Nonwoven fabric, mouth material for mask, and mask

Abstract

To provide a nonwoven fabric, a mouth material for mask and a mask using the same.SOLUTION: A nonwoven fabric is useful as a mouth material for mask and the like and contains first fibers and second fibers. Average cross sectional area of the first fibers is 5 to 100 μm2. The second fibers are heat-fusible core-sheath fibers. Ratio of the first fibers is 55 to 95%.SELECTED DRAWING: None

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a nonwoven fabric with little fluff, and a mask mouth material and a mask using the same. [Background technology]

[0002] The importance of masks is increasing for purposes such as preventing the intrusion of particles such as pollen and dust, and pathogens. In particular, from the viewpoint of preventing infectious diseases, a more comfortable fit is required when wearing a mask for a long time. For example, Patent Document 1 (International Publication WO2018 / 221381) discloses a mask that reduces stickiness inside during long-term use, which has a covering part that covers at least the mouth, nose, or both of the human body, and the covering part at least has an exhalation side sheet containing hydrophilic fibers as a layer on the human body side, and the exhalation side sheet is a mesh-like nonwoven fabric composed of linear parts. This mesh-like nonwoven fabric has heat sealability and is integrated with other members of the mask by heat sealing.

[0003] Patent Document 2 discloses a filter formed by electretizing a fiber sheet composed of at least two or more types of short fibers, one of which is an ultrafine fiber having a fiber diameter of less than 1.0 μm and an average pore size of 10.0 to 50.0 μm, and discloses that the fiber sheet can be used as a mask such as a dust mask. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] International Publication No. 2018 / 221381 [Patent Document 2] JP 2016-176173 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] However, in the mask of Patent Document 1, the fiber diameter of the hydrophilic fibers used in the mouth material of the mask in the mesh structure is not controlled, which may cause a tingling sensation on the skin.

[0006] In addition, in Patent Document 2, nanofibers are mixed as ultrafine fibers to increase the collection efficiency even after the electrostatic force is lost. However, when using such nanofibers, increasing the ratio of ultrafine fibers increases the moisture retention, but may also cause stickiness.

[0007] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a nonwoven fabric that is heat-sealable and reduces stickiness while suppressing the generation of fluff, and a mask mouth material and a mask using the same. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] As a result of intensive research into achieving the above-mentioned object, the inventors of the present invention have discovered that when heat-sealable fibers are sheath-core conjugate fibers and a nonwoven fabric is constructed mainly using fibers having a specific small average cross-sectional area, the main fibers have a small average cross-sectional area, which makes it possible to suppress the occurrence of significant fuzz in the nonwoven fabric while reducing stickiness, thereby completing the present invention.

[0009] That is, the present invention can be configured in the following manner. [Aspect 1] The fiber optic cable includes a first fiber and a second fiber, The average cross-sectional area of ​​the first fiber is 5 to 100 μm 2 , preferably 5 to 96 μm 2 , more preferably 10 to 90 μm 2 (For example, in the case of directly spun fibers, preferably 40 to 100 μm 2 , more preferably 40 to 96 μm 2 , more preferably 50 to 90 μm 2 In the case of splittable composite fibers or islands-in-the-sea composite fibers, the fiber diameter is preferably 5 to 40 μm. 2More preferably, the thickness is 5 to 35 μm. 2 , more preferably 10 to 30 μm 2 ) and The second fiber is a heat-fusible sheath-core fiber, A nonwoven fabric, the proportion of the first fibers being 55 to 95% (preferably 60 to 90%). [Aspect 2] In the nonwoven fabric according to the first aspect, the sheath components of the heat-fusible core-sheath fibers are fused to each other at a fusion rate of 0.12 mm 2 Nonwoven fabrics with a per unit area of ​​15% or less. [Aspect 3] 3. The nonwoven fabric according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the nonwoven fabric has a structure in which the fibers are entangled. Aspect 4 A nonwoven fabric according to any one of aspects 1 to 3, wherein the core component and the sheath component of the thermally adhesive core-sheath fibers are each composed of two types of olefin resins having different melting points, and the olefin resin constituting the sheath component has a lower melting point than the olefin resin constituting the core component. Aspect 5 The nonwoven fabric according to any one of the first to fourth aspects, which is a hydroentangled nonwoven fabric. Aspect 6 The nonwoven fabric according to any one of the first to fifth aspects, wherein the first fibers are composed of splittable conjugate fibers and / or hydrophilic fibers. Aspect 7 The nonwoven fabric according to any one of the first to sixth aspects, wherein the average bending resistance in the MD and CD measured by the cantilever method is 7.0 cm or less. Aspect 8 The nonwoven fabric according to any one of the first to seventh aspects, which is used as a mouth material for a mask, a surface material for a hygiene product, or a surface material for cosmetics. Aspect 9 A mask mouth part made of the nonwoven fabric according to any one of the first to seventh aspects. Aspect 10 A mask using the nonwoven fabric according to any one of the first to seventh aspects as a mouth material. Effect of the Invention

[0010] The nonwoven fabric of the present invention contains a specific ratio of first fibers having a specific small cross-sectional area and contains heat-fusible core-sheath fibers as the second fibers, so that the nonwoven fabric can be subjected to post-processing such as heat sealing. Furthermore, the nonwoven fabric of the present invention can not only suppress the occurrence of fluffing, but also suppress the occurrence of stickiness during use when the nonwoven fabric is used as a mouth material of a mask, etc. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0011] The present invention will be more clearly understood from the following description of preferred embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, the embodiments and drawings are merely for illustration and explanation, and should not be used to define the scope of the present invention. The scope of the present invention is determined by the appended claims. Note that the following drawings are schematic diagrams for explanation, and the size of each part does not reflect the actual size ratio. In different drawings, the same reference numerals are used to designate common configurations, and explanations are omitted. [Figure 1A] 1 is an enlarged photograph showing a state in which the sheath components of the second fibers are fused together in a cross section of the nonwoven fabric in the thickness direction. [Figure 1B] 1 is an enlarged photograph showing a state in which, in a cut surface of the nonwoven fabric in the thickness direction, the sheath component of the second fiber is deformed but is not fused to the first fiber, and a gap is generated between the two. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a schematic enlarged cross-sectional view illustrating the fusion points between the sheath components of the second fibers in the nonwoven fabric. [Diagram 3] 1 is an enlarged photograph of a nonwoven fabric after a fluffing test performed in the present invention. [Figure 4A] 1 is a schematic front view showing a mask according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4B] 4B is a schematic cross-sectional view showing an example of a covering portion used in the mask shown in FIG. 4A. [Figure 5A] FIG. 2 is a schematic front view showing a mask according to another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5B] FIG. 5B is a schematic development of the mask according to FIG. 5A from the front. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0012] (Nonwoven fabric) The nonwoven fabric of one embodiment of the present invention is a nonwoven fabric comprising a first fiber having a specific small average cross-sectional area and a second fiber which is a heat-fusible core-sheath fiber. The first fiber having a specific small average cross-sectional area mainly constitutes the nonwoven fabric, and the second fiber constitutes the nonwoven fabric together with the first fiber. The presence of the second fiber makes it possible to ensure thermal adhesion between other members and the nonwoven fabric in post-processing of the nonwoven fabric. The second fiber can be appropriately present in the nonwoven fabric as long as it can impart thermal adhesion to the nonwoven fabric, but usually, the second fiber is often uniformly distributed in the nonwoven fabric. Here, the average cross-sectional area of ​​the fiber means the average cross-sectional area of ​​50 randomly selected first fibers when the nonwoven fabric is cut with a razor parallel to the thickness direction of the nonwoven fabric and perpendicular to the machine direction (MD), and is a value measured by the method described in the examples described later in detail.

[0013] The rigidity of the nonwoven fabric can be reduced by constituting the nonwoven fabric mainly with the first fibers having a specific small average cross-sectional area. Here, constituting the nonwoven fabric mainly means that the proportion of the first fibers in the nonwoven fabric is 55 to 95%, and this proportion may be preferably 60 to 90%.

[0014] On the other hand, the second fiber constitutes the nonwoven fabric together with the first fiber. The second fiber is a heat-fusible sheath-core fiber, and the presence of this fiber enables heat sealing processing in necessary areas when the nonwoven fabric is further processed.

[0015] In the second fiber, the fusion rate of the sheath components of the heat-fusible core-sheath fiber in the nonwoven fabric is controlled to within a range of 0.12 cm selected from any position of the nonwoven fabric alone, thereby preventing the stiffness of the nonwoven fabric from increasing. 2 It is preferable that the hit rate is controlled to 15% or less.

[0016] The presence or absence of fusion points of the second fibers is determined by whether or not a certain second fiber is in contact with other second fibers in the cross-sectional photograph, and the fusion rate (%) of the sheath components of the second fibers fused to each other is determined based on the number of second fibers in contact with other second fibers relative to the total number of second fibers in the photographed cross-section.

[0017] Specifically, the fusion rate, which indicates that the sheath components of the heat-fusible core-sheath fiber are fused to each other, is measured by cutting the nonwoven fabric in the thickness direction and measuring 300 μm length x 400 μm width (0.12 cm) on the cut surface. 2 The size of the lesion is determined by taking cross-sectional photographs of five randomly selected locations.

[0018] For example, Fig. 1A shows an enlarged photograph of the sheath components fused to each other in a cross section of the nonwoven fabric in the thickness direction. Fig. 1A shows the sheath components fused to each other, integrated, and deformed as a whole. Inside the deformed sheath components, the presence of each core component can be confirmed, as shown by the dashed lines. In the case of Fig. 1A, three second fibers are fused to each other.

[0019] On the other hand, as shown in Figure 1B, the sheath component of the second fiber and the first fiber are not integrated, and even when the two overlap, the sheath component deforms according to the shape of the first fiber, and a gap is generated between the sheath component and the first fiber.

[0020] In addition, the nonwoven fabric alone refers to a portion of the nonwoven fabric that is not joined to other components by heat sealing or the like. For example, when the nonwoven fabric is present in a processed product such as a mask, the portion of the nonwoven fabric that is not heat sealed can be removed and used as the nonwoven fabric alone.

[0021] For example, FIG. 2 shows a schematic enlarged cross-sectional view for explaining the fusion points between the second fibers in the cut surface of the nonwoven fabric. In FIG. 2, the cut surface of the second fiber is shown as a double circle as a core-sheath type composite fiber, and the cut surface of the first fiber is shown as a single circle to distinguish each fiber. In addition, when the sheath components of the second fiber are fused to each other, the sheath components are deformed and shown as an integrated shape with multiple core components inside. In FIG. 2, there are a total of 18 second fibers, of which 16 fibers exist alone without contacting other second fibers, and 2 fibers are in contact with other second fibers. In this case, the fusion rate is 2 / 18×100=11.1%. Then, the fusion rate was measured in the 10 cross-sectional photographs taken, and the fusion rate was 1.0% at 0.12 mm of the cut surface. 2 The fusion rate of the nonwoven fabric is determined by the average value of the hits.

[0022] In the nonwoven fabric, the fusion rate thus determined is preferably 15% or less, more preferably 12% or less, even more preferably 10% or less, even more preferably 7% or less, particularly preferably 5% or less, and most preferably 3% or less. By reducing the number of fusion points, the nonwoven fabric can be prevented from becoming hard.

[0023] The fusion point of the sheath component of the heat-fusible core-sheath fiber in the nonwoven fabric alone can be controlled by the drying conditions in the manufacturing process of the nonwoven fabric. Although it depends on the drying temperature, the occurrence rate of fusion can be controlled even if the drying is performed at a temperature above the melting point of the sheath component for a short period of time (e.g., 3 minutes or less). However, since the fusion of the sheath component progresses when the sheath component is dried for a long period of time above its melting point, it is preferable to dry the sheath component below its melting point. Furthermore, when the sheath component is dried at a temperature 10°C or more lower than its melting point, the fusion rate is usually 0%. In such a case, even if fusion that occurs accidentally during post-processing (e.g., the process of manufacturing a mask) is taken into consideration, the fusion rate is 15% or less.

[0024] As long as a nonwoven fabric containing the first and second fibers can be formed, the structure of the nonwoven fabric is not particularly limited, and may be a wet nonwoven fabric or a dry nonwoven fabric, and in the case of a dry nonwoven fabric, it may be a needle-punched nonwoven fabric or a nonwoven fabric entangled by a fluid, and the fluid may be a water flow, an air flow, a water vapor flow, etc. Among these nonwoven fabrics, a water-entangled nonwoven fabric is preferred from the viewpoint of good entanglement treatment of the first fibers.

[0025] The first and second fibers preferably have a structure in which the fibers are entangled from the viewpoint of enhancing the effect of suppressing fuzzing. Here, entanglement of the fibers refers to a state in which the fibers constituting the nonwoven fabric are entangled with each other, including entanglement between the first fibers, entanglement between the first and second fibers, and entanglement between the second fibers. By entangling the fibers with each other in this way, it is possible to suppress the generation of fibers as fuzz. These entanglements can be appropriately adjusted by the ratio of the fibers, and when the nonwoven fabric is mainly composed of the first fibers, entanglements are mainly formed between the first fibers. These entanglements are preferably formed by pushing the fibers into each other in the thickness direction of the nonwoven fabric, thereby entangling them with each other.

[0026] Furthermore, since the first fibers have a specific small cross-sectional area, the entanglement treatment can cause many entanglements between the fibers. As a result, the entanglement of the first fibers can efficiently generate capillary action, which can reduce stickiness of the nonwoven fabric.

[0027] The weight of the nonwoven fabric is, for example, 25 to 70 g / m from the viewpoint of improving the texture of the nonwoven fabric. 2 and preferably 30 to 65 g / m 2 , more preferably 35 to 60 g / m 2 Here, the basis weight is a value measured by the method described in the examples described later.

[0028] From the viewpoint of the handleability of the nonwoven fabric, the thickness of the nonwoven fabric may be, for example, 0.05 to 1 mm, preferably 0.1 to 0.9 mm, and more preferably 0.2 to 0.8 mm. The thickness here is a value measured by the method described in the examples below.

[0029] From the viewpoint of flexibility, the bulk density of the nonwoven fabric is, for example, 0.050 to 0.500 g / cm 3 and preferably 0.080 to 0.400 g / cm 3 , more preferably 0.100 to 0.300 g / cm 3 Here, the bulk density is a value measured by the method described in the examples below.

[0030] In the nonwoven fabric of the present invention, the first fibers having a specific small cross-sectional area are combined with the second fibers in a specific ratio, which may prevent the fibers from being generated as fluff. Figure 3 is an enlarged photograph of the surface of the nonwoven fabric after the nonwoven fabric was rubbed five times by the method described in the Examples below. Normally, when the nonwoven fabric is rubbed, the fibers that are not fixed by the fusion points become fluffed, and the fluffing forms a loop structure or an upright structure as shown in Figure 3. The top and bottom of Figure 3 are the same photograph, and the loop area is clarified by hatching with diagonal lines in the lower photograph.

[0031] As an index of the occurrence of fuzzing in a nonwoven fabric, the area surrounded by the largest loop structure present in a given area of ​​the nonwoven fabric is measured by image analysis, and the area is evaluated as the loop area of ​​the nonwoven fabric. For example, the loop area is 5.0 mm2 or less as the average of the MD and CD. 2 Less than (e.g., 0.1 to 5.0 mm 2 ), preferably 4.0 mm 2 Less than or equal to 3.0 mm, preferably 3.0 mm 2 The loop area in MD is the loop area observed when the nonwoven fabric surface is photographed from the CD, and the loop area in CD is the loop area observed when the nonwoven fabric surface is photographed from the MD. MD (Machine Direction) means the machine running direction, and CD (Cross Direction) means the direction perpendicular to the machine running direction.

[0032] The nonwoven fabric is preferably flexible, and for example, the average bending resistance in MD and CD as an index of flexibility measured by the cantilever method may be 7.0 cm or less (e.g., 1.0 to 7.0 cm), preferably 6.0 cm or less, and more preferably 5.0 cm or less. When the flexibility of the nonwoven fabric is anisotropic, the flexibility of the entire nonwoven fabric can be evaluated more accurately by evaluating the average of MD and CD. The bending resistance measured by the cantilever method is a value measured by the method described in the examples described later.

[0033] It is preferable that the nonwoven fabric does not cause stickiness, and the water absorbency of the nonwoven fabric may be used as an indicator of this. For example, the wicking, which is an indicator of water absorbency, is preferably 60 seconds or less, and more preferably 40 seconds or less. Here, the wicking is a value measured by the method described in the examples below.

[0034] From the viewpoint of post-processing of the nonwoven fabric, the heat seal strength (or peel strength) when a polypropylene meltblown nonwoven fabric as an object to be adhered is heat sealed to the nonwoven fabric at 135°C may be, for example, 0.3 N / 5 cm or more, preferably 0.5 N / 5 cm or more, and more preferably 1.0 N / 5 cm or more. The upper limit of the heat seal strength is not particularly limited, but may be, for example, about 10 N / 5 cm. Here, the heat seal strength is a value measured by the method described in the examples described later.

[0035] (First Fiber) The average cross-sectional area of ​​the first fiber is 5 to 100 μm 2 and has a specific small average cross-sectional area. The average cross-sectional area is preferably 5 to 96 μm 2 , more preferably 10 to 90 μm 2 The fibers having such a small average cross-sectional area are usually non-sheath-core fibers, and may be directly spun fibers, or may be obtained as fibers derived from islands-in-the-sea fibers or splittable fibers. When the first fiber is a splittable fiber, the split state is not particularly limited, and may include fibers in an unsplit state, partially split state, completely split state, and fibers in which these states are mixed in the fiber length direction. These fibers can be produced by known or conventional methods.

[0036] Directly spun fibers can be obtained by adjusting the viscosity of the spinning solution to obtain fibers having a small fiber diameter, and from the viewpoint of hydrophilic fibers, for example, regenerated cellulose fibers and solvent spun cellulose fibers (or purified cellulose fibers) are preferably used. Regenerated cellulose fibers are obtained by converting cellulose to a cellulose derivative such as viscose rayon or cuprammonium rayon, and then converting it back to cellulose. On the other hand, in the case of solvent spun cellulose fibers, cellulose is dissolved in a solvent to prepare a spinning solution, and a representative example of such fibers is Lyocell, which is sold by Lenzing AG of Austria under the trade name "Tencel" (registered trademark). Unlike the commonly used regenerated cellulose fibers, such fibers have a round or elliptical cross-sectional shape, and are therefore highly preferred because they are less likely to cause skin damage when used against humans.

[0037] In the case of a fiber derived from islands-in-sea type fibers, a soluble polymer is used as the sea part to first obtain an islands-in-sea type composite fiber in which a large number of island parts are arranged, and the sea part is then dissolved and removed from this composite fiber, thereby obtaining a first fiber having a desired cross-sectional area.

[0038] For example, examples of polymers usable as island components include polyester-based resins such as polyethylene terephthalate, polytrimethylene terephthalate, polybutylene terephthalate, and polyester elastomer; polyamide-based resins such as polyamide 6, polyamide 66, polyamide 610, aromatic polyamide, and polyamide elastomer; acrylic resins; and synthetic resins having fiber-forming ability such as olefin-based resins.

[0039] The polymer used as the sea component can be selected according to the island components from the viewpoint of dissolving and removing only the sea component without dissolving the island components. Examples of the polymer include water-soluble polymers such as polyvinyl alcohol, copolymer polyesters copolymerized with sodium sulfoisophthalate, polyethylene glycol, etc., weakly alkaline-soluble polymers such as polylactic acid, and organic solvent-soluble polymers such as polyethylene, polypropylene, and polystyrene.

[0040] In the case of fibers derived from splittable fibers, a multi-split composite fiber of a desired shape is first obtained using two types of polymers that are poorly compatible, and then this composite fiber is subjected to a physical force (e.g., an entanglement treatment, etc.) to separate the fibers from each other, thereby obtaining a first fiber having the desired cross-sectional area. For example, examples of two types of polymers that are poorly compatible include the above-mentioned combination of polyester resin / polyamide resin, combination of propylene polymer / ethylene polymer, and combination of polyester resin / ethylene-vinyl alcohol copolymer.

[0041] Of these fibers, direct spun fibers and splittable fibers are preferred from the viewpoint of the simplicity of the method for producing the nonwoven fabric, and splittable fibers are preferred from the viewpoint of reducing the average cross-sectional area of ​​the fibers. The average cross-sectional area of ​​the first fiber is preferably 40 to 100 μm in the case of a directly spun fiber. 2 More preferably, the thickness is 40 to 96 μm. 2 , more preferably 50 to 90 μm 2 may be also possible. In addition, when the first fibers are derived from splittable composite fibers or islands-in-the-sea composite fibers, the average cross-sectional area of ​​the first fibers is preferably 5 to 40 μm 2 More preferably, the thickness is 5 to 35 μm. 2 , more preferably 10 to 30 μm 2 may be also possible.

[0042] In order to prevent stickiness, the first fibers are preferably made of hydrophilic fibers, such as regenerated cellulose fibers, solvent-spun cellulose fibers, and polyamide fibers.

[0043] (Second Fiber) The second fiber is composed of a resin component forming a core portion and a resin component forming a sheath portion, and the sheath portion has thermal fusibility. For example, the sheath may be a polyolefin resin such as polyethylene, polypropylene, or a modified polymer, blend, or copolymer thereof having thermal adhesiveness, or a modified polyester resin other than phosphorus-modified polyester (e.g., modified polyethylene terephthalate modified with isophthalic acid), etc., and preferably polyethylene, or a modified polymer, blend, copolymer, or modified polyethylene terephthalate of polyethylene, etc. The melting point of the thermal adhesive resin may be, for example, 80 to 150°C, and preferably 100 to 140°C.

[0044] On the other hand, for the core, a resin component that can be fiberized is selected according to the resin component of the sheath. Preferred cores include, for example, polyolefin resins such as polypropylene, and polyester resins such as polyethylene terephthalate. The melting point of the resin component of the core may be, for example, 10°C or higher, preferably 20°C or higher, and more preferably 30°C or higher than the melting point of the resin component of the sheath.

[0045] For example, suitable combinations of core component / sheath component include polyethylene terephthalate / polyethylene, polyethylene terephthalate / modified polyethylene terephthalate, polypropylene / polyethylene, and polypropylene / modified polypropylene. Of these, from the viewpoint of reducing rigidity, it is preferable that the core component and the sheath component are each composed of two types of olefin resins with different melting points, and that the olefin resin constituting the sheath component has a lower melting point than the olefin resin constituting the core component, and in particular, polypropylene / polyethylene is a preferred combination of core component / sheath component.

[0046] In the second fiber, the composition ratio of the core to the sheath in mass ratio may be, for example, 90 / 10 to 10 / 90, preferably 80 / 20 to 20 / 80, and more preferably 70 / 30 to 30 / 70.

[0047] The cross-sectional shape of the second fiber is not particularly limited, and may be any shape such as a round core-sheath, an eccentric core-sheath, or a non-circular cross-sectional core-sheath. 2 and preferably 19 to 1300 μm 2 , more preferably 50 to 750 μm 2 Here, the average cross-sectional area is a value measured by the method described in the Examples described later. The average fiber diameter of the second fibers may be used as an index instead of the average cross-sectional area, and for example, the average fiber diameter may be 5 to 50 μm, preferably 5 to 40 μm, and more preferably 8 to 30 μm. In this case, the average fiber diameter may be an average value obtained by measuring the diameters of about 100 randomly selected fibers. In the case of non-circular fibers, the circumscribing circle and the inscribing circle are taken for the fiber cross section, and the average value of the diameters of each circle may be used as the fiber diameter.

[0048] (Nonwoven fabric manufacturing method) The nonwoven fabric may be a wet nonwoven fabric, but is preferably a dry nonwoven fabric from the viewpoint of promoting fiber entanglement. The fiber length of the constituent fibers of the dry nonwoven fabric may be, for example, about 20 to 70 mm, preferably about 25 to 65 mm, more preferably about 30 to 60 mm, and even more preferably about 35 to 55 mm, and the fiber length of the constituent fibers of the wet nonwoven fabric is usually 10 mm or less.

[0049] For example, a dry nonwoven fabric is formed by forming a web from a specific fiber assembly by a carding method or an airlaid method. Here, the fiber assembly includes at least a first fiber (or a composite fiber capable of forming the first fiber) and a second fiber, and may contain other fibers (such as functional fibers) as necessary. Examples of composite fibers capable of forming the first fiber include the above-mentioned islands-in-the-sea composite fibers and splittable composite fibers.

[0050] Examples of the shape of the web include a random web, a semi-random web, a parallel web, etc. Among these, the semi-random web is preferred from the viewpoint of suppressing the anisotropy of the nonwoven fabric while improving productivity.

[0051] The fibers of the obtained web are then bonded together to impart practical strength. In order to prevent the second fibers from fusing, the bonding method is preferably mechanical bonding (e.g., hydroentanglement, needle punching), and in particular, hydroentanglement, which involves entanglement by hydroentanglement treatment, is preferably used. When splittable composite fibers are used in the web, the fibers may be split by peeling of the composite fibers during mechanical bonding, and the split pieces may form the first fibers.

[0052] In the hydroentanglement method, a high-pressure water stream is jet-sprayed from a nozzle with fine holes onto a porous support on which a web is placed. The water stream penetrates the web and is reflected off a steel plate, and the resulting energy entangles and bonds the fibers together to produce a nonwoven fabric.

[0053] Multiple porous supports may be used, for example by passing the nonwoven fabric through a first porous support to allow the fibers to intertwine with each other having a three-dimensional shape, and then passing the nonwoven fabric through a second porous support to give the nonwoven fabric the desired mesh shape.

[0054] When islands-in-sea type composite fibers are used in the web, the sea component may be dissolved and removed during hydroentanglement, or the obtained nonwoven fabric may be further subjected to a step of dissolving and removing the sea component.

[0055] (Applications of nonwoven fabric) The obtained nonwoven fabric is soft because it is mainly composed of the first fibers, but at the same time, because it contains heat-fusible core-sheath fibers, it can be thermally bonded in post-processing, making it suitable for a variety of applications.

[0056] For example, the nonwoven fabric of the present invention can reduce the prickly feeling caused by pilling and can reduce irritation to the skin upon contact, and therefore may be combined with other components as necessary and applied to the human body.

[0057] Examples of applications for the nonwoven fabric of the present invention include skin-side materials such as masks, clothing (disposable underwear), bedding (pillowcases, sheets), medical products (e.g., surgical gowns, hats, gloves), hygiene products (e.g., hygiene products such as diapers, sanitary products, and maternity pads, cleaning products such as gauze, breast pads, etc.), and cosmetic products (beauty eye masks, cosmetic puffs, etc.). Of these, nonwoven fabrics are preferably used as mouthpieces for masks, surface materials for hygiene products, surface materials for cosmetics, and the like.

[0058] For example, when the nonwoven fabric is used as a mouth material for a mask, the nonwoven fabric may cover at least one or both of the mouth and nose (particularly the nostrils) of the human body. For example, FIG. 4A is a schematic front view showing a mask according to one embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 4B is a schematic cross-sectional view showing an example of a laminate material used in the mask according to FIG. 4A.

[0059] As shown in Fig. 4A, the pleated mask 100 includes a horizontally elongated covering portion 110 large enough to cover the mouth and nose, and fixing portions 150 provided at both lateral ends of the covering portion. At least one pleat 130 can be formed in the covering portion 110 by a fold extending in the horizontal direction. The pleats 130 allow the covering portion 110 to stretch in the vertical direction, so that the covering portion 110 can accommodate various face sizes. The fixing portions 150 can be made of, for example, a string-like elastic material, and are attached to both ends of the covering portion 110 by ultrasound or the like.

[0060] Furthermore, the covering portion 110 can have a wire 140 built in, for example, along its upper side. By appropriately deforming the wire 140, it is possible to improve the fit between the covering portion of the mask and the application portion of the human body. In the figure, the broken line indicates the heat-sealed portion. Also, although the wire 140 is shown by the dashed line in FIG. 4A, in reality, the wire 140 cannot be seen from the front (outer layer side) of the mask 100.

[0061] In addition, the covering part 110 can incorporate an elastic reinforcing part 160, for example, in parallel with the pleats in the approximate center of the covering part. By providing the elastic reinforcing part 160, the covering part of the mask can have a radial shape in the outward direction, expanding the hollow space around the mouth and improving the comfort of the mask wearer.

[0062] The covering part 110 includes at least the nonwoven fabric of the present invention as a mouth base material. For example, as shown in FIG. 4B, the covering part 110 may be formed by a laminated material 120 in which the nonwoven fabric of the present invention used as the exhalation side material 121, which is the mouth base material, is combined with other members (e.g., a filter material 122 forming an intermediate layer, a surface material 123 forming an outer layer on the opposite side to the exhalation side, etc.). Alternatively, since the nonwoven fabric of the present invention is mainly composed of a first fiber having a specific small cross-sectional area, it is expected to have filtering properties, so the filter material 122 may be omitted in the above laminated material, and the covering part 110 may be formed by the exhalation side material 121, which is the mouth base material, and the surface material 123. Since the nonwoven fabric of the present invention can be molded by heat compression, the exhalation side material 121 and other members (e.g., the filter material 122, the surface material 123) can be integrated by heat fusion.

[0063] The nonwoven fabric of the present invention is less likely to fluff even when rubbed against the skin due to contact with the skin, and can suppress the occurrence of prickly sensation due to fluff.

[0064] The intermediate layer may be provided as necessary, and when provided, various functions can be imparted depending on the purpose of the mask. For example, from the viewpoint of improving dust resistance, it is preferable that the mask has a filter material as an intermediate layer.

[0065] The filter material is not particularly limited as long as it has the ability to filter pollen and dust, and examples thereof include porous membranes (e.g., PTFE (polytetrafluoroethylene) porous membranes) and nonwoven fabrics manufactured by the above-mentioned various methods. From the viewpoint of improving dust resistance, a filter material that has been electrically charged (or electret-treated) is preferred. The charging treatment of the filter material can be carried out by a known or commonly used method.

[0066] As the nonwoven fabric, preferably, a nonwoven fabric produced by a spunbond method, a thermal bond method, a spunlace method, or a needle punch method, a nonwoven fabric produced by a meltblowing method or an electrospinning method (preferably a nanofiber nonwoven fabric), or the like can be used, and more preferably, the nonwoven fabric may be an electrically charged meltblown nonwoven fabric, or a triboelectrically charged needle punched nonwoven fabric.

[0067] The surface material is used as a reinforcing layer or a supporting layer of the exhalation side material. The surface material may be a known or commonly used nonwoven fabric, depending on the purpose and configuration. Preferably, a nonwoven fabric produced by the spunbond method, meltblowing method, thermal bond method, spunlace method, or chemical bond method can be used.

[0068] The manufacturing method of the mask 100 is not particularly limited, but it is preferable to carry out continuous production in terms of productivity, manufacturing costs, etc. For example, the exhalation side material 121, the filter material 122, and the surface material 123 are each unwound from a roll and stacked in this order, and then the mask 100 may be manufactured by continuously performing pleating processing with a folded plate, heat fusion sealing (e.g. ultrasonic sealing or heat sealing) of the upper, lower, left, and right ends, attachment by heat fusion sealing of the fixing part 150, etc.

[0069] In addition, nonwoven fabrics also fit well around the chin and other areas. For example, when used as the mouth material of a mask, it can reduce irritation to the skin and prevent gaps from forming when the nonwoven fabric comes into contact with the chin, thereby preventing particles such as pollen and dust, as well as pathogens, from entering through gaps in the mask.

[0070] Fig. 5A is a schematic front view showing a mask according to another embodiment of the present invention, and Fig. 5B is a schematic development view of the mask according to Fig. 5A from the front. As shown in Fig. 5A, a three-dimensional mask 200 according to another embodiment of the present invention is a three-dimensional mask worn to cover the mouth and nose, and includes a covering part 210 and a fixing part 250 formed from a stretchable nonwoven fabric or the like separate from the covering part 210.

[0071] As shown in Fig. 5B, the mask 200 can be formed by joining joints 261, 262 at the tips of a pair of mask pieces 203, 204 by heat sealing or the like as shown in Fig. 5A to form a joint 260. The pair of mask pieces 203, 204 shown in Fig. 5B are formed by joining a covering part 210 and a fixing part 250 and cutting the joined piece into the shape shown in Fig. 5B. In Fig. 5A, 251 denotes a slit (a hole for passing the ears through) provided to form the fixing part 250.

[0072] The covering part 210 can include a laminate material similar to the laminate material 120 used in the first embodiment. That is, the covering part 210 includes a surface material 123 as the outermost layer, a filter material 122 as the middle layer, and an exhalation side material 121 as the innermost layer. The covering part 210 includes at least the nonwoven fabric of the present invention as the mouth base material, i.e., the exhalation side material 121.

[0073] The nonwoven fabric of the present invention can be used in flat masks in addition to the pleated masks and three-dimensional masks described above. For example, such masks can be used as household masks for protection against pollen, colds and viruses, PM2.5, etc., functional masks (humidifying masks, etc.), medical masks such as surgical masks, and industrial masks such as dust masks such as N95 masks certified by the U.S. NIOSH. EXAMPLES

[0074] The present invention will be described in more detail below with reference to examples, but the present invention is not limited to these examples. In the following examples and comparative examples, various physical properties were measured by the following methods.

[0075] [Average fiber cross-sectional area] The nonwoven fabric was cut parallel to the thickness direction of the nonwoven fabric and perpendicular to the machine direction (MD) using a razor (Feather Razor S single-edged, Feather Safety Razor Co., Ltd.), and randomly selected cross-sectional images of the cut surface with a size of 225 μm length × 300 μm width were taken with a scanning electron microscope. Lines were drawn vertically at positions 100 μm, 150 μm, and 200 μm from either the left or right end of the horizontal direction of the cross-sectional image, and the fiber cross-sections that overlapped with the three lines were classified as first fibers and second fibers, and 50 fibers of each were selected from multiple photos. The average cross-sectional area of ​​each of the 50 fibers was then calculated using the "measurement tool" of the computer software Adobe Photoshop CS6 Extended. When the second fibers were fused together as shown in Figure 1A, the calculation was performed as follows. Cross-sectional area per fiber = Total cross-sectional area of ​​core and sheath components / Number of fused fibers

[0076] [Fusion rate between sheath components] The nonwoven fabric was cut at any one point using a razor ("Feather Razor S Single-Edge", Feather Safety Razor Co., Ltd.) parallel to the thickness direction of the nonwoven fabric and perpendicular to the machine direction (MD), and 10 randomly selected cross-sectional photographs of the cut surface, each measuring 300 μm in length and 400 μm in width, were taken with a scanning electron microscope. The number (T) of all second fibers present in each cross-sectional photograph was counted, and the number (S) of fibers present alone that were not in contact with any second fiber was also counted, and the fusion rate of the second fiber in each photograph was calculated from the following formula. Fusion rate (photo) = (TS) / T x 100 The fusion rates obtained from the cross-sectional photographs at each of the 10 locations were averaged to determine the fusion rate of the nonwoven fabric.

[0077] [Weight and bulk density] According to JIS L 1913 "General nonwoven fabric test method" 6.2, the basis weight of the nonwoven fabric (g / m 2 The apparent density (g / cm 3 ) was calculated by dividing the basis weight by the thickness.

[0078] Thickness The thickness of the nonwoven fabric was measured according to 6.1 of JIS L 1913 "General nonwoven fabric test method." Specifically, the nonwoven fabric was cut at 10 random locations using a razor ("Feather Razor S single-edged," manufactured by Feather Safety Razor Co., Ltd.) parallel to the thickness direction of the nonwoven fabric and perpendicular to the machine direction (MD), and the thickness of each cross section was measured by observing the cross section with a digital microscope, and the thickness (mm) was calculated by averaging these values.

[0079] [Loop Area] Using 9.2 of JIS L 0849 "Test method for color fastness to friction", a 230mm x 30mm JIS L 0803-compliant white cotton test cloth (Kanakin No. 3) was attached to the test piece stand using a friction tester type II. A 70mm x 70mm sample was attached to the tip of the friction bar, and rubbed 5 times at a speed of 30 times per minute over the central 100mm area of ​​the white cotton cloth with a load of 2N. The height and length of the loop-like fibers that appeared as fuzz on the friction surface of the sample were photographed with a digital microscope from a direction perpendicular to the friction direction, and the area of ​​each loop was calculated using the "measurement tool" of the computer software Adobe Photoshop CS6 Extended. The maximum area of ​​each of the five samples in the MD and CD directions was determined as the loop area.

[0080] [Bending resistance] The bending stiffness (mm) was measured according to JIS L 1096 "Fabric test method for woven and knitted fabrics" 8.21.1 A method (45° cantilever method). Measurements were performed five times on the front and back in both MD and CD directions, and the average value was taken as the dry bending stiffness. In addition, the entire sample was impregnated with 250% by mass of distilled water (manufactured by Fuji Film Wako Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., product number 042-16973), and measurements were performed in the same manner as the dry bending stiffness, and the average value was taken as the wet bending stiffness.

[0081] [Wicking] The water absorption rate was measured according to 7.1.1 Dropping Method of JIS L 1907 "Water Absorption Testing Method for Textile Products". One drop of water (0.05 g / drop) was dropped from a height of 10 mm onto the sample, and the time it took for the drop to soak into the sample was measured.

[0082] [Strong heat seal] Cut to the same size as the sample cut to 75mm in MD x 50mm in CD, with a basis weight of 20g / m 2 A polypropylene melt-blown nonwoven fabric was prepared. Using a heat seal tester (TP-701S) manufactured by Tester Sangyo Co., Ltd., two sheets of the sample were stacked in the same direction, and the inside of either end in the MD direction was heated at 135°C up and down and a pressure of 4 kgf / cm. 2 A size of 10 mm in MD x 50 mm in CD was thermally bonded under the conditions of 100 mm and pressure for 3 seconds. The peel strength between the two sheets was measured using a precision universal testing machine (Shimadzu Corporation's Autograph AGS-D) with reference to 7.10 of JIS L 1086 "Test method for adhesive interlining and adhesive fabric". Specifically, the non-adhesive part of the sample with two nonwoven fabrics bonded was unfolded, and each end was fixed with the grip of the Autograph AGS-D and pulled at a speed of 200 mm / min. The average value of the test force at that time was taken as the peel strength.

[0083] [Sensory evaluation (fuzziness, irritation, stickiness)] A sample cut to a size of 15.5 cm in MD and 17.0 cm in CD was placed on the surface of the mouth material of a mask ("Stretch Mask EF" manufactured by Kuraray Kuraflex Co., Ltd.) with the MD direction facing the horizontal direction of the mask, and the outer periphery was glued using an ultrasonic stapler (SUH-30 Haruru manufactured by Suzuki Co., Ltd.) to create a mask for sensory evaluation for each sample. Ten subjects wore the masks for 8 hours and performed a sensory evaluation based on the following three judgment criteria, and the average value was calculated. [Fluffing] +++ (3 points): No tingling sensation. ++ (2 points): Slight tingling sensation. + (1 point): A clear tingling sensation. [Stimulus] +++ (3 points): Does not feel stiff. ++ (2 points): Almost no stiffness felt. + (1 point): There is a clear feeling of stiffness. [Sticky feeling] +++ (3 points): Does not feel sticky. ++ (2 points): Almost no stickiness felt. + (1 point): Feels sticky. The above three items were evaluated, and an average score of 2.5 or more was marked as "good," 1.5 to less than 2.5 was marked as "good," and less than 1.5 was marked as "bad."

[0084] [Example 1] 90 parts by mass of split fiber (split fiber composed of nylon 6 and polyethylene terephthalate, "WRAMP W102", Kuraray Co., Ltd., fineness 3.8 dtex, fiber length 51 mm, mass ratio of nylon 6 to polyethylene terephthalate: 33 / 67) and 10 parts by mass of adhesive core-sheath type composite fiber (core-sheath type composite fiber composed of polypropylene and sheath of polyethylene (melting point of sheath component: 120-140°C), Ube Exsymo Co., Ltd., fineness 1.7 dtex, fiber length 51 mm, core-sheath mass ratio: core 39 / sheath 61) were used and uniformly mixed, and then a weight of 50 g / m was obtained. 2A semi-random carded web of the above was prepared by a conventional method, and the carded web was placed on a punching drum support having an opening ratio of 25% and a hole diameter of 0.3 mm, and continuously transported in the longitudinal direction at a speed of 50 m / min, while a high-pressure water stream was sprayed from above to perform an entanglement treatment, producing an entangled fiber web (nonwoven fabric). In this entanglement treatment, two nozzles with orifices having a hole diameter of 0.10 mm and spaced 0.6 mm apart along the width direction of the web (distance between adjacent nozzles: 10 cm) were used, and the water pressure of the high-pressure water stream sprayed from the first row of nozzles was set to 4.0 MPa, and that of the high-pressure water stream sprayed from the second row of nozzles was set to 5.0 MPa. The carded web was placed on a generally flat support having a fine mesh, and continuously transported, while the high-pressure water stream was sprayed thereon to perform an entanglement treatment. This entanglement treatment was carried out using two nozzles with orifices of 0.10 mm diameter spaced 0.6 mm apart along the width direction of the web, both under conditions of high-pressure water pressure of 6.0 MPa. It was then dried and heat-treated at 110°C for 4 minutes, and the basis weight was 48.9 g / m 2 The spunlace nonwoven fabric was produced.

[0085] [Example 2] A nonwoven fabric was produced in the same manner as in Example 1, except that the ratio of the first fiber and the second fiber used in Example 1 was changed to the ratio shown in Table 1.

[0086] [Example 3] A nonwoven fabric was produced in the same manner as in Example 1, except that the ratio of the first fiber and the second fiber used in Example 1 was changed to the ratio shown in Table 1.

[0087] [Example 4] A nonwoven fabric was produced in the same manner as in Example 1, except that in the step of drying and heat treating the nonwoven fabric of Example 1, the treatment temperature was 135° C. and the treatment time was 2 minutes and 30 seconds.

[0088] [Example 5] A nonwoven fabric was produced in the same manner as in Example 1, except that the first fiber used in Example 1 was replaced with Lyocell (Tencel (registered trademark), manufactured by Lenzing, Dull) having a fineness of 1.3 dtex and a fiber length of 38 mm, and the ratio of the first fiber to the second fiber was changed to the ratio shown in Table 1.

[0089] [Example 6] A nonwoven fabric was produced in the same manner as in Example 1, except that in the step of drying and heat treating the nonwoven fabric of Example 1, the treatment temperature was 135° C. and the treatment time was 3 minutes.

[0090] [Example 7] A nonwoven fabric was produced in the same manner as in Example 2, except that in the step of drying and heat treating the nonwoven fabric of Example 2, the treatment temperature was 135° C. and the treatment time was 3 minutes.

[0091] [Example 8] A nonwoven fabric was produced in the same manner as in Example 3, except that in the step of drying and heat treating the nonwoven fabric of Example 3, the treatment temperature was 135° C. and the treatment time was 3 minutes.

[0092] [Example 9] A nonwoven fabric was produced in the same manner as in Example 5, except that in the step of drying and heat treating the nonwoven fabric of Example 5, the treatment temperature was 135° C. and the treatment time was 3 minutes.

[0093] [Comparative Example 1] A nonwoven fabric was produced in the same manner as in Example 5, except that a rayon fiber having a fineness of 1.7 dtex and a fiber length of 40 mm ("Corona", manufactured by Daiwabo Rayon Co., Ltd.) was used instead of the first fiber used in Example 5.

[0094] [Comparative Example 2] A nonwoven fabric was produced in the same manner as in Example 5, except that the first fiber used in Example 5 was replaced with a PET fiber ("Tetoron" T-471, manufactured by Toray Industries, Inc.) having a fineness of 1.6 dtex and a fiber length of 51 mm.

[0095] [Comparative Example 3] A nonwoven fabric was produced in the same manner as in Comparative Example 1, except that in the step of drying and heat treating the nonwoven fabric of Comparative Example 1, the treatment temperature was 135° C. and the treatment time was 3 minutes.

[0096] [Comparative Example 4] A nonwoven fabric was produced in the same manner as in Example 1, except that the ratio of the first fiber and the second fiber used in Example 1 was changed to the ratio shown in Table 1.

[0097] [Comparative Example 5] A nonwoven fabric was produced in the same manner as in Comparative Example 4, except that in the steps of drying and heat treating the nonwoven fabric of Comparative Example 4, the treatment temperature was 135° C. and the treatment time was 3 minutes.

[0098] [Comparative Example 6] From a commercially available mask ("Rib Fluffy Mask, Regular Pleated Type", manufactured by Liv Laboratories, Inc.), the outer adhesive part of the mask body, which has four layers of nonwoven fabric glued together, was cut, and the piece that was closest to the human body when worn was used as a sample.

[0099] The results of various evaluations of the obtained nonwoven fabric are shown in Tables 1 and 2. [Table 1]

[0100] As shown in Table 1, in Comparative Example 1, the average cross-sectional area of ​​the first fiber exceeds the range specified in the present invention, so that the loop area, which is an index of fuzz, is large and the degree of fuzziness is also high in the sensory evaluation.

[0101] In Comparative Example 2, the average cross-sectional area of ​​the first fibers exceeds the range specified in the present invention, so that the loop area, which is an index of fluff, is large, and the degree of fluff is felt in the sensory evaluation is high. Furthermore, the wicking property is poor, and the sensory test shows stickiness.

[0102] In Comparative Example 3, the average cross-sectional area of ​​the first fiber exceeds the range specified in the present invention, and therefore the loop area, which is an index of fluffing, is large. In addition, the fusion rate of the sheath component of the second fiber is high, and therefore the bending resistance value of the nonwoven fabric is high due to fusion, i.e., the nonwoven fabric becomes hard, and in the sensory test, the degree of fluffing is high and the irritation to the skin is also large.

[0103] In Comparative Example 4, the proportion of the first fiber was smaller and the proportion of the second fiber was larger than in Example 1, so that the occurrence of fluffing of the first fiber could not be suppressed, the loop area, which is an index of fluffing, was large, and the degree of fluffing was high in the sensory test. Furthermore, the proportion of the first fiber was small, which may have hindered moisture absorption, so that the wicking property was poor and the sensory test made it feel sticky.

[0104] In Comparative Example 5, the fusion points are increased compared to Comparative Example 4, and the presence of the fusion points reduces fluffiness compared to Comparative Example 4, but the stiffness value of the nonwoven fabric is high, i.e., the nonwoven fabric is hard, and in a sensory test, it is highly irritating to the skin. In addition, the wicking property is poor, probably because the fusion points prevent the moisture absorption of the first fiber, and in a sensory test, it feels sticky.

[0105] Comparative Example 6 is a polypropylene spunbond nonwoven fabric that is commonly used as a mouth material for masks. Because the average fiber cross-sectional area is large, it has high fuzziness and poor wicking properties, and in a sensory test, it feels sticky.

[0106] On the other hand, in Examples 1 to 9, all of the nonwoven fabrics have little fluffing and good wicking properties, and in the sensory test, the occurrence of a sticky feeling can be suppressed. In addition, as the fusion rate between the sheath components increases, irritation tends to increase. In Examples 1 to 5, which have low fusion rates, all of them have little irritation and low bending resistance, while in Examples 6 to 9, which have higher fusion rates than Examples 1 to 5, the bending resistance tends to be high and irritation tends to increase depending on the fusion rate. Furthermore, when comparing Examples 1 to 3, as the proportion of the first fiber increases, there is a tendency for fluffing to be less, and for irritation and stickiness to be less, while as the proportion of the second fiber decreases, the heat seal strength tends to decrease.

[0107] Furthermore, in Example 5, the average cross-sectional area of ​​the first fibers is within the range specified by the present invention, and therefore the loop area, which is an index of fuzz, is significantly smaller than that in Comparative Example 1, and the degree of fuzz felt in the sensory evaluation is also small. [Industrial Applicability]

[0108] The nonwoven fabric of the present invention not only suppresses fluffing, but also has excellent flexibility and reduces stickiness, making it useful as a member that is used on the skin, such as a mouth part for a mask.

[0109] As described above, the preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described. However, various additions, modifications, and omissions can be made without departing from the spirit of the present invention, and such additions, modifications, and omissions are also included within the scope of the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0110] 100,200... Mask 203, 204 Mask pieces 110,210... Covering part 120...Laminate 121... Exhalation side material 122 Filter material 123...Surface material 130···Pleats 140···Wire 150,250...Fixed part 251...Slits for ear hooks 260,261,262...junction

Claims

1. Comprising a first fiber and a second fiber, The average cross-sectional area of the first fiber is 5 to 100 μm ２ and wherein the second fiber is a heat-fusible core-sheath fiber, and the proportion of the first fiber is 55 to 95%, a non-woven fabric.

2. The nonwoven fabric according to claim 1, wherein the fusion rate at which the sheath components of the heat-fusible core-sheath fibers fuse with each other is 15% or less per 0.12 mm of the cut surface of the nonwoven fabric alone. ２ A nonwoven fabric.

3. The non-woven fabric according to Claim 1, having a structure in which the fibers are entangled.

4. The non-woven fabric according to Claim 1, wherein the core component and the sheath component of the heat-fusible core-sheath fiber are each composed of two types of olefin resins having different melting points, and the olefin resin constituting the sheath component has a lower melting point than the olefin resin constituting the core component.

5. The non-woven fabric according to Claim 1, being a water-jet entangled non-woven fabric.

6. The non-woven fabric according to Claim 1, wherein the first fiber is composed of a split-type composite fiber and / or a hydrophilic fiber.

7. The non-woven fabric according to Claim 1, wherein the average of the MD and CD stiffness and softness in the cantilever method is 7.0 cm or less.

8. The non-woven fabric according to any one of Claims 1 to 7, used as a mouthpiece material for a mask, a surface material for a high-hygiene product, or a surface material for cosmetics.

9. A mouthpiece material for a mask composed of the non-woven fabric according to any one of Claims 1 to 7.

10. A mask using the non-woven fabric according to any one of Claims 1 to 7 as a mouthpiece material.

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