U.S. patent application number 16/631147 was filed with the patent office on 2020-09-24 for moisture-proof, water-disintegratable fiber composite material.
This patent application is currently assigned to CHEM&P GMBH & CO. KG. The applicant listed for this patent is CHEM&P GMBH & CO. KG. Invention is credited to Herbert BECK, Josef ECKL, Hans-Georg SENGER.
Application Number | 20200299878 16/631147 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 1000004930066 |
Filed Date | 2020-09-24 |
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United States Patent
Application |
20200299878 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
BECK; Herbert ; et
al. |
September 24, 2020 |
MOISTURE-PROOF, WATER-DISINTEGRATABLE FIBER COMPOSITE MATERIAL
Abstract
Moisture-coherent, water-disintegrable fiber composite material
(1) featuring improved shelflife.
Inventors: |
BECK; Herbert; (Schwaig,
DE) ; SENGER; Hans-Georg; (Bergkirchen, DE) ;
ECKL; Josef; (Augsburg, DE) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
CHEM&P GMBH & CO. KG |
Schwaig |
|
DE |
|
|
Assignee: |
CHEM&P GMBH & CO.
KG
Schwaig
DE
|
Family ID: |
1000004930066 |
Appl. No.: |
16/631147 |
Filed: |
July 2, 2018 |
PCT Filed: |
July 2, 2018 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/EP2018/067999 |
371 Date: |
May 20, 2020 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
D04H 1/425 20130101;
D04H 1/64 20130101; A47K 10/16 20130101; D21H 17/25 20130101; D04H
1/587 20130101; D21H 21/18 20130101; D10B 2401/13 20130101; D21H
17/28 20130101 |
International
Class: |
D04H 1/587 20060101
D04H001/587; A47K 10/16 20060101 A47K010/16; D21H 17/28 20060101
D21H017/28; D21H 17/25 20060101 D21H017/25; D21H 21/18 20060101
D21H021/18; D04H 1/425 20060101 D04H001/425; D04H 1/64 20060101
D04H001/64 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Jul 14, 2017 |
DE |
10 2017 115 930.4 |
Claims
1. A moisture-coherent, water-disintegrable fiber composite
material (1), comprising: a fiber component (7) comprising a number
of fiber elements (6), a binder component (9) comprising at least
one binder which is soluble and/or swellable on contact with water
and which comprises at least one organic binder component, more
particularly formed of or comprising at least one polysaccharide
containing acid groups, a moistening component (10) comprising at
least one moistener which comprises at least one volatile organic
moistener component (11) which has a constitution such that a
condensation product (12) formed on a condensation surface by
evaporation and subsequent condensation of the volatile organic
moistener component (11) and also of further constituents of the
moistening component (10) leads to more negligible swelling and/or
dissolution of the fiber elements (6) and/or of the binder than a
condensation product (12) formed of pure water.
2. The moisture-coherent fiber composite material as claimed in
claim 1, characterized in that the at least one volatile organic
moistener component (11) is a volatile alcohol or a mixture of at
least two volatile alcohols.
3. The moisture-coherent fiber composite material as claimed in
claim 2, characterized in that the alcohol is methanol, ethanol or
propanol, butanol, pentanol.
4. The moisture-coherent fiber composite material as claimed in
claim 1, characterized in that the vapor pressure of the volatile
organic moistener component (11) is higher than the vapor pressure
of water.
5. The moisture-coherent fiber composite material as claimed in
claim 1, characterized in that the vapor pressure of the volatile
organic moistener component (11) is higher than the vapor pressure
of all other moistener components.
6. The moisture-coherent fiber composite material as claimed in
claim 5, characterized in that the volatile organic moistener
component (11) has a weight fraction of 1 to 90 wt %, more
particularly below 50 wt %, preferably below 35 wt %, more
preferably below 20 wt %, very preferably below 10 wt %, based on
the total weight of the moistener.
7. The moisture-coherent fiber composite material as claimed in
claim 6, characterized in that the volatile organic moistener
component (11) has a constitution such that it has a molar fraction
of 5 to 95%, more particularly 7 to 50%, preferably 10 to 50%, of
an evaporation product (13) formed by evaporation of the volatile
organic moistener component (11) and also of further moistener
components.
8. The moisture-coherent fiber composite material as claimed in
claim 1, characterized in that the volatile organic moistener
component (11) has a constitution such that by evaporation of the
volatile organic moistener component (11) and also of further
moistener components, a positively azeotropic mixture can be formed
or is formed as evaporation product (13).
9. The moisture-coherent fiber composite material as claimed in
claim 1, characterized in that the moistener comprises at least one
hygroscopic moistener component, more particularly a polyhydric
alcohol of low molecular mass, preferably 1,2-propanediol, and/or a
salt.
10. The moisture-coherent fiber composite material as claimed in
claim 1, characterized in that the moistener, more particularly the
volatile organic moistener component (11), has bactericidal and/or
bacteriostatic or fungicidal and/or fungiostatic properties.
11. The moisture-coherent fiber composite material as claimed in
claim 1, characterized in that the moistener comprises as a further
moistener component at least one low-volatility organic component,
more particularly a monomeric, oligomeric or polymeric diol or
polyol compound.
12. The moisture-coherent fiber composite material as claimed in
claim 1, characterized in that it further comprises an organic
amphoteric component (8).
13. The moisture-coherent fiber composite material as claimed in
claim 12, characterized in that the amphoteric organic component
(8) serves in combination with the binder component (9) to form a
polysalt and/or a polymeric aggregate which together with the
moistener component or moistener associated with the moistening
component (10) is nonsoluble or nondispersible.
14. The moisture-coherent fiber composite material as claimed in
claim 1, characterized in that comprises metal cations and/or metal
cation salts for complexing with further constituents of the
moisture-coherent fiber composite material (1), more particularly
with the binder component and/or with a or the amphoteric organic
component (8).
15. The moisture-coherent fiber composite material as claimed in
claim 1, characterized in that it is embodied as moisture-coherent
cleaning, cosmetic or hygiene paper, more particularly as
moisture-coherent toilet paper.
16. The moisture-coherent fiber composite material as claimed in
claim 1, characterized in that the fiber elements have a fiber
length below an optionally fiber-element-specific plugging
limit.
17. A moistening component (10) for a moisture-coherent,
water-disintegrable fiber composite material as claimed in claim 1,
characterized in that it comprises at least one moistener which
comprises at least one volatile organic moistener component (11)
which has a constitution such that a condensation product (12)
formed on a condensation surface by evaporation and subsequent
condensation of the volatile organic moistener component (11) and
also of further constituents of the moistening component (10) leads
to more negligible swelling of the fiber elements (6) and/or of the
binder than a condensation product (12) formed of pure water.
18. An arrangement for storing and packing a moisture-coherent
fiber composite material (1) as claimed in claim 1, comprising a
storage and packing facility having a closed storage/packing volume
for storing and packing a moisture-coherent fiber composite
material (1), and at least one ply of a moisture-coherent fiber
composite material (1) accommodated in the storage/packaging
volume.
19. A method for producing a moisture-coherent, water-disintegrable
fiber composite material (1) as claimed in claim 1, comprising the
steps of: providing a fiber component (7) comprising a number of
fiber elements (6), forming the moisture-coherent fiber composite
material (1) by adding a binder component (9) comprising at least
one binder which is soluble and/or swellable on contact with water
and which comprises at least one organic binder component, more
particularly formed of or comprising at least one polysaccharide
containing acid groups, and a moistening component (10) comprising
at least one moistener which comprises at least one volatile
organic moistener component (11) which has a constitution such that
a condensation product (12) formed on a condensation surface by
evaporation and subsequent condensation of the volatile organic
moistener component (11) and also of further constituents of the
moistening component (10) leads to more negligible swelling and/or
dissolution of the fiber elements (6) and/or of the binder than a
condensation product (12) formed of pure water.
20. The method as claimed in claim 19, characterized in that
additionally at least one organic amphoteric component (8) is
added.
Description
[0001] The invention relates to a moisture-coherent,
water-disintegrable fiber composite material, comprising a fiber
component, a binder component, and a moistening component.
[0002] These kinds of moisture-coherent, water-disintegrable fiber
composite materials, and fiber products produced from them, are
known, basically, in numerous fields of use and application. From
the standpoints in particular both of wastewater and environmental
technology, such fiber composite materials are required to show
rapid and complete disintegration or rapid and complete
decomposability on contact with water. Fiber composite materials
exhibiting such moisture coherence are intended accordingly, on
contact with water, to decompose or disintegrate as quickly and
completely as possible, allowing, for example, deposits and
blockages of wastewater and piping systems to be avoided.
[0003] In order to bring about decomposition properties of this
kind, the prior art has seen various fiber composite material
compositions proposed, exhibiting on the one hand sufficient
moisture coherence and on the other hand a low wet strength, i.e.,
a high disintegration or decomposition capacity on contact with
water.
[0004] A problem affecting such moisture-coherent,
water-disintegrable fiber composite material compositions, however,
may be the shelflife in a state in which they are packed in a
closed pack, i.e., for example, a film pack. A possibility here,
especially under fluctuating climatic conditions, i.e., in
particular, where there are gradients and/or changes in
temperature, and over prolonged storage times, is that evaporation
and subsequent condensation events within the pack may give rise to
the formation of condensation products, which, on contact with the
moisture-coherent, water-disintegrable fiber composite material,
may result in unwanted irreversible local swelling or decomposition
of the moisture-coherent, water-disintegrable fiber composite
material within the pack. A particular problem is the evaporation
and condensation of water, since corresponding aqueous condensation
products lead to irreversible local swelling or decomposition of
the moisture-coherent, water-disintegrable fiber composite
material.
[0005] A further problem, typically accompanying such evaporation
and condensation events, may be the onset of and/or increase in
microbial loading--that is, in particular, bacteriological and
mycological loading--of the moisture-coherent, water-disintegrable
fiber composite material, attributable to local depletion of
corresponding antimicrobial substances in the moisture-coherent,
water-disintegrable fiber composite material on contact with an
aqueous condensation product. For storage, accordingly, the
evaporation and condensation of water in the pack is problematic,
even taking account of all relevant processing protocols, because
of the conditions in cases of such fluctuating climatic conditions,
i.e., in particular, gradients or changes in temperature, within
the pack.
[0006] The object of the invention, therefore, is that of
specifying a moisture-coherent fiber composite material which is
improved in this respect, in particular in relation to its
shelflife in closed packs, and preferably also on (repeated)
opening of such a pack.
[0007] The object is achieved by means of a moisture-coherent,
water-disintegrable fiber composite material in accordance with
claim 1. The claims dependent from the latter relate to possible
embodiments of the moisture-coherent, water-disintegrable fiber
composite material.
[0008] The moisture-coherent, water-disintegrable fiber composite
material described herein, referred to hereinafter for short as
"fiber composite material", exhibits particular properties as a
material; the fiber composite material displays firstly a
comparatively high moisture coherence, i.e., a comparatively high
mechanical strength in the moist state, and secondly a
comparatively low wet strength, i.e., a comparatively low
mechanical strength on contact with water. The comparatively low
wet strength enables rapid and complete disintegration or rapid and
complete decomposition of the fiber composite material into
individual fiber elements on contact with water. Accordingly, under
brief mechanical stressing, by rubbing on the skin, for example,
the fiber composite material exhibits sufficiently high mechanical
moisture coherence. After introduction into water, the fiber
composite material displays a sufficiently low wet strength or high
disintegrability or decomposability, and so, after disposal of the
fiber composite material, in drains, toilets, etc., for example,
blockages in a wastewater system are avoided and/or the fiber
composite material need not be especially separated off in the
treatment plant ahead of the actual cleaning of the wastewater. The
fiber composite material is therefore suitable especially for use
as moisture-coherent, water-disintegrable hygiene paper, especially
as moisture-coherent, water-disintegrable cosmetic or cleaning
paper, or as moisture-coherent, water-disintegrable toilet paper;
the fiber composite material may have embodiment or be embodied,
therefore, as moisture-coherent, water-disintegrable hygiene paper,
in particular as moisture-coherent, water-disintegrable cosmetic or
cleaning paper, or as moisture-coherent, water-disintegrable toilet
paper.
[0009] The term "moisture-coherence" is understood to refer to the
strength of the fiber composite material in particular in the
presence of an aqueous liquid comprising at least one organic
component. The at least one organic component may be selected, for
example, from the following group: aliphatic alcohols, aliphatic
ethers, aliphatic esters, monosaccharides, oligosaccharides, and
mixtures and/or combinations thereof. The moisture coherence may be
ascertained, for example, through a strip tensile test in
accordance with DIN EN ISO 13934-1 (issue date: 1999-04).
[0010] The fiber composite material preferably has a moisture
coherence, determined by strip tensile testing according to DIN EN
ISO 13934 at 20.degree. C. and a relative humidity of 65%, of more
than 3 N, more particularly in a range between 3 N and 250 N,
preferably in a range between 4 N and 150 N, more preferably in a
range between 4.5 N to 120 N, more preferably in a range between 5
N and 80 N, more preferably in a range between 6 N to 55 N.
[0011] Where the fiber composite material is configured as
moisture-coherent, water-disintegrable toilet paper, the fiber
composite material has for example a moisture coherence, determined
by strip tensile testing according to DIN EN ISO 13934 at
20.degree. C. and a relative humidity of 65%, in a range between 6
N and 30 N, preferably in a range between 8 N and 20 N. A moisture
coherence of less than 8 N leads typically to a mechanical
stability which is too low when used as moist toilet paper;
conversely, a moisture coherence of more than 30 N when configured
as moist toilet paper entails tactile qualities which are too stiff
or too firm. Exceptions both upward and downward are conceivable,
of course, depending on the requirements profile of a specific end
product.
[0012] The term "wet strength" is understood to refer to the
strength of the fiber composite material on contact with water or
in the presence of an excess of water. The wet strength may be
ascertained, for example, by a wet tensile test in accordance with
DIN EN ISO12625, Part 5 (issue date: 2005-09) "Determination of wet
tensile strength".
[0013] The fiber composite material preferably has a wet strength,
determined by wet tensile testing according to DIN EN ISO12625 at
20.degree. C. and a relative humidity of 65%, of at most 2 N,
preferably of at most 1 N, more preferably of at most 0.5 N.
[0014] More particularly the fiber composite material, especially
for a moisture coherence of more than 3 N, preferably in a range
between 3 N and 250 N, more preferably in a range between 6 N and
210 N, more preferably in a range between 5 N and 80 N, more
preferably in a range between 6 N and 55 N, more preferably in a
range between 5 and 20 N, has a wet strength of at most 2 N,
preferably at most 1 N, more preferably at most 0.5 N.
[0015] In spite of a comparatively high moisture coherence,
therefore, the fiber composite material enables (largely) complete
decomposition on contact with water, in other words, in particular,
after introduction into water. After introduction into water the
fiber composite material typically disintegrates or decomposes
within less than 1 hour, preferably within less than 15 minutes,
preferably within less than 1 minute, more preferably within less
than 30 seconds. As mentioned, there are individual fiber elements
present after decomposition, which are no longer joined to one
another and--because of a comparatively short fiber length--in
dispersion can also no longer be joined to one another, hence
making it possible to avoid, for example, deposits, clumps or
blockages in/of wastewater systems. As becomes apparent below, the
fiber length is typically so short that the plugging of fiber
elements in a (turbulent) flow field, of a wastewater system, for
example, is not possible.
[0016] Even on accidental release into nature and environment, the
low wet strength and also the generally good biodegradability and
bioavailability of the fiber composite material, meaning, besides
the fiber component, in particular the degradability of the binder
component and moistening component constituents, leads to rapid and
complete disintegration and even to complete metabolization of the
fiber composite material.
[0017] The moisture coherence and the wet strength of the fiber
composite material are defined by the composition of the components
forming the fiber composite material and can be targetedly defined
by targeted variation of the composition of the components forming
the fiber composite material. In particular it is possible to
tailor the moisture coherence and the wet strength of the fiber
composite material to a particular application or use of the fiber
composite material through targeted variation of the composition of
the components forming the fiber composite material.
[0018] Essential components of the fiber composite material
comprise at least one fiber component, at least one binder
component, and at least one moistening component. Specific
embodiments of the individual components of the fiber composite
material are elucidated in more detail later on below.
[0019] The fiber component comprises a number of fiber elements.
The fiber elements are wettable in water or in an aqueous solution.
The fiber elements may be swellable on contact with water. The
fiber elements or fiber component may therefore have a certain
uptake capacity for water, leading on contact with water to a
swelling (volume increase) of the fiber elements or fiber
component. The fiber component serves as the basic matrix of the
fiber composite material.
[0020] It is essential that the fiber elements have a particular
fiber geometry, i.e., more particularly, a certain fiber length,
which after disintegration of the fiber composite material hinders
or prevents the fiber elements becoming connected to one another.
The chosen length of the fiber elements is typically so short,
these elements more particularly having a fiber length of less than
6 mm, that a mechanical connection with one another, formed for
example by intercoiling, interlooping or plugging, is unable to
form either in the dry, moist or wet state or in the state of
decomposition after introduction of the fiber composite material.
The fiber elements therefore typically have a fiber length below an
optionally fiber-element-specific plugging limit, above which a
mechanical connection of the fiber elements, formed by
intercoiling, interlooping or plugging, for example, would be
possible. By the plugging limit, also considered as or referred to
as limiting fiber length of plugging, is meant a
concentration-dependent and fiber-material-dependent fiber length
which in the flow field leads to the formation of mechanically
stable fiber-fiber agglomerates or fiber-fiber bonds.
[0021] It is evident from this that the structural cohesion and the
resultant mechanical properties, i.e., in particular, the strength,
of the fiber composite material in the dry, moist or wet state is
produced typically solely by the binder component and/or its
setting process. Typically, therefore, the binder component alone
serves to form or to ensure a sufficiently stable connection of the
fiber elements or between the fiber elements, formed typically by
chemical or physicochemical fixing, i.e., in particular, the
development of hydrogen bonds, fiber element-fiber element bridges
or binder films. For this purpose, at least in sections and more
particularly completely, the fiber elements are surrounded by the
binder component or embedded therein or fixed to one another at
contact points and fiber element-fiber element crossing points
(interstitial region).
[0022] The preferably water-soluble binder component comprises at
least one binder which is swellable on contact with water or an
aqueous solution and which comprises at least one organic binder
component formed in particular of or comprising at least one
polysaccharide containing acid groups, i.e., polysaccharide having
at least one acid group. The binder present in the case of
application, for example, for example as an aqueous solution and/or
as foam, or the binder component present, for example, as an
aqueous solution and/or as foam, therefore has a certain uptake
capacity for water, this capacity being retained even after setting
of the binder and leading, on renewed contact with water, to
swelling (volume increase) and/or to dissolution of the binder or
the binder component. The binder component serves, as mentioned, to
join the fiber elements of the fiber component to one another,
adhesively and/or cohesively, for example. After application to the
fiber elements and subsequent drying, the binder, for example, may
attach to the fiber elements, thereby adhesively and/or cohesively
connecting the fiber elements to one another. The binder may, as
mentioned, be connected via hydrogen bonds to the fiber elements of
the fiber component.
[0023] The moistening component comprises a moistener. The
moistener comprises a number of moistener components, i.e., in
particular, organic compounds and water. The moistening component
serves for accommodating and storing moisture, and gives the fiber
composite material a moist tactility or a certain moisture content.
The moistener also serves to diminish or prevent the drying-out of
the fiber composite material, by, for example, binding moisture
(atmospheric humidity) or water and/or diminishing the evaporation
of water. The moistening component serves further for modifying the
swelling properties of the binder, especially in relation to
swelling of the binder by water present in the moistening
component.
[0024] The fiber composite material is notable for a particular
composition of its components, especially of the moistening
component, which takes account of the problems described in
connection with the prior art described at the outset, i.e., in
particular enabling an improved shelflife of the moistening
material in a closed pack.
[0025] Critical for this is that the moistening component or the
moistener comprises at least one volatile organic moistener
component. The volatile organic moistener component is more
volatile than (pure) water. The volatile organic moistener
component has a constitution such that a condensation product
(condensate), in the form, for example, of a drop or film of
condensation, formed by evaporation and subsequent condensation of
the volatile organic moistener component and also, optionally, of
further constituents of the moistening component on a condensation
surface, i.e., for example, a pack wall, an adjacently disposed
fiber composite material in the pack, or within the fiber composite
material itself, leads, on contact with the fiber composite
material, to more negligible swelling of the fiber elements and/or
of the binder than a condensation product formed of pure water. In
particular, such a condensation product, on contact with the fiber
composite material, leads to more negligible swelling of the fiber
elements and/or of the binder than a condensation product
containing no volatile organic moistener component or a
condensation product containing no more-volatile organic moistener
component.
[0026] The volatile organic moistener component therefore has a
constitution, and is present in correspondingly sufficient
concentration in relation to a specific composition of the
moistener, such that the properties, i.e., for example, the water
fraction, of a condensation product formed by evaporation and
condensation are/is (considerably) reduced, and so contact of the
condensation product with the fiber composite material leads, if at
all, to a considerably more negligible swelling of the fiber
elements and/or of the binder. The condensation product formed by
evaporation and subsequent condensation of the volatile organic
moistener component and also, optionally, of further constituents
of the moistening component on a condensation surface is therefore
not water (of greater or lesser purity), which on contact with the
fiber composite material would lead to unwanted irreversible local
swelling or decomposition of the fiber composite material and to an
associated loss of coherence of the fiber composite material within
a pack, but is instead the volatile moistener component or a
solution comprising the volatile moistener component or
more-volatile moistener component(s) in sufficient concentration,
which on contact with the fiber composite material does not lead to
unwanted irreversible local swelling or decomposition of the fiber
composite material and does not lead to any associated loss of
coherence of the fiber composite material within a pack.
[0027] The proportional composition of the moistening component is
therefore selected, through the presence of a (more-)volatile
moistener component in a sufficiently high concentration, such that
an evaporation product arising through evaporation (vapor phase)
comes about, especially temperature-independently in relation to
the resultant concentrational fractions of the evaporation product,
in such a way that a condensation product formed by condensation of
the evaporation product on a condensation surface does not, on
contact with the fiber composite material, adversely affect the
particular properties, i.e., in particular, coherence, of the fiber
composite material.
[0028] The use of a volatile organic moistener component enables a
desired tailoring of the vapor pressures of the evaporable or
evaporating moistener components present in the moistener. Here,
typically, the volatile organic moistener component has the highest
vapor pressure or partial pressure--the vapor pressure of the
volatile organic moistener component is therefore typically higher
than the vapor pressure of all the other moistener components--and
so the volatile organic moistener component undergoes preferential
evaporation and constitutes an essential fraction of the evaporated
moistener components contained in the vapor phase. The vapor
pressure of the volatile organic moistener component is typically
higher, at any rate, than the vapor pressure of water. As seen
hereinafter, the moistener may comprise, as one or more further
moistener components, for example, at least one organic component
which is of low(er) volatility (in comparison to the volatile
organic moistener component), more particularly a monomeric,
oligomeric or polymeric diol or polyol compound, and/or at least
one hygroscopic moistener component.
[0029] The volatile organic moistener component lowers the water
vapor partial pressure of the water contained in the moistener, and
so reduces the fraction of water in the evaporation product.
Correspondingly, of course, even a condensation product formed by
condensation from the evaporation product has a reduced water
fraction; the reduced water fraction in the condensation product
ensures that on contact with the fiber composite material, the
condensation product does not lead to unwanted local swelling or
decomposition of the fiber composite material in a closed pack.
[0030] The moistener component may comprise inorganic and organic
moistener components which have different volatilities, in other
words different vapor pressures and different evaporation rates. In
comparison to water, volatile moistener components have a
(significantly) increased vapor pressure and a higher volatility
and/or a higher evaporation rate. Moistener components of low(er)
volatility in comparison to water have a (significantly) lower
vapor pressure and a lower volatility and/or a lower evaporation
rate.
[0031] In combination with aqueous moistener components, the
fraction of the (more-)volatile moistener components leads
typically to the formation of a positively azeotropic mixture, in
which the vapor pressure of the moistener component of the mixture
lies above the vapor pressure of the individual moistener
components in the mixture. The vapor pressure of the
(more-)volatile moistener component is higher than the vapor
pressure of the low(er)-volatility moistener component; the
fraction of the (more-)volatile moistener component in a
corresponding condensation product is therefore higher than the
fraction of the low(er)-volatility moistener components.
[0032] The fiber composite material is notable for a particularly
stable shelflife, even, in particular, under changing climatic
conditions. Also countered is the problem, described at the outset,
of the local depletion, occurring on contact with an aqueous
condensation product, of bactericidal and/or bacteriostatic or
fungicidal and/or fungiostatic substances in the fiber composite
material. In this context it should be mentioned that the volatile
organic moistener component may also itself have bactericidal
and/or bacteriostatic or fungicidal and/or fungiostatic properties.
All in all the fiber composite material present is improved.
[0033] The volatile organic moistener component may further have a
constitution such that through evaporation of the volatile organic
moistener component and also any further moistener components, a
positively azeotropic evaporation product, i.e., an evaporation
product with positively azeotropic properties (positive-azeotropic
mixture), can be or is formed. Consequently, preferential
evaporation of the volatile organic moistener component may result
in an evaporation product or condensation product for which the
fraction of water of water in the evaporation product (vapor phase)
or the condensation product is reduced, this fraction being the
fraction significant for the unwanted local swelling or
decomposition of the fiber composite material.
[0034] The at least one volatile organic moistener component may be
a volatile alcohol or a mixture of at least two volatile alcohols.
A corresponding volatile alcohol, present optionally in a mixture
of two volatile alcohols, may be methanol, ethanol or propanol,
butanol, pentanol; despite a higher vapor pressure than water,
butanol and pentanol typically do not produce positively azeotropic
mixtures as a condensation product. The volatile organic moistener
component is preferably a nontoxic volatile alcohol.
[0035] The volatile organic moistener component may have a weight
fraction of 1 to 90 wt %, more particularly below 50 wt %,
preferably below 35 wt %, more preferably below 20 wt %, very
preferably below 10 wt %, based on the total weight of the
moistener or the moistening component. Investigations have shown
that even comparatively low concentrations of the volatile organic
moistener component in the moistener lead to a disproportionately
high fraction of the volatile organic moistener component in an
evaporation product. It has been possible, for example, to show
that a weight fraction of around 20 wt % of a volatile organic
moistener component leads to a molar fraction of more than 50% in
an evaporation product. The volatile organic moistener component
may accordingly have a constitution such that it has a molar
fraction of 5 to 95%, more particularly 7 to 50%, preferably 10 to
50%, of an evaporation product formed by evaporation of the
volatile organic moistener component and also of any further
moistener components of the moistener. A general rule is that the
moistening component or the moistener may have a proportional
composition of volatile organic moistener component in a range
between 1 to 90 wt %, more particularly below 50 wt %, i.e., in
particular, between 1 and 50 wt %, preferably less than or equal to
35 wt %, i.e., in particular, between 1.5 and 35 wt %, more
preferably less than or equal to 20 wt %, i.e., in particular,
between 2 and 20 wt %, very preferably less than or equal to 10 wt
%, i.e., in particular, between 3 and 10 wt %, based in each case
on the total weight of the moistener or the moistening component
and residual weight fraction of water.
[0036] It has already been mentioned that the moistener, in
addition to the volatile organic moistener component, comprises
further moistener components. The further moistener components may
more particularly be low-volatility moistener components or those
whose volatility is lower in comparison to the volatile organic
moistener component.
[0037] The further moistener components serve typically (also) to
(largely) ensure the particular properties, i.e., in particular,
the moisture coherence properties and the decomposition properties
in water, of the fiber composite material, even on (repeated)
opening and at least partial reclosing of a pack accommodating the
fiber composite material, or when using the fiber composite
material outside a pack with associated at least partial
evaporation of the volatile organic moistener component. The fiber
composite material therefore (largely) has its particular
properties even on (repeated) opening and at least partial
reclosing of a pack accommodating the fiber composite material, or
when using the fiber composite material outside a pack with
associated at least partial evaporation of the volatile organic
moistener component. As a further moistener component it is
possible in particular to use organic and/or inorganic
substances--compounds, complexes or salts--which are
water-structuring, i.e., for example, chaotropic or kosmotropic,
and/or hygroscopic and/or osmotically active or effective.
[0038] The further moistener components are in comparison typically
less volatile than the volatile organic moistener component. The
further moistener components may accordingly, as mentioned, be
organic moistener components that are of low(er) volatility in
comparison to the volatile organic moistener component. The weight
fraction of these low(er)-volatility moistener components is
typically below 0 and 90 wt %, more particularly between 5 and 70
wt %, preferably between 10 and 50 wt %, more preferably between 15
and 35 wt %, based in each case on the total weight of the
moistener or the moistening component (the residual weight fraction
being water).
[0039] Corresponding low(er)-volatility organic moistener
components are, accordingly, typically of lower volatility than
(pure) water. Examples of such further moistener components are
polyhydric alcohols of low molecular mass, especially
1,2-propanediol (propylene glycol), and hygroscopic substances
and/or salts. As a further moistener component, therefore, the
moistener may comprise a hygroscopic moistener component,
especially 1,2-propanediol, and/or a salt, i.e., in particular, a
metal cation salt of an amino acid, preferably a calcium salt of an
amino acid, such as calcium lysinate, for example. The use of one
or more hygroscopic moistener components reduces the water fraction
in the evaporation product (vapor phase) or in the condensation
product further and ensures that the properties of the fiber
composite material remain sufficiently stable and maintained even
after partial or complete volatilization of the volatile organic
moistener component, in the case, for example, of over-storage of
opened or inadequately closed packs. The same applies to the use of
osmotically active moistener components, their use being a scenario
conceivable alternatively or additionally.
[0040] The volatile moistener component therefore serves in
particular to improve the shelflife of the fiber composite material
and to that extent may be termed or considered a functional
additive, since it typically has little or no influence on the
moisture coherence and/or wet strength properties described for the
fiber composite material.
[0041] For all embodiments it is the case that the fiber composite
material may comprise moisteners. The fiber composite material may
have a moistener content in a range between 50 wt % and 450 wt %,
preferably between 90 wt % and 390 wt %, more preferably between
110 wt % and 340 wt %, more preferably between 150 wt % and 310 wt
%, more preferably between 160 wt % and 200 wt %, more preferably
between 230 wt % and 280 wt %, based in each case on the total
weight of the fiber composite material in the dry state.
[0042] The fiber component may comprise fiber elements of natural,
i.e., animal or plant, or synthetic inorganic and/or organic fiber
composite materials. The fiber elements are preferably formed of
natural organic fiber composite materials. Mixtures may of course
also be present of different fiber elements, in other words fiber
elements differing in at least one chemical, geometric or physical
property. Examples of inorganic fiber elements are basalt, glass,
silica, mineral, and carbon fibers. Examples of organic fiber
elements are hemp or cellulose fibers. Examples of synthetic
organic fiber elements are polyester, polyamide, polyimide,
polyamideimide, polyethylene, polypropylene, polyvinyl chloride
fibers.
[0043] Preference is given to using primarily natural fiber
elements, i.e., in particular, cellulose fibers. It is further
possible, for example, to use rayon, cotton, wool, acetate or
Tencel fibers. In one preferred embodiment the fiber component
comprises 40 to about 98 wt %, more preferably 60 to 95 wt %, of
cellulose fibers, based in each case on the total weight of the dry
fiber composite material. The cellulose fibers used may be obtained
by chemical digestion of plant fibers or by use of recycled fibers.
It is possible to use wood fibers, fibers from palms or annual
plants, such as, for example, hay, straw, bagasse, kenaf or bamboo,
and mixtures or combinations thereof. It is possible, furthermore,
to use any wood pulp, i.e., both hardwood pulp and softwood
pulp.
[0044] The fiber component preferably has fiber elements with a
length of at least 0.1 mm, preferably in a range between 0.1 mm and
10 mm, more preferably in a range between 0.2 and 6 mm, more
preferably in a range between 1 mm and 4 mm, more preferably in a
range between 1.1 and 3 mm. The fiber composite material preferably
has no fiber elements which have a fiber length of more than 6 mm.
After dissolution of the fiber composite material in wastewater,
for example, the use of such short fiber elements prevents
mechanical joining, i.e., for example, intertangling, interlooping,
felting and/or plugging, of individual or plural fiber elements to
form fiber element aggregates, which fiber element aggregates can
lead to blocking. As mentioned, the fiber elements therefore
typically have a fiber length below a concentration-dependent and
fiber-material-dependent plugging limit. Independently of their
geometry, the fiber elements are preferably soluble and/or
dispersible in water.
[0045] For all embodiments it is the case that the fiber composite
material, as well as the at least one fiber component, the at least
one binder component, and the at least one moistening component,
may optionally further comprise at least one, preferably
water-soluble, organic amphoteric component (referred to
hereinafter for short as "amphoteric organic component"). The
amphoteric organic component, which, as emerges below, is more
particularly an amphoteric amine or amine salt, may serve both as
an acceptor and a donor of protons, i.e., may react both as a
Bronsted acid and as a Bronsted base. The amphoteric organic
component may serve in combination with the binder component
especially to form a (structuring) polysalt and/or a polymeric
aggregate, which together with the moistener of the moistening
component is nonsoluble or nondispersible.
[0046] The preferably water-soluble organic amphoteric component
may as mentioned be an amphoteric amine or amine salt. The organic
amphoteric component is not a surfactant, i.e., more particularly,
not an amphoteric surfactant. The organic amphoteric component is
hence not a surfactant, i.e., more particularly, not a surfactant
based on an amine or amine salt. Typically, quaternary or
long-chain amphoteric amines of high molecular mass are (also) not
suitable as organic amphoteric component, because, as plasticizers
and/or with a permanent cationic charge, they act dispersingly or
to destroy structure, and prevent or adversely affect the moisture
coherence of the fiber composite material.
[0047] A corresponding amine suitable as amphoteric organic
component may be a preferably water-soluble aminocarboxylic acid,
preferably alpha-aminocarboxylic acid, which is selected preferably
from the following group: alanine, arginine, asparagine, aspartic
acid, citrulline, cysteine, S-methylcysteine, cystine, creatine,
homocysteine, homoserine, norleucine, 2-aminobutanoic acid,
2-amino-3-mercapto-3-methylbutanoic acid, 3-aminobutanoic acid,
2-amino-3,3-dimethylbutanoic acid, 4-aminobutanoic acid,
2-amino-2-methylpropanoic acid, 2-amino-3-cyclohexylpropanoic acid,
3-aminopropanoic acid, 2,3-diaminopropanoic acid, 3-aminohexanoic
acid, gamma-carboxyglutamic acid
(3-aminopropane-1,1,3-tricarboxylic acid), glutamine, glutamic
acid, glycine, histidine, hydroxyproline, p-hydroxyphenylglycine,
isoleucine, isovaline, leucine, lysine, methionine, ornithine
((S)-(+)-2,5-diaminopentanoic acid), phenylalanine, proline,
serine, threonine, tryptophan, tyrosine, valine, salts thereof,
complexes thereof, and mixtures or combinations thereof, preferably
from alanine, arginine, glycine, proline, lysine, histidine,
glutamine, glutamic acid, aspartic acid, ornithine, salts thereof,
complexes thereof, and mixtures or combinations thereof, more
preferably from alanine, arginine, glycine, proline, lysine,
ornithine, salts thereof, complexes thereof, and mixtures or
combinations thereof, more preferably arginine, lysine, ornithine,
salts thereof, complexes thereof, and mixtures or combinations
thereof, more preferably alanine, glycine, proline, salts thereof,
complexes thereof, and mixtures or combinations thereof, more
preferably histidine, glutamine, glutamic acid, aspartic acid,
salts thereof, complexes thereof, and mixtures or combinations
thereof.
[0048] It is additionally possible for short-chain peptides, i.e.,
for example, dipeptides, tripeptides, up to oligomeric peptides or
oligopeptides having up to eight amino acid units, consisting of
one amino acid or different amino acids, to serve and hence be used
as amphoteric organic component.
[0049] Furthermore, all nonphysiological amines and amino acids,
especially those of low molecular mass, and also derivatives
thereof, may serve and hence be used as amphoteric organic
component.
[0050] The organic amphoteric component, where present, has
preferably at least one protonatable and/or protonated amino group
and additionally at least one deprotonatable and/or deprotonated
acid group, more preferably carboxyl group. The protonatable and/or
protonated amino group is preferably selected from the following
group: primary amino group, secondary amino group, and combinations
thereof. An amphoteric amine is preferably an aminocarboxylic acid
and/or a salt and/or a complex thereof, more preferably an
alpha-amino acid and/or a salt and/or a complex thereof.
[0051] A salt of an amphoteric amine is more particularly a salt of
a polyvalent metal cation, usefully with a uniform spherical charge
distribution on the surface, i.e., preferably Ca.sup.2+ and/or
Zn.sup.2+.
[0052] A complex of an amphoteric amine is more particularly a
complex of a polyvalent metal cation, preferably Ca.sup.2+ and/or
Zn.sup.2+. More preferably an amphoteric amine has a first,
preferably protonatable and/or protonated, amino group and a first
acid group, preferably carboxyl group, and also, optionally and
additionally, a second, preferably protonatable and/or protonated,
amino group and/or a second acid group, preferably carboxyl group.
An amphoteric amine preferably has no permanently positively
charged nitrogen atoms, more preferably no quaternary ammonium
group--tetraalkylammonium group, for example.
[0053] The fiber composite material may accordingly comprise metal
cations, especially polyvalent metal cations, or metal cation
salts, more particularly polyvalent metal cation salts, for
complexing with further constituents of the moisture-coherent fiber
composite material, especially with the binder component and/or
with a or the amphoteric organic component. Such metal cations and
metal cation salts may in particular be water-structuring and/or
hygroscopic and/or osmotically active or effective. Examples of
such salts may be organic salts based on low molecular mass organic
acids or amino acids with polyvalent metal cations, e.g., calcium,
magnesium, and zinc ions, and/or inorganic metal cation salts,
e.g., calcium chloride, zinc chloride, in general preferably
strongly hygroscopic metal cations or metal cation salts, and also
mixtures of different metal cations or metal cation salts. The
weight fraction of such metal cations or metal cation salts is in
particular between 0.01 and 20 wt %, preferably between 0.1 and 10
wt %, more preferably between 0.2 and 8 wt %, very preferably
between 0.3 and 5 wt %.
[0054] Preference is given to selecting suitable polyvalent metal
cations from the group consisting of polyvalent, i.e., more
particularly, divalent and trivalent, ions of the transition
metals, polyvalent ions of the metals of the 3.sup.rd and 4.sup.th
main groups of the periodic table of the elements, ions of the
alkaline earth metals, ions of the transition metals, and mixtures
or combinations thereof. Further or accordingly it is possible to
select suitable polyvalent metal cations from the group consisting
of Al.sup.3+, Mg.sup.2+, Co.sup.2+, Fe.sup.2+, Fe.sup.3+,
Ca.sup.2+, Mn.sup.2+, Ni.sup.2+, Zn.sup.2+, and mixtures or
combinations thereof, especially preferably Ca.sup.2+, Zn.sup.2+,
and mixtures or combinations thereof.
[0055] Suitable metal cations may be introduced, for example, in
the form of water-soluble salts and/or complexes of the
corresponding metal cations, preferably as hydrogencarbonate,
chloride, acetate, lactate, tartrate, fumarate, as carboxylate
and/or complex of one of the abovementioned aminocarboxylic acids
or a mixture thereof, preferably as chloride, carboxylate and/or
complex of one of the abovementioned aminocarboxylic acids or a
mixture thereof, of the corresponding metal cations, into the
preferably aqueous solution, preferably lotion.
[0056] Suitable amphoteric amines are preferably selected from the
group consisting of aminocarboxylic acids, which may be
unsubstituted or substituted, salts thereof, complexes thereof, and
mixtures or combinations thereof. Suitable aminocarboxylic acids,
which may be unsubstituted or substituted, are organic compounds,
preferably having at least one carboxyl group and at least one
amino group. Suitable amphoteric amines are, as mentioned, not
surfactants, i.e., more particularly, not amphoteric
surfactants.
[0057] Suitable aminocarboxylic acids are selected preferably from
the group consisting of alanine, arginine, asparagine, aspartic
acid, citrulline, cysteine, S-methylcysteine, cystine, creatine,
homocysteine, homoserine, norleucine, 2-aminobutanoic acid,
2-amino-3-mercapto-3-methylbutanoic acid, 3-aminobutanoic acid,
2-amino-3,3-dimethylbutanoic acid, 4-aminobutanoic acid,
2-amino-2-methylpropanoic acid, 2-amino-3-cyclohexylpropanoic acid,
3-aminopropanoic acid, 2,3-diaminopropanoic acid, 3-aminohexanoic
acid, gamma-carboxyglutamic acid
(3-aminopropane-1,1,3-tricarboxylic acid), glutamine, glutamic
acid, glycine, histidine, hydroxyproline, p-hydroxyphenylglycine,
isoleucine, isovaline, leucine, lysine, methionine, ornithine
((S)-(+)-2,5-diaminopentanoic acid), phenylalanine, proline,
serine, threonine, tryptophan, tyrosine, valine, salts thereof,
complexes thereof, and mixtures or combinations thereof, preferably
of alanine, arginine, glycine, proline, lysine, histidine,
glutamine, glutamic acid, aspartic acid, ornithine, salts thereof,
complexes thereof, and mixtures or combinations thereof, more
preferably of alanine, arginine, glycine, proline, lysine,
ornithine, salts thereof, complexes thereof, and mixtures or
combinations thereof, more preferably arginine, lysine, ornithine,
salts thereof, complexes thereof, and mixtures or combinations
thereof, more preferably alanine, glycine, proline, salts thereof,
complexes thereof, and mixtures or combinations thereof, more
preferably histidine, glutamine, glutamic acid, aspartic acid,
salts thereof, complexes thereof, and mixtures or combinations
thereof.
[0058] In a further-preferred embodiment, the at least one
amphoteric amine is selected from the group of above-stated
peptides consisting of one or various of the amino acids recited
immediately above.
[0059] Metal cations, preferably polyvalent metal cations, may form
salts and/or complexes with one of the abovementioned
aminocarboxylic acids. With further preference it is possible to
use aforementioned amphoteric amines, preferably aforementioned
aminocarboxylic acids, as salts and/or complexes of polyvalent
metal cations, preferably Ca.sup.2+ and/or Zn.sup.2+.
[0060] As mentioned, a corresponding amphoteric amine, preferably
the at least one aminocarboxylic acid, which may be unsubstituted
or substituted, and/or a salt thereof and/or a complex thereof with
a residue containing acid groups, preferably a residue containing
carboxyl groups, of the at least one, preferably water-soluble,
polysaccharide may, after application to the fiber component, form
a polysalt.
[0061] As mentioned, it is possible to improve the control of the
wet strength, i.e., of the decomposability, of the fiber composite
material by using at least one organic amphoteric component, i.e.,
more particularly, an amphoteric amine, preferably at least one
aminocarboxylic acid, and/or a salt thereof and/or a complex
thereof. More particularly it is possible to exert a positive
influence over the moisture coherence of the fiber composite
material through the abovementioned formation of salts and/or
complexes and/or polysalts of organic amphoteric components, i.e.
more particularly, aminocarboxylic acids, and metal cations.
[0062] An amphoteric amine of this kind, selected preferably from
the group of aforesaid aminocarboxylic acids, which may be
substituted or unsubstituted, salts thereof, complexes thereof, and
mixtures or combinations thereof, preferably has in a fraction in a
range between 0.1 wt % and 30 wt %, preferably in a range between
0.5 wt % and 20 wt %, more preferably in a range between 0.7 wt %
and 17 wt %, more preferably in a range 2 wt % between 15 wt %,
more preferably in a range between 3.3 wt % and 13 wt %, based in
each case on the total weight of the dry fiber composite
material.
[0063] The binder component comprises, as mentioned, at least one
binder which is swellable on contact with water and which comprises
at least one organic binder component in particular formed of or
comprising at least one, preferably water-soluble, polysaccharide
containing acid groups. The polysaccharide containing acid groups
typically has at least one residue containing acid groups or
containing carboxyl groups. The polysaccharide is preferably
selected from the following group: carboxymethylcellulose (CMC),
carboxymethylstarch (CMS), and mixtures or combinations
thereof.
[0064] Besides the volatile organic moistener component, the
moistening component has, as mentioned, further moistener
components. These are, as well as water, at least one organic
component selected from the following group: aliphatic alcohols,
aliphatic ethers, aliphatic esters, monosaccharides,
oligosaccharides and mixtures or combinations thereof, preferably
aliphatic alcohols, aliphatic ethers, and mixtures or combinations
thereof, more preferably ethane-1,2-diol, propane-1,2-diol,
propane-1,3-diol, 1,2,3-propanetriol, and mixtures or combinations
thereof. As a further moistener component, the moistener may
therefore include at least one organic component, which from
aliphatic alcohols, aliphatic ethers, aliphatic esters,
monosaccharides, oligosaccharides, and mixtures or combinations
thereof. The further organic moistener component may, moreover,
comprise at least one polyvalent metal cation, especially Ca.sup.2+
and/or Zn.sup.2+.
[0065] The moistening component or the moistener may be solid or
liquid, preferably liquid, under standard conditions (temperature
25.degree. C., pressure 1013 mbar). Preferably the moistener is
liquid, preferably aqueous, under standard conditions, and the
organic moistener components may under standard conditions be solid
or liquid, preferably liquid. For example, an organic moistener
component which is solid under standard conditions may be present
in dispersion and/or solution in a moistener which is liquid under
standard conditions.
[0066] As mentioned, the organic amphoteric component, where
present, may together with the binder form at least one polysalt or
polymeric aggregate which together with the moistener belonging to
the moistening component is nonsoluble or nondispersible. A
"polysalt" is understood to be a polymeric substance which is or at
least comprises at least one, preferably water-soluble,
polysaccharide having at least one ionically dissociated, acid
group-containing residue, more preferably carboxyl group-containing
residue, which forms a bond, preferably an ionic bond, with a group
of opposite charge. An ionically dissociated group bonded to such a
polysaccharide is preferably an anionically charged group,
preferably a deprotonated acid group, more preferably a carboxylate
group. In the formation of a polysalt, anionically charged
functional groups of the binder, as for example deprotonated acid
groups of the at least one acid group-containing residue, and
cationically charged functional groups of the organic amphoteric
component, as for example protonated amino groups, are able to bind
to one another, through ionic interaction of oppositely charged
residues, for example, thereby making it possible to eliminate or
restrict the solubility in the presence of the moistener. Through
the organic amphoteric component, the moistener, and the binder, or
their interaction, therefore, it is possible to increase the
moisture coherence of the fiber composite material.
[0067] Following introduction of the fiber composite material into
water, such as mains water, gray water or wastewater, for example,
the moistener is diluted or dissolved in water. As a result, water
is able to attach to the binder or the binder is able to take up
water and swell, thereby reducing or negating the binding capacity
of the binder. In particular, following introduction of the fiber
composite material into water having an acidic, neutral or alkaline
pH, there may be partial, preferably complete, dissolution or
swelling of a corresponding polysalt, resulting in an increase in
the water solubility and/or water dispersibility of the binder,
thereby weakening or destroying the structural integrity of the
fiber composite material. The connections between the fiber
elements may in this way be loosened, weakened, stretched and/or
destroyed. Through mechanical influences, such as the flow
influences occurring in wastewater, for example, the structural
integrity of the fiber composite material is further weakened,
preferably destroyed.
[0068] Attachment of water to the binder and/or to the organic
amphoteric component, where present, may result in at least
partial, more particularly complete, dissolution of a corresponding
polysalt and/or polymeric aggregate. Through partial or complete
dissolution of the polysalt and/or of the polymeric aggregate, the
connection between the binder and the organic amphoteric component
may be at least partly, especially completely, interrupted. Through
interruption of the connection between the binder and the organic
amphoteric component it is possible to facilitate the attachment of
water to the binder and/or to increase the water solubility of the
binder.
[0069] The binder component or the binder have a fraction in the
fiber composite material in a range between 1 wt % and 35 wt %,
preferably in a range between 3 wt % and 30 wt %, more preferably
in a range between 4 wt % and 25 wt %, more preferably in a range
between 5 wt % and 20 wt %, more preferably in a range between 6 wt
% and 15 wt %, more preferably in a range between 7 wt % and 13 wt
%, based in each case on the total weight of the dry fiber
composite material. More particularly the binder component or the
binder may have a fraction in the fiber composite material in a
range between 2 and 8 wt % based on the total weight of the dry
fiber composite material.
[0070] As mentioned, the at least one further organic moistener
component may be selected from the following group: aliphatic
alcohols, aliphatic ethers, aliphatic esters, monosaccharides,
oligosaccharides and mixtures or combinations thereof. Suitable
aliphatic alcohols may be acyclic or cyclic and also saturated or
unsaturated. Suitable aliphatic alcohols are preferably saturated,
more preferably acyclic and saturated.
[0071] Suitable aliphatic alcohols have preferably 1 to 12 carbon
atoms, more preferably 1 to 9 carbon atoms, more preferably 1 to 6
carbon atoms, more preferably 1 to 4 carbon atoms, more preferably
2 to 3 carbon atoms, which may in each case be unbranched or
branched, and at least one OH group, preferably 1 to 12 OH groups,
more preferably 1 to 9 OH groups, more preferably 1 to 6 OH groups,
more preferably 1 to 4 OH groups, more preferably 2 to 3 OH
groups.
[0072] Suitable aliphatic alcohols are selected more preferably
from the group consisting of aliphatic monohydric alcohols having 1
to 12 carbon atoms, more preferably 1 to 9 carbon atoms, more
preferably 1 to 6 carbon atoms, more preferably 1 to 4 carbon
atoms, more preferably 2 to 3 carbon atoms, which may in each case
be unbranched or branched, and have 1 OH group; aliphatic
polyhydric alcohols having 2 to 12 carbon atoms, more preferably 2
to 9 carbon atoms, more preferably 2 to 6 carbon atoms, more
preferably 2 to 4 carbon atoms, more preferably 2 to 3 carbon
atoms, which may in each case be straight-chain or branched, and
have 2 to 12 OH groups, more preferably 2 to 9 OH groups, more
preferably 2 to 6 OH groups, more preferably 2 to 4 OH groups, more
preferably 2 to 3 OH groups; and mixtures or combinations
thereof.
[0073] Suitable aliphatic monohydric alcohols have 1 OH group and 1
to 12 carbon atoms, more preferably 1 to 9 carbon atoms, more
preferably 1 to 6 carbon atoms, more preferably 1 to 4 carbon
atoms, more preferably 2 to 3 carbon atoms, which may in each case
be unbranched or branched, and are selected preferably from the
group consisting of methanol, ethanol, 1-propanol, 2-propanol,
1-butanol, 2-butanol, 2-methyl-1-propanol, 2-methyl-2-propanol,
1-pentanol, 2-pentanol, 3-pentanol, 2-methyl-1-butanol,
2-methyl-2-butanol, 3-methyl-1-butanol, 3-methyl-2-butanol,
2,2-dimethyl-1-propanol, 1-hexanol, 1-heptanol, and mixtures or
combinations thereof, more preferably methanol, ethanol,
1-propanol, 2-propanol, 1-butanol, 2-butanol, 2-methyl-1-propanol,
2-methyl-2-propanol, and mixtures or combinations thereof.
[0074] Aliphatic polyhydric alcohols are preferably selected from
the group consisting of alkanediols having 2 to 12 carbon atoms,
more preferably 2 to 9 carbon atoms, more preferably 2 to 6 carbon
atoms, more preferably 2 to 4 carbon atoms, more preferably 2 to 3
carbon atoms, which may in each case be unbranched or branched,
alkanetriols having 3 to 12 carbon atoms, more preferably 3 to 9
carbon atoms, more preferably 3 to 6 carbon atoms, more preferably
3 to 4 carbon atoms, which may in each case be unbranched or
branched, alkanetetraols having 4 to 12 carbon atoms, more
preferably 4 to 9 carbon atoms, more preferably 4 to 6 carbon
atoms, which may in each case be unbranched or branched,
alkanepentaols having 5 to 12 carbon atoms, more preferably 5 to 9
carbon atoms, more preferably 5 to 6 carbon atoms, which may in
each case be unbranched or branched, alkanehexaols having 6 to 12
carbon atoms, more preferably 6 to 9 carbon atoms, which may in
each case be unbranched or branched, and mixtures or combinations
thereof.
[0075] Suitable aliphatic polyhydric alcohols are preferably
selected from the group consisting of ethane-1,2-diol (ethylene
glycol, 1,2-glycol), propane-1,2-diol (propylene glycol),
propane-1,3-diol (trimethylene glycol), butane-1,2-diol
(1,2-butylene glycol), butane-1,3-diol (1,3-butylene glycol),
butane-1,4-diol (tetramethylene glycol), butane-2,3-diol
(2,3-butylene glycol), pentane-1,5-diol (pentamethylene glycol),
hexane-1,6-diol (hexamethylene glycol), octane-1,8-diol
(octamethylene glycol), nonane-1,9-diol (nonamethylene glycol),
decane-1,10-diol (decamethylene glycol), 1,2,3-propanetriol
(glycerol), 1,2,6-hexanetriol, 1,2,3,4-butanetetraol,
1,2,3,4,5,6-hexanehexaol (sorbitol) or mixtures or combinations
thereof, more preferably ethane-1,2-diol, propane-1,2-diol,
propane-1,3-diol, butane-1,2-diol, butane-1,3-diol,
butane-1,4-diol, butane-2,3-diol, pentane-1,5-diol, hexane-1,6-diol
(hexamethylene glycol), octane-1,8-diol (octamethylene glycol),
nonane-1,9-diol (nonamethylene glycol) or mixtures or combinations
thereof, more preferably ethane-1,2-diol, propane-1,2-diol,
propane-1,3-diol, butane-1,2-diol, butane-1,3-diol,
butane-1,4-diol, butane-2,3-diol, 1,2,3-propanetriol,
1,2,3,4-butantetraol, or mixtures or combinations thereof, more
preferably ethane-1,2-diol, propane-1,2-diol, propane-1,3-diol or
mixtures or combinations thereof.
[0076] Suitable aliphatic ethers are preferably ethers of
polyhydric aliphatic alcohols; suitable aliphatic ethers are more
preferably glycol ethers, polyethers of polyhydric aliphatic
alcohols or mixtures or combinations thereof. Polyethers of
polyhydric aliphatic alcohols are preferably polyethers of
aforesaid polyhydric aliphatic alcohols, more preferably of
aforesaid alkanediols.
[0077] Suitable polyethers have preferably 4 to 40 carbon atoms and
at least 2 OH groups, preferably (exactly) 2 OH groups, and are
preferably selected from the group consisting of polyethylene
glycols having 4 to 40 carbon atoms, polypropylene glycol having 6
to 40 carbon atoms and mixtures or combinations thereof, more
preferably from polyethylene glycols having 4 to 40 carbon atoms
and mixtures or combinations thereof. Suitable polyethylene glycols
having 4 to 40 carbon atoms, which may preferably be unbranched or
branched, are, for example, 2-(2-hydroxyethoxy)ethanol (diethylene
glycol), 2-[2-(2-hydroxyethoxy)ethoxy]ethanol (triethylene glycol),
PEG-4, PEG-6, PEG-7, PEG-8, PEG-9, PEG-10, PEG-12, PEG-14, PEG-16,
PEG-18, PEG-20 or mixtures or combinations thereof. A suitable
polypropylene glycol having 6 to 40 carbon atoms, which may
preferably be unbranched or branched, is, for example, dipropylene
glycol, which preferably is a mixture of the structural isomers
2,2'-oxydi-1-propanol, 1,1'-oxydi-2-propanol and
2-(2-hydroxypropoxy)-1-propanol.
[0078] Suitable glycol ethers have preferably 3 to 80 carbon atoms
and are ethers of aforesaid alkanediols having 2 to 12 carbon
atoms, which may in each case be unbranched or branched, aforesaid
polyethylene glycols having 4 to 40 carbon atoms, which may be
unbranched or branched, aforesaid polypropylene glycols having 6 to
40 carbon atoms, which may be unbranched or branched, or
combinations thereof with aforesaid aliphatic monohydric alcohols.
Suitable glycol ethers are selected preferably from the group
consisting of ethylene glycol monomethyl ether (methyl glycol),
ethylene glycol monoethyl ether (ethyl glycol), ethylene glycol
monopropyl ether (2-propoxyethanol), ethylene glycol monoisopropyl
ether (2-isopropoxyethanol), ethylene glycol monobutyl ether
(2-butoxyethanol), ethylene glycol monohexyl ether
(2-hexoxyethanol), diethylene glycol monomethyl ether, diethylene
glycol monoethyl ether, diethylene glycol mono-n-butyl ether,
diethylene glycol mono-n-hexyl ether, propylene glycol monomethyl
ether (1-methoxy-2-propanol), propylene glycol monobutyl ether
(1-butoxy-2-propanol), propylene glycol monohexyl ether
(1-hexoxy-2-propanol), dipropylene glycol monomethyl ether,
dipropylene glycol monobutyl ether, dipropylene glycol monohexyl
ether, polyethylene glycol ether, polypropylene glycol ether,
ethylene glycol dimethyl ether (dimethoxyethane), ethylene glycol
diethyl ether (diethyl glycol), ethylene glycol dibutyl ether
(dibutoxyethane), dipropylene glycol dimethyl ether, and mixtures
or combinations thereof.
[0079] As mentioned, the at least one further organic moistener
component may be selected from the following group: aliphatic
alcohols, aliphatic ethers, aliphatic esters, monosaccharides,
oligosaccharides and mixtures or combinations thereof.
[0080] Monosaccharides in this sense have preferably 3 to 9 carbon
atoms, including 1 carbonyl group [C(.dbd.O)], which is in the form
of an aldehyde group or keto group, and also at least two hydroxyl
group (OH group). Monosaccharides are more preferably selected from
the group consisting of polyhydroxyaldehydes (aldoses) of the
general formula (I):
H--[CH(OH)].sub.n--C(.dbd.O)H (I)
and also cyclic hemiacetals derived therefrom, polyhydroxyketones
(ketoses) of the general formula (II):
H--[CH(OH)].sub.a--C(.dbd.O)--[CH(OH)].sub.b--H (II)
and also cyclic hemiacetals derived therefrom, and mixtures or
combinations thereof, where n in each case independently of any
other denotes an integer from 2 to 8 and where a and b in each case
independently of one another denote an integer from 1 to 7, with
the proviso that a+b is an integer in a range of 2 to 8. Cyclic
hemiacetals (lactols) of aforesaid aldoses and ketoses come about
preferably through intramolecular hemiacetalization between the
carbonyl group and an OH group of a monosaccharide.
[0081] Oligosaccharides in this sense have preferably 8 to 40
carbon atoms and are constructed preferably of 2 to 9, preferably 2
to 6, identical or different monosaccharides, each joined to one
another by glycosidic bonds. Oligosaccharides may be unbranched or
branched.
[0082] Suitable glycol esters have preferably 3 to 60 carbon atoms
and are preferably monoesters, diesters or mixtures or combinations
thereof of aforesaid alkanediols, aforesaid polyethylene glycols,
aforesaid polypropylene glycols, or combinations thereof, with
aliphatic carboxylic acids, for example monocarboxylic acids with
preferably 1 to 9 carbon atoms, preferably 1 to 7 carbon atoms,
preferably 1 to 3 carbon atoms, which may in each case be
unbranched or branched, hydroxycarboxylic acids with preferably 1
to 9 carbon atoms, preferably 1 to 7 carbon atoms, preferably 1 to
3 carbon atoms, which may in each case be unbranched or branched,
polycarboxylic acids with preferably 2 to 9 carbon atoms,
preferably 2 to 7 carbon atoms, preferably 2 to 3 carbon atoms,
which may in each case be unbranched or branched, or combinations
thereof, more preferably hydroxycarboxylic acids with preferably 1
to 9 carbon atoms, preferably 1 to 7 carbon atoms, preferably 1 to
3 carbon atoms, which may in each case be unbranched or branched,
polycarboxylic acids with preferably 2 to 9 carbon atoms,
preferably 2 to 7 carbon atoms, preferably 2 to 3 carbon atoms,
which may in each case be unbranched or branched, or mixtures or
combinations thereof.
[0083] Examples of suitable glycol esters are acetic acid ethylene
glycol methyl ether ester (2-methoxyethyl acetate), acetic acid
ethylene glycol monoethyl ether ester (2-ethoxyethyl acetate),
acetic acid ethylene glycol monobutyl ether ester (2-butoxyethyl
acetate), acetic acid diethylene glycol monobutyl ether ester
[2-(2-butoxyethoxy)ethyl acetate], acetic acid propylene glycol
methyl ether ester (1-methoxy-2-propyl acetate) or combinations or
mixtures or combinations thereof.
[0084] The at least one further organic moistener component is
specifically selected from the group consisting of
2-methyl-1-propanol, 2-methyl-2-propanol, 2-methyl-1-butanol,
2-methyl-2-butanol, 3-methyl-1-butanol, 3-methyl-2-butanol,
2,2-dimethyl-1-propanol, 1-hexanol, ethane-1,2-diol,
propane-1,2-diol, propane-1,3-diol, butane-1,2-diol,
butane-1,3-diol, butane-1,4-diol, butane-2,3-diol,
1,2,3-propanetriol, 1,2,3,4-butanetetraol, 1,2,6-hexanetriol,
1,2,3,4,5,6-hexanehexol, 2-(2-hydroxyethoxy)ethanol,
2-[2-(2-hydroxyethoxy)ethoxy]ethanol, PEG-4, PEG-6, PEG-7, PEG-8,
PEG-9, PEG-10, PEG-12, PEG-14, PEG-16, PEG-18, PEG-20 and mixtures
or combinations thereof.
[0085] According to one preferred embodiment, the moistener
comprises ethanol, 1-propanol, 2-propanol, ethane-1,2-diol,
propane-1,2-diol, propane-1,3-diol, 1,2,3-propanetriol or mixtures
or combinations thereof.
[0086] The moistener typically has an organic fraction of at least
5 wt %, preferably in a range between 6 wt % and 98 wt %,
preferably in a range between 8 wt % and 95 wt %, more preferably
in a range between 10 wt % and 85 wt %, more preferably in a range
between 12 wt % and 65 wt %, more preferably in a range between 17
wt % and 55 wt %, based in each case on the total weight of the
moistener.
[0087] The moistener may comprise nonaqueous constituents. The
nonaqueous constituents, i.e., all constituents of the moistener
that are not water, may have a fraction of at least 30 wt %,
preferably in a range between 35 wt % and 98 wt %, more preferably
in a range between 40 wt % and 93 wt %, more preferably in a range
between 55 wt % and 92 wt %, more preferably in a range between 70
wt % and 90 wt %, based in each case on the total weight of the
moistener.
[0088] The moistener typically has a water fraction of at most 70
wt %, preferably in a range between 2 wt % and 65 wt %, more
preferably in a range between 5 wt % and 60 wt %, more preferably
in a range between 7 wt % and 57 wt %, more preferably in a range
between 9 wt % and 45 wt %, more preferably in a range between 10
wt % and 30 wt %, based in each case on the total weight of the
moistener. More particularly the moistener has a water fraction in
a range between 40 and 65 wt % based on the total weight of the
moistener.
[0089] All of the fractions of the constituents of the moistener of
course add up to 100 wt %.
[0090] The moistening component may under standard conditions
(temperature 25.degree. C., pressure 1013 mbar) take the form of a
lotion, in which case the at least one organic moistener component
selected from the group consisting of aliphatic alcohols, aliphatic
ethers, aliphatic esters, monosaccharides, oligosaccharides, and
mixtures or combinations thereof, preferably aliphatic alcohols,
aliphatic ethers, and mixtures or combinations thereof, may be
present, for example, in solution in the lotion and/or may form an
organic phase of the lotion. A "lotion" is understood accordingly
to be a liquid aqueous or aqueous-organic, preferably
aqueous-alcoholic, preparation or an oil-in-water emulsion or a
water-in-oil emulsion.
[0091] The moistening component may have a pH of less than or equal
to 6.4, preferably a pH of less than or equal to 6.1, preferably a
pH of less than or equal to 5.9. Preferably In accordance the pH of
the moistening component is situated in a range between pH 4.0 and
6.4, preferably in a range between pH 4.5 and 6.1, preferably in a
range between pH 4.9 and 5.9, preferably in a range between pH 5.0
and 5.6.
[0092] In connection with the production of the fiber composite
material it is conceivable, after the application and setting of
the binder component to the fiber component, for the the fiber
elements to be joined to one another at least partly, preferably
completely, by the binder. Following the application of the organic
amphoteric component, where present, to the binder-containing fiber
component, the binder and the organic amphoteric component are at
least partly, more particularly completely, in the form of a
polysalt or polymeric aggregate. Alternatively the at least one
organic amphoteric component, where present, may be applied
together with the binder to the fiber component, in which case the
binder and the organic amphoteric component likewise take the form
at least partly, more particularly completely, of a polysalt or
polymeric aggregate.
[0093] The fiber composite material is obtained after application
of the moistening component or the moistener. The application of
the moistener may take place with the application of the organic
amphoteric component, where present; for example, the moistener and
the organic amphoteric component, where present, may be applied in
particular as a mixture, simultaneously to the fiber component, or
may be applied to the fiber component nonsimultaneously, i.e., with
a time offset.
[0094] As mentioned, the binder may be joined for example via
hydrogen bonds to the fiber elements of the fiber component. On
introduction of the fiber composite material into water with
preferably a pH of greater than or equal to 7.0 (standard
conditions 25.degree. C., 1013 mbar), the hydrogen bonds may be
undone and the connections between the binder and the fiber
elements may be at least partly, more particularly completely,
dissolved, so enabling the binder to part from the fiber
elements.
[0095] As mentioned, the binder comprises at least one organic
binder component, more particularly formed of or comprising at
least one polysaccharide containing acid groups. By a
"polysaccharide" are meant homopolysaccharides,
heteropolysaccharides, and mixtures or combinations thereof, which
may consist preferably of the same or different monosaccharides and
may have a linear or branched molecular structure. For industrial
use of the fiber composite material it is possible for high
molecular mass polysaccharide biopolymers to be functionalized
and/or degraded partially, preferably by thermomechanical and/or
chemical and/or enzymatic modification. The partially degraded
and/or reconstructed polysaccharides resulting from the treatment
preferably have better solubility in water; the solutions become
more stable and/or the coatings or films formed from them develop a
higher binding power and strength/coherence.
[0096] The dynamic viscosity of a solution of a polysaccharide,
generally a solution of a binder, may be adjusted by
thermomechanical and/or chemical and/or enzymatic modification of
the polysaccharide in such a way as to enable the solution to be
used readily in suitable operations of application to the fiber
component. For example, a 2 wt % solution, based on the total
weight of the solution, of a polysaccharide in water at 20.degree.
C. has a dynamic viscosity in a range between 1 mPas and 10 000
mPas, preferably in a range between 50 mPas and 3000 mPas, more
preferably in a range between 550 mPas and 2500 mPas. The viscosity
is determined, for example, by means of a Searle rotary viscometer
of type Haake.RTM. Viscotester.RTM. 550 (Thermo Fisher Scientific
Inc., Karlsruhe (DE)) with cylinder measuring facility, MV
measuring cup, at a rotational speed of 2.55 s.sup.-1.
[0097] Depending on the nature of the modification and the
composition of the binder, i.e. more particularly, of the
polysaccharide in branched or preferably unbranched form, solutions
of a modified polysaccharide may have a different dispersity,
preferably polydispersity. For example, solutions of a modified
polysaccharide may have a varying molar mass distribution, which
preferably enables the dynamic viscosity of the solution to be
tailored to the application system, by virtue of an adjustable
viscoelasticity and/or structural viscosity of the solution, for
example. A solution of a modified polysaccharide, for example, may
include polysaccharide molecules each constructed from a different
number of monosaccharides joined to one another via a glycosidic
bond. Moreover, a solution of a modified polysaccharide may
comprise monosaccharides and/or oligosaccharides. An
oligosaccharide preferably has 2 to 9 identical or different
monosaccharides, each joined to one another via a glycosidic bond.
A polysaccharide preferably has at least 10, preferably at least
50, identical or mutually different monosaccharides each joined to
one another via a glycosidic bond. A polysaccharide preferably has
on average about 10 to 20 000, preferably 110 to 2000, identical or
different monosaccharides, each joined to one another via a
glycosidic bond.
[0098] A polysaccharide in this sense may be cellulose,
hemicellulose, starch, agarose, algin, alginate, chitin, pectin,
gum arabic, xanthan, guaran or a mixture thereof, preferably
cellulose, hemicellulose, starch or derivatives, or a mixture
thereof.
[0099] Hemicellulose is a collective term for naturally occurring
mixtures of polysaccharides in variable constitution, which may be
isolated from plant biomass, for example. The polysaccharides of
the hemicelluloses may be constructed from different
monosaccharides. Such monosaccharides are preferably pentoses, as
for example xylose and/or arabinose, hexoses, as for example
glucose, mannose and/or galactose, and also modified
monosaccharides, such as sugar acids, preferably uronic acids,
which are selected for example from the group of the hexuronic
acids, such as glucuronic acid, methylglucuronic acid and/or
galacturonic acid, for example, or deoxymonosaccharides, preferably
deoxyhexoses, such as rhamnose, for example. A deoxymonosaccharide
is a monosaccharide in which at least one OH group has been
replaced by a hydrogen atom.
[0100] Cellulose is a polysaccharide, which is preferably
unbranched. Cellulose preferably consists on average of about 50 to
1000 cellobiose units. Cellobiose is a disaccharide made up of two
glucose molecules, which are linked .beta.-1,4-glycosidically to
one another. A suitable cellulose has on average in particular
about 100 to 20 000, preferably 110 to 2000, glucose molecules.
[0101] Starch is a polysaccharide made up of D-glucose units linked
to one another via .alpha.-glycosidic bonds. Starch may likewise
comprehend amylose, amylopectin, and mixtures or combinations
thereof. Amylose is an unbranched polysaccharide made up of
D-glucose units which are linked only .alpha.-1,4-glycosidically.
Amylopectin is a branched polysaccharide made up of D-glucose units
which are linked .alpha.-1,4-glycosidically. About every 15-30
monomers there may be a side chain which is linked
.alpha.-1,6-glycosidically and is made up of D-glucose units linked
.alpha.-1,4-glycosidically. A side chain preferably has at least 5
glucose units which are linked .alpha.-1,4-glycosidically. More
preferably a side chain has 7 to 60 glucose units, preferably 10 to
50 glucose units, preferably 12 to 30 glucose units, each linked
.alpha.-1,4-glycosidically.
[0102] A binder component comprising a polysaccharide may have at
least one acid group-containing residue, which is joined to the
polysaccharide preferably through an ether group. The
polysaccharide and the at least one acid group-containing residue
may therefore form a polysaccharide ether, preferably by partial or
complete substitution of the hydrogen atoms of the hydroxyl groups
in the monosaccharide units of the polysaccharide by acid
group-containing residues. The acid group-containing residues may
be identical to or different from one another. An "acid
group-containing residue" is understood to refer to organic
residues which are able to enter into an equilibrium reaction with
water or other protonatable solvents. The product in the case of
water is preferably the oxonium ion H.sub.3O.sup.+, while the acid
group-containing residue gives up a proton to the water solvent and
forms an anionically charged functional group, for example a
carboxylate group. The term "acid group-containing residue" is
understood preferably to refer to carboxyl group-containing
residues, phosphate-containing residues, phosphonic acid-containing
residues, and combinations thereof, more preferably to carboxyl
group-containing residues.
[0103] More preferably the at least one acid group-containing
residue is at least one --O-alkylcarboxyl residue, at least one
--O-alkylphosphate residue, at least one --O-alkylphosphonic acid
residue or a combination thereof, where in each case independently
of one another the alkyl radical, which may be unbranched or
branched, has 1 to 4 carbon atoms, preferably 1 to 3 carbon atoms,
preferably 1 to 2 carbon atoms, more preferably 1 carbon atom. The
at least one acid group-containing residue is preferably a carboxyl
group-containing residue, preferably an alkylcarboxyl residue, more
preferably an --O-alkylcarboxyl residue, where in each case
independently of one another, the alkyl radical, which may be
unbranched or branched, has 1 to 4 carbon atoms, preferably 1 to 3
carbon atoms, preferably 1 to 2 carbon atoms, more preferably 1
carbon atom.
[0104] A corresponding polysaccharide and a corresponding acid
group-containing residue, preferably --O-alkylcarboxyl residue,
--O-alkylphosphate residue, --O-alkylphosphonic acid residue or a
combination thereof, more preferably --O-alkylcarboxyl residue,
preferably form a polysaccharide ether, preferably by partial or
complete substitution of the hydrogen atoms of the hydroxyl groups
in the monosaccharide units of the at least one polysaccharide by
acid group-containing residues, preferably alkylcarboxyl residues,
alkylphosphate residues, alkylphosphonic acid residues or a
combination thereof, more preferably alkylcarboxyl residues, which
each independently of one another may be identical to or different
from one another and where in each case the alkyl radical, which
may be unbranched or branched, has 1 to 4 carbon atoms, preferably
1 to 3 carbon atoms, preferably 1 to 2 carbon atoms, more
preferably 1 carbon atom.
[0105] A polysaccharide used as binder component preferably has a
mean degree of substitution (DS) by the aforementioned at least one
acid group-containing residue, preferably the at least one carboxyl
group-containing residue, preferably the at least one
--O-alkylcarboxyl residue, where in each case the alkyl radical,
which may be unbranched or branched, has 1 to 4 carbon atoms,
preferably 1 to 3 carbon atoms, preferably 1 to 2 carbon atoms,
more preferably 1 carbon atom, from a range from more than 0.4 to
2.0, preferably from a range from 0.5 to 1.5, preferably from a
range from 0.6 to 1.1, preferably from a range from 0.7 to 0.9. The
mean degree of substitution (DS) pertains to the average number of
acid group-containing residues, preferably carboxyl
group-containing residues, preferably --O-alkylcarboxyl residues,
where in each case the alkyl radical, which may be unbranched or
branched, has 1 to 4 carbon atoms, preferably 1 to 3 carbon atoms,
preferably 1 to 2 carbon atoms, more preferably 1 carbon atom,
which are bonded per monosaccharide unit, preferably through an
ether bond.
[0106] The aforesaid acid group-containing residues, preferably
carboxyl group-containing residues, preferably aforesaid
--O-alkylcarboxyl residues, may be identical to or different from
one another. If different acid group-containing residues,
preferably carboxyl group-containing residues, preferably
--O-alkylcarboxyl residues, are bonded to monosaccharide units, the
mean degree of substitution (DS) pertains to the average number of
all aforesaid acid group-containing residues, preferably carboxyl
group-containing residues, preferably --O-alkylcarboxyl residues,
which are bonded in each case per mole of monosaccharide units,
preferably through an ether bond.
[0107] Preferably hereinafter the mean degree of substitution (DS)
by the at least one acid group-containing residue, preferably the
at least one carboxyl group-containing residue, preferably the at
least one --O-alkylcarboxyl residue, is referred to as "mean degree
of substitution (DS)". The mean degree of substitution (DS) of the
polysaccharide by acid group-containing residues, preferably
carboxyl group-containing residues, preferably --O-alkylcarboxyl
residues, may be determined for example in analogy to the method
described in ASTM D 1439-03/Method B for the sodium salt of
carboxymethylcellulose.
[0108] A suitable polysaccharide having at least one acid
group-containing residue, preferably at least one carboxyl
group-containing residue, preferably at least one of the aforesaid
--O-alkylcarboxyl residues, may additionally have alkyl radicals
which in each case independently of one another may be unbranched
or branched and have 1 to 4 carbon atoms, preferably 1 to 3 carbon
atoms, preferably 1 to 2 carbon atoms, more preferably 1 carbon
atom, hydroxyalkyl radicals which in each case independently of one
another may be unbranched or branched and have 1 to 4 carbon atoms,
preferably 1 to 3 carbon atoms, preferably 1 to 2 carbon atoms,
more preferably 1 carbon atom, or a combination thereof, where the
alkyl radicals and/or hydroxyalkyl radicals are preferably likewise
bonded through an ether bond to monosaccharide units of the
polysaccharide.
[0109] The binder is preferably formed of or comprises at least
one, preferably water-soluble, polysaccharide which is selected
from the following group: carboxyalkyl polysaccharides,
carboxyalkyl alkyl polysaccharides, carboxyalkyl hydroxyalkyl
polysaccharides, carboxyalkyl alkyl hydroxyalkyl polysaccharides,
and mixtures or combinations thereof, where aforesaid alkyl
radicals each independently of one another may be unbranched or
branched and have 1 to 4 carbon atoms, preferably 1 to 3 carbon
atoms, preferably 1 to 2 carbon atoms, more preferably 1 carbon
atom.
[0110] With further preference the binder is formed of or comprises
at least one, preferably water-soluble, polysaccharide which is
selected from the following group: carboxymethyl polysaccharides,
carboxymethyl methyl polysaccharides, carboxymethyl hydroxymethyl
polysaccharides, carboxymethyl methyl hydroxymethyl
polysaccharides, and mixtures or combinations thereof.
[0111] For example, a preferred binder is formed of or comprises at
least one, preferably water-soluble, polysaccharide which is
selected from the following group: carboxyalkyl cellulose,
carboxyalkyl alkyl cellulose, carboxyalkyl hydroxyalkyl cellulose,
and mixtures or combinations thereof, where aforesaid alkyl
radicals in each case independently of one another may be
unbranched or branched and have 1 to 4 carbon atoms, preferably 1
to 3 carbon atoms, preferably 1 to 2 carbon atoms, more preferably
1 carbon atom.
[0112] A preferred binder may be formed of or comprise at least
one, preferably water-soluble, polysaccharide which is selected
from the following group: carboxymethylcellulose (CMC),
carboxymethylstarch (CMS), carboxyethylcellulose (CEC),
carboxypropylcellulose, carboxymethyl-methylcellulose (CMMC),
carboxymethylethylcellulose, carboxymethylpropylcellulose,
carboxyethylmethylcellulose, carboxyethylethylcellulose,
carboxymethylhydroxymethylcellulose,
carboxymethylhydroxyethylcellulose (CMHEC),
carboxymethylhydroxypropylcellulose,
carboxyethylhydroxymethylcellulose,
carboxyethylhydroxyethylcellulose, and mixtures or combinations
thereof.
[0113] The binder may comprise an alkali metal salt, preferably a
sodium salt, of carboxymethylcellulose (CMC) having a mean degree
of substitution (DS) by carboxymethyl groups, determined in
accordance with ASTM D 1439-03/Method B, from a range from more
than 0.4 to 1.5, preferably from a range from 0.6 to 1.1,
preferably from a range from 0.7 to 0.9, carboxymethyl groups per
anhydroglucose unit.
[0114] Suitable commercially available binders are, for example,
the sodium carboxymethylcelluloses Rheolon.RTM. 30, Rheolon.RTM.
30N, Rheolon.RTM. 100N or Rheolon.RTM. 300, Rheolon.RTM. 300N,
Rheolon.RTM. 500G and Rheolon.RTM. 1000G, each available, for
example, from Ugur Seluloz Kimya (Aydin, TR). Further suitable
commercially available binders are, for example, the
carboxymethylcelluloses of the Calexis.RTM. and Finnfix.RTM. types,
each of which are available, for example, from CP Kelco Germany
GmbH (Grossenbrode, DE).
[0115] The fiber composite material comprises the binder in
particular in a fraction in a range between 1 g/m.sup.2 and 30
g/m.sup.2, preferably in a range between 2 g/m.sup.2 and 20
g/m.sup.2, more preferably in a range between 1.3 g/m.sup.2 and 17
g/m.sup.2, more preferably in a range between 3.0 g/m.sup.2 and 15
g/m2, more preferably in a range between 3.5 g/m.sup.2 and 13
g/m.sup.2, more preferably in a range between 4 g/m.sup.2 and 11
g/m.sup.2, more preferably in a range between 4.5 g/m.sup.2 and 9
g/m.sup.2, based in each case on the area of the dry fiber
composite material.
[0116] The fiber composite material may besides the fiber component
comprise a filler component. The filler component may targetedly
influence the spectrum of properties of the fiber composite
material; by using suitable fillers, titanium dioxide particles for
example, it is possible for example to adjust the opacity of the
fiber composite material. The filler component is formed by or
comprises inorganic and/or organic fillers or filler particles. The
filler particles may be joined by at least one binder to the fiber
composite material, i.e., more particularly, to the fiber
component. The particle size of the filler particles is preferably
below 1 mm or below 0.9 mm. The ratio of length to diameter of the
filler particles is preferably less than 5:1 or less than 4:1.
[0117] Suitable organic fillers may be fibers comminuted, by
grinding, for example, precipitated polymers or precipitation
polymers, which may each be formed for example from polyamide,
polyester, polyethylene, crosslinked polyacrylates, noncrosslinked
polyacrylates, mixtures or combinations thereof, or copolymers
thereof. Suitable organic fillers may also be particles of
cellulose, of regenerated cellulose and/or of other natural fibers,
flours, modified or unmodified starches, or mixtures or
combinations thereof.
[0118] Suitable inorganic fillers may comprise or consist of
natural mineral powders, precipitated mineral salts or combinations
thereof, which comprise or consist of, for example, dolomite,
calcium carbonate, titanium dioxide, zinc oxide, aluminum oxide,
aluminum hydroxide, precipitated silica, kaolin and other clays,
silicatic minerals, or combination thereof.
[0119] Depending on application and amount, suitable fillers may be
incorporated into the fiber composite material or applied together,
for example, with the binder to the surface of the fiber component
or fiber composite material.
[0120] The filler component has in particular a fraction in a range
between 0 and 30 wt %, more preferably in a range between 0.1 and
25 wt %, based in each case on the total weight of the dry fiber
composite material.
[0121] The fiber composite material may be of single-ply or
multi-ply embodiment. In the case of one preferred multi-ply
embodiment, the fiber composite material has 1 to 4 plies,
preferably 1 to 3 plies. Typically none of these plurality of plies
is impervious to aqueous media.
[0122] The moistening component may comprise, as a further
moistener component, at least one preservative, which is able, for
example, to impart protection from microorganisms during long-term
storage. The preservative preferably provides an antimicrobial
activity, including antibacterial activity, antifungal activity or
antiviral activity, or a combination thereof.
[0123] The fiber composite material may, moreover, comprise active
skin-protection and/or skin-healing and/or skin-care substances
that give the skin an advantage above and beyond a mere sensory
and/or cosmetic advantage. For example, active skincare may be
provided in the form of a stimulation of skin regeneration, support
to skin physiology, reinforcement of the barrier function of the
skin.
[0124] The fiber composite material preferably has a basis weight
in a range between 30 g/m.sup.2 and 150 g/m.sup.2, preferably in a
range between 40 g/m.sup.2 and 80 g/m.sup.2, preferably in a range
between 45 g/m.sup.2 and 60 g/m.sup.2.
[0125] The fiber composite material may be used as mentioned in
particular as moisture-coherent hygiene paper, especially as
moisture-coherent cosmetic paper or as moisture-coherent toilet
paper. Application is generally as a hygiene article, i.e., more
particularly, as a wet wipe, cleansing wipe, caring wipe, hygiene
wipe, or tissue. A wet wipe may be embodied, for example, for
personal care, for instance as a cosmetic wipe or as a disinfecting
wipe, or as a wipe in household use.
[0126] The fiber composite material may also be embodied as a
pouch, casing or envelope, which may be closed or open, preferably
at one end. A pouch, a casing or an envelope made of a fiber
composite material preferably further surrounds a deodorant
composition and/or a fluid-absorbing composition, as for example
one or more copolymers of acrylic acid and sodium acrylate
(superabsorbents). For example, a fiber composite material in the
form of a pouch, casing or envelope may be a diaper, more
particularly an infant diaper.
[0127] Besides the fiber composite material, the invention also
relates to a moistening component for a fiber composite material as
described. A feature of the moistening component is that it
comprises at least one moistener which comprises at least one
volatile organic moistener component which has a constitution such
that a condensation product formed on a condensation surface by
evaporation and subsequent condensation of the volatile organic
moistener component and also of possible further constituents of
the moistening component leads to more negligible swelling of the
fiber elements and/or of the binder than a condensation product
formed of pure water. All observations in connection with the fiber
composite material are valid analogously for the moistening
component.
[0128] The invention further relates to an arrangement for storing
and packing a fiber composite material as described. The
arrangement comprises a storage and packing facility, a pack for
short, having a closed storage or packing volume for storing and
packing a fiber composite material, and at least one ply of a fiber
composite material accommodated in the storage or packaging volume.
The storage and packing facility may be an optionally reclosable
pack made from a suitable packaging material, in particular a
plastics material. All observations in connection with the fiber
composite material are valid analogously for the arrangement.
[0129] The invention relates, moreover, to a method for producing a
fiber composite material as described. All observations in
connection with the fiber composite material are valid analogously
for the method. The method comprises the following steps: [0130]
providing a fiber component comprising a number of fiber elements,
[0131] forming the moisture-coherent fiber composite material by
applying or adding an organic amphoteric component (optional), a
binder component comprising at least one binder which is soluble
and/or swellable on contact with water and which comprises at least
one organic binder component, more particularly formed of or
comprising at least one polysaccharide containing acid groups, and
a moistening component comprising at least one moistener which
comprises at least one volatile organic moistener component which
has a constitution such that a condensation product formed on a
condensation surface by evaporation and subsequent condensation of
the volatile organic moistener component and also optionally of
further constituents of the moistening component leads to more
negligible swelling and/or dissolution of the fiber elements and/or
of the binder than a condensation product formed of pure water, to
the fiber component. Individual, two or more or all of the
aforementioned components of the fiber composite material to be
produced in accordance with the method may be applied or added
simultaneously or in succession.
[0132] The fiber component provided or to be provided may be
present in the form of or manner of a nonwoven. The fiber component
provided or to be provided may be converted into a fiber web, by
carding, wet laying, air laying, spunbonding or melt blowing, for
example, and may be present as a fiber web. The fiber component may
be formed by the air laying process, also referred to as airlaid
process, in which (largely) all of the fiber elements are closely
mixed. The airlaid fiber component may subsequently be compressed
or consolidated.
[0133] Conceivable accordingly is the following embodiment of the
method, which, especially in connection with the provision or
production of the fiber component, comprises the following
additional steps:
[0134] The fiber composite material, which may be present as a
nonwoven or fleece material, is produced preferably by a method
further comprising the following steps:
(a1) providing fiber elements, (a2) laying down the fiber elements
on a receiving surface to give a fiber component, (a3)
consolidating or compressing the fiber component to give a
consolidated or compressed fiber component.
[0135] In steps (a1) and/or (a2) and/or (a3) and/or between steps
(a1), (a2) or (a3) and/or after step (c), it is possible to apply
or add an organic amphoteric component (optional), a binder
component comprising at least one binder which is swellable on
contact with water and which comprises at least one organic binder
component, more particularly formed of or comprising at least one
polysaccharide, and a moistening component comprising at least one
moistener which comprises at least one volatile organic moistener
component which has a constitution such that a condensation product
formed on a condensation surface by evaporation and subsequent
condensation of the volatile organic moistener component and also
optionally of further constituents of the moistening component
leads to more negligible swelling of the fiber elements and/or of
the binder than a condensation product formed of pure water.
[0136] In particular in step (a1) and/or during steps (a2) and/or
(a3), the binder component and the organic amphoteric component,
where present, are applied as an aqueous solution and/or as a foam
in succession, together or simultaneously, and thereafter
solidified at a temperature of greater than 100.degree. C.,
preferably greater than 120.degree. C., preferably greater than
150.degree. C. Subsequently the moistener component is preferably
applied. In an alternative embodiment, the binder component, the
organic amphoteric component, where present, and the moistening
component are applied in or after step (a3).
[0137] The binder component, the optional organic amphoteric
component, and the moistening component are preferably applied,
each independently of one another, by pad application, foam
application, and/or spraying. The binder component, the optional
organic amphoteric component, and the moistening component may be
applied separately from one another to in each case the same side
or to different sides of the fiber component or the fiber composite
material. The binder component, the optional organic amphoteric
component, and the moistening component may in this case be applied
simultaneously or nonsimultaneously (sequentially), in which case
the sequence of application can be varied.
[0138] Preferably first the binder component is applied to one side
or to both sides of the fiber component or the fiber composite
material. The setting of the binder component is followed
preferably by the application of the organic amphoteric component,
where present, to one side or to both sides of the fiber component
or the fiber composite material, preferably to the side(s) of the
fiber component or fiber composite material to which the binder
component was applied previously. The application of the binder
component, of the organic amphoteric component, where present, and
of the moistening component may alternatively take place in the
form of a mixture to one side or to both sides of the fiber
component or the fiber composite material.
[0139] The consolidating or compressing in step (a3) may be
accomplished by various methods, synchronously or temporally
staggered, i.e., for example, a method divided into preliminary and
subsequent consolidation and/or compressing, such as, for example,
calendering, rolling, embossing. By consolidating or compressing
the fiber composite material it is possible to adjust the thickness
and/or density of the fiber composite material.
[0140] If not already realized in step (a3), step (a4) following on
from step (a3) may comprise formation of a three-dimensional
structuring or surface structuring of the fiber composite material,
accomplished, for example, by embossing of the fiber composite
material. In this way it is possible for depressions and/or
elevations to be formed locally in the fiber composite
material.
[0141] The invention is elucidated with reference to an exemplary
embodiment in the drawings. Here, the single FIGURE shows a
conceptual representation of a fiber composite material according
to one exemplary embodiment.
[0142] The FIGURE shows a conceptual representation of a single-ply
or multi-ply, moisture-coherent fiber composite material 1
according to one exemplary embodiment. The fiber composite material
1 is accommodated in a closed pack interior 3 of a pack 4, defined
by pack walls 2. This provides an arrangement 5 for the storage and
packing of a fiber composite material 1. The arrangement 5
comprises a storage and packing facility, for short the pack 4,
having a closed storage or packing volume, for short the pack
interior 3, for storing and packing the fiber composite material 1,
and at least one ply of a fiber composite material 1 accommodated
in the storage or packing volume.
[0143] The fiber composite material 1 exhibits on the one hand a
comparatively high moisture coherence, i.e., a comparatively high
mechanical strength in the moist state, and on the other hand a
comparatively low wet strength, i.e., a comparatively low
mechanical strength on contact with water. The comparatively low
wet strength enables rapid and complete decomposition of the fiber
composite material 1 on contact with water into individual fiber
elements 6. Under short-term mechanical stressing, by rubbing on
the skin, for example, the fiber composite material 1 thus exhibits
sufficiently high mechanical moisture coherence. After introduction
into water, the fiber composite material 1 exhibits a sufficiently
low wet strength or high decomposability, so that, after disposal
of the fiber composite material 1, blockages in a wastewater system
are avoided and/or the fiber composite material 1 need not be
removed separately in the treatment plant ahead of the actual
cleaning of the wastewater. The fiber composite material 1 is
therefore especially suitable for use as moisture-coherent,
water-disintegrable hygiene paper, more particularly as
moisture-coherent, water-disintegrable cosmetic or cleansing paper,
or as moisture-coherent, water-disintegrable toilet paper.
[0144] The fiber composite material 1 preferably has a moisture
coherence of more than 3 N, more particularly in a range between 3
N and 250 N, preferably in a range between 4 N and 150 N, more
preferably in a range between 4.5 N to 120 N, more preferably in a
range between 5 N and 80 N, more preferably in a range between 6 N
to 55 N. When the fiber composite material 1 is embodied as moist
toilet paper, the fiber composite material 1 has, for example, a
moisture coherence in a range between 8 N and 14 N, preferably in a
range between 10 N and 12 N.
[0145] The fiber composite material 1 preferably has a wet strength
of at most 2 N, preferably of at most 1 N, more preferably of at
most 0.5 N. More particularly the fiber composite material 1, with
a moisture coherence of more than 3 N, has a wet strength of at
most 2 N, preferably at most 1 N, more preferably at most 0.5
N.
[0146] Consequently, in spite of a comparatively high moisture
coherence, the fiber composite material 1 enables (largely)
complete decomposition on contact with water, i.e., in particular,
after introduction into water. After being introduced into water,
the fiber composite material 1 typically decomposes within less
than 1 hour, preferably within less than 15 minutes, preferably
within less than 1 minute, more preferably within less than 30
seconds. As mentioned, after decomposition has taken place, there
are individual fiber elements 6 present which are no longer joined
to one another, and so, for example, blockages in wastewater
systems can be avoided.
[0147] The moisture coherence and the wet strength of the fiber
composite material 1 are defined by the composition of the
components forming the fiber composite material 1, and can be
defined in a targeted way through targeted variation in the
composition of the components forming the fiber composite material
1.
[0148] As essential components the fiber composite material 1
comprises at least one fiber component 7, at least one organic
amphoteric component 8 (optional), at least one binder component 9,
and at least one moistening component 10.
[0149] The fiber component 7 comprises a number of fiber elements
6, which are optionally swellable on contact with water or with an
aqueous solution. The fiber elements 6 and the fiber component 7,
respectively, may therefore have a certain uptake capacity for
water, so leading, on contact with water, to a swelling (volume
increase) of the fiber elements 6 or of the fiber component 7. The
fiber component 7 serves as the base matrix of the fiber composite
material 1.
[0150] The optional, preferably water-soluble organic amphoteric
component 8, which in the exemplary embodiment is an amphoteric
amine or amine salt, may serve both as an acceptor and a donor of
protons, i.e., may react both as a Bronsted acid and as a Bronsted
base. The organic amphoteric component 8 serves to form a polysalt
or a polymeric aggregate with the binder component 9, which
together with a moistener associated with the moistening component
10 is nonsoluble or nondispersible.
[0151] The preferably water-soluble binder component 9 comprises at
least one binder which is soluble or swellable on contact with
water or with an aqueous solution and which comprises at least one
binder component which is organic, in other words which in the
exemplary embodiment is formed of or comprises at least one
polysaccharide containing acid groups. The binder therefore has a
certain uptake capacity for water, which on contact with water
results in swelling (volume increase) and/or dissolution of the
binder. The binder component 9 serves to join the fiber elements 6
of the fiber component 7 to one another. For example, after
application to the fiber elements 6 and subsequent drying, the
binder is able to attach to the fiber elements 6, so joining the
fiber elements 6 to one another. The binder may be joined via
hydrogen bonds to the fiber elements 6 of the fiber component
7.
[0152] The moistening component 10 comprises a moistener. The
moistener comprises a number of moistener components, i.e., more
particularly, organic compounds and water. The moistening component
10 serves for taking up and storing moisture, and gives the fiber
composite material 1 a moist tactility or a certain moisture
content. The moistener also serves to diminish or prevent
drying-out of the fiber composite material 1, by binding, for
example, moisture (atmospheric humidity) or water and/or by
diminishing the evaporation of water. The moistening component 10
serves further for modifying the swelling properties of the binder,
especially in relation to swelling of the binder by water contained
in the moistening component 10.
[0153] The fiber composite material 1 is notable for a special
composition of its components, especially of the moistening
component 10, which enables improved shelflife of the moisture
material 1 in a closed pack 4.
[0154] Critical to this is that the moistening component 10 or the
moistener comprises at least one volatile organic moistener
component 11. The constitution of the volatile organic moistener
component 11 is such that a condensation product 12, in the form,
for example, of a drop of condensation or film of condensation,
formed by evaporation and subsequent condensation of the volatile
organic moistener component and also of any further constituents of
the moistening component 10 on a condensation surface, i.e., for
example, a pack wall 2, on contact with the fiber composite
material 1, leads to more negligible swelling of the fiber elements
6 and/or of the binder than a condensation product formed of pure
water. In particular, on contact with the fiber composite material
1, a condensation product 12 of this kind leads to more negligible
swelling of the fiber element 6 and/or of the binder than a
condensation product 12 not comprising a volatile organic moistener
component 11.
[0155] The volatile organic moistener component 11 therefore has a
constitution such that it (considerably) reduces the water fraction
in a condensation product 12 formed by evaporation and
condensation, and so contact of the condensation product 12 with
the fiber composite material 1 leads, if at all, to a considerably
more negligible swelling of the fiber elements 6 and/or of the
binder. The condensation product 12 formed by evaporation and
subsequent condensation of the volatile organic moistener component
11 and also of any further constituents of the moistening component
10 on a condensation surface is therefore not water (of greater or
lesser purity) which, on contact with the fiber composite material
1, would lead to unwanted irreversible local swelling or
decomposition of the fiber composite material 1 and to an
associated loss of strength/coherence on the part of the fiber
composite material 1 within the pack 4, but is instead the volatile
moistener component 11 or a solution which comprises the volatile
moistener component 11 in sufficient concentration and which, on
contact with the fiber composite material 1, does not lead to any
unwanted irreversible local swelling or decomposition of the fiber
composite material 1 and to any associated loss of
strength/coherence of the fiber composite material 1 within the
pack 4.
[0156] The proportional composition of the moistening component 10
is therefore selected, through the presence of the volatile
moistener component 11 in a sufficiently high concentration, such
that an evaporation product 13 (vapor phase) coming about through
evaporation is established, especially temperature-independently in
relation to the resultant concentrational fractions of the
evaporation product 13, such that a condensation product 12 formed
by condensation of the evaporation product 13 on a condensation
surface does not, on contact with the fiber composite material 1,
adversely affect the coherence/strength of the fiber composite
material 1.
[0157] The use of a volatile organic moistener component 11 enables
a desired tailoring of the vapor pressures of the evaporable or
evaporating moistener components contained in the moistener. Here,
the volatile organic moistener component 11 has the highest vapor
pressure or partial pressure--the vapor pressure of the volatile
organic moistener component 11 is therefore higher than the vapor
pressure of all the other moistener components, and so the volatile
organic moistener component 11 evaporates preferentially and
represents the essential fraction of the evaporated moistener
components present in the vapor phase.
[0158] The volatile organic moistener component 11 lowers the
proportional water vapor partial pressure of the water present in
the moistener and so reduces the fraction of water in the
evaporation product 13. Accordingly, of course, the condensation
product 12 formed by condensation from the evaporation product 13
also has a reduced water fraction; the reduced water fraction
ensures that the condensation product 13, on contact with the fiber
composite material 1, does not lead to unwanted local swelling or
decomposition of the fiber composite material 1 in the pack 4.
[0159] The fiber composite material 1 is therefore notable for a
particular shelflife, including, in particular, under changing
climatic conditions, i.e., in particular, temperature gradients or
temperature changes. Also countered is the problem of the local
depletion, occurring on contact with an aqueous condensation
product 13, in bactericidal and/or bacteriostatic or fungicidal
and/or fungiostatic substances in the fiber composite material 1.
In this context it should be mentioned that the volatile organic
moistener component 11 may also itself have bactericidal and/or
bacteriostatic or fungicidal and/or fungiostatic properties.
[0160] The volatile organic moistener component 11 is a volatile
alcohol or a mixture of at least two volatile alcohols. In the case
of a corresponding volatile alcohol, present optionally in a
mixture of two volatile alcohols, the alcohol in question may
comprise methanol, ethanol or propanol, butanol, pentanol. The
volatile organic moistener component 11 is preferably a nontoxic
volatile alcohol.
[0161] The volatile organic moistener component 11 may have a
weight fraction of 1 to 90 wt %, more particularly below 50 wt %,
preferably below 35 wt %, more preferably below 20 wt %, very
preferably below 10 wt %, based on the total weight of the
moistener or of the moistening component 10. Even comparatively
small concentrations of the volatile organic moistener component 11
in the moistener lead to a disproportionately high fraction of the
volatile organic moistener component 11 in the evaporation product
13. It has, for example, been possible to show that a weight
fraction of around 20 wt % of a volatile organic moistener
component 11 leads to a molar fraction of more than 50% in an
evaporation product 13. The volatile organic moistener component
may have a molar fraction of 5 to 95%, more particularly 7 to 50%,
preferably 10 to 50%, in the evaporation product 13.
[0162] The constitution of the volatile organic moistener component
11 is additionally such that through evaporation of the volatile
organic moistener component 11 and also of any further moistener
components, a positively azeotropic evaporation product can be
formed or is formed. Through the possibility of forming a
positively azeotropic evaporation product, on reduced water vapor
partial pressure, the fraction of water, which is significant for
the unwanted local swelling or decomposition of the fiber composite
material 1, in the evaporation product 13 (vapor phase) and in the
condensation product is further reduced.
[0163] The further moistener components are in comparison less
volatile than the volatile organic moistener component 11. Examples
of the further moistener components are polyhydric alcohols of low
molecular mass, especially 1,2-propanediol (propylene glycol), and
hygroscopic substances, especially salts. The moistener may
therefore comprise, as a further moistener component, a hygroscopic
moistener component, more particularly 1,2-propanediol and/or a
salt. The use of one or more hygroscopic moistener components
reduces the water fraction in the evaporation product 13 (vapor
phase) further.
[0164] In the exemplary embodiment, the fiber component 7 comprises
fiber elements 6 of natural, i.e., animal or plant, fiber composite
materials. The fiber elements 6 are preferably cellulose fibers.
The fiber component may comprise 40 to about 95 wt %, more
preferably 60 to 90 wt %, of cellulose fibers, based in each case
on the total weight of the dry fiber composite material 1. The
length of the fiber elements 6 is typically in a range between 0.2
and 6 mm. The fiber composite material 1 preferably has no fiber
elements 6 having a fiber length of more than 6 mm. The fiber
length of the fiber elements 6 is typically below a specific
plugging limit.
[0165] The organic amphoteric component 8 is, as mentioned, an
amphoteric amine or amine salt. The amine may be a preferably
water-soluble aminocarboxylic acid, more preferably an
alpha-aminocarboxylic acid.
[0166] The binder component 9 comprises, as mentioned, a binder
which is swellable on contact with water and which comprises an
organic binder component formed of a preferably water-soluble
polysaccharide. The polysaccharide typically has at least one acid
group-containing or carboxyl group-containing residue. The
polysaccharide is preferably selected from the following group:
carboxymethylcellulose (CMC), carboxymethylstarch (CMS), and
mixtures or combinations thereof.
[0167] Besides the volatile organic moistener component 11, the
moistening component 10, as mentioned, has further moistener
components. The further moistener components serve typically (also)
to (largely) ensure the particular properties, i.e., more
particularly, the moisture coherence properties and the
decomposition properties in water, of the fiber composite material
1, even on (repeated) opening and at least partial reclosing of a
pack 4 accommodating the fiber composite material 1, or when using
the fiber composite material 1 outside a pack 4 with associated at
least partial evaporation of the volatile organic moistener
component 11. Therefore, even on (repeated) opening and at least
partial reclosing of a pack 4 accommodating the fiber composite
material 1, or when the fiber composite material 1 is used outside
a pack 4 and there is associated at least partial evaporation of
the volatile organic moistener component 11, the fiber composite
material 1 has (largely) its particular properties.
[0168] The further moistener components, besides water, comprise at
least one organic component, which is selected from the following
group: (in comparison to the volatile organic moistener component,
low-volatility) aliphatic alcohols, aliphatic ethers, aliphatic
esters, monosaccharides, oligosaccharides, and mixtures or
combinations thereof, preferably aliphatic alcohols, aliphatic
ethers, and mixtures or combinations thereof, more preferably
ethane-1,2-diol, propane-1,2-diol, propane-1,3-diol,
1,2,3-propanetriol, and mixtures or combinations thereof. As a
further moistener component, therefore, the moistener may comprise
at least one organic component, which from aliphatic alcohols,
aliphatic ethers, aliphatic esters, monosaccharides,
oligosaccharides, and mixtures or combinations thereof. The further
organic moistener component may, moreover, comprise at least one
polyvalent metal cation, especially Ca.sup.2+ and/or Zn.sup.2+.
* * * * *