Technical Field
[0001] The present invention relates to a fabric treatment composition, in particular a
fabric softening composition, comprising an antifoam and an antifreeze agent, which
show superior freeze-thaw recovery without compromising product performance.
Background and Prior Art
[0002] The presence of anionic surfactant carry-over from a wash stage of a laundry process
(particularly under hand washing conditions) can result in the presence of suds in
the rinse. It is important to control suds in both machine and hand rinse conditions.
In the case of machine-rinse conditions, uncontrolled sudsing can lead to temporary
machine failure, known as suds lock. In the case of hand rinse conditions, sudsing
is an undesirable user experience because it is a signal to the user that the laundry
has not been effectively rinsed. The user will continue to rinse fabrics until suds
are abated thereby wasting water, energy and time.
[0003] There is demand, therefore, for a fabric care composition that reduces and preferably
eliminates suds, preferably during a first rinse step. There is also a continuing
need to provide a fabric softening product that can be used in a first rinse solution
without forming flocs. Flocs (e.g., scum residue), can be formed by the presence of
some cationic fabric softener actives in the presence of anionic surfactant, negatively
affecting the softness and visual performance.
[0004] The consumer perceives that fabrics are easier to rinse when foam quenching is improved
and/or superior clarity of the liquor is evident. Foam quenching can be achieved by
the inclusion of antifoam (for example silicone antifoam) in the composition and/or
the addition of a surfactant scavenger (for example a monoalkyl quaternary ammonium
compound). Such an approach is disclosed in
EP 1370634 B1 (Procter & Gamble). Rinse-added fabric treatment compositions, which comprise a peroxygen bleaching
agent, for improving the colour and/or clarity of the rinse water, are known from
US2006/0030515 and
US 2003/0216282 (both Procter & Gamble).
[0005] Reduced-rinse or single-rinse fabric treatment products (hereinafter referred to
as "easy rinse" products) can save consumers time, effort and, where mains water is
charged by usage, money. Reducing water usage also has an environmental benefit, particularly
in countries such as China and India where water is in short supply.
[0006] A further problem that must be considered by the manufacturer of liquid fabric treatment
products is the "freeze-thaw" phenomenon. In some parts of the world, where temperatures
are very cold for part or all of the year, household products can be exposed to freezing
conditions, particularly whilst in the supply chain. Freezing can occur overnight
or for extended periods depending on the prevailing weather conditions. When the temperature
rises, the behaviour of the product as it thaws is of critical importance to its performance
and commercial viability. This so-called "freeze-thaw" behaviour can be particularly
problematic for liquid products, for example fabric conditioners. In Russia and northern
and inland parts of China, for example, during winter months, fabric conditioners
can experience temperatures below minus 10°C causing products to freeze. Successful
formulations for these markets must show good freeze recovery.
[0007] It is known to use antifreeze agents in fabric conditioners in parts of the world
where freeze-thaw behaviour is an issue. Alcohol ethoxylates (nonionic surfactants)
as antifreeze components are known, for example, from
[0008] EP 0280550 B1 (Unilever), which discloses the addition of a non-ionic surfactant to a composition containing
a cationic fabric softening agent and a fatty acid in order to obtain a composition
that is stable after one and multiple freeze thaw cycles without the necessity of
adding additional alcohol.
US 5409621 (Unilever) discloses fabric conditioner compositions comprising 1-80 % of a water insoluble
cationic fabric conditioning material and 0.1 to 10 % of a non-ionic stabilising agent
comprising a linear C8-C22 alcohol alkoxylated with 10 to 20 moles of alkylene oxide
to provide a composition which is temperature stable.
[0009] EP 0922 755 A1 (Procter and Gamble) discloses the use of non-ionic alkoxylated stabilising agents in a liquid fabric
softening composition as a freeze-thaw recovery agent. The compositions are not foam
resistant.
US2010/0144585 discloses a fabric softening composition, which maintains physical stability upon
freeze-thaw, comprising a softening active, about 0.5 to 10 wt % of polydimethyl silicone,
about 0.005 to 4 wt % of a non-ionic alkoxylated surfactant and about 0.005 to 15
wt% of a polyol.
US5404621 (Ellis Simon R et al) discloses a process for making a liquid fabric softening composition comprising
the steps of: (a) mixing and heating 1-80 wt % of a water insoluble cationic fabric
conditioning material of a defined formula and 0.1-10 wt% of a non-ionic stabilising
agent comprising a linear C8-22 alcohol alkoxylated with 10-20 moles of alkylene oxide
to form a melt; and dispersing the melt in water to provide a fabric conditioning
composition which is temperature stable at < 10°C and >25°C.
[0010] Many antifreeze agents, however, have foaming properties, which makes them unsuitable
for use in easy rinse products, where foam must be kept to a minimum.
[0011] There is a need for the provision of easy rinse fabric conditioners which have acceptable
freeze-thaw recovery properties as well as excellent foam quenching and rinse clarity
performance.
[0012] We have now surprisingly found that the inclusion of certain antifreeze additives
in easy rinse compositions leads to excellent freeze-thaw properties whilst retaining
the easy rinse functionality, despite the foaming nature of the additive - nonionic
surfactants give persistent foam, which is difficult to rinse. Furthermore, the easy
rinse property of rinse water clarity is unexpectedly improved. This combination of
exceptional freeze-thaw attributes with superior easy rinse functionality in a fabric
conditioner has not been achieved before.
Statement of the Invention
[0013] In a first aspect of the invention there is provided a liquid rinse added fabric
treatment composition comprising
- (a) a fabric treatment active in an amount of from 5 to 50 wt %, based on the total
weight of the composition,
- (b) an antifoam in an amount of from 0.025 to 0.45 wt %, by weight of the total composition
and 100 % antifoam activity, and
- (c) an antifreeze active
wherein, the antifreeze active is an alkoxylated non-ionic surfactant having an average
alkoxylation value of from 4 to 22 and a ClogP of from 3 to 6.
[0014] In a second aspect, there is provided a use of an antifreeze agent in a composition
as defined by the first aspect of the invention to improve freeze recovery of the
composition.
Detailed Description of the Invention
The Fabric Treatment Active
[0015] The fabric treatment active can be in any suitable treatment composition, for example,
a pre-treatment composition or a post-wash composition. A non-limiting example of
a post wash composition is a rinse added fabric conditioner. A preferred fabric treatment
composition is a fabric conditioner composition.
[0016] Suitable fabric conditioner compositions for use in the invention comprise a fabric
conditioning active. Suitable fabric conditioning compositions, are described below:-
The Fabric Conditioning Active
[0017] Preferably the fabric conditioning active is a fabric softening agent. The fabric
softening agent may be cationic or non-ionic.
[0018] The conditioning agents (also referred to herein as fabric softening agents or actives)
may be cationic or non-ionic.
[0019] Fabric conditioning compositions which may comprise the fabric conditioning active
in accordance with the invention may be dilute or concentrated, preferably concentrated.
Products of the invention contain from 5 to about 50 %, preferably from 6 to about
25 % by weight of softening active, more preferably from about 7 to about 22 %, most
preferably from 8 to 20 % by weight active.
[0020] The preferred softening active for use in rinse conditioner compositions of the invention
is a quaternary ammonium compound (QAC). The preferred quaternary ammonium fabric
conditioner for use in compositions of the present invention are the so called "ester
quats".
[0021] Particularly preferred materials are the ester-linked triethanolamine (TEA) quaternary
ammonium compounds comprising a mixture of mono-, di- and triester linked components.
[0022] Typically, TEA-based fabric softening compounds comprise a mixture of mono, di- and
tri-ester forms of the compound where the di-ester linked component comprises no more
than 70 % by weight of the fabric softening compound, preferably no more than 60 wt
% of the fabric softening compound and at least 10 % of the monoester linked component.
A preferred hardened type of active has a typical mono:di:ri ester distribution in
the range of from 12 to 25 mono: from 55 to 65 di: from 15 to 27 tri. A soft TEA quat
may have a typical mono:di:tri ester distribution of from 25 to 45 %, preferably from
30 to 40 % mono: from 45 to 60 %, preferably from 50 to 55 % di: and from 5 to 25
%, preferably from 10 to 15 % tri; for example 40:60:10.
[0023] A first group of quaternary ammonium compounds (QACs) suitable for use in the present
invention is represented by formula (I):
wherein each R is independently selected from a C
5-35 alkyl or alkenyl group; R
1 represents a C
1-4 alkyl, C
2-4 alkenyl or a C
1-4 hydroxyalkyl group; T is generally O-CO. (i.e. an ester group bound to R
via its carbon atom), but may alternatively be CO-O (i.e. an ester group bound to R
via its oxygen atom); n is a number selected from 1 to 4; m is a number selected from
1, 2, or 3; and X- is an anionic counter-ion, such as a halide or alkyl sulphate,
e.g. chloride or methylsulphate. Di-esters variants of formula I (i.e. m = 2) are
preferred and typically have mono- and triester analogues associated with them. Such
materials are particularly suitable for use in the present invention.
[0024] Especially preferred agents are preparations which are rich in the di-esters of triethanolammonium
methylsulphate, otherwise referred to as "TEA ester quats".
[0025] Commercial examples include Stepantex™ UL85, ex Stepan, Prapagen™ TQL, ex Clariant,
and Tetranyl™ AHT-1, ex Kao, (both di-[hardened tallow ester] of triethanolammonium
methylsulphate), AT-1 (di-[tallow ester] of triethanolammonium methylsulphate), and
L5/90 (di-[palm ester] of triethanolammonium methylsulphate), both ex Kao, and Rewoquat™
WE15 (a di-ester of triethanolammonium methylsulphate having fatty acyl residues deriving
from C
10-C
20 and C
16-C
18 unsaturated fatty acids), ex Degussa.
[0026] Also, soft quaternary ammonium actives such as Stepantex VK90, Stepantex VT90, SP88
(ex-Stepan), Prapagen TQ (ex-Clariant), Dehyquart AU-57 (ex-Cognis), Rewoquat WE18
(ex-Degussa) and Tetranyl L190 P, Tetranyl L190 SP and Tetranyl L190 S (all ex-Kao)
are suitable.
[0027] A second group of QACs suitable for use in the invention is represented by formula
(II):
wherein each R
1 group is independently selected from C
1-4 alkyl, hydroxyalkyl or C
2-4 alkenyl groups; and wherein each R
2 group is independently selected from C
8-28 alkyl or alkenyl groups; and wherein n, T, and X- are as defined above.
[0028] Preferred materials of this second group include 1,2
bis[tallowoyloxy]-3-trimethylammonium propane chloride, 1,2
bis[hardened tallowoyloxy]-3-trimethylammonium propane chloride, 1,2-
bis[oleoyloxy]-3-trimethylammonium propane chloride, and 1,2
bis[stearoyloxy]-3-trimethylammonium propane chloride. Such materials are described in
US 4,137,180 (Lever Brothers). Preferably, these materials also comprise an amount of the corresponding
monoester.
[0029] A third group of QACs suitable for use in the invention is represented by formula
(III):
(R
1)
2-N
+-[(CH
2)
n-T-R
2]
2 X
- (III)
wherein each R
1 group is independently selected from C
1-4 alkyl, or C
2-4 alkenyl groups; and wherein each R
2 group is independently selected from C
8-28 alkyl or alkenyl groups; and n, T, and X- are as defined above. Preferred materials
of this third group include bis(2-tallowoyloxyethyl)dimethyl ammonium chloride, partially
hardened and hardened versions thereof.
[0030] The iodine value of the quaternary ammonium fabric conditioning material is preferably
from 0 to 80, more preferably from 0 to 60, and most preferably from 0 to 45. The
iodine value may be chosen as appropriate. Essentially saturated material having an
iodine value of from 0 to 5, preferably from 0 to 1 may be used in the compositions
of the invention. Such materials are known as "hardened" quaternary ammonium compounds.
[0031] A further preferred range of iodine values is from 20 to 60, preferably 25 to 50,
more preferably from 30 to 45. A material of this type is a "soft" triethanolamine
quaternary ammonium compound, preferably triethanolamine di-alkylester methylsulphate.
Such ester-linked triethanolamine quaternary ammonium compound comprise unsaturated
fatty chains.
[0033] A further type of softening compound is a non-ester quaternary ammonium material
represented by formula (IV):-
wherein each R
1 group is independently selected from C
1-4 alkyl, hydroxyalkyl or C
2-4 alkenyl groups; R
2 group is independently selected from C
2-28 alkyl or alkenyl groups, and X- is as defined above.
Nonionic Softening Agents
[0034] The compositions of the invention may contain a non-cationic softening material,
which is preferably an oily sugar derivative. An oily sugar derivative is a liquid
or soft solid derivative of a cyclic polyol (CPE) or of a reduced saccharide (RSE),
said derivative resulting from 35 to 100 % of the hydroxyl groups in said polyol or
in said saccharide being esterified or etherified. The derivative has two or more
ester or ether groups independently attached to a C
8-C
22 alkyl or alkenyl chain.
[0035] Advantageously, the CPE or RSE does not have any substantial crystalline character
at 20°C. Instead it is preferably in a liquid or soft solid state as herein defined
at 20°C.
[0036] The liquid or soft solid (as hereinafter defined) CPEs or RSEs suitable for use in
the present invention result from 35 to 100% of the hydroxyl groups of the starting
cyclic polyol or reduced saccharide being esterified or etherified with groups such
that the CPEs or RSEs are in the required liquid or soft solid state. These groups
typically contain unsaturation, branching or mixed chain lengths.
[0037] Typically the CPEs or RSEs have 3 or more ester or ether groups or mixtures thereof,
for example 3 to 8, especially 3 to 5. It is preferred if two or more of the ester
or ether groups of the CPE or RSE are independently of one another attached to a C
8 to C
22 alkyl or alkenyl chain. The C
8 to C
22 alkyl or alkenyl groups may be branched or linear carbon chains.
[0038] Preferably 35 to 85 % of the hydroxyl groups, most preferably 40-80 %, even more
preferably 45-75 %, such as 45-70 % are esterified or etherified.
[0039] Preferably the CPE or RSE contains at least 35 % tri or higher esters, e.g. at least
40%.
[0040] The CPE or RSE has at least one of the chains independently attached to the ester
or ether groups having at least one unsaturated bond. This provides a cost effective
way of making the CPE or RSE a liquid or a soft solid. It is preferred if predominantly
unsaturated fatty chains, derived from, for example, rape oil, cotton seed oil, soybean
oil, oleic, tallow, palmitoleic, linoleic, erucic or other sources of unsaturated
vegetable fatty acids, are attached to the ester/ether groups.
[0041] These chains are referred to below as the ester or ether chains (of the CPE or RSE).
[0042] The ester or ether chains of the CPE or RSE are preferably predominantly unsaturated.
Preferred CPEs or RSEs include sucrose tetratallowate, sucrose tetrarapeate, sucrose
tetraoleate, sucrose tetraesters of soybean oil or cotton seed oil, cellobiose tetraoleate,
sucrose trioleate, sucrose triapeate, sucrose pentaoleate, sucrose pentarapeate, sucrose
hexaoleate, sucrose hexarapeate, sucrose triesters, pentaesters and hexaesters of
soybean oil or cotton seed oil, glucose tiroleate, glucose tetraoleate, xylose trioleate,
or sucrose tetra-,tri-, penta- or hexa- esters with any mixture of predominantly unsaturated
fatty acid chains. The most preferred CPEs or RSEs are those with monounsaturated
fatty acid chains, i.e. where any polyunsaturation has been removed by partial hydrogenation.
However some CPEs or RSEs based on polyunsaturated fatty acid chains, e.g. sucrose
tetralinoleate, may be used provided most of the polyunsaturation has been removed
by partial hydrogenation.
[0043] The most highly preferred liquid CPEs or RSEs are any of the above but where the
polyunsaturation has been removed through partial hydrogenation.
[0044] Preferably 40 % or more of the fatty acid chains contain an unsaturated bond, more
preferably 50 % or more, most preferably 60% or more. In most cases 65 % to 100 %,
e.g. 65 % to 95 % contain an unsaturated bond.
[0045] CPEs are preferred for use with the present invention. Inositol is a preferred example
of a cyclic polyol. Inositol derivatives are especially preferred.
[0046] In the context of the present invention, the term cyclic polyol encompasses all forms
of saccharides. Indeed saccharides are especially preferred for use with this invention.
Examples of preferred saccharides for the CPEs or RSEs to be derived from are monosaccharides
and disaccharides.
[0047] Examples of monosaccharides include xylose, arabinose, galactose, fructose, sorbose
and glucose. Glucose is especially preferred. Examples of disaccharides include maltose,
lactose, cellobiose and sucrose. Sucrose is especially preferred. An example of a
reduced saccharide is sorbitan.
[0048] The liquid or soft solid CPEs can be prepared by methods well known to those skilled
in the art. These include acylation of the cyclic polyol or reduced saccharide with
an acid chloride; trans-esterification of the cyclic polyol or reduced saccharide
fatty acid esters using a variety of catalysts; acylation of the cyclic polyol or
reduced saccharide with an acid anhydride and acylation of the cyclic polyol or reduced
saccharide with a fatty acid. See for instance
US 4 386 213 and
AU 14416/88 (both P&G).
[0049] It is preferred if the CPE or RSE has 3 or more, preferably 4 or more ester or ether
groups. If the CPE is a disaccharide it is preferred if the disaccharide has 3 or
more ester or ether groups. Particularly preferred CPEs are esters with a degree of
esterification of 3 to 5, for example, sucrose tri, tetra and penta esters.
[0050] Where the cyclic polyol is a reducing sugar it is advantageous if each ring of the
CPE has one ether or ester group, preferably at the C
1 position. Suitable examples of such compounds include methyl glucose derivatives.
[0051] Examples of suitable CPEs include esters of alkyl(poly)glucosides, in particular
alkyl glucoside esters having a degree of polymerisation of 2.
[0052] The length of the unsaturated (and saturated if present) chains in the CPE or RSE
is C
8-C
22, preferably C
12-C
22. It is possible to include one or more chains of C
1-C
8, however these are less preferred.
[0053] The liquid or soft solid CPEs or RSEs which are suitable for use in the present invention
are characterised as materials having a solid:liquid ratio of between 50:50 and 0:100
at 20°C as determined by T
2 relaxation time NMR, preferably between 43:57 and 0:100, most preferably between
40:60 and 0:100, such as, 20:80 and 0:100. The T
2 NMR relaxation time is commonly used for characterising solid:liquid ratios in soft
solid products such as fats and margarines. For the purpose of the present invention,
any component of the signal with a T
2 of less than 100 µs is considered to be a solid component and any component with
T
2 ≥ 100 µs is considered to be a liquid component.
[0054] For the CPEs and RSEs, the prefixes (e.g. tetra and penta) only indicate the average
degrees of esterification. The compounds exist as a mixture of materials ranging from
the monoester to the fully esterified ester. It is the average degree of esterification
which is used herein to define the CPEs and RSEs.
[0055] The HLB of the CPE or RSE is typically between 1 and 3.
[0056] Where present, the CPE or RSE is preferably present in the composition in an amount
of 0.5-50% by weight, based upon the total weight of the composition, more preferably
1-30% by weight, such as 2-25%, e.g. 2-20%.
[0057] The CPEs and RSEs for use in the compositions of the invention include sucrose tetraoleate,
sucrose pentaerucate, sucrose tetraerucate and sucrose pentaoleate.
The Antifoam
[0058] The antifoam is present in an amount of from 0.025 to 0.45 wt %, preferably 0.03
to 0.4 wt %, most preferably from 0.05 to 0.35 wt %, for example 0.07 to 0.4 wt %,
by weight of the total composition and based on 100 % antifoam activity.
[0060] Suitable antifoams include, for example, silicone antifoam compounds, alcohol antifoam
compounds, for example 2-alkyl alcanol antifoam compounds, fatty acids, paraffin antifoam
compounds, and mixtures thereof. By antifoam compound it is meant herein any compound
or mixtures of compounds which act such as to depress the foaming or sudsing produced
by a solution of a detergent composition, particularly in the presence of agitation
of that solution.
[0061] Particularly preferred antifoam compounds for use herein are silicone antifoam compounds
defined herein as any antifoam compound including a silicone component. Many such
silicone antifoam compounds also contain a silica component. The term "silicone" as
used herein, and in general throughout the industry, encompasses a variety of relatively
high molecular weight polymers containing siloxane units and hydrocarbyl group of
various types like the polyorganosiloxane oils, such as polydimethyl-siloxane, dispersions
or emulsions of polyorganosiloxane oils or resins, and combinations of polyorganosiloxane
with silica particles wherein the polyorganosiloxane is chemisorbed or fused onto
the silica. Silica particles are often hydrophobed, e.g. as Trimethylsiloxysilicate.
Silicone antifoam agents are well known in the art and are, for example, disclosed
in
U. S. Patent 4, 265, 779, issued May 5, 25 1981 to Gandolfo et al and European Patent Application No.
89307851. 9, published February 7, 1990, by Starch, M. S. Other silicone antifoams are disclosed in
U. S. Patent 3, 455, 839 which relates to compositions and processes for defoaming aqueous solutions by incorporating
therein small amounts of polydimethylsiloxane fluids. Mixtures of silicone and silanated
silica are described, for instance, in German Patent Application
DOS 2, 124, 526. Silicone defoamers and suds controlling agents in granular detergent compositions
are disclosed in
U. S. Patent 3, 933, 672, 35 Bartolotta et al, and in
U. S. Patent 4, 652, 392, Baginski et al, issued March 24, 1987. Examples of suitable silicone antifoam compounds are the combinations of polyorganosiloxane
with silica particles commercially available from Dow Corning, Wacker Chemie and Momentive.
[0062] Other suitable antifoam compounds include the monocarboxylic fatty acids and soluble
salts thereof. These materials are described in
US Patent 2, 954, 347. The monocarboxylic fatty acids, and salts thereof, for use as antifoam agents typically
have hydrocarbyl chains of about 10 to about 24 carbon atoms, preferably about 12
to about 18 carbon atoms like the tallow amphopolycarboxyglycinate commercially available
under the trade name TAPAC. Suitable salts include the alkali metal salts such as
sodium, potassium, and lithium salts, and ammonium and alkanolammonium salts.
[0063] Other suitable antifoam compounds include, for example, high molecular weight hydrocarbons
such as paraffin, light petroleum odourless hydrocarbons, fatty esters (e. g. fatty
acid triglycerides, glyceryl derivatives, polysorbates), fatty acid esters of monovalent
alcohols, aliphatic C18-C40 ketones (e. g. stearone) N-alkylated amino triazines such
as tri- to hexa- 10 alkylmelamines or di- to tetra alkyldiamine chlortriazines formed
as products of cyanuric chloride with two or three moles of a primary or secondary
amine containing 1 to 24 carbon atoms, propylene oxide, bis stearic acid amide and
monostearyl phosphates such as monostearyl alcohol phosphate ester and monostearyl
di-alkali metal (e. g. , K, Na, and Li) phosphates and phosphate esters, and nonionic
polyhydroxyl derivatives. The hydrocarbons, such as paraffin and 15 haloparaffin,
can be utilized in liquid form. The liquid hydrocarbons will be liquid at room temperature
and atmospheric pressure, and will have a pour point in the range of about -40°C and
about 5°C, and a minimum boiling point not less than about 110°C (atmospheric pressure).
It is also known to utilize waxy hydrocarbons, preferably having a melting point below
about 100°C. Hydrocarbon suds suppressers are described, for example, in
U. S. Patent 4, 265, 779. The hydrocarbons, thus, include aliphatic, alicyclic, aromatic, and heterocyclic
saturated or unsaturated hydrocarbons having from about 12 to about 70 carbon atoms.
The term "paraffin", as used in this suds suppresser discussion, is intended to include
mixtures of true paraffins and cyclic hydrocarbons. Copolymers of ethylene oxide and
propylene oxide, particularly the mixed ethoxylated/propoxylated fatty alcohols with
an alkyl chain length of from about 10 to about 16 carbon atoms, a degree of ethoxylation
of from about 3 to about 30 and a degree of propoxylation of from about 1 to about
10, are also suitable antifoam compounds for use herein.
[0064] Other antifoams useful herein comprise the secondary alcohols (e.g. , 2-alkyl alkanols
as described in
DE 40 21 265) and mixtures of such alcohols with silicone oils, such as the silicones disclosed
in
US 4,798,679,
US 4,075,118 and
EP 150,872. The secondary alcohols include the C6-C16 alkyl alcohols having a Cl-C16 chain like
the 2-Hexyldecanol commercially available under the trade name ISOFOL16, 2-Octyldodecanol
commercially available under the tradename ISOFOL20, and 2-butyl octanol, which is
available under the trademark ISOFOL 12 from Condea. A preferred alcohol is 2-butyl
octanol, which is available from Condea under the trademark ISOFOL 12. Mixtures of
secondary alcohols are available under the trademark ISALCHEM 123 from Enichem. Mixed
antifoams typically comprise mixtures of alcohol to silicone at a weight ratio of
about 1:5 to about 5:1.
[0065] Further preferred antifoam agents are Silicone SRE grades and Silicone SE 47M, SE39,
SE2, SE9 and SE10 available from Wacker Chemie; BF20+, DB310, DC1410, DC1430, 22210,
HV495 and Q2-1607 ex Dow Corning; FD20P and BC2600 supplied by Basildon; and SAG 730
ex Momentive.
[0066] Other suitable antifoams, described in the literature such as in
Hand Book of Food Additives, ISBN 0-566-07592-X, p. 804, are selected from dimethicone, poloxamer, polypropyleneglycol, tallow derivatives,
and mixtures thereof. Preferred among the antifoams described above are the silicone
antifoams, in particular the combinations of polyorganosiloxane with silica particles.
The Antifreeze Component
[0067] The antifreeze agent as described below is used to improve freeze recovery of the
composition.
[0068] The antifreeze active is an alkoxylated non-ionic surfactant having an average alkoxylation
value of from 4 to 22, preferably from 5 to 20 and most preferably from 6 to 20. The
alkoxylated non-ionic surfactant has a ClogP of from 3 to 6, preferably from 3.5 to
5.5. Mixtures of such non-ionic surfactants may be used.
[0069] As used herein, the term "ClogP" means the logarithm to base 10 of the octanol/water
partition coefficient (P). The octanol/water partition coefficient of a PRM is the
ratio between its equilibrium concentrations in octanol and water. Given that this
measure is a ratio of the equilibrium concentration of a PRM in a non-polar solvent
(octanol) with its concentration in a polar solvent (water), ClogP is also a measure
of the hydrophobicity of a material--the higher the ClogP value, the more hydrophobic
the material. ClogP values can be readily calculated from a program called "CLOGP"
which is available from Daylight Chemical Information Systems Inc., Irvine Calif.,
USA. Octanol/water partition coefficients are described in more detail in
U.S. Pat. No. 5,578,563.
[0070] Suitable nonionic surfactants which can be used as the antifreeze component include
in particular the reaction products of compounds having a hydrophobic group and a
reactive hydrogen atom, for example aliphatic alcohols, acids, or alkyl phenols with
alkylene oxides, preferably ethylene oxide either alone or with propylene oxide.
[0071] Suitable surfactants are substantially water soluble surfactants of the general formula:
R-Y-(C
2H
4O)
z-CH
2-CH
2-OH
where R is selected from the group consisting of primary, secondary and branched chain
alkyl and/or acyl hydrocarbyl groups (when Y = -C(O)O, R ≠ an acyl hydrocarbyl group);
primary, secondary and branched chain alkenyl hydrocarbyl groups; and primary, secondary
and branched chain alkenyl-substituted phenolic hydrocarbyl groups; the hydrocarbyl
groups having a chain length of from 8 to about 22, preferably 9 to 20, e.g. 10 to
18 carbon atoms.
[0072] In the general formula for the ethoxylated nonionic surfactant, Y is typically:
-O-, -C(O)O-, -C(O)N(R)- or -C(O)N(R)R-
in which R has the meaning given above or can be hydrogen; and Z is from 4 to 15,
preferably from 5 to 12, most preferably from 5 to 9.
[0073] Specific non-ionic surfactants are alkyl (C
6-C
22) phenols-ethylene oxide condensates, up to 15 EO, i.e. up to 15 units of ethylene
oxide per molecule, the condensation products of aliphatic (C
8-C
22) primary or secondary linear or branched alcohols with ethylene oxide, generally
up to 22 EO, and products made by condensation of ethylene oxide with the reaction
products of propylene oxide and ethylenediamine.
[0074] The non-ionic surfactants may be linear or branched.
[0075] Preferred non-ionic surfactants include Emulan TO 2080, supplied by BASF; Neodol™
91-6, supplied by Shell; Dehydol™ LT7 and Dehydol 2407, both available from Cognis;
Synperonic™ A7, supplied by Croda and Genapol™ C-050 ex Clariant.
[0076] The amount of non-ionic surfactant is preferably in the range of from 0.1 to 4.5
wt % by weight, more preferably from 0.2 to 4.5 wt %, even more preferably from 0.6
to 4.0 wt %, still more preferably from 1.0 to 4.0 wt % and most preferably from 1.2
to 3.5 wt % by weight of the total composition.
[0077] The mole ratio of the cationic fabric softening agent to the antifreeze active is
within the range from 40:1 to about 1:1 preferably within the range from 18:1 to about
3:1.
Further Optional Ingredients
Additional Antifreeze Materials
[0078] Additional antifreeze materials that may be added to the compositions of the invention
include alcohols and diols. Suitable materials are given in
WO 2006 124338 A1 (Procter & Gamble) including polyols e.g. glycerol, pentaerythritol, glucose, fructose
and maltose. Also momo propylene glycol, ethylene glycol, diethylene glycol and dipropylene
glycol. Further suitable antifreeze materials are given in
EP 2008 084206 and
EP 2008 135 333 (both Henkel), including glycerine and glycerine in combination with compounds of
the formula REO e.g. where R=C
12-18 with 5EO or 7EO units; where R=Tallow with 20EO, or EO/PO mixtures of these.
[0079] Preferred additional antifreeze actives are selected from alcohols, diols and esters.
A particularly preferred additional antifreeze is monopropylene glycol (MPG).
[0080] Other non-ionic antifreeze materials, which are outside the scope of the non-ionic
antifreeze component of the present invention but which may be additionally included
in the compositions of the invention include alkyl polyglycosides, ethoxylated castor
oils, and sorbitan esters.
[0081] Further suitable additional antifreeze agents are those disclosed in
EP 0018039 (Procter & Gamble) including paraffins, long chain alcohols and several esters for example glycerol
mono stearate, iso butyl stearate and iso propyl palmitate. Also materials disclosed
in
US 6063 754 (Quest) such as C
10-12 isoparaffins, isopropyl myristate and dioctyladapate.
Thickening Polymers
[0082] Thickening polymers may be added to the compositions of the invention for further
thickening. Any suitable thickener polymer may be used.
[0083] Suitable polymers are water soluble or dispersable. A high M.Wt, (for example, in
the region of about 100,000 to 5,000,000) which can be achieved by crosslinking, is
advantageous. Preferably, the polymer is cationic.
[0084] Polymers particularly useful in the compositions of the invention include those described
in
WO2010/078959 (SNF S.A.S.). These are crosslinked water swellable cationic copolymers having at
least one cationic monomer and optionally other non-ionic and/or anionic monomers.
Preferred polymers of this type are copolymers of acrylamide and trimethylaminoethylacrylate
chloride.
[0085] Preferred polymers comprise less than 25 % of water soluble polymers by weight of
the total polymer, preferably less than 20 %, and most preferably less than 15 %,
and a cross-linking agent concentration of from 500 ppm to 5000 ppm relative to the
polymer, preferably from 750 ppm to 5000 ppm, more preferably from 1000 to 4500 ppm.
The cross-linking agent concentration must be higher than about 500 ppm relative to
the polymer, and preferably higher than about 750 ppm when the crosslinking agent
used is the methylene bisacrylamide, or concentrations of other cross-linking agents
that lead to equivalent cross-linking levels of from 10 to 10,000 ppm.
[0086] Suitable cationic monomers are selected from the group consisting of the following
monomers and derivatives and their quaternary or acid salts: dimethylaminopropylmethacrylamide,
dimethylaminopropylacrylamide, diallylamine, methyldiallylamine, dialkylaminoalkyl-acrylates
and methacrylates, dialkylaminoalkyl-acrylamides or -methacrylamides.
[0087] Following is a non-restrictive list of monomers performing a non-ionic function:
acrylamide, methacrylamide, N-Alkyl acrylamide, N-vinyl pyrrolidone, N-vinyl formamide,
N-vinyl acetamide, vinylacetate, vinyl alcohol, acrylate esters, allyl alcohol.
[0088] Following is a non-restrictive list of monomers performing an anionic function: acrylic
acid, methacrylic acid, itaconic acid, crotonic acid, maleic acid, fumaric acid, as
well as monomers performing a sulfonic acid or phosphonic acid functions, such as
2-acrylamido-2-methyl propane sulfonic acid (ATBS) etc.
[0089] The monomers may also contain hydrophobic groups.
[0090] Following is a non-restrictive list of cross-linking agents: methylene bisacrylamide
(MBA), ethylene glycol diacrylate, polyethylene glycol dimethacrylate, diacrylamide,
triallylamine, cyanomethylacrylate, vinyl oxyethylacrylate or methacrylate and formaldehyde,
glyoxal, compounds of the glycidyl ether type such as ethyleneglycol diglycidyl ether,
or the epoxydes or any other means familiar to the expert permitting cross-linking.
[0091] By way of preeminent preference the cross-linking rate preferably ranges from 800
to 5000 ppm (on the basis of MBA) relative to the polymer or equivalent cross-linking
with a cross-linking agent of different efficiency.
[0092] As described in
US 2002/0132749 and Research Disclosure 429116, the degree of non-linearity can additionally be controlled
by the inclusion of chain transfer agents (such as isopropyl alcohol, sodium hypophosphite,
mercaptoethanol) in the polymerisation mixture in order to control the polymeric chain's
length and the cross-linking density.
[0093] The final polymer has a water-soluble polymer fraction ranging below about 25 % by
weight of the total polymer (as determined by a metering method such as that described
on page 8 of patent
EP 343840).
[0094] The amount of polymer used in the compositions of the invention is suitably from
0.001 to 0.5 wt %, preferably from 0.005 to 0.4 wt %, more preferably from 0.05 to
0.35 wt % and most preferably from 0.1 to 0.25 wt %, by weight of the total composition.
[0095] An example of the preferred polymer is Flosoft 270LS ex SNF.
Organo-silicones
[0096] The compositions of the present invention may comprise an emulsified organo-silicone,
which are useful as co-softeners. The terms silicones and organo-silicones are used
interchangeably herein.
[0097] The organo-silicones which may be employed herein have a organic content of about
25 percent to about 90 weight percent.
[0098] Preferably, the organo-silicone is in the form of an oil-in-water emulsion. In the
emulsion, the silicone droplets are then preferably from 0.39 micrometres to 25 micrometres,
preferable 1 micrometer to 15 micrometers, most preferably 2 micrometers to 10 micrometers.
The droplet size may be determined based on volume measurements using by any suitable
equipment, for example a Malvern X Mastersizer.
[0099] The silicone may be of any structure which gives rise to one or more of the desired
benefits in use of the fabric softener formulation.
[0100] The silicone can be a polydi-C
1-6alkyl siloxane, which have the general formula R
aSiO
(4-a)/2 wherein each R is the same or different and is selected from hydrocarbon and hydroxyl
groups, 'a' being from 0 to 3 and in the bulk material; 'a' has an average value of
from 1.85-2.2. The R group can be selected from the group C1-22 alkyl, C2-22 alkenyl,
C6-22 alkylaryl, aryl, cycloalkyl, polyalkyleneoxide, and mixtures thereof.
[0101] In another embodiment of the invention the organosilicone can contain amino groups,
with R selected from alkylamino and alkyldiamino groups.
[0102] The silicone fluid has a viscosity before emulsification (as measured on a Brookfield
RV4 viscometer at 25 degrees centigrade using spindle No.4 at 100 rpm) of from 350cSt
to 750,000cSt, more preferably from 1,000cSt to 400,000cSt, most preferably 9,000cSt
to 250,000cSt, e.g. 10,000cSt to 200,000 cSt.
[0103] Preferably, emulsification is effected using one or more cationic surfactants, preferably
having a non-halogen counter-ion.
[0104] The cationic emulsifiers are believed to enhance deposition of the silicone during
use of the fabric softening composition. Preferred counter-ions include methosulphate,
ethosulphate, tosylate, phosphate and nitrate. If a halogen counter-ion is used, it
is preferably chloride.
[0105] For example, mixtures of one or more cationic and one or more non-ionic surfactants
can be used, or even non-ionic surfactant(s) alone.
[0106] Preferably, the total of amount of emulsifying surfactant(s) is from 0.5 percent
to 20 percent, preferably from 2 percent to 12 percent, more preferably from 3 percent
to 10 percent by weight of the silicone.
[0107] The emulsified silicone (as 100 percent active silicone) may be included in the fabric
softener compositions in an amount of 0.5 percent to 15 percent by weight of the total
composition (including the emulsion product containing the silicone emulsion), preferably
1 percent to 12 percent, more preferably 2 percent to 10 percent, most preferably
3 percent to 10 percent. However, it may be possible to include up to 20 percent by
weight if it can be incorporated into the fabric softening composition without instability
occurring therein.
Shading Dyes
[0108] Optional shading dyes can be used. Preferred dyes are violet or blue. Suitable and
preferred classes of dyes are discussed below. Moreover the unsaturated quaternary
ammonium compounds are subject to some degree of UV light and/or transition metal
ion catalysed radical auto-oxidation, with an attendant risk of yellowing of fabric.
The present of a shading dye also reduces the risk of yellowing from this source.
Direct Dyes
[0109] Direct dyes (otherwise known as substantive dyes) are the class of water soluble
dyes which have an affinity for fibres and are taken up directly. Direct violet and
direct blue dyes are preferred.
[0110] Preferably the dye are bis-azo or
tris-azo dyes are used.
[0111] Most preferably, the direct dye is a direct violet of the following structures:
or
wherein:
ring D and E may be independently naphthyl or phenyl as shown;
R1 is selected from: hydrogen and C1-C4-alkyl, preferably hydrogen;
R2 is selected from: hydrogen, C1-C4-alkyl, substituted or unsubstituted phenyl and
substituted or unsubstituted naphthyl, preferably phenyl;
R3 and R4 are independently selected from: hydrogen and C1-C4-alkyl, preferably hydrogen or
methyl;
X and Y are independently selected from: hydrogen, C1-C4-alkyl and C1-C4-alkoxy; preferably
the dye has X= methyl; and, Y = methoxy and n is 0, 1 or 2, preferably 1 or 2.
[0112] Preferred dyes are direct violet 7, direct violet 9, direct violet 11, direct violet
26, direct violet 31, direct violet 35, direct violet 40, direct violet 41, direct
violet 51, and direct violet 99. Bis-azo copper containing dyes such as direct violet
66 may be used.
[0113] The benzidene based dyes are less preferred.
[0114] Preferably the direct dye is present at 0.00001 wt% to 0.0010 wt% of the formulation.
[0115] In another embodiment the direct dye may be covalently linked to the photo-bleach,
for example as described in
WO2006/024612.
Acid Dyes
[0116] Cotton substantive acid dyes give benefits to cotton containing garments. Preferred
dyes and mixes of dyes are blue or violet. Preferred acid dyes are:
- (i) azine dyes, wherein the dye is of the following core structure:
wherein Ra, Rb, Rc and Rd are selected from: H, an branched or linear C1 to C7-alkyl chain, benzyl a phenyl,
and a naphthyl;
the dye is substituted with at least one SO3 or -COO- group;
the B ring does not carry a negatively charged group or salt thereof;
and the A ring may further substituted to form a naphthyl;
the dye is optionally substituted by groups selected from: amine, methyl, ethyl, hydroxyl,
methoxy, ethoxy, phenoxy, Cl, Br, I, F, and NO2.
[0117] Preferred azine dyes are: acid blue 98, acid violet 50, and acid blue 59, more preferably
acid violet 50 and acid blue 98.
[0118] Other preferred non-azine acid dyes are acid violet 17, acid black 1 and acid blue
29.
[0119] Preferably the acid dye is present at 0.0005 wt% to 0.01 wt% of the formulation.
Hydrophobic Dyes
[0120] The composition may comprise one or more hydrophobic dyes selected from benzodifuranes,
methine, triphenylmethanes, napthalimides, pyrazole, napthoquinone, anthraquinone
and mono-azo or di-azo dye chromophores. Hydrophobic dyes are dyes which do not contain
any charged water solubilising group. Hydrophobic dyes may be selected from the groups
of disperse and solvent dyes. Blue and violet anthraquinone and mono-azo dye are preferred.
[0121] Preferred dyes include solvent violet 13, disperse violet 27 disperse violet 26,
disperse violet 28, disperse violet 63 and disperse violet 77.
[0122] Preferably, where present, the hydrophobic dye is present at 0.0001 wt% to 0.005
wt% of the formulation.
Basic Dyes
[0123] Basic dyes are organic dyes which carry a net positive charge. They deposit onto
cotton. They are of particular utility for used in composition that contain predominantly
cationic surfactants. Dyes may be selected from the basic violet and basic blue dyes
listed in the Colour Index International.
[0124] Preferred examples include triarylmethane basic dyes, methane basic dye, anthraquinone
basic dyes, basic blue 16, basic blue 65, basic blue 66, basic blue 67, basic blue
71, basic blue 159, basic violet 19, basic violet 35, basic violet 38, basic violet
48; basic blue 3, basic blue 75, basic blue 95, basic blue 122, basic blue 124, basic
blue 141.
Reactive Dyes
[0125] Reactive dyes are dyes which contain an organic group capable of reacting with cellulose
and linking the dye to cellulose with a covalent bond. They deposit onto cotton.
[0126] Preferably the reactive group is hydrolysed or reactive group of the dyes has been
reacted with an organic species such as a polymer, so as to the link the dye to this
species. Dyes may be selected from the reactive violet and reactive blue dyes listed
in the Colour Index International.
[0127] Preferred examples include reactive blue 19, reactive blue 163, reactive blue 182
and reactive blue, reactive blue 96.
Dye Conjugates
[0128] Dye conjugates are formed by binding direct, acid or basic dyes to polymers or particles
via physical forces.
[0129] Dependent on the choice of polymer or particle they deposit on cotton or synthetics.
A description is given in
WO2006/055787. They are not preferred.
[0130] Particularly preferred dyes are: direct violet 7, direct violet 9, direct violet
11, direct violet 26, direct violet 31, direct violet 35, direct violet 40, direct
violet 41, direct violet 51, direct violet 99, acid blue 98, acid violet 50, acid
blue 59, acid violet 17, acid black 1, acid blue 29, solvent violet 13, disperse violet
27 disperse violet 26, disperse violet 28, disperse violet 63, disperse violet 77
and mixtures thereof.
Perfume
[0131] The compositions of the present invention may comprise one or more perfumes if desired.
The perfume is preferably present in an amount from 0.01 to 10 % by weight, more preferably
from 0.05 to 5 % by weight, even more preferably from 0.05 to 2 %, most preferably
from 0.05 to 1.5 % by weight, based on the total weight of the composition.
[0132] Useful components of the perfume include materials of both natural and synthetic
origin. They include single compounds and mixtures. Specific examples of such components
may be found in the current literature, e.g., in
Fenaroli's Handbook of Flavor Ingredients, 1975, CRC Press;
Synthetic Food Adjuncts, 1947 by M. B. Jacobs, edited by Van Nostrand; or
Perfume and Flavor Chemicals by S. Arctander 1969, Montclair, N.J. (USA). These substances are well known to the person skilled in the art of perfuming,
flavouring, and/or aromatizing consumer products, i.e., of imparting an odour and/or
a flavour or taste to a consumer product traditionally perfumed or flavoured, or of
modifying the odour and/or taste of said consumer product.
[0133] By perfume in this context is not only meant a fully formulated product fragrance,
but also selected components of that fragrance, particularly those which are prone
to loss, such as the so-called 'top notes'.
[0134] Top notes are defined by
Poucher (Journal of the Society of Cosmetic Chemists 6(2):80 [1955]). Examples of well known top-notes include citrus oils, linalool, linalyl acetate,
lavender, dihydromyrcenol, rose oxide and cis-3-hexanol. Top notes typically comprise
15-25%wt of a perfume composition and in those embodiments of the invention which
contain an increased level of top-notes it is envisaged at that least 20%wt would
be present within the encapsulate.
[0135] Some or all of the perfume or pro-fragrance may be encapsulated, typical perfume
components which it is advantageous to encapsulate, include those with a relatively
low boiling point, preferably those with a boiling point of less than 300, preferably
100-250 Celsius and pro-fragrances which can produce such components.
[0136] It is also advantageous to encapsulate perfume components which have a low Clog P
(i.e. those which will be partitioned into water), preferably with a Clog P of less
than 3.0. These materials, of relatively low boiling point and relatively low Clog
P have been called the "delayed blooming" perfume ingredients and include the following
materials:
Allyl Caproate, Amyl Acetate, Amyl Propionate, Anisic Aldehyde, Anisole, Benzaldehyde,
Benzyl Acetate, Benzyl Acetone, Benzyl Alcohol, Benzyl Formate, Benzyl Iso Valerate,
Benzyl Propionate, Beta Gamma Hexenol, Camphor Gum, Laevo-Carvone, d-Carvone, Cinnamic
Alcohol, Cinamyl Formate, Cis-Jasmone, cis-3-Hexenyl Acetate, Cuminic Alcohol, Cyclal
C, Dimethyl Benzyl Carbinol, Dimethyl Benzyl Carbinol Acetate, Ethyl Acetate, Ethyl
Aceto Acetate, Ethyl Amyl Ketone, Ethyl Benzoate, Ethyl Butyrate, Ethyl Hexyl Ketone,
Ethyl Phenyl Acetate, Eucalyptol, Eugenol, Fenchyl Acetate, Flor Acetate (tricyclo
Decenyl Acetate), Frutene (tricyclco Decenyl Propionate), Geraniol, Hexenol, Hexenyl
Acetate, Hexyl Acetate, Hexyl Formate, Hydratropic Alcohol, Hydroxycitronellal, Indone,
Isoamyl Alcohol, Iso Menthone, Isopulegyl Acetate, Isoquinolone, Ligustral, Linalool,
Linalool Oxide, Linalyl Formate, Menthone, Menthyl Acetphenone, Methyl Amyl Ketone,
Methyl Anthranilate, Methyl Benzoate, Methyl Benyl Acetate, Methyl Eugenol, Methyl
Heptenone, Methyl Heptine Carbonate, Methyl Heptyl Ketone, Methyl Hexyl Ketone, Methyl
Phenyl Carbinyl Acetate, Methyl Salicylate, Methyl-N-Methyl Anthranilate, Nerol, Octalactone,
Octyl Alcohol, p-Cresol, p-Cresol Methyl Ether, p-Methoxy Acetophenone, p-Methyl Acetophenone,
Phenoxy Ethanol, Phenyl Acetaldehyde, Phenyl Ethyl Acetate, Phenyl Ethyl Alcohol,
Phenyl Ethyl Dimethyl Carbinol, Prenyl Acetate, Propyl Bornate, Pulegone, Rose Oxide,
Safrole, 4-Terpinenol, Alpha-Terpinenol, and/or Viridine.
[0137] Preferred non-encapsulated perfume ingredients are those hydrophobic perfume components
with a ClogP above 3. As used herein, the term "ClogP" means the logarithm to base
10 of the octanol/water partition coefficient (P). The octanol/water partition coefficient
of a PRM is the ratio between its equilibrium concentrations in octanol and water.
Given that this measure is a ratio of the equilibrium concentration of a PRM in a
non-polar solvent (octanol) with its concentration in a polar solvent (water), ClogP
is also a measure of the hydrophobicity of a material--the higher the ClogP value,
the more hydrophobic the material. ClogP values can be readily calculated from a program
called "CLOGP" which is available from Daylight Chemical Information Systems Inc.,
Irvine Calif., USA. Octanol/water partition coefficients are described in more detail
in
U.S. Pat. No. 5,578,563.
[0138] Perfume components with a ClogP above 3 comprise: Iso E super, citronellol, Ethyl
cinnamate, Bangalol, 2,4,6-Trimethylbenzaldehyde, Hexyl cinnamic aldehyde, 2,6-Dimethyl-2-heptanol,
Diisobutylcarbinol, Ethyl salicylate, Phenethyl isobutyrate, Ethyl hexyl ketone, Propyl
amyl ketone, Dibutyl ketone, Heptyl methyl ketone, 4,5-Dihydrotoluene, Caprylic aldehyde,
Citral, Geranial, Isopropyl benzoate, Cyclohexanepropionic acid, Campholene aldehyde,
Caprylic acid, Caprylic alcohol, Cuminaldehyde, 1-Ethyl-4-nitrobenzene, Heptyl formate,
4-Isopropylphenol, 2-lsopropylphenol, 3-Isopropylphenol, Allyl disulfide, 4-Methyl-1-phenyl-2-pentanone,
2-Propylfuran, Allyl caproate, Styrene, Isoeugenyl methyl ether, Indonaphthene, Diethyl
suberate, L-Menthone, Menthone racemic, p-Cresyl isobutyrate, Butyl butyrate, Ethyl
hexanoate, Propyl valerate, n-Pentyl propanoate, Hexyl acetate, Methyl heptanoate,
trans-3,3,5-Trimethylcyclohexanol, 3,3,5-Trimethylcyclohexanol, Ethyl p-anisate, 2-Ethyl-1-hexanol,
Benzyl isobutyrate, 2,5-Dimethylthiophene, Isobutyl 2-butenoate, Caprylnitrile, gamma-Nonalactone,
Nerol, trans-Geraniol, 1-Vinylheptanol, Eucalyptol, 4-Terpinenol, Dihydrocarveol,
Ethyl 2-methoxybenzoate, Ethyl cyclohexanecarboxylate, 2-Ethylhexanal, Ethyl amyl
carbinol, 2-Octanol, 2-Octanol, Ethyl methylphenylglycidate, Diisobutyl ketone, Coumarone,
Propyl isovalerate, Isobutyl butanoate, Isopentyl propanoate, 2-Ethylbutyl acetate,
6-Methyl-tetrahydroquinoline, Eugenyl methyl ether, Ethyl dihydrocinnamate, 3,5-Dimethoxytoluene,
Toluene, Ethyl benzoate, n-Butyrophenone, alpha-Terpineol, Methyl 2-methylbenzoate,
Methyl 4-methylbenzoate, Methyl 3, methylbenzoate, sec. Butyl n-butyrate, 1,4-Cineole,
Fenchyl alcohol, Pinanol, cis-2-Pinanol, 2,4, Dimethylacetophenone, Isoeugenol, Safrole,
Methyl 2-octynoate, o-Methylanisole, p-Cresyl methyl ether, Ethyl anthranilate, Linalool,
Phenyl butyrate, Ethylene glycol dibutyrate, Diethyl phthalate, Phenyl mercaptan,
Cumic alcohol, m-Toluquinoline, 6-Methylquinoline, Lepidine, 2-Ethylbenzaldehyde,
4-Ethylbenzaldehyde, o-Ethylphenol, p-Ethylphenol, m-Ethylphenol, (+)-Pulegone, 2,4-Dimethylbenzaldehyde,
Isoxylaldehyde, Ethyl sorbate, Benzyl propionate, 1,3-Dimethylbutyl acetate, Isobutyl
isobutanoate, 2,6-Xylenol, 2,4-Xylenol, 2,5-Xylenol, 3,5-Xylenol, Methyl cinnamate,
Hexyl methyl ether, Benzyl ethyl ether, Methyl salicylate, Butyl propyl ketone, Ethyl
amyl ketone, Hexyl methyl ketone, 2,3-Xylenol, 3,4, Xylenol, Cyclopentadenanolide
and Phenyl ethyl 2 phenylacetate 2.
[0139] It is commonplace for a plurality of perfume components to be present in a formulation.
In the compositions of the present invention it is envisaged that there will be four
or more, preferably five or more, more preferably six or more or even seven or more
different perfume components from the list given of delayed blooming perfumes given
above and/or the list of perfume components with a ClogP above 3 present in the perfume.
[0140] Another group of perfumes with which the present invention can be applied are the
so-called 'aromatherapy' materials. These include many components also used in perfumery,
including components of essential oils such as Clary Sage, Eucalyptus, Geranium, Lavender,
Mace Extract, Neroli, Nutmeg, Spearmint, Sweet Violet Leaf and Valerian.
Co-Softeners And Fatty Complexing Agents
[0141] Co-softeners may be used, such as fatty acids. When employed, they are typically
present at from 0.1 to 20% and particularly at from 0.5 to 10%, based on the total
weight of the composition. Preferred co-softeners include fatty esters, and fatty
N-oxides. Fatty esters that may be employed include fatty monoesters, such as glycerol
monostearate, fatty sugar esters, such as those disclosed
WO 01/46361 (Unilever).
[0142] Preferred fatty acids include hardened tallow fatty acid (available under the tradename
Pristerene™, ex Uniqema). Preferred fatty alcohols include hardened tallow alcohol
(available under the tradenames Stenol™ and Hydrenol™, ex Cognis and Laurex™ CS, ex
Albright and Wilson).
[0143] The compositions for use in the present invention may comprise a fatty complexing
agent.
[0144] Especially suitable fatty complexing agents include fatty alcohols.
[0145] Fatty complexing material may be used to improve the viscosity profile of the composition.
[0146] The fatty complexing agent is preferably present in an amount greater than 0.3 to
5% by weight based on the total weight of the composition. More preferably, the fatty
component is present in an amount of from 0.4 to 4%. The weight ratio of the mono-ester
component of the quaternary ammonium fabric softening material to the fatty complexing
agent is preferably from 5:1 to 1:5, more preferably 4:1 to 1:4, most preferably 3:1
to 1:3, e.g. 2:1 to 1:2.
Further Optional Ingredients
[0147] The compositions of the invention may contain one or more other ingredients. Such
ingredients include further preservatives (e.g. bactericides), pH buffering agents,
perfume carriers, hydrotropes, anti-redeposition agents, soil-release agents, polyelectrolytes,
anti-shrinking agents, anti-wrinkle agents, anti-oxidants, sunscreens, anti-corrosion
agents, drape imparting agents, anti-static agents, ironing aids pearlisers and/or
opacifiers, natural oils/extracts, processing aids, eg electrolytes, hygiene agents,
eg anti-bacterials and antifungals, thickeners and skin benefit agents.
Product Form
[0148] The compositions of the present invention are liquid rinse added fabric treatment
compositions suitable for use in a laundry process.
[0149] The compositions of the invention may also contain pH modifiers such as hydrochloric
acid or lactic acid. The liquid compositions preferably have a pH of 2.0 to 3.5, preferably
about 2.5 to 3.0.
[0150] The composition is preferably for use in the rinse cycle of a home textile laundering
operation, where, it may be added directly in an undiluted state to a washing machine,
e.g. through a dispenser drawer or, for a top-loading washing machine, directly into
the drum. The compositions may also be used in a domestic hand-washing laundry operation.
[0151] It is also possible for the compositions of the present invention to be used in industrial
laundry operations, e.g. as a finishing agent for softening new clothes prior to sale
to consumers.
Preparation Of The Compositions Of The Invention
[0152] The compositions of the invention may be made by combining a melt comprising the
fabric softening active with an aqueous phase.
[0153] A preferred method of preparation for a dilute is as follows:-
- 1. Heat water to about 40 to 50°C.
- 2. Add any minor ingredients, such as acid, sequestrants and preservatives.
- 3. Melt the softening active, antifreeze and any co-active together to form a co-melt.
- 4. Add the co-melt to the heated water phase.
- 5. Add dyes and remaining minor ingredients.
- 6. Cool.
- 7. Add perfume and antifoam.
Examples
[0154] Embodiments of the invention will now be illustrated by the following non-limiting
examples. Further modifications will be apparent to the person skilled in the art.
[0155] Examples of the invention are represented by a number. Comparative examples are represented
by a letter.
[0156] Unless otherwise stated, amounts of components are expressed as a percentage of the
total weight of the composition.
Example 1:- Preparation of Composition 1 and Comparative Examples A to C and X
[0157] A fabric conditioner composition was prepared, which contained an antifoam and a
non-ionic antifreeze in accordance with the invention. This was designated "composition
1 ".
[0158] A comparative composition was prepared, containing an antifoam and an antifreeze
compound, mono propylene glycol (MPG), which is outside the scope of the invention.
This was designated "composition A."
[0159] Comparative fabric conditioner compositions were prepared, which also contained an
antifoam, but which did not comprise an antifreeze agent. These were designated "composition
B and composition C". Comparative example X was also prepared, which represents a
prior art composition.
[0160] The compositions were prepared using the following process (for compositions B and
C, no antifreeze was added at step 4):-
- 1. The water was heated to about 50°C with stirring.
- 2. The polymer was added to the water and mixed thoroughly.
- 3. The preservative and sequestrant were then added.
- 4. The softening active, antifreeze and fatty alcohol were melted together at ca.
65°C to form a co-melt.
- 5. The co-melt was then added to the heated water.
- 6. Dyes, pearlescer and salt were then added and mixed.
- 7. The resulting was cooled.
- 8. The perfume and antifoam were added at about 35°C.
[0161] The compositions of the fabric conditioners are given in Table 1.
Table 1: Composition (wt %) of the Fabric Conditioners 1, A-C and X
Ingredient |
Tradename |
Supplier |
1 |
A |
B |
C |
X |
Softener active |
TEP-88L1 |
FXG |
9.0 |
9.0 |
9.0 |
5.0 |
- |
Softener active |
DHTDMAC Arquad 2HT-75 |
Akzo |
- |
- |
- |
- |
4.5 |
Nonionic antifreeze |
Dehydrol LT7 |
Cognis |
2.0 |
- |
- |
- |
- |
MPG antifreeze |
Mono propylene glycol |
Aldrich |
- |
5.0 |
- |
- |
- |
Fatty alcohol Co-active |
Cetostearyl Alcohol |
Godrej |
- |
- |
- |
0.5 |
- |
Nonionic surfactant |
Marlipal 24/100 |
SASOL |
- |
- |
- |
- |
0.25 |
Anti redep active |
Lutensol AT25 |
BASF |
0.75 |
0.75 |
0.75 |
- |
- |
Cationic Polymer |
Flosoft 270LS |
SNF |
0.15 |
0.15 |
0.15 |
0.2 |
- |
Silicone antifoam3 |
SRE -CN |
Wacker |
0.12 |
0.12 |
0.12 |
0.01 |
0.01 |
Dye |
Liquitint dyes |
Milliken |
0.001 |
0.001 |
0.001 |
0.001 |
0.001 |
Acid |
1M HCl |
|
0.0086 |
0.0086 |
0.0086 |
0.017 |
0.02 |
Salt |
CaCl2 (10 % Solution) |
|
0.0025 |
0.0025 |
0.0025 |
- |
- |
Perfume |
Perfume |
|
0.75 |
0.75 |
0.75 |
0.75 |
0.25 |
|
Water and minors2 |
|
to 100% |
to 100% |
to 100% |
to 100% |
to 100% |
1Palm based soft TEA Quat
2Pearlescer, preservative, sequestrant, etc
3Based on 100 % activity |
Example 2:- Freeze/Thaw Recovery Of Compositions 1, A and B
[0162] The freeze/thaw recovery behaviour of Compositions 1, A and B was assessed as follows:
Dispersion and viscometer measurements were carried out on freshly made compositions
prior to the freeze-thaw tests (to give "initial" values).
I) Freeze Thaw
[0163]
- 1) The compositions were stored at minus 18°C for 8 hours.
- 2) The compositions were then thawed at room temperature (20-25°C) for 16 hours.
- 3) This freeze/thaw cycle was repeated 5 times.
- 4) The compositions were then thawed for 48 hours at room temperature and dispersion
and viscometer measurements were carried out and compared to initial measurements.
II) - 5°C and -10°C
[0164] The compositions were stored at minus 5°C or minus 10 °C for 5 days and the visual
properties assessed daily. The compositions were then thawed for 48 hours at room
temperature before the "final" dispersion and viscometer measurements were carried
out.
[0165] The following visual assessments of the compositions were carried out over the duration
of the test. The following scales were used, where properties progressively worsen
up the scale, starting from 1:-
1) Pouring characteristics
[0166]
- 1 = Good, homogenous fluid properties
- 2 = Stringy or elastic
- 3 = Lumpy
- 4 = Distinct low and high viscosity regions
2) Dispersion Test
[0167] This was determined by dispersion of 20 ml of product in 1 litre of water at 20°C.
Instant dispersion (designated herein "instant dispersion") was assessed using the
following scale. A further assessment may be carried out after agitation of the dispersion
(designated herein "agitated dispersion").
- 1 = Excellent
- 2 = Good
- 3 = Medium
- 4 = Poor
- 5 = Very poor
3) Separation
[0168]
- 1 = No separation
- 2 = Cracked
- 3 = Evidence of some phase separation can be seen.
- 4 = Extensive phase separation has occurred
4) Visual Viscosity
[0169]
- 1 = Good, the same as the initial viscosity
- 2 = Thick
- 3 = Very thick
- 4 = Gel / soft solid
- 5 = Solid
5) Appearance
[0170]
- 1 = Good, the same as the original colour
- 2 = Pearlesced or marbled
- 3 = Opaque / white
Viscometer Viscosity Measurement
[0171] Viscosities of compositions 1, A and B were measured using a Thermo Fisher RS600.
Each sample was measured with a "cup and bob" geometry and the viscosity continuously
measured under shear at 2s
-1 for 60 seconds, followed by 60 seconds at 20s
-1, followed by 60 seconds at 106s
-1, at 25°C.
[0172] The results of these assessments are given in Tables 2 and 3 below:-
Table 2: Viscosity and dispersion properties of compositions 1, A and B at initial
and following 5 freeze-thaw cycles
|
Initial Viscosity (cps) |
Initial Dispersion |
Final Viscosity (cps) |
Final Dispersion |
|
2s-1 |
20s-1 |
106s-1 |
Instant |
Agitated |
2s-1 |
20s-1 |
106s-1 |
Instant |
Agitated |
Freeze-Thaw |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
B |
1346 |
277 |
115 |
2/3 |
2/3 |
4833 |
850 |
256 |
5 |
2/3 |
A |
376 |
120 |
63 |
2/3 |
2 |
3074 |
623 |
228 |
3 |
2/3 |
1 |
268 |
74 |
38 |
1/2 |
1 |
1540 |
358 |
131 |
4 |
1/2 |
-5°C |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
B |
1346 |
277 |
115 |
2/3 |
2/3 |
987 |
219 |
97 |
2/3 |
1 |
A |
376 |
120 |
63 |
2/3 |
2 |
257 |
86 |
50 |
3 |
2/3 |
1 |
268 |
74 |
38 |
1/2 |
1 |
260 |
60 |
31 |
1 |
1 |
-10°C |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
B |
1346 |
277 |
115 |
2/3 |
2/3 |
5012 |
868 |
230 |
5 |
4 |
A |
376 |
120 |
63 |
2/3 |
2 |
5058 |
942 |
311 |
too thick |
too thick |
1 |
268 |
74 |
38 |
1/2 |
1 |
874 |
213 |
96 |
4 |
1 |
[0173] It will be seen that the final viscosities of composition 1 were consistently lower
in comparison to that of A and B.
[0174] The dispersion tests also showed better overall performance for composition 1 before
and after the tests.
Table 3: Pouring Characteristics of compositions 1, A and B at initial and following
1-5 freeze-thaw cycles
|
Initial |
Cycle 1 |
Cycle 2 |
Cycle 3 |
Cycle 4 |
Cycle 5 |
Freeze-Thaw |
|
|
|
|
|
|
B |
2 |
1 |
3 |
3/4 |
3/4 |
3 |
A |
1 |
1/2 |
2 |
3 |
3 |
3 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1/2 |
3/4 |
2 |
Pouring characteristics: 1 = Good, homogenous fluid properties; 2 = Thick, stringy
or elastic; 3 = Lumpy and/or jelly-like; 4 = Distinct low and high viscosity regions |
[0175] All samples were found to freeze within 24 hours at -10°C.
[0176] Control without any antifreeze additives showed poor recovery from freezing: product
became highly viscous and attained a lumpy and stringy texture on pouring.
[0177] The addition of Neodol 91-6 showed a full recovery after each cycle - product retained
its low viscosity and had excellent pouring characteristics.
[0178] Overall, it will be seen that the products with nonionic recovered faster i.e. achieved
a liquid and pourable state sooner than products without the additive.
Example 3:- Foaming properties of Compositions 1, A-C and X
[0179] The foam quenching properties of Compositions 1, A, B, C and X were assessed as follows:
Visual assessments of the compositions were carried out over the duration of the test.
The following scales were used, where properties progressively worsen up the scale.
1) Surface foam
[0180]
- 1 = No bubbles, clean surface
- 2 = 100 % coverage with very small bubbles
- 3 = 100 % coverage with medium sized bubbles
- 4 = 100 % coverage with large foamy bubbles
2) Solution clarity
[0181]
0 = Clear
1 = Slightly Hazy
2 = Hazy
3 = Cloudy
4 = Very Cloudy
5 = Opaque
I) Intrinsic lathering properties in water
[0182] Each composition 1, A-C and X was added to water and shaken to assess intrinsic lathering
properties. The procedure was as follows:-
- 1. The composition was dosed into water at a concentration of 4g/litre (5g/l was used
for C).
- 2. 500ml of the resulting mixture was placed in a 750ml container and shaken vertically
5 times.
- 3. The container was then left to stand (at time = 0) and the time taken for the lather
to disappear was measured. This was designated "time to lather kill".
[0183] The results are given in Table 4 below.
Table 4:- Lathering properties (time to lather kill, surface foam and solution clarity)
for compositions 1, A, B, C and X
Property |
1 |
A |
B |
C |
X |
Time to lather kill (seconds) |
< 5s |
10 to 15s |
∼10s |
> 60 s |
> 60 s |
Surface foam2 |
1 |
2 |
2 |
4 |
2 |
Solution clarity1 |
1 |
2 |
2 |
2½ |
1 |
10= Clear; 1 = Slightly Hazy; 2 = Hazy; 3 = Cloudy; 4 = Very Cloudy; 5 = Opaque 21 = No bubbles, clean surface; 2 = 100% coverage with very small bubbles; 3 = 100%
coverage with medium sized bubbles; 4 = 100% coverage with large foamy bubbles |
[0184] It will be seen that the composition in accordance with the invention provides dramatically
better lather resistance properties than those out with the scope of the invention.
II) Resistance to lathering under anionic carryover conditions
[0185] Anionic carryover conditions (from wash to rinse bath) were simulated by adding aliquots
of an aqueous solution of washing powder to water. Each composition 1, A, B, C and
X was then added to this water and shaken to assess intrinsic anti-lathering properties.
The procedure was as follows:-
- 1. A main wash detergent powder (Omo Powder) was dosed into water at a concentration
of 2g/litre.
- 2. Meanwhile, each fabric conditioner composition was dosed into water at a concentration
of 4g/litre, as above.
- 3. A 2 ml aliquot of the main wash detergent solution of step 1 was then added to
the solution of step 2.
- 4. 500ml of the resulting mixture was placed in a 750ml container and shaken vertically
5 times.
- 5. The container was then left to stand (at time = 0) and the time taken for the lather
to disappear was measured. This was designated "time to lather kill".
- 6. Steps 3 to 5 were repeated up to four times.
[0186] The results are given in Table 5 below.
Table 5:- Lathering properties (time to lather kill, surface foam and solution clarity)
for compositions 1, A, B, C and X
Property |
1 |
A |
B |
C |
X |
Aliquot 1 |
|
Time to lather kill (seconds) |
< 5 s |
10 to 15 s |
∼10 s |
Foam was still stable at >60 s |
>60 s |
Surface foam2 |
1 |
2 |
2 |
4 |
3 |
Solution clarity 1 |
1 |
2 |
2 |
2½ |
2 |
Aliquot 2 |
|
Time to lather kill (seconds) |
5-10s |
15-20s |
15-20s |
Foam was still stable at >60s |
- |
Surface foam2 |
1 |
2 |
2 |
4 |
- |
Solution charity 1 |
2 |
3 |
3 |
3 |
- |
Aliquot 4 |
Time to lather kill (seconds) |
5-10s |
∼ 30s |
∼30s |
Foam was still stable at >60s |
- |
Surface foam2 |
1 |
2 |
2 |
4 |
- |
Solution clarity 1 |
2½ |
4 |
4 |
4 |
- |
1 0= Clear; 1 = Slightly Hazy; 2= Hazy; 3= Cloudy; 4= Very Cloudy; 5 = Opaque
21 = No bubbles, clean surface; 2 = 100% coverage with very small bubbles; 3 = 100%
coverage with medium sized bubbles; 4 = 100% coverage with large foamy bubbles. |
[0187] Surprisingly, all the antifoam properties are better for the composition in accordance
with the invention, particularly for solution clarity, which shows a synergistic benefit.
A, containing the antifreeze MPG, does not show any improvement over B for antifoam
benefits.
[0188] In summary the presence of the non-ionic antifreeze agent, in accordance with the
invention, leads to faster, more efficient foam kill, improved appearance of the solution
surface (and in fact enables a foam free benefit), improved solution clarity and improved
resistance to main wash product, providing consistently better foam kill and clarity
throughout.
Example 4:- Preparation of Compositions 2 and 3 in accordance with the invention and
Comparative Examples D, E, F and G
[0189] A further six fabric conditioner formulations were prepared using the following method:
- 1. The softening active and non-ionic surfactants (where present) were melted together
at about 65°C to form a co-melt
- 2. The water was heated to about 45 °C with stirring.
- 3. The polymer was added to the water and mixed thoroughly.
- 4. The preservative, acid and sequestrant were then added with mixing.
- 5. The co-melt was then added to the heated water.
- 6. Dyes, pearlescer and salt were then added and mixed.
- 7. The resulting product was cooled.
- 8. The perfume and antifoam were added at about 35°C.
- 9. Mix and cool product.
[0190] A fabric conditioner, designated "Composition 2"', was prepared with the same composition
as Composition 1 in Table 1 above. This composition contained the non-ionic surfactant
Dehydol LT7, which has an ethoxylation value of 7.
[0191] Composition 3 contained the non-ionic surfactant Emulan TO 2080, which has an ethoxylation
value of 20.
[0192] A comparative fabric conditioner, designated "Comparative Example D", was prepared,
with no antifreeze active and containing the non-ionic surfactant Lutensol AT25, having
an ethoxylation value of 25.
[0193] Comparative Example E contained no non-ionic surfactant.
[0194] Comparative Example F contained a high level of Lutensol AT25.
[0195] Comparative Example G contained a non-ionic surfactant, having an alkoxylation value
of 8 and a ClogP of 6.65.
[0196] The compositions of the fabric conditioners are given in Table 6.
Table 6: Composition (wt %) of the Fabric Conditioners 2, 3, D, E, F and G
Ingredient |
Tradename |
Amount (%)3 |
2 |
3 |
D |
E |
F |
G |
Softener active |
1TEP-88L |
9.0 |
9.0 |
9.0 |
9.0 |
9.0 |
9.0 |
Nonionic antifreeze |
Emulan TO 2080 |
-- |
2.0 |
-- |
-- |
-- |
-- |
Nonionic antifreeze |
5Dehydol LT7 |
2.0 |
-- |
-- |
-- |
-- |
-- |
Nonionic antifreeze |
6Myrj S8 |
-- |
-- |
-- |
-- |
-- |
2.0 |
Anti redep active |
7Lutensol AT25 |
0.75 |
0.75 |
0.75 |
-- |
2.75 |
0.75 |
Cationic Polymer |
8Flosoft 270LS |
0.15 |
0.15 |
0.15 |
0.15 |
0.15 |
0.15 |
Silicone antifoam |
SRE-CN |
0.12 |
0.12 |
0.12 |
0.12 |
0.12 |
0.12 |
Acid |
1M HCl |
0.0086 |
0.0086 |
0.0086 |
0.0086 |
0.0086 |
0.0086 |
Salt |
CaCl2 (10% Solution) |
0.0025 |
0.0025 |
0.0025 |
0.0025 |
0.0025 |
0.0025 |
Perfume |
Perfume |
0.75 |
0.75 |
0.75 |
0.75 |
0.75 |
0.75 |
Water and minors2 |
to 100 |
1 Palm based soft TEA Quat, ex FXG
2Pearlescer, preservative, sequestrant, dye, etc
3Based on 100 % activity
4Emulan TO 2080 (C12-14; 20 EO; Clog P 3.87), ex BASF
5Dehydol LT7 (C12-14; 7 EO; ClogP 5.37), ex Cognis
6Myrj S8 (C18; 8 EO; ClogP 6.65), ex Croda
7Lutensol AT25 (25 EO; ClogP 5.41), ex BASF |
Example 5:- Freeze/thaw recovery of Compositions 2 and 3 in accordance with the invention
and Comparative Examples D, E, F and G
[0197] The freeze/thaw recovery behaviour of Compositions 2, 3, D, E, F and G was assessed
as described in Example 2 above. The results are shown in Table 7 below.
Table 7: Visual dispersion (agitated) scores of compositions 2, 3, D, E, F and G at
initial and following 5 freeze-thaw cycles
|
2 |
3 |
D |
E |
F |
G |
Initial dispersion |
1 |
1 |
2 |
2 |
1 |
1 |
After 5 Freeze/ Thaw cycles |
2 |
2 |
3 |
3 |
3 |
3 |
[0198] All samples froze within 24 hours.
[0199] Compositions D, E, F and G, without antifreeze additives in accordance with the invention,
showed less effective recovery from freezing. It was further found these products
became highly viscous and attained a lumpy and stringy texture on pouring, whereas
those compositions in accordance with the invention, however, showed a good recovery
after each cycle, with the products retaining acceptable pouring characteristics.
Example 6:- Foaming properties of Compositions 2, 3, D, E, F and G
[0200] The foam quenching properties of Compositions 2, 3, D, E, F and G were assessed as
described above in Example 3, and visual assessments of the compositions were carried
out over the duration of the test.
I) Intrinsic lathering properties in water
[0201] Each composition was added to water and shaken to assess intrinsic lathering properties.
The procedure was as follows:-
- 1. The composition was dosed into water at a concentration of 4g/litre.
- 2. 500ml of the resulting mixture was placed in a 750ml container and shaken vertically
5 times.
- 3. The container was then left to stand (at time = 0) and the time taken for the lather
to disappear was measured. This was designated "time to lather kill".
[0202] The results are given in Table 8 below.
Table 8:- Lathering properties (time to lather kill, surface foam and solution clarity)
for compositions 2, 3, D, E, F and G
Property |
2 |
3 |
D |
E |
F |
G |
Initial dispersion |
1 |
1 |
2 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
Time to lather kill (seconds) |
< 5s |
5-10s |
10-15s |
> 60s |
< 5s |
5-10s |
Surface foam2 |
1 |
1 |
2 |
4 |
1 |
1 |
Solution clarity 1 |
1 |
1 |
2 |
3 |
1 |
1 |
1 0= Clear; 1 = Slightly Hazy; 2= Hazy; 3= Cloudy; 4= Very Cloudy; 5 = Opaque
21 = No bubbles, clean surface; 2 = 100% coverage with very small bubbles; 3 = 100%
coverage with medium sized bubbles; 4 = 100% coverage with large foamy bubbles |
[0203] It will be seen that the compositions in accordance with the invention provide better
lather resistance properties than comparative examples D and E. Comparative examples
F and G exhibit good lather resistance but poor freeze recovery (Table 7).
II) Resistance to lathering under anionic carryover conditions
[0204] Anionic carryover conditions (from wash to rinse bath) were simulated by adding aliquots
of an aqueous solution of washing powder to water. Each composition 2, 3, D, E, F
and G was then added to this water and shaken to assess intrinsic anti-lathering properties.
[0205] The procedure was as given in Example 3 above.
[0206] The results are given in Table 9 below.
Table 9:- Lathering properties (time to lather kill, surface foam and solution clarity)
for compositions 2, 3, D, E, F and G
Property |
2 |
3 |
D |
E |
F |
G |
Aliquot 1 |
Time to lather kill (seconds) |
5s |
5s |
15-20s |
> 60s |
5s |
5-10s |
Surface foam2 |
1 |
1 |
2 |
4 |
1 |
1.5 |
Solution clarity1 |
1 |
2 |
2 |
3 |
2 |
2 |
Aliquot 2 |
Time to lather kill (seconds) |
5s |
5s |
15-20s |
> 60s |
5s |
5-10s |
Surface foam2 |
1 |
1 |
2 |
4 |
1 |
1.5 |
Solution clarity1 |
2 |
2 |
3 |
3 |
2 |
2 |
Aliquots 3+ 4 |
Time to lather kill (seconds) |
5s |
5s |
15-20s |
> 60s |
5s |
5-10s |
Surface foam2 |
1 |
1.5 |
2 |
4 |
1 |
2 |
Solution clarity1 |
2.5 |
2.5 |
4 |
4 |
2.5 |
2.5 |
10= Clear; 1 = Slightly Hazy; 2= Hazy; 3= Cloudy; 4= Very Cloudy; 5 = Opaque
21 = No bubbles, clean surface; 2 = 100% coverage with very small bubbles; 3 = 100%
coverage with medium sized bubbles; 4 = 100% coverage with large foamy bubbles |
[0207] The compositions in accordance with the invention exhibit a combination of superior
freeze/thaw properties and excellent foam quenching properties, unlike the comparative
examples, which only exhibit good performance in one area or the other.