Treatment agent for long fiber nonwoven fabric and its use

Abstract

The present invention provides a treatment agent for long-fiber nonwoven fabrics that has both low foaming properties and excellent wettability, and a long-fiber nonwoven fabric to which the treatment agent for long-fiber nonwoven fabrics is attached. A treatment agent for long-fiber nonwoven fabrics, comprising the following components (A), (B), and (C): component (A): a fatty acid having a melting point of 30 to 80°C; component (B): a nonionic surfactant having an HLB of 6 to 12; and component (C): a polyhydric alcohol having 2 to 8 carbon atoms; it is preferable that component (B) contains a polyhydric alcohol fatty acid ester. It is preferable that the polyhydric alcohol constituting the polyhydric alcohol fatty acid ester is at least one selected from sorbitan, castor oil, and hydrogenated castor oil.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a treatment agent for long-fiber nonwoven fabrics and its use. [Background technology]

[0002] Polyolefin-based synthetic fibers are generally used as raw fibers for nonwoven fabrics. For example, nonwoven fabrics are manufactured using long fibers made of polyolefin-based synthetic fibers. Nonwoven fabrics manufactured using long fibers are called long-fiber nonwoven fabrics. By applying a treatment agent that functions as a nonwoven fabric treatment agent to the nonwoven fabric, functions such as durable hydrophilicity are imparted to the nonwoven fabric. Nonwoven fabrics imparted with functions such as durable hydrophilicity are used in a wide range of fields, including hygiene materials, medical care, and civil engineering.

[0003] Patent Document 1 discloses a treatment agent for nonwoven fabrics that contains an ether ester compound. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] International Publication No. 2022 / 065261 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] However, the nonwoven fabric treatment agent in Patent Document 1 sometimes lacks hydrophilicity. As a result of investigating the cause, it was found that foaming and insufficient wettability when the treatment agent is diluted and applied to the nonwoven fabric result in insufficient uniform adhesion of the treatment agent to the nonwoven fabric. The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to provide a treatment agent for long-fiber nonwoven fabrics that exhibits both low foaming and excellent wettability, and to provide a long-fiber nonwoven fabric to which the treatment agent for long-fiber nonwoven fabrics is adhered. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] As a result of extensive research into solving the above problems, the present inventors have found that a treatment agent for long-fiber nonwoven fabrics containing three specific components can solve the problems. That is, the treatment agent for long-fiber nonwoven fabrics of the present invention contains the following component (A), the following component (B), and the following component (C): A treatment agent for a long-fiber nonwoven fabric, wherein the weight ratio of the component (B) to the nonvolatile content of the treatment agent for a long-fiber nonwoven fabric is 62 to 99% by weight. .

[0007] The component (B) preferably contains a polyhydric alcohol fatty acid ester. The polyhydric alcohol constituting the polyhydric alcohol fatty acid ester is preferably at least one selected from sorbitan, castor oil, and hydrogenated castor oil. It is preferable that the composition further contains an anionic surfactant (D). The proportion of the component (B) relative to the total amount of the components (B) and (D) is preferably 50 to 99% by weight.

[0008] The long-fiber nonwoven fabric of the present invention is provided with the above-mentioned treatment agent for long-fiber nonwoven fabrics. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] The treatment agent for long-fiber nonwoven fabrics of the present invention provides long-fiber nonwoven fabrics with excellent hydrophilicity. The long-fiber nonwoven fabrics of the present invention have excellent hydrophilicity. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] The treatment agent for long-fiber nonwoven fabric of the present invention contains component (A), component (B), and component (C). Each component will be described in detail below.

[0011] [Component (A)] Component (A) is a component that is essential for the treatment agent for long-fiber nonwoven fabrics, and is a component that is primarily excellent in defoaming effect. Component (A) is a fatty acid having a melting point of 30 to 80°C. Specific examples include lauric acid (melting point 44°C), tridecylic acid (melting point 52°C), myristic acid (59°C), pentadecylic acid (melting point 61°C), palmitic acid (melting point 63°C), stearic acid (melting point 70°C), icosenoic acid (melting point 79°C), and behenic acid (melting point 75°C). Among these, palmitic acid (melting point 63°C) and stearic acid (melting point 70°C) are more preferred from the viewpoint of exerting the effects of the present invention, with palmitic acid (melting point 63°C) being particularly preferred. Fatty acids with melting points below 30°C are liquid at room temperature and therefore lack sufficient defoaming effect, while fatty acids with melting points above 80°C result in poor appearance of the treatment agent. Component (A) may be a mixture, or one or more types may be used. The melting point in the present invention was measured as follows: A measurement sample was collected to a height of approximately 10 mm in a capillary tube (inner diameter 1 mm, outer diameter 2 mm or less, length 50 to 80 mm) with both ends open. This was then set in a BUCHI M-565 melting point measuring apparatus, and the temperature was increased at a rate of 1°C / min from a temperature below the melting point. The temperature at which the measurement sample melted and became transparent was taken as the melting point.

[0012] [Component (B)] Component (B) is a component that is essential for the treatment agent for long-fiber nonwoven fabrics, and is a component that is primarily excellent in wettability and hydrophilicity. Component (B) is a nonionic surfactant. Component (B) preferably contains a polyhydric alcohol fatty acid ester. The HLB value of component (B) is from 6 to 12, preferably from 7 to 11.5, and more preferably from 8 to 11, from the viewpoint of exerting the effects of the present invention. The HLB value of component (B) is an index showing the balance between hydrophilicity and lipophilicity, and can be calculated from the ratio of the organic value to the inorganic value of an organic compound, for example, by the Oda method described on page 212 of "Introduction to Surfactants" (published by Sanyo Chemical Industries, Ltd. in 2007, written by Fujimoto Takehiko). HLB=10×Inorganic / Organic The organic and inorganic values ​​for deriving the HLB can be calculated using the values ​​in the table on page 213 of the aforementioned "Introduction to Surfactants."

[0013] When two or more compounds are used as component (B), the HLB value of component (B) can be calculated as a weighted average. For example, when component (B) is a combination of M1 parts by weight of compound (Ax) having an HLB value of h1 and M2 parts by weight of compound (Ay) having an HLB value of h2, the HLB value of surfactant (A) can be calculated using the following formula: HLB value of surfactant (A) = (h1 × M1 + h2 × M2) / (M1 + M2)

[0014] Examples of component (B) include alkylene oxide adducts of esters of polyhydric alcohols and fatty acids (B1), esters of alkylene oxide adducts of polyhydric alcohols and fatty acids (B2), esters of polyoxyalkylene glycols and fatty acids (B3), and monoesters of polyhydric alcohols and fatty acids (B4). The component (B) may be used alone or in combination of two or more.

[0015] Specific examples of the polyhydric alcohol constituting the alkylene oxide adduct (B1) of an ester of a polyhydric alcohol and a fatty acid include aliphatic polyhydric (tri- to hexahydric) alcohols having 3 to 6 carbon atoms (glycerin, trimethylolpropane, pentaerythritol, sorbitol, sorbitan, etc.). Specific examples of the fatty acid constituting the alkylene oxide adduct (B1) of an ester of a polyhydric alcohol and a fatty acid include aliphatic carboxylic acids having 8 to 24 carbon atoms [aliphatic saturated carboxylic acids (caprylic acid, 2-ethylhexanoic acid, pelargonic acid, capric acid, lauric acid, tridecanoic acid, isotridecanoic acid, myristic acid, palmitic acid, stearic acid, isostearic acid, etc.)], and aliphatic unsaturated carboxylic acids (oleic acid, linoleic acid, linolenic acid, ricinoleic acid, beef tallow fatty acid, hydrogenated beef tallow fatty acid, castor oil fatty acid, hydrogenated castor oil fatty acid, etc.)]. Examples of the alkylene oxide constituting the alkylene oxide adduct (B1) of an ester of a polyhydric alcohol and a fatty acid include alkylene oxides having 2 to 4 carbon atoms (hereinafter abbreviated as AO). Examples of AOs having 2 to 4 carbon atoms include ethylene oxide (hereinafter abbreviated as EO), 1,2- or 1,3-propylene oxide (hereinafter abbreviated as PO), and 1,2-, 1,3-, 1,4-, or 2,3-butylene oxide (hereinafter abbreviated as BO). One or more types of AO may be used in combination. When two or more types of AO are used in combination, they may be added in block or random order. The alkylene oxide adduct (B1) of an ester of a polyhydric alcohol and a fatty acid includes an AO adduct of an ester of an aliphatic polyhydric alcohol having 3 to 6 carbon atoms and an aliphatic carboxylic acid having 8 to 24 carbon atoms. Specific examples include a 20 mole EO adduct of glycerin and di-rapeseed oil fatty acid ester, a 20 mole EO adduct of trimethylolpropane dioleate, a 20 mole EO adduct of sorbitan trioleate, a 10 mole EO adduct of castor oil (ester of glycerin and aliphatic carboxylic acid), and a 20 mole EO adduct of hydrogenated castor oil. Among these, from the viewpoint of exerting the effects of the present invention, an adduct of 20 moles of EO of sorbitan trioleate, an adduct of 10 moles of EO of castor oil, and an adduct of 20 moles of EO of hydrogenated castor oil are preferred.

[0016] Specific examples of the polyhydric alcohol constituting the ester (B2) of an alkylene oxide adduct of a polyhydric alcohol and a fatty acid include aliphatic polyhydric (tri- to hexahydric) alcohols having 3 to 6 carbon atoms such as glycerin, trimethylolpropane, pentaerythritol, sorbitol, and sorbitan, alkylene oxide adducts of castor oil, alkylene oxide adducts of hydrogenated castor oil, maleic acid condensates of alkylene oxide adducts of castor oil, and maleic acid condensates of alkylene oxide adducts of hydrogenated castor oil. Specific examples of alkylene oxides constituting the ester (B2) of an alkylene oxide adduct of a polyhydric alcohol and a fatty acid include AOs having 2 to 4 carbon atoms (EO, PO, BO, etc.). One or more AOs may be used in combination. When two or more AOs are used in combination, they may be added in block or random order. Examples of fatty acids constituting the ester (B2) of an alkylene oxide adduct of a polyhydric alcohol and a fatty acid include aliphatic carboxylic acids having 8 to 24 carbon atoms [aliphatic saturated carboxylic acids (caprylic acid, 2-ethylhexanoic acid, pelargonic acid, capric acid, lauric acid, tridecanoic acid, isotridecanoic acid, myristic acid, palmitic acid, stearic acid, isostearic acid, etc.)], and aliphatic unsaturated carboxylic acids (oleic acid, linoleic acid, linolenic acid, ricinoleic acid, beef tallow fatty acid, hydrogenated beef tallow fatty acid, castor oil fatty acid, hydrogenated castor oil fatty acid, etc.)]. Examples of the ester (B2) of an alkylene oxide adduct of a polyhydric alcohol and a fatty acid include an ester of an AO adduct of an aliphatic polyhydric alcohol having 3 to 6 carbon atoms and an aliphatic carboxylic acid having 8 to 24 carbon atoms. Specific examples include di-rapeseed oil fatty acid ester of glycerin adduct with 20 moles of EO, dioleate ester of trimethylolpropane adduct with 20 moles of EO, trioleate ester of sorbitan adduct with 20 moles of EO, and stearic acid blocked ester of 20 moles of EO-added hydrogenated castor oil maleic acid condensate.

[0017] Examples of the esters of polyoxyalkylene glycol (B3) include mono- or diesters (B3-1) of polyoxyalkylene glycol and fatty acids. Specific examples of the oxyalkylene group constituting the mono- or diester (B3-1) of polyoxyalkylene glycol and fatty acid include oxyalkylene groups having 2 to 4 carbon atoms (oxyethylene group, 1,2- or 1,3-oxypropylene group, 1,2-, 1,3-, 1,4- or 2,3-oxybutylene group, etc.). The oxyalkylene group may be one type or two or more types in combination. When two or more types of oxyalkylene groups are used in combination, they may be added in block or random manner. Specific examples of fatty acids constituting the mono- or diester (B3-1) of polyoxyalkylene glycol and fatty acid include aliphatic carboxylic acids having 8 to 24 carbon atoms [aliphatic saturated carboxylic acids (caprylic acid, 2-ethylhexanoic acid, pelargonic acid, capric acid, lauric acid, tridecanoic acid, isotridecanoic acid, myristic acid, palmitic acid, stearic acid, isostearic acid, etc.), aliphatic unsaturated carboxylic acids (oleic acid, linoleic acid, linolenic acid, etc.), and fatty acids from animal and vegetable oils (coconut oil, palm oil, castor oil, hydrogenated castor oil, beef tallow, hydrogenated beef tallow, lard, etc.)]. Examples of the mono- or diester (B3-1) of polyoxyalkylene glycol and fatty acid include (mono- or di)esters of polyoxyalkylene glycol and aliphatic carboxylic acid having 8 to 24 carbon atoms. Among these, preferred from the viewpoint of exerting the effects of the present invention is oleic acid monoester of polyoxyethylene glycol (one having 5 to 10 repeating oxyethylene groups).

[0018] In the monoester (B4) of a polyhydric alcohol and a fatty acid, specific examples of the polyhydric alcohol constituting (B4) include aliphatic polyhydric (tri- to hexahydric) alcohols having 3 to 6 carbon atoms (glycerin, trimethylolpropane, pentaerythritol, sorbitol, sorbitan, etc.). Specific examples of fatty acids constituting the monoester (B4) of a polyhydric alcohol and a fatty acid include aliphatic carboxylic acids having 8 to 24 carbon atoms [aliphatic saturated carboxylic acids (caprylic acid, 2-ethylhexanoic acid, pelargonic acid, capric acid, lauric acid, tridecanoic acid, isotridecanoic acid, myristic acid, palmitic acid, stearic acid, isostearic acid, etc.)], and aliphatic unsaturated carboxylic acids (oleic acid, linoleic acid, linolenic acid, ricinoleic acid, beef tallow fatty acid, hydrogenated beef tallow fatty acid, castor oil fatty acid, hydrogenated castor oil fatty acid, etc.)]. Examples of the monoester (B4) of a polyhydric alcohol and a fatty acid include a monoester of an aliphatic polyhydric alcohol having 3 to 6 carbon atoms and an aliphatic carboxylic acid having 8 to 24 carbon atoms. Among these, the monolaurate of sorbitan (sorbitan laurate) is preferred from the viewpoint of exerting the effects of the present invention.

[0019] The chemical formula weight or number average molecular weight (Mn) of the nonionic surfactant in the present invention is preferably 200 to 2,000, more preferably 250 to 1,000, from the viewpoint of exerting the effects of the present invention. In the present invention, the number average molecular weight (Mn) and the weight average molecular weight in the present invention were calculated from the peaks measured with a differential refractive index detector using a high performance gel permeation chromatography apparatus HLC-8220GPC manufactured by Tosoh Corporation, injecting a sample at a sample concentration of 3 mg / cc into separation columns KF-402HQ and KF-403HQ manufactured by Showa Denko K.K.

[0020] [Component (C)] Component (C) is a component that is essential for the treatment agent for long-fiber nonwoven fabrics, and it mainly serves to enhance the defoaming effect of component A. Component (C) is a polyhydric alcohol having a carbon number of 2 to 8. Component (C) may be a mixture, and one or more types may be used. The polyhydric alcohol is not particularly limited as long as it has two or more hydroxyl groups, and examples thereof include ethylene glycol, propylene glycol, 1,3-propanediol, 1,2-butanediol, 1,3-butanediol, 1,4-butanediol, 2-methyl-1,2-propanediol, 1,2-pentanediol, 1,5-pentanediol, 1,2-hexanediol, 1,6-hexanediol, 2,5-hexanediol, 2-methyl-2,4-pentanediol, 2,3-dimethyl-2,3-butanediol, 1,2-octanediol, glycerin, 2-methyl-2-hydroxymethyl-1,3-propanediol, trimethylolpropane, sorbitan, pentaerythritol, and sorbitol. Among these, from the viewpoint of exerting the effects of the present invention, 1,2-propanediol, 1,3-propanediol, 1,4-butanediol, and 1,6-hexanediol are more preferred, and 1,4-butanediol is even more preferred.

[0021] [Treatment agent for long fiber nonwoven fabric] The treating agent for long-fiber nonwoven fabrics of the present invention preferably further contains an anionic surfactant (D) in addition to the components (A) to (C) from the viewpoint of exerting the effects of the present invention. [Anionic surfactant (D)] The anionic surfactant (D) is a component that, when contained in the treatment agent for a long-fiber nonwoven fabric of the present invention, exhibits the effect of improving wettability and water permeability. The anionic surfactant is at least one selected from sulfonic acid type anionic surfactants (D1), sulfate ester type anionic surfactants (D2), and phosphate ester type anionic surfactants (D3). From the viewpoint of exerting the effects of the present invention, at least one selected from sulfonic acid type anionic surfactants (D1) and phosphate ester type anionic surfactants (D3) is preferred. Furthermore, from the viewpoint of exerting the effects of the present invention, it is more preferable to contain a sulfonic acid type anionic surfactant (D1) The component (D) may be used alone or in combination of two or more types.

[0022] Examples of the sulfonic acid type anionic surfactant (D1) include alkylbenzenesulfonates such as linear sodium dodecylbenzenesulfonate and branched sodium dodecylbenzenesulfonate; α-olefinsulfonates such as sodium α-tetradecenesulfonate, sodium α-hexadecenesulfonate, and potassium α-hexadecenesulfonate; alkanesulfonates such as sodium dodecylsulfonate and sodium tetradecylsulfonate; α-sulfofatty acid ester salts such as sodium methyl α-sulfolaurate and sodium methyl methoxyhexaethylene glycol-α-sulfolaurate; acylisethionates such as sodium cocoylisethionate and ammonium cocoylisethionate; N-acyl-N-methyltaurates such as sodium cocoyl methyl taurate; dialkylsulfosuccinates such as sodium dioctyl sulfosuccinate; and alkylnaphthalenesulfonates such as sodium propylnaphthalenesulfonate. As the sulfonic acid type anionic surfactant, alkylbenzenesulfonate, α-olefinsulfonate, alkane sulfonate, dialkyl sulfosuccinate, etc. are preferred, and dialkyl sulfosuccinate, etc. are more preferred. These sulfonic acid type anionic surfactants may be used alone or in combination of two or more.

[0023] Examples of sulfate ester-type anionic surfactants (D2) include alkyl sulfate salts such as sodium dodecyl sulfate, potassium dodecyl sulfate, triethanolamine dodecyl sulfate, sodium stearyl sulfate, and sodium oleyl sulfate; polyoxyethylene alkyl ether sulfate salts such as polyoxyethylene (3) sodium dodecyl sulfate, polyoxyethylene (3) sodium cetyl sulfate, and polyoxyethylene (3) cetyl sulfate triethanolamine; sulfated oils such as turmeric oil; and sulfated fatty acid ester salts such as sulfated butyl oleate. In the above, polyoxyethylene (3) refers to a polyoxyethylene group having three repeating oxyethylene group units. Preferred sulfate ester-type anionic surfactants include alkyl sulfate ester salts, polyoxyethylene alkyl ether sulfate ester salts, and sulfated fatty acid ester salts, with alkyl sulfate ester salts and polyoxyethylene alkyl ether sulfate ester salts being more preferred. These sulfate ester-type anionic surfactants may be used alone or in combination.

[0024] Examples of the phosphate ester-type anionic surfactant (D3) include alkyl phosphates such as sodium dodecyl phosphate, potassium dodecyl phosphate, sodium stearyl phosphate, and potassium stearyl phosphate; polyoxyethylene alkyl ether phosphates such as sodium polyoxyethylene (3) lauryl ether phosphate and potassium polyoxyethylene (3) lauryl ether phosphate; and polyoxyethylene alkyl phenyl ether phosphates such as sodium polyoxyethylene (3) lauryl phenyl ether phosphate and potassium polyoxyethylene (3) lauryl phenyl ether phosphate. Preferred phosphate ester-type anionic surfactants include alkyl phosphate esters and polyoxyethylene alkyl ether phosphate esters, with alkyl phosphate esters being more preferred. These phosphate ester-type anionic surfactants may be used alone or in combination.

[0025] From the viewpoint of achieving the effects of the present invention, the weight proportion of the component (A) in the nonvolatile content of the treatment agent for long-fiber nonwoven fabrics is preferably 0.01 to 30% by weight, more preferably 0.05 to 25% by weight, even more preferably 0.11 to 20% by weight, and particularly preferably 1 to 15% by weight. From the viewpoint of achieving the effects of the present invention, the weight proportion of the component (B) in the nonvolatile content of the treatment agent for long-fiber nonwoven fabrics is preferably 10 to 99.9 wt %, more preferably 20 to 99.5 wt %, even more preferably 30 to 99 wt %, and particularly preferably 40 to 95 wt %. From the viewpoint of achieving the effects of the present invention, the weight proportion of the component (C) in the nonvolatile content of the treatment agent for long-fiber nonwoven fabrics is preferably 0.1 to 80% by weight, more preferably 0.3 to 70% by weight, even more preferably 0.5 to 60% by weight, and particularly preferably 1 to 50% by weight. In the present invention, the non-volatile content refers to the bone-dry component when the treatment agent for long-fiber nonwoven fabrics is heat-treated at 105°C to remove the solvent and the like, and the weight reaches a constant. The active ingredient in the present invention refers to the non-volatile content.

[0026] When the treatment agent for long-fiber nonwoven fabrics contains an anionic surfactant (D), the weight proportion of the anionic surfactant (D) in the nonvolatile content of the treatment agent for long-fiber nonwoven fabrics is, from the viewpoint of achieving the effects of the present application, preferably 0 to 80% by weight, more preferably 1 to 70% by weight, even more preferably 3 to 60% by weight, and particularly preferably 5 to 50% by weight. From the viewpoint of achieving the effects of the present invention, the proportion of the component (B) relative to the total amount of the components (B) and (D) is preferably 50 to 99% by weight, more preferably 55 to 95% by weight, and even more preferably 60 to 90% by weight.

[0027] In the treatment agent for long-fiber nonwoven fabrics of the present invention, from the viewpoint of achieving the effects of the present invention, the weight proportion of the silicone compound in the non-volatile content of the treatment agent for long-fiber nonwoven fabrics is preferably 5% by weight or less, more preferably 1% by weight or less, even more preferably 0.1% by weight or less, particularly preferably 100 ppm or less, and most preferably 0 ppm. The silicone compound referred to here refers to various modified silicones such as dimethyl silicone, amino-modified silicone, amide polyether-modified silicone, epoxy-modified silicone, alkylene oxide-modified silicone (polyether-modified silicone), carboxy-modified silicone, carbinol-modified silicone, alkyl-modified silicone, amino polyether-modified silicone, epoxy polyether-modified silicone, phenol-modified silicone, methacrylate-modified silicone, alkoxy-modified silicone, and fluorine-modified silicone, and also includes silicone compounds used as antifoaming agents.

[0028] [Long-fiber nonwoven fabric] The long-fiber nonwoven fabric of the present invention has the above-mentioned treatment agent for long-fiber nonwoven fabrics adhered thereto. The long fiber nonwoven fabric of the present invention is preferably a spunbond nonwoven fabric. Spunbond nonwoven fabrics are produced by heating and melting raw resin (high molecular weight polymer) in an extruder, extruding it through a spinneret with many fine holes, and stretching it into long fibers using a roll take-up or air sucker take-up. These long fibers are then accumulated on a net conveyor to produce a web, which is then entangled using a method such as needle punching, water jetting, or ultrasonic waves, or by partially bonding the fibers by thermocompression using an embossing roll, or by partially heat-sealing the fibers using air-through. The long-fiber nonwoven fabric of the present invention includes not only a single-layer spunbond nonwoven fabric but also a composite sheet (for example, SM, SMS, SMMS, etc.) of a spunbond nonwoven fabric (S) and a meltblown nonwoven fabric (M).

[0029] Spunbond nonwoven fabrics have long fibers that are the constituent fibers of thermoplastic resins. Examples of thermoplastic resins include polyolefin resins, polyester resins, polyamide resins, acrylonitrile resins, vinyl resins, and vinylidene resins. Examples of polyolefin resins include polyethylene, polypropylene, and polybutene. Examples of polyester resins include polyethylene terephthalate and polybutylene terephthalate. Examples of polyamide resins include nylon. Examples of vinyl resins include polyvinyl chloride. Examples of vinylidene resins include polyvinylidene chloride. One of these resins can be used alone, or two or more can be mixed together, and modified versions of these resins can also be used.

[0030] From the viewpoint of spinnability, spunbond nonwoven fabrics are preferably formed from polypropylene resin, a polyolefin-based resin. From the viewpoints of smoothness, improved feel when in contact with the skin, and ease of tearing, polypropylene resins containing at least one of random copolymers, homopolymers, and block copolymers at 5% by weight to 100% by weight, more preferably 25% by weight to 80% by weight. These copolymers and homopolymers may be mixed, or other resins may be mixed. However, a mixture of polypropylene homopolymers and random copolymers is preferred because it is less susceptible to thread breakage during molding. Furthermore, random copolymers based on propylene components copolymerized with ethylene or α-olefins are preferred, with ethylene-propylene copolymer resins being particularly preferred. From the same viewpoint, polypropylene resins preferably contain at least 5% by weight, more preferably at least 25% by weight, of ethylene-propylene copolymer resins. The ethylene-propylene copolymer resin preferably contains an ethylene concentration of 1 to 20% by weight.

[0031] The long-fiber nonwoven fabric of the present invention may have a structure of a single fiber or a composite fiber with two or more thermoplastic resin components. It may also be composed of a blend of single fibers made from different thermoplastic resin materials, or a blend of a single fiber and a composite fiber. The composite fiber may have any of a sheath-core, side-by-side, or sea-island structure. Among these, sheath-core composite fibers, which use a low-melting-point resin as the sheath component and a high-melting-point resin as the core component, are particularly preferred because they have good thermal adhesiveness and a stable thermally bonded state. Other composite fibers that can be used include those with a modified cross-section, a split structure, and a hollow structure.

[0032] The treatment agent for long-fiber nonwoven fabrics can be applied by known methods such as dipping, spraying, and coating (with a kiss coater or gravure coater) using a diluted treatment agent, and it is preferable to premix the agent and dilute it with a solvent such as water before applying it. When applying the treatment agent, the amount of the agent applied to the front and back of the nonwoven fabric may be different, if necessary.

[0033] When the treatment agent for long-fiber nonwoven fabrics is diluted with a solvent such as water and then applied, a drying step may be required. In this case, known methods utilizing convective heat transfer, conductive heat transfer, radiative heat transfer, etc. may be used, such as drying with hot air or infrared rays, or drying by thermal contact.

[0034] The long fiber nonwoven fabric has a basis weight of 8g / m 2 ~30g / m 2 It is preferable that the thickness is 10 g / m 2 ~25g / m 2 When the basis weight is within the above range, the balance between strength and flexibility tends to be excellent. Furthermore, the nonwoven fabric of the present disclosure preferably has a thickness of 0.05 mm to 2.00 mm, and more preferably 0.10 mm to 1.00 mm. The amount of the treatment agent for long-fiber nonwoven fabric to be applied must be in the range of 0.1 to 3% by weight based on the nonwoven fabric, and is preferably set to the minimum necessary because the fabric comes into direct contact with the human body.

[0035] <Application> The long-fiber nonwoven fabric to which the treatment agent for long-fiber nonwoven fabric of the present invention is attached has excellent hydrophilicity and can therefore be suitably used for conventionally known nonwoven fabric applications, such as absorbent articles (disposable diapers, disposable pants, sanitary products, urine absorption pads, pet sheets, etc.), cosmetic materials (face masks, etc.), sanitary materials (poultices, sheets, towels, industrial masks, sanitary masks, hair caps, etc.), and packaging materials (oxygen absorbers, body warmers, hot compresses, food packaging materials). [Example]

[0036] The present invention will be described below using examples, but is not limited to these. The evaluation items and evaluation methods for each example and comparative example are as follows. The details of the treatment agents used in each example and comparative example and the evaluation results are summarized in Tables 1 to 3. In the details of the treatment agents, the blending ratios are all expressed in weight percent. However, Examples 3, 5, 8 and 9 are also referred to as Reference Examples 3, 5, 8 and 9.

[0037] The nonvolatile content of the treatment agent for long-fiber nonwoven fabric of each example and comparative example was prepared using the following components (A-1 to D-4). A-1: Lauric acid A-2: Palmitic acid A-3: Stearic acid A-4: Behenic acid B-1: Sorbitan monolaurate (HLB: 10.8) B-2: Ester (HLB: 8.3) of a polyoxyethylene (20 moles) castor wax condensate with maleic acid, blocked with 1 mole equivalent of stearic acid per mole equivalent of hydroxyl group. (B´-1): Polyoxyethylene (50) castor oil ether (HLB: 12.9) (B´-2): Sorbitan trioleate (HLB: 2.6) C-1: 1,2-propanediol C-2: 1,3-propanediol C-3: 1,4-butanediol C-4: 1,6-hexanediol D-1: Dioctyl sulfosuccinate sodium salt D-2: Octyl phosphate potassium salt D-3: Potassium lauryl phosphate D-4: Sodium lauryl sulfate The ingredients were mixed in the ratios shown in Tables 1 to 3 and stirred to prepare the nonvolatile content of the treatment agent for long-fiber nonwoven fabric of each Example and Comparative Example, and the following evaluations were performed.

[0038] [Wettability] This is a substitute evaluation for judging uniform adhesion to nonwoven fabric. A 1% aqueous solution of the prepared long-fiber nonwoven fabric treatment agent of each example was prepared, and felt was floated in this 1% aqueous solution. The time until it sank was measured and evaluated according to the following criteria. 5 is the best rating, and 4 or above is suitable for practical use. 5...less than 10 seconds, 4...10 seconds to less than 20 seconds, 3...20 seconds to less than 30 seconds, 2...30 seconds to less than 60 seconds, 1...60 seconds or more

[0039] [Low foaming] A 1% aqueous solution of each of the prepared long-fiber nonwoven fabric treatment agents was prepared, and 20 mL of this 1% aqueous solution was placed in a 100 mL stoppered measuring cylinder (manufactured by Miyahara Keiryoki Seisakusho Co., Ltd.) and the temperature was adjusted to 25°C. Because the amount of foam generated varies depending on the height of the measuring cylinder, it is preferable to use a stoppered measuring cylinder with a height of 26.5 ± 0.1 cm excluding the stopper. The stoppered measuring cylinder was then closed and vigorously shaken up and down 30 times per 15 seconds. After shaking, the mixture was allowed to stand, and the foam height H1 [ml] was measured 10 seconds after the start of standing, and the foam height H2 [ml] after 5 minutes. In the above test, H1 indicates foam suppression, and H2 indicates foam breaking, and each was evaluated according to the following criteria. (foam control) ◎: H1≦30ml, ○: 30ml 60ml<h1> (foam-breaking) ◎: H2≦20ml, ○: 20ml<H2≦40ml、×:H2> 40ml Based on the above-mentioned foam suppression property and foam remaining property, the low foaming property was evaluated according to the following criteria. The results are shown in the "Low Foaming" column of Tables 1 to 3. 5 is the best rating, and 3 or above is suitable for practical use. (Low foaming) 5: Both foam suppression and foam breaking are excellent 4: When foam suppression is good and foam breaking is excellent 3: When both foam suppression and foam breaking are good 2: If either foam suppression or foam breaking is x 1: When both foam suppression and foam breaking are x

[0040] [Repeated permeability] Measurements were made in accordance with EDANA (European Disposables and Nonwovens Industry Association) standard NWSP070.7.R0(15), and the resulting time (number of seconds) was evaluated according to the following criteria: 5 is the best rating, and 3 or higher is suitable for practical use. 5…less than 2 seconds 4... 2 seconds or more but less than 3.5 seconds 3... 3.5 seconds or more but less than 5 seconds 2... 5 seconds or more but less than 10 seconds 1...10 seconds or more

[0041] [Table 1]

[0042] [Table 2]

[0043] [Table 3]

[0044] As is clear from Tables 1 to 3, the treatment agents for long-fiber nonwoven fabrics of Examples 1 to 11 contain component (A): a fatty acid having a melting point of 30 to 80°C, component (B): a nonionic surfactant having an HLB of 6 to 12, and component (C): a polyhydric alcohol having 2 to 8 carbon atoms, and therefore have good appearance, low foaming after long-term storage, and excellent wettability, thereby solving the problems of the present application. Furthermore, it was confirmed that the effects of the present application were also exhibited in diapers and sanitary products in which the nonwoven fabrics produced in the examples were used as topsheets. On the other hand, when component (A) was not present (Comparative Examples 1 and 3), when component (B) was not present (Comparative Example 4), when component (C) was not present (Comparative Examples 1 and 2), or when the HLB value of the nonionic surfactant was not 6 to 12 (Comparative Examples 5 and 6), at least one of the problems of the present application could not be solved.

Claims

1. A treatment agent for a long-fiber nonwoven fabric, comprising the following components (A), (B), and (C), wherein the weight ratio of component (B) to the nonvolatile content of the treatment agent for a long-fiber nonwoven fabric is 62 to 99 wt %. Component (A): a fatty acid having a melting point of 30 to 80°C Component (B): A nonionic surfactant with an HLB of 6 to 12 Component (C): Polyhydric alcohol having 2 to 8 carbon atoms

2. The treatment agent for a long-fiber nonwoven fabric according to claim 1, wherein the component (B) comprises a polyhydric alcohol fatty acid ester.

3. 3. The treatment agent for a long-fiber nonwoven fabric according to claim 2, wherein the polyhydric alcohol constituting the polyhydric alcohol fatty acid ester is at least one selected from the group consisting of sorbitan, castor oil, and hydrogenated castor oil.

4. The treatment agent for a long-fiber nonwoven fabric according to claim 1, further comprising an anionic surfactant (D).

5. 5. The treatment agent for a long-fiber nonwoven fabric according to claim 4, wherein the proportion of said component (B) to the total amount of said component (B) and said component (D) is 50 to 99% by weight.

6. A long-fiber nonwoven fabric to which the treatment agent for long-fiber nonwoven fabrics according to any one of claims 1 to 5 has been applied.

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