JP5679895B2 - Fiber with improved discoloration resistance, and fiber molded body comprising the same - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a fiber excellent in discoloration resistance and liquid absorption. The present invention also relates to a fiber molded body using a fiber excellent in discoloration resistance and liquid absorption, such as a nonwoven fabric.

A heat-fusible fiber that can be molded by heat-sealing is easy to obtain a non-woven fabric that is safe and has a good texture by using heat energy such as hot air or a heating roll. It is widely used for sanitary materials such as absorbent pads, or industrial materials such as household goods and filters. In particular, when used as a sanitary material, high liquid absorbency is required because of the need to absorb liquids such as urine and menstrual blood quickly and repeatedly.
On the other hand, the heat-fusible fibers obtained by these methods contain and contain an antioxidant such as dibutylhydroxytoluene for the purpose of preventing deterioration due to radical generation, and are used in places exposed to sunlight or directly under fluorescent lights. When stored for a long period of time, discoloration is likely to occur, and troubles such as loss of product quality frequently occur.
Then, there exists a proposal which improves discoloration resistance by adding hydroxycarboxylic acid to the fiber processing agent made to adhere to the fiber surface (for example, patent document 1). There is also a proposal to prevent yellowing phenomenon that occurs during fiber production or storage by using ammonium alkylphosphate as a fiber treatment agent (for example, Patent Document 2).
On the other hand, it has been proposed to repeatedly increase water permeability of a nonwoven fabric or the like using a fiber treatment agent containing a predetermined component (for example, Patent Document 3 and Patent Document 4).

Japanese Patent No. 4381579 JP 2001-140168 A JP 2002-161477 A JP 2003-239172 A

Although there is a proposal to improve the discoloration resistance of the fiber by the conventional technique, since the hydroxycarboxylic acid has a low function for imparting hydrophilicity, there is a possibility that the liquid absorbency of the fiber may be inhibited. In addition, ammonium alkylphosphate has a low function for imparting durable hydrophilicity, and there is a problem that it is difficult to obtain high durable hydrophilicity.
Here, the liquid absorbency refers to a state in which a fiber molded body such as a nonwoven fabric is disposed on an absorbent layer such as a pulp sheet, and a liquid such as urine or menstrual blood is contacted (dropped) from the side of the nonwoven fabric or the like. In this case, it refers to the ability to quickly transfer liquid to the absorbent layer. This liquid absorbency is also called liquid permeability or liquid permeability. Moreover, durable hydrophilic property here means repeated liquid absorption.
In view of such a problem, an object of the present invention is to provide a fiber and a fiber molded body, particularly a nonwoven fabric, which has extremely excellent discoloration resistance and has high liquid absorbency and high durability hydrophilicity.

As a result of intensive studies, the present inventors have achieved that the above problems can be achieved by attaching a fiber treatment agent containing a predetermined amount of each of an alkyl phosphate metal salt, a trialkylglycine derivative, and a hydroxycarboxylic acid to the fiber. I found it.
Accordingly, the present invention has the following configuration.
[1] A fiber mainly composed of at least one thermoplastic resin, and a fiber treatment agent containing the following component (A), component (B), component (C) and component (D) is attached to the fiber. It is a fiber, and the component ratio of each of the component (A), the component (B) and the component (C) is 3% by mass or more and less than 10% by mass based on the active ingredient standard of the fiber treatment agent, and the component (D) The constituent ratio of the component (A) is 40 to 60% by mass, and the constituent ratio (% by mass) of the component (A) and the constituent ratio (% by mass) of the component (C) satisfy the component (C) ≦ component (A). Characteristic fiber.
Component (A): Alkyl phosphate metal salt having an alkyl group having less than 10 carbon atoms Component (B): Trialkylglycine derivative Component (C): Hydroxycarboxylic acid Component (D): The alkyl group having 10 to 14 carbon atoms Alkyl phosphate metal salt [2] The fiber treatment agent is further composed of 10 to 20% by mass of the following component (E) and 15 to 25% by mass of component (F) on the basis of the active ingredient of the fiber treatment agent. The fiber according to the above [1], which is contained in a ratio.
Component (E): Polyoxyalkylene-modified silicone Component (F): An ester of an alkylene oxide adduct of hydroxystearic acid glyceride and maleic acid, and the hydroxyl group of the ester is blocked with a monocarboxylic acid having 10 to 22 carbon atoms. Compound [3] A fiber molded body mainly composed of the fiber according to [1] or [2].
[4] The fiber molded body according to [1], which is a nonwoven fabric.

According to the present invention, by attaching a fiber treatment agent containing a predetermined amount of each of an alkyl phosphate metal salt, a trialkylglycine derivative, and a hydroxycarboxylic acid to the fiber, the fiber has excellent liquid absorbency and durable hydrophilicity. In addition, a fiber excellent in discoloration resistance can be obtained. In addition, a fiber molded body, for example, a non-woven fabric, which is composed of such fibers, has excellent liquid absorbency and durable hydrophilicity, and has excellent discoloration resistance.
ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to this invention, in a fiber and a fiber molded object, preferable coexistence of liquid absorption, durable hydrophilic property, and discoloration resistance is attained.

Hereinafter, the present invention will be described in more detail.
The component (A) constituting the fiber treatment agent attached to the fiber of the present invention is an alkyl phosphate metal salt having an alkyl group with less than 10 carbon atoms. The number of carbon atoms of the alkyl group is preferably 4-8, more preferably 6-8. Examples of the metal salt include alkali metal salts. Examples of the alkali metal salt include sodium salt, potassium salt, lithium salt, etc. Among them, potassium salt is preferable.

  Component (B) constituting the fiber treatment agent to be attached to the fiber of the present invention is a trialkylglycine derivative, which is a quaternary ammonium and carboxyl having three alkyl groups bonded to a nitrogen atom in the glycine molecular structure. It is a compound having a so-called betaine structure. The number of carbon atoms of the alkyl group is arbitrarily selected from those having 1 to 22, and in particular, two alkyl groups are lower alkyl groups having up to 4 carbon atoms such as methyl and ethyl, and one has 12 or more carbon atoms. Those having a long-chain alkyl group are preferred. Specific examples of the trialkylglycine derivative include dimethyloctadecylglycine hydroxide, heptadecylimidazolium hydroxyethylglycine hydroxide, and the like.

  The component (C) constituting the fiber treatment agent to be attached to the fiber of the present invention is hydroxycarboxylic acid. Examples of the hydroxycarboxylic acid include citric acid, lactic acid, tartaric acid, malic acid, and glucholic acid, and citric acid is particularly preferable.

  The component ratio of each of the component (A), component (B) and component (C) constituting the fiber treatment agent to be adhered to the fiber of the present invention is 3% by mass or more and 10% by mass in the fiber treatment agent active ingredient. Is less than. More specifically, it is necessary that the constituent ratio (mass%) of the component (A) and the component (C) satisfy the component (C) ≦ the component (A). Furthermore, it is more preferable that the component ratio (mass%) of each component of the component (A), the component (B), and the component (C) satisfies the component (C) ≦ component (B) ≦ component (A).

The component (C) hydroxycarboxylic acid is effective in discoloration resistance. When the component ratio of the hydroxycarboxylic acid component (C) is 3% by mass or more and less than 10% by mass, the effect of discoloration resistance is sufficient and the liquid absorbency is not extremely lowered. The component ratio of the hydroxycarboxylic acid component (C) is preferably 3 to 5% by mass.
Since the liquid-absorbing property of the fiber-treating agent tends to be lowered by adding the hydroxycarboxylic acid of the component (C) to the fiber-treating agent as a constituent component, the component (A) An alkyl phosphate metal salt having an alkyl group having less than 10 carbon atoms is required. An alkyl phosphate metal salt having an alkyl group with less than 10 carbon atoms is a component that maintains and improves liquid absorbency. The composition ratio is 3% by mass or more and less than 10% by mass based on the fiber treatment agent active ingredient. When the component (A) is in this range, the durable hydrophilicity is not impaired, and more preferably 5% by mass or more and less than 10% by mass.
As described above, the relationship between the component ratios of the alkyl phosphate metal salt having an alkyl group of less than 10 in the component (A) constituting the fiber treatment agent and the hydroxycarboxylic acid of the component (C) is the component ( Since A) compensates for the decrease in liquid absorbency due to the addition of component (C), the relationship between the component (C) and component (A) in the composition ratio (% by mass) is component (C) ≦ component (A ) Is necessary.

The trialkylhydroxyglycine derivative of the component (B) is a component that imparts durable hydrophilicity, and the constituent ratio thereof is 3% by mass or more and less than 10% by mass on the basis of the active ingredient of the fiber treatment agent. This component (B) compensates for the decrease in durable hydrophilicity due to the addition of the alkyl phosphate metal salt of component (A). When component (B) has the above-described constitution ratio, it can impart good durability and hydrophilicity, and further, discoloration resistance does not deteriorate. The component (B) is more preferably 3 to 7% by mass.
In the fiber treatment agent attached to the fiber of the present invention, the trialkylhydroxyglycine derivative of component (B), the alkyl phosphate metal salt having an alkyl group of less than 10 in the alkyl group of component (A), and the hydroxy of component (C) The relationship between the constituent ratios of the carboxylic acids is that the constituent ratio (mass%) of each component is such that component (C) ≦ component (B) ≦ component (A). This is more preferable from the viewpoint of hydrophilicity.
In addition, the said active ingredient is a component remove | excluding the water | moisture content from the whole fiber processing agent.

Component (D) constituting the fiber treatment agent to be attached to the fiber of the present invention is an alkyl phosphate metal salt having an alkyl group having 10 to 14 carbon atoms. Like component (A), it is a component that imparts liquid absorbency and antistatic properties, but has a larger number of carbons than component (A), so in addition to liquid absorbency, it improves fiber surface smoothness and durability. It has a role of assisting the component imparting hydrophilicity. When the carbon number of the alkyl group is in the range of 10 to 14, the liquid absorbency is not greatly reduced. Examples of the metal salt include alkali metal salts. Examples of the alkali metal salt include sodium salt, potassium salt, lithium salt, etc. Among them, potassium salt is preferable.
The component ratio in the fiber treatment agent active ingredient of the alkyl phosphate metal salt of component (D) is in the range of 40 to 60% by mass, more preferably in the range of 45 to 55% by mass.

（式中、Ｒはメチレン、プロピレン、Ｎ−（アミノメチル）メチルイミノ、又はＮ−（アミノプロピル）プロピルイミノを表し、Ｘはポリオキシアルキレン基を表す。ｎ及びｍは、Ｓｉの含有率が２０〜７０質量％で、かつ、分子量が１,０００〜１００,０００なる範囲で選ばれる整数を示す。） As a specific embodiment of the fiber of the present invention, a fiber treatment agent further comprising 10 to 20% by mass of the following component (E) and 15 to 25% by mass of the component (F) based on the active ingredient is attached. And fibers.
The component (E) constituting the fiber treatment agent attached to the fiber of the present invention is a polyoxyalkylene-modified silicone, and is preferably represented by the following general formula.

(In the formula, R represents methylene, propylene, N- (aminomethyl) methylimino, or N- (aminopropyl) propylimino, X represents a polyoxyalkylene group, and n and m each have a Si content of 20). It is an integer selected in a range of ˜70 mass% and a molecular weight of 1,000 to 100,000.)

  The Si content in the modified silicone is 20 to 70% by mass, and polyoxyethylene groups, polyoxyethylene groups, polyoxypropylene groups, polyoxybutylene groups, and copolymers of these constituent monomers are used. However, at least the polyoxyethylene part is contained in an amount of 20% by mass or more based on the polyoxyalkylene part. A molecular weight of 1,000 to 100,000, particularly 7,000 to 15,000 is preferable from the viewpoint of imparting hydrophilicity. 10-20 mass% is suitable for the component ratio of the component (E) in a fiber processing agent. When the component ratio of the component (E) is 10 to 20% by mass, sufficient hydrophilicity is exhibited and quick water permeability is obtained, the amount of liquid return is suppressed, and the durability hydrophilicity is reduced. In addition, it is difficult for the treatment agent to fall off the fiber due to water permeability or the like.

The component (F) constituting the fiber treatment agent to be attached to the fiber of the present invention is an ester of an alkylene oxide adduct of hydroxystearic acid glyceride and maleic acid, and the hydroxyl group of the ester is a C 10-22 monoester. It is a compound blocked with carboxylic acid. The alkylene oxide adduct of hydroxy stearic acid glyceride can be obtained by addition reaction of alkylene oxide with an ester composed of glycerin of polyhydric alcohol and hydroxy stearic acid. Component (F) is an ester of this compound and maleic acid, the reaction molar ratio is preferably 1.5: 1.0 to 2.0: 1.0, and the hydroxyl group of this ester is It is blocked with a C10-22 monocarboxylic acid such as lauric acid or stearic acid.
The component (F) has a large molecular weight and imparts durability to the treatment agent by its action, and can prevent other highly hydrophilic components from falling off the fiber surface due to water permeation or the like. The component ratio of the component (F) in the fiber treatment agent is suitably 15 to 25% by mass. When the component ratio of the component (F) is in this range, the durable hydrophilicity is good and the hydrophilicity of the treatment agent is maintained, and the resistance to liquid absorption does not increase.

In the fiber or fiber molded body of the present invention, for example, a non-woven fabric, it is appropriate that the active ingredient of the fiber treatment agent is 0.1 to 1.0% by mass with respect to the fiber mass, and preferably 0. .3 to 0.8 mass% is adhered. When the adhesion amount is 0.1% by mass or more with respect to the fiber, the antistatic property is sufficient, and static electricity is not generated in the process of processing the fiber to which the fiber treatment agent is adhered into a fiber molded body such as a nonwoven fabric. Tends to be easy, and is preferable. Moreover, when the amount of adhesion is 1.0% by mass or less, in the process of processing the fiber, there is little dropout of the fiber treatment agent from the fiber, the accumulation in the apparatus does not increase, and the processability is lowered. Not preferred.
As an embodiment in which the fiber treatment agent is adhered to the fiber, the fiber treatment agent may be adhered to the fiber, and then the fiber may be processed into a fiber molded body as necessary. Or after processing from a fiber to a fiber molded object, you may make this fiber treatment agent adhere to this fiber molded object.
The fiber molded body of the present invention, for example, a non-woven fabric, can be processed and manufactured by an appropriate process using the fiber to which the fiber treatment agent is attached, or a fiber molded product obtained by processing from a fiber by an appropriate process. It can manufacture by making the said fiber treatment agent adhere to a body. For example, when a fiber treatment agent is attached to a fiber molded body such as a non-woven fabric, it can be attached uniformly to the whole, as well as to any part as required, and the amount of attachment for each part to be attached You may make a difference.

Specifically, the fiber treatment agent can be attached to a fiber molded body such as a fiber or a non-woven fabric in an emulsion diluted to a concentration of 3 to 30% by mass with ion exchange water or the like. In the fiber production process, so-called spinning process, stretching process and crimping process, a fiber treatment agent may be attached, or after the fiber is processed into a fiber molded body, for example, the fiber is made into a non-woven fabric, and then the non-woven fabric On the other hand, the fiber treatment agent may be adhered so that the adhesion amount falls within a desired range. As a method for attaching the fiber treatment agent to the fiber, a known method such as an oiling roll method, a dipping method, or a spray method can be used. In addition, for example, as a method of attaching the fiber treatment agent to the nonwoven fabric, an oiling roll method (coating method), a dipping method, a spraying method, and the like can be given. Corona discharge treatment or atmospheric pressure plasma discharge treatment may be applied to the above.
Adjustment of the amount of fiber treatment agent attached to the fiber or fiber molded body should be adjusted by the number of rotations of the roll when attached by a roll such as an oiling roll, and by the amount of spray when attached by a spray method. Can do.
As a method for quantitatively confirming the amount of the fiber treating agent attached to the fiber, there is an extraction method using a solvent. After immersing a certain amount of fiber or fiber molded body in a solvent in which the fiber treatment agent whose adhesion amount is to be confirmed is soluble, such as methanol, ethanol, 2-propanol, etc., only the solvent is volatilized with heat and the remaining amount. The amount of the fiber treatment agent attached per unit mass can be confirmed by weighing Specific examples include a rapid method and a Soxhlet method.

Other known surfactant components can be used for the fiber treatment agent attached to the fiber of the present invention as long as the effects of the present invention are not hindered. Examples of the surfactant component include antistatic agents such as alkane sulfonate sodium salt and nonionic components such as sorbitan acid ester.
Various additives can be blended with the fiber treatment agent to be adhered to the fibers of the present invention within a range not impeding the effects of the present invention. Examples of the additive include an emulsifier, an antiseptic, a rust inhibitor, a pH adjuster, and an antifoaming agent.

  The fiber of the present invention may be a single component fiber or a composite fiber. Although not particularly limited as the thermoplastic resin constituting the fiber, for example, high-density polyethylene, linear low-density polyethylene, low-density polyethylene, polypropylene (propylene homopolymer), ethylene-propylene copolymer mainly composed of propylene, Ethylene-propylene-1-butene copolymer based on propylene, polybutene-1, polyhexene-1, polyoctene-1, poly-4-methylpentene-1, polymethylpentene, 1,2-polybutadiene, 1,4 -Polyolefin resins such as polybutadiene, polyethylene terephthalate, polypropylene terephthalate, polybutylene terephthalate, polylactic acid, polybutylene succinate, polybutylene adipate terephthalate, and copolyester (copolyester) Such Riesuteru resins. The fiber which consists of a mixture containing these 2 or more types may be sufficient.

  In the case of a composite fiber, examples of the cross-sectional structure include a concentric sheath core structure, an eccentric sheath core structure, a side-by-side composite fiber, or an alternating radial split composite fiber. Examples of the fiber shape include a circular shape, a star shape, an elliptical shape, a triangular shape, a quadrangular shape, a pentagonal shape, a multileaf shape, and a hollow shape. In addition, specific resin combinations of the composite fibers (sheath / core, or low melting point component / high melting point component combination) include high density polyethylene / polypropylene, low density polyethylene / propylene, and ethylene-octene copolymer. / Polypropylene, ethylene-propylene copolymer / polypropylene, ethylene-propylene-butene-1 copolymer / polypropylene, high-density polyethylene / polyethylene terephthalate, ethylene-octene copolymer / polyethylene terephthalate, ethylene-propylene-butene-1 Polymer / polyethylene terephthalate, polypropylene / polyethylene terephthalate, high density polyethylene / polybutylene terephthalate, polylactic acid / polybutylene succinate and the like. The ratio of the sheath / core or the low melting point component / the high melting point component is preferably in the range of 10/90 to 90/10 by mass ratio, from the viewpoint of spinnability, stretchability, and nonwoven fabric processability. A range of 70 to 70/30 is particularly preferable.

  To the thermoplastic resin constituting the fiber of the present invention, additives such as an antioxidant, a light stabilizer, an ultraviolet absorber, a neutralizing agent and a nucleating agent are appropriately added within the range not impairing the effects of the present invention. You may add as needed.

  In addition, the fibers of the present invention are appropriately provided with antibacterial agents, flame retardants, smoothing agents, antistatic agents, pigments, and inorganic fine particles for imparting flexibility, as long as the effects of the present invention are not hindered. May be added. Examples of the addition method include a method of directly adding these powders, or a method of kneading them into a master batch. The resin used for masterbatch formation is most preferably the same as the thermoplastic resin constituting the fiber, but is not particularly limited as long as it satisfies the requirements of the present invention, and a different resin may be used.

  The fiber of the present invention can be suitably obtained by, for example, a melt spinning method or a spunbond method using a resin containing the thermoplastic resin. In the case of short fibers, after obtaining unstretched fibers by melt spinning, after partially oriented crystallization in the stretching step, crimps are imparted in the crimping step, and then using a hot air dryer or the like. It can be obtained by performing a heat treatment at a predetermined temperature for a certain period of time and cutting it into an arbitrary length.

  The fineness of the fiber of the present invention is not particularly limited, but is preferably 0.3 to 12.0 dtex, more preferably 1.0 to 8.0 dtex from the viewpoint of processing the fiber into a nonwoven fabric, and even more preferably 1. 2 to 6.0 dtex.

  The fiber length of the fiber of the present invention is not particularly limited, and can be arbitrarily determined for each method of making the fiber into a nonwoven fabric. For example, when it is a short fiber which forms a fiber web using a roller card machine, the fiber length of the fiber is preferably 25 to 125 mm, more preferably 38 to 76 mm. When using an airlaid machine, the fiber length is preferably 3 to 25 mm, more preferably 3 to 12 mm.

  The method for processing the fibers into the nonwoven fabric is not particularly limited, but it is preferable to use a technique in which after forming the fiber web, heat treatment is performed to thermally bond the entanglement points of the fibers constituting the fiber web to form a nonwoven fabric. Examples of the method for forming the fiber web include a carting method for passing through a roller card machine, an airlaid method for forming with air, and a spunbond method for laminating long fibers. Thermal fiber heat treatment and thermal bonding methods include hot air circulation dryer, hot air ventilation heat treatment machine, relaxing hot air dryer, hot plate pressure dryer, drum dryer, infrared dryer, and partial thermocompression bonding. A well-known thing, such as a processing machine, can be used.

The basis weight (mass per unit area) of the nonwoven fabric when the fiber of the present invention is processed into a nonwoven fabric is not particularly limited and can be determined according to the intended use. For example, if it is a surface material of a disposable diaper or a sanitary napkin, 10-50 g / m < ² > is preferable, More preferably, it is 20-35 g / m < ² >.

  In addition to the nonwoven fabric as described above, the fiber molded body of the present invention is a fiber tow, fiber web, fiber laminate, net, knitted fabric and those obtained by heat-treating them into a sheet or a lump, and the nonwoven fabric is layered or corrugated. And the like subjected to secondary processing such as heat treatment. A nonwoven fabric is mentioned especially as a fiber molded object of this invention.

  The fiber or fiber molded body of the present invention, such as a fiber product using a nonwoven fabric, includes absorbent articles such as diapers, napkins and incontinence pads, medical hygiene materials such as gowns and surgical clothes, sheet for walls, shoji paper, flooring Interior materials such as cover cloth, wiper for cleaning, life-related materials such as cover for garbage, disposable toilets, toiletries such as toilet covers, pet sheets, pet diapers, pet supplies such as pet towels, wiping Industrial materials such as materials, filters, cushion materials, oil adsorbent materials, ink tank adsorbent materials, general medical materials, bedding materials, nursing care products, and the like. The fiber or fiber molded body of the present invention can be used for various fiber products.

  EXAMPLES Hereinafter, although an Example demonstrates this invention in detail, this invention is not limited at all by these Examples. In addition, manufacture, processing, measurement, and tests in each example were performed by the following methods.

<Examples 1-9 and Comparative Examples 1-5>
(Thermoplastic resin)
The following resins were used as thermoplastic resins constituting the fibers.
Resin 1: High density polyethylene (abbreviated symbol PE-1) having a density of 0.96 g / cm ³ , MFR (190 ° C. load 21.18 N) of 16 g / 10 min, and melting point of 130 ° C.
Resin 2: High density polyethylene (abbreviated symbol PE-2) having a density of 0.96 g / cm ³ , MFR (190 ° C. load 21.18 N) of 41 g / 10 min, and melting point of 130 ° C.
Resin 3: Polypropylene (abbreviated symbol PP-1) having an MFR (230 ° C. load of 21.18 N) of 16 g / 10 min and a melting point of 162 ° C.
Resin 4: Polypropylene (abbreviated symbol PP-2) having an MFR (230 ° C load of 21.18 N) of 28 g / 10 min and a melting point of 162 ° C
Resin 5: Polypropylene (abbreviated symbol PP-3) having an MFR (230 ° C., load 21.18 N) of 11 g / 10 min and a melting point of 162 ° C.
Resin 6: Ethylene-propylene-butene-1 having an MFR (230 ° C load of 21.18 N) of 16 g / 10 min, a melting point of 131 ° C and an ethylene content of 4.0 wt% and a 1-butene content of 2.65 wt% Copolymer. (Abbreviated symbol co-PP)

(Measurement of melt mass flow rate (MFR))
The melt mass flow rate was measured according to JIS K 7210. Here, MI is measured according to condition D (test temperature 190 ° C., load 2.16 kg) in Annex A, Table 1, and MFR is measured according to condition M (test temperature 230 ° C., load 2.16 kg). did.

(Manufacture of fibers)
As shown in Table 1 and Table 2 below, a thermoplastic resin is extruded using a spinneret having a concentric sheath core type cross section so that the volume ratio of the fiber cross section becomes 50/50 at a predetermined extrusion temperature. The amount was adjusted and melt-spun to obtain an undrawn fiber. At that time, the fiber treatment agent shown in Tables 1 and 2 was made into an emulsion and adhered to the fiber using an oiling roll. The obtained unstretched fiber was stretched with a hot roll at 90 ° C. to 2.2 dtex, crimped, dried with a hot-air circulating dryer, cut into 51 mm with a cutter, and short fibers. Obtained.
In addition, as shown in the column of the form at the time of fiber treatment agent adhesion | attachment of Table 1-Table 2, Examples 1-7 and Comparative Examples 1-4 are examples which made the fiber treatment agent adhere to a fiber, Example 8 No. 9 and Comparative Example 5 are examples in which a fiber treatment agent is adhered to a nonwoven fabric as will be described later.

(Composition of fiber treatment agent)
The composition of the fiber treatment agent used in each example is shown in Tables 1 and 2. The unit of this composition is mass%, and the total amount of active ingredients in the fiber treatment agent is 100 mass%.
The components of the fiber treatment agent in Tables 1 and 2 are abbreviated as follows.
A: Octyl phosphate potassium salt B: Dimethyloctadecylglycine hydroxide C: Citric acid D1: Lauryl phosphate potassium salt D2: Tridecyl phosphate potassium salt E: Polyoxyethylene-modified silicone F: Polyoxyethylene (20 mol) castor wax malee Acid ester (2: 1 molar ratio) and stearic acid ester (2: 1 molar ratio)

(Nonwoven fabric processing)
In Examples 1 to 7 and Comparative Examples 1 to 4, the short fibers obtained in the above steps were made into fiber webs using a roller card tester (manufactured by Yamato Kiko Co., Ltd.), and this web was a suction dryer. Thermal bonding was performed by through-air processing (TA as an abbreviation in Tables 1 and 2) at the temperatures shown in Table 2 to obtain a nonwoven fabric having a basis weight of about 23 ± 2 g / m ² .

<Examples 8 and 9 and Comparative Example 5>
In Example 8, in the production of the above fiber, the short fiber obtained without adhering the fiber treating agent was used as a fiber web with a roller card tester (manufactured by Yamato Kiko Co., Ltd.). Heat-bonding was performed by through-air processing (TA as an abbreviation) at the temperature shown in Table 2 to obtain a nonwoven fabric having a basis weight of about 23 ± 2 g / m ² .
In Example 9 and Comparative Example 5, a spunbond nonwoven fabric was obtained by the spunbond method using the resins listed in Table 2. Specifically, using a spinneret having a concentric sheath core type cross section, the extrusion amount was adjusted so that the volume ratio of the fiber cross section was 50/50 at the extrusion temperature shown in Table 2, and the spinneret was discharged from the spinneret. A composite long fiber group is introduced into an air soccer ball and index-drawn to obtain a fiber diameter of 2.2 dtex. Subsequently, the long fiber group discharged by the air soccer ball is charged with the same charge by a charging device, and then reflected. The long fiber group that was opened by colliding with the plate was collected as a long fiber web on an endless net-like conveyor provided with a suction device on the back, and the linear pressure was 80 N / mm and the crimping area ratio was 21%. A partial thermocompression process (PB as an abbreviation in Table 2) was applied with an embossing roll (convex part) / flat roll to obtain a nonwoven fabric having a basis weight of about 23 ± 2 g / m ² .
These nonwoven fabrics were immersed in an emulsion of a fiber treatment agent shown in Table 2, and then dehydrated and dried so as to have a predetermined adhesion amount.

(Measurement amount of treatment agent)
In the case of a short fiber to which a fiber treatment agent is adhered in the process of producing the fiber, a quick residual oil extraction device (Tokai Keiki Co., Ltd.) is used by using 2 g of the fiber made by a roller card testing machine. ("R-II type" manufactured). When the fiber treatment agent was adhered after processing into a nonwoven fabric, the measurement was performed using 2 g of the nonwoven fabric. 25 ml of methanol was used as an extraction solvent.
The adhesion amount was calculated by the following formula.
Amount of treatment agent attached (mass%) = extraction amount (g) ÷ 2 × 100

(Discoloration resistance test)
In the case of a short fiber to which a fiber treatment agent is adhered in the process of producing the fiber, the fiber is used as a card web with a roller card tester, and the basis weight is 200 ± 20 g / m ² by a needle punching method. A non-woven fabric was cut into a length of 8 cm and a width of 8 cm to obtain a test sample.
When the fiber treatment agent was adhered after processing into a nonwoven fabric, the nonwoven fabric was cut into a length of 80 mm × width of 80 mm, and the test pieces were superposed so that the total basis weight was 200 ± 20 g / m ² . . The test sample was placed 80 cm above the oil stove fire source (atmosphere temperature 100 ± 5 ° C.) and exposed to combustion gas for 3 hours, and then the sample was taken out. The numerical value of YI (Yellow Index) on the surface of the test sample before and after the test was measured with a color difference meter (“Model SM-4” manufactured by Suga Test Co., Ltd.), and ΔYI as the difference was calculated.
Note that the test result is indicated as “A” because the value of ΔYI is 6 or less because the resistance to discoloration is very excellent. Moreover, although it was set to "B" if it was a numerical value of 7-8, since it can be said that a numerical value of 9 or more has high discoloration property, it described as "C".

(Absorption test)
The liquid absorption test according to NONWOVENS / LIQUID STRIKE-THROUGH TIME of EDANA RECOMMEND TEST METHODS was conducted. This was repeated three times to test the durability hydrophilicity. As a test apparatus, “Lister”, a Rensing Instruments company, was used. As a test sample, a non-woven fabric cut into a size of 100 mm in length and 100 mm in width was used. As the filter paper (water absorbent paper), “Kim Towel Wiper White (manufactured by Crecia Co., Ltd.)” was used.
In addition, the result of the liquid absorption test was described in three stages as follows according to the time required for liquid absorption.
[Short fibers are processed through air into non-woven fabric]
If it was 0.5 sec or less, it was set as “A” because it was very excellent in liquid absorbency.
If it exceeds 0.5 sec and less than 1.0 sec, it is set as “B”.
For 1.0 sec or longer, it was set as “C” because it was poor in liquid absorbency.
[Nonwoven fabric by partial thermocompression bonding by the spunbond method]
If it was 1.5 sec or less, it was set as “A” because the liquid-absorbing property was very excellent.
If it exceeds 1.5 sec and less than 2.0 sec, it is set to “B”.
For 2.0 sec or longer, it was set as “C” because it was poor in liquid absorbency.

The result of the third liquid absorption test was used as an index of durable hydrophilicity and expressed in three stages as follows according to the time required for liquid absorption.
[Short fibers are processed through air into non-woven fabric]
If it was 1.5 sec or less, it was set as “A” because it was very excellent in durability hydrophilicity.
If it exceeds 1.5 sec and is less than 2.0 sec, it is set as “B”.
For 2.0 sec or longer, “C” was assigned because it was inferior in durability and hydrophilicity.
[Nonwoven fabric by partial thermocompression bonding by the spunbond method]
If it was 3.0 sec or less, it was determined as “A” because it was very excellent in durability hydrophilicity.
If it exceeds 3.0 sec and less than 4.0 sec, it is set as “B”.
For 4.0 sec or more, it was set as “C” because it was inferior in durability and hydrophilicity.

  About each Example and a comparative example, the conditions which obtained the fiber and the nonwoven fabric using the fiber, and those performances were tested and measured based on the said test and measurement method, and the result of having combined with the following Table 1 and Table 2 is shown. .

The fiber of the present invention has excellent discoloration resistance, liquid absorption and durable hydrophilicity by attaching a fiber treatment agent containing a predetermined amount of an alkyl phosphate metal salt, a trialkylglycine derivative, and a hydroxycarboxylic acid. It is a fiber that has both. In the practice of the present invention, polyoxyalkylene-modified silicone, an ester of an alkylene oxide adduct of hydroxystearic acid glyceride and maleic acid as an active ingredient of the fiber treatment agent, and the hydroxyl group of the ester blocked with a monocarboxylic acid By attaching the prepared compound, better fibers can be provided.
Furthermore, a fiber molded body such as a nonwoven fabric composed of the fibers of the present invention has high liquid absorbency, high durability hydrophilicity, and extremely excellent resistance to discoloration. Therefore, diapers, napkins, incontinence Absorbent articles such as pads, medical hygiene materials such as gowns and surgical clothes, interior materials such as wall sheets, shoji paper and flooring materials, cover cloths, wipers for cleaning, covers for garbage, etc., disposable Toiletries such as toilets and toilet covers, pet sheets, pet diapers, pet supplies such as pet towels, wiping materials, filters, cushion materials, oil adsorbents, industrial materials such as ink tank adsorbents, general medical materials It can be advantageously used for various textile products such as bedding materials and care products.

Claims (4)

It is a fiber mainly composed of at least one thermoplastic resin, and is a fiber to which a fiber treatment agent containing the following component (A), component (B), component (C) and component (D) is attached. The component ratio of each of the component (A), the component (B), and the component (C) is 3% by mass or more and less than 10% by mass based on the active ingredient standard of the fiber treatment agent, and the component ratio of the component (D) Is 40-60 mass%, and the composition ratio (mass%) of the component (A) and the composition ratio (mass%) of the component (C) satisfy the component (C) ≦ component (A). fiber.
Component (A): Alkyl phosphate metal salt having an alkyl group having less than 10 carbon atoms Component (B): Trialkylglycine derivative Component (C): Hydroxycarboxylic acid Component (D): The alkyl group having 10 to 14 carbon atoms Alkyl phosphate metal salt The fiber treatment agent further comprises the following component (E) in a composition ratio of 10 to 20% by mass and component (F) in a composition ratio of 15 to 25% by mass based on the active ingredient standard of the fiber treatment agent. Item 1. The fiber according to Item 1.
Component (E): Polyoxyalkylene-modified silicone Component (F): An ester of an alkylene oxide adduct of hydroxystearic acid glyceride and maleic acid, and the hydroxyl group of the ester is blocked with a monocarboxylic acid having 10 to 22 carbon atoms. Compound   A fiber molded body mainly composed of the fiber according to claim 1.   The fiber molded body according to claim 3, which is a nonwoven fabric.