Reversible thermochromic twisted yarn and fabrics, head ornaments, and toys using the same

Abstract

To provide a reversible heat discoloration twisted yarn good in visibility of reversible discoloration by temperature change, and suppressed in generation of delamination by providing adhesive layers to improve adhesiveness between layers, excellent in durability of a reversible heat discoloration layer by protecting the reversible heat discoloration layer, having glossiness, and having applicability to a variety of fields such as a toy field, a decorative field, and a design field so as to be high in merchantability.SOLUTION: A reversible heat discoloration twisted yarn (1) comprises a reversible heat discoloration flat yarn (2) comprising sequentially: a first transparent adhesive layer (4); a reversible heat discoloration layer (5) fixed with a reversible discoloration microcapsule pigment containing a reversible heat discoloration composition comprising at least (a) an electron-donating coloring organic compound, (b) an electron-accepting compound, and (c) a reaction medium for controlling a coloration reaction of the above (a) and (b) in a binder resin in a dispersed state; a second transparent adhesive layer (6); and a transparent resin layer (7) on one side broad surface of a flat yarn composed of a transparent resin film (3).SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a reversible thermochromic twisted yarn, and a fabric, a head ornament, and a toy using the same. More specifically, the present invention relates to a reversible thermochromic twisted yarn that reversibly changes color in response to a temperature change, and a fabric, a head ornament, and a toy using the same. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, a reversible thermochromic yarn and a twisted yarn using the same have been disclosed, which have a reversible thermochromic layer formed on a base from a composition consisting of a thermochromic material and a fixing agent (hereinafter referred to as "binder"), and further have a protective layer covering the reversible thermochromic layer (see, for example, Patent Document 1). The above-mentioned reversible thermochromic yarn uses a thermochromic material encapsulated in microcapsules as a colorant, and reversibly changes color from colored to colorless, or from colorless to colored, in response to a change in temperature. However, because the thermochromic material is encapsulated, the color of the yarn tends to become lighter than when a general non-thermochromic colorant is used, and the color change tends to be difficult to visually detect. In order to darken the color of the yarn, it is possible to increase the proportion of the thermochromic material in the composition, but increasing the proportion of the thermochromic material tends to reduce the adhesion of the reversible thermochromic layer to the base or protective layer.In particular, when the above-mentioned reversible thermochromic yarn is applied to a twisted yarn, the stress applied to the yarn can cause interlayer delamination between the reversible thermochromic layer and the base, or between the reversible thermochromic layer and the protective layer, so that the reversible thermochromic layer is no longer protected from external factors, and the thermochromic function of the reversible thermochromic layer can be easily impaired. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Microfilm of Japanese Utility Model Application Publication No. 60-165477 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] The present invention aims to provide a reversible thermochromic twisted yarn which exhibits good visibility of the reversible color change due to temperature change and has a glossy and highly durable reversible thermochromic layer. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] The present invention relates to a reversible thermochromic twisted yarn comprising a flat yarn made of a transparent resin film, the flat yarn being provided on one of its broad surfaces with a first transparent adhesive layer, a reversible thermochromic layer in which a reversible thermochromic microcapsule pigment encapsulating a reversible thermochromic composition comprising at least (a) an electron-donating color-forming organic compound, (b) an electron-accepting compound, and (c) a reaction medium for controlling the color reactions of (a) and (b) is fixed in a dispersed state in a binder resin, a second transparent adhesive layer, and a transparent resin layer in that order. The first transparent adhesive layer and the second transparent adhesive layer contain a light stabilizer, the average particle size of the reversible thermochromic microencapsulated pigment is 1 to 20 μm, and the reversible thermochromic microencapsulated pigment is blended in an amount of 90 to 160 parts by mass per 100 parts by mass of solid content of the binder resin. The requirements are as follows. Also ,before The transparent resin layer is a transparent resin film. ,before The reversible thermochromic layer has an average thickness of 1 to 50 μm, and the average particle size (D) of the reversible thermochromic microcapsule pigment and the average thickness (T) of the reversible thermochromic layer satisfy the following formula (I): 0.002≦D / T<1 (I) The requirements are as follows. Furthermore, the present invention requires a reversibly thermochromic twisted yarn comprising the above-mentioned reversibly thermochromic flat yarn and a yarn. Further requirements are that the reversible thermochromic flat yarn is provided around the yarn, that the yarn is a glittering yarn having optical properties selected from metallic luster, pearl luster, holographic properties, iridescence, optical interference, and optical reflectivity, and that the glittering yarn is a transparent glittering yarn that further has transparency. Further, the present invention relates to a fabric made using the reversible thermochromic twisted yarn, a head ornament comprising the reversible thermochromic twisted yarn, and a toy comprising the reversible thermochromic twisted yarn. Effect of the Invention

[0006] The present invention provides a reversible thermochromic twisted yarn which has good visibility of the reversible color change due to temperature change, and which suppresses the occurrence of interlayer delamination by providing an adhesive layer to improve adhesion between the layers, and which protects the reversible thermochromic layer, making the reversible thermochromic layer excellent in durability and also has gloss, making it highly marketable and applicable to a variety of fields such as toys, decorations, and design, and which also provides products such as fabrics, head ornaments, and toys using the same. Furthermore, by further incorporating a light stabilizer in the adhesive layer, it is possible to provide a reversibly thermochromic twisted yarn in which the reversibly thermochromic layer has excellent durability and light resistance, and further has gloss, and products such as fabrics, head ornaments, and toys using the same can be provided. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0007] [Figure 1] 1 is a graph illustrating hysteresis characteristics in a color density-temperature curve of a heat-discolorable, reversible thermochromic composition. [Diagram 2] 1 is a graph illustrating hysteresis characteristics in a color density-temperature curve of a heat-discolorable, reversible thermochromic composition. [Diagram 3] 1 is a graph illustrating the hysteresis characteristic in a color density-temperature curve of a reversible thermochromic composition that develops color upon heating. [Figure 4] FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram of one embodiment of a reversible thermochromic twisted yarn of the present invention. [Diagram 5] FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram of another embodiment of the reversible thermochromic twisted yarn of the present invention. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram of another embodiment of the reversible thermochromic twisted yarn of the present invention. [Figure 7] FIG. 2 is a longitudinal sectional view of an embodiment of a reversible thermochromic flat yarn used in the present invention. [Figure 8] FIG. 2 is a longitudinal sectional view of another embodiment of the reversible thermochromic flat yarn used in the present invention. [Figure 9] FIG. 2 is a longitudinal sectional view of another embodiment of the reversible thermochromic flat yarn used in the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0008] The reversible thermochromic twisted yarn (1) of the present invention (hereinafter sometimes referred to as "twisted yarn") comprises a reversible thermochromic flat yarn (2) comprising a flat yarn made of a transparent resin film (3) as shown in Figure 4, on one wide surface of which are successively provided a first transparent adhesive layer (4), a reversible thermochromic layer (5) in which a reversible thermochromic microencapsulated pigment is fixed in a dispersed state in a binder resin, a second transparent adhesive layer (6), and a transparent resin layer (7). Hereinafter, the first transparent adhesive layer or the second transparent adhesive layer may be referred to as a "transparent adhesive layer" or an "adhesive layer".

[0009] The transparent resin film applied to the present invention can impart gloss to the reversible thermochromic twisted yarn, and further prevents damage to the first transparent adhesive layer and the reversible thermochromic layer due to external factors such as stress when processing the reversible thermochromic flat yarn into a twisted yarn and abrasion, and can provide a reversible thermochromic twisted yarn with excellent durability and gloss of the reversible thermochromic layer. The transparent resin film is not particularly limited as long as the pattern, characters, and color change due to temperature change of the reversible thermochromic layer can be visually recognized. Examples of transparent resin films include films made of general-purpose resins such as polyolefin resins such as polyethylene and polypropylene, cellulose derivatives such as cellulose acetate, polyester resins such as polyethylene terephthalate and polybutylene terephthalate, polyamide resins, vinyl alcohol resins such as polyvinyl alcohol and ethylene-vinyl alcohol copolymers, vinyl chloride resins, vinylidene chloride resins, acrylic ester resins, polyacrylic acid, rayon, and cupra.

[0010] The thickness of the transparent resin film is practically in the range of 3 to 50 μm, preferably 6 to 25 μm, and more preferably 6 to 12 μm. If the thickness of the transparent resin film exceeds 50 μm, it is difficult to process the reversibly thermochromic flat yarn into a twisted yarn, and the soft texture of the yarn is easily lost. On the other hand, if the thickness is less than 3 μm, the film is too thin and therefore has poor strength, and is likely to be poor in protecting the first transparent adhesive layer and the reversibly thermochromic layer from external factors such as stress and abrasion.

[0011] The transparency of the transparent resin film refers to the property of transmitting light of a wavelength in the visible light region (the wavelength region of 380 to 780 nm as defined by JIS B 7079), and the light transmittance (visible light transmittance) of the transparent resin film in the visible light region is preferably 5% or more, more preferably 10% or more, and further preferably 20% or more. If the visible light transmittance is less than 5%, the patterns, characters, and color changes due to temperature changes of the reversible thermochromic layer become difficult to visually recognize. The above visible light transmittance was measured by placing a transparent resin film on a transparent substrate that transmits light with wavelengths in the visible light region, and using a spectrophotometer (manufactured by Hitachi, Ltd., product name: U-3210) in the wavelength region from 380 nm to 780 nm, and the mean value between the maximum and minimum values ​​was taken as the visible light transmittance.

[0012] The reversible thermochromic layer constituting the twisted yarn of the present invention contains a reversible thermochromic microencapsulated pigment in which a reversible thermochromic composition consisting of (a) an electron-donating color-forming organic compound, (b) an electron-accepting compound, and (c) a reaction medium that determines the temperature at which the color reaction of components (a) and (b) occurs is encapsulated in a microcapsule. As the reversible thermochromic composition, a reversible thermochromic composition of a heat-discoloring type (discolored by heating and colored by cooling) that changes color around a certain temperature (discoloration point) as described in JP-B-51-44706, JP-B-51-44707, JP-B-1-29398, etc., is usable (see FIG. 1), and that exhibits a discolored state in a temperature range above the high-temperature discoloration point and a colored state in a temperature range below the low-temperature discoloration point, and that of the two states, only one specific state exists in the room temperature range, and the other state is maintained while the heat or cold required to express that state is applied, but returns to the state it exhibits in the room temperature range when the application of heat or cold is removed. The hysteresis width (ΔH) is relatively small (ΔH=1 to 7°C), and the composition can be used (see FIG. 1).

[0013] In addition, a reversible thermochromic composition of the heat-discoloring type (discolored by heating and colored by cooling) that exhibits a large hysteresis width (ΔH=8-70°C) as described in JP-B-4-17154, JP-A-7-179777, JP-A-7-33997, JP-A-8-39936, JP-A-2005-1369, etc., and in which the shape of the curve plotting the change in color density due to temperature change follows a path that is significantly different when the temperature is increased from the lower side of the color-discoloring temperature range and when the temperature is decreased from the higher side of the color-discoloring temperature range, and which has color memory in a specific temperature range [a temperature range between a color-discoloring onset temperature t2 and a color-discoloring onset temperature t3 (a substantially two-phase maintaining temperature range)] and is in a colored state in a temperature range below a complete color-discoloring temperature t1 or in a color-discolored state in a high temperature range above a complete color-discoloring temperature t4 (see FIG. 2).

[0014] Components (A), (B) and (C) will be specifically described below.

[0015] Component (A), that is, the electron-donating organic color-forming compound, is the component that determines the color, and is a compound that develops color by donating electrons to component (B), which is a color developer. Examples of the electron-donating color-forming organic compound include a phthalide compound, a fluoran compound, a styrinquinoline compound, a diazarhodamine lactone compound, a pyridine compound, a quinazoline compound, and a bisquinazoline compound. Among these, the pyridine compound, the quinazoline compound, and the bisquinazoline compound are preferred.

[0016] Examples of the phthalide compound include a diphenylmethane phthalide compound, a phenylindolyl phthalide compound, an indolyl phthalide compound, a diphenylmethane azaphthalide compound, a phenylindolyl azaphthalide compound, and derivatives thereof. Among these, the phenylindolyl azaphthalide compound and derivatives thereof are preferred. Examples of the fluoran compound include aminofluoran compounds, alkoxyfluoran compounds, and derivatives thereof.

[0017] Examples of compounds that can be used as component (a) are given below. 3,3-bis(4-dimethylaminophenyl)-6-dimethylaminophthalide, 3-(4-diethylaminophenyl)-3-(1-ethyl-2-methylindol-3-yl)phthalide, 3,3-bis(1-n-butyl-2-methylindol-3-yl)phthalide, 3,3-bis(2-ethoxy-4-diethylaminophenyl)-4-azaphthalide, 3-(2-ethoxy-4-diethylaminophenyl)-3-(1-ethyl-2-methylindol-3-yl)-4-azaphthalide, 3-(2-n-hexyloxy-4-diethylaminophenyl)-3-(1-ethyl-2-methylindol-3-yl)-4-azaphthalide, 3-[2-ethoxy-4-(N-ethylanilino)phenyl]-3-(1-ethyl-2-methylindol-3-yl)-4-azaphthalide, 3-(2-acetamido-4-diethylaminophenyl)-3-(1-propyl-2-methylindol-3-yl)-4-azaphthalide, 3,6-bis(diphenylamino)fluoran, 3,6-bis(N-phenyl-Np-tolylamino)fluoran, 3,6-dimethoxyfluoran, 3,6-di-n-butoxyfluoran, 2-methyl-6-(N-ethyl-Np-tolylamino)fluoran, 3-chloro-6-cyclohexylaminofluoran, 2-methyl-6-cyclohexylaminofluoran, 2-chloroamino-6-di-n-butylaminofluoran, 2-(2-chloroanilino)-6-di-n-butylaminofluoran, 2-(3-trifluoromethylanilino)-6-diethylaminofluoran, 2-(3-trifluoromethylanilino)-6-di-n-pentylaminofluoran, 2-dibenzylamino-6-diethylaminofluoran, 2-(N-methylanilino)-6-(N-ethyl-Np-tolylamino)fluoran, 1,3-dimethyl-6-diethylaminofluoran, 2-chloro-3-methyl-6-diethylaminofluoran, 2-anilino-3-methyl-6-diethylaminofluoran, 2-anilino-3-methoxy-6-diethylaminofluoran, 2-anilino-3-methyl-6-di-n-butylaminofluoran, 2-anilino-3-methoxy-6-di-n-butylaminofluoran, 2-xylidino-3-methyl-6-diethylaminofluoran, 2-anilino-3-methyl-6-(N-ethyl-Np-tolylamino)fluoran, 6-diethylamino-1,2-benzofluoran, 6-(N-ethyl-N-isobutylamino)-1,2-benzofluoran, 6-(N-ethyl-N-isopentylamino)-1,2-benzofluoran, 2-(3-methoxy-4-dodecoxystyryl)quinoline, 2-Diethylamino-8-diethylamino-4-methylspiro[5H-[1]benzopyrano[2,3-d]pyrimidin-5,1′(3′H)-isobenzofuran]-3′-one, 2-di-n-butylamino-8-di-n-butylamino-4-methylspiro[5H-[1]benzopyrano[2,3-d]pyrimidin-5,1′(3′H)-isobenzofuran]-3′-one, 2-Di-n-butylamino-8-diethylamino-4-methylspiro[5H-[1]benzopyrano[2,3-d]pyrimidin-5,1′(3′H)-isobenzofuran]-3′-one, 2-Di-n-butylamino-8-(N-ethyl-N-isoamylamino)-4-methylspiro[5H-[1]benzopyrano[2,3-d]pyrimidin-5,1′(3′H)-isobenzofuran]-3′-one, 2-di-n-butylamino-8-di-n-pentylamino-4-methylspiro[5H-[1]benzopyrano[2,3-d]pyrimidin-5,1′(3′H)-isobenzofuran]-3′-one, 4,5,6,7-tetrachloro-3-(4-dimethylamino-2-methoxyphenyl)-3-(1-n-butyl-2-methyl-1H-indol-3-yl)-1(3H)-isobenzofuranone, 4,5,6,7-tetrachloro-3-(4-diethylamino-2-ethoxyphenyl)-3-(1-ethyl-2-methyl-1H-indol-3-yl)-1(3H)-isobenzofuranone, 4,5,6,7-tetrachloro-3-(4-diethylamino-2-ethoxyphenyl)-3-(1-n-pentyl-2-methyl-1H-indol-3-yl)-1(3H)-isobenzofuranone, 4,5,6,7-tetrachloro-3-(4-diethylamino-2-methylphenyl)-3-(1-ethyl-2-methyl-1H-indol-3-yl)-1(3H)-isobenzofuranone, 3',6'-bis[phenyl(2-methylphenyl)amino]spiro[isobenzofuran-1(3H),9'-[9H]xanthen]-3-one, 3',6'-bis[phenyl(3-methylphenyl)amino]spiro[isobenzofuran-1(3H),9'-[9H]xanthen]-3-one, 3',6'-bis[phenyl(3-ethylphenyl)amino]spiro[isobenzofuran-1(3H),9'-[9H]xanthen]-3-one, 2,6-bis(2′-ethyloxyphenyl)-4-(4′-dimethylaminophenyl)pyridine, 2,6-bis(2′,4′-diethyloxyphenyl)-4-(4′-dimethylaminophenyl)pyridine, 2-(4′-dimethylaminophenyl)-4-methoxyquinazoline, 4,4'-Ethylenedioxy-bis[2-(4-diethylaminophenyl)quinazoline]

[0018] In addition, the fluorans may be compounds having a substituent on the phenyl group forming the xanthene ring, or may be compounds having a substituent on the phenyl group forming the xanthene ring and also having a substituent (e.g., an alkyl group such as a methyl group, or a halogen atom such as a chlorine atom) on the phenyl group forming the lactone ring, and exhibiting a blue or black color.

[0019] Component (b), ie, an electron accepting compound, is a compound that accepts electrons from component (a) and functions as a developer for component (a). Examples of the electron-accepting compound include compounds selected from a group of compounds having an active proton, a group of pseudo-acidic compounds (a group of compounds that are not acids but act as acids in the reversible thermochromic composition to cause the component (A) to develop color), and a group of compounds having an electron vacancy, etc. Among the above-mentioned component (B), a compound selected from a group of compounds having an active proton is preferred.

[0020] Examples of compounds having an active proton include compounds having a phenolic hydroxyl group and derivatives thereof, carboxylic acids and derivatives thereof, acidic phosphoric esters and derivatives thereof, azole compounds and derivatives thereof, 1,2,3-triazole and derivatives thereof, cyclic carbosulfimides, halohydrins having 2 to 5 carbon atoms, sulfonic acids and derivatives thereof, and inorganic acids. As the carboxylic acids and derivatives thereof, aromatic carboxylic acids and derivatives thereof, or aliphatic carboxylic acids having 2 to 5 carbon atoms and derivatives thereof are preferred. Examples of the pseudo-acidic compounds include metal salts of compounds having a phenolic hydroxyl group, metal salts of carboxylic acids, metal salts of acidic phosphates, metal salts of sulfonic acids, aromatic carboxylic acid anhydrides, aliphatic carboxylic acid anhydrides, mixed anhydrides of aromatic carboxylic acids and sulfonic acids, cycloolefin dicarboxylic acid anhydrides, urea and its derivatives, thiourea and its derivatives, guanidine and its derivatives, and halogenated alcohols. Compounds having electron vacancies include borates, borate esters, and inorganic salts.

[0021] Among the above-mentioned components (ii), compounds having a phenolic hydroxyl group are preferred since they can more effectively exhibit the thermochromic properties. Compounds having a phenolic hydroxyl group include a wide range of compounds from monophenol compounds to polyphenol compounds, and further include bisphenol compounds, trisphenol compounds, phenol-aldehyde condensation resins, etc. Compounds having a phenolic hydroxyl group preferably have at least two benzene rings. Compounds having a phenolic hydroxyl group may also have substituents such as alkyl groups, aryl groups, acyl groups, alkoxycarbonyl groups, carboxyl groups and their esters or amide groups, halogen atoms, etc.

[0022] Examples of metals contained in metal salts of compounds having a phenolic hydroxyl group include sodium, potassium, calcium, zinc, zirconium, aluminum, magnesium, nickel, cobalt, tin, copper, iron, vanadium, titanium, lead, and molybdenum.

[0023] Examples of compounds that can be used as component (b) are given below. Phenol, o-cresol, tertiary butyl catechol, nonylphenol, n-octylphenol, n-dodecylphenol, n-stearylphenol, p-chlorophenol, p-bromophenol, o-phenylphenol, n-butyl p-hydroxybenzoate, n-octyl p-hydroxybenzoate, resorcinol, dodecyl gallate, 4,4-dihydroxydiphenyl sulfone, bis(4-hydroxyphenyl)sulfide, 1,1-bis(4-hydroxyphenyl)ethane, 1,1-bis(4-hydroxyphenyl)propane, 1 ,1-bis(4-hydroxyphenyl)n-butane, 1,1-bis(4-hydroxyphenyl)n-pentane, 1,1-bis(4-hydroxyphenyl)n-hexane, 1,1-bis(4-hydroxyphenyl)n-heptane, 1,1-bis(4-hydroxyphenyl)n-octane, 1,1-bis(4-hydroxyphenyl)n-nonane, 1,1-bis(4-hydroxyphenyl)n-decane, 1,1-bis(4-hydroxyphenyl)n-dodecane, 1,1-bis(4-hydroxyphenyl)-2-methylpropane, 1,1-bis(4-hydroxyphenyl)n-butyl ... 1,1-bis(4-hydroxyphenyl)-3-methylbutane, 1,1-bis(4-hydroxyphenyl)-3-methylpentane, 1,1-bis(4-hydroxyphenyl)-2,3-dimethylpentane, 1,1-bis(4-hydroxyphenyl)-2-ethylbutane, 1,1-bis(4-hydroxyphenyl)-2-ethylhexane, 1,1-bis(4-hydroxyphenyl)-3,7-dimethyloctane, 1,1-bis(4-hydroxyphenyl)cyclohexane, 1,1-bis(4-hydroxyphenyl)-3,3,5-trimethylcyclohexane, 1-phenyl-1,1-bi bis(4-hydroxyphenyl)ethane, 2,2-bis(4-hydroxyphenyl)propane, 2,2-bis(4-hydroxyphenyl)n-butane, 2,2-bis(4-hydroxyphenyl)n-pentane, 2,2-bis(4-hydroxyphenyl)n-hexane, 2,2-bis(4-hydroxyphenyl)n-heptane, 2,2-bis(4-hydroxyphenyl)n-octane, 2,2-bis(4-hydroxyphenyl)n-nonane, 2,2-bis(4-hydroxyphenyl)n-decane, 2,2-bis(4-hydroxyphenyl)n-dodecane, 2,2-bis(4-hydroxyphenyl)ethyl propionate, 2,2-bis(4-hydroxyphenyl)-4-methylpentane, 2,2-bis(4-hydroxyphenyl)-4-methylhexane, 2,2-bis(4-hydroxyphenyl)hexafluoropropane, 2,2-bis(4-hydroxy-3-methylphenyl)propane, 9,9-bis(4-hydroxy-3-methylphenyl)fluorene, 1,1-bis[2-(4-hydroxyphenyl)-2-propyl]benzene, bis(2-hydroxyphenyl)methane, 1,1,1-tris(4-hydroxyphenyl)ethane, 3,3-bis(3-methyl-4-hydroxyphenyl)butane,

[0024] A compound having a phenolic hydroxyl group is capable of exhibiting the most effective thermal discoloration properties, but a compound selected from aromatic carboxylic acids and aliphatic carboxylic acids having 2 to 5 carbon atoms, carboxylic acid metal salts, acidic phosphate esters and their metal salts, 1,2,3-triazole and its derivatives may also be used.

[0025] The component (iii) of the reaction medium that reversibly induces an electron donor-recipient reaction between the components (a) and (b) in a specific temperature range will now be described. Examples of the component (c) include alcohols, esters, ketones, ethers, and acid amides. When the above-mentioned reversible thermochromic composition is applied to microencapsulation and secondary processing, compounds having 10 or more carbon atoms are preferably used in order to stably retain the composition in the capsule, since low molecular weight compounds will evaporate out of the capsule when subjected to high heat treatment.

[0026] As the alcohols, aliphatic monohydric saturated alcohols having 10 or more carbon atoms are effective, such as decyl alcohol, undecyl alcohol, dodecyl alcohol, tridecyl alcohol, tetradecyl alcohol, pentadecyl alcohol, hexadecyl alcohol, heptadecyl alcohol, octadecyl alcohol, eicosyl alcohol, and docosyl alcohol.

[0027] As the esters, esters having 10 or more carbon atoms are effective, and examples thereof include esters obtained from any combination of a monovalent carboxylic acid having an aliphatic, alicyclic or aromatic ring and a monohydric alcohol having an aliphatic, alicyclic or aromatic ring, esters obtained from any combination of a polyvalent carboxylic acid having an aliphatic, alicyclic or aromatic ring and a monohydric alcohol having an aliphatic, alicyclic or aromatic ring, esters obtained from any combination of a monovalent carboxylic acid having an aliphatic, alicyclic or aromatic ring and a polyhydric alcohol having an aliphatic, alicyclic or aromatic ring, and Examples of esters include esters obtained by combining ethyl caprylate, octyl caprylate, stearyl caprylate, myristyl caprate, docosyl caprate, 2-ethylhexyl laurate, n-decyl laurate, 3-methylbutyl myristate, cetyl myristate, isopropyl palmitate, neopentyl palmitate, nonyl palmitate, cyclohexyl palmitate, n-butyl stearate, 2-methylbutyl stearate, 3,5,5-trimethylhexyl stearate, stearyl stearate, ethyl caprylate, octyl caprylate ... n-Undecyl phosphate, pentadecyl stearate, stearyl stearate, cyclohexylmethyl stearate, isopropyl behenate, hexyl behenate, lauryl behenate, behenyl behenate, cetyl benzoate, stearyl 4-tert-butylbenzoate, dimyristyl phthalate, distearyl phthalate, dimyristyl oxalate, dicetyl oxalate, dicetyl malonate, dilauryl succinate, dilauryl glutarate, diundecyl adipate, dilauryl azelate, di-(n-nonyl) sebacate, Examples include 1,18-octadecylmethylenedicarboxylate dineopentyl, ethylene glycol dimyristate, propylene glycol dilaurate, propylene glycol distearate, hexylene glycol dipalmitate, 1,5-pentanediol distearate, 1,2,6-hexanetriol trimyristate, 1,4-cyclohexanediol didecyl, 1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol dimyristate, xylene glycol dicaprinate, and xylene glycol distearate.

[0028] Also effective are esters of saturated fatty acids and branched fatty alcohols, esters of unsaturated fatty acids or branched or substituted saturated fatty acids and branched fatty alcohols or fatty alcohols having 16 or more carbon atoms, and ester compounds selected from cetyl butyrate, stearyl butyrate, and behenyl butyrate. Examples of the ester compounds include 2-ethylhexyl butyrate, 2-ethylhexyl behenate, 2-ethylhexyl myristate, 2-ethylhexyl caprate, 3,5,5-trimethylhexyl laurate, 3,5,5-trimethylhexyl palmitate, 3,5,5-trimethylhexyl stearate, 2-methylbutyl caproate, 2-methylbutyl caprylate, 2-methylbutyl caprate, 1-ethylpropyl palmitate, 1-ethylpropyl stearate, 1-ethylpropyl behenate, laurate, 3,5,5-trimethylhexyl laurate, 3,5,5-trimethylhexyl palmitate, 3,5,5-trimethylhexyl stearate, 3,5,5-trimethylhexyl laurate, 3,5,5-trimethylhexyl stearate, 2-methylbutyl caproate, 2-methylbutyl caprylate, 2-methylbutyl caprate, 1-ethylpropyl palmitate, 1-ethylpropyl stearate, 1-ethylpropyl behenate, laurate, 3,5,5-trimethylhexyl ... 1-Ethylhexyl phosphate, 1-ethylhexyl myristate, 1-ethylhexyl palmitate, 2-methylpentyl caproate, 2-methylpentyl caprylate, 2-methylpentyl caprate, 2-methylpentyl laurate, 2-methylbutyl stearate, 2-methylbutyl stearate, 3-methylbutyl stearate, 1-methylheptyl stearate, 2-methylbutyl behenate, 3-methylbutyl behenate, 1-methylheptyl stearate, 1-methylheptyl behenate, 1-ethyl caproate 1-ethylpentyl palmitate, 1-methylpropyl stearate, 1-methyloctyl stearate, 1-methylhexyl stearate, 1,1-dimethylpropyl laurate, 1-methylpentyl caprate, 2-methylhexyl palmitate, 2-methylhexyl stearate, 2-methylhexyl behenate, 3,7-dimethyloctyl laurate, 3,7-dimethyloctyl myristate, 3,7-dimethyloctyl palmitate, 3,7-dimethyloctyl stearate, 3,7-dimethyloctyl behenate Examples of the stearate include 3,7-dimethyloctyl, stearyl oleate, behenyl oleate, stearyl linoleate, behenyl linoleate, 3,7-dimethyloctyl erucate, stearyl erucate, isostearyl erucate, cetyl isostearate, stearyl isostearate, 2-methylpentyl 12-hydroxystearate, 2-ethylhexyl 18-bromostearate, isostearyl 2-ketomyristate, 2-ethylhexyl 2-fluoromyristate, cetyl butyrate, stearyl butyrate, and behenyl butyrate.

[0029] Furthermore, in order to change color while exhibiting a large hysteresis characteristic with respect to the color density-temperature curve and to impart color memory depending on temperature change, exemplified are carboxylate compounds exhibiting a ΔT value (melting point-cloud point) of 5° C. or more and less than 50° C. as described in JP-B-4-17154, such as carboxylate esters containing a substituted aromatic ring in the molecule, esters of carboxylic acids containing an unsubstituted aromatic ring and aliphatic alcohols having 10 or more carbon atoms, carboxylate esters containing a cyclohexyl group in the molecule, esters of fatty acids having 6 or more carbon atoms and unsubstituted aromatic alcohols or phenols, esters of fatty acids having 8 or more carbon atoms and branched aliphatic alcohols, esters of dicarboxylic acids and aromatic alcohols or branched aliphatic alcohols, dibenzyl cinnamate, heptyl stearate, didecyl adipate, dilauryl adipate, dimyristyl adipate, dicetyl adipate, distearyl adipate, trilaurin, trimyristin, tristearin, dimyristin, distearin, etc.

[0030] Also effective are fatty acid ester compounds obtained from an aliphatic monohydric alcohol having an odd number of carbon atoms of 9 or more and an aliphatic carboxylic acid having an even number of carbon atoms, and fatty acid ester compounds having a total of 17 to 23 carbon atoms obtained from n-pentyl alcohol or n-heptyl alcohol and an aliphatic carboxylic acid having an even number of carbon atoms of 10 to 16. Examples of the fatty acid ester compound include n-pentadecyl acetate, n-tridecyl butyrate, n-pentadecyl butyrate, n-undecyl caproate, n-tridecyl caproate, n-pentadecyl caproate, n-nonyl caprylate, n-undecyl caprylate, n-tridecyl caprylate, n-pentadecyl caprylate, n-heptyl caprate, n-nonyl caprate, n-undecyl caprate, n-tridecyl caprate, n-pentadecyl caprate, n-pentyl laurate, n-heptyl laurate, n-nonyl laurate, n-undecyl laurate, n-tridecyl laurate, n-pentadecyl laurate, n-pentyl myristate, n-heptyl myristate, Examples include n-pentyl, n-nonyl myristate, n-undecyl myristate, n-tridecyl myristate, n-pentadecyl myristate, n-pentyl palmitate, n-heptyl palmitate, n-nonyl palmitate, n-undecyl palmitate, n-tridecyl palmitate, n-pentadecyl palmitate, n-nonyl stearate, n-undecyl stearate, n-tridecyl stearate, n-pentadecyl stearate, n-nonyl eicosanoate, n-undecyl eicosanoate, n-tridecyl eicosanoate, n-pentadecyl eicosanoate, n-nonyl behenate, n-undecyl behenate, n-tridecyl behenate, and n-pentadecyl behenate.

[0031] As the ketones, aliphatic ketones having a total carbon number of 10 or more are effective, and examples thereof include 2-decanone, 3-decanone, 4-decanone, 2-undecanone, 3-undecanone, 4-undecanone, 5-undecanone, 2-dodecanone, 3-dodecanone, 4-dodecanone, 5-dodecanone, 2-tridecanone, 3-tridecanone, 2-tetradecanone, 2-pentadecanone, 8-pentadecanone, 2-hexadecanone, 3-hexadecanone, 9-heptadecanone, 2-pentadecanone, 2-octadecanone, 2-nonadecanone, 10-nonadecanone, 2-eicosanone, 11-eicosanone, 2-heneicosanone, 2-docosanone, laurone, stearone, and the like. Further, aryl alkyl ketones having a total carbon number of 12 to 24, for example, n-octadecanophenone, n-heptadecanophenone, n-hexadecanophenone, n-pentadecanophenone, n-tetradecanophenone, 4-n-dodecaacetophenone, n-tridecanophenone, 4-n-undecanoacetophenone, n-laurophenone, 4-n-decanoacetophenone, n-undecanophenone, 4-n-nonylacetophenone, n-decanophenone, 4-n-octylacetophenone, n ... Examples of acetophenone include 4-n-heptylacetophenone, n-octanophenone, 4-n-hexylacetophenone, 4-n-cyclohexylacetophenone, 4-tert-butylpropiophenone, n-heptaphenone, 4-n-pentylacetophenone, cyclohexyl phenyl ketone, benzyl-n-butyl ketone, 4-n-butylacetophenone, n-hexanophenone, 4-isobutylacetophenone, 1-acetonaphthone, 2-acetonaphthone, and cyclopentyl phenyl ketone.

[0032] As the ethers, aliphatic ethers having a total of 10 or more carbon atoms are effective, and examples thereof include dipentyl ether, dihexyl ether, diheptyl ether, dioctyl ether, dinonyl ether, didecyl ether, diundecyl ether, didodecyl ether, ditridecyl ether, ditetradecyl ether, dipentadecyl ether, dihexadecyl ether, dioctadecyl ether, decanediol dimethyl ether, undecanediol dimethyl ether, dodecanediol dimethyl ether, tridecanediol dimethyl ether, decanediol diethyl ether, and undecanediol diethyl ether.

[0033] Examples of acid amides include acetamide, propionic acid amide, butyric acid amide, caproic acid amide, caprylic acid amide, capric acid amide, lauric acid amide, myristic acid amide, palmitic acid amide, stearic acid amide, behenic acid amide, oleic acid amide, erucic acid amide, benzamide, caproic acid anilide, caprylic acid anilide, capric acid anilide, lauric acid anilide, myristic acid anilide, palmitic acid anilide, stearic acid anilide, behenic acid anilide, oleic acid anilide, erucic acid anilide, and N-methyl caproic acid anilide. amide, caprylic acid N-methylamide, capric acid N-methylamide, lauric acid N-methylamide, myristic acid N-methylamide, palmitic acid N-methylamide, stearic acid N-methylamide, behenic acid N-methylamide, oleic acid N-methylamide, erucic acid N-methylamide, lauric acid N-ethylamide, myristic acid N-ethylamide, palmitic acid N-ethylamide, stearic acid N-ethylamide, oleic acid N-ethylamide, lauric acid N-butylamide, myristic acid N-butylamide, palmitic acid N-butylamide, stearic acid N-ethylamide Thearic acid N-butylamide, oleic acid N-butylamide, lauric acid N-octylamide, myristic acid N-octylamide, palmitic acid N-octylamide, stearic acid N-octylamide, oleic acid N-octylamide, lauric acid N-dodecylamide, myristic acid N-dodecylamide, palmitic acid N-dodecylamide, stearic acid N-dodecylamide, oleic acid N-dodecylamide, dilauric acid amide, dimyristic acid amide, dipalmitic acid amide, distearic acid amide, dioleic acid amide, trilauric ... Rimyristic acid amide, tripalmitic acid amide, tristearic acid amide, trioleic acid amide, succinic acid amide, adipic acid amide, glutaric acid amide, malonic acid amide, azelaic acid amide, maleic acid amide, succinic acid N-methylamide, adipic acid N-methylamide, glutaric acid N-methylamide, malonic acid N-methylamide, azelaic acid N-methylamide, succinic acid N-ethylamide, adipic acid N-ethylamide, glutaric acid N-ethylamide, malonic acid N-ethylamide, azelaic acid N-ethylamide, succinic acid N-butylamide,Examples include adipic acid N-butylamide, glutaric acid N-butylamide, malonic acid N-butylamide, adipic acid N-octylamide, and adipic acid N-dodecylamide.

[0034] Furthermore, the component (iii) may be a compound represented by the following formula (1). [ka] [In the formula, R1 represents a hydrogen atom or a methyl group, m represents an integer of 0 to 2, and either X1 or X2 is -(CH2) n OCOR2 or (CH2) n COOR2, the other represents a hydrogen atom, n represents an integer of 0 to 2, R2 represents an alkyl or alkenyl group having 4 or more carbon atoms, Y1 and Y2 each independently represent a hydrogen atom, an alkyl group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms, a methoxy group, or a halogen atom, and r and p each independently represent an integer of 1 to 3. Of the compounds represented by formula (1), it is preferable that R1 is a hydrogen atom, since a reversible thermochromic composition having a wider hysteresis width can be obtained, and it is even more preferable that R1 is a hydrogen atom and m is 0. Among the compounds represented by formula (1), a compound represented by the following formula (2) is more preferred. [ka] (In the formula, R represents an alkyl group or alkenyl group having 8 or more carbon atoms, preferably an alkyl group having 10 to 24 carbon atoms, and more preferably an alkyl group having 12 to 22 carbon atoms.) Examples of the compound represented by formula (2) include 4-benzyloxyphenylethyl octanoate, 4-benzyloxyphenylethyl nonanoate, 4-benzyloxyphenylethyl decanoate, 4-benzyloxyphenylethyl undecanoate, 4-benzyloxyphenylethyl dodecanoate, 4-benzyloxyphenylethyl tridecanoate, 4-benzyloxyphenylethyl tetradecanoate, 4-benzyloxyphenylethyl pentadecanoate, 4-benzyloxyphenylethyl hexadecanoate, 4-benzyloxyphenylethyl heptadecanoate, and 4-benzyloxyphenylethyl octadecanoate.

[0035] Furthermore, the component (iii) may be a compound represented by the following formula (3). [ka] (In the formula, R represents an alkyl or alkenyl group having 8 or more carbon atoms, m and n each independently represent an integer of 1 to 3, and X and Y each independently represent a hydrogen atom, an alkyl group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms, an alkoxy group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms, or a halogen atom.) Examples of the compound represented by formula (3) include 1,1-diphenylmethyl octanoate, 1,1-diphenylmethyl nonanoate, 1,1-diphenylmethyl decanoate, 1,1-diphenylmethyl undecanoate, 1,1-diphenylmethyl dodecanoate, 1,1-diphenylmethyl tridecanoate, 1,1-diphenylmethyl tetradecanoate, 1,1-diphenylmethyl pentadecanoate, 1,1-diphenylmethyl hexadecanoate, 1,1-diphenylmethyl heptadecanoate, and 1,1-diphenylmethyl octadecanoate.

[0036] Furthermore, the component (iii) may be a compound represented by the following formula (4). [ka] (In the formula, X represents a hydrogen atom, an alkyl group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms, a methoxy group, or a halogen atom, m represents an integer of 1 to 3, and n represents an integer of 1 to 20.) Examples of the compound represented by formula (4) include a diester of malonic acid and 2-[4-(4-chlorobenzyloxy)phenyl]ethanol, a diester of succinic acid and 2-(4-benzyloxyphenyl)ethanol, a diester of succinic acid and 2-[4-(3-methylbenzyloxy)phenyl]ethanol, a diester of glutaric acid and 2-(4-benzyloxyphenyl)ethanol, a diester of glutaric acid and 2-[4-(4-chlorobenzyloxy)phenyl]ethanol, a diester of adipic acid and 2-(4-benzyloxyphenyl)ethanol, a diester of pimelic acid and 2-(4-benzyloxyphenyl)ethanol, a diester of suberic acid and 2-(4-benzyloxyphenyl)ethanol, a diester of suberic acid and 2-[4-(3-methyl Examples of the diester include a diester of suberic acid and 2-[4-(4-chlorobenzyloxy)phenyl]ethanol, a diester of suberic acid and 2-[4-(2,4-dichlorobenzyloxy)phenyl]ethanol, a diester of azelaic acid and 2-(4-benzyloxyphenyl)ethanol, a diester of sebacic acid and 2-(4-benzyloxyphenyl)ethanol, a diester of 1,10-decanedicarboxylic acid and 2-(4-benzyloxyphenyl)ethanol, a diester of 1,18-octadecanedicarboxylic acid and 2-(4-benzyloxyphenyl)ethanol, and a diester of 1,18-octadecanedicarboxylic acid and 2-[4-(2-methylbenzyloxy)phenyl]ethanol.

[0037] Furthermore, the component (iii) may be a compound represented by the following formula (5). [ka] (In the formula, R represents an alkyl or alkenyl group having 1 to 21 carbon atoms, and n represents an integer of 1 to 3.) Examples of the compound represented by formula (5) include a diester of 1,3-bis(2-hydroxyethoxy)benzene and capric acid, a diester of 1,3-bis(2-hydroxyethoxy)benzene and undecanoic acid, a diester of 1,3-bis(2-hydroxyethoxy)benzene and lauric acid, a diester of 1,3-bis(2-hydroxyethoxy)benzene and myristic acid, a diester of 1,4-bis(hydroxymethoxy)benzene and butyric acid, a diester of 1,4-bis(hydroxymethoxy)benzene and isovaleric acid, and a diester of 1,4-bis(2-hydroxyethoxy)benzene and acetic acid. Examples of such esters include diesters of 1,4-bis(2-hydroxyethoxy)benzene and propionic acid, diesters of 1,4-bis(2-hydroxyethoxy)benzene and valeric acid, diesters of 1,4-bis(2-hydroxyethoxy)benzene and caproic acid, diesters of 1,4-bis(2-hydroxyethoxy)benzene and caprylic acid, diesters of 1,4-bis(2-hydroxyethoxy)benzene and capric acid, diesters of 1,4-bis(2-hydroxyethoxy)benzene and lauric acid, and diesters of 1,4-bis(2-hydroxyethoxy)benzene and myristic acid.

[0038] Furthermore, the component (iii) may be a compound represented by the following formula (6). [ka] (In the formula, X represents a hydrogen atom, an alkyl group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms, an alkoxy group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms, or a halogen atom; m represents an integer of 1 to 3; and n represents an integer of 1 to 20.) Examples of the compound represented by formula (6) include a diester of succinic acid and 2-phenoxyethanol, a diester of suberic acid and 2-phenoxyethanol, a diester of sebacic acid and 2-phenoxyethanol, a diester of 1,10-decanedicarboxylic acid and 2-phenoxyethanol, and a diester of 1,18-octadecanedicarboxylic acid and 2-phenoxyethanol.

[0039] Furthermore, the component (iii) may be a compound represented by the following formula (7). [ka] (In the formula, R represents any one of an alkyl group having 4 to 22 carbon atoms, a cycloalkylalkyl group, a cycloalkyl group, and an alkenyl group having 4 to 22 carbon atoms; X represents any one of a hydrogen atom, an alkyl group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms, an alkoxy group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms, and a halogen atom; and n represents 0 or 1.) Examples of the compound represented by formula (7) include decyl 4-phenylbenzoate, lauryl 4-phenylbenzoate, myristyl 4-phenylbenzoate, cyclohexylethyl 4-phenylbenzoate, octyl 4-biphenylacetate, nonyl 4-biphenylacetate, decyl 4-biphenylacetate, lauryl 4-biphenylacetate, myristyl 4-biphenylacetate, tridecyl 4-biphenylacetate, pentadecyl 4-biphenylacetate, cetyl 4-biphenylacetate, cyclopentyl 4-biphenylacetate, cyclohexylmethyl 4-biphenylacetate, and hexyl 4-biphenylacetate.

[0040] Furthermore, the component (iii) may be a compound represented by the following formula (8). [ka] (In the formula, R represents an alkyl group having 3 to 18 carbon atoms or an aliphatic acyl group having 3 to 18 carbon atoms; X represents a hydrogen atom, an alkyl group having 1 to 3 carbon atoms, an alkoxy group having 1 or 2 carbon atoms, or a halogen atom; Y represents a hydrogen atom or a methyl group; and Z represents a hydrogen atom, an alkyl group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms, an alkoxy group having 1 or 2 carbon atoms, or a halogen atom.) Examples of the compound represented by formula (8) include phenoxyethyl 4-butoxybenzoate, phenoxyethyl 4-pentyloxybenzoate, phenoxyethyl 4-tetradecyloxybenzoate, an ester of phenoxyethyl 4-hydroxybenzoate with dodecanoic acid, and dodecyl ether of phenoxyethyl vanillate.

[0041] Furthermore, the component (iii) may be a compound represented by the following formula (9). [ka] (In the formula, R represents any one of an alkyl group having 4 to 22 carbon atoms, an alkenyl group having 4 to 22 carbon atoms, a cycloalkylalkyl group, and a cycloalkyl group; X represents any one of a hydrogen atom, an alkyl group, an alkoxy group, and a halogen atom; Y represents any one of a hydrogen atom, an alkyl group, an alkoxy group, and a halogen atom; and n represents 0 or 1.) Examples of the compound represented by formula (9) include the benzoate ester of octyl 4-hydroxybenzoate, the benzoate ester of decyl 4-hydroxybenzoate, the 4-methoxybenzoate ester of heptyl 4-hydroxybenzoate, the 2-methoxybenzoate ester of dodecyl 4-hydroxybenzoate, and the benzoate ester of cyclohexylmethyl 4-hydroxybenzoate.

[0042] Furthermore, the component (iii) may be a compound represented by the following formula (10). [ka] (In the formula, R represents any one of an alkyl group having 3 to 18 carbon atoms, a cycloalkylalkyl group having 6 to 11 carbon atoms, a cycloalkyl group having 5 to 7 carbon atoms, and an alkenyl group having 3 to 18 carbon atoms; X represents any one of a hydrogen atom, an alkyl group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms, an alkoxy group having 1 to 3 carbon atoms, and a halogen atom; and Y represents any one of a hydrogen atom, an alkyl group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms, a methoxy group, an ethoxy group, and a halogen atom.) Examples of the compound represented by formula (10) include phenoxyethyl ether of nonyl 4-hydroxybenzoate, phenoxyethyl ether of decyl 4-hydroxybenzoate, phenoxyethyl ether of undecyl 4-hydroxybenzoate, and phenoxyethyl ether of dodecyl vanillate.

[0043] Furthermore, the component (iii) may be a compound represented by the following formula (11). [ka] (In the formula, R represents a cycloalkyl group having 3 to 8 carbon atoms or a cycloalkylalkyl group having 4 to 9 carbon atoms, and n represents an integer of 1 to 3.) Examples of the compound represented by formula (11) include a diester of 1,3-bis(2-hydroxyethoxy)benzene and cyclohexanecarboxylic acid, a diester of 1,4-bis(2-hydroxyethoxy)benzene and cyclohexanepropionic acid, and a diester of 1,3-bis(2-hydroxyethoxy)benzene and cyclohexanepropionic acid.

[0044] Furthermore, the component (iii) may be a compound represented by the following formula (12). [ka] (In the formula, R represents any one of an alkyl group having 3 to 17 carbon atoms, a cycloalkyl group having 3 to 8 carbon atoms, and a cycloalkylalkyl group having 5 to 8 carbon atoms; X represents any one of a hydrogen atom, an alkyl group having 1 to 5 carbon atoms, a methoxy group, an ethoxy group, and a halogen atom; and n represents an integer of 1 to 3.) Examples of the compound represented by formula (12) include a diester of 4-phenylphenol ethylene glycol ether and cyclohexane carboxylic acid, a diester of 4-phenylphenol diethylene glycol ether and lauric acid, a diester of 4-phenylphenol triethylene glycol ether and cyclohexane carboxylic acid, a diester of 4-phenylphenol ethylene glycol ether and octanoic acid, a diester of 4-phenylphenol ethylene glycol ether and nonanoic acid, a diester of 4-phenylphenol ethylene glycol ether and decanoic acid, and a diester of 4-phenylphenol ethylene glycol ether and myristic acid.

[0045] In addition, a reversible thermochromic microcapsule pigment encapsulating a reversible thermochromic composition of a heat-coloring type (coloring upon heating and disappearing upon cooling) using a gallic acid ester (JP Patent Publication No. 51-44706, JP Patent Publication No. 2003-253149) or the like as an electron-accepting compound can also be used (see Figure 3).

[0046] The reversible thermochromic composition is a compatible solution containing the above components (A), (B), and (C) as essential components. The ratio of each component depends on the concentration, discoloration temperature, discoloration form, and type of each component, but the component ratio that generally provides the desired properties is in the range of 1 part by weight of component (A) to 0.1 to 100, preferably 0.1 to 50, and more preferably 0.5 to 20, of component (B), and 5 to 200, preferably 5 to 100, and more preferably 10 to 100, of component (C) (all the above ratios are in parts by weight).

[0047] The reversible thermochromic composition can be used by being encapsulated in a microcapsule to form a reversible thermochromic microencapsulated pigment (hereinafter sometimes referred to as "microcapsule pigment" or "pigment"), or by being dispersed in a thermoplastic resin or a thermosetting resin to form reversible thermochromic resin particles, but it is preferable to encapsulate the reversible thermochromic composition in a microcapsule to form a reversible thermochromic microencapsulated pigment. This is because by being encapsulated in a microcapsule, a chemically and physically stable pigment can be formed, and further, the reversible thermochromic composition can be maintained in the same composition under various conditions of use, and can exert the same action and effect.

[0048] Microencapsulation can be appropriately selected according to the application, from known methods such as isocyanate-based interfacial polymerization, melamine-formaldehyde-based in situ polymerization, liquid curing coating, phase separation from an aqueous solution, phase separation from an organic solvent, melt dispersion cooling, air suspension coating, spray drying, etc. Furthermore, a secondary resin film can be provided on the surface of the microcapsules depending on the purpose to impart durability or to modify the surface properties for practical use. In addition, by blending a non-thermochromic colorant such as a general dye or pigment during microencapsulation, it is possible to bring about an alternating color change from color (1) to color (2). The reversible thermochromic microcapsule pigment preferably has a mass ratio of inclusions to wall film of 7:1 to 1:1, and by having the mass ratio of inclusions to wall film within the above range, it is possible to prevent a decrease in color density and clarity during color development. More preferably, the mass ratio of inclusions to wall film is 6:1 to 1:1.

[0049] The reversible thermochromic layer is a layer that is provided on the first or second transparent adhesive layer by applying a liquid composition such as a printing ink or paint prepared by dispersing a reversible thermochromic microcapsule pigment in a vehicle containing a binder resin using a printing method such as screen printing, offset printing, gravure printing, coater, or transfer printing, or a coating method such as brush coating, spray coating, electrostatic coating, electrodeposition coating, flow coating, roller coating, or dip coating. The reversible thermochromic layer may be in the form of a solid pattern, a circle, an oval, a square, a rectangle, various letters, symbols, figures, patterns, as well as images of people, animals, plants, fruits, foodstuffs, vehicles, buildings, celestial bodies, and the like.

[0050] The vehicle for dispersing the reversible thermochromic microencapsulated pigment is composed of a solvent, a binder resin, and various additives that are blended as necessary, and is not particularly limited as long as it does not affect the thermochromic function or sensitivity of the reversible thermochromic microencapsulated pigment. The reversible thermochromic layer is a layer formed by the binder resin when volatile components such as the solvent in the liquid composition volatilize. In addition, by blending a non-thermochromic colorant such as a general dye or pigment together with the reversible thermochromic microencapsulated pigment in the vehicle, it is possible to bring about an alternating color change from color (1) to color (2) in the reversible thermochromic layer.

[0051] The solvent may be water or various organic solvents. Examples of organic solvents include ethanol, propanol, butanol, glycerin, sorbitol, triethanolamine, diethanolamine, monoethanolamine, ethylene glycol, diethylene glycol, thiodiethylene glycol, polyethylene glycol, propylene glycol, butylene glycol, ethylene glycol monomethyl ether, ethylene glycol monoethyl ether, ethylene glycol monoisopropyl ether, ethylene glycol monobutyl ether, diethylene glycol monomethyl ether, diethylene glycol monoethyl ether, diethylene glycol monobutyl ether, propylene glycol monomethyl ether, propylene glycol monoethyl ether, propylene glycol monopropyl ether, propylene glycol monobutyl ether, ethylene glycol monomethyl ether acetate, sulfolane, 2-pyrrolidone, N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone, n-octane, isooctane, n-heptane, methylcyclohexane, ethylcyclohexane, toluene, xylene, 3-methoxybutanol, 3-methyl-3-methoxybutanol, 3-methyl-1,3-butanediol, 1,3-butanediol, and hexylene glycol.

[0052] Examples of the binder resin include ionomer resin, isobutylene-maleic anhydride copolymer resin, acrylonitrile-acrylic styrene copolymer resin, acrylonitrile-styrene copolymer resin, acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene copolymer resin, acrylonitrile-chlorinated polyethylene-styrene copolymer resin, ethylene-vinyl chloride copolymer resin, ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer resin, ethylene-vinyl acetate-vinyl chloride graft copolymer resin, vinyl acetate resin, vinyl chloride resin, vinylidene chloride resin, chlorinated vinyl chloride resin, vinyl chloride-vinyl chloride ethylene copolymer resin, chlorinated polyethylene, chlorinated polypropylene, polyamide resin, polycarbonate, polybutadiene, polyethylene terephthalate, polybutylene terephthalate, polystyrene, high impact polystyrene, styrene-maleic acid copolymer resin, acrylic-styrene copolymer resin, polypropylene, polymethylstyrene, acrylic ester resin, polymethyl methacrylate, epoxy acrylate resin, alkylphenol resin, rosin modified phenolic resin, rosin modified alkyd resin, phenolic resin modified alkyd resin, styrene modified Alkyd resin, epoxy resin modified alkyd resin, acrylic modified alkyd resin, amino alkyd resin, butyral resin, urethane resin, vinyl chloride-vinyl acetate copolymer resin, epoxy resin, alkyd resin, styrene-butadiene copolymer resin, unsaturated polyester resin, saturated polyester resin, vinyl chloride-acrylic copolymer resin, polyisobutylene, butyl rubber, cyclized rubber, chlorinated rubber, polyvinyl alkyl ether, fluororesin, silicon resin, phenolic resin, petroleum-based hydrocarbon resin, ketone resin, toluene resin, xylene resin, melamine resin, urea resin, Benzoguanamine resin, polyethylene oxide, polyvinylpyrrolidone, vinylpyrrolidone-vinyl acetate copolymer resin, polyvinyl alcohol, modified polyvinyl alcohol, polyacrylates, polymethacrylates, acrylate emulsions, methacrylate emulsions, vinyl acetate-acrylate copolymer resin emulsions, ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer resin emulsions, styrene-acrylate copolymer resin emulsions, vinyl chloride emulsions, vinylidene chloride emulsions, polyvinyl acetate emulsions,Synthetic resins such as polyolefin emulsions, rosin ester emulsions, epoxy resin emulsions, polyurethane emulsions, synthetic rubber latex, low molecular weight polyethylene, low molecular weight polypropylene, low molecular weight polystyrene, coumarone plastics, polybutene, phenoxy plastics, liquid polybutadiene, liquid rubber, petroleum-based hydrocarbon resins, and cyclopentadiene-based petroleum resins; Examples include natural or semi-synthetic resins such as cellulose derivatives, alginic acid derivatives, rosin derivatives, starches, polysaccharides, gums, natural rubber, shellac, agar, casein, glue, gelatin, and polyterpene.

[0053] The twisted yarn of the present invention and products such as fabrics, head ornaments, and toys using the same can be easily discolored using a water attachment tool, a heat discoloration tool, a cold-heat discoloration tool, etc. described below. When discoloring using liquids such as hot water or cold water, the binder resin is preferably a water-insoluble resin. By using a water-insoluble resin as the binder resin, the binder resin does not dissolve when discoloring the twisted yarn and products using the same using the water attachment tool, a heat discoloration tool, or a cold-heat discoloration tool, so that the reversible thermochromic layer is less likely to deform or be damaged, and the microcapsule pigment contained in the reversible thermochromic layer is prevented from flowing, thereby preventing the reversible thermochromic layer from having parts that do not discolor or from discoloring unevenly.

[0054] Examples of additives include crosslinking agents, curing agents, drying agents, plasticizers, viscosity modifiers, dispersants, UV absorbers, antioxidants, light stabilizers, anti-settling agents, smoothing agents, gelling agents, defoaming agents, matting agents, penetrating agents, pH adjusters, foaming agents, coupling agents, moisturizing agents, lubricants, antifungal agents, preservatives, and rust inhibitors.

[0055] In the present invention, it is preferable that the average particle size of the reversible thermochromic microencapsulated pigment is in the range of 0.1 to 50 μm (preferably 0.5 to 30 μm, more preferably 1 to 20 μm), and that the reversible thermochromic microencapsulated pigment is blended in the range of 50 to 200 parts by mass (preferably 90 to 160 parts by mass) per 100 parts by mass of the solid content of the binder resin. Most preferably, the average particle size of the reversible thermochromic microencapsulated pigment is in the range of 1 to 20 μm, and that the reversible thermochromic microencapsulated pigment is blended in the range of 90 to 160 parts by mass per 100 parts by mass of the solid content of the binder resin. By having the average particle size of the microencapsulated pigment within the above range, it is possible to easily visually recognize the color change of the reversible thermochromic layer due to the temperature change, and it is also possible to easily improve the dispersion stability of the microencapsulated pigment in the vehicle. In addition, by blending the reversible thermochromic microencapsulated pigment within the above range with respect to the solid content of the binder resin, the adhesion of the first and second transparent adhesive layers provided adjacent to the reversible thermochromic layer is less likely to be impaired. Therefore, by having both the average particle size of the microencapsulated pigment and the blending ratio of the microencapsulated pigment to the solid content of the binder resin within the above ranges, the visibility of color changes due to temperature changes in the reversible thermochromic layer is better, and the adhesion between each layer is improved, thereby suppressing the occurrence of interlayer delamination between the flat yarn consisting of the reversible thermochromic layer and the transparent resin film, and between the reversible thermochromic layer and the transparent resin layer, which may be caused by stress when the reversible thermochromic flat yarn is processed into a twisted yarn, and a glossy reversible thermochromic twisted yarn can be easily obtained which has excellent protection of the reversible thermochromic layer from external factors such as abrasion by the flat yarn consisting of the transparent resin film and the transparent resin layer. The "solid content of the binder resin" includes not only the solid content of the binder resin itself, but also the solid content of additives such as crosslinking agents and curing agents that act when the binder resin forms the reversible thermochromic layer.

[0056] The average particle size was measured by determining the particle area using image analysis particle size distribution measurement software (manufactured by Mountec Corporation, product name: MacView), calculating the projected area equivalent circle diameter (Heywood diameter) from the area of ​​the particle area, and measuring the average particle size of particles equivalent to a sphere of equal volume using this value. In addition, when the particle size of all or the majority of the particles exceeds 0.2 μm, it is also possible to measure the average particle size of particles equivalent to an equal volume sphere by the Coulter method using a particle size distribution measuring device (product name: Multisizer 4e, manufactured by Beckman Coulter, Inc.). Furthermore, the volumetric particle size and average particle size may be measured using a calibrated laser diffraction / scattering particle size distribution analyzer (manufactured by HORIBA, Ltd., product name: LA-300) based on values ​​measured using the above software or a measuring device using the Coulter method.

[0057] It is preferable that the reversible thermochromic layer has an average thickness (T) in the range of 1 to 50 μm (preferably 3 to 40 μm, more preferably 5 to 30 μm), and that the average particle size (D) of the reversible thermochromic microencapsulated pigment and the average thickness (T) of the reversible thermochromic layer satisfy the following formula (I). 0.002≦D / T<1 (I) Most preferably, the average thickness (T) of the reversible thermochromic layer is in the range of 5 to 30 μm, and the average particle size (D) of the reversible thermochromic microcapsule pigment and the average thickness (T) of the reversible thermochromic layer satisfy the above formula (I). When the value (D / T) obtained by dividing the average particle size of the reversible thermochromic microcapsule pigment by the average thickness of the reversible thermochromic layer is within the above range, the reversible thermochromic twisted yarn has a soft feel, and the visibility of color changes due to temperature changes in the reversible thermochromic layer is good, and the adhesion of the first and second transparent adhesive layers provided adjacent to the reversible thermochromic layer is less likely to be impaired. Therefore, by having the average thickness (T) of the reversible thermochromic layer within the above range and the average particle diameter (D) of the reversible thermochromic microcapsule pigment and the average thickness (T) of the reversible thermochromic layer satisfying the above formula (I), a reversible thermochromic twisted yarn having a soft feel, good visibility of color changes due to temperature changes in the reversible thermochromic layer, and improved adhesion between the layers is obtained, and the occurrence of interlayer peeling between the flat yarn made of the reversible thermochromic layer and the transparent resin film, and between the reversible thermochromic layer and the transparent resin layer, which is caused by stress when the reversible thermochromic flat yarn is processed into a twisted yarn, is suppressed, and the flat yarn made of the transparent resin film and the transparent resin layer provide excellent protection for the reversible thermochromic layer from external factors such as abrasion. The average thickness (T) of the reversible thermochromic layer is determined by calculating the maximum thickness (T1) and minimum thickness (T2) of the reversible thermochromic layer using visual measurement or image analysis software based on cross-sectional photographs of the reversible thermochromic layer taken with an optical microscope or electron microscope, and then using the following formula (II). T = (T1 + T2) / 2 (II)

[0058] The transparent resin layer is provided on the second transparent adhesive layer and can impart gloss to the reversible thermochromic twisted yarn. Furthermore, it can prevent damage to the second transparent adhesive layer and the reversible thermochromic layer due to stress generated when the reversible thermochromic flat yarn is processed into a twisted yarn or due to external factors such as abrasion, thereby producing a reversible thermochromic twisted yarn with excellent durability and gloss of the reversible thermochromic layer.

[0059] The transparent resin layer is a layer that is provided on the second transparent adhesive layer by applying a liquid composition such as a printing ink or paint containing a transparent resin by a printing method such as screen printing, offset printing, gravure printing, coater, or transfer printing, or by a coating method such as brush coating, spray coating, electrostatic coating, electrocoating, flow coating, roller coating, or dip coating.

[0060] The liquid composition is composed of a solvent, a transparent resin, and various additives that are blended as necessary, and the transparent resin is dissolved or dispersed in a solvent, or is used in the form of an emulsion, etc. The liquid composition is not particularly limited as long as it does not affect the adhesiveness of the adjacent second transparent adhesive layer, and the pattern, characters, and color change due to temperature change of the reversible thermochromic layer can be visually recognized. The transparent resin layer is a layer formed from the transparent resin when volatile components such as the solvent in the liquid composition volatilize.

[0061] The solvent may be water or various organic solvents. Examples of organic solvents include ethanol, propanol, butanol, glycerin, sorbitol, triethanolamine, diethanolamine, monoethanolamine, ethylene glycol, diethylene glycol, thiodiethylene glycol, polyethylene glycol, propylene glycol, butylene glycol, ethylene glycol monomethyl ether, ethylene glycol monoethyl ether, ethylene glycol monoisopropyl ether, ethylene glycol monobutyl ether, diethylene glycol monomethyl ether, diethylene glycol monoethyl ether, diethylene glycol monobutyl ether, propylene glycol monomethyl ether, propylene glycol monoethyl ether, propylene glycol monopropyl ether, propylene glycol monobutyl ether, ethylene glycol monomethyl ether acetate, sulfolane, 2-pyrrolidone, N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone, n-octane, isooctane, n-heptane, methylcyclohexane, ethylcyclohexane, toluene, xylene, 3-methoxybutanol, 3-methyl-3-methoxybutanol, 3-methyl-1,3-butanediol, 1,3-butanediol, and hexylene glycol.

[0062] Examples of transparent resins include thermosetting resins such as acrylic resins, epoxy resins, epoxy-acrylate copolymer resins, urethane resins, ethylene resins, urethane-acrylic copolymer resins, melamine resins, phenolic resins, urea resins, urea resins, urea-melamine copolymer resins, diallyl phthalate resins, polyester resins, alkyd resins, maleic rosin, vinyl butyral resins, cellulose resins, and polyamide resins, two-component curing resins, ultraviolet curing resins, and electron beam curing resins. However, crosslinkable resins are preferred because they have excellent abrasion resistance and are easy to prevent damage to the second transparent adhesive layer and the reversible thermochromic layer. The crosslinkable resin has a reactive functional group in the resin molecule and can form a three-dimensional structure by reacting with a crosslinking agent or by crosslinking reactions such as self-polymerization and self-condensation, and can form a transparent resin layer with a dense structure. Examples of the crosslinkable resin include an ultraviolet-curing resin made of a polymerization initiator and an acrylic ester resin, an isocyanate curing agent and a polyol resin, an amine curing agent and an epoxy resin, and a thermosetting resin made of a carbodiimide curing agent and a polyester resin. The transparent resin may be used alone or in a suitable mixture of two or more kinds.

[0063] Examples of additives include crosslinking agents, hardeners, drying agents, plasticizers, viscosity modifiers, dispersants, anti-settling agents, smoothing agents, gelling agents, defoamers, matting agents, penetrating agents, pH adjusters, foaming agents, coupling agents, moisturizing agents, lubricants, antifungal agents, preservatives, and rust inhibitors.

[0064] In addition, it is preferable to use a transparent resin film as the transparent resin layer. The transparent resin film is more effective in preventing damage to the second transparent adhesive layer and the reversible thermochromic layer caused by external factors such as stress when processing the reversible thermochromic flat yarn into a twisted yarn and abrasion, and can provide a reversible thermochromic twisted yarn with further improved durability of the reversible thermochromic layer. The transparent resin film is not particularly limited as long as it allows the pattern, letters, and color change due to temperature change of the reversible thermochromic layer to be visually recognized, and the same transparent resin film as that used for the flat yarn described above can be used.

[0065] Furthermore, the transparent resin layer may have glitter in addition to gloss, and a transparent resin layer having glitter can be obtained by incorporating a transparent metallic luster pigment or a transparent pearlescent layer, as described below, in the transparent resin layer, or by using a transparent glitter resin film as the transparent resin layer. Examples of transparent glossy resin films include transparent metallic luster resin films of a single layer or laminated structure using a transparent metallic luster pigment, transparent pearlescent resin films of a single layer or laminated structure using a transparent pearlescent pigment, transparent pearlescent resin films made of transparent multilayer films, transparent holographic resin films, transparent iridescent resin films, and transparent light-reflecting resin films, as described below. By having the transparent resin layer have a lustrous property, in addition to the effect of preventing damage to the second transparent adhesive layer and the reversible thermochromic layer due to external factors such as stress and abrasion as described above, it is possible to impart lustrous property to the reversible thermochromic twisted yarn, and since the lustrous property becomes visible along with the color change due to temperature change of the reversible thermochromic layer, it is possible to obtain a reversible thermochromic twisted yarn that satisfies the diversity of color changes. As the transparent resin layer having luster, it is preferable to use a transparent luster resin film, which is excellent in preventing damage to the second transparent adhesive layer and the reversible thermochromic layer due to stress generated when the reversible thermochromic flat yarn is processed into twisted yarn and external factors such as abrasion, and can improve the durability of the reversible thermochromic layer.

[0066] The thickness of the transparent resin layer is practically in the range of 3 to 50 μm, preferably 6 to 25 μm, and more preferably 6 to 20 μm. If the thickness of the transparent resin layer exceeds 50 μm, it is difficult to process the reversibly thermochromic flat yarn into a twisted yarn, and the soft texture of the yarn is easily lost. On the other hand, if the thickness is less than 3 μm, the thickness is too thin, and the effect of protecting the second transparent adhesive layer and the reversibly thermochromic layer from external factors such as stress and abrasion is easily poor.

[0067] The transparency of the transparent resin layer refers to the property of transmitting light of a wavelength in the visible light region (380 to 780 nm wavelength region defined by JIS B 7079), and the light transmittance (visible light transmittance) in the visible light region of the transparent resin layer is preferably 5% or more, more preferably 10% or more, and further preferably 20% or more. If the visible light transmittance is less than 5%, the patterns, characters, and color changes due to temperature changes of the reversible thermochromic layer become difficult to visually recognize. The above visible light transmittance was measured by providing a transparent resin layer on a transparent substrate that transmits light with wavelengths in the visible light region, and using a spectrophotometer (manufactured by Hitachi, Ltd., product name: U-3210) in the wavelength region from 380 nm to 780 nm, and the mean value between the maximum and minimum values ​​was determined.

[0068] The first transparent adhesive layer constituting the twisted yarn of the present invention is provided between the flat yarn made of a transparent resin film and the reversible thermochromic layer, and improves the adhesion of the reversible thermochromic layer to the flat yarn made of a transparent resin film. The second transparent adhesive layer is provided between the reversible thermochromic layer and the transparent resin layer, and improves the adhesion of the reversible thermochromic layer to the transparent resin layer. Therefore, the occurrence of interlayer peeling between the flat yarn made of the reversible thermochromic layer and the transparent resin film, and between the reversible thermochromic layer and the transparent resin layer due to the stress when processing the reversible thermochromic flat yarn into a twisted yarn is suppressed, and the flat yarn made of the transparent resin film and the transparent resin layer protect the reversible thermochromic layer from external factors such as stress and abrasion, and a reversible thermochromic twisted yarn having excellent durability and gloss can be obtained. In addition, the first and second transparent adhesive layers can contain a light stabilizer, and the first transparent adhesive layer is provided on one side of the reversible thermochromic layer, and the second transparent adhesive layer is provided on the other side of the reversible thermochromic layer, thereby improving the light resistance of the reversible thermochromic layer. Therefore, by providing the first and second transparent adhesive layers containing a light stabilizer, the adhesion between the reversible thermochromic layer and the flat yarn made of a transparent resin film, and the reversible thermochromic layer and the transparent resin layer is improved, and the occurrence of interlayer peeling between the reversible thermochromic layer and the flat yarn made of a transparent resin film, and the reversible thermochromic layer and the transparent resin layer due to the stress when processing the reversible thermochromic flat yarn into a twisted yarn is suppressed, and the flat yarn made of a transparent resin film and the transparent resin layer protect the reversible thermochromic layer from external factors such as stress and abrasion, and in addition, the deterioration and damage of the reversible thermochromic layer due to light can be prevented. In other words, it is preferable for the first and second transparent adhesive layers to contain a light stabilizer, since this will provide the effect of protecting the reversible thermochromic layer from external factors such as stress, abrasion, and light, thereby enabling the production of a reversible thermochromic twisted yarn having excellent durability and light resistance of the reversible thermochromic layer and gloss.

[0069] The light stabilizer contained in the first and second transparent adhesive layers can prevent photodegradation of the reversible thermochromic composition consisting of the components (a), (b), and (c). Among light stabilizers, ultraviolet absorbers effectively block ultraviolet rays contained in sunlight, etc., and prevent photodegradation caused by the excited state due to the photoreaction of component (A). Additionally, antioxidants, singlet oxygen quenchers, superoxide anion quenchers, ozone quenchers, etc., suppress oxidation reactions caused by light. The light stabilizer is preferably blended in an amount of 0.3 to 24 mass %, more preferably 0.3 to 16 mass %, per 1 mass % of the component (a). The light stabilizers can be used alone or in a suitable mixture of two or more kinds.

[0070] Examples of ultraviolet absorbing agents include: 2,4-hydroxybenzophenone, 2-hydroxy-4-methoxybenzophenone, 2,2′-dihydroxy-4,4′-dimethoxybenzophenone, 2,2′,4,4′-tetrahydroxybenzophenone, 2-hydroxy-4-methoxybenzophenone-5-sulfonic acid, 2-hydroxy-4-octyloxybenzophenone, Bis-(5-benzoyl-4-hydroxy-2-methoxyphenyl)-methane, 2-(3′,5′-di-tert-amyl-2′-hydroxyphenyl)benzophenone, 4-dodecyloxy-2-hydroxybenzophenone, 2-hydroxy-4-octadecyloxybenzophenone, 2,2′-dihydroxy-4-methoxybenzophenone, 4-benzyloxy-2-hydroxybenzophenone, 2-(3′,5′-di-tert-amyl-2′-hydroxyphenyl)benzophenone Benzophenone-based ultraviolet absorbers such as Phenyl salicylate, 4-tert-butylphenyl salicylate, 4-Octylphenyl Salicylate, 2,4-di-tert-butylphenyl-4-hydroxybenzoate, 1-hydroxybenzoate, 3-tert-butyl-1-hydroxybenzoate, 1-hydroxy-3-tert-octyl benzoate, Resorcinol Monobenzoate Salicylic acid-based ultraviolet absorbers such as 2-ethyl-2-cyano-3,3′-diphenylacrylate, 2-ethylhexyl-2-cyano-3,3′-diphenylacrylate, 2-Ethylhexyl-2-cyano-3-phenylcinnamate Cyanoacrylate-based ultraviolet absorbers such as 2-(2-hydroxy-5-tert-butylphenyl)benzotriazole, 2-(2-hydroxy-5-methylphenyl)benzotriazole, 2-[3,5-bis(a,a-dimethylbenzyl)-2-hydroxyphenyl]-2H-benzotriazole, 2-(3,5-di-tert-butyl-2-hydroxyphenyl)benzotriazole, 2-(3-tert-butyl-2-hydroxy-5-methylphenyl)-5-chlorobenzotriazole, 2-(3,5-di-tert-butyl-2-hydroxyphenyl)-5-chlorobenzotriazole, 2-(3,5-di-tert-amyl-2-hydroxyphenyl)benzotriazole, β-[3-(2H-benzotriazol-2-yl)-5-tert-butyl-4-hydroxyphenyl]propionic acid-polyethylene glycol 300 ester, 2-(3-dodecyl-2-hydroxy-5-methylphenyl)benzotriazole, Bis{β-[3-(2H-benzotriazol-2-yl)-5-tert-butyl-4-hydroxyphenyl]}propionic acid-polyethylene glycol 300 ester, 2-(3-tert-butyl-2-hydroxyphenyl-5-propyloctylate)-5-chlorobenzotriazole, 2-[2-hydroxyphenyl-3,5-di-(1,1′-dimethylbenzyl)phenyl]-2H-benzotriazole, 2-(2-hydroxy-5-tert-octylphenyl)-2H-benzotriazole, 2-(3-tert-butyl-5-octyloxycarbonylethyl-2-hydroxyphenyl)benzotriazole, 2-(2-hydroxy-5-tetraoctylphenyl)benzotriazole, 2-(2-hydroxy-4-octoxyphenyl)benzotriazole, 2-[2′-hydroxy-3′-(3″,4″,5″,6″-tetrahydrophthalimidomethyl)-5′-methylphenyl]benzotriazole, 2-(5-tert-butyl-2-hydroxyphenyl)benzotriazole Benzotriazole-based ultraviolet absorbers such as Ethanediamide-N-(2-ethoxyphenyl)-N'-(4-isododecylphenyl), 2,2,4,4-Tetramethyl-20-(β-lauryloxycarbonyl)-ethyl-7-oxa-3,20-diazodispiro(5,1,11,2)heneicoic acid-21-one oxalic acid anilide-based ultraviolet absorbers such as 2,4-diphenyl-6-(2-hydroxy-4-methoxyphenyl)-1,3,5-triazine, 2,4-diphenyl-6-(2-hydroxy-4-ethoxyphenyl)-1,3,5-triazine, 2,4-diphenyl-6-(2-hydroxy-4-propoxyphenyl)-1,3,5-triazine, 2,4-diphenyl-6-(2-hydroxy-4-butoxyphenyl)-1,3,5-triazine, 2,4-diphenyl-6-(2-hydroxy-4-hexyloxyphenyl)-1,3,5-triazine, 2,4-diphenyl-6-(2-hydroxy-4-pentoxyphenyl)-1,3,5-triazine, 2,4-diphenyl-6-(2-hydroxy-4-octyloxyphenyl)-1,3,5-triazine, 2,4-diphenyl-6-(2-hydroxy-4-dodecyloxyphenyl)-1,3,5-triazine, 2,4-diphenyl-6-(2-hydroxy-4-benzyloxyphenyl)-1,3,5-triazine, 2,4-diphenyl-6-[2-hydroxy-4-(2-butoxyethoxy)phenyl]-1,3,5-triazine, 2,4-di-p-trail-6-(2-hydroxy-4-methoxyphenyl)-1,3,5-triazine, 2,4-di-p-trail-6-(2-hydroxy-4-propoxyphenyl)-1,3,5-triazine, 2,4-di-p-trail-6-(2-hydroxy-4-butoxyphenyl)-1,3,5-triazine, 2,4-di-p-trail-6-(2-hydroxy-4-hexyloxyphenyl)-1,3,5-triazine, 2,4-di-p-trail-6-(2-hydroxy-4-pentoxyphenyl)-1,3,5-triazine, 2,4-di-p-trail-6-(2-hydroxy-4-octyloxyphenyl)-1,3,5-triazine, 2,4-di-p-trail-6-(2-hydroxy-4-benzyloxyphenyl)-1,3,5-triazine, 2,4-di-p-trail-6-[2-hydroxy-4-(2-hexyloxyethoxy)phenyl]-1,3,5-triazine, 2-{4-[(2-hydroxy-3-dodecyloxypropyl)oxy]-2-hydroxyphenyl}-4,6-bis(2,4-dimethylphenyl)-1,3,5-triazine, 2-{4-[(2-hydroxy-3-tridecyloxypropyl)oxy]-2-hydroxyphenyl}-4,6-bis(2,4-dimethylphenyl)-1,3,5-triazine, 2-[4-{[2-hydroxy-3-(2′-ethyl)hexyl]oxy}-2-hydroxyphenyl]-4,6-bis(2,4-dimethylphenyl)-1,3,5-triazine, 2,4-bis(2-hydroxy-4-butyloxyphenyl)-6-[2,4-bis(butyloxyphenyl)]-1,3,5-triazine, 2-{2-hydroxy-4-[(1-octyloxycarbonylethoxy)phenyl]}-4,6-bis(4-phenylphenyl)-1,3,5-triazine Triazine-based UV absorbers such as Examples include:

[0071] Examples of antioxidants (antiaging agents) include: Dimethyl succinate-1-(2-hydroxyethyl)-4-hydroxy-2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidine polycondensate, Poly{[6-(1,1,3,3-tetramethylbutyl)amino-1,3,5-triazine-2-4-diyl][(2,2,6,6-tetramethyl-4-piperidyl)imino]hexamethylene[(2,2,6,6-tetramethyl-4-piperidyl)imino]}hexamethylene, 2-(3,5-di-tert-butyl-4-hydroxybenzyl)-2-n-butylmalonate bis(1,2,2,6,6-pentapetyl-4-piperidyl), N,N'-bis(3-aminopropyl)ethylenediamine-2,4-bis[N-butyl-N-(1,2,2,6,6-pentapetyl-4-piperidyl)amino]-6-chloro-1,3,5-triazine condensate, Bis(1,2,2,6,6-pentamethyl-4-piperidylsebacic acid), 4-benzoyloxy-2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidine, Bis(2,2,6,6-tetramethyl-4-piperidyl) sebacate, 8-Acetyl-3-dodecyl-7,7,9,9-tetramethyl-1,3,8-triazaspiro[4,5]decane-2,4-dione hindered amine antioxidants such as 2,6-di-tert-butyl-4-methylphenol, 2-tert-butyl-4-methoxyphenol, 2,6-di-tert-butyl-4-ethylphenol, Octadecyl-3-(3,5-di-tert-butyl-4-hydroxyphenyl)propionate, 2,2-methylenebis(4-methyl-6-tert-butylphenol), 4,4-thiobis(2-methyl-6-tert-butylphenol), 2,2-thiobis(4-methyl-6-tert-butylphenol), 4,4-butylidenebis(3-methyl-6-tert-butylphenol), 3,9-bis{1,1-dimethyl-2-[β-(3-tert-butyl-4-hydroxy-5-methylphenyl)propionyloxy]ethyl}, 2,4,8,10-tetraoxaspiro[5,5]undecane, 1,1,3-tris(2-methyl-4-hydroxy-5-tert-butylphenyl)butane, 1,3,5-trimethyl-2,4,6-tris(3,5-di-tert-butyl-4-hydroxybenzyl)benzene, Tetrakis[methylene-3-(3,5-di-tert-butyl-4-hydroxyphenyl)propionate]methane, 2,2-ethylenebis(4,6-di-tert-butylphenol), Bis[3,3-bis-(4′-hydroxy-3′-tert-butylphenyl)butyric acid]glycol ester, 1,3,5-tris(3′,5′-di-tert-butyl-4′-hydroxybenzyl)-S-triazine-2,4,6-[1H,3H,5H]-trione, Tocopherol, 1,3,5-tris(4-tert-butyl-3-hydroxy-2,6-dimethylbenzyl)isocyanurate, Pentaerythritol tetrakis(3-laurylthiopropionate), Triethylene glycol bis[3-(3-tert-butyl-5-methyl-4-hydroxyphenyl)propionate], 1,6-hexadiol-bis[3-(3,5-di-tert-butyl-4-hydroxyphenyl)propionate], 2,2-thioethylenebis[3-(3,5-di-tert-butyl-4-hydroxyphenyl)propionate], N,N'-hexamethylenebis(3,5-tert-butyl-4-hydroxy-hydrocinnamamide), Tris-(3,5-di-tert-butyl-4-hydroxybenzyl)isocyanurate, 2,2,4-trimethyl-1,2-hydroquinone, Styryl phenol, 2,5-di-tert-butylhydroquinone, Bis(2,2,6,6-tetramethyl-4-piperidyl) sebacate Phenolic antioxidants such as Dilauryl-3,3′-thiodipropionate, Dimyristyl-3,3′-thiodipropionate, Distearyl-3,3′-thiodipropionate, Stearyl Thiopropylamide Sulfur-based antioxidants such as Tris(2,4-di-tert-butylphenyl)phosphite, Bis(2,4-di-tert-butylphenyl)pentaerythritol diphosphite, 3,5-di-tert-butyl-4-hydroxy-benzylphosphanate-diethyl ester, triphenyl phosphite, diphenyl isodecyl phosphite, phenyl isodecyl phosphite, 4,4′-butylidene-bis(3-methyl-6-tert-butylphenylditridecyl)phosphite, Octadecyl phosphite, Tris(nonylphenyl)phosphite, Diisodecyl pentaerythritol diphosphite, 9,10-dihydroxy-9-oxa-10-phosphaphenanthrene, 10-(3,5-di-tert-butyl-4-hydroxybenzyl)-9,10-dihydroxy-9-oxa-10-phosphaphenanthrene-10-oxide, 10-decyloxy-9,10-dihydroxy-9-oxa-10-phosphaphenanthrene, Cyclic neopentanetetraylbis(2,4-di-tert-butylphenyl)phosphite, Cyclic neopentanetetraylbis(2,6-di-tert-butyl-4-methylphenyl)phosphite, 2,2-methylenebis(4,6-di-tert-butylphenyl)octyl phosphite, 2,4-bis-(n-octylthio)-6-(4-hydroxy-3,5-di-tert-butylanilino)-1,3,5-triazine, Octylated Diphenylamine Phosphate-based antioxidants such as Examples include:

[0072] Examples of singlet oxygen quenchers include carotenes, dyes, amines, phenols, nickel complexes, and sulfides. For example, 1,4-diazabicyclo[2,2,2]octane (DABCO), β-carotene, 1,3-cyclohexadiene, 2-diethylaminomethylfuran, 2-phenylaminomethylfuran, 9-diethylaminomethylanthracene, 5-diethylaminomethyl-6-phenyl-3,4-dihydroxypyran, nickel dimethyldithiocarbamate, nickel 3,5-di-tert-butyl-4-hydroxybenzyl-O-ethylphosphonate, and nickel 3,5-di-tert-butyl-4-hydroxybenzyl-O-ethylphosphonate. Examples include t-butyl-4-hydroxybenzyl-O-butylphosphonate, nickel[2,2'-thiobis(4-tert-octylphenolate)]n-butylamine, nickel[2,2'-thiobis(4-tert-octylphenolate)]2-ethylhexylamine, nickel bis[2,2'-thiobis(4-tert-octylphenolate)], nickel bis[2,2'-sulfone bis(4-octylphenolate)], nickel bis(2-hydroxy-5-methoxyphenyl-Nn-butylaldimine), nickel bis(dithiobenzyl), nickel bis(dithiobiacetyl), and the like.

[0073] Examples of superoxide anion quenchers include complexes of superoxide dismutase with cobalt and nickel.

[0074] Examples of ozone quenchers include 4,4'-thiobis(6-tert-butyl-m-cresol), 2,4,6-tri-tert-butylphenol, 1,4-diazabicyclo[2,2,2]octane, N-phenyl-β-naphthylamine, α-tocopherol, 4,4'-methylene-bis(2,6-di-tert-butylphenol), P,P'-diaminodiphenylmethane, 2,2'-methylene-bis(6-tert-butyl-p-cresol), N,N'-diphenyl-p-phenylenediamine, N,N'-diphenylethylenediamine, and N-isopropyl-N'-phenyl-p-phenylenediamine.

[0075] The first and second transparent adhesive layers are layers that are respectively provided on a flat thread, a reversible thermochromic layer, or a transparent resin layer made of a transparent resin film by applying a liquid composition such as a printing ink or paint containing a transparent adhesive resin by a printing method such as screen printing, offset printing, gravure printing, coater, or transfer printing, or by a coating method such as brush coating, spray coating, electrostatic coating, electrodeposition coating, flow coating, roller coating, or dip coating.

[0076] The liquid composition is composed of a solvent, a transparent adhesive resin, and various additives that are blended as necessary, and preferably further contains a light stabilizer. The transparent adhesive resin is dissolved or dispersed in a solvent, or is used in the form of an emulsion or the like. The liquid composition is not particularly limited as long as the pattern, characters, and color change due to temperature change of the adjacent reversible thermochromic layer are visible, and the liquid composition does not affect the thermochromic function, sensitivity, etc. of the reversible thermochromic microcapsule pigment. The first and second transparent adhesive layers are layers formed from the transparent adhesive resin when volatile components such as the solvent in the liquid composition volatilize.

[0077] The solvent may be water or various organic solvents. Examples of organic solvents include ethanol, propanol, butanol, glycerin, sorbitol, triethanolamine, diethanolamine, monoethanolamine, ethylene glycol, diethylene glycol, thiodiethylene glycol, polyethylene glycol, propylene glycol, butylene glycol, ethylene glycol monomethyl ether, ethylene glycol monoethyl ether, ethylene glycol monoisopropyl ether, ethylene glycol monobutyl ether, diethylene glycol monomethyl ether, diethylene glycol monoethyl ether, diethylene glycol monobutyl ether, propylene glycol monomethyl ether, propylene glycol monoethyl ether, propylene glycol monopropyl ether, propylene glycol monobutyl ether, ethylene glycol monomethyl ether acetate, sulfolane, 2-pyrrolidone, N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone, n-octane, isooctane, n-heptane, methylcyclohexane, ethylcyclohexane, toluene, xylene, 3-methoxybutanol, 3-methyl-3-methoxybutanol, 3-methyl-1,3-butanediol, 1,3-butanediol, and hexylene glycol.

[0078] Examples of transparent adhesive resins include isocyanate resins, urea resins, acrylic resins, vinyl acetate resins, urethane resins, epoxy resins, diallyl phthalate resins, olefin resins, vinyl chloride resins, polyester resins, vinyl chloride-vinyl acetate copolymer resins, and acrylic-urethane copolymer resins. Although different types of transparent adhesive resins can be used for the first transparent adhesive layer and the second transparent adhesive layer, it is preferable to use the same transparent adhesive resin for both layers. Among the above resins, flexible resins such as acrylic resin, vinyl acetate resin, urethane resin, epoxy resin, vinyl chloride resin, polyester resin, vinyl chloride-vinyl acetate copolymer resin, and acrylic-urethane copolymer resin are preferred, and the adhesive layer follows the bending of the flat yarn when the reversible thermochromic flat yarn is processed into twisted yarn, making it easier to maintain adhesion between the reversible thermochromic layer and the transparent resin film, and between the reversible thermochromic layer and the transparent resin layer, thereby suppressing the occurrence of delamination. The transparent adhesive resin may be used alone or in a suitable mixture of two or more kinds.

[0079] The twisted yarn of the present invention and products using the same, such as fabrics, head ornaments, toys, etc., can be easily discolored using a water attachment tool, a heat color change tool, a cold and hot color change tool, etc., which will be described later, but when discoloring using liquids such as hot water or cold water, the transparent adhesive resin is preferably a water-insoluble resin. By using a water-insoluble resin as the binder resin, the transparent adhesive resin does not dissolve when the twisted yarn and products using the same are discolored using the water attachment tool, a heat color change tool, or a cold and hot color change tool, so that it is possible to prevent the first or second transparent adhesive layer from being deformed or damaged, which would cause a loss of adhesion.

[0080] Examples of additives include crosslinking agents, hardeners, drying agents, plasticizers, viscosity modifiers, dispersants, anti-settling agents, smoothing agents, gelling agents, defoamers, matting agents, penetrating agents, pH adjusters, foaming agents, coupling agents, moisturizing agents, lubricants, antifungal agents, preservatives, and rust inhibitors.

[0081] The thickness of the first and second transparent adhesive layers is in the range of 0.5 to 20 μm, preferably 1 to 10 μm, and more preferably 2 to 5 μm, which is practical. If the thickness of the first and second transparent adhesive layers exceeds 20 μm, it is difficult to process the reversible thermochromic flat yarn into a twisted yarn, and the soft texture of the yarn is easily lost. On the other hand, if the thickness is less than 0.5 μm, it is difficult to achieve the effect of improving the adhesion between the reversible thermochromic layer and the flat yarn made of the transparent resin film, and between the reversible thermochromic layer and the transparent resin layer, and if a light stabilizer is contained in the adhesive layer, the effect of improving light resistance is likely to be poor.

[0082] The transparency of the first and second transparent adhesive layers refers to the property of transmitting light of wavelengths in the visible light region (380 to 780 nm wavelength region as defined by JIS B 7079), and the light transmittance (visible light transmittance) in the visible light region of the first and second transparent adhesive layers is preferably 5% or more, more preferably 10% or more, and even more preferably 20% or more. If the visible light transmittance is less than 5%, it becomes difficult to visually recognize the patterns, characters, color changes due to temperature changes, etc. of the adjacent reversible thermochromic layer. The above visible light transmittance was measured by providing a first or second transparent adhesive layer on a transparent substrate that transmits light with wavelengths in the visible light range, and using a spectrophotometer (manufactured by Hitachi, Ltd., product name: U-3210) in the wavelength range from 380 nm to 780 nm, and the mean value between the maximum and minimum values ​​was taken as the visible light transmittance.

[0083] As shown in FIG. 4, the reversible thermochromic twisted yarn (1) of the present invention is a single-twisted yarn in which the reversible thermochromic flat yarn (2) is twisted in only one direction by applying a right (S) twist or a left (Z) twist. Conventionally, the microcapsule pigment contained in the reversible thermochromic layer has a larger particle diameter than the general-purpose non-thermochromic colorant, and the thickness of the reversible thermochromic layer is likely to be large, so that the reversible thermochromic flat yarn tends to have a hard feel. However, by processing the reversible thermochromic flat yarn into a twisted yarn, the yarn can be made bulging and has a soft feel, so it is preferable to make the reversible thermochromic flat yarn into a twisted yarn. In addition, in the case of the reversible thermochromic flat yarn, the reversible thermochromic layer is visible only from two directions, one wide surface or the other wide surface, so that the pattern, characters, and color change due to temperature change of the reversible thermochromic layer are difficult to see depending on the viewing direction. However, when the reversible thermochromic flat yarn is processed into a twisted yarn, the reversible thermochromic layer becomes visible from the entire surface of the twisted yarn, and the color change due to temperature change of the reversible thermochromic layer becomes easily visible, so that it is preferable to make the reversible thermochromic flat yarn into a twisted yarn. In the single-twist type twisted yarn shown in Fig. 4, the number of twists applied to the reversible thermochromic flat yarn is preferably 100 to 1000 times per meter of the flat yarn. By applying the number of twists within the above range, the pattern, characters, and color change due to temperature change of the reversible thermochromic layer are more easily visible from the entire surface of the twisted yarn, and the twisted yarn is more easily made to have a soft feel.

[0084] The reversibly thermochromic twisted yarn of the present invention may also be composed of the above-mentioned reversibly thermochromic flat yarn and yarn. As shown in Figure 5, a reversibly thermochromic twisted yarn (1) is obtained by aligning a reversibly thermochromic flat yarn (2) and a yarn (8) and twisting them to the right (S) or left (Z) direction, and is twisted only in one direction. In addition, a cross-twisted twisted yarn is also available, in which a reversibly thermochromic flat yarn is used as a core yarn and two yarns are cross-twisted around the core yarn. As shown in FIG. 6, the reversible thermochromic twisted yarn (1) may be formed by using the yarn (8) as a core yarn and providing the reversible thermochromic flat yarn (2) around the core yarn, and examples of the form include circular twist, accordion twist, and feather robe twist. A reversible thermochromic twisted yarn consisting of a reversible thermochromic flat yarn and a yarn has a texture and decorativeness different from that of a single-twisted reversible thermochromic twisted yarn obtained by processing only the reversible thermochromic flat yarn, and is preferably used because it can improve the durability as a twisted yarn. In the single-twist twisted yarn shown in Fig. 5, the number of twists applied to the reversible thermochromic flat yarn and yarn is preferably 100 to 1000 times per 1 m of flat yarn. By applying the number of twists within the above range, the pattern, characters, and color change due to temperature change of the reversible thermochromic layer are more easily visible from the entire surface of the twisted yarn, and the twisted yarn has a soft feel and is more durable.

[0085] The yarn is not particularly limited and any general-purpose yarn can be used, and examples thereof include chemical fibers such as polyester, rayon, nylon, cupra, etc., natural fibers such as cotton yarn, silk yarn, hemp yarn, wool yarn, etc., blended yarn, mixed twisted yarn, lame yarn, mohair yarn, etc. In addition, flat yarns made of fabrics such as paper, synthetic paper, knitted fabric, woven fabric, and nonwoven fabric, synthetic leather, leather, plastic, elastomer, resin film, rubber, etc. can also be used.

[0086] If the reversibly thermochromic flat yarn has a tendency to curl, it may be difficult to handle when used in products, etc.; however, by processing the reversibly thermochromic flat yarn into a twisted yarn, the curling tendency is suppressed, and the yarn can be easily handled when used in products, etc., so it is preferable to make the reversibly thermochromic flat yarn into a twisted yarn.

[0087] As shown in FIG. 7, the reversible thermochromic flat yarn (2) applicable to the present invention has a first transparent adhesive layer (4) on one side of the reversible thermochromic layer (5) and a second transparent adhesive layer (6) on the other side, a flat yarn made of a transparent resin film (3) on the outer surface of the first transparent adhesive layer (the surface of the first transparent adhesive layer opposite to the surface on which the reversible thermochromic layer is provided), and a transparent resin layer (7) on the outer surface of the second transparent adhesive layer (the surface of the second transparent adhesive layer opposite to the surface on which the reversible thermochromic layer is provided). As shown in FIG. 8, the most preferred reversible thermochromic flat yarn has a transparent resin film (3) that is the same as the transparent resin film that constitutes the flat yarn, and the transparent adhesive resin contained in the first transparent adhesive layer and the transparent adhesive resin contained in the second transparent adhesive layer are the same resin. In the reversible thermochromic flat yarn of the above configuration, the reversible thermochromic layer is an intermediate layer, and the layers provided on one side and the other side of the reversible thermochromic layer are the same. Therefore, the shrinkage of the transparent adhesive resin occurring in the process of forming the first and second transparent adhesive layers is likely to occur uniformly on each of the one side and the other side of the reversible thermochromic layer, and is unlikely to cause anisotropy, so that the reversible thermochromic flat yarn is prevented from curling, and the reversible thermochromic flat yarn can be easily handled when processed into twisted yarn. In addition, during the production of the reversible thermochromic twisted yarn, the distortion due to thermal expansion and stress of the transparent resin film is also likely to occur uniformly on each of the one side and the other side of the reversible thermochromic layer, so that a reversible thermochromic twisted yarn with suppressed curling can be obtained, and the reversible thermochromic twisted yarn has excellent handleability when applied to products, etc.

[0088] The single-twisted twisted yarn of the present invention is formed by twisting the reversible thermochromic flat yarn, so that the reversible thermochromic layer can be seen from the circumferential direction, and the patterns, characters, and color changes due to temperature changes of the reversible thermochromic layer can be seen uniformly and clearly over the entire surface of the twisted yarn. In the twisted yarn in a single twist form consisting of a reversible thermochromic flat yarn and a yarn, the yarn is preferably a flat yarn, and since the wide surface of the reversible thermochromic flat yarn and the wide surface of the yarn (flat yarn) are easily brought into close contact with each other, the durability of the twisted yarn can be further improved. Furthermore, the yarn is more preferably a flat yarn having approximately the same width as the reversible thermochromic flat yarn, and by making the width approximately the same, the close contact between the wide surface of the reversible thermochromic flat yarn and the wide surface of the yarn (flat yarn) is increased, and the reversible thermochromic flat yarn can be stably twisted when processed into a twisted yarn, which is preferable, and thus the durability of the twisted yarn can be further improved. Here, "substantially the same" means that the width (W1) of the reversible thermochromic flat yarn and the width (W2) of the yarn (flat yarn) twisted together with the reversible thermochromic flat yarn are exactly the same width, and in the present invention, the width (W1) of the reversible thermochromic flat yarn and the width (W2) of the yarn (flat yarn) twisted together with the reversible thermochromic flat yarn also include satisfying 0.8≦W2 / W1≦1.2. If the ratio (W2 / W1) of the width of the yarn (flat yarn) to the width of the reversible thermochromic flat yarn is within the above range, the width of the reversible thermochromic flat yarn and the width of the yarn (flat yarn) can be considered to be the same. Preferably, 0.85≦W2 / W1≦1.15, more preferably 0.9≦W2 / W1≦1.1. The flat yarn is preferably made of a transparent resin film, which can improve the durability and heat resistance of the twisted yarn while also improving the visibility of the color change due to temperature change of the reversible thermochromic layer.

[0089] In the twisted yarn of the present invention, in which the yarn is used as a core yarn and the reversible thermochromic flat yarn is provided around the core yarn, the pattern, characters, and color change due to temperature change of the reversible thermochromic layer are visible only in the area where the reversible thermochromic layer is visible. Therefore, in the twisted yarn in which the reversible thermochromic layer is tightly wound around the core yarn (e.g., twisted yarn in a circular twist form), the color change due to temperature change of the reversible thermochromic layer and the color of the core yarn are visible alternately. The yarn is preferably a yarn having a circular cross-sectional shape, and when the reversible thermochromic flat yarn is provided around the yarn, the outer surface of the yarn and the wide surface of the reversible thermochromic flat yarn are easily in close contact with each other, so that the durability of the twisted yarn can be further improved. Examples of the circular shape include a perfect circle shape and an ellipse shape, and a perfect circle shape is preferable. In addition, the yarn is preferably transparent, and since the reversible thermochromic layer of the reversible thermochromic flat yarn can be seen through the core yarn, color changes due to temperature changes in the reversible thermochromic layer can be easily and uniformly and clearly seen over the entire surface of the twisted yarn, which is preferable.

[0090] The above-mentioned yarn is preferably a glittering yarn having an optical property selected from metallic luster, pearl luster, hologram, iridescence, light interference, and light reflectivity. By using the glittering yarn, glittering can be imparted to the reversible thermochromic twisted yarn, and the color change due to temperature change and the glittering can be simultaneously visually recognized, so that the reversible thermochromic twisted yarn can satisfy the variety of color changes. When the glittering yarn is used, the number of times that the reversible thermochromic flat yarn is twisted is preferably 100 to 1000 times per 1 m of the flat yarn. By the number of times of twisting being within the above range, the pattern, characters, color change due to temperature change, and glittering of the reversible thermochromic layer can be more uniformly and clearly visually recognized from the entire surface of the twisted yarn, and it is easy to obtain a twisted yarn having a soft feel and excellent durability.

[0091] Even if the reversible thermochromic flat yarn and the glossy yarn are not transparent and the glossy yarn cannot be seen from the reversible thermochromic flat yarn side, or the reversible thermochromic flat yarn cannot be seen from the glossy yarn side, the twisted yarn of the present invention in a single twist form can be twisted together with the reversible thermochromic flat yarn and the glossy yarn, so that the color change due to temperature change of the reversible thermochromic layer and the glossiness exhibited by the glossy yarn can be simultaneously seen, and the color change accompanied by glossiness can be seen uniformly over the entire surface of the twisted yarn. In the twisted yarn of the single twist form consisting of the reversible thermochromic flat yarn and the yarn, the glittering flat yarn is preferable as the glittering yarn, and since the wide surface of the reversible thermochromic flat yarn and the wide surface of the glittering yarn (glittering flat yarn) are easily adhered to each other, the durability of the twisted yarn can be further improved, and the color change accompanied by glittering caused by the reversible thermochromic layer and the glittering flat yarn can be more clearly seen. Furthermore, as the glittering yarn, a glittering flat yarn having approximately the same width as the reversible thermochromic flat yarn is more preferable, and by making the width approximately the same, the adhesion between the wide surface of the reversible thermochromic flat yarn and the wide surface of the glittering yarn (glittering flat yarn) can be improved, and the color change accompanied by glittering can be more clearly seen, and further, when the reversible thermochromic flat yarn is processed into a twisted yarn, the form as the twisted yarn is easily stabilized, which is preferable. Here, "substantially the same" means that the width (W1) of the reversible thermochromic flat yarn and the width (W2) of the glittering yarn (glittering flat yarn) twisted together with the reversible thermochromic flat yarn are exactly the same width, and in the present invention, the width (W1) of the reversible thermochromic flat yarn and the width (W2) of the glittering yarn (glittering flat yarn) twisted together with the reversible thermochromic flat yarn also include satisfying 0.8≦W2 / W1≦1.2. If the ratio (W2 / W1) of the width of the glittering yarn (glittering flat yarn) to the width of the reversible thermochromic flat yarn is within the above range, the width of the reversible thermochromic flat yarn and the width of the glittering yarn (glittering flat yarn) can be considered to be the same. Preferably, 0.85≦W2 / W1≦1.15, more preferably 0.9≦W2 / W1≦1.1.

[0092] In the twisted yarn of the present invention, in which the glittering yarn is used as the core yarn and the reversible thermochromic flat yarn is provided around the core yarn, the pattern, characters, and color change due to temperature change of the reversible thermochromic layer are visible only in the area where the reversible thermochromic layer is visible. Therefore, in the twisted yarn in which the reversible thermochromic flat yarn is loosely wound around the core yarn (for example, the twisted yarn in the bellows twist form), the color change due to temperature change of the reversible thermochromic layer and the glittering property of the core yarn are alternately visible. The yarn is preferably a glittering yarn having a circular cross-sectional shape, and when the reversible thermochromic flat yarn is provided around the yarn, the outer surface of the yarn and the wide surface of the reversible thermochromic flat yarn are easily in close contact with each other, thereby improving the durability of the twisted yarn. Examples of the circular shape include a perfect circle shape and an ellipse shape, and a perfect circle shape is preferable.

[0093] Examples of shiny yarns having metallic luster include yarns having a metallic luster layer provided on a general-purpose yarn, flat yarns made of a shiny laminate having a metallic luster layer provided on a support, and flat yarns made of a shiny resin film having metallic luster. Examples of the metallic gloss layer include a layer formed by providing a metal plate or metal foil; a layer formed by vapor deposition using a metal such as aluminum, chromium, zinc, gold, silver or nickel; and a layer formed by a printing method such as screen printing, offset printing, process printing, gravure printing, coater, pad printing or transfer printing using a liquid composition such as a printing ink or paint prepared by dispersing a metallic gloss pigment in a vehicle, or a coating method such as brush coating, spray coating, electrostatic coating, electrodeposition coating, flow coating, roller coating or dip coating. By forming the above-mentioned metallic gloss layer on a yarn or a support, a yarn having a laminated structure provided with a metallic gloss layer or a glittering laminate can be obtained. The metallic luster layer formed from the liquid composition is a layer formed by volatilizing volatile components such as a solvent in the liquid composition and by using other compounds.

[0094] A shiny resin film having metallic luster is a single-layer resin film that can be obtained by melt-blending a metallic luster pigment into a transparent thermoplastic resin or a transparent thermosetting resin to prepare a molding resin composition such as pellets, powder, or paste, and molding the composition into a planar form such as a sheet or film by various molding means such as extrusion molding, calendar molding, or inflation molding. Examples of shiny yarns having metallic luster include yarns having a laminated structure with a metallic luster layer, flat yarns made of a shiny laminate with a metallic luster layer, and flat yarns made of a single layer shiny resin film. The above-mentioned glittering laminate or glittering resin film can be cut to an appropriate width with a slitter to obtain flat yarns having metallic luster.

[0095] Examples of metallic luster pigments include metal powders obtained by powdering fine aluminum, copper, brass, gold, silver, nickel, etc.; metal powders obtained by powdering phenolic resins, polyvinyl chloride resins, etc. by vapor-depositing metals by conventional methods; transparent metallic luster pigments in which the surface of a core substance such as a piece of glass is coated with a metal oxide such as titanium oxide, zirconium oxide, chromium oxide, vanadium oxide, iron oxide, etc.; and transparent metallic luster pigments having color flop properties.

[0096] Examples of transparent metallic luster pigments in which the surface of a core substance such as glass pieces is coated with a metal oxide include transparent metallic luster pigments in which a flake-shaped glass piece is used as a core substance and the surface of the core substance is coated with a metal oxide such as titanium oxide, and two-layer coated transparent metallic luster pigments in which a borosilicate glass piece is used as a core substance and the surface of the core substance is coated with silicon dioxide and further coated with titanium oxide. Transparent metallic luster pigments, which have a core material of flake-shaped glass pieces and are surface-coated with a metal oxide such as titanium oxide, have high metallic luster and transparency due to the use of glass as the core material. In addition, they exhibit gold, silver, copper, metallic, or other colors depending on the coverage of the metal oxide. A double-coated transparent metallic luster pigment, which uses a borosilicate glass piece as a core material and has its surface coated with silicon dioxide and then with titanium oxide, can maintain a state where it is difficult to break even if the thickness of the core material is thin, because the borosilicate glass used as the core material has better impact resistance, heat resistance, chemical resistance, etc. than ordinary glass. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the mass per reflective area and improve the light transmittance of the pigment. In addition, depending on the coverage rate of the metal oxide, it can exhibit gold, silver, copper, metallic colors, etc.

[0097] Examples of transparent metallic luster pigments having color flop properties include cholesteric liquid crystal type metallic luster pigments and transparent metallic luster pigments in which silicon oxide is coated with one or more types of metal oxides. The cholesteric liquid crystal metallic luster pigment will be described. The liquid crystal polymer used as the cholesteric liquid crystal metallic luster pigment has the property that only a part of the light incident in a wide spectral range is reflected by the optical interference effect, and the rest of the light is transmitted. The reflection spectrum range is determined by the pitch width of the helical polymer and the refractive index of the material, and the reflection spectrum range is divided into left-handed and right-handed helically polarized light components, and one is reflected and the other is transmitted depending on the rotation direction of the helix. This allows the cholesteric liquid crystal metallic luster pigment to transmit and reflect over the entire spectral range, i.e., to have excellent metallic luster and color flop properties in which the hue changes depending on the viewpoint. The cholesteric liquid crystal metallic luster pigment also has transparency in addition to metallic luster. Transparent metallic luster pigments in which silicon oxide is coated with one or more metal oxides have light transmittance, and have color flop properties that allow various colors to be expressed depending on the viewing angle or the angle at which light strikes due to the light interference effect, as well as excellent metallic luster. In addition, when silicon oxide is coated in multiple layers with two or more metal oxides, color flop properties and metallic luster can be more effectively imparted by using metal oxides with different light reflectances. Examples of metal oxides include tin oxide, titanium oxide, and iron oxide.

[0098] Examples of the shiny yarn having pearlescent properties include a yarn having a pearlescent layer provided on a general-purpose yarn, a flat yarn made of a shiny laminate having a pearlescent layer provided on a support, and a flat yarn made of a shiny resin film having pearlescent properties. The pearlescent layer is a layer formed by using a liquid composition such as a printing ink or paint prepared by dispersing a pearlescent pigment in a vehicle, by a printing method such as screen printing, offset printing, process printing, gravure printing, coater, pad printing, transfer printing, or by a coating method such as brush coating, spray coating, electrostatic coating, electrodeposition coating, flow coating, roller coating, dip coating, or the like. By forming the above-mentioned pearlescent layer on a yarn or a support, it is possible to obtain a yarn having a layered structure provided with a pearlescent layer, or a glittering laminate having a pearlescent layer provided on a support. The pearlescent layer formed from the liquid composition is a layer formed by volatilizing volatile components such as the solvent in the liquid composition and by using other compounds.

[0099] A shiny resin film having pearlescent properties can be obtained by melt-blending a pearlescent pigment into a transparent thermoplastic resin or a transparent thermosetting resin to prepare a molding resin composition such as pellets, powder, or paste, and molding the composition into a flat form such as a sheet or film by various molding means such as extrusion molding, calendar molding, or inflation molding, and is a single-layer shiny resin film. Examples of the shiny yarn having pearlescent properties include a yarn having a laminated structure having pearlescent properties, a flat yarn made of a shiny laminate having pearlescent properties, and a flat yarn made of a single layer shiny resin film. Furthermore, by cutting the above-mentioned glittering laminate or glittering resin film to an appropriate width with a slitter, flat yarns having pearlescent luster can be obtained.

[0100] Examples of pearlescent pigments include fish scales composed of guanine, sericite, basic lead carbonate, acid lead arsenate, bismuth oxychloride, and the like, as well as transparent pearlescent pigments in which the surface of a core substance such as natural mica, synthetic mica, or flaky aluminum oxide is coated with a metal oxide such as titanium oxide, zirconium oxide, chromium oxide, vanadium oxide, or iron oxide.

[0101] Examples of transparent pearlescent pigments having natural mica as a core material include those in which the surface of natural mica particles is coated with titanium oxide, those in which the upper layer of titanium oxide is further coated with iron oxide or a non-discoloring colorant, and those in which the surface of natural mica particles is coated with iron oxide. Examples of such transparent pearlescent pigments include those in which the surface of natural mica particles is coated with 41 to 44 mass% titanium oxide and has a particle size of 5 to 50 μm, those in which the surface of natural mica particles is coated with 30 to 38 mass% titanium oxide and the upper layer is further coated with 0.5 to 10 mass% titanium oxide, and those in which the surface of natural mica particles is coated with 0.5 to 10 mass% titanium oxide. % of a non-discoloring colored pigment, and having a particle size of 5 to 60 μm, silvery pearlescent pigments having a particle size of 5 to 100 μm in which the surface of natural mica particles is coated with 16 to 39 mass % of titanium oxide, metallic pearlescent pigments in which the surface of natural mica particles is coated with 45 to 58 mass % of titanium oxide, metallic pearlescent pigments in which the surface of natural mica particles is coated with 45 to 58 mass % of titanium oxide and the upper layer is coated with 0.5 to 10 mass % of a non-discoloring colorant, and the like can be exemplified. Depending on the coverage of the metal oxide, the color of the pearlescent pigment can be gold, silver, copper, metallic, or the like. Transparent pearlescent pigments, which use synthetic mica as a core material and cover the surface with metal oxide, contain less impurities and metal ions such as iron, which are coloring factors, compared to systems using natural mica as a core material, and have excellent brilliance, a glittering appearance, and high transparency. In addition, depending on the coverage of the metal oxide, they can exhibit gold, silver, copper, metallic colors, etc. An example of synthetic mica is KMg3(AlSi3O10)F2. The shape of the synthetic mica is not limited, but examples include flat and scaly shapes. Transparent pearlescent pigments, which have a core material of flaky aluminum oxide and are surface-coated with a metal oxide such as titanium oxide, have excellent luster and high transparency due to the high reflectance of the aluminum oxide core material and a sharp particle size distribution. In addition, they exhibit gold, silver, copper, metallic, or other colors depending on the coverage of the metal oxide.

[0102] The support on which the metallic luster layer or the pearlescent layer is provided is not particularly limited, and examples thereof include paper, synthetic paper, fabrics such as knitted fabric, woven fabric, and nonwoven fabric, synthetic leather, leather, plastic, elastomer, rubber, and the like, and the form thereof is preferably a flat, sheet, or film. Furthermore, the support is preferably a film made of a general-purpose resin, and examples of the resin include polyethylene, polypropylene, polyethylene terephthalate, polybutylene terephthalate, polymethyl methacrylate, polyacrylate, polystyrene, polycarbonate, ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer resin, ethylene-acrylic acid ester copolymer resin, ionomer resin, ethylene-propylene copolymer resin, vinyl chloride-propylene copolymer resin, vinyl chloride resin, vinylidene chloride resin, polyvinyl alcohol, fluororesin, polyacetate, polyester resin, polyamide resin, rubber hydrochloride, polyimide resin, urethane resin, polypeptide resin, and the like. Among the above resins, resin films using resins such as polyethylene, polypropylene, polyethylene terephthalate, and vinyl chloride resins are preferred because they are highly flexible and have excellent safety.

[0103] The transparent thermoplastic resin or transparent thermosetting resin to be melt-blended with the metallic luster pigment or pearlescent pigment may be colorless and transparent or colored and transparent. Examples of the transparent thermoplastic resin or transparent thermosetting resin include transparent thermoplastic resins such as polyethylene, polypropylene, polyisobutylene, polybutadiene, polymethylpentene, polystyrene, polyethylene terephthalate, polybutylene terephthalate, polycyclohexylene-dimethylene terephthalate, vinyl acetate resin, vinyl chloride resin, vinylidene chloride resin, acrylic acid ester resin, methacrylic acid ester resin, polyvinyl butyral, polyarylate, polyetherimide, polycarbonate, polysulfone, ionomer resin, ethylene-propylene copolymer resin, ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer resin, ethylene-vinyl alcohol copolymer resin, ethylene-acrylic acid ester copolymer resin, ethylene-methacrylic acid ester copolymer resin, acrylonitrile-styrene copolymer resin, and cycloolefin copolymer; Examples of the resin include transparent thermosetting resins such as epoxy resins, epoxy acrylates, phenolic resins, unsaturated polyester resins, urea resins, aryl resins, and silicone resins. The metallic or pearlescent pigment is blended in the resin at a ratio of 0.1 to 40% by mass, preferably 0.3 to 30% by mass, and more preferably 0.5 to 25% by mass. If the blending ratio of the metallic or pearlescent pigment exceeds 40% by mass, the pigment is likely to lack dispersion stability and processability when dispersed in the resin. On the other hand, if the blending ratio is less than 0.1% by mass, the pigment is unlikely to exhibit the desired brilliance.

[0104] The vehicle in which the metallic luster pigment or pearlescent pigment is dispersed is composed of a solvent, a binder resin, and various additives which are blended as required. The solvent may be water or various organic solvents. Examples of organic solvents include ethanol, propanol, butanol, glycerin, sorbitol, triethanolamine, diethanolamine, monoethanolamine, ethylene glycol, diethylene glycol, thiodiethylene glycol, polyethylene glycol, propylene glycol, butylene glycol, ethylene glycol monomethyl ether, ethylene glycol monoethyl ether, ethylene glycol monoisopropyl ether, ethylene glycol monobutyl ether, diethylene glycol monomethyl ether, diethylene glycol monoethyl ether, diethylene glycol monobutyl ether, propylene glycol monomethyl ether, propylene glycol monoethyl ether, propylene glycol monopropyl ether, propylene glycol monobutyl ether, ethylene glycol monomethyl ether acetate, sulfolane, 2-pyrrolidone, N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone, n-octane, isooctane, n-heptane, methylcyclohexane, ethylcyclohexane, toluene, xylene, 3-methoxybutanol, 3-methyl-3-methoxybutanol, 3-methyl-1,3-butanediol, 1,3-butanediol, and hexylene glycol.

[0105] Examples of the binder resin include ionomer resin, isobutylene-maleic anhydride copolymer resin, acrylonitrile-acrylic styrene copolymer resin, acrylonitrile-styrene copolymer resin, acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene copolymer resin, acrylonitrile-chlorinated polyethylene-styrene copolymer resin, ethylene-vinyl chloride copolymer resin, ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer resin, ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer resin, ethylene-vinyl acetate-vinyl chloride graft copolymer resin, vinyl acetate resin, vinyl chloride resin, vinylidene chloride resin, chlorinated chloride Vinyl resin, vinyl chloride-vinylidene chloride copolymer resin, chlorinated polyethylene, chlorinated polypropylene, polyamide resin, polycarbonate, polybutadiene, polyethylene terephthalate, polybutylene terephthalate, polystyrene, high impact polystyrene, styrene-maleic acid copolymer resin, acrylic-styrene copolymer resin, polypropylene, polymethylstyrene, acrylic ester resin, polymethyl methacrylate, epoxy acrylate resin, alkylphenol resin, rosin modified phenol resin, rosin modified alkyd resin, phenol Resin-modified alkyd resin, styrene-modified alkyd resin, epoxy resin-modified alkyd resin, acrylic-modified alkyd resin, aminoalkyd resin, butyral resin, urethane resin, vinyl chloride-vinyl acetate copolymer resin, epoxy resin, alkyd resin, styrene-butadiene copolymer resin, unsaturated polyester resin, saturated polyester resin, vinyl chloride-acrylic copolymer resin, polyisobutylene, butyl rubber, cyclized rubber, chlorinated rubber, polyvinyl alkyl ether, fluororesin, silicon resin, phenolic resin, petroleum-based hydrocarbon resin, ketone resin, toluene resin, xylitol resin, melamine resin, urea resin, benzoguanamine resin, polyethylene oxide, polyvinylpyrrolidone, vinylpyrrolidone-vinyl acetate copolymer resin, polyvinyl alcohol, modified polyvinyl alcohol, polyacrylates, polymethacrylates, acrylate emulsions, methacrylate emulsions, vinyl acetate-acrylate copolymer emulsions, ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer emulsions, styrene-acrylate copolymer emulsions, vinyl chloride emulsions, vinylidene chloride emulsions,Synthetic resins such as polyvinyl acetate emulsions, polyolefin emulsions, rosin ester emulsions, epoxy resin emulsions, polyurethane emulsions, synthetic rubber latex, low molecular weight polyethylene, low molecular weight polypropylene, low molecular weight polystyrene, coumarone plastics, polybutene, phenoxy plastics, liquid polybutadiene, liquid rubber, petroleum hydrocarbon resins, and cyclopentadiene petroleum resins; Examples include natural or semi-synthetic resins such as cellulose derivatives, alginic acid derivatives, rosin derivatives, starches, polysaccharides, gums, natural rubber, shellac, agar, casein, glue, gelatin, and polyterpene. The metallic or pearlescent pigment is blended in the binder resin at a ratio of 0.1 to 40% by mass, preferably 0.2 to 30% by mass, and more preferably 0.5 to 20% by mass. If the blending ratio of the metallic or pearlescent pigment exceeds 40% by mass, the pigment is likely to lack dispersion stability and processability when dispersed in the binder resin. On the other hand, if the blending ratio is less than 0.1% by mass, the pigment is unlikely to exhibit the desired brilliance.

[0106] Examples of additives include crosslinking agents, curing agents, drying agents, plasticizers, viscosity modifiers, dispersants, UV absorbers, antioxidants, light stabilizers, anti-settling agents, smoothing agents, gelling agents, defoaming agents, matting agents, penetrating agents, pH adjusters, foaming agents, coupling agents, moisturizing agents, lubricants, antifungal agents, preservatives, and rust inhibitors.

[0107] In addition, as a glittering resin film having pearlescent properties, a transparent multilayer film exhibiting a light interference phenomenon in which 10 or more layers made of polymers with different refractive indexes are provided as intermediate layers, and a resin film containing a translucent dye can also be used. A transparent pearlescent resin film is formed by laminating at least 10 or more films (thin film layers) made of extremely thin translucent thermoplastic resins with a uniform thickness of about 30 to 500 nm, and adjacent layers that are in contact with each other are made of translucent resins of different materials, have refractive indices that differ by at least 0.03, and contain a translucent dye in the layers. Thus, the translucent dye enhances or changes at least one of the reflective color and transmitted color of the layers. Examples of thermoplastic resins include polyester resins such as polyethylene terephthalate and polybutylene terephthalate, acrylic resins such as polymethyl methacrylate and polyacrylate, polyolefin resins such as polyethylene and polypropylene, polystyrene, and ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer resins. Examples of the light-transmitting dye include azo dyes, anthraquinone dyes, pyridone dyes, and pyrazolone derivative dyes. The light-transmitting dye may be contained in one or more layers, and may be contained in all layers. The amount of the dye added is sufficient to intensify or change at least one of the transmitted colors of the thin film layer, or at least one of the reflected lights of the thin film layer, or both, compared to a system without the dye. A specific example of a transparent glittering resin film having pearlescent properties is BASF's product name: AURORA FILM. The above-mentioned glittering resin film can be cut to an appropriate width using a slitter to obtain flat yarns having pearlescent properties.

[0108] Examples of the glittering yarn having holographic properties include flat yarns made of glittering resin films having holographic properties using general-purpose holograms. The hologram has a light-reflecting layer on at least one side of a fine uneven pattern, and examples of the hologram include a relief-type (embossed-type) hologram in which a transparent hologram-forming layer formed from a metal compound or the like is provided on a substrate such as a transparent resin film having an uneven pattern, and a volume-type hologram (Lippmann hologram). The glittering resin film can be cut to an appropriate width using a slitter to obtain flat yarns having holographic properties.

[0109] Examples of the glittering yarn having iridescence include flat yarn made of a glittering resin film having iridescence. Examples of glossy resin films with iridescence include those formed by forming a thin film layer of a transparent metal compound (e.g., titanium oxide, silicon oxide, zinc oxide, cadmium sulfide, magnesium fluoride, cerium fluoride, etc.) whose refractive index differs from that of the substrate by 0.05 or more on the surface of a substrate, and then laminating an uneven transparent resin layer whose refractive index differs from that of the thin film by 0.05 or more on top of the thin film, or transparent iridescent resin films formed by laminating multiple transparent plastic thin films with different refractive indices. A specific example of a transparent iridescent resin film is ENGELHARD's product name: IRIDESCENT FILM. Incidentally, by cutting the above glittering resin film to an appropriate width with a slitter, flat yarns having iridescence can be obtained.

[0110] Examples of the glittering yarn having optical coherence include flat yarn made of a glittering laminate having optical coherence. An example of a photoluminescent laminate having optical interference properties is a photoluminescent laminate in which the surface of a metallic mirror-like substrate is coated with a transparent film formed using a colored or colorless paint, the transparent film being thin enough to cause optical interference. The glittering laminate can be cut to an appropriate width with a slitter to obtain flat yarns having optical coherence.

[0111] The optical properties of light reflectivity include retroreflectivity, and examples of shiny yarns having light reflectivity include flat yarns made of a shiny laminate having light reflectivity, and flat yarns made of a transparent shiny resin film having light reflectivity. An example of a glittering laminate having light reflectivity is a glittering laminate having retroreflectivity in which a single layer of high refractive index glass beads is provided on a light reflecting layer such as an aluminum vapor deposition layer. An example of a photoluminescent resin film having light reflectivity is a transparent light reflective resin film having a structure in which multiple light reflective polyester thin films are laminated with their stretching axes shifted, and which has a metallic luster like a mirror surface, exhibits a metallic luster color change depending on the viewing angle, and further has transparency depending on the viewing angle. A specific example of a transparent light-reflective resin film is a product manufactured by Hologram Supply Co., Ltd., under the product name Magical Film (Mirage Film), and the like. Incidentally, the above-mentioned glittering laminate or glittering resin film can be cut to an appropriate width with a slitter to obtain flat yarns having light reflectivity.

[0112] The thickness of the flat yarn made of the glittering laminate or glittering resin film is in the range of 3 to 50 μm, preferably 5 to 40 μm, and more preferably 10 to 30 μm, which is practical. If the thickness of the glittering laminate or glittering resin film exceeds 50 μm, it is difficult to process the reversibly thermochromic flat yarn into a twisted yarn, and the soft texture of the yarn is easily lost. On the other hand, if the thickness is less than 3 μm, the thickness is too thin and the strength is poor, making it difficult to meet the durability requirements as a yarn and difficult to exhibit the desired glittering properties.

[0113] The glittering yarn is preferably a transparent glittering yarn having further transparency. In a twisted yarn in a single twist form consisting of reversible thermochromic flat yarn and glossy yarn, if the glossy yarn is a transparent glossy yarn, the reversible thermochromic layer of the reversible thermochromic flat yarn can be seen through the transparent glossy yarn, and the color change accompanied by glossiness expressed by the reversible thermochromic layer and the transparent glossy yarn can be easily and uniformly and clearly seen over the entire surface of the twisted yarn, which is preferable. In addition, in a twisted yarn in which a lustrous yarn is used as a core yarn and a reversible thermochromic flat yarn is arranged around the core yarn, if the lustrous yarn is a transparent lustrous yarn, the reversible thermochromic layer of the reversible thermochromic flat yarn can be seen through the core yarn, and the color change accompanied by lustrousness exhibited by the reversible thermochromic layer and the transparent lustrous yarn can be easily and uniformly and clearly seen over the entire surface of the twisted yarn, which is preferable.

[0114] Examples of transparent glossy yarns include yarns formed by providing a metallic gloss layer containing a transparent metallic gloss pigment on a general-purpose transparent yarn, yarns formed by providing a pearlescent layer containing a transparent pearlescent pigment, and flat yarns formed from a transparent glossy resin film. As the transparent glossy resin film, a single-layer transparent glossy resin film can be used, which is prepared by melt-blending the above-mentioned transparent metallic luster pigment or transparent pearlescent pigment into a transparent thermoplastic resin or a transparent thermosetting resin to prepare a molding resin composition such as pellets, powder, or paste, and molding the composition into a planar form such as a sheet or film by various molding means such as extrusion molding, calendar molding, or inflation molding. In addition, a transparent glossy resin film having a laminated structure can be used in which a transparent glossy layer (transparent metallic gloss layer or transparent pearlescent layer) is formed on a transparent support by the above-mentioned printing means or coating means using a liquid composition such as printing ink or paint prepared by dispersing a transparent metallic glossy pigment or a transparent pearlescent pigment in the above-mentioned vehicle. In addition, transparent glittering resin films such as the above-mentioned transparent pearlescent resin film, transparent holographic resin film, transparent iridescent resin film, and transparent light-reflecting resin film can also be used. As the transparent photoluminescent resin film, a transparent photoluminescent resin film having a single layer or a laminated structure can be used. The transparent glittering resin film can be cut to an appropriate width using a slitter to produce glittering flat yarn, which can be used as the transparent glittering yarn.

[0115] The transparent thermoplastic resin or transparent thermosetting resin may be colorless and transparent or colored and transparent, and is not particularly limited as long as the pattern, characters, and color change due to temperature change of the reversible thermochromic layer can be visually recognized. Examples of the transparent thermoplastic resin or transparent thermosetting resin include thermoplastic resins such as polyethylene, polypropylene, polyisobutylene, polybutadiene, polymethylpentene, polystyrene, polyethylene terephthalate, polybutylene terephthalate, polycyclohexylene-dimethylene terephthalate, vinyl acetate resin, vinyl chloride resin, vinylidene chloride resin, acrylic acid ester resin, methacrylic acid ester resin, polyvinyl butyral, polyarylate, polyetherimide, polycarbonate, polysulfone, ionomer resin, ethylene-propylene copolymer resin, ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer resin, ethylene-vinyl alcohol copolymer resin, ethylene-acrylic acid ester copolymer resin, ethylene-methacrylic acid ester copolymer resin, acrylonitrile-styrene copolymer resin, and cycloolefin copolymer; Epoxy resin, epoxy acrylate, phenolic resin, unsaturated polyester resin, urine Examples of the resin include thermosetting resins such as base resins, aryl resins, and silicone resins. The transparent metallic luster pigment or transparent pearlescent pigment is blended in the transparent thermoplastic resin or transparent thermosetting resin at a ratio of 0.1 to 40 mass%, preferably 0.3 to 30 mass%. If the blending ratio of the transparent metallic luster pigment or transparent pearlescent pigment exceeds 40 mass%, the dispersion stability and processing suitability during dispersion in the resin tend to be poor. On the other hand, if the blending ratio is less than 0.1 mass%, it becomes difficult to exhibit the desired brilliance.

[0116] The transparent support may be a colorless, transparent or colored transparent support, and is not particularly limited as long as the pattern, characters, and color change due to temperature change of the reversible thermochromic layer can be visually recognized. Examples of the transparent support include thermoplastic resin molded bodies in a planar form such as a sheet or film, using general-purpose resins such as polyethylene, polypropylene, vinyl chloride resin, polyethylene terephthalate, polybutylene terephthalate, polymethyl methacrylate, polyacrylate, polystyrene, polycarbonate, cellulose acetate, polyvinyl alcohol, polyamide resin, etc. Transparent plastic sheets using resins such as polyethylene, polypropylene, polyethylene terephthalate, vinyl chloride resin, etc. are preferred because of their high flexibility and excellent safety.

[0117] The transparency of the glittering thread refers to the property of transmitting light in the visible light region (the wavelength region of 380 to 780 nm as defined by JIS B 7079), and the light transmittance (visible light transmittance) in the visible light region of the transparent glittering thread is preferably 5% or more, more preferably 10% or more, and even more preferably 20% or more. If the visible light transmittance is less than 5%, the patterns, characters, and color changes due to temperature changes of the reversible thermochromic layer become difficult to visually recognize. The above visible light transmittance was measured by placing a transparent lustrous thread on a transparent substrate that transmits light with wavelengths in the visible light range, and using a spectrophotometer (manufactured by Hitachi, Ltd., product name: U-3210) in the wavelength range from 380 nm to 780 nm, and the mean value between the maximum and minimum values ​​was taken as the transmittance.

[0118] The twisted yarn of the present invention is most preferably a single-twisted yarn composed of a reversible thermochromic flat yarn and a glittering flat yarn made of a transparent pearlescent resin film or a transparent iridescent resin film. In the twisted yarn of the above form, the wide surfaces of the reversible thermochromic flat yarn and the shiny flat yarn are easily brought into close contact with each other, thereby improving the durability of the twisted yarn and making the color change accompanied by the shine produced by the reversible thermochromic layer and the shiny flat yarn more clearly visible. In addition, the microencapsulated pigment contained in the reversible thermochromic layer has a larger particle size than the general-purpose non-thermochromic colorant, and the thickness of the reversible thermochromic layer is likely to be large, so the reversible thermochromic flat yarn tends to have a hard feel. On the other hand, the transparent pearlescent resin film or transparent iridescent resin film is formed by laminating thin films in multiple layers, so the glittering flat yarn has a soft feel. Therefore, a reversible thermochromic twisted yarn in a single twist form composed of a reversible thermochromic flat yarn and a glossy flat yarn is most preferably used because it has excellent durability, and the glossy color change produced by the reversible thermochromic layer and the glossy flat yarn is uniformly and clearly visible over the entire surface of the twisted yarn, and further, by twisting the glossy flat yarn, which has a soft feel, together with the reversible thermochromic flat yarn, the reversible thermochromic twisted yarn can be given a soft feel.

[0119] In addition, in a twisted yarn of a single twist form consisting of a reversible thermochromic flat yarn and a glittering yarn, a glittering reversible thermochromic flat yarn in which a transparent resin layer has glittering properties can be used as the reversible thermochromic flat yarn. Here, when the optical properties exhibited by the transparent resin layer and the optical properties exhibited by the glittering yarn are the same, a color change accompanied by strong glittering properties is more visible than when a reversible thermochromic flat yarn in which the transparent resin layer does not have glittering properties is used. On the other hand, when the optical properties exhibited by the transparent resin layer and the optical properties exhibited by the glittering yarn are different from each other, a glittering property in which the respective optical properties are mixed is visible, and when a reversible thermochromic flat yarn in which the transparent resin layer does not have glittering properties is used, a color change accompanied by a specific glittering property that is difficult to see is visible, which is preferable. The glittering yarn is preferably a transparent glittering yarn. If the glittering yarn has transparency, the glittering reversible thermochromic flat yarn can be seen through the transparent glittering yarn, and the color change accompanied by glittering seen over the entire surface of the twisted yarn can be seen more clearly, which is preferable.

[0120] The width (W') of the flat yarn applied to the present invention is 100 to 5000 μm, preferably 100 to 2000 μm, and more preferably 150 to 1000 μm. By being within the above range, the color change due to temperature change of the reversible thermochromic flat yarn and the brilliance of the lustrous flat yarn can be clearly visually recognized, and the durability of the twisted yarn can be satisfied. Furthermore, the thickness (T') of the flat yarn is 8 to 190 μm, preferably 10 to 100 μm, and more preferably 10 to 50 μm. By being within the above range, the twisted yarn has a soft feel and satisfies the durability as a twisted yarn, and therefore has excellent applicability to products, etc.

[0121] The flat yarn applicable to the present invention can be obtained, for example, by cutting a reversible thermochromic laminate having a first transparent adhesive layer, a reversible thermochromic layer, a second transparent adhesive layer, and a transparent resin layer sequentially provided on one side of a transparent resin film to an appropriate width using a slitter to obtain the reversible thermochromic flat yarn shown in Figure 7. The reversible thermochromic laminate constituting the flat yarn applied to the present invention can be produced, for example, by providing a first transparent adhesive layer on one side of a transparent resin film, providing a reversible thermochromic layer on the outer surface of the first transparent adhesive layer (the side of the first transparent adhesive layer opposite the side on which the transparent resin film is provided), and providing a second transparent adhesive layer on one side of a transparent resin film, and then bonding the reversible thermochromic layer and the transparent resin film together via the second transparent adhesive layer. In addition, a laminate obtained by providing an adhesive layer on one side of a transparent resin film can be cut in half with a slitter, and a reversible thermochromic layer can be provided on the outer surface (the side of the adhesive layer opposite the side on which the transparent resin film is provided) of the adhesive layer (first transparent adhesive layer) of one of the laminates obtained by cutting. A reversible thermochromic laminate can also be produced by attaching the reversible thermochromic layer and transparent resin film to the other laminate obtained by cutting via the adhesive layer (second transparent adhesive layer) of the other laminate. The reversibly thermochromic laminate is cut to an appropriate width with a slitter to obtain the reversibly thermochromic flat yarn shown in FIG.

[0122] The above laminate can also be produced by providing an adhesive layer separately. For example, a laminate in which a first transparent adhesive layer and a reversible thermochromic layer are sequentially provided on one side of a transparent resin film, a laminate in which an adhesive layer is further provided on the outer surface of the reversible thermochromic layer (the surface of the reversible thermochromic layer opposite to the surface on which the first transparent adhesive layer is provided) and another laminate in which a second transparent adhesive layer is provided on one side of a transparent resin film can be produced by bonding the reversible thermochromic layer and the transparent resin film via the adhesive layer and the second transparent adhesive layer, and a reversible thermochromic laminate in which the reversible thermochromic layer and the transparent resin film are more firmly bonded can be produced. By cutting this laminate to an appropriate width using a slitter, reversible thermochromic flat yarn (2) is obtained, as shown in Figure 9, which is made of a flat yarn made of a transparent resin film (3) and has a first transparent adhesive layer (4), a reversible thermochromic layer (5), an adhesive layer (9), a second transparent adhesive layer (6), and a transparent resin film (3) sequentially provided on one wide surface of the flat yarn. The adhesive used in the adhesive layer is not particularly limited as long as it does not affect the thermochromic function or sensitivity of the reversible thermochromic microcapsule pigment contained in the reversible thermochromic layer and allows the patterns, characters, and color changes due to temperature changes in the reversible thermochromic layer to be visually observed. Examples of the adhesive include acrylic resin, urethane resin, ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer resin, rubber-based resin, silicone resin, and epoxy resin.

[0123] The twisted yarn of the present invention can be discolored by applying heat by hand, by applying heat or cold with a water attachment tool, or by using a heating or cooling tool. Examples of water application tools include writing or applicator tools with a brush tip or fiber pen body at the tip, writing or applicator tools that hold water in a container and have a fiber body or brush that expels the water from the container, and roller-type applicator tools. Examples of heating tools include electrical heating and color-changing tools equipped with a resistance heating element such as a PTC element, heating and color-changing tools filled with a medium such as hot water, heating and color-changing tools using steam or laser light, and the application of a hair dryer. Examples of cooling devices include electrochemically-induced thermochromic devices using a Peltier element, thermochromic devices filled with a medium such as cold water or ice chips, cooling agents, refrigerators, freezers, and the like. Since this method allows the twisted yarn to be discolored easily, it is preferable to use a method in which heat is applied by hand, a method in which heat or cold is applied using a water attachment device, a heat-discoloring device filled with a medium such as hot water, or a cold-heat-discoloring device filled with a medium such as cold water or ice chips.

[0124] The twisted yarn of the present invention can be used for fabrics, and fabrics having good visibility of color change due to temperature change and excellent durability of the reversible thermochromic layer can be obtained. In addition, when the first and second transparent adhesive layers contain a light stabilizer, fabrics having excellent durability and light resistance of the reversible thermochromic layer can be obtained. The fabric is not particularly limited, and examples thereof include woven fabrics, knitted fabrics, braided fabrics, nonwoven fabrics, pile fabrics, etc. The fabric can be produced by using reversible thermochromic twisted yarn for at least one of the warp threads or weft threads.

[0125] The twisted yarn of the present invention can be used for head ornaments, and can provide head ornaments in which the visibility of color change due to temperature change is good and the durability of the reversible thermochromic layer is excellent. When the first and second transparent adhesive layers contain a light stabilizer, a head ornament can be provided in which the durability and light resistance of the reversible thermochromic layer is excellent. The head ornament is not particularly limited, but examples thereof include hair wigs and hair extensions.

[0126] The twisted yarn of the present invention can be used for toys, and a toy having a good visibility of color change due to temperature change and excellent durability of the reversible thermochromic layer can be obtained. Furthermore, when a light stabilizer is contained in the first and second transparent adhesive layers, a toy having a reversible thermochromic layer having excellent durability and light resistance can be obtained. The toy is not particularly limited, but examples thereof include a doll or animal-shaped toy having hair or fur made of reversible thermochromic twisted yarn, a stuffed animal having fur made of reversible thermochromic twisted yarn, or accessories thereof, etc. Here, examples of accessories include hair extensions for doll toys, clothes or scarves for doll toys, etc. The twisted yarn of the present invention is preferably used as hair or body hair for toys such as dolls or animal-shaped toys, or as accessories for doll toys. The hair or body hair or accessories can be easily changed in color by applying heat by hand or by applying heat or cold with a water attachment tool, which can be enjoyed. Such color changes can be repeated. Moreover, the above-mentioned toy using the reversible thermochromic twisted yarn can be combined with a water attachment device to form a toy set.

[0127] Further examples of products using the twisted yarn of the present invention include the following. (1)Toys Accessory toys, drawing toys, toy picture books, building block toys, block toys, clay toys, fluid toys, tops, kites, musical instrument toys, cooking toys, gun toys, capture toys, background toys, toys imitating vehicles, animals, plants, buildings, food, etc. (2) Clothing Clothing such as T-shirts, sweatshirts, blouses, dresses, swimsuits, raincoats, ski wear, footwear such as shoes and shoelaces, cloth accessories such as handkerchiefs, towels, wrapping cloths, gloves, ties, hats, scarves, mufflers, etc. (3) Indoor decorations Carpets, curtains, curtain strings, tablecloths, rugs, cushions, carpets, rugs, chair upholstery, seats, mats, picture frames, artificial flowers, photo frames, etc. (4) Furniture Futons, pillows, mattresses, bedding such as beds, chairs, sofas, etc. (5) Decorations Rings, bracelets, tiaras, earrings, hair clips, fake nails, ribbons, scarves, watches, glasses, fake eyelashes, fake beards, fake eyebrows, etc. (6)Other Bags, packaging containers, embroidery thread, sports equipment, fishing tackle, coasters, musical instruments, wallets and other bags, umbrellas, and teaching equipment, etc. EXAMPLES

[0128] The following examples are given, but the present invention is not limited thereto. In the examples, "parts" refers to parts by weight.

[0129] Preparation of reversible thermochromic microencapsulated pigment A A reversible thermochromic composition consisting of 2 parts of 2-di-n-butylamino-8-di-n-pentylamino-4-methylspiro[5H-[1]benzopyrano[2,3-d]pyrimidin-5,1'(3'H)-isobenzofuran]-3'-one as component (A), 5 parts of 2,2-bis(4-hydroxyphenyl)hexafluoropropane as component (B), and 50 parts of cyclohexylmethyl stearate as component (C) was added to a mixed solution consisting of 30 parts of aromatic isocyanate prepolymer as a wall film material and 50 parts of cosolvent, and then emulsified and dispersed in an 8% polyvinyl alcohol aqueous solution. After continuing to stir while heating, 2.5 parts of water-soluble aliphatic modified amine was added and further stirring was continued to prepare a microcapsule dispersion. The average particle diameter (D A ) was used to obtain a reversible thermochromic microcapsule pigment A having a particle size of 4.6 μm. The reversible thermochromic microencapsulated pigment A had a complete color-developing temperature t1 of 14° C. and a complete decolorization temperature t4 of 38° C., and reversibly changed from pink to colorless due to temperature change.

[0130] Preparation of reversible thermochromic flat yarn A (see Figure 7) A reversible thermochromic liquid composition, which is a printing ink used in screen printing, was prepared by uniformly mixing 30 parts of the reversible thermochromic microcapsule pigment A in a vehicle consisting of 60 parts of polyester resin emulsion (solid content: 50%), 1 part of a leveling agent, 1 part of an antifoaming agent, 0.5 parts of a viscosity modifier, 5 parts of water, and 2.5 parts of a carbodiimide-based curing agent (solid content: 40%). The resulting mixture was uniformly mixed in a vehicle consisting of 98 parts of urethane resin and 2 parts of an isocyanate-based curing agent to prepare a liquid composition which is a printing ink used in gravure printing. To prepare a transparent resin film (3), a liquid composition was printed solid over the entire surface of one side of a 12 μm-thick transparent PET film (visible light transmittance: 99%) using a 200-mesh gravure roll plate, and then the resulting solidified layer was heated at 80°C to form a 2 μm-thick first transparent adhesive layer (4) (visible light transmittance: 98%). Next, the reversible thermochromic liquid composition is solid-printed on the outer surface of the first transparent adhesive layer (4) (the surface of the first transparent adhesive layer opposite to the surface on which the transparent resin film is provided) using a 120-mesh screen plate, and heated at 110°C to form a sheet having an average thickness (T A ) A reversible thermochromic layer (5) of 15 μm was formed. Next, the liquid composition was printed solid over the entire surface of the outer surface of the reversible thermochromic layer (5) (the surface of the reversible thermochromic layer opposite the side on which the first transparent adhesive layer was formed) using a 200 mesh gravure roll plate to form a second transparent adhesive layer (6) 2 μm thick (visible light transmittance: 98%). Next, a 12 μm thick transparent PET film (visible light transmittance: 99%) was placed as a transparent resin layer (7) on the outer surface of the second transparent adhesive layer (6) (the surface of the second transparent adhesive layer opposite to the side on which the reversible thermochromic layer was provided), and in a pressed state, was heated and cured at 80°C to produce a reversible thermochromic laminate. The above reversibly thermochromic laminate was cut into 250 μm threads using a microslitter to prepare reversibly thermochromic flat yarn (2) (reversibly thermochromic flat yarn A) having a thickness of 43 μm. The above-mentioned reversible thermochromic laminate has excellent adhesion between the reversible thermochromic layer and the transparent resin film, and between the reversible thermochromic layer and the transparent resin layer. In addition, since the reversible thermochromic layer is protected by the outermost transparent resin film and transparent resin layer, the reversible thermochromic layer is less likely to be damaged or scratched even if it comes into contact with teeth when cutting with a microslitter. The obtained reversible thermochromic flat yarn A reversibly changed from colorless at 38° C. or higher to pink at 14° C. or lower, and maintained either of the above colors in the temperature range of 20 to 33° C. The color change due to temperature change was uniform and clearly visible over the entire surface of the flat yarn, and the above change could be repeated. In addition, since the reversible thermochromic flat yarn has the same layers on one side and the other side of the reversible thermochromic layer, with the reversible thermochromic layer serving as an intermediate layer, curling is suppressed and the yarn can be easily handled when processed into twisted yarn.

[0131] Preparation of reversible thermochromic flat yarn A' (see Figure 7) A reversible thermochromic liquid composition, which is a printing ink used in screen printing, was prepared by uniformly mixing 30 parts of the reversible thermochromic microcapsule pigment A in a vehicle consisting of 60 parts of polyester resin emulsion (solid content: 50%), 1 part of a leveling agent, 1 part of an antifoaming agent, 0.5 parts of a viscosity modifier, 5 parts of water, and 2.5 parts of a carbodiimide-based curing agent (solid content: 40%). A liquid composition, which is a printing ink used in gravure printing, was prepared by uniformly mixing 5 parts of 2-(2-hydroxy-5-tert-butylphenyl)-2H-benzotriazole (manufactured by BASF, product name: Tinuvin PS) as a light stabilizer into a vehicle consisting of 50 parts of acrylic resin, 43 parts of urethane resin, and 2 parts of an isocyanate-based curing agent. To prepare a transparent resin film (3), a liquid composition was printed solid over the entire surface of one side of a 12 μm-thick transparent PET film (visible light transmittance: 99%) using a 200-mesh gravure roll plate, and then the resulting solidified layer was heated at 80°C to form a 2 μm-thick first transparent adhesive layer (4) (visible light transmittance: 96%). Next, the reversible thermochromic liquid composition was solid-printed on the outer surface of the first transparent adhesive layer (4) (the surface of the first transparent adhesive layer opposite to the surface on which the transparent resin film was provided) using a 120-mesh screen, and heated at 110°C to form an average thickness (T A′ ) A reversible thermochromic layer (5) of 15 μm was formed. Next, the liquid composition was printed solid over the entire surface of the outer surface of the reversible thermochromic layer (5) (the surface of the reversible thermochromic layer opposite the side on which the first transparent adhesive layer was formed) using a 200 mesh gravure roll plate to form a second transparent adhesive layer (6) 2 μm thick (visible light transmittance: 96%). Next, a 12 μm thick transparent PET film (visible light transmittance: 99%) was placed as a transparent resin layer (7) on the outer surface of the second transparent adhesive layer (6) (the surface of the second transparent adhesive layer opposite to the side on which the reversible thermochromic layer was provided), and in a pressed state, was heated and cured at 80°C to produce a reversible thermochromic laminate. The above reversibly thermochromic laminate was cut into 250 μm threads using a microslitter to prepare reversibly thermochromic flat yarn (2) (reversibly thermochromic flat yarn A′) having a thickness of 43 μm. The above-mentioned reversible thermochromic laminate has excellent adhesion between the reversible thermochromic layer and the transparent resin film, and between the reversible thermochromic layer and the transparent resin layer, and since the reversible thermochromic layer is protected by the outermost transparent resin film and transparent resin layer, the reversible thermochromic layer is unlikely to be damaged or scratched even if it comes into contact with teeth when cutting with a microslitter. Furthermore, by containing a light stabilizer in the adhesive layer, the reversible thermochromic layer has excellent light resistance. The obtained reversible thermochromic flat yarn A' reversibly changed from colorless at 38° C. or higher to pink at 14° C. or lower, and maintained either of the above colors in the temperature range of 20 to 33° C. The color change due to temperature change was uniform and clearly visible over the entire surface of the flat yarn, and the above change could be repeated. In addition, since the reversible thermochromic flat yarn has the same layers on one side and the other side of the reversible thermochromic layer, with the reversible thermochromic layer serving as an intermediate layer, curling is suppressed and the yarn can be easily handled when processed into twisted yarn.

[0132] Preparation of reversible thermochromic microencapsulated pigment B A reversible thermochromic composition consisting of 1.5 parts of 3-(2-ethoxy-4-diethylaminophenyl)-3-(1-ethyl-2-methylindol-3-yl)-4-azaphthalide as component (A), 5 parts of 2,2-bis(4-hydroxyphenyl)hexafluoropropane as component (B), and 50 parts of cyclohexylmethyl stearate as component (C) was added to a mixed solution consisting of 30 parts of aromatic isocyanate prepolymer as a wall film material and 50 parts of cosolvent, and then emulsified and dispersed in an 8% polyvinyl alcohol aqueous solution. After continuing to stir while heating, 2.5 parts of a water-soluble aliphatic modified amine was added and further stirring was continued to prepare a microcapsule dispersion. The average particle diameter (D B ) to obtain a reversible thermochromic microcapsule pigment B having a particle size of 10.0 μm. The reversible thermochromic microencapsulated pigment B had a complete color development temperature t1 of 13° C. and a complete decolorization temperature t4 of 38° C., and reversibly changed from blue to colorless due to temperature change.

[0133] Preparation of reversible thermochromic flat yarn B (see Figure 7) A reversible thermochromic liquid composition, which is a printing ink used in screen printing, was prepared by uniformly mixing 40 parts of the reversible thermochromic microcapsule pigment B and 0.5 parts of a pink general pigment in a vehicle consisting of 50 parts of a polyester resin emulsion (solid content: 50%), 1 part of a leveling agent, 1 part of an antifoaming agent, 0.5 parts of a viscosity modifier, 4.5 parts of water, and 2.5 parts of a carbodiimide-based curing agent (solid content: 40%). A liquid composition, which is a printing ink used in gravure printing, was prepared by uniformly mixing 3 parts of 2,4-bis(2-hydroxy-4-butyloxyphenyl)-6-[2,4-bis(butyloxyphenyl)]-1,3,5-triazine (manufactured by BASF, product name: Tinuvin 460) as a light stabilizer into a vehicle consisting of 50 parts of acrylic resin, 45 parts of urethane resin, and 2 parts of an isocyanate-based hardener. As the transparent resin film (3), the liquid composition was printed on one side of a 12 μm-thick transparent PET film (visible light transmittance: 99%) in a solid manner using a 150-mesh gravure roll plate, and then heated and cured at 80° C. to form a first transparent adhesive layer (4) (visible light transmittance: 95%) in a thickness of 3 μm. Next, the reversible thermochromic liquid composition was printed on the outer surface of the first transparent adhesive layer (4) (the surface of the first transparent adhesive layer opposite to the side on which the transparent resin film was provided) in a solid manner using a 100-mesh screen plate, and then heated and cured at 100° C. to form a first transparent adhesive layer (4) with an average thickness (T B ) A 20 μm reversible thermochromic layer (5) was formed, and a laminate was produced in which a first transparent adhesive layer and a reversible thermochromic layer were provided in this order on the transparent resin film. The liquid composition was used to print solid over the entire surface of one side of a 12 μm thick transparent PET film (visible light transmittance: 99%) as a transparent resin layer (7) using a 150 mesh gravure roll plate to form a 3 μm thick second transparent adhesive layer (6) (visible light transmittance: 95%), thereby producing a laminate in which the second transparent adhesive layer was provided on the transparent resin layer. Next, the two laminates were laminated with a reversible thermochromic layer and a transparent PET film via a second transparent adhesive layer, and the laminate was heated and cured at 80°C to produce a reversible thermochromic laminate. The above reversibly thermochromic laminate was cut into 375 μm threads using a microslitter to prepare reversibly thermochromic flat yarn (2) (reversibly thermochromic flat yarn B) having a thickness of 50 μm. The above-mentioned reversible thermochromic laminate has excellent adhesion between the reversible thermochromic layer and the transparent resin film, and between the reversible thermochromic layer and the transparent resin layer, and the reversible thermochromic layer is protected by the outermost transparent resin film and transparent resin layer, so that the reversible thermochromic layer is unlikely to be damaged or scratched even if it is contacted with teeth when cutting with a microslitter. Furthermore, by containing a light stabilizer in the adhesive layer, the reversible thermochromic layer has excellent light resistance. The obtained reversible thermochromic flat yarn B reversibly changed color from pink at 38° C. or higher to purple at 13° C. or lower, and maintained either of the above colors in the temperature range of 20 to 33° C. The color change due to temperature change was uniform and clearly visible over the entire surface of the flat yarn, and the above change could be repeated. In addition, since the reversible thermochromic flat yarn has the same layers on one side and the other side of the reversible thermochromic layer, with the reversible thermochromic layer serving as an intermediate layer, curling is suppressed and the yarn can be easily handled when processed into twisted yarn.

[0134] Preparation of reversible thermochromic flat yarn B' (see Figure 7) A reversible thermochromic liquid composition, which is a printing ink used in screen printing, was prepared by uniformly mixing 40 parts of the reversible thermochromic microcapsule pigment B and 0.5 parts of a pink general pigment in a vehicle consisting of 50 parts of a polyester resin emulsion (solid content: 50%), 1 part of a leveling agent, 1 part of an antifoaming agent, 0.5 parts of a viscosity modifier, 4.5 parts of water, and 2.5 parts of a carbodiimide-based curing agent (solid content: 40%). A liquid composition, which is a printing ink used in gravure printing, was prepared by uniformly mixing 3 parts of 2,4-bis(2-hydroxy-4-butyloxyphenyl)-6-[2,4-bis(butyloxyphenyl)]-1,3,5-triazine (manufactured by BASF, product name: Tinuvin 460) as a light stabilizer into a vehicle consisting of 50 parts of acrylic resin, 45 parts of urethane resin, and 2 parts of an isocyanate-based hardener. As the transparent resin film (3), the liquid composition was printed on one side of a 12 μm-thick transparent PET film (visible light transmittance: 99%) in a solid manner using a 150-mesh gravure roll plate, and then heated and cured at 80° C. to form a first transparent adhesive layer (4) (visible light transmittance: 95%) in a thickness of 3 μm. Next, the reversible thermochromic liquid composition was printed on the outer surface of the first transparent adhesive layer (4) (the surface of the first transparent adhesive layer opposite to the side on which the transparent resin film was provided) in a solid manner using a 100-mesh screen plate, and then heated and cured at 100° C. to form a first transparent adhesive layer (4) with an average thickness (T B′ ) A 20 μm reversible thermochromic layer (5) was formed, and a laminate was produced in which a first transparent adhesive layer and a reversible thermochromic layer were provided in this order on the transparent resin film. As the transparent resin layer (7), a liquid composition was used to print solid over the entire surface of one side of a 18 μm thick transparent iridescent resin film (manufactured by ENGELHARD, product name: IRIDESCNT FILM IF-8181 R / G) (visible light transmittance: 75%) using a 150 mesh gravure roll plate to form a 3 μm thick second transparent adhesive layer (6) (visible light transmittance: 95%), thereby producing a laminate in which the second transparent adhesive layer was provided on the transparent resin layer. Next, the two above laminates were bonded to the reversible thermochromic layer and the transparent iridescent resin film via a second transparent adhesive layer, and then heated and cured at 80°C to produce a glittering reversible thermochromic laminate. The above-mentioned glittering reversible thermochromic laminate was cut into 375 μm threads using a microslitter to prepare reversible thermochromic flat yarn (2) (reversible thermochromic flat yarn B′) having a thickness of 50 μm. The above-mentioned glittering reversible thermochromic laminate has excellent adhesion between the reversible thermochromic layer and the transparent resin film, and between the reversible thermochromic layer and the transparent resin layer, and the reversible thermochromic layer is protected by the outermost transparent resin film and transparent resin layer, so that the reversible thermochromic layer is unlikely to be damaged or scratched even if it is contacted with teeth when cutting with a microslitter. Furthermore, by containing a light stabilizer in the adhesive layer, the reversible thermochromic layer has excellent light resistance. The obtained reversible thermochromic flat yarn B' reversibly changed to iridescent pink at 38° C. or higher and to iridescent purple at 13° C. or lower, and maintained either of the above colors in the temperature range of 20 to 33° C., satisfying the diversity of color changes. The color change due to temperature change was uniform and clearly visible over the entire surface of the flat yarn, and the above change could be repeated.

[0135] Example 1 Preparation of reversible thermochromic yarn (see Figure 4) The reversibly thermochromic flat yarn A (2) was set in a twisting machine and twisted 300 times per meter of the flat yarn to produce a reversibly thermochromic twisted yarn (1) with a twist in only one direction. The reversibly thermochromic flat yarn A had reduced curling, making it easy to handle when processing into twisted yarn. The obtained twisted yarn had a soft feel and was suppressed in curling, and therefore had excellent handleability when applied to products, etc. The reversible thermochromic twisted yarn was colorless at temperatures above 38° C. and pink at temperatures below 14° C., and maintained either of the above colors in the temperature range of 20 to 33° C. The color change due to temperature change was uniform and clearly visible over the entire surface of the twisted yarn, and the above change could be repeated. In addition, the adhesion between the reversible thermochromic layer and the transparent resin film, and between the reversible thermochromic layer and the transparent resin layer, was excellent, and no delamination occurred due to the stress caused by twisting.In addition, the transparent resin film and the transparent resin layer had the effect of protecting the reversible thermochromic layer from external factors such as abrasion, so the durability of the reversible thermochromic layer was excellent. The above twisted yarn has an average particle diameter (D A ) is 4.6 μm, the amount of the microcapsule pigment blended per 100 parts by mass of the solid content of the binder resin is 96.8 parts by mass, and D / T (D A / T A ) of 0.307, the color change due to temperature change was more easily recognized, the material had a soft feel, and the reversible thermocolor change layer had excellent durability against external factors such as stress and abrasion.

[0136] Example 2 Preparation of reversible thermochromic yarn (see Figure 4) The reversibly thermochromic flat yarn A'(2) was set in a twisting machine and twisted 300 times per meter of the flat yarn to produce a reversibly thermochromic twisted yarn (1) with a twist in only one direction. The reversibly thermochromic flat yarn A' was easily handled when processed into a twisted yarn because it had a suppressed curling tendency. The obtained twisted yarn had a soft feel and was suppressed in curling, and therefore had excellent handleability when applied to products, etc. The reversible thermochromic twisted yarn was colorless at temperatures above 38° C. and pink at temperatures below 14° C., and maintained either of the above colors in the temperature range of 20 to 33° C. The color change due to temperature change was uniform and clearly visible over the entire surface of the twisted yarn, and the above change could be repeated. In addition, the adhesiveness between the reversible thermochromic layer and the transparent resin film, and between the reversible thermochromic layer and the transparent resin layer was excellent, no delamination occurred due to stress during twisting, and the transparent resin film and the transparent resin layer exhibited the effect of protecting the reversible thermochromic layer from external factors such as abrasion, so that the durability of the reversible thermochromic layer was excellent. Furthermore, the light stabilizer was contained in the adhesive layer, so that the deterioration and damage of the reversible thermochromic layer due to light was prevented, and the light resistance of the reversible thermochromic layer was also excellent. The above twisted yarn has an average particle diameter (D A ) is 4.6 μm, the amount of the microcapsule pigment blended per 100 parts by mass of the solid content of the binder resin is 96.8 parts by mass, and D / T (D A / T A′ ) was 0.307, the color change due to temperature change was more easily recognized, the product had a soft texture, and the reversible thermochromic layer had excellent durability and light resistance against external factors such as stress, abrasion, and light.

[0137] Example 3 Preparation of reversible thermochromic yarn (see Figure 4) The reversible thermochromic flat yarn B(2) was set in a twisting machine and twisted 180 times per meter of the flat yarn to produce the reversible thermochromic twisted yarn (1) with a twist in only one direction. The reversible thermochromic flat yarn B was easily handled when processed into twisted yarn because it had a suppressed curling tendency. The obtained twisted yarn had a soft feel and was suppressed in curling, and therefore had excellent handleability when applied to products, etc. The reversible thermochromic twisted yarn was pink at temperatures above 38° C. and purple at temperatures below 13° C., and maintained either of the above colors in the temperature range of 20 to 33° C. The color change due to temperature change was uniform and clearly visible over the entire surface of the twisted yarn, and the above change could be repeated. In addition, the adhesiveness between the reversible thermochromic layer and the transparent resin film, and between the reversible thermochromic layer and the transparent resin layer was excellent, no delamination occurred due to stress during twisting, and the transparent resin film and the transparent resin layer exhibited the effect of protecting the reversible thermochromic layer from external factors such as abrasion, so that the durability of the reversible thermochromic layer was excellent. Furthermore, the light stabilizer was contained in the adhesive layer, so that the deterioration and damage of the reversible thermochromic layer due to light was prevented, and the light resistance of the reversible thermochromic layer was also excellent. The above twisted yarn has an average particle diameter (D B ) is 10.0 μm, the amount of the microcapsule pigment blended per 100 parts by mass of the solid content of the binder resin is 153.8 parts by mass, and D / T (D B / T B ) of 0.500, the color change due to temperature change was more easily recognized, the material had a soft texture, and the reversible thermochromic layer had excellent durability and light resistance against external factors such as stress, abrasion, and light.

[0138] Example 4 Preparation of reversible thermochromic yarn (see Figure 4) The reversible thermochromic flat yarn B'(2) was set in a twisting machine and twisted 180 times per meter of the flat yarn to produce a reversible thermochromic twisted yarn (1) in a single-twist form in which the yarn was twisted only in one direction. The obtained twisted yarn had a soft feel. In addition, since the reversible thermochromic flat yarn B' was prevented from curling by processing into a twisted yarn, the obtained twisted yarn had excellent handling properties when applied to products, etc. The reversible thermochromic twisted yarn was iridescent pink at 38° C. or higher, iridescent purple at 13° C. or lower, and maintained either of the above colors in the temperature range of 20 to 33° C., satisfying the diversity of color changes. The color change accompanied by brilliance due to temperature change was uniform and clearly visible over the entire surface of the twisted yarn, and the above change could be repeated. In addition, the adhesiveness between the reversible thermochromic layer and the transparent resin film, and between the reversible thermochromic layer and the transparent resin layer was excellent, no delamination occurred due to stress during twisting, and the transparent resin film and the transparent resin layer exhibited the effect of protecting the reversible thermochromic layer from external factors such as abrasion, so that the durability of the reversible thermochromic layer was excellent. Furthermore, the light stabilizer was contained in the adhesive layer, so that the deterioration and damage of the reversible thermochromic layer due to light was prevented, and the light resistance of the reversible thermochromic layer was also excellent. The above twisted yarn has an average particle diameter (D B ) is 10.0 μm, the amount of the microcapsule pigment blended per 100 parts by mass of the solid content of the binder resin is 153.8 parts by mass, and D / T (D B / T B′ ) of 0.500, the color change due to temperature change was more easily recognized, the material had a soft texture, and the reversible thermochromic layer had excellent durability and light resistance against external factors such as stress, abrasion, and light.

[0139] Example 5 Preparation of reversible thermochromic twisted yarn (see Figure 5) As the thread (8), a transparent PET film (visible light transmittance: 99%) having a thickness of 12 μm was cut into 250 μm threads using a microslitter to obtain a flat thread (hereinafter sometimes referred to as a "transparent flat thread"). The reversibly thermochromic flat yarn A'(2) and the transparent flat yarn (8) were set in a twisting machine and twisted 250 times per meter of the flat yarn to produce the reversibly thermochromic twisted yarn (1) with a twist in only one direction. The reversibly thermochromic flat yarn A had a suppressed curling tendency, so it was easy to handle when processing it into a twisted yarn. The obtained twisted yarn had a soft feel and was excellent in durability and heat resistance as a twisted yarn. Furthermore, by making the widths of the reversibly thermochromic flat yarn and the transparent flat yarn the same, when the respective flat yarns were aligned and twisted, the wide surface of the reversibly thermochromic flat yarn and the wide surface of the transparent flat yarn were in close contact with each other, and the durability as a twisted yarn could be further improved. Furthermore, the twisted yarn had excellent handling properties when applied to products, etc., because curling was suppressed. The reversible thermochromic twisted yarn was colorless at 38° C. or higher, pink at 14° C. or lower, and maintained any of the above colors in the temperature range of 20 to 33° C. In addition, the yarn twisted together with the reversible thermochromic flat yarn was made of a transparent resin film, and the reversible thermochromic flat yarn was visible from the transparent flat yarn side, so the visibility of the color change due to temperature change was not impaired and was uniformly and clearly visible over the entire surface of the twisted yarn. The above changes could be repeated. In addition, the adhesiveness between the reversible thermochromic layer and the transparent resin film, and between the reversible thermochromic layer and the transparent resin layer was excellent, no delamination occurred due to stress during twisting, and the transparent resin film and the transparent resin layer exhibited the effect of protecting the reversible thermochromic layer from external factors such as abrasion, so that the durability of the reversible thermochromic layer was excellent. Furthermore, the light stabilizer was contained in the adhesive layer, so that the deterioration and damage of the reversible thermochromic layer due to light was prevented, and the light resistance of the reversible thermochromic layer was also excellent. The above twisted yarn has an average particle diameter (D A ) is 4.6 μm, the amount of the microcapsule pigment blended per 100 parts by mass of the solid content of the binder resin is 96.8 parts by mass, and D / T (D A / T A′ ) was 0.307, the color change due to temperature change was more easily recognized, the product had a soft texture, and the reversible thermochromic layer had excellent durability and light resistance against external factors such as stress, abrasion, and light.

[0140] Example 6 Preparation of reversible thermochromic twisted yarn (see Figure 5) As the thread (8), an opaque holographic resin film (visible light transmittance: 0%) having a thickness of 15 μm was cut into 250 μm threads using a microslitter to obtain an opaque holographic flat thread (hereinafter sometimes referred to as "shiny flat thread"). The reversible thermochromic flat yarn A'(2) and the glittering flat yarn (8) were set in a twisting machine and twisted 250 times per meter of the flat yarn to produce the reversible thermochromic twisted yarn (1) with a twist in only one direction. The reversible thermochromic flat yarn A' was easily handled when processed into twisted yarn because it had a suppressed curling tendency. The obtained twisted yarn had a soft feel and excellent durability as a twisted yarn. Furthermore, the twisted yarn had reduced curling and was therefore easy to handle when used in products. In the case of the reversible thermochromic twisted yarn, the reversible thermochromic flat yarn was colorless at 38°C or higher, and only the holographic property due to the glittering flat yarn was visible. At 14°C or lower, the pink reversible thermochromic flat yarn and the glittering flat yarn were visible as a holographic pink color, and in the temperature range of 20 to 33°C, any of the above-mentioned aspects were maintained, satisfying the diversity of color changes. The above changes could be repeated. In addition, by making the widths of the reversible thermochromic flat yarn and the glittering flat yarn the same, when the respective flat yarns were aligned and twisted, the wide surface of the reversible thermochromic flat yarn and the wide surface of the glittering flat yarn were in close contact with each other, improving the durability of the twisted yarn and further improving the visibility of the color change accompanied by glittering due to temperature change. In addition, the adhesiveness between the reversible thermochromic layer and the transparent resin film, and between the reversible thermochromic layer and the transparent resin layer was excellent, no delamination occurred due to stress during twisting, and the transparent resin film and the transparent resin layer exhibited the effect of protecting the reversible thermochromic layer from external factors such as abrasion, so that the durability of the reversible thermochromic layer was excellent. Furthermore, the light stabilizer was contained in the adhesive layer, so that the deterioration and damage of the reversible thermochromic layer due to light was prevented, and the light resistance of the reversible thermochromic layer was also excellent. The above twisted yarn has an average particle diameter (D A ) is 4.6 μm, the amount of the microcapsule pigment blended per 100 parts by mass of the solid content of the binder resin is 96.8 parts by mass, and D / T (D A / T A′ ) was 0.307, the color change due to temperature change was more easily recognized, the product had a soft texture, and the reversible thermochromic layer had excellent durability and light resistance against external factors such as stress, abrasion, and light.

[0141] Example 7 Preparation of reversible thermochromic twisted yarn (see Figure 5) As the thread (8), a transparent pearlescent resin film (manufactured by BASF: product name: AURORA 8181RG) having a thickness of 18 μm (visible light transmittance: 70%) was cut into 250 μm threads using a microslitter to obtain a transparent pearlescent flat thread (hereinafter sometimes referred to as "shiny flat thread"). The reversible thermochromic flat yarn B (2) and the glittering flat yarn (8) were set in a twisting machine and twisted 250 times per meter of the flat yarn to produce the reversible thermochromic twisted yarn (1) in a one-sided twist form in which the yarn was twisted only in one direction. The reversible thermochromic flat yarn B was easily handled when processed into twisted yarn because it had reduced curling. The obtained twisted yarn had a soft feel and excellent durability as a twisted yarn. Furthermore, the twisted yarn had reduced curling and was therefore easy to handle when used in products. At 38°C or higher, the reversible thermochromic twisted yarn was visually recognized as a pink color having a pearlescent luster due to the pink reversible thermochromic flat yarn and the glittering flat yarn, and at 13°C or lower, the reversible thermochromic twisted yarn was visually recognized as a purple color having a pearlescent luster due to the purple reversible thermochromic flat yarn and the glittering flat yarn, and maintained any of the above colors in the temperature range of 20 to 33°C, satisfying the diversity of color changes. In addition, since the yarn twisted together with the reversible thermochromic flat yarn was made of a transparent pearlescent resin film and the reversible thermochromic flat yarn was visible from the glittering flat yarn side, the visibility of the color change accompanied by the glittering due to temperature change was not impaired, and was visually recognized uniformly and clearly over the entire surface of the twisted yarn. The above changes could be repeated. In addition, the adhesiveness between the reversible thermochromic layer and the transparent resin film, and between the reversible thermochromic layer and the transparent resin layer was excellent, no delamination occurred due to stress during twisting, and the transparent resin film and the transparent resin layer exhibited the effect of protecting the reversible thermochromic layer from external factors such as abrasion, so that the durability of the reversible thermochromic layer was excellent. Furthermore, the light stabilizer was contained in the adhesive layer, so that the deterioration and damage of the reversible thermochromic layer due to light was prevented, and the light resistance of the reversible thermochromic layer was also excellent. The above twisted yarn has an average particle diameter (D B) is 10.0 μm, the amount of the microcapsule pigment blended per 100 parts by mass of the solid content of the binder resin is 153.8 parts by mass, and D / T (D B / T B ) of 0.500, the color change due to temperature change was more easily recognized, the material had a soft texture, and the reversible thermochromic layer had excellent durability and light resistance against external factors such as stress, abrasion, and light.

[0142] Example 8 Preparation of reversible thermochromic twisted yarn (see Figure 5) As the thread (8), a transparent iridescent resin film having a thickness of 18 μm (manufactured by ENGELHARD, product name: IRIDESCNT FILM IF-8181 R / G) (visible light transmittance: 75%) was cut into a thread shape of 375 μm using a microslitter to obtain a transparent iridescent flat thread (hereinafter sometimes referred to as "shiny flat thread"). The reversible thermochromic flat yarn B (2) and the glittering flat yarn (8) were set in a twisting machine and twisted 180 times per meter of the flat yarn to produce the reversible thermochromic twisted yarn (1) with a twist in only one direction. The reversible thermochromic flat yarn B was easily handled when processed into twisted yarn because it had a suppressed curling tendency. The obtained twisted yarn had a soft feel and excellent durability as a twisted yarn. Furthermore, since the twisted yarn had a suppressed tendency to curl, the obtained twisted yarn had excellent handleability when applied to products, etc. At 38°C or higher, the reversible thermochromic twisted yarn was visually recognized as a pink color with iridescence due to the pink reversible thermochromic flat yarn and the glittering flat yarn, and at 13°C or lower, the reversible thermochromic twisted yarn was visually recognized as a purple color with iridescence due to the purple reversible thermochromic layer and the glittering flat yarn, and maintained any of the above colors in the temperature range of 20 to 33°C, satisfying the diversity of color changes. In addition, the yarn twisted together with the reversible thermochromic flat yarn was made of a transparent iridescent resin film, and the reversible thermochromic flat yarn was visually recognized from the glittering flat yarn side, so the visibility of the color change accompanied by glittering due to temperature change was not impaired, and was visually recognized uniformly and clearly over the entire surface of the twisted yarn. The above changes could be repeated. In addition, by making the widths of the reversible thermochromic flat yarn and the glossy flat yarn the same, when the respective flat yarns are pulled together and twisted, the wide surfaces of the reversible thermochromic flat yarn and the glossy flat yarn come into close contact with each other, improving the durability of the twisted yarn and further improving the visibility of the color change accompanied by gloss due to temperature change. In addition, the adhesiveness between the reversible thermochromic layer and the transparent resin film, and between the reversible thermochromic layer and the transparent resin layer was excellent, no delamination occurred due to stress during twisting, and the transparent resin film and the transparent resin layer exhibited the effect of protecting the reversible thermochromic layer from external factors such as abrasion, so that the durability of the reversible thermochromic layer was excellent. Furthermore, the light stabilizer was contained in the adhesive layer, so that the deterioration and damage of the reversible thermochromic layer due to light was prevented, and the light resistance of the reversible thermochromic layer was also excellent. The above twisted yarn has an average particle diameter (D B ) is 10.0 μm, the amount of the microcapsule pigment blended per 100 parts by mass of the solid content of the binder resin is 153.8 parts by mass, and D / T (D B / T B ) of 0.500, the color change due to temperature change was more easily recognized, the material had a soft texture, and the reversible thermochromic layer had excellent durability and light resistance against external factors such as stress, abrasion, and light.

[0143] Example 9 Preparation of reversible thermochromic twisted yarn (see Figure 5) As the thread (8), a transparent iridescent resin film having a thickness of 18 μm (manufactured by ENGELHARD, product name: IRIDESCNT FILM IF-8181 R / G) (visible light transmittance: 75%) was cut into a thread shape of 375 μm using a microslitter to obtain a transparent iridescent flat thread (hereinafter sometimes referred to as "shiny flat thread"). The reversible thermochromic flat yarn B' (2) and the yarn (lustrous flat yarn) (8) were set in a twisting machine and twisted 180 times per meter of the flat yarn to produce a reversible thermochromic twisted yarn (1) in a one-sided twist form in which the yarn was twisted only in one direction. The obtained twisted yarn had a soft feel and was excellent in durability as a twisted yarn. In addition, the reversible thermochromic flat yarn B' was prevented from curling by processing into a twisted yarn, so the twisted yarn had excellent handling properties when applied to products, etc. The reversible thermochromic twisted yarn was pink with iridescence at 38°C or higher, purple with iridescence at 13°C or lower, and maintained any of the above colors in the temperature range of 20 to 33°C, satisfying the diversity of color changes. In addition, the yarn twisted together with the reversible thermochromic flat yarn was made of a transparent iridescent resin film, and the reversible thermochromic flat yarn was visible from the shiny flat yarn side, so the visibility of the color change accompanied by the shiny due to temperature change was not impaired and was uniformly and clearly visible over the entire surface of the twisted yarn. Furthermore, since the transparent resin layer and the shiny flat yarn were made of the same transparent iridescent resin film, and the optical properties exhibited by the reversible thermochromic flat yarn and the shiny flat yarn were the same, the shiny (pearl luster) was strongly visible. The above changes could be repeated. In addition, by making the widths of the reversible thermochromic flat yarn and the glossy flat yarn the same, when the respective flat yarns are pulled together and twisted, the wide surfaces of the reversible thermochromic flat yarn and the glossy flat yarn come into close contact with each other, improving the durability of the twisted yarn and further improving the visibility of the color change accompanied by gloss due to temperature change. In addition, the adhesiveness between the reversible thermochromic layer and the transparent resin film, and between the reversible thermochromic layer and the transparent resin layer was excellent, no delamination occurred due to stress during twisting, and the transparent resin film and the transparent resin layer exhibited the effect of protecting the reversible thermochromic layer from external factors such as abrasion, so that the durability of the reversible thermochromic layer was excellent. Furthermore, the light stabilizer was contained in the adhesive layer, so that the deterioration and damage of the reversible thermochromic layer due to light was prevented, and the light resistance of the reversible thermochromic layer was also excellent. The above twisted yarn has an average particle diameter (D B ) is 10.0 μm, the amount of the microcapsule pigment to be mixed with respect to 100 parts by mass of the solid content of the binder resin is 153.8 parts, and D / T (D B / T B′ ) of 0.500, the color change due to temperature change was more easily recognized, the material had a soft texture, and the reversible thermochromic layer had excellent durability and light resistance against external factors such as stress, abrasion, and light.

[0144] Example 10 Preparation of reversible thermochromic yarn (see Figure 6) The reversible thermochromic flat yarn B (2) and a transparent polyester fiber with a circular cross section as the yarn (8) were set in a twisting machine, and the above yarn was used as a core yarn and twisted so that the reversible thermochromic flat yarn B was arranged around the core yarn to produce a reversible thermochromic twisted yarn (1) in a circular twist form. The reversible thermochromic flat yarn B was easily handled when processed into a twisted yarn because the curling tendency was suppressed. The obtained twisted yarn had a soft feel and was excellent in durability as a twisted yarn. In addition, the above twisted yarn has the reversibly thermochromic flat yarn wound tightly so that the core yarn is not visible from the surroundings, and since the cross-sectional shape of the core yarn is a perfect circle, when the reversibly thermochromic flat yarn is arranged around the core yarn, the outer surface of the core yarn and the wide surface of the reversibly thermochromic flat yarn are in close contact with each other, thereby improving the durability of the twisted yarn. Furthermore, the twisted yarn has excellent handling properties when applied to products, etc., because the curling of the twisted yarn is suppressed. The reversible thermochromic twisted yarn was pink at temperatures above 38° C. and purple at temperatures below 13° C., and maintained either of the above colors in the temperature range of 20 to 33° C. The color change due to temperature change was uniform and clearly visible over the entire surface of the twisted yarn, and the above change could be repeated. In addition, the adhesiveness between the reversible thermochromic layer and the transparent resin film, and between the reversible thermochromic layer and the transparent resin layer was excellent, no delamination occurred due to stress during twisting, and the transparent resin film and the transparent resin layer exhibited the effect of protecting the reversible thermochromic layer from external factors such as abrasion, so that the durability of the reversible thermochromic layer was excellent. Furthermore, the light stabilizer was contained in the adhesive layer, so that the deterioration and damage of the reversible thermochromic layer due to light was prevented, and the light resistance of the reversible thermochromic layer was also excellent. The above twisted yarn has an average particle diameter (D B ) is 10.0 μm, the amount of the microcapsule pigment blended per 100 parts by mass of the solid content of the binder resin is 153.8 parts by mass, and D / T (D B / T B ) of 0.500, the color change due to temperature change was more easily recognized, the material had a soft texture, and the reversible thermochromic layer had excellent durability and light resistance against external factors such as stress, abrasion, and light.

[0145] Example 11 Preparation of reversible thermochromic twisted yarn A metallic luster liquid composition, which is a paint used for spray painting, was prepared by uniformly mixing 1 part of a two-layer coated transparent metallic luster pigment (manufactured by Merck Ltd., product name: Miraval 5423 Magic Lilac), which has a borosilicate glass core material, the surface of which is coated with silicon dioxide and then with titanium oxide, into a vehicle consisting of 45 parts of a resin solution in which 20% vinyl chloride-vinyl acetate resin is dissolved in methyl isobutyl ketone, 20 parts of xylene, and 20 parts of methyl isobutyl ketone. The yarn was prepared by spray painting the above-mentioned paint on the entire surface of a transparent polyester fiber having a circular cross-sectional shape and drying the same to obtain a transparent polyester fiber provided with a metallic luster layer (hereinafter sometimes referred to as "lustrous yarn"). The reversible thermochromic flat yarn B and a yarn (transparent polyester fiber with a metallic luster layer) were set in a twisting machine, and the above-mentioned yarn was used as a core yarn and twisted so that the reversible thermochromic flat yarn B was arranged around the core yarn to produce a reversible thermochromic twisted yarn in an accordion-twisted form. The reversible thermochromic flat yarn B was easily handled when processed into a twisted yarn because it had a suppressed curling tendency. The obtained twisted yarn had a soft feel and excellent durability as a twisted yarn. In addition, since the cross-sectional shape of the core yarn is a perfect circle, when the reversible thermochromic flat yarn is provided around the core yarn, the outer surface of the core yarn and the wide surface of the reversible thermochromic flat yarn are in close contact with each other, thereby improving the durability of the twisted yarn. Furthermore, the twisted yarn has excellent handling properties when applied to products, etc., because the curling of the twisted yarn is suppressed. At 38°C or higher, the reversible thermochromic twisted yarn was pink, and the pink color was visible where the reversible thermochromic twisted yarn was wound, and the pink color with metallic luster was visible where the reversible thermochromic twisted yarn was not wound. At 13°C or lower, the reversible thermochromic twisted yarn was purple, and the purple color was visible where the reversible thermochromic twisted yarn was wound, and the purple color with metallic luster was visible where the reversible thermochromic twisted yarn was not wound. This is because the reversible thermochromic twisted yarn was visible through the core yarn due to its transparency, and the color change due to temperature change was uniformly and clearly visible over the entire surface of the twisted yarn, and the pink color with metallic luster was visible where the reversible thermochromic twisted yarn was not wound, which was given the metallic luster by the glittering yarn. In the temperature range of 20 to 33° C., any one of the above colors was maintained, satisfying the diversity of color changes. The above changes could be repeated. In addition, the adhesiveness between the reversible thermochromic layer and the transparent resin film, and between the reversible thermochromic layer and the transparent resin layer was excellent, no delamination occurred due to stress during twisting, and the transparent resin film and the transparent resin layer exhibited the effect of protecting the reversible thermochromic layer from external factors such as abrasion, so that the durability of the reversible thermochromic layer was excellent. Furthermore, the light stabilizer was contained in the adhesive layer, so that the deterioration and damage of the reversible thermochromic layer due to light was prevented, and the light resistance of the reversible thermochromic layer was also excellent. The above twisted yarn has an average particle diameter (D B ) is 10.0 μm, the amount of the microcapsule pigment blended per 100 parts by mass of the solid content of the binder resin is 153.8 parts by mass, and D / T (D B / T B ) of 0.500, the color change due to temperature change was more easily recognized, the material had a soft texture, and the reversible thermochromic layer had excellent durability and light resistance against external factors such as stress, abrasion, and light.

[0146] Example 12 Preparation of reversible thermochromic yarn (see Figure 6) The reversible thermochromic flat yarn B'(2) and a transparent polyester fiber having a circular cross section as the yarn (8) were set in a twisting machine, and the above yarn was used as a core yarn. The reversible thermochromic flat yarn B was twisted around the core yarn so that the transparent resin layer (transparent iridescent resin film) of the reversible thermochromic flat yarn B was on the surface, to produce a reversible thermochromic twisted yarn (1) in a circular twist form. The obtained twisted yarn had a soft feel and was excellent in durability as a twisted yarn. In addition, the above twisted yarn has the reversibly thermochromic flat yarn wound tightly so that the core yarn is not visible from the surroundings, and since the cross-sectional shape of the core yarn is a perfect circle, when the reversibly thermochromic flat yarn is provided on the outside of the core yarn, the outer surface of the core yarn and the wide surface of the reversibly thermochromic flat yarn are in close contact with each other, thereby improving the durability of the twisted yarn. Furthermore, since the reversibly thermochromic flat yarn B' is suppressed in curling by processing it into a twisted yarn, the obtained twisted yarn has excellent handleability when applied to products, etc. The reversible thermochromic twisted yarn was iridescent pink at 38° C. or higher, iridescent purple at 13° C. or lower, and maintained either of the above colors in the temperature range of 20 to 33° C., satisfying the diversity of color changes. The color change accompanied by brilliance due to temperature change was uniform and clearly visible over the entire surface of the twisted yarn, and the above change could be repeated. In addition, the adhesiveness between the reversible thermochromic layer and the transparent resin film, and between the reversible thermochromic layer and the transparent resin layer was excellent, no delamination occurred due to stress during twisting, and the transparent resin film and the transparent resin layer exhibited the effect of protecting the reversible thermochromic layer from external factors such as abrasion, so that the durability of the reversible thermochromic layer was excellent. Furthermore, the light stabilizer was contained in the adhesive layer, so that the deterioration and damage of the reversible thermochromic layer due to light was prevented, and the light resistance of the reversible thermochromic layer was also excellent. The above twisted yarn has an average particle diameter (D B ) is 10.0 μm, the amount of the microcapsule pigment blended per 100 parts by mass of the solid content of the binder resin is 153.8 parts by mass, and D / T (D B / T B′ ) of 0.500, the color change due to temperature change was more easily recognized, the material had a soft texture, and the reversible thermochromic layer had excellent durability and light resistance against external factors such as stress, abrasion, and light.

[0147] Example 13 Fabrication of fabric using reversible thermochromic twisted yarn The reversible thermochromic twisted yarn of Example 10 was used as the weft yarn, and the polyester fiber colored purple was used as the warp yarn. The twisted yarn was set on a loom to produce a plain weave reversible thermochromic fabric. The twisted yarn was easy to handle and easy to weave when producing the fabric because it had little curl. The fabric obtained had a soft feel and was durable. At temperatures above 38° C., the reversible thermochromic twisted yarn was pink, so that the fabric had a checkered pattern of alternating pink and purple colors, and at temperatures below 13° C., the entire fabric appeared purple, so that the reversible thermochromic twisted yarn was purple, and the fabric maintained either of the above appearances in the temperature range of 20 to 33° C. The above changes could be repeated. In addition, since the adhesiveness between the reversible thermochromic layer and the transparent resin film, and between the reversible thermochromic layer and the transparent resin layer is excellent, no delamination occurs due to stress during weaving, and the transparent resin film and the transparent resin layer exhibit the effect of protecting the reversible thermochromic layer, resulting in excellent durability of the reversible thermochromic layer. Furthermore, since the adhesive layer contains a light stabilizer, deterioration and damage of the reversible thermochromic layer due to light is prevented, and the light resistance of the reversible thermochromic layer is also excellent.

[0148] Example 14 Fabrication of hair extensions using reversible thermochromic yarn The reversible thermochromic twisted yarn of Example 5 was used to fabricate a hair extension (head ornament) by implanting it in a fastener in a conventional manner. The twisted yarn was easy to handle when fabricating the hair extension because it had little curl, and it was easy to implant it in the fastener. The resulting hair extension had a soft feel and was also highly durable. The hair extension was colorless at 38°C or higher, pink at 14°C or lower, and maintained any of the above colors in the temperature range of 20 to 33°C. In addition, the yarn twisted together with the reversible thermochromic flat yarn was a flat yarn (transparent flat yarn) made of a transparent resin film, and the reversible thermochromic flat yarn was visible from the transparent flat yarn side, so the visibility of the color change due to temperature change was not impaired and was uniformly and clearly visible throughout the entire hair extension. The above changes could be repeated. In addition, since the adhesiveness between the reversible thermochromic layer and the transparent resin film, and between the reversible thermochromic layer and the transparent resin layer is excellent, no delamination occurs due to stress during flocking, and the transparent resin film and the transparent resin layer exhibit the effect of protecting the reversible thermochromic layer, resulting in excellent durability of the reversible thermochromic layer. Furthermore, since the adhesive layer contains a light stabilizer, deterioration and damage of the reversible thermochromic layer due to light is prevented, and the light resistance of the reversible thermochromic layer is also excellent.

[0149] Example 15 Fabrication of a doll toy with hair using reversible thermochromic twisted yarn The reversible thermochromic twisted yarn of Example 3 was implanted on the head of a doll in a normal manner to produce a doll toy with hair made of the reversible thermochromic twisted yarn. The twisted yarn was easy to handle when producing the doll toy because it had little curl, and it could be easily implanted on the head of the doll toy. The hair obtained had a soft texture. The hair of the doll toy was pink above 38° C., purple below 13° C., and maintained either of the above colors in the temperature range of 20 to 33° C. The color change due to temperature change was uniform and clearly visible throughout the entire hair, and the above change could be repeated. In addition, since the adhesiveness between the reversible thermochromic layer and the transparent resin film, and between the reversible thermochromic layer and the transparent resin layer is excellent, no delamination occurs due to stress during flocking, and the transparent resin film and the transparent resin layer exhibit the effect of protecting the reversible thermochromic layer, resulting in excellent durability of the reversible thermochromic layer. Furthermore, since the adhesive layer contains a light stabilizer, deterioration and damage of the reversible thermochromic layer due to light is prevented, so that the light resistance of the reversible thermochromic layer is also excellent.

[0150] Example 16 Fabrication of hair extensions for dolls using reversible thermochromic yarn The reversible thermochromic twisted yarn of Example 8 was implanted in a fastener in a conventional manner to produce a hair extension for a doll toy, which was then attached to the hair of the doll toy. The twisted yarn was easy to handle when producing the hair extension because it had a suppressed tendency to curl, and could be easily implanted in the fastener. The obtained hair extension had a soft texture and was also highly durable. The hair extension for dolls was pink with iridescence at 38°C or higher, purple with iridescence at 13°C or lower, and maintained any of the above colors in the temperature range of 20 to 33°C, satisfying the diversity of color changes. In addition, the yarn twisted together with the reversible thermochromic flat yarn was a flat yarn (shiny flat yarn) made of a transparent iridescent resin film, and the reversible thermochromic flat yarn was visible from the shiny flat yarn side, so the visibility of the color change accompanied by the shine due to temperature change was not impaired, and was uniformly and clearly visible throughout the entire hair extension. The above changes could be repeated. In addition, since the adhesiveness between the reversible thermochromic layer and the transparent resin film, and between the reversible thermochromic layer and the transparent resin layer is excellent, no delamination occurs due to stress during flocking, and the transparent resin film and the transparent resin layer exhibit the effect of protecting the reversible thermochromic layer, resulting in excellent durability of the reversible thermochromic layer. Furthermore, since the adhesive layer contains a light stabilizer, deterioration and damage of the reversible thermochromic layer due to light is prevented, so that the light resistance of the reversible thermochromic layer is also excellent.

[0151] Example 17 Fabrication of animal-shaped toys with hair using reversible thermochromic yarn The reversible thermochromic twisted yarn of Example 12 was implanted in the tail of a horse-shaped animal-shaped toy in a conventional manner to produce an animal-shaped toy with hair made of the reversible thermochromic twisted yarn. The twisted yarn was easy to handle when producing the animal-shaped toy because it had little curl, and it could be easily implanted in the tail of the animal-shaped toy. The obtained hair had a soft texture and was also highly durable. The hair of the animal-shaped toy was pink with iridescence at temperatures above 38°C, purple with iridescence at temperatures below 13°C, and maintained either of the above colors in the temperature range of 20 to 33°C, satisfying the diversity of color changes. The color change accompanied by brilliance due to temperature change was uniform and clearly visible throughout the hair, and the above changes could be repeated. In addition, since the adhesiveness between the reversible thermochromic layer and the transparent resin film, and between the reversible thermochromic layer and the transparent resin layer is excellent, no delamination occurs due to stress during flocking, and the transparent resin film and the transparent resin layer exhibit the effect of protecting the reversible thermochromic layer, resulting in excellent durability of the reversible thermochromic layer. Furthermore, since the adhesive layer contains a light stabilizer, deterioration and damage of the reversible thermochromic layer due to light is prevented, so that the light resistance of the reversible thermochromic layer is also excellent.

[0152] Comparative Example 1 Preparation of reversible thermochromic flat yarn A″ A reversible thermochromic liquid composition, which is a printing ink used in screen printing, was prepared by uniformly mixing 30 parts of the reversible thermochromic microcapsule pigment A in a vehicle consisting of 60 parts of polyester resin emulsion (solid content: 50%), 1 part of a leveling agent, 1 part of an antifoaming agent, 0.5 parts of a viscosity modifier, 5 parts of water, and 2.5 parts of a carbodiimide-based curing agent (solid content: 40%). The transparent resin film was prepared by printing the reversible thermochromic liquid composition on one side of a 12 μm-thick transparent PET film (visible light transmittance: 99%) using a 120-mesh screen. The average thickness (T A″ The reversible thermochromic layer was formed so that the thickness of the layer was 15 μm. Next, a 12 μm thick transparent PET film (visible light transmittance: 99%) was placed as a transparent resin layer on the outer surface of the reversible thermochromic layer (the surface of the reversible thermochromic layer opposite the side on which the transparent resin film was provided), and heated at 110°C while pressed against the surface to produce a reversible thermochromic laminate. The above reversibly thermochromic laminate was cut into 250 μm threads using a microslitter to prepare reversibly thermochromic flat yarns (reversibly thermochromic flat yarns A″) having a thickness of 39 μm. The above-mentioned reversibly thermochromic laminate did not suffer any noticeable damage or scratches when cut with a microslitter. The obtained reversible thermochromic flat yarn A" reversibly changed from colorless at 38°C or higher to pink at 14°C or lower, and maintained either of the above colors in the temperature range of 20 to 33°C. The color change due to temperature change was visible over the entire surface of the flat yarn, and the above change could be repeated.

[0153] Reversible thermochromic flat yarn A" had poor adhesion between the reversible thermochromic layer and the transparent resin film, and between the reversible thermochromic layer and the transparent resin layer. When the flat yarn was set in a twisting machine and twisted 300 times per meter, delamination occurred due to stress, and it was not possible to produce a reversible thermochromic twisted yarn in a one-sided twist form in which the twist was applied in only one direction. Furthermore, the transparent resin film and transparent resin layer did not sufficiently protect the reversible thermochromic layer from external factors such as abrasion, and the durability of the reversible thermochromic layer was poor. Furthermore, since a layer containing a light stabilizer was not provided, deterioration and damage of the reversible thermochromic layer due to light was not prevented, and the light resistance of the reversible thermochromic layer was also poor.

[0154] Application example 1 Doll toy set A doll toy set was obtained by combining the doll toy of Example 15 with an applicator having a container containing cold water at 10° C. and a brush for directing the cold water from the container. When the reversible thermochromic layer was in the decolorized state, the hair of the doll toy was pink, and when cold water was applied with the applicator, the reversible thermochromic layer became colored, and the hair of the doll toy turned purple, and remained purple in a room temperature (20°C) environment. Furthermore, when the purple hair was held between both hands for a while and heated to 38°C or higher, the reversible thermochromic layer became colored, and the hair turned pink, and remained pink in a room temperature (20°C) environment. When cold water of 10°C was applied again with the applicator, the reversible thermochromic layer became colored, and the hair was able to turn purple. [Explanation of symbols]

[0155] 1. Reversible thermochromic yarn 2. Reversible thermochromic flat yarn 3. Transparent resin film 4 First transparent adhesive layer 5. Reversible thermochromic layer 6 Second transparent adhesive layer 7 Transparent resin layer 8. Thread 9 Adhesive layer

Claims

1. A reversible thermochromic twisted yarn comprising a reversible thermochromic flat yarn, the reversible thermochromic flat yarn comprising a transparent resin film and a first transparent adhesive layer, a reversible thermochromic layer in which a reversible thermochromic microcapsule pigment encapsulating a reversible thermochromic composition comprising at least (a) an electron-donating color-forming organic compound, (b) an electron-accepting compound, and (c) a reaction medium for controlling the color-changing reactions of (a) and (b) is dispersed and fixed in a binder resin, a second transparent adhesive layer, and a transparent resin layer, in that order, on one broad surface of the reversible thermochromic flat yarn; the first transparent adhesive layer and the second transparent adhesive layer contain a light stabilizer, The reversible thermochromic twisted yarn has an average particle size of 1 to 20 μm, and is obtained by blending the reversible thermochromic microencapsulated pigment in an amount of 90 to 160 parts by mass per 100 parts by mass of the solid content of the binder resin.

2. A reversible thermochromic twisted yarn as described in claim 1, wherein the transparent resin layer is a transparent resin film.

3. A reversible thermochromic twisted yarn according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the average thickness of the reversible thermochromic layer is 1 to 50 μm, and the average particle diameter (D) of the reversible thermochromic microcapsule pigment and the average thickness (T) of the reversible thermochromic layer satisfy the following formula (I): 0.002≦D / T<1 (I)

4. A reversible thermochromic twisted yarn comprising a reversible thermochromic flat yarn described in any one of claims 1 to 3 and a yarn.

5. A reversible thermochromic twisted yarn as described in claim 4, wherein the reversible thermochromic flat yarn is arranged around the yarn.

6. A reversible thermochromic twisted yarn as described in claim 4 or 5, wherein the yarn is a lustrous yarn having optical properties selected from metallic luster, pearl luster, holographic properties, iridescent properties, optical interference properties, and optical reflectivity.

7. A reversible thermochromic twisted yarn as described in claim 6, wherein the lustrous yarn is a transparent lustrous yarn that further has transparency.

8. A fabric made using the reversible thermochromic twisted yarn described in any one of claims 1 to 7.

9. A head ornament comprising the reversible thermochromic twisted yarn described in any one of claims 1 to 7.

10. A head ornament as described in claim 9, which is a hair wig or hair extension.

11. A toy comprising the reversible thermochromic twisted yarn described in any one of claims 1 to 7.

12. The toy of claim 11, wherein the toy is a doll, an animal-shaped toy, a stuffed animal, or an accessory thereof.

Images