Textiles and clothing

Abstract

To provide fabrics and garments with excellent appearance and texture. [Solution] The fabric comprises at least one colored fiber 1 selected from the group consisting of polyester, polyamide, and acrylic, and a photochromic fiber 2, wherein the fiber 2 contains at least a polymer different from the fiber 1, and the color difference ΔE before and after ultraviolet irradiation is 5.0 or more.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a fabric and a garment. [Background Art]

[0002] Conventionally, fibers and products that change color under an ultraviolet irradiation environment have been developed. For example, photochromic conjugate fibers and fiber products are known (see, for example, Patent Documents 1 and 2). It is also known that using photosensitive color-changing polypropylene fibers as warp yarns and modified polypropylene fibers as weft yarns achieves a softer hand (see, for example, Patent Document 3). [Prior Art Literature] [Patent Documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2006-233351 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2024-003028 [Patent Document 3] Chinese Patent Application Publication No. 104831448 [Summary of the Invention] [Problem to be Solved by the Invention]

[0004] However, in Patent Documents 1 and 2, it is necessary to increase the single yarn fineness in order to increase the degree of change after ultraviolet irradiation, resulting in a hard hand, and there is no change in appearance when used in a fabric. In addition, Patent Document 3 requires a high processing temperature, and as a result, the hand becomes coarse and hard, which cannot be satisfied for apparel use, and cannot achieve differentiated appearance either.

[0005] The present invention has been made in view of such conventional inventions, and an object of the present invention is to provide a fabric and a garment having excellent appearance and hand. [Means for Solving the Problem]

[0006] The fabrics and garments of the present invention that solve the above problems mainly include the following components. (1) A fabric comprising at least one colored fiber 1 selected from the group consisting of polyester, polyamide and acrylic, and a photochromic fiber 2, wherein the fiber 2 contains at least a polymer different from the fiber 1, and the color difference ΔE before and after ultraviolet irradiation is 5.0 or more. (2) The fabric described in (1) above, wherein the fiber 2 is an uncolored fiber. (3) The fabric according to (1) or (2) above, wherein the fabric is a woven fabric, and the fabric contains the fiber 1 in at least one of the warp and weft threads, and contains the fiber 2 in at least a direction perpendicular to the fiber 1. (4) The fabric according to any one of (1) to (3) above, wherein the fiber 2 is a composite fiber comprising at least polypropylene containing a photochromic dye and polyester, and at least a portion of the polyester is exposed on the fiber surface. (5) The fabric according to any one of (1) to (4) above, wherein the fiber 1 is a cationic dyeable polyester. (6) A fabric according to any one of (1) to (5) above, wherein the fiber 1 has a thick-thin shape in the longitudinal direction. (7) The fabric according to any one of (1) to (6) above, wherein the fiber 1 is a normal pressure cation dyeable polyester. (8) A fabric according to any of (1) to (7) above, wherein the ratio (T1 / T2) of the total fineness T1 of fiber 1 to the total fineness T2 of fiber 2 is 0.5 to 1.0. (9) A fabric as described in any of (1) to (8) above, wherein the color difference before and after ultraviolet irradiation is 2.5 or less on the color change grayscale. (10) The fabric according to any one of (1) to (9) above, wherein the fiber 1 is colored with a cationic dye. (11) Clothing containing any of the fabrics described in (1) to (10) above. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a fabric that is soft in texture, has excellent aesthetics, and whose appearance changes in color tone. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a cross-sectional photograph showing an example of a photochromic fiber 2 in the fabric of this disclosure. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a cross-sectional photograph showing an example of a holochromic fiber 2 in the fabric of this disclosure after ultraviolet irradiation. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a plan view photograph showing an example of a fabric in this disclosure. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0009] The fabric of this disclosure comprises a colored fiber 1 and a photochromic fiber 2, wherein the color difference ΔE before and after ultraviolet irradiation is 5.0 or greater.

[0010] In this disclosure, "colored" means a state in which the fiber is a different color from its natural color due to a coloring agent such as a dye or pigment. Examples of coloring methods include, but are not limited to, methods of coloring by post-processing such as dyeing or coating with dyes or pigments, or methods of coloring by mixing a coloring agent into the polymer before spinning. Due to the ease of coloring, coloring with dyes is preferred.

[0011] In this disclosure, as described later, it is preferable that the coloring agent is a cationic dye. On the other hand, it is preferable that fiber 2 is not colored. "Not colored" means, conversely to the above, a state in which the fiber is not colored in a different color from its original color by a coloring agent such as a dye or pigment. Therefore, the color of the fiber material itself, the color due to changes over time, the color of attached substances such as dirt, etc. are not included in the coloring. It is preferable that fiber 2 is not colored because it expresses a difference in shade from fiber 1, resulting in superior aesthetics. Furthermore, when the color of fiber 2 changes by ultraviolet irradiation, the color difference ΔE falls within the range of this disclosure, making the color of the fabric appear clearly different and resulting in superior aesthetics. Moreover, when the photochromic fiber 2 is not colored, the color difference before and after ultraviolet irradiation is more clearly observed. And, due to the synergistic effect with the excellent fabric appearance obtained by the colored fiber 1, it is possible to obtain a fabric that has superior aesthetics while also changing in appearance color tone.

[0012] Furthermore, the ultraviolet irradiation referred to here is defined as having a wavelength of 365 nm and an ultraviolet intensity of 7,000 μW / cm². 2 This refers to preparing a light source and irradiating the fabric with the light for one minute. The color difference ΔE is calculated by measuring the color of the fabric before and after UV irradiation using a spectrophotometer and expressing it as color difference ΔEcmc(2:1). The spectrophotometer is not particularly limited, but for example, the CM-26d (manufactured by Konica Minolta, Inc.) can be used. The color measurement conditions for the spectrophotometer were a field of view of 10° and a light source of D65. Specifically, it can be carried out by the method described in the examples.

[0013] The fabrics described herein are not particularly limited and can include knitted fabrics, woven fabrics, nonwoven fabrics, etc., but woven fabrics are preferred. By using a woven fabric, the color difference between fiber 1 and fiber 2 can be more emphasized. In addition, because the warp and weft threads are perpendicular to each other, the threads of both fiber 1 and fiber 2 are appropriately exposed on the surface of the fabric, resulting in a superior appearance of light and dark shades in the fabric.

[0014] The arrangement of the fabric is not particularly limited as long as it contains at least fiber 1 and fiber 2. Examples thereof include fabrics using fiber 1 and fiber 2 as warp and weft, fabrics using fiber 1 and fiber 2 alone as warp or weft respectively, and fabrics using fiber 1 and fiber 2 as warp or weft and using fiber 1 or fiber 2 in the direction orthogonal thereto. Among them, it is preferable that fiber 1 is contained in at least one of warp and weft, and fiber 2 is contained at least in a direction orthogonal to fiber 1. It is more preferable that the fiber is contained only in either warp or weft, and fiber 2 is contained only in the direction orthogonal to fiber 1. Other fibers may be contained as long as at least a part of fiber 1 and fiber 2 are orthogonal to each other. With such a configuration, a clear color difference and light and shade appearance can be obtained, and aesthetic properties can be improved.

[0015] The fiber 2 having photochromic properties is not particularly limited as long as it is a fiber having a property of changing color according to the intensity of light such as ultraviolet rays and visible light. Examples include fibers containing a chemical substance that reacts to light such as ultraviolet rays and visible light, for example, photochromic dyes, and fibers coated with photochromic dyes. In the present disclosure, the fiber 2 preferably contains a photochromic dye. By containing a photochromic dye, the color changes upon irradiation with ultraviolet rays, and an appearance excellent in aesthetic properties can be obtained.

[0016] The fiber 2 is not particularly limited as long as it has photochromic properties, but is preferably a synthetic fiber from the viewpoint of excellent strength. The polymer constituting the synthetic fiber is not particularly limited, but it is preferable that the polymer contains at least a polymer different from that of fiber 1, because this facilitates a clear color difference between fiber 1 and fiber 2. Examples of such polymers include polyesters such as polyethylene terephthalate, polybutylene terephthalate and polytrimethylene terephthalate, polyamides such as nylon 6, nylon 66, nylon 610 and nylon 12, polyolefins such as polyethylene and polypropylene, acrylic polymers, and copolymers of any of the foregoing that differ from the polymer constituting fiber 1. The difference in polymers is not limited to those with a clear distinction such as polyethylene terephthalate and polybutylene terephthalate; in the present disclosure, even polyethylene terephthalates with different molecular weights or different copolymerization components are considered to be different polymers. It is preferable to have different copolymerization components because this provides excellent production stability and easily achieves a clear color difference. For example, polyethylene terephthalate and cationic dyeable polyethylene terephthalate are different polymers, which is a preferable combination.

[0017] In the present disclosure, fiber 2 is preferably polypropylene among the above. Polypropylene includes polypropylene and copolymers thereof, and polypropylene is more preferred. Polypropylene has a low specific gravity and provides excellent lightweight properties when formed into a fabric.

[0018] Furthermore, it is preferable that fiber 2 contains other compositional components in addition to polypropylene. The form in which these components are included is not particularly limited, such as composite yarn or composite fiber, but composite fiber is preferred because it is easy to cover the polypropylene. The other compositional components preferably include at least one selected from, for example, polyethylene, polystyrene, polyester, polytrimethylene terephthalate, polybutylene terephthalate, polyamide, polyphenylene sulfide, acrylonitrile, polyurethane, and derivatives thereof, and more preferably at least polyester. As for polyester, polyethylene terephthalate, polybutylene terephthalate, polytrimethylene terephthalate, and copolymers thereof are more preferred. The inclusion of other compositional components relatively reduces the proportion of polypropylene, so that even when high temperatures are applied during, for example, dyeing or post-processing of the fabric, hardening of the texture is suppressed and it can be softened. Polyester is particularly preferred because of its high strength.

[0019] When fiber 2 contains polypropylene and other constituent components, it is preferable that the photochromic dye be included in the polypropylene, as this results in a lightweight, soft fabric with a desirable texture. The ratio of polypropylene to other constituent components is not particularly limited, but from the above viewpoint, the polypropylene ratio in the mass of fiber 2 is preferably 20% by mass or more, and more preferably 30% by mass or more. The upper limit is 100% by mass. Furthermore, when there are two or more components, it is preferable that at least one component has a different polymer from fiber 1, and it is more preferable that all components have different polymers from fiber 1.

[0020] When fiber 2 contains at least two components, polypropylene and another component, such as polyester, it is preferable that the fiber is a composite fiber in which at least a portion of the other component is exposed. It is more preferable that fiber 2 is a composite fiber in which polypropylene containing a photochromic dye and polyester are at least, and at least a portion of the polyester is exposed on the fiber surface. Because the other component is exposed on the fiber surface, the polypropylene is relatively partially distributed within the yarn, thus suppressing heat setting and allowing for better softness of texture.

[0021] There are no restrictions on the cross-sectional shape of such composite fibers, including core-sheath structure type, laminated type, sea-island type, etc., but a core-sheath structure type like that shown in Figure 1 is preferred. In this case, since polypropylene is used as the core component and is not exposed on the yarn surface, the surface of the fabric does not become polypropylene. As a result, the effects of processing heat from dyeing and heat from ironing are relatively weaker, and the hardening of the texture can be further suppressed. Furthermore, if the polypropylene contains a photochromic dye, it is preferable to use it as the core because it can provide an aesthetically pleasing appearance with wash durability.

[0022] The photochromic dye is not particularly limited as long as it is a dye that changes color upon irradiation with light. The amount of photochromic dye contained in fiber 2 is preferably 0.1% by mass or more, more preferably 0.3% by mass or more, and even more preferably 0.5% by mass or more, in order to further improve the clarity of the color difference and the color difference ΔE between fiber 1 and fiber 2. Furthermore, in terms of fiber formation properties and strength, it is preferably 50% by mass or less, more preferably 30% by mass or less, and even more preferably 20% by mass or less. By containing 0.1 to 50% by mass, more preferably 0.1 to 30% by mass, and even more preferably 0.5 to 20% by mass, a better balance can be achieved between fiber formation properties, yarn strength, and color change after UV irradiation. In this disclosure, the photochromic dye content can be measured by the method described in the examples.

[0023] There are no particular restrictions on the structure of the photochromic dye. Examples include, but are not limited to, spiroxazine derivatives or spirolane derivatives.

[0024] In this disclosure, it is preferable that fiber 1 is at least one selected from the group consisting of polyester, polyamide, and acrylic, as this provides excellent dyeability and soft texture. Fiber 1 is not particularly limited as long as it is at least one selected from the group consisting of polyester, polyamide, and acrylic, and at least one different polymer from fiber 2 can be appropriately selected. Here, polyester is not particularly limited as long as it is a polymer having an ester bond, and includes, for example, polyethylene terephthalate, polytrimethylene terephthalate, polybutylene terephthalate, and copolymers thereof. Polyamide is not particularly limited as long as it is a polymer having an amide bond, and includes, for example, nylon 6, nylon 66, nylon 610, nylon 56, nylon 510, nylon 12, and copolymers thereof. Acrylic is polyacrylonitrile having a nitrile bond and copolymers thereof. In addition, other fibers such as polyethylene, polyolefins such as polypropylene, rayon, acetate, and copolymers thereof, cotton, and animal hair may also be included.

[0025] Furthermore, in this disclosure, it is preferable that fiber 1 can be dyed in an atmospheric pressure range of 100°C or lower. Dyeing at temperatures below 100°C does not affect photochromic dyes, which are relatively sensitive to thermal history, and improves photochromicity. Among these, cationic dyeable polyester that can be dyed with cationic dyes is preferred, and cationic dyeable polyethylene terephthalate is more preferred. If polyethylene terephthalate is selected as fiber 1 from among polyesters, it can be dyed, for example, by using a disperse dye in a moist heat range of 130°C or higher under high pressure conditions. However, when using a disperse dye, there is a tendency for slight contamination regardless of what fiber 2 is selected. On the other hand, if fiber 1 is a cationic dyeable polyester, it is preferable because it can be dyed at a lower temperature using a cationic dye that is less likely to contaminate other fiber types, without using a disperse dye. Among cationic dyeable polyesters, atmospheric pressure cationic dyeable polyester that can be dyed with cationic dyes at 1 atmosphere and 100°C or lower is preferred because it can further suppress hardening of the texture.

[0026] The cationic dyeable polyester is not particularly limited, but examples include polyester copolymerized with 0.8 to 2.5 mol% of 5-sodium sulfisophthalic acid containing a metal sulfonate group. Furthermore, the cationic dyeable polyester at atmospheric pressure can be any polymer in which a cationic dye has a negative ion structure at 100°C or below. Specifically, examples include polyester copolymerized with 0.8 to 2.5 mol% of 5-sodium sulfisophthalic acid, or polyester to which quaternary ammonium groups or ethylene glycol have been introduced, but it is not limited to these. Moreover, it is preferable that the fiber 1 is colored with a cationic dye.

[0027] It is preferable that fiber 1 has a thick-thin shape in the longitudinal direction. A fiber having a thick-thin shape in the longitudinal direction refers to a fiber in which relatively thicker portions and relatively thin portions alternate in the longitudinal direction of the fiber. The ratio of thick portions to thin portions is not particularly limited, but it is preferable that the thickness variation (U%) is 1.0% or more, and more preferably 5.0% or more. If it is above the above range, the color difference becomes more pronounced, which is preferable. Having a thick-thin shape allows for the creation of color differences and shade differences when colored. There is no particular upper limit, but it is preferable that it is 10.0% or less in terms of manufacturing stability. A more aesthetically pleasing appearance can be obtained when the photochromic fiber 2 produces a color difference upon ultraviolet irradiation, and when the colored fiber 1 has a color difference and shade difference in the longitudinal direction of the fiber.

[0028] There are no restrictions on the method used to create the thick and thin shapes, and conventionally known methods can be employed. For example, by stretching polyester at a stretch ratio within the unstretched region, thick and thin sections can be created in the longitudinal direction. Furthermore, differences in crystal orientation occur between the thick and thin sections, resulting in differences in density in addition to physical differences in thickness after dyeing. This creates differences in shade when the fabric is made, which is preferable because it has excellent design appeal. The thickness variations are measured using the method described in the examples.

[0029] The ratio of the total fineness T1 of fiber 1 to the total fineness T2 of fiber 2 (T1 / T2) is preferably 0.5 to 1.0. T1 / T2 is preferably 0.5 or higher, and more preferably 0.6 or higher. When it is above the above range, the visible area of ​​fiber 1 in the fabric increases, resulting in a stronger and clearer contrast in the fabric's color, thus improving its aesthetic appeal. Furthermore, T1 / T2 is preferably 1.0 or lower, and more preferably 0.8 or lower. When it is below the above range, the visible area of ​​fiber 2 in the fabric increases, resulting in a greater color change after the fabric is irradiated with ultraviolet light, thus improving its aesthetic appeal.

[0030] The fabrics of this disclosure have a color difference ΔE of 5.0 or more, preferably 6.0 or more, and more preferably 7.0 or more, before and after UV irradiation. The color difference ΔE is within the above range on at least one surface of the fabric. When used for clothing, it is preferable that the outer surface is within the above range. When the color difference ΔE is within the above range, the color change due to UV irradiation becomes clear, resulting in an aesthetically pleasing appearance. Since the fabrics of this disclosure contain colored fibers 1, the color change of the photochromic fibers 2 due to UV irradiation becomes clearly visible when the color difference ΔE is within the above range or more. There is no particular upper limit, but 20.0 or less is preferred in terms of a natural appearance.

[0031] Furthermore, it is preferable that the color difference before and after UV irradiation is grade 2.5 or less on the color change grayscale. By setting the color change grayscale to grade 2.5 or less, the change in color before and after UV irradiation becomes larger, improving the aesthetic appeal. The degree of color change of the test piece is determined by visual inspection using the color change grayscale specified in JIS L 0804:2004.

[0032] Next, an example of an embodiment in this disclosure will be described with reference to the figures. Figure 1 is a photograph of an example of fiber 2 taken from a cross-section of the fiber. Figure 1-2 is the core component of the photochromic fiber. Figure 2 is a photograph of fiber 2 from Figure 1 taken from a cross-section after irradiation with ultraviolet light. Figure 2-3 is the core component of the photochromic fiber, showing how the color has changed compared to Figure 1. Figure 3 is a plan view photograph of the appearance of a fabric of an example of this embodiment. The warp threads of the fabric are colored fiber 1, and the weft threads of the fabric are uncolored fiber 2.

[0033] The garments of this disclosure are not particularly limited, as long as they include at least a portion of the fabrics of this disclosure. The garments are not particularly limited, and include outerwear such as jackets and coats, as well as bottoms such as trousers and pants. Outerwear or bottoms are preferred as they allow for better utilization of the appearance features of this disclosure.

[0034] Next, an example of a method for manufacturing a fabric according to this disclosure will be described, but it is not limited to this example.

[0035] The method for producing the colored fiber 1 is not particularly limited and can be produced by conventionally known methods. For example, polyethylene terephthalate and a copolymer polyester that does not contain titanium dioxide, obtained by copolymerizing polyethylene terephthalate with 5-sodium sulfisophthalic acid in a sulfur (S) content of 1.0 mol% or more and less than 20.0 mol%, are kneaded together to produce polyester POY, and if a fiber having a thick or thin shape in the longitudinal direction is desired, it can be produced by further stretching in the natural stretching region using a false twisting machine with a friction disc. The 5-sodium sulfisophthalic acid in polyethylene terephthalate preferably has a sulfur (S) content of 2.0 mol% or more and less than 15.0 mol%, and more preferably 3.0 mol% or more and less than 10.0 mol%. Excellent color development and spinnability are obtained within the above range.

[0036] As a photochromic fiber 2, for example, polybutylene terephthalate can be used as the first resin, and polypropylene homopolymer can be used as the second resin, both containing a material with a photochromic effect (such as a reversible thermochromic material or a photochromic material, such as a spirooxazine compound, a spiropyran compound, or a diarylethene compound). The first and second resins can then be melt-spun using a die in which the second resin forms the core and the first resin forms the sheath.

[0037] As an example of a woven fabric, the manufacturing method of one such fabric is illustrated. Fiber 1 is twisted in the S direction at 500-3000 T / M using a double twister, then set in a steam environment at 60-100°C for 10-60 minutes, and a warp beam is prepared using a warp beamer. Subsequently, fiber 1 is set as the warp thread and fiber 2 is used as the weft thread in an air jet loom, and a plain weave fabric is woven so that the warp and weft are, for example, in a 1:1 ratio. After that, the plain weave fabric is scouring under conditions of 50-90°C and pre-set in a tenter at 100-150°C. Then, it is colored by processing with cationic dyes using a jet dyeing machine at 90-100°C for 15-60 minutes, and finished in a tenter at 100-150°C.

[0038] To increase the color difference ΔE before and after UV irradiation, for example, measures such as increasing the amount of fiber 2 used in the fabric, increasing the amount of photochromic dye in fiber 2, or creating a structure in which fiber 2 is more likely to be visible on one side can be taken. In addition, to lower the grade value of the color change grayscale, measures such as creating a satin weave for the fabric and increasing the amount of fiber 2 visible on the surface of the cloth can be employed. [Examples]

[0039] The present disclosure will be described in more detail below with reference to examples. The present disclosure is not limited to these examples. Unless otherwise specified, "%" means "mass%". Furthermore, the various evaluations of the fabrics described in the embodiments described above or in the examples described later were carried out by the following methods.

[0040] (1) Total fineness The total fineness was determined by measuring the net fineness according to the method specified in JIS L 1013(2010) 8.3.1 Method B.

[0041] (2) Number of filaments The calculation was performed based on the method specified in JIS L 1013(1999) 8.4.

[0042] (3) Ultraviolet irradiation A light source with a wavelength of 365 nm and an ultraviolet intensity of 7,000 μW / cm² was placed inside a light-blocking box. The fabric was placed 50 cm from the light source, with the side to be measured for color difference facing the light source. Then, after irradiating with ultraviolet light for 1 minute, the fabric was immediately removed to measure the color difference.

[0043] (4) Color difference ΔE For the fabric before and after UV irradiation, the color difference ΔEcmc(2:1) was calculated for each side using a spectrophotometer, and this was used as ΔE in this disclosure. UV irradiation was performed as described in (3) above, and the color was measured within 10 seconds after UV irradiation. A CM-26d spectrophotometer (manufactured by Konica Minolta, Inc.) was used, and the measurement conditions for the spectrophotometer were a field of view of 10° and a light source of D65. The larger of the color difference ΔE from one side of the fabric or the other side was adopted.

[0044] (5) Content of photochromic dyes The mass of the photochromic dye was calculated as the mass ratio to the fiber 2 when mixed during yarn spinning.

[0045] (6) Thickness variation (U%) The yarn thickness variation (U%) was measured using the Eevne Tester KET-8011 / B (manufactured by Keisokuki Kogyo Co., Ltd.) at a yarn speed of 25 m / min and a measurement time of 30 seconds.

[0046] (7) Grayscale determination of color change The degree of discoloration of test specimens was determined by visual inspection using a grayscale for determining discoloration as specified in JIS L 0804:2004. The grade was determined on a scale from 1.0 to 5.0, with lower numbers indicating greater color difference.

[0047] (8) Texture Five experts compared the tactile feel of the finished materials. They evaluated the degree of resilience when the fabric was folded at a 90-degree angle on a scale of 1 to 5, and the median value was used as the texture rating. Here, a rating of 4 or higher is considered to indicate a superior texture. 5: Soft 4: Slightly soft 3: Standard 2: Somewhat hard 1: Hard (9)Aesthetics Five experts created fabric samples and exposed them to ultraviolet light. They evaluated the shade and the degree of color change before and after exposure on a scale of 1 to 5, and the median value for each was used to determine the aesthetic quality. Here, a score of 3 or higher is considered to indicate excellent aesthetics. 5: Both the difference in shade and the color change are clearly visible. 4: Differences in shade and color variations are visible. 3: Slight differences in shade and color variations are visible. 2: Very slight differences in shade and color variation are visible. 1: No difference in shade or color change is observed.

[0048] <Example 1> Polyester A, which contains 0.3% by mass of titanium dioxide in polyethylene terephthalate, and copolymer polyester B, which does not contain titanium dioxide and is copolymerized with 5-sodium sulfisophthalic acid in a sulfur content of 4.92 mol%, in polyethylene terephthalate, were kneaded at a temperature of 285°C and spun to obtain polyester POY. Next, heat treatment was performed using a false twisting machine with a friction disc at a draw ratio of 2.0 times (unstretched region), a processing speed of 584 m / min, and a first heater temperature of 176°C to obtain fiber 1, a normal pressure cation-dyeable polyester yarn (total fineness 110 dtex, number of filaments 36, U% 5.5) having a thick-and-thin shape in the longitudinal direction. A core-sheath composite yarn (total fineness 180 dtex, 18 filaments, yarn composition: PP 50% by mass / PBT 50% by mass) was used, with polypropylene (PP) containing 10% by mass of fiber 2, which changes to pink after UV irradiation, as the core, and polybutylene terephthalate (PBT) as the sheath. A plain weave fabric was woven using fiber 1 as the warp and fiber 2 as the weft according to a conventional method (mass composition: fiber 1:fiber 2 = 44:56). The total fineness ratio (T1 / T2) of fiber 1 and fiber 2 was 0.6. Subsequently, continuous scouring was performed at 60°C, followed by intermediate setting in a pin tenter at a chamber temperature of 130°C. Then, the dye was adjusted with a cationic dye to produce a sax blue color, dyed in a jet dyeing machine at 95°C, and finished in a pin tenter at a chamber temperature of 130°C. The resulting fabric had only the warp threads dyed in sax blue, and furthermore, variations in shade were observed along the length. The texture was soft, and the color difference ΔE before and after UV irradiation was 11.4, resulting in a fabric that showed a color change of grade 1.0 on the grayscale. The texture of the finished fabric was rated 5: soft, and the aesthetic evaluation result was 5.

[0049] <Examples 2-6> The procedure was carried out as in Example 1, except that the dyes were adjusted using cationic dyes to produce pink (Example 2), yellow (Example 3), turquoise (Example 4), orange (Example 5), and off-white (Example 6). All of the obtained fabrics were dyed only in the warp threads, and furthermore, variations in shade were observed in the longitudinal direction. The texture was soft, and the color difference ΔE before and after UV irradiation ranged from 8.6 to 23.1, resulting in fabrics that showed a color change of 1.0 to 1.5 on the grayscale. The texture of the finished fabric was rated 5: soft, and the aesthetic evaluation result was 4 or 5.

[0050] <Examples 7-12> The procedure was carried out as in Example 1, except that fiber 2 contained a photochromic dye that changes to blue after UV irradiation at a concentration of 20% by mass relative to fiber 2, and the dye was adjusted using a cationic dye to produce sax blue (Example 7), pink (Example 8), yellow (Example 9), turquoise blue (Example 10), orange (Example 11), and off-white (Example 12). All of the obtained fabrics were dyed only in the warp threads, and furthermore, variations in shade were observed in the longitudinal direction. The texture was soft, and the color difference ΔE before and after UV irradiation was 5.1 to 11.3, resulting in fabrics that showed color changes of 1.5 to 2.5 on the grayscale. The texture of the finished fabric was rated 5, and the aesthetic evaluation result was 3 or 4.

[0051] <Example 13> The procedure was carried out in the same manner as in Example 1, except that a polyethylene terephthalate yarn with a thick-and-thin shape in the longitudinal direction (total fineness 56 dtex, number of filaments 24, blend ratio to fabric 44% by mass, U% 6.5) was used as fiber 1, and a core-sheath composite yarn (total fineness 180 dtex, number of filaments 18, blend ratio in yarn: PP 50% by mass / PBT 50% by mass, blend ratio to fabric 56% by mass) was used as fiber 2, with polypropylene (PP) in the core and polybutylene terephthalate (PBT) in the sheath, which was blended to contain 20% by mass of fiber 2 with a photochromic dye that changes to blue after UV irradiation. The disperse dye was adjusted to a sax blue color (the same color as in Example 7) and dyed at 130°C in a jet dyeing machine. The obtained fabric showed shading in the longitudinal direction only in the warp threads, but the weft threads were also dyed, and the T1 / T2 ratio was less than 0.5. Although the shading was not as clear in appearance compared to other examples, the texture was rated 4. The color difference ΔE before and after UV irradiation was 7.7, and the color change grayscale was grade 2.0, indicating that a fabric showing color change was obtained. The aesthetic evaluation result was 3. Compared to Examples 1-12, the texture and aesthetics were equivalent or slightly lower, but both were satisfactory.

[0052] <Comparative Example 1> In comparison to Example 1, a polyethylene terephthalate yarn (total fineness 84 dtex, filament count 24, blend ratio 37% of the fabric, U% 6.5) with a thick-and-thin shape in the longitudinal direction, stretched within the natural stretching range, was used as fiber 1, the blend ratio of fiber 2 to the fabric was set to 63% by mass, and the disperse dye was adjusted to produce a pink color before dyeing in a jet dyeing machine at 130°C. The procedure was carried out in the same manner as in Example 1, except that the procedure was carried out in the same manner as in Example 1. The resulting fabric showed slight variations in color intensity only in the warp threads along the longitudinal direction, but both the warp and weft threads were dyed, resulting in only a weak contrast. The color difference ΔE before and after UV irradiation was 1.7, and the color change grayscale was grade 5.0, indicating no color change. Furthermore, due to the hardening effect of polypropylene, the texture result was 1, and the aesthetic evaluation result was 2.

[0053] <Comparative Example 2> The procedure was carried out in the same manner as in Example 1, except that polyethylene terephthalate yarn (total fineness 84 dtex, number of filaments 24 f, blend ratio of 37% by mass to the fabric, U% 0.2) was used as fiber 1, the blend ratio of fiber 2 to the fabric was set to 63% by mass, the disperse dye was adjusted to produce a pink color, and the dyeing was performed in a jet dyeing machine at 130°C. The resulting fabric was dyed evenly in both warp and weft threads, with no noticeable difference in shade. The texture was standard, with a color difference of ΔE 0.4 before and after UV irradiation, and a grayscale rating of 5.0, indicating no color change. Due to the hardening effect of polypropylene, the texture rating was 1, and the aesthetic evaluation rating was also 1.

[0054] <Comparative Example 3> The procedure was carried out in the same manner as in Example 1, except that polyethylene terephthalate yarn (total fineness 84 dtex, number of filaments 24, blend ratio 44% by mass to the fabric, U% 0.2) was used as fiber 1, and polyethylene terephthalate yarn of the same polymer as fiber 1 (total fineness 180 dtex, number of filaments 18, blend ratio 56% by mass to the fabric) was used as fiber 2, and the disperse dye was adjusted to produce a pink color and dyed at 130°C in a jet dyeing machine. The resulting fabric was dyed evenly in both warp and weft threads, with no noticeable variation in shade. The texture was hard, and the color difference before and after UV irradiation was ΔE 0.2, with a grayscale rating of 5.0, indicating no color change. The texture rating was 3, and the aesthetic evaluation rating was 1.

[0055] <Comparative Example 4> The procedure was carried out in the same manner as in Example 1, except that a polyethylene terephthalate yarn with a thick-and-thin shape in the longitudinal direction, stretched in the natural stretching region (total fineness 110 dtex, number of filaments 36 f, blend ratio of 44% by mass to the fabric, U% 5.5) was used as fiber 1, and a polyethylene terephthalate yarn of the same polymer as fiber 1 (total fineness 180 dtex, number of filaments 18, blend ratio of 56% by mass to the fabric) was used as fiber 2, and the disperse dye was adjusted to produce a pink color and dyed at 130°C in a jet dyeing machine. The obtained fabric showed variations in color intensity only in the warp threads along the longitudinal direction, but both the warp and weft threads were dyed, resulting in only a weak contrast. The texture was hard, and the color difference ΔE before and after UV irradiation was 0.3, with a grayscale rating of 5.0, indicating no color change. The texture result was 2, and the aesthetic evaluation result was also 2.

[0056] The fabrics obtained in the above examples and comparative examples were evaluated according to the above evaluation method for color difference ΔE, color change / fading clay scale determination, texture determination, and aesthetic evaluation. The results are shown in Tables 1 to 3.

[0057] [Table 1]

[0058] [Table 2]

[0059] [Table 3]

[0060] As shown in Tables 1-3, the fabrics of Examples 1-12 of this disclosure were soft in texture, clearly showed differences in shade, and exhibited excellent color change with a color difference ΔE of 5.0 or more before and after UV irradiation. The color change was 2.5 or less on the grayscale, and the color change was clearly visible to the eye. [Explanation of symbols]

[0061] 1. Uncolored photochromic fiber 2 2 Core components (before UV irradiation) 3 Core components (after UV irradiation) 4 Sheath component 5 Fabric 6 Warp threads 7 weft threads

Claims

1. A fabric comprising at least one colored fiber 1 selected from the group consisting of polyester, polyamide, and acrylic, and a photochromic fiber 2, wherein the fiber 2 contains at least a polymer different from the fiber 1, and the color difference ΔE before and after ultraviolet irradiation is 5.0 or more.

2. The fabric according to claim 1, wherein the fiber 2 is an uncolored fiber.

3. The fabric according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the fabric is a woven fabric, and the woven fabric includes the fiber 1 in at least one of the warp and weft threads, and includes at least the fiber 2 in a direction perpendicular to the fiber 1.

4. The fabric according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the fiber 2 is a composite fiber comprising at least polypropylene containing a photochromic dye and polyester, and at least a portion of the polyester is exposed on the fiber surface.

5. The fabric according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the fiber 1 is a cationic dyeable polyester.

6. The fabric according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the fiber 1 has a thick-thin shape in the longitudinal direction.

7. The fabric according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the fiber 1 is a cation-dyeable polyester at atmospheric pressure.

8. The fabric according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the ratio (T1 / T2) of the total fineness T1 of fiber 1 to the total fineness T2 of fiber 2 is 0.5 to 1.

0.

9. The fabric according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the color difference before and after ultraviolet irradiation is 2.5 or less on the color change grayscale.

10. The fabric according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the fiber 1 is colored with a cationic dye.

11. A garment comprising the fabric according to claim 1 or 2.

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