JPH11269754A - Biodegradable continuous filament nonwoven fabric and its production - Google Patents

Biodegradable continuous filament nonwoven fabric and its production

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Publication number
JPH11269754A
JPH11269754A JP7295898A JP7295898A JPH11269754A JP H11269754 A JPH11269754 A JP H11269754A JP 7295898 A JP7295898 A JP 7295898A JP 7295898 A JP7295898 A JP 7295898A JP H11269754 A JPH11269754 A JP H11269754A
Authority
JP
Japan
Prior art keywords
fiber
nonwoven fabric
polylactic acid
based polymer
long
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Granted
Application number
JP7295898A
Other languages
Japanese (ja)
Other versions
JP3556089B2 (en
Inventor
Atsushi Matsunaga
篤 松永
Mamiko Matsunaga
雅美子 松永
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Unitika Ltd
Original Assignee
Unitika Ltd
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Filing date
Publication date
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Priority to JP7295898A priority Critical patent/JP3556089B2/en
Publication of JPH11269754A publication Critical patent/JPH11269754A/en
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Publication of JP3556089B2 publication Critical patent/JP3556089B2/en
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Expired - Fee Related legal-status Critical Current

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  • Multicomponent Fibers (AREA)
  • Nonwoven Fabrics (AREA)
  • Biological Depolymerization Polymers (AREA)

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To produce a biodegradable continuous filament nonwoven fabric having an excellent mechanical strength and excellent softness and further controllable biodegradability and to provide a method for production thereof. SOLUTION: This biodegradable continuous filament nonwoven fabric is produced by respectively separately melting a polyalkylene alkanoate and a polylactic acid-based polymer and melt spinning the resultant melt through a multilobed type conjugated spinning spinneret capable of forming a core part 2 of the polyalkylene alkanoate, forming plural protruding parts 3 independent in the circumferential direction of the core part 2 of the polylactic acid-based polymer in the fiber cross section and forming the core part 2 and the protruding parts 3 so as to make the core part 2 continuous without being divided into sections by the protruding parts 3 and further make both the core part 2 and the protruding parts 3 continuous in the fiber axial direction to be alternately exposed on the fiber surface, cooling the extruded yarn extruded from the spinneret, drawing and attenuating the yarn at >=2,000 m/min drawing speed, opening the yarn, depositing the resultant continuous filaments, forming a nonwoven web, carrying out the thermocompression of the formed nonwoven web and forming the nonwoven fabric.

Description

【発明の詳細な説明】DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

【０００１】[0001]

【発明の属する技術分野】本発明は、機械的強力に優
れ、柔軟性に富み地合が良好で、しかも生分解性を有し
てその生分解性を制御可能な生分解性長繊維不織布およ
びその製造方法に関し、特に、医療・衛生材料、拭き取
り布や包装材料や家庭・業務用の生ごみ捕集用袋などの
一般生活関連材、あるいは農業・園芸用や土木用に代表
される産業資材などの各素材として好適に使用できる生
分解性長繊維不織布およびその製造方法に関する。The present invention relates to a biodegradable long-fiber nonwoven fabric which is excellent in mechanical strength, rich in flexibility and good in formation, has biodegradability and can control its biodegradability. Regarding the manufacturing method, especially medical and sanitary materials, general living related materials such as wipes and packaging materials, household and business garbage collection bags, and industrial materials such as agricultural, horticultural and civil engineering The present invention relates to a biodegradable long-fiber nonwoven fabric which can be suitably used as each material such as the above, and a method for producing the same.

【０００２】[0002]

【従来の技術】従来より、上述の医療・衛生材料や一般
生活関連材や産業資材として、廃棄処理が容易でしかも
生活・自然環境を保護できる、生分解性を有する不織布
の利用が進められている。2. Description of the Related Art Biodegradable nonwoven fabrics which can be easily disposed of and which can protect living and natural environments have been used as the medical and sanitary materials, general living materials and industrial materials. I have.

【０００３】このような生分解性不織布としては、例え
ば、乾式法あるいは溶液浸漬法により得られるビスコー
スレーヨン短繊維不織布、湿式法により得られるキュプ
ラレーヨン長繊維不織布やビスコースレーヨン長繊維不
織布、キチンやコラーゲンのような天然物の再生繊維か
らなる不織布、コットンからなるスパンレース不織布な
どが知られている。しかしこれらの不織布は機械的強力
にやや劣り、また親水性であるため吸水・湿潤時には著
しく機械的強力が低下し、また、非熱可塑性であること
から熱成形性を有さず、加工性に劣るという問題があっ
た。[0003] Such biodegradable nonwoven fabrics include, for example, viscose rayon short fiber nonwoven fabric obtained by dry method or solution immersion method, cupra rayon long fiber nonwoven fabric or viscose rayon long fiber nonwoven fabric obtained by wet method, chitin Nonwoven fabrics made of regenerated fibers of natural products such as collagen and collagen, spunlace nonwoven fabrics made of cotton, and the like are known. However, these nonwoven fabrics have a slightly lower mechanical strength, and also have a significantly reduced mechanical strength when absorbing and wetting because of their hydrophilicity.In addition, since they are non-thermoplastic, they do not have thermoformability and have poor processability. There was a problem of inferiority.

【０００４】そのため、吸水・湿潤時の機械的強力の低
下を防止し、不織布に熱成形性を付与する目的で、生分
解性を有する熱可塑性重合体を溶融紡糸したスパンボン
ド不織布が提案されている。生分解性を有する熱可塑性
重合体としては、脂肪族ポリエステルが好適に用いら
れ、例えば、ポリ−β−ヒドロキシアルカノエートや、
ポリカプロラクトンに代表されるポリ−ω−ヒドロキシ
アルカノエートや、ポリブチレンサクシネートのような
グリコールとジカルボン酸との重縮合体からなるポリア
ルキレンジカルボキシレートまたはこれらの共重合体が
挙げられる。しかしこれらの熱可塑性重合体は、一般に
生分解性に優れるものほど融点や結晶化温度が低く、結
晶化速度も遅いという傾向にある。融点や結晶化温度が
低くなり、結晶化速度が遅くなると、紡出糸条の冷却性
や開繊性が悪くなり紡出糸条が密着しやすくなる。従っ
て、生分解性の良い重合体ほど製糸性に劣り、場合によ
っては不織布とすることができないものや、不織布化は
できても機械的強力や地合いに極めて劣ったものにな
る。また、糸条の密着が生じると、本来期待される生分
解性能を十分に発揮することができなくなる。さらに、
不織布の形態を保持するために熱接着処理を施すと、重
合体の融点が低いため全面的に熱融着が施され、柔軟性
の高い不織布が得られないという問題もあった。[0004] Therefore, a spunbonded nonwoven fabric obtained by melt-spinning a biodegradable thermoplastic polymer has been proposed for the purpose of preventing a decrease in mechanical strength at the time of water absorption / wetting and imparting thermoformability to the nonwoven fabric. I have. As the thermoplastic polymer having biodegradability, aliphatic polyesters are suitably used, for example, poly-β-hydroxyalkanoate,
Examples thereof include poly-ω-hydroxyalkanoates represented by polycaprolactone, polyalkylene dicarboxylates composed of a polycondensate of a glycol and a dicarboxylic acid such as polybutylene succinate, and copolymers thereof. However, these thermoplastic polymers generally tend to have a lower melting point and a lower crystallization temperature and a lower crystallization rate as the biodegradability becomes higher. When the melting point and the crystallization temperature are lowered and the crystallization speed is lowered, the cooling property and the spreadability of the spun yarn are deteriorated, and the spun yarn tends to adhere. Therefore, a polymer having better biodegradability is inferior in spinnability, and in some cases, cannot be made into a nonwoven fabric, or even if it can be made into a nonwoven fabric, it becomes extremely poor in mechanical strength and formation. In addition, when the thread is closely adhered, the originally expected biodegradability cannot be sufficiently exhibited. further,
When a thermal bonding treatment is performed to maintain the shape of the nonwoven fabric, the polymer has a low melting point, so that the entire surface is subjected to thermal fusion, so that a nonwoven fabric having high flexibility cannot be obtained.

【０００５】近年では、高重合度のポリマーを効率的に
製造しうる新しい重合法が開発され、ポリ−Ｌ−乳酸に
代表されるようなポリ−α−オキシ酸の繊維化ならびに
不織布化が種々検討されている。中でもポリ乳酸系重合
体は前記の熱可塑性重合体に比べ融点や結晶化温度が比
較的高く、結晶化速度も速いため、紡出糸条の冷却性や
開繊性に優れ製糸性が良く機械的強力に優れた不織布が
得られ、この不織布に熱接着処理を施しても全面融着す
ることがなく、柔軟性を兼ね備えた不織布とすることが
できる。また、前記ポリ乳酸系重合体を用いた長繊維不
織布として、例えば、芯部を融点が低く生分解性のよい
ポリアルキレンアルカノエートのような重合体にて形成
し、鞘部を比較的融点が高く製糸性に優れたポリ乳酸系
重合体にて形成した芯鞘型複合長繊維からなる不織布が
提案されている。このような芯鞘型複合長繊維によって
も、紡出糸条の冷却性や開繊性が良くなり、機械的強力
と柔軟性とを兼ね備えた長繊維不織布が得られる。しか
し、このようなポリ乳酸系重合体を用いた長繊維不織布
は、他の重合体を用いたものに比べ生分解性能が低下す
るため長期間不織布の形態を保つ目的のものにしか使用
できず、利用分野が限られるものであった。[0005] In recent years, a new polymerization method capable of efficiently producing a polymer having a high degree of polymerization has been developed, and various types of fiberization and nonwoven fabric of poly-α-oxyacid represented by poly-L-lactic acid have been developed. Are being considered. Among them, the polylactic acid-based polymer has a relatively high melting point and crystallization temperature and a high crystallization rate as compared with the above-mentioned thermoplastic polymer, and thus has excellent cooling and opening properties of the spun yarn and excellent spinning properties. A nonwoven fabric having excellent mechanical strength can be obtained, and even if this nonwoven fabric is subjected to a heat bonding treatment, the whole surface does not fuse and a nonwoven fabric having flexibility can be obtained. Further, as a long-fiber nonwoven fabric using the polylactic acid-based polymer, for example, the core portion is formed of a polymer such as polyalkylene alkanoate having a low melting point and good biodegradability, and the sheath portion has a relatively high melting point. Nonwoven fabrics comprising core-sheath composite long fibers formed of a polylactic acid-based polymer having high yarn-making properties have been proposed. Even with such a core-sheath type composite continuous fiber, the cooling property and the openability of the spun yarn are improved, and a continuous fiber nonwoven fabric having both mechanical strength and flexibility can be obtained. However, a long-fiber nonwoven fabric using such a polylactic acid-based polymer can only be used for the purpose of maintaining the form of the nonwoven fabric for a long period of time because the biodegradability is lower than that using other polymers. However, the field of use was limited.

【０００６】上記の芯鞘型複合長繊維からなる生分解性
不織布は、使用する重合体の種類や繊度などを変更する
ことにより生分解性の制御を行っていたが、製糸性と生
分解性とのバランスが取り難く、また芯鞘型複合長繊維
であるため、芯部に生分解性に優れた重合体であるポリ
アルキレンアルカノエートを配置しても外部すなわち繊
維表面の鞘部には生分解性に劣る重合体であるポリ乳酸
系重合体が芯部を覆って配置されており、このため微妙
な生分解性の制御を行うことは困難であった。The biodegradability of the biodegradable nonwoven fabric made of the above-mentioned core-sheath type composite filament has been controlled by changing the type and fineness of the polymer used. Because it is a core-sheath composite long fiber, even if a polyalkylene alkanoate, which is a polymer with excellent biodegradability, is placed on the core, the outer sheath, that is, the sheath on the fiber surface, does not Since a polylactic acid-based polymer, which is a polymer having poor degradability, is disposed so as to cover the core, it is difficult to delicately control biodegradability.

【０００７】このように、適度な機械的強力と柔軟性と
を兼ね備え、しかも生分解性を制御可能な不織布は得ら
れていないのが現状である。[0007] As described above, at present, a nonwoven fabric having both moderate mechanical strength and flexibility and capable of controlling biodegradability has not been obtained.

【０００８】[0008]

【発明が解決しようとする課題】本発明は、前記問題点
を解決し、優れた機械的強力と柔軟性とを兼ね備え、し
かも生分解性を制御可能な生分解性長繊維不織布および
その製造方法を提供するものである。DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION The present invention solves the above-mentioned problems, and provides a biodegradable long-fiber nonwoven fabric having both excellent mechanical strength and flexibility and capable of controlling biodegradability, and a method for producing the same. Is provided.

【０００９】[0009]

【課題を解決するための手段】本発明者らは、上記課題
を解決するために鋭意検討をした結果、本発明に至った
ものである。すなわち本発明は生分解性多葉型複合長繊
維にて形成された不織布であって、前記生分解性多葉型
複合長繊維がポリアルキレンアルカノエートとポリ乳酸
系重合体とから形成される複合長繊維であり、この複合
長繊維の繊維断面においてポリアルキレンアルカノエー
トが芯部を形成し、ポリ乳酸系重合体が前記ポリアルキ
レンアルカノエートの円周方向に独立した突起部を複数
形成し、しかも前記ポリアルキレンアルカノエート成分
はポリ乳酸系重合体成分によって分断されることなく連
続しており、かつポリアルキレンアルカノエート成分及
びポリ乳酸系重合体成分が共に繊維軸方向に連続すると
ともに繊維表面において交互に露出してなり、前記生分
解性多葉型複合長繊維からなる不織ウエブが、部分的に
熱圧接されて所定の形態を保持されていることを特徴と
する生分解性長繊維不織布を要旨とするものである。Means for Solving the Problems The present inventors have made intensive studies to solve the above-mentioned problems, and as a result, have reached the present invention. That is, the present invention is a nonwoven fabric formed of a biodegradable multi-leaf conjugated long fiber, wherein the biodegradable multi-leaf conjugated long fiber is formed from a polyalkylene alkanoate and a polylactic acid-based polymer. Polyalkylene alkanoate forms a core in the fiber cross section of the composite long fiber, and the polylactic acid-based polymer forms a plurality of circumferentially independent projections of the polyalkylene alkanoate, and The polyalkylene alkanoate component is continuous without being divided by the polylactic acid-based polymer component, and both the polyalkylene alkanoate component and the polylactic acid-based polymer component are continuous in the fiber axis direction and alternate on the fiber surface. The non-woven web composed of the biodegradable multi-leaf conjugated filaments is partially heated and pressed to maintain a predetermined form. It is to summarized as biodegradable filament nonwoven fabric, characterized in that.

【００１０】本発明によれば、不織布を構成する長繊維
を多葉型複合長繊維とし、その芯部を不織布とした際に
機械的強力が得られないポリアルキレンアルカノエート
にて形成したにもかかわらず、複数の突起部をポリ乳酸
系重合体にて形成することで、得られた不織布は優れた
機械的強力を有するものとなる。また、融点の高いポリ
乳酸系重合体を突起部に配置することで、融点の低いポ
リアルキレンアルカノエートからなる芯部を利用した部
分的熱圧接が可能となり、不織布は柔軟性を有するもの
となる。さらに、芯部を生分解性に優れたポリアルキレ
ンアルカノエートにて形成し、突起部を生分解性にやや
劣るポリ乳酸系重合体にて形成したため、繊維横断面に
おける芯部と突起部との割合を適宜に調整することで生
分解性を制御可能な生分解性長繊維不織布を提供するこ
とができる。According to the present invention, the long fiber constituting the nonwoven fabric is a multi-leaf conjugated long fiber, and the core portion is formed of a polyalkylene alkanoate which does not provide mechanical strength when the nonwoven fabric is used. Regardless, by forming the plurality of protrusions with a polylactic acid-based polymer, the obtained nonwoven fabric has excellent mechanical strength. Further, by arranging a polylactic acid-based polymer having a high melting point on the protrusions, it becomes possible to perform partial heat welding using a core made of a polyalkylene alkanoate having a low melting point, and the nonwoven fabric has flexibility. . Furthermore, since the core was formed of polyalkylene alkanoate having excellent biodegradability, and the protrusion was formed of a polylactic acid-based polymer having a slightly inferior biodegradability, the core and the protrusion in the fiber cross-section A biodegradable long-fiber nonwoven fabric whose biodegradability can be controlled can be provided by appropriately adjusting the ratio.

【００１１】また、本発明は、ポリアルキレンアルカノ
エートとポリ乳酸系重合体とを用いて、それぞれを個別
に溶融し、繊維横断面において、ポリアルキレンアルカ
ノエートが芯部を形成し、ポリ乳酸系重合体が前記ポリ
アルキレンアルカノエートの円周方向に独立した突起部
を複数形成し、しかも前記ポリアルキレンアルカノエー
ト成分はポリ乳酸系重合体成分によって分断されること
なく連続しており、かつポリアルキレンアルカノエート
成分及びポリ乳酸系重合体成分が共に繊維軸方向に連続
するとともに繊維表面において交互に露出するように形
成可能な多葉型複合紡糸口金を介して溶融紡糸し、前記
口金より紡出した紡出糸条を冷却し、２０００ｍ／分以
上の牽引速度にて牽引細化して開繊し、得られた長繊維
を堆積させて不織ウエブを形成し、前記不織ウエブに熱
圧接を施して不織布を形成することを特徴とする生分解
性長繊維不織布の製造方法を要旨とするものである。[0011] The present invention also relates to a polyalkylene alkanoate and a polylactic acid-based polymer, each of which is individually melted, and the polyalkylene alkanoate forms a core in a cross section of the fiber. The polymer forms a plurality of circumferentially independent protrusions of the polyalkylene alkanoate, and the polyalkylene alkanoate component is continuous without being separated by the polylactic acid-based polymer component, and The alkanoate component and the polylactic acid-based polymer component were melt-spun through a multi-leaf composite spinneret that can be formed so as to be both continuous in the fiber axis direction and alternately exposed on the fiber surface, and spun from the die. The spun yarn is cooled, drawn and thinned at a drawing speed of 2000 m / min or more, and the obtained filaments are deposited and non-woven. Forming a Ebb, the one in which the gist of the method for manufacturing a biodegradable filament nonwoven fabric and forming the nonwoven web to be subjected to hot pressing nonwoven fabric.

【００１２】本発明によれば、不織布を形成する複合長
繊維を溶融紡糸する際の牽引速度を２０００ｍ／分以上
とすることで、紡出糸条の冷却性・可紡性や開繊性を良
好にし、得られる不織布の機械的強力や寸法安定性を向
上させることができる。According to the present invention, the cooling, spinnability and openability of the spun yarn are improved by setting the drawing speed at the time of melt-spinning the composite filament forming the nonwoven fabric to 2000 m / min or more. It is possible to improve the mechanical strength and dimensional stability of the obtained nonwoven fabric.

【００１３】[0013]

【発明の実施の形態】本発明の生分解性長繊維不織布
は、芯部がポリアルキレンアルカノエートにて形成され
突起部がポリ乳酸系重合体にて形成された生分解性多葉
型複合長繊維にて形成される必要がある。ポリアルキレ
ンアルカノエートは、融点が低く生分解性に優れた重合
体であり、ポリ乳酸系重合体は、融点が高く紡出糸条の
冷却性や開繊性などの製糸性に優れた重合体である。こ
のように、生分解性に優れたポリアルキレンアルカノエ
ートにて芯部を形成することで、不織布に良好な生分解
性が付与され、複数の突起部をポリ乳酸系重合体にて形
成することで、不織布の機械的強力が維持され、低融点
のポリ乳酸系重合体からなる芯成分を利用して長繊維ウ
エブに部分熱圧接を施す際にも高融点のポリ乳酸系重合
体からなる突起部は溶融しないために全融着することが
なくなり不織布に柔軟性を付与することができる。さら
に、多葉型複合長繊維とすることで、互いに生分解性が
相違する芯部と突起部との配合割合の調整が行いやすく
なり、生分解性が制御可能となる。BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION The biodegradable long-fiber nonwoven fabric of the present invention has a biodegradable multi-leaf composite length having a core portion formed of a polyalkylene alkanoate and a projection portion formed of a polylactic acid-based polymer. It must be formed of fibers. Polyalkylene alkanoate is a polymer with low melting point and excellent biodegradability, and polylactic acid-based polymer is a polymer with high melting point and excellent spinning properties such as cooling and opening properties of spun yarn. It is. As described above, by forming the core portion with a polyalkylene alkanoate having excellent biodegradability, good biodegradability is imparted to the nonwoven fabric, and a plurality of protrusions are formed from a polylactic acid-based polymer. Therefore, the mechanical strength of the nonwoven fabric is maintained, and the projection made of the high-melting-point polylactic acid-based polymer is used even when the long fiber web is subjected to partial heat welding using the core component made of the low-melting-point polylactic-acid-based polymer. Since the portion does not melt, it does not fuse completely and can impart flexibility to the nonwoven fabric. Furthermore, by using a multi-leaf type composite long fiber, it becomes easy to adjust the blending ratio of the core and the protrusion having different biodegradability, and the biodegradability can be controlled.

【００１４】詳しくは図１〜図３に示すように、本発明
の多葉型複合長繊維１は、その繊維横断面において、ポ
リアルキレンアルカノエートからなる芯部２と、芯部２
の円周方向に独立して形成されたポリ乳酸系重合体から
なる複数の突起部３とが繊維表面において交互に露出
し、また芯部２は突起部３によって分断されることなく
連続するように構成される必要がある。芯部２と突起部
３とが繊維表面において交互に露出することで、紡出糸
条の冷却性や開繊性が良くなり、また芯部２が突起部３
によって分断されることなく連続することで良好な生分
解性が付与される。また、芯部２および突起部３は共に
繊維軸方向に連続していることが必要である。芯部２お
よび突起部３のいずれもが繊維軸方向に連続するよう構
成することで、繊維横断面の安定性や製糸性や繊維の機
械的特性を向上させることができる。すなわち、このよ
うな繊維横断面形状を有する長繊維を適用することによ
り、芯部２を形成するポリアルキレンアルカノエートが
冷却性及び開繊性に劣る重合体であるにもかかわらず、
突起部３に配設するポリ乳酸系重合体成分により糸条間
の凝集が防止され紡出糸条の冷却性及び開繊性が向上
し、また、ポリ乳酸系重合体成分が生分解性能に劣る重
合体であるにもかかわらず、ポリアルキレンアルカノエ
ートの生分解性能が優れるため、経時的にポリ乳酸系重
合体成分が小片として取り残される状態となり、この小
片の繊度が極めて細かいことから、不織布としての生分
解性能には優れる結果となる。As shown in detail in FIGS. 1 to 3, the multilobal conjugated long fiber 1 of the present invention has a core 2 made of a polyalkylene alkanoate, and a core 2 made of a polyalkylene alkanoate.
And a plurality of protrusions 3 made of a polylactic acid-based polymer formed independently in the circumferential direction are alternately exposed on the fiber surface, and the core 2 is continuous without being separated by the protrusions 3. Must be configured. The core 2 and the projections 3 are alternately exposed on the fiber surface, so that the cooling property and the opening property of the spun yarn are improved.
Good biodegradability is provided by being continued without being separated by the above. Further, both the core 2 and the projection 3 need to be continuous in the fiber axis direction. By configuring both the core 2 and the projection 3 so as to be continuous in the fiber axis direction, it is possible to improve the stability of the fiber cross section, the spinning property, and the mechanical properties of the fiber. That is, by applying a long fiber having such a fiber cross-sectional shape, despite the fact that the polyalkylene alkanoate forming the core portion 2 is a polymer having poor cooling and opening properties,
The coagulation between the yarns is prevented by the polylactic acid-based polymer component disposed on the projections 3, thereby improving the cooling property and the spreadability of the spun yarn, and the polylactic acid-based polymer component improves the biodegradability. Despite being an inferior polymer, the biodegradability of polyalkylene alkanoate is excellent, so that the polylactic acid-based polymer component is left as small pieces over time, and the fineness of the small pieces is extremely small, so that the nonwoven fabric As a result.

【００１５】なお、芯部２の円周方向に独立した突起部
３の配設形態は、上記の繊維横断面形状を満足するもの
であれば特に限定されるものではないが、突起部３が繊
維横断面の外周上に各々等間隔に位置していることが好
ましい。突起部３が繊維横断面の外周上に各々片寄りを
もって位置すると、紡糸工程において紡出糸条がニーリ
ングを発生すると共に、ウエブを熱圧接する際に繊維同
士が接着しにくくなり、突起部３と芯部２との接着点が
均一に付与できず不織布の強力にむらが生じやすくな
る。さらに、各突起部３はすべて同じ割合で芯部２に埋
没するように配設されていることが好ましい。突起部３
が各々異なる割合で芯部２の中に埋没すると、ウエブを
熱圧接する際に繊維同士が接着しにくく、突起部３と芯
部２との接着点が均一に付与できないため不織布の強力
にむらが生じやすくなる。The arrangement of the protrusions 3 independent in the circumferential direction of the core 2 is not particularly limited as long as the protrusions 3 satisfy the above-mentioned fiber cross-sectional shape. It is preferable that they are located at equal intervals on the outer circumference of the fiber cross section. When the projections 3 are located on the outer periphery of the fiber cross section with offsets, the spun yarns generate kneeling in the spinning process, and the fibers are less likely to adhere to each other when the web is hot pressed. The bonding point between the core and the core portion 2 cannot be uniformly provided, and the nonwoven fabric tends to have strong unevenness. Further, it is preferable that all the protrusions 3 are disposed so as to be buried in the core 2 at the same ratio. Projection 3
When the webs are buried in the core 2 at different ratios, the fibers are difficult to adhere to each other when the web is hot-pressed, and the bonding points between the projections 3 and the core 2 cannot be uniformly provided, so that the non-woven fabric has strong unevenness. Is more likely to occur.

【００１６】また、突起部３の各セグメントがどのよう
な割合で芯部２のなかに埋没するように配設されている
かについては、以下のようなものが挙げられる。例えば
図１に示すように、各突起部３の中心４が芯部２の円周
より外側にあるように配置され、突起部３の円周占有率
が大きい場合や、図２に示すように、突起部３の中心４
が芯部２の円周より内側にあるように配設されて、芯部
２の円周占有率が大きい場合など、任意の形態を適用で
きる。しかし少なくとも、突起部３の各セグメントが製
糸・製反工程において剥離しない程度に芯部２と重なり
合っていること、ならびに芯部２が内部に埋没した突起
部３によって分断されていないことが必要である。特に
ウエブを熱圧接する際の繊維同士の接着し易さを考慮す
ると、例えば、図３に示すように、各突起部３の中心４
が芯部２の円周上にあるような配設形態が良い。The following is a description of the ratio of each segment of the projection 3 so as to be buried in the core 2. For example, as shown in FIG. 1, the center 4 of each projection 3 is arranged so as to be outside the circumference of the core 2, and the circumference occupancy of the projection 3 is large, or as shown in FIG. 2. , Center 4 of projection 3
Is arranged inside the circumference of the core portion 2, and an arbitrary form can be applied, for example, when the circumferential occupancy of the core portion 2 is large. However, it is necessary that at least each segment of the projection 3 overlaps with the core 2 to such an extent that it does not peel off in the spinning and re-making process, and that the core 2 is not divided by the projection 3 buried inside. is there. In particular, considering the easiness of adhesion between the fibers when the web is hot-pressed, for example, as shown in FIG.
Is arranged on the circumference of the core 2.

【００１７】突起部３を形成するポリ乳酸系重合体は、
上述のように融点が高く、紡出糸条の冷却性及び開繊性
には優れるが、結晶化度が高いため生分解性にやや劣る
ものである。本発明においては、ポリ乳酸系重合体とし
て、ポリ（Ｄ−乳酸）と、ポリ（Ｌ−乳酸）と、Ｄ−乳
酸とＬ−乳酸との共重合体と、Ｄ−乳酸とヒドロキシカ
ルボン酸との共重合体と、Ｌ−乳酸とヒドロキシカルボ
ン酸との共重合体とから選ばれるいずれかの重合体、あ
るいは前記重合体のブレンド体であって、かつ前記重合
体あるいはブレンド体の融点が１００℃以上であるもの
が好ましい。The polylactic acid-based polymer forming the projections 3 is
As described above, the spun yarn has a high melting point and is excellent in the cooling property and the spreadability of the spun yarn, but is slightly inferior in biodegradability due to high crystallinity. In the present invention, poly (D-lactic acid), poly (L-lactic acid), a copolymer of D-lactic acid and L-lactic acid, D-lactic acid and hydroxycarboxylic acid are used as the polylactic acid-based polymer. And a polymer selected from a copolymer of L-lactic acid and hydroxycarboxylic acid, or a blend of the above polymers, and the melting point of the polymer or the blend is 100%. Those having a temperature of not less than ° C are preferred.

【００１８】ポリ乳酸系重合体としてポリ（Ｄ−乳酸）
やポリ（Ｌ−乳酸）のようなホモポリマーを用いる場合
には、特に、製糸工程での製糸性の改善や得られる繊維
並びに不織布の柔軟性の向上を考慮すると、可塑剤を添
加することが望ましい。可塑剤としては、トリアセチ
ン、乳酸オリゴマー、ジオクチルフタレート等が用いら
れ、その添加量は１〜３０重量％、好ましくは５〜２０
重量％の範囲とするのが良い。Poly (D-lactic acid) as a polylactic acid-based polymer
When a homopolymer such as poly (L-lactic acid) or a homopolymer is used, a plasticizer may be added in consideration of the improvement of the spinning property in the spinning process and the improvement of the flexibility of the obtained fiber and nonwoven fabric. desirable. As the plasticizer, triacetin, lactic acid oligomer, dioctyl phthalate and the like are used, and the added amount is 1 to 30% by weight, preferably 5 to 20%.
It is better to be in the range of weight%.

【００１９】また、乳酸とヒドロキシカルボン酸との共
重合体を作成する際のヒドロキシカルボン酸としては、
グリコール酸、ヒドロキシ酪酸、ヒドロキシ吉草酸、ヒ
ドロキシペンタン酸、ヒドロキシカプロン酸、ヒドロキ
シヘプタン酸、ヒドロキシオクタン酸等が挙げられる
が、これらの中でも特に、ヒドロキシカプロン酸やグリ
コール酸が分解性能や低コスト化の点から好ましい。The hydroxycarboxylic acid used for preparing the copolymer of lactic acid and hydroxycarboxylic acid includes:
Glycolic acid, hydroxybutyric acid, hydroxyvaleric acid, hydroxypentanoic acid, hydroxycaproic acid, hydroxyheptanoic acid, hydroxyoctanoic acid and the like are included, and among these, hydroxycaproic acid and glycolic acid are particularly useful in decomposing performance and cost reduction. Preferred from the point.

【００２０】本発明においては、不織布の構成繊維の耐
熱温度が１００℃以上であることが、得られた不織布の
耐熱性等の観点から好ましく、従って、多葉型複合長繊
維１の突起部３を形成するポリ乳酸系重合体の融点が１
００℃以上であることが重要である。一般に、ポリ乳酸
のホモポリマーであるポリ（Ｌ−乳酸）やポリ（Ｄ−乳
酸）の融点は約１１０℃であるが、ポリ乳酸系重合体と
して、Ｄ−乳酸とＬ−乳酸との共重合体や、Ｄ−乳酸と
ヒドロキシカルボン酸との共重合体や、Ｌ−乳酸とヒド
ロキシカルボン酸との共重合体や、あるいは前記重合体
のブレンド体を用いる場合には、各成分の共重合比や配
合割合によって共重合体やブレンド体の融点が１００℃
未満となったり、重合体が非晶性ポリマーとなることが
あり、このような場合には、製糸時の冷却性が低下する
とともに、得られた不織布の耐熱性が損なわれるためそ
の使用用途が制限されることとなり好ましくない。In the present invention, it is preferable that the heat resistance temperature of the constituent fibers of the nonwoven fabric is 100 ° C. or higher from the viewpoint of the heat resistance of the obtained nonwoven fabric. The melting point of the polylactic acid-based polymer forming
It is important that the temperature is not lower than 00 ° C. In general, poly (L-lactic acid) and poly (D-lactic acid), which are homopolymers of polylactic acid, have a melting point of about 110 ° C., but as a polylactic acid-based polymer, a copolymer of D-lactic acid and L-lactic acid is used. When a copolymer, a copolymer of D-lactic acid and hydroxycarboxylic acid, a copolymer of L-lactic acid and hydroxycarboxylic acid, or a blend of the above polymers is used, the copolymerization ratio of each component is used. The melting point of the copolymer or blend is 100 ° C depending on the blending ratio
Or the polymer may be an amorphous polymer.In such a case, the cooling property at the time of spinning is reduced, and the heat resistance of the obtained nonwoven fabric is impaired. This is undesirably limited.

【００２１】芯部を形成するポリアルキレンアルカノエ
ートは、紡出糸条の冷却性及び開繊性には劣るものの、
結晶化度が低いため生分解性には優れるものである。本
発明のポリアルキレンアルカノエートとしては、グリコ
ールとジカルボン酸の縮重合体からなる、ポリエチレン
サクシネート、ポリエチレンアジペート、ポリブチレン
サクシネート、ポリブチレンアジペート、ポリブチレン
セバケート、ポリヘキサメチレンセバケート、ポリネオ
ペンチルオキサレートや、これらの共重合体が挙げられ
るが、なかでもポリエチレンサクシネートやポリブチレ
ンサクシネートやポリブチレンアジペートやポリブチレ
ンセバケートを主繰り返し単位とする共重合ポリエステ
ルが製糸性や生分解性能の点から好適に使用でき、特に
ブチレンサクシネートを主たる繰り返し単位とする重合
体、ポリブチレンサクシネートとポリエチレンサクシネ
ートとの共重合モル比が（ポリブチレンサクシネート）
／（ポリエチレンサクシネート）＝９０／１０〜７０／
３０の範囲である共重合体、またはポリブチレンサクシ
ネートとポリブチレンアジペートの共重合モル比が（ポ
リブチレンサクシネート）／（ポリブチレンアジペー
ト）＝９０／１０〜７０／３０の範囲である共重合体が
好適に使用できる。ポリブチレンサクシネートとポリエ
チレンサクシネートとの共重合体においては、ブチレン
サクシネートの共重合比が上記範囲よりも少なくなる
と、生分解性能には優れるものの紡出糸条の冷却性およ
び開繊性に劣り、目的とする長繊維不織布が得られない
こととなる。逆に、ブチレンサクシネートの共重合量比
が上記範囲よりも多くなると、冷却性及び開繊性には優
れるものの、生分解性に劣ることとなる。Although the polyalkylene alkanoate forming the core is inferior in the cooling property and the opening property of the spun yarn,
It has excellent biodegradability due to low crystallinity. Examples of the polyalkylene alkanoate of the present invention include polyethylene succinate, polyethylene adipate, polybutylene succinate, polybutylene adipate, polybutylene sebacate, polyhexamethylene sebacate, and polyneo. Examples include pentyl oxalate and copolymers of these.Among them, copolymerized polyester having polyethylene succinate, polybutylene succinate, polybutylene adipate, or polybutylene sebacate as a main repeating unit is a yarn-forming property and biodegradability. In particular, a polymer having butylene succinate as a main repeating unit, and a copolymerization molar ratio of polybutylene succinate and polyethylene succinate being (polybutylene succinate)
/ (Polyethylene succinate) = 90 / 10-70 /
30 or a copolymer having a copolymerization molar ratio of polybutylene succinate to polybutylene adipate of (polybutylene succinate) / (polybutylene adipate) = 90/10 to 70/30. Coalescing can be suitably used. In the copolymer of polybutylene succinate and polyethylene succinate, when the copolymerization ratio of butylene succinate is less than the above range, the biodegradability is excellent, but the cooling and opening properties of the spun yarn are improved. Inferior, and the desired long-fiber nonwoven fabric cannot be obtained. Conversely, if the copolymerization ratio of butylene succinate is more than the above range, the biodegradability is inferior, although the cooling property and the spreadability are excellent.

【００２２】多葉型複合長繊維を形成するポリアルキレ
ンアルカノエートとポリ乳酸系重合体との複合比は、重
量比で、（ポリアルキレンアルカノエート）／（ポリ乳
酸系重合体）＝１／３〜３／１の範囲であることが好ま
しい。ポリアルキレンアルカノエートの配合割合が上記
範囲より多くなると、生分解性能には優れるものの、紡
出糸条の冷却性や開繊性に劣り、繊維横断面形状の不安
定さを誘発することとなり、ポリアルキレンアルカノエ
ートの配合割合が上記範囲より少なくなると、紡出糸条
の冷却性や開繊性には優れるものの、生分解性能には劣
る結果となる。従って本発明においては、ポリアルキレ
ンアルカノエートとポリ乳酸系重合体との複合比を、重
量比で、（ポリアルキレンアルカノエート）／（ポリ乳
酸系重合体）＝１／２〜２／１の範囲とすることがより
好ましい。The composite ratio of the polyalkylene alkanoate and the polylactic acid-based polymer forming the multi-leaf type composite long fiber is (polyalkylene alkanoate) / (polylactic acid-based polymer) = 1/3 by weight. It is preferably in the range of 3/1. When the blending ratio of the polyalkylene alkanoate is larger than the above range, although the biodegradability is excellent, the spun yarn is inferior in cooling and opening properties, and induces instability of the fiber cross-sectional shape, If the blending ratio of the polyalkylene alkanoate is less than the above range, the spun yarn is excellent in cooling property and spreadability, but inferior in biodegradability. Therefore, in the present invention, the composite ratio of the polyalkylene alkanoate and the polylactic acid-based polymer is in the range of (polyalkylene alkanoate) / (polylactic acid-based polymer) = 1/2 to 2/1 by weight. Is more preferable.

【００２３】なお、ポリ乳酸系重合体成分が生分解性能
に劣る重合体であれば、ポリアルキレンアルカノエート
の複合比を上げることにより生分解速度を促進させるこ
とができる。If the polylactic acid-based polymer component is a polymer having poor biodegradability, the biodegradation rate can be accelerated by increasing the polyalkylene alkanoate complex ratio.

【００２４】上記の成分からなる多葉型複合長繊維１の
単糸繊度は、１．５〜１０デニールであることが好まし
い。単糸繊度が１．５デニール未満となると、紡糸口金
が複雑化するため製糸工程における糸切れが増大し生産
量が低下したり、繊維横断面形状の不安定化などを生じ
るため好ましくない。逆に、単糸繊度が１０デニールを
超えると、紡出糸条の冷却生に劣るとともに生分解性能
にもおとることとなる。これらの理由により、単糸繊度
は、さらに好ましくは２〜８デニールが良い。The single-fiber fineness of the multilobal conjugated long fiber 1 composed of the above components is preferably 1.5 to 10 denier. If the single-fiber fineness is less than 1.5 denier, the spinneret becomes complicated, so that yarn breakage in the yarn-making process increases, the production amount decreases, and the cross-sectional shape of the fiber becomes unstable. Conversely, if the single-fiber fineness exceeds 10 denier, the spun yarn is inferior in cooling life and has low biodegradability. For these reasons, the fineness of single yarn is more preferably 2 to 8 denier.

【００２５】上記のような単糸繊度を有する多葉型複合
長繊維において、ポリ乳酸系重合体の突起部数は、４〜
１０であることが好ましく、かつポリ乳酸系重合体成分
の個々に独立した各セグメント繊度は０．０５〜２デニ
ールであることが好ましい。ここでポリ乳酸系重合体成
分のセグメント繊度とは、繊維横断面においてポリ乳酸
系重合体成分が占める最小構成単位部分の繊度のことで
ある。In the multifilament type composite filament having the above-mentioned single-filament fineness, the number of projections of the polylactic acid-based polymer is 4 to
Preferably, the fineness of each segment of the polylactic acid-based polymer component is 0.05 to 2 denier. Here, the segment fineness of the polylactic acid-based polymer component is the fineness of the smallest constituent unit occupied by the polylactic acid-based polymer component in the fiber cross section.

【００２６】ポリ乳酸系重合体成分の突起部数が４より
少なくなると、繊維表面におけるポリ乳酸系重合体成分
の円周方向に占める割合が少なくなり、生分解性には優
れるものの紡出糸条の冷却性や開繊性には劣るものとな
る。また、これを回避するためにポリ乳酸系重合体成分
の複合比を上げると、個々に独立したポリ乳酸系重合体
成分のセグメント繊度、すなわち繊維横断面においてポ
リ乳酸系重合体成分が占める最小構成単位部分の度が大
きくなり、必然的に不織布の生分解性には劣ることとな
る。逆に、ポリ乳酸系重合体成分の突起部数が１０を超
えると、ポリ乳酸系重合体成分の各セグメントを個々に
独立させることが困難となり好ましくない。When the number of protrusions of the polylactic acid-based polymer component is less than 4, the proportion of the polylactic acid-based polymer component in the circumferential direction on the fiber surface is reduced, and although the biodegradability is excellent, the spun yarn is excellent. It is inferior in cooling and opening properties. In order to avoid this, when the composite ratio of the polylactic acid-based polymer component is increased, the segment fineness of the polylactic acid-based polymer component independently, that is, the minimum configuration occupied by the polylactic acid-based polymer component in the fiber cross section The degree of the unit increases, and the biodegradability of the nonwoven fabric is inevitably inferior. Conversely, if the number of projections of the polylactic acid-based polymer component exceeds 10, it is difficult to make each segment of the polylactic acid-based polymer component independent from each other, which is not preferable.

【００２７】また、ポリ乳酸系重合体成分の各セグメン
ト繊度が０．０５デニール未満となると、紡糸口金が複
雑化するため上記と同様に生産量の低下や繊維横断面形
状の不安定などが生じることとなる。逆に、ポリ乳酸系
重合体成分の各セグメント繊度が２デニールを超える
と、紡出糸条の冷却性、開繊性に劣るとともに生分解性
能にも劣る結果となる。これらの理由により、ポリ乳酸
系重合体成分の各セグメント繊度は、さらに好ましくは
０．１〜１デニールが良い。If the segment fineness of the polylactic acid-based polymer component is less than 0.05 denier, the spinneret becomes complicated, resulting in a decrease in the production amount and instability of the cross-sectional shape of the fiber as described above. It will be. Conversely, when the segment fineness of each of the polylactic acid-based polymer components exceeds 2 denier, the spun yarn is inferior in the cooling property and the spreadability, and also in the biodegradability. For these reasons, the segment fineness of the polylactic acid-based polymer component is more preferably 0.1 to 1 denier.

【００２８】なお、この時の芯部２を形成するポリアル
キレンアルカノエート成分の単糸繊度は１〜４デニール
であることが好ましい。ポリアルキレンアルカノエート
成分の単糸繊度が１デニール未満となると、生分解性に
劣り、単糸繊度が４デニールを超えると製糸性に劣るも
のとなる。The polyalkylene alkanoate component forming the core 2 at this time preferably has a single fiber fineness of 1 to 4 denier. When the single fiber fineness of the polyalkylene alkanoate component is less than 1 denier, the biodegradability is poor, and when the single fiber fineness exceeds 4 denier, the yarn forming property is poor.

【００２９】また、多葉型複合長繊維の繊維横断面にお
けるポリ乳酸系重合体とポリアルキレンアルカノエート
との周長比、すなわち繊維横断面の外周において各成分
の占める周長合計の比は、（ポリ乳酸系重合体）／（ポ
リアルキレンアルカノエート）＝９０／１０〜４０／６
０の範囲であることが好ましい。例えば、繊維横断面の
外周におけるポリ乳酸系重合体成分の円周占有率が大き
くなると、それにつれて突起部３が大きくなり、芯部２
の円周占有率が小さくなるため、この芯部２を溶融させ
てウエブを熱圧接する際に熱圧接が十分に施されず機械
的強力に劣る不織布となる。また、個々に独立した突起
部３のセグメント繊度も大きくなることから、不織布の
生分解性能も低下する傾向になる。逆に繊維横断面の外
周におけるポリアルキレンアルカノエートの円周占有率
が大きくなると、紡出糸条が冷却されにくくなり、延伸
・開繊工程において融着を生じやすくなる。The circumferential ratio of the polylactic acid-based polymer to the polyalkylene alkanoate in the cross section of the multifilament conjugate long fiber, that is, the ratio of the total perimeter occupied by each component in the outer periphery of the fiber cross section, is as follows: (Polylactic acid-based polymer) / (polyalkylene alkanoate) = 90/10 to 40/6
It is preferably in the range of 0. For example, as the circumferential occupancy of the polylactic acid-based polymer component on the outer periphery of the fiber cross section increases, the protrusion 3 increases accordingly, and the core 2
Therefore, when the core 2 is melted and hot-welded to the web, the hot-welding is not sufficiently performed, resulting in a nonwoven fabric having poor mechanical strength. In addition, since the segment fineness of each independently protruding portion 3 also increases, the biodegradability of the nonwoven fabric tends to decrease. Conversely, when the circumferential occupancy of the polyalkylene alkanoate in the outer periphery of the fiber cross section increases, the spun yarn becomes difficult to cool, and fusion is likely to occur in the drawing / spreading step.

【００３０】なお、突起部を構成する高融点のポリ乳酸
系重合体成分と芯部を構成する低融点のポリアルキレン
アルカノエートとの融点差は５℃以上とすることが好ま
しく、さらに好ましくは１０℃以上とする。ポリ乳酸系
重合体成分とポリアルキレンアルカノエートとの融点差
が５℃未満であると、熱接着を施した際に繊維横断面が
単相の場合のような全融タイプに近づくため、ポリアル
キレンアルカノエートのみならずポリ乳酸系重合体が熱
的なダメージを生じることとなり、得られる不織布は機
械的特性と柔軟性とを併せ持つことができにくくなる。The difference in melting point between the high melting point polylactic acid-based polymer component constituting the projection and the low melting point polyalkylene alkanoate constituting the core is preferably 5 ° C. or more, more preferably 10 ° C. or more. C or higher. If the difference in melting point between the polylactic acid-based polymer component and the polyalkylene alkanoate is less than 5 ° C., the cross-section of the fiber approaches a full-melt type as in the case of a single phase when subjected to thermal bonding. Not only the alkanoate but also the polylactic acid-based polymer causes thermal damage, and it is difficult for the resulting nonwoven fabric to have both mechanical properties and flexibility.

【００３１】本発明の生分解性長繊維からなる不織布の
目付は、使用目的により選択されるため、特に限定され
るものではないが、一般的には１０〜１５０ｇ／ｍ2の
範囲が好ましく、より好ましくは１５〜７０ｇ／ｍ2の
範囲である。目付が１０ｇ／ｍ2未満では柔軟性及び生
分解速度には優れるものの機械的強力に劣り実用的では
ない。逆に、目付が１５０ｇ／ｍ2を超えると不織布が
硬い風合のものとなり柔軟性に劣るものとなる。The basis weight of the non-woven fabric comprising the biodegradable long fibers of the present invention is not particularly limited because it is selected depending on the purpose of use, but is generally preferably in the range of 10 to 150 g / m 2 . More preferably, it is in the range of 15 to 70 g / m 2 . If the basis weight is less than 10 g / m 2 , the flexibility and the biodegradation rate are excellent, but the mechanical strength is inferior and not practical. Conversely, if the basis weight exceeds 150 g / m 2 , the nonwoven fabric has a hard feel and is inferior in flexibility.

【００３２】上記のように構成された生分解性長繊維不
織布の製造方法を以下に説明する。本発明の生分解性多
葉型複合長繊維不織布は、通常の複合紡糸装置を用いて
行うことができる。まず、ポリアルキレンアルカノエー
トとポリ乳酸系重合体とを用いて、それぞれを個別に溶
融する。そして、ポリアルキレンアルカノエートとポリ
乳酸系重合体とを個別に計量した後、上述のようにポリ
アルキレンアルカノエートが芯部２を形成し、ポリ乳酸
系重合体が突起部３を複数形成する多葉型複合紡糸口金
を介して溶融紡糸し、前記口金より紡出した紡出糸条を
公知の冷却装置にて冷却する。The method for producing the biodegradable long-fiber nonwoven fabric constructed as described above will be described below. The biodegradable multi-leaf composite long-fiber nonwoven fabric of the present invention can be produced using a conventional composite spinning apparatus. First, using a polyalkylene alkanoate and a polylactic acid-based polymer, each is melted individually. Then, after individually weighing the polyalkylene alkanoate and the polylactic acid-based polymer, the polyalkylene alkanoate forms the core 2 and the polylactic acid-based polymer forms a plurality of protrusions 3 as described above. Melt spinning is performed through a leaf-type composite spinneret, and the spun yarn spun from the spinneret is cooled by a known cooling device.

【００３３】溶融紡糸する際の紡糸温度は、用いる重合
体によって異なるものの、少なくとも重合体のメルトフ
ローレート値と繊維形成性すなわち製糸性とを勘案して
適宜設定する。通常は、用いる重合体のうち融点の高い
方の重合体すなわちポリ乳酸系重合体の融点をＴｍ℃と
したときに（Ｔｍ＋１５）℃〜（Ｔｍ＋５０）℃の範囲
の温度で溶融することが好ましい。紡糸温度が（Ｔｍ＋
１５）℃より低いと、高速気流による曳糸・引取性に劣
りやすくなる。逆に（Ｔｍ＋５０）℃を超えると、冷却
過程での結晶化が遅れてフィラメント間で融着を生じた
り開繊性に劣ったりするばかりでなく、ポリマー自体の
熱分解も進行するため柔軟で均一な地合の不織布を得る
ことが困難となる。The spinning temperature at the time of melt spinning varies depending on the polymer used, but is appropriately set in consideration of at least the melt flow rate value of the polymer and the fiber forming property, that is, the spinning property. Usually, when the melting point of the polymer having a higher melting point among the polymers used, that is, the polylactic acid-based polymer is Tm ° C, it is preferable to melt at a temperature in the range of (Tm + 15) ° C to (Tm + 50) ° C. The spinning temperature is (Tm +
15) When the temperature is lower than ℃, the spinning / taking-up property by a high-speed air current tends to be inferior. On the other hand, when the temperature exceeds (Tm + 50) ° C., crystallization in the cooling process is delayed, causing not only fusion between filaments or inferior spreadability, but also thermal decomposition of the polymer itself, which is flexible and uniform. It is difficult to obtain a non-woven fabric having a proper formation.

【００３４】次いで、エアーサッカーなどの引取手段を
用いて牽引し開繊する。その際の牽引速度は２０００ｍ
／分以上であることが必要であり、２５００ｍ/分以上
とすると不織布の寸法安定性が向上するため好ましい。
牽引速度が２０００ｍ/分未満であると、紡出糸条の冷
却性・可紡性および開繊性に劣り、さらに得られる不織
布の機械的強力および寸法安定性に劣ることとなる。Next, the fiber is pulled and opened using a take-off means such as air soccer. The towing speed at that time is 2000m
/ Min or more, and 2500 m / min or more is preferable because the dimensional stability of the nonwoven fabric is improved.
If the drawing speed is less than 2,000 m / min, the spun yarn is inferior in the cooling property, spinnability and spreadability, and further, the resulting nonwoven fabric is inferior in mechanical strength and dimensional stability.

【００３５】牽引細化した複合長繊維は公知の開繊器具
にて開繊した後、スクリーンコンベアなどの移動式捕集
面上に開繊堆積させて不織ウエブを形成する。その後、
この不織ウエブに熱圧接装置を用いて部分的熱圧接を施
して長繊維不織布を形成する。不織ウエブに部分的な熱
圧接処理を施すに際しては、加熱されたエンボスロール
と表面が平滑な金属ロールとを用いて不織ウエブに点状
融着区域を形成する方法が採用される。この点状融着区
域の形状は、丸型、楕円型、菱型、三角型、Ｔ字型、井
型などの任意の形状でよいが、０．１〜１．０ｍｍ2 の
面積を有し、かつその密度すなわち圧接点密度が２〜８
０点／ｃｍ2 好ましくは、４〜６０点／ｃｍ2 となるよ
うに熱圧接を施すことが好ましい。圧接点密度が２点／
ｃｍ2 未満であると、不織布の機械的特性や形態保持特
性が向上せず、逆に圧接点密度が８０点／ｃｍ2 を超え
ると、柔軟性と嵩高性が得られない。また、ウエブの全
表面積に対する全熱圧接領域の面積比、すなわち圧接面
積率は２〜３％の範囲であることが好ましい。圧接面積
率が２％より小さくなると熱圧接後のウエブの寸法安定
性に劣り、圧接面積率が３％を超えると得られた不織布
の柔軟性および嵩高性を損なうとともに生分解性能にも
劣ることとなる。After the drawn composite filaments are spread by a known fiber opening device, the fibers are spread and deposited on a movable collecting surface such as a screen conveyor to form a nonwoven web. afterwards,
The nonwoven web is subjected to partial thermal pressure welding using a thermal pressure welding device to form a long-fiber nonwoven fabric. In performing a partial heat-pressing treatment on the nonwoven web, a method of forming a point-like fusion zone on the nonwoven web using a heated embossing roll and a metal roll having a smooth surface is adopted. The shape of this point-like fusion zone may be any shape such as a round shape, an elliptical shape, a diamond shape, a triangular shape, a T shape, and a well shape, but has an area of 0.1 to 1.0 mm 2. And the density, ie, the pressure contact density is 2 to 8
It is preferable to perform the thermal pressure welding so as to be 0 points / cm 2, preferably 4 to 60 points / cm 2 . Pressure contact density 2 points /
If it is less than 2 cm 2 , the mechanical properties and shape retention properties of the nonwoven fabric will not be improved, and if the contact density exceeds 80 points / cm 2 , flexibility and bulkiness will not be obtained. Further, it is preferable that the area ratio of the entire thermal pressure contact area to the total surface area of the web, that is, the pressure contact area ratio is in the range of 2 to 3%. If the pressed area ratio is less than 2%, the dimensional stability of the web after hot pressing is inferior, and if the pressed area ratio exceeds 3%, the flexibility and bulkiness of the obtained nonwoven fabric are impaired, and the biodegradability is also poor. Becomes

【００３６】熱圧接を施す際の加工温度、すなわちエン
ボスロールの表面温度は、芯部２を構成する融点の低い
方の重合体すなわちポリアルキレンアルカノエートの融
点を基準としその融点以下の温度とすることが好まし
い。加工温度が芯部２を形成するポリアルキレンアルカ
ノエートの融点を超えると、熱圧接装置に重合体が固着
して操業性を著しく損なうばかりか、不織布の風合が硬
くなったり、不織布が得られないこともある。The processing temperature at the time of applying the heat welding, that is, the surface temperature of the embossing roll, is set to a temperature not higher than the melting point of the polymer having the lower melting point, ie, the polyalkylene alkanoate, constituting the core portion 2. Is preferred. When the processing temperature exceeds the melting point of the polyalkylene alkanoate forming the core 2, not only the polymer adheres to the heat-welding apparatus and the operability is remarkably impaired, but also the feeling of the nonwoven fabric becomes hard or the nonwoven fabric is obtained. Not always.

【００３７】[0037]

【実施例】次に、実施例に基づき本発明を具体的に説明
するが、本発明はこれらの実施例のみに限定されるもの
ではない。なお、以下の実施例、比較例における各種物
性値の測定は以下の方法により実施した。Next, the present invention will be specifically described based on examples, but the present invention is not limited to only these examples. In addition, the measurement of various physical property values in the following Examples and Comparative Examples was performed by the following methods.

【００３８】（１）メルトフローレート値（ｇ／１０
分）：ＡＳＴＭ−Ｄ−１２３８（Ｅ）に記載の方法に準
じて温度１９０℃で測定した。（以降、ＭＦＲ値と記
す）(1) Melt flow rate value (g / 10
Min): Measured at a temperature of 190 ° C. according to the method described in ASTM-D-1238 (E). (Hereafter referred to as MFR value)

【００３９】（２）融点（℃）：示差走査型熱量計（パ
ーキンエルマ社製、ＤＳＣ−２型）を用いて、試料重量
を５ｍｇ、昇温速度を２０℃／分で測定し、得られた融
解吸熱曲線の最大値を与える温度を融点（℃）とした。(2) Melting point (° C.): Measured using a differential scanning calorimeter (DSC-2, manufactured by PerkinElmer) at a sample weight of 5 mg and a heating rate of 20 ° C./min. The temperature at which the maximum value of the melting endothermic curve was given was taken as the melting point (° C.).

【００４０】（３）結晶化温度（℃）：示差走査型熱量
計（パーキンエルマ社製、ＤＳＣ−２型）を用いて、試
料重量を５ｍｇ、昇温速度を２０℃／分で測定し、得ら
れた固化発熱曲線の最大値を与える温度を結晶化温度
（℃）とした。(3) Crystallization temperature (° C.): Using a differential scanning calorimeter (manufactured by Perkin Elmer, DSC-2 type), the sample weight was measured at 5 mg, and the heating rate was measured at 20 ° C./min. The temperature giving the maximum value of the obtained solidification heat generation curve was defined as the crystallization temperature (° C.).

【００４１】（４）冷却性：紡出糸条を目視して下記の
３段階にて評価した。 ○：密着糸が認められなかった。 △：密着糸がわずかであるが認められた。(4) Cooling property: The spun yarn was visually observed and evaluated according to the following three grades. ：: No cohesive yarn was observed. Δ: A slight amount of cohesive yarn was observed.

【００４２】 ×：大部分が密着し、開繊不可能であった。X: Most parts adhered, and fiber opening was impossible.

【００４３】（５）開繊性：開繊器具より吐出した紡出
糸条にて形成された不織ウエッブを目視にて下記の３段
階にて評価した。 ○：構成繊維の大部分が分繊され、密着糸及び収束糸が
認められなかった。(5) Spreadability: The nonwoven web formed by the spun yarn discharged from the spreader was visually evaluated on the following three scales. ：: Most of the constituent fibers were separated, and no cohesive yarn and convergent yarn were observed.

【００４４】 △：密着糸及び収束糸がわずかであるが認められた。 ×：構成繊維の大部分が密着し、開繊性が不良であっ
た。Δ: Cohesive yarns and convergent yarns were slightly observed. ×: Most of the constituent fibers were in close contact with each other, and the spreadability was poor.

【００４５】（６）目付（ｇ／ｍ2）：標準状態の試料
から試料長が１０ｃｍ、試料幅が５ｃｍの試料片１０点
を作成し、平衡水分にした後、各試料片の重量（ｇ）を
秤量し、得られた値の平均値を単位面積あたりに換算
し、目付（ｇ／ｍ2）とした。(6) Weight (g / m 2 ): Ten sample pieces each having a sample length of 10 cm and a sample width of 5 cm were prepared from a sample in a standard state, and after equilibrium moisture was set, the weight (g) of each sample piece was determined. ) Was weighed, and the average of the obtained values was converted per unit area to obtain the basis weight (g / m 2 ).

【００４６】（７）引張強力（ｋｇ／５ｃｍ幅）：ＪＩ
Ｓ−Ｌ−１０９６Ａに記載の方法に準じて測定した。す
なわち、試料長が２０ｃｍ、試料幅が５ｃｍの試料片１
０点を作成し、試料片毎に不織布の縦方向について、定
速伸長型引張試験機（オリエンテック社製、テンシロン
ＵＴＭ−４−１−１００）を用いて、引張速度１０ｃｍ
／分で伸長し、得られた切断時荷重値の平均値を引張強
力（ｋｇ／５ｃｍ幅）とした。(7) Tensile strength (kg / 5 cm width): JI
The measurement was carried out according to the method described in SL-1096A. That is, a sample piece 1 having a sample length of 20 cm and a sample width of 5 cm
A zero point was created, and a tensile speed of 10 cm was measured for each sample piece in the longitudinal direction of the nonwoven fabric using a constant-speed elongation-type tensile tester (manufactured by Orientec, Tensilon UTM-4-1-100).
Per minute, and the average value of the obtained load values at cutting was defined as tensile strength (kg / 5 cm width).

【００４７】（８）不織布の圧縮剛軟度（ｇ）：試料長
が１０ｃｍ、試料幅が５ｃｍの試料片５点を作成し、各
試料毎に横方向に曲げて円筒状物とし、各々その端部を
接合したものを圧縮剛軟度測定用試料とした。次いで、
各測定試料毎にその軸方向について、定速伸長型引張試
験機（オリエンテック社製テンシロンＵＴＭ−４−１−
１００）を用い、圧縮速度５ｃｍ／分で圧縮し、得られ
た最大荷重値（ｇ）の平均値を圧縮剛軟度（ｇ）とし
た。なお、この圧縮剛軟度とは値が小さいほど柔軟性が
優れていることを意味するものである。(8) Compression rigidity (g) of the nonwoven fabric: Five sample pieces each having a sample length of 10 cm and a sample width of 5 cm were prepared, and each sample was bent in the lateral direction to form a cylindrical material. The one whose ends were joined was used as a sample for measuring compression bending resistance. Then
For each measurement sample, in the axial direction, a constant speed elongation type tensile tester (Tensilon UTM-4-1- manufactured by Orientec Co., Ltd.)
100), and compression was performed at a compression speed of 5 cm / min, and the average value of the obtained maximum load values (g) was defined as the compression stiffness (g). In addition, the compression bristles mean that the smaller the value is, the more excellent the flexibility is.

【００４８】（９）生分解性能：不織布を土中に埋没し
て、６ヶ月後に取り出し、下記のように評価した。 ○：不織布がその形態を保持しておらず、埋没後の強力
が測定不可能であった。(9) Biodegradability: The nonwoven fabric was buried in the soil, taken out after 6 months, and evaluated as follows. ：: The nonwoven fabric did not maintain its shape, and the strength after burial was not measurable.

【００４９】 △：不織布はその形態を保持しているが、埋没後の強力
は埋没前の強力初期値に対して５０％以下に低下してい
た。 ×：不織布の埋没後の強力が埋没前の強力初期値に対し
て５０％を超えていた。Δ: The nonwoven fabric retained its shape, but the strength after burial was reduced to 50% or less of the initial strength before burial. X: The strength after embedding of the nonwoven fabric exceeded 50% of the initial strength before embedding.

【００５０】実施例１ 生分解性多葉型長繊維不織布をスパンボンド法にて作成
した。まず、多葉型長繊維を形成するために、ポリアル
キレンアルカノエートとして融点が１１４℃、結晶化温
度が７５℃、ＭＦＲ値が５０ｇ／１０分のポリブチレン
サクシネートを用い、また、ポリ乳酸系重合体として、
融点が１６９℃、結晶化温度が１２３℃、ＭＦＲ値が２
７ｇ／１０分であり、かつＬ−乳酸とＤ−乳酸との共重
合比がモル比で（Ｌ−乳酸）／（Ｄ−乳酸）＝９９／１
である共重合体を用いた。そして、ポリアルキレンアル
カノエートとポリ乳酸系共重合体との複合比が重量比で
１：１となるように個別に計量した後、それぞれを個別
のエクストルーダ型溶融押し出し機を用いて温度２００
℃で溶融し、図３に示すように６つの突起部３を有し突
起部３の中心４が芯部２の円周上に配置されるような繊
維横断面となる紡糸口金を用いて、ポリアルキレンアル
カノエートが芯部２となりポリ乳酸系共重合体が突起部
３となるように単孔吐出量１．２ｇ／分の条件下で溶融
紡糸した。Example 1 A biodegradable multi-leaf long-fiber nonwoven fabric was prepared by a spunbond method. First, polybutylene succinate having a melting point of 114 ° C., a crystallization temperature of 75 ° C., and an MFR value of 50 g / 10 min was used as a polyalkylene alkanoate to form multileaf long fibers. As a polymer,
Melting point 169 ° C, crystallization temperature 123 ° C, MFR value 2
7 g / 10 min, and the copolymerization ratio of L-lactic acid and D-lactic acid is (L-lactic acid) / (D-lactic acid) = 99/1 in molar ratio.
Was used. After individually weighing so that the composite ratio of the polyalkylene alkanoate and the polylactic acid-based copolymer becomes 1: 1 by weight, each was weighed to 200 by using an individual extruder-type melt extruder.
Using a spinneret that is melted at a temperature of about 6 ° C. and has a fiber cross section having six protrusions 3 and the center 4 of the protrusions 3 arranged on the circumference of the core 2 as shown in FIG. Melt spinning was performed under the condition of a single hole discharge rate of 1.2 g / min so that the polyalkylene alkanoate became the core 2 and the polylactic acid-based copolymer became the projections 3.

【００５１】紡出糸条を公知の冷却装置にて冷却した
後、引き続いて紡糸口金の下方に設けたエアーサッカー
にて牽引速度３６００ｍ／分で牽引細化し、公知の開繊
器具を用いて開繊し、移動するスクリーンコンベア上に
ウエブとして捕集堆積させた。なお、堆積させた複合長
繊維の単糸繊度は３．４デニールであり、突起部３のセ
グメント繊度は０．２８デニール、芯部２のセグメント
繊度は１．７デニールであった。After the spun yarn is cooled by a known cooling device, the spun yarn is subsequently drawn and thinned by an air soccer provided below the spinneret at a drawing speed of 3600 m / min, and opened using a known opening device. It was collected and deposited as a web on a delicate and moving screen conveyor. In addition, the single yarn fineness of the deposited composite filament was 3.4 denier, the segment fineness of the projection 3 was 0.28 denier, and the segment fineness of the core 2 was 1.7 denier.

【００５２】次いで、このウエブをロール温度を９６℃
としたエンボスロールからなる部分熱圧接装置に通して
部分的に熱圧接し、目付が３０ｇ／ｍ2である生分解性
長繊維不織布を得た。なお、エンボスロールとしては、
面積が０．６ｍｍ2の彫刻模様で圧接点密度が２０点／
ｃｍ2、圧接面積率が１５％で配設されたエンボスロー
ルと表面が平滑な金属ロールとを用いた。Next, the web was rolled at a temperature of 96 ° C.
Partially hot-pressed through a partial heat-pressing device made of embossing rolls, a biodegradable long-fiber nonwoven fabric having a basis weight of 30 g / m 2 was obtained. In addition, as the embossing roll,
Engraving pattern with area of 0.6mm 2 and density of pressure contact 20 points /
cm 2, pressure area ratio is provided by the embossing roll and the surface at 15% and using a smooth metal roll.

【００５３】不織布を形成する際の操業性、得られた不
織布の物性、生分解性能等を表１に示す。Table 1 shows the operability in forming the nonwoven fabric, the physical properties of the obtained nonwoven fabric, the biodegradability, and the like.

【００５４】[0054]

【表１】 [Table 1]

【００５５】実施例２ ポリアルキレンアルカノエートとポリ乳酸系共重合体と
の複合比が重量比で２：１となるようにして芯部２の周
長比を長くした。また、紡出糸条を牽引細化する際の牽
引速度を３４００ｍ／分として堆積させた複合長繊維の
単糸繊度を３．７デニール、突起部３のセグメント繊度
を０．２１デニール、芯部２のセグメント繊度を２．４
７デニールとした。そしてそれ以外は実施例１と同様に
して長繊維不織布を作成した。Example 2 The circumference ratio of the core 2 was increased so that the composite ratio of the polyalkylene alkanoate and the polylactic acid-based copolymer was 2: 1 by weight. Further, the single filament fineness of the composite filaments deposited at a pulling speed of 3400 m / min when the spun yarn was drawn and thinned was 3.7 deniers, the segment fineness of the projections 3 was 0.21 denier, and the core portion. The segment fineness of 2 is 2.4
7 denier. Otherwise, a long-fiber nonwoven fabric was prepared in the same manner as in Example 1.

【００５６】不織布を形成する際の操業性、得られた不
織布の物性、生分解性能等を表１に示す。Table 1 shows the operability in forming the nonwoven fabric, the physical properties of the obtained nonwoven fabric, the biodegradability, and the like.

【００５７】実施例３ ポリアルキレンアルカノエートとポリ乳酸系共重合体と
の複合比が重量比で１：２となるようにして芯部２の周
長比を小さくした。また、紡出糸条を牽引細化する際の
牽引速度を３８００ｍ／分として堆積させた複合長繊維
の単糸繊度を３．２デニール、突起部３のセグメント繊
度を０．３６デニール、芯部２のセグメント繊度を１．
１０デニールとした。そしてそれ以外は実施例１と同様
にして長繊維不織布を作成した。Example 3 The circumference ratio of the core 2 was reduced so that the composite ratio of the polyalkylene alkanoate and the polylactic acid-based copolymer was 1: 2 by weight. In addition, the single filament fineness of the composite filaments deposited at a pulling speed of 3800 m / min when the spun yarn is drawn and thinned is 3.2 deniers, the segment fineness of the projections 3 is 0.36 deniers, and the core portion. The segment fineness of 2 is 1.
It was 10 denier. Otherwise, a long-fiber nonwoven fabric was prepared in the same manner as in Example 1.

【００５８】不織布を形成する際の操業性、得られた不
織布の物性、生分解性能等を表１に示す。Table 1 shows the operability in forming the nonwoven fabric, the physical properties of the obtained nonwoven fabric, the biodegradability, and the like.

【００５９】実施例４ ポリ乳酸系重合体として、融点が１７０℃、結晶化温度
が１２６℃で、ＭＦＲ値が４４ｇ／１０分と低粘度の、
Ｌ−乳酸とＤ−乳酸との共重合体を用いた。また、紡出
糸条を牽引細化する際の牽引速度を３８００ｍ／分とし
て、堆積させた複合長繊維の単糸繊度を３．２デニー
ル、突起部３のセグメント繊度を０．２５デニール、芯
部２のセグメント繊度を１．５０デニールとした。そし
てそれ以外は実施例１と同様にして長繊維不織布を作成
した。Example 4 A polylactic acid polymer having a low melting point of 170 ° C., a crystallization temperature of 126 ° C., and an MFR value of 44 g / 10 min.
A copolymer of L-lactic acid and D-lactic acid was used. Further, the drawing speed at the time of drawing and thinning the spun yarn was 3800 m / min, the single fineness of the deposited composite filament was 3.2 denier, the segment fineness of the projection 3 was 0.25 denier, and the core was The segment fineness of the part 2 was 1.50 denier. Otherwise, a long-fiber nonwoven fabric was prepared in the same manner as in Example 1.

【００６０】不織布を形成する際の操業性、得られた不
織布の物性、生分解性能等を表１に示す。Table 1 shows the operability in forming the nonwoven fabric, the physical properties of the obtained nonwoven fabric, the biodegradability, and the like.

【００６１】実施例５ 多葉型複合長繊維の突起部３の数を６個から１０個へと
増やした。なお突起部３の配置は実施例１と同様に突起
部３の中心４が芯部２の円周上に配置されるようにし
た。また、紡出糸条を牽引細化する際の牽引速度を３７
００ｍ／分として、堆積させた複合長繊維の単糸繊度を
３．３デニール、突起部３のセグメント繊度を０．１６
５デニール、芯部２のセグメント繊度を１．６５デニー
ルとした。そしてそれ以外は実施例１と同様にして長繊
維不織布を作成した。Example 5 The number of the protruding portions 3 of the multi-leaf type composite long fiber was increased from six to ten. The arrangement of the projections 3 is such that the center 4 of the projections 3 is arranged on the circumference of the core 2 as in the first embodiment. In addition, the pulling speed at the time of pulling and thinning the spun yarn is 37.
At a rate of 00 m / min, the single-filament fineness of the deposited composite filament was 3.3 denier, and the segment fineness of the projections 3 was 0.16.
The segment fineness of the core 2 was 5 deniers and 1.65 deniers. Otherwise, a long-fiber nonwoven fabric was prepared in the same manner as in Example 1.

【００６２】不織布を形成する際の操業性、得られた不
織布の物性、生分解性能等を表１に示す。Table 1 shows the operability in forming the nonwoven fabric, the physical properties of the obtained nonwoven fabric, the biodegradability and the like.

【００６３】実施例６ 多葉型複合長繊維の突起部３の数を６個から４個へ減ら
した。なお突起部３の配置は実施例１と同様に突起部３
の中心４が芯部２の円周上に配置されるようにした。ま
た、紡出糸条を牽引細化する際の牽引速度を３５００ｍ
／分として、堆積させた複合長繊維の単糸繊度を３．５
デニール、突起部３のセグメント繊度を０．４４デニー
ル、芯部２のセグメント繊度を１．７５デニールとし
た。そしてそれ以外は実施例１と同様にして長繊維不織
布を作成した。Example 6 The number of the projections 3 of the multilobal conjugated long fiber was reduced from six to four. The arrangement of the projections 3 is the same as that of the first embodiment.
Is arranged on the circumference of the core 2. In addition, the towing speed when the spun yarn is torn down is 3500 m.
/ Minute, the single fiber fineness of the deposited composite filament is 3.5
The denier and the segment fineness of the projection 3 were 0.44 denier, and the segment fineness of the core 2 was 1.75 denier. Otherwise, a long-fiber nonwoven fabric was prepared in the same manner as in Example 1.

【００６４】不織布を形成する際の操業性、得られた不
織布の物性、生分解性能等を表１に示す。Table 1 shows the operability in forming the nonwoven fabric, the physical properties of the obtained nonwoven fabric, the biodegradability, and the like.

【００６５】実施例７ 多葉型複合長繊維の突起部３の配置を、図３に示す配置
から図１に示すように突起部３の中心４が芯部２の円周
より外側にある配置にした。また、紡出糸条を牽引細化
する際の牽引速度を３２００ｍ／分として、堆積させた
複合長繊維の単糸繊度を３．８デニール、突起部６のセ
グメント繊度を０．３２デニール、芯部２のセグメント
繊度を１．９０デニールとした。そしてそれ以外は実施
例１と同様にして長繊維不織布を作成した。Example 7 The arrangement of the projections 3 of the multilobal conjugate long fiber was changed from the arrangement shown in FIG. 3 to the arrangement in which the center 4 of the projections 3 was located outside the circumference of the core 2 as shown in FIG. I made it. Further, the drawing speed at the time of drawing and thinning the spun yarn was 3200 m / min, the single fiber fineness of the deposited composite filament was 3.8 denier, the segment fineness of the projection 6 was 0.32 denier, and the core was The segment fineness of the part 2 was 1.90 denier. Otherwise, a long-fiber nonwoven fabric was prepared in the same manner as in Example 1.

【００６６】不織布を形成する際の操業性、得られた不
織布の物性、生分解性能等を表１に示す。Table 1 shows the operability in forming the nonwoven fabric, the physical properties of the obtained nonwoven fabric, the biodegradability, and the like.

【００６７】実施例８ ポリアルキレンアルカノエートとして融点が１６９℃、
結晶化温度が１２３℃、ＭＦＲ値が２７ｇ／１０分のポ
リブチレンサクシネートを用いた。また、紡出糸条を牽
引細化する際の牽引速度を２１００ｍ／分と低くして、
堆積させた複合長繊維の単糸繊度を７．２デニール、突
起部３のセグメント繊度を０．６デニール、芯部２のセ
グメント繊度を３．６０デニールと太くした。そしてそ
れ以外は実施例１と同様にして長繊維不織布を作成し
た。不織布を形成する際の操業性、得られた不織布の物
性、生分解性能等を表１に示す。Example 8 A polyalkylene alkanoate having a melting point of 169 ° C.
Polybutylene succinate having a crystallization temperature of 123 ° C. and an MFR value of 27 g / 10 min was used. In addition, the towing speed at the time of thinning the spun yarn is reduced to 2100 m / min,
The single filament fineness of the deposited composite filament was 7.2 denier, the segment fineness of the projection 3 was 0.6 denier, and the segment fineness of the core 2 was 3.60 denier. Otherwise, a long-fiber nonwoven fabric was prepared in the same manner as in Example 1. Table 1 shows the operability in forming the nonwoven fabric, the physical properties of the obtained nonwoven fabric, the biodegradability, and the like.

【００６８】実施例１〜８は、いずれも多葉型複合長繊
維の突起部３がポリ乳酸系重合体にて形成されていたた
め、紡出糸条の冷却性や開繊性の良いものが得られた。
また熱圧接を施しても全融着することなく柔軟性の良い
ものが得られた。また、芯部２はポリアルキレンアルカ
ノエートにて形成し、芯部２と突起部３の配合割合およ
び単糸繊度や繊維の断面形状等を本発明の範囲としたた
め、得られた不織布は生分解性に優れたものとなった。
さらに、多葉型複合長繊維を溶融紡出する際の牽引速度
を本発明の範囲としたため、不織布の機械的特性や寸法
安定性にも優れたものが得られた。In each of Examples 1 to 8, since the projections 3 of the multilobal conjugated long fibers were formed of a polylactic acid-based polymer, the spun yarns having good cooling and opening properties were used. Obtained.
Further, even when subjected to thermal pressure welding, a material having good flexibility was obtained without being completely fused. Further, since the core 2 is formed of polyalkylene alkanoate, and the blending ratio of the core 2 and the projections 3, the single-filament fineness and the cross-sectional shape of the fiber are within the scope of the present invention, the obtained nonwoven fabric is biodegradable. It became excellent in nature.
Furthermore, since the drawing speed at the time of melt-spinning the multi-leaf conjugate filaments was within the range of the present invention, a nonwoven fabric having excellent mechanical properties and dimensional stability was obtained.

【００６９】また、実施例２は、実施例１よりもポリア
ルキレンアルカノエートの割合を多くしたため芯部２の
周長比が大きくなり、紡出糸条の冷却性にやや劣るもの
となったが、開繊性も良く実使用に何ら障害のでるもの
ではなかった。In Example 2, the ratio of the perimeter of the core portion 2 was increased because the proportion of the polyalkylene alkanoate was larger than that in Example 1, but the cooling property of the spun yarn was slightly inferior. Also, the fiber-opening property was good and there was no hindrance to actual use.

【００７０】実施例６は、実施例１よりも突起部３の数
を少なくしたため、芯部２の周長比が大きくポリアルキ
レンアルカノエートの繊維表面における露出部分が多く
なり、実施例１よりもやや紡出糸条の冷却性に劣るもの
となったが、開繊性も良好であり、機械的特性にも優れ
るものであった。In Example 6, since the number of protrusions 3 was smaller than in Example 1, the circumference ratio of the core 2 was large and the exposed portion on the fiber surface of the polyalkylene alkanoate was increased. Although the cooling property of the spun yarn was slightly inferior, the spreadability was good and the mechanical properties were also excellent.

【００７１】実施例８は、実施例１よりも単糸繊度の大
きい複合長繊維を紡出したため紡出糸条の冷却性にやや
劣るものとなったが、開繊性も良く実使用に何ら障害の
でるものではなかった。In Example 8, the spun yarn was slightly inferior to the cooling property of the spun yarn due to the spun composite filament having a larger single-fiber fineness than that of Example 1, but the fiber opening property was good and it was not practically used. It was not an obstacle.

【００７２】比較例１ 不織布を構成する長繊維を実施例１と同一のポリアルキ
レンアルカノエートのみで作成した。すなわち、ポリア
ルキレンアルカノエートとして融点が１１４℃、結晶化
温度が７５℃、ＭＦＲ値が５０ｇ／１０分のポリブチレ
ンサクシネートのみを用いて、温度２００℃で溶融し、
繊維横断面が単相型になる口金を介して単相型長繊維を
単孔吐出量１．２ｇ／分の条件下で溶融紡糸した。そし
て紡出糸条を公知の冷却装置にて冷却した後、引き続い
て紡糸口金の下方に設けたエアーサッカーにて牽引速度
３２００ｍ／分で長繊維の単糸繊度が３．６デニールと
なるように牽引細化し、公知の開繊器具を用いて開繊
し、移動するスクリーンコンベア上にウエブとして捕集
堆積させた。Comparative Example 1 A long fiber constituting a nonwoven fabric was prepared using only the same polyalkylene alkanoate as in Example 1. That is, using only polybutylene succinate having a melting point of 114 ° C., a crystallization temperature of 75 ° C., and an MFR value of 50 g / 10 min as a polyalkylene alkanoate, melting at a temperature of 200 ° C.
The single-phase type long fiber was melt-spun through a die having a fiber cross section of a single-phase type under a condition of a single hole discharge rate of 1.2 g / min. Then, after the spun yarn is cooled by a known cooling device, the filament length of the filament becomes 3.6 denier at a drawing speed of 3200 m / min by an air sucker provided below the spinneret. The fiber was drawn down, opened using a known opening device, and collected and deposited as a web on a moving screen conveyor.

【００７３】しかし、後述の理由により長繊維不織布を
得ることができなかった。However, a long-fiber nonwoven fabric could not be obtained for the following reasons.

【００７４】[0074]

【表２】 [Table 2]

【００７５】比較例２ 多葉型複合長繊維の突起部３の数を本発明の範囲よりも
少なく３個とし、紡出糸条を牽引細化する際の牽引速度
を３３００ｍ／分とした。そしてそれ以外は実施例１と
同様にして、堆積させた複合長繊維の単糸繊度が３．５
デニール、突起部３のセグメント繊度が０．５８デニー
ル、芯部２のセグメント繊度が１．７５デニールとなる
ように溶融紡出した。Comparative Example 2 The number of the projections 3 of the multi-leaf conjugated continuous fiber was smaller than the range of the present invention, and the drawing speed was 3300 m / min when the spun yarn was drawn. Otherwise, in the same manner as in Example 1, the single fiber fineness of the deposited composite filament was 3.5.
Melt spinning was performed so that the denier and the segment fineness of the projection 3 were 0.58 denier and the segment fineness of the core 2 was 1.75 denier.

【００７６】しかし、後述の理由により長繊維不織布を
得ることができなかった。However, a long-fiber nonwoven fabric could not be obtained for the following reasons.

【００７７】比較例３ 多葉型複合長繊維の突起部３の数を本発明の範囲よりも
多く１２個とし、紡出糸条を牽引細化する際の牽引速度
を３７００ｍ／分とした。そしてそれ以外は実施例１と
同様にして、堆積させた複合長繊維の単糸繊度が３．３
デニール、突起部３のセグメント繊度が０．１４デニー
ル、芯部２のセグメント繊度が１．６５デニールとなる
ように溶融紡出した。Comparative Example 3 The number of the projections 3 of the multi-lobed conjugated continuous fiber was set to be 12 more than the range of the present invention, and the drawing speed for drawing and drawing the spun yarn was set to 3700 m / min. Otherwise, in the same manner as in Example 1, the single filament fineness of the deposited composite filament was 3.3.
Melt spinning was performed so that the denier, the segment fineness of the projection 3 was 0.14 denier, and the segment fineness of the core 2 was 1.65 denier.

【００７８】不織布を形成する際の操業性、得られた不
織布の物性、生分解性能等を表２に示す。Table 2 shows the operability in forming the nonwoven fabric, the physical properties of the obtained nonwoven fabric, the biodegradability, and the like.

【００７９】比較例４ ポリアルキレンアルカノエートとポリ乳酸系共重合体と
の複合比が重量比で４：１となるようにして、ポリアル
キレンアルカノエートの配合割合が本発明の範囲よりも
多くなるようにし、紡出糸条を牽引細化する際の牽引速
度を２９００ｍ／分とした。そしてそれ以外は実施例１
と同様にして、堆積させた複合長繊維の単糸繊度が４．
０デニール、突起部３のセグメント繊度が０．１３デニ
ール、芯部２のセグメント繊度が３．２デニールとなる
ように溶融紡出した。Comparative Example 4 The compounding ratio of the polyalkylene alkanoate to the polylactic acid-based copolymer was 4: 1 by weight so that the blending ratio of the polyalkylene alkanoate was larger than the range of the present invention. In this way, the drawing speed at the time of drawing and thinning the spun yarn was 2900 m / min. Other than that, Example 1
In the same manner as described above, the single-filament fineness of the deposited composite continuous fiber is 4.
Melt spinning was performed so that the denier of the projections 3 was 0.13 denier and the segment fineness of the core 2 was 3.2 denier.

【００８０】しかし、後述の理由により長繊維不織布を
得ることができなかった。However, a long-fiber nonwoven fabric could not be obtained for the following reasons.

【００８１】比較例５ ポリアルキレンアルカノエートとポリ乳酸系共重合体と
の複合比が重量比で１：４となるようにして、ポリ乳酸
系共重合体の配合割合が本発明の範囲よりも多くなるよ
うにし、紡出糸条を牽引細化する際の牽引速度を３８０
０ｍ／分とした。そしてそれ以外は実施例１と同様にし
て、堆積させた複合長繊維の単糸繊度が３．３デニー
ル、突起部３のセグメント繊度が０．４４デニール、芯
部２のセグメント繊度が０．６６デニールとなるように
溶融紡出した。Comparative Example 5 The compounding ratio of the polyalkylene alkanoate and the polylactic acid-based copolymer was set to 1: 4 by weight so that the blending ratio of the polylactic acid-based copolymer was out of the range of the present invention. And the drawing speed at the time of drawing and thinning the spun yarn is 380.
0 m / min. Otherwise, in the same manner as in Example 1, the single filament fineness of the deposited composite continuous fiber is 3.3 denier, the segment fineness of the projection 3 is 0.44 denier, and the segment fineness of the core 2 is 0.66. It was melt spun to obtain denier.

【００８２】不織布を形成する際の操業性、得られた不
織布の物性、生分解性能等を表２に示す。Table 2 shows the operability in forming the nonwoven fabric, the physical properties of the obtained nonwoven fabric, the biodegradability and the like.

【００８３】比較例６ 紡出糸条を牽引細化する際の牽引速度を本発明の範囲よ
りも遅く１８００ｍ／分とした。そしてそれ以外は実施
例１と同様にして、堆積させた複合長繊維の単糸繊度が
９．５デニール、突起部３のセグメント繊度が０．７９
デニール、芯部２のセグメント繊度が４．８０デニール
となるように溶融紡出した。Comparative Example 6 The drawing speed at the time of drawing and thinning the spun yarn was set to 1800 m / min, which was lower than the range of the present invention. Otherwise, in the same manner as in Example 1, the single-filament fineness of the deposited composite filament was 9.5 denier, and the segment fineness of the projection 3 was 0.79.
The denier was melt-spun so that the segment fineness of the core 2 was 4.80 denier.

【００８４】不織布を形成する際の操業性、得られた不
織布の物性、生分解性能等を表２に示す。Table 2 shows the operability in forming the nonwoven fabric, the physical properties of the obtained nonwoven fabric, the biodegradability and the like.

【００８５】比較例７ 紡出糸条を牽引細化する際の牽引速度を３５００ｍ／分
とした。そしてそれ以外は実施例１と同様にして、堆積
させた複合長繊維の単糸繊度が３．４デニール、突起部
３のセグメント繊度が０．３２デニール、芯部２のセグ
メント繊度が１．７デニールとなるように溶融紡出し、
長繊維ウエブを作成した。この長繊維ウエブに芯部２を
形成するポリアルキレンアルカノエートの融点１１４℃
よりも高い１１６℃の温度にて部分的熱圧接を施した。Comparative Example 7 The drawing speed at the time of drawing and thinning the spun yarn was set to 3500 m / min. Other than that, in the same manner as in Example 1, the single filament fineness of the deposited composite filament is 3.4 denier, the segment fineness of the projection 3 is 0.32 denier, and the segment fineness of the core 2 is 1.7. Melt spinning to become denier,
A long fiber web was made. Melting point 114 ° C. of polyalkylene alkanoate forming core 2 on this long fiber web
Partial thermal pressure welding was performed at a higher temperature of 116 ° C.

【００８６】しかし、後述の理由により長繊維不織布を
得ることができなかった。However, a long-fiber nonwoven fabric could not be obtained for the following reasons.

【００８７】比較例１は、融点の低いポリアルキレンア
ルカノエート単相の長繊維で不織布を作成しようとした
ため、糸条を紡出する際の冷却性や開繊性に劣り、目的
とする生分解性不織布が得られなかった。In Comparative Example 1, the non-woven fabric was prepared from a polyalkylene alkanoate single-phase long fiber having a low melting point. No non-woven fabric was obtained.

【００８８】比較例２は、複合長繊維を形成する突起部
の数を本発明の範囲よりも少なくしたため、融点の低い
ポリアルキレンアルカノエートの繊維表面における露出
部分が多すぎ、紡出糸条の冷却性や開繊性に劣り、目的
とする生分解性不織布が得られなかった。In Comparative Example 2, since the number of projections forming the composite filament was smaller than the range of the present invention, the exposed portion on the fiber surface of the polyalkylene alkanoate having a low melting point was too large, and The cooling property and the opening property were poor, and the target biodegradable nonwoven fabric could not be obtained.

【００８９】比較例３は、突起部３の数を本発明の範囲
よりも多くしたため、冷却性や開繊性が良く、強力や柔
軟性にも優れた不織布が得られるものの、芯部２を形成
するポリアルキレンアルカノエートの繊維表面における
露出部分が少なすぎるため、生分解性に乏しい不織布と
なった。In Comparative Example 3, since the number of the projections 3 was larger than the range of the present invention, a nonwoven fabric excellent in cooling property and opening property and excellent in strength and flexibility was obtained. Since the exposed portion of the formed polyalkylene alkanoate on the fiber surface was too small, a nonwoven fabric with poor biodegradability was obtained.

【００９０】比較例４は、複合長繊維を形成するポリア
ルキレンアルカノエートの複合比を本発明の範囲よりも
多くしたため、融点の低いポリアルキレンアルカノエー
トの繊維表面における露出部分が多すぎ、紡出糸条の冷
却性や開繊性に劣り、目的とする生分解性不織布が得ら
れなかった。In Comparative Example 4, since the composite ratio of the polyalkylene alkanoate forming the composite long fiber was larger than the range of the present invention, the exposed portion of the polyalkylene alkanoate having a low melting point on the fiber surface was too large, and The cooling and opening properties of the yarn were poor, and the desired biodegradable nonwoven fabric could not be obtained.

【００９１】比較例５は、融点の高いポリ乳酸系重合体
の複合比を本発明の範囲よりも多くしたため、冷却性や
開繊性が良く、強力や柔軟性にも優れた不織布が得られ
るものの、芯部２を形成するポリアルキレンアルカノエ
ートの繊維表面における露出部分が少なすぎるため、生
分解性に乏しい不織布となった。In Comparative Example 5, since the composite ratio of the polylactic acid-based polymer having a high melting point was larger than the range of the present invention, a nonwoven fabric excellent in cooling property and opening property, and excellent in strength and flexibility was obtained. However, the exposed portion of the polyalkylene alkanoate forming the core portion 2 on the fiber surface was too small, resulting in a nonwoven fabric having poor biodegradability.

【００９２】比較例６は、紡出糸条の牽引速度が低すぎ
たため、紡出糸条の冷却性や開繊性に劣り、また、得ら
れた不織布は機械的強力や寸法安定性に劣るものであっ
た。比較例７は、長繊維ウエブに部分熱圧接を施す際の
加工温度が芯部を形成するポリアルキレンアルカノエー
トの融点よりも高かったため、熱圧接装置にポリアルキ
レンアルカノエートが固着して、目的とする生分解性不
織布が得られなかった。In Comparative Example 6, since the drawing speed of the spun yarn was too low, the spun yarn was inferior in cooling performance and spreadability, and the obtained nonwoven fabric was inferior in mechanical strength and dimensional stability. Was something. In Comparative Example 7, since the processing temperature at the time of performing the partial thermal pressure welding on the long fiber web was higher than the melting point of the polyalkylene alkanoate forming the core, the polyalkylene alkanoate was fixed to the thermal pressure welding apparatus, No biodegradable nonwoven fabric was obtained.

【００９３】[0093]

【発明の効果】本発明によれば、冷却性および開繊性に
優れた融点の高いポリ乳酸系重合体を細分化し繊維外周
部に突起部として位置させ、生分解性能に優れた融点の
低いポリアルキレンアルカノエートを芯部に位置させる
ことにより、冷却性や開繊性が良く製糸性に優れ、しか
も強力や地合いに優れた長繊維不織布とすることができ
る。また、部分熱圧接が可能となり柔軟性に優れた不織
布とすることができる。さらに突起部と芯部との割合が
容易に調整できることから生分解性の制御が可能とな
る。According to the present invention, a polylactic acid-based polymer having a high melting point and excellent in cooling and opening properties is subdivided and positioned as projections on the outer periphery of the fiber, and a low melting point and excellent in biodegradability are obtained. By locating the polyalkylene alkanoate at the core, it is possible to obtain a long-fiber nonwoven fabric having excellent cooling properties and openability, excellent spinning properties, and excellent strength and formation. Further, the nonwoven fabric can be subjected to partial thermal pressure welding and has excellent flexibility. Further, since the ratio between the projection and the core can be easily adjusted, the biodegradability can be controlled.

【００９４】また、本発明の生分解性長繊維不織布を製
造するに際し、牽引速度を２０００ｍ／分以上とするこ
とで、不織布の強力や寸法安定性に優れた長繊維不織布
とすることができる。Further, when producing the biodegradable long-fiber nonwoven fabric of the present invention, by setting the drawing speed to 2000 m / min or more, a long-fiber nonwoven fabric having excellent strength and dimensional stability of the nonwoven fabric can be obtained.

【００９５】本発明の不織布は、おむつや生理用品その
他の医療・衛生材料素材、使い捨ておしぼりやワイピン
グクロスなどの拭き取り布、使い捨て包装材、家庭・業
務用の生ゴミ捕集用袋その他廃棄物処理材などの生活関
連素材、あるいは、農業・園芸・土木用に代表される産
業用資材の各素材として好適に使用できる。しかも、こ
の不織布は、生分解性を有し使用後には完全に分解消失
するため、自然保護の観点からも有益であり、さらに、
例えば堆肥化して肥料とするなど再利用を図ることもで
きる。The nonwoven fabric of the present invention can be used for diapers, sanitary products and other medical and sanitary materials, wipes such as disposable towels and wiping cloths, disposable packaging materials, bags for collecting garbage for home and business use, and other waste treatment. It can be suitably used as a living-related material such as a material, or as an industrial material represented by agriculture, horticulture, and civil engineering. Moreover, since this nonwoven fabric has biodegradability and is completely decomposed and disappears after use, it is also useful from the viewpoint of nature protection.
For example, it can be reused by composting into fertilizer.

【図面の簡単な説明】[Brief description of the drawings]

【図１】本発明の多葉型複合長繊維の繊維横断面を示す
図である。FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a fiber cross section of a multilobal conjugate long fiber of the present invention.

【図２】本発明の多葉型複合長繊維の繊維横断面を示す
図である。FIG. 2 is a view showing a fiber cross section of the multilobal conjugate long fiber of the present invention.

【図３】本発明の多葉型複合長繊維の繊維横断面を示す
図である。FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a fiber cross section of the multilobal conjugate long fiber of the present invention.

【符号の説明】[Explanation of symbols]

１ 多葉型複合長繊維 ２ 芯部 ３ 突起部 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Multi-leaf type composite long fiber 2 Core part 3 Projection part

─────────────────────────────────────────────────────
────────────────────────────────────────────────── ───

【手続補正書】[Procedure amendment]

【提出日】平成１０年１２月１日[Submission date] December 1, 1998

【手続補正１】[Procedure amendment 1]

【補正対象書類名】明細書[Document name to be amended] Statement

【補正対象項目名】０００５[Correction target item name] 0005

【補正方法】変更[Correction method] Change

【補正内容】[Correction contents]

【０００５】近年では、高重合度のポリマーを効率的に
製造しうる新しい重合法が開発され、ポリ−Ｌ−乳酸に
代表されるようなポリ−α−オキシ酸の繊維化ならびに
不織布化が種々検討されている。中でもポリ乳酸系重合
体は前記の熱可塑性重合体に比べ融点や結晶化温度が比
較的高く、結晶化速度も速いため、紡出糸条の冷却性や
開繊性に優れ製糸性が良く機械的強力に優れた不織布が
得られ、この不織布に熱接着処理を施しても全面融着す
ることがなく、柔軟性を兼ね備えた不織布とすることが
できる。また、前記ポリ乳酸系重合体を用いた長繊維不
織布として、例えば、芯部を融点が低く生分解性のよい
ポリアルキレンアルカノエートのような重合体にて形成
し、鞘部を比較的融点が高く製糸性に優れたポリ乳酸系
重合体にて形成した芯鞘型複合長繊維からなる不織布が
考えられる。このような芯鞘型複合長繊維によっても、
紡出糸条の冷却性や開繊性が良くなり、機械的強力と柔
軟性とを兼ね備えた長繊維不織布を得ることが可能であ
る。しかし、このようなポリ乳酸系重合体を用いた長繊
維不織布は、他の重合体を用いたものに比べ生分解性能
が低下するため長期間不織布の形態を保つ目的のものに
しか使用できず、利用分野が限られることになる。[0005] In recent years, a new polymerization method capable of efficiently producing a polymer having a high degree of polymerization has been developed, and various types of fiberization and nonwoven fabric of poly-α-oxyacid represented by poly-L-lactic acid have been developed. Are being considered. Among them, the polylactic acid-based polymer has a relatively high melting point and crystallization temperature and a high crystallization rate as compared with the above-mentioned thermoplastic polymer, and thus has excellent cooling and opening properties of the spun yarn and excellent spinning properties. A nonwoven fabric having excellent mechanical strength can be obtained, and even if this nonwoven fabric is subjected to a heat bonding treatment, the whole surface does not fuse and a nonwoven fabric having flexibility can be obtained. Further, as a long-fiber nonwoven fabric using the polylactic acid-based polymer, for example, the core portion is formed of a polymer such as polyalkylene alkanoate having a low melting point and good biodegradability, and the sheath portion has a relatively high melting point. Non-woven fabric consisting of core-sheath composite long fibers formed of polylactic acid-based polymer with high yarn-making properties
It is possible . Even with such a core-sheath composite long fiber,
The cooling and opening properties of the spun yarn are improved, and it is possible to obtain a long-fiber nonwoven fabric having both mechanical strength and flexibility.
You . However, a long-fiber nonwoven fabric using such a polylactic acid-based polymer can be used only for the purpose of maintaining the form of the nonwoven fabric for a long period of time because the biodegradability is reduced as compared with those using other polymers. , use field will be limited.

【手続補正２】[Procedure amendment 2]

【補正対象書類名】明細書[Document name to be amended] Statement

【補正対象項目名】００２０[Correction target item name] 0020

【補正方法】変更[Correction method] Change

【補正内容】[Correction contents]

【００２０】本発明においては、不織布の構成繊維の耐
熱温度が１００℃以上であることが、得られた不織布の
耐熱性等の観点から好ましく、従って、多葉型複合長繊
維１の突起部３を形成するポリ乳酸系重合体の融点が１
００℃以上であることが重要である。一般に、ポリ乳酸
のホモポリマーであるポリ（Ｌ−乳酸）やポリ（Ｄ−乳
酸）の融点は約１７０℃であるが、ポリ乳酸系重合体と
して、Ｄ−乳酸とＬ−乳酸との共重合体や、Ｄ−乳酸と
ヒドロキシカルボン酸との共重合体や、Ｌ−乳酸とヒド
ロキシカルボン酸との共重合体や、あるいは前記重合体
のブレンド体を用いる場合には、各成分の共重合比や配
合割合によって共重合体やブレンド体の融点が１００℃
未満となったり、重合体が非晶性ポリマーとなることが
あり、このような場合には、製糸時の冷却性が低下する
とともに、得られた不織布の耐熱性が損なわれるためそ
の使用用途が制限されることとなり好ましくない。In the present invention, it is preferable that the heat resistance temperature of the constituent fibers of the nonwoven fabric is 100 ° C. or higher from the viewpoint of the heat resistance of the obtained nonwoven fabric. The melting point of the polylactic acid-based polymer forming
It is important that the temperature is not lower than 00 ° C. In general, poly (L-lactic acid) and poly (D-lactic acid), which are homopolymers of polylactic acid, have a melting point of about 170 ° C., but as a polylactic acid-based polymer, a copolymer of D-lactic acid and L-lactic acid is used. When a copolymer, a copolymer of D-lactic acid and hydroxycarboxylic acid, a copolymer of L-lactic acid and hydroxycarboxylic acid, or a blend of the above polymers is used, the copolymerization ratio of each component is used. The melting point of the copolymer or blend is 100 ° C depending on the blending ratio
Or the polymer may be an amorphous polymer.In such a case, the cooling property at the time of spinning is reduced, and the heat resistance of the obtained nonwoven fabric is impaired. This is undesirably limited.

Claims (9)

【特許請求の範囲】[Claims] 【請求項１】 生分解性多葉型複合長繊維にて形成され
た不織布であって、前記生分解性多葉型複合長繊維がポ
リアルキレンアルカノエートとポリ乳酸系重合体とから
形成される複合長繊維であり、この複合長繊維の繊維断
面においてポリアルキレンアルカノエートが芯部を形成
し、ポリ乳酸系重合体が前記ポリアルキレンアルカノエ
ートの円周方向に独立した突起部を複数形成し、しかも
前記ポリアルキレンアルカノエート成分はポリ乳酸系重
合体成分によって分断されることなく連続しており、か
つポリアルキレンアルカノエート成分及びポリ乳酸系重
合体成分が共に繊維軸方向に連続するとともに繊維表面
において交互に露出してなり、前記生分解性多葉型複合
長繊維からなる不織ウエブが、部分的に熱圧接されて所
定の形態を保持されていることを特徴とする生分解性長
繊維不織布。1. A nonwoven fabric formed of a biodegradable multi-leaf conjugated long fiber, wherein the biodegradable multi-leaf conjugated long fiber is formed from a polyalkylene alkanoate and a polylactic acid-based polymer. A composite long fiber, the polyalkylene alkanoate forms a core in the fiber cross section of the composite long fiber, the polylactic acid-based polymer forms a plurality of protrusions independent in the circumferential direction of the polyalkylene alkanoate, Moreover, the polyalkylene alkanoate component is continuous without being separated by the polylactic acid-based polymer component, and the polyalkylene alkanoate component and the polylactic acid-based polymer component are both continuous in the fiber axis direction and are on the fiber surface. The nonwoven web composed of the biodegradable multi-leaf type composite long fibers, which is alternately exposed, is held in a predetermined form by being partially hot pressed. A biodegradable long-fiber nonwoven fabric characterized by the following. 【請求項２】 ポリ乳酸系重合体が、ポリ（Ｄ−乳酸）
と、ポリ（Ｌ−乳酸）と、Ｄ−乳酸とＬ−乳酸との共重
合体と、Ｄ−乳酸とヒドロキシカルボン酸との共重合体
と、Ｌ−乳酸とヒドロキシカルボン酸との共重合体とか
ら選ばれるいずれかの重合体、あるいは前記重合体のブ
レンド体であって、かつ前記重合体あるいはブレンド体
の融点が１００℃以上であることを特徴とする請求項１
記載の生分解性長繊維不織布。2. The polylactic acid-based polymer is poly (D-lactic acid).
, Poly (L-lactic acid), a copolymer of D-lactic acid and L-lactic acid, a copolymer of D-lactic acid and hydroxycarboxylic acid, and a copolymer of L-lactic acid and hydroxycarboxylic acid 2. A polymer selected from the group consisting of: and a blend of the polymers, and the melting point of the polymer or the blend is 100 ° C. or higher.
The biodegradable long-fiber nonwoven fabric according to the above. 【請求項３】 ポリアルキレンアルカノエートが、ブチ
レンサクシネートを主たる繰り返し単位とする重合体、
ポリブチレンサクシネートとポリエチレンサクシネート
との共重合モル比が（ポリブチレンサクシネート）／
（ポリエチレンサクシネート）＝９０／１０〜７０／３
０の範囲である共重合体、またはポリブチレンサクシネ
ートとポリブチレンアジペートの共重合モル比が（ポリ
ブチレンサクシネート）／（ポリブチレンアジペート）
＝９０／１０〜７０／３０の範囲である共重合体である
ことを特徴とする請求項１または２記載の生分解性長繊
維不織布。3. A polymer wherein the polyalkylene alkanoate has butylene succinate as a main repeating unit,
The copolymerization molar ratio of polybutylene succinate and polyethylene succinate is (polybutylene succinate) /
(Polyethylene succinate) = 90/10 to 70/3
0 or the copolymerization molar ratio of polybutylene succinate to polybutylene adipate is (polybutylene succinate) / (polybutylene adipate)
The biodegradable long-fiber nonwoven fabric according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the non-woven fabric is a copolymer having a range of 90/10 to 70/30. 【請求項４】 ポリアルキレンアルカノエート成分とポ
リ乳酸系重合体成分との複合比が、重量比で、（ポリア
ルキレンアルカノエート）／（ポリ乳酸系重合体）＝１
／３〜３／１の範囲であることを特徴とする請求項１か
ら３までのいずれか１項に記載の生分解性長繊維不織
布。4. The composition ratio of the polyalkylene alkanoate component to the polylactic acid-based polymer component is (polyalkylene alkanoate) / (polylactic acid-based polymer) = 1 by weight ratio.
The biodegradable long-fiber nonwoven fabric according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the ratio is in the range of / 3 to 3/1. 【請求項５】 多葉型複合長繊維の単糸繊度が１．５〜
１０デニールであることを特徴とする請求項１から４ま
でのいずれか１項に記載の生分解性長繊維不織布。5. The single-filament fineness of the multi-leaf conjugate filament is 1.5 to 1.5.
The biodegradable long-fiber nonwoven fabric according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the nonwoven fabric is 10 denier. 【請求項６】 ポリ乳酸系重合体成分の突起部数が４〜
１０であり、かつポリ乳酸系重合体成分の個々に独立し
た各セグメント繊度が０．０５〜２デニールであること
を特徴とする請求項１から５までのいずれか１項に記載
の生分解性長繊維不織布。6. The polylactic acid-based polymer component has four to four protrusions.
The biodegradable composition according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the segment fineness of each of the polylactic acid-based polymer components is 0.05 to 2 deniers. Long fiber non-woven fabric. 【請求項７】 ポリアルキレンアルカノエート成分の単
糸繊度が１〜４デニールであることを特徴とする請求項
６記載の生分解性長繊維不織布。7. The biodegradable long-fiber nonwoven fabric according to claim 6, wherein the single-filament fineness of the polyalkylene alkanoate component is 1 to 4 denier. 【請求項８】 多葉型複合長繊維の繊維横断面の外周に
おけるポリ乳酸系重合体とポリアルキレンアルカノエー
トとの占める周長合計の比が、（ポリ乳酸系重合体）／
（ポリアルキレンアルカノエート）＝９０／１０〜４０
／６０の範囲であることを特徴とする請求項１から７ま
でのいずれか１項に記載の生分解性長繊維不織布。8. The ratio of the total perimeter occupied by the polylactic acid-based polymer and the polyalkylene alkanoate in the outer periphery of the cross section of the multi-lobed conjugate long fiber is (polylactic acid-based polymer) /
(Polyalkylene alkanoate) = 90 / 10-40
The biodegradable long-fiber nonwoven fabric according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the ratio is in the range of / 60. 【請求項９】 ポリアルキレンアルカノエートとポリ乳
酸系重合体とを用いて、それぞれを個別に溶融し、繊維
横断面において、ポリアルキレンアルカノエートが芯部
を形成し、ポリ乳酸系重合体が前記ポリアルキレンアル
カノエートの円周方向に独立した突起部を複数形成し、
しかも前記ポリアルキレンアルカノエート成分はポリ乳
酸系重合体成分によって分断されることなく連続してお
り、かつポリアルキレンアルカノエート成分及びポリ乳
酸系重合体成分が共に繊維軸方向に連続するとともに繊
維表面において交互に露出するように形成可能な多葉型
複合紡糸口金を介して溶融紡糸し、前記口金より紡出し
た紡出糸条を冷却し、２０００ｍ／分以上の牽引速度に
て牽引細化して開繊し、得られた長繊維を堆積させて不
織ウエブを形成し、前記不織ウエブに熱圧接を施して不
織布を形成することを特徴とする生分解性長繊維不織布
の製造方法。9. A polyalkylene alkanoate and a polylactic acid-based polymer are individually melted using a polyalkylene alkanoate and a polylactic acid-based polymer. Forming a plurality of independent protrusions in the circumferential direction of the polyalkylene alkanoate,
Moreover, the polyalkylene alkanoate component is continuous without being separated by the polylactic acid-based polymer component, and the polyalkylene alkanoate component and the polylactic acid-based polymer component are both continuous in the fiber axis direction and are on the fiber surface. Melt spinning is performed through a multi-leaf composite spinneret that can be formed so as to be alternately exposed, and the spun yarn spun from the spinneret is cooled, and is drawn and thinned at a drawing speed of 2000 m / min or more. A method for producing a biodegradable long-fiber non-woven fabric, comprising forming a non-woven web by spreading the obtained long fibers and forming a non-woven web by hot-pressing the non-woven web.
JP7295898A 1998-03-23 1998-03-23 Biodegradable long-fiber nonwoven fabric and method for producing the same Expired - Fee Related JP3556089B2 (en)

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Cited By (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2002077335A1 (en) * 2001-03-27 2002-10-03 The Procter & Gamble Company Fibers comprising polyhydroxyalkanoate copolymer/polylactic acid polymer or copolymer blends
US6706942B1 (en) 2003-05-08 2004-03-16 The Procter & Gamble Company Molded or extruded articles comprising polyhydroxyalkanoate copolymer compositions having short annealing cycle times
US6808795B2 (en) 2001-03-27 2004-10-26 The Procter & Gamble Company Polyhydroxyalkanoate copolymer and polylactic acid polymer compositions for laminates and films
US7098292B2 (en) 2003-05-08 2006-08-29 The Procter & Gamble Company Molded or extruded articles comprising polyhydroxyalkanoate copolymer and an environmentally degradable thermoplastic polymer

Cited By (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2002077335A1 (en) * 2001-03-27 2002-10-03 The Procter & Gamble Company Fibers comprising polyhydroxyalkanoate copolymer/polylactic acid polymer or copolymer blends
US6808795B2 (en) 2001-03-27 2004-10-26 The Procter & Gamble Company Polyhydroxyalkanoate copolymer and polylactic acid polymer compositions for laminates and films
US6905987B2 (en) 2001-03-27 2005-06-14 The Procter & Gamble Company Fibers comprising polyhydroxyalkanoate copolymer/polylactic acid polymer or copolymer blends
US6706942B1 (en) 2003-05-08 2004-03-16 The Procter & Gamble Company Molded or extruded articles comprising polyhydroxyalkanoate copolymer compositions having short annealing cycle times
US7098292B2 (en) 2003-05-08 2006-08-29 The Procter & Gamble Company Molded or extruded articles comprising polyhydroxyalkanoate copolymer and an environmentally degradable thermoplastic polymer

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