YARN, FABRIC, AND GARMENT

Abstract

A yarn that contains at least one potential-generating filament constructed to generate an electric potential in response to energy from the outside of the at least one potential-generating filament, the yarn having a total linear density of 90 dtex or more.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates to a yarn, a fabric, and a garment.

BACKGROUND ART

A yarn including fibers that generate surface potential using energy from the outside is disclosed in Patent Document 1. In Patent Document 1, furthermore, it is disclosed that the thickness of the yarn is from 0.005 to 10 dtex (see claim 3 of Patent Document 1). In Patent Document 2, it is disclosed that the elongation of a fabric is 10% (see claim 1 of Patent Document 2).

Moreover, with the yarn described in Patent Document 1, the desired effects, such as antibacterial properties, electrical charging, or attraction, can be achieved through the generation of a specified electric potential under predetermined conditions (see paragraph of Patent Document 1).

Patent Document 1: International Publication No. 2020/241432

Patent Document 2: Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2022-056409

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

In recent years, clothing that provides a relatively loose fit (outerwear and other garments worn on the outer layer) has become fashionable. For this type of clothing, the required level of elongation when worn is low because the garments themselves are loose. For the fabric described in Patent Document 2 above, the elongation of the fabric is 10%, and the fabric can generate electric potential in accordance with the elongation by virtue of being a fabric that contains a yarn containing potential-generating filaments. When the elongation of a garment with a relatively loose fit is less than 10%, however, effective generation of surface potential has required an approach in a new direction, rather than an extension of existing technologies.

Accordingly, an object of the present disclosure is to provide a yarn with which surface potential that can be effectively generated on garments with low elongations, as well as a fabric and a garment.

The inventor of the present application focused on the fact that “a yarn containing potential-generating filaments” creates an electric field in response to energy from the outside (e.g., tension or stress), thereby generating electric potential, and that antibacterial action, for example, is exerted by such a potential.

A yarn according to the present disclosure, therefore, contains at least one potential-generating filament constructed to generate an electric potential in response to energy from outside of the at least one potential-generating filament, the yarn having a total linear density of 90 dtex or more.

A fabric according to the present disclosure includes the above yarn.

A garment according to the present disclosure includes the above fabric.

According to the present disclosure, surface potential can be effectively generated on yarns with low elongations. It should be noted that the advantageous effects described herein are only illustrative and not limiting. Additional advantages, furthermore, may exist.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1(A) is a diagram illustrating the structure of a yarn 1s (S-yarn), FIG. 1(B) is a cross-sectional view along line A-A in FIG. 1(A), and FIG. 1(C) is a cross-sectional view along line B-B in FIG. 1(A).

FIG. 2(A) and FIG. 2(B) are diagrams illustrating the relationship between the direction of uniaxial stretching of polylactic acid, the direction of electric potential, and the deformation of a potential-generating filament 10.

FIG. 3(A) is a diagram illustrating the structure of a yarn 1z (Z-yarn), FIG. 3(B) is a cross-sectional view along line A-A in FIG. 3(A), and FIG. 3(C) is a cross-sectional view along line B-B in FIG. 3(A).

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view schematically illustrating a cross-section of a yarn including a dielectric 100 around potential-generating filaments 10.

FIG. 5 is a schematic view of a combined false-twisted yarn manufacturing device.

FIG. 6(A) is a schematic view of a yarn in a twisted state, FIG. 6(B) is a schematic view of the yarn in a state before entangling treatment using an air-jet device, and FIG. 6(C) is a schematic view of the yarn in a state after the entangling treatment.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

In the following, a yarn, a fabric, and a garment according to the present disclosure will be described. Although the descriptions are given with reference to drawings as necessary, the content of the drawings is presented only schematically and illustratively for the understanding of the present disclosure; the appearance, dimensional ratios, etc., can differ from reality. It should be noted that the various numerical ranges mentioned herein are intended to include the value(s) at the lower limit and/or upper limit itself (themselves) unless clearly stated otherwise. This means that when a numerical range such as 1 to 10, for instance, is cited as an example, it can be construed as including the lower limit value “1” and also including the upper limit value “10.” In addition, various numerical values may be modified with “approximately” or “about” in some cases. Such terms like “approximately” and “about” mean that variations of several percent, such as ±10 percent, ±5 percent, ±3 percent, ±2 percent, or ±1 percent, can be included.

Description of the Yarn According to the Present Disclosure

The yarn according to the present disclosure will be described. The yarn is “large-diameter with a total linear density of 90 dtex or more” and contains at least one “potential-generating filament 10” (or fiber that can create an electric field using surface charge). There is no specific restriction on the number of potential-generating filaments 10. For example, only one, 2 to 1000, preferably 10 to 800, or more preferably about 20 to 600 potential-generating filaments may be contained in the yarn according to the present disclosure.

[Potential-Generating Filament(s)]

First, the potential-generating filament that constitutes the yarn according to the present disclosure will be described. In the present disclosure, “potential-generating filament” basically refers to a “fiber (filament) that can create electric potential (specifically, surface potential) and/or an electric field by generating electric charge using energy from the outside (e.g., tension and/or stress)” as stated above (hereinafter sometimes referred to as a “potential-generating fiber,” “field-forming filament,” “field-forming fiber,” “charge-generating fiber,” or “charge-generating filament”). The potential-generating filament may be, for example, charge-generating fibers as described in Japanese Patent No. 6428979.

An example of “energy from the outside” is at least one force from the outside (hereinafter also referred to as “external force”), specifically an external force or forces such as a force that can cause deformation or distortion in the yarn or potential-generating filament and/or a force applied in the direction along the axis of the yarn or potential-generating filament, more specifically tension (e.g., a tensile force in the direction along the axis of the yarn or potential-generating filament) and/or stress or distortion force (tensile stress or tensile strain applied to the yarn or potential-generating filament) and/or a force applied in the transverse direction with respect to the yarn or potential-generating filament.

The potential-generating filament preferably contains, for example, at least one material having piezoelectric effects (the phenomenon of polarization caused by an external force) or piezoelectricity (the ability to generate voltage when mechanical strain is applied or, conversely, generate mechanical strain when voltage is applied) (hereinafter sometimes referred to as “piezoelectric material” or “piezoelectric”). Among such materials, it is particularly preferred to use fibers containing at least one piezoelectric material (hereinafter sometimes referred to as “piezoelectric fibers”). Piezoelectric fibers, which can create electric potential using piezoelectricity, require no power supply and pose no risk of electric shocks. It should be noted that the life of piezoelectric materials contained in piezoelectric fibers lasts longer than, for example, antibacterial effects provided by materials such as chemical agents. With such piezoelectric fibers, furthermore, the risk of causing allergic reactions is also low.

As a “piezoelectric material,” any material can be used without specific restrictions, provided that it is a material having piezoelectric effects or piezoelectricity. It may be an inorganic material, such as piezoelectric ceramics, or an organic material, such as a polymer.

The “piezoelectric material” preferably includes (or the “piezoelectric fibers” preferably contain) a “piezoelectric polymer.” Examples of “piezoelectric polymers” include “piezoelectric polymers having pyroelectricity” and “piezoelectric polymers having no pyroelectricity.”

The “piezoelectric polymers having pyroelectricity” generally refers to piezoelectric materials that are polymer materials having pyroelectricity and capable of generating electric charge (or electric potential) on their surface solely with an applied temperature change. Examples of such piezoelectric polymers include polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF). In particular, polymers that can generate electric charge (or electric potential) on their surface using thermal energy from a human body are preferred.

The “piezoelectric polymers having no pyroelectricity” generally refers to piezoelectric polymers that are polymer materials and that exclude the above “piezoelectric polymers having pyroelectricity.” Examples of such piezoelectric polymers include polylactic acid (PLA). Known types of polylactic acid include poly-L-lactic acid (PLLA), which is a polymer of the L-monomer, and poly-D-lactic acid (PDLA), which is a polymer of the D-monomer.

An example of a piezoelectric material contained in the potential-generating filament is “polylactic acid.” Polylactic acid (PLA), which can be used as a piezoelectric material, is a chiral polymer having a helically structured backbone. Polylactic acid can exhibit piezoelectricity when its molecules are oriented through uniaxial stretching. When the degree of crystallization is increased by applying heat treatment, furthermore, the piezoelectric constant increases. By increasing the degree of crystallinity in such a manner, the surface potential value can be improved.

The optical purity (enantiomeric excess (e.e.)) of polylactic acid (PLA) can be calculated using the following equation.

$\mathrm{Optical}\mathrm{purity}\left(\%\right)=\left\{❘L-\mathrm{form}\mathrm{content}-D-\mathrm{form}\mathrm{content}❘/\left(L-\mathrm{form}\mathrm{content}+D-\mathrm{form}\mathrm{content}\right)\right\}\times 100$

For example, for either of the D-form and the L-form, the optical purity is 90% by weight or more, preferably 95% by weight or more, more preferably 98% by weight to 100% by weight, even more preferably 99.0% by weight to 100% by weight, particularly preferably 99.0% by weight to 99.8% by weight. The L-form content and D-form content of the polylactic acid (PLA) can be values obtained by, for example, a method using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC).

The number-average molecular weight (Mn) of the polylactic acid is, for example, 6.2×10⁴, and the weight-average molecular weight (Mw) is, for example, 1.5×10⁵. It should be noted that the molecular weights are not limited to these values.

Polylactic acid, which can acquire piezoelectricity through molecule orientation treatment by stretching, does not require poling treatment like other piezoelectric polymers, such as polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF), or piezoelectric ceramics. The piezoelectric constant of uniaxially stretched polylactic acid is about 5 pC/N to 30 pC/N; it has a very high piezoelectric constant among polymers. The piezoelectric constant of polylactic acid, furthermore, does not fluctuate over time and is extremely stable.

The potential-generating filament is preferably a fiber or fibers having a cross-section in a round shape. The potential-generating filament can be produced by, for example, the method of turning a piezoelectric polymer into a fiber by extruding it, the method of turning a piezoelectric polymer into a fiber by melt-spinning it (including, for example, the spinning and stretching method, in which a spinning step and a stretching step are performed separately, the direct stretching method, in which a spinning step and a stretching step are combined together, the POY-DTY method, in which a false-twisting step can also be performed simultaneously, or the ultra-high-speed spinning method, which is intended for acceleration), the method of turning a piezoelectric polymer into a fiber by dry or wet spinning (including, for example, phase separation or dry/wet spinning techniques like turning the raw-material polymer into a fiber by dissolving it in a solvent and extruding the resulting solution through a nozzle, gel spinning techniques like turning the polymer uniformly into a fiber in gel form with a solvent contained in it, or the liquid crystal spinning method, in which the polymer is turned into a fiber using a liquid crystal solution or melt), or the method of turning a piezoelectric polymer into a fiber by electrospinning. It should be noted that the cross-sectional shape of the potential-generating filament is not limited to a round shape. For example, it may have a round, oval, rectangular, or modified cross-section.

The potential-generating filament may be long fiber(s) or short fiber(s). The potential-generating filament may have a length (dimension) of, for example, 0.01 mm or more. The length can be selected as appropriate according to the desired purpose of use.

[Yarn in a First Embodiment (an Embodiment of so-called S-Yarn)]

The yarn according to the present disclosure may be a yarn in which multiple potential-generating filaments have been simply aligned together (paralleled yarn or non-twisted yarn), may be a yarn that has undergone twisting (twisted combined yarn or twisted yarn), may be a yarn that has undergone crimping (crimped yarn or false-twisted yarn), or may be a yarn that has been spun (spun yarn). The potential-generating filaments, furthermore, may be filaments having a configuration in which the core thread is an electrical conductor, an insulator is wrapped around the conductor (covering), and voltage is applied to the conductor to induce the generation of electric charge.

As illustrated in FIG. 1(A), the yarn 1s may be configured by combining and twisting multiple potential-generating filaments 10. In the form illustrated in FIG. 1(A), the yarn 1s is a left-hand twist yarn, twisted by rotating the potential-generating filaments 10 in a counterclockwise direction (hereinafter referred to as “S-yarn”). The yarn, however, may be a right-hand twist yarn, twisted by rotating the potential-generating filaments 10 in a clockwise direction (hereinafter referred to as “Z-yarn”) (see, for example, the yarn 1z in FIG. 3(A)). As can be seen from this, the yarn may be either “S-yarn” or “Z-yarn” when it is a twisted combined yarn.

The distance between the potential-generating filaments 10 in the yarn is approximately 0 μm or more and approximately 10 μm or less and generally is about 5 μm. It should be noted that when the distance between potential-generating filaments 10 is 0 μm, it means that the potential-generating filaments are in contact with each other.

The yarn is a large-diameter with a total linear density of 90 dtex or more. As used herein, “total linear density” is intended to mean the totaled linear density of a yarn composed of one or multiple potential-generating filaments 10. The unit of “dtex,” furthermore, is intended to mean the unit of density of a yarn having a length of 10,000 m and weighing 1 g. The number of potential-generating filaments 10 has been set to achieve this total linear density. Provided that the total linear density is 90 dtex or more, the number of potential-generating filaments 10 may be one or may be two or more. By way of example, the number of filaments is 20 to 600. As used herein, furthermore, “large-diameter” is intended to mean having a larger diameter than ordinary filaments. More specifically, as stated above, it is intended to mean yarn having a diameter which results in greater than 90 dtex in terms of total linear density.

For a detailed explanation of the yarn, a form of potential-generating filaments 10 in which the filaments contain a piezoelectric material and in which this piezoelectric material is “polylactic acid” will be described in detail below by way of example.

As illustrated in FIG. 1(A), potential-generating filaments 10 containing uniaxially stretched polylactic acid have tensor components of d14 and d25 as piezoelectric strain constants when the thickness direction is defined as a first axis, the direction of stretching 900 is defined as a third axis, and the direction perpendicular to both of the first and third axes is defined as a second axis.

Polylactic acid, therefore, can generate electric charge (or electric potential) most efficiently when strain occurs in the direction at 45 degrees with respect to the direction in which the acid has been uniaxially stretched.

FIG. 2(A) and FIG. 2(B) are diagrams illustrating the relationship between the direction of uniaxial stretching of polylactic acid, the direction of electric potential, and the deformation of a fiber containing the potential-generating filaments 10 and/or yarn 1.

As illustrated in FIG. 2(A), a potential-generating filament 10 can generate electric potential in the direction from the backside of the page toward the front side when it contracts in the direction along a first diagonal line 910A and stretches in the direction along a second diagonal line 910B, which is perpendicular to the first diagonal line 910A. That is, the potential-generating filament 10 can generate negative charge on the front side of the page. As illustrated in FIG. 2(B), the potential-generating filament 10 can generate electric charge (or electric potential) even when it stretches in the direction along the first diagonal line 910A and contracts in the direction along the second diagonal line 910B. The polarity, however, is inverted; it can generate electric potential in the direction from the front surface of the page toward the backside. That is, the potential-generating filament 10 can generate positive charge on the front side of the page.

The yarn 1s illustrated in FIG. 1(A) is a yarn (S-yarn) formed by twisting multiple strands of such potential-generating filaments 10 containing polylactic acid (multifilament yarn) (there is no specific restriction on the twisting method), and the direction of stretching 900 of each potential-generating filament 10 coincides with the direction along the axis of that potential-generating filament 10. The direction of stretching 900 of the potential-generating filaments 10, therefore, is in a state in which it is tilted to the left with respect to the direction along the axis of the yarn 1. It should be noted that the angle depends on the twist number.

When tension (preferably tension in the axial direction) or stress (preferably tensile stress in the axial direction), for example, is applied as an “external force” to such a yarn 1s that is an S-yarn, negative (−) electric charge (or electric potential) occurs on the surface of the yarn 1s. In the inside, positive (+) electric charge (or electric potential) can be generated.

The yarn 1s can create electric potential using the potential difference that can result from these electric charges. This electric potential can leak into nearby spaces and form coupled potential with other portions. In addition, the electric potential that occurs in the yarn 1s also allows electric potential to be generated between the yarn 1 and an approaching object having a predetermined potential, such as a predetermined potential (including the ground potential) of a human body, when the yarn comes close to the object.

The yarn 1s, furthermore, is a relatively thick yarn because its total linear density is 90 dtex or more. Consequently, the yarn 1s is a relatively thick yarn even if it is not easily stretchable, and thus can generate, using its potential-generating filaments 10, a surface potential sufficient for the control of bacterial growth. Specifically, the surface potential that occurs through the application of an external force can be, for example, 0.1 V or more, preferably 1.0 V or more. The surface potential that is generated can be either a positive or negative potential. Specifically, in the case of the yarn 1s, the surface potential that occurs when the yarn is stretched assuming that the initial, zero-elongation state is 0 V is a negative potential, and the surface potential that occurs when the yarn contracts assuming that the stretched state is 0 V is a positive potential. There is no specific restriction on the method for measuring the surface potential; for example, it can be measured using a device such as a scanning probe microscope.

It should be noted that besides controlling bacterial growth with surface potential, the yarn may also have direct bactericidal/virucidal action. The action may be one resulting from repelling microbes, such as bacteria and fungi, and viruses by generating an electric potential that is opposite the potential that the microbes and viruses have.

[Yarn in a Second Embodiment (an Embodiment of so-called Z-yarn)]

In the form illustrated in FIG. 3(A), the yarn 1z may be a right-hand twist yarn, twisted by rotating potential-generating filaments 10 in a clockwise direction (hereinafter referred to as “Z-yarn”). Because the yarn 1z is a Z-yarn, the direction of stretching 900 of the potential-generating filaments (or piezoelectric fibers) 10 may be in a state in which it is tilted to the right with respect to the direction along the axis of the yarn 1z. It should be noted that the angle depends on the twist number. The polarity of the electric charge (electric potential) that occurs, furthermore, differs between the yarn 1s and the yarn 1z.

The yarn 1z has “a total linear density of 90 dtex or more.” The number of potential-generating filaments 10 has been set to achieve this total linear density. Provided that the total linear density is 90 dtex or more, the number of potential-generating filaments 10 may be one or may be two or more. By way of example, the number of filaments is 20 to 600. The percentage elongation of the yarn 1z having such a linear density is preferably less than 10%.

When tension (preferably tension in the axial direction) or stress (preferably tensile stress in the axial direction), for example, is applied as an “external force” to such a yarn 1z that is a Z-yarn, positive (+) electric charge (or electric potential) occurs on the surface of the yarn 1z. In the inside, negative (−) electric charge (or electric potential) can be generated.

The yarn 1z, too, can create electric potential using the potential difference that can result from these electric charges. This electric potential can leak into nearby spaces and form coupled potential with other portions. In addition, the electric potential that occurs in the yarn 1z also allows electric potential to be generated between the yarn 1z and an approaching object having a predetermined potential, such as a predetermined potential (including the ground potential) of a human body, when the yarn comes close to the object.

It should be noted that the yarn 1s, which is an S-yarn, and the yarn 1z, which is a Z-yarn, can be more deeply understood by consulting Japanese Patent No. 6428979. Japanese Patent No. 6428979, furthermore, is incorporated herein by reference.

[Yarn in a Third Embodiment (an Embodiment of a Yarn Provided with a so-called Dielectric)]

The yarn, furthermore, may include a “dielectric” around the potential-generating filaments 10. For example, as schematically illustrated in the cross-sectional view in FIG. 4, a dielectric 100 can be provided around the potential-generating filaments 10.

In the present disclosure, “dielectric” refers to an entity containing a material or substance having “dielectric properties” (the ability to undergo polarization (or dielectric polarization or electric polarization) into electrical positivity and negativity under electric potential). On its surface, electric charge can be stored.

The dielectric 100 may be present in the direction along the longitudinal axis and the direction along the circumference of the potential-generating filaments 10 and may completely cover or may partially cover the potential-generating filaments. It should be noted that when the dielectric 100 partially covers the potential-generating filaments 10, the potential-generating filaments 10 themselves may be directly exposed in the portions that are not covered.

The dielectric 100, therefore, may be provided throughout or may be provided partially in the direction along the longitudinal axis of the potential-generating filaments 10. The dielectric 100, furthermore, may be provided throughout or may be provided partially in the direction along the circumference of the potential-generating filaments 10.

In addition, the dielectric 100 may have a uniform thickness or may have a nonuniform thickness (e.g., see FIG. 4).

The dielectric 100 may be present between multiple potential-generating filaments 10. In that case, there may be portions between the multiple potential-generating filaments 10 in which the dielectric 100 is absent. A bubble or cavity, furthermore, may be present inside the dielectric 100.

There is no specific restriction on the dielectric 100, provided that it contains a material or substance having dielectric properties. A dielectric material known to be usable as a surface treatment agent (or fiber treatment agent) primarily in the textile industry (e.g., an oiling agent or antistatic agent) may be used as the dielectric 100.

The dielectric 100 of the yarn 1 preferably contains an oiling agent. The oiling agent can be, for example, an oiling agent for use as a surface treatment agent (or fiber treatment agent) that can be used in the production of the potential-generating filaments 10 (an oiling agent for spinning) (e.g., an anionic, cationic, or nonionic surfactant). In addition, oiling agents for use as surface treatment agents (or fiber treatment agents) that can be used in the process of fabric making (e.g., knitting or weaving) (e.g., anionic, cationic, or nonionic surfactants) and oiling agents for use as surface treatment agents (or fiber treatment agents) that can be used in the finishing process (e.g., anionic, cationic, or nonionic surfactants) can also be used. Although processes such as the filament production process, fabric making process, and finishing process have been named as representative examples, the process is not limited to these. It is preferred that the oiling agent be, for example, an oiling agent used to reduce the friction between the potential-generating filaments 10 in particular.

Examples of oiling agents include the Delion line, manufactured by Takemoto Oil & Fat Co., Ltd., the Marpozol line, manufactured by Matsumoto Yushi-Seiyaku Co., Ltd., and the Paratekkusu line, manufactured by Marubishi Oil Chemical Co., Ltd.

The oiling agent may be present throughout or may be present at least in part along the potential-generating filaments 10. After the potential-generating filaments 10 are processed into the yarn 1, furthermore, at least part or all of the oiling agent may be detached from the potential-generating filaments 10 as a result of laundering.

The dielectric 100 used to reduce the friction between the potential-generating filaments 10, furthermore, may be a surfactant used during laundering, such as a detergent or softener.

Examples of detergents include the Attack® line, manufactured by Kao Corporation, the Top® line, manufactured by Lion Corporation, and the Ariel® line, manufactured by Procter & Gamble Japan K.K.

Examples of softeners include the Humming® line, manufactured by Kao Corporation, the Soflan® line, manufactured by Lion Corporation, and the Lenor® line, manufactured by Procter & Gamble Japan K.K.

The dielectric 100 may have electrical conductivity (the ability to conduct electricity). In that case, the dielectric 100 preferably contains an antistatic agent. The antistatic agent can be, for example, an antistatic agent for use as a surface treatment agent (or fiber treatment agent) that can be used in the production of the potential-generating filaments 10. It is preferred that the antistatic agent be an antistatic agent used to reduce the loosening of the potential-generating filaments 10 in particular.

Examples of antistatic agents include the Kapuron line, manufactured by Nissin Kagaku Kenkyusho Co., Ltd., and the Nicepole line and the Deatron line, manufactured by Nicca Chemical Co., Ltd.

The antistatic agent may be present throughout or may be present at least in part along the potential-generating filaments 10. After the potential-generating filaments 10 are processed into the yarn 1, furthermore, at least part or all of the antistatic agent may be detached from the potential-generating filaments 10 as a result of laundering.

The agents described above, including the surface treatment agent (or fiber treatment agent), such as an oiling agent or antistatic agent, detergent, and softener, do not need to be present around the potential-generating filaments 10. That is, the potential-generating filaments 10 or yarn may be free from the agents described above, including the surface treatment agent (or fiber treatment agent), such as an oiling agent or antistatic agent, detergent, and softener, in some cases. In such a case, the air (or air layer) present between the potential-generating filaments 10 can function as a dielectric. In that case, therefore, the dielectric includes air.

For example, a yarn free from the agents described above, including the surface treatment agent (or fiber treatment agent), detergent, and softener, may be used through treatment by laundering or solvent immersion of a yarn in which the agents described above, including the surface treatment agent (or fiber treatment agent), such as an oiling agent or antistatic agent, detergent, and softener, adhere around the potential-generating filaments 10. In that case, pure potential-generating filaments 10 are exposed. Alternatively, in the present disclosure, a yarn consisting solely of pure potential-generating filaments 10 may be used.

In the present disclosure, furthermore, a yarn may be used from which the agents described above, including the surface treatment agent (or fiber treatment agent), such as an oiling agent or antistatic agent, detergent, and softener, have been partially removed, for example through treatment such as laundering or solvent immersion, and on which pure potential-generating filaments 10 are partially exposed.

The thickness of the dielectric 100 (or the distance between the potential-generating filaments 10) is approximately 0 μm or more and approximately 10 μm or less, preferably approximately 0.5 μm or more and approximately 10 μm or less, more preferably approximately 2.0 μm or more and approximately 10 μm or less, and generally is about 5 μm.

[Yarn in a Fourth Embodiment (an Embodiment of a so-called Combined False-Twisted Yarn)]

As a preferred embodiment, the yarn may be in the form of a combined false-twisted yarn. As used herein, “false-twisted yarn” is intended to mean a yarn that has been twisted under applied heat and then untwisted by applying a twist in the opposite direction, and “combined false-twisted yarn” is intended to mean a yarn having a relatively large thread diameter achieved by combining multiple false-twisted yarns. A “combined false-twisted yarn,” furthermore, may be a yarn form in which loops, swirls, coils, etc., have occurred in its filaments.

The yarn in this embodiment may be a combined yarn including a first false-twisted yarn, obtained by false-twisting a yarn in which multiple potential-generating filaments are twisted in one direction, and a second false-twisted yarn, obtained by false-twisting a yarn in which multiple potential-generating filaments are twisted to the side opposite the one direction. Specifically, a form is intended in which a yarn obtained by false-twisting the S-yarn 1s described in the first embodiment above and a yarn obtained by false-twisting the Z-yarn 1z described in the second embodiment above have been combined.

The yarn (combined false-twisted yarn) in this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 5 and FIGS. 6(A) to 6(C). FIG. 5 is a schematic view of a combined false-twisted yarn manufacturing device, FIG. 6(A) is a schematic view of the yarn in a twisted state, FIG. 6(B) is a schematic view of the yarn in a state before entangling treatment using an air-jet device, and FIG. 6(C) is a schematic view of the yarn in a state after the entangling treatment.

As a description of the yarn (combined false-twisted yarn) in this embodiment, a method for manufacturing this yarn will be described. First, an S-yarn 1s containing potential-generating filaments is set on one side of a combined false-twisted yarn manufacturing device, and a Z-yarn 1z containing potential-generating filaments is set on the other side of the combined false-twisted yarn manufacturing device. Each yarn is passed through a heater H while in a twisted state (FIG. 6(A)). Each yarn that has left the heater H is in a false-twisted state (FIG. 6(B)), in which the yarn has been untwisted. These yarns in a false-twisted state undergo air-entangling treatment using an air-jet device AJ, through which a yarn 1 in the form of a combined false-twisted yarn as in FIG. 6(C) is obtained.

The yarn in the form of a combined false-twisted yarn is a relatively thick yarn because its total linear density is 90 dtex or more. Consequently, the yarn 1 is a relatively thick yarn even if its percentage elongation is low, and thus can generate, using its potential-generating filaments 10, a surface potential sufficient for the control of bacterial growth. Specifically, the surface potential that occurs through the application of an external force can be, for example, 0.1 V or more, preferably 1.0 V or more.

The yarn 1 in the form of combined false-twisted yarn, furthermore, provides a bulky crimped yarn as a result of being combined through an air-jet nozzle. In other words, air-textured yarn, which imparts volume and a soft texture mimicking spun yarn by virtue of the presence of loop-shaped naps, is obtained.

Moreover, when an S-yarn and a Z-yarn are turned into a combined false-twisted yarn as described in this embodiment, the torque of the S-yarn, twisted counterclockwise, and that of the Z-yarn, twisted clockwise, cancel each other out. By virtue of this, the skewing of knit cloth can be controlled in, for example, a subsequent fabric dyeing process. It should be noted that the combined false-twisted yarn is not limited to the form using an S-yarn and a Z-yarn; it may be in a form in which S-yarns are combined together, or in a form in which Z-yarns are combined together.

In the above description, a method has been described for manufacturing a yarn with a total linear density of 90 dtex or more by turning the S-yarn 1s illustrated in FIG. 1(A), in which seven potential-generating filaments 10 are twisted, and the Z-yarn 1z illustrated in FIG. 3, in which seven potential-generating filaments 10 are twisted, into a combined false-twisted yarn to make the number of potential-generating filaments 10 fourteen. The number of filaments, however, is not limited to this example. For instance, the number of filaments may be two or more. Preferably, it is preferred that the number of filaments be 20 or more. It is, furthermore, preferred to make the number of potential-generating filaments large to increase the surface potential generated by the potential-generating filaments 10. From the viewpoint of knit cloth for garments, however, it is preferred that the number of potential-generating filaments 10 be 600 or fewer.

[Other Preferred Embodiments of Yarns]

Preferably, the potential-generating filaments 10 in the yarn 1 are formed of polylactic acid (PLA). The inclusion of a piezoelectric material, such as polylactic acid, in the potential-generating filaments 10 allows for more appropriate control of the surface potential. Polylactic acid, furthermore, can offer a smooth skin touch because it is hydrophobic, and thus can impart comfort to knit structures. In addition, polylactic acid can be ultimately decomposed into CO₂ and water because it is known as a biodegradable plastic, allowing for the reduction of environmental burdens.

Preferably, the degree of crystallization of the “polylactic acid” is, for example, 20% or more, preferably 30% or more, more preferably 40% or more, even more preferably 50% or more, particularly preferably 55% or more. The degree of crystallization can be determined by, for example, measurement methods such as differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and wide angle X-ray diffraction (WAXD). Within such ranges, the piezoelectricity derived from polylactic acid crystals is high, allowing for more effective induction of polarization caused by the piezoelectricity of polylactic acid. It should be noted that in the present disclosure, it has been found that a measured degree of crystallization measured using WAXD and a measured degree of crystallization measured using DSC are approximately 1.5 times different (value measured by DSC/value measured by WAXD≈1.5).

The piezoelectric material in the present disclosure does not need to be a polymer or polymers in the class of polylactic acids. Materials including polymers having optical activity, such as polypeptides (e.g., poly (γ-benzyl glutarate) and poly (γ-methyl glutarate)), celluloses (e.g., cellulose acetate and cyanoethyl cellulose), polybutyric acids (e.g., poly (β-hydroxybutyric acid)), and polypropylene oxides, and their derivatives may be used as polymeric piezoelectrics.

The yarn (potential-generating filament(s)) or fabric (garment) according to the present disclosure is preferably free from additives, such as a plasticizer and/or a lubricant. It is known that, in general, when additives are contained in yarn or fabric, it tends to be unlikely that surface potential occurs. To address this, it is preferred to ensure that the yarn or fabric contains no additive in order that surface potential will be generated appropriately. As mentioned herein, a “plasticizer” is a material for giving flexibility to yarn or fabric, and a “lubricant” is a material that improves the lubricity of molecules of a piezoelectric yarn. Specifically, materials such as polyethylene glycol, castor oil-derived fatty acid esters, polyoxyethylene sorbitan fatty acid esters, polyethylene glycol fatty acid esters, stearic acid amides, and/or glycerol fatty acid esters are intended. Such materials are not contained in the yarn or fabric according to the present disclosure.

The yarn (potential-generating filament(s)) or fabric (garment) according to the present disclosure may contain a hydrolysis inhibitor. In particular, a hydrolysis inhibitor for polylactic acid (PLA) may be contained. As an example of a hydrolysis inhibitor, a carbodiimide may be contained. More preferably, a cyclic carbodiimide may be contained. More specifically, it may be a cyclic carbodiimide as described in Japanese Patent No. 5475377. With such a cyclic carbodiimide, an acidic group in a polymeric compound can be effectively blocked. It should be noted that in combination with the cyclic carbodiimide compound, a carboxyl-blocking agent may be used to such an extent that the acidic group in the polymer can be effectively blocked. Examples of such carboxyl-blocking agents include the agents mentioned in Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2005-2174, such as epoxy compounds, oxazoline compounds, and/or oxazine compounds.

In the following, the role of the hydrolysis inhibitor will be described. PLA-containing fibers or filaments that have hitherto been generally known (fibers or filaments that do not generate surface potential) have exerted antibacterial effects through acid formation resulting from the hydrolysis of PLA and the action of the acid on microbes. Due to this, the hydrolysis of PLA has led to the degradation of the fibers or filaments. As stated above, however, the potential-generating fiber or potential-generating filament in the present disclosure exerts antibacterial effects by generating surface potential, unlike the antibacterial mechanism of known ones; there is no need to induce hydrolysis. The potential-generating fiber or potential-generating filament in the present disclosure, furthermore, contains a hydrolysis inhibitor. The degradation of the fiber or filament, therefore, can be controlled by preventing the occurrence of the hydrolysis of the fiber or filament.

The yarn according to the present disclosure should not be construed as limited to the forms described above, particularly yarns that can be formed of polylactic acid. In addition, there is no specific restriction on the method for manufacturing the yarn according to the present disclosure. As such, the manufacturing method is not limited to that described above.

Description of a Fabric and a Garment According to the Present Disclosure

A fabric according to the present disclosure contains a yarn that is large-diameter with a total linear density of 90 dtex or more and contains at least one potential-generating filament, which generates electric potential in response to energy from the outside. A garment according to the present disclosure, furthermore, is made using a fabric containing the yarn. As for the elongation of the fabric, it is in a state in which it is relatively difficult to stretch. In other words, it is preferred that the percentage elongation be less than 10%. Fabrics according to the present disclosure include, for example, woven fabric, knit fabric, and nonwoven fabric. In the present disclosure, furthermore, the term “cloth” is used synonymously with “fabric,” although “cloth” is used with the intention of referring to materials for making garments.

As an example of a fabric, a knit fabric resulting from knitting the yarn described above will be described. As used herein, “knit fabric” refers to a sheet-shaped structure having a structure that includes a texture formed by multiple interconnected loops, or a knit structure. For example, knit fabric can be produced by forming a loop (e.g., a ring-shaped portion) of yarn, passing the next loop through the previous loop, and repeating this process to form a surface or texture. More specifically, the knit fabric may have textures that can be formed by knitting methods such as weft knitting, warp knitting, circular knitting, tubular knitting, or hosiery knitting. Such knit fabrics also include fabrics like tricot and raschel. Furthermore, sewn products, such as cut-and-sewn or knitted-and-sewn items, are also included as knit fabrics in the present disclosure. In addition, seamless products, such as WHOLEGARMENT®, are also included as knit fabrics in the present disclosure. That is, knit fabric is a concept distinctly different from woven fabric, in which warp and weft intersect at right angles to form cloth.

Examples of textures that can be included in a knit fabric in the present disclosure include, but are not limited to, textures such as plain stitch (also referred to as flat knitting or stockinette stitch), bare plain stitch, plating plain stitch, smooth stitch (also referred to as interlock stitch), moss stitch (front moss and back moss), knit miss (also referred to as float), honeycomb, thermal (also referred to as waffle), and circular rib. The texture may differ between the front and back of the knit fabric. A “tuck,” furthermore, may be included in the texture. That is, tuck stitch may be used in combination with others. The texture may include a “miss.” The knit fabric may have a pile backing or may have a fleecy backing. Depending on the texture, the touch, air permeability, stretchability, and other characteristics of the fabric can be changed.

In the present disclosure, a texture that includes the smallest repeating unit formed by a “knit,” and optionally a “tuck” and/or a “miss,” is referred to as a “texture repeat.”

Such a texture may be formed using a knitting machine or may be formed by hand knitting. When a knitting machine is used, there is no specific restriction on its type; known knitting machines can be used without specific restrictions.

It should be noted that in the above description, the fabric according to the present disclosure has been described as knit fabric; however, it may be a textile product such as woven fabric, braided fabric, nonwoven fabric, or lace.

EXAMPLES

Examples 1 to 5 and Comparative Examples 1 to 5 of garments using fabrics containing yarns according to the present disclosure were produced.

Example 1

One hundred forty-four potential-generating filaments having a linear density per filament of 1.15 dtex were prepared and turned into a yarn as described in Embodiments 1 to 4 above to achieve a total linear density of 167 dtex.

A knit cloth was produced using this yarn containing potential-generating filaments and nylon yarn. The knit cloth was made using a computerized flat knitting machine manufactured by Shima Seiki Mfg., Ltd. and given a plating-plain-stitch texture structure. After this knit cloth was subjected to a standard dyeing process, a garment (sweatsuit product) was produced using the knit cloth.

Example 2

One hundred forty-four potential-generating filaments having a linear density per filament of 1.15 dtex were prepared and turned into a yarn as described in Embodiments 1 to 4 above to achieve a total linear density of 167 dtex.

A knit cloth was produced using this yarn containing potential-generating filaments. The knit cloth was made using a double 28-gauge knitting machine (LPJ25 knitting machine, manufactured by Precision Fukuhara Works, Ltd.) and given a honeycomb texture structure. After this knit cloth was subjected to a standard dyeing process, a garment (trouser product) was produced using the knit cloth.

Example 3

Five hundred seventy-six potential-generating filaments having a linear density per filament of 0.573 dtex were prepared and turned into a yarn as described in Embodiments 1 to 4 above to achieve a total linear density of 330 dtex.

A knit cloth was produced using this yarn containing potential-generating filaments, nylon yarn, and polyester yarn. The knit cloth was made using a double 28-gauge knitting machine (LPJ25 knitting machine, manufactured by Precision Fukuhara Works, Ltd.) and given a double-faced texture structure. After this knit cloth was subjected to a standard dyeing process, a garment (jersey product) was produced using the knit cloth.

Example 4

Forty-eight potential-generating filaments having a linear density per filament of 2.29 dtex were prepared and turned into a yarn as described in Embodiments 1 to 4 above to achieve a total linear density of 110 dtex.

A knit cloth was produced using this yarn containing potential-generating filaments and a nylon yarn (the number of filaments, 24; total linear density, 78 dtex). The knit cloth was made using a warp-knitting 28-gauge knitting machine (HKS knitting machine, manufactured by Karl MAYER) and given a back-half texture structure. After this knit cloth was subjected to a standard dyeing process, a garment (medical uniform product) was produced using the knit cloth.

Example 5

Twenty-four potential-generating filaments having a linear density per filament of 4.58 dtex were prepared and turned into a yarn as described in Embodiments 1 to 4 above to achieve a total linear density of 110 dtex.

A woven cloth was produced using this yarn containing potential-generating filaments and a polyester yarn (the number of filaments, 24; total linear density, 56 dtex). The woven cloth was given a plain-weave texture structure. After this woven cloth was subjected to a standard dyeing process, a garment (jacket product) was produced using the woven cloth.

Comparative Example 1

Seventy-two potential-generating filaments having a linear density per filament of 1.17 dtex were prepared, achieving a total linear density of 84 dtex. In other words, while the linear density per filament is similar to that in Example 1, the number of filaments is small compared with Example 1; therefore, the total linear density is less than 90 dtex.

A knit cloth was produced using this yarn containing potential-generating filaments and polyester yarn. The knit cloth was made using a double 22-gauge knitting machine (LPJH knitting machine, manufactured by Precision Fukuhara Works, Ltd.) and given a plating-plain-stitch texture structure. After this knit cloth was subjected to a standard dyeing process, a garment (sweatsuit product) was produced using the knit cloth.

Comparative Example 2

Seventy-two potential-generating filaments having a linear density per filament of 1.17 dtex were prepared, achieving a total linear density of 84 dtex. The total linear density, therefore, is less than 90 dtex.

A knit cloth was produced using this yarn containing potential-generating filaments and polyester yarn. The knit cloth was made using a double 28-gauge knitting machine (LPJ25 knitting machine, manufactured by Precision Fukuhara Works, Ltd.) and given a double-faced texture structure. After this knit cloth was subjected to a standard dyeing process, a garment (jersey product) was produced using the knit cloth.

Comparative Example 3

Thirty-six potential-generating filaments having a linear density per filament of 1.56 dtex were prepared, achieving a total linear density of 56 dtex. The total linear density, therefore, is less than 90 dtex.

A knit cloth was produced using this yarn containing potential-generating filaments and polyester yarn. The knit cloth was made using a double 22-gauge knitting machine (LPJH knitting machine, manufactured by Precision Fukuhara Works, Ltd.) and given a honeycomb texture structure. After this knit cloth was subjected to a standard dyeing process, a garment (jacket product) was produced using the knit cloth.

Comparative Example 4

Thirty-six potential-generating filaments having a linear density per filament of 1.56 dtex were prepared, achieving a total linear density of 56 dtex. The total linear density, therefore, is less than 90 dtex.

A knit cloth was produced using this yarn containing potential-generating filaments and nylon yarn. The knit cloth was made using a warp-knitting 28-gauge knitting machine (HKS knitting machine, manufactured by Karl MAYER) and given a back-half texture structure. After this knit cloth was subjected to a standard dyeing process, a garment (medical uniform product) was produced using the knit cloth.

Comparative Example 5

Thirty-six potential-generating filaments having a linear density per filament of 1.56 dtex were prepared, achieving a total linear density of 56 dtex. The total linear density, therefore, is less than 90 dtex.

A woven cloth was produced using this yarn containing potential-generating filaments and polyester yarn. The woven cloth was given a plain-weave texture structure. After this woven cloth was subjected to a standard dyeing process, a garment (jacket product) was produced using the woven cloth.

Examples 1 to 5 and Comparative Examples 1 to 5 above were subjected to percentage elongation evaluation, surface potential evaluation, and antibacterial evaluation. The specific details of the evaluations will be described below.

(Percentage Elongation Evaluation)

After the products in the Examples and Comparative Examples were worn, a walking operation was performed. Strain was measured at a stretchable portion of the garment (e.g., the underarm or crotch area), and the percentage elongation was measured based on the measurement. The measuring instrument, measurement range, and measurement conditions are as follows.

• • Measuring instrument: ARAMIS Adjustable Base 12M
  • Measurement range: 1160×940×940 mm²
  • Measurement conditions: 7 Hz and f 4.0

(Surface Potential Evaluation)

For the products in the Examples and Comparative Examples, the surface potential of the fabric was measured using an electric force microscope (EFM) (manufactured by Trek, Inc.; Model 1100TN). It should be noted that the evaluation of surface potential employed a potential measurement device having a stretching mechanism that can stretch the products in the Examples and Comparative Examples in at least one direction with the product placed on a conductive block as a ground electrode (see Japanese Patent Application No. 2021-065673 and Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2022-161847). That is, the measurement method employed differed from the method described in Patent Document 1 (International Publication No. 2020/241432), which is: (a) The yarn is stretched by a predetermined amount in a uniaxial direction. (b) A core material made of conductive fibers is covered with the fiber. (c) The core material is grounded. (d) The surface potential of the yarn is measured with an electric force microscope.

(Antibacterial Evaluation)

The details of the antibacterial test are as follows.

• • (1) For the products in the Comparative Examples and Examples in their initial state, the viable cell count is measured.
  • (2) The viable cell counts after the products in the Comparative Examples and Examples are allowed to stand for 18 hours are measured.
  • (3) The products in the Comparative Examples and Examples that have been allowed to stand for 18 hours are subjected to the measurement of the viable cell count after the generation of surface potential induced by stretching and contracting the product continuously for 18 hours.

That is, the “antibacterial activity value” in the present disclosure is intended to mean the value calculated according to the following.

Antibacterial activity value=Viable cell count A−Viable cell count B

Viable cell count A: Viable cell count after the product is allowed to stand for 18 hours

Viable cell count B: Viable cell count after the generation of surface potential induced by stretching and contracting the product continuously for 18 hours

It should be noted that the evaluation of the viable cell counts was performed according to the method in JIS L1902, as described in Japanese Patent No. 6922546 and Japanese Patent No. 6292368. In addition, a viable cell count value represents the logarithm of Colony Forming Units (the logarithm of colonies per g).

The results of the above percentage elongation evaluation, surface potential evaluation, and antibacterial evaluation are presented in the tables below.

	TABLE 1
	Example 1	Example 2	Example 3	Example 4	Example 5
Product	Sweatsuit	Trousers	Jersey	Medical uniform	Jacket
Total linear density	167 dtex	167 dtex	330 dtex	110 dtex	110 dtex
Number of filaments	144	144	576	48	24
Percentage elongation	7% (underarm)	6% (crotch)	7% (underarm)	5% (underarm)	3% (underarm)
Surface potential	∘ 0.3 V	∘ 1.2 V	∘ 0.9 V	∘ 2.8 V	∘ 1.5 V
Antibacterial activity value	∘ 2.0	∘2.4	∘ 2.1	∘ 2.8	∘ 2.5

	TABLE 2
	Comparative	Comparative	Comparative	Comparative	Comparative
	Example 1	Example 2	Example 3	Example 4	Example 5
Product	Sweatsuit	Jersey	Jacket	Medical uniform	Jacket
Total linear density	84 dtex	84 dtex	56 dtex	56 dtex	56 dtex
Number of filaments	72	72	36	36	36
Percentage elongation	7% (underarm)	7% (underarm)	5% (underarm)	3% (underarm)	2% (underarm)
Surface potential	x 0.1 V	x 0.08 V	x 0.07 V	x 0.05 V	x 0.06 V
Antibacterial activity value	x 0.8	x 0.6	x 0.9	x 1.1	x 0.9

According to the results in Table 1 and Table 2, the garments in Examples 1 to 5 achieved a surface potential value greater than 0.1 V because the yarn was large-diameter with a total linear density of more than 90 dtex. The antibacterial activity value, furthermore, was greater than 1.5; therefore, results indicating good antibacterial properties were obtained.

With the garments in Examples 1 to 5, an elongation sufficient for the generation of surface potential on the potential-generating filaments was achieved because the total linear density was less than 350 dtex.

According to the results for Examples 3 to 5, furthermore, a large-diameter yarn thicker than 90 dtex in terms of total linear density was obtained by making the number of potential-generating filaments more than 20. Results indicating that the desired surface potential can be generated using this yarn were obtained.

Moreover, according to the results for Example 1 and Example 2, a large-diameter yarn thicker than 90 dtex in terms of total linear density was also obtained by making the number of potential-generating filaments fewer than 600. Results indicating that the desired surface potential can be generated using this yarn were obtained.

By contrast, for the garments in Comparative Examples 1 to 5, the surface potential was 0.1 V or less because the yarn had a total linear density of less than 90 dtex. The antibacterial activity value, furthermore, was less than 1.5; therefore, results indicating poor antibacterial properties compared with the garments in Examples 1 to 5 were obtained.

The forms of the yarn, fabric, and garment according to the present disclosure are as follows.

• • <1> A yarn containing at least one potential-generating filament constructed to generate an electric potential in response to energy from outside of the at least one potential-generating filament, the yarn having a total linear density of 90 dtex or more.
  • <2> The yarn according to <1>, wherein the total linear density is 90 dtex to 350 dtex.
  • 21 3> The yarn according to <1> or <2>, wherein a number of the at least one potential-generating filament is 20 or more.
  • <4> The yarn according to any one of <1> to <3>, wherein a number of the at least one potential-generating filament is 600 or fewer.
  • <5> The yarn according to any one of <1> to <4>, wherein the at least one potential-generating filament contains at least one piezoelectric material.
  • <6> The yarn according to any one of <1> to <5>, wherein the at least one piezoelectric material includes polylactic acid.
  • <7> The yarn according to any one of <1> to <6>, wherein the at least one piezoelectric material contains no additives.
  • <8> The yarn according to any one of <1> to <7>, wherein the at least one piezoelectric material contains a hydrolysis inhibitor.
  • <9> The yarn according to any one of <1> to <8>, wherein the yarn is a combined yarn including: a first false-twisted yarn in which a plurality of the at least one potential-generating filament are twisted in a first direction, and a second false-twisted yarn in which a second plurality of the at least one potential-generating filament are twisted in a second direction opposite the first direction.
  • <10> The yarn according to any one of <1> to <9>, wherein the electric potential is a surface potential greater than 0.1 V.
  • <11> A fabric including the yarn according to any one of <1> to <10>.
  • <12> The fabric according to <11>, wherein the fabric is a knit cloth.
  • <13> The fabric according to <11>, wherein the fabric is a woven cloth.
  • <14> The fabric according to any one of <11> to <13>, wherein the fabric is configured to have an antibacterial activity value of 1.5 or greater.
  • <15> The fabric according to any one of <11> to <14>, wherein the fabric has a percentage elongation is less than 10%.
  • <16> A garment made using the fabric according to any one of <11> to <15>.

It should be noted that the embodiments disclosed this time are illustrative in all respects and do not serve as a basis for restrictive interpretation. Accordingly, the technical scope of the present disclosure is not to be construed solely according to the embodiments described above, but is defined based on the description in the claims. In addition, the technical scope of the present disclosure encompasses meanings equivalent to the claims and all modifications within the scope of the claims.

The present disclosure can be applied to, for example, a yarn, a fabric, and a garment on which surface potential can be effectively generated even when the elongation is low.

REFERENCE SIGNS LIST

• • 1, 1s, 1z Yarn
  • 10 Potential-generating filament
  • 100 Dielectric
  • 900 Direction of stretching
  • 910A First diagonal line
  • 910B Second diagonal line
  • H Heater
  • AJ Air-jet device

Claims

1. A yarn comprising at least one potential-generating filament constructed to generate an electric potential in response to energy from outside of the at least one potential-generating filament, the yarn having a total linear density of 90 dtex or more.

2. The yarn according to claim 1, wherein the total linear density is 90 dtex to 350 dtex.

3. The yarn according to claim 1, wherein a number of the at least one potential-generating filament is 20 or more.

4. The yarn according to claim 1, wherein a number of the at least one potential-generating filament is 20 to 600.

5. The yarn according to claim 1, wherein the at least one potential-generating filament contains at least one piezoelectric material.

6. The yarn according to claim 5, wherein the at least one piezoelectric material includes polylactic acid.

7. The yarn according to claim 5, wherein the at least one piezoelectric material contains no additives.

8. The yarn according to claim 5, wherein the at least one piezoelectric material contains a hydrolysis inhibitor.

9. The yarn according to claim 1, further comprising a dielectric material around the at least one potential-generating filament.

10. The yarn according to claim 9, wherein the dielectric material completely covers the at least one potential-generating filament.

11. The yarn according to claim 1, wherein the yarn is a combined yarn including: a first false-twisted yarn in which a first plurality of the at least one potential-generating filament are twisted in a first direction; anda second false-twisted yarn in which a second plurality of the at least one potential-generating filament are twisted in a second direction opposite the first direction.

12. The yarn according to claim 1, wherein the electric potential is a surface potential greater than 0.1 V.

13. A fabric comprising the yarn according to claim 1.

14. The fabric according to claim 13, wherein the fabric is a knit cloth.

15. The fabric according to claim 13, wherein the fabric is a woven cloth.

16. The fabric according to claim 13, wherein the fabric is configured to have an antibacterial activity value of 1.5 or greater.

17. The fabric according to claim 13, wherein the fabric has a percentage elongation of less than 10%.

18. A garment comprising the fabric according to claim 13.