Excreta treating material for animals

Abstract

To provide an excreta treating material for animals, hardly absorbing excreta even when used for a long time, and hardly causing changes in appearance such as discoloration, swelling and cracking caused by the excreta.SOLUTION: An animal excrement disposal material comprising: a plant-derived material as a main component; a binding resin; and a water repellent.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an animal waste management material. [Background technology]

[0002] Research is being conducted on animal waste treatment materials. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a pet excrement disposal material that contains 70 to 97% by weight of crushed plant-derived material and 3 to 30% by weight of synthetic resin, and is formed into a predetermined shape, and has sufficient shape retention so that it does not collapse even when it absorbs water.

[0003] Patent Document 2 also discloses a pet excrement disposal material whose main constituent base material is a pulverized plant-derived material, in which the water absorption rate measured by a predetermined water absorption rate measurement method is greater the third time than the first time, the third water absorption rate is 3 to 30 mass %, and the specific gravity before the first measurement is 0.8 to 1.2. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2002-84909 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2006-204249 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] Patent Documents 1 and 2 do not disclose the animal excrement treatment material according to the present disclosure. Therefore, the present disclosure aims to provide an animal excrement treatment material that is less likely to absorb excrement even when used for a long period of time and that is less susceptible to changes in appearance such as discoloration, swelling, or cracking caused by excrement. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The present inventors have discovered an animal excrement treatment material characterized by comprising a plant-derived material as a main component, a binder resin, and a water repellent agent. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] The animal excrement treatment material is less likely to absorb excrement even when used for a long period of time, and is less susceptible to changes in appearance such as discoloration, swelling, or cracking due to excrement. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram for explaining an example of how to use the animal excrement disposal material 3 according to the first embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] Specifically, the present disclosure relates to the following Groups A to E. The disclosure relating to Group A includes the following aspects. <Group A> [Aspect A1] A plant-derived material as a main component, a binder resin, and a water repellent agent, An animal excrement treatment material comprising:

[0010] Generally, animal waste treatment materials whose main component is a plant-derived material tend to absorb animal waste and expand with use due to the properties of the plant-derived material, resulting in changes in appearance such as discoloration, expansion, and cracking caused by the waste, which can be visually unpleasant.

[0011] The animal excrement disposal material is primarily composed of a plant-derived material and also contains a binder resin and a water repellent. Therefore, even when the animal excrement disposal material is used for a long period of time, the animal excrement disposal material is less likely to absorb excrement and expand, and the appearance of the animal excrement disposal material is less likely to change. As a result, users are less likely to feel aversion to the animal excrement disposal material. Furthermore, before the animal excrement disposal material comes into contact with excrement, the animal excrement disposal material is less likely to collapse even when pressure is applied during transportation, storage, etc.

[0012] [Aspect A2] The animal excrement treatment material according to Aspect A1, comprising 80% by mass or more of the plant-derived material.

[0013] Because the animal waste treatment materials contain a specified amount of plant-derived materials, they can be environmentally friendly and contribute to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Furthermore, because the animal waste treatment materials contain a specified amount of plant-derived materials, used animal waste treatment materials tend to be easier to dispose of as combustible waste, although this depends on local government rules. When the plant-derived material includes woody plant-derived material, the animal excrement treatment material contains a certain amount of natural essential oils contained in the woody plant-derived material, and therefore the animal excrement treatment material has excellent deodorizing and disinfecting properties.

[0014] [Aspect A3] The animal excrement treatment material according to aspect A1 or A2, which contains 0.5 to 20% by mass of the binder resin. Because the animal excrement disposal material contains a predetermined amount of the binder resin, the animal excrement disposal material is less likely to absorb excrement and expand, even when used for a long period of time, and the appearance of the animal excrement disposal material is less likely to change. As a result, users are less likely to feel disgusted by the animal excrement disposal material. Furthermore, before the animal excrement disposal material comes into contact with excrement, the animal excrement disposal material is less likely to collapse even if pressure is applied during transportation, storage, etc.

[0015] [Aspect A4] The animal excrement treatment material according to any one of Aspects A1 to A3, which contains 0.5 to 3.5% by mass of the water repellent agent. Because the animal excrement disposal material contains a predetermined amount of the water repellent, even when the animal excrement disposal material is used for a long period of time, the animal excrement disposal material is less likely to absorb excrement and expand, and the appearance of the animal excrement disposal material is less likely to change. As a result, users are less likely to feel disgusted by the animal excrement disposal material. Furthermore, before the animal excrement disposal material comes into contact with excrement, the animal excrement disposal material is less likely to collapse even if pressure is applied during transportation, storage, etc.

[0016] [Aspect A5] The animal excrement treatment material according to any one of Aspects A1 to A4, further comprising 0.5 to 10.0% by mass of starch.

[0017] The animal excrement disposal material further contains a predetermined proportion of starch, which increases the strength of the animal excrement disposal material before it absorbs excrement, making the animal excrement disposal material less likely to collapse when the animal's body pressure is applied to the animal excrement disposal material, and less likely to change in appearance.

[0018] Generally, if an animal excrement treatment material contains a large amount of starch, there is a high possibility that the animal excrement treatment material will decay (e.g., mold) due to the starch as the animal excrement treatment material is used. The animal excrement disposal material contains a predetermined amount of starch, and therefore the animal excrement disposal material is less likely to decay as it is used.

[0019] [Aspect A6] The animal excrement treatment material according to any one of Aspects A1 to A5, which does not contain any water-insoluble inorganic substance.

[0020] Generally, animal excrement disposal materials often contain water-insoluble inorganic substances, which can impart water resistance to the animal excrement disposal material. Since the animal excrement disposal material does not contain a water-insoluble inorganic substance, the bulk density can be reduced and dusting on the surface of the animal excrement disposal material can be suppressed compared to when a water-insoluble inorganic substance is contained. Furthermore, by suppressing dusting on the surface, the animal excrement disposal material is less likely to absorb excrement and expand, and the appearance of the animal excrement disposal material is less likely to change.

[0021] [Aspect A7] The animal excrement disposal material according to any one of Aspects A1 to A6, which has a swelling rate of 7.0% or less in a water absorption test.

[0022] Since the animal excrement disposal material has a predetermined expansion rate, even when the animal excrement disposal material is used for a long period of time, the animal excrement disposal material is less likely to expand due to absorption of excrement, and the appearance of the animal excrement disposal material is less likely to change, so that users are less likely to feel aversion to the animal excrement disposal material.

[0023] [Aspect A8] The animal excrement treatment material according to any one of Aspects A1 to A7, which has a water absorption rate of 66% by mass or less in a water absorption test.

[0024] Since the animal excrement disposal material has a predetermined water absorption rate, it is less likely to absorb excrement even when used for a long period of time, and the appearance of the animal excrement disposal material changes little, so that users are less likely to feel aversion to the animal excrement disposal material.

[0025] [Aspect A9] The animal excrement treatment material according to any one of A1 to A8, which has a post-water absorption disintegration rate of 0.6% by mass or less in a post-water absorption disintegration test.

[0026] The animal excrement disposal material has a predetermined disintegration rate after water absorption in a disintegration test after water absorption. Therefore, the animal excrement disposal material is less likely to generate dust during use. As a result, when the animal excrement disposal material is used, it is less likely to soil a container that holds the animal excrement disposal material, such as a system toilet.

[0027] [Aspect A10] The animal excrement disposal material according to any one of Aspects A1 to A9, which has a strength ratio of 27% or more in a strength ratio test.

[0028] The animal excrement disposal material has a predetermined strength ratio in a strength ratio test, and therefore, when the animal body pressure is applied to the animal excrement disposal material after the animal excrement disposal material has absorbed excrement, the animal excrement disposal material is less likely to collapse and the appearance of the animal excrement disposal material is less likely to change.

[0029] [Aspect A11] The animal excrement disposal material according to A10, which has a strength after water absorption of 38 N or more in the strength ratio test.

[0030] The animal excrement disposal material has a predetermined strength after water absorption, and therefore, after the animal excrement disposal material has started to be used, specifically, after the animal excrement disposal material has absorbed excrement, when the animal's body pressure is applied to the animal excrement disposal material, the animal excrement disposal material is less likely to collapse and its appearance is less likely to change.

[0031] [Aspect A12] The animal excrement disposal material according to aspect A10 or A11, which has a strength before water absorption of 90 N or more in the strength ratio test.

[0032] The animal excrement disposal material has a predetermined strength before water absorption, and therefore, when pressure is applied to the animal excrement disposal material before use, for example, during transportation or storage, the animal excrement disposal material is less likely to collapse and the appearance of the animal excrement disposal material is less likely to change.

[0033] [Aspect A13] The animal excrement treatment material according to any one of Aspects A1 to A12, which has a bulk specific gravity of 600 g / L or less.

[0034] The animal excrement disposal materials have a predetermined bulk specific gravity. Therefore, the animal excrement disposal materials reduce the load when moving them before use (e.g., during transportation) and after use (e.g., when replacing or disposing of them), and can further contribute to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

[0035] [Aspect A14] The animal excrement disposal material according to any one of Aspects A1 to A13, which has a pre-water absorption disintegration rate of 0.053% by mass or less in a pre-water absorption disintegration test. The animal excrement disposal material is resistant to collapse even when pressure is applied during transportation, storage, etc. before it comes into contact with excrement.

[0036] [Aspect A15] The animal excrement disposal material according to any one of Aspects A1 to A14, which has a rewet amount of 0.15 g or less in a rewet test.

[0037] The animal excrement disposal material has a predetermined rewetting amount, so that after an animal excretes, the excrement is less likely to stick to the animal's legs, and as a result, the toilet and its surroundings, for example, the room, are less likely to be contaminated with excrement.

[0038] <Group B> The disclosure relating to Group B aims to provide an animal excrement disposal material that is resistant to swelling due to absorption of excrement and to changes in appearance even when used for a long period of time. In the disclosure relating to Group B, the animal excrement disposal material has the effect of being less likely to swell when absorbing excrement and less likely to change in appearance even when used for a long period of time.

[0039] [Aspect B1] The main component is plant-derived material and contains a binder resin. In the water absorption test, the expansion rate is 7.0% or less. An animal excrement treatment material characterized by:

[0040] Generally, animal waste treatment materials whose main component is a plant-derived material tend to absorb animal waste and expand with use due to the properties of the plant-derived material, resulting in changes in appearance such as discoloration, expansion, and cracking caused by the waste, which can be visually unpleasant. The animal excrement disposal material is primarily composed of plant-derived materials, contains a binder resin, and has a predetermined expansion coefficient. Therefore, even when the animal excrement disposal material is used for a long period of time, the animal excrement disposal material is less likely to expand as it absorbs excrement, and the appearance of the animal excrement disposal material is less likely to change. As a result, users are less likely to feel aversion to the animal excrement disposal material. Furthermore, before the animal excrement disposal material comes into contact with excrement, the animal excrement disposal material is less likely to collapse even if pressure is applied during transportation, storage, etc.

[0041] [Aspect B2] The animal excrement disposal material according to aspect B1, which has a swelling rate of 6.0% or less in the water absorption test.

[0042] Since the animal excrement disposal material has a predetermined expansion rate, even when the animal excrement disposal material is used for a long period of time, the animal excrement disposal material is less likely to expand due to absorption of excrement, and the appearance of the animal excrement disposal material is less likely to change, so that users are less likely to feel aversion to the animal excrement disposal material.

[0043] [Aspect B3] The animal excrement treatment material according to aspect B1 or B2, which has a retention rate of 98.0% by mass or more in the water absorption test.

[0044] Because the animal excrement treatment material has a predetermined retention rate, even when the animal excrement treatment material is used for a long period of time and animal excrement accumulates in the animal excrement treatment material, the animal excrement treatment material is less likely to disintegrate and generate less dust, which results in less soiling of the container that holds the animal excrement treatment material, such as a system toilet, when the animal excrement treatment material is used.

[0045] [Aspect B4] The animal excrement treatment material according to any one of Aspects B1 to B3, which contains 80% by mass or more of the plant-derived material.

[0046] Because the animal waste treatment materials contain a specified amount of plant-derived materials, they can be environmentally friendly and contribute to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Furthermore, because the animal waste treatment materials contain a specified amount of plant-derived materials, used animal waste treatment materials tend to be easier to dispose of as combustible waste, although this depends on local government rules. When the plant-derived material includes woody plant-derived material, the animal excrement treatment material contains a certain amount of natural essential oils contained in the woody plant-derived material, and therefore the animal excrement treatment material has excellent deodorizing and disinfecting properties.

[0047] [Aspect B5] The animal excrement treatment material according to any one of Aspects B1 to B4, which contains 0.5 to 20% by mass of the binding resin. The animal excrement disposal material contains a binder resin at a predetermined ratio, which makes the animal excrement disposal material environmentally friendly and contributes to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Furthermore, before the animal excrement disposal material comes into contact with excrement, the animal excrement disposal material is less likely to disintegrate even if pressure is applied during transportation, storage, etc.

[0048] [Aspect B6] The animal excrement treatment material according to any one of Aspects B1 to B5, further comprising 0.5 to 3.5% by mass of a water repellent agent.

[0049] The animal waste disposal material further contains a predetermined proportion of a water-repellent material, thereby achieving a balance between the strength and water-repellent properties of the animal waste disposal material. As a result, even when the animal waste disposal material is used for a long period of time, the animal waste disposal material is less likely to expand as it absorbs excrement, and even when pressure from the animal's body is applied, the animal waste disposal material is less likely to collapse, and the appearance of the animal waste disposal material is less likely to change. As a result, users are less likely to feel disgusted by the animal waste disposal material. Furthermore, before the animal waste disposal material comes into contact with excrement, the animal waste disposal material is less likely to collapse even when pressure is applied during transportation, storage, etc.

[0050] [Aspect B7] The animal excrement treatment material according to any one of Aspects B1 to B6, further comprising 0.5 to 10.0% by mass of starch.

[0051] The animal excrement disposal material further contains a predetermined proportion of starch, which increases the strength of the animal excrement disposal material before it absorbs excrement, making the animal excrement disposal material less likely to collapse when the animal's body pressure is applied to the animal excrement disposal material, and less likely to change in appearance.

[0052] Generally, if an animal excrement treatment material contains a large amount of starch, there is a high possibility that the animal excrement treatment material will decay (e.g., mold) due to the starch as the animal excrement treatment material is used. The animal excrement disposal material contains a predetermined amount of starch, and therefore the animal excrement disposal material is less likely to decay as it is used.

[0053] [Aspect B8] The animal excrement treatment material according to any one of Aspects B1 to B7, which does not contain a water-insoluble inorganic substance.

[0054] Generally, animal excrement disposal materials often contain water-insoluble inorganic substances, which can impart water resistance to the animal excrement disposal material. Since the animal excrement disposal material does not contain a water-insoluble inorganic substance, the bulk density can be reduced and dusting on the surface of the animal excrement disposal material can be suppressed compared to when a water-insoluble inorganic substance is contained. Furthermore, by suppressing dusting on the surface, the animal excrement disposal material is less likely to absorb excrement and expand, and the appearance of the animal excrement disposal material is less likely to change.

[0055] Generally, when animal waste treatment materials are produced by extrusion molding, if the plant-derived material contains woody plant-derived material and the animal waste treatment material contains water-insoluble inorganic substances, the pressure during extrusion molding must be increased, which increases the temperature during extrusion molding, causing the essential oils contained in the woody plant-derived material to volatilize and potentially impairing the deodorizing, disinfecting, etc. properties of the essential oils. Since the animal waste treatment material does not contain water-insoluble inorganic substances, when it is produced by extrusion molding and when the plant-derived material contains woody plant-derived material, it can exhibit the effects of the essential oils contained in the woody plant-derived material, such as deodorizing and disinfecting properties.

[0056] [Aspect B9] The animal excrement treatment material according to any one of Aspects B1 to B8, which has a post-water absorption disintegration rate of 0.6% by mass or less in a post-water absorption disintegration test.

[0057] The animal excrement disposal material has a predetermined disintegration rate after water absorption in a disintegration test after water absorption. Therefore, the animal excrement disposal material is less likely to generate dust during use. As a result, when the animal excrement disposal material is used, it is less likely to soil a container that holds the animal excrement disposal material, such as a system toilet.

[0058] [Aspect B10] The animal excrement disposal material according to any one of Aspects B1 to B9, which has a strength ratio of 27% or more in a strength ratio test.

[0059] The animal excrement disposal material has a predetermined strength ratio in a strength ratio test, and therefore, when the animal body pressure is applied to the animal excrement disposal material after the animal excrement disposal material has absorbed excrement, the animal excrement disposal material is less likely to collapse and the appearance of the animal excrement disposal material is less likely to change.

[0060] [Aspect B11] The animal excrement disposal material according to aspect B10, which has a strength after water absorption of 38 N or more in the strength ratio test.

[0061] The animal excrement disposal material has a predetermined strength after water absorption, and therefore, after the animal excrement disposal material has started to be used, specifically, after the animal excrement disposal material has absorbed excrement, when the animal's body pressure is applied to the animal excrement disposal material, the animal excrement disposal material is less likely to collapse and its appearance is less likely to change.

[0062] [Aspect B12] The animal excrement disposal material according to aspect B10 or B11, which has a strength before water absorption of 90 N or more in the strength ratio test.

[0063] The animal excrement disposal material has a predetermined strength before water absorption, and therefore, when pressure is applied to the animal excrement disposal material before use, for example, during transportation or storage, the animal excrement disposal material is less likely to collapse and the appearance of the animal excrement disposal material is less likely to change.

[0064] [Aspect B13] The animal excrement treatment material according to any one of Aspects B1 to B12, which has a bulk specific gravity of 600 g / L or less.

[0065] The animal excrement disposal materials have a predetermined bulk specific gravity. Therefore, the animal excrement disposal materials reduce the load when moving them before use (e.g., during transportation) and after use (e.g., when replacing or disposing of them), and can further contribute to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

[0066] [Aspect B14] The animal excrement treatment material according to any one of Aspects B1 to B13, which has a pre-water absorption disintegration rate of 0.053% by mass or less in a pre-water absorption disintegration test. The animal excrement disposal material is resistant to collapse even when pressure is applied during transportation, storage, etc. before it comes into contact with excrement.

[0067] [Aspect B15] The animal excrement disposal material according to any one of Aspects B1 to B14, which has a rewet amount of 0.15 g or less in a rewet test.

[0068] The animal excrement disposal material has a predetermined rewetting amount, so that after an animal excretes, the excrement is less likely to stick to the animal's legs, and as a result, the toilet and its surroundings, for example, the room, are less likely to be contaminated with excrement.

[0069] <Group C> The disclosure relating to Group C aims to provide an animal excrement disposal material that is less likely to absorb excrement and that undergoes little change in appearance even when used for a long period of time. In the disclosure relating to Group C, the animal excrement disposal material has the effect of being less likely to absorb excrement even when used for a long period of time, and causing little change in the appearance of the animal excrement disposal material.

[0070] The disclosures related to Group C include the following aspects. [Aspect C1] The main component is plant-derived material and also contains a water repellent agent and a binding resin. In a water absorption test, the water absorption rate is 66% by mass or less. An animal excrement treatment material characterized by:

[0071] Due to the nature of the plant-derived materials, animal excrement treatment materials that are primarily composed of plant-derived materials tend to absorb animal excrement with use, resulting in changes in appearance such as discoloration, swelling, and cracking caused by the excrement, which can be visually unpleasant for users. The animal excrement disposal material is primarily composed of plant-derived materials, contains a water repellent and a binder resin, and has a predetermined water absorption rate. Therefore, even when the animal excrement disposal material is used for a long period of time, the animal excrement disposal material is less likely to absorb excrement, and the appearance of the animal excrement disposal material changes little. As a result, users are less likely to feel aversion to the animal excrement disposal material. Furthermore, before the animal excrement disposal material comes into contact with excrement, the animal excrement disposal material is less likely to disintegrate even when pressure is applied during transportation, storage, etc.

[0072] [Aspect C2] The animal excrement treatment material according to aspect C1, which has a water absorption rate of 30% by mass or less in the above water absorption test.

[0073] Since the animal excrement disposal material has a predetermined water absorption rate, it is less likely to absorb excrement even when used for a long period of time, and the appearance of the animal excrement disposal material changes little, so that users are less likely to feel aversion to the animal excrement disposal material.

[0074] [Aspect C3] The animal excrement treatment material is an animal excrement treatment material according to aspect C1 or C2, wherein the second water absorption rate measured by the following water absorption rate measurement method is greater the third time than the first time, and the third second water absorption rate is 5.0 mass% or less. [Second water absorption measurement method] The animal waste treatment material was previously stored in a 40°C thermostatic chamber for 2 hours to dry, and then immersed in 25°C water for 3 seconds. The water absorption rate was calculated using the following formula between the amount of animal waste treatment material before immersion: a (g) and the amount of animal waste treatment material after immersion: b (g). For the second and subsequent measurements, immediately after each measurement, store the animal excrement treatment material in a constant temperature bath at 40°C for 2 hours to dry, then similarly immerse it in water at 25°C for 3 seconds and calculate the water absorption rate according to the following formula. 2nd water absorption rate (mass%)=100×[(ba) / a]

[0075] Since the animal excrement disposal material has a predetermined second water absorption rate, even when the animal excrement disposal material is used for a long period of time, the animal excrement disposal material is less likely to absorb excrement, and the change in appearance of the animal excrement disposal material is less likely to occur, so that users are less likely to feel aversion to the animal excrement disposal material.

[0076] [Aspect C4] The animal excrement treatment material according to any one of Aspects C1 to C3, which contains 80% by mass or more of the plant-derived material.

[0077] Because the animal waste treatment material contains a specified amount of plant-derived materials, it can be an environmentally friendly animal waste treatment material and can contribute to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Furthermore, because the animal waste treatment material contains a specified amount of plant-derived materials, used animal waste treatment material tends to be easier to dispose of as combustible waste, although this depends on local government rules. When the plant-derived material includes woody plant-derived material, the animal excrement treatment material contains a certain amount of natural essential oils contained in the woody plant-derived material, and therefore the animal excrement treatment material has excellent deodorizing and disinfecting properties.

[0078] [Aspect C5] The animal excrement treatment material according to any one of Aspects C1 to C4, which contains 0.5 to 20% by mass of the binding resin. Because the animal excrement treatment material contains a predetermined amount of binding resin, it can be an environmentally friendly animal excrement treatment material and can contribute to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Furthermore, before the animal excrement treatment material comes into contact with excrement, it is less likely to disintegrate even if pressure is applied during transportation, storage, etc.

[0079] [Aspect C6] The animal excrement treatment material according to any one of Aspects C1 to C5, which contains 0.5 to 3.5% by mass of the water repellent agent.

[0080] The animal waste disposal material further contains a predetermined amount of water-repellent material, thereby achieving a balance between the strength and water-repellent properties of the animal waste disposal material. As a result, even when the animal waste disposal material is used for a long period of time, the animal waste disposal material is less likely to absorb excrement, and changes in appearance such as discoloration, swelling, and cracking due to excrement are reduced. In addition, the material is less likely to collapse even when subjected to animal body pressure, making the appearance of the animal waste disposal material less likely to change. As a result, users are less likely to feel disgusted by the animal waste disposal material. Furthermore, before the animal waste disposal material comes into contact with excrement, the animal waste disposal material is less likely to collapse even when pressure is applied during transportation, storage, etc.

[0081] [Aspect C7] The animal excrement treatment material according to any one of Aspects C1 to C6, further comprising 0.5 to 10.0% by mass of starch.

[0082] The animal excrement disposal material further contains a predetermined amount of starch, which increases the strength of the animal excrement disposal material before it absorbs excrement, making the animal excrement disposal material less likely to collapse when the animal's body pressure is applied to the animal excrement disposal material, and making the appearance of the animal excrement disposal material less likely to change.

[0083] Generally, if an animal excrement treatment material contains a large amount of starch, there is a high possibility that the animal excrement treatment material will decay (e.g., mold) due to the starch as the animal excrement treatment material is used. The animal excrement disposal material contains a predetermined amount of starch, and therefore the animal excrement disposal material is less likely to decay as it is used.

[0084] [Aspect C8] The animal excrement treatment material according to any one of Aspects C1 to C7, which does not contain water-insoluble inorganic substances.

[0085] Generally, animal excrement disposal materials often contain water-insoluble inorganic substances, which can impart water resistance to the animal excrement disposal material. Since the animal excrement disposal material does not contain a water-insoluble inorganic substance, the bulk density can be reduced and dusting on the surface of the animal excrement disposal material can be suppressed compared to when a water-insoluble inorganic substance is contained. Furthermore, by suppressing dusting on the surface, the animal excrement disposal material is less likely to absorb excrement and expand, and the appearance of the animal excrement disposal material is less likely to change.

[0086] [Aspect C9] The animal excrement treatment material according to any one of Aspects C1 to C8, which has a post-water absorption disintegration rate of 0.6% by mass or less in a post-water absorption disintegration test.

[0087] The animal excrement disposal material has a predetermined disintegration rate after water absorption in a disintegration test. Therefore, the animal excrement disposal material is less likely to generate dust during use. As a result, the container that holds the animal excrement disposal material, such as a system toilet, is less likely to be soiled when the animal excrement disposal material is used.

[0088] [Aspect C10] The animal excrement disposal material according to any one of Aspects C1 to C9, which has a strength ratio of 27% or more in a strength ratio test.

[0089] The animal excrement disposal material has a predetermined strength ratio in a strength ratio test, and therefore, when the animal body pressure is applied to the animal excrement disposal material after the animal excrement disposal material has absorbed excrement, the animal excrement disposal material is less likely to collapse and the appearance of the animal excrement disposal material is less likely to change.

[0090] [Aspect C11] The animal excrement disposal material according to aspect C10, which has a strength after water absorption of 38 N or more in the strength ratio test.

[0091] The animal excrement disposal material has a predetermined strength after water absorption, and therefore, after the animal excrement disposal material has started to be used, specifically, after the animal excrement disposal material has absorbed excrement, when the animal's body pressure is applied to the animal excrement disposal material, the animal excrement disposal material is less likely to collapse and its appearance is less likely to change.

[0092] [Aspect C12] The animal excrement disposal material according to aspect C10 or C11, which has a strength before water absorption of 90 N or more in the strength ratio test.

[0093] The animal excrement disposal material has a predetermined strength before water absorption, and therefore, when pressure is applied to the animal excrement disposal material before use, for example, during transportation or storage, the animal excrement disposal material is less likely to collapse and the appearance of the animal excrement disposal material is less likely to change.

[0094] [Aspect C13] The animal excrement treatment material according to any one of Aspects C1 to C12, having a bulk specific gravity of 600 g / L or less.

[0095] The animal excrement disposal materials have a predetermined bulk specific gravity. Therefore, the animal excrement disposal materials reduce the load when moving them before use (e.g., during transportation) and after use (e.g., when replacing or disposing of them), and can further contribute to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

[0096] [Aspect C14] The animal excrement treatment material according to any one of Aspects C1 to C13, which has a pre-water absorption disintegration rate of 0.053% by mass or less in a pre-water absorption disintegration test. The animal excrement disposal material is resistant to collapse even when pressure is applied during transportation, storage, etc. before it comes into contact with excrement.

[0097] [Aspect C15] The animal excrement disposal material according to any one of Aspects C1 to C14, which has a rewet amount of 0.15 g or less in a rewet test.

[0098] The animal excrement disposal material has a predetermined rewetting amount, so that after an animal excretes, the excrement is less likely to stick to the animal's legs, and as a result, the toilet and its surroundings, for example, the room, are less likely to be contaminated with excrement.

[0099] <Group D> The disclosure relating to Group D aims to provide an animal excrement disposal material that is resistant to swelling due to absorption of excrement and to changes in appearance even when used for a long period of time. In the disclosure relating to Group D, the animal excrement disposal material has the effect of being less likely to swell when absorbing excrement and less likely to change in appearance even when used for a long period of time.

[0100] The disclosures relating to Group D include the following aspects. [Aspect D1] Contains plant-derived materials as its main ingredient, In the water absorption test, the expansion rate is 7.0% or less. An animal excrement treatment material characterized by:

[0101] Generally, animal waste treatment materials whose main component is a plant-derived material tend to absorb animal waste and expand with use due to the properties of the plant-derived material, resulting in changes in appearance such as discoloration, expansion, and cracking caused by the waste, which can be visually unpleasant. The animal excrement disposal material is primarily composed of plant-derived materials and has a predetermined expansion coefficient. Therefore, even when the animal excrement disposal material is used for a long period of time, the animal excrement disposal material is less likely to expand as it absorbs excrement, and the appearance of the animal excrement disposal material is less likely to change. As a result, users are less likely to feel aversion to the animal excrement disposal material.

[0102] [Aspect D2] The animal excrement disposal material according to aspect D1, which has a swelling rate of 6.0% or less in the water absorption test.

[0103] Since the animal excrement disposal material has a predetermined expansion rate, even when the animal excrement disposal material is used for a long period of time, the animal excrement disposal material is less likely to expand due to absorption of excrement, and the appearance of the animal excrement disposal material is less likely to change, so that users are less likely to feel aversion to the animal excrement disposal material.

[0104] [Aspect D3] The animal excrement treatment material according to aspect D1 or D2, which has a retention rate of 98.0% by mass or more in the water absorption test. Because the animal excrement treatment material has a predetermined retention rate, even when the animal excrement treatment material is used for a long period of time and animal excrement accumulates in the animal excrement treatment material, the animal excrement treatment material is less likely to disintegrate and generate less dust, which results in less soiling of the container that holds the animal excrement treatment material, such as a system toilet, when the animal excrement treatment material is used.

[0105] [Aspect D4] The animal excrement treatment material according to any one of Aspects D1 to D3, which contains 80% by mass or more of the plant-derived material.

[0106] Because the animal waste treatment materials contain a specified amount of plant-derived materials, they can be environmentally friendly and contribute to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Furthermore, because the animal waste treatment materials contain a specified amount of plant-derived materials, used animal waste treatment materials tend to be easier to dispose of as combustible waste, although this depends on local government rules. When the plant-derived material includes woody plant-derived material, the animal excrement treatment material contains a certain amount of natural essential oils contained in the woody plant-derived material, and therefore the animal excrement treatment material has excellent deodorizing and disinfecting properties.

[0107] [Aspect D5] The animal excrement treatment material according to any one of Aspects D1 to D4, further comprising 0.5 to 20% by mass of a binder resin. The animal excrement disposal material further contains a predetermined ratio of binding resin, which makes the animal excrement disposal material environmentally friendly and contributes to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Furthermore, before the animal excrement disposal material comes into contact with excrement, the animal excrement disposal material is less likely to disintegrate even if pressure is applied during transportation, storage, etc.

[0108] [Aspect D6] The animal excrement treatment material according to any one of Aspects D1 to D5, further comprising 0.5 to 3.5% by mass of a water repellent agent.

[0109] The animal excrement disposal material further contains a predetermined proportion of a water-repellent material, thereby achieving a balance between the strength and water-repellent properties of the animal excrement disposal material. As a result, even when the animal excrement disposal material is used for a long period of time, the animal excrement disposal material is less likely to expand as it absorbs excrement, and is less likely to collapse even when subjected to animal body pressure, making the appearance of the animal excrement disposal material less likely to change. As a result, users are less likely to feel disgusted by the animal excrement disposal material. Furthermore, before the animal excrement disposal material comes into contact with excrement, the animal excrement disposal material is less likely to collapse even when pressure is applied during transportation, storage, etc.

[0110] [Aspect D7] The animal excrement treatment material according to any one of Aspects D1 to D6, further comprising 0.5 to 10.0% by mass of starch.

[0111] The animal excrement disposal material further contains a predetermined proportion of starch, which increases the strength of the animal excrement disposal material before it absorbs excrement, making the animal excrement disposal material less likely to collapse when the animal's body pressure is applied to the animal excrement disposal material, and less likely to change in appearance.

[0112] Generally, if an animal excrement treatment material contains a large amount of starch, there is a high possibility that the animal excrement treatment material will decay (e.g., mold) due to the starch as the animal excrement treatment material is used. The animal excrement disposal material contains a predetermined amount of starch, and therefore the animal excrement disposal material is less likely to decay as it is used.

[0113] [Aspect D8] The animal excrement treatment material according to any one of Aspects D1 to D7, which does not contain water-insoluble inorganic substances.

[0114] Generally, animal excrement disposal materials often contain water-insoluble inorganic substances, which can impart water resistance to the animal excrement disposal material. Since the animal excrement disposal material does not contain a water-insoluble inorganic substance, the bulk density can be reduced and dusting on the surface of the animal excrement disposal material can be suppressed compared to when a water-insoluble inorganic substance is contained. Furthermore, by suppressing dusting on the surface, the animal excrement disposal material is less likely to absorb excrement and expand, and the appearance of the animal excrement disposal material is less likely to change.

[0115] Generally, when animal waste treatment materials are produced by extrusion molding, if the plant-derived material contains woody plant-derived material and the animal waste treatment material contains water-insoluble inorganic substances, the pressure during extrusion molding must be increased, which increases the temperature during extrusion molding, causing the essential oils contained in the woody plant-derived material to volatilize and potentially impairing the deodorizing, disinfecting, etc. properties of the essential oils. Since the animal waste treatment material does not contain water-insoluble inorganic substances, when it is produced by extrusion molding and when the plant-derived material contains woody plant-derived material, it can exhibit the effects of the essential oils contained in the woody plant-derived material, such as deodorizing and disinfecting properties.

[0116] [Aspect D9] The animal excrement treatment material according to any one of Aspects D1 to D8, which has a post-water absorption disintegration rate of 0.6% by mass or less in a post-water absorption disintegration test.

[0117] The animal excrement disposal material has a predetermined disintegration rate after water absorption in a disintegration test. Therefore, the animal excrement disposal material is less likely to generate dust during use. As a result, the container that holds the animal excrement disposal material, such as a system toilet, is less likely to be soiled when the animal excrement disposal material is used.

[0118] [Aspect D10] The animal excrement disposal material according to any one of aspects D1 to D9, which has a strength ratio of 27% or more in a strength ratio test.

[0119] The animal excrement disposal material has a predetermined strength ratio in a strength ratio test, and therefore, when the animal body pressure is applied to the animal excrement disposal material after the animal excrement disposal material has absorbed excrement, the animal excrement disposal material is less likely to collapse and the appearance of the animal excrement disposal material is less likely to change.

[0120] [Aspect D11] The animal excrement disposal material according to aspect D10, which has a strength after water absorption of 38 N or more in the strength ratio test.

[0121] The animal excrement disposal material has a predetermined strength after water absorption, and therefore, after the animal excrement disposal material has started to be used, specifically, after the animal excrement disposal material has absorbed excrement, when the animal's body pressure is applied to the animal excrement disposal material, the animal excrement disposal material is less likely to collapse and its appearance is less likely to change.

[0122] [Aspect D12] The animal excrement disposal material according to aspect D10 or D11, which has a strength before water absorption of 90 N or more in the strength ratio test.

[0123] The animal excrement disposal material has a predetermined strength before water absorption, and therefore, when pressure is applied to the animal excrement disposal material before use, for example, during transportation or storage, the animal excrement disposal material is less likely to collapse and the appearance of the animal excrement disposal material is less likely to change.

[0124] [Aspect D13] The animal excrement treatment material according to any one of Aspects D1 to D12, having a bulk specific gravity of 600 g / L or less.

[0125] The animal excrement disposal materials have a predetermined bulk specific gravity. Therefore, the animal excrement disposal materials reduce the load when moving them before use (e.g., during transportation) and after use (e.g., when replacing or disposing of them), and can further contribute to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

[0126] [Aspect D14] The animal excrement treatment material according to any one of Aspects D1 to D13, which has a pre-water absorption disintegration rate of 0.053% by mass or less in a pre-water absorption disintegration test. The animal excrement disposal material is resistant to collapse even when pressure is applied during transportation, storage, etc. before it comes into contact with excrement.

[0127] [Aspect D15] The animal excrement disposal material according to any one of Aspects D1 to D14, which has a rewet amount of 0.15 g or less in a rewet test.

[0128] The animal excrement disposal material has a predetermined rewetting amount, so that after an animal excretes, the excrement is less likely to stick to the animal's legs, and as a result, the toilet and its surroundings, for example, the room, are less likely to be contaminated with excrement.

[0129] <Group E> The disclosure relating to Group E aims to provide an animal excrement treatment material that is less likely to absorb excrement even when used for a long period of time, and that is less susceptible to changes in appearance such as discoloration, swelling, or cracking caused by excrement. In the disclosure relating to Group E, the animal excrement treatment material has the effect of being less likely to absorb excrement even when used for a long period of time, and of being less susceptible to changes in appearance such as discoloration, swelling, and cracking due to excrement.

[0130] The disclosure relating to Group E includes the following aspects. [Aspect E1] Contains plant-derived materials as its main ingredient, In a water absorption test, the water absorption rate is 38% by mass or less. An animal excrement treatment material characterized by:

[0131] Due to the nature of the plant-derived materials, animal excrement treatment materials that are primarily composed of plant-derived materials tend to absorb animal excrement with use, resulting in changes in appearance such as discoloration, swelling, and cracking caused by the excrement, which can be visually unpleasant for users. The animal excrement disposal material is primarily composed of plant-derived materials and has a predetermined water absorption rate. Therefore, even when the animal excrement disposal material is used for a long period of time, the animal excrement disposal material is less likely to absorb excrement, and the appearance of the animal excrement disposal material changes little. As a result, users are less likely to feel aversion to the animal excrement disposal material.

[0132] [Aspect E2] The animal excrement treatment material according to aspect E1, which has a water absorption rate of 35% by mass or less in the above water absorption test.

[0133] Since the animal excrement disposal material has a predetermined water absorption rate, it is less likely to absorb excrement even when used for a long period of time, and the appearance of the animal excrement disposal material changes little, so that users are less likely to feel aversion to the animal excrement disposal material.

[0134] [Aspect E3] The animal excrement treatment material according to aspect E1 or E2, wherein the second water absorption rate measured by the following water absorption rate measurement method is greater the third time than the first time, and the third second water absorption rate is 5.0 mass% or less. [Second water absorption measurement method] The animal waste treatment material was previously stored in a 40°C thermostatic chamber for 2 hours to dry, and then immersed in 25°C water for 3 seconds. The water absorption rate was calculated using the following formula between the amount of animal waste treatment material before immersion: a (g) and the amount of animal waste treatment material after immersion: b (g). For the second and subsequent measurements, immediately after each measurement, store the animal excrement treatment material in a constant temperature bath at 40°C for 2 hours to dry, then similarly immerse it in water at 25°C for 3 seconds and calculate the water absorption rate according to the following formula. 2nd water absorption rate (mass%)=100×[(ba) / a]

[0135] Since the animal excrement disposal material has a predetermined second water absorption rate, even when the animal excrement disposal material is used for a long period of time, the animal excrement disposal material is less likely to absorb excrement, and the change in appearance of the animal excrement disposal material is less likely to occur, so that users are less likely to feel aversion to the animal excrement disposal material.

[0136] [Aspect E4] The animal excrement treatment material according to any one of Aspects E1 to E3, which contains 80% by mass or more of the plant-derived material.

[0137] Because the animal waste treatment material contains a specified amount of plant-derived materials, it can be an environmentally friendly animal waste treatment material and can contribute to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Furthermore, because the animal waste treatment material contains a specified amount of plant-derived materials, used animal waste treatment material tends to be easier to dispose of as combustible waste, although this depends on local government rules. When the plant-derived material includes woody plant-derived material, the animal excrement treatment material contains a certain amount of natural essential oils contained in the woody plant-derived material, and therefore the animal excrement treatment material has excellent deodorizing and disinfecting properties.

[0138] [Aspect E5] The animal excrement treatment material according to any one of Aspects E1 to E4, further comprising 0.5 to 20% by mass of a binder resin. The animal excrement disposal material further contains a predetermined amount of binding resin, which makes it an environmentally friendly animal excrement disposal material and can contribute to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Furthermore, before the animal excrement disposal material comes into contact with excrement, the animal excrement disposal material is less likely to disintegrate even if pressure is applied during transportation, storage, etc.

[0139] [Aspect E6] The animal excrement treatment material according to any one of Aspects E1 to E5, further comprising 0.5 to 3.5% by mass of a water repellent agent.

[0140] The animal waste disposal material further contains a predetermined amount of water-repellent material, thereby achieving a balance between the strength and water-repellent properties of the animal waste disposal material. As a result, even when the animal waste disposal material is used for a long period of time, the animal waste disposal material is less likely to absorb excrement, and the appearance of the animal waste disposal material changes little. Furthermore, the animal waste disposal material is less likely to collapse even when subjected to animal body pressure, making the appearance of the animal waste disposal material less likely to change. As a result, users are less likely to feel aversion to the animal waste disposal material. Furthermore, before the animal waste disposal material comes into contact with excrement, the animal waste disposal material is less likely to collapse even when pressure is applied during transportation, storage, etc.

[0141] [Aspect E7] The animal excrement treatment material according to any one of Aspects E1 to E6, further comprising 0.5 to 10.0% by mass of starch.

[0142] The animal excrement disposal material further contains a predetermined amount of starch, which increases the strength of the animal excrement disposal material before it absorbs excrement, making the animal excrement disposal material less likely to collapse when the animal's body pressure is applied to the animal excrement disposal material, and making the appearance of the animal excrement disposal material less likely to change.

[0143] Generally, if an animal excrement treatment material contains a large amount of starch, there is a high possibility that the animal excrement treatment material will decay (e.g., mold) due to the starch as the animal excrement treatment material is used. The animal excrement disposal material contains a predetermined amount of starch, and therefore the animal excrement disposal material is less likely to decay as it is used.

[0144] [Aspect E8] The animal excrement treatment material according to any one of aspects E1 to E7, which does not contain a water-insoluble inorganic substance.

[0145] Generally, animal excrement disposal materials often contain water-insoluble inorganic substances, which can impart water resistance to the animal excrement disposal material. Since the animal excrement disposal material does not contain a water-insoluble inorganic substance, the bulk density can be reduced and dusting on the surface of the animal excrement disposal material can be suppressed compared to when a water-insoluble inorganic substance is contained. Furthermore, by suppressing dusting on the surface, the animal excrement disposal material is less likely to absorb excrement and expand, and the appearance of the animal excrement disposal material is less likely to change.

[0146] [Aspect E9] The animal excrement disposal material according to any one of aspects E1 to E8, which has a post-water absorption disintegration rate of 0.6% by mass or less in a post-water absorption disintegration test.

[0147] The animal excrement disposal material has a predetermined disintegration rate after water absorption in a disintegration test. Therefore, the animal excrement disposal material is less likely to generate dust during use. As a result, the container that holds the animal excrement disposal material, such as a system toilet, is less likely to be soiled when the animal excrement disposal material is used.

[0148] [Aspect E10] The animal excrement disposal material according to any one of aspects E1 to E9, which has a strength ratio of 27% or more in a strength ratio test.

[0149] The animal excrement disposal material has a predetermined strength ratio in a strength ratio test, and therefore, when the animal body pressure is applied to the animal excrement disposal material after the animal excrement disposal material has absorbed excrement, the animal excrement disposal material is less likely to collapse and the appearance of the animal excrement disposal material is less likely to change.

[0150] [Aspect E11] The animal excrement disposal material according to aspect E10, which has a strength after water absorption of 38 N or more in the strength ratio test.

[0151] The animal excrement disposal material has a predetermined strength after water absorption, and therefore, after the animal excrement disposal material has started to be used, specifically, after the animal excrement disposal material has absorbed excrement, when the animal's body pressure is applied to the animal excrement disposal material, the animal excrement disposal material is less likely to collapse and its appearance is less likely to change.

[0152] [Aspect E12] The animal excrement disposal material according to aspect E10 or E11, which has a strength before water absorption of 90 N or more in the strength ratio test.

[0153] The animal excrement disposal material has a predetermined strength before water absorption, and therefore, when pressure is applied to the animal excrement disposal material before use, for example, during transportation or storage, the animal excrement disposal material is less likely to collapse and the appearance of the animal excrement disposal material is less likely to change.

[0154] [Aspect E13] The animal excrement treatment material according to any one of Aspects E1 to E12, having a bulk specific gravity of 600 g / L or less.

[0155] The animal excrement disposal materials have a predetermined bulk specific gravity. Therefore, the animal excrement disposal materials reduce the load when moving them before use (e.g., during transportation) and after use (e.g., when replacing or disposing of them), and can further contribute to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

[0156] [Aspect E14] The animal excrement disposal material according to any one of Aspects E1 to E13, which has a pre-water absorption disintegration rate of 0.053% by mass or less in a pre-water absorption disintegration test. The animal excrement disposal material is resistant to collapse even when pressure is applied during transportation, storage, etc. before it comes into contact with excrement.

[0157] [Aspect E15] The animal excrement disposal material according to any one of Aspects E1 to E14, which has a rewet amount of 0.15 g or less in a rewet test.

[0158] The animal excrement disposal material has a predetermined rewetting amount, so that after an animal excretes, the excrement is less likely to stick to the animal's legs, and as a result, the toilet and its surroundings, for example, the room, are less likely to be contaminated with excrement.

[0159] The disclosures of Groups A to E can be combined in any manner.

[0160] The animal excrement treatment material according to the present disclosure will be described in detail below. FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an animal excrement disposal material 3 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure (hereinafter referred to as the "first embodiment"), in which the animal excrement disposal material 3 is provided in a system toilet 1.

[0161] The system toilet 1 comprises an upper container 5 having a plurality of holes in its bottom surface on which animal waste disposal materials 3 are placed, and a lower container 7 positioned below the upper container 5 and on which an excrement disposal sheet 9 is placed. The bottom surface of the upper container 5 has a mesh structure with a plurality of holes (through-holes). The structure of the bottom surface of the upper container 5 has the function of allowing liquid excrement (e.g., urine) to pass through (drain water), i.e., the function of a drain. In the first embodiment, the system toilet 1 further comprises a cover 11 positioned above the upper container 5 to limit animal entrances and exits and prevent excrement and animal waste disposal materials 3 from scattering.

[0162] In the system toilet 1, the animal waste disposal materials 3 have a predetermined expansion rate in a water absorption test. Therefore, liquid excrement (e.g., urine) excreted by animals (e.g., cats) passes through the animal waste disposal materials 3 without being absorbed much, and is absorbed and retained by the excrement disposal sheet 9 located below the animal waste disposal materials 3. The animal waste disposal materials 3 also function as a lid for the excrement disposal sheet 9, preventing the spread of the bad odor of the excrement retained by the excrement disposal sheet 9.

[0163] In the system toilet 1, the animal excrement disposal materials 3 do not absorb excrement and form clumps, so the frequency with which the animal excrement disposal materials 3 need to be replaced can be reduced. Furthermore, even if an animal scratches the sand after excreting, excrement is less likely to stick to the animal's feet. Furthermore, in the system toilet 1, the bottom of the upper container 5 on which the animal excrement disposal materials 3 are placed is spaced apart from the excrement disposal sheet 9. Therefore, even if an animal stands on the animal excrement disposal materials 3 after excreting, the excrement disposal sheet 9 is not subjected to the load of the animal's weight, which has the advantage that the excrement absorbed by the excrement disposal sheet 9 is less likely to flow back.

[0164] The animal excrement treatment materials 3 have a predetermined expansion rate in a water absorption test, and therefore do not expand when absorbing excrement. As a result, even when the animal excrement treatment materials 3 are used for a long period of time, the animal excrement treatment materials 3 do not expand when absorbing excrement, and the appearance of the animal excrement treatment materials 3 is not easily changed. Furthermore, because the animal excrement treatment materials 3 have a predetermined retention rate in a water absorption test, even when the animal excrement treatment materials 3 are used for a long period of time and animal excrement accumulates in the animal excrement treatment materials 3, the animal excrement treatment materials 3 do not easily disintegrate, and the animal excrement treatment materials 3 are less likely to generate dust.

[0165] Since the animal excrement treatment material 3 has a predetermined water absorption rate in a water absorption test, even if the animal excrement treatment material 3 is used for a long period of time, the animal excrement treatment material 3 does not easily absorb excrement, and there is little change in the appearance of the animal excrement treatment material 3.

[0166] The animal waste treatment material according to the present disclosure includes a plant-derived material. The plant-derived material may be any material commonly used in the art, without particular limitation. Examples of the plant-derived material include woody and herbaceous materials. Examples of the woody material include wood, bark, and seeds. Examples of the herbaceous material include grass, seeds, and grain husks. The woody material may be derived from either coniferous or broad-leaved trees. Examples of the coniferous trees include the Cupressaceae family (Japanese cypress, Japanese cypress, Japanese thuja, sawara, asunaro, Taihi, Benihi, Juniperus japonicus, and Siberian thuja); the Cupressaceae family (Japanese cedar, Yakusugi, and Japanese red cedar); the Pinaceae family (Japanese red pine, Japanese larch, Abies sachalinensis, Tsuga, and Fir); the Japanese cedar (Kuyamaki, Inumaki, and the like). Examples of the broad-leaved trees include eucalyptus, camphor tree, China tree, and manuka. From the viewpoint of containing natural essential oils having excellent deodorizing and disinfecting properties, Cupressaceae, Cypressaceae and Pinaceae are preferred, Cupressaceae is more preferred, and Japanese cypress is even more preferred.

[0167] The plant-derived material can be, for example, powder, granules, needles, plates, or a combination thereof, and is preferably powder from the viewpoints of moldability and handling. Furthermore, from the viewpoints of moldability and handling, the plant-derived material preferably has an average particle size of 0.01 mm or more, more preferably 0.05 mm or more, and even more preferably 0.07 mm or more, and preferably 5 mm or less, more preferably 3 mm or less, and even more preferably 2 mm or less. The average particle size can be measured, for example, using a multistage sieve shaker by the following method.

[0168] Sieves (Tokyo Screen Co., Ltd.) with nominal openings of 0.3 mm, 0.6 mm, 1 mm, 2.36 mm, and 3.35 mm were placed in a multi-stage sieve shaker (Verder Scientific AS200 Basic), in that order, and 50 g of plant-derived material was placed on the top sieve with 3.35 mm openings and shaken. The shaking amplitude was 1.2 mm, the vibration frequency was 3,000 times per minute, and the sieving time was 2 minutes. After shaking, the average particle size was calculated by multiplying the class values ​​between each opening by the ratio.

[0169] The animal waste treatment material is primarily composed of the plant-derived material. By "primary component," we mean that the plant-derived material is the predominant component of the animal waste treatment material by mass. The animal waste treatment material according to the present disclosure preferably contains the plant-derived material in a proportion of more than 50% by mass, more preferably at least 60% by mass, even more preferably at least 70% by mass, even more preferably at least 80% by mass, even more preferably at least 83% by mass, and even more preferably at least 85% by mass. This allows the animal waste treatment material to be environmentally friendly and contributes to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Furthermore, depending on local government regulations, this also facilitates disposal of the animal waste treatment material as combustible waste. Note that the upper limit of the plant-derived material content in the animal waste treatment material according to the present disclosure is 100 minus the amount (mass %) of the binding resin.

[0170] The animal waste disposal material according to the present disclosure preferably contains a binder resin. This makes it less likely for the animal waste disposal material to absorb excrement and expand, even when used for a long period of time, and therefore the appearance of the animal waste disposal material is less likely to change. Furthermore, even when used for a long period of time, the animal waste disposal material is less likely to absorb excrement, and therefore the appearance of the animal waste disposal material is less likely to change. Furthermore, before the animal waste disposal material comes into contact with excrement, the animal waste disposal material is less likely to collapse even when pressure is applied during transportation, storage, etc.

[0171] The binder resin may be any resin commonly used in the art, without particular limitation, and may include, for example, a thermoplastic resin. Examples of the thermoplastic resin include polyolefins such as polyethylene and polypropylene, polyesters such as polyethylene terephthalate, vinyl resins such as polyamide, polyvinyl chloride, and polystyrene, acrylic resins such as polyacrylic acid and polymethyl methacrylate, ethylene-propylene copolymers, polyvinyl acetate, ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymers, and polyvinyl alcohol. From the viewpoint of mixability with the plant-derived material, the binder resin preferably includes an ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer.

[0172] When the animal waste treatment material according to the present disclosure contains the binder resin, the melting point of the binder resin is preferably 60°C or higher, more preferably 65°C or higher, and even more preferably 70°C or higher. Furthermore, when the animal waste treatment material according to the present disclosure contains the binder resin, the melting point of the binder resin is preferably 160°C or lower, more preferably 120°C or lower, and even more preferably 80°C or lower. The melting point of the binder resin can be adjusted appropriately, for example, by changing the molecular weight of the binder resin. This makes it easier to form the animal waste treatment material according to the present disclosure while suppressing denaturation of the plant-derived material and decomposition of the binder resin.

[0173] When the animal excrement treatment material according to the present disclosure contains the binder resin, from the same viewpoint, the binder resin preferably has a melt flow rate (MFR) of 0.1 g / 10 min or more, more preferably 1 g / 10 min or more, and even more preferably 10 g / 10 min or more, and preferably 200 g / 10 min or less, more preferably 100 g / 10 min or less, and even more preferably 50 g / 10 min or less. The melt flow rate can be measured under conditions of a load of 2.16 kg and a temperature of 230°C in accordance with JIS K 7210-1:2014.

[0174] When the animal waste treatment material according to the present disclosure contains the binder resin, the animal waste treatment material preferably contains the binder resin in an amount of 0.5% by mass or more, more preferably 2.0% by mass or more, even more preferably 4.0% by mass or more, even more preferably 6.0% by mass or more, and even more preferably 7.0% by mass or more. The animal waste treatment material according to the present disclosure also contains the binder resin in an amount of 40.0% by mass or less, more preferably 30.0% by mass or less, even more preferably 20.0% by mass or less, even more preferably 15.0% by mass or less, and even more preferably 10.0% by mass or less. This allows the animal waste treatment material to be environmentally friendly and contribute to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

[0175] The binding resin itself is a component that binds and masks the plant-derived materials, and therefore the binding resin itself is unlikely to have a negative effect on the expansion rate and water absorption rate. However, if the amount of binding resin increases, it becomes more difficult to apply pressure when forming the animal waste treatment material, for example, during granulation, and voids are more likely to occur in the animal waste treatment material, which in turn is more likely to have a negative effect on the expansion rate, water absorption rate, etc. of the animal waste treatment material.

[0176] The animal excrement treatment material according to the present disclosure preferably contains a water repellent. When the animal excrement treatment material according to the present disclosure contains the water repellent, the animal excrement treatment material contains the water repellent at a ratio of preferably 0.5% by mass or more, more preferably 0.7% by mass or more, even more preferably 0.9% by mass or more, and even more preferably 1.0% by mass or more. When the animal excrement treatment material according to the present disclosure contains the water repellent, the animal excrement treatment material contains the water repellent at a ratio of preferably 3.5% by mass or less, more preferably 3.2% by mass or less, even more preferably 2.5% by mass or less, and even more preferably 2.0% by mass or less. This allows the strength and water repellency of the animal excrement treatment material to be balanced. Furthermore, before the animal excrement treatment material comes into contact with excrement, the animal excrement treatment material is less likely to disintegrate even when pressure is applied during transportation, storage, etc.

[0177] The water repellent agent can be present on the surface and / or inside the animal excrement treatment material, and is preferably present inside the animal excrement treatment material, thereby enabling the animal excrement treatment material to have excellent swelling coefficient, water absorption rate, etc. The presence of the water repellent agent inside the animal excrement treatment material can be achieved, for example, by kneading the components constituting the animal excrement treatment material, such as the plant-derived material, the water repellent agent, and an optional binding resin.

[0178] As the water repellent agent, any agent used in the art can be used without any particular limitation, and examples thereof include liquid paraffin, paraffin wax, silicone wax, silicone oil, and fats and oils such as triglycerides.

[0179] The animal excrement disposal material according to the present disclosure preferably has a swelling rate of 7.0% or less, more preferably 6.0% or less, even more preferably 5.5% or less, even more preferably 5.0% or less, and even more preferably 4.5% or less in a water absorption test. This makes it difficult for the animal excrement disposal material to absorb excrement and swell, even when used for a long period of time, and the appearance of the animal excrement disposal material is less likely to change. The lower limit of the swelling rate is 0.0%.

[0180] In the water absorption test, the animal waste treatment material according to the present disclosure preferably has a water absorption rate of 66% by mass or less, more preferably 50% by mass or less, even more preferably 40% by mass or less, even more preferably 38% by mass or less, even more preferably 35% by mass or less, even more preferably 30% by mass or less, even more preferably 28% by mass or less, and even more preferably 25% by mass or less. This makes the animal waste treatment material less likely to absorb excrement, even when used for a long period of time, and reduces changes in the appearance of the animal waste treatment material. Furthermore, a water absorption rate within the above range tends to reduce the likelihood of excrement, particularly urine, remaining on the surface of the animal waste treatment material. The lower limit of the water absorption rate is 0% by mass.

[0181] The animal excrement treatment material according to the present disclosure preferably has a retention rate of 98.0% by mass or more, more preferably 99.0% by mass or more, and even more preferably 99.5% by mass or more in the water absorption test. This makes the animal excrement treatment material less likely to disintegrate and generate dust, even when the animal excrement treatment material is used for a long period of time and animal excrement remains in the animal excrement treatment material. The upper limit of the retention rate in the water absorption test is 100.0% by mass.

[0182] In this specification, unless otherwise specified, the water absorption test is carried out as follows in a constant temperature and humidity chamber at a temperature of 25°C ± 5°C and a relative humidity of 65 ± 5% RH. (1) A sample of the animal excrement treatment material to be tested is left standing in the above-mentioned temperature and humidity chamber for 24 hours. (2) After leaving the sample for 24 hours, the sizes of 100 different particles are measured, and the average value, the initial size: L0 (mm), is measured. Regarding particle size, if the particles have a directional property, the size in the same direction is used; for example, if the animal excrement disposal material has a roughly cylindrical shape, the diameter is used; if the particles have no directional property, the major axis is used. Furthermore, the measurement position is the same if the particles have a directional property; for example, if the animal excrement disposal material has a roughly cylindrical shape, the diameter is used; if the particles have no directional property, the major axis is used. (3) After leaving the sample (approximately 100 g) for 24 hours, measure its initial mass (m0 (g)). Prepare a nylon mesh bag with 70 μm openings and measure its mass (n0 (g)).

[0183] (4) The sample is placed in a mesh bag, and the sample together with the mesh bag is immersed in a sufficient amount of deionized water for 1 hour. (5) After immersing the sample in deionized water for 1 hour, remove the sample together with the mesh bag from the deionized water, hang the mesh bag together with the sample in the air for 5 minutes to drain the water, and measure the mass m1 (g) of the mesh bag and sample after immersion. (6) After immersion, the sample is weighed and removed from the mesh bag, and the sample is dried in a constant temperature room at 50°C for 24 hours. (7) After drying for 24 hours, measure the dry mass of the sample: m2 (g). (8) After drying for 24 hours, measure the above sizes of 100 different particles in the sample, and measure the average value, the post-drying size: L1 (mm).

[0184] (9) The expansion rate (%) was calculated using the following formula: Expansion rate (%) = 100 × (L1-L0) / L0 It is calculated as follows. (10) Water absorption (mass%) is calculated using the following formula: Water absorption rate (mass%)=100×[m1-(m0+n0)] / m0 It is calculated as follows. (11) The retention rate (mass%) is calculated using the following formula: Maintenance rate (mass%) = 100×m2 / m0 It is calculated as follows.

[0185] The animal excrement treatment material according to the present disclosure preferably has a disintegration rate after water absorption of 0.6% by mass or less, more preferably 0.6% by mass or less, and even more preferably 0.5% by mass or less in a disintegration test after water absorption. This makes it less likely for the animal excrement treatment material to generate dust during use. The lower limit of the disintegration rate after water absorption in the disintegration test after water absorption is 0.0% by mass.

[0186] In this specification, the disintegration test after water absorption is carried out as follows. (1) After drying for 24 hours in the water absorption test, the sample is placed on a 2 mm mesh sieve and subjected to a sieving test using a vibrating sieve machine (Retsch Co., Ltd., AS200) at an amplitude of 1.35 mm for 5 minutes, and the sample that passes through the 2 mm mesh is collected. (2) Measure the mass of the sample that passed through the 2 mm mesh: m3 (g). (3) The disintegration rate after water absorption (mass%) was calculated using the following formula: Disintegration rate after water absorption (mass%) = 100×m3 / m0 It is calculated as follows.

[0187] The animal excrement disposal material according to the present disclosure preferably has a pre-water absorption disintegration rate of 0.053% by mass or less, more preferably 0.052% by mass or less, even more preferably 0.051% by mass or less, and even more preferably 0.050% by mass or less in a pre-water absorption disintegration test. This makes the animal excrement disposal material less likely to disintegrate before contact with excrement, even if pressure is applied during transportation, storage, etc. The lower limit of the pre-water absorption disintegration rate in the pre-water absorption disintegration test is 0.000% by mass.

[0188] In this specification, the pre-water absorption disintegration test is carried out as follows. (1) A sample of the animal excrement treatment material to be tested is left standing for 24 hours in a constant temperature and humidity chamber at a temperature of 25°C ± 5°C and a relative humidity of 65 ± 5% RH. (2) After leaving the sample (approximately 500 g) in the constant temperature and humidity chamber for 24 hours, the initial mass: m4 (g) is measured. (3) In the above-mentioned constant temperature and humidity chamber, the sample whose initial mass has been measured is placed in a plastic bag with a zipper (length: 340 mm x width: 240 mm x thickness: 0.040 mm), and the sample, together with the plastic bag, is dropped from a height of 40 cm onto a floor made of polyvinyl chloride sheet a total of 20 times.

[0189] (4) After dropping, the contents of the zippered plastic bag are placed on a 2 mm mesh sieve, and a sieving test is performed using a vibrating sieve machine (Retsch Co., Ltd., AS200) at an amplitude of 1.35 mm for 3 minutes, and the sample that passes through the 2 mm mesh is collected. (5) Measure the mass of the sample that passed through the 2 mm mesh: m5 (g). (6) The disintegration rate (mass%) after water absorption was calculated using the following formula: Disintegration rate after water absorption (mass%)=100×m5 / m4 It is calculated as follows.

[0190] The animal excrement treatment material according to the present disclosure preferably has a second water absorption rate that is greater the third time than the first time, as measured by the following water absorption rate measurement method, and the third second water absorption rate is preferably 5.0% by mass or less, more preferably 4.0% by mass or less, and even more preferably 3.5% by mass or less. This makes it difficult for the animal excrement treatment material to absorb excrement, even when used for a long period of time, and reduces changes in the appearance of the animal excrement treatment material.

[0191] [Second water absorption measurement method] The animal waste treatment material was previously stored in a 40°C thermostatic chamber for 2 hours to dry, and then immersed in 25°C water for 3 seconds. The water absorption rate was calculated using the following formula between the amount of animal waste treatment material before immersion: a (g) and the amount of animal waste treatment material after immersion: b (g). For the second and subsequent measurements, immediately after each measurement, store the animal excrement treatment material in a constant temperature bath at 40°C for 2 hours to dry, then similarly immerse it in water at 25°C for 3 seconds and calculate the water absorption rate according to the following formula. 2nd water absorption rate (mass%)=100×[(ba) / a]

[0192] The animal excrement disposal material according to the present disclosure preferably has a strength ratio of 27% or more, more preferably 40% or more, even more preferably 50% or more, even more preferably 60% or more, even more preferably 65% ​​or more, and even more preferably 70% or more in a strength ratio test. This makes the animal excrement disposal material less likely to collapse and less likely to change in appearance when the animal's body pressure is applied to the animal excrement disposal material after it has absorbed excrement. The upper limit of the strength ratio in the strength ratio test is preferably 100%.

[0193] In this specification, the strength ratio test is carried out in a constant temperature and humidity chamber at a temperature of 25°C ± 5°C and a relative humidity of 65 ± 5% RH as follows. (1) A sample of the animal excrement treatment material to be tested is left standing in the above-mentioned temperature and humidity chamber for 24 hours. (2) After 24 hours of standing, the sample particles were compressed at a rate of 500 mm / min using a force gauge (Nidek Drive Technology Co., Ltd., FGJN-50, measurement adapter: 70° angled adapter, measurement mode: peak hold mode) and a force gauge stand (Nidec-Shimpo Corporation, FORCE GAUGE STAND Model GGS-50C), and the compression load (N) at break was measured. The average value of the compression load (N) for 20 different particles in the sample was used as the strength before water absorption: S0 (N). The direction of compression was the same if the particles had directionality; for example, if the animal waste disposal material had a roughly cylindrical shape, the direction of the diameter was used; and if the particles had no directionality, the direction of the major axis was used. The measurement position was the same if the particles had directionality; for example, if the animal waste disposal material had a roughly cylindrical shape, the position of the diameter was used; and if the particles had no directionality, the position of the major axis was used.

[0194] (3) A sample for which the initial strength has not been measured is placed in a nylon mesh bag with a mesh size of 70 μm, and the sample together with the mesh bag is immersed in a sufficient amount of deionized water for 1 hour. (4) After immersing the sample in deionized water for 1 hour, remove the sample together with the mesh bag from the deionized water and hang the mesh bag together with the sample in the air for 5 minutes to drain the water. Next, measure the compressive load (N) at break using the sample particles in the same manner as for the strength before water absorption: S0 (N), and use the average compressive load (N) for a total of 20 different particles of the sample as the strength after water absorption: S1 (N). The direction and position of the measurement should be the same as for the strength before water absorption. (5) The intensity ratio (%) was calculated using the following formula: Intensity ratio (%)=100×S1(N) / S0(N) It is calculated as follows.

[0195] The animal waste disposal material according to the present disclosure preferably has a post-water absorption strength of 38 N or more, more preferably 50 N or more, even more preferably 60 N or more, even more preferably 70 N or more, and even more preferably 75 N or more in the strength ratio test. This makes the animal waste disposal material less likely to collapse and less likely to change in appearance when the animal's body pressure is applied to the animal waste disposal material after it has started to be used, specifically after it has absorbed excrement. The upper limit of the post-water absorption strength in the strength ratio test is not particularly limited, but can be, for example, 150 N.

[0196] The animal waste disposal material according to the present disclosure preferably has a pre-water absorption strength of 90 N or more, more preferably 95 N or more, even more preferably 100 N or more, and even more preferably 105 N or more in the strength ratio test. This makes the animal waste disposal material less likely to collapse and its appearance less likely to change when pressure is applied to the animal waste disposal material before use, for example, during transportation or storage. The upper limit of the pre-water absorption strength in the strength ratio test is not particularly limited, but can be, for example, 200 N.

[0197] The animal waste treatment materials according to the present disclosure preferably have a bulk density of 600 g / L or less, more preferably 580 g / L or less, even more preferably 570 g / L or less, and even more preferably 560 g / L or less. This reduces the energy required to transport the animal waste treatment materials before use (e.g., during transportation) and after use (e.g., during replacement or disposal), and can further contribute to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The lower limit of the bulk density is not particularly limited, but can be, for example, 250 g / L.

[0198] In this specification, the bulk density is measured in a constant temperature and humidity chamber at a temperature of 25°C ± 5°C and a relative humidity of 65 ± 5% RH as follows. (1) A sample of the animal excrement treatment material to be tested is left standing in the above-mentioned temperature and humidity chamber for 24 hours. (2) A 1 L leveling vessel (Oya Seisakusho Co., Ltd., stainless steel beaker (leveling type)) is prepared in the temperature and humidity chamber, and its mass: m6 (g) is measured. (3) After leaving the sample for 24 hours, pour the sample into the leveling container until it overflows, and level the sample on the top surface of the leveling container. Then, measure the mass of the leveling container and the sample: m7 (g). (4) Bulk specific gravity (g / L) is calculated using the following formula: Bulk density (g / L) = m7 - m6 It is calculated as follows. (5) Measure the bulk density five times for different samples and use the average value.

[0199] The animal excrement treatment material according to the present disclosure preferably has a rewet amount of 0.15 g or less, more preferably 0.12 g or less, even more preferably 0.11 g or less, and even more preferably 0.10 g or less. This makes it difficult for the excrement to adhere to the animal's legs after excretion, thereby reducing the risk of excrement contaminating the toilet and its surroundings, for example, the room. The lower limit of the rewet amount is 0.00 g.

[0200] In this specification, the rewet amount is measured as follows in a constant temperature and humidity chamber at a temperature of 25°C ± 5°C and a relative humidity of 65 ± 5% RH. (1) A sample of the animal excrement treatment material to be tested is left standing in the above-mentioned temperature and humidity chamber for 24 hours. (2) Immerse 100 g of the above sample in a sufficient amount of deionized water for 1 hour. (3) After immersion for 1 hour, the sample is spread on a piece of filter paper (ADVANTEC, circular qualitative filter paper No. 1, diameter: 40 cm) and left to stand for 1 hour. (4) After leaving the sample undisturbed for 1 hour, fill it flat into a cube-shaped container with a bottom measuring 11.7 cm x 11.7 cm.

[0201] (5) Approximately 50 g of filter paper (ADVANTEC, circular qualitative filter paper No. 1, diameter: 11 cm) with an initial mass of m8 (g) is placed on the filter paper so that its center coincides with the center of the evenly packed sample, and a 3.5 kg weight (bottom size: 10 cm x 10 cm) is placed on top of the filter paper so that its center coincides with the center of the weight. (6) After 3 minutes from the time the weight is placed on the filter paper, remove the weight and measure the post-test mass of the filter paper: m9 (g). (7) The rewet amount (g) was calculated using the following formula: Rewet amount (g) = m9 - m8 It is calculated as follows. (8) The rewet amount is measured five times for different samples, and the average value is used.

[0202] The animal waste disposal material according to the present disclosure can further contain starch. The animal waste disposal material contains the starch in a proportion of preferably 0.5% by mass or more, more preferably 1.0% by mass or more, even more preferably 1.5% by mass or more, and even more preferably 2.0% by mass or more. The animal waste disposal material also contains the starch in a proportion of preferably 10.0% by mass or less, more preferably 5.0% by mass or less, even more preferably 4.0% by mass or less, even more preferably 3.5% by mass or less, and even more preferably 3.0% by mass or less. This can increase the strength of the animal waste disposal material before it absorbs excrement.

[0203] Generally, if an animal excrement treatment material contains a large amount of starch, there is a high possibility that the animal excrement treatment material will decay (e.g., mold) due to the starch as the animal excrement treatment material is used. When the animal excrement disposal material contains the above-mentioned amount of starch, the animal excrement disposal material is less likely to decay as it is used.

[0204] As the starch, any starch used in the art can be used without any particular limitation, and examples thereof include potato starch, corn starch, wheat starch, tapioca starch, sweet potato starch, waxy starch, rice starch, etc.

[0205] The animal excrement treatment material according to the present disclosure may or may not contain a water-insoluble inorganic substance, and preferably contains no water-insoluble inorganic substance or contains it in an amount of 0.1% by mass or less, which can reduce the bulk density of the animal excrement treatment material and suppress dusting on the surface of the animal excrement treatment material compared to when a large amount of water-insoluble inorganic substance is contained.

[0206] The water-insoluble inorganic substance refers to an inorganic material having a solubility in water (mass dissolved in 1 L of water at 1 atmosphere and 25°C) of less than 2.0 g. Examples of the water-insoluble inorganic substance include metal salts, metal oxides, and metal hydroxides. Examples of the water-insoluble inorganic substance include calcium carbonate, calcium sulfate, calcium oxide, calcium hydroxide, aluminum oxide, aluminum hydroxide, zinc oxide, titanium oxide, magnesium hydroxide, magnesium oxide, and magnesium carbonate.

[0207] The animal excrement treatment material according to the present disclosure may further contain additional components within a range that does not impair the effects of the present disclosure, such as fragrances, activated carbon, deodorizing base materials such as organic acids, colorants, surfactants, and chelating agents.

[0208] The animal excrement disposal material according to the present disclosure can have any shape, for example, a generally columnar shape, such as a generally cylindrical shape. Note that a generally columnar shape refers to a columnar shape whose two ends (near the two bottom surfaces) are irregular, and a generally cylindrical shape refers to a columnar shape whose two ends (near the two bottom surfaces) are irregular. When the animal excrement disposal material according to the present disclosure is in the form of a substantially cylindrical body, it preferably has a diameter of 2.0 to 7.0 mm and a height of 5.0 to 20.0 mm.

[0209] The animal waste treatment material according to the present disclosure can be distributed as a standalone animal waste treatment material, can be distributed in combination with an animal waste treatment material and a pet sheet, or can be distributed as a toilet kit including an animal waste treatment material, a pet sheet, and a system toilet.

[0210] The animal excrement treatment material according to the present disclosure can be produced by a method known in the art. For example, the animal excrement treatment material according to the present disclosure can be produced by kneading the components constituting the animal excrement treatment material (e.g., plant-derived materials, binder resins, optional water repellents, optional starches, etc.) in a kneader to form a kneaded mixture, granulating the kneaded mixture by extrusion molding using an extruder to form granules, and then cutting the granules. Examples of the kneader include a paddle feeder manufactured by Miike Iron Works Co., Ltd. Examples of the extruder include a disc pelletizer manufactured by Dalton Co., Ltd. and a pellet mill SPM-500 manufactured by Miike Iron Works Co., Ltd. The granulation is preferably carried out in an atmosphere of 70 to 100°C. [Example]

[0211] The present disclosure will be described below using examples, but the present disclosure is not limited to these examples. [Manufacturing Example 1] 95.3% by mass of wood flour (ground European red pine, passed through a 2 mm mesh screen) as a plant-derived material, 1.8% by mass of a 55% by mass aqueous dispersion of ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer (EVA) (Celvolit 1397, manufactured by Celanese) as a binder resin (EVA 1.0% by mass), 1.0% by mass of paraffin wax (Paraffin Wax-135, manufactured by Nippon Seiro Co., Ltd.) as a water repellent, and 2.7% by mass of cornstarch (Y-3P, industrial cornstarch, manufactured by Nippon Cornstarch Co., Ltd.) as a starch were kneaded at room temperature using a paddle feeder manufactured by Oike Iron Works Co., Ltd. to obtain Mixture No. 1. Mixture No. 1 was granulated using a Dalton F-5 / 11-175D granulator, and the granules were then cut to obtain Animal Waste Treatment Material No. 1. The temperature during granulation was approximately 50 to 80°C. Animal excrement disposal material No. 1 had a substantially cylindrical shape.

[0212] [Manufacturing Examples 2 to 11] Animal excrement treatment materials No. 2 to No. 11 were obtained in the same manner as in Production Example 1, except that the ratios of wood flour, EVA, paraffin, and cornstarch were changed as shown in Table 1. In Table 1, the numbers related to EVA indicate the amount of EVA itself. [Manufacturing Examples 12-21] Animal excrement treatment materials Nos. 12 to 21 were obtained in the same manner as in Production Example 1, except that the proportions of wood flour, EVA, paraffin, cornstarch, and, optionally, calcium carbonate (NS#2300, manufactured by Nitto Funka Kogyo Co., Ltd.) were changed as shown in Table 2. In Table 2, the figures related to EVA indicate the amount of EVA itself.

[0213] [Example 1] The expansion rate (diameter before and after water absorption), retention rate, water absorption rate, disintegration rate, strength ratio (strength before and after water absorption), bulk density, and rewet amount of animal excrement treatment materials No. 1 to No. 21 were measured. The results are shown in Tables 1 and 2.

[0214] [Table 1]

[0215] [Table 2]

[0216] Animal excrement disposal materials No. 12 to No. 21 are examples that imitate animal excrement disposal materials known from patent documents and the like.

[0217] Animal excrement disposal materials No. 1 to No. 3 and No. 5 to No. 10 have expansion rates of 7.0% or less. On the other hand, animal excrement disposal materials No. 4 and No. 11 to No. 21 (excluding No. 15 and No. 17 to No. 19, which collapsed) have high expansion rates.

[0218] Animal waste treatment materials No. 13 and No. 14 had low bulk density. Animal waste treatment material No. 14, in particular, had a low bulk density despite containing 5% by mass of calcium carbonate, which has a high specific gravity. This is thought to be because the high EVA ratio made it difficult to apply pressure to the kneaded mixture during granulation, resulting in many voids in the resulting animal waste treatment materials. This is thought to be due to the low expansion rate and water absorption rate of animal waste treatment materials No. 13 and No. 14. Furthermore, the large amount of voids in animal waste treatment materials No. 13 and No. 14 suggests that the strength of the animal waste treatment materials themselves is low despite their high EVA ratio. When animal waste treatment materials No. 15, No. 17 to No. 19 were immersed in deionized water for 1 hour, they disintegrated, and some data could not be obtained.

[0219] It can be seen that animal excrement treatment materials No. 1 to No. 10 contain a water repellent and a binder resin and have a water absorption rate of 66% by mass or less, while animal excrement treatment materials No. 11 to No. 21 have a high water absorption rate or, if they have a water absorption rate of 66% by mass or less, do not contain a water repellent or a binder resin.

[0220] [Manufacturing Example 22] A commercially available animal waste treatment material (Nyantomo Kiyoku Toilet Deodorizing and Antibacterial Chip Large Grains, manufactured by S.T. Co., Ltd.) was used as animal waste treatment material No. 22.

[0221] [Example 2] The second water absorption rates of animal excrement treatment materials No. 6, No. 12, and No. 22 were measured. The results are shown in Table 3.

[0222] [Table 3]

[0223] [Example 3] A pre-water absorption disintegration test was conducted on animal excrement treatment materials No. 6, No. 11, No. 12, and No. 16. The results are shown in Table 4.

[0224] [Table 4] [Explanation of symbols]

[0225] 1. System toilet 3. Animal waste treatment materials 5 Upper container 7 Lower container 9. Waste disposal sheets 11 Cover

Claims

1. A plant-derived material as a main component, a binder resin, and a water repellent agent, An animal excrement treatment material comprising:

2. The animal excrement treatment material according to claim 1 , comprising 80% by mass or more of the plant-derived material.

3. 2. The animal excrement treatment material according to claim 1, wherein the binder resin is contained in an amount of 0.5 to 20% by mass.

4. 2. The animal excrement treatment material according to claim 1, wherein the water repellent is contained in an amount of 0.5 to 3.5% by mass.

5. 2. The animal excrement treatment material according to claim 1, further comprising 0.5 to 10.0% by mass of starch.

6. 2. The animal excrement treatment material according to claim 1, which does not contain water-insoluble inorganic substances.

7. 2. The animal excrement treatment material according to claim 1, which has a swelling rate of 7.0% or less in a water absorption test.

8. 2. The animal excrement treatment material according to claim 1, which has a water absorption rate of 66% by mass or less in a water absorption test.

9. 2. The animal excrement treatment material according to claim 1, which has a disintegration rate after water absorption of 0.6% by mass or less in a disintegration test after water absorption.

10. 2. The animal excrement disposal material according to claim 1, which has a strength ratio of 27% or more in a strength ratio test.

11. The animal excrement disposal material according to claim 10, which has a strength after water absorption of 38 N or more in the strength ratio test.

12. The animal excrement disposal material according to claim 10, which has a strength before water absorption of 90 N or more in the strength ratio test.

13. 2. The animal excrement treatment material according to claim 1, which has a bulk specific gravity of 600 g / L or less.

14. 2. The animal excrement treatment material according to claim 1, which has a pre-water absorption disintegration rate of 0.053% by mass or less in a pre-water absorption disintegration test.

15. 2. The animal excrement treatment material according to claim 1, which has a rewet amount of 0.15 g or less in a rewet test.

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