Treatment agent for staple fibers, staple fibers, and method for producing nonwoven fabric

Abstract

To provide a treatment agent for staple fibers, a first treatment agent for staple fibers, staple fibers, and a method for producing nonwoven fabrics, which can improve the functions of rewetting prevention, durable hydrophilicity, and initial hydrophilicity of fibers to which the treatment agent for staple fibers has been applied.SOLUTION: A treatment agent for staple fibers of the present invention is characterized by containing the following nonionic surfactant (A), the following nonionic surfactant (B), and the following anionic surfactant (C). The nonionic surfactant (A) is a condensate of 1 mole of a (poly)alkylene polyamine with 2 or more moles of an acid, and so forth. The nonionic surfactant (B) is a polyglycerin fatty acid ester, and so forth. The anionic surfactant (C) is a phosphate ester salt-type anionic surfactant having an alkyl group having carbon atoms of 6 or more and 14 or less, and so forth.SELECTED DRAWING: None

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a short fiber treatment agent, a short fiber to which the treatment agent is attached, and A method for manufacturing nonwoven fabric using the same By law Regarding. [Background technology]

[0002] Synthetic fibers are generally used as the raw material fibers for nonwoven fabrics. For example, nonwoven fabrics are made by preparing staple synthetic fibers and then passing the staple fibers through a carding machine to form a web. Furthermore, synthetic fibers can be imparted with properties such as water repellency by applying a treatment agent for staple fibers. Nonwoven fabrics made from synthetic fibers imparted with properties such as water repellency are used in a wide range of fields, including hygiene products, medical care, and civil engineering.

[0003] For example, synthetic fiber treatment agents are known from the prior art, as disclosed in Patent Documents 1 to 4. Patent Document 1 discloses a polyolefin-based synthetic fiber treatment agent containing a specific polyoxyalkylene derivative and a linear hydrocarbon compound. Patent Document 2 discloses a water permeability imparting agent for textile products comprising a (poly)alkylpolyalkylene polyamine amide component and a trialkylglycine derivative component. Patent Document 3 discloses a nonwoven fabric treated with a coating solution containing a specific nonionic surfactant, such as polyoxyethylene-modified silicone, as a liquid membrane cleaving agent. Patent Document 4 discloses a durable hydrophilic fiber treated with a treatment agent containing a specific polyoxyalkylene adduct, an anionic surfactant, such as an alkyl sulfonate salt, and the like. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2019-189990 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 10-53958 [Patent Document 3] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2019-2122 [Patent Document 4] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 9-49166 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] Meanwhile, a treatment agent for short fibers is required to improve the functions of preventing rewetting, durable hydrophilicity, and initial hydrophilicity of the fibers to which the treatment agent for short fibers is applied. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] As a result of research aimed at solving the above problems, the present inventors have found that a short fiber treatment agent containing a specific nonionic surfactant and an anionic surfactant is exactly suitable. Various aspects for solving the above problems will be described.

[0007] The short fiber treatment agent used in the nonwoven fabric of embodiment 1 is characterized by containing the following nonionic surfactant (A), the following nonionic surfactant (B), and the following anionic surfactant (C).

[0008] Nonionic surfactant (A): At least one selected from the group consisting of a condensation product of 1 mole of a (poly)alkylene polyamine with 2 moles or more of an acid, and a compound in which 1 mole or more and 100 moles or less of an alkylene oxide is added to 1 mole of a condensation product of 1 mole of a (poly)alkylene polyamine with 2 moles or more of an acid.

[0009] Nonionic surfactant (B): At least one selected from polyglycerin fatty acid esters, compounds in which 1 mole to 100 moles of alkylene oxide is added to 1 mole of aliphatic alcohol having 6 to 13 carbon atoms, compounds in which 1 mole to 100 moles of alkylene oxide is added to 1 mole of fatty acid having 8 to 30 carbon atoms, and compounds in which 1 mole to 100 moles of alkylene oxide is added to 1 mole of alcohol fatty acid ester.

[0010] Anionic surfactant (C): At least one selected from phosphate ester salt type anionic surfactants, sulfonate salt type anionic surfactants, sulfate ester salt type anionic surfactants, and fatty acid salt type anionic surfactants, each having an alkyl group having 6 to 14 carbon atoms.

[0011] A second aspect is the short fiber treating agent according to the first aspect, wherein the nonionic surfactant (A) is a condensate of 1 mole of a (poly)alkylene polyamine with 2 moles or more of an acid. A third aspect is the short fiber treating agent according to the first aspect, wherein the anionic surfactant (C) is a phosphate ester salt-type anionic surfactant having an alkyl group having 6 to 14 carbon atoms.

[0012] A fourth aspect is the short fiber treating agent according to the first aspect, wherein the nonionic surfactant (B) is a polyglycerol fatty acid ester. A fifth aspect is the short fiber treating agent according to the first aspect, wherein the content of the nonionic surfactant (A) in the nonvolatile content of the short fiber treating agent is 1% by mass or more and 50% by mass or less.

[0013] In aspect 6, the short fiber treatment agent according to aspect 1 contains the nonionic surfactant (A) in an amount of 1% by mass or more and 50% by mass or less, the nonionic surfactant (B) in an amount of 30% by mass or more and 80% by mass or less, and the anionic surfactant (C) in an amount of 15% by mass or more and 60% by mass or less, where the total content of the nonionic surfactant (A), the nonionic surfactant (B), and the anionic surfactant (C) is 100% by mass.

[0014] A seventh aspect is the short fiber treating agent according to the first aspect, further comprising a polyoxyalkylene fatty acid amide (D) (excluding those corresponding to the nonionic surfactant (A)). In an eighth aspect, the short fiber treatment agent according to the first aspect further contains an organic acid (E) having a carboxyl group having 10 or less carbon atoms.

[0015] Aspect 9 In the treatment agent for short fibers according to aspect 1,Contains nonionic surfactant (B) Short Secondary treatment agent for fibers and the above Contains nonionic surfactant (A) Short First treatment agent for fibers and consists of a set including , in either one or both of the first treatment agent for staple fibers and the second treatment agent for staple fibers, The aforementioned The composition contains an anionic surfactant (C), and either or both of the first treatment agent for short fibers and the second treatment agent for short fibers optionally contains at least one selected from the group consisting of a polyoxyalkylene fatty acid amide (D) (excluding those corresponding to the nonionic surfactant (A)) and an organic acid (E) having a carboxyl group having 10 or less carbon atoms. The first treatment agent for short fibers and the second treatment agent for short fibers are mixed together when used. do.

[0016] The short fibers used in the nonwoven fabric of aspect 10 are the same as those of aspects 1 to 9 The short fiber treating agent according to any one of the above aspects is attached to the surface of the fiber. The method for producing the nonwoven fabric of aspect 11 is the same as that of aspect 1 to 9 The method is characterized by including a step of adhering the short fiber treating agent according to any one of the above aspects to short fibers, and a step of subjecting the short fibers to a heat fusion treatment to obtain a nonwoven fabric.

[0017] A twelfth aspect of the present invention is the method for producing a nonwoven fabric according to the eleventh aspect, wherein the short fibers are polyolefin-based synthetic fibers. [Effects of the Invention]

[0018] According to the present invention, it is possible to improve the functions of rewetting prevention, durable hydrophilicity, and initial hydrophilicity of fibers to which a treatment agent for short fibers has been applied. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0019] First Embodiment A first embodiment of the short fiber treatment agent (hereinafter simply referred to as the treatment agent) of the present invention will be described below. The treatment agent used for the nonwoven fabric of this embodiment contains the nonionic surfactant (A), nonionic surfactant (B), and anionic surfactant (C) described below. The treatment agent may further contain a polyoxyalkylene fatty acid amide (D) (excluding those corresponding to the nonionic surfactant (A)) and an organic acid (E), which is a compound having a carboxyl group with 10 or less carbon atoms.

[0020] (Nonionic surfactant (A)) The nonionic surfactant (A) used in this embodiment is at least one selected from the group consisting of a condensate of 1 mole of a (poly)alkylene polyamine with 2 or more moles of an acid, and a compound in which 1 to 100 moles of an alkylene oxide are added to 1 mole of a condensate of 1 mole of a (poly)alkylene polyamine with 2 or more moles of an acid.

[0021] Specific examples of (poly)alkylenepolyamines include ethylenediamine, diethylenetriamine, triethylenetetramine, tetraethylenepentamine, pentaethylenehexamine, di(methylethylene)triamine, dibutylenetriamine, tributylenetetramine, and pentapentylenehexamine.

[0022] Examples of the acid include carboxylic acids such as aliphatic carboxylic acids and aromatic carboxylic acids. The carboxylic acid may be a monocarboxylic acid or a polycarboxylic acid, or may be an oxycarboxylic acid having a hydroxy group. In the case of an aliphatic carboxylic acid, it may be a saturated fatty acid or an unsaturated fatty acid, and may be linear or branched.

[0023] Specific examples of saturated fatty acids include formic acid, acetic acid, propionic acid, butyric acid, valeric acid, hexanoic acid (caproic acid), octylic acid (2-ethylhexanoic acid), octanoic acid (caprylic acid), nonanoic acid, decanoic acid (capric acid), dodecanoic acid (lauric acid), tetradecanoic acid (myristic acid), hexadecanoic acid (palmitic acid), octadecanoic acid (stearic acid), eicosanoic acid (arachidic acid), docosanoic acid (behenic acid), and tetracosanoic acid.

[0024] Specific examples of unsaturated fatty acids include crotonic acid, myristoleic acid, palmitoleic acid, oleic acid, vaccenic acid, eicosenoic acid, linoleic acid, α-linolenic acid, γ-linolenic acid, and arachidonic acid.

[0025] Specific examples of polyvalent carboxylic acids (polybasic acids) include (1) dibasic acids such as succinic acid, fumaric acid, maleic acid, adipic acid, and sebacic acid; (2) tribasic acids such as aconitic acid; (3) aromatic dicarboxylic acids such as terephthalic acid, isophthalic acid, and 2,6-naphthalenedicarboxylic acid; (4) aromatic tricarboxylic acids such as trimellitic acid; and (5) aromatic tetracarboxylic acids such as pyromellitic acid.

[0026] Specific examples of hydroxycarboxylic acids include citric acid, lactic acid, tartaric acid, glycolic acid, malic acid, and ricinoleic acid. The alkylene oxide is preferably an alkylene oxide having 2 to 4 carbon atoms. Specific examples of alkylene oxide include ethylene oxide, propylene oxide, and butylene oxide. The number of moles of alkylene oxide added is set appropriately, but is 1 to 100 moles, preferably 2 to 50 moles. Any combination of the above upper and lower limits is also possible. The number of moles of alkylene oxide added indicates the number of moles of alkylene oxide per mole of the compound to be added in the charged raw material. As the alkylene oxide, one type of alkylene oxide may be used alone, or two or more types of alkylene oxides may be used in appropriate combination. When two or more types of alkylene oxide are used, the addition form may be any of block addition, random addition, and a combination of block addition and random addition, and is not particularly limited.

[0027] Specific examples of the nonionic surfactant (A) include ethylenediamine distearic acid amide, diethylenetriamine distearic acid amide, diethylenetriamine dibehenic acid amide, diethylenetriamine trioleic acid amide, triethylenetetraamine tetrastearic acid amide, a compound in which an alkylene oxide is added to 1 mole of diethylenetriamine dibehenic acid amide, a compound in which an alkylene oxide is added to 1 mole of diethylenetriamine distearic acid amide, and N″N-bis(3-methoxypropyl)isodocoic acid diamide.

[0028] These nonionic surfactants (A) may be used singly or in appropriate combination of two or more. Among these, a condensate of 1 mole of a (poly)alkylene polyamine with 2 moles or more of an acid is preferred from the viewpoint of excellent rewetting prevention effect on fibers to which the treatment agent has been applied.

[0029] The lower limit of the content of the nonionic surfactant (A) in the nonvolatile content of the treatment agent is set as appropriate, but is preferably 0.3 mass% or more, more preferably 1 mass% or more. When this content is 0.3 mass% or more, the rewetting prevention effect of the fiber to which the treatment agent is applied can be further improved. The upper limit of the content of the nonionic surfactant (A) is set as appropriate, but is preferably 70 mass% or less, more preferably 50 mass% or less. When this content is 70 mass% or less, the initial hydrophilicity of the fiber to which the treatment agent is applied can be further improved. Note that ranges that combine the above upper and lower limits are also envisioned.

[0030] The non-volatile content refers to the treatment agent that has been heat treated at 105°C for 2 hours to thoroughly remove volatile components. Hereinafter, the same conditions will be used to define the non-volatile content. (Nonionic surfactant (B)) The nonionic surfactant (B) used in this embodiment is at least one selected from polyglycerin fatty acid esters, compounds in which 1 to 100 moles of alkylene oxide are added to 1 mole of an aliphatic alcohol having 6 to 13 carbon atoms, compounds in which 1 to 100 moles of alkylene oxide are added to 1 mole of a fatty acid having 8 to 30 carbon atoms, and compounds in which 1 to 100 moles of alkylene oxide are added to 1 mole of an alcohol fatty acid ester.

[0031] The polyglycerol fatty acid ester is preferably an ester of a fatty acid and polyglycerol. Specific examples of the fatty acid include those listed in the section on nonionic surfactants (A). Among these, the fatty acid is preferably an aliphatic monocarboxylic acid having 12 to 18 carbon atoms. Examples of the aliphatic monocarboxylic acid having 12 to 18 carbon atoms include dodecanoic acid (lauric acid), tetradecanoic acid (myristic acid), hexadecanoic acid (palmitic acid), octadecanoic acid (stearic acid), myristoleic acid, palmitoleic acid, oleic acid, and vaccenic acid.

[0032] The number of moles of the aliphatic monocarboxylic acid in one ester molecule is preferably 1 or more and 6 or less. Specific examples of polyglycerol include diglycerol, triglycerol, tetraglycerol, pentaglycerol, hexaglycerol, heptaglycerol, octaglycerol, decaglycerol, dodecaglycerol, etc. The glycerol condensation number is not particularly limited, but is preferably 3 or more and 12 or less.

[0033] Specific examples of polyglycerol fatty acid esters include tetraglycerol monolaurate, hexaglycerol dilaurate, dodecaglycerol hexastearate, and triglycerol monostearate.

[0034] Specific examples of the aliphatic alcohol constituting the compound in which 1 mole to 100 moles of alkylene oxide are added to 1 mole of an aliphatic alcohol having 6 to 13 carbon atoms include (1) linear alkyl alcohols such as hexanol, octanol, nonanol, decanol, undecanol, dodecanol, and tridecanol; (2) branched alkyl alcohols such as isohexanol, 2-ethylhexanol, isononanol, isodecanol, isododecanol, and isotridecanol; (3) linear alkenyl alcohols such as hexenol, decenol, and dodecenol; and (4) branched alkenyl alcohols such as isodecenol and isododecenol.

[0035] Specific examples of alkylene oxides constituting the compound in which 1 mole or more and 100 moles or less of alkylene oxide are added to 1 mole of an aliphatic alcohol having 6 to 13 carbon atoms include those listed in the section on nonionic surfactants (A).

[0036] A specific example of a compound in which 1 mole to 100 moles of alkylene oxide is added to 1 mole of an aliphatic alcohol having 6 to 13 carbon atoms is a compound in which an alkylene oxide is added to 1 mole of lauryl alcohol.

[0037] The fatty acid constituting the compound in which 1 mole to 100 moles of alkylene oxide are added to 1 mole of a fatty acid having 8 to 30 carbon atoms may be a saturated fatty acid or an unsaturated fatty acid, and may be linear or branched. The fatty acid may be a monocarboxylic acid or a polycarboxylic acid, or may be an oxycarboxylic acid having a hydroxy group.

[0038] Specific examples of saturated fatty acids include octylic acid (2-ethylhexanoic acid), octanoic acid (caprylic acid), nonanoic acid, decanoic acid (capric acid), dodecanoic acid (lauric acid), tetradecanoic acid (myristic acid), hexadecanoic acid (palmitic acid), octadecanoic acid (stearic acid), eicosanoic acid (arachidic acid), docosanoic acid (behenic acid), tetracosanoic acid, hexacosanoic acid, octacosanoic acid (montanic acid), and triacontanoic acid.

[0039] Specific examples of unsaturated fatty acids include myristoleic acid, palmitoleic acid, oleic acid, vaccenic acid, eicosenoic acid, linoleic acid, α-linolenic acid, γ-linolenic acid, and arachidonic acid.

[0040] Specific examples of polybasic acids include dibasic acids such as sebacic acid. Specific examples of hydroxycarboxylic acids include ricinoleic acid.

[0041] Specific examples of alkylene oxides constituting the compound in which 1 mole or more and 100 moles or less of alkylene oxide are added to 1 mole of a fatty acid having 8 to 30 carbon atoms include those listed in the section on nonionic surfactants (A).

[0042] Specific examples of the compound in which 1 mole to 100 moles of alkylene oxide are added to 1 mole of a fatty acid having from 8 to 30 carbon atoms include a compound in which an alkylene oxide is added to 1 mole of behenic acid, and a compound in which an alkylene oxide is added to 1 mole of montanic acid.

[0043] Specific examples of alcohols constituting a compound in which 1 mole or more and 100 moles or less of alkylene oxide are added to 1 mole of an alcohol fatty acid ester include, for example, (1) methanol, ethanol, propanol, butanol, pentanol, hexanol, octanol, nonanol, decanol, undecanol, dodecanol, tridecanol, tetradecanol, pentadecanol, hexadecanol, heptadecanol, octadecanol, nonadecanol, eicosanol, heneicosanol, docosanol, and the like. (2) linear alkyl alcohols such as isopropanol, isobutanol, isohexanol, 2-ethylhexanol, isononanol, isodecanol, isododecanol, isotridecanol, isotetradecanol, isopentadecanol, isohexadecanol, isoheptadecanol, isooctadecanol, isononadecanol, and isopropyl alcohols; (3) branched alkyl alcohols such as tetradecenol, hexadecenol, heptadecenol, octadecenol, and nonadecenol; (4) branched alkenyl alcohols such as isohexadecenol and isooctadecenol; (5) branched alkenyl alcohols such as isohexadecenol and isooctadecenol; (6) branched alkenyl alcohols such as tetradecenol, hexadecenol, heptadecenol, octadecenol, and nonadecenol; (7) branched alkenyl alcohols such as isohexadecenol and isooctadecenol; (8) branched alkenyl alcohols such as tetradecenol, hexadecenol, heptadecenol, octadecenol, and nonadecenol; (9) branched alkenyl alcohols such as tetradecenol, hexadecenol, heptadecenol, octadecenol, and nonadecenol; (10) branched alkenyl alcohols such as tetradecenol, hexadecenol, heptadecenol, octadecenol, and nonadecenol; (11) branched alkenyl alcohols such as tetradecenol, hexadecenol, heptadecenol, octadecenol, and nonadecenol; (12) branched alkenyl alcohols such as tetradecenol, hexadecenol, heptadecenol, octadecenol, and nonadecenol; (13) branched alkenyl alcohols such as tetradecenol, hexadecenol, heptadecenol, octadecenol, and nonadecenol; (14) branched alkenyl alcohols such as tetradecenol, hexadecenol, heptadecenol, octadecenol, and nonadecenol; (15) branched alkenyl alcohols such as tetradecenol, hexadecenol, heptadecenol, octadecenol, and non (5) Cyclic alkyl alcohols such as cyclopentanol and cyclohexanol, (6) ethylene glycol, 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, glycerin, 2-methyl-2-hydroxymethyl-1,Examples include polyhydric alcohols such as 3-propanediol, trimethylolpropane, sorbitan, pentaerythritol, and sorbitol; (7) aromatic alcohols such as benzyl alcohol; and (8) phenols such as phenol, nonylphenol, monostyrenated phenol, distyrenated phenol, tristyrenated phenol, and bisphenol A.

[0044] Specific examples of fatty acids constituting a compound in which 1 mole or more and 100 moles or less of alkylene oxide are added to 1 mole of alcohol fatty acid ester include, for example, (1) linear alkylcarboxylic 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, and docosanoic acid; (3) branched alkyl carboxylic acids such as hexanoic acid, isododecanoic acid, isotridecanoic acid, isotetradecanoic acid, isohexadecanoic acid, and isooctadecanoic acid; (3) straight-chain alkenyl carboxylic acids such as octadecenoic acid, octadecadienoic acid, and octadecatrienoic acid; (4) aromatic carboxylic acids such as benzoic acid; (5) hydroxycarboxylic acids such as lactic acid, citric acid, and ricinoleic acid; and (6) polycarboxylic acids such as adipic acid, sebacic acid, and tricarbaryl.

[0045] Specific examples of the alkylene oxide constituting the compound in which 1 mole or more and 100 moles or less of alkylene oxide are added to 1 mole of alcohol fatty acid ester include those listed in the section on nonionic surfactants (A).

[0046] Specific examples of the compound in which 1 mole or more and 100 moles or less of alkylene oxide is added to 1 mole of alcohol fatty acid ester include a compound in which an alkylene oxide is added to 1 mole of sorbitan monostearate, and a compound in which an alkylene oxide is added to 1 mole of sorbitan monooleate.

[0047] These nonionic surfactants (B) may be used singly or in appropriate combination of two or more. Among these, polyglycerin fatty acid esters are preferred from the viewpoint of providing excellent durable hydrophilicity to fibers to which the treatment agent is applied.

[0048] The lower limit of the content of the nonionic surfactant (B) in the nonvolatile content of the treatment agent is set as appropriate, but is preferably 10% by mass or more, more preferably 30% by mass or more. When this content is 10% by mass or more, the durable hydrophilicity of the fiber to which the treatment agent is applied can be further improved. The upper limit of the content of the nonionic surfactant (B) is set as appropriate, but is preferably 85% by mass or less, more preferably 80% by mass or less. When this content is 85% by mass or less, the initial hydrophilicity of the fiber to which the treatment agent is applied can be further improved. Note that ranges that combine the above upper and lower limits are also contemplated.

[0049] (Anionic surfactant (C)) The anionic surfactant (C) is at least one selected from the group consisting of phosphate ester salt-type anionic surfactants, sulfonate salt-type anionic surfactants, sulfate ester salt-type anionic surfactants, and fatty acid salt-type anionic surfactants, each of which has an alkyl group having from 6 to 14 carbon atoms.

[0050] Examples of phosphate salt-type anionic surfactants include alkyl phosphate salts, alkenyl phosphate salts, alkyl phosphate salts or alkenyl phosphate salts to which a (poly)alkylene oxide chain has been added, etc. The alkyl group or alkenyl group constituting the alkyl phosphate salt is not particularly limited, and may be, for example, linear or branched.

[0051] The alkyl group has 6 to 14 carbon atoms, preferably 8 to 12 carbon atoms. Specific examples of the alkyl group include a hexyl group, a heptyl group, an octyl group, a decyl group, an undecyl group, a dodecyl group, a tridecyl group, a tetradecyl group, an isohexyl group, an isoheptyl group, an isooctyl group, an isodecyl group, an isoundecyl group, an isododecyl group, an isotridecyl group, and an isotetradecyl group.

[0052] Specific examples of alkenyl groups include a hexenyl group, a heptenyl group, an octenyl group, a nonenyl group, a decenyl group, an undecenyl group, a dodecenyl group, a tridecenyl group, a tetradecenyl group, an isohexenyl group, an isoheptenyl group, an isooctenyl group, an isononenyl group, an isodecenyl group, an isoundecenyl group, an isododecenyl group, an isotridecenyl group, and an isotetradecenyl group.

[0053] The alkylene oxide used as a raw material for forming the (poly)oxyalkylene structure is preferably an alkylene oxide having a carbon number of 2 to 4. Specific examples of alkylene oxides that can be used include those listed in the section on nonionic surfactants (A).

[0054] The phosphoric acid constituting the organic phosphate ester compound is not particularly limited, and may be orthophosphoric acid or polyphosphoric acid such as diphosphoric acid. Specific examples of the phosphate salt type anionic surfactant include octyl phosphate salt, decyl phosphate salt, lauryl phosphate salt, polyoxyalkylene lauryl phosphate salt, and the like.

[0055] Specific examples of sulfonate-type anionic surfactants include aliphatic sulfonates or aromatic sulfonates such as lauryl sulfonate, alkyl (C14-16) sulfonate, myristyl sulfonate, cetyl sulfonate, oleyl sulfonate, stearyl sulfonate, tetradecane sulfonate, dodecylbenzene sulfonate, and secondary alkane sulfonate (C13-15) salts.

[0056] Specific examples of sulfate salt-type anionic surfactants include (1) sulfate salts of aliphatic alcohols, such as lauryl sulfate salts, oleyl sulfate salts, and stearyl sulfate salts; (2) sulfate salts of aliphatic alcohols to which at least one alkylene oxide selected from ethylene oxide and propylene oxide has been added, such as polyoxyethylene lauryl ether sulfate salts, polyoxyalkylene (polyoxyethylene, polyoxypropylene) lauryl ether sulfate salts, and polyoxyethylene oleyl ether sulfate salts; and (3) castor oil. Examples of sulfate ester salts of fatty acids include fatty acid sulfate ester salts, sesame oil fatty acid sulfate ester salts, tall oil fatty acid sulfate ester salts, soybean oil fatty acid sulfate ester salts, rapeseed oil fatty acid sulfate ester salts, palm oil fatty acid sulfate ester salts, lard fatty acid sulfate ester salts, beef tallow fatty acid sulfate ester salts, and whale oil fatty acid sulfate ester salts; (4) sulfate ester salts of fats and oils such as castor oil sulfate ester salts, sesame oil sulfate ester salts, tall oil sulfate ester salts, soybean oil sulfate ester salts, rapeseed oil sulfate ester salts, palm oil sulfate ester salts, lard sulfate ester salts, beef tallow sulfate ester salts, and whale oil sulfate ester salts.

[0057] Specific examples of fatty acid salt-type anionic surfactants include octanoates, laurates, oleates, and stearates. Examples of salts of anionic surfactants include amine salts, metal salts, and ammonium salts.

[0058] Examples of metal salts include alkali metal salts and alkaline earth metal salts. Specific examples of alkali metals constituting alkali metal salts include sodium, potassium, and lithium. Examples of alkaline earth metals constituting alkaline earth metal salts include metals belonging to Group 2 elements, such as calcium, magnesium, beryllium, strontium, and barium.

[0059] The amine constituting the amine salt may be any of a primary amine, a secondary amine, and a tertiary amine. Specific examples of amines constituting the amine salt include: (1) aliphatic amines such as methylamine, dimethylamine, trimethylamine, ethylamine, diethylamine, triethylamine, N-diisopropylethylamine, butylamine, dibutylamine, 2-methylbutylamine, tributylamine, octylamine, and dimethyllaurylamine; (2) aromatic amines or heterocyclic amines such as aniline, N-methylbenzylamine, pyridine, morpholine, piperazine, and derivatives thereof; (3) alkanolamines such as monoethanolamine, N-methylethanolamine, diethanolamine, triethanolamine, isopropanolamine, diisopropanolamine, triisopropanolamine, dibutylethanolamine, butyldiethanolamine, octyldiethanolamine, and lauryldiethanolamine; (4) arylamines such as N-methylbenzylamine; (5) polyoxyalkylene alkylamino ethers such as polyoxyethylene laurylamino ether and polyoxyethylene sterylamino ether; and (6) ammonia.

[0060] These anionic surfactants (C) may be used singly or in appropriate combination of two or more. Among these anionic surfactants (C), from the viewpoint of further improving the initial hydrophilicity of the fibers to which the treatment agent is applied, phosphate ester salt-type anionic surfactants having an alkyl group having from 6 to 14 carbon atoms are preferred. Furthermore, phosphate ester salt-type anionic surfactants having no (poly)alkylene oxide chain are more preferred.

[0061] The lower limit of the content of the anionic surfactant (C) in the nonvolatile content of the treatment agent can be set as appropriate, but is preferably 5% by mass or more, more preferably 15% by mass or more. When this content is 5% by mass or more, the initial hydrophilicity of the fiber to which the treatment agent is applied can be further improved. The upper limit of the content of the anionic surfactant (C) can be set as appropriate, but is preferably 70% by mass or less, more preferably 60% by mass or less. When this content is 70% by mass or less, the durable hydrophilicity of the fiber to which the treatment agent is applied can be further improved. Note that ranges that combine the above upper and lower limits in any way are also contemplated.

[0062] When the total content of the nonionic surfactant (A), the nonionic surfactant (B), and the anionic surfactant (C) in the treatment agent is taken as 100% by mass, it is preferable that the nonionic surfactant (A) is contained in an amount of 1% by mass to 50% by mass, the nonionic surfactant (B) is contained in an amount of 30% by mass to 80% by mass, and the anionic surfactant (C) is contained in an amount of 15% by mass to 60% by mass. By specifying the amounts in these ranges, the effects of the present invention can be further improved.

[0063] (Polyoxyalkylene fatty acid amide (D)) The fatty acid amide compound constituting the polyoxyalkylene fatty acid amide (D) used in this embodiment can be obtained by a condensation reaction between a fatty acid and an organic amine. The condensation reaction can be carried out by a known method. Furthermore, during the condensation reaction, a catalyst such as an acid or alkali may be used as needed, and the reaction may be heated to a temperature that promotes the reaction.

[0064] Specific examples of fatty acid amide compounds include lauric acid amide, palmitic acid amide, stearic acid amide, oleic acid amide, behenic acid amide, monolauric acid amide of diethylenetriamine, dilauric acid amide of diethylenetriamine, dipalmitic acid amide of diethylenetriamine, monostearic acid amide of diethylenetriamine, distearic acid amide of diethylenetriamine, dioleic acid amide of diethylenetriamine, and dibehenic acid amide of diethylenetriamine.

[0065] As specific examples of alkylene oxides used as raw materials for forming the polyoxyalkylene structure of the polyoxyalkylene fatty acid amide (D), those listed in the section on nonionic surfactants (A) can be used.

[0066] Specific examples of the polyoxyalkylene fatty acid amide (D) include a compound in which an alkylene oxide is added to 1 mole of lauric acid amide, a compound in which an alkylene oxide is added to 1 mole of oleic acid amide, and a compound in which an alkylene oxide is added to 1 mole of stearic acid amide.

[0067] These polyoxyalkylene fatty acid amides (D) may be used singly or in appropriate combination of two or more. The lower limit of the content of polyoxyalkylene fatty acid amide (D) in the non-volatile content of the treatment agent can be set as appropriate, but is preferably 0.5% by mass or more, more preferably 1% by mass or more. When this content is 0.5% by mass or more, the emulsifying properties of the treatment agent can be further improved. The upper limit of the content of polyoxyalkylene fatty acid amide (D) can be set as appropriate, but is preferably 15% by mass or less, more preferably 10% by mass or less. When this content is 15% by mass or less, the emulsifying properties of the treatment agent can be further improved. Note that ranges that combine the above upper and lower limits in any way are also contemplated.

[0068] (Organic acid (E)) The organic acid (E) used in this embodiment includes compounds having a carboxyl group with 10 or less carbon atoms. Examples of compounds having a carboxyl group include monovalent fatty acids, hydroxy fatty acids, and polycarboxylic acids (polybasic acids).

[0069] As the fatty acid, any known fatty acid can be appropriately used, and it may be a saturated fatty acid or an unsaturated fatty acid, and may be a straight-chain fatty acid or a branched-chain fatty acid.

[0070] Specific examples of saturated fatty acids include formic acid, acetic acid, propionic acid, butyric acid, valeric acid, hexanoic acid (caproic acid), octylic acid (2-ethylhexanoic acid), octanoic acid (caprylic acid), nonanoic acid, decanoic acid (capric acid), etc. Specific examples of unsaturated fatty acids include crotonic acid, etc.

[0071] Specific examples of polyvalent carboxylic acids (polybasic acids) include (1) dibasic acids such as oxalic acid, malonic acid, succinic acid, glutaric acid, fumaric acid, maleic acid, adipic acid, and sebacic acid; (2) tribasic acids such as aconitic acid; (3) aromatic dicarboxylic acids such as benzoic acid, terephthalic acid, and isophthalic acid; (4) aromatic tricarboxylic acids such as trimellitic acid; and (5) aromatic tetracarboxylic acids such as pyromellitic acid.

[0072] Specific examples of hydroxy fatty acids include citric acid, lactic acid, malic acid, tartaric acid, gluconic acid, glycolic acid, and the like. These organic acids (E) may be used singly or in appropriate combination of two or more.

[0073] Among these, compounds having a carboxyl group with 6 or less carbon atoms are preferred. The lower limit of the content of the organic acid (E) in the nonvolatile content of the treatment agent is set as appropriate, but is preferably 0.5% by mass or more, more preferably 1% by mass or more. When this content is 0.5% by mass or more, the emulsifying properties of the treatment agent can be further improved. The upper limit of the content of the organic acid (E) is set as appropriate, but is preferably 10% by mass or less, more preferably 7% by mass or less. When this content is 10% by mass or less, the emulsifying properties of the treatment agent can be further improved. Note that ranges that combine the above upper and lower limits in any way are also contemplated.

[0074] (Preservation form) The treatment agent may be configured as a one-component type containing the above-mentioned nonionic surfactant (A), nonionic surfactant (B), anionic surfactant (C), polyoxyalkylene fatty acid amide (D), and organic acid (E), or, from the viewpoint of improving the formulation stability, may be configured as a two-component type treatment agent as shown below.

[0075] The two-component treatment agent is configured as a set including a first treatment agent for staple fibers (hereinafter referred to as the "first treatment agent") containing a nonionic surfactant (A) and a second treatment agent for staple fibers (hereinafter referred to as the "second treatment agent") containing a nonionic surfactant (B). The anionic surfactant (C), polyoxyalkylene fatty acid amide (D), and organic acid (E) may be contained in either or both of the first treatment agent and the second treatment agent. From the viewpoint of the stability of the first treatment agent and the second treatment agent, the anionic surfactant (C) is preferably contained in the second treatment agent, and the polyoxyalkylene fatty acid amide (D) and organic acid (E) are preferably contained in the first treatment agent.

[0076] A two-component treatment agent is composed of a first treatment agent and a second treatment agent that is composed as a separate agent from the first treatment agent during storage or distribution, etc. When used, the two-component treatment agent is prepared by mixing the first treatment agent and the second treatment agent.

[0077] (solvent) The treatment agent of this embodiment can be mixed with a solvent, if necessary, to prepare a composition containing a treatment agent for short fibers or a diluted solution containing a treatment agent for short fibers (hereinafter referred to as a "treatment agent-containing composition, etc."), and the treatment agent can be stored or distributed in the form of a treatment agent-containing composition, etc.

[0078] The solvent has a boiling point of 105°C or lower at one atmospheric pressure. Examples of the solvent include water and organic solvents. Specific examples of organic solvents include lower alcohols such as ethanol and propanol, and low-polarity solvents such as hexane. These solvents may be used alone or in appropriate combination 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.

[0079] (Effects of this embodiment) The effects of the treatment agent of the first embodiment will be described. (1-1) The treatment agent of the first embodiment contains the nonionic surfactant (A), nonionic surfactant (B), and anionic surfactant (C) described above. Therefore, the functions of rewetting prevention, durable hydrophilicity, and initial hydrophilicity of the fiber to which the treatment agent is applied can be improved. This improves the quality of the fiber to which the treatment agent is applied. Furthermore, the emulsifiability of the treatment agent can be improved.

[0080] (1-2) Furthermore, when the treatment agent contains a polyoxyalkylene fatty acid amide (D) or an organic acid (E), the emulsifiability of the treatment agent can be further improved. Second Embodiment Next, a second embodiment of the first treatment agent of the present invention will be described, focusing on the differences from the first embodiment.

[0081] The first treatment agent used in the nonwoven fabric of this embodiment contains the nonionic surfactant (A) described above, and optionally an anionic surfactant (C), a polyoxyalkylene fatty acid amide (D), and an organic acid (E). When in use, the first treatment agent is used in combination with a second treatment agent used in a nonwoven fabric containing the nonionic surfactant (B) described above, and is configured as a separate agent from the second treatment agent when not in use. The anionic surfactant (C), the polyoxyalkylene fatty acid amide (D), and the organic acid (E) may be contained in either or both of the first treatment agent and the second treatment agent. When in use, the first treatment agent and the second treatment agent are mixed to prepare a treatment mixture. The components contained in the first treatment agent and the second treatment agent, such as the nonionic surfactant (A), are the same as those described in the first embodiment.

[0082] (solvent) The first treatment agent of this embodiment may be mixed with a solvent as needed to prepare a first treatment agent-containing composition for short fibers or a first treatment agent-containing dilution for short fibers (hereinafter referred to as "first treatment agent-containing composition, etc."), and may be stored or distributed in the form of a first treatment agent-containing composition, etc. This configuration improves mixability and stability of the composition when diluted with a solvent or mixed with a second treatment agent at the time of use. The solvent may be one exemplified in the first embodiment.

[0083] (Effects of this embodiment) The effects of the first treatment agent of the second embodiment will be described below. In addition to the effects of the first embodiment, the second embodiment has the following effects.

[0084] (2-1) The first treatment agent of the second embodiment contains the nonionic surfactant (A) described above, and optionally an anionic surfactant (C), a polyoxyalkylene fatty acid amide (D), and an organic acid (E). It is configured as a separate agent from the second treatment agent containing the nonionic surfactant (B) described above when not in use. The first treatment agent is used in combination with the second treatment agent, and a mixture of the first and second treatment agents is prepared as a treatment agent. This improves the formulation stability, particularly the storage stability, of the first treatment agent during storage or distribution. Furthermore, the components of the resulting treatment agent can be adjusted by adjusting the mixing ratio with the second treatment agent. Furthermore, the first treatment agent alone can be distributed as a separate agent from the second treatment agent.

[0085] Third Embodiment Next, a third embodiment of the second treatment agent of the present invention will be described, focusing on the differences from the first and second embodiments.

[0086] The second treatment agent used for the nonwoven fabric of this embodiment contains the nonionic surfactant (B) described above, and optionally an anionic surfactant (C), a polyoxyalkylene fatty acid amide (D), and an organic acid (E). The second treatment agent is used in combination with a first treatment agent used for a nonwoven fabric containing a nonionic surfactant (A) and the like, and is configured as a separate agent from the first treatment agent when not in use. The anionic surfactant (C), the polyoxyalkylene fatty acid amide (D), and the organic acid (E) may be contained in either or both of the first treatment agent and the second treatment agent. When used, the first treatment agent and the second treatment agent are mixed to prepare a treatment mixture. The components, such as the nonionic surfactant (A), contained in the first treatment agent and the second treatment agent are the same as those described in the first embodiment.

[0087] (solvent) The second treatment agent of this embodiment may be mixed with a solvent as needed to prepare a second treatment agent-containing composition for short fibers or a dilution containing a second treatment agent for short fibers (hereinafter referred to as "second treatment agent-containing composition, etc."), which may be stored or distributed in the form of a second treatment agent-containing composition, etc. This configuration improves mixability when diluted with a solvent or mixed with the first treatment agent at the time of use, and also improves the stability of the composition. The solvents exemplified in the first embodiment can be used.

[0088] (Effects of this embodiment) The effects of the second treatment agent of the third embodiment will be described below. In addition to the effects of the first and second embodiments, the third embodiment has the following effects.

[0089] (3-1) The second treatment agent of the third embodiment contains the nonionic surfactant (B) described above, and optionally an anionic surfactant (C), a polyoxyalkylene fatty acid amide (D), and an organic acid (E). It is configured as a separate agent from the first treatment agent containing the nonionic surfactant (A) and the like when not in use. The second treatment agent is used in combination with the first treatment agent when in use, and a mixture of the first and second treatment agents is prepared as a treatment agent. This further improves the formulation stability, particularly storage stability, of the second treatment agent during storage or distribution. Furthermore, the components of the resulting treatment agent can be adjusted by adjusting the mixing ratio with the first treatment agent. Furthermore, the second treatment agent can be distributed separately from the first treatment agent.

[0090] <Fourth embodiment> A fourth embodiment of the staple fibers according to the present invention will be described. The staple fibers used in the nonwoven fabric of this embodiment are treated staple fibers having the treatment agent of the first embodiment adhered to their surfaces. Modified staple fibers are obtained by adhering the treatment agent to the surfaces of the staple fibers.

[0091] (Fiber Uses) The fibers to which the treatment agent is applied can be used as short fibers. Short fibers are generally called staple fibers, and do not include long fibers generally called filaments. The length of the short fibers is not particularly limited as long as it falls within the scope of short fibers in this technical field, but is, for example, 100 mm or less, preferably 30 mm to 70 mm. Short fibers are composed of the following synthetic fibers:

[0092] (synthetic fiber) Specific examples of synthetic fibers include (1) polyolefin fibers such as polyethylene fibers, polypropylene fibers, and polybutene fibers, (2) polyester fibers such as polyethylene terephthalate, polybutylene terephthalate, polyethylene terephthalate-isophthalate, and polyether polyester, (3) polyamide fibers such as nylon 6 and nylon 66, and (4) composite fibers, including composite fibers with a core-sheath structure in which either the core or the sheath, or both, are polyolefin fibers, such as polyethylene / polypropylene composite fibers or polyethylene / polyester composite fibers in which the sheath is polyethylene fiber, or polyethylene / polyester composite fibers with a side-by-side structure. Among these, polyolefin fibers such as polyethylene fibers, polypropylene fibers, and polybutene fibers, and composite fibers with a core-sheath structure in which either the core or the sheath, or both, are polyolefin fibers, such as polyethylene / polypropylene composite fibers or polyethylene / polyester composite fibers in which the sheath is polyethylene fiber, or polyethylene / polyester composite fibers with a side-by-side structure, are preferred. Here, polyolefin synthetic fibers refer to synthetic fibers synthesized using olefins or alkenes as monomers.

[0093] (Treatment agent adhesion treatment) There are no particular restrictions on the proportion of the treatment agent of the first embodiment that is applied to the synthetic fibers, but it is preferable to apply the solvent-free treatment agent so that it is 0.1% by mass or more and 2% by mass or less of the synthetic fibers, and it is more preferable to apply it so that it is 0.2% by mass or more and 1.2% by mass or less of the synthetic fibers.

[0094] The treatment agent can be applied to synthetic fibers by a known method, such as a dipping method, a spraying method, a roller method, or a guide oiling method using a metering pump, using a treatment agent-containing composition containing the treatment agent of the first embodiment and water, or a diluted solution obtained by further diluting the composition with a solvent.

[0095] The treatment-containing composition or dilution can be prepared by a known mechanical emulsification method using a homomixer, homogenizer, or the like. (Nonwoven fabric manufacturing method) The short fibers of this embodiment may be used to produce a nonwoven fabric by the following method.

[0096] The nonwoven fabric can be obtained by a process of adhering a treatment agent to the short fibers that constitute the above-mentioned composite fiber, and a process of subjecting the short fibers to a heat fusion treatment to obtain a nonwoven fabric. More specifically, the nonwoven fabric can be obtained by the following process.

[0097] Step 1: A step of attaching the treatment agent of the first embodiment to short fibers. Step 2: A step of passing the short fibers to which the treatment agent has been applied in step 1 through a carding machine to obtain a web.

[0098] Step 3: A step of subjecting the web obtained in step 2 to a heat fusion treatment to obtain a nonwoven fabric. By going through the above steps, a nonwoven fabric can be produced. Since the fibers of the nonwoven fabric are thermally fused together, it can also be called a thermally bonded nonwoven fabric.

[0099] When a nonwoven fabric is produced from short fibers, it is preferable to use polyolefin synthetic fibers as the synthetic fibers, in view of their excellent manufacturability and usability. The temperature for the heat fusion treatment is set appropriately depending on the type of synthetic fiber, treatment time, etc., but is, for example, from 100° C. to 180° C., preferably from 120° C. to 160° C. The time for the heat fusion treatment is set appropriately depending on the type of synthetic fiber, treatment temperature, etc., but is, for example, from 1 second to 60 seconds, preferably from 5 seconds to 20 seconds.

[0100] (Effects of this embodiment) The effects of the short fibers of the fourth embodiment will be described below: In addition to the effects of the above-mentioned embodiments, the fourth embodiment has the following effects.

[0101] (4-1) The short fibers of the fourth embodiment are coated with the treatment agent of the first embodiment. Therefore, the short fibers have improved rewetting resistance, durable hydrophilicity, and initial hydrophilicity. Therefore, the short fibers can be suitably used in applications where improved functions are required, such as hygiene products and medical fields.

[0102] (4-2) In addition, in the case of a multi-component formulation, the first and second treatment agents are added to a solvent immediately before use, allowing the treatment agents to be applied to fibers in a state of good emulsion stability, thereby enabling each component to effectively exert its effect on short fibers.

[0103] (Example of change) The above embodiment may be modified as follows: The above embodiment and the following modifications may be combined with each other within the scope of technical compatibility.

[0104] Each of the treatment agents, compositions, or dilutions of the above embodiments may further contain other components commonly used in treatment agents, such as other solvents, stabilizers, antistatic agents, binders, antioxidants, UV absorbers, surfactants other than those mentioned above, pH adjusters, and higher alcohols, to maintain the quality of the treatment agents, as long as the effects of the present invention are not impaired. To ensure the efficacy of the present invention is efficiently achieved, the amount of other components commonly used in treatment agents other than solvents is preferably 10% by mass or less in each treatment agent. Furthermore, these other components may be stored separately from the treatment agents described above. [Example]

[0105] Examples will be given below to more specifically illustrate the configuration and effects of the present invention, but the present invention is not limited to these examples. In the following examples and comparative examples, parts means parts by mass, and % means % by mass.

[0106] Test Category 1 (Preparation of Treatment Agent) (Example 1-1) 866.7 g of water was heated to 80°C and, while stirring, 11.0 g of ethylenediamine distearate amide (A1-1) as the nonionic surfactant (A), 30.0 g of polyglycerol fatty acid ester (B1-1) as the nonionic surfactant (B), 83.3 g of a 60% aqueous solution of octyl phosphate ester potassium salt (C1-1) as the anionic surfactant (C), 5.0 g of a compound (D-1) obtained by adding 8 moles of ethylene oxide (hereinafter referred to as "EO") to 1 mole of lauric acid amide as the polyoxyalkylene fatty acid amide (D), 2.0 g of acetic acid (E-1) as the organic acid (E), and 2.0 g of ethylenediamine (F-6) as other components were added and mixed to obtain a 10.0% aqueous solution of the treatment agent of Example 1. The nonionic surfactant (A), the nonionic surfactant (B), and the polyoxyalkylene fatty acid amide (D) that were solid at room temperature were heated to melt them before addition.

[0107] (Examples 1-2 to 1-37, Comparative Examples 1 to 12) Each of the treating agents in Examples 1-2 to 1-37 and Comparative Examples 1 to 12 was prepared in the same manner as in Example 1 using the components shown in Tables 1 and 2.

[0108] The type and content of the nonionic surfactant (A), the type and content of the nonionic surfactant (B), the type and content of the anionic surfactant (C), the type and content of the polyoxyalkylene fatty acid amide (D), the type and content of the organic acid (E), and the type and content of other components in the treatment agent of each example are as shown in the "Nonionic surfactant (A)" column, the "Nonionic surfactant (B)" column, the "Anionic surfactant (C)" column, the "Polyoxyalkylene fatty acid amide (D)" column, the "Organic acid (E)" column, and the "Other components" column in Tables 1 and 2, respectively.

[0109] [Table 1]

[0110] [Table 2]

[0111] Details of the nonionic surfactant (A), nonionic surfactant (B), anionic surfactant (C), polyoxyalkylene fatty acid amide (D), organic acid (E), and other components listed in Tables 1 and 2 are as follows.

[0112] <Nonionic surfactant (A)> (Condensate of (poly)alkylenepolyamine and acid) A1-1: Ethylenediamine distearic acid amide A1-2: Diethylenetriamine distearic acid amide A1-3: Diethylenetriamine dibehenic acid amide A1-4: Diethylenetriaminetrioleic acid amide A1-5: Triethylenetetraaminetetrastearic acid amide A1-6: N"N-bis(3-methoxypropyl)isodocoic acid diamide (A compound obtained by adding alkylene oxide to a condensation product of (poly)alkylene polyamine and acid) A2-1: A compound in which 10 moles of EO are added to 1 mole of diethylenetriamine dibehenic acid amide A2-2: A compound in which 1 mole of EO2 is added to 1 mole of diethylenetriamine dibehenic acid amide A2-3: A compound obtained by adding 5 moles of EO and 1 mole of propylene oxide (hereinafter referred to as "PO") to 1 mole of diethylenetriamine distearic acid amide (Other amide compounds) a1-1: oleic acid amide a1-2: dimethylaminoethylamine stearic acid amide a1-3: stearic acid diethanolamide <Nonionic surfactant (B)> (Polyglycerol fatty acid ester) The polyglycerol fatty acid esters used were B1-1 to B1-4 shown in Table 3 below. The glycerol condensation number, type of fatty acid, and number of ester groups of the polyglycerol constituting the polyglycerol fatty acid ester are shown in the "Glycerol condensation number," "Fatty acid," and "Number of ester groups" columns in Table 3, respectively.

[0113] [Table 3]

[0114] (a compound in which alkylene oxide is added to an aliphatic alcohol) B2-1: A compound in which 5 moles of EO are added to 1 mole of lauryl alcohol B2-2: A compound in which 9 moles of EO are added to 1 mole of lauryl alcohol (a compound in which alkylene oxide is added to a fatty acid) B2-3: A compound in which 48 moles of EO are added to 1 mole of behenic acid B2-4: Compound in which 48 moles of EO are added to 1 mole of montanic acid (a compound in which alkylene oxide is added to an alcohol fatty acid ester) B2-5: A compound in which 20 moles of EO are added to 1 mole of sorbitan monostearate B2-6: Compound in which EO20 is added to 1 mole of sorbitan monooleate (Other nonionic surfactants) b1-1: A compound in which 3 moles of EO are added to 1 mole of tetradecyl alcohol b1-2: Compound in which EO10 is added to 1 mole of triacontyl alcohol b1-3: A compound in which 5 moles of EO and 5 moles of PO are added to 1 mole of triacontyl alcohol b1-4: Sorbitan monooleate <Anionic surfactants (C)> (phosphate ester salt type anionic surfactant) The phosphate ester salt-type anionic surfactants used were C1-1 to C1-6 shown in Table 4 below. The acid values ​​and P nucleus NMR integral ratios of the phosphate ester salt-type anionic surfactants are shown in the "Acid value" and "Structure (P nucleus NMR integral ratio)" columns in Table 4, respectively.

[0115] [Table 4]

[0116] (Other anionic surfactants) C2-1: Sodium dodecylbenzenesulfonate (acid value 0.5 KOH-mg / g) C2-2: Sodium dodecyl sulfate (acid value 0.2 KOH-mg / g) C2-3: Potassium octanoate (acid value 1.0 KOH-mg / g) C2-4: Sodium alkylsulfonate with 14 to 16 carbon atoms c1-1: Potassium butyl phosphate ester c1-2: Potassium stearyl phosphate ester (Polyoxyalkylene fatty acid amide (D)) D-1: A compound in which 8 moles of EO are added to 1 mole of lauric acid amide D-2: Compound in which 17 moles of EO are added to 1 mole of oleic acid amide D-3: Compound in which 40 moles of EO are added to 1 mole of stearic acid amide (Organic acid (E)) E-1: Acetic acid E-2: Lactic acid E-3: Citric acid (Other ingredients) F-1: Polyethylene with 30 carbon atoms F-2: Heptadecylimidazolium hydroxyethylglycine hydroxide inner salt F-3: Inner salt of β-hydroxyortadecyldimethylglycine hydroxide F-4: Inner salt of dimethyloctadecylglycine hydroxide F-5: Polyoxyethylene-modified dimethyl silicone F-6: Ethylenediamine F-7: Diethylenetriamine F-8: Lauric acid F-9: Stearic acid F-10: Octyl alcohol F-11: Lauryl alcohol F-12: Phosphoric acid F-13: Monopotassium phosphate Test Category 2 (Preparation of short fiber treated cotton) The staple fibers used were polyolefin-based composite fibers with a polyethylene sheath and a polyester core, a fineness of 2.2 dtex, and a fiber length of 51 mm. The aqueous solution of each treatment agent prepared in each example was applied to the polyolefin-based composite fibers by spray oiling so that the amount of application (excluding solvent) was 0.35%. The fibers were then dried in a hot air dryer at 80°C for 1 hour to obtain treated staple cotton.

[0117] Test Category 3 (Nonwoven Fabric Production) 100 g of the treated short fiber treated cotton was conditioned for 24 hours in a constant temperature room at 20°C and 65% RH, and then subjected to a roller card (carding machine) to form a sheet with a basis weight of 20 g / m. 2 The resulting carded web was subjected to a hot air treatment at 140°C for 10 seconds to prepare an evaluation sample.

[0118] Test category 4 (anti-wetting properties) The evaluation sample was cut into 10 cm x 10 cm pieces and conditioned for 24 hours in a thermostatic chamber at 20°C and 65% RH. A 10 cm x 10 cm piece of nonwoven fabric was cut from the outermost nonwoven fabric material of a commercially available disposable diaper, and the conditioned 10 cm x 10 cm piece was attached to the cut-out portion to prepare a sample for evaluating rewetting prevention. The sample for evaluating rewetting prevention was placed horizontally with the attached piece facing upward, and a cylinder with an inner diameter of 6 cm and open ends was placed vertically in the center of the piece. 80 mL of water was poured into the cylinder and left to stand for 5 minutes to allow the water to be absorbed into the disposable diaper. Next, 15 sheets of 10cm x 10cm filter paper were placed on the attached small piece, and a 10cm x 10cm weight plate weighing 5.0 kg was placed on top of that. After applying the weight for 2 minutes, the total mass of the 15 sheets of stacked filter paper was measured, and the rate of increase in mass was calculated and evaluated according to the following criteria. The results are shown in the "Rewetting Prevention" column in Tables 1 and 2.

[0119] ·Evaluation criteria for rewetting prevention 4 (Excellent): Mass increase rate is less than 1% 3 (Good): Mass increase rate is 1% or more and less than 1.5% 2 (Acceptable): Mass increase rate is 1.5% or more and less than 2% 1 (Not acceptable): Mass increase rate is 2% or more Test category 5 (durable hydrophilicity) The evaluation samples were cut into 10 cm x 10 cm pieces and conditioned for 24 hours in a thermostatic chamber at 20°C and 60% RH. The conditioned nonwoven fabric was placed on top of five stacked filter papers, and a 1 cm inner diameter cylinder with open ends was placed vertically in the center of the nonwoven fabric. 10 mL of 0.9% saline was poured into the cylinder, and the time until the saline solution was completely absorbed into the nonwoven fabric was measured. The nonwoven fabric was then removed and air-dried at 40°C for 90 minutes. This procedure was repeated three times, and evaluation was performed according to the following criteria from the third time. The results are shown in the "Durable Hydrophilicity" column in Tables 1 and 2.

[0120] ·Evaluation criteria for durable hydrophilicity 4 (Excellent): The time required for saline to be completely absorbed is less than 5 seconds. 3 (Good): The time required for the saline to be completely absorbed is more than 5 seconds but less than 8 seconds. 2 (Acceptable): The time required for the saline solution to be completely absorbed is more than 8 seconds but less than 10 seconds. 1 (Not acceptable): It takes more than 10 seconds for the saline to be completely absorbed. Test category 6 (initial hydrophilicity) The evaluation sample was then conditioned for 24 hours in a thermostatic chamber at 20°C and 65% RH, and then placed on a horizontal plate. A 0.5 mL drop of water was dropped onto the sample from a height of 10 mm using a burette. The time required for the drop to be completely absorbed into the sample (time required for water penetration) was measured and evaluated according to the following criteria. The results are shown in the "Initial hydrophilicity" column in Tables 1 and 2.

[0121] Evaluation criteria for initial hydrophilicity 4 (Excellent): Water permeates in less than 0.5 seconds 3 (Good): Time required for water penetration is 0.5 seconds or more and less than 1 second 2 (Acceptable): Time required for water to penetrate is 1 second or more but less than 2 seconds 1 (Not acceptable): It takes more than 2 seconds for water to penetrate Test category 7 (emulsifying properties) The aqueous solution of each treatment agent prepared in each example was diluted to 1% by mass, and 10 mL was dispensed into a test tube. The solution was left standing at 25°C for 24 hours, and visually observed. The stability after 24 hours of standing was evaluated according to the following criteria. The results are shown in the "Emulsifying property" column in Tables 1 and 2.

[0122] ·Evaluation criteria for emulsifying properties 4 (Excellent): No sediment is observed 3 (Good): No precipitate is observed immediately after preparation, but a slight precipitate is observed after 24 hours 2 (Acceptable): No precipitate is observed immediately after preparation, but a large amount of precipitate is observed after 24 hours. 1 (Not acceptable): If a large amount of precipitate is observed immediately after preparation Test Section 8 (Preparation of diluted solution of first treatment agent for two-component treatment agent) (Diluted first treatment agent (I-1)) 950.0 g of water as a solvent was heated to 80°C, and while stirring, 27.5 g of ethylenediamine distearic acid amide (A1-1) as a nonionic surfactant (A), 12.5 g of a compound (D-1) in which 8 moles of EO were added to 1 mole of lauric acid amide as a polyoxyalkylene fatty acid amide (D), 5.0 g of acetic acid (E-1) as an organic acid (E), and 5.0 g of ethylenediamine (F-6) as other components were added and mixed to prepare a first treatment agent dilution (I-1). Regarding the nonionic surfactant (A) and polyoxyalkylene fatty acid amide (D), those that were solid at room temperature were heated to melt them before addition.

[0123] (Diluted first treatment agent (I-2) to (I-14)) The diluted first treatment agents (I-2) to (I-14) were prepared in the proportions shown in Table 5 using the same components as in the first treatment agent (I-1).

[0124] The type and content of the nonionic surfactant (A), the type and content of the polyoxyalkylene fatty acid amide (D), the type and content of the organic acid (E), the type and content of other components, and the content of water in the diluted solution of the first treatment agent are as shown in the "Nonionic surfactant (A)" column, the "Polyoxyalkylene fatty acid amide (D)" column, the "Organic acid (E)" column, the "Other components" column, and the "Solvent" column in Table 5, respectively.

[0125] [Table 5]

[0126] Test Section 9 (Preparation of diluted solution of the second treatment agent of two-component treatment agents) (Diluted Second Treatment Agent (II-1)) 187.5 g of polyglycerol fatty acid ester (B1-1) and 520.8 g of a 60% aqueous solution of potassium octyl phosphate (C1-1) were mixed at 80°C, 291.7 g of 80°C water was added, and the mixture was stirred at 80°C to prepare a diluted second treatment agent solution (II-1). Note that nonionic surfactant (B), which was solid at room temperature, was warmed to melt it before being added.

[0127] (Diluted Second Treatment Agent (II-2) to (II-14)) In the same manner as for the second treatment agent dilution (II-1), a dilution containing the nonionic surfactant (B), the nonionic surfactant (C), and water in the proportions shown in Table 6 was prepared.

[0128] The type and content of the nonionic surfactant (B), the type and content of the anionic surfactant (C), and the content of water in the treatment agent of each example are shown in the "Nonionic surfactant (B)" column, the "Anionic surfactant (C)" column, and the "Solvent" column in Table 6, respectively.

[0129] [Table 6]

[0130] Test Section 10 (Preparation of diluted treatment solution from diluted first treatment solution and diluted second treatment solution) Example 2-1 A diluted treatment solution (Example 2-1) was obtained by mixing 400.0 g of the first diluted treatment solution (I-1) and 160.0 g of the second diluted treatment solution (II-1) shown in Table 7. 440.0 g of water was then added and the mixture was stirred at 50°C to obtain a 10.0% aqueous solution of the diluted treatment solution of Example 2-1.

[0131] (Examples (2-2, 6, 7, 10, 13, 15-17, 20, 28, 30, 34, 35)) In the same manner as in Example 2-1, the diluted first treatment agent solution and the diluted second treatment agent solution shown in Table 7 were mixed to prepare diluted treatment agent solutions for each example.

[0132] The types and mass ratios of the first diluted treatment agent solution and the types and mass ratios of the second diluted treatment agent solution are shown in Table 7 in the "First diluted treatment agent solution (I)" and "Second diluted treatment agent solution (II)" columns, respectively.

[0133] [Table 7]

[0134] Test Section 11 (Evaluation of formulation stability of diluted first and second treatment agents) 10 mL of each of the diluted first treatment agent solution and diluted second treatment agent solution prepared in each example was dispensed into a test tube, and the stability was evaluated by visual observation according to the following criteria.

[0135] -Evaluation criteria for formulation stability 2 (Acceptable): If there is no separation or precipitate immediately after preparation 1 (Not acceptable): If separation or precipitation is observed immediately after preparation Test Category 12 (Evaluation of diluted two-component treatment solutions) The resulting diluted treatment agent solutions of each example, such as Example 2-1, were evaluated for rewetting resistance, durable hydrophilicity, initial hydrophilicity, and emulsifying ability in the same manner as for the treatment agent of Example 1-1. The results are shown in the "Rewetting Resistance," "Durable Hydrophilicity," "Initial Hydrophilicity," and "Emulsifying Ability" columns of Table 7, respectively.

[0136] The results in the above table show that the present invention can improve the rewetting resistance, durable hydrophilicity, and initial hydrophilicity of fibers to which a treatment agent has been applied, as well as the emulsifiability of diluted treatment agents. Next, the technical ideas that can be understood from the above-described embodiment and other examples will be described below.

[0137] The short fiber treatment agent of embodiment 1 is characterized by containing the following nonionic surfactant (A), the following nonionic surfactant (B), and the following anionic surfactant (C). Nonionic surfactant (A): At least one selected from the group consisting of a condensation product of 1 mole of a (poly)alkylene polyamine with 2 moles or more of an acid, and a compound in which 1 mole or more and 100 moles or less of an alkylene oxide is added to 1 mole of a condensation product of 1 mole of a (poly)alkylene polyamine with 2 moles or more of an acid.

[0138] Nonionic surfactant (B): At least one selected from polyglycerin fatty acid esters, compounds in which 1 mole to 100 moles of alkylene oxide is added to 1 mole of aliphatic alcohol having 6 to 13 carbon atoms, compounds in which 1 mole to 100 moles of alkylene oxide is added to 1 mole of fatty acid having 8 to 30 carbon atoms, and compounds in which 1 mole to 100 moles of alkylene oxide is added to 1 mole of alcohol fatty acid ester.

[0139] Anionic surfactant (C): At least one selected from phosphate ester salt type anionic surfactants, sulfonate salt type anionic surfactants, sulfate ester salt type anionic surfactants, and fatty acid salt type anionic surfactants, each having an alkyl group having 6 to 14 carbon atoms.

[0140] A second aspect is the short fiber treating agent according to the first aspect, wherein the nonionic surfactant (A) is a condensate of 1 mole of a (poly)alkylene polyamine with 2 moles or more of an acid. A third aspect is the short fiber treating agent according to the first aspect, wherein the anionic surfactant (C) is a phosphate ester salt-type anionic surfactant having an alkyl group having 6 to 14 carbon atoms.

[0141] A fourth aspect is the short fiber treating agent according to the first aspect, wherein the nonionic surfactant (B) is a polyglycerol fatty acid ester. A fifth aspect is the short fiber treating agent according to the first aspect, wherein the content of the nonionic surfactant (A) in the nonvolatile content of the short fiber treating agent is 1% by mass or more and 50% by mass or less.

[0142] In aspect 6, the short fiber treatment agent according to aspect 1 contains the nonionic surfactant (A) in an amount of 1% by mass or more and 50% by mass or less, the nonionic surfactant (B) in an amount of 30% by mass or more and 80% by mass or less, and the anionic surfactant (C) in an amount of 15% by mass or more and 60% by mass or less, where the total content of the nonionic surfactant (A), the nonionic surfactant (B), and the anionic surfactant (C) is 100% by mass.

[0143] In a seventh aspect, the short fiber treating agent according to the first aspect further contains a polyoxyalkylene fatty acid amide (D). In an eighth aspect, the short fiber treating agent according to the first aspect further contains an organic acid (E).

[0144] A first treatment agent for short fibers of aspect 9 is a first treatment agent for short fibers containing the nonionic surfactant (A) described below, which is used in combination with a second treatment agent for short fibers containing the nonionic surfactant (B) described below, characterized in that either or both of the first treatment agent for short fibers and the second treatment agent for short fibers contain the anionic surfactant (C) described below, and either or both of the first treatment agent for short fibers and the second treatment agent for short fibers optionally contain at least one selected from a polyoxyalkylene fatty acid amide (D) and an organic acid (E).

[0145] Nonionic surfactant (A): At least one selected from the group consisting of a condensation product of 1 mole of a (poly)alkylene polyamine with 2 moles or more of an acid, and a compound in which 1 mole or more and 100 moles or less of an alkylene oxide is added to 1 mole of a condensation product of 1 mole of a (poly)alkylene polyamine with 2 moles or more of an acid.

[0146] Nonionic surfactant (B): At least one selected from polyglycerin fatty acid esters, compounds in which 1 mole to 100 moles of alkylene oxide is added to 1 mole of aliphatic alcohol having 6 to 13 carbon atoms, compounds in which 1 mole to 100 moles of alkylene oxide is added to 1 mole of fatty acid having 8 to 30 carbon atoms, and compounds in which 1 mole to 100 moles of alkylene oxide is added to 1 mole of alcohol fatty acid ester.

[0147] Anionic surfactant (C): At least one selected from phosphate ester salt type anionic surfactants, sulfonate salt type anionic surfactants, sulfate ester salt type anionic surfactants, and fatty acid salt type anionic surfactants, each having an alkyl group having 6 to 14 carbon atoms.

[0148] The staple fibers of the tenth aspect have the processing agent for staple fibers according to any one of the first to eighth aspects attached thereto. The method for producing a nonwoven fabric of aspect 11 is characterized by including a step of adhering the short fiber treating agent according to any one of aspects 1 to 8 to short fibers, and a step of subjecting the short fibers to a heat fusion treatment to obtain a nonwoven fabric.

[0149] A twelfth aspect of the present invention is the method for producing a nonwoven fabric according to the eleventh aspect, wherein the short fibers are polyolefin-based synthetic fibers.

Claims

1. A short fiber treatment agent comprising the following nonionic surfactant (A), the following nonionic surfactant (B), and the following anionic surfactant (C). Nonionic surfactant (A): At least one selected from the group consisting of a condensate of 1 mole of a (poly)alkylene polyamine with 2 moles or more of an acid, and a compound in which 1 mole or more and 100 moles or less of an alkylene oxide is added to 1 mole of a condensate of 1 mole of a (poly)alkylene polyamine with 2 moles or more of an acid. Nonionic surfactant (B): at least one selected from polyglycerin fatty acid esters, compounds in which 1 mole to 100 moles of alkylene oxide is added to 1 mole of aliphatic alcohol having 6 to 13 carbon atoms, compounds in which 1 mole to 100 moles of alkylene oxide is added to 1 mole of fatty acid having 8 to 30 carbon atoms, and compounds in which 1 mole to 100 moles of alkylene oxide is added to 1 mole of alcohol fatty acid ester. Anionic surfactant (C): At least one selected from phosphate ester salt type anionic surfactants, sulfonate salt type anionic surfactants, sulfate ester salt type anionic surfactants, and fatty acid salt type anionic surfactants, each having an alkyl group having from 6 to 14 carbon atoms.

2. 2. The short fiber treatment agent according to claim 1, wherein the nonionic surfactant (A) is a condensate of 1 mole of a (poly)alkylene polyamine with 2 moles or more of an acid.

3. 2. The short fiber treatment agent according to claim 1, wherein the anionic surfactant (C) is a phosphate ester salt type anionic surfactant having an alkyl group having 6 to 14 carbon atoms.

4. 2. The short fiber treatment agent according to claim 1, wherein the nonionic surfactant (B) is a polyglycerol fatty acid ester.

5. 2. The short fiber treatment agent according to claim 1, wherein the content of the nonionic surfactant (A) in the nonvolatile components of the short fiber treatment agent is 1% by mass or more and 50% by mass or less.

6. 2. The short fiber treatment agent according to claim 1, wherein the short fiber treatment agent contains the nonionic surfactant (A) in an amount of 1% by mass or more and 50% by mass or less, the nonionic surfactant (B) in an amount of 30% by mass or more and 80% by mass or less, and the anionic surfactant (C) in an amount of 15% by mass or more and 60% by mass or less, where the total content of the nonionic surfactant (A), the nonionic surfactant (B), and the anionic surfactant (C) is 100% by mass.

7. The short fiber treating agent according to claim 1, further comprising a polyoxyalkylene fatty acid amide (D).

8. The short fiber treating agent according to claim 1, further comprising an organic acid (E).

9. A first treatment agent for staple fibers containing the following nonionic surfactant (A) in combination with a second treatment agent for staple fibers containing the following nonionic surfactant (B), The first treatment agent for short fibers and / or the second treatment agent for short fibers contain the following anionic surfactant (C): The first treatment agent for staple fibers is characterized in that either or both of the first treatment agent for staple fibers and the second treatment agent for staple fibers optionally contain at least one selected from polyoxyalkylene fatty acid amide (D) and organic acid (E). Nonionic surfactant (A): At least one selected from the group consisting of a condensate of 1 mole of a (poly)alkylene polyamine with 2 moles or more of an acid, and a compound in which 1 mole or more and 100 moles or less of an alkylene oxide is added to 1 mole of a condensate of 1 mole of a (poly)alkylene polyamine with 2 moles or more of an acid. Nonionic surfactant (B): at least one selected from polyglycerin fatty acid esters, compounds in which 1 mole to 100 moles of alkylene oxide is added to 1 mole of aliphatic alcohol having 6 to 13 carbon atoms, compounds in which 1 mole to 100 moles of alkylene oxide is added to 1 mole of fatty acid having 8 to 30 carbon atoms, and compounds in which 1 mole to 100 moles of alkylene oxide is added to 1 mole of alcohol fatty acid ester. Anionic surfactant (C): At least one selected from phosphate ester salt type anionic surfactants, sulfonate salt type anionic surfactants, sulfate ester salt type anionic surfactants, and fatty acid salt type anionic surfactants, each having an alkyl group having from 6 to 14 carbon atoms.

10. 9. Short fibers having the short fiber treating agent according to claim 1 attached thereto.

11. A method for producing a nonwoven fabric, comprising the steps of: applying the short fiber treating agent according to any one of claims 1 to 8 to short fibers; and subjecting the short fibers to a heat fusion treatment to obtain a nonwoven fabric.

12. The method for producing a nonwoven fabric according to claim 11, wherein the short fibers are polyolefin-based synthetic fibers.

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