Hydrophilizing agent, non-woven fabric, and method for producing non-woven fabric

Abstract

The present invention addresses the problem of imparting good rewetting resistance to a nonwoven fabric while maintaining good initial hydrophilicity and durable hydrophilicity. The hydrophilization treatment agent contains at least one selected from the group consisting of a specific anionic component and a specific polyether-modified silicone, and is applied to a nonwoven fabric comprising synthetic fibers comprising a thermoplastic resin containing a specific hydrophobic component.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a hydrophilizing agent, a nonwoven fabric, and a method for producing the nonwoven fabric. Background Art

[0002] Generally, synthetic fibers are used as raw material fibers of nonwoven fabrics. For example, nonwoven fabrics are manufactured by a spunbond method using synthetic fibers composed of thermoplastic resins such as polyolefins. Nonwoven fabrics are given hydrophilicity and other functions by coating a treatment agent on the nonwoven fabric. Nonwoven fabrics given hydrophilicity and other functions are effectively used in a wide range of fields such as sanitary materials, medical fields, and civil engineering fields.

[0003] Patent Document 1 discloses a spunbonded nonwoven fabric produced using synthetic fibers made of polyolefins. Patent Document 1 discloses that a hydrophilizing agent is attached to the synthetic fibers to be used as a surface material for sanitary materials. Prior art literature Patent Literature

[0004] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2003-201670 Summary of the invention Problems to be solved by the invention

[0005] However, nonwoven fabrics used in the field of sanitary materials, etc., are required to have good hydrophilicity, both initial hydrophilicity and durable hydrophilicity. Nonwoven fabrics are further required to have anti-rewetting property, that is, to suppress the so-called rewetting of liquid temporarily absorbed into the absorbent body from seeping out to the outside. Generally, hydrophilicity and anti-rewetting property are in a compromise relationship, and it is difficult to properly take both into account. Means for solving problems

[0006] The hydrophilizing agent of embodiment 1 is characterized in that it contains at least one selected from an anionic component (A) and a polyether-modified silicone (B), and is applied to a nonwoven fabric formed of synthetic fibers composed of a thermoplastic resin containing a hydrophobic component (E).

[0007] The anionic component (A) is at least one selected from fatty acids (a1), organic sulfonic acids (a2), organic sulfates (a3), polyoxyalkylene organic sulfates (a4), alkyl phosphates having an alkyl group with 6 to 12 carbon atoms (a5), polyoxyalkylene alkyl phosphates having an alkyl group with 6 to 12 carbon atoms (a6), and salts thereof.

[0008] The mass average molecular weight of the polyether-modified silicone (B) is 1,000 or more and 100,000 or less. The hydrophobic component (E) is at least one selected from the group consisting of an ester compound (e1) of a monocarboxylic acid having 12 to 24 carbon atoms and a monohydric aliphatic alcohol, an ester compound (e2) of a monocarboxylic acid having 12 to 24 carbon atoms and a polyhydric alcohol having a valence of 2 to 5, a metal salt (e3) of a monocarboxylic acid having 16 to 24 carbon atoms, a fatty amide compound (e4) having 16 to 40 carbon atoms, a monohydric aliphatic alcohol having 16 to 32 carbon atoms, an ethylene·α-olefin copolymer (e6), a propylene·α-olefin copolymer (e7), an alkyl-modified silicone (e8), and a polydimethylsilicone (e9).

[0009] Regarding Embodiment 2, in the hydrophilizing agent according to Embodiment 1, the total content ratio of the anionic component (A) and the polyether-modified silicone (B) is 10 mass % or more and 100 mass % or less relative to the total mass of the hydrophilizing agent.

[0010] Regarding embodiment 3, in the hydrophilization treatment agent described in embodiment 1 or 2, the above-mentioned hydrophobic component (E) contains at least one selected from the group consisting of an ester compound (e1) of a monocarboxylic acid having 12 to 24 carbon atoms and a monohydric aliphatic alcohol, an ester compound (e2) of a monocarboxylic acid having 12 to 24 carbon atoms and a polyhydric alcohol having a valence of at least 2 and at most 5, a metal salt (e3) of a monocarboxylic acid having 16 to 24 carbon atoms, and a fatty amide compound (e4) having 16 to 40 carbon atoms.

[0011] Regarding embodiment 4, in the hydrophilizing agent described in any one of embodiments 1 to 3, the above-mentioned anion component (A) contains at least one selected from the group consisting of organic sulfonic acid (a2), alkyl phosphate (a5) having an alkyl group with 6 to 12 carbon atoms, polyoxyalkylene alkyl phosphate (a6) having an alkyl group with 6 to 12 carbon atoms, and salts thereof, and the mass average molecular weight of the above-mentioned polyether-modified silicone (B) is 3,000 to 50,000.

[0012] Regarding embodiment 5, the hydrophilizing agent described in any one of embodiments 1 to 4 further contains a nonionic surfactant (D), the mass average molecular weight of the nonionic surfactant (D) is 200 to 20,000, and it is at least one selected from the following compounds: a compound (d1) formed by adding a total of 3 mol or more and 50 mol or less of an alkylene oxide having 2 to 3 carbon atoms to 1 mol of a monovalent to tetravalent alcohol having 2 to 18 carbon atoms; a compound (d2) formed by adding a total of 3 mol or more and 50 mol or less of an alkylene oxide having 2 to 3 carbon atoms to 1 mol of a monovalent to tetravalent alcohol having 2 to 18 carbon atoms; a compound (d3) formed by adding a total of 3 mol or more and 50 mol or less of an alkylene oxide having 2 to 3 carbon atoms to 1 mol of a monovalent to tetravalent alcohol having 2 to 18 carbon atoms; An ester compound of a monovalent fatty acid, a compound (d2) formed by adding an alkylene oxide having 2 to 4 carbon atoms in a ratio of 1 mol to 100 mol; and an ether ester compound (d3) formed by condensing 1 mol of the following compound with 2 to 3 mol of a monovalent fatty acid having 8 to 22 carbon atoms, the compound being a compound formed by adding an alkylene oxide having 2 to 4 carbon atoms in a ratio of 1 mol to 100 mol relative to an ester compound of a divalent to 4-valent alcohol having 2 to 6 carbon atoms and a monovalent fatty acid having 8 to 22 carbon atoms.

[0013] Regarding Embodiment 6, in the hydrophilization treatment agent according to any one of Embodiments 1 to 5, the thermoplastic resin contains 0.1% by mass or more and 10% by mass or less of the hydrophobic component (E). According to Embodiment 7, in the hydrophilization agent according to any one of Embodiments 1 to 6, the thermoplastic resin is a polyolefin.

[0014] Regarding Embodiment 8, in the hydrophilizing agent according to any one of Embodiments 1 to 7, the nonwoven fabric has a basis weight of 5 g / m 2 Above and 50g / m 2 The following long fiber nonwoven fabrics. The nonwoven fabric of method 9 is a nonwoven fabric formed of synthetic fibers, which are composed of a thermoplastic resin containing a hydrophobic component (E). The key point of the nonwoven fabric is that a hydrophilizing agent is attached to the surface, and the hydrophilizing agent contains at least one selected from an anionic component (A) and a polyether-modified silicone (B), and an optional nonionic surfactant (D).

[0015] The anionic component (A) is at least one selected from fatty acids (a1), organic sulfonic acids (a2), organic sulfates (a3), polyoxyalkylene organic sulfates (a4), alkyl phosphates having an alkyl group with 6 to 12 carbon atoms (a5), polyoxyalkylene alkyl phosphates having an alkyl group with 6 to 12 carbon atoms (a6), and salts thereof.

[0016] The mass average molecular weight of the polyether-modified silicone (B) is 1,000 or more and 100,000 or less. The hydrophobic component (E) is at least one selected from the group consisting of an ester compound (e1) of a monocarboxylic acid having 12 to 24 carbon atoms and a monohydric aliphatic alcohol, an ester compound (e2) of a monocarboxylic acid having 12 to 24 carbon atoms and a polyhydric alcohol having a valence of 2 to 5, a metal salt (e3) of a monocarboxylic acid having 16 to 24 carbon atoms, a fatty amide compound (e4) having 16 to 40 carbon atoms, a monohydric aliphatic alcohol having 16 to 32 carbon atoms, an ethylene·α-olefin copolymer (e6), a propylene·α-olefin copolymer (e7), an alkyl-modified silicone (e8), and a polydimethylsilicone (e9).

[0017] The key point of the method for manufacturing a nonwoven fabric of method 10 is that a hydrophilizing agent is attached to the nonwoven fabric, wherein the hydrophilizing agent contains at least one selected from an anionic component (A) and a polyether-modified silicone (B), and an optional nonionic surfactant, and the nonwoven fabric is formed by synthetic fibers and the synthetic fibers are composed of a thermoplastic resin containing a hydrophobic component (E).

[0018] The anionic component (A) is at least one selected from fatty acids (a1), organic sulfonic acids (a2), organic sulfates (a3), polyoxyalkylene organic sulfates (a4), alkyl phosphates having an alkyl group with 6 to 12 carbon atoms (a5), polyoxyalkylene alkyl phosphates having an alkyl group with 6 to 12 carbon atoms (a6), and salts thereof.

[0019] The mass average molecular weight of the polyether-modified silicone (B) is 1,000 or more and 100,000 or less. The hydrophobic component (E) is at least one selected from the group consisting of an ester compound (e1) of a monocarboxylic acid having 12 to 24 carbon atoms and a monohydric aliphatic alcohol, an ester compound (e2) of a monocarboxylic acid having 12 to 24 carbon atoms and a polyhydric alcohol having a valence of 2 to 5, a metal salt (e3) of a monocarboxylic acid having 16 to 24 carbon atoms, a fatty amide compound (e4) having 16 to 40 carbon atoms, a monohydric aliphatic alcohol having 16 to 32 carbon atoms, an ethylene·α-olefin copolymer (e6), a propylene·α-olefin copolymer (e7), an alkyl-modified silicone (e8), and a polydimethylsilicone (e9). Effects of the Invention

[0020] According to the present invention, it is possible to impart good anti-rewetting properties to a nonwoven fabric while maintaining good initial hydrophilicity and durable hydrophilicity. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0021] <First Embodiment> A first embodiment of the hydrophilizing agent (hereinafter also referred to as a treatment agent) of the present invention will be described below.

[0022] The treatment agent of this embodiment contains at least one selected from the following anionic component (A) and the following polyether-modified silicone (B). The treatment agent is applied to a nonwoven fabric formed of synthetic fibers (the synthetic fibers are composed of a thermoplastic resin containing the following hydrophobic component (E)).

[0023] The anionic component (A) is at least one selected from fatty acids (a1), organic sulfonic acids (a2), organic sulfates (a3), polyoxyalkylene organic sulfates (a4), alkyl phosphates having an alkyl group with 6 to 12 carbon atoms (a5), polyoxyalkylene alkyl phosphates having an alkyl group with 6 to 12 carbon atoms (a6), and salts thereof.

[0024] The mass average molecular weight of the polyether-modified silicone (B) is 1,000 or more and 100,000 or less. The hydrophobic component (E) is at least one selected from the group consisting of an ester compound (e1) of a monocarboxylic acid having 12 to 24 carbon atoms and a monohydric aliphatic alcohol, an ester compound (e2) of a monocarboxylic acid having 12 to 24 carbon atoms and a polyhydric alcohol having a valence of at least 2 and at most 5, a metal salt (e3) of a monocarboxylic acid having 16 to 24 carbon atoms, a fatty amide compound (e4) having 16 to 40 carbon atoms, a monohydric aliphatic alcohol having 16 to 32 carbon atoms (e5), an ethylene·α-olefin copolymer (e6), a propylene·α-olefin copolymer (e7), an alkyl-modified silicone (e8), and a polydimethylsilicone (e9).

[0025] By making the treating agent contain the above-mentioned components and applying it to a nonwoven fabric formed of synthetic fibers (the synthetic fibers are composed of the thermoplastic resin containing the above-mentioned hydrophobic component (E)), good anti-rewetting properties can be imparted to the nonwoven fabric while maintaining good initial hydrophilicity and durable hydrophilicity.

[0026] <Anion component (A)> (Fatty Acid (a1)) The fatty acid (a1) as the anionic component (A) is not particularly limited, and may be a saturated fatty acid or an unsaturated fatty acid, and may be a straight-chain fatty acid or a branched fatty acid.

[0027] Specific examples of the fatty acid (a1) include acetic acid, octanoic acid, dodecanoic acid (lauric acid), tetradecanoic acid (myristic acid), pentadecanoic acid, hexadecanoic acid (cetyl acid, palmitic acid), octadecanoic acid (stearic acid), octadecenoic acid (oleic acid, linoleic acid), and the like.

[0028] (Organic sulfonic acid (a2)) The organic sulfonic acid (a2) as the anionic component (A) is not particularly limited. Examples of the organic sulfonic acid (a2) include compounds having a sulfonic acid group bonded to an aliphatic hydrocarbon or an aromatic hydrocarbon. Examples of the aliphatic hydrocarbon include hydrocarbons constituting the above-mentioned fatty acid (a1). Examples of the aromatic hydrocarbon include dodecylbenzene.

[0029] Specific examples of the organic sulfonic acid (a2) include lauryl sulfonic acid, myristic acid, pentadecane sulfonic acid, cetyl sulfonic acid, stearyl sulfonic acid, oleyl sulfonic acid, secondary alkyl sulfonic acid (having 13 to 15 carbon atoms), dioctyl sulfosuccinic acid, and dodecylbenzene sulfonic acid.

[0030] (Organic sulfuric acid ester (a3)) The organic sulfuric acid ester (a3) ​​as the anionic component (A) is not particularly limited. Examples of the organic sulfuric acid ester (a3) ​​include sulfuric acid esters of aliphatic alcohols, aromatic alcohols, unsaturated fatty acids, and fatty acid esters that necessarily contain unsaturated fatty acids. Examples of the aliphatic alcohol include alcohols of hydrocarbons that constitute the above-mentioned fatty acid (a1).

[0031] As an aromatic alcohol, dodecylbenzyl alcohol is mentioned, for example. Examples of the unsaturated fatty acid include oleic acid, ricinoleic acid, and linolenic acid.

[0032] Examples of the fatty acid esters that essentially contain unsaturated fatty acids include tallow, lard, castor oil, rapeseed oil, cottonseed oil, sesame oil, olive oil, soybean oil, coconut oil, palm oil, palm kernel oil, hydrogenated palm oil, and hydrogenated palm kernel oil.

[0033] The above-mentioned fatty acid ester is an ester compound having a structure formed by ester bonding of an alcohol and a fatty acid, and can be a synthetic product or a natural product. The fatty acid used for its composition must include unsaturated fatty acids, and can also contain saturated fatty acids, hydroxy fatty acids or hydroxy unsaturated fatty acids, etc.

[0034] Specific examples of the organic sulfuric acid ester (a3) ​​include lauryl sulfate, oleyl sulfate, stearyl sulfate, oleic acid sulfate, tallow sulfate, rapeseed oil sulfate, and the like.

[0035] (Polyoxyalkylene organic sulfate (a4)) The polyoxyalkylene organic sulfuric acid ester (a4) as the anionic component (A) is not particularly limited. As the polyoxyalkylene organic sulfuric acid ester (a4), for example, sulfuric acid esters of substances obtained by adding at least one alkylene oxide selected from ethylene oxide and propylene oxide to aliphatic alcohols can be cited. In addition, amine salts thereof can also be cited. As amine salts, triethanolamine salts and the like can be cited.

[0036] Specific examples of the polyoxyalkylene organic sulfate include polyoxyethylene lauryl ether sulfate, polyoxyalkylene (polyoxyethylene, polyoxypropylene) lauryl ether sulfate, polyoxyethylene oleyl ether sulfate, polyoxyethylene (3 mol) lauryl sulfate triethanolamine salt, and the like.

[0037] (Alkyl phosphate having 6 to 12 carbon atoms in the alkyl group (a5)) The alkyl phosphate (a5) in which the carbon number of the alkyl group of the anion component (A) is 6 or more and 12 or less is not particularly limited. Specific examples of the alkyl phosphate (a5) in which the carbon number of the alkyl group is 6 or more and 12 or less include hexyl phosphate, heptyl phosphate, octyl phosphate, nonyl phosphate, decyl phosphate, undecyl phosphate, and dodecyl phosphate.

[0038] (Polyoxyalkylene alkyl phosphate (a6) having an alkyl group with 6 to 12 carbon atoms) There are no particular restrictions on the polyoxyalkylene alkyl phosphate (a6) in which the alkyl group of the anion component (A) has 6 to 12 carbon atoms. Examples of the polyoxyalkylene alkyl phosphate (a6) in which the alkyl group has 6 to 12 carbon atoms include phosphates obtained by adding at least one alkylene oxide selected from ethylene oxide and propylene oxide to an aliphatic alcohol having 6 to 12 carbon atoms.

[0039] Specific examples of the polyoxyalkylene alkyl phosphate (a6) in which the alkyl group has 6 to 12 carbon atoms include polyoxyethylene hexyl ether phosphate, polyoxyethylene heptyl ether phosphate, polyoxyethylene octyl phosphate, polyoxyethylene nonyl ether phosphate, polyoxyethylene decyl ether phosphate, polyoxyethylene undecyl ether phosphate, polyoxyethylene dodecyl ether phosphate, and the like.

[0040] The anion component (A) may be a salt of the above-mentioned compound as the anion component (A). Specific examples of the salt include sodium salts and potassium salts. Furthermore, the anionic component (A) may be an anionic surfactant. That is, the salt may be a counter ion constituting the anionic surfactant.

[0041] Regarding these anionic components (A), one type of anionic components (A) may be used alone, or two or more types of anionic components (A) may be used in appropriate combination. <Polyether modified silicone (B)> The mass average molecular weight of the polyether-modified silicone (B) is 1000 or more and 100000 or less. The mass average molecular weight of the polyether-modified silicone (B) is preferably 3000 or more and 50000 or less. In one embodiment of the present invention, the mass average molecular weight of the polyether-modified silicone (B) is, for example, 2000 or more, 3600 or more, 14700 or more, or 48000 or more. In addition, the mass average molecular weight of the polyether-modified silicone (B) is, for example, 75000 or less, 48000 or less, 14700 or less, or 3600 or less.

[0042] Examples of the polyether-modified silicone (B) include ABn-type polyether-modified silicones, side-chain polyether-modified silicones, dual-end polyether-modified silicones, alkyl polyether-modified silicones having both a polyether group and an alkyl group introduced into the side chain or the terminal, side-chain polyether-modified silicones in which the polyether chain terminal portion is capped with an aliphatic compound or a fatty acid compound, dual-end polyether-modified silicones in which the polyether chain terminal portion is capped with an aliphatic compound or a fatty acid compound, and the like.

[0043] Regarding these polyether-modified silicones (B), one kind of polyether-modified silicone (B) may be used alone, or two or more kinds of polyether-modified silicones (B) may be used in appropriate combination.

[0044] In addition, it is preferred that the anionic component (A) contains at least one selected from an organic sulfonic acid (a2), an alkyl phosphate having an alkyl group with 6 to 12 carbon atoms (a5), a polyoxyalkylene alkyl phosphate having an alkyl group with 6 to 12 carbon atoms (a6), and salts thereof, and the mass average molecular weight of the polyether-modified silicone (B) is from 3,000 to 50,000.

[0045] By making the anionic component (A) contain at least one selected from the group consisting of an organic sulfonic acid (a2), an alkyl phosphate (a5) having an alkyl group with 6 to 12 carbon atoms, a polyoxyalkylene alkyl phosphate (a6) having an alkyl group with 6 to 12 carbon atoms, and salts thereof, and the mass average molecular weight of the polyether-modified silicone (B) being within the above numerical range, the initial hydrophilicity of the nonwoven fabric can be improved.

[0046] The content ratio of the anionic component (A) and the polyether-modified silicone (B) relative to the total mass of the treatment agent is not particularly limited. Relative to the total mass of the treatment agent, the total content ratio of the anionic component (A) and the polyether-modified silicone (B) is preferably 10% by mass or more and 100% by mass or less. By making the total content ratio of the anionic component (A) and the polyether-modified silicone (B) within the above numerical range, the initial hydrophilicity of the nonwoven fabric can be improved. In one embodiment of the present invention, the total content of the anionic component (A) in the treatment agent and the content of the polyether-modified silicone (B) is, for example, 3% by mass or more, 5% by mass or more, 7% by mass or more, 8% by mass or more, 15% by mass or more, 20% by mass or more, 25% by mass or more, 30% by mass or more, 35% by mass or more, 40% by mass or more, or 50% by mass or more. Similarly, the total content of the anionic component (A) and the content of the polyether-modified silicone (B) in the treatment agent is, for example, 100% by mass or less, 50% by mass or less, 40% by mass or less, 35% by mass or less, 30% by mass or less, 25% by mass or less, 20% by mass or less, 15% by mass or less, 8% by mass or less, 7% by mass or less, or 5% by mass or less.

[0047] The method for measuring the mass average molecular weight of the polyether-modified silicone (B) is as follows. <Hydrophobic component (E)> (Ester compound (e1) of monocarboxylic acid having 12 to 24 carbon atoms and monohydric aliphatic alcohol) The ester compound (e1) of a monocarboxylic acid having 12 to 24 carbon atoms and a monohydric aliphatic alcohol as the hydrophobic component (E) is not particularly limited. The monocarboxylic acid having 12 to 24 carbon atoms may be an aromatic carboxylic acid or an aliphatic carboxylic acid. The aliphatic carboxylic acid may be a saturated aliphatic carboxylic acid or an unsaturated aliphatic carboxylic acid. In addition, it may be a straight-chain aliphatic carboxylic acid or a branched aliphatic carboxylic acid.

[0048] Examples of the monocarboxylic acid having 12 to 24 carbon atoms include dodecanoic acid (lauric acid), tridecanoic acid, tetradecanoic acid (myristic acid), pentadecanoic acid, hexadecanoic acid (cetyl acid, palmitic acid), heptadecanoic acid, octadecanoic acid (stearic acid), octadecenoic acid (oleic acid, linoleic acid), isooctadecanoic acid, nonadecanoic acid, eicosanoic acid, heneicosanoic acid, docosanoic acid, docosenoic acid, tricosanoic acid, and tetracosanoic acid.

[0049] The monovalent aliphatic alcohol may be a saturated aliphatic alcohol or an unsaturated aliphatic alcohol. In addition, it may be a straight-chain aliphatic alcohol or a branched aliphatic alcohol.

[0050] Examples of the monohydric aliphatic alcohol include monohydric aliphatic alcohols having carbon atoms of 16 to 32. Examples of the monohydric aliphatic alcohols having carbon atoms of 16 to 32 include cetyl alcohol, stearyl alcohol, elaidic alcohol, isostearyl alcohol, behenyl alcohol, erucyl alcohol, lignoceryl alcohol, hexacosanol, octacosanol, triacontanol, and triacontanol.

[0051] Specific examples of the ester compound (e1) include esters of octadecanoic acid and octadecyl alcohol. (Ester compound (e2) of a monocarboxylic acid having 12 to 24 carbon atoms and a polyhydric alcohol having 2 to 5 valence) The ester compound (e2) of a monocarboxylic acid having 12 to 24 carbon atoms and a polyol having 2 to 5 valence as the hydrophobic component (E) is not particularly limited. Examples of the monocarboxylic acid having 12 to 24 carbon atoms include the same monocarboxylic acids as those described above for the ester compound (e1).

[0052] The above-mentioned divalent or higher and pentavalent polyol may be a saturated aliphatic polyol or an unsaturated aliphatic polyol, and may be a straight-chain aliphatic polyol or a branched aliphatic polyol.

[0053] Examples of the polyol having a valence of at least two and at most five include 2-methyl-1,3-propanediol (divalent), 2,2-dimethyl-1,3-propanediol (divalent), trimethylolethane (trivalent), glycerol (trivalent), trimethylolpropane (trivalent), pentaerythritol (tetravalent), and xylitol (pentavalent).

[0054] Specific examples of the ester compound (e2) include monoesters of octadecanoic acid and glycerol. (Metal salt of monocarboxylic acid having 16 to 24 carbon atoms (e3)) The metal salt (e3) of the monocarboxylic acid having 16 to 24 carbon atoms as the hydrophobic component (E) is not particularly limited. Examples of the monocarboxylic acid having 16 to 24 carbon atoms include the monocarboxylic acids having 16 to 24 carbon atoms in the above-mentioned ester compound (e1).

[0055] Examples of the metal salt include alkali metal salts and alkaline earth metal salts. Examples of the alkali metal constituting the alkali metal salt include sodium, potassium, lithium, etc. Examples of the alkaline earth metal constituting the alkaline earth metal salt include metals corresponding to Group 2 elements, such as calcium, magnesium, beryllium, strontium, barium, etc.

[0056] Specific examples of the metal salt (e3) of the monocarboxylic acid having 16 to 24 carbon atoms include magnesium octadecanoate. (Fatylamide compound (e4) having 16 to 40 carbon atoms) The fatty acid amide compound (e4) having 16 to 40 carbon atoms as the hydrophobic component (E) is not particularly limited. The fatty acid having 16 to 40 carbon atoms may be a monovalent fatty acid or a polyvalent fatty acid. In addition, it may be a saturated fatty acid or an unsaturated fatty acid. In addition, it may be a straight-chain fatty acid or a branched fatty acid.

[0057] Examples of the fatty acid having 16 to 40 carbon atoms include the monocarboxylic acid of the ester compound (e1) having 16 to 24 carbon atoms. In addition, examples include pentacosanoic acid, hexacosanoic acid, heptacosanoic acid, octacosanoic acid, nonacosanoic acid, triacontanoic acid, untriacontanoic acid, dotriacontanoic acid, tricariacontanoic acid, tetratriacontanoic acid, pentatriacontanoic acid, hexatriacontanoic acid, heptriacontanoic acid, octatriacontanoic acid, nonatriacontanoic acid, tetracosanoic acid, and the like.

[0058] Specific examples of the fatty amide compound (e4) having 16 to 40 carbon atoms include octadecanoic acid amide, docosenoic acid amide, and methylene bisstearyl amide.

[0059] (Monohydric aliphatic alcohol having 16 to 32 carbon atoms (e5)) The monohydric aliphatic alcohol (e5) having 16 to 32 carbon atoms as the hydrophobic component (E) is not particularly limited. Examples of the monohydric aliphatic alcohol (e5) having 16 to 32 carbon atoms include the same as those of the above-mentioned monohydric aliphatic alcohol for the ester compound (e1).

[0060] Specific examples of the monovalent aliphatic alcohol (e5) having 16 to 32 carbon atoms include, for example, tetracosanol. (ethylene·α-olefin copolymer (e6)) The ethylene·α-olefin copolymer (e6) as the hydrophobic component (E) is not particularly limited. As the ethylene·α-olefin copolymer (e6), for example, a copolymer of ethylene and an α-olefin having a carbon number of 2 or more and 8 or less can be cited. The α-olefin is preferably a substance obtained by a gas phase method, a solution polymerization method, etc. using a homogeneous catalyst such as a known high-activity Ziegler catalyst or a metallocene catalyst.

[0061] Specific examples of the ethylene·α-olefin copolymer (e6) include ethylene·propylene copolymer and the like. (Propylene·α-olefin copolymer (e7)) The propylene·α-olefin copolymer (e7) as the hydrophobic component (E) is not particularly limited. Examples of the propylene·α-olefin copolymer (e7) include copolymers of propylene and an α-olefin having a carbon number of 2 or more and 8 or less. The α-olefin is preferably a substance obtained by a gas phase method, a solution polymerization method, or the like using a homogeneous catalyst such as a known high-activity Ziegler catalyst or a metallocene catalyst.

[0062] Specific examples of the propylene·α-olefin copolymer include propylene-1-butene copolymer and the like. (Alkyl modified silicone (e8)) The alkyl-modified silicone (e8) as the hydrophobic component (E) is not particularly limited. The lower limit of the 25° C. kinematic viscosity of the alkyl-modified silicone (e8) is not particularly limited, but is preferably 100 mm 2 / s or more, more preferably 300mm 2 The upper limit of the kinematic viscosity at 25°C is not particularly limited, but is preferably 7000 mm 2 / s or less, more preferably 5000mm 2 / s or less. A range in which the upper and lower limits described above are arbitrarily combined is also conceivable. The kinematic viscosity at 25° C. can be measured by a known method.

[0063] (Dimethicone (e9)) The polydimethylsilicone (e9) as the hydrophobic component (E) is not particularly limited. The lower limit of the 25° C. kinematic viscosity of the polydimethylsilicone (e9) is not particularly limited, but is preferably 1000 mm 2 / s or more, more preferably 3000mm 2 The upper limit of the kinematic viscosity at 25°C is not particularly limited, but is preferably 20000 mm 2 / s or less, more preferably 15000mm 2 A range formed by arbitrarily combining the upper and lower limits described above is also conceivable.

[0064] Regarding these hydrophobic components (E), one hydrophobic component (E) may be used alone, or two or more hydrophobic components (E) may be used in appropriate combination. The hydrophobic component (E) does not contain the hydrophilic treatment agent of the present invention. That is, the hydrophobic component (E) and the hydrophilic treatment agent have different compositions.

[0065] The hydrophobic component (E) preferably contains at least one selected from the group consisting of an ester compound (e1) of a monocarboxylic acid having 12 to 24 carbon atoms and a monohydric aliphatic alcohol, an ester compound (e2) of a monocarboxylic acid having 12 to 24 carbon atoms and a polyhydric alcohol having a valence of 2 to 5, a metal salt (e3) of a monocarboxylic acid having 16 to 24 carbon atoms, and a fatty amide compound (e4) having 16 to 40 carbon atoms.

[0066] When the hydrophobic component (E) contains at least one selected from the compounds (e1) to (e4) above, the anti-rewetting property of the nonwoven fabric can be improved. The content ratio of the hydrophobic component (E) in the thermoplastic resin is not particularly limited. The thermoplastic resin preferably contains a hydrophobic component (E) of 0.1% by mass or more and 10% by mass or less. By making the content ratio of the hydrophobic component (E) within the above numerical range, at least one of the initial hydrophilicity and anti-rewetting property of the nonwoven fabric can be improved. In one embodiment of the present invention, the content of the hydrophobic component (E) in the thermoplastic resin is, for example, 0.05% by mass or more, 0.5% by mass or more, 1.5% by mass or more, 2% by mass or more, 3% by mass or more, 3.5% by mass or more, 5% by mass or more, 7.5% by mass or more, 10% by mass or more, or 12% by mass or more. Similarly, the content of the hydrophobic component (E) in the thermoplastic resin is, for example, 15% by mass or less, 12% by mass or less, 10% by mass or less, 7.5% by mass or less, 5% by mass or less, 3.5% by mass or less, 3% by mass or less, 2% by mass or less, 1.5% by mass or less, or 0.5% by mass or less.

[0067] (Nonionic surfactant (D)) The treatment agent preferably further contains a nonionic surfactant (D). The mass average molecular weight of the nonionic surfactant (D) is preferably 200 or more and 20000 or less. In one embodiment of the present embodiment, the mass average molecular weight of the nonionic surfactant (D) is, for example, 190 or more, 407 or more, 574 or more, 1200 or more, 1291 or more, 1300 or more, or 2000 or more. In addition, the mass average molecular weight of the nonionic surfactant (D) is, for example, 25000 or less, 2000 or less, 1300 or less, 1291 or less, 1200 or less, 574 or less, or 407 or less.

[0068] In addition, the nonionic surfactant (D) is preferably at least one selected from the following compounds: a compound (d1) formed by adding a total of 3 mol or more and 50 mol or less of an alkylene oxide having 2 to 3 carbon atoms to 1 mol of a monovalent or more and tetravalent alcohol having 2 to 18 carbon atoms; a compound (d2) formed by adding a total of 3 mol or more and 50 mol or less of an alkylene oxide having 2 to 3 carbon atoms to 1 mol of a monovalent or more and tetravalent alcohol having 2 to 18 carbon atoms; a compound (d3) formed by adding a total of 1 mol or more and 100 mol or less of an alkylene oxide having 2 to 3 carbon atoms to 1 mol of a monovalent or more and tetravalent alcohol having 2 to 6 carbon atoms and a monovalent fatty acid having 8 to 22 carbon atoms to ester compounds of 1 mol or more and 100 mol or less of a monovalent fatty acid having 8 to 22 carbon atoms; A compound (d2) formed by reacting an alkylene oxide having 2 to 4 carbon atoms; and an ether ester compound (d3) formed by condensing 1 mol of the following compound with 2 to 3 mols of a monovalent fatty acid having 8 to 22 carbon atoms, the compound being a compound formed by adding an alkylene oxide having 2 to 4 carbon atoms in a ratio of 1 mol to 100 mol to an ester compound of a divalent to 4-valent alcohol having 2 to 6 carbon atoms and a monovalent fatty acid having 8 to 22 carbon atoms.

[0069] When the nonionic surfactant (D) has a mass average molecular weight within the above numerical range and is at least one selected from the compounds (d1) to (d3), the anti-rewetting property of the nonwoven fabric can be improved.

[0070] (Compound (d1)) The compound (d1) as the nonionic surfactant (D) is formed by adding 3 or more and 50 or less mol of alkylene oxide having 2 or more and 3 or less carbon atoms to 1 mol of an alcohol having 2 or more and 18 or less carbon atoms. The alcohol of the compound (d1) may be the polyhydric alcohol described in the ester compound (e2). The alkylene oxide having 2 or more and 3 or less carbon atoms may be ethylene oxide and propylene oxide.

[0071] The above-mentioned number of moles of the alkylene oxide added of 3 mol or more and 50 mol or less refers to the number of moles of the alkylene oxide relative to 1 mol of the alcohol charged in the raw material. The same applies to the following.

[0072] (Compound (d2)) The compound (d2) as the nonionic surfactant (D) is prepared by adding an alkylene oxide having 2 to 4 carbon atoms in a ratio of 1 mol to 100 mol to an ester compound of a divalent to tetravalent alcohol having 2 to 6 carbon atoms and a monovalent fatty acid having 8 to 22 carbon atoms. There are no particular restrictions. Examples of the alcohol of the compound (d2) include the polyhydric alcohols described in the ester compound (e2).

[0073] Examples of the monovalent fatty acid having 8 to 22 carbon atoms in the compound (d2) include the monovalent carboxylic acid of the ester compound (e1) having 22 carbon atoms or less, and also include octanoic acid, nonanoic acid, decanoic acid, and undecanoic acid.

[0074] As the alkylene oxide having 2 to 4 carbon atoms, in addition to the alkylene oxide of the above-mentioned compound d1, butylene oxide can be mentioned. (Ether ester compound (d3)) There are no particular restrictions on the ether ester compound (d3) as a nonionic surfactant (D), which is formed by condensing 1 mole of a compound formed by adding an alkylene oxide having 2 to 4 carbon atoms in a ratio of 1 mole to 100 moles to an ester compound of a divalent to 4-valent alcohol having 2 to 6 carbon atoms and a monovalent fatty acid having 8 to 22 carbon atoms and condensing 2 to 3 moles of a monovalent fatty acid having 8 to 22 carbon atoms.

[0075] The above-mentioned ether ester compound (d3) is a compound obtained by adding an alkylene oxide having 2 to 4 carbon atoms in a ratio of 1 mol to 100 mol to an ester compound of a divalent to 4-valent alcohol having 2 to 6 carbon atoms and a monovalent fatty acid having 8 to 22 carbon atoms, and the same as the above-mentioned compound (d2). In addition, the monovalent fatty acid having 8 to 22 carbon atoms may also be the same as the above-mentioned compound (d2).

[0076] Specific examples of the nonionic surfactant (D) include polyoxyethylene (5 mol) lauryl ether, polyoxyethylene (20 mol) lauryl ether, polyoxyethylene (15 mol) polyoxypropylene (5 mol) stearyl ether, polyoxyethylene (8 mol) hydrogenated castor oil, polyoxyethylene (20 mol) sorbitan monooleate, polyoxyethylene trilaurate (20 mol) hydrogenated castor oil, diethylene glycol monohexyl ether, and polyoxyethylene (340 mol) polyoxypropylene (170 mol) block copolymer (Poloxamer).

[0077] Regarding these nonionic surfactants (D), one nonionic surfactant (D) may be used alone, or two or more nonionic surfactants (D) may be used in appropriate combination.

[0078] The nonionic surfactant (D) may contain a known nonionic surfactant used as a hydrophilizing agent in addition to the compounds (d1) to (d3) above. In addition, the nonionic surfactant (D) may be a known nonionic surfactant used as a hydrophilizing agent other than the compounds (d1) to (d3) above. That is, the nonionic surfactant (D) is not limited to the compounds (d1) to (d3) above.

[0079] <Method for measuring mass average molecular weight (Mw)> The method for measuring the mass average molecular weight (Mw) of the polyether-modified silicone (B) and the nonionic surfactant (D) will be described.

[0080] The mass average molecular weight (Mw) of the polyether-modified silicone (B) and the nonionic surfactant (D) is not particularly limited, and can be measured, for example, by the GPC method under the following measurement conditions.

[0081] Device: HLC-8320GPC manufactured by Tosoh Corporation Column: TSK gel Super H4000 :TSK gel Super H3000 :TSK gel Super H2000 (both manufactured by Tosoh Corporation) Column temperature: 40°C Detection device: Differential refractive index detector Sample solution: 0.25 mass% tetrahydrofuran solution Solution flow rate: 0.5mL / min Solution injection volume: 10μL Standard sample: Polystyrene (TSK STANDARD POLYSTYRENE manufactured by Tosoh Corporation) By preparing a calibration curve using a standard sample, the mass average molecular weight (Mw) of each of the polyether-modified silicone (B) and the nonionic surfactant (D) can be determined.

[0082] <Second Embodiment> The following describes a second embodiment of the nonwoven fabric and the method for producing the nonwoven fabric of the present invention. The nonwoven fabric of the second embodiment is formed of synthetic fibers, and the synthetic fibers are composed of the thermoplastic resin containing the hydrophobic component (E). In addition, the treatment agent of the first embodiment is attached to the surface of the nonwoven fabric, and the treatment agent contains at least one selected from the anionic component (A) and the polyether-modified silicone (B), and optionally the nonionic surfactant (D).

[0083] The method for producing a nonwoven fabric according to the second embodiment includes attaching the treatment agent according to the first embodiment to a nonwoven fabric, wherein the treatment agent contains at least one selected from the above-mentioned anionic component (A) and the above-mentioned polyether-modified silicone (B), and an optional nonionic surfactant (D), and the nonwoven fabric is formed of synthetic fibers composed of the above-mentioned thermoplastic resin containing the hydrophobic component (E).

[0084] The synthetic fiber is preferably a synthetic fiber for nonwoven fabrics, and more preferably a synthetic fiber for long-fiber nonwoven fabrics. It should be noted that long fibers refer to fibers having a fiber length of 100 mm or more.

[0085] In addition, the nonwoven fabric preferably has a basis weight of 5 g / m 2 Above and 50g / m 2 The following long fiber nonwoven fabrics. By making the nonwoven fabric have a basis weight of 5 g / m 2 Above and 50g / m 2 The following long-fiber nonwoven fabrics can improve at least either the initial hydrophilicity or the rewetting resistance.

[0086] There is no particular limitation on the thermoplastic resin constituting the synthetic fiber. Examples of the thermoplastic resin include polyolefins, polyesters, polyamides, and polyacrylonitrile. Among these, polyolefins are preferred. In other words, the synthetic fiber is preferably a polyolefin-based synthetic fiber.

[0087] By using polyolefin as the thermoplastic resin, the durable hydrophilicity of the nonwoven fabric can be improved. Here, polyolefin-based synthetic fibers refer to synthetic fibers synthesized using olefins (olefin, alkene) as monomers. As specific examples of polyolefin-based synthetic fibers, polyethylene-based fibers, polypropylene-based fibers, and polybutene-based fibers can be cited. They can be used alone or in combination of two or more. In addition, as polypropylene-based fibers, modified polypropylene fibers copolymerized from various monomers, composite polypropylene fibers of polyethylene and polypropylene, etc. can be used. In addition, composite fibers of a core-sheath structure and composite fibers in which both the core and the sheath are polyolefin-based fibers can also be used.

[0088] It should be noted that conjugate fibers in which at least either the core or the sheath is not a polyolefin-based fiber are not included in the polyolefin-based synthetic fibers. There is no particular restriction on the proportion of the treatment agent of the first embodiment attached to the synthetic fiber. It is preferably attached in a manner that the treatment agent (excluding the solvent) is greater than 0.1 mass % and less than 2 mass % relative to the synthetic fiber, and more preferably greater than 0.3 mass % and less than 1.2 mass %.

[0089] As a method for making the treatment agent adhere to the synthetic fiber, for example, the following method can be applied: using an aqueous liquid containing the treatment agent of the first embodiment and water, or an aqueous solution obtained by further diluting it, and making it adhere by a known method, such as an immersion method, a spray method, a roller method, a guided oiling method using a metering pump, etc.

[0090] Hereinafter, a method for producing synthetic fibers and a method for producing nonwoven fabrics using the synthetic fibers will be described. The nonwoven fabric using the synthetic fibers is preferably produced by a spunbond method.

[0091] The method for producing a nonwoven fabric by a spunbond method preferably includes the following steps 1 to 7. Step 1: A raw material supplying step of supplying polyolefin as a raw material resin of synthetic fibers and a hydrophobic component (E) to an extruder.

[0092] Step 2: Melt-extrusion step: The polyolefin is heated in an extruder to be melted, and the polyolefin is kneaded together with the hydrophobic component (E), and then extruded into a nozzle equipped with a spinning nozzle.

[0093] Step 3: Spinning and stretching step: melt spinning is performed from a nozzle, and the melt-spun fibers are further stretched using an ejector. Step 4: Lamination and conveyance step: The fibers that have undergone the above step 3 are laminated on a conveyor to form a carded web, and the carded web is further conveyed by the conveyor.

[0094] Step 5: Fusion bonding step (also called heat embossing roll processing), in which the carded web having undergone step 4 is passed between a pair of heated rolls to fuse the fibers. Step 6: Adhering step of adhering the treatment agent of the first embodiment to the nonwoven fabric formed through the above-mentioned step 5.

[0095] Step 7: A winding step of winding the nonwoven fabric having undergone the above-mentioned step 6 around a winding roller. By going through the above steps, a nonwoven fabric can be manufactured. By going through the melting and extrusion step of step 2, a hydrophobic component (E) can be mixed into the polyolefin resin. In addition, by going through the spinning and stretching step of step 3, a long fiber of a synthetic fiber can be manufactured. In addition, by going through the welding step of step 5, a long fiber nonwoven fabric can be manufactured. In addition, by going through the attachment step of step 6, a treatment agent is attached to the synthetic fiber containing the hydrophobic component (E), and hydrophilicity is imparted to the long fiber nonwoven fabric.

[0096] <Function and Effect> The operation of the above-described embodiment will be described. The nonwoven fabric is made of a synthetic fiber composed of a thermoplastic resin. The synthetic fiber is made by spinning a thermoplastic resin containing a hydrophobic component (E). Therefore, the hydrophobic component (E) is mixed into the synthetic fiber, and a part of the hydrophobic component (E) is also exposed on the surface of the synthetic fiber. Thus, hydrophobicity is imparted to both the inside and the surface of the synthetic fiber. In addition, by applying a hydrophilizing treatment agent to the nonwoven fabric, hydrophilicity can be selectively imparted to the surface of the synthetic fiber.

[0097] For example, when a nonwoven fabric is used adjacent to a known absorber, when liquid is directed to the absorber, auxiliary forces such as gravity and the water absorption force of the absorber act toward the absorber. Therefore, even if a hydrophobic component (E) is present on the surface of the nonwoven fabric, water can be permeated because the action of the hydrophilizing agent takes precedence.

[0098] On the other hand, when the liquid absorbed by the absorber seeps out again to the outside, the above-mentioned auxiliary force does not work. Generally, rewetting occurs when a higher pressure is applied than when absorbing water.

[0099] When the hydrophobic component (E) of the present invention is mixed, the fibers of the nonwoven fabric to which pressure is applied are compressed so that the distance between the fibers is shortened, and the hydrophobic component on the fiber surface strongly acts, thereby suppressing rewetting of liquid.

[0100] Through the above-mentioned effects, when a hydrophilizing agent containing at least one selected from an anionic component (A) and the following polyether-modified silicone (B) is applied to a nonwoven fabric formed of synthetic fibers (which is composed of a thermoplastic resin containing a hydrophobic component (E)), both hydrophilicity and anti-rewetting properties can be appropriately achieved.

[0101] The effects of the above-described embodiment will be described. (1) The hydrophilizing agent containing at least one selected from the anionic component (A) and the polyether-modified silicone (B) is applied to a nonwoven fabric composed of synthetic fibers composed of the thermoplastic resin containing the hydrophobic component (E).

[0102] Therefore, it is possible to maintain good initial hydrophilicity and durable hydrophilicity and impart good anti-rewetting properties to the nonwoven fabric. (2) When the total content of the anionic component (A) and the polyether-modified silicone (B) is 10% by mass or more and 100% by mass or less relative to the total mass of the hydrophilizing agent, the initial hydrophilicity of the nonwoven fabric can be improved.

[0103] (3) When the hydrophobic component (E) contains at least one selected from the compounds (e1) to (e4) above, the rewetting resistance of the nonwoven fabric can be improved. (4) When the anionic component (A) contains at least one selected from the above (a2), (a5), (a6) and their salts, and the mass average molecular weight of the polyether-modified silicone (B) is 3,000 to 50,000, the initial hydrophilicity of the nonwoven fabric can be improved.

[0104] (5) When the hydrophilizing agent further contains a nonionic surfactant (D), and the nonionic surfactant (D) has a mass average molecular weight of 200 to 20,000 and is at least one selected from the compounds (d1) to (d3) above, the anti-rewetting property of the nonwoven fabric can be improved.

[0105] (6) When the thermoplastic resin contains 0.1% by mass or more and 10% by mass or less of the hydrophobic component (E), at least one of the initial hydrophilicity and the anti-rewetting property of the nonwoven fabric can be improved.

[0106] (7) When the thermoplastic resin is polyolefin, that is, when the synthetic fiber is a polyolefin-based synthetic fiber, the durable hydrophilicity of the nonwoven fabric can be improved. (8) Non-woven fabric with a basis weight of 5g / m 2 Above and 50g / m 2 In the case of the following long-fiber nonwoven fabric, at least one of the initial hydrophilicity and the anti-rewetting property of the nonwoven fabric can be improved.

[0107] (9) The nonwoven fabric is formed of synthetic fibers composed of the thermoplastic resin containing the hydrophobic component (E). In addition, a hydrophilizing agent is attached to the surface of the nonwoven fabric, and the hydrophilizing agent contains at least one selected from the anionic component (A) and the polyether-modified silicone (B), and optionally a nonionic surfactant (D).

[0108] Therefore, it is possible to obtain a nonwoven fabric which can maintain good initial hydrophilicity and durable hydrophilicity and has good anti-rewetting properties. (10) A method for producing a nonwoven fabric comprises attaching a hydrophilizing agent to the nonwoven fabric, wherein the hydrophilizing agent contains at least one selected from the above-mentioned anionic component (A) and the above-mentioned polyether-modified silicone (B), and an optional nonionic surfactant, and the nonwoven fabric is formed from synthetic fibers composed of the above-mentioned thermoplastic resin containing the hydrophobic component (E).

[0109] Therefore, it is possible to produce a nonwoven fabric that can maintain good initial hydrophilicity and durable hydrophilicity and has good anti-rewetting properties. <Change example> The above-mentioned embodiment can be implemented by modification as follows. The above-mentioned embodiment and the following modification examples can be implemented in combination with each other within the scope of no technical contradiction.

[0110] In the second embodiment, the synthetic fibers are long fibers, but the synthetic fibers may be short fibers. For example, the synthetic fibers may be short fibers having a fiber length of about 30 mm or more and about 70 mm or less. The nonwoven fabric to which the treatment agent is attached may also be a nonwoven fabric formed into a carded web by a method other than the spunbond method. As a method of forming a carded web other than the spunbond method, for example, when the raw material fiber is short fiber, dry methods such as carded web method or air-laid method, and wet methods such as papermaking method can be cited. In addition, when the raw material fiber is long fiber, melt-blowing method and flash spinning method can be cited. In addition, as a method of bonding between fibers, chemical bonding method, thermal bonding method, needle punching method, spunlace method, stitch bonding method, etc. can be cited.

[0111] The treatment agent may contain components commonly used in treatment agents, such as a stabilizer for maintaining the quality of the treatment agent, a charge control agent, an antistatic agent, a linker, an antioxidant, an ultraviolet absorber, and a defoaming agent (silicone compound) within a range not impairing the effects of the present invention. Example

[0112] In order to more specifically describe the configuration and effects of the present invention, examples are given below, but the present invention is not limited to these examples. It should be noted that in the following examples and comparative examples, % means mass % and part means mass part.

[0113] Test group 1 (preparation of treatment agent) (Example 1) 15 g of the anionic component (A1) shown in Table 1 and 35 g of the nonionic surfactant (D1) were mixed to prepare a treatment agent. 450 g of water was further added to prepare a 10% aqueous solution. The prepared aqueous solution of the treatment agent was further diluted with water to obtain an aqueous solution with a concentration of 0.25%.

[0114] (Examples 2 to 88 and Comparative Examples 1 to 10) The treatment agents of Examples 2 to 88 and Comparative Examples 1 to 10 were prepared by the same method as in Example 1 using the components shown in Tables 1 and 2.

[0115] It should be noted that the type and content of the anionic component (A), the type and content of the polyether-modified silicone (B), and the type and content of the nonionic surfactant (D) in the treatment agent of each example are shown in the "Anionic component (A)" column, the "Polyether-modified silicone (B)" column, and the "Nonionic surfactant (D)" column of Table 1, respectively.

[0116] [Table 1]

[0117] [Table 2]

[0118] The details of A1 to A6, rA1, B1 to B8, rB1, rB2, and D1 to D8 described in the category column of Tables 1 and 2 are as follows. (Anion component (A)) A1: Dioctyl sulfosuccinate sodium salt A2: Sodium hexadecyl sulfonate A3: Potassium dodecyl phosphate A4: Polyoxyethylene (3 mol) octyl phosphate potassium salt A5: Potassium rapeseed oil sulfate A6: Polyoxyethylene (3 mol) dodecyl sulfate triethanolamine salt rA1: Potassium octadecyl phosphate (Polyether modified silicone (B)) Table 3 shows the details of the polyether-modified silicone (B).

[0119] [Table 3]

[0120] In Table 3, "Me group" refers to a methyl group. "n-Bu group" refers to an n-butyl group. "Si%" refers to the mass ratio of the portion obtained by removing alkylene oxide from the mass average molecular weight of the polyether-modified silicone. "EO% (molar ratio)" refers to the molar ratio of ethylene oxide in alkylene oxide. For example, when the alkylene oxide contains ethylene oxide (EO) and propylene oxide (PO), EO% (molar ratio) can be calculated by the following formula.

[0121] EO% (molar ratio) = (EO mole number / (EO mole number + PO mole number)) × 100 (Nonionic surfactant (D)) D1: A compound obtained by adding 5 mol of ethylene oxide to 1 mol of 1-dodecanol (mass average molecular weight 407) D2: A compound obtained by randomly adding 6 moles of ethylene oxide and 2 moles of propylene oxide to 1 mole of a branched alcohol having 12 to 13 carbon atoms (mass average molecular weight 574) D3: A compound obtained by block-adding 15 mol of ethylene oxide and 5 mol of propylene oxide to a mixture of 1-octadecyl alcohol (0.8 mol) and 1-hexadecanol (0.2 mol) (mass average molecular weight 1200) D4: A compound obtained by adding 8 mol of ethylene oxide to 1 mol of hydrogenated castor oil (mass average molecular weight 1291) D5: A compound prepared by adding 20 moles of ethylene oxide to 1 mole of sorbitol and then adding 1 mole of oleic acid (mass average molecular weight about 1300) D6: A compound prepared by adding 20 moles of ethylene oxide to 1 mole of hydrogenated castor oil and then adding 3 moles of lauric acid (mass average molecular weight about 2000) D7: Diethylene glycol monohexyl ether (mass average molecular weight 190) D8: Polyoxyethylene (340 mol) polyoxypropylene (170 mol) block copolymer (Poloxamer) (mass average molecular weight 25000) Test Group 2 (Manufacture of synthetic fiber and long fiber nonwoven fabrics) Using the thermoplastic resin and the hydrophobic component (E) shown in Table 4, a long-fiber nonwoven fabric (F) to which the hydrophobic component (E) was attached was produced.

[0122] The type of thermoplastic resin, the type of hydrophobic component (E), the content ratio of the hydrophobic component (E) in the long fiber nonwoven fabric (F), and the basis weight of the long fiber nonwoven fabric (F) are shown in the "Thermoplastic resin" column, the "Hydrophobic component (E)" column, the "Content ratio of the hydrophobic component (E) in the long fiber nonwoven fabric (F) (mass %)" column, and the "Basic weight (g / m 2 )" column.

[0123] [Table 4]

[0124] The details of E1 to E11, rE1, and rE2 described in the column of hydrophobic component (E) in Table 4 are as follows. (Hydrophobic component (E)) E1: ester of octadecanoic acid and octadecyl alcohol E2: Monoester of octadecanoic acid and glycerol E3: Magnesium octadecanoate E4: Octadecanamide E5: Eicosanoids E6: Methylene bis stearamide E7: Tetracosanol E8: Ethylene-propylene copolymer E9: Propylene-1-butene copolymer E10: Kinematic viscosity at 25°C is 500 mm 2 / s alkyl modified silicone E11: Kinematic viscosity at 25°C is 10000mm 2 / s dimethyl silicone oil rE1: Polyoxyethylene (2 mol) octadecyl ether rE2: dodecylamide It should be noted that in the thermoplastic resin column of Table 4, "PP" refers to polypropylene resin, "PET" refers to polyethylene terephthalate resin, "PE" refers to polyethylene resin, and "PLA" refers to polylactic acid resin. In addition, "PE / PET" refers to a composite resin of a core-sheath structure in which the sheath portion is composed of polyethylene resin and the core portion is composed of polyethylene terephthalate resin. In addition, "PE / PP" refers to a composite resin of a core-sheath structure in which the sheath portion is composed of polyethylene and the core portion is composed of polypropylene.

[0125] Hereinafter, the method for producing the long-fiber nonwoven fabric (F) of each example will be described. (Preparation of long fiber nonwoven fabric (F1)) 10.0 kg of the hydrophobic component (E1) and 10.0 kg of a polypropylene resin were mixed and heated and melted at about 200° C. in an extruder to produce a polyolefin resin composition (hereinafter also referred to as a masterbatch) containing 50% of the hydrophobic component (E1).

[0126] The masterbatch was mixed with polypropylene resin in such a manner that the masterbatch was 10.0%. The mixture was further melt-spun at 245°C and subjected to heat embossing roll processing. Through the above process, a hydrophobic component (E1) having a content of 5.0% and a basis weight of 20 g / m 2 , polyolefin spunbonded nonwoven fabric with an average monofilament fineness of 2 denier.

[0127] (Preparation of long fiber nonwoven fabrics (F2-F6, F9-F15, F20, F21, F23, F24, F27, F29, F33)) The masterbatch was mixed with a polypropylene resin so that the type and content of the hydrophobic component (E) in the long-fiber nonwoven fabric were as shown in Table 4. The mixture was melt-spun at 245°C and subjected to heat embossing roll processing to obtain a polyolefin-based spunbond nonwoven fabric having an average single-filament fineness of 2 denier.

[0128] (Preparation of long fiber nonwoven fabrics (F16, F17, F25, F26, F30, F32, F34, F36)) A polyethylene terephthalate-based resin composition (hereinafter also referred to as a masterbatch) was produced in the same manner as in the preparation of the long-fiber nonwoven fabric (F1) except that a polyethylene terephthalate resin was used instead of the polypropylene resin.

[0129] The masterbatch was mixed with polyethylene terephthalate resin so that the type and content of the hydrophobic component (E) were as shown in Table 4. The mixture was melt-spun at 280°C and processed with a heat embossing roll to obtain a polyethylene terephthalate spunbond nonwoven fabric having an average single yarn fineness of 2 denier.

[0130] (Preparation of long fiber nonwoven fabrics (F19, F35)) A polylactic acid-based resin composition (hereinafter also referred to as a masterbatch) was produced in the same manner as the long-fiber nonwoven fabric (F1) except that a polylactic acid resin was used instead of the polypropylene resin.

[0131] The masterbatch and the polylactic acid resin were mixed so that the content of the hydrophobic component (E) was as shown in Table 4. The mixture was melt-spun at 200°C and processed with a heat embossing roll to obtain a polylactic acid-based spunbond nonwoven fabric having an average single-filament fineness of 2 denier.

[0132] (Preparation of long fiber nonwoven fabrics (F7, F8, F18, F22, F28, F31)) A polyethylene resin composition (hereinafter also referred to as a masterbatch) was produced in the same manner as the long-fiber nonwoven fabric (F1) except that a polyethylene resin was used instead of a polypropylene resin.

[0133] The masterbatch and the polyethylene resin were mixed so that the content ratio of the hydrophobic component (E) became the value of Table 4. The mixture was melt-spun together with the resin constituting the core at 270°C and subjected to hot embossing roll processing to obtain a core composite resin spunbond nonwoven fabric having a core ratio of 50% (core / sheath mass ratio of 50:50) and a single yarn average fineness of 2 denier.

[0134] (Preparation of long fiber nonwoven fabric (F37-F40)) Regarding the long-fiber nonwoven fabrics (F37 and F38), polypropylene-based spunbonded nonwoven fabrics were obtained in the same manner as in the preparation of the long-fiber nonwoven fabric (F1), except that the hydrophobic component (E) was not mixed with the polypropylene resin.

[0135] Regarding the long-fiber nonwoven fabrics (F39 and F40), polypropylene-based spunbonded nonwoven fabrics were obtained in the same manner as in the preparation of the long-fiber nonwoven fabric (F1), except that rE1 and rE2 shown in Table 4 were used instead of the hydrophobic component (E1).

[0136] (Attachment of treatment agent) To each long-fiber nonwoven fabric (F) in Table 4, the treatment agent was attached in the following order. First, use the aqueous liquid of each treatment agent prepared in test group 1 with a concentration of 0.25% to prepare a treatment bath with a bath temperature of 25°C. Immerse each long-fiber nonwoven fabric (F) in the treatment bath for 5 minutes and then take it out. While adjusting the squeeze rate, extrude it using a known extruder (also called a squeezer) so that the amount of aqueous liquid attached is 4g relative to 2g of the long-fiber nonwoven fabric (F). Air drying is performed at 80°C for 30 minutes to prepare a long-fiber nonwoven fabric (F) with the treatment agent attached. The amount of treatment agent attached is 0.5% relative to 1g of the long-fiber nonwoven fabric (F).

[0137] The amount of the treatment agent attached to the long-fiber nonwoven fabric (F) was measured by extracting the long-fiber nonwoven fabric (F) with a methanol / xylene (50 / 50 volume ratio) mixed solvent. Test Group 3 (Evaluation) The anti-rewetting property, initial hydrophilicity, and durable hydrophilicity of the long-fiber nonwoven fabrics (F) of Examples 1 to 88 and Comparative Examples 1 to 10 were evaluated. The test procedures for each evaluation are shown below.

[0138] (Anti-rewetting) Overlap 5 filter papers (10 cm square) and place the long fiber nonwoven fabric (F) (10 cm square) prepared in test group 2 on the filter paper. A liquid flow detection plate with a liquid flow detection electrode attached to a known liquid flow meter is placed on the long fiber nonwoven fabric (F). Next, 12 mL of physiological saline is dripped from a height of 25 mm above the vertical direction to the long fiber nonwoven fabric (F), so that the physiological saline passes through the long fiber nonwoven fabric (F) and is absorbed by the filter paper. After the physiological saline is absorbed, the liquid flow detection plate is removed. Thereafter, a load of 3.5 kg is applied to the long fiber nonwoven fabric (F) for 3 minutes.

[0139] Next, overlap two pre-weighed filter papers (10 cm square) and place them on the long-fiber nonwoven fabric (F). Then apply a load of 3.5 kg from above the filter paper for 2 minutes. After 2 minutes, measure the weight of the two filter papers placed on the long-fiber nonwoven fabric (F) and calculate the weight increase. The weight increase is taken as the liquid return amount (g). Perform the above measurement 5 times and evaluate the average value according to the following evaluation criteria. The results are shown in the "Anti-rewetting" column of Tables 1 and 2. It should be noted that the smaller the liquid return amount, the better the anti-rewetting property.

[0140] Evaluation criteria for anti-rewetting properties ◎◎(Excellent): When the amount of liquid return is less than 0.2g ◎ (Good): When the amount of liquid return is 0.2 g or more and less than 0.8 g ○ (Pass): When the amount of liquid return is 0.8 g or more and less than 1.0 g × (failed): When the amount of liquid return is 1.0g or more (Initial hydrophilicity) The water permeability test was performed using a liquid permeability meter (Lister) manufactured by LENZING. First, three filter papers were overlapped and the long-fiber nonwoven fabric (F) (10 cm square) prepared in test group 2 was placed on top. A liquid permeability detection plate with a liquid permeability detection electrode attached to the liquid permeability meter was placed on top. 5 mL of physiological saline was dripped onto the surface of the long-fiber nonwoven fabric (F) from a height of 25 mm above the vertical direction.

[0141] The time (water permeation time) from the addition of saline to the passage of saline through the long fiber nonwoven fabric (F) was measured using a liquid permeability meter, and the evaluation was performed according to the following evaluation criteria. The results are shown in the "initial hydrophilicity" column of Table 1 and Table 2. It should be noted that the shorter the water permeation time, the better the water permeability.

[0142] Evaluation criteria for initial hydrophilicity ◎◎(Excellent): Passed in less than 3 seconds ◎ (Good): Passed in 3 seconds or more and less than 4 seconds ○ (Pass): Passed in 4 seconds or more and less than 10 seconds × (failed): Passed in 10 seconds or more (Durable hydrophilicity) The above initial hydrophilicity test was repeated 3 times, and the third water permeation time was evaluated according to the following evaluation criteria. The results are shown in the "Durable hydrophilicity" column of Table 1 and Table 2. It should be noted that the smaller the difference between the second and third water permeation times and the first water permeation time and the shorter the time, the better the durable hydrophilicity.

[0143] Evaluation criteria for durable hydrophilicity ◎◎(Excellent): Passed in less than 10 seconds ◎ (Good): Passed in 10 seconds or more and less than 20 seconds ○ (Pass): Passed in 20 seconds or more and less than 60 seconds × (failed): Passed in more than 60 seconds According to the results of Table 1 and Table 2, the present invention can appropriately balance the initial hydrophilicity, durable hydrophilicity and anti-rewetting property of the nonwoven fabric. In other words, it is possible to maintain good initial hydrophilicity and durable hydrophilicity and impart good anti-rewetting property to the nonwoven fabric.

[0144] The present disclosure also includes the following aspects. (Note 1) A hydrophilic treatment agent, comprising an anionic component (A), a polyether-modified silicone (B) and a nonionic surfactant (D), wherein: The hydrophilizing agent is applied to a nonwoven fabric formed of synthetic fibers, the synthetic fibers being composed of a thermoplastic resin containing 0.1% by mass or more and 10% by mass or less of a hydrophobic component (E), The anion component (A) is at least one selected from fatty acids (a1), organic sulfonic acids (a2), organic sulfuric acid esters (a3), polyoxyalkylene organic sulfuric acid esters (a4), alkyl phosphates having an alkyl group with 6 to 12 carbon atoms (a5), polyoxyalkylene alkyl phosphates having an alkyl group with 6 to 12 carbon atoms (a6), and salts thereof. The mass average molecular weight of the polyether-modified silicone (B) is 3,000 or more and 50,000 or less, The nonionic surfactant (D) has a mass average molecular weight of 200 or more and 20,000 or less and is at least one selected from the following compound (d1) and compound (d2), Compound (d1) is a compound obtained by adding 3 mol or more and 50 mol or less of an alkylene oxide having 2 to 3 carbon atoms to 1 mol of a monovalent or monovalent or tetravalent alcohol having 2 to 18 carbon atoms. Compound (d2) is a compound obtained by adding an alkylene oxide having 2 to 4 carbon atoms in a ratio of 1 mol to 100 mol to an ester compound of a divalent to tetravalent alcohol having 2 to 6 carbon atoms and a monovalent fatty acid having 8 to 22 carbon atoms, The hydrophobic component (E) is at least one selected from the group consisting of an ester compound (e1) of a monocarboxylic acid having 12 to 24 carbon atoms and a monohydric aliphatic alcohol, an ester compound (e2) of a monocarboxylic acid having 12 to 24 carbon atoms and a polyhydric alcohol having a valence of 2 to 5, a metal salt (e3) of a monocarboxylic acid having 16 to 24 carbon atoms, a fatty amide compound (e4) having 16 to 40 carbon atoms, a monohydric aliphatic alcohol having 16 to 32 carbon atoms, an ethylene·α-olefin copolymer (e6), a propylene·α-olefin copolymer (e7), an alkyl-modified silicone (e8), and a polydimethylsilicone (e9).

[0145] (Note 2) The hydrophilizing agent according to Supplementary Note 1, wherein the total content of the anionic component (A) and the polyether-modified silicone (B) is 10% by mass or more and 100% by mass or less relative to the total mass of the hydrophilizing agent.

[0146] (Note 3) The hydrophilizing agent according to Appendix 1 or 2, wherein the hydrophobic component (E) contains at least one selected from an ester compound (e1) of a monocarboxylic acid having 12 to 24 carbon atoms and a monohydric aliphatic alcohol, an ester compound (e2) of a monocarboxylic acid having 12 to 24 carbon atoms and a polyhydric alcohol having a valence of 2 to 5, a metal salt (e3) of a monocarboxylic acid having 16 to 24 carbon atoms, and a fatty amide compound (e4) having 16 to 40 carbon atoms.

[0147] (Note 4) The hydrophilizing agent according to Supplement 1, wherein the anion component (A) contains at least one selected from an organic sulfonic acid (a2), an alkyl phosphate having an alkyl group with 6 to 12 carbon atoms (a5), a polyoxyalkylene alkyl phosphate having an alkyl group with 6 to 12 carbon atoms (a6), and salts thereof.

[0148] (Note 5) The hydrophilizing agent according to Supplementary Note 1, wherein the thermoplastic resin is a polyolefin. (Note 6) The hydrophilic treatment agent according to Supplement 1, wherein the nonwoven fabric has a basis weight of 5 g / m 2 Above and 50g / m 2 The following long fiber nonwoven fabrics.

[0149] (Note 7) A nonwoven fabric is a nonwoven fabric formed of synthetic fibers, the synthetic fibers being composed of a thermoplastic resin containing 0.1% by mass or more and 10% by mass or less of a hydrophobic component (E), wherein: A hydrophilic treatment agent is attached to the surface of the nonwoven fabric, and the hydrophilic treatment agent contains an anionic component (A), a polyether-modified silicone (B) and a nonionic surfactant (D). The anion component (A) is at least one selected from fatty acids (a1), organic sulfonic acids (a2), organic sulfuric acid esters (a3), polyoxyalkylene organic sulfuric acid esters (a4), alkyl phosphates having an alkyl group with 6 to 12 carbon atoms (a5), polyoxyalkylene alkyl phosphates having an alkyl group with 6 to 12 carbon atoms (a6), and salts thereof. The mass average molecular weight of the polyether-modified silicone (B) is 3,000 or more and 50,000 or less, The nonionic surfactant (D) has a mass average molecular weight of 200 or more and 20,000 or less and is at least one selected from the following compound (d1) and compound (d2), Compound (d1) is a compound obtained by adding 3 mol or more and 50 mol or less of an alkylene oxide having 2 to 3 carbon atoms to 1 mol of a monovalent or more and tetravalent or less alcohol having 2 to 18 carbon atoms, Compound (d2) is a compound obtained by adding an alkylene oxide having 2 to 4 carbon atoms in a ratio of 1 mol to 100 mol to an ester compound of a divalent to tetravalent alcohol having 2 to 6 carbon atoms and a monovalent fatty acid having 8 to 22 carbon atoms, The hydrophobic component (E) is at least one selected from the group consisting of an ester compound (e1) of a monocarboxylic acid having 12 to 24 carbon atoms and a monohydric aliphatic alcohol, an ester compound (e2) of a monocarboxylic acid having 12 to 24 carbon atoms and a polyhydric alcohol having a valence of 2 to 5, a metal salt (e3) of a monocarboxylic acid having 16 to 24 carbon atoms, a fatty amide compound (e4) having 16 to 40 carbon atoms, a monohydric aliphatic alcohol having 16 to 32 carbon atoms, an ethylene·α-olefin copolymer (e6), a propylene·α-olefin copolymer (e7), an alkyl-modified silicone (e8), and a polydimethylsilicone (e9).

[0150] (Note 8) A method for producing a nonwoven fabric, characterized in that a hydrophilizing agent is attached to the nonwoven fabric, the hydrophilizing agent containing an anionic component (A), a polyether-modified silicone (B) and a nonionic surfactant (D), the nonwoven fabric is formed of synthetic fibers, the synthetic fibers are composed of a thermoplastic resin containing 0.1% by mass or more and 10% by mass or less of a hydrophobic component (E), wherein: The anion component (A) is at least one selected from fatty acids (a1), organic sulfonic acids (a2), organic sulfuric acid esters (a3), polyoxyalkylene organic sulfuric acid esters (a4), alkyl phosphates having an alkyl group with 6 to 12 carbon atoms (a5), polyoxyalkylene alkyl phosphates having an alkyl group with 6 to 12 carbon atoms (a6), and salts thereof. The mass average molecular weight of the polyether-modified silicone (B) is 3,000 or more and 50,000 or less, The nonionic surfactant (D) has a mass average molecular weight of 200 or more and 20,000 or less and is at least one selected from the following compound (d1) and compound (d2), Compound (d1) is a compound obtained by adding 3 mol or more and 50 mol or less of an alkylene oxide having 2 to 3 carbon atoms to 1 mol of a monovalent or monovalent or tetravalent alcohol having 2 to 18 carbon atoms. Compound (d2) is a compound obtained by adding an alkylene oxide having 2 to 4 carbon atoms in a ratio of 1 mol to 100 mol to an ester compound of a divalent to tetravalent alcohol having 2 to 6 carbon atoms and a monovalent fatty acid having 8 to 22 carbon atoms, The hydrophobic component (E) is at least one selected from the group consisting of an ester compound (e1) of a monocarboxylic acid having 12 to 24 carbon atoms and a monohydric aliphatic alcohol, an ester compound (e2) of a monocarboxylic acid having 12 to 24 carbon atoms and a polyhydric alcohol having a valence of 2 to 5, a metal salt (e3) of a monocarboxylic acid having 16 to 24 carbon atoms, a fatty amide compound (e4) having 16 to 40 carbon atoms, a monohydric aliphatic alcohol having 16 to 32 carbon atoms, an ethylene·α-olefin copolymer (e6), a propylene·α-olefin copolymer (e7), an alkyl-modified silicone (e8), and a polydimethylsilicone (e9).

[0151] (Note 9) A hydrophilic treatment agent comprising an anionic component (A) or a polyether-modified silicone (B), and a nonionic surfactant (D), wherein: The hydrophilizing agent is applied to a nonwoven fabric formed of synthetic fibers, the synthetic fibers being composed of a thermoplastic resin containing 0.1% by mass or more and 10% by mass or less of a hydrophobic component (E), The anion component (A) is at least one selected from fatty acids (a1), organic sulfonic acids (a2), organic sulfuric acid esters (a3), polyoxyalkylene organic sulfuric acid esters (a4), alkyl phosphates having an alkyl group with 6 to 12 carbon atoms (a5), polyoxyalkylene alkyl phosphates having an alkyl group with 6 to 12 carbon atoms (a6), and salts thereof. The mass average molecular weight of the polyether-modified silicone (B) is 3,000 or more and 50,000 or less, The nonionic surfactant (D) has a mass average molecular weight of 200 or more and 20,000 or less and is at least one selected from the following compound (d1) and compound (d2), Compound (d1) is a compound obtained by adding 3 mol or more and 50 mol or less of an alkylene oxide having 2 to 3 carbon atoms to 1 mol of a monovalent or monovalent or tetravalent alcohol having 2 to 18 carbon atoms. Compound (d2) is a compound obtained by adding an alkylene oxide having 2 to 4 carbon atoms in a ratio of 1 mol to 100 mol to an ester compound of a divalent to tetravalent alcohol having 2 to 6 carbon atoms and a monovalent fatty acid having 8 to 22 carbon atoms, The hydrophobic component (E) is at least one selected from an ester compound (e1) of a monocarboxylic acid having 12 to 24 carbon atoms and a monohydric aliphatic alcohol, a metal salt (e3) of a monocarboxylic acid having 16 to 24 carbon atoms, a fatty amide compound (e4) having 16 to 40 carbon atoms, and a monohydric aliphatic alcohol (e5) having 16 to 32 carbon atoms.

[0152] (Note 10) The hydrophilizing agent according to Supplementary Note 9, wherein the total content of the anionic component (A) and the polyether-modified silicone (B) is 10% by mass or more and 100% by mass or less relative to the total mass of the hydrophilizing agent.

[0153] (Note 11) The hydrophilizing agent according to Appendix 9 or 10, wherein the hydrophobic component (E) contains at least one selected from an ester compound (e1) of a monocarboxylic acid having 12 to 24 carbon atoms and a monohydric aliphatic alcohol, a metal salt (e3) of a monocarboxylic acid having 16 to 24 carbon atoms, and a fatty amide compound (e4) having 16 to 40 carbon atoms.

[0154] (Note 12) The hydrophilizing agent according to Supplement 9, wherein the anionic component (A) contains at least one selected from an organic sulfonic acid (a2), an alkyl phosphate having an alkyl group with 6 to 12 carbon atoms (a5), a polyoxyalkylene alkyl phosphate having an alkyl group with 6 to 12 carbon atoms (a6), and salts thereof.

[0155] (Note 13) The hydrophilizing agent according to Supplementary Note 9, wherein the thermoplastic resin is a polyolefin. (Note 14) The hydrophilic treatment agent according to Supplementary Note 9, wherein the nonwoven fabric has a basis weight of 5 g / m 2 Above and 50g / m 2 The following long fiber nonwoven fabrics.

[0156] (Note 15) A nonwoven fabric is a nonwoven fabric formed of synthetic fibers, the synthetic fibers being composed of a thermoplastic resin containing 0.1% by mass or more and 10% by mass or less of a hydrophobic component (E), wherein: A hydrophilizing agent is attached to the surface of the nonwoven fabric. The hydrophilizing agent contains an anionic component (A) or a polyether-modified silicone (B) and a nonionic surfactant (D). The anion component (A) is at least one selected from fatty acids (a1), organic sulfonic acids (a2), organic sulfuric acid esters (a3), polyoxyalkylene organic sulfuric acid esters (a4), alkyl phosphates having an alkyl group with 6 to 12 carbon atoms (a5), polyoxyalkylene alkyl phosphates having an alkyl group with 6 to 12 carbon atoms (a6), and salts thereof. The mass average molecular weight of the polyether-modified silicone (B) is 3,000 or more and 50,000 or less, The nonionic surfactant (D) has a mass average molecular weight of 200 or more and 20,000 or less and is at least one selected from the following compound (d1) and compound (d2), Compound (d1) is a compound obtained by adding 3 mol or more and 50 mol or less of an alkylene oxide having 2 to 3 carbon atoms to 1 mol of a monovalent or monovalent or tetravalent alcohol having 2 to 18 carbon atoms. Compound (d2) is a compound obtained by adding an alkylene oxide having 2 to 4 carbon atoms in a ratio of 1 mol to 100 mol to an ester compound of a divalent to tetravalent alcohol having 2 to 6 carbon atoms and a monovalent fatty acid having 8 to 22 carbon atoms, The hydrophobic component (E) is at least one selected from an ester compound (e1) of a monocarboxylic acid having 12 to 24 carbon atoms and a monohydric aliphatic alcohol, a metal salt (e3) of a monocarboxylic acid having 16 to 24 carbon atoms, a fatty amide compound (e4) having 16 to 40 carbon atoms, and a monohydric aliphatic alcohol (e5) having 16 to 32 carbon atoms.

[0157] (Note 16) A method for producing a nonwoven fabric, characterized in that a hydrophilizing agent is attached to the nonwoven fabric, the hydrophilizing agent containing an anionic component (A) or a polyether-modified silicone (B), and a nonionic surfactant (D), the nonwoven fabric is formed of synthetic fibers, and the synthetic fibers are composed of a thermoplastic resin containing 0.1% by mass or more and 10% by mass or less of a hydrophobic component (E), wherein: The anion component (A) is at least one selected from fatty acids (a1), organic sulfonic acids (a2), organic sulfuric acid esters (a3), polyoxyalkylene organic sulfuric acid esters (a4), alkyl phosphates having an alkyl group with 6 to 12 carbon atoms (a5), polyoxyalkylene alkyl phosphates having an alkyl group with 6 to 12 carbon atoms (a6), and salts thereof. The mass average molecular weight of the polyether-modified silicone (B) is 3,000 or more and 50,000 or less, The nonionic surfactant (D) has a mass average molecular weight of 200 or more and 20,000 or less and is at least one selected from the following compound (d1) and compound (d2), Compound (d1) is a compound obtained by adding 3 mol or more and 50 mol or less of an alkylene oxide having 2 to 3 carbon atoms to 1 mol of a monovalent or monovalent or tetravalent alcohol having 2 to 18 carbon atoms. Compound (d2) is a compound obtained by adding an alkylene oxide having 2 to 4 carbon atoms in a ratio of 1 mol to 100 mol to an ester compound of a divalent to tetravalent alcohol having 2 to 6 carbon atoms and a monovalent fatty acid having 8 to 22 carbon atoms, The hydrophobic component (E) is at least one selected from an ester compound (e1) of a monocarboxylic acid having 12 to 24 carbon atoms and a monohydric aliphatic alcohol, a metal salt (e3) of a monocarboxylic acid having 16 to 24 carbon atoms, a fatty amide compound (e4) having 16 to 40 carbon atoms, and a monohydric aliphatic alcohol (e5) having 16 to 32 carbon atoms.

Claims

1. A hydrophilizing agent comprising at least one selected from an anionic component (A) and a polyether-modified silicone (B), wherein the hydrophilizing agent is applied to a nonwoven fabric formed of a synthetic fiber composed of a thermoplastic resin containing a hydrophobic component (E), The anion component (A) is at least one selected from fatty acids (a1), organic sulfonic acids (a2), organic sulfates (a3), polyoxyalkylene organic sulfates (a4), alkyl phosphates having an alkyl group with 6 to 12 carbon atoms (a5), polyoxyalkylene alkyl phosphates having an alkyl group with 6 to 12 carbon atoms (a6), and salts thereof. The mass average molecular weight of the polyether-modified silicone (B) is 1,000 or more and 100,000 or less, The hydrophobic component (E) is at least one selected from the group consisting of an ester compound (e1) of a monocarboxylic acid having 12 to 24 carbon atoms and a monohydric aliphatic alcohol, an ester compound (e2) of a monocarboxylic acid having 12 to 24 carbon atoms and a polyhydric alcohol having a valence of 2 to 5, a metal salt (e3) of a monocarboxylic acid having 16 to 24 carbon atoms, a fatty amide compound (e4) having 16 to 40 carbon atoms, a monohydric aliphatic alcohol having 16 to 32 carbon atoms, an ethylene·α-olefin copolymer (e6), a propylene·α-olefin copolymer (e7), an alkyl-modified silicone (e8), and a polydimethylsilicone (e9).

2. The hydrophilizing agent according to claim 1, wherein The total content of the anionic component (A) and the polyether-modified silicone (B) is 10% by mass or more and 100% by mass or less relative to the total mass of the hydrophilization agent.

3. The hydrophilizing agent according to claim 1 or 2, wherein The hydrophobic component (E) contains at least one selected from the group consisting of an ester compound (e1) of a monocarboxylic acid having 12 to 24 carbon atoms and a monohydric aliphatic alcohol, an ester compound (e2) of a monocarboxylic acid having 12 to 24 carbon atoms and a polyhydric alcohol having a valence of 2 to 5, a metal salt (e3) of a monocarboxylic acid having 16 to 24 carbon atoms, and a fatty amide compound (e4) having 16 to 40 carbon atoms.

4. The hydrophilizing agent according to claim 1, wherein The anion component (A) contains at least one selected from an organic sulfonic acid (a2), an alkyl phosphate having an alkyl group with 6 to 12 carbon atoms (a5), a polyoxyalkylene alkyl phosphate having an alkyl group with 6 to 12 carbon atoms (a6), and salts thereof. The mass average molecular weight of the polyether-modified silicone (B) is 3,000 or more and 50,000 or less.

5. The hydrophilizing agent according to claim 1, further comprising a nonionic surfactant (D), The nonionic surfactant (D) has a mass average molecular weight of 200 or more and 20,000 or less and is at least one selected from the following compounds: A compound (d1) obtained by adding a total of 3 mol or more and 50 mol or less of an alkylene oxide having 2 to 3 carbon atoms to 1 mol of a monovalent or more and tetravalent or less alcohol having 2 to 18 carbon atoms; A compound (d2) obtained by adding an alkylene oxide having 2 to 4 carbon atoms in a ratio of 1 mol to 100 mol to an ester compound of a divalent to tetravalent alcohol having 2 to 6 carbon atoms and a monovalent fatty acid having 8 to 22 carbon atoms; and An ether ester compound (d3) formed by condensing 1 mole of the following compound with 2 moles to 3 moles of a monovalent fatty acid having 8 to 22 carbon atoms, wherein the compound is a compound formed by adding an alkylene oxide having 2 to 4 carbon atoms in a ratio of 1 mole to 100 moles to an ester compound of a divalent to tetravalent alcohol having 2 to 6 carbon atoms and a monovalent fatty acid having 8 to 22 carbon atoms.

6. The hydrophilizing agent according to claim 1, wherein The thermoplastic resin contains 0.1% by mass or more and 10% by mass or less of the hydrophobic component (E).

7. The hydrophilizing agent according to claim 1, wherein The thermoplastic resin is polyolefin.

8. The hydrophilizing agent according to claim 1, wherein The nonwoven fabric has a basis weight of 5 g / m 2 Above and 50g / m 2 The following long fiber nonwoven fabrics.

9. A nonwoven fabric comprising synthetic fibers, the synthetic fibers comprising a thermoplastic resin containing a hydrophobic component (E), the nonwoven fabric being characterized in that a hydrophilizing agent is attached to the surface of the nonwoven fabric, the hydrophilizing agent comprising at least one selected from an anionic component (A) and a polyether-modified silicone (B), and optionally a nonionic surfactant, The anion component (A) is at least one selected from fatty acids (a1), organic sulfonic acids (a2), organic sulfates (a3), polyoxyalkylene organic sulfates (a4), alkyl phosphates having an alkyl group with 6 to 12 carbon atoms (a5), polyoxyalkylene alkyl phosphates having an alkyl group with 6 to 12 carbon atoms (a6), and salts thereof. The mass average molecular weight of the polyether-modified silicone (B) is 1,000 or more and 100,000 or less, The hydrophobic component (E) is at least one selected from the group consisting of an ester compound (e1) of a monocarboxylic acid having 12 to 24 carbon atoms and a monohydric aliphatic alcohol, an ester compound (e2) of a monocarboxylic acid having 12 to 24 carbon atoms and a polyhydric alcohol having a valence of 2 to 5, a metal salt (e3) of a monocarboxylic acid having 16 to 24 carbon atoms, a fatty amide compound (e4) having 16 to 40 carbon atoms, a monohydric aliphatic alcohol having 16 to 32 carbon atoms, an ethylene·α-olefin copolymer (e6), a propylene·α-olefin copolymer (e7), an alkyl-modified silicone (e8), and a polydimethylsilicone (e9).

10. A method for producing a nonwoven fabric, characterized in that: A hydrophilizing agent is attached to a nonwoven fabric, the hydrophilizing agent comprising at least one selected from an anionic component (A) and a polyether-modified silicone (B), and optionally a nonionic surfactant, the nonwoven fabric being formed of a synthetic fiber composed of a thermoplastic resin containing a hydrophobic component (E), The anion component (A) is at least one selected from fatty acids (a1), organic sulfonic acids (a2), organic sulfates (a3), polyoxyalkylene organic sulfates (a4), alkyl phosphates having an alkyl group with 6 to 12 carbon atoms (a5), polyoxyalkylene alkyl phosphates having an alkyl group with 6 to 12 carbon atoms (a6), and salts thereof. The mass average molecular weight of the polyether-modified silicone (B) is 1,000 or more and 100,000 or less, The hydrophobic component (E) is at least one selected from the group consisting of an ester compound (e1) of a monocarboxylic acid having 12 to 24 carbon atoms and a monohydric aliphatic alcohol, an ester compound (e2) of a monocarboxylic acid having 12 to 24 carbon atoms and a polyhydric alcohol having a valence of 2 to 5, a metal salt (e3) of a monocarboxylic acid having 16 to 24 carbon atoms, a fatty amide compound (e4) having 16 to 40 carbon atoms, a monohydric aliphatic alcohol having 16 to 32 carbon atoms, an ethylene·α-olefin copolymer (e6), a propylene·α-olefin copolymer (e7), an alkyl-modified silicone (e8), and a polydimethylsilicone (e9).

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