EP3077590B1 - Use of a surfactant composition for the hydrophilic finishing of textile fibers, and textile products produced therefrom - Google Patents

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to surfactant compositions for hydrophilic finishing of textile fibers and textile products made therefrom, such as nonwovens, which impart permanently hydrophilic properties to these basically hydrophobic substrates.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Hydrophilic nonwovens are used in particular as cover fleeces or as intermediate fleeces in multilayer nonwovens for hygiene articles such as baby diapers, sanitary napkins, incontinence products and similar products. Such webs have the task to forward body fluids such as urine quickly to the underlying absorption layer.

To produce the cover fleeces, fibers or filaments of polyolefin or polyester are usually used. However, these polymers are hydrophobic and therefore have to be hydrophilized either to the fiber during fiber production and / or further processing. Usually, the hydrophilization is carried out by treating the filaments with known spin finishes, which are then further processed into staple fibers and nonwovens. It is also more usual to treat the nonwovens before further processing into a hygiene article with a hydrophilic finishing agent as a so-called "top coat".

The treatment of the hydrophobic fibers, filaments or nonwovens with a hydrophilic spin finish or a hydrophilic finishing agent should give the most permanent possible hydrophilization, which is not or only slightly washed out by liquids and the fleece over as possible give as long a period of its useful life as constant as possible hydrophilicity.

Such hydrophilizing compositions are known in the art. The U.S. Patent 4,988,449 describes hydrophilizing compositions containing diethanolamides and nonionic surfactants, alkyl phosphates, quaternary ammonium salts and / or alkyl imidazolium salts and used as liquid permeability agents for polyolefin nonwovens.

From the US 5,258,129 For example, hydrophilicizing compositions are known which contain polyoxyalkylene-modified polydimethylsiloxanes, alone or in combination with nonionic surfactants, alkyl phosphates, quaternary ammonium salts and / or alkylimidazolium salts.

The EP 410 485 B1 discloses a method for hydrophilicizing polyolefin-by applying an aqueous alkoxylated surfactant to the surface of the fibers, wherein the composition of at least 80% of alkoxylated triglycerides of C ₁₈ fatty acids consists.

From the EP 0 839 947 A2 For example, hydrophilizing compositions containing nonionic surfactants in combination with a polyoxyalkylene modified polydimethylsiloxane and / or a quaternary ammonium compound are known.

The EP 1 600 532 B1 describes hydrophilizing compositions consisting of a fatty acid esterified alkoxylated glycerol and a fatty acid esterified alkoxylated or alkoxylated and hydrogenated ricinolein.

To increase the wearing comfort of incontinence products, it has already been proposed to subsequently equip the bodily hydrophilic cover fleeces with hydrophobic care lotions on the diaper machine. The EP 1 671 609 B1 proposes to apply the lotion in the form of a pattern of several stripes on the bodyside surface of the cover fleece, so that the cover fleece can continue to fulfill its function of liquid distribution.

The WO 2012/047986 A2 describes a lotion for application to the cover fleece of a hygiene article, which is hydrophilic and 0.1-90% of a microcrystalline wax, 0.1 to 25 wt .-% of a POE-4-Monolaurinsäureesters, 0.1 to 50 wt. % of a POE-8 monostearic acid ester and a carrier such as petrolatum.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Compared to the aforementioned prior art, the object is to provide a composition for simple and inexpensive finishing of textile fibers and textile products with permanently hydrophilic properties, which can be further processed in particular to hygiene articles with increased comfort.

This object is achieved by the use of a surfactant composition for hydrophilic finishing of textile fibers and textile products having the features of claim 1.

Further advantageous embodiments are specified in the dependent claims, which can be optionally combined with each other.

According to the invention, a surfactant composition is used for permanently hydrophilic finishing of textile fibers and fabrics made therefrom, the composition containing at least one nonionic surfactant and optionally at least one anionic and / or one cationic surfactant, characterized in that the composition further comprises a hydrophobic additive in one portion of up to 60 wt .-%, based on the total weight of the composition without solvent, wherein the hydrophobic additive comprises at least one compound from the group of fatty acid esters, vegetable oils and fats and mixtures thereof.

The nonionic surfactant is selected from the group consisting of alkoxylated C ₆ -C ₁₈ fatty alcohols, alkoxylated C ₆ -C ₁₈ amines, alkoxylated C ₆ -C ₁₈ amides, alkoxylated C ₆ -C ₁₈ fatty acids and alkoxylated C ₆ -C ₁₈ Fatty acid esters and alkoxylated C ₈ -C ₁₈ alkylphenols and alkoxylated triglycerides of C ₆ -C ₁₈ fatty acids and / or their esterification products with C ₈ -C ₁₈ fatty acids.

For the purposes of the invention, "permanently hydrophilic" is understood to mean a product treated with a finishing agent (fiber or fabric) which has the "Multi Strike Through" test according to WSP standard 70.7 (11) with breakdown times of <2 / <3 / <5 / <5 / <5 seconds.

The surfactant composition used in the present invention impart excellent body fluid permeability to fabrics treated therewith. At the same time, the composition gives the absorbent articles made from these textile products a good wearing comfort.

In aqueous dilution, the compositions according to the invention can be used particularly well as fiber preparations for permanently hydrophilic finishing of textile fibers. The surfactant composition is then preferably in the form of an emulsion or paste. The compositions are also useful as finishing agents or "top coats" for hydrophilic finishing of fabrics made from such fibers and filaments. Thus, the production process of the textile products, in particular of hygiene articles and incontinence products, significantly simplify, since the subsequent application of care lotions can be omitted on the cover fleece in the diaper machine.

For the purposes of the invention, the term "fibers" also includes "filaments", including single filaments and multi-filaments. The terms "fibers" and "filaments" are therefore used synonymously.

By "hydrophobic" fibers, materials or surfaces are referred to, which have a contact angle of more than 90 ° with water. Hydrophilic fibers, materials and surfaces are wettable spontaneously with water and aqueous liquids or show a contact angle of less than 90 °.

Unless indicated otherwise,% by weight refers to the total active ingredient content of the surfactant composition. in particular surfactants, hydrophobic additives and optional care additives. Depending on the application, the composition may also contain water and other solvents that are not included in the calculation of the shares.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Synthetic fibers or filaments of polyolefins and polyesters such as polyethylene terephthalate (PET) are used in particular as textile fibers. The fabrics made from these fibers are preferably non-woven fabrics (nonwovens), especially nonwovens.

The surfactant mixture used for the permanent hydrophilization of the textile fibers and textile products comprises at least one nonionic surfactant and optionally at least one anionic surfactant and / or a cationic surfactant. By combining different surfactants, a good wettability of the fibers can be achieved.

The total proportion of the surfactants in the composition according to the invention is preferably 40 to 95% by weight, more preferably 50 to 90% by weight and more preferably 50 to 80% by weight.

The hydrophobic additive is preferably contained in a proportion of 5 to 60% by weight in the composition. Particularly preferably, the proportion of the hydrophobic additive is 10 to 50 wt .-%, in particular 20 to 50 wt .-%.

Particularly preferably, the hydrophobic additive at room temperature (20 ° C) is liquid.

The nonionic surfactant is preferably present in the composition at a level of from 10 to 90 percent by weight. The proportion of the nonionic surfactant is preferably from 15 to 80% by weight and more preferably from 30 to 80% by weight.

The anionic surfactant may be present in a proportion of about 1 to 60% by weight in the composition. The proportion of the anionic surfactant is preferably from about 1 to 55% by weight, particularly preferably from 1 to 30% by weight.

The cationic surfactant may be present in the composition in a proportion of about 1 to 60% by weight. Preferably, the proportion of the cationic surfactant is from about 5 to 60 wt .-%, and particularly preferably from about 10 to 55 wt .-%.

The nonionic surfactant and the anionic surfactant may preferably be present in the composition of the invention in a weight ratio of 35:65 to 98: 2, preferably 70:30 to 98: 2.

The nonionic surfactant and the cationic surfactant may preferably be present in the composition of the invention in a weight ratio of from 35:65 to 98: 2, preferably to 80:20.

The composition may also contain both at least one anionic surfactant and at least one cationic surfactant together with at least one nonionic surfactant.

In addition, the composition according to the invention may optionally contain further additives from the group of antistatic agents, wetting agents, cohesives, lubricants, corrosion inhibitors and emulsifiers. Typically, these additives may also represent nonionic, cationic or anionic surfactants in the context of the invention. These additives are known in the art and commercially available in the field of spin finishes and finishers.

The nonionic surfactant is selected from the group consisting of alkoxylated C ₆ -C ₁₈ fatty alcohols, alkoxylated C ₆ -C ₁₈ amines, alkoxylated C ₆ -C ₁₈ amides, alkoxylated C ₆ -C ₁₈ fatty acids and alkoxylated C ₆ -C ₁₈ Fatty acid esters and alkoxylated C ₈ -C ₁₈ -alkylphenols and alkoxylated triglycerides of C ₆ -C ₁₈ -fatty acids and / or their esterification products with C ₈ -C ₁₈ fatty acids.

The hydrocarbon chains of these compounds can each be branched or straight-chain, saturated or unsaturated.

Preferably, the nonionic surfactant is an alkoxylated fatty alcohol having 6 to 18 C atoms in the hydrocarbon chain, an alkoxylated fatty acid having 6 to 18 C-atoms in the hydrocarbon chain, an alkoxylated triglyceride of C ₆ -C ₁₈ fatty acids and mixtures thereof.

Particular preference is given to fatty alcohol alkoxylates and fatty acid alkoxylates having 8 to 18 C atoms in the hydrocarbon chain.

The fatty alcohol alkoxylates and fatty acid alkoxylates may terminally have a hydroxyl or an alkyl or alkenyl ether group. Particularly preferred are hydroxy-terminated fatty alcohol and fatty acid alkoxylates.

The number of alkoxy groups in the nonionic surfactant is preferably from 1 to 10, preferably from 2 to 8, and more preferably from 2 to 6.

The alkoxy groups may in particular be derived from ethylene glycol or propylene glycol.

Especially preferred are fatty alcohol ethoxylates and fatty acid ethoxylates having 8 to 18 C atoms in the hydrocarbon chain and 2 to 6 ethylene glycol units, ethoxylated triglycerides of C _{6 to} C ₁₈ fatty acids having 2 to 6 ethylene glycol units per fatty acid chain and mixtures thereof.

As the anionic surfactant, a surfactant from the group of C may preferably be selected ₆ -C ₁₈ alkyl sulfates, alkyl ether sulfates, alkyl sulfonates, C ₆ -C ₁₈ -Alkylsarkosinate, C ₆ -C ₁₈ dialkyl sulfosuccinates or the neutralized alkyl phosphoric acid esters and mixtures thereof.

C ₆ -C ₁₈ dialkylsulfosuccinates and also neutralized alkylphosphoric esters and mixtures thereof are preferred.

R¹, R² und R³

unabhängig voneinander

1. (i) eine alkoxylierte Alkylgruppe mit 4 bis 22 C-Atomen in der Kohlenwasserstoffkette oder eine alkoxylierte Alkenylgruppe mit 4 bis 22 C-Atomen in der Kohlenwasserstoffkette bedeuten, wobei die Alkoxygruppen von Ethylenglykol oder Propylenglykol abgeleitet sind und die Anzahl der Alkoxygruppen pro Alkyl- oder Alkylengruppe zwischen 1 und 10 beträgt, und wobei die Alkylgruppen oder Alkenylgruppen jeweils verzweigt oder geradkettig, gesättigt oder ungesättigt sein können;
2. (ii) eine Alkylgruppe mit 4 bis 22 C-Atomen oder eine Alkenylgruppe mit 4 bis 22 C-Atomen bedeuten, die jeweils verzweigt oder geradkettig, gesättigt oder ungesättigt sein können, und/oder
3. (iii) Wasserstoff bedeuten,

wobei wenigstens einer der Reste R¹, R² und R³ nicht Wasserstoff ist.

The neutralized alkyl phosphoric acid ester preferably corresponds to the following general formula (I):

P (= O) (OR ¹ ) (OR ² ) (OR ³ ) (I)

wherein

R ¹ , R ² and R ³

independently of each other

1. (i) an alkoxylated alkyl group having 4 to 22 C atoms in the hydrocarbon chain or an alkoxylated alkenyl group with 4 to 22 carbon atoms in the hydrocarbon chain, wherein the alkoxy groups are derived from ethylene glycol or propylene glycol and the number of alkoxy groups per alkyl or alkylene group is between 1 and 10, and wherein the alkyl groups or alkenyl groups each branched or straight-chain, saturated or may be unsaturated;
2. (ii) an alkyl group having 4 to 22 carbon atoms or an alkenyl group having 4 to 22 carbon atoms, each of which may be branched or straight-chained, saturated or unsaturated, and / or
3. (iii) hydrogen,

wherein at least one of R ¹ , R ² and R ^{3 is} not hydrogen.

As the neutralizing agent for the phosphoric acid ester, any suitable bases such as LiOH, NaOH, KOH, NH ₃ , mono-, di-, or triethanolamine can be used.

At least one of R ¹ , R ² and R ³ in the formula (I) of the neutralized phosphoric acid ester is preferably an alkoxylated alkyl, or alkenyl group having 6 to 18 C atoms in the hydrocarbon chain and 1 to 6 alkoxy groups, especially ethoxy groups and / or Propoxy groups, more preferably an alkoxylated alkyl or alkenyl group having 10 to 18 carbon atoms in the hydrocarbon chain and 1 to 4 ethoxy groups.

According to a further preferred embodiment, at least one of the radicals R ¹ , R ² and R ³ in formula (I) is an alkyl group or an alkenyl group having 6 to 18 C atoms, particularly preferably having 10 to 18 C atoms.

R⁴

eine Alkylgruppe mit 1 bis 22 C-Atomen oder eine Alkenylgruppe mit 2 bis 22 C-Atomen,

R⁵ und R⁶

unabhängig voneinander eine Alkylgruppe mit 1 bis 22 C-Atomen, Hydroxyethyl oder einen Polyglykolrest,

X

ein Sauerstoffatom, NH, N-CH₃ oder eine (OC₂H₄)_z-Gruppe mit z = 1 bis 10,

Y^-

eines der Anionen CH₃OSO₃ ^-, C₂H₅OSO₃ ^-, CH₃COO^-, Cl^-, Phosphat, Lactat, Citrat, und

m und n

unabhängig voneinander eine ganze Zahl von 1 bis 6 bedeuten.

The cationic surfactant optionally used as a further component of the surfactant composition may in particular be a quaternary ammonium compound which corresponds to the following formula (II):

[R ⁴ -C (= O) -X- (CH _{2) n} -NR ⁵ R ⁶ - (CH _{2) m} -X-C (= O) -R ^{4] +} Y ^- (II)

wherein

R ⁴

an alkyl group having 1 to 22 C atoms or an alkenyl group having 2 to 22 C atoms,

R ⁵ and R ⁶

independently of one another an alkyl group having 1 to 22 C atoms, hydroxyethyl or a polyglycol radical,

X

an oxygen atom, NH, N-CH ₃ or an (OC ₂ H ₄ ) _z group with z = 1 to 10,

Y ^-

one of the anions CH ₃ OSO ₃ ^- , C ₂ H ₅ OSO ₃ ^- , CH ₃ COO ^- , Cl ^- , phosphate, lactate, citrate, and

m and n

independently represent an integer from 1 to 6.

The radicals R ⁴ to R ⁶ in formula (II) are preferably alkyl groups as derived from vegetable oils and oil mixtures. The radicals R ⁴ , R ⁵ and R ⁶ are particularly preferably derived from vegetable oils with a high content of saturated fatty acids, in particular from palm oil or palm kernel oil.

The hydrophobic additive of the composition according to the invention preferably comprises at least one alkyl carboxylate, preferably C _2-18 alkyl esters of carboxylic acids having 4 to 24 carbon atoms. Particular preference is given to alkyl esters of maleic acid or lactic acid and to the alkyl esters of the following vegetable fatty acids: palmitic acid, stearic acid, oleic acid, coconut fatty acid, cottonseed oil, soybean oil fatty acid, peanut oil fatty acid, sunflower oil fatty acid, linoleic acid, capric acid, lauric acid, myristic acid, behenic acid, erucic acid and malic acid. The alkyl group is preferably an ethyl, propyl, isopropyl or butyl group, or a fatty alcohol group having 8 to 22 carbon atoms.

As the vegetable oil or fat, coconut oil, almond oil, walnut oil, peach kernel oil, apricot kernel oil, avocado oil, tea tree oil, soybean oil, sesame oil, sunflower oil, tsubaki oil, evening primrose oil, rice bran oil, palm kernel oil, mango seed oil, meadowfoam oil, thistle oil, macadamia nut oil, grapeseed oil, amaranth seed oil, argan oil, bamboo oil , Olive oil, wheat germ oil, pumpkin seed oil, mallow oil, hazelnut oil, safflower oil, canola oil, sasanqua oil, jojoba oil, rambutan oil, cocoa butter, shea butter, rose oil, cottonseed oil and / or mixtures of these oils or fats.

The composition according to the invention may additionally contain care additives such as vitamins, in particular vitamin E, provitamins and vitamin precursors such as panthenol, aloe vera, plant extracts such as chamomile extract, and humectants such as urea or glycerol.

The proportion of care additives in the composition according to the invention is preferably at least about 0.5% by weight, and preferably up to 5% by weight, more preferably up to 2% by weight, and most preferably up to 1% by weight. ,

A preferred embodiment of the surfactant composition used according to the invention consists of a mixture of a nonionic surfactant with an anionic surfactant and the hydrophobic additive and optionally a care additive, in each case in the abovementioned proportions and with the characteristics mentioned.

1. (a) 35 bis 80 Gew.-% eines nichtionischen Tensids, ausgewählt aus der Gruppe der alkoxylierten Fettsäuren und Fettalkohole mit 6 bis 18 C-Atomen in der Kohlenwasserstoffkette, der alkoxylierten Triglyceride von C6-C18-Fettsäuren und Mischungen davon,
2. (b) 1 bis 25 Gew.-% eines anionischen Tensids, vorzugsweise ausgewählt aus der Gruppe der C6-C18-Dialkylsulfosuccinate, neutralisierten Alkylphosphorsäureester und deren Mischungen, wobei das Gewichtsverhältnis des nichtionischen Tensids zum anionischen Tensid von 70:30 bis 98:2 beträgt,
3. (c) 20 bis 50 Gew.-% des hydrophoben Zusatzes, ausgewählt aus der Gruppe der C8-C24-Fettsäurealkylester, pflanzlichen Öle und Fette, sowie Mischungen davon, und
4. (d) 0 bis 5 Gew.-% eines Pflegeadditivs aus der Gruppe der Vitamine, insbesondere Vitamin E, Provitamine und Vitaminvorstufen wie Panthenol, Feuchthaltemitel wie Harnstoff und Glycerin, Aloe Vera und Pflanzenextrakte wie Kamillenextrakt.

According to a further embodiment, the composition used according to the invention consists of

1. (a) 35 to 80% by weight of a nonionic surfactant selected from the group consisting of alkoxylated fatty acids and fatty alcohols having 6 to 18 C atoms in the hydrocarbon chain, the alkoxylated triglycerides of C6-C18 fatty acids and mixtures thereof,
2. (b) from 1 to 25% by weight of an anionic surfactant, preferably selected from the group of C6-C18 dialkyl sulfosuccinates, of neutralized alkyl phosphoric acid esters and mixtures thereof, wherein the weight ratio of nonionic surfactant to anionic surfactant is from 70:30 to 98: 2 .
3. (C) 20 to 50 wt .-% of the hydrophobic additive selected from the group of C8-C24 fatty acid alkyl esters, vegetable oils and fats, and mixtures thereof, and
4. (d) 0 to 5 wt .-% of a care additive from the group of vitamins, in particular vitamin E, provitamins and vitamin precursors such as panthenol, humectants such as urea and glycerol, aloe vera and plant extracts such as chamomile extract.

An alternative embodiment of the surfactant composition used according to the invention consists of a mixture of a nonionic surfactant with a cationic surfactant and the hydrophobic additive and optionally a care additive, in each case in the abovementioned proportions and with the characteristics mentioned.

1. (a) 15 bis 65 Gew.-% eines nichtionischen Tensids, ausgewählt aus der Gruppe der alkoxylierten Fettalkohole mit 6 bis 18 C-Atomen in der Kohlenwasserstoffkette, der alkoxylierten Triglyceride von C6-C18-Fettsäuren und Mischungen davon,
2. (b) 10 bis 55 Gew.-% eines kationischen Tensids, insbesondere einer quaternären Ammoniumverbindung, wobei das Gewichtsverhältnis des nichtionischen Tensids zum kationischen Tensid von 35:65 bis 80:20 beträgt,
3. (c) 20 bis 50 Gew.-% des hydrophoben Zusatzes, ausgewählt aus der Gruppe der C8-C24-Fettsäurealkylester, pflanzlichen Öle und Fette, sowie Mischungen davon, und
4. (d) 0 bis 5 Gew.-% eines Pflegeadditivs aus der Gruppe der Vitamine, insbesondere Vitamin E, Provitamine und Vitaminvorstufen wie Panthenol, Aloe Vera, Pflanzenextrakte wie Kamillenextrakt, und Lipide.

According to a preferred embodiment, the composition used according to the invention consists of

1. (a) from 15% to 65% by weight of a nonionic surfactant selected from the group of alkoxylated fatty alcohols having 6 to 18 carbon atoms in the hydrocarbon chain, the alkoxylated triglycerides of C6-C18 fatty acids and mixtures thereof,
2. (b) from 10 to 55% by weight of a cationic surfactant, especially a quaternary ammonium compound, wherein the weight ratio of the nonionic surfactant to the cationic surfactant is from 35:65 to 80:20,
3. (C) 20 to 50 wt .-% of the hydrophobic additive selected from the group of C8-C24 fatty acid alkyl esters, vegetable oils and fats, and mixtures thereof, and
4. (d) 0 to 5 wt .-% of a care additive from the group of vitamins, especially vitamin E, provitamins and vitamin precursors such as panthenol, aloe vera, plant extracts such as chamomile extract, and lipids.

The composition according to the invention is preferably in the form of an aqueous dispersion, of an oil or of a paste whose drying residue at 105 ° C. is between 5 and 100% by weight.

The composition used according to the invention is preferably used as a permanently hydrophilizing fiber preparation for polyolefin fibers or polyolefin filaments or as a means for permanently hydrophilic finishing of nonwoven fabrics made of polyolefin fibers or polyolefin filaments.

As the polyolefin, it is possible to preferably use homo- or copolymers based on ethylene or propylene.

Examples of such polyolefins are polyethylenes such as high density polyethylene (HDPE), low density polyethylene (LDPE), very low density polyethylene (VLDPE), linear low density polyethylene (LLDPE), medium density polyethylene (MDPE), ultra high molecular polyethylene (UHMPE) ), VPE (cross-linked polyethylene), HPPE (high pressure polyethylene); Polypropylenes such as isotactic polypropylene; syndiotactic polypropylene, metallocene catalyzed polypropylene, impact modified polypropylene; Random copolymers based on ethylene and propylene, block copolymers based on ethylene and propylene; EPM (poly [ethylene-co-propylene]); EPDM (poly [ethylene-co-propylene-co-conjugated diene]).

Further suitable polyolefins are, for example, polystyrene; Poly (methylstyrene); Poly (oxymethylene); Metallocene catalyzed alpha-olefin or cycloolefin copolymers such as norbornene-ethylene copolymers; Copolymers containing at least 60% ethylene and / or styrene and less than 40% monomers such as vinyl acetate, acrylic acid esters, methacrylic acid esters, acrylic acid, acrylonitrile or vinyl chloride. Examples of such polymers are poly (ethylene-co-ethyl acrylate), poly (ethylene-co-vinyl acetate), poly (ethylene-co-vinyl chloride) and poly (styrene-co-acrylonitrile).

Also suitable are graft copolymers and polymer blends, that is to say mixtures of polymers in which, inter alia, the abovementioned polymers are present, for example polymer blends based on polyethylene and polypropylene.

Furthermore, the composition used according to the invention is suitable for the permanent hydrophilic finishing of polyester fibers, in particular fibers of polyethylene terephthalate, and of nonwovens made therefrom.

The composition according to the invention can be applied undiluted or in the form of an aqueous emulsion to the fibers, filaments or nonwovens, preferably in an amount of 0.1 to 2% based on the dry weight of the respective product (fiber, filament, nonwoven).

A process for the production of permanently hydrophilized textile products, in particular nonwovens, comprises the application of the Surfactant composition on a nonwoven, for example a nonwoven fabric, of polyolefin or polyester, diluted or undiluted, via dosing, Kissroller, dipping baths, or by spraying. By diluting the composition with water or other known solvents, the desired viscosity for the particular application form can be set. The application weight (OPU) is preferably between 0.1 and 5 wt .-%, based on the dry weight of the nonwovens.

A process for producing permanently hydrophilically finished textile fibers comprises spinning a hydrophobic polymer, in particular a polyolefin or polyester, in a melt spinning device into a polymer filament and applying the surfactant composition either undiluted or from an aqueous preparation of the inventive composition to the polymer filament in an amount of 0 , 1 to 5 wt .-% based on dry weight of the polymer filament.

The invention thus also relates to textile fibers and filaments and textile products made therefrom, in particular nonwovens, which are obtainable by the abovementioned processes and are permanently rendered hydrophilic or treated with the surfactant composition.

Also encompassed by the invention is a double finishing and treatment of the textile fibers and nonwovens of polyolefin or polyester, in which the fibers or filaments are first rendered permanently hydrophilic and then the nonwoven or nonwoven fabric produced therefrom is rendered permanently hydrophilic in its entirety according to the invention with a surfactant composition ,

The fiber webs equipped according to the invention are particularly preferably uncompressed random fiber webs or nonwoven or chemically or physically bonded, for example needled or thermally fixed, nonwoven webs. The nonwoven fabrics are preferably spunbonded nonwoven webs made from continuous filaments.

According to a preferred embodiment, the nonwoven fabric equipped with the composition according to the invention forms part of an absorbent article. As absorbent article, a device is referred to, the to be positioned on the skin of a wearer to absorb and retain the various excretions emitted by the body. Examples of absorbent articles are incontinence articles such as diapers, pant-like diapers, training pants, diaper holders and incontinence briefs, as well as feminine hygiene articles such as tampons, sanitary napkins and panty liners.

The absorbent article usually comprises a base unit having a liquid pervious topsheet and a backsheet and an absorbent core located between the topsheet and the backsheet for receiving body fluids. The liquid pervious topsheet is aligned with a wearer when the article is worn. The opposite lower layer is arranged on the side facing the clothing of the wearer. At least the top layer is formed from a nonwoven fabric equipped with the surfactant composition according to the present invention.

The invention is explained below with reference to a few preferred embodiments, which are not to be understood in a limiting sense.

example 1

As a finishing agent for permanent hydrophilization, a surfactant mixture of nonionic surfactants and an anionic surfactant in a weight ratio of about 90:10 was prepared. As nonionic surfactants, ethoxylated triglycerides and fatty acid ethoxylates were used.

The hydrophobic additive used was isopropyl palmitate.

To prepare a spin finish according to the invention, the surfactant mixture and the hydrophobic additive were thoroughly mixed and homogenized in a weight ratio of 50:50.

Investigation of the hydrophilizing properties

The preparation described above was adjusted by dilution with distilled or demineralized water to an emulsion containing 5% by weight of active components (surfactants and hydrophobic additive). The emulsion was used as a preparation for the permanent hydrophilic finish of a polypropylene (PP) spunbond nonwoven used with a basis weight of 15 g / m ² . The coating weight of active substance (OPU or Oil Pick Up), based on the dry weight of the PP nonwoven, was about 1.75%.

To test the compositions in conjunction with said textile substrate, the tests described below were carried out.

Multiple-strike time (Mulitple Strike Through)

According to standard test WSP 70.7 (11), the time required for 5 ml of a synthetic urine solution to penetrate a prepared fleece and to pass into the underlying absorption layer of filter paper is measured. In order to test whether the hydrophilizing equipment is washed out or is actually permanently hydrophilic, the measurement is carried out on the same nonwoven five times in succession, whereby the absorption filter paper is renewed in each case. The five readings are in seconds.

Penetration time (single strike through)

According to standard test WSP 70.3 (08) A, the time required for 5 ml of a synthetic urine solution to penetrate a prepared fleece and to penetrate into the underlying absorption layer of filter paper is measured. The measured value is given in seconds.

Wetback

According to standard test WSP 80.10 (09) A, the amount (in grams) of liquid is measured which, when a wet material is loaded through a 4 kg weight, flows back into dry filter paper laid over it.

Runoff test

Following the WSP method 80.9, a PP spunbond nonwoven with an inclination of 45 ° is placed on a filter paper serving as absorption layer. It determines the run length required until a defined amount of a synthetic urine solution has been completely passed through the web into the underlying absorbent layer. Unabsorbed test fluid becomes collected in a drip tray and the amount determined by weighing. The amount of unabsorbed artificial urine solution should be a maximum of 5%.

The results of the tests carried out for the composition according to Example 1 are given in Table 1 below, the nominal values being compared with the respectively obtained measured values. The test is passed if all measured values lie within the range of the setpoints.

As comparative examples, the surfactant mixture without hydrophobic additive and pure isopropyl palmitate were tested.

Inventive Example 1 fulfills the requirements for rapid and permanent hydrophilization of the polyolefin nonwoven. Compared with the pure surfactant mixture without additive occurs no significant deterioration of the nonwovens properties.

Pure isopropyl palmitate showed, as expected, no hydrophilizing properties.

For the evaluation of the handle a PP spunbond was treated according to Example 1 (basis weight 15 g / m ²⁾ with a 5% emulsion of the composition. The coating weight of active substance was 1%. For comparison, a PP spunbonded nonwoven fabric was equipped with the pure surfactant blend, without hydrophobic addition, with the coating weight of active substance adjusted to 0.5%. The grip was tested by a panel test with at least 3 subjects assessing the grip.

The nonwoven equipped with the composition according to the invention had a pleasantly soft feel and an improved feel compared with the product which was provided with a pure surfactant mixture without hydrophobic addition. <u> Table 1 </ u>: Examination Results for Example 1 and Comparative Examples Examples OPU Multiple strike through Single strike through wetback Run off [%] [S] [S] [G] [%] Should - <2 / <3 / <5 / <5 / <5 <3 <0.6 <5 example 1 1.75 1.34 / 2.18 / 2.28 / 2.19 / 2.4 2.57 0.57 3.1 Pure surfactant mixture 0.93 1.38 / 2.24 / 2.49 / 2.55 / 2.9 2.6 0.17 2.8 isopropyl palmitate 1.53 15,92 / 14,13 / 16,4 / 13,88 / 26,97 42.1 0.1 99.2

Example 2

In a further experiment, the suitability of further hydrophobic additives for incorporation into different surfactant mixtures was investigated. In addition, the proportion (% by weight) of the hydrophobic additive was determined, up to which stable preparations and / or aqueous dilutions of the preparations can be obtained without segregation of the components.

The results given in Table 2 below were obtained. <u> Table 2: </ u> Hydrophobic additive Surfactant mixture 1 Surfactant mixture 2 Surfactant mixture 3 isopropyl palmitate Until 50 % Up to 40% Up to 40% decyl cocoate Min. 50% Min. 20% Min. 50% sesame oil Up to 30% Up to 30% Min. 50% soybean oil Up to 40% Up to 30% Min. 50%

The surfactant mixture 1 is the mixture of nonionic surfactants and anionic surfactant described in Example 1 in a weight ratio of about 90:10. The surfactant mixture 2 is a mixture of about 40 parts nonionic surfactant and 60 parts cationic surfactant. As surfactant mixture 3, a mixture of nonionic surfactants based on ethoxylated triglycerides and fatty acid ethoxylate with an anionic surfactant in a weight ratio of about 98: 2 was used.

The results presented in Table 2 show that conventional fiber preparations are compatible with hydrophobic additives in a wide range. These compositions can be used according to the invention as agents for permanently hydrophilic finishing of textile fibers and textile products such as nonwovens, which can be further processed, in particular, into hygiene articles with increased wearing comfort.

Claims (17)

1. Use of a surfactant composition for applying a permanent hydrophilic finish to textile fibers and textile products manufactured therefrom, the composition containing at least one non-ionic surfactant and optionally at least one anionic and/or one cationic surfactant, the non-ionic surfactant being selected from the group consisting of alkoxylated C₆ to C₁₈ fatty alcohols, alkoxylated C₆ to C₁₈ amines, alkoxylated C₆ to C₁₈ amides, alkoxylated C₆ to C₁₈ fatty acids, alkoxylated C₆ to C₁₈ fatty acid esters, alkoxylated C₈ to C₁₈ alkyl phenols and alkoxylated triglycerides of C₆ to C₁₈ fatty acids and/or esterification products thereof with C₈ to C₁₈ fatty acids and mixtures thereof, characterized in that the composition further contains a hydrophobic additive in a proportion of up to 60% by weight, based on the total weight of the composition, the hydrophobic additive comprising at least one compound of the group of fatty acid esters, vegetable oils and fats, and mixtures thereof, and the hydrophobic additive having a contact angle of greater than 90 degrees with water.
2. The use according to claim 1, characterized in that the hydrophobic additive is present in a proportion of from 5 to 60% by weight.
3. The use according to either of the preceding claims, characterized in that the composition additionally contains care additives selected from the group of vitamins, provitamins and vitamin precursors, humectants, aloe vera, and plant extracts.
4. The use according to claim 3, characterized in that the proportion of the care additives is from 0.5% by weight to 5% by weight.
5. The use according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the non-ionic surfactant is present in a proportion of from 10 to 90% by weight, based on the total weight of the composition.
6. The use according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the composition contains at least one anionic surfactant in a proportion of from 1 to 60% by weight, based on the total weight of the composition.
7. The use according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the composition contains at least one cationic surfactant in a proportion of from 1 to 60% by weight, based on the total weight of the composition.
8. The use according to any of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the composition consists of:

   35 to 80% by weight of a non-ionic surfactant, selected from the group of alkoxylated fatty acids and fatty alcohols with 6 to 18 C atoms in the hydrocarbon chain, alkoxylated triglycerides of C₆ to C₁₈ fatty acids, and mixtures thereof;

   1 to 25% by weight of an anionic surfactant, the weight ratio of the non-ionic surfactant to the anionic surfactant being from 70:30 to 98:2;

   20 to 50% by weight of the hydrophobic additive, selected from the group of C₈ to C₂₄ fatty acid alkyl esters, vegetable oils and fats, mineral oils and waxes, and mixtures thereof; and

   0 to 5% by weight of a care additive selected from the group of vitamins, provitamins and vitamin precursors, humectants, aloe vera, and plant extracts.
9. The use according to any of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the composition consists of:

   15 to 65% by weight of a non-ionic surfactant, selected from the group of alkoxylated fatty acids and fatty alcohols with 6 to 18 C atoms in the hydrocarbon chain, alkoxylated triglycerides of C₆ to C₁₈ fatty acids, and mixtures thereof;

   10 to 55% by weight of a cationic surfactant, the weight ratio of the non-ionic surfactant to the cationic surfactant being from 35:65 to 82:20;

   20 to 50% by weight of the hydrophobic additive, selected from the group of C₈ to C₂₄ fatty acid alkyl esters, vegetable oils and fats, mineral oils and waxes, and mixtures thereof; and

   0 to 5% by weight of a care additive selected from the group of vitamins, provitamins and vitamin precursors, humectants, aloe vera, and plant extracts.
10. The use according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the textile fibers are selected from the group of polyolefin fibers and polyester fibers.
11. The use according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the textile product is a nonwoven textile web (nonwoven) manufactured from polyolefin fibers and/or polyester fibers, in particular a nonwoven fabric.
12. The use according to claim 11, characterized in that the web forms the body-side top layer of an absorbent article.
13. The use according to claim 11 or 12, characterized in that the web is a polyolefin random laid nonwoven.
14. The use according to claim 11 or 12, characterized in that the web is a needled polyolefin nonwoven.
15. A method of manufacturing a permanently hydrophilically finished textile fiber and/or textile product, wherein the textile fiber and/or the textile product is treated with a surfactant composition according to any of the preceding claims.
16. A permanently hydrophilically finished textile fiber, obtainable in accordance with a method according to claim 15.
17. A permanently hydrophilically finished textile product, in particular a nonwoven, obtainable in accordance with a method according to claim 15.