Antibacterial / antiviral resin components

Abstract

DEPCT68 A novel antibacterial / antiviral resin compound has been developed. Antibacterial / antiviral properties and containing COP compound particles. Periwinkle valence 1 is the active ingredient, a valuable antibacterial / antiviral resin component. L* is 0 or greater and less than 40 in the L*a*b* color system according to JISZ8781-4;

Description

Antibacterial and antiviral resin composition

[0001] The present invention relates to an antibacterial and antiviral resin composition capable of inactivating attached bacteria and viruses.

[0002] The COVID-19 pandemic has dramatically changed our lifestyles. Masks and disinfectants have become essential in everyday life, and antiviral products, which have previously only been of interest to medical professionals, are now attracting increasing interest from general consumers. Demand for air purifiers and air conditioners to improve indoor environments is particularly high, and there is growing demand for products with antiviral functionality in addition to antibacterial properties.

[0003] In order to solve these problems, molded products such as filters and antiviral films having antibacterial and antiviral properties have been developed (for example, Patent Documents 1, 2, and 3).

[0004] International Publication No. 2011 / 040048 JP 2005-007346 A JP 2021-066874 A

[0005] From the viewpoint of the degree of freedom in product design, it is preferable to have more options for materials having antibacterial and antiviral properties. An object of the present invention is to provide a novel antibacterial and antiviral resin composition.

[0006] As a result of extensive investigations, the present inventors have found that when monovalent copper compound particles are added as an antibacterial and antiviral agent to a resin composition having an L* value of 0 or more and less than 40 in the L*a*b* color system of JIS Z 8781-4, the resin composition exhibits higher antibacterial and antiviral properties than a resin composition that contains monovalent copper compound particles but does not satisfy the above-mentioned L* value range, and have completed the present invention.

[0007] The gist of the present invention is as follows. [1] An antibacterial and antiviral resin composition containing monovalent copper compound particles as an active ingredient, the antibacterial and antiviral resin composition having an L* value of 0 or more and less than 40 in the L*a*b* color system of JIS Z 8781-4. [2] The antibacterial and antiviral resin composition according to [1], which contains a black pigment. [3] The antibacterial and antiviral resin composition according to [1], which is dyed with a black dye. [4] The antibacterial and antiviral resin composition according to any one of [1] to [3], in the form of a fiber, film, or sheet. [5] The antibacterial and antiviral resin composition according to [1], in which the monovalent copper compound particles are chloride, acetate, sulfide, iodide, bromide, peroxide, oxide, thiocyanide, or a mixture thereof. [6] The antibacterial and antiviral resin composition according to [1], in which the monovalent copper compound particles are CuCl, CuOOCCH ３ , CuI, CuBr, Cu ２ O, Cu ２ The antibacterial and antiviral resin composition according to [1], which contains particles of one or more compounds selected from the group consisting of S, and CuSCN. [7] The antibacterial and antiviral resin composition according to [1], which contains particles of CuI as the monovalent copper compound particles. [8] The antibacterial and antiviral resin composition according to [1], which contains one or more compounds selected from the group consisting of carbon black, titanium black, and phthalocyanine.

[0008] According to the present invention, a novel antibacterial and antiviral resin composition can be provided.

[0009] The antibacterial and antiviral resin composition of this embodiment will be described in detail below.

[0010] First, the antibacterial and antiviral resin composition of this embodiment contains a resin and monovalent copper compound particles, and has an L* value of 0 or more and less than 40 in the L*a*b* color system of JIS Z 8781-4.

[0011] In the L*a*b* color system of Japanese Industrial Standard JIS Z 8781-4, the L* value represents the brightness (lightness) of a color, and the a* value and b* value represent chromaticity, which indicates hue and saturation. An antibacterial and antiviral resin composition of this embodiment having an L* value according to JIS Z 8781-4 of 0 or more and less than 40 has, for example, a black appearance.

[0012] In order to achieve an L* value of 0 or more and less than 40 in the L*a*b* color system of JIS Z 8781-4 for the resin composition of this embodiment, the resin composition can be colored using, for example, a dye or pigment. Among these, pigments (organic or inorganic) are preferred from the viewpoint of durability. Alternatively, multiple dyes and pigments may be mixed to achieve an L* value of 0 or more and less than 40 in the L*a*b* color system of JIS Z 8781-4. The L* value in the L*a*b* color system defined in JIS Z 8781-4 can be measured, for example, using a colorimeter. When using a dye or pigment to color the resin composition, the content of the dye or pigment is not particularly limited; for example, it may be adjusted so that the L* value is 0 or more and less than 40 according to the measurement value of the colorimeter. For example, the content of the dye or pigment can be 0.05% by mass to 2.0% by mass, preferably 0.1% by mass to 1.5% by mass, based on 100% by mass of the antibacterial and antiviral resin composition.

[0013] Examples of organic pigments include azo pigments, phthalocyanine pigments, polycyclic pigments (quinacridone, perylene, perinone, isoindolinone, isoindoline, dioxazine, thioindigo, anthraquinone, quinophthalone, metal complex, diketopyrrolopyrrole, etc.), dye lake pigments, and the like.

[0014] Examples of inorganic pigments include metal oxide powders such as barium sulfate, zinc white, lead sulfate, yellow lead, zinc yellow, red iron oxide (red iron (III) oxide), cadmium red, ultramarine, Prussian blue, chromium oxide green, cobalt green, umber, carbon black, bone black, graphite, titanium black, iron black, synthetic iron black, titanium oxide, and iron tetroxide, as well as metal sulfide powders and metal powders.

[0015] Examples of the dye include azo dyes, anthraquinone dyes, phthalocyanine dyes, quinoneimine dyes, quinoline dyes, nitro dyes, carbonyl dyes, and methine dyes.

[0016] Among these, it is preferable to contain one or more selected from the group consisting of carbon black, titanium black, and phthalocyanine, from the viewpoint of improving antiviral and antibacterial properties.

[0017] The resin constituting the resin composition of the present embodiment is not particularly limited and can be appropriately selected. Examples thereof include thermoplastic resins such as polyethylene resin, polypropylene resin, polystyrene resin, ABS resin, AS resin, AES resin, EVA resin, polymethylpentene resin, polyvinyl chloride resin, polyvinylidene chloride resin, polymethyl acrylate resin, polyvinyl acetate resin, polyamide resin, polyimide resin, polycarbonate resin, polyethylene terephthalate resin, polybutylene terephthalate resin, polyacetal resin, polyarylate resin, and polysulfone resin, and thermoplastic elastomers such as silicone resin, styrene-based elastomers such as polystyrene elastomer, olefin-based elastomers such as polyethylene elastomer and polypropylene elastomer, polyurethane-based elastomer, PVC-based elastomer, polyester-based elastomer, and nylon-based elastomer.

[0018] The antibacterial and antiviral resin composition of this embodiment also contains monovalent copper compound particles as an antibacterial and antiviral agent. Monovalent copper compound particles are known to have extremely high antibacterial and antiviral properties. Although the mechanism is unclear, it is believed that when they come into contact with moisture in the air or droplets, monovalent copper ions are eluted, and the eluted monovalent copper ions release electrons upon contact with bacteria or viruses, causing some damage with the generated active species. Specifically, the monovalent copper compound particles are preferably chlorides, acetates (acetic acid compounds), sulfides, iodides, bromides, peroxides, oxides, thiocyanides, or mixtures thereof. Among these, the monovalent copper compound particles are preferably CuCl, CuOOCCH, CuOOCCH, CuCl, CuOOCCH ... ３, CuI, CuBr, Cu ２ O, Cu ２ From the viewpoint of improving antiviral and antibacterial properties, it is more preferable that at least one kind is selected from the group consisting of CuSCN, S, and CuSCN, and it is even more preferable that the particles contain CuI (copper (I) iodide).

[0019] The content of the monovalent copper compound particles in the antibacterial / antiviral resin composition of this embodiment can be appropriately set depending on the desired antibacterial and antiviral performance. For example, it can be 0.5% by mass or more but less than 40% by mass, preferably 1% by mass or more but less than 8% by mass, relative to 100% by mass of the antibacterial / antiviral resin composition. The particle size of the monovalent copper compound particles is not particularly limited and can be appropriately determined by those skilled in the art. However, an average particle size of 1 nm or more but less than 500 nm is preferred. An average particle size of less than 1 nm results in physical instability, while an average particle size of 500 nm or more results in lower antibacterial and antiviral effects compared to particles less than 500 nm. In this specification, the term "average particle size" refers to the volume-average particle size. The volume-average particle size can be measured, for example, using a laser Doppler method (dynamic electrophoretic light scattering). The measuring device is not particularly limited, but a zeta potential / particle size measurement system (manufactured by Otsuka Electronics Co., Ltd.) can be used, for example.

[0020] The antibacterial and antiviral resin composition of this embodiment can reduce the infectivity of or inactivate various viruses, regardless of the type of genome, the presence or absence of an envelope, etc. Examples of such viruses include rhinovirus, poliovirus, foot-and-mouth disease virus, rotavirus, norovirus, enterovirus, hepatovirus, astrovirus, sapovirus, hepatitis E virus, influenza A, B, and C viruses, parainfluenza virus, mumps virus, measles virus, human metapneumovirus, respiratory syncytial virus, Nipah virus, Hendra virus, yellow fever virus, dengue virus, Japanese encephalitis virus, West Nile virus, hepatitis B and C viruses, eastern and western equine encephalitis virus, O'nyong-nyong virus, rubella virus, Lassa virus, Junin virus, Machupo virus, and Guanarito virus. Examples of viruses include Sabia virus, Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever virus, sandfly fever, hantavirus, Sin Nombre virus, rabies virus, Ebola virus, Marburg virus, bat lyssavirus, human T-cell leukemia virus, human immunodeficiency virus, human coronavirus, SARS coronavirus, human porvovirus, polyomavirus, human papillomavirus, adenovirus, herpes virus, varicella-zoster virus, Epstein-Barr virus, cytomegalovirus, smallpox virus, monkeypox virus, cowpox virus, molluscipox virus, parapox virus, Zika virus, and the new coronavirus (COVID-19).

[0021] Furthermore, the antibacterial and antiviral resin composition of this embodiment is not particularly limited in terms of the bacteria that can be inactivated, and can kill a variety of bacteria, etc., regardless of their properties, such as gram-positive or gram-negative, aerobic or anaerobic, etc. Specific examples of bacteria include Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus epidermidis, streptococci, Streptococcus pneumoniae, Haemophilus influenzae, Bordetella pertussis, Salmonella enteritidis, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Vibrio, Salmonella enterica, Shigella, Bacillus anthrax, Mycobacterium tuberculosis, Clostridium botulinum, Clostridium tetani, and streptococci.

[0022] The resin composition of this embodiment may contain components other than the monovalent copper compound particles. Examples of such components include plasticizers, desiccants, curing agents, anti-skinning agents, flattening agents, anti-sagging agents, mildew inhibitors, ultraviolet absorbers, heat absorbers, lubricants, surfactants, thickeners, viscosity modifiers, stabilizers, dryness modifiers, pigments, dispersants, anti-mold compositions, anti-allergen compositions, catalysts, anti-reflective materials, and materials with heat-shielding properties. Two or more types of other components may be included. The manner in which the other components are included is not particularly limited. The other components may be dispersed within the resin composition, or a portion of the other components dispersed within the resin composition may be exposed from the surface of the resin composition, or may be adhered to the surface of the resin composition. The antibacterial and antiviral resin composition of this embodiment may be formed into, for example, a film, a sheet, a molded product, or a fiber or fiber structure. The fibers may be short or long fibers, and may be monofilaments or multifilaments. Examples of fiber structures include fabrics, woven and knitted fabrics, nonwoven fabrics, and mixed paper.

[0023] Next, an example of a method for producing the antibacterial and antiviral resin composition of this embodiment will be described in detail. Note that the following description will be given taking as an example a case where the antibacterial and antiviral resin composition of this embodiment is made into fibers.

[0024] First, masterbatch pellets are prepared by mixing (dispersing) monovalent copper compound particles, which are antibacterial and antiviral agents. The masterbatch pellets are produced, for example, as follows.

[0025] The pulverized monovalent copper compound particles are mixed with a known dispersant, and the surface of the monovalent copper compound particles is coated with the dispersant. The monovalent copper compound particles are then mixed with resin pellets, and the monovalent copper compound particles are dispersed inside the resin pellets using a kneading extruder. Alternatively, the pulverized monovalent copper compound particles and the dispersant are mixed with resin pellets, and the kneading extruder is used to attract the dispersant around the monovalent copper compound particles during kneading. As a result, the monovalent copper compound particles are coated with the dispersant and the monovalent copper compound particles are dispersed inside the resin pellets. After cooling the kneaded mixture, the resin containing the monovalent copper compound particles is finely cut using a pelletizer to obtain masterbatch pellets containing the monovalent copper compound particles mixed (dispersed). The proportion (concentration) of the monovalent copper compound particles during the production of masterbatch pellets can be appropriately set by those skilled in the art.

[0026] The obtained masterbatch pellets are melt-kneaded with the dyes, pigments, and resins described above, and other components as necessary, using a molding machine to produce a spinning material. The obtained spinning material is then subjected to a melt spinning process to obtain the fiber according to this embodiment. The melt spinning method is not limited to a specific method, and any known method can be used. The spinning temperature can be appropriately selected from a temperature range suitable for the fiber material, as long as it allows the resin to be discharged from the spinneret at a suitably low viscosity, does not cause resin degradation or thermal decomposition, does not significantly destabilize the spinning process, and allows high-strength fibers to be obtained by subsequent drawing.

[0027] In the melt spinning process, the spinning material is discharged from a spinneret, and the discharged fibrous spinning material is cooled and solidified to form fibers. Specifically, the discharged spinning material is cooled to below the solidification temperature in a medium such as air, water, or glycerin to solidify. In the case of water-cooling, the material is heated to about 60°C and slowly cooled, allowing the fiber to pass through the water tank without shaking when introduced into the water tank, resulting in excellent stability during cooling. In the case of air-cooling, the air temperature and wind speed can be set as desired, but it is desirable to use a low wind speed and not too low a temperature to suppress molecular orientation. If the degree of molecular orientation is high at the time of cooling, the fiber may be difficult to draw when a heating and drawing process is performed in the subsequent process, making it difficult to obtain antibacterial and antiviral effects.

[0028] The solidified fiber is then wound up. The winding speed can be set to any speed. However, if the winding speed is slower than the free fall speed of the molten undrawn yarn, a uniform undrawn yarn cannot be obtained, which may result in a decrease in drawability. If a heating and drawing step is to be performed in the next step, the solidified yarn may be directly subjected to the heating and drawing step without being wound up.

[0029] Next, the heating and drawing step will be described. In the heating and drawing step, the fiber (undrawn yarn) taken up in the spinning step is heated and drawn. The heating and drawing step may include a plurality of drawing steps. When the heating and drawing step includes a plurality of drawing steps, the product of the draw ratios in each drawing step is the total draw ratio. When the heating and drawing step consists of a single drawing step, the draw ratio in this single drawing step is the total draw ratio.

[0030] Fibers, which are an example of the antibacterial and antiviral resin composition of this embodiment, exhibit even better antibacterial and antiviral properties by heat drawing, and can efficiently inactivate bacteria and viruses attached to the fiber surface, etc. In particular, when the fiber is a monofilament, heat drawing can further enhance the antibacterial and antiviral effect. The mechanism by which heat drawing significantly improves the antibacterial and antiviral effect is not entirely clear at present, but the following reasons are thought to be the reason. When cooling of molten fibers begins in the spinning process, the surface layer of the fiber is directly cooled and solidified, and the antibacterial and antiviral agent present in the inner portion of the fiber (inner layer) relative to the surface layer is structured to be less likely to come into contact with moisture outside the fiber. Meanwhile, because the inner layer is cooled and solidified via the surface layer, the cooling speed of the inner layer is slower than that of the surface layer. Therefore, the fiber structure of the surface layer is thought to be different from that of the inner layer. When heat drawing is performed in this state, the drawing is performed under heating conditions above the glass transition point, resulting in a fiber structure in the surface layer that facilitates contact between the antibacterial and antiviral agent and moisture outside the fiber. Furthermore, the fiber structure of the surface layer becomes closer to that of the inner layer due to the heat stretching, which is thought to have some effect on the surface charge and DNA of bacteria and viruses, causing them to be inactivated.

[0031] The drawing method is not particularly limited, and known drawing methods can be appropriately employed, such as hot roll drawing, hot plate drawing, tubular drawing, stretch-blow method, laser drawing, etc. When hot roll drawing is performed under heating, the undrawn yarn can be drawn at a high draw ratio by changing the rotation speed of hot rolls combined in multiple stages.

[0032] The draw ratio is appropriately selected depending on the fineness of the material to be drawn, but is usually set so that the total draw ratio is 3.0 to 7.0 times, preferably 4.0 to 6.0 times. By setting the draw ratio to 3.0 to 7.0 times, the molecules are more oriented, resulting in a fiber with higher strength. When the draw ratio is less than 3.0 times, the antibacterial and antiviral effects are lower than when the draw ratio is 3.0 times or more, and the strength of the resulting fiber is reduced. On the other hand, when the draw ratio is more than 7.0 times, the drawing tension becomes extremely high, which may result in frequent yarn breakage and reduced spinnability.

[0033] The fiber, which is an example of the antibacterial and antiviral resin composition according to this embodiment, may have a core-sheath structure. In this case, for example, the core may be formed from a normal resin (a resin that does not contain monovalent copper compound particles) and the sheath may be formed from a resin that contains monovalent copper compound particles and has an L* value of 0 or more and less than 40 in the L*a*b* color system of JIS Z 8781-4. This has the advantage of not only improving the strength of the fiber but also reducing the content of the monovalent copper compound particles. The resin of the core and the resin of the sheath may be the same or different resins.

[0034] The cross-sectional shape of the core-sheath fiber perpendicular to the longitudinal direction is not particularly limited, but it is preferable that the cross-sectional shape is circular, and it is preferable that the core and sheath are also formed concentrically. In the cross-section perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the fiber, the ratio of the area of ​​the core to the area of ​​the sheath is not particularly limited and can be set appropriately by the user.

[0035] The fibers, which are an example of the antibacterial and antiviral resin composition of this embodiment, can be used as woven fabrics, knitted fabrics, nonwoven fabrics, papers such as mixed paper, and the like. The fibers can be used in a variety of products, including sheet-like products such as clothing, bedding, bedding materials, masks, handkerchiefs, towels, carpets, curtains, exterior wall materials, building materials, and interior materials, as well as filters for air purifiers, air conditioners, ventilation fans, electric vacuum cleaners, electric fans, air conditioners, and vehicles, fishing nets such as fish pens and fixed nets, filters for water treatment, filters for drinking water, filters for ballast water treatment, protective clothing, protective nets, insect screens, and nets for chicken coops. Therefore, the fibers, which are an example of the antibacterial and antiviral resin composition of this embodiment, are useful materials that can provide a variety of excellent products in a variety of fields.

[0036] Next, the present invention will be described in more detail with reference to examples, although the present invention is not limited to these examples.

[0037] Example 1 Copper iodide (I) was used as the monovalent copper compound particles. 5 wt% polyethylene masterbatch pellets (Cufitec (registered trademark) MB-PE manufactured by NBC Meshtec) containing copper iodide (I) as the active ingredient (particle diameter: 350 nm), 5 wt% polypropylene masterbatch pellets containing a carbon black-based black pigment, and 90 wt% polypropylene resin were melted and mixed. The resulting mixture was melted using a melt extruder provided in a melt spinning apparatus, extruded from a spinneret provided in the melt spinning apparatus, and withdrawn at a predetermined speed while cooled in a water tank to obtain an antibacterial and antiviral fiber, which is a resin composition. The fiber diameter of the resulting antibacterial and antiviral fiber was 150 μm. The black pigment accounted for 1.0 wt% of the resulting antibacterial and antiviral fiber (100 wt%). Furthermore, the copper iodide (I) accounted for 2.0 wt% of the resulting antibacterial and antiviral fiber (100 wt%). The L* value of the obtained antibacterial and antiviral fiber was measured using a color difference meter (Konica Minolta, Color Measuring Instrument CR-10 (type difference meter), the same applies hereinafter) in the L*a*b* color system specified in JIS Z 8781-4, and was found to be L*=16.5.

[0038] Example 2 An antibacterial and antiviral fiber was produced in the same manner as in Example 1, except that the polypropylene masterbatch containing a carbon black-based black pigment was replaced with 1.5 wt% of a polypropylene masterbatch containing a titanium black-based black pigment and 93.5 wt% of polypropylene resin. The fiber diameter of the obtained antibacterial and antiviral fiber was 150 μm, and the L* value in the L*a*b* color system specified in JIS Z 8781-4 was measured and found to be L*=1.8. The black pigment accounted for 0.3 wt% of the obtained antibacterial and antiviral fiber (100 wt%). Furthermore, copper (I) iodide accounted for 2.0 wt% of the obtained antibacterial and antiviral fiber (100 wt%).

[0039] Example 3 An antibacterial and antiviral fiber was produced in the same manner as in Example 1, except that the polypropylene masterbatch containing a carbon black-based black pigment was replaced with 1.0 wt % of a polypropylene masterbatch containing a phthalocyanine-based black pigment and 94 wt % of polypropylene resin. The fiber diameter of the obtained antibacterial and antiviral fiber was 150 μm, and the L* value in the L*a*b* color system specified in JIS Z 8781-4 was measured and found to be L*=35. The black pigment accounted for 0.2 wt % of the obtained antibacterial and antiviral fiber (100 wt %). Furthermore, copper (I) iodide accounted for 2.0 wt % of the obtained antibacterial and antiviral fiber (100 wt %).

[0040] Example 4 Copper iodide (I) was used as the monovalent copper compound particles. 5 wt% polyethylene masterbatch pellets (Cufitec (registered trademark) MB-PE manufactured by NBC Meshtec) containing copper iodide (particle diameter: 350 nm) as the active ingredient, 5 wt% polypropylene masterbatch pellets containing a carbon black-based black pigment, and 90 wt% polyethylene resin were melted and mixed. The resulting mixture was formed into a film using a twin-screw extruder (Labo Plastomill (registered trademark) manufactured by Toyo Seiki Seisakusho), to obtain an antibacterial and antiviral film, which is the resin composition of Example 4. The resulting film had a thickness of 120 μm, and the copper iodide content was 2.0 wt% in 100 wt% of the antibacterial and antiviral film. The L* value in the L*a*b* color system specified in JIS Z 8781-4 was measured, and found to be L* = 35.6. The black pigment accounted for 1.0 mass% of the obtained antibacterial and antiviral film (100 mass%), and copper (I) iodide accounted for 2.0 mass% of the obtained antibacterial and antiviral film (100 mass%).

[0041] Comparative Example 1 An antibacterial and antiviral fiber of Comparative Example 1 was obtained by spinning in the same manner as in Example 1, except that no carbon black-based black pigment was added. The fiber diameter of the obtained antibacterial and antiviral fiber was 150 μm. The L* value of the obtained antibacterial and antiviral fiber was measured using a color difference meter in the L*a*b* color system specified in JIS Z 8781-4, and was found to be L*=85.2. Furthermore, the content of copper (I) iodide was 2.0 mass% in 100 mass% of the obtained antibacterial and antiviral fiber.

[0042] Comparative Example 2 An antibacterial and antiviral fiber of Comparative Example 2 was obtained by spinning in the same manner as in Example 2, except that the titanium black-based black pigment was not added. The fiber diameter of the obtained antibacterial and antiviral fiber was 150 μm. The L* value of the obtained antibacterial and antiviral fiber was measured using a color difference meter in the L*a*b* color system specified in JIS Z 8781-4, and was found to be L*=57.3. Furthermore, the content of copper (I) iodide was 2.0% by mass in 100% by mass of the obtained antibacterial and antiviral fiber.

[0043] Comparative Example 3 An antibacterial and antiviral fiber of Comparative Example 3 was obtained by spinning in the same manner as in Example 3, except that the phthalocyanine black pigment was not added. The fiber diameter of the obtained antibacterial and antiviral fiber was 150 μm. The L* value of the obtained antibacterial and antiviral fiber was measured using a color difference meter in the L*a*b* color system specified in JIS Z 8781-4, and was found to be L*=63.1. Furthermore, the content of copper (I) iodide was 2.0 mass% in 100 mass% of the obtained antibacterial and antiviral fiber.

[0044] (Comparative Example 4) An antibacterial and antiviral film of Comparative Example 4 was obtained by forming a film in the same manner as in Example 4, except that no carbon black-based black pigment was added. The thickness of the obtained antibacterial and antiviral film was 120 μm, and when the L* value in the L*a*b* color system specified in JIS Z 8781-4 was measured using a color difference meter, it was found to be L*=61.7. Furthermore, the content of copper (I) iodide was 2.0% by mass in 100% by mass of the obtained antibacterial and antiviral film.

[0045] (Comparative Example 5) Spinning was performed in the same manner as in Example 1, except that masterbatch pellets containing copper (I) iodide (particle diameter: 350 nm) as an active ingredient were not added, and the amount of polyethylene resin was 95 wt%, to obtain the fiber of Comparative Example 4. The fiber diameter of the obtained fiber was 150 μm. The L* value of the obtained antibacterial and antiviral fiber in the L*a*b* color system specified in JIS Z 8781-4 was measured using a color difference meter, and was found to be L* = 7.6. The black pigment accounted for 1.0 mass% of 100 mass% of the obtained fiber.

[0046] <Measurement of Antiviral Activity> In Examples 1 to 4 and Comparative Examples 1 to 5, the antiviral activity was measured using influenza virus in accordance with JIS L 1922 "Plaque Measurement Method." The results are shown in Table 1. The standard cloth used as a control was a test cloth (Kanakin No. 3) made of cotton and conforming to JIS L 0803.

[0047]

[0048] As can be seen from Table 1, excellent antiviral performance was exhibited in all Examples which contained monovalent copper compound particles as an antiviral agent and had an L* value of 0 or more and less than 40. In contrast, Comparative Examples 1 to 4, which contained monovalent copper compound particles as an antiviral agent but had an L* value of more than 40, resulted in lower antiviral properties than Examples 1 to 4. Furthermore, although the L* value was 0 or more and less than 40, no antiviral effect was observed in Comparative Example 5, which did not contain monovalent copper compound particles as an antiviral agent.

[0049] <Measurement of Antibacterial Activity> The antibacterial activity in Examples 1 to 4 and Comparative Examples 1 to 5 was measured using Staphylococcus aureus in accordance with JIS L 1902. The results are shown in Table 2.

[0050]

[0051] As can be seen from Table 2, Examples 1 to 4, which contained monovalent copper compound particles as an antibacterial agent and had an L* value of 0 or more and less than 40, showed excellent antibacterial properties of below the detection limit or 3 Log CFU or less after 18 hours. In contrast, Comparative Examples 1 to 4, which contained monovalent copper compound particles as an antibacterial agent but had an L* value of more than 40, showed lower antibacterial properties than all Examples. Furthermore, in Comparative Example 5, which did not contain monovalent copper compound particles as an antibacterial agent despite having an L* value of 0 or more and less than 40, bacteria proliferated.

Claims

DEPCT681. Antibacterial / antiviral resin compositions possessing antibacterial / antiviral properties and incorporating particles of a copper valence compound as the active ingredient; antibacterial / antiviral resin compositions with an L* value of 0 or greater and less than 40 in the L*a*b* color system according to JISZ8781-42. Antibacterial / antiviral resin compositions according to claim 1, incorporating black pigments; 3. Antibacterial / antiviral resin compositions according to claim 1, which are stained with black dyes; 4. Antibacterial / antiviral resin compositions according to claims 1 to 3, which are in the form of fibers, films, or sheets; 5. Antibacterial / antiviral resin compositions according to claim 1, in which particles of a copper valence compound are chloride, acetate, sulfide, iodide, bromide, peroxide, oxide, thiocyanate, or mixtures of particles of such copper valence compounds; 6.The antibacterial / antiviral resin composition under claim 1 shall consist of, a particle of a valence copper compound, or one or more particles of a compound selected from a group consisting of CuCl, CuOOCCH3, CuI, CuBr, Cu2O, Cu2S, and CuSCN7. The antibacterial / antiviral resin composition under claim 1 shall consist of CuI particles as particle of a valence copper compound8. The antibacterial / antiviral resin composition under claim 1 shall consist of, one or more particles of a compound selected from a group consisting of carbon black, titanium black, and phthalocyanine.