TWI557286B - Nonwoven and nonwoven fabric manufacturing methods - Google Patents

Description

Non-woven fabric and manufacturing method of the non-woven fabric

The present invention relates to a nonwoven fabric having good air permeability in a planar direction and a thickness direction, and having high water absorbability and quick-drying property, and a method of producing the nonwoven fabric.

Non-woven fabrics are used for articles such as absorbent articles (such as physiological products and disposable diapers), cleaning products (such as rags), and medical articles (such as masks), which are used for use or use suitable for products. Non-woven fabric for the performance of parts, etc.

For example, the absorbent article must be a non-woven fabric that does not cause a foreign body sensation to the user, and that stretches and contracts with the movement of the body at the time of wearing or use. In addition, the disposable diaper must have a non-woven fabric which has high stretchability and has strength which does not break when stretched, and which is excellent in skin contact property and gas permeability.

In the non-woven fabric having good gas permeability, Patent Document 1 discloses that the first layer and the second layer adjacent to the first layer are provided, and the first layer and the second layer are bonded by a joint portion of a predetermined pattern. In the partial joining, the first layer is formed into a three-dimensional three-dimensional shape between the joint portions, and the second layer is formed of a material exhibiting an elastomer-like property, and the sheet as a whole exhibits an elastomer-like property and has a gas permeable three-dimensional sheet material. In the three-dimensional sheet material described in Patent Document 1, the fibers constituting the second layer are heat-treated at a temperature higher than the temperature at which heat shrinkage is started, and the second layer is shrunk, thereby exhibiting a three-dimensional structure.

[Advanced technical literature] [Patent Literature]

[Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2002-187228

However, the three-dimensional sheet material described in Patent Document 1 shrinks the second layer and exhibits a three-dimensional structure. Therefore, although the sheet material has good gas permeability in the planar direction, it tends to have poor gas permeability in the thickness direction. Further, since the three-dimensional sheet material described in Patent Document 1 shrinks the second layer, the fiber density of the second layer is high, and the stretchability is easily hindered, and the portion relating to the quick-drying property is not mentioned.

Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide a nonwoven fabric which is excellent in skin contact property and stretchability, has good air permeability in a planar direction and a thickness direction, and has high water absorbability and quick-drying property, and a method of producing the nonwoven fabric.

In order to solve the above problems, the inventors of the present invention have found that the above problems can be solved by the following non-woven fabric, and the nonwoven fabric comprises a nonwoven fabric of extensible fibers and stretchable fibers, and is characterized in that: The nonwoven fabric includes: a first surface having a plurality of convex portions and a plurality of concave portions; and a second surface located on a side opposite to the first surface; and a ratio of the elongating fibers of the convex portion of the first surface to an elongation of the concave portion of the first surface The ratio of the fibers is higher, and the nonwoven fabric is coated with a hydrophilizing agent, or the extensible fiber and the stretchable fiber contain a hydrophilizing agent, and the non-woven fabric has a water absorption property. The test showed a water absorption of a water absorption height of 10 mm or more, and a quick-drying property of an evapotranspiration rate of 20% by mass or more in the evapotranspiration test.

In particular, the invention relates to the following aspects.

[Scenario 1]

A non-woven fabric comprising: a non-woven fabric of an extensible fiber and a stretchable fiber, wherein the nonwoven fabric comprises: a first surface having a plurality of convex portions and a plurality of concave portions; and a second surface located on a side opposite to the first surface; The ratio of the elongating fibers in the convex portion of the first surface is higher than the ratio of the elongating fibers in the concave portion of the first surface, and the non-woven fabric is coated with a hydrophilizing agent, or the elongating fiber and the elastic fiber contain a hydrophilizing agent. The non-woven fabric has a water absorbing property of a water absorption height of 10 mm or more in a water absorption test, and a quick-drying property of exhibiting an evapotranspiration rate of 20% by mass or more in a transpiration test.

[Surface 2]

The non-woven fabric according to aspect 1, wherein the second surface has a plurality of convex portions and concave portions, and the ratio of the elongating fibers of the convex portions of the second surface is higher than the ratio of the elongating fibers of the concave portions of the second surface. .

[Surface 3]

The non-woven fabric according to aspect 2, comprising: one or a plurality of opening portions that connect the concave portion of the first surface to the concave portion of the second surface.

[Surface 4]

The non-woven fabric according to any one of the aspects 1 to 3, wherein the non-woven fabric is coated with a hydrophilizing agent and the extensible fiber contains a hydrophilizing agent.

[Surface 5]

The non-woven fabric according to any one of the aspects 1 to 4, wherein the water absorption height in the water absorption test is 18 mm or more.

[Figure 6]

The non-woven fabric according to any one of the aspects 1 to 5, wherein the evapotranspiration test has an evapotranspiration ratio of 40% by mass or more.

[Stage 7]

The non-woven fabric according to any one of the aspects 1 to 6, wherein the air permeability in the thickness direction is 400 m ³ /m ² /min or more, and the air permeability in the planar direction is 5 m ³ /m ² /min or more.

[Surface 8]

The non-woven fabric according to any one of the aspects 1 to 7, wherein the material of the extensible fiber is made of polyolefin, polystyrene, polyester, polyamide, polyurethane, polylactic acid, and the like. Choose among the groups that make up.

[Surface 9]

The non-woven fabric according to any one of the aspects 1 to 8, wherein the material of the stretchable fiber is a polyurethane elastomer, a polystyrene elastomer, a polyolefin elastomer, or a polyamide elastomer. Selected from the group consisting of polyester elastomers and combinations of these.

[Surface 10]

The non-woven fabric according to any one of the aspects 1 to 9, wherein the hydrophilizing agent is composed of an anionic hydrophilizing agent, a cationic hydrophilizing agent, a nonionic hydrophilizing agent, and the like. Select from the group.

[Stage 11]

A non-woven fabric manufacturing method for manufacturing the non-woven fabric according to any one of the aspects 1 to 10, the method comprising: preparing a non-woven fabric to be treated comprising an extensible fiber and a stretchable fiber; The above-mentioned non-woven fabric containing the extensible fiber and the stretchable fiber is unevenly extended in such a manner as to form a non-woven fabric having a high elongation range and a low elongation range; and the solution containing the hydrophilizing agent is coated on the above-mentioned having a high elongation a step of non-woven fabric having a range and a low elongation range; and a non-woven fabric coated with a hydrophilizing agent and having a high elongation range and a low elongation range, disposed on the support body, and sprayed by the sprayed fluid, thereby being processed The step of forming the non-woven fabric according to any one of the aspects 1 to 7.

[Surface 12]

The method of aspect 11, wherein the step of unevenly extending is performed by using a pair of gear rolls having an axis of rotation orthogonal to the conveying direction to be disposed outside the gear rolls The plurality of teeth of the surface are rotated while being engaged with each other, and the nonwoven fabric containing the extensible fibers and the stretchable fibers are passed through the gap between the pair of gear rolls.

[Stage 13]

The method according to aspect 11 or 12, wherein the hydrophilizing agent solution is an aqueous solution of a hydrophilizing agent.

[Stage 14]

The method according to any one of aspects 11 to 13, wherein the flow system is selected from the group consisting of air, water vapor, and water.

The non-woven fabric comprising the extensible fiber and the stretchable fiber of the present invention has good gas permeability in the planar direction and the thickness direction, and has high water absorbability and quick-drying property.

The non-woven fabric containing the extensible fiber and the stretchable fiber of the present invention is also excellent in skin contact property and stretchability.

[Formation of the Invention]

Hereinafter, the nonwoven fabric comprising the extensible fiber and the stretchable fiber of the present invention, and a method of producing the nonwoven fabric will be described in detail.

[Non-woven fabric comprising extensible fibers and stretchable fibers of the present invention]

Fig. 1 is a schematic view showing one embodiment of a non-woven fabric comprising an extensible fiber and a stretchable fiber of the present invention. The non-woven fabric 1 including the extensible fiber and the stretchable fiber of the present invention shown in Fig. 1 has a plurality of convex portions 3 and a plurality of concave portions 4 on the first surface 2. In the nonwoven fabric 1 including the extensible fiber and the stretchable fiber of the present invention shown in Fig. 1, the convex portion 3 contains a large amount of the extensible fiber EX, and the concave portion 4 contains a large amount of the stretchable fiber EL, so that the elongation of the convex portion 3 is increased. The ratio of the fibers is higher than the ratio of the extensible fibers of the recess 4. Further, in the nonwoven fabric 1 including the extensible fiber and the stretchable fiber shown in Fig. 1, the convex portion 3 and the concave portion 4 are parallel to the first direction A, and are alternately arranged in a direction orthogonal to the first direction A.

In addition, the nonwoven fabric containing the extensible fiber and the stretchable fiber of the present invention will be referred to as "non-woven fabric of the present invention" hereinafter.

In the embodiment shown in Fig. 1, in the convex portion 3, the extensible fiber EX has an orientation along the first direction A, and in the concave portion 4, the stretchable fiber EL does not have an alignment property. Further, although the embodiment shown in Fig. 1 is not shown, the extensible fiber EX is oriented in the thickness direction of the nonwoven fabric 1. Further, in the convex portion 3, the density of fibers tends to be higher than in other places. The alignment in the thickness direction and the density of the fibers will be described in connection with the method for producing the nonwoven fabric of the present invention.

Further, Fig. 1 does not show a hydrophilizing agent.

Here, the "ratio of the extensible fiber" means the mass ratio of the extensible fiber with respect to all the fibers in this place. The ratio is not particularly limited as long as it can estimate the mass ratio of the extensible fibers, and can be measured by any method. However, the following solvent method is exemplified as an example.

(1) The fiber of the convex portion of the first surface was taken from the nonwoven fabric of the present invention, and the mass thereof was measured.

(2) The obtained fiber is dissolved in a solvent capable of dissolving one of the extensible fiber or the stretchable fiber, and allowed to stand for a fixed period of time, for example, 30 minutes.

(3) The solution is filtered, and the residual fibers are washed as necessary, and then the residual fibers are dried.

(4) The dry mass of the residual fiber was measured, and the mass ratio of the fiber was calculated.

The solvent may be appropriately selected. For example, when the extensible fiber is a polyolefin and the stretchable fiber is a polyurethane-based elastomer, the urethane-based elastomer can be selected to be soluble and the polyolefin is insoluble dimethylacetamide. , dimethylformamide, and the like. In the case where the stretchable fiber is a polystyrene-based elastomer, examples of the solvent that can be dissolved include a solvent such as toluene or xylene.

The ratio of the elongating fibers can also be measured in the same manner for the concave portion of the first surface and the convex portion and the concave portion of the desired second surface.

The other method for measuring the ratio of the extensible fibers described above is exemplified by the following dyeing method.

(1) The non-woven fabric of the present invention is dyed with a dye having different dyeability to the extensible fiber and dyeability to the stretchable fiber.

(2) The projection image of the convex portion of the first surface is imaged using an optical microscope or the like.

(3) The ratio of the extensible fibers is visually evaluated from the above image, or the image is binarized to distinguish the extensible fibers from the stretchable fibers, and the ratio of the extensible fibers is calculated.

The above dyeing method is applied to a nonwoven fabric which is not suitable for the above solvent method, and the ratio of the extensible fibers is measured.

The ratio of the elongating fibers can also be measured in the same manner for the concave portion of the first surface and the convex portion and the concave portion of the desired second surface.

Further, in the above dyeing method, the ratio obtained by binarization refers to the area ratio in the projected image, but the area ratio is approximately equivalent to the volume ratio, and thus the density of the fiber is multiplied, whereby the mass ratio can be estimated.

The effect of the present invention, in particular, from the viewpoint of both skin contact property and stretchability, the ratio of the elongating fibers of the convex portion of the first surface is at least 1 higher than the ratio of the elongating fibers of the concave portion of the first surface. The mass% is preferably at least 2% by mass, more preferably at least 3% by mass, and at least 5% by mass is most preferred.

As shown in Fig. 1, in the non-woven fabric of the present invention, the ratio of the elongating fibers of the convex portion of the first surface is higher than the ratio of the elongating fibers of the concave portion of the first surface, so that the skin contact property is good and the stretchability is good. . The reason is as follows.

In general, a stretchable fiber system imparts stretchability to a nonwoven fabric. The factor is that it has the adhesiveness, the high frictional property is poor in skin contact, and the extensible fiber has almost no stretchability, but the skin contact property is good. The non-woven fabric of the present invention is characterized in that the extensible fibers having good skin contact properties are disposed on the convex portions in contact with the human body, and then the elastic fibers having poor skin contact properties are disposed substantially uniformly in contact with the human body. In the concave portion and the non-woven convex portion, it has stretchability and good skin contact property.

As shown in Fig. 1, the non-woven fabric of the present invention has a small thickness and has a concave portion having a small air resistance in a plurality of thickness directions on the first surface. Therefore, the non-woven fabric has a good air permeability in a thickness direction as compared with a non-woven fabric having no concave portion. In the non-woven fabric of the present invention shown in Fig. 1, the first surface has a plurality of concave portions which are air passages in the planar direction, and therefore the air permeability in the planar direction of the non-woven fabric is good.

In the present specification, "stretchable fiber" means a fiber which is elastically extensible. More specifically, it refers to the above-mentioned stretchable fiber, which has an elastic limit which is greater than the stress applied at the time of formation and the assumed use, and the fiber which is elastically stretchable in the range of the applied stress at the time of formation and the assumed use. . Examples of the material of the stretchable fiber include a polyurethane-based elastomer, a polystyrene-based elastomer, a polyolefin-based elastomer, a polyamide-based elastomer, a polyester-based elastomer, and the like. example. The stretchable fiber is preferably a polyurethane-based elastomer from the viewpoint of less deformation after stretching and high heat resistance.

The fiber diameter of the above-mentioned stretchable fiber is preferably in the range of 2 to 50 μm, and more preferably in the range of 15 to 30 μm.

In the nonwoven fabric of the present invention, in order to achieve high water absorbability and quick-drying property, the stretchable fiber contains a hydrophilizing agent, and is preferably hydrophilic. The stretchable fiber containing a hydrophilizing agent is exemplified by, for example, a material in which a hydrophilizing agent is mixed with a material of a stretchable fiber, and a stretchable fiber formed by spinning, that is, a stretchable fiber in which a hydrophilizing agent is incorporated.

The hydrophilizing agent which can be contained in the above-mentioned stretchable fiber may be the same as or different from the hydrophilizing agent which coats the nonwoven fabric described later.

In the present specification, "elongated fiber" means a fiber having an elastic limit smaller than the elastic limit of the above-mentioned stretchable fiber. More specifically, the above-mentioned extensible fiber means a fiber which has an elastic limit which is smaller than the applied stress at the time of formation, and can be plastically deformed by the stress applied at the time of formation. The above extensible fibers are thinned and lengthened by plastic deformation. Further, in the present specification, there is a case where an extensible fiber which can be plastically deformed by a stress applied at the time of formation is referred to as "elongated extensible fiber". Examples of the elongated extensible fiber include those having a uniform diameter or a non-uniform diameter, for example, a portion having a relatively thin portion (necked portion).

Examples of the material of the extensible fiber include polyolefin, for example, polyethylene and polypropylene, polystyrene, polyester, polyamide, polyurethane, polylactic acid, or a fiber composed of the combination thereof. . The extensible fiber may be a composite fiber such as a core-sheath fiber or a composite fiber. Further, the extensible fiber may be a fiber which is hydrophilic in nature, such as a natural and/or semi-natural fiber.

The extensible fiber is preferably a fiber containing polypropylene and polyethylene from the viewpoints of low crystallinity and high elongation.

The fiber diameter of the above extensible fiber is preferably in the range of from about 1 to about 40 μm, and more preferably in the range of from about 5 to about 25 μm. Further, the fiber diameter of the extensible fiber is preferably smaller than the fiber diameter of the stretchable fiber. The reason for this is that the nonwoven fabric of the present invention can be imparted with flexibility, bulkiness, concealability and the like.

In the nonwoven fabric of the present invention, in order to achieve high water absorbability and quick-drying property, it is preferred that the extensible fiber contains a hydrophilizing agent and has hydrophilicity. Examples of the extensible fiber containing a hydrophilizing agent include a material in which a hydrophilizing agent is mixed with a material of an extensible fiber, and then a stretchable fiber formed by spinning, a fiber in which a hydrophilizing agent is incorporated, is exemplified.

The non-woven fabric of the present invention can be coated with a hydrophilizing agent. However, in the non-woven fabric of the present invention, the non-woven fabric is coated with a hydrophilizing agent, and the non-woven fabric of the present invention is not particularly limited as long as it has a predetermined water absorbability and quick-drying property. For example, when the hydrophilizing agent is applied to a nonwoven fabric by dip coating, it is generally distributed on the entire nonwoven fabric, and more specifically, a hydrophilizing agent is distributed so as to be coated with a hydrophilizing agent on the surface of each fiber. When the hydrophilizing agent is applied to a non-woven fabric by a spray coating method, generally, a hydrophilizing agent is distributed on the surface of the non-woven fabric, and when the hydrophilizing agent is applied to the non-woven fabric by a bar coating method, it is generally coated. The concave portion of the surface is provided with more hydrophilizing agent in the convex portion.

The hydrophilizing agent which can be coated on the non-woven fabric, and the hydrophilizing agent which can be contained in the extensible fiber and the stretchable fiber can be used without any particular limitation if it is generally used as a hydrophilizing agent in the technical field, for example, Anionic hydrophilizing agent, cationic hydrophilizing agent, nonionic hydrophilization Examples of such agents and the like are preferably nonionic hydrophilizing agents from the viewpoint of high heat resistance.

When the hydrophilizing agent is coated on the nonwoven fabric, the amount of the hydrophilizing agent on the nonwoven fabric is preferably from about 0.01 to about 0.5 g/m ² , more preferably from about 0.03 to about 0.3 g/m ² . More preferably, it is coated to a basis weight of from about 0.05 to about 0.1 g/m ² . When the basis weight is less than about 0.01 g/m ² , the degree of hydrophilization is insufficient, the water contact angle is high, and the water absorbability and the quick-drying property tend to be insufficient, and when the basis weight is higher than about 0.5 g/m ² , the stretchability is high. The fiber and the elongated fresh product are fixed by the hydrophilizing agent, and tend to have reduced flexibility and flexibility.

In the case where the extensible fiber and the stretchable fiber contain a hydrophilizing agent, the amount of the hydrophilizing agent is preferably from about 0.05 to about 10.0% by mass, more preferably from about 0.1 to about 7.0% by mass, based on the mass of the fiber. Further, it is preferably contained in a ratio of from about 0.2 to about 5.0% by mass. When the ratio is less than about 0.05% by mass, the degree of hydrophilization is insufficient, the water contact angle becomes high, the water absorbability and the quick-drying property tend to be insufficient, and when the ratio is more than about 10.0% by mass, the extensible fiber and the stretchable fiber are present. The situation in which the physical properties are lowered.

In the nonwoven fabric 1 including the extensible fiber and the stretchable fiber of the present invention shown in Fig. 1, the convex portion 3 and the concave portion 4 are parallel to the first direction A, and are alternately arranged in the direction orthogonal to the first direction A. However, in the nonwoven fabric of the present invention, the pattern of the plurality of convex portions and the plurality of concave portions of the first surface is not particularly limited, and the nonwoven fabric of the present invention can have a predetermined pattern formed on the first surface by a manufacturing method or the like described later. The plurality of convex portions and the plurality of concave portions.

In addition, although the first figure shows an embodiment in which the second surface on the opposite side of the first surface is a flat surface, another embodiment of the present invention is described in the second aspect. An embodiment in which irregularities are present on the surface is taken as an example (described in detail in connection with Fig. 2).

Further, when the second surface is a flat surface, there is an advantage that the second surface is excellent in adhesion to other non-woven fabrics.

Further, although the first embodiment shows an embodiment in which the extensible fiber EX has an orientation along the first direction A in the convex portion 3, the extensible fiber may not particularly have an alignment property in the nonwoven fabric of the present invention.

Fig. 2 is a schematic view showing another embodiment of the nonwoven fabric of the present invention. The non-woven fabric 1 including the extensible fiber and the stretchable fiber of the present invention shown in Fig. 2 has the second surface 5 on the side opposite to the first surface 2, and the second surface 5 has a plurality of convex portions 6 and a plurality of concave portions 7 . In the embodiment shown in Fig. 2, the first surface 2 is the same as the first surface 2 shown in Fig. 1.

Further, the hydrophilizing agent is not shown in Fig. 2 .

In the nonwoven fabric 1 including the extensible fiber and the stretchable fiber of the present invention shown in Fig. 2, the convex portion 6 contains a large amount of the extensible fiber EX, and the concave portion 7 contains a large amount of the stretchable fiber EL, so that the convex portion 6 is elongated. The ratio of the fibers is higher than the ratio of the extensible fibers of the recess 7. Further, in the non-woven fabric 1 including the extensible fiber and the stretchable fiber of the present invention shown in Fig. 2, the convex portion 6 and the concave portion 7 are respectively parallel to the second direction B, and are alternately arranged in the second direction B. The direction of the exchange. Further, in the nonwoven fabric 1 including the extensible fiber and the stretchable fiber of the present invention shown in Fig. 2, the first direction A and the second direction B are orthogonal to each other. Further, in the embodiment shown in Fig. 2, the stretchable fibers EX in the convex portion 6 and the stretchable fibers EL in the concave portion 7 do not have an alignment property.

As shown in Fig. 2, the ratio of the elongating fibers of the non-woven fabric of the second surface of the present invention is higher than the ratio of the elongating fibers of the concave portion of the second surface, so that the skin contact is the same as that of the first surface. Good sex and good flexibility.

The effect of the present invention is particularly that the ratio of the elongating fibers of the convex portion of the second surface is at least 2 times higher than the ratio of the elongating fibers of the concave portion of the second surface from the viewpoint of the skin contact property and the stretchability. % is preferably, preferably at least 4% by mass, more preferably at least 6 % by mass, and most preferably at least 8 % by mass.

Further, the ratio of the elongating fibers of the second surface is the same as that of the first surface, and can be evaluated by a solvent method, a dyeing method, or the like.

As shown in Fig. 2, the non-woven fabric of the present invention has a concave portion having a small thickness and a small air permeability resistance in the thickness direction on the first surface and the second surface. Therefore, the non-woven fabric has good air permeability in the thickness direction, and the first surface and the first surface are Since the second surface has a concave portion that serves as an air passage in the planar direction, the air permeability of the non-woven fabric, particularly the first direction and the second direction, is good.

In the nonwoven fabric 1 including the extensible fiber and the stretchable fiber of the present invention shown in Fig. 2, the plurality of convex portions 3 and the plurality of concave portions 4 are parallel to the first direction A, and are alternately arranged orthogonally to the first direction A. In the non-woven fabric of the present invention, the pattern of the plurality of convex portions and the plurality of concave portions on the first surface is not particularly limited.

Further, in the nonwoven fabric 1 including the extensible fiber and the stretchable fiber of the present invention shown in Fig. 2, the convex portion 6 and the concave portion 7 are respectively parallel to the second direction B, and are alternately arranged orthogonally to the second direction B. Direction, but in this In the non-woven fabric of the invention, the pattern of the plurality of convex portions and the plurality of concave portions of the second surface is not particularly limited, and the nonwoven fabric of the present invention can be formed with a predetermined pattern on the second surface by a manufacturing method or the like described later. a convex portion and a plurality of concave portions.

Further, in the embodiment shown in Fig. 2, the orientation of the extensible fiber EX of the convex portion 6 and the alignment property of the elastic fiber EL of the concave portion 7 are not particularly limited, but the nonwoven fabric of the present invention is not limited thereto. In the convex portion 6, the extensible fiber EX may have an orientation along the second direction B, and then, in the concave portion 7, the stretchable fiber EL may have an orientation along the second direction B.

Further, in the nonwoven fabric 1 including the extensible fiber and the stretchable fiber of the present invention shown in Fig. 2, the first direction A and the second direction B are orthogonal to each other, but in the first direction and the second direction in the present invention, The relationship between the first and second directions can be arbitrary. For example, the first direction is parallel to the second direction, in other words, the angle formed by the numbers may be 0°. In this embodiment, for example, the stretchability in the direction orthogonal to the first direction (and the second direction) is good, and the air permeability in the plane direction, particularly the first direction (and the second direction) is good.

In the nonwoven fabric of the present invention, it is preferable that the first direction is orthogonal to the second direction. Further, in the nonwoven fabric of the present invention, the first direction is the conveyance direction (hereinafter, referred to as "direction MD"), and the second direction is orthogonal to the conveyance direction (hereinafter, there is a conveyance and conveyance) The orthogonal direction in which the directions are orthogonal is referred to as "orthogonal direction" or "orthogonal direction CD").

3 and 4 are additional embodiments of the nonwoven fabric of the present invention. schematic diagram. The non-woven fabric 1 including the extensible fiber and the stretchable fiber of the present invention shown in Figs. 3 and 4 has the first surface 2, and the first surface 2 is alternately oriented in the direction orthogonal to the first direction A. The convex portion 3 and the concave portion 4 which are respectively parallel to the first direction A, and the second surface 5 are orthogonal to the second direction B, and alternately have the convex portion 6 and the concave portion 7 which are parallel to the second direction B, respectively. . The non-woven fabric 1 including the extensible fiber and the stretchable fiber of the present invention shown in Fig. 3 has an opening portion 8 that connects the concave portion 4 and the concave portion 7.

Further, Figures 3 and 4 do not show a hydrophilizing agent.

In the first surface 2 of the nonwoven fabric 1 including the extensible fiber and the stretchable fiber of the present invention shown in Fig. 3, the convex portion 3 contains a large amount of the extensible fiber EX, and the concave portion 4 contains a large amount of the stretchable fiber EL, so that it is convex. The ratio of the elongating fibers of the portion 3 is higher than the ratio of the elongating fibers of the recess portion 4. In the convex portion 3, the extensible fiber EX has a tendency to be arranged along the first direction A.

Further, in the second surface 5 of the nonwoven fabric 1 including the extensible fiber and the stretchable fiber of the present invention shown in Fig. 4, the convex portion 6 contains a large amount of the extensible fiber EX, and the concave portion 7 contains a large amount of the stretchable fiber EL. Therefore, the ratio of the elongating fibers of the convex portion 6 is higher than the ratio of the elongating fibers of the concave portion 7.

Further, in the concave portion 4 and the concave portion 7 in FIGS. 3 and 4, the stretchable fiber EL is disposed so as to surround the opening portion 8.

As shown in Fig. 3 and Fig. 4, the nonwoven fabric of the present invention has a concave portion having a small thickness and a small air resistance in the thickness direction on the first surface and the second surface, and has a gas permeability resistance in the thickness direction of substantially 0. One or a plurality of openings, so that the non-woven fabric has particularly good gas permeability in the thickness direction, and Since the first surface and the second surface have concave portions that are air passages in the planar direction, the air permeability of the non-woven fabric is particularly good in the first direction and the second direction. Moreover, as shown in FIG. 3 and FIG. 4, the nonwoven fabric of the present invention has an opening portion which can change the structure when it is stretched, so that the strength at the time of initial elongation is low, and it is easy to follow the movement of the body.

Further, in Fig. 3, the convex portion 3 and the concave portion 4 of the first surface, and the convex portion 6 and the concave portion 7 of the second surface are oriented in a specific direction, but in the non-woven fabric of the present invention, the directions, the arrangement, and the like are not particularly limited. Further, the orientation of the extensible fiber and the stretchable fiber is arbitrary, and the plurality of convex portions in the first surface, the plurality of concave portions in the first surface, the plurality of convex portions in the second surface, and/or the plurality of concave portions in the second surface The extensible fiber and/or the stretchable fiber may have an alignment property or an omissance.

Fig. 5 is a schematic view showing the nonwoven fabric 1 of the present invention in the X-X cross section of Fig. 1. In the fifth drawing, in order to explain an example in which moisture is absorbed by the first surface of the nonwoven fabric of the present invention, the first surface is described below. In addition, FIG. 5 shows an embodiment in which the convex portion 3 of the first surface is covered with the hydrophilizing agent 9 as an example of the nonwoven fabric of the present invention.

The reason why the nonwoven fabric of the present invention has high water absorbability and quick-drying property is presumed as follows.

In the non-woven fabric 1 including the extensible fiber and the stretchable fiber of the present invention, when the convex portion 3 of the first surface 2 which is hydrophilized by the hydrophilization agent 9 is in contact with moisture, moisture can be quickly sucked into the convex portion 3 . As described above, the convex portion 3 has a high ratio of the extensible fiber EX hydrophilized by the hydrophilizing agent, so that moisture can be quickly taken in.

Then, the convex portion 3 is aligned with the elongated fiber EL in the thickness direction of the nonwoven fabric 1, and the absorbed moisture can be quickly sent to the second surface 5 side. On the second surface 5 side, since the fibers extend in the planar direction, the absorbed liquid can be rapidly diffused in the planar direction. It is presumed that the liquid diffused in the plane direction can rapidly evaporate water from the entire second surface. Further, since the convex portion 3 is formed on the first surface, the nonwoven fabric 1 including the extensible fiber and the stretchable fiber of the present invention has a density of the vicinity of the first surface <the vicinity of the second surface by the formation of the convex portion 3. More specifically, the density has a density in the vicinity of the convex portion 3 <a density in the vicinity of the concave portion 4 < a density in the vicinity of the second surface 5, and therefore it is estimated that the capillary phenomenon can be quickly sucked up on the second surface side. Moisture.

As a whole, it is estimated that the water can be absorbed from the convex portion 3 as shown by the arrow in Fig. 5, and rapidly moved to the second surface 5 side, and then diffused to the entire second surface 5, and rapidly evaporated.

Further, even in the embodiment as shown in Fig. 2, it is presumed that moisture can be absorbed from the convex portion 3, rapidly moved to the second surface 5 side, and then has the convex portion 6 and the concave portion 7, and is, for example, Fig. 1 The second surface 5 having a larger surface area as shown in the plane is rapidly volatilized.

Fig. 6 is a schematic view showing the nonwoven fabric 1 comprising the extensible fiber and the stretchable fiber in the X-X cross section and the Y-Y cross section of Fig. 2; Fig. 6 [a] and [b] are the Y-Y section and the X-X section, respectively. In the sixth drawing, in order to explain an example in which moisture is absorbed by the second surface of the nonwoven fabric of the present invention, the second surface is described below. In addition, Fig. 6 shows an example of the nonwoven fabric of the present invention, in which the convex portion 3 on the first surface is covered with hydrophilization. Embodiment of the agent 9.

As shown in Fig. 6 (a), the non-woven fabric 1 including the extensible fiber and the stretchable fiber of the present invention is in contact with the convex portion 6 of the second surface 5 which is hydrophilized by the hydrophilization agent 9 The moisture can be quickly sucked into the convex portion 6. As described above, the convex portion 6 has a high ratio of the extensible fiber EX hydrophilized by the hydrophilizing agent, so that moisture can be quickly taken in.

Next, as shown in Fig. 6(b), the moisture absorbed by the convex portion 6 of the second surface 5 can be volatilized from the convex portion 3 and the concave portion 4 of the first surface 2, but the thickness of the concave portion 3 is not woven. Since it is thin, it is presumed that the absorbed moisture can be rapidly volatilized from the concave portion 4.

As a whole, it is estimated that the moisture which is rapidly absorbed from the convex portion 6 can be rapidly volatilized from the concave portion 4 as indicated by the arrow in Fig. 6 [b]. Further, the first surface 2 having the convex portion 3 and the concave portion 4 has a large surface area, and it is presumed that it contributes to rapid evaporation.

The non-woven fabric of the present invention has a water absorption property of a water absorption height of 10 mm or more in a water absorption test, and the water absorption test can be carried out according to the 7.1.2 Byreck method of the "Test method for water absorption of a fibrous product" of JIS L 1907:2010, immersion time. The measurement was carried out by 5 points.

The nonwoven fabric of the present invention has water absorbency of a water absorption height of 10 mm or more in a water absorption test, preferably has a water absorption height of about 15 mm or more, and more preferably has a water absorption height of about 20 mm or more. The water absorption height indicates an index of the water absorption of the non-woven fabric, and thus the higher the height, the better.

The non-woven fabric of the present invention has 20% by mass in the evapotranspiration test The above evapotranspiration rate exhibits rapid drying property, and the above evapotranspiration test can be carried out as follows.

(1) In a thermostatic chamber of 60% RH at 20 ° C, 1 mL of physiological saline was dropped on a glass having a diameter of about 105 mm.

(2) Prepare a sample of 100 mm × 100 mm size.

(3) The total mass W of the above-mentioned watch glass and the above sample was measured.

(3) The total mass W ₀ of the watch glass, physiological saline (1 mL), and the above sample was measured.

(4) The sample was placed on a watch glass and brought into contact with 1 mL of physiological saline.

(5) After 2 hours, the surface glass, physiological saline (1 mL), and the total mass W _{t of the} above samples were measured.

(6) The evapotranspiration rate after 2 hours was measured according to the following formula (1).

Evapotranspiration rate (%) = 100 × (W _{o -} W _t ) / (W _{0 -} W)

The non-woven fabric of the present invention has a quick-drying property in an evapotranspiration ratio of 20% by mass or more in the transpiration test, preferably has an evapotranspiration ratio of about 30% by mass or more, and more preferably about 40% by mass or more. The quick-drying properties exhibited by the evapotranspiration rate. The evapotranspiration rate is an indicator of the quick-drying property of the non-woven fabric, so the larger the value, the better.

[Method for Producing Nonwoven Fabric Containing Elongated Fiber and Stretchable Fiber of the Present Invention]

The invention comprises the non-woven fabric of the extensible fiber and the elastic fiber of the invention The method of producing comprises the step of preparing a non-woven fabric to be treated containing an extensible fiber and a stretchable fiber.

Further, in the case where the present invention is referred to as "non-woven fabric to be treated containing extensible fibers and stretchable fibers", the non-woven fabric as a raw material, in other words, the non-woven fabric before the treatment, and the uneven stretching step described later, Non-woven fabric having high water absorption and quick-drying properties after the fluid treatment step or the like (this is referred to as "non-woven fabric containing extensible fibers and stretchable fibers of the present invention", "non-woven fabric of the present invention", and " The non-woven fabric containing the extensible fiber and the stretchable fiber is different.

The nonwoven fabric to be treated containing the extensible fiber and the stretchable fiber is not particularly limited as long as it is a nonwoven fabric comprising the extensible fiber and the stretchable fiber, and for example, a nonwoven fabric produced by various well-known methods, for example, For example, a non-woven fabric comprising a hot air non-woven fabric, a spunbonded non-woven fabric, a non-woven fabric, a water needle non-woven fabric, a paper fiber non-woven fabric, a melt-blown non-woven fabric, and a nanofiber is used.

The extensible fiber and the stretchable fiber may be selected from the above fibers, and the fiber diameter is preferably selected in consideration of the fact that the extensible fiber has a fiber diameter which is reduced by a subsequent step.

The fiber length of the fiber is not particularly limited, and examples thereof include rayon fibers and continuous filaments. When two or more types of fibers are mixed, the fiber lengths of the fibers may be the same or different.

The method of the present invention comprises the step of unevenly extending the nonwoven fabric to be treated comprising the extensible fiber and the stretchable fiber to form a non-woven fabric having a high elongation range and a low elongation range (hereinafter referred to as " The uneven extension step is referred to as the case.

The uneven stretching step is performed by partially breaking the joints of the fibers in the (i) nonwoven fabric in the above-mentioned nonwoven fabric to be treated containing the extensible fibers and the stretchable fibers, so that the fibers to be fixed are partially partially fixed. In the network state, and/or (ii) between the joints of the fibers in the nonwoven fabric, elongated fibers are formed. The elongate elongated fiber is easily moved when it is treated with a fluid, and thus it is easy to form irregularities in the nonwoven fabric.

Further, since the above-mentioned stretchable fiber has a higher elastic limit than the stress applied at the step of uneven stretching, the stretchable fiber which is temporarily stretched at the time of the uneven stretching step can be returned to the original length.

As the joint, in the case of a hot air non-woven fabric, a hot-melt joint is exemplified, and a hot-pressed joint is exemplified in the case of a spunbonded nonwoven fabric and a non-woven fabric, and a fiber is used in the case of a water-jet non-woven fabric. The intersection point is an example.

In the present specification, the "high elongation range" refers to a range in which the elongation of the elongated fiber which is elongated is higher than the low elongation range, and the "low extension range" refers to the elongation fiber which is elongated. The elongation, the range extending in a manner lower than the high elongation range, and the range in which the extensible fibers are not formed, in other words, the unextended range.

In the present specification, "unevenly extending" means extending in such a manner as to form a non-woven fabric having a high elongation range and a low elongation range, in other words, depending on a portion, the elongation of the elongated extensible fiber is different. Extend without weaving.

The uneven stretching step is not particularly limited as long as it can form a nonwoven fabric having a high elongation range and a low elongation range, and can be carried out by any means, but can be carried out, for example, by using the same direction as the conveyance direction. a pair of gear rolls that intersect the rotation axis, and the plurality of teeth disposed on the outer peripheral surfaces of the gear rolls are rotated while being engaged with each other, and the extensible fibers and the stretchable fibers are treated in the gap between the pair of gear rolls The non-woven fabric passes (hereinafter, there is a case called "gear extension").

Fig. 7 is a schematic view for explaining the extension of the gear. The gear extension device 11 shown in Fig. 7 has a pair of gear rollers 12 and 12'. The plurality of teeth 14 and 14' are disposed on the outer peripheral surfaces 13 and 13' of the gear rolls 12 and 12', respectively. Further, the rotation axis of the gear extending device 11 and the gear rollers 12 and 12' shown in Fig. 7 are perpendicular to the conveyance direction MD of the nonwoven fabric, respectively. Further, the plurality of teeth 14 and 14' are respectively arranged in parallel with the above-described rotation axis, and are disposed on the outer peripheral surfaces 13 and 13'.

In the gear extending device 11 shown in Fig. 7, the non-woven fabric 15 to be treated containing the extensible fibers and the stretchable fibers is passed through the roll gaps of the pair of gear rolls 12 and 12', while passing through the gear rolls 12 and 12' The non-woven fabric 15 to be treated comprising the extensible fiber and the stretchable fiber is extended by the principle of three-point bending by the plurality of teeth 14 and 14' of the gear rolls 12 and 12' which are engaged with each other to form a high extension range and Low stretch of non-woven fabric 16. The non-woven fabric 16 having a high extension range and a low extension range alternately has a high extension range and a low extension range parallel to the orthogonal direction in the conveyance direction MD.

In the non-woven fabric 15 to be treated containing the extensible fiber and the stretchable fiber, and the end portion of the plurality of teeth 14 and 14' are in contact with each other, the fabric of the non-woven fabric is fixed, so that it is not extended or substantially extended, and is formed low. Extended range. On the other hand, in the range of the non-woven fabric 15 to be treated containing the extensible fiber and the stretchable fiber, which is not in contact with the front end of the plurality of teeth 14 and 14', in other words, the front end of the tooth 14 and the tooth 14 The range between the front ends is extended by a large width to form a high extension range.

The gear extension can also be carried out using a gear extension as shown in Fig. 8.

Fig. 8 is a schematic view for explaining the extension of the gear. The gear extension device 11 shown in Fig. 8 has a pair of gear rollers 12 and 12'. The plurality of teeth 14 and 14' are disposed on the outer peripheral surfaces 13 and 13' of the gear rolls 12 and 12', respectively. Further, in the gear extending device 11 shown in Fig. 8, the plurality of teeth 14 and 14' are disposed on the outer peripheral faces 13 and 13', respectively, perpendicular to the rotational axes of the gear rolls 12 and 12'. By arranging the plurality of teeth 14 and 14' perpendicularly to the rotation axis, it is possible to form a non-woven fabric having a high extension range and a low extension range which are respectively parallel to the conveyance direction MD in the orthogonal direction CD.

Further, as shown in Fig. 9, the gear extension can be implemented by a gear extension device in which the plurality of teeth are arranged on the outer circumferential surface of the gear roller and arranged obliquely with respect to the rotation axis of the gear roller. Fig. 9 is a schematic view for explaining the extension of the gear. The gear extending device 11 shown in Fig. 9 has a pair of gear rolls 12 and 12', and a plurality of teeth 14 and 14' are disposed on the outer peripheral surfaces 13 and 13' of the gear rolls 12 and 12', respectively. In addition, the gear extension shown in Figure 9 The rotation axis of the device 11, the gear rollers 12 and 12' are perpendicular to the conveyance direction MD of the nonwoven fabric, respectively. Further, the plurality of teeth 14 and 14' are disposed on the outer peripheral faces 13 and 13' so as to have a fixed angle θ with respect to the rotation axis.

Further, as shown in Fig. 9, the gear extending device has teeth 1 and 13 teeth arranged on the outer peripheral surfaces 13 and 13' of the gear rolls 12 and 12' in accordance with the angle θ and the gear pitch. 14' occasion.

The gear extension device described above can be appropriately selected in accordance with the desired performance on the nonwoven fabric to be formed.

Further, in the case where high stretchability is required, the nonwoven fabric to be treated containing the extensible fiber and the stretchable fiber can be stretched a plurality of times using a gear extending device as shown in Figs. 7 to 9 .

In the above gear extension device, the gear pitch is preferably from about 1 to about 10 mm, and more preferably from about 2 to about 6 mm. If the gear pitch is less than about 1 mm, the blade edge of the gear must be thinned, and the non-woven fabric may be partially cut, and if the gear pitch is higher than about 10 mm, the stretch ratio is low, and the stretchable fiber is not easily stretched.

The gear pitch refers to the interval between one tooth and the next tooth indicated by symbol 17 in Fig. 8.

In the above gear extension device, the gear biting depth is preferably about 0.5 mm or more. If the bite depth of the gear is less than about 0.5 mm, the extension of the non-woven fabric will be insufficient, and the extensible fiber will not easily elongate.

The bite depth of the gear is referred to in Fig. 8, and the tooth of the upper gear roller and the tooth of the lower gear roller, the depth of the overlapping portion, are indicated by reference numeral 18.

In the non-woven fabric having a high elongation range and a low elongation range, the stretching ratio per one gear extension is preferably from about 30 to about 400%, and more preferably from about 50 to about 200%. When the stretching ratio is less than about 30%, the extensible fiber cannot be stretched, and when the stretching ratio is higher than about 400%, the strength of the non-woven fabric having a high elongation range and a low elongation range is weakened, and the elongation is prolonged. The fiber is mainly detached, which makes handling difficult, and/or the elongation of the fiber breaks.

In the present specification, "extension ratio" means a value calculated by the following equation when the gear pitch is P and then the gear bite depth is D:

The feed speed of the nonwoven fabric to be treated containing the extensible fiber and the stretchable fiber may also vary depending on the desired stretch ratio, etc., for example, about 10 m/min or more. The winding speed of the non-woven fabric having a high elongation range and a low extension range alternately, when the elongation ratio is changed, and the non-woven fabric containing the extensible fiber and the stretchable fiber is extended in the conveyance direction, the delivery speed is multiplied The value of the upper stretch ratio is used as the basis for the take-up speed.

The method of the present invention includes a step of applying a solution containing a hydrophilizing agent to the nonwoven fabric having a high elongation range and a low elongation range (hereinafter referred to as a "hydrophilizing agent coating step").

As the non-woven fabric having a high elongation range and a low elongation range formed in the above uneven stretching step, the method of applying the hydrophilizing agent solution is not particularly limited, but examples thereof include a spray coating method, a curtain coating method, a dip coating method, and a rod. Coating method, roll coating method, spin coating method, and the like.

The hydrophilizing agent coating step is carried out on the support and can be directly moved to the next fluid treatment step. For example, the hydrophilizing agent coating step may be carried out by spraying the above-described hydrophilizing agent solution on a non-woven fabric having a high elongation range and a low elongation range on the support.

The hydrophilization agent-containing solution is exemplified by a solution in which the above hydrophilization agent is dissolved in a solvent (for example, an organic solvent such as ethanol, methyl ethyl ketone, water, etc.), and the safety is high. It is better to say water.

The solvent is also relatively high in boiling point. After the hydrophilizing agent application step, a fluid treatment step of spraying hot air or the like described later is performed, and thus the solvent is easily volatilized.

The method of the present invention comprises: disposing a non-woven fabric coated with a hydrophilizing agent and having a high elongation range and a low elongation range on a support, and spraying the discharged fluid to thereby form an extensible fiber. The step of non-woven fabric with stretchable fibers (hereinafter referred to as "fluid processing step").

Formed in the uneven stretching step, at least a portion of the fibers and/or elongated extensible fibers present in the network state of high elongation are on the surface of the fluid conflict (hereinafter referred to as "fluid collision surface"), and the fluid to be ejected Conflicts occur, which are then sorted along with the bounce back to the plane direction, such as the orthogonal direction. More specifically, the elongation of elongation in the portion to which the ejected fluid is sprayed The fibers move to other places, mainly leaving the stretchable fibers, whereby a plurality of concave portions are formed on the first surface.

The stretchable fiber is forced by the conflict of the fluid, but the applied stress only ends to the extent that it does not reach the elastic limit, so that after the fluid is sprayed, it returns to the original place. Therefore, the plurality of concave portions in the first surface contain a large amount of stretchable fibers, but the fiber density is low. The elongated extensible fiber forms a convex portion at both ends of the plurality of concave portions of the first surface. Therefore, the plurality of convex portions in the first surface contain a large amount of extensible fibers, and the classified extensible fibers are dense, so that the density of the fibers is increased. Further, the fluid collision surface corresponds to the first surface including the non-woven fabric of the extensible fiber and the stretchable fiber, and the direction of the trajectory of the sprayed fluid is equivalent to the first direction.

Further, a surface on the opposite side to the fluid collision surface (hereinafter referred to as a "non-fluid collision surface" corresponds to the second surface), and at least a part of the network state fiber and/or the elongated elongation fiber passes along the non-woven fabric. The flow of fluid moves.

As the fluid used in the fluid processing step, air (for example, heated air or water vapor) or water (for example, hot water) is exemplified.

The fluid can be sprayed from a fixed fluid nozzle or a fluid nozzle that is moved back and forth in an orthogonal direction to a non-woven fabric having a high elongation range and a low extension range coated with a hydrophilizing agent. Further, the fluid can be continuously or intermittently sprayed from the fluid nozzle to the nonwoven fabric having the high elongation range and the low elongation range coated with the hydrophilizing agent. By combining these, it is possible to form a plurality of convex portions and a plurality of concave portions having various patterns including a predetermined pattern on the first surface.

The fluid can be appropriately selected in accordance with the state in which the non-woven fabric having a high elongation range and a low elongation range coated with the hydrophilizing agent is applied. For example, in the case of processing a non-woven fabric having a small gear pitch and a large stretch ratio, it is possible to move the elongated extensible fiber mainly at a relatively low energy, and therefore it is preferable to select air or steam as a fluid. Further, in the case of using a non-woven fabric having a large gear pitch and a low elongation range, the number of joints of the fibers is large, and therefore it is preferable to select water or the movement of the elongated elongate fiber to require relatively high energy. The water vapor is a fluid, and more preferably water vapor. This is because the amount of fiber is less likely to remain in the moisture content, the joint portion of the fiber portion is less damaged, and the elongated elongated fiber of the portion to be moved can be easily moved.

The fluid treatment steps described above can be carried out using well known methods in the art and by well known methods.

One of the embodiments of the method of the present invention, which is used to support a non-woven fabric having a high elongation range and a low extension range, may be a support body generally used in the technical field, such as a metal or plastic conveyor belt network. , paper nets, etc. The above support generally has fluid permeability.

In another embodiment of the method of the present invention, the gas permeability and the skin contact property (for example, a low contact area) of the nonwoven fabric are further improved, and a support having a convex portion and a depressed portion can be used.

In the present invention, the "convex portion" is a portion for forming a plurality of concave portions on the second surface of the non-woven fabric, and the "recessed portion" is a portion for forming a plurality of convex portions on the second surface of the non-woven fabric.

Fig. 10 is a view showing an example of a support used on a conveyor belt.

In Fig. 10, the support body 19 has a convex portion 20 and a concave portion 21 which are parallel to the orthogonal direction CD, and the convex portion 20 and the concave portion 21 are alternately arranged in the conveyance direction MD. Fig. 10 additionally shows a fluid nozzle 22, and then a suction portion (not shown) for receiving a fluid is provided directly below the fluid nozzle 22 under the support 19. In the support body 19 shown in Fig. 10, the convex portion 20 and the concave portion 21 have a cubic shape and are alternately arranged.

In the tenth diagram, the convex portion 20 and the concave portion 21 are parallel to the orthogonal direction CD and are alternately arranged in the conveying direction MD. However, in the method of the present invention, the shape, arrangement, and the like of the convex portion and the depressed portion are not particularly limited. For example, the convex portion and the concave portion may be (i) convex portions and concave portions respectively parallel to the conveying direction, and may be alternately arranged in the orthogonal direction, or (ii) respectively having respect to the conveying direction. The inclined convex portion and the concave portion may be alternately disposed in a direction orthogonal to the direction of the inclination, or (iii) a predetermined shape (for example, a cubic shape, a cylindrical shape, a hemispherical shape, or the like) The shape and/or the recess may be arranged in a predetermined arrangement (for example, a heart shape, a star shape, or the like).

When a support having a convex portion and a concave portion is used, a plurality of concave portions having a larger plurality of convex portions and deeper portions can be formed than when a support body having no convex portions and concave portions is used (according to the case of one or Non-woven fabric of a plurality of opening portions).

The above phenomenon will be specifically described using FIG. When the fluid ejected from the fluid nozzle 22 collides with the convex portion 20, it flows around the concave portion 21. As a result, the elongated, extensible fiber with a high degree of freedom, along the fluid The flow direction moves to the direction of the recessed portion 21, so that the fluid and the convex portion 20 intersect each other, and only the stretchable fibers are left, and the density of the fibers is lowered, and a plurality of concave portions are formed on the second surface 5. Although the stretchable fiber is temporarily stretched by the force of the fluid, when the applied stress is only at the extent that the elastic limit is not reached, the fluid disappears, and after the stress is not applied, the original state is restored. Therefore, the plurality of concave portions on the second surface 5 contain a large amount of stretchable fibers. When the force of spraying the fluid is strong, the stretchable fiber also moves to some extent, and one or a plurality of openings that connect the concave portion of the first surface 2 and the concave portion of the second surface 5 are formed.

At the intersection of the fluid and the depressed portion 21, the fibers are dense due to the aggregation of the elongated fibers, and the plurality of convex portions are formed on the second surface 5, and the plurality of convex portions of the second surface 5 contain a large number of extensible fibers. In the case of Fig. 10, the second direction is the direction of the convex portion 20 and the depressed portion 21, in other words, the orthogonal direction CD. In the plurality of convex portions on the second surface 5, the elongated fibers which are elongated in the thickness direction of the nonwoven fabric tend to rise, so that the nonwoven fabric is provided with compression resistance and further improves liquid absorbency. In addition, the non-woven fabric 1 including the extensible fiber and the stretchable fiber shown in Fig. 10 has a plurality of convex portions on the second surface 5, so that the gas permeability, particularly the air permeability in the planar direction is good, and the contact area is small, so the skin contact Good sex.

The non-woven fabric formed by using the support having the convex portion and the concave portion has a plurality of high-density convex portions and a plurality of deep concave portions on the second surface as compared with the case where the non-woven fabric having the convex portion and the concave portion is formed, and thus the gas permeability is improved. In particular, the gas permeability, compression resistance, liquid absorbency, and skin contact properties in the planar direction are good. The plurality of convex portions in the second surface are made of elongating fibers having relatively high fiber strength. The main composition, so the strength is high and not easy to collapse. A non-woven fabric formed by using a support having a convex portion and a concave portion has a good gas permeability in a thickness direction when one or a plurality of openings are provided.

Further, as shown in Fig. 10, the nonwoven fabric formed by the support is used, and in the air permeability in the planar direction, the gas permeability in the orthogonal direction is particularly good. This is because the non-woven fabric corresponds to the convex portion of the support (the recess of the second surface of the non-woven fabric), and can serve as a passage for the gas.

Preferably, the convex portion has a fluid permeability lower than a fluid permeability of the depressed portion. This is because the convex portion has a low fluid permeability, so that the fluid colliding with the convex portion flows in the direction of the concave portion, and the non-woven fabric comprising the extensible fiber and the elastic fiber can be formed by the method of the present invention. On the second side, a plurality of higher convex portions are formed.

Examples of the material of the convex portion include metal, plastic, and the like.

The convex portion and the depressed portion are not particularly limited, but may be, for example, a metal such as a metal, a plastic, or the like, which is used as a support for fluid permeability, a paper web, a punching plate, or the like. Metals such as a cubic shape and a cylindrical shape are formed by arranging in a predetermined arrangement at a constant interval or the like.

a support having a predetermined shape (for example, a cubic shape, a cylindrical shape, a hemispherical shape, or the like) and a concave portion, which are arranged in a predetermined arrangement (for example, a heart shape, a star shape, or the like), For example, a metal having a hemispherical shape is arranged in a predetermined arrangement (for example, a heart shape) on a punching plate. When the support is used, a nonwoven fabric having a predetermined pattern (for example, a heart-shaped recess) on the second surface can be formed.

Further, for example, when a hemispherical concave shape is used as a support having a convex portion and a concave portion which are arranged in a predetermined arrangement (for example, a heart shape) on the punching plate, the second surface can be formed in advance on the second surface. The non-woven fabric of the plurality of convex portions of the determined pattern (for example, the heart shape).

When the fluid processing step is performed on a roll, a roll-shaped support body can be used, and the outer periphery thereof is formed of a fluid permeability material such as a mesh, and a convex portion having a predetermined shape and arrangement is disposed on the outer peripheral surface. And the depression. The shapes and arrangements described above are exemplified as the above-described shapes and arrangements.

Fig. 11 is a view showing a nonwoven fabric 1 comprising an extensible fiber and a stretchable fiber, which is formed using the support 19 shown in Fig. 10. Fig. 11 corresponds to a section indicated by Z-Z in Fig. 10. In the eleventh figure, the convex portion 6 of the second surface 5 is formed in the depressed portion 21 of the support body 19, and the concave portion 7 of the second surface 5 is formed in the convex portion 20 of the support body 19.

In another embodiment of the present invention, the support 19 shown in Fig. 12 can be used. In the support body 19 shown in Fig. 12, the convex portion 20 and the recess portion 21 have a cubic shape and a lattice shape, respectively, and the convex portion 20 is arranged in a direction in which the conveyance direction and the orthogonal direction are arranged at a fixed interval.

When the support is used as shown in Fig. 12, the second surface is formed with a plurality of convex portions 6 and one concave portion 7.

In the support body having the convex portion and the concave portion, the width of the non-woven fabric to be formed differs depending on the required characteristics, etc., but for example, in the support body shown in Fig. 10, the width of the convex portion is preferably The width of the depressed portion is preferably in the range of from about 1 to about 10 mm in the range of from about 0.5 to about 10 mm.

The nonwoven fabric comprising the extensible fiber and the stretchable fiber preferably has a gas permeability in a thickness direction of about 400 m ³ /m ² /min or more, more preferably about 600 m ³ /m ² /min or more, and most preferably about 1000 m. ³ / m ² / min or more. The higher the air permeability in the thickness direction, the less likely it is to be stuffy when used in a place where it contacts a human body.

Further, the nonwoven fabric comprising the extensible fiber and the stretchable fiber preferably has a gas permeability in a plane direction of about 5 m ³ /m ² /min or more, more preferably about 10 m ³ /m ² /min or more, and particularly preferably It is about 15 m ³ /m ² /min or more. The higher the air permeability in the horizontal direction, the less the air with high humidity stays in the vicinity of the skin and is easily discharged to the outside.

The nonwoven fabric of the present invention is suitable for use in absorbent articles (e.g., physiological products and disposable diapers), cleaning articles (e.g., rags), and medical articles (e.g., masks).

In addition, when a stretchable non-woven fabric is attached to a sheet other than the disposable diaper, the nonwoven fabric of the present invention including the stretchable fiber has stretchability, and is used as an exterior sheet instead of the stretchable nonwoven fabric. When the non-woven fabric of the present invention is used as a disposable diaper, the outer sheet has high water absorption and quick-drying properties, so that the sweat flowing from the user can be quickly absorbed from the outer sheet and then evaporated to a disposable type. As a result of the diaper, it is possible to maintain a good environment in the disposable diaper.

[Examples]

Hereinafter, the present invention will be described by way of examples and comparative examples, but the present invention is not limited to the examples.

The measurement conditions of the items evaluated in the examples and comparative examples are as follows.

[base weigh]

The basis weight was measured in accordance with 5.2 of JIS L 1906.

[volume]

The volume was measured using THICKNESS GAUGE UF-60 manufactured by Daiei Scientific Seiki Co., Ltd.

[breathability]

The air permeability was measured using a KES-F8-AP1 gas permeability tester of KATO TECH Co., Ltd., and the unit was converted to "m ³ /m ² /min".

The air permeability in the thickness direction of the non-woven fabric was cut into a non-woven fabric of a size of 100 mm × 100 mm, and placed in a gas permeability tester for measurement.

The air permeability in the plane direction of the non-woven fabric is cut into a non-woven fabric of a size of 100 mm × 100 mm, and is placed in a gas permeability tester, and an acrylic plate of a size of 100 mm × 100 mm is further placed thereon, and the weight is increased by 3.5 mN/cm ² . The measurement was carried out.

[Flexibility feature]

The measurement was carried out in the following cycle using an autostereoscopic tensile tester type AG-1KNI manufactured by Shimadzu Corporation. -50% elongation strength -

A sample having a width of 50 mm was fixed to the jig at a distance of 100 mm between the jigs, and marks were made at the front ends of the two jigs. Next, the sample was stretched at a speed of 100 mm/min to a stretch of 100% (outward), and returned to the original length (return) at a speed of 100 mm/min (the above is 1 cycle). The strength of 50 mm per width when the outward elongation was 50% was evaluated as the strength at 50% elongation.

-1 recovery rate after cycle -

The length L (mm) between the symbols after the above-mentioned cycle was performed was measured, and the recovery rate after one cycle was calculated according to the following formula.

Recovery rate after 1 cycle (%) = 100 × [100 - (L - 100)] / 100

The strength at the 50% elongation is preferably about 10 N or less. When the strength exceeds about 10 N, for example, when used in a disposable diaper, the diaper is not easily stretched when worn, and it is not easy to wear. Further, in the present specification, the strength (N) of 50 mm per width is abbreviated as N/50 mm.

The recovery rate after the above one cycle is preferably about 50% or more. This is because, when it is used in a disposable diaper or the like, if the value of the recovery rate after one cycle is small, when it is used in a disposable diaper or the like, the stretchability of the non-woven fabric disappears with use, and the disposable diaper slides down. Happening.

[ratio of extensible fiber]

The non-woven fabric was cut into a size of 50 mm × 50 mm, and fibers (hereinafter referred to as "fibers of the convex portion") which were brought close to the top of the second convex portion were cut by a cutter. Next, the fibers of the convex portion were weighed and immersed in 20 mL of dimethylacetamide, and allowed to stand at room temperature for 30 minutes. Next, the residual fiber was filtered, washed with ethanol, and then dried. The ratio of the extensible fibers was calculated from the dry mass of the residual fibers.

Further, similarly, the ratio of the elongating fibers was also calculated for the fibers near the bottom of the concave portion of the second surface.

[Manufacturing Example 1] -Manufacture of non-woven fabrics -

A spunbonded nonwoven fabric comprising a polypropylene fiber as an extensible fiber and a polyurethane-based elastomer fiber as a stretchable fiber was purchased. The polypropylene fiber-based fiber has a diameter of about 21 μm, and the polyurethane-based elastomer fiber-fiber has a diameter of about 25 μm, and the mass ratio of the polypropylene fiber to the polyurethane fiber is about 50:50. Further, at the time of spinning, the polypropylene fiber is hydrophilized by mixing 0.3% by mass of a nonionic hydrophilizing agent with respect to the mass of the polypropylene fiber, but the polyurethane-based elastomer fiber is not hydrophilized.

The properties of the spunbonded nonwoven fabric described above are shown in Table 1.

- Gear extension processing -

The spunbonded nonwoven fabric was fed at a speed of 30 m/min, using the gear extension device shown in Fig. 7 (gear spacing: 4.9 mm, gear biting depth) : 7.0 mm, gear front end width: 0.2 mm, gear temperature: 55 ° C), until the stretch ratio is 203%, the gear is extended in the transport direction MD direction to form a non-woven fabric having a high extension range and a low extension range.

The above non-woven fabric having a high elongation range and a low extension range has an embossed portion remaining in a low extension range in contact with the front end portion of the tooth. In addition, a portion of the embossed portion is broken in a high extent that is not in contact with the front end of the tooth, forming a network range.

The characteristics of the above non-woven fabric having a high elongation range and a low elongation range are shown in Table 1.

- Hydrophilizing agent treatment -

The above non-woven fabric having a high extension range and a low extension range is placed on a 60° sawtooth type perforated plate ( : 3.0 mm, MD pitch: 6.93 mm, CD pitch: 4.0 mm, thickness: 1.0 mm), a support body composed of a 2.5% by mass aqueous solution of a sucrose fatty acid ester containing a hydrophilizing agent solution to make sucrose fat The non-woven fabric having a high elongation range and a low elongation range was spray-coated in such a manner that the basis weight of the acid ester was about 0.1 g/m ² .

-Vapor treatment -

Next, a non-woven fabric having a high elongation range and a low elongation range coated with a hydrophilizing agent is provided with a plurality of nozzles at intervals of 1.0 mm ( A steam treatment system (discharge pressure: 0.25 MPa, water vapor temperature: about 125 ° C) of 0.5 mm) was passed through at a speed of 30 m/min while maintaining a distance between the nozzle and the support of 4.0 mm to obtain a nonwoven fabric 1.

The characteristics of the nonwoven fabric 1 are shown in Table 1.

[Manufacturing Examples 2 and 3]

The nonwoven fabrics 2 and 3 were produced in the same manner as in Production Example 1 except that the basis weight of the first spunbonded nonwoven fabric was different. The characteristics of the nonwoven fabrics 2 and 3 are shown in Table 1.

[Reference Manufacturing Example 1]

The non-woven fabric 4 was obtained in the same manner as in Production Example 1 except that the hydrophilization agent treatment was not carried out. The characteristics of the nonwoven fabric 4 are shown in Table 1.

[Comparative Manufacturing Example 1]

In the first spunbond, the polypropylene fibers were not treated with a hydrophilizing agent and the basis weight was different, and the treatment with the hydrophilizing agent was not carried out, and the nonwoven fabric 5 was obtained in the same manner as in Production Example 1. The characteristics of the nonwoven fabric 5 are shown in Table 1.

[Comparative Manufacturing Example 2]

The nonwoven fabric 6 is formed in accordance with the method described in Patent Document 1. The characteristics of the nonwoven fabric 6 are shown in Table 1.

[Examples 1 to 3, Reference Example 1, and Comparative Examples 1 and 2]

For the non-woven fabrics 1 to 6, a water absorption test was carried out to measure the water absorption height. The water absorption test was carried out in accordance with the above description. The results are shown in Table 1.

Next, the non-woven fabrics 1 to 6 were subjected to an evapotranspiration test, and the evapotranspiration rate was measured. The evapotranspiration test was carried out in accordance with the above description. Further, in the above-described evapotranspiration test, the nonwoven fabric was placed on the watch glass so that the surface on the support side of the nonwoven fabric contacted the physiological saline. The results are shown in Table 1.

It can be seen that the non-woven fabrics 1 to 3 of the embodiments 1 to 3 are in the plane direction and the thickness. It has good gas permeability and high water absorption and quick drying properties.

Further, the non-woven fabrics 1 to 3 coated with the hydrophilizing agent were found to have high water absorbability and quick-drying properties as compared with the non-woven fabric of Reference Example 1, in other words, only the non-woven fabric in which the elongating fibers contained the hydrophilizing agent.

[Example 4] [Determination of the ratio of elongation fibers] -Manufacture of non-woven fabrics -

A polyolefin fiber (having a fiber diameter of about 21 μm) as an extensible fiber and a urethane fiber (fiber diameter of 25 μm) as a stretchable fiber were purchased at a ratio of about 50:50.

- Gear extension processing -

The spunbonded nonwoven fabric was fed at a speed of 10 m/min, and passed through four preheating rolls preheated to 80 ° C, and the gear extension device shown in Fig. 8 (gear spacing: 2.5 mm, gear biting depth: 3.0 mm, extension ratio: 160%) for gear extension, and then, gear extension device (gear spacing: 4.9 mm, gear biting depth: 7.0 mm, extension ratio: 202%) shown in FIG. A non-woven fabric having a high elongation range and a low extension range is formed. The gear speed of the two gear extensions was 55 °C.

The above non-woven fabric having a high elongation range and a low extension range has an embossed portion remaining in a low extension range in contact with the front end portion of the tooth. In addition, a portion of the embossed portion is broken in a high extent that is not in contact with the front end of the tooth, forming a network range.

-Vapor treatment -

The non-woven fabric having the high extension range and the low extension range described above is placed on the support body having the convex portions and the concave portions respectively parallel to the orthogonal directions in the conveyance direction as shown in Fig. 10. The convex portion does not pass through the fluid, and its width and height are 3 mm and 5 mm, respectively. The width of the depressed portion is 2 mm. Next, the non-woven fabric after the gear processing described above is provided with a plurality of nozzles at intervals of 2.0 mm ( A 0.5 mm) steam treatment system was passed at a speed of 5 m/min to obtain non-woven fabrics 7 to 9. The non-woven fabrics 7 to 9 have a plurality of openings.

Further, the hydrophilizing agent coating step is omitted when the ratio of the elongation fibers is evaluated. In this case, it is presumed that the ratio of the elongating fibers is not changed by the presence or absence of the hydrophilizing agent coating step, and it is presumed that the non-woven fabric is coated with the hydrophilizing agent, and thus the measurement of the ratio of the elongating fibers may cause an error.

The conditions of the pressure of the steam treatment system and the water vapor temperature are shown in Table 2 below, and the characteristics of the nonwoven fabrics 7 to 9 are collectively shown in Table 2.

Non-woven fabrics 7 to 9 as polyolefin fibers for extensible fibers The ratio is evaluated by the staining method.

The non-woven fabrics 7 to 9 were dyed with a dye which dyed the polyurethane fibers in red and did not dye the polyolefin fibers, and were visually evaluated by an optical microscope. As a result, all of the nonwoven fabrics 7 to 9 were identified as the polyolefin fibers as the extensible fibers and the polyurethane fibers as the stretch fibers in the first and second faces, as shown in Figs. 3 and 4, respectively. The distribution is uneven. More specifically, it is confirmed that the ratio of the polyolefin fibers in the convex portion of the first surface is higher than the ratio of the polyurethane fibers in the concave portion of the first surface, and the ratio of the polyolefin fibers in the convex portion of the second surface The ratio of the polyurethane fibers in the recess of the second surface is higher.

Further, the ratio of the polyolefin fibers of the convex portion of the second surface of the nonwoven fabric 9 and the concave portion of the second surface was evaluated by a solvent method. After the convex portion of the second surface and the concave portion of the second surface were taken as 67.7 mg and 39.8 mg, respectively, and 20 mL of dimethyl acetamide was used as a solvent, the convex portion of the second surface and the concave portion of the second surface were collected. The ratio of the olefin fibers was 54% by mass and 43% by mass, respectively. As a result, in the nonwoven fabric 9, it was confirmed that the ratio of the polyolefin fibers in the convex portion of the second surface was higher than the ratio of the polyolefin fibers in the concave portion of the second surface.

Further, the ratio of the polyolefin fibers of the spunbonded nonwoven fabric was measured and found to be 50% by mass.

An electron micrograph of the cross section of the nonwoven fabric 7 in the MD direction is shown in Fig. 13.

In the thirteenth icon showing the cross section of the conveyance direction MD, the convex portion 6 and the concave portion 7 are shown, and it is understood that the amount of fibers per unit area is large and the fiber is large in the convex portion 6. The erection is erected, and it is understood that in the recess 7, the amount of fibers per unit area is small and the fibers are fallen.

1‧‧‧Nonwoven fabric containing extensible fibers and stretchable fibers

2‧‧‧ first side

3‧‧‧ convex

4‧‧‧ recess

5‧‧‧2nd

6‧‧‧ convex

7‧‧‧ recess

8‧‧‧ Openings

9‧‧‧Hydrophilizer

11‧‧‧ Gear extension

12,12’‧‧‧ Gear Roller

13,13’‧‧‧ outer perimeter

14,14'‧‧‧Multiple teeth

15‧‧‧Unwoven fabrics containing extensible fibers and stretchable fibers

16‧‧‧Non-woven fabrics with high extension and low extension

17‧‧‧ Gear spacing

18‧‧‧ Gear bite depth

19‧‧‧Support

20‧‧‧ convex

21‧‧‧Depression

22‧‧‧ fluid nozzle

EX‧‧‧Elongated fiber

EL‧‧‧Strainable fiber

A‧‧‧1st direction

B‧‧‧2nd direction

MD‧‧‧Transportation direction

CD‧‧‧orthogonal direction

Fig. 1 is a schematic view showing one embodiment of a non-woven fabric comprising an extensible fiber and a stretchable fiber of the present invention.

Fig. 2 is a schematic view showing another aspect of the nonwoven fabric comprising the extensible fiber and the stretchable fiber of the present invention.

Fig. 3 is a schematic view showing another aspect of the nonwoven fabric of the present invention comprising the extensible fiber and the stretchable fiber.

Fig. 4 is a schematic view showing another aspect of the nonwoven fabric of the present invention comprising an extensible fiber and a stretchable fiber.

Fig. 5 is a schematic view showing a non-woven fabric comprising an extensible fiber and a stretchable fiber in the X-X cross section of Fig. 1;

Fig. 6 is a schematic view showing a non-woven fabric comprising an extensible fiber and a stretchable fiber in the X-X cross section and the Y-Y cross section of Fig. 2;

Fig. 7 is a schematic view for explaining the extension of the gear.

Fig. 8 is a schematic view for explaining the extension of the gear.

Fig. 9 is a schematic view for explaining the extension of the gear.

Fig. 10 is a view showing an example of a support used for supporting a non-woven fabric on a conveyor belt.

Fig. 11 is a view showing a non-woven fabric having irregularities formed by using the support shown in Fig. 8.

Figure 12 shows the use on a conveyor belt to support non-woven fabrics. Other examples of supports.

Fig. 13 is a photomicrograph of a cross section of the nonwoven fabric 2 formed in Example 1 in the direction MD.

1‧‧‧Nonwoven fabric containing extensible fibers and stretchable fibers

2‧‧‧ first side

3‧‧‧ convex

4‧‧‧ recess

5‧‧‧2nd

EX‧‧‧Elongated fiber

EL‧‧‧Strainable fiber

A‧‧‧1st direction

Claims (14)

A non-woven fabric comprising a non-woven fabric of an extensible fiber and a stretchable fiber, wherein the nonwoven fabric comprises: a first surface having a plurality of convex portions and a plurality of concave portions; and a second surface located on a side opposite to the first surface; The ratio of the elongating fibers in the convex portion of the first surface is higher than the ratio of the elongating fibers in the concave portion of the first surface, and the non-woven fabric is coated with a hydrophilizing agent, or the elongating fiber and the elastic fiber contain a hydrophilizing agent. The non-woven fabric has a water absorption property of a water absorption height of 10 mm or more in a water absorption test, and a quick-drying property of exhibiting an evapotranspiration rate of 20% by mass or more in a evapotranspiration test. The non-woven fabric according to claim 1, wherein the second surface has a plurality of convex portions and concave portions, and the ratio of the elongating fibers of the convex portions of the second surface is higher than that of the concave fibers of the concave portions of the second surface. The ratio is higher. The non-woven fabric according to claim 2, wherein the nonwoven fabric has one or a plurality of openings that connect the concave portion of the first surface to the concave portion of the second surface. The non-woven fabric according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the nonwoven fabric is coated with a hydrophilizing agent and the extensible fiber contains a hydrophilizing agent. The non-woven fabric according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the water absorption height in the water absorption test is 18 mm or more. The non-woven fabric according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the evapotranspiration test has an evapotranspiration ratio of 40% by mass or more. The non-woven fabric according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the air permeability in the thickness direction is 400 m ³ /m ² /min or more, and the air permeability in the planar direction is 5 m ³ /m ² /min or more. The non-woven fabric according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the material of the extensible fiber is made of polyolefin, polystyrene, polyester, polyamide, polyurethane, polylactic acid, and the like. Select from the group consisting of the combinations. The non-woven fabric according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the material of the stretchable fiber is a polyurethane elastomer, a polystyrene elastomer, a polyolefin elastomer, or a polyamide. Selected from the group consisting of an elastomer, a polyester elastomer, and combinations thereof. The non-woven fabric according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the hydrophilizing agent is an anionic hydrophilizing agent, a cationic hydrophilizing agent, a nonionic hydrophilizing agent, and the like. Select from the group consisting of the combinations. A non-woven fabric manufacturing method for manufacturing a non-woven fabric according to any one of claims 1 to 10, the method comprising: preparing a non-woven fabric to be treated comprising an extensible fiber and a stretchable fiber a step of unevenly extending the nonwoven fabric to be treated comprising the extensible fiber and the stretchable fiber to form a non-woven fabric having a high elongation range and a low elongation range; and coating the solution containing the hydrophilizing agent in the foregoing High extension range a step of low-stretch non-woven fabric; and a non-woven fabric coated with a hydrophilizing agent and having a high elongation range and a low elongation range, disposed on the support, and sprayed the discharged fluid to thereby form a treatment The step of non-woven fabric according to any one of claims 1 to 10. The method of claim 11, wherein the step of unevenly extending is performed by using a pair of gear rollers having an axis of rotation orthogonal to the conveying direction to be disposed on the gears The plurality of teeth on the outer circumferential surface of the roller rotate while being engaged with each other, and the nonwoven fabric containing the extensible fiber and the stretchable fiber is passed through the gap between the pair of gear rollers. The method according to claim 11 or 12, wherein the hydrophilizing agent solution is an aqueous solution of a hydrophilizing agent. The method of claim 11, wherein the flow system is selected from the group consisting of air, water vapor, and water.