Toilet sand for animals

Abstract

The invention provides toilet sand for animals, which can sufficiently inhibit the generation of malodor. The toilet litter (3) for animals according to the present invention is a toilet litter (3) for animals comprising a plurality of particles, each of the plurality of particles comprising an inorganic porous material and a curing agent, and further comprising silica gel in an amount of 0.0 mass% to 2.5 mass% (inclusive). The toilet litter (3) for animals according to the present invention is characterized in that: the area of a water droplet trace after a drop test of colored water in each of the plurality of particles is less than 12.6 mm2; or the pH of the ion-exchanged water after the liquid of the plurality of particles passes through the test is less than 7.62; alternatively, the water-proof layer has a concavo-convex structure comprising a plurality of convex portions.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to animal toilet sand used as litter for animal toilets for animals such as cats and dogs. Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, as animal toilets for animals such as cats and dogs kept indoors, the following types of products are known, which include: an upper-open box-shaped toilet container; and toilet sand composed of a plurality of granular materials housed in the toilet container. Furthermore, as one type of animal toilet, the following animal system toilet is known, which includes: an upper container having a liquid-permeable bottom surface; and a lower container disposed below the upper container and housing a liquid-absorbing member. Toilet sand is housed in the upper container of such an animal system toilet, and the urine of the animal passes between the granular materials of the toilet sand housed in the upper container and is absorbed by the liquid-absorbing member in the lower container.

[0003] The toilet sand housed in the upper container of the animal system toilet has a prescribed liquid permeability for quickly transferring the urine of the animal to the lower container. At the same time, in order to suppress the occurrence of malodor caused by urine remaining on the surface of the granular materials, the toilet sand has a prescribed liquid absorbency for absorbing the urine remaining on the surface of the granular materials.

[0004] Thus, while seeking both liquid permeability and liquid absorbency in the toilet sand used in the animal system toilet, various toilet sands have been proposed from this perspective. For example, in Patent Document 1, the following animal toilet sand is proposed, which includes a plurality of granular materials, and each of the plurality of granular materials includes: a particle group composed of an inorganic porous material; silica gel; and an inorganic binder that integrally fixes the particle group and the silica gel.

[0005] Prior Art Documents

[0006] Patent Documents

[0007] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2009-125000 Summary of the Invention

[0008] Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0009] Regarding conventional animal toilet sand using an inorganic porous material as the main raw material, a curing agent such as cement is used as an adhesive. However, since the curing agent such as cement generates calcium hydroxide through a hardening reaction, the pH becomes high. As a result, if the animal toilet sand comes into contact with urine, the decomposition of urea contained in the urine is promoted, and there is a possibility of generating ammonia, which is a cause of malodor. Therefore, in the animal toilet sand as in Patent Document 1, in order to suppress the rise in the pH of the granular materials, silica gel is mixed in the granular materials.

[0010] However, even for animal toilet sand like Patent Document 1, sometimes the silica gel adsorbs odor substances in the surrounding environment before the animal toilet sand is used, and due to the gradual release of the adsorbed odor substances, there is a possibility of generating unpleasant malodor. Furthermore, as odor substances, in addition to those that can exist in the space of the breeding environment, those that can exist in the space of the manufacturing environment of silica gel or animal toilet sand can also be considered. Moreover, after the silica gel adsorbs odor substances generated from excreta such as urine, due to the gradual release of the adsorbed odor substances, there is also a possibility of generating unpleasant malodor.

[0011] In addition to such malodor caused by the odor substances adsorbed by the silica gel, for conventional animal toilet sand, there are sometimes still cases where malodor occurs for various reasons, and further improvement in odor suppression is sought.

[0012] The present invention is made in view of the above problems, and its object is to provide an animal toilet sand that can sufficiently suppress the occurrence of malodor.

[0013] Solutions for solving the problems

[0014] The present invention includes the following various styles.

[0015] (Style 1)

[0016] An animal toilet sand, which includes a plurality of granular materials, characterized in that each of the plurality of granular materials contains an inorganic porous material and a curing agent, each of the plurality of granular materials further contains silica gel in an amount of 0.0% by mass or more and 2.5% by mass or less, and the area of the water droplet trace after the colored water droplet test is less than 12.6 mm 2 .

[0017] The animal toilet sand of Style No. 1 does not contain silica gel at all or, even if it contains silica gel, it contains it in a low content of 2.5% by mass or less. There is no odor substance adsorbed by the silica gel or the amount of the odor substance adsorbed by the silica gel is small. Therefore, as a result, the release amount of the odor substance adsorbed by the silica gel can be reduced. Thus, the animal toilet sand of Style No. 1 can suppress the occurrence of malodor caused by the release of the odor substance adsorbed by the silica gel.

[0018] In addition, in conventional animal toilet sand, after a plurality of granular materials adsorb odor substances generated from excreta such as urine, due to the gradual release of the adsorbed odor substances, there is a possibility of generating unpleasant malodor. Furthermore, in conventional animal toilet sand, there is also a possibility of generating unpleasant malodor of ammonia due to the evaporation of urine remaining on the surface of the granular materials. On the other hand, in the animal toilet sand of Style No. 1, the area of the water droplet trace after the colored water droplet test is less than 12.6 mm2 , the absorption area of the granular material is small. Therefore, urine easily passes between the granular materials without being absorbed by the granular materials. As a result, it is difficult for urine to remain on the surface of the granular materials in the litter for animals of this Pattern 1, and it is difficult for ammonia generated by the decomposition of urea contained in the urine to be produced.

[0019] As described above, the litter for animals of this Pattern 1 can suppress the occurrence of malodor caused by the odor substances adsorbed by the silica gel and the granular materials, the malodor caused by the urine remaining on the surface of the granular materials, and the malodor caused by ammonia, and can exhibit an excellent malodor suppression effect.

[0020] (Pattern 2)

[0021] A litter for animals, which comprises a plurality of granular materials, characterized in that each of the plurality of granular materials contains an inorganic porous material and a curing agent, and further contains silica gel in an amount of 0.0% by mass or more and 2.5% by mass or less, and the pH of the ion-exchanged water after the liquid passing test of the plurality of granular materials is less than 7.62.

[0022] The litter for animals of this Pattern 2 does not contain silica gel at all or, even if it contains silica gel, it contains it in a low content of 2.5% by mass or less. There is no odor substance adsorbed by the silica gel or the amount of the odor substance adsorbed by the silica gel is small. Therefore, as a result, the emission amount of the odor substance adsorbed by the silica gel can be reduced. Thus, the litter for animals of this Pattern 2 can also suppress the occurrence of malodor caused by the emission of the odor substance adsorbed by the silica gel.

[0023] In addition, in the conventional litter for animals, sometimes even if it contains silica gel, the pH of the plurality of granular materials cannot be controlled within an appropriate range, and there is a possibility that ammonia, which is a cause of malodor, is produced. On the other hand, in the litter for animals of this Pattern 2, since the pH of the ion-exchanged water after the liquid passing test of the plurality of granular materials is less than 7.62, it is difficult for ammonia, which is a cause of malodor, to be produced even when in contact with urine. Thus, the litter for animals of this Pattern 2 can suppress the occurrence of malodor caused by ammonia.

[0024] As described above, the litter for animals of this Pattern 2 can suppress the occurrence of malodor caused by the odor substance adsorbed by the silica gel and the malodor caused by ammonia, and can exhibit an excellent malodor suppression effect.

[0025] (Pattern 3)

[0026] A litter for animals, which comprises a plurality of granular materials, characterized in that each of the plurality of granular materials contains an inorganic porous material and a curing agent, and has waterproofness, and each of the plurality of granular materials further contains silica gel in an amount of 0.0% by mass or more and 2.5% by mass or less, and has a concavo-convex structure composed of a plurality of convex portions.

[0027] The cat litter of Pattern 3 also does not contain silica gel at all, or even if it contains silica gel, it contains it in a low content of 2.5% by mass or less. There is no odor substance adsorbed by silica gel or the amount of odor substance adsorbed by silica gel is small. Therefore, as a result, the emission amount of the odor substance adsorbed by silica gel can be reduced. Thus, the cat litter of Pattern 3 can also suppress the generation of malodor caused by the emission of the odor substance adsorbed by silica gel.

[0028] In addition, in the conventional cat litter, after multiple granular materials adsorb odor substances generated from excreta such as urine, the adsorbed odor substances are gradually released, so there is a possibility of generating unpleasant malodor. Furthermore, in the conventional cat litter, there is also a possibility of generating unpleasant malodor of ammonia due to the evaporation of urine remaining on the surface of the granular materials. On the other hand, in the cat litter of Pattern 3, multiple granular materials each have water repellency and an uneven structure. Thus, compared with a structure that has water repellency but does not have an uneven structure, urine is more likely to pass between the granular materials without being absorbed by the granular materials. Therefore, it is difficult for urine to remain on the surface of the granular materials in the cat litter of Pattern 3, and it is difficult to generate ammonia generated by the decomposition of urea contained in the urine.

[0029] As described above, the cat litter of Pattern 3 can suppress the generation of malodor caused by the odor substances adsorbed by silica gel and granular materials, the malodor caused by urine remaining on the surface of the granular materials, and the malodor caused by ammonia, and can exhibit an excellent malodor suppression effect.

[0030] (Pattern 4)

[0031] The cat litter according to any one of the above-mentioned Patterns 1 to 3, wherein the surface of each of the above-mentioned multiple granular materials is covered with a water repellent.

[0032] Since the surface of the granular materials of the cat litter of Pattern 4 is covered with a water repellent, urine is likely to pass between the granular materials without being absorbed by the granular materials, and urine is difficult to contact the inside of the granular materials, and it is difficult to generate ammonia generated by the decomposition of urea in the urine.

[0033] Based on the above configuration, the cat litter of Pattern 4 can more reliably suppress the generation of malodor caused by the odor substances adsorbed by the granular materials, the malodor caused by urine remaining on the surface of the granular materials, and the malodor caused by ammonia, and can exhibit a more excellent malodor suppression effect.

[0034] (Pattern 5)

[0035] The animal toilet sand according to any one of the above-mentioned styles 1 to 3, characterized in that the surface of each of the plurality of granular materials is covered with an ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer.

[0036] Since the surface of the granular material of the animal toilet sand of this style 5 is covered with an ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer (EVA), urine is difficult to come into contact with the inside of the granular material, and it is difficult for ammonia generated by the decomposition of urea in the urine to be produced.

[0037] According to the above configuration, the animal toilet sand of this style 5 can more reliably suppress the occurrence of odors caused by ammonia and the odor caused by urine remaining on the surface of the granular material, and can exhibit a more excellent odor suppression effect.

[0038] (Style 6)

[0039] The animal toilet sand according to any one of the above-mentioned styles 1 to 3, characterized in that the surface of each of the plurality of granular materials is covered with a mixture of a waterproofing agent and an ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer.

[0040] Since the surface of the granular material of the animal toilet sand of this style 6 is covered with a mixture of a waterproofing agent and EVA, urine easily passes between the granular materials without being absorbed by the granular materials, and urine is difficult to come into contact with the inside of the granular materials, and it is difficult for ammonia generated by the decomposition of urea in the urine to be produced.

[0041] According to the above configuration, the animal toilet sand of this style 6 can further suppress the occurrence of odors caused by odor substances adsorbed by the granular materials, the odor caused by urine remaining on the surface of the granular materials, and the odor caused by ammonia, and can exhibit a more excellent odor suppression effect.

[0042] (Style 7)

[0043] The animal toilet sand according to any one of the above-mentioned styles 1 to 6, characterized in that each of the plurality of granular materials contains at least waterproof particles on its surface.

[0044] Since the granular material of the animal toilet sand of this style 7 contains at least waterproof particles on its surface, urine easily passes between the granular materials without being absorbed by the granular materials, and urine is difficult to come into contact with the inside of the granular materials, and it is difficult for ammonia generated by the decomposition of urea in the urine to be produced.

[0045] According to the above configuration, the animal toilet sand of this style 7 can more reliably suppress the occurrence of odors caused by odor substances adsorbed by the granular materials, the odor caused by urine remaining on the surface of the granular materials, and the odor caused by ammonia, and can exhibit a more excellent odor suppression effect.

[0046] (Style 8)

[0047] The animal toilet sand according to any one of the above-described styles 1 to 7, characterized in that the Ra (arithmetic mean roughness) of each of the plurality of granular materials is 0.26 μm or more and 0.95 μm or less.

[0048] Since the granular materials of the animal toilet sand of this style 8 have a Ra (arithmetic mean roughness) within a specified range, urine easily passes between the granular materials without being absorbed by the granular materials, and it is difficult for urine to come into contact with the inside of the granular materials, and it is difficult for ammonia to be generated due to the decomposition of urea in the urine.

[0049] Based on the above configuration, the animal toilet sand of this style 8 can more reliably suppress the occurrence of odors caused by odor substances adsorbed by the granular materials, odors caused by urine remaining on the surface of the granular materials, and odors caused by ammonia, and can exhibit a more excellent odor suppression effect.

[0050] (Style 9)

[0051] The animal toilet sand according to any one of the above-described styles 1 to 8, characterized in that the Rsm (average spacing of unevenness) of each of the plurality of granular materials is 20 μm or more and 25 μm or less.

[0052] Since the granular materials of the animal toilet sand of this style 9 have a Rsm (average spacing of unevenness) within a specified range, urine easily passes between the granular materials without being absorbed by the granular materials, and it is difficult for urine to come into contact with the inside of the granular materials, and it is difficult for ammonia generated by the decomposition of urea in the urine to be produced.

[0053] Based on the above configuration, the animal toilet sand of this style 9 can more reliably suppress the occurrence of odors caused by odor substances adsorbed by the granular materials, odors caused by urine remaining on the surface of the granular materials, and odors caused by ammonia, and can exhibit a more excellent odor suppression effect.

[0054] (Style 10)

[0055] The animal toilet sand according to the above-described style 3, characterized in that the uneven structure includes the particles constituting the animal toilet sand.

[0056] Since the granular materials that are difficult to plastically deform due to the uneven structure of the granular materials constitute the particles in the animal toilet sand of this style 10, the deformation of the uneven structure is small during the use of the animal toilet sand, urine easily passes between the granular materials without being absorbed by the granular materials, and it is difficult for urine to come into contact with the inside of the granular materials, and it is difficult for ammonia generated by the decomposition of urea in the urine to be produced, and such a function and effect can be continuously exerted.

[0057] According to the above constitution, the animal toilet sand of this type 10 can more reliably suppress the occurrence of malodors caused by odor substances adsorbed by particulate matter, malodors caused by urine remaining on the surface of particulate matter, and malodors caused by ammonia, and can exhibit a more excellent malodor suppression effect.

[0058] Effects of the Invention

[0059] According to the present invention, there can be provided animal toilet sand capable of sufficiently suppressing the occurrence of malodors. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0060] Figure 1 FIG. 1 is a perspective view schematically showing the constitution of a system toilet 1 using the animal toilet sand 3 as the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0061] Figure 2 FIG. 2 is an SEM image of the surface of the particulate matter constituting the animal toilet sand 3 as the first embodiment of the present invention, which has been surface-treated with a waterproofing agent.

[0062] Figure 3 FIG. 3 is an SEM image of the surface of the particulate matter constituting the animal toilet sand 3 as the first embodiment of the present invention, which has been surface-treated with an ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer.

[0063] Figure 4 FIG. 4 is an SEM image of the surface of the particulate matter constituting the animal toilet sand 3 as the third embodiment of the present invention, which has been surface-treated with a mixture of a waterproofing agent and an ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer.

[0064] Figure 5 FIG. 5 is an SEM image of the surface of the particulate matter constituting the animal toilet sand 3 as the third embodiment of the present invention, which has not been surface-treated. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0065] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the animal toilet sand according to one embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. Furthermore, in this specification, unless otherwise specified, various numerical ranges mean ranges including their upper and lower limits.

[0066] To achieve the above objectives, the inventors of the present application have conducted intensive research focusing on the causes of malodors. As a result, they have discovered that the occurrence of multiple types of malodors with different causes can be suppressed by the following various methods. Specifically, the inventors have discovered that the occurrence of multiple types of malodors with different causes can be suppressed by at least one of: reducing the silica gel content of the granules constituting animal litter to reduce the granules' absorption area; and reducing the silica gel content of the granules constituting animal litter to control the pH of the liquid after passage through the granules to an appropriate range.

[0067] The present invention has been completed based on such findings, and includes the following embodiments.

[0068] <First embodiment>

[0069] First, regarding the first embodiment of the animal litter box 3 as one embodiment of the present invention, refer to Figure 1 Provide detailed explanation.

[0070] Figure 1 1 is a perspective view schematically showing the structure of a system toilet 1 using animal litter 3 according to the first embodiment of the present invention. Figure 1 As shown, the system toilet 1 includes a cover 2 , animal litter 3 according to the first embodiment of the present invention, a litter storage container 4 , a disposable excrement disposal sheet 5 , and an excrement disposal sheet storage container 6 .

[0071] Furthermore, the cover 2 defines the entrance and exit for animals such as cats and forms an outer wall that acts as a barrier to prevent the scattering of excrement and animal litter 3. The litter container 4 is a container for the animal litter 3 and has a bottom portion (e.g., a curtain plate) with a structure (e.g., a porous structure or a mesh structure) that allows urine excreted by the animal to pass through. Furthermore, the excrement disposal sheet 5 is positioned below the bottom portion of the litter container 4. It is a disposable, liquid-absorbent sheet that absorbs and retains urine that passes through the animal litter 3 and the bottom portion. The excrement disposal sheet container 6 is a container for the excrement disposal sheet 5 and is assembled below the litter container 4 so that it can be freely accessed.

[0072] Figure 1 The illustrated system toilet 1 is configured such that, inside the lid 2, when an animal excretes urine, the urine passes through the animal litter 3 and is absorbed and retained by the excrement disposal sheet 5 located below the litter 3. Furthermore, as the urine passes through the litter 3, it is gradually absorbed by the multiple granules that make up the litter 3, passing between the granules and flowing downward.

[0073] The system toilet 1 is configured to suppress the diffusion of malodor generated from urine by absorbing and retaining urine inside the animal litter 3 and the excrement treatment sheet 5, and by covering the internal space of the excrement treatment sheet housing container 6 including the excrement treatment sheet 5 with the animal litter 3 from above. Therefore, in the system toilet 1, the animal litter 3 has a prescribed liquid permeability and liquid absorbency, and also has a prescribed adsorbency capable of adsorbing odor substances generated from excrement.

[0074] The animal litter 3 of the present embodiment is an animal litter including a plurality of granular materials, and each of the plurality of granular materials contains an inorganic porous material and a curing agent. Also, in the present embodiment, each of the plurality of granular materials further contains silica gel in an amount of 0.0 mass% or more and 2.5 mass% or less, and the area of the water droplet mark after the colored water droplet test is less than 12.6 mm 2 。

[0075] Here, in this specification, "further contains silica gel in an amount of 0.0 mass% or more and 2.5 mass% or less" means that silica gel is not contained at all or, even if it is contained, it is contained in an amount of 2.5 mass% or less.

[0076] Since the animal litter 3 of the present embodiment does not contain silica gel at all or, even if it contains silica gel, it contains it in such a low amount as 2.5 mass% or less, there is no odor substance adsorbed by the silica gel or the amount of odor substance adsorbed by the silica gel is small. As a result, the amount of odor substance released by the silica gel can be reduced. Thus, the animal litter 3 of the present embodiment can suppress the generation of malodor caused by the release of odor substances adsorbed by the silica gel.

[0077] In addition, as described above, in conventional animal litters, after the granular materials adsorb odor substances generated from excrement such as urine, there is a possibility of generating unpleasant malodor due to the gradual release of the adsorbed odor substances. Furthermore, in conventional animal litters, there is also a possibility of generating unpleasant malodor of ammonia due to the evaporation of urine remaining on the surface of the granular materials. On the other hand, in the animal litter 3 of the present embodiment, since the area of the water droplet mark after the colored water droplet test is less than 12.6 mm 2 , the absorption area of the granular materials is small, so urine easily passes between the granular materials without being absorbed by the granular materials. Thus, it is difficult for ammonia generated by the decomposition of urea contained in the urine to be produced in the animal litter 3 of the present embodiment.

[0078] As described above, the animal litter 3 of the present embodiment can suppress the generation of malodor caused by odor substances adsorbed by the silica gel and the granular materials, malodor caused by urine remaining on the surface of the granular materials, and malodor caused by ammonia, and can exhibit an excellent malodor suppression effect.

[0079] Furthermore, in the present embodiment, the area of the water droplet mark after the colored water droplet dropping test of the granular material is set to be less than 12.6 mm 2 The means is not particularly limited, and water absorption adjustment means well-known in the art can be adopted. As a specific example, adjustment of the composition of the components constituting the granular material and / or covering the surface of the granular material with a surface treatment agent such as a waterproof agent and adjusting its amount or covering form can be cited, etc.

[0080] (Method for measuring the area of the water droplet mark after the colored water droplet dropping test)

[0081] The area of the water droplet mark after the colored water droplet dropping test can be measured as follows.

[0082] (1) First, using a micropipette, measure 5 μL of water colored blue and drop it onto a sample of the granular material to be measured.

[0083] (2) Next, use a filter paper manufactured by ADVANTEC Co., Ltd. to absorb the water droplets on the granular material.

[0084] (3) Measure the size of the water droplet mark remaining on the surface of the granular material. At this time, regard the water droplet mark as an ellipse and measure the lengths of the parts corresponding to its major axis (mm) and minor axis (mm) respectively.

[0085] (4) And, calculate the area of the water droplet mark (mm 2 ) according to the following formula.

[0086] Area of water droplet mark = (major axis / 2) × (minor axis / 2) × 3.14

[0087] Hereinafter, the granular material constituting the animal toilet sand 3 of the present embodiment will be described in detail.

[0088] (Constituent components of the granular material)

[0089] In the present embodiment, the granular material constituting the animal toilet sand 3 contains an inorganic porous material and a curing agent, and furthermore, does not contain silica gel at all or contains silica gel in a low content of 2.5 mass% or less. Hereinafter, these constituent components will be described.

[0090] (Inorganic porous material)

[0091] The inorganic porous material as a constituent component of the granular material is not particularly limited as long as it does not hinder the effects of the present invention, and any inorganic porous material that can be used as a constituent component of animal toilet sand can be used. As such an inorganic porous material, for example, zeolite, sepiolite, attapulgite, diatomaceous earth, diatomaceous shale, etc. can be cited.

[0092] Furthermore, the particle diameter of the inorganic porous material is not particularly limited, for example, it is 400 μm or less, preferably 300 μm or less, more preferably 200 μm or less.

[0093] In addition, the content of the inorganic porous material in the granular material is not particularly limited as long as the effects of the present invention are not impaired, and any content corresponding to the desired malodor suppression effect, strength, etc. can be adopted. As such a content, for example, a content of 50 to 98% by mass can be cited. The content of the inorganic porous material in the granular material is preferably 50 to 95% by mass, more preferably 60 to 90% by mass. Furthermore, the content of the inorganic porous material in the granular material refers to the ratio of the mass of the inorganic porous material contained in each particle of the granular material.

[0094] (Curing agent)

[0095] The curing agent as a constituent of the granular material is not particularly limited as long as the effects of the present invention are not impaired, and any curing agent that can be used as a constituent of the animal toilet sand can be used. As such a curing agent, for example, a cement-based curing agent, a non-cement-based curing agent, etc. can be cited. Furthermore, the cement-based curing agent and the non-cement-based curing agent can be used alone or in combination.

[0096] The cement-based curing agent is a curing agent composed of cement, and is a curing agent that is mainly composed of calcium silicate and hardens by reacting with water (hydration). As the cement, for example, portland cement, white cement, etc. can be cited. By using such cement as the curing agent, the strength of the granular material constituting the animal toilet sand can be improved.

[0097] In addition, as the cement-based curing agent, low-alkali cement can also be used. Low-alkali cement is a low-alkali cement with a pH of about 11 in which the alkali metals (Na, K) contained in the cement are adjusted to below a specified content. By using low-alkali cement as the curing agent, the pH of the granular material constituting the animal toilet sand can be reduced. If the pH of the granular material is reduced in this way, it is difficult for ammonia, which is a cause of malodor, to be generated even when the granular material comes into contact with urine. Therefore, the occurrence of malodor caused by ammonia can be more effectively suppressed.

[0098] On the other hand, the non-cement-based curing agent is a curing agent other than the cement-based curing agent, and is a curing agent that does not have calcium silicate as the main component. As the non-cement-based curing agent, for example, dolomite, calcium oxide, calcium sulfate, magnesium oxide, etc. can be cited. Especially when a mixture of a cement-based curing agent and a non-cement-based curing agent is used as the curing agent, the strength of the granular material can be improved and the pH can be reduced, and the occurrence of malodor caused by ammonia can be more reliably suppressed.

[0099] As a non-cement-based solidifying agent, a water-hardening solidifying agent mainly composed of calcium sulfate and magnesium oxide can also be used. Such a water-hardening solidifying agent exhibits substantially neutral properties. Furthermore, magnesium hydroxide generated when the solidifying agent hardens exhibits weak alkalinity. Therefore, if such a water-hardening solidifying agent is used as a non-cement-based solidifying agent, the pH of the granular material can be reduced, and the generation of malodor caused by ammonia can be more reliably suppressed.

[0100] Furthermore, in the water-hardening solidifying agent mainly composed of calcium sulfate and magnesium oxide, the content of calcium sulfate is preferably 50 to 95% by mass, and the content of magnesium oxide is preferably 5 to 50% by mass. Here, the content of calcium sulfate is the content in the case of converting to the anhydride.

[0101] The content of the solidifying agent in the granular material is not particularly limited as long as it does not hinder the effects of the present invention, and any content corresponding to the desired malodor suppression effect or strength, etc. can be adopted. As such a content, for example, a content of 5 to 30% by mass can be cited. From the aspects of malodor suppression effect or strength, etc., the content of the solidifying agent in the granular material is preferably 10 to 25% by mass.

[0102] (Silica gel)

[0103] As described above, in the present embodiment, the granular material constituting the animal toilet sand 3 does not contain silica gel at all or contains silica gel in a low content of 2.5% by mass or less. That is, silica gel is an optional constituent of the granular material constituting the animal toilet sand 3.

[0104] In the present embodiment, if the silica gel that can be used as a constituent of the granular material has a content of 0.0% by mass or more and 2.5% by mass or less, its type, structure, etc. are not particularly limited, and any silica gel that can be used as a constituent of the animal toilet sand can be used. As such silica gel, for example, commercially available silica gels such as type A silica gel, type B silica gel, and type C silica gel can be cited.

[0105] The content of silica gel in the granular material is 0.0% by mass or more and 2.5% by mass or less as described above. If the content of silica gel in the granular material is within such a range, there is no odor substance adsorbed by the silica gel or the amount of odor substance adsorbed by the silica gel is small. Therefore, as a result, the emission amount of the odor substance adsorbed by the silica gel can be reduced. Thus, the animal toilet sand 3 of the present embodiment can suppress the generation of malodor caused by the emission of the odor substance adsorbed by the silica gel.

[0106] (Other components)

[0107] In this embodiment, the granular material constituting the animal litter 3 may further contain any additional components in addition to the inorganic porous material, curing agent, and silica gel. Such additional components are not particularly limited, and examples thereof include various functional components such as fragrance components, antimicrobial components, test drug components, hydrophilic components, hydrophobic components, other deodorizing components, preservative components, bactericidal components, antifungal components, and coloring components. These functional components may be used alone or in combination of two or more.

[0108] Furthermore, fragrance ingredients are not particularly limited as long as they contain aromatic compounds. Examples include alcohols such as vanillin, citronellol, geraniol, eugenol, phenylethyl alcohol, thymol, linalool, phylloxetate, menthol, and benzyl alcohol; aldehydes such as hexylcinnamaldehyde; and oils. Furthermore, fragrance ingredients may further contain a dispersant for dispersing the aromatic compound in water. Examples of dispersants include ethylene glycol, which is liquid at room temperature (25°C), and polymers thereof.

[0109] The antimicrobial component is not particularly limited as long as it can inhibit the growth of bacteria, and for example, any antimicrobial agent can be used, such as an organic, inorganic metal, photocatalytic, or natural antimicrobial agent. Among them, an organic surfactant-type antimicrobial agent is preferably used because it can inhibit the growth of bacteria even after the granules have absorbed excreta such as urine.

[0110] The test drug component is not particularly limited as long as it can detect the health status of animals. For example, drugs that change color according to urine components, such as pH test drugs, protein test drugs, glucose test drugs, occult blood test drugs, and urobilinogen test drugs, can be used.

[0111] The hydrophilizing component is not particularly limited as long as it can hydrophilize the granular material, and for example, a surfactant can be used. Furthermore, the hydrophobizing component is not particularly limited as long as it can hydrophobize the granular material, and for example, aliphatic hydrocarbons, silicone resins, fatty acids and their metal salts, polyethylene glycols, fatty acid esters, waxes, low molecular weight polyolefins, fluorine-based resins, etc. can be used.

[0112] Other deodorizing components are not particularly limited as long as they are components other than the above-mentioned inorganic porous materials and silica gel and have a deodorizing effect. Examples thereof include components that neutralize ammonia odors, such as citric acid and sodium bicarbonate.

[0113] Alternatively, the granules comprising the animal litter 3 may contain activated carbon in place of the aforementioned silica gel. Specifically, the granules may contain activated carbon in addition to the aforementioned inorganic porous material and curing agent. If the granules contain such activated carbon, the activated carbon can adsorb odorous substances and, as the activated carbon gradually oxidizes, the pH of the granules decreases, thereby reducing the generation of ammonia, which causes malodor.

[0114] (Surface covering)

[0115] In addition, in the present embodiment, the surface of the granular material constituting the animal toilet sand 3 may also be covered with any surface treatment agent such as a waterproofing agent or ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer.

[0116] Among them, preferably, the surface of the granular material constituting the animal toilet sand 3 of the present embodiment is covered with a waterproofing agent. If the surface of the granular material is covered with a waterproofing agent, urine is likely to pass between the granular materials without being absorbed by the granular materials, and it is difficult for urine to come into contact with the inside of the granular materials, and it is difficult for ammonia generated by the decomposition of urea in the urine to be produced. Therefore, the animal toilet sand 3 composed of such granular materials can more reliably suppress the occurrence of malodor caused by the odor substances adsorbed by the granular materials, the malodor caused by the urine remaining on the surface of the granular materials, and the malodor caused by ammonia, and can exhibit a more excellent malodor suppression effect.

[0117] The waterproofing agent that can be used for the animal toilet sand 3 of the present embodiment is not particularly limited, and any waterproofing agent that can be used for animal toilet sand can be used. As such a waterproofing agent, for example, waxes such as paraffin, silicone resins, fluororesins, etc. can be cited.

[0118] In addition, the surface of the granular material constituting the animal toilet sand 3 of the present embodiment may also be covered with ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer (EVA). If the surface of the granular material is covered with EVA, it is difficult for urine to come into contact with the inside of the granular materials, and it is difficult for ammonia generated by the decomposition of urea in the urine to be produced. Therefore, the animal toilet sand 3 composed of such granular materials can more reliably suppress the occurrence of malodor caused by ammonia and the malodor caused by the urine remaining on the surface of the granular materials, and can exhibit a more excellent malodor suppression effect.

[0119] In addition, the surface of the granular material constituting the animal toilet sand 3 of the present embodiment may also be covered with a mixture of the above-mentioned waterproofing agent and ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer (EVA). If the surface of the granular material is covered with a mixture of a waterproofing agent and EVA, urine is likely to pass between the granular materials without being absorbed by the multiple granular materials, and it is difficult for urine to come into contact with the inside of the granular materials, and it is difficult for ammonia generated by the decomposition of urea contained in the urine to be produced. Therefore, the animal toilet sand 3 composed of such granular materials can further suppress the occurrence of malodor caused by the odor substances adsorbed by the granular materials, the malodor caused by the urine remaining on the surface of the granular materials, and the malodor caused by ammonia.

[0120] Figures 2 to 4 are SEM (scanning electron microscope) images of the surface of the granular material constituting the animal toilet sand 3 of the present embodiment that has been surface-treated with a waterproofing agent, ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer, and a mixture of a waterproofing agent and ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer, respectively.Figure 5 This is a SEM image of the surface of the granular material that constitutes the animal toilet sand 3 of the present embodiment without surface treatment. When compared with Figure 5 the surface of the granular material shown, it can be seen that Figures 2 to 4 the surface of the granular material shown is rough. In particular, on the granular material whose surface is treated with a mixture of a waterproofing agent and ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer in Figure 4 , a significant uneven structure can be seen, indicating that the presence or absence of surface treatment affects the uneven state of the surface of the granular material.

[0121] Furthermore, the surface treatment agent used for covering the surface of the granular material may further contain any inorganic powder or additive component in addition to the above-mentioned waterproofing agent or EVA. Examples of such inorganic powders include talc, mica, kaolin, calcium carbonate, alumina, etc. On the other hand, the additive component is not particularly limited. For example, functional components similar to the additive components of the above-mentioned granular material can be cited, namely, various functional components such as fragrance components, antibacterial components, inspection drug components, hydrophilic components, hydrophobic components, deodorant components, antiseptic components, bactericidal components, mildew-proof components, and coloring components. Furthermore, these functional components can be used alone or in combination of two or more.

[0122] The means for covering the surface of the granular material with the above-mentioned surface treatment agent is not particularly limited, and any coating means can be adopted. Examples of such coating means include the means of spraying the surface treatment agent on the surface of the granular material, or the means of immersing the granular material in the surface treatment liquid, etc.

[0123] In the case where the surface of the granular material is covered with the above-mentioned surface treatment agent, the covering amount is not particularly limited as long as it does not hinder the effects of the present invention, and any covering amount corresponding to the desired malodor suppression effect or intensity, etc. can be adopted. Examples of such covering amounts include 0.01 to 5.00% by mass, preferably 0.05 to 3.00% by mass, and more preferably 0.10 to 1.00% by mass based on the mass of the granular material.

[0124] Furthermore, the covering form of each of the plurality of granular materials is not particularly limited as long as it does not hinder the effects of the present invention. The entire surface of each granular material can be covered with the surface treatment agent, or only a part of the surface of each granular material can be covered with the surface treatment agent. In addition, all of the plurality of granular materials can have their surfaces covered with the surface treatment agent, or only a part of the granular materials can have their surfaces covered with the surface treatment agent.

[0125] Each of the plurality of granular materials constituting the animal toilet sand 3 of the present embodiment has a substantially cylindrical outer shape, but the shape of the granular material is not limited to such a shape. For example, the shape of the granular material may be any outer shape such as a substantially spherical shape or an amorphous granular shape. However, from the aspect of reducing the scattering of the granular material when used in the animal toilet sand, the shape of the granular material is preferably substantially cylindrical.

[0126] In addition, the size of the granular material is not particularly limited as long as it does not hinder the effects of the present invention, and any size corresponding to the desired malodor suppression effect or strength, etc. can be adopted. As such a size of the granular material, for example, a particle diameter in the range of 3.0 to 8.0 mm can be cited.

[0127] The particle diameter of the granular material is preferably in the range of 3.5 to 6.0 mm. If the particle diameter of the granular material is in such a range, it is easy to form gaps between the granular materials, and urine is likely to pass between the granular materials of the plurality of granular materials. Therefore, the animal toilet sand composed of the granular materials with such a particle diameter can more reliably suppress the malodor caused by the odor substances adsorbed by the granular materials and the malodor caused by the urine remaining on the surface of the granular materials. In addition, the particle diameter within the above specific range is a particle diameter of a size that is difficult to be caught between the foot pads of animals such as cats. Therefore, even if the animal that has stepped on the animal toilet sand walks around the room, it is difficult for the granular materials to be scattered in the room, and it has the advantage of being able to suppress the diffusion of the malodor associated with the granular materials.

[0128] Furthermore, the particle diameter of the granular material is the size of the granular material determined by the sieving method, that is, according to the opening of the sieve. Specifically, the particle diameter of the granular material refers to the particle diameter (mm) of the granular material corresponding to the mass median, that is, 50% by mass, obtained from the particle diameter distribution obtained by the sieving method. Furthermore, by using a vibrating sieve (for example, "AS-200 type" manufactured by Retsch Co., Ltd.) equipped with a plurality of sieves with different openings, sieving a specified mass (for example, 150 g) of the granular material for a specified time (for example, 3 minutes), and calculating the mass percentage (%) based on the mass (g) of the granular material remaining on each sieve, the particle diameter distribution can be obtained.

[0129] The plurality of granular materials constituting the animal toilet sand of the present invention can be obtained by granulating the constituent components of the granular material containing the inorganic porous material and the curing agent using any granulator.

[0130] Furthermore, the granulator used for granulating granular materials is not particularly limited. For example, disk granulators, briquetting machines, tableting machines and other compression granulators, or extrusion granulators, etc. can be cited. In addition, when covering the surface of the granulated granular materials with the above surface treatment agent, any coating means can be used to attach the surface treatment agent to the surface of the granulated granular materials.

[0131] <Second Embodiment>

[0132] Hereinafter, another embodiment of the present invention, that is, the second embodiment of the present invention, in which the pH characteristics after only the liquid passes are different from those of the first embodiment described above will be described. Furthermore, aspects other than the pH characteristics after the liquid passes, which are different from those of the first embodiment described above, are basically the same as those of the first embodiment described above, so the description thereof will be omitted.

[0133] The animal litter sand of the second embodiment of the present invention is also an animal litter sand including a plurality of granular materials. The plurality of granular materials each contain an inorganic porous material and a curing agent, and further contain silica gel in an amount of 0.0% by mass or more and 2.5% by mass or less. And, in the present embodiment, the pH of the ion-exchanged water after the liquid passing test of the plurality of granular materials is less than 7.62.

[0134] The animal litter sand of the present embodiment either does not contain silica gel or, even if it contains silica gel, contains it in such a low content of 2.5% by mass or less. There is no odor substance adsorbed by silica gel or the amount of odor substance adsorbed by silica gel is small. Therefore, as a result, the emission amount of the odor substance adsorbed by silica gel can be reduced. Thus, the animal litter sand of the present embodiment can also suppress the generation of malodor caused by the emission of the odor substance adsorbed by silica gel.

[0135] In addition, as described above, in the conventional animal litter sand, sometimes even if it contains silica gel, the pH of the plurality of granular materials cannot be controlled within an appropriate range, and there is a possibility of generating ammonia which is a cause of malodor. On the other hand, in the animal litter sand of the present embodiment, since the pH of the ion-exchanged water after the liquid passing test of the plurality of granular materials is less than 7.62, it is difficult to generate ammonia which is a cause of malodor even when in contact with urine. Thus, the animal litter sand of the present embodiment can suppress the generation of malodor caused by ammonia.

[0136] As described above, the animal litter sand of the present embodiment can suppress the malodor caused by the odor substance adsorbed by silica gel and the malodor caused by ammonia, and can exhibit an excellent malodor suppression effect.

[0137] Furthermore, in the present embodiment, the means for setting the pH of the ion-exchanged water after the liquid permeation test of the granular material to less than 7.62 is not particularly limited. For example, it may include adjusting the composition of the components constituting the above granular material and / or covering the surface of the granular material with the above surface treatment agent and adjusting its amount or covering form, etc.

[0138] (Method for measuring the pH of ion-exchanged water after liquid permeation test)

[0139] The pH of the ion-exchanged water after the liquid permeation test of the granular material can be measured as follows.

[0140] (1) First, inside a cylinder with an inner diameter of 84 mm and a depth of 30 mm, a granular material sample to be measured is filled.

[0141] (2) Next, from a height of 2 cm above the granular material sample in the cylinder, about 20 g of ion-exchanged water, whose mass (g) has been previously measured, is dropped.

[0142] (3) Then, the ion-exchanged water flowing out from the lower part of the cylinder after passing through the inside of the cylinder is recovered, and its mass (g) is measured.

[0143] (4) The mass of the ion-exchanged water after passing through the cylinder is divided by the mass of the ion-exchanged water before dropping and multiplied by 100, thereby calculating the liquid permeation rate (%) of the granular material.

[0144] (5) Further, using any pH meter (for example, manufactured by HORIBA, Ltd., compact pH meter "LAQUAtwin pH-22"), the pH of the ion-exchanged water after passing through the cylinder is measured. The measured value of the pH thus obtained is used as the pH of the ion-exchanged water after the liquid permeation test of the granular material.

[0145] In addition, the animal litter of the present invention may also be an animal litter in a form obtained by combining the above-described first embodiment and second embodiment. That is, the animal litter in this combined form is an animal litter including a plurality of granular materials. The plurality of granular materials each contain an inorganic porous material and a curing agent, and also contain silica gel in an amount of 0% by mass or more and 2.5% by mass or less. And, in the present embodiment, the area of the water droplet mark after the colored water droplet test of each of the plurality of granular materials is less than 12.6 mm 2 . Furthermore, the pH of the ion-exchanged water after the liquid permeation test of the plurality of granular materials is less than 7.62.

[0146] The animal toilet sand of this embodiment can exhibit the effects of both the above-described first embodiment and second embodiment. That is, the animal toilet sand of this embodiment can suppress the occurrence of malodor caused by odor substances adsorbed by silica gel and particulate matter, malodor caused by urine remaining on the surface of the particulate matter, and malodor caused by ammonia.

[0147] <Third Embodiment>

[0148] Hereinafter, another embodiment of the present invention, which is different from the above-described first embodiment only in that the particulate matter has water repellency and an uneven structure, that is, the third embodiment of the present invention will be described. Furthermore, aspects other than the water repellency and uneven structure that are different from the above-described first embodiment are basically the same as those of the above-described first embodiment, and thus the description thereof will be omitted.

[0149] The animal toilet sand of the third embodiment of the present invention is also an animal toilet sand including a plurality of particulate matters. The plurality of particulate matters each contain an inorganic porous material and a curing agent, and further contain silica gel in an amount of 0.0 mass% or more and 2.5 mass% or less. And, in this embodiment, the plurality of particulate matters have water repellency and an uneven structure composed of a plurality of convex portions. In this specification, the particulate matter having an uneven structure means that the Ra (arithmetic mean roughness) obtained by measuring the particulate matter according to the description of this specification is 0.20 μm or more and the Rsm (average uneven interval) is 20 μm or more.

[0150] The animal toilet sand of this embodiment does not contain silica gel or, even if it contains silica gel, contains it in such a low content of 2.5 mass% or less. There is no odor substance adsorbed by silica gel or the amount of odor substance adsorbed by silica gel is small. Thus, as a result, the emission amount of the odor substance adsorbed by silica gel can be reduced. Accordingly, the animal toilet sand of this embodiment can also suppress the occurrence of malodor caused by the emission of the odor substance adsorbed by silica gel.

[0151] In the animal toilet sand of this embodiment, the particulate matters each have water repellency. In this specification, the particulate matter having water repellency means that the water contact angle of the surface of the particulate matter is 90° or more. The means for making the particulate matters each have water repellency is not particularly limited, and water repellency adjustment means well known in the art can be adopted. As a specific example, adjustment of the composition of the components constituting the particulate matter and / or covering the surface of the particulate matter with a surface treatment agent such as a water repellent and adjusting its amount or covering form can be cited.

[0152] Furthermore, the water contact angle of the surface of the particulate matter can be measured as follows.

[0153] (1) In a thermo-hygrostat chamber at a temperature of 20 ± 5°C and a humidity of 65 ± 5% RH, prepare an aluminum ring (outer diameter: 430 mm, inner diameter: 400 mm, height: 50 mm) and granular materials dried at 120°C for 60 minutes, and let them stand for 24 hours.

[0154] (2) Evenly fill one granular material into the aluminum ring, and using a press with a smooth bottom surface, compress the granular material together with the aluminum ring under a pressure of 3 Mpa for 1 minute to smooth the surface of the granular material.

[0155] (3) According to the static drop method in "Test Method for Wettability of Substrate Glass Surface" of JIS R 3257:1999, measure the water contact angle of the compressed granular material. As a contact angle measuring device, an automatic contact angle meter CA-V type manufactured by Kyowa Interface Science Co., Ltd. can be cited. The above water contact angle refers to the value after 200 ms from the drop of deionized water.

[0156] (4) Measure the water contact angle of 20 different samples and take their average value.

[0157] As a means of making the granular materials have waterproof properties respectively, when adjusting the composition of the components constituting the granular materials, preferably, the granular materials contain waterproof particles at least on their surfaces. The waterproof particles can be mixed into the raw materials of the granular materials or coated on their surfaces during the formation process of the granular materials.

[0158] There is no particular limitation on the waterproof particles. For example, polytetrafluoroethylene resin (hereinafter referred to as "PTFE"), fluorinated asphalt, fluorinated graphite, silicon powder, methyl silicon powder, PTFE solvent dispersion, etc. can be cited. As the waterproof particles, granular fluororesin is preferred, and as the granular fluororesin, PTFE is particularly preferred. In addition, as long as it has waterproof properties, the waterproof resin can also be the particles listed as preferred thermoplastic resins hereinafter.

[0159] When using PTFE as the waterproof particles, there is no particular limitation on its adjustment method. However, since PTFE has a high waterproof effect and mixes well with the curing agent, preferably, it is a low molecular weight type, specifically, a type with an average molecular weight of 500 to 5000.

[0160] The average primary particle diameter of the waterproof particles is preferably 0.05 μm to 60 μm, more preferably 0.05 μm to 30 μm.

[0161] In the animal toilet sand of the present embodiment, when the granular materials contain waterproof particles at least on their surfaces, urine easily passes between the granular materials without being absorbed by the granular materials, and it is difficult for urine to come into contact with the inside of the granular materials, and it is difficult for ammonia generated by the decomposition of urea in the urine to be produced.

[0162] According to the above configuration, in the animal toilet sand of the present embodiment, when the granular material includes water-repellent particles, the generation of malodor caused by the odor substances adsorbed by the granular material, the malodor caused by the urine remaining on the surface of the granular material, and the malodor caused by ammonia can be more reliably suppressed, and a more excellent malodor suppression effect can be exerted.

[0163] As a means for making the granular materials have water repellency respectively, preferably, when performing surface treatment of the granular materials, the surface of the granular materials is covered with a surface treatment agent such as a water repellent. As a means for adjusting its amount or covering form, as long as the water contact angle of the surface of the granular materials can be set to 90° or more, the means listed in the above description of "(surface covering)" can be adopted.

[0164] In the animal toilet sand of the present embodiment, the granular materials respectively have a concavo-convex structure composed of a plurality of convex portions. The method for forming the concavo-convex structure in the granular materials is not particularly limited. For example, after filling the raw material of the granular materials into a casting mold having a concavo-convex structure inside, it can be heated and solidified, or after heating and solidifying the raw material of the granular materials, a physical impact is given to the granular materials, and a part of the particles constituting the animal toilet sand is shaken off to form a plurality of concave portions on the granular materials, and a plurality of convex portions are generated in the portions other than the plurality of concave portions.

[0165] As described above, in the conventional animal toilet sand, after a plurality of granular materials adsorb odor substances generated from excrements such as urine, since the adsorbed odor substances are gradually released, there is a possibility of generating an unpleasant malodor. Furthermore, in the conventional animal toilet sand, there is also a possibility of generating an unpleasant malodor of ammonia due to the evaporation of urine remaining on the surface of the granular materials. On the other hand, in the animal toilet sand of the present embodiment, the plurality of granular materials respectively have water repellency and a concavo-convex structure. Thus, compared with the configuration having water repellency but not having a concavo-convex structure, urine can more easily pass between the granular materials without being absorbed by the granular materials. Thus, in the animal toilet sand of the present embodiment, urine is difficult to remain on the surface of the granular materials, and ammonia generated by the decomposition of urea contained in the urine can be made difficult to generate.

[0166] As described above, the animal toilet sand of the present embodiment can suppress the generation of malodor caused by the odor substances adsorbed by silica gel and the granular materials, the malodor caused by the urine remaining on the surface of the granular materials, and the malodor caused by ammonia, and can exert an excellent malodor suppression effect.

[0167] In addition, as described in the above-described first embodiment, an uneven structure can also be formed on the surface of the granular material by surface treatment of the granular material. In particular, it is considered that a significant uneven structure is observed on the granular material surface-treated with a mixture of a waterproofing agent and an ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer because, since the ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer is a thermoplastic resin, when stirring and heating are performed for curing after the raw material of the granular material is molded, it is easy to re-bond the particles that are shaken off by collision with other granular materials.

[0168] From the viewpoint of easily forming an uneven structure on the surface of the granular material, the granular material constituting the animal litter sand may contain a thermoplastic resin in addition to the inorganic porous material, the curing agent, and the silica gel. There is no particular limitation on the thermoplastic resin, and examples thereof include low-density polyethylene, medium-density polyethylene, high-density polyethylene, ethylene-α-olefin copolymer, homopolymer, block or random polypropylene, propylene-α-olefin copolymer, ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer, etc. For example, if it is an ethylene-α-olefin copolymer, it may be a block copolymer or a random copolymer of propylene and an α-olefin. As the α-olefin component, ethylene, 1-butene, 1-pentene, 1-hexene, 1-heptene, 1-octene, 4-methyl-1-pentene, etc. can be exemplified. Furthermore, from the viewpoints of the moldability of the animal litter sand of the present embodiment, the ease of manifestation of waterproofness, and the malodor suppression effect, the melting point of the thermoplastic resin is, for example, 50 to 135°C, preferably 60 to 120°C.

[0169] From the viewpoint of urine easily passing between the granular materials without being absorbed by the granular materials, the Ra (arithmetic mean roughness) of the granular materials constituting the animal litter sand of the present embodiment is 0.20 μm or more, and preferably 1.0 μm or less, more preferably 0.26 μm or more and 0.95 μm or less.

[0170] Since the granular materials of the animal litter sand of the present embodiment have a Ra (arithmetic mean roughness) within a specified range, urine easily passes between the granular materials without being absorbed by the granular materials, and urine hardly comes into contact with the inside of the granular materials, and it is difficult for ammonia generated by the decomposition of urea in the urine to be produced.

[0171] According to the above configuration, the animal litter sand of the present embodiment can more reliably suppress the occurrence of malodor caused by the odor substances adsorbed by the granular materials, the malodor caused by the urine remaining on the surface of the granular materials, and the malodor caused by ammonia, and can exhibit a more excellent malodor suppression effect.

[0172] From the viewpoint of urine easily passing between the granular materials without being absorbed by the granular materials, the Rsm (average uneven interval) of the granular materials constituting the animal litter sand of the present embodiment is 20 μm or more, and preferably 30 μm or less, more preferably 20 μm or more and 25 μm or less.

[0173] Since the granular material of the animal toilet sand in this embodiment has an Rsm (average uneven interval) within a specified range, urine easily passes between the granular materials without being absorbed by the granular materials, and it is difficult for urine to come into contact with the inside of the granular materials, making it difficult for ammonia generated by the decomposition of urea in the urine to be produced.

[0174] According to the above configuration, the animal toilet sand of this embodiment can more reliably suppress the occurrence of odors caused by odor substances adsorbed by the granular materials, odors caused by urine remaining on the surface of the granular materials, and odors caused by ammonia, and can exhibit a more excellent odor suppression effect.

[0175] Furthermore, in this specification, when measuring the Ra (arithmetic mean roughness) and Rsm (average uneven interval) of the granular materials, a laser displacement meter (model: KS-1000) manufactured by Keyence Corporation is used. Under the following measurement conditions, the surface roughness in the longitudinal direction of the granular materials is measured at 10 different positions, and the average value is adopted.

[0176] Measurement range: 500 μm in the X-axis and 5000 μm in the Y-axis

[0177] Measurement interval: 10 μm in the X-axis and 10 μm in the Y-axis

[0178] Moving speed: 500 μm / s

[0179] In the animal toilet sand of this embodiment, preferably, the uneven structure of the granular materials includes the particles constituting the animal toilet sand. As described above, the particles constituting the animal toilet sand refer to inorganic porous materials, curing agents, and silica gel or optional additive components.

[0180] Since the animal toilet sand of this embodiment is composed of granular materials with an uneven structure that is difficult to plastically deform, during the use of the animal toilet sand, the deformation of the uneven structure is also small, urine easily passes between the granular materials without being absorbed by the granular materials, and in addition, it is difficult for urine to come into contact with the inside of the granular materials, and the effect of making it difficult for ammonia generated by the decomposition of urea in the urine to be produced can be continuously exerted.

[0181] According to the above configuration, the animal toilet sand of this embodiment can more reliably suppress the occurrence of odors caused by odor substances adsorbed by the granular materials, odors caused by urine remaining on the surface of the granular materials, and odors caused by ammonia, and can exhibit a more excellent odor suppression effect.

[0182] In addition, the animal toilet sand of the present invention can also be an animal toilet sand in a form obtained by combining the above-described third embodiment with the above-described first embodiment or second embodiment. That is, the animal toilet sand in this combined form is an animal toilet sand including a plurality of granular materials. The plurality of granular materials each contain an inorganic porous material and a curing agent, and further contain silica gel in an amount of 0% by mass or more and 2.5% by mass or less, has waterproofness, and has an uneven structure composed of a plurality of convex portions. And, in the present embodiment, the area of the water droplet trace after the coloring water droplet test of each of the plurality of granular materials is less than 12.6 mm 2 , or the pH of the ion-exchanged water after the liquid passing test of the plurality of granular materials is less than 7.62.

[0183] The animal toilet sand of the present embodiment can exhibit the effects of both the above-described third embodiment and the first embodiment or second embodiment. That is, the animal toilet sand of the present embodiment can suppress the generation of malodor caused by the odor substances adsorbed by the silica gel and the granular materials, the malodor caused by the urine remaining on the surface of the granular materials, and the malodor caused by ammonia.

[0184] The animal toilet sand of the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments or the examples described later, and can be appropriately combined, substituted, changed, etc. within the scope not departing from the purpose and concept of the present invention. Furthermore, in this specification, ordinal numbers such as "first" and "second" are used to distinguish the matters marked with the ordinal numbers, and do not refer to the order, priority, importance, etc. of each matter.

[0185] Examples

[0186] Hereinafter, examples and comparative examples will be illustrated to more specifically explain the present invention, but the present invention is not limited to such examples in a restrictive manner.

[0187] (Production of animal toilet sand)

[0188] Using a LOEDIGE mixer, 80% by mass of zeolite powder (produced in Aiko, Miyagi Prefecture, passed through 60 mesh, average particle size 150 μm, moisture 7% or less) and 20% by mass of white cement (manufactured by Taiheiyo Cement Corporation) were stirred and mixed. Using a disk granulator (manufactured by DALTON Co., Ltd.), the obtained mixture was compression granulated. Furthermore, the outlet opening size of the disk was 5.5 mm in diameter, the disk thickness was 35 mm, and the effective length was 12 mm.

[0189] The plurality of granulated products thus obtained were left at room temperature of 20°C for 72 hours to promote the curing reaction of the cement. Next, using a rotary kiln dryer, the plurality of granular materials were dried until the finished product moisture rate became 10% or less.

[0190] With respect to the multiple granular materials after drying, a surface treatment agent composed of a mixture of 50% by mass of a wax-based resin (manufactured by Nippon Kayaku Co., Ltd., TH-44) as a waterproofing agent and 50% by mass of ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer (EVA) is coated in an amount of 1.00% by mass relative to the mass of the granular materials. During coating, while stirring and mixing the multiple dried granular materials, the above-mentioned surface treatment agent is sprayed through a sprayer.

[0191] Next, using a sieve with openings of 10 mm × 10 mm, the multiple granular materials whose surfaces are covered with the above-mentioned surface treatment agent are sieved, and the granular materials larger than the specified size are removed. Then, sieving is performed again using a sieve with openings of 5 mm × 10 mm, and the granular materials or powders smaller than the specified size are removed to obtain multiple granular materials of a size within the specified range.

[0192] In this way, the animal litter sand of Example 1 is obtained.

[0193] Except that the composition of the granular materials and the surface coverage (type of surface treatment agent) are changed to the contents shown in Table 1 below, the animal litter sands of Examples 2 to 6 and Comparative Examples 1 to 10 are obtained in the same manner as in Example 1. Furthermore, the silica gel used is commercially available Type C silica gel (produced in Qingdao, China).

[0194] For the animal litter sands of Examples 1 to 6 and Comparative Examples 1 to 10 obtained, the area of the water droplet trace, the liquid passing rate, and the pH of the ion-exchanged water after the liquid passing test were measured respectively after the above-mentioned colored water droplet test. In addition, for the animal litter sands of each example and comparative example, the above-mentioned surface roughness (Ra (arithmetic mean roughness) and Rsm (average spacing of unevenness)) was measured respectively, and the presence or absence of waterproofness and the presence or absence of uneven structure were confirmed. Furthermore, according to the following <Sensory Evaluation Method for Urine Odor>, the sensory evaluation of the odor suppression effect of urine was performed on the animal litter sands of each example and comparative example. These measurement results and sensory evaluation results are shown in Table 1 below. Furthermore, regarding the presence or absence of waterproofness and the presence or absence of uneven structure, it is indicated as 〇 when present and × when absent.

[0195] <Sensory Evaluation Method for Urine Odor>

[0196] (1) Inside a cylinder with an inner diameter of 84 mm and a depth of 30 mm provided on a curtain board, a sample of the animal litter sand to be evaluated is filled.

[0197] (2) 20 mL of actual urine (actual cat urine) is dropped 3 times from above the sample of the animal litter sand filled in the cylinder. Furthermore, the total dropping amount is 60 mL.

[0198] (3) Put the sample after actual urine dripping into a sealable container with a capacity of 700 mL.

[0199] (4) Sniff the odor of the sample in the container and evaluate it based on the following evaluation criteria for urine odor intensity and comfort. Furthermore, when evaluating, the average value of 20 evaluation points is adopted.

[0200] (Evaluation criteria for urine odor intensity)

[0201] 1: Odor that can barely be perceived or no odor

[0202] 2: Weak odor that can be distinguished as having some odor

[0203] 3: Odor that can be easily perceived

[0204] 4: Strong odor

[0205] 5: Very strong odor

[0206] (Evaluation criteria for comfort)

[0207] 1: Very comfortable

[0208] 2: Comfortable

[0209] 3: Neither comfortable nor uncomfortable

[0210] 4: Uncomfortable

[0211] 5: Very uncomfortable

[0212] Table 1

[0213]

[0214] As shown in Table 1, it can be seen that the evaluation points for urine odor intensity and comfort of the animal toilet sand in Examples 1 to 6 of the present invention are low, and the generation of malodor can be sufficiently suppressed. On the other hand, at least one of the evaluation points for urine odor intensity and comfort of the animal toilet sand in Comparative Examples 1 to 10 is high, and the generation of malodor cannot be sufficiently suppressed.

[0215] Explanation of reference numerals

[0216] 1 System toilet

[0217] 2 Cover

[0218] 3 Animal toilet sand

[0219] 4 Toilet sand containment container

[0220] 5 Excrement treatment sheet

[0221] 6 Excrement treatment sheet containment container

Claims

1. A toilet sand for animals, the toilet sand for animals comprising a plurality of granular materials, characterized in that, the plurality of granular materials each contain an inorganic porous material and a curing agent, Each of the above-mentioned multiple granular materials further contains silica gel in a content of 0.0% by mass or more and 2.5% by mass or less, and the area of the water droplet mark after the colored water droplet test is less than 12.6 mm 2 .

2. A toilet sand for animals, the toilet sand for animals comprising a plurality of granular materials, characterized in that, the plurality of granular materials each contain an inorganic porous material and a curing agent, and further contain silica gel in an amount of 0.0% by mass or more and 2.5% by mass or less, the pH of the ion-exchanged water after the liquid of the plurality of granular materials passes the test is 7.62 or less.

3. A toilet sand for animals, the toilet sand for animals comprising a plurality of granular materials, characterized in that, the plurality of granular materials each contain an inorganic porous material and a curing agent, and have waterproof properties, the plurality of granular materials each further contain silica gel in an amount of 0.0% by mass or more and 2.5% by mass or less, and have an uneven structure composed of a plurality of convex portions.

4. The toilet sand for animals according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, the surface of each of the plurality of granular materials is covered with a waterproof agent.

5. The toilet sand for animals according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, the surface of each of the plurality of granular materials is covered with an ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer.

6. The toilet sand for animals according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, the surface of each of the plurality of granular materials is covered with a mixture of a waterproof agent and an ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer.

7. The toilet sand for animals according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that, each of the plurality of granular materials contains waterproof particles at least on its surface.

8. The toilet sand for animals according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that, the Ra (arithmetic mean roughness) of each of the plurality of granular materials is 0.26 μm or more and 0.95 μm or less.

9. The toilet sand for animals according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that, the Rsm (average uneven interval) of each of the plurality of granular materials is 20 μm or more and 25 μm or less.

10. The toilet sand for animals according to claim 3, characterized in that, the uneven structure includes the particles constituting the toilet sand for animals.

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