Hydrophilic agents, multi-dosage type 1 hydrophilic agent, multi-dosage type 2 hydrophilic agent, multi-dosage type 3 hydrophilic agent and their use

Abstract

The object of the present invention is to provide a hydrophilicity imparting agent that can impart good hydrophilicity to fibers regardless of the type of fiber, and fibers that have been imparted with the hydrophilicity imparting agent. [Solution] A hydrophilic agent containing polyvinyl alcohols (A), a phosphate ester type ionic surfactant (B), and an ionic surfactant (C) (excluding the phosphate ester type ionic surfactant (B)), wherein the polyvinyl alcohols (A) are at least one selected from polyvinyl alcohol (A1) and polyvinyl alcohol derivatives (A2), and the acid value of the nonvolatile components of the hydrophilic agent is 0.1 to 50 mg KOH / g. Preferably, the ionic surfactant (C) includes at least one selected from sulfonic acid type surfactants (C1), sulfate ester type surfactants (C2), amphoteric surfactants (C3), and cationic surfactants (C4).

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to hydrophilicity imparting agents, multi-dosage type first hydrophilicity imparting agents, multi-dosage type second hydrophilicity imparting agents, multi-dosage type third hydrophilicity imparting agents, and their uses. [Background technology]

[0002] Traditionally, methods such as high-pressure water entanglement have been used to manufacture nonwoven fabrics such as hand towels and hand wipes, and attempts have been made to apply this method to short fibers (hereinafter sometimes simply referred to as short fibers) containing thermoplastic resins (polyester fibers, polyolefin fibers, etc.). In order to do so, since fibers containing thermoplastic resins are generally hydrophobic, it is necessary to impart hydrophilicity to them by methods such as fiber treatment agent treatment.

[0003] As a method for imparting hydrophilicity, Patent Document 1 discloses a method for imparting hydrophilicity to a nonwoven fabric for sanitary materials using a surface modifier containing a specific alkyl phosphate ester salt and a specific ionic surfactant. Furthermore, as an example of imparting durable hydrophilicity to polyester fibers, Patent Document 2 discloses an example in which a mixture consisting of an epoxy compound having two or more epoxy groups and an amino compound having a polyether chain is applied to polyester staple fibers. [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 60-215870 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2005-344260 [Disclosure of the Invention] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0005] However, in the examples of Patent Documents 1 and 2, the hydrophilicity was sometimes insufficient, and in particular, the hydrophilicity of polyolefin fibers, which have extremely poor hydrophilicity, was sometimes insufficient.

[0006] Thus, regardless of the type of fiber, no fiber treatment agent that satisfies the requirement of hydrophilicity has yet been found, and the development of a fiber treatment agent that satisfies these physical properties is desired. Therefore, the object of the present invention is to provide a hydrophilicity imparting agent that can impart good hydrophilicity to fibers regardless of the type of fiber, and fibers to which the hydrophilicity imparting agent has been imparted. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] As a result of diligent research to solve the above problem, the inventors have found that the problem can be solved by using a hydrophilicity imparting agent that contains specific polyvinyl alcohols (A), specific phosphate ester type ionic surfactants (B), and specific ionic surfactants (C), and in which the acid value of the non-volatile component is within a specific range.

[0008] In other words, the hydrophilicity imparting agent of the present invention includes the following embodiments. <1> A hydrophilic agent containing polyvinyl alcohols (A), phosphate ester type ionic surfactant (B), and ionic surfactant (C) (excluding the phosphate ester type ionic surfactant (B)), The polyvinyl alcohols (A) are at least one selected from polyvinyl alcohol (A1) and polyvinyl alcohol derivatives (A2). A hydrophilic agent wherein the acid value of the non-volatile component of the hydrophilic agent is 0.1 to 50 mg KOH / g. <2> The ionic surfactant (C) includes at least one selected from sulfonic acid-type surfactants (C1), sulfate ester-type surfactants (C2), amphoteric surfactants (C3), and cationic surfactants (C4). <1> The hydrophilic agent described above. <3> The sulfonic acid-type surfactant (C1) includes a sulfonic acid-type surfactant having at least one selected from an alkyl group having 6 to 16 carbon atoms and an alkenyl group having 6 to 16 carbon atoms. <2> The hydrophilic agent described above. <4> The phosphate ester type ionic surfactant (B) includes a phosphate monoester type surfactant (B1), a phosphate diester type surfactant (B2), and a polyphosphate ester type surfactant (B3). <1> ~ <3> A hydrophilic agent as described in any of the following. <5> The phosphate ester type ionic surfactant (B) includes a phosphate ester type ionic surfactant having at least one selected from an alkyl group having 6 to 12 carbon atoms, an alkenyl group having 6 to 12 carbon atoms, and a polyoxyalkylene group. <1> ~ <4> A hydrophilic agent as described in any of the following. <6> For polyolefin fibers, <1> ~ <5> A hydrophilic agent as described in any of the following. <7> The system comprises a set of multiple hydrophilic agents, including a multi-component first hydrophilic agent containing the aforementioned polyvinyl alcohols (A), and a multi-component second hydrophilic agent containing the aforementioned phosphate ester type ionic surfactant (B). <1> ~ <6> A hydrophilic agent as described in any of the following. <8> The system comprises a set of multiple hydrophilic agents, including a multi-component first hydrophilic agent containing the polyvinyl alcohols (A) and a multi-component third hydrophilic agent containing the ionic surfactant (C). <1> ~ <6> A hydrophilic agent as described in any of the following. <9> It consists of multiple hydrophilicity-imparting agent sets. <1> ~ <6> A multi-component first hydrophilic agent used as a hydrophilic agent according to any of the above, the multi-component first hydrophilic agent containing polyvinyl alcohols (A) and used in combination with a multi-component third hydrophilic agent containing the ionic surfactant (C). <10> A multi-agent type second hydrophilic agent used as the hydrophilic agent described in any one of <1> to <6> composed of a plurality of hydrophilic agent sets, and is used in combination with the multi-agent type first hydrophilic agent containing the polyvinyl alcohols (A), the multi-agent type second hydrophilic agent containing the phosphate ester type ionic surfactant (B). <11> A multi-agent type third hydrophilic agent used as the hydrophilic agent described in any one of <1> to <6> composed of a plurality of hydrophilic agent sets, and is used in combination with the multi-agent type first hydrophilic agent containing the polyvinyl alcohols (A), the multi-agent type third hydrophilic agent containing the ionic surfactant (C). <12> A fiber to which the hydrophilic agent described in any one of <1> to <8> is applied. <13> A non-woven fabric to which the hydrophilic agent described in any one of <1> to <8> is applied.

Advantages of the Invention

[0009] The hydrophilic agent of the present invention can impart good hydrophilicity to fibers regardless of the type of fiber. Since the fiber of the present invention is provided with a hydrophilic agent capable of imparting good hydrophilicity, a fiber excellent in hydrophilicity can be obtained. Since the non-woven fabric of the present invention is provided with a hydrophilic agent capable of imparting good hydrophilicity, a non-woven fabric excellent in hydrophilicity can be obtained.

Modes for Carrying Out the Invention

[0010] The hydrophilic agent of the present invention contains polyvinyl alcohols (A), phosphate ester type ionic surfactants (B), and ionic surfactants (C) described below. Details will be described below.

[0011] 〔Polyvinyl alcohols (A)〕 Polyvinyl alcohols (A) are at least one selected from polyvinyl alcohol (A1) and polyvinyl alcohol derivatives (A2), and polyvinyl alcohols (A) preferably include polyvinyl alcohol (A1) in order to impart durable hydrophilicity and improve card permeability.

[0012] Polyvinyl alcohol (A1) can be obtained by saponifying polyvinyl acetate, which is obtained by polymerizing vinyl acetate, and known types can be used. The polyvinyl alcohol (A1) of the present invention is not particularly limited, but examples include fully saponified polyvinyl alcohol (saponification degree 100 mol%), semi-fully saponified polyvinyl alcohol (saponification degree 90 mol% or more and less than 100 mol%), and partially saponified polyvinyl alcohol (saponification degree less than 90 mol%). There are no particular limitations on the polyvinyl alcohol derivative (A2), but examples include polyvinyl alcohol obtained by etherifying the hydroxyl groups of polyvinyl alcohol with alkyl halides, alkylene oxides, etc., or by saponifying a polymer of vinyl acetate with other monomers such as vinyl chloride and styrene, and polyvinyl alcohol having at least one modifying group selected from polyoxyethylene modification, alkyl modification, carboxy modification, and anionic modification. One or more types of polyvinyl alcohols (A) may be used in combination.

[0013] The average degree of polymerization of polyvinyl alcohol (A1) is not particularly limited, but 500 to 3300 is preferred in terms of imparting durable hydrophilicity. The upper limit of the average degree of polymerization is more preferably 2600, even more preferably 2400, and particularly preferably 2000. On the other hand, the lower limit of the average degree of polymerization is more preferably 600, even more preferably 800, and particularly preferably 1000. Also, for example, 500 to 2600 is more preferred, and 1000 to 2000 is even more preferred. Note that the average degree of polymerization of polyvinyl alcohol in the present invention refers to the value measured in accordance with JIS K6726.

[0014] The weight-average molecular weight of the polyvinyl alcohol derivative (A2) is not particularly limited, but is preferably 10,000 to 100,000 in terms of imparting durable hydrophilicity. The upper limit of the weight-average molecular weight is more preferably 90,000, even more preferably 80,000, and particularly preferably 70,000. On the other hand, the lower limit of the weight-average molecular weight is more preferably 30,000, even more preferably 40,000, and particularly preferably 50,000. Also, for example, is more preferably 40,000 to 100,000, and even more preferably 50,000 to 80,000.

[0015] The degree of saponification of polyvinyl alcohols (A) is not particularly limited, but 70 to 98 mol% is preferred in terms of improving water solubility, emulsification stability, and imparting durable hydrophilicity. The upper limit of the degree of saponification is more preferably 96 mol%, even more preferably 94 mol%, and particularly preferably 92 mol%. The lower limit of the degree of saponification is more preferably 70 mol%, even more preferably 72 mol%, and particularly preferably 74 mol%. For example, 74 mol% to 96 mol% is more preferred, and 74 mol% to 92 mol% is even more preferred.

[0016] [Phosphate ester type ionic surfactant (B)] The phosphate ester type ionic surfactant (B) (hereinafter sometimes simply referred to as ionic surfactant (B)) is not particularly limited as long as it is a known organic phosphate ester (salt) type surfactant, but examples include phosphate monoester type surfactant (B1), phosphate diester type surfactant (B2), and polyphosphate ester type surfactant (B3). It is preferable to include at least one selected from phosphate monoester type surfactant (B1), phosphate diester type surfactant (B2), and polyphosphate ester type surfactant (B3) in terms of initial hydrophilicity imparting, durable hydrophilicity, antistatic properties, and card permeability, and it is more preferable to include phosphate monoester type surfactant (B1), phosphate diester type surfactant (B2), and polyphosphate ester type surfactant (B3).

[0017] The phosphate ester type ionic surfactant (B) is not particularly limited, but preferably contains a phosphate ester type ionic surfactant having at least one selected from an alkyl group having 6 to 12 carbon atoms, an alkenyl group having 6 to 12 carbon atoms, and a polyoxyalkylene group; more preferably contains a phosphate ester type ionic surfactant having at least one selected from an alkyl group having 6 to 10 carbon atoms and a polyoxyalkylene group; and even more preferably contains a phosphate ester type ionic surfactant having an alkyl group having 6 to 10 carbon atoms.

[0018] The number of carbon atoms in the alkyl and alkenyl groups of the phosphate ester type ionic surfactant (B) is not particularly limited, but 6 to 12 is preferred in terms of imparting initial hydrophilicity and antistatic properties. The upper limit of the carbon number is more preferably 10, and even more preferably 8. On the other hand, the lower limit of the carbon number is more preferably 7. Also, for example, 6 to 10 is more preferred, and even more preferably 6 to 8.

[0019] When the phosphate ester type ionic surfactant (B) has an alkyl group, the alkyl group may have a linear or branched structure, but a linear structure is preferred in terms of fiber-opening properties.

[0020] In terms of emulsification stability, the polyoxyalkylene group of the phosphate ester type ionic surfactant (B) is preferably a polyoxyethylene group, a polyoxypropylene group, or a polyoxyethylene-polyoxypropylene group, more preferably a polyoxyethylene group or a polyoxyethylene-polyoxypropylene group, and even more preferably a polyoxyethylene group. Furthermore, the arrangement of the oxyethylene group and oxypropylene group in the polyoxyethylene-polyoxypropylene group may be random or blocked. The number of moles of oxyalkylene added to the polyoxyalkylene group of the phosphate ester type ionic surfactant (B) is not particularly limited, but 1 to 15 moles is preferred in terms of water solubility and emulsification stability. The upper limit of this number of moles is more preferably 10 moles, and even more preferably 6 moles. On the other hand, the lower limit of this number of moles is more preferably 2 moles, and even more preferably 4 moles. Also, for example, 2 to 10 moles is more preferred, and even more preferably 2 to 6 moles.

[0021] The phosphate monoester type surfactant (B1) is not particularly limited as long as it is a compound or salt thereof in which one of the three hydrogen atoms of phosphate is replaced with an organic group, but examples include the compound represented by general formula (1). [ka] (In formula (1), R 1 It is a monovalent organic group, M 1 and M 2 Each of these is independently a hydrogen atom, an alkali metal, an ammonium compound, a phosphonium compound, an organic amine, or a quaternary ammonium compound.

[0022] The phosphate diester type surfactant (B2) is not particularly limited as long as it is a compound or salt thereof in which two of the three hydrogen atoms of phosphoric acid are replaced with organic groups, but for example, a compound represented by general formula (2) can be mentioned. [ka] (In formula (2), R 2 and R 3 Each of these is independently a monovalent organic group, M 1 (These are hydrogen atoms, alkali metals, ammonium, phosphonium, organic amines, or quaternary ammonium.)

[0023] The polyphosphate ester-type surfactant (B3) is not particularly limited as long as it is a compound or salt thereof having a structure in which at least one hydrogen atom of polyphosphate is replaced with an organic group, but examples include the compound represented by general formula (3). [Chemical formula] (In formula (3), R 4 is a monovalent organic group. M 1 and M 2 are each independently a hydrogen atom, an alkali metal, ammonium, phosphonium, an organic amine, or a quaternary ammonium, Q is M 2 or a monovalent organic group, and Y is 1 or 2. When there are two or more M 2 in the molecule, they may be the same or different from each other.)

[0024] The monovalent organic groups possessed by the monoester phosphate surfactant (B1), diester phosphate surfactant (B2), and polyphosphate ester surfactant (B3) are not particularly limited, but from the viewpoint of emulsion stability, the monovalent organic group represented by the following general formula (4) is preferred. When there are a plurality of monovalent organic groups represented by the following general formula (4) in the molecule, they may be the same or different from each other. [Chemical formula] (In formula (4), R 5 is an alkyl group or an alkenyl group, OA is an oxyalkylene group, and n is a number of 0 or more.)

[0025] In general formula (4), the number of carbon atoms of R 5 is not particularly limited, but from the viewpoints of initial hydrophilicity imparting and antistatic properties, 6 to 12 is preferred. The upper limit of the number of carbon atoms is more preferably 10, and even more preferably 8. On the other hand, the lower limit of the number of carbon atoms is more preferably of 6, and even more preferably 7. Also, for example, 6 to 10 is more preferred, and 6 to 8 is even more preferred. In general formula (4), R 5 is not particularly limited, but from the viewpoint of card passing property, an alkyl group is preferred. In general formula (4), when R 5 is an alkyl group, the alkyl group may have a linear structure or a branched structure, and from the viewpoint of fibrillation property, a linear structure is preferred. In general formula (4), the number of carbon atoms in the oxyalkylene group is not particularly limited, but 2 to 4 is preferred, and 2 to 3 is more preferred, in order to improve water solubility. In general formula (4), n is preferably 0 to 15 in terms of emulsification stability. The upper limit of n is more preferably 10, and even more preferably 6. On the other hand, the lower limit of n is more preferably 1, and even more preferably 2. Also, for example, 0 to 10 is more preferably, and even more preferably 0 to 6.

[0026] R 5 There are no particular limitations, but examples include n-hexyl group, n-octyl group, n-decyl group, n-dodecyl group, tetradecyl group, n-hexadecyl group, n-octadecyl group, iso-octyl group, iso-decyl group, iso-dodecyl group, iso-octadecyl group, 2-ethylhexyl group, 2-ethyldodecyl group, etc.

[0027] The phosphate monoester surfactant (B1), phosphate diester surfactant (B2), and polyphosphate ester surfactant (B3) are not particularly limited, but may be at least one salt selected from alkali metals, ammonium, phosphonium, organic amines, and quaternary ammonium. In terms of emulsification stability and antistatic properties, alkali metal or organic amine salts are preferred. Examples of alkali metals include potassium, sodium, and lithium, with potassium or sodium being preferred in terms of emulsification stability and antistatic properties. Examples of organic amines include alkanolamines such as ethanolamine, diethanolamine, and triethanolamine, as well as triethylamine. Examples of quaternary ammonium compounds include alkyltrimethylammonium and dialkyldimethylammonium.

[0028] Specific examples of phosphate monoester type surfactants (B1) are not particularly limited, but include monohexyl phosphate disodium salt, monohexyl phosphate dipotassium salt, monooctyl phosphate, monooctyl phosphate monopotassium salt, monooctyl phosphate dipotassium salt, mono(polyoxyethylene 3-molar added octyl) phosphate potassium salt, monooctyl phosphate bis(triethanolamine) salt, monodecyl phosphate, monodecyl phosphate monopotassium salt, monodecyl phosphate dipotassium salt, monodecyl phosphate Examples include phosphate bis(triethanolamine) salt, monododecyl phosphate, monododecyl phosphate monopotassium salt, monododecyl phosphate dipotassium salt, mono(polyoxyethylene 8-mol-added monododecyl) phosphate potassium salt, monooctadecyl phosphate, monooctadecyl phosphate dipotassium salt, mono-iso-hexyl phosphate dipotassium salt, mono-iso-octyl phosphate dipotassium salt, mono-2-ethylbutyl phosphate dipotassium salt, and mono-2-ethylhexyl phosphate dipotassium salt. Among these, monohexyl phosphate monopotassium salt, monohexyl phosphate dipotassium salt, monooctyl phosphate monopotassium salt, monooctyl phosphate dipotassium salt, monododecyl phosphate dipotassium salt, and mono-iso-octyl phosphate dipotassium salt are preferred in terms of antistatic properties and initial hydrophilicity.

[0029] Specific examples of diphosphate diester type surfactants (B2) include, but are not limited to, dihexyl phosphate sodium salt, dihexyl phosphate potassium salt, dioctyl phosphate potassium salt, di(polyoxyethylene 3 molar added monooctyl) phosphate potassium salt, dioctyl phosphate triethanolamine salt, didecyl phosphate potassium salt, didecyl phosphate bis(triethanolamine) salt, didodecyl phosphate potassium salt, di(polyoxyethylene 8 molar added monododecyl) phosphate potassium salt, dioctadecyl phosphate potassium salt, di-iso-hexyl phosphate potassium salt, di-iso-octyl phosphate potassium salt, di-2-ethylbutyl phosphate potassium salt, and di-2-ethylhexyl phosphate potassium salt. Among these, dihexyl phosphate potassium salt, dioctyl phosphate potassium salt, didodecyl phosphate potassium salt, and di-iso-octyl phosphate potassium salt are preferred in terms of antistatic properties and initial hydrophilicity.

[0030] Specific examples of polyphosphate ester-type surfactants (B3) are not particularly limited, but include monohexyl pyrophosphate disodium salt, monohexyl pyrophosphate trisodium salt, monohexyl pyrophosphate monopotassium salt, monohexyl pyrophosphate dipotassium salt, monohexyl pyrophosphate tripotassium salt, dihexyl pyrophosphate monopotassium salt, dihexyl pyrophosphate dipotassium salt, monooctyl pyrophosphate monopotassium salt, monooctyl pyrophosphate dipotassium salt, monooctyl pyrophosphate to Potassium dipotassium salt, mono(polyoxyethylene 3-mol addition octyl) pyrophosphate potassium salt, dioctyl pyrophosphate monopotassium salt, dioctyl pyrophosphate dipotassium salt monooctyl pyrophosphate bis(triethanolamine) salt, monooctyl pyrophosphate tris(triethanolamine) salt, monooctyl tripoliphosphate dipotassium salt, monooctyl tripoliphosphate tripotassium salt, dioctyl tripoliphosphate dipotassium salt, monodecyl pyrophosphate monopotassium salt, monodecyl pyrophosphate Dipotassium salt, monodecyl pyrophosphate tripotassium salt, didecyl pyrophosphate monopotassium salt, didecyl pyrophosphate dipotassium salt, monodecyl pyrophosphate bis(triethanolamine) salt, monodecyl pyrophosphate tris(triethanolamine) salt, monodecyl tripoliphosphate dipotassium salt, monodecyl tripoliphosphate tripotassium salt, didecyl tripoliphosphate dipotassium salt, monodecyl pyrophosphate dipotassium salt, monododecyl pyrophosphate tripotassium salt, didodecyl pyrophosphate di Examples include potassium salts, mono(polyoxyethylene 8-mol adducted dodecyl) pyrophosphate potassium salt, monooctadecyl pyrophosphate dipotassium salt, monooctadecyl pyrophosphate tripotassium salt, dioctadecyl pyrophosphate dipotassium salt, mono-iso-octyl pyrophosphate dipotassium salt, mono-iso-octyl pyrophosphate tripotassium salt, di-iso-octyl pyrophosphate dipotassium salt, mono-2-ethylhexyl pyrophosphate dipotassium salt, and di-2-ethylhexyl pyrophosphate dipotassium salt.Among these, monohexyl pyrophosphate monopotassium salt, monoxyl pyrophosphate dipotassium salt, monohexyl pyrophosphate tripotassium salt, dihexyl pyrophosphate dipotassium salt, monooctyl pyrophosphate monopotassium salt, monooctyl pyrophosphate dipotassium salt, monooctyl pyrophosphate tripotassium salt, dioctyl pyrophosphate dipotassium salt, monodecyl pyrophosphate dipotassium salt, monodecyl pyrophosphate tripotassium salt, monododecyl pyrophosphate dipotassium salt, monododecyl pyrophosphate tripotassium salt, mono-iso-octyl pyrophosphate monopotassium salt, mono-iso-octyl pyrophosphate dipotassium salt, mono-iso-octyl pyrophosphate tripotassium salt, and di-iso-octyl pyrophosphate dipotassium salt are preferred in terms of emulsification stability and fiber-opening properties.

[0031] [Ionic surfactant (C)] The ionic surfactant (C) is not particularly limited as long as it is not a phosphate ester type ionic surfactant (B), but in terms of imparting initial hydrophilicity and durable hydrophilicity, it is preferable to include at least one selected from sulfonic acid type surfactants (C1), sulfate ester type surfactants (C2), amphoteric surfactants (C3), and cationic surfactants (C4), more preferably to include at least one selected from sulfonic acid type surfactants (C1), amphoteric surfactants (C3), and cationic surfactants (C4), even more preferably to include at least one selected from sulfonic acid type surfactants (C1) and amphoteric surfactants (C3), and particularly preferably to include sulfonic acid type surfactants (C1).

[0032] There are no particular limitations on the sulfonic acid-type surfactant (C1), but examples include alkyl sulfonates, alkenyl sulfonates, dialkyl sulfosuccinates, alkylbenzene sulfonates, etc., and known surfactants can be used. In terms of imparting hydrophilicity, it is preferable to include dialkyl sulfosuccinates.

[0033] While there are no particular limitations on the alkyl sulfonate, alkyl sulfonates having an alkyl group with 6 to 22 carbon atoms are preferred, with the upper limit of the alkyl group being more preferably 16 and even more preferably 15. On the other hand, the lower limit of the alkyl group is more preferably 7 and even more preferably 8. Also, for example, 6 to 16 is more preferred and 7 to 15 is even more preferred. Examples of alkyl sulfonates include sodium hexylsulfonate, sodium 2-ethylhexylsulfonate, sodium octylsulfonate, sodium tetradecylsulfonate, and sodium hexadecylsulfonate.

[0034] While there are no particular limitations on the alkenyl sulfonate, alkenyl sulfonates having an alkenyl group with 6 to 22 carbon atoms are preferred, with the upper limit of the alkyl group being more preferably 16 and even more preferably 15. On the other hand, the lower limit of the number of carbon atoms is more preferably 7 and even more preferably 8. Also, for example, 6 to 16 is more preferably and even more preferably 7 to 15. Examples of alkenyl sulfonates include sodium octenyl sulfonate, sodium tetradecenyl sulfonate, and sodium hexadecenyl sulfonate.

[0035] There are no particular limitations on the dialkyl sulfosuccinate, but dialkyl sulfosuccinates having an alkyl group with 6 to 22 carbon atoms are preferred, with the upper limit of the alkyl group being more preferably 16 and even more preferably 14. On the other hand, the lower limit of the alkyl group is more preferably 7 and even more preferably 8. Furthermore, even if 6 to 16 is preferred and 7 to 14 is even more preferred. Examples of dialkyl sulfosuccinates include sodium dihexyl sulfosuccinate, sodium di-2-ethylhexyl sulfosuccinate, sodium dioctyl sulfosuccinate, sodium didodecyl sulfosuccinate, sodium dicoconut alkyl sulfosuccinate, sodium ditridecyl sulfosuccinate, and sodium dimyristyl sulfosuccinate.

[0036] There are no particular limitations on the sulfate ester-type surfactant (C2), but examples of alkyl sulfate salts include alkyl sulfate salts having a structure obtained by sulfating and neutralizing polyhydric alcohol fatty acid esters, and known ones can be used. The fatty acids used in the synthesis of polyhydric alcohol fatty acid esters include unsaturated fatty acids and may also include saturated fatty acids, hydroxy fatty acids, or hydroxyunsaturated fatty acids. As the alkyl sulfate salt, polyhydric alcohol fatty acid ester sulfate salts are preferred.

[0037] Examples of amphoteric surfactants (C3) include N-alkanoylaminopropyl-N,N-dimethylamine oxide, N-alkyl-N,N-dimethylamine oxide, N-alkanoylaminopropyl-N,N-dimethyl-N-carboxymethylammonium betaine, N-alkyl-N,N-dimethyl-N-carboxymethylammonium betaine, N-alkyl-N,N-dimethyl-N-sulfopropylammonium sulfobetaine, N-alkyl-N,N-dimethyl-N-(2-hydroxysulfopropyl)ammonium sulfobetaine, N-alkanoylaminopropyl-N,N-dimethyl-N-sulfopropylammonium sulfobetaine, and N-alkanoylaminopropyl-N,N-dimethyl-N-(2-hydroxysulfopropyl)ammonium sulfobetaine. In these, the alkanoyl group is, for example, lauroyl or myristyl. In these, the alkyl group is, for example, a lauryl group or a myristyl group.

[0038] Examples of cationic surfactants (C4) include alkyl quaternary ammonium salts such as lauryltrimethylammonium chloride, myristyltrimethylammonium chloride, palmityltrimethylammonium chloride, stearyltrimethylammonium chloride, oleyltrimethylammonium chloride, cetyltrimethylammonium chloride, behenyltrimethylammonium chloride, coconut oil alkyltrimethylammonium chloride, beef tallow alkyltrimethylammonium chloride, stearyltrimethylammonium bromide, coconut oil alkyltrimethylammonium bromide, didecyldimethylammonium methosulfate, cetyltrimethylammonium methosulfate, oleyldimethylethylammonium ethosulfate, dioctyldimethylammonium chloride, dilauryldimethylammonium chloride, distearyldimethylammonium chloride, octadecyldiethylmethylammonium sulfate, etc.; (polyoxyethylene) laurylaminoether lactate, stearylaminoether lactate, di(polyoxyethylene (Polyoxyalkylene) alkylamino ether salts such as (polyoxyalkylene) laurylmethylaminoether dimethyl phosphate, di(polyoxyethylene) laurylethylammonium ethosulfate, di(polyoxyethylene) hydrogenated beef tallow alkylethylamine ethosulfate, di(polyoxyethylene) laurylmethylammonium dimethyl phosphate, di(polyoxyethylene) stearylamine lactate; acylamide alkyl quaternary ammonium salts such as N-(2-hydroxyethyl)-N,N-dimethyl-N-stearoylamidopropylammonium nitrate, lanolin fatty acid amidopropyl ethyldimethylammonium ethosulfate, lauroylamidoethyl methyldiethylammonium methosulfate; alkylethenoxy quaternary ammonium salts such as dipalmytilpolyethenoxyethylammonium chloride, distearylpolyethenoxymethylammonium chloride; alkylisoquinolinium salts such as laurylisoquinolinium chloride; benzalkonium salts such as lauryldimethylbenzylammonium chloride, stearyldimethylbenzylammonium chloride;Benzethonium salts such as benzyldimethyl{2-[2-(p-1,1,3,3-tetramethylbutylphenoxy)ethoxy]ethyl}ammonium chloride; pyridinium salts such as cetylpyridinium chloride; imidazolinium salts such as sterylhydroxyethylimidazolinium ethosulfate, oleylhydroxyethylimidazolinium ethosulfate, and laurylhydroxyethylimidazolinium ethosulfate; acyl basic amino acid alkyl ester salts such as N-cocoyl arginine ethyl ester pyrrolidone carboxylate and N-lauroyl lysine ethyl ester chloride; primary amines such as laurylamine chloride, stearylamine bromide, hydrogenated beef tallow alkylamine chloride, and rosinamine acetate. Examples of amine salts include secondary amine salts such as cetylmethylamine sulfate, laurylmethylamine chloride, dilaurylamine acetate, stearylethylamine bromide, laurylpropylamine acetate, dioctylamine chloride, and octadecylethylamine hydroxide; tertiary amine salts such as dilaurylmethylamine sulfate, lauryldiethylamine chloride, laurylethylmethylamine bromide, diethanolstearylamideethylamine trihydroxyethyl phosphate, and stearylamideethylethanolamine urea polycondensate acetate; fatty acid amide guanidinium salts; and alkyltrialkylene glycol ammonium salts such as lauryltriethylene glycol ammonium hydroxide.

[0039] [Nonionic surfactant (D)] The hydrophilic agent of the present invention preferably contains a nonionic surfactant (D) in terms of durable hydrophilicity and emulsification stability. The nonionic surfactant (D) is not particularly limited, but preferred examples include ester compounds (D1) having a structure in which a polyhydric alcohol and a fatty acid are ester-bonded and having one or more hydroxyl groups in the molecule, polyoxyalkylene castor oil ether (D2), polyoxyalkylene hydrogenated castor oil ether (D3), polyoxyalkylene aliphatic alcohol ether (D4), PEG ester (D5), and polycarboxylic acid ester (D6).

[0040] Ester compounds (D1) are compounds that have a structure in which a polyhydric alcohol and a fatty acid are ester-bonded, and that have one or more hydroxyl groups in their molecule.

[0041] There are no particular limitations on the polyhydric alcohol that constitutes the ester compound (D1), but sorbitol and glycerin are preferred in terms of initial hydrophilicity and anti-foaming properties. There are no particular limitations on the fatty acids that constitute the ester compound (D1), but saturated and / or unsaturated fatty acids having 12 to 18 carbon atoms are preferred in terms of initial hydrophilicity and anti-foaming properties.

[0042] The ester compound (D1) is not particularly limited, but sorbitan monoester, sorbitan diester, sorbitan triester, glycerin monoester, and glycerin diester are preferred in terms of initial hydrophilicity and anti-foaming properties, with sorbitan monoester being more preferred. Examples of sorbitan monoesters include sorbitan monostearate, sorbitan monooleate, sorbitan monopalmitate, and sorbitan monolaurate; examples of sorbitan diesters include sorbitan distearate, sorbitan dioleate, sorbitan dipalmitate, and sorbitan dilaurate; examples of sorbitan triesters include sorbitan tristearate, sorbitan trioleate, sorbitan tripalmitate, and sorbitan trilaurate; examples of glycerin monoesters include glycerin monostearate and glycerin monooleate; and examples of glycerin diesters include glycerin distearate, glycerin dioleate, glycerin dipalmitate, and glycerin dilaurate.

[0043] Polyoxyalkylene castor oil ether (D2) is a compound having a structure in which an alkylene oxide such as ethylene oxide, propylene oxide, or butylene oxide is added to castor oil. Polyoxyalkylene castor oil ether (D2) is not particularly limited, but examples include polyoxyethylene castor oil ether (polyoxyethylene (1-25 mol) castor oil ether).

[0044] Polyoxyalkylene hydrogenated castor oil ether (D3) is a compound having a structure in which an alkylene oxide such as ethylene oxide, propylene oxide, or butylene oxide is added to hydrogenated castor oil. While not particularly limited, polyoxyethylene hydrogenated castor oil ether (D3) can include polyoxyethylene hydrogenated castor oil ether (polyoxyethylene (1-25 mol) hydrogenated castor oil ether).

[0045] Polyoxyalkylene aliphatic alcohol ethers (D4) are compounds having a structure in which an alkylene oxide such as ethylene oxide, propylene oxide, or butylene oxide is added to an aliphatic monohydric alcohol and / or aliphatic polyhydric alcohol. There are no particular limitations on the aliphatic monohydric alcohols that constitute the polyoxyalkylene aliphatic alcohol ether (D4), but in terms of initial hydrophilicity, alcohols having 8 to 18 carbon atoms are preferred, and octyl alcohol, 2-ethylhexyl alcohol, decyl alcohol, lauryl alcohol, tridecyl alcohol, myristyl alcohol, stearyl alcohol, isostearyl alcohol, and oleyl alcohol are more preferred. There are no particular limitations on the aliphatic polyhydric alcohols that constitute the polyoxyalkylene aliphatic alcohol ether (D4), but alcohols having 8 to 18 carbon atoms are preferred in terms of initial hydrophilicity, and glycerin, sorbitol, sorbitan, and trimethylolpropane are more preferred. The number of moles of alkylene oxide added to the polyoxyalkylene aliphatic alcohol ether (D4) is preferably 1 to 100 moles in terms of initial hydrophilicity. The upper limit of the number of moles added is more preferably 70 moles, even more preferably 50 moles, and particularly preferably 30 moles. On the other hand, the lower limit of the number of moles added is more preferably 2 moles, even more preferably 3 moles, and particularly preferably 4 moles. Also, for example, 2 to 70 moles is more preferably, and 3 to 50 moles is even more preferably. Furthermore, the ratio of ethylene oxide to the total alkylene oxide is preferably 20 mol% or more, more preferably 30 mol% or more, and even more preferably 40 mol% or more, in terms of initial hydrophilicity.

[0046] Polyoxyalkylene aliphatic alcohol ethers (D4) are not particularly limited, but examples include polyoxyalkylene aliphatic alcohol ethers (polyoxyethylene (1-20 mol) stearyl ether, polyoxyethylene (1-20 mol) oleyl ether, polyoxyethylene (1-20 mol) palmityl ether, polyoxyethylene (1-20 mol) lauryl ether, etc.).

[0047] Regarding PEG ester (D5), PEG stands for polyethylene glycol, and PEG ester refers to a polyethylene glycol ester (hereinafter referred to as PEG ester) having a structure in which the hydroxyl group of PEG is esterified with a monovalent fatty acid. The number of carbon atoms in the monounsaturated fatty acid is not particularly limited, but 4 to 24 is preferred in terms of foam suppression. The upper limit of the carbon atom number is more preferably 22, and even more preferably 20. On the other hand, the lower limit of the carbon atom number is more preferably 10, and even more preferably 12. Also, for example, 10 to 22 is more preferably, and even more preferably 12 to 20. The monounsaturated fatty acid may be a saturated fatty acid or an unsaturated fatty acid. Examples of PEG esters (D5) include polyoxyethylene (1-20 mol) stearyl ester, polyoxyethylene (1-20 mol) oleyl ester, polyoxyethylene (1-20 mol) palmityl ester, and polyoxyethylene (1-20 mol) lauryl ester.

[0048] Polycarboxylic acid esters (D6) are compounds having a structure in which a polycarboxylic acid and a polyol are esterified together. The polycarboxylic acid is preferably a divalent or greater carboxylic acid having 10 to 66 carbon atoms. Examples of polycarboxylic acids include sebacic acid, oleate dimer, erucate dimer, oleate trimer, and erucate trimer. Among the polycarboxylic acids, it is preferably a dimer acid of an unsaturated fatty acid having 18 to 22 carbon atoms, and more preferably a dimer acid of an unsaturated fatty acid having 18 carbon atoms. The polycarboxylic acid may be an aliphatic polycarboxylic acid or an aromatic polycarboxylic acid, and it is preferably an aliphatic polycarboxylic acid. A polyol is a dihydric or higher alcohol having an oxyalkylene group with 2 to 3 carbon atoms in its molecule. The polyol is not particularly limited as long as it is a dihydric or higher alcohol and has a (poly)oxyalkylene group in its molecule. Examples include polyalkylene glycol, polyoxyalkylene sorbitan, polyoxyalkylene sorbitan fatty acid ester, polyoxyalkylene glycerin, polyoxyalkylene polyglycerin, and polyoxyalkylene polyglycerin ester, all composed of oxyethylene units and / or oxypropylene units. Among these, polyalkylene glycol composed of oxyethylene units and / or oxypropylene units is preferred. Examples of polyalkylene glycol composed of oxyethylene units and / or oxypropylene units include polyoxyethylene glycol, polypropylene glycol, and polyoxyethylene polyoxypropylene glycol. Polyoxyethylene polyoxypropylene glycol may be in block form or random form. Polyoxyethylene glycol is preferred as the polyalkylene glycol composed of oxyethylene units and / or oxypropylene units. The number-average molecular weight of polyalkylene glycol is preferably 100 to 10000, more preferably 200 to 2000, and even more preferably 400 to 1000.

[0049] [Inorganic phosphate (salt)] The hydrophilic agent of the present invention preferably contains inorganic phosphoric acid (salt) in terms of antistatic properties. Inorganic phosphoric acid (salt) is at least one selected from phosphoric acid, dihydrogen phosphate metal salts, dimetallic hydrogen phosphate salts, and trimetallic phosphate salts. Specifically, examples of dimetallic hydrogen phosphate monosaltes include monopotassium dihydrogen phosphate and monosodium dihydrogen phosphate, examples of dimetallic hydrogen phosphate salts include dipotassium hydrogen phosphate and disodium hydrogen phosphate, and examples of trimetallic phosphate salts include tripotassium phosphate and trisodium phosphate.

[0050] [Other ingredients] The hydrophilic agent of the present invention may also contain, from the viewpoint of exhibiting the effects of the present invention, a modified silicone and a polyhydric alcohol as other components.

[0051] There are no particular limitations on the polyhydric alcohols, but examples include 3- to 12-hydric alcohols, with 2- to 6-hydric alcohols being preferred, and 2- to 4-hydric alcohols being more preferred. Examples of such polyhydric alcohols include ethylene glycol, 1,2-propanediol, 1,3-propanediol, 1,3-butanediol, 1,4-butanediol, 1,6-hexanediol, diethylene glycol, glycerin, trimethylolpropane, sorbitol, sorbitan, pentaerythritol, dipentaerythritol, and sucroses. Furthermore, polyglycerins such as diglycerin, triglycerin, tetraglycerin, and hexaglycerin, which are condensates of glycerin, are also included.

[0052] [Hydrophilicity-enhancing agent] The hydrophilic agent of the present invention is a hydrophilic agent containing polyvinyl alcohols (A), a phosphate ester type ionic surfactant (B), and an ionic surfactant (C) (excluding the phosphate ester type ionic surfactant (B)), wherein the polyvinyl alcohols (A) are at least one selected from polyvinyl alcohol (A1) and polyvinyl alcohol derivatives (A2), and the acid value of the nonvolatile components of the hydrophilic agent is 0.1 to 50 mg KOH / g. The reason why the hydrophilicity imparting agent of the present invention exhibits excellent hydrophilicity regardless of the type of fiber is not particularly limited, but it is believed that the smoothness, abrasion resistance effect of high molecular weight polyvinyl alcohols (A) imparts excellent fiber-opening properties and durable hydrophilicity, followed by antistatic properties from a phosphate ester type ionic surfactant (B) having a certain acid value, and further, the ionic surfactant (C) (excluding the phosphate ester type ionic surfactant (B)) appropriately imparts initial hydrophilicity and durable hydrophilicity. As a result, it is possible to produce a homogeneous nonwoven fabric by suppressing entanglement between fibers regardless of the fiber type, and to impart hydrophilic properties to the fibers and nonwoven fabric.

[0053] The acid value of the nonvolatile component of the hydrophilicity imparter of the present invention is preferably 0.1 to 50 mg KOH / g, in that it can impart hydrophilicity regardless of the fiber type. The upper limit of the acid value is preferably 40 mg KOH / g, more preferably 35 mg KOH / g, and still preferably 30 mg KOH / g. On the other hand, the lower limit of the acid value is preferably 0.2 mg KOH / g, more preferably 0.6 mg KOH / g, and still preferably 0.8 mg KOH / g, in terms of anti-foaming properties. Also, for example, 0.2 to 40 mg KOH / g is preferred, 0.6 to 35 mg KOH / g is more preferred, and still preferably 0.8 to 30 mg KOH / g. Furthermore, the non-volatile content of the hydrophilicity imparting agent in this invention refers to the residue on the aluminum sheet when 2.0 to 3.0 g of the imparting agent is spread flat on an aluminum sheet, dried at 110°C under infrared lamp irradiation, and the fluctuation range of the volatile content over 150 seconds becomes 0.15%.

[0054] The proportion of polyvinyl alcohols (A) in the nonvolatile content of the hydrophilicity imparting agent of the present invention is not particularly limited, but is preferably 5 to 85% by weight in terms of durable hydrophilicity and fiber-opening properties. The upper limit of this proportion is more preferably 70% by weight, even more preferably 60% by weight, and particularly preferably 50% by weight. On the other hand, the lower limit of this proportion is more preferably 10% by weight, even more preferably 20% by weight, and particularly preferably 30% by weight. Also, for example, 20 to 70% by weight is more preferably, and 30 to 60% by weight is even more preferably.

[0055] The proportion of polyvinyl alcohol (A1) in the nonvolatile content of the hydrophilicity imparting agent of the present invention is not particularly limited, but is preferably 5 to 85% by weight in terms of durable hydrophilicity and fiber-opening properties. The upper limit of this proportion is more preferably 70% by weight, even more preferably 60% by weight, and particularly preferably 50% by weight. On the other hand, the lower limit of this proportion is more preferably 15% by weight, even more preferably 20% by weight, and particularly preferably 30% by weight. Also, for example, 15 to 70% by weight is more preferably, and 30 to 60% by weight is even more preferably.

[0056] The proportion of the phosphate ester type ionic surfactant (B) in the non-volatile content of the hydrophilicity imparting agent of the present invention is not particularly limited, but is preferably 1 to 85% by weight in terms of initial hydrophilicity and card permeability. The upper limit of this proportion is more preferably 75% by weight, even more preferably 65% ​​by weight, and particularly preferably 55% by weight. On the other hand, the lower limit of this proportion is more preferably 5% by weight, even more preferably 10% by weight, and particularly preferably 15% by weight. Also, for example, 5 to 65% by weight is more preferably, and 10 to 55% by weight is even more preferably.

[0057] The proportion of the ionic surfactant (C) (excluding the phosphate ester type ionic surfactant (B)) in the non-volatile content of the hydrophilicity imparting agent of the present invention is not particularly limited, but is preferably 5 to 80% by weight in terms of initial hydrophilicity, durable hydrophilicity, and antistatic properties. The upper limit of this proportion is more preferably 70% by weight, even more preferably 60% by weight, and particularly preferably 50% by weight. On the other hand, the lower limit of this proportion is more preferably 6% by weight, even more preferably 8% by weight, and particularly preferably 10% by weight. Also, for example, 8 to 60% by weight is more preferably, and 10 to 50% by weight is even more preferably.

[0058] The proportion of the sulfonic acid-type surfactant (C1) in the nonvolatile content of the hydrophilicity imparting agent of the present invention is not particularly limited, but is preferably 5 to 80% by weight in terms of initial hydrophilicity and antistatic properties. The upper limit of this proportion is more preferably 60% by weight, even more preferably 50% by weight, and particularly preferably 40% by weight. On the other hand, the lower limit of this proportion is more preferably 8% by weight, even more preferably 10% by weight, and particularly preferably 15% by weight. Also, for example, 8 to 60% by weight is more preferably, and 10 to 40% by weight is even more preferably.

[0059] The proportion of the sulfate ester-type surfactant (C2) in the non-volatile content of the hydrophilicity imparting agent of the present invention is not particularly limited, but is preferably 5 to 80% by weight in terms of initial hydrophilicity and durable hydrophilicity. The upper limit of this proportion is more preferably 70% by weight, even more preferably 60% by weight, and particularly preferably 50% by weight. On the other hand, the lower limit of this proportion is more preferably 10% by weight, even more preferably 15% by weight, and particularly preferably 20% by weight. Also, for example, 10 to 60% by weight is more preferably, and 20 to 50% by weight is even more preferably.

[0060] The proportion of the amphoteric surfactant (C3) in the nonvolatile content of the hydrophilicity imparter of the present invention is not particularly limited, but is preferably 5 to 80% by weight in terms of initial hydrophilicity, durable hydrophilicity, and antistatic properties. The upper limit of this proportion is more preferably 60% by weight, even more preferably 50% by weight, and particularly preferably 40% by weight. On the other hand, the lower limit of this proportion is more preferably 8% by weight, even more preferably 10% by weight, and particularly preferably 15% by weight. Also, for example, 8 to 60% by weight is more preferably, and 10 to 40% by weight is even more preferably.

[0061] The proportion of cationic surfactant (C4) in the nonvolatile content of the hydrophilicity imparting agent of the present invention is not particularly limited, but is preferably 5 to 80% by weight in terms of initial hydrophilicity, durable hydrophilicity, and antistatic properties. The upper limit of this proportion is more preferably 60% by weight, even more preferably 50% by weight, and particularly preferably 40% by weight. On the other hand, the lower limit of this proportion is more preferably 7% by weight, even more preferably 10% by weight, and particularly preferably 15% by weight. Also, for example, 7 to 60% by weight is more preferably, and 10 to 40% by weight is even more preferably.

[0062] The proportion of the phosphate monoester type surfactant (B1) in the phosphate ester type ionic surfactant (B) of the present invention is not particularly limited, but is preferably 1 to 60% by weight in terms of initial hydrophilicity and antistatic properties. The upper limit of this proportion is more preferably 55% by weight, even more preferably 53% by weight, and particularly preferably 50% by weight. On the other hand, the lower limit of this proportion is more preferably 5% by weight, even more preferably 7% by weight, and particularly preferably 10% by weight. Also, for example, 5 to 55% by weight is more preferably, and 10 to 50% by weight is even more preferably.

[0063] The proportion of the phosphate diester type surfactant (B2) in the phosphate ester type ionic surfactant (B) of the present invention is not particularly limited, but from the viewpoint of imparting smoothness, it is preferably 1 to 70% by weight. The upper limit of this proportion is more preferably 6% by weight, even more preferably 58% by weight, and particularly preferably 55% by weight. On the other hand, the lower limit of this proportion is more preferably 10% by weight, even more preferably 12% by weight, and particularly preferably 15% by weight. Also, for example, 10 to 60% by weight is more preferably, and 15 to 55% by weight is even more preferably.

[0064] The weight ratio (B / A) of phosphate ester-type ionic surfactant (B) to polyvinyl alcohols (A) contained in the non-volatile components of the hydrophilicity imparting agent of the present invention is not particularly limited, but is preferably 0.01 to 20 in terms of fiber-opening properties. The upper limit of this ratio is more preferably 10, even more preferably 5, and particularly preferably 1.8. On the other hand, the lower limit of this ratio is more preferably 0.05, even more preferably 0.08, and particularly preferably 0.1. Also, for example, 0.05 to 1.8 is more preferably, and 0.08 to 5 is even more preferably.

[0065] The weight ratio (C / A) of ionic surfactant (C) (excluding the phosphate ester type ionic surfactant (B)) to polyvinyl alcohols (A) contained in the non-volatile components of the hydrophilicity imparting agent of the present invention is not particularly limited, but is preferably 0.01 to 20 in terms of initial hydrophilicity and durable hydrophilicity. The upper limit of this ratio is more preferably 10, even more preferably 8, and particularly preferably 1.8. On the other hand, the lower limit of this ratio is more preferably 0.05, even more preferably 0.1, and particularly preferably 0.2. Also, for example, 0.1 to 8 is more preferably, and 0.2 to 1.8 is even more preferably.

[0066] The proportion of the nonionic surfactant (D) in the nonvolatile content of the hydrophilicity imparting agent of the present invention is not particularly limited, but is preferably 1 to 90% by weight from the viewpoint of imparting appropriate fiber-fiber-fiber-fiber properties. The upper limit of this proportion is more preferably 85% by weight, even more preferably 80% by weight, and particularly preferably 75% by weight. On the other hand, the lower limit of this proportion is more preferably 5% by weight, even more preferably 10% by weight, and particularly preferably 15% by weight. Also, for example, 5 to 85% by weight is more preferably, and 10 to 80% by weight is even more preferably.

[0067] The ratio of inorganic phosphoric acid (salt) to the nonvolatile content of the hydrophilicity imparter of the present invention is not particularly limited, but is preferably 0.01 to 3% by weight in terms of suppressing antistatic and hygroscopic properties. The upper limit of this ratio is more preferably 2% by weight, and particularly preferably 1% by weight. On the other hand, the lower limit of this ratio is more preferably 0.02% by weight, and particularly preferably 0.03% by weight. Also, for example, 0.01 to 2% by weight is more preferably, and even more preferably 0.02 to 1% by weight.

[0068] [Hydrophilic agents composed of multiple hydrophilicity-imparting agent sets, multi-dosage type 1 hydrophilicity-imparting agent, multi-dosage type 2 hydrophilicity-imparting agent, and multi-dosage type 3 hydrophilicity-imparting agent] The hydrophilicity imparter of the present invention may be a multi-component hydrophilicity imparter composed of multiple sets of hydrophilicity imparters. A hydrophilic agent composed of multiple hydrophilic agent sets is a hydrophilic agent set composed of two or three or more dosage forms, wherein at least one of the hydrophilic agent sets is a multi-dosage type first hydrophilic agent containing polyvinyl alcohols (A), a multi-dosage type second hydrophilic agent containing the phosphate ester type ionic surfactant (B), or a multi-dosage type third hydrophilic agent containing the ionic surfactant (C).

[0069] The combination of hydrophilic agents composed of a set of hydrophilic agents is not particularly limited, but for example, a hydrophilic agent composed of multiple sets of hydrophilic agents including a multi-component first hydrophilic agent containing polyvinyl alcohols (A) and a multi-component second hydrophilic agent containing the phosphate ester type ionic surfactant (B) can be included, in which case the ionic surfactant (C) may be included in the first hydrophilic agent, the second hydrophilic agent, or in hydrophilic agents other than the first and second hydrophilic agents. Furthermore, when the hydrophilic agent is composed of multiple sets of hydrophilic agents including a multi-component first hydrophilic agent containing polyvinyl alcohols (A) and a multi-component third hydrophilic agent containing the ionic surfactant (C), the phosphate ester type ionic surfactant (B) may be included in the first hydrophilic agent, the third hydrophilic agent, or in hydrophilic agents other than the first and third hydrophilic agents. The hydrophilic agent, which is composed of multiple hydrophilicity-imparting agents, may ultimately contain polyvinyl alcohols (A), phosphate ester-type ionic surfactants (B), and ionic surfactants (C), and has an acid value of non-volatile components of 0.1 to 50 mg KOH / g, as long as it is suitable for use as the hydrophilicity-imparting agent of the present invention. By using a multi-component hydrophilic agent in the present invention, the storage stability of each of the polyvinyl alcohols (A), phosphate ester-type ionic surfactants (B), and ionic surfactants (C) can be improved, thereby providing stable hydrophilicity to fibers. When used as a multi-component hydrophilic agent, the hydrophilic agent, the multi-component first hydrophilic agent, and the multi-component second hydrophilic agent, which are composed of multiple hydrophilic agent sets of the present invention, exhibit excellent hydrophilicity when polyvinyl alcohols (A), phosphate ester type ionic surfactant (B), and ionic surfactant (C) are in a specific weight ratio according to the present invention on the fiber.

[0070] <Methods for manufacturing hydrophilicity imparting agents, hydrophilicity imparting agents composed of sets of multiple hydrophilicity imparting agents, multi-dosage type first hydrophilicity imparting agent, multi-dosage type second hydrophilicity imparting agent, and multi-dosage type third hydrophilicity imparting agent> The hydrophilic agent of the present invention can be produced by mixing polyvinyl alcohols (A), phosphate ester-type ionic surfactants (B), and ionic surfactants (C), and other components as needed. There are no particular limitations on the mixing order of the components, and known methods can be used.

[0071] There are no particular limitations on the weight percentage of water and non-volatile components in the hydrophilicity imparting agent. For example, these can be appropriately determined considering factors such as transportation costs when transporting the hydrophilicity imparting agent of the present invention and handling characteristics due to emulsion viscosity. The weight percentage of water in the total hydrophilicity imparting agent is preferably 0.1 to 99.9% by weight, more preferably 1 to 99% by weight, and particularly preferably 2 to 95% by weight. The weight percentage (concentration) of non-volatile components in the total hydrophilicity imparting agent is preferably 0.1 to 99.9% by weight. The upper limit of this percentage is more preferably 99% by weight, and even more preferably 98% by weight. On the other hand, the lower limit of this percentage is more preferably 1% by weight, and even more preferably 5% by weight. Also, for example, 1 to 99% by weight is more preferably, and even more preferably 5 to 98% by weight.

[0072] When the hydrophilicity imparter is composed of multiple hydrophilicity imparterer sets, the weight percentage of water in each of the multi-component first hydrophilicity imparter containing polyvinyl alcohols (A), the multi-component second hydrophilicity imparter containing the phosphate ester type ionic surfactant (B), and the multi-component third hydrophilicity imparter containing the ionic surfactant (C) is preferably 0 to 90% by weight, more preferably 0 to 80% by weight, and particularly preferably 0 to 70% by weight. The weight percentage (concentration) of nonvolatile matter in each of the first hydrophilicity fertilizer, the second hydrophilicity fertilizer, and the third hydrophilicity fertilizer is preferably 1 to 99% by weight, more preferably 3 to 90% by weight, and particularly preferably 5 to 80% by weight for the first hydrophilicity fertilizer; preferably 1 to 100% by weight, more preferably 3 to 99.95% by weight, and particularly preferably 5 to 99.9% by weight for the second hydrophilicity fertilizer; and preferably 1 to 100% by weight, more preferably 3 to 99.95% by weight, and particularly preferably 5 to 99.9% by weight for the third hydrophilicity fertilizer.

[0073] 〔fiber〕 The fiber of the present invention is formed by applying the above-mentioned hydrophilicity-imparting agent to the fiber body. The fiber of the present invention may be a short fiber or a long fiber, but it is preferable to be a short fiber in that it exhibits a greater improvement in product quality due to its ability to suppress nep. The adhesion rate of the non-volatile components of the hydrophilicity imparting agent to the fiber body is not particularly limited, but in terms of antistatic properties and fiber-opening properties, it is preferably 0.03 to 2% by weight relative to the fiber body, and more preferably 0.1 to 1% by weight.

[0074] Examples of fibers (fiber body) include polyolefin fibers, polyester fibers, nylon fibers, polyvinyl chloride fibers, and composite fibers made of two or more thermoplastic resins. Examples of composite fiber combinations include, in the case of polyolefin resin / polyolefin resin, high-density polyethylene / polypropylene, linear high-density polyethylene / polypropylene, low-density polyethylene / polypropylene, binary or ternary copolymer of propylene and other α-olefins / polypropylene, linear high-density polyethylene / high-density polyethylene, and low-density polyethylene / high-density polyethylene. Examples of polyolefin resin / polyester resin combinations include polypropylene / polyethylene terephthalate, high-density polyethylene / polyethylene terephthalate, linear high-density polyethylene / polyethylene terephthalate, and low-density polyethylene / polyethylene terephthalate. Examples of polyester resin / polyester resin combinations include copolymerized polyester / polyethylene terephthalate. Furthermore, fibers made of polyamide resin / polyester resin, polyolefin resin / polyamide resin, etc., can also be exemplified. The raw fiber before the hydrophilicity imparting agent is applied can also be called a hydrophobic synthetic fiber. Additionally, natural fibers such as hemp, wool, cotton fibers, and bleached cotton fibers may be blended in as needed. Among these fibers (the fiber itself), the hydrophilic agent of the present invention is particularly suitable for synthetic fibers used in the manufacture of nonwoven fabrics, such as polyolefin fibers (polyolefin fibers and composite fibers containing polyolefin fibers) and polyester fibers (polyester fibers and composite fibers containing polyester fibers), because the attached hydrophilic agent tends to remain on the fiber surface even when wet with liquids such as urine or bodily fluids.

[0075] Examples of fiber cross-sectional structures include sheath-core type, parallel type, eccentric sheath-core type, multilayer type, radial type, or sea-island type. However, due to productivity in the fiber manufacturing process and ease of nonwoven fabric processing, sheath-core type including eccentricity or parallel type are preferred. Furthermore, the cross-sectional shape can be circular or irregular. In the case of irregular shapes, any shape is possible, such as flattened, polygonal (triangular to octagonal), T-shaped, hollow, or multi-lobed.

[0076] The hydrophilic agent of the present invention may be applied directly to the fiber without dilution, or it may be diluted with water or the like to a concentration where the weight percentage of non-volatile content is 0.5 to 5% by weight before being applied to the fiber. The process of applying the hydrophilic agent to the fiber may be any of the processes of the fiber, such as spinning, drawing, or crimping. There are no particular limitations on the means of applying the hydrophilic agent of the present invention to the fiber, and methods such as roller lubrication, nozzle spray lubrication, or dip lubrication may be used. A method that can obtain the desired amount of application more uniformly and efficiently may be adopted in accordance with the fiber manufacturing process and its characteristics. Furthermore, as a drying method, methods such as drying with hot air and infrared rays, or drying by contact with a heat source may be used.

[0077] Applications of the fibers of the present invention include spinning, nonwoven fabrics, and specialty papers, with fibers for nonwoven fabric production being preferred due to the emphasis on hydrophilicity. The uses of fibers to which the hydrophilic agent of the present invention is attached are not particularly limited, but they are preferably used in nonwoven fabric products such as sanitary napkins and incontinence pads, and are particularly preferably used in the top sheet of absorbent articles such as disposable diapers. They can also be used in second sheets, absorbent layers, and absorbent pads.

[0078] [Non-woven fabric] The nonwoven fabric of the present invention may be made by adding a hydrophilicity-imparting agent to a raw nonwoven fabric that has not been treated with a hydrophilicity-imparting agent, or by making a nonwoven fabric using fibers to which a hydrophilicity-imparting agent has been treated. The method for producing the nonwoven fabric of the present invention is not particularly limited, and known methods can be used. Short fibers and long fibers can be used as raw materials. When short fibers are used as raw materials, web formation methods include dry methods such as carding and airlaid methods, and wet methods such as papermaking. When long fibers are used as raw materials, web formation methods include spunbonding, meltblown spinning, and flash spinning. Interfiber bonding methods include chemical bonding, thermal bonding, needle punching, spunlacing, and stitch bonding. The method for manufacturing the nonwoven fabric of the present invention preferably includes a step of passing the fibers of the present invention through a carding machine or the like to produce a fiber web, and then heat-treating the obtained fiber web or treating it by a high-pressure water entanglement method. In particular, the hydrophilicity imparting agent of the present invention is especially suitable for use when the manufacturing of the nonwoven fabric includes a step of treating the fiber web by a high-pressure water entanglement method.

[0079] An example of a method for manufacturing a nonwoven fabric according to the present invention is a nonwoven fabric produced by accumulating short fibers to create a fiber web, and then subjecting this fiber web to a high-pressure water entanglement treatment process. When the fiber web is subjected to high-pressure water entanglement treatment, the fiber web is usually supported on a support. That is, the support is placed on the side opposite to the side to which the high-pressure water entanglement treatment is applied. Any support can be used as long as it allows the high-pressure water flow applied to the fiber web to pass through well, for example, a mesh screen or a perforated plate can be used. Generally, a mesh screen such as wire mesh is used, and the size of the holes is preferably about 20 to 100 mesh.

[0080] Methods for heat-treating and joining fiber webs include heat-compression bonding using heated rolls or ultrasound, heat-fusion bonding with heated air, and point bonding. As an example of heat-treating and joining fiber webs, in the case of a sheath-core type composite fiber using a high-melting-point resin for the core and a low-melting-point resin for the sheath, heat treatment near the melting point of the low-melting-point resin facilitates heat bonding of fiber intersections. Methods for manufacturing nonwoven fabrics include passing short fibers treated with a hydrophilicity imparting agent through a carding machine to form a web, and then heat-treating and joining them as described above, as well as mixing the hydrophilic fibers (short fibers) of the present invention with pulp when laminating using the airlaid method, and then heat-treating and joining them as described above. Other methods for producing nonwoven fabrics include applying the hydrophilicity imparting agent of the present invention to a fibrous molded product obtained by methods such as the spunbond method, melt-blown method, or flash spinning method, and then heat-treating it with a heated roll or heated air, or applying the hydrophilicity imparting agent of the present invention to a product that has been heat-treated with a heated roll or heated air, and then producing a nonwoven fabric.

[0081] One example of the spunbond method involves spinning a composite fiber resin, then cooling the spun composite filament with a cooling fluid, and applying tension to the filament with stretched air to achieve the desired fineness. Subsequently, the spun filament is collected on a collection belt and subjected to bonding to obtain a spunbond nonwoven fabric. Bonding methods include thermocompression bonding using heated rolls or ultrasound, thermal fusion using heated air, and point bonding. The method for applying the hydrophilicity imparting agent of the present invention to the obtained spunbond nonwoven fabric can be a roll coating method such as gravure, flexographic, or gate roll method, or a spray coating method, but is not particularly limited as long as the amount applied to the nonwoven fabric can be adjusted on each side. Furthermore, as a drying method, methods such as drying with hot air and infrared rays, or drying by contact with a heat source may be used.

[0082] [Absorbent articles] The nonwoven fabric to which the hydrophilic agent of the present invention is attached is not particularly limited in its use, but it is preferably used in nonwoven fabric products such as sanitary napkins, incontinence pads, and face masks, and is especially preferably used as the top sheet of absorbent articles such as disposable diapers. It can also be used as a second sheet, absorbent layer, and absorbent pad. [Examples]

[0083] The present invention will be described below with reference to examples, but the present invention is not limited thereto. The evaluation items and evaluation methods for each example and comparative example are as follows. Furthermore, the details of the hydrophilicity imparting agent and evaluation results for each example and comparative example are shown in Tables 1 to 5. In the tables, the blending ratio is expressed in weight % unless otherwise specified.

[0084] [Measurement of the content of phosphate monoester type surfactant (B1), phosphate diester type surfactant (B2), polyphosphate ester type surfactant (B3), and inorganic phosphate] The ratio of phosphate monoester surfactant (B1), phosphate diester surfactant (B2), polyphosphate ester surfactant (B3), and inorganic phosphate in the phosphate ester reaction mixture is as follows: 31 The measurement was performed using the P-NMR method. Approximately 150 mg of the non-volatile content of the sample was weighed into a 5 mm diameter NMR sample tube, and approximately 0.5 mL of heavy water (D2O) or deuterated chloroform (CDCl3) was added as the deuterating solvent to dissolve it. 31Measurements were performed using a P-NMR analyzer (BRUKER AVANCE400, 162MHz) and a JEOL JNM-ECZ400R, 162MHz. The peaks for phosphorus elements derived from phosphate monoester surfactant (B1), phosphate diester surfactant (B2), and inorganic phosphate were all detected at +4 to -1 ppm, but the assignment was determined in the order of inorganic phosphate, phosphate monoester surfactant (B1), and phosphate diester surfactant (B2) from the low magnetic field side. On the other hand, the peak for phosphorus elements derived from polyphosphate ester surfactant (B3) was detected at -5 to -15 ppm. After assignment, the weight ratios of phosphate monoester surfactant (B1), phosphate diester surfactant (B2), polyphosphate ester surfactant (B3), and inorganic phosphate were calculated from the integral ratios of each component.

[0085] [Method for measuring acid value] The acid value (x mgKOH / g) in this invention was measured by the following method. The non-volatile content of each hydrophilicity-imparting agent or the reaction mixture of phosphate esters was used as the measurement sample. 1 g of each sample was dissolved in 50 mL of a xylene / ethanol = 1 / 1 solution containing 0.01% phenolphthalein. A 0.1 mol / L potassium hydroxide ethanol solution was added dropwise to this solution, and the volume of liquid (y mL) until a faint pink color appeared was measured. The result was then calculated using the following formula. x = y × 5.61

[0086] [Phosphate ester type ionic surfactant] The methods for producing the reaction mixtures B-b1 to B-b7 of the phosphate ester type ionic surfactant (B) used in the examples and comparative examples are shown below. The components of the non-volatile content of the reaction mixtures obtained by the production methods B-b1 to B-b7 are as shown in Table 1. The obtained phosphate ester-type ionic surfactants and inorganic phosphate (salts) were mixtures of their respective unneutralized products with alkali metal salts and / or organic amine salts.

[0087] (Method for manufacturing B-b1) 127.8 g of hexyl alcohol was added to a 500 mL four-necked flask, and while stirring, 71.2 g of tetraphosphorus decoxide was gradually added to allow the reaction to proceed, yielding an unneutralized product. 159.7 g of deionized water and 141.4 g of 50% potassium hydroxide aqueous solution were charged into a 1 liter flask, and while stirring, the unneutralized product was gradually added to obtain a partially neutralized product with 50% non-volatile content.

[0088] (Method for manufacturing B-b2) 146.8 g of octyl alcohol was added to a 500 mL four-necked flask, and while stirring, 63.6 g of tetraphosphorus decoxide was gradually added to allow the reaction to proceed, yielding an unneutralized product. 170.8 g of deionized water and 118.9 g of 50% potassium hydroxide aqueous solution were charged into a 1 liter flask, and while stirring, the unneutralized product was gradually added to obtain a partially neutralized product with 50% non-volatile content.

[0089] (Method for manufacturing B-b3) 332.8 g of octyl alcohol with 4 molars of polyoxyethylene was added to a 500 mL four-necked flask, and while stirring, 54.3 g of tetraphosphorus decoxide was gradually added to react and an unneutralized product was obtained. 32.9 g of deionized water and 95.9 g of 50% potassium hydroxide aqueous solution were charged into a 1 liter flask, and while stirring, the unneutralized product was gradually added to obtain a partially neutralized product with 85% non-volatile content.

[0090] (Method of manufacturing B-b4) 146.8 g of 2-ethylhexyl alcohol was added to a 500 mL four-necked flask, and while stirring, 63.6 g of tetraphosphorus decoxide was gradually added to allow the reaction to proceed, yielding an unneutralized product. 170.8 g of deionized water and 118.9 g of 50% potassium hydroxide aqueous solution were charged into a 1 liter flask, and while stirring, the unneutralized product was gradually added to obtain a partially neutralized product with 50% non-volatile content.

[0091] (Method of manufacturing B-b5) 157.5 g of lauryl alcohol was added to a 500 mL four-necked flask, and while stirring, 52.5 g of tetraphosphorus decoxide was gradually added to allow the reaction to proceed, yielding an unneutralized product. 200 g of deionized water and 90.1 g of 50% by weight potassium hydroxide aqueous solution were charged into a 1 liter flask, and while stirring, the unneutralized product was gradually added to obtain a partially neutralized product with 50% non-volatile content.

[0092] (Method for manufacturing B-b6) 351 g of polyoxyethylene 3 molar-added lauryl alcohol was added to a 1 L four-necked flask and, while stirring, 62.5 g of tetraphosphorus decoxide was gradually added to react and an unneutralized product was obtained. 86.5 g of diethanolamine was gradually added to the unneutralized product while stirring to obtain a partially neutralized product with 100% non-volatile content.

[0093] (Method for manufacturing B-b7) 129.2 g of stearyl alcohol was added to a 500 mL four-necked flask, and while stirring, 27.3 g of tetraphosphorus decoxide was gradually added to allow the reaction to proceed, yielding an unneutralized product. 290.1 ​​g of deionized water and 53.5 g of 50% potassium hydroxide aqueous solution were charged into a 1 liter flask, and while stirring, the unneutralized product was gradually added to obtain a partially neutralized product with a non-volatile content of 35%.

[0094] (Polyvinyl alcohols (A)) A1-1: Polyvinyl alcohol, degree of polymerization 500, degree of saponification 88 mol% A1-2: Polyvinyl alcohol, degree of polymerization 1800, degree of saponification 84 mol% A1-3: Polyvinyl alcohol, degree of polymerization 2600, degree of saponification 96 mol% A1-4: Polyvinyl alcohol, degree of polymerization 3300, degree of saponification 88 mol% A2-1: Alkyl-modified polyvinyl alcohol, weight-average molecular weight 60,000 A2-2: Polyoxyethylene-modified polyvinyl alcohol

[0095] (Ionic surfactant (C)) C1-1: Sodium decylsulfonate C1-2: Sodium dioctyl sulfosuccinate C1-3: Sodium ditridecyl sulfosuccinate C2-1:2-Ethylhexyl Sodium Sulfate C2-2: Polyoxyethylene (3 molar) lauryl ether sodium sulfate C3-1: Stearyldimethylaminoacetate betaine C4-1: Dialkyldimethylammonium chloride C4-2: Behenyltrimethylammonium chloride

[0096] (Other ingredients (D)) D-1: Propylene glycol D-2: Polyoxyethylene (400 mol) lauryl ether D-3: Polyoxyethylene (25 mol) hydrogenated castor oil ether

[0097] [Examples 1-35 and Comparative Examples 1-5] For Examples 1-7 and 29-35, a first hydrophilic agent containing polyvinyl alcohols (A) and a second hydrophilic agent containing a phosphate ester-type ionic surfactant (B), an ionic surfactant (C), and component (D) were prepared so that the proportion of each component in the non-volatile content of the manufactured hydrophilic agent ultimately matched the non-volatile content ratios shown in Tables 2-5. For Examples 8-28, a first hydrophilic agent containing polyvinyl alcohols (A) and a phosphate ester-type ionic surfactant (B) and a third hydrophilic agent containing an ionic surfactant (C) and component (D) were prepared. The obtained first and second hydrophilic agents, or the first and third hydrophilic agents, were mixed to prepare a hydrophilic agent with a non-volatile content concentration of 18% by weight. The obtained hydrophilicity-imparting agent was diluted with 70°C warm water to a concentration of 0.9% by weight of non-volatile components to obtain a diluted solution of the hydrophilicity-imparting agent. Next, 150g of diluted hydrophilicity-imparting solution was applied to 300g of fiber body using the dip application method, and the amount of non-volatile hydrophilicity-imparting solution adhering to the fiber was adjusted to 0.45% by weight. The fiber body was a polypropylene (core)-polyethylene (sheath) composite polyolefin fiber or polyester fiber that did not have any fiber treatment agents such as hydrophilicity-imparting agents attached to it, with a single fiber fineness of 2.2 Dtex and a fiber length of 38 mm. The fibers to which the diluted hydrophilicity-imparting solutions were applied were placed in an 80°C hot air dryer for 2 hours, and then left to dry at room temperature for 8 hours or more to obtain fibers to which the hydrophilicity-imparting agents had been applied.

[0098] The fibers treated with a hydrophilicity-enhancing agent were passed through a fiber opening process and a carding process using a carding test machine, resulting in a basis weight of 35 g / m². 2 A web was prepared. After passing a water stream at a spray pressure of 0.5 MPa through the obtained web for 1 minute, the web was heat-treated at 140°C in an air-through type hot air circulation dryer to fix it and obtain a nonwoven fabric. The physical properties of the polypropylene (core)-polyethylene (sheath) composite polyolefin fiber or polyester fiber and their respective nonwoven fabrics were evaluated using the evaluation method shown below. The results are shown in Tables 2 to 5. In the following evaluation of the durable hydrophilicity of nonwoven fabrics, polypropylene (core)-polyethylene (sheath) composite polyolefin fibers and polyester fibers with a rating of 3 or higher were judged to be able to impart good hydrophilicity to the fibers, regardless of the type of fiber.

[0099] [Initial hydrophilicity of fibers] A 5g web made using fibers treated with a hydrophilicity-enhancing agent was placed in a polypropylene knitted cage and floated in 20°C water. The time it took to sink was measured. The time (in seconds) was evaluated according to the following criteria. A score of 5 is the best evaluation, and a score of 3 or higher indicates that the web is suitable for practical use. (Judgment criteria) 5...less than 5 seconds 4…5 seconds or more but less than 10 seconds 3…10 seconds or more but less than 30 seconds 2. 30 seconds or more but less than 40 seconds 1. More than 60 seconds

[0100] [Durable hydrophilicity of fibers] A 5g web made using fibers treated with a hydrophilicity-enhancing agent was placed in a polypropylene knitted cage and floated in 20°C water. The time it took for the web to sink was measured. Afterward, the wet web was dewatered using a centrifugal dehydrator, dried at 80°C for 20 minutes, and then conditioned at 20°C and 65% humidity for 20 minutes. The time (in seconds) for sinking in 20°C water was then measured again. This process was repeated, and if the time to sink exceeded 60 seconds, it was determined that the hydrophilicity had decreased. A higher number of repeated web sinking tests indicated superior durability of the nonwoven fabric's hydrophilicity. The number of times the time to sink was 60 seconds or less was evaluated according to the following criteria. A score of 5 is the best evaluation, and a score of 3 or higher indicates practical usability. (Judgment criteria) 5...20 times or more 4…10 times or more but less than 20 times 3. 5 to 10 times 2...3 times or more but less than 5 times 1…Less than 3 times

[0101] [Initial hydrophilicity of nonwoven fabrics] Following the EDANA Repeated Liquid Strike-Through Time method, 0.9% physiological saline solution was permeated through a nonwoven fabric (10cm x 10cm) made using fibers treated with a hydrophilicity-imparting agent, and the permeation time was measured. The time (in seconds) was evaluated according to the following criteria. A score of 5 is the best evaluation, and a score of 3 or higher indicates that the fabric is suitable for practical use. (Judgment criteria) 5...less than 5 seconds 4…5 seconds or more but less than 10 seconds 3…10 seconds or more but less than 30 seconds 2. 30 seconds or more but less than 60 seconds 1…120 seconds or more

[0102] [Durable hydrophilicity of nonwoven fabrics] Following the EDANA Repeated Liquid Strike-Through Time method, a nonwoven fabric (10cm x 10cm) made using fibers treated with a hydrophilicity-imparting agent was permeated with 0.9% physiological saline solution, and the permeation time was measured. After permeation, the nonwoven fabric was sandwiched between two sheets of filter paper (Toyo Filter Paper, No. 5), a board (10cm x 10cm) and a weight (500g) were placed on top, and it was left for 3 minutes to dewater, followed by air drying for another 5 minutes. The same permeation, dewatering, and air drying process was repeated for the nonwoven fabric used in the test. The permeation time (in seconds) during the fourth permeation was evaluated according to the following criteria. A score of 5 is the best evaluation, and a score of 3 or higher indicates that the fabric is suitable for practical use. 〔Judgment criteria〕 5...less than 5 seconds 4…5 seconds or more but less than 8 seconds 3…8 seconds or more but less than 10 seconds 2…10 seconds or more but less than 20 seconds 1. 20 seconds or more

[0103] [Table 1]

[0104] [Table 2]

[0105] [Table 3]

[0106] [Table 4]

[0107] [Table 5]

[0108] As can be seen from Tables 2 to 5, the hydrophilic agents of Examples 1 to 35 are hydrophilic agents containing polyvinyl alcohols (A), phosphate ester type ionic surfactants (B), and ionic surfactants (C) (excluding the phosphate ester type ionic surfactant (B)), wherein the polyvinyl alcohols (A) are at least one selected from polyvinyl alcohol (A1) and polyvinyl alcohol derivatives (A2), and the acid value of the nonvolatile components of the hydrophilic agent is 0.1 to 50 mg KOH / g, so fibers and nonwoven fabrics that can impart good hydrophilicity to fibers regardless of the type of fiber were obtained. Furthermore, we confirmed that diapers and sanitary products using the nonwoven fabrics prepared in Examples 1 to 35 as surface sheets also exhibited excellent hydrophilicity.

[0109] On the other hand, as can be seen from Table 5, the hydrophilicity imparters in comparative low 1-5 are not the hydrophilicity imparters of the present invention, and therefore, depending on the type of fiber, they could not impart good hydrophilicity. [Industrial applicability]

[0110] Fibers treated with the hydrophilicity-imparting agent of the present invention yield a fiber structure that can be made hydrophilic regardless of the fiber type, and can therefore be used in hydrophilic fibers, nonwoven fabrics, and the like.

Claims

1. A hydrophilic agent containing polyvinyl alcohols (A), phosphate ester type ionic surfactant (B), and ionic surfactant (C) (excluding the phosphate ester type ionic surfactant (B)), The polyvinyl alcohols (A) are at least one selected from polyvinyl alcohol (A1) and polyvinyl alcohol derivatives (A2). A hydrophilic agent wherein the acid value of the non-volatile component of the hydrophilic agent is 0.1 to 50 mg KOH / g.

2. The hydrophilic agent according to claim 1, wherein the ionic surfactant (C) comprises at least one selected from a sulfonic acid type surfactant (C1), a sulfate ester type surfactant (C2), an amphoteric surfactant (C3), and a cationic surfactant (C4).

3. The hydrophilic agent according to claim 2, wherein the sulfonic acid-type surfactant (C1) comprises a sulfonic acid-type surfactant having at least one selected from an alkyl group having 6 to 16 carbon atoms and an alkenyl group having 6 to 16 carbon atoms.

4. The hydrophilic agent according to claim 1, wherein the phosphate ester type ionic surfactant (B) comprises a phosphate monoester type surfactant (B1), a phosphate diester type surfactant (B2), and a polyphosphate ester type surfactant (B3).

5. The hydrophilic agent according to claim 1, wherein the phosphate ester type ionic surfactant (B) comprises a phosphate ester type ionic surfactant having at least one selected from an alkyl group having 6 to 12 carbon atoms, an alkenyl group having 6 to 12 carbon atoms, and a polyoxyalkylene group.

6. A hydrophilic agent according to claim 1, for use with polyolefin fibers.

7. A hydrophilic agent according to any one of claims 1 to 6, comprising a set of multiple hydrophilic agents including a multi-component first hydrophilic agent containing the polyvinyl alcohols (A) and a multi-component second hydrophilic agent containing the phosphate ester type ionic surfactant (B).

8. A hydrophilic agent according to any one of claims 1 to 6, comprising a set of multiple hydrophilic agents including a multi-component first hydrophilic agent containing the polyvinyl alcohols (A) and a multi-component third hydrophilic agent containing the ionic surfactant (C).

9. A multi-component first hydrophilic agent used as a hydrophilic agent according to any one of claims 1 to 6, comprising a set of multiple hydrophilic agents, the multi-component first hydrophilic agent containing the polyvinyl alcohols (A), which is used in combination with a multi-component third hydrophilic agent containing the ionic surfactant (C).

10. A multi-component second hydrophilic agent used as a hydrophilic agent according to any one of claims 1 to 6, comprising a set of multiple hydrophilic agents, the multi-component second hydrophilic agent containing the phosphate ester type ionic surfactant (B) and used in combination with the multi-component first hydrophilic agent containing the polyvinyl alcohols (A).

11. A multi-component third hydrophilic agent used as a hydrophilic agent according to any one of claims 1 to 6, comprising a set of multiple hydrophilic agents, the multi-component third hydrophilic agent containing the ionic surfactant (C) and used in combination with the multi-component first hydrophilic agent containing the polyvinyl alcohols (A).

12. A fiber to which a hydrophilic agent according to any one of claims 1 to 6 is applied.

13. A nonwoven fabric to which a hydrophilic agent according to any one of claims 1 to 6 is applied.

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