Paper treating agent, paper using same, and method for improving hand feeling of paper

Abstract

Provided are: a paper treatment agent which is capable of imparting a specific texture conforming to the preferences of a user to a paper to which a moisture retention property has been imparted, and which is capable of improving the texture of the paper; a paper using the paper treatment agent; and a method for improving the texture of the paper. In addition, the moisture content of the paper is slightly changed under high-humidity environment conditions and low-humidity environment conditions, and moisture evaporation of the paper can be inhibited even under the low-humidity environment conditions. This paper treatment agent contains (A) a polyol, (B) a sulfonate salt, and (C) water, and is characterized in that the content of the (B) sulfonate salt is 0.05 mass% or more and less than 8.0 mass% with respect to the total amount of the paper treatment agent other than water.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a paper treating agent, paper using the paper treating agent, and a method for improving the feel of paper. Background Art

[0002] Papers treated with a paper treatment agent containing a moisturizing component such as moisturizing tissue paper with a soft touch are required to have a soft and moisturizing feel and are widely used in toilet paper, paper towels, and the like for many years. In order to impart softness to such moisturizing tissue paper, a paper treatment agent containing a polyol such as glycerin is applied. Since the softness is manifested by the decrease in hydrogen bonds between pulp / pulp due to the increase in the moisture content of the coated paper, there are problems such as paper damage caused by the decrease in paper strength under high humidity environmental conditions and deterioration of the feel under low humidity environmental conditions. Therefore, people are seeking for papers such as moisturizing tissue paper with low dependence on humidity environments.

[0003] In addition, among papers treated with paper treatment agents containing moisturizing ingredients, moisturizing tissues are often used to wipe noses, and in order to reduce the burden on the skin, people are looking for products with good texture such as reduced surface friction. As a product, it is hoped that the texture that matches the user's preference can be given to the paper that has been given moisturizing properties.

[0004] In order to try to solve the technical problems of imparting softness with low humidity environment dependence and improving the hand feel, various countermeasures have been taken in the past. For example, in Patent Document 1, a fiber web product obtained by containing a water-containing gel composition in a fiber web is proposed. However, this method has the problem that the uniform treatment of the gel composition as a gel to paper is accompanied by complicated processes from before coating, and there are also problems such as difficulty in transferring the gel composition. In Patent Document 2, the water absorption of hydrophilic polymers is used to improve the wet feeling, but since the hydrophilic polymers require time and labor for uniform dispersion, the process in the manufacture of paper treatment agents is complicated, and the hydrophilic polymers cause significant thickening. Therefore, the amount of hydrophilic polymers to be formulated has to be limited, resulting in insufficient effects. In Patent Document 3, oil substances and water-soluble waxes are used to impart softness and reduce friction, but the viscosity of water-soluble waxes is high, which damages the fluidity and uniform coating of the paper treatment agent and deteriorates the operability.

[0005] In Patent Documents 4 and 5, glycerin and branched alcohols or sucrose fatty acid esters are formulated to improve softness and skin feel in low humidity environments. Although these bases have the advantage of being easily formulated into moisturizers and can help maintain softness in low humidity environments, their effects are not sufficient.

[0006] Patent Documents 6 to 9 describe sulfonates as surfactants to be blended in paper treating agents.

[0007] Prior art literature

[0008] Patent Literature

[0009] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2003-199685

[0010] Patent Document 2: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2009-263837

[0011] Patent Document 3: Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 10-226986

[0012] Patent Document 4: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2007-107173

[0013] Patent Document 5: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2016-074999

[0014] Patent Document 6: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2019-099938

[0015] Patent Document 7: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2019-157307

[0016] Patent Document 8: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2008-073118

[0017] Patent Document 9: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2010-265562 Summary of the invention

[0018] Problem that the invention aims to solve

[0019] However, in Patent Documents 6 to 8, sulfonates are described as an optional component or as a component arbitrarily selected from a plurality of types of surfactants in the examples, but the amount of the sulfonates is not studied. In the disclosure of the specific formulation, it is difficult to impart the characteristic feel of coreless softness to paper due to the large amount of the sulfonates. In addition, there is a problem that the paper treatment agent cannot maintain fluidity, resulting in hardness.

[0020] Patent Document 9 describes sulfonate as a component arbitrarily selected from surfactants. However, in the disclosure of the specific formulation of sulfonate, since it does not contain water, its effect is not sufficient and it is difficult to express a characteristic feel. In addition, there is a problem of deterioration of the feel under low humidity environmental conditions.

[0021] The present invention is proposed in view of the above-mentioned problems, and the problem to be solved is to provide a paper treatment agent, paper using the paper treatment agent, and a method for improving the feel of paper, wherein the paper treatment agent can give a specific feel that matches the user's preference to paper that has been given moisturizing properties, and the moisture content of the paper changes little under high humidity environmental conditions and under low humidity environmental conditions, and the evaporation of moisture from the paper can be suppressed even under low humidity environmental conditions.

[0022] Technical solutions to problems

[0023] To solve the above problems, the inventors have repeatedly conducted intensive research and found that a paper treatment agent prepared with a sulfonate and water in a specific range of amounts together with a polyol can give a special smooth feel like silk to paper. Surprisingly, it was also found that it can give coreless softness to paper, and the change in the moisture content of paper under high humidity and low humidity environmental conditions is small, and even under low humidity environmental conditions, it is possible to suppress the evaporation of moisture from paper, thereby completing the present invention. Here, the special smooth feel like silk refers to a smooth feeling like touching gel.

[0024] That is, the paper treating agent of the present invention is characterized in that it contains (A) a polyol, (B) a sulfonate and (C) water, wherein the content of the (B) sulfonate is 0.05 mass % or more and less than 8.0 mass % based on the total amount excluding water.

[0025] The paper of the present invention is characterized in that it is treated with the above-mentioned paper treating agent.

[0026] The method for improving the feel of paper of the present invention is characterized by treating the paper with the above-mentioned paper treating agent.

[0027] The paper treatment agent of the present invention is formulated with (A) a polyol and (B) a sulfonate in an amount within a specific range, and further formulated with (C) water. In particular, by the specific combination of (B) a sulfonate and (C) water in amounts within a specific range, a unique silky smooth feel and coreless softness are imparted to paper, and the change in moisture content of paper under high humidity environmental conditions and under low humidity environmental conditions is small, and even under low humidity environmental conditions, evaporation of moisture from paper can be suppressed.

[0028] Furthermore, by blending (B) the sulfonate in an amount within a specific range together with (A) the polyol, and further blending (C) water, and in particular by using a specific combination of (B) the sulfonate and (C) water in amounts within a specific range, the water content of the paper treatment agent of the present invention can be appropriately retained on the coated paper, and compared with conventional paper treatment agents, the swelling of the pulp can be suppressed, thereby providing a coreless softness.

[0029] The softness is imparted not only by blocking the hydrogen bonds between pulps caused by water, but also by suppressing the swelling of pulp to appropriately relax the paper, and the paper treated with the paper treating agent of the present invention has low dependence on humidity environment. Due to the low dependence on water, the paper treated with the paper treating agent of the present invention feels soft, but the strength of the paper is not reduced, and it is not easy to be damaged.

[0030] The paper treating agent of the present invention can suppress the evaporation of water from paper even under low humidity environmental conditions, so that the texture of paper is less likely to deteriorate under low humidity environmental conditions.

[0031] Effects of the Invention

[0032] According to the present invention, a unique smooth hand feeling like silk and coreless softness can be imparted to paper imparted with moisture retention performance, and the moisture content of the paper under high humidity and low humidity environmental conditions varies little, and even under low humidity environmental conditions, the evaporation of moisture from the paper can be suppressed. These effects are significant effects that exceed the effects within the range that can be predicted by a person skilled in the art based on the configuration of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0033] Hereinafter, the present invention will be described in detail.

[0034] The term "texture" in the present invention and the following description particularly includes a unique smooth feeling like silk, a loose touch with little fluffiness, and a coreless softness that reduces burden on the skin and reminds people of gentleness to the skin.

[0035] (Paper treatment agent)

[0036] The paper treating agent of the present invention contains (A) a polyol, (B) a sulfonate, and (C) water as essential components.

[0037] (A) Polyol

[0038] In the paper treating agent of the present invention, the polyol as the component (A) is a moisturizing agent that enhances the hygroscopicity and moisture retention of paper and imparts a moist feeling and softness to the paper.

[0039] The polyol as the component (A) is not particularly limited, and examples thereof include glycerol, diglycerol, triglycerol, polyglycerol, 1,2-propylene glycol, 1,3-propylene glycol, dipropylene glycol, polypropylene glycol, 1,3-butylene glycol, 1,4-butylene glycol, 1,2-pentanediol, 1,2-hexanediol, ethylene glycol, diethylene glycol, triethylene glycol, polyethylene glycol, polyoxyethylene glycerol ether, isoprene glycol, pentaerythritol, trimethylolpropane, and the like.

[0040] In addition, it may be a sugar alcohol or a sugar. Examples of the sugar alcohol include sorbitol, inositol, glucosyl trehalose, xylitol, erythritol, mannitol, lactitol, fructose, oligosaccharide alcohol, maltitol, reduced palatinose, reduced syrup, and reduced starch hydrolysate. Examples of the sugar include fructose, glucose, lactose, xylose, psicose, maltose, syrup, oligosaccharide, maltobiose, trehalose, lactose, Sucrose, isomerized sugar, isomaltooligosaccharide, fructooligosaccharide, galacto-oligosaccharide, xylo-oligosaccharide, lactofructooligosaccharide, soybean oligosaccharide, raffinose, stevia, licorice, saccharin, aspartame, acesulfame potassium, sucralose, etc.

[0041] These may be used alone or in combination of two or more.

[0042] Among them, glycerol, 1,3-butylene glycol, 1,2-propylene glycol, and sorbitol are preferred; glycerol is more preferred.

[0043] The content of the polyol (A) is not particularly limited, and for example, the content of the polyol (A) is 1% by mass or more relative to the total amount of the paper treatment agent excluding water. From the viewpoint of improving the feel due to moisture absorption of the polyol (A) on the coated paper, the content of the polyol (A) is preferably 50% by mass or more, more preferably 70% by mass or more, further preferably 80% by mass or more, particularly preferably 85% by mass or more, and most preferably 90% by mass or more relative to the total amount of the paper treatment agent excluding water. From the viewpoint of improving the feel unique to the present invention, the content of the polyol (A) is preferably 99.5% by mass or less, more preferably 98% by mass or less relative to the total amount of the paper treatment agent excluding water.

[0044] (B) Sulfonate

[0045] In the paper treatment agent of the present invention, the sulfonate of the component (B) is formulated together with the polyol (A) in an amount within a specific range, and by formulating (C) water, a unique smooth feel like silk and coreless softness are imparted to paper, and the change in the moisture content of the paper under high humidity environmental conditions and under low humidity environmental conditions is small, and the evaporation of moisture from the paper can be suppressed even under low humidity environmental conditions.

[0046] (B) The sulfonate has one or more sulfonate structures (-SO3X), preferably has a hydrophobic group and a hydrophilic group, and has surface activity because the hydrophilic group is a sulfonate structure (-SO3X). The hydrophobic group preferably contains an alkyl group.

[0047] There is no particular limitation on the number of carbon atoms in the alkyl group of the sulfonate, and for example, the number of carbon atoms is 4 to 30 (C4 to C30). From the viewpoint of improving the silk-like specific smooth feeling and coreless softness, especially from the viewpoint of improving the silk-like specific smooth feeling, the number of carbon atoms in the alkyl group is preferably 8 or more, more preferably 10 or more, further preferably 14 or more, and particularly preferably 16 or more. From the viewpoint of being easily soluble in polyols and more easily exerting the effects of the present invention, the number of carbon atoms in the alkyl group is preferably 26 or less, more preferably 24 or less, further preferably 22 or less, and particularly preferably 18 or less. The number of carbon atoms in the alkyl group is expressed as an integer. It should be noted that these alkyl groups may be either unsaturated or saturated, and may be either linear or branched.

[0048] The sulfonate of the component (B) used in the present invention is not particularly limited, and examples thereof include alkyl sulfonates, alkylbenzene sulfonates, alkylnaphthalene sulfonates, sulfosuccinates, sulfofatty acid esters, α-olefin sulfonates, acetyloyl alkyl taurates, and sodium coconut fatty acid methyl taurine. These may be used alone or in combination of two or more.

[0049] Among them, from the viewpoint of exerting the effects of the present invention, alkyl sulfonates, alkylbenzene sulfonates, sulfosuccinate salts, and sulfofatty acid ester salts are preferred; and alkyl sulfonates, alkylbenzene sulfonates, and sulfosuccinate salts are more preferred.

[0050] The counter cation of the sulfonic acid anion in the (B) sulfonate is not particularly limited, and examples thereof include alkali metal ions such as sodium ion and potassium ion.

[0051] (B) The content of the sulfonate is 0.05% by mass or more and less than 8.0% by mass relative to the total amount of the paper treatment agent excluding water. However, from the viewpoint of improving the unique smooth feeling like silk and the softness without a core, the content of the sulfonate is preferably 0.1% by mass or more, more preferably 0.2% by mass or more, further preferably 0.4% by mass or more, further preferably 0.7% by mass or more, still further preferably 1.5% by mass or more, and particularly preferably 2.0% by mass or more relative to the total amount of the paper treatment agent excluding water. In addition, from the viewpoint of improving the fluidity of the paper treatment agent, the content of the sulfonate is preferably 7.9% by mass or less, more preferably 6.0% by mass or less, and further preferably 5.0% by mass or less relative to the total amount of the paper treatment agent excluding water.

[0052] From the viewpoint of improving the silk-like unique smooth feeling and coreless softness, in the paper treating agent of the present invention, the mass ratio of the sulfonate to the (A) polyol (component (B) / component (A)) is preferably 0.001 or more, more preferably 0.007 or more, further preferably 0.015 or more, and particularly preferably 0.02 or more. From the viewpoint of the fluidity of the treating agent, the mass ratio of the sulfonate to the (A) polyol (component (B) / component (A)) is preferably 0.085 or less, more preferably 0.07 or less, and further preferably 0.053 or less.

[0053] (C) Water

[0054] In the paper treating agent of the present invention, water as the component (C) is an essential component for achieving the effect of the present invention in combination with the sulfonate as the component (B).

[0055] (C) The water as the component is not particularly limited, and examples thereof include ion-exchanged water, tap water, and sterilized water.

[0056] The content of (C) water is not particularly limited, and may be, for example, 0.1 to 90% by mass relative to the total amount of the paper treatment agent. In view of the stability and viscosity of the paper treatment agent, the content of (C) water is preferably 1% by mass or more, more preferably 5% by mass or more, and even more preferably 8% by mass or more. In view of production efficiency and the ease of adjusting the viscosity by the type of coater, the content of (C) water is preferably 80% by mass or less, more preferably 50% by mass or less, and even more preferably 30% by mass or less.

[0057] (D) Other ingredients

[0058] In the range that does not impair the effect of the present invention, other components (D) other than the above can be added as raw materials to the paper treatment agent of the present invention. Such other components are not particularly limited, and examples thereof include, for example, oily components, surfactants (nonionic surfactants, anionic surfactants other than component (B), cationic surfactants, and zwitterionic surfactants), moisturizing components other than component (A), thickeners, mildewproofing agents, preservatives, defoaming agents, fragrances, pigments, pH adjusters, extracts, antioxidants, anti-inflammatory agents, inorganic minerals, inorganic salts, and water-soluble polymers. These can be used alone or in combination of two or more.

[0059] Oily ingredients

[0060] The oily component is mainly used to improve the wet feeling with oily feeling and the touch (smoothness) of the surface of the treated paper. Examples of the oily component include hydrocarbons, oils, esters, fatty acids, higher alcohols, silicone oils, waxes, and steroids. These may be used alone or in combination of two or more.

[0061] Examples of the hydrocarbons include liquid paraffin, paraffin, solid paraffin, light isoparaffin, light liquid isoparaffin, liquid isoparaffin, ozokerite, microcrystalline wax, vaseline, squalane, polyethylene wax, polypropylene wax, hydrogenated polyisobutylene, ethylene·α-olefin·co-oligomers and ethylene propylene polymers.

[0062] Examples of the oils and fats include avocado oil, almond oil, linseed oil, olive oil, cocoa seed oil, perilla seed oil, camellia oil, castor oil, sesame oil, wheat germ oil, rice germ oil, rice bran oil, sasanqua oil, safflower oil, soybean oil, evening primrose oil, camellia oil, corn oil, rapeseed oil, peach kernel oil, palm kernel oil, coconut oil, palm oil, beef tallow, lard, horse tallow, mutton tallow, shea butter, cocoa seed butter, tortoise oil, mink oil, egg yolk oil, persicrin oil, castor oil, sunflower seed oil, jojoba oil, grape seed oil, macadamia nut oil, cottonseed oil, meadowfoam oil, coconut oil, peanut oil, cod liver oil, rosehip oil, hydrogenated beef tallow oil; extremely hydrogenated beef tallow oil, hydrogenated castor oil, and extremely hydrogenated palm oil.

[0063] Examples of the esters include stearic acid alkyl esters, palmitic acid alkyl esters, myristic acid alkyl esters, lauric acid alkyl esters, behenic acid alkyl esters, oleic acid alkyl esters, isostearic acid alkyl esters, 12-hydroxystearic acid alkyl esters, undecylenic acid alkyl esters, lanolin fatty acid alkyl esters, erucic acid alkyl esters, coconut oil fatty acid alkyl esters, stearoyloxy stearic acid alkyl esters, isononanoic acid alkyl esters, dimethyloctanoic acid alkyl esters, octanoic acid alkyl esters, lactic acid alkyl esters, ethylhexanoic acid alkyl esters, neopentanoic acid alkyl esters, malic acid alkyl esters, phthalic acid alkyl esters, citric acid alkyl esters, malonic acid alkyl esters, adipic acid alkyl esters, ethylene glycol fatty acid esters, propylene glycol fatty acid esters, butylene glycol fatty acid esters, trimethylolpropane fatty acid esters, pentaerythritol fatty acid esters, polyglycerol fatty acid esters, trehalose fatty acid esters, and pentylene glycol fatty acid esters.

[0064] Examples of the fatty acids include stearic acid, palmitic acid, myristic acid, lauric acid, behenic acid, oleic acid, isostearic acid, 12-hydroxystearic acid, undecylenic acid, lanolin fatty acid, erucic acid and stearoyloxystearyl acid.

[0065] Examples of the higher alcohols include lauryl alcohol, cetyl alcohol, cetearyl alcohol, stearyl alcohol, oleyl alcohol, behenyl alcohol, lanolin alcohol, hexyldecanol, myristyl alcohol, arachidyl alcohol, phytosterol, isostearyl alcohol and octyldodecanol.

[0066] Examples of the silicone oils include amino-modified silicone oil, epoxy-modified silicone oil, carboxyl-modified silicone oil, polyether-modified oil, polyglycerol-modified silicone oil, dimethylpolysiloxane, dimethyl silicone, polyether-modified silicone, methylphenyl silicone, alkyl-modified silicone, higher fatty acid-modified silicone, methylhydrogen silicone, fluorine-modified silicone, epoxy-modified silicone, carboxyl-modified silicone, methanol-modified silicone, amino-modified silicone, methylpolysiloxane, methylphenylpolysiloxane, silicone resin, dimethicone, methylhydrogenpolysiloxane, methylcyclopolysiloxane, octamethyltrisiloxane, tetramethylhexasiloxane, and high-polymer methylpolysiloxane.

[0067] Examples of the waxes include Japan wax, beeswax, sumac wax, lacquer wax, sugarcane wax, palm wax, montan wax, carnauba wax, candelilla wax, rice wax, lanolin, spermaceti, reduced lanolin, liquid lanolin, hard lanolin, ozokerite, and paraffin wax.

[0068] Examples of the steroids include cholesterol, dihydrocholesterol, and cholesterol fatty acid esters.

[0069] Surfactants

[0070] Among the surfactants, the nonionic surfactant is not particularly limited, and examples thereof include sorbitan fatty acid esters, polyoxyethylene sorbitan fatty acid esters, polyoxyethylene fatty acid esters, polyoxyethylene hydrogenated castor oil, polyoxyethylene castor oil, polyoxyethylene hydrogenated castor oil fatty acid esters, castor oil fatty acid esters, hydrogenated castor oil fatty acid esters, ethylene glycol fatty acid esters, sucrose fatty acid esters, glycerol fatty acid esters, diglycerol fatty acid esters, polyglycerol fatty acid esters, organic acid monoglyceride, polyethylene glycol fatty acid monoethanolamide, propylene glycol fatty acid esters, polyoxyethylene lanolin alcohol ether, polyoxyethylene alkyl ether, lauric acid alkanolamide, polyoxyethylene glycerol fatty acid esters, polyoxyethylene hydrogenated castor oil pyroglutamic acid fatty acid diester, pyroglutamic acid fatty acid glyceryl ester, polyoxyethylene glyceryl pyroglutamic acid fatty acid diester and polyether-modified silicone.

[0071] As anionic surfactants other than component (B), there are no particular limitations on them, and examples thereof include sulfates, phosphates, carboxylates, etc. As sulfates, there are no particular limitations on them, and examples thereof include alkyl sulfates, alkyl sulfate ester salts, alkyl ether sulfates, alkyl amide sulfates, polyoxyethylene alkyl ether sulfates, etc. As phosphates, there are no particular limitations on them, and examples thereof include phosphate ester salts, alkyl ether phosphates, alkyl amide phosphates, perfluoroalkyl phosphates, polyoxyethylene alkyl ether phosphates, alkyl phosphates, etc. As carboxylates, there are no particular limitations on them, and examples thereof include fatty acid salts, N-acyl amino acid salts (N-acyl-L-glutamates, N-acyl-L-arginine ethyl-DL-pyrrolidone carboxylates, etc.), alkyl ether carboxylates, and polyoxyethylene alkyl ether acetates, etc.

[0072] The cationic surfactant is not particularly limited, and examples thereof include monoalkyltrimethylammonium salts, dialkyldimethylammonium salts, alkylpyridinium salts, N,N-diacetyloyloxyethyl-N-methyl, N-hydroxyethylammonium salts, alkylamine salts, stearyldimethylbenzylammonium salts, and the like.

[0073] The amphoteric surfactant is not particularly limited, and examples thereof include alkyl betaines, fatty acid amide propyl betaines, lauryl hydroxysulfobetaine, 2-alkyl-N-carboxymethyl-N-hydroxyethylimidazolinium betaines, lecithin, hydrogenated lecithin, alkyloxyhydroxypropyl arginine hydrochloride, lauryl hydroxybetaine, lauriminodipropionate, sodium undecylhydroxyethylimidazolium betaine, sodium laurylaminodiacetate, lauryldimethylaminoacetic acid betaine, N-[3-alkoxy-2-hydroxypropyl]-L-arginine hydrochloride, alkyl hydroxysulfobetaine, alkyl dimethylamine oxide, sodium alkylaminodipropionate, dihydroxyalkylmethylglycine, and sodium lauryldiaminoethylglycine.

[0074] As moisturizing ingredients other than component (A), there is no particular limitation, and examples thereof include amino acids, hygroscopic alkalis and acids, and salts thereof. As amino acids, examples thereof include glycine, valine, leucine, isoleucine, serine, threonine, phenylalanine, arginine, lysine, aspartic acid, glutamic acid, cystine, cysteine, methionine, and tryptophan. As hygroscopic alkalis and acids, examples thereof include trimethylglycine, betaine, pyrophosphate, sodium pyrophosphate, chondroitin sulfate, potassium pyrophosphate, hyaluronic acid, sodium hyaluronate, sodium metaphosphate, potassium polyphosphate, sodium pyrrolidonecarboxylate, sodium lactate, sodium chloride, calcium chloride, sodium alginate, sodium polyacrylate, and the like. These may be used alone or in combination of two or more.

[0075] The content of the component (D) is preferably 90% by mass or less, more preferably 70% by mass or less, further preferably 50% by mass or less, particularly preferably 30% by mass or less, based on the total amount of the paper treatment agent excluding water.

[0076] The paper treating agent of the present invention can be produced by uniformly mixing the raw materials according to a conventional method, for example, by stirring and mixing the raw materials under a temperature condition at which the raw materials are dissolved.

[0077] In the paper treatment agent of the present invention, when the components (A), (B) and (C) are formulated, the components (A), (B) and (C) may be uniformly mixed. Furthermore, when the component (D) is also formulated, the components (A), (B), (C) and (D) may be uniformly mixed, for example, in a molten state, a solubilized state, an emulsified state or a dispersed state.

[0078] The paper treatment agent of the present invention contains the components (A), (B) and (C), and has low viscosity before being applied to paper. After being applied to paper, the effect of the present invention is exhibited by appropriately retaining moisture on the coated paper. Since the paper treatment agent of the present invention has low viscosity, it is easy to transfer and has good treatment capacity, and it is easy to manage the amount of treatment agent attached to the treated paper, and the operability is good. The uniform coating property of the paper treatment agent on the paper, which is related to the feel of the paper, is also good.

[0079] The viscosity of the paper treating agent of the present invention measured using a B-type viscometer at 60 rpm and 40° C. is preferably less than 2000 mPa·s, more preferably less than 500 mPa·s.

[0080] Furthermore, the paper treatment agent of the present invention maintains a uniform state over time and has high stability. That is, the paper treatment agent has good stability over time and can maintain a suitable viscosity even over a long period of time.

[0081] As a preferred example of the paper treatment agent of the present invention, there can be mentioned a paper treatment agent containing 50% by mass or more and 98% by mass of the component (A), 0.7% by mass or more and 7.9% by mass or less of an alkyl sulfonate having an alkyl group having 12 to 26 carbon atoms as the component (B), based on the total amount of the paper treatment agent excluding water, and 5% by mass or more and 50% by mass or less of the component (C), based on the total amount of the paper treatment agent excluding water; and 50% by mass or more and 98% by mass of the component (A), 0.7% by mass or more and 7.9% by mass or less of an alkyl sulfonate having an alkyl group having 12 to 26 carbon atoms as the component (B), based on the total amount of the paper treatment agent excluding water. The invention also provides a paper treatment agent which contains 5% by mass or more and 50% by mass or less of an alkylbenzene sulfonate having an alkyl group having 12 to 26 carbon atoms as the component (B); a paper treatment agent which contains 5% by mass or more and 50% by mass or less of the component (C) based on the total amount of the paper treatment agent; a paper treatment agent which contains 50% by mass or more and 98% by mass or less of the component (A) based on the total amount of the paper treatment agent excluding water; a sulfosuccinate salt having an alkyl group having 12 to 26 carbon atoms as the component (B) in an amount of 0.7% by mass or more and 7.9% by mass or less; and a paper treatment agent which contains 5% by mass or more and 50% by mass or less of the component (C) based on the total amount of the paper treatment agent.

[0082] (Paper)

[0083] The paper of the present invention is paper treated with the paper treatment agent described above. By treating the paper with the paper treatment agent of the present invention, the paper can be given a unique smooth feel like silk and softness without a core, and the moisture content of the paper under high humidity and low humidity environmental conditions changes little, and even under low humidity environmental conditions, the evaporation of moisture from the paper can be suppressed.

[0084] Examples of the paper include facial tissue, toilet tissue, facial tissue, pocket tissue, paper handkerchief, and paper towel.

[0085] The mass per unit area of ​​the paper is not particularly limited, but is preferably 1 to 50 g / m 2 , more preferably 5 to 20 g / m 2 The ply number (the number of base paper layers) is not particularly limited, but is preferably 1 to 5, more preferably 2 to 3.

[0086] There is no particular limitation on the method of treating paper with a paper treatment agent, and examples thereof include methods of coating on paper. There is no particular limitation on the method of coating on paper, and examples thereof include methods such as transfer and spraying. As the method of coating on paper using these methods, examples thereof include flexographic printing, gravure printing, spraying, and rotor damping. In the flexographic printing method, a flexographic printing machine, which is a kind of relief printing machine, is used to transfer the paper treatment agent to paper using a roller with a printing plate such as rubber or synthetic resin having an engraved surface. In the gravure printing method, a gravure printing machine, which is a kind of gravure printing machine, is used to transfer the paper treatment agent to paper using a roller mounted on a metal roller with a plate made on the surface. In the spraying method, the paper treatment agent is sprayed onto the paper in a mist form from a nozzle using compressed air. In the rotor damping method, the paper treatment agent is sprayed onto the paper in a mist form using a high-speed rotating disc.

[0087] The amount of the paper treatment agent applied to paper is not particularly limited, but is preferably 1 to 7 g / m2 in terms of the mass of the paper treatment agent excluding water. 2 , more preferably 1.5 to 6 g / m 2 .

[0088] (Methods to improve the feel of paper)

[0089] The method for improving the feel of paper of the present invention is characterized by treating the paper with the paper treating agent described above. The specific method of treating paper with the paper treating agent is as described above. By treating paper with the paper treating agent of the present invention, a unique smooth feeling like silk and a loose touch with less fluffy feeling can be given to the paper, and the burden on the skin can be reduced, and the coreless softness reminiscent of gentleness to the skin can be improved.

[0090] [Example]

[0091] Hereinafter, the present invention will be described in further detail by way of examples, but the present invention is not limited to these examples.

[0092] (1) Preparation of paper treatment agents

[0093] A paper treating agent was prepared according to the following steps.

[0094] Each raw material was added to a beaker in the amount listed in Tables 1 to 5, and stirred and mixed under a temperature condition to dissolve each raw material, thereby preparing a paper treatment agent. When the total amount contains water, the amount of each component shown in Tables 1 to 5 is expressed as an effective component excluding water. It should be noted that the water content of the total amount is included in the amount of water added in the table.

[0095] (2) Preparation of coated paper

[0096] The paper treatment agent obtained by the above method was evenly applied on a dry paper towel (ply number 2, mass per unit area 12-14 g / m2) so that the mass of the paper treatment agent excluding water was 25 mass%±3% relative to the mass of the base paper. 2 ) on both sides of the surface and then allowed to air dry for 3 hours.

[0097] (3) Evaluation

[0098] The following evaluations were performed on the paper treating agents and coated papers of the respective Examples and Comparative Examples prepared above.

[0099] [Unique silky smoothness (sensory evaluation)]

[0100] As a sensory evaluation, 10 skilled panelists evaluated the coated paper prepared according to the above step (2) with any score from 1 to 3 points according to the following evaluation score, and evaluated the unique silk-like smooth feeling based on the average value according to the following standards.

[0101] Evaluation score

[0102] 3 points: Feel the unique smoothness like silk.

[0103] 2 points: A unique silk-like smoothness can be felt.

[0104] 1 point: The unique smoothness like silk is not felt.

[0105] Evaluation Criteria

[0106] ◎+: The average score of the 10 panelists is 2.5 or above

[0107] ◎: The average score of the 10 panelists is 2.0 or more and less than 2.5

[0108] ○: The average score of the 10 panelists is 1.5 or more and less than 2.0

[0109] ×: The average score of the 10 panelists is less than 1.5 points

[0110] [Softness of coreless (sensory evaluation)]

[0111] As a sensory evaluation, 10 skilled panelists evaluated the coated paper prepared according to the above step (2) with any score from 1 to 3 points according to the following evaluation score, and the softness of the coreless paper was evaluated based on the average value according to the following criteria.

[0112] Evaluation score

[0113] 3 points: Feel the softness of the coreless fabric.

[0114] 2 points: Slightly feel the softness of the coreless fabric.

[0115] 1 point: The softness of the coreless fabric cannot be felt.

[0116] Evaluation criteria;

[0117] ◎+: The average score of the 10 panelists is 2.5 or above

[0118] ◎: The average score of the 10 panelists is 2.0 or more and less than 2.5

[0119] ○: The average score of the 10 panelists is 1.5 or more and less than 2.0

[0120] ×: The average score of the 10 panelists is less than 1.5 points

[0121] [Coreless softness (T0 / T m value)]

[0122] As a test instrument, a KES-G5 hand-held compression tester (manufactured by Japan Kato Technology Co., Ltd.) was used to measure T0 of two coated papers (one set): at a load of 0.5 gf / cm 2 Thickness (mm) and Tm: Under load 50gf / cm 2 Thickness at time (mm).

[0123] If the T0 value is equal to T m The ratio of the value of T0 / T m The lower the value, the less difference there is in thickness between when no load is applied and when a load is applied, and the paper can be made less fluffy and more relaxed. T0 / T represents the relaxation of the paper. m The value is related to the softness of the coreless in the above sensory evaluation, T0 / T m The lower the value, the softer the coreless fabric will feel. mThe softness of the coreless was evaluated according to the following criteria.

[0124] Evaluation Criteria

[0125] ◎+:T0 / T m The value is less than 1.8

[0126] ◎:T0 / T m The value is 1.8 or more and less than 2.0

[0127] ○:T0 / T m The value is greater than 2.0 and less than 2.2

[0128] ×: T0 / T m Value is 2.2 or above

[0129] [Humidity environment dependence]

[0130] For the coated paper prepared according to the step (2) above, the mass of the paper after standing for 24 hours at 40% RH and 70% RH, 25°C, respectively, and the mass of the paper after being completely dried at 80°C for 1.5 hours were measured, and the ratio of water to the mass of the paper completely dried at 40% RH and 70% RH, 25°C was calculated based on the values.

[0131] From this value, the difference in ratio between the completely dried mass of the paper at 25°C and 40% RH and that at 25°C and 70% RH was calculated, and the humidity environment dependency was evaluated according to the following criteria.

[0132] Evaluation Criteria

[0133] ◎+: The difference between the ratio of water to the completely dry mass of paper at 40% RH and 70% RH is less than 7.0%

[0134] ◎: The difference between the ratio of water to the completely dry mass of paper at 40% RH and 70% RH is 7.0% or more and less than 8.0%

[0135] ○: The difference between the ratio of water to the completely dried mass of the paper at 40% RH and 70% RH is 8.0% or more and less than 9.0%

[0136] ×: The difference between the ratio of water to the completely dried mass of paper at 40% RH and 70% RH is more than 9.0%

[0137] [Moisture content under low humidity environmental conditions]

[0138] For the coated paper prepared according to the step (2) above, the mass of the paper after standing for 24 hours under environmental conditions of 25% RH and 25°C and the mass of the paper after standing for 1.5 hours at 80°C and completely dried were measured. The ratio of water to the mass of the paper completely dried at 25% RH and 25°C was calculated based on the difference and used as the moisture content at 25% RH. The moisture content under low humidity environmental conditions was evaluated according to the following standards.

[0139] Evaluation Criteria

[0140] ◎+: Moisture content is 5.1% or more at 25% RH

[0141] ◎: Moisture content at 25% RH is 4.7% or more and less than 5.1%

[0142] ○: Moisture content at 25% RH is 4.5% or more and less than 4.7%

[0143] ×: Moisture content is less than 4.5% at 25% RH

[0144] [Viscosity of paper treatment agent]

[0145] The viscosity of the paper treating agent prepared according to the above-mentioned procedure (1) was measured using a B-type viscometer at 60 rpm and 40° C., and evaluated according to the following criteria.

[0146] Evaluation Criteria

[0147] ◎: The viscosity of the paper treatment agent is less than 500 mPa·s

[0148] ○: The viscosity of the paper treatment agent is 500 mPa·s or more and less than 2000 mPa·s

[0149] ×: The viscosity of the paper treatment agent is 2000 mPa·s or more or cannot be measured (cannot maintain a uniform state)

[0150] [Stability of paper treatment agents]

[0151] The paper treating agent prepared according to the above-mentioned procedure (1) was checked for its state immediately after preparation and when stored at room temperature for 1 month, and evaluated according to the following criteria in consideration of suitability for practical use.

[0152] Evaluation Criteria

[0153] ◎: Maintains uniformity from immediately after preparation to 1 month later

[0154] ○: The state changed slightly from immediately after preparation to 1 month later, but the uniform state was maintained.

[0155] ×: Not uniform right after preparation, or not uniform for 1 month

[0156] The formulation of each example and comparative example and the evaluation results of each item are shown in Tables 1 to 5. In Tables 1 to 5, the formulation amount of each component is shown in parts by mass.

[0157] In the evaluation of each item in Tables 1 to 5, the silk-like unique smooth feeling (sensory evaluation), the softness without core (sensory evaluation), the softness without core (T0 / T m In the evaluation of the humidity environment dependence and the water content under low humidity environment conditions, ○, ◎, and ◎+ indicate that the problem of the present invention is well solved, and the degree of goodness in this order is indicated. In addition, in these evaluations, if there is one or more × in all of them, it is judged that the problem of the present invention cannot be solved.

[0158] In the table, C of the sulfonate (B) represents the number of carbon atoms of the alkyl group.

[0159] [Table 1]

[0160]

[0161] [Table 2]

[0162]

[0163] [Table 3]

[0164]

[0165] [Table 4]

[0166]

[0167] [Table 5]

[0168]

[0169] As shown in Tables 1 to 5, Examples 1 to 35 use a paper treatment agent, which contains (A) a polyol, (B) a sulfonate, and (C) water, wherein the content of (B) the sulfonate is 0.05% by mass or more and less than 8.0% by mass relative to the total amount excluding water. These paper treatment agents have a unique smooth feeling like silk and coreless softness, and have little dependence on humidity environments, and can inhibit the evaporation of water even under low humidity environmental conditions. The paper treatment agent has a low viscosity and good stability over time. In addition, due to T 0 / T mThe coated paper with low value, less fluffy and loose texture has good softness without core in sensory evaluation, so it can be confirmed that T0 / T m The values ​​correlated with the softness of the coreless in the sensory evaluation.

[0170] Comparative Example 1 mixes components (A) and (C), but does not mix component (B); Comparative Example 2 mixes component (B), but the mixing amount is large; Comparative Examples 3 and 4 mix components (B) and (C), but do not mix component (A); Comparative Examples 5 and 6 mix other anionic surfactants to replace component (B); Comparative Examples 7 to 9 mix components (A) and (B), but do not mix component (C). None of these comparative examples achieve the same effect as the examples.

Claims

1. A paper treating agent, wherein: It contains (A) a polyol, (B) a sulfonate and (C) water, The content of the (B) sulfonate is 0.05% by mass or more and less than 8.0% by mass based on the total amount of the paper treating agent excluding water.

2. The paper treating agent according to claim 1, wherein The (B) sulfonate has an alkyl group having 4 to 30 carbon atoms.

3. A paper, wherein: The paper is treated with the paper treating agent according to claim 1 or claim 2.

4. A method for improving the feel of paper, wherein: The paper treating agent according to claim 1 or claim 2 is used to treat paper.

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