Functional down feathers and methods for producing the same, as well as processing agents for down feathers.

Abstract

Provided is a functional feather comprising: a feather; and a metal salt, a quaternary ammonium salt, and an insect repelling component that adhere to the feather. The metal salt is formed from: ions of at least one metal selected from the group consisting of iron, cobalt, nickel, copper, zinc, platinum, silver, and gold; and at least one type of anion selected from the group consisting of chloride ions, bromide ions, fluoride ions, iodide ions, sulfate ions, hydroxide ions, nitrate ions, and acetate ions. The feather does not have a binder resin attached thereto or has attached thereto a binder resin at 1 mass% or less of the mass of the feather. The mite repellency rate measured in accordance with JIS L 1920:2007 8.2 glass tube method B is 50% or greater.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] This invention relates to functional down feathers, a method for producing the same, and a processing agent for down feathers. [Background technology]

[0002] In recent years, with the growing awareness of hygiene, various items around us are being treated with antibacterial, deodorizing, or insect-repellent finishes. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a method for applying antibacterial, deodorizing, and mite-repellent agents to feathers. [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 2802882 [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0004] Patent Document 1 describes the use of a fixing agent to adhere the chemical solution to the feathers. The fixing agent degrades the texture of the feathers.

[0005] The object of the present invention is to provide down feathers that possess antibacterial, deodorizing, and insect-repellent properties without compromising the loft required of down feathers. Another object of the present invention is to provide a method for producing the above-mentioned down feathers and a processing agent. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] This disclosure is, Feathers and, The aforementioned feathers are fitted with a metal salt, a quaternary ammonium salt, and an insect repellent component, The aforementioned metal salt comprises an ion of at least one metal selected from the group consisting of iron, cobalt, nickel, copper, zinc, platinum, silver, and gold. It is formed from at least one anion selected from the group consisting of chloride ions, bromide ions, fluoride ions, iodide ions, sulfate ions, hydroxide ions, nitrate ions, and acetate ions. The feathers either have no binder resin attached to them, or have binder resin attached to them in an amount of 1% or less of the weight of the feathers. This relates to functional down feathers with a mite repellency rate of 50% or higher, as measured according to JIS L 1920:2007 8.2 Glass tube method B.

[0007] This disclosure also includes, Washing the feathers in the processing tank, A feather processing agent containing a metal salt, a quaternary ammonium salt, and an insect repellent is added to the processing tank containing the washed feathers, and the feathers are impregnated with the feather processing agent. The process includes drying the feathers impregnated with the feather processing agent, The aforementioned metal salt is formed from an ion of at least one metal selected from the group consisting of iron, cobalt, nickel, copper, zinc, platinum, silver, and gold, and at least one anion selected from the group consisting of chloride ions, bromide ions, fluoride ions, iodide ions, sulfate ions, hydroxide ions, nitrate ions, and acetate ions. The mass of the metal salt relative to the dry mass of the feathers in the treatment tank is 0.1% by mass or more and 5% by mass or less, the mass of the quaternary ammonium salt is 0.04% by mass or more and 10% by mass or less, and the mass of the insect repellent component is 0.01% by mass or more and 0.5% by mass or less. The present invention relates to a method for producing functional down, wherein the down processing agent either does not contain a binder resin or contains a binder resin in an amount of 5% by mass or less of the down processing agent.

[0008] This disclosure further states that A processing agent for feathers, It contains a metal salt, a quaternary ammonium salt, and an insecticide component, In the above 1A agent, The aforementioned metal salt is formed from an ion of at least one metal selected from the group consisting of iron, cobalt, nickel, copper, zinc, platinum, silver, and gold, and at least one anion selected from the group consisting of chloride ions, bromide ions, fluoride ions, iodide ions, sulfate ions, hydroxide ions, nitrate ions, and acetate ions. The mass content of the quaternary ammonium salt W1A A The content mass W1A of the metal salt M It is between 1 / 20 and 1 / 3.0, and The feather processing agent described above either does not contain a binder resin, or contains a binder resin in an amount of 5% by mass or less of the feather processing agent.

[0009] This disclosure further states that A processing agent for feathers, Agent 1B, which contains metal salts and insecticidal components, The second B agent contains a quaternary ammonium salt, In the above-mentioned Agent 1B, The aforementioned metal salt is formed from an ion of at least one metal selected from the group consisting of iron, cobalt, nickel, copper, zinc, platinum, silver, and gold, and at least one anion selected from the group consisting of chloride ions, bromide ions, fluoride ions, iodide ions, sulfate ions, hydroxide ions, nitrate ions, and acetate ions. The above-mentioned agent 1B does not contain quaternary ammonium salts, or its content mass W1B A The content mass W1B of the first metal salt M It contains a quaternary ammonium salt in an amount less than 1 / 20 of the total, The feather processing agent described above either does not contain a binder resin, or contains a binder resin in an amount of 5% by mass or less of the feather processing agent.

[0010] This disclosure further states that A processing agent for feathers, A first-class C agent containing a metal salt and not containing a quaternary ammonium salt or insecticide component, A 2C agent containing insecticidal components and free from metal salts and quaternary ammonium salts, A third-class C agent containing quaternary ammonium ions and free from metal salts and insecticidal components, The aforementioned metal salt is formed from an ion of at least one metal selected from the group consisting of iron, cobalt, nickel, copper, zinc, platinum, silver, and gold, and at least one anion selected from the group consisting of chloride ions, bromide ions, fluoride ions, iodide ions, sulfate ions, hydroxide ions, nitrate ions, and acetate ions. The feather processing agent described above either does not contain a binder resin, or contains a binder resin in an amount of 5% by mass or less of the feather processing agent. [Effects of the Invention]

[0011] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide feathers that possess antibacterial, deodorizing, and insect-repellent properties without impairing the loft required for feathers. An object of the present invention is also to provide a method for producing the above-mentioned feathers and a processing agent. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0012] Hereinafter, a functional feather, a method for manufacturing the same, and a feather processing agent, which are aspects of this disclosure, will be described in detail with reference to embodiments.

[0013] First Embodiment [Functional feathers] The functional down according to this embodiment comprises down feathers, a metal salt, a quaternary ammonium salt, and an insect repellent component attached to the down feathers. The down feathers are either free of binder resin or have binder resin attached at a concentration of 1% or less of the mass of the down feathers. The functional down feathers have a mite repellency rate of 50% or more, as measured according to JIS L 1920:2007 8.2 Glass tube method B (test mite: House dust mite). Functional down feathers with a mite repellency rate of 50% or more have excellent insect repellency.

[0014] The mite repellency rates mentioned above are initial values ​​before heat treatment and washing. Unless otherwise specified, the performance values ​​described later are also initial values. The mite repellency rates mentioned above may be 60% or higher, 70% or higher, 80% or higher, 90% or higher, or 98% or higher.

[0015] The insect-repellent properties remain effective even after washing. The mite repellency rate after three washes (W3) may be 50% or more, 60% or more, 70% or more, 80% or more, 90% or more, or 98% or more. Washing shall be carried out in accordance with JIS L 1930:2019, the C4M method for testing household laundry of textile products. Three washes refer to washing the product three times in accordance with the above method.

[0016] The feathers have metal salts, quaternary ammonium salts, and insect-repellent components attached to them (including binding or reaction; the same applies hereinafter). Functional feathers possess at least antibacterial and deodorizing properties (hereinafter referred to as "antibacterial and deodorizing properties") and insect-repellent properties.

[0017] Hereinafter, metal salts, quaternary ammonium salts, and insect-repellent components will be collectively referred to as "functional components." Performance that includes at least antibacterial, deodorizing, and insect-repellent properties will be collectively referred to as "functionality." Functional down may also possess deodorizing properties. "Functionality" may include deodorizing properties in addition to antibacterial, deodorizing, and insect-repellent properties.

[0018] Feathers, composed of protein, possess numerous functional groups derived from amino acids (amino groups, carboxyl groups, etc.). These functional groups can ionically bond with functional components. Therefore, functional components can adhere to the feathers being processed for functionality (hereinafter sometimes referred to as "untreated feathers") without the need for a binder resin. As a result, antibacterial, deodorizing, and insect-repellent properties can be exhibited over a long period without the use of a binder resin. These functions are even maintained after washing.

[0019] The antibacterial and deodorizing properties are further enhanced by using metal salts in combination with quaternary ammonium salts. Metal ions exhibit strong cationicity and, due to their small ionic radius, strongly act on bacterial membranes. This changes the potential of the membrane surface, increasing cationicity and generating electrical repulsion. Therefore, it is thought that the spacing between the proteins constituting the membrane widens, exposing the nucleus and making the bacteria more susceptible to destruction.

[0020] Because the binder resin is either absent or present in very small amounts on the feathers, the flexible, fine fibers (barbs) that make up the feathers do not easily bond together. As a result, functional down retains the natural texture of the feathers and exhibits high loft (down power).

[0021] (Downpower) Down power can be evaluated according to JIS L 1903:2017 8.3 Loft 8.3.2 Method by volume measurement. Down power of functional down (cm 3 ( / g) is the down power (cm) of untreated feathers. 3 If the loft is 90% or more of the down power of the functional down (100 × down power of functional down / down power of untreated down), it can be evaluated as maintaining its loft. 100 × down power of functional down / down power of untreated down can be 93% or more, 100% or more, or 102% or more.

[0022] The down power of the functional down is 200cm. 3 It may be more than / g, 300cm 3 It may be more than / g.

[0023] The main cause of feather odor is residual oils in the feathers. Washing removes most of these oils. Typically, a small amount (around 0-1% by mass) is left behind to improve the loft and texture of the feathers. However, oxidation of these residual oils generates carbonyl compounds such as aldehydes or ketones, or lower fatty acids. These components are considered the primary cause of feather odor.

[0024] Metal salts can act as catalysts to activate oxygen present in the air. It is thought that these reactive oxygen species react with the aforementioned causative components, thereby reducing the odor of feathers. Quaternary ammonium salts react with the aforementioned causative components (for example, through dehydration condensation), transforming those components into other substances. As a result, the feather odor is thought to be reduced. Unlike metal salts, quaternary ammonium salts can act directly on the causative components, and are therefore considered to be more effective in reducing feather odor.

[0025] (feather odor) Feather odor can be evaluated through sensory testing. The testing method is as follows: 20g of untreated down is placed in a non-woven fabric bag, and then the non-woven fabric bag is placed in an airtight synthetic resin bag (e.g., nylon) and heated in a 50°C constant temperature oven for 1 hour. After that, the odor of the gas inside the synthetic resin bag is smelled. The intensity of the odor of the untreated down is evaluated on a 6-point scale, and the level of unpleasantness of the odor is evaluated on a 9-point scale. The same sensory tests and evaluations are performed on functional down as well.

[0026] The evaluation of feather odor may be performed by one or more odor assessors. The intensity of the odor is evaluated in increments of 0.5 based on the following six levels. For example, if the evaluation is between an odor that is barely perceptible (index 1) and a weak odor that can be identified (index 2), the index will be 1.5. The unpleasantness of the odor is evaluated in increments of 0.5 based on the following nine levels. For example, if the evaluation is between a slightly pleasant odor (index +1) and a pleasant odor (index +2), the index will be 1.5.

[0027] If the (index for untreated down - index for functional down) for at least one of the odor intensity and unpleasantness is 1.0 or higher, then the down odor can be said to have been reduced.

[0028] • Odor intensity (6-level rating) Index 0: Odorless Index 1: Odor that can barely be detected (detection threshold concentration) Index 2: Weak odors that can be identified (recognition threshold concentration) Index 3: Easily detectable odors Index 4: Strong odor Index 5: Strong odor

[0029] • Discomfort level (9 levels) Index -4: Extremely unpleasant Index -3: Very unpleasant Index -2: Discomfort Index -1: Slightly unpleasant Index 0: Neither pleasant nor unpleasant Index +1: Slightly good Index +2: Pleasure Index +3: Very pleasant Index +4: Extremely pleasant

[0030] The evaluation of feather odor may be conducted by multiple panelists (typically five or more). From the evaluation results of each panelist, the odor intensity and unpleasantness (index for untreated feathers - index for functional feathers) are calculated, and the average value of these is determined. The resulting average value is the evaluation result for feather odor.

[0031] (Antibacterial and deodorizing properties) The antibacterial and deodorizing properties can be tested by applying the bacterial solution absorption method specified in JIS L 1902:2015 "Test Methods and Antibacterial Effects of Textile Products". The test uses Staphylococcus aureus (NBRC 12732 or ATCC6538P), a type of Gram-positive bacterium.

[0032] Antibacterial and deodorizing properties are evaluated using the antibacterial activity value shown by the following formula. An antibacterial activity value of 2.0 or higher indicates that the material has antibacterial and deodorizing properties. An antibacterial activity value of 2.2 or higher indicates that the material has excellent antibacterial and deodorizing properties. Functional down feathers with excellent antibacterial and deodorizing properties can also be expected to have antimicrobial properties.

[0033] Antimicrobial activity value = (Mb-Ma)-(Mc-Mo) Ma: The average value of the common logarithm of the number of viable bacteria or ATP amount immediately after inoculation of the standard fabric with the test bacterial solution. Mb: Average value of the common logarithm of the number of viable cells or ATP amount after 18 hours of incubation of standard cloth. Mo: The average value of the common logarithm of the number of viable cells or ATP amount immediately after inoculation of the test bacterial suspension of the sample. Mc: The average value of the common logarithm of the number of viable cells or ATP levels after 18 hours of culture of the sample.

[0034] (durability) The excellent functionality described above is unlikely to deteriorate. Deterioration of functionality occurs, for example, when functional components are lost from the treated product. Hereafter, the ability to suppress this deterioration of functionality will be referred to as durability.

[0035] Durability can be evaluated by performing the above tests on samples that have been washed three times in accordance with the JIS L 1930:2019 Home Laundry Test Method for Textile Products, C4M Method.

[0036] (Deodorizing properties) Functional down feathers may also possess deodorizing properties. Deodorizing properties can be evaluated using methods compliant with "21. Deodorizing Test (Detector Tube Method, Gas Chromatography Method)" described in the SEK Mark Textile Product Certification Standards (established by the Product Certification Department of the Japan Textile Evaluation Technology Council, revised on April 1, 2023).

[0037] The test conditions are as follows: (Initial concentration of each odor component gas) Ammonia 100 ppm Acetic acid 30 ppm Isovaleric acid 38 ppm

[0038] The amount of sample used in the detector tube method is 1 g. The amount of sample used in the gas chromatography method is 0.5 g. After placing the sample in a sealed container, the odor component gas, adjusted to the initial concentration, is sealed inside. After letting it stand for 2 hours after sealing in the odor component gas, the concentration of the odor component gas is measured.

[0039] The specific testing methods using the detector tube method and gas chromatography are as follows:

[0040] (Detector tube method) Prepare a sealed 5L Tedlar® bag, and inject 3L of odor component gas into the Tedlar bag using a syringe to reach the specified initial concentration. Two hours after injecting the odor component gas into the Tedlar bag, measure the concentration of the odor component gas present in the Tedlar bag using a detector tube (blank test). This concentration will be defined as the blank concentration, and the average value will be defined as Sb.

[0041] Separately, 1 g of the sample is placed in a 5 L Tedlar bag. Next, 3 L of odor component gas is injected into the Tedlar bag using a syringe to reach the specified initial concentration. As with the blank test, the concentration of the odor component gas is measured using a detector tube 2 hours after the odor component gas is injected into the Tedlar bag, and the average value of the measured concentrations is defined as Sn.

[0042] (Gas chromatography (GC method)) First, the raw odor solutions that generate the odor component gases are prepared. The raw odor solution for ammonia is prepared by diluting 7.2 ml of aqueous ammonia (ammonia concentration: 28%) with 100 ml of distilled water. The raw odor solution for acetic acid is prepared by diluting 0.5 ml of acetic acid reagent (acetic acid purity: 99.7%) with 100 ml of distilled water. The raw odor solution for isovaleric acid is prepared by diluting 1 ml of isovaleric acid reagent (isovaleric acid purity: 98%) with 100 ml of distilled water, and then further diluting 0.5 ml of this diluted isovaleric acid solution with 100 ml of distilled water.

[0043] Next, a blank test is performed for each odor. A magnetic stirrer bar is placed in a 500 ml Erlenmeyer flask, and 5 μl of the original odor solution for each odor is injected using a micropipette and the flask is sealed tightly. The magnetic stirrer bar in the Erlenmeyer flask is stirred with a magnetic stirrer, and after 2 hours, the remaining gas in the Erlenmeyer flask is sampled with a syringe, and the concentration of the sampled remaining gas is measured using a gas chromatograph analyzer. The average value of the peak area of ​​these measured values ​​is taken as the blank test value Sb.

[0044] Next, the procedure is the same as the blank test, except that 0.5 g of the sample is placed in a 500 ml Erlenmeyer flask. After 2 hours, the remaining gas in the container is sampled using the same procedure as the blank test. The concentration of the sampled remaining gas is measured using a gas chromatograph, and the average of the peak areas of these measurements is taken as the numerical value Sn for the test using the sample.

[0045] (Odor reduction rate) The reduction rate of odor component gases is determined using the following formula from the average gas concentration (Sb) in the blank test and the average gas concentration (Sn) when using the sample, measured by the detector tube method or gas chromatography. Odor reduction rate (%) = [(Sb-Sn) / Sb] × 100 Sb: Average gas concentration in blank test Sn: Average value of gas measurements in tests using samples

[0046] Functional down has deodorizing properties if it satisfies all of the following conditions, as measured by detector tube method or gas chromatography: a reduction rate of 80% or more in ammonia concentration, a reduction rate of 70% or more in acetic acid concentration, and a reduction rate of 95% or more in isovaleric acid concentration. Functional down is particularly effective against odors containing large amounts of ammonia, acetic acid, and isovaleric acid (e.g., sweat odor).

[0047] Functional down is used, for example, as stuffing for bedding such as futons, pillows, and sleeping bags, and as stuffing for clothing such as down coats and down jackets.

[0048] Traditionally, functional components are applied to the outer fabric covering the filling. However, these functional components are easily washed off by contact between the fabric and people or objects. Furthermore, sweat and sebum from the human body penetrate from the fabric into the filling. Therefore, applying functional components to the fabric alone is insufficient to adequately suppress bacterial growth and mite reproduction.

[0049] The functional down according to this embodiment is suitable for various fillings because it possesses high loft and functionality. High loft results in high heat retention, which is a key requirement for down. In addition, functional down tends to have less odor than untreated down. In this respect as well, the functional down according to this embodiment is suitable for use as a filling in bedding and clothing.

[0050] (Untreated feathers) Untreated down is collected from, for example, ducks, geese, mallards, Rouen ducks, Chinese ducks, Peking ducks, geese (Bilgrim geese, Emden geese, etc.), and graylag geese. The down may be, for example, large feathers (feathers with a feather shaft from the wing area), down (chest feathers, undercoat), or small feathers. These are used individually or in combination. The untreated down undergoes pretreatment and washing as described later.

[0051] (Metal salts) A metal salt (hereinafter sometimes referred to as the first metal salt) is formed from an ion of at least one metal selected from the group consisting of Fe (iron), Co (cobalt), Ni (nickel), Cu (copper), Zn (zinc), Pt (platinum), Ag (silver), and Au (gold), and at least one anion selected from the group consisting of chloride ions, bromide ions, fluoride ions, iodide ions, sulfate ions, hydroxide ions, nitrate ions, and acetate ions. The first metal salt can be used alone or in combination of two or more. The first metal salt may also be added to the processing agent as a hydrate.

[0052] The metal ion may be at least one ion selected from the group consisting of copper, zinc, and silver, from the viewpoint of antibacterial and deodorizing properties, and may be a copper ion.

[0053] The anion may be at least one selected from the group consisting of polyatomic ions such as sulfate ions, hydroxide ions, nitrate ions, and acetate ions, in terms of manufacturing costs and other factors.

[0054] Examples of the first metal salt include at least one selected from the group consisting of copper sulfate, copper chloride, copper acetate, zinc sulfate, zinc nitrate, zinc acetate, iron sulfate, silver nitrate, and their hydrates. From the viewpoint of antibacterial and deodorizing properties, it may be at least one selected from the group consisting of copper sulfate, copper chloride, copper acetate, zinc sulfate, zinc nitrate, silver nitrate, and their hydrates.

[0055] Functional down may have metal salts other than the primary metal salt (hereinafter referred to as "other metal salts") attached to it. Examples of other metal salts include zinc salts such as zinc citrate, zinc malate, zinc fumarate, zinc glycolate, zinc lactate, and zinc gluconate; iron salts such as ferrous citrate, ferrous malate, ferrous ascorbate, and ferrous lactate; and hydrates thereof. Other metal salts may be water-soluble metal salts containing sodium, magnesium, calcium, potassium, aluminum, manganese, titanium, chromium, vanadium, etc.

[0056] The total amount of metal elements, including those derived from the first metal salt, is, for example, 200 ppm to 10,000 ppm of the mass of untreated feathers. When the amount of metal elements is 200 ppm or more, antibacterial and deodorizing properties may be improved. When the amount of metal elements is 10,000 ppm or less, stability and handling are excellent. The amount of metal elements may be 500 ppm or more, or 700 ppm or more. The amount of metal elements may be 4,000 ppm or less, or 2,000 ppm or less.

[0057] The above adhesion amounts are the initial values ​​before washing. The adhesion amounts described below are also the same.

[0058] The amount of metal elements attached as described above is less than or equal to the mass of metal elements derived from the "first metal salt relative to the dry mass of untreated feathers in the treatment tank," as described later.

[0059] (Quaternary ammonium salt) Quaternary ammonium ions are monovalent cations with four carbon bonds directly attached to a nitrogen atom, and are known to have antibacterial and deodorizing properties. Quaternary ammonium salts are salts of quaternary ammonium ions and their counterions (anions).

[0060] The strength of antibacterial and deodorizing properties, as well as the antibacterial spectrum, are said to vary depending on the group bonded to the nitrogen atom. In addition, the antibacterial spectrum also differs depending on the type of counterion of the quaternary ammonium ion. To broaden the antibacterial spectrum, at least two types of quaternary ammonium salts may be used.

[0061] In this embodiment, the quaternary ammonium salt comprises at least a first quaternary ammonium salt and a second quaternary ammonium salt different from the first quaternary ammonium salt. The first quaternary ammonium salt is a salt of a first quaternary ammonium ion and a first counterion. The second quaternary ammonium salt is a salt of a second quaternary ammonium ion and a second counterion.

[0062] The first quaternary ammonium salt and the second quaternary ammonium salt are different compounds. The first and second quaternary ammonium salts differ in the groups bonded to the nitrogen atom of the first and second quaternary ammonium ions, and / or in the first and second counterions. In particular, it is preferable that at least the first and second counterions are different, as this makes it easier to obtain a broad antibacterial spectrum while maintaining high antibacterial and deodorizing properties.

[0063] Examples of first and second counterions include chloride ions, bromide ions, fluoride ions, iodide ions, hydroxide ions, phosphate ions, nitrate ions, sulfate ions, and other molecular ions (polyatomic ions).

[0064] From the viewpoint of antibacterial and deodorizing properties, the first counterion may be a chloride ion, and the second counterion may be a phosphate ion. The first quaternary ammonium salt may be ammonium chloride, and the second quaternary ammonium salt may be ammonium phosphate. Ammonium chloride is known to have the highest bactericidal activity among quaternary ammonium salts. On the other hand, excess ammonium chloride can corrode metals. By using ammonium phosphate together with ammonium chloride, it is easier to suppress the effect on metals while maintaining high antibacterial and deodorizing properties.

[0065] In order to broaden the antibacterial spectrum, the ratio of mass A1 of ammonium chloride to mass A2 of ammonium phosphate, A1 / A2, may be between 1 / 20 (=0.05) and 20 / 1 (=20). The ratio A1 / A2 may be between 1 / 15 and 15 / 1, between 1 / 10 and 10 / 1, or between 1 / 10 and 1 / 1. Furthermore, considering the stability of the feather processing agent (hereinafter sometimes simply referred to as "processing agent") described later, the ratio A1 / A2 may be between 1 / 20 and 1 / 1.2, between 1 / 15 and 1 / 1.6, or between 1 / 10 and 1 / 2. When the ratio A1 / A2 is within the above range, the pH of the processing agent is less likely to fluctuate due to the buffering effect of phosphate ions, thereby improving the stability of the processing agent. When the stability of the processing agent is high, ammonium cations are more easily adsorbed to bacterial proteins. As a result, the antibacterial and deodorizing properties are more easily exhibited.

[0066] The ratio A1 / A2 is the ratio of the mass of ammonium chloride to the mass of ammonium phosphate attached to the functional down. The ratio A1 / A2 may also be the ratio of the mass of ammonium chloride to the mass of ammonium phosphate in the processing agent.

[0067] The structures of the first and second quaternary ammonium ions are not particularly limited. From the viewpoint of antibacterial and deodorizing properties, at least one of the first quaternary ammonium ion and the second quaternary ammonium ion is defined by the following formula (I):

[0068] [ka] (In formula (I), R1 and R3 are each independently an alkyl group having 1 to 6 carbon atoms, a hydroxyalkyl group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms, or an alkylene oxide group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms, and R2 and R4 are each independently a hydrocarbon group having 6 to 20 carbon atoms.) It can be expressed as follows.

[0069] Both the first quaternary ammonium ion and the second quaternary ammonium ion may be represented by formula (I) above. The groups bonded to the nitrogen atom of the first and second quaternary ammonium ions may all be the same, some may be the same, or may all be different.

[0070] Specifically, R1 and R3, which are alkyl groups having 1 to 6 carbon atoms, can be independently methyl, ethyl, n-propyl, isopropyl, n-butyl, t-butyl, n-pentyl, neopentyl, isopentyl, 3-pentyl, n-hexyl, or isohexyl groups. Specifically, R1 and R3, which are hydroxyalkyl groups having 1 to 4 carbon atoms, can be independently hydroxymethyl, hydroxyethyl, hydroxyn-propyl, hydroxyisopropyl, or hydroxyn-butyl groups. Specifically, R1 and R3, which are alkylene oxide groups having 1 to 4 carbon atoms, can be independently ethylene oxide, propylene oxide, or butylene oxide groups. In particular, from the viewpoint of antibacterial and deodorizing properties, R1 and R3 can be independently alkyl groups having 1 to 6 carbon atoms, alkyl groups having 1 to 4 carbon atoms, or both can be methyl groups.

[0071] R2 and R4 are each independently a hydrocarbon group having 6 to 20 carbon atoms, which may have an aromatic ring and / or substituents. Specifically, R2 and R4 can be independently a linear alkyl group having 6 to 20 carbon atoms, a branched alkyl group having 6 to 20 carbon atoms, a hydrocarbon group having one or more carbon-carbon double bonds, a phenyl group, or a benzyl group. Substituents that R2 and R4 may have include a hydroxyl group and a carbonyl group. From the viewpoint of antibacterial and deodorizing properties, R2 may be a hydrocarbon group having 6 to 20 carbon atoms having one or more aromatic rings, or a benzyl group. From a similar viewpoint, R4 may be an alkyl group having 8 to 18 carbon atoms, a linear alkyl group having 8 to 18 carbon atoms, or a linear alkyl group having 12 to 16 carbon atoms.

[0072] In the first quaternary ammonium ion, R1 and R3 may both be methyl groups, R2 may be a benzyl group, and R4 may be a linear alkyl group having 12 to 16 carbon atoms. In the second quaternary ammonium ion, R1 and R3 may both be methyl groups, R2 may be a benzyl group, and R4 may be a linear alkyl group having 8 to 18 carbon atoms. Such quaternary ammonium ions have a benzalkonium skeleton and a moderately long-chain alkyl group. Therefore, their antibacterial and deodorizing properties are further improved. Such quaternary ammonium ions are also preferable in terms of manufacturing cost and other factors.

[0073] Functional down may contain quaternary ammonium salts formed from quaternary ammonium ions other than those represented by formula (I) above, or quaternary ammonium salts formed from counterions other than chloride ions and phosphate ions (hereinafter collectively referred to as other quaternary ammonium salts). Examples of other quaternary ammonium salts include alkylpyridinium salts (cetylpyridinium salts), tetramethylammonium, tetraethylammonium, tetrapropylammonium, tetrabutylammonium, hexadecyltrimethylammonium, benzyltriethylammonium, benzyltrimethylammonium, tetrabutylammonium, and benzethonium.

[0074] From the viewpoint of antimicrobial spectrum, 80% by mass or more, more precisely 90% by mass or more, and especially 100% by mass of all quaternary ammonium salts may be ammonium chloride and ammonium phosphate. The total mass of ammonium chloride formed from the quaternary ammonium ion represented by formula (I) and chloride ions, and ammonium phosphate formed from the quaternary ammonium ion represented by formula (I) and phosphate ions may be 80% by mass or more, 90% by mass or more, or 100% by mass of the total mass of the quaternary ammonium salts.

[0075] The above ratio of ammonium chloride and ammonium phosphate can be determined from the total mass of all quaternary ammonium salts attached to the functional feather and the mass of ammonium chloride and ammonium phosphate attached to the functional feather. The above ratio of ammonium chloride and ammonium phosphate can also be determined from the total mass of all quaternary ammonium salts in the processing agent and the mass of ammonium chloride and ammonium phosphate in the processing agent.

[0076] The amount of quaternary ammonium salt attached is, for example, between 20 ppm and 5000 ppm of the mass of the untreated feathers.

[0077] The amount of quaternary ammonium salt adhering to the above is less than or equal to the "mass of quaternary ammonium salt relative to the dry mass of untreated feathers in the treatment tank (%owf)" as described later. When the mass of quaternary ammonium salt is 10% by mass (%owf) or less, the maximum value of the above amount of quaternary ammonium salt adhering to the above is 100,000 ppm.

[0078] The source of the quaternary ammonium salt is not particularly limited. The source of the quaternary ammonium salt may be, for example, contained in processing or treatment agents that are commercially available for other uses (e.g., dye fixation).

[0079] (Insect repellent ingredients) The insect repellent components are not particularly limited. Examples of insect repellent components include pyrethroid compounds such as permethrin, pyrethrin, phenothrin, cyphenothrin, allethrin, phthalthrin, transfluthrin, resmethrin, prallethrin, tralomethrin, bifenthrin, flamethrin, imiprothrin, metofluthrin, cyfluthrin, deltamethrin, and natural pyrethrin; oxadiazole compounds such as methoxadiazone; oxazoline compounds such as etoxazole; neonicotinoid compounds such as dinotefuran and clothianidin; and dicarboxylic acid esters such as aliphatic dicarboxylic acid esters and aromatic dicarboxylic acid esters. These can be used individually or in combination of two or more.

[0080] The insect repellent component may be a pyrethroid compound. The insect repellent component may be at least one selected from the group consisting of permethrin, pyrethrin, phenothrin, transfluthrin, prallethrin, tralomethrin, cyfluthrin, and deltamethrin. The insect repellent component may be permethrin.

[0081] From the viewpoint of adhesion to feathers, insecticides that have functional groups (e.g., carbonyl groups, halogeno groups) that can ionically bond with amino acid-derived functional groups (amino groups, carboxyl groups, etc.) at the ends of feathers are desirable. Permethrin has both carbonyl and halogeno groups. Furthermore, permethrin is thought to exert its insecticidal effect by disrupting the nervous function of insects. On the other hand, permethrin is rapidly metabolized by the action of digestive enzymes present in mammals, including humans, and is excreted from the body in a short period of time. Therefore, permethrin is highly safe for mammals, including humans.

[0082] The amount of insect repellent component applied is, for example, 50 ppm or more and less than 5000 ppm of the mass of untreated feathers. When the amount of insect repellent component applied is within the above range, the mite repellency rate can be 50% or more. When the amount of insect repellent component applied is 50 ppm or more, the insect repellency can be further improved. When the amount of insect repellent component applied is less than 5000 ppm, it is stable and easy to handle. In particular, pyrethroid compounds (especially permethrin) can achieve a sufficient mite repellency rate even with a small amount applied. The amount of insect repellent component applied may be 75 ppm or more, or 100 ppm or more. The amount of insect repellent component applied may be 2000 ppm or less, 1000 ppm or less, 700 ppm or less, 500 ppm or less, or 400 ppm or less.

[0083] The amount of insect repellent component attached as described above is less than or equal to the "mass of insect repellent component relative to the dry mass of untreated feathers in the treatment tank (%owf)" as described later.

[0084] (Binder resin) The binder resin is not particularly limited. If the processing agent is aqueous, the binder resin may be soluble or dispersible in a hydrophilic solvent. The binder resin may have hydroxyl groups. The binder resin may be at least one selected from the group consisting of starch, gelatin, carboxymethylcellulose, methylcellulose, resol-type phenol resin, methylolated urea resin, methylolated melamine resin, polyvinyl alcohol, hydroxyl group-containing poly(meth)acrylic acid, and polyethylene oxide.

[0085] The amount of binder resin attached is 1% by mass or less of the mass of the untreated feathers. This ensures that the loftiness of the functional feathers is not impaired. The amount of binder resin attached may be less than 0.5% by mass, 0.3% by mass or less, or 0% by mass.

[0086] [Feather processing agent] The processing agent according to the present embodiment is a two-pack type (multi-pack type). The processing agent of the present embodiment includes a first agent A containing a first metal salt, a quaternary ammonium salt and an insect-proof component, and a second agent A containing a quaternary ammonium salt. The first agent A and the second agent A are sequentially applied to untreated down and feathers. Details of the first metal salt, the quaternary ammonium salt, the insect-proof component and the binder resin are as described above.

[0087] A multi-pack processing agent refers to a processing agent composed of two or more agents. In the multi-pack type, the processing agent according to the present disclosure is constituted by a combination of two or more agents.

[0088] The processing agent imparts a broad antibacterial spectrum, high antibacterial deodorizing property and insect-proof property to down and feathers. The processing agent according to the present embodiment functions as an "antibacterial deodorizing processing agent", functions as an "insect-proof processing agent", and can function as an "antibacterial deodorizing and insect-proof processing agent". The processing agent can impart high deodorizing property to down and feathers. The processing agent can also be expected to have an effect of reducing down and feather odor. The processing agent according to the present embodiment functions as a "deodorizing processing agent", and can function as an "antibacterial deodorizing, deodorizing and insect-proof processing agent".

[0089] The processing agent may be aqueous, and may be an aqueous solution. Being aqueous means that each component is present in an aqueous medium. In this case, each component may be dissolved in the aqueous medium or dispersed in the aqueous medium. Examples of the aqueous medium include pure water, distilled water, industrial water and tap water. The processing agent may contain an organic solvent as necessary.

[0090] In the processing agent, the content by mass W of the first metal salt M may be 0.06 mass% or more and 50 mass% or less. The content by mass W of the first metal salt M may be 0.09 mass% or more, may be 0.12 mass% or more, may be 0.50 mass% or more, and may be 1.00 mass% or more. The content by mass W of the first metal salt M may be 45 mass% or less, may be 32.5 mass% or less, may be 15 mass% or less, may be 12 mass% or less, and may be 10 mass% or less.

[0091] Mass W of the first metal salt in the processing agent M In the case of a multi-liquid type, this is the ratio of the total mass of the first metal salt contained in each agent (in this embodiment, agent 1A and agent 2A) to the total mass of each agent. If the first metal salt contains a hydrate, the content W of the first metal salt is... M This refers to the mass of the first metal salt excluding the mass of the water of hydration. The content mass W1A of the first metal salt will be described later. M The same applies to other things as well.

[0092] In the processing agent, the amount of insect repellent component W i The amount may be 0.1% by mass or more and 20.0% by mass or less. Insect repellent component content W i The amount may be 0.2% by mass or more, 0.3% by mass or more, or 0.4% by mass or more. Insect repellent component content W i It may be 15.0% by mass or less, 13.0% by mass or less, 12.0% by mass or less, 10.0% by mass or less, 5.0% by mass or less, or 3.0% by mass or less.

[0093] W of the amount of insect repellent component in the processing agent i In the case of a multi-liquid type, this refers to the ratio of the total mass of insect-repellent components contained in each agent (in this embodiment, agent 1A and agent 2A) to the total mass of each agent.

[0094] In the processing agent, the mass W of the first metal salt M The content is 0.06% by mass or more and 50% by mass or less, and the amount of insect repellent component is W. i It may be between 0.1% by mass and 20% by mass.

[0095] In the processing agent, the mass W of the quaternary ammonium salt content A The amount may be 0.2% by mass or more and 50% by mass or less. W of the content of the quaternary ammonium salt. A The amount may be 0.3% by mass or more, and may be 0.4% by mass or more. W of the content of the quaternary ammonium salt. AIt may be 40% by mass or less, 30% by mass or less, 20% by mass or less, or 10% by mass or less.

[0096] W of the content of quaternary ammonium salt in the processing agent A In the case of a multi-liquid type, this is the ratio of the total mass of quaternary ammonium salts contained in each agent (in this embodiment, agent 1A and agent 2A) to the total mass of each agent.

[0097] In the processing agent, the mass W of the quaternary ammonium salt content A And the mass W of the metal salt M And the amount of insect repellent component W i The ratio is 0.01 ≤ W A / W M ≤1.5 and ≤1.0 ≤W M / W i It may be ≤10.0. This allows for improved antibacterial, deodorizing, and insect-repellent properties, as well as a reduction in the odor of the feathers themselves.

[0098] W A / W M It may be 0.03 or higher, 0.05 or higher, 0.10 or higher, 0.30 or higher, and 0.50 or higher. A / W M It may be 1.30 or less, 1.10 or less, 1.00 or less, and 0.80 or less.

[0099] W M / W i It may be 1.5 or higher, and may be 2.0 or higher. M / W i It may be 9.0 or less, 8.0 or less, or 5.0 or less. .

[0100] In one embodiment, W A / W M is 0.03 or more and 1.3 or less, and W M / W i is between 1.5 and 9.0. In one embodiment, WA / W M is 0.05 or more and 1.10 or less, and W M / W i is between 2.0 and 8.0. In one embodiment, W A / W M is 0.3 or more and 1.5 or less, and W M / W i is 1.5 or more and 5.0 or less. In one embodiment, W A / W M is 0.5 or more and 1.5 or less, and W M / W i The value is between 1.5 and 5.0.

[0101] The processing agent either does not contain binder resin or contains binder resin in an amount of 5% by mass or less of the processing agent for feathers. This can reduce the amount of binder resin adhering to the feathers to 1% by mass or less. The above-mentioned amount of binder resin may be less than 0.5% by mass, 0.3% by mass or less, or 0% by mass.

[0102] In the case of a multi-liquid type, the binder resin content is the ratio of the total mass of the binder resin contained in each agent (in this embodiment, agent 1A and agent 2A) to the total mass of each agent.

[0103] The binder resin may be included in any form. For example, a commercially available agent containing a binder resin may be mixed with the processing agent (such as Agent 1A).

[0104] (Part 1A) W1A: Amount of quaternary ammonium salt content in Agent 1A A This is the mass content W1A of the first metal salt in the first agent A. M It is between 1 / 20 (=0.05) and 1 / 3.0 (≒0.33). That is, 1 / 20 ≤ W1A A / W1A M The ratio is ≤1 / 3.0. This suppresses the formation of reaction products between the primary metal salt and the quaternary ammonium salt. Furthermore, it is expected to have the effect of reducing the odor of the functional down itself.

[0105] The above-mentioned reaction products may form precipitates or fine particles in the bath. If these adhere to the feathers, the quality of the resulting feathers (e.g., cleanliness) may decrease. In addition, the amount of primary metal salts and quaternary ammonium salts that impart functionality to the feathers will decrease by the amount of reaction products formed, which may prevent the desired functionality from being imparted. The cleanliness of functional feathers is measured in accordance with JIS L 1903:2017, 8.6 Cleanliness. The cleanliness of functional feathers may be 1000 mm or higher.

[0106] By including an additional quaternary ammonium salt in a separate agent (agent 2A) from agent 1A, it is possible to suppress the formation of the above-mentioned reaction product while allowing more of the quaternary ammonium salt to adhere to the feathers.

[0107] W1A A / W1A M It may be 1 / 15 or more, 1 / 13 or more, or 1 / 11 or more. W1A A / W1A M It may be 1 / 3.5 or less, 1 / 4.0 or less, and 1 / 4.5 or less.

[0108] W1A: Mass content of the first metal salt in Agent 1A M The amount is not particularly limited and should be set appropriately considering the components and their concentrations in Agent 2A, the viscosity of the processing agent, the intended use of the functional feathers, etc. The above-mentioned content mass W1A is easy to prepare and has excellent stability and handling properties. M For example, it is 0.06% by mass or more and 50% by mass or less. (Above content W1A) M The amount may be 0.09% by mass or more, 0.12% by mass or more, 0.50% by mass or more, or 1.00% by mass or more. From a similar viewpoint, the above content mass W1A M It may be 45% by mass or less, 32.5% by mass or less, 15% by mass or less, 12% by mass or less, or 10% by mass or less.

[0109] W1A: Amount of quaternary ammonium salt content in Agent 1A A 1 / 20 ≤ W1A A / W1A M Determined to satisfy ≤1 / 3.0. The above content mass W1 of the quaternary ammonium salt. A It may be between 0.2% by mass and 50% by mass.

[0110] The amount of insect repellent component is not particularly limited. In terms of ease of preparation, stability, and handling, the amount of insect repellent component in Agent 1A is W1A. i For example, the amount is 0.1% by mass or more and 20.0% by mass or less. The above-mentioned mass of the insect repellent component W1A i The amount may be 0.20% by mass or more, 0.30% by mass or more, or 0.40% by mass or more. Insect repellent component content W1A i It may be 15.0% by mass or less, 13.0% by mass or less, 12.0% by mass or less, 10.0% by mass or less, 5.0% by mass or less, or 3.0% by mass or less.

[0111] The binder resin does not need to be included in Agent 1A, and the total amount of binder resin included in Agent 1A and Agent 2A may be 5.0% by mass or less of the total mass of Agent 1A and Agent 2A. The amount of binder resin in Agent 1A may be 3.0% by mass or less, 1.0% by mass or less, or 0% by mass of Agent 1A.

[0112] Agent 1A may contain other components as needed. Examples of other components include softeners to improve the texture of feathers, dye fixatives, antistatic agents, and water repellents. The other components are preferably those that do not easily destabilize the metal ions produced by the dissociation of the first metal salt, or that do not easily form chelates with the metal ions, and more preferably those that do not form chelates with the metal ions.

[0113] (Second A agent) Agent 2A contains a quaternary ammonium salt. W2A is the mass content of the quaternary ammonium salt in Agent 2A.A The composition is not particularly limited and is set appropriately according to the components and their concentrations contained in Agent 1A, the desired antibacterial and deodorizing properties, etc.

[0114] Above contained mass W2A A For example, it is 10% by mass or more and 50% by mass or less. (Above content W2A) A The amount may be 15% by mass or more, and may be 18% by mass or more. The above content mass W2A A It may be 40% by mass or less, or 30% by mass or less.

[0115] Agent 2A does not need to contain a binder resin, but may contain a binder resin such that the total amount of binder resin contained in Agent 1A and Agent 2A is 5.0% by mass or less of the total mass of Agent 1A and Agent 2A. The amount of binder resin contained in Agent 2A may be 3.0% by mass or less of Agent 2A, or 1.0% by mass or less.

[0116] Agent 2A may or may not contain the first metal salt. W2A is the mass of the first metal salt in Agent 2A. M From the viewpoint of suppressing the formation of the above-mentioned reactants, the content mass W2 of the quaternary ammonium salt A The relationship is with W2A A / W2A M It is desirable that the value be ≥ 1 / 1.2.

[0117] Agent 2A may or may not contain an insecticidal component. The amount of the insecticidal component is not particularly limited and is set appropriately according to the desired insecticidal effect. The amount of the insecticidal component in the total processing agent is the above-mentioned amount W. i It is contained in Agent 2A in such a way that it satisfies the requirement of (0.1% by mass or more and 20.0% by mass or less).

[0118] Agent 2A may contain other ingredients as needed. These other ingredients may be the same as those listed in Agent 1A.

[0119] [Manufacturing method for functional down feathers] The functional down according to this embodiment is manufactured by a method comprising: washing pre-treated down (see below) in a treatment tank; sequentially adding the first A agent and the second A agent to the same treatment tank and impregnating the washed down with them; and dehydrating and drying the down.

[0120] In this embodiment, after washing and rinsing the feathers in a processing tank, functional components are continuously applied using the same processing tank. This method offers excellent productivity and can reduce production costs. In addition, since the functional components can be applied to the feathers using a processing tank that is normally used for washing feathers, no new equipment is required.

[0121] (1) Pretreatment The collected feathers (hereinafter sometimes referred to as "raw feathers") may be pre-treated. Examples of pre-treatment include dust removal to remove debris from the raw feathers and feather separation to sort the feathers.

[0122] (2) Washing The pre-treated raw feathers are placed in a treatment tank, washed in warm water with detergent, and then rinsed. The detergent is not particularly limited, and any known detergent may be used. The number of washes and rinses is not particularly limited and is continued until the wastewater is clean. The cleanliness is measured in accordance with JIS L 1903:2017, 8.6 Cleanliness, as described above. A cleanliness of 1000 mm or higher is acceptable.

[0123] (3) Imparting of functional components Warm water is added to a treatment tank containing washed raw feathers (i.e., untreated feathers) until the feathers are submerged. Then, while stirring the contents of the treatment tank, the 1A agent is added to impregnate the untreated feathers with the 1A agent. Impregnation is also carried out while stirring the contents of the treatment tank. The 1A agent may be used after being appropriately diluted with the above-mentioned aqueous medium, etc. Hereinafter, the liquid substance containing the 1A agent used for impregnation may be referred to as the 1st impregnation liquid.

[0124] The temperature of the first impregnation solution (bath temperature) is not particularly limited. The bath temperature may be between 20°C and 60°C. The bath temperature may be 30°C or higher, or 35°C or higher, in that it may improve the reactivity between the processing agent and the feathers.

[0125] In impregnation, the bath ratio of the processing solution (dry mass of untreated feathers: mass of processing solution) is not particularly limited. The bath ratio may be 1:15 to 1:100, or 1:20 to 1:80. From the viewpoint of cost and production efficiency, it may be particularly 1:25 to 1:40. The processing solution is a liquid substance introduced into the processing tank. In this embodiment, the processing solution includes a first impregnation solution and a second impregnation solution described later.

[0126] The amount of Agent 1A to be added is determined appropriately, taking into consideration the components contained in Agent 2A, their concentrations, and the amount of Agent 2A to be added.

[0127] From a functional standpoint, Agent 1A and Agent 2A are added to the treatment tank such that, relative to the dry mass of untreated feathers, the total mass of the primary metal salts is 0.10% by mass (%owf) or more and 5.0% by mass (%owf), the total mass of the quaternary ammonium salts is 0.04% by mass (%owf) or more and 10.0% by mass (%owf), and the total mass of the insecticidal components is 0.01% by mass (%owf) or more and 0.5% by mass (%owf).

[0128] The total mass of the first metal salt may be 0.15% by mass (%owf) or more, or 0.20% by mass (%owf) or more. The total mass of the first metal salt may be 3.0% by mass (%owf) or less, 2.0% by mass (%owf) or less, 1.0% by mass (%owf) or less, or 0.50% by mass (%owf) or less. In one embodiment, the total mass of the first metal salt may be 0.10% by mass (%owf) or more and 0.50% by mass (%owf) or less.

[0129] The total mass of the quaternary ammonium salt may be 0.04% by mass (%owf) or more, 0.10% by mass (%owf) or more, or 0.15% by mass (%owf) or more. The total mass of the quaternary ammonium salt may be 5.0% by mass (%owf) or less, 3.0% by mass (%owf) or less, 2.0% by mass (%owf) or less, less than 2.0% by mass (%owf), 1.0% by mass (%owf) or less, or 0.5% by mass (%owf) or less.

[0130] The total mass of the insect repellent components may be 0.05% by mass (%owf) or more, 0.08% by mass (%owf) or more, or 0.1% by mass (%owf) or more. The total mass of the insect repellent components may be 0.4% by mass (%owf) or less, 0.3% by mass (%owf) or less, or 0.2% by mass (%owf) or less.

[0131] Next, Agent 2A is added to the treatment tank, and the feathers to which Agent 1A is attached are impregnated with Agent 2A. Agent 2A may be used after being appropriately diluted with the above-mentioned aqueous medium or the like. Hereinafter, the liquid substance containing Agent 2A used for impregnation may be referred to as the second impregnation solution.

[0132] The temperature of the second impregnation solution (bath temperature) is not particularly limited. The bath temperature may be between 20°C and 60°C. The bath temperature may be 30°C or higher, or even 35°C or higher, in that it may improve the reactivity between the processing agent and the feathers.

[0133] There are no particular limitations on the timing of adding Agent 2A. For example, Agent 2A is added after a sufficient amount of time has elapsed for the metal ions derived from the first metal salt contained in Agent 1A to adhere to the feathers. This suppresses the reaction between the first metal salt and the quaternary ammonium salt.

[0134] The interval between adding Agent 1A and adding Agent 2A may be, for example, 10 minutes or more, and preferably 15 minutes or more. This allows the components of Agent 1A to adhere sufficiently to the feathers and helps to suppress the generation of reaction products. From the viewpoint of productivity, the interval between additions may be within 45 minutes, within 30 minutes, within 25 minutes, or within 20 minutes. In one embodiment, the interval between adding each agent may be between 10 minutes and 45 minutes.

[0135] The time from the completion of adding all processing agents to the completion of the processing agent impregnation process may be 10 minutes or more, or 15 minutes or more. This allows the functional components to adhere sufficiently to the feathers. From the standpoint of productivity, the above time may be 45 minutes or less, 40 minutes or less, 30 minutes or less, or 25 minutes or less.

[0136] The amount of Agent 2A to be added is not particularly limited. The amount of Agent 2A to be added is determined as appropriate, taking into consideration the amount of Agent 1A to be added, etc. Agent 2A is added so that the total mass (%owf) of the primary metal salt, quaternary ammonium salt, and insecticidal component is within the above range.

[0137] (4) Dehydration The processed feathers are dewatered using a centrifugal dehydrator. The dewatering time can be set as appropriate.

[0138] (5) Drying After dehydration, the processed down is dried. This yields functional down. Drying is carried out, for example, using a dryer with hot air. The drying temperature is not particularly limited. The drying temperature may be, for example, 80°C to 120°C, or from the viewpoint of production efficiency, 100°C to 120°C. After drying, cooling and dust removal may be performed.

[0139] Second Embodiment The treatment agent of the second embodiment is a one-component type. The second embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that the second agent A is not used. In the present embodiment, when producing functional down and feathers, only the first agent A is added as the treatment agent. In the second embodiment, the configurations of the first agent A and the functional down and feathers are the same as those in the first embodiment, so the description thereof is omitted. Even in an embodiment that does not use the second agent A, the first agent A can provide antibacterial, deodorant and insect-proof effects.

[0140] Third Embodiment The treatment agent according to the third embodiment is a two-component type (multi-component type). The third embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that the first agent B is used instead of the first agent A, and the second agent B is used instead of the second agent A. In the third embodiment, the configuration of the functional down and feathers is the same as that in the first embodiment, so the description thereof is omitted. In the third embodiment, the method for producing functional down and feathers is the same as that in the first embodiment except for the treatment agent used, so the description thereof is omitted. Matters not described with respect to the third embodiment may be considered to be the same as those in the first embodiment.

[0141] In the treatment agent according to the present embodiment, the total content mass W of the first metal salt M is 0.06 mass% or more and 50 mass% or less, and the total content mass W of the insect-proof component i is 0.10 mass% or more and 20.0 mass% or less, and the total content mass W of the quaternary ammonium salt A may be 0.04 mass% or more and 50 mass% or less.

[0142] (First Agent B) The first agent B contains the first metal salt and an insect-proof component. The first agent B either does not contain a quaternary ammonium salt, or the content mass W1B of the quaternary ammonium salt A is less than 1 / 20 of the content mass W1B of the first metal salt M . That is, 1 / 20 > W1B A / W1B M. Since the reaction between the first metal salt and the quaternary ammonium salt is suppressed, a desired amount of the first metal salt can be contained in the first agent B. For example, the first agent B can contain more of the first metal salt than a one-part processing agent.

[0143] The content mass W1B of the first metal salt contained in the first agent B M is not particularly limited, and may be appropriately set in consideration of the components and their concentrations contained in the second agent B, the viscosity of the processing agent, the use of the functional down / feathers, and the like. From the viewpoint of easy preparation and excellent stability and handleability, the content mass W1B M is, for example, 0.06% by mass or more and 50% by mass or less based on the first agent B. The content mass W1B M may be 0.09% by mass or more, may be 0.12% by mass or more, may be 0.50% by mass or more, and may be 1.0% by mass or more. From the same viewpoint, the content mass W1B M may be 45.0% by mass or less, may be 32.5% by mass or less, may be 15.0% by mass or less, may be 12.0% by mass or less, and may be 10% by mass or less.

[0144] The content mass W1B of the quaternary ammonium salt contained in the first agent B A is, as described above, the content mass W1B of the first metal salt M and is determined to be less than 1 / 20 of that.

[0145] The content mass of the insect-proof component is not particularly limited. From the same viewpoint as above, the content mass W1B of the insect-proof component in the first agent B i is, for example, 0.1% by mass or more and 20.0% by mass or less based on the first agent B. The content mass W1B of the insect-proof component i may be 0.20% by mass or more, may be 0.30% by mass or more, and may be 0.40% by mass or more. The content mass W1B of the insect-proof component i may be 15.0% by mass or less, may be 13.0% by mass or less, may be 12.0% by mass or less, may be 10.0% by mass or less, may be 5.0% by mass or less, and may be 3.0% by mass or less.

[0146] The first B agent either does not contain a binder resin, or it contains a binder resin such that the total amount of binder resin in the first B agent and the second B agent is 5% by mass or less of the total mass of the first B agent and the second B agent. The amount of binder resin in the first B agent may be less than 0.5% by mass, 0.3% by mass or less, or 0% by mass of the first B agent.

[0147] (Second B agent) Agent 2B contains a quaternary ammonium salt. W2B is the mass content of the quaternary ammonium salt in Agent 2B. A This is not particularly limited. Content mass W2B A For example, the total mass of the processing agent is the above-mentioned content mass W. A It is contained in Agent 2A in such a way that it satisfies the requirement of (0.2% by mass or more and 50% by mass or less). Content mass W2B A This should be set appropriately, taking into consideration the intended use of the functional down.

[0148] Contained mass W2B A For example, it is between 10% by mass and 50% by mass. Content mass W2B A The content may be 13.0% by mass or more, 14.0% by mass or more, or 15.0% by mass or more. From a similar viewpoint, the content mass W2B A It may be 40.0% by mass or less, 35.0% by mass or less, 33.0% by mass or less, or 30.0% by mass or less.

[0149] The second B agent may or may not contain the first metal salt. The mass of the first metal salt in the second B agent is W2B. M This is the content mass of the quaternary ammonium salt W2B A The relationship is with W2B A / W2B M It is desirable to satisfy ≥ 1 / 1.2. This allows the second B agent to contain more quaternary ammonium salts than the one-component processing agent.

[0150] The second B agent either does not contain a binder resin, or it contains a binder resin such that the total amount of binder resin contained in the first B agent and the second B agent is 5% by mass or less of the total mass of the first B agent and the second B agent. The amount of binder resin contained in the second B agent may be less than 0.5% by mass, 0.3% by mass or less, or 0% by mass of the second B agent.

[0151] Agent 2B may or may not contain an insecticidal component. The amount of the insecticidal component is not particularly limited and can be set as appropriate according to the desired level of insecticidal effect.

[0152] (Addition of processing agent) The amount of Agent 1B added to the treatment tank is determined appropriately, taking into consideration the components and concentrations contained in Agent 2B, and the amount of Agent 2B added. From a functional standpoint, Agents 1B and 2B are added in such a manner that, relative to the dry mass of untreated feathers in the treatment tank, the mass of the primary metal salt is 0.1% to 5.0% by mass, the mass of the quaternary ammonium salt is 0.04% to 10% by mass, and the mass of the insecticidal components is 0.01% to 0.5% by mass.

[0153] The amount of Agent 2B to be added is not particularly limited. The amount of Agent 2B to be added is determined appropriately, taking into consideration the amount of Agent 1B to be added, etc. Agent 2B is added so that the total mass of the primary metal salt, quaternary ammonium salt, and insecticidal component is within the above range.

[0154] Fourth Embodiment The processing agent in the fourth embodiment is a three-component (multi-component) type. The fourth embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that the processing agent is divided into three parts. In the fourth embodiment, the composition of the functional down is the same as in the first embodiment, so its description is omitted. In the fourth embodiment, the method for manufacturing the functional down is the same as in the first embodiment, except for the processing agent used, so its description is omitted. Matters not described in relation to the fourth embodiment may be considered the same as in the first embodiment.

[0155] In the processing agent according to this embodiment, the total mass W of the first metal salts M The total amount of insect repellent components is between 0.06% by mass and 50% by mass. i The content is 0.10% by mass or more and 20.0% by mass or less, and the total content W of quaternary ammonium salts. A It may be between 0.2% by mass and 50% by mass.

[0156] (First C agent) Agent 1C contains a primary metal salt and does not contain a quaternary ammonium salt or an insecticide component.

[0157] The metal ions constituting the first metal salt may form precipitates (hereinafter sometimes referred to as the "complex" together with the above-mentioned reaction products) due to other active ingredients (including quaternary ammonium salts and insecticides) incorporated into the processing agent, and metal ions that may be present in tap water or industrial water used in the processing plant.

[0158] By introducing the first metal salt separately from the other active ingredients into the treatment tank, the formation of complexes can be easily avoided.

[0159] The mass of the first metal salt contained in the first C agent W1C M The viscosity of the processing agent, the intended use of the functional down, the formation of the complex, etc., are not particularly limited and should be set appropriately. In terms of ease of preparation, stability, and handling, the content mass W1C is considered important. M For example, it is between 0.06% by mass and 50% by mass. Content mass W1C M It may be 0.1% by mass or more, 1% by mass or more, or 5% by mass or more. From a similar viewpoint, the content mass W1C M It may be 30% by mass or less, 25% by mass or less, 20% by mass or less, or 10% by mass or less.

[0160] The first C agent either does not contain a binder resin, or it contains a binder resin such that the total amount of binder resin contained in the first C agent, the second C agent, and the third C agent is 5% by mass or less of the total mass of the first C agent, the second C agent, and the third C agent. The amount of binder resin in the first C agent may be less than 0.5% by mass, 0.3% by mass or less, or 0% by mass of the first C agent.

[0161] (Second C agent) Agent 2C contains an insecticidal component but does not contain primary metal salts or quaternary ammonium salts. By combining the insecticidal component with a separate agent from the other active ingredients, deterioration during storage can be suppressed.

[0162] The amount of insecticidal component contained is not particularly limited. W2C: Amount of insecticidal component contained in agent 2C i For example, the amount of the second C agent is 1.0% by mass or more and 60% by mass or less. The above-mentioned content mass of the insecticidal component W2C i The amount may be 1.3% by mass or more, 1.5% by mass or more, or 1.7% by mass or more. (W2C of the above-mentioned amount of insect repellent component) i It may be 40% by mass or less, 20% by mass or less, or 15% by mass or less.

[0163] The second C agent either does not contain binder resin, or contains binder resin such that the total amount of binder resin contained in the first C agent, the second C agent, and the third C agent is 5% by mass or less of the total mass of the first C agent, the second C agent, and the third C agent. The amount of binder resin in the second C agent may be 1.0% by mass or less, less than 0.5% by mass, 0.3% by mass or less, or 0% by mass of the second C agent.

[0164] (Third C agent) Agent 3C contains a quaternary ammonium salt and does not contain a primary metal salt or insecticide. As a result, the formation of precipitates is suppressed, as described above.

[0165] The amount of quaternary ammonium salt contained is not particularly limited and should be set appropriately considering the viscosity of the processing agent, the intended use of the functional down, the formation of the complex, etc. W3C: Amount of quaternary ammonium salt contained in agent 3C A For example, the amount of the tertiary ammonium salt is 5% by mass or more and 40% by mass or less. A The above content W3C of quaternary ammonium salt may be 10% by mass or more, 12.5% ​​by mass or more, or 15% by mass or more. A It may be 35% by mass or less, 30% by mass or less, or 25% by mass or less.

[0166] The third C agent either does not contain binder resin, or contains binder resin such that the total amount of binder resin contained in the first C agent, second C agent, and third C agent is 5% by mass or less of the total mass of the first C agent, second C agent, and third C agent. The amount of binder resin in the third C agent may be 1.0% by mass or less, less than 0.5% by mass, 0.3% by mass or less, or 0% by mass of the third C agent.

[0167] (Addition of processing agent) From a functional standpoint, the first C agent is added in such a way that the total mass of the first metal salts is between 0.10% and 5.0% by mass relative to the dry mass of the untreated feathers in the treatment tank.

[0168] The amount of Agent 1C added to the treatment tank is, for example, greater than 1% by mass and 20% by mass or less (i.e., greater than 1.0% owf and 20.0% owf or less) relative to the dry mass of feathers in the treatment tank. This can further suppress the formation of complexes. The above amount of Agent 1C added may be 2.0% by mass or more, 3.0% by mass or more, or 4.0% by mass or more. The above amount of Agent 1C added may be 15.0% by mass or less, 12.0% by mass or less, or 10.0% by mass or less.

[0169] From a functional standpoint, the second C agent is added in such a way that the mass of the insect repellent component is between 0.01% and 0.5% by mass relative to the dry mass of the untreated feathers in the treatment tank.

[0170] The amount of Agent IIC added to the treatment tank is, for example, 0.1% by mass or more and 10.0% by mass or less (i.e., 0.1% owf or more and 10% owf or less) relative to the dry mass of feathers in the treatment tank. The above amount of Agent IIC added may be 0.5% by mass or more, 0.8% by mass or more, or 1% by mass or more. The above amount of Agent IIC added may be 9.0% by mass or less, 8.0% by mass or less, or 5.0% by mass or less.

[0171] From a functional standpoint, the third C agent is added in such a way that the mass of the quaternary ammonium salt is between 0.04% and 10.0% by mass relative to the dry mass of the untreated feathers in the treatment tank.

[0172] The amount of agent 3C added to the treatment tank is, for example, 0.3% by mass or more and 5.0% by mass or less (i.e., 0.3% owf or more and 5% owf or less) relative to the dry mass of feathers in the treatment tank. The above amount of agent 3C added may be 0.5% by mass or more, or 0.7% by mass or more. The above amount of agent 3C added may be 2.0% by mass or less, or 1.5% by mass or less, or 1.2% by mass or less.

[0173] The first C agent, the second C agent, and the third C agent may be used after being appropriately diluted with the above-mentioned aqueous medium or the like. Hereinafter, the liquid containing the first C agent used for impregnation may be referred to as the first impregnation liquid, the liquid containing the second C agent as the second impregnation liquid, and the liquid containing the third C agent as the third impregnation liquid.

[0174] The order in which the 1st C agent, 2nd C agent, and 3rd C agent are administered is not particularly limited.

[0175] The interval between adding each agent is not particularly limited. Regardless of the order of addition, the interval between adding each agent may be, for example, 10 minutes or more, or 15 minutes or more. This allows the respective components contained in Agent 1C, Agent 2C, and Agent 3C to adhere sufficiently to the feathers. In addition, the generation of reaction products in the bath can be suppressed. From the viewpoint of productivity, the interval between additions may be within 45 minutes, within 30 minutes, within 25 minutes, or within 20 minutes. In one embodiment, the interval between adding each agent is between 10 minutes and 45 minutes.

[0176] Although four embodiments of this disclosure have been described in detail above, this disclosure is not limited to these. For example, any two or more features of the embodiments described above may be combined.

[0177] In the first and third embodiments, three functional components are imparted to the feathers using two agents. These embodiments offer advantages in terms of productivity and production costs.

[0178] In the fourth embodiment, three functional components are imparted to the feathers using three agents. In the fourth embodiment, complex formation is suppressed, and quality (especially cleanliness) and functionality may be further improved.

[0179] In the first embodiment, agent 2A was added after agent 1A, and in the third embodiment, agent 2B was added after agent 1B. However, the order in which the multi-liquid processing agents are added is not particularly limited. Agent 1A may be added after agent 2A, and agent 1B may be added after agent 2B. Even if the order of addition is different, the interval between adding each agent remains as described above.

[0180] In the embodiments described above, each agent was added only once, but each agent may be added multiple times. For example, the first agent A (or first agent B; the same applies hereinafter) may be added multiple times, followed by the second agent A (or second agent B; the same applies hereinafter) being added once or more times. Alternatively, the first agent A and the second agent A may be added sequentially, followed by the first agent A and the second agent A being added sequentially again, and this re-addition may be repeated multiple times.

[0181] In the embodiments described above, two types of quaternary ammonium salts were used, but the invention is not limited to these. Quaternary ammonium salts may be used individually or in combination of three or more types.

[0182] In the embodiments described above, the feathers were washed and rinsed in a processing tank, and then the functional components were continuously applied using the same processing tank; however, the invention is not limited to this. After washing the feathers, they may be removed, dried, and stored for a certain period of time. These stored feathers may then be placed in the processing tank used for washing to apply the functional components. [Examples]

[0183] The present invention will be further described in detail by the following examples, but the present invention is not limited thereto. In the examples, "parts" and "%" are on a mass basis unless otherwise specified.

[0184] [Example 1] (1) Preparation of Agent 1A and Agent 2A The components shown in Table 1 were mixed to the specified concentrations to prepare Agent 1A and Agent 2A.

[0185] Table 1 lists the names of the compounds that serve as their counterions for quaternary ammonium salts. In Table 1, the mass percentage of each component contained in the first agent is based on the mass of the first agent. Similarly, the mass percentage of each component contained in the second or third agent is based on the mass of the second or third agent. In Table 1, the concentration of Agent 1 in the impregnation solution is the mass ratio (%owf) of Agent 1 per gram of dry weight of washed down. Similarly, the concentrations of Agent 2 or Agent 3 in the impregnation solution are the mass ratios (%owf) of Agent 2 and Agent 3 per gram of dry weight of washed down.

[0186] (2) Preparation of processed feathers (W0) As untreated down, washed down (90% down, 10% feathers) was prepared. 10g of this down was placed in a 500mL beaker. In another beaker, 200mL of industrial water was mixed with 0.6g (6% owf) of agent 1A and a few drops of penetrating agent (Clean N15, manufactured by Lion Corporation, a nonionic surfactant) to obtain the first impregnation solution.

[0187] The first impregnation solution was added to the beaker containing the feathers while stirring into the treatment tank, the bath ratio was adjusted to 1:30, and the treatment was carried out at 40°C for 15 minutes with stirring.

[0188] Next, 0.1 g (1% owf) of agent 2A was dissolved in 10 ml of industrial water to the beaker, and this second impregnation solution was added to the treatment tank while stirring. In other words, the interval between adding each agent was 15 minutes. After allowing the feathers to soak in the second impregnation solution at 40°C for 15 minutes, they were dehydrated. In other words, the time from the completion of adding all processing agents to the start of the drying process was 15 minutes.

[0189] Finally, the feathers were dried at 80°C for 3 hours to obtain treated feathers (W0).

[0190] (3) Preparation of treated feathers (W3) after washing Treated down (W0) was washed three times according to the JIS L 1930 C4M method to produce treated down (W3).

[0191] (4) Heat treatment To conduct accelerated testing simulating three years of use, treated down (W0) or treated down (W3) was subjected to heat treatment at 81°C for 48 hours. The heat treatment was carried out by placing the down in a standard cloth bag, then placing it in a stainless steel container and leaving it in a dryer set to 81°C for 48 hours.

[0192] [Example 2] The components shown in Table 1 were mixed to the specified concentration to prepare Agent 1A. Treated feathers (W0) and (W3) were prepared in the same manner as in Example 1, except that Agent 2A was not used.

[0193] [Example 3] The components shown in Table 1 were mixed to the predetermined concentrations to prepare Agent 1A and Agent 2A. The order in which Agent 1A and Agent 2A were added was reversed compared to Example 1. The second impregnation solution containing Agent 2A was added to the beaker containing the washed feathers in the treatment tank while stirring, and after stirring for 15 minutes, the first impregnation solution containing Agent 1A was added to the treatment tank while stirring. Treated feathers (W0) and (W3) were prepared in the same manner as in Example 1.

[0194] [Example 4] The components shown in Table 1 were mixed to the specified concentrations to prepare the first C agent, the second C agent, and the third C agent. 0.6 g (6% owf) of the first C agent and a few drops of penetrating agent (Clean N15) were added to 200 mL of industrial water and mixed to obtain the first impregnation solution. 0.075 g (0.75% owf) of the second C agent was dissolved in 10 mL of industrial water to obtain the second impregnation solution. 0.1 g (1% owf) of the third C agent was dissolved in 10 mL of industrial water to obtain the third impregnation solution.

[0195] As described above, the first impregnation solution was added to the beaker containing the washed feathers while stirring, and after stirring at 40°C for 15 minutes, the second impregnation solution was added to the treatment tank while stirring. After another 15 minutes, the third impregnation solution was added to the treatment tank while stirring. After stirring at 40°C for 15 minutes, the feathers were dehydrated and dried at 80°C for 3 hours to obtain treated feathers (W0). Treated feathers (W3) were prepared in the same manner as in Example 1.

[0196] [Example 5] The components shown in Table 1 were mixed to the specified concentrations to prepare the first C agent, the second C agent, and the third C agent. 0.6 g (6% owf) of the first C agent and a few drops of penetrating agent (Clean N15) were added to 200 mL of industrial water and mixed to obtain the first impregnation solution. 0.8 g (8% owf) of the second C agent was dissolved in 10 mL of industrial water to obtain the second impregnation solution. 0.1 g (1% owf) of the third C agent was dissolved in 10 mL of industrial water to obtain the third impregnation solution.

[0197] As described above, the first impregnation solution was added to the beaker containing the washed feathers while stirring, and after stirring at 40°C for 15 minutes, the second impregnation solution was added to the treatment tank while stirring. After another 15 minutes, the third impregnation solution was added to the treatment tank while stirring. After stirring at 40°C for 15 minutes, the feathers were dehydrated and dried at 80°C for 3 hours to obtain treated feathers (W0). Treated feathers (W3) were prepared in the same manner as in Example 1.

[0198] [Example 6] The components shown in Table 1 were mixed to the specified concentrations to prepare the first C agent, the second C agent, and the third C agent. 0.1 g (1% owf) of the first C agent and a few drops of penetrating agent (Clean N15) were added to 200 mL of industrial water and mixed to obtain the first impregnation solution. 0.075 g (0.75% owf) of the second C agent was dissolved in 10 mL of industrial water to obtain the second impregnation solution. 0.1 g (1% owf) of the third C agent was dissolved in 10 mL of industrial water to obtain the third impregnation solution.

[0199] As described above, the first impregnation solution was added to the beaker containing the washed feathers while stirring, and after stirring at 40°C for 15 minutes, the second impregnation solution was added to the treatment tank while stirring. After another 15 minutes, the third impregnation solution was added to the treatment tank while stirring. After stirring at 40°C for 15 minutes, the feathers were dehydrated and dried at 80°C for 3 hours to obtain treated feathers (W0). Treated feathers (W3) were prepared in the same manner as in Example 1.

[0200] [Comparative Examples 1-2] The components shown in Table 1 were mixed to the specified concentrations to prepare Agent 1A and Agent 2A. Treated feathers (W0) and (W3) were prepared in the same manner as in Example 1, except that these processing agents were used.

[0201] [evaluation] The following evaluations were performed on the prepared treated feathers (W0) and (W3). The results are shown in Table 1.

[0202] (i) Amount of metal deposits The mass content of metallic elements (Cu or Zn) present in treated feathers (W0) and (W3) was measured using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS).

[0203] (ii) Amount of insect repellent component attached 1.0 g each of treated feathers (W0) and treated feathers (W3) were impregnated in 3.0 g of ethyl alcohol for 15 minutes. The impregnation solution was filtered to recover the ethyl alcohol, which was then analyzed using a gas chromatograph. The insect repellent components eluted into ethyl alcohol were quantified using a separately prepared calibration curve, and their mass percentage (ppm) relative to untreated feathers was determined. Treated feathers (W0) and (W3) were used as samples.

[0204] (iii) Deodorizing properties and their durability The deodorizing properties were evaluated in accordance with "21. Deodorizing Test (Detector Tube Method, Gas Chromatography Method)" described in the SEK Mark Textile Product Certification Standards (established by: Textile Evaluation Technology Council, Product Certification Department, revised on April 1, 2023). The evaluation method is as described above. The treated down feathers (W0) and (W3) described above were used as samples.

[0205] (iv) Antibacterial and deodorizing properties An antimicrobial test was conducted using the bacterial suspension absorption method with Staphylococcus aureus (NBRC 12732), in accordance with JIS L 1902:2015 "Test methods and antimicrobial effects of textile products". The evaluation method is as described above. The treated feathers (W3) described above were used as the sample.

[0206] (v) Mite resistance (repellent rate) The mite repellent effect was evaluated according to JIS L 1920:2007 8.2 Glass tube method B. A repellency rate of 50% or higher indicates excellent mite-repellent (insect-repellent) properties. The samples used were the treated feathers (W0) and (W3) described above, and treated feathers (W0) and (W3) after heat treatment.

[0207] (vi) Downpower Fill power (cm 3 / g) of untreated feathers and treated feathers (W0) was determined in accordance with JIS L 1903:2017 8.3 Bulkiness, 8.3.2 Method by volumetric measurement. When the fill power of the treated feathers is 90% or more of the fill power of the untreated feathers (≧100×fill power of functional feathers / fill power of untreated feathers), the bulkiness is maintained.

[0208] (vii) Feather odor One odor evaluator evaluated the odor intensity and unpleasantness of untreated feathers and treated feathers (W0) as described above, and determined the difference in evaluation between untreated feathers and functional feathers (untreated feathers - functional feathers), respectively. The average value of the differences was taken as the evaluation result of feather odor. When the evaluation result of at least one of odor intensity and unpleasantness is 1.0 or more, feather odor is reduced.

[0209]

Table 1

[0210] The present disclosure includes the following aspects. (Aspect 1) feathers, and a metal salt, a quaternary ammonium salt and an insect-proof component adhering to the feathers, wherein the metal salt is formed from ions of at least one metal selected from the group consisting of iron, cobalt, nickel, copper, zinc, platinum, silver and gold, and at least one anion selected from the group consisting of chloride ions, bromide ions, fluoride ions, iodide ions, sulfate ions, hydroxide ions, nitrate ions and acetate ions, no binder resin adheres to the feathers, or a binder resin adheres to the feathers in an amount of 1% by mass or less based on the mass of the feathers, and the functional feather has a mite repellency rate of 50% or more as measured in accordance with JIS L 1920:2007 8.2 Glass tube method B. (Aspect 2) The functional down according to embodiment 1, wherein the metal ions include copper ions. (Aspect 3) Functional down according to embodiment 1 or 2, wherein the insect repellent component comprises at least one selected from the group consisting of permethrin, pyrethrin, phenothrin, transfluthrin, prallethrin, tralomethrin, cyfluthrin, and deltamethrin. (Aspect 4) Functional down in any of embodiments 1 to 3, wherein the total amount of metal elements, including those derived from the metal salt, is 200 ppm or more and 10,000 ppm or less of the mass of the down. (Appendix 5) Functional down in any of embodiments 1 to 4, wherein the amount of insect repellent component attached is 50 ppm or more and less than 5000 ppm of the mass of the down. (Aspect 6) The quaternary ammonium salt comprises ammonium chloride formed from a first quaternary ammonium ion and a chloride ion, and ammonium phosphate formed from a second quaternary ammonium ion and a phosphate ion, in any of embodiments 1 to 5, for functional down. (Aspect 7) Washing the feathers in the processing tank, A feather processing agent containing a metal salt, a quaternary ammonium salt, and an insect repellent is added to the processing tank containing the washed feathers, and the feathers are impregnated with the feather processing agent. The process includes drying the feathers impregnated with the feather processing agent, The aforementioned metal salt is formed from an ion of at least one metal selected from the group consisting of iron, cobalt, nickel, copper, zinc, platinum, silver, and gold, and at least one anion selected from the group consisting of chloride ions, bromide ions, fluoride ions, iodide ions, sulfate ions, hydroxide ions, nitrate ions, and acetate ions. The mass of the metal salt relative to the dry mass of the feathers in the treatment tank is 0.1% by mass or more and 5% by mass or less, the mass of the quaternary ammonium salt is 0.04% by mass or more and 10% by mass or less, and the mass of the insect repellent component is 0.01% by mass or more and 0.5% by mass or less. A method for producing functional down, wherein the down processing agent does not contain a binder resin, or contains a binder resin in an amount of 5% by mass or less of the down processing agent. (Pattern 8) A method for producing functional down according to embodiment 7, wherein the down processing agent is of a multi-liquid type. (Aspect 9) The aforementioned feather processing agent is The first agent A comprises the aforementioned metal salt, the aforementioned quaternary ammonium salt, and the aforementioned insecticidal component. In the above 1A agent, A method for producing functional down according to embodiment 7, wherein the content mass W1AA of the quaternary ammonium salt is 1 / 20 or more and 1 / 3.0 or less of the content mass W1AM of the metal salt. (Aspect 10) The aforementioned feather processing agent is The above-mentioned agent 1A, Agent 2A, which contains a quaternary ammonium salt, A method for producing functional down according to embodiment 9, wherein when impregnating down with the down processing agent, the first agent A and the second agent A are sequentially added to the processing tank. (Aspect 11) The aforementioned feather processing agent is Agent 1B comprising the aforementioned metal salt and the aforementioned insecticidal component, The second B agent comprises the quaternary ammonium salt, The first B agent does not contain a quaternary ammonium salt, or contains a quaternary ammonium salt in an amount less than 1 / 20 of the mass W1BM of the metal salt contained in the first B agent. A method for producing functional down according to embodiment 8, wherein when impregnating down with the down processing agent, the first B agent and the second B agent are sequentially added to the processing tank. (Aspect 12) The aforementioned feather processing agent is A first C agent containing the aforementioned metal salt and not containing the aforementioned quaternary ammonium salt and the aforementioned insecticidal component, A second C agent containing the aforementioned insecticidal component and not containing the aforementioned metal salt and the aforementioned quaternary ammonium salt, A third C agent comprising the quaternary ammonium salt and not the metal salt and the insecticidal component, A method for producing functional down according to embodiment 8, wherein when impregnating down with the down processing agent, the first C agent, the second C agent, and the third C agent are sequentially added to the processing tank. (Aspect 13) A processing agent for feathers, It contains a metal salt, a quaternary ammonium salt, and an insecticide component, In the above 1A agent, The aforementioned metal salt is formed from an ion of at least one metal selected from the group consisting of iron, cobalt, nickel, copper, zinc, platinum, silver, and gold, and at least one anion selected from the group consisting of chloride ions, bromide ions, fluoride ions, iodide ions, sulfate ions, hydroxide ions, nitrate ions, and acetate ions. The content mass W1AA of the quaternary ammonium salt is 1 / 20 or more and 1 / 3.0 or less of the content mass W1AM of the metal salt, and The feather processing agent is a feather processing agent that does not contain a binder resin, or contains a binder resin in an amount of 5% by mass or less of the feather processing agent. (Aspect 14) Furthermore, the feather processing agent according to embodiment 13 comprises agent 2A containing a quaternary ammonium salt. (Aspect 15) A processing agent for feathers, Agent 1B, which contains metal salts and insecticidal components, The second B agent contains a quaternary ammonium salt, In the above-mentioned Agent 1B, The aforementioned metal salt is formed from an ion of at least one metal selected from the group consisting of iron, cobalt, nickel, copper, zinc, platinum, silver, and gold, and at least one anion selected from the group consisting of chloride ions, bromide ions, fluoride ions, iodide ions, sulfate ions, hydroxide ions, nitrate ions, and acetate ions. The first agent 1B does not contain a quaternary ammonium salt, or contains a quaternary ammonium salt in an amount such that the content mass W1BA is less than 1 / 20 of the content mass W1BM of the first metal salt, The processing agent for down feathers, wherein the processing agent for down feathers does not contain a binder resin, or contains a binder resin in a content mass of 5% by mass or less of the processing agent for down feathers. (Aspect 16) A processing agent for down feathers, comprising: a first agent 1C that contains a metal salt and does not contain a quaternary ammonium salt or an insect-proof component; a second agent 2C that contains an insect-proof component and does not contain a metal salt or a quaternary ammonium salt; a third agent 3C that contains a quaternary ammonium ion and does not contain a metal salt or an insect-proof component; the metal salt is formed from at least one metal ion selected from the group consisting of iron, cobalt, nickel, copper, zinc, platinum, silver and gold, and at least one anion selected from the group consisting of chloride ion, bromide ion, fluoride ion, iodide ion, sulfate ion, hydroxide ion, nitrate ion and acetate ion, The processing agent for down feathers, wherein the processing agent for down feathers does not contain a binder resin, or contains a binder resin in a content mass of 5% by mass or less of the processing agent for down feathers. (Aspect 17) In the processing agent for down feathers, the ratio of the content mass WA of the quaternary ammonium salt, the content mass WM of the metal salt, and the content mass Wi of the insect-proof component satisfies: 0.01≦WA / WM≦1.5, and 1.0≦WM / Wi≦10.0 The processing agent for down feathers according to any one of Aspects 13 to 16, which satisfies the above relationship. (Aspect 18) In the processing agent for down feathers, The processing agent for down feathers according to any one of Aspects 13 to 17, wherein the quaternary ammonium salt includes ammonium chloride formed from a first quaternary ammonium ion and a chloride ion, and ammonium phosphate formed from a second quaternary ammonium ion and a phosphate ion. (Aspect 19) In the aforementioned feather processing agent, The content mass WM of the metal salt is 0.06% by mass or more and 50% by mass or less. A feather processing agent according to any of embodiments 13 to 18, wherein the amount Wi of the insect repellent component is 0.1% by mass or more and 20% by mass or less. (Aspect 20) The aforementioned metal ions include copper ions, and the feather processing agent is any of embodiments 13 to 19. (Aspect 21) The insect repellent component comprises at least one selected from the group consisting of permethrin, pyrethrin, phenothrin, transfluthrin, prallethrin, tralomethrin, cyfluthrin, and deltamethrin, as a feather processing agent according to any of embodiments 13 to 20. [Industrial applicability]

[0211] The functional down of the present invention is particularly suitable as a filling for bedding and clothing.

[0212] This application claims priority under Japanese Patent Application No. 2024-027726, filed in Japan on 27 February 2024, the entirety of which is incorporated herein by reference.

Claims

1. Feathers and, The aforementioned feathers are fitted with a metal salt, a quaternary ammonium salt, and an insect repellent component, The aforementioned metal salt is An ion of at least one metal selected from the group consisting of copper and zinc, It is formed from sulfate ions, The insecticidal component comprises at least one selected from the group consisting of permethrin, pyrethrin, phenothrin, transfluthrin, prallethrin, tralomethrin, cyfluthrin, and deltamethrin. The feathers either have no binder resin attached to them, or have binder resin attached to them in an amount of 1% or less of the weight of the feathers. The mite repellency rate measured according to JIS L 1920:2007 8.2 Glass tube method B is 50% or higher. The aforementioned quaternary ammonium salt includes ammonium chloride formed from a first quaternary ammonium ion and a chloride ion, and ammonium phosphate formed from a second quaternary ammonium ion and a phosphate ion. The total amount of metal elements, including those derived from the metal salt, is 200 ppm or more and 10,000 ppm or less of the mass of the feather. The amount of the insect repellent component attached is 50 ppm or more and less than 5000 ppm of the mass of the feathers. Functional down, wherein the amount of quaternary ammonium salt attached is 20 ppm or more and 5000 ppm or less of the mass of the down.

2. The functional down according to Claim 1, wherein the down is free of binder resin, or has binder resin attached to it in an amount of less than 0.5% by mass of the down.

3. Washing the feathers in the processing tank, A feather processing agent containing a metal salt, a quaternary ammonium salt, and an insect repellent is added to the processing tank containing the washed feathers, and the feathers are impregnated with the feather processing agent. The process includes drying the feathers impregnated with the feather processing agent, The aforementioned metal salt is formed from an ion of at least one metal selected from the group consisting of copper and zinc, and a sulfate ion. The insecticidal component comprises at least one selected from the group consisting of permethrin, pyrethrin, phenothrin, transfluthrin, prallethrin, tralomethrin, cyfluthrin, and deltamethrin. The aforementioned quaternary ammonium salt includes ammonium chloride formed from a first quaternary ammonium ion and a chloride ion, and ammonium phosphate formed from a second quaternary ammonium ion and a phosphate ion. The mass of the metal salt relative to the dry mass of the feathers in the treatment tank is 0.1% by mass or more and 5% by mass or less, the mass of the quaternary ammonium salt is 0.04% by mass or more and 10% by mass or less, and the mass of the insect repellent component is 0.01% by mass or more and 0.5% by mass or less. A method for producing functional down, wherein the down processing agent does not contain a binder resin, or contains a binder resin in an amount of 5% by mass or less of the down processing agent.

4. The method for producing functional down according to claim 3, wherein the down processing agent does not contain a binder resin, or contains less than 0.5% by mass of a binder resin in the down processing agent.

5. The method for producing functional down according to claim 3, wherein the down processing agent is of the multi-liquid type.

6. The aforementioned feather processing agent is The first agent A comprises the aforementioned metal salt, the aforementioned quaternary ammonium salt, and the aforementioned insecticidal component. In the above-mentioned Agent 1A, The mass W1A of the quaternary ammonium salt Ａ The content mass W1A of the metal salt Ｍ A method for producing functional down according to claim 3, wherein the ratio is 1 / 20 or more and 1 / 3.0 or less.

7. The aforementioned feather processing agent is The above-mentioned agent 1A, The second agent A contains a quaternary ammonium salt, The method for producing functional down according to claim 6, wherein when impregnating down with the down processing agent, the first agent A and the second agent A are sequentially added to the processing tank.

8. The aforementioned feather processing agent is Agent 1B containing the aforementioned metal salt and the aforementioned insecticidal component, The second B agent, which contains the quaternary ammonium salt, The first B agent does not contain a quaternary ammonium salt, or the mass W1B of the metal salt contained in the first B agent is Ｍ In an amount less than 1 / 20 of the above, containing a quaternary ammonium salt, The method for producing functional down according to claim 5, wherein when impregnating down with the down processing agent, the first B agent and the second B agent are sequentially added to the processing tank.

9. The aforementioned feather processing agent is A first agent C containing the aforementioned metal salt and not containing the aforementioned quaternary ammonium salt and the aforementioned insecticidal component, A second C agent containing the aforementioned insecticidal component and not containing the aforementioned metal salt and the aforementioned quaternary ammonium salt, A third C agent comprising the quaternary ammonium salt and not the metal salt and the insecticidal component, The method for producing functional down according to claim 5, wherein when impregnating down with the down processing agent, the first C agent, the second C agent, and the third C agent are sequentially added to the processing tank.

10. A processing agent for feathers, It contains a metal salt, a quaternary ammonium salt, and an insecticide component, In the above-mentioned Agent 1A, The aforementioned metal salt is formed from an ion of at least one metal selected from the group consisting of copper and zinc, and a sulfate ion. The insecticidal component comprises at least one selected from the group consisting of permethrin, pyrethrin, phenothrin, transfluthrin, prallethrin, tralomethrin, cyfluthrin, and deltamethrin. The aforementioned quaternary ammonium salt includes ammonium chloride formed from a first quaternary ammonium ion and a chloride ion, and ammonium phosphate formed from a second quaternary ammonium ion and a phosphate ion. The content mass W M of the metal salt is 0.06% by mass or more and 50% by mass or less. The amount of the insect repellent component Wi is 0.1% by mass or more and 20% by mass or less. The mass W1A of the quaternary ammonium salt Ａ The content mass W1A of the metal salt Ｍ It is between 1 / 20 and 1 / 3.0, and The feather processing agent described above either does not contain a binder resin, or contains a binder resin in an amount of 5% by mass or less of the feather processing agent.

11. The feather processing agent according to claim 10, wherein the first agent A does not contain a binder resin, or contains a binder resin in an amount of 1.0% by mass or less of the first agent A.

12. Furthermore, the feather processing agent according to claim 11 further comprises agent 2A containing a quaternary ammonium salt.

13. The feather processing agent according to claim 12, wherein the second agent A does not contain a binder resin, or contains a binder resin in an amount of 1.0% by mass or less of the second agent A.

14. A processing agent for feathers, Agent 1B, which contains a first metal salt and an insecticide component, The second B agent contains a quaternary ammonium salt, In the above-mentioned Agent 1B, The first metal salt is formed from an ion of at least one metal selected from the group consisting of copper and zinc, and a sulfate ion. The insecticidal component comprises at least one selected from the group consisting of permethrin, pyrethrin, phenothrin, transfluthrin, prallethrin, tralomethrin, cyfluthrin, and deltamethrin. The aforementioned quaternary ammonium salt includes ammonium chloride formed from a first quaternary ammonium ion and a chloride ion, and ammonium phosphate formed from a second quaternary ammonium ion and a phosphate ion. The mass W1 M of the first metal salt is 0.06% by mass or more and 50% by mass or less. The amount of the insect repellent component Wi is 0.1% by mass or more and 20% by mass or less. The total mass W A of the quaternary ammonium salts is 0.04% by mass or more and 50% by mass or less. The first agent B does not contain a quaternary ammonium salt, or its content mass W1B Ａ The content mass W1B of the first metal salt Ｍ It contains a quaternary ammonium salt in an amount less than 1 / 20 of the total, The feather processing agent described above either does not contain a binder resin, or contains a binder resin in an amount of 5% by mass or less of the feather processing agent.

15. The first B agent does not contain a binder resin, or contains less than 0.5% by mass of a binder resin in the first B agent. The feather processing agent according to claim 14, wherein the second B agent does not contain a binder resin, or contains less than 0.5% by mass of a binder resin in the second B agent.

16. A processing agent for feathers, A first C agent containing a metal salt and not containing a quaternary ammonium salt or insecticide component, A 2C agent containing insecticidal components and free from metal salts and quaternary ammonium salts, A third-class C agent containing quaternary ammonium ions and free from metal salts and insecticidal components, The aforementioned metal salt is formed from an ion of at least one metal selected from the group consisting of copper and zinc, and a sulfate ion. The insecticidal component comprises at least one selected from the group consisting of permethrin, pyrethrin, phenothrin, transfluthrin, prallethrin, tralomethrin, cyfluthrin, and deltamethrin. The aforementioned quaternary ammonium salt includes ammonium chloride formed from a first quaternary ammonium ion and a chloride ion, and ammonium phosphate formed from a second quaternary ammonium ion and a phosphate ion. The total mass W M of the aforementioned metal salts is 0.06% by mass or more and 50% by mass or less. The total mass Wi of the insect repellent components is 0.10% by mass or more and 20.0% by mass or less. The total mass W A of the quaternary ammonium salts is 0.2% by mass or more and 50% by mass or less. The feather processing agent described above either does not contain a binder resin, or contains a binder resin in an amount of 5% by mass or less of the feather processing agent.

17. The first C agent does not contain a binder resin, or contains less than 0.5% by mass of a binder resin in the first C agent. The second C agent either does not contain a binder resin or contains less than 0.5% by mass of a binder resin. The feather processing agent according to claim 16, wherein the third C agent does not contain a binder resin, or contains less than 0.5% by mass of a binder resin in the third C agent.

18. In the aforementioned feather processing agent, the content mass W of the quaternary ammonium salt Ａ , the content mass W of the metal salt Ｍ , and the content mass W of the insect-repellent component ｉ , the ratio is 0.01 ≤ W Ａ / W Ｍ ≤ 1.5, and, 1.0≦W Ｍ / W ｉ ≦10.0 A feather processing agent according to claim 10, 14, or 16 that satisfies the relationship.

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