Fibers, fiber structures, and textile products

Abstract

To provide a fiber, a fiber molded body and a fiber product that have an excellent growth inhibitory effect on bacteria and excellent durable hydrophilic properties satisfying anti-sweat and liquid permeability characteristics.SOLUTION: A fiber comprises a polyalkylene biguanide compound and at least one nonionic surfactant attached thereto, the nonionic surfactant being selected from the group consisting of a polyalkylene oxide additive nonionic surfactant and a polyhydric alcohol nonionic surfactant.SELECTED DRAWING: None

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to fibers having antibacterial properties and durable hydrophilicity. More specifically, it relates to fibers having antibacterial properties and durable hydrophilicity suitable for absorbent articles such as diapers, napkins, pads, and medical materials such as sanitary masks.

Background Art

[0002] In recent years, comfort and hygiene in daily life have been emphasized, and fibers having antibacterial and deodorizing functions have been applied to many products to meet this demand. Therefore, the market for fiber products having antibacterial functions is expected to continue to expand in the future. Among such market trends, as a method of imparting antibacterial properties to fibers, a method of kneading an inorganic antibacterial agent typified by a silver-based inorganic antibacterial agent or an inorganic material exhibiting a photocatalytic function into the fiber in the fiber spinning process is the mainstream (Patent Document 1). Another method is to apply an antiviral fiber treating agent having an antiviral agent and benzalkonium chloride to the fiber surface (Patent Document 2).

[0003] Fiber products used in absorbent articles and medical and sanitary materials come into contact with the skin for a long time. Therefore, they should have little irritation to the skin and excellent texture. In addition, for the purpose of improving breathability and liquid permeability, permeability to repeated liquid passage (durable hydrophilicity) is required. In particular, for the surface material of absorbent articles typified by paper diapers, menstrual pads, incontinence pads, etc., the performance of quickly passing liquids such as urine and menstrual blood to the absorbent material without leaving any residue by enhancing durable hydrophilicity is essential.

[0004] However, as disclosed in Patent Document 1, in the method of kneading an antibacterial agent into the fiber during the spinning process, the antibacterial agent kneaded into the fiber is covered by a thermoplastic polymer, making it difficult to exert an antibacterial effect. Increasing the concentration of the antibacterial agent to enhance antibacterial properties can cause yarn breakage and poor drawability, resulting in problems where good spinability cannot be obtained. Furthermore, inorganic antibacterial agents containing silver and zinc have been disclosed, but when used in combination with surfactants that have durable hydrophilicity, the durable hydrophilicity decreases or becomes inactive, resulting in problems where satisfactory fluid permeability cannot be obtained.

[0005] Furthermore, the textile product disclosed in Patent Document 2 contains benzalkonium chloride, a cationic surfactant that is considered to be relatively irritating to the skin, as an essential component. Therefore, this textile product may be highly irritating to the skin and has the problem of being unsuitable for absorbent articles or medical and sanitary materials that come into direct contact with the skin for long periods of time. Moreover, the disclosed textile materials are poorly textured textile materials such as natural fibers like cotton, silk, linen, and wool, cellulose fibers like rayon, semi-synthetic fibers like cellulose acetate, and synthetic fibers like polyester, polyamide, and polyacrylonitrile. Furthermore, no issues or effects regarding liquid permeability characteristics are disclosed. [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0006] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 6-228823 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2019-210563 [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0007] This invention has been made in view of these circumstances, and its purpose is to provide fibers, fiber molded articles, and fiber products that have an excellent growth inhibitory effect against bacteria and have excellent durable hydrophilicity that satisfies the requirements of breathability and liquid permeability. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] The inventors diligently conducted research to solve the above problems. As a result, they found that using a polyalkylene biguanide compound as an antibacterial agent resulted in high antibacterial activity despite the small amount added, and that the durable hydrophilicity did not deteriorate easily. Furthermore, they found that by using a polyalkylene biguanide compound in combination with a specific nonionic surfactant, they were able to obtain a fiber that possessed both excellent antibacterial properties and durable hydrophilicity, thus completing the present invention.

[0009] In other words, the present invention has the following configuration. [1] Fibers to which the following components (A) and (B) are attached. (A) Polyalkylene biguanide compounds represented by general formula (1); (B) At least one nonionic surfactant selected from the group consisting of polyalkylene oxide-added nonionic surfactants and polyhydric alcohol-type nonionic surfactants; TIFF0007897103000001.tif32166 (In the formula, R1 represents an alkylene group with 2 to 8 carbon atoms, and n represents an integer from 2 to 18.) [2] The fiber described in [1], further having the following component (C) attached to it. (C) At least one anionic surfactant selected from the group consisting of carboxylates, sulfonates, sulfates, and phosphates; [3] The fiber according to [1] or [2], wherein the amount of component (A) attached is 0.003 to 0.5% by mass relative to the mass of the fiber. [4] The fiber according to any one of [1] to [3], wherein the fiber is a heat-adhesive composite fiber containing an olefin resin. [5] The fiber according to any one of [1] to [4], wherein the polyalkylene oxide-added nonionic surfactant of component (B) is at least one polyalkylene oxide-added nonionic surfactant selected from the group consisting of polyoxyalkylene alkyl ethers, polyoxyalkylene alkylphenyl ethers, polyoxyalkylene fatty acid esters, polyoxyalkylene polyhydric alcohol fatty acid esters, polyoxyalkylene alkylamino ethers, and polyoxyalkylene alkyl alkanolamides. [6] The fiber according to any one of [1] to [4], wherein the polyhydric alcohol type nonionic surfactant of component (B) is at least one polyhydric alcohol type nonionic surfactant selected from the group consisting of glycerin fatty acid ester, trimethylolpropane fatty acid ester, pentaerythritol fatty acid ester, sorbitan fatty acid ester, sorbitol fatty acid ester, sucrose fatty acid ester, polyglycerin fatty acid ester, and fatty acid alkanolamide. A fiber molded article containing any of the fibers described in [7][1] to [6]. Textile products containing any of the fibers described in [8][1] to [6]. [Effects of the Invention]

[0010] By using the fibers of the present invention, it is possible to provide fibers, fiber molded articles, and fiber products that have an excellent inhibitory effect on bacterial growth and excellent durable hydrophilicity that satisfies the requirements of breathability and liquid permeability. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0011] The present invention will be described in detail below. It is important that the fibers of the present invention have components (A) and (B) attached to them, as detailed below, and may optionally contain component (C) and / or other components.

[0012] (Component (A)) The component (A) used in the present invention is a polyalkylene biguanide compound represented by general formula (1). TIFF0007897103000002.tif32166(where R1 represents an alkylene having 2 to 8 carbon atoms and n represents an integer of 2 to 18.)

[0013] In the general formula (1), R1 is selected from alkylene having 2 to 8 carbon atoms. Specifically, in addition to linear alkylene such as ethylene, propylene, butylene, pentylene, hexamethylene, heptamethylene, octamethylene, etc., branched alkylene such as isopropylene, isobutylene, isopentylene, dimethylpropylene, dimethylbutylene, etc. can be selected. Among them, from the viewpoint of the growth inhibitory effect against bacteria, molds, viruses, etc., R1 is preferably an alkylene having 4 to 8 carbon atoms, and more preferably hexamethylene. Also, a polyalkylene biguanide compound having a single R1 may be used alone, or two or more polyalkylene biguanide compounds having different R1s may be used in combination.

[0014] In the general formula (1), n represents the degree of polymerization of the polyalkylene biguanide compound and is selected from integers of 2 to 18. Among them, from the viewpoints of the growth inhibitory effect against bacteria, molds, viruses, etc. and handling properties, it is preferably an integer of 10 to 14, and more preferably an integer of 11 to 13. Also, a polyalkylene biguanide having a single degree of polymerization n may be used alone, or polyalkylene biguanides having different degrees of polymerization n may be used in combination.

[0015] In the present invention, the polyalkylene biguanide compound also includes salts with inorganic acids such as hydrochloric acid, nitric acid, or sulfuric acid, or salts with organic acids such as acetic acid, lactic acid, or gluconic acid. Among such salts, it is preferably a hydrochloride, acetate, or gluconate, and more preferably a hydrochloride. Also, it is possible to use the polyalkylene biguanide compound and its salts in combination.

[0016] The polyalkylene biguanide compound may be produced according to a known method or a commercially available product may be used. Examples of commercially available products include "Marcasite AV (manufactured by Osaka Chemical Co., Ltd.)" and "Pr.CLEAN 500 (manufactured by Premier Line Co., Ltd.)".

[0017] The amount of component (A) adhered to the fiber of the present invention is not particularly limited, but is preferably 0.003 to 0.5% by mass, more preferably 0.005 to 0.1% by mass, still more preferably 0.005 to 0.05% by mass, and particularly preferably 0.005 to 0.03% by mass with respect to the mass of the fiber. If the adhesion amount of component (A) is 0.003% by mass or more, the growth inhibitory effect against bacteria, mold, viruses, etc. will be satisfactory. If it is 0.5% by mass or less, satisfactory durable hydrophilicity can be obtained, and in addition, it is possible to reduce irritation to the skin and reduce the environmental load and cost by reducing the usage amount.

[0018] (Component (B)) Component (B) used in the present invention is at least one nonionic surfactant selected from the group consisting of polyalkylene oxide-added nonionic surfactants (component (B1)) and polyhydric alcohol type nonionic surfactants (component (B2)).

[0019] The polyalkylene oxide-added nonionic surfactant (component (B1)) used in the present invention is not particularly limited, but from the viewpoint of imparting excellent durable hydrophilicity to the fiber, it is preferably at least one alkylene oxide-added nonionic surfactant selected from the group consisting of polyoxyalkylene alkyl ethers, polyoxyalkylene alkyl phenyl ethers, polyoxyalkylene fatty acid esters, polyoxyalkylene polyhydric alcohol fatty acid esters, polyoxyalkylene alkyl amino ethers, and polyoxyalkylene alkyl alkanolamides, and more preferably at least one alkylene oxide-added nonionic surfactant selected from the group consisting of polyoxyalkylene alkyl ethers and polyoxyalkylene fatty acid esters.

[0020] The polyhydric alcohol-type nonionic surfactant (component (B2)) used in the present invention is not particularly limited, but from the viewpoint of imparting excellent durable hydrophilicity to fibers, it is preferably at least one polyhydric alcohol-type nonionic surfactant selected from the group consisting of glycerin fatty acid esters, trimethylolpropane fatty acid esters, pentaerythritol fatty acid esters, sorbitan fatty acid esters, sorbitol fatty acid esters, sucrose fatty acid esters, polyglycerin fatty acid esters, and fatty acid alkanolamides, more preferably at least one polyhydric alcohol-type nonionic surfactant selected from the group consisting of sorbitan fatty acid esters, polyglycerin fatty acid esters, and fatty acid alkanolamides, and even more preferably sorbitan fatty acid esters.

[0021] The alkyl group constituting component (B) used in the present invention is not particularly limited, and examples include alkyl groups having 8 to 24 carbon atoms. From the viewpoint of improving durable hydrophilicity and dispersion stability in the fiber treatment agent, alkyl groups having 12 to 22 carbon atoms are preferred. In this alkyl group, some of the -CH2- groups may be replaced with -CH=CH-, cycloalkylene, or cycloalkenylene. This alkyl group may be an alkyl group derived from natural oils and fats such as palm oil, beef tallow, rapeseed oil, rice bran oil, or fish oil, or it may be a synthetic alkyl group.

[0022] The fatty acid constituting component (B) used in the present invention is not particularly limited, and examples include fatty acids with 6 or more carbon atoms. From the viewpoint of improving durable hydrophilicity, it is preferable that the fatty acid has 8 to 24 carbon atoms. Any part of the -CH2- constituting this fatty acid may be replaced with -CH=CH-, cycloalkylene, or cycloalkenylene. This fatty acid may be a fatty acid derived from natural oils and fats such as palm oil, beef tallow, rapeseed oil, rice bran oil, or fish oil, or it may be a synthetic fatty acid.

[0023] The polyhydric alcohol constituting component (B) used in the present invention is not particularly limited, and examples include dihydric to octahydric alcohols such as glycerin, trimethylolpropane, pentaerythritol, sorbitan, sorbitol, sucrose, polyglycerin, diethanolamine, or dipropanolamine. Among these, glycerin, sorbitan, polyglycerin, or diethanolamine are preferred from the viewpoint of improving durable hydrophilicity, and sorbitan is more preferred.

[0024] The polyoxyalkylene (polyalkylene oxide) constituting component (B1) is not particularly limited, and examples include polyethylene glycol or polymers with alkylene oxide as repeating units. Examples of alkylene oxides include ethylene oxide, propylene oxide, or butylene oxide, and it may be a homopolymer of alkylene oxides with the same number of carbon atoms, or a random or block copolymer of alkylene oxides with different numbers of carbon atoms, for example, a random or block copolymer of ethylene oxide and propylene oxide. Among these, polyethylene glycol, a homopolymer of ethylene oxide, or a random or block copolymer of ethylene oxide and propylene oxide are preferred from the viewpoint of imparting excellent durable hydrophilicity to the fibers. The number-average molecular weight m of polyethylene glycol is not particularly limited, but 200 to 600 is preferred. Note that polyethylene glycol is abbreviated as PEG, and when the number-average molecular weight m is m, it may be written as PEG(m). Furthermore, the number of repeating alkylene oxide units n in polymers using alkylene oxide as the repeating unit is not particularly limited, but is preferably 5 to 50, and preferably 50 to 100% of the alkylene oxide is ethylene oxide. Note that ethylene oxide is abbreviated as EO, and the number of repeating units n is sometimes written as EO(n).

[0025] Component (B1) can be obtained by methods such as directly adding alkylene oxide to an alcohol, fatty acid, or alkylamine; reacting polyethylene glycols obtained by adding alkylene oxide to glycols with fatty acids; or adding alkylene oxide to an esterified or amidated product obtained by reacting a fatty acid with a polyhydric alcohol.

[0026] Component (B2) can be obtained by methods such as esterification or amidation reactions between polyhydric alcohols and fatty acids.

[0027] The amount of component (B) attached is not particularly limited, but is preferably 0.015 to 1.0% by mass relative to the mass of the fiber, more preferably 0.02 to 0.8% by mass, and even more preferably 0.04 to 0.6% by mass. If it is 1.0% by mass or less, the fiber will feel less sticky and will have a good texture, and if it is 0.015% by mass or more, a fiber with excellent durable hydrophilicity can be obtained.

[0028] The ratio of the amount of component (B) attached to component (A) (amount of component (B) attached / amount of component (A) attached) is not particularly limited, but is preferably 0.1 to 100, and more preferably 1 to 50. If it is 0.1 or higher, a fiber with excellent durability hydrophilicity can be obtained, and if it is 100 or lower, a fiber with excellent antibacterial properties can be obtained.

[0029] (Component (C)) The fibers of the present invention are not particularly limited, but for the purpose of suppressing static electricity to the fibers, fiber molded articles, or textile products, at least one anionic surfactant selected from the group consisting of carboxylate salts, sulfonates, sulfate esters, and phosphate esters may be attached as component (C). By suppressing static electricity through the attachment of component (C), for example, excellent cardability (fiber discharge from the carding machine) can be given to the fibers, as well as effects such as prevention of foreign matter adhesion, prevention of static electricity during peeling, prevention of repulsion when applying functional materials, and prevention of static electricity when attaching and detaching textile products.

[0030] Carboxylate salts are not particularly limited, and examples include potassium oleate salt or sodium laurate salt. Sulfonates are not particularly limited, and examples include alkyl sulfonates such as sodium lauryl sulfonate or sodium cetyl sulfonate salt, and alkylbenzene sulfonates such as laurylbenzene sulfonate. Sulfate esters are not particularly limited, and examples include alkyl sulfate esters such as sodium stearyl sulfate ester, and alkyl (polyoxyalkylene) sulfate esters such as sodium sulfate ester of a compound obtained by adding oxyalkylene to lauryl alcohol. Phosphate esters are not particularly limited, and examples include phosphate esters of higher alcohols such as stearyl alcohol or compounds obtained by adding polyoxyalkylene thereto. Among these, alkali metal sulfate esters with higher alcohols, polyoxyalkylene, or alkali metal phosphate esters are preferred because they have excellent antistatic properties, and alkali metal phosphate esters are particularly preferred because they also have excellent fiber smoothness. These may be used individually or in combination of two or more.

[0031] The amount of component (C) attached is not particularly limited, but is preferably 0.02 to 0.6% by mass relative to the mass of the fiber, more preferably 0.06 to 0.5% by mass, and even more preferably 0.1 to 0.4% by mass. If it is 0.02% by mass or more, static electricity is suppressed and card passability is good, and if it is 0.6% by mass or less, a fiber with excellent antibacterial properties is obtained.

[0032] The ratio of the amount of component (C) attached to component (A) (amount of component (C) attached / amount of component (A) attached) is not particularly limited, but is preferably 0.1 to 100, and more preferably 2 to 65. If it is 0.1 or higher, static electricity can be suppressed, and if it is 100 or lower, a fiber with excellent antibacterial properties can be obtained.

[0033] (Other ingredients) The fibers of the present invention may have components other than component (A), component (B), or component (C) attached to them (other components). The other components are not particularly limited and may include pH adjusters such as C2-C4 alkanolamines, chelating agents such as EDTA or sodium polyphosphate, skin protectants such as squalane or sodium hyaluronate, hydrophilic agents such as alkyl betaine or polyoxyethylene-modified silicone, water repellents such as dimethylpolysiloxane (silicone oil) or perfluoroalkyl group-containing compounds, fragrances such as phenylethyl alcohol or hexyl cinnamic aldehyde, preservatives, rust inhibitors, or defoaming agents.

[0034] (fiber) The fibers of the present invention may be single-component fibers (single fibers) or composite fibers composed of two or more components. Furthermore, the cross-sectional shape of the fibers is not particularly limited and can be round, such as a circle or ellipse; angular, such as a triangle or square; irregular, such as a star or octave; or segmented or hollow.

[0035] When the fiber of the present invention is a single fiber, it is not particularly limited, and examples include natural fibers (such as wood fibers), regenerated fibers (such as rayon), semi-synthetic fibers (such as acetate), and synthetic fibers (such as polyolefin resins, polyester resins, acrylic resins, nylon resins, and vinyl chloride resins). However, synthetic fibers made of polyolefin resins are preferred because they provide an excellent texture to nonwoven fabrics and textile products. The polyolefin resin is not particularly limited, and examples include polyethylene resins such as low-density polyethylene (LDPE), linear low-density polyethylene (LLDPE), or high-density polyethylene (HDPE), crystalline polypropylene (PP), or polypropylene resins such as copolymers of propylene and α-olefin (excluding propylene) (Co-PP) with propylene as the main component.

[0036] When the fibers of the present invention are composite fibers, the composite form is not particularly limited, and examples include concentric sheath core type, eccentric sheath core type, parallel type, radial type, or sea-island type. However, from the viewpoint of texture and strength, the concentric sheath core type, eccentric sheath core type, or parallel type is preferred. Furthermore, the components constituting the composite fiber are not particularly limited, but if at least one component is a polyolefin resin, the effect of imparting excellent texture to nonwoven fabrics and textile products can be obtained. Furthermore, the combination of components constituting the composite fiber is not particularly limited, but it is preferable that the melting point difference is 10°C or more, and more preferably 20°C or more. Having a melting point difference allows the composite fiber to be given heat adhesion, and since it is possible to make nonwoven fabrics without using components that have some degree of skin irritation, such as adhesives, it is possible to reduce skin irritation. Specific examples of high-melting-point / low-melting-point component combinations include PP / HDPE, PP / LLDPE, PP / Co-PP, polyethylene terephthalate (PET) / HDPE, PET / LLDPE, PET / copolymerized polyethylene terephthalate (Co-PET), PET / PP, or polylactic acid (PLA) / HDPE. However, from the viewpoint of texture, raw material cost, and production stability, a combination of PP / HDPE or PET / HDPE is preferred, and a combination of PP / HDPE is more preferred. Furthermore, from the viewpoint of the heat adhesion of the composite fiber, it is preferable that the low-melting-point component occupies 50% or more of the surface of the composite fiber, and more preferable that it occupies 70% or more.

[0037] Furthermore, while there are no particular limitations on the volume ratio of low-melting-point components to high-melting-point components, a higher proportion of low-melting-point components tends to improve the bonding strength between composite fibers, resulting in a high-strength nonwoven fabric, while a higher proportion of high-melting-point components tends to improve the texture of the nonwoven fabric or textile product. From this viewpoint, a ratio of 20 / 80 to 80 / 20 is preferred, and a ratio of 30 / 70 to 70 / 30 is more preferred.

[0038] The fibers of the present invention may optionally contain additives such as antioxidants, light stabilizers, ultraviolet absorbers, neutralizing agents, nucleating agents, epoxy stabilizers, lubricants, flame retardants, antistatic agents, pigments, or plasticizers, to the extent that they do not interfere with the effects of the present invention.

[0039] The fineness of the fibers is not particularly limited, but examples include 0.6 to 5.0 dtex. In particular, when used as a surface material for absorbent articles such as disposable diapers, using lower fiber fineness results in a better texture for nonwoven fabrics and textile products. Furthermore, lower fineness improves smoothness, reducing friction with the skin and thus reducing rashes. On the other hand, from the viewpoint of processability, handling, and production costs, it is preferable to have a certain degree of fineness. From this viewpoint, the fineness of the fibers is more preferably 0.8 to 2.2 dtex, and even more preferably 1.1 to 1.7 dtex.

[0040] (Fiber molded body) Because the fiber molded body of the present invention contains the above-mentioned fibers, it has an excellent inhibitory effect on bacterial growth and excellent durability and hydrophilicity that satisfies the requirements of being less prone to stuffiness and having good liquid permeability.

[0041] The fiber molded article of the present invention is not particularly limited and can be exemplified by nets, webs, knitted fabrics, or nonwoven fabrics, but from the viewpoint of feel and texture, a nonwoven fabric is preferred. The nonwoven fabric is not particularly limited and can be exemplified by through-air nonwoven fabrics, airlaid nonwoven fabrics, spunbond nonwoven fabrics, meltblown nonwoven fabrics, spunlace nonwoven fabrics, or needle-punched nonwoven fabrics, but from the viewpoint of feel and texture, a through-air nonwoven fabric is preferred.

[0042] The fibrous molded article of the present invention may contain fibers other than the fibers of the present invention, as long as they do not hinder the effects of the present invention. The proportion of these fibers is not particularly limited, but can be 1 to 30% by mass relative to the total weight of the nonwoven fabric. If the proportion of fibers other than the fibers of the present invention is 1% by mass or more, an effect commensurate with its use can be obtained, and if it is 30% by mass or less, a nonwoven fabric can be obtained that has a satisfactory growth inhibitory effect against bacteria, mold, viruses, etc., and durable hydrophilicity.

[0043] A fiber molded body may consist of one type (single layer) of fiber molded body, or it may be made by laminating two or more types of fiber molded bodies that differ in fineness, composition, density, or manufacturing method. When two or more types of fiber molded bodies are laminated, for example, by laminating fiber molded bodies with different fineness and composition, it is possible to control the texture and durable hydrophilicity of the fiber molded body by changing the size of the gaps formed between the fibers and the degree of durable hydrophilicity.

[0044] The fiber molded article of the present invention is not particularly limited, but may be laminated and integrated with a fiber molded article that does not contain fibers of the present invention. By laminating and integrating, various physical properties such as texture, durable hydrophilicity, and strength can be controlled. Examples of fiber molded articles that do not contain fibers of the present invention include through-air nonwoven fabrics, spunbond nonwoven fabrics, meltblown nonwoven fabrics, spunlace nonwoven fabrics, needle-punched nonwoven fabrics, films, meshes, nets, or woven or knitted fabrics. The method of laminating and integrating is not particularly limited, but examples include laminating and integrating with an adhesive such as hot melt, or laminating and integrating with heat bonding such as through-air or heat embossing.

[0045] The fiber molded article of the present invention may be subjected to antistatic processing, water-repellent processing, hydrophilic processing, antibacterial processing, ultraviolet absorption processing, near-infrared absorption processing, or electret processing, depending on the purpose, to the extent that it does not impair the effects of the present invention.

[0046] (Textile products) Because the textile product of the present invention contains the above-mentioned fibers, it has an excellent inhibitory effect on bacterial growth and excellent durability and hydrophilicity that satisfies the requirements of being less prone to stuffiness and having good liquid permeability.

[0047] The textile products of the present invention are not particularly limited, and examples include a wide range of textile products that require bacterial growth inhibitory effects, breathability, and liquid permeability, such as absorbent articles like diapers, napkins, or incontinence pads; sanitary materials like masks, gowns, or surgical gowns; interior materials like wall sheets, shoji paper, or flooring materials; lifestyle-related materials like cover cloths, cleaning wipers, or garbage covers; toiletry products like disposable toilets or toilet covers; pet supplies like pet sheets, pet diapers, or pet towels; industrial materials like wiping materials, filters, cushioning materials, oil absorbents, or ink tank absorbents; general medical materials; bedding materials; and nursing care products. They are particularly suitable as surface materials for absorbent articles like diapers, napkins, or incontinence pads.

[0048] (Method of manufacturing fibers) The fibers of the present invention are not particularly limited, but the fiber treatment agent, which is a mixture of component (A) and component (B), may be applied to the fibers, or component (A) may be applied (topcoated) on top of component (B) which has been applied to the fibers. Furthermore, the method of application is not particularly limited, and the fibers may be applied by known methods such as contact with an oiling roll, immersion in an immersion tank, or spray application after the spinning and / or drawing process or the heat treatment / drying process.

[0049] (Method for manufacturing fiber molded products) The fiber molded article of the present invention may be formed by processing a fiber molded article using fibers to which components (A) and (B) are attached, or by processing a fiber molded article using fibers to which component (B) is attached and then attaching component (A), or by forming a fiber molded article and then attaching components (A) and (B).

[0050] The processing method for the fibrous molded article is not particularly limited, and any known method may be used. When the fibrous molded article is a nonwoven fabric, examples of methods for integrating the web include thermal bonding methods such as the through-air method or point bonding method, entanglement methods such as the needle punch method or spunlace method, or resin bonding methods using adhesives. The web is not particularly limited, but may be a long-fiber web formed by the spunbond method, meltblown method, or tow opening method, or a short-fiber web formed using short fibers (staples or chops) by the carding method, airlaid method, or wet method. From the viewpoint of feel and texture, a method of integrating a web formed by the carding method using short fibers with a fiber length of 20 to 102 mm using the through-air method is preferred. In this invention, "web" refers to a fiber aggregate in which the fibers are loosely entangled to the extent that it can maintain a sheet-like shape, and means a state in which the fibers are not adhered to each other or are not tightly entangled. [Examples]

[0051] The present invention will be described in detail below with reference to examples, but the present invention is not limited thereto. The raw materials used in the examples and the methods for measuring physical properties are shown below.

[0052] (Fiber treatment agent) Table 1 shows the compositions of the fiber treatment agents (1) to (13) to be attached to the fibers of the present invention.

[0053] [Table 1]

[0054] (Fiber fineness) The fineness of the fibers was measured in accordance with JIS L 1015. (Amount of fiber treatment agent applied) The amount of fiber treatment agent adhering to the fibers was measured using a rapid extraction method with a rapid residual fat extraction device R-II (manufactured by Tokai Keiki Co., Ltd.). 2g of sample fiber was packed into a metal cylinder (16mm inner diameter, 130mm length, with a mortar-shaped bottom and a 1mm hole at the very bottom), and 25ml of methanol was added from the top in several portions. The liquid dripping from the hole at the bottom was collected in a heated aluminum dish, and the methanol was evaporated. The mass (g) of the residue in the aluminum dish was measured, and the amount of adhesion was calculated using the following formula. The mass of the residue was the average of two measurements. Adhesion amount (mass %) = (mass of residue (g) / 2 (g)) × 100 (Amount of component (A), component (B), component (C), and other components attached) The amount of fiber treatment agent applied and the composition ratios in Table 1 were used to calculate the amount of component (A), component (B), component (C), and other components applied. (Balance weight of nonwoven fabric) The mass of a 100mm x 100mm piece of nonwoven fabric is measured and converted to a value per unit area to determine the basis weight (g / m²) of the nonwoven fabric. 2 ) (Evaluation of antibacterial properties) An antimicrobial test was conducted in accordance with JIS L1902:2015 bacterial suspension absorption method (quantitative test). For 0.4 g of autoclaved nonwoven fabric, an inoculum concentration (CFU / ml) of 1 × 10⁶ was used. 5 ~3×10 5 A 0.2 ml test bacterial solution, prepared by adding 0.05% by mass of a surfactant (Tween80 (product name manufactured by Tokyo Chemical Industry Co., Ltd.)) to a prepared solution, was uniformly inoculated onto a nonwoven fabric, and a sterilized cap was tightened. This was incubated at 37±1°C for 18 hours, and the number of viable bacteria after incubation was measured. Two types of samples were used: standard cotton cloth and nonwoven fabric prepared in each example, and Staphylococcus aureus (NBRC12732) was used as the test bacterium. The antibacterial activity value, an indicator of antibacterial activity, was calculated using the following formula. Antimicrobial activity value = (logC t -logC0)-(logT t -logT0) Here, logC0: the average number of bacteria collected immediately after inoculation of the standard cloth, logC t:Average number of bacteria collected after 18 hours of incubation of standard fabric, logT0:Average number of bacteria collected immediately after inoculation of processed fabric, logT t This shows the average number of bacteria collected after 18 hours of incubation of the processed fabric. The antibacterial activity was evaluated in the following three stages. ◎: Antibacterial activity value of 3.0 or higher ○: Antibacterial activity value is 2.5 or higher and less than 3.0 ×: Antibacterial activity value is less than 2.5 (Evaluation of durable hydrophilicity) The evaluation was performed using a method similar to the measurement of liquid flow time according to EDANA ERT §153.0-02 (strike-through method). The absorbent paper used was Kimtowels (product name) manufactured by Crecia Co., Ltd., cut to approximately 90 mm x 90 mm (adjusted to 5.00 to 5.05 g). The flow time of 15 ml of physiological saline was measured and repeated three times. Each flow time was the average of two measurements. Durability hydrophilicity was evaluated in the following three stages. ◎: Maximum fluid flow time for the 1st to 3rd cycles is less than 5 seconds. ○: The maximum duration of the fluid flow during the 1st to 3rd flushes was 5 seconds or more, but less than 20 seconds. ×: The maximum duration of the fluid flow during the 1st to 3rd flushes is 20 seconds or more. (Evaluation of antistatic properties) 30g of sample fiber was placed in a 200cc beaker and pressed down with a glass rod. Next, a leakage electrical resistance meter SM-8213 (manufactured by HIOKI E.E. CORPORATION) was used, with a measurement voltage of 5kV, and the electrodes were pressed against the sample fiber with a load of 2kg to measure the resistance. The logarithm of the measured value was taken to obtain the leakage electrical resistance value (logR(Ω)). A smaller logR indicates that electricity is less likely to leak and that the material has superior antistatic properties.

[0055] [Example 1] The sheath component is HDPE (density: 0.956 g / cm³). 3A concentric sheath-core composite fiber was melt-spun, with a melt flow rate (190℃, load 21.18N): 16g / 10min, melting point: 131℃, and PET (intrinsic viscosity (measured using an isogamous mixed solvent of phenol and tetrachloroethane, concentration 0.5g / 100ml, temperature 20℃): 0.65dl / g, melting point: 255℃) arranged in a volume ratio of 50 / 50 as the core component. At that time, an aqueous solution diluted with ion-exchanged water was brought into contact with an oiling roll to adhere the fiber treatment agent (1) to the fiber surface so that the amount of fiber treatment agent (1) attached was about 0.5% by mass relative to the mass of the fiber. After the stretching process, the fiber was dried to obtain the fiber. Next, the fiber was cut into short fibers with a length of 51 mm using a cutter, and these were used as sample fibers. The sample fibers were made into a card web using a roller card tester, and this web was processed with through air at 130℃ using a suction dryer to obtain a nonwoven fabric.

[0056] [Examples 2-11, Comparative Examples 1-2] As shown in Table 2, sample fibers and nonwoven fabrics were obtained in the same manner as in Example 1, except that the fiber treatment agent was changed.

[0057] Table 2 summarizes the results for the fiber fineness, amount of each component attached, basis weight of the nonwoven fabric, antibacterial properties, durable hydrophilicity, and antistatic properties obtained in Examples 1-11 and Comparative Examples 1-2.

[0058] [Table 2]

[0059] As can be seen from the results in Table 2, the fibers of the present invention to which components (A) and (B) are attached possess excellent antibacterial properties and durable hydrophilicity. In particular, it can be seen that by setting the amount of component (A) attached within a specific range relative to the mass of the fiber, a high level of antibacterial properties and durable hydrophilicity can be achieved. Furthermore, Examples 1 to 10, which included components (A), (B), and (C), showed suppressed static electricity compared to Example 11, which did not contain component (C). [Industrial applicability]

[0060] The fibers of the present invention have an excellent inhibitory effect on bacterial growth and excellent durable hydrophilicity that satisfies the requirements of breathability and liquid permeability. Therefore, they can be suitably used in a variety of textile products that require an inhibitory effect on bacterial growth, breathability, and liquid permeability, such as absorbent articles such as diapers, napkins, or incontinence pads; sanitary materials such as masks, gowns, or surgical gowns; interior materials such as wall sheets, shoji paper, or flooring materials; lifestyle-related materials such as cover cloths, cleaning wipers, or garbage covers; toiletries such as disposable toilets or toilet covers; pet supplies such as pet sheets, pet diapers, or pet towels; industrial materials such as wiping materials, filters, cushioning materials, oil absorbents, or ink tank absorbents; general medical materials; bedding materials; and nursing care products.

Claims

1. Fibers to which the following components (A), (B), and (C) are attached. (A) Polyalkylene biguanide compounds represented by general formula (1); (B) At least one nonionic surfactant selected from the group consisting of polyalkylene oxide-added nonionic surfactants and polyhydric alcohol-type nonionic surfactants; (In the formula, R1 represents an alkylene group having 2 to 8 carbon atoms, and n represents an integer from 2 to 18.) (C) Anionic surfactant consisting of phosphate ester salts

2. The fiber according to claim 1, wherein the amount of component (A) attached is 0.003 to 0.5% by mass relative to the mass of the fiber.

3. The fiber according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the fiber is a heat-adhesive composite fiber containing an olefin resin.

4. The fiber according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the polyalkylene oxide-added nonionic surfactant of component (B) is at least one polyalkylene oxide-added nonionic surfactant selected from the group consisting of polyoxyalkylene alkyl ethers, polyoxyalkylene alkylphenyl ethers, polyoxyalkylene fatty acid esters, polyoxyalkylene polyhydric alcohol fatty acid esters, polyoxyalkylene alkylamino ethers, and polyoxyalkylene alkyl alkanolamides.

5. The fiber according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the polyhydric alcohol-type nonionic surfactant of component (B) is at least one polyhydric alcohol-type nonionic surfactant selected from the group consisting of glycerin fatty acid ester, trimethylolpropane fatty acid ester, pentaerythritol fatty acid ester, sorbitan fatty acid ester, sorbitol fatty acid ester, sucrose fatty acid ester, polyglycerin fatty acid ester, and fatty acid alkanolamide.

6. A fiber molded article comprising the fibers described in claim 1 or 2.

7. A textile product comprising the fiber described in claim 1 or 2.

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