Fibers, fabrics, accessories, and methods for manufacturing fibers

Abstract

To provide fibers, fabrics, accessories, and methods for manufacturing fibers that can shorten the time it takes to warm up. [Solution] The fiber F is obtained by kneading powder P, which contains iron oxide in a predetermined blending ratio within a specified range, preferably, for example, a blending ratio of 1% to 20% by weight of powder P, into the fiber material M. With such a fiber F, the time until it warms up can be shortened. The particle size of powder P is preferably 0.1 μm or more and less than 1 μm, and the blending ratio of powder P to material M is less than 10% by weight of material M.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to fibers, fabrics, wearing articles, and a method for manufacturing fibers.

Background Art

[0002] Among fiber products (wearing articles worn on the human body) worn in winter, there are those using moisture-absorbing and heat-generating fibers to enhance warmth (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] However, conventional wearing articles including the technology described in Patent Document 1 have been in a situation where it takes a long time for the body to warm up.

[0005] The present invention has been made in view of such a situation, and an object thereof is to provide fibers, fabrics, wearing articles, and a method for manufacturing fibers capable of shortening the time until warming.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] Fibers according to one aspect of the present invention are obtained as a result of kneading a powder containing iron oxide at a blending ratio within a predetermined range into a fiber material.

[0007] Further, a fabric according to one aspect of the present invention is fibers obtained as a result of kneading a powder containing iron oxide at a blending ratio within a predetermined range into a fiber material, different fibers from the fibers, It is composed of the following.

[0008] Furthermore, an attachment according to one aspect of the present invention is It is made from the aforementioned fabric and worn on the human body.

[0009] Furthermore, a method for producing fibers according to one aspect of the present invention is a method corresponding to the fibers according to the above-described aspect of the present invention. [Effects of the Invention]

[0010] According to the present invention, the time it takes to heat up can be reduced. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0011] [Figure 1] This figure shows an example of the structure of a fiber according to one embodiment of the present invention, obtained from image analysis of its cross-section. [Figure 2] This is a tabular diagram showing an example of test results when a light absorption and heat generation test was conducted on the fiber shown in Figure 1 and a comparative example fiber. [Figure 3] This is a graph corresponding to the test results in Figure 2. [Figure 4] This is a thermographic image corresponding to the test results in Figure 2. [Figure 5] This is a tabular diagram showing an example of test results when a moisture absorption and heat generation test was conducted on the fiber shown in Figure 1 and a comparative example fiber. [Figure 6] This is a graph corresponding to the test results in Figure 5. [Figure 7] This figure explains the sample used in the moisture absorption and heat generation test shown in Figure 5. [Figure 8] This is a thermographic image corresponding to the test results in Figure 5. [Figure 9] This figure shows an example of test results from a thermal effect experiment conducted on underwear using the fibers shown in Figure 1 and underwear using a comparative example fiber. [Figure 10]It is a tabular figure showing an example of a lava suitable for the powder kneaded into the fiber of FIG. 1 and the component ratio when the powder made of this lava is kneaded into the fiber. [Figure 11] It is a figure showing an example of the far-infrared radiation characteristics of a lava suitable for the powder kneaded into the fiber of FIG. 1 and a mineral serving as a comparative example. [Figure 12] It is a tabular figure showing an example of the test result when a light absorption heat generation test is performed on iron oxide contained in the fiber of FIG. 1 using a reagent. [Figure 13] It is a graph-form figure corresponding to the test result of FIG. 12. [Figure 14] It is a thermographic image figure corresponding to the test result of FIG. 12. [Figure 15] It is a thermographic image figure corresponding to the test result of FIG. 12. [Figure 16] It is a figure regarding verification of effective blending conditions of iron oxide using a reagent. [Figure 17] It is a tabular figure showing an example of the test result when a light absorption heat generation test is performed on a blending reagent (such as iron oxide). [Figure 18] It is a tabular figure showing an example of the test result when a light absorption heat generation test is performed on a blending reagent (such as iron oxide). [[ID=​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

[0013] Figure 1 shows an example of the structure of a fiber according to one embodiment of the present invention, obtained from image analysis of its cross-section.

[0014] The fiber F of one embodiment of the present invention is obtained by using a powder P containing iron oxide, described later, in a predetermined blending ratio within a specified range, and kneading this powder P into the material M of the fiber F. The following explanation assumes the incorporation of powder P, but does not eliminate the possibility of powder P adhering to the mixture.

[0015] As shown in Figure 1, there are multiple types of fiber F. While rayon is used for material M in this example, it is not particularly limited to other materials. Material M is preferably a material that functions as a moisture-absorbing and heat-generating fiber in its fibrous state. Examples include cotton, silk, wool, cupro, hemp, linen, and synthetic fibers, which have a high official moisture content.

[0016] Powder P is incorporated into the fiber F material M at a weight ratio of less than 10%. Furthermore, if it is incorporated at a concentration of 10% or more, there is a risk that the fibers F may break, preventing them from performing their intended function. As a lower limit, if the powder P is kneaded into the fiber F material M at a weight ratio of 1% or less, there is a risk that the effect of the fiber F in this embodiment, namely the effect of shortening the time until it warms up, may not be sufficiently obtained.

[0017] In this embodiment, the particle size of the powder P is less than 1 μm. Specifically, the particle size is between 0.1 μm and less than 1 μm. By reducing the particle size, a sufficient surface area can be secured within the material M of the fiber F. By securing a sufficient surface area, the ability to absorb heat and generate heat can be increased.

[0018] Powder P is obtained from basalt. Preferably, it is obtained from lava from Mount Fuji. In the following, to distinguish it from basalt itself, lava from Mount Fuji will be referred to as "Mount Fuji lava" or simply "lava." Powder P may be obtained from basalt or Mount Fuji lava, or it may consist of the components described below, or a combination of these components and powder obtained from basalt or Mount Fuji lava, etc.

[0019] The iron oxide blended into powder P shall contain at least ferrous oxide. Iron oxide, commonly known as iron-2 oxide (the 2 is actually a Roman numeral), is an iron oxide represented by the chemical formula FeO. If powder P is obtained, for example, from the lava of Mount Fuji as described above, the iron oxides contained therein are ferric oxide and ferrous oxide, which is present in a higher proportion than ferric oxide. Ferric oxide is commonly known as iron-3 oxide (the 3 is actually a Roman numeral), and its chemical formula is Fe2O3.

[0020] As will be explained later, when comparing ferrous oxide (FeO) and ferric oxide (Fe2O3), ferrous oxide (FeO) generates more far-infrared heat. Therefore, in this embodiment, the proportion of ferrous oxide (FeO) is higher than that of ferric oxide (Fe2O3). Furthermore, in this embodiment, the proportion of ferrous oxide (FeO) is increased to achieve the desired color and appearance of the Mount Fuji lava. The reason for the high proportion of ferrous oxide (FeO) is that, for example, a large amount of ferric oxide (Fe2O3) can lead to concerns such as rust formation, increased weight, and reduced strength.

[0021] Ferrous oxide (FeO) is blended in an amount of 1% to 20% by weight relative to powder P (preferably 5% to 20%, and more preferably 11% to 20%). Further details regarding formulations such as 1% to 20% and 5% to 20% will be explained later with reference to Figure 16, etc. As will be discussed later, ferrous oxide (FeO) has the advantage of exhibiting a strong correlation between its composition ratio and temperature, providing a sufficient effect on heat generation. In other words, ferrous oxide (FeO) has the advantage of allowing temperature control depending on the intended use and environment, such as in underwear, bedding, rugs, and socks, by adjusting its blending ratio.

[0022] The powder P preferably contains iron oxide, silicon dioxide, and aluminum oxide. The composition of silicon dioxide and aluminum oxide will be explained later with reference to Figure 16, etc. The ceramic components, such as silicon dioxide and aluminum oxide, are blended in just the right proportions, allowing the heat absorbed and generated by iron oxide to be conducted throughout the entire fiber F. Silicon dioxide can contribute to enhancing the moisture-absorbing and heat-generating properties of fiber F. The formulation of silicon dioxide will be explained later with reference to Figure 16, etc.

[0023] The left-hand image in the image analysis IA of Figure 1 is a SEM image of fiber F. Powder P is mixed into the material M of fiber F, and its presence can be confirmed from Figure 1. In the diagram on the left, among the multiple fibers F, the gray portion of the central fiber F is the material M itself, and the white particles scattered within it are granules of powder P (which appear white and shiny in the image).

[0024] In the image analysis (IA), the figure on the right shows the figure on the left after image processing and conversion to RGB. In the diagram on the right, points are plotted and connected by lines to understand the external shape of fiber F. The area inside the area enclosed by the lines (cross-sectional area of ​​fiber F) was calculated, and the amount of multiple particles of powder P contained was measured, which in this example was approximately 2% to 4%. Figure 1 shows that powder P is mixed into the fiber F at a weight ratio of 10% or less relative to the material M.

[0025] Here, we will explain the methods for producing powder P and fiber F. For the purposes of this explanation, we will assume that the source of powder P is Mount Fuji lava. Furthermore, we will assume that the material M of fiber F is rayon (however, it is not limited to basalt other than Mount Fuji lava, or any material (raw material) that functions as a moisture-absorbing, heat-generating fiber).

[0026] The first step involves preparing the lava itself from Mount Fuji. The amount of Mount Fuji lava is arbitrary. In the first step, black Mount Fuji lava is prepared (black lava contains a lot of ferrous oxide (FeO), while reddish Mount Fuji lava contains a lot of ferric oxide (Fe2O3)). The first step also involves sorting the lava in this way. The second step involves cutting the prepared Mount Fuji lava into plates of a predetermined size. For this cutting, a large diamond cutter, for example, is used.

[0027] The third step involves cutting the plate-shaped Mount Fuji lava into pieces, for example, the size of a fist. A large diamond belt cutter is used for this cutting. The fourth step involves crushing the fist-sized pieces of Mount Fuji lava until they are the size of small pebbles. In this process, for example, a drum-type crusher is used.

[0028] The fifth step involves breaking down the Mount Fuji lava, which has been reduced to the size of pebbles, into a fine powder, for example, with a particle size of 5 μm or less. In this process, for example, a dry grinder is used. The sixth step involves sieving the Mount Fuji lava, which has been reduced to a fine powder of 5 μm or less, to obtain a fine powder of, for example, less than 1 μm, i.e., powder P.

[0029] The seventh step involves kneading powder P, which has been reduced to a fine powder of less than 1 μm, into rayon (material M) to produce fiber F. Fiber F is produced, for example, in the form of cotton (rayon cotton is produced). Regarding the incorporation of powder P, one example is to incorporate approximately 10g of powder P per 100g of rayon fiber. An example of the mixing state of powder P is shown in Figure 1.

[0030] The eighth step involves mixing the manufactured rayon fiber with other materials such as cotton or acrylic fiber to spin yarn. Please note that the cotton and acrylic fibers used in the mixture are just examples.

[0031] Next, with reference to Figures 2 to 4, the light absorption and heat generation test of the rayon cotton described above (hereinafter sometimes referred to as powder-reinforced rayon cotton or powder-reinforced rayon cotton) will be explained. Figure 2 is a tabular diagram showing an example of test results when a light absorption and heat generation test was conducted on the fiber shown in Figure 1 and a comparative example fiber. Figure 3 is a graph corresponding to the test results in Figure 2. Figure 4 shows the thermographic image corresponding to the test results in Figure 2.

[0032] In Figure 2, the light absorption and heat generation test is a test that measures the temperature change when light is irradiated, and the test subjects here are (1) powder-processed rayon cotton and (2) unprocessed rayon cotton. As shown in Figure 2, (1) powder-infused rayon cotton is "cotton" made of fibers F into which powder P has been kneaded, and (2) unprocessed rayon cotton is a comparative product, that is, "cotton" made of general rayon fibers in which powder P has not been kneaded.

[0033] The measurement environment is 20°C and 65% RH. In preparation for the light absorption and heat generation test, 0.3 g each of samples (1) and (2), which had been loosened under controlled temperature and humidity conditions in the measurement environment, were packed into 8.5 cm diameter plastic petri dishes. As part of the test method, the sample was placed under a solar light (500W) and irradiated with the light under the following conditions. Furthermore, the sample irradiation surface was photographed using thermography during light irradiation. The irradiation time is divided into two parts: the first 30 minutes of the 60-minute session are for irradiation, and the last 30 minutes are when the lights are off. The irradiance is approximately 800 W / m². 2The light source is an artificial solar lamp.

[0034] As shown in the test items and results TC1 in Figure 2, the initial (before irradiation) temperature (°C) of the samples was 21.8 for (1) powder-processed rayon cotton and 21.2 for (2) unprocessed rayon cotton. Five minutes after the start of irradiation, the temperature (°C) of the samples was 38.8 for (1) powder-processed rayon cotton and 26.6 for (2) unprocessed rayon cotton. Ten minutes after the start of irradiation, the temperature (°C) of the samples was 40.9 for (1) powder-processed rayon cotton and 27.7 for (2) unprocessed rayon cotton. Fifteen minutes after the start of irradiation, the temperature (°C) of the samples was 41.6 for (1) powder-processed rayon cotton and 28.2 for (2) unprocessed rayon cotton. Twenty minutes after the start of irradiation, the temperature (°C) of the samples was 41.4 for (1) powder-processed rayon cotton and 28.2 for (2) unprocessed rayon cotton. The temperature (°C) of the samples 25 minutes after the start of irradiation was 42.0 for (1) powder-processed rayon cotton and 28.4 for (2) unprocessed rayon cotton. The temperature (°C) of the samples 30 minutes after the start of irradiation was 41.4 for (1) powder-processed rayon cotton and 28.4 for (2) unprocessed rayon cotton.

[0035] 35 minutes after the start (5 minutes after the lights were turned off), the temperature (°C) of the samples was 24.1 for (1) powder-processed rayon cotton and 22.6 for (2) unprocessed rayon cotton. Forty minutes after the start (10 minutes after the lights were turned off), the temperature (°C) of the samples was 22.4 for (1) powder-processed rayon cotton and 21.8 for (2) unprocessed rayon cotton. 45 minutes after the start (15 minutes after lights out), the temperature (°C) of the samples was 21.8 for (1) powder-processed rayon cotton and 21.5 for (2) unprocessed rayon cotton. Fifty minutes after the start (20 minutes after lights were turned off), the temperature (°C) of the samples was 21.5 for (1) powder-processed rayon cotton and 21.3 for (2) unprocessed rayon cotton. 55 minutes after the start (25 minutes after lights out), the temperature (°C) of the samples was 21.3 for (1) powder-processed rayon cotton and 21.2 for (2) unprocessed rayon cotton. 60 minutes after the start (30 minutes after lights out), the temperature (°C) of the samples was 21.1 for (1) powder-processed rayon cotton and 21.0 for (2) unprocessed rayon cotton.

[0036] (1) The maximum exothermic temperature (°C) of powder-processed rayon cotton was 41.6, and (2) the maximum exothermic temperature of unprocessed rayon cotton was 28.4. Therefore, it was found that (1) powder-processed rayon cotton was 13.2°C higher than (2) unprocessed rayon cotton.

[0037] The test results described above can be represented graphically as shown in Figure 3 (Test Results TR1-1) and Figure 4 (Test Results TR1-2). Figure 3 shows that, 5 minutes after the start of irradiation, the temperature rapidly increased to 38.8°C, which is approximately 93% of the maximum heat generation temperature (°C). This indicates that an advantage was gained in the speed of the radiative reaction after heat absorption. The speed of the radiative reaction is due to the iron oxide contained in powder P. Figure 4 shows that (1) the powder-processed rayon cotton maintains a high temperature until 30 minutes after the start of irradiation. In the thermographic image taken 30 minutes after the start of irradiation, (1) the powder-processed rayon cotton was 41.4°C, and (2) the unprocessed rayon cotton was 28.4°C, clearly showing that the powder-processed rayon cotton maintained a significantly higher temperature.

[0038] Next, with reference to Figures 5 to 8, we will describe the hygroscopic and heat-generating tests of powder-infused rayon and regular rayon. Figure 5 is a tabular diagram showing an example of test results when a moisture absorption and heat generation test was conducted on the fiber shown in Figure 1 and a comparative example fiber. Figure 6 is a graph corresponding to the test results in Figure 5. Figure 7 is a diagram illustrating the sample used in the moisture absorption and heat generation test shown in Figure 5. Figure 8 shows the thermographic image corresponding to the test results in Figure 5.

[0039] In Figure 5, the moisture absorption and heat generation test involves leaving the test specimen in a low-humidity environment for more than 4 hours, then moving it to a high-humidity environment, and measuring the surface temperature of the sample every minute for 30 minutes using thermography. The test specimen is a cushion-shaped sample measuring 10cm x 10cm, with sides of approximately 10cm, as shown in sample SP in Figure 7. The measurement surface is the surface of the test specimen. Specifically, it is a circular area with a diameter of approximately 5 cm in the center of the test specimen. The test results are the average of two measurements taken at a point approximately 5 cm in diameter. A low-humidity environment is defined as a humidity of 20±2°C and a humidity of 40±5%RH, while a high-humidity environment is defined as a humidity of 20±2°C and a humidity of 90±5%RH. In the test specimens, powder-infused rayon consists of fibers F into which powder P has been kneaded, while regular rayon consists of general rayon fibers.

[0040] As shown in Figure 5 (Test Item / Result TC2) and Figure 6 (Test Result TR2-1), the measured temperature (°C) at the start (0 minutes) was 20.6 for powder-infused rayon and 20.5 for regular rayon (see Figure 8 (Test Result TR2-2) for the thermographic image). The measured temperature (°C) after 1 minute was 22.4 for powder-infused rayon and 22.4 for regular rayon (see test results TR2-2 in Figure 8 for the thermographic image after 1 minute). The measured temperature (°C) after 2 minutes was 22.4 for powder-infused rayon and 22.5 for regular rayon (see test results TR2-2 in Figure 8 for the thermographic image after 2 minutes). The measured temperature (°C) after 3 minutes was 22.4 for powder-infused rayon and 22.4 for regular rayon (see test results TR2-2 in Figure 8 for the thermographic image after 3 minutes). The measured temperature (°C) after 4 minutes was 22.4 for powder-infused rayon and 22.4 for regular rayon. The measured temperatures (°C) after 5 minutes were 22.5 for powder-infused rayon and 22.4 for regular rayon. The measured temperature (°C) after 6 minutes was 22.3 for powder-infused rayon and 22.3 for regular rayon. The measured temperature (°C) after 7 minutes was 22.4 for powder-infused rayon and 22.4 for regular rayon. The measured temperatures (°C) after 8 minutes were 22.4 for powder-infused rayon and 22.3 for regular rayon. The measured temperatures (°C) after 9 minutes were 22.3 for powder-infused rayon and 22.2 for regular rayon.

[0041] The measured temperatures (°C) after 10 minutes were 22.4 for powder-infused rayon and 22.3 for regular rayon (see test results TR2-2 in Figure 8 for the thermographic image after 10 minutes). The measured temperatures (°C) after 11 minutes were 22.2 for powder-infused rayon and 22.2 for regular rayon. The measured temperature (°C) after 12 minutes was 22.2 for powder-infused rayon and 22.2 for regular rayon. The measured temperatures (°C) after 13 minutes were 22.2 for powder-infused rayon and 22.1 for regular rayon. The measured temperatures (°C) after 14 minutes were 22.1 for powder-infused rayon and 22.0 for regular rayon. The measured temperatures (°C) after 15 minutes were 22.1 for powder-infused rayon and 22.0 for regular rayon. The measured temperatures (°C) after 16 minutes were 22.2 for powder-infused rayon and 22.1 for regular rayon. The measured temperatures (°C) after 17 minutes were 22.1 for powder-infused rayon and 22.0 for regular rayon. The measured temperatures (°C) after 18 minutes were 22.1 for powder-infused rayon and 22.0 for regular rayon. The measured temperatures (°C) after 19 minutes were 22.1 for powder-infused rayon and 22.0 for regular rayon.

[0042] The measured temperatures (°C) after 20 minutes were 22.0 for powder-infused rayon and 21.9 for regular rayon. The measured temperatures (°C) after 21 minutes were 22.0 for powder-infused rayon and 21.9 for regular rayon. The measured temperatures (°C) after 22 minutes were 22.0 for powder-infused rayon and 21.9 for regular rayon. The measured temperatures (°C) after 23 minutes were 22.0 for powder-infused rayon and 21.9 for regular rayon. The measured temperatures (°C) after 24 minutes were 22.1 for powder-infused rayon and 22.0 for regular rayon. The measured temperatures (°C) after 25 minutes were 22.0 for powder-infused rayon and 21.9 for regular rayon. The measured temperatures (°C) after 26 minutes were 21.9 for powder-infused rayon and 21.9 for regular rayon. The measured temperatures (°C) after 27 minutes were 21.9 for powder-infused rayon and 21.8 for regular rayon. The measured temperatures (°C) after 28 minutes were 22.0 for powder-infused rayon and 21.9 for regular rayon. The measured temperatures (°C) after 29 minutes were 22.0 for powder-infused rayon and 21.9 for regular rayon. The measured temperatures (°C) after 30 minutes were 21.9 for powder-infused rayon and 21.8 for regular rayon (see test results TR2-2 in Figure 8 for the thermographic image after 30 minutes).

[0043] Figures 5 and 6 show that both powder-infused rayon and regular rayon experienced a temperature increase of approximately 2°C. It was found that powder-infused rayon consistently maintained a higher heat generation of about 0.1°C than regular rayon even after 5 minutes. Therefore, it was found that by kneading powder P into rayon, the heat retention capacity of rayon—the ability to retain the heat generated by the rayon—was improved by about 5% compared to regular rayon. One factor contributing to this improved retention capacity is the presence of silicon dioxide in powder P. The silicon dioxide increases the hygroscopic capacity, which in turn amplifies the effect of adsorption heat.

[0044] Next, we will explain the thermal effect experiment with reference to Figure 9. Figure 9 shows an example of test results from a thermal effect experiment conducted on underwear using the fibers shown in Figure 1 and underwear using a comparative example fiber.

[0045] In the test results TR3 shown in Figure 9, the powder-infused rayon blend underwear contains fiber F with powder P kneaded into it, while the unprocessed rayon blend underwear contains the regular rayon (general rayon fiber) mentioned above. For reference, underwear without iron oxide, i.e., mineral-infused underwear without iron oxide, is also included here.

[0046] The powder-infused rayon blend underwear is manufactured with the following composition: 56% powder-infused rayon, 29% cotton, 10% nylon, and 5% polyurethane. Unprocessed rayon blend underwear is manufactured with a composition of 39% polyester, 31% acrylic, 20% regular rayon (as mentioned above), and 10% polyurethane. Iron oxide-free mineral-infused underwear is made from a blend of 64% cotton and 36% mineral-infused polyester.

[0047] Figure 9 shows the test results TR3, which were obtained when a 32-year-old female subject, 153 cm tall and weighing 49 kg, wore these three types of underwear in a room with an ambient temperature of 27°C and humidity of 40%. Skin surface temperature was measured by taking thermographic images of the skin surface before wearing, 10 minutes after wearing, and 30 minutes after wearing (the thermographic image is from 10 minutes after wearing).

[0048] The powder-infused rayon blend underwear resulted in skin surface temperatures of 32°C before wearing, 34.0°C 10 minutes after wearing (temperature increase of 2°C), and 34.7°C 30 minutes after wearing (temperature increase of 2.7°C). In contrast, the unprocessed rayon blend underwear showed skin surface temperatures of 32.2°C before wearing, 33.8°C 10 minutes after wearing (temperature increase of 1.6°C), and 34.3°C 30 minutes after wearing (temperature increase of 2.1°C). Underwear containing minerals without iron oxide resulted in skin surface temperatures of 32.1°C before wearing, 33.5°C 10 minutes after wearing (temperature increase of 1.4°C), and 34.4°C 30 minutes after wearing (temperature increase of 2.3°C).

[0049] Figure 9 shows that the powder-infused rayon blend underwear maintained a higher skin surface temperature 10 minutes and 30 minutes after wearing, demonstrating its superiority over unprocessed rayon blend underwear and iron oxide-free mineral-infused underwear. This advantage can be attributed to two effects: the far-infrared heating effect from the iron oxide contained in powder P, and the enhanced moisture-absorbing and heating effect from the silicon dioxide also contained in powder P.

[0050] In thermal effect experiments, it was found that powder-infused rayon blend underwear produced the two effects described above through double heating by far-infrared heat generation and moisture absorption heat generation (unprocessed rayon blend underwear only produced moisture absorption heat generation, and iron oxide-free mineral-infused underwear only produced far-infrared heat generation, demonstrating the superiority of powder-infused rayon blend underwear).

[0051] Here, referring to Figure 10, we will explain suitable lava for processing into powder P and the component ratio when this lava-derived powder P is kneaded into fiber F. Figure 10 is a table showing suitable lava for the powder to be kneaded into the fibers in Figure 1, and an example of the component ratio when this lava powder is kneaded into the fibers. Furthermore, it is not limited to lava; any basalt with the components described below will suffice.

[0052] As a suitable lava for powder P, the component ratio CR1 shown in Figure 10 lists Aokigahara lava, which originates from Narusawa Village, Yamanashi Prefecture. This lava contained 51.34% silicon dioxide (SiO2), 17.17% aluminum oxide (Al2O3), and 10.99% iron oxide (FeO) as its main components. Other components included calcium oxide (CaO) at 9.81%, magnesium oxide (MgO) at 5.27%, sodium oxide (Na2O) at 2.71%, titanium dioxide (TiO2) at 1.44%, potassium oxide (K2O) at 0.79%, phosphorus pentoxide (P2O5) at 0.30%, and manganese oxide (MnO) at 0.18%.

[0053] The lava components in fiber F contained 44.65% silicon dioxide (SiO2), 13.03% aluminum oxide (Al2O3), and 7.40% iron oxide (FeO). Furthermore, it contained 6.53% calcium oxide (CaO), 4.30% magnesium oxide (MgO), 17.17% sodium oxide (Na2O), 0.00% titanium dioxide (TiO2), 6.92% potassium oxide (K2O), 0.00% phosphorus pentoxide (P2O5), and 0.00% manganese oxide (MnO).

[0054] The reason why the composition ratio differs from that of Aokigahara lava is that the amount of sodium oxide (Na2O) and potassium oxide (K2O) derived from the chemicals used in the rayon manufacturing process (corresponding to the seventh step mentioned above) has increased, resulting in a relative decrease in these other elements.

[0055] Figure 11 shows an example of the far-infrared radiation properties of suitable lava and comparative minerals for the powder P kneaded into the fiber F in Figure 1. In Figure 11, the horizontal axis of the graph represents wavelength (μm), and the vertical axis represents far-infrared emissivity (the top value of 1 corresponds to 100%). It is known that the thermal energy of far-infrared radiation increases as the wavelength decreases. Therefore, if the emissivity in the low-wavelength range is high, it can absorb thermal energy and generate heat. In the test results TR4 (far-infrared emissivity measurement results) shown in Figure 11, for example, ceramics C (for example, the mineral used in Figure 9) show a decrease in far-infrared emissivity in the low wavelength range of 5 μm or less, but Mount Fuji lava L shows a high far-infrared emissivity of 80% to over 90% even in the low wavelength range of 5 μm or less. Because the far-infrared emissivity is high even in the low wavelength range of 5 μm or less, heat absorption and heating speed are increased (see, for example, Figures 2 to 4).

[0056] To explain in more detail, the human body is composed of approximately 70% water. Therefore, it easily absorbs far-infrared rays, which penetrate to a depth of about 0.2 mm from the body surface and are converted into thermal energy. This converted heat is then transmitted throughout the body via the blood flowing through the capillaries, making you feel warm from the core. Far-infrared radiation refers to the wavelength range of 2 μm to 20 μm, but the thermal energy is particularly high in the low-wavelength region of 3 μm to 5 μm or less. In general minerals, the emissivity drops to about 50% in the 3 μm to 5 μm region, but as shown in Figure 11, the far-infrared emissivity of Mount Fuji lava L is over 80% even in the 3 μm to 5 μm region, showing no decrease. This is because it contains iron oxide.

[0057] Next, referring to Figures 12 to 15, we will explain the test results when a light absorption and heat generation test was performed on the iron oxide contained in fiber F using reagents. Figure 12 is a tabular diagram showing an example of test results when a light absorption and heat generation test was performed using reagents on the iron oxide contained in the fibers shown in Figure 1. Figure 13 is a graph corresponding to the test results in Figure 12. Figure 14 is a thermographic image corresponding to the test results in Figure 12. Figure 15 is a thermographic image corresponding to the test results in Figure 12.

[0058] The purpose of this study is to identify the component with the highest far-infrared heat generation properties among the aforementioned main components: iron oxide (FeO), silicon dioxide (SiO2), and aluminum oxide (Al2O3), by conducting a light absorption and heat generation test. In the light absorption and heat generation tests shown in Figures 12 to 15, the samples were of four types: (1) ferrous oxide (FeO), (2) ferric oxide (Fe2O3), (3) silicon dioxide (quartz type), and (4) aluminum oxide α type. The measurement environment is 20°C and 65% RH. In preparation for the light absorption and heat generation test, approximately 15g of each of the four types of samples mentioned above were flattened using a spatula in a round petri dish under the measurement environment. As part of the test method, the sample was placed under a solar light (500W) and irradiated with the light under the following conditions. Furthermore, the sample irradiation surface was photographed using thermography during light irradiation. The irradiation time was 30 minutes for the first half of the 60-minute session, and the lights were turned off for the remaining 30 minutes. The irradiance was approximately 800 W / m². 2 The light source is an artificial solar lamp.

[0059] As shown in the test items and results TC3 in Figure 12, the initial (pre-irradiation) temperatures (°C) of the samples were: (1) ferrous oxide at 21.1, (2) ferric oxide at 21.1, (3) silicon dioxide at 21.0, and (4) α-aluminum oxide at 20.9. Five minutes after the start of irradiation, the temperatures (°C) of the samples were as follows: (1) ferrous oxide was 58.6, (2) ferric oxide was 43.0, (3) silicon dioxide was 23.8, and (4) α-aluminum oxide was 24.4. The temperatures (°C) of the samples 10 minutes after the start of irradiation were as follows: (1) ferrous oxide was 63.5, (2) ferric oxide was 46.9, (3) silicon dioxide was 24.4, and (4) α-aluminum oxide was 25.2. The temperatures (°C) of the samples 15 minutes after the start of irradiation were as follows: (1) ferrous oxide was 64.7, (2) ferric oxide was 48.0, (3) silicon dioxide was 24.7, and (4) α-aluminum oxide was 25.6. The temperatures (°C) of the samples 20 minutes after the start of irradiation were as follows: (1) ferrous oxide was 65.0, (2) ferric oxide was 48.2, (3) silicon dioxide was 24.8, and (4) α-aluminum oxide was 25.7. The temperatures (°C) of the samples 25 minutes after the start of irradiation were as follows: (1) ferrous oxide was 64.9, (2) ferric oxide was 48.5, (3) silicon dioxide was 24.8, and (4) α-aluminum oxide was 25.7. The temperatures (°C) of the samples 30 minutes after the start of irradiation were as follows: (1) ferrous oxide was 65.8, (2) ferric oxide was 48.8, (3) silicon dioxide was 25.1, and (4) α-aluminum oxide was 25.7.

[0060] The temperatures (°C) of the samples 35 minutes after the start (5 minutes after the lights were turned off) were as follows: (1) ferrous oxide was 30.5, (2) ferric oxide was 28.3, (3) silicon dioxide was 22.2, and (4) α-aluminum oxide was 22.6. 40 minutes after the start (10 minutes after the lights were turned off), the temperatures (°C) of the samples were as follows: (1) ferrous oxide was 23.9, (2) ferric oxide was 23.6, (3) silicon dioxide was 21.4, and (4) α-aluminum oxide was 21.5. 45 minutes after the start (15 minutes after lights out), the temperatures (°C) of the samples were as follows: (1) ferrous oxide was 22.0, (2) ferric oxide was 22.1, (3) silicon dioxide was 21.1, and (4) α-aluminum oxide was 21.3. Fifty minutes after the start (20 minutes after lights out), the temperatures (°C) of the samples were as follows: (1) ferrous oxide: 21.5, (2) ferric oxide: 21.4, (3) silicon dioxide: 21.0, and (4) α-aluminum oxide: 21.1. The temperatures (°C) of the samples 55 minutes after the start (25 minutes after the lights were turned off) were as follows: (1) ferrous oxide was 21.2, (2) ferric oxide was 21.2, (3) silicon dioxide was 21.0, and (4) α-aluminum oxide was 20.9. The temperatures (°C) of the samples 60 minutes after the start (30 minutes after the lights were turned off) were as follows: (1) ferrous oxide was 21.2, (2) ferric oxide was 21.0, (3) silicon dioxide was 20.9, and (4) α-aluminum oxide was 20.9.

[0061] The amount of heat generated (heat increase (°C)) was 4.1 for (3) silicon dioxide and 4.8 for (4) α-type aluminum oxide, while (1) ferrous oxide was 44.7 and (2) ferric oxide was 27.7. Therefore, it was found that iron oxide has high heat generation (far-infrared heat generation). Furthermore, it was found that among iron oxides, (1) ferrous oxide has higher heat generation than (2) ferric oxide. Therefore, it was found that the iron oxide contained in powder P preferably consists of (1) only ferrous oxide, or (1) ferrous oxide in greater proportion than (2) ferric oxide.

[0062] The test results described above can be represented graphically as follows: Test result TR5-1 in Figure 13, Test result TR5-2 in Figure 14, and Test result TR5-3 in Figure 15. Figure 13 shows that the temperature rises sharply after 5 minutes (5 minutes after irradiation begins). Figure 14 shows that (1) ferrous oxide and (2) ferric oxide maintained high temperatures 30 minutes after the start of irradiation (30 minutes after the start of irradiation). (Since the samples were placed in round petri dishes, the thermographic image 30 minutes after the start of irradiation shows the areas where the temperature has risen as circles.)

[0063] Next, referring to Figure 16, we will explain the effective formulation conditions for iron oxide (ferrous oxide (FeO)) using reagents. Figure 16 shows the verification of effective formulation conditions for iron oxide using reagents.

[0064] The measurement conditions involved placing 15g each of 14 different reagents (see (1) to (14) in Figure 16) in petri dishes with varying mixing ratios, irradiating them with a 500W solar light for 30 minutes, and then measuring the temperature with a thermal camera. Under these conditions, the temperatures obtained after irradiating each of the 14 reagents for 30 minutes are shown in Figure 16, under the temperature results CR2 for each reagent.

[0065] Specifically, when the composition ratio of (1) was 74.3% silicon dioxide (SiO2), 24.8% aluminum oxide (Al2O3), and 1.00% iron oxide (FeO), the temperature (°C) after 30 minutes of irradiation was 39.4. (2) When the composition ratio was 73.5% silicon dioxide (SiO2), 24.5% aluminum oxide (Al2O3), and 2.00% iron oxide (FeO), the temperature (°C) after 30 minutes of irradiation was 41.5. In the case of (3), where the composition ratio was 72.75% silicon dioxide (SiO2), 24.25% aluminum oxide (Al2O3), and 3.00% iron oxide (FeO), the temperature (°C) after 30 minutes of irradiation was 44.4. In the case of (4), where the composition ratio was 70.58% silicon dioxide (SiO2), 23.53% aluminum oxide (Al2O3), and 5.90% iron oxide (FeO), the temperature (°C) after 30 minutes of irradiation was 47.6. In the case of (5), where the composition ratio was 69.23% silicon dioxide (SiO2), 23.08% aluminum oxide (Al2O3), and 7.70% iron oxide (FeO), the temperature (°C) after 30 minutes of irradiation was 49.4. In the case of (6), where the composition ratio was 67.50% silicon dioxide (SiO2), 22.50% aluminum oxide (Al2O3), and 10.00% iron oxide (FeO), the temperature (°C) after 30 minutes of irradiation was 51.8.

[0066] In the case of (7), where the composition ratio was 66.75% silicon dioxide (SiO2), 22.25% aluminum oxide (Al2O3), and 11.00% iron oxide (FeO), the temperature (°C) after 30 minutes of irradiation was 54.2. In the case of (8), where the composition ratio was 65.63% silicon dioxide (SiO2), 21.88% aluminum oxide (Al2O3), and 12.50% iron oxide (FeO), the temperature (°C) after 30 minutes of irradiation was 53.7. In the case of (9), where the composition ratio was 64.71% silicon dioxide (SiO2), 21.57% aluminum oxide (Al2O3), and 13.72% iron oxide (FeO), the temperature (°C) after 30 minutes of irradiation was 55.1. When the composition ratio of (10) was 62.55% silicon dioxide (SiO2), 20.85% aluminum oxide (Al2O3), and 16.60% iron oxide (FeO), the temperature (°C) after 30 minutes of irradiation was 56.7. When the composition ratio of (11) was 60.00% silicon dioxide (SiO2), 20.00% aluminum oxide (Al2O3), and 20.00% iron oxide (FeO), the temperature (°C) after 30 minutes of irradiation was 58.3.

[0067] When the composition ratio of (12) was 56.25% silicon dioxide (SiO2), 18.75% aluminum oxide (Al2O3), and 25.00% iron oxide (FeO), the temperature (°C) after 30 minutes of irradiation was 58.6. When the composition ratio of (13) was 37.5% silicon dioxide (SiO2), 12.5% ​​aluminum oxide (Al2O3), and 50.00% iron oxide (FeO), the temperature (°C) after 30 minutes of irradiation was 59.3. In the case of (14), where the composition ratio was 0.0% silicon dioxide (SiO2), 0.0% aluminum oxide (Al2O3), and 100.0% iron oxide (FeO), the temperature (°C) after 30 minutes of irradiation was 65.8.

[0068] Next, with reference to Figures 17 to 22, we will explain the test results when a light absorption exothermic test was performed on the compounded reagents (iron oxide, etc.). Figures 17 and 18 are tabular diagrams showing an example of test results when a light absorption and heat generation test was performed on a compounded reagent (iron oxide, etc.). Figures 19 and 20 are thermographic images corresponding to the test results in Figure 17. Figures 21 and 22 are thermographic images corresponding to the test results in Figure 18.

[0069] The purpose of this study is to observe the temperature changes of the compound reagents, Powders A through J and Powders X through Z, described later, by conducting a light absorption and heat generation test. In the light absorption and heat generation tests shown in Figures 17 to 22, the proportion of ferrous oxide (FeO) in each of the powders A to J and X to Z used as samples is varied. The correspondence with Figure 16 will be explained later. The measurement environment is 20°C and 65% RH. In preparation for the light absorption and heat generation test, approximately 15g of each sample was flattened using a spatula in a round petri dish under the measurement environment. As part of the test method, the sample was placed under a solar light (500W) and irradiated with the light under the following conditions. Furthermore, the sample irradiation surface was photographed using thermography during light irradiation. The irradiation time was 30 minutes for the first half of the 60-minute session, and the lights were turned off for the remaining 30 minutes. The irradiance was approximately 800 W / m². 2 The light source is an artificial solar lamp.

[0070] As shown in the test items and results TC4-1 in Figure 17, (1) for powder A, the initial (before irradiation) sample temperature (°C) was 21.2 (see the thermographic image in the test results TR6-1 in Figure 19). The temperature of the sample (°C) 5 minutes after the start of irradiation was 40.7. The temperature of the sample (°C) 10 minutes after the start of irradiation was 43.9. The temperature of the sample (°C) 15 minutes after the start of irradiation was 44.2. The temperature (°C) of the sample 20 minutes after the start of irradiation was 44.2. The temperature (°C) of the sample 25 minutes after the start of irradiation was 44.6. The temperature (°C) of the sample 30 minutes after the start of irradiation was 44.4 (see test result TR6-1 in Figure 19 for the thermographic image). The temperature of the sample (°C) 35 minutes after the start (5 minutes after the lights were turned off) was 26.1. The temperature of the sample (°C) 40 minutes after the start (10 minutes after the lights were turned off) was 22.8. The temperature of the sample (°C) 45 minutes after the start (15 minutes after the lights were turned off) was 22.3. The temperature of the sample (°C) 50 minutes after the start (20 minutes after the lights were turned off) was 22.2. The temperature of the sample (°C) 55 minutes after the start (25 minutes after the lights were turned off) was 22.1. The temperature of the sample (°C) 60 minutes after the start (30 minutes after the lights were turned off) was 21.9 (see test result TR6-1 in Figure 19 for the thermographic image).

[0071] (2) For powder B, the initial (before irradiation) sample temperature (°C) was 21.3. The temperature (°C) of the sample 5 minutes after the start of irradiation was 43.6 (see test result TR6-1 in Figure 19 for the thermographic image). The temperature of the sample (°C) 10 minutes after the start of irradiation was 46.8. The temperature of the sample (°C) 15 minutes after the start of irradiation was 47.1. The temperature (°C) of the sample 20 minutes after the start of irradiation was 47.7. The temperature (°C) of the sample 25 minutes after the start of irradiation was 48.0. The temperature (°C) of the sample 30 minutes after the start of irradiation was 47.6 (see test result TR6-1 in Figure 19 for the thermographic image). The temperature of the sample (°C) 35 minutes after the start (5 minutes after the lights were turned off) was 26.6. The temperature of the sample (°C) 40 minutes after the start (10 minutes after the lights were turned off) was 23.2. The temperature of the sample (°C) 45 minutes after the start (15 minutes after the lights were turned off) was 22.3. The temperature of the sample (°C) 50 minutes after the start (20 minutes after the lights were turned off) was 22.1. The temperature of the sample (°C) 55 minutes after the start (25 minutes after the lights were turned off) was 22.0. The temperature of the sample (°C) 60 minutes after the start (30 minutes after the lights were turned off) was 21.9 (see test result TR6-1 in Figure 19 for the thermographic image).

[0072] (3) For powder C, the initial (before irradiation) temperature of the sample (°C) was 21.3. The temperature (°C) of the sample 5 minutes after the start of irradiation was 45.8 (see test result TR6-1 in Figure 19 for the thermographic image). The temperature of the sample (°C) 10 minutes after the start of irradiation was 48.3. The temperature of the sample (°C) 15 minutes after the start of irradiation was 49.1. The temperature (°C) of the sample 20 minutes after the start of irradiation was 49.0. The temperature (°C) of the sample 25 minutes after the start of irradiation was 49.5. The temperature (°C) of the sample 30 minutes after the start of irradiation was 49.4 (see test result TR6-1 in Figure 19 for the thermographic image). The temperature of the sample (°C) 35 minutes after the start (5 minutes after the lights were turned off) was 26.8. The temperature of the sample (°C) 40 minutes after the start (10 minutes after the lights were turned off) was 23.1. The temperature of the sample (°C) 45 minutes after the start (15 minutes after the lights were turned off) was 22.2. The temperature of the sample (°C) 50 minutes after the start (20 minutes after the lights were turned off) was 22.0. The temperature of the sample (°C) 55 minutes after the start (25 minutes after the lights were turned off) was 21.9. The temperature of the sample (°C) 60 minutes after the start (30 minutes after the lights were turned off) was 21.9 (see test result TR6-1 in Figure 19 for the thermographic image).

[0073] (4) For powder D, the initial (before irradiation) sample temperature (°C) was 21.2. The temperature (°C) of the sample 5 minutes after the start of irradiation was 47.6 (see test result TR6-1 in Figure 19 for the thermographic image). The temperature of the sample (°C) 10 minutes after the start of irradiation was 51.2. The temperature of the sample (°C) 15 minutes after the start of irradiation was 51.1. The temperature (°C) of the sample 20 minutes after the start of irradiation was 52.0. The temperature of the sample (°C) 25 minutes after the start of irradiation was 51.9. The temperature (°C) of the sample 30 minutes after the start of irradiation was 51.8 (see test result TR6-1 in Figure 19 for the thermographic image). The temperature of the sample (°C) 35 minutes after the start (5 minutes after the lights were turned off) was 27.3. The temperature of the sample (°C) 40 minutes after the start (10 minutes after the lights were turned off) was 23.2. The temperature of the sample (°C) 45 minutes after the start (15 minutes after the lights were turned off) was 22.3. The temperature of the sample (°C) 50 minutes after the start (20 minutes after the lights were turned off) was 22.1. The temperature of the sample (°C) 55 minutes after the start (25 minutes after the lights were turned off) was 22.0. The temperature of the sample (°C) 60 minutes after the start (30 minutes after the lights were turned off) was 21.9 (see test result TR6-1 in Figure 19 for the thermographic image).

[0074] (5) Regarding powder E, the initial (before irradiation) sample temperature (°C) was 21.3. The temperature (°C) of the sample 5 minutes after the start of irradiation was 49.3 (see test result TR6-2 in Figure 20 for the thermographic image). The temperature (°C) of the sample 10 minutes after the start of irradiation was 52.9. The temperature of the sample (°C) 15 minutes after the start of irradiation was 53.5. The temperature (°C) of the sample 20 minutes after the start of irradiation was 53.7. The temperature (°C) of the sample 25 minutes after the start of irradiation was 53.7. The temperature (°C) of the sample 30 minutes after the start of irradiation was 54.2 (see test result TR6-2 in Figure 20 for the thermographic image). The temperature of the sample (°C) 35 minutes after the start (5 minutes after the lights were turned off) was 27.6. The temperature of the sample (°C) 40 minutes after the start (10 minutes after the lights were turned off) was 23.3. The temperature of the sample (°C) 45 minutes after the start (15 minutes after the lights were turned off) was 22.4. The temperature of the sample (°C) 50 minutes after the start (20 minutes after the lights were turned off) was 22.1. The temperature of the sample (°C) 55 minutes after the start (25 minutes after the lights were turned off) was 22.1. The temperature of the sample (°C) 60 minutes after the start (30 minutes after the lights were turned off) was 22.1 (see test result TR6-2 in Figure 20 for the thermographic image).

[0075] (6) Regarding powder F, the initial (before irradiation) temperature of the sample (°C) was 21.3. The temperature (°C) of the sample 5 minutes after the start of irradiation was 49.4 (see test result TR6-2 in Figure 20 for the thermographic image). The temperature of the sample (°C) 10 minutes after the start of irradiation was 52.7. The temperature of the sample (°C) 15 minutes after the start of irradiation was 53.4. The temperature of the sample (°C) 20 minutes after the start of irradiation was 53.2. The temperature (°C) of the sample 25 minutes after the start of irradiation was 52.9. The temperature (°C) of the sample 30 minutes after the start of irradiation was 53.7 (see test result TR6-2 in Figure 20 for the thermographic image). The temperature of the sample (°C) 35 minutes after the start (5 minutes after the lights were turned off) was 27.5. The temperature of the sample (°C) 40 minutes after the start (10 minutes after the lights were turned off) was 23.0. The temperature of the sample (°C) 45 minutes after the start (15 minutes after the lights were turned off) was 22.1. The temperature of the sample (°C) 50 minutes after the start (20 minutes after the lights were turned off) was 21.9. The temperature of the sample (°C) 55 minutes after the start (25 minutes after the lights were turned off) was 21.8. The temperature of the sample (°C) 60 minutes after the start (30 minutes after the lights were turned off) was 21.8 (see test result TR6-2 in Figure 20 for the thermographic image).

[0076] (7) For powder G, the initial (pre-irradiation) sample temperature (°C) was 21.3. The temperature (°C) of the sample 5 minutes after the start of irradiation was 50.5 (see test result TR6-2 in Figure 20 for the thermographic image). The temperature of the sample (°C) 10 minutes after the start of irradiation was 54.1. The temperature of the sample (°C) 15 minutes after the start of irradiation was 54.3. The temperature of the sample (°C) 20 minutes after the start of irradiation was 54.8. The temperature (°C) of the sample 25 minutes after the start of irradiation was 55.1. The temperature (°C) of the sample 30 minutes after the start of irradiation was 55.1 (see test result TR6-2 in Figure 20 for the thermographic image). The temperature of the sample (°C) 35 minutes after the start (5 minutes after the lights were turned off) was 27.5. The temperature of the sample (°C) 40 minutes after the start (10 minutes after the lights were turned off) was 23.1. The temperature of the sample (°C) 45 minutes after the start (15 minutes after the lights were turned off) was 22.3. The temperature of the sample (°C) 50 minutes after the start (20 minutes after the lights were turned off) was 22.1. The temperature of the sample (°C) 55 minutes after the start (25 minutes after the lights were turned off) was 21.8. The temperature of the sample (°C) 60 minutes after the start (30 minutes after the lights were turned off) was 21.8 (see test result TR6-2 in Figure 20 for the thermographic image).

[0077] (8) For powder H, the initial (before irradiation) sample temperature (°C) was 21.3. The temperature (°C) of the sample 5 minutes after the start of irradiation was 52.2 (see test result TR6-2 in Figure 20 for the thermographic image). The temperature of the sample (°C) 10 minutes after the start of irradiation was 55.9. The temperature of the sample (°C) 15 minutes after the start of irradiation was 56.4. The temperature of the sample (°C) 20 minutes after the start of irradiation was 56.5. The temperature (°C) of the sample 25 minutes after the start of irradiation was 56.5. The temperature (°C) of the sample 30 minutes after the start of irradiation was 56.7 (see test result TR6-2 in Figure 20 for the thermographic image). The temperature of the sample (°C) 35 minutes after the start (5 minutes after the lights were turned off) was 27.8. The temperature of the sample (°C) 40 minutes after the start (10 minutes after the lights were turned off) was 23.3. The temperature of the sample (°C) 45 minutes after the start (15 minutes after the lights were turned off) was 22.4. The temperature of the sample (°C) 50 minutes after the start (20 minutes after the lights were turned off) was 22.1. The temperature of the sample (°C) 55 minutes after the start (25 minutes after the lights were turned off) was 21.9. The temperature of the sample (°C) 60 minutes after the start (30 minutes after the lights were turned off) was 21.9 (see test result TR6-2 in Figure 20 for the thermographic image).

[0078] As shown in the test items and results TC4-2 in Figure 18, for (9) Powder I, the initial (before irradiation) sample temperature (°C) was 21.4 (see the thermographic image in the test results TR6-3 in Figure 21). The temperature of the sample (°C) 5 minutes after the start of irradiation was 53.4. The temperature of the sample (°C) 10 minutes after the start of irradiation was 57.3. The temperature of the sample (°C) 15 minutes after the start of irradiation was 57.8. The temperature (°C) of the sample 20 minutes after the start of irradiation was 58.0. The temperature (°C) of the sample 25 minutes after the start of irradiation was 58.0. The temperature (°C) of the sample 30 minutes after the start of irradiation was 58.3 (see test result TR6-3 in Figure 21 for the thermographic image). The temperature of the sample (°C) 35 minutes after the start (5 minutes after the lights were turned off) was 28.4. The temperature of the sample (°C) 40 minutes after the start (10 minutes after the lights were turned off) was 23.4. The temperature of the sample (°C) 45 minutes after the start (15 minutes after the lights were turned off) was 22.3. The temperature of the sample (°C) 50 minutes after the start (20 minutes after the lights were turned off) was 22.1. The temperature of the sample (°C) 55 minutes after the start (25 minutes after the lights were turned off) was 22.0. The temperature of the sample (°C) 60 minutes after the start (30 minutes after the lights were turned off) was 22.0 (see test result TR6-3 in Figure 21 for the thermographic image).

[0079] (10) For powder J, the initial (pre-irradiation) sample temperature (°C) was 21.2 (see test results TR6-3 in Figure 21 for the thermographic image). The temperature of the sample (°C) 5 minutes after the start of irradiation was 53.5. The temperature of the sample (°C) 10 minutes after the start of irradiation was 57.4. The temperature of the sample (°C) 15 minutes after the start of irradiation was 58.4. The temperature of the sample (°C) 20 minutes after the start of irradiation was 58.4. The temperature of the sample (°C) 25 minutes after the start of irradiation was 58.6. The temperature (°C) of the sample 30 minutes after the start of irradiation was 58.6 (see test result TR6-3 in Figure 21 for the thermographic image). The temperature of the sample (°C) 35 minutes after the start (5 minutes after the lights were turned off) was 28.2. The temperature of the sample (°C) 40 minutes after the start (10 minutes after the lights were turned off) was 23.3. The temperature of the sample (°C) 45 minutes after the start (15 minutes after the lights were turned off) was 22.3. The temperature of the sample (°C) 50 minutes after the start (20 minutes after the lights were turned off) was 21.9. The temperature of the sample (°C) 55 minutes after the start (25 minutes after the lights were turned off) was 21.9. The temperature of the sample (°C) 60 minutes after the start (30 minutes after the lights were turned off) was 21.9 (see test result TR6-3 in Figure 21 for the thermographic image).

[0080] (11) For Powder X, the initial (before irradiation) sample temperature (°C) was 21.5. The temperature (°C) of the sample 5 minutes after the start of irradiation was 55.8 (see test result TR6-3 in Figure 21 for the thermographic image). The temperature of the sample (°C) 10 minutes after the start of irradiation was 59.0. The temperature of the sample (°C) 15 minutes after the start of irradiation was 59.5. The temperature of the sample (°C) 20 minutes after the start of irradiation was 59.5. The temperature of the sample (°C) 25 minutes after the start of irradiation was 59.3. The temperature (°C) of the sample 30 minutes after the start of irradiation was 59.3 (see test result TR6-3 in Figure 21 for the thermographic image). The temperature of the sample (°C) 35 minutes after the start (5 minutes after the lights were turned off) was 28.1. The temperature of the sample (°C) 40 minutes after the start (10 minutes after the lights were turned off) was 23.3. The temperature of the sample (°C) 45 minutes after the start (15 minutes after the lights were turned off) was 22.2. The temperature of the sample (°C) 50 minutes after the start (20 minutes after the lights were turned off) was 21.8. The temperature of the sample (°C) 55 minutes after the start (25 minutes after the lights were turned off) was 21.7. The temperature of the sample (°C) 60 minutes after the start (30 minutes after the lights were turned off) was 21.8 (see test result TR6-3 in Figure 21 for the thermographic image).

[0081] (12) For powder Y, the initial (before irradiation) sample temperature (°C) was 21.6 (see test results TR6-3 in Figure 21 for the thermographic image). The temperature of the sample (°C) 5 minutes after the start of irradiation was 36.3. The temperature of the sample (°C) 10 minutes after the start of irradiation was 38.8. The temperature of the sample (°C) 15 minutes after the start of irradiation was 39.2. The temperature of the sample (°C) 20 minutes after the start of irradiation was 39.1. The temperature (°C) of the sample 25 minutes after the start of irradiation was 39.3. The temperature (°C) of the sample 30 minutes after the start of irradiation was 39.4 (see test result TR6-3 in Figure 21 for the thermographic image). The temperature of the sample (°C) 35 minutes after the start (5 minutes after the lights were turned off) was 25.3. The temperature of the sample (°C) 40 minutes after the start (10 minutes after the lights were turned off) was 22.5. The temperature of the sample (°C) 45 minutes after the start (15 minutes after the lights were turned off) was 21.8. The temperature of the sample (°C) 50 minutes after the start (20 minutes after the lights were turned off) was 21.6. The temperature of the sample (°C) 55 minutes after the start (25 minutes after the lights were turned off) was 21.6. The temperature of the sample (°C) 60 minutes after the start (30 minutes after the lights were turned off) was 21.5 (see test result TR6-3 in Figure 21 for the thermographic image).

[0082] (13) For Powder Z, the initial (pre-irradiation) sample temperature (°C) was 21.3 (see test results TR6-4 in Figure 22 for the thermographic image). The temperature (°C) of the sample 5 minutes after the start of irradiation was 38.7. The temperature of the sample (°C) 10 minutes after the start of irradiation was 41.1. The temperature (°C) of the sample 15 minutes after the start of irradiation was 41.7. The temperature of the sample (°C) 20 minutes after the start of irradiation was 41.5. The temperature (°C) of the sample 25 minutes after the start of irradiation was 41.4. The temperature (°C) of the sample 30 minutes after the start of irradiation was 41.5 (see test result TR6-4 in Figure 22 for the thermographic image). The temperature of the sample (°C) 35 minutes after the start (5 minutes after the lights were turned off) was 25.6. The temperature of the sample (°C) 40 minutes after the start (10 minutes after the lights were turned off) was 22.7. The temperature of the sample (°C) 45 minutes after the start (15 minutes after the lights were turned off) was 21.9. The temperature of the sample (°C) 50 minutes after the start (20 minutes after the lights were turned off) was 21.8. The temperature of the sample (°C) 55 minutes after the start (25 minutes after the lights were turned off) was 21.7. The temperature of the sample (°C) 60 minutes after the start (30 minutes after the lights were turned off) was 21.7 (see test result TR6-4 in Figure 22 for the thermographic image).

[0083] The temperature changes of (1) Powder A to (10) Powder J and (11) Powder X to (13) Powder Z correspond to (1) to (14) in Figure 16, respectively.

[0084] In other words, powder A (1) in Figure 17 corresponds to (3) in Figure 16 (the temperature of the sample (°C) 30 minutes after the start of irradiation is 44.4). Powder B (2) in Figure 17 corresponds to (4) in Figure 16 (the temperature of the sample (°C) 30 minutes after the start of irradiation is 47.6). Powder C (3) in Figure 17 corresponds to (5) in Figure 16 (the temperature of the sample (°C) 30 minutes after the start of irradiation is 49.4). Powder D (4) in Figure 17 corresponds to (6) in Figure 16 (the temperature of the sample (°C) 30 minutes after the start of irradiation is 51.8). Powder E (5) in Figure 17 corresponds to (7) in Figure 16 (the temperature of the sample (°C) 30 minutes after the start of irradiation is 54.2). Powder F (6) in Figure 17 corresponds to (8) in Figure 16 (the temperature of the sample (°C) 30 minutes after the start of irradiation is 53.7). Powder G (7) in Figure 17 corresponds to (9) in Figure 16 (the temperature of the sample (°C) 30 minutes after the start of irradiation is 55.1). Powder H (8) in Figure 17 corresponds to (10) in Figure 16 (the temperature of the sample (°C) 30 minutes after the start of irradiation is 56.7).

[0085] Powder I (9) in Figure 18 corresponds to (11) in Figure 16 (the temperature of the sample (°C) 30 minutes after the start of irradiation is 58.3). Powder J (10) in Figure 18 corresponds to (12) in Figure 16 (the temperature of the sample (°C) 30 minutes after the start of irradiation is 58.6). Powder X (11) in Figure 18 corresponds to (13) in Figure 16 (the sample temperature (°C) 30 minutes after the start of irradiation is 59.3). Powder Y (12) in Figure 18 corresponds to (1) in Figure 16 (the temperature of the sample (°C) 30 minutes after the start of irradiation is 39.4). Powder Z (13) in Figure 18 corresponds to (2) in Figure 16 (the temperature of the sample (°C) 30 minutes after the start of irradiation is 41.5).

[0086] As can be seen from Figures 16 to 22 above, ferrous oxide (FeO) exhibits a strong correlation between its content and temperature, and it was found that even a 1% content of ferrous oxide (FeO) can produce a high far-infrared heating effect.

[0087] Figure 23 is a graph showing an example of the test results when light absorption and heat generation tests were conducted on 16 types of compounded reagents (iron oxide, etc.). The light absorption and heat generation test is the same as described above, so the explanation of the test conditions, etc., will be omitted here.

[0088] In Figure 23, (1) is a graph showing the temperature change of a reagent preparation containing 1% iron oxide (ferrous oxide (FeO)). (2) is a graph showing the temperature change of a reagent preparation containing 2% iron oxide (ferrous oxide (FeO)). (3) is a graph showing the temperature change of a reagent preparation containing 3% iron oxide (ferrous oxide (FeO)). (4) is a graph showing the temperature change of a reagent preparation containing 6% iron oxide (ferrous oxide (FeO)). (5) is a graph showing the temperature change of a reagent preparation containing 8% iron oxide (ferrous oxide (FeO)). (6) is a graph showing the temperature change of a reagent preparation containing 10% iron oxide (ferrous oxide (FeO)). (7) is a graph showing the temperature change of a reagent preparation containing 11% iron oxide (ferrous oxide (FeO)). (8) is a graph showing the temperature change of a reagent preparation containing 13% iron oxide (ferrous oxide (FeO)). (9) is a graph showing the temperature change of a reagent preparation containing 14% iron oxide (ferrous oxide (FeO)). (10) is a graph showing the temperature change of a reagent preparation containing 17% iron oxide (ferrous oxide (FeO)). (11) is a graph showing the temperature change of a reagent preparation containing 20% ​​iron oxide (ferrous oxide (FeO)). (12) is a graph showing the temperature change of a reagent preparation containing 25% iron oxide (ferrous oxide (FeO)). (13) is a graph showing the temperature change of a reagent preparation containing 50% iron oxide (ferrous oxide (FeO)). (14) is a graph showing the temperature change of a reagent preparation containing 100% iron oxide (ferrous oxide (FeO)). Figure (15) shows a graph of the temperature change of a reagent preparation containing 100% silicon dioxide (SiO2), not iron oxide (ferrous oxide (FeO)). (16) is a graph showing the temperature change of a reagent preparation containing 100% aluminum oxide (Al2O3), not iron oxide (ferrous oxide (FeO)).

[0089] As explained above with reference to Figures 1 to 23, when comparing ferrous oxide (FeO) and ferric oxide (Fe2O3), ferrous oxide (FeO) generates more far-infrared heat, therefore it is preferable to use a higher proportion of ferrous oxide (FeO) than ferric oxide (Fe2O3). For example, if there is a large amount of ferric oxide (Fe2O3), concerns may arise such as rust formation, increased weight, and decreased strength, so it is preferable to increase the proportion of ferrous oxide (FeO). It is preferable that ferrous oxide (FeO) is blended in a weight ratio of 1% to 20% (preferably 5% to 20%) relative to the powder P. If you want to achieve a far-infrared heating effect similar to that of Mount Fuji lava, a blend ratio of 11% to 20% by weight relative to powder P is preferable. While the above test results show that effects can be obtained even at concentrations between 20% and 50%, we have set the limit to 20% or less here, taking into consideration factors such as rust formation and increased weight. As mentioned above, ferrous oxide (FeO) exhibits a strong correlation between its composition and temperature, thus providing a sufficient effect in terms of exothermic reaction. In other words, by adjusting the proportion of ferrous oxide (FeO), temperature control can be achieved in various products such as underwear, bedding, carpets, and shoes, depending on the intended use and environment.

[0090] The powder P preferably contains iron oxide, silicon dioxide, and aluminum oxide. The ceramic components, such as silicon dioxide and aluminum oxide, are blended in just the right proportions, allowing the heat absorbed and generated by iron oxide to be conducted throughout the entire fiber F. Silicon dioxide can contribute to enhancing the moisture-absorbing and heat-generating properties of fiber F. Based on the results in Figures 5 to 10, a silicon dioxide content of 40% to 50% is preferred. Furthermore, based on the results in Figures 16 to 22, a content of 40% to 70% is preferred. Therefore, although the proportion of silicon dioxide depends on the proportion of iron oxide, a proportion of 40% or more is preferable.

[0091] By using powder P containing iron oxide in a predetermined proportion within a specified range, the resulting fiber F, when kneaded into material M, can significantly reduce the time it takes to warm up compared to conventional methods. For example, underwear (powder-infused rayon blend underwear (belly warmer, etc.)) shown in Figure 9, which uses such fiber F, can gain advantages through two effects: the far-infrared heat generation effect due to the iron oxide contained in powder P, and the moisture-absorbing heat generation effect enhanced by the silicon dioxide also contained in powder P.

[0092] The following description will focus on the powder-infused rayon blend underwear (belly warmer) shown in Figure 9, although this will not be specifically illustrated. This belly warmer is an ultra-thin one, only 1mm thick. The reason it can provide warmth despite its thinness is because it uses fiber F, which consists of approximately 10g of powder P and 100g of rayon batting. Fiber F is spun into yarn, and this yarn is then combined with, for example, a cotton-blend silk yarn to create a gauze-like knit fabric. Two of these knitted fabrics are layered and knitted together with stretch yarn to create an uneven air layer. This uneven air layer is formed by the pile knit on the skin side, and by creating a structure in which the warm air generated by fiber F is trapped in this air layer, it is possible to provide a belly band that can ensure warmth even when thin. The shorts portion can be integrated into the lower part of such a belly band. If the belly band and shorts are integrated, it is possible to provide a garment that wraps around from the abdomen to the base of the thighs. Since there are veins and lymph nodes in the base of the thighs, covering and warming this area can further stimulate blood flow. Other wearable items (those worn on the human body) besides the aforementioned belly bands and belly band / shorts-integrated types include socks, leg warmers, spats, and inner shirts, and these may also be provided.

[0093] In this embodiment, the explanation has been based on the premise of kneading in powder P, but it is also possible to use fibers F to which powder P is attached to the surface of material M. For example, a manufacturing apparatus can be used that attaches powder P at a ratio of approximately 10g to 100g of rayon cotton.

[0094] In summary, the fibers, fabrics, accessories, and methods for manufacturing fibers to which the present invention applies only need to have the following configurations, and various embodiments can be taken. In other words, the fibers to which the present invention applies (for example, fiber F in Figure 1, etc.) are A powder containing iron oxide (for example, the iron oxide shown in Figures 10, 16, and 23, etc.) in a predetermined blending ratio (for example, a blending ratio in which the weight ratio of powder P is 1% or more and 20% or less) is kneaded into a fiber material (for example, material M in Figure 1 or the material (raw material) of the moisture-absorbing heat-generating fiber mentioned above, etc.) and obtained as a result, Fibers will suffice. Such fibers can shorten the time it takes to warm up.

[0095] Furthermore, in the aforementioned fibers (for example, fiber F in Figure 1), The predetermined range for the blending ratio of the iron oxide (for example, the iron oxide shown in Figures 10, 16, and 23) is a range in which the weight ratio of the powder (for example, powder P in Figure 1) is 1% or more and 20% or less. It can be done this way.

[0096] Furthermore, in the aforementioned fibers (for example, fiber F in Figure 1), The particle size of the aforementioned powder (for example, powder P in Figure 1) is 0.1 μm or more and less than 1 μm, and the blending ratio of the powder to the aforementioned material is less than 10% by weight of the material. It can be done this way.

[0097] Furthermore, in the aforementioned fibers (for example, fiber F in Figure 1), The aforementioned iron oxide (for example, the iron oxide shown in Figures 10, 16, 23, etc.) includes at least ferrous oxide (for example, ferrous oxide (FeO) shown in Figures 12 to 15, 23, etc.), It can be done this way.

[0098] Furthermore, in the aforementioned fibers (for example, fiber F in Figure 1), The aforementioned iron oxide (for example, the iron oxides shown in Figures 10, 16, 23, etc.) includes ferric oxide (for example, ferric oxide (Fe2O3) shown in Figures 12 to 15, etc.) and ferrous oxide (for example, ferrous oxide (FeO) shown in Figures 12 to 15, 23, etc.) in a higher proportion than the ferric oxide. It can be done this way.

[0099] Furthermore, in the aforementioned fibers (for example, fiber F in Figure 1), The aforementioned powder (for example, powder P in Figure 1) is obtained from basalt (for example, basalt containing the aforementioned Mount Fuji lava). It can be done this way.

[0100] Furthermore, in the aforementioned fibers (for example, fiber F in Figure 1), The aforementioned powder (for example, powder P in Figure 1) further comprises silicon dioxide (for example, silicon dioxide (SiO2) shown in Figures 12 to 15, Figure 23, etc.). It can be done this way.

[0101] The fabric to which the present invention applies (for example, the gauze-like knit fabric used in the manufacture of the belly band described above) is A powder containing iron oxide (for example, the iron oxide shown in Figures 10, 16, and 23, etc.) in a predetermined blending ratio (for example, a blending ratio such that the weight ratio of powder P is 1% or more and 20% or less) is kneaded into a fiber material (for example, material M in Figure 1 or, for example, the material (raw material) of the moisture-absorbing heat-generating fiber mentioned above) to obtain a fiber (for example, fiber F in Figure 1, etc.), A different fiber from the said fiber, Any fabric made from these materials will suffice. This type of fabric can speed up the time it takes to warm up.

[0102] The wearable items to which the present invention applies (for example, the belly band mentioned above) are: The above-mentioned fabric (for example, the gauze-like knit fabric used in the manufacture of the above-mentioned belly band) is used to be worn on a human body (for example, the above-mentioned 32-year-old female subject who is 153 cm tall and weighs 49 kg), If it's an attached item, that's enough. Such accessories can shorten the time it takes to warm up.

[0103] The method for producing the fiber to which the present invention applies (for example, fiber F in Figure 1) is as follows: In the step of manufacturing fibers (for example, fibers F in Figure 1) by kneading a powder (for example, powder P in Figure 1) containing iron oxide (for example, iron oxide shown in Figures 10, 16, 23, etc.) in a predetermined blending ratio within a specified range (for example, a blending ratio such that the weight ratio of powder P is 1% or more and 20% or less), into a fiber material (for example, material M in Figure 1 or the material (raw material) of the moisture-absorbing heat-generating fiber mentioned above), Any method of manufacturing fibers containing [the specified material] will suffice. This manufacturing method makes it possible to produce fibers that heat up faster. [Explanation of symbols]

[0104] F... Fiber M...Material P...Powder

Claims

1. A reagent containing 40% or more by weight of silicon dioxide, 10% or more by weight of aluminum oxide, and 1% to 20% by weight of iron oxide is kneaded into or attached to a fiber material, resulting in the following: fiber.

2. The aforementioned iron oxide includes at least ferrous oxide, The fiber according to claim 1.

3. The aforementioned iron oxide includes ferric oxide and ferrous oxide in a higher proportion than said ferric oxide. The fiber according to claim 1.

4. A reagent containing 40% or more by weight of silicon dioxide, 10% or more by weight of aluminum oxide, and 1% to 20% by weight of iron oxide is kneaded into or attached to a fiber material, resulting in a fiber, A different fiber from the said fiber, A fabric composed of the following elements.

5. The fabric described in claim 4 is used to be worn on the human body. Attached item.

6. A step of manufacturing fibers by kneading or attaching a reagent containing 40% or more by weight of silicon dioxide, 10% or more by weight of aluminum oxide, and 1% to 20% by weight of iron oxide to a fiber material. A method for producing fibers containing [specific fiber].

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