Knitted fabric, method for manufacturing the same, and clothing

Abstract

The present invention provides a knitted fabric containing cotton-containing spun yarn, which is a spun yarn containing cotton fibers, and which has excellent water absorption, quick-drying properties, a good texture, and high stretchability, as well as a method for manufacturing the same and clothing. [Solution] The present invention relates to a knitted fabric containing cotton-containing spun yarn, wherein the cotton-containing spun yarn in the knitted fabric is composed of a group of untwisted fibers in an untwisted state and a group of wound fibers wrapped around the group of untwisted fibers, the knitted fabric has a barium activity value greater than 135 and 180 or less, the elongation in the warp direction is greater than 16.5% and 50% or less, the elongation in the weft direction is greater than 30% and 150% or less, and the sum of the elongation in the warp direction and the elongation in the weft direction is greater than 46.5% and 200% or less.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to knitted fabric containing cotton-containing spun yarn, which is a spun yarn containing cotton fibers, a method for producing the same, and clothing. [Background technology]

[0002] Among natural fibers, cotton has been used in clothing since ancient times due to its excellent water absorption and durability. In particular, cotton is widely used as a clothing fiber because of its water absorption, durability, and the pleasant texture it produces when made into clothing. However, while knitted fabrics made with spun yarn containing cotton fibers have excellent water absorption properties, they are not quick-drying. Therefore, when wearing clothing such as shirts made with knitted fabric containing a large amount of cotton fibers and sweating profusely during exercise, the clothing absorbs the sweat but does not dry easily, which can lead to chills from sweat. In addition, sports shirts often use synthetic fibers such as polyester for their quick-drying properties, but the use of natural fibers such as cotton is desirable from the perspective of resource depletion and reducing the use of petroleum resources. Therefore, efforts are being made to improve the slow drying properties of knitted fabrics made with spun yarn containing cotton fibers, and to develop knitted fabrics made with spun yarn containing cotton fibers that have quick-drying properties while maintaining the inherent water absorption of cotton. For example, Patent Document 1 describes how to improve the quick-drying properties of knitted fabric made with cotton yarn using a rib knit, either as is or after mercerization and then processing with glyoxal resin. Patent Document 2 also describes a knitted fabric made with spun cotton yarn that has antibacterial and deodorizing properties by attaching a metal composition that has catalytic function, which is obtained by mercerizing and / or liquid ammonia processing, followed by crosslinking treatment with a cellulose reaction resin, and which satisfies certain barium activity values ​​and bound formaldehyde amounts. [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 61-207672 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2010-275653 [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0004] However, even after mercerizing and / or liquid ammonia treatment of knitted fabrics using spun cotton yarn, and then cross-linking treatment with cellulose-reactive resins such as glyoxal resin, the improvement in quick-drying properties was sometimes insufficient depending on the structure of the spun cotton yarn and the processing conditions. Furthermore, when mercerizing and cross-linking treatment with cellulose-reactive resins such as glyoxal resin were performed on knitted fabrics using spun cotton yarn, the texture of the spun cotton yarn sometimes became stiff and the feel was inferior, depending on the structure of the spun cotton yarn and the processing conditions. In addition, when knitted fabrics using spun cotton yarn were subjected to mercerizing and cross-linking treatment with cellulose-reactive resins such as glyoxal resin, there was a problem of inferior stretchability depending on the structure of the spun cotton yarn and the processing conditions.

[0005] To solve the aforementioned conventional problems, the present invention provides a knitted fabric containing cotton-containing spun yarn, which is a spun yarn containing cotton fibers, and which has excellent water absorption, quick-drying properties, a good texture, and high stretchability, as well as a method for manufacturing the same and clothing. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The present invention relates to a knitted fabric containing cotton-containing spun yarn, wherein the cotton-containing spun yarn in the knitted fabric is composed of a group of untwisted fibers in an untwisted state and a group of wound fibers wrapped around the group of untwisted fibers, the knitted fabric has a barium activity value greater than 135 and 180 or less, the elongation in the warp direction is greater than 16.5% and 50% or less, the elongation in the weft direction is greater than 30% and 150% or less, and the sum of the elongation in the warp direction and the elongation in the weft direction is greater than 46.5% and 200% or less.

[0007] The present invention also relates to a method for manufacturing the aforementioned knitted fabric, (1) A process for producing cotton-containing spun yarn, which is a spun yarn containing cotton fibers, by using a vortex spinning machine. (2) A process of knitting a fabric using the cotton-containing spun yarn, (3) A step of scouring and bleaching the knitted fabric using an aqueous solution containing hydrogen peroxide, an alkaline agent, and a scouring agent, at a temperature greater than 95°C and 130°C or less, and for a processing time of 20 minutes or more and 60 minutes or less, and (4) The present invention relates to a method for manufacturing knitted fabric, which includes a step of applying liquid ammonia to the knitted fabric after scouring and bleaching.

[0008] The present invention also relates to clothing including the aforementioned knitted fabric. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] The present invention provides a knitted fabric containing cotton-containing spun yarn, which is a spun yarn containing cotton fibers, and which has excellent water absorption, quick-drying properties, a good texture, and high stretchability, as well as clothing containing the same. According to the manufacturing method of the present invention, a knitted fabric can be obtained that contains cotton-containing spun yarn, which is a spun yarn containing cotton fibers, and has excellent water absorption, quick-drying properties, a good texture, and high stretchability. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0010] The inventors of the present invention have diligently studied how to improve the quick-drying properties, texture, and stretchability of a knitted fabric containing cotton-containing spun yarn, preferably a knitted fabric consisting of 100% by mass of cotton-containing spun yarn, and particularly preferably a knitted fabric consisting of 100% by mass of spun yarn made solely of cotton fibers (in other words, a knitted fabric in which the cotton-containing spun yarn consists of 100% by mass of cotton fibers, and the fibers constituting the knitted fabric are substantially made solely of cotton fibers) while maintaining its water absorption. As a result, they have found that by scouring and bleaching a knitted fabric made from cotton-containing spun yarn produced using a vortex spinning machine under specific conditions, and then processing the scouring and bleached knitted fabric with liquid ammonia, a knitted fabric with good quick-drying properties, texture (softness to the touch), and high stretchability can be obtained. Furthermore, in the knitted fabric produced in this manner, if the structure of the spun yarn containing cotton fibers (cotton-containing spun yarn) is made to consist of a group of untwisted fibers in an untwisted state and a group of wound fibers wrapped around the group of untwisted fibers, and if the cotton fibers contained in the cotton-containing spun yarn are subjected to swelling treatment by liquid ammonia so that the barium activity value of the knitted fabric becomes a constant value, thereby bringing the cross-sectional shape of the cotton fibers closer to a perfect circle, the resulting knitted fabric is expected to exhibit excellent elongation properties. Specifically, by using a vortex spinning machine to produce a spun yarn containing cotton fibers (cotton-containing spun yarn), the structure of the cotton-containing spun yarn is composed of a group of untwisted fibers in an untwisted state and a group of wound fibers wrapped around the untwisted fiber group. Furthermore, by scouring and bleaching a knitted fabric made using the cotton-containing spun yarn under specific conditions, and then treating the knitted fabric with liquid ammonia after scouring and bleaching, the liquid ammonia penetrates into the cotton fibers and swells them, causing the cross-section of the cotton fibers to approach a perfect circle and eliminating the twist of the cotton fibers. As a result, the cotton fibers and the cotton-containing spun yarns in the knitted fabric become more slippery to each other, and it is presumed that the synergistic effect of the change in the structure of the spun yarn and the change in fiber shape will allow the cotton fibers to exhibit their excellent water absorption characteristic of cotton fibers while also improving their elongation. A clothing product containing such a knitted fabric also has excellent water absorbency and improved quick-drying properties. Therefore, if a person sweats a large amount through exercise or the like after wearing the clothing, the clothing can quickly absorb sweat, and the absorbed sweat is easy to dry, so that chilling due to sweat is easily suppressed. In addition, the clothing containing such a knitted fabric is easy to dry even after washing. Furthermore, the clothing containing such a knitted fabric also has improved hand feel and stretchability, and is excellent in wearing comfort and fit.

[0011] (Knitted fabric) The knitted fabric comprises cotton-containing spun yarn which is spun yarn containing cotton fibers. From the viewpoints of water absorbency and pilling resistance, the cotton-containing spun yarn preferably contains 50% by mass or more of cotton fibers, more preferably 60% by mass or more, still more preferably 70% by mass or more, even still more preferably 80% by mass or more, even still more preferably 90% by mass or more, even still more preferably 95% by mass or more, and particularly preferably substantially 100% by mass of cotton fibers.

[0012] The average fiber length of the cotton fibers is not particularly limited. For example, from the viewpoint of productivity in the spinning process, the average fiber length is preferably 25 mm or more and 45 mm or less, more preferably 26 mm or more and 33 mm or less, and particularly preferably 28 mm or more and 42 mm or less. In addition, the average fineness of the cotton fibers is not particularly limited. For example, from the viewpoint of suitable use in clothing, when expressed in microneaire, the average fineness is preferably 2.8 or more and 5.5 or less, and more preferably 3.5 or more and 4.9 or less.

[0013] The cotton-containing spun yarn may contain cellulosic fibers other than cotton fibers. From the viewpoints of water absorbency and pilling resistance, the cotton-containing spun yarn preferably contains a total of 80% by mass or more of cotton fibers and other cellulosic fibers, more preferably 90% by mass or more, even more preferably 95% by mass or more, and is particularly preferably substantially composed of 100% by mass in total of cotton fibers and other cellulosic fibers.

[0014] The other cellulosic fibers may be natural cellulosic fibers or regenerated cellulosic fibers. The natural cellulosic fibers are not particularly limited, and examples thereof include hemp fibers (linen, ramie), jute, and kapok. The regenerated cellulosic fibers are not particularly limited, and examples thereof include viscose rayon (also simply referred to as rayon), polynosic, cupra, purified cellulosic fibers (lyocell, tencel), acetate, and triacetate.

[0015] The single fiber fineness of said other cellulosic fibers is not particularly limited, but for example, from the viewpoint of being suitably used for clothing, it is preferably 0.4 dtex or more and 5 dtex or less, more preferably 0.5 dtex or more and 3.5 dtex or less, and still more preferably 0.6 dtex or more and 2.5 dtex or less.

[0016] The average fiber length of said other cellulosic fibers is not particularly limited, but from the viewpoint of productivity in the spinning process, it is preferably 22 mm or more and 55 mm or less, more preferably 28 mm or more and 51 mm or less, and still more preferably 32 mm or more and 40 mm or less.

[0017] The cotton-containing spun yarn may contain, in addition to cotton fibers and other cellulosic fibers, other fibers in an amount of, for example, 20% by mass or less, 15% by mass or less, 10% by mass or less, or 5% by mass or less, within a range that does not impair the effects of the present invention. From the viewpoint of water absorbency, said other fibers are preferably hydrophilic fibers, and for example, fibers having an official moisture regain of 3% or more may be used.

[0018] The single fiber fineness of the other fibers is not particularly limited, but from the viewpoint of suitability for use in clothing, for example, it is preferably 0.4 dtex or more and 5 dtex or less, more preferably 0.5 dtex or more and 3.5 dtex or less, and even more preferably 0.6 dtex or more and 2.5 dtex or less. The average fiber length of the other fibers is not particularly limited, but from the viewpoint of productivity in the spinning process, for example, it is preferably 24 mm or more and 55 mm or less, more preferably 28 mm or more and 51 mm or less, and even more preferably 32 mm or more and 40 mm or less.

[0019] The yarn count of the cotton-containing spun yarn is not particularly limited, but may be in the range of 10 to 80 counts in English cotton count (1 pound (approximately 454 g) / 840 yards (approximately 768 m) is 1 count; unless otherwise specified, the count refers to English cotton count), preferably 12 to 70 counts, and more preferably 15 to 60 counts. The spun yarn may be a single yarn or a yarn made by twisting multiple single yarns together. Examples of yarns made by twisting multiple single yarns together include double yarn (also called twin yarn) made by twisting two yarns together, triple yarn made by twisting three single yarns together, and quadruple yarn made by twisting four single yarns together, and yarns made by twisting multiple single yarns together may be used.

[0020] The tensile strength of the single yarn of the cotton-containing spun yarn is not particularly limited, but from the viewpoint of productivity when knitting a fabric from the spun yarn (knitting productivity), it is preferably 100 cN or more and 1000 cN or less, more preferably 120 cN or more and 750 cN or less, even more preferably 125 cN or more and 500 cN or less, and most preferably 130 cN or more and 300 cN or less. In this specification, the tensile strength of the single yarn of the cotton-containing spun yarn can be measured in accordance with JIS L 1095:2010 9.5.1.

[0021] The elongation rate of the cotton-containing spun yarn is not particularly limited, but from the viewpoint of productivity when knitting a fabric from the spun yarn (knitting productivity) and the stretchability of the resulting knitted fabric and garments made therefrom, it is preferably 3.0% to 18.0%, more preferably 4.0% to 15.0%, and even more preferably 5.0% to 12.0%. In this specification, the elongation rate of the cotton-containing spun yarn can be measured in accordance with JIS L 1095:2010 9.5.1.

[0022] The knitted fabric contains the cotton-containing spun yarn (spun yarn containing cotton fibers), and from the viewpoint of water absorption, quick drying, texture, stretchability and anti-pilling properties, it is preferable that it contains 50% by mass or more of cotton fibers derived from the cotton-containing spun yarn, more preferably 60% by mass or more, even more preferably 70% by mass or more, even more preferably 80% by mass or more, even more preferably 90% by mass or more, even more preferably 95% by mass or more, and particularly preferably substantially 100% by mass.

[0023] From the viewpoint of water absorption, quick drying, and anti-pilling properties, the knitted fabric preferably contains 80% by mass or more of cellulose fibers, including cotton fibers derived from the cotton-containing spun yarn, that is, the total of cotton fibers derived from the cotton-containing spun yarn and other cellulose fibers is preferably 80% by mass or more, more preferably 90% by mass or more, even more preferably 95% by mass or more, and particularly preferably substantially 100% by mass of cotton fibers and other cellulose fibers. Other cellulose fibers include those mentioned above.

[0024] The knitted fabric may, to the extent that it does not impede the effects of the present invention, contain other yarns, such as other spun yarns and / or filament yarns, in addition to the cotton-containing spun yarn. The knitted fabric may have a single-layer structure or may contain two or more layers. The knitted fabric may, to the extent that it does not impede the effects of the present invention, contain, in addition to cotton fibers and other cellulosic fibers, other fibers derived from the cotton-containing spun yarn and other yarns (i.e., other fibers refer to fibers other than cotton fibers and other cellulosic fibers derived from the cotton-containing spun yarn and other yarns), for example, 20% by mass or less, 15% by mass or less, 10% by mass or less, or 5% by mass or less. Examples of other fibers include those mentioned above.

[0025] The cotton-containing spun yarn in the knitted fabric is composed of a group of untwisted fibers in an untwisted state and a group of wound fibers that are wrapped around the group of untwisted fibers. Here, "untwisted state" refers to a state in which the fibers inside (center) of the yarn are parallel to the yarn axis in a spun yarn obtained by air spinning, such as Vortex® yarn. Specific examples of spun yarns having such a structure include MVS® yarn obtained by air spinning using a Vortex spinning machine.

[0026] The aforementioned knitted fabric may be a single-faced jersey knit or a rib knit (also called a rubber knit), or a modified single-faced knit such as a pique knit, mesh knit, or terry knit, or a double-faced knit such as a smooth knit, double-knit, or waffle knit. In the case of a double-faced knit, the cotton-containing spun yarn can be used in the surface layer and / or the back layer. By using the cotton-containing spun yarn in both the surface layer and the back layer, water absorption, quick-drying properties, texture, and stretchability are further improved.

[0027] The weight of the knitted fabric is not particularly limited, but for example, 80g / m 2 More than 250g / m 2 The following is preferable. This results in good water absorption and quick drying properties. The weight of the knitted fabric is 90 g / m 2 More than 240g / m 2 Preferably, it is 100g / m²2 More than 230g / m 2 It is more preferable that the following conditions apply: 110 g / m² 2 More than 220g / m 2 The following is particularly preferable:

[0028] The elongation modulus of the cotton-containing spun yarn in the knitted fabric is preferably 40% to 90%. The elongation modulus of the cotton-containing spun yarn in the knitted fabric is related to the elasticity of the fabric; a higher elongation modulus of the cotton-containing spun yarn results in greater elasticity of the fabric, making it easier to wear when made into clothing. A elongation modulus of 40% or more in the knitted fabric tends to result in good stability of the knitted topography. Furthermore, a elongation modulus of 90% or less in the knitted fabric tends to result in good stability of the shape. The elongation modulus is preferably 45% to 80%, more preferably 50% to 75%, and particularly preferably 55% to 70%. In this specification, the elongation modulus of the cotton-containing spun yarn in the knitted fabric can be measured by unraveling the knitted fabric and using the unraveled spun yarn in accordance with JIS L 1095:2010 9.12.1 Method A.

[0029] Preferably, the cotton-containing spun yarn in the knitted fabric has a single-fiber tensile strength of 6.0 cN / tex or more and 15.0 cN / tex or less per 1 tex of fineness, and an elongation of 4.5% or more and 12.5% ​​or less. As a result, in the knitted fabric of the present invention, the cotton fibers constituting the cotton-containing spun yarn contained in the knitted fabric swell due to liquid ammonia processing, and the cross-sectional shape of the fibers approaches a perfect circle. However, unlike mercerization, where there are concerns that the cotton fibers will become brittle due to the use of a strong alkali, it can be said that the single-fiber tensile strength and elongation of the cotton-containing spun yarn do not change significantly before and after liquid ammonia processing. Furthermore, even if the cotton fibers contained in the cotton-containing spun yarn are cross-linked with a glyoxal-based resin and the glyoxal-based resin is attached to them, the cotton-containing spun yarn can be said to have its inherent stretchability if it satisfies the aforementioned range of single-fiber tensile strength and elongation per 1 tex of fineness. The knitted fabric of the present invention, which contains such cotton-containing spun yarn, easily exhibits the excellent water absorption characteristic of cotton fibers, has improved stretchability, and has a better texture, resulting in superior wearability and fit.

[0030] The cotton-containing spun yarn in the knitted fabric may have a single yarn tensile strength of 8.5 cN / tex or more and 15.0 cN / tex or less per 1 tex of fineness, and an elongation rate of 4.5% or more and 12.5% ​​or less; or a single yarn tensile strength of 9.5 cN / tex or more and 14.0 cN / tex or less per 1 tex of fineness, and an elongation rate of 8.0% or more and 11.5% or less; or a single yarn tensile strength of 10.5 cN / tex or more and 13.0 cN / tex or less per 1 tex of fineness, and an elongation rate of 8.5% or more and 11.0% or less. While there are no particular limitations as long as the single yarn tensile strength and elongation rate per 1 tex of fineness of the cotton-containing spun yarn in the knitted fabric meet the above range, it is preferable that the single yarn tensile strength and elongation rate per 1 tex of fineness of the cotton-containing spun yarn meet the above range when the cotton fibers contained in the cotton-containing spun yarn have not been crosslinked with a glyoxal-based resin.

[0031] The cotton-containing spun yarn in the knitted fabric may have a single yarn tensile strength of 6.0 cN / tex or more and 12.0 cN / tex or less per 1 tex of fineness, and an elongation of 4.5% or more and 12.5% ​​or less; a single yarn tensile strength of 8.0 cN / tex or more and 11.0 cN / tex or less per 1 tex of fineness, and an elongation of 6.0% or more and 11.5% or less; or a single yarn tensile strength of 8.5 cN / tex or more and 10.0 cN / tex or less per 1 tex of fineness, and an elongation of the cotton-containing spun yarn may be 7.0% or more and 9.5% or less. While there are no particular limitations as long as the single yarn tensile strength and elongation rate per 1 tex of fineness of the cotton-containing spun yarn in the knitted fabric meet the above range, it is preferable that the single yarn tensile strength and elongation rate per 1 tex of fineness of the cotton-containing spun yarn meet the above range when at least a portion of the cotton fibers contained in the cotton-containing spun yarn are crosslinked with a glyoxal-based resin and the glyoxal-based resin is attached to the yarn.

[0032] In this specification, the elongation of spun yarn containing cotton fibers in a knitted fabric (cotton-containing spun yarn) can be measured in accordance with JIS L 1095:2010 9.5.1 by unraveling the knitted fabric and using the unraveled spun yarn. In this specification, the single yarn tensile strength per 1 tex of fineness of cotton-containing spun yarn in a knitted fabric can be calculated based on the single yarn tensile strength measured in accordance with JIS L 1095:2010 9.5.1 by unraveling the knitted fabric and using the unraveled cotton-containing spun yarn, and the fineness (tex) calculated from the cotton count of the cotton-containing spun yarn. When converting cotton count to fineness (tex), the calculation is performed using the formula for converting cotton count to fineness (tex) as described in Table 2 of Section 6, Conversion Formulas, of JIS L 0101:1978 Tex Method. Fineness of spun yarn (tex) = 590.5 / cotton count

[0033] The cotton-containing spun yarn in the knitted fabric preferably has a toughness (= tensile strength of single yarn per 1 tex (cN / tex) × √ elongation (%)) of 20 to 45. As a result, the knitted fabric of the present invention is considered to have a tough state in which the cotton fibers constituting the cotton-containing spun yarn contained in the knitted fabric swell due to liquid ammonia processing, and the cross-sectional shape of the fibers approaches a perfect circle, as well as the tensile strength and elongation of the single yarn of the cotton-containing spun yarn do not change significantly before and after liquid ammonia processing, and the cotton-containing spun yarn stretches appropriately when pulled. Furthermore, the cotton fibers contained in the cotton-containing spun yarn are cross-linked with a glyoxal-based resin, and even when the glyoxal-based resin is attached, the cotton-containing spun yarn maintains the toughness described above, thus maintaining a state of toughness that allows it to stretch appropriately when pulled. The knitted fabric of the present invention, which contains such cotton-containing spun yarn, that is, cotton-containing spun yarn whose toughness meets a predetermined range, tends to have improved stretchability and a better texture, resulting in superior wearability and fit.

[0034] The cotton-containing spun yarn in the knitted fabric is more preferably 30 to 40 toughness, even more preferably 32 to 40 toughness, and particularly preferably 34 to 39 toughness. The toughness of the cotton-containing spun yarn in the knitted fabric is not particularly limited as long as it satisfies the above range, but it is preferable that the toughness of the cotton-containing spun yarn satisfies the above range when the cotton fibers contained in the cotton-containing spun yarn are not crosslinked with glyoxal-based resin.

[0035] The cotton-containing spun yarn in the knitted fabric is more preferably 20 or more and less than 30 toughness, even more preferably 21.5 or more and 29 or less, and particularly preferably 22 or more and 28.5 or less. The toughness of the cotton-containing spun yarn in the knitted fabric is not particularly limited as long as it satisfies the above range, but it is preferable that the toughness of the cotton-containing spun yarn satisfies the above range when at least a portion of the cotton fibers contained in the cotton-containing spun yarn are crosslinked with a glyoxal-based resin and the glyoxal-based resin is attached to it.

[0036] The knitted fabric has a warp elongation rate greater than 16.5% and 50% or less, a weft elongation rate greater than 30% and 150% or less, and the sum of the warp and weft elongations is greater than 46.5% and 200% or less. As a result, the knitted fabric has high stretchability, and the fit and comfort of clothing made from it are good. Preferably, the warp elongation rate is 17% or more and 40% or less, the weft elongation rate is 35% or more and 100% or less, and the sum of the warp and weft elongations is 52% or more and 140% or less, and more preferably, the warp elongation rate is 18% or more and 30% or less, the weft elongation rate is 40% or more and 70% or less, and the sum of the warp and weft elongations is 58% or more and 100% or less. In this specification, the elongation of the knitted fabric can be measured in accordance with JIS L 1096:2010 8.16.1 Method D (constant load method for knitted fabrics).

[0037] The aforementioned knitted fabric has a barium activity value greater than 135 and less than or equal to 180. This reduces the degree of crystallinity of the cotton fibers, causing the cross-sectional shape of the cotton fibers to approach a perfect circle. The barium activity value of the aforementioned knitted fabric is preferably between 138 and 175, more preferably between 140 and 170, and particularly preferably between 142 and 165. In this specification, the barium activity value of the knitted fabric is measured in accordance with JIS L 1096:2020, 8.38 barium activity number.

[0038] The stretch modulus of elasticity of the knitted fabric is not particularly limited, but for example, from the viewpoint of excellent recovery and stretchability, it is preferable that the stretch modulus of elasticity in the warp direction is 50% or more, the stretch modulus of elasticity in the weft direction is 50% or more, and the sum of the stretch modulus of elasticity in the warp direction and the stretch modulus of elasticity in the weft direction is 100% or more, more preferably that the stretch modulus of elasticity in the warp direction is 55% or more, the stretch modulus of elasticity in the weft direction is 55% or more, and the sum of the stretch modulus of elasticity in the warp direction and the stretch modulus of elasticity in the weft direction is 110% or more, and even more preferably that the stretch modulus of elasticity in the warp direction is 60% or more, the stretch modulus of elasticity in the weft direction is 60% or more, and the sum of the stretch modulus of elasticity in the warp direction and the stretch modulus of elasticity in the weft direction is 120% or more. There is no particular upper limit to the tensile modulus of the knitted fabric, and it may be 100% in both the warp and weft directions (i.e., the elongation completely returns to its original state after a constant load is applied for a predetermined time), but it may also be 90% or less in the warp direction, 90% or less in the weft direction, and the sum of the warp and weft tensile moduli may be 180% or less. In this specification, the tensile modulus of the knitted fabric can be measured by JIS L 1096:2010 8.16.2 Method D (repeated constant elongation method).

[0039] In the aforementioned knitted fabric, the coarse count (number of stitches in the warp direction of the fabric) may be 5 to 30 stitches per 0.5 inches (12.7 mm), 15 to 28 stitches, or 20 to 26 stitches, for example, from the viewpoint of the stability of dimensional changes of the processed fabric. The wale count (number of stitches in the weft direction of the fabric) may be 5 to 25 stitches per 0.5 inches (12.7 mm), 10 to 25 stitches, or 15 to 23 stitches, for example, from the viewpoint of the elasticity and retention of the processed fabric after knitting. In the aforementioned knitted fabric, the spun yarn insertion length (also called loop length) is not particularly limited, but it needs to be adjusted appropriately depending on the cotton count of the cotton-containing spun yarn used. For example, from the viewpoint of maintaining the thickness of the knitted fabric, when manufacturing a jersey knit fabric using 40-count cotton-containing spun yarn, it is preferable that the thickness per 100 needles (100 wales (w)) be between 20 cm and 30 cm, and more preferably between 22 cm and 25 cm. Also, when manufacturing a jersey knit fabric using 20-count cotton-containing spun yarn, it is preferable that the thickness per 100 needles (100 wales (w)) be between 25 cm and 35 cm, and more preferably between 30 cm and 33 cm.

[0040] Because the knitted fabric has excellent quick-drying properties, when 0.6 ml of water is dropped onto a test piece of the knitted fabric and the test piece is left suspended in an environment of 20°C and 65% RH (relative humidity), the drying time to reach a diffusible residual moisture content of 10% is preferably 75 minutes or less, more preferably 60 minutes or less, and even more preferably 55 minutes or less. As a result, when the knitted fabric is made into clothing, it dries easily when wet with sweat or after washing, thus shortening the time required for drying. Furthermore, using the washing method described later, the drying time to reach a diffusible residual moisture content of 10% for the knitted fabric after 1 to 30 washes, measured using the same procedure as described above, is also preferably 75 minutes or less, more preferably 60 minutes or less, and even more preferably 55 minutes or less. In this specification, the drying time to reach a diffusible residual moisture content of 10% for the knitted fabric can be measured as described in the examples.

[0041] From the viewpoint of excellent water absorption and diffusion properties, the water absorption and diffusion area of the knitted fabric calculated by the following formula is 10 cm 2 2 or more, preferably 11 cm 2 2 or more, more preferably 12 cm 2 2 or more, even more preferably 13 cm 2 2 or more, even more preferably. When water is dropped onto a knitted fabric, a knitted fabric that spreads over a larger area can evaporate moisture absorbed over a larger area, thus resulting in a knitted fabric with excellent quick-drying properties. Therefore, the upper limit of the water absorption and diffusion area is not particularly limited, and the larger the area, the more preferable it is. However, it may be 30 cm 2 2 or less, or 26 cm 2 2 or less, or 24 cm 2 2 or less. In this specification, the water absorption and diffusion area of a knitted fabric can be measured as described in the Examples. Water absorption and diffusion area (cm 2 ) = [(diameter in warp direction (wale direction) × diameter in weft direction (course direction)] / 4 × π

[0042] From the viewpoint that, when the knitted fabric is formed into a garment, high water absorption allows it to quickly absorb perspiration after sweating and thus tends to provide good wearing comfort, it is preferable that the water absorption time of the knitted fabric, measured in accordance with 7.1.1 dropping method of 7.1 water absorption rate method specified in JIS L 1907:2010, is shorter. More specifically, the water absorption time of the knitted fabric, measured in accordance with the dropping method, is preferably 8 seconds or less, more preferably 5 seconds or less, and even more preferably 3 seconds or less. Furthermore, from the viewpoint of washing durability, it is preferable that after washing the knitted fabric for 10 to 30 times using the washing method described later, the water absorption time measured in accordance with 7.1.1 dropping method of 7.1 water absorption rate method specified in JIS L 1907:2010 is 10 seconds or less, more preferably 5 seconds or less, and even more preferably 3 seconds or less.

[0043] From the viewpoint of excellent resistance to pilling, the aforementioned knitted fabric is preferably grade 3 or higher in terms of pilling on the surface of the knitted fabric, as measured in accordance with JIS L 1076:2012 8.1.1 Method A (method using an ICI type testing machine). It is more preferably grade 3-4 (also called grade 3.5) or higher, even more preferably grade 4 or higher, and particularly preferably grade 4-5 (also called grade 4.5) or higher. If the pilling on the surface of the knitted fabric is grade 3.5 or higher, it can be suitably used for sportswear.

[0044] From the viewpoint of superior durability, it is preferable that the bursting strength of the knitted fabric meets a certain range. There are several methods for measuring bursting strength, but if the bursting strength of the knitted fabric is measured in accordance with JIS L 1096:2010, Method 8.18 A (Mullen method), it is preferable that the bursting strength is between 300 kPa and 1200 kPa, more preferably between 350 kPa and 1100 kPa, and even more preferably between 380 kPa and 1000 kPa.

[0045] (Method of manufacturing knitted fabric) The method for manufacturing knitted fabric according to the present invention is not particularly limited, but includes the following steps. (1) A process for producing cotton-containing spun yarn, which is a spun yarn containing cotton fibers, by using a vortex spinning machine. (2) A process of knitting a fabric using the cotton-containing spun yarn, (3) A step of scouring and bleaching the knitted fabric using an aqueous solution containing hydrogen peroxide, an alkaline agent, and a scouring agent, at a temperature greater than 95°C and 130°C or less, and for a processing time of 20 minutes or more and 60 minutes or less, and (4) Process the scouring and bleaching of the knitted fabric with liquid ammonia.

[0046] In step (1), cotton-containing spun yarn is produced by vortex pneumatic spinning using a vortex spinning machine. First, a sliver containing cotton fibers is prepared, and the sliver is supplied to the draft zone of the vortex spinning machine for drafting. Then, it is preferable to obtain cotton-containing spun yarn by spinning and winding under conditions where the nozzle pressure is 0.4 MPa or more and 0.65 MPa or less, and the spinning speed (also called the spinning rate) is 250 m / min or more and 450 m / min or less. The vortex spinning machine is not particularly limited, but for example, a vortex pneumatic spinning machine such as the VORTEX spinning machine manufactured by Murata Machinery, Ltd. can be used.

[0047] In the aforementioned vortex air spinning process, the spinning speed is not particularly limited. However, from the viewpoint of productivity of cotton-containing spun yarn and the tightness (stiffness) of the untwisted fiber group constituting the cotton-containing spun yarn and the wound fiber group wrapped around the untwisted fiber group, it is preferable that the spinning speed be 250 m / min or more and 450 m / min or less. It is more preferable that the spinning speed be 280 m / min or more and 450 m / min or less, and particularly preferable that it be 290 m / min or more and 400 m / min or less. When the spinning speed is within this range, the productivity of cotton-containing spun yarn is good, the tightness of the wound fiber group is not too strong, and the stiffness is good. In particular, since vortex air spinning yarn containing cotton fibers tends to become stiff and the texture of the knitted and processed fabric tends to become stiff, the range of the spinning speed, the nozzle pressure described later, and the spindle diameter range are considered important.

[0048] In the aforementioned vortex pneumatic spinning process, a nozzle pressure of 0.4 MPa or higher improves fiber rotation. A nozzle pressure of 0.65 MPa or lower improves the productivity of cotton-containing spun yarn. A nozzle pressure of 0.45 MPa or higher and 0.65 MPa or lower is preferable, and a nozzle pressure of 0.48 MPa or higher and 0.60 MPa or lower is more preferable.

[0049] In the spinning machine used for the aforementioned vortex pneumatic spinning, the spindle diameter (the diameter of the spindle hole) is adjusted according to the cotton count of the cotton-containing spun yarn to be produced. However, when producing cotton-containing spun yarn from 40 count to 20 count, from the viewpoint of facilitating the winding of the fibers (groups of winding fibers), the spindle diameter is preferably 1.0 mm to 1.3 mm, more preferably 1.1 mm to 1.3 mm, and even more preferably 1.15 mm to 1.2 mm.

[0050] The sliver preferably contains 50% by mass or more of cotton fibers, more preferably 60% by mass or more, even more preferably 70% by mass or more, even more preferably 80% by mass or more, even more preferably 90% by mass or more, even more preferably 95% by mass or more, and is particularly preferably substantially 100% by mass.

[0051] The sliver may contain other cellulosic fibers besides cotton fibers, and from the viewpoint of water absorption and anti-pilling properties, it is preferable that it contains a total of 80% by mass or more of cotton fibers and other cellulosic fibers, more preferably 90% by mass or more, even more preferably 95% by mass or more, and particularly preferably substantially 100% by mass of cotton fibers and other cellulosic fibers.

[0052] The sliver may contain, in addition to cotton fibers and other cellulosic fibers, other fibers in amounts of, for example, 20% by mass or less, 15% by mass or less, 10% by mass or less, or 5% by mass or less, to the extent that it does not impede the effects of the present invention. The cotton fibers, other cellulosic fibers, and other fibers can be those described above as appropriate.

[0053] In step (2), a knitted fabric is made using the cotton-containing spun yarn obtained in step (1). In step (2), the cotton-containing spun yarn obtained in step (1) may be combined with other yarns, such as other spun yarns and / or filament yarns, to the extent that the effects of the present invention are not hindered, but it is preferable to knit the fabric using only the cotton-containing spun yarn obtained in step (1). The knit structure of the fabric, the weight, the coarse stitch, the wale stitch, and the depth of the cotton-containing spun yarn can be adjusted as appropriate within the above range.

[0054] In step (3), the knitted fabric prepared in step (2) is scouring and bleached. Scouring and bleaching is carried out using an aqueous solution containing hydrogen peroxide, an alkaline agent, and a scouring agent, at a temperature greater than 95°C and 130°C or less, and for a processing time of 20 minutes or more and 60 minutes or less. Cotton fibers contained in cotton-containing spun yarn contain various impurities such as cotton wax, oils and fats, pectin, proteins, and spinning oils attached during the spinning process. If these impurities remain in the cotton fibers, the water absorption of the knitted fabric will be insufficient, and in the liquid ammonia processing described later, the liquid ammonia may not penetrate sufficiently into the cotton fibers, potentially preventing the liquid ammonia processing from being fully effective. As an alkaline agent, for example, caustic soda (sodium hydroxide (NaOH)) can be used. As the scouring agent, commercially available scouring agents and other known scouring agents can be used. For example, the scouring agent manufactured and sold by Ningbo Huake Textile Auxiliary Co., Ltd. (product number: "HK-115") can be used. In the aqueous solution containing hydrogen peroxide, an alkaline agent, and a scouring agent used for scouring and bleaching, the concentrations of hydrogen peroxide, alkaline agent, and scouring agent are adjusted from the viewpoint of the water absorption and whiteness of the cotton fibers. Preferably, the aqueous solution contains hydrogen peroxide (converted to a 27.5% concentration product) in a proportion of 1.0% owf to 15.0% owf, caustic soda (flakes) in a proportion of 0.5% owf to 5.0% owf, and scouring agent in a proportion of 0.5 g / L to 5 g / L. It is more preferable to have an aqueous solution containing hydrogen peroxide (converted to a 27.5% concentration product) in a proportion of 6% owf to 12% owf, caustic soda (flakes) in a proportion of 0.8% owf to 4.0% owf, and a scouring agent in a proportion of 0.8 g / L to 4.0 g / L, and it is particularly preferable to have an aqueous solution containing hydrogen peroxide (converted to a 27.5% concentration product) in a proportion of 9% owf to 13% owf, caustic soda (flakes) in a proportion of 1.0% owf to 4.0% owf, and a scouring agent in a proportion of 0.8 g / L to 4.0 g / L.When scouring and bleaching, the scouring and bleaching treatment temperature and duration are preferably set to 100°C to 120°C and 30 minutes to 50 minutes, and more preferably to 105°C to 115°C and 35 minutes to 45 minutes, from the viewpoint of the scouring effect obtained by the treatment. By performing scouring and bleaching under the above conditions, various impurities such as cotton wax, oils and fats, pectin, proteins, and spinning oil attached during the spinning process, as well as dyes and sizing agents attached to the fibers, especially the cotton fibers constituting the cotton-containing spun yarn contained in the knitted fabric, are sufficiently removed, making it easier to impregnate with liquid ammonia and softeners in step (4), and improving the water absorption of the cotton fibers. The knitted fabric after scouring and bleaching may be acid-neutralized with known carboxylic acids such as acetic acid, citric acid, and malic acid, washed with water, and then dehydrated and dried.

[0055] In step (4), the knitted fabric after scouring and bleaching is treated with liquid ammonia. Specifically, the liquid ammonia treatment is preferably carried out by using a liquid ammonia apparatus to immerse the knitted fabric in liquid ammonia in an environment below the boiling point of ammonia at atmospheric pressure, which is -34°C or below (for example, -37°C), and holding the fabric impregnated with liquid ammonia for 3 seconds to 15 seconds, or 3 seconds to 12 seconds, and then drying it in a cylinder dryer at a temperature of 80°C to 120°C for 5 seconds to 30 seconds to remove the liquid ammonia.

[0056] A dyeing step may be performed after step (4). The dyeing step is not particularly limited, but can be carried out as appropriate using various dyes such as fluorescent whitening agents, reactive dyes, vat dyes, and direct dyes, as long as it does not impair the effects of the present invention.

[0057] After step (4), a crosslinking treatment with glyoxal resin (step (5)) may be performed as step (5). In step (5), it is preferable to impregnate the material with an aqueous solution containing glyoxal resin, a crosslinking agent, and a softener, and then dry and heat treat it at a temperature of 140°C to 180°C for a treatment time of 60 seconds to 240 seconds. The aqueous solution used in step (5) preferably contains glyoxal resin (active ingredient) in an amount of 0.1% owf to 10.0% owf, crosslinking agent (active ingredient) in an amount of 0.03% owf to 2.5% owf, and softener in an amount of 0.5% owf to 10.0% owf, and more preferably contains glyoxal resin (active ingredient) in an amount of 1.0% owf to 5.0% owf, crosslinking agent (active ingredient) in an amount of 0.25% owf to 1.2% owf, and softener in an amount of 2.0% owf to 6.0% owf. This allows the amount of glyoxal resin copolymerized with the cotton fibers in the cotton-containing spun yarn within the knitted fabric to be kept within an appropriate range. As a result, the knitted fabric exhibits excellent water absorption, while the hydrophilicity of the cotton fibers is adjusted by the glyoxal resin copolymerized with the cotton fibers, improving quick-drying properties.

[0058] In step (5), the softener added to the aqueous solution containing the glyoxal resin is not particularly limited as long as it is a softener that imparts flexibility to the knitted fabric, and may or may not have water absorption properties, but from the viewpoint of water absorption of the knitted fabric, it is preferable to use a water-absorbing softener. Furthermore, the type of softener is not limited, but for example, a urethane-based softener or a silicone-based softener is preferred.

[0059] The treatment of knitted fabric with an aqueous solution containing glyoxal resin, etc. (i.e., crosslinking reaction treatment of knitted fabric containing cotton fiber-containing spun yarn with glyoxal resin) can be carried out using a known processing machine. Generally, however, the crosslinking reaction treatment of cotton fibers with glyoxal resin can be performed by impregnating the knitted fabric containing cotton fiber-containing spun yarn with an aqueous solution containing glyoxal resin, a crosslinking agent, and a softening agent, squeezing it with a pad, drying it at a temperature of 140°C to 180°C, and then heat-treating (curing) it at 140°C to 180°C. The drying time is adjusted as appropriate depending on the weight of the knitted fabric, but is carried out at a temperature of 130°C to 180°C for a period of 60 seconds to 120 seconds. The heat treatment (curing) after drying is preferably carried out at a temperature of 140°C to 180°C for a processing time of 60 seconds to 180 seconds, and more preferably at a temperature of 140°C to 150°C for a processing time of 90 seconds to 120 seconds.

[0060] The cross-linking reaction treatment of the glyoxal resin and cotton fibers may be carried out in a total of one drying step and a heat treatment step (the two steps are performed in one pass). When the drying step and heat treatment step are carried out in two steps in one pass, it is preferable to perform the drying and heat treatment at a temperature of 140°C to 180°C and for a drying and heat treatment time of 90 seconds to 180 seconds, and more preferably at a temperature of 150°C to 175°C and for a drying and heat treatment time of 120 seconds to 150 seconds. As a result, the glyoxal resin copolymerized with the cotton fibers in the knitted fabric is less likely to decompose due to heat and can be fixed within an appropriate range, so that the knitted fabric has excellent water absorption and improved quick-drying properties.

[0061] The aforementioned crosslinking agent (also called a crosslinking reaction catalyst) is not particularly limited as long as it can exert an effect on the glyoxal resin, and examples include metal salts of acids such as zinc nitrate and magnesium chloride, Lewis acids, and Breasted acids. Alternatively, a commercially available product such as "Riken Fixer MX-27N" manufactured by Miki Riken Kogyo Co., Ltd. may be used as the crosslinking agent.

[0062] (Clothing) The aforementioned knitted fabric can be used for clothing. Examples of clothing include sportswear, loungewear, underwear, and outerwear. Examples of sportswear include outdoor shirts, training wear, sweatshirts and pants, and polo shirts. Examples of underwear include T-shirts, briefs, boxer shorts, camisoles, and shorts. [Examples]

[0063] The present invention will be described in more detail below with reference to examples. The present invention is not limited to the following examples.

[0064] The measurement and evaluation methods used in the examples and comparative examples are as follows.

[0065] (1) English cotton count of spun yarn The measurement was performed in accordance with the cotton count measurement method for general spun yarns, as specified in JIS L 1095:2010 9.4.1. (2) Tensile strength and elongation of spun yarn In accordance with JIS L 1095:2010 9.5.1, the load and elongation at which the sample broke under standard conditions were measured using a tensile testing machine, and the tensile strength and elongation of the single filament were determined. (3) Elongation modulus of spun yarn In accordance with JIS L 1095:2010 9.12.1 Method A, a tensile testing machine was used with a gripping distance of 20 cm and a tensile speed of 50% of the gripping distance per minute (i.e., a tensile speed of 10 cm per minute). The material was stretched to a constant elongation of 3% and held for 1 minute. Next, the load was removed at the same speed and held for 3 minutes. After that, the material was stretched again at the same speed to the point where the initial load was applied, and the tensile modulus was determined. (4) Weight of knitted fabric Measurements were taken in accordance with JIS L 1096:2010. (5) Bursting strength of knitted fabric The bursting strength of the knitted fabric was measured using a bursting tester in accordance with JIS L 1096:2010 8.18 Method A (Mullen method). (6) Anti-pilling properties of knitted fabrics In accordance with JIS L 1076:2012 Method A, a pilling test was performed using an ICI type testing machine to confirm the degree of pilling. (7) Water absorption of knitted fabric (evaluation by drip method) In accordance with JIS L 1907:2010 7.1 Water Absorption Rate Method 7.1.1 Dropping Method, a test specimen (approximately 200 mm x 200 mm) was taken from the knitted fabric. One drop of water was dropped from a height of 10 mm from the surface of the test specimen to the tip of the burette. The time from when the water droplet reached the surface of the test specimen until the specular reflection disappeared as the test specimen absorbed the water droplet was measured. Test specimens were taken from both unwashed (no washing) and knitted fabric after 30 washes. Washing was performed in accordance with JIS L 1930:2014 (Test Methods for Household Laundry of Textile Products) Type B Standard Washing Machine. (8) Quick-drying properties of the knitted fabric (time until the residual moisture content reaches 10%) A test specimen (approximately 10 cm x 10 cm) was taken from the knitted fabric, and its mass (M0) was measured. Next, 0.6 ml of water was dropped onto the test specimen, and the mass of the test specimen immediately after the water was dropped (M1) was measured. The test specimen, with 0.6 ml of water added and its mass (M1) measured, was left suspended in an environment of 20°C and 65% RH, and the mass of the test specimen (M2) was measured at predetermined intervals. The diffusible residual moisture content (%) was calculated using the following formula. The time until the diffusible residual moisture content (%) reached 10% was determined. Test specimens were taken from both unwashed and 30-wash knitted fabrics. Washing was performed in accordance with JIS L 1930:2014 (Test method for household washing of textile products) Type B standard washing machine. Diffusible residual moisture percentage (%)=[(M2-M0) / (M1-M0)]×100 (9) Water absorption and diffusion properties of knitted fabric (diffusion area) A test piece (approximately 25 cm warp x 25 cm weft) was taken from the knitted fabric, mounted on a 15 cm diameter embroidery hoop, and 0.2 ml of water was dropped onto it using a pipette. 60 seconds after dropping, the warp and weft diameters of the wetted area were measured, and the water absorption and diffusion area was calculated using the following formula. The measured value was the average of three measurements taken for each knitted fabric. Water absorption and diffusion area (cm²) 2) = [(Diameter in the longitudinal direction × Diameter in the latitude direction)] / 4 × π (10) Barium activity value of knitted fabric The barium activity number was measured according to JIS L 1096:2010 8.38 and was defined as the barium activity value. (11) Elongation of the knitted fabric Measurements were taken according to JIS L 1096:2010 8.16.1 Method D (constant load method for knitted fabrics). (12) Elongation modulus of knitted fabric The tensile modulus was measured according to JIS L 1096:2010 8.16.2 Method D (repeated constant elongation method). (13) Texture A test piece (warp: 20cm x weft: 40cm) was taken from the knitted fabric. This test piece was overlapped so that it was halved in the weft direction (court direction), and five male monitors with experience in the development of clothing and textile products conducted a sensory test based on the feel (texture) of the material. They evaluated the material using the following five-point scale, and the average value was used as the sensory evaluation value. Based on this sensory evaluation value, the texture was judged using the following four-point scale. <Evaluation Criteria> 5: It has a very soft texture. 4: Soft to the touch 3: The texture is normal. 2: It feels hard to the touch. 1: It feels very hard to the touch. <Judgment criteria> Sensory evaluation score of 4 to 5: A (Very soft to the touch, excellent texture) Sensory evaluation score of 3 or higher but less than 4: B (Soft to the touch, good texture) Sensory evaluation score between 2 and 3: C (Slightly hard to the touch, slightly poor texture) Sensory evaluation score less than 2: D (Hard to the touch, poor texture)

[0066] (Example 1 of yarn production using vortex spinning) 100% by mass of American cotton (micronear 3.5-4.9, average fiber length 27 mm) was sequentially fed into the blending and batting process, carding process, combing process, and drawing process to obtain sliver. The obtained sliver was supplied to the draft zone using a VORTEX spinning machine (Murata Machinery, Ltd., model number "VORTEX861"), drafted, and then spun and wound at a spinning speed of 390 m / min, a spindle diameter of 1.2 mm, and a nozzle pressure of 0.5 MPa to produce a cotton-containing spun yarn (spun yarn a) (MVS yarn) with an English cotton count of 2 1 / 1. The English cotton count, elongation, and elongation recovery rate of spun yarn a produced by vortex spinning in Production Example 1 were measured as described above.

[0067] (Example 1) Using spun yarn a, a jersey knit fabric a was prepared on a circular knitting machine (30 inches, 24 gauge) with a yarn length of 32.0 cm / 100 needles and having the coarse and wale gauges shown in Table 1 below. The obtained knit fabric a was scouring and bleaching in a high-temperature, high-pressure liquid-flow dyeing machine using an aqueous solution of scouring and bleaching containing hydrogen peroxide (concentration 27.5 wt%) 10% owf, caustic soda (flakes) 1% owf, and scouring agent (scouring agent manufactured by Ningbo Huake Textile Auxiliary Co., Ltd., product number "HK-115") 1.5 g / L at 110°C for 40 minutes. After neutralization with acetic acid, it was washed with water to obtain scouring and bleaching knit fabric a. Next, the scouring and bleaching knit fabric a was treated with liquid ammonia using a liquid ammonia treatment device. Specifically, the refined and bleached knitted fabric a was immersed in liquid ammonia for 3 seconds in an environment of -37°C, then dried in a 100°C cylinder for 12 seconds, and then the ammonia was removed by steaming to obtain a fabric (bleached and swollen knitted fabric a) that had undergone refining, bleaching, and liquid ammonia processing (swelling process). The obtained bleached and swollen knitted fabric a was dyed with a fluorescent whitening agent in a high-temperature, high-pressure liquid flow dyeing machine, dewatered using a centrifugal dehydrator, and dried to obtain dyed, bleached, and swollen knitted fabric a. Next, a water-absorbing softener was applied to the dyed, bleached, and swollen knitted fabric a using a padded tenter to a ratio of 2.5% owf, and then dried at 145°C for 120 seconds to obtain a fluorescent white jersey knit fabric (Example 1).

[0068] (Example 2) A dyed, bleached, and swollen knitted fabric a was obtained in the same manner as in Example 1. Next, the dyed, bleached, and swollen knitted fabric a was impregnated with a treatment solution I containing glyoxal resin using a padded tenter, and then dried and heat-treated (cured) at 160°C for 120 seconds to obtain a fluorescent white jersey knitted fabric (Example 2). Treatment solution I was an aqueous solution containing 5% owf of glyoxal resin ("Riken Resin NONF-64" manufactured by Miki Riken Kogyo Co., Ltd., active ingredient concentration: 40-50% by mass) as the active ingredient (solid content), 1.5% owf of a crosslinking agent ("Riken Fixer MX-27N" manufactured by Miki Riken Kogyo Co., Ltd.), and 2.5% owf of the same water-absorbing softener as in Example 1.

[0069] (Example 3) Bleached and swollen knitted fabric a was obtained in the same manner as in Example 1. Next, bleached and swollen knitted fabric a was dyed black with a reactive dye in a high-temperature, high-pressure liquid-flow dyeing machine, neutralized with acetic acid, soaped, dehydrated using a centrifugal dehydrator, and dried to obtain dyed, bleached, and swollen knitted fabric b. Next, dyed, bleached, and swollen knitted fabric b was impregnated with treatment solution I containing glyoxal resin using a padded tenter, and then dried and cured at 170°C for 120 seconds to obtain black jersey knitted fabric (Example 3). Treatment solution I was prepared in the same manner as in Example 2.

[0070] (Comparative Example 1) Using spun yarn a, a jersey knit fabric c was prepared on a circular knitting machine (30 inches, 24 gauge) with a yarn length of 32.0 cm / 100 needles and having the coarse and wale gauges shown in Table 1 below. The obtained knit fabric was scouring and bleached in a high-temperature, high-pressure liquid-flow dyeing machine using an aqueous solution of scouring and bleaching containing hydrogen peroxide (concentration 27.5 wt%) 6% owf, caustic soda (flakes) 1% owf, and scouring agent (scouring agent manufactured by DYMATIC Chemicals, Inc., product number "DM-1130") 1.0 g / L at 95°C for 40 minutes. After neutralization with acetic acid, it was washed with water, dehydrated, and dried to obtain scouring and bleaching knit fabric c. Next, the scouring and bleaching knit fabric c was dyed with a fluorescent whitening agent in a high-temperature, high-pressure liquid-flow dyeing machine, dehydrated using a centrifugal dehydrator, and dried to obtain knitted, dyed, and bleached knit fabric c. Next, the dyed and bleached knitted fabric c was coated with the same absorbent softener as in Example 1 to a concentration of 2.5% owf using a padded tenter, and then dried at 145°C for 90 seconds to obtain a fluorescent white jersey knit fabric (Comparative Example 1).

[0071] (Comparative Example 2) A scouring-bleached knitted fabric a was prepared in the same manner as in Example 1. Next, the scouring-bleached knitted fabric a was subjected to mercerization. Specifically, the scouring-bleached knitted fabric a was immersed in treatment solution II (concentration 20°Be) containing sodium hydroxide, held at 20°C for 60 seconds, then neutralized, washed with water, and dried to obtain a mercerized knitted fabric. Next, the mercerized knitted fabric was dyed with a fluorescent whitening agent in a high-temperature, high-pressure liquid-flow dyeing machine, dewatered using a centrifugal dehydrator, and dried to obtain knitted fabric d. Next, the same water-absorbing softener as in Example 1 was applied to knitted fabric d to a concentration of 2.5% owf, and then dried at 145°C for 120 seconds to obtain a fluorescent white jersey knitted fabric (Comparative Example 2).

[0072] (Comparative Example 3) Knitted fabric d was prepared in the same manner as in Comparative Example 2. Next, knitted fabric d was impregnated with treatment solution I containing glyoxal resin, and then dried and cured at 165°C for 120 seconds to obtain a fluorescent white jersey knit fabric (Comparative Example 3). Treatment solution I was prepared in the same manner as in Example 2.

[0073] In the examples and comparative examples, the knitted fabrics were unraveled, and the tensile strength, elongation, and elastic modulus of the unraveled cotton-containing spun yarn were measured as described above. In addition, the tensile strength, elongation, and fineness of the cotton-containing spun yarn used as raw materials in the examples and comparative examples were measured as described above. The basis weight, bursting strength, elongation, elongation recovery rate, barium activity value, anti-pilling properties, water absorption, quick-drying properties, water absorption and diffusion properties, and texture of the knitted fabrics in the examples and comparative examples were measured and evaluated as described above. These results are shown in Tables 1 and 2 below. In the water absorption and quick-drying results in Table 2 below, the result when a test piece was taken from an unwashed knitted fabric was W0, and the result when a test piece was taken from a knitted fabric after 30 washes was W0 and W30, respectively. In Table 2 below, the tensile strength of a single yarn extracted from a knitted fabric is the tensile strength per 1 tex of fineness, and toughness is the product of the tensile strength per tex of fineness (cN / tex) and the square root of the elongation (%).

[0074] [Table 1]

[0075] [Table 2]

[0076] As can be seen from the results in Table 2 above, the knitted fabric of the example had a soft feel and good texture, and in both the case before washing and after 30 washes, the drying time to a diffusible residual moisture content of 10% was 60 minutes or less in both cases, indicating good quick-drying properties. Furthermore, the knitted fabric of the example had a warp elongation rate greater than 16.5%, a weft elongation rate greater than 30%, and the sum of the warp and weft elongations was greater than 46.5%, indicating good stretchability. In addition, the knitted fabric of the example had a water absorption time of 1 second or less, measured according to JIS L 1907:2010 7.1 Water absorption rate method 7.1.1 Dropping method, in both the case before washing and after 30 washes, indicating excellent water absorption. Furthermore, the knitted fabric of the example also had good water absorption diffusion properties and anti-pilling properties. Furthermore, the knitted fabric in the example exhibited high extensibility, and the sum of the elongation recovery rate in the warp direction and the elongation recovery rate in the weft direction was 100% or more, indicating high recovery and good stretchability. In the example, a knitted fabric made from cotton fiber-containing spun yarn of a specific structure was subjected to scouring and bleaching under specific conditions, followed by liquid ammonia treatment as a swelling process, and no mercerization was performed. As a result, a knitted fabric was obtained that maintained good water absorption while improving extensibility, texture, and quick-drying properties.

[0077] On the other hand, the knitted fabric of Comparative Example 1, which had not undergone swelling treatment such as liquid ammonia processing, had a barium activity value of 135 or less, and was stiff to the touch and had a poor texture. The knitted fabric of Comparative Example 2 underwent mercerization rather than liquid ammonia treatment as a swelling process. However, its elongation in the warp direction was less than 16.5%, indicating poor stretchability. Furthermore, its barium activity value was 135 or less, resulting in a stiff texture and poor feel. In addition, the knitted fabric of Comparative Example 2 took more than 60 minutes to reach a diffusible residual moisture content of 10% before washing, indicating poor quick-drying properties. The knitted fabric of Comparative Example 3 did not undergo liquid ammonia treatment as a swelling process, and although it was mercerized and then treated with glyoxal resin, its elongation in the weft direction was less than 30%, indicating poor stretchability. Furthermore, its barium activity value was less than 135, resulting in a stiff texture and poor feel. In addition, the knitted fabric of Comparative Example 3 took more than 60 minutes to reach a diffusible residual moisture content of 10% before washing, indicating poor quick-drying properties.

[0078] The present invention is not particularly limited, but may include, for example, the following embodiments. [1] A knitted fabric containing cotton-containing spun yarn, which is a spun yarn containing cotton fibers, The cotton-containing spun yarn in the knitted fabric is composed of a group of untwisted fibers in an untwisted state and a group of wound fibers wrapped around the group of untwisted fibers, and the knitted fabric has a barium activity value greater than 135 and less than or equal to 180. The aforementioned knitted fabric has a warp elongation rate greater than 16.5% and 50% or less, a weft elongation rate greater than 30% and 150% or less, and the sum of the warp and weft elongations is greater than 46.5% and 200% or less. [2] The knitted fabric according to [1], wherein the cotton-containing spun yarn in the knitted fabric has a single yarn tensile strength of 6.0 cN / tex or more and 15.0 cN / tex or less per 1 tex of fineness, and the elongation of the cotton-containing spun yarn is 4.5% or more and 12.5% ​​or less. [3] The knitted fabric according to [1] or [2], wherein the toughness of the cotton-containing spun yarn in the knitted fabric is 20 or more and 45 or less. [4] The knitted fabric is the knitted fabric according to any one of [1] to [3], which contains 50% by mass or more of cotton fibers derived from the cotton-containing spun yarn. [5] The knitted fabric is the knitted fabric according to any one of [1] to [4], wherein a test piece is taken from the knitted fabric before washing and after washing 30 times, 0.6 ml of water is dropped onto the test piece, and when the test piece is left suspended in an environment of 20°C and 65% RH, the drying time to reach a diffusible residual moisture content of 10% is 60 minutes or less. [6] The aforementioned knitted fabric test piece was attached to an embroidery hoop with a diameter of 15 cm, 0.2 ml of water was dropped onto it, and after 60 seconds, the diameter in the warp and weft directions of the wetted area was measured. The water absorption and diffusion area calculated using the following formula was 10 cm². 2 The above applies to any of the knitted fabrics described in [1] to [5]. Water absorption and diffusion area (cm²) 2 ) = [Diameter in the vertical (longitude) direction × Diameter in the horizontal (latitude) direction] / 4 × π [7] A method for manufacturing knitted fabric, (1) A process for producing cotton-containing spun yarn, which is a spun yarn containing cotton fibers, by using a vortex spinning machine. (2) A process of knitting a fabric using the cotton-containing spun yarn, (3) A process of scouring and bleaching the knitted fabric using an aqueous solution containing hydrogen peroxide, an alkaline agent, and a scouring agent, at a temperature greater than 95°C and 130°C or less, for a processing time of 20 minutes or more and 60 minutes or less, and (4) A method for manufacturing knitted fabric, comprising the step of applying liquid ammonia to the knitted fabric after scouring and bleaching. [8] Furthermore, (5) a method for producing a knitted fabric according to [7], comprising the steps of impregnating the knitted fabric, which has been treated with liquid ammonia and in which at least a portion of the cotton fibers has been swollen, with an aqueous solution containing glyoxal resin, a crosslinking agent and a softening agent, and then drying and heat treating it at a temperature of 140°C to 180°C for 60 seconds to 240 seconds. [9] Clothing that includes any of the knitted fabrics described in [1] to [6].

Claims

1. A knitted fabric containing cotton-containing spun yarn, which is a spun yarn containing cotton fibers, The cotton-containing spun yarn in the knitted fabric is composed of a group of untwisted fibers in an untwisted state and a group of wound fibers that are wrapped around the group of untwisted fibers. The aforementioned knitted fabric has a barium activity value greater than 135 and less than or equal to 180. The knitted fabric is characterized in that the elongation rate in the warp direction is greater than 16.5% and 50% or less, the elongation rate in the weft direction is greater than 30% and 150% or less, and the sum of the elongation rates in the warp and weft directions is greater than 46.5% and 200% or less.

2. The knitted fabric according to claim 1, wherein the cotton-containing spun yarn in the knitted fabric has a single yarn tensile strength of 6.0 cN / tex or more and 15.0 cN / tex or less per 1 tex of fineness, and the elongation of the cotton-containing spun yarn is 4.5% or more and 12.5% ​​or less.

3. The knitted fabric according to claim 1, wherein the toughness of the cotton-containing spun yarn in the knitted fabric is 20 or more and 45 or less.

4. The knitted fabric according to claim 1, wherein the knitted fabric contains 50% by mass or more of cotton fibers derived from the cotton-containing spun yarn.

5. The knitted fabric according to claim 1, wherein when test pieces are taken from an unwashed fabric and a knitted fabric after 30 washes, 0.6 ml of water is dropped onto the test piece, and the test piece is left suspended in an environment of 20°C and 65% RH, the drying time to reach a diffusible residual moisture content of 10% is 60 minutes or less.

6. The aforementioned knitted fabric test piece was attached to an embroidery hoop with a diameter of 15 cm, 0.2 ml of water was dropped onto it, and after 60 seconds, the diameter in the warp and weft directions of the wetted area was measured. The water absorption and diffusion area calculated using the following formula was 10 cm². 2 The knitted fabric described in claim 1 is as described above. Water absorption and diffusion area (cm²) 2 ) = [Diameter in the vertical (longitude) direction × Diameter in the horizontal (latitude) direction] / 4 × π

7. A method for manufacturing knitted fabric, (1) A process for producing cotton-containing spun yarn, which is a spun yarn containing cotton fibers, by using a vortex spinning machine. (2) A process of knitting a fabric using the cotton-containing spun yarn, (3) A step of scouring and bleaching the knitted fabric using an aqueous solution containing hydrogen peroxide, an alkaline agent, and a scouring agent, at a temperature greater than 95°C and 130°C or less, and for a processing time of 20 minutes or more and 60 minutes or less, (4) A method for manufacturing knitted fabric, comprising the step of applying liquid ammonia to the knitted fabric after scouring and bleaching.

8. Furthermore, (5) the method for producing a knitted fabric according to claim 7, comprising the steps of impregnating the knitted fabric, which has been treated with liquid ammonia and in which at least a portion of the cotton fibers has been swollen, with an aqueous solution containing glyoxal resin, a crosslinking agent and a softening agent, and then drying and heat treating it at a temperature of 140°C to 180°C for 60 seconds to 240 seconds.

9. Clothing comprising a knitted fabric according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

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