Blended yarns and fiber structures

Abstract

To provide a fiber structure having sufficient antibacterial property and excellent color development and feeling.SOLUTION: A combined filament yarn includes a thermoplastic fiber (A) as a core yarn and a thermoplastic fiber (B) as a side yarn. The thermoplastic yarn (A) contains 0.1 to 15% by weight of inorganic antimicrobial agent having average particle diameter of 0.1 to 10 μm with respect to the thermoplastic fiber (A), and 0.5 to 10% by weight of inorganic particle having average particle diameter of 1 to 100 nm with respect to the thermoplastic fiber (A). The thermoplastic fiber (B) contains 0.5 to 10% by weight of inorganic particle having average particle diameter of 1 to 100 nm with respect to the thermoplastic fiber (B). Weight ratio between the thermoplastic fiber (A) and the thermoplastic fiber (B) is as follows: A:B=30:70 to 60:40.SELECTED DRAWING: None

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a mixed yarn having sufficient antibacterial properties even after washing and excellent color development and texture, and a fiber structure containing the mixed yarn. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, textile structures used for applications such as black formal wear have required knitted or woven fabrics with deep color development (deep color), and in recent years, due to growing awareness of hygiene, deep color woven or knitted fabrics that also have antibacterial properties are required. For example, Patent Document 1 (JP Patent Publication 10-53922 A) discloses a polyester fiber containing an inorganic functionality imparting agent (antibacterial agent) in which silver ions, copper ions, etc. are supported on solid particles, and it is proposed that the fiber has excellent antibacterial properties and improved dyeability. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 10-53922 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, the polyester fiber described in Patent Document 1 has improved dyeability for polyolefin polymers, but is not designed for alkali weight loss treatment, and is caused by cracks that occur when adsorbed water or crystal water adsorbed in the inorganic functional agent of the porous fine particles is released to the outside, so the density of the unevenness on the fiber surface is low and the deep color required for black formal wear is not obtained. In addition, the fluffiness and firmness when made into fabric are insufficient, and it cannot be said that the combination of antibacterial properties, deep color properties, and texture is sufficient.

[0005] In view of the above circumstances, the problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a mixed fiber yarn and a fiber structure which eliminate the above-mentioned shortcomings of the prior art, have sufficient antibacterial properties even after washing, and have excellent color development and texture. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The present inventors conducted extensive research to solve the above problems and arrived at the present invention. That is, the present invention provides the following preferred embodiments. [1] A mixed yarn including a thermoplastic fiber (A) as a core yarn and a thermoplastic fiber (B) as a side yarn, the thermoplastic fiber (A) containing an inorganic antibacterial agent having an average particle diameter of 0.1 to 10 μm in an amount of 1.0 to 15% by weight based on the thermoplastic fiber (A), and containing inorganic particles having an average particle diameter of 1 to 100 nm in an amount of 0.5 to 10% by weight based on the thermoplastic fiber (A), the thermoplastic fiber (B) containing inorganic particles having an average particle diameter of 1 to 100 nm in an amount of 0.5 to 10% by weight based on the thermoplastic fiber (B), and the weight ratio of the thermoplastic fiber (A) to the thermoplastic fiber (B) is A:B=30:70 to 60:40. [2] The mixed yarn according to [1], wherein the thermoplastic resin constituting the thermoplastic fibers (A) and the thermoplastic fibers (B) is a polyester-based resin. [3] The blended yarn according to [1] or [2], wherein the inorganic antibacterial agent is a silver glass-based antibacterial agent. [4] The blended yarn according to any one of [1] to [3], wherein the retention rate of the inorganic antibacterial agent after washing at 80°C based on the high temperature accelerated washing method specified in the "SEK Mark Textile Product Washing Method" by the Japan Textile Evaluation Technology Council (JETRC) is 80% or more. [5] A fiber structure using the mixed fiber yarn according to any one of [1] to [4] above in an amount of 25 to 100% by weight based on the entire fiber structure. Effect of the Invention

[0007] According to the present invention, as will be described below, it is possible to provide a fiber structure that has sufficient antibacterial properties even after washing, and has excellent color development and texture. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0008] The present invention will be described in detail below. Note that the scope of the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described here, and various modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

[0009] The mixed yarn of the present invention is obtained by mixing a thermoplastic fiber (A) which serves as a core yarn and a thermoplastic fiber (B) which serves as a side yarn.

[0010] The thermoplastic fiber (A) used in the mixed yarn of the present invention must contain 0.5 to 10% by weight of inorganic particles having an average particle size of 1 to 100 nm, based on the thermoplastic fiber (A), and 1.0 to 15% by weight of an inorganic antibacterial agent having an average particle size of 0.1 to 10 μm, based on the thermoplastic fiber (A).

[0011] The thermoplastic fiber (B) used in the mixed yarn of the present invention must contain 0.5 to 10% by weight of inorganic particles having an average particle size of 1 to 100 nm, based on the thermoplastic fiber (B).

[0012] The thermoplastic resin constituting the thermoplastic fibers (A) and (B) is preferably a polyester-based resin. The polyester-based resin refers to a polyester having fiber-forming ability with aromatic dicarboxylic acid as the main acid component, and examples thereof include polyethylene terephthalate, polybutylene terephthalate, polytrimethylene terephthalate, polytetramethylene terephthalate, polycyclohexane dimethylene terephthalate, and polyethylene-2,6-naphthalenedicarboxylate. In addition, these polyesters may be copolymers in which an alcohol component such as butanediol or a dicarboxylic acid such as isophthalic acid is copolymerized as a third component, and may further be a mixture of these various polyesters. The polyester-based resins constituting the thermoplastic fibers (A) and (B) may be the same or different, but it is preferable to use the same polyester-based resin from the viewpoint of color development.

[0013] The inorganic particles contained in the thermoplastic fibers (A) and (B) used in the mixed yarn of the present invention may specifically include silica sol, fine silica particles, alumina sol, particulate alumina, ultrafine titanium oxide particles, calcium carbonate sol, fine calcium carbonate particles, modified silica sol, etc., and may be a mixture of these. From the viewpoint of color development and good gloss, silica sol and fine silica particles are preferred. The inorganic particles contained in the thermoplastic fiber (A) and the inorganic particles contained in the thermoplastic fiber (B) may be the same or different, but it is preferable that they are the same inorganic particles in order to reduce color unevenness caused by differences in alkali reduction speed.

[0014] The inorganic particles must have an average particle size of 1 to 100 nm. If the upper limit is exceeded, the fiber surface may become significantly uneven, which may cause color dullness and result in poor fiber quality. On the other hand, if the particle size is less than the lower limit, the specific surface area of ​​the inorganic particles may become large, which may lead to the formation of aggregated particles and increased yarn breakage during spinning. The inorganic particles preferably have an average particle size of 10 to 60 nm, more preferably 15 to 30 nm. The average particle size can be determined as a weight average value (or median size) using, for example, a particle size distribution measuring device using a laser light diffraction method.

[0015] The content of inorganic particles in the thermoplastic fibers (A) and (B) used in the mixed yarn of the present invention must be 0.5-10% by weight based on each thermoplastic fiber. If the content is less than the lower limit, the color development of the final fiber structure may be insufficient, and if the content exceeds the upper limit, yarn breakage during spinning may increase. The content of inorganic particles is preferably 0.5-7.0% by weight, more preferably 1.0-5.0% by weight.

[0016] The inorganic antibacterial agent contained in the thermoplastic fiber (A) used for the mixed yarn of the present invention includes antibacterial metals such as silver, copper, and zinc supported on crystalline aluminosilicate, amorphous aluminosilicate, silica gel, activated alumina, diatomaceous earth, activated carbon, zirconium phosphate, hydroxyapatite, magnesium oxide, magnesium perchlorate, glass, etc., and is particularly preferably a silver-glass antibacterial agent in which silver is supported on glass, or a combination of this and another inorganic antibacterial agent, since it is less likely to cause yellowing of the resin. The amount of the supported antibacterial metal is preferably 10 to 30% by weight based on the total weight of the inorganic antibacterial agent. If the amount of the antibacterial metal is less than the lower limit, sufficient antibacterial properties may not be obtained, and if it is more than the upper limit, the color tone of the fiber after alkali treatment may be deteriorated, and it is also not preferable in terms of cost.

[0017] It is important that the average particle diameter of the inorganic antibacterial agent is 0.1 to 10 μm. If the average particle diameter is larger than the upper limit, thread breakage and filter clogging are likely to occur during spinning, and the inorganic antibacterial agent particles are likely to fall off from the fibers. On the other hand, if the average particle diameter is smaller than the lower limit, aggregation between inorganic antibacterial agent particles is likely to occur during kneading, making it difficult to uniformly disperse the inorganic antibacterial agent in the thermoplastic fiber (A). The average particle diameter of the inorganic antibacterial agent is preferably 0.2 to 5.0 μm, more preferably 0.5 to 3.0 μm. The average particle diameter can be determined as a weight average value (or median diameter) using, for example, a particle size distribution measuring device using a laser light diffraction method.

[0018] The content of the inorganic antibacterial agent in the thermoplastic fiber (A) used in the mixed yarn of the present invention must be 1.0-15% by weight based on the thermoplastic fiber (A). If the content is less than the lower limit, antibacterial properties may decrease due to loss during washing or inactivation due to dyeing, and if the content exceeds the upper limit, yarn breakage during spinning may increase. The content of the inorganic antibacterial agent is preferably 1.0-10% by weight, more preferably 2.0-6.0% by weight, from the standpoints of antibacterial properties and cost.

[0019] The inorganic antibacterial agent in the thermoplastic fiber (A) preferably retains 80% or more of the inorganic antibacterial agent content before washing after 50 high-temperature washings using the high-temperature accelerated washing method specified in the "SEK Mark Textile Product Washing Method" by the Japan Textile Evaluation Technology Council. The antibacterial agent retention rate can be calculated by the method described in the Examples below.

[0020] The total fineness of the thermoplastic fibers (A) and (B) used in the mixed yarn of the present invention is not particularly limited and can be any total fineness, but from the viewpoint of texture and color development, the total fineness is preferably 40 to 200 dtex, more preferably 50 to 170 dtex. The total fineness of the thermoplastic fiber (A) and the total fineness of the thermoplastic fiber (B) may be the same or different. In addition, the single yarn fineness of the thermoplastic fibers (A) and (B) used in the mixed yarn of the present invention is not particularly limited and can be any fineness, but from the viewpoint of antibacterial property, texture, and color development, the single yarn fineness is preferably 0.5 to 6 dtex. The single yarn fineness of the thermoplastic fiber (A) and the single yarn fineness of the thermoplastic fiber (B) may be the same or different.

[0021] Furthermore, the thermoplastic fibers (A) and / or (B) used in the mixed yarn of the present invention may contain small amounts of additives, such as lubricants, pigments, dyes, antioxidants, solid-phase polymerization accelerators, fluorescent whitening agents, antistatic agents, UV absorbers, light stabilizers, heat stabilizers, light-shielding agents, anti-mite agents, deodorizers, matting agents, etc., as necessary.

[0022] The manufacturing method of the thermoplastic fibers (A) and (B) used in the mixed yarn of the present invention is not particularly limited, and they can be manufactured using a conventionally known melt spinning device. For example, the thermoplastic fibers may be manufactured by melt spinning polyester resin at a temperature of 270 to 300°C as the resin constituting the thermoplastic fibers. The melt spinning speed is preferably 400 to 5000 m / min. When the spinning speed is in this range, the strength of the obtained fiber is sufficient and the fiber can be wound stably. In addition, the fiber may be drawn after being wound, or may be drawn continuously without being wound. The inorganic antibacterial agent to be contained in the thermoplastic fiber (A) may be added when the polymer is polymerized, or may be added when the polymer is melted during the spinning process and uniformly kneaded and dispersed. Furthermore, the inorganic antibacterial agent may be contained in the fiber by kneading a master polymer containing a high concentration of the inorganic antibacterial agent with a base polymer, or a master polymer containing a low concentration of the inorganic antibacterial agent may be used as it is to be contained in the fiber.

[0023] The mixed yarn of the present invention can be obtained by, for example, fluid processing the thermoplastic fiber (A) as a core yarn and the thermoplastic fiber (B) as a side yarn to mix and entangle them. The side yarn is fed to an interlace nozzle or the like at a speed of 100 to 1000 m / min while the feed rate of the side yarn to a fluid processing device is set to an overfeed rate of 0 to 10% relative to the core yarn, and the mixed yarn is fed at a rate of 1 to 7 kg / cm. 2 A general method of mixing and entangling the fibers by using a fluid pressure of 1000 to 2000 mm can be adopted.

[0024] From the viewpoint of antibacterial properties and color development, the blend ratio of the core yarn to the side yarn must be 30:70 to 60:40 by weight, and is preferably 40:60 to 50:50.

[0025] The total fineness of the mixed yarn used in the present invention is not particularly limited and can be any desired fineness, but from the viewpoints of antibacterial properties, texture, and color development, the total fineness of the mixed yarn is preferably 22 to 250 dtex.

[0026] The textile structure using the mixed yarn may be, for example, a woven fabric, a knitted fabric, or a nonwoven fabric. The textile structure may be composed of the mixed yarn alone, or may contain other fibers, such as warp and / or weft yarns, face yarns and / or back yarns.

[0027] The mixed yarn is preferably used in an amount of 25 to 100% by weight of the entire fiber structure. If the ratio of the mixed yarn used is less than the lower limit, sufficient antibacterial performance may not be obtained. From the viewpoint of antibacterial properties, the ratio of the mixed yarn used in the entire fiber structure is more preferably 35 to 100%.

[0028] The method for producing the fiber structure of the present invention is not particularly limited, and the fiber structure can be produced using a known knitting machine, loom, or the like.

[0029] In the fiber structure of the present invention, the knitted or woven structure is not particularly limited. Examples of circular knitted structures include flat knitting, rib knitting, double knitting, and tuck knitting. Examples of warp knitted structures include tricot, raschel, and Milanese. Examples of woven structures include plain weave, twill weave, satin weave, and double weave.

[0030] The method for dyeing the fiber structure is not particularly limited, and any disperse dye that is commonly used for dyeing polyester fibers can be used.

[0031] Furthermore, the fiber structure is preferably subjected to an alkali weight reduction treatment, and fine pores are formed on the fiber surface, thereby improving the texture.

[0032] Examples of the basic compound used in the alkali weight reduction treatment include sodium hydroxide, potassium hydroxide, tetramethylammonium hydroxide, sodium carbonate, and potassium carbonate. Of these, sodium hydroxide and potassium hydroxide are preferred. The concentration of this aqueous basic compound solution varies depending on the type of basic compound and treatment conditions, but is preferably 1.0 to 25% by weight. The treatment temperature is preferably room temperature to 100°C.

[0033] When the fiber structure of the present invention is reduced by alkali, it can be dyed with conventionally used disperse dyes, and the fine pores formed on the fiber surface diffuse light, resulting in a vivid and deep color tone. EXAMPLES

[0034] The present invention will now be described in detail with reference to examples. In the examples, various property values ​​were measured and evaluated by the following methods.

[0035] (Antibacterial evaluation (antibacterial activity value)) For the fabric samples obtained in the examples or comparative examples, the antibacterial activity values ​​were measured using Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 6538P as the test bacteria in accordance with JISL 1902 "Antibacterial test methods and antibacterial effects of textile products" as the certification standard for antibacterial processed textile products established by the Japan Textile Evaluation Technology Council, and the antibacterial properties were evaluated. Antibacterial properties were evaluated for untreated (before washing) and after 10 washes. The washing method was according to JIS L 0217;103 test method, and JAFET standard detergent was used. Cotton cloth was used as the untreated specimen, and the antibacterial activity value was calculated using the following formula. Antibacterial activity value = (logCt-logC0)-(logTt-logT0) Ct: Average number of viable bacteria on cotton standard cloth cultured for 18 hours C0: Average number of viable bacteria immediately after inoculation of cotton standard cloth Tt: Average number of viable bacteria in tube samples cultured for 18 hours T0: Average number of viable bacteria immediately after inoculation of the tube sample Growth value: logCt-logC0 The obtained antibacterial activity values ​​were evaluated according to the following criteria. ◎ Antibacterial activity value of 4.0 or higher ○ Antibacterial activity value: 2.2 or more and less than 4.0 × Antibacterial activity value less than 2.2

[0036] (Antibacterial agent retention rate) The fabrics obtained in the examples and comparative examples were subjected to X-ray fluorescence analysis before washing and after 50 high-temperature washings to measure the retention rate of the antibacterial agent before and after washing. The washing method was based on the high-temperature accelerated washing method specified in the "SEK Mark Textile Product Washing Method" by the Japan Textile Evaluation Technology Council, and washing was performed at 80°C, using JAFET standard detergent. The retention rate of the antibacterial agent was calculated using the following formula. Antibacterial agent retention rate (%) = (X / Y) x 100 X: Amount of antibacterial agent (ppm) after 50 high-temperature washes Y: Amount of antibacterial agent before washing (ppm)

[0037] (Color development evaluation (L value)) The color development was measured by using the L*a*b* color system as specified in JIS Z 8729 (method of displaying object color by L*a*b* color system and L*u*v* color system).

[0038] (Evaluation of texture (fabric properties)) A sensory test was conducted by three testers, who evaluated the feel of the dough's fluffiness when it was grasped with the fingertips according to the following criteria. Very good: 4 points Good...3 points Slightly defective...1 point Defective...0 points Next, the feel was evaluated as follows based on the total score given by the three testers. ◎ 10 points or more ○...8 points or more and 9 points or less △...6 points or more and 7 points or less ×...5 points or less

[0039] Example 1 Polyethylene terephthalate containing 1.0% by weight of fine silica particles with an average particle diameter of 20 nm and 5.0% by weight of a silver glass-based antibacterial agent "Bactekiler FK-65B" manufactured by Fuji Chemical Co., Ltd. with an average particle diameter of 2.0 μm was used, and melt-spun at a spinning temperature of 287°C and a take-up speed of 4000 m / min to obtain a thermoplastic fiber (A) of 64 dtex / 12 filaments. Next, polyethylene terephthalate containing 1.0% by weight of fine silica particles with an average particle diameter of 20 nm was used, and melt-spun at a spinning temperature of 294°C and a take-up speed of 2800 m / min to obtain a thermoplastic fiber (B) of 86 dtex / 36 filaments. The thermoplastic fiber (A) and the thermoplastic fiber (B) obtained above were fed to an interlace nozzle at a speed of 300 m / min while maintaining an overfeed rate of 3%, and mixed and entangled processing was performed to obtain a mixed fiber yarn of 150 dtex / 48 filaments. Next, a rapier loom was used to obtain a fabric using 100% of the blended yarn for the warp and weft. The fabric was then processed in accordance with the processing steps for 100% polyester fabric (continuous scouring-presetting (190°C x 1 min)-weight reduction (20%)-dyeing (130°C x 30 min)-final setting (170°C x 1 min)). Dyeing was performed using a high-pressure jet dyeing machine with a disperse black dye at a concentration of 13.0% omf under the conditions of a bath ratio of 1:15 and 130°C x 30 min, and reduction washing was performed for 15 min at 80°C in an aqueous solution containing 1 g / L of hydrosulfite to obtain a fabric dyed black. The obtained fabric was evaluated for color development, texture, and antibacterial properties, and the results are shown in Table 1.

[0040] Example 2 A mixed yarn and a fabric were obtained in the same manner as in Example 1, except that the weight ratio of the core yarn and the side yarn was changed as shown in Table 1. The evaluation results of color development, texture, and antibacterial property are shown in Table 1.

[0041] Example 3 A mixed yarn and a fabric were obtained in the same manner as in Example 1, except that the weight ratio of the core yarn and the side yarn was changed as shown in Table 1. The evaluation results of color development, texture, and antibacterial property are shown in Table 1.

[0042] Example 4 A mixed yarn was prepared in the same manner as in Example 1, and this mixed yarn and a polyester multifilament false twist textured yarn of 150 dtex / 48 filaments were used as the warp yarn in a 1:1 arrangement, a polyester multifilament false twist textured yarn of 150 dtex / 48 filaments was used as the weft yarn, and a fabric was obtained in the same manner as in Example 1, except that the mixed yarn and polyester multifilament false twist textured yarn were used in a ratio of 30% and 70%, respectively, of the entire fabric. The evaluation results of color development, texture, and antibacterial property are shown in Table 1.

[0043] Example 5 A mixed yarn and a fabric were obtained in the same manner as in Example 1, except that the content of inorganic particles in the core yarn and the side yarn was changed as shown in Table 1. The evaluation results of color development, texture, and antibacterial property are shown in Table 1.

[0044] Example 6 A mixed yarn and a fabric were obtained in the same manner as in Example 1, except that the content of the antibacterial agent in the core yarn was changed as shown in Table 1. The evaluation results of color development, texture, and antibacterial property are shown in Table 1.

[0045] Comparative Example 1 A mixed yarn and a fabric were obtained in the same manner as in Example 1, except that the average particle size of the antibacterial agent in the core yarn was changed as shown in Table 1. The evaluation results of color development, texture, and antibacterial property are shown in Table 1.

[0046] Comparative Example 2 A mixed yarn and a fabric were obtained in the same manner as in Example 1, except that the average particle diameter of the inorganic particles in the core yarn and the side yarn was changed as shown in Table 1. The evaluation results of color development, texture, and antibacterial property are shown in Table 1.

[0047] Comparative Example 3 A mixed yarn and a fabric were obtained in the same manner as in Example 1, except that the content of the antibacterial agent in the core yarn was changed as shown in Table 1. The evaluation results of color development, texture, and antibacterial property are shown in Table 1.

[0048] Comparative Example 4 Except for the fact that the core yarn and side yarn were spun without using inorganic particles, a mixed yarn and a fabric were obtained in the same manner as in Example 1. The evaluation results of color development, texture, and antibacterial property are shown in Table 1.

[0049] Comparative Example 5 A mixed yarn was obtained in the same manner as in Example 1, except that the core yarn was spun without using an antibacterial agent. Then, a rapier loom was used to obtain a fabric using 100% of the mixed yarn for the warp and weft. The fabric was then processed in accordance with the processing steps for 100% polyester fabric (continuous scouring-presetting (190°C x 1 min)-weight reduction (20%)-dyeing (130°C x 30 min: simultaneous antibacterial treatment)-post-processing (180°C x 1 min)-final setting (170°C x 1 min)). Dyeing was performed using a high-pressure liquid jet dyeing machine with a disperse black dye at a concentration of 13.0% omf under the conditions of a bath ratio of 1:15 and 130°C x 30 min, and reduction washing was performed for 15 minutes at 80°C in an aqueous solution containing 1g / L of hydrosulfite to obtain a fabric dyed black. In addition, a zinc oxide-based antibacterial agent was used for this simultaneous antibacterial treatment. The evaluation results for color development, texture, and antibacterial properties are shown in Table 1.

[0050] Comparative Example 6 A mixed yarn was obtained in the same manner as in Example 1, except that the core yarn was spun without using an antibacterial agent. Then, a rapier loom was used to obtain a fabric using 100% of the mixed yarn for the warp and weft. The fabric was then processed in accordance with the processing steps for 100% polyester fabric (continuous scouring-presetting (190°C x 1 min)-weight reduction (20%)-dyeing (130°C x 30 min: simultaneous antibacterial treatment)-post-processing (180°C x 1 min)-final setting (170°C x 1 min)). Dyeing was performed using a high-pressure liquid jet dyeing machine with a disperse black dye at a concentration of 13.0% omf under the conditions of a bath ratio of 1:15 and 130°C x 30 min, and reduction washing was performed at 80°C for 15 minutes in an aqueous solution containing 1g / L of hydrosulfite to obtain a fabric dyed black. In addition, a nitrogen-sulfur-based antibacterial agent was used for this simultaneous antibacterial treatment. The evaluation results for color development, texture, and antibacterial properties are shown in Table 1.

[0051] Comparative Example 7 Except for the fact that the core yarn was spun without using an antibacterial agent, a mixed yarn and a fabric were obtained in the same manner as in Example 1. The evaluation results of color development, texture, and antibacterial property are shown in Table 1.

[0052] Comparative Example 8 A mixed yarn and a fabric were obtained in the same manner as in Comparative Example 6, except that the core yarn and the side yarn were spun without using inorganic particles and the weight ratio of the core yarn to the side yarn was changed as shown in Table 1. The evaluation results of color development, texture, and antibacterial property are shown in Table 1.

[0053] [Table 1]

[0054] In Examples 1 to 6, the core component is a thermoplastic fiber made of a polyester resin containing inorganic particles with an appropriate content and average particle size and an inorganic antibacterial agent, the sheath component is a thermoplastic fiber made of a polyester resin containing inorganic particles with an appropriate content and average particle size, and the core yarn and side yarn are mixed yarns with an appropriate weight ratio, so that the texture is good, sufficient antibacterial properties are maintained, and color development is also good. In addition, the antibacterial properties do not decrease even after washing, and the washing durability is good.

[0055] On the other hand, in Comparative Example 1, since the average particle diameter of the inorganic antibacterial agent is large, the inorganic antibacterial agent particles fall off from the fibers, and the antibacterial properties after washing are poor. In Comparative Example 2, since the average particle diameter of the inorganic particles is large, the color becomes dull due to the occurrence of large unevenness, and the color development is poor. In Comparative Example 3, since the content of the inorganic antibacterial agent is small, the antibacterial properties are poor. In Comparative Example 4, since no inorganic particles are contained, the color development is poor. In Comparative Examples 5 and 6, since the antibacterial agent is added in the post-processing, the antibacterial processing agent falls off due to the washing treatment, and the antibacterial properties after washing are poor. In Comparative Example 7, since no antibacterial agent is added, the antibacterial properties are poor. In Comparative Example 8, since the antibacterial agent is added in the post-processing, the antibacterial properties after washing are poor, and further since the weight ratio of the core yarn and the side yarn of the mixed fiber yarn does not satisfy the appropriate range, the texture and color development are poor. [Industrial Applicability]

[0056] The antibacterial polyester fiber of the present invention can be obtained with good operability and low cost, and has excellent antibacterial performance, texture, and color development. Therefore, it can be suitably used for clothing such as men's and women's formal wear, which requires deep color, antibacterial and deodorizing properties, and good tailoring.

Claims

1. A mixed yarn including a thermoplastic fiber (A) as a core yarn and a thermoplastic fiber (B) as a side yarn, the thermoplastic fiber (A) having an average particle size of 0.1 to 10 μm, containing an inorganic antibacterial agent which is a silver glass-based antibacterial agent in an amount of 1.0 to 15% by weight based on the thermoplastic fiber (A), and containing inorganic particles having an average particle size of 1 to 100 nm in an amount of 0.5 to 10% by weight based on the thermoplastic fiber (A), the thermoplastic fiber (B) containing inorganic particles having an average particle size of 1 to 100 nm in an amount of 0.5 to 10% by weight based on the thermoplastic fiber (B), and a weight ratio of the thermoplastic fiber (A) to the thermoplastic fiber (B) is A:B=30:70 to 60:

40.

2. The mixed yarn according to claim 1 , wherein the thermoplastic resin constituting the thermoplastic fibers (A) and the thermoplastic fibers (B) is a polyester-based resin.

3. The mixed yarn according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the retention rate of the inorganic antibacterial agent after washing at 80°C based on the high temperature accelerated washing method specified in the "SEK mark textile product washing method" of the Japan Textile Evaluation Technology Council, is 80% or more.

4. A fiber structure comprising the mixed yarn according to any one of claims 1 to 3 in an amount of 25 to 100% by weight based on the total weight of the fiber structure.

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