WO2025134764A1 - Hook-and-loop fastener and method for producing same, and heat insulation member fastening tool, heat insulation member using same, and method for fixing same - Google Patents

Abstract

A hook-and-loop fastener is provided with: a base fabric (5) which is formed of thermoplastic resin fibers (1, 2) and in which a first surface is on the obverse side and a second surface is on the reverse side; a plurality of hook-shaped and/or loop-shaped engagement elements (3) which rise from the first surface of the base fabric and which are formed from an engagement element yarn forming a portion of the base fabric; and an adhesive resin (7) which has a portion that is continuous in a planar manner and which fixes the engagement element yarn inside the base fabric. The dimensional change rate of the hook-and-loop fastener in at least one of the length direction and the width direction when exposed at 200°C for 24 hours is 5.0% or less.

Description

Hook-and-loop fastener and its manufacturing method, heat insulating material fastener, heat insulating material using the same and its fixing method Related Applications

This application claims priority to Japanese Patent Application No. 2023-214241, filed December 19, 2023, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

The present invention relates to a hook-and-loop fastener having excellent heat resistance and a method for manufacturing the same. The present invention also relates to a heat insulating material fastener having a hook-and-loop fastener, a heat insulating material using the same, and a method for fixing the same.

In recent years, hook-and-loop fasteners have been used as various attachment methods in a wide range of fields, including vehicles such as automobiles, aircraft, and trains, special clothing such as fire-resistant clothing, firefighting clothing, and high-temperature work clothing, and industrial materials such as insulation and building materials. Among these various fields, applications related to special clothing and insulation materials require heat resistance because they are exposed to high temperatures.

For example, Patent Document 1 (Patent Publication No. 6476432) describes a hook-and-loop fastener that is made of warp threads, weft threads, and threads for engaging elements, with all of these threads being made of polyphenylene sulfide-based fibers, on the front side of the woven base fabric, and has an acrylic flame-retardant adhesive layer on the back side via a layer of polyurethane, in which the weft threads contain heat-fusible fibers in addition to the polyphenylene sulfide-based fibers, and the threads for engaging elements are fixed to the woven base fabric by the heat-fusible fibers, and is flame-retardant and has adhesive properties.

In this document, a fiber having heat-fusible and heat-shrinkable properties is used as part of the weft threads that make up the hook-and-loop fastener, and a technology is used in which the fiber is fused and shrunk to fix the threads for the engaging elements to the woven base fabric and to close the mesh of the woven base fabric. This prevents polyurethane from penetrating to the front side of the hook-and-loop fastener even if it is applied to the back side, and prevents the flame retardant properties of the hook-and-loop fastener from being impaired.

Also, Patent Document 2 (US Patent Application Publication No. 2004/0166282) discloses a fastener component that includes a woven base fabric containing flame-retardant fibers and a plurality of fibers of a polymer that melts or decomposes when exposed to a flame that are woven into the woven base fabric, the fibers forming fastener elements extending from a broad surface of the base fabric for releasably engaging with associated fastener components, and it is described that these fibers are bonded by a binder impregnated into the base fabric.

Patent No. 6476432 US Patent Application Publication No. 2004/0166282

However, in Patent Document 1, in addition to the polyphenylene sulfide-based fibers, the weft yarn also contains a considerable amount of heat-fusible fibers whose sheath has a low melting point of 155°C, and the presence of the heat-fusible fibers may result in insufficient heat resistance in high-temperature environments of 200°C or higher. In addition, the adhesive layer made of an acrylic adhesive shrinks at high temperatures, which may cause distortion and wrinkles in the hook fastener and the adhesive layer. Furthermore, Patent Document 2 describes the use of a polymer that melts or decomposes when exposed to flame, but does not describe the state of the fastener parts in high-temperature usage environments.

The object of the present invention is therefore to provide a hook-and-loop fastener that is suitable for use at high temperatures.

A further object of the present invention is to provide a method for manufacturing a hook-and-loop fastener that improves flame retardancy while maintaining or improving the engagement force.

The inventors conducted research into the issue of how hook-and-loop fasteners behave in environments where they are used continuously at high temperatures, for example, in environments where they are used continuously at about 200°C, and discovered that even hook-and-loop fasteners made of heat-resistant thermoplastic resin fibers lose dimensional stability when continuously exposed to 200°C. As a result, they conducted further research focusing on dimensional stability at 200°C, and discovered that a hook-and-loop fastener that has sufficient engaging force at high temperatures and a reduced rate of dimensional change can be obtained by forming loops on a first surface of a base fabric made of thermoplastic resin fibers, with a first surface being the front side and a second surface being the back side, forming the loops on the first surface with threads for engaging elements by heat treatment at a specific temperature under tension, and then applying an adhesive resin from the second surface of the heat-treated loop base fabric to fix the threads for engaging elements forming the loops with the adhesive resin, thereby completing the present invention.

That is, the present invention can be configured in the following manner.
[Aspect 1]
A hook-and-loop fastener comprising a base fabric formed of thermoplastic resin fibers, a first surface being a front side and a second surface being a back side, a plurality of hook-shaped and/or loop-shaped engaging elements formed from engaging element threads rising from the first surface of the base fabric and constituting part of the base fabric, and a continuous surface portion, and comprising an adhesive resin for fixing the engaging element threads within the base fabric, wherein the dimensional change rate in at least one of the length and width directions of the hook-and-loop fastener (preferably the length direction, more preferably the length and width directions) when exposed to 200°C for 24 hours is 5.0% or less (preferably 4.5% or less, more preferably 3.5% or less, particularly preferably 2.5% or less).
[Aspect 2]
A hook-and-loop fastener according to aspect 1, having a width of 20 mm or more (preferably 25 mm or more, more preferably 30 mm or more).
[Aspect 3]
3. The hook-and-loop fastener according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the base fabric is formed of polyphenylene sulfide-based fibers.
[Aspect 4]
A hook-and-loop fastener according to any one of aspects 1 to 3, wherein an adhesive resin permeates at least a portion of the base fabric.
[Aspect 5]
A hook-and-loop fastener according to aspect 4, wherein in the protruding direction of the engaging element, the adhesive resin penetrates into the engaging element from the first surface of the base fabric at a rate of 50% or less (preferably 40% or less) based on the height from the first surface of the base fabric to the top of the engaging element (100%).
[Aspect 6]
A hook-and-loop fastener according to any one of aspects 1 to 5, wherein ears having no engaging elements are present in the length direction and/or width direction of the base fabric.
[Aspect 7]
A method for producing a hook-and-loop fastener comprising a base fabric formed of thermoplastic resin fibers, a first surface being a front side and a second surface being a back side, a plurality of hook-shaped and/or loop-shaped engaging elements formed from engaging element threads rising from the first surface of the base fabric and constituting part of the base fabric, and an adhesive resin having a continuous surface portion and fixing the engaging element threads within the base fabric, wherein the dimensional change rate of at least one of the length and width directions of the hook-and-loop fastener when exposed to 200°C for 24 hours is 5.0% or less (preferably 4.5% or less, more preferably 3.5% or less, and particularly preferably 2.5% or less), the method comprising carrying out the following steps A and B, and, if necessary, step C, in the order listed.
[Step A] A step of heat-treating a loop base fabric in which threads for engaging elements rise in a loop shape from a first surface of the base fabric under tension at a temperature equal to or higher than the glass transition temperature Tg+15°C (preferably equal to or higher than Tg+50°C, more preferably equal to or higher than Tg+70°C, and even more preferably equal to or higher than Tg+100°C) of a thermoplastic resin fiber having the highest glass transition temperature among the thermoplastic resin fibers constituting the loop base fabric;
[Step B] A step of applying an adhesive resin to the second surface of the loop base fabric to fix the thread for the engaging element within the base fabric, and [Step C] A step of cutting one leg of the loop to form the loop into a hook-shaped engaging element, if a hook-shaped engaging element is to be formed [Mode 8]
A method for producing a hook-and-loop fastener according to Aspect 7, wherein the tension in step A is 50 to 600 g/cm (preferably 80 to 580 g/cm, more preferably 100 to 550 g/cm).
[Aspect 9]
A method for producing a hook-and-loop fastener according to aspect 7 or 8, wherein the heat treatment in step A is carried out for 30 to 120 seconds (preferably 35 to 100 seconds, more preferably 40 to 90 seconds).
[Aspect 10]
An insulation fastener for fixing an insulation material, the insulation fastener comprising the hook-and-loop fastener according to any one of aspects 1 to 6.
[Aspect 11]
An insulation material comprising the insulation material fastener according to aspect 10.
[Aspect 12]
A method for fastening an insulating material using the insulating material fastener according to aspect 10.

In this specification, the length direction of the hook-and-loop fastener refers to the longitudinal direction of the hook-and-loop fastener, and the width direction refers to the direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction.

It should be noted that any combination of at least two components disclosed in the claims and/or the specification and/or the drawings is included in the present invention. In particular, any combination of two or more of the claims described in the claims is included in the present invention.

The present invention provides a hook-and-loop fastener that is advantageous when used at high temperatures (e.g., 50 to 200°C), for example, as an insulating material used to insulate pipes, such as heating jackets.

The present invention will be more clearly understood from the following description of preferred embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, the embodiments and drawings are merely for illustration and explanation, and should not be used to define the scope of the present invention, which is defined by the appended claims.
1 is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating a woven surface fastener having hook-shaped engaging elements according to one embodiment of the present invention. 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating a woven surface fastener having loop-shaped engaging elements according to one embodiment of the present invention. 1 is a schematic plan view for explaining a hook-and-loop fastener having ear portions according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[Method of manufacturing hook-and-loop fastener]
The hook-and-loop fastener is formed from thermoplastic resin fibers and comprises a base fabric having a first surface as the front side and a second surface as the back side, and a plurality of hook-shaped and/or loop-shaped engaging elements formed from engaging element threads rising from the first surface of the base fabric and constituting part of the base fabric.
The hook-and-loop fastener can be obtained by carrying out the following steps A and B, and, if necessary, step C, in this order.

(Process A)
In step A, a loop base fabric having engaging element threads rising in a loop shape from a first surface of the base fabric is heat-treated under tension at a temperature equal to or higher than the glass transition temperature Tg of the thermoplastic resin fiber having the highest glass transition temperature among the thermoplastic resin fibers constituting the loop base fabric. Here, the base fabric is not limited as long as it can protrude the engaging elements, and may be a woven or knitted fabric or a nonwoven fabric.

For example, in the case of a woven fabric, the fabric may be made from warp and weft threads composed of thermoplastic resin fibers, and the thread for the engaging element may be driven into the fabric parallel to the warp threads, and after a predetermined number of weft threads have risen and fallen, the thread for the engaging element may be made to cross a predetermined number of warp threads, and loops may be formed on the first surface of the fabric at the crossing points, thereby obtaining a loop base fabric in which the thread for the engaging element stands up in a loop shape from the first surface of the base fabric.

The warp yarns preferably include multifilament yarns, for example multifilament yarns consisting of 20 to 70 filaments with a total decitex (total fineness) of 80 to 300 decitex, and preferably multifilament yarns consisting of 24 to 60 filaments with a total decitex of 100 to 280 decitex. Note that the thickness (fineness) of the multifilament yarns is the thickness of the yarns used for weaving.

The weft preferably contains a multifilament yarn, for example a multifilament yarn consisting of 20 to 70 filaments with a total decitex of 80 to 300 decitex, preferably a multifilament yarn consisting of 24 to 60 filaments with a total decitex of 100 to 280 decitex. Note that the thickness of the multifilament yarn is the thickness of the yarn used for weaving.

The weave density of the warp threads in the hook-and-loop fastener may be, for example, 35 to 80 threads/cm, preferably 40 to 70 threads/cm. The weave density of the weft threads in the hook-and-loop fastener may be, for example, 14 to 21 threads/cm, preferably 15 to 20 threads/cm.

The fiber that will form the hook-shaped engaging element is preferably a monofilament, and more preferably a monofilament with a diameter of 130 to 240 μm. Also, the fiber that will form the loop-shaped engaging element is preferably a multifilament yarn, for example a multifilament yarn made of 40 to 140 filaments with a total decitex of 160 to 600 decitex, preferably a multifilament yarn made of 48 to 120 filaments with a total decitex of 200 to 560 decitex.

In the case of knitted fabrics, a knitted fabric (e.g., tricot knitted fabric) may be produced from knitting yarns composed of thermoplastic resin fibers, and the surface of the knitted fabric may be raised with a needle cloth or the like to form loops on the knitted fabric surface, thereby obtaining a loop base fabric in which the threads for the engaging elements stand up in loops from the first surface of the base fabric.

The knitting yarn is preferably a multifilament yarn, for example a multifilament yarn made of 10 to 300 filaments with a total decitex of 40 to 300 decitex, preferably a multifilament yarn made of 20 to 250 filaments with a total decitex of 50 to 280 decitex. Note that the thickness (fineness) of the multifilament yarn is the thickness of the yarn used for knitting.

In the case of nonwoven fabric, a web may be obtained from cut fibers composed of thermoplastic resin fibers, entangled by needle punching or the like, and if necessary, the surface may be raised to obtain a loop base fabric in which the threads for the engaging elements stand up in loops from the first surface of the base fabric. Alternatively, a spunbond nonwoven fabric may be obtained from long fibers composed of thermoplastic resin fibers, and the surface may be raised to obtain a loop base fabric in which the threads for the engaging elements stand up in loops from the first surface of the base fabric.

The length of the cut fibers may be, for example, 30 to 80 mm, preferably 40 to 70 mm. The thickness of the cut fibers may be, for example, 1 to 50 decitex, preferably 1.5 to 40 decitex, in terms of single yarn fineness. The thickness of the fibers constituting the spunbond nonwoven fabric may be, for example, 1 to 50 decitex, preferably 1.5 to 40 decitex, in terms of single yarn fineness.

The loop base fabric obtained in this manner may be composed of a single type of fiber, or may be composed of multiple types of fibers.

The fibers are spun from a fiber-forming thermoplastic resin, and examples of such thermoplastic resins include polyester resins such as polyethylene terephthalate and polybutylene terephthalate; polyamide resins such as polyamide 6 and polyamide 6,6; polyphenylene sulfide resins; polyether ether ketone resins; polyetherimide resins; polyamide imide resins; and liquid crystal polyester resins. From the viewpoint of excellent heat resistance, polyphenylene sulfide resins; polyether ether ketone resins; polyetherimide resins; polyamide imide resins; and liquid crystal polyester resins are preferred, and in particular, from the viewpoint of excellent flame retardancy, heat resistance, and insulation, fibers formed from polyphenylene sulfide resins (polyphenylene sulfide fibers) are preferred. The fibers spun from the fiber-forming resin may be composite fibers, but are preferably non-composite fibers.

The obtained loop base fabric is subjected to a heat treatment step, in which the loop base fabric is heated under tension at a temperature equal to or higher than the glass transition temperature Tg of the thermoplastic resin fiber having the highest glass transition temperature among the thermoplastic resin fibers constituting the loop base fabric.
The glass transition temperature of the thermoplastic resin fiber can be measured by using a differential scanning calorimeter ("TA3000-DSC" manufactured by Mettler) in a nitrogen atmosphere, by raising the temperature at a heating rate of 50°C/min up to 400°C. The glass transition temperature can be calculated based on the inflection point of the DSC chart in accordance with JIS K 7121.

By carrying out the heat treatment process, it is possible to prevent the loop base fabric from shrinking when the hook-and-loop fastener is in use, even when it is exposed to high temperatures, for example, around 200°C. Furthermore, it is possible to maintain the shape of the hook-shaped engaging elements, and it is possible to prevent a decrease in the engaging force.

The heating temperature in the heat treatment step may be any temperature equal to or higher than the glass transition temperature Tg + 15°C, but is preferably equal to or higher than Tg + 50°C, more preferably equal to or higher than Tg + 70°C, and even more preferably equal to or higher than Tg + 100°C. When the thermoplastic resin fiber is made of a crystalline thermoplastic resin such as polyphenylene sulfide resin (PPS), the upper limit is not particularly limited as long as it is below the melting point of the resin, but may be, for example, equal to or lower than Tg + 180°C.

In addition, when the loop base fabric is subjected to a continuous heat treatment, the tension applied to the loop base fabric may be, for example, 50 to 600 g/cm, preferably 80 to 580 g/cm, more preferably 100 to 550 g/cm. The direction in which the tension is applied is not particularly limited, and may be the machine running direction (length direction of the loop base fabric), or may be a direction perpendicular to the machine running direction (width direction of the loop base fabric), or may be both. By applying tension to the loop base fabric in the above process, not only can the waving of the loop base fabric be suppressed when the adhesive resin is applied in step B, and the process passability of the loop base fabric can be improved by suppressing excessive shrinkage, ensuring a gap through which the adhesive resin can penetrate, and improving the process passability of the loop base fabric during aging treatment, etc., and further, when the hook-and-loop fastener is used at a high temperature of about 200 ° C., shrinkage of the hook-and-loop fastener and waving of the surface can be prevented. This is preferable.
When the thermoplastic resin fibers constituting the base fabric are made of crystalline thermoplastic resin, by carrying out the heat treatment process at the above tension, the crystallinity of not only the thread for the engaging elements of the hook-and-loop fastener but also the thermoplastic resin fibers constituting the base fabric can be made 25 to 60%, more preferably 30 to 55%, and even more preferably 35 to 50%, which can contribute to suppressing shrinkage at high temperatures and maintaining the shape.

The heat treatment time may be, for example, 30 to 120 seconds, preferably 35 to 100 seconds, and more preferably 40 to 90 seconds.

Furthermore, by carrying out the above heat treatment process, the tensile modulus of the hook-and-loop fastener can be set to 3500 to 7500 N, preferably 4000 to 7000 N, and more preferably 4500 to 6500 N, which contributes to suppressing shrinkage at high temperatures, maintaining the shape, and maintaining the engagement force when exposed to high temperatures. Here, the tensile modulus of the hook-and-loop fastener is a value measured by the method described in the examples below.

(Process B)
Next, an adhesive resin is applied to the second surface of the heat-treated loop base fabric, and the thread for the engaging element is fixed in the base fabric. When forming a loop-shaped engaging element, a process of loosening the multifilament forming the loop-shaped engaging element after fixing may be performed. In particular, by fixing the fibers constituting the base fabric and the thread for the engaging element exposed on the second surface of the loop base fabric, and further fixing the base fabric and the thread for the engaging element with an adhesive resin, the fixing of the heat-treated loop base fabric and the thread for the engaging element is strengthened, and a hook-and-loop fastener excellent for use at high temperatures is obtained. It goes without saying that in the method of fixing the thread for the engaging element mainly by using a heat-sealable shrinkable fiber as a part of the weft thread as in Patent Document 1, it is impossible to fix the exposed surface of the thread for the engaging element exposed on the second surface of the loop base fabric with a heat-sealable fiber. In addition, in the present invention, since it is possible to control so as to suppress clogging of the base fabric in step A, the adhesive resin can be sufficiently penetrated between the fibers of the thread constituting the loop base fabric, and the effect of the present invention can be further reinforced.

The adhesive resin used is not particularly limited as long as it can fix the thread for the engaging element, and examples thereof include thermoplastic resins such as polyurethane, acrylic resins (e.g., acrylic acid ester resins), polyvinyl chloride, vinyl acetate resins, styrene-butadiene resins, polyester, and thermoplastic elastomers, and thermosetting resins such as crosslinked polyurethane resins, crosslinked acrylic resins, epoxy resins, unsaturated polyester resins, vinyl ester resins, crosslinked polyamide resins, phenolic resins, natural rubber, isoprene rubber, and silicone rubber. These adhesive resins may be used alone or in combination of two or more. Of these, the thermoplastic resins are preferably polyurethane and/or acrylic acid ester resins, and the thermosetting resins include, for example, crosslinked polyurethane resins, crosslinked polyesters, epoxy resins, crosslinked acrylic resins, and crosslinked copolymer nylon resins, and these may be used alone or in combination of two or more. More preferably, polyurethane resins having a crosslinked structure and acrylic acid ester resins having a crosslinked structure are more preferable in that they maintain the suppression of shrinkage of the loop base fabric and the suppression of waving of the hook-and-loop fastener even when exposed to high temperatures of about 200°C. A polyurethane resin or acrylic ester resin having a crosslinked structure can be obtained, for example, by forming a network structure by crosslinking between molecules or by using a crosslinking agent monomer (e.g., an isocyanate-based curing agent) or the like, and is not particularly limited, and any known crosslinked polyurethane resin or acrylic ester resin can be used.

These adhesive resins may be applied directly to the second surface of the loop base fabric as a molten adhesive resin, or may be applied to the second surface of the loop base fabric as a backcoat liquid of a solution or dispersion using a diluent appropriate for the adhesive resin.

For example, when applying a molten adhesive resin, the extruded molten adhesive resin may be pressed against the second surface of the loop base fabric using a press roll, causing the molten adhesive resin to penetrate into the base fabric from the second surface, integrating the two together and fixing the engaging element thread present within the base fabric within the base fabric.

In addition, when using a backcoat liquid prepared as a solution or dispersion using a diluent (e.g., water, alcohols, esters, ethers, etc.) appropriate for the adhesive resin, the backcoat liquid may be applied to the second surface of the loop base fabric to fix the thread for the engaging element present within the base fabric.

The adhesive resin and/or backcoat liquid may contain various additives as necessary. Examples of additives include flame retardants, heat stabilizers, antioxidants, antistatic agents, color inhibitors, matting agents, radical inhibitors, colorants, fluorescent brighteners, and antibacterial agents.

Examples of flame retardants include halogen-based flame retardants, phosphorus-based flame retardants, silicon-based flame retardants, and nitrogen-based flame retardants, which may be used alone or in combination of two or more.

Halogen-based flame retardants include chlorinated paraffin, chlorinated polyethylene, bromine-containing acrylic resins, bromine-containing styrene-based resins, bromine-containing epoxy compounds, bromine-containing aryl ether compounds, bromine-containing aromatic imide compounds, and brominated bisaryl compounds. Brominated bisaryl compounds are preferred, and 1,2-bis(pentabromophenyl)ethane is particularly preferred. Halogen-based flame retardants (especially bromine-based flame retardants) are preferably used in combination with antimony trioxide. Commercially available antimony trioxide can be used as is, and preferably has a particle size of 0.3 to 2 μm.

Examples of phosphorus-based flame retardants include triphenyl phosphate, tricresyl phosphate, cresyl diphenyl phosphate, trixylenyl phosphate, cresyl di-2,6-xylenyl phosphate, 2-ethylhexyl diphenyl phosphate, trimethyl phosphate, triethyl phosphate, tris(2-ethylhexyl)phosphate, resorcinol bis(diphenyl phosphate), bisphenol A bis(diphenyl phosphate), resorcinol bis(di-2,6-xylenyl phosphate), tris(chloroethyl)phosphate, tris(chloroethyl)phosphate, phosphoric acid ester compounds such as tris(dichloropropyl)phosphate and tris(dichloropropyl)phosphate; phosphoric acid ester amide compounds; phosphonic acid ester compounds such as dimethyl methyl phosphonate, dimethyl vinyl phosphonate, diethyl vinyl phosphonate and diphenyl vinyl phosphonate; phosphinic acid metal salt compounds such as diethyl phosphinic acid metal salt; phosphazene compounds; red phosphorus; phosphate compounds such as ammonium phosphate, guanidine phosphate, guanylurea phosphate and melamine phosphate; polyphosphate compounds such as ammonium polyphosphate and melamine polyphosphate.

Silicon-based flame retardants include, for example, silicone-based compounds.

Nitrogen-based flame retardants include, for example, guanidine-based compounds such as guanidine sulfamate; triazine-based compounds such as melamine sulfate, melamine cyanurate, melam, and melem; hindered amine-based compounds; and azoalkane-based compounds.

For example, when a flame retardant is selected according to the fibers that make up the base fabric, the flame retardancy of the hook-and-loop fastener can be efficiently improved. Examples include halogen-based flame retardants, phosphorus-based flame retardants, and nitrogen-based flame retardants, which may be used alone or in combination of two or more.

If necessary, the applied adhesive resin is dried. The drying temperature can be set appropriately depending on the type of adhesive resin and the type of diluent, but for example, the drying temperature may be 40 to 150°C, preferably 50 to 130°C, and more preferably 60 to 120°C. The drying time can be set appropriately depending on the drying temperature, and may be, for example, 30 seconds to 5 minutes, preferably 50 seconds to 4 minutes, and more preferably 1 to 3 minutes.

In addition to or instead of the drying process, an aging treatment may be performed as necessary. By performing the aging treatment, it is possible to remove moisture and promote crosslinking of the thermosetting resin and harden it. The conditions for the aging treatment may be, for example, in an atmosphere of 60 to 100°C, preferably 70 to 90°C, for 1 to 24 hours, preferably 2 to 15 hours.

From the viewpoint of controlling the permeability of the adhesive resin, the amount of the adhesive resin attached may be, for example, 40 to 400 g/m ² , preferably 50 to 380 g/m ² , and more preferably 60 to 340 g/m ² in terms of solid content when a molten adhesive resin is applied, or, for example, 10 to 200 g/m ² , preferably 15 to 180 g/m ² , and more preferably 20 to 150 g/m ² in terms of solid content when a backcoat liquid is applied.

(Process C)
Step C is a step that is performed only when a hook-shaped engaging element is formed, and one leg of the loop of the loop base fabric obtained in step B is cut to form the loop into a hook-shaped engaging element. The cutting of one leg of the loop can be performed by a known or conventional method.

[Hook-and-loop fastener]
The present invention provides a hook-and-loop fastener comprising a base fabric formed of thermoplastic resin fibers, a first surface being a front side and a second surface being a back side, a plurality of hook-shaped and/or loop-shaped engaging elements formed from an engaging element thread rising from the first surface of the base fabric and constituting part of the base fabric, and a continuous surface portion and comprising an adhesive resin for fixing the engaging element thread within the base fabric, wherein the dimensional change rate of the hook-and-loop fastener in at least one of the length and width directions is 5.0% or less when exposed to 200°C for 24 hours.

The rate of dimensional change in at least one of the length and width directions of the hook-and-loop fastener (preferably the length direction, more preferably the length and width directions) when exposed to 200°C for 24 hours may be preferably 4.5% or less, more preferably 3.5% or less, and particularly preferably 2.5% or less. Here, the rate of dimensional change is a value measured by the method described in the examples below.

In order to accurately grasp the rate of dimensional change, the width of the hook-and-loop fastener may be, for example, 20 mm or more, preferably 25 mm or more, and more preferably 30 mm or more. There is no particular upper limit to the width of the hook-and-loop fastener, but it may be, for example, 300 mm or less. In addition, when used as a fastener for a heating jacket, for example, the width of the hook-and-loop fastener may be, for example, 20 mm or more, preferably 25 mm or more, and more preferably 30 mm or more, due to the synergistic effect of suppressing wrinkles and gaps and stabilizing the heat retention and heating effect. If it is less than 20 mm, the engagement area becomes small and the heat retention and heating effect may lack stability. Note that the width of the hook-and-loop fastener is the width measured based on the base fabric, and includes the ears, if any, described later.

In the case of a hook-and-loop fastener, when the thermoplastic resin fiber constituting the base fabric is made of a crystalline thermoplastic resin, the crystallinity of the thermoplastic resin fiber may be 25 to 60%, more preferably 30 to 55%, and even more preferably 35 to 50%. A crystallinity in the above range can contribute to suppressing shrinkage at high temperatures and maintaining the shape.

The tensile modulus of the hook-and-loop fastener may be 3500 to 7500 N, preferably 4000 to 7000 N, and more preferably 4500 to 6500 N. A tensile modulus within the above range can help suppress shrinkage at high temperatures, maintain shape, and maintain engagement force when exposed to high temperatures.

As mentioned above, the base fabric may be a woven fabric, a knitted fabric, or a nonwoven fabric, but the following description will be given using a woven fabric as an example. Note that even if the base fabric is not a woven fabric, the height of the engaging elements, the density of the engaging elements, etc. may be the same as those of a woven fabric.

Figure 1 is a schematic diagram showing the cross section of a woven hook hook fastener, which is an example of a woven hook fastener. Figure 2 is a schematic diagram showing the cross section of a woven loop hook fastener, which is another example of a woven hook fastener. In both figures, the cross section is taken parallel to the warp threads and at a point where the warp threads extend, and the threads for the engaging elements are located at the back of the cross section.

As shown in Figure 1, in a woven hook surface fastener, the first surface side of the base fabric (5) is placed on top and the second surface side is placed on the bottom, with the weft threads (1) at the center and the warp threads (2) rising and falling above and below it to form the base fabric (5).

Although not shown in Figure 1, the engaging element threads woven into the base fabric (5) parallel to the warp threads (2) also rise and fall above and below the weft thread (1) like the warp threads (2), so when they are below the weft thread (1), there are places where the engaging element threads are exposed on the second surface of the base fabric (5). Therefore, the base fabric (5) is composed of the warp threads (2), the weft threads (1), and the engaging element threads. And, on the first surface side of the base fabric (5), the engaging element threads rise up regularly in places as hook-shaped engaging elements (3).

Also, as shown in Figure 2, in a woven loop hook-and-loop fastener, the first surface side of the base fabric (5) is placed on top and the second surface side is placed on the bottom, with the warp threads (2) rising and falling above and below the weft threads (1) in the center to form the base fabric (5).

Although not shown in FIG. 2, the threads for the engaging elements woven into the base fabric (5) parallel to the warp threads (2) also rise and fall above and below the weft thread (1) like the warp threads (2), so when they are present below the weft thread (1), there are places where the threads for the engaging elements are exposed on the second surface of the base fabric (5). Therefore, the base fabric (5) is composed of the warp threads (2), the weft threads (1), and the threads for the engaging elements. And, on the first surface side of the base fabric (5), the threads for the engaging elements stand up regularly in places as loop-shaped engaging elements (4). In FIG. 2, the multifilament thread bundles of the loop-shaped engaging elements (4) are loosened at the loop portions in order to increase the possibility of engaging with the hook-shaped engaging elements.

In Figures 1 and 2, the weft thread (1), warp thread (2), and thread for the loop-shaped engaging element are made of multifilament thread (although the warp thread (2) is shown as one in Figures 1 and 2, it is actually an assembly of many thin filament threads), and the thread for the hook-shaped engaging element is made of monofilament thread.

Furthermore, the number of threads of the monofilament thread for the hook-shaped engaging element and the multifilament thread for the loop-shaped engaging element is preferably, for example, 2 to 7, and preferably 3 to 6, per 20 warp threads (including the monofilament thread for the hook-shaped engaging element and the multifilament thread for the loop-shaped engaging element) in terms of the engaging force. In the case of a hook-loop coexisting type surface fastener, the number of threads of the monofilament thread for the hook-shaped engaging element and the multifilament thread for the loop-shaped engaging element is preferably, for example, 2 to 7, and preferably 3 to 6, per 20 warp threads (including the monofilament thread for the hook-shaped engaging element and the multifilament thread for the loop-shaped engaging element) for the same reasons.

In the hook-and-loop fastener, the height of the hook-shaped engaging element, as the height protruding from the first surface of the base fabric, may be, for example, 1.2 to 2.5 mm, preferably 1.4 to 2.3 mm. Also, the height of the loop-shaped engaging element, as the height protruding from the first surface of the base fabric, may be, for example, 1.2 to 3.0 mm, preferably 1.5 to 2.7 mm. Here, the height is a value measured by the method described in the examples below.

The density of the hook-like engaging elements in the hook surface fastener is preferably 30 to 70 pieces/ ^cm2 based on the base fabric portion where the engaging elements are present, the density of the loop-like engaging elements in the loop surface fastener is preferably 30 to 70 pieces/ ^cm2 based on the same standard, and the total density of the hook-like engaging elements and the loop-like engaging elements in the hook-loop coexisting type surface fastener is preferably 30 to 70 pieces/ ^cm2 based on the same standard. In the hook-loop coexisting type surface fastener, the ratio of the number of hook-like engaging elements to the number of loop-like engaging elements is preferably in the range of 40:60 to 60:40. Here, the base fabric portion standard is based on the unit area of the base fabric of the surface fastener in a state where the adhesive resin is applied.

The adhesive resin (7) is applied from the second surface side of the base fabric (5), has a continuous area, and can fix the thread for the engaging element within the base fabric. For example, the adhesive resin (7) can form a continuous adhesive surface on the second surface side, and fix the threads constituting the base fabric (5) at the part that contacts the adhesive surface. In the present invention, the continuous area means a part formed continuously on the second surface side of the base fabric, and does not need to cover the entire second surface. As long as the effect of the present invention is achieved, there may be some parts that are not applied, or there may be unevenness according to the shape of the second surface. In Figures 1 and 2, the adhesive resin (7) is attached to the second surface side of the base fabric (5), but this is not limited thereto, and it may penetrate into the warp threads, weft threads, or threads for the engaging elements constituting the second surface, and even into the inside of the fabric.

From the viewpoint of increasing the area of contact with the yarn and improving adhesion, it is preferable that the adhesive resin penetrates at least a part of the base fabric. In this case, the adhesive resin may have a continuous area in a planar shape and may penetrate into the inside of the base fabric depending on the shape of the base fabric. In the part that penetrates into the inside of the base fabric, the adhesive resin may have a part that penetrates further into the inside of the base fabric from the continuous area in a planar shape.

When the adhesive resin penetrates into the inside of the base fabric, it is preferable that the amount of adhesive resin that penetrates into the engaging element side is small. For example, the amount of adhesive resin that penetrates into the engaging element side (permeation rate into the engaging element) can be determined by taking the height from the first surface of the base fabric to the top of the engaging element in the protruding direction of the engaging element as the standard (100%), for example, 50% or less, preferably 40% or less, and particularly in the case of a loop hook-and-loop fastener, more preferably 35% or less, and even more preferably 20% or less of the resin that penetrates into the engaging element from the first surface of the base fabric. This makes it difficult for the fibers that make up the loop to be gathered and fixed by the adhesive resin, and promotes the individual fibers in the multifilament that makes up the loop to be separated. As a result, many of the fibers that make up the loop are easily caught by the hook-shaped engaging element, making it possible to prevent a decrease in the engaging force. Here, the height at which the resin penetrates is a value measured by the method described in the examples below.

The base fabric may have engaging elements formed over the entire first surface. Alternatively, the base fabric may have ears in the length direction and/or width direction on the first surface. Here, the ears refer to areas where there are no engaging elements and are adjacent to areas where there are engaging elements. The ears may be present at both ends and/or inside the hook-and-loop fastener.

Figure 3 is a schematic plan view of one embodiment of a hook-and-loop fastener having ears. As shown in Figure 3, the hook-and-loop fastener (10) is a hook-and-loop fastener in which each engaging element region (8) is divided by a plurality of middle ear regions (6b) formed parallel to the warp direction (Wa). At both ends of the hook-and-loop fastener (10), there are outer ear regions (6a) formed parallel to the warp direction (Wa).

By slitting the inner ear region (6b) of the hook-and-loop fastener (10), a number of hook-and-loop fasteners may be manufactured from one hook-and-loop fastener (10) in the number of engaging element regions (8). In this case, each cut hook-and-loop fastener has ears at both ends parallel to the warp direction (Wa). The hook-and-loop fastener of the present invention has excellent dimensional stability when heated, so even if ears are present, the dimensional stability of the entire hook-and-loop fastener can be maintained. By having ears, for example, when attaching to a heat insulating material such as a heating jacket, the border between the ears and the engaging element portion can be used as a marker, making sewing easier. In addition, if the engaging element portion is sewn, the element may collapse at the sewn portion, resulting in a poor appearance, or wrinkles may occur at the sewn portion due to gaps, reducing the effectiveness of the heating jacket. However, by sewing the ears, the appearance can be improved by the collapse of the element, and wrinkles due to gaps can be prevented.

For example, the width of the weft direction (We) of the outer ear region (6a) is preferably 0.5 to 4 mm, more preferably 1 to 3 mm, and the width of the weft direction (We) of the middle ear region (6b) after shrinkage is preferably 1 to 8 mm, more preferably 2 to 6 mm, and it is preferable that the engagement element region (8) is divided into multiple regions of 10 to 50 mm width in the weft direction (We) by such middle ear region (6b). In particular, it is preferable that the engagement element region (8) has a width of 15 to 30 mm and is divided into multiple regions by the middle ear region (6b). And, it is preferable that the width of the weft direction (We) of the outer ear region (6a) is half the width of the weft direction (We) of the middle ear region (6b).

In terms of productivity, it is preferable that the total width of the fabric in the weft direction (We) before the middle ear region (6b) is slit is in the range of 80 to 300 mm. Therefore, it is preferable that the engaging element region (8) is divided into 2 to 12 regions by the middle ear region (6b). And preferably, in terms of the flexibility of the hook-and-loop fastener, no engaging element thread is woven into the middle ear region (6b). Here, the width of each region is based on the base fabric of the hook-and-loop fastener with the adhesive resin applied.

The hook-and-loop fastener of the present invention has excellent dimensional stability at high temperatures (e.g., 200°C), and can therefore be used in a wide range of fields, including vehicles such as automobiles, aircraft, and trains, special clothing such as fireproof clothing, firefighting clothing, and high-temperature work clothing, and industrial materials such as insulation materials and building materials.

In particular, any of the hook-and-loop fasteners described above are suitable for use as fasteners for insulating materials such as heating jackets. For example, heating jackets are insulating materials used to insulate extruders, injection molding machine cylinders, reactors, and the various pipes used in these devices, and since they are used at high temperatures for long periods of time, the fasteners must have dimensional stability and fixing strength at high temperatures.

For example, the insulation fastener may be an insulation fastener equipped with any of the hook-and-loop fasteners described above. Such an insulation fastener may include a hook-and-loop fastener, and may also include a support body and other fixing members (e.g., point fasteners, line fasteners, etc.) as necessary.

The present invention may further include a method for fixing an insulating material using the insulating material fastener described above. The fixing method includes a step of covering an object to be insulated (such as a pipe) with one or more insulating materials equipped with an insulating material fastener, and fixing the one or more insulating materials with the insulating material fasteners having an engaging force with each other so as to maintain the covered state.

The present invention may further include an insulating material equipped with the insulating material fastener described above. Since the hook-and-loop fastener of the present invention has excellent dimensional stability and engagement strength at high temperatures, an insulating material equipped with such a hook-and-loop fastener, when used at high temperatures, can not only suppress deformation caused by the shrinkage of the hook-and-loop fastener, but also prevent a decrease in the covering property of the insulating material due to a deterioration in the engagement strength. In particular, when the hook-and-loop fastener is sewn to the cloth portion of the insulating material, it is possible to suppress deformation of the cloth portion of the insulating material due to shrinkage of the hook-and-loop fastener.

The present invention will be described in more detail below with reference to examples, but the present invention is not limited by these examples. In the following examples and comparative examples, various physical properties were measured by the following methods.

(Engagement force)
Regarding the engagement strength of the obtained sample, the tensile shear strength (shear) and the peel strength (peel) were each measured in accordance with JIS L 3416-2000.
The engagement force was measured for the initial engagement force before heating, and for the engagement force after heating for 24 hours in an atmosphere set at a temperature of 200° C. using a baking machine (industrial thermostat).

(Height of engaging element from base fabric surface)
The height of the engaging element from the surface of the base fabric of the obtained sample was measured by measuring the distance from the base of the engaging element on the first surface of the base fabric to the apex of the engaging element. The measurement was performed on 10 randomly selected engaging elements, and the average value was calculated.

(Permeation rate into engaging element)
Observation was performed using a microscope (manufactured by Keyence Corporation) to measure the distance that the adhesive resin had penetrated from the first surface of the base fabric into the engaging elements, and the penetration rate of the adhesive resin into the engaging elements was calculated based on the height of the engaging elements from the above-mentioned base fabric surface (100%). Measurements were performed on 10 randomly selected engaging elements, and the average value was calculated.

(Average fiber diameter)
The average fiber diameter of the obtained sample yarn for the hook-shaped engaging element was measured by observing each fiber with a microscope (manufactured by Keyence Corporation). The measurement was carried out on 10 randomly selected engaging elements, and the average value was calculated.

(Crystallization degree)
Using an X-ray diffractometer (SWXD-FK) manufactured by Rigaku Corporation, X-ray diffraction of the woven fabric was performed under conditions of a voltage of 20 kV, a current of 10 mA, and an irradiation time of 20 minutes, and the crystallinity (%) was calculated using analysis software: JADA6 according to the formula: crystallinity (%) = crystal peak area / total peak area × 100.

(Tensile Modulus)
With reference to JIS L 1096 8.14 (tensile strength and elongation), a hook-and-loop fastener cut to a length (warp direction) of 250 mm and 25 mm wide (weft direction) was pulled at a chuck distance of 200 mm and a pulling speed of 200 mm/min using a bench-top precision universal testing machine manufactured by Shimadzu Corporation. A straight line connecting the two points of strain 1% and 3% in the obtained SS curve was extended, and the vertical axis strength value at a horizontal axis strain of 100% on the straight line was obtained.

(Dimensional change rate)
The obtained samples were adjusted and calculated to calculate the dimensional change rate with reference to JIS L 1096:2010 (Fabric test methods for woven and knitted fabrics) and JIS L 1909:2010 (Methods for measuring dimensional change in textile products).
The sample hook-and-loop fasteners were prepared with a width of 25 mm and a length of 1 m, and were heated for 24 hours in an atmosphere set at 200°C using a baking machine (industrial thermostat). After that, the sample was removed and the dimensional change rate (%) of the sample was calculated using the following formula.
Dimensional change rate (length)=(length before heating−length after heating)/(length before heating)×100
Dimensional change rate (width)=(width before heating−width after heating)/(width before heating)×100
For convenience, the sample hook-and-loop fastener is prepared to have a width of 25 mm and a length of 1 m, but the width and length are not particularly limited as long as they are measurable.

(Evaluation of the shape of the hook-shaped engaging element)
The sample hook-and-loop fastener was placed in a baking machine (industrial thermostatic chamber) and heated for 24 hours in an atmosphere set at 200°C, and then removed and the hook-like shape of the hook-like engaging element was visually confirmed. The change in the hook-like shape of the hook-like engaging element was then visually evaluated according to the following criteria with respect to the change in the hook-like shape of the blank, using the same hook-and-loop fastener as the sample stored in an environment at a temperature of 20°C and a humidity of 65% as a comparison object. The evaluation was made in comparison with the comparison hook-and-loop fastener.

A: The hook shape is approximately the same as that of the comparative surface fastener, and the hook-shaped curve of the hook-shaped engaging element is maintained.
B: The hook shape of the hook-like engaging element is maintained, but the curve of the hook shape is slightly gentler than that of the comparative surface fastener.
C: The hook shape of the hook-like engaging element is no longer maintained, and is significantly different from the hook shape of the comparative surface fastener.

(Evaluation when attached to a heating jacket)
The sample hook-and-loop fasteners were attached by sewing to a glass cloth that typically constitutes a heating jacket, with a hook-and-loop fastener having a hook-like engaging element and a hook-and-loop fastener having a loop-like engaging element also being attached by sewing, and then the two were engaged with each other.
In this state, the heating jacket was placed in a baking machine (industrial thermostat) and heated in an atmosphere with a set temperature of 200° C. for 24 hours.
After heating, the engaging elements attached to the heating jacket were removed from the baking machine and visually evaluated according to the following criteria to see whether the loop-shaped engaging elements and hook-shaped engaging elements maintained their shape.

A: The overall engagement of the hook-and-loop fastener is maintained, and there is no disengagement between the engaging elements.
B: The overall engagement of the hook-and-loop fastener is maintained, but there is partial disengagement between the engaging elements.
C: The hook and loop fastener does not maintain engagement throughout.

In addition, when the hook-and-loop fastener shrinks due to heating, the fabric of the heating jacket may become distorted or wrinkled due to the shrinkage. Therefore, we visually evaluated whether the fabric of the heating jacket where the hook-and-loop fastener was attached warped or not, using the following criteria.

A: Almost no distortion or wrinkles.
B: There is some distortion or wrinkles.
C: Distortion or wrinkles occur.

Example 1
The following yarns were prepared as the warp yarns, weft yarns and monofilament yarns for the hook-shaped engaging elements constituting the base fabric of the heat-resistant hook surface fastener.
[Warp threads]
Multifilament yarn made of PPS Total decitex and number of filaments: 172 dtex and 50 filaments Here, the glass transition temperature of PPS (polyphenylene sulfide) is 90°C, which is common to the following yarns.

[Weft thread]
Multifilament yarn made of PPS Total decitex and filament count: 172 dtex and 50 filaments

[Monofilament yarn for hook-shaped engaging element]
・Monofilament thread made of PPS ・Diameter (before heat shrinkage): 200 μm

[Manufacturing of hook-and-loop fasteners]
Using the above warp yarns, weft yarns and monofilament yarns for the hook-shaped engaging elements, a plain weave was used as the weave structure, and the weave density was 48.5 warp yarns/cm and 16.0 weft yarns/cm. The monofilament yarns for the hook-shaped engaging elements were woven parallel to the warp yarns at a ratio of 1 for every 4 warp yarns, and after three weft yarns were allowed to float and sink, they were crossed over three warp yarns, and a loop was formed on the base fabric at the point where one weft yarn was crossed.

The hook fastener tape woven under the above conditions was heat-treated by running it through a 200°C heat treatment furnace for 60 seconds (tension of 200 g/cm in the length direction), and the warp threads, weft threads, and monofilament threads for the hook-shaped engaging elements were heat-treated.

Then, a mixture of cross-linked polyurethane resin and acrylic resin (diluent: water) was applied to the back of the hook surface fastener as a backcoat liquid, dried at 140°C for 90 seconds, and then aged at 80°C for 9 hours to complete the cross-linking.

Next, one leg of the loop for the hook-shaped engaging element was cut using a cutting device having a structure in which a movable cutting blade is reciprocated between two fixed blades to cut, thereby forming a hook-shaped engaging element. The element density was 54 pieces/ ^cm2 . The physical properties of the obtained hook surface fastener are shown in Table 1.

Example 2
The following yarns were prepared as the warp yarns, weft yarns and yarns for the loop-shaped engaging elements constituting the base fabric of the loop surface fastener.
[Warp threads]
Multifilament yarn made of PPS Total decitex and filament count: 172 dtex and 50 filaments

[Weft thread]
Multifilament yarn made of PPS Total decitex and filament count: 172 dtex and 50 filaments

[Thread for loop-shaped engaging element]
Multifilament yarn made of PPS Total decitex and number of filaments: 344 dtex and 100 filaments

[Manufacturing of loop fasteners]
Using the above warp yarns, weft yarns and loop-shaped engaging element yarns, a plain weave was used as the weaving structure, and the weaving density was 43.6 warp yarns/cm and 18.7 weft yarns/cm. The monofilament yarns for the loop-shaped engaging element were woven parallel to the warp yarns at a ratio of 1 for every 4 warp yarns, and after three weft yarns were allowed to float and sink, they were then crossed over three warp yarns, and a loop was formed on the base fabric at the point where the three weft yarns were crossed.

The loop hook-and-loop fastener tape woven under the above conditions was subjected to heat treatment by running it through a 200°C heat treatment furnace for 60 seconds (tension of 200 g/cm in the length direction), and the warp threads, weft threads, and threads for the loop-shaped engaging elements were heat-treated.

A mixed liquid of cross-linked polyurethane resin and acrylic resin (diluent: water) was applied as a backcoat liquid to the back surface of this loop surface fastener, dried at 140°C for 90 seconds, and then aged at 80°C for 9 hours to complete the cross-linking. The element density was 62 pieces/ ^cm2 . The physical properties of the obtained loop surface fastener are shown in Table 1. The hook surface fastener obtained in Example 1 and the loop surface fastener obtained in Example 2 were combined to measure various engagement forces.

Example 3
Hook-shaped engaging elements were formed in the same manner as in Example 1, except that the warp density was 48.5 threads/cm, the weft density was 16.0 threads/cm, the heat treatment temperature was changed to 250° C., and the element density was 55 pieces/ ^cm2 . The physical properties of the obtained hook surface fastener are shown in Table 1.

Example 4
A loop-shaped engaging element was formed in the same manner as in Example 2, except that the warp density was 43.6 threads/cm, the weft density was 18.7 threads/cm, the heat treatment temperature was changed to 250° C., and the element density was 64 pieces/ ^cm2 . The physical properties of the obtained loop surface fastener are shown in Table 1. In addition, the hook surface fastener obtained in Example 3 and the loop surface fastener obtained in Example 4 were combined to measure various engaging forces.

Example 5
Hook-shaped engaging elements were formed in the same manner as in Example 1, except that the warp density was 48.5 threads/cm, the weft density was 16.0 threads/cm, the heat treatment temperature was changed to 140° C., and the element density was 52 pieces/ ^cm2 . The physical properties of the obtained hook surface fastener are shown in Table 1.

Example 6
A loop-shaped engaging element was formed in the same manner as in Example 2, except that the warp density was 43.6 threads/cm, the weft density was 18.7 threads/cm, the heat treatment temperature was changed to 140° C., and the element density was 60 pieces/ ^cm2 . The physical properties of the obtained loop surface fastener are shown in Table 1. In addition, the hook surface fastener obtained in Example 5 and the loop surface fastener obtained in Example 6 were combined to measure various engaging forces.

(Comparative Example 1)
Hook-shaped engaging elements were formed in the same manner as in Example 5, except that the heat treatment was not carried out. The physical properties of the obtained hook surface fastener are shown in Table 1.

(Comparative Example 2)
A loop-shaped engaging element was formed in the same manner as in Example 6, except that the heat treatment was not performed. The physical properties of the obtained loop surface fastener are shown in Table 1. In addition, the hook surface fastener obtained in Comparative Example 1 and the loop surface fastener obtained in Comparative Example 2 were combined to measure various engaging forces.

(Comparative Example 3)
Hook-shaped engaging elements were formed in the same manner as in Example 5, except that the heat treatment was carried out at 100° C. The physical properties of the obtained hook surface fastener are shown in Table 1.

(Comparative Example 4)
A loop-shaped engaging element was formed in the same manner as in Example 6, except that the heat treatment was carried out at 100° C. The physical properties of the obtained loop surface fastener are shown in Table 1. In addition, the hook surface fastener obtained in Comparative Example 3 and the loop surface fastener obtained in Comparative Example 4 were combined to measure various engaging forces.

As shown in Table 1, in Comparative Examples 1 and 2, the hook-and-loop fasteners are formed using PPS thread, a heat-resistant resin, but the dimensional change rates when exposed to 200°C for 24 hours are 5.6% and 6.0%, respectively, and as the hook-and-loop fastener shrinks, distortion and wrinkles occur in the fabric to which the hook-and-loop fastener is sewn. Furthermore, in Comparative Example 1, after exposure to 200°C for 24 hours, the hook shape of the hook element is fully stretched and is no longer maintained, so the engaging force with the loop-shaped engaging element cannot be maintained. Also, in Comparative Example 2, the penetration rate of the adhesive resin into the engaging element is high, and the multifilaments that make up the loop-shaped engaging element are bundled by the adhesive resin, making it difficult for the multifilaments to unravel, resulting in poor initial sheer and peel.

In addition, in Comparative Examples 3 and 4, although the heat treatment in step A was performed, the temperature was 100°C, which is 10°C higher than the glass transition temperature of PPS, which is 90°C, so the dimensional change rate when exposed to 200°C for 24 hours was 5.2% and 5.3%, and due to this shrinkage of the hook-and-loop fastener, distortion and wrinkles occurred in the fabric to which the hook-and-loop fastener was sewn. Furthermore, after 24 hours of exposure at 200°C, in Comparative Example 3, the hook shape of the hook-shaped engaging element was fully stretched and was no longer maintained, so the engaging force with the loop-shaped engaging element could not be maintained. In Comparative Example 4, the penetration rate of the adhesive resin into the engaging element was high, and the multifilaments that make up the loop element were bundled by the adhesive resin, making it difficult for the multifilaments to come apart, resulting in poor initial sheer and peel.

In Examples 5 and 6, heat treatment is performed in step A at 140°C, which is above the glass transition temperature of PPS, and this reduces the rate of dimensional change when exposed to 200°C for 24 hours, but some distortion occurs in the fabric to which the hook and loop fastener is sewn. In addition, after exposure to 200°C for 24 hours, the hook shape of the hook element stretches slightly and there is some disengagement between the engaging elements, but the overall engagement of the hook and loop fastener is maintained.

Furthermore, in Examples 1 to 4, because heat treatment was performed at 200°C or 250°C in step A, there was almost no distortion or wrinkling in the fabric to which the hook and loop fastener was sewn, and even after exposure to 200°C for 24 hours, the hook shape of the hook element remained almost unchanged, there was no disengagement between the engaging elements, and the overall engagement of the hook and loop fastener was maintained.

Hook-and-loop fasteners can be used in vehicles such as automobiles, airplanes, and trains, in special clothing such as fire-resistant clothing, firefighting clothing, and high-temperature work clothing, and in industrial materials such as insulation and building materials.

As described above, a preferred embodiment of the present invention has been described, but various additions, modifications, and deletions are possible without departing from the spirit of the present invention, and such additions, modifications, and deletions are also included within the scope of the present invention.

Reference Signs List 1: Weft thread 2: Warp thread 3: Hook-shaped engaging element 4: Loop-shaped engaging element 5: Base fabric 6a: Region for outer ear 6b: Region for middle ear 7: Adhesive resin 10: Hook-and-loop fastener We: Weft direction Wa: Warp direction

Claims (12)

A hook-and-loop fastener formed of thermoplastic resin fibers, comprising a base fabric having a first surface as the front side and a second surface as the back side, a plurality of hook-shaped and/or loop-shaped engaging elements formed from engaging element threads rising from the first surface of the base fabric and constituting part of the base fabric, and a continuous surface portion, the hook-and-loop fastener comprising an adhesive resin that fixes the engaging element threads within the base fabric, the dimensional change rate of the hook-and-loop fastener in at least one of the length direction and width direction being 5.0% or less when exposed to 200°C for 24 hours. The hook-and-loop fastener according to claim 1, having a width of 20 mm or more. The hook-and-loop fastener according to claim 1, wherein the base fabric is formed from polyphenylene sulfide-based fibers. The hook-and-loop fastener according to claim 1, in which the adhesive resin permeates at least a portion of the base fabric. The hook-and-loop fastener according to claim 4, in which, in the protruding direction of the engaging element, the adhesive resin penetrates into the engaging element from the first surface of the base fabric at a rate of 50% or less, with the height from the first surface of the base fabric to the top of the engaging element being taken as the reference (100%). The hook-and-loop fastener according to claim 1, in which ears in the length direction and/or width direction of the base fabric are free of engaging elements. A method for producing a hook-and-loop fastener comprising a base fabric formed of thermoplastic resin fibers, a first surface being a front side and a second surface being a back side, a plurality of hook-shaped and/or loop-shaped engaging elements formed from engaging element threads rising from the first surface of the base fabric and constituting part of the base fabric, and an adhesive resin having a continuous surface portion and fixing the engaging element threads within the base fabric, wherein the dimensional change rate of the hook-and-loop fastener in at least one of the length and width directions when exposed to 200°C for 24 hours is 5.0% or less, the method comprising carrying out the following steps A and B, and, if necessary, step C, in the order listed.
[Step A] a step of heat-treating a loop base fabric in which threads for engaging elements rise in a loop shape from a first surface of the base fabric, under tension, at a temperature equal to or higher than the glass transition temperature Tg+15° C. of a thermoplastic resin fiber having the highest glass transition temperature among the thermoplastic resin fibers constituting the loop base fabric;
[Step B] applying an adhesive resin to the second surface of the loop base fabric to fix the thread for the engaging element within the base fabric; and [Step C], when forming a hook-shaped engaging element, cutting one leg of the loop to make the loop into a hook-shaped engaging element. The method for manufacturing a hook-and-loop fastener according to claim 7, wherein the tension in step A is 50 to 600 g/cm. The method for producing a hook-and-loop fastener according to claim 7 or 8, in which the heat treatment in step A is carried out for 30 to 120 seconds. An insulation fastener for fixing an insulation material, the insulation fastener comprising a hook-and-loop fastener according to any one of claims 1 to 6. An insulating material provided with the insulating material fastener according to claim 10. A method for fastening insulation using the insulation fastener described in claim 10.

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