Animal waste treatment materials

Abstract

To provide an animal excrement treating material which is difficult to absorb excrement and undergoes little change in appearance, such as discoloration, expansion, and cracking, caused by the excrement even when used for a long period of time. [Solution] An animal excrement treatment material comprising a plant-derived material as a main component, a binding resin, and a water repellent agent.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an animal waste treatment material. [Background technology]

[0002] Research is being conducted on materials for treating animal waste. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a pet excrement treatment material that contains 70 to 97% by weight of crushed plant-derived material and 3 to 30% by weight of synthetic resin, is formed into a predetermined shape, and has sufficient shape retention so that it does not collapse even when it absorbs water.

[0003] Furthermore, Patent Document 2 discloses a pet excrement treatment material whose main constituent base material is a pulverized plant-derived material, in which the water absorption rate measured by a specified water absorption measurement method is greater the third time than the first time, the third water absorption rate is 3 to 30 mass %, and the specific gravity before the first measurement is 0.8 to 1.2. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] JP 2002-84909 A [Patent Document 2] JP 2006-204249 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] Patent Documents 1 and 2 do not disclose the animal excrement treatment material according to the present disclosure. Therefore, an object of the present disclosure is to provide an animal excrement treatment material that is less likely to absorb excrement even when used over a long period of time, and that is less susceptible to changes in appearance, such as discoloration, expansion, or cracking, caused by the excrement. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The present inventors have discovered an animal excrement treatment material that is characterized by containing a plant-derived material as a main component, a binding resin, and a water repellent agent. Effect of the Invention

[0007] The animal excrement treatment material does not easily absorb excrement even when used for a long period of time, and is less susceptible to changes in appearance such as discoloration, swelling, and cracking caused by excrement. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram for explaining an example of how to use the animal excrement treatment material 3 according to the first embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0009] Specifically, the present disclosure relates to the following Groups A to E. The disclosure relating to Group A includes the following aspects. <Group A> [Aspect A1] A plant-derived material as a main component, a binder resin, and a water repellent agent; 1. An animal excrement treatment material comprising:

[0010] Generally, animal waste treatment materials that are primarily made from plant-derived materials tend to absorb animal waste and expand with use due to the nature of the plant-derived materials, and their appearance changes with use, such as discoloration, expansion, and cracking due to the waste, making them visually unpleasant.

[0011] The animal excrement treatment material is mainly composed of a plant-derived material and also contains a binding resin and a water repellent. Therefore, even if the animal excrement treatment material is used for a long period of time, the animal excrement treatment material is unlikely to expand due to absorption of excrement, and the appearance of the animal excrement treatment material is unlikely to change. As a result, users are unlikely to feel aversion to the animal excrement treatment material. Furthermore, before the animal excrement treatment material comes into contact with excrement, the animal excrement treatment material is unlikely to collapse even if pressure is applied during transportation, storage, etc.

[0012] [Aspect A2] The animal excrement treatment material according to aspect A1, comprising 80% by mass or more of the plant-derived material.

[0013] Since the animal waste treatment material contains a specified amount of plant-derived materials, the animal waste treatment material can be environmentally friendly and can contribute to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). In addition, since the animal waste treatment material contains a specified amount of plant-derived materials, used animal waste treatment materials tend to be easier to dispose of as combustible waste, depending on the rules of the local government. When the plant-derived material includes a woody plant-derived material, the animal waste treatment material contains a certain amount of natural essential oils contained in the woody plant-derived material, and therefore the animal waste treatment material has excellent deodorizing and antibacterial properties, etc.

[0014] [Aspect A3] The animal excrement treatment material according to aspect A1 or A2, comprising 0.5 to 20% by mass of the binding resin. Since the animal excrement treatment material contains a predetermined amount of the binding resin, even if the animal excrement treatment material is used for a long time, the animal excrement treatment material is unlikely to expand due to absorption of excrement, and the appearance of the animal excrement treatment material is unlikely to change. As a result, users are unlikely to feel disgusted by the animal excrement treatment material. Furthermore, before the animal excrement treatment material comes into contact with excrement, the animal excrement treatment material is unlikely to collapse even if pressure is applied during transportation, storage, etc.

[0015] [Aspect A4] The animal excrement treatment material according to any one of A1 to A3, comprising 0.5 to 3.5% by mass of the water repellent. Since the animal excrement treatment material contains a predetermined amount of the water repellent, even if the animal excrement treatment material is used for a long time, the animal excrement treatment material is unlikely to expand due to absorption of excrement, and the appearance of the animal excrement treatment material is unlikely to change. As a result, users are unlikely to feel disgusted by the animal excrement treatment material. Furthermore, before the animal excrement treatment material comes into contact with excrement, the animal excrement treatment material is unlikely to collapse even if pressure is applied during transportation, storage, etc.

[0016] [Aspect A5] The animal excrement treatment material according to any one of A1 to A4, further comprising 0.5 to 10.0% by mass of starch.

[0017] The animal excrement treatment material further contains a predetermined ratio of starch, which can increase the strength of the animal excrement treatment material before it absorbs excrement, making the animal excrement treatment material less likely to collapse and less likely to change in appearance when the animal excrement treatment material is subjected to the body pressure of an animal.

[0018] Generally, if an animal excrement treatment material contains a large amount of starch, there is a high possibility that the animal excrement treatment material will become spoiled (eg, moldy) due to the starch as the material is used. Since the animal excrement treatment material contains a predetermined amount of starch, the animal excrement treatment material is less likely to decay during use.

[0019] [Aspect A6] The animal excrement treatment material according to any one of Aspects A1 to A5, which does not contain a water-insoluble inorganic substance.

[0020] In general, animal excrement treatment materials often contain water-insoluble inorganic substances. By including water-insoluble inorganic substances in the animal excrement treatment materials, water resistance can be imparted to the animal excrement treatment materials. Since the animal excrement treatment material does not contain a water-insoluble inorganic substance, the bulk density can be lowered and the dusting on the surface of the animal excrement treatment material can be suppressed compared to when the animal excrement treatment material contains a water-insoluble inorganic substance. Furthermore, by suppressing the dusting on the surface, the animal excrement treatment material is less likely to absorb excrement and expand, and the appearance of the animal excrement treatment material is less likely to change.

[0021] [Aspect A7] The animal excrement treatment material according to any one of A1 to A6, which has a swelling rate of 7.0% or less in a water absorption test.

[0022] Since the animal excrement treatment material has a predetermined expansion rate, even if the animal excrement treatment material is used for a long time, the animal excrement treatment material is unlikely to expand due to absorption of excrement, and the appearance of the animal excrement treatment material is unlikely to change, so that users are unlikely to feel aversion to the animal excrement treatment material.

[0023] [Aspect A8] The animal excrement treatment material according to any one of A1 to A7, which has a water absorption rate of 66 mass % or less in a water absorption test.

[0024] Since the animal excrement treatment material has a predetermined water absorption rate, even if the animal excrement treatment material is used for a long time, the animal excrement treatment material is less likely to absorb excrement and the appearance of the animal excrement treatment material changes little, so that users are less likely to feel aversion to the animal excrement treatment material.

[0025] [Aspect A9] The animal excrement treatment material according to any one of A1 to A8, which has a post-water absorption disintegration rate of 0.6% by mass or less in a post-water absorption disintegration test.

[0026] The animal excrement treatment material has a predetermined disintegration rate after water absorption in a disintegration test after water absorption. Therefore, the animal excrement treatment material is less likely to generate dust when used. As a result, the animal excrement treatment material is less likely to soil a container that holds the animal excrement treatment material, such as a system toilet, when used.

[0027] [Aspect A10] The animal excrement treatment material according to any one of A1 to A9, which has a strength ratio of 27% or more in a strength ratio test.

[0028] The animal excrement treatment material has a predetermined strength ratio in a strength ratio test, and therefore when the animal body pressure is applied to the animal excrement treatment material after the animal excrement treatment material absorbs excrement, the animal excrement treatment material is less likely to collapse and the appearance of the animal excrement treatment material is less likely to change.

[0029] [Aspect A11] The animal excrement treatment material according to aspect A10, having a strength after water absorption of 38 N or more in the above strength ratio test.

[0030] The animal excrement treatment material has a predetermined strength after water absorption, and therefore when the animal excrement treatment material is subjected to the body pressure of an animal after it has started to be used, specifically after it has absorbed excrement, the animal excrement treatment material is less likely to collapse and its appearance is less likely to change.

[0031] [Aspect A12] The animal excrement treatment material according to aspect A10 or A11, having a strength before water absorption of 90N or more in the strength ratio test.

[0032] The animal excrement treatment material has a predetermined strength before water absorption, and therefore, when pressure is applied to the animal excrement treatment material before use, for example, during transportation or storage of the animal excrement treatment material, the animal excrement treatment material is less likely to collapse and the appearance of the animal excrement treatment material is less likely to change.

[0033] [Aspect A13] The animal excrement treatment material according to any one of A1 to A12, having a bulk density of 600 g / L or less.

[0034] The animal excrement treatment material has a predetermined bulk specific gravity. Therefore, the animal excrement treatment material reduces the load when moving the animal excrement treatment material before use (e.g., during transportation) and after use (e.g., when replacing or disposing of the material), and can contribute to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

[0035] [Aspect A14] The animal excrement treatment material according to any one of A1 to A13, which has a pre-water absorption disintegration rate of 0.053% by mass or less in a pre-water absorption disintegration test. The animal excrement treatment material is resistant to collapse even if pressure is applied thereto during transportation, storage, etc. before it comes into contact with excrement.

[0036] [Aspect A15] The animal excrement treatment material according to any one of A1 to A14, having a rewet amount of 0.15 g or less in a rewet test.

[0037] The animal excrement treatment material has a predetermined rewetting amount, so that after an animal excretes, the excrement is less likely to stick to the animal's legs, and as a result, the toilet and its surroundings, for example, the room, are less likely to be contaminated by the excrement.

[0038] <Group B> The disclosure relating to Group B aims to provide an animal excrement treatment material that is unlikely to expand when absorbing excrement and is unlikely to change in appearance even when used for a long period of time. In the disclosure relating to Group B, the animal excrement treatment material has the effect of being unlikely to expand due to absorption of excrement, and being unlikely to change in appearance, even when used for a long period of time.

[0039] [Aspect B1] The main component is a plant-derived material and contains a binder resin. In the water absorption test, the expansion rate is 7.0% or less. The animal excrement treatment material is characterized by the above.

[0040] Generally, animal waste treatment materials that are primarily made from plant-derived materials tend to absorb animal waste and expand with use due to the nature of the plant-derived materials, and their appearance changes with use, such as discoloration, expansion, and cracking due to the waste, making them visually unpleasant. The animal excrement treatment material is mainly composed of a plant-derived material, contains a binder resin, and has a predetermined expansion coefficient. Therefore, even if the animal excrement treatment material is used for a long period of time, the animal excrement treatment material is unlikely to expand due to absorption of excrement, and the appearance of the animal excrement treatment material is unlikely to change. As a result, users are unlikely to feel aversion to the animal excrement treatment material. Furthermore, before the animal excrement treatment material comes into contact with excrement, the animal excrement treatment material is unlikely to collapse even if pressure is applied during transportation, storage, etc.

[0041] [Aspect B2] The animal excrement treatment material according to aspect B1, which has a swelling rate of 6.0% or less in the water absorption test.

[0042] Since the animal excrement treatment material has a predetermined expansion rate, even if the animal excrement treatment material is used for a long time, the animal excrement treatment material is unlikely to expand due to absorption of excrement, and the appearance of the animal excrement treatment material is unlikely to change, so that users are unlikely to feel aversion to the animal excrement treatment material.

[0043] [Aspect B3] The animal excrement treatment material according to aspect B1 or B2, which has a retention rate of 98.0% by mass or more in the water absorption test.

[0044] Since the animal excrement treatment material has a predetermined retention rate, even if the animal excrement treatment material is used for a long period of time and animal excrement remains in the animal excrement treatment material, the animal excrement treatment material is less likely to disintegrate and is less likely to generate dust, which results in less soiling of the container that holds the animal excrement treatment material, such as a system toilet, when the animal excrement treatment material is used.

[0045] [Aspect B4] The animal excrement treatment material according to any one of Aspects B1 to B3, comprising 80% by mass or more of the plant-derived material.

[0046] Since the animal waste treatment material contains a specified amount of plant-derived materials, the animal waste treatment material can be environmentally friendly and can contribute to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). In addition, since the animal waste treatment material contains a specified amount of plant-derived materials, used animal waste treatment materials tend to be easier to dispose of as combustible waste, depending on the rules of the local government. When the plant-derived material includes a woody plant-derived material, the animal waste treatment material contains a certain amount of natural essential oils contained in the woody plant-derived material, and therefore the animal waste treatment material has excellent deodorizing and antibacterial properties, etc.

[0047] [Aspect B5] The animal excrement treatment material according to any one of Aspects B1 to B4, comprising 0.5 to 20% by mass of the binding resin. Since the animal excrement treatment material contains a binding resin at a specified ratio, the animal excrement treatment material can be environmentally friendly and can contribute to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Furthermore, before the animal excrement treatment material comes into contact with excrement, the animal excrement treatment material is less likely to disintegrate even if pressure is applied during transportation, storage, etc.

[0048] [Aspect B6] The animal excrement treatment material according to any one of Aspects B1 to B5, further comprising 0.5 to 3.5 mass % of a water repellent agent.

[0049] The animal excrement treatment material further contains a water-repellent material at a predetermined ratio, so that the strength and water repellency of the animal excrement treatment material can be balanced. As a result, even if the animal excrement treatment material is used for a long time, the animal excrement treatment material is less likely to absorb excrement and expand, and even if the animal's body pressure is applied, the animal excrement treatment material is less likely to collapse, and the appearance of the animal excrement treatment material is less likely to change. As a result, users are less likely to feel disgusted by the animal excrement treatment material. Furthermore, before the animal excrement treatment material comes into contact with excrement, the animal excrement treatment material is less likely to collapse even if pressure is applied during transportation, storage, etc.

[0050] [Aspect B7] The animal excrement treatment material according to any one of Aspects B1 to B6, further comprising 0.5 to 10.0% by mass of starch.

[0051] The animal excrement treatment material further contains a predetermined ratio of starch, which can increase the strength of the animal excrement treatment material before it absorbs excrement, making the animal excrement treatment material less likely to collapse and less likely to change in appearance when the animal excrement treatment material is subjected to the body pressure of an animal.

[0052] Generally, if an animal excrement treatment material contains a large amount of starch, there is a high possibility that the animal excrement treatment material will become spoiled (eg, moldy) due to the starch as the material is used. Since the animal excrement treatment material contains a predetermined amount of starch, the animal excrement treatment material is less likely to decay during use.

[0053] [Aspect B8] The animal excrement treatment material according to any one of Aspects B1 to B7, which does not contain a water-insoluble inorganic substance.

[0054] In general, animal excrement treatment materials often contain water-insoluble inorganic substances. By including water-insoluble inorganic substances in the animal excrement treatment materials, water resistance can be imparted to the animal excrement treatment materials. Since the animal excrement treatment material does not contain a water-insoluble inorganic substance, the bulk density can be lowered and the dusting on the surface of the animal excrement treatment material can be suppressed compared to when the animal excrement treatment material contains a water-insoluble inorganic substance. Furthermore, by suppressing the dusting on the surface, the animal excrement treatment material is less likely to absorb excrement and expand, and the appearance of the animal excrement treatment material is less likely to change.

[0055] Generally, when producing animal waste treatment materials by extrusion molding, if the plant-derived material contains woody plant-derived material and the animal waste treatment material contains water-insoluble inorganic substances, the pressure during extrusion molding must be increased, which increases the temperature during extrusion molding, and this can cause the essential oils contained in the woody plant-derived material to volatilize, potentially compromising the deodorizing, antibacterial, etc. properties of the essential oils. Since the animal waste treatment material does not contain water-insoluble inorganic substances, when it is produced by extrusion molding and when the plant-derived material contains woody plant-derived material, it can exert the effects of the essential oils contained in the woody plant-derived material, i.e., deodorizing and antibacterial properties.

[0056] [Aspect B9] The animal excrement treatment material according to any one of Aspects B1 to B8, which has a post-water absorption disintegration rate of 0.6% by mass or less in a post-water absorption disintegration test.

[0057] The animal excrement treatment material has a predetermined disintegration rate after water absorption in a disintegration test after water absorption. Therefore, the animal excrement treatment material is less likely to generate dust when used. As a result, the animal excrement treatment material is less likely to soil a container that holds the animal excrement treatment material, such as a system toilet, when used.

[0058] [Aspect B10] The animal excrement treatment material according to any one of Aspects B1 to B9, which has a strength ratio of 27% or more in a strength ratio test.

[0059] The animal excrement treatment material has a predetermined strength ratio in a strength ratio test, and therefore when the animal body pressure is applied to the animal excrement treatment material after the animal excrement treatment material absorbs excrement, the animal excrement treatment material is less likely to collapse and the appearance of the animal excrement treatment material is less likely to change.

[0060] [Aspect B11] The animal excrement treatment material according to aspect B10, which has a strength after water absorption of 38 N or more in the strength ratio test.

[0061] The animal excrement treatment material has a predetermined strength after water absorption, and therefore when the animal excrement treatment material is subjected to the body pressure of an animal after it has started to be used, specifically after it has absorbed excrement, the animal excrement treatment material is less likely to collapse and its appearance is less likely to change.

[0062] [Aspect B12] The animal excrement treatment material according to aspect B10 or B11, which has a strength before water absorption of 90N or more in the strength ratio test.

[0063] The animal excrement treatment material has a predetermined strength before water absorption, and therefore, when pressure is applied to the animal excrement treatment material before use, for example, during transportation or storage of the animal excrement treatment material, the animal excrement treatment material is less likely to collapse and the appearance of the animal excrement treatment material is less likely to change.

[0064] [Aspect B13] The animal excrement treatment material according to any one of Aspects B1 to B12, having a bulk density of 600 g / L or less.

[0065] The animal excrement treatment material has a predetermined bulk specific gravity. Therefore, the animal excrement treatment material reduces the load when moving the animal excrement treatment material before use (e.g., during transportation) and after use (e.g., when replacing or disposing of the material), and can contribute to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

[0066] [Aspect B14] The animal excrement treatment material according to any one of Aspects B1 to B13, which has a pre-water absorption disintegration rate of 0.053% by mass or less in a pre-water absorption disintegration test. The animal excrement treatment material is resistant to collapse even if pressure is applied thereto during transportation, storage, etc. before it comes into contact with excrement.

[0067] [Aspect B15] The animal excrement treatment material according to any one of Aspects B1 to B14, which has a rewet amount of 0.15 g or less in a rewet test.

[0068] The animal excrement treatment material has a predetermined rewetting amount, so that after an animal excretes, the excrement is less likely to stick to the animal's legs, and as a result, the toilet and its surroundings, for example, the room, are less likely to be contaminated by the excrement.

[0069] <Group C> The disclosure relating to Group C aims to provide an animal excrement treatment material that is less likely to absorb excrement and undergoes little change in appearance even when used for a long period of time. In the disclosure relating to Group C, the animal excrement treatment material has the effect of being less likely to absorb excrement even when used for a long period of time, and the appearance of the animal excrement treatment material changes little.

[0070] The disclosures relating to Group C include the following aspects. [Aspect C1] The main component is a plant-derived material, and also contains a water repellent and a binding resin. In a water absorption test, the water absorption rate is 66% by mass or less. The animal excrement treatment material is characterized by the above.

[0071] Animal waste treatment materials that are primarily made from plant-derived materials tend to absorb animal waste with use, and as a result, their appearance changes with use, resulting in discoloration, swelling, cracking, and other changes caused by the waste, which can be visually unpleasant for users. The animal excrement treatment material is mainly composed of a plant-derived material, contains a water repellent and a binding resin, and has a predetermined water absorption rate. Therefore, even if the animal excrement treatment material is used for a long period of time, the animal excrement treatment material is less likely to absorb excrement, and the appearance of the animal excrement treatment material changes little. As a result, users are less likely to feel disgusted by the animal excrement treatment material. Furthermore, before the animal excrement treatment material comes into contact with excrement, the animal excrement treatment material is less likely to collapse even if pressure is applied during transportation, storage, etc.

[0072] [Aspect C2] The animal excrement treatment material according to aspect C1, which has a water absorption rate of 30% by mass or less in the above water absorption test.

[0073] Since the animal excrement treatment material has a predetermined water absorption rate, even if the animal excrement treatment material is used for a long time, the animal excrement treatment material is less likely to absorb excrement, and the change in the appearance of the animal excrement treatment material is less, so that users are less likely to feel aversion to the animal excrement treatment material.

[0074] [Aspect C3] The animal excrement treatment material according to aspect C1 or C2, wherein the second water absorption rate measured by the following water absorption rate measurement method is greater for the third time than for the first time, and the third second water absorption rate is 5.0 mass% or less. [Second water absorption measurement method] The animal waste treatment material, which has previously been stored in a 40°C thermostatic chamber for 2 hours and dried, is then immersed in 25°C water for 3 seconds, and the water absorption rate is calculated according to the following formula between the amount of animal waste treatment material before immersion: a(g) and the amount of animal waste treatment material after immersion: b(g). For the second and subsequent measurements, immediately after each measurement, store the animal waste treatment material in a constant temperature bath at 40°C for 2 hours to dry it, and then similarly immerse it in water at 25°C for 3 seconds and calculate the water absorption rate according to the following formula. 2nd water absorption rate (mass%)=100×[(ba) / a]

[0075] Since the animal excrement treatment material has a predetermined second water absorption rate, even if the animal excrement treatment material is used for a long time, the animal excrement treatment material is less likely to absorb excrement, and the appearance of the animal excrement treatment material changes little, so that users are less likely to feel aversion to the animal excrement treatment material.

[0076] [Aspect C4] The animal excrement treatment material according to any one of Aspects C1 to C3, comprising 80% by mass or more of the plant-derived material.

[0077] The animal waste treatment material contains a specified amount of plant-derived materials, making it an environmentally friendly animal waste treatment material and contributing to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). In addition, since the animal waste treatment material contains a specified amount of plant-derived materials, used animal waste treatment materials tend to be easier to dispose of as combustible waste, depending on the rules of the local government. When the plant-derived material includes a woody plant-derived material, the animal waste treatment material contains a certain amount of natural essential oils contained in the woody plant-derived material, and therefore the animal waste treatment material has excellent deodorizing and antibacterial properties, etc.

[0078] [Aspect C5] The animal excrement treatment material according to any one of Aspects C1 to C4, comprising 0.5 to 20% by mass of the binding resin. Since the animal excrement treatment material contains a predetermined amount of binding resin, it can be an environmentally friendly animal excrement treatment material and can contribute to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Furthermore, before the animal excrement treatment material comes into contact with excrement, the animal excrement treatment material is less likely to disintegrate even if pressure is applied during transportation, storage, etc.

[0079] [Aspect C6] The animal excrement treatment material according to any one of Aspects C1 to C5, comprising 0.5 to 3.5% by mass of the water repellent.

[0080] The animal waste treatment material further contains a predetermined amount of water-repellent material, so that the strength and water repellency of the animal waste treatment material can be balanced. As a result, even if the animal waste treatment material is used for a long time, the animal waste treatment material is less likely to absorb excrement, and changes in appearance such as discoloration, expansion, and cracking due to excrement are reduced. In addition, even if the animal body pressure is applied, the material is less likely to collapse, and the appearance of the animal waste treatment material is less likely to change. As a result, users are less likely to feel aversion to the animal waste treatment material. Furthermore, before the animal waste treatment material comes into contact with excrement, the animal waste treatment material is less likely to collapse even if pressure is applied during transportation, storage, etc.

[0081] [Aspect C7] The animal excrement treatment material according to any one of Aspects C1 to C6, further comprising 0.5 to 10.0% by mass of starch.

[0082] The animal excrement treatment material further contains a predetermined amount of starch, which can increase the strength of the animal excrement treatment material before it absorbs excrement, making the animal excrement treatment material less likely to collapse and less likely to change in appearance when the animal excrement treatment material is subjected to the body pressure of an animal.

[0083] Generally, if an animal excrement treatment material contains a large amount of starch, there is a high possibility that the animal excrement treatment material will become spoiled (eg, moldy) due to the starch as the material is used. Since the animal excrement treatment material contains a predetermined amount of starch, the animal excrement treatment material is less likely to decay during use.

[0084] [Aspect C8] The animal excrement treatment material according to any one of Aspects C1 to C7, which does not contain a water-insoluble inorganic substance.

[0085] In general, animal excrement treatment materials often contain water-insoluble inorganic substances. By including water-insoluble inorganic substances in the animal excrement treatment materials, water resistance can be imparted to the animal excrement treatment materials. Since the animal excrement treatment material does not contain a water-insoluble inorganic substance, the bulk density can be lowered and the dusting on the surface of the animal excrement treatment material can be suppressed compared to when the animal excrement treatment material contains a water-insoluble inorganic substance. Furthermore, by suppressing the dusting on the surface, the animal excrement treatment material is less likely to absorb excrement and expand, and the appearance of the animal excrement treatment material is less likely to change.

[0086] [Aspect C9] The animal excrement treatment material according to any one of Aspects C1 to C8, which has a post-water absorption disintegration rate of 0.6% by mass or less in a post-water absorption disintegration test.

[0087] The animal excrement treatment material has a predetermined disintegration rate after water absorption in a disintegration test. Therefore, the animal excrement treatment material is less likely to generate dust when used. As a result, the animal excrement treatment material is less likely to soil a container that holds the animal excrement treatment material, such as a system toilet, when used.

[0088] [Aspect C10] The animal excrement treatment material according to any one of aspects C1 to C9, which has a strength ratio of 27% or more in a strength ratio test.

[0089] The animal excrement treatment material has a predetermined strength ratio in a strength ratio test, and therefore when the animal body pressure is applied to the animal excrement treatment material after the animal excrement treatment material absorbs excrement, the animal excrement treatment material is less likely to collapse and the appearance of the animal excrement treatment material is less likely to change.

[0090] [Aspect C11] The animal excrement treatment material according to aspect C10, having a strength after water absorption of 38 N or more in the strength ratio test.

[0091] The animal excrement treatment material has a predetermined strength after water absorption, and therefore when the animal excrement treatment material is subjected to the body pressure of an animal after it has started to be used, specifically after it has absorbed excrement, the animal excrement treatment material is less likely to collapse and its appearance is less likely to change.

[0092] [Aspect C12] The animal excrement treatment material according to aspect C10 or C11, having a pre-water absorption strength of 90N or more in the strength ratio test.

[0093] The animal excrement treatment material has a predetermined strength before water absorption, and therefore, when pressure is applied to the animal excrement treatment material before use, for example, during transportation or storage of the animal excrement treatment material, the animal excrement treatment material is less likely to collapse and the appearance of the animal excrement treatment material is less likely to change.

[0094] [Aspect C13] The animal excrement treatment material according to any one of Aspects C1 to C12, having a bulk density of 600 g / L or less.

[0095] The animal excrement treatment material has a predetermined bulk specific gravity. Therefore, the animal excrement treatment material reduces the load when moving the animal excrement treatment material before use (e.g., during transportation) and after use (e.g., when replacing or disposing of the material), and can contribute to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

[0096] [Aspect C14] The animal excrement treatment material according to any one of Aspects C1 to C13, which has a pre-water absorption disintegration rate of 0.053% by mass or less in a pre-water absorption disintegration test. The animal excrement treatment material is resistant to collapse even if pressure is applied thereto during transportation, storage, etc. before it comes into contact with excrement.

[0097] [Aspect C15] The animal excrement treatment material according to any one of Aspects C1 to C14, having a rewet amount of 0.15 g or less in a rewet test.

[0098] The animal excrement treatment material has a predetermined rewetting amount, so that after an animal excrements, the excrement is less likely to stick to the animal's legs, and as a result, the toilet and its surroundings, for example, the room, are less likely to be contaminated by the excrement.

[0099] <Group D> The disclosure relating to Group D aims to provide an animal excrement treatment material that is unlikely to expand when absorbing excrement and is unlikely to change in appearance even when used for a long period of time. In the disclosure relating to Group D, the animal excrement treatment material has the effect of being unlikely to expand due to absorption of excrement, and being unlikely to change in appearance, even when used for a long period of time.

[0100] The disclosures relating to Group D include the following aspects. [Aspect D1] Contains plant-derived materials as its main ingredient, In the water absorption test, the expansion rate is 7.0% or less. The animal excrement treatment material is characterized by the above.

[0101] Generally, animal waste treatment materials that are primarily made from plant-derived materials tend to absorb animal waste and expand with use due to the nature of the plant-derived materials, and their appearance changes with use, such as discoloration, expansion, and cracking due to the waste, making them visually unpleasant. The animal excrement treatment material is mainly composed of a plant-derived material and has a predetermined expansion rate. Therefore, even if the animal excrement treatment material is used for a long time, the animal excrement treatment material is unlikely to expand due to absorption of excrement, and the appearance of the animal excrement treatment material is unlikely to change. As a result, users are unlikely to feel aversion to the animal excrement treatment material.

[0102] [Aspect D2] The animal excrement treatment material according to aspect D1, having a swelling rate of 6.0% or less in the water absorption test.

[0103] Since the animal excrement treatment material has a predetermined expansion rate, even if the animal excrement treatment material is used for a long time, the animal excrement treatment material is unlikely to expand due to absorption of excrement, and the appearance of the animal excrement treatment material is unlikely to change, so that users are unlikely to feel aversion to the animal excrement treatment material.

[0104] [Aspect D3] The animal excrement treatment material according to aspect D1 or D2, which has a retention rate of 98.0% by mass or more in the water absorption test. Since the animal excrement treatment material has a predetermined retention rate, even if the animal excrement treatment material is used for a long period of time and animal excrement remains in the animal excrement treatment material, the animal excrement treatment material is less likely to disintegrate and is less likely to generate dust, which results in less soiling of the container that holds the animal excrement treatment material, such as a system toilet, when the animal excrement treatment material is used.

[0105] [Aspect D4] The animal excrement treatment material according to any one of Aspects D1 to D3, comprising 80% by mass or more of the plant-derived material.

[0106] Since the animal waste treatment material contains a specified amount of plant-derived materials, the animal waste treatment material can be environmentally friendly and can contribute to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). In addition, since the animal waste treatment material contains a specified amount of plant-derived materials, used animal waste treatment materials tend to be easier to dispose of as combustible waste, depending on the rules of the local government. When the plant-derived material includes a woody plant-derived material, the animal waste treatment material contains a certain amount of natural essential oils contained in the woody plant-derived material, and therefore the animal waste treatment material has excellent deodorizing and antibacterial properties, etc.

[0107] [Aspect D5] The animal excrement treatment material according to any one of Aspects D1 to D4, further comprising 0.5 to 20% by mass of a binding resin. Since the animal excrement treatment material further contains a specific ratio of binding resin, the animal excrement treatment material can be environmentally friendly and can contribute to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Furthermore, before the animal excrement treatment material comes into contact with excrement, the animal excrement treatment material is less likely to disintegrate even if pressure is applied during transportation, storage, etc.

[0108] [Aspect D6] The animal excrement treatment material according to any one of Aspects D1 to D5, further comprising 0.5 to 3.5% by mass of a water repellent agent.

[0109] The animal excrement treatment material further contains a water-repellent material at a predetermined ratio, so that the strength and water repellency of the animal excrement treatment material can be balanced. As a result, even if the animal excrement treatment material is used for a long time, the animal excrement treatment material is less likely to expand by absorbing excrement, and is less likely to collapse even when the body pressure of the animal is applied, so that the appearance of the animal excrement treatment material is less likely to change. As a result, users are less likely to feel aversion to the animal excrement treatment material. Furthermore, before the animal excrement treatment material comes into contact with excrement, the animal excrement treatment material is less likely to collapse even when pressure is applied during transportation, storage, etc.

[0110] [Aspect D7] The animal excrement treatment material according to any one of Aspects D1 to D6, further comprising 0.5 to 10.0% by mass of starch.

[0111] The animal excrement treatment material further contains a predetermined ratio of starch, which can increase the strength of the animal excrement treatment material before it absorbs excrement, making the animal excrement treatment material less likely to collapse and less likely to change in appearance when the animal excrement treatment material is subjected to the body pressure of an animal.

[0112] Generally, if an animal excrement treatment material contains a large amount of starch, there is a high possibility that the animal excrement treatment material will become spoiled (eg, moldy) due to the starch as the material is used. Since the animal excrement treatment material contains a predetermined amount of starch, the animal excrement treatment material is less likely to decay during use.

[0113] [Aspect D8] The animal excrement treatment material according to any one of Aspects D1 to D7, which does not contain a water-insoluble inorganic substance.

[0114] In general, animal excrement treatment materials often contain water-insoluble inorganic substances. By including water-insoluble inorganic substances in the animal excrement treatment materials, water resistance can be imparted to the animal excrement treatment materials. Since the animal excrement treatment material does not contain a water-insoluble inorganic substance, the bulk density can be lowered and the dusting on the surface of the animal excrement treatment material can be suppressed compared to when the animal excrement treatment material contains a water-insoluble inorganic substance. Furthermore, by suppressing the dusting on the surface, the animal excrement treatment material is less likely to absorb excrement and expand, and the appearance of the animal excrement treatment material is less likely to change.

[0115] Generally, when producing animal waste treatment materials by extrusion molding, if the plant-derived material contains woody plant-derived material and the animal waste treatment material contains water-insoluble inorganic substances, the pressure during extrusion molding must be increased, which increases the temperature during extrusion molding, and this can cause the essential oils contained in the woody plant-derived material to volatilize, potentially compromising the deodorizing, antibacterial, etc. properties of the essential oils. Since the animal waste treatment material does not contain water-insoluble inorganic substances, when it is produced by extrusion molding and when the plant-derived material contains woody plant-derived material, it can exert the effects of the essential oils contained in the woody plant-derived material, i.e., deodorizing and antibacterial properties.

[0116] [Aspect D9] The animal excrement treatment material according to any one of Aspects D1 to D8, which has a post-water absorption disintegration rate of 0.6% by mass or less in a post-water absorption disintegration test.

[0117] The animal excrement treatment material has a predetermined disintegration rate after water absorption in a disintegration test. Therefore, the animal excrement treatment material is less likely to generate dust when used. As a result, the animal excrement treatment material is less likely to soil a container that holds the animal excrement treatment material, such as a system toilet, when used.

[0118] [Aspect D10] The animal excrement treatment material according to any one of aspects D1 to D9, which has a strength ratio of 27% or more in a strength ratio test.

[0119] The animal excrement treatment material has a predetermined strength ratio in a strength ratio test, and therefore when the animal body pressure is applied to the animal excrement treatment material after the animal excrement treatment material absorbs excrement, the animal excrement treatment material is less likely to collapse and the appearance of the animal excrement treatment material is less likely to change.

[0120] [Aspect D11] The animal excrement treatment material according to aspect D10, having a strength after water absorption of 38 N or more in the above strength ratio test.

[0121] The animal excrement treatment material has a predetermined strength after water absorption, and therefore when the animal excrement treatment material is subjected to the body pressure of an animal after it has started to be used, specifically after it has absorbed excrement, the animal excrement treatment material is less likely to collapse and its appearance is less likely to change.

[0122] [Aspect D12] The animal excrement treatment material according to aspect D10 or D11, having a pre-water absorption strength of 90N or more in the strength ratio test.

[0123] The animal excrement treatment material has a predetermined strength before water absorption, and therefore, when pressure is applied to the animal excrement treatment material before use, for example, during transportation or storage of the animal excrement treatment material, the animal excrement treatment material is less likely to collapse and the appearance of the animal excrement treatment material is less likely to change.

[0124] [Aspect D13] The animal excrement treatment material according to any one of Aspects D1 to D12, having a bulk density of 600 g / L or less.

[0125] The animal excrement treatment material has a predetermined bulk specific gravity. Therefore, the animal excrement treatment material reduces the load when moving the animal excrement treatment material before use (e.g., during transportation) and after use (e.g., when replacing or disposing of the material), and can contribute to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

[0126] [Aspect D14] The animal excrement treatment material according to any one of Aspects D1 to D13, which has a pre-water absorption disintegration rate of 0.053% by mass or less in a pre-water absorption disintegration test. The animal excrement treatment material is resistant to collapse even if pressure is applied thereto during transportation, storage, etc. before it comes into contact with excrement.

[0127] [Aspect D15] The animal excrement treatment material according to any one of Aspects D1 to D14, having a rewet amount of 0.15 g or less in a rewet test.

[0128] The animal excrement treatment material has a predetermined rewetting amount, so that after an animal excrements, the excrement is less likely to stick to the animal's legs, and as a result, the toilet and its surroundings, for example, the room, are less likely to be contaminated by the excrement.

[0129] <Group E> The disclosure relating to Group E aims to provide an animal excrement treatment material that is less likely to absorb excrement even when used for long periods of time, and is less susceptible to changes in appearance, such as discoloration, swelling, or cracking, caused by the excrement. In the disclosure relating to Group E, the animal excrement treatment material has the effect of being less likely to absorb excrement even when used for a long period of time, and being less susceptible to changes in appearance such as discoloration, swelling, and cracking caused by excrement.

[0130] The disclosure relating to Group E includes the following aspects. [Aspect E1] Contains plant-derived materials as its main ingredient, In a water absorption test, the water absorption rate is 38% by mass or less. The animal excrement treatment material is characterized by the above.

[0131] Animal waste treatment materials that are primarily made from plant-derived materials tend to absorb animal waste with use, and as a result, their appearance changes with use, resulting in discoloration, swelling, cracking, and other changes caused by the waste, which can be visually unpleasant for users. The animal excrement treatment material is mainly composed of plant-derived materials and has a predetermined water absorption rate. Therefore, even if the animal excrement treatment material is used for a long time, the animal excrement treatment material is less likely to absorb excrement and the appearance of the animal excrement treatment material is less likely to change. As a result, users are less likely to feel aversion to the animal excrement treatment material.

[0132] [Aspect E2] The animal excrement treatment material according to aspect E1, which has a water absorption rate of 35% by mass or less in the above water absorption test.

[0133] Since the animal excrement treatment material has a predetermined water absorption rate, even if the animal excrement treatment material is used for a long time, the animal excrement treatment material is less likely to absorb excrement, and the change in the appearance of the animal excrement treatment material is less, so that users are less likely to feel aversion to the animal excrement treatment material.

[0134] [Aspect E3] The animal excrement treatment material according to aspect E1 or E2, wherein the second water absorption rate measured by the following water absorption rate measurement method is greater for the third time than for the first time, and the third second water absorption rate is 5.0 mass% or less. [Second water absorption measurement method] The animal waste treatment material, which has previously been stored in a 40°C thermostatic chamber for 2 hours and dried, is then immersed in 25°C water for 3 seconds, and the water absorption rate is calculated according to the following formula between the amount of animal waste treatment material before immersion: a(g) and the amount of animal waste treatment material after immersion: b(g). For the second and subsequent measurements, immediately after each measurement, store the animal waste treatment material in a constant temperature bath at 40°C for 2 hours to dry it, and then similarly immerse it in water at 25°C for 3 seconds and calculate the water absorption rate according to the following formula. 2nd water absorption rate (mass%)=100×[(ba) / a]

[0135] Since the animal excrement treatment material has a predetermined second water absorption rate, even if the animal excrement treatment material is used for a long time, the animal excrement treatment material is less likely to absorb excrement, and the appearance of the animal excrement treatment material changes little, so that users are less likely to feel aversion to the animal excrement treatment material.

[0136] [Aspect E4] The animal excrement treatment material according to any one of aspects E1 to E3, comprising 80% by mass or more of the plant-derived material.

[0137] The animal waste treatment material contains a specified amount of plant-derived materials, making it an environmentally friendly animal waste treatment material and contributing to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). In addition, since the animal waste treatment material contains a specified amount of plant-derived materials, used animal waste treatment materials tend to be easier to dispose of as combustible waste, depending on the rules of the local government. When the plant-derived material includes a woody plant-derived material, the animal waste treatment material contains a certain amount of natural essential oils contained in the woody plant-derived material, and therefore the animal waste treatment material has excellent deodorizing and antibacterial properties, etc.

[0138] [Aspect E5] The animal excrement treatment material according to any one of Aspects E1 to E4, further comprising 0.5 to 20% by mass of a binding resin. Since the animal excrement treatment material further contains a predetermined amount of binding resin, it can be an environmentally friendly animal excrement treatment material and can contribute to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Furthermore, before the animal excrement treatment material comes into contact with excrement, the animal excrement treatment material is less likely to disintegrate even if pressure is applied during transportation, storage, etc.

[0139] [Aspect E6] The animal excrement treatment material according to any one of aspects E1 to E5, further comprising 0.5 to 3.5% by mass of a water repellent agent.

[0140] The animal excrement treatment material further contains a predetermined amount of water-repellent material, so that the strength and water repellency of the animal excrement treatment material can be balanced. As a result, even if the animal excrement treatment material is used for a long time, the animal excrement treatment material is less likely to absorb excrement, the appearance of the animal excrement treatment material changes little, and the material is less likely to collapse even when the body pressure of the animal is applied, so that the appearance of the animal excrement treatment material is less likely to change. As a result, the user is less likely to feel aversion to the animal excrement treatment material. Furthermore, before the animal excrement treatment material comes into contact with excrement, the animal excrement treatment material is less likely to collapse even when pressure is applied during transportation, storage, etc.

[0141] [Aspect E7] The animal excrement treatment material according to any one of Aspects E1 to E6, further comprising 0.5 to 10.0% by mass of starch.

[0142] The animal excrement treatment material further contains a predetermined amount of starch, which can increase the strength of the animal excrement treatment material before it absorbs excrement, making the animal excrement treatment material less likely to collapse and less likely to change in appearance when the animal excrement treatment material is subjected to the body pressure of an animal.

[0143] Generally, if an animal excrement treatment material contains a large amount of starch, there is a high possibility that the animal excrement treatment material will become spoiled (eg, moldy) due to the starch as the material is used. Since the animal excrement treatment material contains a predetermined amount of starch, the animal excrement treatment material is less likely to decay during use.

[0144] [Aspect E8] The animal excrement treatment material according to any one of aspects E1 to E7, which does not contain a water-insoluble inorganic substance.

[0145] In general, animal excrement treatment materials often contain water-insoluble inorganic substances. By including water-insoluble inorganic substances in the animal excrement treatment materials, water resistance can be imparted to the animal excrement treatment materials. Since the animal excrement treatment material does not contain a water-insoluble inorganic substance, the bulk density can be lowered and the dusting on the surface of the animal excrement treatment material can be suppressed compared to when the animal excrement treatment material contains a water-insoluble inorganic substance. Furthermore, by suppressing the dusting on the surface, the animal excrement treatment material is less likely to absorb excrement and expand, and the appearance of the animal excrement treatment material is less likely to change.

[0146] [Aspect E9] The animal excrement treatment material according to any one of aspects E1 to E8, which has a post-water absorption disintegration rate of 0.6% by mass or less in a post-water absorption disintegration test.

[0147] The animal excrement treatment material has a predetermined disintegration rate after water absorption in a disintegration test. Therefore, the animal excrement treatment material is less likely to generate dust when used. As a result, the animal excrement treatment material is less likely to soil a container that holds the animal excrement treatment material, such as a system toilet, when used.

[0148] [Aspect E10] The animal excrement treatment material according to any one of aspects E1 to E9, which has a strength ratio of 27% or more in a strength ratio test.

[0149] The animal excrement treatment material has a predetermined strength ratio in a strength ratio test, and therefore when the animal body pressure is applied to the animal excrement treatment material after the animal excrement treatment material absorbs excrement, the animal excrement treatment material is less likely to collapse and the appearance of the animal excrement treatment material is less likely to change.

[0150] [Aspect E11] The animal excrement treatment material according to aspect E10, having a strength after water absorption of 38 N or more in the strength ratio test.

[0151] The animal excrement treatment material has a predetermined strength after water absorption, and therefore when the animal excrement treatment material is subjected to the body pressure of an animal after it has started to be used, specifically after it has absorbed excrement, the animal excrement treatment material is less likely to collapse and its appearance is less likely to change.

[0152] [Aspect E12] The animal excrement treatment material according to aspect E10 or E11, having a pre-water absorption strength of 90N or more in the strength ratio test.

[0153] The animal excrement treatment material has a predetermined strength before water absorption, and therefore, when pressure is applied to the animal excrement treatment material before use, for example, during transportation or storage of the animal excrement treatment material, the animal excrement treatment material is less likely to collapse and the appearance of the animal excrement treatment material is less likely to change.

[0154] [Aspect E13] The animal excrement treatment material according to any one of aspects E1 to E12, having a bulk density of 600 g / L or less.

[0155] The animal excrement treatment material has a predetermined bulk specific gravity. Therefore, the animal excrement treatment material reduces the load when moving the animal excrement treatment material before use (e.g., during transportation) and after use (e.g., when replacing or disposing of the material), and can contribute to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

[0156] [Aspect E14] The animal excrement treatment material according to any one of Aspects E1 to E13, which has a pre-water absorption disintegration rate of 0.053% by mass or less in a pre-water absorption disintegration test. The animal excrement treatment material is resistant to collapse even if pressure is applied thereto during transportation, storage, etc. before it comes into contact with excrement.

[0157] [Aspect E15] The animal excrement treatment material according to any one of aspects E1 to E14, having a rewet amount of 0.15 g or less in a rewet test.

[0158] The animal excrement treatment material has a predetermined rewetting amount, so that after an animal excrements, the excrement is less likely to stick to the animal's legs, and as a result, the toilet and its surroundings, for example, the room, are less likely to be contaminated by the excrement.

[0159] The disclosures of Groups A to E may be combined in any manner.

[0160] The animal excrement treatment material according to the present disclosure will be described in detail below. FIG. 1 is a diagram for explaining an animal excrement treatment material 3 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure (hereinafter referred to as the "first embodiment"), where the animal excrement treatment material 3 is provided in a system toilet 1.

[0161] The system toilet 1 includes an upper container 5 having a plurality of holes on its bottom surface, on which animal waste treatment materials 3 are laid, and a lower container 7 disposed below the upper container 5, on which an waste treatment sheet 9 is disposed. The bottom surface of the upper container 5 has a mesh-like structure having a plurality of holes (through holes). The structure of the bottom surface of the upper container 5 has a function of allowing liquid waste (e.g., urine) to pass through (drain water), that is, a drain function. In the first embodiment, the system toilet 1 further includes a cover 11 disposed above the upper container 5, which limits the entrances and exits of animals and prevents waste and animal waste treatment materials 3 from scattering.

[0162] In the system toilet 1, the animal waste treatment material 3 has a predetermined expansion rate in a water absorption test. Therefore, liquid waste (e.g., urine) excreted from an animal (e.g., a cat) passes through the animal waste treatment material 3 without being absorbed much by the animal waste treatment material 3, and is absorbed and held by the waste treatment sheet 9 located below the animal waste treatment material 3, and the animal waste treatment material 3 acts as a lid for the waste treatment sheet 9, preventing the bad odor of the excrement held by the waste treatment sheet 9 from diffusing.

[0163] In the system toilet 1, the animal waste treatment material 3 does not absorb excrement and form clumps, so the frequency of replacing the animal waste treatment material 3 can be reduced. Furthermore, even if an animal scratches the sand after excreting, excrement is less likely to stick to the animal's feet. Furthermore, in the system toilet 1, the bottom part of the upper container 5 on which the animal waste treatment material 3 is laid is arranged apart from the excrement treatment sheet 9, so even if an animal stands on the animal waste treatment material 3 after excreting, the excrement treatment sheet 9 is not subjected to the load of the animal's weight, and there is an advantage that the excrement absorbed by the excrement treatment sheet 9 is less likely to flow back.

[0164] Since the animal excrement treatment material 3 has a predetermined expansion rate in a water absorption test, it is difficult for it to expand by absorbing excrement. As a result, even if the animal excrement treatment material 3 is used for a long time, the animal excrement treatment material 3 is difficult to expand by absorbing excrement, and the appearance of the animal excrement treatment material 3 is difficult to change. In addition, since the animal excrement treatment material 3 has a predetermined maintenance rate in a water absorption test, even if the animal excrement treatment material 3 is used for a long time and animal excrement is retained in the animal excrement treatment material 3, the animal excrement treatment material 3 is difficult to disintegrate and the animal excrement treatment material 3 is difficult to generate dust.

[0165] Since the animal waste treatment material 3 has a predetermined water absorption rate in a water absorption test, even if the animal waste treatment material 3 is used for a long period of time, the animal waste treatment material 3 is less likely to absorb excrement, and there is less change in the appearance of the animal waste treatment material 3.

[0166] The animal waste treatment material according to the present disclosure includes a plant-derived material. As the plant-derived material, materials used as plant-derived materials in the technical field can be adopted without any particular limitation, and examples thereof include woody plant-derived materials and herbaceous plant-derived materials. Examples of the woody plant-derived materials include wood, bark, seeds, etc., and examples of the herbaceous plant-derived materials include grass, seeds, grain husks, etc. The woody plant-derived materials may be derived from coniferous trees or broad-leaved trees. Examples of the coniferous trees include cypress, Japanese cypress, Japanese cedar, Japanese sawara, asunaro, Taihi, Benihi, Nezuko, and Beihiba, etc. of the Cupressaceae family; Japanese cedar, Yakusugi, and Beisugi, etc. of the Pinaceae family; Japanese red pine, Japanese larch, Abies sachalinensis, Tsuga, and Fir, etc. of the Pinaceae family; Japanese cedar, Japanese cedar, and Japanese cedar. Examples of the broad-leaved trees include eucalyptus, camphor tree, China tree, and manuka. From the viewpoint of containing natural essential oils having excellent deodorant and bactericidal properties, the Cupressaceae, the Cedaraceae and the Pinaceae are preferred, the Cupressaceae are more preferred, and the Japanese cypress is even more preferred.

[0167] The plant-derived material may have a shape such as powder, granule, needle, plate, or a combination thereof, and is preferably powder from the viewpoint of moldability and handling. From the viewpoint of moldability and handling, the plant-derived material preferably has an average particle size of 0.01 mm or more, more preferably 0.05 mm or more, and even more preferably 0.07 mm or more, and preferably has an average particle size of 5 mm or less, more preferably 3 mm or less, and even more preferably 2 mm or less. The average particle size can be measured, for example, by using a multistage sieve shaker by the following method.

[0168] Sieves (Tokyo Screen Co., Ltd.) with nominal openings of 0.3 mm, 0.6 mm, 1 mm, 2.36 mm, and 3.35 mm are placed in that order on a multi-stage sieve shaker (Verder Scientific Co., Ltd., AS200 Basic), and 50 g of plant-derived material is placed on the 3.35 mm sieve located on the top stage and shaken. The shaking width is 1.2 mm, the vibration frequency is 3000 times / min, and the sieving time is 2 minutes. After shaking, the average particle size is calculated by multiplying the class value between each opening by the ratio.

[0169] The animal waste treatment material is mainly composed of the plant-derived material. The term "main component" means that the plant-derived raw material is the most abundant component of the animal waste treatment material by mass ratio. The animal waste treatment material according to the present disclosure contains the plant-derived material at a ratio of preferably more than 50% by mass, more preferably 60% by mass or more, even more preferably 70% by mass or more, even more preferably 80% by mass or more, even more preferably 83% by mass or more, and even more preferably 85% by mass or more. This makes the animal waste treatment material environmentally friendly and contributes to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). In addition, depending on the rules of the local government, the animal waste treatment material is easily disposed of as combustible waste. In the animal waste treatment material according to the present disclosure, the upper limit of the plant-derived material is 100 minus the amount (mass%) of the binding resin.

[0170] The animal waste treatment material according to the present disclosure preferably contains a binding resin. This makes it difficult for the animal waste treatment material to absorb excrement and expand, even when the animal waste treatment material is used for a long period of time, and the appearance of the animal waste treatment material is unlikely to change. In addition, even when the animal waste treatment material is used for a long period of time, the animal waste treatment material is unlikely to absorb excrement, and the appearance of the animal waste treatment material is unlikely to change. Furthermore, before the animal waste treatment material comes into contact with excrement, the animal waste treatment material is unlikely to collapse even when pressure is applied during transportation, storage, etc.

[0171] The above-mentioned binding resin can be any resin used in the art without any particular limitations, and examples thereof include thermoplastic resins. Examples of the above-mentioned thermoplastic resins include polyolefins such as polyethylene and polypropylene, polyesters such as polyethylene terephthalate, vinyl resins such as polyamide, polyvinyl chloride, and polystyrene, acrylic resins such as polyacrylic acid and polymethyl methacrylate, ethylene-propylene copolymers, polyvinyl acetate, ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymers, and polyvinyl alcohol. The above-mentioned binding resin preferably contains an ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer from the viewpoint of mixability with the above-mentioned plant-derived material.

[0172] When the animal excrement treatment material according to the present disclosure contains the binding resin, the melting point of the binding resin is preferably 60° C. or higher, more preferably 65° C. or higher, and even more preferably 70° C. or higher. When the animal excrement treatment material according to the present disclosure contains the binding resin, the melting point of the binding resin is preferably 160° C. or lower, more preferably 120° C. or lower, and even more preferably 80° C. or lower. The melting point of the binding resin can be appropriately adjusted, for example, by changing the molecular weight of the binding resin. This makes it easier to form the animal excrement treatment material according to the present disclosure while suppressing the denaturation of the plant-derived material and the decomposition of the binding resin.

[0173] When the animal excrement treatment material according to the present disclosure contains the binder resin, from the same viewpoint, the binder resin preferably has a melt flow rate (MFR) of 0.1 g / 10 min or more, more preferably 1 g / 10 min or more, and even more preferably 10 g / 10 min or more. Also, the binder resin preferably has a melt flow rate (MFR) of 200 g / 10 min or less, more preferably 100 g / 10 min or less, and even more preferably 50 g / 10 min or less. The melt flow rate can be measured under conditions of a load of 2.16 kg and a temperature of 230° C. in accordance with JIS K 7210-1:2014.

[0174] When the animal waste treatment material according to the present disclosure contains the binding resin, the animal waste treatment material contains the binding resin at a ratio of preferably 0.5% by mass or more, more preferably 2.0% by mass or more, even more preferably 4.0% by mass or more, even more preferably 6.0% by mass or more, and even more preferably 7.0% by mass or more. Also, the animal waste treatment material according to the present disclosure contains the binding resin at a ratio of preferably 40.0% by mass or less, more preferably 30.0% by mass or less, even more preferably 20.0% by mass or less, even more preferably 15.0% by mass or less, and even more preferably 10.0% by mass or less. This makes it possible to make the animal waste treatment material environmentally friendly and to contribute more to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

[0175] In addition, since the binding resin itself is a component that binds and masks the plant-derived materials, the binding resin itself is unlikely to have a negative effect on the expansion rate and water absorption rate. However, if the amount of binding resin increases, it becomes more difficult to apply pressure when forming the animal waste treatment material, for example during granulation, and voids are more likely to occur in the animal waste treatment material, which is likely to have a negative effect on the expansion rate, water absorption rate, etc. of the animal waste treatment material.

[0176] The animal excrement treatment material according to the present disclosure preferably contains a water repellent. When the animal excrement treatment material according to the present disclosure contains the water repellent, the animal excrement treatment material contains the water repellent at a ratio of preferably 0.5% by mass or more, more preferably 0.7% by mass or more, even more preferably 0.9% by mass or more, and even more preferably 1.0% by mass or more. When the animal excrement treatment material according to the present disclosure contains the water repellent, the animal excrement treatment material contains the water repellent at a ratio of preferably 3.5% by mass or less, more preferably 3.2% by mass or less, even more preferably 2.5% by mass or less, and even more preferably 2.0% by mass or less. This allows the strength and water repellency of the animal excrement treatment material to be balanced. Furthermore, before the animal excrement treatment material comes into contact with excrement, the animal excrement treatment material is less likely to collapse even if pressure is applied during transportation, storage, etc.

[0177] The water repellent can be present on the surface and / or inside of the animal excrement treatment material, and is preferably present inside the animal excrement treatment material, which allows the animal excrement treatment material to have excellent expansion rate, water absorption rate, etc. The water repellent can be present inside the animal excrement treatment material by kneading, for example, the components constituting the animal excrement treatment material, such as the plant-derived material, the water repellent, and optionally the binding resin.

[0178] As the water repellent, any water repellent used in the art can be used without any particular limitation, and examples thereof include liquid paraffin, paraffin wax, silicone wax, silicone oil, and oils and fats such as triglycerides.

[0179] The animal excrement treatment material according to the present disclosure has a swelling rate of preferably 7.0% or less, more preferably 6.0% or less, even more preferably 5.5% or less, even more preferably 5.0% or less, and even more preferably 4.5% or less in a water absorption test. As a result, even if the animal excrement treatment material is used for a long period of time, the animal excrement treatment material is less likely to absorb excrement and expand, and the appearance of the animal excrement treatment material is less likely to change. The lower limit of the swelling rate is 0.0%.

[0180] The animal waste treatment material according to the present disclosure has a water absorption rate of preferably 66% by mass or less, more preferably 50% by mass or less, even more preferably 40% by mass or less, even more preferably 38% by mass or less, even more preferably 35% by mass or less, even more preferably 30% by mass or less, even more preferably 28% by mass or less, and even more preferably 25% by mass or less in the water absorption test. As a result, even if the animal waste treatment material is used for a long time, the animal waste treatment material is less likely to absorb excrement, and the appearance of the animal waste treatment material is less likely to change. In addition, since the water absorption rate is within the above range, excrement, especially urine, tends to be less likely to remain on the surface of the animal waste treatment material. The lower limit of the water absorption rate is 0% by mass.

[0181] The animal excrement treatment material according to the present disclosure has a retention rate of preferably 98.0% by mass or more, more preferably 99.0% by mass or more, and even more preferably 99.5% by mass or more in the water absorption test. This makes the animal excrement treatment material less likely to disintegrate and less likely to generate dust, even when the animal excrement treatment material is used for a long period of time and animal excrement is retained in the animal excrement treatment material. The upper limit of the retention rate in the water absorption test is 100.0% by mass.

[0182] In this specification, the water absorption test is carried out as follows in a constant temperature and humidity chamber at a temperature of 25° C.±5° C. and a relative humidity of 65±5% RH, unless otherwise specified. (1) A sample of the animal excrement treatment material to be tested is left to stand in the above-mentioned temperature and humidity chamber for 24 hours. (2) After leaving the sample for 24 hours, the sizes of 100 different particles are measured, and the average initial size: L0 (mm) is measured. Note that, when the particles have a directional property, the size in the same direction is used, for example, when the animal waste treatment material has a substantially cylindrical shape, the diameter is used, and when the particles have no directional property, the major axis is used. In addition, when the particles have a directional property, the measurement position is the same position, for example, when the animal waste treatment material has a substantially cylindrical shape, the diameter position is used, and when the particles have no directional property, the major axis position is used. (3) After leaving the sample to stand for 24 hours, measure the initial mass (m0 (g)) of the sample (approximately 100 g). Prepare a nylon mesh bag with 70 μm openings and measure its mass (n0 (g)).

[0183] (4) Place the sample in a mesh bag and immerse the sample together with the mesh bag in a sufficient amount of deionized water for 1 hour. (5) After immersing the sample in deionized water for 1 hour, the sample together with the mesh bag is removed from the deionized water, and the mesh bag together with the sample is hung in the air for 5 minutes to drain the water, and the mass m1 (g) of the mesh bag and sample after immersion is measured. (6) After immersion, the sample whose mass has been measured is removed from the mesh bag and dried in a constant temperature room at 50°C for 24 hours. (7) After drying for 24 hours, measure the dry mass: m2 (g) of the sample. (8) After drying for 24 hours, measure the above sizes of 100 different particles of the sample, and measure the average size after drying: L1 (mm).

[0184] (9) The expansion rate (%) is calculated using the following formula: Expansion rate (%) = 100 × (L1-L0) / L0 It is calculated as follows. (10) Water absorption rate (mass%) is calculated using the following formula: Water absorption rate (mass%)=100×[m1-(m0+n0)] / m0 It is calculated as follows. (11) The retention rate (mass%) is calculated using the following formula: Maintenance rate (mass%) = 100×m2 / m0 It is calculated as follows.

[0185] The animal excrement treatment material according to the present disclosure has a disintegration rate after water absorption of preferably 0.6% by mass or less, more preferably 0.6% by mass or less, and even more preferably 0.5% by mass or less in a disintegration test after water absorption. This makes it difficult for the animal excrement treatment material itself to generate dust when used. The lower limit of the disintegration rate after water absorption in the disintegration test after water absorption is 0.0% by mass.

[0186] In this specification, the disintegration test after water absorption is carried out as follows. (1) After drying for 24 hours in the above water absorption test, the sample is placed on a 2 mm mesh sieve and a sieve test is performed for 5 minutes with an amplitude of 1.35 mm using a vibrating sieve machine (RETCH, AS200), and the sample that passed through the 2 mm mesh is collected. (2) Measure the mass of the sample that passed through the 2 mm mesh: m3 (g). (3) The disintegration rate after water absorption (mass%) was calculated using the following formula: Disintegration rate after water absorption (mass%) = 100×m3 / m0 It is calculated as follows.

[0187] The animal excrement treatment material according to the present disclosure has a pre-absorption disintegration rate of preferably 0.053% by mass or less, more preferably 0.052% by mass or less, even more preferably 0.051% by mass or less, and even more preferably 0.050% by mass or less in a pre-absorption disintegration test. This makes the animal excrement treatment material less likely to disintegrate before it comes into contact with excrement, even if pressure is applied during transportation, storage, etc. The lower limit of the pre-absorption disintegration rate in the pre-absorption disintegration test is 0.000% by mass.

[0188] In this specification, the pre-water absorption disintegration test is carried out as follows. (1) A sample of the animal excrement treatment material to be tested is left to stand for 24 hours in a constant temperature and humidity room at a temperature of 25°C ± 5°C and a relative humidity of 65 ± 5% RH. (2) After leaving the sample (approximately 500 g) in the temperature and humidity chamber for 24 hours, measure the initial mass m4 (g). (3) In the above-mentioned constant temperature and humidity chamber, the sample whose initial mass has been measured is placed into a plastic bag with a zipper (length: 340 mm x width: 240 mm x thickness: 0.040 mm), and the sample, together with the plastic bag, is dropped from a height of 40 cm onto a polyvinyl chloride sheet floor a total of 20 times.

[0189] (4) After dropping, the contents of the zippered plastic bag are placed on a 2 mm mesh sieve and a sieve test is performed using a vibrating sieve machine (Recce Corporation, AS200) with an amplitude of 1.35 mm for 3 minutes, and the samples that pass through the 2 mm mesh are collected. (5) Measure the mass of the sample that passed through the 2 mm mesh: m5 (g). (6) The disintegration rate after water absorption (mass%) was calculated using the following formula: Disintegration rate after water absorption (mass%) = 100×m5 / m4 It is calculated as follows.

[0190] In the animal excrement treatment material according to the present disclosure, the second water absorption rate measured by the following water absorption rate measurement method is preferably larger the third time than the first time, and the third second water absorption rate is preferably 5.0 mass% or less, more preferably 4.0 mass% or less, and even more preferably 3.5 mass% or less. This makes it difficult for the animal excrement treatment material to absorb excrement even when the animal excrement treatment material is used for a long period of time, and reduces changes in the appearance of the animal excrement treatment material.

[0191] [Second water absorption measurement method] The animal waste treatment material, which has previously been stored in a 40°C thermostatic chamber for 2 hours and dried, is then immersed in 25°C water for 3 seconds, and the water absorption rate is calculated according to the following formula between the amount of animal waste treatment material before immersion: a(g) and the amount of animal waste treatment material after immersion: b(g). For the second and subsequent measurements, immediately after each measurement, store the animal waste treatment material in a constant temperature bath at 40°C for 2 hours to dry it, and then similarly immerse it in water at 25°C for 3 seconds and calculate the water absorption rate according to the following formula. 2nd water absorption rate (mass%)=100×[(ba) / a]

[0192] The animal excrement treatment material according to the present disclosure has a strength ratio of preferably 27% or more, more preferably 40% or more, even more preferably 50% or more, even more preferably 60% or more, even more preferably 65% ​​or more, and even more preferably 70% or more in a strength ratio test. As a result, when the animal excrement treatment material absorbs excrement and is subjected to the body pressure of the animal, the animal excrement treatment material is less likely to collapse and the appearance of the animal excrement treatment material is less likely to change. The upper limit of the strength ratio in the strength ratio test is preferably 100%.

[0193] In this specification, the strength ratio test is carried out in a temperature and humidity controlled room at a temperature of 25° C.±5° C. and a relative humidity of 65±5% RH as follows. (1) A sample of the animal excrement treatment material to be tested is left to stand in the above-mentioned temperature and humidity chamber for 24 hours. (2) The particles of the sample after standing for 24 hours are compressed at a speed of 500 mm / min using a force gauge (FGJN-50, manufactured by NIDEK Drive Technology Co., Ltd., measurement adapter: mountain-shaped adapter 70°, measurement mode: peak hold mode) and a force gauge stand (FORCE GAUGE STAND Model GGS-50C, manufactured by Nidec-Shimpo Corporation) to measure the compression load (N) at the time of destruction. The average value of the compression load (N) of a total of 20 different particles of the sample is adopted as the strength before water absorption: S0 (N). The direction of compression is the same direction when the particles have directionality, for example, when the shape of the animal waste treatment material is approximately cylindrical, the direction of the diameter is adopted, and when the particles have no directionality, the direction of the major axis is adopted. The position of measurement is the same position when the particles have directionality, for example, when the shape of the animal waste treatment material is approximately cylindrical, the position of the diameter is adopted, and when the particles have no directionality, the position of the major axis is adopted.

[0194] (3) The sample for which the initial strength has not been measured is placed in a nylon mesh bag having an opening of 70 μm, and the sample together with the mesh bag is immersed in a sufficient amount of deionized water for 1 hour. (4) After immersing the sample in deionized water for 1 hour, remove the sample together with the mesh bag from the deionized water, and hang the mesh bag together with the sample in the air for 5 minutes to drain the water. Next, measure the compressive load (N) at break using the sample particles in the same manner as for the strength before water absorption: S0 (N), and use the average value of the compressive load (N) for a total of 20 different particles of the sample as the strength after water absorption: S1 (N). The direction and position of the measurement should be the same as for the strength before water absorption. (5) The intensity ratio (%) was calculated using the following formula: Intensity ratio (%)=100×S1(N) / S0(N) It is calculated as follows.

[0195] The animal excrement treatment material according to the present disclosure has a post-absorption strength of preferably 38N or more, more preferably 50N or more, even more preferably 60N or more, even more preferably 70N or more, and even more preferably 75N or more in the strength ratio test. As a result, when the animal excrement treatment material is subjected to the body pressure of an animal after it starts to be used, specifically after it has absorbed excrement, the animal excrement treatment material is less likely to collapse and the appearance of the animal excrement treatment material is less likely to change. The upper limit of the post-absorption strength in the strength ratio test is not particularly limited, but may be, for example, 150N.

[0196] The animal excrement treatment material according to the present disclosure has a pre-absorption strength in the strength ratio test of preferably 90N or more, more preferably 95N or more, even more preferably 100N or more, and even more preferably 105N or more. This makes the animal excrement treatment material less likely to collapse and less likely to change in appearance when pressure is applied to the animal excrement treatment material before use, for example, during transportation or storage of the animal excrement treatment material. The upper limit of the pre-absorption strength in the strength ratio test is not particularly limited, but may be, for example, 200N.

[0197] The animal waste treatment material according to the present disclosure has a bulk density of preferably 600 g / L or less, more preferably 580 g / L or less, even more preferably 570 g / L or less, and even more preferably 560 g / L or less. This reduces the energy required to move the animal waste treatment material before use (e.g., during transportation) and after use (e.g., during replacement, disposal, etc.), and can contribute to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The lower limit of the bulk density is not particularly limited, but may be, for example, 250 g / L.

[0198] In this specification, the bulk density is measured in a temperature and humidity chamber at a temperature of 25° C.±5° C. and a relative humidity of 65±5% RH as follows. (1) A sample of the animal excrement treatment material to be tested is left to stand in the above-mentioned temperature and humidity chamber for 24 hours. (2) A 1 L leveling container (Oya Seisakusho Co., Ltd., stainless steel beaker (leveling type)) is prepared in the temperature and humidity chamber, and its mass: m6 (g) is measured. (3) After leaving the sample for 24 hours, pour the sample into the above-mentioned leveling container until it overflows, and level the sample on the top surface of the leveling container. Then measure the mass of the leveling container and the sample: m7 (g). (4) Bulk density (g / L) is calculated using the following formula: Bulk density (g / L) = m7 - m6 It is calculated as follows. (5) Measure the bulk density five times on different samples and use the average value.

[0199] The animal waste treatment material according to the present disclosure has a rewet amount of preferably 0.15g or less, more preferably 0.12g or less, even more preferably 0.11g or less, and even more preferably 0.10g or less. This makes it difficult for the animal to stick to its legs after it has excreted, and as a result, the toilet and its surroundings, for example, the room, are less likely to be contaminated by the excrement. The lower limit of the rewet amount is 0.00g.

[0200] In this specification, the rewet amount is measured in a constant temperature and humidity chamber at a temperature of 25° C.±5° C. and a relative humidity of 65±5% RH as follows. (1) A sample of the animal excrement treatment material to be tested is left to stand in the above-mentioned temperature and humidity chamber for 24 hours. (2) Immerse 100 g of the above sample in a sufficient amount of deionized water for 1 hour. (3) After soaking for one hour, the sample is spread on a piece of filter paper (ADVANTEC, circular qualitative filter paper No. 1, diameter: 40 cm) and left to stand for one hour. (4) After leaving the sample undisturbed for 1 hour, fill it flat into a cubic container with a base measuring 11.7 cm x 11.7 cm.

[0201] (5) Place approximately 50 g of filter paper (ADVANTEC, circular qualitative filter paper No. 1, diameter: 11 cm) with initial mass: m8 (g) so that the center of the filter paper coincides with the center of the evenly packed sample, and place a 3.5 kg weight (bottom size: 10 cm x 10 cm) on top of the filter paper so that the center of the filter paper coincides with the center of the weight. (6) Three minutes after placing the weight, remove the weight and measure the post-test mass of the filter paper: m9 (g). (7) The rewetting amount (g) was calculated using the following formula: Rewetting amount (g) = m9-m8 It is calculated as follows. (8) Measure the rewetting amount five times on different samples and use the average value.

[0202] The animal excrement treatment material according to the present disclosure may further contain starch. The animal excrement treatment material contains the starch in a ratio of preferably 0.5% by mass or more, more preferably 1.0% by mass or more, even more preferably 1.5% by mass or more, and even more preferably 2.0% by mass or more. The animal excrement treatment material also contains the starch in a ratio of preferably 10.0% by mass or less, more preferably 5.0% by mass or less, even more preferably 4.0% by mass or less, even more preferably 3.5% by mass or less, and even more preferably 3.0% by mass or less. This can increase the strength of the animal excrement treatment material before it absorbs excrement.

[0203] Generally, if an animal excrement treatment material contains a large amount of starch, there is a high possibility that the animal excrement treatment material will become spoiled (eg, moldy) due to the starch as the material is used. When the animal excrement treatment material contains the above-mentioned amount of starch, the animal excrement treatment material is less likely to decay as it is used.

[0204] As the above-mentioned starch, any starch used in the art can be used without any particular limitation, and examples thereof include potato starch, corn starch, wheat starch, tapioca starch, sweet potato starch, waxy starch, rice starch, and the like.

[0205] The animal excrement treatment material according to the present disclosure may or may not contain a water-insoluble inorganic substance, and preferably contains no water-insoluble inorganic substance or contains it in an amount of 0.1 mass% or less, which can reduce the bulk density of the animal excrement treatment material and suppress dusting on the surface of the animal excrement treatment material compared to when the material contains a large amount of water-insoluble inorganic substance.

[0206] The water-insoluble inorganic substance refers to an inorganic material having a solubility in water (mass dissolved in 1 L of water at 1 atmospheric pressure and 25° C.) of less than 2.0 g. Examples of the water-insoluble inorganic substance include metal salts, metal oxides, and metal hydroxides. Examples of the water-insoluble inorganic substance include calcium carbonate, calcium sulfate, calcium oxide, calcium hydroxide, aluminum oxide, aluminum hydroxide, zinc oxide, titanium oxide, magnesium hydroxide, magnesium oxide, and magnesium carbonate.

[0207] The animal excrement treatment material according to the present disclosure may further contain additional components within a range that does not impair the effects of the present disclosure. Examples of the additional components include fragrances, activated carbon, base materials having deodorizing properties such as organic acids, colorants, surfactants, chelating agents, etc.

[0208] The animal excrement treatment material according to the present disclosure may have any shape, for example, a substantially columnar shape, for example, a substantially cylindrical shape. Note that the substantially columnar shape means a columnar shape with two ends (near the two bottom surfaces) that are irregular, and the substantially cylindrical shape means a columnar shape with two ends (near the two bottom surfaces) that are irregular. When the animal excrement treatment material according to the present disclosure is substantially cylindrical, it preferably has a diameter of 2.0 to 7.0 mm and a height of 5.0 to 20.0 mm.

[0209] The animal waste treatment material according to the present disclosure can be distributed as a standalone animal waste treatment material, can be distributed in combination with an animal waste treatment material and a pet sheet, and can be distributed as a toilet kit including an animal waste treatment material, a pet sheet, and a system toilet.

[0210] The animal excrement treatment material according to the present disclosure can be manufactured by a method known in the art. The animal excrement treatment material according to the present disclosure can be manufactured, for example, by kneading the components constituting the animal excrement treatment material (for example, plant-derived materials, binding resins, water repellents as desired, starch as desired, etc.) with a kneader to form a kneaded mixture, granulating the kneaded mixture by extrusion molding using an extrusion molding machine to form granulated products, and then cutting the granulated products. Examples of the kneader include a paddle feeder manufactured by Miike Iron Works Co., Ltd. Examples of the extrusion molding machine include a disk pelleter manufactured by Dalton Co., Ltd. and a pellet mill SPM-500 manufactured by Miike Iron Works Co., Ltd. The granulation is preferably carried out in an atmosphere of 70 to 100°C. EXAMPLES

[0211] The present disclosure will be described below with reference to examples, but the present disclosure is not limited to these examples. [Production Example 1] 95.3% by mass of wood flour (ground European red pine, passed through a screen with 2 mm openings) as a plant-derived material, 1.8% by mass (EVA 1.0% by mass) of an aqueous dispersion of 55% by mass of ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer (EVA) (Celvolit 1397, manufactured by Celanese) as a binding resin, 1.0% by mass of paraffin wax (Paraffin Wax-135, manufactured by Nippon Seiro Co., Ltd.) as a water repellent, and 2.7% by mass of corn starch (Y-3P, industrial corn starch, manufactured by Nippon Corn Starch Co., Ltd.) as a starch were kneaded at room temperature using a paddle feeder manufactured by Oike Iron Works Co., Ltd. to obtain kneaded material No. 1. The kneaded material No. 1 was granulated using F-5 / 11-175D manufactured by Dalton Co., Ltd., and the granulated material was then cut to obtain animal waste treatment material No. 1. The temperature during granulation was approximately 50 to 80°C. The animal excrement treatment material No. 1 had a substantially cylindrical shape.

[0212] [Manufacturing Examples 2-11] Animal excrement treatment materials No. 2 to No. 11 were obtained in the same manner as in Production Example 1, except that the ratios of wood flour, EVA, paraffin and corn starch were changed as shown in Table 1. In Table 1, the numbers related to EVA indicate the amount of EVA itself. [Examples 12-21] Animal excrement treatment materials No. 12 to No. 21 were obtained in the same manner as in Production Example 1, except that the ratios of wood flour, EVA, paraffin, corn starch, and optionally calcium carbonate (NS#2300, manufactured by Nitto Funka Kogyo Co., Ltd.) were set as shown in Table 2. In Table 2, the figures related to EVA indicate the amount of EVA itself.

[0213] [Example 1] The expansion rate (diameter before and after water absorption), retention rate, water absorption rate, disintegration rate, strength ratio (strength before and after water absorption), bulk density, and rewet amount of animal excrement treatment materials No. 1 to No. 21 were measured. The results are shown in Tables 1 and 2.

[0214] [Table 1]

[0215] [Table 2]

[0216] Animal excrement treatment materials No. 12 to No. 21 are examples imitating animal excrement treatment materials known in patent documents and the like.

[0217] Animal excrement treatment materials No. 1 to No. 3 and No. 5 to No. 10 have an expansion rate of 7.0% or less. On the other hand, animal excrement treatment materials No. 4 and No. 11 to No. 21 (excluding No. 15 and No. 17 to No. 19 which collapsed) have a high expansion rate.

[0218] Animal waste treatment materials No. 13 and No. 14 had low bulk density, and in particular, animal waste treatment material No. 14 had a low bulk density despite containing 5% by mass of calcium carbonate, which has a high specific gravity. This is thought to be due to the high EVA ratio, which makes it difficult to apply pressure to the kneaded material during granulation, resulting in the animal waste treatment material containing many voids. As a result, animal waste treatment materials No. 13 and No. 14 are thought to have low expansion rates and water absorption rates. In addition, since animal waste treatment materials No. 13 and No. 14 contain many voids, it is suggested that the strength of the animal waste treatment material itself is low considering the high EVA ratio. When animal waste treatment materials No. 15, 17 to 19 were immersed in deionized water for 1 hour, they disintegrated and some data could not be obtained.

[0219] It can be seen that animal excrement treatment materials No. 1 to No. 10 contain a water repellent and a binding resin and have a water absorption rate of 66 mass% or less. On the other hand, it can be seen that animal excrement treatment materials No. 11 to No. 21 have a high water absorption rate or, when they have a water absorption rate of 66 mass% or less, do not contain a water repellent or a binding resin.

[0220] [Production Example 22] A commercially available animal waste treatment material (Nyantomo Kiyoku Toilet Deodorizing and Antibacterial Chip Large Granules, manufactured by S.T. Corporation) was used as animal waste treatment material No. 22.

[0221] [Example 2] The second water absorption rate of the animal excrement treatment materials No. 6, No. 12 and No. 22 was measured. The results are shown in Table 3.

[0222] [Table 3]

[0223] [Example 3] A pre-water absorption disintegration test was carried out on animal excrement treatment materials No. 6, No. 11, No. 12 and No. 16. The results are shown in Table 4.

[0224] [Table 4] [Explanation of symbols]

[0225] 1. System toilet 3. Animal waste treatment materials 5 Upper container 7 Lower container 9. Waste disposal sheets 11 Cover

Claims

1. A composition comprising 80% by mass or more of a plant-derived material as a main component, a water repellent, and a binding resin, In a water absorption test, the water absorption rate is 66% by mass or less. The animal excrement treatment material is characterized by the above.

2. A coating composition comprising a plant-derived material as a main component, 0.5 to 5.0 mass% of a water repellent agent, and a binding resin; In a water absorption test, the water absorption rate is 66% by mass or less. The animal excrement treatment material is characterized by the above.

3. 3. The animal excrement treatment material according to claim 1, which has a swelling rate of 7.0% or less in the water absorption test.

4. 3. The animal excrement treatment material according to claim 1, which has a water absorption rate of 30% by mass or less in the water absorption test.

5. The animal waste treatment material according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the second water absorption rate measured by the following water absorption rate measurement method is greater the third time than the first time, and the third time second water absorption rate is 5.0 mass% or less. [Second water absorption measurement method] An animal waste treatment material that has been previously stored in a 40°C thermostatic bath for 2 hours and dried is then immersed in 25°C water for 3 seconds, and the water absorption rate is calculated according to the following formula between the amount of animal waste treatment material before immersion: a (g) and the amount of animal waste treatment material after immersion: b (g). For the second and subsequent measurements, immediately after each measurement, the animal excrement treatment material is stored in a constant temperature bath at 40°C for 2 hours to dry, and then similarly immersed in water at 25°C for 3 seconds, and the water absorption rate is calculated according to the following formula. Second water absorption rate (mass%) = 100 x [(ba) / a]

6. 3. The animal excrement treatment material according to claim 1, comprising 0.5 to 20% by mass of the binding resin.

7. The animal excrement treatment material according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising 0.5 to 10.0% by mass of starch.

8. 3. The animal excrement treatment material according to claim 1, which is free of water-insoluble inorganic substances.

9. 3. The animal excrement treatment material according to claim 1, which has a post-water absorption disintegration rate of 0.6% by mass or less in a post-water absorption disintegration test.

10. 3. The animal excrement treatment material according to claim 1, which has a strength ratio of 27% or more in a strength ratio test.

11. The animal excrement treatment material according to claim 10, which has a strength after water absorption of 38 N or more in the strength ratio test.

12. The animal excrement treatment material according to claim 10, which has a strength before water absorption of 90 N or more in the strength ratio test.

13. 3. The animal excrement treatment material according to claim 1 or 2, which has a bulk density of 600 g / L or less.

14. 3. The animal excrement treatment material according to claim 1, which has a pre-water absorption disintegration rate of 0.053% by mass or less in a pre-water absorption disintegration test.

15. 3. The animal excrement treatment material according to claim 1, which has a rewet amount of 0.15 g or less in a rewet test.

Images