Knitted fabric and clothing

Abstract

To provide a knitted fabric that has not only water absorption performance but also excellent moisture absorption performance and quick-drying performance, and is excellent in comfort in wearing it.SOLUTION: Provided is a knitted fabric including a weft-knitted fabric formed by interknitting a first fiber having water absorption performance and a second fiber having moisture absorption performance and water repellency, where the knitted fabric has a first face with relatively increased water-absorbing function and a second face on the opposite side of the first face, a specific moisture absorption and desorption characteristic value ΔMR is 1.0% or more, specific water absorption is 5 seconds or less, and a specific time at which a specific residual moisture ratio A0 becomes 10% or less is 55 minutes or less.SELECTED DRAWING: None

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a knitted fabric including a weft knitted fabric in which a first fiber having water absorbency and a second fiber having moisture absorbency and water repellency are interwoven, and to a clothing item using the same. [Background technology]

[0002] One of the important functions of clothing is to quickly absorb sweat and keep the wearer comfortable. For example, in sports clothing and innerwear, it is required to reduce discomfort such as sticking of the fabric and stickiness caused by absorbed sweat. One of the causes of sticking and stickiness is that sweat absorbed by the clothing returns to the skin. Therefore, clothing with water-repellent fabric has been put into practical use to prevent absorbed sweat from returning to the skin.

[0003] For example, a water-absorbent fabric made of knitted fabric has been proposed in which the surface layer (outside) is made of hydrophilic yarn and the back layer (skin side) is made of blended yarn of a mixture of hydrophobic and hydrophilic yarn, and when water droplets are dropped from the back side of the fabric, the water is instantly absorbed and diffused to the surface layer (see Patent Document 1). With such fabric (knitted fabric), liquid water (sweat) is instantly absorbed and diffused / moved to the surface layer on the air side, so it is said to be comfortable even when sweating heavily. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] JP 2011-256495 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] Here, when sweating occurs, body temperature rises, so that sweat is released from the skin not only as liquid sweat (water) but also as gaseous sweat (water vapor). Therefore, not only water but also water vapor exists in the space between the knitted fabric and the skin (hereinafter also referred to as the "knitted fabric-skin space"), and the presence of such water vapor increases the humidity in the relatively narrow knitted fabric-skin space, approaching a saturated state of water vapor. At this time, even if the knitted fabric can absorb water, if it cannot absorb water vapor, the water vapor will condense as the body temperature drops after sweating has subsided, and will remain in the knitted fabric-skin space as water, resulting in discomfort. Furthermore, if the absorbed water cannot be released quickly from the knitted fabric, the water absorption capacity of the knitted fabric will be saturated, which will cause discomfort.

[0006] For this reason, in order to enhance comfort when worn, the knitted fabric must not only have excellent water absorption performance when sweating occurs, but also excellent water vapor absorption performance (moisture absorption performance), and must also have excellent performance in quickly releasing water from the knitted fabric as water vapor into the external environment (quick-drying performance).

[0007] In this regard, it is difficult to say that the knitted fabric of Patent Document 1 has excellent moisture absorption and quick-drying properties.

[0008] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above circumstances, and aims to provide a knitted fabric that is excellent not only in water absorption performance but also in moisture absorption performance and quick-drying performance, and that is comfortable to wear, and clothing made using the same. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] The characteristic configuration of the knitted fabric according to the present invention to solve the above problem is as follows: A knitted fabric including a weft knitted fabric in which a first fiber having water absorption properties and a second fiber having moisture absorption and water repellency are interwoven, A first surface having a water absorbing function and a second surface opposite to the first surface, The weft knitted fabric cut to a predetermined size was dried at 100°C for 2 hours to obtain a mass of the dried weft knitted fabric W0, and the mass of the weft knitted fabric when the dried weft knitted fabric was placed in an environment of 20°C and a relative humidity of 65% for 24 hours was W 65 The mass of the weft knitted fabric when the dried weft knitted fabric is placed in an environment of 40° C. and 90% relative humidity for 24 hours is W 90 When The moisture absorption rate MR1 of the weft knitted fabric at 20° C. and a relative humidity of 65% is expressed by the following formula (1): MR1(%) = (W 65 -W0) / W0 × 100 (1) It is expressed as The moisture absorption rate MR2 of the weft knitted fabric at 40° C. and a relative humidity of 90% is expressed by the following formula (2): MR2(%) = (W 90 -W0) / W0 × 100 (2) It is expressed as The following formula (3): ΔMR(%) = MR2 - MR1 (3) The moisture absorption and release characteristic value ΔMR of the weft knitted fabric represented by is 1.0% or more, The water absorption rate (hereinafter also referred to as "water absorption rate") on the first surface measured in accordance with JIS L 1907 (drop method) is 5 seconds or less, In an environment of 20° C. and a relative humidity of 65%, A1(g) of water is dropped onto the weft knitted fabric from the first surface side, and the weight of the water present on the weft knitted fabric after a predetermined time has elapsed is A2(g). The following formula (4): A0(%) = A2 / A1 × 100 (4) The predetermined time (hereinafter also referred to as "drying time") at which the residual moisture content A0 of the weft knitted fabric represented by the following formula is 10% or less is 55 minutes or less.

[0010] According to the knitted fabric of this configuration, the knitted fabric includes a weft knitted fabric in which a first fiber having water absorption properties and a second fiber having moisture absorption and water repellency are interwoven, and by having a first surface with water absorption function, water and water vapor (collectively referred to as "moisture") can be absorbed from the first surface due to capillary action caused by the stitches (holes) of the weft knitted fabric, and the absorbed moisture can be released (desorbed) as water vapor from the second surface.

[0011] At this time, the second fibers are arranged in a generally continuous state or partially intermittently in the plane direction of the knitted fabric. The second fibers maintain their moisture absorption properties, but their water repellency suppresses absorption of moisture into the second fibers, so that the second fibers can transport (diffuse) moisture in the plane direction. In addition, the number of first fibers is reduced by the amount of the second fibers interwoven, so that moisture retention in the knitted fabric can be suppressed. As a result, moisture diffusibility in the plane direction can be improved. Therefore, moisture taken in from the external environment on the first surface can be absorbed by the first fibers, and can be quickly diffused in the plane direction of the knitted fabric by the second fibers. By interwoven these first fibers and second fibers, parameters related to moisture absorption performance, water absorption performance, and quick-drying performance can be set to specific ranges.

[0012] Here, the degree to which the weft knitted fabric can absorb water vapor present in the knitted fabric-skin space when no sweating is occurring can be obtained as the moisture absorption rate MR1, which is the rate of change in mass of the weft knitted fabric when the dry weft knitted fabric is placed in an environment of 20°C and a relative humidity of 65% for 24 hours. On the other hand, when sweating occurs due to light to moderate work or light to moderate exercise, the extent to which the weft knitted fabric can absorb water vapor present in the knitted fabric-skin space can be obtained as the moisture absorption rate MR2, which is the rate of change in mass of the weft knitted fabric when the dry weft knitted fabric is placed in an environment of 40°C and a relative humidity of 90% for 24 hours. By using these moisture absorption rates MR2 and MR1, when body temperature rises from a state in which no sweating is occurring and the state transitions to a state in which sweating is occurring, the degree to which the weft knitted fabric can absorb water vapor present in the knit-skin space can be evaluated by the moisture absorption and release characteristic value ΔMR, which is the value obtained by subtracting the moisture absorption rate MR1 from the moisture absorption rate MR2. The larger the moisture absorption and release characteristic value ΔMR, the higher the moisture absorption performance of the weft knitted fabric. By setting the moisture absorption and release characteristic value ΔMR to 1.0% or more, the moisture absorption performance of the knitted fabric becomes excellent.

[0013] By setting the water absorption rate of the first surface to 5 seconds or less, the knitted fabric can quickly absorb moisture when sweating occurs. Also, by setting the drying time to 55 minutes or less, the absorbed moisture can be quickly released from the knitted fabric. Therefore, by setting the water absorption rate and drying time within the above ranges, the knitted fabric has excellent water absorption and quick-drying properties.

[0014] As described above, by interweaving a specific first fiber with a specific second fiber and setting the moisture absorption and release characteristic value ΔMR, water absorption, and drying time within the above ranges, these combine to produce a knitted fabric that is excellent not only in water absorption performance, but also in moisture absorption performance and quick-drying performance, and is comfortable to wear.

[0015] In the knitted fabric according to the present invention, It is preferable that the first fibers include polyester, and the second fibers include at least one material selected from the group consisting of cotton, rayon, nylon, wool, and silk.

[0016] According to the knitted fabric of this configuration, the first fibers contain polyester, which has lower hygroscopicity than the cotton, rayon, nylon, wool, and silk contained in the second fibers, and therefore it is possible to prevent moisture absorbed by the stitches (holes) of the weft knitted fabric from being absorbed inside the first fibers, while promoting the diffusion of the absorbed moisture. The second fibers contain cotton, rayon, nylon, wool, and silk, which have higher hygroscopicity than the polyester contained in the first fibers, and therefore it is possible to promote the diffusion of moisture from the first fibers to the second fibers, while increasing the hygroscopicity.

[0017] In the knitted fabric according to the present invention, The first fibers are preferably hydrophilic.

[0018] In the knitted fabric having the above-described configuration, the first fibers have hydrophilicity, and thus the water wettability of the first fibers is improved, and the water absorption performance of the knitted fabric can be improved.

[0019] In the knitted fabric according to the present invention, It is preferable that the first surface is hydrophilic and the second surface is water-repellent.

[0020] According to the knitted fabric of this configuration, since the first surface is hydrophilic, the water wettability of the first surface is improved, and the water absorption performance from the first surface can be improved. Since the second surface is water repellent, the moisture diffused from the first surface to the second surface is prevented from adhering to and remaining on the second surface, and the moisture can be released from the second surface while increasing the moisture diffusion in the surface direction of the second surface, thereby improving the quick-drying performance of the knitted fabric.

[0021] In the knitted fabric according to the present invention, the first fibers being less hygroscopic than the second fibers; It is preferable that the first fibers are mainly arranged on the first surface, and the second fibers are mainly arranged on the second surface.

[0022] According to the knitted fabric of this configuration, the first surface is provided with a large number of first fibers having a lower moisture absorption rate than the second fibers, so that moisture is less likely to remain on the first surface and the diffusion of moisture from the first surface to the second surface can be promoted. The second surface is provided with a large number of second fibers having a higher moisture absorption rate than the first fibers and a higher water repellency, so that the diffusion of moisture in the surface direction of the second surface can be promoted. As a result, the quick-drying performance of the knitted fabric can be improved.

[0023] Another feature of the clothing item according to the present invention for solving the above problem is as follows: A garment using the knitted fabric, The first surface is knitted to be the skin side.

[0024] According to the clothing of this configuration, by using the above knitted fabric and making the first surface the skin side, when sweat occurs on the skin, moisture can be quickly absorbed from the first surface and quickly released to the external environment from the second surface. Therefore, the excellent water absorption performance, moisture absorption performance, and quick drying performance of the knitted fabric can be effectively exhibited, resulting in a clothing that is excellent in comfort when worn. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0025] In order to obtain a knitted fabric having superior water absorption, moisture absorption, and quick-drying properties to conventional knitted fabrics, the present inventors have conducted extensive research and have obtained the following findings. That is, in the knitted fabric of Patent Document 1, the back layer is composed of hydrophobic yarns and hydrophilic yarns, and the front layer is composed of hydrophilic yarns (e.g., polyester yarns treated with water absorption), so that moisture absorbed in the back layer is diffused to the front layer, and quick-drying performance is improved by increasing moisture diffusion in the thickness direction. However, in order to achieve excellent quick-drying performance, it is more effective to increase moisture diffusion in the surface direction (direction perpendicular to the thickness) than to increase moisture diffusion in the thickness direction. In this regard, the inventors have found that by interweaving a first fiber having water absorption and a second fiber having moisture absorption and water repellency to form a knitted fabric having a water absorption function on one surface (first surface), moisture diffusion in the surface direction can be increased, and parameters related to moisture absorption, water absorption, and quick-drying performance of the knitted fabric can be set to specific ranges. The inventors then discovered that by setting the parameters in this way, a knitted fabric having excellent moisture absorption, water absorption and quick-drying properties can be obtained, and thus completed the present invention.

[0026] Hereinafter, embodiments of the knitted fabric and clothing using the same of the present invention will be described. However, the present invention is not intended to be limited to the following configurations.

[0027] [knitting] The knitted fabric of the present embodiment is a knitted fabric including a weft knit fabric in which a first fiber having water absorption properties and a second fiber having moisture absorption properties are interwoven, and has a first surface having a water absorption function and a second surface opposite to the first surface. Examples of the knitted structure include a double knit such as a circular double knit.

[0028] According to the knitted fabric of this embodiment, water and water vapor can be absorbed from the first surface due to capillary action caused by the stitches (holes) of the weft knitted fabric, and the absorbed moisture can be released (moisture release) as water vapor from the second surface.

[0029] <Daiichi Seni> The first fiber is a fiber that constitutes a weft knitted fabric by interweaving with the second fiber. The first fiber is a fiber that has water absorption properties. Such a first fiber may be a fiber that does not have moisture absorption properties (hereinafter also referred to as "non-hygroscopic fiber"), or may be a fiber that has moisture absorption properties (hereinafter "hygroscopic fiber"). It is also possible to use a combination of a non-hygroscopic fiber and a hygroscopic fiber (blended fiber, ply-twisted fiber, etc.).

[0030] When the first fiber is a non-hygroscopic fiber, the moisture absorption rate of the first fiber is preferably 1% or less. If the moisture absorption rate is 1% or less, it is possible to suppress the return (reabsorption) of moisture once released. Examples of non-hygroscopic fibers include fibers with lower moisture absorption than cotton, rayon, nylon, wool, and silk, such as polyesters such as polyethylene terephthalate. When the first fiber contains polyester, it is possible to prevent moisture absorbed by the stitches (holes) of the weft knitted fabric from being absorbed inside the first fiber and to diffuse it to the second fiber, thereby promoting the diffusion of the absorbed moisture.

[0031] When the first fiber is a hygroscopic fiber, the hygroscopicity of the first fiber is preferably 4 to 20%. If the hygroscopicity is 4 to 20%, fluctuations in moisture in the weft knitted fabric can be suppressed. Examples of hygroscopic fibers include cotton, rayon, nylon, wool, and silk. When the first fiber contains these materials, moisture can be abundantly absorbed by the hygroscopicity of the first fiber in addition to the stitches (holes) of the weft knitted fabric, thereby improving the hygroscopicity and water absorbing properties of the knitted fabric.

[0032] The first fiber is preferably hydrophilic. When the first fiber has hydrophilicity, the water wettability of the first fiber is improved, and the water absorption performance of the knitted fabric can be enhanced. The first fiber is preferably subjected to a hydrophilic treatment after being interwoven with the second fiber. The hydrophilic treatment is carried out by causing the first fiber to absorb a hydrophilic agent (such as a hydrophilic polyester resin) by a conventionally known method such as in-bath sweat absorption treatment.

[0033] When the first fibers are subjected to a hydrophilic treatment, the amount of the hydrophilic agent applied per 1 g of the first fibers is preferably set to 0.1 to 20 mg / g, more preferably 0.5 to 10 mg / g. By setting the amount of the hydrophilic agent applied to the first fibers within the above range, the water wettability of the first fibers can be further improved, and the water absorption performance of the knitted fabric can be further increased.

[0034] The first surface of the weft knitted fabric is preferably hydrophilic. By making the first surface of the weft knitted fabric hydrophilic, the water wettability of the first surface is improved, and the water absorption performance from the first surface can be improved. The first surface is preferably subjected to a hydrophilic treatment after the first fiber and the second fiber are interwoven. The hydrophilic treatment on the first surface is performed by applying a hydrophilic agent to the entire weft knitted fabric including the first fiber and the second fiber through a bath treatment. The hydrophilic agent may be applied only to the first surface.

[0035] The amount of hydrophilic treatment (amount of hydrophilic agent applied) on the first surface is preferably 0.05 to 5.0 g / m 2 , more preferably 0.1 to 2.0 g / m 2 By setting the amount of the hydrophilic agent applied to the first surface within the above range, the water wettability of the first surface can be further improved, and the water absorption performance from the first surface can be further increased.

[0036] As described above, the first fibers have a lower hygroscopicity than the second fibers, and in addition, it is preferable that the first fibers are mainly arranged on the first surface. By arranging a large amount of the first fibers, which have a lower hygroscopicity than the second fibers, on the first surface, moisture is less likely to remain on the first surface, and the diffusion of moisture from the first surface to the second surface can be promoted.

[0037] The first fibers may be used alone or in combination of two or more.

[0038] The content of the first fibers in the knitted fabric is preferably 10 to 90% by mass, more preferably 20 to 80% by mass. By setting the content of the first fibers in the above range, the water absorption performance of the knitted fabric can be improved, and the function of the second fibers can be more effectively exhibited.

[0039] <Secondary Fiber> The second fiber is a fiber that constitutes a weft knitted fabric by interweaving with the first fiber. The second fiber is a fiber that has moisture absorption and water repellency. The second fiber may be partially water repellent (at least a part of the fiber may be water repellent), or may be entirely water repellent. When the second fiber is partially water repellent, it is preferable that the part located on the second surface has water repellency. While maintaining moisture absorption, the second fiber is capable of transmitting (diffusing) moisture in the surface direction because the water repellency suppresses absorption of moisture into the second fiber, and as a result, the moisture diffusibility in the surface direction can be increased. Therefore, moisture taken in from the external environment at the first surface can be absorbed by the first fiber and quickly diffused in the surface direction of the knitted fabric by the second fiber.

[0040] The moisture absorption rate of the second fiber is preferably 4 to 20%. The second fiber preferably contains cotton, rayon, nylon, wool, or silk, which has a higher moisture absorption rate than polyester. In this case, the moisture absorption rate of the second fiber can be increased while diffusing moisture from the first fiber to the second fiber. The second fiber is particularly preferably cotton, since cotton has a greater effect of suppressing the intrusion of excessive moisture due to the water repellency imparted thereto.

[0041] It is preferable that the second fibers are treated to be water-repellent before being interwoven with the first fibers. When the second fibers are treated to be water-repellent before being interwoven with the first fibers, the second fibers are more reliably treated to be water-repellent than when the second fibers are treated to be water-repellent after being interwoven with the first fibers.

[0042] (Water-repellent thread treatment) The water repellent treatment is performed by impregnating the second fiber with a water repellent. The type of water repellent that can be used may be either water-based or solvent-based. Examples of the water repellent include fluorine-based water repellents, silicone-based water repellents, and wax-based water repellents.

[0043] When performing the water repellent treatment on the second fiber, it is preferable to use a water repellent solution in which a water repellent (water repellent component) is dissolved in a solvent from the viewpoint of workability. The solvent used to prepare the water repellent solution may be either water or a solvent, but water is preferable from the viewpoint of environmental consideration. The coating amount of the water repellent per 1 g of the second fiber when performing the water repellent treatment is preferably set to 0.1 to 50 mg / g, more preferably 0.5 to 20 mg / g. In this case, effective water repellency can be imparted to the second fiber, and the texture of the second fiber is not impaired.

[0044] The arrangement and area (area ratio) of the second fibers in the weft knitted fabric are appropriately set so that the moisture absorption and release characteristic value ΔMR is 1.0% or more, the water absorption is 5 seconds or less, and the drying time is 55 minutes or less. In this case, the second fibers may be appropriately set and interwoven regardless of the first face or the second face as long as the water absorption is not hindered.

[0045] The second surface of the weft knitted fabric is preferably treated to be water repellent after the second fibers and the first fibers are interwoven. By treating the second surface of the weft knitted fabric with water repellent, moisture diffused from the first surface to the second surface can be prevented from adhering to and remaining on the second surface while allowing the moisture to be released from the second surface, thereby improving the quick-drying performance of the knitted fabric.

[0046] (Water-repellent treatment for weft knit fabric) The water-repellent treatment is performed by applying a water-repellent agent to the second surface of the weft knitted fabric. The type of water-repellent agent that can be used may be either water-based or solvent-based, and examples of the water-repellent agent include fluorine-based water-repellent agents, silicone-based water-repellent agents, wax-based water-repellent agents, etc. Examples of methods for applying the water-repellent agent (water-repellent treatment method) include known methods such as the gravure roll method, flat screen method, rotary screen method, and transfer method. These methods make it possible to perform continuous and high-precision water-repellent treatment, and in particular, the flat screen method and the rotary screen method allow the application state of the water-repellent agent to the weft knitted fabric (print pattern, print amount) to be finely set, so that the adhesion area, shape, pattern interval, etc. of the water-repellent agent can be freely set by adjusting the pattern setting and processing conditions in the equipment. In addition, it is also easy to adjust the penetration degree of the water-repellent agent in the thickness direction of the weft knitted fabric. For example, in the water-repellent treatment method using a screen, the penetration degree of the water-repellent agent in the thickness direction of the weft knitted fabric can be adjusted by changing the water-repellent treatment conditions such as the mesh size of the screen frame and the squeegee pressure during printing. For example, if the screen frame is made finer or the squeegee pressure is reduced, the penetration degree of the water repellent agent will be smaller. Conversely, if the screen frame is made finer or the squeegee pressure is increased, the penetration degree of the water repellent agent will be larger. Note that the penetration degree of the water repellent agent in the thickness direction of the weft knitted fabric can also be adjusted by adjusting the viscosity of the water repellent agent solution in which the water repellent agent is dissolved in a solvent, as described below.

[0047] When carrying out water repellent treatment on a weft knitted fabric, it is preferable to use a water repellent solution in which a water repellent (water repellent component) is dissolved in a solvent from the viewpoint of workability. The solvent used to prepare the water repellent solution may be either water or a solvent, but water is preferable from the viewpoint of environmental consideration. The amount of water repellent applied to the weft knitted fabric (amount of water repellent applied) is preferably 0.05 to 10 g / m as the weight of the resin solid content in the water repellent solution. 2 , more preferably 0.1 to 5 g / m 2 In this case, effective water repellency can be imparted to the weft knitted fabric, and the texture of the weft knitted fabric is not impaired.

[0048] In addition, when performing water-repellent treatment on a weft knitted fabric, it is preferable to adjust the viscosity of the water-repellent solution to 10,000 to 50,000 mPa·s in order to prevent the water-repellent solution from bleeding and to accurately apply the water-repellent to the weft knitted fabric. If the viscosity is within this range, the surface of the single yarn fiber constituting the weft knitted fabric to which the water-repellent is applied is uniformly covered with the water-repellent, improving the water-repellent durability, and there is no risk of impairing the texture of the weft knitted fabric. When the viscosity of the water-repellent solution is 10,000 mPa·s or more, bleeding into the weft knitted fabric is less likely to occur, making it possible to accurately apply the water-repellent to the desired position. When the viscosity of the water-repellent solution is 50,000 mPa·s or less, in a water-repellent treatment method using a screen, clogging of the screen mesh with resin is suppressed, making continuous and stable water-repellent treatment possible. In addition, since the water-repellent agent is less likely to penetrate in the thickness direction of the weft knitted fabric, it is also difficult to form a water-repellent portion of a predetermined thickness in the weft knitted fabric.

[0049] The viscosity of the water repellent solution is preferably adjusted by using a thickener and a binder resin in combination. A thickener is generally used to adjust the viscosity of the solution, but if an excessive amount of thickener is used, the water repellency durability of the knitted fabric is likely to decrease due to washing. For this reason, in this embodiment, it is preferable to reduce the amount of thickener used and make up for the shortage with a binder resin. The amount of thickener used is preferably 1% by mass or less as the content in the water repellent solution. Examples of usable thickeners include polymer thickeners and emulsified thickeners. These thickeners may be used alone or in combination of multiple types. Examples of usable binder resins include melamine resins, epoxy resins, urethane resins, acrylic resins, silicone resins, and the like. These binder resins can be used alone or as a mixture of two or more types. Note that the binder resin can be either water-based or solvent-based, but it is preferable to select it according to the type of water repellent used. The amount of binder resin used may be appropriately adjusted while taking into consideration the degree of water repellency durability and the texture of the weft knitted fabric. In addition, a crosslinking agent that crosslinks the binder resin can be added to the water repellent solution, and in this case, the water repellency durability can be improved while suppressing the amount of binder resin used. In addition, various additives such as ultraviolet inhibitors, antibacterial agents, antifungal agents, and deodorants can be added to the water repellent solution.

[0050] The arrangement and area (area ratio) of the water-repellent treated portion (water-repellent treated portion) in the weft knitted fabric of the second fiber are appropriately set so that the moisture absorption and release characteristic value ΔMR is 1.0% or more, the water absorption is 5 seconds or less, and the drying time is 55 minutes or less. In this case, the water-repellent treated portion may be formed so as to be continuously arranged over the entire surface of the first surface and / or the second surface of the weft knitted fabric, or may be formed so as to be partially arranged at intervals (intermittently).

[0051] The second fibers may be used alone or in combination of two or more.

[0052] The content of the second fibers in the knitted fabric is preferably 10 to 90% by mass, more preferably 20 to 80% by mass. By setting the content of the second fibers within the above range, the quick-drying performance of the knitted fabric can be improved, and the function of the first fibers can be more effectively exhibited.

[0053] <Weft knitted fabric> It is preferable that the weft knitted fabric has a first fiber with lower hygroscopicity than the second fiber, the first fiber being mainly arranged on the first surface, and the second fiber being mainly arranged on the second surface. By arranging a large amount of the first fiber, which has lower hygroscopicity than the second fiber, on the first surface, moisture is less likely to remain on the first surface, and the diffusion of moisture from the first surface to the second surface can be promoted. By arranging a large amount of the second fiber, which has higher hygroscopicity than the first fiber and has water repellency, on the second surface, the diffusion of moisture in the surface direction of the second surface can be promoted. As a result, the quick-drying performance of the knitted fabric can be improved. The arrangement of the first fiber and the second fiber in the weft knitted fabric can be set to a desired arrangement by using a conventionally known device capable of weft knitting and appropriately adjusting the inter-knitting conditions of the device.

[0054] <Characteristics of knitted fabric> In knitted fabrics, the mass of the weft knitted fabric cut into a predetermined size (for example, a 10 cm x 10 cm square) is W0, and the mass of the dried weft knitted fabric when it is dried at 100 ° C for 2 hours is W1. The mass of the dried weft knitted fabric when it is placed in an environment of 20 ° C and 65% relative humidity for 24 hours is W2. 65 The mass of the weft knitted fabric when it is left in an environment of 40°C and 90% relative humidity for 24 hours is W 90 When The moisture absorption rate MR1 of the weft knitted fabric at 20°C and a relative humidity of 65% is calculated by the following formula (1): MR1(%) = (W 65 -W0) / W0 × 100 (1) It is expressed as The moisture absorption rate MR2 of the weft knitted fabric at 40°C and a relative humidity of 90% is calculated by the following formula (2): MR2(%) = (W 90 -W0) / W0 × 100 (2) It is expressed as The following formula (3): ΔMR(%) = MR2 - MR1 (3) The moisture absorption and release characteristic value ΔMR of the weft knitted fabric expressed as follows is 1.0% or more.

[0055] Here, the degree to which the weft knitted fabric can absorb water vapor present in the knitted fabric-skin space when no sweating is occurring can be obtained as the moisture absorption rate MR1, which is the rate of change in mass of the weft knitted fabric when the dry weft knitted fabric is placed in an environment of 20°C and a relative humidity of 65% for 24 hours. On the other hand, when sweating occurs due to light to moderate work or light to moderate exercise, the extent to which the weft knitted fabric can absorb water vapor present in the knitted fabric-skin space can be obtained as the moisture absorption rate MR2, which is the rate of change in mass of the weft knitted fabric when the dry weft knitted fabric is placed in an environment of 40°C and a relative humidity of 90% for 24 hours. By using these moisture absorption rates MR2 and MR1, when body temperature rises from a state in which no sweating is occurring and the state transitions to a state in which sweating is occurring, the degree to which the weft knitted fabric can absorb water vapor present in the knit-skin space can be evaluated by the moisture absorption and release characteristic value ΔMR, which is the value obtained by subtracting the moisture absorption rate MR1 from the moisture absorption rate MR2. The larger the moisture absorption and release characteristic value ΔMR, the higher the moisture absorption performance of the weft knitted fabric. By setting the moisture absorption and release characteristic value ΔMR to 1.0% or more, the moisture absorption performance of the knitted fabric becomes excellent.

[0056] The knitted fabric has a water absorbency of 5 seconds or less on the first surface as measured in accordance with JIS L 1907 (drop method). By setting the water absorbency on the first surface to 5 seconds or less, it becomes possible for the knitted fabric to quickly absorb moisture when sweating occurs.

[0057] In the case of knitted fabrics, in an environment of 20°C and a relative humidity of 65%, A1(g) of water is dropped onto the weft knitted fabric from the first surface side, and the weight of the water remaining on the weft knitted fabric after a predetermined time has passed is A2(g). The following formula (4): A0(%) = A2 / A1 × 100 (4) The above-mentioned predetermined time (drying time) at which the residual moisture content A0 of the weft knitted fabric represented by the formula (1) becomes 10% or less is 55 minutes or less. By setting the drying time to 55 minutes or less, it becomes possible to quickly release the absorbed moisture from the knitted fabric.

[0058] By setting the water absorption and drying time within the above ranges, the knitted fabric has excellent water absorption and quick-drying properties.

[0059] Therefore, by setting the moisture absorption and release characteristic value ΔMR, water absorption, and drying time within the above ranges, these combine to produce a knitted fabric that is excellent not only in water absorption performance, but also in moisture absorption performance and quick-drying performance, and is comfortable to wear.

[0060] The weight of the knitted fabric is 50 to 250 g / m 2 is preferable, and 100 to 200 g / m 2 By setting the basis weight of the knitted fabric within the above range, the knitted fabric has an appropriate thickness, and can more effectively exhibit water absorption performance, moisture absorption performance, and quick-drying performance.

[0061] Knitted fabrics are characterized by their water absorption, moisture absorption, and quick drying properties, and these properties can be utilized for a variety of purposes, such as for sportswear, innerwear, and other clothing.

[0062] [Clothing] The clothing item of this embodiment is a clothing item using the above knitted fabric, and is knitted so that the first surface faces the skin.

[0063] According to the clothing of this embodiment, by using the above knitted fabric and making the first surface the skin side, when sweat occurs on the skin, moisture can be quickly absorbed from the first surface and quickly released to the external environment from the second surface. Therefore, the excellent water absorption and quick-drying properties of the knitted fabric can be effectively utilized, resulting in a clothing that is excellent in comfort when worn. EXAMPLES

[0064] Various measurements and evaluations were carried out on the knitted fabrics of the present invention (Examples) and knitted fabrics outside the scope of the present invention (Comparative Examples).

[0065] (Fibers used) The following fibers were used. The presence or absence of water absorbency of each fiber was confirmed by JIS L 1097 (dropping method). Specifically, for the side of the weft knitted fabric on which each fiber exists, water was dropped in the same manner as in the "water absorbency" test for the first side described below, and the time from when water was dropped until the mirror reflection disappeared and only wetness remained was measured. If the time was 5 seconds or less, it was judged to have water absorbency, and if it was more than 5 seconds, it was judged to have no absorbency. The results are shown in Tables 1 and 2. In Tables 1 and 2, the results of the water absorbency test for the first fiber correspond to the results of the water absorbency test for the first side. Polyester fiber (multifilament): 84dtex / 36f textured yarn Water-repellent cotton fiber (water-repellent cotton) Cotton count: 40s, Water-repellent coating amount: 6mg / g Unprocessed cotton fiber (raw cotton) Cotton count: 40s

[0066] (Examples 1 to 3) According to the two types of fibers, their fiber contents, and knitting structure shown in Table 1, polyester fiber and water-repellent cotton were interwoven using a circular double knit, with one side being the front (outer) side (second side) and the other side being the back (skin) side (first side), with the first fiber exposed on the back side and the second fiber exposed on the front side, to obtain the knitted fabrics (weft knitted fabrics) of Examples 1 to 3.

[0067] Example 4 A weft knitted fabric was obtained by cross-knitting polyester fiber and unprocessed cotton using a circular double knit method with one side as the front (outside) side and the other side as the back (skin) side, with the first fiber exposed on the back side and the second fiber exposed on the front side, according to the two types of fiber, the content of these fibers, and the knitting structure shown in Table 1. A water repellent amount (amount of water repellent applied) of 1.0 g / m was applied to the front side of the obtained weft knitted fabric by a screen printing method. 2Thus, a water-repellent treatment was performed so as to obtain the knitted fabric (weft knitted fabric) of Example 4.

[0068] Comparative Example 1 A knitted fabric (weft knitted fabric) of Comparative Example 1 was obtained by circular double knitting using one type of fiber (only the first fiber) and a knitting structure shown in Table 2.

[0069] Comparative Example 2 A knitted fabric (weft knitted fabric) of Comparative Example 2 was obtained by circular double knitting using one type of fiber (only the first fiber) and a knitting structure shown in Table 2.

[0070] Comparative Example 3 A knitted fabric (weft knitted fabric) of Comparative Example 3 was obtained in the same manner as in Example 4, except that the water repellent treatment was not performed. That is, the knitted fabric of Comparative Example 3 was obtained using only two types of first fibers.

[0071] Comparative Example 4 A knitted fabric (weft knitted fabric) of Comparative Example 4 was obtained by circular double knitting using one type of fiber (only the second fiber) and a knitting structure shown in Table 2.

[0072] For the obtained knitted fabrics of Examples 1 to 4 and Comparative Examples 1 to 4, the moisture absorption and release characteristic value ΔMR, water absorbency, and drying time were measured as described below.

[0073] [Moisture absorption and release characteristic value ΔMR] The weft knitted fabric was cut into a size of 10 cm x 10 cm and dried at 100°C for 2 hours to measure the mass W0 of the dried weft knitted fabric. The mass W of the weft knitted fabric when the dried weft knitted fabric was left in an environment of 20°C and 65% relative humidity for 24 hours was 65 The moisture absorption rate MR1 of the weft knitted fabric at 20° C. and a relative humidity of 65% was calculated according to the following formula (1). MR1(%) = (W 65 -W0) / W0 × 100 (1) The mass W of the weft knitted fabric when it is left in an environment of 40°C and 90% relative humidity for 24 hours 90The moisture absorption rate MR2 of the weft knitted fabric at 40° C. and a relative humidity of 90% was calculated according to the following formula (2). MR2(%) = (W 90 -W0) / W0 × 100 (2) Then, the moisture absorption and release characteristic value ΔMR of the weft knitted fabric was calculated by the following formula (3). ΔMR(%) = MR2 - MR1 (3) The larger the ΔMR, the higher the moisture absorption and release performance and the better the comfort when worn. The results are shown in Tables 1 and 2.

[0074] [Water absorption] The water absorption of the knitted fabric was evaluated as follows, in accordance with the test method for water absorption rate of JIS L 1907 (dropping method). That is, first, five test pieces measuring 20 cm x 20 cm were taken from the knitted fabric. The test pieces were attached to a holding frame with the skin (back) side facing up, and placed between the light source and the observer, and adjusted so that the height from the surface of the test piece to the tip of the burette was 10 mm. The observer was to observe from an angle where the reflection of light by the water was clearly visible. Next, one drop of water (0.04 mL) was dropped from the burette onto the test piece, and the time from when the water drop reached the surface of the test piece to when the mirror reflection disappeared as the test piece absorbed the water drop and only the wetness remained was measured to the nearest second with a stopwatch. The average value of the five test pieces was rounded to an integer according to Rule B (rounding off) of JIS Z 8401, and the value was obtained as the water absorption. The results are shown in Tables 1 and 2.

[0075] [Drying time] In an environment of 20°C and relative humidity 65%, 0.6 mL (0.6 g, A1(g)) of water was dropped from a burette onto the center of the outer (front) surface of the knitted fabric, and the weight of water A2(g) present in the weft knitted fabric was measured at predetermined times after the dropping. The relationship between the elapsed time after the water was dropped and the residual moisture content A0 was examined using the following equation (4), and the time (drying time) at which the residual moisture content A0 became 10% was determined. A0(%) = A2 / A1 × 100 (4) The results are shown in Tables 1 and 2.

[0076] [Table 1]

[0077] [Table 2]

[0078] The knitted fabrics of Examples 1 to 4 are interwoven with a first fiber having water absorption and a second fiber having moisture absorption and water repellency, have a first surface with water absorption function, and have a moisture absorption and release characteristic value ΔMR of 1.0% or more, a water absorption time of 5 seconds or less, and a drying time of 55 minutes or less. When sweating occurs, the knitted fabrics of Examples 1 to 4 can quickly absorb moisture from the back surface (first surface), quickly diffuse the absorbed moisture to the front surface (second surface), and quickly release it from the front surface. This allows moisture absorption and release without saturating the water absorption capacity of the knitted fabric, reducing stickiness on the skin and providing excellent comfort when worn.

[0079] It was shown that the moisture absorption and release characteristic value ΔMR, water absorption, and drying time can be set within appropriate ranges not only when using cotton fibers that have been water-repellent treated before inter-knitting, as in the knitted fabrics of Examples 1 to 3, but also when applying a water-repellent treatment to the front side of the knitted fabric after inter-knitting, as in Example 4.

[0080] A comparison between Example 1 and Example 2 showed that the knitted fabric having a lower content of the first fiber and a higher content of the second fiber was superior in moisture absorption and release characteristic value ΔMR and drying time.

[0081] A comparison between Example 1 and Example 3 shows that a knitted fabric having a first fiber with a higher moisture absorptivity has a larger (superior) moisture absorption and desorption characteristic value ΔMR.

[0082] In contrast, the knitted fabric of Comparative Example 1, which uses only the first fiber (polyester fiber), exhibited a moisture absorption and desorption characteristic value ΔMR of less than 1.0%.

[0083] The knitted fabric of Comparative Example 2, which uses only the first fiber (untreated cotton), had a drying time of more than 55 minutes, indicating that it is unable to release absorbed moisture quickly.

[0084] Even when two types of fibers were used, the knitted fabric of Comparative Example 3, which used fibers having water absorption properties (polyester fiber, unprocessed cotton) (i.e., using only the first fiber), had a drying time of more than 55 minutes, indicating that it was unable to quickly release absorbed moisture.

[0085] The knitted fabric of Comparative Example 4, which used only the second fiber (water-repellent cotton) and used water-repellent cotton as the second fiber, had a water absorption rate of more than 5 seconds and a drying time of more than 55 minutes, indicating that it was unable to quickly diffuse absorbed moisture and was unable to quickly release absorbed moisture. [Industrial Applicability]

[0086] The present invention can be used as a fabric for various clothing products such as sportswear and innerwear, as well as underwear, pajamas, workwear, casual wear, men's clothing, women's clothing, children's clothing, etc. Furthermore, the present invention can be used as a fabric for clothing not only for people but also for animals such as pets.

Claims

1. A knitted fabric including a weft knitted fabric in which a first fiber having water absorption properties and a second fiber having moisture absorption and water repellency are interwoven, A first surface having a water absorbing function and a second surface opposite to the first surface, The weft knitted fabric cut into a predetermined size was dried at 100° C. for 2 hours, and the mass of the dried weft knitted fabric was W ０ The mass of the weft knitted fabric when the dried weft knitted fabric is placed in an environment of 20° C. and 65% relative humidity for 24 hours is W ６５ The mass of the weft knitted fabric when the dried weft knitted fabric is placed in an environment of 40° C. and 90% relative humidity for 24 hours is W ９０ When Moisture absorption rate MR of the weft knitted fabric at 20°C and relative humidity of 65% １ is expressed by the following formula (1): MR １ (%) = (W ６５ -W ０ ) / W ０ × 100 ・・・(1) It is expressed as Moisture absorption rate MR of the weft knitted fabric at 40°C and relative humidity of 90% ２ But, the following formula (2): MR ２ (%) = (W ９０ -W ０ ) / W ０ × 100 ・・・(2) It is expressed as The following formula (3): ΔMR(%) = MR ２ - MR １ ・・・(3) The moisture absorption and release characteristic value ΔMR of the weft knitted fabric represented by is 1.0% or more, the water absorption on the first surface measured in accordance with JIS L 1907 (drop method) is 5 seconds or less; In an environment of 20° C. and 65% relative humidity, the weft knitted fabric is subjected to a １ (g) of water is dropped, and the weight of the water remaining in the weft knitted fabric after a predetermined time has elapsed is A ２ When (g), the following formula (4): A ０ (%) = A ２ / A １ × 100 ・・・(4) The residual moisture content A of the weft knitted fabric is represented by ０ The knitted fabric, wherein the predetermined time during which the knitting density becomes 10% or less is 55 minutes or less.

2. 2. The knitted fabric of claim 1, wherein the first fibers comprise polyester and the second fibers comprise at least one material selected from the group consisting of cotton, rayon, nylon, wool, and silk.

3. The knitted fabric according to claim 1 , wherein the first fibers are hydrophilic.

4. The knitted fabric according to claim 1 , wherein the first surface is hydrophilic and the second surface is water repellent.

5. the first fibers being less hygroscopic than the second fibers; 2. The knitted fabric of claim 1, wherein the first fibers are disposed predominantly on the first surface and the second fibers are disposed predominantly on the second surface.

6. A garment using the knitted fabric according to any one of claims 1 to 5, The garment is knitted so that the first surface faces the skin.

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