Processing agent, processed article, and production method for processed article

Abstract

Provided is a processing agent having excellent antiviral properties, antimicrobial properties, and odor elimination properties. The processing agent comprises: organic salts of first amino acids and second amino acids different from the first amino acids; a metal compound; and an aqueous solvent. The first amino acids are at least one of a fatty acid acyl amino acid having a basic functional group at a side chain thereof and a derivative thereof, the second amino acids are at least one of an α-amino acid and a derivative thereof, and the organic salts are formed of cations derived from the basic functional group of the first amino acids and anions derived from an anionic group of the second amino acids.

Description

Processing agent, processed article, and method for manufacturing the processed article

[0001] The present invention relates to a processing agent, a processed article, and a method for producing a processed article.

[0002] With the recent increase in awareness of hygiene, various everyday items have been subjected to antibacterial or antiviral treatment. Accordingly, various antibacterial and antiviral processing agents have been proposed. For example, Patent Document 1 describes an antibacterial and antiviral composition for fibers containing amino acid silver, amino acid zinc, and copper ions.

[0003] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2017-133137

[0004] However, the antibacterial and antiviral composition for fibers of Patent Document 1 must be used at a high concentration, which results in high costs and poor productivity. Furthermore, the antibacterial and antiviral composition for fibers of Patent Document 1 physically binds to textile products by aggregation, and therefore is prone to falling off due to external stress on the textile products (other processing treatments, washing, etc.).

[0005] An object of the present invention is to provide a finishing agent having excellent antiviral, antibacterial, and deodorizing properties. Another object of the present invention is to provide a finished article having the finishing agent adhered thereto and a method for producing the same.

[0006] The present invention relates to a processing agent comprising: an organic salt of a first amino acid and a second amino acid different from the first amino acid; a metal compound; and an aqueous solvent, wherein the first amino acid is at least one of a fatty acyl amino acid and a derivative thereof having a basic functional group in a side chain; the second amino acid is at least one of an α-amino acid and a derivative thereof; and the organic salt is formed by a cation derived from the basic functional group of the first amino acid and an anion derived from the anionic group of the second amino acid.

[0007] The present invention also relates to a processed article comprising: a workpiece; and an organic salt of a first amino acid and a second amino acid different from the first amino acids, and a metal compound, adhered to the workpiece; the first amino acids are at least one of a fatty acyl amino acid having a basic functional group in a side chain and a derivative thereof; the second amino acids are at least one of an α-amino acid and a derivative thereof; and the organic salt is formed by a cation derived from the basic functional group of the first amino acid and an anion derived from the anionic group of the second amino acid.

[0008] The present invention further relates to a method for producing a processed article, comprising a step of contacting a processing agent with an article to be processed, wherein the processing agent comprises an organic salt of a first amino acid and a second amino acid different from the first amino acid, a metal compound, and an aqueous solvent, wherein the first amino acid is at least one of a fatty acyl amino acid having a basic functional group in a side chain and a derivative thereof, the second amino acid is at least one of an α-amino acid and a derivative thereof, and the organic salt is formed by a cation derived from the basic functional group of the first amino acid and an anion derived from the anionic group of the second amino acid.

[0009] The present invention provides a finishing agent having excellent antiviral, antibacterial, and deodorizing properties. The present invention also provides a finished article having the finishing agent adhered thereto and a method for producing the same.

[0010] [Processing Agent] The processing agent according to the present disclosure includes an organic salt in which both the cation and the anion are amino acids, a metal compound having a metal ion as the cation, and an aqueous solvent. The organic salt is formed from two types of amino acids. The first amino acid is at least one of a fatty acid acylamino acid having a basic functional group in the side chain and its derivatives (hereinafter collectively referred to as "basic acylamino acids"). The second amino acid is at least one of an α-amino acid and its derivatives (hereinafter collectively referred to as "α-amino acids").

[0011] Compared to the use of a metal salt of an amino acid and another metal salt, as in Patent Document 1, the processing agent according to the present disclosure uses an organic salt formed from two types of amino acids together with a metal compound, thereby improving antiviral, antibacterial, and deodorizing properties in particular. The processing agent according to the present disclosure can also be expected to improve other functions. Examples of other functions include antiallergic properties and pH controllability. Hereinafter, performance including at least antiviral, antibacterial, and deodorizing properties may be collectively referred to as "functionality."

[0012] Antiviral properties can be evaluated by the antiviral activity value calculated based on JIS L 1922:2016 "Test methods for antiviral properties of textile products" or ISO 18184 (Textiles - Determination of antiviral activity of textile products). When the antiviral activity value is 2.0 or higher, the processing agent can be said to have antiviral properties, and when it is 3.0 or higher, the processing agent can be said to have excellent antiviral properties.

[0013] The processing agent according to the present disclosure is particularly useful as an "antiviral agent."

[0014] The antibacterial properties can be evaluated by an antibacterial test using Staphylococcus aureus (NBRC 12732), a type of gram-positive bacterium, and / or Klebsiella pneumoniae (NBRC 13277), a type of gram-negative bacterium. The antibacterial test using Staphylococcus aureus is performed by the bacterial liquid absorption method, mutatis mutandis, in accordance with JIS L 1902:2015 "Antibacterial properties and antibacterial effects of textile products."

[0015] The antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus is evaluated by the antibacterial activity value shown in the following formula: When the antibacterial activity value is 2.0 or more, the processing agent has antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus, and when it is 3.0 or more, it can be said to have excellent antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus.

[0016] Antibacterial properties against Klebsiella pneumoniae are also evaluated using an antibacterial activity value. An antibacterial activity value of 2.0 or higher indicates that the processing agent has antibacterial properties against Klebsiella pneumoniae, and an antibacterial activity value of 3.0 or higher indicates that the processing agent has excellent antibacterial properties against Klebsiella pneumoniae.

[0017] A processing agent can be said to have excellent antibacterial properties when it has excellent antibacterial properties against at least one of Staphylococcus aureus and Klebsiella pneumoniae. When antibacterial properties are observed against Staphylococcus aureus, the processing agent can be said to have antibacterial properties against gram-positive bacteria. When antibacterial properties are observed against Klebsiella pneumoniae, the processing agent can be said to have antibacterial properties against other gram-negative bacteria such as Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Salmonella, Pseudomonas, and Moraxella.

[0018] Antibacterial activity value = (Mb - Ma) - (Mc - Mo) Ma: Mean common logarithm of the viable cell count or ATP amount immediately after inoculation of the test bacterial solution on the control fabric Mb: Mean common logarithm of the viable cell count or ATP amount on the control fabric after 18 hours of incubation Mo: Mean common logarithm of the viable cell count or ATP amount on the specimen immediately after inoculation of the test bacterial solution Mc: Mean common logarithm of the viable cell count or ATP amount on the specimen after 18 hours of incubation

[0019] The processing agent according to the present disclosure is particularly useful as an "antibacterial agent."

[0020] Deodorizing properties can be evaluated using a method that complies with "21. Deodorizing Property 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, General Incorporated Association, revised on April 1, 2022).

[0021] The test conditions were as follows: (Initial concentrations of each odorous component gas) Ammonia 100 ppm Acetic acid 30 ppm Isovaleric acid 38 ppm

[0022] The size of the sample used in the detector tube method is 100 cm 2 (10 cm length x 10 cm width). The size of the sample used in gas chromatography is 50 cm 2The dimensions are 5 cm long x 10 cm wide. After placing the sample in an airtight container, add the odor component gas adjusted to the initial concentration. After leaving the odor component gas for 2 hours, measure the concentration of the odor component gas.

[0023] The specific test methods using the detector tube method and gas chromatography method are as follows.

[0024] (Detector tube method) A sealed 5 L Tedlar (registered trademark, the same applies hereinafter) bag is prepared, and 3 L of odor component gas is injected into the Tedlar bag using a syringe so that the specified initial concentration is reached. Two hours after the odor component gas is injected into the Tedlar bag, the concentration of the odor component gas present in the Tedlar bag is measured using a detector tube (blank test). This concentration is the blank test concentration, and the average value is called Sb.

[0025] Separately, a 100 cm sample piece ２ The sample is collected and placed in a 5 L Tedlar bag. Next, 3 L of odor component gas is injected into the Tedlar bag using a syringe so that the specified initial concentration is achieved. As with the blank test, the concentration of the odor component gas is measured with a detector tube two hours after the odor component gas is injected into the Tedlar bag, and the average of the measured concentrations is taken as Sn.

[0026] (Gas Chromatography Method (GC Method)) First, a base odor solution that generates odor component gases is prepared. The base odor solution of ammonia is prepared by diluting 7.2 ml of ammonia water (ammonia concentration: 28%) with 100 ml of distilled water. The base odor solution of 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 base odor solution of 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 the diluted isovaleric acid solution with 100 ml of distilled water.

[0027] Next, a blank test is conducted 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 sealed. 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 using a syringe, and the concentration of the sampled remaining gas is measured using a gas chromatograph analyzer. The average peak area of ​​this measurement is taken as the blank test value Sb.

[0028] Next, 50 cm of the sample ２ The blank test was carried out in the same manner as in the blank test, except that the test was carried out in a 500 ml Erlenmeyer flask, and after two hours, the remaining gas in the container was sampled in the same manner as in the blank test. The concentration of the sampled remaining gas was measured using a gas chromatograph analyzer, and the average value of the peak areas of these measurements was taken as the value Sn for the test using the sample.

[0029] (Odor Reduction Rate) The odor component gas reduction rate is calculated using the following formula from the average gas concentration (Sb) in a blank test and the average gas concentration (Sn) when a sample is used, measured using the detector tube method or gas chromatography method: Odor reduction rate (%) = [(Sb - Sn) / Sb] x 100, where Sb is the average gas concentration in a blank test and Sn is the average gas measurement value in a test using a sample.

[0030] When the reduction rate of the ammonia concentration is 70% or more, the reduction rate of the acetic acid concentration is 70% or more, and the reduction rate of the isovaleric acid concentration is 85% or more, the processing agent can be said to have excellent deodorizing properties.

[0031] The processing agent according to the present disclosure is particularly useful as a "deodorizer."

[0032] In addition, the processing agent according to the present disclosure is less likely to degrade these excellent functionalities. The degradation of functionality occurs, for example, when the processing agent (more specifically, metal ions) falls off from the processed article. Hereinafter, the ability to suppress the degradation of functionality is referred to as durability.

[0033] Durability can be evaluated by performing each of the above tests using a sample after washing 10 times in accordance with JIS L 1930:2019 Home Laundry Test Method for Textile Products C4M Method.

[0034] The reason why the processing agent according to the present disclosure improves functionality and durability is unclear, but it is thought to be as follows. In the processing agent, the basic acylamino acids can form complexes with metal ions derived from metal compounds via their amino and carboxy groups. Furthermore, the basic functional groups of the basic acylamino acids are positively charged in the processing agent and can chemically bond with the processed article, such as fibers. For example, the basic functional groups can form covalent bonds with the hydroxyl groups of cellulose fibers.

[0035] The α-amino acids can also form complexes with metal ions derived from metal compounds via their amino and carboxy groups.

[0036] The organic salts used in the present disclosure dissociate into cations of basic acylamino acids and anions of α-amino acids in the processing agent. However, it is believed that the reverse reaction to the dissociation also occurs, reaching an equilibrium state. Therefore, at least some of the organic salts can behave as ion pairs.

[0037] Therefore, the cation of the organic salt can chemically bond with the object to be treated while forming an ion pair with the anion. In addition, the two types of amino acids in the organic salt can each hold a different metal ion. Furthermore, these metal ions form complexes with the amino acids, making them less likely to fall off. These factors are thought to improve functionality and durability.

[0038] Furthermore, the organic salt of two amino acids is expected to be highly safe for the environment and the human body, and is less likely to cause yellowing of processed articles due to heat.

[0039] The processing agent is preferably in a mixed state, more preferably in an aqueous solution. The mixed state means that each component is present in an aqueous solvent. In this case, each component may be hydrated in the aqueous solvent or dispersed in the aqueous solvent.

[0040] (Organic Salt) The organic salt is a salt of at least one of a fatty acid acylamino acid having a basic functional group in the side chain and a derivative thereof (basic acylamino acid), and an α-amino acid.

[0041] <α-Amino acids> α-Amino acids are compounded in the processing agent as salts with basic acylamino acids. The α-amino acids can dissociate into anions in the processing agent.

[0042] α-amino acids have a structure in which an amino group is bonded to the carbon atom (α-carbon) to which a carboxy group is bonded, and generally have the structure RCH(NH ２ ) COOH (R is a group containing a hydrocarbon group).

[0043] α-Amino acids can dissociate into anions derived from anionic groups. Examples of anionic groups include carboxyl groups, hydroxyl groups, phosphate groups, sulfate groups, sulfonate groups, and halogeno groups. The group that can dissociate into anions in the processing agent may be a carboxyl group bonded to the α-carbon. The anionic group allows the α-amino acid to form a salt with a basic acylamino acid and to be covalently bonded to the article to be treated.

[0044] From the viewpoint of solubility in aqueous solvents, the α-amino acids may have a secondary amino group. Examples of such α-amino acids include tryptophan, histidine, proline, and pyrrolidone carboxylic acid. Among these, the α-amino group may be a secondary amino group. Examples of such α-amino acids include proline and pyrrolidone carboxylic acid.

[0045] The α-amino acids may have a nitrogen-containing heterocycle from the viewpoint of solubility in aqueous solvents, and examples of such α-amino acids include the above-mentioned tryptophan, histidine, proline, and pyrrolidonecarboxylic acid.

[0046] The α-amino acid may be pyrrolidone carboxylic acid, which has the following formula: It is expressed as:

[0047] The hydrogen atom bonded to the carbon atom of pyrrolidonecarboxylic acid may be substituted, for example, with an alkyl group, an acyl group, a hydroxyl group, an amino group, an alkylamino group, a nitro group, or a sulfonyl group.

[0048] Basic acylamino acids: Basic acylamino acids are compounded in processing agents as salts with α-amino acids. Basic acylamino acids have a basic functional group in the side chain in addition to the amino group that amino acids normally have. Basic acylamino acids can dissociate into cations in the processing agent. The basic functional group of the basic acylamino acids forms a cation.

[0049] Basic acylamino acids are formed by a basic amino acid and a fatty acid acyl group introduced into an amino group other than the basic functional group of the basic amino acid. The basic amino acid has a basic functional group in the side chain in addition to the amino group and carboxy group. Hereinafter, acylated amino acids are referred to as "acylamino acids."

[0050] The basic functional group typically contains nitrogen. Examples of the basic functional group include a guanidino group (—NH—C(═NH)—NH ２ ), amino group (—NR ２ , R is, for example, hydrogen or a hydrocarbon group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms), an imidazole group (—C ３ H ４ N ２ and a cyano group (—C≡N). The basic functional group may be a guanidino group.

[0051] The basic amino acid may have one selected from the group consisting of a heterocyclic ring, an aromatic ring, a non-aromatic ring, and an aliphatic hydrocarbon group. The basic amino acid may have an aliphatic hydrocarbon group, and may have an aliphatic hydrocarbon group having 4 to 8 carbon atoms. In other words, the basic amino acid may be an aliphatic amino acid having 4 to 8 carbon atoms and having a basic functional group in its side chain. The basic amino acid may have a substituent as mentioned in the description of pyrrolidonecarboxylic acid.

[0052] Examples of basic amino acids include arginine, histidine, lysine, and ornithine. The basic amino acid may be arginine.

[0053] The fatty acid acyl group is derived from a fatty acid. The fatty acid acyl group is derived from, for example, a saturated or unsaturated fatty acid having 8 to 22 carbon atoms. The fatty acid may be linear or branched. Examples of fatty acids include caprylic acid, capric acid, lauric acid, myristic acid, palmitic acid, stearic acid, behenic acid, isostearic acid, undecylenic acid, petroselinic acid, oleic acid, ricinoleic acid, linoleic acid, linolenic acid, arachidonic acid, coconut oil fatty acid, and palm kernel oil fatty acid. Among these, the fatty acid may be coconut oil fatty acid in terms of its effects on the environment and the human body.

[0054] The derivative of the basic acylamino acid may be an alkyl ester of the basic acylamino acid. In the alkyl ester of the basic acylamino acid, the carboxy group of the acylamino acid is esterified with, for example, an alkyl group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms. From the viewpoint of the stability of the processing agent, the derivative may be an alkyl ester of the basic acylamino acid having 1 or 2 carbon atoms.

[0055] The basic acylamino acid is, for example, represented by the following formula: (wherein A is a hydrocarbon group having a heterocyclic ring, an aromatic ring, a non-aromatic ring, or an aliphatic hydrocarbon group; B is a basic functional group; R １ is a fatty acid residue, R ２ is hydrogen or a hydrocarbon group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms.

[0056] A is a hydrocarbon group having a heterocyclic ring, an aromatic ring, a non-aromatic ring, or an aliphatic hydrocarbon group. A may be an aliphatic hydrocarbon group having a prime number of 4 to 8. A is a part of the above basic amino acid excluding the amino group, the carboxyl group, the carbon atoms to which they are bonded, and the basic functional group. B is the above basic functional group. R １ is part of an acyl group and is a residue of the above fatty acid. ２ is hydrogen or a hydrocarbon group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms, and may be a hydrocarbon group having 1 or 2 carbon atoms.

[0057] From the viewpoints of solubility in aqueous solvents and effects on the environment and the human body, the organic salt may be N-cocoyl-L-arginine ethyl DL-pyrrolidone carboxylate. This organic salt has the following formula: (In the formula, R １ is the residue of coconut oil fatty acid.

[0058] Coconut oil fatty acids include a variety of saturated and unsaturated fatty acids, such as caprylic acid (a saturated fatty acid having 8 carbon atoms), capric acid (a saturated fatty acid having 10 carbon atoms), lauric acid (a saturated fatty acid having 12 carbon atoms), myristic acid (a saturated fatty acid having 14 carbon atoms), palmitic acid (a saturated fatty acid having 16 carbon atoms), stearic acid (a saturated fatty acid having 18 carbon atoms), oleic acid (an unsaturated fatty acid having 18 carbon atoms), and linoleic acid (an unsaturated fatty acid having 18 carbon atoms).

[0059] The combination of two amino acids constituting the organic salt is appropriately determined taking into consideration handling properties (for example, solubility in aqueous solvents, stability, and processability).

[0060] The concentration of the organic salt is not particularly limited and may be appropriately set taking into consideration the viscosity of the processing agent, the method of adhering the processing agent to the workpiece, the use of the processed article, etc. From the viewpoint of functionality, the concentration of the organic salt in the processing agent may be 0.01% by mass or more, 0.05% by mass or more, 0.1% by mass or more, 0.15% by mass or more, or 0.2% by mass or more. From the viewpoint of ease of preparation of the processing agent and excellent stability and handleability, the concentration of the organic salt may be 5% by mass or less, 1.5% by mass or less, 1.0% by mass or less, 0.75% by mass or less, or 0.6% by mass or less. In one aspect, the concentration of the organic salt is 0.01% by mass or more and 5% by mass or less.

[0061] It is desirable that the processing agent does not contain a salt of at least one of amino acids, acyl amino acids, basic amino acids, and basic acyl amino acids (hereinafter sometimes collectively referred to as "amino acids") with a metal ion. Salts of amino acids with metal ions develop color when dissolved in an aqueous solvent, and may result in discoloration of the processed product.

[0062] In particular, it is desirable that the processing agent does not contain alkali metal salts of amino acids. This is because alkali metal salts of amino acids tend to aggregate, making quality control difficult. Examples of alkali metals include Li (lithium), Na (sodium), K (potassium), and Cs (cesium). It is particularly desirable that the processing agent does not contain sodium salts and potassium salts of amino acids, and it is desirable that the processing agent does not contain sodium salts and potassium salts of acylamino acids. It is desirable that the processing agent does not contain, for example, alkali metal salts of pyrrolidonecarboxylic acid, alkali metal salts of acylamino acids, and alkali metal salts of basic acylamino acids. "The processing agent does not contain metal salts of amino acids" means that the amount of amino acid metal salts blended into the processing agent is less than 0.005% by mass.

[0063] (Metal Compound) The metal compound is not particularly limited as long as it can generate (or release) metal ions in the processing agent. Examples of such metal compounds include metal salts and metal oxides.

[0064] The reason why the processing agent according to the present disclosure exhibits antibacterial and antiviral properties is unclear, but it is thought to be as follows: The metal compounds contained in the processing agent according to the present disclosure generate metal ions in water, regardless of whether they are soluble in water. The generated metal ions exhibit strong cationic properties and have a small ionic radius, so they can strongly act on bacterial and viral membranes and destroy them. The antibacterial and antiviral properties are mainly caused by the metal ions.

[0065] The reason why the processing agent according to the present disclosure has a deodorizing effect on various odors is unclear, but it is thought to be as follows. Metal ions are present in the processing agent according to the present disclosure or on the surface of an object treated with the processing agent. The catalytic action of these metal ions activates oxygen in the air. The activated oxygen (superoxide: O2 － ) reacts with malodorous substances and has a deodorizing effect.

[0066] Examples of metal ions include ions 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). Among these, from the viewpoint of functionality, the metal may be at least one selected from the group consisting of Cu, Zn, Pt, Ag, and Au, or at least one selected from the group consisting of Cu, Zn, and Ag.

[0067] Metal Salts Metal salts are formed, for example, from the above-mentioned metal ions and counter anions, and are dissociated into the metal ions and the counter anions in the processing agent.

[0068] As described above, the counter anion is preferably not derived from an amino acid. Examples of the counter anion include at least one selected from the group consisting of chloride ions, bromide ions, fluoride ions, iodide ions, sulfate ions, hydroxide ions, nitrate ions, and acetate ions. Among them, in terms of production costs, at least one selected from the group consisting of polyatomic ions such as sulfate ions, hydroxide ions, nitrate ions, and acetate ions may be used, or at least one selected from the group consisting of sulfate ions, nitrate ions, and acetate ions may be used.

[0069] The metal salt is formed from, for example, at least one metal ion 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.

[0070] Specific examples of the 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, and silver nitrate. Among these, from the viewpoint of functionality, at least one selected from the group consisting of copper sulfate, copper acetate, zinc sulfate, zinc nitrate, and silver nitrate may be used, and at least one of copper sulfate, zinc sulfate, and silver nitrate may be used.

[0071] The concentration of the metal salt is not particularly limited, and may be appropriately set taking into consideration the viscosity of the processing agent, the method of adhering the processing agent to the article to be processed, the use of the processed article, and the like.

[0072] From the viewpoint of functionality, the concentration of the metal salt in the processing agent may be 0.0001% by mass or more, 0.001% by mass or more, 0.005% by mass or more, 0.01% by mass or more, or 0.02% by mass or more. From the viewpoint of suppressing discoloration due to oxidation of metal ions, the concentration of the metal salt may be 10% by mass or less, 5% by mass or less, 2% by mass or less, 1.5% by mass or less, 1% by mass or less, 0.5% by mass or less, or 0.1% by mass or less. In one embodiment, the concentration of the metal salt is 0.0001% by mass or more and 10% by mass or less. Even when the concentration of the metal salt is as low as this, the processing agent according to the present disclosure exhibits excellent functionality.

[0073] When the metal is Ag, the concentration of the metal salt (i.e., silver salt) in the processing agent may be 0.0001% by weight or more, 0.0005% by weight or more, 0.001% by weight or more, or 0.005% by weight or more. The concentration of the silver salt in the processing agent may be 5% by weight or less, 2% by weight or less, 1.5% by weight or less, 1% by weight or less, 0.1% by weight or less, or 0.01% by weight or less. In one embodiment, the concentration of the silver salt is 0.0001% by weight or more and 5% by weight or less. When the metal is Cu, the concentration of the metal salt (i.e., copper salt) in the processing agent may be 0.001% by weight or more, 0.005% by weight or more, or 0.01% by weight or more. The concentration of the copper salt in the processing agent may be 10% by weight or less, 5% by weight or less, 2% by weight or less, or 0.5% by weight or less. In one embodiment, the concentration of the copper salt is 0.001% by mass or more and 10% by mass or less.

[0074] From the viewpoint of functionality, the mass W of the organic salt in the processing agent Ｏ and the mass of the metal salt W Ｍ The ratio of (W Ｏ / W Ｍ ) may be 500 / 1 to 1 / 2, may be 300 / 1 to 1 / 1, may be 200 / 1 to 5 / 1, or may be 150 / 1 to 10 / 1.

[0075] Mass W of organic salt in processing agent Ｏ and the mass of silver salt W Ａｇ The ratio of (W Ｏ / W Ａｇ ) may be 500 / 1 to 1 / 1, may be 300 / 1 to 10 / 1, may be 200 / 1 to 20 / 1, or may be 150 / 1 to 20 / 1. Ｏ and the mass of the copper salt W Ｃｕ The ratio of (W Ｏ / W Ｃｕ ) may be 200 / 1 to 1 / 1, may be 100 / 1 to 5 / 1, or may be 50 / 1 to 10 / 1.

[0076] Metal oxides include silver oxide (Ag ２ The oxide may be at least one selected from the group consisting of zinc oxide (ZnO) and copper(II) oxide (CuO).

[0077] The metal oxide can be incorporated into the processing agent in a state where it is contained in at least one of a phosphate-based glass and an inorganic phosphate-based compound (hereinafter sometimes referred to as a "matrix material"). The metal oxide incorporated into the structure of the matrix material dissociates in the presence of moisture and is gradually eluted as metal ions. That is, some or all of the metal oxide can dissociate into metal ions in the processing agent.

[0078] A matrix material containing a metal oxide (hereinafter sometimes referred to as a "metal-containing matrix") can be obtained, for example, by heating a matrix material and a metal salt that serves as a metal source for the target metal oxide. By the heat treatment or the like, the metal salt becomes the metal oxide, which is then supported in the matrix material.

[0079] Phosphate-based glass contains, as essential components, for example, phosphorus (P), boron (B), and Group 2 elements (alkaline earth metal elements including magnesium).

[0080] Examples of inorganic phosphate compounds include hydroxyapatite (Ca １０ (PO ４ ) ６ (OH) ２), hydroxyapatite (PO of hydroxyapatite) ４ ３- Some of the ions are converted to SiO ４ ４－ (wherein the phosphate group is replaced by phosphate group), titanium hydrogen phosphate hydrate, zirconia hydrogen phosphate hydrate, and zirconium phosphate.

[0081] The matrix material may be a phosphate-based glass. Phosphate-based glasses include, for example, phosphorus pentoxide (P ２ O ５ ) in an amount of 35 to 65 mol % and diboron trioxide (B ２ O ３ ) 5 to 25 mol %, 5 to 55 mol % of an oxide of a Group 2 element (alkaline earth metal including magnesium), and sodium oxide (Na ２ O), potassium oxide (K ２ O), silicon oxide (SiO ２ ) and aluminum oxide (Al ２ O ３ ) in an amount of 0 to 20 mol %. This allows metal ions to be rapidly eluted from the metal oxide supported within the structure of the phosphate-based glass in the presence of water, making it easier for the glass to exhibit excellent functionality.

[0082] P contained in phosphate-based glass ２ O ５ may be 35 to 60 mol %, or may be 40 to 60 mol %. ２ O ３ may be 7 to 25 mol %, or may be 10 to 20 mol %. The oxide of the Group 2 element may be 10 to 50 mol %, or may be 10 to 40 mol %. Na ２ O.K. ２ O, SiO ２ and Al ２ O ３ At least one selected from the above may be present in an amount of 0 to 20 mol %.

[0083] The metal oxide is contained in an amount of, for example, 0.2% by mass or more and 10% by mass or less relative to 100% by mass of the metal-containing matrix (total of the matrix material and the metal oxide). The metal oxide content may be 0.4% by mass or more. The metal oxide content may be 5% by mass or less, or 3.5% by mass or less.

[0084] In particular, the metal-containing matrix may be P ２ O ５ 40 to 60 mol % of B ２ O ３ 10 to 20 mol % of an oxide of a Group 2 element, 10 to 40 mol % of Na ２ O.K. ２ O, SiO ２ and Al ２ O ３ The processing agent may include a phosphate-based glass containing 0 to 20 mol % of at least one selected from the group consisting of: and a metal oxide contained therein, wherein the content of the metal oxide relative to 100 mass % of the metal-containing matrix may be 0.2 mass % or more and 5 mass % or less. This processing agent containing a metal-containing matrix can exhibit particularly excellent functionality.

[0085] From the viewpoint of functionality, the concentration of the metal-containing matrix in the processing agent may be 0.01% by mass or more, 0.05% by mass or more, 0.10% by mass or more, 0.30% by mass or more, or 0.50% by mass or more. From the viewpoint of suppressing discoloration due to oxidation of metal ions, the concentration of the metal-containing matrix may be 20% by mass or less, 10% by mass or less, 5% by mass or less, 3.0% by mass or less, or 1.5% by mass or less. In one embodiment, the concentration of the metal-containing matrix is ​​0.01% by mass or more and 20% by mass or less. Even when the concentration of the metal-containing matrix is ​​as low as this, the processing agent according to the present disclosure exhibits excellent functionality.

[0086] From the viewpoint of functionality, the mass W of the organic salt in the processing agent Ｏ and the mass of the metal-containing matrix W Ｐ The ratio of (W Ｏ / W Ｐ) may be 1 / 10 to 15 / 7, may be 3 / 14 to 1 / 1, or may be 3 / 10 to 3 / 4.

[0087] (Quaternary ammonium salt) The processing agent of the present disclosure may contain a quaternary ammonium salt, which is a salt of a quaternary ammonium ion and its counter anion.

[0088] Examples of quaternary ammonium ions include tetramethylammonium ions, monoalkyltrimethylammonium ions, dialkyldimethylammonium ions, trialkylmonomethylammonium ions, tetraalkylammonium ions, alkyldimethylethylammonium ions, alkyldimethylbenzylammonium ions, and alkylpyridinium ions. These may be used alone or in combination of two or more. In particular, the quaternary ammonium ion may be a dialkyldimethylammonium ion. The alkyl group contained in the quaternary ammonium ion is a hydrocarbon group having 3 or more carbon atoms and may be a hydrocarbon group having 8 to 18 carbon atoms. The alkyl group may contain two or more types of alkyl groups having 8 to 18 carbon atoms.

[0089] Counter anions include, for example, chloride ions, bromide ions, fluoride ions, iodide ions, hydroxide ions, phosphate ions, nitrate ions, sulfate ions, and other molecular ions (polyatomic ions). These may be used alone or in combination of two or more. The counter anions may be chloride ions and phosphate ions.

[0090] The concentration of the quaternary ammonium salt is not particularly limited and may be appropriately set taking into consideration the viscosity of the processing agent, the method of applying the processing agent to the workpiece, the intended use of the processed article, etc. The concentration of the quaternary ammonium salt in the processing agent may be 0.05% by mass or more, 0.075% by mass or more, or 0.1% by mass or more. In terms of the impact on the environment and the human body, the concentration may be 2% by mass or less, 1% by mass or less, or 0.5% by mass or less. In one embodiment, the concentration of the quaternary ammonium salt is 0.05% by mass or more and 2% by mass or less.

[0091] The source of the quaternary ammonium salt is not particularly limited, and may be contained in, for example, a processing agent or a processing agent that is commercially available for other uses (e.g., dye fixation).

[0092] Quaternary ammonium salts have traditionally been used as antiviral agents, but they can cause processed items to yellow when exposed to heat. Furthermore, when the treated item is a fabric, the treated item may be washed with a detergent containing an anionic surfactant. In this case, the quaternary ammonium salt may be masked by the surfactant in the detergent, preventing the desired antiviral effect from being achieved.

[0093] In the present disclosure, quaternary ammonium salts can be omitted or used in reduced amounts, thereby further suppressing yellowing of processed articles due to heat and allowing the articles to exhibit functionality. However, as mentioned above, the present disclosure does not exclude the use of quaternary ammonium salts.

[0094] (Aqueous Solvent) Examples of aqueous solvents include pure water, distilled water, ion-exchanged water, industrial water, and tap water. The processing agent may contain an organic solvent, if necessary.

[0095] (Binder Resin) The processing agent according to the present disclosure may further contain a binder resin. The organic salt and metal compound are fixed to the workpiece via the binder resin, which can further improve durability. "Fixed" means more firmly attached than "adhered."

[0096] The binder resin is not particularly limited, and examples thereof include acrylic resin, polyvinyl alcohol, ethylene vinyl acetate resin, polyurethane resin, polyamide resin, polyester resin, silicone resin, and fluorine resin. The binder resin may be used alone or in combination of two or more.

[0097] The amount of binder resin is not particularly limited, and may be, for example, 0.1% by mass or more, or 1.0% by mass or more, of the processing agent. The amount of binder resin may be 50% by mass or less, or 15% by mass or less, of the processing agent. In one embodiment, the amount of binder resin is 0.1% by mass or more and 50% by mass or less of the processing agent. The binder resin may be contained in any form. For example, a commercially available agent containing a binder resin may be blended into a mixture containing an organic salt, a metal compound, an aqueous solvent, etc.

[0098] The processing agent according to the present disclosure may further contain a crosslinking agent, which may cause the organic salt and the metal compound to adhere to the workpiece in a crosslinked state or crosslink the organic salt and the workpiece, thereby further improving durability.

[0099] The crosslinking agent is not particularly limited, and examples thereof include amino resins, acid anhydrides, polyepoxy compounds, silane compounds, melamine resins, glyoxal resins, and isocyanate compounds having at least one of an isocyanate group and a blocked isocyanate group. The crosslinking agent may be used alone or in combination of two or more. Among these, an isocyanate compound may be used.

[0100] The amount of the crosslinking agent is not particularly limited, and may be, for example, 0.1% by mass or more, or 1.0% by mass or more, of the processing agent. The amount of the crosslinking agent may be 50% by mass or less, or 15% by mass or less, of the processing agent. In one embodiment, the amount of the crosslinking agent is 0.1% by mass or more and 50% by mass or less of the processing agent. The crosslinking agent may be contained in any form. For example, a commercially available agent containing a crosslinking agent may be blended into a mixture containing an organic salt, a metal compound, an aqueous solvent, etc.

[0101] In the present disclosure, the organic salt coordinated to the metal ion can be chemically bonded to the workpiece. Therefore, even if a binder resin and / or a crosslinking agent is not used or the amount used is reduced, the processing agent is less likely to fall off. However, as mentioned above, the present disclosure does not exclude the use of a binder resin and / or a crosslinking agent.

[0102] The processing agent may further contain other components as needed. Examples of the other components include softeners, dye fixatives, antistatic agents, and water repellents that improve the texture of the treated product. The other components are preferably those that are unlikely to destabilize metal ions derived from the metal compound or that are unlikely to form complexes with the metal ions, and more preferably those that do not form complexes with the metal ions.

[0103] [Processed Article] The processed article according to the present disclosure includes a processed article and an organic salt and a metal compound adhered to the processed article. The organic salt and the metal compound are derived from the processing agent described above. This processed article exhibits high functionality. Furthermore, this processed article is resistant to loss of functionality. The processed article can be durable, in other words, wash-resistant, even when repeatedly washed.

[0104] The amounts of the organic salt and metal compound to be attached are not particularly limited, and may be appropriately determined depending on the form of the metal compound, the manner in which the processed article is used, and the like.

[0105] When a metal salt is used, the total adhesion amount (mass) of the organic salt and the metal salt may be 0.01% or more, 0.025% or more, or 0.04% or more of the mass of the article to be treated, in terms of ease of exerting functionality. From the viewpoint of cost, etc., the total adhesion amount of the organic salt and the metal salt may be 8% or less, 5% or less, or 2% or less of the mass of the article to be treated. A preferred total adhesion amount of the organic salt and the metal salt is 0.01% or more and 8% or less of the mass of the article to be treated.

[0106] When a metal-containing matrix is ​​used, the total adhesion amount (mass) of the organic salt and the metal-containing matrix may be 3.0% or more, 1.5% or more, or 0.65% or more of the mass of the article to be treated, in terms of ease of exerting functionality. From the viewpoint of cost, etc., the total adhesion amount of the organic salt and the metal-containing matrix may be 2.0% or less, 1.5% or less, or 1.2% or less of the mass of the article to be treated. A preferred total adhesion amount of the organic salt and the metal-containing matrix is ​​1.0% or more and 2.0% or less of the mass of the article to be treated.

[0107] The organic salt and the metal compound may be attached (fixed) to the article to be treated via a binder resin.

[0108] (Item to be treated) The item to be treated may include at least one selected from the group consisting of natural fibers, regenerated fibers, semi-synthetic fibers, and synthetic fibers. The processing agent according to the present disclosure is particularly likely to form chemical bonds with the fibers. The processing agent according to the present disclosure is suitable for antiviral processing of fibers.

[0109] Natural fibers are broadly divided into plant fibers and animal fibers. Plant fibers include, for example, cotton, hemp, and pulp. Animal fibers include, for example, feathers, silk, and animal hair (wool, angora, cashmere, mohair, and camel). Regenerated fibers include, for example, regenerated cellulose fibers such as rayon, polynosic, cupra, and solvent-spun cellulose fibers. Semi-synthetic fibers include, for example, acetate and triacetate. Synthetic fibers include, for example, polyester, polyolefin, polyamide, polyurethane, and acrylic.

[0110] The treated article may include fibers having hydroxyl groups on their surfaces. Examples of fibers having hydroxyl groups on their surfaces include the above-mentioned plant fibers and cellulose fibers such as regenerated cellulose fibers. The hydroxyl groups on the fiber surface can be covalently bonded to the basic functional groups of the basic acylamino acids, thereby further improving durability.

[0111] The article to be treated may be the above-mentioned fiber itself, a yarn obtained by twisting at least one kind of the above-mentioned fiber, or a fiber structure formed from the above-mentioned fiber or yarn. The article to be treated may be pretreated by various methods.

[0112] The yarn may be a monofilament yarn, a multifilament yarn, or a spun yarn. The fineness and length of the fiber or yarn are not particularly limited and may be appropriately determined depending on the application, etc.

[0113] Examples of the fiber structure include woven fabrics, knitted fabrics, nonwoven fabrics, granular cotton (also called ball-shaped cotton or granular cotton) in which fibers are aggregated in a granular form, and clumps (also called batting) in which fibers are entangled. The fiber structure is used for bedding products such as duvet covers, bed sheets, and pillowcases; general clothing such as sleepwear (pajamas), underwear, and dress shirts; padding for down, coats, futons, cushions, and the like; interior decoration products such as curtains and tablecloths; bathroom products such as hand towels, bath towels, and foot mats; industrial materials such as industrial filters and tents; and hygiene materials such as infection prevention masks, mask filters, gauze, and bandages.

[0114] The processing agent according to the present disclosure is unlikely to fall off from the treated article and has excellent durability. Therefore, the treated article may be one that is repeatedly used or repeatedly washed.

[0115] [Method for Manufacturing Processed Article] The processed article according to the present disclosure is manufactured, for example, by a method including a step of contacting the processing agent with the article to be treated.

[0116] When the treated article is a fiber or a thread, after the contacting step, a fiber structure may be formed using the fiber or the thread. The treated article may be a fiber structure before cutting, or may be a fiber structure after cutting and sewing.

[0117] (Contacting step) The method for contacting the processing agent with the article to be treated is not particularly limited. Examples of contacting methods include immersion and spraying (e.g., spraying and ink-jet printing). The immersion method is preferably used for fibers, threads, and textile structures (either before or after sewing). The immersion may be a continuous process or a batch process. After immersion, the processing agent may be penetrated into the interior of the fibers or threads by heating. The spraying method is particularly preferably used for textile structures after sewing.

[0118] Another example of the contacting method is a coating method. The coating method is particularly preferably used for fiber structures before sewing (and even before cutting). The coating method is not particularly limited, and examples thereof include die coating, knife coating, roll coating (e.g., gravure coating, flexo coating), rotary printing, and flat printing. In the coating method, a processing agent containing a binder resin may be used.

[0119] The processing agent is brought into contact with the workpiece so that the total amount of the organic salt and the metal compound adhered falls within the above range. The conditions for the contacting step (temperature, humidity, whether or not a load is applied, processing speed of the workpiece, etc.) are not particularly limited and are set appropriately depending on the shape and type of the workpiece, the viscosity of the processing agent, etc.

[0120] The present invention will be described in more detail with reference to the following examples, but the present invention is not limited thereto. In the examples, "parts" and "%" are by weight unless otherwise specified.

[0121] Example 1 (1) Preparation of Processing Agent As shown in Table 1, an organic salt and a metal compound were dissolved in an aqueous solvent to prepare a processing agent.

[0122] (2) Preparation of processed article A plain knit fabric made of 100% cotton yarn (30 count) was prepared as the processed article. The plain knit fabric was passed through a processing agent at room temperature and then squeezed with a mangle (pickup rate: 100%). It was then dried at 150°C for 2 minutes to obtain a processed article.

[0123] [Examples 2-8, Comparative Examples 1-3] Each processing agent was prepared by mixing the components as shown in Table 1. Using each processing agent, processed articles were produced in the same manner as in Example 1. The impregnation conditions were adjusted so that the pickup rate was 100%.

[0124] In Examples 1-4 and Comparative Example 2, N-coconut oil fatty acid acyl-L-arginine ethyl-DL-pyrrolidone carboxylate was used under the product name CAE manufactured by Ajinomoto Co., Inc. In Example 5 and Comparative Example 3, Super Amiate F manufactured by Service Tech Japan Co., Ltd. was used, which is a mixture of N-coconut oil fatty acid acyl-L-arginine ethyl-DL-pyrrolidone carboxylate and dialkyldimethylammonium salt, etc. The alkyl group of the dialkyldimethylammonium salt contains multiple types of alkyl groups having 8 to 18 carbon atoms. The counter anion of the dialkyldimethylammonium salt is a chloride ion. In Example 6, zinc sulfate was used as the metal salt.

[0125] In Example 7, a commercially available silver-based phosphate glass was used as the metal-containing matrix 1. The metal-containing matrix 1 was P ２ O ５ 55 mol%, B ２ O ３ 15 mol %, MgO 20 mol %, aluminum oxide (Al ２ O ３ 100 mass % of the metal-containing matrix 1 contains 10 mol % of silver oxide (Ag ２ In Example 8, commercially available silver-based phosphate glass (Ag ２ O.3(P ２ O ５ CaO)m 9(B ２ O ３ )n, m=10 to 15, n=1 to 2) was used. ２ O) is contained in an amount of 2.9 mass %.

[0126] [Evaluation] (1) Antiviral Activity and Durability An antiviral test was conducted under the following conditions and procedures based on ISO 18184 (Textiles - Determination of antiviral activity of textile products). As specimens, the processed articles (L0) obtained in the Examples and Comparative Examples before washing, and the processed articles (L0) obtained in the Examples after washing 10 times in accordance with the JIS L 1930 C4M method (L10) were used.

[0127] (Test conditions) Test virus: Human influenza virus (H3N2) Host cells: MDCK cells (canine kidney-derived cells) Washout solution: SCDLP medium Action conditions: 25°C, 2 hours Infectivity titer measurement method: Plaque measurement method

[0128] (Test Procedure) First, host cells were infected with the test virus and cultured at 37°C for a predetermined time. Then, the cells were centrifuged at 1000 x g for 15 minutes at 4°C to obtain a supernatant (virus suspension). The obtained virus suspension was diluted 10-fold with sterile distilled water to obtain a 1 x 10 ７ ~5 x 10 ７ PFU / mL to obtain test virus suspension C. Next, 0.2 mL of test virus suspension C was inoculated into 0.4 g of specimen. After acting at 25°C for 2 hours, 20 mL of washout liquid was added, and the specimen was stirred with a vortex mixer to wash out the virus from the specimen. The washout liquid was serially diluted, and the virus infectivity was measured by the plaque assay method. Finally, the antiviral activity value was calculated using the following formula. Mv = 1g(Va) - 1g(Vb) Mv: antiviral activity value 1g(Va): common logarithm of the virus infectivity of the control fabric (PFU / control fabric) immediately after inoculation 1g(Vb): common logarithm of the virus infectivity of the specimen (PFU / specimen) after standing for 2 hours

[0129] The antiviral activity value was evaluated as follows: Antiviral activity value ≥ 3.0: Sufficient effect 3.0 > Antiviral activity value ≥ 2.0: Effective

[0130] (2-1) Antibacterial Activity Against Staphylococcus aureus An antibacterial test was conducted using the bacterial liquid absorption method in accordance with JIS L 1902:2015 "Test Methods for Antibacterial Activity and Antibacterial Effect of Textile Products." Using Staphylococcus aureus (NBRC 12732), the antibacterial activity value shown in the following formula was calculated to evaluate the antibacterial activity. The above-mentioned processed article (L0) was used as a specimen.

[0131] Antibacterial activity value = (Mb - Ma) - (Mc - Mo) Ma: Mean common logarithm of the viable cell count or ATP amount immediately after inoculation of the test bacterial solution on the control fabric Mb: Mean common logarithm of the viable cell count or ATP amount on the control fabric after 18 hours of incubation Mo: Mean common logarithm of the viable cell count or ATP amount on the specimen immediately after inoculation of the test bacterial solution Mc: Mean common logarithm of the viable cell count or ATP amount on the specimen after 18 hours of incubation

[0132] (2-2) Antibacterial Activity Against Klebsiella pneumoniae An antibacterial test was conducted using the bacterial liquid absorption method in accordance with JIS L 1902:2015 "Antibacterial Test Methods and Antibacterial Effects of Textile Products." Using Klebsiella pneumoniae (NBRC 13277), the antibacterial activity value shown by the above formula was calculated to evaluate the antibacterial activity. The above-mentioned processed article (L0) was used as a specimen.

[0133] (3) Deodorizing property and its durability The properties were evaluated according to "21. Deodorizing property 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, 2022). The above-mentioned processed articles (L0) and (L10) were used as samples.

[0134] (Initial Odor Component Gas Concentration) The initial concentrations of odor component gases used when evaluating deodorizing properties were adjusted to the following concentrations: Ammonia 100 ppm Acetic acid 30 ppm Isovaleric acid 38 ppm (Samples) Samples of the following sizes were cut out from the processed articles (L0) and (L10). Samples used in the detector tube method: 100 cm 2 (10 cm long x 10 cm wide) Sample used in gas chromatography: 50 cm 2(5cm long x 10cm wide)

[0135] The test methods using the detector tube method and gas chromatography method are as follows. (Detector tube method) 3 L of odor component gas was injected into a 5 L Tedlar bag using a syringe to achieve a specified initial concentration, and the bag was sealed. Two hours after the odor component gas was injected into the Tedlar bag, the concentration of the odor component gas present in the Tedlar bag was measured using a detector tube (blank test). This concentration was designated the blank test concentration, and the average value was designated Sb.

[0136] Next, the above sample was placed in a 5 L Tedlar bag. Subsequently, 3 L of odor component gas was injected into the above Tedlar bag using a syringe to achieve a specified initial concentration, and the bag was sealed. As in the blank test, the concentration of the odor component gas was measured with a detector tube 2 hours after the odor component gas was injected into the Tedlar bag, and the average of the measured concentrations was taken as Sn.

[0137] (Gas Chromatography Method (GC Method)) First, a base odor solution that would generate odor component gases was prepared. The base odor solution of ammonia was prepared by diluting 7.2 ml of ammonia water (ammonia concentration: 28%) with 100 ml of distilled water. The base odor solution of acetic acid was prepared by diluting 0.5 ml of acetic acid reagent (acetic acid purity: 99.7%) with 100 ml of distilled water. The base odor solution of isovaleric acid was 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 the diluted isovaleric acid solution with 100 ml of distilled water.

[0138] Next, a blank test was conducted for each odor. A magnetic stirrer bar was placed in a 500 ml Erlenmeyer flask, and 5 μl of the original odor solution for each odor was injected using a micropipette and sealed. The magnetic stirrer bar in the Erlenmeyer flask was stirred with a magnetic stirrer, and after 2 hours, the remaining gas in the Erlenmeyer flask was sampled using a syringe, and the concentration of the sampled remaining gas was measured using a gas chromatograph analyzer. The average peak area of ​​these measurements was taken as the blank test value Sb.

[0139] Next, the same procedure as in the blank test was carried out except that the above sample was placed in a 500 ml Erlenmeyer flask, and after 2 hours, the remaining gas in the container was sampled in the same manner as in the blank test. The concentration of the sampled remaining gas was measured using a gas chromatograph analyzer, and the average value of the peak areas of these measurements was taken as the value Sn of the test using the sample.

[0140] (Odor Reduction Rate) The odor component gas reduction rate was calculated from the average gas concentration (Sb) in the blank test and the average gas concentration (Sn) when a sample was used, measured by the detector tube method or gas chromatography method, using the following formula: Odor reduction rate (%) = [(Sb - Sn) / Sb] x 100, where Sb is the average gas concentration in the blank test and Sn is the average gas measurement value in the test using the sample.

[0141]

[0142] The processed articles (L0) using the processing agents of Examples 1-8 all had antiviral activity values ​​of 2.0 or higher, demonstrating antiviral properties. The processed articles (L10) using the processing agents of Examples 1-4 and 6-8 also all had antiviral activity values ​​of 2.0 or higher, demonstrating durable antiviral properties. From these results, it is expected that the processed article (L10) using the processing agent of Example 5 also has high durable antiviral properties.

[0143] The processed articles (L0) using the processing agents of Examples 1-2 and 6 had antibacterial properties of 3.0 or higher against Staphylococcus aureus and 3.0 or higher against Klebsiella pneumoniae, demonstrating excellent antibacterial properties. Considering the mechanism of functionality described above, the processed articles (L0) using the processing agents of Examples 3-5 and 7-8 are also expected to have high antibacterial properties. Furthermore, considering that the processed article (L10) has high durability of antiviral properties as described above, the processed article (L10) is also expected to have high durability of antibacterial properties.

[0144] The processed article (L0) using the processing agent of Examples 1-2 and 6 was excellent in deodorizing properties against all of ammonia, acetic acid, and isovaleric acid. Furthermore, the processed article (L10) using the processing agent of Examples 1-2 and 6 was excellent in the durability of deodorizing properties against ammonia and acetic acid. Considering the mechanism of exerting the above-mentioned functionality, the processed article (L10) using the processing agent of Examples 1-2 and 6 is expected to also have excellent durability of deodorizing properties against isovaleric acid. Similarly, the processed articles (L0) and (L10) using the processing agents of Examples 3-5 and 7-8 are also expected to have high deodorizing properties and durability against all gases.

[0145] On the other hand, the processed article (L0) of Comparative Example 1, which used an amino acid metal salt, did not exhibit antiviral properties. This is thought to be because the metal salt of pyrrolidone carboxylic acid was unable to covalently bond with the fiber and was not fixed on the fiber. The processed article (L0) of Comparative Example 1 is also expected to exhibit no antibacterial or deodorizing properties.

[0146] The processed articles (L0) of Comparative Examples 2 and 3, which did not use a metal compound, also did not exhibit antiviral properties. This is thought to be because although the organic salt was covalently bonded to the fiber, it did not contain metal ions and therefore was unable to sufficiently inactivate the virus. The processed articles (L0) of Comparative Examples 2 and 3 are also expected to exhibit no antibacterial or deodorizing properties.

[0147] (4) Metal deposition amount The metal (Ag) content present in the processed article (LO) and processed article (L10) obtained in Example 2 was measured using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS).

[0148] As a result, the Ag content per gram of the processed article (LO) was 6.8 μg / g, and the Ag content per gram of the processed article (L10) was 3.7 μg / g. This confirmed that the processed article according to the present disclosure retained a sufficient amount of Ag even after washing. However, no Ag ions were detected in the unprocessed treated product.

[0149] The present disclosure includes the following aspects. (Aspect 1) A processing agent comprising: an organic salt of a first amino acid and a second amino acid different from the first amino acid; a metal compound; and an aqueous solvent, wherein the first amino acid is at least one of a fatty acyl amino acid and a derivative thereof having a basic functional group in the side chain; the second amino acid is at least one of an α-amino acid and a derivative thereof; and the organic salt is formed by a cation derived from the basic functional group of the first amino acid and an anion derived from an anionic group of the second amino acid. (Aspect 2) The processing agent of Aspect 1, wherein the amino acid forming the first amino acid has an aliphatic hydrocarbon group having 4 to 8 carbon atoms. (Aspect 3) The processing agent of Aspect 1 or 2, wherein the amino acid forming the first amino acid is arginine. (Aspect 4) The processing agent of any of Aspects 1 to 3, wherein the fatty acyl group contained in the first amino acid is derived from a saturated or unsaturated fatty acid having 8 to 22 carbon atoms. (Aspect 5) The processing agent of any one of Aspects 1 to 4, wherein the first amino acid comprises an alkyl ester of a fatty acyl amino acid having 1 to 4 carbon atoms and a basic functional group in the side chain. (Aspect 6) The processing agent of any one of Aspects 1 to 5, wherein the anionic group of the second amino acid is a carboxy group bonded to the α-carbon. (Aspect 7) The processing agent of any one of Aspects 1 to 6, wherein the α-amino group of the second amino acid is a secondary amino group. (Aspect 8) The processing agent of any one of Aspects 1 to 7, wherein the second amino acid has a nitrogen-containing heterocycle. (Aspect 9) The processing agent of any one of Aspects 1 to 8, wherein the second amino acid is pyrrolidone carboxylic acid. (Aspect 10) The processing agent of any one of Aspects 1 to 9, wherein the metal compound is a metal salt 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. (Aspect 11) The processing agent of Aspect 10, wherein the metal salt includes at least one of copper sulfate, zinc sulfate, copper acetate, and silver nitrate. (Aspect 12) The mass W of the organic salt is Ｏ and the mass W of the metal salt ＭThe ratio of (W Ｏ / W Ｍ ) is 500 / 1 to 1 / 2. (Aspect 13) The processing agent of any of Aspects 1 to 9, wherein the metal compound is at least one metal oxide selected from the group consisting of silver oxide, zinc oxide, and copper oxide, and the metal oxide is contained in at least one of a phosphate-based glass and an inorganic phosphate-based compound. (Aspect 14) The processing agent of Aspect 13, wherein the metal oxide is contained in an amount of 0.2 to 10 mass% based on 100 mass% of the total of the at least one of the phosphate-based glass and the inorganic phosphate-based compound and the metal oxide. (Aspect 15) The processing agent of Aspect 13 or 14, wherein the phosphate-based glass contains 35 to 65 mol% diphosphorus pentoxide, 5 to 25 mol% diboron trioxide, 5 to 55 mol% oxide of a Group 2 element, and 0 to 20 mol% of at least one selected from the group consisting of sodium oxide, potassium oxide, silicon oxide, and aluminum oxide. (Aspect 16) The mass W of the organic salt Ｏ and a mass W of at least one of the phosphate-based glass containing the metal oxide and the inorganic phosphate-based compound. Ｐ The ratio of (W Ｏ / W Ｐ) is 1 / 10 to 15 / 7. (Aspect 17) A processed article comprising: an article to be treated; and an organic salt of a first amino acid and a second amino acid different from the first amino acids, and a metal compound adhered to the article to be treated, wherein the first amino acids are at least one of a fatty acyl amino acid having a basic functional group in a side chain and a derivative thereof, the second amino acid is at least one of an α-amino acid and a derivative thereof, and the organic salt is formed by a cation derived from the basic functional group of the first amino acid and an anion derived from the anionic group of the second amino acid. (Aspect 18) The processed article of Aspect 17, wherein the article to be treated includes at least one fiber selected from the group consisting of natural fibers, regenerated fibers, semi-synthetic fibers, and synthetic fibers. (Aspect 19) A method for producing a processed article, comprising a step of contacting a processing agent with an article to be processed, wherein the processing agent comprises an organic salt of a first amino acid and a second amino acid different from the first amino acids, a metal compound, and an aqueous solvent, wherein the first amino acids are at least one of a fatty acyl amino acid and a derivative thereof having a basic functional group in a side chain, the second amino acid is at least one of an α-amino acid and a derivative thereof, and the organic salt is formed by a cation derived from the basic functional group of the first amino acid and an anion derived from the anionic group of the second amino acid.

[0150] The finishing agent of the present invention has excellent antiviral, antibacterial and deodorizing properties and is therefore suitable for a variety of uses.

[0151] This application claims priority based on Japanese Patent Application No. 2022-060418, filed on March 31, 2022, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

Claims

1. Organic salts of first amino acids and second amino acids different from the first amino acids, Metal compounds, and, Contains an aqueous solvent, The first amino acids are at least one of fatty acid acyl amino acids having a basic functional group in their side chain and their derivatives. The aforementioned second amino acids are at least one of α-amino acids and their derivatives. The organic salt is a processing agent formed by a cation derived from the basic functional group of the first amino acid and an anion derived from the anionic group of the second amino acid.

2. The processing agent according to claim 1, wherein the amino acid forming the first amino acid group has an aliphatic hydrocarbon group having 4 to 8 carbon atoms.

3. The processing agent according to claim 1, wherein the amino acid forming the first amino acid group is arginine.

4. The processing agent according to claim 1, wherein the fatty acid acyl group contained in the first amino acids is derived from a saturated or unsaturated fatty acid having 8 to 22 carbon atoms.

5. The processing agent according to claim 1, wherein the first amino acids include alkyl esters of fatty acid acyl amino acids having a basic functional group in their side chains, having 1 to 4 carbon atoms.

6. The processing agent according to claim 1, wherein the anionic group of the second amino acid is a carboxyl group bonded to the α-carbon.

7. The processing agent according to claim 1, wherein the α-amino group of the second amino acid is a secondary amino group.

8. The processing agent according to claim 1, wherein the second amino acid has a nitrogen-containing heterocycle.

9. The processing agent according to claim 1, wherein the second amino acid is pyrrolidone carboxylic acid.

10. The aforementioned metal compound, Ions of at least one metal selected from the group consisting of iron, cobalt, nickel, copper, zinc, platinum, silver, and gold, The processing agent according to claim 1, which is a metal salt 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.

11. The processing agent according to claim 10, wherein the metal salt comprises at least one of copper sulfate, zinc sulfate, copper acetate, and silver nitrate.

12. The mass W of the organic salt Ｏ and the mass W of the metal salt Ｍ The ratio (W Ｏ / W Ｍ The processing agent according to claim 10 or 11, wherein the ratio is 500 / 1 to 1 / 2.

13. The aforementioned metal compound is at least one metal oxide selected from the group consisting of silver oxide, zinc oxide, and copper oxide. The processing agent according to claim 1, wherein the metal oxide is contained in at least one of a phosphate-based glass and an inorganic phosphate-based compound.

14. The processing agent according to claim 13, wherein the metal oxide is contained in an amount of 0.2% by mass or more and 10% by mass or less based on 100% by mass of the total of at least one of the phosphate glass and the inorganic phosphate compound and the metal oxide.

15. The aforementioned phosphate glass is Phosphorus pentoxide in an amount of 35-65 mol%, Diboron trioxide in an amount of 5-25 mol%, 5 to 55 mol% of oxides of Group 2 elements, and The processing agent according to claim 13 or 14, comprising 0 to 20 mol% of at least one selected from the group consisting of sodium oxide, potassium oxide, silicon oxide, and aluminum oxide.

16. The mass W of the organic salt Ｏ and the mass W of at least one of the phosphate glass containing the metal oxide and the inorganic phosphate compound. Ｐ The ratio (W Ｏ / W Ｐ The processing agent according to claim 13, wherein the ratio is 1 / 10 to 15 / 7.

17. The item to be processed and The material adhering to the product to be treated comprises an organic salt of a first amino acid and a second amino acid different from the first amino acid, and a metal compound. The first amino acids are at least one of fatty acid acyl amino acids having a basic functional group in their side chain and their derivatives. The aforementioned second amino acids are at least one of α-amino acids and their derivatives. The organic salt is formed by a cation derived from the basic functional group of the first amino acid and an anion derived from the anionic group of the second amino acid in the processed article.

18. The processed article according to claim 17, wherein the processed article includes at least one selected from the group consisting of natural fibers, regenerated fibers, semi-synthetic fibers, and synthetic fibers.

19. The process includes bringing the processing agent into contact with the workpiece, The aforementioned processing agent is Organic salts of first amino acids and second amino acids different from the first amino acids, Metal compounds, and, Contains an aqueous solvent, The first amino acids are at least one of fatty acid acyl amino acids having a basic functional group in their side chain and their derivatives. The aforementioned second amino acids are at least one of α-amino acids and their derivatives. A method for producing a processed article, wherein the organic salt is formed by a cation derived from the basic functional group of the first amino acid and an anion derived from the anionic group of the second amino acid.