Production method of treatment agent for short fibers, short fibers, and nonwoven fabric

Abstract

Provided are a treating agent for short fibers, a first treating agent for short fibers, short fibers, and a method for producing a nonwoven fabric, which can improve the functions of water repellency prevention, durable hydrophilicity, and initial hydrophilicity in the fibers to which the treating agent for short fibers is applied. 【Solution means】The treating agent for short fibers of the present invention is characterized by containing the following nonionic surfactant (A), the following nonionic surfactant (B), and the following anionic surfactant (C). The nonionic surfactant (A) is a condensate of 1 mol of (poly)alkylene polyamine and 2 mol or more of an acid, etc. The nonionic surfactant (B) is a polyglycerol fatty acid ester, etc. The anionic surfactant (C) is a phosphate ester salt type anionic surfactant having an alkyl group with 6 to 14 carbon atoms, etc.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a treating agent for short fibers, short fibers to which the treating agent is attached, and and a method for manufacturing a nonwoven fabric using the same. in the law

Background Art

[0002] Generally, synthetic fibers are used as raw material fibers for nonwoven fabrics. For example, for a nonwoven fabric, after producing staple, which is short fiber of synthetic fiber, the staple is passed through a carding machine to produce a web. Further, by applying a treating agent for short fibers to the synthetic fiber, functions such as water repellency are imparted. Nonwoven fabrics made from synthetic fibers to which functions such as water repellency are imparted are utilized in a wide range of fields such as the sanitary material field, the medical field, and the civil engineering field.

[0003] For example, conventionally, treating agents for synthetic fibers disclosed in Patent Documents 1 to 4 have been known. Patent Document 1 discloses a polyolefin-based synthetic fiber treating agent containing a predetermined polyoxyalkylene derivative and a linear hydrocarbon compound. Patent Document 2 discloses a water permeability imparting agent for fiber products composed of a (poly)alkylpolyalkylene polyamine amide component and a trialkylglycine derivative component. Patent Document 3 discloses a nonwoven fabric treated with a coating liquid containing a predetermined nonionic surfactant such as polyoxyethylene-modified silicone as a liquid film cracking agent. Patent Document 4 discloses a durable hydrophilic fiber treated with a treating agent containing a predetermined polyoxyalkylene adduct, an anionic surfactant such as an alkyl sulfonate salt, and the like.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Patent Document 3

Patent Document 4

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] By the way, for the treating agent for short fibers, improvement in each function of water repellency, durable hydrophilicity, and initial hydrophilicity is required for the fibers to which the treating agent for short fibers is applied.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] As a result of research to solve the above problems, the inventors have found that a treating agent for short fibers containing a specific nonionic surfactant and an anionic surfactant is exactly suitable. Each aspect for solving the above problems will be described.

[0007] The treating agent for short fibers used for the nonwoven fabric of Aspect 1 is characterized by containing the following nonionic surfactant (A), the following nonionic surfactant (B), and the following anionic surfactant (C).

[0008] Nonionic surfactant (A): At least one selected from condensates of 1 mol of (poly)alkylene polyamine and 2 mol or more of an acid, and compounds obtained by adding 1 mol or more and 100 mol or less of alkylene oxide to 1 mol of a condensate of 1 mol of (poly)alkylene polyamine and 2 mol or more of an acid.

[0009] Nonionic surfactant (B): Polyglycerin fatty acid ester, a compound obtained by adding 1 mol or more and 100 mol or less of alkylene oxide to 1 mol of an aliphatic alcohol having 6 or more and 13 or less carbon atoms, a compound obtained by adding 1 mol or more and 100 mol or less of alkylene oxide to 1 mol of a fatty acid having 8 or more and 30 or less carbon atoms, and a compound obtained by adding 1 mol or more and 100 mol or less of alkylene oxide to 1 mol of an alcohol fatty acid ester. At least one selected from the group consisting of compounds.

[0010] Anionic surfactant (C): at least one selected from phosphate ester salt type anionic surfactants, sulfonate type anionic surfactants, sulfate ester salt type anionic surfactants, and fatty acid salt type anionic surfactants having an alkyl group with 6 to 14 carbon atoms.

[0011] Aspect 2 is the treatment agent for short fibers according to Aspect 1, wherein the nonionic surfactant (A) is a condensate of 1 mol of (poly)alkylene polyamine and 2 mol or more of an acid. Aspect 3 is the treatment agent for short fibers according to Aspect 1, wherein the anionic surfactant (C) is a phosphate ester salt type anionic surfactant having an alkyl group with 6 to 14 carbon atoms.

[0012] Aspect 4 is the treatment agent for short fibers according to Aspect 1, wherein the nonionic surfactant (B) is a polyglycerin fatty acid ester. Aspect 5 is the treatment agent for short fibers according to Aspect 1, wherein the content ratio of the nonionic surfactant (A) in the non-volatile matter of the treatment agent for short fibers is 1% by mass or more and 50% by mass or less.

[0013] Aspect 6 is the treatment agent for short fibers according to Aspect 1. When the total content ratio of the nonionic surfactant (A), the nonionic surfactant (B), and the anionic surfactant (C) is 100% by mass, the nonionic surfactant (A) is contained in a ratio of 1% by mass or more and 50% by mass or less, the nonionic surfactant (B) is contained in a ratio of 30% by mass or more and 80% by mass or less, and the anionic surfactant (C) is contained in a ratio of 15% by mass or more and 60% by mass or less.

[0014] Aspect 7 is the treatment agent for short fibers according to Aspect 1, further containing polyoxyalkylene fatty acid amide (D) (excluding those corresponding to the nonionic surfactant (A)). Aspect 8 is the treatment agent for short fibers according to Aspect 1, further containing an organic acid (E) having a carboxyl group with 10 or fewer carbon atoms.

[0015] Aspect 9 in the short fiber treating agent according to Embodiment 1, theContains a nonionic surfactant (B) short Second fiber treatment agent and the Contains a nonionic surfactant (A) short First fiber treatment agent are configured as a set including , either one or both of the first treatment agent for short fibers and the second treatment agent for short fibers the Contains an anionic surfactant (C), and either one or both of the first treatment agent for short fibers and the second treatment agent for short fibers optionally contain a polyoxyalkylene fatty acid amide (D) (excluding those corresponding to the nonionic surfactant (A)) and at least one selected from organic acids (E) having a carboxyl group with 10 or fewer carbon atoms and when in use, the first short fiber treating agent and the second short fiber treating agent are mixed .

[0016] The short fibers used in the nonwoven fabric of Embodiment 10 are adhered with the fiber treatment agent described in any one of Embodiments 1~ 9 . The method for producing the nonwoven fabric of Embodiment 11 is characterized by passing through a step of adhering the fiber treatment agent for short fibers described in any one of Embodiments 1~ 9 to the short fibers and a step of performing a heat fusion treatment to obtain a nonwoven fabric

[0017] Embodiment 12 is the method for producing a nonwoven fabric according to Embodiment 11, wherein the short fibers are polyolefin synthetic fibers

Advantages of the Invention

[0018] According to the present invention, for fibers provided with a fiber treatment agent for short fibers, it is possible to improve each function of water repellency prevention, durable hydrophilicity, and initial hydrophilicity

Modes for Carrying Out the Invention

[0019] <First Embodiment> Hereinafter, a first embodiment in which a treating agent for short fibers of the present invention (hereinafter, also simply referred to as a treating agent) is embodied will be described. The treating agent used for the nonwoven fabric of this embodiment contains a nonionic surfactant (A), a nonionic surfactant (B), and an anionic surfactant (C) described later. The treating agent may further contain a polyoxyalkylene fatty acid amide (D) (excluding those corresponding to the nonionic surfactant (A)) and an organic acid (E) which is a compound having a carboxyl group with 10 or less carbon atoms.

[0020] (Nonionic surfactant (A)) As the nonionic surfactant (A) provided in this embodiment, at least one selected from condensates of 1 mol of (poly)alkylene polyamine and 2 mol or more of an acid, and compounds obtained by adding 1 mol or more and 100 mol or less of alkylene oxide to 1 mol of a condensate of 1 mol of (poly)alkylene polyamine and 2 mol or more of an acid.

[0021] Specific examples of the (poly)alkylene polyamine include, for example, ethylenediamine, diethylenetriamine, triethylenetetramine, tetraethylenepentamine, pentaethylenehexamine, di(methylethylene)triamine, dibutylenetriamine, tributylenetetramine, pentapentylenehexamine and the like.

[0022] Examples of the acid include carboxylic acids such as aliphatic carboxylic acids and aromatic carboxylic acids. The carboxylic acid may be a monocarboxylic acid, a polyvalent carboxylic acid, or an oxycarboxylic acid having a hydroxy group. In the case of an aliphatic carboxylic acid, it may be a saturated fatty acid or an unsaturated fatty acid, and may be linear or have a branched chain.

[0023] Specific examples of saturated fatty acids include, for example, formic acid, acetic acid, propionic acid, butyric acid, valeric acid, hexanoic acid (caproic acid), octylic acid (2-ethylhexanoic acid), octanoic acid (caprylic acid), nonanoic acid, decanoic acid (capric acid), dodecanoic acid (lauric acid), tetradecanoic acid (myristic acid), hexadecanoic acid (palmitic acid), octadecanoic acid (stearic acid), eicosanoic acid (arachidic acid), docosanoic acid (behenic acid), tetracosanoic acid, and the like.

[0024] Specific examples of unsaturated fatty acids include, for example, crotonic acid, myristoleic acid, palmitoleic acid, oleic acid, vaccenic acid, eicosenoic acid, linoleic acid, α-linolenic acid, γ-linolenic acid, arachidonic acid, and the like.

[0025] Specific examples of polyvalent carboxylic acids (polybasic acids) include, for example, (1) dibasic acids such as succinic acid, fumaric acid, maleic acid, adipic acid, sebacic acid; (2) tribasic acids such as aconitic acid; (3) aromatic dicarboxylic acids such as terephthalic acid, isophthalic acid, 2,6-naphthalenedicarboxylic acid; (4) aromatic tricarboxylic acids such as trimellitic acid; (5) aromatic tetracarboxylic acids such as pyromellitic acid, and the like.

[0026] Specific examples of oxycarboxylic acids include, for example, citric acid, lactic acid, tartaric acid, glycolic acid, malic acid, ricinoleic acid, and the like. As the alkylene oxide, an alkylene oxide having 2 to 4 carbon atoms is preferred. Specific examples of the alkylene oxide include, for example, ethylene oxide, propylene oxide, butylene oxide and the like. The number of moles of the added alkylene oxide is appropriately set, but is 1 mole or more and 100 moles or less, preferably 2 moles or more and 50 moles or less. Ranges arbitrarily combining the above upper and lower limits are also assumed. The number of moles of the added alkylene oxide indicates the number of moles of the alkylene oxide with respect to 1 mole of the compound to be added in the charged raw materials. The alkylene oxide may be used alone as one kind of alkylene oxide, or two or more kinds of alkylene oxides may be used in appropriate combination. When two or more kinds of alkylene oxides are applied, their addition forms may be any of block addition, random addition, and a combination of block addition and random addition, and there is no particular limitation.

[0027] Specific examples of the nonionic surfactant (A) include, for example, ethylenediamine distearic acid amide, diethylenetriamine distearic acid amide, diethylenetriamine dibehenic acid amide, diethylenetriamine trioleic acid amide, triethylenetetramine tetrastearic acid amide, a compound obtained by adding an alkylene oxide to 1 mole of diethylenetriamine dibehenic acid amide, a compound obtained by adding an alkylene oxide to 1 mole of diethylenetriamine distearic acid amide, N,N-bis(3-methoxypropyl) isododecanoic acid diamide and the like.

[0028] These nonionic surfactants (A) may be used alone as one kind, or two or more kinds may be used in appropriate combination. Among these, from the viewpoint of excellent wetting prevention effect for the fiber to which the treatment agent is applied, it is preferably a condensate of 1 mole of (poly)alkylene polyamine and 2 moles or more of an acid.

[0029] The lower limit of the content ratio of the nonionic surfactant (A) in the nonvolatile matter of the treatment agent is appropriately set, but is preferably 0.3% by mass or more, more preferably 1% by mass or more. When such a content ratio is 0.3% by mass or more, the anti-wicking effect can be further improved for the fiber to which the treatment agent is applied. The upper limit of the content ratio of such nonionic surfactant (A) is appropriately set, but is preferably 70% by mass or less, more preferably 50% by mass or less. When such a content ratio is 70% by mass or less, the initial hydrophilicity can be further improved for the fiber to which the treatment agent is applied. In addition, the range obtained by arbitrarily combining the above upper and lower limits is also assumed.

[0030] In addition, the nonvolatile matter means the treatment agent after heat treatment at 105 °C for 2 hours to sufficiently remove volatile components. Hereinafter, the definition of nonvolatile matter shall adopt the same conditions. (Nonionic surfactant (B)) As the nonionic surfactant (B) used in this embodiment, at least one selected from polyglycerol fatty acid esters, a compound obtained by adding 1 to 100 moles of alkylene oxide to 1 mole of an aliphatic alcohol having 6 to 13 carbon atoms, a compound obtained by adding 1 to 100 moles of alkylene oxide to 1 mole of a fatty acid having 8 to 30 carbon atoms, and a compound obtained by adding 1 to 100 moles of alkylene oxide to 1 mole of an alcohol fatty acid ester is used.

[0031] The polyglycerol fatty acid ester is preferably an ester of a fatty acid and polyglycerol. As specific examples of the fatty acid, those listed in the column of nonionic surfactant (A) can be applied. Among these, as the fatty acid, an aliphatic monocarboxylic acid having 12 to 18 carbon atoms is preferable. Examples of the aliphatic monocarboxylic acid having 12 to 18 carbon atoms include dodecanoic acid (lauric acid), tetradecanoic acid (myristic acid), hexadecanoic acid (palmitic acid), octadecanoic acid (stearic acid), myristoleic acid, palmitoleic acid, oleic acid, vaccenic acid, and the like.

[0032] The number of moles of aliphatic monocarboxylic acid in one molecule of the ester is preferably 1 or more and 6 or less. Specific examples of polyglycerin include, for example, diglycerin, triglycerin, tetraglycerin, pentaglycerin, hexaglycerin, heptaglycerin, octaglycerin, decaglycerin, dodecaglycerin, and the like. The degree of glycerin condensation is not particularly limited, but is preferably 3 or more and 12 or less.

[0033] Specific examples of polyglycerin fatty acid esters include, for example, tetraglycerin monolaurate, hexaglycerin dilaurate, dodecaglycerin hexastearate, triglycerin monostearate, and the like.

[0034] Specific examples of the aliphatic alcohol constituting the compound obtained by adding 1 to 100 moles of alkylene oxide to 1 mole of an aliphatic alcohol having 6 to 13 carbon atoms include, for example, (1) linear alkyl alcohols such as hexanol, octanol, nonanol, decanol, undecanol, dodecanol, tridecanol, etc., (2) branched alkyl alcohols such as isohexanol, 2-ethylhexanol, isononanol, isodecanol, isododecanol, isotridecanol, etc., (3) linear alkenyl alcohols such as hexenol, decenol, dodecenol, etc., (4) branched alkenyl alcohols such as isodecenol, isododecenol, etc.

[0035] Specific examples of the alkylene oxide constituting the compound obtained by adding 1 to 100 moles of alkylene oxide to 1 mole of an aliphatic alcohol having 6 to 13 carbon atoms are those listed in the nonionic surfactant (A) column.

[0036] Specific examples of the compound obtained by adding 1 to 100 moles of alkylene oxide to 1 mole of an aliphatic alcohol having 6 to 13 carbon atoms include, for example, a compound obtained by adding alkylene oxide to 1 mole of lauryl alcohol.

[0037] As the fatty acid constituting the compound obtained by adding 1 to 100 moles of alkylene oxide to 1 mole of a fatty acid having 8 to 30 carbon atoms, it may be a saturated fatty acid or an unsaturated fatty acid, and may be linear or branched. Further, the fatty acid may be a monocarboxylic acid, a polyvalent carboxylic acid, or an oxycarboxylic acid having a hydroxy group.

[0038] Specific examples of saturated fatty acids include, for example, octylic acid (2-ethylhexanoic acid), octanoic acid (caprylic acid), nonanoic acid, decanoic acid (capric acid), dodecanoic acid (lauric acid), tetradecanoic acid (myristic acid), hexadecanoic acid (palmitic acid), octadecanoic acid (stearic acid), eicosanoic acid (arachidic acid), docosanoic acid (behenic acid), tetracosanoic acid, hexacosanoic acid, octacosanoic acid (montanic acid), triacontanoic acid, and the like.

[0039] Specific examples of unsaturated fatty acids include, for example, myristoleic acid, palmitoleic acid, oleic acid, vaccenic acid, eicosenoic acid, linoleic acid, α-linolenic acid, γ-linolenic acid, arachidonic acid, and the like.

[0040] Specific examples of polyvalent carboxylic acids (polybasic acids) include, for example, dibasic acids such as sebacic acid. Specific examples of oxycarboxylic acids include, for example, ricinoleic acid.

[0041] As specific examples of the alkylene oxide constituting the compound obtained by adding 1 to 100 moles of alkylene oxide to 1 mole of a fatty acid having 8 to 30 carbon atoms, those listed in the column of nonionic surfactant (A) can be applied.

[0042] Specific examples of the compound obtained by adding 1 to 100 moles of alkylene oxide to 1 mole of a fatty acid having 8 to 30 carbon atoms include, for example, a compound obtained by adding alkylene oxide to 1 mole of behenic acid, a compound obtained by adding alkylene oxide to 1 mole of montanic acid, and the like.

[0043] Specific examples of the alcohol constituting the compound obtained by adding 1 mol or more and 100 mol or less of alkylene oxide to 1 mol of alcohol fatty acid ester include, for example, (1) linear alkyl alcohols such as methanol, ethanol, propanol, butanol, pentanol, hexanol, octanol, nonanol, decanol, undecanol, dodecanol, tridecanol, tetradecanol, pentadecanol, hexadecanol, heptadecanol, octadecanol, nonadecanol, eicosanol, heneicosanol, docosanol, tricosanol, tetracosanol, pentacosanol, hexacosanol, heptacosanol, octacosanol, nonacosanol, triacontanol, etc., (2) branched alkyl alcohols such as isopropanol, isobutanol, isohexanol, 2-ethylhexanol, isononanol, isodecanol, isododecanol, isotridecanol, isotetradecanol, isopentadecanol, isohexadecanol, isoheptadecanol, isooctadecanol, isononadecanol, isoeicosanol, isoheneicosanol, isodocosanol, isotricosanol, isotetracosanol, isopentacosanol, isohexacosanol, isoheptacosanol, isooctacosanol, isononacosanol, isotriacontanol, etc., (3) linear alkenyl alcohols such as tetradecenol, hexadecenol, heptadecenol, octadecenol, nonadecenol, etc., (4) branched alkenyl alcohols such as isohexadecenol, isooctadecenol, etc., (5) cyclic alkyl alcohols such as cyclopentanol, cyclohexanol, etc., (6) ethylene glycol, propylene glycol, 1,3-propanediol, 1,2-butanediol, 1,3-butanediol, 1,4-butanediol, 2-methyl-1,2-propanediol, 1,5-pentanediol, 1,6-hexanediol, 2,5-hexanediol, 2-methyl-2,4-pentanediol, 2,3-dimethyl-2,3-butanediol, glycerin, 2-methyl-2-hydroxymethyl-1,Polyhydric alcohols such as 3-propanediol, trimethylolpropane, sorbitan, pentaerythritol, sorbitol, etc., aromatic alcohols such as (7) benzyl alcohol, etc., and phenols such as (8) phenol, nonylphenol, monostyrenated phenol, distyrenated phenol, tristyrenated phenol, bisphenol A, etc. may be mentioned.,

[0044] Specific examples of the fatty acids constituting the compound obtained by adding 1 to 100 moles of alkylene oxide per 1 mole of the alcohol fatty acid ester include, for example, (1) linear alkylcarboxylic acids such as octylic acid, nonanoic acid, decanoic acid, undecanoic acid, dodecanoic acid, tridecanoic acid, tetradecanoic acid, pentadecanoic acid, hexadecanoic acid, heptadecanoic acid, octadecanoic acid, nonadecanoic acid, eicosanoic acid, heneicosanoic acid, docosanoic acid, etc., (2) branched alkylcarboxylic acids such as 2-ethylhexanoic acid, isododecanoic acid, isotridecanoic acid, isotetradecanoic acid, isohexadecanoic acid, isooctadecanoic acid, etc., (3) linear alkenylcarboxylic acids such as octadecenoic acid, octadecadienoic acid, octadecatrienoic acid, etc., (4) aromatic carboxylic acids such as benzoic acid, etc., (5) hydroxycarboxylic acids such as lactic acid, citric acid, ricinoleic acid, etc., (6) polyvalent carboxylic acids such as adipic acid, sebacic acid, tricarballyl, etc.

[0045] As specific examples of the alkylene oxide constituting the compound obtained by adding 1 to 100 moles of alkylene oxide per 1 mole of the alcohol fatty acid ester, those mentioned in the nonionic surfactant (A) column can be applied.

[0046] Specific examples of the compound obtained by adding 1 to 100 moles of alkylene oxide per 1 mole of the alcohol fatty acid ester include, for example, a compound obtained by adding alkylene oxide to 1 mole of sorbitan monostearate, a compound obtained by adding alkylene oxide to 1 mole of sorbitan monooleate, etc.

[0047] These nonionic surfactants (B) may be used individually or in appropriate combinations of two or more thereof. Among these, from the viewpoint of excellent durable hydrophilicity for the fiber to which the treatment agent is applied, it is preferably a polyglycerol fatty acid ester.

[0048] The lower limit of the content ratio of the nonionic surfactant (B) in the nonvolatile content of the treatment agent is appropriately set, but is preferably 10% by mass or more, more preferably 30% by mass or more. When such a content ratio is 10% by mass or more, the durable hydrophilicity of the fiber to which the treatment agent is applied can be further improved. The upper limit of the content ratio of such nonionic surfactant (B) is appropriately set, but is preferably 85% by mass or less, more preferably 80% by mass or less. When such a content ratio is 85% by mass or less, the initial hydrophilicity of the fiber to which the treatment agent is applied can be further improved. In addition, the range of arbitrarily combining the above upper and lower limits is also assumed.

[0049] (Anionic surfactant (C)) The anionic surfactant (C) is at least one selected from phosphate ester salt type anionic surfactants having an alkyl group with 6 to 14 carbon atoms, sulfonate type anionic surfactants, sulfate ester salt type anionic surfactants, and fatty acid salt type anionic surfactants.

[0050] Examples of the phosphate ester salt type anionic surfactant include alkyl phosphate ester salts, alkenyl phosphate ester salts, alkyl phosphate ester salts or alkenyl phosphate ester salts to which a (poly)alkylene oxide chain is added, and the like. The alkyl group or alkenyl group constituting the alkyl phosphate ester salt is not particularly limited, and may be, for example, linear or have a branched chain structure.

[0051] The number of carbon atoms in the alkyl group is 6 or more and 14 or less, preferably 8 or more and 12 or less. Specific examples of the alkyl group include, for example, hexyl group, heptyl group, octyl group, decyl group, undecyl group, dodecyl group, tridecyl group, tetradecyl group, isohexyl group, isoheptyl group, isooctyl group, isodecyl group, isoundecyl group, isododecyl group, isotridecyl group, isotetradecyl group, etc.

[0052] Specific examples of the alkenyl group include, for example, hexenyl group, heptenyl group, octenyl group, nonenyl group, decenyl group, undecenyl group, dodecenyl group, tridecenyl group, tetradecenyl group, isohexenyl group, isoheptenyl group, isooctenyl group, isononenyl group, isodecenyl group, isoundecenyl group, isododecenyl group, isotridecenyl group, isotetradecenyl group, etc.

[0053] As the alkylene oxide used as a raw material for forming the (poly)oxyalkylene structure, an alkylene oxide having 2 or more and 4 or less carbon atoms is preferable. Specific examples of the alkylene oxide include those listed in the nonionic surfactant (A) column.

[0054] The phosphoric acid constituting the organic phosphate compound is not particularly limited, and may be orthophosphoric acid or a polyphosphoric acid such as diphosphoric acid. Specific examples of the phosphate ester salt type anionic surfactant include, for example, octyl phosphate ester salt, decyl phosphate ester salt, lauryl phosphate ester salt, polyoxyalkylene lauryl phosphate ester salt, etc.

[0055] Specific examples of the sulfonate type anionic surfactant include, for example, aliphatic sulfonates or aromatic sulfonates such as lauryl sulfonate, alkyl (C14~16) sulfonate, myristyl sulfonate, cetyl sulfonate, oleyl sulfonate, stearyl sulfonate, tetradecane sulfonate, dodecylbenzene sulfonate, secondary alkane sulfonate (C13~15) salt, etc.

[0056] Specific examples of the sulfate ester salt type anionic surfactant include, for example, (1) sulfate ester salts of aliphatic alcohols such as lauryl sulfate ester salt, oleyl sulfate ester salt, and stearyl sulfate ester salt; (2) sulfate ester salts of those obtained by adding at least one alkylene oxide selected from ethylene oxide and propylene oxide to aliphatic alcohols such as polyoxyethylene lauryl ether sulfate ester salt, polyoxyalkylene (polyoxyethylene, polyoxypropylene) lauryl ether sulfate ester salt, and polyoxyethylene oleyl ether sulfate ester salt; (3) sulfate ester salts of fatty acids such as castor oil fatty acid sulfate ester salt, sesame oil fatty acid sulfate ester salt, tall oil fatty acid sulfate ester salt, soybean oil fatty acid sulfate ester salt, rapeseed oil fatty acid sulfate ester salt, palm oil fatty acid sulfate ester salt, lard fatty acid sulfate ester salt, beef tallow fatty acid sulfate ester salt, and whale oil fatty acid sulfate ester salt; (4) sulfate ester salts of oils and fats such as castor oil sulfate ester salt, sesame oil sulfate ester salt, tall oil sulfate ester salt, soybean oil sulfate ester salt, rapeseed oil sulfate ester salt, palm oil sulfate ester salt, lard sulfate ester salt, beef tallow sulfate ester salt, and whale oil sulfate ester salt, etc.

[0057] Specific examples of the fatty acid salt type anionic surfactant include, for example, octanoate, laurate, oleate, stearate, etc. Examples of the salt of the anionic surfactant include amine salts, metal salts, ammonium salts, etc.

[0058] Examples of the metal salt include alkali metal salts and alkaline earth metal salts. Specific examples of the alkali metal constituting the alkali metal salt include, for example, sodium, potassium, lithium, etc. Examples of the alkaline earth metal constituting the alkaline earth metal salt include metals corresponding to Group 2 elements, such as calcium, magnesium, beryllium, strontium, barium, etc.

[0059] The amine constituting the amine salt may be any of primary amines, secondary amines, and tertiary amines. Specific examples of the amine constituting the amine salt include, for example, (1) aliphatic amines such as methylamine, dimethylamine, trimethylamine, ethylamine, diethylamine, triethylamine, N-N-diisopropylethylamine, butylamine, dibutylamine, 2-methylbutylamine, tributylamine, octylamine, dimethyllaurylamine, etc., (2) aromatic amines or heterocyclic amines such as aniline, N-methylbenzylamine, pyridine, morpholine, piperazine, and their derivatives, (3) alkanolamines such as monoethanolamine, N-methylethanolamine, diethanolamine, triethanolamine, isopropanolamine, diisopropanolamine, triisopropanolamine, dibutylethanolamine, butyldiethanolamine, octyldiethanolamine, lauryldiethanolamine, etc., (4) arylamines such as N-methylbenzylamine, (5) polyoxyalkylene alkylaminoethers such as polyoxyethylene laurylaminoether, polyoxyethylene stearylaminoether, etc., (6) ammonia, etc.

[0060] These anionic surfactants (C) may be used alone or in appropriate combination of two or more. Among these anionic surfactants (C), from the viewpoint of further improving the initial hydrophilicity of the fiber to which the treatment agent is applied, a phosphate ester salt type anionic surfactant having an alkyl group with 6 to 14 carbon atoms is preferable. Furthermore, a phosphate ester salt type anionic surfactant without a (poly)alkylene oxide chain is more preferable.

[0061] The lower limit of the content ratio of the anionic surfactant (C) in the non-volatile matter of the treatment agent is appropriately set, but is preferably 5% by mass or more, more preferably 15% by mass or more. When such a content ratio is 5% by mass or more, the initial hydrophilicity of the fiber to which the treatment agent is applied can be further improved. The upper limit of the content ratio of such anionic surfactant (C) is appropriately set, but is preferably 70% by mass or less, more preferably 60% by mass or less. When such a content ratio is 70% by mass or less, the durable hydrophilicity of the fiber to which the treatment agent is applied can be further improved. In addition, the range obtained by arbitrarily combining the above upper and lower limits is also assumed.

[0062] In the treatment agent, when the total content ratio of the nonionic surfactant (A), the nonionic surfactant (B), and the anionic surfactant (C) is 100% by mass, the nonionic surfactant (A) is 1% by mass or more and 50% by mass or less, the nonionic surfactant (B) is 30% by mass or more and 80% by mass or less, and the anionic surfactant (C) is preferably contained in a ratio of 15% by mass or more and 60% by mass or less. By defining it within such a range, the effects of the present invention can be further improved.

[0063] (Polyoxyalkylene fatty acid amide (D)) The fatty acid amide compound constituting the polyoxyalkylene fatty acid amide (D) provided in the present embodiment is obtained by subjecting a fatty acid and an organic amine to a condensation reaction. The condensation reaction can be carried out by a known method. Further, during the condensation reaction, a catalyst such as an acid or an alkali may be used as necessary, and heating may be performed up to a temperature at which the reaction is promoted.

[0064] Specific examples of the fatty acid amide compound include, for example, lauric acid amide, palmitic acid amide, stearic acid amide, oleic acid amide, behenic acid amide, monolauric acid amide of diethylenetriamine, dilauric acid amide of diethylenetriamine, dipalmitic acid amide of diethylenetriamine, monostearic acid amide of diethylenetriamine, distearic acid amide of diethylenetriamine, dioleic acid amide of diethylenetriamine, dibehenic acid amide of diethylenetriamine, and the like.

[0065] Specific examples of the alkylene oxide used as a raw material for forming the polyoxyalkylene structure of the polyoxyalkylene fatty acid amide (D) can be those listed in the column of the nonionic surfactant (A).

[0066] Specific examples of the polyoxyalkylene fatty acid amide (D) include, for example, a compound obtained by adding an alkylene oxide to 1 mol of lauric acid amide, a compound obtained by adding an alkylene oxide to 1 mol of oleic acid amide, a compound obtained by adding an alkylene oxide to 1 mol of stearic acid amide, and the like.

[0067] These polyoxyalkylene fatty acid amides (D) may be used alone or in appropriate combination of two or more. The lower limit of the content ratio of the polyoxyalkylene fatty acid amide (D) in the non-volatile matter of the treatment agent is appropriately set, but is preferably 0.5% by mass or more, more preferably 1% by mass or more. When such a content ratio is 0.5% by mass or more, the emulsifying property of the treatment agent can be further improved. The upper limit of the content ratio of such polyoxyalkylene fatty acid amide (D) is appropriately set, but is preferably 15% by mass or less, more preferably 10% by mass or less. When such a content ratio is 15% by mass or less, the emulsifying property of the treatment agent can be further improved. In addition, a range arbitrarily combining the above upper and lower limits is also assumed.

[0068] (Organic acid (E)) Examples of the organic acid (E) used in this embodiment include compounds having a carboxyl group with 10 or fewer carbon atoms. Examples of the compound having a carboxyl group include monovalent fatty acids, hydroxy fatty acids, polyvalent carboxylic acids (polybasic acids), and the like.

[0069] As the fatty acid, known ones can be appropriately adopted, and it may be a saturated fatty acid or an unsaturated fatty acid. Further, it may be linear or may have a branched-chain structure.

[0070] Specific examples of the saturated fatty acid include, for example, formic acid, acetic acid, propionic acid, butyric acid, valeric acid, hexanoic acid (caproic acid), octylic acid (2-ethylhexanoic acid), octanoic acid (caprylic acid), nonanoic acid, decanoic acid (capric acid), and the like. Specific examples of the unsaturated fatty acid include, for example, crotonic acid and the like.

[0071] Specific examples of the polyvalent carboxylic acid (polybasic acid) include, for example, (1) dibasic acids such as oxalic acid, malonic acid, succinic acid, glutaric acid, fumaric acid, maleic acid, adipic acid, sebacic acid, etc., (2) tribasic acids such as aconitic acid, etc., (3) aromatic dicarboxylic acids such as benzoic acid, terephthalic acid, isophthalic acid, etc., (4) aromatic tricarboxylic acids such as trimellitic acid, etc., (5) aromatic tetracarboxylic acids such as pyromellitic acid, etc.

[0072] Specific examples of the hydroxy fatty acid include, for example, citric acid, lactic acid, malic acid, tartaric acid, gluconic acid, glycolic acid, and the like. These organic acids (E) may be used alone or in appropriate combination of two or more.

[0073] Among these, it is preferable that the compound has a carboxyl group with 6 or fewer carbon atoms. The lower limit of the content ratio of the organic acid (E) in the non-volatile matter of the treatment agent is appropriately set, but is preferably 0.5% by mass or more, more preferably 1% by mass or more. When such a content ratio is 0.5% by mass or more, the emulsifying property of the treatment agent can be further improved. The upper limit of the content ratio of such an organic acid (E) is appropriately set, but is preferably 10% by mass or less, more preferably 7% by mass or less. When such a content ratio is 10% by mass or less, the emulsifying property of the treatment agent can be further improved. In addition, a range arbitrarily combining the above upper and lower limits is also assumed.

[0074] (Storage form) The treatment agent may be configured as a single-agent type containing the above-described nonionic surfactant (A), nonionic surfactant (B), anionic surfactant (C), polyoxyalkylene fatty acid amide (D), and organic acid (E). From the viewpoint of improving the formulation stability, it may also be configured as a two-agent type treatment agent as shown below.

[0075] The two-agent type treatment agent is configured as a set including a first treatment agent for short fibers containing the nonionic surfactant (A) (hereinafter referred to as "the first treatment agent") and a second treatment agent for short fibers containing the nonionic surfactant (B) (hereinafter referred to as "the second treatment agent"). The anionic surfactant (C), polyoxyalkylene fatty acid amide (D), and organic acid (E) may be contained in either one or both of the first treatment agent and the second treatment agent. From the viewpoint of the stability of the first treatment agent and the second treatment agent, the anionic surfactant (C) is preferably contained in the second treatment agent, and the polyoxyalkylene fatty acid amide (D) and the organic acid (E) are preferably contained in the first treatment agent.

[0076] The two-agent type treatment agent is composed of the first treatment agent and the second treatment agent configured as a separate agent from the first treatment agent during storage or distribution. For the two-agent type treatment agent, a mixture in which the first treatment agent and the second treatment agent are mixed is prepared during use.

[0077] (Solvent) The treatment agent of the present embodiment can be mixed with a solvent if necessary to prepare a treatment agent-containing composition or a diluted treatment agent-containing composition for short fibers (hereinafter referred to as "treatment agent-containing composition, etc."), and can be stored or distributed in the form of the treatment agent-containing composition, etc.

[0078] The solvent is a solvent having a boiling point of 105°C or lower at one atmosphere. Examples of the solvent include water and organic solvents. Specific examples of the organic solvent include lower alcohols such as ethanol and propanol, and low-polarity solvents such as hexane. These solvents may be used alone or in an appropriate combination of two or more. Among these, polar solvents such as water and lower alcohols are preferable from the viewpoint of excellent dispersibility or solubility of each component, and water is more preferable from the viewpoint of excellent handling properties.

[0079] (Effect of the present embodiment) The effect of the treatment agent of the first embodiment will be described. (1-1) In the treatment agent of the first embodiment described above, it contains the nonionic surfactant (A), the nonionic surfactant (B), and the anionic surfactant (C) described above. Therefore, it is possible to improve each function of the fiber provided with the treatment agent, such as water repellency, durable hydrophilicity, and initial hydrophilicity. Thereby, the quality of the fiber provided with the treatment agent can be improved. Also, the emulsifying property of the treatment agent can be improved.

[0080] (1-2) Further, when the treatment agent contains the polyoxyalkylene fatty acid amide (D) or the organic acid (E), the emulsifying property of the treatment agent can be further improved. <Second Embodiment> Next, a second embodiment in which the first treatment agent of the present invention is embodied will be described. Hereinafter, the description will focus on the differences from the first embodiment.

[0081] In the first treating agent used for the nonwoven fabric of the present embodiment, it contains the above-described nonionic surfactant (A), and optionally an anionic surfactant (C), a polyoxyalkylene fatty acid amide (D), and an organic acid (E). The first treating agent is used in combination with the second treating agent used for the nonwoven fabric containing the above-described nonionic surfactant (B) during use, and is configured as a separate agent from the second treating agent except during use. The anionic surfactant (C), the polyoxyalkylene fatty acid amide (D), and the organic acid (E) may be contained in either one or both of the first treating agent and the second treating agent. A mixture as a treating agent in which the first treating agent and the second treating agent are mixed during use is prepared. In addition, each component such as the nonionic surfactant (A) contained in the first treating agent and the second treating agent is the same as each component described in the first embodiment.

[0082] (Solvent) The first treating agent of the present embodiment may be mixed with a solvent as necessary to prepare a first treating agent-containing composition for short fibers or a diluted solution containing the first treating agent for short fibers (hereinafter referred to as "the first treating agent-containing composition, etc."), and may be stored or distributed in the form of the first treating agent-containing composition, etc. With such a configuration, when diluting with a solvent or mixing with the second treating agent during use, the miscibility is improved and the stability of the composition is improved. As the solvent, those exemplified in the first embodiment can be adopted.

[0083] (Effects of the present embodiment) The effects of the first treating agent of the second embodiment will be described. In the second embodiment, in addition to the effects of the first embodiment, it has the following effects.

[0084] (2-1) In the first treatment agent of the second embodiment, it contains the nonionic surfactant (A) described above, and optionally an anionic surfactant (C), a polyoxyalkylene fatty acid amide (D), and an organic acid (E). It is configured as a separate agent from the second treatment agent that contains the nonionic surfactant (B) described above except during use. The first treatment agent is used in combination with the second treatment agent during use, and a mixture as a treatment agent in which the first treatment agent and the second treatment agent are mixed is prepared. Therefore, during storage or distribution, etc., the formulation stability of the first treatment agent, particularly the storage stability, can be further improved. Also, by adjusting the mixing ratio with the second treatment agent, the components of the obtained treatment agent can be adjusted. Also, only the first treatment agent can be distributed as a separate agent from the second treatment agent.

[0085] <Third Embodiment> Next, a third embodiment in which the second treatment agent of the present invention is embodied will be described. Hereinafter, the description will focus on the differences from the first and second embodiments.

[0086] The second treatment agent used for the nonwoven fabric of this embodiment contains the nonionic surfactant (B) described above, and optionally an anionic surfactant (C), a polyoxyalkylene fatty acid amide (D), and an organic acid (E). The second treatment agent is used in combination with the first treatment agent used for the nonwoven fabric that contains the nonionic surfactant (A) etc. during use, and is configured as a separate agent from the first treatment agent except during use. The anionic surfactant (C), the polyoxyalkylene fatty acid amide (D), and the organic acid (E) may be contained in either one or both of the first treatment agent and the second treatment agent. A mixture as a treatment agent in which the first treatment agent and the second treatment agent are mixed is prepared during use. Each component such as the nonionic surfactant (A) contained in the first treatment agent and the second treatment agent is the same as each component described in the first embodiment.

[0087] (Solvent) The second treating agent of the present embodiment can be mixed with a solvent as necessary to prepare a second treating agent-containing composition for short fibers or a diluted solution containing the second treating agent for short fibers (hereinafter referred to as "the second treating agent-containing composition, etc."), and may be stored or distributed in the form of the second treating agent-containing composition, etc. With such a configuration, when diluting with a solvent or mixing with the first treating agent during use, the miscibility is improved and the stability of the composition is improved. As the solvent, those exemplified in the first embodiment can be adopted.

[0088] (Effect of the present embodiment) The effect of the second treating agent of the third embodiment will be described. In the third embodiment, in addition to the effects of the first and second embodiments, it has the following effects.

[0089] (3-1) The second treating agent of the third embodiment contains the nonionic surfactant (B) described above, and optionally an anionic surfactant (C), a polyoxyalkylene fatty acid amide (D), and an organic acid (E). It is configured as a separate agent from the first treating agent containing the nonionic surfactant (A) etc. described above other than during use. The second treating agent is used in combination with the first treating agent during use, and a mixture as a treating agent in which the first treating agent and the second treating agent are mixed is prepared. Therefore, the formulation stability of the second treating agent, particularly the storage stability, can be further improved during storage or distribution. Also, by adjusting the mixing ratio with the first treating agent, the components of the obtained treating agent can be adjusted. Further, only the second treating agent can be distributed as a separate agent from the first treating agent.

[0090] <Fourth Embodiment> The fourth embodiment embodying the short fibers according to the present invention will be described. The short fibers used in the nonwoven fabric of this embodiment are treated short fibers with the treating agent of the first embodiment adhered to the surface. By adhering the treating agent to the surface of the short fibers, modified short fibers are obtained.

[0091] (Use of the fiber) Examples of the use of fibers to which the treatment agent is attached include short fibers. The short fibers shall generally be those called staple, and shall not include long fibers generally called filaments. Further, the length of the short fibers is not particularly limited as long as it corresponds to short fibers in the technical field, but is, for example, 100 mm or less, preferably 30 mm or more and 70 mm or less. The short fibers are composed of the following synthetic fibers.

[0092] (Synthetic fibers) Specific examples of the synthetic fibers include (1) polyolefin fibers such as polyethylene fibers, polypropylene fibers, and polybutene fibers, (2) polyester fibers such as polyethylene terephthalate, polybutylene terephthalate, polyethylene terephthalate / isophthalate, and polyether polyester, (3) polyamide fibers such as nylon 6 and nylon 66, and (4) among composite fibers, composite fibers having a core-sheath structure in which either the core or the sheath or both are polyolefin fibers, for example, polyethylene / polypropylene composite fibers in which the sheath is polyethylene fiber, polyethylene / polyester composite fibers, or polyethylene / polypropylene composite fibers having a side-by-side structure, polyethylene / polyester composite fibers, etc. Among these, it is preferable that they are polyolefin synthetic fibers such as polyethylene fibers, polypropylene fibers, polybutene fibers, etc., and composite fibers having a core-sheath structure in which either the core or the sheath or both are polyolefin fibers, for example, polyethylene / polypropylene composite fibers in which the sheath is polyethylene fiber, polyethylene / polyester composite fibers, or polyethylene / polypropylene composite fibers having a side-by-side structure, polyethylene / polyester composite fibers, etc. Here, the polyolefin synthetic fiber means a synthetic fiber synthesized using olefin or alkene as a monomer.

[0093] (Treatment agent attachment treatment) There is no particular limitation on the ratio of attaching the treatment agent of the first embodiment to the synthetic fiber, but it is preferably attached so as to be 0.1% by mass or more and 2% by mass or less with respect to the synthetic fiber as a treatment agent not containing a solvent, and more preferably attached so as to be 0.2% by mass or more and 1.2% by mass or less.

[0094] As a method of attaching the treatment agent to the synthetic fiber, for example, a known method such as an immersion method, a spray method, a roller method, a guide oil supply method using a metering pump, etc. can be applied using the treatment agent of the first embodiment and a treatment agent-containing composition containing water or a dilution liquid further diluted with a solvent.

[0095] In addition, for the preparation of the treatment agent-containing composition or the dilution liquid, a known mechanical emulsification method using a homomixer, a homogenizer, etc. can be applied. (Method for manufacturing nonwoven fabric) Using the short fibers of the present embodiment, a nonwoven fabric may be further manufactured by the following method.

[0096] It is obtained by passing through a step of attaching the treatment agent to the short fibers configured as the above-described composite fiber and a step of performing a heat fusion treatment to obtain a nonwoven fabric. More specifically, it is obtained by passing through the following steps.

[0097] Step 1: A step of attaching the treatment agent of the first embodiment to the short fibers. Step 2: A step of passing the short fibers to which the treatment agent has been attached in Step 1 through a carding machine to obtain a web.

[0098] Step 3: A step of performing a heat fusion treatment on the web obtained in Step 2 to obtain a nonwoven fabric. By passing through the above steps, a nonwoven fabric can be manufactured. Since the fibers of the nonwoven fabric are heat-fused to each other, it can be rephrased as a thermal bond nonwoven fabric.

[0099] When a nonwoven fabric is manufactured from short fibers, it is preferable to apply a polyolefin-based synthetic fiber as the synthetic fiber from the viewpoint of excellent productivity and use characteristics. The temperature of the heat fusion treatment is appropriately set according to the type of synthetic fiber, treatment time, etc. For example, it is 100°C or higher and 180°C or lower, preferably 120°C or higher and 160°C or lower. The time of the heat fusion treatment is appropriately set according to the type of synthetic fiber, treatment temperature, etc. For example, it is 1 second or longer and 60 seconds or shorter, preferably 5 seconds or longer and 20 seconds or shorter.

[0100] (Effect of this embodiment) The effect of the short fibers of the fourth embodiment will be described. In the fourth embodiment, in addition to the effects of the above embodiment, it has the following effects.

[0101] (4-1) In the short fibers of the fourth embodiment, the treatment agent of the first embodiment is adhered. Therefore, short fibers with improved functions of water repellency prevention, durable hydrophilicity, and initial hydrophilicity can be obtained. Therefore, it can be suitably applied to applications in the fields of sanitary materials, medical fields, etc. where improvement of these functions is required.

[0102] (4-2) Also, in the case of a multi-agent type, since the first treatment agent and the second treatment agent are added to the solvent immediately before use and prepared, the treatment agent can be imparted to the fiber in a state with good emulsion stability. Therefore, the efficacy of each component on the short fiber can be effectively exerted.

[0103] (Modification example) Note that the above embodiment may be modified as follows. The above embodiment and the following modification examples can be implemented in combination with each other as long as they do not technically conflict.

[0104] · In each treatment agent, composition, or dilution liquid of the above embodiment, within a range that does not inhibit the effects of the present invention, for maintaining the quality of each treatment agent, etc., as other components, other solvents, stabilizers, antistatic agents, coupling agents, antioxidants, ultraviolet absorbers, surfactants other than the above, pH adjusters, higher alcohols, and other components commonly used in treatment agents, etc. may be further blended. Note that other components commonly used in treatment agents other than solvents are preferably 10% by mass or less in each treatment agent from the viewpoint of efficiently exerting the efficacy of the present invention. Also, other components may be stored as separate agents from the above-described treatment agents.

Example

[0105] Hereinafter, in order to make the configuration and effects of the present invention more specific, examples and the like are given, but the present invention is not limited to these examples. In the following examples and comparative examples, "parts" means parts by mass, and "%" means mass%.

[0106] Test Category 1 (Preparation of Treatment Agent) (Example 1-1) 866.7 g of water was heated to 80 °C, and while stirring, 11.0 g of ethylenediamine distearic acid amide (A1-1) as nonionic surfactant (A), 30.0 g of polyglycerol fatty acid ester (B1-1) as nonionic surfactant (B), 83.3 g of a 60% aqueous solution of potassium octyl phosphate ester (C1-1) as anionic surfactant (C), 5.0 g of a compound (D-1) obtained by adding 8 moles of ethylene oxide (hereinafter referred to as "EO") to 1 mole of lauric acid amide as polyoxyalkylene fatty acid amide (D), 2.0 g of acetic acid (E-1) as organic acid (E), and 2.0 g of ethylenediamine (F-6) as other component were added and mixed to obtain a 10.0% aqueous solution of the treatment agent of Example 1. Note that the nonionic surfactant (A), nonionic surfactant (B), and polyoxyalkylene fatty acid amide (D) in solid state at normal temperature were melted by heating before addition.

[0107] (Examples 1-2 to 1-37, Comparative Examples 1 to 12) The treatment agents of Examples 1-2 to 1-37 and Comparative Examples 1 to 12 were prepared in the same manner as in Example 1 using the respective components shown in Tables 1 and 2.

[0108] The type and content of nonionic surfactant (A), the type and content of nonionic surfactant (B), the type and content of anionic surfactant (C), the type and content of polyoxyalkylene fatty acid amide (D), the type and content of organic acid (E), and the type and content of other components in each treatment agent are as shown in the columns of "Nonionic Surfactant (A)", "Nonionic Surfactant (B)", "Anionic Surfactant (C)", "Polyoxyalkylene Fatty Acid Amide (D)", "Organic Acid (E)", and "Other Components" in Tables 1 and 2 respectively.

[0109] [Table 1]

[0110] [Table 2]

[0111] Details of the nonionic surfactant (A), nonionic surfactant (B), anionic surfactant (C), polyoxyalkylene fatty acid amide (D), organic acid (E), and other components described in Tables 1 and 2 are as follows.

[0112] <Nonionic Surfactant (A)> ((Condensate of (poly)alkylene polyamine and acid)) A1-1: Ethylenediamine distearic acid amide A1-2: Diethylenetriamine distearic acid amide A1-3: Diethylenetriamine dibehenic acid amide A1-4: Diethylenetriamine trioleic acid amide A1-5: Triethylenetetramine tetrastearic acid amide A1-6: N”N-Bis(3-methoxypropyl) isodocanoic diamide ((Compound obtained by adding alkylene oxide to the condensate of (poly)alkylene polyamine and acid)) Compound obtained by adding 10 moles of EO to 1 mole of diethylenetriamine dibehenamide Compound obtained by adding 21 moles of EO to 1 mole of diethylenetriamine dibehenamide Compound obtained by adding 5 moles of EO and 1 mole of propylene oxide (hereinafter referred to as "PO") to 1 mole of diethylenetriamine distearamide (Other amide compounds) a1-1: Oleic acid amide a1-2: Dimethylaminoethylamine stearamide a1-3: Diethanolamine stearamide <Nonionic surfactant (B)> (Polyglycerin fatty acid ester) As the polyglycerin fatty acid ester, B1-1 to B1-4 shown in Table 3 below were used. The glycerin condensation number of the polyglycerin constituting the polyglycerin fatty acid ester, the type of fatty acid, and the number of ester groups are shown in the "Glycerin condensation number" column, "Fatty acid" column, and "Number of ester groups" column in Table 3, respectively.

[0113]

Table 3

[0114] (Compound obtained by adding alkylene oxide to aliphatic alcohol) Compound obtained by adding 5 moles of EO to 1 mole of lauryl alcohol Compound obtained by adding 9 moles of EO to 1 mole of lauryl alcohol (Compound obtained by adding alkylene oxide to fatty acid) Compound obtained by adding 48 moles of EO to 1 mole of behenic acid Compound obtained by adding 48 moles of EO to 1 mole of montanic acid (Compound obtained by adding alkylene oxide to alcohol fatty acid ester) Compound obtained by adding 20 moles of EO to 1 mole of sorbitan monostearate B2-6: Compound obtained by adding EO20 to 1 mole of sorbitan monooleate (Other nonionic surfactants) b1-1: Compound obtained by adding 3 moles of EO to 1 mole of tetradecyl alcohol b1-2: Compound obtained by adding 10 moles of EO to 1 mole of triacontyl alcohol b1-3: Compound obtained by adding 5 moles of EO and 5 moles of PO to 1 mole of triacontyl alcohol b1-4: Sorbitan monooleate <Anionic surfactant (C)> (Phosphate ester salt type anionic surfactant) As the phosphate ester salt type anionic surfactant, C1-1 to C1-6 shown in Table 4 below were used. The acid value and P nuclear NMR integration ratio of the phosphate ester salt type anionic surfactant are shown in the "Acid value" column and "Structure (P nuclear NMR integration ratio)" column in Table 4, respectively.

[0115]

Table 4

[0116] (Other anionic surfactants) C2-1: Sodium dodecylbenzenesulfonate (acid value 0.5 KOH-mg / g) C2-2: Sodium dodecyl sulfate (acid value 0.2 KOH-mg / g) C2-3: Potassium octanoate (acid value 1.0 KOH-mg / g) C2-4: Sodium alkyl sulfonate having 14 to 16 carbon atoms c1-1: Potassium butyl phosphate ester salt c1-2: Potassium stearyl phosphate ester salt (Polyoxyalkylene fatty acid amide (D)) D-1: Compound obtained by adding 8 moles of EO to 1 mole of lauric amide Compound obtained by adding 17 moles of EO to 1 mole of oleic acid amide Compound obtained by adding 40 moles of EO to 1 mole of stearic acid amide (Organic acid (E)) E-1: Acetic acid E-2: Lactic acid E-3: Citric acid (Other components) F-1: Polyethylene with 30 carbon atoms F-2: Inner salt of heptadecylimidazolium hydroxyethyl glycine hydroxide F-3: Inner salt of β-hydroxy octadecyl dimethyl glycine hydroxide F-4: Inner salt of dimethyl octadecyl glycine hydroxide F-5: Polyoxyethylene-modified dimethyl silicone F-6: Ethylenediamine F-7: Diethylenetriamine F-8: Lauric acid F-9: Stearic acid F-10: Octyl alcohol F-11: Lauryl alcohol F-12: Phosphoric acid F-13: Potassium dihydrogen phosphate Test section 2 (Preparation of short fiber treated cotton) As the short fiber, a polyolefin-based composite fiber with a sheath made of polyethylene, a core made of polyester, a fineness of 2.2 dtex, and a fiber length of 51 mm was used. The aqueous solution of the treating agent for each prepared example was attached to the polyolefin-based composite fiber by spray oiling so that the attachment amount (excluding the solvent) was 0.35%. Next, it was dried with a hot air dryer at 80 °C for 1 hour to obtain treated short fiber treated cotton.

[0117] Test section 3 (Production of non-woven fabric) After conditioning 100 g of the treated short fiber treated cotton for 24 hours in a thermostatic chamber at 20 °C and 65% RH, it was fed into a roller card (carding machine) to produce a card web with a basis weight of 20 g / m 2 The obtained card web was subjected to a hot air treatment at 140 °C for 10 seconds to obtain an evaluation sample.

[0118] Test category 4 (moisture rewet prevention) The above evaluation sample was cut into 10 cm × 10 cm small pieces and conditioned in a constant temperature chamber at 20°C and 65% RH for 24 hours. A 10 cm × 10 cm non-woven fabric piece was cut from the outermost non-woven fabric material of a commercially available paper diaper, and the conditioned 10 cm × 10 cm small piece was attached to the cut portion to obtain an evaluation sample for moisture rewet prevention. The evaluation sample for moisture rewet prevention was placed horizontally so that the attached small piece faced upward, and a cylinder with an inner diameter of 6 cm and both ends open was vertically placed at the center of the small piece. 80 mL of water was poured into this cylinder and left standing for 5 minutes to absorb water inside the paper diaper. Next, 15 sheets of 10 cm × 10 cm filter paper were stacked and placed on the attached small piece, and further, a 10 cm × 10 cm and 5.0 kg weight plate was placed on it. After loading for 2 minutes, the total mass of the 15 stacked filter papers was measured, the mass increase rate was calculated, and the evaluation was performed according to the following evaluation criteria. The results are shown in the "Moisture rewet prevention" columns of Tables 1 and 2.

[0119] · Evaluation criteria for moisture rewet prevention 4 (excellent): Mass increase rate is less than 1% 3 (good): Mass increase rate is 1% or more and less than 1.5% 2 (fair): Mass increase rate is 1.5% or more and less than 2% 1 (poor): Mass increase rate is 2% or more Test category 5 (durable hydrophilicity) The above evaluation sample was cut into 10 cm × 10 cm small pieces and conditioned in a constant temperature chamber at 20°C and 60% RH for 24 hours. The conditioned non-woven fabric was placed on 5 stacked filter papers, and further, a cylinder with an inner diameter of 1 cm and both ends open was vertically placed at the center on it. 10 mL of 0.9% physiological saline was poured into this cylinder, and the time until the non-woven fabric completely absorbed the saline was measured. Thereafter, the non-woven fabric was taken out and dried by blowing air at 40°C for 90 minutes. The same operation was repeated a total of 3 times, and the evaluation was performed according to the following evaluation criteria from the time of the third time. The results are shown in the "Durable hydrophilicity" columns of Tables 1 and 2.

[0120] · Evaluation criteria for durable hydrophilicity 4 (Excellent): The time required for the physiological saline to be completely absorbed is less than 5 seconds 3 (Good): The time required for the physiological saline to be completely absorbed is 5 seconds or more and less than 8 seconds 2 (Fair): The time required for the physiological saline to be completely absorbed is 8 seconds or more and less than 10 seconds 1 (Poor): The time required for the physiological saline to be completely absorbed is 10 seconds or more Test Category 6 (Initial hydrophilicity) After conditioning the above-mentioned evaluation sample at 20 °C and 65% RH in a constant temperature chamber for 24 hours, place it on a horizontal plate, and use a burette to drop 0.5 mL of water droplets from a height of 10 mm. Measure the time required for the water droplets to be completely absorbed into the sample (the time required to penetrate the water), and evaluate it according to the following evaluation criteria. The results are shown in the "Initial hydrophilicity" column of Tables 1 and 2.

[0121] · Evaluation criteria for initial hydrophilicity 4 (Excellent): The time required to penetrate the water is less than 0.5 seconds 3 (Good): The time required to penetrate the water is 0.5 seconds or more and less than 1 second 2 (Fair): The time required to penetrate the water is 1 second or more and less than 2 seconds 1 (Poor): The time required to penetrate the water is 2 seconds or more Test Category 7 (Emulsifying property) Dilute the aqueous solution of the treatment agent of each prepared example to 1% by mass, take 10 mL and place it in a test tube, let it stand at 25 °C for 24 hours, and visually observe. Determine the stability after standing for 24 hours according to the following criteria. The results are shown in the "Emulsifying property" column of Tables 1 and 2.

[0122] · Evaluation criteria for emulsifying property 4 (Excellent): When no precipitate is observed 3 (Good): When there is no precipitate immediately after preparation, but a slight precipitate is observed after 24 hours 2 (Fair): When there is no precipitate immediately after preparation, but a large amount of precipitate is observed after 24 hours 1 (Poor): When a large amount of precipitate is observed immediately after preparation Test Category 8 (Preparation of the diluted solution of the first treatment agent of the two-agent type treatment agent) (First treatment agent diluent (I-1)) 950.0 g of water was heated to 80 °C as a solvent, and while stirring, 27.5 g of ethylenediamine distearic acid amide (A1-1) as a nonionic surfactant (A), 12.5 g of a compound (D-1) obtained by adding 8 moles of EO to 1 mole of lauric acid amide as a polyoxyalkylene fatty acid amide (D), 5.0 g of acetic acid (E-1) as an organic acid (E), and 5.0 g of ethylenediamine (F-6) as other components were added and mixed to prepare the first treatment agent diluent (I-1). Regarding the nonionic surfactant (A) and the polyoxyalkylene fatty acid amide (D), substances that were solid at room temperature were melted by heating before being added.

[0123] (First treatment agent diluents (I-2) to (I-14)) Using the same components as the first treatment agent (I-1), the first treatment agent diluents (I-2) to (I-14) were prepared to contain the components in the ratios shown in Table 5.

[0124] The type and content of the nonionic surfactant (A), the type and content of the polyoxyalkylene fatty acid amide (D), the type and content of the organic acid (E), the type and content of other components, and the water content in the first treatment agent diluent are as shown in the columns of "Nonionic surfactant (A)", "Polyoxyalkylene fatty acid amide (D)", "Organic acid (E)", "Other components", and "Solvent" in Table 5, respectively.

[0125]

Table 5

[0126] Test category 9 (Preparation of the second treatment agent diluent for the two-form treatment agent) (Second treatment agent diluent (II-1)) 187.5 g of polyglycerol fatty acid ester (B1-1) and 520.8 g of a 60% aqueous solution of potassium octyl phosphate (C1-1) were mixed at 80°C, 291.7 g of water at 80°C was added, and the mixture was stirred at 80°C to prepare a second treatment agent dilution (II-1). For the nonionic surfactant (B), substances that were solid at room temperature were melted by heating before being added.

[0127] (Second treatment agent dilutions (II-2) to (II-14)) In the same manner as the second treatment agent dilution (II-1), a nonionic surfactant (B), a nonionic surfactant (C), and water were prepared to contain the proportions shown in Table 6.

[0128] The type and content of the nonionic surfactant (B), the type and content of the anionic surfactant (C), and the water content in the treatment agents of each example are as shown in the columns of "Nonionic surfactant (B)", "Anionic surfactant (C)", and "Solvent" in Table 6, respectively.

[0129]

Table 6

[0130] Test category 10 (Preparation of treatment agent dilution from the first treatment agent dilution and the second treatment agent dilution) (Example 2-1) 400.0 g of the above-mentioned first treatment agent dilution (I-1) shown in Table 7 and 160.0 g of the second treatment agent dilution (II-1) were mixed to obtain a treatment agent dilution (Example 2-1). Further, 440.0 g of water was added and stirred at 50°C to obtain a 10.0% aqueous solution of the treatment agent dilution of Example 2-1.

[0131] (Examples (2-2, 6, 7, 10, 13, 15 to 17, 20, 28, 30, 34, 35)) In the same manner as Example 2-1, the first treatment agent dilution and the second treatment agent dilution shown in Table 7 were mixed to prepare the treatment agent dilutions of each example.

[0132] The type and mass ratio of the first treatment agent diluent and the type and mass ratio of the second treatment agent diluent are respectively shown in the columns of "First Treatment Agent Diluent (I)" and "Second Treatment Agent Diluent (II)" in Table 7.

[0133] [Table 7]

[0134] Test Category 11 (Evaluation of the formulation stability of the first treatment agent diluent and the second treatment agent diluent) 10 mL of each prepared first treatment agent diluent and second treatment agent diluent were separately placed in test tubes and visually observed to determine the stability according to the following criteria.

[0135] · Evaluation criteria for formulation stability 2 (Acceptable): When there is no separation or precipitate immediately after preparation 1 (Unacceptable): When separation or precipitate is observed immediately after preparation Test Category 12 (Evaluation of the treatment agent diluents of two dosage forms) Using the treatment agent diluents of each example such as Example 2-1 obtained, the water repellency, durable hydrophilicity, initial hydrophilicity, and emulsifiability were evaluated in the same manner as the treatment agent of Example 1-1. The results are respectively shown in the columns of "Water repellency", "Durable hydrophilicity", "Initial hydrophilicity", and "Emulsifiability" in Table 7.

[0136] From the results in the above table, according to the present invention, the water repellency, durable hydrophilicity, and initial hydrophilicity of the fibers treated with the treatment agent can be improved respectively. Also, the emulsifiability of the treatment agent diluent can be improved. Next, the technical ideas that can be grasped from the above embodiments and alternative examples are added below.

[0137] The treatment agent for short fibers in Aspect 1 is characterized by containing the following nonionic surfactant (A), the following nonionic surfactant (B), and the following anionic surfactant (C). Nonionic surfactant (A): At least one selected from condensates of 1 mol of (poly)alkylene polyamine and 2 mol or more of an acid, and compounds obtained by adding 1 mol or more and 100 mol or less of alkylene oxide to 1 mol of a condensate of 1 mol of (poly)alkylene polyamine and 2 mol or more of an acid.

[0138] Nonionic surfactant (B): At least one selected from polyglycerol fatty acid esters, compounds obtained by adding 1 mol or more and 100 mol or less of alkylene oxide to 1 mol of an aliphatic alcohol having 6 to 13 carbon atoms, compounds obtained by adding 1 mol or more and 100 mol or less of alkylene oxide to 1 mol of a fatty acid having 8 to 30 carbon atoms, and compounds obtained by adding 1 mol or more and 100 mol or less of alkylene oxide to 1 mol of an alcohol fatty acid ester.

[0139] Anionic surfactant (C): At least one selected from phosphate ester salt type anionic surfactants having an alkyl group with 6 to 14 carbon atoms, sulfonate type anionic surfactants, sulfate ester salt type anionic surfactants, and fatty acid salt type anionic surfactants.

[0140] Aspect 2 is the treatment agent for short fibers according to Aspect 1, wherein the nonionic surfactant (A) is a condensate of 1 mol of (poly)alkylene polyamine and 2 mol or more of an acid. Aspect 3 is the treatment agent for short fibers according to Aspect 1, wherein the anionic surfactant (C) is a phosphate ester salt type anionic surfactant having an alkyl group with 6 to 14 carbon atoms.

[0141] Aspect 4 is the treatment agent for short fibers according to Aspect 1, wherein the nonionic surfactant (B) is a polyglycerol fatty acid ester. Aspect 5 is the treatment agent for short fibers according to Aspect 1, wherein the content ratio of the nonionic surfactant (A) in the nonvolatile matter of the treatment agent for short fibers is 1% by mass or more and 50% by mass or less.

[0142] Aspect 6 is the treatment agent for short fibers according to Aspect 1, wherein when the total content ratio of the nonionic surfactant (A), the nonionic surfactant (B), and the anionic surfactant (C) is 100% by mass, the nonionic surfactant (A) is contained in a proportion of 1% by mass or more and 50% by mass or less, the nonionic surfactant (B) is contained in a proportion of 30% by mass or more and 80% by mass or less, and the anionic surfactant (C) is contained in a proportion of 15% by mass or more and 60% by mass or less.

[0143] Aspect 7 is the treatment agent for short fibers according to Aspect 1, further containing polyoxyalkylene fatty acid amide (D). Aspect 8 is the treatment agent for short fibers according to Aspect 1, further containing organic acid (E).

[0144] The first treatment agent for short fibers of Aspect 9 is used in combination with the second treatment agent for short fibers containing the following nonionic surfactant (B), and is the first treatment agent for short fibers containing the following nonionic surfactant (A), wherein either one or both of the first treatment agent for short fibers and the second treatment agent for short fibers contain the following anionic surfactant (C), and either one or both of the first treatment agent for short fibers and the second treatment agent for short fibers optionally contain at least one selected from polyoxyalkylene fatty acid amide (D) and organic acid (E).

[0145] Nonionic surfactant (A): at least one selected from condensates of 1 mol of (poly)alkylene polyamine and 2 mol or more of acid, and compounds obtained by adding 1 mol or more and 100 mol or less of alkylene oxide to 1 mol of the condensate of 1 mol of (poly)alkylene polyamine and 2 mol or more of acid.

[0146] Nonionic surfactant (B): At least one selected from polyglycerol fatty acid esters, a compound obtained by adding 1 to 100 moles of alkylene oxide to 1 mole of an aliphatic alcohol having 6 to 13 carbon atoms, a compound obtained by adding 1 to 100 moles of alkylene oxide to 1 mole of a fatty acid having 8 to 30 carbon atoms, and a compound obtained by adding 1 to 100 moles of alkylene oxide to 1 mole of an alcohol fatty acid ester.

[0147] Anionic surfactant (C): At least one selected from phosphate ester salt type anionic surfactants having an alkyl group with 6 to 14 carbon atoms, sulfonate type anionic surfactants, sulfate ester salt type anionic surfactants, and fatty acid salt type anionic surfactants.

[0148] The short fibers of Aspect 10 have the short fiber treatment agent described in any one of Aspects 1 to 8 attached thereto. The method for producing a nonwoven fabric according to Aspect 11 is characterized by including a step of attaching the short fiber treatment agent described in any one of Aspects 1 to 8 to the short fibers, and a step of obtaining a nonwoven fabric by performing a heat fusion treatment.

[0149] Aspect 12 is the method for producing a nonwoven fabric according to Aspect 11, wherein the short fibers are polyolefin synthetic fibers.

Claims

1. A short fiber treating agent for use in nonwoven fabric, comprising the following nonionic surfactant (A), the following nonionic surfactant (B), and the following anionic surfactant (C). Nonionic surfactant (A): At least one selected from the group consisting of a condensation product of 1 mol of a (poly)alkylene polyamine with 2 mols or more of an acid, and a compound in which 1 mol or more and 100 mols or less of an alkylene oxide is added to 1 mol of a condensation product of 1 mol of a (poly)alkylene polyamine with 2 mols or more of an acid. Nonionic surfactant (B): at least one selected from polyglycerol fatty acid esters, compounds in which 1 mol or more and 100 mol or less of alkylene oxide is added to 1 mol of an aliphatic alcohol having 6 to 13 carbon atoms, compounds in which 1 mol or more and 100 mol or less of alkylene oxide is added to 1 mol of a fatty acid having 8 to 30 carbon atoms, and compounds in which 1 mol or more and 100 mol or less of alkylene oxide is added to 1 mol of an alcohol fatty acid ester. Anionic surfactant (C): At least one selected from a phosphate salt type anionic surfactant, a sulfonate salt type anionic surfactant, a sulfate salt type anionic surfactant, and a fatty acid salt type anionic surfactant, each of which has an alkyl group having from 6 to 14 carbon atoms.

2. 2. The agent for treating short fibers according to claim 1, wherein the nonionic surfactant (A) is a condensate of 1 mole of a (poly)alkylene polyamine with 2 or more moles of an acid.

3. 2. The agent for treating short fibers according to claim 1, wherein the anionic surfactant (C) is a phosphate salt type anionic surfactant having an alkyl group having 6 to 14 carbon atoms.

4. 2. The agent for treating short fibers according to claim 1, wherein the nonionic surfactant (B) is a polyglycerol fatty acid ester.

5. 2. The short fiber treatment agent according to claim 1, wherein the content of said nonionic surfactant (A) in the nonvolatile matter of said short fiber treatment agent is from 1% by mass to 50% by mass.

6. 2. The short fiber treatment agent according to claim 1, wherein the short fiber treatment agent contains the nonionic surfactant (A) in an amount of 1 mass% or more and 50 mass% or less, the nonionic surfactant (B) in an amount of 30 mass% or more and 80 mass% or less, and the anionic surfactant (C) in an amount of 15 mass% or more and 60 mass% or less, assuming that the total content of the nonionic surfactant (A), the nonionic surfactant (B), and the anionic surfactant (C) is 100 mass%.

7. 2. The short fiber treating agent according to claim 1, further comprising a polyoxyalkylene fatty acid amide (D) (excluding those corresponding to the nonionic surfactant (A)).

8. 2. The short fiber treating agent according to claim 1, further comprising an organic acid (E) having a carboxyl group having 10 or less carbon atoms.

9. A set including a second treatment agent for short fibers containing the nonionic surfactant (B) and a first treatment agent for short fibers containing the nonionic surfactant (A), The first treatment agent for short fibers and / or the second treatment agent for short fibers contain the anionic surfactant (C), The short fiber treatment agent according to claim 1, wherein either or both of the first short fiber treatment agent and the second short fiber treatment agent optionally contain at least one selected from the group consisting of polyoxyalkylene fatty acid amide (D) (excluding those corresponding to the nonionic surfactant (A)) and an organic acid (E) having a carboxyl group having 10 or less carbon atoms, and the first short fiber treatment agent and the second short fiber treatment agent are mixed when used.

10. 10. Short fibers used for a nonwoven fabric to which the short fiber treating agent according to any one of claims 1 to 9 is attached.

11. A method for producing a nonwoven fabric, comprising the steps of: applying the short fiber treating agent according to any one of claims 1 to 9 to short fibers; and performing a heat fusion treatment to obtain a nonwoven fabric.

12. The method for producing a nonwoven fabric according to claim 11, wherein the staple fibers are polyolefin-based synthetic fibers.

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