Nonwoven fabric treatment agent and fibers

Abstract

The present invention addresses the problem of providing: a nonwoven fabric treatment agent which is for imparting water repellency, which enables an improvement in emulsion stability, and which enables an improved wettability of the nonwoven fabric treatment agent with respect to fibers; and fibers which use the same. A nonwoven fabric treatment agent according to the present invention comprises a specific phosphate compound and a C3-6 monovalent to trivalent alcohol. In the nonwoven fabric treatment agent, when the total of P NMR integration ratios respectively attributed to specific phosphate esters Pa, Pb, Pc, and Pd and an inorganic phosphate is represented as 100%, the P NMR integration ratio attributed to the inorganic phosphate is not more than 55%, and the P NMR integration ratio attributed to the phosphate ester Pa is not less than 5%. The ratio NPi / NPa of the P NMR integration values NPa, NPi attributed to the phosphate ester Pa and the inorganic phosphate is not less than 0.6. The nonwoven fabric treatment agent has an acid value of 0.5-100 mgKOH / g.

Description

Nonwoven fabric treatment agents and fibers

[0001] The present invention relates to a treatment agent for nonwoven fabrics that can impart water repellency and improve emulsion stability, etc., and to fibers to which the treatment agent has been applied.

[0002] Generally, synthetic fibers are used as raw fibers for nonwoven fabrics. For example, nonwoven fabrics are manufactured using synthetic fibers composed of thermoplastic resins such as polyolefins. Functionality such as water repellency is imparted to the raw fibers used for the nonwoven fabric or to the nonwoven fabric by applying a treatment agent to the nonwoven fabric. Nonwoven fabrics imparted with functionalities such as water repellency are used in a wide range of fields, including hygiene products, medical care, agriculture, and civil engineering.

[0003] For example, a known fiber treatment agent is disclosed in Patent Document 1. Patent Document 1 discloses a water-repellent fiber treatment agent that contains a specific phosphate ester and has an acid value of 0.5 to 680 mgKOH / g.

[0004] Patent No. 7025594

[0005] However, conventional treatment agents for nonwoven fabrics intended to impart water repellency have had the problem that not only does the emulsion stability decrease, but also the wettability of the treatment agent for nonwoven fabrics to fibers decreases.

[0006] As a result of research conducted by the present inventors to solve the above-mentioned problems, they found that a treatment agent for nonwoven fabrics containing a predetermined phosphoric acid compound (P) and an alcohol (A) is best suited when the acid value of the treatment agent for nonwoven fabrics is set within a predetermined range.

[0007] The following describes various aspects of the present invention that solve the above-described problems. The nonwoven fabric treatment agent of Aspect 1 contains the following phosphoric acid compound (P) and the following alcohol (A). The nonwoven fabric treatment agent contains the phosphoric acid compound (P) in an amount of 70% by mass or more and 98.7% by mass or less, and the alcohol (A) in an amount of 1.3% by mass or more and 30% by mass or less, where the total content of the phosphoric acid compound (P) and the alcohol (A) is taken as 100% by mass. The content of compounds other than the phosphoric acid compound (P) and the alcohol (A) is 10% by mass or less. The phosphoric acid compound (P) contains a phosphoric acid ester (Pa) represented by the following formula (1), a phosphoric acid ester (Pb) represented by the following formula (2), and inorganic phosphoric acid (Pi), and optionally further contains at least one selected from the group consisting of a phosphoric acid ester (Pc) represented by the following formula (3) and a phosphoric acid ester (Pd) represented by the following formula (4). The alcohol (A) is a monohydric to trihydric alcohol having 3 to 6 carbon atoms. In the nonwoven fabric treatment agent, when the sum of the P nuclear NMR integral ratios attributable to each of the phosphate ester (Pa), phosphate ester (Pb), phosphate ester (Pc), phosphate ester (Pd), and inorganic phosphoric acid (Pi) is taken as 100%, the P nuclear NMR integral ratio attributable to inorganic phosphoric acid (Pi) is 55% or less, and the P nuclear NMR integral ratio attributable to the phosphate ester (Pa) is 5% or more. Ｐａ , N Ｐｉ Ratio N Ｐｉ / N Ｐａ The treatment agent for nonwoven fabrics has an acid value of 0.5 mgKOH / g or more and 100 mgKOH / g or less.

[0008]

[0009] In formula (1), R １ represents a hydrocarbon group having 3 to 5 carbon atoms; １ O is an alkyleneoxy group having 2 to 4 carbon atoms, n1 is an integer of 0 to 3, M １ , M ２ are each a hydrogen atom, an alkali metal, an alkaline earth metal (1 / 2), ammonium, or an organic amine.

[0010]

[0011] In formula (2), R ２ , R ３ are hydrocarbon groups having 3 to 5 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 3; M ３ is a hydrogen atom, an alkali metal, an alkaline earth metal (1 / 2), ammonium, or an organic amine.

[0012]

[0013] In formula (3), Q １ is 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 hydrocarbon groups having 3 to 5 carbon atoms, ４ O.A. ５ O represents an alkyleneoxy group having 2 to 4 carbon atoms; n4 and n5 represent integers of 0 to 3; M ４ , M ５ are each a hydrogen atom, an alkali metal, an alkaline earth metal (1 / 2), ammonium, or an organic amine.

[0014]

[0015] In formula (4), R ６ , R ７ , R ８ are hydrocarbon groups having 3 to 5 carbon atoms, ６ O.A. ７ O.A. ８ Each O is an alkyleneoxy group having 2 to 4 carbon atoms, and each of n6, n7, and n8 is an integer of 0 to 3.

[0016] In Aspect 2, in the treatment agent for nonwoven fabrics according to Aspect 1, when the sum of the P nuclear NMR integral ratios attributable to the phosphate ester (Pa), the phosphate ester (Pb), the phosphate ester (Pc), the phosphate ester (Pd), and the inorganic phosphoric acid (Pi) is taken as 100%, the P nuclear NMR integral ratio attributable to the inorganic phosphoric acid (Pi) is 25% or more.

[0017] In Aspect 3, in the treatment agent for nonwoven fabrics according to Aspect 1 or 2, when the sum of the P-nucleus NMR integral ratios attributable to the phosphate ester (Pa), the phosphate ester (Pb), the phosphate ester (Pc), the phosphate ester (Pd), and the inorganic phosphoric acid (Pi) is taken as 100%, the P-nucleus NMR integral ratio attributable to the phosphate ester (Pc) is 15% or more.

[0018] In Aspect 4, in the treatment agent for nonwoven fabrics according to any one of Aspects 1 to 3, when the sum of the P nuclear NMR integral ratios attributable to the phosphate ester (Pa), the phosphate ester (Pb), the phosphate ester (Pc), the phosphate ester (Pd), and the inorganic phosphoric acid (Pi) is taken as 100%, the P nuclear NMR integral ratio attributable to the phosphate ester (Pa) is less than 20%.

[0019] Aspect 5 is the treatment agent for nonwoven fabrics according to any one of Aspects 1 to 4, wherein the treatment agent contains the phosphoric acid compound (P) in an amount of 80% by mass or more and 97% by mass or less, and the alcohol (A) in an amount of 3% by mass or more and 20% by mass or less, relative to the total amount of the phosphoric acid compound (P) and the alcohol (A) taken as 100% by mass.

[0020] The fibers of Aspect 6 are characterized in that the treatment agent for nonwoven fabrics according to any one of Aspects 1 to 5 is adhered to the fibers.

[0021] According to the present invention, in a treatment agent for nonwoven fabrics for imparting water repellency, it is possible to improve emulsion stability and also improve the wettability of the treatment agent for nonwoven fabrics to fibers.

[0022] First Embodiment A first embodiment of the treatment agent for nonwoven fabrics (hereinafter simply referred to as the treatment agent) of the present invention will be described below. The treatment agent of this embodiment contains the following phosphoric acid compound (P) and the following alcohol (A).

[0023] (Phosphate Compound (P)) The phosphate compound (P) used in this embodiment contains a phosphate ester (Pa), a phosphate ester (Pb), and an inorganic phosphoric acid (Pi), and optionally further contains at least one selected from a phosphate ester (Pc) and a phosphate ester (Pd).

[0024] The phosphate ester (Pa) is a compound represented by the following formula (1).

[0025]

[0026] In formula (1), R １ represents a hydrocarbon group having 3 to 5 carbon atoms; １ O is an alkyleneoxy group having 2 to 4 carbon atoms, n1 is an integer of 0 to 3, M １ , M ２ are each a hydrogen atom, an alkali metal, an alkaline earth metal (1 / 2), ammonium, or an organic amine.

[0027] Since alkaline earth metals are divalent, alkaline earth metal (1 / 2) is M １ or M ２ (The same applies hereinafter.) These phosphate esters (Pa) may be used singly or in appropriate combination of two or more.

[0028] R １ Examples of the hydrocarbon group having 3 to 5 carbon atoms constituting the group include an alkyl group which is a saturated hydrocarbon group, an alkenyl group which is an unsaturated hydrocarbon group, etc. The hydrocarbon group may have a linear or branched chain structure.

[0029] R １ Specific examples of the alkyl group constituting R include a propyl group, a butyl group, a pentyl group, an isobutyl group, and an isopentyl group. １Specific examples of the alkenyl group constituting the formula (I) include a propenyl group, a butenyl group, a pentenyl group, an isobutenyl group, and an isopentenyl group.

[0030] A １ Specific examples of the alkyleneoxy group 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 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.

[0031] Specific examples of alkali metals include sodium, potassium, lithium, etc. Specific examples of alkaline earth metals include magnesium, calcium, etc.

[0032] 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.

[0033] M １ and M ２may be the same or different. The phosphate ester (Pb) is a compound represented by the following formula (2).

[0034]

[0035] In formula (2), R ２ , R ３ are hydrocarbon groups having 3 to 5 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 3; M ３ is a hydrogen atom, an alkali metal, an alkaline earth metal (1 / 2), ammonium, or an organic amine.

[0036] These phosphate esters (Pb) may be used singly or in appropriate combination of two or more. ２ or R ３ The hydrocarbon group having 3 to 5 carbon atoms constituting the formula (1) is １ Examples of the hydrocarbon group having 3 to 5 carbon atoms constituting the above formula include those exemplified above.

[0037] 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.

[0038] R ２ and R ３ , and A ２ O and A ３ O may be the same or different from each other. The phosphate ester (Pc) is a compound represented by the following formula (3).

[0039]

[0040] In formula (3), Q １ is 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 hydrocarbon groups having 3 to 5 carbon atoms, ４ O.A. ５ O represents an alkyleneoxy group having 2 to 4 carbon atoms; n4 and n5 represent integers of 0 to 3; M ４ , M ５ are each a hydrogen atom, an alkali metal, an alkaline earth metal (1 / 2), ammonium, or an organic amine.

[0041] These phosphate esters (Pc) may be used singly or in appropriate combination of two or more. １ 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.

[0042] R ４ or R ５ The hydrocarbon group having 3 to 5 carbon atoms constituting the formula (1) is １ Examples of the hydrocarbon group having 3 to 5 carbon atoms constituting the group A include those exemplified above. ４ O or A ５ The alkyleneoxy group constituting O is A in formula (1). １ Examples of the alkyleneoxy group constituting O include those exemplified above.

[0043] M ４ or M ５ 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.

[0044] R ４ and R５ , A ４ O and A ５ O and M ４ and M ５ may be the same or different from each other. The phosphate ester (Pd) is a compound represented by the following formula (4).

[0045]

[0046] In formula (4), R ６ , R ７ , R ８ are hydrocarbon groups having 3 to 5 carbon atoms, ６ O.A. ７ O.A. ８ Each O is an alkyleneoxy group having 2 to 4 carbon atoms, and each of n6, n7, and n8 is an integer of 0 to 3.

[0047] These phosphate esters (Pd) may be used alone or in appropriate combination of two or more. ６ , R ７ , or R ８ The hydrocarbon group having 3 to 5 carbon atoms constituting the formula (1) is １ Examples of the hydrocarbon group having 3 to 5 carbon atoms constituting the above formula include those exemplified above.

[0048] A ６ O.A. ７ O or A ８ The alkyleneoxy group constituting O is A in formula (1). １ Examples of the alkyleneoxy group constituting R include those exemplified above. ６ and R ７ and R ８ , and A ６ O and A ７ O and A ８ O may be the same or different from each other.

[0049] The inorganic phosphate (Pi) may be inorganic phosphate that does not form a salt, such as orthophosphoric acid, pyrophosphoric acid, or diphosphoric acid pentoxide, or may be an inorganic phosphate. Specific examples of inorganic phosphates include tripotassium phosphate, trisodium phosphate, tricalcium phosphate, dipotassium hydrogen phosphate, disodium hydrogen phosphate, dicalcium hydrogen phosphate, potassium dihydrogen phosphate, sodium dihydrogen phosphate, calcium dihydrogen phosphate, potassium pyrophosphate, sodium pyrophosphate, and calcium pyrophosphate.

[0050] These inorganic phosphoric acids (Pi) may be used singly or in combination of two or more. The P NMR integral values ​​attributable to each of the phosphate ester (Pa) and the inorganic phosphoric acid (Pi) are expressed as N Ｐａ , N Ｐｉ When expressed as Ｐａ N for Ｐｉ The ratio (N Ｐｉ / N Ｐａ The lower limit of the ratio is 0.6 or more, preferably 1.0 or more. When the ratio is 0.6 or more, the emulsion stability of the treatment agent can be improved. In addition, the carding ability of the fibers to which the treatment agent is applied can be improved. In addition, the P NMR integral value N Ｐａ N for Ｐｉ The ratio (N Ｐｉ / N Ｐａ The upper limit of the ratio is preferably 4.0 or less. When this ratio is 4.0 or less, the carding properties of the fibers to which the treatment agent is applied can be improved. Note that ranges that combine the above upper and lower limits are also contemplated.

[0051] The P nuclear NMR integral value is determined by P nuclear NMR measurement when the phosphate compound (P) is subjected to alkaline superneutralization pretreatment, with the sum of the P nuclear NMR integral ratios attributable to the phosphate ester (Pa), the phosphate ester (Pb), the phosphate ester (Pc), the phosphate ester (Pd), and inorganic phosphoric acid (Pi) being set to 100%.

[0052] The above-mentioned "alkaline overneutralization pretreatment" refers to a pretreatment in which an excess amount of alkali is added to the phosphoric acid compound (P). Specific examples of the alkali include, but are not limited to, organic amines, hydroxides of alkali metals or alkaline earth metals, etc. The alkali may be the same as or different from the alkali used in synthesizing the phosphoric acid compound (P). Specific examples of the organic amine include those exemplified as organic amines constituting the phosphoric acid compound (P) described above. Specific examples of the hydroxides of alkali metals or alkaline earth metals include, for example, sodium hydroxide, potassium hydroxide, magnesium hydroxide, etc.

[0053] ３１ In P-NMR measurement, by carrying out this "alkaline superneutralization pretreatment", peaks attributable to phosphate ester (Pa), phosphate ester (Pb), phosphate ester (Pc), phosphate ester (Pd), and inorganic phosphoric acid (Pi) can be clearly separated, and the P nuclear integral ratio attributable to each compound can be calculated using the following mathematical formulas (1) to (5).

[0054] The P NMR integral ratio attributable to phosphate ester (Pa) is shown by the following formula (1): The P NMR integral ratio attributable to phosphate ester (Pb) is shown by the following formula (2): The P NMR integral ratio attributable to phosphate ester (Pc) is shown by the following formula (3): The P NMR integral ratio attributable to phosphate ester (Pd) is shown by the following formula (4): The P NMR integral ratio attributable to inorganic phosphoric acid (Pi) is shown by the following formula (5):

[0055]

[0056] In formula (1), N Ｐａ (%) is the P NMR integral ratio assigned to phosphate ester (Pa), Ｐａ is the P NMR integral value assigned to the phosphate ester (Pa), Ｐｂ is the P NMR integral value assigned to the phosphate ester (Pb), Ｐｃ is the P NMR integral value assigned to the phosphate ester (Pc), Ｐｄ ​is the P NMR integral value assigned to the phosphate ester (Pd), Ｐｉ represents the P NMR integral value assigned to inorganic phosphate (Pi).

[0057]

[0058] In formula (2), N Ｐｂ (%) is the P NMR integral ratio assigned to phosphate ester (Pb), Ｐａ is the P NMR integral value assigned to the phosphate ester (Pa), Ｐｂ is the P NMR integral value assigned to the phosphate ester (Pb), Ｐｃ is the P NMR integral value assigned to the phosphate ester (Pc), Ｐｄ is the P NMR integral value assigned to the phosphate ester (Pd), Ｐｉ represents the P NMR integral value assigned to inorganic phosphate (Pi).

[0059]

[0060] In formula (3), N Ｐｃ (%) is the P NMR integral ratio assigned to phosphate ester (Pc), Ｐａ is the P NMR integral value assigned to the phosphate ester (Pa), Ｐｂ is the P NMR integral value assigned to the phosphate ester (Pb), Ｐｃ is the P NMR integral value assigned to the phosphate ester (Pc), Ｐｄ is the P NMR integral value assigned to the phosphate ester (Pd), Ｐｉ represents the P NMR integral value assigned to inorganic phosphate (Pi).

[0061]

[0062] In formula (4), N Ｐｄ (%) is the P NMR integral ratio assigned to phosphate ester (Pd), Ｐａ is the P NMR integral value assigned to the phosphate ester (Pa), Ｐｂ is the P NMR integral value assigned to the phosphate ester (Pb), Ｐｃis the P NMR integral value assigned to the phosphate ester (Pc), Ｐｄ is the P NMR integral value assigned to the phosphate ester (Pd), Ｐｉ represents the P NMR integral value assigned to inorganic phosphate (Pi).

[0063]

[0064] In formula (5), N Ｐｉ (%) is the P NMR integral ratio assigned to inorganic phosphate (Pi), Ｐａ is the P NMR integral value assigned to the phosphate ester (Pa), Ｐｂ is the P NMR integral value assigned to the phosphate ester (Pb), Ｐｃ is the P NMR integral value assigned to the phosphate ester (Pc), Ｐｄ is the P NMR integral value assigned to the phosphate ester (Pd), Ｐｉ represents the P NMR integral value assigned to inorganic phosphate (Pi).

[0065] In the treatment agent, when the total of the P nucleus NMR integral ratios attributable to the phosphate ester (Pa), phosphate ester (Pb), phosphate ester (Pc), phosphate ester (Pd), and inorganic phosphoric acid (Pi) shown in the above formula (5) is taken as 100%, the P nucleus NMR integral ratio (N Ｐｉ The lower limit of the ratio (%)) is preferably 25% or more. By specifying the ratio within this range, the emulsion stability of the treatment agent can be further improved. In addition, the P nucleus NMR integral ratio (N ＰｉThe upper limit of (%) is 55% or less, preferably 50% or less. By specifying this range, the carding ability of the fibers to which the treatment agent has been applied can be improved. In one aspect of this embodiment, the P nucleus NMR integral ratio attributable to inorganic phosphate (Pi) is, for example, 10% or more, 23% or more, 25% or more, 28% or more, 30% or more, 33% or more, 35% or more, 42% or more, 50% or more, or 55% or more. Similarly, the P nucleus NMR integral ratio attributable to inorganic phosphate (Pi) is, for example, 55% or less, 50% or less, 42% or less, 35% or less, 33% or less, 30% or less, 28% or less, 25% or less, 23% or less, or 10% or less. Note that ranges obtained by arbitrarily combining the above upper and lower limits are also contemplated.

[0066] In the treatment agent, when the total of the P nucleus NMR integral ratios attributable to the phosphate ester (Pa), phosphate ester (Pb), phosphate ester (Pc), phosphate ester (Pd), and inorganic phosphoric acid (Pi) shown in the above formula (3) is taken as 100%, the P nucleus NMR integral ratio (N Ｐｃ The lower limit of the ratio (%)) is preferably 15% or more. By specifying the ratio within this range, the carding ability of the fibers to which the treatment agent is applied can be improved. In addition, the P nucleus NMR integral ratio (N Ｐｃ The upper limit of (%) is preferably 45% or less. By specifying this range, the emulsion stability of the treatment agent can be further improved. In one aspect of this embodiment, the P nucleus NMR integral ratio attributable to the phosphate ester (Pc) is, for example, 10% or more, 12% or more, 15.6% or more, 18.8% or more, 19.8% or more, 20% or more, 21% or more, 23% or more, 30% or more, or 41.5% or more. Similarly, the P nucleus NMR integral ratio attributable to the phosphate ester (Pc) is, for example, 41.5% or less, 30% or less, 23% or less, 21% or less, 20% or less, 19.8% or less, 18.8% or less, 15.6% or less, 12% or less, or 10% or less. Note that ranges combining the above upper and lower limits are also contemplated.

[0067] In the treatment agent, when the total of the P nucleus NMR integral ratios attributable to the phosphate ester (Pa), phosphate ester (Pb), phosphate ester (Pc), phosphate ester (Pd), and inorganic phosphoric acid (Pi) shown in the above formula (1) is taken as 100%, the P nucleus NMR integral ratio (N Ｐａ The lower limit of the P nucleus NMR integral ratio (N Ｐａ The upper limit of (%)) is preferably less than 20%. By specifying it within this range, the water repellency of the fiber to which the treatment agent is applied can be further improved. In one aspect of this embodiment, the P nucleus NMR integral ratio attributable to the phosphate ester (Pa) is, for example, 8% or more, 10% or more, 12.4% or more, 13.9% or more, 14.3% or more, 16% or more, 17% or more, 18% or more, 18.7% or more, 32% or more, or 37% or more. Similarly, the P nucleus NMR integral ratio attributable to the phosphate ester (Pa) is, for example, 37% or less, 32% or less, 18.7% or less, 18% or less, 17% or less, 16% or less, 14.3% or less, 13.9% or less, 12.4% or less, 10% or less, or 8% or less. Note that ranges combining the above upper and lower limits are also contemplated.

[0068] In the treatment agent, when the total of the P nucleus NMR integral ratios attributable to the phosphate ester (Pa), phosphate ester (Pb), phosphate ester (Pc), phosphate ester (Pd), and inorganic phosphoric acid (Pi) shown in the above formula (2) is taken as 100%, the P nucleus NMR integral ratio (N Ｐｂ The lower limit of the ratio (N (%)) is preferably 10% or more. By specifying the ratio within this range, the effects of the present invention can be further improved. In addition, the P nucleus NMR integral ratio (N ＰｂThe upper limit of (%)) is preferably less than 45%. By specifying it within this range, the effects of the present invention can be further improved. In one aspect of this embodiment, the P nucleus NMR integral ratio attributable to the phosphate ester (Pb) is, for example, 20% or more, 23.8% or more, 25% or more, 27% or more, 27.5% or more, 30% or more, 33% or more, 34.5% or more, 34.6% or more, 35.7% or more, or 42% or more. Similarly, the P nucleus NMR integral ratio attributable to the phosphate ester (Pb) is, for example, 42% or less, 35.7% or less, 34.6% or less, 34.5% or less, 33% or less, 30% or less, 27.5% or less, 27% or less, 25% or less, 23.8% or less, or 20% or less. Note that ranges combining the above upper and lower limits are also envisioned.

[0069] The phosphoric acid compound (P) can be obtained by reacting a raw material alcohol, an aliphatic alcohol having from 3 to 5 carbon atoms, with, for example, diphosphorus pentoxide to obtain a phosphoric acid ester, and then, if necessary, neutralizing or overneutralizing the phosphoric acid ester with an alkali such as potassium hydroxide. In the case of the above synthesis method, the phosphoric acid compound (P) is usually produced so as to contain the phosphoric acid ester Pa, the phosphoric acid ester Pb, the phosphoric acid ester Pc, and the inorganic phosphoric acid Pi. The phosphoric acid compound (P) may also be prepared by mixing the phosphoric acid ester Pa, the phosphoric acid ester Pb, the phosphoric acid ester Pc, and the inorganic phosphoric acid Pi synthesized separately.

[0070] The lower limit of the content of the phosphate compound (P) in the treatment agent can be set as appropriate, but is preferably 70% by mass or more, more preferably 80% by mass or more. When the content is 70% by mass or more, the carding ability of the fiber to which the treatment agent is applied can be improved. The upper limit of the content of the phosphate compound (P) can be set as appropriate, but is preferably 99% by mass or less, more preferably 97% by mass or less. When the content is 99% by mass or less, the wettability of the treatment agent to the fiber can be improved. In one aspect of this embodiment, the content of the phosphate compound (P) in the treatment agent is, for example, 70% by mass or more, 85% by mass or more, 90.5% by mass or more, 91% by mass or more, 92% by mass or more, 92.5% by mass or more, 93% by mass or more, 94% by mass or more, 95% by mass or more, 95.8% by mass or more, 96% by mass or more, 96.5% by mass or more, 97% by mass or more, 98.5% by mass or more, or 98.7% by mass or more. Similarly, the content of the phosphate compound (P) in the treatment agent is, for example, 98.7% by mass or less, 98.5% by mass or less, 97% by mass or less, 96.5% by mass or less, 96% by mass or less, 95.8% by mass or less, 95% by mass or less, 94% by mass or less, 93% by mass or less, 92.5% by mass or less, 92% by mass or less, 91% by mass or less, 90.5% by mass or less, 85% by mass or less, or 70% by mass or less. Ranges combining the above upper and lower limits are also contemplated.

[0071] (Alcohol (A)) The alcohol (A) used in this embodiment is a monohydric to trihydric alcohol having 3 to 6 carbon atoms. The alcohol (A) may be a saturated aliphatic alcohol, an unsaturated aliphatic alcohol, or an aromatic alcohol. The hydrocarbon group constituting the alcohol (A) may have a linear or branched structure. Furthermore, the alcohol (A) may be a primary alcohol or a secondary alcohol.

[0072] Specific examples of monohydric alcohols include (1) linear alkyl alcohols such as propanol, butanol, pentanol, and hexanol, (2) branched alkyl alcohols such as isobutanol, isopentanol, and isohexanol, (3) linear alkenyl alcohols such as propenol, butenol, pentenol, and hexenol, (4) branched alkenyl alcohols such as isobutenol, isopentenol, and isohexenol, (5) cyclic alkyl alcohols such as cyclopentanol and cyclohexanol, and (6) aromatic alcohols such as phenol.

[0073] Specific examples of dihydric alcohols include 1,3-butanediol, 2-methyl-1-propanol, 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, propylene glycol, and dipropylene glycol.

[0074] Specific examples of trihydric alcohols include glycerin, trimethylolpropane, 1,2,3-butanetriol, 1,2,4-butanetriol, 2-methyl-2-hydroxymethyl-1,3-propanediol, 1,2,3-pentatriol, and 1,2,4-pentatriol.

[0075] These alcohols (A) may be used alone or in appropriate combination of two or more. The lower limit of the content of the alcohol (A) in the treatment agent is set appropriately, but is preferably 1% by mass or more, more preferably 3% by mass or more. When the content is 1% by mass or more, the wettability of the treatment agent to the fiber can be improved. The upper limit of the content of the alcohol (A) is set appropriately, but is preferably 30% by mass or less, more preferably 20% by mass or less. When the content is 30% by mass or less, the carding ability of the fiber to which the treatment agent has been applied can be improved. In one aspect of this embodiment, the content of the phosphate compound (P) in the treatment agent is, for example, 1.3% by mass or more, 1.5% by mass or more, 3% by mass or more, 3.5% by mass or more, 4% by mass or more, 4.2% by mass or more, 4.5% by mass or more, 5% by mass or more, 6% by mass or more, 7% by mass or more, 7.5% by mass or more, 8% by mass or more, 9% by mass or more, 9.5% by mass or more, 15% by mass or more, 30% by mass or more. Similarly, the content of the phosphate compound (P) in the treatment agent is, for example, 30% by mass or less, 15% by mass or less, 9.5% by mass or less, 9% by mass or less, 8% by mass or less, 7.5% by mass or less, 7% by mass or less, 6% by mass or less, 5% by mass or less, 4.5% by mass or less, 4.2% by mass or less, 4% by mass or less, 3.5% by mass or less, 3% by mass or less, 1.5% by mass or less, or 1.3% by mass or less. Any combination of the above upper and lower limits is also contemplated.

[0076] In the treatment agent, when the total content of the phosphoric acid compound (P) and the alcohol (A) is taken as 100% by mass, the phosphoric acid compound (P) is contained in a proportion of 70% by mass to 98.7% by mass, preferably 80% by mass to 97% by mass, and the alcohol (A) is contained in a proportion of 1.3% by mass to 30% by mass, preferably 3% by mass to 20% by mass. By specifying these ranges, the effects of the present invention can be further improved. Note that ranges that arbitrarily combine the above upper and lower limits are also contemplated.

[0077] (Acid Value) The lower limit of the acid value of the treatment agent is 0.5 mgKOH / g or more, preferably 10 mgKOH / g or more. When the lower limit of the acid value is 0.5 mgKOH / g or more, the effects of the present invention can be further improved. The upper limit of the acid value of the treatment agent is 100 mgKOH / g or less. When the lower limit of the acid value is 100 mgKOH / g or less, the emulsion stability of the treatment agent can be particularly improved. In one aspect of this embodiment, the acid value of the treatment agent is, for example, 14 mgKOH / g or more, 18 mgKOH / g or more, 21 mgKOH / g or more, 23 mgKOH / g or more, 24 mgKOH / g or more, 25 mgKOH / g or more, 29 mgKOH / g or more, 82 mgKOH / g or more, 92 mgKOH / g or more, 93 mgKOH / g or more, 94 mgKOH / g or more, or 96 mgKOH / g or more. Similarly, the acid value of the treating agent is, for example, 96 mgKOH / g or less, 94 mgKOH / g or less, 93 mgKOH / g or less, 92 mgKOH / g or less, 82 mgKOH / g or less, 29 mgKOH / g or less, 25 mgKOH / g or less, 24 mgKOH / g or less, 23 mgKOH / g or less, 21 mgKOH / g or less, 18 mgKOH / g or less, or 14 mgKOH / g or less. Ranges combining the above upper and lower limits are also contemplated.

[0078] The acid value (mg KOH / g) of the treatment agent is measured by the following method. First, the treatment agent is dissolved in ion-exchanged water to prepare a sample solution. The prepared sample solution is 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 of the treatment agent is calculated using the following formula.

[0079] Acid value of treatment agent (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 taken (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.

[0080] Furthermore, when the treatment agent is mixed with a solvent such as water, the acid value of the treatment agent can be calculated by subtracting the content of the treatment agent in the mixture from the acid value of the mixture. The content of the treatment agent in the mixture can be calculated from the mass loss of the mixture when the mixture is heat-treated to remove the solvent.

[0081] (Solvent) The treatment agent of this embodiment may contain a solvent if necessary. Examples of the solvent include water and organic solvents. Specific examples of organic solvents include lower alcohols such as ethanol and propanol, and low-polarity solvents such as hexane and normal paraffin. These solvents may be used alone or in appropriate combination of two or more. Among these, water is preferred from the viewpoints of excellent dispersibility or solubility of each component and excellent handleability.

[0082] (Uses) The treatment agent of this embodiment is applied to the use of nonwoven fabrics. As long as a treated nonwoven fabric having the treatment agent of this embodiment adhered to its surface can be obtained, the treatment agent may be adhered to the fiber surface before the nonwoven fabric is produced, or the treatment agent may be adhered to the fiber surface after the nonwoven fabric is produced.

[0083] The type of fiber is not particularly limited, and examples include short fibers and long fibers. The present invention can be applied to both short and long fiber applications. Short fibers generally refer to those called staples, and do not include long fibers generally called filaments. The length of the short fibers is not particularly limited as long as they fall under the category of short fibers in this technical field, but is, for example, 100 mm or less, preferably 30 mm to 70 mm. The fibers may be composed of the following synthetic fibers:

[0084] Specific examples of synthetic fibers include (1) polyolefin fibers such as polyethylene fibers, polypropylene fibers, and polybutene fibers, (2) polyester fibers such as polyethylene terephthalate, polybutylene terephthalate, polyethylene terephthalate isophthalate, and polyether polyester, (3) polyamide fibers such as nylon 6 and nylon 66, and (4) composite fibers, including composite fibers with a core-sheath structure in which either the core or the sheath, or both, are polyolefin fibers, such as polyethylene / polypropylene composite fibers or polyethylene / polyester composite fibers in which the sheath is a polyethylene fiber, or polyethylene / polyester composite fibers or polyethylene / polyester composite fibers having a side-by-side structure. Among these, polyolefin fibers such as polyethylene fibers, polypropylene fibers, and polybutene fibers, and composite fibers with a core-sheath structure in which either the core or the sheath, or both, are polyolefin fibers, such as polyethylene / polypropylene composite fibers or polyethylene / polyester composite fibers in which the sheath is a polyethylene fiber, or polyethylene / polyester composite fibers or polyethylene / polyester composite fibers having a side-by-side structure are preferred. Here, polyolefin synthetic fibers refer to synthetic fibers synthesized using olefins or alkenes as monomers.

[0085] The type of nonwoven fabric is not particularly limited, but examples thereof include spunbond nonwoven fabrics. Furthermore, examples of web formation methods other than the spunbond method include dry methods such as carding and airlaid methods when the raw material fibers are short fibers, and wet methods such as papermaking methods. Furthermore, examples of methods for bonding fibers include meltblown methods and flash spinning methods when the raw material fibers are long fibers. Furthermore, examples of methods for bonding fibers include chemical bonding, thermal bonding, needle punching, spunlace, and stitch bonding.

[0086] (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 above-mentioned phosphate compound (P) and alcohol (A), and has an acid value in the range of 0.5 mgKOH / g or more and 100 mgKOH / g or less. Therefore, in a treatment agent for imparting water repellency, the emulsion stability of the treatment agent can be improved. In particular, the emulsion stability against hard water can be improved.

[0087] Furthermore, the water-repellent function of water-repellent fibers can be maintained, thereby maintaining the functionality of nonwoven fabrics obtained from such fibers. Furthermore, in a nonwoven fabric treatment agent for imparting water repellency, the wettability of the treatment agent to the fibers can be improved, thereby allowing the treatment agent to be applied uniformly to the fibers.

[0088] Furthermore, when fibers to which a treatment agent has been applied are passed through a card to obtain a nonwoven fabric, the carding property can be improved. As a result, a nonwoven fabric with excellent uniformity can be obtained. (1-2) The P nucleus NMR integral ratio (N Ｐｉ When the (%)) is 25% or more, the emulsion stability of the treatment agent can be further improved.

[0089] (1-3) The P nucleus NMR integral ratio (N Ｐｃ When the (%)) is 15% or more, the carding properties of the fibers to which the treatment agent is applied can be improved.

[0090] (1-4) The P nucleus NMR integral ratio (N Ｐａ When the water repellency (%) is less than 20%, the water repellency of the fiber to which the treatment agent is applied can be further improved.

[0091] Second Embodiment A second embodiment of the fiber according to the present invention will be described. The fiber of this embodiment is a treated fiber having the treatment agent of the first embodiment attached to its surface. The treated fiber is obtained by attaching the treatment agent to the fiber surface. The uses and types of the fiber are the same as those described in the first embodiment.

[0092] (Treatment agent attachment treatment) There is no particular restriction on the proportion of the treatment agent of the first embodiment attached to the fiber, but it is preferable to attach a solvent-free treatment agent so that it is 0.1 mass % or more and 2 mass % or less relative to the fiber, and it is more preferable to attach it so that it is 0.2 mass % or more and 1.2 mass % or less.

[0093] The treatment agent may be used in the form of a treatment-agent-containing composition containing the treatment agent and a solvent such as water, or in the form of a diluted solution obtained by further diluting the treatment-agent-containing composition with a solvent. The treatment agent can be applied to fibers by known methods, such as immersion, spraying, roller application, and guide oiling using a metering pump. The treatment agent can also be applied to nonwoven fabrics by immersion, spraying, roll coating, gravure coating, die coating, curtain coating, or the like.

[0094] (Effects of this embodiment) The effects of the fibers of the second embodiment will be described. In addition to the effects of the above-described embodiments, the second embodiment has the following effects.

[0095] (2-1) The treatment agent of the first embodiment is adhered to the fibers of this embodiment. Therefore, a nonwoven fabric having water repellency imparted to the fibers is obtained. Therefore, the nonwoven fabric can be suitably applied to applications in the fields of hygiene, medicine, civil engineering, and the like, where improved functionality is required.

[0096] Furthermore, fibers to which the treatment agent has been applied have improved carding properties, resulting in a nonwoven fabric with excellent uniformity. Furthermore, the wettability of the treatment agent to the fibers has also improved, resulting in a nonwoven fabric in which the treatment agent has been uniformly applied to the fibers.

[0097] (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.

[0098] Each of the treatment agents, compositions, or dilutions of the above embodiments may further contain other components commonly used in the field of treatment agents, such as solvents, stabilizers, antistatic agents, binders, antioxidants, UV absorbers, surfactants, 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.

[0099] 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.

[0100] Test Section 1 (Preparation of Treatment Agent) (Example 1) 92.5 parts of the phosphoric acid compound (P-1) shown in Table 1 below as the phosphoric acid compound (P) and 7.5 parts of 1-propanol (A-1) as the alcohol (A) were charged into a container and mixed well to prepare the treatment agent of Example 1.

[0101] Examples 2 to 25, Comparative Examples 1 to 6 The treating agents of Examples 2 to 25 and Comparative Examples 1 to 6 were prepared in the same manner as in Example 1 using the components shown in Table 1.

[0102] The type and content of the phosphoric acid compound (P) and the type and content of the alcohol (A) in the treatment agent of each example are shown in the "Phosphate compound (P)" column and the "Alcohol (A)" column in Table 1, respectively.

[0103] The acid value of each treatment agent was measured by the method described in the above embodiment, and the results are shown in the "Acid value" column of Table 1.

[0104]

[0105] Details of the phosphoric acid compounds (P) and alcohols (A) shown in Table 1 are as follows: (Phosphate Compounds (P)) The phosphoric acid compounds (P-1) to (P-12) and (rP-1) to (rP-4) shown in Table 2 below were used.

[0106]

[0107] The "Type" column in Table 2 shows the types of substituents and salts constituting the phosphate ester (Pa), phosphate ester (Pb), phosphate ester (Pc), and phosphate ester (Pd) shown in formulas (1) to (4). In this column, "EO" represents an ethyleneoxy group.

[0108] The P nucleus integral ratios (%) attributed to phosphate ester (Pa), phosphate ester (Pb), phosphate ester (Pc), phosphate ester (Pd), and inorganic phosphoric acid (Pi) when the sum of the P nucleus NMR integral ratios attributed to phosphate ester (Pa), phosphate ester (Pb), phosphate ester (Pc), phosphate ester (Pd), and inorganic phosphoric acid (Pi) is taken as 100% are shown in the "P nucleus NMR integral ratio" column of Table 2.

[0109] The acid value of the phosphoric acid compound (P) is shown in the "Acid value" column of Table 2. The acid value of the phosphoric acid compound (P) was measured in the same manner as the acid value of the treatment agent. The P nucleus NMR integral value N Ｐａ N for Ｐｉ The ratio (N Ｐｉ / N Ｐａ ) to "N Ｐｉ / N Ｐａ The P NMR measurement for each phosphoric acid compound (P) was carried out by the method shown below.

[0110] P Nuclear NMR Measurement Method Each phosphoric acid compound (P) was pretreated by adding KOH to adjust the pH to 12 or higher. Deuterium oxide was used as the solvent. ３１ P-NMR (MERCURY plus NMR Spectrometer System, 300 MHz, manufactured by VALIAN) was used.

[0111] Among the obtained signals, the integral value of the signal appearing between 4 ppm and 10 ppm corresponds to the P atom in inorganic phosphate (Pi), and the integral value of the signal appearing between 3 ppm and 7 ppm corresponds to the P atom in phosphate ester (Pa).

[0112] The integral value of the signal appearing between -1 ppm and 4 ppm corresponds to the P atom in the phosphate ester (Pb). The integral value of the signal appearing between 0 ppm and -3 ppm corresponds to the P atom in the phosphate ester (Pd).

[0113] The integral value of the signal appearing between -1 ppm and -15 ppm corresponds to the P atom in the phosphate ester (Pc). However, if signals are detected in overlapping ranges within the above value range, the signals derived from the P atoms corresponding to inorganic phosphate (Pi), phosphate ester (Pa), phosphate ester (Pb), phosphate ester (Pd), and phosphate ester (Pc) are detected in order from the low magnetic field side.

[0114] (Alcohol (A)) A-1: ​​1-propanol A-2: Propylene glycol A-3: Glycerin A-4: 1-butanol A-5: 2-methyl-1-propanol A-6: 1,3-butanediol A-7: 1-pentanol rA-1: 1-hexadecanol Test category 2 (Preparation of 5% diluted solution of treatment agent) The treatment agent of each example was added to ion-exchanged water heated to about 60°C with stirring and completely dissolved to prepare a 5% diluted solution of the treatment agent of each example.

[0115] Test Section 3 (Evaluation of Wettability) A 5% diluted solution of the treatment agent obtained above was added to ion-exchanged water at room temperature while stirring to prepare a 1% diluted solution. 5 μL of a 1% emulsion (aqueous solution) of each treatment agent was dropped onto a polypropylene nonwoven fabric to which no treatment agent had been applied, and the time until complete penetration was recorded. The results are shown in the "Wettability" column of Table 1.

[0116] ・Wettability evaluation criteria 3 (good): Penetration in less than 60 seconds 2 (fair): 60 to less than 120 seconds 1 (poor): 120 seconds or more Test category 4 (evaluation of water repellency) The 5% diluted solution of the treatment agent obtained above was further diluted with ion-exchanged water to prepare a 0.4% diluted solution. The 0.4% diluted solution of the treatment agent prepared was applied by spray oiling to bicomponent fibers (PE / PET) obtained in the cotton manufacturing process, with a fineness of 2.2 dtex and a fiber length of 38 mm, and consisting of a polyethylene sheath and a polyester core.

[0117] The fibers were dried in a hot air dryer at 80°C for 1 hour to obtain treated PE / PET fibers with the treatment agent attached. 20 g of the dried short fibers were subjected to a known miniature roller carding machine at a temperature of 25°C and a humidity of 40% to form a web. Hot air at approximately 140°C was blown onto the web for 10 seconds to perform a hot air treatment, bonding the fibers together and achieving a basis weight of 25 g / m. ２ Nonwoven fabrics were prepared. Subsequent testing was performed in accordance with the hydrostatic pressure method (low water pressure method) described in JIS L 1092, section 7.1.1. Specifically, a Swiss Textest FX3000-III hydrotester was used, and five sheets of the prepared nonwoven fabric (approximately 150 mm x approximately 150 mm) were attached to the hydrotester under a test environment of 20±2°C temperature and 65±2% humidity, so that water hit the front side of the nonwoven fabric. The water level was raised at a rate of 10 cm / min, and the displayed value (cmw.c.) was read when the third drop of water appeared on the back side of the nonwoven fabric. This test was performed five times, and the average value of the five tests was calculated. The higher the water pressure resistance, the better the water repellency. The results are shown in the "Water Repellency" column of Table 1.

[0118] Evaluation criteria for water repellency: 3 (good): Water pressure resistance of 5.0 cm w.c. or more; 2 (fair): Water pressure resistance of 3.0 cm w.c. or more but less than 5.0 cm w.c.; 1 (poor): Water pressure resistance of less than 3.0 cm w.c. Test category 5 (evaluation of carding ability) 30 g of PE / PET fiber oiled in the same manner as described above was passed through a small roller card in an atmosphere of 25°C x 40% RH, and the carding ability was evaluated based on the uniformity of the spun carded web according to the following criteria. The results are shown in the "Carding ability" column of Table 1.

[0119] Evaluation criteria for carding performance: 3 (Good): The web has a uniform thickness and looks very good. 2 (Fair): The web has some uneven thickness, but this is not a problem. 1 (Poor): The web has an uneven thickness. Test Section 6 (Evaluation of Emulsion Stability) One part of the treatment agent and 99 parts of hard water were uniformly mixed to prepare a 1% dilution in hard water. The hard water used had an electrical conductivity of 130 μS / cm when measured at 25°C. The prepared 1% dilution in hard water was allowed to stand for 24 hours in an environment of 25°C. The emulsion stability was evaluated based on the appearance of the 1% dilution of the treatment agent in hard water after standing. The results are shown in the "Emulsion Stability" column in Table 1.

[0120] Evaluation criteria for emulsion stability: 3 (good): No precipitated particles are observed; 2 (fair): A small amount of precipitated particles are observed; 1 (poor): Precipitated particles are observed and are dispersed or settled. From the results in the above table, it can be seen that the present invention can improve emulsion stability and the wettability of the treatment agent for imparting water repellency to fibers. It can also improve the carding properties of fibers to which the treatment agent is applied.

Claims

1. A nonwoven fabric treatment agent containing the following phosphoric acid compound (P) and the following alcohol (A), wherein, when the total content of the phosphoric acid compound (P) and the alcohol (A) is taken as 100% by mass, the phosphoric acid compound (P) is contained in an amount of 70% by mass or more and 98.7% by mass or less, and the alcohol (A) is contained in an amount of 1.3% by mass or more and 30% by mass or less, and the content of compounds other than the phosphoric acid compound (P) and the alcohol (A) is 10% by mass or less, wherein the P nucleus NMR integral value N Ｐａ , N Ｐｉ The ratio (N Ｐｉ / N Ｐａ a phosphoric acid compound (P): comprising a phosphoric acid ester (Pa) represented by the following formula (1), a phosphoric acid ester (Pb) represented by the following formula (2), and inorganic phosphoric acid (Pi), and optionally further comprising at least one selected from a phosphoric acid ester (Pc) represented by the following formula (3) and a phosphoric acid ester (Pd) represented by the following formula (4), wherein, when the sum of the P nuclear NMR integral ratios attributable to the phosphoric acid ester (Pa), the phosphoric acid ester (Pb), the phosphoric acid ester (Pc), the phosphoric acid ester (Pd), and the inorganic phosphoric acid (Pi) is taken as 100%, the P nuclear NMR integral ratio attributable to the inorganic phosphoric acid (Pi) is 55% or less and the P nuclear NMR integral ratio attributable to the phosphoric acid ester (Pa) is 5% or more. (In formula (1), R １ A: a hydrocarbon group having 3 to 5 carbon atoms. １ O: an alkyleneoxy group having 2 to 4 carbon atoms. n1: an integer of 0 to 3. M １ , M ２ : hydrogen atom, alkali metal, alkaline earth metal (1 / 2), ammonium, or organic amine. (In formula (2), R ２ , R ３ A: a hydrocarbon group having 3 to 5 carbon atoms. ２ O.A. ３ O: an alkyleneoxy group having 2 to 4 carbon atoms. n2, n3: integers of 0 to 3. ３ : hydrogen atom, alkali metal, alkaline earth metal (1 / 2), ammonium, or organic amine. (In formula (3), Q １ : 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 A: a hydrocarbon group having 3 to 5 carbon atoms. ４ O.A. ５ O: an alkyleneoxy group having 2 to 4 carbon atoms. n4, n5: integers between 0 and 3. ４ , M ５ : hydrogen atom, alkali metal, alkaline earth metal (1 / 2), ammonium, or organic amine. (In formula (4), R ６ , R ７ , R ８ A: a hydrocarbon group having 3 to 5 carbon atoms. ６ O.A. ７ O.A. ８ O: an alkyleneoxy group having 2 to 4 carbon atoms. n6, n7, n8: integers of 0 to 3. Alcohol (A): mono- to trihydric alcohols having 3 to 6 carbon atoms.

2. The nonwoven fabric treatment agent according to claim 1, wherein the P nucleus NMR integral ratio attributable to the inorganic phosphoric acid (Pi) is 25% or more when the sum of the P nucleus NMR integral ratios attributable to the phosphate ester (Pa), the phosphate ester (Pb), the phosphate ester (Pc), the phosphate ester (Pd), and the inorganic phosphoric acid (Pi) is taken as 100%.

3. The nonwoven fabric treatment agent according to claim 1, wherein the P nucleus NMR integral ratio attributable to the phosphate ester (Pc) is 15% or more when the sum of the P nucleus NMR integral ratios attributable to the phosphate ester (Pa), the phosphate ester (Pb), the phosphate ester (Pc), the phosphate ester (Pd), and the inorganic phosphoric acid (Pi) is taken as 100%.

4. The nonwoven fabric treatment agent according to claim 1, wherein the P nuclear NMR integral ratio attributable to the phosphate ester (Pa) is less than 20% when the sum of the P nuclear NMR integral ratios attributable to the phosphate ester (Pa), the phosphate ester (Pb), the phosphate ester (Pc), the phosphate ester (Pd), and the inorganic phosphoric acid (Pi) is taken as 100%.

5. The treatment agent for nonwoven fabrics according to claim 1, wherein the phosphoric acid compound (P) is contained in an amount of 80% by mass or more and 97% by mass or less, and the alcohol (A) is contained in an amount of 3% by mass or more and 20% by mass or less, where the total content of the phosphoric acid compound (P) and the alcohol (A) is 100% by mass.

6. Fibers having the nonwoven fabric treatment agent according to any one of claims 1 to 5 attached thereto.

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