Field of the Invention
[0001] The present invention relates to a composition and a process for inhibiting dye transfer
between fabrics during washing.
Background of the Invention
[0002] One of the most persistent and troublesome problems arising during modern fabric
laundering operations is the tendency of some colored fabrics to release dye into
the laundering solutions. The dye is then transferred onto other fabrics being washed
therewith.
[0003] One way of overcoming this problem would be to bleach the fugitive dyes washed out
of dyed fabrics before they have the opportunity to become attached to other articles
in the wash.
[0004] Suspended or solubilized dyes can to some degree be oxidized in solution by employing
known bleaching agents.
[0005] However it is important at the same time not to bleach the dyes actually remaining
on the fabrics, that is, not to cause color damage.
[0006] U.S. Patent 4,077,768 describes a process for inhibiting dye transfer by the use
of an oxidizing bleaching agent together with a catalytic compound such as iron porphins.
[0007] Copending EP Patent Application 91202655.6 filed October 9, 1991, relates to dye
transfer inhibiting compositions comprising an enzymatic system capable of generating
hydrogen peroxide and porphin catalysts.
[0008] It has now been found that non-iron metallo catalysts in the presence of an efficient
amount of a quick releasing bleaching agent are very efficient in preventing dye transfer.
[0009] Accordingly, a dye transfer inhibiting composition is provided which exhibits optimum
dye transfer inhibiting properties.
[0010] According to another embodiment, the invention provides an efficient process for
laundering operations involving colored fabrics.
Summary of the Invention
[0011] The present invention relates to inhibiting dye transfer compositions comprising
:
A. a non-iron metallo catalyst selected from
a) non-iron metallo porphin and water-soluble or water-dispersable derivatives thereof;
b) non-iron metallo porphyrin and water-soluble or water-dispersable derivatives thereof;
c) non-iron metallo phthalocyanine and water-soluble or water-dispersable derivatives
thereof;
B. an efficient amount of a hydrogen peroxide releasing bleaching agent.
[0012] According to another embodiment of this invention a process is also provided for
laundering operations involving colored fabrics.
Detailed description of the invention
[0013] The present invention provides a dye transfer inhibiting composition comprising :
A. a non-iron metallo catalyst selected from
a) non-iron metallo porphin and water-soluble or water-dispersable derivatives thereof;
b) non-iron metallo porphyrin and water-soluble or water-dispersable derivatives thereof;
c) non-iron metallo phthalocyanine and water-soluble or water-dispersable derivatives
thereof;
B. an efficient amount of a hydrogen peroxide releasing bleaching agent.
A) Non-iron Metallo catalyst
[0014] The preferred usage range of the catalyst in the wash is 10-
8 molar to 10-
3 molar, more preferred
10-
6 - 10-
4 molar.
[0015] The essential metallo porphin structure may be visualized as indicated in Formula
I in the accompanying drawings. In Formula I the atom positions of the porphin structure
are numbered conventionally and the double bonds are put in conventionally. In other
formula, the double bonds have been omitted in the drawings, but are actually present
as in I.
[0016] Preferred metallo porphin structures are those substituted at one or more of the
5, 10, 15 and 20 carbon positions of Formula I (Meso positions), with a phenyl or
pyridyl substituent selected from the group consisting of
wherein n and m may be 0 or 1; A is selected from water-solubilizing group, e.g.,
sulfate, sulfonate, phosphate or carboxylate groups; and B is selected from the group
consisting of C
1-C
1 0 alkyl, C
1-C
10 polyethoxy alkyl and C
1-C
1 0 hydroxy alkyl.
[0017] Preferred molecules are those in which the substituents on the phenyl or pyridyl
groups are selected from the group consisting of
-CH3, -C2Hs, -CH2CH2CH2S03-, -CH2--, and
-CH2CH(OH)CH2SO3-,-SO3
[0018] A particularly preferred metallo phorphin is one in which the molecule is substituted
at the 5, 10 15, and 20 carbon positions with the substituent
[0019] This preferred compound is known as metallo tetrasulfonated tetraphenylporphin. The
symbol X
1 is (=CY-) wherein each Y, independently, is hydrogen, chlorine, bromine, fluorine
or meso substituted alkyl, cycloalkyl, aralkyl, aryl, alkaryl or heteroaryl. The symbol
X
2 of Formula I represents an anion, preferably OH- or CI-. The compound of Formula
I may be substituted at one or more of the remaining carbon positions with C
1-C
1 0 alkyl, hydroxyalkyl or oxyalkyl groups.
[0020] Porphin derivatives also include chlorophyls, chlorines, i.e. isobacterio chlorines
and bacterioch- lorines.
[0021] Metallo porphyrin and water-soluble or water-dispersable derivatives thereof have
a structure given in formula II.
where X can be alkyl, alkyl carboxy, alkyl hydroxyl, vinyl, alkenyl, alkyl sulfate,
alkylsulfonate, sulfate, sulfonate, aryl.
[0022] The symbol X
2 of Formula II represents an anion, preferably OH- or CI-.
[0023] The symbol X can be alkyl, alkylcarboxy, alkylhydroxyl, vinyl, alkenyl, alkylsulfate,
alkylsulfonate, sulfate, sulfonate.
[0024] Metallo phthalocyanine and derivatives have the structure indicated in Formula III,
wherein the atom positions of the phthalocyanine structure are numbered conventionally.
The anionic groups in the above structures contain cations selected from the group
consisting of sodium and potassium cations or other non-interfering cations which
leave the structures water-soluble. Preferred phthalocyanine derivatives are metallo
phthalocyanine trisulfonate and metallo phthalocyanine tetrasulfonate.
[0025] Another form of substitution possible for the present invention is substitution of
the central metal by Mn, Co Rh, Cr, Ru, Mo or other transition metals.
[0026] Still a number of considerations are significant in selecting variants of or substituents
in the basic porphin or azaporphin structure. In the first place, one would choose
compounds which are available or can be readily synthesized.
[0027] Beyond this, the choice of the substituent groups can be used to control the solubility
of the catalyst in water or in detergent solutions. Yet again, especially where it
is desired to avoid attacking dyes attached to solid surfaces, the substituents can
control the affinity of the catalyst compound for the surface. Thus, strongly negatively
charged substituted compounds, for instance the tetrasulfonated porphin, may be repelled
by negatively charged stained surfaces and are therefore most likely not to cause
attack on fixed dyes, whereas the cationic or zwitterionic compounds may be attracted
to, or at least not repelled by such stained surfaces.
[0028] B. An efficient amount of a hydrogen peroxide releasing bleaching agent.
[0029] According to the present invention, an efficient amount of bleach is by definition
the necessary amount of bleach which combined with a bleach catalyst leads to a level
of dye oxidation which is between 40% to 100%, preferably 40% to 60%, more preferred
60% to 80%, most preferred 80%-100% of the maximum (Z) per cent of dye oxidation that
can be achieved under the most optimal conditions determined by those skilled in the
art.
Test Methods:
[0030] For a given catalyst concentration, temperature and pH, the following two test methods
can be used to estimate the optimum bleach level that gives the maximum level of dye
oxidation, i.e. Z.
(a) In solution dye bleaching:
[0031] In a detergent solution, fix the initial concentration of dye (e.g. 40 ppm) and catalyst.
Record the absorbance spectrum of this solution using a UV-Vis spectrophotometer according
to procedures known to those skilled in the art. Add a given concentration of bleach
(H202, percarbonate, perborate, etc..) and stir the solution containing the dye and
catalyst. After stirring for 30 min, record again the absorbance spectrum of the solution.
The amount of dye oxidation can then be determined from the change in the absorbance
maximum for the dye. Keeping the experimental conditions the same, vary the amount
of bleach so as to achieve the maximum dye oxidation.
(b) Reduction of dye transfer from fabric to another fabric
[0032] In either a washing machine or launderometer, add a known bleeding fabric and a known
uncolored pick-up tracer (e.g. cotton) to the wash load. After simulating a wash cycle,
determine the amount of dye that has been picked up by the tracer according to methods
known to those skilled in the art. Now to separate washing machines, add the same
amount of bleeding fabric and pick-up tracer, a fixed amount of catalyst and vary
the bleach level. Determine the level of dye transfer onto the pick-up tracers and
vary the amount of bleach as to minimize dye transfer. In this way the most optimal
bleach concentration can be determined.
[0033] Suitable hydrogen peroxide bleaching agents are compounds which dissociate or hydrolyse
in water to generate hydrogen peroxide.
[0034] Examples of hydrogen peroxide releasing agents are hydrogen peroxide, perborates,
e.g. perborate monohydrate, perborate tetrahydrate, persulfates, percarbonates, peroxydisulfates,
perphosphates and peroxyhydrates. Preferred bleaches are percarbonates and perborates.
[0035] The present compositions are conveniently used as additives to conventional detergent
compositions for use in laundry operations.
[0036] The present invention also encompasses dye transfer inhibiting compositions which
will contain detergent ingredients and thus serve as detergent compositions.
DETERGENT INGREDIENTS
[0037] A wide range of surfactants can be used in the detergent compositions. A typical
listing of anionic, nonionic, ampholytic and zwitterionic classes, and species of
these surfactants, is given in US Patent 3,664,961 issued to Norris on May 23, 1972.
[0038] Mixtures of anionic surfactants are particularly suitable herein, especially mixtures
of sulphonate and sulphate surfactants in a weight ratio of from 5:1 to 1:2, preferably
from 3:1 to 2:3, more preferably from 3:1 to 1:1. Preferred sulphonates include alkyl
benzene sulphonates having from 9 to 15, especially 11 to 13 carbon atoms in the alkyl
radical, and alpha-sulphonated methyl fatty acid esters in which the fatty acid is
derived from a C
12-Cl8 fatty source preferably from a C
16-C
18 fatty source. In each instance the cation is an alkali metal, preferably sodium.
Preferred sulphate surfactants are alkyl sulphates having from 12 to 18 carbon atoms
in the alkyl radical, optionally in admixture with ethoxy sulphates having from 10
to 20, preferably 10 to 16 carbon atoms in the alkyl radical and an average degree
of ethoxylation of 1 to 6. Examples of preferred alkyl sulphates herein are tallow
alkyl sulphate, coconut alkyl sulphate, and C14 -15 alkyl sulphates. The cation in
each instance is again an alkali metal cation, preferably sodium.
[0039] One class of nonionic surfactants useful in the present invention are condensates
of ethylene oxide with a hydrophobic moiety to provide a surfactant having an average
hydrophilic-lipophilic balance (HLB) in the range from 8 to 17, preferably from 9.5
to 13.5, more preferably from 10 to 12.5. The hydrophobic (lipophilic) moiety may
be aliphatic or aromatic in nature and the length of the polyoxyethylene group which
is condensed with any particular hydrophobic group can be readily adjusted to yield
a water-soluble compound having the desired degree of balance between hydrophilic
and hydrophobic elements.
[0040] Especially preferred nonionic surfactants of this type are the C
9-C
15 primary alcohol ethoxylates containing 3-8 moles of ethylene oxide per mole of alcohol,
particularly the C14-C15 primary alcohols containing 6-8 moles of ethylene oxide per
mole of alcohol and the C
12-C14 primary alcohols containing 3-5 moles of ethylene oxide per mole of alcohol.
Another class of nonionic surfactants comprises alkyl polyglucoside compounds of general
formula
[0041]
wherein Z is a moiety derived from glucose; R is a saturated hydrophobic alkyl group
that contains from 12 to 18 carbon atoms; t is from 0 to 10 and n is 2 or 3; x is
from 1.3 to 4, the compounds including less than 10% unreacted fatty alcohol and less
than 50% short chain alkyl polyglucosides. Compounds of this type and their use in
detergent are disclosed in EP-B 0 070 077, 0 075 996 and 0 094 118.
[0042] Also suitable as nonionic surfactants are polyhydroxy fatty acid amide surfactants
of the formula
wherein R
1 is H, or R
1 is C
1 -
4 hydrocarbyl, 2-hydroxy ethyl, 2-hydroxy propyl or a mixture thereof, R
2 is C
s-
31 hydrocarbyl, and Z is a polyhydroxyhydrocarbyl having a linear hydrocarbyl chain
with at least 3 hydroxyls directly connected to the chain, or an alkoxylated derivative
thereof. Preferably, R
1 is methyl, R
2 is a straight C11 -15 alkyl or alkenyl chain such as coconut alkyl or mixtures thereof,
and Z is derived from a reducing sugar such as glucose, fructose, maltose, lactose,
in a reductive amination reaction.
[0043] The compositions according to the present invention may further comprise a builder
system. Any conventional builder system is suitable for use herein including aluminosilicate
materials, silicates, polycarboxylates and fatty acids, materials such as ethylenediamine
tetraacetate, metal ion sequestrants such as aminopolyphosphonates, particularly ethylenediamine
tetramethylene phosphonic acid and diethylene triamine pentamethylenephosphonic acid.
Though less preferred for obvious environmental reasons, phosphate builders can also
be used herein.
[0044] Suitable builders can be an inorganic ion exchange material, commonly an inorganic
hydrated aluminosilicate material, more particularly a hydrated synthetic zeolite
such as hydrated zeolite A, X, B or HS.
[0045] Another suitable inorganic builder material is layered silicate, e.g. SKS-6 (Hoechst).
SKS-6 is a crystalline layered silicate consisting of sodium silicate (Na
2S1
20
5). Suitable polycarboxylates builders for use herein include citric acid, preferably
in the form of a water-soluble salt, derivatives of succinic acid of the formula R-CH(COOH)CH2(COOH)
wherein R is C10-20 alkyl or alkenyl, preferably C12-16, or wherein R can be substituted
with hydroxyl, sulfo sulfoxyl or sulfone substituents. Specific examples include lauryl
succinate , myristyl succinate, palmityl succinate2-dodecenylsuccinate, 2-tetradecenyl
succinate. Succinate builders are preferably used in the form of their water-soluble
salts, including sodium, potassium, ammonium and alkanolammonium salts.
[0046] Other suitable polycarboxylates are oxodisuccinates and mixtures of tartrate monosuccinic
and tartrate disuccinic acid such as described in US 4,663,071. Especially for the
liquid execution herein, suitable fatty acid builders for use herein are saturated
or unsaturated C10-18 fatty acids, as well as the corresponding soaps. Preferred saturated
species have from 12 to 16 carbon atoms in the alkyl chain. The preferred unsaturated
fatty acid is oleic acid. Another preferred builder system for liquid compositions
is based on dodecenyl succinic acid.
[0047] Preferred builder systems for use in granular compositions include a mixture of a
water-insoluble aluminosilicate builder such as zeolite A, and a watersoluble carboxylate
chelating agent such as citric acid.
[0048] Other builder materials that can form part of the builder system for use in granular
compositions for the purposes of this invention include inorganic materials such as
alkali metal carbonates, bicarbonates, silicates, and organic materials such as the
organic phosphonates, amino polyalkylene phosphonates and amino polycarboxylates.
[0049] Other suitable water-soluble organic salts are the homo-or co-polymeric acids or
their salts, in which the polycarboxylic acid comprises at least two carboxyl radicals
separated from each other by not more than two carbon atoms.
[0050] Polymers of this type are disclosed in GB-A-1,596,756. Examples of such salts are
polyacrylates of MW 2000-5000 and their copolymers with maleic anhydride, such copolymers
having a molecular weight of from 20,000 to 70,000, especially about 40,000.
[0051] Detergency builder salts are normally included in amounts of from 10% to 80% by weight
of the composition preferably from 20% to 70% and most usually from 30% to 60% by
weight.
[0052] Other components used in detergent compositions may be employed, such as suds boosting
or depressing agents, enzymes and stabilizers or activators therefore, soil-suspending
agents soil-release agents, optical brighteners, abrasives, bactericides, tarnish
inhibitors, coloring agents, and perfumes. Especially preferred are combinations with
enzyme technologies which also provide a type of color care benefit. Examples are
cellulase for color maintenance/ rejuvenation. Other examples are the polymers disclosed
in EP 92870017.8 filed January 31,1992 and enzyme oxidation scavengers disclosed in
EP 92870018.6 filed January 31, 1992.
[0053] Also particulary suitable are amine base catalyst stabilizers and derivatives thereof
disclosed in EP 92870019.4 filed January 31, 1992.
[0054] These components, particularly the enzymes, optical brighteners, coloring agents,
and perfumes, should preferably be chosen such that they are compatible with the bleach
component of the composition.
[0055] The detergent compositions according to the invention can be in liquid, paste or
granular forms. Granular compositions according to the present invention can also
be in "compact form", i.e. they may have a relatively higher density than conventional
granular detergents, i.e. from 550 to 950 g/I; in such case, the granular detergent
compositions according to the present invention will contain a lower amount of "inorganic
filler salt", compared to conventional granular detergents; typical filler salts are
alkaline earth metal salts of sulphates and chlorides, typically sodium sulphate;
"compact" detergents typically comprise not more than 10% filler salt.
[0056] The present invention also relates to a process for inhibiting dye transfer from
one fabric to another of solubilized and suspended dyes encountered during fabric
laundering operations involving colored fabrics.
[0057] The process comprises contacting fabrics with a laundering solution as hereinbefore
described.
[0058] The process of the invention is conveniently carried out in the course of the washing
process. The washing process is preferably carried out at 5
° C to 90
° C, especially 20 to 60, but the catalysts are effective at up to 95
° C. The pH of the treatment solution is preferably from 7 to 11, especially from 7.0
to 9.0.
[0059] The process and compositions of the invention can also be used as additive during
laundry operations.
[0060] The following examples are meant to exemplify compositions of the present invention,
but are not necessarily meant to limit or otherwise define the scope of the invention,
said scope being determined according to claims which follow.
EXAMPLE 1 :
[0061] The extent of dye oxidation was measured by two different methods: (i) in solution
dye bleaching and (2) measurement of the reduction of dye transfer from textile to
textile.
In solution dye bleaching experiments
[0062] A detergent solution (100 mL) containing dyes (40 ppm final concentration) and the
catalyst (1 x 10-5 M) was prepared and its pH value adjusted to 8.0 or 10.
[0063] Experimental conditions :
The absorbance spectrum was recorded from 350-800 nm. This region should encompasses
the wavelength maximum of the dyes (as noted for some example in the table below)
and the maximum absorbance of the catalyst (Soret band and Q band for porphyrins and
phthalocyanines, respectively). The oxidant (H202, perborate, percarbonate) was then added to the stirred solution to initiate the
reaction. The level of oxidant should be optimum as described in test method. After
30 min the absorbance spectrum was recorded and the decrease in absorbance of the
dyes noted.
[0064] Blank experiments indicated that no oxidation of the dyes occurred over the same
period in the absence of catalyst or oxidant.
Reduction of Dye transfer from textile to textile
[0065] Fabric dyed with Direct Blue I or Direct Blue 90 on cotton and Acid Red 151 on nylon
were used in these experiments. In the present experiment, washing was carried out
in a Launder-o-meter. The extent of dye transfer was evaluated with a multifibre (Testfabrics,
Inc.) that was added in each launder-o-meter beaker. Each swatch consisted of 6 strips
of textile (1.5 cm x 5 cm, sewn together; the 6 textile types were Polyacetate, cotton,
polyamide, polyester, orlon, and wool. The model wash liquor was made of a detergent
solution (200ml with a concentration of detergent as will be used under full washing
machine conditions) which pH value was adjusted to 8.0 or pH 10.
[0066] Experimental conditions :
One piece of dyed fabric (10 x 10 cm) and one multifibre were placed in the launder-o-meter
beakers. In beaker 1, the detergent solution as described above was added and in beaker
2 the detergent solution contained the catalyst (10 ppm final concentration) and the
optimum level of bleach as defined in Test Method A. A wash of 30 min at 30-40 °C
with 60 rotations/min was performed, after which the swatches were rinsed in tap water
and dried. The Hunter color difference readings (L, a, b) were obtained for the multifibres
using a Colorimeter (Spectraflash manufactured by ICS). The change in the color of
the fabric can be characterized by a parameter AC defined as ΔC= (Δa2 + Δb2)1/2 where Δa and Ab represents the difference in the intensity of reflected light between
the test multifibres and a multifibre reference that was not on contact with the dyed
fabrics. b represents the intensity of reflected yellow light (positive b value) or
the intensity of reflected blue light (negative b value), and a is the measure of
the intensity of the reflected red light (positive a value) or the reflected green
light (negative a value). The higher AC, the more dye has transferred onto the multifibre.
EXAMPLE 11 (A/B/C)
[0067] A liquid dye transfer inhibiting composition according to the present invention is
prepared, having the following compositions :
[0068] The above composition was supplemented with the catalyst and bleach according to
table I
Example III (A/B/C):
[0069] A compact granular dye transfer inhibiting composition according to the present invention
is prepared, having the following formulation:
[0070] The above composition was supplemented with the catalyst and bleach according to
table II
1. A dye transfer inhibiting composition comprising:
A. an non-iron metallo catalyst selected from
a) non-iron metallo porphin and water-soluble or water-dispersable derivatives thereof;
b) non-iron metallo porphyrin and water-soluble or water-dispersable derivatives thereof;
c) non-iron metallo phthalocyanine and water-soluble or water-dispersable derivatives
thereof;
B. an efficient amount of a hydrogen peroxide bleaching agent.
2. A dye transfer inhibiting composition according to claim 1 containing a non-iron
metallo porphin derivative, wherein said porphin is substituted on at least one of
its meso positions with a phenyl or pyridyl substituent selected from the group consisting
of
wherein n and m may be 0 or 1, A is selected from the water-solubilizing group, e.g.,
sulfate, sulfonate, phosphate, and carboxylate groups, and B is selected from the
group consisting of C
1-C
1 0 alkyl, Ci-C
1 o polyethoxyalkyl and C
1-C
1 o hydroxyalkyl.
3. A dye transfer inhibiting composition according to claim 2 wherein the substituents
on the phenyl or pyridyl groups are selected from the group consisitng of -CH3, -C2Hs, - CH2CH2CH2SO3-, -CH2COO-, -CH2C-H(OH)CH2SO3-, and -SO3.
4. A dye transfer inhibiting composition according to claims 1-3, containing a metallo
porphin derivative, wherein said non-iron metallo porphin is substituted on at least
one of its meso positions with a phenyl substituent selected from the group consisting
of
wherein X
1 is (=CY-) wherein each Y, independently, is hydrogen, chlorine, bromine, fluorine
or meso substituted alkyl, cycloalkyl, aralkyl, aryl, alkaryl or heteroaryl.
5. A dye transfer inhibiting composition according to claim 1 wherein the central
atom is selected from Mn, Co, Rh, Cr, Ru, Mo or other transition metals.
6. A dye transfer inhibiting composition according to claim 1 wherein the concentration
of metallo catalyst is from 10-8 to 10-3 molar, preferably from 10-6 to 10-4 molar.
7. A dye transfer inhibiting composition according to claim 1 wherein the bleaching
agent is selected from hydrogen peroxide, perborate or percarbonate.
8. A dye transfer inhibiting composition according to claims 1-7 which is a detergent
additive, in the form of a non-dusting granule or a liquid.
9. A detergent composition which comprises a dye transfer inhibiting composition according
to any of the preceding claims further comprising enzymes, surfactants, builders,
and other conventional detergent ingredients.
10. A detergent composition which comprises a dye transfer inhibiting composition
according to any of the preceding claims further comprising a cellulase.