Kotani Chemical Industry Co., Ltd. (13-14 Chikko Hamadera Nishi machi, Sakai), has recently developed the pollen-release finishing agent Queenseter POL and the two-liquid-type pollen-absorbing agents Queenseter PLC A sol. and B sol. Since over 90% of people born after the 1970s are said to have allergies in Japan, hay fever, caused by pollen from the likes of the Japanese cedar and the Japanese cypress dispersed in the air, has become a typical complaint among modern ailments. Cedar pollen can be dispersed to a concentration of 4000-10000 grains/cm2 in a season when the count is high. In response to this, Kotani Chemical Industry has launched a pollen-release finishing agent for use in garments and bedding, and a pollen-absorbing finishing agent for curtains and industrial materials. Aside from pollen, the pollen-release finishing agent Queenseter POL has also been found effective against soiling with sand, dirt, dust and the metabolic waste (e.g. remains, faeces) of mites.

Hay fever, in which pollen as typified by that of the Japanese cedar and the Japanese cypress works as an allergen, is a common modern ailment which causes unpleasant symptoms such as sneezing and a stuffy nose. Cedar pollen can be dispersed to a concentration of 4000-10000 grains/cm² in a season when the count is high. As matters stand with the size of these fine grains being 30~40µm,, prevention of pollen adhesion and its removal require very complex technology.

Queenseter POL is a pollen-release finishing agent, which makes pollen adhesion to fiber difficult and easy removal once it does adhere, by coating fibers with a soft but strong resin film based on a unique atomizing technology.

Appearance	:	Colorless translucent liquid
pH	:	7-8
Ionicity	:	Cationic
Main component	:	Specially modified nanoemulsion
Solubility	:	Easily dissolves in water in any ratio

Features

1)	Prevents adhesion and aids removal of pollen as typified by that of Japanese cedar and Japanese cypress. Effects will not deteriorate even after repeated washing.
2)	Does not cause coarsening of hand or any hindrance to water absorbency in treated fabric.
3)	Causes no yellowing due to heat, no discoloration after treatment and does not adversely affect colorfastness.
4)	No heat treatment such as curing or setting required as it forms a strong resin film on fiber simply through the evaporation of the water content.
5)	Applicable for any type of fiber.

Method of use

Aside from continuous padding and dipping methods, a spray method can also be used. The amounts vary depending on the type and surface of substrate, however, the use of the following is standard:

Padding	:	5~10% sol., padding→drying
Dipping	:	5~10% o.w.f. dipping→squeezing→drying
(room temp. x 10min, liquor ratio 1:10)

• While heat treatment is unnecessary after treatment with Queenseter POL, it does not produce any adverse effects.
• Simultaneous use is possible with other auxiliaries such as antistatic or softening agents. Preliminary, thorough testing on compatibility is necessary as the effect of pollen release may deteriorate considerably depending on the kind of auxiliary.

Example test performance

Prevention of pollen adhesion

Test method

∇

Both treated and untreated cloths were placed in a bag containing 1g of lycopodium powder (spores of club moss), shaken 50 times, removed from the bag and lightly shaken by hand. The number of remaining pollen grains was then determined. The rate of adhesion was calculated in comparison to 100% for the untreated.

Cotton, fleecy knit: POL 5% sol. Pad Dry

Before laundering	After 5 launderings
12%	13%

Acryl/Cotton, raised fabric: POL 5% sol. Pad Dry

Before laundering	After 5 launderings
11%	13%

Polyester weave: POL 5% sol. Pad Dry

Before laundering	After 5 launderings
19%	22%

Micrographic images

(Click the images for enlargements)

∇	Specimens were placed in a bag containing 0.1g of lycopodium powder (spores of club moss), shaken 50 times, removed from the bag and lightly shaken before the quantity of attached pollen was determined.

Substrate:Polyester

Micrographic images (150 x)

(Click the image for enlargement)

Prevention of dirt adhesion

∇	Specimens were placed in a bag containing 1g of a mixture of akadama soil, common soil and carbon black, shaken 50 times, removed from the bag, and lightly shaken before the level of soiling was evaluated with the naked eye.

Queenseter POL 5% sol. Pad → Dry

∇	Specimens were placed in a bag containing 1g of a mixture of akadama soil and common soil, shaken 50 times, removed from the bag, and lightly shaken before the level of soiling was evaluated with the naked eye.

Queenseter POL 5% sol. Pad → Dry

Storage

- Requires storage in a cold, dark place in an airtight container.
- Care is required to prevent freezing during winter.

Packaging

17kg net oil can

*While the details presented here are based on the results of carefully conducted experiments, they do not guarantee results in practical usage.