parts by mass of the ester condensate, relative to 100 parts by mass of the total content of the first ether ester compound, the second ether ester compound, and the ester condensate.

[0129] (Appendix 4) The treatment agent for nonwoven fabrics according to any one of Appendices 1 to 3, wherein the hydroxycarboxylic acid is represented by Chemical Formula 3 below.

[0130]

[0131] (R １ : A saturated hydrocarbon group having 4 to 12 carbon atoms, or an unsaturated hydrocarbon group having 4 to 12 carbon atoms.

[0132] R ２ : a hydrogen atom or a saturated hydrocarbon group having 1 to 8 carbon atoms.) (Appendix 5) R in the above Chemical Formula 3 １ is a saturated hydrocarbon group having 8 to 10 carbon atoms or an unsaturated hydrocarbon group having 8 to 10 carbon atoms.

[0133] (Note 6) R in the above formula 3 ２ is a saturated hydrocarbon group having 6 to 8 carbon atoms.

[0134] (Appendix 7) The treatment agent for nonwoven fabrics according to any one of Appendices 1 to 6, wherein the ester condensate has a condensation degree of 1 to 2 and a cyclic molecular structure.

[0135] (Appendix 8) A polyolefin-based synthetic fiber having the nonwoven fabric treating agent according to any one of Appendices 1 to 7 adhered thereto.

[0136] (Appendix 9) A spunbond nonwoven fabric having the nonwoven fabric treating agent according to any one of Appendices 1 to 7 adhered thereto.

Claims

DEPCT661. Surface conditioner for nonwoven fabrics formed from polyolefin synthetic fibers containing at least one of the first-type ether ester compounds described below and the second-type ether ester compounds described below and ester condensates described below. First-type ether ester compounds: compounds with the addition of 2 to 4 carbon atom alkylene oxide in a ratio of 1 to 500 mol total to 1 mol of polyhydric alcohol and monovalent fat ester compounds. Secondary esterified acid compounds: Compounds in which alkylene oxide with 2 to 4 carbon atoms is added in a ratio of 1 to 500 mol total to 1 mol of esterified compound of polyhydric alcohol and monovalent fatty acids, and fatty acids with 4 to 26 carbon atoms are condensed. Ester condensate: Condensate consisting of constituent units formed by hydroxyacarboxylic acids with 6 to 22 carbon atoms containing hydroxyl and carboxyl groups in the molecule and having a condensation degree of 1 to 52.Surface conditioner for nonwoven fabrics formed from polyolefin synthetic fibers under Patent 1, where the ester condensate content is 0.01% to 20% by mass.

3. Surface conditioner for nonwoven fabrics formed from polyolefin synthetic fibers under Patent 1 or 2, where if the sum of the amounts of primary ester ether compounds, secondary ester ether compounds and ester condensate is 100 parts by mass, at least one of the primary ester ether compounds and secondary ester ether compounds are present.

4. Surface conditioner for nonwoven fabrics formed from polyolefin synthetic fibers pursuant to any one of the claims 1 to 3 in which hydroxycarboxylic acid is represented by chemical formula 1 shown below [chemical formula 1](chemical formula)(in chemical formula 1, R1: saturated hydrocarbon group with 4 to 12 carbon atoms or unsaturated hydrocarbon group with 4 to 12 carbon atoms; R2: hydrogen atom or saturated hydrocarbon group with 1 to 8 carbon atoms). 5.Surface conditioners for nonwoven fabrics constructed from polyolefin synthetic fibers under patent claim 4, where R1 in chemical formula 1 is a saturated hydrocarbon group with 8 to 10 carbon atoms or an unsaturated hydrocarbon group with 8 to 10 carbon atoms; 6. Surface conditioners for nonwoven fabrics constructed from polyolefin synthetic fibers under patent claim 4 or 5, where R2 in chemical formula 1 is a saturated hydrocarbon group with 6 to 8 carbon atoms; 7. Surface conditioners for nonwoven fabrics constructed from polyolefin synthetic fibers under patent claims 1 to 6.

8. A polyolefin synthetic fiber bonded with a surface conditioner for nonwoven fabric formed from polyolefin synthetic fibers according to any one of the claims 1 through 7.

9. A spunbond nonwoven fabric formed from polyolefin synthetic fibers bonded with a surface conditioner for nonwoven fabric formed from polyolefin synthetic fibers according to any one of the claims 1 through 7.