Fiber treatment agent

Abstract

To provide a fiber treatment agent for producing textiles for headdress product having improved water resistance and heat resistance of nature-derived textile, and having heat shape memory ability, and having improved elongation (toughness).SOLUTION: A fiber treatment agent of one drug type or multi-drug type is provided, containing components (A) to (C) in all composition (here, in the case of the one drug type, a portion or all of the components (A) and (B) may be a state of a condensate generated from both). (A): A compound having structure in which a methylol group is bonded to each of two nitrogen atoms in a molecule (B): A phenol compound having an electron donating group at least one of meta sites and having a hydrogen atom at least one of ortho site and para site (here, an electron donating group of meta site may form a benzene ring together with an adjacent carbon atom which a hydroxyl group may substitute (C): water.SELECTED DRAWING: None

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a fiber treatment agent for imparting water resistance, heat resistance, and heat shape memory ability to natural-derived fibers used in headdress products such as wigs and extensions.

Background Art

[0002] One of the application examples of natural-derived fibers is headdress products such as wigs and extensions, which have a natural texture and appearance coming from natural materials, different from synthetic fibers. Among natural-derived fibers, regenerated protein fibers, such as regenerated collagen fibers, can be obtained by solubilizing acid-soluble collagen or insoluble collagen with alkali or enzymes to form a spinning dope, and extruding it through a spinning nozzle into a coagulation bath for fibrillation.

[0003] However, regenerated collagen fibers generally have high hydrophilicity and thus high water absorption compared to synthetic fibers, and have extremely low mechanical strength when containing a large amount of water. Therefore, during shampooing, the mechanical strength significantly decreases due to high water absorption, leading to a decrease in suitability as a headdress product, such as breaking during subsequent drying with a hair dryer.

[0004] In addition, regenerated collagen fibers also have the problem of low heat resistance. In a setting using a hair iron, when set at a high temperature similar to human hair, shrinkage or curling occurs, deteriorating the appearance.

[0005] Furthermore, in plastic synthetic fibers, the shape during heat setting with a hair iron or the like is continuously remembered even after subsequent shampooing (it has heat shape memory ability), but in regenerated collagen fibers, the shape during heat setting with a hair iron or the like is lost after subsequent shampooing (it has no heat shape memory ability). Therefore, there is a disadvantage in terms of styling freedom compared to conventional plastic synthetic fibers.

[0006] The three points described above have been factors hindering the spread of regenerated collagen fibers for use in headdress products. In particular, the influence of water resistance, that is, the decrease in mechanical strength when wet, was significant. Therefore, in order to modify the regenerated collagen fibers and impart water resistance and heat resistance, attempts have been made to react reactive substances with the amino groups possessed by collagen molecules, and as an example, a method of reacting a compound having a methylol group is known (Patent Documents 1 and 2). Also, in the field of human hair fibers, which are also used in headdress products, a method of reacting a compound having a methylol group to impart new heat shape memory ability to human hair fibers that originally do not have heat shape memory ability is known (Patent Document 3).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0007]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Patent Document 3

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0008] However, in the manufacturing scene of headdress products, the fibers may be strongly stretched, and in the techniques described in Patent Documents 1 to 3, the elasticity (toughness) of the treated fibers may not be sufficient. Therefore, in order to prevent breakage during stretching, there has been a demand to improve the elasticity of the treated fibers.

[0009] [[ID=X35]]Therefore, the present invention relates to a fiber treatment agent for manufacturing fibers for headdress products, in which the water resistance and heat resistance of natural-derived fibers typified by regenerated collagen fibers are improved, heat shape memory ability is imparted, and the elasticity (toughness) is also excellent.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0010] The inventors have discovered that by treating naturally derived fibers with a composition containing a specific methylol compound and a specific phenol compound, not only can the water resistance and heat resistance of the naturally derived fibers be improved and thermal shape memory ability be imparted, but surprisingly, the elasticity (toughness) of the naturally derived fibers can also be improved compared to before treatment, reaching a level close to that of human hair, thus completing the invention. Normally, compounds containing methylol groups, such as those used in Reference Documents 1-3, crosslink the tissue, so it is common knowledge that the treated tissue becomes brittle. However, it is surprising that when natural derived fibers were treated with the aforementioned specific methylol compound, the elasticity (toughness) was improved compared to before treatment.

[0011] The present invention provides a single-component fiber treatment agent comprising a single composition or a multi-component fiber treatment agent comprising multiple compositions, wherein the total composition contains the following components (A) to (C) (however, in the case of a single-component agent, some or all of components (A) and (B) may be in the form of a condensate product formed from both). (A): A compound having a structure in which a methylol group is bonded to each of the two nitrogen atoms in the molecule. (B): A phenol compound having an electron-donating group at least one position in the meta position and at least one hydrogen atom at the ortho and para positions (wherein the electron-donating group at the meta position may form a benzene ring that may be substituted with a hydroxyl group together with the adjacent carbon atom). (C):Water

[0012] Furthermore, the present invention provides a fiber processing method comprising the following step (i). (i) A step of immersing the fibers in the fiber treatment agent.

[0013] Furthermore, the present invention provides a method for manufacturing fibers for headwear products, which includes a step of processing the fibers using the fiber processing method described above.

[0014] Furthermore, the present invention provides a method for manufacturing a headwear product, which includes a step of processing the fibers using the aforementioned fiber processing method.

[0015] Furthermore, the present invention provides a fiber for headwear products containing a condensate produced from the above components (A) and (B).

[0016] Furthermore, the present invention provides a headwear product comprising fibers containing a condensate produced from the above-mentioned components (A) and (B). [Effects of the Invention]

[0017] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a fiber treatment agent for manufacturing fibers for headwear products that have improved water resistance and heat resistance, are given thermal shape memory ability, and have improved elasticity (toughness) of naturally derived fibers. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0018] [Single-drug and multi-drug formulations] The fiber treatment agent of the present invention encompasses any form, including a single-component fiber treatment agent composed of a single composition, and a multi-component fiber treatment agent composed of multiple compositions such as a two-component system, in which fibers are sequentially immersed in these multiple compositions. In the present invention, "total composition of the fiber treatment agent" refers to the composition of a single composition constituting the single-component fiber treatment agent in the case of a single-component fiber treatment agent, and refers to the composition of the mixture when all the compositions constituting the multi-component fiber treatment agent are hypothetically mixed in the case of a multi-component fiber treatment agent in which fibers are sequentially immersed. For example, in the case of a two-component system, when the first and second agents are used in equal amounts (i.e., a mass ratio of 1:1) for sequential treatment, the concentration of each component based on the total composition of the fiber treatment agent will be half the concentration of each component in each agent.

[0019] [Fibers to be processed in this invention] The fibers to be treated with the fiber treatment agent of the present invention may be either synthetic fibers or naturally derived fibers, but naturally derived fibers are preferred. Naturally derived fibers refer to fibers collected from natural plants and animals, or fibers artificially manufactured using keratin, collagen, casein, soybeans, peanuts, corn, silk waste, silk fibroin, etc. as raw materials, and are used in the manufacture of headwear products. Of these, fibers artificially manufactured using keratin, collagen, casein, soybeans, peanuts, corn, silk waste, silk fibroin, etc. as raw materials are preferred, regenerated protein fibers such as regenerated collagen fibers made from collagen and regenerated silk fibers made from silk fibroin are more preferred, and regenerated collagen fibers are even more preferred.

[0020] Regenerated collagen fibers can be manufactured using known technologies, and their composition does not need to be 100% collagen; they may contain natural or synthetic polymers or additives for quality improvement. Furthermore, they may be post-processed regenerated collagen fibers. The preferred form of regenerated collagen fibers is filament. Filaments are generally removed from bobbins or boxes. Alternatively, filaments that come out of the drying process during the manufacturing of regenerated collagen fibers can be used directly.

[0021] [Condensate formed from components (A) and (B)] When the fiber treatment agent of the present invention is a single-component formula, the fiber treatment agent may contain the methylol compound of component (A) and the phenol compound of component (B) as the compounds themselves, or some or all of components (A) and (B) may be contained in the form of condensates formed from both. These condensates may include not only water-soluble condensates with small molecular weights, but also water-insoluble condensates formed by further linking of water-soluble condensates. In this specification, the term "condensate" includes both water-soluble and water-insoluble condensates.

[0022] [Component (A): A specific methylol compound] Component (A) is a compound having a structure in which methylol groups are bonded to two nitrogen atoms in the molecule. Examples of such compounds include compounds (A1) to (A4) shown below, of which compounds (A3) and (A4) are preferred, and compound (A3) is more preferred.

[0023] [ka]

[0024] The content of the constituent element derived from component (A) in the fiber treatment agent of the present invention is preferably 0.1% by mass or more, more preferably 1% by mass or more, even more preferably 2.5% by mass or more, even more preferably 5% by mass or more, and even more preferably 10% by mass or more, based on the total composition of the fiber treatment agent, from the viewpoint of imparting high shape retention and strength to the natural fibers after treatment. Furthermore, in addition to the above viewpoint, from the viewpoint of formulation suitability, it is preferably 80% by mass or less, more preferably 70% by mass or less, even more preferably 60% by mass or less, even more preferably 50% by mass or less, and even more preferably 40% by mass or less. In other words, the content of the constituent element derived from component (A) in the fiber treatment agent of the present invention is preferably 0.1 to 80% by mass, more preferably 1 to 70% by mass, even more preferably 2.5 to 60% by mass, even more preferably 5 to 50% by mass, and even more preferably 10 to 40% by mass, based on the total composition of the fiber treatment agent, from the viewpoint of imparting high shape retention and strength to the natural fibers after treatment and from the viewpoint of formulation suitability. In this specification, "component derived from component (A)" refers to the component portion derived from component (A) and the remaining component (A) in the condensate in the case of a single-component formula, and to component (A) itself in the case of a multi-component formula.

[0025] [Component (B): A specific phenolic compound] Component (B) is a phenol compound having electron-donating groups at least one, preferably two, positions in the meta position, and at least one hydrogen atom at the ortho and para positions. The electron-donating groups in the meta position of the phenol compound may form a benzene ring with adjacent carbon atoms, and this benzene ring may be further substituted with hydroxyl groups. The molecular weight of component (B) is preferably 110 or more, preferably 1000 or less, more preferably 700 or less, and even more preferably 500 or less from the viewpoint of good penetration into natural fibers. Examples of phenol compounds for component (B) include the following components (B1), (B2), and (B3).

[0026] (B1) Resorcinol derivative represented by general formula (1) (B2) Naphthol derivatives represented by general formula (2) or (3) (B3) Flavan-3-ol derivatives represented by general formula (4)

[0027] Component (B1) is a compound represented by the following general formula (1).

[0028] [ka]

[0029] [During the ceremony, A 1 ~A 4 These may be the same or different and represent a hydrogen atom, a hydroxyl group, a halogen atom, a carboxyl group or its salt, a sulfonic acid group or its salt, a linear or branched alkyl or alkenyl group having 1 to 6 carbon atoms, or a linear or branched alkoxy or alkenyloxy group having 1 to 6 carbon atoms.

[0030] Examples of component (B1) include resorcinol, 2-methylresorcinol, 4-chlororesorcinol, and pyrogallol.

[0031] Component (B2) is a compound represented by the following general formula (2) or (3).

[0032] [ka]

[0033] [During the ceremony, R 1 This represents a hydrogen atom or a methyl group. A 5 This includes a hydrogen atom, a linear or branched alkyl or alkenyl group having 1 to 12 carbon atoms, an optionally substituted aralkyl or arylalkenyl group having 7 to 12 carbon atoms, a linear or branched alkoxy or alkenyloxy group having 1 to 6 carbon atoms, a halogen atom, or -CO-R 2 (R 2 (represents a linear or branched alkyl or alkenyl group having 1 to 12 carbon atoms, an aralkyl or arylalkenyl group having 7 to 12 carbon atoms which may have substituents, or an aromatic hydrocarbon group having 6 to 12 carbon atoms which may have substituents) D represents a hydrogen atom, a hydroxyl group, a methyl group, or a linear or branched alkoxy or alkenyloxy group having 1 to 12 carbon atoms. E represents a hydrogen atom, a hydroxyl group, a linear or branched alkyl or alkenyl group having 1 to 6 carbon atoms, or a linear or branched alkoxy or alkenyloxy group having 1 to 6 carbon atoms. G represents a hydroxyl group, a linear or branched alkyl or alkenyl group having 1 to 6 carbon atoms, or an alkoxy group having 1 to 6 carbon atoms, and n represents an integer from 0 to 2.

[0034] Naphthol derivatives represented by general formula (2) or (3) include, in general formula (2) or (3), R 1 Preferably, the atom is a hydrogen atom or an alkyl group or alkenyl having 1 to 4 carbon atoms, and more preferably a hydrogen atom. Also, A 5 Preferably, the component is a hydrogen atom, a hydroxyl group, a linear or branched alkyl group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms, or an alkoxy group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms; more preferably, it is a hydrogen atom or a hydroxyl group. Also, it is preferable that D is a hydrogen atom, a hydroxyl group, a linear or branched alkyl group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms, or an alkoxy group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms. Also, it is preferable that E is a hydrogen atom, a hydroxyl group, an alkyl group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms, or an alkoxy group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms.

[0035] Examples of such compounds include 1-naphthol, 2-naphthol, 3-methylnaphthalen-1-ol, naphthalene-1,5-diol, naphthalene-1,8-diol, and the like.

[0036] Compound (B3) is a flavan-3-ol derivative represented by the following general formula (4).

[0037]

Chemical formula

[0038] 〔In the formula, R 3 represents a hydrogen atom or a methyl group, X represents a hydrogen atom, a hydroxyl group, or a methoxy group, R 4 represents an aromatic hydrocarbon group which may be substituted with up to 3 hydroxyl groups or methoxy groups and may form a condensed ring with 1,3-dioxolane, [[ID=​​​​​​​​​Component (B3) includes non-gallate compounds such as catechin, epicatechin, and epigallocatechin, and gallate compounds such as catechin gallate, epicatechin gallate, and epigallocatechin gallate. In this specification, "catechins" is a general term for these compounds. Of these, one or more selected from catechin, epigallocatechin, and epigallocatechin gallate are preferred. Alternatively, a mixture containing the above compounds, such as a tea extract, can also be used. The analysis of catechins in a mixture can be performed using an analytical method suitable for the sample from among the commonly known analytical methods for nonpolymeric catechins. For example, it can be performed by liquid chromatography (HPLC). During measurement, the sample may be freeze-dried to match the detection range of the instrument, or impurities may be removed from the sample to match the separation capabilities of the instrument, as appropriate treatment may be performed as needed.

[0041] Among the components (B), the condensate of component (A) and component (B) formed within the natural fibers makes the change in shape of the natural fibers after treatment with the fiber treatment agent of the present invention more pronounced, further improving the shape retention and durability of the natural fibers, and further improving the natural appearance and feel. From this viewpoint, resorcinol, 1-naphthol, 2-naphthol, 3-methylnaphthalene-1-ol, naphthalene-1,5-diol, naphthalene-1,8-diol, catechin, epicatechin, epigallocatechin, catechin gallate, epicatechin gallate, epigallocatechin gallate Preferably, one or more selected from tea extracts, and more preferably, one or more selected from resorcinol, catechin, epicatechin, epigallocatechin, catechin gallate, epicatechin gallate, epigallocatechin gallate, and tea extracts.

[0042] Component (B) can be used alone or in combination of two or more types, and two or more types of (B1) to (B3) can be used in combination. From the viewpoint of providing high shape retention and durability from naturally derived fibers, and from the viewpoint of enhancing tactile properties, one or more selected from (B1) and (B3) is preferred. (B3) is more preferred from the viewpoint of suppressing the elution of component (A) from the fibers after treatment, eliminating the fiber washing process and improving productivity in the factory, and from the viewpoint of causing only slight discoloration to the fibers, making it more suitable for headwear products.

[0043] From the viewpoint of imparting high shape retention and strength to the natural fibers after treatment, the content of the constituent element derived from component (B) in the fiber treatment agent of the present invention is preferably 0.1% by mass or more, more preferably 1% by mass or more, even more preferably 1.5% by mass or more, even more preferably 3% by mass or more, and even more preferably 5% by mass or more, based on the total composition of the fiber treatment agent. Furthermore, in addition to the above viewpoint, from the viewpoint of improving the feel of the fiber surface, it is preferably 80% by mass or less, more preferably 60% by mass or less, even more preferably 50% by mass or less, even more preferably 40% by mass or less, even more preferably 30% by mass or less, even more preferably 25% by mass or less, and even more preferably 20% by mass or less. In other words, the content of the component derived from component (B) in the fiber treatment agent of the present invention is preferably 0.1 to 80% by mass, more preferably 1 to 60% by mass, even more preferably 1.5 to 50% by mass, even more preferably 3 to 40% by mass, even more preferably 5 to 30% by mass, even more preferably 5 to 25% by mass, and even more preferably 5 to 20% by mass, based on the total composition of the fiber treatment agent, from the viewpoint of imparting high shape retention and strength to the treated fibers and improving the feel of the fiber surface. In this specification, "components derived from component (B)" refers to the component portion derived from component (B) and the remaining component (B) in the condensate in the case of a single-component formula, and to component (B) itself in the case of a multi-component formula. Furthermore, when using a mixture containing component (B), such as a mixture containing catechins like tea extract, it refers to component (B) contained in the mixture.

[0044] The total content of components derived from component (A) and component (B) in the fiber treatment agent of the present invention is preferably 0.1% by mass or more, more preferably 1% by mass or more, even more preferably 5% by mass or more, even more preferably 10% by mass or more, even more preferably 15% by mass or more, and even more preferably 20% by mass or more, based on the total composition of the fiber treatment agent, from the viewpoint of imparting high shape retention and strength to the treated fibers. Furthermore, from the viewpoint of improving the feel of the fiber surface, the total content is preferably 80% by mass or less, more preferably 70% by mass or less, even more preferably 60% by mass or less, even more preferably 50% by mass or less, and even more preferably 40% by mass or less, based on the total composition of the fiber treatment agent.

[0045] The molar ratio (A) / (B) of components derived from component (A) to components derived from component (B) in the fiber treatment agent of the present invention is preferably 0.1 or more, more preferably 0.3 or more, and even more preferably 0.5 or more, from the viewpoint of further improving the shape retention and strength of the natural fiber after treatment by forming a condensate of the two within the natural fiber, and from the viewpoint of a good feel, it is preferably less than 20, more preferably 15 or less, even more preferably 10 or less, and even more preferably 7.5 or less. In other words, the molar ratio (A) / (B) of components derived from component (A) to components derived from component (B) is preferably 0.1 or more and less than 20, more preferably 0.3 to 15, even more preferably 0.5 to 10, and even more preferably 0.5 to 7.5, from the viewpoint of further improving the shape retention and strength of the natural fiber after treatment due to the condensate of the two formed within the natural fiber, and from the viewpoint of a good feel.

[0046] [Component (C): Water] The fiber treatment agent of the present invention uses (C) water as a medium. The content of component (C) in the fiber treatment agent of the present invention is preferably 10% by mass or more, more preferably 20% by mass or more, even more preferably 30% by mass or more, even more preferably 40% by mass or more, based on the total composition of the fiber treatment agent, and also preferably 99% by mass or less, more preferably 97% by mass or less, even more preferably 95% by mass or less, and even more preferably 90% by mass or less. In other words, the content of component (C) in the fiber treatment agent of the present invention is preferably 10 to 99% by mass, more preferably 20 to 97% by mass, even more preferably 30 to 95% by mass, and even more preferably 40 to 90% by mass, based on the total composition of the fiber treatment agent.

[0047] The fiber treatment agent of the present invention can consist of a single-component formula or multiple compositions such as a two-component formula, and can also be in the form of a multi-component formula for sequentially immersing fibers. Examples of multi-component fiber treatment agents include those in which each agent uses (C) water as a medium and contains components (A) and (B) in separate agents, for example, a first agent containing components (B) and (C) and a second agent containing components (A) and (C).

[0048] [Component (D): Hansen's solubility parameter SP value of 16-40 MPa] 1 / 2 [Organic compounds that are] If the fiber treatment agent of the present invention is a single-component formula, the reaction with components (A) and (B) may generate insoluble condensates with a large molecular weight in the fiber treatment agent. This can lead to the formation of a hard resin layer on the surface of the natural fiber, restricting its movement such as bending and stretching, hindering its elasticity (toughness), and potentially worsening the feel of the fiber surface. Therefore, in a single-component fiber treatment agent, from the viewpoint of preventing aggregation of condensate oligomers consisting of components (A) and (B) that are generated during the reaction process and cause increased turbidity, the Hansen solubility parameter SP value should be 16 MPa. 1 / 2 40 MPa or more 1 / 2It is preferable to include the following organic compounds (excluding organic salts and compounds with an aldehyde group having a molecular weight of 150 or less). Charged organic salts cause a sharp increase in turbidity when present in the system, and compounds with an aldehyde group, such as glutaraldehyde, crosslink the phenol compounds of component (B) at multiple points, causing a sharp increase in turbidity; therefore, they are excluded from component (D).

[0049] In this invention, the SP value of Hansen's solubility parameter is δTot(MPa) calculated at 25°C in the DIY program using the software package HSPiP 4th Edition 4.1.07, which is based on Hansen Solubility Parameters: A User's Handbook, CRC Press, Boca Raton FL, 2007. 1 / 2 ) refers to.

[0050] The SP value of Hansen's solubility parameter for component (D) is 16.0 MPa. 1 / 2 Above 40.0 MPa 1 / 2 Examples of organic compounds that fall under the following categories include monohydric alcohols, dihydric alcohols, dihydric alcohol derivatives, polyhydric alcohols of three or more hydric values, lactams, imidazolidinones, pyrimidinones, lactones, alkylene carbonates, and other general-purpose organic solvents whose SP values ​​are within the aforementioned range.

[0051] Below is the SP value of Hansen's solubility parameter, which is 16.0 MPa. 1 / 2 Above 40.0 MPa 1 / 2 The following are specific examples of compounds. The numbers in parentheses in each example are the SP values ​​calculated using the method described above. Examples of monohydric alcohols: Ethanol (25.4%), 1-propanol (22.9%), isopropyl alcohol (22.3%), 1-butanol (22.9%) Examples of dihydric alcohols: Ethylene glycol (31.6), diethylene glycol (29.2), triethylene glycol (26.1), tetraethylene glycol (24.3), pentaethylene glycol (23.1), hexaethylene glycol (22.2), propylene glycol (31.7), 1-dipropylene glycol (26.0), tripropylene glycol (23.4) Examples of dihydric alcohol derivatives: Dipropylene glycol monomethyl ether (21.1), dipropylene glycol dimethyl ether (17.8), dipropylene glycol diacetate (19.0), dipropylene glycol monomethyl ether acetate (18.5) Examples of polyhydric alcohols with a valency of 35.7% or higher: Glycerin (35.7%), Sorbitol (35.8%) Examples of lactams: 2-pyrrolidone (24.8), N-methylpyrrolidone (22.0) Examples of imidazolidinones: Ethylene urea (28.5%), 1,3-dimethyl-2-imidazolidinone (22.3%) • Example of pyrimidinone: N,N'-dimethylpropylene urea (21.3) • Example of a lactone: γ-butyrolactone (24.6) Examples of alkylene carbonates: ethylene carbonate (29.2), propylene carbonate (27.1) Examples of common organic solvents: DMF (N,N-dimethylformamide) (24.2), DMAc (N,N-dimethylacetamide) (23.0), DMSO (dimethyl sulfoxide) (23.6), THF (tetrahydrofuran) (18.2), 1,4-dioxane (20.5), acetonitrile (23.9)

[0052] From the viewpoint of thoroughly dissolving the condensate consisting of components (A) and (B), which are generated during the reaction process and cause an increase in turbidity, and maintaining low turbidity for a longer period of time, the SP value of Hansen's solubility parameter is set to 35.8 MPa. 1 / 2 Preferably, the following is true: 34.7 MPa 1 / 2 The following is more preferable: 29.2 MPa1 / 2 The following is even more preferable. From a similar viewpoint, 17.8 MPa 1 / 2 Preferably, the above, and 21.1 MPa. 1 / 2 More preferably, the above is true, and 22.0 MPa 1 / 2 It is even more preferable if the above conditions are met.

[0053] Among these, dihydric alcohols, lactams, and imidazolidinones are preferred, and at least one selected from diethylene glycol (29.2), triethylene glycol (26.1), N-methylpyrrolidone (22.0), and 1,3-dimethyl-2-imidazolidinone (22.3) is more preferred.

[0054] Component (D) can be used individually or in combination of two or more. The content of component (D) in the fiber treatment agent of the present invention is preferably 10% by mass or more, more preferably 15% by mass or more, and even more preferably 25% by mass or more, from the viewpoint of maintaining a low turbidity state of the fiber treatment agent for a longer period of time. Furthermore, from the viewpoint of efficiently promoting the condensation reaction and further improving the shape retention and strength of the natural fiber after treatment by forming a condensate of component (A) and component (B) within the natural fiber, the content is preferably 80% by mass or less, more preferably 60% by mass or less, and even more preferably 45% by mass or less.

[0055] [Ingredient (E): Sulfur-containing reducing agent] The fiber treatment agent of the present invention preferably contains a sulfur-containing reducing agent, from the viewpoint of improving the heat resistance temperature of the treated natural fiber, suppressing discoloration, and suppressing the increase in turbidity of the fiber treatment agent during heat treatment.

[0056] Component (E) includes sulfites and thiol compounds. Sodium sulfite and sodium pyrosulfite are preferred as sulfites, and as thiol compounds, compounds having a carboxyl group (e.g., thioglycolic acid) or an amino group (e.g., cysteamine) cause yellowish discoloration, reducing their suitability as headwear products; therefore, thioglycerin and mesna (sodium 2-mercaptoethanesulfonate) are preferred. Among these, sodium sulfite is preferred.

[0057] Component (E) can be used individually or in combination of two or more. From the viewpoint of improving heat resistance, suppressing discoloration, and suppressing the increase in turbidity during heat treatment, the content of component (E) in the fiber treatment agent of the present invention is preferably 0.1% by mass or more, more preferably 0.5% by mass or more, and even more preferably 2.0% by mass or more, based on the total composition of the fiber treatment agent. Furthermore, from the viewpoint of suppressing the decrease in fiber strength due to the reducing action, the content is preferably 20% by mass or less, more preferably 10% by mass or less, and even more preferably 5.0% by mass or less, based on the total composition of the fiber treatment agent. When the fiber treatment agent is a multi-component formula, component (E) may be contained in the first agent, in the second agent, or in both the first and second agents.

[0058] Furthermore, the molar ratio (E) / (A) of component (E) to component (A) is preferably 0.1 or higher, more preferably 0.3 or higher, and even more preferably 0.5 or higher, from the viewpoint of fully exhibiting the effect of improving the heat resistance and suppressing discoloration of the fibers after treatment with component (E), as well as the effect of suppressing the increase in turbidity of the fiber treatment agent. Also, from the viewpoint of suppressing the decrease in fiber strength due to the reducing action, it is preferably 3.0 or lower, more preferably 1.5 or lower, and even more preferably 1.0 or lower.

[0059] [Cationic surfactants] The fiber treatment agent of the present invention may contain a cationic surfactant to the extent that it does not impair the effects of the present invention. The cationic surfactant is preferably a monolong-chain alkylquaternary ammonium salt having one C8-C24 alkyl group and three C1-C4 alkyl groups.

[0060] Preferably, at least one monolong-chain alkylquaternary ammonium surfactant is selected from compounds represented by the following general formula.

[0061] [ka]

[0062] [In the formula, R 4 R is a saturated or unsaturated linear or branched alkyl group having 8 to 22 carbon atoms. 8 -CO-NH-(CH2) m - or R 8 -CO-O-(CH2) m -(R 8 (where m represents an integer from 1 to 4, and R represents a saturated or unsaturated linear or branched alkyl chain having 7 to 21 carbon atoms.) 5 , R 6 and R 7 These independently represent an alkyl group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms, or a hydroxylalkyl group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms, and X - This represents chloride ions, bromide ions, metosulfate ions, or ethosulfate ions.

[0063] Suitable cationic surfactants include, for example, long-chain quaternary ammonium compounds such as cetyltrimethylammonium chloride, myristyltrimethylammonium chloride, behentrimonium chloride, cetyltrimethylammonium bromide, and stearamidopropyltrimonium chloride, which can be used individually or as mixtures thereof.

[0064] The content of the cationic surfactant in the fiber treatment agent of the present invention is preferably 0.05% by mass or more, more preferably 0.1% by mass or more, and preferably 10% by mass or less, and more preferably 5% by mass or less, based on the total composition of the fiber treatment agent, from the viewpoint of improving the feel of the natural fibers after treatment and further enhancing the effects of the present invention. When the fiber treatment agent is a multi-component formula, the cationic surfactant may be contained in the first component, in the second component, or in both the first and second components.

[0065] 〔silicone〕 Furthermore, the fiber treatment agent of the present invention may contain silicone to improve the feel and manageability of the natural fibers after treatment. Preferably, one or more silicones are selected from dimethylpolysiloxane and amino-modified silicones.

[0066] Any cyclic or acyclic dimethylpolysiloxane polymer can be used as the dimethylpolysiloxane, and examples include the SH200 series, BY22-019, BY22-020, BY11-026, B22-029, BY22-034, BY22-050A, BY22-055, BY22-060, BY22-083, FZ-4188 (all from Toray Dow Corning Co., Ltd.), KF-9088, KM-900 series, MK-15H, and MK-88 (all from Shin-Etsu Chemical Co., Ltd.).

[0067] Any silicone having an amino group or an ammonium group can be used as the amino-modified silicone. Examples include amino-modified silicone oil in which all or some of the terminal hydroxyl groups are terminally encapsulated with methyl groups, etc., and amodimethicone that is not terminally encapsulated. From the viewpoint of improving the feel and cohesiveness of the natural fibers after treatment, preferred amino-modified silicones include, for example, the compound shown in the following formula.

[0068] [ka]

[0069] [In the formula, R' is a hydrogen atom, a hydroxyl group or R X Show, R X represents a substituted or unsubstituted monovalent hydrocarbon group having 1 to 20 carbon atoms, and J is R X , R"-(NHCH2CH2) a NH2, OR X Or it represents a hydroxyl group, R'' represents a divalent hydrocarbon group having 1 to 8 carbon atoms, a represents a number from 0 to 3, and b and c represent a number such that their sum is number-average of 10 or more and less than 20,000, preferably 20 or more and less than 3,000, more preferably 30 or more and less than 1,000, and even more preferably 40 or more and less than 800.

[0070] Suitable commercially available amino-modified silicones include amino-modified silicone oils such as SF8452C and SS3551 (both from Toray Dow Corning Co., Ltd.), KF-8004, KF-867S, and KF-8015 (all from Shin-Etsu Chemical Co., Ltd.), and amodimethicone emulsions such as SM8704C, SM8904, BY22-079, FZ-4671, and FZ4672 (all from Toray Dow Corning Co., Ltd.).

[0071] The silicone content in the fiber treatment agent of the present invention is preferably 0.1% by mass or more, more preferably 0.2% by mass or more, even more preferably 0.5% by mass or more, based on the total composition of the fiber treatment agent, and also preferably 20% by mass or less, more preferably 10% by mass or less, and even more preferably 5% by mass or less, from the viewpoint of improving the feel of the natural fibers after treatment and further enhancing the effects of the present invention. When the fiber treatment agent is a multi-component formula, silicone may be contained in the first component, in the second component, or in both the first and second components.

[0072] [Cationic polymers] Furthermore, the fiber treatment agent of the present invention may contain a cationic polymer from the viewpoint of improving the feel of the natural fiber after treatment.

[0073] Cationic polymers are polymers having a cationic group or a group that can be ionized into a cationic group, and also include amphoteric polymers that are cationic overall. Specifically, they are aqueous solutions containing an amino group or an ammonium group in the side chain of the polymer chain, or containing diallyl quaternary ammonium salt as a constituent unit, such as cationized cellulose derivatives, cationic starch, cationized guar gum derivatives, polymers or copolymers of diallyl quaternary ammonium salt, and quaternized polyvinylpyrrolidone derivatives. Of these, from the viewpoint of improving the softness, smoothness and ease of handling during rinsing and shampooing, ease of manageability and moisturizing properties during drying, and the stability of the agent, one or more selected from polymers containing diallyl quaternary ammonium salt as a constituent unit, quaternized polyvinylpyrrolidone derivatives, and cationized cellulose derivatives are preferred, and one or more selected from polymers or copolymers of diallyl quaternary ammonium salt and cationized cellulose derivatives are more preferred.

[0074] Specific examples of suitable polymers or copolymers of diallyl quaternary ammonium salts include dimethyldiallylammonium chloride polymer (Polyquaternium-6, e.g., Merquart 100; Lubrizol Advanced Materials), dimethyldiallylammonium chloride / acrylic acid copolymer (Polyquaternium-22, e.g., Merquart 280, 295; Lubrizol Advanced Materials), and dimethyldiallylammonium chloride / acrylamide copolymer (Polyquaternium-7, e.g., Merquart 550; Lubrizol Advanced Materials).

[0075] Specific examples of suitable quaternized polyvinylpyrrolidone derivatives include polymers obtained by polymerizing vinylpyrrolidone copolymer and dimethylaminoethyl methacrylate (polyquaternium-11, e.g., Gaffcut 734, Gaffcut 755, Gaffcut 755N (all from Ashland)).

[0076] Suitable examples of cationized cellulose include polymers obtained by loading hydroxycellulose with glycidyltrimethylammonium chloride (Polyquaternium-10, e.g., Leoguard G, GP (both from Lion Corporation), Polymer JR-125, JR-400, JR-30M, LR-400, LR-30M (all from Amarcol)), and hydroxyethylcellulose dimethyldiallylammonium chloride (Polyquaternium-4, e.g., Cellcoat H-100, L-200 (both from AkzoNobel)).

[0077] The content of the cationic polymer in the fiber treatment agent of the present invention is preferably 0.001% by mass or more, more preferably 0.01% by mass or more, even more preferably 0.05% by mass or more, and preferably 20% by mass or less, and more preferably 10% by mass or less, based on the total composition of the fiber treatment agent, from the viewpoint of improving the feel of the natural fiber after treatment. When the fiber treatment agent is a multi-component formula, the cationic polymer may be contained in the first agent, in the second agent, or in both the first and second agents.

[0078] Furthermore, the fiber treatment agent of the present invention may contain antioxidants such as ascorbic acid; and pH adjusters such as sodium hydroxide, potassium hydroxide, phosphoric acid, and hydrochloric acid.

[0079] [Issue] From the viewpoint of suppressing damage to natural fibers, the pH of the fiber treatment agent of the present invention is preferably 3.0 or higher, more preferably 3.5 or higher, even more preferably 4.0 or higher, and also preferably 11.0 or lower, more preferably 9.0 or lower, and even more preferably 7.0 or lower, in the case of a single-component formula. Note that the pH values ​​in the present invention are those at 25°C. In other words, from the viewpoint of suppressing damage to natural fibers, the pH of the fiber treatment agent of the present invention is preferably 3.0 to 11.0, more preferably 3.5 to 9.0, and even more preferably 4.0 to 7.0 in the case of a single-component formula. In the case of a multi-component formula, it is preferable that both the agent containing component (A), i.e., the second agent, and the agent containing component (B), i.e., the first agent, be within the above range. In this invention, the pH of the hair treatment agent refers to the value obtained by measuring the hair treatment agent directly at room temperature (25°C) using a pH meter (HORIBA / Model No.: F-52) without diluting it.

[0080] [Storage method for fiber treatment agents] When transporting and storing the fiber treatment agent manufactured as described above before applying it to fibers, the storage temperature can be kept low to prevent oxidative discoloration of component (B) and unintended reaction progression during transport. The storage temperature is preferably 1°C or higher, more preferably 2°C or higher, and even more preferably 5°C or higher, from the viewpoint of preventing freezing and recrystallization, and is preferably 25°C or lower, more preferably 20°C or lower, and even more preferably 15°C or lower, from the viewpoint of preventing oxidative discoloration and unintended reaction progression.

[0081] [Fiber processing method] (Basic procedures) By treating natural fibers using the fiber treatment agent of the present invention in a method including the following step (i), it is possible to impart shape retention and high durability to natural fibers while maintaining their elasticity (toughness) to a high degree. (i) A step of immersing natural fibers in the fiber treatment agent of the present invention.

[0082] Furthermore, if the fiber treatment agent is a multi-component type, for example, if it contains a first agent containing components (B) and (C) and a second agent containing components (A) and (C), then step (i) is a step in which the fiber is immersed in one of the first or second agents, and then in the other agent. However, it is preferable to immerse the fiber in the first agent first, and then in the second agent.

[0083] If the fiber treatment agent of the present invention is a single-component formula, it may be applied to the fibers as is. However, the elasticity of the fibers can be further enhanced by heating the treatment agent for a certain period of time to an extent that does not cause an increase in turbidity before applying it to the fibers. For this reason, the following step (0) may be included before step (i). (0) A step of heating the fiber treatment agent.

[0084] The heating temperature in step (0) is preferably 40°C or higher, more preferably 45°C or higher, and even more preferably 50°C or higher, from the viewpoint of improving productivity, and is preferably 100°C or lower, more preferably 80°C or lower, and even more preferably 70°C or lower, from the viewpoint of being able to stop heating at an appropriate point.

[0085] In step (0), the heating time is defined as the heating time until the turbidity of the treatment agent exceeds 1000 NTU, after heating the treatment agent immediately after mixing and preparing the components, with T being the heating time. From the viewpoint of exhibiting an effect of improving the elasticity of naturally derived fibers, the heating time is preferably 0.2T or more, more preferably 0.3T or more, and even more preferably 0.4T or more. Furthermore, from the viewpoint of exhibiting the treatment capacity for naturally derived fibers for a long period of time, the heating time is preferably 0.8T or less, more preferably 0.7T or less, and even more preferably 0.6T or less.

[0086] Here, NTU (Nephelometric Turbidity Unit) is a turbidity unit in the turbidimetry method using formazin as the turbidity standard solution. The turbidity of the fiber treatment agent can be measured at room temperature (25°C) by placing the fiber treatment agent directly into the measurement cell of a digital turbidimeter (AS ONE Corporation / model number: TB700).

[0087] In step (i), the natural fibers to be immersed in the fiber treatment agent may be dry or wet. The amount of fiber treatment agent used to immerse the natural fibers is preferably 2 or more, more preferably 3 or more, even more preferably 5 or more, even more preferably 10 or more, even more preferably 20 or more, and also preferably 500 or less, more preferably 250 or less, and even more preferably 100 or less, in terms of the bath ratio to the mass of the natural fibers (mass of fiber treatment agent / mass of natural fibers). In other words, the bath ratio is preferably 2 to 500, more preferably 3 to 250, even more preferably 5 to 100, even more preferably 10 to 100, and even more preferably 20 to 100. If the fiber treatment agent is a multi-component type, the bath ratio is applied to each individual agent.

[0088] Furthermore, in step (i), the natural fibers may be fixed in advance with a curler or the like, and then immersed in the fiber treatment agent of the present invention under heating. In this way, the natural fibers can be given shape retention and high durability, as well as the desired shape, simultaneously.

[0089] In step (i), the immersion of the natural fiber into the fiber treatment agent is preferably carried out under heating, which is done by warming the fiber treatment agent. This heating may be done by immersing the natural fiber into the heated fiber treatment agent, or by immersing the natural fiber into the low-temperature fiber treatment agent and then heating it. The temperature of the fiber treatment agent is preferably 20°C or higher, more preferably 35°C or higher, and even more preferably 45°C or higher, in order to obtain the effects of the present invention by increasing the interaction between components (A) and (B) and the fiber constituent molecules in the natural fiber, such as protein molecules, and by promoting the condensation reaction between components (A) and (B) in the natural fiber. Furthermore, in order to prevent the natural fiber from denatured and degraded by heat, the temperature is preferably less than 100°C, more preferably 80°C or lower, even more preferably 70°C or lower, and even more preferably 60°C or lower. If the fiber treatment agent is a multi-component formula, the above temperatures apply to each component.

[0090] Components (A) and (B) in the fiber treatment agent penetrate into the fibers and form a condensate, which then exerts the effects of the present invention through interaction with the fibers. In addition, in a single-component fiber treatment agent, they also condense to form a water-soluble condensate, which similarly penetrates into the fibers and then forms a condensate with a larger molecular weight, thereby exerting the effects of the present invention. On the other hand, as the fiber treatment progresses, the water-soluble condensates in the single-component fiber treatment agent combine to gradually form a water-insoluble condensate, which causes the fiber treatment agent to become turbid. When this water-insoluble condensate comes into contact with the fibers, a hard resin layer is formed on the surface of the fibers, restricting the movement of the fibers such as bending and stretching, making it difficult to maintain the elasticity (toughness) of the fibers. Therefore, from the viewpoint of further enhancing the elasticity (toughness) of the natural fibers and improving the feel of the fiber surface, it is desirable to carry out step (i) with the turbidity of the one-component fiber treatment agent as low as possible. The turbidity of the fiber treatment agent during treatment is preferably 1000 NTU or less, more preferably 500 NTU or less, even more preferably 100 NTU or less, and even more preferably 20 NTU or less. The above turbidity of the fiber treatment agent refers to the turbidity caused by the condensate consisting of components (A) and (B). If other components that cause turbidity are included, only the turbidity caused by the condensate consisting of components (A) and (B) shall be considered. Furthermore, the condensate can be quantified, for example, by filtering with a membrane filter with a pore size of 0.1 μm and then quantifying by derivatization pyrolysis GC / MS.

[0091] When the fiber treatment agent is a single-component type, the immersion time in step (i) is preferably 0.3T or more, more preferably 0.4T or more, and even more preferably 0.5T or more, from the viewpoint of exhibiting an effect of improving the elasticity of naturally derived fibers, where T is defined as the heating time until the treatment agent exceeds a turbidity of 1000 NTU after heating the treatment agent immediately after mixing and preparing the components. Furthermore, to suppress damage to naturally derived fibers, it is preferably 0.95T or less, more preferably 0.90T or less, and even more preferably 0.85T or less.

[0092] The specific immersion time is adjusted as appropriate depending on the heating temperature used, but for example, from the viewpoint of exhibiting an effect of improving the elasticity of natural fibers, it is preferably 15 minutes or more, more preferably 30 minutes or more, and even more preferably 1 hour or more. Furthermore, in order to suppress damage to natural fibers, it is preferably 48 hours or less, more preferably 24 hours or less, and even more preferably 12 hours or less. If the fiber treatment agent is a multi-component type, the above immersion time applies to each agent.

[0093] Step (i) is preferably carried out in an environment in which the evaporation of moisture is suppressed. Specific means of suppressing the evaporation of moisture include covering the container of the fiber treatment agent in which the natural fibers are immersed with a film-like substance, cap, lid, etc., made of a material that does not allow water vapor to pass through.

[0094] After step (i), the natural fibers may be rinsed or not, but rinsing is preferable from the viewpoint of preventing a deterioration in the feel of the natural fibers due to excess polymers.

[0095] These processes are thought to cause components (A) and (B) to penetrate into the natural fibers, leading to interactions with the fiber constituent molecules within the natural fibers, such as protein molecules. Furthermore, condensates of components (A) and (B) are formed within the natural fibers. For this reason, the shape of the natural fibers treated by the method of the present invention does not collapse even after washing.

[0096] If the fiber treatment agent is a single-component type, if the turbidity of the treatment agent increases during the process in step (i), a hard resin layer will form on the surface of the natural fiber, making it difficult to maintain the elasticity (toughness) of the natural fiber and to ensure a good feel on the fiber surface. Therefore, it is preferable to remove the natural fiber from the treatment agent before the turbidity of the treatment agent exceeds 1000 NTU. The turbidity of the treatment agent can be checked by taking a sample from the treatment agent as appropriate and using the turbidity measurement method described above. If the natural fiber being treated is insufficiently treated, the process in step (i) can be repeated. In other words, if the fiber treatment agent is a single-component type, it is preferable to include the following step (ii-a) after step (i), and to repeat steps (i) and (ii-a) two or more times. (ii-a) A step of removing natural fibers from the treatment agent before the turbidity of the single-component treatment agent exceeds 1000 NTU.

[0097] On the other hand, if the fiber treatment agent is a multi-component type, after step (i), the natural fibers can simply be removed from the treatment agent by the following step (ii-b). (ii-b) Process of extracting naturally derived fibers from the treatment agent

[0098] After removing the natural fibers from the treatment agent in step (ii-a) or step (ii-b) above, it is preferable to rinse the surface of the natural fibers to wash away the insoluble condensate. That is, it is preferable to perform step (iii) below after step (ii). (iii) The process of rinsing the extracted natural fibers.

[0099] The rinsing in step (iii) is preferably carried out using a composition containing the aforementioned component (D). This rinsing composition may consist only of component (D), or it may also contain water in addition to component (D). When water is included, the content of component (D) in the rinsing composition is preferably 60% by mass or more, more preferably 80% by mass or more, and even more preferably 95% by mass or more.

[0100] [Further processing may be added] In addition to the steps (i) to (iii) described above, the fiber processing method of the present invention may further include one or more additional treatments selected from decolorization, dyeing, surface finishing for imparting hydrophobicity and reducing friction, and heat treatment for further improving fiber elasticity (toughness).

[0101] In this case, the decolorization and dyeing processes may be performed before or after steps (i) to (iii) described above, or between each of steps (i) to (iii). Furthermore, multiple processes can be combined and added, and if both decolorization and dyeing are added, the order of the processes does not matter, except that decolorization must be performed before dyeing, and another process can be performed between decolorization and dyeing.

[0102] On the other hand, surface finishing for hydrophobicity and friction reduction, and heat treatment for further improvement of fiber elasticity (toughness) must be performed after the aforementioned steps (i) to (iii). Furthermore, if surface finishing for hydrophobicity and friction reduction, and heat treatment for further improvement of fiber elasticity (toughness) are performed at a later stage than steps (i) to (iii) as described above, the order of processing with decolorization and dyeing is not particularly limited. Also, surface finishing for hydrophobicity and friction reduction, and heat treatment for further improvement of fiber elasticity (toughness) may be performed in either order.

[0103] (bleaching) Decolorization is carried out by immersing natural fibers in a decolorizing agent composition containing an alkaline agent, an oxidizing agent, and water. The decolorizing agent composition is usually in two parts: the first part contains an alkaline agent and water, and the second part contains an oxidizing agent and water. These two parts are typically stored separately and mixed before immersing the natural fibers.

[0104] Suitable alkaline agents include, but are not limited to, ammonia and its salts; alkanolamines (monoethanolamine, isopropanolamine, 2-amino-2-methylpropanol, 2-aminobutanol, etc.) and their salts; alkanediamines (1,3-propanediamine, etc.) and their salts; and carbonates (guanidine carbonate, sodium carbonate, potassium carbonate, sodium bicarbonate, potassium bicarbonate, etc.) and mixtures thereof.

[0105] The alkaline agent content in the decolorizing agent composition (in the case of a two-part type, a mixture of the first and second components) is preferably 0.1% by mass or more, more preferably 0.5% by mass or more, even more preferably 1% by mass or more, and also preferably 15% by mass or less, more preferably 10% by mass or less, and even more preferably 7.5% by mass or less.

[0106] Suitable oxidizing agents include, but are not limited to, hydrogen peroxide, urea peroxide, melamine peroxide, and sodium bromate. Among these oxidizing agents, hydrogen peroxide is preferred.

[0107] The content of the oxidizing agent in the decolorizing agent composition is preferably 1% by mass or more, more preferably 2% by mass or more, and also preferably 15% by mass or less, more preferably 12% by mass or less, and even more preferably 9% by mass or less.

[0108] When the first and second agents are stored separately, the pH of the second agent at 25°C is preferably 2 or higher, more preferably 2.5 or higher, and also preferably 6 or lower, more preferably 4 or lower. This pH can be adjusted with a suitable buffer. The pH of the decolorizing agent composition at 25°C is preferably 6 or higher, more preferably 6.5 or higher, even more preferably 6.8 or higher, and also preferably 11 or lower, more preferably 10.5 or lower, and even more preferably 10 or lower.

[0109] (staining) Dyeing is carried out by immersing natural fibers in a dyeing composition. The dyeing composition contains dyes and may optionally contain alkaline agents, acids, oxidizing agents, etc. Examples of dyes include direct dyes, oxidation dyes, and combinations thereof.

[0110] The type of direct dye is not particularly limited, and any direct dye suitable for dyeing can be used. Examples of direct dyes include anionic dyes, nitro dyes, disperse dyes, cationic dyes, and dyes having an azophenol structure selected from the group consisting of HC Red 18, HC Blue 18, and HC Yellow 16, as well as salts thereof and mixtures thereof.

[0111] [ka]

[0112] Examples of cationic dyes include, but are not limited to, Basic Blue 6, Basic Blue 7, Basic Blue 9, Basic Blue 26, Basic Blue 41, Basic Blue 99, Basic Brown 4, Basic Brown 16, Basic Brown 17, Natural Brown 7, Basic Green 1, Basic Orange 31, Basic Red 2, Basic Red 12, Basic Red 22, Basic Red 51, Basic Red 76, Basic Violet 1, Basic Violet 2, Basic Violet 3, Basic Violet 10, Basic Violet 14, Basic Yellow 57, and Basic Yellow 87, as well as mixtures thereof. Basic Red 51, Basic Orange 31, Basic Yellow 87, and mixtures thereof are particularly preferred.

[0113] Examples of anionic dyes include Acid Black 1, Acid Blue 1, Acid Blue 3, Acid Blue 5, Acid Blue 7, Acid Blue 9, Acid Blue 74, Acid Orange 3, Acid Orange 4, Acid Orange 6, Acid Orange 7, Acid Orange 10, Acid Red 1, Acid Red 14, Acid Red 18, Acid Red 27, Acid Red 33, Acid Red 50, Acid Red 52, Acid Red 73, Acid Red 87, Acid Red 88, Acid Red 92, Acid Red 155, Acid Red 180, Acid Violet 2, Acid Violet 9, Acid Violet 43, Acid Violet 49, Acid Yellow 1, Acid Examples include, but are not limited to, Yellow 10, Acid Yellow 23, Acid Yellow 3, Food Yellow No. 8, D&C Brown No. 1, D&C Green No. 5, D&C Green No. 8, D&C Orange No. 4, D&C Orange No. 10, D&C Orange No. 11, D&C Red No. 21, D&C Red No. 27, D&C Red No. 33, D&C Violet 2, D&C Yellow No. 7, D&C Yellow No. 8, D&C Yellow No. 10, FD&C Red 2, FD&C Red 40, FD&C Red No. 4, FD&C Yellow No. 6, FD&C Blue 1, Food Black 1, Food Black 2, as well as alkali metal salts of these (sodium salts, potassium salts, etc.) and mixtures thereof.

[0114] Among these, preferred anionic dyes are Acid Black 1, Acid Red 52, Acid Violet 2, Acid Violet 43, Acid Red 33, Acid Orange 4, Acid Orange 7, Acid Red 27, Acid Yellow 3, and Acid Yellow 10, as well as their salts. More preferred anionic dyes are Acid Red 52, Acid Violet 2, Acid Red 33, Acid Orange 4, and Acid Yellow 10, as well as their salts and mixtures.

[0115] Examples of nitro dyes include HC Blue No. 2, HC Blue No. 4, HC Blue No. 5, HC Blue No. 6, HC Blue No. 7, HC Blue No. 8, HC Blue No. 9, HC Blue No. 10, HC Blue No. 11, HC Blue No. 12, HC Blue No. 13, HC Brown No. 1, HC Brown No. 2, HC Green No. 1, HC Orange No. 1, HC Orange No. 2, HC Orange No. 3, HC Orange No. 5, HC Red BN, HC Red No. 1, HC Red No. 3, HC Red No. 7, HC Red No. 8, HC Red No. 9, HC Red No. 10, HC Red No. 11, HC Red No. 13, HC Red No. 54, HC Red No. 14, HC Violet BS, HC Examples include, but are not limited to, Violet No. 1, HC Violet No. 2, HC Yellow No. 2, HC Yellow No. 4, HC Yellow No. 5, HC Yellow No. 6, HC Yellow No. 7, HC Yellow No. 8, HC Yellow No. 9, HC Yellow No. 10, HC Yellow No. 11, HC Yellow No. 12, HC Yellow No. 13, HC Yellow No. 14, HC Yellow No. 15, 2-amino-6-chloro-4-nitrophenol, picramic acid, 1,2-diamino-4-nitrobenzol, 1,4-diamino-2-nitrobenzol, 3-nitro-4-aminophenol, 1-hydroxy-2-amino-3-nitrobenzol, and 2-hydroxyethylpicramic acid, as well as mixtures thereof.

[0116] Examples of disperse dyes include, but are not limited to, Disperse Blue 1, Disperse Black 9, and Disperse Violet 1, and mixtures thereof.

[0117] These direct dyes can be used individually or in combination of two or more, and direct dyes with different ionic properties can also be used together.

[0118] From the viewpoint of obtaining sufficient dyeing properties, the content of direct dyes in the dyeing agent composition is preferably 0.001% by mass or more, more preferably 0.01% by mass or more, and even more preferably 0.05% by mass or more. From the viewpoint of compatibility, it is preferably 10% by mass or less, more preferably 7.5% by mass or less, even more preferably 5.0% by mass or less, and even more preferably 3.0% by mass or less.

[0119] If the dyeing composition contains only direct dyes as dyes, an oxidizing agent is not necessary to dye natural fibers. However, if you want to lighten the color of natural fibers, you can include an oxidizing agent in the composition.

[0120] When a dyeing composition contains an oxidative dye, it is usually a two-part system. The first part contains an oxidative dye intermediate (precursor and coupler) and an alkaline agent, while the second part contains an oxidizing agent such as hydrogen peroxide. These two parts are usually stored separately and mixed before immersing the natural fiber.

[0121] There are no particular restrictions on the oxidation dye intermediate; any known precursor and coupler commonly used in dyed products can be suitably used.

[0122] Precursors include, for example, paraphenylenediamine, toluene-2,5-diamine, 2-chloro-paraphenylenediamine, N-methoxyethyl-paraphenylenediamine, N-phenylparaphenylenediamine, N,N-bis(2-hydroxyethyl)-paraphenylenediamine, 2-(2-hydroxyethyl)-paraphenylenediamine, 2,6-dimethyl-paraphenylenediamine, 4,4'-diaminodiphenylamine, 1,3-bis(N-(2-hydroxyethyl)-N-(4-aminophenyl)amino)-2-propanol, PEG-3,3,2'-paraphenylenediamine, para-aminophenol, para-methylaminophenol, 3 Examples include, but are not limited to, methyl-4-aminophenol, 2-aminomethyl-4-aminophenol, 2-(2-hydroxyethylaminomethyl)-4-aminophenol, orthoaminophenol, 2-amino-5-methylphenol, 2-amino-6-methylphenol, 2-amino-5-acetamidophenol, 3,4-diaminobenzoic acid, 5-aminosalicylic acid, 2,4,5,6-tetraaminopyrimidine, 2,5,6-triamino-4-hydroxypyrimidine, 4,5-diamino-1-(4'-chlorobenzyl)pyrazole, 4,5-diamino-1-hydroxyethylpyrazole, and salts of these substances and mixtures thereof.

[0123] Examples of couplers include metaphenylenediamine, 2,4-diaminophenoxyethanol, 2-amino-4-(2-hydroxyethylamino)anisole, 2,4-diamino-5-methylphenethole, 2,4-diamino-5-(2-hydroxyethoxy)toluene, 2,4-dimethoxy-1,3-diaminobenzene, 2,6-bis(2-hydroxyethylamino)toluene, 2,4-diamino-5-fluorotoluene, 1,3-bis(2,4-diaminophenoxy)propane, metaaminophenol, 2-methyl-5-aminophenol, 2-methyl-5-(2-hydroxyethylamino)phenol, 2,4-dichloro-3-aminophenol, 2-chloro-3-amino-6-methylphenol, 2-methyl-4-chloro-5-aminophenol, N-cyclopentyl-methaminophenol, 2-methyl-4-methoxy-5-(2-hydroxyethylamino)phenol, 2-methyl-4-fluoro-5-aminophenol, para-amino-o-toxylethanolamine Zol, resorcinol, 2-methylresorcinol, 4-chlororesorcinol, 1-naphthol, 1,5-dihydroxynaphthalene, 1,7-dihydroxynaphthalene, 2,7-dihydroxynaphthalene, 2-isopropyl-5-methylphenol, 4-hydroxyindole, 5-hydroxyindole, 6-hydroxyindole, 7-hydroxyindole, 6-hydroxybenzomorpholine, 3,4-methylenedioxyphenol, 2-bromo-4,5-methylenedioxyphenol Examples include, but are not limited to, 3,4-methylenedioxyaniline, 1-(2-hydroxyethyl)amino-3,4-methylenedioxybenzene, 2,6-dihydroxy-3,4-dimethylpyridine, 2,6-dimethoxy-3,5-diaminopyridine, 2,3-diamino-6-methoxypyridine, 2-methylamino-3-amino-6-methoxypyridine, 2-amino-3-hydroxypyridine, 2,6-diaminopyridine, and salts of these substances and mixtures thereof.

[0124] The content of precursor and coupler in the dyeing agent composition is preferably 0.01% by mass or more, more preferably 0.1% by mass or more, and preferably 10% by mass or less, more preferably 7.5% by mass or less, and even more preferably 5% by mass or less.

[0125] If the dyeing composition contains an oxidation dye, it further contains an alkaline agent. Suitable alkaline agents include, but are not limited to, ammonia and its salts; alkanolamines (monoethanolamine, isopropanolamine, 2-amino-2-methylpropanol, 2-aminobutanol, etc.) and their salts; alkanediamines (1,3-propanediamine, etc.) and their salts; and carbonates (guanidine carbonate, sodium carbonate, potassium carbonate, sodium bicarbonate, potassium bicarbonate, etc.); and mixtures thereof.

[0126] The content of the alkaline agent in the dyeing agent composition is preferably 0.1% by mass or more, more preferably 0.5% by mass or more, even more preferably 1% by mass or more, and also preferably 15% by mass or less, more preferably 10% by mass or less, and even more preferably 7.5% by mass or less.

[0127] When the dyeing composition contains an oxidative dye, the oxidizing agent composition (second agent) is stored separately from the oxidative dye composition (first agent) and mixed before immersing the natural fiber. Suitable oxidizing agents include, but are not limited to, hydrogen peroxide, urea peroxide, melamine peroxide, and sodium bromate. Among these oxidizing agents, hydrogen peroxide is preferred.

[0128] The content of the oxidizing agent in the dyeing agent composition is preferably 1% by mass or more, more preferably 2% by mass or more, and also preferably 15% by mass or less, more preferably 12% by mass or less, and even more preferably 9% by mass or less.

[0129] When the first and second agents are stored separately, the pH of the second agent at 25°C is preferably 2 or higher, more preferably 2.5 or higher, and also preferably 6 or lower, more preferably 4 or lower. This pH can be adjusted with a suitable buffer. The pH of the dyeing composition obtained by mixing the first and second agents at 25°C is preferably 6 or higher, more preferably 6.5 or higher, even more preferably 6.8 or higher, and also preferably 11 or lower, more preferably 10.5 or lower, and even more preferably 10 or lower.

[0130] If the dyeing composition contains an oxidation dye, it may further contain the direct dyes exemplified above.

[0131] The dyeing composition may preferably further contain the following surfactants, conditioning components, etc., and may preferably take the form of a solution, emulsion, cream, paste, or mousse.

[0132] The temperature of the dyeing agent composition is preferably 0°C or higher, more preferably 10°C or higher, even more preferably 20°C or higher, and also preferably 90°C or lower, more preferably 80°C or lower, from the viewpoint of efficiently penetrating and diffusing the dyeing agent composition into the natural fiber and further enhancing the dyeing effect.

[0133] (Surface finish for imparting hydrophobicity and reducing friction) Surface finishing for hydrophobicity and friction reduction is performed by immersing the natural fibers in the surface finishing agent described below, in a stage after steps (i) to (iii) described above, or in a stage after step (iv) if surface finishing for improving feel is performed in step (iv).

[0134] The surface finishing agent contains the following component (F) and water. (F) Epoxyaminosilane copolymer, which is the reaction product of the following compounds (a) to (d) (a) Polysiloxane having at least two oxyranyl groups or oxetanyl groups (b) Polyether having at least two oxyranyl or oxetanyl groups (c) Aminopropyltrialkoxysilane (d) Compounds selected from the group consisting of the following primary and secondary amines Primary amines: Methylamine, ethylamine, propyleneamine, ethanolamine, isopropylamine, butylamine, isobutylamine, hexylamine, dodecylamine, oleylamine, aniline, aminopropyltrimethylsilane, aminopropyltriethylsilane, aminomorpholine, aminopropyldiethylamine, benzylamine, naphthylamine, 3-amino-9-ethylcarbazole, 1-aminoheptafluorohexane, 2,2,3,3,4,4,5,5,6,6,7,7,8,8,8-pentadecafluoro-1-octaneamine Secondary amines: Methylethylamine, methyloctadecylamine, diethanolamine, dibenzylamine, dihexylamine, dicyclohexylamine, piperidine, pyrrolidinephthalimide, polymeramines

[0135] [Ingredient (F): Epoxyaminosilane copolymer] The epoxyaminosilane copolymer of component (F) is the reaction product of the compounds (a) to (d) shown below.

[0136] <Compounds (a), (b)> Compound (a) is a polysiloxane containing at least two oxiranyl groups or oxetanyl groups, for example, one represented by the following general formula (5).

[0137] [ka]

[0138] [In the formula, R represents a C1-C6 hydrocarbon group that may contain heteroatoms and has an oxyranyl or oxetanyl group at its terminus, and x represents a number from 1 to 1000.]

[0139] Compound (b) is a polyether containing at least two oxyranyl groups or oxetanyl groups, for example, one represented by the following general formula (6).

[0140] [ka]

[0141] [In the formula, R has the same meaning as above, y is between 1 and 100, z is between 0 and 100, and y+z is between 1 and 200.]

[0142] In general formulas (5) and (6), an oxygen atom is preferred as the heteroatom that R may contain. Examples of R include oxyranylmethyl group (glycidyl group), oxyranylmethoxy group (glycidyloxy group), oxyranylmethoxypropyl group (glycidyloxypropyl group), oxetanylmethyl group, oxetanylmethoxy group, oxetanylmethoxypropyl group, 3-ethyloxetanylmethyl group, etc., and among these, a hydrocarbon group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms that has an oxyranyl group and may contain a heterooxygen atom is preferred, and at least one selected from oxyranylmethyl group (glycidyl group), oxyranylmethoxy group (glycidyloxy group), and oxyranylmethoxypropyl group (glycidyloxypropyl group) is even more preferred.

[0143] <Compound (c)> Compound (c) is aminopropyltrialkoxysilane. The alkoxy group in compound (c) may have 1 to 6 carbon atoms, preferably 2 to 4 carbon atoms, and more preferably 3 carbon atoms, with isopropoxy being particularly preferred. Examples of compound (c) include aminopropyltrimethoxysilane, aminopropyltriethoxysilane, aminopropyltripropoxysilane, aminopropyltriisopropoxysilane, aminopropyltributoxysilane, and aminopropyltritert-butoxysilane, with aminopropyltriisopropoxysilane being particularly preferred. Compound (c) can be used individually or in combination of two or more.

[0144] <Compound (d)> Compound (d) is a compound selected from the group consisting of the following primary and secondary amines. Primary amines: Methylamine, ethylamine, propyleneamine, ethanolamine, isopropylamine, butylamine, isobutylamine, hexylamine, dodecylamine, oleylamine, aniline, aminopropyltrimethylsilane, aminopropyltriethylsilane, aminomorpholine, aminoethyldimethylamine, aminoethyldiethylamine, aminoethyldibutylamine, aminopropyldimethylamine, aminopropyldiethylamine, aminopropyldibutylamine, benzylamine, naphthylamine, 3-amino-9-ethylcarbazole, 1-aminoheptafluorohexane, 2,2,3,3,4,4,5,5,6,6,7,7,8,8,8-pentadecafluoro-1-octaneamine Secondary amines: Methylethylamine, methyloctadecylamine, diethanolamine, dibenzylamine, dihexylamine, dicyclohexylamine, piperidine, pyrrolidinephthalimide, polymeramines

[0145] Of these, primary amines are preferred, and one selected from aminopropyldiethylamine, aminopropyldimethylamine, and aminopropyldibutylamine is even more preferred. Compound (d) can be used individually or in combination of two or more.

[0146] The reaction of compounds (a) to (d) is carried out, for example, by refluxing in a solvent such as isopropanol for a certain period of time. Here, the molar ratio of the oxyranyl group or oxetanyl group of compounds (a) and (b) to the amino group of compound (c) is preferably 1 or more, more preferably 1.1 or more, even more preferably 1.2 or more, and also preferably 4 or less, more preferably 3.9 or less, and even more preferably 3.8 or less.

[0147] Component (F) may include substances with the INCI name polysilicone-29, and an example of a commercially available product is Silsoft CLX-E from Momentive Performance Materials (15% by mass of active ingredient, containing dipropylene glycol and water).

[0148] The content of component (F) in the surface finishing agent is preferably 0.01% by mass or more, more preferably 0.05% by mass or more, even more preferably 0.10% by mass or more, and even more preferably 0.20% by mass or more, from the viewpoint of providing sufficient hydrophobicity to the naturally derived fibers, and from the viewpoint of not giving a sticky feeling, it is preferably 15.00% by mass or less, more preferably 10.00% by mass or less, even more preferably 8.00% by mass or less, and even more preferably 6.00% by mass or less.

[0149] The pH of the surface finishing agent at 25°C is preferably within the following ranges from the viewpoint of increasing the reaction rate of the trialkoxysilane portion of component (F) in the acidic or basic range. When the surface finishing agent is in the acidic range, it is preferably 1.0 or higher, more preferably 1.5 or higher, even more preferably 2.0 or higher, preferably 5.0 or lower, more preferably 4.0 or lower, and even more preferably 3.5 or lower. When the surface finishing agent is in the basic range, it is preferably 7.0 or higher, more preferably 7.5 or higher, even more preferably 8.0 or higher, preferably 11.0 or lower, more preferably 10.5 or lower, and even more preferably 10.0 or lower. To adjust the pH of the surface finishing agent to the above ranges, the surface finishing agent may contain a pH adjusting agent as appropriate. As pH adjusters, alkaline agents such as alkanolamines or their salts, including monoethanolamine, isopropanolamine, 2-amino-2-methylpropanol, and 2-aminobutanol; alkanediamines or their salts, including 1,3-propanediamine; carbonates such as guanidine carbonate, sodium carbonate, potassium carbonate, sodium bicarbonate, and potassium bicarbonate; and hydroxides such as sodium hydroxide and potassium hydroxide can be used. As acidic agents, inorganic acids such as hydrochloric acid and phosphoric acid, hydrochloride salts such as monoethanolamine hydrochloride, phosphates such as monopotassium dihydrogen phosphate and disodium monohydrogen phosphate, and organic acids such as lactic acid and malic acid can be used.

[0150] The amount of surface finishing agent used to immerse the natural fibers is preferably 2 or more, more preferably 5 or more, even more preferably 10 or more, and also preferably 100 or less, more preferably 50 or less, and even more preferably 20 or less, in terms of the bath ratio (mass of surface finishing agent / mass of natural fibers) relative to the mass of the natural fibers.

[0151] (Post-heating: Heat treatment to further improve fiber elasticity (toughness)) Furthermore, from the viewpoint of more effectively improving the elasticity of natural fibers, natural fibers can be heated while being stretched under tension. For small quantities of natural fibers, it is preferable to use a hair iron for this heating, and for large quantities, equivalent results can be obtained by applying tension with a winding machine while heating with hot air.

[0152] The fiber stretch rate during heating is preferably 0.1% or more, more preferably 0.2% or more, and even more preferably 0.5% or more, from the viewpoint of more effectively improving the elasticity of the fibers, and from the viewpoint of suppressing damage to the fibers, it is preferably 10% or less, more preferably 5% or less, and even more preferably 2% or less.

[0153] The heating temperature is preferably 120°C or higher, more preferably 140°C or higher, and even more preferably 160°C or higher, from the viewpoint of more effectively improving the elasticity of the fibers, and preferably 240°C or lower, more preferably 220°C or lower, and even more preferably 200°C or lower, from the viewpoint of suppressing damage to the fibers.

[0154] The heating time is preferably 1 second or more, more preferably 3 seconds or more, and even more preferably 5 seconds or more, from the viewpoint of more effectively improving the elasticity of the fibers, and from the viewpoint of suppressing damage to the fibers, it is preferably 60 seconds or less, more preferably 30 seconds or less, and even more preferably 20 seconds or less.

[0155] After heating, the natural fibers can be subjected to tension and stretched while being left to stand in water, in order to more effectively improve their elasticity.

[0156] The elongation rate in this case is preferably 0.1% or more, more preferably 0.2% or more, and even more preferably 0.5% or more, from the viewpoint of more effectively improving the elasticity of the fibers, and preferably 10% or less, more preferably 5% or less, and even more preferably 2% or less, from the viewpoint of suppressing damage to the fibers.

[0157] From the viewpoint of more effectively improving the elasticity of the fibers, the water temperature is preferably 5°C or higher, more preferably 20°C or higher, and even more preferably 30°C or higher. Furthermore, from the viewpoint of suppressing damage to the fibers, the water temperature is preferably 80°C or lower, more preferably 60°C or lower, and even more preferably 50°C or lower.

[0158] The standing time in water is preferably 1 minute or more, more preferably 5 minutes or more, and even more preferably 30 minutes or more, from the viewpoint of more effectively improving the elasticity of the fibers, and from the viewpoint of suppressing damage to the fibers, it is preferably 48 hours or less, more preferably 24 hours or less, and even more preferably 3 hours or less.

[0159] This process, depending on the polymerization conditions in steps (i) to (iii), can result in a fiber that exhibits elasticity comparable to human hair during drying.

[0160] (Suppression or removal of discoloration) Furthermore, for the purpose of suppressing or removing discoloration in naturally derived fibers treated with the fiber treatment agent of the present invention, treatment can be performed with a composition containing the aforementioned component (E). The preferred component (E) is the same as described above. The above composition is preferably an aqueous solution of component (E). Also, from the viewpoint of not reducing the strength of the naturally derived fibers, the pH of this composition is preferably 2.0 or higher, more preferably 3.0 or higher, even more preferably 4.0 or higher, and also preferably 9.0 or lower, more preferably 7.0 or lower, and even more preferably 6.0 or lower.

[0161] The content of component (E) in the composition is preferably 0.5% by mass or more, more preferably 1.0% by mass or more, and even more preferably 2.0% by mass or more, from the viewpoint of exhibiting the effect of suppressing or removing the discoloration of natural fibers, and preferably 20% by mass or less, more preferably 10% by mass or less, and even more preferably 5.0% by mass or less, from the viewpoint of not reducing the strength of natural fibers due to the reducing action.

[0162] The treatment temperature with the composition containing component (E) is preferably 5°C or higher, more preferably 10°C or higher, and even more preferably 20°C or higher, from the viewpoint of exhibiting the effect of suppressing or removing discoloration of natural fibers, and is preferably 100°C or lower, more preferably 60°C or lower, and even more preferably 40°C or lower, from the viewpoint of avoiding the new occurrence of yellowish discoloration.

[0163] The processing time with the composition containing component (E) is preferably 1 second or more, more preferably 30 seconds or more, and even more preferably 1 minute or more, from the viewpoint of exhibiting the effect of suppressing or removing discoloration of natural fibers, and from the viewpoint of avoiding the new occurrence of yellowish discoloration, it is preferably 60 minutes or less, more preferably 30 minutes or less, and even more preferably 15 minutes or less.

[0164] Furthermore, in addition to treatment with a composition containing component (E), natural fibers can be treated with a composition containing the following component (G) for the purpose of suppressing or removing discoloration in natural fibers treated with the fiber treatment agent of the present invention. Component (G): Chelating compound

[0165] [Component (G): Chelating compound] Component (G) includes compounds having a total of two or more hydroxyl groups, carboxyl groups, and phosphate groups. Specifically, etidronic acid, disodium ethylenediaminetetraacetate, disodium catechol-3,5-disulfonic acid monohydrate, and phytic acid are preferred examples.

[0166] The composition containing the above component (G) is preferably an aqueous solution. Furthermore, the pH of this composition is preferably 2.0 or higher, more preferably 3.0 or higher, even more preferably 4.0 or higher, and also preferably 9.0 or lower, more preferably 7.0 or lower, and even more preferably 6.0 or lower, from the viewpoint of not reducing the strength of the natural fibers.

[0167] Component (G) can be used individually or in combination of two or more. From the viewpoint of exhibiting the effect of suppressing or removing coloration of naturally derived fibers, the content of component (G) in the composition containing component (G) is preferably 0.1% by mass or more, more preferably 0.5% by mass or more, and even more preferably 2.0% by mass or more, and from the viewpoint of suppressing a decrease in fiber strength, it is preferably 20% by mass or less, more preferably 10% by mass or less, and even more preferably 5.0% by mass or less.

[0168] The treatment temperature with the composition containing component (G) is preferably 5°C or higher, more preferably 10°C or higher, and even more preferably 20°C or higher, from the viewpoint of exhibiting the effect of suppressing or removing coloration of naturally derived fibers, and is preferably 100°C or lower, more preferably 60°C or lower, and even more preferably 40°C or lower, from the viewpoint of suppressing a decrease in fiber strength.

[0169] The treatment time with the composition containing component (G) is preferably 1 second or more, more preferably 30 seconds or more, and even more preferably 1 minute or more, from the viewpoint of exhibiting the effect of suppressing or removing discoloration of natural fibers, and from the viewpoint of suppressing a decrease in fiber strength, it is preferably 72 hours or less, more preferably 48 hours or less, and even more preferably 24 hours or less.

[0170] For treatments aimed at suppressing or removing discoloration of naturally derived fibers, it is more preferable to use a combination of treatment with a composition containing component (E) and treatment with a composition containing component (G). The fiber discoloration resulting from treatment with the fiber treatment agent of the present invention is thought to consist of both brownish oxidative discoloration (which can be dealt with by treatment with a sulfur-containing reducing agent of component (E)) and yellowish catechin metal complex discoloration (which can be dealt with by treatment with a chelating agent of component (G)). It is believed that the discoloration of fibers can be better suppressed by performing decolorization treatments corresponding to each.

[0171] When using both a composition containing component (E) and a composition containing component (G), the treatments with both compositions may be performed sequentially (the order of treatment does not matter), or a single composition containing both components (E) and (G) may be used for a single treatment. In this case, the content of each component in the above composition, the treatment temperature, and the treatment time are the same as when using the separate compositions described above. Regarding the treatment time, the upper limit is longer for the composition containing component (G) than for the composition containing component (E), but in the case of treatment with a single composition containing both components, the treatment time should be within the range of the treatment time for the composition containing component (E) in order to avoid the new occurrence of yellow discoloration.

[0172] By processing naturally derived fibers as described above, it is possible to produce fibers for headwear products that have excellent shape retention and tensile modulus, and significantly improve the elasticity (toughness) of naturally derived fibers, by incorporating condensates formed from components (A) and (B) within the fibers. Furthermore, headwear products can be manufactured using these fibers. In this invention, examples of headwear products include hair wigs, hairpieces, weaving, hair extensions, braided hair, hair accessories, doll hair, and the like.

[0173] With respect to the embodiments described above, preferred embodiments of the present invention are further disclosed below.

[0174] <1> A single-component fiber treatment agent comprising a single composition or a multi-component fiber treatment agent comprising multiple compositions, wherein the total composition contains the following components (A) to (C) (however, some or all of components (A) and (B) may be in the form of condensates formed from both). (A): A compound having a structure in which a methylol group is bonded to each of the two nitrogen atoms in the molecule. (B): A phenol compound having an electron-donating group at least one position in the meta position and at least one hydrogen atom at the ortho and para positions (wherein the electron-donating group at the meta position may form a benzene ring that may be substituted with a hydroxyl group together with the adjacent carbon atom). (C):Water

[0175] <2> Component (A) is preferably one or more compounds selected from the following compounds (A1) to (A4), more preferably one or more compounds selected from compounds (A3) and (A4), and even more preferably compound (A3). <1> The fiber treatment agent described above.

[0176] [ka]

[0177] <3> The content of components derived from component (A) in the fiber treatment agent is preferably 0.1% by mass or more, more preferably 1% by mass or more, even more preferably 2.5% by mass or more, even more preferably 5% by mass or more, even more preferably 10% by mass or more, and also preferably 80% by mass or less, more preferably 70% by mass or less, even more preferably 60% by mass or less, even more preferably 50% by mass or less, and even more preferably 40% by mass or less. <1> or <2> The fiber treatment agent described above.

[0178] <4> Preferably, component (B) is the following components (B1), (B2), and (B3); (B1) Resorcinol derivative represented by general formula (1)

[0179] [ka]

[0180] [During the ceremony, A 1 ~A 4These may be the same or different and represent a hydrogen atom, a hydroxyl group, a halogen atom, a carboxyl group or its salt, a sulfonic acid group or its salt, a linear or branched alkyl or alkenyl group having 1 to 6 carbon atoms, or a linear or branched alkoxy or alkenyloxy group having 1 to 6 carbon atoms. (B2) Naphthol derivatives represented by general formula (2) or (3)

[0181] [ka]

[0182] [During the ceremony, R 1 This represents a hydrogen atom or a methyl group. A 5 This includes a hydrogen atom, a linear or branched alkyl or alkenyl group having 1 to 12 carbon atoms, an optionally substituted aralkyl or arylalkenyl group having 7 to 12 carbon atoms, a linear or branched alkoxy or alkenyloxy group having 1 to 6 carbon atoms, a halogen atom, or -CO-R 2 (R 2 (represents a linear or branched alkyl or alkenyl group having 1 to 12 carbon atoms, an aralkyl or arylalkenyl group having 7 to 12 carbon atoms which may have substituents, or an aromatic hydrocarbon group having 6 to 12 carbon atoms which may have substituents) D represents a hydrogen atom, a hydroxyl group, a methyl group, or a linear or branched alkoxy or alkenyloxy group having 1 to 12 carbon atoms. E represents a hydrogen atom, a hydroxyl group, a linear or branched alkyl or alkenyl group having 1 to 6 carbon atoms, or a linear or branched alkoxy or alkenyloxy group having 1 to 6 carbon atoms. G represents a hydroxyl group, a linear or branched alkyl or alkenyl group having 1 to 6 carbon atoms, or an alkoxy group having 1 to 6 carbon atoms, and n represents an integer from 0 to 2. (B3) Flavan-3-ol derivatives represented by general formula (4)

[0183] [ka]

[0184] [During the ceremony, R 3 This represents a hydrogen atom or a methyl group. X represents a hydrogen atom, a hydroxyl group, or a methoxy group. R 4 This represents an aromatic hydrocarbon group which may be substituted with up to three hydroxyl or methoxy groups and may form a condensed ring with 1,3-dioxolane. R 5 This represents an aromatic hydrocarbon group which may be substituted with a hydroxyl group, a methoxy group, or up to three hydroxyl or methoxy groups which may form a condensed ring with 1,3-dioxolane, or an arylcarbonyloxy group which may be substituted with up to three hydroxyl or methoxy groups. One or more selected from the following, more preferably resorcinol, 1-naphthol, 2-naphthol, 3-methylnaphthalene-1-ol, naphthalene-1,5-diol, naphthalene-1,8-diol, catechin, epicatechin, epigallocatechin, catechin gallate, epicatechin gallate, epigallocatechin gallate, one or more selected from tea extract, more preferably resorcinol, catechin, epicatechin, epigallocatechin, catechin gallate, epicatechin gallate, epigallocatechin gallate (gallate), one or more types selected from tea extracts, <1> ~ <3> A fiber treatment agent as described in any one of the items.

[0185] <5> The content of components derived from component (B) in the fiber treatment agent is preferably 0.1% by mass or more, more preferably 1% by mass or more, even more preferably 1.5% by mass or more, even more preferably 3% by mass or more, even more preferably 5% by mass or more, and also preferably 80% by mass or less, more preferably 60% by mass or less, even more preferably 50% by mass or less, even more preferably 40% by mass or less, even more preferably 30% by mass or less, even more preferably 25% by mass or less, and even more preferably 20% by mass or less. <1> ~ <4> A fiber treatment agent as described in any one of the items.

[0186] <6> The total content of components derived from component (A) and components derived from component (B) in the fiber treatment agent is preferably 0.1% by mass or more, more preferably 1% by mass or more, even more preferably 5% by mass or more, even more preferably 10% by mass or more, even more preferably 15% by mass or more, even more preferably 20% by mass or more, and also preferably 80% by mass or less, more preferably 70% by mass or less, even more preferably 60% by mass or less, even more preferably 50% by mass or less, and even more preferably 40% by mass or less. <1> ~ <5> A fiber treatment agent as described in any one of the items.

[0187] <7> The molar ratio (A) / (B) of components derived from component (A) to components derived from component (B) is preferably 0.1 or more, more preferably 0.3 or more, even more preferably 0.5 or more, and also preferably less than 20, more preferably 15 or less, even more preferably 10 or less, and even more preferably 7.5 or less. <1> ~ <6> A fiber treatment agent as described in any one of the items.

[0188] <8> The content of component (C) in the fiber treatment agent is preferably 10% by mass or more, more preferably 20% by mass or more, even more preferably 30% by mass or more, even more preferably 40% by mass or more, based on the total composition of the fiber treatment agent, and also preferably 99% by mass or less, more preferably 97% by mass or less, even more preferably 95% by mass or less, and even more preferably 90% by mass or less. <1> ~ <7> A fiber treatment agent as described in any one of the items.

[0189] <9> It is a multi-drug formula comprising a first agent containing components (B) and (C), and a second agent containing components (A) and (C). <1> ~ <8> A fiber treatment agent as described in any one of the items.

[0190] <10> The fiber treatment agent is a single-component formula, preferably further containing the following component (D): <1> ~ <8> A fiber treatment agent as described in any one of the items. (D): Hansen's solubility parameter SP value is 16 MPa 1 / 2 40 MPa or more 1 / 2 The following organic compounds (excluding organic salts and compounds with an aldehyde group and a molecular weight of 150 or less):

[0191] <11> Component (D) is preferably at least one selected from monohydric alcohols, dihydric alcohols, dihydric alcohol derivatives, trihydric or higher polyhydric alcohols, lactams, imidazolidinones, pyrimidinones, lactones, alkylene carbonates, and general-purpose organic solvents; more preferably at least one selected from dihydric alcohols, lactams, and imidazolidinones; and even more preferably at least one selected from diethylene glycol, triethylene glycol, N-methylpyrrolidone, 1,3-dimethyl-2-imidazolidinone, and DMDM ​​hydantoin. <10> The fiber treatment agent described above.

[0192] <12> The SP value of Hansen's solubility parameter for component (D) is preferably 35.8 MPa. 1 / 2 More preferably, 34.7 MPa 1 / 2More preferably, 29.2 MPa 1 / 2 The following, and preferably 17.8 MPa 1 / 2 The above comfort level is 21.1 MPa. 1 / 2 More preferably, 22.0 MPa 1 / 2 That's all. <10> or <11> The fiber treatment agent described above.

[0193] <13> The content of component (D) in the fiber treatment agent is preferably 10% by mass or more, more preferably 15% by mass or more, even more preferably 25% by mass or more, and also preferably 80% by mass or less, more preferably 60% by mass or less, and even more preferably 45% by mass or less. <10> ~ <12> A fiber treatment agent as described in any one of the items.

[0194] <14> Preferably, further containing the following component (E): <1> ~ <13> A fiber treatment agent as described in any one of the items. (E): Sulfur-containing reducing agent

[0195] <15> Component (E) is preferably one or more selected from sulfites and thiol compounds, more preferably one or more selected from sodium sulfite, sodium pyrosulfite, thioglycerin, and mesna (sodium 2-mercaptoethanesulfonate), and even more preferably sodium sulfite. <14> The fiber treatment agent described above.

[0196] <16> The content of component (E) in the fiber treatment agent is preferably 0.1% by mass or more, more preferably 0.5% by mass or more, even more preferably 2.0% by mass or more, and also preferably 20% by mass or less, more preferably 10% by mass or less, and even more preferably 5.0% by mass or less, based on the total composition of the fiber treatment agent. <14> or <15> The fiber treatment agent described above.

[0197] <17> The molar ratio (E) / (A) of component (E) to component (A) is preferably 0.1 or more, more preferably 0.3 or more, even more preferably 0.5 or more, and also preferably 3.0 or less, more preferably 1.5 or less, and even more preferably 1.0 or less. <14> ~ <16> A fiber treatment agent as described in any one of the items.

[0198] <18> Preferably, further containing a cationic surfactant, <1> ~ <17> A fiber treatment agent as described in any one of the items.

[0199] <19> The cationic surfactant is preferably a monolong-chain alkylquaternary ammonium salt having one C8-C24 alkyl group and three C1-C4 alkyl groups, more preferably the following general formula

[0200] [ka]

[0201] [In the formula, R 4 R is a saturated or unsaturated linear or branched alkyl group having 8 to 22 carbon atoms. 8 -CO-NH-(CH2) m - or R 8 -CO-O-(CH2) m -(R 8 (where m represents an integer from 1 to 4, and R represents a saturated or unsaturated linear or branched alkyl chain having 7 to 21 carbon atoms.) 5 , R 6 and R 7 These independently represent an alkyl group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms, or a hydroxylalkyl group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms, and X - This represents chloride ions, bromide ions, metosulfate ions, or ethosulfate ions. At least one compound selected from those represented by , more preferably at least one selected from cetyltrimethylammonium chloride, myristyltrimethylammonium chloride, behentrimonium chloride, cetyltrimethylammonium bromide, and stearamidopropyltrimonium chloride. <18> The fiber treatment agent described above.

[0202] <20> The content of cationic surfactant is preferably 0.05% by mass or more, more preferably 0.10% by mass or more, and preferably 10% by mass or less, and more preferably 5% by mass or less, based on the total composition of the fiber treatment agent. <18> or <19> The fiber treatment agent described above.

[0203] <21> Preferably, it further contains one or more selected from silicone, more preferably from dimethylpolysiloxane and amino-modified silicone. <1> ~ <20> A fiber treatment agent as described in any one of the items.

[0204] <22> The silicone content is preferably 0.1% by mass or more, more preferably 0.2% by mass or more, even more preferably 0.5% by mass or more, based on the total composition of the fiber treatment agent, and also preferably 20% by mass or less, more preferably 10% by mass or less, and even more preferably 5% by mass or less. <21> The fiber treatment agent described above.

[0205] <23> Preferably, further containing a cationic polymer, <1> ~ <22> A fiber treatment agent as described in any one of the items.

[0206] <24> The content of the cationic polymer is preferably 0.001% by mass or more, more preferably 0.01% by mass or more, even more preferably 0.05% by mass or more, and preferably 20% by mass or less, more preferably 10% by mass or less, based on the total composition of the fiber treatment agent. <23> The fiber treatment agent described above.

[0207] <25> The pH is preferably 3.0 or higher, more preferably 3.5 or higher, still more preferably 4.0 or higher, and is preferably 11.0 or lower, more preferably 9.0 or lower, still more preferably 7.0 or lower. The fiber treatment agent according to any one of <1> to <24>.

[0208] <26> Preferably for natural-derived fibers, more preferably for fibers collected from natural animals and plants, or for fibers artificially produced using keratin, collagen, casein, soybeans, peanuts, corn, silk waste or silk fibroin as raw materials, still more preferably for regenerated protein fibers selected from regenerated collagen fibers using collagen as a raw material and regenerated silk fibers using silk fibroin as a raw material, and even more preferably for regenerated collagen fibers. The fiber treatment agent according to any one of <1> to <25>.

[0209] <27> A fiber treatment method including the following step (i). (i) A step of immersing fibers in the fiber treatment agent according to any one of <1> to <26>.

[0210] <28> The fiber treatment agent is of a one-agent type, and preferably, step (i) is performed while maintaining the turbidity of the treatment agent at 1000 NTU or lower. The fiber treatment method according to <29>. <00​​​​​​​​​​​If T is defined as the heating time in step (0) from the time it takes to heat the treatment agent immediately after mixing and preparing the components until the turbidity of the treatment agent exceeds 1000 NTU, then the heating time is preferably 0.2T or more, more preferably 0.3T or more, even more preferably 0.4T or more, and also preferably 0.8T or less, more preferably 0.7T or less, and even more preferably 0.6T or less. <29> The fiber processing method described above.

[0213] <31> In step (i), the amount of fiber treatment agent used to immerse the fibers is preferably 2 or more, more preferably 3 or more, even more preferably 5 or more, even more preferably 10 or more, even more preferably 20 or more, and also preferably 500 or less, more preferably 250 or less, even more preferably 100 or less. <27> ~ <30> A fiber processing method described in any one of the items.

[0214] <32> The temperature of the fiber treatment agent in step (i) is preferably 20°C or higher, more preferably 35°C or higher, even more preferably 45°C or higher, and also preferably less than 100°C, more preferably 80°C or lower, even more preferably 70°C or lower, and even more preferably 60°C or lower. <27> ~ <31> A fiber processing method described in any one of the items.

[0215] <33> The fiber treatment agent is a single-component formula, and the immersion time in step (i) is preferably 0.3T or more, more preferably 0.4T or more, even more preferably 0.5T or more, and also preferably 0.95T or less, more preferably 0.90T or less, and even more preferably 0.85T or less, where T is defined as the heating time from when the treatment agent is heated immediately after mixing and preparing the components until the turbidity of the treatment agent exceeds 1000 NTU. <27> ~ <32> A fiber processing method described in any one of the items.

[0216] <34> The fiber treatment agent is a single-component formula, preferably, the following step (ii-a) is performed after step (i), and steps (i) and (ii-a) are repeated two or more times. <27> ~ <33> A fiber processing method described in any one of the items. (ii-a) The process of removing the fibers from the treatment agent before the turbidity of the treatment agent exceeds 1000 NTU.

[0217] <35> The fiber treatment agent is a multi-component type, and step (i) is preferably <9> The process involves immersing the fibers in one of the first and second agents described above, and then immersing them in the other, more preferably first <9> Immerse in the first agent described above, then <9> This is the process of immersing in the second agent described above. <27> , <31> or <32> The fiber processing method described above.

[0218] <36> After process (i), the following process (ii-b) is performed. <35> The fiber processing method described above. (ii-b) Process of removing fibers from the treatment agent

[0219] <37> Preferably, step (iii) below is performed after step (ii-a) or step (ii-b). <34> or <36> The fiber processing method described above. (iii) The process of rinsing the extracted fibers

[0220] <38> Preferably, the rinsing in step (iii) is performed using a rinsing composition containing component (D). <37> The fiber processing method described above. (D): Hansen's solubility parameter SP value is 16 MPa 1 / 2 40 MPa or more 1 / 2 The following organic compounds (excluding organic salts and compounds with an aldehyde group and a molecular weight of 150 or less):

[0221] <39> The scouring composition contains water in addition to component (D), and the content of component (D) in the scouring composition is preferably 60% by mass or more, more preferably 80% by mass or more, still more preferably 95% by mass or more, the fiber treatment method according to <38>.

[0222] <40> Preferably, after steps (i) to (iii), a step of immersing the fiber in a surface finishing agent containing the following components (F) and (C) is further performed, the fiber treatment method according to any one of <27> to <39>. (F) An epoxyaminosilane copolymer which is a reaction product of the following compounds (a) to (d) (a) A polysiloxane having at least two oxiranyl groups or oxetanyl groups (b) A polyether having at least two oxiranyl groups or oxetanyl groups (c) Aminopropyltrialkoxysilane (d) A compound selected from the group consisting of the following primary and secondary amines · Primary amines: methylamine, ethylamine, propyleneamine, ethanolamine, isopropylamine, butylamine, isobutylamine, hexylamine, dodecylamine, oleylamine, aniline, aminopropyltrimethylsilane, aminopropyltriethylsilane, aminomorpholine, aminopropyldiethylamine, benzylamine, naphthylamine, 3 - amino - 9 - ethylcarbazole, 1 - aminoheptafluorohexane, 2,2,3,3,4,4,5,5,6,6,7,7,8,8,8 - pentadecafluoro - 1 - octanamine · Secondary amines: methylethylamine, methyloctadecylamine, diethanolamine, dibenzylamine, dihexylamine, dicyclohexylamine, piperidine, pyrrolidine phthalimide, polymer amine (C) Water

[0223] <41> Preferably, component (F) is polysilicone - 29, the fiber treatment method according to <40>.

[0224] <42> The content of component (F) in the surface finishing agent is preferably 0.01% by mass or more, more preferably 0.05% by mass or more, even more preferably 0.10% by mass or more, even more preferably 0.20% by mass or more, and also preferably 15.00% by mass or less, more preferably 10.00% by mass or less, even more preferably 8.00% by mass or less, and even more preferably 6.00% by mass or less. <40> or <41> The fiber processing method described above.

[0225] <43> Preferably, the fibers are further heated while being stretched under tension. <27> ~ <42> A fiber processing method described in any one of the items.

[0226] <44> The fiber stretching rate during heating is preferably 0.1% or more, more preferably 0.2% or more, even more preferably 0.5% or more, and also preferably 10% or less, more preferably 5% or less, and even more preferably 2% or less. <43> The fiber processing method described above.

[0227] <45> The heating temperature is preferably 120°C or higher, more preferably 140°C or higher, even more preferably 160°C or higher, and also preferably 240°C or lower, more preferably 220°C or lower, and even more preferably 200°C or lower. <43> or <44> The fiber processing method described above.

[0228] <46> The heating time is preferably 1 second or more, more preferably 3 seconds or more, even more preferably 5 seconds or more, and also preferably 60 seconds or less, more preferably 30 seconds or less, and even more preferably 20 seconds or less. <43> ~ <45> A fiber processing method described in any one of the items.

[0229] <47> Preferably, after heating, tension is applied to the fibers to stretch them, and then they are left to stand in water. <43> ~ <46> A fiber processing method described in any one of the items.

[0230] <48> The elongation rate is preferably 0.1% or more, more preferably 0.2% or more, even more preferably 0.5% or more, and also preferably 10% or less, more preferably 5% or less, and even more preferably 2% or less. <47> The fiber processing method described above.

[0231] <49> The water temperature is preferably 5°C or higher, more preferably 20°C or higher, even more preferably 30°C or higher, and also preferably 80°C or lower, more preferably 60°C or lower, and even more preferably 50°C or lower. <47> or <48> The fiber processing method described above.

[0232] <50> The standing time in water is preferably 1 minute or more, more preferably 5 minutes or more, even more preferably 30 minutes or more, and also preferably 48 hours or less, more preferably 24 hours or less, and even more preferably 3 hours or less. <47> ~ <49> A fiber processing method described in any one of the items.

[0233] <51> Furthermore, the treated fibers are treated with a composition containing the following component (E): <27> ~ <50> A fiber processing method described in any one of the items. (E): Sulfur-containing reducing agent

[0234] <52> Furthermore, the treated fibers are treated with a composition containing the following component (G): <27> ~ <51> A fiber processing method described in any one of the items. (G): Chelating compound

[0235] <53> Furthermore, the treated fibers are treated with a composition containing the following components (E) and (G): <27> ~ <50> A fiber processing method described in any one of the items. (E): Sulfur-containing reducing agent (G): Chelating compound

[0236] <54> The fibers to be processed are preferably naturally derived fibers, more preferably fibers extracted from natural plants and animals, or fibers artificially manufactured using keratin, collagen, casein, soybeans, peanuts, corn, silk waste, or silk fibroin as raw materials, even more preferably regenerated protein fibers selected from regenerated collagen fibers made from collagen and regenerated silk fibers made from silk fibroin, and even more preferably regenerated collagen fibers. <27> ~ <53> A fiber processing method described in any one of the items.

[0237] <55> <27> ~ <54> A method for producing fibers for headwear products, comprising a step of treating the fibers by the fiber treatment method described in any one of the items.

[0238] <56> <27> ~ <54> A method for manufacturing a headwear product, comprising the step of treating fibers by any one of the fiber treatment methods described in item 1.

[0239] <57> A fiber for headwear products containing a condensate produced from components (A) and (B). (A): A compound having a structure in which a methylol group is bonded to each of the two nitrogen atoms in the molecule. (B): A phenol compound having an electron-donating group at least one position in the meta position and at least one hydrogen atom at the ortho and para positions (wherein the electron-donating group at the meta position may form a benzene ring that may be substituted with a hydroxyl group together with the adjacent carbon atom).

[0240] <58> A headwear product comprising fibers containing condensates produced from components (A) and (B). (A): A compound having a structure in which a methylol group is bonded to each of the two nitrogen atoms in the molecule. (B): A phenol compound having an electron-donating group at least one position in the meta position and at least one hydrogen atom at the ortho and para positions (wherein the electron-donating group at the meta position may form a benzene ring that may be substituted with a hydroxyl group together with the adjacent carbon atom).

[0241] <59> A fiber treatment agent containing the following ingredients (A) to (C). (A) DMDM ​​hydantoin or imidazodinyl urea 10-50% by mass (B) Resorcinol or catechins 5-30% by mass (C) Water level

[0242] <60> The fiber treatment agent is a single-component formula and further contains the following component (D) <59> The fiber treatment agent described above. (D) One or more selected from diethylene glycol, triethylene glycol, N-methylpyrrolidone, and 1,3-dimethyl-2-imidazolidinone, 15-45% by mass

[0243] <61> A textile treatment agent containing the following components (A) to (C) and (E). (A) DMDM ​​hydantoin or imidazodinyl urea 10-50% by mass (B) Resorcinol or catechins 5-30% by mass (C) Water level (E) One or more selected from sodium sulfite, thioglycerin, and mesna (sodium 2-mercaptoethanesulfonate) in an amount of 2-10% by mass.

[0244] <62> Preferably for naturally derived fibers, more preferably for fibers extracted from natural plants and animals, or for artificially manufactured fibers using keratin, collagen, casein, soybeans, peanuts, corn, silk waste, or silk fibroin as raw materials, even more preferably for regenerated protein fibers selected from regenerated collagen fibers using collagen as a raw material and regenerated silk fibers using silk fibroin as a raw material, and even more preferably for regenerated collagen fibers. <59> ~ <61> A fiber treatment agent as described in any one of the items.

[0245] <63> <59> ~ <62> A fiber treatment kit comprising a fiber treatment agent described in any one of the items and a surface finishing agent containing components (F) and (C). (F) Polysilicone-29 0.1~15% by mass (C) Water level [Examples]

[0246] Examples 1-9, Comparative Examples 1, 2 The compositions shown in Table 1 were used to treat regenerated collagen fibers according to the following method, and various evaluations were performed. The pH of each composition was measured directly with a pH meter (HORIBA, F-52) at room temperature (25°C). The turbidity of the compositions was measured at room temperature (25°C) by placing the fiber treatment agent directly into a measurement cell (φ25 x 60 mm borosilicate glass) of a digital turbidimeter (AS ONE, model: TB700, measurement method: compliant with ISO 7027 turbidimetry (90°), light source: infrared radiation diode (850 nm), detector: crystalline silicon solar cell module).

[0247] <Processing method (For items requiring two or more processing steps, the following cycle was repeated the specified number of times.)> 1. A 22cm long bundle of 0.5g of regenerated collagen fiber (*) was immersed in a container containing 40g of fiber treatment agent. The container was sealed, and the entire container was immersed in a 50°C water bath (manufacturer: Toyo Seisakusho Co., Ltd. / model number: TBS221FA) and heated for a specified time. The heating time was standardized to approximately 0.6T (T as described above) for all examples except Example 7. For Example 7, step (0) was heated for a time equivalent to 0.3T, the fiber was immersed, and then the process of heating for another 0.3T was repeated twice. * Kaneka Corporation's regenerated collagen fibers were purchased in the form of commercially available hair extension products, and the fibers were cut and divided into small bundles for evaluation. For this evaluation, the extension products used were those labeled as using 100% Ultima fiber, with a color count of 3 (brown), and a straight shape. 2. Remove the container containing the hair bundles from the water bath and allow them to return to room temperature. 3. Remove the hair strands from the container, immerse them in 50g of triethylene glycol for 30 seconds, rinse with 30°C running tap water for 30 seconds, lather with the evaluation shampoo for 60 seconds, rinse with 30°C running tap water for 30 seconds, lightly towel dry, and then dry the hair strands with a warm air dryer (Tescom Nobby White NB3000) while combing. At this point, the hair strands remained straight.

[0248] <Increase in average elongation at break during fiber tension> As an indicator of the elasticity (toughness) of fibers under tension, the average elongation at break, that is, the percentage of the original fiber length at which break occurs when the fiber is stretched under tension, was evaluated using the average value obtained from multiple fibers (10 fibers). The evaluation was performed using hair bundles immediately after being treated with the above <treatment method>, following the procedure below. 1. Ten fibers were cut from the base of the hair bundle. A 3cm fiber piece was taken from the middle of the base and tip of each fiber, resulting in a total of 10 3cm hair pieces. 2. The fiber samples were placed in a DIA-STRON limited "MTT690 Automatic Fiber Tensile Tester" and automatic measurement was started to determine the average elongation at break when the fibers were wet. A higher value indicates greater elasticity, superior toughness, and superior durability. According to the following formula, the average elongation at break (A%) when fibers are pulled in their untreated state, as cut from a commercially available product, was used as the baseline. The table shows the percentage increase (C%) in the average elongation at break (B%) of the treated hair bundles compared to the untreated state, as indicated in "Percentage increase in average elongation at break [%]". C(%) = B(%) - A(%)

[0249] <Increase in average breaking load during fiber tension> The average breaking load during fiber tensile stress was evaluated using fiber bundles immediately after treatment according to the above-described <treatment method>. The numerical value used was the average of evaluations performed on multiple fibers (10 fibers). The evaluation was carried out according to the following procedure. 1. Ten fibers were cut from the base of the hair bundle. A 3cm fiber piece was taken from the middle of the base and tip of each fiber, resulting in a total of 10 3cm hair pieces. 2. The fiber samples were placed in the DIA-STRON limited "MTT690 Automatic Fiber Tensile Testing Machine" and automatic measurement was started to determine the breaking load when the fiber was stretched while wet. A higher value indicates greater stiffness and resilience, making the fiber more resistant to stretching by external forces and demonstrating superior durability. According to the following formula, the average breaking load (W0(gf)) under tensile strength of the fibers in their untreated state, as cut from a commercially available product, was used as the baseline. The table shows the increase in the average breaking load (Y(gf)) of the treated fiber bundles compared to the untreated state, indicated as "Increase in average breaking load under tensile strength [gf]". Y(gf) = W1(gf) - W0(gf)

[0250] <Suppression of shrinkage when using a high-temperature iron> Shrinkage suppression during high-temperature ironing was tested using hair strands immediately after treatment using the above-described <treatment method>. The average value obtained from evaluating multiple fibers (10 strands) was used. The evaluation was performed using the following procedure. 1. Ten fibers were cut from the base of the hair bundle, and the average length of each fiber was recorded (referred to as length L1). These were then bundled together with two hair bundles of 0.5g of untreated regenerated collagen fiber, and the entire bundle was heated 10 times with a flat iron (Miki Electric Industry Co., Ltd. / Model: AHI-938) set to 180℃ at a speed of 5cm / sec. 2. After the ironing process, 10 fibers were taken out, and the average length of each fiber was recorded again (denoted as length L2). 3. The shrinkage rate during high-temperature ironing is defined as S = { 1 - (L2 / L1)} x 100 [%]. The closer S is to 0%, the less shrinkage occurs due to heat, indicating superior heat resistance.

[0251] <Thermal shape memory ability> The thermal shape memory ability was evaluated using hair bundles immediately after being treated with the above-described processing method. If the result of "I: Shape imparting (curl)" was 5% or less, it was considered to have no effect, and no further processing or evaluation was performed. • I: Shaping (curling) 1. A 22cm long bundle of 0.5g of regenerated collagen fiber was wet with 30°C tap water for 30 seconds, then the wet bundle was wrapped around a 14mm diameter plastic rod and secured with a clip. 2. The hair bundles wrapped around the rod were immersed in a 60°C water bath (manufacturer: Toyo Seisakusho Co., Ltd. / model number: TBS221FA) and heated for 1 minute. 3. Remove the hair bundles from the water bath and immerse them in 25°C water for 1 minute to return them to room temperature. 4. Remove the hair bundle from the rod, comb it through three times, hang it up, and take a photo from the side.

[0252] (Evaluation Criteria) Let L0 be the length of the untreated hair bundle (22 cm) and L be the length of the treated hair bundle. The curl-up rate = hair bundle length reduction rate (I) (%), calculated according to the following formula, was defined as the curl strength. I = [(L0 - L) / L0] × 100

[0253] • II: Reshaping (Straight) 1. After detangling the hair strands evaluated in I with a comb, a flat iron (manufactured by Miki Electric Industry Co., Ltd. / model number: AHI-938) with a measured temperature of 140°C was slid six times at a speed of 5 cm / sec. 2. Rinse with running tap water at 30°C for 30 seconds, lather with the evaluation shampoo for 60 seconds, rinse with running tap water at 30°C for 30 seconds, and towel dry. 3. The hair was dried while vibrating it to bring out its natural shape (without using a hairdryer), then combed through, and hung up for visual inspection from the side.

[0254] (Evaluation Criteria) The straightening rate (ST) (%), calculated according to the following formula, is defined as the degree of straightening achieved, with the untreated hair bundle length being L0 (22 cm) and the treated hair bundle length being L. When ST = 100%, the hair bundle is completely straightened. ST = [1 - (L0 - L) / L0] × 100

[0255] • III: Reshaping (curling) 1.II The hair bundles evaluated were wet with 30°C tap water for 30 seconds, then the wet hair bundles were wrapped around a 14mm diameter plastic rod and secured with a clip. 2. The hair bundles wrapped around the rod were immersed in a 60°C water bath (manufacturer: Toyo Seisakusho Co., Ltd. / model number: TBS221FA) and heated for 1 minute. 3. Remove the hair bundles from the water bath and immerse them in 25°C water for 1 minute to return them to room temperature. 4. Remove the hair bundle from the rod, comb it through three times, hang it up, and take a photo from the side.

[0256] (Evaluation Criteria) Let L0 be the length of the untreated hair bundle (22 cm) and L be the length of the treated hair bundle. The curl-up rate = hair bundle length reduction rate (I) (%), calculated according to the following formula, was defined as the curl strength. I = [(L0 - L) / L0] × 100

[0257] <Formula for the shampoo used for evaluation> Ingredients (mass%) Sodium laureth sulfate 15.5 Lauramide DEA 1.5 Sodium benzoate 0.5 EDTA-2Na 0.3 Amount of phosphoric acid to adjust pH to 7 Ion-exchanged water Balance Total 100

[0258] <Good surface texture> For the tactile evaluation, five expert panelists evaluated the smoothness of the hair strands when touched by hand, using the hair strands immediately after the <shape retention> evaluation. The sum of the five panelists' evaluations was used as the final result. (Evaluation Criteria) 5: It has an extremely smooth texture compared to untreated fibers. 4: It has a smoother feel compared to untreated fibers. 3: It has a slightly smoother feel compared to untreated fibers. 2: The texture is the same as untreated fibers. 1: It is rougher and has a less pleasant feel than untreated fibers.

[0259] [Table 1]

[0260] Example 10 (Surface finishing treatment) The regenerated collagen fibers treated in Example 1 were then treated with the surface finishing agents shown in Table 2, and various evaluations were performed.

[0261] <Processing method> 1. The hair bundle was immersed in a container containing 40g of surface finishing agent and left to stand at room temperature for 30 minutes. 2. Remove the hair bundles from the container and dehydrate them for 5 minutes using a household centrifugal dehydrator (Powerful Spin Dry APD-6.0 ultra-high-speed dehydrator / Alumis Co., Ltd.). 3. The hair bundles were removed from the spin dryer and heated for 3 hours in an oven set to 60°C (forced convection dryer with stainless steel window; manufactured by AS ONE, SOFW-450) (spin coating method). 4. Remove the hair bundle from the oven and let it return to room temperature. 5. Rinse the hair strands in 30°C running water for 30 seconds, lightly towel dry, and then dry the hair strands with a warm air dryer (Tescom Nobby White NB3000) while combing.

[0262] [Table 2]

[0263] Examples 11-13 After processing in Examples 7 and 8, the regenerated collagen fiber bundles were slid six times at a speed of 5 cm / sec using a flat iron (manufactured by Miki Electric Industry Co., Ltd. / model number: AHI-938) at a measured temperature of 180°C, and then various evaluations were performed (Examples 11 and 13). Furthermore, for the hair bundles after the ironing treatment described above (Example 11), in order to apply tension such that each fiber constituting the hair bundle is stretched by an average of 0.1 to 0.5%, both ends of the hair bundle were pinched with bobby pins and pulled, and the hair bundles were left standing in 40°C water for 1 hour while the bobby pins were fixed to the wall of a water bath with tape, and then dried with a hairdryer. Various evaluations were also performed on the hair bundles (Example 12). These results are shown in Table 3.

[0264] [Table 3]

[0265] Examples 14-17 The first and second formulations shown in Table 4 were used to treat regenerated collagen fibers according to the method described below, and various evaluations were performed. The pH of each composition was measured directly using a pH meter (HORIBA F-52) at room temperature (25°C) after preparing the compositions. Note that the concentrations of each component listed in the table are the concentrations in the first and second agents, respectively. As shown below, equal amounts (40g) of the first and second agents were used, so the numerical value for the "total composition of the fiber treatment agent" mentioned above is half of the value in the table.

[0266] <Processing method> 1. A 22cm long hair bundle containing 0.5g of regenerated collagen fiber (*) was immersed in a container containing 40g of the first solution. The container was sealed, and the entire container was immersed in a 50°C water bath (manufacturer: Toyo Seisakusho Co., Ltd. / model number: TBS221FA) and heated for the time shown in the table. * Kaneka Corporation's regenerated collagen fibers were purchased in the form of commercially available hair extension products, and the fibers were cut and divided into small bundles for evaluation. For this evaluation, the extension products used were those labeled as using 100% Ultima fiber, with a color count of 3 (brown), and a straight shape. 2. Remove the container containing the hair bundles from the water bath and allow them to return to room temperature. 3. Remove the hair strands from the container, rinse with 30°C running tap water for 30 seconds, lather with the evaluation shampoo for 60 seconds, rinse with 30°C running tap water for 30 seconds, lightly towel dry, and then dry the hair strands with a warm air dryer (Tescom Nobby White NB3000) while combing. 4. The hair bundles were immersed in a container containing 40g of the second solution, the container was sealed, and the entire container was immersed in a 50°C water bath (manufacturer: Toyo Seisakusho Co., Ltd. / model number: TBS221FA) and heated for the time shown in the table. 5. Remove the container containing the hair bundles from the water bath and allow them to return to room temperature. 6. Remove the hair strands from the container, immerse them in 50g of triethylene glycol for 30 seconds, rinse with 30°C running tap water for 30 seconds, lather with the evaluation shampoo for 60 seconds, rinse with 30°C running tap water for 30 seconds, lightly towel dry, and then dry the hair strands with a warm air dryer (Tescom Nobby White NB3000) while combing. At this point, the hair strands remained straight.

[0267] [Table 4]

[0268] Furthermore, the hair bundles processed in the above embodiments can all be used as extensions by securing them to the hair with pins or the like, and can perform adequately on a human head.

Claims

1. A fiber treatment agent which is a single-component fiber treatment agent consisting of a single composition, or a multi-component fiber treatment agent consisting of multiple compositions, and which contains the following components (A) to (C) in its entirety (however, in the case of a single-component fiber treatment agent, some or all of components (A) and (B) may be in the form of a condensation product formed from both). (A): A compound with a structure in which a methylol group is bonded to each of the two nitrogen atoms in the molecule. (B): Phenol compounds having an electron donating group at least at the meta position and a hydrogen atom at at least at the ortho and para positions (however, the electron donating group at the meta position may form a benzene ring together with the adjacent carbon atom, which may be substituted with a hydroxyl group). (C):Water

2. 2. The fiber treatment agent according to claim 1, wherein the content of the constituent elements derived from component (A) in the fiber treatment agent is 0.1% by mass or more and 80% by mass or less based on the total composition of the fiber treatment agent.

3. 3. The fiber treatment agent according to claim 1, wherein the content of the constituent elements derived from component (B) in the fiber treatment agent is 0.1% by mass or more and 80% by mass or less based on the total composition of the fiber treatment agent.

4. 4. The fiber treatment agent according to claim 1, wherein the total content of the components derived from component (A) and the components derived from component (B) in the fiber treatment agent is 0.1 mass % or more and 80 mass % or less, based on the total composition of the fiber treatment agent.

5. The fiber treatment agent according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the molar ratio (A) / (B) of the components derived from component (A) to the components derived from component (B) is 0.1 or more and less than 20.

6. The fiber treatment agent according to any one of claims 1 to 5, which is a multi-component type comprising a first agent containing components (B) and (C) and a second agent containing components (A) and (C).

7. The fiber treating agent according to any one of claims 1 to 5, which is a one-component type and further contains the following component (D): (D): Hansen solubility parameter SP value is 16MPa 1 / 2 More than 40MPa 1 / 2 Organic compounds that are:

8. The fiber treatment agent according to any one of claims 1 to 7, further comprising the following component (E): (E): Sulfur-containing reducing agent

9. A method for treating fibers, comprising the following step (i): (i) a step of immersing a fiber in the fiber treatment agent according to any one of claims 1 to 8.

10. 10. The method for treating fibers according to claim 9, wherein the fiber treating agent is a one-component type, and step (i) is carried out while maintaining a state in which the turbidity of the treating agent is 1000 NTU or less.

11. 11. The method for treating fibers according to claim 9 or 10, wherein the fiber treating agent is a single-agent type, and the following step (0) is carried out before the step (i): (0) A process for heating the fiber treatment agent

12. 12. The method for treating textiles according to claim 11, wherein the heating time in step (0) is from 0.2 T to 0.8 T, where T is defined as the heating time when the treating agent is heated immediately after preparation by mixing the components until the turbidity of the treating agent exceeds 1000 NTU.

13. The fiber treatment method according to any one of claims 9 to 12, wherein the fiber treatment agent is a single-agent type, and a combination of step (i) and the following step (ii-a) is carried out one or more times: (ii-a) Removing the fibres from the treatment before the turbidity of the treatment exceeds 1000 NTU.

14. The fiber treatment method according to claim 9, wherein the fiber treatment agent is a multi-component type, and step (i) is a step of immersing the fiber in one of the first agent and the second agent described in claim 6, and then immersing it in the other agent.

15. 15. The fiber treatment method according to claim 14, wherein the step (i) is followed by the following step (ii-b): (ii-b) Removing the fibers from the treatment

16. 16. The method for treating fibers according to claim 13 or 15, further comprising the step (iii) below, optionally performed after the step (ii-a) or the step (ii-b). (iii) Rinse the extracted fibers.

17. 17. The method of claim 16, wherein the rinsing in step (iii) is carried out with a composition containing component (D). (D): Hansen solubility parameter SP value is 16MPa 1 / 2 More than 40MPa 1 / 2 Organic compounds that are:

18. A textile processing method according to any one of claims 9 to 17, further comprising carrying out one or more treatments selected from bleaching and dyeing before or after steps (i) to (iii), or between each of steps (i) to (iii).

19. The method for treating fibers according to any one of claims 9 to 18, further comprising, after steps (i) to (iii), a step of immersing the fibers in a surface finishing agent containing the following components (F) and (C): (F) An epoxyaminosilane copolymer which is a reaction product of the following compounds (a) to (d): (a) A polysiloxane having at least two oxiranyl or oxetanyl groups. (b) Polyethers containing at least two oxiranyl or oxetanyl groups. (c) Aminopropyltrialkoxysilane (d) Compounds selected from the group consisting of primary and secondary amines: Primary amines: methylamine, ethylamine, propyleneamine, ethanolamine, isopropylamine, butylamine, isobutylamine, hexylamine, dodecylamine, oleylamine, aniline, aminopropyltrimethylsilane, aminopropyltriethylsilane, aminomorpholine, aminopropyldiethylamine, benzylamine, naphthylamine, 3-amino-9-ethylcarbazole, 1-aminoheptafluorohexane, 2,2,3,3,4,4,5,5,6,6,7,7,8,8,8-pentadecafluoro-1-octanamine Secondary amines: methylethylamine, methyloctadecylamine, diethanolamine, dibenzylamine, dihexylamine, dicyclohexylamine, piperidine, pyrrolidine, phthalimide, polymeric amines

20. A fiber treatment method according to any one of claims 9 to 19, further comprising heating the treated fiber while applying tension to stretch it.

21. A fiber treatment method according to any one of claims 9 to 20, further comprising treating the treated fiber with one composition selected from a composition containing the following component (E) and a composition containing the following component (G), or with both compositions, in any order. (E): Sulfur-containing reducing agent (G): Compounds with chelating properties

22. A method for producing a fiber for a head ornament product, comprising a step of treating a fiber by the fiber treatment method according to any one of claims 9 to 21.

23. A method for producing a head accessory product, comprising a step of treating fibers with the fiber treatment method according to any one of claims 9 to 21.

24. A fiber for headwear products, comprising a condensate produced from components (A) and (B). (A): A compound with a structure in which a methylol group is bonded to each of the two nitrogen atoms in the molecule. (B): Phenol compounds having an electron donating group at least at the meta position and a hydrogen atom at at least at the ortho and para positions (however, the electron donating group at the meta position may form a benzene ring together with the adjacent carbon atom, which may be substituted with a hydroxyl group).

25. A head accessory product comprising, as a component, a fiber containing a condensate produced from components (A) and (B). (A): A compound with a structure in which a methylol group is bonded to each of the two nitrogen atoms in the molecule. (B): Phenol compounds having an electron donating group at least at the meta position and a hydrogen atom at at least at the ortho and para positions (however, the electron donating group at the meta position may form a benzene ring together with the adjacent carbon atom, which may be substituted with a hydroxyl group).

26. The head accessory product according to claim 25, which is selected from a hair wig, a toupee, a weaving, a hair extension, a braided hair, a hair accessory, and a doll hair.

Images