JP7635483B2 - Blended yarns and fiber structures - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a blended yarn that has sufficient antibacterial properties even after washing and has excellent color development and texture, and a fiber structure that includes the blended yarn.

Traditionally, textile structures used in applications such as black formal wear have required knitted fabrics with deep color development (deep color), and in recent years, due to growing awareness of hygiene, there has been a demand for deep color woven fabrics that also have antibacterial properties. For example, Patent Document 1 (JP Patent Publication 10-53922 A) discloses polyester fibers containing an inorganic functionality imparting agent (antibacterial agent) in which silver ions, copper ions, etc. are supported on solid particles, proposing that the fibers have excellent antibacterial properties and improved dyeability.

Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 10-53922

However, although the polyester fiber described in Patent Document 1 has improved dyeability with polyolefin-based polymers, it is not designed for alkali weight reduction treatment, and is caused by cracks that occur when adsorbed water or crystal water adsorbed in the inorganic functionality imparting agent of the porous fine particles is released to the outside, so the density of the unevenness on the fiber surface is low and the deep color required for black formal wear is not obtained. In addition, the fluffiness and firmness when made into fabric are insufficient, and it cannot be said that the combination of antibacterial properties, deep color, and texture is sufficient.

In view of the above circumstances, the problem that the present invention aims to solve is to eliminate the drawbacks of the prior art and provide a blended yarn and a fiber structure that have sufficient antibacterial properties even after washing, and that have excellent color development and texture.

The present inventors have conducted extensive research to solve the above problems and have arrived at the present invention. That is, the present invention provides the following preferred embodiments.
[1] A mixed yarn including a thermoplastic fiber (A) as a core yarn and a thermoplastic fiber (B) as a side yarn, the thermoplastic fiber (A) containing an inorganic antibacterial agent having an average particle diameter of 0.1 to 10 μm in an amount of 1.0 to 15% by weight based on the thermoplastic fiber (A), and containing inorganic particles having an average particle diameter of 1 to 100 nm in an amount of 0.5 to 10% by weight based on the thermoplastic fiber (A), the thermoplastic fiber (B) containing inorganic particles having an average particle diameter of 1 to 100 nm in an amount of 0.5 to 10% by weight based on the thermoplastic fiber (B), and the weight ratio of the thermoplastic fiber (A) to the thermoplastic fiber (B) is A:B=30:70 to 60:40.
[2] The mixed fiber yarn according to [1], wherein the thermoplastic resin constituting the thermoplastic fiber (A) and the thermoplastic fiber (B) is a polyester-based resin.
[3] The mixed yarn described in [1] or [2] above, wherein the inorganic antibacterial agent is a silver glass-based antibacterial agent.
[4] The mixed yarn according to any one of [1] to [3], wherein the retention rate of the inorganic antibacterial agent after washing at 80°C based on the high temperature accelerated washing method specified in the "SEK Mark Textile Product Washing Method" by the Japan Textile Evaluation Technology Council (JETRC) is 80% or more.
[5] A fiber structure comprising the mixed yarn according to any one of [1] to [4] in an amount of 25 to 100% by weight based on the total weight of the fiber structure.

As described below, the present invention can provide a fiber structure that has sufficient antibacterial properties even after washing, and has excellent color development and texture.

The present invention will be described in detail below. Note that the scope of the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described here, and various modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

The blended yarn of the present invention is made by blending thermoplastic fiber (A) that serves as the core yarn and thermoplastic fiber (B) that serves as the side yarn.

The thermoplastic fiber (A) used in the blended yarn of the present invention must contain 0.5 to 10% by weight of inorganic particles having an average particle size of 1 to 100 nm relative to the thermoplastic fiber (A), and 1.0 to 15% by weight of an inorganic antibacterial agent having an average particle size of 0.1 to 10 μm relative to the thermoplastic fiber (A).

The thermoplastic fiber (B) used in the blended yarn of the present invention must contain 0.5 to 10% by weight of inorganic particles having an average particle size of 1 to 100 nm relative to the thermoplastic fiber (B).

The thermoplastic resin constituting the thermoplastic fibers (A) and (B) is preferably a polyester-based resin. The polyester-based resin refers to a polyester having fiber-forming ability with aromatic dicarboxylic acid as the main acid component, and examples thereof include polyethylene terephthalate, polybutylene terephthalate, polytrimethylene terephthalate, polytetramethylene terephthalate, polycyclohexane dimethylene terephthalate, and polyethylene-2,6-naphthalenedicarboxylate. In addition, these polyesters may be copolymers in which an alcohol component such as butanediol or a dicarboxylic acid such as isophthalic acid is copolymerized as a third component, and may further be a mixture of these various polyesters. The polyester-based resins constituting the thermoplastic fibers (A) and (B) may be the same or different, but it is preferable to use the same polyester-based resin from the viewpoint of color development.

Specific examples of the inorganic particles contained in the thermoplastic fibers (A) and (B) used in the blended yarn of the present invention include silica sol, fine silica particles, alumina sol, particulate alumina, ultrafine titanium oxide particles, calcium carbonate sol, fine calcium carbonate particles, modified silica sol, and the like, and may be mixtures of these. From the viewpoint of color development and good gloss, silica sol and fine silica particles are preferred. The inorganic particles contained in the thermoplastic fiber (A) and the inorganic particles contained in the thermoplastic fiber (B) may be the same or different, but it is preferable that they are the same inorganic particles in order to reduce color unevenness due to differences in alkali reduction rates.

The inorganic particles must have an average particle size of 1 to 100 nm. If the upper limit is exceeded, the fiber surface may become significantly uneven, causing a dull color and resulting in poor fiber quality. On the other hand, if the particle size is less than the lower limit, the specific surface area of the inorganic particles may become large, which may lead to the formation of aggregated particles and increased yarn breakage during spinning. The inorganic particles preferably have an average particle size of 10 to 60 nm, and more preferably 15 to 30 nm. The average particle size can be determined as a weight average value (or median size) using, for example, a particle size distribution measuring device using a laser light diffraction method.

The content of inorganic particles in the thermoplastic fibers (A) and (B) used in the blended yarn of the present invention must be 0.5 to 10% by weight relative to each thermoplastic fiber. If the content is less than the lower limit, the color development of the final fiber structure may be insufficient, and if the content exceeds the upper limit, yarn breakage during spinning may increase. The content of inorganic particles is preferably 0.5 to 7.0% by weight, and more preferably 1.0 to 5.0% by weight.

The inorganic antibacterial agent contained in the thermoplastic fiber (A) used in the blended yarn of the present invention includes antibacterial metals such as silver, copper, and zinc supported on crystalline aluminosilicate, amorphous aluminosilicate, silica gel, activated alumina, diatomaceous earth, activated carbon, zirconium phosphate, hydroxyapatite, magnesium oxide, magnesium perchlorate, glass, etc., and is particularly preferably a silver-glass antibacterial agent in which silver is supported on glass, or a combination of this with another inorganic antibacterial agent, since it is less likely to cause yellowing of the resin. The amount of the supported antibacterial metal is preferably 10 to 30% by weight based on the total weight of the inorganic antibacterial agent. If the amount of the antibacterial metal is less than the lower limit, sufficient antibacterial properties may not be obtained, and if it is more than the upper limit, the color tone of the fiber after alkali treatment may be poor, and it is also not preferable in terms of cost.

It is important that the average particle diameter of the inorganic antibacterial agent is 0.1 to 10 μm. If the average particle diameter is larger than the upper limit, thread breakage and filter clogging are likely to occur during spinning, and the inorganic antibacterial agent particles are likely to fall off from the fibers. On the other hand, if the average particle diameter is smaller than the lower limit, aggregation between inorganic antibacterial agent particles is likely to occur during kneading, making it difficult to uniformly disperse the inorganic antibacterial agent in the thermoplastic fiber (A). The average particle diameter of the inorganic antibacterial agent is preferably 0.2 to 5.0 μm, more preferably 0.5 to 3.0 μm. The average particle diameter can be determined as a weight average value (or median size) using, for example, a particle size distribution measuring device using a laser light diffraction method.

The content of the inorganic antibacterial agent in the thermoplastic fiber (A) used in the blended yarn of the present invention must be 1.0 to 15% by weight relative to the thermoplastic fiber (A). If the content is less than the lower limit, antibacterial properties may decrease due to loss during washing or inactivation due to dyeing, and if the content exceeds the upper limit, yarn breakage during spinning may increase. From the standpoint of antibacterial properties and cost, the content of the inorganic antibacterial agent is preferably 1.0 to 10% by weight, and more preferably 2.0 to 6.0% by weight.

The inorganic antibacterial agent in the thermoplastic fiber (A) preferably retains 80% or more of the inorganic antibacterial agent content before the washing process after 50 high-temperature washings according to the high-temperature accelerated washing method specified in the "SEK Mark Textile Product Washing Method" by the Japan Textile Evaluation Technology Council. The antibacterial agent retention rate can be calculated by the method described in the Examples below.

The total fineness of the thermoplastic fibers (A) and (B) used in the mixed yarn of the present invention is not particularly limited and can be any total fineness, but from the viewpoint of texture and color development, the total fineness is preferably 40 to 200 dtex, more preferably 50 to 170 dtex. The total fineness of the thermoplastic fiber (A) and the total fineness of the thermoplastic fiber (B) may be the same or different. In addition, the single yarn fineness of the thermoplastic fibers (A) and (B) used in the mixed yarn of the present invention is not particularly limited and can be any fineness, but from the viewpoint of antibacterial properties, texture, and color development, the single yarn fineness is preferably 0.5 to 6 dtex. The single yarn fineness of the thermoplastic fiber (A) and the single yarn fineness of the thermoplastic fiber (B) may be the same or different.

Furthermore, the thermoplastic fibers (A) and/or (B) used in the blended yarn of the present invention may contain small amounts of additives, such as lubricants, pigments, dyes, antioxidants, solid-phase polymerization accelerators, fluorescent whitening agents, antistatic agents, UV absorbers, light stabilizers, heat stabilizers, light-blocking agents, anti-mite agents, deodorizers, and matting agents, if necessary.

The manufacturing method of the thermoplastic fibers (A) and (B) used in the blended yarn of the present invention is not particularly limited, and they can be manufactured using a conventionally known melt spinning device. For example, the thermoplastic fibers may be manufactured by melt spinning polyester resin at a temperature of 270 to 300°C as the resin constituting the thermoplastic fibers. The melt spinning speed is preferably 400 to 5000 m/min. If the spinning speed is in this range, the strength of the obtained fiber is sufficient and the fiber can be wound stably. In addition, the fiber may be stretched after it is wound, or it may be stretched continuously without winding it once. The inorganic antibacterial agent to be contained in the thermoplastic fiber (A) may be added when the polymer is polymerized, or may be added when the polymer is melted during the spinning process and uniformly kneaded and dispersed. Furthermore, the inorganic antibacterial agent may be contained in the fiber by kneading a master polymer containing a high concentration of the inorganic antibacterial agent with a base polymer, or a master polymer containing a low concentration of the inorganic antibacterial agent may be used as it is to contain the inorganic antibacterial agent in the fiber.

The mixed yarn of the present invention can be obtained by, for example, fluid processing the thermoplastic fiber (A) as the core yarn and the thermoplastic fiber (B) as the side yarn to mix and entangle them. A general method can be adopted in which the side yarn yarn and the core yarn yarn are fed to an interlace nozzle or the like at a speed of 100 to 1000 m/min while the feed rate of the side yarn yarn to a fluid processing device is set to an overfeed rate of 0 to 10% relative to the core yarn yarn, and mixed and entangled at a fluid pressure of 1 to 7 kg/ ^cm2 .

From the viewpoint of antibacterial properties and color development, the blend ratio of the core yarn to the side yarn must be 30:70 to 60:40 by weight (core yarn:side yarn). The blend ratio is preferably 40:60 to 50:50.

The total fineness of the mixed fiber yarn used in the present invention is not particularly limited and can be any desired fineness, but from the viewpoints of antibacterial properties, texture, and color development, it is preferable that the total fineness of the mixed fiber yarn is 22 to 250 dtex.

The textile structure using the blended yarn may be, for example, a woven fabric, a knitted fabric, or a nonwoven fabric. The textile structure may be composed of the blended yarn alone, or may be used as the warp yarn and/or weft yarn, the face yarn and/or the back yarn, or may further contain other fibers.

The mixed yarn is preferably used in an amount of 25 to 100% by weight of the entire fiber structure. If the ratio of the mixed yarn used is less than the lower limit, sufficient antibacterial performance may not be obtained. From the viewpoint of antibacterial properties, it is more preferable that the ratio of the mixed yarn used in the entire fiber structure is 35 to 100%.

The method for producing the fiber structure of the present invention is not particularly limited, and it can be produced using a known knitting machine, loom, etc.

In the fiber structure of the present invention, the knitted or woven structure is not particularly limited. Examples of circular knitted structures include flat knitted structures, rib knitted structures, double knitted structures, and tuck knitted structures. Examples of warp knitted structures include tricot, russell, and Milanese. Examples of woven structures include plain weave, twill weave, satin weave, and double weave.

The method for dyeing the fiber structure is not particularly limited and any disperse dye that is used to dye ordinary polyester fibers can be used.

The fiber structure is preferably subjected to an alkali weight reduction treatment to form micropores on the fiber surface, which enhances the texture.

Examples of basic compounds used in the alkaline weight reduction treatment include sodium hydroxide, potassium hydroxide, tetramethylammonium hydroxide, sodium carbonate, and potassium carbonate. Of these, sodium hydroxide and potassium hydroxide are preferred. The concentration of this aqueous solution of basic compounds varies depending on the type of basic compound and the treatment conditions, but is preferably 1.0 to 25% by weight. The treatment temperature is preferably room temperature to 100°C.

When the fiber structure of the present invention is reduced in weight with an alkali, it can be dyed with conventionally used disperse dyes, and the fine pores formed on the fiber surface diffuse the light, resulting in a vivid and deep color tone.

Next, the present invention will be specifically explained using examples. Note that the measurement and evaluation of various characteristic values in the examples were performed using the following methods.

(Antibacterial property evaluation (antibacterial activity value))
For the fabric samples obtained in the Examples or Comparative Examples, the antibacterial activity values were measured using Staphylococcus aureus (ATCC 6538P) as the test bacteria in accordance with JIS L 1902 "Antibacterial test method and antibacterial effect of textile products," a certification standard for antibacterial processed textile products established by the Japan Textile Evaluation Technology Council, to evaluate the antibacterial properties.
The antibacterial activity was evaluated for untreated (before washing) and after 10 washes. The washing method was according to JIS L 0217;103, and the detergent used was JAFET standard detergent. Cotton cloth was used as the untreated specimen, and the antibacterial activity value was calculated according to the following formula.
Antibacterial activity value=(logCt-logC0)-(logTt-logT0)
Ct: average viable cell count after 18 hours of incubation on cotton standard fabric C0: average viable cell count immediately after inoculation on cotton standard fabric Tt: average viable cell count after 18 hours of incubation on tubular knitted sample T0: average viable cell count immediately after inoculation on tubular knitted sample Growth value: logCt-logC0
The obtained antibacterial activity values were evaluated according to the following criteria.
◎: Antibacterial activity value of 4.0 or more ○: Antibacterial activity value of 2.2 or more and less than 4.0 ×: Antibacterial activity value of less than 2.2

(Antibacterial agent retention rate)
The fabrics obtained in the examples and comparative examples were subjected to X-ray fluorescence analysis before washing and after 50 high-temperature washings to measure the retention rate of the antibacterial agent before and after the washing. The washing method was based on the high-temperature accelerated washing method specified in the "SEK mark textile product washing method" by the Japan Textile Evaluation Technology Council, and washing was performed at 80°C, using the JAFET standard detergent. The retention rate of the antibacterial agent was calculated from the following formula.
Antibacterial agent retention rate (%) = (X/Y) x 100
X: Amount of antibacterial agent (ppm) after 50 high-temperature washes
Y: Amount of antibacterial agent before washing (ppm)

(Evaluation of Color Development (L Value))
The color development was measured by measuring the sample using the L*a*b* color system as specified in JIS Z 8729 (method of expressing object color using the L*a*b* color system and the L*u*v* color system).

(Evaluation of Texture (Fabric Properties))
A sensory test was conducted by three testers, and the feel of the dough's puffiness felt when the dough was grasped with the fingertips was evaluated according to the following criteria.
Extremely good: 4 points Good: 3 points Slightly poor: 1 point Poor: 0 point Next, the feel was evaluated as follows based on the total score given by the three examiners.
◎...10 points or more ○...8 points or more and 9 points or less △...6 points or more and 7 points or less ×...5 points or less

Example 1
Polyethylene terephthalate containing 1.0% by weight of particulate silica having an average particle diameter of 20 nm and 5.0% by weight of a silver glass-based antibacterial agent "Bactekiler FK-65B" manufactured by Fuji Chemical Co., Ltd. having an average particle diameter of 2.0 μm was used, and melt-spun at a spinning temperature of 287° C. and a take-up speed of 4000 m/min to obtain a thermoplastic fiber (A) of 64 dtex/12 filaments. Next, polyethylene terephthalate containing 1.0% by weight of particulate silica having an average particle diameter of 20 nm was used, and melt-spun at a spinning temperature of 294° C. and a take-up speed of 2800 m/min to obtain a thermoplastic fiber (B) of 86 dtex/36 filaments. The thermoplastic fiber (A) and the thermoplastic fiber (B) obtained above were fed to an interlace nozzle at a speed of 300 m/min to be mixed and entangled, while maintaining an overfeed rate of 3%, to obtain a mixed fiber yarn of 150 dtex/48 filaments. Then, a rapier loom was used to obtain a fabric using 100% of the blended yarn for the warp and weft. The fabric was then processed in accordance with the processing steps for 100% polyester fabric (continuous scouring-presetting (190°C x 1 min)-weight reduction (20%)-dyeing (130°C x 30 min)-final setting (170°C x 1 min)). Dyeing was performed using a high-pressure jet dyeing machine with a disperse black dye at a concentration of 13.0% omf under the conditions of a bath ratio of 1:15 and 130°C x 30 min, and reduction washing was performed at 80°C for 15 min in an aqueous solution containing 1 g/L of hydrosulfite to obtain a fabric dyed black.
The obtained fabric was evaluated for color development, texture, and antibacterial properties, and the results are shown in Table 1.

Example 2
A mixed yarn and a fabric were obtained in the same manner as in Example 1, except that the weight ratio of the core yarn and the side yarn was changed as shown in Table 1. The evaluation results of color development, texture, and antibacterial property are shown in Table 1.

Example 3
A mixed yarn and a fabric were obtained in the same manner as in Example 1, except that the weight ratio of the core yarn and the side yarn was changed as shown in Table 1. The evaluation results of color development, texture, and antibacterial property are shown in Table 1.

Example 4
A mixed yarn was prepared in the same manner as in Example 1, and a fabric was obtained in the same manner as in Example 1, except that this mixed yarn and a polyester multifilament false twist textured yarn of 150 dtex/48 filaments were used as the warp yarn in a 1:1 arrangement, a polyester multifilament false twist textured yarn of 150 dtex/48 filaments was used as the weft yarn, and the overall usage ratio of the mixed yarn was 30% and the polyester multifilament false twist textured yarn was 70%. The evaluation results of color development, texture, and antibacterial property are shown in Table 1.

Example 5
A mixed yarn and a fabric were obtained in the same manner as in Example 1, except that the contents of the inorganic particles in the core yarn and the side yarn were changed as shown in Table 1. The evaluation results of color development, texture, and antibacterial property are shown in Table 1.

Example 6
A mixed yarn and a fabric were obtained in the same manner as in Example 1, except that the content of the antibacterial agent in the core yarn was changed as shown in Table 1. The evaluation results of color development, texture, and antibacterial property are shown in Table 1.

(Comparative Example 1)
A mixed yarn and a fabric were obtained in the same manner as in Example 1, except that the average particle size of the antibacterial agent in the core yarn was changed as shown in Table 1. The evaluation results of color development, texture, and antibacterial property are shown in Table 1.

(Comparative Example 2)
A mixed yarn and a fabric were obtained in the same manner as in Example 1, except that the average particle diameter of the inorganic particles in the core yarn and the side yarn was changed as shown in Table 1. The evaluation results of color development, texture, and antibacterial property are shown in Table 1.

(Comparative Example 3)
A mixed yarn and a fabric were obtained in the same manner as in Example 1, except that the content of the antibacterial agent in the core yarn was changed as shown in Table 1. The evaluation results of color development, texture, and antibacterial property are shown in Table 1.

(Comparative Example 4)
Except for the fact that the core yarn and side yarn were spun without using inorganic particles, a mixed yarn and a fabric were obtained in the same manner as in Example 1. The evaluation results of color development, texture and antibacterial property are shown in Table 1.

(Comparative Example 5)
A mixed yarn was obtained in the same manner as in Example 1, except that the core yarn was spun without using an antibacterial agent. A rapier loom was then used to obtain a fabric using 100% of the mixed yarn as the warp and weft. The fabric was then processed in the same manner as for a 100% polyester fabric (continuous scouring - presetting (190°C x 1 min) - weight reduction (20%) - dyeing (130°C x 30 min: simultaneous antibacterial treatment) - post-processing (180°C x 1 min) - final setting (170°C x 1 min)). Dyeing was performed using a high-pressure jet dyeing machine with a disperse black dye at a concentration of 13.0% omf under the conditions of a bath ratio of 1:15 and 130°C x 30 min, and reduction washing was performed at 80°C for 15 minutes in an aqueous solution containing 1 g/L of hydrosulfite to obtain a fabric dyed black. A zinc oxide-based antibacterial agent was used for this simultaneous antibacterial treatment. The evaluation results of color development, texture and antibacterial properties are shown in Table 1.

(Comparative Example 6)
A mixed yarn was obtained in the same manner as in Example 1, except that the core yarn was spun without using an antibacterial agent. A rapier loom was then used to obtain a fabric using 100% of the mixed yarn as the warp and weft. The fabric was then processed in the same manner as for a 100% polyester fabric (continuous scouring - presetting (190°C x 1 min) - weight reduction (20%) - dyeing (130°C x 30 min: simultaneous antibacterial treatment) - post-processing (180°C x 1 min) - final setting (170°C x 1 min)). Dyeing was performed using a high-pressure jet dyeing machine with a disperse black dye at a concentration of 13.0% omf under the conditions of a bath ratio of 1:15 and 130°C x 30 min, and reduction washing was performed at 80°C for 15 minutes in an aqueous solution containing 1 g/L of hydrosulfite to obtain a fabric dyed black. A nitrogen-sulfur-based antibacterial agent was used for this simultaneous antibacterial treatment. The evaluation results of color development, texture and antibacterial properties are shown in Table 1.

(Comparative Example 7)
Except for the fact that the core yarn was spun without using an antibacterial agent, a mixed yarn and a fabric were obtained in the same manner as in Example 1. The evaluation results of color development, texture, and antibacterial property are shown in Table 1.

(Comparative Example 8)
A mixed yarn and a fabric were obtained in the same manner as in Comparative Example 6, except that the core yarn and the side yarn were spun without using inorganic particles and the weight ratio of the core yarn to the side yarn was changed as shown in Table 1. The evaluation results of color development, texture and antibacterial property are shown in Table 1.

In Examples 1 to 6, thermoplastic fibers made of polyester resin containing inorganic particles with an appropriate content and average particle size and inorganic antibacterial agent as the core component, thermoplastic fibers made of polyester resin containing inorganic particles with an appropriate content and average particle size as the sheath component, and mixed yarns with an appropriate weight ratio of core yarn to side yarn were used, and it was found that the texture was good, sufficient antibacterial properties were maintained, and color development was also good. It was also found that the antibacterial properties did not decrease even after washing, and the product had washing durability.

On the other hand, in Comparative Example 1, the average particle diameter of the inorganic antibacterial agent was large, so that the inorganic antibacterial agent particles fell off from the fibers, and the antibacterial properties after washing were poor. In Comparative Example 2, the average particle diameter of the inorganic particles was large, so that the color became dull due to the occurrence of large unevenness, and the color development was poor. In Comparative Example 3, the content of the inorganic antibacterial agent was low, so that the antibacterial properties were poor. In Comparative Example 4, since no inorganic particles were contained, the color development was poor. In Comparative Examples 5 and 6, since the antibacterial agent was added in the post-processing, the antibacterial processing agent fell off due to the washing treatment, and the antibacterial properties after washing were poor. In Comparative Example 7, since no antibacterial agent was added, the antibacterial properties after washing were poor because the antibacterial agent was added in the post-processing. In Comparative Example 8, since the antibacterial agent was added in the post-processing, the antibacterial properties after washing were poor, and furthermore, since no inorganic particles were contained, and the weight ratio of the core yarn and the side yarn of the blended yarn did not satisfy the appropriate range, the texture and color development were poor.

The antibacterial polyester fiber of the present invention can be obtained with good operability and low cost, and has excellent antibacterial performance, texture, and color development. Therefore, it can be suitably used for clothing such as men's and women's formal wear, which requires deep color, antibacterial and deodorizing properties, and good tailoring.

Claims (4)

A mixed yarn including a thermoplastic fiber (A) as a core yarn and a thermoplastic fiber (B) as a side yarn, the thermoplastic fiber (A) having an average particle size of 0.1 to 10 μm, containing an inorganic antibacterial agent which is a silver glass-based antibacterial agent in an amount of 1.0 to 15% by weight based on the thermoplastic fiber (A), and containing inorganic particles having an average particle size of 1 to 100 nm in an amount of 0.5 to 10% by weight based on the thermoplastic fiber (A), the thermoplastic fiber (B) containing inorganic particles having an average particle size of 1 to 100 nm in an amount of 0.5 to 10% by weight based on the thermoplastic fiber (B), and the weight ratio of the thermoplastic fiber (A) to the thermoplastic fiber (B) is A:B=30:70 to 60:40. The blended yarn according to claim 1, wherein the thermoplastic resin constituting the thermoplastic fiber (A) and the thermoplastic fiber (B) is a polyester-based resin. The mixed yarn according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the retention rate of the inorganic antibacterial agent after washing at 80°C based on the high temperature accelerated washing method specified in the "SEK mark textile product washing method" of the Japan Textile Evaluation Technology Council, is 80% or more. A fiber structure comprising the mixed yarn according to any one of claims 1 to 3 in an amount of 25 to 100% by weight based on the total weight of the fiber structure.