U.S. patent application number 14/439280 was filed with the patent office on 2015-10-15 for composition for permanently hydrophilizing polyolefin fibers and use thereof.
The applicant listed for this patent is SCHILL + SEILACHER GMBH. Invention is credited to Michael Kraus, Wolfgang Warncke.
Application Number | 20150292144 14/439280 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 49518945 |
Filed Date | 2015-10-15 |
United States Patent
Application |
20150292144 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Kraus; Michael ; et
al. |
October 15, 2015 |
COMPOSITION FOR PERMANENTLY HYDROPHILIZING POLYOLEFIN FIBERS AND
USE THEREOF
Abstract
The invention relates to a composition for permanently
hydrophilizing polyolefin fibers and polyolefin filaments as well
as nonwoven textile fabrics made thereof for use as hygiene
products such as baby diapers and sanitary napkins or medicinal
products such as incontinence products, wound dressings and
surgical covers. The composition contains a combination of a
non-ionic surfactant, a cationic quaternary ammonium compound and a
neutralized phosphoric acid ester. The fiber products finished with
the composition exhibit improved resistance to wet migration and
dry migration and quick fluid absorption.
Inventors: |
Kraus; Michael; (Waldenbuch,
DE) ; Warncke; Wolfgang; (Tuebingen, DE) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
SCHILL + SEILACHER GMBH |
Boblingen |
|
DE |
|
|
Family ID: |
49518945 |
Appl. No.: |
14/439280 |
Filed: |
October 30, 2013 |
PCT Filed: |
October 30, 2013 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/EP2013/072678 |
371 Date: |
April 29, 2015 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
442/333 ;
252/8.61; 428/394 |
Current CPC
Class: |
D06M 13/463 20130101;
D06M 2200/11 20130101; D04H 3/007 20130101; D06M 13/295 20130101;
D06M 2101/20 20130101; D06M 13/292 20130101; D06M 15/53 20130101;
D01F 6/04 20130101 |
International
Class: |
D06M 13/463 20060101
D06M013/463; D04H 3/007 20060101 D04H003/007; D01F 6/04 20060101
D01F006/04; D06M 15/53 20060101 D06M015/53; D06M 13/292 20060101
D06M013/292 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Nov 6, 2012 |
DE |
10 2012 021 742.0 |
Claims
1. A composition for permanently hydrophilizing polyolefin fibers
and filaments as well as nonwoven textile products made thereof,
comprising (A) 15 to 50% by weight of at least one non-ionic
surfactant, wherein the non-ionic surfactant is a compound selected
from the group consisting of: alkoxylated C.sub.6-C.sub.18 fatty
alcohols, alkoxylated C.sub.6-C.sub.18 amines, alkoxylated
C.sub.6-C.sub.18 amides, alkoxylated C.sub.6-C.sub.18 fatty acids,
alkoxylated C.sub.6-C.sub.18 fatty acid esters and alkoxylated
C.sub.8-C.sub.18 alkylphenols, and wherein the non-ionic surfactant
has one or more branched or straight-chain, saturated or
unsaturated C.sub.6-C.sub.18 hydrocarbon chain; (B) 15 to 50% by
weight of at least one quaternary ammonium compound of the general
formula (I):
[R.sup.1--C(.dbd.O)--X--(CH.sub.2).sub.n--NR.sup.2R.sup.3--(CH.sub.2).sub-
.m--X--C(.dbd.O)--R.sup.1].sup.+Y.sup.- (I) wherein R.sup.1 is an
alkyl group having 1 to 22 C atoms or an alkenyl group having 2 to
22 C atoms, R.sup.2 and R.sup.3 independently represent an alkyl
group having 1 to 22 C atoms, hydroxyethyl or a polyglycol radical,
X is an oxygen atom, NH, N--CH.sub.3 or a (OC.sub.2H.sub.4).sub.z
group with z=1 to 10, Y.sup.- is one of the anions
CH.sub.3OSO.sub.3.sup.-, C.sub.2H.sub.SOSO.sub.3.sup.-,
CH.sub.3COO.sup.-, Cl.sup.-, phosphate, lactate, citrate, and m and
n independently represent an integer from 1 to 6; wherein the
quaternary ammonium compound is present as a solid at room
temperature of 20.degree. C.; (C) 15 to 50% by weight of at least
one neutralized phosphoric acid ester of the general formula (II):
P(.dbd.O)(OR.sup.4)(OR.sup.5)(OR.sup.6) (II) wherein R.sup.4,
R.sup.5 and R.sup.6 independently represent (i) an alkoxylated
alkyl group having a hydrocarbon chain comprising 3 to 22 C atoms
or an alkoxylated alkenyl group having a hydrocarbon chain
comprising 3 to 22 C atoms, wherein the number of alkoxy groups per
alkyl or alkylene group is between 1 and 10 and the alkyl groups or
alkenyl groups in each case may be branched or straight-chain,
saturated or unsaturated; (ii) an alkyl group having 3 to 22 C
atoms or an alkenyl group having 3 to 22 C atoms that in each case
may be branched or straight-chain, saturated or unsaturated, and/or
(iii) hydrogen, with at least one of the radicals R.sup.4, R.sup.5
and R.sup.6 not being hydrogen.
2. The composition according to claim 1, wherein the non-ionic
surfactant of component (A) has 1 to 10 alkoxy groups in the
molecule.
3. The composition according to claim 1 wherein the non-ionic
surfactant of component (A) is selected from the group of fatty
alcohol alkoxylates having 6 to 18 C atoms in the hydrocarbon
chain.
4. The composition according to claim 3, wherein the fatty alcohol
alkoxylate has terminal hydroxyl groups.
5. The composition according to claim 1, wherein at least one of
the radicals R.sup.1, R.sup.2 and R.sup.3 in the quaternary
ammonium salt of component (B) is derived from vegetable oils or
oil blends.
6. The composition according to claim 5, wherein at least one of
the radicals R.sup.1, R.sup.2 and/or R.sup.3 in the quaternary
ammonium salt of component (B) is derived from palm oil or palm
kernel oil.
7. The composition according to claim 1, wherein the quaternary
ammonium salt of component (B) has a melting point of 25 to
80.degree. C.
8. The composition according to claim 1, wherein the phosphoric
acid ester according to component (C) has alkoxylated alkyl groups
and/or alkenyl groups having 6 to 18 C atoms in the hydrocarbon
chain and 1 to 6 alkoxy groups.
9. The composition according to claim 1, wherein the phosphoric
acid ester according to component (C) has alkyl groups and/or
alkenyl groups having 6 to 18 C atoms.
10. The composition according to claim 1, wherein the phosphoric
acid ester according to component (C) is neutralized with at least
one base selected from the group consisting of LiOH, NaOH, KOH,
NH.sub.3, mono-, di- and triethanolamine.
11. The composition according to claim 1, wherein the composition
is present in the form of an aqueous dispersion or paste having a
content of active components of from 5 to 95% by weight.
12. The composition according to claim 1, wherein the composition
optionally contains at least one further additive selected from the
group of cohesion agents, lubricants, corrosion inhibitors and
emulsifiers as component (D).
13. The use of a composition according to claim 1, adapted for use
as a fiber preparation for permanently hydrophilizing polyolefin
fibers or polyolefin filaments.
14. The composition according to one of claim 1, adapted for use as
an agent for the permanent hydrophilic finishing of textile fabrics
made of polyolefin fibers or polyolefin filaments, including
polyolefin fiber nonwovens.
15. A polyolefin fiber or filament permanently hydrophilically
finished or treated with a composition according to claim 1.
16. A nonwoven textile fabric made of polyolefin fibers or
filaments permanently hydrophilically finished with a composition
according to claim 1.
17. The textile fabric according to claim 16, wherein the fabric is
a polyolefin random-laid fiber nonwoven.
18. The textile fabric according to claim 16, wherein the fabric is
a needled polyolefin fiber nonwoven.
Description
[0001] The present invention relates to compositions, preferably in
the form of spin finishes, for polyolefin fibers or filaments
imparting to these basically hydrophobic fibers permanently
hydrophilic properties, as well as to fibers and filaments finished
with these compositions, and to textile fabrics made thereof, in
particular nonwoven fabrics.
[0002] Hydrophilic nonwoven fabrics are used as covering fibrous
webs, i.e. as the top layer or as an intermediate layer in
multi-layer fibrous webs, for hygiene products such as baby
diapers, sanitary napkins, incontinence products and similar
products. It is the task of such nonwovens to quickly pass body
fluids such as urine to the underlying absorption layer.
[0003] Ordinary hydrophilizing preparations are wiped off the
nonwoven fabric more or less quickly and distinctly during fluid
transport within the diaper or other product, making the covering
fibrous web gradually lose its hydrophilic properties and, due to
the hydrophobic properties of polyolefins, become more and more
hydrophobic. Upon subsequent further contact with body fluids, the
passing of said fluids to the absorption layer will be increasingly
complicated and finally impossible. As a result, the fluids leak
from the nonwoven construct, and the nonwoven construct can no
longer exert its original function of keeping a baby's or a
patient's skin dry.
[0004] In contrast to that, a preparation for permanent
hydrophilization is supposed to adhere to the polyolefin as long as
possible and impart to the nonwoven fabric a consistent
hydrophilicity over a long time.
[0005] Typically, nonwoven fabrics are made of filaments and/or
fibers, with random-laid fiber nonwovens bonded by either physical
methods such as needling or by chemical means. In the production of
carded nonwovens that are subsequently heat-set a hydrophilizing
fiber preparation must additionally meet further requirements. In
this case, for nonwovens to be produced at an acceptable rate, the
preparation must permit fiber production and processing and also
impart to the fibers and filaments optimum sliding properties and
cohesion, and provide them with a sufficient antistatic finish.
[0006] U.S. Pat. No. 4,988,449 describes hydrophilizing
compositions that contain diethanol amides such as non-ionic
surfactants, alkyl phosphates, quaternary ammonium salts and/or
alkyl imidazolium salts and are used as agents imparting fluid
permeability to polyolefin nonwovens.
[0007] From U.S. Pat. No. 5,258,129 hydrophilizing compositions are
known that contain polyoxyalkylene-modified polydimethylsiloxanes
alone or in combination with non-ionic surfactants, alkyl
phosphates, quaternary ammonium salts and/or alkyl imidazolium
salts.
[0008] EP 410 485 B1 discloses a method for hydrophilizing
polyolefin fiber nonwovens by applying to the surface of the fibers
an aqueous mixture of alkoxylated surfactants, wherein the
composition consists either of at least 80% alkoxylated
triglycerides of C.sub.18 fatty acids, with these triglycerides
containing a large proportion of alkoxylated ricinolein or
alkoxylated and hydrogenated ricinolein, or of at least 80% of a
mixture of alkoxylated or alkoxylated and hydrogenated ricinolein,
a polyalkylene-modified water-soluble polydimethylsiloxane and an
antistatic compound, the latter being for example a neutralized
phosphoric acid ester, an alkoxylated phosphate, potassium salt,
ammonium salt or an alkyoxylated ammonium salt.
[0009] From EP 0 839 947 A2 hydrophilizing compositions are known
that contain non-ionic surfactants in combination with a
polyoxyalkylene-modified polydimethylsiloxane and/or a quaternary
ammonium compound.
[0010] EP 1 600 532 B1 describes hydrophilizing compositions
comprising an alkoxylated glycerol esterified with a fatty acid and
an alkoxylated or alkoxylated and hydrogenated ricinolein
esterified with a fatty acid.
[0011] Although these known compositions impart to the fibers and
nonwoven fabrics treated or finished with them permanently
hydrophilic properties, their production is expensive and they need
to be improved with regard to the rate at which the fluid is passed
through the nonwoven fabric into the absorption layer.
[0012] Furthermore, there is a need for compositions
hydrophilically finishing fibers and nonwoven fabrics that are
resistant to migration of constituents in the preparation, whether
dry and/or wet, to adjacent hydrophobic areas of the nonwoven.
[0013] Thus, it is the object of the invention to provide a
composition with good permanently hydrophilizing properties, a
rapid transit capacity and a low tendency to migrate into adjacent
hydrophobic areas of the nonwoven fabric.
[0014] According to the present invention, this object is solved by
a composition for permanently hydrophilizing polyolefin fibers and
filaments and textile fabrics made thereof such as nonwoven fabrics
and other nonwoven textile products according to claim 1.
[0015] Further advantageous embodiments are stated in the
sub-claims which can be optionally combined with each other.
[0016] The composition for permanently hydrophilizing polyolefin
fibers and filaments and textile fabrics made thereof
comprises:
(A) 15 to 50% by weight of at least one non-ionic surfactant,
wherein the non-ionic surfactant is selected from the following
group of compounds, each having one or more branched or
straight-chain, saturated or unsaturated C.sub.6-C.sub.18
hydrocarbon chains in their molecule: alkoxylated C.sub.6-C.sub.18
fatty alcohols, alkoxylated C.sub.6-C.sub.18 amines, alkoxylated
C.sub.6-C.sub.18 amides, alkoxylated C.sub.6-C.sub.18 fatty acids,
alkoxylated C.sub.6-C.sub.18 fatty acid esters and alkoxylated
C.sub.8-C.sub.18 alkylphenoles; (B) 15 to 50% by weight of at least
one quaternary ammonium compound of the general formula (I):
[R.sup.1--C(.dbd.O)--X--(CH.sub.2).sub.n--NR.sup.2R.sup.3--(CH.sub.2).su-
b.m--X--C(.dbd.O)--R.sup.1].sup.+Y.sup.- (I)
wherein
[0017] R.sup.1 is an alkyl group having 1 to 22 C atoms or an
alkenyl group having 2 to 22 C atoms,
[0018] R.sup.2 and R.sup.3 independently represent an alkyl group
having 1 to 22 C atoms, hydroxyethyl or a polyglycol radical,
[0019] X is an oxygen atom, NH, N--CH.sub.3 or a
(OC.sub.2H.sub.4).sub.z group with z=1 to 10,
[0020] Y.sup.- is one of the anions CH.sub.3OSO.sub.3.sup.-,
C.sub.2H.sub.SOSO.sub.3.sup.-, CH.sub.3COO.sup.-, Cl.sup.-,
phosphate, lactate, citrate, and
[0021] m and n independently represent an integer from 1 to 6;
[0022] wherein the quaternary ammonium compound is present as a
solid at room temperature (20.degree. C.);
(C) 15 to 50% by weight of at least one neutralized phosphoric acid
ester of the general formula (II):
P(.dbd.O)(OR.sup.4)(OR.sup.5)(OR.sup.6) (II)
[0023] wherein
[0024] R.sup.4, R.sup.5 and R.sup.6 independently represent [0025]
(i) an alkoxylated alkyl group having 3 to 22 C atoms in the
hydrocarbon chain or an alkoxylated alkenyl group having 3 to 22 C
atoms in the hydrocarbon chain, wherein the number of alkoxy groups
per alkyl or alkylene group is between 1 and 10 and the alkyl
groups or alkenyl groups in each case may be branched or
straight-chain, saturated or unsaturated; [0026] (ii) an alkyl
group having 3 to 22 C atoms or an alkenyl group having 3 to 22 C
atoms that in each case may be branched or straight-chain,
saturated or unsaturated, and/or [0027] (iii) hydrogen, [0028] with
at least one of the radicals R.sup.4, R.sup.5 and R.sup.6 not being
hydrogen.
[0029] As a neutralizing agent for the phosphoric acid ester, all
suitable bases such as LiOH, NaOH, KOH, NH.sub.3, mono-, di- or
triethanolamine can be used.
[0030] The composition according to the present invention has
excellent permanently hydrophilizing properties, an excellent
transit capacity and a good resistance to migration of the
constituents in the preparation to adjacent hydrophobic areas of
the nonwoven fabric.
[0031] In aqueous dilutions, these compositions can be used
particularly well as fiber preparations for the permanent
hydrophilic finishing of polyolefin fibers, polyolefin filaments
and nonwoven textile products made thereof, in particular nonwoven
fabrics.
[0032] The non-ionic surfactant in component (A) of the composition
according to the present invention is preferably selected from the
group of fatty alcohol alkoxylates having 6 to 18 C atoms in the
hydrocarbon chain. Particularly preferred are fatty alcohol
alkoxylates having 8 to 16 C atoms in the hydrocarbon chain.
[0033] The fatty alcohol alkoxylates can have a hydroxyl or an
alkyl or alkenyl ether group as a terminal group. Particularly
preferred are hydroxyl group-terminated fatty alcohol
alkoxylates.
[0034] The number of alkoxy groups in the non-ionic surfactant of
component (A) is preferably 1 to 10, more preferably 2 to 8 and
particularly preferably 2 to 6. The alkoxy groups are preferably
ethyl(ene)oxy (EO) and/or propyl(ene)oxy (PO) groups, particularly
preferably EO groups.
[0035] In the quaternary ammonium compound of component (B) the
radicals R.sup.1 to R.sup.3 in formula (I) are preferably alkyl
groups as derived from vegetable oils and oil blends. It is
particularly preferred that the radicals R.sup.1, R.sup.2, and
R.sup.3 are derived from vegetable oils with a high proportion of
saturated fatty acids, in particular palm oil or palm kernel
oil.
[0036] According to the present invention, the quaternary ammonium
compounds are present as a solid at room temperature.
[0037] According to a particularly preferred embodiment of the
composition according to the present invention the quaternary
ammonium compounds have a melting point of 25 to 80.degree. C.,
particularly preferably a melting point of 30 to 50.degree. C.
[0038] At least one of the radicals R.sup.4, R.sup.5 and R.sup.6 in
formula (II) of the neutralized phosphoric acid ester of component
(C) is preferably an alkoxylated alkyl or alkenyl group having 6 to
18 C atoms in the hydrocarbon chain and 1 to 6 alkoxy groups,
particularly preferably an alkoxylated alkyl or alkenyl group
having 10 to 18 C atoms in the hydrocarbon chain and 1 to 4 alkoxy
groups. The alkoxy groups are preferably ethyl(ene)oxy (EO) and/or
propyl(ene)oxy (PO) groups, particularly preferably EO groups.
[0039] According to another preferred embodiment at least one of
the radicals R.sup.4, R.sup.5 and R.sup.6 in formula (II) is an
alkyl group or an alkenyl group having 6 to 18 C atoms,
particularly preferably having 10 to 18 C atoms.
[0040] In addition, the composition according to the present
invention can optionally contain further additives from the group
of cohesion agents, lubricants, corrosion inhibitors and
emulsifiers as component (D).
[0041] Preferably, the composition according to the present
invention consists of components (A), (B) and (C) as well as
optionally one or more of the additives according to component (D).
Particularly preferably, component (A) is present in a proportion
of 20 to 35% by weight, component (B) is present in a proportion of
20 to 35% by weight and component (C) is present in a proportion of
35 to 45% by weight, each based on the total weight of components
(A), (B) and (C).
[0042] The other additives of component (D) can be added to both
the composition according to the present invention comprising
components (A), (B) and (C) and the application liquor.
[0043] Preferably, a castor oil alkoxylate, for example Emulsogen
EL 360 from Clariant, or a castor oil alkoxylate having up to 10
ethoxy and up to 3 propoxy units is used as a cohesion agent. The
proportion of the cohesion agent in the composition according to
the present invention is preferably 1 to 10% by weight, based on
the total weight of the composition.
[0044] It is preferred that the cohesion agent is added
subsequently to the application liquor.
[0045] Preferably, the lubricant is a fatty acid ethoxylate,
particularly preferably a coconut fatty acid alkyoxylate such as
Genagen C100 from Clariant, a coconut fatty acid having up to 10
ethoxy units or a coconut fatty acid having up to 10 ethoxy and 3
propoxy units. The proportion of the lubricant in the composition
according to the present invention is preferably 1 to 10% by
weight, based on the total weight of the composition.
[0046] It is preferred that the lubricant is added subsequently to
the application liquor.
[0047] Preferably, a fatty acid amine derivative is used as a
corrosion inhibitor for the protection of the metal parts of the
spinning machines and the other processing machines, e.g. of the
card. Particularly preferably, the corrosion inhibitor is an oleyl
sarkosinate. The proportion of the corrosion inhibitor in the
composition according to the present invention is preferably 0 to
2% by weight, based on the total weight of the composition.
[0048] It is preferred that the corrosion inhibitor is added
subsequently to the application liquor.
[0049] As the emulsifier, a fatty acid ethoxylate is again
preferably used, particularly preferably a coconut fatty acid
alkyoxylate such as Genagen C100 from Clariant, a coconut fatty
acid having up to 10 ethoxy units or a coconut fatty acid having up
to 10 ethoxy and 3 propoxy units. The proportion of the emulsifier
in the composition according to the present invention is preferably
1 to 50% by weight, based on the total weight of the
composition.
[0050] Preferably, the composition according to the present
invention is present in the form of an aqueous dispersion or paste
whose drying residue at 105.degree. C. is between 5 and 95% by
weight.
[0051] The composition according to the present invention is
preferably used as a fiber preparation for permanently
hydrophilizing polyolefin fibers or polyolefin filaments or as an
agent for the permanent hydrophilic finishing of nonwoven textile
products made of polyolefin fibers or polyolefin filaments.
[0052] As the polyolefin, ethylene- or propylene-based homo- or
copolymers can be used.
[0053] Examples of such polyolefins are polyethylenes such as HDPE
(high-density polyethylene), LDPE (low-density polyethylene), VLDPE
(very low-density polyethylene), LLDPE (linear low-density
polyethylene), MDPE (medium-density polyethylene), UHMPE
(ultra-high molecular polyethylene), VPE (cross-linked
polyethylene), HPPE (high-pressure polyethylene); polypropylenes
such as isotactic polypropylene, syndiotactic polypropylene,
metallocene-catalyzed polypropylene, impact strength-modified
polypropylene; ethylene- and propylene-based random copolymers,
ethylene- and propylene-based block copolymers; EPM
(poly[ethylene-co-propylene]); EPDM
(poly[ethylene-co-propylene-co-conjugated diene]).
[0054] Further suitable polyolefins are, for example,
polystyrene;
[0055] poly(methylstyrene); poly(oxymethylene);
metallocene-catalyzed alpha-olefin or cycloolefin copolymers such
as norbornene-ethylene copolymers; copolymers containing at least
60% ethylene and/or styrene and less than 40% monomers such as
vinyl acetate, acrylic acid ester, methacrylic acid ester, acrylic
acid, acrylonitrile or vinyl chloride. Examples of such polymers
are poly(ethylene-co-ethyl acrylate), poly(ethylene-co-vinyl
acetate), poly(ethylene-co-vinyl chloride) and
poly(styrene-co-acrylonitrile).
[0056] Graft copolymers such as polymer blends, i.e. mixtures of
polymers which contain, inter alia, the above-mentioned polymers,
for example polyethylene- and polypropylene-based polymer blends,
are also suitable. In addition, bi-component fibers with a
core/shell structure such as PE/PP and PP/PET biopolymers can be
used.
[0057] The composition according to the present invention can be
applied to the fibers, filaments or nonwoven textile products in
the form of an aqueous emulsion or in the form of an aqueous
dispersion, preferably in an amount of 0.1 to 2%, based on the dry
weight of the respective product (fiber, filament, nonwoven
fabric).
[0058] As known to those skilled in the art, the composition is
applied by means of metering pins, kiss rollers, dip baths or by
spraying. Any viscosity desired for the respective application form
can be adjusted by diluting the composition with water.
[0059] Therefore, polyolefin fibers and filaments that are
permanently hydrophilically finished or treated with the
composition according to the present invention are also an object
of the invention.
[0060] In addition, the invention relates to a double finish and
treatment of the polyolefin fibers/filaments and nonwoven textile
products in which the composition according to the present
invention initially provides the fibers or filaments and
subsequently the entire nonwoven textile or fabric made thereof
with a permanently hydrophilic finish.
[0061] It is particularly preferred that the nonwoven fabrics
finished according to the present invention are non-bonded
random-laid fiber nonwovens or chemically or physically bonded,
e.g. needled or heat-set nonwovens.
[0062] Below, the invention is explained by means of several
preferred embodiments, which, however, are not to be construed as
limiting.
EXAMPLE 1
[0063] Component A
[0064] 34.2% by weight C.sub.10 fatty alcohol polyethylene glycol
ether-4EO (non-ionic surfactant)
[0065] Component B
[0066] 28.2% by weight
dkpalmcarboxyethylyhydroxyethyl-methylammonium-methosulfate
(quaternary ammonium compound derived from palm fatty acid; melting
point: 35.degree. C.)
[0067] Component C
[0068] 37.6% by weight mono- and di-(C.sub.12-C.sub.18)-alkyl
phosphoric acid ester, potassium salt
[0069] Components A, B and C were thoroughly mixed, homogenized and
optionally neutralized. The composition obtained this way was
diluted with distilled or demineralized water, forming a dispersion
containing 5% by weight of the composition.
EXAMPLE 2
[0070] Component A
[0071] 24.1% by weight C.sub.12-C.sub.14 fatty alcohol polyethylene
glycol ether-(3EO)
[0072] Component B
[0073] 32.0% by weight
dkpalmcarboxyethylyhydroxyethyl-methylammonium-methosulfate
[0074] Component C
[0075] 43.9% by weight mono- and di-(C.sub.12-C.sub.18)-alkyl
phosphoric acid ester, potassium salt
[0076] Components A, B and C were thoroughly mixed, homogenized and
optionally neutralized. The composition obtained this way was
diluted with distilled or demineralized water, forming a dispersion
containing 5% by weight of the composition.
COMPARATIVE EXAMPLE 1
[0077] Component A
[0078] 34.2% by weight bis-isooctyl sodium sulfosuccinate (ionic
surfactant)
[0079] Component B
[0080] 28.2% by weight
dkpalmcarboxyethylyhydroxyethyl-methylammonium-methosulfate
[0081] Component C
[0082] 37.6% by weight mono- and di-(C.sub.12-C.sub.18)-alkyl
phosphoric acid ester, potassium salt
[0083] Components A, B and C were thoroughly mixed, homogenized and
optionally neutralized. The composition obtained this way was
diluted with distilled or demineralized water, forming a dispersion
containing 5% by weight of the composition.
COMPARATIVE EXAMPLE 2
[0084] Component A
[0085] 24.0% by weight C.sub.12-C.sub.14 fatty alcohol polyethylene
glycol ether-6EO (non-ionic-surfactant)
[0086] Component B
[0087] 32.5% by weight
di-(oleylcarboxyethyl)-hydroxyethyl-methylammonium-methosulfate
(quaternary ammonium compound; melting point: <20.degree.
C.)
[0088] Component C
[0089] 43.5% by weight mono- and di-(C.sub.12-C.sub.18)-alkyl
phosphoric acid ester, potassium salt
[0090] Components A, B and C were thoroughly mixed, homogenized and
optionally neutralized. The composition obtained this way was
diluted with distilled or demineralized water, forming a dispersion
containing 5% by weight of the composition.
COMPARATIVE EXAMPLE 3
[0091] Component A
[0092] 34.2% by weight bis-isooctyl sodium sulfosuccinate (ionic
surfactant)
[0093] Component B
[0094] 28.2% by weight
di-(oleylcarboxyethyl)-hydroxyethyl-methylammonium-methosulfate
[0095] Component C
[0096] 37.6% by weight mono- and di-(C.sub.12-C.sub.18)-alkyl
phosphoric acid ester, potassium salt
[0097] Components A, B and C were thoroughly mixed, homogenized and
optionally neutralized. The composition obtained this way was
diluted with distilled or demineralized water, forming a dispersion
containing 5% by weight of the composition.
COMPARATIVE EXAMPLE 4
[0098] A permanently hydrophilizing fiber preparation from
Schill+Seilacher GmbH, Boblingen, commercially available under the
designation Silastol.TM. PHP 20 and essentially comprising a
mixture of cationic antistatic agents, non-ionogenic emulsifiers
and special wetting agents, was used as another specimen.
COMPARATIVE EXAMPLE 5
[0099] A fiber preparation according to the compositions described
in U.S. Pat. No. 4,988,449 was made comprising an alkyl
diethanolamide, a salt of an acidic alkyl phosphoric acid ester, a
non-ionic surfactant and a quaternary modified
polydimethylsiloxane.
COMPARATIVE EXAMPLE 6
[0100] A permanently hydrophilizing fiber preparation on the basis
of fatty acid polyethylene glycol esters that is commercially
available under the designation Stantex.TM. S 6327 (Pulcra
Chemicals) was used as another specimen.
[0101] Investigation of Hydrophilizing Properties
[0102] All preparations described above were adjusted, by dilution
with distilled or demineralized water, to a dispersion containing
5% by weight active components. The 5% by weight active dispersion
of the compositions according to Examples 1 and 2 and Comparative
examples 1 to 6 was used as a fiber preparation for the permanent
hydrophilic finishing of a polypropylene (PP) spunbond nonwoven
with an area density of 15 g/m.sup.2. The applied weight of the
active substance (OPU or oil pick up), based on the dry weight of
the PP nonwoven, was 0.45 to 0.65%.
[0103] For the testing of the compositions in conjunction with the
above-mentioned textile substrate the studies described below were
performed.
[0104] Strike-Through Time
[0105] According to the EDANA method ERT 150.2-93, the time
required for 5 ml of a synthetic urine solution to penetrate a
prepared nonwoven fabric and enter the underlying absorption layer
made of filter paper is measured. To find out whether the
hydrophilic finish provided is washed out or indeed imparts
permanent hydrophilicity, five successive measurements are made on
the same fabric, with the absorbent filter paper renewed each time.
The five measured values are given in seconds.
[0106] Wetback
[0107] According to the EDANA method ERT 151.0-93, the amount (in
grams) of fluid flowing back into an overlying dry filter paper
when a 4 kg load is placed on a soaked fabric is measured.
[0108] Runoff Test
[0109] Based on the EDANA method 152.0-99, a PP spunbond nonwoven
is placed with an inclination of 45.degree. on a filter paper
serving as an absorption layer. The run length necessary to
completely pass a defined amount of a synthetic urine solution
through the fabric into the underlying absorption layer is
determined. To pass the test, a maximum run length of 30 mm is
allowed.
[0110] Ten Drop Test
[0111] In the ten drop test according to an in-house testing
method, a 10-well metal mask is placed on a piece of nonwoven
fabric as an absorption layer. Successively, one drop of a
synthetic urine solution is pipetted into each well. A test field
counts as passed if the amount of fluid has been absorbed by the
underlying absorption layer within two seconds. To obtain a
statement on the permanence of a fiber preparation, the test is
repeated each time after a waiting time of 3 minutes without
exchanging the absorption layer. The test result indicates the
number of test fields passed.
[0112] Dry Migration
[0113] In the dry migration test according to an in-house testing
method, migration of the constituents of the hydrophilic fiber
preparation into the surrounding hydrophobic nonwoven material is
simulated. To this end, hydrophilic and hydrophobic layers are
alternately stacked and stored for 48 hours under pressure (bearing
load of 10 kg) at an elevated temperature of 60.degree. C. The
hydrophobic layers of nonwoven fabric are placed in a solution of
synthetic urine, and the wetting of the layers is assessed.
Ideally, there is no wetting of the hydrophobic nonwoven fabric.
Assessment is based on the following criteria:
[0114] Grade 1: No Wetting Visible
[0115] Grade 2: max. 5 wetting sites with a diameter of <2 mm
visible
[0116] Grade 3: 6 to 15 wetting sites with a diameter of <2 mm
visible
[0117] Grade 4: more than 15 wetting sites with a diameter of <2
mm visible, or wetting sites with a diameter of >2 mm
visible
[0118] Wet Migration
[0119] In the wet migration test according to an in-house testing
method, the detachment of a fiber preparation and its transfer from
hydrophilic to hydrophobic areas in contact with a fluid are
tested. To this end, a hydrophilic piece of nonwoven fabric
finished with a fiber preparation is placed in a Petri dish
containing synthetic urine, and a hydrophobic piece of nonwoven
fabric is laid on top. After 30 seconds wetting of the hydrophobic
piece of nonwoven fabric is assessed. Ideally, the hydrophobic
nonwoven fabric is not hydrophilized. Assessment is made by
specifying the wetted surface in percent.
[0120] The results of the tests performed with regard to the
compositions according to Examples 1 and 2 and Comparative examples
1 to 6 are shown in Table 1 below, with the target values compared
to the measuring values obtained in each case. The test is
considered as passed if all measuring values are within the range
of the target values.
[0121] Examples 1 and 2 according to the present invention
containing a non-ionic surfactant together with a quaternary
ammonium compound and a neutralized phosphoric acid ester mixture
meet the requirements for quickly and permanently hydrophilizing
the polyolefin nonwoven fabric without migration.
[0122] Comparative examples 1 to 3 and the commercially available
comparative examples 4 to 6 fail to meet at least one of the
desired requirements.
TABLE-US-00001 TABLE 1 Test results for Examples 1 and 2 as well as
Comparative examples 1 to 6 Multiple OPU Strike-Through Wetback
Examples Component A [%] [s] [g] Target value --
<2/<3/<3/<3/<3 max. 0.3 Example 1 non-ionic 0.45
1.35/2.21/2.29/2.29/ 0.23 2.23 Example 2 non-ionic 0.55
1.22/2.11/2.23/2.27/ 0.16 2.41 Comparative anionic 0.55
1.33/2.48/2.57/2.51/ 0.23 example 1 2.51 Comparative non-ionic 0.45
1.24/2.18/2.56/4.20/ 0.22 example 2 2.63 Comparative anionic 0.54
1.53/2.61/2.80/2.60/ 0.18 example 3 2.51 Comparative -- 0.65
1.65/3.07/5.29/4.82/ 3.9 example 4 2.75 Comparative -- 0.57
1.41/2.45/4.37/5.58/ n.d. example 5 4.66 Comparative -- 0.51
1.86/4.70/5.68/8.75/ 0.12 example 6 8.41 45.degree. runoff Ten hole
Dry migration Wet migration Examples [mm] test Grade [%] Target
value max. 30 10/10/10 1 max. 15 Example 1 23 10/10/10 1 8 Example
2 29 10/10/10 1 6 Comparative 27 10/10/10 1 45 example 1
Comparative 53 9/10/10 1 13 example 2 Comparative 25 10/10/10 1 30
example 3 Comparative 24 10/10/9 4 100 example 4 Comparative 31
7/10/10 1 64 example 5 Comparative 152 8/9/8 1 15 example 6
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