Animal waste treatment material, and microcapsules for animal waste treatment material

Abstract

To provide an animal waste treatment material in which the functional ingredients contained within the microcapsules are easily exerted, and in which the microcapsules are not easily visible as white, thus minimizing discomfort to animal owners. [Solution] An animal excrement treatment material 3 comprising a plurality of microcapsules 15 containing functional components on its surface, wherein the plurality of microcapsules 15 have a volume average D50 of 10.0 μm or more and an average film thickness of 0.50 μm or less, characterized in that the animal excrement treatment material 3.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an animal excrement treatment material and a microcapsule for an animal excrement treatment material.

Background Art

[0002] An animal excrement treatment material to which microcapsules containing functional components such as fragrances are attached is known. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses an animal toilet sand containing a plurality of granular materials, each of the granular materials including a granular base material and a plurality of microcapsules attached to the outer surface of the base material, the base material including a low-absorbency material having an initial absorption rate of 10% or less, and each of the microcapsules being an impact-disruptive microcapsule containing a fragrance.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] Patent Document 1 does not disclose the animal excrement treatment material according to the present disclosure. Therefore, an object of the present disclosure is to provide an animal excrement treatment material that can easily exhibit the functions of the functional components encapsulated in the microcapsules, is difficult to look white, and is difficult to give discomfort to animal breeders.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] The Disclosers have found an animal waste treatment material having a plurality of microcapsules containing functional components on its surface, wherein the plurality of microcapsules have a volume-average D50 of 10.0 μm or more and an average film thickness of 0.50 μm or less. [Effects of the Invention]

[0006] The animal waste treatment material disclosed herein allows the functional components contained within the microcapsules to exert their functions easily, and the microcapsules are not easily visible as white, thus minimizing discomfort to animal owners. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0007] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a diagram illustrating an animal waste treatment material 3 according to the first embodiment. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a diagram illustrating an animal waste treatment material 3 according to the first embodiment. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is an image illustrating an example. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is an image illustrating an example. [Figure 5] Figure 5 is an image illustrating an example. [Figure 6] Figure 6 is an image illustrating an example. [Figure 7] Figure 7 is an image illustrating an example. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0008] Specifically, this disclosure relates to the following aspects: [Aspect 1A] An animal waste treatment material having multiple microcapsules containing functional components on its surface, The above-mentioned multiple microcapsules have a volume-averaged D50 of 10.0 μm or more, and an average film thickness of 0.50 μm or less. An animal waste disposal material characterized by the following features.

[0009] Because the above-mentioned animal waste treatment material has multiple microcapsules containing functional components on its surface, it is more effective at exhibiting the functions of the functional components compared to animal waste treatment materials that do not have multiple microcapsules containing functional components on their surface. Furthermore, in the above-mentioned animal waste treatment material, since multiple microcapsules have a predetermined D50 and average film thickness, light reaching the microcapsules (e.g., indoor lighting, sunlight, etc.) is less likely to be diffusely reflected at the microcapsules, making them less visible as white.

[0010] Specifically, in conventional microcapsules, incident light reaching the microcapsule is refracted at the outer surface of the microcapsule (the co-interface with air), and the refracted light changes direction and travels inside the microcapsule. However, because the average thickness of the microcapsule is large, the distance the refracted light travels is relatively long, and the refracted light is more likely to be reflected at the inner surface of the microcapsule (the co-interface with the functional component). As a result, the proportion of reflected light reflected towards the animal caretaker is relatively high, and the microcapsule tends to appear whiter. Furthermore, if the D50 of conventional microcapsules is relatively small, the proportion of reflected light tends to be even higher, and the microcapsule is thought to appear whiter.

[0011] On the one hand, in the microcapsules according to the present disclosure, the incident light that reaches the microcapsules is refracted at the outer surface (the common interface with air) of the microcapsules. Although the refracted light changes its traveling direction, since the average film thickness of the microcapsules is small, the distance that the refracted light travels is relatively short, making it difficult for the refracted light to be reflected at the inner surface (the common interface with the functional component) of the microcapsules. As a result, the ratio of the reflected light that is reflected toward the animal breeder side is relatively low, and thus it is considered that the microcapsules tend to be less likely to appear white. Further, in the microcapsules according to the present disclosure, since the D50 of the microcapsules is relatively large, the ratio of the reflected light is more likely to be lower, and it is considered that the microcapsules are less likely to appear white.

[0012] If the microcapsules appear white, the surface of the animal excrement treatment material may look like mold generated in the animal excrement, which may cause discomfort to the animal breeder. From the above, the animal excrement treatment material can easily exhibit the function of the functional component encapsulated in the microcapsules, and the microcapsules are less likely to appear white and less likely to cause discomfort to the animal breeder.

[0013] [Aspect 1B] An animal excrement treatment material provided with a plurality of microcapsules containing a functional component on the surface, where the plurality of microcapsules have a W value of 40.0 or less, characterized in that it is an animal excrement treatment material.

[0014] Since the animal excrement treatment material is provided with a plurality of microcapsules containing a functional component on the surface of the animal excrement treatment material, it can easily exhibit the function of the functional component as compared with an animal excrement treatment material that does not have a plurality of microcapsules containing a functional component on the surface of the animal excrement treatment material. Further, since the animal excrement treatment material has a predetermined W value, the microcapsules are less likely to appear white and the microcapsules are less likely to look like mold generated in the animal excrement. As described above, the animal excrement treatment material can easily exhibit the functions of the functional components encapsulated in the microcapsules, and the microcapsules are less likely to look white and less likely to cause discomfort to the animal breeders.

[0015] [Aspect 2] The animal excrement treatment material according to Aspect 1A or 1B, wherein the plurality of microcapsules have a D50 based on a volume average of 25.0 μm or less.

[0016] In the animal excrement treatment material, the plurality of microcapsules have an upper limit of a predetermined D50. Therefore, when using the animal excrement treatment material, it becomes difficult for the microcapsules to come into excessive contact with the animal excrement treatment material, and it becomes difficult for the microcapsules to be excessively destroyed. As a result, the animal excrement treatment material can easily exhibit the functions of the functional components over a long period of time.

[0017] [Aspect 3] The animal excrement treatment material according to Aspect 1A, 1B or 2, wherein the plurality of microcapsules have a D10 based on a volume average of 2.1 μm or more.

[0018] In the animal excrement treatment material, since the plurality of microcapsules have a lower limit of a predetermined D10, it can be said that the ratio of microcapsules having a small particle size is small. Therefore, in the animal excrement treatment material, the light (for example, indoor light, sunlight, etc.) reaching the microcapsules is less likely to be diffusely reflected at the microcapsules, the microcapsules are less likely to look white, and the animal excrement treatment material is less likely to cause discomfort to the animal breeders.

[0019] [Aspect 4] The animal excrement treatment material according to Aspect 1A, 1B, 2 or 3, wherein the plurality of microcapsules have the above average film thickness of 0.10 μm or more.

[0020] In the above-mentioned animal waste treatment material, the multiple microcapsules have a predetermined lower limit for average film thickness. Therefore, when using the above-mentioned animal waste treatment material, if the microcapsules come into contact with the animal's legs, the animal waste treatment material, etc., the microcapsules are less likely to be excessively damaged, and the functional components are more likely to exert their functions over a long period of time.

[0021] [Aspect 5] The above-mentioned plurality of microcapsules have a W value of 40.0 or less, and are an animal excrement treatment material according to any one of embodiments 1A, 1B and 2-4. In the above-mentioned animal waste treatment material, the microcapsules have a predetermined W value. Therefore, the above-mentioned animal waste treatment material has microcapsules that are not easily visible as white, and is less likely to cause discomfort to animal owners.

[0022] [Aspect 6] A non-absorbent animal waste treatment material as described in any one of embodiments 1A, 1B, and 2 to 5. Since the above-mentioned animal waste treatment material is non-absorbent, when animals defecate onto the animal waste treatment material, the granular materials constituting the material do not form aggregates, and the microcapsules are not incorporated into the aggregates, allowing the functional components within the microcapsules to exert their functions.

[0023] [Aspect 7] The above-mentioned animal waste treatment material is the animal waste treatment material according to embodiment 6, having a water absorption ratio of 160% by mass or less.

[0024] The above-mentioned animal waste treatment material has a predetermined water absorption ratio. Therefore, even when the above-mentioned animal waste treatment material is used for a long period of time, the animal waste treatment material becomes less likely to absorb excrement, especially urine, and the animal waste treatment material becomes less likely to emit unpleasant odors derived from excrement. As a result, animal owners will be able to more easily perceive the function of the functional components in the microcapsules.

[0025] [Aspect 8] The above-mentioned animal waste treatment material is the animal waste treatment material according to embodiment 6 or 7, having a liquid permeability of 80% by mass or more.

[0026] The above-mentioned animal waste treatment material has a predetermined liquid permeability. Therefore, even when the above-mentioned animal waste treatment material is used for a long period of time, the animal waste treatment material becomes less likely to absorb excrement, especially urine, and the animal waste treatment material becomes less likely to emit unpleasant odors derived from excrement. As a result, animal owners will be able to more easily perceive the function of the functional components in the microcapsules.

[0027] [Aspect 9] The animal excrement treatment material according to any one of embodiments 1A, 1B and 2 to 8, wherein each of the above-mentioned multiple microcapsules is an impact-disintegrating type microcapsule.

[0028] In the above-mentioned animal waste treatment material, each of the multiple microcapsules is a shock-disintegrating type microcapsule. Therefore, when an animal stirs the animal waste treatment material during defecation, the materials come into contact with each other, making the microcapsules on the surface of the animal waste treatment material more likely to disintegrate, and allowing the functional components to exert their functions more easily.

[0029] [Aspect 10] An animal waste treatment material having multiple microcapsules containing functional components on its surface, The above multiple microcapsules have a W value of 40.0 or less. An animal waste disposal material characterized by the following features.

[0030] Because the above-mentioned animal waste treatment material has multiple microcapsules containing functional components on its surface, it is more effective at exhibiting the functions of the functional components compared to animal waste treatment materials that do not have multiple microcapsules containing functional components on their surface. Furthermore, because the above-mentioned animal waste treatment material has a predetermined W value, the microcapsules are less visible as white, and do not resemble mold that grows on animal waste. Based on the above, the above-mentioned animal waste treatment material allows the functional components contained within the microcapsules to exert their effects easily, and the microcapsules are not easily visible as white, thus minimizing discomfort to animal owners.

[0031] [Aspect 11] Microcapsules for animal waste treatment materials, The above microcapsules have a W value of 40.0 or less. A microcapsule characterized by the following features.

[0032] Because the above microcapsules have a predetermined W value, they are not easily visible as white, and do not resemble mold that grows on animal excrement. Therefore, when the above microcapsules are used in animal excrement treatment materials, they are less likely to cause discomfort to animal owners.

[0033] The animal waste treatment material and the microcapsules for the animal waste treatment material related to this disclosure will be described in detail below. Figures 1 and 2 illustrate an animal waste treatment material 3 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure (hereinafter referred to as the "first embodiment"). Specifically, Figure 1 is a diagram illustrating an animal waste treatment material 3 provided in a system toilet 1. Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of the animal waste treatment material 3.

[0034] The system toilet 1 comprises an upper container 5 having multiple holes in its bottom surface, on which an animal waste treatment material 3 is laid, and a lower container 7 positioned below the upper container 5, on which a waste treatment sheet 9 is placed. The bottom surface of the upper container 5 has a mesh-like structure with multiple holes (through holes). The structure of the bottom surface of the upper container 5 has the function of allowing liquid waste (e.g., urine) to pass through (draining moisture), that is, the function of a slatted mat. In the first embodiment, the system toilet 1 further comprises a cover 11 positioned above the upper container 5, which limits the entrance and exit for animals and suppresses the scattering of waste and the animal waste treatment material 3.

[0035] In the system toilet 1, the animal waste treatment material 3 has a predetermined initial absorption rate in water absorption tests. Therefore, liquid waste (e.g., urine) excreted by an animal (e.g., a cat) passes through the animal waste treatment material 3 with almost no absorption, and is absorbed and held in the waste treatment sheet 9 located below the animal waste treatment material 3. At the same time, the animal waste treatment material 3 acts as a lid for the waste treatment sheet 9, suppressing the diffusion of the foul odor of the waste held in the waste treatment sheet 9.

[0036] In the system toilet 1, the animal waste disposal material 3 does not absorb waste and form clumps, thus reducing the frequency of replacement of the animal waste disposal material 3. Furthermore, even if the animal scratches after defecating, the waste is less likely to stick to the animal's feet. In addition, in the system toilet 1, the bottom surface of the upper container 5 on which the animal waste disposal material 3 is laid and the waste disposal sheet 9 are spaced apart. Therefore, even if the animal stands on the animal waste disposal material 3 after defecating, the waste disposal sheet 9 is not subjected to the weight of the animal, and the waste absorbed by the waste disposal sheet 9 is less likely to flow back up.

[0037] As shown in Figure 2, the animal waste treatment material 3 is composed of multiple granular materials 13, and each of the multiple granular materials 13 has multiple microcapsules 15 containing a fragrance as a functional ingredient on its surface.

[0038] Multiple microcapsules 15 have a predetermined D50 and a predetermined average film thickness. This makes the microcapsules 15 less visible as white, and less likely to be mistaken for mold growing in the excretory parts of animals, thus reducing discomfort to animal owners. In addition, multiple microcapsules 15 have a W value of 40.0 or less. This makes the microcapsules less visible as white, and less likely to be mistaken for mold growing in the excretory parts of animals, thus reducing discomfort to animal owners.

[0039] The animal waste treatment material relating to this disclosure has multiple microcapsules containing functional components on its surface. The above-mentioned animal waste treatment material is composed of multiple granular materials. The above-mentioned animal waste treatment material can be a non-absorbent type of animal waste treatment material that is not intended to absorb animal waste, or an absorbent type of animal waste treatment material that is intended to absorb animal waste. The above-mentioned animal waste treatment material is preferably a non-absorbent type of animal waste treatment material. This ensures that when an animal defecates into the animal waste treatment material, the granular materials constituting the animal waste treatment material do not form aggregates, the microcapsules are not incorporated into the aggregates, and the functional components in the microcapsules can exert their functions.

[0040] The above-mentioned non-absorbable animal waste treatment material preferably has an initial absorption rate of 10% by mass or less. The above-mentioned initial absorption rate refers to the reduction rate (by mass) of artificial urine obtained by the following measurement method.

[0041] [Initial absorption rate measurement] (1) Using a cylindrical container (10 cm in diameter, 2 cm deep) having a rectangular opening of 2.75 mm x 23.5 mm and ribs 2 mm wide, with a grate at the bottom having an opening ratio of 25%, multiple granular materials (toilet sand) are laid on top of the grate to a thickness of 2 cm. (2) Using a dripping device with a tip having an inner diameter of 2.47 mm and an outer diameter of 5.47 mm, drip 20 g of artificial urine onto the cat litter from a position 3 cm above the surface of the cat litter over a period of 10 seconds. The above artificial urine is prepared by dissolving 200g of urea, 80g of sodium chloride, 8g of magnesium sulfate, 3g of calcium chloride, and approximately 1g of the dye Blue No. 1 in 10L of deionized water. (3) Collect the artificial urine that has passed through the litter and grate, and measure its mass: m (g). (4) Subtract the mass of the recovered artificial urine (m(g)) from the mass of the artificial urine used (20g) to calculate the decrease in artificial urine (Δm(g)), and then subtract the decrease rate of artificial urine (R) from this decrease (Δm). dThe (mass) percentage is obtained (=100 × Δm(g) / 20(g)). The rate of decrease of this artificial urine: R d Let this be the initial absorption rate (mass%).

[0042] Examples of the base material for the above-mentioned non-absorbent animal waste treatment material include inorganic materials such as zeolite-based materials containing zeolite as the main component, and silica-based materials containing silica or modified silica as the main component. The above-mentioned zeolite-based material is preferred from the viewpoint of having excellent adsorption properties (deodorizing function) and flexibility as a bedding material.

[0043] The above-mentioned zeolite-based material is a material containing 50% by mass or more of zeolite as the main component, preferably containing 50-95% by mass, more preferably 70-90% by mass, and even more preferably 75-85% by mass of zeolite. This allows the substrate to be imparted with adsorption properties (deodorizing function), thereby more effectively suppressing the generation of unpleasant odors, as well as improving the strength of the substrate itself and stably maintaining the shape of the substrate.

[0044] The base material of the above-mentioned non-absorbent animal waste treatment material may contain, in addition to the zeolite-based material, a solidifying agent consisting of a cement-based material, a non-cement-based material, or a combination thereof as an inorganic binder. The base material containing the solidifying agent hardens through a hydration reaction with water (urine), and cracks form when dry, allowing the microcapsules to be held within these cracks. Since the microcapsules held within these cracks are less likely to be destroyed than microcapsules attached to a flat base material surface, it is possible to effectively prevent the microcapsules from being excessively damaged by impacts during transportation in the manufacturing process or during the transport of the animal waste treatment material product. Furthermore, the base material containing the solidifying agent becomes less likely to absorb water (urine) due to the solidifying agent hardened by the hydration reaction with water (urine), and even if a small amount is absorbed, swelling or expansion does not occur. Therefore, the animal waste treatment material composed of the base material containing the solidifying agent can maintain the liquid permeability of liquid excrement such as urine excreted on the animal waste treatment material for a long period of time.

[0045] The above-mentioned cement-based material is a material that mainly contains calcium silicate and has the property of hardening through a hydration reaction with water. Examples of the above-mentioned cement-based material include Portland cement and white cement. Furthermore, if a low-alkaline cement is used as the above-mentioned cement-based material, the pH value of the granular material can be lowered, which can reduce the ammonia generated from liquid excrement such as urine, and thus more effectively prevent the generation of unpleasant odors.

[0046] The above-mentioned non-cementary materials are materials that harden through a hydration reaction with water, and are materials other than cement, i.e., materials that do not contain calcium silicate as a main component. Examples of the above-mentioned non-cementary materials include dolomite, calcium oxide, calcium sulfate (e.g., gypsum), magnesium oxide, or combinations thereof. Furthermore, when a material mainly composed of calcium sulfate, magnesium oxide, etc. is used as the above-mentioned non-cementary material, the hydroxide produced by the hydration reaction with water (urine) exhibits a weak alkalinity, which can lower the pH value of the granular material. This can reduce the ammonia generated from liquid excretions such as urine, and more effectively prevent the generation of unpleasant odors.

[0047] In the present invention, the low-absorption material may contain, in addition to the inorganic material and solidifying agent, any component such as a hardening accelerator, a thickening component (e.g., a cellulose-based material), or an adsorption-type deodorizing component (e.g., a porous material made of a metal oxide such as silica gel) within a predetermined range (for example, the thickening component may be 0.5% by mass or less, and the adsorption-type deodorizing component may be 10% by mass or less).

[0048] The base material of the above-mentioned non-absorbent animal waste treatment material can be a granular mass consisting of a mixture of the above-mentioned inorganic material and optionally a solidifying agent, coated with a non-absorbent or water-repellent coating agent. The treatment with the above-mentioned coating agent can be easily carried out by spraying the coating agent onto the surface of the granular mass. The above-mentioned coating agent is not particularly limited, and conventionally known wax-based resins such as paraffin wax, silicone-based resins, fluororesins, etc., can be used. The amount of coating agent applied is, for example, 0.01 to 5% by mass, preferably 0.05 to 1% by mass, and more preferably 0.1 to 0.5% by mass, relative to the mass of the granular base material.

[0049] In this invention, the base material is not limited to inorganic materials such as zeolite-based materials. For example, absorbent materials such as pulp and wood chips can be solidified into granules using a resin adhesive, or granular masses made of the absorbent material can be coated with the above-mentioned non-absorbent or water-repellent coating agent.

[0050] The base material formed from the base material containing the above-mentioned low-absorbent material has a slow absorption rate of water (urine) and a low absorption rate (but not zero). Therefore, granular material (animal waste treatment material) made using the above-mentioned base material hardly absorbs liquid excrement such as urine excreted by animals such as cats, or if it does absorb it, it absorbs only a small amount and can be quickly moved downward by gravity. Furthermore, the animal waste treatment material containing the above-mentioned low-absorbent material has some absorbency and can absorb liquid excrement that remains between the granules of the animal waste treatment material or on the bottom surface (grate) of the animal waste treatment material container after the liquid excrement such as urine has passed through the animal waste treatment material. This suppresses the foul odor and bacterial growth caused by residual liquid excrement, and helps maintain good hygiene in the system toilet using the animal waste treatment material.

[0051] Examples of base materials for absorbent animal waste treatment materials include wood, paper, bentonite, okara (soy pulp), superabsorbent polymers, scraps of absorbent articles such as disposable diapers and sanitary napkins, and scraps of sanitary products such as toilet paper and tissue paper.

[0052] The shape of the above-mentioned base material (i.e., the shape of the granular material) is not particularly limited, and any shape such as spherical or cylindrical can be used. However, a cylindrical shape is preferred from the viewpoint of preventing scattering of the animal waste treatment material during use and making it easier for animals to step on. The base material of the predetermined shape can be obtained, for example, by granulation using a compression molding device such as a disc pelletizer, briquette machine, or tablet press. Among these, granulation using a disc pelletizer or briquette machine is preferred because it allows for continuous mass production of granular material.

[0053] The above-mentioned multiple microcapsules can release the functional components they contain upon physical or chemical stimulation. Examples of physical stimulation include physical impact, heat, and light. Examples of chemical stimulation include contact with liquid. Preferably, the above-mentioned multiple microcapsules are impact-disintegrating microcapsules that release the functional components they contain upon physical impact, or water-disintegrating microcapsules that release the functional components they contain upon contact with liquid, especially water, and more preferably are impact-disintegrating microcapsules. Because the above-mentioned multiple microcapsules are impact-disintegrating microcapsules, when animals stir the animal waste treatment material during excretion, the animal waste treatment material comes into contact with each other, making it easier for the microcapsules placed on the surface of the animal waste treatment material to disintegrate, and making it easier for the functional components to exert their functions.

[0054] The material for the impact-disintegrating microcapsules described above can be any material that has a predetermined strength that allows it to collapse under the load applied when an animal steps on an animal waste disposal material, or under the impact of an animal's sand-digging behavior, without any particular limitations. Examples of materials for the impact-disintegrating microcapsules described above include melamine resin, polyurethane resin, polyurea resin, polyester resin, gelatin, polystyrene resin, polycarbonate resin, urea-formaldehyde resin, and any combination thereof.

[0055] Melamine resin is preferred as the material for the above-mentioned impact-disintegrating microcapsules. This is because melamine resin can accurately form an outer shell with appropriate strength that is not destroyed by friction or minor impacts that occur during the transportation of animal waste treatment products, but is only destroyed by the load applied when animals such as cats stand on the animal waste treatment product, or by the impact caused by the animals' sand-digging behavior.

[0056] Examples of materials for the above-mentioned water-disintegrating microcapsules include sugars, such as monosaccharides (e.g., glucose), disaccharides (e.g., sucrose), polysaccharides (e.g., dextrin, glucomannan, sodium alginate, water-soluble starch, etc.), gelatin, and water-soluble polymers (e.g., polyvinyl alcohol, polyvinyl acetate, etc.).

[0057] The above-mentioned multiple microcapsules have a volume-average D50 of preferably 10.0 μm or more, more preferably 11.0 μm or more, even more preferably 12.0 μm or more, and even more preferably 13.0 μm or more. This makes the microcapsules less visible as white and less likely to cause discomfort to animal caretakers.

[0058] Furthermore, the above-mentioned plurality of microcapsules have a volume average D50 of preferably 25.0 μm or less, more preferably 20.0 μm or less, and even more preferably 18.0 μm or less. As a result, when using the above-mentioned animal waste treatment material, the microcapsules are less likely to come into excessive contact with the animal waste treatment material, the microcapsules are less likely to be excessively destroyed, and the functional components are more likely to exert their functions over a long period of time.

[0059] The above-mentioned plurality of microcapsules have a volume average D10 of preferably 2.1 μm or more, more preferably 2.5 μm or more, even more preferably 2.7 μm or more, even more preferably 3.0 μm or more, and even more preferably 3.5 μm or more. As a result, in the above-mentioned animal waste treatment material, light that reaches the microcapsules (e.g., indoor lights, sunlight, etc.) is less likely to be scattered at the microcapsules, making it less likely to appear white and less likely to cause discomfort to animal owners.

[0060] In this disclosure, volume-averaged D50 and D10 can be measured using the MT3300EX II particle size distribution analyzer manufactured by Microtrac-Bell Corporation.

[0061] The above-mentioned multiple microcapsules preferably have an average film thickness of 0.50 μm or less, more preferably 0.47 μm or less, even more preferably 0.44 μm or less, and even more preferably 0.42 μm or less. This makes the microcapsules less visible as white, and less likely to cause discomfort to animal caretakers.

[0062] Furthermore, the above-mentioned plurality of microcapsules preferably have an average film thickness of 0.10 μm or more, more preferably 0.20 μm or more, more preferably 0.25 μm or more, and even more preferably 0.30 μm or more. As a result, when the above-mentioned animal excrement treatment material is used, if the microcapsules come into contact with the animal's legs, the animal excrement treatment material, etc., the microcapsules are less likely to be excessively destroyed, and the functional components are more likely to exert their functions over a long period of time.

[0063] In this disclosure, the average film thickness is determined by measuring the film thickness of 30 different microcapsules using a digital microscope manufactured by Keyence Corporation, and adopting the average value.

[0064] The above-mentioned plurality of microcapsules preferably have a W value of 40.0 or less, more preferably 35.0 or less, even more preferably 30.0 or less, even more preferably 28.0 or less, and even more preferably 26.0 or less. In addition, the above-mentioned plurality of microcapsules preferably have a W value of 2.0 or more, and more preferably 4.0 or more. As a result, the microcapsules are less visible as white and are less likely to cause discomfort to animal caretakers.

[0065] In this disclosure, the W value of multiple microcapsules can be measured as follows: (1) Leave the animal waste treatment material undisturbed for 24 hours in a constant temperature and humidity chamber with a temperature of 25°C ± 5°C and a relative humidity of 65 ± 5% RH. (2) Microcapsules are removed from animal excrement that has been left to stand for 24 hours, and the removed microcapsules are dispersed in a solvent 1.5 times their mass to form a microcapsule dispersion. The solvent used is deionized water if the microcapsules are not water-disintegrating type microcapsules, and if the microcapsules are water-disintegrating type microcapsules, a solvent in which the microcapsules do not dissolve, such as toluene, xylene, or an aliphatic hydrocarbon solvent.

[0066] (3) Using a micropipette, drop 100 μL of the above microcapsule dispersion onto black drawing paper (Lintec Corporation, New Color R, black, No. 418) from a height of 1 cm over 5 seconds to form spots. (4) Allow the spots of microcapsules on the black drawing paper to air dry in the constant temperature and humidity chamber described above for 12 hours. (5) The wattage of the microcapsule spots on the black drawing paper is measured using a color difference meter (Color meter ZE6000, manufactured by Nippon Denshoku Industries Ltd.). (6) Measure the W value a total of 10 times at different spots and use the average value.

[0067] The above-mentioned functional ingredients are not particularly limited as long as they can be encapsulated in microcapsules, and examples include fragrances, deodorants, antibacterial agents, disinfectants, skincare agents, warming agents, and cooling agents. Examples of the above fragrances include alcohols such as geranol, citronellol, citral, eugenol, phenethyl alcohol, thymol, linalool, leaf alcohol, menthol, and benzyl alcohol; esters such as dicyclopentadienepropionate and hexyl acetate; aldehydes such as hexyl cinnamaldehyde; ketones such as methyl ionone, β-ionone, and δ-damascone; and any combination thereof.

[0068] When the animal excrement treatment material according to this disclosure is a non-absorbent animal excrement treatment material, the animal excrement treatment material preferably has a water absorption ratio of 160% by mass or less, more preferably 130% by mass or less, and even more preferably 125% by mass or less. As a result, even when the animal excrement treatment material is used for a long time, the animal excrement treatment material becomes less likely to absorb excrement, especially urine, the animal excrement treatment material becomes less likely to emit malodorous odors derived from excrement, and the functional components in the microcapsules are more likely to exert their functions. The lower limit of the water absorption ratio is 0% by mass.

[0069] In this disclosure, the method for measuring the water absorption ratio is as follows: (1) Measure the mass (m0) of approximately 100g of animal waste disposal material sample and place it in a container. (2) Pour water into the container so that the animal waste disposal material is completely submerged, and let it stand for 10 minutes. (3) Transfer the animal waste disposal material to a colander to drain the water, then spread it evenly on the pet sheet, wipe the surface, and let it stand for 5 minutes.

[0070] (4) After standing for 5 minutes, measure the mass of the animal waste treatment material: m1 (g). (5) Water absorption ratio: R (mass%) is given by the following formula: R (mass%)=100×m1 / m0 It is calculated by [method]. (6) The water absorption ratio is measured a total of five times using samples of different animal waste treatment materials, and the average value is adopted.

[0071] When the animal excrement treatment material relating to this disclosure is a non-absorbent animal excrement treatment material, the animal excrement treatment material preferably has a liquid permeability of 80% by mass or more, more preferably 85% by mass or more, and even more preferably 90% by mass or more. As a result, even when the animal excrement treatment material is used for a long time, the animal excrement treatment material becomes less likely to absorb excrement, especially urine, the animal excrement treatment material becomes less likely to emit malodorous odors derived from excrement, and the functional components in the microcapsules are more likely to exert their functions. The upper limit of the liquid permeability is 100% by mass.

[0072] In this disclosure, the method for measuring liquid permeability is as follows: (1) Fill the entire inside of a cylinder with an inner diameter of 84 mm and a depth of 30 mm with a sample of animal waste treatment material. (2) Add approximately 20 g of deionized water, measured by mass: m²(g), to the sample from a height of 2 cm above the cylinder. (3) The deionized water that has passed through the cylinder and flowed out from the bottom of the cylinder is collected and its mass: m3 (g) is measured. (4) Liquid permeability: T (mass%) is given by the following formula: T (mass%)=100×m3 / m2 It is calculated by [method]. (5) The liquid permeability is measured a total of five times using samples of different animal waste treatment materials, and the average value is adopted.

[0073] The above microcapsules can be manufactured, for example, according to the following manufacturing method (which may be referred to as "Manufacturing Method I" below). (i) Disperse the functional components in water in a reaction vessel equipped with a stirrer and stir under arbitrary temperature conditions (for example, a temperature in the range of 60 to 90°C) to prepare a functional component dispersion in which the functional components are dispersed at arbitrary particle sizes. The concentration of the functional components in the functional component dispersion is not particularly limited, but is for example in the range of 0.1 to 30% by mass. (ii) In a reaction vessel separate from the above-mentioned functional component dispersion, monomer components (e.g., melamine and formaldehyde) are added to water and polycondensed at an arbitrary temperature under neutral or alkaline conditions to prepare a water-soluble prepolymer. The reaction time for preparing this prepolymer is, for example, 5 to 30 minutes. When melamine and formaldehyde are used as monomer components, the mixing ratio (molar ratio) of melamine:formaldehyde is 1:2 to 1:6, and the concentration of each added is within the range of 1 to 30% by mass. (iii) A dispersant consisting of the above-mentioned prepolymer, a surfactant, and optionally a stabilizer is added to the above-mentioned functional component dispersion, and then the pH of the mixture is adjusted to a range of 2 to 6 using an acid such as citric acid, sulfuric acid, or hydrochloric acid. The above-mentioned prepolymer is then polycondensed at a temperature of 60 to 70°C for 1 to 3 hours to obtain microcapsules in which the functional component is held inside the outer shell of the polymer component. At this time, the above-mentioned microcapsules are obtained in the form of a dispersion in water, and the dispersion contains, for example, 0.1 to 20% by mass of microcapsules and 0.01 to 10% by mass of dispersant.

[0074] Furthermore, the average particle size of the microcapsules can be increased, for example, by increasing the particle size of the dispersion of the functional ingredient in step (i). For this reason, for example, the amount of dispersant can be reduced compared to conventional methods. Furthermore, the average film thickness of the above microcapsules can be reduced, for example, by reducing the amount of prepolymer relative to the functional component in step (iii).

[0075] Microcapsules containing the above-mentioned functional ingredients can also be formed, for example, by combining the methods described in Japanese Patent Publication No. 06-093570 and other conventionally known methods.

[0076] In the present invention, the means for attaching a plurality of microcapsules containing fragrance to a granular substrate are not particularly limited. For example, the plurality of microcapsules can be attached to the substrate by spraying them onto the substrate in the form of a powder, either as a powder or in the form of a dispersion liquid obtained by dispersing the powdered microcapsules in a dispersion medium such as water. [Examples]

[0077] [Manufacturing Example 1] 69.8% by mass of zeolite powder (from Aiko, Miyagi Prefecture, 60 mesh passed grade, average particle size 150 μm, moisture content 7% or less), 20% by mass of white cement (manufactured by Taiheiyo Cement Corporation) as a solidifying agent, 10% by mass of type C silica gel (from Qingdao, China) as an adsorption-type deodorizing component, and 0.2% by mass of modified cellulose as a thickening component were mixed, and then 50% by mass of water was added and the mixture was stirred and mixed in a leige mixer. The mixture obtained by stirring and mixing was compressed and granulated in a disc pelletizer (manufactured by Dalton Co., Ltd., disc outlet opening dimensions: diameter 5.5 mm, disc thickness: 35 mm, effective length: 12 mm) to obtain multiple approximately cylindrical substrates. The obtained approximately cylindrical substrates had an average particle size (diameter of the base of the cylinder) of 5.5 mm, an average particle length (height of the cylinder) of 25 mm, and an initial absorption rate of 9% by mass.

[0078] Next, the obtained multiple roughly cylindrical substrates were left at room temperature (20°C) for 72 hours to allow the hardening reaction of the white cement (solidifying agent) to proceed. After that, the substrates were dried using a rotary kiln dryer until the finished moisture content was 10% by mass or less. The roughly cylindrical substrates obtained after drying had an average diameter of 5.5 mm and an average grain length of 9 mm.

[0079] [Manufacturing Example 2] In the manufacturing method I described herein, a functional component was used as a fragrance, and in step (i), the particle size of the dispersion of the functional component was increased, and in step (iii), the amount of prepolymer relative to the functional component was reduced to produce a dispersion of microcapsule No. 1. Table 1 shows the volume-average D50, volume-average D10, average film thickness, and W value of microcapsule No. 1. Figure 3 shows a photograph of the spot where the W value of microcapsule No. 1 was measured. The solid content after drying the dispersion of microcapsule No. 1 at 105°C for 2 hours was 40% by mass.

[0080] [Comparative Manufacturing Example 1] Microcapsule No. 2 dispersion was prepared in the same manner as in Production Example 2, except that in step (i) the particle size of the dispersion of functional components was reduced, and in step (iii) the amount of prepolymer was increased to three times the amount in mass compared to Production Example 2. The fragrance used was the same as that used in Production Example 2. Table 1 shows the volume-averaged D50, volume-averaged D10, average film thickness, and W value of microcapsule No. 2. Figure 4 shows a photograph of the spot where the W value of microcapsule No. 2 was measured. The solid content after drying the microcapsule No. 2 dispersion at 105°C for 2 hours was 40% by mass.

[0081] [Comparative Manufacturing Example 2] In step (iii), the amount of prepolymer was increased to three times the amount in mass compared to Production Example 2, except that the dispersion of microcapsules No. 3 was prepared in the same manner as in Production Example 2. The fragrance used was the same as that used in Production Example 2. The solid content after drying the dispersion of microcapsules No. 3 at 105°C for 2 hours was 40% by mass. Table 1 shows the volume-averaged D50, volume-averaged D10, average film thickness, and W value of microcapsules No. 3. Figure 5 shows a photograph of the spot where the W value of microcapsules No. 3 was measured.

[0082] [Example 1, and Comparative Examples 1 and 2] A dispersion of microcapsule No. 1 was placed in a hand spray bottle, and the dispersion of microcapsule No. 1 was sprayed onto the aforementioned multiple roughly cylindrical substrates from a distance of 40 cm. By allowing it to air dry for one week, animal waste treatment material No. 1 was obtained. The amount of the dispersion sprayed onto the multiple roughly cylindrical substrates was 1 g per 100 mL of substrate. Similarly, animal waste treatment material No. 2 was formed using a dispersion of microcapsule No. 2, and animal waste treatment material No. 3 was formed using a dispersion of microcapsule No. 3.

[0083] Ten volunteer subjects were asked to visually evaluate animal waste disposal materials No. 1 to No. 3 according to the following criteria. G: The microcapsules were generally transparent, and there was no sign of mold growth on the animal waste treatment material. B: The microcapsules were white, and it looked like mold was growing on the animal waste treatment material. The evaluations of all 10 volunteer subjects were identical, and the results are shown in Table 1. Photographs of animal waste treatment materials No. 1 and No. 2 are shown in Figures 6 and 7, respectively.

[0084] [Table 1] [Explanation of Symbols]

[0085] 1. System toilet 3. Animal waste disposal materials 5 Upper container 7 Lower container 9. Waste disposal sheet 11 Cover 13 Particulate matter 15 microcapsules

Claims

1. An animal waste treatment material having multiple microcapsules containing functional components on its surface, The plurality of microcapsules have a volume-averaged D50 of 10.0 μm or more, and an average film thickness of 0.50 μm or less. An animal waste disposal material characterized by the following features.

2. The animal excrement treatment material according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of microcapsules have a D50 based on a volume average of 25.0 μm or less.

3. The animal excrement treatment material according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of microcapsules have a volume average D10 of 2.1 μm or more.

4. The animal excrement treatment material according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of microcapsules have an average film thickness of 0.10 μm or more.

5. The animal excrement treatment material according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of microcapsules have a W value of 40.0 or less.

6. The animal waste treatment material according to claim 1, which is non-absorbent.

7. The animal waste treatment material according to claim 6, wherein the animal waste treatment material has a water absorption ratio of 160% by mass or less.

8. The animal waste treatment material according to claim 6, wherein the animal waste treatment material has a liquid permeability of 80% by mass or more.

9. The animal excrement treatment material according to claim 1, wherein each of the plurality of microcapsules is an impact-disintegrating type microcapsule.

10. An animal waste treatment material having multiple microcapsules containing functional components on its surface, The plurality of microcapsules have a W value of 40.0 or less. An animal waste disposal material characterized by the following features.

11. Microcapsules for animal waste treatment materials, The microcapsules have a W value of 40.0 or less. A microcapsule characterized by the following features.

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