JP5721746B2 - Hydrophobic hygroscopic exothermic fiber and fiber structure using the same - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a hydrophobized moisture-absorbing exothermic fiber that repels water even when subjected to a large amount of sweat or rain, and maintains a hygroscopic exotherm, and a fiber structure using the same.

  Exothermic fibers using heat generated when adsorbing moisture (adsorption heat) have higher heat retention than conventional fibers, and are often used mainly for sports clothing such as winter clothing and mountain climbing. A typical fiber that generates heat by this heat of adsorption is a highly crosslinked polyacrylate fiber proposed by some of the present inventors (Patent Document 1). This fiber is a fiber obtained by modifying acrylic fiber as a raw material, hydrophilizing the molecule, and at the same time highly cross-linking, and forms a fiber form with high hygroscopicity and suppressed swelling. The exothermic fiber was first used in the skiing batting of the Japanese team at the Winter Olympics held in 1994 in Lillehammer, Norway. Opened (Non-Patent Documents 1 and 2). The present applicants have developed a textile product named “Breath Thermo” (registered trademark), which has been well received today. A general highly crosslinked polyacrylate fiber can be obtained by crosslinking acrylic fiber with hydrazine or the like to suppress swelling when wet and introduce a hydrophilic group. The hydrophilic group can be introduced by hydrolyzing a part of the functional group of the fiber to form a carboxyl group (—COOH) and / or an alkali metal salt type carboxyl group (for example, —COONa).

  After that, proposals of exothermic fibers using heat of moisture adsorption continued, and applied to underwear (Patent Document 2), application to other fibers as well as acrylic fibers (Patent Document 3), and wool to acid Proposal for treatment and hollow heating (Patent Document 4), Proposal for blending acrylic fiber and viscose rayon fiber (Patent Document 5), Polyfunctional amine is introduced into acrylate fiber as a crosslinking agent, and hydrolyzed There is a proposal (Patent Document 6) that generates a carboxyl group and performs a reduction treatment after staining so as to leave this carboxyl group. Patent Document 7 describes that an animal hair protein fiber is oxidized to anionize the fiber surface, and a hydrophobic resin such as an aminoacrylic copolymer resin or an acrylate resin is imparted.

  However, the properties of the exothermic fiber by moisture adsorption of the prior art are inevitably due to the introduction of a large amount of hydrophilic groups and the heat of adsorption generated from the original moisture adsorption properties of cellulosic fibers. Affinity with water increases. Therefore, the fiber becomes easy to get wet with the sweat of the liquid phase (liquid) at the time of sweating, and once it gets wet with rain, heat does not occur, and conversely, the hydrophilic group has the property of not releasing the water of the liquid phase, so it is difficult to dry, On the contrary, there was a problem that the feeling of cooling increased and the comfort was poor. Further, the amount of the hydrophobic resin that has been confirmed by experiments in Patent Document 7 is 10% with respect to the mass of the fiber. There is a problem that the hydrophobic resin falls off in the process and deteriorates the process passability.

Japanese Patent Publication No. 7-59762 JP 2004-52187 A JP 2004-218111 A JP 2010-13791 A JP 2010-216053 A JP 2003-183978 A JP 2003-3374 A

Textile Society edition "Fiber Handbook" 3rd edition, pp. 464-465, Maruzen, December 15, 2004 Journal of the Textile Society of Japan (Vol. 57), pages 320-323, December 2001

  In order to solve the above-mentioned conventional problems, the present invention improves the highly crosslinked polyacrylate fiber that generates heat by moisture adsorption, repels water even when it comes into contact with liquid phase moisture, and adsorbs moisture in the gas phase (vapor). The present invention provides a hydrophobized highly cross-linked polyacrylate fiber having a sustained heat generation, good texture and good spinning process passing properties, and a fiber structure using the same.

The hydrophobized highly cross-linked polyacrylate fiber of the present invention has a carboxyl group and / or a salt-type carboxyl group as a hydrophilic group, and a hydrophobizing agent is added to the highly cross-linked polyacrylate fiber that generates heat by adsorbing moisture in the gas phase. Bonded in the range of 0.2 omf% to 2.5 omf%, it is hydrophobic to liquid phase moisture and repels moisture when in contact with liquid phase moisture, adsorbing gas phase moisture And when it is floated on liquid phase moisture (water) in an atmosphere of temperature 20 ° C. and humidity 45% RH, the duration of heat generation to a temperature of 21 ° C. or higher is 10 minutes or longer. Features.

  The fiber structure of the present invention is characterized in that the hydrophobized highly crosslinked polyacrylate fiber is contained in an amount of 5% by mass or more and less than 100% by mass, and other fibers are contained in an amount of more than 0% by mass and 95% by mass or less.

  The hydrophobized highly cross-linked polyacrylate fiber of the present invention is subject to a large amount of sweat and rain by binding a specific amount of hydrophobizing agent to the highly cross-linked polyacrylate fiber that generates heat by adsorbing moisture in the gas phase. Even if it comes into contact with liquid phase (liquid) moisture, it repels water and continues to absorb moisture. That is, the hydrophobized highly cross-linked polyacrylate fiber of the present invention is hydrophobic with respect to water in the liquid phase. Adsorption and heat generation continues. As a result, it is difficult to cool even when a large amount of sweat or rain is applied, and it absorbs evaporated water (gas phase), changes phase to adsorption heat and generates heat, so that the fiber becomes warm and the warmth lasts longer, so it is comfortable It will be comfortable to wear. Further, by binding the hydrophobizing agent to the fiber in the range of 0.2 omf% or more and 2.5 omf% or less, the texture can be kept good, and the spinning process passability is also good.

FIG. 1 is a partial cross-sectional explanatory view for measuring heat generation due to moisture adsorption by bringing a spun yarn into contact with liquid water in one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a scanning electron microscope (SEM) cross-sectional photograph (magnification of 8000 times) of a hydrophobized highly cross-linked polyacrylate fiber in one embodiment of the present invention, and the distribution of hydrophobizing agents from the surface to the inside at the same time. It is sectional explanatory drawing analyzed and measured.

  The present inventors have worn sports using fibers that generate heat by adsorbing moisture in the past, and have sports that involve mountain climbing and sweating under various conditions. Mountain climbing often sweats a lot and sometimes gets wet in the rain. When wet with a large amount of sweat or rain, conventional heat-generating fibers that adsorb moisture have a problem of cooling. The reason for this is that conventional exothermic fibers that adsorb moisture use the heat of adsorption resulting from the addition of hydrophilic groups and the original properties of cellulosic fibers, so they also have a high affinity for liquid phase moisture. When it comes into contact with water, it absorbs water and gets wet, the heat generation stops, and conversely, the hydrophilic group has the property of not releasing water in the liquid phase. Occurred. In particular, in high mountains, winter mountains, and cold seasons, it was necessary to develop clothing that is less susceptible to cooling due to water absorption and that maintains moisture absorption and heat generation.

  Therefore, the inventors have come up with a fiber material that adsorbs moisture (vapor) in the gas phase but does not adsorb moisture in the liquid phase (liquid). Specifically, (1) In addition to the property of generating heat by adsorbing moisture from the highly cross-linked polyacrylate fiber, (2) Hydrophobizing agent is ionically adsorbed to impart hydrophobicity to liquid phase moisture. Thus, it is a fiber that does not get wet even when it comes into contact with water in the liquid phase, or that is difficult to get wet, and absorbs moisture from gas phase moisture such as vapor or insensitive excretion from the human body and continues to generate heat.

  In the case where hydrophilic fibers are imparted with a level of hydrophobicity that floats on the water surface when they float on the water surface, it is generally difficult to uniformly coat the surface of the fiber with a hydrophobizing agent. Therefore, the conventional technique (for example, Patent Document 7) has solved the problem by increasing the amount of the hydrophobizing agent applied to 10% by mass. However, increasing the applied amount causes stickiness of the fiber and the hydrophobizing agent having a film-forming property causes inter-fiber adhesion, and not only the texture is bad, but also increases the passability and (process) load in the subsequent process (for example, spinning) sex).

  Even when the surface of the highly cross-linked polyacrylate fiber is hydrophobized, if there is a portion where the fiber surface is highly hydrophilic and the hydrophobizing agent is not attached, the surface does not reach the surface floating level. Therefore, an excessive hydrophobizing agent is required, which causes problems such as stickiness and adhesion.

  As a preferred example, the present inventors select a cationic hydrophobic agent that ionically adsorbs to the salt-type carboxyl group (hydrophilic group) present on the surface of the highly crosslinked polyacrylate fiber, and the hydrophilic group is hydrophobic. It was found that the agent molecules can be ionically adsorbed and uniformly hydrophobized in a small amount. Moreover, since the hydrophobizing agent molecule | numerator was fixed by the ionic adsorption coupling | bonding, it also discovered that durability was also high.

  In addition, the present inventors can maintain a good texture when the hydrophobizing agent is bonded to the highly crosslinked polyacrylate fiber in a limited range of 0.2 omf% to 2.5 omf%, and It was found that the spinning processability was good.

1. About the highly cross-linked polyacrylate-based fiber The reason why the highly cross-linked polyacrylate-based fiber is selected in the present invention is that the heat of adsorption is higher than other fibers as shown in Table 1 (reprinted from Non-Patent Document 1).

(Remarks) Values measured using a C80 calorimeter under conditions of absolutely dry to 25 ° C. and 80.5% RH (Table 3 and 14 on page 465 of Non-Patent Document 1 above, but for cotton, calorie unit) Is indicated by cal and corrected in terms of J / g).

  The highly cross-linked polyacrylate fiber used in the present invention is a fiber in which the fiber is superhydrophilic and highly cross-linked by modification of acrylic fiber, and is a fiber having a carboxyl group and / or a salt-type carboxyl group as a hydrophilic group. As another example of the hydrophilic group, a sulfonic acid group and / or a sulfonic acid group may be used.

  Examples of such highly crosslinked polyacrylate fibers include “MOISCARE” (trade name) manufactured by Toyobo Co., Ltd. and “Sunburner” (trade name) manufactured by Toho Textile Co., Ltd.

2. About Hydrophobicity The fiber of the present invention does not sink in water for more than 10 minutes when the opened fiber is dropped into still water. That is, by its own weight, it does not sink in water for 10 minutes or more, preferably 20 minutes or more, more preferably 30 minutes or more, particularly preferably 60 minutes or more. By imparting this hydrophobicity, the fiber of the present invention continues to absorb moisture and generate heat even when subjected to a large amount of sweat or rain, and is warm, has high heat retention, and is comfortable to wear.

  The fiber of the present invention repels water with respect to liquid phase moisture, and moisture in the gas phase (vapor) absorbs heat to generate heat, in an atmosphere of temperature 20 ° C. and humidity 45% RH (RH is relative humidity). When the liquid phase moisture (water) floats, the duration of heat generation to a temperature of 21 ° C. or higher is preferably 10 minutes or longer. More preferably, the duration of heat generation at a temperature of 21 ° C. or more is 20 minutes or more, more preferably 30 minutes or more, and particularly preferably 60 minutes or more.

  A method for hydrophobizing the highly crosslinked polyacrylate fiber will be described. In order to make the highly crosslinked polyacrylate fiber hydrophobic, a hydrophobic substance is ionically adsorbed to the highly crosslinked polyacrylate fiber. For example, fluorine is bonded by bringing fluorine gas into contact with the surface of the highly crosslinked polyacrylate fiber. Alternatively, it is expressed by combining a hydrophobizing agent containing a fluorine-containing compound, a silicone compound, a fluorine-containing silicone compound or a hydrocarbon compound. A hydrophobizing agent is a compound that hydrophobizes a partner substance, for example, a water repellent.

  The fiber of the present invention has hydrophilic functional groups in the side chains, and the hydrophobizing agent is preferably bonded to these functional groups. This is because even if washing is repeated, the hydrophobicity is not lowered. Examples of fluorine hydrophobizing agents that can be used in the present invention include commercially available “Asahi Guard GS10” (trade name) (manufactured by Asahi Glass Co., Ltd., fluorine hydrophobizing agent emulsion), “NK Guard FGN700T” (trade name), “NK Guard NDN7000 "(trade name) (both made by Nikka Chemical Co., Ltd., fluorine-based hydrophobic emulsion). Examples of the modified silicone hydrophobizing agent include an epoxy-modified silicone hydrophobizing agent and a cationic amino-modified silicone hydrophobizing agent. As a commercial product, “X-22-9002” (trade name, both ends of side chain) Type epoxy-modified silicone), “X-22-163A” (trade name, both-end-type epoxy-modified silicone) “KF-8012” (trade name, both-terminal amino-modified silicone), manufactured by Shin-Etsu Silicone Co., Ltd. is there. As a cationic fluorine-containing silicone compound, there are commercially available products, “NK Guard S-07” and “NK Guard S-09”, manufactured by Nikka Chemical Co., Ltd. As cationic fluorine compounds, commercially available products such as “AG-E061” (trade name), “AG-E081” (trade name), “AG-E082” (trade name), “AG-E092” (trade name), “AG-E500D” (trade name) (both manufactured by Asahi Glass Co., Ltd., cationic fluorine-based hydrophobic emulsion), “As a cationic hydrocarbon compound, high melting point wax emulsion: manufactured by Nikka Chemical Co., Ltd., product name“ TH -44 ".

  Among these, at least one hydrophobizing agent selected from a cationic fluorine-containing silicone compound, a cationic fluorine-containing compound, a cationic amino-modified silicone compound, and a cationic hydrocarbon compound is preferable. This is because the highly cross-linked polyacrylate fiber used in the present invention is a fiber having a salt-type carboxyl group as a hydrophilic group, for example, -COONa group as described above. This is because it is easily ionically bonded to the group. In particular, cationic fluorine-containing silicone compounds are preferred. Examples of the cationic fluorine-containing silicone compound include compounds containing a fluoroalkyl group, a silicone group (organosilicon group), and a cation group such as a quaternary ammonium salt. Another example is an aqueous emulsion prepared by mixing a cationic surfactant with a compound containing a fluoroalkyl group and a silicone group (organosilicon group).

  These hydrophobizing agents are preferably attached to the fiber in a state dispersed in water. The fibers can be contacted by a method of immersing the fibers in a treatment solution, sprayed on the fibers, or padded, and then bonded and fixed by heat treatment with a cure set.

  The binding amount of the hydrophobizing agent is 0.2 to 2.5 mass% (mass% is also referred to as omf%. Omf is an abbreviation for on the mass of fiber), preferably 0.22 to 2.5 mass%. 2.0 omf%. Within the above range, the fiber repels water even when it comes into contact with liquid phase moisture, adsorbs moisture in the gas phase (steam), maintains heat generation, has a good texture, and has good spinning process permeability. . When the binding amount of the hydrophobizing agent is less than 0.2% by mass, it is difficult to obtain preferable hydrophobicity, and when it exceeds 2.5% by mass, both the texture and the spinning process passability are lowered.

  The treatment with the hydrophobizing agent of the present invention may be performed in a fiber cotton state, but may be performed in a yarn state, or may be performed in a fabric (woven fabric, knitted fabric, non-woven fabric) state. As the hydrophobizing treatment method, a commonly used treatment method such as dipping, padding, printing or the like can be adopted.

3. Mass increase rate due to water absorption (water absorption rate)
The hydrophobized moisture-absorbing exothermic fiber of the present invention preferably has a moisture adhesion amount of 400% or less of its own weight when the opened fiber is dropped into still water. Conventional highly cross-linked polyacrylate fibers have a high affinity for moisture, and some of them have a water absorption rate exceeding 400% of their own weight. However, the water absorption rate can be lowered by the hydrophobization treatment of the present invention. Lowering the water absorption rate has the advantage of making it easier to dry.

4). Combined use with softeners Depending on the type and processing conditions of the hydrophobic agent, the texture of the fiber may become coarse and hard, and in such cases, it may be used in combination with a softener. Any known softening agent can be used. For example, as a commercial product, there is a product name “May Silicone SF” (amino-modified silicone) manufactured by Meisei Chemical Co., Ltd. The adhesion amount of the softening agent is preferably 0.01 to 2.00 omf%, more preferably 0.1 to 1.0 omf%.

5). Hygroscopicity The hydrophobized highly crosslinked polyacrylate fiber of the present invention has a high property of absorbing gaseous moisture. In other words, it exhibits hygroscopicity in substantially the same manner as that not subjected to hydrophobic processing. As an example, the moisture absorption rate in an atmosphere having a temperature of 20 ° C. and a relative humidity of 65% is preferably 21.6% or more and 61.8% or less of its own weight. When the moisture absorption rate is high, it is easy to absorb vapor in the vapor phase during sweating, and comfort is good.

6). Mixing with other fibers The hydrophobized highly crosslinked polyacrylate fiber of the present invention may be 5 to 100% by mass, and the other fibers may be 0 to 95% by mass. Other fibers include polyester, polyolefin, nylon, polypropylene, rayon (manufactured by Lenzing, including "Tencel"), cupra, acetate, ethylene vinyl alcohol (example: Kuraray, "Sofista"), It may be any fiber such as cotton (cotton), hemp, silk, animal fiber represented by wool (wool), general acrylic fiber, and highly crosslinked polyacrylate fiber. Includes stuffing like feathers.

For example, the following method can be used for mixing with other fibers.
(1) Blending: Blending is a blending of two or more fibers at the cotton stage. For example, blending with mixed cotton, card, strips, sliver and the like. Used mainly for uniform mixing of spun yarn, non-woven fabric, and stuffed cotton.
(2) Combined yarn: Combined yarn is a mixture of two or more yarns twisted together. For example, in the case of twin yarn, it is a mixture in which the fiber yarn of the present invention and other fiber yarns are twisted together. Used for twisting spun yarns, spun yarns and filament yarns, and filament yarns.
(3) Mixed fiber: Mixed fiber is used when mixing single fibers of filament yarns.
(4) Interweaving: Interwoven is a mixture when a plurality of types of yarns constituting a woven fabric are used to form a woven fabric. For example, the warp and the weft may be different types, or a plurality of warps and wefts may be used.
(5) Knit: Knit is a mixture when multiple types of yarn are used when manufacturing a knitted fabric.
(6) A plurality of laminated fiber layers are mixed by needle punching and hydroentanglement in the production of a nonwoven fabric.

7). Fiber Structure A fiber structure containing the hydrophobized highly crosslinked polyacrylate fiber of the present invention will be described. The fiber structure of the present invention preferably contains 5% by mass or more of the fiber of the present invention. More preferably, it is mixed with other fibers. The other fibers are as described above. The reason why it is preferable to mix with other fibers is to maintain the liquid phase moisture in the other fibers when wetted with a large amount of sweat or rain, and to keep the moisture absorption heat generation of the fibers of the present invention. If it does in this way, although it will be in the wet state as a whole fiber, since the hygroscopic heat_generation | fever of the fiber of this invention continues, a fiber is warm, heat retention is high, and comfort becomes favorable.

  For example, when using a polyester fiber that has been water-absorbing and quick-drying as other fibers, the moisture absorption heat generation effect of the fiber of the present invention can be obtained because the polyester fiber absorbs and dries liquid water quickly against a large amount of sweat or rain. As a result, evaporative cooling is less likely to occur and the temperature becomes warmer. Furthermore, as a synergistic effect, the heat generation persistence of the fiber of the present invention also promotes the (water absorption) drying property of the polyester fiber itself, resulting in faster drying and better comfort.

  As the fiber structure of the present invention, a yarn, a woven fabric, a knitted fabric, a non-woven fabric or a stuffing is preferable. In the case of stuffing, it may be used by mixing with feathers. Furthermore, as the fiber structure, clothes, hats, ear hooks, mufflers, gloves, socks, sleeping bags, futons, pillows, cushions, blankets, rugs, carpets, and materials related to housing-related floor materials, wall materials, tatami mats, etc. Also mentioned. It is especially suitable for sportswear such as clothing, mountain climbing and skiing in cold weather. Clothing includes underwear, underwear, shirts, jumpers, sweaters, pants, jackets, windbreakers, training wear, rainwear, tights, stomachbands, mufflers, hats, gloves, socks, and ear pads.

  In the fiber structure of the present invention, one end of the structure is immersed in still water at a temperature of 20 ° C. for 2 minutes and 30 seconds, and is not vaporized or cooled by subsequent thermography measurement, or exceeds 0 ° C. and is −1.2 ° C. or less. Is preferred. This shows that it is hard to get wet, and there is little cold feeling at the time of wear, and comfort is acquired.

  The present invention will be specifically described below with reference to examples. The present invention is not limited to the following examples.

<Measurement method>
1. Measuring method of moisture absorption exothermic test of raw cotton (1) The opened raw cotton and water were left in an indoor environment at a temperature of 20 ° C. and 45% RH for 2 hours or more. Thereby, the moisture absorption of the raw cotton was terminated in the measurement environment. The water was kept at room temperature so that the temperature did not fluctuate during the test.
(2) 16 g of water was placed in a petri dish having a diameter of 75 mm.
(3) 1 g of raw cotton was taken out.
(4) Grasping raw cotton with tweezers and placing it on petri dish water.
(5) Thermal history was measured with a thermography (for example, product name “H2630” manufactured by NEC Avio Infrared Technology Co., Ltd.).
(6) Observation was made until the end of heat generation at intervals of 5 seconds, the heat generation was photographed with a camera, and the data was stored in a personal computer. At the end of heat generation, the maximum temperature of the sample was less than 21 ° C.
(7) Under the above conditions (analyzing the results of thermography measurement), the duration of heat generation was measured in an indoor environment at a temperature of 20 ° C. and a humidity of 45% RH.

2. Measuring method of mass increase rate (water absorption rate) The mass increase rate (water absorption rate) of a sample with constant contact time with water and mass was measured. The measurement method is as follows.
(1) 1 g of the opened raw cotton was weighed (A).
(2) In an indoor environment at a temperature of 20 ° C. and a humidity of 45% RH, 200 g of water was put into a 300 cc beaker, and the raw cotton was floated on the water surface. The judgment was as follows.
Float: The one that floated during the fever duration.
Semi-sink: The fiber partly sinks in the water during the fever duration, but floats as a whole.
Sink: The entire fiber sinks within the duration of the fever. The time to sink was measured.
(3) After 1 minute, the entire amount was transferred to a net to remove excess water.
(4) After 1 minute, the mass was measured (B), and the mass increase rate (water absorption rate) was calculated from the following formula.
Mass increase rate (water absorption rate) = (B−A) × 100 / A

3. Measurement of the rise and fall of the fiber After the exothermic measurement (analysis of the thermographic measurement result), the state of the rise and fall of the sample was observed.

4). Measuring method of moisture absorption exothermic test of spun yarn (1) Measurement was performed by the method shown in FIG. 160 spun yarns 1 were bundled to a width of about 100 mm, and the mass was measured (A). Both ends were sandwiched between clips 2 and 3, one end was sandwiched with a rod 4, and the other end was suspended downward using clip 3 as a weight. A beaker 5 containing water 6 was placed underneath, and the beaker 5 was lowered in the water 6 until the end of the spun yarn 1 on the clip 3 side was immersed 1 cm.
(2) Environmental conditions and thermographic measurement conditions are the same as in the case of the raw cotton. The specimen mass (B) after completion of the test was measured. The mass increase rate (water absorption rate) was calculated from the following formula.
Mass increase rate (water absorption rate) = (B−A) × 100 / A
Further, in the case of spun yarn, the temperature during vaporization cooling is shown in Table 3. This evaporative cooling temperature is a temperature based on an environmental temperature of 20 ° C.

5). Method of measuring moisture absorption About 5.0 g of the sample was dried with a hot air dryer at 105 ° C. for 16 hours, and the mass was measured (a). Next, the sample was placed in a thermo-hygrostat adjusted to a temperature of 20 ° C., 45% RH, 65% RH or 95% RH for 24 hours. The mass of the sample thus absorbed was measured (b). From the above measurement results, calculation was performed according to the following equation.
Moisture absorption [%] = {(b−a) / a} × 100

6). Measuring method of average temperature The average temperature of the entire sample surface from the water surface at the time of 2 minutes 30 seconds to the upper clip 2 was measured by thermography.

7). Quantitative test of binding amount of hydrophobizing agent to fiber The cationic hydrophobic agent used in this example (eg, cationic fluorine-containing silicone compound) is selectively ion-adsorbed to salt-type carboxyl groups on the surface of highly crosslinked polyacrylate fibers. Therefore, the difference in the abundance was calculated by the following equation to obtain the binding amount.
(Abundance of hydrophobic agent in emulsion before fiber immersion)-(Abundance in emulsion after fiber immersion) = (fiber adsorption)
(Note: The abundance of the hydrophobic agent is calculated by concentration (mass%) × liquid volume. The concentration was determined by gravimetric analysis.)

8). Hand touch It was touched by sensory test and evaluated by touch, and it was examined whether it was soft or hard.

9. Spinning process passability When the raw cotton was opened with a card to form a web, and a spun yarn was produced by a drawing, roving and ring spinning process, it was determined whether each process would pass smoothly. If the process passability is not good, practical production is difficult. Evaluation was performed as follows.
A There is no problem in passing through the spinning process. B There is a problem in passing through the spinning process, and actual production is impossible.

Example 1
1. Highly crosslinked polyacrylate fibers Highly crosslinked polyacrylate fibers having salt-type carboxyl groups of 3.1 mmol / g, 4.8 mmol / g, and 7.7 mmol / g are produced according to a known method described in JP-A-5-132858. did.
2. Hydrophobic processing The following hydrophobizing agents were used. The hydrophobic processing is also described.
(1) Experiment numbers 1-1 to 1-4, 1-8 to 1-9
As a cationic fluorosilicone hydrophobic agent, a product name “S-09” manufactured by Nikka Chemical Co., Ltd. was used as an emulsion aqueous solution. After being immersed in the aqueous emulsion, it was dehydrated with a dehydrator, dried at 105 ° C. for 30 minutes, and cured at 170 ° C. for 30 minutes.
(2) Experiment number 1-5
As the cationic amino-modified silicone, a trade name “KF-8012” manufactured by Shin-Etsu Silicone Co., Ltd. was used as an emulsion aqueous solution. The fibers were immersed, dehydrated with a dehydrator, dried at 105 ° C. for 30 minutes, and cured at 170 ° C. for 30 minutes.
(3) Experiment number 1-6
As a cationic high melting point wax, a product name “TH-44” manufactured by Nikka Chemical Co., Ltd. was used as an emulsion aqueous solution. The fibers were immersed, dehydrated with a dehydrator, dried at 105 ° C. for 30 minutes, and cured at 170 ° C. for 30 minutes.
(4) Experiment number 1-7
It was set as the fiber which is not hydrophobized (untreated product).

  Various measurements were performed on the fibers obtained as described above. The measurement results are summarized in Table 2 below.

  From Table 2, the fibers of Experiment Nos. 1-1 to 1-6 repel water even when they come into contact with liquid phase moisture, continue to absorb moisture, and have a low rate of water increase even when contacted with liquid phase moisture. In addition, it was also confirmed that the moisture absorption rate in an atmosphere at a temperature of 20 ° C. and a humidity of 65% RH was 26.1% to 61.8% of its own weight. Moreover, the fiber during the exothermic duration on water floated and did not sink. Experiment numbers 1-6 were “half-sinked” but did not sink. Experiment Nos. 1-1, 1-2, 1-5 to 1-7 have the same salt-type carboxyl group concentration, and the type and binding amount of the cationic hydrophobizing agent are different, but the moisture absorption rate is untreated fiber (experimental No significant difference from No. 1-7). Next, the amount of heat generated by moisture absorption was measured. The measurement conditions were that the sample was vacuum-dried at 80 ° C. for 6 hours, and then the moisture absorption calorific value was measured when left in an environment of 25 ° C. and 95% RH. The moisture absorption calorific value of the fiber of Experiment No. 1-2 was 2037 J / g, and Experiment No. 1-7 (untreated fiber) was 2168 J / g. The physical properties did not change even after repeated home washing.

  FIG. 2 is a scanning electron microscope (SEM) cross-sectional photograph (magnification of 8000 times) of the hydrophobized highly cross-linked polyacrylate fiber of Experiment No. 1-1, with multiple points for measuring the distribution of the hydrophobizing agent from the surface to the inside. It is sectional explanatory drawing when an elemental analysis is implemented. The elemental analysis method is based on energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX) attached to SEM. After repeating home washing, the elemental analysis of each area was performed by dividing the cross-sectional direction of the hydrophobized fiber into 10 equal parts. The element F was 11.89% by mass in the No. 1 area and 2.84% by mass in the No. 10 area. The other area was zero mass%, and the Si element was 1.02 mass% in the No. 1 area, 0.34 mass% in the No. 10 area, and zero mass% in the other areas. From this, it was confirmed that the cationic fluorine-containing silicone compound was fixed on the fiber surface.

(Example 2)
30% by mass of fibers of all the experiment numbers of Example 1 and 70% by mass of polyethylene terephthalate fiber (PET cotton, single fiber fineness: 1.1 dtex, fiber length: 35 mm) were mixed with a card device, and a normal ring spinning device In this way, a 40-meter spun yarn was produced by applying Z twist (890 times / m). Experiments corresponding to the fibers of Experiment Nos. 1-1 to 1-9 are designated as Experiment Nos. 2-1 to 2-9. Various measurement results of the spun yarn obtained as described above are summarized in Table 3 below.

  From Table 3, the spun yarns of Experiment Nos. 2-1 to 2-6 repel water even when they come into contact with the liquid phase moisture, continue to absorb moisture and have no evaporative cooling, or at -1.2 ° C. Yes, it was confirmed to be lower than the comparative product. It was also confirmed that the moisture increase rate was low even when it was in contact with liquid phase moisture. These physical properties did not change even after repeated home washing. In Experiment Nos. 2-8 and 2-9, a dropout occurred in the spinning process, and no spun yarn was obtained.

(Example 3)
1. Highly crosslinked polyacrylate fiber A highly crosslinked polyacrylate fiber having a salt-type carboxyl group content of 4.8 mmol / g was produced according to a known method described in JP-A-5-132858.
2. Hydrophobic processing The following hydrophobizing agents were used. The hydrophobic processing is also described.
(1) Experiment number 3-1
As the side chain double-ended epoxy-modified silicone that is a hydrophobizing agent, Shin-Etsu Silicone Co., Ltd., trade name “X-22-9002” was used as an emulsion aqueous solution. The fibers were immersed, dehydrated with a dehydrator, dried at 105 ° C. for 30 minutes, and cured at 170 ° C. for 30 minutes.
(2) Experiment numbers 3-2 to 3-3
The treatment was performed in the same manner as in Experiment No. 3-1, except that a product name “KF-8012” manufactured by Shin-Etsu Silicone Co., Ltd., was used as the cation type both-end type amino-modified silicone as the hydrophobizing agent.
(3) Experiment number 3-4
The treatment was performed in the same manner as in Experiment No. 3-1, except that an emulsion of Asahi Guard AG-E082 (trade name) manufactured by Asahi Glass Co., Ltd. was used as the hydrophobizing agent.
(4) Experiment number 3-5
The treatment was performed in the same manner as in Experiment No. 3-1, except that a trade name “S-09” (cationic fluorosilicone hydrophobic agent) manufactured by Nikka Chemical Co., Ltd. was used as the hydrophobizing agent.
(5) Experiment number 3-6
Fibers that were not hydrophobized (untreated) were used.

  Various measurements were performed on the fibers obtained as described above. The measurement results are summarized in Table 4 below.

  From Table 4, the fibers of Experiment Nos. 3-1 to 3-5 repel water even when they come into contact with water in the liquid phase, and the moisture absorption heat generation continues. It was also confirmed that the moisture absorption rate in an atmosphere at a temperature of 20 ° C. and a humidity of 45% RH was 20% or more of its own weight. Moreover, the fiber during the exothermic duration on water floated and did not sink. Experiment number 3-2 was “half-sinking” but did not sink. These physical properties did not change even after repeated home washing.

Example 4
30% by mass of the fibers of Experiment Nos. 3-1 to 3-6 of Example 3 and 70% by mass of polyethylene terephthalate fiber (single fiber fineness: 1.1 dtex, fiber length: 35 mm) were blended with a card device, A 40-meter spun yarn was produced by applying Z twist (890 times / m) with a ring spinning device. Experiments corresponding to the fibers of experiment numbers 3-1 to 3-6 are designated as experiment numbers 4-1 to 4-6. Various measurement results of the spun yarn obtained as described above are summarized in Table 5 below.

  From Table 5, the spun yarns of Experiment Nos. 4-1 to 4-5 repel water even when they come into contact with liquid phase moisture, continue to absorb moisture and have no evaporative cooling, or at -1.2 ° C. Yes, it was confirmed to be lower than the comparative product. It was also confirmed that the moisture increase rate was low even when it was in contact with liquid phase moisture. These physical properties did not change even after repeated home washing.

1 Spinning yarn 2, 3 Clip 4 Stick 5 Beaker 6 Water

Claims (9)

A highly crosslinked polyacrylate fiber that has a carboxyl group and / or a salt-type carboxyl group as a hydrophilic group and generates heat by adsorbing moisture in the gas phase.
Hydrophobizing agent is bound in the range of 0.2 omf% to 2.5 omf%, is hydrophobic to liquid phase moisture, and repels moisture even when in contact with liquid phase moisture. Adsorbs moisture and generates moisture,
Hydrophobized highly cross-linked polyacrylate fiber that has a duration of heat generation of 21 ° C. or more and a duration of 10 minutes or more when floated on liquid phase moisture (water) in an atmosphere of temperature 20 ° C. and humidity 45% RH.   The hydrophobicity is such that at least one hydrophobizing agent selected from a cationic fluorine-containing silicone compound, a cationic fluorine-containing compound, a cationic amino-modified silicone compound, and a cationic hydrocarbon compound is ion-adsorbed on the surface of the highly crosslinked polyacrylate fiber. The hydrophobized highly cross-linked polyacrylate fiber according to claim 1 expressed by bonding.   The hydrophobized highly crosslinked polyacrylate fiber according to claim 1, wherein the hydrophobicity is expressed by bonding at least one hydrophobizing agent selected from fluorine and an epoxy-modified silicone compound to the surface of the highly crosslinked polyacrylate fiber.   The hydrophobized highly cross-linked polyacrylate fiber according to any one of claims 1 to 3, which does not sink in water for 10 minutes or more when the hydrophobized highly cross-linked polyacrylate fiber is opened and dropped in still water.   The hydrophobized highly crosslinked polyacrylate fiber according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein when the opened fiber is dropped into still water, the amount of water adhesion is 400% or less of its own weight. Polyacrylate fiber.   6. The hydrophobized highly crosslinked polyacrylate fiber has a moisture absorption rate of 21.6% to 61.8% of its own weight in an atmosphere of a temperature of 20 ° C. and a humidity of 65% RH. The hydrophobized highly cross-linked polyacrylate fiber described in 1.   A fiber structure comprising the hydrophobized highly crosslinked polyacrylate fiber according to any one of claims 1 to 6 in an amount of 5% by mass to less than 100% by mass, and other fibers in excess of 0% by mass and 95% by mass or less.   The fiber structure according to claim 7, wherein the fiber structure is a yarn, a woven fabric, a knitted fabric, a nonwoven fabric or a stuffing. The thermostructural measurement after immersing the fiber structure in still water at a temperature of 20 ° C for 2 minutes and 30 seconds, there is no evaporative cooling, or the temperature during evaporative cooling is less than 0 ° C-1.2 ° C or higher. The fiber structure according to 1.