Functional feather, method for producing same, and feather processing agent

Abstract

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

Description

Functional feathers, their manufacturing method, and feather processing agent

[0001] The present invention relates to functional feathers, a method for producing the same, and a feather processing agent.

[0002] Due to the recent increase in awareness of hygiene, various items around us have been treated with antibacterial, deodorizing or insect repellent properties. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a method for attaching an antibacterial deodorizing agent and an anti-mite agent to feathers.

[0003] Patent No. 2802882

[0004] In Patent Document 1, a binder is used to adhere the chemical solution to the feathers, but the binder deteriorates the texture of the feathers.

[0005] The object of the present invention is to provide feathers which are endowed with antibacterial, deodorizing and insect-repellent properties without impairing the bulkiness required of feathers. Another object of the present invention is to provide a method for producing the feathers and a processing agent therefor.

[0006] The present disclosure relates to functional feathers comprising: feathers; and, adhered to the feathers, a metal salt, a quaternary ammonium salt, and an insect repellent component, wherein the metal salt is formed from an ion of at least one metal selected from the group consisting of iron, cobalt, nickel, copper, zinc, platinum, silver, and gold, and at least one anion selected from the group consisting of chloride ions, bromide ions, fluoride ions, iodide ions, sulfate ions, hydroxide ions, nitrate ions, and acetate ions; the feathers are either free from binder resin or have binder resin attached in an amount of 1 mass% or less of the feathers; and the dust mite repellency measured in accordance with JIS L 1920:2007 8.2 Glass Tube Method B is 50% or more.

[0007] The present disclosure also provides a method for producing feathers, the method comprising: washing feathers in a treatment tank; introducing a feather processing agent containing a metal salt, a quaternary ammonium salt and an insect repellent component into the treatment tank containing the washed feathers, to impregnate the feathers with the feather processing agent; and drying the feathers impregnated with the feather processing agent, wherein the metal salt is formed from at least one metal ion selected from the group consisting of iron, cobalt, nickel, copper, zinc, platinum, silver and gold, and at least one anion selected from the group consisting of chloride ions, bromide ions, fluoride ions, iodide ions, sulfate ions, hydroxide ions, nitrate ions and acetate ions, The method for producing functional feathers is characterized in that the mass of the metal salt is 0.1% by mass or more and 5% by mass or less, the mass of the quaternary ammonium salt is 0.04% by mass or more and 10% by mass or less, and the mass of the insect repellent component is 0.01% by mass or more and 0.5% by mass or less, relative to the dry mass of the feathers contained in the treatment tank, and the feather processing agent does not contain a binder resin or contains a binder resin in an amount of 5% by mass or less of the feather processing agent.

[0008] The present disclosure further provides a feather processing agent, comprising a first agent A containing a metal salt, a quaternary ammonium salt, and an insect repellent component, wherein in the first agent A, the metal salt is formed from ions of at least one metal selected from the group consisting of iron, cobalt, nickel, copper, zinc, platinum, silver, and gold, and at least one anion selected from the group consisting of chloride ions, bromide ions, fluoride ions, iodide ions, sulfate ions, hydroxide ions, nitrate ions, and acetate ions, and the mass W1A of the quaternary ammonium salt is Ａ is the mass W1A of the metal salt Ｍ and the feather processing agent does not contain a binder resin or contains a binder resin in an amount of 5% by mass or less of the feather processing agent.

[0009] The present disclosure further provides a feather processing agent comprising: a first agent B containing a metal salt and an insect repellent component; and a second agent B containing a quaternary ammonium salt, wherein in the first agent B, the metal salt is formed from an ion of at least one metal selected from the group consisting of iron, cobalt, nickel, copper, zinc, platinum, silver, and gold, and at least one anion selected from the group consisting of chloride ions, bromide ions, fluoride ions, iodide ions, sulfate ions, hydroxide ions, nitrate ions, and acetate ions, and the first agent B does not contain a quaternary ammonium salt or does not contain a quaternary ammonium salt in a mass W1B Ａ is the mass W1B of the first metal salt Ｍ and the feather processing agent does not contain a binder resin or contains a binder resin in an amount of 5% by mass or less of the feather processing agent.

[0010] The present disclosure further relates to a feather processing agent comprising: a first C agent containing a metal salt but not containing a quaternary ammonium salt or an insect repellent component; a second C agent containing an insect repellent component but not containing a metal salt or a quaternary ammonium salt; and a third C agent containing a quaternary ammonium ion but not containing a metal salt or an insect repellent component, wherein the metal salt is formed from an ion of at least one metal selected from the group consisting of iron, cobalt, nickel, copper, zinc, platinum, silver and gold, and at least one anion selected from the group consisting of chloride ions, bromide ions, fluoride ions, iodide ions, sulfate ions, hydroxide ions, nitrate ions and acetate ions, and the feather processing agent does not contain a binder resin or contains a binder resin in a content of 5% by mass or less of the feather processing agent.

[0011] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide feathers which are endowed with antibacterial, deodorizing and insect-repellent properties without impairing the bulkiness required of feathers. Another object of the present invention is to provide a method for producing the feathers and a processing agent therefor.

[0012] Hereinafter, functional feathers and a manufacturing method thereof, as well as a feather processing agent, which are one aspect of the present disclosure, will be described in detail with reference to embodiments.

[0013] First Embodiment [Functional Feathers] The functional feathers according to this embodiment comprise feathers and, adhered to the feathers, a metal salt, a quaternary ammonium salt, and an insect repellent component. The feathers are either free of binder resin or have binder resin adhered to them in an amount of 1% by mass or less of the feather mass. The functional feathers have a mite repellency of 50% or more as measured in accordance with JIS L 1920:2007 8.2 Glass Tube Method B (test mite: Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus). The functional feathers with a mite repellency of 50% or more have excellent insect repellency.

[0014] The mite repellency rate is the initial value before heat treatment and washing. For the performance described below, the initial value is shown unless otherwise specified. The mite repellency rate may be 60% or more, 70% or more, 80% or more, 90% or more, or 98% or more.

[0015] The insect repellent properties are maintained even after washing. After three washes (W3), the mite repellency may be 50% or more, 60% or more, 70% or more, 80% or more, 90% or more, or 98% or more. Washing is performed in accordance with JIS L 1930:2019, Home Laundry Test Method for Textile Products, C4M Method. Three washes means washing three times according to the above method.

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

[0017] Hereinafter, the metal salt, quaternary ammonium salt, and insect repellent component will be collectively referred to as "functional component." Performances including at least antibacterial, deodorizing, and insect repellent properties will be collectively referred to as "functionality." Functional feathers may further have deodorizing properties. "Functionality" may include deodorizing properties in addition to antibacterial, deodorizing, and insect repellent properties.

[0018] Feathers, which are composed of proteins, have many functional groups (amino groups, carboxyl groups, etc.) derived from amino acids. These functional groups can bond ionically with functional components. Therefore, functional components can be attached to the feathers (hereinafter sometimes referred to as "untreated feathers") that are the target of functionalization processing without the use of binder resins. As a result, antibacterial, deodorizing, and insect repellent properties can be maintained for a long period of time without the use of binder resins. These functions are also maintained after washing.

[0019] The antibacterial and deodorizing properties are further enhanced by using metal salts in combination with quaternary ammonium salts. Metal ions exhibit strong cationic properties and have a small ionic radius, so they act strongly on bacterial membranes. This changes the potential of the membrane surface, increasing cationicity and causing electrical repulsion. This is thought to increase the spacing between the proteins that make up the membrane, exposing the nucleus and making the bacteria more susceptible to destruction.

[0020] Since the binder resin is not attached to the feathers or only in small amounts, the flexible and thin fibers (feather barbs) that make up the feathers are less likely to bind together. Therefore, functional feathers retain the texture that feathers originally have and exhibit high loft (down power).

[0021] (Down power) Down power can be evaluated in accordance with JIS L 1903:2017 8.3 Bulkiness 8.3.2 Volume measurement method. ３ / g) is the down power (cm ３ When the down power of the functional feathers is 90% or more (90%≦100×down power of the functional feathers / down power of the untreated feathers) of the down power of the untreated feathers (g), it can be evaluated that the bulkiness is maintained. 100×down power of the functional feathers / down power of the untreated feathers can be 93% or more, 100% or more, or 102% or more.

[0022] The down power of functional feathers is 200cm ３ / g or more, and ３ / g or more.

[0023] The main cause of feather odor is oils and fats remaining in feathers. Most of the oils and fats are removed by washing. Usually, a small amount of oils and fats (about 0 to 1% by mass) is left in feathers to improve the bulkiness and feel of the feathers. However, oxidation of the remaining oils and fats produces carbonyl compounds such as aldehydes or ketones, or lower fatty acids. These components are thought to be the main cause of feather odor.

[0024] Metal salts can act as catalysts to activate oxygen present in the air. It is believed that the active oxygen reacts with the above-mentioned causative components to reduce feather odor. Quaternary ammonium salts react with the above-mentioned causative components (e.g., dehydration condensation reaction) to convert the components into other substances. As a result, it is believed that feather odor is reduced. Unlike metal salts, quaternary ammonium salts can act directly on the causative components, and therefore are believed to be more effective in reducing feather odor.

[0025] (Feather odor) The feather odor can be evaluated by a sensory test. The test method is as follows. 20 g of untreated feathers are placed in a nonwoven bag, and then the nonwoven bag is placed in an airtight synthetic resin (e.g., nylon) bag and heated in a thermostat at 50°C for 1 hour. Thereafter, the gas in the synthetic resin bag is smelled. The odor intensity of the untreated feathers is evaluated on the following 6-point scale, and the unpleasantness of the odor is evaluated on the following 9-point scale. The same sensory test and evaluation are also performed on functional feathers.

[0026] The evaluation of feather odor may be carried out by one or more odor judges. The odor intensity is evaluated using the following six-point scale in increments of 0.5. For example, an evaluation between a barely detectable odor (index 1) and a weak odor that is recognizable (index 2) would be given an index of 1.5. The unpleasantness of the odor is evaluated using the following nine-point scale in increments of 0.5. For example, an evaluation between a slightly pleasant odor (index +1) and a pleasant odor (index +2) would be given an index of 1.5.

[0027] When the value of (index of untreated feathers - index of functional feathers) for at least one of odor intensity and unpleasantness is 1.0 or more, it can be said that the feather odor is reduced.

[0028] Odor intensity (6-point scale) Index 0: No odor Index 1: Barely detectable odor (detection threshold concentration) Index 2: Weak odor that can be identified (recognition threshold concentration) Index 3: Easily detectable odor Index 4: Strong odor Index 5: Overpowering odor

[0029] ・Discomfort level (9 levels) Index -4: Extremely uncomfortable Index -3: Very uncomfortable Index -2: Uncomfortable Index -1: Slightly uncomfortable Index 0: Neither comfortable nor uncomfortable Index +1: Slightly comfortable Index +2: Comfortable Index +3: Very comfortable Index +4: Extremely comfortable

[0030] The feather odor may be evaluated by a plurality of panelists (typically five or more). From the evaluation results by each panelist, the odor intensity and unpleasantness level (index of untreated feathers - index of functional feathers) are calculated, and the average values ​​thereof are calculated. The obtained average values ​​are the evaluation results of the feather odor.

[0031] (Antibacterial and deodorizing properties) Antibacterial and deodorizing properties can be tested by applying the bacterial liquid absorption method of JIS L 1902:2015 "Test methods for antibacterial properties and antibacterial effects of textile products." The test uses Staphylococcus aureus (NBRC 12732 or ATCC 6538P), a type of gram-positive bacterium.

[0032] Antibacterial and deodorizing properties are evaluated by the antibacterial activity value shown by the following formula. When the antibacterial activity value is 2.0 or more, it can be said that the feather has antibacterial and deodorizing properties. When the antibacterial activity value is 2.2 or more, it can be said that the feather has excellent antibacterial and deodorizing properties. Functional feathers with excellent antibacterial and deodorizing properties can also be expected to have antibacterial properties.

[0033] 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

[0034] (Durability) The excellent functionality described above is unlikely to deteriorate. The deterioration of functionality occurs, for example, when functional components fall off from the treated article. Hereinafter, the ability to suppress the deterioration of functionality will be referred to as durability.

[0035] Durability can be evaluated by performing each of the above tests using a sample after washing three times in accordance with JIS L 1930:2019 Home Laundry Test Method for Textile Products C4M method.

[0036] (Deodorizing property) The functional feathers may further have deodorizing property. The deodorizing property can be evaluated by a method conforming 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, 2023).

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

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

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

[0040] (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.

[0041] Separately, 1 g of sample is placed in a 5 L Tedlar bag. Next, 3 L of odor component gas is injected into the Tedlar bag using a syringe 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.

[0042] (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.

[0043] 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.

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

[0045] (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.

[0046] The functional feathers have deodorizing properties when they satisfy all of the following reduction rates of ammonia concentration of 80% or more, acetic acid concentration of 70% or more, and isovaleric acid concentration of 95% or more, as measured by the detector tube method or gas chromatography method. The functional feathers have a deodorizing effect particularly on odors containing a large amount of ammonia, acetic acid, and isovaleric acid (for example, sweat odor).

[0047] The functional feathers are used, for example, as stuffing for bedding such as futons, pillows and sleeping bags, and as stuffing for clothing such as down coats and down jackets.

[0048] Conventionally, functional ingredients are applied to the outer fabric that covers the padding. Functional ingredients applied to the fabric are easily removed by contact between the fabric and a person or object. Furthermore, sweat and sebum generated by the human body penetrate the fabric into the padding. Therefore, applying functional ingredients to the fabric alone is not sufficient to suppress the proliferation of bacteria and mites.

[0049] The functional feathers according to this embodiment have high bulkiness and functionality, and are therefore suitable for use as various stuffing materials. High bulkiness also means high heat retention, which is required of feathers. In addition, the odor of the functional feathers themselves tends to be reduced compared to untreated feathers. In this respect, the functional feathers according to this embodiment are also suitable for use as stuffing materials for bedding and clothing.

[0050] (Untreated feathers) Untreated feathers are collected from, for example, ducks, geese, wild ducks, mallards, Rouen ducks, Chinese ducks, Peking ducks, geese (Bilgrim's goose, Emden goose, etc.), and graylag geese. The feathers may be, for example, feathers (large feathers, feathers with wing shafts), down (chest hair, fluff), or small feathers (small feathers). These may be used alone or in combination of two or more types. Untreated feathers are subjected to pre-treatment and washing as described below.

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

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

[0053] In terms of production costs and the like, the anion may be at least one selected from the group consisting of polyatomic ions, namely, sulfate ion, hydroxide ion, nitrate ion, and acetate ion, or may be at least one selected from the group consisting of sulfate ion, nitrate ion, and acetate ion.

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

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

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

[0057] The above-mentioned adhesion amount is the initial value before washing. The same applies to the adhesion amount described below.

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

[0059] (Quaternary ammonium salt) A quaternary ammonium ion is a monovalent cation in which four carbon bonds are directly bonded to a nitrogen atom, and is known to have antibacterial and deodorizing properties. A quaternary ammonium salt is a salt of a quaternary ammonium ion and its counter ion (anion).

[0060] It is said that the strength of the antibacterial and deodorizing properties and the antibacterial spectrum vary depending on the group bonded to the nitrogen atom. In addition, the antibacterial spectrum also varies depending on the type of counter ion of the quaternary ammonium ion. In order to broaden the antibacterial spectrum, it is preferable to use at least two types of quaternary ammonium salts.

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

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

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

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

[0065] To facilitate a broader antibacterial spectrum, the ratio A1 / A2 of the mass of ammonium chloride A1 to the mass of ammonium phosphate A2 may be 1 / 20 (=0.05) to 20 / 1 (=20). The ratio A1 / A2 may be 1 / 15 to 15 / 1, 1 / 10 to 10 / 1, or 1 / 10 to 1 / 1. Furthermore, considering the stability of the feather processing agent (hereinafter sometimes simply referred to as the "processing agent") described below, the ratio A1 / A2 may be 1 / 20 to 1 / 1.2, 1 / 15 to 1 / 1.6, or 1 / 10 to 1 / 2. When the ratio A1 / A2 is within the above range, the buffering action of the phosphate ions prevents the pH of the processing agent from fluctuating, improving the stability of the processing agent. Higher stability of the processing agent allows ammonium cations to more easily adsorb to bacterial proteins. As a result, the antibacterial and deodorizing properties are more easily exhibited.

[0066] The ratio: A1 / A2 is the ratio of the mass of ammonium chloride to the mass of ammonium phosphate attached to the functional feathers. The ratio: A1 / A2 can be the ratio of the mass of ammonium chloride to the mass of ammonium phosphate in the processing agent.

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

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

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

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

[0071] R2 and R4 are each independently a hydrocarbon group having 6 to 20 carbon atoms, which may have an aromatic ring and / or a substituent. Specific examples of R2 and R4 include, independently, a linear alkyl group having 6 to 20 carbon atoms, a branched alkyl group having 6 to 20 carbon atoms, a hydrocarbon group having 6 to 20 carbon atoms and one or more double bonds between carbon atoms, a phenyl group, and a benzyl group. Substituents on R2 and R4 include a hydroxy group and a carbonyl group. From the viewpoint of antibacterial and deodorizing properties, R2 may be a hydrocarbon group having 6 to 20 carbon atoms and one or more aromatic rings, or may be a benzyl group. From the same viewpoint, R4 may be an alkyl group having 8 to 18 carbon atoms, a linear alkyl group having 8 to 18 carbon atoms, or a linear alkyl group having 12 to 16 carbon atoms.

[0072] In the first quaternary ammonium ion, R1 and R3 may both be methyl groups, R2 may be a benzyl group, and R4 may be a linear alkyl group having 12 to 16 carbon atoms. In the second quaternary ammonium ion, R1 and R3 may both be methyl groups, R2 may be a benzyl group, and R4 may be a linear alkyl group having 8 to 18 carbon atoms or . Such quaternary ammonium ions have a benzalkonium skeleton and a moderately long-chain alkyl group. This further improves antibacterial and deodorizing properties. Such quaternary ammonium ions are also preferred in terms of production costs, etc.

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

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

[0075] The above-mentioned ratios of ammonium chloride and ammonium phosphate are calculated from the mass of all quaternary ammonium salts attached to the functional feathers and the mass of ammonium chloride and ammonium phosphate attached to the functional feathers. The above-mentioned ratios of ammonium chloride and ammonium phosphate can also be calculated from the mass of all quaternary ammonium salts in the processing agent and the mass of ammonium chloride and ammonium phosphate in the processing agent.

[0076] The amount of the quaternary ammonium salt attached is, for example, 20 ppm or more and 5000 ppm or less based on the mass of the untreated feathers.

[0077] The amount of the quaternary ammonium salt attached is not more than the "mass of the quaternary ammonium salt relative to the dry mass of the untreated feathers in the treatment tank (% o.w.f.)" described below. When the mass of the quaternary ammonium salt is not more than 10% by mass (% o.w.f.), the maximum amount of the quaternary ammonium salt attached is 100,000 ppm.

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

[0079] (Insect-repellent component) The insect-repellent component is not particularly limited. Examples of insect-repellent components include pyrethroid compounds such as permethrin, pyrethrins, fenothrin, cyphenothrin, allethrin, phthalthrin, transfluthrin, resmethrin, prallethrin, tralomethrin, bifenthrin, furamethrin, imiprothrin, metofluthrin, cyfluthrin, deltamethrin, and natural pyrethrins; oxadiazole compounds such as metoxadiazone; oxazoline compounds such as etoxazole; neonicotinoid compounds such as dinotefuran and clothianidin; and dicarboxylic acid esters such as aliphatic dicarboxylic acid esters and aromatic dicarboxylic acid esters. These may be used alone or in combination of two or more.

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

[0081] From the viewpoint of adhesion to feathers, insect repellent ingredients that have functional groups (e.g., carbonyl groups, halogeno groups) that can form ionic bonds with amino acid-derived functional groups (amino groups, carboxyl groups, etc.) at the ends of feathers are desirable. Permethrin has carbonyl groups and halogeno groups. It is also believed that permethrin exerts its insecticidal effect by disrupting the nervous function of insects. Meanwhile, permethrin is rapidly metabolized by the action of degrading enzymes found in mammals, including humans, and is excreted from the body in a short period of time. Therefore, permethrin is highly safe for mammals, including humans.

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

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

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

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

[0086] [Feather Processing Agent] The processing agent according to this embodiment is a two-component type (multiple-component type). The processing agent according to this embodiment comprises a first agent A containing a first metal salt, a quaternary ammonium salt, and an insect repellent component, and a second agent A containing a quaternary ammonium salt. The first agent A and the second agent A are applied sequentially to untreated feathers. The details of the first metal salt, the quaternary ammonium salt, the insect repellent component, and the binder resin are as described above.

[0087] A multi-component processing agent is a processing agent that is composed of two or more components. In the multi-component processing agent, the processing agent according to the present disclosure is composed of a combination of two or more components.

[0088] The finishing agent imparts a wide antibacterial spectrum and high antibacterial, deodorizing, and insect-repellent properties to the feathers. The finishing agent according to this embodiment can function as an "antibacterial and deodorizing finishing agent", as an "insect-repellent finishing agent", and as an "antibacterial, deodorizing, and insect-repellent finishing agent". The finishing agent can impart high deodorizing properties to the feathers. The finishing agent can also be expected to have the effect of reducing feather odor. The finishing agent according to this embodiment can function as a "deodorizing finishing agent" and as an "antibacterial, deodorizing, and insect-repellent finishing agent".

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

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

[0091] The mass W of the first metal salt in the processing agent Ｍ In the case of a multiple-part type, the mass ratio W is the ratio of the total mass of the first metal salt contained in each part to the total mass of each part (in this embodiment, the first A part and the second A part). When the first metal salt contains a hydrate, the mass ratio W of the first metal salt is Ｍ is the mass of the first metal salt excluding the mass of water of hydration. Ｍ The same is true for etc.

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

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

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

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

[0096] Mass W of quaternary ammonium salt in the processing agent Ａ In the case of a multi-component type, this refers to the ratio of the total mass of the quaternary ammonium salt contained in each agent to the total mass of each agent (in this embodiment, the first A agent and the second A agent).

[0097] In the processing agent, the content mass W of the quaternary ammonium salt Ａ and the mass W of the metal salt Ｍ and the mass W of the insect repellent component ｉ The ratio is 0.01≦W Ａ / W Ｍ ≦1.5 and 1.0≦W Ｍ / W ｉ The value may be ≦10.0. This can improve the antibacterial, deodorizing and insect-repellent properties, as well as reduce the odor of the feathers themselves.

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

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

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

[0101] The processing agent does not contain a binder resin, or contains a binder resin in a content of 5% by mass or less of the feather processing agent. This allows the amount of binder resin adhering to the feathers to be 1% by mass or less. The content of binder resin may be less than 0.5% by mass, 0.3% by mass or less, or 0% by mass.

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

[0103] The binder resin may be contained in any form. For example, a commercially available agent containing a binder resin may be mixed with the processing agent (first agent A, etc.).

[0104] (First Agent A) Mass of quaternary ammonium salt in First Agent A (W1A) Ａ is the mass W1A of the first metal salt in the first A agent Ｍ That is, 1 / 20≦W1A Ａ / W1A Ｍ ≦1 / 3.0. This suppresses the production of reaction products between the first metal salt and the quaternary ammonium salt. Furthermore, it is expected to have the effect of reducing the odor of the functional feathers themselves.

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

[0106] By adding the additional quaternary ammonium salt to the second agent A, which is separate from the first agent A, it is possible to prevent the formation of the reaction products and allow a larger amount of the quaternary ammonium salt to adhere to the feathers.

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

[0108] Mass W1A of the first metal salt in the first agent A Ｍis not particularly limited, and may be appropriately determined in consideration of the components contained in the second agent A and their concentrations, the viscosity of the processing agent, the use of the functional feathers, etc. Ｍ The content W1A is, for example, 0.06 mass % or more and 50 mass % or less. Ｍ may be 0.09% by mass or more, 0.12% by mass or more, 0.50% by mass or more, or 1.00% by mass or more. Ｍ may be 45% by mass or less, 32.5% by mass or less, 15% by mass or less, 12% by mass or less, or 10% by mass or less.

[0109] Mass of quaternary ammonium salt in Agent 1A: W1A Ａ is 1 / 20≦W1A Ａ / W1A Ｍ The mass W1 of the quaternary ammonium salt is determined so as to satisfy the following condition: Ａ may be 0.2% by mass or more and 50% by mass or less.

[0110] The content mass of the insect repellent component is not particularly limited. In terms of ease of preparation and excellent stability and handling, the content mass W1A of the insect repellent component in the first A agent is preferably ｉ is, for example, 0.1% by mass or more and 20.0% by mass or less. ｉ The content W1A of the insect repellent component may be 0.20% by mass or more, 0.30% by mass or more, or 0.40% by mass or more. ｉ may be 15.0% by mass or less, 13.0% by mass or less, 12.0% by mass or less, 10.0% by mass or less, 5.0% by mass or less, or 3.0% by mass or less.

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

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

[0113] (Second Agent A) The second agent A contains a quaternary ammonium salt. The mass of the quaternary ammonium salt contained in the second agent A, W2A Ａ is not particularly limited and is set appropriately depending on the components contained in the first agent A and their concentrations, the desired antibacterial and deodorizing properties, etc.

[0114] The above contained mass W2A Ａ The content W2A is, for example, 10% by mass or more and 50% by mass or less. Ａ The content W2A may be 15% by mass or more, or 18% by mass or more. Ａ may be 40% by mass or less, or may be 30% by mass or less.

[0115] The second agent A may not contain a binder resin, or may contain binder resins such that the total amount of binder resins contained in the first agent A and the second agent A is 5.0% by mass or less of the total mass of the first agent A and the second agent A. The mass of binder resin contained in the second agent A may be 3.0% by mass or less, or may be 1.0% by mass or less, of the second agent A.

[0116] The second agent A may or may not contain the first metal salt. Ｍ is the mass W2 of the quaternary ammonium salt from the viewpoint of suppressing the generation of the reaction product. Ａ The relationship with W2A Ａ / W2AＭ It is desirable to satisfy ≧1 / 1.2.

[0117] The second agent A may or may not contain an insect repellent component. The content mass of the insect repellent component is not particularly limited and is appropriately set according to the desired insect repellency. The mass of the insect repellent component in the entire processing agent is set to be equal to or less than the above-mentioned content mass W ｉ (0.1% by mass or more and 20.0% by mass or less) is contained in the second A agent.

[0118] The second agent A may contain other components as needed, including the same components as those listed for the first agent A.

[0119] [Method for manufacturing functional feathers] The functional feathers according to this embodiment are manufactured by a method comprising washing pre-treated (see below) feathers in a treatment tank, sequentially adding a first agent A and a second agent A to the same treatment tank to impregnate the washed feathers therein, and dehydrating and drying the feathers.

[0120] In this embodiment, after the feathers are washed and rinsed in a treatment tank, the functional ingredients are continuously added using the same treatment tank. This method is excellent in productivity and can reduce production costs. In addition, according to the above method, the functional ingredients can be added to the feathers using the treatment tank that is normally used for washing feathers, so no new equipment is required.

[0121] (1) Pretreatment The collected feathers (hereinafter sometimes referred to as "raw feathers") may be pretreated. Examples of pretreatment include dust removal to remove dust and the like from the raw feathers, and feather splitting to select the feathers.

[0122] (2) Washing: The raw feathers after pretreatment are put into a treatment tank, washed in warm water with a detergent, and then rinsed. The detergent is not particularly limited, and known detergents can be used. The number of times of washing and rinsing is not particularly limited, and is continued until the wastewater is clean. The cleanliness is measured in accordance with JIS L 1903:2017 8.6 cleanliness, as above. The cleanliness should be 1000 mm or more.

[0123] (3) Adding Functional Ingredients Warm water is poured into a treatment tank containing washed raw feathers (i.e., untreated feathers) until the feathers are submerged. Then, the first agent A is added while stirring the treatment tank, and the untreated feathers are impregnated with the first agent A. The impregnation is also carried out while stirring the treatment tank. The first agent A may be used after being appropriately diluted with the above-mentioned aqueous medium, etc. Hereinafter, the liquid containing the first agent A used for impregnation may be referred to as the first impregnation liquid.

[0124] The temperature of the first impregnation liquid (bath temperature) is not particularly limited. The bath temperature may be 20° C. or higher and 60° C. or lower. In order to improve the reactivity of the processing agent with the feathers, the bath temperature may be 30° C. or higher, or 35° C. or higher.

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

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

[0127] From the viewpoint of functionality, the first agent A and the second agent A are added so that the total mass of the first metal salts is from 0.10% by mass (% o.w.f) to 5.0% by mass (% o.w.f), the total mass of the quaternary ammonium salts is from 0.04% by mass (% o.w.f) to 10.0% by mass (% o.w.f), and the total mass of the insect repellent ingredients is from 0.01% by mass (% o.w.f) to 0.5% by mass (% o.w.f), relative to the dry mass of the untreated feathers in the treatment tank.

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

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

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

[0131] Next, the second agent A is poured into the treatment tank, and the feathers to which the first agent A has been attached are impregnated with the second agent A. The second agent A may be used after being appropriately diluted with the above-mentioned aqueous medium. Hereinafter, the liquid containing the second agent A used for impregnation may be referred to as the second impregnation liquid.

[0132] The temperature of the second impregnation liquid (bath temperature) is not particularly limited. The bath temperature may be 20° C. or higher and 60° C. or lower. In order to improve the reactivity of the processing agent with the feathers, the bath temperature may be 30° C. or higher, or 35° C. or higher.

[0133] The timing of adding the second agent A is not particularly limited. For example, the second agent A is added after a time when it is assumed that the metal ions derived from the first metal salt contained in the first agent A have sufficiently adhered to the feathers. This suppresses the reaction between the first metal salt and the quaternary ammonium salt.

[0134] The interval between the addition of the first agent A and the addition of the second agent A may be, for example, 10 minutes or more, preferably 15 minutes or more. This allows the components of the first agent A to adhere sufficiently to the feathers, and also makes it easier to suppress the production of reaction products. From the viewpoint of productivity, the interval between the additions may be 45 minutes or less, 30 minutes or less, 25 minutes or less, or 20 minutes or less. In one embodiment, the interval between the addition of each agent may be 10 minutes or more and 45 minutes or less.

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

[0136] The amount of the second agent A to be added is not particularly limited. The amount of the second agent A to be added is determined appropriately taking into consideration the amount of the first agent A to be added, etc. The second agent A is added so that the total mass (% o.w.f.) of the first metal salt, the quaternary ammonium salt, and the insect repellent component falls within the above-mentioned range.

[0137] (4) Dehydration The treated feathers are dehydrated using a centrifugal dehydrator. The dehydration time can be set appropriately.

[0138] (5) Drying After dehydration, the treated feathers are dried. This allows functional feathers to be obtained. Drying is performed, for example, by using hot air from a dryer. The drying temperature is not particularly limited. For example, the drying temperature may be 80°C or higher and 120°C or lower, and from the viewpoint of production efficiency, it may be 100°C or higher and 120°C or lower. After drying, cooling and dust removal may be performed.

[0139] Second Embodiment The processing agent of the second embodiment is a one-component type. The second embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that the second agent A is not used. In this embodiment, when producing functional feathers, only the first agent A is added as the processing agent. In the second embodiment, the configurations of the first agent A and the functional feathers are the same as those in the first embodiment, so the description thereof will be omitted. Even in the embodiment in which the second agent A is not used, the first agent A can provide antibacterial, deodorizing, and insect-repellent effects.

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

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

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

[0143] Mass W1B of the first metal salt contained in the first agent B Ｍ is not particularly limited, and may be appropriately determined in consideration of the components contained in the second agent B and their concentrations, the viscosity of the processing agent, the use of the functional feathers, etc. Ｍ is, for example, 0.06% by mass or more and 50% by mass or less of the first agent B. Ｍ may be 0.09% by mass or more, 0.12% by mass or more, 0.50% by mass or more, or 1.0% by mass or more. Ｍ may be 45.0% by mass or less, 32.5% by mass or less, 15.0% by mass or less, 12.0% by mass or less, or 10% by mass or less.

[0144] Mass of quaternary ammonium salt contained in Agent 1B: W1B Ａ is the mass W1B of the first metal salt as described above. Ｍ It is determined to be less than 1 / 20 of the original value.

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

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

[0147] (Second Agent B) The second agent B contains a quaternary ammonium salt. The mass of the quaternary ammonium salt contained in the second agent B is W2B Ａ is not particularly limited. Ａ For example, the mass of the entire processing agent is the above-mentioned content mass W Ａ The content W2B of the second agent A is 0.2% by mass or more and 50% by mass or less. Ａ The value may be appropriately set in consideration of the use of the functional feathers.

[0148] Contained mass W2B Ａ is, for example, 10% by mass or more and 50% by mass or less. Ａ may be 13.0% by mass or more, 14.0% by mass or more, or 15.0% by mass or more. Ａ may be 40.0% by mass or less, 35.0% by mass or less, 33.0% by mass or less, or 30.0% by mass or less.

[0149] The second agent B may or may not contain the first metal salt. Ｍ is the mass of the quaternary ammonium salt W2B Ａ The relationship with W2B Ａ / W2B Ｍ ≧1 / 1.2. This allows the second agent B to contain a larger amount of quaternary ammonium salt than a one-component processing agent.

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

[0151] The second agent B may or may not contain an insect repellent component. The mass of the insect repellent component is not particularly limited and is appropriately determined depending on the desired insect repellency.

[0152] (Addition of processing agents) The amount of Agent 1 B added to the treatment tank is determined appropriately taking into consideration the components and their concentrations contained in Agent 2 B and the amount of Agent 2 B added. From the viewpoint of functionality, Agent 1 B and Agent 2 B are added so that the mass of the first metal salt is 0.1% by mass to 5.0% by mass, the mass of the quaternary ammonium salt is 0.04% by mass to 10% by mass, and the mass of the insect repellent component is 0.01% by mass to 0.5% by mass, based on the dry mass of the untreated feathers in the treatment tank.

[0153] The amount of the second agent B added is not particularly limited. The amount of the second agent B added is determined appropriately taking into consideration the amount of the first agent B added, etc. The second agent B is added so that the total mass of the first metal salt, the quaternary ammonium salt, and the insect repellent component falls within the above-mentioned range.

[0154] Fourth embodiment The processing agent according to the fourth embodiment is a three-component type (multiple-component type). The fourth embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that the processing agent is divided into three parts. In the fourth embodiment, the structure of the functional feathers is the same as in the first embodiment, so the description thereof will be omitted. In the fourth embodiment, the manufacturing method of the functional feathers is the same as in the first embodiment except for the processing agent used, so the description thereof will be omitted. Items not described in relation to the fourth embodiment may be considered to be the same as in the first embodiment.

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

[0156] (First Agent C) The first agent C contains a first metal salt, but does not contain a quaternary ammonium salt or an insect repellent component.

[0157] The metal ions constituting the first metal salt may form a precipitate (hereinafter, together with the above-mentioned reaction product, may be referred to as a "complex") with, for example, other active ingredients (including quaternary ammonium salts and insect repellent ingredients) blended into the processing agent, and metal ions that may be contained in the tap water or industrial water used at the processing plant.

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

[0159] Mass of first metal salt contained in first agent C W1C Ｍ is not particularly limited, and may be appropriately set in consideration of the viscosity of the processing agent, the use of the functional feathers, the formation of complexes, etc. Ｍ is, for example, 0.06 mass % or more and 50 mass % or less. Ｍ may be 0.1 mass % or more, 1 mass % or more, or 5 mass % or more. Ｍ may be 30% by mass or less, 25% by mass or less, 20% by mass or less, or 10% by mass or less.

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

[0161] (Second agent C) The second agent C contains an insect repellent component but does not contain a first metal salt or a quaternary ammonium salt. By incorporating the insect repellent component in a separate agent from other active ingredients, deterioration during storage can be suppressed.

[0162] The content mass of the insect repellent component is not particularly limited. ｉ is, for example, 1.0% by mass or more and 60% by mass or less of the second C agent.ｉ The content W2C of the insect repellent component may be 1.3% by mass or more, 1.5% by mass or more, or 1.7% by mass or more. ｉ may be 40% by mass or less, may be 20% by mass or less, or may be 15% by mass or less.

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

[0164] (Agent 3C) Agent 3C contains a quaternary ammonium salt and does not contain a first metal salt or an insect repellent component, thereby suppressing the formation of precipitates as described above.

[0165] The content mass of the quaternary ammonium salt is not particularly limited, and may be appropriately determined in consideration of the viscosity of the processing agent, the use of the functional feathers, the formation of complexes, etc. Ａ is, for example, 5% by mass or more and 40% by mass or less of the third C agent. Ａ The content of the quaternary ammonium salt W3C may be 10% by mass or more, 12.5% ​​by mass or more, or 15% by mass or more. Ａ may be 35% by mass or less, may be 30% by mass or less, or may be 25% by mass or less.

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

[0167] (Addition of processing agent) From the viewpoint of functionality, the first C agent is added so that the total mass of the first metal salt is 0.10 mass % or more and 5.0 mass % or less based on the dry mass of the untreated feathers in the treatment tank.

[0168] The amount of the first C agent added to the treatment tank is, for example, more than 1% by mass and not more than 20% by mass (i.e., more than 1.0% owf and not more than 20.0% owf) of the dry mass of the feathers in the treatment tank. This can further suppress the formation of complexes. The amount of the first C agent added may be 2.0% by mass or more, 3.0% by mass or more, or 4.0% by mass or more. The amount of the first C agent added may be 15.0% by mass or less, 12.0% by mass or less, or 10.0% by mass or less.

[0169] From the viewpoint of functionality, the second agent C is added so that the mass of the insect repellent component is 0.01% by mass or more and 0.5% by mass or less relative to the dry mass of the untreated feathers contained in the treatment tank.

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

[0171] From the viewpoint of functionality, the tertiary C agent is added so that the mass of the quaternary ammonium salt is 0.04% by mass or more and 10.0% by mass or less relative to the dry mass of the untreated feathers contained in the treatment tank.

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

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

[0174] The order in which the first, second and third agents C are added is not particularly limited.

[0175] The intervals at which each agent is added are not particularly limited. The intervals at which each agent is added may be, for example, 10 minutes or more, or 15 minutes or more, regardless of the order of addition. This allows each component contained in the first C agent, the second C agent, and the third C agent to adhere sufficiently to the feathers. In addition, the generation of reaction products in the bath can be suppressed. From the viewpoint of productivity, the intervals at which each agent is added may be 45 minutes or less, 30 minutes or less, 25 minutes or less, or 20 minutes or less. In one embodiment, the intervals at which each agent is added are 10 minutes or more and 45 minutes or less.

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

[0177] In the first and third embodiments, three functional ingredients are applied to feathers by two agents. These embodiments are advantageous in terms of productivity and production costs.

[0178] In the fourth embodiment, three functional ingredients are applied to the feathers by three agents, respectively. In the fourth embodiment, the formation of complexes is suppressed, and the quality (especially cleanliness) and functionality can be further improved.

[0179] In the first embodiment, the second component A is added after the first component A, and in the third embodiment, the second component B is added after the first component B, but the order in which the multi-component processing agents are added is not particularly limited. The first component A may be added after the second component A, or the first component B may be added after the second component B. Even if the addition order is different, the interval between additions of each agent is as described above.

[0180] In the above-described embodiment, each agent is added only once, but each agent may be added multiple times. For example, the first agent A (or the first agent B; the same applies hereinafter) may be added multiple times, and then the second agent A (or the second agent B; the same applies hereinafter) may be added one or more times, or the first agent A and the second agent A may be added sequentially, and then the first agent A and the second agent A may be added sequentially again, and this re-addition may be performed multiple times.

[0181] In the above-described embodiment, two types of quaternary ammonium salts are used, but this is not limiting. The quaternary ammonium salts may be used alone or in combination of three or more types.

[0182] In the above-mentioned embodiment, the feathers are washed and rinsed in the treatment tank, and then the functional ingredients are continuously added using the same treatment tank. However, this is not limited to this. After the feathers are washed, they may be taken out, dried, and stored for a certain period of time. The stored feathers may be put into the treatment tank used for washing, and the functional ingredients may be added.

[0183] 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.

[0184] Example 1 (1) Preparation of Agent 1A and Agent 2A Agent 1A and Agent 2A were prepared by mixing the components shown in Table 1 to the prescribed concentrations.

[0185] Regarding quaternary ammonium salts, Table 1 lists the names of compounds that serve as their counter ions. In Table 1, the mass% of each component contained in the first agent is based on the mass of the first agent. Similarly, the mass% of each component contained in the second or third agent is based on the mass of the second or third agent. In Table 1, the concentration of the first agent in the impregnation solution is the mass ratio (% o.w.f.) of the first agent to 1 g of dry mass of washed feathers. Similarly, the concentration of the second or third agent in the impregnation solution is the mass ratio (% o.w.f.) of the second or third agent to 1 g of dry mass of washed feathers.

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

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

[0188] Next, a second impregnation solution prepared by dissolving 0.1 g (1% owf) of the second agent A in 10 ml of industrial water was added to the beaker while stirring. That is, the interval between adding each agent was 15 minutes. After allowing the feathers to blend with the second impregnation solution at 40°C for 15 minutes, the feathers were dehydrated. That is, the time from the completion of adding all the processing agents to the start of drying treatment was 15 minutes.

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

[0190] (3) Preparation of Treated Feathers (W3) After Washing Treated feathers (W0) were washed three times according to the JIS L 1930 C4M method to prepare treated feathers (W3).

[0191] (4) Heat Treatment To carry out an accelerated test simulating a 3-year use, the treated feathers (W0) or (W3) were heat treated at 81°C for 48 hours. The heat treatment was carried out by placing the feathers in a standard cloth bag in a stainless steel container, and leaving it in a dryer set at 81°C for 48 hours.

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

[0193] [Example 3] The components shown in Table 1 were mixed to a predetermined concentration to prepare the first agent A and the second agent A. The order of adding the first agent A and the second agent A was reversed from that of Example 1, and the second impregnation liquid containing the second agent A was added to the beaker containing the washed feathers in a treatment tank while stirring, and after stirring for 15 minutes, the first impregnation liquid containing the first agent A was added to the treatment tank while stirring. Except for this, treated feathers (W0) and (W3) were prepared in the same manner as in Example 1.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

[0201] [Evaluation] The prepared treated feathers (W0) and (W3) were evaluated as follows. The results are shown in Table 1.

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

[0203] (ii) Amount of insect repellent component attached 1.0 g of treated feathers (W0) and 1.0 g of treated feathers (W3) were each immersed in 3.0 g of ethyl alcohol for 15 minutes. The impregnation solution was filtered to recover the ethyl alcohol, which was then analyzed by a gas chromatograph analyzer. The amount of insect repellent component eluted in the ethyl alcohol was determined from a separately prepared calibration curve, and the mass ratio (ppm) relative to the untreated feathers was calculated. The treated feathers (W0) and (W3) were used as samples.

[0204] (iii) Deodorizing property and its durability Deodorizing property was evaluated in accordance with "21. Deodorizing property test (detector tube method, gas chromatography method)" described in the SEK Mark Textile Product Certification Standard (established by: Textile Evaluation Technology Council, Product Certification Department, revised on April 1, 2023). The evaluation method is as described above. The treated feathers (W0) and (W3) described above were used as samples.

[0205] (iv) Antibacterial and deodorizing properties Antibacterial tests were carried out by the bacterial liquid absorption method using Staphylococcus aureus (NBRC 12732) in accordance with JIS L 1902:2015 "Test methods for antibacterial properties and antibacterial effects of textile products." The evaluation method was as described above. The treated feathers (W3) described above were used as samples.

[0206] (v) Anti-mite property (repellency rate) The anti-mite effect was evaluated according to JIS L 1920:2007 8.2 Glass tube method B. A repellency rate of 50% or more indicates excellent anti-mite property (insect repellency). The treated feathers (W0) and (W3) and the treated feathers (W0) and (W3) after heat treatment were used as samples.

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

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

[0209]

[0210] The present disclosure includes the following aspects: (Aspect 1) Functional feathers comprising feathers, and a metal salt, a quaternary ammonium salt, and an insect repellent component adhering to the feathers, wherein the metal salt is formed from an ion of at least one metal selected from the group consisting of iron, cobalt, nickel, copper, zinc, platinum, silver, and gold, and at least one anion selected from the group consisting of chloride ions, bromide ions, fluoride ions, iodide ions, sulfate ions, hydroxide ions, nitrate ions, and acetate ions, wherein the feathers are free of binder resin or have binder resin adhering to them in an amount of 1% by mass or less of the feathers, and wherein the dust mite repellency measured in accordance with JIS L 1920:2007 8.2 Glass Tube Method B is 50% or more. (Aspect 2) Functional feathers of Aspect 1, wherein the metal ions include copper ions. (Aspect 3) The functional feathers of aspect 1 or 2, wherein said insect repellent ingredient comprises at least one selected from the group consisting of permethrin, pyrethrin, phenothrin, transfluthrin, prallethrin, tralomethrin, cyfluthrin and deltamethrin. (Aspect 4) The functional feathers of any of aspects 1 to 3, wherein the total amount of attached metal elements including metal elements derived from said metal salts is 200 ppm or more and 10,000 ppm or less of the mass of said feathers. (Aspect 5) The functional feathers of any of aspects 1 to 4, wherein the amount of attached insect repellent ingredient is 50 ppm or more and less than 5,000 ppm of the mass of said feathers. (Aspect 6) The functional feathers of any of aspects 1 to 5, wherein said quaternary ammonium salt comprises ammonium chloride formed from a first quaternary ammonium ion and a chloride ion, and ammonium phosphate formed from a second quaternary ammonium ion and a phosphate ion.(Aspect 7) A method for producing feathers comprising: washing feathers in a treatment tank; charging a feather processing agent containing a metal salt, a quaternary ammonium salt and an insect repellent component into the treatment tank containing the washed feathers to impregnate the feathers with the feather processing agent; and drying the feathers impregnated with the feather processing agent, wherein the metal salt is formed of at least one metal ion selected from the group consisting of iron, cobalt, nickel, copper, zinc, platinum, silver and gold, and at least one anion selected from the group consisting of chloride ion, bromide ion, fluoride ion, iodide ion, sulfate ion, hydroxide ion, nitrate ion and acetate ion, and the ratio of the mass of the metal salt to the dry mass of the feathers in the treatment tank is 0.1. % or more and 5% or less by mass, the mass of said quaternary ammonium salt is 0.04% or more and 10% or less by mass, and the mass of said insect-repellent ingredient is 0.01% or more and 0.5% or less by mass, and said feather processing agent does not contain a binder resin or contains a binder resin in an amount of 5% or less by mass of said feather processing agent. (Aspect 8) A method for producing functional feathers according to Aspect 7, wherein said feather processing agent is a multi-component type. (Aspect 9) A method for producing functional feathers according to Aspect 7, wherein said feather processing agent comprises a first A agent containing said metal salt, said quaternary ammonium salt, and said insect-repellent ingredient, and in said first A agent, the content by mass W1AA of said quaternary ammonium salt is 1 / 20 or more and 1 / 3.0 or less of the content by mass W1AM of said metal salt. (Aspect 10) The method for producing functional feathers of Aspect 9, wherein the feather processing agent comprises the first agent A and a second agent A containing a quaternary ammonium salt, and when the feathers are impregnated with the feather processing agent, the first agent A and the second agent A are sequentially added to the treatment tank.(Aspect 11) The method for producing functional feathers of Aspect 8, wherein the feather processing agent comprises: a first agent B containing the metal salt and the insect repellent component; and a second agent B containing the quaternary ammonium salt, wherein the first agent B does not contain the quaternary ammonium salt or contains the quaternary ammonium salt in an amount less than 1 / 20 of the mass content W1BM of the metal salt contained in the first agent B; and when the feathers are impregnated with the feather processing agent, the first agent B and the second agent B are sequentially added to the treatment tank. (Aspect 12) The method for producing functional feathers of Aspect 8, wherein the feather processing agent comprises: a first C agent containing the metal salt but not containing the quaternary ammonium salt and the insect repellent component; a second C agent containing the insect repellent component but not containing the metal salt and the quaternary ammonium salt; and a third C agent containing the quaternary ammonium salt but not containing the metal salt and the insect repellent component, wherein when feathers are impregnated with the feather processing agent, the first C agent, the second C agent and the third C agent are sequentially added to the treatment tank. (Aspect 13) A feather processing agent comprising a first agent A containing a metal salt, a quaternary ammonium salt, and an insect repellent component, wherein in said first agent A, said metal salt is formed from an ion of at least one metal selected from the group consisting of iron, cobalt, nickel, copper, zinc, platinum, silver, and gold, and at least one anion selected from the group consisting of chloride ions, bromide ions, fluoride ions, iodide ions, sulfate ions, hydroxide ions, nitrate ions, and acetate ions, wherein the mass content W1AA of said quaternary ammonium salt is 1 / 20 to 1 / 3.0 of the mass content W1AM of said metal salt, and wherein said feather processing agent does not contain a binder resin, or contains a binder resin in a mass content of 5% by mass or less of said feather processing agent. (Aspect 14) The feather processing agent of Aspect 13, further comprising a second agent A containing a quaternary ammonium salt.(Aspect 15) A feather processing agent comprising: a first agent B containing a metal salt and an insect repellent component; and a second agent B containing a quaternary ammonium salt, wherein in said first agent B, said metal salt is formed from an ion of at least one metal selected from the group consisting of iron, cobalt, nickel, copper, zinc, platinum, silver and gold, and at least one anion selected from the group consisting of chloride ions, bromide ions, fluoride ions, iodide ions, sulfate ions, hydroxide ions, nitrate ions and acetate ions, said first agent B does not contain a quaternary ammonium salt or contains a quaternary ammonium salt in an amount such that the mass content W1BA is less than 1 / 20 of the mass content W1BM of the first metal salt, and said feather processing agent does not contain a binder resin or contains a binder resin in a mass content of 5% or less by mass of said feather processing agent. (Aspect 16) A feather processing agent comprising: a first C agent which contains a metal salt but is free of a quaternary ammonium salt and an insect repellent component; a second C agent which contains an insect repellent component but is free of a metal salt and a quaternary ammonium salt; and a third C agent which contains a quaternary ammonium ion but is free of a metal salt and an insect repellent component, wherein the metal salt is formed from an ion of at least one metal selected from the group consisting of iron, cobalt, nickel, copper, zinc, platinum, silver and gold, and at least one anion selected from the group consisting of chloride ions, bromide ions, fluoride ions, iodide ions, sulfate ions, hydroxide ions, nitrate ions and acetate ions, and the feather processing agent does not contain a binder resin or contains a binder resin in a content of 5% by mass or less of the feather processing agent. (Aspect 17) The feather processing agent of any one of Aspects 13 to 16, wherein the ratio of the mass content of the quaternary ammonium salt (WA), the mass content of the metal salt (WM), and the mass content of the insect repellent component (Wi) satisfies the relationships: 0.01≦WA / WM≦1.5, and 1.0≦WM / Wi≦10.0.(Aspect 18) The feather processing agent of any one of Aspects 13 to 17, wherein the quaternary ammonium salt comprises ammonium chloride formed from a first quaternary ammonium ion and a chloride ion, and ammonium phosphate formed from a second quaternary ammonium ion and a phosphate ion. (Aspect 19) The feather processing agent of any one of Aspects 13 to 18, wherein the metal salt content W M is 0.06% by mass or more and 50% by mass or less, and the insect repellent component content W i is 0.1% by mass or more and 20% by mass or less. (Aspect 20) The feather processing agent of any one of Aspects 13 to 19, wherein the metal ions comprise copper ions. (Aspect 21) The feather processing agent according to any one of Aspects 13 to 20, wherein the insect repellent component comprises at least one selected from the group consisting of permethrin, pyrethrin, fenothrin, transfluthrin, prallethrin, tralomethrin, cyfluthrin and deltamethrin.

[0211] The functional feathers of the present invention are particularly suitable as stuffing for bedding and clothing.

[0212] This application claims priority based on Japanese Patent Application No. 2024-027726, filed on February 27, 2024, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

Claims

1. Functional feathers comprising: feathers; and, adhered to the feathers, a metal salt, a quaternary ammonium salt, and an insect repellent component, wherein the metal salt is formed from an ion of at least one metal selected from the group consisting of iron, cobalt, nickel, copper, zinc, platinum, silver, and gold, and at least one anion selected from the group consisting of chloride ions, bromide ions, fluoride ions, iodide ions, sulfate ions, hydroxide ions, nitrate ions, and acetate ions; the feathers are either free from binder resin or have binder resin attached in an amount of 1% by mass or less of the feathers; and the dust mite repellency rate measured in accordance with JIS L 1920:2007 8.2 Glass Tube Method B is 50% or more.

2. The functional feathers according to claim 1, wherein the metal ions include copper ions.

3. The functional feathers according to claim 1, wherein the insect repellent component comprises at least one selected from the group consisting of permethrin, pyrethrin, phenothrin, transfluthrin, prallethrin, tralomethrin, cyfluthrin and deltamethrin.

4. Functional feathers according to claim 1, wherein the total amount of attached metal elements including metal elements derived from said metal salts is 200 ppm or more and 10,000 ppm or less of the mass of said feathers.

5. The functional feathers according to claim 1, wherein the amount of the insect repellent component attached is 50 ppm or more and less than 5,000 ppm of the mass of the feathers.

6. The functional feathers according to claim 1, wherein the quaternary ammonium salt comprises ammonium chloride formed from a first quaternary ammonium ion and a chloride ion, and ammonium phosphate formed from a second quaternary ammonium ion and a phosphate ion.

7. A method for treating feathers, comprising: washing feathers in a treatment tank; charging a feather processing agent containing a metal salt, a quaternary ammonium salt and an insect repellent ingredient into the treatment tank containing the washed feathers, and impregnating the feathers with the feather processing agent; and drying the feathers impregnated with the feather processing agent, wherein the metal salt is formed of at least one metal ion selected from the group consisting of iron, cobalt, nickel, copper, zinc, platinum, silver and gold, and at least one anion selected from the group consisting of chloride ion, bromide ion, fluoride ion, iodide ion, sulfate ion, hydroxide ion, nitrate ion and acetate ion, and the mass of the metal salt is 0.1% by mass or more and 5% by mass or less, the mass of the quaternary ammonium salt is 0.04% by mass or more and 10% by mass or less, and the mass of the insect repellent ingredient is 0.01% by mass or more and 0.5% by mass or less, based on the dry mass of the feathers contained in the treatment tank. The method for producing functional feathers, wherein the feather processing agent does not contain a binder resin or contains a binder resin in an amount of 5% by mass or less of the feather processing agent.

8. The method for producing functional feathers according to claim 7, wherein the feather processing agent is a multi-component type.

9. The feather processing agent includes a first agent A containing the metal salt, the quaternary ammonium salt, and the insect repellent component, and in the first agent A, the content by mass of the quaternary ammonium salt is W1A Ａ is the mass W1A of the metal salt Ｍ The method for producing functional feathers according to claim 7, wherein the ratio is 1 / 20 or more and 1 / 3.0 or less of the above.

10. The method for producing functional feathers as described in claim 9, wherein the feather processing agent comprises the first agent A and a second agent A containing a quaternary ammonium salt, and when the feathers are impregnated with the feather processing agent, the first agent A and the second agent A are sequentially added to the treatment tank.

11. The feather processing agent comprises a first agent B containing the metal salt and the insect repellent component, and a second agent B containing the quaternary ammonium salt, wherein the first agent B does not contain the quaternary ammonium salt, or the content by mass W1B of the metal salt contained in the first agent B is Ｍ 9. The method for producing functional feathers according to claim 8, wherein the agent contains a quaternary ammonium salt in an amount of less than 1 / 20 of the amount of the agent, and when the feathers are impregnated with the feather processing agent, the first agent B and the second agent B are sequentially added to the processing tank.

12. The method for producing functional feathers as claimed in claim 8, wherein the feather processing agent comprises: a first C agent containing the metal salt but not containing the quaternary ammonium salt and the insect repellent component; a second C agent containing the insect repellent component but not containing the metal salt and the quaternary ammonium salt; and a third C agent containing the quaternary ammonium salt but not containing the metal salt and the insect repellent component, and when feathers are impregnated with the feather processing agent, the first C agent, the second C agent and the third C agent are sequentially added to the treatment tank.

13. A feather processing agent comprising an agent 1A containing a metal salt, a quaternary ammonium salt, and an insect repellent component, wherein in said agent 1A, said metal salt is formed from ions of at least one metal selected from the group consisting of iron, cobalt, nickel, copper, zinc, platinum, silver, and gold, and at least one anion selected from the group consisting of chloride ions, bromide ions, fluoride ions, iodide ions, sulfate ions, hydroxide ions, nitrate ions, and acetate ions, and the mass W1A of said quaternary ammonium salt is Ａ is the mass W1A of the metal salt Ｍ and the feather processing agent does not contain a binder resin or contains a binder resin in an amount of 5% by mass or less of the feather processing agent.

14. The feather processing agent according to claim 13, further comprising a second agent A containing a quaternary ammonium salt.

15. A feather processing agent comprising: a first agent B containing a metal salt and an insect repellent component; and a second agent B containing a quaternary ammonium salt, wherein in the first agent B, the metal salt is formed from an ion of at least one metal selected from the group consisting of iron, cobalt, nickel, copper, zinc, platinum, silver, and gold, and at least one anion selected from the group consisting of chloride ions, bromide ions, fluoride ions, iodide ions, sulfate ions, hydroxide ions, nitrate ions, and acetate ions, and the first agent B does not contain a quaternary ammonium salt or does not contain a quaternary ammonium salt in a mass W1B Ａ is the mass W1B of the first metal salt Ｍ the feather processing agent does not contain a binder resin or contains a binder resin in an amount of 5% by mass or less of the feather processing agent.

16. A feather processing agent comprising: a first C agent containing a metal salt but not containing a quaternary ammonium salt or an insect repellent; a second C agent containing an insect repellent component but not containing a metal salt or a quaternary ammonium salt; and a third C agent containing a quaternary ammonium ion but not containing a metal salt or an insect repellent component, wherein the metal salt is formed from an ion of at least one metal selected from the group consisting of iron, cobalt, nickel, copper, zinc, platinum, silver and gold, and at least one anion selected from the group consisting of chloride ions, bromide ions, fluoride ions, iodide ions, sulfate ions, hydroxide ions, nitrate ions and acetate ions, and the feather processing agent does not contain a binder resin or contains a binder resin in a content of 5% by mass or less of the feather processing agent.

17. In the feather processing agent, the content mass W of the quaternary ammonium salt Ａ and the mass W of the metal salt. Ｍ and the content mass W of the insect repellent component. ｉ The ratio is 0.01≦W Ａ / W Ｍ ≦1.5 and 1.0≦W Ｍ / W ｉ The feather processing agent according to claim 13, 15 or 16, which satisfies the relationship of ≦10.

0.

18. The feather processing agent according to claim 13, 15 or 16, wherein the quaternary ammonium salt comprises ammonium chloride formed from a first quaternary ammonium ion and a chloride ion, and ammonium phosphate formed from a second quaternary ammonium ion and a phosphate ion.

19. In the feather processing agent, the content mass W of the metal salt Ｍ is 0.06% by mass or more and 50% by mass or less, and the content mass W of the insect repellent component is ｉ The feather processing agent according to claim 13, 15 or 16, wherein the content of the hydroxybenzoate is 0.1% by mass or more and 20% by mass or less.

20. The feather processing agent according to claim 13, 15 or 16, wherein the metal ions include copper ions.

21. The feather processing agent according to claim 13, 15 or 16, wherein the insect repellent component comprises at least one selected from the group consisting of permethrin, pyrethrin, fenothrin, transfluthrin, prallethrin, tralomethrin, cyfluthrin and deltamethrin.

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