U.S. patent application number 16/303021 was filed with the patent office on 2019-07-04 for functional fiber and manufacturing method thereof.
This patent application is currently assigned to KB TSUZUKI K.K.. The applicant listed for this patent is KB TSUZUKI K.K.. Invention is credited to Atsushi HIROSUE, Hiroshi MIYAMOTO, Satoshi MIYATAKE, Motohisa NOMA.
Application Number | 20190203408 16/303021 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 60325862 |
Filed Date | 2019-07-04 |
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United States Patent
Application |
20190203408 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
MIYAMOTO; Hiroshi ; et
al. |
July 4, 2019 |
FUNCTIONAL FIBER AND MANUFACTURING METHOD THEREOF
Abstract
A functional fiber which, over long periods of time, can
maintain excellent heat retention and deodorant antibacterial
properties without reducing moisture absorption and desorption, and
which moreover can be obtained efficiently, and a manufacturing
method of said fiber are provided. This functional fiber has a
fiber material imparted with an infrared radiation function and a
deodorant antibacterial function. A silicone elastomer film that
contains aluminum oxide particles with an average particle diameter
of 1-10 .mu.m is fixed to at least part of the surface of the fiber
material. The silicone elastomer film has polyoxyethylene alkyl
ethers of 12-15 carbons as the main component, and has a siloxane
backbone.
Inventors: |
MIYAMOTO; Hiroshi;
(Kasugai-shi, Aichi-ken, JP) ; NOMA; Motohisa;
(Imabari-shi, Ehime-ken, JP) ; HIROSUE; Atsushi;
(Setouchi-shi, Okayama-ken, JP) ; MIYATAKE; Satoshi;
(Sakai-shi, Osaka, JP) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
KB TSUZUKI K.K. |
Nagoya-shi, Aichi |
|
JP |
|
|
Assignee: |
KB TSUZUKI K.K.
Nagoya-shi, Aichi
JP
|
Family ID: |
60325862 |
Appl. No.: |
16/303021 |
Filed: |
May 20, 2016 |
PCT Filed: |
May 20, 2016 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/JP2016/065003 |
371 Date: |
November 19, 2018 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
D06M 2101/06 20130101;
D06M 10/06 20130101; D06M 11/45 20130101; D06M 15/643 20130101;
D06M 15/647 20130101; D06M 2200/00 20130101 |
International
Class: |
D06M 11/45 20060101
D06M011/45; D06M 15/643 20060101 D06M015/643; D06M 10/06 20060101
D06M010/06 |
Claims
1. A functional fiber having a fiber material imparted with an
infrared radiation function and a deodorizing and antibacterial
function, wherein: a silicone elastomer film containing aluminum
oxide particles having an average particle diameter of 1 to 10
.mu.m is affixed to at least a portion of a surface of the fiber
material; and the silicone elastomer film contains as a principal
component thereof polyoxyethylene alkyl ether having 12 to 15
carbon atoms, and has a siloxane skeleton.
2. A method of manufacturing a functional fiber having a fiber
material imparted with an infrared radiation function and a
deodorizing and antibacterial function, comprising the steps of:
immersing the fiber material in an aqueous dispersion liquid in
which there are dispersed silicone elastomer particles containing
as a principal component thereof polyoxyethylene alkyl ether having
12 to 15 carbon atoms, and having a siloxane skeleton, and aluminum
oxide particles having an average particle diameter of 1 to 10
.mu.m; and by a heating treatment, affixing to at least a portion
of a surface of the fiber material the silicone elastomer in the
form of a film in which the silicone elastomer particles are
crosslinked, and containing the aluminum oxide particles.
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present invention relates to a functional fiber imparted
with an infrared radiation function and a deodorizing and
antibacterial function, as well as to a method for manufacturing
such a functional fiber.
BACKGROUND ART
[0002] As methods for enhancing a heat retention property of a
fiber material, there are known to utilize moisture absorbing and
heat producing fibers which absorb moisture and generate heat (see,
for example, Japanese Laid-Open Patent Publication No.
2014-009408), and to form a heat insulating layer that contains air
by raising the nap of a fiber material, or by interposing feathers
or the like between such fiber materials (see, for example,
Japanese Laid-Open Patent Publication No. 2013-177721).
SUMMARY OF INVENTION
[0003] However, even when moisture absorbing and heat producing
fibers are used, in the case that moisture absorption by the fibers
becomes saturated, generation of heat no longer occurs, and thus
the ability to sustain heat generation is low. Further, for
example, in the case that moisture absorbing and heat producing
fibers are used for clothing, there is a concern that moisture
adsorbed on the surface of the fibers will not undergo desorption,
and stuffiness or mugginess may occur, thus causing discomfort to
the wearer. Furthermore, there is a concern that the moisture
adsorbed by the fibers may become frozen, and therefore such fibers
are not suitable for use in extremely cold places.
[0004] In the case of forming a heat insulating layer by brushing
up or raising the nap of the fiber material, since the raised
fibers are liable to fall off from the fiber material by washing or
the like, it is difficult to enhance heat retention over a long
period. In addition, the formation of a heat insulating layer by
feathers or the like has a problem in that the fiber material
becomes bulky and it becomes difficult to wash such a material at
home.
[0005] Further, in recent years, together with improving the heat
retention property of a fiber material, it has been desired to
obtain a functional fiber endowed with a deodorizing and
antibacterial function. However, in this case, apart from the
methods of improving heat retention as described above, it is
necessary to perform a treatment to impart such a deodorizing and
antibacterial function. Therefore, there is a concern that the
manufacturing process for the functional fiber may become
complicated.
[0006] The present invention has been devised taking into
consideration the aforementioned problems, and has the object of
providing a functional fiber and a method of manufacturing the
same, in which it is possible to maintain superior heat retention
and a deodorizing and antibacterial property over a prolonged
period without lowering the moisture absorption/desorption property
thereof.
[0007] In order to achieve the above-described object, the present
invention is characterized by a functional fiber having a fiber
material imparted with an infrared radiation function and a
deodorizing and antibacterial function, wherein a silicone
elastomer film containing aluminum oxide particles having an
average particle diameter of 1 to 10 .mu.m is affixed to at least a
portion of the surface of the fiber material, and the silicone
elastomer film contains as a principal component thereof
polyoxyethylene alkyl ether having 12 to 15 carbon atoms, and has a
siloxane skeleton.
[0008] The aluminum oxide particles carry out absorption and
reemission particularly favorably in a range of 8 to 14 .mu.m from
among the infrared rays (3 to 50 .mu.m) irradiated from the human
body. Stated otherwise, the aluminum oxide particles have an
infrared radiation function that generates heat by efficiently
utilizing the heat rays irradiated from the human body or another
heat source. Further, the aluminum oxide particles have a
deodorizing function with respect to ammonia, isovaleric acid, and
nonenal, and the like, which cause offensive odors, and have an
antibacterial function with respect to staphylococcus aureus,
moraxella osloensis, pseudomonas aeruginosa, and the like.
Accordingly, by providing the functional fiber according to the
present invention with the aluminum oxide particles, the infrared
radiation function is imparted thereto together with imparting the
deodorizing and antibacterial function, and therefore, it is
unnecessary to impart such functions separately, and by this
measure, the functional fiber can be obtained in an efficient
manner.
[0009] Further, by setting the average particle diameter of the
aluminum oxide particles to lie within the above-described range,
it is possible to avoid a deterioration in the flexibility and the
texture and feel of the fiber material, even if the aluminum oxide
particles are affixed to the fiber material. Even if such aluminum
oxide particles are affixed to the surface of the fiber material by
the above-described silicone elastomer film, the bulkiness of the
fiber material is not increased, and the moisture
absorption/desorption property does not decrease.
[0010] Furthermore, since the silicone elastomer film can freely
expand and contract in following relation with deformation of the
fiber material, it is possible to maintain the state in which the
silicone elastomer film is firmly affixed to the surface of the
fiber material. Accordingly, even in the case that a frictional
force or the like is applied to the fiber material while placed in
water or in a chemical cleaning agent at a time of washing, it is
possible to prevent the silicone elastomer from peeling off from
the surface of the fiber material. Since aluminum oxide particles
are contained in the silicone elastomer film which is firmly
affixed to the fiber material in this manner, a reduction in the
aforementioned functions added by the aluminum oxide particles due
to washing of the functional fiber or the like can be suppressed,
and the sustainability of such functions is superior.
[0011] As described above, while providing a sufficient moisture
absorption/desorption property, the functional fiber is capable of
maintaining superior heat retention and a deodorizing and
antibacterial property over a prolonged period, and can be obtained
in an efficient manner.
[0012] Further, the present invention is characterized by a method
of manufacturing a functional fiber having a fiber material
imparted with an infrared radiation function and a deodorizing and
antibacterial function, comprising the steps of immersing the fiber
material in an aqueous dispersion liquid in which there are
dispersed silicone elastomer particles containing as a principal
component thereof polyoxyethylene alkyl ether having 12 to 15
carbon atoms, and having a siloxane skeleton, and aluminum oxide
particles having an average particle diameter of 1 to 10 .mu.m, and
by a heating treatment, affixing to at least a portion of the
surface of the fiber material the silicone elastomer in the form of
a film in which the silicone elastomer particles are crosslinked,
and containing the aluminum oxide particles.
[0013] Through the above process steps, the functional fiber can be
obtained in an efficient manner, and possesses a superior heat
retention property obtained by efficiently utilizing heat rays
irradiated from the human body or another heat source to generate
heat, together with a deodorizing property with respect to ammonia,
isovaleric acid, nonenal, and the like, and an antibacterial
property with respect to staphylococcus aureus, moraxella
osloensis, pseudomonas aeruginosa, and the like.
[0014] Further, even if aluminum oxide particles having an average
particle size lying within the above-described range are affixed to
the fiber material by the aforementioned silicone elastomer film,
lowering of the flexibility and texture and feel of the fiber
material, an increase in the bulkiness of the fiber material, and a
deterioration in the moisture absorption/desorption property can be
suppressed. Furthermore, since the aluminum oxide particles are
contained in the silicone elastomer film which is firmly affixed to
the fiber material in this manner, the sustainability of the
aforementioned functions added by the aluminum oxide particles is
excellent.
[0015] According to the present invention, it is possible to
efficiently obtain a functional fiber which, while providing a
sufficient moisture absorption/desorption property, is capable of
maintaining superior heat retention and a deodorizing and
antibacterial property over a prolonged period.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0016] FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram of a measurement
apparatus for performing an infrared radiation function test.
DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS
[0017] A preferred embodiment of a functional fiber according to
the present invention will be presented and described in detail
below in relation to a manufacturing method for manufacturing the
same.
[0018] As will be described later, the functional fiber according
to the present invention includes a fiber material which is
imparted with an infrared radiation function and a deodorizing and
antibacterial function. The type of fiber material is not
particularly limited, and may contain only natural fibers, only
synthetic fibers, or both of such fibers.
[0019] The natural fibers may contain only cellulose fibers, only
animal fibers, or both of such fibers. As representative cellulose
fibers, there may be cited cotton which is a natural plant fiber,
but the cellulose fibers may also be hemp fibers such as ramie,
linen, hemp, jute, manila hemp, sisal hemp, or the like. Further,
the cellulose fibers may be composed of so-called regenerated
fibers obtained by dissolving natural cellulose in a predetermined
solvent and then molding it into a fibrous form. Specific examples
of this type of regenerated fiber include rayon, polynosic, cupra,
and Tencel (registered trademark of Lenzing AG, Austria).
[0020] Representative examples of animal fibers include silk, wool,
or animal hair fibers. Specific examples of animal hair fibers
include alpaca, mohair, angora, cashmere, camel, vicugna, and the
like.
[0021] Examples of synthetic fibers include polyester, acrylic,
polyurethane, aliphatic polyamide-based fibers (including 6-nylon
and 6,6-nylon), aromatic polyamide-based fibers, and the like.
[0022] The form of the fiber material is not particularly limited,
and examples thereof may include cotton ball, tow, filaments,
slivers, yarn, a non-woven fabric, a woven fabric, a knitted
fabric, a towel, paper, or the like.
[0023] The ratio of the cellulose fibers, the animal fibers, and
the synthetic fibers in the fiber material is not particularly
limited, and can be set to any desired ratio.
[0024] In the functional fiber, a silicone elastomer film
containing aluminum oxide particles having an average particle size
of 1 to 10 .mu.m is affixed to at least a portion of the surface of
the fiber material. The average particle diameter can be measured
with a commercially available particle size analyzer or the like,
and for example, can be set to a particle diameter at an integrated
value of 50% (D50) in a particle size distribution obtained by a
laser diffraction/scattering method.
[0025] The aluminum oxide particles carry out absorption and
reemission particularly favorably in a range of 8 to 14 .mu.m from
among the infrared rays (3 to 50 .mu.m) irradiated from the human
body. Stated otherwise, the aluminum oxide particles have an
infrared radiation function that generates heat by efficiently
utilizing the heat rays irradiated from the human body or another
heat source. Further, the aluminum oxide particles have a
deodorizing function with respect to ammonia, isovaleric acid, and
nonenal, and the like, which cause offensive odors, and have an
antibacterial function with respect to staphylococcus aureus,
moraxella osloensis, pseudomonas aeruginosa, and the like.
[0026] The silicone elastomer film contains as a principal
component thereof polyoxyethylene alkyl ether having 12 to 15
carbon atoms, and has a siloxane skeleton. More specifically, the
silicone elastomer film is a porous film having a plurality of
micropores, and the surface of the film has a scale-like shape. The
silicone elastomer film is affixed to the surface of the fiber
material mainly by a mechanical action such as an anchor effect or
the like.
[0027] Next, a process of obtaining the functional fiber which is
configured basically in the manner described above will be
described in relation to a manufacturing method according to the
present embodiment.
[0028] First, silicone elastomer particles, which contain as a
principal component thereof polyoxyethylene alkyl ether having 12
to 15 carbon atoms, and having a siloxane skeleton, are dispersed
in an aqueous dispersion medium such as water to thereby prepare an
aqueous dispersion liquid. Such an aqueous dispersion liquid can be
obtained by mixing a commercially available product such as
"X-51-1318" (trade name) (a silicon emulsion manufactured by
Shin-Etsu Chemical Co., Ltd.), and a commercially available product
such as "KB-ASN" (trade name) (a 20% dispersion of aluminum oxide
particles manufactured by Satoda Chemical Industrial Co., Ltd.),
which are prepared to an appropriate concentration.
[0029] After the fiber material is immersed in the thus prepared
aqueous dispersion liquid, the liquid is wrung out from the fiber
material. Thereafter, the silicone elastomer particles are
crosslinked by carrying out a heating treatment with respect to the
fiber material on which a drying treatment was performed.
Consequently, a silicone elastomer film containing aluminum oxide
particles is formed, and the film can be firmly affixed to the
surface of the fiber material primarily by an anchor effect.
[0030] The heating treatment can be carried out using existing
heating equipment such as a heat setter, for example. However, it
is preferable to carry out the heat treatment by steam setting
using water vapor. In this case, for example, saturated steam at
100.degree. C. or less is used in order to crosslink the silicone
elastomer particles, and therefore, it becomes possible to obtain a
functional fiber that exhibits further enhanced flexibility.
Further, since the saturated steam is capable of entering, for
example, even into gaps between superimposed fiber materials, it is
possible to effectively supply heat to the entirety of the fiber
materials without bias.
[0031] Therefore, carrying out steam setting is particularly
preferred in the case that the fiber material is formed by
filaments. More specifically, even in the case that a heating
treatment is performed in a state in which fiber filaments are
wound up together, heat can be spread by saturated steam to the
fiber material on an inner side of the windings, thereby enabling
the silicone elastomer film to be formed.
[0032] Further, in the case of performing steam setting, generation
of active oxygen or the like can be suppressed by filling the
surrounding environment of the fiber material with saturated steam.
Consequently, it becomes possible to obtain a functional fiber in
which damage or embrittlement due to the influence of active oxygen
is suitably avoided.
[0033] The functional fiber may be constituted solely from a fiber
material to which the silicone elastomer film containing the
aluminum oxide particles is affixed in the manner described above,
or the functional fiber may be constituted by combining the fiber
material together with other fibers.
[0034] With the functional fiber which is obtained by way of the
above-described process, the provision of aluminum oxide particles
imparts an infrared radiation function together with a deodorizing
and antibacterial function. Stated otherwise, there is no need for
the infrared radiation function and the deodorizing and
antibacterial function to be imparted separately, and by this
measure, the functional fiber can be obtained in an efficient
manner.
[0035] Further, by setting the average particle diameter of the
aluminum oxide particles to lie within the above-described range,
it is possible to avoid a deterioration in the flexibility and the
texture and feel of the fiber material, even if the aluminum oxide
particles are affixed to the fiber material. Further, even if such
aluminum oxide particles are affixed to the surface of the fiber
material by the above-described silicone elastomer film, an
increase in the bulkiness of the fiber material, and a reduction in
the moisture absorption/desorption property can be suppressed.
[0036] Furthermore, since the silicone elastomer film can freely
expand and contract in following relation with deformation of the
fiber material, it is possible to maintain the state in which the
silicone elastomer film is firmly affixed to the surface of the
fiber material. Accordingly, even in the case that a frictional
force or the like is applied to the fiber material while placed in
water or in a chemical cleaning agent at a time of washing, it is
possible to prevent the silicone elastomer from peeling off from
the surface of the fiber material. Since aluminum oxide particles
are contained in the silicone elastomer film which is firmly
affixed to the fiber material in this manner, a reduction in the
aforementioned functions added by the aluminum oxide particles due
to washing of the functional fiber or the like can be suppressed,
and the sustainability of such functions is superior.
[0037] As described above, with such a functional fiber, it is
possible to maintain excellent heat retention and a deodorizing and
antibacterial property over a prolonged period, and the functional
fiber can be obtained in an efficient manner.
[0038] Further, as described above, the silicone elastomer film is
affixed to the surface of the fiber material mainly by a mechanical
action such as an anchor effect or the like. Therefore, for
example, in the case that the fiber material is a natural fiber,
the majority of the functional groups in the natural fiber exist in
a state in which chemical bonds such as covalent bonding are not
formed with the silicone elastomer film. Therefore, when the
functional fiber is dyed, the functional groups in the natural
fiber and the dye are capable of reacting sufficiently with each
other, and dying with the dye can be performed suitably while
avoiding color unevenness. Further, even in the event that
frictional forces or the like are applied to hydrophobic fibers in
water or in a chemical cleaning agent when dyeing is performed, it
is possible to prevent the silicone elastomer film from peeling off
from the surface of the natural fibers.
[0039] Stated otherwise, if the functional fiber includes a fiber
material made of natural fibers, the functional fiber is excellent
in terms of its ability to be dyed, and piece dyeing thereof can be
performed easily. As a result, it is possible to stock the
functional fiber in an undyed and unsewn condition, to carry out
dying on the basis of information of fashionable colors collected
immediately prior to sale thereof, and to directly perform sewing
or the like thereon to quickly result in a textile product.
Therefore, it is possible to provide commercial products in which
rapidly changing fashionable colors and patterns are accurately
captured in a short delivery period, and to reduce defective
inventory and make effective use of resources, and hence, to reduce
the cost of sewn products in which the functional fiber is
used.
[0040] Although a preferred embodiment of the present invention has
been described above, the present invention is not limited to the
present embodiment, and various changes and modifications may be
adopted therein without departing from the scope of the
invention.
Examples
[0041] Hereinafter, the present invention will be described in
detail with reference to various examples thereof. However, the
present invention is not limited to such examples.
[0042] A description will be given concerning examples of
functional fibers obtained by forming the silicone elastomer film
containing aluminum oxide particles on the following fiber
materials.
[0043] A fiber material made from a material A of 100% cotton was
used in the states of a woven fabric A1 and a knitted fabric A2.
The woven fabric A1 was a satin fabric containing 173 warp yarns
per inch prepared using No. 60 single yarn, and containing 84 weft
yarns per inch prepared using No. 40 single yarn. The knitted
fabric A2 was a circular rib fabric prepared using No. 40 single
yarn at 18-gauge, 30 inches.
[0044] A fiber material made from a material B was prepared by
blending cotton and Tencel at a ratio of 80 to 20 in the state of a
knitted fabric B1. The knitted fabric B1 was a circular rib fabric
prepared using No. 40 single yarn at 19-gauge, 18 inches.
[0045] Among the fiber materials, initially, desizing, scouring,
and bleaching were carried out on the woven fabric A1. Further,
initially, desizing, scouring, bleaching, dehydration, and drying
were carried out respectively on the knitted fabrics A2 and B1.
[0046] Next, after immersing the aforementioned fiber materials
respectively in an aqueous dispersion liquid prepared so as to
contain 30 g/L of the above-described "X-51-1318" and 50 g/L of the
above-described "KB-ASN", the liquid was wrung out from the fiber
materials. As a result, a ratio (wringing ratio) of the weight of
the attached aqueous dispersion liquid to the weight of the fiber
material before immersion was set to 70%. The fiber materials were
subjected to a drying treatment at 150.degree. C. for one minute
and thirty seconds using a heat setter manufactured by IL SUNG
MACHINERY, Co., Ltd.
[0047] Next, among the fiber materials after implementation of the
drying treatment thereon, the woven fabric A1 was subjected to a
heat treatment at 170.degree. C. for two minutes using a baking
machine manufactured by SANDO ENGINEERING Co., Ltd., and
thereafter, was subjected to a shrink-proofing process in order to
obtain a functional fiber. On the other hand, concerning the
knitted fabrics A2 and B1, a heat treatment was carried out thereon
at 170.degree. C. for two minutes using the above heat setter in
order to obtain functional fibers.
[0048] The functional fibers which were obtained in the foregoing
manner were used as inventive examples. On the other hand, fiber
materials which did not include the above-described silicone
elastomer film containing aluminum oxide particles were used as
comparative examples.
(Infrared Radiation Function)
[0049] In relation to the fiber materials (functional fibers) A1,
A2, and B1 according to the above-described inventive examples and
the fiber materials A1, A2, and B1 according to the comparative
examples, an infrared radiation functional test was conducted using
the measurement apparatus 10 shown in FIG. 1. The measurement
apparatus 10 includes a first water tank 12, a heater 14, a second
water tank 16, a container 18, and a thermography device 20. A
heater 14 is disposed inside the first water tank 12, and by
operation of the heater 14, the temperature of the hot water stored
in the first water tank 12 is maintained within a range of
35.degree. C. to 38.degree. C. corresponding to human body
temperature.
[0050] The second water tank 16 is disposed in the first water tank
12 in a manner so that the surrounding periphery of an opening
thereof protrudes from the water surface of the first water tank
12. As a result, the hot water stored inside the second water tank
16 is maintained at the same temperature as the hot water stored
inside the first water tank 12.
[0051] The container 18 is made of stainless steel (SUS 430, SUS
410) and is disposed to float on the water surface of the second
water tank 16. A polyester material 22 is affixed to an inner
bottom surface of the container 18, and a test specimen 24 of the
fiber material according to the inventive example and a test
specimen 26 of the fiber material according to the comparative
example are placed on the material 22. By interposing the material
22 between the bottom surface of the container 18 and the test
specimens 24 and 26 in this manner, heat can be transferred
uniformly from the hot water stored inside the second water tank 16
to the test specimens 24 and 26.
[0052] The thermography device 20 includes an infrared camera
disposed in opposition to the test specimens 24 and 26 that are set
inside the container 18 from an opposite side of the material 22,
and is capable of measuring at predetermined time intervals changes
in temperature of the test specimens 24 and 26. For the
thermography device 20, model number "FLIR E60" manufactured by
FLIR Systems Japan Inc. was used.
[0053] Using the measurement apparatus 10, the temperature (X) of
the test specimen 24 according to the inventive example, the
temperature (Y) of the test specimen 26 according to the
comparative example, and the surface temperature of the hot water
in the second water tank 16 were measured respectively. In Table 1,
there are shown the measurement results, and the difference (X-Y)
as calculated from the measurement results, between the temperature
(X) of the test specimen 24 according to the inventive example and
the temperature (Y) of the test specimen 26 according to the
comparative example.
TABLE-US-00001 TABLE 1 Heating Infrared Radiation Function(.degree.
C.) Time Comparative Heated Water Period Example Example Difference
Surface (minutes) (X) (Y) (X - Y) Temperature A1 10 35.7 35.2 0.5
37.8 20 34.4 33.9 0.5 36.9 30 34.5 34.1 0.4 37.2 60 34.8 34.3 0.5
37.1 90 34.9 34.4 0.5 36.5 120 33.4 32.7 0.7 35.6 A2 10 36.0 35.2
0.8 40.0 20 37.2 36.8 0.4 40.0 30 34.2 33.4 0.8 39.0 40 34.0 33.6
0.4 37.0 50 34.2 33.6 0.6 37.3 60 33.8 33.3 0.5 36.8 70 33.8 33.5
0.3 36.8 80 33.5 33.0 0.5 37.0 90 33.9 33.5 0.4 36.5 120 33.3 32.8
0.5 36.2 480 32.9 32.5 0.4 36.6 B1 10 35.1 34.4 0.7 37.5 20 35.2
34.8 0.4 37.6 30 34.3 33.9 0.4 36.8 60 34.3 33.7 0.6 36.7 90 34.3
33.8 0.5 36.8 120 33.8 33.4 0.4 36.2 180 35.0 34.5 0.5 27.4 240
34.7 34.1 0.6 36.9
[0054] From Table 1, it can be understood that, at any of the
heating time periods, all of the test specimens 24 according to the
inventive examples exhibit higher temperatures than the test
specimens 26 according to the comparative examples. Therefore, the
functional fiber according to the present embodiment exhibits
excellent heat retention by absorption and reemission of infrared
rays having the same wavelength as infrared rays irradiated from
the human body.
(Deodorizing Property)
[0055] With respect to the test specimen B1 according to the
inventive example, the deodorizing property with respect to
ammonia, isovaleric acid, and nonenal was evaluated. With respect
to ammonia, the deodorizing property was measured in the following
manner in accordance with an instrumental analysis (detection tube
method) prescribed by the general incorporated association of the
Japan Textile Technology Council. The following measurements were
performed on both the test specimen before washing and the test
specimen after washing 100 times according to the above-described
washing method.
[0056] First, 2.4 g of the test piece was placed in a 5 L Tedlar
bag and was tightly sealed therein. Next, using a syringe, 3 L of
an odor component gas was injected into the Tedlar bag so as to
obtain a prescribed initial concentration. Two hours after
injection of the odor component gas, the concentration of the odor
component gas in the Tedlar bag was measured with the detector
tube. A similar test (blank test) was performed except that the
test specimen was not inserted into the Tedlar bag, and the rate of
decrease in the odor component was determined using the following
equation (1). The initial concentration of ammonia was 100 ppm.
Reduction Rate (%)={(Measured Value in Blank Test After Two
Hours-Measured Value of Test Specimen After Two Hours/Measured
Value in Blank Test After Two Hours)}.times.100 (1)
[0057] The deodorizing property with respect to isovaleric acid and
nonenal was evaluated in the following manner according to a gas
chromatography method prescribed by the general incorporated
association of the Japan Textile Technology Council. 1.2 g of each
test specimen was placed in a 500 mL Erlenmeyer flask, an ethanol
solution of an odor component was added thereto in a dropwise
manner so as to obtain a prescribed initial concentration, and the
flask was sealed. Two hours later, sampling was performed with a
syringe, and the concentration of the odor component was measured
by gas chromatography. A similar test (blank test) was performed
except that the test specimen was not inserted into the Erlenmeyer
flask, and the rate of decrease in the odor component was
determined using the above equation (1). The initial concentrations
of isovaleric acid and nonenal were about 14 ppm and 4 ppm,
respectively.
[0058] The test results are shown in Table 2.
TABLE-US-00002 TABLE 2 Reduction Rate (%) Ammonia Isovaleric Acid
Nonenal B1 Washing 0 99.0 .gtoreq.99.0 81.0 (times) 100 84.0
.gtoreq.99.0 72.0
[0059] From Table 2, it can be understood that the functional fiber
according to the present embodiment exhibits a sufficient
deodorizing property with respect to any of the odor components of
ammonia, isovaleric acid, and nonenal. Further, it can be
understood that the functional fiber can sufficiently maintain the
deodorizing property even after having been washed 100 times, and
that a superior deodorizing property is sustained.
(Antibacterial Property)
[0060] In relation to the test specimen B1 according to the
inventive example, an antibacterial property with respect to
staphylococcus aureus, pseudomonas aeruginosa, and moraxella
osloensis was evaluated. More specifically, in this evaluation,
bactericidal activity values were measured by a 10.1 bacterial
suspension absorption method as defined in "Testing for
antibacterial activity and efficacy on textile products" of JIS L
1902:2008. The measurements were performed on both the test
specimen before washing and the test specimen after washing 100
times according to the above-described washing method. Measurement
results concerning bactericidal activity values are shown in Table
3. Moreover, when the bactericidal activity values were zero or
greater, the test specimen was considered to have a bacteriostatic
effect.
TABLE-US-00003 TABLE 3 Antibacterial Property (Bacteriostatic
Activity Value) Staphylococcus Pseudomonas Moraxella aureus
aeruginosa osloensis B1 Washing 0 .gtoreq.3.1 .gtoreq.3.0
.gtoreq.3.0 (times) 100 .gtoreq.3.1 1.2 1.6
[0061] From Table 3, it can be understood that, with the functional
fiber according to the present embodiment, a bactericidal activity
value of zero or greater was exhibited, and the bactericidal
activity value could be maintained within the aforementioned range
even after having been washed 100 times. Stated otherwise, the
functional fiber exhibits a superior antibacterial property, and
such an antibacterial property can be continuously obtained.
(Moisture Absorption/Desorption Property)
[0062] Concerning the test specimen B1 from among the fiber
materials according to the inventive example and the comparative
example, the moisture absorption/desorption property (moisture
content ratio) thereof was evaluated in accordance with the Boken
method by the general incorporated association of the Boken Quality
Evaluation Institute. More specifically, first, a test specimen of
the aforementioned fiber material having a size of 20 cm.sup.2 was
exposed to an environment of 40.degree. C. and 90% (RH) for 4
hours, whereby moisture was absorbed into the test specimen.
Thereafter, moisture was released from the test specimen by
exposing the test specimen for 4 hours under an environment of
20.degree. C..times.65% (RH). At this time, the weight (g) of the
test specimen was measured with each elapse of one hour, and the
moisture absorption/desorption property (moisture content ratio)
(%) was obtained from such a change in weight. The results thereof
are shown in Table 4. The environment of 40.degree. C..times.90%
(RH) is a high temperature high humidity state which approximates
the temperature and humidity in clothing when a person has
performed light exercise. The environment of 20.degree.
C..times.65% (RH) is a standard state approximating that of outside
air temperature.
TABLE-US-00004 TABLE 4 Moisture Absorption/Desorption Property
(Water Content Ratio) (%) Condition (RH) 40.degree. C. .times. 90%
20.degree. C. .times. 65% Time (h) 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 Inventive 8.8
10.8 11.8 12.4 8.6 8.1 8.0 7.9 Example B1 Comparative 9.5 11.2 12.1
12.6 9.1 8.5 8.3 8.3 Example B1
[0063] From Table 4, it can be understood that the moisture
absorption/desorption property of the fiber material according to
the inventive example is approximately the same as that of the
fiber material of the comparative example. Stated otherwise, with
the functional fiber according to the present embodiment, it is
possible to impart the infrared radiation function and the
deodorizing and antibacterial function without lowering the
intrinsic moisture absorption/desorption property of the fiber
material.
(Rapid Drying Ability)
[0064] Concerning the test specimen B1 from among the fiber
materials according to the inventive example and the comparative
example, a rapid drying ability test as described below was
performed in order to evaluate the rapid drying ability
thereof.
[0065] First, the weight (dry weight of the fiber material after
drying) of the test specimen B1 according to the inventive example
and the comparative example after drying at 105.degree. C. for two
hours was measured. Next, washing was carried out using a home
electric washing machine VH-30S manufactured by Toshiba
Corporation. More specifically, water and each of the measurement
samples were inserted into a washing tub in a manner so that the
measurement samples became 1 kg with respect to 30 L of water, or
stated otherwise, so that the bath ratio was 1:30. At this time,
the water temperature was set to 30.degree. C. to 40.degree. C.
Further, the washing condition was set to a strong water flow
condition, and washing was carried out one time for 30 minutes.
[0066] Thereafter, the weight after dehydration was performed for
five minutes (weight of the fiber material after dehydration) was
measured. Next, the test specimens were suspended and dried in a
room at a temperature of 25.degree. C..+-.1.degree. C. and a
humidity of 55%.+-.5% (RH). At this time, the weight of the test
specimens (weight of the fiber material during suspension drying)
was measured with each elapse of a predetermined time period.
[0067] A difference between the weight of the fiber material after
drying and the weight of the fiber material after dehydration is
the weight (moisture weight after dehydration) of the moisture
contained in the test specimens after dehydration. Therefore, the
moisture content (%) of the test specimens when the suspension
drying time is zero minutes is given by the formula, water content
weight after dehydration (g)/weight of the fiber material after
drying (g). Further, the moisture content (%) of the test specimens
each time that suspension drying is performed is given by the
formula (weight of fiber material during suspension drying
(g)-weight of fiber material after drying (g))/weight of fiber
material after drying (g). Moisture content ratios of test
specimens of the inventive example and the comparative example
calculated in this manner are shown in Table 5, together with the
suspension drying time period.
TABLE-US-00005 TABLE 5 Suspension Drying Water Content Ratio (%)
Time Period Inventive Comparative (minutes) Example Example B1 0
61.9 74.2 5 58.4 70.0 30 40.2 52.7 50 27.1 39.6 70 16.8 27.7 100
6.4 12.8 110 4.4 9.1
[0068] As can be understood from Table 5, at a point in time when
the suspension drying time period was zero minutes, that is, in a
state in which only dehydration was performed, the water content
ratio of the fiber material according to the inventive example was
lower than the water content ratio of the fiber material according
to the comparative example. Therefore, it can be understood that,
with the functional fiber according to the present embodiment, at a
time of washing in water, swelling by absorption of water is
suppressed.
[0069] Further, concerning the suspension drying time period
required until the water content was decreased to 10%, with the
fiber material according to the comparative example, the time
period was 83.0 minutes, whereas with the fiber material according
to the comparative example, the time period was 107.0 minutes. More
specifically, the suspension drying time period of the fiber
material according to the inventive example was shortened by 20% in
comparison with the suspension drying time period of the fiber
material according to the comparative example. Accordingly, the
functional fiber according to the present embodiment is capable of
enhancing a rapid drying ability in comparison with an untreated
fiber material.
* * * * *