Short fiber treatment agent and method for producing unwoven cloth

Abstract

To provide a short fiber treatment agent and the like capable of improving stability of an emulsion containing a short fiber treatment agent and also capable of improving friction reduction of a fiber imparted with a short fiber treatment agent.SOLUTION: The treatment agent for short fibers of the present invention is characterized by containing the following components (A), (B), and (C). Component (A) is at least one selected from hydroxy acids and alkali metal salts of hydroxy acids. Component (B) is at least one selected from quaternary ammonium compounds (B1) and imidazoline compounds (B2). Component (C) is a compound in which at least one of ethylene oxide and propylene oxide is added to monovalent or divalent fatty acids with a carbon number of 8 to 22.SELECTED DRAWING: None

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a treating agent for short fibers and a method for manufacturing a nonwoven fabric.

Background Art

[0002] Generally, synthetic fibers are used as raw material fibers for nonwoven fabrics. For example, for a nonwoven fabric, after producing staples which are short fibers of synthetic fibers, the staples are passed through a carding machine to produce a web. Therefore, by applying a treating agent for short fibers to the synthetic fibers, functions such as friction reduction are imparted. The web obtained by passing the staples through a carding machine is utilized in a wide range of fields such as industrial fields like automotive interior materials, agricultural fields, hygiene material fields, medical fields, construction and civil engineering fields, etc.

[0003] Conventionally, a treating agent for short fibers disclosed in Patent Document 1 has been known. Patent Document 1 discloses a water permeability imparting agent for fibers used in the production of nonwoven fabrics containing Component (A): gluconic acid, Component (B): alkyl phosphate, alkyl phosphate salt, etc., and Component (C): at least one selected from monohydric alcohols, polyhydric alcohols, and alkylene oxide adducts thereof and an ester of an aliphatic carboxylic acid.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] By the way, for the treating agent for short fibers, in addition to imparting the function of reducing friction to the short fibers, it is necessary to improve the stability of the emulsion containing the treating agent for short fibers prepared during use.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] As a result of research to solve the above problems, the inventors have found that a composition containing a predetermined organic acid, a quaternary ammonium compound, and a polyoxyalkylene compound is suitable.

[0007] Each aspect for solving the above problems will be described. The treating agent for short fibers according to Aspect 1 is characterized by containing the following component (A), the following component (B), and the following component (C).

[0008] Component (A): At least one selected from hydroxy acids and alkali metal salts of hydroxy acids. Component (B): The following At least one selected from a quaternary ammonium compound (B1) and The following an imidazoline compound (B2).

[0009] Component (C): At least one selected from a compound obtained by adding at least one selected from ethylene oxide and propylene oxide to a monovalent or divalent fatty acid having 8 to 22 carbon atoms, and a compound obtained by adding at least one selected from ethylene oxide and propylene oxide to a monohydric to trihydric aliphatic alcohol having 3 to 22 carbon atoms.

[0010] Quaternary ammonium compound (B1): At least one selected from the following imidazolinium-type quaternary ammonium (B1a), the following mono-long-chain skeleton-type quaternary ammonium (B1b), the following di-long-chain skeleton-type quaternary ammonium (B1c), and the following polyoxyalkylene aliphatic amine-type quaternary ammonium (B1d).

[0011] Imidazolinium-type quaternary ammonium (B1a): At least one selected from a compound obtained by quaternizing an imidazoline compound and a salt thereof. Mono-long-chain skeleton-type quaternary ammonium (B1b): At least one selected from a quaternary ammonium having one aliphatic carbon skeleton having 12 to 22 carbon atoms in the molecule and a salt thereof.

[0012] Di-long-chain skeleton-type quaternary ammonium (B1c): At least one selected from a quaternary ammonium having two aliphatic carbon skeletons having 12 to 22 carbon atoms in the molecule and a salt thereof.

[0013] Polyoxyalkylene aliphatic amine-type quaternary ammonium (B1d): At least one selected from a quaternary ammonium having one aliphatic carbon skeleton having 12 to 22 carbon atoms and two polyoxyalkylene skeletons having oxyalkylene as a structural unit in the molecule and a salt thereof.

[0014] Imidazoline compound (B2): At least one selected from an imidazoline having an alkenyl group having 1 to 24 carbon atoms and an imidazoline having an alkyl group having 1 to 24 carbon atoms. Aspect 2 is the treating agent for short fibers according to Aspect 1, wherein the component (A) is at least one selected from gluconic acid and alkali metal salts of gluconic acid. 。

[0015] Aspect 3 is as follows in the treating agent for short fibers described in Aspect 1 Or 2 wherein the component (C) is at least one selected from a compound obtained by adding a total of 3 to 50 moles of at least one selected from ethylene oxide and propylene oxide to 1 mole of a monovalent or divalent fatty acid having 12 to 20 carbon atoms, and a compound obtained by adding a total of 3 to 50 moles of at least one selected from ethylene oxide and propylene oxide to 1 mole of a monohydric to trihydric aliphatic alcohol having 8 to 18 carbon atoms.

[0016] Aspect 4 is as follows in the treating agent for short fibers described in any one of Aspects 1 to 3 wherein when the total content ratio of the component (A), the component (B), and the component (C) is 100% by mass, the component (A) is contained in a ratio of 1% to 20% by mass, the component (B) is contained in a ratio of 1% to 60% by mass, and the component (C) is contained in a ratio of 30% to 90% by mass.

[0017] Aspect 5 The method for producing a nonwoven fabric is characterized by passing through the following steps 1 to 3. Step 1: A step of attaching the treating agent for short fibers described in any one of Aspects 1 to 4 to synthetic fibers.

[0018] Step 2: A step of passing the synthetic fibers to which the treating agent for short fibers has been attached in Step 1 through a carding machine to obtain a web. Step 3: A step of subjecting the web obtained in Step 2 to a needle punching treatment to obtain a nonwoven fabric.

[0019] Aspect 6 is as follows in the method for producing a nonwoven fabric described in Aspect 5 wherein the synthetic fibers are polyester-based synthetic fibers.

Advantages of the Invention

[0020] According to the present invention, it is possible to improve the stability of an emulsion containing a treating agent for short fibers, and to improve the friction reducing property of fibers to which the treating agent for short fibers is applied.

Embodiment for Carrying Out the Invention

[0021] <First Embodiment> A first embodiment in which a treating agent for short fibers according to the present invention (hereinafter simply referred to as a treating agent) is embodied will be described.

[0022] The treating agent of the present embodiment contains at least one selected from hydroxy acids and alkali metal salts of hydroxy acids as component (A), at least one selected from a quaternary ammonium compound (B1) and an imidazoline compound (B2) as component (B), and at least one selected from a compound obtained by adding at least one selected from ethylene oxide and propylene oxide to a monovalent or divalent fatty acid having 8 to 22 carbon atoms as component (C), and a compound obtained by adding at least one selected from ethylene oxide and propylene oxide to a monohydric to trihydric aliphatic alcohol having 3 to 22 carbon atoms.

[0023] (Component (A)) Component (A) used in the treating agent of the present embodiment is at least one selected from hydroxy acids and alkali metal salts of hydroxy acids as described above. By containing component (A) in the treating agent, the stability of the emulsion containing the treating agent can be improved.

[0024] Examples of the hydroxy acid include organic acids having a hydroxy group and aliphatic carboxylic acids having a hydroxy group. The aliphatic carboxylic acid is not particularly limited with respect to the presence or absence of branching, etc., and may be, for example, a higher fatty acid or a carboxylic acid having a cyclic cyclo ring. Also, it may be a saturated fatty acid or an unsaturated fatty acid. The carbon number of the hydroxy acid is not particularly limited, but is preferably 1 or more and 20 or less, more preferably 2 or more and 18 or less, and still more preferably 3 or more and 12 or less.

[0025] Specific examples of hydroxy acids include, for example, gluconic acid, citric acid, lactic acid, tartaric acid, glycolic acid, malic acid, ricinoleic acid, hydroxybutyric acid, glyceric acid, and the like. Natural fatty acids may be used as the hydroxy acid, but when fatty acids other than hydroxy acids are also included, 80% by mass or more of the total fatty acids may be hydroxy acids. Specific examples of natural fatty acids include, for example, castor oil containing ricinoleic acid, hydrogenated castor oil, and the like.

[0026] Specific examples of the alkali metal constituting the alkali metal salt include, for example, sodium, potassium, lithium, and the like. These components (A) may be used alone or in appropriate combinations of two or more.

[0027] Among these components (A), gluconic acid and alkali metal salts of gluconic acid are preferred from the viewpoint of being able to further improve the stability when hard water is used as the solvent. The lower limit of the content ratio of component (A) in the non-volatile matter of the treatment agent not containing a solvent is appropriately set, but is preferably 0.5% by mass or more, more preferably 1% by mass or more. When such a content ratio is 0.5% by mass or more, the stability when hard water is used as the solvent can be further improved. The upper limit of the content ratio of such component (A) is appropriately set, but is preferably 30% by mass or less, more preferably 20% by mass or less. When such a content ratio is 30% by mass or less, the card passing property of the fiber to which the treatment agent is applied can be further improved. In addition, ranges arbitrarily combining the above upper and lower limits are also assumed. The non-volatile matter is determined from the mass of the absolutely dry matter obtained by heat-treating the object at 105°C for 2 hours to sufficiently remove volatile substances (the same applies hereinafter).

[0028] (Component (B)) Component (B) used in the treatment agent of this embodiment is at least one selected from the quaternary ammonium compound (B1) and the imidazoline compound (B2) as described above. By containing component (B) in the treatment agent, the friction reduction property can be improved for the short fibers to which the treatment agent is applied. In particular, the fiber / metal interfacial friction can be reduced.

[0029] Examples of the quaternary ammonium compound (B1) include at least one selected from the following imidazolinium-type quaternary ammonium (B1a), the following mono-long-chain skeleton-type quaternary ammonium (B1b), the following di-long-chain skeleton-type quaternary ammonium (B1c), and the following polyoxyalkylene aliphatic amine-type quaternary ammonium (B1d). Mu. By using these quaternary ammonium compounds (B1), the antistatic property can be further improved.

[0030] The imidazolinium-type quaternary ammonium (B1a) is at least one selected from a quaternized compound of an imidazoline compound and its salt. Thing Examples of the imidazolinium-type quaternary ammonium (B1a) include quaternary ammonium salts represented by the following general formula (1).

[0031]

Chemical formula

[0032] In general formula (1), R 1 is an alkyl group or alkenyl group having 1 to 24 carbon atoms, and R 2 is an alkyl group or alkenyl group having 1 to 24 carbon atoms. n represents an integer of 1 to 20. X - Examples include sulfate ions such as alkyl sulfate ions, phosphate ions such as alkyl phosphate ions, sulfonate ions such as alkyl sulfonate ions, and anions such as chloride ions.

[0033] The imidazoline compound used as a raw material for the imidazolinium-type quaternary ammonium (B1a)Thing and Among them, the imidazoline compound type tertiary amine without the substituent R in the compound represented by the general formula (1) is mentioned. 2 Examples include imidazoline compounds.

[0034] As the imidazoline compound (B2), it is at least one selected from an imidazoline having an alkenyl group having 1 to 24 carbon atoms and an imidazoline having an alkyl group having 1 to 24 carbon atoms.

[0035] Specific examples of the imidazoline compound (B2) include 1-(2-hydroxyethyl)-2-alkenylimidazolines such as 1-(2-hydroxyethyl)-2-oleylimidazoline, and 1-(2-hydroxyethyl)-2-alkylimidazolines such as 1-(2-hydroxyethyl)-2-stearylimidazoline.

[0036] Imidazoline compound Thing The quaternized compound or its salt includes, for example, the reaction product with dialkyl sulfate, trialkyl phosphate, or alkyl sulfonic acid. Specific examples of dialkyl sulfate include dimethyl sulfate, diethyl sulfate, etc. Thing and

[0037] Specific examples of the imidazolinium type quaternary ammonium (B1a) include, for example, the alkyl sulfate salt of 1-ethyl-2-(heptadecenyl)-4,5-dihydro-3-(2-hydroxyethyl)-1H-imidazolinium, the alkyl sulfate salt of 1-methyl-2-(heptadecenyl)-4,5-dihydro-3-(2-hydroxyethyl)-1H-imidazolinium, the alkyl sulfate salt of 1-ethyl-2-(heptadecyl)-4,5-dihydro-3-(2-hydroxyethyl)-1H-imidazolinium, the alkyl sulfate salt of 1-ethyl-2-(isoheptadecyl)-4,5-dihydro-3-(2-hydroxyethyl)-1H-imidazolinium, the alkyl sulfate salt of 1-ethyl-2-(pentadecyl)-4,5-dihydro-3-(2-hydroxyethyl)-1H-imidazolinium, etc.

[0038] The mono-long-chain skeleton type quaternary ammonium (B1b) is at least one selected from quaternary ammonium having one aliphatic carbon skeleton having 12 to 22 carbon atoms in the molecule and salts thereof. Examples of the ions constituting the salt form include sulfate ions such as alkyl sulfate ions, phosphate ions such as alkyl phosphate ions, sulfonate ions such as alkyl sulfonate ions, and anions such as chloride ions.

[0039] Examples of the aliphatic carbon skeleton having 12 to 22 carbon atoms include saturated hydrocarbon groups, unsaturated hydrocarbon groups, straight-chain hydrocarbon groups, and hydrocarbon groups having a branched chain. Specific examples of the aliphatic carbon skeleton having 12 to 22 carbon atoms include, for example, (1) straight-chain saturated hydrocarbon groups such as dodecyl group, tridecyl group, tetradecyl group, pentadecyl group, hexadecyl group, heptadecyl group, octadecyl group, icosyl group, docosyl group, etc., (2) saturated hydrocarbon groups having a branched chain such as isododecyl group, isotridecyl group, isotetradecyl group, isopentadecyl group, isohexadecyl group, isoheptadecyl group, isooctadecyl group, isicosyl group, isodocosyl group, etc., (3) straight-chain unsaturated hydrocarbon groups having one double bond in the hydrocarbon group such as dodecenyl group, tridecenyl group, tetradecenyl group, pentadecenyl group, hexadecenyl group, heptadecenyl group, octadecenyl group, icosenyl group, docosenyl group, etc.

[0040] The mono-long-chain skeleton type quaternary ammonium (B1b) includes, for example, the reaction product of a tertiary amine having one aliphatic carbon skeleton having 12 to 22 carbon atoms and dialkyl sulfate, trialkyl phosphate, or alkyl sulfonate. Specific examples of dialkyl sulfate include dimethyl sulfate, diethyl sulfate, etc.

[0041] Specific examples of the tertiary amine having one aliphatic carbon skeleton having 12 to 22 carbon atoms include, for example, N-stearyl-N,N-bis(2-hydroxyethyl)amine, N-[3-(dimethylamino)propyl]stearamide, N-[3-(dimethylamino)propyl]lauroylamide, etc.

[0042] Specific examples of the quaternary ammonium having one aliphatic carbon skeleton with 12 to 22 carbon atoms in the molecule include, for example, lauryltrimethylammonium, stearyltrimethylammonium, eicosenyltriethylammonium, oleyltrimethylammonium, di(hydroxyethyl)stearylmethylammonium, di(hydroxyethyl)oleylmethylammonium, ethyldimethyl(stearoylamino)propanammonium, ethyldimethyl(lauroylamino)propanammonium, tallow alkyltrimethylammonium, and the like.

[0043] Specific examples of the mono-long-chain skeleton type quaternary ammonium (B1b) include, for example, alkyl sulfates of N-stearyl-N,N-bis(2-hydroxyethyl)-N-methylammonium, N-oleyl-N,N-bis(2-hydroxyethyl)-N-methylammonium chloride, alkyl sulfates of N-ethyl-N,N-dimethyl-3-(stearoylamino)propanammonium, alkyl sulfates of N-ethyl-N,N-dimethyl-3-(lauroylamino)propanammonium, tallow alkyltrimethylammonium chloride, and the like.

[0044] The di-long-chain skeleton type quaternary ammonium (B1c) is at least one selected from quaternary ammonium having two aliphatic carbon skeletons with 12 to 22 carbon atoms in the molecule and salts thereof. Examples of the ions constituting the salt form include sulfate ions such as alkyl sulfate ions, phosphate ions such as alkyl phosphate ions, sulfonate ions such as alkyl sulfonate ions, and anions such as chloride ions.

[0045] Examples of the aliphatic carbon skeleton with 12 to 22 carbon atoms include saturated hydrocarbon groups, unsaturated hydrocarbon groups, straight-chain hydrocarbon groups, and hydrocarbon groups having a branched chain. Specific examples thereof are the same as those described in the column of the mono-long-chain skeleton type quaternary ammonium (B1b).

[0046] The geminal long-chain skeleton type quaternary ammonium (B1c) includes, for example, the reaction product of a tertiary amine having two aliphatic carbon skeletons each having 12 to 22 carbon atoms and dialkyl sulfate, trialkyl phosphate, or alkyl sulfonic acid. Specific examples of dialkyl sulfate include, for example, dimethyl sulfate, diethyl sulfate, and the like.

[0047] Specific examples of the quaternary ammonium having two aliphatic carbon skeletons each having 12 to 22 carbon atoms include, for example, dilauryl dimethyl ammonium, dioctadecyl dimethyl ammonium, dimethyl dioleyl ammonium, and the like.

[0048] Specific examples of the geminal long-chain skeleton type quaternary ammonium (B1c) include, for example, dioctadecyl dimethyl ammonium chloride and the like. The polyoxyalkylene aliphatic amine type quaternary ammonium (B1d) is at least one selected from a quaternary ammonium having one aliphatic carbon skeleton having 12 to 22 carbon atoms and two polyoxyalkylene skeletons having oxyalkylene as a structural unit in the molecule, and salts thereof. Examples of the ions constituting the salt form include sulfate ions such as alkyl sulfate ions, phosphate ions such as alkyl phosphate ions, sulfonate ions such as alkyl sulfonate ions, and anions such as chloride ions.

[0049] Examples of the aliphatic carbon skeleton having 12 to 22 carbon atoms include saturated hydrocarbon groups, unsaturated hydrocarbon groups, straight-chain hydrocarbon groups, and branched-chain hydrocarbon groups. Specific examples thereof are the same as those described in the column of the mono long-chain skeleton type quaternary ammonium (B1b).

[0050] It includes the reaction product of a tertiary amine composed of a compound obtained by adding an alkylene oxide to an aliphatic amine having 12 to 22 carbon atoms and dialkyl sulfate, trialkyl phosphate, or alkyl sulfonic acid. Specific examples of dialkyl sulfate include, for example, dimethyl sulfate, diethyl sulfate, and the like.

[0051] Specific examples of the aliphatic amine include, for example, laurylamine, octadecylamine, octadecenylamine, stearylamine, oleylamine, and the like. Specific examples of the reaction product of a tertiary amine and dialkyl sulfate include, for example, the reaction product of a compound obtained by adding 5 moles of ethylene oxide to 1 mole of stearylamine and dimethyl sulfate, the reaction product of a compound obtained by adding 5 moles of ethylene oxide and 3 moles of propylene oxide to 1 mole of oleylamine and diethyl sulfate, and the like.

[0052] Examples of the alkylene oxide used as a raw material constituting the polyoxyalkylene skeleton include ethylene oxide, propylene oxide, butylene oxide, and the like. The number of moles of alkylene oxide added is appropriately set, but is preferably 2 moles or more and 60 moles or less, more preferably 3 moles or more and 50 moles or less, and still more preferably 4 moles or more and 50 moles or less. Ranges obtained by arbitrarily combining the above upper and lower limits are also envisioned. The number of moles of alkylene oxide added indicates the number of moles of alkylene oxide per 1 mole of the compound to be added in the charged raw materials. The alkylene oxide may be used alone as one type of alkylene oxide, or two or more types of alkylene oxides may be used in appropriate combination. When two or more types of alkylene oxides are applied, their addition forms may be any of block addition, random addition, and a combination of block addition and random addition, and there are no particular restrictions.

[0053] Specific examples of the polyoxyalkylene aliphatic amine type quaternary ammonium (B1d) include, for example, the alkyl sulfate of the alkylene oxide adduct of N-stearyl-N,N-bis(2-hydroxyethyl)-N-methylammonium, the alkyl sulfate of the alkylene oxide adduct of N-oleyl-N,N-bis(2-hydroxyethyl)-N-ethylammonium, and the like.

[0054] These components (B) may be used alone as one type, or two or more types may be used in appropriate combination. The lower limit of the content ratio of component (B) in the non-volatile matter of the solvent-free treatment agent is appropriately set, but is preferably 0.5% by mass or more, more preferably 1% by mass or more. When such a content ratio is 1% by mass or more, the friction reduction property can be further improved for the short fibers to which the treatment agent is applied. In particular, the fiber / metal interfacial friction can be further reduced. The upper limit of the content ratio of such component (B) is appropriately set, but is preferably 65% by mass or less, more preferably 60% by mass or less. When such a content ratio is 65% by mass or less, the card passing property can be further improved. In addition, a range obtained by arbitrarily combining the above upper and lower limits is also assumed.

[0055] (Component (C)) Component (C) used in the treatment agent of this embodiment is at least one selected from compounds obtained by adding at least one selected from ethylene oxide and propylene oxide to a monovalent or divalent fatty acid having 8 to 22 carbon atoms, and compounds obtained by adding at least one selected from ethylene oxide and propylene oxide to a monohydric to trivalent aliphatic alcohol having 3 to 22 carbon atoms. The friction reduction property can be improved for the short fibers to which the treatment agent is applied. In particular, the fiber / metal interfacial friction can be reduced.

[0056] Specific examples of the fatty acid used as the raw material of component (C) include, for example, (1) linear alkyl carboxylic acids such as octylic acid, nonanoic acid, decanoic acid, undecanoic acid, dodecanoic acid, tridecanoic acid, tetradecanoic acid, pentadecanoic acid, hexadecanoic acid, heptadecanoic acid, octadecanoic acid, nonadecanoic acid, eicosanoic acid, heneicosanoic acid, docosanoic acid, etc., (2) branched alkyl carboxylic acids such as 2-ethylhexanoic acid, isododecanoic acid, isotridecanoic acid, isotetradecanoic acid, isohexadecanoic acid, isooctadecanoic acid, etc., (3) linear alkenyl carboxylic acids such as oleic acid, octadecenoic acid, octadecadienoic acid, octadecatrienoic acid, erucic acid, etc., (4) hydroxycarboxylic acids such as 12-hydroxystearic acid, ricinoleic acid, etc., (5) polyvalent carboxylic acids such as sebacic acid, etc. Among these, from the viewpoint of further improving the stability of the emulsion containing the treatment agent, a monovalent or divalent fatty acid having 12 or more and 20 or less carbon atoms is preferably applied.

[0057] Specific examples of the monohydric aliphatic alcohol used as the raw material of component (C) include, for example, (1) linear alkyl alcohols such as propanol, butanol, pentanol, hexanol, octanol, nonanol, decanol, undecanol, dodecanol, tridecanol, tetradecanol, pentadecanol, hexadecanol, heptadecanol, octadecanol, nonadecanol, eicosanol, heneicosanol, docosanol, etc., (2) branched alkyl alcohols such as isopropanol, isobutanol, isohexanol, 2-ethylhexanol, isononanol, isodecanol, isododecanol, isotridecanol, isotetradecanol, isopentadecanol, isohexadecanol, isoheptadecanol, isooctadecanol, isononadecanol, isoeicosanol, isoheneicosanol, isodocosanol, etc., (3) linear alkenyl alcohols such as oleyl alcohol, tetradecenol, hexadecenol, heptadecenol, octadecenol, nonadecenol, etc., (4) branched alkenyl alcohols such as isohexadecenol, isooctadecenol, etc., (5) cyclic alkyl alcohols such as cyclopentanol, cyclohexanol, etc.

[0058] Specific examples of the polyhydric alcohol used as the raw material of component (C) include, for example, propylene glycol, 1,3-propanediol, 1,2-butanediol, 1,3-butanediol, 1,4-butanediol, 2-methyl-1,2-propanediol, 1,5-pentanediol, 1,6-hexanediol, 2,5-hexanediol, 2-methyl-2,4-pentanediol, 2,3-dimethyl-2,3-butanediol, 1,10-decanediol, glycerin, 2-methyl-2-hydroxymethyl-1,3-propanediol, trimethylolpropane and the like.

[0059] Among these, from the viewpoint of further improving the stability of the emulsion containing the treatment agent, aliphatic alcohols having 8 or more and 18 or less carbon atoms and 1 or more and 3 or less valences are preferably applied. Examples of the alkylene oxide used as the raw material of component (C) include ethylene oxide and propylene oxide. The added molar number of the alkylene oxide is appropriately set, but is preferably 1 mol or more and 60 mol or less, more preferably 3 mol or more and 50 mol or less. Ranges obtained by arbitrarily combining the above upper and lower limits are also assumed. The added molar number of the alkylene oxide indicates the molar number of the alkylene oxide with respect to 1 mol of the addition target compound in the charged raw materials. The alkylene oxide may be used alone as one kind of alkylene oxide, or two or more kinds of alkylene oxides may be appropriately combined and used. When two or more kinds of alkylene oxides are applied, their addition forms may be any of block addition, random addition, and a combination of block addition and random addition, and there is no particular limitation.

[0060] Among these, component (C) is preferably at least one selected from a compound obtained by adding a total of 3 to 50 moles of at least one selected from ethylene oxide and propylene oxide to 1 mole of a monovalent or divalent fatty acid having 12 to 20 carbon atoms, and a compound obtained by adding a total of 3 to 50 moles of at least one selected from ethylene oxide and propylene oxide to 1 mole of a monohydric to trivalent aliphatic alcohol having 8 to 18 carbon atoms. By using these compounds, the stability of the emulsion containing the treating agent can be further improved.

[0061] Specific examples of the nonionic surfactant include, for example, a compound obtained by adding ethylene oxide to oleic acid, a compound obtained by randomly adding ethylene oxide and propylene oxide to a branched alkyl alcohol having 12 or 13 carbon atoms, a compound obtained by adding ethylene oxide to lauryl alcohol, a compound obtained by adding ethylene oxide to stearic acid, a compound obtained by adding ethylene oxide to lauric acid, a compound obtained by block-adding ethylene oxide and propylene oxide to a branched alkyl alcohol having 8 to 10 carbon atoms, a compound obtained by block-adding propylene oxide and ethylene oxide to myristic acid, a compound obtained by block-adding propylene oxide and ethylene oxide to 2-ethylhexanol, a compound obtained by adding ethylene oxide to 12-hydroxystearic acid, a compound obtained by adding ethylene oxide to oleyl alcohol, a compound obtained by adding ethylene oxide to 1,10-decanediol, a compound obtained by adding ethylene oxide to sebacic acid, a compound obtained by adding ethylene oxide to 2-ethylhexanoic acid, a compound obtained by adding ethylene oxide to erucic acid, a compound obtained by adding ethylene oxide to 1-docosanol, a compound obtained by adding ethylene oxide to glycerin, a compound obtained by randomly adding ethylene oxide and propylene oxide to propylene glycol, a compound obtained by block-adding propylene oxide and ethylene oxide to propylene glycol, a compound obtained by block-adding ethylene oxide and propylene oxide to oleic acid, a compound obtained by adding ethylene oxide to 2-ethylhexanol, and the like.

[0062] These components (C) may be used alone or in appropriate combination of two or more. The lower limit of the content ratio of component (C) in the non-volatile matter of the solvent-free treatment agent is appropriately set, but is preferably 5% by mass or more, more preferably 15% by mass or more, and still more preferably 30% by mass or more. When such a content ratio is 5% by mass or more, the friction reduction property can be improved for the short fibers to which the treatment agent is applied. In particular, the fiber / metal interfacial friction can be reduced. The upper limit of the content ratio of such component (C) is appropriately set, but is preferably 95% by mass or less, more preferably 90% by mass or less. When such a content ratio is 95% by mass or less, the friction reduction property can be improved for the short fibers to which the treatment agent is applied. In particular, the fiber / metal interfacial friction can be reduced. In addition, the range obtained by arbitrarily combining the above upper and lower limits is also assumed.

[0063] In the non-volatile matter of the solvent-free treatment agent, when the total content ratios of the component (A), the component (B), and the component (C) are 100% by mass, preferably the component (A) is 1% by mass or more and 20% by mass or less, the component (B) is 1% by mass or more and 60% by mass or less, and the component (C) is 30% by mass or more and 90% by mass or less. By defining it within such a range, the card passing property can be further improved. In addition, the friction reduction property can be further improved for the short fibers to which the treatment agent is applied. In particular, the fiber / metal interfacial friction can be further reduced. Also, the stability of the treatment agent against hard water can be further improved.

[0064] (solvent) The treatment agent of the present embodiment may be mixed with a solvent if necessary to prepare a treatment agent-containing composition for short fibers (hereinafter referred to as "treatment agent-containing composition"), and may be stored or distributed in the form of the treatment agent-containing composition. With such a configuration, when further diluting with a solvent during use, the homogeneity and stability of the mixture are improved.

[0065] The solvent is a solvent having a boiling point of 105°C or lower at 1 atm. Examples of the solvent include water and organic solvents. Specific examples of the organic solvent include lower alcohols such as ethanol and propanol, and low-polarity solvents such as hexane. These solvents may be used alone or in appropriate combinations of two or more. Among these, polar solvents such as water and lower alcohols are preferred from the viewpoint of excellent dispersibility or solubility of each component, and water is more preferred from the viewpoint of excellent handleability.

[0066] In the treatment agent-containing composition, when the total content ratio of the treatment agent and the solvent is 100 parts by mass, it is preferable to contain 10 parts by mass or more of the treatment agent. (Effect of this embodiment) The effect of the treatment agent of the above first embodiment will be described.

[0067] (1-1) The treatment agent of the above first embodiment contains the above-described component (A), component (B), and component (C). Therefore, the stability of the emulsion containing the treatment agent can be improved, and the friction reduction property of the fiber to which the treatment agent is applied can be improved. In particular, the fiber / metal interfacial friction can be reduced. In addition, the antistatic property and card passing property of the fiber to which the treatment agent is applied can be improved. Also, the stability of the treatment agent against hard water can be improved. Thereby, scum can be reduced.

[0068] <Second Embodiment> A second embodiment embodying the method for manufacturing a nonwoven fabric according to the present invention will be described. The nonwoven fabric obtained in this embodiment has the treatment agent of the first embodiment adhered thereto.

[0069] The method for manufacturing the nonwoven fabric of this embodiment goes through the following steps 1 to 3. Step 1: A step of attaching the treatment agent of the first embodiment to synthetic fibers. Step 2: A step of passing the synthetic fibers to which the treatment agent has been attached in Step 1 through a carding machine to obtain a web.

[0070] Step 3: A step of subjecting the web obtained in Step 2 to needle punching treatment to obtain a nonwoven fabric. (Synthetic fiber) Specific examples of synthetic fibers include: (1) polyolefin synthetic fibers such as polyethylene fibers, polypropylene fibers, and polybutene fibers; (2) polyester synthetic fibers such as polyethylene terephthalate, polybutylene terephthalate, polyethylene terephthalate / isophthalate, and polyether polyester; (3) polyamide synthetic fibers such as nylon 6 and nylon 66; (4) among composite fibers, composite fibers with a core-sheath structure where either the core or the sheath or both are polyolefin fibers, for example, polyethylene / polypropylene composite fibers where the sheath is polyethylene fiber, polyethylene / polyester composite fibers, or polyethylene / polypropylene composite fibers and polyethylene / polyester composite fibers having a side-by-side structure. Here, polyolefin synthetic fibers are meant to be synthetic fibers synthesized using olefins or alkenes as monomers.

[0071] (Use of the fiber) The use of the fiber to which the treatment agent is attached is short fiber. Short fibers generally correspond to what is commonly called staple and do not include long fibers generally called filaments. Also, the length of the short fiber is not particularly limited as long as it corresponds to short fibers in the technical field, but for example, it is 100 mm or less, preferably 30 mm or more and 70 mm or less.

[0072] (Attachment treatment of the treatment agent) There is no particular limitation on the ratio of attaching the treatment agent of the first embodiment to the synthetic fiber, but it is preferably attached so as to be 0.1% by mass or more and 2% by mass or less with respect to the synthetic fiber as a treatment agent not containing a solvent, and more preferably attached so as to be 0.3% by mass or more and 1.2% by mass or less.

[0073] As a method of attaching the treatment agent to the synthetic fiber, for example, a known method such as an immersion method, a spray method, a roller method, or a guide oil supply method using a metering pump can be applied using the treatment agent of the first embodiment and a treatment agent-containing composition containing water or a diluted solution further diluted with a solvent.

[0074] (Effects of this embodiment) The effects of the method for manufacturing the nonwoven fabric of the second embodiment will be described. (2-1) In the second embodiment, the nonwoven fabric is manufactured using the fibers to which the treatment agent containing the above-described component (A), component (B), and component (C) is attached. Therefore, the fiber / metal friction of the fibers to which the treatment agent is applied can be reduced. In addition, the card passing property of the fibers to which the treatment agent is applied can be improved. Therefore, the manufacturing characteristics and quality of the nonwoven fabric obtained by the needle punching treatment can be improved.

[0075] (Modification example) The above embodiment can be implemented with the following modifications. The above embodiment and the following modification examples can be implemented in combination with each other within a technically non-contradictory range.

[0076] · The method for manufacturing the nonwoven fabric of the above embodiment is not particularly limited, and a method for manufacturing a nonwoven fabric using a card machine that requires reduction of friction other than the above may be adopted. · The above-described treatment agent or composition may contain components usually used in treatment agents such as stabilizers, antistatic agents, smoothing agents, surfactants other than the above, antistatic agents, antistatic auxiliary agents such as polyhydric alcohols, binders, antioxidants, ultraviolet absorbers, and defoaming agents, within a range that does not inhibit the effects of the present invention. In addition, from the viewpoint of efficiently exerting the efficacy of the present invention, other components usually used in treatment agents other than solvents are preferably 40% by mass or less, and more preferably 20% by mass or less in each treatment agent.

Examples

[0077] Hereinafter, in order to make the configuration and effects of the present invention more specific, examples and the like will be given, but the present invention is not limited to these examples. In the following examples and comparative examples, parts mean parts by mass and % means mass% unless otherwise specified.

[0078] Test category 1 (Preparation of treatment agent) (Example 1) As shown in Table 1, 5 parts (%) of sodium gluconate (A-1) as component (A), 10 parts (%) of ethyl sulfate of 1-ethyl-2-(heptadecenyl)-4,5-dihydro-3-(2-hydroxyethyl)-1H-imidazolinium (B-1) as component (B), 77 parts (%) of a compound (C-1) obtained by adding 10 moles of ethylene oxide to 1 mole of oleic acid as component (C), 5 parts (%) of a compound (C-3) obtained by adding 7 moles of ethylene oxide to 1 mole of lauryl alcohol, and 3 parts (%) of ethylene glycol (D-1) as other component (D) were weighed and added to a container. While adding water at 20 °C to the container, the mixture was stirred to be uniformly mixed, and a 20% aqueous solution (treatment agent-containing composition) of the treatment agent of Example 1 was prepared as a total of 500 parts.

[0079] (Examples 2 to 47, Comparative Examples 1 to 8) The treatment agents of Examples 2 to 47 and Comparative Examples 1 to 8 were prepared to contain components (A), (B), (C), and other component (D) in the ratios shown in Tables 1 and 2 in the same manner as the treatment agent-containing composition of Example 1.

[0080] The types and contents of component (A), the types and contents of component (B), the types and contents of component (C), and the types and contents of other component (D) are shown in the columns of "Component (A)", "Component (B)", "Component (C)", and "Other Component (D)" in Tables 1 and 2, respectively.

[0081]

Table 1

[0082]

Table 2

[0083] Details of components (A), (B), (C), and other component (D) described in Tables 1 and 2 are as follows. <Component (A): Hydroxy acid or its alkali metal salt> A-1: Sodium gluconate A-2: Potassium gluconate A-3: Gluconic acid A-4: Sodium citrate A-5: Citric acid A-6: Potassium lactate A-7: Lactic acid a-1: Zinc gluconate a-2: Chlorhexidine gluconate <Component (B): Quaternary ammonium compound (B1) or imidazoline compound (B2)> (Imidazolinium type quaternary ammonium (B1a)) B-1: Ethyl sulfate of 1-ethyl-2-(heptadecenyl)-4,5-dihydro-3-(2-hydroxyethyl)-1H-imidazolinium B-2: Methyl sulfate of 1-methyl-2-(heptadecenyl)-4,5-dihydro-3-(2-hydroxyethyl)-1H-imidazolinium B-3: Ethyl sulfate of 1-ethyl-2-(heptadecyl)-4,5-dihydro-3-(2-hydroxyethyl)-1H-imidazolinium (Polyoxyalkylene aliphatic amine type quaternary ammonium (B1d)) B-4: Methyl sulfate of ethylene oxide 3 mol adduct of N-stearyl-N,N-bis(2-hydroxyethyl)-N-methylammonium B-5: Ethyl sulfate of ethylene oxide 3 mol / propylene oxide 3 mol adduct of N-oleyl-N,N-bis(2-hydroxyethyl)-N-ethylammonium (Mono long-chain skeleton type quaternary ammonium (B1b)) B-6: Methyl sulfate of N-stearyl-N,N-bis(2-hydroxyethyl)-N-methylammonium B-7: Chloride of N-oleyl-N,N-bis(2-hydroxyethyl)-N-methylammonium B-8: Ethyl sulfate of N-ethyl-N,N-dimethyl-3-(stearoylamino)propanammonium B-9: Ethyl sulfate of N-ethyl-N,N-dimethyl-3-(lauroylamino)propanammonium, B-10: Tallow alkyltrimethylammonium chloride (Di-long chain skeleton type quaternary ammonium (B1c)) B-11: Dioctadecyldimethylammonium chloride (Imidazoline compound (B2)) B-12: 1-(2-Hydroxyethyl)-2-oleylimidazoline B-13: 1-(2-Hydroxyethyl)-2-stearylimidazoline <Component (C): Polyoxyalkylene type nonionic surfactant> C-1: A compound obtained by adding 10 moles of ethylene oxide to 1 mole of oleic acid C-2: A compound obtained by randomly adding 6 moles of ethylene oxide and 2 moles of propylene oxide to 1 mole of a branched alkyl alcohol having 12 or 13 carbon atoms C-3: A compound obtained by adding 7 moles of ethylene oxide to 1 mole of lauryl alcohol C-4: A compound obtained by adding 40 moles of ethylene oxide to 1 mole of stearic acid C-5: A compound obtained by adding 10 moles of ethylene oxide to 1 mole of lauric acid C-6: A compound obtained by block-adding 3 moles of ethylene oxide and 4 moles of propylene oxide to 1 mole of a branched alkyl alcohol having 8 to 10 carbon atoms C-7: A compound obtained by block-adding 4 moles of propylene oxide and 3 moles of ethylene oxide to 1 mole of myristic acid C-8: A compound obtained by block-adding 3 moles of propylene oxide and 12 moles of ethylene oxide to 1 mole of 2-ethylhexanol C-9: A compound obtained by adding 8 moles of ethylene oxide to 1 mole of 12-hydroxystearic acid C-10: A compound obtained by adding 20 moles of ethylene oxide to 1 mole of oleyl alcohol C-11: A compound obtained by adding 15 moles of ethylene oxide to 1 mole of 1,10-decanediol Compound obtained by adding 20 moles of ethylene oxide per mole of sebacic acid Compound obtained by adding 4 moles of ethylene oxide per mole of 2-ethylhexanoic acid Compound obtained by adding 10 moles of ethylene oxide per mole of erucic acid Compound obtained by adding 25 moles of ethylene oxide per mole of 1-docosanol Compound obtained by adding 10 moles of ethylene oxide per mole of glycerin Compound obtained by randomly adding 30 moles of ethylene oxide and 30 moles of propylene oxide per mole of propylene glycol Compound obtained by block-adding 30 moles of propylene oxide and 30 moles of ethylene oxide per mole of propylene glycol Compound obtained by block-adding 10 moles of ethylene oxide and 45 moles of propylene oxide per mole of oleic acid Compound obtained by adding 2 moles of ethylene oxide per mole of 2-ethylhexanol <Other Component (D)> D-1: Ethylene glycol D-2: Propylene glycol D-3: Dimethyl silicone (10 cst, 30 °C) D-4: Polyethylene glycol (weight-average molecular weight 400) D-5: 1,3-Propanediol D-6: Glucose D-7: Cocamidopropyl betaine D-8: Potassium octyl phosphate D-9: Sodium dioctyl sulfosuccinate Compound obtained by adding 20 moles of ethylene oxide per mole of sorbitan trioleate Compound obtained by adding 20 moles of ethylene oxide per mole of hydrogenated castor oil Test Category 2 (Manufacture of Synthetic Fibers and Nonwoven Fabrics) Using the treatment agent-containing composition prepared in Test Section 1, synthetic fibers and nonwoven fabrics were produced.

[0084] As the synthetic fibers, polyethylene terephthalate fibers were used. These synthetic fibers are staple fibers with a fineness of 6.6 dtex and a length of 64 mm. To 100 g of these synthetic fibers, a 0.3% dilution obtained by further diluting a 20% aqueous solution of the prepared treatment agent with distilled water was attached by the spray method. At this time, the solid content adhesion amount was made to be 0.3% (excluding the solvent) with respect to the staple. The synthetic fibers to which the treatment agent had adhered were dried in a hot air dryer at 80 °C for 1 hour to prepare short fiber samples. The emulsion stability was evaluated using the treatment agent-containing compositions of each example obtained as described above. Also, the antistatic property, card passing property, and fiber / metal friction were evaluated using the short fiber samples to which the treatment agent had adhered. Further, the hard water stability was evaluated using the treatment agents of each example obtained by uniformly mixing each component.

[0085] Incidentally, the adhesion amount of the treatment agent to the treated nonwoven fabric was calculated by extracting the treated nonwoven fabric with methanol using a rapid extractor. Test Section 3 (Evaluation of antistatic property) 20 g of the above short fiber sample was passed through a miniature roller card machine under the conditions of a temperature of 25 °C and a humidity of 40% to form a web, and the voltage of the static electricity generated in the web at the outlet of the card machine was measured, and the antistatic property was evaluated according to the following criteria. The results are shown in Tables 1 and 2.

[0086] · Evaluation criteria for antistatic property ◎ (Good): The voltage of the generated static electricity is less than 300 V ○ (Acceptable): The voltage of the generated static electricity is 300 V or more and less than 1 kV × (Poor): The voltage of the generated static electricity is 1 kV or more Test Section 4 (Evaluation of card passing property) 20 g of the above short fiber sample was conditioned for 24 hours under the conditions of a temperature of 25 °C and a humidity of 65%. Then, it was passed through a miniature roller card machine, and the ratio of the discharge amount from the card machine to the input amount was calculated and evaluated according to the following evaluation criteria. The results are shown in Tables 1 and 2.

[0087] ·Evaluation criteria for card passability ◎ (Good): When the discharge amount is 80% or more ○ (Acceptable): When the discharge amount is 60% or more and less than 80% × (Poor): When the discharge amount is less than 60% Test category 5 (Evaluation of stability) A 20% aqueous solution of the treatment agent for each prepared example was further diluted with distilled water to prepare a 5% dilution. Each dilution was temperature-controlled in a constant-temperature chamber at 20 °C and 60% RH for 24 hours. The appearance was evaluated according to the following criteria. The results are shown in Tables 1 and 2.

[0088] ·Evaluation criteria for stability ◎ (Good): When no precipitate or separation is observed in the dilution ○ (Acceptable): When a very small amount of precipitate or separation is observed in the dilution × (Poor): When precipitate or separation is observed in the dilution Test category 6 (Evaluation of stability in hard water) 300 mg of calcium carbonate was dissolved in 1 L of pure water to prepare hard water with a hardness of 300. The treatment agent for each example was added thereto to prepare a hard water dilution with a non-volatile content concentration of 1%. Also, a dilution with the same concentration was prepared with ion-exchanged water. After preparation, it was left standing for 6 hours under the conditions of a temperature of 25 °C and a humidity of 65%. Regarding the state of the dilution, the presence or absence of a difference in appearance between the case of hard water and the case of ion-exchanged water was confirmed, and each was evaluated according to the following criteria. The results are shown in Tables 1 and 2.

[0089] ·Evaluation criteria for stability in hard water ◎ (Good): When no difference in appearance is observed between the one prepared with hard water and the one prepared with ion-exchanged water ○ (Acceptable): When a slight difference in appearance is observed between the one prepared with hard water and the one prepared with ion-exchanged water, but no precipitate is observed in the one prepared with hard water × (Poor): When a precipitate is observed in the one prepared with hard water Test category 7 (Evaluation of fiber / metal friction (F / M friction)) The friction characteristics between fibers and metals in the needle punching process were evaluated by the following method.

[0090] · Preparation of needle-punched nonwoven fabric for F / M friction evaluation The polyethylene terephthalate short fibers prepared for the evaluation of antistatic property and card passing property were carded to form a web of 150 g / m 2 , and then needle-punched 45 times / cm 2 to prepare a nonwoven fabric for testing.

[0091] · F / M friction evaluation A rectangular plate-shaped weight with a length of 30 mm, a width of 90 mm, a height of 45 mm, and a weight of 1 kg was prepared. A needle-punched nonwoven fabric of the same size as the bottom surface was attached to the bottom surface of this weight using double-sided tape. A stainless steel plate made of SUS304 with a matte surface was prepared, and the above weight was placed with the bottom surface with the nonwoven fabric attached facing down. A tensile test was conducted to pull the weight under the conditions of an atmosphere of 20°C × 60% RH and a horizontal speed of 100 mm / min using a tensile testing machine (manufactured by Shimadzu Corporation, autograph type AGS-X) equipped with a load cell with a maximum load capacity of 50 N. The M / N ratio, which is the ratio of the frictional force N measured using the fibers treated with the treatment agent of Comparative Example 1 that does not contain Component (B) and the frictional force M measured using the fibers treated with the treatment agent of each Example, was determined. The larger the number, the worse the passability in the needle-punching process. The F / M friction was evaluated according to the following criteria. The results are shown in Tables 1 and 2.

[0092] · Evaluation criteria for F / M friction ◎ (Good): When the M / N ratio is 0.98 or less ○ (Fair): When the M / N ratio is greater than 0.98 and 0.99 or less × (Poor): When the M / N ratio is greater than 0.99 As is clear from the evaluation results of each Example with respect to the Comparative Examples in Tables 1 and 2, the treatment agent of the present invention can improve the emulsion stability and hard water stability. In addition, the synthetic fibers to which the treatment agent is applied can improve the antistatic property and card passing property. Further, the synthetic fibers to which the treatment agent is applied can reduce the F / M friction.

Claims

1. A treating agent for short fibers, characterized by containing the following component (A), the following component (B), and the following component (C). Component (A): At least one selected from hydroxy acids and alkali metal salts of hydroxy acids. Component (B): At least one selected from quaternary ammonium compounds (B1) and imidazoline compounds (B2). Component (C): At least one selected from a compound obtained by adding at least one selected from ethylene oxide and propylene oxide to a monovalent or divalent fatty acid having 8 to 22 carbon atoms, and a compound obtained by adding at least one selected from ethylene oxide and propylene oxide to a monohydric to trihydric aliphatic alcohol having 3 to 22 carbon atoms.

2. The treating agent for short fibers according to claim 1, wherein the component (A) is at least one selected from gluconic acid and alkali metal salts of gluconic acid.

3. The treating agent for short fibers according to claim 1, wherein the component (B) is the quaternary ammonium compound (B1), and the quaternary ammonium compound (B1) contains at least one selected from the following imidazolinium-type quaternary ammonium (B1a), the following mono-long-chain skeleton-type quaternary ammonium (B1b), the following di-long-chain skeleton-type quaternary ammonium (B1c), and the following polyoxyalkylene aliphatic amine-type quaternary ammonium (B1d). Imidazolinium-type quaternary ammonium (B1a): At least one selected from a compound obtained by quaternizing the imidazoline compound (B2) and a salt thereof. Mono-long-chain skeleton-type quaternary ammonium (B1b): At least one selected from a quaternary ammonium having one aliphatic carbon skeleton having 12 to 22 carbon atoms in the molecule and a salt thereof. Di-long-chain skeleton-type quaternary ammonium (B1c): At least one selected from a quaternary ammonium having two aliphatic carbon skeletons having 12 to 22 carbon atoms in the molecule and a salt thereof. Polyoxyalkylene aliphatic amine-type quaternary ammonium (B1d): At least one selected from a quaternary ammonium having one aliphatic carbon skeleton having 12 to 22 carbon atoms and two polyoxyalkylene skeletons having oxyalkylene as a structural unit in the molecule and a salt thereof.

4. The treating agent for short fibers according to claim 1, wherein the component (C) is at least one selected from a compound obtained by adding a total of 3 mol or more and 50 mol or less of at least one selected from ethylene oxide and propylene oxide to 1 mol of a monovalent or divalent fatty acid having 12 or more and 20 or less carbon atoms, and a compound obtained by adding a total of 3 mol or more and 50 mol or less of at least one selected from ethylene oxide and propylene oxide to 1 mol of a monohydric to trihydric aliphatic alcohol having 8 or more and 18 or less carbon atoms.

5. When the total content ratio of the component (A), the component (B), and the component (C) is 100% by mass, the treating agent for short fibers according to claim 1 contains the component (A) in a proportion of 1% by mass or more and 20% by mass or less, the component (B) in a proportion of 1% by mass or more and 60% by mass or less, and the component (C) in a proportion of 30% by mass or more and 90% by mass or less.

6. A method for manufacturing a nonwoven fabric, characterized by passing through the following steps 1 to 3. Step 1: A step of attaching the treating agent for short fibers according to any one of claims 1 to 5 to synthetic fibers. Step 2: A step of obtaining a web by passing the synthetic fibers to which the treating agent for short fibers has been attached in Step 1 through a carding machine. Step 3: A step of obtaining a nonwoven fabric by subjecting the web obtained in Step 2 to a needle punching treatment.

7. The method for manufacturing a nonwoven fabric according to claim 6, wherein the synthetic fibers are polyester-based synthetic fibers.

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