Treatment agent for polyester staple fiber, first treatment agent for polyester staple fiber, second treatment agent for polyester staple fiber, third treatment agent for polyester staple fiber, and polyester staple fiber

Abstract

The present invention addresses the problem of providing a treatment agent for polyester staple fiber that can improve the smoothness of fiber to which the treatment agent for polyester staple fiber is applied. This treatment agent for polyester staple fiber contains a polyether compound, and the polyether compound is contained in a proportion of 50% by mass or more in a nonvolatile content of the treatment agent for polyester staple fiber. The polyether compound is obtained by adding an ethylene oxide and propylene oxide to a monohydric to tetrahydric alcohols having 3 to 18 carbon atoms, and has a mass average molecular weight of 14,000 to 32,000.

Description

Treatment agent for polyester staple fibers, first treatment agent for polyester staple fibers, second treatment agent for polyester staple fibers, third treatment agent for polyester staple fibers, and polyester staple fibers

[0001] The present invention relates to a treatment agent for polyester staple fibers, a first treatment agent for polyester staple fibers, a second treatment agent for polyester staple fibers, a third treatment agent for polyester staple fibers, and polyester staple fibers.

[0002] Polyester staple fibers are generally used as synthetic fibers for bedding such as futons, pillows, and cushions, clothing such as quilts and down, and even stuffing for stuffed toys. These types of polyester staple fibers are required to have various properties such as smoothness and flexibility. In order to improve these various properties, the fiber surface may be treated by adhering a processing agent for polyester staple fibers to the fiber surface.

[0003] For example, synthetic fiber treatment agents are known from the prior art, as disclosed in Patent Documents 1 and 2. Patent Document 1 discloses an oil agent for polyester fiber wadding that contains an alkali metal salt of an alkyl phosphate ester having an average carbon number of 14 to 18 in the alkyl group and a block copolymer of ethylene oxide and propylene oxide having an average molecular weight of 1,000 to 4,000. Patent Document 2 discloses a synthetic fiber treatment agent that contains a specified linear polyorganosiloxane, a specified diol compound, and a specified disilanol silane compound.

[0004] Japanese Patent Publication No. 1-14347 Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2001-146685

[0005] However, there has been a demand for further improvement in the smoothness of fibers treated with conventional synthetic fiber treatment agents. Furthermore, synthetic fiber treatment agents primarily containing silicone components have the problem of poor flame retardancy. Therefore, there is a demand for treatment agents for polyester staple fibers that do not contain silicone components as their primary component and that have good smoothness.

[0006] As a result of research aimed at solving the above-mentioned problems, the present inventors have found that a treatment agent for polyester staple fibers containing a specific polyether compound (A) in a proportion of 50% by mass or more is exactly suitable.

[0007] The following describes various aspects of the treatment agent for polyester staple fibers: A treatment agent for polyester staple fibers according to aspect 1 contains the following polyether compound (A), and the polyether compound (A) is contained in an amount of 50 mass % or more relative to the nonvolatile content of the treatment agent for polyester staple fibers.

[0008] The polyether compound (A) is an addition product of ethylene oxide and propylene oxide to a monohydric, dihydric, trihydric, or tetrahydric alcohol having 3 to 18 carbon atoms, and has a mass average molecular weight of 14,000 to 32,000.

[0009] In aspect 2, the pH of a 1% by mass aqueous solution of the treatment agent for polyester staple fibers according to aspect 1 is 7.0 or more and 10.0 or less. In aspect 3, in the treatment agent for polyester staple fibers according to aspect 1 or 2, the mass average molecular weight of the polyether compound (A) is 17,000 or more and 32,000 or less.

[0010] Aspect 4 is the treatment agent for polyester staple fibers according to any one of Aspects 1 to 3, wherein the polyether compound (A) is obtained by adding ethylene oxide and propylene oxide to a trihydric or tetrahydric alcohol having from 3 to 12 carbon atoms.

[0011] In Aspect 5, the treating agent for polyester staple fibers according to any one of Aspects 1 to 4 further contains the following organic phosphate ester (B). The organic phosphate ester (B) is at least one selected from the group consisting of phosphate esters of aliphatic alcohols having from 4 to 12 carbon atoms and salts thereof.

[0012] In a sixth aspect, the treatment agent for polyester staple fibers according to the fifth aspect contains the polyether compound (A) in an amount of 55% by mass or more and 95% by mass or less and the organic phosphate ester (B) in an amount of 5% by mass or more and 45% by mass or less in the non-volatile matter of the treatment agent for polyester staple fibers.

[0013] In Aspect 7, the treating agent for polyester staple fibers according to any one of Aspects 1 to 4 further contains an antioxidant (C). In Aspect 8, the treating agent for polyester staple fibers according to Aspect 7 contains the polyether compound (A) in an amount of 94% by mass or more and 99.9% by mass or less and the antioxidant (C) in an amount of 0.1% by mass or more and 6% by mass or less, based on the non-volatile content of the treating agent for polyester staple fibers.

[0014] In Aspect 9, the treating agent for polyester staple fibers according to Aspect 5 further contains an antioxidant (C). In Aspect 10, the treating agent for polyester staple fibers according to Aspect 9 contains the polyether compound (A) in an amount of 55% by mass or more and 94% by mass or less, the organic phosphate ester (B) in an amount of 5% by mass or more and 45% by mass or less, and the antioxidant (C) in an amount of 0.1% by mass or more and 5% by mass or less, based on the non-volatile content of the treating agent for polyester staple fibers.

[0015] A first treating agent for polyester staple fibers of Aspect 11 is a first treating agent for polyester staple fibers used in combination with at least one selected from the group consisting of a second treating agent for polyester staple fibers containing the following organic phosphate ester (B) and a third treating agent for polyester staple fibers containing an antioxidant (C), and is characterized by containing the following polyether compound (A).

[0016] The polyether compound (A) is an addition product of ethylene oxide and propylene oxide to a monohydric, dihydric, trihydric, or tetrahydric alcohol having 3 to 18 carbon atoms, and has a mass average molecular weight of 14,000 to 32,000.

[0017] The organic phosphate ester (B) is at least one selected from the group consisting of phosphate esters of aliphatic alcohols having from 4 to 12 carbon atoms and salts thereof. A second treating agent for polyester staple fibers in Aspect 12 is a second treating agent for polyester staple fibers that is used in combination with a first treating agent for polyester staple fibers containing the following polyether compound (A) and is optionally used in combination with a third treating agent for polyester staple fibers that contains an antioxidant (C), and is characterized by containing the following organic phosphate ester (B).

[0018] The polyether compound (A) is an addition product of ethylene oxide and propylene oxide to a monohydric, dihydric, trihydric, or tetrahydric alcohol having 3 to 18 carbon atoms, and has a mass average molecular weight of 14,000 to 32,000.

[0019] The organic phosphate ester (B) is at least one selected from the group consisting of phosphate esters of aliphatic alcohols having from 4 to 12 carbon atoms and salts thereof. The third treating agent for polyester staple fibers of Aspect 13 is a third treating agent for polyester staple fibers that is used in combination with a first treating agent for polyester staple fibers containing the following polyether compound (A) and is optionally used in combination with a second treating agent for polyester staple fibers containing the following organic phosphate ester (B), and contains an antioxidant (C).

[0020] The polyether compound (A) is an addition product of ethylene oxide and propylene oxide to a monohydric, dihydric, trihydric, or tetrahydric alcohol having 3 to 18 carbon atoms, and has a mass average molecular weight of 14,000 to 32,000.

[0021] The organic phosphate ester (B) is at least one selected from phosphate esters of aliphatic alcohols having from 4 to 12 carbon atoms and salts thereof. The polyester staple fibers of Aspect 14 are characterized in that the treating agent for polyester staple fibers according to any one of Aspects 1 to 10 is adhered to the polyester staple fibers.

[0022] Aspect 15 is the polyester staple fiber according to aspect 14, wherein the polyester staple fiber is a staple fiber for producing batting.

[0023] According to the present invention, the smoothness of fibers to which a processing agent for polyester staple fibers has been applied can be improved.

[0024] First Embodiment A first embodiment of the treatment agent for polyester staple fibers (hereinafter simply referred to as the treatment agent) of the present invention will be described below. The treatment agent of this embodiment contains a polyether compound (A) described below. The treatment agent may further contain an organic phosphate ester (B) and an antioxidant (C). Unlike fiber treatment agents such as those disclosed in Chinese Patent Application Publication No. 102277732, the treatment agent does not contain 50% by mass or more of a fatty acid salt having 8 to 24 carbon atoms.

[0025] (Polyether Compound (A)) The polyether compound (A) used in this embodiment is a compound obtained by adding ethylene oxide and propylene oxide to a monohydric, dihydric, or tetrahydric alcohol having 3 to 18 carbon atoms, and has a mass average molecular weight of 14,000 to 32,000.

[0026] The alcohol used as a raw material for the polyether compound (A) is an alcohol having 3 to 18 carbon atoms. The alcohol is not particularly limited with respect to the presence or absence of an unsaturated bond, and may be an alcohol having a linear or branched hydrocarbon group, or an alcohol having a cyclo ring. In the case of an alcohol having a branched hydrocarbon group, the branching position is not particularly limited, and for example, the carbon chain may be branched at the α-position or the β-position. In addition, the alcohol may be a primary alcohol or a secondary alcohol.

[0027] Specific examples of monohydric alcohols include: (1) linear alkyl alcohols such as propanol, butanol, pentanol, hexanol, octanol, nonanol, decanol, undecanol, dodecanol (lauryl alcohol), tridecanol, tetradecanol, pentadecanol, hexadecanol, heptadecanol, and octadecanol; (2) isopropanol, isobutanol, isohexanol, 2-ethylhexanol, isononanol, isodecanol, isododecanol, isotridecanol, isotetradecanol, isopentadecanol, and isopropyl alcohol; (3) branched alkyl alcohols such as isohexadecanol, isoheptadecanol, and isooctadecanol; (4) linear alkenyl alcohols such as tetradecenol, hexadecenol, heptadecenol, octadecenol, and oleyl alcohol; (5) cyclic alkyl alcohols such as cyclopentanol and cyclohexanol; (6) aromatic alcohols such as benzyl alcohol; and (7) phenols such as phenol, nonylphenol, monostyrenated phenol, and bisphenol A.

[0028] Specific examples of the diol compound that is a dihydric alcohol include propylene glycol, 1,3-propanediol, 1,2-butanediol, 1,3-butanediol, 1,4-butanediol, 2-methyl-1,2-propanediol, 1,5-pentanediol, 1,6-hexanediol, 2,5-hexanediol, 2-methyl-2,4-pentanediol, 2,3-dimethyl-2,3-butanediol, diethylene glycol, polyethylene glycol, dipropylene glycol, polypropylene glycol, and copolymers of polyethylene glycol and polypropylene glycol.

[0029] Specific examples of trihydric to tetrahydric alcohols include glycerin, diglycerin, pentaerythritol, trimethylolpropane, 2-methyl-2-hydroxymethyl-1,3-propanediol, 1,2,3-butanetriol, 1,2,4-butanetriol, erythritol, 1,2,3-pentatriol, and 1,2,4-pentatriol.

[0030] The alcohol used as a raw material for the polyether compound (A) is preferably a trihydric or tetrahydric alcohol. The polyether compound (A) is more preferably a compound in which ethylene oxide and propylene oxide are added to a trihydric or tetrahydric alcohol having from 3 to 12 carbon atoms. These polyether compounds (A) can further improve the smoothness of fibers to which the treatment agent is applied.

[0031] The alcohol used as a raw material for the polyether compound (A) may be used alone or in appropriate combination of two or more kinds, but from the viewpoint of further improving the effects of the present invention, it is preferable to use one kind alone.

[0032] The total number of moles of ethylene oxide and propylene oxide added as alkylene oxides is appropriately set within the range of the mass average molecular weight of the polyether compound (A). The total number of moles added is preferably 230 moles or more and 720 moles or less, more preferably 300 moles or more and 630 moles or less. Any range combining the above upper and lower limits is also envisioned. The number of moles of alkylene oxide added indicates the number of moles of alkylene oxide per mole of the compound to be added in the charged raw material. The addition form of alkylene oxide may be block addition, random addition, or a combination of block addition and random addition, but random addition is preferred from the viewpoint of further improving the effects of the present invention.

[0033] The molar ratio of ethylene oxide to propylene oxide (ethylene oxide / propylene oxide) in the polyether compound (A) is appropriately set, but is preferably 20 / 80 to 95 / 5, and more preferably 30 / 70 to 90 / 10. By specifying it within such a range, the effects of the present invention can be further improved. Ranges that combine the above upper and lower limits are also envisioned.

[0034] The lower limit of the mass average molecular weight (Mw) of the polyether compound (A) is 14,000 or more, preferably 17,000 or more. When the lower limit of the mass average molecular weight (Mw) is 14,000 or more, the smoothness of the fiber to which the treatment agent is applied can be improved. The upper limit of the mass average molecular weight (Mw) is 32,000 or less, preferably 30,000 or less. When the upper limit of the mass average molecular weight (Mw) is 32,000 or less, the effects of the present invention can be improved. Any combination of the above upper and lower limits is also contemplated.

[0035] The weight average molecular weight (Mw) of the polyether compound (A) can be determined by gel permeation chromatography (hereinafter also referred to as "GPC"), the details of which will be described later.

[0036] The lower limit of the molecular weight distribution (Mw / Mn) of the polyether compound (A) is set appropriately, but is preferably 1.05 or more, more preferably 1.10 or more. The upper limit of the molecular weight distribution (Mw / Mn) is set appropriately, but is preferably 2.10 or less, more preferably 1.90 or less. By specifying the molecular weight distribution (Mw / Mn) within this range, the effects of the present invention can be further improved. Ranges that combine the above upper and lower limits are also envisioned. The molecular weight distribution (Mw / Mn) of the polyether compound (A) is determined by GPC. Details of the method for measuring the molecular weight distribution (Mw / Mn) will be described later.

[0037] The lower limit of the kinematic viscosity (50°C) of the polyether compound (A) is set appropriately, but is preferably 5000 mm ２ The upper limit of the kinematic viscosity (50°C) is set appropriately, but is preferably 20,000 mm ２ / s or less. By specifying this range, the effects of the present invention can be further improved. Ranges that combine the above upper and lower limits are also envisioned. The kinematic viscosity at 50°C is measured in accordance with JIS Z 8803.

[0038] These polyether compounds (A) may be used alone or in appropriate combination of two or more. The lower limit of the content of the polyether compound (A) in the non-volatile content of the treatment agent is 50% by mass or more, preferably 55% by mass or more. When the content is 50% by mass or more, the smoothness of the fiber to which the treatment agent is applied can be improved. The upper limit of the content of the polyether compound (A) is set appropriately, but is preferably less than 100% by mass, more preferably 99% by mass or less. When the content is less than 100% by mass, the bulkiness of the fiber to which the treatment agent is applied can be further improved. Note that ranges obtained by arbitrarily combining the above upper and lower limits are also envisioned.

[0039] In this specification, the term "non-volatile content" refers to a treatment agent that has been heat-treated at 105°C for 2 hours to thoroughly remove volatile components. (Organic phosphate ester (B)) When the treatment agent contains an organic phosphate ester (B), the bulkiness of the fiber to which the treatment agent is applied can be improved. The organic phosphate ester (B) is at least one selected from phosphate esters of aliphatic alcohols having from 4 to 12 carbon atoms and salts thereof.

[0040] Examples of the organic phosphate ester (B) include organic phosphate esters having a saturated hydrocarbon group such as alkyl phosphate esters, organic phosphate esters having an unsaturated hydrocarbon group such as alkenyl phosphate esters, organic phosphate esters having a (poly)alkylene oxide chain, and salts thereof. The hydrocarbon group constituting the organic phosphate ester may be, for example, linear or branched.

[0041] Examples of the organic phosphate ester (B) used in this embodiment include a phosphate monoester, a phosphate diester, and a diphosphate ester. The phosphate monoester is, for example, a compound represented by the following formula (1):

[0042]

[0043] In formula (1), R １ is a residue obtained by removing a hydroxyl group from an aliphatic monohydric alcohol having from 4 to 12 carbon atoms, １ O is an alkyleneoxy group having 2 to 4 carbon atoms, n1 is an integer of 0 to 100, M １ , M ２ are each a hydrogen atom, an alkali metal, an alkaline earth metal (1 / 2), ammonium, or an organic amine.

[0044] Since alkaline earth metals are divalent, alkaline earth metal (1 / 2) is M １ or M ２ (The same applies hereinafter.) １ Specific examples of the aliphatic monohydric alcohol constituting the above include (1) linear alkyl alcohols such as butanol, pentanol, hexanol, octanol, nonanol, decanol, undecanol, and dodecanol; (2) branched alkyl alcohols such as isobutanol, isohexanol, 2-ethylhexanol, isononanol, isodecanol, and isododecanol; (3) linear alkenyl alcohols such as decenol and dodecenol; (4) branched alkenyl alcohols such as isodecenol and isododecenol; and (5) cyclic alkyl alcohols such as cyclopentanol and cyclohexanol.

[0045] A １Specific examples of alkyleneoxy groups constituting O include an ethyleneoxy group obtained from ethylene oxide, a propyleneoxy group obtained from propylene oxide, and a butyleneoxy group obtained from butylene oxide. As for the alkylene oxide, one type of alkylene oxide may be used alone, or two or more types of alkylene oxides may be used in appropriate combination. When two or more types of alkylene oxides are used, the addition form thereof may be any of block addition, random addition, and a combination of block addition and random addition, and is not particularly limited. The number of moles of alkylene oxide added is appropriately set, but is preferably 100 moles or less, more preferably 0.1 moles or more and 40 moles or less, and even more preferably 1 mole or more and 30 moles or less. Ranges obtained by arbitrarily combining the above upper and lower limits are also envisioned.

[0046] Specific examples of alkali metals include sodium, potassium, lithium, etc. Specific examples of alkaline earth metals include magnesium, calcium, etc.

[0047] Specific examples of organic amines include: (1) aliphatic amines such as methylamine, dimethylamine, trimethylamine, ethylamine, diethylamine, triethylamine, N-N-diisopropylethylamine, butylamine, dibutylamine, 2-methylbutylamine, tributylamine, octylamine, laurylamine, and dimethyllaurylamine; (2) aromatic amines or heterocyclic amines such as aniline, N-methylbenzylamine, pyridine, morpholine, piperazine, and derivatives thereof; (3) alkanolamines such as monoethanolamine, N-methylethanolamine, diethanolamine, triethanolamine, isopropanolamine, diisopropanolamine, triisopropanolamine, dibutylethanolamine, butyldiethanolamine, octyldiethanolamine, and lauryldiethanolamine; (4) arylamines such as 3-aminopropene; and (5) polyoxyalkylene alkylamino ethers such as polyoxyethylene laurylamino ether and polyoxyethylene sterylamino ether.

[0048] M １ and M ２ may be the same or different. The phosphoric acid diester is, for example, a compound represented by the following formula (2).

[0049]

[0050] In formula (2), R ２ , R ３ are residues obtained by removing a hydroxyl group from an aliphatic monohydric alcohol having 4 to 12 carbon atoms, ２ O.A. ３ O represents an alkyleneoxy group having 2 to 4 carbon atoms; n2 and n3 represent integers of 0 to 100; M ３ is a hydrogen atom, an alkali metal, an alkaline earth metal (1 / 2), ammonium, or an organic amine.

[0051] R ２ or R ３ The aliphatic monohydric alcohol having 4 to 12 carbon atoms constituting the formula (1) is １ Examples of the aliphatic monohydric alcohol having 4 to 12 carbon atoms that constitutes the above formula include those exemplified above.

[0052] A ２ O or A ３ The alkyleneoxy group constituting O is A in formula (1). １ Examples of the alkyleneoxy group constituting O include those exemplified above. ３ The alkali metal, alkaline earth metal, or organic amine constituting the compound of formula (1) is preferably M １ , M ２ Examples of the alkali metals, alkaline earth metals, or organic amines that constitute the above-mentioned compounds include those exemplified above.

[0053] R ２ and R ３ , and A ２ O and A ３ O may be the same or different from each other. The diphosphate ester is, for example, a compound represented by the following formula (3).

[0054]

[0055] In formula (3), Q １ , Q ２ , Q ３ are each a hydrogen atom, an alkali metal, an alkaline earth metal (1 / 2), an ammonium, an organic amine, or -(A ５ O) ｎ５ R ５ , R ４ , R ５ are residues obtained by removing a hydroxyl group from an aliphatic monohydric alcohol having 4 to 12 carbon atoms, ４ O.A. ５ Each O is an alkyleneoxy group having 2 to 4 carbon atoms, and each of n4 and n5 is an integer of 0 to 100.

[0056] Q １ , Q ２ , or Q ３ The alkali metal, alkaline earth metal, or organic amine constituting the compound of formula (1) is preferably M １ , M ２ Examples of the alkali metals, alkaline earth metals, or organic amines that constitute the above-mentioned compounds include those exemplified above.

[0057] R ４ or R ５ The residue obtained by removing a hydroxyl group from an aliphatic monohydric alcohol having 4 to 12 carbon atoms constituting the formula (1) is R １ Examples of the residue obtained by removing a hydroxyl group from an aliphatic monohydric alcohol having 4 to 12 carbon atoms constituting the above formula include those exemplified above.

[0058] A ４ O or A ５ The alkyleneoxy group constituting O is A in formula (1). １ Examples of the alkyleneoxy group constituting R include those exemplified above. ４ and R ５ , A ４ O and A ５ O and Q １ and Q ２ and Q ３ may be the same or different from each other.

[0059] These organic phosphate esters (B) may be used alone or in appropriate combination of two or more. The lower limit of the content of the organic phosphate ester (B) in the non-volatile content of the treatment agent is preferably 4% by mass or more, more preferably 5% by mass or more. When the content is 4% by mass or more, the bulkiness of the fiber to which the treatment agent is applied can be further improved. The upper limit of the content of the organic phosphate ester (B) is set appropriately, but is preferably 50% by mass or less, more preferably 45% by mass or less. When the content is 50% by mass or less, the smoothness of the fiber to which the treatment agent is applied can be further improved. Note that ranges obtained by arbitrarily combining the above upper and lower limits are also envisioned.

[0060] The nonvolatile content of the treatment agent preferably contains 55% by mass or more and 95% by mass or less of the polyether compound (A) and 5% by mass or more and 45% by mass or less of the organic phosphate ester (B). By specifying these ranges, the effects of the present invention can be further improved. It should be noted that ranges obtained by arbitrarily combining the above upper and lower limits are also contemplated.

[0061] (Antioxidant (C)) When the treatment agent contains the antioxidant (C), the smoothness of the fiber to which the treatment agent is applied can be improved.

[0062] Specific examples of the antioxidant (C) include (1) phenolic antioxidants such as 1,3,5-tris(4-t-butyl-3-hydroxy-2,6-dimethylbenzyl)-1,3,5-triazine-2,4,6-(1H,3H,5H)-trione, 1,1,3-tris(2-methyl-4-hydroxy-5-t-butylphenyl)butane, and pentaerythritol tetrakis[3-(3',5'-di-t-butyl-4'-hydroxyphenyl)propionate]; (3) thioether-based antioxidants such as 2,2-bis({[3-(dodecylthio)propionyl]oxy}methyl)-1,3-propanediyl bis[3-(dodecylthio)propionate] and ditridecan-1-yl 3,3′-sulfanediyldipropanoate; and (4) phosphorus-based antioxidants such as 3,9-bis(2,6-di-t-butyl-4-methylphenoxy)-2,4,8,10-tetraoxa-3,9-diphosphaspiro[5.5]undecane.

[0063] The lower limit of the content of the antioxidant (C) in the non-volatile content of the treatment agent is preferably 0.05% by mass or more, more preferably 1% by mass or more. When this content is 0.05% by mass or more, the smoothness of the fiber to which the treatment agent is applied can be further improved. The upper limit of the content of the antioxidant (C) can be set appropriately, but is preferably 6% by mass or less, more preferably 5% by mass or less. When this content is 6% by mass or less, the effects of the present invention can be further improved. Note that ranges that combine the above upper and lower limits in any combination are also contemplated.

[0064] The nonvolatile content of the treatment agent preferably contains 94% by mass or more and 99.9% by mass or less of the polyether compound (A) and 0.1% by mass or more and 6% by mass or less of the antioxidant (C). By specifying these ranges, the effects of the present invention can be further improved. Note that ranges that combine the above upper and lower limits are also contemplated.

[0065] The nonvolatile content of the treatment agent preferably contains 55% by mass or more and 94% by mass or less of the polyether compound (A), 5% by mass or more and 45% by mass or less of the organic phosphate ester (B), and 0.1% by mass or more and 5% by mass or less of the antioxidant (C). By specifying these ranges, the effects of the present invention can be further improved. It should be noted that ranges obtained by arbitrarily combining the above upper and lower limits are also contemplated.

[0066] (pH) The lower limit of the pH of a 1% by mass aqueous solution of the treatment agent is set as appropriate, but is preferably 7.0 or higher. When the pH is 7.0 or higher, the smoothness of the fiber to which the treatment agent is applied, particularly smoothness over time, can be improved. The upper limit of the pH of a 1% by mass aqueous solution of the treatment agent is set as appropriate, but is preferably 10.0 or lower. When the pH is 10.0 or lower, the effects of the present invention can be further improved. Note that ranges that combine the above upper and lower limits in any combination are also envisioned.

[0067] (Storage Form) The treatment agent may be configured as a single-component treatment agent containing the above-mentioned polyether compound (A), organic phosphate ester (B), and antioxidant (C), or, from the viewpoint of improving formulation stability, may be configured as a multi-component treatment agent such as a two-component or three-component type as shown below.

[0068] The multi-component treatment agent is configured as a set including a first treatment agent for polyester staple fibers (hereinafter referred to as the "first treatment agent") containing a polyether compound (A), and at least one of a second treatment agent for polyester staple fibers (hereinafter referred to as the "second treatment agent") containing an organic phosphate ester (B) and a third treatment agent for polyester staple fibers (hereinafter referred to as the "third treatment agent") containing an antioxidant (C).

[0069] In a three-component treatment agent, the first treatment agent, the second treatment agent, and the third treatment agent are each composed as separate agents before use, such as during storage or distribution, and are prepared by mixing the first treatment agent, the second treatment agent, and the third treatment agent at the time of use.Similarly, in a two-component treatment agent, the first treatment agent and the second or third treatment agent are each composed as separate agents before use, and are prepared by mixing the first treatment agent and the second or third treatment agent at the time of use.

[0070] (Solvent) The treatment agent of the present embodiment may be mixed with a solvent, if necessary, to prepare a treatment-agent-containing composition for polyester staple fibers or a treatment-agent-containing dilution for polyester staple fibers (hereinafter referred to as a "treatment-agent-containing composition, etc."), and the treatment agent may be stored or distributed in these forms.

[0071] The solvent has a boiling point of 105°C or less at one atmospheric pressure. Examples of the solvent include water and organic solvents. Specific examples of the organic solvent include lower alcohols such as ethanol and propanol, and low-polarity solvents such as hexane. These solvents may be used alone or in appropriate combination of two or more. Among these, polar solvents such as water and lower alcohols are preferred from the viewpoint of excellent dispersibility or solubility of each component, and water is more preferred from the viewpoint of excellent handleability.

[0072] (Effects of this embodiment) The effects of the treatment agent of the first embodiment will be described. (1-1) The treatment agent of the first embodiment contains the polyether compound (A) described above. Therefore, it is possible to improve the smoothness of the fibers to which the treatment agent is applied, particularly the smoothness over time. This can improve the quality of the fibers to which the treatment agent is applied. For example, when short fibers are used as wadding, it is possible to reduce entanglement and bias of the fibers.

[0073] Furthermore, the bulkiness of the fibers to which the treatment agent is applied can be improved. For example, when short fibers are used as wadding, the texture can be improved. (1-2) The treatment agent of the first embodiment does not contain a silicone component as its main component, nor does it need to. Therefore, the flame retardancy of the treatment agent can be improved.

[0074] (1-3) When the pH of a 1% by mass aqueous solution of the treatment agent is 7.0 or more and 10.0 or less, the smoothness over time of the fiber to which the treatment agent is applied can be further improved. (1-4) When the treatment agent contains the above-mentioned organic phosphate ester (B), the bulkiness of the fiber to which the treatment agent is applied can be further improved.

[0075] (1-5) When the treatment agent contains the above-mentioned antioxidant (C), the smoothness of the fiber to which the treatment agent is applied, particularly smoothness over time, can be further improved. <Second Embodiment> Next, a second embodiment embodying the first treatment agent of the present invention will be described, focusing on the differences from the first embodiment.

[0076] The first treating agent of this embodiment contains the polyether compound (A) described above. When used, the first treating agent is used in combination with the second treating agent containing the organic phosphate ester (B) described above and the third treating agent containing the antioxidant (C) described above. Before use, the first treating agent and the third treating agent are separate agents. When used, the first treating agent, the second treating agent, and the third treating agent are mixed to prepare a mixture of the treating agent. The components contained in the first treating agent, the second treating agent, and the third treating agent, such as the polyether compound (A), are the same as those described in the first embodiment.

[0077] (Solvent) The first treating agent of this embodiment may be mixed with a solvent as needed to prepare a first treating agent-containing composition for polyester staple fibers or a first treating agent-containing dilution for polyester staple fibers (hereinafter referred to as "first treating agent-containing composition, etc."), which may be stored or distributed in that form. The solvents exemplified in the first embodiment may be used.

[0078] (Effects of this embodiment) The effects of the first treatment agent of the second embodiment will be described. In addition to the effects of the first embodiment, the second embodiment has the following effects.

[0079] (2-1) The first treating agent of the second embodiment contains the polyether compound (A) described above. Before use, the first treating agent is configured as a separate agent from the second treating agent containing the organic phosphate ester (B) and the third treating agent containing the antioxidant (C). When used, the first treating agent is used in combination with the second treating agent and the third treating agent, and a mixture of the first treating agent, the second treating agent, and the third treating agent is prepared as a treating agent.

[0080] Therefore, the formulation stability, particularly storage stability, of the first treatment agent can be further improved during storage or distribution. Furthermore, by adjusting the mixing ratio of the second treatment agent with the third treatment agent, the components of the resulting treatment agent can be adjusted. Furthermore, the first treatment agent alone can be distributed as a separate agent from the second and third treatment agents.

[0081] Third Embodiment Next, a third embodiment of the second treatment agent of the present invention will be described, focusing on the differences from the first and second embodiments.

[0082] The second treating agent of this embodiment contains the above-described organic phosphate ester (B). The second treating agent is used in combination with a first treating agent containing a polyether compound (A) during use, and is configured as a separate agent from the first treating agent before use. The second treating agent is optionally used in combination with a third treating agent containing an antioxidant (C) during use, and is configured as a separate agent from the third treating agent before use. A mixture of the first treating agent, the second treating agent, and the optional third treating agent is prepared during use. The components contained in the first treating agent, the second treating agent, and the third treating agent, such as the polyether compound (A), are the same as those described in the first embodiment.

[0083] (Solvent) The second treatment agent of this embodiment may be mixed with a solvent, if necessary, to prepare a second treatment agent-containing composition for polyester staple fibers or a second treatment agent-containing dilution for polyester staple fibers (hereinafter referred to as "second treatment agent-containing composition, etc."), which may be stored or distributed in that form. The solvents exemplified in the first embodiment may be used.

[0084] (Effects of this embodiment) The effects of the second treatment agent of the third embodiment will be described. In addition to the effects of the first and second embodiments, the third embodiment has the following effects.

[0085] (3-1) The second treating agent of the third embodiment contains the above-described organic phosphate ester (B). Before use, the second treating agent is configured as a separate agent from the first treating agent containing the above-described polyether compound (A) and the third treating agent containing the antioxidant (C). When used, the second treating agent is used in combination with the first treating agent and an optional third treating agent, and a mixture of the first treating agent, the second treating agent, and the third treating agent is prepared. This further improves the formulation stability, particularly the storage stability, of the second treating agent during storage or distribution. Furthermore, by adjusting the mixing ratio of the first treating agent and the third treating agent, the components of the resulting treating agent can be adjusted. Furthermore, the second treating agent alone can be distributed as a separate agent from the first treating agent and the third treating agent.

[0086] Fourth Embodiment Next, a fourth embodiment embodying the third treatment agent of the present invention will be described, focusing on the differences from the first to third embodiments.

[0087] The third treating agent of this embodiment contains the antioxidant (C) described above. The third treating agent is used in combination with a first treating agent containing a polyether compound (A) during use, and is configured as a separate agent from the first treating agent before use. The third treating agent is optionally used in combination with a second treating agent containing an organic phosphate ester (B) during use, and is configured as a separate agent from the second treating agent before use. A mixture of the first treating agent, the third treating agent, and the optional second treating agent is prepared during use. The components contained in the first treating agent, the second treating agent, and the third treating agent, such as the polyether compound (A), are the same as those described in the first embodiment.

[0088] (Solvent) The third treatment agent of this embodiment may be mixed with a solvent as needed to prepare a third treatment agent-containing composition for polyester staple fibers or a third treatment agent-containing dilution for polyester staple fibers (hereinafter referred to as "third treatment agent-containing composition, etc."), which may be stored or distributed in that form. The solvents exemplified in the first embodiment can be used.

[0089] (Effects of this embodiment) The effects of the third treatment agent of the fourth embodiment will be described below. In addition to the effects of the first to third embodiments, the fourth embodiment has the following effects.

[0090] (4-1) The third treating agent of the fourth embodiment contains the antioxidant (C) described above. Before use, the third treating agent is configured as a separate agent from the first treating agent containing the polyether compound (A) and the second treating agent containing the organic phosphate ester (B). When used, the third treating agent is used in combination with the first treating agent and an optional second treating agent, and a mixture of the first treating agent, the second treating agent, and the third treating agent is prepared. This improves the formulation stability, particularly the storage stability, of the third treating agent during storage or distribution. Furthermore, by adjusting the mixing ratio of the first treating agent and the second treating agent, the components of the resulting treating agent can be adjusted. Furthermore, the third treating agent can be distributed separately from the first treating agent and the second treating agent.

[0091] Fifth Embodiment A fifth embodiment of the polyester staple fiber according to the present invention will be described. The polyester staple fiber of this embodiment is a treated polyester staple fiber having the treatment agent of the first embodiment adhered to its surface. By adhering the treatment agent to the surface of the polyester staple fiber, polyester staple fiber exhibiting the effects of the present invention can be obtained.

[0092] (Applications of Fibers) Staple fibers generally refer to those called staples, and do not include long fibers generally called filaments. The length of the staple fibers is not particularly limited as long as it corresponds to staple fibers in the technical field, but is, for example, 100 mm or less, preferably 30 mm to 70 mm. Staple fibers are preferably used for batting production, nonwoven fabric production, etc. By using the polyester staple fibers according to the present invention as staple fibers for batting, they can impart excellent texture, such as smoothness and bulkiness, to the batting of stuffed toys, futons, clothing, etc. Staple fibers are composed of the following synthetic fibers:

[0093] (Synthetic Fibers) Specific examples of synthetic fibers include polyester synthetic fibers, such as polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polytrimethylene terephthalate, polybutylene terephthalate, polyethylene naphthalate, polylactic acid, and composite fibers containing these polyester resins.

[0094] (Treatment of applying treatment agent) There is no particular restriction on the proportion of the treatment agent of the first embodiment applied to the synthetic fiber, but it is preferable to apply a solvent-free treatment agent so that it is 0.1% by mass or more and 2% by mass or less relative to the synthetic fiber, and it is more preferable to apply it so that it is 0.2% by mass or more and 1.2% by mass or less.

[0095] The treatment agent can be applied to synthetic fibers by a known method, such as a dipping method, a spraying method, a roller method, or a guide oiling method using a metering pump, using a treatment agent-containing composition containing the treatment agent of the first embodiment and water, or a diluted solution obtained by further diluting the treatment agent-containing composition with a solvent.

[0096] (Effects of this embodiment) The effects of the polyester staple fiber of the fifth embodiment will be described. In addition to the effects of the above-described embodiments, the fifth embodiment has the following effects.

[0097] (5-1) The polyester staple fiber of the fifth embodiment has the treatment agent of the first embodiment adhered thereto. Therefore, polyester staple fiber with improved smoothness and bulkiness can be obtained. Therefore, when the polyester staple fiber of the fifth embodiment is used as wadding, for example, the texture can be improved.

[0098] (Modifications) The above embodiment may be modified as follows: The above embodiment and the following modifications may be combined and implemented within the scope of technical compatibility.

[0099] Each treatment agent, composition, or dilution solution of the above embodiments may further contain other components commonly used in the field of treatment agents, such as other solvents, stabilizers, antistatic agents, binders, antioxidants other than those mentioned above, UV absorbers, surfactants other than those mentioned above, and pH adjusters, to maintain the quality of each treatment agent, as long as the effects of the present invention are not impaired. The content of other components other than the solvent is preferably 10% by mass or less in each treatment agent, from the perspective of efficiently exerting the efficacy of the present invention. Furthermore, the other components may be stored as a separate agent from each of the above treatment agents.

[0100] The present invention does not preclude the inclusion of a silicone compound in the treatment agent of the first embodiment within a range that does not impair the effects of the present invention. From the viewpoint of improving flame retardancy, the content of the silicone compound in the treatment agent is preferably 5% by mass or less, and more preferably 1% by mass or less.

[0101] Examples will be given below to more specifically explain the configuration and effects of the present invention, but the present invention is not limited to these examples. In the following explanations of the examples and comparative examples, parts mean parts by mass, and % means % by mass.

[0102] Test Section 1 (Preparation of Treatment Agent) (Example 1) 55 parts of polyether compound (A-1) shown in Table 1 below as the polyether compound (A), 7 parts of polyether compound (a-1), 37 parts of n-butyl phosphate and its potassium salt (B-1) as the organic phosphate ester (B), and 1 part of 1,1,3-tris(2-methyl-4-hydroxy-5-t-butylphenyl)butane (C-1) as the antioxidant (C) were charged into a container and mixed well, thereby preparing the treatment agent of Example 1.

[0103] Examples 2 to 44, Comparative Examples 1 to 4 The treating agents of Examples 2 to 44 and Comparative Examples 1 to 4 were prepared in the same manner as in Example 1 using the components shown in Tables 1 and 2.

[0104] The type and content of the polyether compound (A), the type and content of the organic phosphate ester (B), and the type and content of the antioxidant (C) in each example of the treatment agent are as shown in the "Polyether compound (A)" column, the "Organic phosphate ester (B)" column, and the "Antioxidant (C)" column in Tables 1 and 2, respectively.

[0105] The pH of a 1% by mass aqueous solution of each treatment agent is shown in the "pH of 1% aqueous solution" column of Tables 1 and 2.

[0106]

[0107]

[0108] Details of the polyether compound (A), organic phosphate ester (B), and antioxidant (C) shown in Tables 1 and 2 are as follows: <Polyether compound (A)> The polyether compounds used were A-1 to A-12 and a-1 to a-5 shown in Table 3 below.

[0109] (Synthesis of Polyether Compound) 1 mole of alcohol and an appropriate amount of potassium hydroxide as a catalyst were added to an autoclave reactor, and the mixture was heated to 100°C with stirring, followed by dehydration under reduced pressure. The mixture was then heated to 130°C with continued stirring, and ethylene oxide (hereinafter referred to as EO) and propylene oxide (hereinafter referred to as PO) were gradually added to effect random addition, or PO was added followed by EO to effect block addition. The pH was adjusted as needed using phosphoric acid. Details of the polyether compounds A-1 to A-12 and a-1 to a-5 thus obtained are shown in Table 3. Specifically, the alcohols used as raw materials, the average number of moles of EO added, the average number of moles of PO added, the EO / PO molar ratio, the addition form of EO and PO, the mass average molecular weight of the obtained polyether compound, and the molecular weight distribution (Mw / Mn) are shown in the "Alcohol", "Average number of moles of EO added", "Average number of moles of PO added", "EO / PO molar ratio", "Addition form", "Mass average molecular weight", and "Molecular weight distribution Mw / Mn" columns of Table 3, respectively.

[0110] All of the polyether compounds shown in Table 3 have a kinematic viscosity (50°C) of 5,000 to 20,000 mm ２The molecular weight distribution was determined by the following measurement method.

[0111] (Molecular weight distribution) The molecular weight distribution was measured using gel permeation chromatography (GPC). The mass average molecular weight refers to the maximum peak value measured with a detector. It was determined from the molecular weight distribution of the main peak during GPC measurement. The apparatus used was a Tosoh HLC-8320GPC, and the measurement was performed under the following conditions.

[0112] Column: TSK gel Super H4000 (manufactured by Tosoh Corporation) : TSK gel Super H3000 (manufactured by Tosoh Corporation) : TSK gel Super H2000 (manufactured by Tosoh Corporation) Column temperature: 40°C Detector: differential refractive index detector Sample solution: 0.25% tetrahydrofuran solution Solution flow rate: 0.5 mL / min Solution injection volume: 10 μL Standard material: polystyrene

[0113]

[0114] <Organic phosphate esters (B)> B-1: n-butyl phosphate ester and its potassium salt (acid value 25 KOH-mg / g, P-NMR integral ratios of monoester 25%, diester 30%, and diphosphate esters 45%) B-2: n-hexyl phosphate ester and its potassium salt (acid value 20 KOH-mg / g, P-NMR integral ratios of monoester 40%, diester 50%, and diphosphate esters 10%) B-3: 2-ethylhexyl phosphate ester and its potassium salt (acid value 80 KOH-mg / g, P-NMR integral ratios of monoester 40%, diester 40%, and diphosphate esters 20%) B-4: n-octyl phosphate ester and its potassium salt (acid value 25 KOH-mg / g, P-NMR integral ratios of monoester 45%, diester 45%, and diphosphate esters 10%) B-5: n-Octyl (EO 2 mol) phosphate ester and its potassium salt (acid value 20 KOH-mg / g, P-NMR integral ratio: monoester 40%, diester 50%, diphosphate 10%) B-6: n-Dodecyl phosphate ester and its potassium salt (acid value 50 KOH-mg / g, P-NMR integral ratio: monoester 75%, diester 25%) B-7: n-Dodecyl (EO 6 mol) phosphate ester and its potassium salt (acid value 150 KOH-mg / g, P-NMR integral ratio: monoester 43%, diester 54%, diphosphate 3%) b-1: Cetyl phosphate ester and its potassium salt (acid value 25 KOH-mg / g, P-NMR integral ratio: monoester 45%, diester 45%, diphosphate 10%) b-2: Potassium salt of cetyl phosphate (acid value 0 KOH-mg / g, P-NMR integral ratio: monoester 50%, diester 50%) (Acid Value) The acid value (KOH mg / g) of the organic phosphate ester (B) was determined by the following method.

[0115] First, the organic phosphate ester (B) was dissolved in ion-exchanged water to prepare a sample solution. The prepared sample solution was placed in a known potentiometer and titrated with a 0.1 mol / L potassium hydroxide methanol standard solution. Using the obtained titration data, the acid value was calculated according to the following formula:

[0116] Acid value of organic phosphate ester (B) (mg KOH / g) = (R × f × 56.11 × 0.1) / S In this formula, f is the factor of the 0.1 mol / L potassium hydroxide methanol standard solution, S is the amount of sample collected (g, converted into solid content), and R is the amount (mL) of the 0.1 mol / L potassium hydroxide methanol standard solution used up to the inflection point.

[0117] <Antioxidants (C)> C-1: 1,1,3-tris(2-methyl-4-hydroxy-5-t-butylphenyl)butane C-2: pentaerythritol tetrakis[3-(3',5'-di-t-butyl-4'-hydroxyphenyl)propionate] C-3: 3,9-bis(2,6-di-t-butyl-4-methylphenoxy)-2,4,8,10-tetraoxa-3,9-diphosphaspiro[5.5]undecane C-4: ditridecan-1-yl 3,3'-sulfanediyldipropanoate C-5: 2,2-bis({[3-(dodecylthio)propionyl]oxy}methyl)-1,3-propanediyl bis[3-(dodecylthio)propionate] Test Category 2 (Preparation of 0.4% diluted solution of treatment agent) There are no particular limitations on the method for preparing the diluted solution of the treatment agent. For example, the treatment agent prepared in Test Section 1 was added to ion-exchanged water heated to about 50°C with stirring, and completely dissolved to prepare a 0.4% diluted solution of the treatment agent.

[0118] Test Section 3 (Preparation of Polyester Staple Fiber Treated Cotton) 100 g of a 0.4% diluted solution of each treatment agent prepared in Test Section 1 was uniformly sprayed onto 100 g of polyester staple fibers having a 6 denier and a cut length of 64 mm. The fibers were then dried at 80°C for 1 hour and then heat-treated at 150°C for 10 minutes. The obtained polyester staple fiber samples were evaluated for smoothness and bulkiness as follows.

[0119] Test Section 4 (Smoothness) The cotton samples with each treatment agent prepared in Test Section 3 were passed through a miniature roller card to prepare cotton samples for evaluation. Four levels of standard samples for smoothness testing were prepared, each of which was treated with a treatment agent different from those used in the Examples and Comparative Examples. These were designated as standard samples with scores of 1, 2, 3, and 4, in order of decreasing smoothness.

[0120] The standard sample for the smoothness test was repeatedly calibrated by five evaluators, and was selected so that the order of smoothness was consistent among all five evaluators. Each evaluator compared the smoothness of the sample cotton with the standard sample for the smoothness test and assigned a score to indicate the degree of smoothness. The average score assigned by the five evaluators was calculated, and the smoothness was evaluated according to the following criteria. The results are shown in the "Smoothness" column in Tables 1 and 2.

[0121] Smoothness Evaluation Criteria 4 (Excellent): Average score of 3.5 or more 3 (Good): Average score of 3.0 or more but less than 3.5 2 (Fair): Average score of 2.5 or more but less than 3.0 1 (Fail): Average score of less than 2.5 Test Section 5 (Smoothness over Time) The cotton samples with each treatment agent prepared in Test Section 3 were stored at 50°C for 2 weeks. After storage, they were passed through a miniature roller card to prepare cotton samples for evaluation. Each evaluator compared the smoothness of the cotton samples with the standard sample for smoothness testing and assigned a score to indicate the degree of smoothness. The scores assigned by the five evaluators were averaged, and the smoothness was evaluated according to the following criteria. The results are shown in the "Smoothness over Time" column in Tables 1 and 2.

[0122] Evaluation criteria for smoothness over time: 4 (Excellent): Average score of 3.5 or more; 3 (Good): Average score of 3.0 or more but less than 3.5; 2 (Fair): Average score of 2.5 or more but less than 3.0; 1 (Fail): Average score of less than 2.5. Test Section 6 (Bulkiness): 40 g of sample cotton with each treatment agent prepared in Test Section 3 attached was passed through a roller carding machine to create a 30 cm x 100 cm web. Four pieces of fabric were cut from this web to 15 cm x 15 cm. Four pieces of fabric were stacked so that the fiber directions were perpendicular to each other to create a rectangular parallelepiped. After leaving the sample to stand for 30 minutes at a temperature of 20°C and a humidity of 40% RH, a 15 cm x 15 cm metal plate (135 g) was placed on the rectangular parallelepiped, and the height (h1) of the rectangular parallelepiped after 1 minute was recorded to the nearest 0.1 cm. A 1125 g weight was then placed on the metal plate and left to stand for 24 hours, after which the height (h2) was recorded and the weight was removed. The height (h3) of the rectangular parallelepiped was recorded one minute after the weight was removed. The recovery rate was calculated using the following formula:

[0123] Recovery rate (%) = 100 × (h3 - h2) / (h1 - h2) The higher the recovery rate, the better the bulkiness of the sample cotton was judged to be. The results are shown in the "Bulkiness" column in Tables 1 and 2.

[0124] Bulkiness evaluation criteria: 3 (Good): Recovery rate of 80% or more; 2 (Acceptable): Recovery rate of 50% or more but less than 80%; 1 (Unacceptable): Recovery rate of less than 50%. Test Section 8 (Preparation of Three-Part Treatment Agent and Preparation of Treatment Agent) The first part of the three-part treatment agent of Example 1-1 was prepared using the polyether compound (A-1) described above as the polyether compound (A). The second part of the three-part treatment agent of Example 1-1 was obtained using the n-butyl phosphate ester and its potassium salt (B-1) described above as the organic phosphate ester (B). The third part of the three-part treatment agent of Example 1-1 was obtained by thoroughly mixing 7 parts of the polyether compound (a-1) and 1 part of 1,1,3-tris(2-methyl-4-hydroxy-5-t-butylphenyl)butane (C-1) as the antioxidant (C).

[0125] 55 parts of the first part, 37 parts of the second part, and 8 parts of the third part of the three-component treatment agent were placed in a container and mixed thoroughly to prepare a mixture of the three-component treatment agent of Example 1-1. Using this mixture, smoothness, smoothness over time, and bulkiness were evaluated in the same manner as for the treatment agent of Example 1. As a result, evaluation results similar to those of Example 1 were obtained.

[0126] From the results in the above table, it can be seen that the present invention can improve the smoothness and bulkiness of fibers to which a treatment agent has been applied.

[0127] (Appendix 1) A treatment agent for polyester staple fibers containing the following polyether compound (A) and the following organic phosphate ester (B), characterized in that the polyether compound (A) is contained in a proportion of 50 mass% or more in the non-volatile matter of the treatment agent for polyester staple fibers.

[0128] Polyether compound (A): A compound obtained by adding ethylene oxide and propylene oxide to a monohydric, dihydric, or tetrahydric alcohol having 3 to 18 carbon atoms, and having a mass average molecular weight of 14,000 to 32,000.

[0129] Organic phosphate ester (B): at least one selected from phosphate esters of aliphatic alcohols having from 4 to 12 carbon atoms and salts thereof. (Appendix 2) The treating agent for polyester staple fibers according to Appendix 1, wherein a pH of a 1% by mass aqueous solution thereof is from 7.0 to 10.0.

[0130] (Appendix 3) The treating agent for polyester staple fibers according to Appendix 1, wherein the polyether compound (A) has a mass average molecular weight of 17,000 or more and 32,000 or less.

[0131] (Appendix 4) The treatment agent for polyester staple fibers according to Appendix 1, wherein the polyether compound (A) is an adduct of ethylene oxide and propylene oxide with a trihydric or tetrahydric alcohol having from 3 to 12 carbon atoms.

[0132] (Appendix 5) The treatment agent for polyester staple fibers according to Appendix 1, wherein the treatment agent for polyester staple fibers contains the polyether compound (A) in an amount of 55% by mass or more and 95% by mass or less, and the organic phosphate ester (B) in an amount of 5% by mass or more and 45% by mass or less, based on the non-volatile content of the treatment agent for polyester staple fibers.

[0133] (Appendix 6) The treatment agent for polyester staple fibers according to Appendix 1, further containing an antioxidant (C). (Appendix 7) The treatment agent for polyester staple fibers according to Appendix 6, containing the polyether compound (A) in an amount of 55% by mass or more and 94% by mass or less, the organic phosphate ester (B) in an amount of 5% by mass or more and 45% by mass or less, and the antioxidant (C) in an amount of 0.1% by mass or more and 5% by mass or less, based on the non-volatile content of the treatment agent for polyester staple fibers.

[0134] (Appendix 8) A treatment agent for polyester staple fibers containing the following polyether compound (A), characterized in that the polyether compound (A) is contained in a proportion of 50 mass % or more of the non-volatile content of the treatment agent for polyester staple fibers (excluding the configuration of a treatment agent for fibers containing 50 mass % or more of a fatty acid salt having 8 to 24 carbon atoms):

[0135] Polyether compound (A): A compound obtained by adding ethylene oxide and propylene oxide to a monohydric, dihydric, or tetrahydric alcohol having 3 to 18 carbon atoms, and having a mass average molecular weight of 14,000 to 32,000.

[0136] (Appendix 9) The treating agent for polyester staple fibers according to Appendix 8, wherein a pH of a 1% by mass aqueous solution is 7.0 or more and 10.0 or less.

[0137] (Appendix 10) The treating agent for polyester staple fibers according to Appendix 8, wherein the polyether compound (A) has a mass average molecular weight of 17,000 or more and 32,000 or less.

[0138] (Appendix 11) The treatment agent for polyester staple fibers according to Appendix 8, wherein the polyether compound (A) is an adduct of ethylene oxide and propylene oxide with a trihydric or tetrahydric alcohol having from 3 to 12 carbon atoms.

[0139] (Appendix 12) The processing agent for polyester staple fibers according to Appendix 8, further comprising the following organic phosphate ester (B):

[0140] Organic phosphate ester (B): at least one selected from phosphate esters of aliphatic alcohols having from 4 to 12 carbon atoms, and salts thereof. (Appendix 13) The treatment agent for polyester staple fibers according to Appendix 12, containing the polyether compound (A) in an amount of from 55% by mass to 95% by mass and the organic phosphate ester (B) in an amount of from 5% by mass to 45% by mass based on the non-volatile content of the treatment agent for polyester staple fibers.

[0141] (Appendix 14) The treatment agent for polyester staple fibers according to Appendix 8, further containing an antioxidant (C). (Appendix 15) The treatment agent for polyester staple fibers according to Appendix 14, containing the polyether compound (A) in an amount of 94% by mass or more and 99.9% by mass or less and the antioxidant (C) in an amount of 0.1% by mass or more and 6% by mass or less in the non-volatile content of the treatment agent for polyester staple fibers.

[0142] (Appendix 16) The treatment agent for polyester staple fibers according to Appendix 12, further containing an antioxidant (C). (Appendix 17) The treatment agent for polyester staple fibers according to Appendix 16, containing the polyether compound (A) in an amount of 55% by mass or more and 94% by mass or less, the organic phosphate ester (B) in an amount of 5% by mass or more and 45% by mass or less, and the antioxidant (C) in an amount of 0.1% by mass or more and 5% by mass or less, based on the non-volatile content of the treatment agent for polyester staple fibers.

[0143] (Appendix 18) A first treating agent for polyester staple fibers to be used in combination with at least one selected from the group consisting of a second treating agent for polyester staple fibers containing an organic phosphate ester (B) and a third treating agent for polyester staple fibers containing an antioxidant (C), the first treating agent for polyester staple fibers being characterized by containing the following polyether compound (A) (excluding configurations in which the mixture of the first treating agent for polyester staple fibers to the third treating agent for polyester staple fibers contains 50% by mass or more of a fatty acid salt having 8 to 24 carbon atoms).

[0144] Polyether compound (A): A compound obtained by adding ethylene oxide and propylene oxide to a monohydric, dihydric, or tetrahydric alcohol having 3 to 18 carbon atoms, and having a mass average molecular weight of 14,000 to 32,000.

[0145] Organic phosphate ester (B): At least one selected from phosphate esters of aliphatic alcohols having from 4 to 12 carbon atoms, and salts thereof. (Appendix 19) Polyester staple fibers having the treating agent for polyester staple fibers according to any one of Appendices 1 to 17 adhered thereto.

[0146] (Appendix 20) The polyester staple fiber according to appendix 19, wherein the polyester staple fiber is a staple fiber for producing batting.

Claims

1. A treatment agent for polyester staple fibers containing a polyether compound, characterized in that the non-volatile content of the treatment agent for polyester staple fibers contains the polyether compound at a ratio of 50% by mass or more, the polyether compound being an addition product of ethylene oxide and propylene oxide to a mono- to tetrahydric alcohol having 3 to 18 carbon atoms, and the mass average molecular weight of the polyether compound is 14,000 to 32,000.

2. The treatment agent for polyester staple fibers according to claim 1, wherein the pH of a 1% by weight aqueous solution is 7.0 or more and 10.0 or less.

3. The processing agent for polyester staple fibers according to claim 1, wherein the weight average molecular weight of the polyether compound is 17,000 or more and 32,000 or less.

4. The processing agent for polyester staple fibers according to claim 1, wherein the polyether compound is an addition product of ethylene oxide and propylene oxide to a tri- or tetrahydric alcohol having 3 to 12 carbon atoms.

5. The treatment agent for polyester staple fibers according to claim 1, further comprising at least one organic phosphate ester selected from the group consisting of phosphate esters of aliphatic alcohols having from 4 to 12 carbon atoms and salts thereof.

6. A treatment agent for polyester staple fibers as described in claim 5, wherein the non-volatile content of the treatment agent for polyester staple fibers contains the polyether compound in an amount of 55% by mass or more and 95% by mass or less, and the organic phosphate ester in an amount of 5% by mass or more and 45% by mass or less.

7. The processing agent for polyester staple fibers according to claim 1, further comprising an antioxidant.

8. A treatment agent for polyester staple fibers as described in claim 7, wherein the non-volatile content of the treatment agent for polyester staple fibers contains the polyether compound in an amount of 94% by mass or more and 99.9% by mass or less, and the antioxidant in an amount of 0.1% by mass or more and 6% by mass or less.

9. The processing agent for polyester staple fibers according to claim 5, further comprising an antioxidant.

10. A treatment agent for polyester staple fibers as described in claim 9, wherein the non-volatile components of the treatment agent for polyester staple fibers contain 55% by mass or more and 94% by mass or less of the polyether compound, 5% by mass or more and 45% by mass or less of the organic phosphate ester, and 0.1% by mass or more and 5% by mass or less of the antioxidant.

11. A first treating agent for polyester staple fibers, which is used in combination with at least one selected from a second treating agent for polyester staple fibers containing an organic phosphate ester and a third treating agent for polyester staple fibers containing an antioxidant, and which contains a polyether compound, wherein the polyether compound is an addition product of ethylene oxide and propylene oxide to a mono- to tetrahydric alcohol having 3 to 18 carbon atoms and has a mass average molecular weight of 14,000 to 32,000, and the organic phosphate ester is at least one selected from a phosphate ester of an aliphatic alcohol having 4 to 12 carbon atoms and a salt thereof.

12. A second treatment agent for polyester staple fibers, which is used in combination with a first treatment agent for polyester staple fibers containing a polyether compound, and optionally in combination with a third treatment agent for polyester staple fibers containing an antioxidant, and which contains an organic phosphate ester, wherein the polyether compound is an addition product of ethylene oxide and propylene oxide to a mono- to tetrahydric alcohol having 3 to 18 carbon atoms and has a mass average molecular weight of 14,000 to 32,000, and the organic phosphate ester is at least one selected from a phosphate ester of an aliphatic alcohol having 4 to 12 carbon atoms and a salt thereof.

13. A third treatment agent for polyester staple fibers, which is used in combination with a first treatment agent for polyester staple fibers containing a polyether compound, and optionally in combination with a second treatment agent for polyester staple fibers containing an organic phosphate ester, and which contains an antioxidant, wherein the polyether compound is an addition product of ethylene oxide and propylene oxide to a mono- to tetrahydric alcohol having 3 to 18 carbon atoms and has a mass average molecular weight of 14,000 to 32,000, and the organic phosphate ester is at least one selected from a phosphate ester of an aliphatic alcohol having 4 to 12 carbon atoms and a salt thereof.

14. Polyester staple fibers having the processing agent for polyester staple fibers according to any one of claims 1 to 10 adhered thereto.

15. The polyester staple fiber according to claim 14, wherein the polyester staple fiber is a staple fiber for making batting.

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