Knitted fabric, manufacturing method thereof, and clothing

Abstract

To provide a knitted fabric that includes a spun yarn containing cotton fibers and has excellent water absorptivity and highly quick drying property, and also to provide a manufacturing method thereof and clothing.SOLUTION: The invention is a knitted fabric including a cotton-containing spun yarn. The knitted fabric has basis weight of 80 g / m2 or more and 250 g / m2 or less. The cotton-containing spun yarn is constituted of a non-twisted fiber group in non-twisted state, and a winding fiber group that winds around the non-twisted fiber group. Single yarn tensile strength per fineness 1 tex of the cotton-containing spun yarn in the knitted fabric is 6.0 cN / tex or more and less than 12 cN / tex. Drying time of the knitted fabric until reaching 10% of diffusive residual moisture rate is 52 minutes or less. The knitted fabric can be manufactured by scouring and bleaching, under specific conditions, a knitted fabric knitted with a cotton-containing spun yarn manufactured using a vortex spinning machine, and bonding glyoxal resin and silicone softener under specific conditions.SELECTED DRAWING: None

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a knitted fabric including a cotton-containing spun yarn, which is a spun yarn containing cotton fibers, a method for producing the same, and clothing. [Background technology]

[0002] Among the fibers known as natural fibers, cotton fibers have been used for clothing for a long time due to their excellent absorbency and durability. In particular, cotton fibers are widely used as a clothing fiber due to their excellent texture when made into clothing, in addition to their excellent absorbency and durability. However, knitted fabrics made from spun yarns containing cotton fibers have excellent water absorption properties but are poor at drying quickly, so when a person wears clothing such as a shirt made from a knitted fabric containing a large amount of cotton fibers and sweats a lot while exercising, the shirt or other clothing absorbs the sweat but is difficult to dry, which can cause the person to feel cold from the sweat. Also, although sports shirts often use synthetic fibers such as polyester, the use of natural fibers such as cotton is desirable from the perspective of reducing resource depletion and the use of petroleum resources. Therefore, efforts are being made to improve the slow drying properties of knitted fabrics made with spun yarn containing cotton fibers, and to develop knitted fabrics made with spun yarn containing cotton fibers that have quick-drying properties while maintaining the inherent good water absorbency of cotton. For example, Patent Document 1 describes improving the quick-drying properties of knitted fabrics that have been milled with cotton yarn by treating them with glyoxal resin either directly or after mercerization. Patent Document 2 describes improving the quick-drying properties of knitted fabrics made with spun cotton yarn by treating them with glyoxal resin after mercerization. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 61-207672 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2010-275653 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, even when knitted fabrics made of spun cotton yarn are treated with glyoxal resin, the improvement in quick-drying properties may not be sufficient depending on the structure of the spun yarn, the treatment conditions, etc.

[0005] In order to solve the above-mentioned problems of the prior art, the present invention provides a knitted fabric containing cotton-containing spun yarn, which is a spun yarn containing cotton fibers, and which has excellent water absorbency and quick-drying properties, a manufacturing method thereof, and clothing. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The present invention relates to a knitted fabric comprising a cotton-containing spun yarn, which is a spun yarn containing cotton fibers, and the knitted fabric has a basis weight of 80 g / m 2 More than 250g / m 2 The present invention relates to a knitted fabric, wherein the cotton-containing spun yarn is composed of a group of untwisted fibers in an untwisted state and a group of wrapped fibers wrapped around the group of untwisted fibers, the cotton-containing spun yarn in the knitted fabric has a single yarn tensile strength per 1 tex (1 tex) of fineness of 6.0 cN / tex or more and less than 12 cN / tex, and when 0.6 ml of water is dropped onto a test piece of the knitted fabric and the test piece is left hanging in an environment of 20°C and 65% RH, the drying time until a diffusible residual moisture content reaches 10% is 52 minutes or less.

[0007] The present invention also provides a method for producing the knitted fabric, comprising: (1) A step of producing a cotton-containing spun yarn, which is a spun yarn containing cotton fibers, by using a vortex spinning machine; (2) knitting a fabric using the cotton-containing spun yarn; (3) A step of scouring and bleaching the knitted fabric using an aqueous solution containing hydrogen peroxide, an alkali agent, and a scouring agent at a temperature of 90°C or higher and 130°C or lower for a treatment time of 20 minutes or higher and 60 minutes or lower; (4) A method for producing a knitted fabric, comprising the steps of impregnating the scouring-bleached knitted fabric with an aqueous solution containing a glyoxal resin, a crosslinking agent, and a silicone-based softener, and then drying and heat-treating the fabric at a temperature of 140°C to 180°C for 60 to 240 seconds.

[0008] The present invention also relates to a garment comprising the knitted fabric. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] The present invention can provide a knitted fabric that contains a cotton-containing spun yarn, which is a spun yarn containing cotton fibers, and has excellent water absorbency and quick-drying properties, as well as clothing that includes the same. According to the manufacturing method of the present invention, it is possible to obtain a knitted fabric that contains a cotton-containing spun yarn, which is a spun yarn containing cotton fibers, and that has excellent water absorbency and quick-drying properties. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] The inventors of the present invention have conducted extensive research to improve the quick-drying properties while maintaining the water absorbency of knitted fabrics containing cotton-containing spun yarn, which is spun yarn containing cotton fibers, preferably knitted fabrics made from 100% by mass of cotton-containing spun yarn, and particularly preferably knitted fabrics made from 100% by mass of spun yarn consisting solely of cotton fibers (in other words, knitted fabrics made from 100% by mass of cotton-containing spun yarn, and consisting essentially of only cotton fibers, with the cotton-containing spun yarn being 100% by mass).As a result, they have found that a knitted fabric with excellent water absorbency and quick-drying properties can be obtained by scouring and bleaching under specific conditions a knitted fabric with a specified basis weight knitted from spun yarn containing cotton fibers (cotton-containing spun yarn) produced using a whirlpool spinning machine, impregnating the scouring-bleached knitted fabric with an aqueous solution containing a glyoxal resin, a crosslinking agent, and a silicone-based softener, and then drying and heat-treating under specific conditions. Furthermore, in the knitted fabric produced in this manner, the structure of the spun yarn containing cotton fibers (cotton-containing spun yarn) is composed of a group of untwisted fibers in an untwisted state and a group of wrapped fibers wrapped around the group of untwisted fibers, and the spun yarn in the knitted fabric has a single yarn tensile strength per tex of fineness (cN / tex) within a specified range, which gives the fabric excellent water absorption and improved quick-drying properties. Specifically, by producing a spun yarn containing cotton fibers (cotton-containing spun yarn) using a vortex spinning machine, the structure of the cotton-containing spun yarn is composed of a group of untwisted fibers in an untwisted state and a group of wound fibers wound around the group of untwisted fibers. Furthermore, a knitted fabric with a predetermined basis weight, knitted using the cotton-containing spun yarn, is scoured and bleached under specific conditions, and the scoured and bleached knitted fabric is impregnated with an aqueous solution containing a glyoxal resin, a crosslinking agent, and a silicone-based softener. The fabric is then dried and heat-treated under specific conditions, causing the glyoxal resin to penetrate into the amorphous regions of the cotton fibers and copolymerize with the functional groups of the cotton fibers. As a result, the cotton-containing spun yarn in the knitted fabric has a single yarn tensile strength per tex (cN / tex) within a predetermined range. Furthermore, in a knitted fabric with a predetermined basis weight, the synergistic effect of the spun yarn structure and the glyoxal resin bonded to the cotton fibers exhibits the excellent water absorbency characteristic of cotton fibers while also improving quick-drying properties. Furthermore, clothing containing such knitted fabrics also has excellent water absorption and improved quick-drying properties, so that when a person sweats a lot through exercise or the like after wearing the clothing, the clothing quickly absorbs the sweat and the absorbed sweat dries easily, which helps to prevent chills from occurring due to sweat. Furthermore, clothing containing such knitted fabrics dries easily after washing.

[0011] (knitted fabric) The knitted fabric contains a cotton-containing spun yarn, which is a spun yarn containing cotton fibers. From the viewpoints of water absorbency and anti-pilling properties, the cotton-containing spun yarn preferably contains 50% by mass or more of cotton fibers, more preferably 60% by mass or more, even more preferably 70% by mass or more, even more preferably 80% by mass or more, even more preferably 90% by mass or more, even more preferably 95% by mass or more, and particularly preferably consists of substantially 100% by mass.

[0012] The average fiber length of the cotton fibers is not particularly limited, but is preferably 25 mm to 45 mm, more preferably 26 mm to 33 mm, from the viewpoint of productivity in the spinning process, for example. The average fineness of the cotton fibers is not particularly limited, but is preferably 2.8 to 5.5 micronaires, more preferably 3.5 to 4.9 micronaires, from the viewpoint of suitable use in clothing, for example.

[0013] The cotton-containing spun yarn may contain other cellulosic fibers besides cotton fibers, and from the viewpoint of water absorbency and anti-pilling properties, it preferably contains cotton fibers and other cellulosic fibers in a total amount of 80% by mass or more, even more preferably 90% by mass or more, and even more preferably 95% by mass or more, and it is particularly preferable that the cotton-containing spun yarn consists essentially of cotton fibers and other cellulosic fibers in total amount of 100% by mass.

[0014] The other cellulosic fibers may be natural cellulosic fibers or regenerated cellulosic fibers. Natural cellulosic fibers are not particularly limited, and examples thereof include hemp fibers (linen, ramie), jute, and kapok. Regenerated cellulosic fibers are not particularly limited, and examples thereof include viscose rayon (also simply called rayon), polynosic, cupro, refined cellulosic fibers (lyocell, Tencel), acetate, and triacetate.

[0015] The single fiber fineness of the other cellulosic fibers is not particularly limited, but from the viewpoint of suitable use in clothing, it is preferably 0.4 dtex or more and 5 dtex or less, more preferably 0.5 dtex or more and 3.5 dtex or less, and even more preferably 0.6 dtex or more and 2.5 dtex or less.

[0016] The average fiber length of the other cellulose-based fibers is not particularly limited, but from the viewpoint of productivity in the spinning process, it is preferably 22 mm or more and 55 mm or less, more preferably 28 mm or more and 51 mm or less, and even more preferably 32 mm or more and 40 mm or less.

[0017] The cotton-containing spun yarn may contain, in addition to cotton fibers and other cellulosic fibers, other fibers in an amount of, for example, 20% by mass or less, 15% by mass or less, 10% by mass or less, or 5% by mass or less, as long as the effects of the present invention are not impaired. From the viewpoint of water absorption, the other fibers are preferably hydrophilic fibers, and for example, fibers with an official moisture regain of 3% or more may be used.

[0018] The single fiber fineness of the other fibers is not particularly limited, but from the viewpoint of suitable use in clothing, for example, it is preferably 0.4 dtex to 5 dtex, more preferably 0.5 dtex to 3.5 dtex, and even more preferably 0.6 dtex to 2.5 dtex. The average fiber length of the other fibers is not particularly limited, but from the viewpoint of productivity in the spinning process, it is preferably 24 mm to 55 mm, more preferably 28 mm to 51 mm, and even more preferably 32 mm to 40 mm.

[0019] The cotton-containing spun yarn is composed of untwisted fibers and wound fibers wound around the untwisted fibers. Here, "untwisted" refers to a state in which the fibers in the center of the yarn are parallel to the yarn axis in spun yarns obtained by air spinning, such as Vortex® yarn. Specific examples of spun yarns with this structure include MVS (Murata Vortex Spinner) yarns obtained by air spinning using a Vortex spinning machine.

[0020] The count of the cotton-containing spun yarn is not particularly limited, but may be in the range of 10 to 70 count in British cotton count (1 pound (approximately 454 g) / 840 yards (approximately 768 m) is 1 count. Unless otherwise specified, hereinafter, counts refer to British cotton counts), and is preferably 12 to 60 count, and more preferably 15 to 50 count. The spun yarn may be a single yarn, or a yarn made by twisting together multiple single yarns. Examples of such yarns made up of multiple single yarns include a two-ply yarn (also called a twin yarn) made by twisting together two yarns, a three-ply yarn made by twisting together three single yarns, and a four-ply yarn made by twisting together four single yarns, and yarns made by twisting together these multiple single yarns may also be used.

[0021] The single yarn tensile strength of the cotton-containing spun yarn is not particularly limited, but from the viewpoint of productivity (knitting productivity) when knitting a fabric from the spun yarn, it is preferably from 100 cN to 1,000 cN on average, more preferably from 120 cN to 750 cN, even more preferably from 125 cN to 500 cN, and most preferably from 130 cN to 300 cN. The single yarn tensile strength of the cotton-containing spun yarn can be measured in accordance with JIS L 1095:2010 9.5.1.

[0022] The elongation of the cotton-containing spun yarn is not particularly limited, but from the viewpoints of productivity when knitting a fabric from the spun yarn (knitting productivity) and the comfort of the resulting knitted fabric and clothing made therefrom, it is preferably 3.0% to 15.0%, more preferably 4.0% to 12.0%, and even more preferably 5.0% to 10.0%. The elongation of the cotton-containing spun yarn can be measured in accordance with JIS L 1095:2010 9.5.1.

[0023] The knitted fabric contains the cotton-containing spun yarn (spun yarn containing cotton fibers), and from the viewpoints of absorbency, quick-drying properties, and anti-pilling properties, it preferably contains 50% by mass or more of cotton fibers derived from the cotton-containing spun yarn, more preferably 60% by mass or more, even more preferably 70% by mass or more, even more preferably 80% by mass or more, even more preferably 90% by mass or more, even more preferably 95% by mass or more, and it is particularly preferable that it consists essentially of 100% by mass.

[0024] From the viewpoints of water absorption, quick-drying properties, and anti-pilling properties, the knitted fabric preferably contains 80% by mass or more of cellulosic fibers, including cotton fibers derived from the cotton-containing spun yarn, i.e., the total of the cotton fibers derived from the cotton-containing spun yarn and other cellulosic fibers is 80% by mass or more, more preferably 90% by mass or more, even more preferably 95% by mass or more, and particularly preferably consists essentially of 100% by mass of cotton fibers and other cellulosic fibers in total. Examples of other cellulosic fibers include those mentioned above.

[0025] The knitted fabric may contain, in addition to the cotton-containing spun yarn, other yarns, for example, other spun yarns and / or filament yarns, as long as the effects of the present invention are not impaired. The knitted fabric may have a single-layer structure or may include two or more layers. The knitted fabric may contain, in addition to cotton fibers and other cellulosic fibers, other fibers derived from the cotton-containing spun yarn and other yarns (i.e., other fibers refer to fibers other than cotton fibers and other cellulosic fibers derived from the cotton-containing spun yarn and other yarns), for example, in an amount of 20% by mass or less, 15% by mass or less, 10% by mass or less, or 5% by mass or less, as long as the effects of the present invention are not impaired. Examples of other fibers include those described above.

[0026] The knitted fabric may be a single-face knitted jersey knitted fabric or a rib knitted fabric (also called a rib knitted fabric or a rib knitted fabric), or a modified single-face knitted fabric such as a pique knitted fabric, a mesh knitted fabric, or a fleece knitted fabric, or a double-face knitted fabric such as a smooth knitted fabric, a cardboard knitted fabric, or a waffle knitted fabric. In the case of a double-face knitted fabric, the spun yarn can be used in the surface layer and / or the back layer. Using the spun yarn in both the surface layer and the back layer further improves water absorbency and quick-drying properties.

[0027] The knitted fabric has a basis weight of 80 g / m 2 More than 250g / m 2 This results in good water absorption and quick drying properties. The weight of the knitted fabric is 90 g / m or less. 2 More than 240g / m 2 Preferably, it is 95 g / m or less. 2 More than 235g / m 2 More preferably, it is 100 g / m or less. 2 More than 230g / m 2 More preferably, it is 105 g / m or less. 2 More than 225g / m 2 Even more preferably, it is 110 g / m or less. 2 More than 220g / m 2 Even more preferably:

[0028] The elongation modulus of the cotton-containing spun yarn in the knitted fabric is preferably 50% or more and 90% or less. The elongation modulus of the cotton-containing spun yarn in the knitted fabric is related to the stretchability of the knitted fabric; a higher elongation modulus of the cotton-containing spun yarn also increases the stretchability of the knitted fabric, making it easier to wear when made into clothing. If the elongation modulus of the cotton-containing spun yarn in the knitted fabric is 90% or less, the shape stability of the knitted fabric tends to be good. The elongation modulus is preferably 55% or more and 90% or less, more preferably 60% or more and 85% or less, and particularly preferably 60% or more and 81% or less. The elongation modulus of the cotton-containing spun yarn in the knitted fabric can be measured by unraveling the knitted fabric and using the unraveled spun yarn in accordance with JIS L 1095:2010 9.12.1 Method A.

[0029] In the present invention, the single yarn tensile strength per tex of the cotton-containing spun yarn in the knitted fabric is 6.0 cN / tex or more and less than 12 cN / tex. The single yarn tensile strength per tex of the cotton-containing spun yarn in the knitted fabric is a parameter that indicates the degree of bonding of the glyoxal resin copolymerized with the cotton-containing spun yarn contained in the knitted fabric. When the single yarn tensile strength per tex of the cotton-containing spun yarn in the knitted fabric is in the above-mentioned range, the knitted fabric maintains the excellent water absorbency unique to cotton fiber while improving its quick-drying properties. The single yarn tensile strength per tex of the cotton-containing spun yarn in the knitted fabric is preferably 6.2 cN / tex or more and less than 11.5 cN / tex, more preferably 6.5 cN / tex or more and 11 cN / tex or less, particularly preferably 6.8 cN / tex or more and 10.5 cN / tex or less, and most preferably 7.0 cN / tex or more and 10.0 cN / tex or less. The single yarn tensile strength per 1 tex of the cotton-containing spun yarn in the knitted fabric can be calculated based on the single yarn tensile strength measured using the unraveled cotton-containing spun yarn in accordance with JIS L 1095:2010 9.5.1 and the fineness (tex) calculated from the cotton count of the cotton-containing spun yarn. When converting the cotton count to fineness (tex), the calculation is performed using the formula for converting cotton count to fineness (tex) given in Table 2 of JIS L 0101:1978 Tex Method, 6. Conversion Formulas. -Spun yarn fineness (tex) = 590.5 / cotton count

[0030] The elongation of the cotton-containing spun yarn in the knitted fabric is not particularly limited, but from the viewpoint of the stretchability and retention of the processed fabric after knitting, it is preferably 2.0% to 10.0%, more preferably 2.5% to 8.0%, and even more preferably 3.0% to 6.5%. The elongation of the cotton-containing spun yarn in the knitted fabric can be measured by unraveling the knitted fabric and using the unraveled spun yarn in accordance with JIS L 1095:2010 9.5.1.

[0031] In the knitted fabric, the course density (the number of stitches in the warp direction of the knitted fabric) may be, for example, from the viewpoint of stability in dimensional changes of the processed fabric, but is not particularly limited thereto. The wale density (the number of stitches in the weft direction of the knitted fabric) may be, for example, from the viewpoint of stretchability and retention of the processed fabric after knitting, but is not particularly limited thereto. The wale density (the number of stitches in the weft direction of the knitted fabric) may be, for example, from the viewpoint of stretchability and retention of the processed fabric after knitting, but is not particularly limited thereto. The spun yarn penetration length (also referred to as loop length) in the knitted fabric is not particularly limited thereto, but needs to be adjusted appropriately depending on the cotton count of the cotton-containing spun yarn used. For example, from the viewpoint of maintaining the thickness of the knitted fabric, when producing a plain knitted fabric using a 40-count cotton-containing spun yarn, the thickness per 100 needles (100 wales (w)) is preferably 20 cm to 30 cm, and more preferably 22 cm to 25 cm. Also, when producing a plain knitted fabric using a 20-count cotton-containing spun yarn, the thickness per 100 needles (100 wales (w)) is preferably 25 cm to 35 cm, and more preferably 30 cm to 33 cm.

[0032] The knitted fabric has excellent quick-drying properties. When 0.6 ml of water is dropped onto a test piece of the knitted fabric and the test piece is left hanging in an environment of 20°C and 65% RH (relative humidity), the drying time until the diffusible residual moisture content reaches 10% is 52 minutes or less. This allows the knitted fabric to dry easily when wet with sweat or after washing, shortening the drying time. The drying time until the diffusible residual moisture content reaches 10% is preferably 50 minutes or less. Furthermore, using the test washing method described below, the knitted fabric is subjected to test washing from one to 30 times, and the drying time until the diffusible residual moisture content reaches 10% after test washing is measured using the same procedure as the above-mentioned method. The drying time until the diffusible residual moisture content reaches 10% is preferably 52 minutes or less, more preferably 50 minutes or less. The drying time until the diffusible residual moisture content reaches 10% of the knitted fabric can be measured as described in the Examples.

[0033] From the viewpoint of excellent water absorption and diffusion properties, the knitted fabric was attached to an embroidery frame with a diameter of 15 cm, and 0.2 ml of water was dropped onto the test piece. After 60 seconds, the diameters of the vertical (warp) and horizontal (weft) directions of the wetted part were measured, and the water absorption and diffusion area calculated using the following formula was 13 cm 2 It is preferable that it is 13.5cm or more. 2 More preferably, it is 14cm or more. 2 More preferably, it is 14.5 cm or more. 2 More preferably, it is 15 cm or more. 2 It is even more preferable that the above is true. Water absorption and diffusion area (cm 2 ) = [Vertical diameter × Horizontal diameter] / 4 × π

[0034] From the viewpoint of excellent drying properties after washing, the knitted fabric preferably has a time to reach a constant weight under standard conditions measured in accordance with JIS L 1096:2010 8.25 Drying property measurement method of 200 minutes or less, more preferably 195 minutes or less, even more preferably 190 minutes or less, and even more preferably 185 minutes or less.

[0035] The knitted fabric has high water absorption, and when made into clothing, the knitted fabric quickly absorbs sweat, making it comfortable to wear. From this viewpoint, it is preferable that the knitted fabric has a short water absorption time measured in accordance with 7.1.1 Drop Method of JIS L 1907:2010, 7.1 Water Absorption Rate Method. More specifically, the knitted fabric has a water absorption time measured in accordance with the Drop Method of JIS L 1907:2010, preferably 8 seconds or less, more preferably 5 seconds or less, and even more preferably 3 seconds or less. Furthermore, from the viewpoint of washing durability, the knitted fabric is used after test washing 10 to 30 times using the test washing method described below, and the water absorption rate measured in accordance with 7.1.1 Drop Method of JIS L 1907:2010, 7.1 Water Absorption Rate Method, is preferably 10 seconds or less, more preferably 5 seconds or less, and even more preferably 3 seconds or less.

[0036] The knitted fabric has high water absorption, and from the viewpoint that when the knitted fabric is made into clothing, it quickly absorbs sweat and tends to be comfortable to wear, it is preferable that the height of water rise measured in accordance with 7.1.2 Byreck method of 7.1 Water Absorption Rate Method of JIS L 1907:2010 is large. More specifically, the height of water rise measured in accordance with the Byreck method in both the warp (warp) direction and the weft (width) direction is preferably 8 cm or more, more preferably 8.5 cm or more, and even more preferably 9.0 cm or more. Furthermore, from the viewpoint of washing durability, the height of water rise measured in accordance with the Byreck method after 10 to 30 washes is preferably 8 cm or more, more preferably 8.5 cm or more, and even more preferably 9.0 cm or more.

[0037] From the viewpoint of excellent anti-pilling properties, the knitted fabric preferably has a surface pilling level of grade 3 or higher, more preferably grade 3.5 or higher, even more preferably grade 4 or higher, and particularly preferably grade 4.5 or higher, measured in accordance with JIS L 1076 Method A: 2012. If the surface pilling level of the knitted fabric is grade 3.5 or higher, it can also be suitably used for sportswear.

[0038] From the viewpoint of excellent durability, the knitted fabric preferably has a burst strength that falls within a certain range. There are several methods for measuring burst strength, but when the burst strength of the knitted fabric is measured in accordance with JIS L 1096:2010 8.18 Method A (Mullen method), the burst strength is preferably 300 kPa to 1200 kPa, more preferably 350 kPa to 1100 kPa, and even more preferably 380 kPa to 1000 kPa. When the burst strength of the knitted fabric is measured in accordance with JIS L 1096:2010 8.18 Method C (ISO), the burst strength is preferably 300 kPa to 980 kPa, more preferably 400 kPa to 800 kPa, and even more preferably 500 kPa to 700 kPa.

[0039] (Method of manufacturing knitted fabric) The method for producing the knitted fabric is not particularly limited, but preferably includes the following steps. (1) A process for producing a cotton-containing spun yarn, which is a spun yarn containing cotton fibers, using a vortex spinning machine; (2) knitting a fabric using the cotton-containing spun yarn; (3) a step of scouring and bleaching the knitted fabric; and (4) After scouring and bleaching, the knitted fabric is treated with glyoxal resin and a silicone-based softener.

[0040] In step (1), a cotton-containing spun yarn is produced by whirling air spinning using a whirling spinning machine. First, a sliver containing cotton fibers is prepared, and the sliver is fed into the draft zone of the whirling spinning machine and drafted. The sliver is then spun and wound under conditions of a nozzle pressure of 0.4 MPa to 0.65 MPa and a spinning speed (also referred to as spinning speed) of 250 m / min to 450 m / min, thereby obtaining a spun yarn containing cotton fibers (cotton-containing spun yarn). The whirling spinning machine is not particularly limited, but a whirling air spinning machine such as a VORTEX spinning machine manufactured by Murata Machinery Co., Ltd. can be used.

[0041] In the whirling air spinning, the spinning speed is not particularly limited. However, from the viewpoints of productivity of the cotton-containing spun yarn and the tightness (hardness) of the untwisted fibers constituting the cotton-containing spun yarn and the wound fibers wound around the untwisted fibers, the spinning speed is preferably 250 m / min or more and 450 m / min or less. The spinning speed is more preferably 280 m / min or more and 450 m / min or less, and particularly preferably 290 m / min or more and 400 m / min or less. When the spinning speed satisfies this range, productivity of the cotton-containing spun yarn is improved, the wound fibers are not too tightly tight, and the hardness is also good. In particular, whirling air spun yarn containing cotton fibers tends to be hard, resulting in a hard texture when knitted or processed into fabrics. Therefore, the spinning speed range and the nozzle pressure and spindle diameter ranges described below are important.

[0042] In the whirling air spinning, a nozzle pressure of 0.4 MPa or more improves fiber rotation. A nozzle pressure of 0.65 MPa or less improves productivity of cotton-containing spun yarn. The nozzle pressure is preferably 0.45 MPa or more and 0.65 MPa or less, and more preferably 0.48 MPa or more and 0.60 MPa or less.

[0043] In the spinning machine used for the whirlpool air spinning, the spindle diameter (the diameter of the spindle hole) is adjusted depending on the cotton count of the cotton-containing spun yarn to be produced. When attempting to produce cotton-containing spun yarn with a count of 40 to 20, from the viewpoint of making it easier to wind the wrapping fiber (group of wrapping fibers), the spindle diameter is preferably 1.0 mm or more and 1.3 mm or less, more preferably 1.1 mm or more and 1.3 mm or less, and even more preferably 1.15 mm or more and 1.2 mm or less.

[0044] The sliver preferably contains 50% by mass or more of cotton fibers, more preferably 60% by mass or more, even more preferably 70% by mass or more, even more preferably 80% by mass or more, even more preferably 90% by mass or more, even more preferably 95% by mass or more, and it is particularly preferable that it consists essentially of 100% by mass.

[0045] The sliver may contain other cellulosic fibers other than cotton fibers, and from the viewpoint of water absorbency and anti-pilling properties, it preferably contains cotton fibers and other cellulosic fibers in a total of 80% by mass or more, even more preferably 90% by mass or more, and even more preferably 95% by mass or more, and it is particularly preferable that the sliver consists essentially of cotton fibers and other cellulosic fibers in total of 100% by mass.

[0046] The sliver may contain, in addition to the cotton fibers and other cellulosic fibers, other fibers in an amount of, for example, 20% by mass or less, 15% by mass or less, 10% by mass or less, or 5% by mass or less, as long as the effects of the present invention are not impaired. As the cotton fibers, other cellulosic fibers, and other fibers, those described above can be used as appropriate.

[0047] In step (2), a knitted fabric is knitted using the cotton-containing spun yarn obtained in step (1). In step (2), the cotton-containing spun yarn obtained in step (1) may be combined with other yarns, such as other spun yarns and / or filament yarns, to knit a knitted fabric, as long as the effects of the present invention are not impaired. However, it is preferable to knit a knitted fabric using only the cotton-containing spun yarn obtained in step (1). The knitting structure, basis weight, course density, wale density, and bite length of the cotton-containing spun yarn of the knitted fabric can be adjusted appropriately within the ranges described above.

[0048] In step (3), the knitted fabric knitted in step (2) is scouring and bleaching. The scouring and bleaching can be carried out using an aqueous solution containing hydrogen peroxide, an alkali agent, and a scouring agent at a temperature of 90°C to 120°C for a treatment time of 30 minutes to 60 minutes. As the alkali agent, for example, caustic soda (sodium hydroxide (NaOH)) can be used. As the scouring agent, known scouring agents such as commercially available scouring agents can be used, for example, the scouring agent manufactured and sold by Ningbo Huake Textile Auxiliary Co., Ltd. (product number: "HK-115") can be used. In the aqueous solution containing hydrogen peroxide, an alkali agent, and a scouring agent used for scouring and bleaching, the concentrations of the hydrogen peroxide, alkali agent, and scouring agent are adjusted taking into consideration the absorbency and whiteness of the cotton fiber, etc., but it is preferable to use an aqueous solution containing hydrogen peroxide (converted to a 27.5% concentration product) in a proportion of 1% or more and 15% or less, caustic soda (flakes) in a proportion of 0.5% or more and 5.0% or less, and a scouring agent in a proportion of 0.5 g / L or more and 5.0 g / L or less. It is more preferable to use an aqueous solution containing hydrogen peroxide (calculated as a 27.5% concentration product) in a proportion of 3% оwf to 13% оwf, caustic soda (flakes) in a proportion of 0.8% оwf to 4.0% оwf, and a scouring agent in a proportion of 0.8 g / L to 4.0 g / L, and it is particularly preferable to use an aqueous solution containing hydrogen peroxide (calculated as a 27.5% concentration product) in a proportion of 6% оwf to 12% оwf, caustic soda (flakes) in a proportion of 1.0% оwf to 4.0% оwf, and a scouring agent in a proportion of 0.8 g / L to 4.0 g / L. From the viewpoint of the refining effect obtained by the treatment, the refining / bleaching temperature and the refining / bleaching time are preferably set to 90°C or higher and 130°C or lower, and the refining / bleaching time to 20 minutes or higher and 60 minutes or lower, more preferably 95°C or higher and 120°C or lower, and the refining / bleaching time to 30 minutes or higher and 50 minutes or lower, and particularly preferably 100°C or higher and 120°C or lower, and the refining / bleaching time to 30 minutes or higher and 50 minutes or lower.By carrying out scouring and bleaching under the above-mentioned conditions, impurities, pigments, sizing agents, oils, etc. adhering to the fibers, particularly the cotton fibers constituting the cotton-containing spun yarn contained in the knitted fabric, are sufficiently removed, making it easier to impregnate the fabric with glyoxal resin, softener, etc. in step (4), and also making it possible to prevent the cotton fibers contained in the cotton-containing spun yarn from becoming embrittled. After scouring and bleaching, the knitted fabric may be acid-neutralized using a known carboxylic acid such as acetic acid, citric acid, or malic acid, washed with water, and then dehydrated and dried.

[0049] In step (4), the scouring and bleaching knitted fabric is impregnated with an aqueous solution containing a glyoxal resin, a crosslinking agent, and a silicone-based softener, and then dried and heat-treated for 60 to 240 seconds at a temperature of 140 to 180° C. The aqueous solution used in step (4) preferably contains 0.1 to 10.0% owf of glyoxal resin (active ingredient), 0.03 to 2.5% owf of crosslinking agent (active ingredient), and 0.5 to 10.0% owf of silicone-based softener, and more preferably contains 1.0 to 5.0% owf of glyoxal resin (active ingredient), 0.25 to 1.2% owf of crosslinking agent (active ingredient), and 2.0 to 6.0% owf of silicone-based softener. This allows the amount of glyoxal resin copolymerized with the cotton fibers contained in the cotton-containing spun yarn in the knitted fabric to be within an appropriate range, allowing the knitted fabric to exhibit excellent water absorption while the hydrophilicity of the cotton fibers is adjusted by the glyoxal resin copolymerized with the cotton fibers, improving quick-drying properties.

[0050] The treatment of the knitted fabric with an aqueous solution containing a glyoxal resin or the like (i.e., a crosslinking reaction treatment of a knitted fabric containing a cotton-containing spun yarn with a glyoxal resin) can be carried out using a known treating machine, but generally the crosslinking reaction treatment of the cotton fiber with the glyoxal resin is carried out by impregnating a knitted fabric containing a cotton-containing spun yarn with an aqueous solution containing a glyoxal resin, a crosslinking agent, and a silicone-based softener, squeezing the fabric using a padder, drying at a temperature of 140° C. to 180° C., and further heat treating (curing) at a temperature of 140° C. to 180° C. The drying time is adjusted appropriately depending on the basis weight of the knitted fabric, but is carried out at a temperature of 130° C. to 180° C. for 60 to 120 seconds. The heat treatment (curing) after drying is preferably carried out at a temperature of 140°C or higher and 180°C or lower for a treatment time of 60 seconds or higher and 180 seconds or lower, and more preferably at a temperature of 140°C or higher and 150°C or lower for a treatment time of 90 seconds or higher and 120 seconds or lower.

[0051] The crosslinking reaction treatment between the glyoxal resin and the cotton fibers may be carried out once (two steps in one pass) by drying and heat treatment. When the drying and heat treatment are carried out in two passes, the temperature is preferably 140°C to 180°C and the drying and heat treatment time is 90 to 180 seconds, and more preferably 150°C to 175°C and the drying and heat treatment time is 120 to 150 seconds. This makes the glyoxal resin copolymerized with the cotton fibers in the knitted fabric less susceptible to thermal decomposition and can be fixed to an appropriate extent, resulting in the knitted fabric having excellent water absorbency and improved quick-drying properties.

[0052] The crosslinking agent (also referred to as a crosslinking reaction catalyst) is not particularly limited as long as it is effective for the glyoxal resin, and examples thereof include metal salts of acids such as zinc nitrate and magnesium chloride, Lewis acids, and Brösted acids. Alternatively, commercially available crosslinking agents such as "Riken Fixer MX-27N" manufactured by Miki Riken Kogyo Co., Ltd. may be used.

[0053] The silicone-based softener may or may not have water absorbency, but from the viewpoint of the water absorbency of the knitted fabric, it is preferable that the silicone-based softener be a water-absorbent softener.

[0054] A dyeing step may be carried out after step (3) and before step (4). The dyeing step is not particularly limited, and may be carried out appropriately using various dyes such as fluorescent brighteners, reactive dyes, vat dyes (vat dyes), and direct dyes, as long as the effects of the present invention are not impaired.

[0055] (Clothing) The knitted fabric can be used for clothing. Examples of clothing include sportswear, loungewear, underwear, and outerwear. Examples of sportswear include outdoor shirts, training wear, sweatshirts and pants, and polo shirts. Examples of underwear include T-shirts, briefs, trunks, camisoles, and shorts. [Example]

[0056] The present invention will be described in more detail below with reference to examples, but the present invention is not limited to the following examples.

[0057] The measurement and evaluation methods used in the examples and comparative examples are as follows.

[0058] (1) British cotton count Measurements were made in accordance with the cotton count measurement method for measuring the correct tex and count of general spun yarns in JIS L 1095:2010 9.4.1. (2) Tensile strength and elongation of single spun yarn In accordance with JIS L 1095:2010 9.5.1, the load and elongation at which the standard sample broke were measured using a tensile tester, and the single yarn tensile strength and elongation were determined. (3) Elongation modulus of spun yarn In accordance with JIS L 1095:2010 9.12.1 A method, the load and elongation at the time when the sample broke were measured using a tensile tester, and the elongation modulus was calculated. (4) Number of twists in spun yarn The number of twists was measured using a twist detector in accordance with JIS L 1095:2010 9.15. (5) Count of knitted fabric Measurements were performed in accordance with JIS L 1096:2010. (6) Bursting strength of knitted fabric The burst strength of the knitted fabric was measured using a burst tester in accordance with JIS L 1096:2010 8.18 Method A (Mullen method) or JIS L 1096:2010 8.18 Method C (ISO method). The upper limit of the burst strength measured using the ISO method was 980 kPa. (7) Anti-pilling properties of knitted fabrics A pilling test was conducted using an ICI type testing machine in accordance with JIS L 1076:2012 Method A to confirm the degree of pilling. (8) Water absorption of knitted fabric 1 According to JIS L 1907:2010 7.1 Water Absorption Rate Method 7.1.1, a test specimen (approximately 200 mm x 200 mm) was taken from the knitted fabric. A drop of water was dropped from a height that made the distance from the surface of the test specimen to the tip of the burette 10 mm. The time from when the water drop reached the surface of the test specimen to the moment the specular reflection disappeared as the test specimen absorbed the water drop was measured. Test specimens were taken from knitted fabrics that had not been washed, washed once, washed 10 times, or washed 30 times. Washing was performed in accordance with JIS L 1930:2014 (Home Washing Test Method for Textile Products) Type B standard washing machine. (9) Water absorption of knitted fabric 2 In accordance with JIS L 1907:2010 7.1 Water absorption rate method 7.1.2 Byreck method, test specimens (wale direction x course direction, approximately 200 mm x 25 mm) were taken from the knitted fabric, and the height to which water rose due to capillary action in the test specimen was measured using a testing device. Test specimens were taken from knitted fabrics that had not been washed, washed once, washed 10 times, or washed 30 times. Washing was carried out in accordance with JIS L 1930:2014 (Home washing test method for textile products) using a Type B standard washing machine. (10) Quick-drying knit fabric A test specimen (approximately 10 cm x 10 cm, weight M0) was taken from the knitted fabric, and 0.6 ml of water was dropped onto the test specimen (weight of the test specimen immediately after the water was dropped: M1). The test specimen was then suspended in an environment at 20°C and 65% RH. The weight of the test specimen (M2) was measured at predetermined intervals, and the diffusible residual moisture content (%) was calculated using the following formula. The time required for the diffusible residual moisture content (%) to reach 10% was determined. Test specimens were taken from knitted fabrics that had not been washed, washed once, washed 10 times, or washed 30 times. Washing was performed in accordance with JIS L 1930:2014 (Home Laundry Test Methods for Textile Products) Type B standard washing machine. Diffusible residual moisture percentage (%)=[(M2-M0) / (M1-M0)]×100 (11) Moisture absorption and diffusion properties of knitted fabrics A test piece (approximately 25 cm warp x 25 cm weft) was taken from the knitted fabric, attached to an embroidery frame with a diameter of 15 cm, and 0.2 ml of water was dropped onto it using a pipette. 60 seconds after the drop, the diameters of the wetted area in the warp and weft directions were measured, and the water absorption and diffusion area was calculated using the following formula. The measured value was the average of three measurements taken for each knitted fabric. Water absorption and diffusion area (cm 2 ) = [Vertical diameter × Horizontal diameter] / 4 × π (12) Washing and drying properties Based on JIS L 1096:2010 8.25 Drying property, a test piece of knitted fabric (25cm x 25cm) was spread out in water and immersed. After allowing it to absorb enough water, it was removed from the water and, after 4 minutes of dehydration, attached to a drying time measuring device and the time (min) until it reached a constant weight by natural drying in a test room under standard conditions was measured.

[0059] (Production Example 1) 100% American cotton (Micronaire 3.5-4.9, average fiber length 27 mm) was used, and the resulting sliver was sequentially fed through the cotton-blending, carding, combing, and drawing processes to obtain a sliver. The resulting sliver was then fed into the draft zone of a VORTEX spinning machine (Murata Machinery Co., Ltd., model number "VORTEX861") and drafted. The sliver was then spun at a spinning speed of 300 m / min, a spindle diameter of 1.1 mm, and a nozzle pressure of 0.5 MPa, and wound up to produce a cotton-containing spun yarn (spun yarn a) (MVS yarn) with a British cotton count of 40 / 1.

[0060] (Production Example 2) 100% American cotton (micron count 3.5-4.9, average fiber length 27 mm) was used, and the resulting sliver was sequentially fed through the blending, carding, combing, and drawing processes to obtain a sliver. The resulting sliver was then fed into the draft zone of a VORTEX spinning machine (Murata Machinery Co., Ltd., model number "VORTEX861") and drafted. The sliver was then spun at a spinning speed of 390 m / min, a spindle diameter of 1.1 mm, and a nozzle pressure of 0.5 MPa, and wound up to produce a cotton-containing spun yarn (spun yarn b) (MVS yarn) with a British cotton count of 20 / 1.

[0061] (Production Example 3) 100% American cotton (micron count 3.5-4.9, average fiber length 27 mm) was used, and a sliver was obtained by sequentially feeding it through the cotton-blending, carding, combing, and drawing processes. The obtained sliver was fed into the draft zone of a VORTEX spinning machine (Murata Machinery Co., Ltd., model number "VORTEX861") and drafted. After being spun at a spinning speed of 390 m / min, a spindle diameter of 1.2 mm, and a nozzle pressure of 0.5 MPa, the sliver was wound up to produce a cotton-containing spun yarn (spun yarn c) (MVS yarn) with a British cotton count of 21 / 1.

[0062] (Production Example 4) 100% American cotton (micron count 3.5-4.9, average fiber length 27 mm) was used, and a sliver was obtained by sequentially feeding it through the blending, carding, combing, and drawing processes. The resulting sliver was then fed into the draft zone of a VORTEX spinning machine (Murata Machinery Co., Ltd., model number "VORTEX861") and drafted. The spinning speed was 390 m / min, the spindle diameter was 1.2 mm, and the nozzle pressure was 0.5 MPa. The spinning was then wound up to produce a cotton-containing spun yarn (spun yarn d) with a British cotton count of 24 / 1 (MVS yarn).

[0063] (Production Example 5) 100% American cotton (micron count 3.5-4.9, fiber length 27 mm) was used by mass and was fed sequentially through the cotton blending process, carding process, combing process, drawing process, and roving process to obtain a roving. The obtained roving was then spun into spun yarn e (ring yarn) with a twist factor of 3.7 and a British cotton count of 20 / 1 using a ring spinning frame. The twist number of spun yarn e was 16.7 turns per inch.

[0064] The British cotton count and twist number of the spun yarns of Production Examples 1 to 5 were measured as described above.

[0065] Example 1 Two strands of spun yarn a obtained in Production Example 1 were paralleled and knitted on a circular knitting machine (30 inch, 24 gauge) to produce a jersey knit fabric with a yarn length of 32.0 cm / 100 needles and the course density and wale density shown in Table 1. The resulting knitted fabric was scouring-bleached in a high-temperature, high-pressure jet dyeing machine at 110°C for 40 minutes using aqueous scouring and bleaching solution a containing 10% owf hydrogen peroxide (concentration 27.5% by weight), 1% owf caustic soda (flakes), and 1.5 g / L of a scouring agent (product number "HK-115" manufactured by Ningbo Huake Textile Auxiliary Co., Ltd.), neutralized with acetic acid, and then washed with water. After dehydration and drying, the knitted fabric was impregnated with treatment solution a containing glyoxal resin using a tenter with a padder, and then dried and heat-treated (cured) at 170°C for 120 seconds to obtain an off-white jersey knitted fabric. Treatment solution a was an aqueous solution containing 5% owf of glyoxal resin ("Riken Resin NONF-64" manufactured by Miki Riken Kogyo Co., Ltd., active ingredient concentration: 40 to 50% by mass) as the active ingredient (solid content), 1.5% owf of crosslinking agent ("Riken Fixer MX-27N" manufactured by Miki Riken Kogyo Co., Ltd.), and 3% owf of silicone-based softener 1 ("Riken Softener SR505" manufactured by Miki Riken Kogyo Co., Ltd., water-absorbent softener).

[0066] Example 2 An off-white jersey knit fabric was obtained in the same manner as in Example 1, except that the spun yarn b obtained in Production Example 2 was used and the course density was set as shown in Table 1.

[0067] Example 3 Using the spun yarn a obtained in Production Example 1, a plain knit fabric was produced on a circular knitting machine (34 inches, 28 gauge) with a yarn length of 24.0 cm / 100 needles and the course density and wale density shown in Table 1. The fabric was then scouring and bleaching carried out in the same manner as in Example 1, then dyed with a fluorescent brightener, dehydrated, and dried. The fabric was then impregnated with treatment solution b containing glyoxal resin in the same manner as in Example 1, and dried and cured at 165°C for 120 seconds, to obtain a fluorescent white plain knit fabric. Treatment solution b was an aqueous solution containing 5% owf of glyoxal resin ("Riken Resin NONF-64" manufactured by Miki Riken Kogyo Co., Ltd., active ingredient concentration: 40 to 50% by mass) as the active ingredient (solid content), 1.5% owf of crosslinking agent ("Riken Fixer MX-27N" manufactured by Miki Riken Kogyo Co., Ltd.), and 3% owf of silicone-based softener 2 ("Queenset PSO-7000" manufactured by Kotani Chemical Industry Co., Ltd., water-absorbent softener).

[0068] Example 4 Using the spun yarn a obtained in Production Example 1, a plain knit fabric was produced on a circular knitting machine (34 inch, 28 gauge) with a yarn length of 24.0 cm / 100 needles and the course density and wale density shown in Table 1. Scouring and bleaching were then carried out in the same manner as in Example 1. The fabric was then dyed black with a reactive dye, subjected to a fixation treatment, and then dehydrated and dried. The fabric was then impregnated with treatment solution b containing glyoxal resin in the same manner as in Example 3, and then dried and cured at 175°C for 120 seconds to obtain a black plain knit fabric.

[0069] Example 5 A fluorescent white jersey knit fabric was obtained by the same procedure as in Example 3, except that a plain knit fabric having a yarn length of 31.5 cm / 100 needles and the course density and wale density shown in Table 2 was produced using the spun yarn c obtained in Production Example 3 on a circular knitting machine (30 inches, 24 gauge).

[0070] Example 6 Using the spun yarn d obtained in Production Example 4, a plain knit fabric having a yarn length of 29.5 cm / 100 needles and the course density and wale density shown in Table 2 was produced on a circular knitting machine (30 inches, 24 gauge) in the same manner as in Example 3, except that the knitted fabric was impregnated with treatment solution b containing glyoxal resin, and then dried and cured at 140°C for 90 seconds, and then further cured at 140°C for 120 seconds, to obtain a fluorescent white plain knit fabric.

[0071] (Comparative Example 1) Using the spun yarn e obtained in Production Example 5, a jersey knit fabric was produced on a circular knitting machine (30 inches, 24 gauge) with a yarn length of 32.0 cm / 100 needles and the course and wale counts shown in Table 3. The resulting knit fabric was scouring-bleached for 30 minutes at 100°C in a high-temperature, high-pressure jet dyeing machine using aqueous scouring and bleaching solution b containing 3% owf hydrogen peroxide (concentration 27.5% by weight), 2% owf caustic soda (flake), and 1.5 g / L scouring agent (DYMATIC Chemicals, Inc., product number "DM-1130"). The scouring and bleaching solution b was neutralized with acetic acid and then washed with water. After dehydration and drying, the knit fabric was impregnated with treatment solution c containing only softener, and then dried at 140°C for 90 seconds to obtain an off-white jersey knit fabric. Treatment liquid c was an aqueous solution of silicone softener 3 (a scouring agent manufactured by DYMATIC Chemicals, Inc., product number "DH-3409") with a concentration of 3.0% owf.

[0072] (Comparative Example 2) Using the spun yarn e obtained in Production Example 5, a jersey knit fabric was produced on a circular knitting machine (30 inches, 24 gauge) with a yarn length of 32.0 cm / 100 needles and the course and wale counts shown in Table 3. The resulting knit fabric was scouring-bleached in a high-temperature, high-pressure jet dyeing machine at 110°C for 40 minutes using aqueous scouring and bleaching solution c containing 6% owf hydrogen peroxide (concentration 50.0 wt%), 2% owf caustic soda (flake), and 4.0 g / L of scouring agent (DYMATIC Chemicals, Inc., product number "DM-1130"). The scouring and bleaching solution c was neutralized with acetic acid and then washed with water. After dehydration and drying, the knit fabric was impregnated with treatment solution b containing glyoxal resin in the same manner as in Example 3, followed by drying and curing at 170°C for 120 seconds to obtain an off-white jersey knit fabric.

[0073] (Comparative Example 3) Using the spun yarn e obtained in Production Example 5, a jersey knit fabric was produced on a circular knitting machine (30 inch 24 gauge) with a yarn length of 32.0 cm / 100 needles and the course density and wale density shown in Table 3. Thereafter, scouring and bleaching were carried out in the same manner as in Comparative Example 2. After dehydration and drying, the knitted fabric was impregnated with treatment solution b containing glyoxal resin in the same manner as in Example 3, followed by drying and curing treatment at 170°C for 120 seconds, and then a further curing treatment at 170°C for 120 seconds, to obtain an off-white jersey knit fabric.

[0074] Comparative Example 4 Using the spun yarn c obtained in Production Example 3, a jersey knit fabric was produced on a circular knitting machine (30 inches, 24 gauge) with a yarn length of 32.0 cm / 100 needles and the course and wale counts shown in Table 3. The resulting knit fabric was scouring-bleached for 40 minutes at 95°C in a high-temperature, high-pressure jet dyeing machine using aqueous scouring and bleaching solution d containing 6.0% owf hydrogen peroxide (concentration 27.5% by weight), 1% owf caustic soda (flake), and 1.0 g / L scouring agent (Ningbo Huake Textile Auxiliary Co., Ltd., product number "HK-115"). The scouring and bleaching solution d was neutralized with acetic acid and then washed with water. After dehydration and drying, the knit fabric was impregnated with treatment solution c containing only softener in the same manner as in Comparative Example 1, and then dried at 140°C for 90 seconds to obtain an off-white jersey knit fabric.

[0075] In the Examples and Comparative Examples, the knitted fabrics were unraveled, and the unraveled cotton-containing spun yarn was used to measure the single yarn tensile strength, elongation, and elongation modulus of the cotton-containing spun yarn as described above. The single yarn tensile strength and elongation of the raw cotton-containing spun yarn used in the Examples and Comparative Examples were also measured as described above. The knitted fabrics of the Examples and Comparative Examples were measured and evaluated for basis weight, burst strength, anti-pilling properties, water absorbency 1, water absorbency 2, quick-drying properties, water absorption and diffusibility, and wash-dryability as described above. These results are shown in Tables 1 to 3 below. In the results for water absorbency 1, water absorbency 2, and quick-drying properties in Tables 1 to 3 below, the results for test pieces taken from knitted fabrics that had not been washed were labeled W0, and the results for test pieces taken from knitted fabrics that had been washed 1, 10, or 30 times were labeled W0, W1, W10, and W30, respectively.

[0076] [Table 1]

[0077] [Table 2]

[0078] [Table 3]

[0079] As can be seen from the results in Tables 1 to 3 above, the knitted fabrics of the examples had excellent quick-drying properties, with a drying time of 52 minutes or less to reach a diffusible residual moisture content of 10%. Furthermore, the knitted fabrics of the examples had a water absorption time of 8 seconds or less, measured in accordance with JIS L 1907:2010 7.1 Water Absorption Rate Method 7.1.1 Drop Method, and a water rise height of 8 cm or more, measured in accordance with JIS L 1907:2010 7.1 Water Absorption Rate Method 7.1.2 Byreck Method, demonstrating excellent water absorption. The knitted fabrics of the examples also had excellent water absorption and diffusion properties, wash-drying properties, and anti-pilling properties.

[0080] On the other hand, the knitted fabrics of Comparative Examples 1 to 3, which used ring yarn, had poor quick-drying properties, taking longer than 52 minutes to reach a diffusible residual moisture content of 10%.The knitted fabric of Comparative Example 4, which used cotton-containing spun yarn produced using a vortex spinning machine but did not have glyoxal resin bonded to the cotton fiber, also had poor quick-drying properties, taking longer than 52 minutes to reach a diffusible residual moisture content of 10%.

[0081] The present invention is not particularly limited, but may include, for example, the following embodiments. [1] A knitted fabric comprising a cotton-containing spun yarn, which is a spun yarn containing cotton fibers, The knitted fabric has a basis weight of 80 g / m 2 More than 250g / m 2 is as follows: The cotton-containing spun yarn is composed of a group of untwisted fibers in an untwisted state and a group of wrapped fibers wrapped around the group of untwisted fibers, The single yarn tensile strength per 1 tex of the cotton-containing spun yarn in the knitted fabric is 6.0 cN / tex or more and less than 12 cN / tex, knitted fabric A knitted fabric in which, when 0.6 ml of water is dropped onto a test piece of the knitted fabric and the test piece is left hanging in an environment of 20°C and 65% RH, the drying time until the diffusible residual moisture content reaches 10% is 52 minutes or less. [2] The test piece of the knitted fabric was attached to an embroidery frame with a diameter of 15 cm, and 0.2 ml of water was dropped onto it. After 60 seconds, the diameters in the warp and weft directions of the wetted area were measured, and the water absorption and diffusion area calculated using the following formula was 13 cm 2 The knitted fabric described in [1] above. Water absorption and diffusion area (cm 2 ) = [Vertical diameter × Horizontal diameter] / 4 × π [3] The knitted fabric according to [1] or [2], wherein the time required for the knitted fabric to reach a constant weight under standard conditions measured in accordance with JIS L 1096:2010 8.25 Drying Test Method is 200 minutes or less. [4] The knitted fabric according to any one of [1] to [3], wherein the elongation modulus of the cotton-containing spun yarn in the knitted fabric is 50% or more and 90% or less. [5] The knitted fabric according to any one of claims [1] to [4], wherein the knitted fabric contains 50% by mass or more of cotton fibers derived from the cotton-containing spun yarn. [6] The knitted fabric according to any one of [1] to [6], wherein the knitted fabric contains a total of 80% by mass or more of cotton fibers derived from the cotton-containing spun yarn and other cellulosic fibers other than the cotton fibers. [7] The knitted fabric according to any one of [1] to [6], wherein the knitted fabric is a plain knitted fabric. [8] The knitted fabric according to any one of [1] to [7], wherein the bursting strength according to JIS L 1096 8.18 (2010) satisfies at least one of the following (a) or (b): (a) Bursting strength measured by JIS L1096 (2010) 8.18.1 A method (Mullen method) is 300 kPa or more and 980 kPa or less (b) Bursting strength measured by JIS L1096 (2010) 8.18.3 C method (ISO method) is 300 kPa or more and 980 kPa or less [9] A method for producing the knitted fabric according to any one of [1] to [8], (1) A step of producing a cotton-containing spun yarn, which is a spun yarn containing cotton fibers, by using a vortex spinning machine; (2) knitting a fabric using the cotton-containing spun yarn; (3) A step of scouring and bleaching the knitted fabric using an aqueous solution containing hydrogen peroxide, an alkali agent, and a scouring agent at a temperature of 90°C or higher and 130°C or lower for a treatment time of 20 minutes or higher and 60 minutes or lower; (4) A method for manufacturing a knitted fabric, comprising the steps of impregnating the knitted fabric after scouring and bleaching with an aqueous solution containing glyoxal resin, a crosslinking agent, and a silicone-based softener, and then drying and heat-treating the fabric at a temperature of 140°C or higher and 180°C or lower for 60 seconds or higher and 240 seconds or lower.

[10] The method for producing a knitted fabric according to [9], wherein the aqueous solution used in step (4) contains a glyoxal resin at 0.1% owf to 10.0% owf, a cross-linking agent at 0.03% owf to 2.5% owf, and a silicone softener at 0.5% owf to 10.0% owf.

[11] Clothing comprising the knitted fabric described in any one of [1] to [8].

Claims

1. A knitted fabric comprising a cotton-containing spun yarn, which is a spun yarn containing cotton fibers, The knitted fabric has a basis weight of 80 g / m 2 More than 250g / m 2 is as follows: The cotton-containing spun yarn is composed of a group of untwisted fibers in an untwisted state and a group of wrapped fibers wrapped around the group of untwisted fibers, The single yarn tensile strength per 1 tex of the cotton-containing spun yarn in the knitted fabric is 6.0 cN / tex or more and less than 12 cN / tex, When 0.6 ml of water is dropped onto a test piece of the knitted fabric and the test piece is left hanging in an environment of 20°C and 65% RH, the drying time until the diffusible residual moisture content reaches 10% is 52 minutes or less.

2. The test piece of the knitted fabric was attached to an embroidery frame with a diameter of 15 cm, and 0.2 ml of water was dropped onto it. After 60 seconds, the diameters in the warp and weft directions of the wetted and spread area were measured, and the water absorption and diffusion area calculated using the following formula was 13 cm 2 The knitted fabric according to claim 1 . Water absorption and diffusion area (cm 2 ) = [vertical (warp) diameter x horizontal (latitude) diameter] / 4 x π

3. The knitted fabric according to claim 1, wherein the time required for the knitted fabric to reach a constant weight under standard conditions measured in accordance with JIS L 1096:2010 8.25, a method for measuring drying properties, is 200 minutes or less.

4. The knitted fabric according to claim 1, wherein the cotton-containing spun yarn in the knitted fabric has an elongation modulus of elasticity of 50% or more and 90% or less.

5. The knitted fabric according to claim 1, wherein the knitted fabric contains 50% by mass or more of cotton fibers derived from the cotton-containing spun yarn.

6. The knitted fabric according to claim 1, wherein the knitted fabric contains 80% by mass or more in total of cotton fibers derived from the cotton-containing spun yarn and cellulosic fibers other than the cotton fibers.

7. The knitted fabric according to claim 1 , wherein the knitted fabric is a plain knitted fabric.

8. The knitted fabric according to claim 1, wherein the burst strength according to JIS L 1096 8.18 (2010) satisfies at least one of the following (a) or (b): (a) The burst strength measured by JIS L1096 (2010) 8.18.1 A method (Mullen method) is 300 kPa or more and 980 kPa or less. (b) The burst strength measured by JIS L1096 (2010) 8.18.3 C method (ISO method) is 300 kPa or more and 980 kPa or less.

9. A method for manufacturing the knitted fabric according to any one of claims 1 to 8, (1) A step of producing a cotton-containing spun yarn, which is a spun yarn containing cotton fibers, by using a vortex spinning machine; (2) knitting a fabric using the cotton-containing spun yarn; (3) A step of scouring and bleaching the knitted fabric using an aqueous solution containing hydrogen peroxide, an alkali agent, and a scouring agent at a temperature of 90°C or higher and 130°C or lower for a treatment time of 20 minutes or higher and 60 minutes or lower; (4) A method for manufacturing a knitted fabric, comprising the steps of impregnating the knitted fabric after scouring and bleaching with an aqueous solution containing a glyoxal resin, a crosslinking agent, and a silicone-based softener, and then drying and heat-treating the fabric at a temperature of 140°C or higher and 180°C or lower for 60 seconds or higher and 240 seconds or lower.

10. The method for producing a knitted fabric according to claim 9, wherein the aqueous solution used in step (4) contains 0.1% owf to 10.0% owf of glyoxal resin, 0.03% owf to 2.5% owf of crosslinking agent, and 0.5% owf to 10.0% owf of silicone softener.

11. A garment comprising the knitted fabric according to any one of claims 1 to 8.

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