U.S. patent application number 10/498820 was filed with the patent office on 2005-04-28 for fiber treatment agent composition.
Invention is credited to Hasebe, Keiko, Sata, Juri.
Application Number | 20050086741 10/498820 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 19189701 |
Filed Date | 2005-04-28 |
United States Patent
Application |
20050086741 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Hasebe, Keiko ; et
al. |
April 28, 2005 |
Fiber treatment agent composition
Abstract
A fiber treatment agent composition comprising an amphipathic
lipid having hydroxyl group(s) and amide group(s) in the molecule
thereof, the lipid being solid particles having an average particle
size of 1 to 100 .mu.m. The fiber treated with the fiber treatment
agent composition of the invention provides excellent feeling to
the resultant textile and pleasant feel to the skin. When a
consumer wears the fiber product produced from the thus-treated
fiber, remarkable effects are attained, including pleasant feel to
the skin with which the fiber product is brought into contact, skin
protective effect, effect of enabling the people having sensitive
skin to wear at ease, moisturizing effect, and effect of improving
skin disease such as rough skin.
Inventors: |
Hasebe, Keiko; (Wakayama,
JP) ; Sata, Juri; (Wakayama, JP) |
Correspondence
Address: |
OBLON, SPIVAK, MCCLELLAND, MAIER & NEUSTADT, P.C.
1940 DUKE STREET
ALEXANDRIA
VA
22314
US
|
Family ID: |
19189701 |
Appl. No.: |
10/498820 |
Filed: |
June 23, 2004 |
PCT Filed: |
December 20, 2002 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/JP02/13355 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
8/115.51 |
Current CPC
Class: |
D06M 13/419 20130101;
D06M 2200/50 20130101; D06M 23/08 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
008/115.51 |
International
Class: |
D06M 010/00 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Dec 28, 2001 |
JP |
2001-400934 |
Claims
1. A fiber treatment agent composition comprising an amphipathic
lipid having hydroxyl group(s) and amide group(s) in the molecule
thereof, said lipid being solid particles having an average
particle size of 1 to 100 .mu.m.
2. The fiber treatment agent composition as claimed in claim 1,
wherein the amphipathic lipid is obtained through heating a mixture
of the amphipathic lipid, a surfactant, and/or an aqueous medium to
a temperature not less than the melting point of the amphipathic
lipid, and a subsequent crystallization step.
3. The fiber treatment agent composition as claimed in claim 1 or
2, wherein the amphipathic lipid is represented by the following
formula (1): 2wherein R.sup.1 and R.sup.2 are the same or different
and each independently represents a linear or branched, saturated
or unsaturated C.sub.7-C.sub.39 hydrocarbon group which may be
substituted by one or more hydroxyl groups; and R.sup.3 and R.sup.4
are the same or different and each independently represents a
hydrogen atom, a phosphate salt residue, a sulfate salt residue, or
a saccharide residue; provided that one or more hydroxyl groups are
contained in one molecule of the derivative.
4. The fiber treatment agent composition as claimed in any one of
claims 1 through 3, wherein the amphipathic lipid is contained in
an amount of 0.005 to 40% by weight of the fiber treatment agent
composition.
5. The fiber treatment agent composition as claimed in any one of
claims 1 through 4, further comprising one or more species selected
from the groups consisting of surfactants and aqueous medium.
6. A treated fiber obtained through bringing a fiber treatment
agent composition as recited in any one of claims 1 through 5 into
contact with fiber so as to cause the amphipathic lipid to be
present continuously or discontinuously on the surface of the
fiber.
7. A fiber to which an amphipathic lipid has been affixed, the
amphipathic lipid having hydroxyl group(s) and amide group(s) in
the molecule thereof and being solid particles having an average
particle size of 1 to 100 .mu.m.
8. A method of treating fiber, comprising bringing the fiber
treatment agent composition as recited in any one of claims 1
through 5 into contact with fiber.
9. The method of treating fiber according to claim 8, wherein the
fiber is treated through dipping in the fiber treatment agent
composition.
10. The method of treating fiber according to claim 8, wherein the
fiber is treated through spraying of the fiber treatment agent
composition to the fiber.
11. The method of treating fiber according to any one of claims 8
through 10, wherein, when the fiber is brought into contact with
the fiber treatment agent composition, at least one species
selected from the following group is co-used: binders, softening
agents, hardening agents, sewing facilitating agents, flame
retardants, antistatic agents, soil repellents,
antimicrobial/deodorizing agents, raising agents, slip-preventing
agents, moisturizing agents, water repellants, water absorbers,
fluorescent dyes, anti-shrinking agents, and fixing agents.
12. Use, in a fiber treatment agent composition, of an amphipathic
lipid having hydroxyl group(s) and amide group(s) in the molecule
of the lipid and being solid particles having an average particle
size of 1 to 100 .mu.m.
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present invention relates to a fiber treatment agent
composition imparting excellent feeling to fibers, and to a fiber
which provides excellent sense of touch and excellent feel when a
consumer wears an end product produced from the fiber. More
particularly, the invention relates to a fiber treatment agent
composition containing an amphipathic lipid in solid particulate
form having a specific average particle size that is beneficial for
treatment of fiber; to a fiber bearing the amphipathic lipid on a
surface thereof; and to a method of treating the fiber.
BACKGROUND ART
[0002] In recent years, treated fibers designed to produce effects
analogous to those of skincare cosmetics have found utility in
textile products, particularly those worn by consumers in their
everyday lives. Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open (kokai) No.
8-60547 discloses a skincare fiber product to which
serine-containing protein is attached. Japanese Patent Application
Laid-Open (kokai) No. 2001-146680 discloses a finishing composition
for textiles containing a nonionic amphipathic substance. More
specifically, the nonionic amphipathic substance is a ceramide, and
preferably, the ceramide is present, along with other components,
in the composition while in the form of emulsion particles having a
particle size of not more than 1,000 nm. By virtue of these
features, the composition disclosed therein is reported to exhibit
excellent emulsion stability over time, preventing precipitation of
ceramides, and excellent cohesion or adhesion of ceramides to
fibers to be treated. Also, the treated textile products promote
moisture-retaining ability of the skin when consumers wear the
products. Thus, the ceramides disclosed in this publication are not
present in solid form.
[0003] However, these techniques are not necessarily satisfactory,
in that ceramides cannot be retained on the fiber in such amounts
that can provide sufficient effects, laundry durability is low, and
feeling of the fiber cannot be improved without sacrificing other
features.
[0004] An object of the present invention is to provide a fiber
treatment agent composition which is capable of causing an
amphipathic lipid having skincare effect to be stably retained on
the fiber; which imparts excellent feeling to the fiber; and which,
when a consumer wears an end product producing from the fiber,
exhibits moisturizing effect to the skin and imparts pleasant feel
to the skin with which the fiber product comes into contact.
DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION
[0005] The present invention provides a fiber treatment agent
composition comprising an amphipathic lipid having hydroxyl
group(s) and amide group(s) in the molecule thereof, said lipid
being solid particles having an average particle size of 1 to 100
.mu.m.
[0006] The present invention also provides a fiber treatment agent
composition further comprising, in addition to the above-mentioned
fiber treatment agent compositions one or more species selected
from the group consisting of surfactants and aqueous medium.
[0007] The present invention also provides a treated fiber which is
obtained through bringing the above-mentioned fiber treatment agent
composition into contact with fiber so that the above-mentioned
amphipathic lipid is caused to be present continuously or
discontinuously on a surface of the fiber.
[0008] The present invention also provides a fiber to which the
above-mentioned amphipathic lipid has been affixed.
[0009] The present invention also provides a method of treating
fiber comprising bringing the above-mentioned fiber treatment agent
composition into contact with fiber.
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
[0010] As used herein, the "amphipathic lipid having hydroxyl
group(s) and amide group(s) in the molecule thereof" (hereinafter,
may be referred to as component (a)) is defined as such a lipid
that contains one or more hydroxyl groups and one or more amide
groups in the molecule of the lipid; that falls within the class
consisting of natural ceramides, synthetic ceramides, and analogs
(pseudo-ceramides) prepared therefrom through, for example,
synthesis; and that is solid at room temperature (25.degree. C.)
Examples of the amphipathic lipid include Ceramide H03 (Sederma),
CeramideII (Sederma), Quesamide H (Quest), Ceramide TIC-001
(Takasago International Corporation), and SOFCARECERAMIDE SL-E (Kao
Corporation). From the viewpoint of stability of the lipid
incorporated in the fiber treatment agent composition, the lipid
preferably has a melting point of not less than 30.degree. C., more
preferably not less than 40.degree. C. Among synthesized ceramide
analogs, particularly preferred ones are amide derivatives
represented by the following formula (1) (including the
above-mentioned SOFCARECERAMIDE SL-E: 1
[0011] wherein R.sup.1 and R.sup.2 are the same or different and
each independently represents a linear or branched, saturated or
unsaturated C.sub.7-C.sub.39 hydrocarbon group which may be
substituted by one or more hydroxyl groups; and R.sup.3 and R.sup.4
are the same or different and each independently represents a
hydrogen atom, a phosphate salt residue, a sulfate salt residue, or
a saccharide residue; provided that one or more hydroxyl groups are
contained in one molecule of the derivative.
[0012] In the formula (1), R.sup.1 is preferably a linear or
branched, saturated or unsaturated C.sub.9-C.sub.25 hydrocarbon
group; R.sup.2 is preferably a linear or branched, saturated or
unsaturated C.sub.10-C.sub.26 hydrocarbon group; and each of
R.sup.3 and R.sup.4 is preferably a hydrogen atom.
[0013] Methods for producing the above-mentioned amide derivative
(1) are described in detail in, for example, Japanese Patent
Application Laid-Open (kokai) No. 62-228048 and No. 63-216852.
[0014] The amphipathic lipid is solid particles having an average
particle size of 1 to 100 .mu.m, preferably 2 to 100 .mu.m, more
preferably 5 to 100 .mu.m, even more preferably 5 to 80 .mu.m, most
preferably 7 to 50 .mu.m. Preferably, the solid particles are
present in a crystalline state.
[0015] The above-mentioned amphipathic lipids, which may be
employed alone or in combination of two or more species, are
incorporated in the fiber treatment agent composition of the
present invention in an amount of 0.005 to 40 wt. %, preferably
0.05 to 40 wt. %, more preferably 5 to 40 wt. %, most preferably 10
to 30 wt. %. When the fiber treatment agent composition is a thick
solution, the amount of the amphipathic lipids in the fiber
treatment agent composition is preferably 1 to 40 wt. %, more
preferably 5 to 40 wt. %, most preferably 10 to 30 wt. %, whereas
when the composition is a dilute solution, their amount in the
fiber treatment agent composition is preferably 0.005 to 1 wt. %,
more preferably 0.01 to 0.9 wt. %, most preferably 0.02 to 0.6 wt.
%.
[0016] No particular limitations are imposed on the surfactant
(hereinafter may be referred to as component (b)) which may be used
for the preparation of the fiber treatment agent composition of the
present invention, and one or more species of surfactants may be
suitably selected from nonionic surfactants, anionic surfactants,
amphoteric surfactants, and cationic surfactants.
[0017] In the case where the amphipathic lipid is first subjected
to crystallization along with component (b) and then incorporated
into the fiber treatment agent composition, the component (b) is
preferably one or more species selected from those ordinarily
employed for cosmetic use; for example, selected from nonionic
surfactants, anionic surfactants, and amphoteric surfactants.
[0018] Examples of the nonionic surfactants include alkyl
polyglycosides, polyoxyalkylene alkyl or alkenyl ethers,
polyoxyalkylene sorbitan fatty acid esters, sorbitan fatty acid
esters, polyoxyalkylene sorbitol fatty acid esters, polyoxyalkylene
glycerin fatty acid esters, polyglycerin fatty acid esters, fatty
acid monoglycerides, polyethylene glycol fatty acid esters, and
fatty acid alkanol amides.
[0019] Examples of the anionic surfactants include polyoxyalkylene
alkyl ether acetic acid or salts thereof, N-acylamino acid salts,
polyoxyalkylene alkyl ether sulfate salts, polyoxyalkylene alkyl
ether phosphate salts, alkylphosphate salts, N-acylmethyltaurine
salts, alkylsulfosuccinate salts, polyoxyalkylene
alkylsulfosuccinate salts, and fatty acid salts.
[0020] Examples of the amphoteric surfactants include
alkylaminoacetate betaine, alkylamine oxide, alkylamide propyl
betaine, alkylhydroxy sulfobetaine, and amido amino acid
(imidazoline-type betaine).
[0021] Preferred surfactants are nonionic surfactants and
polyoxyethylene alkyl ether acetic acid or salts thereof. Preferred
nonionic surfactants are alkyl polyglycosides, polyoxyalkylene
alkyl or alkenyl ethers, polyoxyalkylene sorbitan fatty acid
esters, and sorbitan fatty acid esters.
[0022] Most preferred nonionic surfactants include alkyl
polyglycosides (e.g., those in which the alkyl group has 8 to 14
carbon atoms and a glucose condensation degree is 1 to 2),
polyoxyalkylene alkyl or alkenyl ethers (e.g., those in which the
alkyl or alkenyl group has 8 to 18 carbon atoms and the average mol
number of added ethylene oxide is 4 to 25, preferably 4 to 15),
polyoxyalkylene sorbitan fatty acid esters (e.g., those in which
the fatty acid has 8 to 20 carbon atoms and the average mol number
of added ethylene oxide is 5 to 25), and sorbitan fatty acid esters
(e.g., monoesters of fatty acid having 8 to 20 carbon atoms).
[0023] Examples of the polyoxyalkylene alkyl ether acetic acid or
salts thereof include such acids per se having 8 to 20 carbon atoms
and an average mol number of added ethylene oxide of 3 to 15; and
alkali metal salts thereof. That is, the polyoxyalkylene alkyl
ether acetic acid may be used as is (without neutralization) or
after being neutralized.
[0024] When a cationic surfactant is further added, enhanced
adsorption of the amphipathic lipid onto the fiber can be attained.
Examples of the cationic surfactants include mono(long-chain
alkyl)ammonium salts, di(long-chain alkyl)ammonium salts,
benzalkonium salts, benzethonium salts, and pyridinium salts.
[0025] Any of the above-mentioned surfactants may be employed
singly or in combination of two or more species. The surfactant(s)
may be incorporated in the fiber treatment agent composition in an
amount of 2 to 55 wt. %, preferably 5 to 40 wt. %. When a
crystallization step is performed, it is particularly preferred
that these ranges be met.
[0026] The ratio by weight of amphipathic lipid to surfactant;
i.e., (a)/(b), is preferably 90/10 to 25/75, more preferably 80/20
to 30/70, most preferably 70/30 to 40/60. When a crystallization
step is performed, it is particularly preferred that these ranges
be met.
[0027] As used herein, the aqueous medium which may be employed for
producing the fiber treatment agent composition of the present
invention is water and/or a polar organic solvent which is soluble
in water. Examples of water-soluble polar organic solvents include
alcohols such as methanol, ethanol, and propanol; glycols such as
ethylene glycol, propylene glycol, diethylene glycol, and
polyethylene glycol; and acetone.
[0028] Preferred examples of the aqueous medium include water,
ethanol, and glycols, with water being most preferred.
[0029] In treatment of fiber, the fiber treatment agent composition
of the present invention may be used as is or after diluted with
water and/or a water-soluble polar organic solvent, or
alternatively diluted with a surfactant and an aqueous medium. When
the fiber treatment agent composition of the present invention is a
thick solution, the composition is preferably diluted before
use.
[0030] The fiber treatment agent composition of the present
invention can be produced by, for example, heating a mixture of an
amphipathic lipid (component (a)), a surfactant (component (b)),
and water to a temperature of not less than the melting point of
the amphipathic lipid (from the melting point to about a
temperature 10.degree. C. higher than the melting point) under
stirring, to thereby melt the mixture, and after the melt became a
homogeneous state, cooling the melt under stirring, so as to cause
crystallization of the component (a).
[0031] In this process, the particle size of component (a) can be
regulated through control of the type and amount of the surfactant,
cooling rate, and speed of stirring or the like. Preferably,
component (a) has an average particle size of 1 to 100 .mu.m, more
preferably 2 to 100 .mu.m, still more preferably 5 to 100 .mu.m,
even more preferably 5 to 80 .mu.m, most preferably 7 to 50 .mu.m,
as measured by the method described hereinbelow. As used herein,
the average particle size is an arithmetic mean value determined by
photographing the particles under an optical microscope under
transmission light, selecting arbitrary 30 particles on a
photograph, and for each of the 30 particles, measuring the major
axis of the particle.
[0032] The fiber treatment agent composition of the present
invention may also contain a pH-regulator, a preservative, a
softening agent, a hardening agent, an antistatic agent, an
antimicrobial/deodorizing agent, a moisturizing agent and so
on.
[0033] Examples of the moisturizing agent include plant extracts,
sodium hyaluronate, collagen, animal oils, vegetable oils,
paraffin, liquid paraffin, vaseline, ceresine, squalane and so
on.
[0034] Plant extracts are extracts obtained through any of a
variety of plants, and examples thereof include aloe, aloe vera,
ginkgo, fennel, seaweed, pueraria root, chamomile, kiwi, cucumber,
dishcloth gourd, gardenia, rice bran, peach, citron, adlay,
mugwort, Saint-John's-wort, tea and so on.
[0035] Examples of vegetable oils include olive oil, camellia oil,
macadamia nut oil, castor oil, carnauba wax, candelilla wax, jojoba
oil, safflower oil, soybean oil, shea oil, sunflower oil, cacao
oil, coconut oil, palm kernel oil, meadowfoam seed oil, rice germ
oil, orange oil and so on.
[0036] Examples of animal oils include mink oil, beeswax, lanolin
and so on.
[0037] Examples of fibers used in the present invention include
natural fibers such as cotton, silk, hemp, and wool; regenerated
fibers such as rayon, cuprammonium rayon, and tensel;
semi-synthetic fibers such as acetate, diacetate, and triacetate;
and synthetic fibers such as polyester, nylon, acrylic, vinylon,
polypropylene, and polyurethane. No particular limitations are
imposed on the form of the fiber, and examples of the fiber include
a variety of fibrous materials such as staple fiber and yarn;
semi-products such as nonwoven fabric, knit fabric, and woven
fabric; and end products such as clothes and bedclothes.
[0038] Preferred examples of fiber products produced from the
above-mentioned fibers include those which are used in direct
contact with skin or hair; specifically, underwear such as panty
hoses, tights, lingerie, petticoats, camisoles, shorts,
undershirts, trunks, and briefs; foundations such as girdles,
brassieres, and body suits; night wears such as night dresses,
pajamas, and bathrobes; clothes such as leotards, socks, stomach
bands, gloves, mufflers, masks, towels, and headgears; and
bedclothes such as pillow covers and sheets.
[0039] According to one method of the present invention for
treating fiber, fiber is brought into contact with the fiber
treatment agent composition of the present invention.
[0040] Such a step of bringing fiber into contact with the fiber
treatment agent composition may include immersion of fiber in the
fiber treatment agent composition, followed by drying; and spraying
the fiber treatment agent composition onto fiber, followed by
drying. Such treatment yields fibers bearing the amphipatic lipid
in a continuous fashion or discontinuous fashion oh a surface of
the fiber. Drying may be performed through either naturally or with
application of heat. Pressurized heat treatment may be performed by
use of, for example, an iron or trousers presser.
[0041] Examples of specific treatment method include the pad drying
method using a mangle and a dryer; the dip dyeing method employing
a wince dyeing machine, a cheese dyeing machine, or a jet dyeing
machine; the spray method; the coating method; the printing method;
and the additive blending method applied for rayon or acrylic
fibers.
[0042] When textile products are concerned, the fiber treatment
agent composition of the present invention may be used in any step
during laundry, e.g., in a washing step, a rinsing step, a
softener-finishing step, or a sizing step. Alternatively, the fiber
treatment agent composition of the present invention may be
directly applied to clothing or bedclothes by the spray method and
so on.
[0043] In the fiber treatment method of the present invention, the
amphipathic lipid is preferably employed in an amount of 0.001 to 5
wt. %, more preferably 0.05 to 1 wt. %, most preferably 0.1 to 0.8
wt. %, with respect to the weight of the fiber.
[0044] In treating the fiber, a binder may optionally be used. Use
of a binder is preferred from the viewpoint of laundry durability.
Examples of the binder include silicone resins, acrylic resins,
urethane resins, vinyl acetate resins and so on. In this case
(i.e., when treatment of fiber is performed), in addition to a
binder, there may also be used the following agents depending on
purposes: softening agent, hardening agents, sewing facilitating
agents, flame retardants, antistatic agents, soil repellents,
antimicrobial/deodorizing agents, raising agents, slip-preventing
agents, moisturizing agents, water repellants, water absorbers,
fluorescent dyes, anti-shrinking agents such as glyoxal, fixing
agents and so on.
[0045] From the viewpoints of good laundry durability and fiber
treatment effect, the binder is preferably employed in an amount of
10 to 500 wt. %, more preferably 50 to 300 wt. %, with respect to
the weight of the amphipathic lipid, wherein the calculation is on
the basis of solid components of the binder.
[0046] It is believed that, the amphipathic lipid of the invention,
due to its specific form (i.e., solid particles having an average
particle size of 1 to 100 .mu.m), does not tend to be incorporated
into the inside of the treated fiber, but is effectively affixed
onto the surface of fiber as compared with amphipathic lipids in
solubilized form or emulsified form. Moreover, when the fiber
treatment process includes a washing step or rinsing step,
amphipathic lipids in solubilized form or emulsified form are
easily removed through washing. According to the present invention,
however, since the amphipathic lipid is solid particles having an
appropriate size, it is not easily washed away, whereby attaining
improved retention of the lipid in fiber. From these reasons, fiber
that has undergone treatment with the fiber treatment agent
composition of the invention is considered to exhibit excellent
feeling of the resulting textile and pleasant feel to the skin.
EXAMPLES
Example Nos. 1 through 3 and Comparative Example 1
Preparation of Fiber Treatment Agent Composition
[0047] The amphipathic lipids, surfactants, and water shown in
Table 1, in columns of Example Nos. 1 through 3 were heated to 80
to 90.degree. C. Subsequently, each of the resultant mixtures was
cooled under stirring, to thereby allow the amphipathic lipid to
crystallize. Stirring was further performed and the mixture was
cooled to room temperature, to thereby yield a fiber treatment
agent composition. The amphipathic lipid contained in the resultant
composition was found to be solid particles of needle-like to
plate-like crystals having an average particle size of 11.8 .mu.m
(Example 1), 8.9 .mu.m (Example 2), or 16.3 .mu.m (Example 3). The
crystalline state was confirmed through X-ray diffraction.
[0048] In Comparative Example 1, the procedure of Example 1 was
repeated, except that the 32.0 parts by weight of MYDOL 10 was
replaced by 23.0 parts by weight of RHEODOL TW-S120, to thereby
obtain a composition in which the amphipathic lipid remains
uncrystallized but is present as emulsion particles (confirmed
through X-ray diffraction).
1TABLE 1 (parts by weight) Comp. Exam- Examples ple 1 2 3 1 (a)
Formula (1) 20.0 23.0 15.0 20.0 Amphipathic R.sup.1 =
C.sub.15H.sub.31 lipid R.sup.2 = C.sub.16H.sub.33 R.sup.3 = H
R.sup.4 = H (m.p.: 74-76.degree. C.) Formula (1) 3.0 R.sup.1 =
C.sub.17H.sub.35 R.sup.2 = C.sub.14H.sub.29 R.sup.3 = H R.sup.4 = H
(m.p.: 78-80.degree. C.) (b) MYDOL 10*.sup.1 32.0 25.0 Surfactant
EMULGEN 106*.sup.2 15.5 KAO AKYPO 2.0 RLM-100*.sup.3 RHEODOL 23.0
TW-S120*.sup.4 Water balance balance balance balance Average
particle size (.mu.m) 11.8 8.9 16.3 1 or less Particle form Solid
Solid Solid Liquid particles particles particles particles
*.sup.1Kao, Decyl polyglycoside (Condensation degree: 1-1.35),
Effective ingredient: 40 wt. % *.sup.2Kao, Polyoxyethylene (5)
lauryl ether *.sup.3Kao, Polyoxyethylene (10) lauryl ether acetic
acid, Effective ingredient: 89 wt. % *.sup.4Kao, Polyoxyethylene
(20) sorbitan monostearate
Test Example 1 and Comparative Test Examples 1 and 2
[0049] 1 g of the fiber treatment agent composition obtained from
Example 1 was dispersed in 2.0 L of water, and 25 g of a pair of
panty hose, which had been washed five times with a commercially
obtained detergent, was soaked therein. Subsequently, the panty
hose were dewatered once, then rinsed in an equivolume of water,
followed by dewatering again, natural drying, to thereby obtain a
treated fiber product of the present invention. In the same manner,
three pairs of panty hose were prepared, and were provided to a
panelist. Then five women panelists, who have dry skin and often
complain itchiness when they wear panty hose, carried out wearing
test of the panty hose for 3 days in winter (Test 1).
[0050] For comparison, by use of the composition obtained from
Comparative Example 1; i.e., the composition in which the
amphipathic lipid remains uncrystallized but is present as emulsion
particles, several pairs of panty hose were treated in a similar
manner, and wearing test was carried out by the same five panelists
as in Test Example 1 (Comparative Test 1). Also, wearing test of
several pairs of panty hose that have undergone similar treatment,
but undergone no treatment with fiber treatment agent composition,
was carried out (Comparative Test 2).
[0051] The results are all shown in Table 2. The evaluation items
and evaluation criteria are as follows. The results shown in the
Table are average ratings from the 5 panelists.
[0052] Feeling of Fabric (Feel to Touch)
[0053] 4: Very good
[0054] 3: Good
[0055] 2: Slightly poor
[0056] 1: Poor
[0057] Ease of Wearing (Smoothness)
[0058] 4: Very good
[0059] 3: Good
[0060] 2: Slightly poor
[0061] 1: Poor
[0062] Change in Sensation Felt by the Skin by Wearing
[0063] 4: Turned very good
[0064] 3: Turned better
[0065] 2: No change
[0066] 1: Turned worse
[0067] Moisturizing Effect by Wearing
[0068] 4: Very effective
[0069] 3: Effective
[0070] 2: Somewhat effective
[0071] 1: Not effective
[0072] Itchiness of the Skin After Wearing
[0073] 4: Itchiness was removed
[0074] 3: Itchiness was removed to some extent
[0075] 2: No change
[0076] 1: Itchiness aggravated
2TABLE 2 Test 1 Comp. Test 1 Comp. Test 2 Feeling of fabric 3.6 1.8
1.6 Ease of wearing 4.0 2.2 2.0 Change in sensation 3.8 2.2 1.8
felt by the skin Moisturizing effect 3.4 1.2 1.0 Itchiness of the
skin 3.4 2.2 1.8
[0077] As is apparent from Table 2, the fiber which has been
treated with the fiber treatment agent composition of the present
invention imparts excellent feeling to the resultant fiber product,
exhibits smoothness of the fiber product when a person wears the
same, improves touch to the skin, enhance the moisturizing effect,
and mitigates itchiness of the skin.
Test Example Nos. 2 through 4
[0078] Each 5 g of the fiber treatment agent compositions obtained
from Examples 1, 2, and 3 (corresponding to Tests 2, 3, and 4,
respectively) was dispersed in 10.0 L of water. 1.0 Kg of cotton
fiber (cotton fabric) was soaked in the resultant dispersion.
Thereafter, the cotton fiber was squeezed with a mangle, then dried
at 55.degree. C. for 30 minutes, to thereby yield a treated fiber
of the present invention.
[0079] Ten panelists consisting of five men and five women touched
the treated fiber and fiber that had undergone a similar treatment
without use of the fiber treatment agent composition of the present
invention, to compare them in terms of sensation by the blind
method. The results are shown in Table 3. The evaluation criteria
are shown below. The ratings shown in Table 3 are average values of
the ratings given by the 10 panelists.
[0080] Sensation
[0081] 5: The invention product is much better
[0082] 4: The invention product is better
[0083] 3: Comparable
[0084] 2: Non-treated product is better
[0085] 1: Non-treated product is much better
3 TABLE 3 Test 2 Test 3 Test 4 Sensation 4.4 4.1 3.8
[0086] As is apparent from Table 3, as compared with the fiber
products that had undergone no treatment, those treated with the
fiber treatment agent composition of the present invention provide
excellent sensation to touch by hands.
Example 4
[0087] The fiber treatment agent composition of the present
invention can be incorporated in a softening agent composition and
can be used for imparting softness to fiber products.
4 Fiber treatment agent composition (Ex. 1) 10.0% QUARTAMIN
D86P*.sup.1) 3.0% EMULGEN 123P*.sup.2) 0.5% Ethylene glycol 1.5%
Water balance Total 100.0% *.sup.1)Distearyl dimethyl ammonium
chloride (product of Kao Corporation, effective ingredient 75%)
*.sup.2)Polyoxyethylene (23) lauryl ether (product of Kao
Corporation)
Example 5
[0088]
5 Fiber treatment agent composition (Ex. 2) 2.5% Perfume q.s. Water
balance Total 100.0%
[0089] The resultant composition is placed in a spray container,
followed by shaking well, and spraying onto fiber products
uniformly.
Industrial Applicability
[0090] The fiber treated with the fiber treatment agent composition
of the present invention provides excellent feeling to the
resultant textile and pleasant feel to the skin. When a consumer
wears the fiber product produced from the thus-treated fiber,
remarkable effects are attained, including pleasant feel to the
skin with which the fiber product is brought into contact, skin
protective effect, effect of enabling the people having sensitive
skin to wear at ease, moisturizing effect, and effect of improving
skin disease such as rough skin.
* * * * *