U.S. patent application number 15/534266 was filed with the patent office on 2017-11-30 for moisture absorbent core sheath composite yarn.
This patent application is currently assigned to Toray Industries, Inc.. The applicant listed for this patent is Toray Industries, Inc.. Invention is credited to Yoshifumi Sato, Kentaro Takagi, Daisuke Yoshioka.
Application Number | 20170342606 15/534266 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 56126606 |
Filed Date | 2017-11-30 |
United States Patent
Application |
20170342606 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Takagi; Kentaro ; et
al. |
November 30, 2017 |
MOISTURE ABSORBENT CORE SHEATH COMPOSITE YARN
Abstract
A moisture absorbent core sheath composite yarn has a sheath
portion polymer that is a polyamide and a core portion that is a
thermoplastic polymer, and has a moisture absorbance/desorbance
(.DELTA.MR) of 5.0%, wherein the .DELTA.MR maintenance rate after
20 washes is 90%-100%. The core sheath composite fiber has high
moisture absorbance, is more comfortable than natural fibers, and
has wash resistance with moisture absorbance that stands up to real
use and color fastness.
Inventors: |
Takagi; Kentaro;
(Nagoya-shi, JP) ; Sato; Yoshifumi; (Nagoya-shi,
JP) ; Yoshioka; Daisuke; (Nagoya-shi, JP) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Toray Industries, Inc. |
Tokyo |
|
JP |
|
|
Assignee: |
Toray Industries, Inc.
Tokyo
JP
|
Family ID: |
56126606 |
Appl. No.: |
15/534266 |
Filed: |
December 14, 2015 |
PCT Filed: |
December 14, 2015 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/JP2015/084892 |
371 Date: |
June 8, 2017 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
D03D 15/0088 20130101;
D01F 1/10 20130101; D01F 8/12 20130101; D02G 3/045 20130101; D02G
3/44 20130101 |
International
Class: |
D02G 3/04 20060101
D02G003/04; D01F 8/12 20060101 D01F008/12; D02G 3/44 20060101
D02G003/44; D03D 15/00 20060101 D03D015/00 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Dec 18, 2014 |
JP |
2014-256315 |
Jan 15, 2015 |
JP |
2015-005878 |
Apr 23, 2015 |
JP |
2015-088675 |
Claims
1-10. (canceled)
11. A core sheath composite yarn comprising a sheath polymer that
is a polyamide and a core portion that is a thermoplastic polymer,
and having a moisture absorbance/desorbance (.DELTA.MR) of 5.0% or
more, wherein a .DELTA.MR maintenance rate after 20 washes is 90%
or more and 100% or less.
12. The core sheath composite yarn according to claim 11, having a
washing fastness of grade 3 or higher and grade 5 or lower.
13. The core sheath composite yarn according to claim 11, wherein
the sheath polymer has an .alpha.-crystal orientation parameter of
1.9 or more and 2.7 or less, and the core thermoplastic polymer is
a polyether ester amide copolymer.
14. The core sheath composite yarn according to claim 11, wherein
the amount of amino terminal groups in the sheath polymer of the
core sheath composite yarn is 3.5.times.10.sup.-5 mol/g or more and
8.0.times.10.sup.-5 mol/g or less.
15. The core sheath composite yarn according to claim 11, having a
flatness degree of 1.5 or more and 5.0 or less.
16. The core sheath composite yarn according to claim 11, further
comprising 0.1 to 5% by weight of inorganic particles in
constituent fibers.
17. The core sheath composite yarn according to claim 16, wherein
the sheath polymer has an .alpha.-crystal orientation parameter of
1.7 or more and 2.6 or less.
18. The core sheath composite yarn according to claim 16, wherein
the sheath polymer contains 0.2 to 6% by weight of inorganic
particles.
19. The core sheath composite yarn according to claim 16, wherein
the inorganic particles are titanium oxide.
20. A fabric comprising the core sheath composite yarn defined in
claim 11 in at least a portion thereof.
21. The core sheath composite yarn according to claim 13, wherein
the sheath polymer has an .alpha.-crystal orientation parameter of
1.9 or more and 2.7 or less, and the core thermoplastic polymer is
a polyether ester amide copolymer.
22. The core sheath composite yarn according to claim 12, wherein
the amount of amino terminal groups in the sheath polymer of the
core sheath composite yarn is 3.5.times.10.sup.-5 mol/g or more and
8.0.times.10.sup.-5 mol/g or less.
23. The core sheath composite yarn according to claim 13, wherein
the amount of amino terminal groups in the sheath polymer of the
core sheath composite yarn is 3.5.times.10.sup.-5 mol/g or more and
8.0.times.10.sup.-5 mol/g or less.
24. The core sheath composite yarn according to claim 12, having a
flatness degree of 1.5 or more and 5.0 or less.
25. The core sheath composite yarn according to claim 13, having a
flatness degree of 1.5 or more and 5.0 or less.
26. The core sheath composite yarn according to claim 14, having a
flatness degree of 1.5 or more and 5.0 or less.
27. The core sheath composite yarn according to claim 12, further
comprising 0.1 to 5% by weight of inorganic particles in
constituent fibers.
28. The core sheath composite yarn according to claim 14, further
comprising 0.1 to 5% by weight of inorganic particles in
constituent fibers.
29. The core sheath composite yarn according to claim 17, wherein
the sheath polymer contains 0.2 to 6% by weight of inorganic
particles.
30. The core sheath composite yarn according to claim 17, wherein
the inorganic particles are titanium oxide.
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] This disclosure relates to a moisture absorbent core sheath
composite yarn having excellent wash resistance.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Synthetic fibers made of thermoplastic resin such as
polyamide or polyester are widely used for clothing applications or
industrial applications because of excellent strength, chemical
resistance, heat resistance or the like.
[0003] In particular, polyamide fibers are widely used for
applications such as inner wear or sportswear because of their
unique softness, high tensile strength, color development
characteristic when dyed, high heat resistance and, in addition,
excellent moisture absorbing properties. Polyamide fibers, however,
have insufficient moisture absorbing properties compared to natural
fibers such as cotton, and also have a problem that a stuffy or
sticky feeling is caused. Therefore, polyamide fibers are inferior
to natural fibers in terms of comfort.
[0004] In light of such background, there has been required a
synthetic fiber that exhibits excellent moisture absorbing and
desorbing properties to prevent a stuffy or sticky feeling and
provides comfort like natural fibers, primarily in inner wear or
sportswear applications.
[0005] Thus, generally, a method of adding a hydrophilic compound
to polyamide fibers has most frequently been investigated. For
example, JP 9-188917 A proposes a method of improving moisture
absorption performance by blending polyvinyl pyrrolidone as a
hydrophilic polymer with polyamide and then spinning the blended
mixture.
[0006] On the other hand, an intense and ongoing study has been
mounted for both moisture absorption performance and mechanical
properties by making a fiber structure into a core sheath structure
which includes a highly moisture absorbent thermoplastic resin as a
core portion and a thermoplastic resin having excellent mechanical
properties as a sheath portion.
[0007] For example, WO 2014/10709 discloses a core sheath composite
fiber, including: a core portion; and a sheath portion, in which
the core portion is not exposed through the surface of the core
sheath composite fiber, the core portion is composed of a polyether
block amide copolymer, the polyether block amide copolymer having a
hard segment composed of nylon 6, the sheath portion is composed of
a nylon-6 resin, and the area ratio of the core portion to the
sheath portion in a cross section of the core sheath composite
fiber is 3/1 to 1/5.
[0008] JP 6-136618 A discloses sheath core type composite fibers
excellent in moisture absorbing properties made up of a
thermoplastic resin as core and fiber-forming polyamide resin as
sheath, in which the thermoplastic resin consists mainly of
polyether esteramide and the core accounts for 5 to 50% by weight
of the whole weight of the final composite fibers.
[0009] JP 8-209450 A discloses a moisture-breathing conjugated
fiber in which polyamide or polyester is used as a sheath component
and a moisture-absorbing thermoplastic resin constituted with a
crosslinked polyethylene oxide is used as a core component.
[0010] WO 2008/123586 discloses a core sheath composite
cross-section fiber having excellent antistatic performance,
moisture absorption, and cool feeling by contact, composed of a
core made from a polyether block amide copolymer and a sheath
portion made from a fiber-forming polymer such as polyamide or
polyester at an exposure angle of the core to the surface of
5.degree. to 90.degree..
[0011] JP 2000-239918 A discloses a flat core sheath composite
fiber excellent in moisture absorbing properties that includes a
hydrophilic component such as a polyether ester amide-based
compound and a polyether ester-based compound as core and a fiber
forming polymer such as polyester as sheath portion, and has a
flatness degree of 1.05 to 3.0.
[0012] As a technique to improve the moisture absorption
performance of polyamide fibers, a method of adhering a hydrophilic
compound to the surface of the fiber by post processing and
impregnating the hydrophilic compound into the fiber is also
proposed. The method of improving the moisture absorption
performance by post processing, however, arises a problem such that
the hydrophilic compound is fallen off by washing, resulting in
deterioration of moisture absorption performance.
[0013] The fiber disclosed in JP '917, however, has moisture
absorbing and desorbing properties nearly equal to those of natural
fibers, but its performance is not fully satisfactory and higher
moisture absorbing and desorbing properties need to be
achieved.
[0014] The core sheath composite fiber disclosed in WO '709, JP
'618, JP '450, WO '586 and JP '918 has moisture absorbing and
desorbing properties that are equal to or higher than those of
natural fibers, but the core portion deteriorates in repeated use,
which arises a problem such that the moisture absorption
performance degrades due to the repeated use. Besides, the high
moisture absorbing and desorbing polymer of the core portion has a
polymer structure that allows a dye to easily enter and leave so
that its color fastness disadvantageously deteriorates.
[0015] The core sheath composite fiber disclosed in WO '709 employs
nylon 6 in the sheath portion for cool feeling by contact. Such
nylon 6 is, however, the same as an ordinary one, and better cool
feeling by contact needs to be achieved. The core sheath composite
fiber disclosed in WO '586 employs a water-insoluble polyethylene
oxide modified product in the core portion for cool feeling by
contact. Such modified product is, however, the same as an ordinary
polyamide because the fiber has a low cool feeling by contact
caused by the moisture absorption performance of the core polymer
and is covered with the sheath polyamide so that further cool
feeling by contact needs to be achieved. As for the cool feeling by
contact, the core sheath composite fiber disclosed in JP '918
provides novel dry texture by a synergetic effect between the
increase of the skin contact area by flattening the cross-section
fiber and the moisture absorption performance. However, the fiber
is covered with sheath polyester and, as compared to general
polyester, the fiber provides cool feeling by contact, but inferior
to general polyamide. Even when the sheath portion contains
polyamide, novel dry texture is obtained by a synergetic effect
between the increase of the skin contact area and the moisture
absorption performance, but the performance of the fiber is not
satisfactory and further cool feeling by contact needs to be
achieved.
[0016] It could therefore be helpful to provide a core sheath
composite yarn having high moisture absorption performance and cool
feeling by contact, having a higher comfort than natural fibers,
wash resistance with moisture absorption performance sufficient for
practical use, and wash resistance with color fastness and cool
feeling by contact.
SUMMARY
[0017] We thus provide: [0018] (1) A core sheath composite yarn
having a sheath polymer that is a polyamide and a core portion that
is a thermoplastic polymer, having a moisture absorbance/desorbance
(.DELTA.MR) of 5.0% or more, in which the .DELTA.MR maintenance
rate after 20 washes is 90% or more and 100% or less. [0019] (2)
The core sheath composite yarn described in (1) having a washing
fastness of grade 3 or higher and grade 5 or lower. [0020] (3) The
core sheath composite yarn described in (1) or (2), wherein the
sheath polymer has an .alpha.-crystal orientation parameter of
polyamide of 1.9 or more and 2.7 or less, and the core
thermoplastic polymer is a polyether ester amide copolymer. [0021]
(4) The core sheath composite yarn described in any of (1) to (3),
wherein the amount of amino terminal groups in the sheath polymer
of the core sheath composite yarn is 3.5.times.10.sup.-5 mol/g or
more and 8.0.times.10.sup.-5 mol/g or less. [0022] (5) The core
sheath composite yarn described in any of (1) to (4), having a
flatness degree of 1.5 or more and 5.0 or less. [0023] (6) The core
sheath composite yarn described in any of (1), (2) or (4),
containing 0.1 to 5% by weight of inorganic particles in the whole
fibers. [0024] (7) The core sheath composite yarn described in (6),
wherein the sheath polymer has an .alpha.-crystal orientation
parameter of 1.7 or more and 2.6 or less. [0025] (8) The core
sheath composite yarn described in (6) or (7), in which the sheath
polymer contains 0.2 to 6% by weight of inorganic particles. [0026]
(9) The core sheath composite yarn described in any of (6) to (8),
wherein the inorganic particles are titanium oxide. [0027] (10) A
fabric having the core sheath composite yarn described in any of
(1) to (9) in at least a portion thereof.
[0028] A core sheath composite yarn having high moisture absorption
performance and cool feeling by contact, having a higher comfort
than natural fibers, wash resistance with moisture absorption
performance that is sufficient for practical use, and having wash
resistance with color fastness and cool feeling by contact can be
provided.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0029] FIG. 1 is a schematic view showing a core sheath composite
yarn having an I-shaped cross section according to one preferred
example.
[0030] FIG. 2 is a schematic view showing a core sheath composite
yarn having a convex lens-shaped cross section according to one
preferred example.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0031] The core sheath composite yarn has a sheath polymer that is
a polyamide and a core portion that is a thermoplastic polymer,
having a moisture absorbance/desorbance (.DELTA.MR) of 5.0% or
more, in which the .DELTA.MR maintenance rate after 20 washes is
90% or more and 100% or less.
[0032] The core sheath composite yarn employs polyamide in the
sheath portion and a thermoplastic polymer in the core portion.
[0033] As the thermoplastic polymer, a known polymer can be used
and, in particular, a thermoplastic polymer having high moisture
absorption performance is preferable. The thermoplastic polymer
having high moisture absorption performance in the core portion
refers to a polymer having a moisture absorbance/desorbance
(.DELTA.MR) of 10% or more when measured in pellet form, and
includes a polyether ester amide copolymer, polyvinyl alcohol,
cellulose-based thermoplastic resin and the like. Among them, a
polyether ester amide copolymer is preferable from the viewpoints
of good thermal stability, good compatibility with the sheath
polyamide, and excellent peeling resistance.
[0034] The polyether ester amide copolymer is a block copolymer
having an ether bond, an ester bond, and an amide bond in the same
molecular chain. Specifically, it is a block copolymer obtained by
polycondensation reaction between one or more polyamide components
(A) selected from lactam, amino carboxylic acid, and a
diamine/dicarboxylic acid salt; and polyether ester component (B)
made of dicarboxylic acid and poly(alkylene oxide) glycol.
[0035] Polyamide component (A) that may be used herein includes
lactams such as .epsilon.-caprolactam, dodecanolactam, and
undecanolactam; .omega.-aminocarboxylic acids such as aminocaproic
acid, 11-aminoundecanoic acid, and 12-aminododecanoic acid; and
nylon salts of diamine-dicarboxylic acid that are precursors of
nylon 66, nylon 610, nylon 612 or the like. A preferred polyamide
forming component is .epsilon.-caprolactam.
[0036] Polyether ester component (B) herein is composed of
dicarboxylic acid having 4 to 20 carbon atoms and poly(alkylene
oxide) glycol. The dicarboxylic acid having 4 to 20 carbon atoms
that may be used includes an aliphatic dicarboxylic acid such as
succinic acid, glutaric acid, adipic acid, pimelic acid, suberic
acid, sebacic acid, and dodecanoic diacid; an aromatic dicarboxylic
acid such as terephthalic acid, isophthalic acid, and
2,6-naphthalenedicarboxylic acid; and an alicyclic dicarboxylic
acid such as 1,4-cyclohexanedicarboxylic acid, and one or more
kinds thereof may be used in combination. Preferred dicarboxylic
acids are adipic acid, sebacic acid, dodecanoic diacid,
terephthalic acid, and isophthalic acid. The poly(alkylene oxide)
glycol that may be used includes polyethylene glycol, poly(1,2- and
1,3-propyleneoxide)glycol, poly(tetramethylleneoxide)glycol, and
poly(hexamethyleneoxide)glycol. In particular, polyethylene glycol
having good moisture absorption performance is preferable.
[0037] The poly(alkylene oxide) glycol preferably has a number
average molecular weight of 300 to 10000, and more preferably 500
to 5000. When the number average molecular weight is 300 or more,
fibers are less scattered away from the system during the
polycondensation reaction and have stable moisture absorption
performance, which is preferable. On the other hand, when the
number average molecular weight is 10000 or less, a uniform block
copolymer is obtained to stabilize fiber forming property, which is
preferable.
[0038] The constitutional ratio (molar ratio) of polyether ester
component (B) in the polyether ester amide copolymer is preferably
from 20 to 80% of all the copolymers. When the constitutional ratio
is 20% or more, good moisture absorbing properties are obtained,
which is preferable. On the other hand, when it is 80% or less,
good color fastness or good wash resistance is obtained, which is
preferable.
[0039] As the polyether ester amide copolymer, "MH1657" or "MV1074"
manufactured by Arkema K. K. is commercially available.
[0040] As the sheath polyamide, nylon 6, nylon 66, nylon 46, nylon
9, nylon 610, nylon 11, nylon 12, and nylon 612; or a compound
having such nylon and an amide-forming functional group, for
example, a copolyamide containing a copolymer component such as
laurolactam, sebacic acid, terephthalic acid, isophthalic acid, and
5-sodium sulfoisophthalic acid may be used. Among them, nylon 6,
nylon 11, nylon 12, nylon 610, and nylon 612 are preferable from
the viewpoints that the difference between the melting point of
those nylons and the melting point of the polyether ester amide
copolymer is small, and thermal deterioration of the polyether
ester amide copolymer can be suppressed during melt spinning, and
of fiber forming property. Among them, nylon 6 having excellent
dyeability is preferable.
[0041] The sheath polyamide further preferably contains a moisture
absorbent in terms of enhancing moisture absorbing properties.
Examples of the moisture absorbent include polyvinyl pyrrolidone,
polyether amide, polyalkylene glycol, and polyether ester amide.
Among them, polyvinyl pyrrolidone is particularly preferable. The
degree of polymerization of the polyvinyl pyrrolidone, referred to
as K value, is preferably 20 to 70. The term "K value" herein
refers to a relative viscosity obtained by measurement with a
capillary viscometer, using a relative viscosity of an aqueous
polyvinyl pyrrolidone solution, that is a Fikentscher K value
(DIN53726). This value is in correlation with the molecular weight
of polyvinyl pyrrolidone and has been conventionally used for
measurement of the molecular weight thereof. The K value is
preferably 20 or more because polyamide pyrrolidone is strongly
entangled with the polyamide molecular chain to thereby obtain a
fiber having stable moisture absorption/release performance. On the
other hand, the K value is preferably 60 or less, from the
viewpoint of suppressing thickening when polyvinyl pyrrolidone is
incorporated in polyamide and of fiber forming property. The K
value is more preferably 20 to 60.
[0042] The content of the polyvinyl pyrrolidone is preferably 3 to
7% by weight relative to the sheath polyamide. When the content is
3% by weight or more, moisture quickly transfers from a skin to the
fiber side during wearing, which can give a dry texture. When the
content is 7% by weight or less, clothing having excellent washing
fastness and strength sufficient to resist practical use can be
provided.
[0043] Various additives such as a delustering agent, flame
retardant, antioxidant, ultraviolet absorber, infrared absorber,
crystal nucleating agent, fluorescent brightening agent, antistatic
agent, and carbon may be copolymerized or mixed with the sheath
polyamide so that the total content of the additive is 0.001 to 10%
by weight as required.
[0044] The core sheath composite yarn has a function of controlling
humidity in clothing to achieve good comfort in wearing. As an
index of the humidity control, a moisture absorbance and desorbance
(.DELTA.MR) expressed by the moisture absorption difference between
at the temperature and humidity in clothing represented by
30.degree. C..times.90% RH when light to medium work or light to
moderate exercise is performed and at the outside air temperature
and humidity represented by 20.degree. C..times.65% RH is used. The
larger .DELTA.MR, the better the moisture absorption performance,
which corresponds to good comfort in wearing.
[0045] The core sheath composite yarn preferably has a .DELTA.MR of
5.0% or more, more preferably 7.0% or more, even more preferably
10.0% or more, and even more preferably 15.0% or more. When the
.DELTA.MR is within such a range, clothing capable of suppressing
sweating and stickiness in wearing and having excellent comfort can
be provided. Note that the .DELTA.MR level that can be achieved is
about 17.0%.
[0046] A moisture absorbance and desorbance (.DELTA.MR) of 5.0% or
more can be achieved by using a polymer having a .DELTA.MR of 10%
or more, which has been measured in pellet form.
[0047] As for the core sheath composite yarn, the .DELTA.MR
maintenance rate after 20 washes is preferably 90% or more and 100%
or less, and more preferably 95% or more and 100% or less. When the
.DELTA.MR maintenance rate is in such a range, the wash resistance
sufficient for practical use is obtained so that clothing that
maintains excellent comfort can be provided. Further, clothing
having wash resistance sufficient for practical use and excellent
comfort can be provided by satisfying the conditions such that
.DELTA.MR is 5.0% or more and the .DELTA.MR maintenance rate after
20 washes is 90% or more.
[0048] It is possible for the core sheath composite yarn to have a
.DELTA.MR maintenance rate after 20 washes of 90% or more and 100%
or less by setting an .alpha.-crystal orientation parameter of the
sheath polyamide to be described later to an optimum value.
[0049] By having a .DELTA.MR within such a range, the core sheath
composite yarn can exhibit antistatic performance with less static
cling or less dust adhesion in wearing due to static electricity.
That is, since it is a yarn in which a thermoplastic polymer having
high moisture absorption performance in the core portion is
continuously arranged in a fiber axis direction, the yarn exhibits
antistatic action that uses moisture in air so that good antistatic
performance is obtained even under a low temperature and low
humidity (e.g., 20.degree. C..times.40% RH) environment.
[0050] The core sheath composite yarn preferably has a frictional
electrification voltage of 0 V or more and 1500 V or less, and more
preferably 0 V or more and 1000 V or less, with a rubbing cloth of
cotton under a 20.degree. C..times.40% RH environment. The lower
the frictional electrification voltage, the more excellent the
antistatic performance. Common polyamide fibers, however, have a
frictional electrification voltage of about 4500 to 5500 V, with a
rubbing cloth of cotton under a 20.degree. C..times.40% RH
environment. When the frictional electrification voltage is within
such a range, clothing having excellent antistatic performance with
less static cling or dust adhesion in wearing due to static
electricity, that is, a clothing having excellent comfort can be
provided.
[0051] The core sheath composite yarn preferably has a washing
fastness (discoloration, color fading) of grade 3 or higher and
grade 5 or lower. When the washing fastness is within such a range,
wash resistance sufficient for practical use is obtained, which
makes it possible to provide clothing having excellent color
fastness.
[0052] It is possible for the core sheath composite yarn to have a
washing fastness (discoloration, color fading) of grade 3 or higher
and grade 5 or lower by setting an .alpha.-crystal orientation
parameter of the sheath polyamide and an amount of amino terminal
groups in the sheath polymer, both to be described later, to
controlled values.
[0053] In the core sheath composite yarn, it is preferable that the
sheath polyamide has an .alpha.-crystal orientation parameter of
1.9 or more and 2.7 or less, and the core thermoplastic polymer is
a polyether ester amide copolymer. The sheath polyamide is
preferably an .alpha.-crystal in stable crystal form, and is formed
when highly stressed. To set the parameter within such a range, the
core sheath composite yarn is spun under the specific conditions
(core and sheath composition ratio, viscosity ratio and the like)
as described later, and drawing at the time of taking up after
spinning and drawing of the sheath portion between take-up rollers
are preferentially applied to the sheath polyamide, thereby
allowing the .alpha.-crystal in stable crystal form to be present
in the sheath portion. As a result, the dyeing strength after
dyeing of the core sheath composite yarn is increased, and color
fastness becomes better. Besides, the drawn force during spinning
is concentrated on the sheath polyamide, and crystallization of the
thermoplastic polymer having high moisture absorption performance
in the core potion is suppressed so that the moisture absorption
performance of the core sheath composite yarn can be enhanced,
which is preferable.
[0054] When the core thermoplastic polymer is a polyether ester
amide copolymer, the poyether ester component easily forms a
localized structure due to crystallization and the localized
portion has poor durability against an alkaline liquid. Therefore,
when the .alpha.-crystal orientation parameter of the sheath
polyamide is in such a range and the crystallization of the
polyether ester amide copolymer in the core portion is suppressed,
wash resistance with moisture absorption performance that is
sufficient for practical use can be exhibited.
[0055] When the .alpha.-crystal orientation parameter is 1.9 or
more, crystallization of the sheath polyamide proceeds to achieve
good color fastness as a composite yarn, and crystallization of the
core thermoplastic polymer having high moisture absorption
performance does not proceed to achieve good moisture absorption
performance. Further, in a polyether ester amide copolymer,
crystallization does not proceed so that wash resistance with
moisture absorption performance that is sufficient for practical
use becomes good. On the other hand, when the .alpha.-crystal
orientation parameter is 2.7 or less, crystallization of the sheath
polyamide does not proceed, which can prevent the occurrence of
yarn breakage or fluffing during spinning so that productivity
improves. The .alpha.-crystal orientation parameter is more
preferably 2.00 or more and 2.60 or less, and even more preferably
2.05 or more and 2.60 or less.
[0056] In the core sheath composite yarn, the amount of amino
terminal groups in the sheath polymer is preferably
3.5.times.10.sup.-5 mol/g or more and 8.0.times.10.sup.-5 mol/g or
less. It is preferable that when the amount of amino terminal
groups rich in hydrophilicity is 3.5.times.10.sup.-5 mol/g or more,
the moisture absorption performance is enhanced. Further, since the
amino terminal group serves as a dyeing seat, color development
characteristic or color fastness suitable for use in clothing is
obtained. On the other hand, the amount of amino terminal groups is
preferably 8.0.times.10.sup.-5 mol/g or less, because the fiber is
less likely to have dyeing specks during dyeing. The amount of
amino terminal groups is more preferably 4.2.times.10.sup.-5 mol/g
or more and 8.0.times.10.sup.-5 mol/g or less, and even more
preferably 4.5.times.10.sup.-5 mol/g or more and
8.0.times.10.sup.-5 mol/g or less.
[0057] Since the core sheath composite yarn employs a thermoplastic
polymer having high moisture absorption performance in the core
portion, thermal conductivity can be enhanced, which makes it
easier for the core sheath composite yarn to exhibit cool feeling
by contact than polyamide yarns alone. The cool feeling by contact
depends on the heat transfer rate per unit area obtained when the
amount of heat stored on the skin side immediately after the fiber
contacts a skin is transferred to the fiber on the lower
temperature side. Polyamide is an organic matter with relatively
low thermal conductivity and does not impart cool feeling even when
worn directly in contact with the skin as clothing. To enhance
actual cool feeling by contact, the cross section having a larger
contact area is formed, and an additive having high thermal
conductivity is contained so that clothing excellent in cool
feeling by contact as well as moisture absorption performance and
maintaining better comfort can be provided.
[0058] The core sheath composite yarn preferably has a flat cross
sectional shape and a flatness degree of 1.5 or more and 5.0 or
less.
[0059] Since the cool feeling by contact depends on the heat
transfer rate per unit area, the amount of heat to be transferred
depends on the contact area. Therefore, the flatness degree of an I
shape (FIG. 1), a convex cross sectional shape (FIG. 2), or a
similar cross sectional shape, which is a cross sectional shape
having a large contact area, is preferably 1.5 or more. The term
"flatness degree" used herein means a ratio of the circumscribed
circle diameter (R in FIG. 1, FIG. 2) to the inscribed circle
diameter (r in FIG. 1, FIG. 2). The higher the flatness degree, the
more effective the cool feeling by contact. The flatness degree is
more preferably 2.0 or more. On the other hand, as the flatness
degree becomes high, the thread strength tends to lower so that the
flatness degree needs to be 5.0 or less.
[0060] The core sheath composite yarn preferably contains 0.1 to 5%
by weight of inorganic particles in the whole fibers. Since the
cool feeling by contact is obtained when the amount of heat stored
on the skin side immediately after the fiber contacts skin is
transferred to the fiber on the lower temperature side, an
inorganic compound having higher thermal conductivity and lower
thermal capacity than polyamide is preferably contained in an
amount of 0.1 to 5% by weight in the whole fibers.
[0061] Reasons for selecting the inorganic compound include to
prevent adverse influence during production or dyeing of the core
sheath composite yarn, to maintain yarn properties, and to avoid
coloring or the like due to the polymer when used, which is light
fastness. The inorganic compound is not particularly limited as
long as such adverse influences are not exerted on the core sheath
composite yarn. Examples of the inorganic compound having higher
thermal conductivity and lower thermal capacity than polyamide
include barium sulfate, titanium oxide, aluminum oxide, zirconium
oxide, calcium oxide, magnesium oxide, aluminum nitride, boron
nitride, zirconium nitride, aluminum silicate, and zirconium
carbide. Among these, barium sulfate, titanium oxide, magnesium
oxide, and aluminum oxide are preferable, in consideration of fiber
properties, color development characteristic, easy handling of
inorganic particles, and high degree of processability.
[0062] The content of the inorganic compound is preferably 0.1% by
weight or more in the whole fibers because few inorganic compound
cannot increase the thermal conductivity, which makes it difficult
to enhance the cool feeling by contact. Besides, the larger amount
of inorganic compound, the more the cool feeling by contact was
enhanced, but the tensile strength of the yarn properties lowers,
and the high degree of processability deteriorates. Therefore, the
inorganic compound is preferably contained in an amount of 5% by
weight or less, more preferably 0.3 to 3% by weight, and even more
preferably 0.3 to 2.0% by weight.
[0063] As described above, the cool feeling by contact depends on
the heat transfer rate per unit area obtained when the amount of
heat stored on the skin side immediately after the fiber contacts a
skin is transferred to the fiber on the lower temperature side. In
the core sheath composite yarn, it is preferable that immediately
after the core sheath composite yarn contacts skin, the amount of
heat stored on the skin side transfers to the sheath portion
thereof on the lower temperature side and subsequently transfers to
the sheath portion thereof on the lower temperature side. Since the
sheath polyamide has low thermal conductivity, it does not impart
cool feeling even when worn directly in contact with the skin as
clothing, and heat transfer is not performed smoothly to the
polyether ester amide copolymer of the core portion.
[0064] Thus, the sheath polyamide preferably contains 0.2 to 6% by
weight of an inorganic compound having higher thermal conductivity
and lower thermal capacity than polyamide. By such constitution,
heat from skin is quickly transferred to the core sheath composite
yarn side in wearing and, further, heat transfer from the sheath
polyamide of the core sheath composite yarn to the polyether ester
amide copolymer of the core portion is smoothly performed, to
thereby obtain cool feeling by contact. The more the content of the
inorganic compound, the higher the cool feeling by contact can be
enhanced. However, in consideration of the effectiveness of cool
feeling by contact, fiber forming property, yarn properties or the
like, the sheath polyamide more preferably contains 0.2 to 3% by
weight of the inorganic compound.
[0065] In the core sheath composite yarn containing 0.1 to 5% by
weight of inorganic particles in the whole fibers, the sheath
polyamide preferably has an .alpha.-crystal orientation parameter
of 1.7 to 2.6. The .alpha.-crystal in the sheath polyamide is in
stable crystal form, being formed when highly stressed during
production of the core sheath composite yarn. To set the parameter
within such a range, the core sheath composite yarn is spun under
the specific conditions (core and sheath composition ratio,
viscosity ratio and the like) as described later, and drawing at
the time of taking up after spinning and drawing of the sheath
portion between take-up rollers are preferentially applied to the
sheath polyamide, thereby allowing the .alpha.-crystal in stable
crystal form to be present in the sheath portion.
[0066] By setting the .alpha.-crystal orientation parameter of the
sheath polyamide in such a range, the dyeing strength after dyeing
of the core sheath composite yarn is increased, and color fastness
becomes better, as well as the drawing force during spinning is
concentrated on the sheath polyamide, and the crystallization of
the polyether ester amide copolymer in the core portion is
suppressed so that a core sheath composite yarn having excellent
moisture absorption performance and excellent cool feeling by
contact is obtained. Further, it is possible to suppress
crystallization of the polyether ester amide copolymer in the core
portion, which can prevent a localized structure from generating
due to the crystallization of the polyether ester component of the
core portion so that the durability against alkaline liquid can be
maintained, and moisture absorption performance or cool feeling by
contact can be kept even after washing.
[0067] When the sheath polyamide has an .alpha.-crystal orientation
parameter of 1.7 or more, crystallization of the sheath polyamide
proceeds to achieve good color fastness of the core sheath
composite yarn, and crystallization of the polyether ester amide
copolymer in the core portion does not proceed to achieve good
moisture absorption performance and good cool feeling by contact.
Further, since the crystallization of the polyether ester amide
copolymer of the core portion does not proceed, moisture absorption
performance or cool feeling by contact can be kept even after
washing. On the other hand, when the sheath polyamide has an
.alpha.-crystal orientation parameter of 2.6 or less,
crystallization of the sheath polyamide does not proceed, which can
prevent the occurrence of yarn breakage or fluffing during a high
degree of processing so that productivity improves. The
.alpha.-crystal orientation parameter is more preferably 1.8 to
2.5, and even more preferably 1.85 to 2.5.
[0068] The core sheath composite yarn preferably has a tensile
strength of 2.5 cN/dtex or more, and more preferably 3.0 cN/dtex or
more. When the tensile strength is within such a range, clothing
excellent in strength sufficient for practical use can be provided
mainly for use in clothing including inner wear and sportswear.
[0069] The core sheath composite yarn preferably has an elongation
percentage of 35% or more, and more preferably from 40 to 65%. When
the elongation percentage is within such a range, the process
passability in a high-degree process such as weaving, knitting, and
false twist becomes good.
[0070] The total fineness and the number of filaments of the core
sheath composite yarn are not particularly limited, and it is
preferable that the total fineness of the yarn as a multifilament
is 5 dtex or more and 235 dtex or less, and the number of filaments
is 1 or more and 144 or less, in view of that the yarn is used as
long fiber material for clothing.
[0071] The core sheath composite yarn can be obtained by a known
method of melt spinning or composite spinning and the method is
exemplified as follows.
[0072] For example, polyamide (sheath) and a thermoplastic polymer
(core) having high moisture absorption performance are separately
melted, and the melted components are weighed and transferred with
a gear pump. Then, a combined flow is formed to have a core sheath
structure directly by a usual method and a thread is discharged
from a spinneret. With a thread cooling device such as a chimney,
the thread is cooled to room temperature by blowing out cool air,
and oiled with an oiling device and also bound. Thereafter, the
bound thread is interlaced with a first fluid interlacing nozzle
device, and passes through a take-up roller and a drawing roller.
At this time, the thread is drawn at a peripheral speed rate of the
take-up roller to the drawing roller. Further, the thread is
thermoset with the drawing roller, and then wound up with a winder
(a take-up device).
[0073] It is possible to set the .alpha.-crystal orientation
parameter of the sheath portion of the core sheath composite yarn
within such a range by controlling the core sheath composite rate
during spinning, core sheath polymer viscosity, drawing process or
the like, in addition to polymer selection.
[0074] The core portion needs to account for 20 to 80 parts by
weight of 100 parts by weight of the core sheath composite yarn.
The core portion more preferably accounts for 30 to 70 parts by
weight. When the proportion is within such a range, drawing can be
suitably applied to the sheath polyamide. Besides, good color
fastness and good moisture absorption performance are obtained.
When the proportion is less than 20 parts by weight, sufficient
moisture absorption performance cannot be obtained. On the other
hand, when the proportion exceeds 80 parts by weight, not only a
split is likely to occur in the surface of the fiber due to
swelling in a hot water atmosphere such as dyeing, but also
excessive drawing is applied to the sheath polyamide so that a
desired .alpha.-crystal orientation parameter cannot be obtained.
Besides, spinning and drawing that generate excessive tension lead
to occurrence of yarn breakage or fluffing, which is not preferable
to stably produce desired fibers.
[0075] A polyamide chip to be used in the sheath portion needs to
have a sulfuric acid relative viscosity of 2.3 or more and 3.3 or
less. The sulfuric acid relative viscosity is preferably 2.6 or
more and 3.3 or less. When it is within such a range, drawing can
be suitably applied to the sheath polyamide. When the sulfuric acid
relative viscosity is 2.3 or more, not only practical strength of
the raw yarn is obtained, but also suitable drawing is applied to
proceed crystallization of the sheath polyamide so that a proper
.alpha.-crystal orientation parameter is obtained, and color
fastness is improved, which is preferable. On the other hand, when
the sulfuric acid relative viscosity is 3.3 or less, which is a
melt viscosity suitable for spinning, the yarn can be produced at a
spinning temperature suitable for the core thermoplastic polymer
having high moisture absorption performance, which is
preferable.
[0076] A chip of the thermoplastic polymer having high moisture
absorption performance to be used in the core portion preferably
has an ortho-chlorophenol relative viscosity of 1.2 or more and 2.0
or less. When the ortho-chlorophenol relative viscosity is 1.2 or
more, suitable drawing is applied to the sheath portion to proceed
crystallization of the sheath polyamide so that a proper
.alpha.-crystal orientation parameter is obtained, and yarn
breakage or fluffing less occurs, which is preferable. On the other
hand, when the ortho-chlorophenol relative viscosity is 2.0 or
less, excessive drawing is not applied to the core portion, to
thereby proceed the crystallization of the sheath polyamide so that
a proper .alpha.-crystal orientation parameter is obtained, and
color fastness is improved, which is preferable.
[0077] In the drawing process, the spinning conditions are
preferably set so that the product of the drawing ratio, which is a
value of the peripheral speed rate of the take-up roller and the
drawing roller, and the speed (spinning speed) of the thread taken
up with the take-up roller is 3300 m/min or more and 4500 m/min or
less. The product is more preferably 3500 m/min or more and 4500
m/min or less, and even more preferably 4000 m/min or more and 4500
m/min or less. Such numerical values refer to the total drawn
amount in which the polymer discharged from the spinneret is drawn
from the spinneret linear discharge rate to the peripheral speed of
the take-up roller and further from the peripheral speed of the
take-up roller to the peripheral speed of the drawing roller. When
it is within such a range, drawing can be suitably applied to the
sheath polyamide. When it is 3300 m/min or more, not only
crystallization of the sheath polyamide proceeds to improve color
fastness, but also crystallization of the core thermoplastic
polymer having high moisture absorption performance does not
proceed to easily improve the moisture absorption performance. On
the other hand, when it is 4500 m/min or less, not only
crystallization of the sheath polyamide moderately proceeds to
achieve a specific degree of crystallization, but also yarn
breakage or fluffing during spinning less occurs, which is
preferable.
[0078] In the oiling process, the spinning lubricant applied with
the oiling device is preferably an anhydrous lubricant. The core
thermoplastic polymer having high moisture absorption performance
is a polymer having a .DELTA.MR of 10% or more and excellent in
moisture absorption performance. When an anhydrous lubricant is
applied thereto, the polymer gradually absorbs moisture in the air
so that swelling is less prone to occur and stable winding is
achieved, which is preferable.
[0079] In the core sheath composite yarn, the content of inorganic
particles is preferably 0.1 to 5% by weight in the whole fibers. To
control inorganic particles within such a range, inorganic
particles are contained in either or both of the sheath polyamide
and the core polyether ester amide copolymer so that the control is
achieved.
[0080] To enhance the cool feeling by contact, it is preferable
that immediately after the core sheath composite yarn contacts
skin, the amount of heat stored on the skin side transfers to the
sheath portion of the core sheath composite yarn on the lower
temperature side and subsequently transfers to the core portion
thereof on the lower temperature side so that the cool feeling by
contact is further enhanced. That is, it is preferable that
inorganic particles are contained in the sheath polyamide. In this
case, it is preferable that the sheath polyamide contains 0.2 to 6%
by weight of inorganic particles. Within such a range, heat from a
skin is quickly transferred to the core sheath composite yarn side
in wearing and, further, heat transfer from the sheath polyamide of
the core sheath composite yarn to the polyether ester amide
copolymer of the core portion is smoothly performed so that cool
feeling by contact can be maintained even after washing. The more
the content of inorganic particles in the core portion, the higher
the cool feeling by contact can be enhanced. However, in terms of
the effectiveness of cool feeling by contact, high degree of
processability, yarn properties or the like, the core portion more
preferably contains 0.2 to 3% by weight of inorganic particles.
[0081] As a method of uniformly containing inorganic particles in a
polyamide (sheath) and a thermoplastic polymer (core) such as a
polyether ester amide copolymer or the like at a high
concentration, a method of blending inorganic particles with
pellets and melting the blended mixture; a method of blending
master pellets containing inorganic particles at a high
concentration with pellets and melting the blended mixture; a
method of adding inorganic particles to a polymer in molten state
and then kneading the added mixture; or a method of adding
inorganic particles to raw materials or a reaction system before or
during polymerization of a polymer may be used. To uniformly
disperse inorganic particles while a secondary aggregation of
inorganic particles added at a high concentration is suppressed, a
method of adding inorganic particles during polymerization of a
polymer is particularly preferable.
[0082] The core sheath composite yarn is excellent in moisture
absorption performance and cool feeling by contact, and can be
preferably used in clothing. The fabric form can be selected
according to the purpose such as woven fabric, knitted fabric, and
non-woven fabric. As described above, the larger .DELTA.MR, the
better the moisture absorption performance, which corresponds to
good comfort in wearing. Therefore, fabric having the core sheath
composite yarn in at least a portion thereof can provide clothing
having excellent comfort by adjusting the mixing ratio of the core
sheath composite yarn to have a .DELTA.MR of 5.0% or more. Also, as
described above, cool feeling by contact corresponds to smooth heat
transfer that is performed immediately after the fiber contacts a
skin. Accordingly, by designing fabric which allows the core sheath
composite yarn to contact skin, clothing having excellent comfort
can be provided. As the clothing, various clothing products such as
inner wear, sportswear and the like can be provided.
EXAMPLES
[0083] Hereinafter, our yarns will be further described in detail
with reference to examples. The measurement methods for the
characteristic values in examples are as follows.
(1) Sulfuric Acid Relative Viscosity
[0084] A test sample in an amount of 0.25 g was dissolved in a 98
wt % concentrated sulfuric acid to achieve 1 g/100 ml, and a time
(T1) taken for the solution to flow through at 25.degree. C. was
measured using an Ostwald viscometer. Subsequently, a time (T2)
taken for the 98 wt % concentrated sulfuric acid alone to flow
through was measured. A rate of T1 to T2, that is T1/T2, was
determined as a sulfuric acid relative viscosity.
(2) Ortho-Chlorophenol Relative Viscosity
[0085] A test sample in an amount of 0.5 g was dissolved in
ortho-chlorophenol to achieve 1 g/100 ml, and a time (T1) taken for
the solution to flow through at 25.degree. C. was measured using an
Ostwald viscometer. Subsequently, a time (T2) taken for the
ortho-chlorophenol alone to flow through was measured. A rate of T1
to T2, that is T1/T2, was determined as a sulfuric acid relative
viscosity.
(3) K Value
[0086] An aqueous solution of polyvinyl pyrrolidone having a
concentration of 1% was made, the relative viscosity of the
solution measured, and a K value determined by the Fikentscher's
equation:
log Z=C[75 k.sup.2/(1+1.5 kC)+k]
wherein Z represents a relative viscosity of the aqueous solution
having a concentration of C; k represents K value.times.10.sup.-3;
and C represents a concentration of the aqueous solution (%).
(4) Degree of Fineness
[0087] A fiber sample was placed on a measuring device having 1.125
m/turn and was rotated 200 turns to produce a looped hank. After
the looped hank was dried with a hot air dryer (105.+-.2.degree.
C..times.60 min), the mass of the hank was weighed with a balance
and multiplied by the official moisture percentage to obtain the
degree of fineness. Note that the official moisture percentage of
the core sheath composite yarn was 4.5%.
(5) Strength and Elongation Percentage
[0088] The fiber sample was measured under the constant-speed
elongation conditions specified in JIS L1013 (Testing methods for
man-made filament yarns, 2010) with "TENSILON" (registered
trademark) UCT-100 manufactured by Orientec (KK) company. The
elongation percentage was determined from the elongation at a point
indicating the maximum strength in the tensile strength-elongation
curve. The strength was determined as a value obtained by dividing
the maximum strength by the degree of fineness. The measurement was
done 10 times and the average value was determined as strength and
elongation percentage.
(6) Cross Sectional Shape
[0089] An embedding agent composed of paraffin, stearic acid, and
ethyl cellulose was dissolved, and the core sheath composite yarn
was introduced therein. Thereafter, the dissolved mixture was left
alone at room temperature to be solidified. The undrawn yarn in the
embedding agent was cut in a direction of the cross section, the
cross section of the cut yarn was photographed with a CCD camera
(CS5270) manufactured by Tokyo Electronic Co., Ltd. Then, as for 10
core sheath composite yarns arbitrarily selected from the single
yarns (all of the single yarns when the number thereof was 10 or
less), the flatness degrees of all the single yarns from the
sectional pictures printed out at a magnification of 400 times with
a color video processor (SCT-CP710) manufactured by Mitsubishi
Electric Corporation were calculated according to the following
method, and an average value thereof was determined as a flatness
degree of the yarn thread.
Flatness degree=circumscribed circle diameter(R)/inscribed circle
diameter(r)
(7) .alpha.-Crystal Orientation Parameter
[0090] A fiber sample was measured by a laser Raman spectroscopy,
and a ratio of the Raman band intensity in parallel polarization
((I1120) parallel) to the Raman band intensity in orthogonal
polarization ((I1120) orthogonal), the Raman band being derived
from .alpha.-crystal of nylon found near 1120 cm.sup.-1, was
obtained. The obtained value was used as a parameter for evaluation
of orientation degree. Based on the Raman band intensity of the CH
bending band (near 1440 cm.sup.-1) with a small anisotropy of
orientation, a scattering intensity for every polarization
condition (parallel/orthogonal) is normalized.
.alpha.-crystal orientation
parameter=(I1120/I1440)parallel/(I1120/I1440)orthogonal
[0091] The test sample for orientation measurement was embedded in
a resin (a bisphenol epoxy resin, cured for 24 hours) and then
sectioned with a microtome. The sectioned sample had a thickness of
2.0 .mu.m. The sectioned sample was then cut slightly at an angle
from the fiber axis so that the cut surface had an elliptical
shape, and a portion where the short axis of the ellipse had a
constant thickness was selected and then measured. The measurement
was conducted in microscope mode, and the laser spot diameter at
the position of the sample was 1 .mu.m. An orientation analysis was
conducted at the core, the center portion of the sheath layer, and
the orientation was measured under the polarization conditions. The
polarization conditions are determined as parallel conditions when
the polarizing direction agrees with the fiber axis, and vertical
conditions when it is orthogonal to the fiber axis. Then, the
extent of the orientation was evaluated by the Raman band intensity
ratio obtained from those conditions. Note that measurement was
done by n=3 at each of the measurement points. The detailed
conditions are listed below:
[0092] Laser Raman spectroscopy
[0093] Apparatus: T-64000 (Joobin Yvon/Atago Bussan K. K.)
[0094] Conditions: Measurement mode; Microscopic Raman
[0095] Objective lens; .times.100
[0096] Beam diameter; 1 .mu.m
[0097] Light source; Ar+laser/514.5 nm
[0098] Laser power; 50 mW
[0099] Diffraction grating; Single 600 gr/mm
[0100] Slit; 100 .mu.m
[0101] Detector; CCD/Jobin Yvon 1024.times.256.
(8) Amount of Amino Terminal Groups in Sheath Polymer Chip
[0102] One gram of a test sample was dissolved in 50 ml of a
phenol/ethanol mixing solution (phenol/ethanol=80/20) by shaking at
30.degree. C. to give a solution. This solution was subjected to
neutralization titration with 0.02 N hydrochloric acid, and the
amount of 0.02 N hydrochloric acid used was determined. Besides,
the above mentioned phenol/ethanol mixing solvent (in the same
amount as above) alone was subjected to neutralization titration
with 0.02 N hydrochloric acid, and the amount of 0.02 N
hydrochloric acid used was determined. Then, the amount of amino
terminal groups per 1 g of the test sample was determined from the
difference between those hydrochloric acid amounts.
(9) Amount of Amino Terminal Groups in Sheath Polymer of Core
Sheath Composite Yarn
A. Measurement of Weight Ratio of Sheath Portion
[0103] An embedding agent composed of paraffin, stearic acid, and
ethyl cellulose was dissolved, and the core sheath composite yarn
was introduced therein. Thereafter, the dissolved mixture was left
alone at room temperature to be solidified. The undrawn yarn in the
embedding agent was cut in a direction of the cross section, the
cross section of the cut yarn was photographed with a CCD camera
(CS5270) manufactured by Tokyo Electronic Co., Ltd. Then, as for 10
core sheath composite yarns arbitrarily selected from the single
yarns (all of the single yarns when the number thereof was 10 or
less), the sectional pictures printed out at a magnification of
1500 times with a color video processor (SCT-CP710) manufactured by
Mitsubishi Electric Corporation were cut out to give a sheath
portion and a core portion. The weights of these portions were
measured and the weight ratio of the sheath portion calculated by
the following equation:
Weight ratio of sheath portion=(weight of sheath portion/(weight of
sheath portion+weight of core portion)).times.100.
B. Amount of Amino Terminal Groups in Core Sheath Composite
Yarn
[0104] The amount of amino terminal groups was determined by the
method described in (8) above.
C. Amount of Amino Terminal Groups in Sheath Polymer
[0105] The amount of amino terminal groups in the sheath polymer
was calculated by multiplying the amount of amino terminal groups
obtained in the above B by the weight ratio of the sheath portion
obtained in the above A.
Concentration of Amino Terminal Groups in Sheath Polymer=Amount of
amino terminal groups in core sheath composite yarn.times.weight
ratio of sheath portion/100
(10) Production of Circular Knitted Fabric
A. Production of Circular Knitted Fabric
[0106] Circular knitted fabric was produced by adjusting the
density to 50 with a circular knitting machine. When the degree of
fineness based on corrected mass of the fiber is low, doubling was
appropriately performed so that the yarn fed to the circular
knitting machine had a total fineness 50 to 100 dtex. When the
total fineness exceeded 100 dtex, a single yarn was fed to the
circular knitting machine and circular knitted fabric was produced
by adjusting the density to 50 as described above.
B. Refining of Circular Knitted Fabric
[0107] An aqueous solution containing 2 g/l of a nonionic
surfactant (manufactured by DKS Co., Ltd., NOIGEN SS) was prepared
in an amount of 100 ml relative to 1 g of knitted fabric, and the
circular knitted fabric obtained in A above was washed at
60.degree. C. for 30 minutes. Thereafter, the washed fabric was
washed with running water for 20 minutes, dewatered with a
dewaterer, and air-dried.
C. Dyeing of Circular Knitted Fabric
[0108] The circular knitted fabrics obtained in A and B above were
dyed using the following dye and dyeing assistant auxiliaries:
[0109] Acid dye: Erionyl Blue A-R 2.0% by mass
[0110] Dyeing assistant auxiliaries: Acetic acid 1.5%.
The knitted fabric was dyed in a dye bath containing acid dye and
dyeing assistant auxiliaries set at 98.degree. C. under normal
pressure for 45 minutes. Thereafter, the dyed fabric was washed
with running water for 20 minutes, dewatered with a dewaterer, and
air-dried.
(11) Color Development Characteristic
[0111] The color development characteristic of the dyed circular
knitted fabric obtained in (10)C was evaluated by the following
four grades:
[0112] S: Uniformly colored in dark as a whole.
[0113] A: Uniformly colored in medium (light to dark) to dark as a
whole.
[0114] B: Uniformly colored in light to medium (light to dark) as a
whole.
[0115] C: Uniformly colored in light as a whole.
(12) Moisture Absorbance and Desorbance (.DELTA.MR)
[0116] About 1 to 2 g of circular knitted fabric (10)A was weighed
in a weighing tube, the weighed fabric kept at 110.degree. C. for
two hours to be dried, and the weight of the dried fabric measured
(W0). Next, the object substance was kept at a temperature of
20.degree. C. and a relative humidity of 65% for 24 hours, and the
weight thereof then measured (W65). The measured substance was kept
at a temperature of 30.degree. C. and a relative humidity of 90%
for 24 hours, and the weight thereof then measured (W90).
Calculation was made by the following equation:
MR1=[(W65-W0)/W0].times.100% (1)
MR2=[(W90-W0)/W0].times.100% (2)
.DELTA.MR=MR2-MR1 (3).
(13) .DELTA.MR After Washing
[0117] After circular knitted fabric (10)A was repeatedly washed 20
times by the method described in No. 103 specified in Appendix 1 of
JIS L0217 (1995), the moisture absorbance and desorbance described
above was measured and calculated.
[0118] When .DELTA.MR was 5.0% or more, it was judged that good
wearing comfort was obtained.
(14) .DELTA.MR Maintenance (Retention:In Tables 1-10) Rate after
Washing
[0119] As an index showing change in .DELTA.MR before and after
washing, the .DELTA.MR maintenance rate after washing was
calculated by the following expression:
.DELTA.MR after washing treatment/.DELTA.MR before washing
treatment.times.100.
When the .DELTA.MR maintenance rate was 90% or more, the wash
resistance was judged as good.
(15) Washing Fastness
[0120] Dyed circular knitted fabric (10)C was measured under the
A-2 condition in Table 7 in accordance with A method specified in
JIS L0844(2011) 7.1. Judgement was made about discoloration and
color fading in a grade evaluation in accordance with 10 (a) visual
method specified in JIS L0801 (2011). When both of discoloration
and color fading were judged as grade 3 or higher, the washing
fastness was determined as a pass, and when at least one of
discoloration and color fading was judged as grade 2-3 or lower,
the washing fastness was determined as a failure.
(16) Overall Evaluation
[0121] The washing fastness, .DELTA.MR after washing, and .DELTA.MR
maintenance rate after washing were evaluated in the following
three levels: [0122] S: All of three criteria such that washing
fastness discoloration and contamination are both evaluated as
grade 4 or higher, .DELTA.MR after washing is 7.0% or higher, and
.DELTA.MR maintenance rate after washing is 95% or higher apply.
[0123] A: All of three criteria apply such that washing fastness
discoloration and contamination are both evaluated as grade 3 or
higher, .DELTA.MR after washing is 5.0%, and .DELTA.MR maintenance
rate after washing is 90% or higher. [0124] C: One or more criteria
of three criteria such that washing fastness discoloration and
contamination are both evaluated as grade 2-3 or lower, .DELTA.MR
after washing is less than 5.0%, and .DELTA.MR maintenance rate
after washing is less than 90% apply. S and A were determined as a
"pass" because of a higher comfort than natural fibers and
excellent wash resistance sufficient for practical use. (17) Cool
Feeling by Contact (q-Max)
[0125] The cool feeling by contact was evaluated by an evaluated
coldness/warmth feeling value (q-max) obtained by measuring
coldness/warmth feeling using Thermolabo IIB type precise rapid
thermal properties measurement apparatus KES-F7 (manufactured by
Kato Tech Co., Ltd.). The q-max value refers to a measured value
(unit: W/cm.sup.2) of a peak heat flux, in which heat is stored in
a pure copper plate, and immediately after the plate contacts a
surface of a test sample, the amount of heat stored transfers to
the sample body on the lower temperature side.
[0126] Circular knitted fabric (10)A and the apparatus (KES-F7
THERMO LABO IIB TYPE (manufactured by Kato Tech Co., Ltd.)) were
left alone overnight in a room adjusted to a room temperature of
20.degree. C. and a relative humidity of 60%. To set the
temperature of T-BOX (temperature detection and heat retaining
plate) that measured the amount of heat transfer by contacting the
circular knitted fabric, to 10.degree. C. higher than room
temperature, a hot plate, BT-plate, for warmth storage was set to
30.degree. C. A hot plate G-BT that kept temperature around BT to
warm the BT-plate was set to 20.3.degree. C. to be stabilized.
Circular knitted fabric was located with the back (on the skin side
during wearing) of the cloth upward, T-BOX was quickly placed on
the circular knitted fabric, and q-max was measured. Note that the
measuring portion of the circular knitted fabric was cut into a 10
cm square piece, and the weight of the piece was measured to
thereby calculate the basis weight (g/cm.sup.2) of the circular
knitted fabric.
[0127] In this measurement method, when the q-max was 0.175
(W/cm.sup.2) or more, it was judged that good wearing comfort was
obtained.
(18) Maintenance Rate of Cool Feeling by Contact (q-Max) after
Washing
[0128] After circular knitted fabric (10)A was repeatedly washed 20
times by the method described in No. 103 specified in Appendix 1 of
JIS L0217 (1995), the cool feeling by contact described above was
measured. As an index showing change in the cool feeling by contact
before and after washing, the q-max maintenance rate after washing
was calculated by the following expression:
(q-max after washing)/(q-max before washing
treatment).times.100.
[0129] When the q-max maintenance rate was 90% or more, the wash
resistance was judged as good.
(19) Antistatic Property
[0130] Circular knitted fabric (10)A was measured in accordance
with A method (Half life measurement method) and B method
(Frictional electrification voltage measurement method) specified
in JIS L1094 (Testing methods for electrostatic propensity of woven
and knitted fabric, 2014). The fabric was measured with a rubbing
cloth of cotton (shirting No. 3) in a longitudinal direction under
environmental conditions of 20.degree. C..times.40% RH.
[0131] When the frictional withstanding voltage was 1500 V or less,
it was judged that good antistatic performance was obtained in
wearing.
(20) Antistatic Property after Washing
[0132] After circular knitted fabric (10)A was repeatedly washed 20
times by the method described in No. 103 specified in Appendix 1 of
JIS L0217 (1995), the antistatic property described above was
measured.
Example 1
[0133] The polyamide component was nylon 6, the polyether component
(poly(alkylene oxide) glycol) was polyethylene glycol having a
molecular weight of 1500, the core portion was made of polyether
ester amide copolymer (manufactured by Arkema K. K., MH1657,
ortho-chlorophenol relative viscosity: 1.69) having a
constitutional ratio (molar ratio) of the polyether component of
about 76%, and the sheath portion was made of nylon 6 having a
sulfuric acid relative viscosity of 2.71 and an amino terminal
group amount of 5.95.times.10.sup.-5 mol/g. These portions were
melted at 270.degree. C. and spun from a concentric core sheath
composite spinneret (24 holes) to have a core/sheath ratio (part by
weight) of 50/50. The amount of amino terminal groups was adjusted
with hexamethylenediamine and acetic acid during
polymerization.
[0134] At this time, the number of rotations of a gear pump was
selected so that the total fineness of the core sheath composite
yarn thus obtained was 56 dtex, and the amount of discharge of the
gear pump was set to 22 g/min. Then, with a thread cooling device,
the thread was cooled to be solidified, and an anhydrous lubricant
was applied thereto with an oiling device. Thereafter, the thread
was interlaced with a first fluid interlacing nozzle device, and
drawn with a take-up roller (first roll) having a peripheral speed
of 3368 m/min and a drawing roller (second roll) having a
peripheral speed of 4210 m/min. With the drawing roller, the thread
was thermoset at 150.degree. C. and wound up at a winding speed of
4000 m/min, to thereby obtain a core sheath composite yarn having
56 dtex/24 filaments. The properties of the fiber thus obtained are
shown in Table 1.
[0135] The core sheath composite yarn thus obtained had extremely
high moisture absorption performance with a .DELTA.MR of 12.4%. The
washing fastness discoloration and the color fading were both
evaluated as grade 4, .DELTA.MR after washing was 12.4%, and
.DELTA.MR maintenance rate after washing was 100%, which were very
good. That is, fabric and clothing including the obtained core
sheath composite yarn provided comfortable clothing excellent in
wash resistance sufficient for practical use.
[0136] Further, it also had excellent cool feeling by contact such
that q-max was 0.170 W/cm.sup.2, q-max after washing was 0.170
W/cm.sup.2, and the q-max maintenance rate after washing was
100%.
[0137] The core sheath composite yarn had excellent antistatic
performance having a frictional electrification voltage of 800 V
under a 20.degree. C..times.40% RH environment and a frictional
electrification voltage after washing of 800 V so that comfortable
clothing having wash resistance sufficient for practical use and
excellent antistatic performance were obtained.
Example 2
[0138] A core sheath composite yarn having 56 dtex/24 filaments was
obtained in the same manner as in Example 1, except that the thread
was wound up at a peripheral speed of the take-up roller (first
roll) of 2381 m/min, a peripheral speed of the drawing roller
(second roll) of 3571 m/min, and a winding speed of 3500 m/min. The
properties of the fiber thus obtained were shown in Table 1.
[0139] The core sheath composite yarn thus obtained had extremely
high moisture absorption performance with a .DELTA.MR of 11.6%. The
washing fastness discoloration and the color fading were both
evaluated as grades 3-4, .DELTA.MR after washing was 11.1%, and
.DELTA.MR maintenance rate after washing was 95.7%, which were
good.
Example 3
[0140] A core sheath composite yarn having 56 dtex/24 filaments was
obtained in the same manner as in Example 1, except that the thread
was wound up at a peripheral speed of the take-up roller (first
roll) of 2245 m/min, a peripheral speed of the drawing roller
(second roll) of 3367 m/min, and a winding speed of 3300 m/min. The
properties of the fiber thus obtained were shown in Table 1.
[0141] The core sheath composite yarn thus obtained had extremely
high moisture absorption performance with a .DELTA.MR of 10.8%. The
washing fastness discoloration and the color fading were both
evaluated as grade 3, .DELTA.MR after washing was 9.9%, and
.DELTA.MR maintenance rate after washing was 91.7%, which were
good.
Example 4
[0142] A core sheath composite yarn having 56 dtex/24 filaments was
obtained in the same manner as in Example 1, except that the thread
was wound up at a peripheral speed of the take-up roller (first
roll) of 4474 m/min, a peripheral speed of the drawing roller
(second roll) of 4474 m/min, and a winding speed of 4250 m/min. The
properties of the fiber thus obtained were shown in Table 1.
[0143] The core sheath composite yarn thus obtained had extremely
high moisture absorption performance with a .DELTA.MR of 13.1%. The
washing fastness discoloration and the color fading were both
evaluated as grades 4-5, .DELTA.MR after washing was 13.1%, and
.DELTA.MR maintenance rate after washing was 100%, which were very
good.
Example 5
[0144] A core sheath composite yarn having 56 dtex/24 filaments was
obtained in the same manner as in Example 1, except that spinning
was performed to have a core/sheath ratio (part by weight) of
30/70. The properties of the fiber thus obtained were shown in
Table 1.
[0145] The core sheath composite yarn thus obtained had high
moisture absorption performance with a .DELTA.MR of 7.5%. The
washing fastness discoloration and the color fading were both
evaluated as grades 3-4, .DELTA.MR after washing was 7.2%, and
.DELTA.MR maintenance rate after washing was 96.0%, which were
good.
[0146] The core sheath composite yarn had excellent antistatic
performance having a frictional electrification voltage of 850 V
under a 20.degree. C..times.40% RH environment and a frictional
electrification voltage after washing of 850 V so that comfortable
clothing having wash resistance sufficient for practical use and
excellent antistatic performance were obtained.
Example 6
[0147] A core sheath composite yarn having 56 dtex/24 filaments was
obtained in the same manner as in Example 1, except that spinning
was performed to have a core/sheath ratio (part by weight) of
20/80. The properties of the fiber thus obtained are shown in Table
2.
[0148] The core sheath composite yarn thus obtained had sufficient
moisture absorption performance with a .DELTA.MR of 5.9%. The
washing fastness discoloration and the color fading were both
valuated as grades 3-4, .DELTA.MR after washing was 5.5%, and
.DELTA.MR maintenance rate after washing was 93.2%, which were
good.
Example 7
[0149] A core sheath composite yarn having 56 dtex/24 filaments was
obtained in the same manner as in Example 1, except that spinning
was performed to have a core/sheath ratio (part by weight) of
70/30. The properties of the fiber thus obtained are shown in Table
2.
[0150] The core sheath composite yarn thus obtained had extremely
high moisture absorption performance with a .DELTA.MR of 15.1%. The
washing fastness discoloration and the color fading were both
evaluated as grades 3-4, .DELTA.MR after washing was 15.0%, and
.DELTA.MR maintenance rate after washing was 99.3%, which were
good.
Example 8
[0151] A core sheath composite yarn having 56 dtex/24 filaments was
obtained in the same manner as in Example 1, except that spinning
was performed to have a core/sheath ratio (part by weight) of
80/20. The properties of the fiber thus obtained are shown in Table
2.
[0152] The core sheath composite yarn thus obtained had extremely
high moisture absorption performance with a .DELTA.MR of 16.9%. The
washing fastness discoloration and the color fading were both
evaluated as grade 3, .DELTA.MR after washing was 16.7%, and
.DELTA.MR maintenance rate after washing was 99.4%, which were
good.
Example 9
[0153] A core sheath composite yarn having 56 dtex/24 filaments was
obtained in the same manner as in Example 1, except that nylon 6
having a sulfuric acid relative viscosity of 2.40 and an amino
terminal group amount of 3.95.times.10.sup.-5 mol/g was used as the
sheath portion and spinning was performed. The properties of the
fiber thus obtained are shown in Table 2.
[0154] The core sheath composite yarn thus obtained had extremely
high moisture absorption performance with a .DELTA.MR of 11.1%. The
washing fastness discoloration and the color fading were both
evaluated as grade 3, .DELTA.MR after washing was 10.1%, and
.DELTA.MR maintenance rate after washing was 90.1%, which were
good.
Example 10
[0155] A core sheath composite yarn having 56 dtex/24 filaments was
obtained in the same manner as in Example 1, except that nylon 6
having a sulfuric acid relative viscosity of 2.63 and an amino
terminal group amount of 5.20.times.10.sup.-5 mol/g was used as the
sheath portion and spinning was performed. The properties of the
fiber thus obtained are shown in Table 2.
[0156] The core sheath composite yarn thus obtained had extremely
high moisture absorption performance with a .DELTA.MR of 12.0%. The
washing fastness discoloration and the color fading were both
evaluated as grade 4, .DELTA.MR after washing was 11.6%, and
.DELTA.MR maintenance rate after washing was 96.7%, which were very
good.
Example 11
[0157] A core sheath composite yarn having 56 dtex/24 filaments was
obtained in the same manner as in Example 1, except that nylon 6
having a sulfuric acid relative viscosity of 3.30 and an amino
terminal group amount of 4.78.times.10.sup.-5 mol/g was used as the
sheath portion and spinning was performed. The properties of the
fiber thus obtained are shown in Table 3.
[0158] The core sheath composite yarn thus obtained had extremely
high moisture absorption performance with a .DELTA.MR of 13.1%. The
washing fastness discoloration and the color fading were both
evaluated as grades 4-5, .DELTA.MR after washing was 13.1%, and
.DELTA.MR maintenance rate after washing was 100%, which were very
good.
Example 12
[0159] A core sheath composite yarn having 56 dtex/24 filaments was
obtained in the same manner as in Example 1, except that nylon 6
having a sulfuric acid relative viscosity of 2.63 and an amino
terminal group amount of 7.40.times.10.sup.-5 mol/g was used as the
sheath portion and spinning was performed. The properties of the
fiber thus obtained are shown in Table 3.
[0160] The core sheath composite yarn thus obtained had extremely
high moisture absorption performance with a .DELTA.MR of 12.7%. The
washing fastness discoloration and the color fading were both
evaluated as grades 4-5, .DELTA.MR after washing was 12.2%, and
.DELTA.MR maintenance rate after washing was 96.1%, which were very
good.
Example 13
[0161] A core sheath composite yarn having 56 dtex/24 filaments was
obtained in the same manner as in Example 1, except that nylon 6
having a sulfuric acid relative viscosity of 2.63 and an amino
terminal group amount of 4.15.times.10.sup.-5 mol/g was used as the
sheath portion and spinning was performed. The properties of the
fiber thus obtained are shown in Table 3.
[0162] The core sheath composite yarn thus obtained had extremely
high moisture absorption performance with a .DELTA.MR of 11.5%. The
washing fastness discoloration and the color fading were both
evaluated as grade 3, .DELTA.MR after washing was 10.5%, and
.DELTA.MR maintenance rate after washing was 91.3%, which were
good.
Example 14
[0163] A core sheath composite yarn having 56 dtex/68 filaments was
obtained in the same manner as in Example 1, except that the
concentric core sheath composite spinneret had 68 holes and the
peripheral speed of the take-up roller (first roll) was 3508 m/min.
The properties of the fiber thus obtained are shown in Table 3.
[0164] The core sheath composite yarn thus obtained had extremely
high moisture absorption performance with a .DELTA.MR of 13.6%. The
washing fastness discoloration and the color fading were both
evaluated as grade 4, .DELTA.MR after washing was 13.6%, and
.DELTA.MR maintenance rate after washing was 100%, which were
good.
Example 15
[0165] A core sheath composite yarn having 56 dtex/68 filaments was
obtained in the same manner as in Example 5, except that the
concentric core sheath composite spinneret had 68 holes and the
peripheral speed of the take-up roller (first roll) was 3508 m/min.
The properties of the fiber thus obtained are shown in Table 3.
[0166] The core sheath composite yarn thus obtained had extremely
high moisture absorption performance with a .DELTA.MR of 8.3%. The
washing fastness discoloration and the color fading were both
evaluated as grades 3-4, .DELTA.MR after washing was 7.9%, and
.DELTA.MR maintenance rate after washing was 95.2%, which were
good.
Example 16
[0167] A core sheath composite yarn having 56 dtex/24 filaments was
obtained in the same manner as in Example 1, except that a nylon 6
blended polymer in which a nylon 6 having a relative viscosity of
2.71 without containing any additives and a nylon 6 having a
relative viscosity of 2.71 with 20% by weight of polyvinyl
pyrrolidone (Luviskol K30SP manufactured by BASF, K value=30) being
added were chip-blended at a ratio of 1:5 so that the addition rate
of polyvinyl pyrrolidone was 3.3% by weight was used as the sheath
portion and spinning was performed. The properties of the fiber
thus obtained are shown in Table 4.
[0168] The core sheath composite yarn thus obtained had extremely
high moisture absorption performance with a .DELTA.MR of 13.3%. The
washing fastness discoloration and the color fading were both
evaluated as grade 4, .DELTA.MR after washing was 13.3%, and
.DELTA.MR maintenance rate after washing was 100%, which were very
good. That is, fabric and clothing including the obtained core
sheath composite yarn provide comfortable clothing excellent in
wash resistance sufficient for practical use. Due to polyvinyl
pyrrolidone contained in the sheath portion as a moisture
absorbent, not only moisture absorbing properties were enhanced,
but also moisture was quickly transferred from the skin to the
fiber side at the time of wearing, thereby giving a dry texture as
compared to Example 1.
Example 17
[0169] A core sheath composite yarn having 56 dtex/24 filaments was
obtained in the same manner as in Example 1, except that a nylon 6
having a relative viscosity of 2.71 without containing any
additives and a nylon 6 having a relative viscosity of 2.71 with
20% by weight of polyvinyl pyrrolidone (Luviskol K30SP manufactured
by BASF, K value=30) being added were chip-blended at a ratio of
1:2 so that the addition rate of polyvinyl pyrrolidone was 6.7% by
weight. The properties of the fiber thus obtained are shown in
Table 4.
[0170] The core sheath composite yarn thus obtained had extremely
high moisture absorption performance with a .DELTA.MR of 13.6%. The
washing fastness discoloration and the color fading were both
evaluated as grade 4, .DELTA.MR after washing was 13.6%, and
.DELTA.MR maintenance rate after washing was 100%, which were very
good.
Comparative Example 1
[0171] A core sheath composite yarn having 56 dtex/24 filaments was
obtained in the same manner as in Example 1, except that nylon 6
having a sulfuric acid relative viscosity of 2.15 and an amino
terminal group amount of 4.70.times.10.sup.-5 mol/g was used as the
sheath component and spinning was performed. The properties of the
fiber thus obtained are shown in Table 5.
[0172] The core sheath composite yarn thus obtained had extremely
high moisture absorption performance with a .DELTA.MR of 10.5%, but
did not have wash resistance with moisture absorption performance
sufficient for practical use with a .DELTA.MR maintenance rate
after washing of 73.3%. The washing fastness discoloration and the
color fading were both evaluated as grades 2-3, resulting in
inferior color fastness. That is, it can be seen that the fabric
and clothing including the obtained core sheath composite yarn do
not have wash resistance (moisture absorption performance,
dyeability) sufficient for practical use. The core sheath composite
yarn had a frictional electrification voltage of 1000 V under a
20.degree. C..times.40% RH environment, but a frictional
electrification voltage after washing of 1700 V, resulting in
inferior antistatic performance. That is, the fabric and clothing
including the obtained core sheath composite yarn was likely to
have static cling or dust adhesion in wearing under a low
temperature and low humidity environment, thereby providing
inferior comfort.
Comparative Example 2
[0173] A core sheath composite yarn having 56 dtex/24 filaments was
obtained in the same manner as in Example 1, except that spinning
was performed to have a core/sheath ratio (part by weight) of
10/90. The properties of the fiber thus obtained are shown in Table
5.
[0174] The washing fastness discoloration and the color fading of
the obtained core sheath composite yarn were both evaluated as
grades 3-4, resulting in good color fastness. The obtained core
sheath composite yarn did not have sufficient moisture absorption
performance with a .DELTA.MR of 4.2%. Also, it did not have wash
resistance with moisture absorption performance that was sufficient
for practical use with a .DELTA.MR maintenance rate after washing
of 84.4%. That is, the fabric and clothing including the obtained
core sheath composite yarn do not achieve a higher comfort than
natural fibers.
Comparative Example 3
[0175] A core sheath composite yarn having 56 dtex/24 filaments was
obtained in the same manner as in Example 1, except that spinning
was performed to have a core/sheath ratio (part by weight) of
90/10. The properties of the fiber thus obtained are shown in Table
5.
[0176] The core sheath composite yarn thus obtained had extremely
high moisture absorption performance with a .DELTA.MR of 17.8%, and
had wash resistance with moisture absorption performance that was
sufficient for practical use with a .DELTA.MR maintenance rate
after washing of 92.7%. However, the washing fastness discoloration
and the color fading were both evaluated as grades 2-3, resulting
in inferior color fastness. That is, the fabric and clothing
including the obtained core sheath composite yarn do not have wash
resistance (dyeability) sufficient for practical use.
[0177] Further, while raw yarns were collected, yarn breakage
frequently occurred and stable spinning was difficult. When the
wound fiber package was observed, occurrence of fluffing was found,
causing many defective products, resulting in inferior
productivity.
Comparative Example 4
[0178] A core sheath composite yarn having 56 dtex/24 filaments was
obtained in the same manner as in Example 1, except that the thread
was wound up at a peripheral speed of the take-up roller (first
roll) of 2020 m/min, a peripheral speed of the drawing roller
(second roll) of 3030 m/min, and a winding speed of 3000 m/min. The
properties of the fiber thus obtained are shown in Table 5.
[0179] The core sheath composite yarn thus obtained had extremely
high moisture absorption performance with a .DELTA.MR of 10.0%, but
did not have wash resistance with moisture absorption performance
sufficient for practical use with a .DELTA.MR maintenance rate
after washing of 88.0%. The washing fastness discoloration and the
color fading were both evaluated as grades 2, resulting in inferior
color fastness. That is, the fabric and clothing including the
obtained core sheath composite yarn do not have wash resistance
(moisture absorption performance, dyeability) sufficient for
practical use.
TABLE-US-00001 TABLE 1 Example 1 Example 2 Example 3 Example 4
Example 5 Core component Polymer Polyether Polyether Polyether
Polyether Polyether ester ester ester ester ester amide amide amide
amide amide copolymer copolymer copolymer copolymer copolymer OCP
relative viscosity 1.69 1.69 1.69 1.69 1.69 Sheath component
Polymer Nylon 6 Nylon 6 Nylon 6 Nylon 6 Nylon 6 Sulfuric acid
relative viscosity 2.71 2.71 2.71 2.71 2.71 Core/sheath ratio 50/50
50/50 50/50 50/50 30/70 Spinning conditions Take-up speed (m/min)
3368 2381 2245 4474 3368 Drawing ratio 1.25 1.5 1.5 1.0 1.25
Product 4210 3571 3367 4474 4210 Yarn properties .alpha.-crystal
orientation parameter 2.15 2.05 2.00 2.19 2.08 Amino terminal group
amount 6.08 6.08 6.08 6.08 6.08 of sheath polymer Degree of
fineness (dtex) 56 56 56 56 56 Strength (cN/dtex) 3.4 3.1 3.0 3.3
3.7 Elongation percentage (%) 42 46 50 40 44 Moisture absorption
.DELTA.MR (%) 12.4 11.6 10.8 13.1 7.5 performance .DELTA.MR after
washing (%) 12.4 11.1 9.9 13.1 7.2 Retention rate (%) 100 95.7 91.7
100 96.0 Color development characteristic S S S S S Washing
fastness Discoloration (grade) 4 3-4 3 4-5 3-4 Color fading (grade)
4 3-4 3 4-5 3-4 Overall evaluation S A A S A
TABLE-US-00002 TABLE 2 Example 6 Example 7 Example 8 Example 9
Example 10 Core component Polymer Polyether Polyether Polyether
Polyether Polyether ester ester ester ester ester amide amide amide
amide amide copolymer copolymer copolymer copolymer copolymer OCP
relative viscosity 1.69 1.69 1.69 1.69 1.69 Sheath component
Polymer Nylon 6 Nylon 6 Nylon 6 Nylon 6 Nylon 6 Sulfuric acid
relative viscosity 2.71 2.71 2.71 2.40 2.63 Core/sheath ratio 20/80
70/30 80/20 50/50 50/50 Spinning conditions Take-up speed (m/min)
3368 3368 3368 3368 3368 Drawing ratio 1.25 1.25 1.25 1.25 1.25
Product 4210 4210 4210 4210 4210 Yarn properties .alpha.-crystal
orientation parameter 2.03 2.20 2.35 1.94 2.09 Amino terminal group
amount 6.08 6.08 6.08 4.10 5.30 of sheath polymer Degree of
fineness (dtex) 56 56 56 56 56 Strength (cN/dtex) 3.9 3.6 3.7 3.2
3.2 Elongation percentage (%) 44 43 36 40 42 Moisture absorption
.DELTA.MR (%) 5.9 15.1 16.9 11.1 12.0 performance .DELTA.MR after
washing (%) 5.5 15.0 16.7 10.1 11.6 Retention rate (%) 93.2 99.3
99.4 90.1 96.7 Color development characteristic S A A B A Washing
fastness Discoloration (grade) 3-4 3-4 3 3 4 Color fading (grade)
3-4 3-4 3 3 4 Overall evaluation A A A A S
TABLE-US-00003 TABLE 3 Example 11 Example 12 Example 13 Example 14
Example 15 Core component Polymer Polyether Polyether Polyether
Polyether Polyether ester ester ester ester ester amide amide amide
amide amide copolymer copolymer copolymer copolymer copolymer OCP
relative viscosity 1.69 1.69 1.69 1.69 1.69 Sheath component
Polymer Nylon 6 Nylon 6 Nylon 6 Nylon 6 Nylon 6 Sulfuric acid
relative viscosity 3.30 2.63 2.63 2.71 2.71 Core/sheath ratio 50/50
50/50 50/50 50/50 30/70 Spinning conditions Take-up speed (m/min)
3368 3368 3368 3508 3508 Drawing ratio 1.25 1.25 1.25 1.20 1.20
Product 4210 4210 4210 4210 4210 Yarn properties .alpha.-crystal
orientation parameter 2.52 2.09 2.09 2.15 2.07 Amino terminal group
amount 4.85 7.65 4.30 6.08 6.08 of sheath polymer Degree of
fineness (dtex) 56 56 56 56 56 Strength (cN/dtex) 3.7 3.1 3.0 3.2
3.4 Elongation percentage (%) 44 42 42 41 42 Moisture absorption
.DELTA.MR (%) 13.1 12.7 11.5 13.6 8.3 performance .DELTA.MR after
washing (%) 13.1 12.2 10.5 13.6 7.9 Retention rate (%) 100 96.1
91.3 100 95.2 Color development characteristic A S B S S Washing
fastness Discoloration (grade) 4-5 4-5 3 4 3-4 Color fading (grade)
4-5 4-5 3 4 3-4 Overall evaluation S S A S A
TABLE-US-00004 TABLE 4 Example 16 Example 17 Core component Polymer
Polyether ester Polyether ester amide copolymer amide copolymer OCP
relative viscosity 1.69 1.69 Sheath component Polymer Nylon 6 Nylon
6 Sulfuric acid relative viscosity 2.71 2.71 Moisture absorbent
Polyvinyl Polyvinyl pyrrolidone pyrrolidone Content (wt %) 3.3 6.7
Core/sheath ratio 50/50 50/50 Spinning conditions Take-up speed
(m/min) 3368 3368 Drawing ratio 1.25 1.25 Product 4210 4210 Yarn
properties .alpha.-crystal orientation parameter 2.15 2.15 Amino
terminal group amount of 6.08 6.08 sheath polymer Degree of
fineness (dtex) 56 56 Strength (cN/dtex) 2.9 2.6 Elongation
percentage (%) 42 42 Moisture absorption .DELTA.MR (%) 13.3 13.6
performance .DELTA.MR after washing (%) 13.3 13.6 Retention rate
(%) 100 100 Color development characteristic S S Washing fastness
Discoloration (grade) 4 4 Color fading (grade) 4 4 Overall
evaluation S S
TABLE-US-00005 TABLE 5 Comparative Comparative Comparative
Comparative Example 1 Example 2 Example 3 Example 4 Core component
Polymer Polyether ester Polyether ester Polyether ester Polyether
ester amide copolymer amide copolymer amide copolymer amide
copolymer OCP relative viscosity 1.69 1.69 1.69 1.69 Sheath
component Polymer Nylon 6 Nylon 6 Nylon 6 Nylon 6 Sulfuric acid
relative viscosity 2.15 2.71 2.71 2.71 Core/sheath ratio 50/50
10/90 90/10 50/50 Spinning conditions Take-up speed(m/min) 3368
3368 3368 2020 Drawing ratio 1.25 1.25 1.25 1.50 Product 4210 4210
4210 3030 Yarn properties .alpha.-crystal orientation parameter
1.80 1.87 2.75 1.85 Amount of amino terminal groups 4.80 6.08 6.08
6.08 Degree of fineness (dtex) 56 56 56 56 Strength (cN/dtex) 2.7
4.1 3.3 2.7 Elongation percentage (%) 38 46 33 55 Moisture
absorption .DELTA.MR (%) 10.5 4.2 17.8 10.0 performance .DELTA.MR
after washing (%) 7.7 3.5 16.5 8.8 Retention rate (%) 73.3 84.4
92.7 88.0 Color development characteristic A S C A Washing fastness
Discoloration (grade) 2-3 3-4 2-3 2 Color fading (grade) 2-3 3-4
2-3 2 Overall evaluation C C C C
Example 18
[0180] The polyamide component was nylon 6, the polyether component
(poly(alkylene oxide) glycol) was polyethylene glycol having a
molecular weight of 1500, the core portion was made of polyether
ester amide copolymer (manufactured by Arkema K. K., MH1657,
ortho-chlorophenol relative viscosity: 1.69) having a
constitutional ratio (molar ratio) of polyether component of about
76%, and the sheath portion was made of nylon 6 having a sulfuric
acid relative viscosity of 2.71 and an amino terminal group amount
of 5.95.times.10.sup.-5 mol/g. These portions were melted at
270.degree. C. and then spun from a core sheath composite spinneret
having a dumbbell-shaped discharging hole to have a core/sheath
ratio (part by weight) of 50/50.
[0181] At this time, the number of rotations of a gear pump was
selected so that the total fineness of the core sheath composite
yarn thus obtained was 56 dtex, and the amount of discharge of the
gear pump was set to 22 g/min. Then, with a thread cooling device,
the thread was cooled to be solidified, and an anhydrous lubricant
was applied thereto with an oiling device. Thereafter, the thread
was interlaced with a first fluid interlacing nozzle device, and
drawn with a take-up roller (first roll) having a peripheral speed
of 3368 m/min and a drawing roller (second roll) having a
peripheral speed of 4210 m/min. With the drawing roller, the thread
was thermoset at 150.degree. C. and wound up at a winding speed of
4000 m/min, to thereby obtain a core sheath composite yarn having a
flatness degree of 4.0, 56 dtex/24 filaments and an I-shaped cross
section. The properties of the fiber thus obtained are shown in
Table 6.
[0182] The core sheath composite yarn thus obtained had extremely
high moisture absorption performance with a .DELTA.MR of 12.4%. The
washing fastness discoloration and the color fading were both
evaluated as grade 4, .DELTA.MR after washing was 12.4%, and
.DELTA.MR maintenance rate after washing was 100%, which were very
good. Further, q-max was 0.183 W/cm.sup.2, q-max after washing was
0.183 W/cm.sup.2, the q-max maintenance rate after washing was
100%, which were very good. That is, fabric and clothing including
the obtained core sheath composite yarn are excellent in moisture
absorption performance and cool feeling by contact, and provides
comfortable clothing excellent in wash resistance sufficient for
practical use.
Example 19
[0183] A core sheath composite yarn having a flatness degree of
2.5, 56 dtex/24 filaments, and an I-shaped cross section was
obtained in the same manner as in Example 18, except that the core
and sheath portions were melted at 275.degree. C. and then spun,
the thread was wound up at a peripheral speed of the take-up roller
(first roll) of 2381 m/min, a peripheral speed of the drawing
roller (second roll) of 3571 m/min, and a winding speed of 3500
m/min. The properties of the fiber thus obtained are shown in Table
6.
[0184] The core sheath composite yarn thus obtained had extremely
high moisture absorption performance with a .DELTA.MR of 11.9%. The
washing fastness discoloration and the color fading were both
evaluated as grade 3, .DELTA.MR after washing was 11.5%, and
.DELTA.MR maintenance rate after washing was 97%, which were good.
Further, q-max was 0.178 W/cm.sup.2, q-max after washing was 0.178
W/cm.sup.2, and the q-max maintenance rate after washing was 100%,
which were very good.
Example 20
[0185] A core sheath composite yarn having a flatness degree of
4.8, 56 dtex/24 filaments, and an I-shaped cross section was
obtained in the same manner as in Example 18, except that the core
and sheath portions were melted at 265.degree. C. and then spun.
The properties of the fiber thus obtained were shown in Table
6.
[0186] The core sheath composite yarn thus obtained had extremely
high moisture absorption performance with a .DELTA.MR of 12.8%. The
washing fastness discoloration and the color fading were both
evaluated as grade 4, .DELTA.MR after washing was 12.8%, and
.DELTA.MR maintenance rate after washing was 100%, which were very
good. Further, q-max was 0.186 W/cm.sup.2, q-max after washing was
0.186 W/cm.sup.2, and the q-max maintenance rate after washing was
100%, which were very good.
Example 21
[0187] A core sheath composite yarn having a flatness degree of
4.0, 56 dtex/24 filaments, and a convex lens-shaped cross section
was obtained in the same manner as in Example 18, except that a
core sheath composite spinneret having a convex lens-shaped
discharging hole was used, and spinning was performed to have a
core/sheath ratio (part by weight) of 30/70. The properties of the
fiber thus obtained are shown in Table 6.
[0188] The core sheath composite yarn thus obtained had extremely
high moisture absorption performance with a .DELTA.MR of 7.5%. The
washing fastness discoloration and the color fading were both
evaluated as grades 4-5, .DELTA.MR after washing was 7.2%, and
.DELTA.MR maintenance rate after washing was 96%, which were very
good. Further, q-max was 0.177 W/cm.sup.2, q-max after washing was
0.177 W/cm.sup.2, and the q-max maintenance rate after washing was
100%, which were very good.
Example 22
[0189] A core sheath composite yarn having a flatness degree of
4.0, 56 dtex/24 filaments, and an I-shaped cross section was
obtained in the same manner as in Example 18, except that spinning
was performed to have a core/sheath ratio (part by weight) of
20/80. The properties of the fiber thus obtained are shown in Table
6.
[0190] The core sheath composite yarn thus obtained had extremely
high moisture absorption performance with a .DELTA.MR of 5.9%. The
washing fastness discoloration and the color fading were both
evaluated as grades 4-5, .DELTA.MR after washing was 5.5%, and
.DELTA.MR maintenance rate after washing was 93%, which were good.
Further, q-max was 0.175 W/cm.sup.2, q-max after washing was 0.175
W/cm.sup.2, and the q-max maintenance rate after washing was 100%,
which were very good.
Example 23
[0191] A core sheath composite yarn having a flatness degree of
4.0, 56 dtex/24 filaments, and a convex lens-shaped cross section
was obtained in the same manner as in Example 18, except that a
core sheath composite spinneret having a convex lens-shaped
discharging hole was used, and spinning was performed to have a
core/sheath ratio (part by weight) of 70/30. The properties of the
fiber thus obtained are shown in Table 7.
[0192] The core sheath composite yarn thus obtained had extremely
high moisture absorption performance with a .DELTA.MR of 15.2%. The
washing fastness discoloration and the color fading were both
evaluated as grades 3-4, .DELTA.MR after washing was 15.0%, and
.DELTA.MR maintenance rate after washing was 99%, which were good.
Further, q-max was 0.186 W/cm.sup.2, q-max after washing was 0.185
W/cm.sup.2, the q-max maintenance rate after washing was 99%, which
were very good.
Example 24
[0193] A core sheath composite yarn having a flatness degree of
4.0, 56 dtex/24 filaments, and an I-shaped cross section was
obtained in the same manner as in Example 18, except that spinning
was performed to have a core/sheath ratio (part by weight) of
80/20. The properties of the fiber thus obtained are shown in Table
7.
[0194] The core sheath composite yarn thus obtained had extremely
high moisture absorption performance with a .DELTA.MR of 17.0%. The
washing fastness discoloration and the color fading were both
evaluated as grade 3, .DELTA.MR after washing was 16.9%, and
.DELTA.MR maintenance rate after washing was 99%, which were good.
Further, q-max was 0.188 W/cm.sup.2, q-max after washing was 0.186
W/cm.sup.2, the q-max maintenance rate after washing was 99%, which
were very good.
Example 25
[0195] A core sheath composite yarn having a flatness degree of
2.0, 56 dtex/24 filaments, and an I-shaped cross section was
obtained in the same manner as in Example 18, except that nylon 6
having a sulfuric acid relative viscosity of 2.40 and an amino
terminal group amount of 3.95.times.10.sup.-5 mol/g was used as the
sheath portion and spinning was performed. The properties of the
fiber thus obtained are shown in Table 7.
[0196] The core sheath composite yarn thus obtained had extremely
high moisture absorption performance with a .DELTA.MR of 11.1%. The
washing fastness discoloration and the color fading were both
evaluated as grade 3, .DELTA.MR after washing was 10.2%, and
.DELTA.MR maintenance rate after washing was 92%, which were good.
Further, q-max was 0.178 W/cm.sup.2, q-max after washing was 0.166
W/cm.sup.2, the q-max maintenance rate after washing was 93%, which
were very good.
Example 26
[0197] A core sheath composite yarn having a flatness degree of
3.0, 56 dtex/24 filaments, and an I-shaped cross section was
obtained in the same manner as in Example 18, except that nylon 6
having a sulfuric acid relative viscosity of 2.63 and an amino
terminal group amount of 7.40.times.10.sup.-5 mol/g was used as the
sheath portion and spinning was performed. The properties of the
fiber thus obtained are shown in Table 7.
[0198] The core sheath composite yarn thus obtained had extremely
high moisture absorption performance with a .DELTA.MR of 12.1%. The
washing fastness discoloration and the color fading were both
evaluated as grades 3-4, .DELTA.MR after washing was 11.5%, and
.DELTA.MR maintenance rate after washing was 95%, which were
good.
[0199] Further, q-max was 0.180 W/cm.sup.2, q-max after washing was
0.171 W/cm.sup.2, the q-max maintenance rate after washing was 95%,
which were very good.
Example 27
[0200] A core sheath composite yarn having a flatness degree of
4.5, 56 dtex/24 filaments, and a convex lens-shaped cross section
was obtained in the same manner as in Example 18, except that nylon
6 having a sulfuric acid relative viscosity of 3.30 and an amino
terminal group amount of 4.78.times.10.sup.-5 mol/g was used as the
sheath portion and spinning was performed, and a core sheath
composite spinneret having convex lens-shaped discharging hole was
used. The properties of the fiber thus obtained are shown in Table
7.
[0201] The core sheath composite yarn thus obtained had extremely
high moisture absorption performance with a .DELTA.MR of 13.0%. The
washing fastness discoloration and the color fading were both
evaluated as grades 4-5, .DELTA.MR after washing was 13.0%, and
.DELTA.MR maintenance rate after washing was 100%, which were very
good. Further, q-max was 0.183 W/cm.sup.2, q-max after washing was
0.183 W/cm.sup.2, the q-max maintenance rate after washing was
100%, which were very good.
Comparative Example 5
[0202] A core sheath composite yarn having a flatness degree of
1.3, 56 dtex/24 filaments, and an I-shaped cross section was
obtained in the same manner as in Example 18, except that nylon 6
having a sulfuric acid relative viscosity of 2.15 and an amino
terminal group amount of 4.70.times.10.sup.-5 mol/g was used as the
sheath portion and spinning was performed. The properties of the
fiber thus obtained are shown in Table 8.
[0203] The core sheath composite yarn thus obtained had extremely
high moisture absorption performance with a .DELTA.MR of 10.6%, but
did not have wash resistance with moisture absorption performance
that was sufficient for practical use with a .DELTA.MR maintenance
rate after washing of 76%. The washing fastness discoloration and
the color fading were both evaluated as grades 2-3, resulting in
inferior color fastness.
[0204] Further, q-max was 0.165 W/cm.sup.2, q-max after washing was
0.139 W/cm.sup.2, the q-max maintenance rate after washing was 84%
so that the core sheath composite yarn did not have wash resistance
with cool feeling by contact that was sufficient for practical
use.
[0205] That is, the fabric and clothing including the obtained core
sheath composite yarn do not have wash resistance (moisture
absorption performance, dyeability, cool feeling by contact)
sufficient for practical use.
Comparative Example 6
[0206] A core sheath composite yarn having a flatness degree of
5.5, 56 dtex/24 filaments, and an I-shaped cross section was
obtained in the same manner as in Example 18, except that nylon 6
having a sulfuric acid relative viscosity of 3.45 and an amino
terminal group amount of 4.50.times.10.sup.-5 mol/g was used as the
sheath portion and the core and sheath portions were melted at
280.degree. C. and then spun. The properties of the fiber thus
obtained are shown in Table 8.
[0207] The core sheath composite yarn thus obtained had extremely
high moisture absorption performance with a .DELTA.MR of 13.1%, but
did not have wash resistance with moisture absorption performance
that was sufficient for practical use with a .DELTA.MR maintenance
rate after washing of 80%. The washing fastness discoloration and
the color fading were evaluated as grades 3-4 and 2-3, resulting in
inferior washing fastness.
[0208] Further, q-max was 0.188 W/cm.sup.2, q-max after washing was
0.147 W/cm.sup.2, and the q-max maintenance rate after washing was
78% so that the core sheath composite yarn did not have wash
resistance with cool feeling by contact that was sufficient for
practical use.
Comparative Example 7
[0209] A core sheath composite yarn having a flatness degree of
4.0, 56 dtex/24 filaments, and an I-shaped cross section was
obtained in the same manner as in Example 18, except that nylon 6
having a sulfuric acid relative viscosity of 2.71 and an amino
terminal group amount of 5.95.times.10.sup.-5 mol/g was used as the
core portion to be a single component yarn. The properties of the
fiber thus obtained are shown in Table 8.
[0210] The single component yarn thus obtained did not have
excellent moisture absorption performance with a .DELTA.MR of 2.4%.
The washing fastness discoloration and the color fading were both
evaluated as grade 5, .DELTA.MR after washing was 2.4%, and
.DELTA.MR maintenance rate after washing was 100%, which were
good.
[0211] However, q-max was 0.157 W/cm.sup.2, q-max after washing was
0.157 W/cm.sup.2, and the q-max maintenance rate after washing was
100%, but the core sheath composite yarn did not have excellent
cool feeling by contact.
TABLE-US-00006 TABLE 6 Example 18 Example 19 Example 20 Example 21
Example 22 Core component Polymer Polyether Polyether Polyether
Polyether Polyether ester ester ester ester ester amide amide amide
amide amide copolymer copolymer copolymer copolymer copolymer OCP
relative viscosity 1.69 1.69 1.69 1.69 1.69 Sheath component
Polymer Nylon 6 Nylon 6 Nylon 6 Nylon 6 Nylon 6 Sulfuric acid
relative viscosity 2.71 2.71 2.71 2.71 2.71 Core/sheath ratio
Core/Sheath 50/50 50/50 50/50 30/70 20/80 Cross sectional shape
I-shape I-shape I-shape Convex-shape I-shape (FIG. 1) (FIG. 1)
(FIG. 1) (FIG. 2) (FIG. 1) Flatness degree 4.0 2.5 4.8 4.0 4.0
Spinning conditions Take-up speed (m/min) 3368 2381 3368 3368 3368
Drawing ratio 1.25 1.5 1.25 1.25 1.25 Product 4210 3571 4210 4210
4210 Yarn properties .alpha.-crystal orientation parameter 2.15
2.05 2.18 2.08 2.01 Amino terminal group amount 6.08 6.09 6.07 6.08
6.08 of sheath polymer Degree of fineness (dtex) 56 56 56 56 56
Strength (cN/dtex) 3.3 3.5 3.0 3.5 3.8 Elongation percentage (%) 42
44 41 44 44 Moisture absorption .DELTA.MR (%) 12.4 11.9 12.8 7.5
5.9 performance .DELTA.MR after washing (%) 12.4 11.5 12.8 7.2 5.5
.DELTA.MR retention rate (%) 100 97 100 96 93 Color development S S
S S S characteristic Washing fastness Discoloration (grade) 4 3 4
4-5 4-5 Color fading (grade) 4 3 4 4-5 4-5 Overall evaluation S A S
S A Cool feeling by q-max (W/cm.sup.2) 0.183 0.178 0.186 0.177
0.175 contact q-max after washing (W/cm.sup.2) 0.183 0.178 0.186
0.177 0.175 .DELTA.MR maintenance rate (%) 100 100 100 100 100
TABLE-US-00007 TABLE 7 Example 23 Example 24 Example 25 Example 26
Example 27 Core component Polymer Polyether Polyether Polyether
Polyether Polyether ester ester ester ester ester amide amide amide
amide amide copolymer copolymer copolymer copolymer copolymer OCP
relative viscosity 1.69 1.69 1.69 1.69 1.69 Sheath component
Polymer Nylon 6 Nylon 6 Nylon 6 Nylon 6 Nylon 6 Sulfuric acid
relative viscosity 2.71 2.71 2.40 2.63 3.30 Core/sheath ratio
Core/Sheath 70/30 80/20 50/50 50/50 50/50 Cross sectional shape
Convex-shape I-shape I-shape I-shape Convex-shape (FIG. 2) (FIG. 1)
(FIG. 1) (FIG. 1) (FIG. 2) Flatness degree 4.0 4.0 2.0 3.0 4.5
Spinning conditions Take-up speed (m/min) 3368 3368 3368 3368 3368
Drawing ratio 1.25 1.25 1.25 1.25 1.25 Product 4210 4210 4210 4210
4210 Yarn properties .alpha.-crystal orientation parameter 2.19
2.36 1.95 2.08 2.51 Amino terminal group amount 6.08 6.08 4.10 7.65
4.85 of sheath polymer Degree of fineness (dtex) 56 56 56 56 56
Strength (cN/dtex) 3.4 3.5 3.1 3.1 3.6 Elongation percentage (%) 42
40 40 42 44 Moisture absorption .DELTA.MR (%) 15.2 17.0 11.1 12.1
13.0 performance .DELTA.MR after washing (%) 15.0 16.9 10.2 11.5
13.0 .DELTA.MR retention rate (%) 99 99 92 95 100 Color development
A A A A A characteristic Washing fastness Discoloration (grade) 3-4
3 3 3-4 4-5 Color fading (grade) 3-4 3 3 3-4 4-5 Overall evaluation
A A A A S Cool feeling by q-max (W/cm.sup.2) 0.186 0.188 0.178
0.180 0.183 contact q-max after washing (W/cm.sup.2) 0.185 0.186
0.166 0.171 0.183 .DELTA.MR maintenance rate (%) 99 99 93 95
100
TABLE-US-00008 TABLE 8 Comparative Comparative Comparative Example
5 Example 6 Example 7 Core component Polymer Polyether ester
Polyether ester Nylon 6 amide copolymer amide copolymer OCP
(sulfuric acid) relative viscosity 1.69 1.69 2.71 Sheath component
Polymer Nylon 6 Nylon 6 Nylon 6 Sulfuric acid relative viscosity
2.15 3.45 2.71 Core/sheath ratio Core/Sheath 50/50 50/50 -- Cross
sectional shape I-shape (FIG. 1) I-shape (FIG. 1) I-shape (FIG. 1)
Flatness degree 1.3 5.5 4.0 Spinning conditions Take-up speed
(m/min) 3368 3368 3368 Drawing ratio 1.25 1.25 1.25 Product 4210
4210 4210 Yarn properties .alpha.-crystal orientation parameter
1.81 2.79 -- Amino terminal group amount 4.80 5.33 -- of sheath
polymer Degree of fineness (dtex) 56 56 56 Strength (cN/dtex) 2.3
2.4 4.5 Elongation percentage (%) 39 39 56 Moisture absorption
.DELTA.MR (%) 10.6 13.1 2.4 performance .DELTA.MR after washing (%)
8.0 10.5 2.4 .DELTA.MR retention rate (%) 76 80 100 Color
development A A S characteristic Washing fastness Discoloration
(grade) 2-3 3-4 5 Color fading (grade) 2-3 2-3 5 Overall evaluation
C C C Cool feeling by q-max(W/cm.sup.2) 0.165 0.188 0.157 contact
q-max after washing (W/cm.sup.2) 0.139 0.147 0.157 .DELTA.MR
maintenance rate (%) 84 78 100
Example 28
[0212] As a polyether ester amide copolymer, the polyamide
component was nylon 6, and the polyether component (poly(alkylene
oxide) glycol) was polyethylene glycol having a molecular weight of
1500, both components not containing titanium oxide. A chip of the
polyether ester amide copolymer (manufactured by Arkema K. K.,
MH1657, ortho-chlorophenol relative viscosity: 1.69) having a
constitutional ratio (molar ratio) of the polyether component of
about 76% was used in the core portion.
[0213] As the polyamide, a nylon 6 chip containing 0.3% by weight
of titanium oxide, having a sulfuric acid relative viscosity of
2.63, and an amino terminal group amount of 5.10.times.10.sup.-5
mol/g was used in the sheath portion. The titanium oxide was added
in polymerizetion, and the amount of amino terminal groups adjusted
with hexamethylenediamine and acetic acid in polymerization.
[0214] The polyether ester amide copolymer (manufactured by Arkema
K. K., MH1657) that was dried until the chip moisture percentage
became 0.03% by weight or less was used as the core portion, and
the nylon 6 dried until the chip moisture percentage became 0.03%
by weight or less was used as the sheath portion. The core portion
and the sheath portion were melted separately at 260.degree. C.,
using a concentric spinneret for spinning core sheath composite
fibers, and those melted portions were melt discharged to have a
core/sheath ratio (part by weight) of 50/50. The core/sheath ratio
was adjusted by the number of rotations of the gear pump with which
the melted polymer was weighed.
[0215] Then, with a thread cooling device, the thread was cooled to
be solidified, and an anhydrous lubricant was applied thereto with
an oiling device. Thereafter, the thread was interlaced with a
first fluid interlacing nozzle device, and drawn with a take-up
roller (first roll) having a peripheral speed of 3368 m/min and a
drawing roller (second roll) having a peripheral speed of 4210
m/min. With the drawing roller, the thread was thermoset at
150.degree. C. and wound up at a winding speed of 4000 m/min, to
thereby obtain a core sheath composite fiber having 56 dtex/24
filaments.
[0216] The amount of titanium oxide in the core sheath composite
fiber thus obtained was 0.15% by weight. The properties of the
fiber are shown in Table 9.
[0217] The core sheath composite fiber is excellent in moisture
absorption performance and cool feeling by contact, and even after
washing, it maintains such properties as well as having excellence
in color fastness.
Example 29
[0218] A core sheath composite fiber having 56 dtex/24 filaments
was obtained in the same manner as in Example 28, except that as
the polyamide, a nylon 6 chip containing 1.8% by weight of titanium
oxide, having a sulfuric acid relative viscosity of 2.63, and an
amino terminal group amount of 5.10.times.10.sup.-5 mol/g was used
in the sheath portion.
[0219] The amount of titanium oxide in the core sheath composite
fiber thus obtained was 0.9% by weight. The properties of the fiber
are shown in Table 9.
[0220] The core sheath composite fiber excellent in moisture
absorption performance and cool feeling by contact is obtained.
Further, the .alpha.-crystal orientation parameter in the sheath
portion is controlled by suitably applying drawing to the sheath
polyamide and setting the core/sheath ratio to a proper value so
that the core sheath composite fiber that maintains moisture
absorption performance and cool feeling by contact as well as
having excellence in color fastness even after washing is found to
be obtained.
Example 30
[0221] A core sheath composite fiber having 56 dtex/24 filaments
was obtained in the same manner as in Example 28, except that as
the polyamide, a nylon 6 chip containing 5.0% by weight of titanium
oxide, having a sulfuric acid relative viscosity of 2.40, and an
amino terminal group amount of 5.90.times.10.sup.-5 mol/g was used
in the sheath portion.
[0222] The amount of titanium oxide in the core sheath composite
fiber thus obtained was 2.5% by weight. The properties of the fiber
are shown in Table 9.
[0223] The core sheath composite fiber is excellent in moisture
absorption performance and cool feeling by contact, and even after
washing, it maintains such properties as well as having excellence
in color fastness.
Example 31
[0224] A core sheath composite fiber having 56 dtex/24 filaments
was obtained in the same manner as in Example 28, except that as
the polyamide, a nylon 6 chip containing 5.0% by weight of titanium
oxide, having a sulfuric acid relative viscosity of 2.40, and an
amino terminal group amount of 5.90.times.10.sup.-5 mol/g was used
in the sheath portion to set the core/sheath ratio (part by weight)
to 30/70.
[0225] The amount of titanium oxide in the core sheath composite
fiber thus obtained was 3.5% by weight. The properties of the fiber
are shown in Table 9.
[0226] The core sheath composite fiber is excellent in moisture
absorption performance and cool feeling by contact, and even after
washing, it maintains such properties as well as having excellence
in color fastness.
Example 32
[0227] A core sheath composite fiber having 56 dtex/24 filaments
was obtained in the same manner as in Example 28, except that as
the polyamide, a nylon 6 chip not containing titanium oxide but
1.0% by weight of barium sulfate, having a sulfuric acid relative
viscosity of 2.60, and an amino terminal group amount of
5.98.times.10.sup.-5 mol/g was used in the sheath portion.
[0228] The amount of barium sulfate in the core sheath composite
fiber thus obtained was 0.5% by weight. The properties of the fiber
are shown in Table 9.
[0229] The core sheath composite fiber is excellent in moisture
absorption performance and cool feeling by contact, and even after
washing, it maintains such properties as well as having excellence
in color fastness.
Example 33
[0230] A core sheath composite fiber having 56 dtex/24 filaments
was obtained in the same manner as in Example 28, except that as
the polyamide, a nylon 6 chip not containing titanium oxide but
1.0% by weight of magnesium oxide, having a sulfuric acid relative
viscosity of 2.60, and an amino terminal group amount of
5.98.times.10.sup.-5 mol/g was used in the sheath portion.
[0231] The amount of magnesium oxide in the core sheath composite
fiber thus obtained was 0.5% by weight. The properties of the fiber
are shown in Table 9.
[0232] The core sheath composite fiber is excellent in moisture
absorption performance and cool feeling by contact, and even after
washing, it maintains such properties as well as having excellence
in color fastness.
Comparative Example 8
[0233] A nylon 6 fiber having 56 dtex/24 filaments was obtained in
the same manner as in Example 28, except that as the polyamide, a
nylon 6 chip not containing titanium oxide, having a sulfuric acid
relative viscosity of 2.71, and an amino terminal group amount of
5.95.times.10.sup.-5 mol/g was used, melted at 260.degree. C., and
the melted chip was melt discharged using a round hole spinneret.
The properties of the fiber are shown in Table 9. Since the nylon 6
fiber in Comparative Example 8 was commonly available, the fiber
was found to have poor moisture absorption performance and cool
feeling by contact.
Example 34
[0234] A core sheath composite fiber having 56 dtex/24 filaments
was obtained in the same manner as in Example 28, except that as
the polyamide, a nylon 6 chip containing 0.1% by weight of titanium
oxide, having a sulfuric acid relative viscosity of 2.63, and an
amino terminal group amount of 5.10.times.10.sup.-5 mol/g was used
in the sheath portion. The properties of the fiber are shown in
Table 9.
Example 35
[0235] A core sheath composite fiber having 56 dtex/24 filaments
was obtained in the same manner as in Example 28, except that as
the polyamide, a nylon 6 chip containing 20% by weight of titanium
oxide, having a sulfuric acid relative viscosity of 2.30, and an
amino terminal group amount of 5.21.times.10.sup.-5 mol/g was used
in the sheath portion.
[0236] Fiber breakage frequently occurred during spinning. The
properties of the fiber are shown in Table 10.
[0237] It can be seen that the core sheath composite fiber is
excellent in moisture absorption performance and cool feeling by
contact, and even after washing, it maintains such properties as
well as having excellence in color fastness. Due to excessive
amount of titanium oxide, spinning yarn breakage frequently
occurred, and the yarn had a low tensile strength of 1.7 cN/dtex.
Such insufficient strength led to poor productivity, inferior
higher-degree process passability, and poor product durability so
that the core sheath composite fiber was not practical.
Example 36
[0238] A core sheath composite fiber having 56 dtex/24 filaments
was obtained in the same manner as in Example 29, except that the
thread was wound up at a peripheral speed of the take-up roller
(first roll) of 2381 m/min, a peripheral speed of the drawing
roller (second roll) of 3571 m/min, and a winding speed of 3500
m/min. The properties of the fiber are shown in Table 10.
[0239] The .alpha.-crystal orientation parameter in the sheath
portion was controlled by suitably applying drawing to the sheath
polyamide so that the core sheath composite fiber that maintained
good moisture absorption performance and cool feeling by contact as
well as having excellence in color fastness even after washing was
obtained.
Example 37
[0240] A core sheath composite fiber having 56 dtex/24 filaments
was obtained in the same manner as in Example 29, except that the
thread was wound up at a peripheral speed of the take-up roller
(first roll) of 2245 m/min, a peripheral speed of the drawing
roller (second roll) of 3367 m/min, and a winding speed of 3300
m/min. The properties of the fiber are shown in Table 10.
[0241] The .alpha.-crystal orientation parameter in the sheath
portion was controlled by suitably applying drawing to the sheath
polyamide, and the core sheath composite fiber that maintained
moisture absorption performance and cool feeling by contact as well
as having excellence in color fastness even after washing was
obtained.
Example 38
[0242] A core sheath composite fiber having 56 dtex/24 filaments
was obtained in the same manner as in Example 29, except that the
thread was wound up at a peripheral speed of the take-up roller
(first roll) of 4474 m/min, a peripheral speed of the drawing
roller (second roll) of 4474 m/min, and a winding speed of 4250
m/min. The properties of the fiber are shown in Table 10.
[0243] The .alpha.-crystal orientation parameter in the sheath
portion was controlled by suitably applying drawing to the sheath
polyamide so that the core sheath composite fiber that maintained
moisture absorption performance and cool feeling by contact as well
as having excellence in color fastness even after washing was
obtained.
Example 39
[0244] A core sheath composite fiber having 56 dtex/24 filaments
was obtained in the same manner as in Example 29, except that
spinning was performed to have a core/sheath ratio (part by weight)
of 30/70. The properties of the fiber thus obtained are shown in
Table 10.
[0245] The .alpha.-crystal orientation parameter in the sheath
portion was controlled by setting the core/sheath ratio to a proper
value so that the core sheath composite fiber that maintained
moisture absorption performance and cool feeling by contact as well
as having excellence in color fastness even after washing was
obtained.
Example 40
[0246] A core sheath composite fiber having 56 dtex/24 filaments
was obtained in the same manner as in Example 29, except that
spinning was performed to have a core/sheath ratio (part by weight)
of 20/80. The properties of the fiber thus obtained are shown in
Table 10.
[0247] The .alpha.-crystal orientation parameter in the sheath
portion was controlled by setting the core/sheath ratio to a proper
value so that the core sheath composite fiber that maintained
moisture absorption performance and cool feeling by contact as well
as having excellence in color fastness even after washing was
obtained.
Example 41
[0248] A core sheath composite fiber having 56 dtex/24 filaments
was obtained in the same manner as in Example 29, except that
spinning was performed to have a core/sheath ratio (part by weight)
of 70/30. The properties of the fiber thus obtained are shown in
Table 10.
[0249] The .alpha.-crystal orientation parameter in the sheath
portion was controlled by setting the core/sheath ratio to a proper
value so that the core sheath composite fiber that maintained
moisture absorption performance and cool feeling by contact as well
as having excellence in color fastness even after washing was
obtained.
Example 42
[0250] A core sheath composite fiber having 56 dtex/24 filaments
was obtained in the same manner as in Example 29, except that
spinning was performed to have a core/sheath ratio (part by weight)
of 80/20.
[0251] The properties of the fiber thus obtained are shown in Table
10.
[0252] The .alpha.-crystal orientation parameter in the sheath
portion was controlled by setting the core/sheath ratio to a proper
value so that the core sheath composite fiber that maintained
moisture absorption performance and cool feeling by contact as well
as having excellence in color fastness even after washing was
obtained.
TABLE-US-00009 TABLE 9 Example Example Example Example Example
Example Comparative Example 28 29 30 31 32 33 Example 8 34 Core
component Polymer type Polyether Polyether Polyether Polyether
Polyether Polyether -- Polyether ester ester ester ester ester
ester ester amide amide amide amide amide amide amide copolymer
copolymer copolymer copolymer copolymer copolymer copolymer OCP
relative viscosity 1.69 1.69 1.69 1.69 1.69 1.69 -- 1.69 Sheath
component Polymer type Nylon 6 Nylon 6 Nylon 6 Nylon 6 Nylon 6
Nylon 6 Nylon 6 Nylon 6 Amount of amino terminal 5.10 5.10 5.90
5.90 5.98 5.98 5.95 5.10 groups (C10.sup.-5 mol/g) Sulfuric acid
relative 2.63 2.63 2.40 2.40 2.60 2.60 2.71 2.63 viscosity
Inorganic particles Titanium Titanium Titanium Titanium Barium
Magnesium -- Titanium oxide oxide oxide oxide sulfate oxide oxide
Content (wt %) 0.3 1.8 5.0 5.0 1.0 1.0 0 0.1 Core/sheath ratio
Core/Sheath 50/50 50/50 50/50 30/70 50/50 50/50 -- 50/50 Cross
sectional shape of fiber Concentric Concentric Concentric
Concentric Concentric Concentric Round Concentric core core core
core core core core sheath sheath sheath sheath sheath sheath
sheath Spinning Take-up speed(m/min) 3368 3368 3368 3368 3368 3368
3368 3368 conditions Drawing ratio 1.25 1.25 1.25 1.25 1.25 1.25
1.25 1.25 Product (m/min) 4210 4210 4210 4210 4210 4210 4210 4210
Yarn properties Sheath ratio (wt %) 50 50 50 70 50 50 -- 50 Content
of inorganic 0.15 0.9 2.5 3.5 0.5 0.5 0 0.05 particles in whole
fibers (wt %) Content of inorganic 0.3 1.8 5 5 1.0 1.0 -- 0.1
particles in sheath polymer (wt %) .alpha.-crystal orientation 2.05
1.98 1.90 1.85 2.02 2.02 -- 2.09 parameter Amino terminal group
5.25 5.25 6.05 6.05 6.10 6.10 -- 5.25 amount of sheath polymer
(C10.sup.-5 mol/g) Degree of fineness (dtex) 56 56 56 56 56 56 56
56 Strength (cN/dtex) 3.2 3.0 2.8 2.7 3.0 3.0 4.5 3.4 Elongation
percentage (%) 42 42 42 42 42 42 56 42 Moisture .DELTA.MR (%) 12.4
12.4 12.4 7.5 12.4 12.4 2.4 12.4 absorption .DELTA.MR after washing
(%) 12.4 12.4 12.4 7.5 12.4 12.4 2.4 12.4 performance Maintenance
rate (%) 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 Washing fastness
Discoloration (grade) 4 4 4 4 4 4 5 4 Color fading (grade) 4 4 4 4
4 4 5 4 Overall evaluation S S S S S S C S Cool feeling by q-max
(W/cm.sup.2) 0.190 0.195 0.200 0.200 0.210 0.198 0.157 0.171
contact q-max after washing 0.190 0.195 0.200 0.200 0.198 0.193
0.157 0.171 (W/cm.sup.2) Retention rate (%) 100 100 100 100 100 100
100 100
TABLE-US-00010 TABLE 10 Example Example Example Example Example
Example Example Example 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 Core component
Polymer type Polyether Polyether Polyether Polyether Polyether
Polyether Polyether Polyether ester ester ester ester ester ester
ester ester amide amide amide amide amide amide amide amide
copolymer copolymer copolymer copolymer copolymer copolymer
copolymer copolymer OCP relative viscosity 1.69 1.69 1.69 1.69 1.69
1.69 1.69 1.69 Sheath component Polymer type Nylon 6 Nylon 6 Nylon
6 Nylon 6 Nylon 6 Nylon 6 Nylon 6 Nylon 6 Amount of amino terminal
5.21 5.10 5.10 5.10 5.10 5.10 5.10 5.10 groups (C10.sup.-5 mol/g)
Sulfuric acid relative 2.30 2.63 2.63 2.63 2.63 2.63 2.63 2.63
viscosity Inorganic particles Titanium Titanium Titanium Titanium
Titanium Titanium Titanium Titanium oxide oxide oxide oxide oxide
oxide oxide oxide Content 20 1.8 1.8 1.8 1.8 1.8 1.8 1.8
Core/sheath ratio Core/Sheath 50/50 50/50 50/50 50/50 30/70 20/80
70/30 80/20 Cross sectional shape of fiber Concentric Concentric
Concentric Concentric Concentric Concentric Concentric Concentric
core core core core core core core core sheath sheath sheath sheath
sheath sheath sheath sheath Spinning Take-up speed (m/min) 3368
2381 2245 4474 3368 3368 3368 3368 conditions Drawing ratio 1.25
1.5 1.5 1.0 1.25 1.25 1.25 1.25 Product (m/min) 4210 3571 3367 4474
4210 4210 4210 4210 Yarn properties Sheath ratio (wt %) 50 50 50 50
70 80 30 20 Content of inorganic 10 0.9 0.9 0.9 1.26 1.44 0.54 0.36
particles in whole fibers (wt %) Content of inorganic 20 1.8 1.8
1.8 1.8 1.8 1.8 1.8 particles in sheath polymer (wt %)
.alpha.-crystal orientation 1.85 1.88 1.83 2.02 1.91 1.86 2.03 2.18
parameter Amino terminal group 5.35 5.25 5.25 5.25 5.25 5.25 5.25
5.25 amount of sheath polymer (C10.sup.-5 mol/g) Degree of fineness
(dtex) 56 56 56 56 56 56 56 56 Strength (cN/dtex) 1.7 3.0 2.8 3.1
3.5 3.7 3.4 3.5 Elongation percentage (%) 42 46 50 40 44 44 43 36
Moisture .DELTA.MR (%) 12.4 11.6 10.8 13.1 7.5 5.9 15.1 16.9
absorption .DELTA.MR after washing (%) 12.4 11.1 9.9 13.1 7.2 5.5
15.0 16.7 performance Maintenance rate (%) 100 95.7 91.7 100 96.0
93.2 99.3 99.4 Washing fastness Discoloration (grade) 4 3-4 3 4-5
3-4 3-4 3-4 3 Color fading (grade) 4 3-4 3 4-5 3-4 3-4 3-4 3
Overall evaluation S A A S A A A A Cool feeling by q-max
(W/cm.sup.2) 0.210 0.195 0.195 0.195 0.196 0.196 0.195 0.194
contact q-max afterwashing 0.210 0.192 0.185 0.195 0.192 0.186
0.193 0.193 (W/cm.sup.2) Retention rate (%) 100 98.5 94.8 100 98.0
94.9 99.0 99.5
INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY
[0253] The core sheath composite yarn can provide a core sheath
composite yarn having high moisture absorption performance, a
higher comfort than natural fibers, wash resistance with moisture
absorption performance sufficient for practical use, and color
fastness.
* * * * *