EP3237675B1 - Composition for the permanent hydrophilic finishing of textile fibres and textile products - Google Patents

Description

The invention relates to a composition for the permanent hydrophilic finish of textile fibers and textile products made thereof, such as nonwovens.

For the production of nonwovens various methods are available. When spunbonding by spunbond process or melt-blow process, the filaments formed by the melt spinning process of extruded polymers are forced under high pressure through spinnerets, stretched in a hot or cold air stream and deposited into a nonwoven. The nonwoven fabric can be subsequently solidified chemically, mechanically or thermally. In the production of dry nonwovens staple fibers are used, which are first carded to form a batt and then solidified chemically, mechanically or thermally.

Hydrophilic nonwovens are used in particular as cover fleeces or as intermediate fleeces for hygiene articles such as baby diapers, sanitary napkins, incontinence products and similar products. Such webs have the task to forward body fluids such as urine and blood quickly to the underlying absorption layer.

For the production of hydrophilic nonwovens, fibers or filaments of thermoplastic polymers such as polyolefin or polyester are mostly used. However, these polymers are hydrophobic and therefore have to be rendered hydrophilic either during fiber production and / or further processing into nonwoven fabric. Usually, the hydrophilization is carried out by treating the filaments with known spin finishes, which can then be further processed into staple fibers and / or directly into nonwoven fabrics. It is also more usual to treat the nonwovens before further processing into a hygiene article with a hydrophilic finishing agent as a so-called "top coat".

The treatment of the hydrophobic fibers, filaments or nonwovens with a hydrophilic spin finish or a hydrophilic finishing agent is intended to give as long as possible a lasting hydrophilicity over the longest possible period of use of the nonwoven. The hydrophilic spin finish or the finishing agent should therefore adhere well to the hydrophobic web and not or only slightly washed out by liquids. Modern nonwovens should have a permanent hydrophilicity and be wetted several times with water or body fluids such as urine.

The compositions for hydrophilic finishing of nonwoven fabrics and fibers for sanitary applications have heretofore been sold as either nearly anhydrous oils or as dilute aqueous dispersions to achieve permanent hydrophilization of the fibers or nonwovens. The commercially available compositions are then diluted on site in fiber or nonwoven production with water, applied from aqueous dilution on the fibers or nonwovens and then dried.

However, with the oils available on the market, no satisfactory permanent hydrophilic finish can be achieved. The products thus treated often show insufficient results in the wash-off test and tend to wet migration. Although the aqueous dispersions show better results with respect to the permanent hydrophilic finish of textile fibers and nonwovens. However, the high water content of these dispersions can lead to bacterial attack or to the hydrolysis of the components used and thus to a limited storage stability.

The patent DE 196 45 380 B4 discloses a composition for the permanent hydrophilization of polyolefin fibers with cationically modified siloxanes, esterquats and nonionic surfactants. However, the commercially available compositions all contain water and / or solvents and show only a limited storage stability.

The invention has for its object to provide a composition for the permanent hydrophilic finish of textile fibers and fabrics such as nonwovens, which has an improved storage stability and with the stable permanent-hydrophilic finish of textile fibers and fabrics is achieved.

This object is achieved by a composition for permanent hydrophilic finishing of textile fibers and textile products with the features of claim 1.

Further advantageous embodiments are specified in the dependent claims, which can be optionally combined with each other.

1. (A) einem hydrophil modifizierten Polyalkylsiloxan in einem Anteil von 3 bis 30 Gew.-%;
2. (B) einem kationischen Tensid auf der Grundlage einer quartären Ammoniumverbindung in einem Anteil von 25 - 85 Gew.-%, wobei die quartäre Ammoniumverbindung einen Schmelzpunkt von mindestens 45°C aufweist;
3. (C) einem wahlweise hydroxylierten Fettalkohol mit einem Schmelzpunkt von mindestens 40 °C in einem Anteil von 0 - 25 Gew.-%;
4. (D) einem nicht-ionischen Konsistenzgeber in einem Anteil von 0 - 40 Gew.-%, wobei der Konsistenzgeber einen Schmelzpunkt von mindestens 45 °C aufweist und aus der Gruppe der alkoxylierten C12-C28-Fettalkohole, wahlweise alkoxylierten C12-C28-Fettsäureamide, alkoxylierten C12-C28-Fettsäuren, alkoxylierten C12-C28-Fettsäureester sowie der wahlweise alkoxylierten C12-C28-Fettsäureester von polyfunktionellen Alkoholen, der C12-C22-Alkylpolyglykoside, der synthetischen und natürlichen Wachse sowie deren Mischungen ausgewählt ist; und
5. (E) einem hydrotropen Dispergierhilfsmittel in einem Anteil von 0 bis 10 Gew.-%, jeweils bezogen auf das Gesamtgewicht der Zusammensetzung;

wobei die Zusammensetzung einen Schmelzpunkt von mindestens 45 °C aufweist.The composition according to the invention for the permanent hydrophilic finishing of textile fibers and textile products consists of:

1. (A) a hydrophilic modified polyalkylsiloxane in a proportion of 3 to 30 wt .-%;
2. (B) a cationic surfactant based on a quaternary ammonium compound in an amount of 25-85 wt .-%, wherein the quaternary ammonium compound has a melting point of at least 45 ° C;
3. (C) an optionally hydroxylated fatty alcohol having a melting point of at least 40 ° C in a proportion of 0-25 wt .-%;
4. (D) a nonionic bodyier in an amount of 0-40 wt .-%, wherein the bodying agent has a melting point of at least 45 ° C and from the group of alkoxylated C12-C28 fatty alcohols, optionally alkoxylated C12-C28 fatty acid amides alkoxylated C12-C28 fatty acids, alkoxylated C12-C28 fatty acid esters and the optionally alkoxylated C12-C28 fatty acid esters of polyfunctional alcohols, the C12-C22 alkylpolyglycosides, the synthetic and natural waxes and mixtures thereof; and
5. (E) a hydrotrope dispersing aid in a proportion of 0 to 10 wt .-%, each based on the total weight of the composition;

wherein the composition has a melting point of at least 45 ° C.

The composition according to the invention can advantageously be diluted with water as required by the customer and can be diluted from the aqueous dilution onto the water be applied hydrophilic fibers or the fleece. The provision as a composition with a melting point above 45 ° C ensures sufficient storage stability.

The composition according to the invention exhibits a permanent-hydrophilic finishing of textile fibers and textile products comparable to the performance of spin finishes and finishing agents based on aqueous dispersions while retaining their respective performance properties.

Preferably, the composition of the invention is present as granules. This allows a reduction in storage and transport costs and simplified handling at the customer. In addition, the granular composition is less sensitive to changing storage conditions.

Alternatively, the composition according to the invention may also be provided as an aqueous dispersion having a solids content of at least 10% by weight, preferably at least 15% by weight. Also in this case, the storage stability compared to dilute aqueous dispersions is significantly improved.

Most preferably, the melting point of the composition is at least 55 ° C.

The upper limit of the melting point of the composition according to the invention is dependent on the components used in each case and the dispersibility and the desired performance properties of the composition. The inventors believe that compositions with a melting point above 120 ° C, preferably above 90 ° C, can no longer be meaningfully used as finishing agents for textile fibers and textile products.

For the preparation of the composition of the invention predominantly components of highly viscous or solid materials are used. Nevertheless, the application properties of the nonwovens vulcanized with the composition according to the invention, such as multiple strike through, multiple run off, wetback and wash-off not adversely affected compared to the previously used aqueous dispersions. Rather, the fibers and nonwovens treated with the composition of the present invention exhibit good permanent hydrophilicity and a good rate of absorption.

For the purposes of the invention, the term "fibers" also includes "filaments", including single filaments and multi-filaments. The terms "fibers" and "filaments" are therefore used synonymously.

By "hydrophobic" fibers, materials or surfaces are referred to, which are not spontaneously wetted with water or have a contact angle of greater than 90 °. Hydrophilic fibers, materials and surfaces are wettable spontaneously with water and aqueous liquids or show a contact angle of less than 90 °.

For the purposes of the invention, "permanently hydrophilic" means a textile product (fiber or flat fabric) treated with a finishing agent, which has the "Multiple Strike Through" test in accordance with WSP standard 70.7 (11) with penetration times of <2 / <3 / <5 / <5 / <5 seconds.

The storage stability of the dispersions known from the prior art is up to about 6 months. The compositions of the present invention may be stored for at least 12 months at 22 ° C and 50% relative humidity without degradation of product properties as measured by the multiple strike-through test. Even in the form of highly concentrated dispersions having a solids content of at least 10%, preferably at least 15%, the compositions of the invention remain castable under these conditions. The preferred granular compositions are considered to be stable on storage if the appearance of the granules does not change after storage at 50 ° C. for 3 days.

As textile fibers in particular synthetic fibers or filaments of polyolefins such as polyethylene and polypropylene as well as polyesters such as polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and polylactides (PLA) or bicomponent fibers of polyolefins and polyesters are used. Made from these fibers Textile products are preferably non-woven fabrics (nonwovens), in particular nonwovens.

To prepare the composition of the invention, the components of the composition are melted and mixed together with stirring. Thereafter, granulation or scaling is carried out from the melt, whereby various granulation techniques and scaling techniques known in the art may be used.

The invention will be explained below with reference to some preferred embodiments, which are not to be understood in a limiting sense.

The hydrophilically modified polyalkylsiloxane of component (A) may be cationically or anionically modified, or may have a non-ionic pendant hydrophilic group.

The hydrophilically modified polyalkylsiloxane preferably has a viscosity at 25 ° C. of at least 3500 mPas. Particularly preferably, the viscosity of the polyalkylsiloxane at 22 ° C at least 5000 mPa s and is preferably in the range of 5 to 100 Pa s, in particular between 50 and 80 Pa s. The viscosity is measured according to DIN ISO 2555.

According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, component (A) preferably comprises a cationically modified polyalkylsiloxane having at least one quaternary ammonium group.

worin

R⁴ =

oder

bedeutet,

R⁵

unabhängig voneinander -CH₃ oder -C₂H₄OH, bevorzugt -CH₃, bedeutet,

R⁶

-(CH₂)_x-X-CO-R⁷ bedeutet,

R⁷

eine lineare oder verzweigte, gesättigte oder ungesättigte Kohlenwasserstoffkette mit 9 bis 23 C-Atomen bedeutet, vorzugsweise C9-C15-Alkyl,

X

ein Sauerstoffatom oder NH bedeutet, vorzugsweise NH,

Y^-

eines der Anionen CH₃OSO₃ ^-, C₂H₅OSO₃ ^-, CH₃COO^-, Cl^-, Phosphat oder Lactat bedeutet, bevorzugt CH₃COO^-,

q

eine ganze Zahl von 3 bis 18 bedeutet, bevorzugt 3 bis 6,

r und s

unabhängig voneinander, eine ganze Zahl von 1 bis 50 bedeuten;

x

eine ganze Zahl von 2 bis 10 bedeutet, bevorzugt 2 bis 4,

y

eine ganze Zahl von 8 bis 22 bedeutet, bevorzugt 8 bis 16 und besonders bevorzugt 8 bis 12, und

z

eine ganze Zahl von 0 bis 10 bedeutet.

The cationically modified polyalkylsiloxane of component (A) particularly preferably corresponds to one of the following formulas Ia or Ib:

wherein

R ⁴ =

or

means

R ⁵

independently of one another -CH ₃ or -C ₂ H ₄ OH, preferably -CH ₃ ,

R ⁶

- (CH ₂ ) _x -X-CO-R ⁷ ,

R ⁷

a linear or branched, saturated or unsaturated hydrocarbon chain having 9 to 23 carbon atoms, preferably C9-C15-alkyl,

X

an oxygen atom or NH, preferably NH,

Y ^-

one of the anions CH ₃ OSO ₃ ^- , C ₂ H ₅ OSO ₃ ^- , CH ₃ COO ^- , Cl ^- , phosphate or lactate, preferably CH ₃ COO ^- ,

q

an integer from 3 to 18, preferably from 3 to 6,

r and s

independently, an integer from 1 to 50 mean;

x

an integer from 2 to 10, preferably from 2 to 4,

y

an integer from 8 to 22, preferably 8 to 16 and particularly preferably 8 to 12, and

z

an integer from 0 to 10 means.

Preference is given to those polyalkylsiloxanes in which the radical R ⁴ carries a free cation. Alternatively or additionally, it is also possible to use polyalkylsiloxanes which have an amphoteric betaine structure on the radical R ⁴ .

According to a further embodiment, the hydrophilically modified polyalkylsiloxane of component (A) comprises a nonionic alkoxylated polyalkylsiloxane having an α, ω structure or comb structure, optionally end-capped with alkyl groups, acyl groups or phosphate groups.

Suitable high-viscosity, hydrophilically modified polyalkylsiloxanes are commercially available, for example, under the name TEGOPREN ™ from Evonik Industries or as L-series silicone oil from Wacker AG.

The hydrophilically modified polyalkylsiloxane of component (A) imparts to the composition of the invention the ability of rapid hydrophilization with good permanence and improves the absorbency of the products treated with the composition according to the invention.

The proportion of component (A) in the composition of the invention is in the range of 3 to 30 wt .-%, preferably in the range of 10 to 25 wt .-%, based on the total weight of the composition. A higher proportion of the component (A) deteriorates the processing and / or granulating ability of the composition and increases the price.

R¹

gleich oder verschieden sein kann und eine Alkylgruppe mit 1 bis 24 C-Atomen oder eine Alkenylgruppe mit 2 bis 24 C-Atomen bedeutet;

R²

gleich oder verschieden sein kann und unabhängig voneinander eine Alkylgruppe mit 1 bis 24 C-Atomen, eine Alkenylgruppe mit 2 bis 24 C-Atomen, Hydroxyethyl oder einen Polyglykolrest bedeutet;

X

ein Sauerstoffatom, NH, N-CH₃ oder eine (OC₂H₄)_z-Gruppe mit z = 1 bis 10 bedeutet;

Y^-

eines der Anionen CH₃OSO₃ ^-, C₂H₅OSO₃ ^-, CH₃COO^-, Cl^-, Phosphat, Lactat und Citrat bedeutet;

n

eine ganze Zahl von 1 bis 6; und

m

eine ganze Zahl von 1 bis 3 bedeuten

The quaternary ammonium compound according to component (B) of the composition according to the invention preferably corresponds to the following formula II:

[(R ¹ -C (= O) -X- (CH ₂ ) _n -) _m NR ² _4-m ] ⁺ Y ^- (II)

wherein

R ¹

may be the same or different and is an alkyl group having 1 to 24 carbon atoms or an alkenyl group having 2 to 24 carbon atoms;

R ²

may be the same or different and is independently an alkyl group having 1 to 24 carbon atoms, an alkenyl group having 2 to 24 carbon atoms, hydroxyethyl or a polyglycol radical;

X

represents an oxygen atom, NH, N-CH ₃ or an (OC ₂ H ₄ ) _z group with z = 1 to 10;

Y ^-

one of the anions is CH ₃ OSO ₃ ^- , C ₂ H ₅ OSO ₃ ^- , CH ₃ COO ^- , Cl ^- , phosphate, lactate and citrate;

n

an integer from 1 to 6; and

m

an integer from 1 to 3

Preferably, at least the radical R ¹ in the above formula (II) comprises an alkyl group or alkylene group having 12 to 24 C atoms.

Most preferably, the quaternary ammonium compound has a melting point of at least 55 ° C. The selection of refractory quaternary ammonium compounds ensures good granulation ability of the composition of the invention. The quaternary ammonium compound also shows good permanent hydrophilicity properties.

Suitable quaternary ammonium compounds are commercially available, for example under the name Dehyquart ™ F 75 (BASF).

The proportion of component (B) in the composition according to the invention is in the range from 25 to 85% by weight, preferably in the range from 25 to 60% by weight, and particularly preferably in the range from 40 to 55% by weight, based on the total weight of the composition. Too high proportion of the quaternary ammonium compound deteriorates the Absorption speed of fluids, which is reflected in a deteriorated value of the first breakdown value in the multiple strike-through test. Too low proportion of the quaternary ammonium compound impairs the granulation ability of the compositions.

According to a further embodiment of the invention, the composition as component (C) may have an optionally hydroxylated fatty alcohol in an amount of 0 to 25% by weight. Preferably, the proportion of the fatty alcohol is in a range of 5 to 15 wt .-%, particularly preferably between 10 and 15 wt .-%, based on the total weight of the composition.

The fatty alcohol serves as a solvent for the components (A) and (B) and improves the homogeneity and consistency of the granules. In addition, the addition of fatty alcohols can improve the shelf life of the composition. However, too high a proportion of fatty alcohol deteriorates the hydrophilizing effect of the composition.

The hydrocarbon chains of the optionally hydroxylated fatty alcohol may be branched or straight chain, saturated or unsaturated. Particularly preferred are fatty alcohols having 16 to 32 carbon atoms in the hydrocarbon chain. Suitable examples are cetyl alcohol (mp 49 ° C) and stearyl alcohol (mp 59 ° C). It is also possible to use mixtures of different fatty alcohols. A suitable hydroxylated fatty alcohol is 12-hydroxystearyl alcohol (mp 63 ° C).

1. a) alkoxylierte C12-C28-Fettalkohole,
2. b) wahlweise alkoxylierte C12-C28-Fettsäureamide,
3. c) alkoxylierte C12-C28-Fettsäuren,
4. d) alkoxylierte C12-C28-Fettsäureester,
5. e) wahlweise alkoxylierte C12-C28-Fettsäureester von polyfunktionellen Alkoholen;
6. f) C12-C22-Alkylpolyglykoside; und
7. g) synthetische Wachse wie Polyalkylenwachse und Esterwachse sowie natürliche Wachse, insbesondere pflanzliche Wachse wie Frucht- und Getreidewachse.

The nonionic consistency regulator of component (D) is selected according to the invention from the group of the following compounds:

1. a) alkoxylated C 12 -C 28 -fatty alcohols,
2. b) optionally alkoxylated C12-C28 fatty acid amides,
3. c) alkoxylated C12-C28 fatty acids,
4. d) alkoxylated C12-C28 fatty acid esters,
5. e) optionally alkoxylated C12-C28 fatty acid esters of polyfunctional alcohols;
6. f) C12-C22 alkyl polyglycosides; and
7. g) synthetic waxes such as polyalkylene waxes and ester waxes as well as natural waxes, in particular vegetable waxes such as fruit and cereal waxes.

The hydrocarbon chains of these compounds can each be branched or straight-chain, saturated or unsaturated. The compounds used as consistency factors in the compositions according to the invention preferably have at least 16 C atoms in the hydrocarbon chain.

The alkoxy groups of the abovementioned compounds are preferably ethoxy groups (EO) and / or propoxy groups (PO). The compounds preferably contain up to 10 alkoxy groups, in particular EO and / or PO groups.

The number of alkoxy groups in the nonionic bodying agent is preferably from 0 to 10, preferably from 0 to 6, and particularly preferably from 2 to 6.

According to the invention, the nonionic Konsitenzgeber has a melting point of at least 45 ° C. Preferably, the melting point is above 55 ° C.

The fatty alcohol alkoxylates and fatty acid alkoxylates may terminally have a hydroxyl or an alkyl or alkenyl ether group. Particularly preferred are hydroxy-terminated fatty alcohol and fatty acid alkoxylates.

Especially preferred as consistency factors are esters of C 12-28 fatty acids with polyfunctional alcohols selected from among sorbitol, neopentyl glycol, glycerol, trimethylolpropane, pentaerythritol and polyglycerol, glucose and polyglycosides and mixtures thereof. The esters may be alkoxylated or non-alkoxylated, with preferably 0 to 10, preferably 0 to 6, and more preferably 2 to 6 alkoxy groups.

Furthermore, a solid fatty acid amide having 12 to 28 C atoms in the carbon chain can be used as consistency regulator in the composition according to the invention. The fatty acid amide is particularly free of Nitrosamines. An example of a suitable fatty acid amide is stearic acid monoethanolamide.

Also suitable as bodying agents are C 12 -C 22 -alkyl polyglycosides, in particular C 12 -C 22 -alkyl polyglucosides.

The nonionic bodying agent can be used as a single compound or as a mixture of the aforementioned compounds.

A consistency factor of 40% by weight of the total composition should not be exceeded since too much of the bodying agent can lead to poor wetback, a low rate of absorption and insufficient permanent hydrophilization.

Preferably, the proportion of the bodying agent in the range of 15 to 35 wt .-%, particularly preferably from 20 to 30 wt .-%, based on the total weight of the composition.

Preferred dispersing aids are hydrotropic compounds, and in particular substances from the group of C6-C18 alkyl alkoxylates liquid at room temperature, which may be branched, straight-chain, saturated or unsaturated and have up to 6 ethoxy and / or propoxy groups, and amphoteric surfactants, especially betaines , (Poly) phosphates, especially polyphosphate alkali metal salts, and / or sulfonates such as alkyl sulfonates and cumene sulfonate. Further suitable dispersing aids are polyvinyl alcohols and polyacrylates. The addition of hydrotrope substances can also reduce the viscosity of the composition in aqueous dispersion.

The composition is preferably in the form of granules. The granules are preferably free-flowing. The mean grain size of the granules is preferably in the range of 4 to 10 mm.

Alternatively, the composition may also be provided as a concentrated aqueous dispersion having a solids content of at least 10 percent by weight, preferably at least 15 percent by weight.

The composition of the invention is preferably used as a spin finish for the permanent hydrophilic finish of polyolefin fibers or polyolefin filaments or as a permanent hydrophilic finish for nonwovens made of polyolefin fibers or polyolefin filaments, preferably spunbonded nonwovens.

As the polyolefin, it is possible to preferably use homo- or copolymers based on ethylene or propylene.

Examples of such polyolefins are polyethylenes such as high density polyethylene (HDPE), low density polyethylene (LDPE), very low density polyethylene (VLDPE), linear low density polyethylene (LLDPE), medium density polyethylene (MDPE), ultra high molecular polyethylene (UHMPE) ), VPE (cross-linked polyethylene), HPPE (high pressure polyethylene); Polypropylenes such as isotactic polypropylene; syndiotactic polypropylene, metallocene catalyzed polypropylene, impact modified polypropylene; Random copolymers based on ethylene and propylene, block copolymers based on ethylene and propylene; EPM (poly [ethylene-co-propylene]); EPDM (poly [ethylene-co-propylene-co-conjugated diene]).

Further suitable polyolefins are, for example, polystyrene; Poly (methylstyrene); Poly (oxymethylene); Metallocene catalyzed alpha-olefin or cycloolefin copolymers such as norbornene-ethylene copolymers; Copolymers containing at least 60% ethylene and / or styrene and less than 40% monomers such as vinyl acetate, acrylic acid esters, methacrylic acid esters, acrylic acid, acrylonitrile or vinyl chloride. Examples of such polymers are poly (ethylene-co-ethyl acrylate), poly (ethylene-co-vinyl acetate), poly (ethylene-co-vinyl chloride) and poly (styrene-co-acrylonitrile).

Also suitable are graft copolymers and polymer blends, that is to say mixtures of polymers in which, inter alia, the abovementioned polymers are present, for example polymer blends based on polyethylene and polypropylene.

Furthermore, the composition used according to the invention is suitable for the permanent hydrophilic finishing of polyester fibers, in particular fibers of polyethylene terephthalate and polylactides, and of them manufactured nonwovens. Also suitable are bicomponent fibers of polyolefins and polyesters.

For application as a spin finish or finishing agent, the preferably granular composition is preferably dispersed in water or another suitable solvent and applied to the fiber or nonwoven in the form of a dilute aqueous dispersion in a proportion of 1 to 5 wt .-% of active components. The dispersion can be applied to a nonwoven in a known manner by means of dosing pens, kiss rollers, dipping baths or by spraying. The order weight (OPU) of the composition is preferably in the range of 0.1 to 5%, based on the dry weight of the respective product (fiber, filament, nonwoven).

The invention furthermore also relates to textile fibers and filaments and textile products produced therefrom, in particular nonwovens, which are obtainable by the abovementioned process and are permanently rendered hydrophilic or treated with the composition according to the invention.

Also encompassed by the invention is a double finishing and treatment of the textile fibers and nonwovens of polyolefin or polyester, in which the fibers or filaments are first rendered permanently hydrophilic, and then the nonwoven or nonwoven fabric produced therefrom is additionally rendered permanently hydrophilic in its entirety according to the invention becomes.

According to a preferred embodiment, the nonwoven fabric equipped with the composition according to the invention forms part of an absorbent article. Absorbent article refers to a device that is intended to be positioned against the skin of a wearer to absorb and retain the various exudates discharged by the body. Examples of absorbent articles are incontinence articles such as diapers, pant-like diapers, training pants, diaper holders and incontinence briefs, and feminine hygiene articles such as tampons, sanitary napkins and panty liners.

The absorbent article usually comprises a base unit having a liquid pervious topsheet and a backsheet and an absorbent core extending between the topsheet and the backsheet located and used to absorb body fluids. The liquid pervious topsheet is aligned with a wearer when the article is worn. The opposite lower layer is arranged on the side facing the clothing of the wearer. At least the upper layer is formed from a non-woven fabric equipped with the composition according to the invention.

The following examples serve to illustrate the invention and should not be understood in a limiting sense.

Examples 1 to 3

The components shown in the following Table 1 were melted, thoroughly mixed together and granulated from the melt. The mean particle size of the granules was 5 mm. Then, a 5% aqueous dispersion was prepared from the granules thus obtained. This dispersion was applied to a SSS spunbond nonwoven fabric of polypropylene fibers having a basis weight of 15 g / m ² . The application weight was adjusted to 0.5%, based on the dry weight of the nonwoven. Table 1 components example 1 Example 2 Example 3 Component (A) Cationically modified siloxane; Viscosity (22 ° C) 68 Pas 10 22.2 20.2 Nonionic hydrophilically modified siloxane; Viscosity (22 ° C) 0.2 Pas 1.0 Component (B) Esterquat of C16 / 18 fatty acid, triethanolamine and dimethylsulfate; Melting point 63 ° C 52 44.5 40.4 Component (C) Cetyl / stearyl alcohol melting point approx. 55 ° C 13 11.1 0.1 Component (D) Glycerol mono / distearate melting point 62 ° C 25 22.2 20.2 Cetyl / stearyl 5.1 Component (E) Oleyl / cetyl alcohol ethoxylate, 4 EO 3.0

Comparative example

For comparison with the compositions of the present invention, a finishing agent commercially available as an aqueous dispersion was adjusted to an active component content of 5% and an order weight (OPU) of 0.5% on a SSS spunbond nonwoven fabric of polypropylene fibers having a basis weight of 15 g / m ² applied.

To test the compositions according to Examples 1 to 3 in conjunction with the thus prepared PP spunbond nonwoven, the tests described below were carried out.

Multiple-strike time (Mulitple Strike Through)

According to standard test EDANA WSP 70.7 (11), the time required for 5 ml of a synthetic urine solution to penetrate a prepared fleece and to penetrate into the underlying absorption layer of filter paper is measured. In order to test whether the hydrophilizing equipment is washed out or is actually permanently hydrophilic, the measurement is carried out on the same nonwoven five times in succession, whereby the absorption filter paper is renewed in each case. The five readings are in seconds. Permanent hydrophilization is considered to be achieved if the measured values meet the following limit values: <2 / <3 / <5 / <5 / <5.

Wetback

According to standard test EDANA WSP 80.10 (09) A, the amount (in grams) of liquid is measured, which, when a wet material is loaded through a 4 kg weight, flows back into dry filter paper laid over it. The wetback test is passed if the returning liquid quantity is less than 0.6 g.

Multiple runoff test

Following the WSP method 80.9, the PP spunbond nonwoven is placed at a 25 ° angle onto a filter paper serving as the absorption layer. A defined amount of a synthetic urine solution is applied. Unabsorbed test fluid is collected in a drip tray and the amount determined by weighing. The test is repeated twice on the same fleece. The amount of unabsorbed artificial urine solution should be 0% at the first run off.

Wash-off test

According to an in-house test method, the surface tension of a washing solution is measured, which results from washing out a 6x6 cm nonwoven piece with 40 ml demineralized water. The nonwoven is stirred in water for 10 sec at room temperature (25 ° C). Then the fleece is removed with tweezers and the surface tension of the wash water at 25 ° C is measured with a platinum ring. The washing solution should have a surface tension of at least 60mN / m.

The results of the tests carried out for the composition according to Examples 1 to 3 are shown in Table 2 below. Table 2: Examination results property setpoint example 1 Example 2 Example 3 Comparison (commercial dispersion) 1. Strike Through (s) <2 1.52 1.45 1.63 1.57 2. Strike Through (s) <3 2.59 2.36 2.77 2.90 3. Strike Through (s) <5 2.78 2.46 2.86 3.16 4. Strike Through (s) <5 2.93 2.60 3.02 3.79 5. Strike Through (s) <5 3.38 2.88 3.26 6.19 Wetback (g) <0.6 0.18 0.16 0.24 0.24 1st Run Off (%) 0 0 0 0 0 2. Run Off (%) <5 0 0 0.3 0 3. Run Off (%) <30 0.5 1.2 0.3 14.5 Wash-Off / STR (mN / m) > 60 71.6 71.6 69.7 70.0

The inventive examples 1 to 3 thus meet the requirements for a fast and permanent hydrophilic finish of the polyolefin nonwoven. At the same time, the compositions are stable in storage for at least 12 months and show no visible changes as granules in the warm storage test at 50 ° C. for 3 days.

Claims (18)

1. A composition for permanent hydrophilic finishing of polyolefin fibers, polyester fibers and bicomponent fibers made of polyolefins and polyesters, and textile products made thereof, consisting of:

   (A) a hydrophilically modified polyalkylsiloxane in a proportion of 3 to 30 weight percent;

   (B) a cationic surfactant based on a quaternary ammonium compound in a proportion of 25 to 85 weight percent, the quaternary ammonium compound having a melting point of at least 45 °C;

   (C) an, optionally hydroxylated, fatty alcohol having a melting point of at least 40 °C in a proportion of 0 to 25 weight percent;

   (D) a non-ionic consistency enhancer in a proportion of 0 to 40 weight percent, the consistency enhancer having a melting point of at least 45 °C and being selected from the group consisting of alkoxylated C12-C28 fatty alcohols, optionally alkoxylated C12-C28 fatty acid amides, alkoxylated C12-C28 fatty acids, alkoxylated C12-C28 fatty acid esters and optionally alkoxylated C12-C28 fatty acid esters of polyfunctional alcohols, C12-C22 alkyl polyglycosides, synthetic and natural waxes and any mixture thereof; and

   (E) a hydrotropic dispersion additive in a proportion of 0 to 10 weight percent, based on the total weight of the composition;

   the composition having a melting point of at least 45 °C.
2. The composition according to Claim 1, characterized in that the melting point of the composition is at least 55 °C.
3. The composition according to Claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the polyalkylsiloxane comprises a cationically modified polyalkylsiloxane having a quaternary ammonium group.
4. The composition according to Claim 3, characterized in that the cationically modified polyalkylsiloxane corresponds to the following formulas Ia or Ib:

   

   

   wherein

   R⁴ is

   

   or

   

   R⁵ is, independently from each other, -CH₃ or -C₂H₄OH,

   R⁶ is -(CH₂)_x-X-CO-R⁷,

   R⁷ is a linear or branched, saturated or unsaturated hydrocarbon chain with 9 to 23 C-atoms,

   X is an oxygen atom or NH,

   Y^- is one of the anions CH₃OSO₃ ^-, C₂H₅OSO₃ ^-, CH₃COO^-, Cl^-, phosphate or lactate,

   q is an integer from 3 to 18,

   r and s are, independently from each other, an integer from 1 to 50,

   x is an integer from 2 to 10,

   y is an integer from 8 to 22, and

   z is an integer from 0 to 10.
5. The composition according to any of Claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the hydrophilically modified polyalkylsiloxane has a viscosity at 22 °C of at least 5,000 mPa s.
6. The composition according to any of Claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the quaternary ammonium compound has a melting point of at least 55 °C.
7. The composition according to any of Claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the quaternary ammonium compound corresponds to the following formula II:
   
           [(R¹-C(=O)-X-(CH₂)_n-)_mNR² _4-m]⁺Y^-     (II)
   
   wherein

   R¹ can be equal or different and is an alkyl group having 1 to 24 C-atoms or an alkenyl group having 2 to 24 C-atoms;

   R² can be equal or different and, independent from each other, is an alkyl group having 1 to 24 C-atoms, an alkenyl group having 2 to 24 C-atoms, hydroxyethyl or a polyglycol residue;

   X is an oxygen atom, NH, N-CH₃ or a (OC₂H₄)_z group with z = 1 to 10;

   Y^- is one of the anions CH₃OSO₃ ^-, C₂H₅OSO₃ ^-, CH₃COO^-, Cl^-, phosphate, lactate and citrate;

   n is an integer from 1 to 6; and

   m is an integer from 1 to 3.
8. The composition according to any of Claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the composition contains at least one, optionally hydroxylated, C16-C32 fatty alcohol.
9. The composition according to Claim 8, characterized in that the fatty alcohol is selected from the group consisting of cetyl alcohol, stearyl alcohol, hydroxystearyl alcohol or any mixture thereof.
10. The composition according to any of Claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the composition includes a consistency enhancer having a melting point of at least 55 °C.
11. The composition according to any of Claims 1 to 10, characterized in that the composition contains a consistency enhancer formed from the ester of a C12-C28 fatty acid with a polyfunctional alcohol, the polyfunctional alcohol being selected from the group consisting of sorbitol, neopentylglycol, glycerol, trimethylolpropane, pentaerythritol and polyglycerol, glucose and polyglycosides and any mixture thereof.
12. The composition according to any of Claims 1 to 11, characterized in that the hydrotropic dispersion additive is selected from the group consisting of C6-C18 alkyl alkoxylates, amphoteric surfactants, (poly)phosphates, polyvinyl alcohols, polyacrylates and/or sulfonates.
13. The composition according to any of Claims 1 to 12, consisting of:

    10 to 25 weight percent of the hydrophilically modified polyalkylsiloxane of component (A);

    40 to 55 weight percent of the quaternary ammonium compound of component (B);

    10 to 15 weight percent of the fatty alcohol of component (C);

    20 to 30 weight percent of the consistency enhancer of component (D), selected from the group consisting of C12-C28 fatty acid esters of polyfunctional alcohols, C12-C28 fatty alcohol ethoxylates, vegetable waxes and C12-C22 alkyl polyglycosides and any mixture thereof; and

    0 to 5 weight percent of the hydrotropic dispersion additive of component (D).
14. The composition according to any of Claims 1 to 14, characterized in that the composition is present as a granulate or in an aqueous dispersion having a solids content of at least 10 weight percent, preferably at least 15 weight percent.
15. A use of a composition according to any of Claims 1 to 14 as a spin finish for providing a permanent hydrophilic finishing of polyolefin fibers or polyolefin filaments, polyester fibers or polyester filaments as well as bicomponent fibers and filaments made of polyolefins and polyesters.
16. A use of a composition according to any of Claims 1 to 14 as a means for permanent hydrophilic finishing of non-woven textile fabrics produced from polyolefin fibers or polyolefin filaments and/or polyester fibers or polyester filaments, especially polyolefin spun-bonded non-wovens and non-wovens made of polyolefin/polyester bicomponent fibers and filaments.
17. A textile fiber or textile filament made of polyolefin and/or polyester, finished or treated with a composition according to any of Claims 1 to 14 as a permanent hydrophilic finish.
18. A non-woven textile fabric made of polyolefin fibers or filaments and/or polyester fibers or polyester filaments that is finished with the composition according to any of claims 1 to 14 as a permanent hydrophilic finish.