| (19) |
 |
|
(11) |
EP 0 320 296 A3 |
| (12) |
EUROPEAN PATENT APPLICATION |
| (88) |
Date of publication A3: |
|
21.03.1990 Bulletin 1990/12 |
| (43) |
Date of publication A2: |
|
14.06.1989 Bulletin 1989/24 |
| (22) |
Date of filing: 09.12.1988 |
|
|
| (84) |
Designated Contracting States: |
|
CH DE ES FR GB IT LI NL SE |
| (30) |
Priority: |
11.12.1987 GB 8728958
|
| (71) |
Applicants: |
|
- UNILEVER PLC
London EC4P 4BQ (GB)
GB
- UNILEVER N.V.
3013 AL Rotterdam (NL)
CH DE ES FR IT LI NL SE
|
|
| (72) |
Inventor: |
|
- Foster, Francis Geoffrey
Greasby
Wirral L49 2NR (GB)
|
| (74) |
Representative: Geary, Stephen et al |
|
Unilever Plc,
Patent Division,
Colworth House
Sharnbrook,
Bedford MK44 1LQ
Sharnbrook,
Bedford MK44 1LQ (GB) |
|
| |
|
| (54) |
Fabric softening additive for detergent compositions |
(57) A particulate fabric softening additive for detergent compositions comprises (a)
a cellulose ether and (b) an organic fabric softener in intimate mixture. The weight
ratio of (a) to (b) is from 1:1 to 0.06:1, such as from 1:4 to 1:9. Component (a)
is nonionic, water-soluble with an HLB of 3.3 to 3.8 and a gel point of 33°C to 56°C.
Some commercial alkyl, hydroxyalkyl derivatives satisfying these conditions are disclosed.
Component (b) may be a conventional quaternary ammonium salt. By forming these components
into an intimate particulate mixture, softening performance is improved.