Treatment agent for polyester-based staple fibers, first treatment agent for polyester-based staple fibers, and polyester-based staple fibers

Abstract

To provide a treatment agent for a polyester-based staple fiber capable of improving smoothness of a fiber to which the treatment agent for the polyester-based staple fiber is applied.SOLUTION: The polyester-based staple fiber treatment agent of the present invention is a polyester-based staple fiber treatment agent containing the following polyether compound (A), wherein the polyether compound (A) is contained in an amount of 50% by mass or more in the nonvolatile content of the polyester-based staple fiber treatment agent. The polyether compound (A) is obtained by adding ethylene oxide and propylene oxide to a mono - to tetrahydric alcohol having 3 or more and 18 or less carbon atoms, and has a mass average molecular weight of 14000 or more and 32000 or less.SELECTED DRAWING: None

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a treatment agent for polyester staple fibers, a first treatment agent for polyester staple fibers, , and and polyester staple fibers. [Background technology]

[0002] Polyester staple fibers are generally used as synthetic fibers for bedding such as futons, pillows, and cushions, clothing such as quilts and down, and even stuffing for stuffed toys. These types of polyester staple fibers are required to have various properties such as smoothness and flexibility. In order to improve these various properties, the fiber surface may be treated by adhering a processing agent for polyester staple fibers to the fiber surface.

[0003] For example, synthetic fiber treatment agents are known from the prior art, as disclosed in Patent Documents 1 and 2. Patent Document 1 discloses an oil agent for polyester fiber wadding, which contains an alkali metal salt of an alkyl phosphate ester having an average carbon number of 14 to 18 in the alkyl group, and a block copolymer of ethylene oxide and propylene oxide having an average molecular weight of 1,000 to 4,000. Patent Document 2 discloses a synthetic fiber treatment agent containing a specified linear polyorganosiloxane, a specified diol compound, and a specified disilanol silane compound. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Special Publication No. 1-14347 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2001-146685 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] However, there has been a demand for further improvement in the smoothness of fibers treated with conventional synthetic fiber treatment agents. Furthermore, synthetic fiber treatment agents primarily containing silicone components have the problem of poor flame retardancy. Therefore, there is a demand for treatment agents for polyester staple fibers that do not contain silicone components as their primary component and that have good smoothness. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] As a result of research aimed at solving the above-mentioned problems, the present inventors have found that a treatment agent for polyester staple fibers containing a specific polyether compound (A) in a proportion of 50% by mass or more is exactly suitable.

[0007] Various aspects for solving the above problems will be described. The treatment agent for polyester staple fibers of aspect 1 is a treatment agent for polyester staple fibers containing the following polyether compound (A) and the following organic phosphate ester (B), characterized in that the polyether compound (A) is contained in a proportion of 50 mass% or more of the non-volatile matter of the treatment agent for polyester staple fibers.

[0008] Polyether compound (A): A compound obtained by adding ethylene oxide and propylene oxide to a monohydric to tetrahydric alcohol having 3 to 18 carbon atoms, and having a mass average molecular weight of 14,000 to 32,000.

[0009] Organic phosphate ester (B): At least one selected from phosphate esters of aliphatic alcohols having 4 to 12 carbon atoms and salts thereof. In a second aspect, in the treating agent for polyester staple fibers according to the first aspect, the pH of a 1% by mass aqueous solution is 7.0 or more and 10.0 or less.

[0010] In a third aspect, in the treating agent for polyester staple fibers according to the first or second aspect, the polyether compound (A) has a mass average molecular weight of 17,000 or more and 32,000 or less. Aspect 4 is the processing agent for polyester staple fibers according to any one of Aspects 1 to 3, wherein the polyether compound (A) is obtained by adding ethylene oxide and propylene oxide to a trihydric or tetrahydric alcohol having from 3 to 12 carbon atoms.

[0011] Aspect 5 is the treatment agent for polyester staple fibers according to any one of Aspects 1 to 4, wherein the treatment agent for polyester staple fibers contains the polyether compound (A) in an amount of 55% by mass or more and 95% by mass or less, and the organic phosphate ester (B) in an amount of 5% by mass or more and 45% by mass or less, based on the non-volatile content.

[0012] A sixth aspect is the treating agent for polyester staple fibers according to any one of the first to fifth aspects, further comprising an antioxidant (C). A seventh aspect is the treatment agent for polyester staple fibers according to the sixth aspect, wherein the treatment agent for polyester staple fibers contains the polyether compound (A) in an amount of 55% by mass to 94% by mass, the organic phosphate ester (B) in an amount of 5% by mass to 45% by mass, and the antioxidant (C) in an amount of 0.1% by mass to 5% by mass, based on the non-volatile content.

[0013] The treatment agent for polyester staple fibers of aspect 8 (excluding the configuration of the treatment agent for fibers containing 50% by mass or more of a fatty acid salt having 8 to 24 carbon atoms) is a treatment agent for polyester staple fibers containing the following polyether compound (A), characterized in that the treatment agent for polyester staple fibers contains 50% by mass or more of the polyether compound (A) in the non-volatile content thereof.

[0014] Polyether compound (A): A compound obtained by adding ethylene oxide and propylene oxide to a monohydric to tetrahydric alcohol having 3 to 18 carbon atoms, and having a mass average molecular weight of 14,000 to 32,000.

[0015] In a ninth aspect, in the treating agent for polyester staple fibers according to the eighth aspect, the pH of a 1% by mass aqueous solution is 7.0 or more and 10.0 or less. In a tenth aspect, in the treating agent for polyester staple fibers according to the eighth or ninth aspect, the polyether compound (A) has a mass average molecular weight of 17,000 or more and 32,000 or less.

[0016] In an eleventh aspect, in the treating agent for polyester staple fibers according to any one of the eighth to tenth aspects, the polyether compound (A) is obtained by adding ethylene oxide and propylene oxide to a trihydric or tetrahydric alcohol having from 3 to 12 carbon atoms.

[0017] A twelfth aspect is the treating agent for polyester staple fibers according to any one of the eighth to eleventh aspects, further comprising the following organic phosphate ester (B). Organic phosphate ester (B): At least one selected from phosphate esters of aliphatic alcohols having 4 to 12 carbon atoms and salts thereof.

[0018] A thirteenth aspect of the present invention relates to the treatment agent for polyester staple fibers according to the twelfth aspect, wherein the treatment agent for polyester staple fibers contains the polyether compound (A) in an amount of 55% by mass or more and 95% by mass or less, and the organic phosphate ester (B) in an amount of 5% by mass or more and 45% by mass or less, based on the non-volatile content.

[0019] A fourteenth aspect is the treating agent for polyester staple fibers according to any one of the eighth to eleventh aspects, further comprising an antioxidant (C). Aspect 15 is the treatment agent for polyester staple fibers according to Aspect 14, wherein the treatment agent for polyester staple fibers contains the polyether compound (A) in an amount of 94% by mass or more and 99.9% by mass or less and the antioxidant (C) in an amount of 0.1% by mass or more and 6% by mass or less in the non-volatile content.

[0020] A sixteenth aspect is the treating agent for polyester staple fibers according to the twelfth aspect, further comprising an antioxidant (C). A seventeenth aspect is the treatment agent for polyester staple fibers according to the sixteenth aspect, wherein the treatment agent for polyester staple fibers contains the polyether compound (A) in an amount of 55% by mass to 94% by mass, the organic phosphate ester (B) in an amount of 5% by mass to 45% by mass, and the antioxidant (C) in an amount of 0.1% by mass to 5% by mass, based on the non-volatile content.

[0021] condition Mr. 18 The first treating agent for polyester staple fibers is a first treating agent for polyester staple fibers that is used in combination with at least one selected from the group consisting of a second treating agent for polyester staple fibers containing an organic phosphate ester (B) described below and a third treating agent for polyester staple fibers containing an antioxidant (C), and is characterized by containing the following polyether compound (A) (excluding configurations in which the mixture of the first treating agent for polyester staple fibers to the third treating agent for polyester staple fibers contains 50 mass % or more of a fatty acid salt having 8 to 24 carbon atoms).

[0022] Polyether compound (A): A compound obtained by adding ethylene oxide and propylene oxide to a monohydric to tetrahydric alcohol having 3 to 18 carbon atoms, and having a mass average molecular weight of 14,000 to 32,000.

[0023] Organic phosphate ester (B): At least one selected from phosphate esters of aliphatic alcohols having 4 to 12 carbon atoms and salts thereof 。 condition Mr. 19 The polyester staple fibers are characterized in that the treating agent for polyester staple fibers according to any one of Aspects 1 to 17 is adhered to the polyester staple fibers.

[0024] Aspects 20 is the aspect 19 In the polyester staple fiber described in 1. above, the polyester staple fiber is a staple fiber for producing batting. [Effects of the Invention]

[0025] According to the present invention, the smoothness of fibers to which a processing agent for polyester staple fibers has been applied can be improved. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0026] First Embodiment A first embodiment of the treatment agent for polyester staple fibers (hereinafter simply referred to as the treatment agent) of the present invention will be described below. The treatment agent of this embodiment contains a polyether compound (A) described below. The treatment agent has a configuration other than fiber treatment agents that contain an organic phosphate ester (B) or 50 mass % or more of a fatty acid salt having 8 to 24 carbon atoms. The treatment agent may further contain an antioxidant (C).

[0027] (Polyether compound (A)) The polyether compound (A) used in this embodiment is an addition product of ethylene oxide and propylene oxide to a monohydric to tetrahydric alcohol having 3 to 18 carbon atoms, and has a mass average molecular weight of 14,000 to 32,000.

[0028] The alcohol used as a raw material for the polyether compound (A) is an alcohol having 3 to 18 carbon atoms. The alcohol is not particularly limited with respect to the presence or absence of an unsaturated bond, and may be an alcohol having a linear or branched hydrocarbon group, or an alcohol having a cyclo ring. In the case of an alcohol having a branched hydrocarbon group, the branching position is not particularly limited, and for example, the carbon chain may be branched at the α-position or the β-position. In addition, the alcohol may be a primary alcohol or a secondary alcohol.

[0029] Specific examples of monohydric alcohols include (1) linear alkyl alcohols such as propanol, butanol, pentanol, hexanol, octanol, nonanol, decanol, undecanol, dodecanol (lauryl alcohol), tridecanol, tetradecanol, pentadecanol, hexadecanol, heptadecanol, and octadecanol; (2) isopropanol, isobutanol, isohexanol, 2-ethylhexanol, isononanol, isodecanol, isododecanol, isotridecanol, isotetradecanol, isopentadecanol, and isopropyl alcohol; (3) branched alkyl alcohols such as isohexadecanol, isoheptadecanol, and isooctadecanol; (4) linear alkenyl alcohols such as tetradecenol, hexadecenol, heptadecenol, octadecenol, and oleyl alcohol; (5) cyclic alkyl alcohols such as cyclopentanol and cyclohexanol; (6) aromatic alcohols such as benzyl alcohol; and (7) phenols such as phenol, nonylphenol, monostyrenated phenol, and bisphenol A.

[0030] Specific examples of diol compounds that are dihydric alcohols include 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, diethylene glycol, polyethylene glycol, dipropylene glycol, polypropylene glycol, and copolymers of polyethylene glycol and polypropylene glycol.

[0031] Specific examples of trihydric to tetrahydric alcohols include glycerin, diglycerin, pentaerythritol, trimethylolpropane, 2-methyl-2-hydroxymethyl-1,3-propanediol, 1,2,3-butanetriol, 1,2,4-butanetriol, erythritol, 1,2,3-pentatriol, and 1,2,4-pentatriol.

[0032] The alcohol used as a raw material for the polyether compound (A) is preferably a trihydric or tetrahydric alcohol. The polyether compound (A) is more preferably a compound obtained by adding ethylene oxide and propylene oxide to a trihydric or tetrahydric alcohol having from 3 to 12 carbon atoms. These polyether compounds (A) can further improve the smoothness of fibers to which the treatment agent is applied.

[0033] The alcohol used as the raw material for the polyether compound (A) may be used alone or in appropriate combination of two or more kinds, but from the viewpoint of further improving the effects of the present invention, it is preferable to use one kind alone.

[0034] The total number of moles of ethylene oxide and propylene oxide added as alkylene oxides is appropriately set within the range of the mass average molecular weight of the polyether compound (A). The total number of moles added is preferably 230 moles or more and 720 moles or less, more preferably 300 moles or more and 630 moles or less. Any range combining the above upper and lower limits is also envisioned. 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. The addition form of alkylene oxide may be block addition, random addition, or a combination of block addition and random addition, but random addition is preferred from the viewpoint of further improving the effects of the present invention.

[0035] The molar ratio of ethylene oxide to propylene oxide (ethylene oxide / propylene oxide) in the polyether compound (A) is appropriately set, but is preferably 20 / 80 to 95 / 5, more preferably 30 / 70 to 90 / 10. By specifying it within such a range, the effects of the present invention can be further improved. Ranges that combine the above upper and lower limits are also envisioned.

[0036] The lower limit of the mass average molecular weight (Mw) of the polyether compound (A) is 14,000 or more, preferably 17,000 or more. When the lower limit of the mass average molecular weight (Mw) is 14,000 or more, the smoothness of the fiber to which the treatment agent is applied can be improved. The upper limit of the mass average molecular weight (Mw) is 32,000 or less, preferably 30,000 or less. When the upper limit of the mass average molecular weight (Mw) is 32,000 or less, the effects of the present invention can be improved. Any combination of the above upper and lower limits is also contemplated.

[0037] The weight average molecular weight (Mw) of the polyether compound (A) is determined by gel permeation chromatography (hereinafter also referred to as "GPC method"). Details of the GPC method will be described later.

[0038] The lower limit of the molecular weight distribution (Mw / Mn) of the polyether compound (A) may be set as appropriate, but is preferably 1.05 or more, more preferably 1.10 or more. The upper limit of the molecular weight distribution (Mw / Mn) may be set as appropriate, but is preferably 2.10 or less, more preferably 1.90 or less. By specifying the molecular weight distribution (Mw / Mn) within this range, the effects of the present invention can be further improved. Any combination of the above upper and lower limits is also possible. The molecular weight distribution (Mw / Mn) of the polyether compound (A) is determined by GPC. Details of the method for measuring the molecular weight distribution (Mw / Mn) will be described later.

[0039] The lower limit of the kinematic viscosity (50°C) of the polyether compound (A) is set appropriately, but is preferably 5000 mm 2The upper limit of the kinematic viscosity (50°C) is set appropriately, but is preferably 20,000 mm 2 / s or less. By specifying this range, the effects of the present invention can be further improved. Ranges that combine the above upper and lower limits are also envisioned. The kinematic viscosity at 50°C is measured in accordance with JIS Z 8803.

[0040] These polyether compounds (A) may be used singly or in appropriate combination of two or more. The lower limit of the content of the polyether compound (A) in the nonvolatile content of the treatment agent is 50% by mass or more, preferably 55% by mass or more. When this content is 50% by mass or more, the smoothness of the fiber to which the treatment agent is applied can be improved. The upper limit of the content of the polyether compound (A) can be set appropriately, but is preferably less than 100% by mass, more preferably 99% by mass or less. When this content is less than 100% by mass, the bulkiness 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.

[0041] 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. (Organophosphate ester (B)) The treatment agent containing the organic phosphate ester (B) can improve the bulkiness of the fibers to which the treatment agent is applied. The organic phosphate ester (B) is at least one selected from the group consisting of phosphate esters of aliphatic alcohols having from 4 to 12 carbon atoms and salts thereof.

[0042] Examples of the organic phosphate ester (B) include organic phosphate esters having a saturated hydrocarbon group such as alkyl phosphate esters, organic phosphate esters having an unsaturated hydrocarbon group such as alkenyl phosphate esters, organic phosphate esters having a (poly)alkylene oxide chain, and salts thereof. The hydrocarbon group constituting the organic phosphate ester may be, for example, linear or branched.

[0043] Examples of the organic phosphate ester (B) used in this embodiment include a phosphate monoester represented by the following formula (1), a phosphate diester represented by the following formula (2), and a diphosphate ester represented by the following formula (3).

[0044] The phosphoric acid monoester is a compound represented by the following formula (1).

[0045] [ka] (In formula (1), R 1 A: A residue obtained by removing a hydroxyl group from an aliphatic monohydric alcohol having 4 to 12 carbon atoms. 1 O: an alkyleneoxy group having 2 to 4 carbon atoms. n1: an integer of 0 to 100. M 1 ,M 2 : Hydrogen atom, alkali metal, alkaline earth metal (1 / 2), ammonium, or organic amine. Since alkaline earth metals are divalent, alkaline earth metal (1 / 2) is M 1 or M 2 This indicates that 1 / 2 mole of the compound is added (the same applies below).

[0046] R 1 Specific examples of the aliphatic monohydric alcohols constituting the above include (1) linear alkyl alcohols such as butanol, pentanol, hexanol, octanol, nonanol, decanol, undecanol, and dodecanol; (2) branched alkyl alcohols such as isobutanol, isohexanol, 2-ethylhexanol, isononanol, isodecanol, and isododecanol; (3) linear alkenyl alcohols such as decenol and dodecenol; (4) branched alkenyl alcohols such as isodecenol and isododecenol; and (5) cyclic alkyl alcohols such as cyclopentanol and cyclohexanol.

[0047] A 1Specific examples of alkyleneoxy groups constituting O include an ethyleneoxy group obtained from ethylene oxide, a propyleneoxy group obtained from propylene oxide, and a butyleneoxy group obtained from butylene oxide. As for 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 oxides are used, the addition form thereof may be any of block addition, random addition, and a combination of block addition and random addition, and is not particularly limited. The number of moles of alkylene oxide added is appropriately set, but is preferably 100 moles or less, more preferably 0.1 moles or more and 40 moles or less, and even more preferably 1 mole or more and 30 moles or less. Ranges obtained by arbitrarily combining the above upper and lower limits are also contemplated.

[0048] Specific examples of alkali metals include sodium, potassium, lithium, etc. Specific examples of alkaline earth metals include magnesium, calcium, etc.

[0049] Specific examples of organic amines include: (1) aliphatic amines such as methylamine, dimethylamine, trimethylamine, ethylamine, diethylamine, triethylamine, N-diisopropylethylamine, butylamine, dibutylamine, 2-methylbutylamine, tributylamine, octylamine, laurylamine, 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 3-aminopropene; and (5) polyoxyalkylene alkylamino ethers such as polyoxyethylene laurylamino ether and polyoxyethylene sterylamino ether.

[0050] M 1 ,M 2 may be the same or different. The phosphoric acid diester is a compound represented by the following formula (2).

[0051] [ka] (In formula (2), R 2 ,R 3 A: A residue obtained by removing a hydroxyl group from an aliphatic monohydric alcohol having 4 to 12 carbon atoms. 2 O,A 3 O: an alkyleneoxy group having 2 to 4 carbon atoms. n2, n3: integers of 0 to 100. M 3 : Hydrogen atom, alkali metal, alkaline earth metal (1 / 2), ammonium, or organic amine. R 2 or R 3 The aliphatic monohydric alcohol having 4 to 12 carbon atoms constituting the formula (1) is 1Examples of the aliphatic monohydric alcohol having 4 to 12 carbon atoms that constitutes the above compound include those listed above.

[0052] A 2 O or A 3 The alkyleneoxy group constituting O is A in formula (1). 1 Examples of the alkyleneoxy group constituting O include those exemplified above. M 3 The alkali metal, alkaline earth metal, or organic amine constituting the compound is M of the formula (1). 1 ,M 2 Examples of the alkali metals, alkaline earth metals, or organic amines that constitute the above-mentioned compounds include those exemplified above.

[0053] R 2 and R 3 , and A 2 O and A 3 O may be the same or different. The diphosphate ester is a compound represented by the following formula (3).

[0054] [ka] (In formula (3), Q 1 ,Q 2 ,Q 3 : hydrogen atom, alkali metal, alkaline earth metal (1 / 2), ammonium, organic amine, or -(A 5 O) n5 R 5 .R 4 ,R 5 A: A residue obtained by removing a hydroxyl group from an aliphatic monohydric alcohol having 4 to 12 carbon atoms. 4 O,A 5 O: an alkyleneoxy group having 2 or more and 4 or less carbon atoms. n4, n5: integers of 0 or more and 100 or less.

[0055] Q 1 ,Q 2 , or Q 3 The alkali metal, alkaline earth metal, or organic amine constituting the compound is M of the formula (1). 1 ,M2 Examples of the alkali metals, alkaline earth metals, or organic amines that constitute the above-mentioned compounds include those exemplified above.

[0056] R 4 or R 5 The residue obtained by removing a hydroxyl group from an aliphatic monohydric alcohol having 4 to 12 carbon atoms constituting the formula (1) is R 1 Examples of the residue obtained by removing a hydroxyl group from an aliphatic monohydric alcohol having 4 to 12 carbon atoms that constitutes the above formula include those shown below.

[0057] A 4 O or A 5 The alkyleneoxy group constituting O is A in formula (1). 1 Examples of the alkyleneoxy group constituting O include those exemplified above. R 4 and R 5 , A 4 O and A 5 O and Q 1 and Q 2 and Q 3 may be the same or different.

[0058] These organic phosphate esters (B) may be used singly or in appropriate combination of two or more. The lower limit of the content of the organic phosphate ester (B) in the nonvolatile content of the treatment agent is preferably 4% by mass or more, more preferably 5% by mass or more. When this content is 4% by mass or more, the bulkiness of the fiber to which the treatment agent is applied can be further improved. The upper limit of the content of the organic phosphate ester (B) is set appropriately, but is preferably 50% by mass or less, more preferably 45% by mass or less. When this content is 50% by mass or less, the smoothness 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.

[0059] The nonvolatile content of the treatment agent preferably contains 55% by mass or more and 95% by mass or less of the polyether compound (A) and 5% by mass or more and 45% by mass or less of the organic phosphate ester (B). By specifying these ranges, the effects of the present invention can be further improved. It is also possible to envision ranges that combine the above upper and lower limits in any desired manner.

[0060] (Antioxidant (C)) By including the antioxidant (C) in the treatment agent, the smoothness of the fiber to which the treatment agent is applied can be improved.

[0061] Specific examples of the antioxidant (C) include (1) phenolic antioxidants such as 1,3,5-tris(4-t-butyl-3-hydroxy-2,6-dimethylbenzyl)-1,3,5-triazine-2,4,6-(1H,3H,5H)-trione, 1,1,3-tris(2-methyl-4-hydroxy-5-t-butylphenyl)butane, and pentaerythritol tetrakis[3-(3',5'-di-t-butyl-4'-hydroxyphenyl)propionate]; (2) phenolic antioxidants such as 1,3,5-tris(4-t-butyl-3-hydroxy-2,6-dimethylbenzyl)-1,3,5-triazine-2,4,6-(1H,3H,5H)-trione, 1,1,3-tris(2-methyl-4-hydroxy-5-t-butylphenyl)butane, and pentaerythritol tetrakis[3-(3',5'-di-t-butyl-4'-hydroxyphenyl)propionate]; ) thioether-based antioxidants such as 2,2-bis({[3-(dodecylthio)propionyl]oxy}methyl)-1,3-propanediyl bis[3-(dodecylthio)propionate] and ditridecan-1-yl 3,3′-sulfanediyl dipropanoate, and (3) phosphorus-based antioxidants such as 3,9-bis(2,6-di-t-butyl-4-methylphenoxy)-2,4,8,10-tetraoxa-3,9-diphosphaspiro[5.5]undecane.

[0062] The lower limit of the content of the antioxidant (C) in the non-volatile content of the treatment agent is preferably 0.05% by mass or more, more preferably 1% by mass or more. When this content is 0.05% by mass or more, the smoothness of the fiber to which the treatment agent is applied can be further improved. The upper limit of the content of the antioxidant (C) can be set appropriately, but is preferably 6% by mass or less, more preferably 5% by mass or less. When this content is 6% by mass or less, the effects of the present invention can be further improved. Note that ranges that combine the above upper and lower limits in any combination are also contemplated.

[0063] The nonvolatile content of the treatment agent preferably contains 94% by mass or more and 99.9% by mass or less of the polyether compound (A) and 0.1% by mass or more and 6% by mass or less of the antioxidant (C). By specifying these ranges, the effects of the present invention can be further improved. Note that ranges that combine the above upper and lower limits are also contemplated.

[0064] The nonvolatile content of the treatment agent preferably contains 55% by mass or more and 94% by mass or less of the polyether compound (A), 5% by mass or more and 45% by mass or less of the organic phosphate ester (B), and 0.1% by mass or more and 5% by mass or less of the antioxidant (C). By specifying these ranges, the effects of the present invention can be further improved. Ranges that combine the above upper and lower limits are also contemplated.

[0065] (pH) The lower limit of the pH of a 1% by mass aqueous solution of the treatment agent is set as appropriate, but is preferably 7.0 or higher. When the pH is 7.0 or higher, the smoothness of the fiber to which the treatment agent is applied, particularly smoothness over time, can be improved. The upper limit of the pH of a 1% by mass aqueous solution of the treatment agent is set as appropriate, but is preferably 10.0 or lower. When the pH is 10.0 or lower, the effects of the present invention can be further improved. Note that ranges that combine the above upper and lower limits in any desired manner are also contemplated.

[0066] (Preservation form) The treatment agent may be configured as a one-component type containing the above-mentioned polyether compound (A), organic phosphate ester (B), and antioxidant (C), or, from the viewpoint of improving the formulation stability, may be configured as a three-component type treatment agent as shown below.

[0067] The three-component treatment agent is configured as a set including a first treatment agent for polyester staple fibers (hereinafter referred to as "first treatment agent") containing a polyether compound (A), a second treatment agent for polyester staple fibers (hereinafter referred to as "second treatment agent") containing an organic phosphate ester (B), and a third treatment agent for polyester staple fibers (hereinafter referred to as "third treatment agent") containing an antioxidant (C).

[0068] A three-component treatment agent is composed of a first treatment agent, a second treatment agent that is formulated as a separate agent from the first treatment agent, and a third treatment agent that is formulated as a separate agent from the first and second treatment agents during storage or distribution, etc. When used, the three-component treatment agent is prepared as a mixture by mixing the first, second, and third treatment agents.

[0069] (solvent) The treatment agent of this embodiment can be mixed with a solvent, if necessary, to prepare a treatment-agent-containing composition for polyester staple fibers or a treatment-agent-containing dilution for polyester staple 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.

[0070] 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.

[0071] (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 polyether compound (A) described above. Therefore, the smoothness of the fibers to which the treatment agent is applied can be improved, and the smoothness over time can be improved. This can improve the quality of the fibers to which the treatment agent is applied. For example, when short fibers are used as wadding, entanglement and bias of the fibers can be reduced.

[0072] Furthermore, the bulkiness of the fibers to which the treatment agent is applied can be improved. For example, when short fibers are used as wadding, the feel can be improved. (1-2) The treatment agent of the first embodiment does not need to contain a silicone component as the main component, which makes it possible to improve the flame retardancy of the treatment agent.

[0073] (1-3) When the pH of a 1% by mass aqueous solution of the treatment agent is 7.0 or more and 10.0 or less, the smoothness over time of the fiber to which the treatment agent is applied can be further improved. (1-4) When the treatment agent contains the above-mentioned organic phosphate ester (B), the bulkiness of the fibers to which the treatment agent is applied can be further improved.

[0074] (1-5) When the treatment agent contains the above-mentioned antioxidant (C), the smoothness and smoothness over time of the fiber to which the treatment agent is applied 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.

[0075] As a reference form The first treating agent contains the above-mentioned polyether compound (A). When in use, the first treating agent is used in combination with the above-mentioned second treating agent containing the organic phosphate ester (B), and optionally with the above-mentioned third treating agent containing the antioxidant (C), and is configured as a separate agent from the second treating agent and the third treating agent when not in use.

[0076] In this embodiment The first treatment agent contains the polyether compound (A) described above, and is used in combination with at least one selected from the second treatment agent containing the organic phosphate ester (B) described above and the third treatment agent containing the antioxidant (C) described above (excluding configurations in which the mixture of the first treatment agent, the second treatment agent, and the third treatment agent contains 50% by mass or more of a fatty acid salt having 8 to 24 carbon atoms).

[0077] At the time of use, a mixture of the first, second, and third treating agents is prepared as a treating agent. Note that the components contained in the first, second, and third treating agents, such as the polyether compound (A), are the same as those described in the first embodiment.

[0078] (solvent) The first treatment agent of this embodiment is mixed with a solvent as needed to prepare a first treatment agent-containing composition for polyester staple fibers or a first treatment agent-containing dilution for polyester staple fibers (hereinafter referred to as "first treatment agent-containing composition, etc."), which may be stored or distributed in the form of a first treatment agent-containing composition, etc. The solvent may be any of those exemplified in the first embodiment.

[0079] (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.

[0080] (2-1) The first treatment agent of the second embodiment contains the polyether compound (A) described above. When not in use, it is configured as a separate agent from the second treatment agent containing the organic phosphate ester (B) and the third treatment agent containing the antioxidant (C). When in use, the first treatment agent is used in combination with the second treatment agent and the third treatment agent, and a mixture of the first treatment agent, the second treatment agent, and the third treatment agent is prepared as a treatment agent.

[0081] Therefore, the formulation stability, particularly storage stability, of the first treatment agent can be further improved during storage or distribution. Furthermore, by adjusting the mixing ratio of the second and third treatment agents, the components of the resulting treatment agent can be adjusted. Furthermore, the first treatment agent can be distributed separately from the second and third treatment agents.

[0082] <Third embodiment> Hereinafter, the third embodiment will be referred to as a third referential 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.

[0083] The second treatment agent of this embodiment contains the above-mentioned organic phosphate ester (B). The second treatment agent is used in combination with the first treatment agent containing the polyether compound (A) when in use, and is configured as a separate agent from the first treatment agent when not in use. Optionally, the second treatment agent is used in combination with a third treatment agent containing an antioxidant (C) when in use, and is configured as a separate agent from the third treatment agent when not in use.

[0084] At the time of use, a mixture of the first treating agent, the second treating agent, and the optional third treating agent is prepared as a treating agent. Note that the components contained in the first treating agent, the second treating agent, and the third treating agent, such as the polyether compound (A), are the same as the components described in the first embodiment.

[0085] (solvent) The second treatment agent of this embodiment can be mixed with a solvent as needed to prepare a second treatment agent-containing composition for polyester staple fibers or a second treatment agent-containing dilution for polyester staple fibers (hereinafter referred to as "second treatment agent-containing composition, etc."), which can be stored or distributed in the form of a second treatment agent-containing composition, etc. The solvents exemplified in the first embodiment can be used.

[0086] (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.

[0087] (3-1) The second treatment agent of the third embodiment contains the above-described organic phosphate ester (B). When not in use, the second treatment agent is configured as a separate agent from the first treatment agent containing the above-described polyether compound (A) and the third treatment agent containing the antioxidant (C). When in use, the second treatment agent is used in combination with the first treatment agent and an optional third treatment agent, and a mixture of the first, second, and third treatment agents is prepared as a treatment agent. This improves the formulation stability, particularly the 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 of the first and third treatment agents. Furthermore, the second treatment agent alone can be distributed as a separate agent from the first and third treatment agents.

[0088] <Fourth embodiment> Hereinafter, the fourth embodiment will be referred to as a fourth referential embodiment. Next, a fourth embodiment of the third treatment agent of the present invention will be described, focusing on the differences from the first to third embodiments.

[0089] The third treatment agent of this embodiment contains the above-mentioned antioxidant (C). When in use, the third treatment agent is used in combination with the first treatment agent containing the polyether compound (A), and is configured as a separate agent from the first treatment agent when not in use. Furthermore, when in use, the third treatment agent is used in combination with the second treatment agent containing the organic phosphate ester (B), and is configured as a separate agent from the second treatment agent when not in use.

[0090] Alternatively, the third treatment agent contains an antioxidant (C), and is used in combination with the first treatment agent containing the polyether compound (A) described above, and optionally in combination with the second treatment agent containing the organic phosphate ester (B) described above (excluding configurations in which the mixture of the first treatment agent, the second treatment agent, and the third treatment agent contains 50 mass % or more of a fatty acid salt having 8 to 24 carbon atoms).

[0091] At the time of use, the first treating agent, the third treating agent, and optionally the second treating agent are mixed to prepare a mixture of treating agents. Note that the components contained in the first treating agent, the second treating agent, and the third treating agent, such as the polyether compound (A), are the same as the components described in the first embodiment.

[0092] (solvent) The third treatment agent of this embodiment may be mixed with a solvent as needed to prepare a third treatment agent-containing composition for polyester staple fibers or a third treatment agent-containing dilution for polyester staple fibers (hereinafter referred to as "third treatment agent-containing composition, etc."), which may be stored or distributed in the form of a third treatment agent-containing composition, etc. The solvent may be any of those exemplified in the first embodiment.

[0093] (Effects of this embodiment) The effects of the third treatment agent of the fourth embodiment will be described below. In addition to the effects of the first to third embodiments, the fourth embodiment has the following effects.

[0094] (4-1) The third treatment agent of the fourth embodiment contains the antioxidant (C) described above. When not in use, the third treatment agent is configured as a separate agent from the first treatment agent containing the polyether compound (A) and the second treatment agent containing the organic phosphate ester (B). When in use, the third treatment agent is used in combination with the first treatment agent and, if necessary, the second treatment agent, to prepare a mixture of the first treatment agent, the second treatment agent, and the third treatment agent. This improves the formulation stability, particularly the storage stability, of the third treatment agent during storage or distribution. Furthermore, the components of the resulting treatment agent can be adjusted by adjusting the mixing ratio of the first treatment agent and the second treatment agent. Furthermore, the third treatment agent can be distributed separately from the first and second treatment agents.

[0095] Fifth Embodiment A fifth embodiment of the polyester staple fiber according to the present invention will be described. The polyester staple fiber of this embodiment is a treated polyester staple fiber having the treatment agent of the first embodiment adhered to its surface. By adhering the treatment agent to the surface of the polyester staple fiber, polyester staple fiber exhibiting the effects of the present invention can be obtained.

[0096] (Fiber Uses) Staple fibers generally refer to those called staples, and do not include long fibers generally called filaments. The length of the staple fibers is not particularly limited as long as it falls within the scope of staple fibers in this technical field, but is, for example, 100 mm or less, preferably 30 mm to 70 mm. Staple fibers are preferably used for batting production, nonwoven fabric production, etc. By using the polyester staple fibers according to the present invention as staple fibers for batting, excellent textures such as smoothness and bulkiness can be imparted to the batting of stuffed toys, futons, clothing, etc. Staple fibers are composed of the following synthetic fibers:

[0097] (synthetic fiber) Specific examples of synthetic fibers include polyester synthetic fibers, such as polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polytrimethylene terephthalate, polybutylene terephthalate, polyethylene naphthalate, polylactic acid, and composite fibers containing these polyester resins.

[0098] (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.

[0099] 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.

[0100] (Effects of this embodiment) The effects of the polyester staple fiber of the fifth embodiment will be described below. In addition to the effects of the above embodiments, the fifth embodiment has the following effects.

[0101] (5-1) The polyester staple fiber of the fifth embodiment is adhered with the treatment agent of the first embodiment. Therefore, polyester staple fiber with improved smoothness and bulkiness can be obtained. Therefore, when the polyester staple fiber of the fifth embodiment is used as wadding, for example, the texture can be improved.

[0102] (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.

[0103] 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 other than those listed above, UV absorbers, surfactants other than those listed above, and pH adjusters, to maintain the quality of each treatment agent, as long as the effects of the present invention are not impaired. In order to efficiently exert the efficacy of the present invention, 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 as separate agents from the treatment agents described above.

[0104] The treatment agent of the first embodiment may contain a silicone compound within a range that does not impair the effects of the present invention. From the viewpoint of improving flame retardancy, the silicone compound content is preferably 5% by mass or less, and more preferably 1% by mass or less. [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 The treatment agent of Example 1 was prepared by charging 55 parts of polyether compound (A-1) shown in Table 1 below as the polyether compound (A), 7 parts of polyether compound (a-1), 37 parts of n-butyl phosphate and its potassium salt (B-1) as the organic phosphate ester (B), and 1 part of 1,1,3-tris(2-methyl-4-hydroxy-5-t-butylphenyl)butane (C-1) as the antioxidant (C) into a container and mixing them well.

[0107] (Examples 2 to 44, Comparative Examples 1 to 4) The treating agents of Examples 2 to 44 and Comparative Examples 1 to 4 were 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 polyether compound (A), the type and content of the organic phosphate ester (B), and the type and content of the antioxidant (C) in each example of the treatment agent are shown in the "Polyether compound (A)" column, the "Organic phosphate ester (B)" column, and the "Antioxidant (C)" column in Tables 1 and 2, respectively.

[0109] The pH of a 1% by mass aqueous solution of each treatment agent is shown in the "pH of 1% aqueous solution" column of Tables 1 and 2.

[0110] [Table 1]

[0111] [Table 2] Details of the polyether compound (A), organic phosphate ester (B), and antioxidant (C) shown in Tables 1 and 2 are as follows.

[0112] <Polyether compound (A)> The polyether compounds used were A-1 to A-12 and a-1 to a-5 shown in Table 3 below.

[0113] (Synthesis of Polyether Compound (A-1)) 1 mole of glycerin as an alcohol and an appropriate amount of potassium hydroxide as a catalyst were added to an autoclave reactor, and the mixture was heated to 100°C with stirring, followed by dehydration under reduced pressure. The mixture was then heated to 130°C with continued stirring, and 150 moles of ethylene oxide (EO) and 350 moles of propylene oxide (PO) were gradually added randomly. This resulted in a polyether compound (A-1) as a polyoxyalkylene derivative with an EO / PO molar ratio of 30 / 70 and a mass-average molecular weight of 27,000. The pH was adjusted using phosphoric acid as needed.

[0114] Other parameters of the polyether compound (A), such as the raw material alcohol, the number of moles of EO added, the number of moles of PO added, the EO / PO molar ratio, the type of addition, and the mass average molecular weight and molecular weight distribution (Mw / Mn) of the polyether compound (A), are shown in the "Alcohol" column, "Average number of moles of EO added," "Average number of moles of PO added," "EO / PO molar ratio," "Type of addition," "Mass average molecular weight," and "Molecular weight distribution Mw / Mn" columns of Table 3, respectively.

[0115] The polyether compounds (A) shown in Table 3 all have a kinematic viscosity (50°C) range of 5000 to 20000 mm 2 / s was used. When the addition form was block, PO was added first, followed by EO. The molecular weight distribution was determined by the following measurement method.

[0116] (molecular weight distribution) The molecular weight distribution was measured using gel permeation chromatography (GPC). The mass average molecular weight refers to the maximum peak value measured with a detector. It was determined from the molecular weight distribution of the main peak when measuring GPC. The measurement was performed using a Tosoh HLC-8320GPC under the following conditions.

[0117] Column: TSK gel Super H4000 (Tosoh Corporation) :TSK gel Super H3000 (Tosoh Corporation) :TSK gel Super H2000 (Tosoh Corporation) Column temperature: 40℃ Detector: Differential refractive index detector Sample solution: 0.25% tetrahydrofuran solution Solution flow rate: 0.5mL / min Solution injection volume: 10μL Standard material: Polystyrene

[0118] [Table 3] <Organophosphate ester (B)> B-1: n-Butyl phosphate ester and its potassium salt (acid value 25 KOH-mg / g, P-NMR integral ratio: monoester 25%, diester 30%, diphosphate ester 45%) B-2: n-Hexyl phosphate ester and its potassium salt (acid value 20 KOH-mg / g, P-NMR integral ratio: monoester 40%, diester 50%, diphosphate ester 10%) B-3: 2-Ethylhexyl phosphate and its potassium salt (acid value 80 KOH-mg / g, P-NMR integral ratio: monoester 40%, diester 40%, diphosphate 20%) B-4: n-Octyl phosphate ester and its potassium salt (acid value 25 KOH-mg / g, P-NMR integral ratio: monoester 45%, diester 45%, diphosphate ester 10%) B-5: n-Octyl (EO 2 moles) phosphate ester and its potassium salt (acid value 20 KOH-mg / g, P-NMR integral ratio: monoester 40%, diester 50%, diphosphate ester 10%) B-6: n-Dodecyl phosphate ester and its potassium salt (acid value 50 KOH-mg / g, P-NMR integral ratio: monoester 75%, diester 25%) B-7: n-Dodecyl (EO 6 mol) phosphate ester and its potassium salt (acid value 150 KOH-mg / g, P-NMR integral ratio: monoester 43%, diester 54%, diphosphate ester 3%) b-1: Cetyl phosphate ester and its potassium salt (acid value 25 KOH-mg / g, P-NMR integral ratio: monoester 45%, diester 45%, diphosphate ester 10%) b-2: Potassium salt of cetyl phosphate ester (acid value 0 KOH-mg / g, P-NMR integral ratio: 50% monoester, 50% diester) (acid number) The acid value (KOH mg / g) of the organic phosphate ester (B) is expressed by the following formula.

[0119] A sample solution was prepared by dissolving the organic phosphate ester (B) in ion-exchanged water. The prepared sample solution was placed in a known potentiometer and titrated with a 0.1 mol / L potassium hydroxide methanol standard solution. The acid value of the treatment agent was calculated using the following formula:

[0120] Acid value of organic phosphate ester (B) (KOHmg / g) = (R × f × 56.11 × 0.1) / S f: Factor of 0.1 mol / L potassium hydroxide methanol standard solution S: Sample amount (g, solids equivalent) R: Amount (mL) of 0.1 mol / L potassium hydroxide methanol standard solution used to reach the inflection point <Antioxidant (C)> C-1: 1,1,3-tris(2-methyl-4-hydroxy-5-t-butylphenyl)butane C-2: Pentaerythritol tetrakis[3-(3',5'-di-t-butyl-4'-hydroxyphenyl)propionate] C-3: 3,9-bis(2,6-di-t-butyl-4-methylphenoxy)-2,4,8,10-tetraoxa-3,9-diphosphaspiro[5.5]undecane C-4: Ditridecan-1-yl 3,3'-sulfanediyl dipropanoate C-5: 2,2-bis({[3-(dodecylthio)propionyl]oxy}methyl)-1,3-propanediyl bis[3-(dodecylthio)propionate] Test Category 2 (preparation of 0.4% diluted solution of treatment agent) There are no particular restrictions on the method for preparing the diluted solution of the treatment agent. For example, the treatment agent prepared in Test Section 1 was added to ion-exchanged water heated to about 50°C with stirring, and completely dissolved to prepare a 0.4% diluted solution of the treatment agent.

[0121] Test Section 3 (Preparation of polyester staple fiber treated cotton) 100 g of a 0.4% diluted solution of each treatment agent prepared in Test Section 1 was sprayed evenly onto 100 g of polyester staple fibers with a 6 denier and a cut length of 64 mm. The fibers were then dried at 80°C for 1 hour and then heat-treated at 150°C for 10 minutes. The obtained polyester staple fiber samples were evaluated for smoothness and bulkiness as follows, and the results are shown below.

[0122] Test category 4 (smoothness) The cotton samples with each treatment agent prepared in Test Section 3 were passed through a miniature roller card to prepare cotton samples for evaluation. Four levels of standard samples for smoothness tests were prepared, each with a treatment agent different from those described in the Examples and Comparative Examples. The standard samples for smoothness tests were designated as standard sample 1, standard sample 2, standard sample 3, and standard sample 4, in order of decreasing smoothness.

[0123] The standard sample for the smoothness test was repeatedly calibrated by five evaluators, and was selected so that the order of smoothness would not differ among the five evaluators. The five evaluators checked the smoothness of the sample cotton, compared it with the standard sample for the smoothness test, and each evaluator assigned a score to indicate the degree of smoothness. The scores assigned by the five evaluators were averaged and the smoothness was evaluated according to the following criteria. The results are shown in the "Smoothness" column in Tables 1 and 2.

[0124] ·Smoothness evaluation criteria 4 (Excellent): Average score is 3.5 or higher 3 (Good): Average score is 3.0 or more and less than 3.5 points 2 (Acceptable): Average score is 2.5 or more and less than 3.0 1 (Fail): Average score is less than 2.5 points Test category 5 (smoothness over time) The cotton samples coated with each treatment prepared in Test Section 3 were stored at 50°C for two weeks. After storage, they were passed through a miniature roller card to prepare the test cotton for evaluation. Five evaluators checked the smoothness of the cotton samples, compared them with the standard sample for smoothness testing, and each evaluator assigned a score to indicate the degree of smoothness. The scores assigned by the five evaluators were averaged, and the smoothness was evaluated according to the following criteria. The results are shown in the "Smoothness over time" column in Tables 1 and 2.

[0125] Evaluation criteria for smoothness over time 4 (Excellent): Average score is 3.5 or higher 3 (Good): Average score is 3.0 or more and less than 3.5 points 2 (Acceptable): Average score is 2.5 or more and less than 3.0 1 (Fail): Average score is less than 2.5 points Test category 6 (bulkiness) 40 g of sample cotton coated with each treatment prepared in Test Section 3 was passed through a roller carding machine to create a 30 cm x 100 cm web. This web was cut into four 15 cm x 15 cm pieces of fabric. Four pieces of fabric were stacked together with the fiber orientation perpendicular to each other to create a rectangular prism. After allowing the sample to stand for 30 minutes at 20°C and 40% RH, a 15 cm x 15 cm metal plate (135 g) was placed on the prism. The height (h1) of the prism after 1 minute was recorded to the nearest 0.1 cm. A 1125 g weight was then placed on the metal plate. After allowing the sample to stand for 24 hours, the height (h2) was recorded and then removed. The height (h3) of the prism after 1 minute was recorded. The recovery rate was calculated using the following formula:

[0126] Recovery rate (%)=100×(h3-h2) / (h1-h2) The higher the recovery rate, the better the bulkiness of the test cotton was judged to be. The results are shown in the "Bulkiness" column in Tables 1 and 2.

[0127] ·Bulkiness evaluation criteria 3 (Good): Recovery rate (%) is 80% or more 2 (Acceptable): Recovery rate (%) is 50% or more but less than 80% 1 (Not acceptable): Recovery rate (%) is less than 50% Test Section 8 (Preparation of three-component treatment agent and preparation of treatment agent) The first part of the three-component treatment agent of Example 1-1 was prepared using the polyether compound (A-1) described above as the polyether compound (A). The second part of the three-component treatment agent of Example 1-1 was obtained using the n-butyl phosphate ester and its potassium salt (B-1) described above as the organic phosphate ester (B). The third part of the three-component treatment agent of Example 1-1 was obtained by thoroughly mixing 7 parts of the polyether compound (a-1) and 1 part of 1,1,3-tris(2-methyl-4-hydroxy-5-t-butylphenyl)butane (C-1) as the antioxidant (C).

[0128] 55 parts of the first agent, 37 parts of the second agent, and 8 parts of the third agent of the above three-component treatment agent were placed in a container and mixed well to prepare a mixture of the three-component treatment agent of Example 1-1. This mixture was used to evaluate smoothness, smoothness over time, and bulkiness in the same manner as for the treatment agent of Example 1. As a result, the same evaluation results as in Example 1 were obtained.

[0129] From the results in the above table, it is clear that the present invention can improve both the smoothness and bulkiness of fibers to which a treatment agent is applied. Next, the technical ideas that can be understood from the above-described embodiment and other examples will be described below.

[0130] The treatment agent for polyester staple fibers of aspect 1 is a treatment agent for polyester staple fibers containing the following polyether compound (A), characterized in that the polyether compound (A) is contained in a proportion of 50 mass% or more of the non-volatile content of the treatment agent for polyester staple fibers.

[0131] Polyether compound (A): A compound obtained by adding ethylene oxide and propylene oxide to a monohydric to tetrahydric alcohol having 3 to 18 carbon atoms, and having a mass average molecular weight of 14,000 to 32,000.

[0132] In a second aspect, in the treating agent for polyester staple fibers according to the first aspect, the pH of a 1% by mass aqueous solution is 7.0 or more and 10.0 or less. In a third aspect, in the treating agent for polyester staple fibers according to the first or second aspect, the polyether compound (A) has a mass average molecular weight of 17,000 or more and 32,000 or less.

[0133] Aspect 4 is the processing agent for polyester staple fibers according to any one of Aspects 1 to 3, wherein the polyether compound (A) is obtained by adding ethylene oxide and propylene oxide to a trihydric or tetrahydric alcohol having from 3 to 12 carbon atoms.

[0134] A fifth aspect is the treating agent for polyester staple fibers according to any one of the first to fourth aspects, further comprising the following organic phosphate ester (B). Organic phosphate ester (B): At least one selected from phosphate esters of aliphatic alcohols having 4 to 12 carbon atoms and salts thereof.

[0135] A sixth aspect is the treatment agent for polyester staple fibers according to the fifth aspect, wherein the treatment agent for polyester staple fibers contains the polyether compound (A) in an amount of 55% by mass or more and 95% by mass or less, and the organic phosphate ester (B) in an amount of 5% by mass or more and 45% by mass or less, based on the non-volatile content.

[0136] A seventh aspect is the treating agent for polyester staple fibers according to any one of the first to fourth aspects, further comprising an antioxidant (C). In an eighth aspect, the treatment agent for polyester staple fibers according to the seventh aspect contains the polyether compound (A) in an amount of 94% by mass or more and 99.9% by mass or less and the antioxidant (C) in an amount of 0.1% by mass or more and 6% by mass or less in the non-volatile content of the treatment agent for polyester staple fibers.

[0137] A ninth aspect is the treating agent for polyester staple fibers according to the fifth aspect, further comprising an antioxidant (C). A tenth aspect of the present invention relates to the treatment agent for polyester staple fibers according to the ninth aspect, wherein the treatment agent for polyester staple fibers contains the polyether compound (A) in an amount of 55% by mass to 94% by mass, the organic phosphate ester (B) in an amount of 5% by mass to 45% by mass, and the antioxidant (C) in an amount of 0.1% by mass to 5% by mass, based on the non-volatile content.

[0138] A first treating agent for polyester staple fibers in an eleventh aspect is a first treating agent for polyester staple fibers used in combination with at least one selected from a second treating agent for polyester staple fibers containing the following organic phosphate ester (B) and a third treating agent for polyester staple fibers containing an antioxidant (C), and is characterized by containing the following polyether compound (A).

[0139] Polyether compound (A): A compound obtained by adding ethylene oxide and propylene oxide to a monohydric to tetrahydric alcohol having 3 to 18 carbon atoms, and having a mass average molecular weight of 14,000 to 32,000.

[0140] Organic phosphate ester (B): At least one selected from phosphate esters of aliphatic alcohols having 4 to 12 carbon atoms and salts thereof. A twelfth aspect of the second treating agent for polyester staple fibers is a second treating agent for polyester staple fibers that is used in combination with a first treating agent for polyester staple fibers containing the following polyether compound (A) and is optionally used in combination with a third treating agent for polyester staple fibers that contains an antioxidant (C), and is characterized by containing the following organic phosphate ester (B).

[0141] Polyether compound (A): A compound obtained by adding ethylene oxide and propylene oxide to a monohydric to tetrahydric alcohol having 3 to 18 carbon atoms, and having a mass average molecular weight of 14,000 to 32,000.

[0142] Organic phosphate ester (B): At least one selected from phosphate esters of aliphatic alcohols having 4 to 12 carbon atoms and salts thereof. The third treating agent for polyester staple fibers of Aspect 13 is a third treating agent for polyester staple fibers that is used in combination with a first treating agent for polyester staple fibers containing the following polyether compound (A) and is optionally used in combination with a second treating agent for polyester staple fibers that contains the following organic phosphate ester (B), and that contains an antioxidant (C).

[0143] Polyether compound (A): A compound obtained by adding ethylene oxide and propylene oxide to a monohydric to tetrahydric alcohol having 3 to 18 carbon atoms, and having a mass average molecular weight of 14,000 to 32,000.

[0144] Organic phosphate ester (B): At least one selected from phosphate esters of aliphatic alcohols having 4 to 12 carbon atoms and salts thereof. The polyester staple fibers of the fourteenth aspect are characterized in that the treating agent for polyester staple fibers according to any one of the first to tenth aspects is adhered to the polyester staple fibers.

[0145] A fifteenth aspect of the present invention is the polyester staple fiber according to the fourteenth aspect, wherein the polyester staple fiber is a staple fiber for producing batting.

Claims

1. A treatment agent for polyester staple fibers containing the following polyether compound (A), characterized in that the polyether compound (A) is contained in a proportion of 50 mass% or more of the non-volatile content of the treatment agent for polyester staple fibers: Polyether compound (A): A compound obtained by adding ethylene oxide and propylene oxide to a monohydric, dihydric, or tetrahydric alcohol having 3 to 18 carbon atoms, and having a mass average molecular weight of 14,000 to 32,000.

2. 2. The treating agent for polyester staple fibers according to claim 1, wherein a pH of a 1% by mass aqueous solution of the treating agent for polyester staple fibers is 7.0 or more and 10.0 or less.

3. 2. The processing agent for polyester staple fibers according to claim 1, wherein the polyether compound (A) has a mass average molecular weight of 17,000 or more and 32,000 or less.

4. 2. The treatment agent for polyester staple fibers according to claim 1, wherein the polyether compound (A) is an addition product of ethylene oxide and propylene oxide to a trihydric or tetrahydric alcohol having from 3 to 12 carbon atoms.

5. 2. The treatment agent for polyester staple fibers according to claim 1, further comprising the following organic phosphate ester (B): Organic phosphate ester (B): At least one selected from phosphate esters of aliphatic alcohols having from 4 to 12 carbon atoms and salts thereof.

6. 6. The treatment agent for polyester staple fibers according to claim 5, wherein the treatment agent for polyester staple fibers contains the polyether compound (A) in an amount of 55% by mass or more and 95% by mass or less, and the organic phosphate ester (B) in an amount of 5% by mass or more and 45% by mass or less, based on the non-volatile content of the treatment agent for polyester staple fibers.

7. The treatment agent for polyester staple fibers according to claim 1, further comprising an antioxidant (C).

8. 8. The treatment agent for polyester staple fibers according to claim 7, wherein the treatment agent for polyester staple fibers contains the polyether compound (A) in an amount of 94% by mass or more and 99.9% by mass or less and the antioxidant (C) in an amount of 0.1% by mass or more and 6% by mass or less, based on the non-volatile content of the treatment agent for polyester staple fibers.

9. The treatment agent for polyester staple fibers according to claim 5, further comprising an antioxidant (C).

10. 10. The treatment agent for polyester staple fibers according to claim 9, wherein the treatment agent for polyester staple fibers contains the polyether compound (A) in an amount of 55% by mass or more and 94% by mass or less, the organic phosphate ester (B) in an amount of 5% by mass or more and 45% by mass or less, and the antioxidant (C) in an amount of 0.1% by mass or more and 5% by mass or less, based on the non-volatile content of the treatment agent for polyester staple fibers.

11. A first treating agent for polyester staple fibers is used in combination with at least one selected from a second treating agent for polyester staple fibers containing the following organic phosphate ester (B) and a third treating agent for polyester staple fibers containing an antioxidant (C), the first treating agent for polyester staple fibers being characterized by containing the following polyether compound (A). Polyether compound (A): A compound obtained by adding ethylene oxide and propylene oxide to a monohydric, dihydric, or tetrahydric alcohol having 3 to 18 carbon atoms, and having a mass average molecular weight of 14,000 to 32,000. Organic phosphate ester (B): At least one selected from phosphate esters of aliphatic alcohols having from 4 to 12 carbon atoms and salts thereof.

12. A second treating agent for polyester staple fibers is used in combination with a first treating agent for polyester staple fibers containing the following polyether compound (A), and is optionally used in combination with a third treating agent for polyester staple fibers containing an antioxidant (C), the second treating agent for polyester staple fibers being characterized by containing the following organic phosphate ester (B). Polyether compound (A): A compound obtained by adding ethylene oxide and propylene oxide to a monohydric, dihydric, or tetrahydric alcohol having 3 to 18 carbon atoms, and having a mass average molecular weight of 14,000 to 32,000. Organic phosphate ester (B): At least one selected from phosphate esters of aliphatic alcohols having from 4 to 12 carbon atoms and salts thereof.

13. A third treating agent for polyester staple fibers is used in combination with a first treating agent for polyester staple fibers containing the following polyether compound (A) and optionally in combination with a second treating agent for polyester staple fibers containing the following organic phosphate ester (B), the third treating agent for polyester staple fibers being characterized by containing an antioxidant (C). Polyether compound (A): A compound obtained by adding ethylene oxide and propylene oxide to a monohydric, dihydric, or tetrahydric alcohol having 3 to 18 carbon atoms, and having a mass average molecular weight of 14,000 to 32,000. Organic phosphate ester (B): At least one selected from phosphate esters of aliphatic alcohols having from 4 to 12 carbon atoms and salts thereof.

14. A polyester staple fiber having the treating agent for polyester staple fibers according to any one of claims 1 to 10 adhered thereto.

15. 15. The polyester staple fiber according to claim 14, wherein the polyester staple fiber is a staple fiber for producing batting.

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