JP2015155586A - Granulated wool and padding material using the same, and bed/bedding or clothing including the padding material - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide granulated wool and a padding material which are high in bulkiness and bulkiness recovery after compression and excellent in heat-retaining properties.

SOLUTION: According to the present invention, granulated wool is formed of fibers entangled with each other. The granulated wool includes: elastic composite fibers which include a first component including a thermoplastic elastic resin in an amount of 60 mass% or more and a second component; and high-melting point fibers including a thermoplastic resin having a melting point of 140°C or higher. The granulated wool includes the elastic composite fibers in an amount of 10 mass% or more and 90 mass% or less. The granulated wool includes the high-melting point fibers in an amount of 10 mass% or more and 90 mass% or less. In the cross section of each of the elastic composite fibers, the first component occupies at least 20% of a fiber surface. In the granulated wool, the fibers forming the granulated wool are not substantially adhered to each other.

COPYRIGHT: (C)2015,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a granular cotton having excellent bulkiness and bulk recovery, exhibiting excellent heat retention, and excellent processability, a batting material using the same, and a bedding or clothing containing the batting material About.

  Conventionally, various batting materials using natural fibers and synthetic fibers have been proposed as batting materials used for bedding and clothing. Natural fibers used for the filling material include animal-derived fibers and plant-derived fibers. As the fiber derived from animals used for the batting material, wool (wool), etc. are used in addition to feathers (down) and feathers (feathers) collected from birds such as water birds. However, as for the fiber derived from animals, from the viewpoint of animal protection and resource protection, as a result of strict regulations regarding capture and collection, not only the production amount but also the supply amount becomes unstable. In addition, it has been pointed out that it may cause allergies depending on the constitution of the user.

  In addition, cotton (cotton) has been used for a long time as a plant-based natural fiber used for batting materials. Cotton is stable in supply and may not have sufficient heat retention although it is unlikely to cause allergies. Therefore, when cotton is used as the batting material, the amount of cotton used is increased in order to increase the heat retaining property, so that the weight increases and the user may feel heavy. In addition, since plant-derived natural fibers such as cotton are mainly composed of cellulose, the constituent fibers absorb a large amount of water when washed by a method that can be used in ordinary households such as washing with water. As a result, it has been pointed out that it takes time until it can be used again.

  Therefore, a batting material using synthetic fibers has been proposed as an alternative to the batting material using natural fibers. Synthetic fibers are not only stable in supply, but also have a low specific gravity and low water absorption, so they are excellent in lightness when used, and high by using a sufficient amount of batting material. Demonstrate heat retention. In addition, since it is rich in chemical resistance and water resistance compared to natural fibers, it is easy to handle. When using synthetic fiber as a batting material, after opening the synthetic fiber and filling it into bedding or clothing as it is, bonding the constituent fibers together and using it as a batting material or nonwoven fabric, A method of cutting and using a nonwoven fabric to an appropriate size (Patent Document 1), a method of pulverizing and using a nonwoven fabric (Patent Document 2), and the like have been proposed. In addition, granular cotton (also referred to as grain cotton, fiber ball, and ball-shaped cotton) in which synthetic fibers are the main constituent fibers and are aggregated so as to be granular is also a form of batting material using synthetic fibers. Proposed.

  Granular cotton is advantageous in terms of processability, bulkiness, and bulk recovery properties compared to a batting material that is simply opened and filled with synthetic fibers because the fibers are gathered in granular form. In addition, it is considered that the synthetic fiber is once made into a non-woven fabric, and the process is simpler and more productive than a batting material that is cut or pulverized. As granular cotton using synthetic fibers, granular cotton using polyester fibers and granular cotton using thermal bonding fibers and thermally bonding part of constituent fibers (Patent Document 3) are known. However, granular cotton using polyester fibers is a bulking material having a large volume. However, since the resilience of the fibers is too strong, the granular cotton may have a significantly sparse structure. In this structure, there are many parts through which air passes and the parts through which air passes are widened. As a result, the air in the granular cotton is easily moved only by a slight flow of air, and the exchange of the air in the granular cotton becomes intense, so that the heat retention may be lowered. In addition, granular cotton containing polyester fiber has a large repulsive force. However, when only polyester fiber is used as a granular cotton, the repulsive force of the fiber is so large that the fibers are difficult to be aggregated. It tends to be in a state that is popping out. In the case of granular cotton, when the number of constituent fibers that protrude from the surface increases, the confounding property between the granular cottons becomes too high, and the productivity may decrease when filling the granular cotton as a filling material.

  As the constituent fiber of the granular cotton, there has also been proposed a granular cotton in which heat-adhesive fibers are used and the fibers are granulated and then subjected to heat treatment to thermally bond the constituent fibers. In such granular cotton, since the constituent fibers are thermally bonded, the number of constituent fibers popping out from the granular cotton is reduced, and the confounding property between the granular cottons tends to be appropriate. Such granular cotton is considered to have high productivity such as fillability. In addition, the constituent fibers are thermally bonded, and it is considered that the granular shape is easily maintained. However, since the constituent fibers are thermally bonded, the diameter of the granular cotton tends to be small, and the bulkiness when filled may not be sufficient. In addition, it has been pointed out that by thermally bonding the constituent fibers, fine gaps between the fibers are blocked by thermal bonding, and the heat retaining property may be lowered. As described above, the granular cotton mainly composed of synthetic fibers and made into fibers has room for further improvement in bulkiness, bulk recovery, and heat retention when used as a batting material.

JP 2002-138358 A JP 2001-099696 A JP 59-150153 A

  The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and is a granular cotton mainly composed of synthetic fibers, and heat is produced between the above-described granular cotton composed of highly elastic fibers such as polyester fibers, and between constituent fibers. In addition to solving the problems of bonded granular cotton, etc., granular cotton exhibiting excellent bulkiness, bulk recovery properties, and heat retention, and a batting material using the same, as well as bedding and clothing containing the batting material It was made for the purpose of provision.

  As a result of intensive studies, the present inventors have paid attention to the use of an elastic composite fiber in which a resin component containing a thermoplastic elastic resin constitutes at least a part of the fiber surface as a fiber constituting the granular cotton. This elastic conjugate fiber contains a thermoplastic elastic resin as a first component constituting at least a part of the fiber surface. When at least a part of the fiber surface contains a soft thermoplastic elastic resin, not only the fiber itself becomes flexible, but also deformation given to the fiber is easily returned. Such an elastic conjugate fiber has a fiber surface close to that of an elastomer, so that the fibers are easily entangled with each other, so that not only the moldability into granules is easy, but also heat treatment after molding into granules. Even if the fibers are not thermally bonded, the shape is easily maintained. The granular cotton obtained in this way is not only excellent in productivity and the shape of the granule is not easily collapsed, but also has high heat retention by having a lot of minute inter-fiber gaps because it does not thermally bond between the constituent fibers. The present invention has been completed by finding that it is a granular cotton excellent in flexibility, bulkiness, and bulk recovery, and that it is an optimum material as a batting material used in bedding and clothing.

That is, the present invention is a granular cotton entangled with fibers,
The granular cotton is composed of a first component containing 60% by mass or more of a thermoplastic elastic resin, an elastic composite fiber composed of a second component,
Including a high melting point fiber made of a thermoplastic resin having a melting point of 140 ° C. or higher,
In the cross section of the elastic conjugate fiber, the first component occupies at least 20% of the fiber surface;
The granular cotton contains 10% by mass to 90% by mass of the elastic composite fiber, 10% by mass to 90% by mass of the high melting point fiber,
Provided is a granular cotton in which the fibers constituting the granular cotton are not substantially bonded to each other.

  The granular cotton of the present invention is a granular cotton in which fibers are entangled. The granular cotton has a first component containing 60% by mass or more of a thermoplastic elastic resin, an elastic composite fiber composed of a second component, and a melting point of 140. High melting point fibers made of a thermoplastic resin having a temperature of at least ° C. are included. The granular cotton contains 10% by mass or more and 90% by mass or less of the elastic composite fiber, and contains 10% by mass or more and 90% by mass or less of the high melting point fiber, and the constituent fibers are not substantially bonded to each other. By using such granular cotton, it has not only high heat retention by having appropriate inter-fiber voids, but also has high bulkiness and bulk recovery properties, and granular cotton that does not easily lose its granular shape, and uses this It is possible to provide a filling material and a bedding or clothing containing the filling material.

FIG. 1 shows a form of mechanical crimping. 2A to C show preferred crimped forms of the elastic conjugate fiber contained in the granular cotton of the present invention. FIG. 3 shows another preferred crimped form of the elastic conjugate fiber contained in the granular cotton of the present invention. FIG. 4 shows a fiber cross section of the elastic composite fiber contained in the granular cotton of the present invention.

  The granular cotton of the present invention contains an elastic composite fiber. First, the elastic composite fiber contained in the granular cotton of the present invention will be described.

[Elastic composite fiber]
The granular cotton of the present invention contains 10% by mass or more and 90% by mass or less of an elastic composite fiber composed of a first component containing 60% by mass or more of a thermoplastic elastic resin and a second component. The thermoplastic elastic resin referred to in the present invention refers to a thermoplastic resin having a flexural modulus of 10 MPa to 600 MPa and / or a hardness of 10 to 65. Here, the flexural modulus is a flexural modulus measured according to JIS K 7171 (2008), and the hardness is measured using a type D durometer according to JIS K 7215 (1986). Refers to durometer hardness (HDD). Even if the thermoplastic resin satisfying the range of the flexural modulus and / or hardness is not various thermoplastic elastomers, it becomes a soft and flexible resin, and the resin component containing 60% by mass or more of such a resin is at least 20% of the fiber surface. By configuring the above, it is considered that the elastic conjugate fiber exhibits appropriate tackiness. Examples of the thermoplastic elastic resin that satisfies the range of the flexural modulus or the range of hardness include various polyethylenes (including low density polyethylene, high density polyethylene, and linear low density polyethylene), polyolefin resins such as polybutene-1, poly Examples include butylene succinate and a polyester resin including a copolymer containing the same, a polyester elastomer resin, and a polyolefin elastomer resin. The thermoplastic elastic resin may have a bending elastic modulus satisfying the above range, or may have a hardness satisfying the above range, but preferably is a thermoplastic elastic material satisfying the bending elastic modulus and hardness. A resin is preferred.

  The thermoplastic elastic resin is not particularly limited as long as the flexural modulus and / or hardness satisfies the above range, but is preferably a polyolefin resin having a melting point of less than 130 ° C. By being a polyolefin resin having a melting point of less than 130 ° C., it is not only excellent in productivity of the elastic composite fiber, but also becomes a granular cotton in which the bulkiness, bulk recovery and flexibility of the resulting granular cotton are balanced. This is because it is easy. Examples of the polyolefin resin having a melting point of less than 130 ° C. preferable as the thermoplastic elastic resin include low density polyethylene, linear low density polyethylene, polybutene-1, and polyolefin elastomer. Among these, it is preferable that the thermoplastic elastic resin is a linear low density polyethylene, polybutene-1, or a polyolefin-based elastomer from the viewpoint that the elastic composite fiber becomes a flexible fiber and is entangled with other fibers. Considering the productivity of the elastic conjugate fiber, linear low density polyethylene or polybutene-1 is more preferable, and linear low density polyethylene is particularly preferable.

The elastic composite fiber contained in the granular cotton of the present invention has a volume ratio of the first component to the second component (second component / first component, hereinafter also referred to as core-sheath ratio) of 80/20 to 30/70. Is preferred. More preferably, it is 70 / 30-35 / 65, Most preferably, it is 60 / 40-40 / 60. The second component mainly contributes to the bulkiness and bulk recovery properties of the granular cotton, and the first component mainly contributes to the flexibility of the granular cotton and the entanglement with other fibers and the productivity of the granular cotton. When the core-sheath ratio of the elastic conjugate fiber is 80/20 to 30/70, the granular cotton containing the elastic conjugate fiber can achieve both flexibility, bulkiness, and bulk recoverability. When the core / sheath ratio is too large in the first component, it becomes flexible granular cotton, but the bulkiness and bulk recoverability tend to decrease. On the other hand, if the amount of the second component is too large, the resulting granular cotton is excellent in initial bulk, but the elastic composite fiber lacks entanglement with other fibers, so that it is difficult to form granular cotton, There is a tendency to become granular cotton with no softness and a hard touch.

In the elastic conjugate fiber contained in the granular cotton of the present invention, the center of gravity of the second component is preferably deviated from the center of gravity of the fiber in the fiber cross section. FIG. 4 shows a fiber cross section of the elastic composite fiber contained in the granular cotton of the present invention. In FIG. 4, the 1st component (1) is arrange | positioned around the 2nd component (2), and the 1st component (1) occupies at least 20% of the elastic composite fiber (10) surface in a fiber cross section. In the fiber cross section, the gravity center position (3) of the second component (2) is deviated from the gravity center position (4) of the fiber (10), and the deviation ratio (hereinafter sometimes referred to as the eccentricity ratio). The fiber cross section of the elastic composite fiber is magnified with an electron microscope or the like, the center of gravity (3) of the second component (2) in the fiber cross section is C1, and the center of gravity of the fiber in the fiber cross section of the composite fiber (10) (4 ) Is Cf, and the radius (5) of the fiber cross section of the elastic composite fiber (10) is rf, it is a numerical value represented by the following formula.
Eccentricity (%) = [| Cf−C1 | / rf] × 100

  As the fiber cross section in which the center of gravity (3) of the second component (2) deviates from the center of gravity (4) of the fiber, the eccentric core-sheath type shown in FIG. 4 (in this case, the first component (1) is the sheath component). The second component (2) is a core component) or a parallel type (side-by-side type) is a preferred form, and an eccentric core-sheath type is a more preferred form. Depending on the case, even a multi-core type may be used in which multi-core portions are gathered and are shifted from the center of gravity of the fiber. In particular, the eccentric core-sheath type fiber cross section not only easily produces the desired crimps and / or steric crimps such as spiral crimps, but most of the surface of the elastic composite fiber is flexible. Since it is composed of a simple thermoplastic elastic resin, for example, linear low density polyethylene, the fibers are easily entangled with each other and are easily made into granular cotton. In addition, since the entanglement between the fibers becomes strong to some extent, it is preferable in that the shape does not easily collapse during use even if the constituent fibers are not thermally bonded after being made into granular cotton. When the elastic conjugate fiber is an eccentric core-sheath type conjugate fiber, the eccentricity rate of the elastic conjugate fiber is preferably 5% or more and 50% or less. A more preferable eccentricity is 7% or more and 30% or less. In addition to the circular shape, the shape of the second component in the fiber cross section may be an ellipse, a Y shape, an X shape, a well shape, a polygonal shape, a star shape, or a hollow shape, or a combination of a different shape and a hollow cross section. It may have a cross-sectional shape.

  FIG. 2 shows a crimped form of the elastic conjugate fiber contained in the granular cotton of the present invention. The elastic composite fiber contained in the granular cotton of the present invention is preferably a three-dimensional crimped composite fiber expressing at least one three-dimensional crimp selected from wave-shaped crimps or helical crimps. The corrugated crimp referred to in the present invention refers to a curved crest as shown in FIG. 2A. Spiral crimp refers to a crimped crest as shown in FIG. 2B. Crimps in which corrugated crimps and spiral crimps are mixed as shown in FIG. 2C can also be included in the manifest crimped conjugate fiber in which the three-dimensional crimps expressed in the present invention are expressed. In the case of normal mechanical crimping as shown in FIG. 1, if the crimped crest has an acute angle, that is, a so-called serrated crimp, there is a risk that the bulk recoverability when granular cotton is made will be insufficient. . Moreover, the crimp which mixed the acute crimp of the mechanical crimp as shown in FIG. 3 and the corrugated crimp shown in FIG. 2A is also included in the actual crimpable composite fiber in which the three-dimensional crimp expressed in the present invention is expressed. Can be. In the present invention, the term “three-dimensional crimp” is used to distinguish it from mechanical crimps, including wavy crimps and spiral crimps.

  The elastic composite fiber contained in the granular cotton of the present invention is easily processed into granular cotton, entangled with high melting point fibers contained in the granular cotton, and other fibers, and bulkiness of the obtained granular cotton Considering the bulk recovery property, the number of crimps is preferably 8 pieces / 25 mm or more and 30 pieces / 25 mm or less, more preferably 10 pieces / 25 mm or more and 28 pieces / 25 mm or less, and 12 pieces / 25 mm. As mentioned above, it is especially preferable that it is 24 pieces / 25 mm or less. In addition, the elastic conjugate fiber contained in the granular cotton of the present invention has a crimp ratio and a crimp ratio (crimp ratio) when the number of crimps and the crimp ratio are measured according to JIS L 1015 (2010). Ratio / crimp number) is preferably 0.5 or more and 1.2 or less, and more preferably 0.7 or more and 1.0 or less. The crimp rate indicates the fixity of the crimp (hardness of crimp extension), and when the crimp rate / crimp number satisfies the above range, the crimp is difficult to extend, and an appropriate size waveform and / or Or since it has a spiral crimp, the resulting granular cotton exhibits good bulkiness and bulk recovery.

  The fineness of the elastic composite fiber contained in the granular cotton of the present invention is not particularly limited. However, the fineness of the elastic conjugate fiber is preferably 2.2 dtex or more and 30 dtex or less, more preferably 3.3 dtex or more and 20 dtex or less, particularly preferably 5.6 dtex or more and 18 dtex or less, and 6.7 dtex. As mentioned above, it is most preferable that it is 15 dtex or less. When the fineness of the elastic conjugate fiber satisfies the above fineness range, the granular cotton of the present invention not only has good productivity, but also the obtained granular cotton and batting material are excellent in bulkiness and bulk recovery. And has good heat retention.

  Although the fiber length of the elastic composite fiber contained in the granular cotton of this invention is not specifically limited, It is preferable that they are 15 mm or more and 72 mm or less. More preferably, the fiber length of the elastic conjugate fiber is 20 mm or more and 64 mm or less, particularly preferably 24 mm or more and 48 mm or less, and most preferably 28 mm or more and 42 mm or less. When the fiber length of the elastic composite fiber satisfies the above fiber length range, the granular cotton of the present invention not only has good productivity, but also increases the entanglement between the fibers constituting the granular cotton, and the granular cotton during use The shape of is difficult to collapse.

Hereinafter, the elastic composite fiber which comprises the granular cotton of this invention WHEREIN: The elastic composite fiber in which the 1st component contains 60 mass% or more of linear low density polyethylene especially preferable as a thermoplastic elastic resin is demonstrated.

[First component]
The first component constituting the elastic conjugate fiber is at least one kind of linear low density polyethylene, based on the total mass of the first component, 60 mass% or more, preferably 70 mass% or more, 100 mass% or less, More preferably, it is 75 mass% or more and 95 mass% or less. When the content of the linear low density polyethylene in the first component is 60% by mass or more, an elastic conjugate fiber having the above characteristics can be easily obtained. If it is less than 60% by mass, the elastic composite fiber may not exhibit the flexibility resulting from the linear low-density polyethylene because the proportion of the linear low-density polyethylene in the first component decreases. As a result, the granular cotton containing such elastic conjugate fibers may be poor in bulkiness and bulk recoverability, and may lack flexibility and feel bad.

The density of the entire linear low-density polyethylene contained in the first component is not particularly limited, the density of the entire linear low density polyethylene is 0.88 g / cm ³ or more, is less than 0.918 g / cm ³ And preferred. That the density of the whole linear low density polyethylene satisfies the above range means that if one kind of linear low density polyethylene is included, the density of the linear low density polyethylene satisfies the above range, When the first component contains two or more types of linear low density polyethylene, the density of each linear low density polyethylene and the mass of all the linear low density polyethylenes contained in the first component are 100%. Sometimes it can be determined from the proportion of each linear low density polyethylene. The density of the entire linear low-density polyethylene contained in the first component is more preferably 0.89 g / cm ³ or more and 0.917 g / cm ³ or less, more preferably 0.90 g / cm ³ or more and 0.917 g / cm. It is particularly preferably ³ or less, most preferably 0.902 g / cm ³ or more and 0.916 g / cm ³ or less. First component density of the entire linear low-density polyethylene contained in the 0.88 g / cm ³ or more, if it is within the range of less than 0.918 g / cm ^3, moderately without first component impairs spinnability Thus, the elastic composite fiber becomes flexible and easily returns to its original shape with respect to deformation. Therefore, the granular cotton containing 10% by mass or more and 90% by mass or less of this elastic conjugate fiber is rich in bulkiness (initial volume) and can exhibit excellent bulk recoverability. In addition, the density of the entire linear low density polyethylene is 0.88 g / cm ³ or more, if it is within the range of less than 0.918 g / cm ^3, since the specific gravity of the first component decreases, granular cotton bulk Instead, it becomes a lightweight granular cotton.

However, the linear low density polyethylene that can be used in the first component is not necessarily limited to a low density (generally 0.925 g / cm ³ or less). For example, 0.85 g / cm ³ or more, 0.945 g / cm ³ , preferably 0.89 g / cm ³ or more, 0.93 g / cm ³ or less, more preferably 0.90 g / cm ³ or more, 0.925 g / cm ³ or less, particularly preferably 0.902 g / cm ³ or more, can also be used for 0.920 g / cm ^3. If the density of the linear low-density polyethylene contained in the first component is less than 0.85 g / cm ³ , yarn breakage or fusion frequently occurs during spinning, and so-called spinnability may be reduced. In that case, the first component of the elastic conjugate fiber becomes too soft, and the granular cotton and the batting material containing the elastic conjugate fiber may not exhibit sufficient bulkiness and bulk recovery properties. On the other hand, when the density of the linear low-density polyethylene is larger than 0.945 g / cm ³ , the flexibility of the granular cotton and the batting material containing the elastic composite fiber is lowered and the whole tends to be hard. As a result, when it is deformed for a long time or repeatedly compressed, it is considered that the deformation is likely to remain, and there is a possibility that a decrease in bulk due to use, so-called “sagging” becomes large.

Further, two or more kinds of linear low density polyethylene having different densities are used in combination, and the density of the whole linear low density polyethylene contained in the first component is 0.88 g / cm ³ or more and 0.918 g / cm. You may adjust within the range of less than ³ . It is preferable to use a combination of two or more types of linear low-density polyethylenes having different densities because the bulk recoverability of the obtained granular cotton and batting material can be further improved. The reason for this is that two or more types of linear low density polyethylene with different physical properties such as density, copolymer, ratio, and molecular weight distribution are mixed and used as the first component. Low-density polyethylene will be dispersed throughout the first component, and lower density linear low-density polyethylene will give flexibility to the entire first component and provide flexibility and flexibility to the elastic composite fiber. Therefore, the higher density linear low density polyethylene gives elasticity (stiffness) to the entire first component and brings elasticity to the elastic composite fiber, and both are uniform throughout the first component. Although it is presumed that the fiber properties are improved by being dispersed in the fiber, it is not constrained by such an assumption.

When two or more kinds of linear low density polyethylenes having different densities are used in combination, the density of the whole linear low density polyethylene contained in the first component is preferably 0.88 g / cm ³ or more, 0.918 g / If it can be adjusted within the range of less than cm ^3, the density of the linear low density polyethylene to be combined is not particularly limited, and the density of the linear low density polyethylene whose density exceeds the upper limit of the density of the first component; A linear low density polyethylene that is lower than the lower limit of the density of the first component may be used in combination. In the present invention, it is preferable to use a combination of a high density linear low density polyethylene and a low density linear low density polyethylene. At this time, the density of the higher-density linear low-density polyethylene (sometimes referred to as “first linear low-density polyethylene (LLDPE1)”) is, for example, 0.908 g / cm ³ or more, 0 .94g / cm ³ or less, preferably 0.91 g / cm ³ or more, 0.94 g / cm ³ or less, more preferably 0.912 g / cm ³ or more and 0.935 g / cm ³ or less. Further, the density of the linear low-density polyethylene having a lower density (sometimes referred to as “second linear low-density polyethylene (LLDPE2)”) is, for example, 0.85 g / cm ³ or more, and 0.0. 908 g / cm of less than ^3, preferably 0.88 g / cm ³ to less than 0.908 g / cm ^3, more preferably 0.89 g / cm ³ or more and 0.906 g / cm ³ or less.

  When using a combination of a high density linear low density polyethylene (LLDPE1) and a low density linear low density polyethylene (LLDPE2), use of the higher density linear low density polyethylene (LLDPE1) The amount is 3% by mass or more and 97% by mass or less, preferably 5% by mass or more and 95% by mass or less, when the total mass of the first component is 100% by mass, based on the total mass of the first component. More preferably, it is 8 mass% or more and 92 mass% or less. The amount of linear low density polyethylene (LLDPE2) having the lower density is, for example, 3% by mass when the total mass of the first component is 100% by mass based on the total mass of the first component. The content is 97% by mass or less, preferably 5% by mass or more and 95% by mass or less, more preferably 8% by mass or more and 92% by mass or less. Moreover, the sum total of LLDPE1 and LLDPE2 does not exceed 100 mass%.

In the present invention, a linear low density polyethylene (LLDPE1) having a high density and a linear low density polyethylene (LLDPE2) having a low density are used in combination, and the entire linear low density polyethylene contained in the first component is used. By setting the density of the fiber within the range of 0.88 g / cm ³ or more and less than 0.94 g / cm ³ , the granular cotton and batting material containing this elastic composite fiber not only has excellent bulkiness but also high bulk recovery properties. Can be shown.

  The linear low density polyethylene that can be used in the present invention refers to a copolymer obtained by copolymerizing ethylene and an α-olefin. The α-olefin is generally an α-olefin having 3 to 12 carbon atoms. Specific examples of the α-olefin having 3 to 12 carbon atoms include propylene, butene-1, pentene-1, 4-methylpentene-1, hexene-1, 4-methylhexene-1, heptene-1, Mention may be made of octene-1, nonene-1, decene-1, dodecene-1 and mixtures thereof. Among these, propylene, butene-1, 4-methylpentene-1, hexene-1, 4-methylhexene-1 and octene-1 are particularly preferable, butene-1 and hexene-1 are more preferable.

  The α-olefin content in the linear low-density polyethylene is preferably 1 mol% or more and 10 mol% or less, and more preferably 2 mol% or more and 5 mol% or less. When the α-olefin content is low, the flexibility of the elastic composite fiber is impaired, and as a result, the flexibility of the granular cotton and the batting material may be lost. When the content of α-olefin is increased, the crystallinity is deteriorated, and the fibers may be fused during fiber formation.

  The linear low density polyethylene has a melting point of less than 130 ° C before spinning, preferably a melting point of 85 ° C or higher and 128 ° C or lower, and more preferably 90 ° C or higher and 125 ° C or lower. Since a linear low density polyethylene having a high melting point is generally a hard linear low density polyethylene, an elastic composite fiber containing a linear low density polyethylene having a melting point of 130 ° C. or higher as a first component is used. The whole becomes a hard fiber, and there is a possibility that flexibility and bulk recoverability may be lowered when a granular cotton or batting material is used. If the melting point of the linear low density polyethylene is less than 85 ° C., yarn breakage or fusion often occurs during spinning, and so-called spinnability may be lowered. In that case, the first component of the elastic conjugate fiber becomes soft, and there is a risk that the granular cotton and the batting material containing the elastic conjugate fiber will not exhibit sufficient bulkiness and bulk recovery properties. Moreover, in the elastic composite fiber used for the granular cotton of the present invention, the first component contains, for example, 60% by mass or more of linear low density polyethylene that satisfies the above melting point range, and is 70% by mass or more and 100% by mass or less. It is preferable to include. By setting the content of the linear low density polyethylene having a melting point of less than 130 ° C. within the above range, the first component has appropriate elasticity and flexibility without impairing the spinnability. The fiber is flexible and easily returns to its original shape with respect to deformation. As a result, the granular cotton containing the fiber is also flexible and excellent in bulk recovery.

The linear low density polyethylene having the above density and melting point can be easily obtained by copolymerizing ethylene and α-olefin using a metallocene catalyst. However, the density of the entire linear low density polyethylene is preferably included in the first component 0.88 g / cm ³ or more, and less than 0.918 g / cm ^3, linear low density polyethylene has the melting point As long as it is obtained, the linear low-density polyethylene is not limited to those polymerized using a metallocene catalyst, and for example, those polymerized using a Ziegler-Natta catalyst may be used.

  The melt index (MI) of the linear low density polyethylene is preferably in the range of 1 g / 10 min or more and 60 g / 10 min or less in consideration of spinnability. Here, the melt index (MI) is measured according to JIS K 7210 (1999) (conditions: 190 ° C., load 21.18 N (2.16 kgf)). The larger the MI, the slower the rate of solidification of the sheath component during spinning, and the more easily the fibers are fused. On the other hand, if the MI is too small, fiberization becomes difficult. More specifically, the MI of the linear low density polyethylene is preferably 2 g / 10 min or more and 40 g / 10 min or less, more preferably 3 g / 10 min or more and 35 g / 10 min or less. It is particularly preferably 5 g / 10 min or more and 30 g / 10 min or less.

  The ratio (Q value: Mw / Mn) between the weight average molecular weight (Mw) and the number average molecular weight (Mn) in the linear low density polyethylene is preferably 5.0 or less. The Q value is more preferably 2.0 or more and 4.0 or less, and even more preferably 2.5 or more and 3.5 or less. When the Q value is 5.0 or less, it can be said that the molecular weight distribution of the linear low density polyethylene is narrow, and the linear low density polyethylene satisfying this Q value range is the first. By using it as an ingredient, it is possible to obtain an elastic conjugate fiber excellent in the manifestation of crimp, particularly in the manifestation of crimp that expresses steric crimp in the fiber state, and the bulkiness of the granular cotton using this It is thought to improve.

  The flexural modulus of linear low density polyethylene is 10 MPa or more and 600 MPa or less, but if the properties of the elastic composite fiber obtained, the feel of granular cotton containing this elastic composite fiber, and the bulkiness are considered, 25 MPa or more, It is preferably 500 MPa or less. An elastic composite fiber has a soft tactile sensation due to the linear low-density polyethylene, which is the main component of the first component. In addition, it may be difficult to obtain a batting material. Therefore, it is preferable that the linear low density polyethylene is not easily deformed to some extent with respect to bending (that is, it is preferable that the deformation with respect to bending is somewhat high), and specifically, the bending elastic modulus is high. The thing of 25 Mpa or more is preferable. When the bending elastic modulus of the linear low density polyethylene is too large, the soft tactile sensation may be lost. More preferably, the linear low density polyethylene has a flexural modulus of 30 MPa or more and 400 MPa or less, particularly preferably 35 MPa or more and 350 MPa or less, and most preferably 40 MPa or more and 300 MPa or less. The range of the flexural modulus is selected from resins having a thermoplastic elastic resin other than linear low-density polyethylene, for example, polybutene-1, polyester elastomer, and polyolefin elastomer as the thermoplastic elastic resin. The same applies to the case where the first component containing at least mass% is used.

  The hardness of the linear low-density polyethylene is 10 or more and 65 or less, but considering the properties of the elastic composite fiber and the feel of granular cotton or batting material containing the same, the bulkiness and the bulk recoverability are 30 or more, It is preferable that it exists in the range of 63 or less. If the linear low-density polyethylene is too soft, the elasticity (elasticity) of the elastic composite fiber is lost, and the bulkiness and bulk recovery of the granular cotton or batting material containing it may be lowered. Therefore, the linear low density polyethylene preferably has a certain degree of hardness, specifically a hardness of 20 or more. If the hardness of the linear low density polyethylene is too large, the soft touch may be lost. Therefore, it is preferably 63 or less. More preferably, the hardness of the linear low density polyethylene is 35 or more and 63 or less, particularly preferably 40 or more and 60 or less, and most preferably 45 or more and 60 or less. The range of the hardness is the same when the thermoplastic elastic resin is a resin other than linear low-density polyethylene, for example, polybutene-1, polyester elastomer, or polyolefin elastomer is selected as the thermoplastic elastic resin.

  Insofar as the granular cotton of the present invention has good bulkiness, bulk recovery and heat retaining properties to the granular cotton and batting material, the first component is added to the thermoplastic elastic resin, particularly preferably linear low density polyethylene. Further, other polymer components may be included. For example, in addition to thermoplastic elastic resin, low density polyethylene, high density polyethylene, polypropylene, polybutene, polybutylene, polymethylpentene resin, polybutadiene, propylene copolymer (for example, propylene-ethylene copolymer), ethylene- Polyolefin resins such as vinyl alcohol copolymer, ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer, ethylene- (meth) acrylic acid copolymer, or ethylene- (meth) acrylic acid methyl copolymer, modified products thereof, polyethylene Polyester resins such as terephthalate, polybutylene terephthalate, polytrimethylene terephthalate, polyethylene naphthalate, polylactic acid, polybutylene succinate and copolymers thereof, modified products thereof, nylon 66, nylon 12, and nylon One or more polymer components selected from polyamide resins such as, modified products thereof, acrylic resins, polycarbonate, polyacetal, engineering plastics such as polystyrene and cyclic polyolefin, mixtures thereof, and elastomeric resins thereof May be included.

  In the granular cotton of the present invention, when the linear low density polyethylene is used as the thermoplastic elastic resin in the elastic conjugate fiber and the resin component containing 60% by mass or more thereof is used as the first component of the elastic conjugate fiber, the first It is preferable that a component contains a low density polyethylene as other polymer components other than a linear low density polyethylene.

  The low-density polyethylene (also referred to as “LDPE” (also called Low Density Polyethylene)) that may be contained in the first component is a soft polyethylene with many branches. be called. In the present invention, if necessary, by adding a small amount of low-density polyethylene to the first component, the elastic composite fiber becomes a so-called actual crimpable fiber in which the three-dimensional crimp is manifested. In order to express better, it becomes possible to improve bulkiness and bulk recovery when the elastic composite fiber is made into granular cotton. In addition, since low density polyethylene is softer than linear low density polyethylene, for example, the flexibility of granular cotton, which tends to decrease when using high density linear low density polyethylene, It is also possible to secure with polyethylene.

The density of low-density polyethylene is 0.91 g / cm ³ or more is preferably 0.93 g / cm ^3. Since the density of low density polyethylene tends to depend on the melt index (MI) (190 ° C.) of the polymer, considering the spinnability, the density of low density polyethylene is 0.915 g / cm ³ or more, 0.92 g / It is preferable that it is cm ³ or less. In addition, the density of the low density polyethylene may be higher than the upper limit of the density that the whole linear low density polyethylene contained in the first component should have. May be.

  The melting point of the low density polyethylene before spinning is preferably 90 ° C. or more and 120 ° C. or less, but in the present invention, a low density polyethylene having a low melting point is more preferably used. By using low-density polyethylene having a low melting point, three-dimensional crimps, particularly apparent crimps, can be expressed more favorably with respect to the elastic composite fiber, and granular cotton having a soft tactile feel can be obtained. More specifically, the melting point of the low density polyethylene is more preferably 95 ° C. or higher and 115 ° C. or lower, and particularly preferably 100 ° C. or higher and 110 ° C. or lower.

  The melt index (MI) of low density polyethylene (measurement method described above) is generally 1 g / 10 min or more and 60 g / 10 min or less (conditions: 190 ° C., load 21.18 N (2) in consideration of spinnability. .16 kgf)). This is because the larger the MI, the slower the solidification rate of the sheath component during spinning, and the more easily the fibers are fused. On the other hand, if the MI is too small, fiberization becomes difficult. More preferably, the MI of the low density polyethylene is 3 g / 10 min or more and 50 g / 10 min or less, particularly preferably 5 g / 10 min or more and 50 g / 10 min or less, and most preferably 10 g / 10 min. Min. To 50 g / 10 min.

  The Q value in the low density polyethylene is preferably 10.0 or less. The Q value is more preferably 4.0 or more and 9.0 or less, and particularly preferably 5.0 or more and 8.0 or less. If the Q value exceeds 10, the crimping property of the elastic composite fiber may be reduced, or the shape of the crimps that are expressed may not be clear.

  In the first component, when the first component includes a linear low density polyethylene and a low density polyethylene, the linear low density polyethylene and the low density polyethylene have a combined mass of 100% by mass. Are preferably mixed so that the linear low density polyethylene is contained in a proportion of 75% by mass or more and 95% by mass or less, and the low density polyethylene is contained in a proportion of 5% by mass or more and 25% by mass or less. . The proportion of the linear low density polyethylene and the low density polyethylene in the first component is such that the linear low density polyethylene is contained in a proportion of 80% by mass or more and 90% by mass or less, the low density polyethylene is 10% by mass or more, 20 It is more preferable that it is mixed so that it may be contained in the ratio of the mass% or less. If the proportion of the linear low density polyethylene is too large, it is difficult to obtain the effect of adding the low density polyethylene, and the bulkiness of the granular cotton containing the elastic conjugate fiber may be lowered. When the proportion of the linear low density polyethylene is too small, the flexibility of the granular cotton containing the elastic conjugate fiber may be lowered.

  When included in the above range, the low density polyethylene expresses a three-dimensional crimp having a clear shape in the elastic conjugate fiber, and also exhibits a variation in the developed crimp (for example, a variation in the shape of the developed three-dimensional crimp. And the variation in the number of crimps of each elastic composite fiber) can be reduced, and the crimp rate of the elastic composite fiber can be increased. Therefore, the granular cotton containing this elastic composite fiber becomes a granular cotton having a large initial bulk. The reason why steric crimps are likely to appear in the elastic composite fiber composed of this first component is not clear, but long branches of low-density polyethylene are entangled with linear low-density polyethylene molecules with few branches, resulting in strain during stretching. Therefore, it is presumed that three-dimensional crimps are likely to occur. However, the present invention is not limited by this estimation. Moreover, since low density polyethylene functions as a softening agent, if low density polyethylene is included in the above range, for example, elastic composite fiber obtained even when high density linear low density polyethylene is used Tends to become flexible fibers, and the granular cotton and the batting material using the same tend to exhibit excellent flexibility.

  The first component is a component other than the above polymer component, such as antistatic agent, pigment, matting agent, heat stabilizer, light stabilizer, flame retardant, antibacterial agent, lubricant, plasticizer, softener, antioxidant An additive such as an agent, an ultraviolet absorber, and a crystal nucleating agent may be included. Such an additive is preferably contained in the first component so as to occupy an amount of 10% by mass or less of the entire first component.

[Second component]
In the present invention, the second component contained in the elastic conjugate fiber is not particularly limited as long as it is a polymer component such as a resin that can form the elastic conjugate fiber together with the first component, and preferably included in the first component. A polymer component having a melting point higher than that of the thermoplastic elastic resin. The second component is, for example, polypropylene, polymethylpentene resin, polybutadiene, propylene copolymer (for example, ethylene-propylene copolymer), ethylene-vinyl alcohol copolymer, ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer, ethylene- Polyolefin resins such as (meth) acrylic acid copolymer or ethylene- (meth) methyl acrylate copolymer, polyester resins such as polyethylene terephthalate, polybutylene terephthalate, polytrimethylene terephthalate, polyethylene naphthalate, polylactic acid, Polyamide resins such as nylon 66, nylon 12 and nylon 6, various acrylic resins, polycarbonate, polyacetal, engineering plastics such as polystyrene and cyclic polyolefin, and mixtures thereof Is selected from the like, it may include one or more polymer components.

  It is preferable that a 2nd component is a component which contains 50 mass% or more of polyesters which can have melting | fusing point 40 degreeC or more higher than the melting point of the thermoplastic elastic resin contained in a 1st component as a polymer component. The second component contains, as a polymer component, polyester, preferably 50% by mass or more, more preferably 75% by mass or more, and most preferably 100% by mass, based on the total mass of the second component.

  Polyester can be preferably used because it is less expensive than other polymers, has high rigidity, and can give elasticity to the fiber. Examples of the polyester include polymers such as polyethylene terephthalate, polybutylene terephthalate, polytrimethylene terephthalate, polyethylene naphthalate, polylactic acid, and copolymers thereof. The melting point of the polyester is 40 ° C. or more higher than the melting point of the thermoplastic elastic resin contained in the first component. The melting point of the polyester is preferably 50 ° C. or more higher than the melting point of the thermoplastic elastic resin.

  Among the polyesters, polyethylene terephthalate (PET) is most preferably used because of its high rigidity. Since polyethylene terephthalate has high crystallinity and is difficult to heat shrink by appropriately adjusting the drawing conditions, it is possible to easily give an elastic composite fiber that exhibits good steric crimp. When granular cotton is produced using such elastic composite fibers, it becomes bulky and has excellent bulk recoverability.

  In the case of containing polyethylene terephthalate and other polymer components other than that, the other polymer components sufficiently exhibit steric crimp in the elastic conjugate fiber, and the bulky cotton containing the elastic conjugate fiber has high bulkiness, If it becomes granular cotton which has favorable bulk recovery property and high heat retention property, it will not specifically limit. For example, other polyester resins, specifically, polyethylene naphthalate, polylactic acid, and polytrimethylene terephthalate may be mixed.

  The second component is a component other than the above polymer component, such as an antistatic agent, a pigment, a matting agent, a heat stabilizer, a light stabilizer, a flame retardant, an antibacterial agent, a lubricant, a plasticizer, a softener, and an antioxidant. An additive such as an agent, an ultraviolet absorber, and a crystal nucleating agent may be included. Such an additive is preferably contained in the second component so as to occupy an amount of 10% by mass or less of the entire second component.

[High melting point fiber]
The granular cotton of the present invention contains the elastic composite fiber and the high melting point fiber. The high melting point fibers constituting the granular cotton of the present invention contribute to the maintenance of the shape of the granular cotton and the expression of the bulkiness and bulk recovery of the granular cotton and the batting material using the same. Therefore, the thermoplastic resin constituting the high melting point fiber is preferably a thermoplastic resin that does not contain a soft component, specifically, a thermoplastic resin having a melting point of 140 ° C. or higher, more preferably a melting point of 150 ° C. or higher. The thermoplastic resin is preferably used. In addition, considering that the high melting point fiber contributes to the bulkiness and bulk recovery properties of the granular cotton, the thermoplastic resin constituting the high melting point fiber is a thermoplastic resin having a bending elastic modulus exceeding 600 MPa (hereinafter, bending elastic modulus). Is preferably referred to as a thermoplastic inelastic resin), and more preferably has a flexural modulus of 650 MPa or more. In addition, the upper limit of the bending elastic modulus of resin which comprises a high melting point fiber is not specifically limited. Examples of the thermoplastic resin preferably used for the high-melting fiber constituting the granular cotton of the present invention include, for example, polyester resins such as polyethylene terephthalate, polytrimethylene terephthalate, polybutylene terephthalate, and polylactic acid, polyolefin resins such as polypropylene and polymethylpentene, Fibers composed of polyamide resins such as nylon 6, 6 and nylon 6, acrylic resins, polycarbonate, polyacetal, engineering plastics such as polystyrene and cyclic polyolefin, and the like are preferable. Among these, polyester resins, polypropylene resins, and polyamide resins are easily available and inexpensive, and fibers obtained with a high melting point are also highly elastic, and therefore are preferably used as the thermoplastic resin constituting the high melting point fibers.

  The high melting point fiber contained in the granular cotton of the present invention may be a fiber composed of a thermoplastic resin that satisfies the above melting point. Therefore, one type of the above resin is selected and may be a single fiber substantially composed of the resin (hereinafter referred to as a high melting point single fiber), or two or more types (the same type or different types). Or a fiber containing a thermoplastic resin. When the high melting point fiber is a fiber using two or more kinds of thermoplastic resins, it may be a fiber obtained by mixing a plurality of thermoplastic resins at the time of melting and melt spinning as a single component, or two or more kinds of heat. It may be a composite fiber combined with a plastic resin (hereinafter referred to as a high melting point composite fiber). Considering the bulkiness and bulk recoverability of the granular cotton, the high melting point fiber is preferably a fiber on which crimping is applied to some extent, or the fiber itself is a fiber that easily exhibits crimping. Examples of the fiber that is strongly crimped include a highly elastic thermoplastic resin, specifically, a single fiber made of a polyester resin, a polyamide resin, or a polypropylene resin. Examples of fibers that easily cause crimping include various types of composite fibers, among which core-sheath type composite fibers, eccentric core-sheath type composite fibers, and parallel type composite fibers are mentioned. Of these, parallel type composite fibers are preferable. .

  When the high melting point fiber includes a high melting point single fiber, the high melting point single fiber is at least one selected from a single fiber made of a polyester resin, a single fiber made of a polyamide resin, and a single fiber made of a polypropylene resin. It is preferable that When the high melting point fiber includes a polyester single fiber or a polyamide single fiber, the granular cotton of the present invention becomes a granular cotton having high bulkiness and high bulk recoverability. When the high melting point fiber includes a polypropylene single fiber, the granular cotton of the present invention becomes light.

  When the high-melting fiber includes a high-melting composite fiber, the thermoplastic resin constituting the high-melting composite fiber has a melting point of 140 ° C. or higher, and is particularly limited as long as the thermoplastic resins have different melting points, melt viscosities, and the like. It can be used without being done. Specifically, combinations of polyester / polyester, polyamide / polyamide, polyolefin / polyolefin, and resins such as polyester / polyolefin, polyester / polyamide, and polyamide / polyolefin are also possible. Among such thermoplastic resin combinations, polyester / polyester, polyester polyamide, which is a combination of resins having a high melting point, and is considered to be excellent in resilience and bulkiness when made into a fiber and the elasticity of the fiber itself, Polyamide / polyamide and polyester / polypropylene combinations are preferred, polyester / polyester or polyester / polyamide combinations are more preferred, and polyester / polyester combinations are most preferred. In the case of a combination of polyesters, not only high-melting fibers with high expression can be easily obtained by using composite resins using two types of resins having different melting points and / or melt viscosities, but also the melting point of the polyester resin. This is because, since the fiber is relatively high, it is easy to obtain granular cotton having high fiber elasticity and excellent bulkiness and bulk recovery.

  The high melting point fiber has a crimp number of 4/25 mm or more and 30/25 mm or less, considering the ease of processing into granular cotton and the bulkiness and bulk recovery of the obtained granular cotton. Is more preferably 5 pieces / 25 mm or more and 28 pieces / 25 mm or less, and particularly preferably 6 pieces / 25 mm or more and 24 pieces / 25 mm or less. Further, when the number of crimps and the crimp rate are measured according to JIS L 1015 (2010), the ratio of the crimp rate to the number of crimps (crimp rate / crimp number) is 0.7 or more, 3 0.5 or less, more preferably 0.85 or more and 3.0 or less. When the crimp ratio / crimp number satisfies the above range, the crimp is difficult to extend, and the resulting granular cotton exhibits good bulkiness and bulk recoverability.

  The fineness of the high melting point fiber is not particularly limited. However, the fineness of the high melting point fiber is preferably 2.2 dtex or more and 30 dtex or less, more preferably 3.3 dtex or more and 20 dtex or less, particularly preferably 5.6 dtex or more and 18 dtex or less, and 6.7 dtex. As mentioned above, it is most preferable that it is 15 dtex or less. When the fineness of the high melting point fiber satisfies the above range of fineness, the granular cotton of the present invention not only has good productivity, but also the obtained granular cotton and batting material are excellent in bulkiness and bulk recovery. And has good heat retention.

  The fiber length of the high melting point fiber is not particularly limited, but the fiber length is preferably 15 mm or more and 100 mm or less, more preferably 20 mm or more and 80 mm or less, and particularly preferably 24 mm or more and 72 mm or less. 28 mm or more and 68 mm or less is most preferable. When the fiber length of the high melting point fiber satisfies the above fiber length range, the granular cotton of the present invention not only has good productivity, but also has improved entanglement with the composite fiber and other fibers, and is granular when used. It is thought that the shape of cotton is less likely to collapse.

  The cross-sectional shape of the high melting point fiber is not particularly limited. However, it is preferable that at least some of the high melting point fibers constituting the granular cotton are fibers having a fiber cross section other than a circular cross section, that is, a fiber having a so-called irregular cross section. Among the high melting point fibers, at least a part of the fibers has a modified cross section. It is considered that fine voids are easily formed in the granular cotton due to the irregular cross section, and the heat retention of the granular cotton and the filling material using the granular cotton is considered to be improved. The fiber cross section other than the circular cross section includes an elliptical shape, an H shape, a Y shape, an X shape, a W shape, a well shape, a polygonal shape such as a triangle, a quadrangle, a pentagon, and a hexagon, and a star shape. The shape and the shape of a so-called multileaf cross section such as a three leaf cross section, a four leaf cross section, and an eight leaf cross section can be mentioned. The high melting point fiber may have one type of fiber having a fiber cross section other than a circular cross section, or two or more types of fibers having a fiber cross section other than a circular cross section.

  The high-melting fiber may be a so-called hollow fiber having a continuous cavity in the fiber length direction in the fiber cross section. If the high-melting fiber is a hollow fiber, if the fiber has the same diameter (outer diameter), the hollow fiber is lighter. It is considered that the heat retention of the granular cotton and the batting material obtained by the above is improved. When at least a part of the high melting point fiber is a hollow fiber, the hollowness is preferably 3% or more and 80% or less, more preferably 5% or more and 50% or less, more preferably 8% or more, 25 % Is particularly preferably 10% or more and 20% or less. If the hollow ratio of the high melting point fiber exceeds 80%, the fiber is easily broken, and the bulkiness and bulk recoverability of the obtained granular cotton may be lowered. When the hollow ratio of the high melting point fiber is less than 3%, the lightness and heat retention may not be improved as compared with the case where a so-called solid fiber having no hollow portion is used. In the present invention, the hollow ratio is expressed as a percentage of the area of the hollow portion appearing in the fiber cross section with respect to the area surrounded by the side circumferential surface of the fiber in the fiber cross section perpendicular to the fiber length direction. .

  The term “three-dimensional crimp” used in the present invention is used to distinguish it from a mechanical crimp in which the peak of crimp as shown in FIG. 1 has an acute angle. Specifically, the three-dimensional crimp includes, for example, a crimp having a peak portion curved as shown in FIG. 2A (wave shape crimp), and a crimp having a peak portion curved as shown in FIG. 2B (spiral shape). 2C, a crimp in which a wave shape crimp and a spiral crimp are mixed, an acute crimp of the mechanical crimp shown in FIG. 1 as shown in FIG. 3, and FIG. 2A. As shown in FIG. Of course, the crimp may be a mixture of the mechanical crimp shown in FIG. 1, the wave crimp shown in FIG. 2A, and the spiral crimp shown in FIG. 2B. The three-dimensional crimp may be a three-dimensional crimp expressed by heat treatment or the like in the latent crimpable conjugate fiber, or may be a three-dimensional crimp expressed in the manifest crimped conjugate fiber. Here, the latent crimpable conjugate fiber means that the three-dimensional crimp or the stronger three-dimensional crimp is not developed at the fiber stage, or has developed a weak three-dimensional crimp and is subjected to heat treatment. It is a fiber that develops crimps. The actual crimpable conjugate fiber is a fiber that has developed a three-dimensional crimp at the fiber stage, and the state of the three-dimensional crimp does not change even when it is subjected to heat treatment, or the degree of the change is small. .

[Granular cotton]
The granular cotton of the present invention includes a first component containing 60% by mass or more of a thermoplastic elastic resin, an elastic conjugate fiber composed of a second component, and a high melting point conjugate fiber. The elastic composite fiber contained in the granular cotton is 10% by mass or more and 90% by mass or less, and the high melting point fiber is 10% by mass or more and 90% by mass or less. When the elastic composite fiber and the high melting point fiber are contained in the above ratio in the granular cotton of the present invention, the granular cotton and the batting material using the same are excellent in bulkiness and bulk recovery. In the granular cotton of the present invention, the content of the elastic conjugate fiber is preferably 10% by mass or more and 80% or less, more preferably 20% or more and 75% or less, and 25% or more and 70% or less. Particularly preferred is 30% or more and 60% or less. If the content of the elastic conjugate fiber is less than 10% by mass, the granular cotton and the filling material using the same may be hard. When the content of the elastic conjugate fiber exceeds 90% by mass, the feel of the granular cotton and the batting material using the same becomes soft, but the bulkiness and bulk recovery may be reduced.

  In the granular cotton of the present invention, the content of the high melting point fiber is preferably 20% by mass or more and 90% by mass or less, more preferably 25% by mass or more and 80% by mass or less, and more preferably 30% by mass or more. 75 mass% or less is particularly preferable, and 40 mass% or more and 70 mass% or less is most preferable. If the content of the high-melting fiber is less than 10% by mass, the bulkiness and bulk recoverability of the granular cotton and the batting material using the same may be reduced. When the content of the high-melting fiber exceeds 90% by mass, the bulkiness and bulk recovery of the granular cotton and the batting material using the granular cotton are high. There is a risk.

  The granular cotton of the present invention may contain fibers other than the elastic composite fiber and the high melting point fiber as necessary, as long as the effects of the present invention are not impaired. Examples of other fibers include natural fibers such as cotton, silk, wool, hemp, and pulp, regenerated fibers such as rayon and cupra, and thermoplastic resins having a melting point of less than 140 ° C. (for example, low density polyethylene, high density polyethylene, straight fiber, etc. Single fibers of various polyethylenes such as chain low density polyethylene and various thermoplastic elastomers) and composite fibers composed of a resin whose first component does not correspond to thermoplastic elastic fibers (for example, polyester / high density polyethylene) , Polyester / polybutene-1, polyester / ethylene-propylene copolymer, polypropylene / high density polyethylene, polypropylene / polybutene-1, polypropylene / ethylene-propylene copolymer, and the like). One or more kinds of these other fibers can be selected depending on the application. However, the granular cotton of the present invention preferably has as much content of the elastic conjugate fiber or high melting point fiber as possible when considering the bulkiness and bulk recoverability of the granular cotton. Therefore, in the granular cotton of the present invention, when the total mass of the granular cotton is 100% by mass, the total amount of the elastic composite fiber and the high melting point fiber is 70% by mass with respect to the entire granular cotton. Preferably, the total amount of the elastic conjugate fiber and the high melting point fiber is 80% by mass, particularly preferably 90% by mass or more, and substantially consists of the elastic conjugate fiber and the high melting point fiber. Most preferred is granular cotton.

  The granular cotton of this invention can be manufactured with the manufacturing method of a well-known granular cotton. That is, an elastic composite fiber, a high melting point fiber cut to a specific length, and a fiber other than the elastic composite fiber and the high melting point fiber (the other fiber) as required are prepared. Next, the elastic composite fiber, the high melting point fiber, and other fibers are opened as necessary. Then, a predetermined amount of these fibers are weighed, and the fibers are entangled using a known cotton wool production apparatus to obtain granular cotton. As a production apparatus for granular cotton, a high-speed air current is used, and the raw material fibers are entangled and granulated under the high-speed air current (for example, described in JP-A-03-206125), and scraped inside a rotatable metal container. A manufacturing apparatus (for example, described in JP-A-2003-183969) for obtaining granular cotton by rotating the metal container after the raising blade is provided and the fiber is put into the container, and the raw material fiber is made into a lump and is cylindrical If the apparatus and the manufacturing method can be entangled and granulated, such as a manufacturing method (for example, described in JP-A-2001-295170), which is sandwiched between a cylindrical inner surface and a spiral groove and turned into a spherical shape by rotating the spiral groove It does not specifically limit and any manufacturing method may be sufficient. Although the diameter of the granular cotton of this invention is not specifically limited, It is preferable that a diameter is 2 mm or more and 30 mm or less. The diameter of the granular cotton can be adjusted to an arbitrary value in each production method. If the production method is to stir the fibers under the high-speed airflow to form granular cotton, the time for stirring the fibers under the high-speed airflow can be adjusted. It can be made larger or smaller.

  In the granular cotton of the present invention, the fibers constituting the granular cotton are not substantially bonded to each other. That is, the constituent fibers are not adhered after the fiber as a raw material is adjusted to be granular or after the fiber is adjusted to be granular. In various granular cotton, as a method of adhering the constituent fibers, a method of heat-treating the granular cotton to melt part of the constituent fibers and thermally adhering the constituent fibers, a step of manufacturing the granular cotton, and granular After adjusting to, there is a method of adding various adhesives to bond the constituent fibers, but in the granular cotton of the present invention, these treatments are not intentionally performed, and the granular shape is substantially formed only by entanglement of the fibers. Is maintained. In the granular cotton of the present invention, at least a part of the fiber surface contains a relatively soft thermoplastic elastic resin in the first component containing 60% by mass or more of the thermoplastic elastic resin. This is because the entanglement property between the elastic composite fibers and the high melting point fibers becomes high, and the granular shape is easily maintained without performing the process of bonding the constituent fibers such as thermal bonding. In addition, when the constituent fibers are bonded to each other in the granular cotton, not only the bulk of the granular cotton is likely to decrease, but also the fine voids of the granular cotton are lost due to the denseness between the constituent fibers, and the heat retention by the air layer May decrease.

[Batting materials, bedding, clothing]
The granular cotton of the present invention is used as various filling materials (hereinafter also simply referred to as filling). The batting material is used not only for various bedding such as comforters, mattresses, pillows and mattresses, but also for various clothing items such as batting jackets and various winter clothes, as well as for handicrafts such as various mats, cushioning materials and stuffed toys. Is done. Generally, it is used by being packed in a bag-like fabric, and not only provides the object with bulkiness, cushioning properties, and bulk recovery properties, but also imparts heat insulation properties and heat retention properties. The granular cotton of the present invention is not only excellent in bulkiness and bulk recovery properties, but also has excellent heat retention properties, and therefore is preferably used as a filling material that imparts bulkiness and heat retention properties in various bedding products and clothing. When granular cotton is used as the batting material, the method for filling the object is not particularly limited, but generally, the filling material which is the batting material is conveyed by an air flow and filled into a bag-like fabric. At this time, since the granular cotton of the present invention is formed in a granular form, it is excellent in air transportability and filling into a bag-like product using a high-speed air stream and has high productivity.

  The batting material of the present invention contains 20% by mass or more of the granular cotton of the present invention when the mass of the entire batting material used for the product (for example, bedding or clothing) is 100% by mass. When the batting material contains 20% by mass or more of the granular cotton of the present invention with respect to the total mass, the batting material is excellent in bulkiness, bulk recoverability, and heat retention. Although it does not restrict | limit especially as a usage method of the batting material of this invention, For example, in bedding and clothing, the batting material using the cotton etc. which are the batting material etc. which are the batting material etc. which are the batting materials etc. which are the conventional batting materials in the present invention. Examples include bedding or clothing in which types are prepared and made into a two-layer structure. In the bedding and apparel, a layered structure of the layer containing the granular cotton of the present invention and feathers, which are conventional batting materials, makes the bulkiness, bulk recoverability and heat retention while suppressing the amount of feathers used. Highly bedding and clothing can be obtained.

[Examples 1 to 4, Comparative Examples 1 to 5, Reference Example 1]

The following were prepared as elastic composite fibers, high melting point fibers, and batting materials used in Examples and Comparative Examples of the present invention.

(Elastic composite fiber A)
The first component is linear low density polyethylene (LLDPE1) (manufactured by Ube Maruzen Polyethylene Co., Ltd., trade name “420SD”, density 0.918 g / cm ³ , Q value 3.0, MI = 7 g / 10 min. Melting point 116 ° C., hexene copolymerization, flexural modulus 270 MPa, hardness (HDD) 52) 70% by mass, linear low density polyethylene (LLDPE2) different from LLDPE1 (manufactured by Nippon Polyethylene Co., Ltd., trade name “Kernel” (Registered trademark) KS560T ”, density 0.898 g / cm ³ , Q value 3.1, MI = 16.5 g / 10 min, melting point 90 ° C., hexene copolymerization, flexural modulus 62 MPa, hardness (HDD) 40). 15 wt%, and low density polyethylene (Ube Maruzen polyethylene Co., Ltd., trade name "J2516", density ^{0.916g / cm 3, MI = 25g} / 10 min Mp 106 ° C., the hardness (HDD) a resin component comprising 45) 15% by weight (density of the linear low density polyethylene contained in the first component: 0.9145g / cm ^3, the first component overall density: 0.9147G / Cm ³ ), and the second component is a resin component consisting of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) (melting point: 250 ° C., intrinsic viscosity value (IV value) 0.64 (T200E manufactured by Toray Industries, Inc.)), and the first component / Eccentric core with second component composite ratio (volume ratio) of 55/45, eccentricity of 25%, fineness of 9.0 dtex, fiber length of 32 mm, number of crimps of 15.9 pieces / 25 mm, crimp rate of 11.3% A sheath type composite fiber was prepared.

High melting point fiber A
This is a parallel type composite fiber in which polyester resins having different melt viscosities are combined in a parallel type, and in the fiber cross section, a parallel type hollow composite fiber having a hollow portion (H38Y manufactured by Unitika Ltd. (conjugated PET fiber, fineness 6.7 dtex). Fiber length 51 mm, number of crimps: 6.4 pieces / 25 mm, crimp rate 17.7%, hollow rate 15%).

High melting point fiber B
As the high melting point fiber B, a polyethylene terephthalate single fiber (fineness: 7.8 dtex, fiber length: 32 mm) having no hollow part was prepared.

High melting point fiber C
Polypropylene single fiber having no hollow portion as high melting point fiber C (Daiwabo Polytech Co., Ltd. PN PP single fiber, fineness 6.7 dtex, fiber length 32 mm, number of crimps: 15/25 mm, crimp rate 12 %).

(Batting material A)
As the batting material A, feathers (90% down, 10% feather) used as various commercially available batting were prepared.

(Batting material B)
As the batting material B, a commercially available polyester cotton (a fiber having a fiber diameter of about 30 μm and a fiber diameter of about 10 μm blended so as to have a ratio of about 20:80 and granulated) was prepared.

(Manufacture of granular cotton)
The granular cottons of Examples 1 to 5 and Comparative Examples 1 to 3 and Comparative Example 5 of the present invention were produced as follows.
The elastic composite fiber A and the high melting point fibers A to C were weighed so as to have the blending ratios (mixing ratios) shown in Tables 1 and 2 below. Next, granular fibers having a diameter of 3 mm to 8 mm were obtained from each weighed fiber using a known granular cotton production apparatus. In addition, since the granular cotton of the comparative example 1 heat-bonds at least one part between constituent fibers, after adjusting to granular cotton, it heat-processes by processing for 5 minutes at about 120 degreeC with a hot air processing machine. went.

(Manufacture of miniature futons)
Miniature futons of Examples 1 to 5, Comparative Examples 1 to 5, and Reference Example 1 were prepared using the granular cotton obtained by the above method and commercially available filling materials (feathers, polyester cotton). First, as a bag-like material filled with a batting material, a woven fabric (warp 80 count cotton yarn, weft polyester 50d-144f, warp density 216 / 2.54 cm, weft density 140 / 2.54 cm twill fabric) This was cut into a 50 cm square, and 4 sides were sewn, leaving a portion filled with the batting material. Next, 87 g of the above-mentioned granular cotton or commercially available batting material was filled from the unstitched portion, and then the filling port was stitched to form a miniature futon. In addition, in the miniature duvets of Examples 3 to 5, a commercially available polyester taffeta fabric is prepared in order to divide the inside of the bag-like body into two and make a miniature duvet composed of a batting material of a laminated structure. The taffeta fabric is cut into a 50 cm square, and is inserted into the bag-like body before stitching, and a part of the taffeta is sewn to make a bag-like body divided into two parts. A miniature with a two-layer structure in which 43.5 g of the granular cotton of the present invention is filled in one space, 43.5 g of the filling material A (feather) prepared in the other space is filled, and the total amount of the filling material is 87 g A futon was used. The obtained miniature futon was measured for thickness, compression rate, recovery rate, and heat retention rate. Each measuring method will be described later.

(thickness)
The height of the miniature duvet was measured according to the method described in JIS L 1097 (1982) 5.2 “Test method of synthetic fiber futonwata (bulk height)”, and this value was taken as the thickness. First, a 20 cm square plate (0.5 g / cm ² ) is prepared and placed in the center of a miniature duvet prepared. A 5 kg weight is placed on this plate, and after 30 seconds, the weight is removed to restore the bulk. 30 seconds after removing the weight, the weight is placed again and a load is applied for 30 seconds. The operation of adding a weight for 30 seconds, removing the weight and restoring the bulk for 30 seconds was repeated three times, the heights (mm) of the four corners were measured, and the average value was taken as the thickness.

(Compression rate, recovery rate)
According to the method described in JIS L 1097 (1982) 5.3 “Test method for synthetic fiber futonwata compression elasticity (compression rate recovery rate)”, the compression rate and recovery rate of the miniature futon were measured.
First, the thickness is measured by the above method, and this is set as the initial height (h ₀ ). Next, with the 20 cm square plate placed in the center of the miniature futon, a 10 kg weight was placed on this plate, and after 30 seconds, the heights of the four corners were measured, and the average value was calculated as the height when weighted ( h ₁ ). After measuring the height (h ₁ ) when applied, the weight is removed and the bulk is restored for 3 minutes. Three minutes after removing the weight, the heights of the four corners are measured, and the average value is defined as the height (h ₂ ) after bulk recovery. From the h ₀ to h ₂ measured by the above method, the compression rate and the recovery rate are calculated by the following equations.
Compression rate (%) = ([h ₀ −h ₁ ] / h ₀ ) × 100
Recovery rate (%) = ([h ₂ −h ₁ ] / [h ₀ −h ₁ ]) × 100
h ₀ : initial height (h ₀ ) (mm)
h ₁ : Height when weighted (h ₁ ) (mm)
h ₂ : Height after bulk recovery (h ₂ ) (mm)

(Heat retention rate)
JIS L1096 A method (constant temperature method): The heat retention rate of the miniature duvet was measured according to (2010).
Thermal insulation rate (%) = (1−b / a) × 100
a: Amount of heat released when the heating element is bare (J / cm ² · s)
b: Heat dissipation when the sample is attached to the heating element (J / cm ² · s)

  Tables 1 and 2 also show the measurement results of thickness, compression rate, recovery rate, and heat retention rate.

  As shown in Tables 1 and 2, the recovery rate is almost equal between the granular cotton of the present invention and the comparative product, but the granular cotton of the present invention is superior to the comparative product in terms of thickness. Moreover, the granular cotton of the present invention is superior to the comparative product in terms of compression rate and heat retention rate. In particular, when feathers and granular cotton were combined, the thickness, compression rate, recovery rate, and heat retention rate exceeded the comparative products.

The present invention includes the following aspects.
(Aspect 1)
Granular cotton with entangled fibers,
The granular cotton is composed of a first component containing 60% by mass or more of a thermoplastic elastic resin, an elastic composite fiber composed of a second component,
Including a high melting point fiber made of a thermoplastic resin having a melting point of 140 ° C. or higher,
The granular cotton contains 10% by mass to 90% by mass of the elastic composite fiber,
The granular cotton contains the high melting point fiber in an amount of 10% by mass to 90% by mass,
In the cross section of the elastic conjugate fiber, the first component occupies at least 20% of the fiber surface;
The granular cotton, wherein the fibers constituting the granular cotton are not substantially bonded to each other.
(Aspect 2)
A mode in which the high melting point fiber is a high melting point single fiber substantially composed of one kind of thermoplastic resin and / or a high melting point composite fiber obtained by combining two or more kinds of thermoplastic resins having a melting point of 140 ° C. or higher. The granular cotton of 1.
(Aspect 3)
The high melting point conjugate fiber is a conjugate fiber composed of two types of polyester resins,
The two types of polyester resins are polyester resins having different melting points and / or intrinsic viscosities,
The granular cotton according to aspect 2, which is a side-by-side conjugate fiber in which two types of polyester are arranged in a side-by-side manner in the cross section of the polyester fiber.
(Aspect 4)
The granular cotton according to any one of aspects 1 to 3, wherein the number of crimps of the high-melting fiber is 4/25 mm or more and 30/25 mm or less.
(Aspect 5)
The granular cotton according to any one of aspects 1 to 4, wherein the high-melting-point fiber includes hollow fibers having at least one hollow portion continuous in the fiber length direction in the fiber cross section.
(Aspect 6)
The granular cotton according to any one of aspects 1 to 5, wherein the elastic elastic fiber has a flexural modulus of 10 MPa or more and 600 MPa or less and a hardness of 10 or more and 65 or less in the thermoplastic elastic resin.
(Aspect 7)
The granular cotton according to any one of aspects 1 to 6, wherein in the elastic conjugate fiber, the thermoplastic elastic resin is a polyolefin resin, and the melting point of the polyolefin resin is less than 130 ° C.
(Aspect 8)
The granular cotton according to any one of aspects 1 to 7, wherein in the elastic conjugate fiber, the thermoplastic elastic resin is linear low-density polyethylene and / or polybutene-1.
(Aspect 9)
In the elastic conjugate fiber, the thermoplastic elastic resin is a linear low density polyethylene,
The density of the whole linear low-density polyethylene contained in the first component, 0.88 g / cm ³ or more and less than 0.918 g / cm ^3, granular cotton according to any of embodiments 1-8.
(Aspect 10)
In the elastic composite fiber,
The first component further includes low density polyethylene (LDPE), and the content of the low density polyethylene (LDPE) is the total mass of the linear low density polyethylene (LLDPE) and the low density polyethylene (LDPE). On the other hand, the granular cotton of aspect 9 which is 5 mass% or more and 25 mass% or less.
(Aspect 11)
In the elastic composite fibers, the density of the first component is 0.88 g / cm ³ or more and less than 0.918 g / cm ^3, granular cotton according to embodiment 9 or 10.
(Aspect 12)
The granular cotton according to any one of aspects 9 to 11, wherein in the elastic conjugate fiber, the first component contains at least two types of linear low density polyethylene (LLDPE) having different densities.
(Aspect 13)
Said first component has a density of 0.908 g / cm ³ or more, and 0.94 g / cm ³ or less is the first linear low density polyethylene (LLDPE1), density of 0.85 g / cm ³ or more, 0 A second linear low density polyethylene (LLDPE2) that is less than 908 g / cm ³ ;
When the total mass of the first component is 100% by mass, LLDPE1 is contained in a proportion of 3% by mass or more and 92% by mass or less, LLDPE2 is contained in a proportion of 3% by mass or more and 92% by mass or less,
The granular cotton according to aspect 12, wherein the total of LLDPE1 and LLDPE2 is 75% by mass or more and 95% by mass or less.
(Aspect 14)
A filling material containing 20% by mass or more of the granular cotton according to any one of aspects 1 to 13.
(Aspect 15)
A bedding comprising the batting material according to aspect 14.
(Aspect 16)
A clothing article comprising the batting material according to the fourteenth aspect.

  INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY The present invention can provide granular cotton having excellent bulkiness and bulk recoverability and excellent heat retention. This granular cotton is most suitable as a variety of batting materials, and is used for cushioning materials (for example, cushioning materials used for seats for automobiles, aircraft, railway vehicles, and ships, as well as general household and office seats). Cushion materials, clothing pads (for example, female bra pads, shoulder pads, elbow pads, knee pads), bedding (for example, beds, futons, bed mats, mattresses, pillows, etc.) Sound absorbing material, sound insulating material, anti-vibration material, damping material, heat insulating material, heat insulation material, etc. can be configured, but it is used as a filling material for various beddings such as comforters and mattresses, or as a filling material for clothing items such as cotton jackets and various winter clothes. Especially suitable for.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 1st component 2 2nd component 3 Center of gravity position in fiber cross section of 2nd component 4 Center of gravity position in fiber cross section of elastic composite fiber 5 Radius in fiber cross section of elastic composite fiber 10 Elastic composite fiber

Claims (16)

Granular cotton with entangled fibers,
The granular cotton is composed of a first component containing 60% by mass or more of a thermoplastic elastic resin, an elastic composite fiber composed of a second component,
Including a high melting point fiber made of a thermoplastic resin having a melting point of 140 ° C. or higher,
The granular cotton contains 10% by mass to 90% by mass of the elastic composite fiber,
The granular cotton contains the high melting point fiber in an amount of 10% by mass to 90% by mass,
In the cross section of the elastic conjugate fiber, the first component occupies at least 20% of the fiber surface;
The granular cotton, wherein the fibers constituting the granular cotton are not substantially bonded to each other.   The high melting point fiber is a high melting point single fiber substantially composed of one kind of thermoplastic resin and / or a high melting point composite fiber obtained by combining two or more kinds of thermoplastic resins having a melting point of 140 ° C or higher. Item 2. The granular cotton according to Item 1. The high melting point conjugate fiber is a conjugate fiber composed of two types of polyester resins,
The two types of polyester resins are polyester resins having different melting points and / or intrinsic viscosities,
The granular cotton according to claim 2, which is a parallel-type composite fiber in which two kinds of polyester are arranged in parallel in the fiber cross section of the polyester fiber.   The granular cotton according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the number of crimps of the high-melting fiber is 4/25 mm or more and 30/25 mm or less.   The granular cotton according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the high-melting fiber includes hollow fibers having at least one hollow portion continuous in the fiber length direction in the fiber cross section.   The granular cotton according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein in the elastic composite fiber, the thermoplastic elastic resin has a flexural modulus of 10 MPa or more and 600 MPa or less and a hardness of 10 or more and 65 or less.   The granular cotton according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein in the elastic conjugate fiber, the thermoplastic elastic resin is a polyolefin resin, and a melting point of the polyolefin resin is less than 130 ° C.   The granular cotton according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein in the elastic conjugate fiber, the thermoplastic elastic resin is linear low density polyethylene and / or polybutene-1. In the elastic conjugate fiber, the thermoplastic elastic resin is a linear low density polyethylene,
The density of the whole linear low-density polyethylene contained in the first component, 0.88 g / cm ³ or more and less than 0.918 g / cm ^3, granular cotton according to claim 1. In the elastic composite fiber,
The first component further includes low density polyethylene (LDPE), and the content of the low density polyethylene (LDPE) is the total mass of the linear low density polyethylene (LLDPE) and the low density polyethylene (LDPE). On the other hand, the granular cotton of Claim 9 which is 5 mass% or more and 25 mass% or less. In the elastic composite fibers, wherein the first density component is 0.88 g / cm ³ or more and less than 0.918 g / cm ^3, granular cotton according to claim 9 or 10.   The granular cotton according to any one of claims 9 to 11, wherein in the elastic conjugate fiber, the first component contains at least two types of linear low density polyethylene (LLDPE) having different densities. Said first component has a density of 0.908 g / cm ³ or more, and 0.94 g / cm ³ or less is the first linear low density polyethylene (LLDPE1), density of 0.85 g / cm ³ or more, 0 A second linear low density polyethylene (LLDPE2) that is less than 908 g / cm ³ ;
When the total mass of the first component is 100% by mass, LLDPE1 is contained in a proportion of 3% by mass or more and 92% by mass or less, LLDPE2 is contained in a proportion of 3% by mass or more and 92% by mass or less,
The granular cotton of Claim 12 whose sum total of LLDPE1 and LLDPE2 is 75 to 95 mass%.   The batting material which contains 20 mass% or more of the granular cotton in any one of Claims 1-13.   A bedding comprising the batting material according to claim 14.   A clothing article comprising the batting material according to claim 14.

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