TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present invention relates to textile treatment compositions. In particular, it
relates to textile treatment compositions for use in the rinse cycle of a textile
laundering operation to provide fabric softening/static control benefits, the compositions
being characterized by excellent storage stability and viscosity characteristics
and biodegradability. The compositions herein can also be used to treat fabrics in
hot air clothes dryers, and in hair conditioner compositions.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Textile treatment compositions suitable for providing fabric softening and static
control benefits during laundering are well-known in the art and have found wide-scale
commercial application. Conventionally, rinse-added fabric softening compositions
contain, as the active softening component, substantially water-insoluble cationic
materials having two long alkyl chains. Typical of such materials are di-stearyl di-methyl
ammonium chloride and imidazolinium compounds substituted with two stearyl groups.
These materials are normally prepared in the form of a dispersion in water and it
is generally not possible to prepare such aqueous dispersions with more than about
10% of cationic materials without encountering intractable problems of product viscosity
and stability, especially after storage at elevated temperatures, such that the compositions
are unpourable and have inadequate dispensing and dissolving characteristics in rinse
water. This physical restriction on softener concentration naturally limits the level
of softening performance achievable without using excessive amounts of product, and
also adds substantially to the costs of distribution and packaging. Accordingly it
would be highly desirable to prepare physically-acceptable textile treatment compositions
containing much higher levels of water-insoluble cationic softener materials.
[0003] It would also be desirable to have fabric softeners which are storage-stable, but
which are biodegradable. However, materials which may be biodegradable are often insufficiently
stable to formulate as liquid compositions.
[0004] It is an object of this invention to provide storage-stable, biodegradable fabric
softeners. It is a further objective to provide such materials in the form of liquid
products, concentrates, and in sheet form for use in clothes dryers. These and other
objects are obtained herein, as will be seen from the following disclosure.
BACKGROUND ART
[0005] Cationic softener materials are normally supplied by the manufacturer in the form
of a slurry containing about 70%-80% of active material in an organic liquid such
as isopropanol, sometimes containing a minor amount of water (up to about 10%). Retail
fabric softening compositions are then prepared by dispersion of the softener slurry
in warm water under carefully controlled conditions. The physical form and dispersibility
constraints of these industrial concentrates, however, are such as to preclude their
direct use by the domestic consumer; indeed, they can pose severe processing problems
even for the industrial supplier of retail fabric softening compositions.
[0006] See U.S. Patent 4,339,391, Hoffmann, et al, July 13, 1982, for a series of quaternized
ester-amines which function as fabric softeners. Various quaternized ester-amines
are commercially available under the tradename SYNPROLAM FS from ICI.
[0007] U.S. Patents 4,426,299, January 17, 1984, and 4,401,578, August 30, 1983, to Verbruggen,
relate to paraffin, fatty acids and ester extenders for softener concentrates.
[0008] European Patent 0,018,039, Clint, et al, March 7, 1984, relates to hydrocarbons plus
soluble cationic or nonionic surfactants in softener concentrates to improve viscosity
and stability characteristics.
[0009] U.S. Patent 4,454,049 MacGilp, et al, June 12, 1984, discloses liquid textile treatment
compositions in the form of isotropic solutions comprising water-insoluble di-C₁₆-C₂₄
optionally hydroxy-substituted alkyl, alkaryl or alkenyl cationic fabric softeners,
at least about 70% of the fabric softener consisting of one or more components together
having a melting completion temperature of less than about 20°C, a water-insoluble
nonionic extender, especially C₁₀-C₄₀ hydrocarbons or esters of mono- or polyhydric
alcohols with C₈-C₂₄ fatty acids, and a water-miscible organic solvent. The concentrates
have improved formulation stability and dispersibility, combined with excellent fabric
softening characteristics.
[0010] U.S. Patent 4,439,330, Ooms, March 27, 1984, teaches concentrated softeners comprising
ethoxylated amines.
[0011] U.S. Patent 4,476,031, Ooms, Oct. 9, 1984, teaches ethoxylated amines, or protonated
derivatives thereof, in combination with ammonium, imadazolinium, and the like materials.
The use of alkoxylated amines, as a class, in softener compositions is known (see,
for example, German Patent Applications Nos. 2829022 and 1,619,043 and U.S. Patent
Nos. 4,076,632 and 4,157,307).
[0012] U.S. Patent 4,422,949, Ooms, December 27, 1983, relates to softener concentrates
based on DTDMAC, glycerol monostearate and polycationics. See also U.K. 59502, June
26, 1985, to Turner and Dovey.
[0013] In the United Kingdom Application No. 2,007,734A, fabric softener concentrates are
disclosed which contain a mixture of a fatty quaternary ammonium salt having at least
one C₈-C₃₀ alkyl substituent and an oil or substantially water-insoluble compound
having oily/fatty properties. The concentrates are said to be easily dispersed/emulsified
in cold water to form fabric softening compositions.
[0014] Concentrated dispersions of softener material can be prepared as described in European
Patent Application No. 406 and U.K. Patent No. 1,601,360 by incorporating certain
nonionic adjunct softening materials therein.
[0015] As can be seen, the specific problem of preparing fabric softening compositions in
concentrated form suitable for consumer use has been addressed in the art, but the
various solutions have not been entirely satisfactory. It is generally known (for
example, in U.S. Patent No. 3,681,241) that the presence of ionizable salts in softener
compositions does help reduce viscosity.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0016] The fiber- and fabric- softener and antistatic compounds used in the practice of
this invention are of the general formula
wherein each R substituent is a short-chain (C₁-C₆, preferably C₁-C₃) alkyl or hydroxyalkyl
group, e.g., methyl (most preferred), ethyl, propyl, hydroxyethyl, and the like, or
mixtures thereof; each R′ is a long-chain hydrocarbyl substituent, e.g., C₁₃-C₁₇,
preferably C₁₅ alkyl, or mixtures thereof; and R˝ is a short-chain (C₁-C₄) hydrocarbyl
substituent, especially methyl. The counterion X
⊖ is not critical herein, and can be, for example, halide, methylsulfate, and the like.
It will be understood that substituents R, R′ and R˝ may optionally be substituted
with various groups such as alkoxyl, hydroxyl, or can be branched, but such materials
are not preferred herein. The preferred compounds can be considered to be quaternized
di-esters of di-isopropanol amines.
[0017] While not intending to be limited by theory, it is believed that the ester moieties
lend biodegradability to these compounds, whereas the chain branching of the isopropyl
moiety provides sufficient hydrolytic stability that the compounds can be stably formulated
as liquid compositions, under the conditions disclosed hereinafter. The desirable
viscosity characteristics of the compounds which allows them to be formulated as concentrates
are entirely unexpected. Since the compounds are cationic, they provide not only fiber
and fabric softness, but also anti-static benefits.
[0018] The present invention encompasses liquid fabric softening and antistatic compositions,
comprising: a liquid carrier; and at least about 1% by weight of a fabric softener
compound of the above-disclosed formula dissolved or, preferably, dispersed in said
carrier. Such liquid compositions are most preferably formulated at a pH of from about
1.5 to about 5.0 to provide good storage stability. For general laundry fabric softening
use in a through-the-rinse mode, such compositions will typically comprise from about
3% to about 15% by weight of the softener compound.
[0019] The preferred liquid compositions herein have the softener compound present as particles
dispersed in the carrier. The particles are preferably sub-micron size, generally
having average diameters in the range of about 0.15-0.45 microns. Such particle dispersions
can optionally be stabilized with emulsifiers.
[0020] Importantly, the liquid compositions herein are substantially free (generally, less
than 1%) of free (i.e., unprotonated) amines, since free amines can catalyze decomposition
of the softener compounds, on storage. However, if minor amounts of amines are present,
they should be protonated with acid during formulation of the compositions. Strong
acids, such as H₃PO₄ and HCl, can be used for this purpose.
[0021] The low viscosities exhibited by dispersions of particles of the compounds herein
allows them to be formulated as water-dilutable fabric softener "high concentrates"
which contain from about 16% to about 25% by weight of the fabric softener compound.
Such high concentrates are conveniently packaged in pouches, which can be diluted
with water to "single-strength" softeners (typically, 3-5% concentration of softener
active) by the user.
[0022] The compounds herein can also be formulated as solids, for example, in combination
with particulate carriers as particulate fabric softening and antistatic compositions.
When formulated as solids, the pH and presence or absence of amines are, of course,
not as critical as with the liquid compositions, since stability to hydrolysis on
storage is not so problematic.
[0023] Other solid compositions herein have the compounds releasably affixed to sheet materials
to provide fabric softening and antistatic compositions in sheet form which can be
used in hot air clothes dryers.
[0024] The invention also encompasses a method of softening fibers (including hair) or fabrics,
or imparting an antistatic finish thereto, comprising contacting said fibers or fabrics
with a compound of the above-disclosed type.
[0025] All percentages, ratios and proportions herein are by weight, unless otherwise specified.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0026] The compounds used as the active softener and antistatic ingredient in the practice
of this invention are prepared using standard reaction chemistry. In a typical synthesis,
an amine of the formula RN(CH₂CHR˝OH)₂ is esterified at both hydroxyl groups with
an acid chloride of the formula R′C(O)Cl, then quaternized with an alkyl halide, RX,
to yield the desired reaction product (wherein R, R′ and R˝ are as defined in the
above structural formula). Reference can be made to Example I, hereinafter, for a
detailed disclosure of the synthesis of a preferred compound. However, it will be
appreciated by those skilled in the chemical arts that this reaction sequence allows
a broad selection of compounds to be prepared. As illustrative, nonlimiting examples
there can be mentioned the following:
[0027] Since the foregoing compounds are somewhat labile to hydrolysis, they should be handled
rather carefully when used to formulate the compositions herein, especially liquid
compositions. For example, stable liquid compositions herein are formulated at a
pH in the range of about 1.5 to about 5.0, preferably about pH 3 ± 0.5. The pH can
be adjusted with standard acids, e.g., HCl, HBr, and the like; H₃PO₄ is preferred.
[0028] Moreover, the liquid compositions herein should be substantially free (1%, or less,
preferably 0.3%) of amines. While many fully-formulated fabric softener compositions
comprise mixtures of various softener compounds, the amine softeners sometimes used
in such art-disclosed compositions are preferably not used in the liquid compositions
of this invention, since they can catalyze hydrolysis and thereby reduce storage stability.
However, it should be appreciated that the liquid and solid compositions herein can
optionally contain non-amine softener and antistatic materials, e.g., standard softener
"quats" such as ditallow dimethyl ammonium chloride ("DTDMAC˝), C₁₄-C₁₈ imidazoliniums,
etc., as auxiliary softener/antistat ingredients. Such optional ingredients can typically
comprise 1%-10% of the present compositions.
[0029] The liquid compositions herein comprise a liquid carrier, which is typically water
or a mixture of water and an alcohol such as ethanol or iso-propanol (typically 0.5-2.0%alcohol).
The softener compounds used in this invention are insoluble in such water-based carriers
and, thus, are present as a dispersion of fine particles therein. These particles
are, as noted above, preferably sub-micron in size and are conveniently prepared by
high-shear mixing which disperses the compounds as fine particles. Preparation of
a preferred dispersion is disclosed in detail in Example II, hereinafter. Again, since
the compounds are hydrolytically labile, care should be taken to avoid the presence
of base and to keep the processing temperatures in the range of about 65 to about
85°C, preferably 65-75°C.
[0030] The particulate dispersions of the foregoing type can optionally be stabilized against
settling by means of standard, non-base emulsifiers, especially nonionics such as
the C₁₄-₁₈ ethoxylates (E0₈₋₁₅), typically used at concentrations of 0.1-2%, according
to known practice in the formulation of liquid DTDMAC fabric softener dispersions.
[0031] In the method aspect of this invention, fabrics or fibers are contacted with from
about 3.0 g to about 9.0 g (per 3.5 kg of fiber or fabric being treated) of the compounds
herein in an aqueous bath, or in a hot air clothes dryer. Of course, the amount used
is at the discretion of the user, depending on fiber or fabric type, degree of softness
desired, and the like. Typically, about 120 mls. of a 5% dispersion (see Example
II) are used in a 25 l laundry rinse bath to soften and provide antistatic benefits
to a 3.5 kg load of mixed fabrics.
[0032] The following examples illustrate the practice of this invention, but are not intended
to be limiting thereof.
EXAMPLE I
[0033] Synthesis of the preferred fabric softener used herein is accomplished by the following
two-step process:
Step A. Synthesis of Amine
[0034]
PROCEDURE
[0035] 0.6 Moles of diisopropyl methyl amine are placed in a 3-liter, 3-necked flask equipped
with a reflux condenser, argon (or nitrogen) inlet and two addition funnels. In one
addition funnel are placed 0.8 moles of triethylamine and in the second addition funnel
are placed 1.2 moles of palmitoyl chloride in a 1:1 solution with methylene chloride.
Methylene chloride (750 mL) is added to the reaction flask containing the amine and
heated to 35°C (water bath). The triethylamine is added dropwise, and the temperature
is raised to 40-45°C while stirring over one-half hour. The palmitoyl chloride/methylene
chloride solution is added dropwise and the mixture is allowed to heat at 40-45°C
under inert atmosphere overnight (12-16 h).
[0036] The reaction mixture is cooled to room temperature and diluted with chloroform (1500
mL). The chloroform solution of product is placed in a separatory funnel (4 L) and
washed with sat. NaCl, dil. Ca(OH)₂, 50% K₂CO₃, (3 times)*, and, finally, sat. NaCl.
The organic layer is collected and dried over MgSO₄ and filtered. Solvents are removed
via rotary evaporation. Final drying is done under high vacuum (0.25 mm Hg).
*Note: 50% K₂CO₃ layer will be below chloroform layer.
ANALYSIS
[0037] TLC (thin layer chromatography)**: solvent system (75% diethyl ether: 25% hexanes)
Rf = 0.8.
[0038] IR (CCl₄) 2900, 2850, 1722, 1450, 1358 cm⁻¹
[0039] 1H NMR (CDCl₃): δ 4.7-5.1 (2H), 2.1-2.5 (8H), 2.3 (3H), 1.25 (52H), 1.1 (6H), 0.8
(6H) ppm (relative to tetramethylsilane = 0 ppm).
**10X20 cm pre-scored glass plates, 250 microns silica gel; visualization by PMA
(phosphomolybdic acid -5% in ethanol) staining.
Step B: Quaternization
[0040]
PROCEDURE
[0041] 0.5 Moles of diisopropyl palmitate methyl amine from Step A are placed in an autoclave
sleeve along with 200 -300 mL of acetonitrile (anhydrous). The sample is then inserted
into the autoclave and purged three times with He (16275 mm Hg/21.4 ATM.) and once
with CH₃Cl. The reaction is heated to 80°C under a pressure of 3604 mm Hg/4.7 ATM.
CH₃Cl for 24 hours. The autoclave sleeve is then removed from the reaction mixture.
The sample is then dissolved in chloroform and solvent is removed by rotary evaporation,
followed by drying on high vacuum (0.25 mm Hg).
ANALYSIS
[0042] TLC (5:1 Chloroform:Methanol)*: Rf = 0.3.
[0043] IR (CCl₄): 2900, 2822, 1725, 1450, 1370 cm⁻¹
[0044] ¹H-NMR (CDCl₃): δ 5.0-5.5 (2H), 3.4-3.7 (4H), 2.0-2.7 (10H), 1.2-1.5 (52H), 1.2 (6H),
0.9 (6H) ppm (relative to tetramethylsilane = 0 ppm).
[0045] ¹³C-NMR (CDCl₃) 173.2, 68.2, 67.8, 64.9, 43.5, 34.6, 31.8, 29.5, 24.9, 24.6, 22.6,
18.9, 18.2, 14.0 ppm (relative to tetramethylsilane = 0 ppm).
**10X20 cm prescored glass plates, 250 microns silica gel; visualization by PMA
staining.
EXAMPLE II
[0046] The preparation of a liquid fabric softener composition for use in the rinse cycle
of a standard laundering operation is as follows.
[0047] The nonhydrolytic preparation of the composition of Example II is carried out as
follows. The softener compound and the isopropyl alcohol are mixed and warmed (80
to 85°C) to form a fluidized "melt". The melt is then poured into the water (65 to
75°C) with high shear mixing (7000 rpm; 20-25 minutes) to submicronize the softener
particles. The dye and minors are added, and the pH is adjusted with H₃PO₄. The resulting
dispersion has a viscosity of about 40 centipoise and is used in standard fashion
as a through-the-rinse fabric softener. All liquid compositions herein are prepared
in substantially the same manner.
[0048] In the same manner, dispersions of the softener of Example I in water-isopropyl alcohol
(90:10) at 8% (50 cps) and 15% (80 cps) are prepared.
[0049] In addition to the cationic softener component, the present compositions can be supplemented
by all manner of optional components conventionally used in textile treatment compositions,
for example, colorants, perfumes, preservatives, optical brighteners, opacifiers,
viscosity modifiers, fabric conditioning agents, surfactants, stabilizers such as
guar gum and polyethylene glycol, antishrinkage agents, antiwrinkle agents, fabric
crisping agents, spotting agents, soil-release agents, germicides, fungicides, antioxidants
such as butylated hydroxy toluene, anticorrosion agents, and the like.
[0050] In particular, materials such as DTDMAC, the C₁₆-C₁₈ dialkylimidazoliniums, polydimethylsiloxanes,
glycerol monostearate, and, as noted above, emulsifiers, especially ethoxylated nonionics,
can optionally be used in the present compositions. As noted, amines such as TAMET
(C₁₈H₃₇N[CH₂CH₂OH]₂) can be present in relatively small amounts (typically 0.3-0.5%)
if in the protonated form.
[0051] Solid carrier materials can be used in place of liquids. For example, the softener
compounds can be adsorbed on particulate solids such as potassium sulfate, micronized
silica, and the like, and added to a laundry rinse bath. Alternatively, the softeners
can be releasably padded onto a sheet (e.g., paper toweling, nonwoven fabric, or the
like) and tumbled with damp fabrics in a hot-air clothes dryer, in the manner of the
BOUNCE brand dryer-added product known in commercial practice. Generally, such solid-form
compositions will comprise 80-99% carrier and 1-20% softener.
[0052] The following examples further illustrate the practice of this invention.
EXAMPLE III
[0053] A dryer-additive sheet is prepared by warming 5 g. of the softener compound of Example
I in 6 g. isopropanol to prepare a melt in the manner of Example II. The melt is evenly
spread onto and into an ordinary, disposable paper hand towel (20 cm x 20 cm) and
allowed to dry. In-use, the impregnated towel is commingled and tumbled with wet fabrics
(5 kg load of fabrics, dry weight basis) in a standard hot air clothes dryer until
the fabrics are dry, to provide a soft, antistatic finish.
EXAMPLE IV
[0054] A liquid fabric softener as a particulate, sub-micron dispersion is prepared according
to Example II, and has the following composition:
EXAMPLE V
[0055] A particulate softener comprises the following.
[0056] The composition of Example V is prepared by co-melting the softener compound, ethoxylated
alcohol, and an equal weight of ethanol, with gentle warming, then spraying the melt
uniformly onto the particulate silica/sodium sulfate.
EXAMPLE VI
[0057] A high concentrate liquid fabric softener comprises the following.
[0058] The composition of Example VI is prepared in the manner of Example II, as sub-micron
particles suspended in liquid. In a convenient mode, the composition is packaged in
a simple plastic pouch, which is opened and poured into 4X its volume of water prior
to use to prepare a "single strength" softener composition, thereby saving on packaging
and shipping costs and storage space.
[0059] The single strength composition prepared from the concentrate of Example VI can be
applied to human or animal hair, typically after shampooing, to provide a soft, lubricious
feel.
[0060] It will, of course, be appreciated by those skilled in the art of commercial syntheses
that di-isopropanol amine feedstocks used herein may contain varying amounts of mono-isopropanol
amines and tri-isopropanol amines. Accordingly, the commercial-grade ester reaction
products will comprise, in addition to the di-ester softeners, various amounts of
mono- and tri-esters. Moreover, it may be more economical, on a commercial scale,
to prepare the esters herein using acids and appropriate catalysts, rather than acid
chlorides. Such matters are well within routine commercial know-how, and do not depart
from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Importantly, the preferred compounds
herein function well at temperatures lower than many art-disclosed fabric softeners,
making them more useful in hot air clothes dryers, as well as performing well when
fabrics are line-dried.
1. A liquid fabric softening and antistatic composition, comprising:
a) a liquid carrier; and
b) at least about 1% by weight of a softener compound of the formula
wherein each R is a short-chain alkyl or hydroxyalkyl group, or mixtures thereof;
each R′ is a long-chain hydrocarbyl group, or mixtures thereof; R˝ is a short-chain
hydrocarbyl group; and X is a counterion.
2. A composition according to Claim 1 wherein each R is C₁ to C₃ alkyl and R˝ is methyl.
3. A composition according to Claim 2 wherein each R′ is C₁₃-C₁₇ alkyl.
4. A composition according to Claim 3 wherein each R group is methyl.
5. A composition according to Claim 1 which is formulated at a pH of from about 1.5
to about 5.0.
6. A composition according to Claim 5 which contains from about 3% to about 15% by
weight of the softener compound.
7. A composition according to Claim 6 wherein the softener compound is present as
particles dispersed in the carrier.
8. A composition according to Claim 7 wherein the particles are submicron size.
9. A composition according to Claim 8 wherein the particles have average diameter
in the range of 0.2-0.45 microns.
10. A composition according to Claim 9 which additionally contains an emulsifier.
11. A composition according to Claim 10 which is substantially free of unprotonated
amines.
12. A composition according to Claim 9 wherein the softener compound is
13. A water-dilutable fabric softener high concentrate according to Claim 1 which
contains from about 16% to about 25% by weight of the fabric softener compound.
14. A composition according to Claim 13 which is packaged in a pouch.
15. A fabric softener and antistatic composition in solid form, comprising:
a) a solid carrier; and
b) at least about 1% by weight of a softener compound of the formula
wherein each R is a short-chain alkyl or hydroxyalkyl group, or mixtures thereof;
each R′ is a long-chain hydrocarbyl group, or mixtures thereof; R˝ is a short-chain
hydrocarbyl group; and X is a counterion, said softener compound being releasably
affixed to said carrier.
16. The composition of Claim 15 wherein the solid carrier is a sheet substrate.
17. A method of softening or providing an antistatic finish to fibers or fabrics by
contacting said fibers or fabrics with a compound of the formula
wherein each R is a short-chain alkyl or hydroxyalkyl group, or mixtures thereof;
each R′ is a long-chain hydrocarbyl group, or mixtures thereof; R˝ is a short-chain
hydrocarbyl group; and X is a counterion.