CN114929956A - Yarn and cloth - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention provides a yarn with potential-generating filaments. The yarn is characterized in that the relative permittivity of the yarn is 4.5 or less. In addition, there is provided a cloth comprising the above-mentioned yarn.

Description

Yarn and Cloth

technical field

The present invention relates to yarns, and more particularly, to yarns capable of generating electric fields through surface charges, and more particularly, yarns capable of generating electric potentials. In addition, the present invention relates to a cloth, and more specifically, to a cloth containing the above-mentioned yarn.

Background technique

So far, many proposals have been made as fiber materials having antibacterial properties (for example, Patent Documents 1 to 8).

prior art literature

Patent Literature

Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent No. 3281640

Patent Document 2: Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 7-310284

Patent Document 3: Japanese Patent No. 3165992

Patent Document 4: Japanese Patent No. 1805853

Patent Document 5: Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 8-226078

Patent Document 6: Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 9-194304

Patent Document 7: Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2004-300650

Patent Document 8: Japanese Patent No. 6428979

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The inventors of the present application have noticed that there is a problem to be overcome in the conventional fiber material having antibacterial properties, and found that there is a need for improvement. Specifically, the inventors of the present application discovered the following problems.

As a conventional fiber material having antibacterial properties, in particular, an antibacterial yarn is known that includes a plurality of charge generating fibers that generate charges by external energy, such as external force such as tension (for example, Patent Document 8). Such an antibacterial yarn is characterized in that the state of the space between the plurality of charge generating fibers is different, and as a result, the electrical properties vary, and a strong electric field is locally formed, thereby exhibiting antibacterial properties.

However, the inventors of the present application have found that the electric field strength of the formed electric field is reduced due to the state of the space between the charge-generating fibers, in particular, the physical properties such as the permittivity of the dielectric existing between the charge-generating fibers. When antibacterial properties cannot be obtained. In addition, physical property values that can easily confirm antibacterial properties are still established.

Therefore, in view of such a subject, the main object of the present invention is to find a physical property value that can more reliably obtain antibacterial properties, and to provide a yarn that can be used as an antibacterial yarn. Moreover, the objective of this invention is to provide the cloth which consists of the said yarn.

As a result of intensive research by the present inventors, the inventors have found that as a fiber or filament (hereinafter also referred to as a fiber) having a charge generating fiber (in other words, as described in detail below, a fiber or a filament can generate an electric potential and form an electric field by generating an electric charge) The physical properties of the yarn made of "potential generating filament" or "electric field forming filament")), focusing on the dielectric constant, especially "relative dielectric constant", and set the value to "about 4.5 or less", Therefore, the antimicrobial property can be easily and more reliably obtained, and it can be used as an antimicrobial yarn smoothly. As a result, the invention of the yarn which can achieve the above-mentioned main object was finally completed.

The present invention provides a yarn having potential-generating filaments, characterized in that the relative permittivity of the yarn is about 4.5 or less. In addition, the present invention provides a cloth comprising the above-mentioned yarn.

According to the present invention, it is possible to provide products such as a yarn (more preferably an antibacterial yarn) that can more reliably exhibit antibacterial properties, and a cloth (more preferably an antibacterial cloth) containing such a yarn.

Description of drawings

Fig. 1(A) is a diagram showing the structure of the yarn 1 (S yarn), Fig. 1(B) is a cross-sectional view taken along the line A-A in Fig. 1(A), and Fig. 1(C) is Fig. 1(A) Sectional view in line B-B.

2(A) and 2(B) are diagrams showing the relationship between the uniaxial stretching direction of polylactic acid, the direction of the electric field, and the deformation of the potential generating filament (or piezoelectric fiber) 10 .

Fig. 3(A) is a diagram showing the structure of the yarn 2 (Z yarn), Fig. 3(B) is a cross-sectional view taken along the line A-A in Fig. 3(A), and Fig. 3(C) is Fig. 3(A) Sectional view in line B-B.

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing a cross-section of the yarn of the present invention including the dielectric 100 around the potential generating filament 10 .

FIG. 5 is a graph showing the relationship between the relative permittivity (ε) and the electric field intensity (V/μm) of the dielectric.

FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram showing a simplified method of measuring the impedance of the yarn of the present invention using an LCR meter.

7 is a graph showing the relationship between the interval d (μm) of the potential generating filaments and the electric field intensity (V/μm).

FIG. 8 shows the results of a preliminary test for confirming the antibacterial effect by electrical stimulation.

FIG. 9( a ) is a photograph of the condition of Trichophyton before and after voltage application for the 20V×5Hz sample in the table of FIG. 8 , and FIG. 9( b ) for the same 50V×5Hz sample.

Fig. 10 is a photograph showing Trichophyton used in the preliminary test.

Fig. 11 is a schematic diagram schematically showing a method for producing a yarn bundle sample.

FIG. 12 is a photograph showing an example of a method of measuring the relative permittivity of yarns using a yarn bundle sample.

FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram schematically showing a method of measuring the relative permittivity of the yarn in the yarn bundle sample.

Detailed ways

Hereinafter, the yarn according to one embodiment of the present invention (hereinafter, also sometimes referred to as "yarn of the present invention" or simply "yarn") will be described in detail. If necessary, description will be made with reference to the illustrations. However, various elements in the illustrations are only shown schematically and exemplarily for the understanding of the present invention, and their appearances, dimension ratios, etc. are different from those of the actual product.

The yarn of the present invention has a "potential generating filament", and is characterized in that the "relative permittivity" as its physical property is "about 4.5 or less". With such a configuration and features, the yarn of the present invention can more reliably exhibit "antibacterial properties" described in detail below, and can be used as an "antibacterial yarn".

Various numerical ranges mentioned in this specification refer to the numerical values including the lower limit and/or the upper limit as long as there are no special terms such as "less than", "more/greater than" and the like. That is, for example, taking a numerical range of 1 to 10 as an example, unless otherwise specified, it can be interpreted as "1" including the lower limit value and "10" including the upper limit value.

In addition, there are cases where "about" is attached to various numerical values, and the term "about" means that a fluctuation of several %, for example, ±9%, ±4%, ±2%, or ±1% may be included.

Hereinafter, [basic structure of yarn] and [characteristics of yarn] will be described in detail.

[Basic composition of yarn]

The yarn of the present invention includes, for example, a plurality of "potential generating filaments" or "electric field forming filaments". The number of potential generating filaments or electric field forming filaments is not particularly limited. For example, the yarn of the present invention may contain about 2 or more, 2 to 500, preferably 10 to 350, and more preferably about 20 to 200. Electric potential produces filaments.

In the present invention, "potential generating filaments" or "electric field forming filaments" refer to fibers (or filaments) that can generate electric charges by external energy to generate electric potentials and form electric fields (hereinafter, also referred to as "electrical electric fields" in some cases. generating fibers" or "charge-generating filaments" or "electric field-forming fibers").

It should be noted that the term "potential generating filament" can be substantially synonymous with "electric field forming filament".

Examples of "energy from the outside" acceptable to the potential-generating filament include external force (hereinafter, also referred to as "external force" in some cases). Such a force, and/or, a force applied to the yarn or filament in the axial direction, more specifically, is a tension force (eg, a tensile force in the axial direction of the yarn or filament), and/or, a stress, or Strain force (tensile stress or tensile strain applied to the yarn or filament), and/or external force such as force applied in the transverse direction of the yarn or filament.

The size (length, thickness (diameter), etc.) and shape (cross-sectional shape, etc.) of the potential generating filament are not particularly limited. The yarn of the present invention having such potential generating filaments may include a plurality of potential generating filaments having different thicknesses. Therefore, the diameter of the yarn of the present invention may or may not be constant in the length direction.

Potential-generating filaments can be long fibers or short fibers. The potential generating filament has, for example, a length (or size) of 0.01 mm or more, preferably a length (or size) of 0.1 mm or more, more preferably 1 mm or more, still more preferably 10 mm or more or 20 mm or more or 30 mm or more. Length (or size) ). The length can be appropriately selected according to the intended use. The value of the upper limit of the length is not particularly limited, but is, for example, 10000 mm, 100 mm, 50 mm, or 15 mm.

The thickness of the potential generating filament, that is, the single fiber diameter is not particularly limited, and may be the same (or a constant value) or different along the length of the potential generating filament. The potential generating filaments may have, for example, a single fiber diameter of 0.001 μm (1 nm) to 1 mm, preferably 0.01 μm to 500 μm, more preferably 0.1 μm to 100 μm, particularly preferably 1 μm to 50 μm, such as 10 μm or 30 μm. The single fiber diameter can be appropriately selected according to the intended use.

The shape of the potential generating filament, particularly the cross-sectional shape, is not particularly limited, and may have, for example, a circular, elliptical, or odd-shaped cross-section. It preferably has a circular cross-sectional shape.

The potential-generating filament is preferably formed by containing the following materials: a material having a photoelectric effect, a material having a pyroelectric effect, a material having a piezoelectric effect (polarization phenomenon caused by an external force) or piezoelectricity (voltage is generated when mechanical strain is applied, Or, conversely, a material that produces mechanical strain when a voltage is applied) (hereinafter sometimes also referred to as "piezoelectric material" or "piezoelectric body"). Among them, fibers containing piezoelectric materials (hereinafter sometimes referred to as "piezoelectric fibers") are particularly preferably used. Piezoelectric fibers create an electric field by piezoelectricity, and more specifically, because they can generate an electric potential, there is no need for a power source and there is no risk of inductance. In addition, the lifespan of the piezoelectric material that the piezoelectric fiber may contain lasts longer than the antibacterial effect of a drug or the like. In addition, such piezoelectric fibers are less likely to cause allergic reactions.

The "piezoelectric material" may be used without any particular limitation as long as it has a piezoelectric effect or piezoelectricity, and may be an inorganic material such as piezoelectric ceramics or an organic material such as a polymer.

The "piezoelectric material" (or "piezoelectric fiber") preferably includes a "piezoelectric polymer".

As "piezoelectric polymer", "piezoelectric polymer having pyroelectricity", "piezoelectric polymer having no pyroelectricity", etc. are mentioned.

The "piezoelectric polymer having pyroelectricity" generally refers to a piezoelectric material formed of a polymer material having pyroelectricity and capable of generating electric charges on its surface by applying a temperature change. As such a piezoelectric polymer, polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) etc. are mentioned, for example. Particularly preferred are polymers capable of generating electrical charges on the surface thereof by the thermal energy of the human body.

The "piezoelectric polymer without pyroelectricity" generally refers to a polymer material (polymer material or resin material) formed of a polymer material other than the above-mentioned "piezoelectric polymer with pyroelectricity" Piezoelectric polymer (hereinafter, also sometimes referred to as "polymer piezoelectric body"). As such a piezoelectric polymer, polylactic acid (PLA) etc. are mentioned, for example.

As polylactic acid (PLA), poly-L-lactic acid (PLLA) obtained by polymerizing L-type monomers (in other words, a polymer consisting essentially of only repeating units derived from L-lactic acid monomers), D-type monomers are known. A poly-D-lactic acid (PDLA) obtained by polymerizing a monomer (in other words, a polymer consisting essentially of only repeating units derived from a D-lactic acid monomer), a mixture thereof, and the like.

As polylactic acid (PLA), a copolymer of L-lactic acid and/or D-lactic acid and a compound copolymerizable with the L-lactic acid and/or D-lactic acid can also be used.

In addition, "polylactic acid (a polymer substantially composed of repeating units derived from monomers selected from L-lactic acid and D-lactic acid)", and "L-lactic acid and/or D-lactic acid can be used with the L-lactic acid and/or D-lactic acid. - copolymers of lactic acid and/or D-lactic acid copolymerized compounds".

In the present invention, the polymer containing the above-mentioned polylactic acid is referred to as a "polylactic acid-based polymer". In other words, "polylactic acid-based polymer" means "polylactic acid (polymer substantially composed of repeating units derived from monomers selected from L-lactic acid and D-lactic acid)", "L-lactic acid and/or D-lactic acid" Copolymers of lactic acid and compounds capable of copolymerizing with the L-lactic acid and/or D-lactic acid", and mixtures thereof.

Among the polylactic acid-based polymers, "polylactic acid" is particularly preferred, and L-lactic acid homopolymer (PLLA) and D-lactic acid homopolymer (PDLA) are most preferably used.

The polylactic acid-based polymer may have a crystalline portion, or at least a portion of the polymer may be crystallized. As the polylactic acid-based polymer, a polylactic acid-based polymer having piezoelectricity, in other words, a piezoelectric polylactic acid-based polymer, particularly piezoelectric polylactic acid, is preferably used.

In addition to polylactic acid-based polymers, for example, polypeptide-based (eg, poly(gamma-benzyl glutarate), poly(gamma-methyl glutarate), etc.), cellulose-based (eg, acetic acid) As the polymer Piezoelectric.

It should be noted that the yarn of the present invention may have a configuration in which a conductor is used as a potential generating filament (or a charge generating fiber) as a core yarn, an insulator is wound around the conductor, and a voltage is applied to the conductor to generate The structure of charge or potential.

The yarn of the present invention may be a yarn obtained by simply plying a plurality of potential generating filaments (plied yarn or untwisted yarn), or may be a twisted yarn (twisted yarn or twisted yarn) Yarn), also crimped yarns (crimped yarns or false twisted yarns).

For example, as shown in FIG. 1(A) , the yarn 1 can be constituted by twisting a plurality of potential generating filaments 10 . In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1(A) , the yarn 1 is a left-handed yarn (hereinafter referred to as “S yarn”) in which the potential generating filament 10 is twisted left-handedly, but the potential generating filament 10 may be right-handed The twisted right-handed yarn (hereinafter also referred to as "Z yarn") (for example, refer to the yarn 2 in Fig. 3(A) ). In this way, when the yarn of the present invention is twisted, either "S yarn" or "Z yarn" may be used.

In the yarn of the present invention, the interval between the potential generating filaments 10 is about 0 μm to about 10 μm, typically about 5 μm. In addition, when the space|interval of the potential generating filaments 10 is 0 micrometers, it means that the potential generating filaments are mutually contacting. Within the above range, in the yarn of the present invention, the target relative permittivity value of "about 4.5 or less" described in detail below can be preferably obtained, and the antibacterial property can be exhibited more reliably.

Here, the relative permittivity of the yarn of the present invention refers to the ratio of the permittivity of the yarn of the present invention to the permittivity of vacuum ([relative permittivity of the yarn of the present invention]=[relative permittivity of the yarn of the present invention] Dielectric constant of yarn]/[dielectric constant of vacuum]). This relative permittivity is a dimensionless numerical value, and may also be referred to as relative permittivity or permittivity.

The relative permittivity of the yarn of the present invention can be determined, for example, by passing the yarn between parallel-plate capacitors, measuring the electrostatic capacity, and calculating the electrostatic capacity of the yarn from the difference between the electrostatic capacity and the electrostatic capacity when the yarn has not passed through. , the dielectric constant of the yarn of the present invention is obtained by using this value and the capacity of the yarn, and is determined by calculating using the dielectric constant of vacuum based on the above formula.

In addition, the method of determining the relative permittivity of the yarn is not limited to the method described above. For example, as described in detail with reference to the photograph of FIG. 12 , especially FIG. 12(B) , using a measuring device such as an LCR meter (for example, Precision LCR Meter (model: E4980A) manufactured by Agilent), the concentration of the present invention can be directly measured. Relative permittivity of the yarn. In this case, the relative permittivity of the yarn can be directly measured using a yarn bundle (sample) formed by assembling the yarn of the present invention (see FIGS. 11 to 13 ).

The measured value of the relative permittivity of the yarn bundle was substantially the same as the calculated value of the relative permittivity of the yarn (one piece) of the present invention based on the above-mentioned electrostatic capacitance.

Hereinafter, in order to describe the yarn of the present invention in detail, as an example, a form in which a piezoelectric material is included as a potential generating filament and the piezoelectric material is "polylactic acid" is given, and more details are given with reference to FIGS. 1 to 3 . The yarn of the present invention will be described.

Polylactic acid (PLA), which can be used as a piezoelectric material, is a chiral polymer with a helical main chain. In polylactic acid, piezoelectricity can be exhibited when uniaxially stretched to orient the molecules. Furthermore, the crystallinity can be increased by applying heat treatment, thereby increasing the piezoelectric constant. In other words, the "piezoelectric constant" can be improved according to the "crystallinity" (refer to "Research on the Mechanism of High-voltage Electricity Expression of Solid Phase Stretched Film Using Polylactic Acid", Journal of Electrostatics, 40, 1 (2016) 38- 43).

The optical purity of polylactic acid (PLA), which is a piezoelectric material, is a value calculated by the following formula.

Optical purity (%)={|L-type amount-D-type amount|/(L-type amount+D-type amount)}×100

For example, in either the D type or the L type, the optical purity is 90% by weight or more, preferably 95% by weight or more, more preferably 98% by weight to 100% by weight, still more preferably 99.0% by weight to 100% by weight, It is especially preferable that it is 99.0 weight% - 99.8 weight%. The L-form amount and the D-form amount of polylactic acid (PLA) can be, for example, values obtained by a method using high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC).

The crystallinity of polylactic acid (PLA) is characterized by, for example, 35% or more (specifically, 35% to 45%, more specifically 42% to 44%), more preferably 50% or more, and still more preferably 55% to 100%. The degree of crystallinity can be measured by, for example, a differential scanning calorimeter (DSC: Differential Scanning Calorimetry) method (for example, DSC7000X manufactured by Hitachi High-Tech Science Company), an X-ray diffraction method (XRD: X-ray diffraction) (for example, using Rigaku It was determined by measuring methods such as X-ray diffractometry of UltraX 18 manufactured by Corporation. If the crystallinity is within the above range, the electric charge and potential that can be generated in the yarn can be more appropriately controlled.

As shown in FIG. 1(A) , in the potential generating filament (or piezoelectric fiber) 10 including uniaxially stretched polylactic acid, the thickness direction is defined as the first axis, and the stretching direction 900 is defined as The third axis, when the direction orthogonal to both the first axis and the third axis is defined as the second axis, has tensor components of d ₁₄ and d ₂₅ as piezoelectric strain constants.

Therefore, when the polylactic acid is strained in the direction of 45 degrees with respect to the direction of uniaxial stretching, electric charge or potential can be most efficiently generated.

The number average molecular weight (Mn) of the polylactic acid is, for example, 6.2×10 ⁴ , and the weight average molecular weight (Mw) is, for example, 1.5×10 ⁵ . In addition, molecular weight is not limited to these values.

2(A) and 2(B) are diagrams showing the relationship between the uniaxial stretching direction of polylactic acid, the direction of the electric field, and the strain of the potential generating filament (or piezoelectric fiber) 10 .

As shown in FIG. 2(A) , when the filament 10 contracts in the direction of the first diagonal 910A and extends in the direction of the second diagonal 910B orthogonal to the first diagonal 910A, the An electric field can be generated in a direction from the back side of the paper to the front side. That is, the filament 10 can generate a negative electric charge or potential on the surface side of the paper. As shown in FIG. 2(B) , even when the filament 10 extends in the direction of the first diagonal 910A and contracts in the direction of the second diagonal 910B, electric charges can be generated, but the polarity is changed. Conversely, the electric field can be generated in the direction from the front surface of the paper to the back surface side. That is, the filament 10 can generate a positive electric charge or potential on the surface side of the paper surface.

In polylactic acid, piezoelectricity is generated by the orientation treatment of stretched molecules, crystallinity, etc., so it is not necessary to polarize as other piezoelectric polymers such as polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) or piezoelectric ceramics ( polling) processing. The piezoelectric constant of uniaxially stretched polylactic acid is about 5 to 30 pC/N, which is a very high piezoelectric constant among polymers. Furthermore, the piezoelectric constant of polylactic acid does not change with time and is extremely stable.

The potential generating filament 10 is preferably a fiber having a circular cross section. The potential generating filament 10 can be produced by, for example, a method of extruding a piezoelectric polymer to form fibers, or a method of melt-spinning a piezoelectric polymer to form fibers (for example, spinning Spinning/drawing method in which the process and drawing process are performed separately, direct drawing method in which the spinning process and drawing process are connected, POY-DTY method which can perform false twisting process at the same time, or ultra-high speed that realizes high speed spinning method, etc.), dry or wet spinning (including, for example, a phase separation method or a dry-wet spinning method in which a raw material polymer is dissolved in a solvent and extruded from a nozzle to be fibrillated, and a solvent-containing A method of fiberizing a piezoelectric polymer by a gel spinning method in which fibers are uniformly fibrous in a gel state, or a liquid crystal spinning method in which a liquid crystal solution or a melt is used to fiberize a piezoelectric polymer, or by electrospinning. The method of piezoelectric polymer fiberization, etc. In addition, the cross-sectional shape of the fiber 10 is not limited to a circle.

For example, the yarn 1 shown in FIG. 1 may be a yarn (multifilament yarn) (S yarn) obtained by twisting a plurality of potential generating filaments 10 including such polylactic acid. The number of the filaments 10 constituting the yarn 1 is not particularly limited. The drawing direction 900 of each potential generating filament 10 coincides with the axial direction of the respective potential generating filament 10 . Therefore, the drawing direction 900 of the potential generating filament 10 is inclined to the left with respect to the axial direction of the yarn 1 . In addition, the angle depends on the number of twists.

When tension is applied to the yarn 1 which is such an S yarn, a negative charge or potential can be generated on the surface of the yarn 1 and a positive charge or potential can be generated on the inside thereof.

The yarn 1 can form an electric field by a potential difference that can be generated by this charge. This electric field may leak into a nearby space to form a combined electric field with other parts. In addition, when the potential that can be generated in the yarn 1 is close to an object having an adjacent predetermined potential, for example, a predetermined potential (including a ground potential) such as a human body, an electric field can be generated between the yarn 1 and the object .

3 , since the yarn 2 is a Z yarn, the drawing direction 900 of the potential generating filament (or piezoelectric fiber) 10 is inclined rightward with respect to the axial direction of the yarn 2 . It should be noted that the angle depends on the number of twists of the yarn. In addition, the number of the filaments 10 constituting the yarn 2 is not particularly limited.

When tension is applied to the yarn 2 which is such a Z yarn, a positive charge or potential can be generated on the surface of the yarn 2 and a negative charge or potential can be generated on the inside of the yarn 2 .

The yarn 2 can also form an electric field by a potential difference that can be generated by this charge. This electric field may leak into a nearby space to form a combined electric field with other parts. In addition, when the potential that can be generated in the yarn 2 is close to an object having an adjacent predetermined potential, for example, a predetermined potential (including a ground potential) such as the human body, an electric field can be generated between the yarn 2 and the object .

Furthermore, when the yarn 1 which is the S yarn and the yarn 2 which is the Z yarn are close to each other, an electric field or potential can be generated between the yarn 1 and the yarn 2 .

The polarities of electric charges or potentials that can be generated in yarn 1 and yarn 2 are different from each other. The potential difference at each location can be defined by an electric field coupling circuit formed by fibers intricately intertwined with each other, or a circuit formed by a current path accidentally formed in the yarn due to moisture or the like.

The yarn of the present invention is not limitedly interpreted in the above-mentioned manner. In addition, the manufacturing method of the yarn of the present invention is not particularly limited, nor is it limited to the above-mentioned manufacturing method.

Furthermore, in the yarn of the present invention, a "dielectric" may be provided on at least a part of the periphery of the potential generating filament, for example, at least a part of the surface in the long axis direction and/or the circumferential direction of the filament.

For example, as schematically represented in the cross-sectional view of FIG. 4 , a dielectric 100 may be provided around the potential generating filament (or piezoelectric fiber) 10 .

In the yarn of the present invention, the "dielectric" is an arbitrary structure, and is not an essential structure of the invention.

In the present invention, "dielectric" refers to a substance containing a material or substance having dielectric properties (properties of electrical polarization due to an electric field) and/or conductivity (properties due to electricity), etc., for example, on the surface of which it is possible to store charge.

On the surface of the yarn or potential-generating filament of the present invention, for example, in a cross-sectional view or a radial cross-section of the potential-generating filament, a "dielectric" is provided on the surface of the potential-generating filament, whereby the yarn of the present invention can be The relative permittivity of is adjusted to "about 4.5 or less", for example, the relative permittivity can be adjusted more appropriately within the range of "about 1 to about 4.5". For example, by reducing the relative permittivity to, for example, close to 1, an electric field having a larger electric field strength (eg, 0.1 V/μm or more) can be formed. In other words, at least a part of the yarn or the potential generating filament of the present invention may be coated with a dielectric such that the relative permittivity of the yarn is about 1 to about 4.5.

For example, the dielectric may exist in the long-axis direction and the circumferential direction of the potential generating filament, and may completely cover the potential generating filament, or may partially cover the potential generating filament.

Therefore, the dielectric may be provided entirely or partially in the long-axis direction of the potential generating filament. In addition, the dielectric may be provided entirely or partially in the circumferential direction of the potential generating filament.

In addition, the thickness of the dielectric may be uniform or non-uniform (for example, see FIG. 4 ). The thickness of the dielectric can be larger or smaller than the fiber diameter of the potential generating filament. The thickness of the dielectric is preferably smaller than the fiber diameter of the potential generating filament (see FIG. 4 ).

In the surface of the yarn or potential-generating filament of the invention, for example a cross-sectional view or radial cross-section of the potential-generating filament, a dielectric may be provided as a layer on at least a portion of the surface of the yarn or potential-generating filament of the invention shape. The dielectric may be present between the plurality of potential generating filaments, and in this case, there may be a portion where the dielectric is not present between the plurality of potential generating filaments. In addition, bubbles and voids may also exist in the dielectric.

The dielectric is not particularly limited as long as it includes a material or substance having dielectric properties, conductivity, and the like. As the dielectric material, a dielectric material (for example, an oil agent, an antistatic agent, etc.) known to be used as a surface treatment agent (or fiber treatment agent) mainly in the fiber industry can be used.

In the yarn of the present invention, it is preferable that the dielectric material contains an oiling agent. As the oiling agent, an oiling agent or the like which can be used as a surface treatment agent (or fiber treatment agent) usable in the production of the potential generating filament can be used. In addition, an oil agent that can be used as a surface treatment agent (or fiber treatment agent) that can be used in a process of fabricating (for example, knitting, weaving, etc.), or a surface treatment agent that can be used in a refining process can also be used. The oil agent of the agent (or fiber treatment agent). Here, the filament manufacturing process, the cloth making process, and the refining process are mentioned as representative examples, but the process is not limited to these. As the oiling agent, it is particularly preferable to use a surface treating agent (or a fiber treating agent) such as an oiling agent that can reduce the friction of the potential-generating filament.

As an oil agent, the Delion series by Takemoto Oil Co., Ltd., the Marposol series by Matsumoto Oil Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., the Marposize series, and the Partex series by Maruhi Oil Chemical Industry Co., Ltd., etc. are mentioned, for example.

The oil agent may be present in its entirety along the potential generating filament, or at least a part thereof may be present. In addition, after the potential generating filament is processed into a yarn, a part of the finish can be removed from the potential generating filament by washing.

In addition, the dielectric that can be used to reduce friction of the potential generating filaments may be surfactants such as detergents and softeners that can be used in cleaning.

As a detergent, Attack series by Kao Corporation, Top series by Lion Corporation, Ariel series by Procter & Gamble Japan Co., Ltd. etc. are mentioned, for example.

Examples of softeners include Humming series by Kao Corporation, Soflan series by Lion Corporation, Lenoir series by Procter & Gamble Japan Co., Ltd., and the like.

The dielectric may have conductivity (through electrical properties), and in this case, the dielectric preferably contains an antistatic agent. As the antistatic agent, an antistatic agent or the like which can be used as a surface treatment agent (or fiber treatment agent) usable in production of a potential generating filament can be used. As the antistatic agent, it is particularly preferable to use a loose antistatic agent that can be used to lower the potential to generate filaments.

By including at least one selected from the group consisting of surface treatment agents (or fiber treatment agents) such as oil agents, antistatic agents, detergents, softeners, and the like, as a dielectric, it is possible to adjust the relative relative to the range of about 1.0 to about 4.5. The dielectric constant is imparted to the yarn.

As an antistatic agent, Capron series by Nissin Chemical Research Institute, Nicepole series by Nisshin Chemical Co., Ltd., Dateron series, etc. are mentioned, for example. Among them, the Nicepole series manufactured by Nikka Chemical Co., Ltd. is preferable, and an antistatic agent (eg, Nicepole PR-99) containing an ester polymer such as a polyester polymer, especially a PEG-modified polyester polymer is preferable. By using such an antistatic agent, the relative permittivity adjusted within the range of about 1.0 to about 4.5 can be imparted to the yarn.

As the antistatic agent, a surface treatment agent (or a fiber treatment agent) that can impart an antistatic effect and water absorption and/or SR properties (soil release properties), etc. can be used. As such an antistatic agent, for example, SR processing agent and water absorption processing agent series (for example, SR-1800 containing a polyester-based polymer, etc.) manufactured by Kotani Oil Co., Ltd.; QUEENSTAT (QUEENSTAT) manufactured by Kotani Chemical Industry Co., Ltd.スタット) series (for example, QUEENSTAT NW-E conc containing polyurethane-based polymers, especially cross-linkable hydrophilic polyurethane-based polymers, which can impart water-absorbing SR properties and antistatic effects) and the like. By using such an antistatic agent, the relative permittivity adjusted within the range of about 1.0 to about 4.5 can be imparted to the yarn.

The antistatic agent may be present as a whole along the surface of the potential generating filament, for example, in the long axis direction and/or the circumferential direction of the potential generating filament, or may be present at least in part. In addition, after the potential generating filament is processed into a yarn, a part of the antistatic agent can be removed from the potential generating filament by washing.

In the yarns of the present invention, the dielectric may be a "metal oxide". As the metal oxide, a metal oxide having conductivity (property to pass electricity) is preferably used. For example, titanium oxide, tungsten oxide, zinc oxide, zirconium oxide, niobium oxide, antimony oxide, tin oxide, indium oxide, cerium oxide, aluminum oxide, silicon oxide, magnesium oxide, yttrium oxide, ytterbium oxide, and tantalum oxide can be used At least one of the metal oxides or their composite oxides.

The metal oxide may exist entirely along the surface of the potential generating filament, for example, in the long-axis direction and/or the circumferential direction of the potential generating filament, or may exist at least in part.

By using such a metal oxide, the relative permittivity adjusted within the range of about 4.5 or less, preferably about 3.0 to about 4.0, can be imparted to the yarn.

The dielectric preferably contains titanium oxide (TiO ₂ ) as a metal oxide because it can exhibit electrical conductivity and antibacterial properties due to photocatalysis.

As long as the above-mentioned relative permittivity can be achieved, the amount of adhesion to surface treatment agents (or fiber treatment agents) such as oil agents for potential generating filaments, antistatic agents, detergents, softeners, metal oxides, etc., is not particularly limited. .

In the case of surface treatment agents (or fiber treatment agents) such as oils and antistatic agents, detergents, softeners, etc., the adhesion amount to the potential generating filaments is 100 wt %, for example, 1 wt % with respect to the potential generating filaments % to 20% by weight, preferably 1% to 15% by weight, more preferably 4% to 15% by weight.

In the case of a metal oxide, the adhesion amount to the potential generating filaments is, for example, 0.1 to 5 wt %, preferably 0.1 to 1 wt %, more preferably 0.1 wt % relative to 100 wt % of the potential generating filaments % by weight to 0.5% by weight.

In addition, surface treatment agents (or fiber treatment agents) such as the above-mentioned oils and antistatic agents, detergents, softeners, metal oxides, and the like may not be present around the potential generating filaments. That is, the potential generating filament, and further the yarn of the present invention, may not contain a surface treatment agent or the like. In this case, the air that can exist between the potential generating filaments or in the gaps and/or around the filaments can function as a dielectric. Therefore, in this case, the dielectric material includes air or an air layer.

Surface treatment agents (or fiber treatment agents) such as the above-mentioned oils, antistatic agents, detergents, softeners, metal oxides, etc. are not present around the potential generating filaments, in other words, untreated or unprocessed. The potential-generating filament may have a relative permittivity adjusted to, for example, a range of about 1.0 to about 3.0, preferably about 1.0 to about 2.6, and more preferably about 1.0 to about 2.0.

In the present invention, the surface treatment agent (or fiber treatment agent) such as the above-mentioned oil agent, antistatic agent, detergent, softener, and/or metal oxide, etc. do not exist around the potential generating filament, in other words, In the case where only an air layer exists around the filament, the presence of a very small amount of component which is inevitably or accidentally mixed in the production of the yarn or filament is permissible.

The thickness of the dielectric (or the interval between the potential generating filaments) is about 0 μm to about 10 μm, preferably about 0.5 μm to about 10 μm, more preferably about 2.0 μm to about 10 μm, and typically about 5 μm. Within such a range, in the yarn of the present invention, the target relative permittivity value of "about 4.5 or less" described in detail below can be preferably obtained, and the antibacterial property can be more reliably exhibited.

In addition, in the yarn of the present invention, the "dielectric" may have a relative permittivity (ε) of about 1.0 to about 5.0, preferably about 2.0 to about 5.0, more preferably about 3.0 to about 5.0, still more preferably about 3.5 Relative permittivity (ε) of about 5.0, particularly preferably about 4.0 to about 5.0 (FIG. 5). Within such a range, in the yarn of the present invention, the target relative permittivity value of "about 4.5 or less" described in detail below can be preferably obtained, and the antibacterial property can be more reliably exhibited.

The relative permittivity of the yarn can be calculated, for example, by sandwiching the yarn with a set of electrodes such as an LCR meter, applying a potential between the two electrodes, calculating the capacitance from the amount of electric charge generated at the electrodes and the potential applied, and calculating the capacitance based on the capacitance. As well as the area of the electrodes and the distance between the electrodes, the relative permittivity of the yarn is calculated.

[Features of Yarn]

The yarn of the present invention is characterized in that the relative permittivity, which is a physical property, is about 4.5 or less, for example, about 1.0 to about 4.5.

The value of the lower limit of the relative permittivity may be about 1.5, about 2.0, about 2.5, about 2.6, about 3.0, about 3.5, or about 4.0.

The value of the upper limit of the relative permittivity may be about 4.0, about 3.5, about 3.0, about 2.6, about 2.5, about 2.0, or about 1.5.

The upper and lower limits of the relative permittivity can be combined with the above-mentioned values as required.

Based on such physical property values, in the present invention, the antibacterial properties can be obtained more reliably. Thus, it was established for the first time through research by the inventors of the present application that the antibacterial properties can be more reliably obtained based on the physical property values of the yarn such as the relative permittivity. The background of the research on the mechanism, the physical property value and the antibacterial property that were finally found will be explained in detail below.

(mechanism)

As a result of intensive research by the inventors of the present application, for example, when the yarn is observed in a cross-sectional view or a radial cross-section, conventionally, the state of spaces and/or gaps between filaments is generated due to an electric potential, in particular, due to the existence of an electric potential Physical properties such as the dielectric constant of the dielectric (including the air layer) between the filaments and/or the dielectric constant of the yarn itself occur, and the strength of the electric field formed in the yarn may be reduced, for example, the desired or constant (level) cannot be obtained. of antibacterial properties.

In addition, as verified in the preliminary test ( FIG. 8 ) of the following examples, the inventors of the present application have found that the value of “voltage (or potential)” is higher than the value of current with respect to the antibacterial action. influences.

Here, the target bacteria will be briefly described as bacteria (bacteria) and fungi (fungus). In particular, fungi are composed of elongated hyphae (hypha) and spores having a substantially circular shape ( spore). In addition, it is known that spores proliferate by germination, float in the air, etc. to attach to parasites, and form hyphae to perform sexual and asexual reproduction ("New Skin Science", 2nd edition, Hiroshi Shimizu, p. 469 ). The size of the spores that contribute to such proliferation is approximately about 2 μm to 10 μm (“Window of Food Hygiene”, homepage of the Tokyo Metropolitan Public Welfare and Health Bureau).

Next, the antibacterial action by electrical stimulation will be briefly explained. Until now, it has been known that the proliferation of bacteria can be inhibited by an electric field (for example, refer to: Tetsuaki Toto, Kanki Koryo, Hideaki Matsuoka, Junichi Koizumi, Kodansha: Microbial Control-Science and Engineering; for example, refer to: Koichi Takagi, Application of High Voltage and Plasma Technology in the Field of Agriculture and Food, J.HTSJ, Vol.51, No.216).

In addition, it is known that a current flows through a current path formed by moisture or the like or a circuit formed by a local micro-discharge phenomenon due to the potential generated by such an electric field, and the bacteria are degraded by such a current. Can inhibit the proliferation of bacteria.

Furthermore, as one of the mechanisms of cell membrane destruction associated with such electrical stimulation, electroporation method (mechanism of high-voltage pulse-based cell perforation - basis of gene transfer method - Kasai Michio and Inaba Hiroko) are known. , p. 1595).

According to the above-mentioned document, the conditions for electroporation of cell membranes of disrupted bacteria and the like are roughly when a potential difference (or voltage) of "about 1.0 V" is applied to the cells, but the inventors of the present application considered that, for example, when the size of the spore is In the case of about 2 μm to 10 μm, if an electric field or potential with an electric field strength of about 0.1 V/μm or more is generated, is it possible to apply an electric field of about 1.0 V or more even in the case of cells having a size of about 10 μm at most? A potential difference (or voltage) that produces electroporation that disrupts cell membranes or disrupts the electron conduction system used for life support, cell decay or death or reduction.

Based on such consideration, the inventors of the present application firstly examined the relationship between the electric field strength (V/μm) of the electric field and the dielectric constant, for example, the dielectric constant of the dielectric considered to have an influence on the antibacterial properties, especially The relationship between the "relative permittivity (ε)" of the dielectric has been repeatedly studied.

As a result, as shown in the graph of FIG. 5, for example, it was found that the value of the relative permittivity (ε) of the dielectric that can be provided in the piezoelectric fiber is in the range of about 1.0 to about 5.0, preferably about 3.5 to about 5.0, more preferably in the range of about 4.0 to about 5.0, when an external force is applied, for example, a tensile force of about 0.15%, such as a tensile strain (in other words, the tensile force in the axial direction of the fiber and the tensile force applied to the fiber). stress), an electric field having an electric field strength of about 0.1 V/μm or more can be formed.

Here, with reference to FIG. 5 , the value (V/μm) of the electric field strength in each filament interval (X: 0.5 μm, Y: 2 μm, Z: 5 μm) with respect to the relative permittivity (ε) of the dielectric is as follows: shown in the table. It should be noted that the graph shown in FIG. 5 merely illustrates the relationship between the relative permittivity and the electric field strength of the dielectric.

Table 1

Moreover, further research found that the relative dielectric constant of the yarn also has an effect on the antibacterial properties. Furthermore, it was found that if the relative permittivity of the yarn is about 4.5 or less, preferably in the range of about 1.0 to about 4.5, when external energy such as external force is applied, for example, a tensile force or tensile strain of at least 0.15% is applied. When the external energy is equalized, an electric field or potential having an electric field strength of about 0.1 V/μm or more can be formed.

Here, the electric field strength can be measured, for example, by using a scanning probe microscope, a surface potentiometer, or the like.

Specifically, first, a scanning probe microscope is used to detect displacement of the probe due to electrical attraction or repulsion by bringing a tiny probe to which a weak voltage is applied to approach the object to be measured. Next, a surface potential value or an electric field strength value of the object to be measured can be obtained by measuring a voltage for mutually canceling the electric attractive force or repulsive force applied to the minute probe using a surface potentiometer.

Measurements by a scanning probe microscope and a surface potentiometer can be performed using a power microscope (for example, Model 1100TN manufactured by Trek) having both functions.

Accordingly, if the "relative permittivity", which is a physical property of the yarn, is a value of "about 4.5 or less", an electric field having an electric field strength of "about 0.1 V/μm or more" can be formed. Furthermore, when such an electric field is formed in fungi such as fungi whose spore size is about 2 μm to 10 μm, a potential difference of 1.0 V or more can be applied even when the spore size is 10 μm at maximum. For example, The cell membrane is disrupted by electroporation, so that bacteria can decline or die or decrease. In other words, the antibacterial property can be exhibited more reliably.

In addition, if the value of the "relative permittivity" of the yarn is about 1.0 or more (preferably 4.5 or less), it is possible to form an electric field or potential having an electric field strength of about 0.1 V/μm or more, as described above, as Preferred.

The filament spacing (or thickness of the dielectric) of the yarn of the present invention is typically about 5 μm, and the “relative permittivity” of the yarn in this case is about 1.0 to about 2.6, about 2.0 to about 2.6. In this case, it is possible to form an electric field having an electric field strength of about 0.1 V/μm or more, which is preferable.

In this way, the yarn of the present invention can have a "relative permittivity" of "about 4.5 or less" as an inherent physical property and its value (physical property value) first discovered by the inventors of the present application, so that it can be formed with a "relative permittivity" of "about 0.1 V". /μm or more” electric field or electric potential. By the direct action of such an electric field or potential, the cell membrane of the bacteria and the electron conduction system for maintaining the life of the bacteria are disturbed, and the production and proliferation of the bacteria are inhibited. Furthermore, the bacteria can be degraded, or the bacteria can be reduced or killed.

Therefore, in the present invention, "antibacterial property" means that the yarn of the present invention can at least inhibit or prevent the generation and proliferation of bacteria by forming an electric field or potential having an electric field strength of about 0.1 V/μm or more. Furthermore, the term "antibacterial property" used in the present invention may include the decline of bacteria, the reduction of bacteria, and the death of bacteria.

It should be noted that there are also active oxygen species in which oxygen contained in water changes due to a potential, electric field, or current generated by the yarn of the present invention, and interaction or catalytic action of additive materials contained in fibers. The generated radical species or other antibacterial chemical species (amine derivatives, etc.) indirectly exert an antibacterial effect. In addition, there are cases where a stress environment is formed by the electric potential generated by the yarn of the present invention or the presence of an electric field or current, thereby generating oxygen radicals in the cells of the bacteria, and there are cases where such oxygen radicals indirectly When it exhibits antibacterial properties. The radicals include superoxide anion radicals (active oxygen species), hydroxyl radicals, and the like.

The decline, death, or reduction of bacteria due to the action of such reactive oxygen species, radical species, antibacterial chemical species, oxygen radicals, and the like are included in the definition of "antibacterial property" as an antibacterial effect.

In the present invention, "bacteria" is a concept that refers to all fungi such as bacteria and fungi, and is not particularly limited as long as the above-mentioned "antibacterial properties" can be obtained, and includes microorganisms such as mites and fleas, and/or viruses. As bacteria, it is preferable to target "fungus". Fungi are one type of eukaryotic microorganisms with cell walls, and because they do not perform photosynthesis, they are organisms that parasitize any organism or exist in nature in the form of spores. Among fungi, it is preferable to target dermatophytes, and it is particularly preferable to target Trichophyton.

The yarn of the present invention is sometimes referred to as "antibacterial yarn" because it has "antibacterial properties" against "bacteria".

(other features)

The yarn (or antibacterial yarn) of the present invention may further have the following physical properties (resistance, resistivity, etc.) and their values (physical property values). The following physical properties and physical property values are preferred because antimicrobial properties can be obtained more reliably. In addition, the following physical properties and physical property values were discovered for the first time through intensive research by the inventors of the present application.

(impedance)

In the yarn of the present invention, the impedance is about 4.0×10 ⁶ Ωm or more, preferably about 4.0×10 ⁶ Ωm to about 1.8×10 ⁷ Ωm, and typically about 7.0×10 ⁶ Ωm.

If the impedance of the yarn of the present invention is within the above-mentioned range, an electric field or potential having an electric field strength of about 0.1 V/μm or more can be formed, and antimicrobial properties can be more reliably achieved.

In the present invention, "impedance" refers to impedance Z per unit volume. For example, as schematically shown in FIG. 6 , the impedance Z is measured by sandwiching the yarn between two electrodes for measurement and connecting the two electrodes for measurement to an LCR meter (or an impedance measuring device).

It should be noted that the method of measuring the impedance Z is not limited to the method shown in FIG. 6 .

Here, the yarn of the present invention is regarded as an ideal dielectric, and the impedance Z per unit volume of the yarn of the present invention can be expressed by the following formula when the capacitance is C and the frequency is 1 kHz.

Z=1/C×1.6×10 ^-4Ω

(in the formula, C represents the capacitance)

Capacitance C is proportional to the "relative permittivity" of the yarn of the present invention, therefore, impedance Z is inversely proportional to the "relative permittivity" of the yarn of the present invention.

Therefore, “4.0×10 ⁶ Ωm” as the lower limit value of the impedance Z may correspond to the upper limit value “4.5” of the relative permittivity of the yarn of the present invention. In addition, "1.8×10 ⁷ Ωm" as the upper limit value of the impedance Z may correspond to the lower limit value "1.0" of the relative permittivity of the yarn of the present invention.

In this way, the value of the impedance of the yarn can be converted into the relative permittivity of the yarn.

It should be noted that “7.0×10 ⁶ Ωm”, which is a typical resistance value of the yarn of the present invention, can correspond to “2.6”, which is a typical value of the “relative permittivity” of the yarn of the present invention.

(resistivity)

In the yarn of the present invention, the resistivity is about 1.4×10 ⁴ Ωm or more, preferably about 1.4×10 ⁴ Ωm to about 2.3×10 ¹⁵ Ωm.

If the resistivity of the yarn of the present invention is within the above-mentioned range, an electric field or potential having an electric field intensity of about 0.1 V/μm or more can be formed, and antimicrobial properties can be more reliably achieved.

Here, refer to FIG. 7 . Fig. 7 shows the relationship between "interval d (μm) of potential generating filaments" (hereinafter also sometimes referred to as "interval d between filaments") and "electric field intensity (V/μm)" in the yarn of the present invention. The "filament interval d" represents the shortest distance (μm) between the surfaces of two potential generating filaments adjacent to each other. Filament spacing d may correspond to the thickness of the "dielectric" that may exist between the filaments.

Typically, the resistivity of the "dielectric" is smaller than that of the "potential generating filament" (eg, resistivity of an antistatic agent: about 1×10 ³ Ωm). The resistivity of the yarn of the present invention tends to decrease as the "filament interval d" increases.

When the yarn of the present invention is regarded as an ideal resistor, for example, as shown in FIG. 7 , when the “filament interval d” is “5 μm” (the filament interval of the yarn of the present invention (or the thickness) is typically about 5 μm), the “electric field strength” is “about 0.1 V/μm”, and the “resistivity” of the yarn of the present invention in this case is “about 1.4×10 ⁴ Ωm”, which can correspond to the above Lower limit value (about 1.4×10 ⁴ Ωm). In addition, when the “filament interval d” is “0 μm”, the “resistivity” of the yarn of the present invention is the largest, and the value is “about 2.3×10 ¹⁵ Ωm”, which can correspond to the upper limit value ( about 2.3×10 ¹⁵ Ωm).

In this way, the value of the resistivity of the yarn can be calculated from the electric field strength of the yarn.

Here, with respect to FIG. 7 , more specifically, the value (V/μm) of the electric field strength in the filament interval d (μm) with respect to the relative permittivity (ε) of the dielectric is as shown in the following table.

Table 2

In the yarn of the present invention, the resistivity can be measured, for example, with an insulation resistance meter.

It should be noted that, in the yarn (or antibacterial yarn) of the present invention, the physical properties and their values (physical properties) that can more reliably obtain antibacterial properties are not limited to the above-mentioned “relative permittivity”, “impedance”, and “resistivity”. ".

[Use of yarn]

The yarn of the present invention is a potential-generating filament (or potential-generating fiber or charge-generating fiber or electric-field-forming fiber) having external energy that can be passed through external energy (for example, at least 0.15% of tensile force or tensile strain is given) etc.) to generate electric charge, generate electric potential, and fibers that form electric field, therefore, electric field or electric potential may be formed in the vicinity of the yarn, or it may have a predetermined value between the yarn and the yarn, or close to the human body, etc. In the case of an object with potential (including ground potential), an electric field is generated. As described above, the antibacterial properties can be directly exhibited by such a potential or an electric field.

In addition, when the yarn of the present invention is brought close to an object having a predetermined electric potential, such as another adjacent fiber or a human body, through moisture such as sweat, a current can flow. Antibacterial properties may also be exerted by this current.

Therefore, when the yarn of the present invention is applied to an article that can be used close to an object having a predetermined electric potential such as a human body, for example, by the action of the generated electric potential or electric field or electric current, especially the direct action of electric potential or electric field, The above-mentioned antibacterial properties can be exhibited.

The articles or products to which the yarn of the present invention can be applied are not particularly limited, and examples thereof include clothing (all types), shoes (all types), and medical supplies (all types) such as masks. More specifically, the following applications and the like are considered.

For example, all kinds of clothing, especially underwear (especially socks), towels, all kinds of shoes, insoles such as shoes and boots, all kinds of sportswear, hats, bedding (including quilts, beds, etc.) can be mentioned. Pads, sheets, pillows, pillowcases, etc.), toothbrushes, dental floss, various filters (water purifiers, filters for air conditioners or air purifiers, etc.), plush toys, pet-related products (pet pads, pet clothing, etc.) , lining of pet clothing), various cushion products (foot, hand, or toilet, etc.), curtains, kitchen supplies (sponge or rag, etc.), seats (seats for cars, trains, planes, etc.), motorcycles Cushioning materials for helmets and their outer covering materials, sofas, all categories of medical supplies, bandages, gauze, masks, sutures, clothing for doctors and patients, protective gear, hygiene products, sporting goods (lining of clothes and gloves, or in combat used arm guards, etc.), or packaging materials, etc.

In clothing, socks (or protective gear) in particular are bound to expand and contract along joints due to actions such as walking. Therefore, the yarn of the present invention generates electric charges or potentials at high frequency. In addition, socks absorb moisture such as sweat and become a breeding ground for bacteria growth. However, the yarn of the present invention can inhibit the growth of bacteria, so it has a remarkable effect as an antibacterial application for deodorization.

In addition, it is considered that the yarn of the present invention is suitable for any application requiring antibacterial properties, and the application is not limited to the above-mentioned application.

(cloth)

In order to be used for the above-mentioned purposes, the yarn of the present invention can be processed into cloth, for example. Therefore, such a cloth contains the yarn of the present invention, and can be used for the above-mentioned applications and the like as the above-mentioned "antibacterial cloth" having antibacterial properties. The cloth of the present invention includes woven fabrics, knitted fabrics, non-woven fabrics, and the like. These can be produced by appropriately processing the yarn of the present invention by a method or the like known in the art.

Hereinafter, the yarn and cloth of the present invention will be further described in detail based on the examples.

Example

<Preliminary test for confirmation of antibacterial effect by electrical stimulation>

Based on the following steps (1) to (4), a preliminary test for confirming the antibacterial action by electrical stimulation was performed.

(1) Trichophyton (fungus) was used as a fungus, and a suspension of Trichophyton was prepared by suspending the Trichophyton in the germinating tube state in pure water.

(2) A voltage was applied to the suspension of Trichophyton under each of the following conditions.

(3) The state of Trichophyton after voltage application is shown in the photograph of [ FIG. 8 ].

(4) As a representative example of the state change of Trichophyton before and after voltage application, for 20V×5Hz and 50V×5Hz, photographs of the state change of Trichophyton are shown in [ FIG. 9 ](a) and [Fig. 9](b).

· Distance between electrodes

50μm

·Voltage

Condition A: 10V

Condition B: 20V

Condition C: 30V

Condition D: 40V

Condition E: 50V

·frequency

1Hz

5Hz

10Hz

・Number of measurements

n=3

(result)

From 10V to 50V, the voltage was changed every 10V, and the value of the voltage was increased (conditions A to E). As a result, it was found that there was a case where the Trichophyton was deformed and the flow of the prototype substance stopped as the voltage increased. [Fig. 9](a) and [Fig. 9](b) are representative photographs of deformation of Trichophyton before and after voltage application, and deformation of spores and hyphae were confirmed, respectively. In particular, under the voltage conditions D and E, the cessation of the protoplasmic flow of Trichophyton was confirmed.

On the other hand, it was found that even if the frequency was changed to 1 Hz, 5 Hz, and 10 Hz and the value of the current was increased, the flow of the original substance of Trichophyton did not stop.

From the above, it can be seen that the value of the voltage is more relevant than the value of the current for the antibacterial effect.

In addition, it was found that the size of the spores of the Trichophyton used in the preliminary test was about 5 μm as shown in the photograph of [ FIG. 10 ], and when a voltage of about 0.2 V/μm or more was applied with an electric field intensity, it was found that from the spores of the spores A voltage above about 1.0V will be applied from one end to the other, and the Trichophyton will die or decrease.

From the above, it is found that the size of the spores of bacteria, especially fungi, is about 2 μm to 10 μm (“Window of Food Hygiene”, the website of the Tokyo Metropolitan Government, Welfare and Health Bureau). With the above voltage, a voltage of about 1.0 V or more can be applied to spores with a maximum size of 10 μm, and such bacteria can be killed or reduced.

It should be noted that the above-mentioned preliminary tests are merely examples, and are not intended to limit the present invention.

(Example 1)

Preparation of yarn A

As the piezoelectric material, a yarn A (untwisted yarn) composed of potential generating filaments (number of filaments: 24) containing poly-L-lactic acid (PLLA) was prepared (measured by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) , Calculated optical purity (L-type): 99% or more, crystallinity measured with ultraX 18 manufactured by Rigaku Corporation: 42 to 44%). The potential-generating filaments contained in Yarn A contain an oily agent as a dielectric around them. In addition, it turned out that a part of the oily agent falls off from a potential generating filament by the washing|cleaning after manufacture of a yarn.

Determination of relative permittivity of yarn A

The relative permittivity of the yarn A can be determined by passing the yarn A between the parallel plate capacitors to measure the capacitance, calculating the capacitance of the yarn A from the difference with the capacitance when the yarn A is not passed, and using the value and the capacity of the yarn to obtain the dielectric constant of the yarn A, and then, using the dielectric constant of vacuum, based on the formula: [relative dielectric constant of yarn A]=[dielectric constant of yarn A]/ The [dielectric constant of vacuum] was determined by calculation; as a result, it was found that the relative permittivity of the yarn A was about 1.4 (measurement temperature: room temperature (25°C)).

Measurement of the electric field strength of the electric field formed by the yarn A

Yarn A contains PLLA (optical purity (L-type): 99% or more, crystallinity: 42 to 44%), and therefore it was found that an electric field or potential is generated by giving energy from the outside such as tensile strain of at least 0.15%. In addition, since the relative permittivity of the yarn A is 1.4, it was found that the electric field formed by the yarn A was measured using a power microscope (eg, Model 1100TN manufactured by Trek) including a scanning probe, a surface potentiometer, and the like. , which results in electric field strengths greater than about 0.1 V/μm.

It should be noted that the measurement of the electric field strength was performed as follows. First, using a scanning probe, a minute probe to which a weak voltage was applied was brought close to the yarn A to detect displacement of the probe due to electrical attraction or repulsion, and then , the value of the electric field strength of the yarn A is measured by measuring the voltage for canceling the electric attractive force or the repulsive force applied to the micro probe with each other using a surface potentiometer.

Antibacterial

From the above, it can be seen that the yarn A has an electric field intensity of more than about 0.1 V/μm, and thus, for example, exhibits sufficient antibacterial properties against Trichophyton of about 10 μm.

(Example 2)

Preparation of yarn B

As a piezoelectric material, a yarn B (untwisted yarn) composed of potential generating filaments (number of filaments: 24) containing poly-L-lactic acid (PLLA) was prepared (measured by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) , Calculated optical purity (L-type): 99% or more, crystallinity measured with ultraX 18 manufactured by Rigaku Corporation: 42 to 44%). The potential-generating filaments contained in Yarn B contain an antistatic agent as a dielectric around them. In addition, it turned out that a part of antistatic agent falls off from a potential generating filament by washing|cleaning after manufacture of a yarn.

Determination of relative permittivity of yarn B

The relative permittivity of the yarn B was measured in the same manner as the above-mentioned yarn A, and as a result, it was found to be about 1.4 (measurement temperature: room temperature (25° C.)).

Measurement of the electric field strength of the electric field formed by the yarn B

Since the yarn B contains PLLA (optical purity (L-type): 99% or more, crystallinity: 42-44%), it can be seen that an electric field or potential is generated by applying external energy such as tensile strain of at least 0.15%. Since the relative permittivity of the yarn B was about 1.4, the electric field formed by the yarn B was measured in the same manner as the yarn A described above. As a result, it was found to have an electric field strength greater than about 0.1 V/μm.

Antibacterial

From the above, it can be seen that the yarn B has an electric field intensity of more than about 0.1 V/μm, and therefore exhibits sufficient antibacterial properties against Trichophyton of about 10 μm, for example.

(Example 3)

Preparation of yarn C

As the piezoelectric material, a yarn C (untwisted yarn) composed of potential generating filaments (number of filaments: 24) containing poly-L-lactic acid (PLLA) was prepared (measured by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) , Calculated optical purity (L-type): 99% or more, crystallinity measured with ultraX 18 manufactured by Rigaku Corporation: 42 to 44%). Yarn C contains potential-generating filaments that are completely free of surface treatment agents, around which only an air layer exists as a dielectric.

Determination of relative permittivity of yarn C

The relative permittivity of the yarn C was measured in the same manner as the above-mentioned yarn A, and as a result, it was found to be about 1.1 (measurement temperature: room temperature (25° C.)).

Measurement of the electric field strength of the electric field formed by the yarn C

Since the yarn C contains PLLA (optical purity (L-type): 99% or more, crystallinity: 42-44%), it can be seen that an electric field or potential is generated by applying external energy such as tensile strain of at least 0.15%. Since the relative permittivity of the yarn C was about 1.1, the electric field formed by the yarn C was measured in the same manner as the yarn A described above.

Antibacterial

From the above, it can be seen that the yarn C has an electric field intensity of more than about 0.1 V/μm, and thus exhibits sufficient antibacterial properties against Trichophyton of about 10 μm, for example.

(Example 4)

Preparation of yarn D

As the piezoelectric material, a yarn D (untwisted yarn, degreased) composed of potential generating filaments (number of filaments: 24) composed of poly-L-lactic acid (PLLA) was prepared (by high performance liquid chromatography) (HPLC) measurement, calculated optical purity (L type): 99% or more, crystallinity measured by ultraX18 manufactured by Rigaku Corporation: 42 to 44%).

Determination of relative permittivity of yarn bundles of yarn D

The yarn D is set on the bobbin, and the yarn D is passed through a thread guide on a winding drum with a diameter of 45 mm using a yarn winding machine manufactured by Murata, so that the yarn D does not overlap in the thickness direction. Arranged in the transverse direction, the yarn D was wound on a drum (rotational speed: 60 rpm, 1 minute) (refer to FIG. 11(A) ).

The yarn D was cut in the axial direction of the winding drum to cut out the yarn D from the winding drum to obtain a yarn bundle sample (yarn D) having a width of about 1 cm (refer to FIG. 11(B) ). It should be noted that the upper and lower ends of the yarn bundle sample in the longitudinal direction were fixed at the time of cutting.

The yarn sample (yarn D) was set on a jig (vise) and fixed with Kapton (registered trademark) tape (see Fig. 12(A) (the photo is only an example of the measurement method, the yarn bundle sample contains the yarn) thread is different from yarn D)).

Between two circular measurement electrodes of an LCR meter (Precision LCR Meter (Model: E4980A) manufactured by Agilent) connected to a fixture (Dielectric Test Fixture (Model: 16451B) manufactured by Agilent), the yarn was placed The yarn bundle sample (yarn D) was placed in a stacked arrangement (thickness: about 50 μm), and the yarn bundle sample was sandwiched between two measuring electrodes and fixed (see FIG. The bundle samples contained different yarns from yarn D)).

Here, the relationship between the measurement electrodes of the LCR meter and the yarn bundle sample is shown in FIG. 13 . In the case of the yarn bundle sample shown in this schematic diagram, the yarns D are sandwiched between the electrodes for measurement and are adjacent to each other. Therefore, it is assumed that there is no void between the yarns D and the yarns D. As shown in FIG.

The sum of the areas S1 and S2 shown in FIG. 13 was quadrupled, and this was calculated as the area of the yarn bundle sample (hereinafter, referred to as "sample area").

The relative permittivity of the yarn D was measured with an LCR meter in such a sample area, and as a result, the value was about 2.1 (temperature: room temperature (25° C.), frequency: 1 kHz). Details of the measurement are shown in Table 3 below.

(Example 5)

Preparation of yarn E

As the piezoelectric material, a yarn E (untwisted yarn, degreased) composed of potential generating filaments (number of filaments: 24) made of poly-L-lactic acid (PLLA) was prepared (by high performance liquid chromatography) (HPLC) measurement, calculated optical purity (L type): 99% or more, crystallinity measured by ultraX18 manufactured by Rigaku Corporation: 42 to 44%).

Determination of relative permittivity of yarn bundles of yarn E

The relative permittivity of the yarn E was measured with an LCR meter in the same manner as in the yarn D of Example 4. As a result, the relative permittivity was about 1.9. Details of the measurement are shown in Table 3 below.

(Example 6)

Preparation of yarn F

As the piezoelectric material, a yarn (untwisted yarn) composed of potential generating filaments (number of filaments: 24) composed of poly-L-lactic acid (PLLA) was prepared (measured by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) , Calculated optical purity (L-type): 99% or more, crystallinity measured with ultraX 18 manufactured by Rigaku Corporation: 42 to 44%).

About 0.1 mL of a surface treatment agent (Nicepole PR-99 (Nicepole series manufactured by Nikka Chemical Co., Ltd.), an antistatic agent containing a PEG-modified polyester-based polymer) was applied to the above-mentioned yarn, and it was dried to prepare Yarn F (untwisted yarn) (weight before coating: 0.207 g, dry weight after coating: 0.219 g, adhesion weight: 0.012 g, adhesion amount: 5.4% by weight).

Determination of relative permittivity of yarn bundles of yarn F

In the same manner as in Example 4, a yarn bundle sample of yarn F was prepared (see FIG. 11 ).

Set the yarn bundle (yarn F) on a jig (vise), and fix it with Kapton (registered trademark) tape (refer to FIG. 12(A) (the photo is only an example of the measurement method, the yarn included in the yarn bundle sample) thread is different from yarn F)).

In the same manner as in Example 4, the measurement was performed on two circles of an LCR meter (Precision LCR Meter (Model: E4980A) manufactured by Agilent) connected to a fixture (Dielectric TestFixture (Model: 16451B) manufactured by Agilent). Between the electrodes, the yarn bundle sample (yarn F) was placed on top of each other (thickness: about 50 μm), and the yarn bundle sample was sandwiched between two measurement electrodes to fix it (see FIG. 12(B) (photograph only) An example of the measurement method is shown, the yarn bundle sample contains different yarns from yarn F)).

In the case of this yarn bundle sample, the yarn F was coated with a surface treatment agent, and therefore, the filaments contained in the yarn gathered together, and a space was created between the yarn F and the yarn F.

In such a case, for example, the area of the space is calculated as the sample area by subtracting the area of the space from the value obtained by multiplying the sum of the areas S1 and S2 shown in FIG. 13 (in other words, the value of the area in an ideal state). . It should be noted that the area of this space is calculated by actually measuring the distance between the yarn F and the yarn F, preferably as an average of the total of the gaps, on a yarn having a width of 1 cm arranged on the measuring electrode. The beam sample (see FIG. 13 ) is integrated in the width direction (electrode diameter direction) to calculate.

The relative permittivity of the yarn F was measured with an LCR meter in such a sample area, and as a result, the value was about 4.5 (temperature: room temperature (25° C.), frequency: 1 kHz). Details of the measurement are shown in Table 4 below.

(Example 7)

Preparation of yarn G

As the piezoelectric material, a yarn (untwisted yarn) composed of potential generating filaments (number of filaments: 24) composed of poly-L-lactic acid (PLLA) was prepared (measured by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) , Calculated optical purity (L-type): 99% or more, crystallinity measured with ultraX 18 manufactured by Rigaku Corporation: 42 to 44%).

Apply about 0.1 mL of a surface treatment agent (SR-1800 (SR-processing agent and water-absorbing agent series, manufactured by Kotatsu Oil Co., Ltd.), a polyester-based polymer containing water-absorbing and SR properties (stain removal or Antifouling property) and surface treatment agent capable of imparting antistatic effect), and dried to prepare yarn G (untwisted yarn) (weight before coating: 0.203 g, dry weight after coating: 0.213 g, adhesion Weight: 0.010 g, adhesion amount: 4.7% by weight).

Determination of relative permittivity of yarn bundles of yarn G

The relative permittivity of the yarn G was measured with an LCR meter in the same manner as in the yarn F of Example 6. As a result, the relative permittivity was about 4.5. Details of the measurement are shown in Table 4 below.

(Example 8)

Preparation of yarn H

As the piezoelectric material, a yarn (untwisted yarn) composed of potential generating filaments (number of filaments: 24) composed of poly-L-lactic acid (PLLA) was prepared (measured by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) , Calculated optical purity (L-type): 99% or more, crystallinity measured with ultraX 18 manufactured by Rigaku Corporation: 42 to 44%).

About 0.1 mL of a surface treatment agent (QUEENSTAT (QUEENSTAT) NW-E conc (QUEENSTAT series manufactured by Kotani Chemical Industry Co., Ltd.), a water-absorbing agent containing a cross-linkable hydrophilic polyurethane-based polymer) was applied to the above-mentioned yarn SR property (stain removal or antifouling property) surface treatment agent that imparts antistatic effect), and dried to prepare yarn H (untwisted yarn) (weight before coating: 0.205 g, after coating Dry weight: 0.234 g, adhesion weight: 0.029 g, adhesion amount: 12% by weight).

Determination of relative permittivity of yarn bundles of yarn H

In the same manner as the yarn F of Example 6, the relative permittivity of the yarn H was measured with an LCR meter. As a result, the relative permittivity was about 4.4. Details of the measurement are shown in Table 4 below.

(Example 9)

Preparation of Yarn I

As the piezoelectric material, a yarn (untwisted yarn) composed of potential generating filaments (number of filaments: 24) composed of poly-L-lactic acid (PLLA) was prepared (measured by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) , Calculated optical purity (L-type): 99% or more, crystallinity measured with ultraX 18 manufactured by Rigaku Corporation: 42 to 44%).

A liquid containing about 0.1 mL of a metal oxide (titanium oxide (TiO ₂ ) spray solution (photocatalyst TiO ₂ antibacterial and deodorizing spray manufactured by TRUSCO (Trasco) Nakayama Co., Ltd.)) was applied to the above-mentioned yarn, and dried. Thus, Yarn I (untwisted yarn) was prepared (weight before coating: 0.206 g, dry weight after coating: 0.207 g, adhesion weight: 0.001 g, adhesion amount: 0.48% by weight).

Determination of relative permittivity of yarn bundles of yarn I

In the same manner as in the yarn F of Example 6, the relative permittivity of the yarn I was measured with an LCR meter. As a result, the relative permittivity was about 3.3. Details of the measurement are shown in Table 5 below.

(Example 10)

Preparation of yarn J

As the piezoelectric material, a yarn (untwisted yarn) composed of potential generating filaments (number of filaments: 24) composed of poly-L-lactic acid (PLLA) was prepared (measured by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) , Calculated optical purity (L-type): 99% or more, crystallinity measured with ultraX 18 manufactured by Rigaku Corporation: 42 to 44%).

A liquid containing about 0.1 mL of a metal oxide (titanium oxide (TiO ₂ ) spray solution (photocatalyst TiO ₂ antibacterial and deodorizing spray manufactured by TRUSCO (Trasco) Nakayama Co., Ltd.)) was applied to the above-mentioned yarn, and dried. Thus, yarn J (untwisted yarn) was prepared (weight before coating: 0.213 g, dry weight after coating: 0.213 g, adhesion weight: less than 0.001 g, adhesion amount: less than 0.47% by weight).

Determination of relative permittivity of yarn bundles of yarn J

In the same manner as in the yarn F of Example 6, the relative permittivity of the yarn J was measured with an LCR meter. As a result, the relative permittivity was about 3.5. Details of the measurement are shown in Table 5 below.

table 3

Yarn bundle samples Example 4 Example 5 yarn D (untwisted yarn) E (untwisted yarn) Thickness [m] 5.00E-05 5.00E-05 Cp[F] 1.69E-10 1.50E-10 Electrode area [m²] 0.001134115 0.001134115 Sample area [m²] 0.000438149 0.000438149 Dielectric constant of vacuum 8.85E-12 8.85E-12 Relative permittivity about 2.1 about 1.9

Table 4

Yarn bundle samples Example 6 Example 7 Example 8 yarn F (untwisted yarn) G (untwisted yarn) H (untwisted yarn) Thickness [m] 2.6E-04 2.8E-04 2.9E-04 Cp[F] 4.39E-11 4.14E-11 3.96E-11 Electrode area [m²] 0.001134115 0.001134115 0.001134115 Sample area [m²] 0.000281082 0.000287416 0.000291216 Dielectric constant of vacuum 8.85E-12 8.85E-12 8.85E-12 Relative permittivity about 4.5 about 4.5 about 4.4

table 5

Yarn bundle samples Example 9 Example 10 yarn 1 (untwisted yarn) J (untwisted yarn) Thickness [m] 9.0E-05 1.0E-04 Cp[F] 1.44E-10 1.39E-10 Electrode area [m²] 0.001134115 0.001134115 Sample area [m²] 0.000438149 0.000438149 Dielectric constant of vacuum 8.85E-12 8.85E-12 Relative permittivity about 3.3 about 3.5

Measurement of the electric field strength of the electric field formed by the yarns D to J

Yarns D to J contain PLLA (optical purity (L type): 99% or more, crystallinity: 42 to 44%), and therefore, an electric field is generated by giving at least 0.15% of external energy such as tensile force or tensile strain . In addition, since the yarns D to J have relative permittivity of about 4.5 or less, it can be seen that the electric field formed by the yarns D to J has an electric field intensity greater than about 0.1 V/μm, like the yarns A to C described above.

Antibacterial

From the above, it can be seen that the yarns D to J have an electric field intensity greater than about 0.1 V/μm, and exhibit sufficient antibacterial properties against Trichophyton of about 10 μm.

It should be noted that the relative permittivity of the yarn A of Example 1 and the yarn B of Example 2 was measured as the yarn bundle in the same manner as the yarn F of Example 6. As a result, the relative dielectric constant was measured. The electrical constants were about 1.4, respectively, consistent with the results determined in Examples 1 and 2 above.

In addition, the relative permittivity of the yarn C of Example 3 was measured as a yarn bundle in the same manner as the yarn D of Example 4. As a result, the relative permittivity of the yarn C was found to be about 1.1, This is consistent with the results determined in Example 3 above.

(Comparative Example 1)

The non-piezoelectric polylactic acid (PLA) polymer (TERRAMAC (registered trademark) (TERRAMAC) manufactured by Unijico Co., Ltd., crystallinity: 34%) has no piezoelectricity, so it is understood that it does not generate electric charge and does not exhibit antibacterial properties. sex.

The above-mentioned Examples 1 to 10 are merely examples of the yarns of the present invention, especially those capable of adjusting the relative permittivity and the generated potential, and the yarns of the present invention are not limited to those shown in the above-mentioned examples. In addition, although Examples 1-10 are all untwisted yarns, it is also possible to further increase the electric field strength by twisting (for example, 45°), thereby improving the antibacterial properties.

Lastly, the mode of the present invention will be explained. The present invention described above includes, but is not limited to, the following modes.

(Method 1)

A yarn comprising a potential generating filament or an electric field forming filament, wherein the relative permittivity of the yarn is 4.5 or less.

(Method 2)

The yarn according to aspect 1, wherein the relative permittivity is 1.0 or more.

(mode 3)

The yarn according to aspect 1 or 2, wherein the impedance of the yarn is 4.0×10 ⁶ Ωm or more.

(Mode 4)

The yarn according to aspect 3, wherein the impedance is 1.8×10 ⁷ Ωm or less.

(mode 5)

The yarn according to any one of aspects 1 to 4, wherein the resistivity of the yarn is 1.4×10 ⁴ Ωm or more.

(Mode 6)

The yarn according to the fifth aspect, wherein the resistivity is 2.3×10 ¹⁵ Ωm or less.

(Mode 7)

The yarn according to any one of aspects 1 to 6, wherein the potential generating filament is made of a piezoelectric material.

(Mode 8)

The yarn according to aspect 7, wherein the piezoelectric material contains poly-L-lactic acid (PLLA).

(Mode 9)

The yarn according to aspect 8, wherein the poly-L-lactic acid (PLLA) has a crystallinity of 35% or more.

(mode 10)

The yarn according to any one of aspects 1 to 9, wherein a dielectric is provided in at least a part of the periphery of the potential generating filament.

(mode 11)

The yarn according to the tenth aspect, wherein the dielectric material contains an oily agent.

(mode 12)

The yarn according to aspect 10 or 11, wherein the dielectric has conductivity.

(mode 13)

The yarn according to any one of aspects 10 to 12, wherein the dielectric material contains an antistatic agent.

(mode 14)

The yarn according to aspect 10, wherein the dielectric material contains air.

(mode 15)

The yarn according to aspect 10, wherein the dielectric material includes a polymer.

(mode 16)

The yarn according to aspect 15, wherein the polymer includes at least one selected from an ester-based polymer and a polyurethane-based polymer.

(mode 17)

The yarn according to aspect 10, wherein the dielectric material contains a metal oxide.

(mode 18)

The yarn according to aspect 17, wherein the metal oxide is titanium oxide.

(mode 19)

The yarn according to any one of aspects 1 to 9, wherein the yarn does not contain a surface treatment agent.

(mode 20)

The yarn according to any one of aspects 1 to 19, wherein the yarn is an antibacterial yarn.

(mode 21)

A cloth comprising the yarn according to any one of aspects 1 to 20.

Industrial Availability

The present invention can be used in a wide variety of products. For example, it can be preferably used as yarn or cloth in all categories of daily products, industrial products, and especially clothing products using yarn.

Symbol Description

1,2: Yarn

10: Potential generating filament (or electric field forming filament)

100: Dielectric

900: stretch direction

910A: 1st Diagonal

910B: 2nd diagonal

Claims (21)

1. A yarn comprising a potential generating filament, characterized in that the yarn has a relative dielectric constant of 4.5 or less.

2. The yarn of claim 1, wherein the relative dielectric constant is 1.0 or more.

3. A yarn as claimed in claim 1 or 2, wherein the yarn has an impedance of 4.0 x 10 ⁶ Omega m or more.

4. A yarn as claimed in claim 3 wherein said impedance is 1.8 x 10 ⁷ Omega m or less.

5. A yarn as in any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the yarn has an electrical resistivity of 1.4 x 10 ⁴ Omega m or more.

6. The yarn of claim 5, wherein the electrical resistivity is 2.3 x 10 ¹⁵ Omega m or less.

7. A yarn according to any one of claims 1 to 6 wherein the potential generating filaments comprise a piezoelectric material.

8. The yarn of claim 7, wherein the piezoelectric material comprises poly-L-lactic acid (PLLA).

9. The yarn of claim 8, wherein the poly-L-lactic acid (PLLA) has a crystallinity of 35% or more.

10. A yarn according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein a dielectric is provided around at least a portion of the potential generating filaments.

11. The yarn of claim 10, wherein the dielectric comprises an oil.

12. A yarn according to claim 10 or 11, wherein the dielectric is electrically conductive.

13. The yarn of any one of claims 10 to 12, wherein the dielectric comprises an antistatic agent.

14. The yarn of claim 10, wherein the dielectric comprises air.

15. The yarn of claim 10, wherein the dielectric comprises a polymer.

16. The yarn of claim 15, wherein the polymer comprises at least one selected from the group consisting of ester polymers and polyurethane polymers.

17. The yarn of claim 10, wherein the dielectric comprises a metal oxide.

18. The yarn of claim 17, wherein the metal oxide is titanium oxide.

19. The yarn of any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the yarn is free of a surface treatment.

20. The yarn of any one of claims 1 to 19, wherein the yarn is an antimicrobial yarn.

21. A fabric comprising the yarn according to any one of claim 1 to claim 20.

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