The present invention relates to fabric care compositions. More specifically, the invention relates to rinse cycle fabric care compositions which reduce the wrinkling of fabrics and in particular the dry or in-wear wrinkling giving fabrics an all-day-ironed look.

Fabric care compositions which reduce the wrinkling of fabrics being worn are known.

Mechanical wrinkle reduction techniques, such as heat and pressure, for example, ironing are effective ways of flattening garments. However the effect is not permanent and wrinkles reappear due to a range of shear, torsion and compressive deformation forces applied in wear. The body's heat and humidity work on the fabric to relax it and hence to enhance the wrinkling of these deformational forces.

The prior art anti-wrinkle teaching can be rationalised into three approaches;

1. (a) using lubricants to improve recovery from crease,
2. (b) using cross-linkers and film formers to stiffen the fibres to resist creases in the first place, and
3. (c) combining (a) and (b).

The lubricants used in the prior art include silicones eg PDMS, aminosilicones, modified silicones, silicone copolymers, softeners (e.g. quaternary ammonium compounds) and other lubricants such as clays, waxes, polyolefins, synthetic and natural oils.

Film formers and cross-linkers used in the prior art include:

• Natural Polymers - enzymes proteins, cyclodextrins, polysaccharides e.g. starch, chitin, chitosan, cellulose, 3-1,4-polysaccharides, SCMC, guar gum, HEC etc.,
• Synthetic Polymers - polyamides, polyurethanes, polyamines, polyolefins, polyols, PEGs, polystyrene, PVA, PVC, vinyl polymers, acrylics,
• Film forming polymers - copolymers, adhesives,
• Reactive polymers - epichlorohydrin containing, isocyanate containing, epoxy containing Curable,
• Elastomeric polymers - thermoplastic silicone elastomers,
• Small Molecules - Salts, amino acids, sugars, saccharides, oligosaccharides, alcohols, acids, and
• Crosslinkers - methylol urea based, carboxylic acid, formaldehyde, ammonia, triazine, epoxide.

WO 2004/018762A1 (Philips) discloses on wrinkle benefit using fusible elastomer film formers with cross-linked particles to improve recovery from wrinkle in spray or iron cartridge applications

WO 2004/048677 (Philips) discloses film formers for recovery in spray or iron cartridge applications including fusible elastomers + polycation salt for x-linking of elastomer.

WO 2001/25381-5 (Ciba) disclose compositions with (A) a fabric softener, (B) an additive and (C) selected polyorganosilicones to endow fabrics in domestic applications with anti-pilling, elasticity, hydrophilicity, drape, and wrinkle recovery respectively. These properties are endowed by the organosilicone. Amongst the additives polysilicic acid is mentioned.

WO 2002/088293 and US-A1-2002/019236 (Unilever) both disclose fabric care compositions comprising coated particles comprising a solid core with a D_3,2 average particle size of between 10 to 700 nm in diameter and a coating of silicone polymer covalently bonded to the solid core. Silica is mentioned in a list of suitable solid core materials.

EP 1201817 (A1) (Procter & Gamble) discloses aminosilicones with sterically hindered functional groups for in-wear wrinkle resistance, which are preferably delivered from a spray during domestic ironing process.

EP 1096060 (A1) (Procter & Gamble) discloses water-soluble silicone lubricants in combination with various polymeric compounds (film formers) which are said to provide fabrics with a wrinkle recovery angle of at least +15 units over and above water.

EP 953675 (A2,A3) (Dow Corning) a textile fabric coated with an elastomeric silicone-based compound with a reinforcing filler preferably a silica + a second laminar filler preferably talc and mica. The coated fabrics amongst other benefit have less friction and are used for car seat belts. No teaching exists on the wrinkle benefit of the mixed silicone + particulate fillers. GB 842027 (Monsanto Chemicals) discloses textile friction enhancing compositions based on silica nanoparticles dispersed inside an oil emulsion droplets. The oil can be any of the known textile oils including mineral or vegetable oils. The oil to silica ratio exceeds 6 and deposition levels of 3-7% oil and 0.1-0.5% of silica per weight of fabric are preferred.

US 2635056 (Monsanto) discloses treating textiles and fabrics with an aquasol of silica plus a polyhydic alcohol such as glycerol. The blends are termed alco-aquasols and provide exceptional slip resistance to textiles and surprisingly good handle and fabric feel attributed to the presence of glycerol. The silica to glycerol ratio used in the example is 1.4. It is stated that polyhydric alcohol level should not exceed twice that of silica.

WO-2001/083875 (Ajinomoto Co.) discloses the application of silica and a softener with a cationic acrylic binder followed by application of a treatment solution containing arginine to nylon tights so as to provide skin care benefits when the tights are worn.

EP 1024119 (A2,A3) (Relats) discloses textile articles made of SiO₂-containing fibres and procedure for improving their thermal stability.

JP 04255767 (Nichihan Kenkyusho K.K.) discloses coating compositions for textiles comprising a synthetic emulsion (acrylic), colloidal or microparticle metal oxide silica gel and a zeolite to provide textile coatings with good antibacterial, deodorising, drying and heat retention properties.

NL 8900473 (Hesco Fashion Netherlands) discloses the manufacture of viscose rayon-polyester coated with a mixture of a nonionic fatty acid condensates fabric softener and a blocking agent (blocking free movement of warp and weft - friction enhancer) acidic silica dispersion. The ratio of the softener to silica is 1:1 and the level applied 1% of silica and 1% of softener.

EP 0474207, US 2881146, US 3077460 and US 5102930 all disclose fabric treatment compositions comprising silica, an organopolysiloxane and a catalyst/curing agent to cause a polymer film to form on the fabrics.

There is no product available on the market that meets consumers need for an effective in-wear wrinkle resistance from the main wash or from the rinse.

Therefore, there is a need for an effective and efficient means for preventing wrinkles from reappearing after the ironing process in wear whilst the fabrics maintains a good handle, softness and comfort in wear.

It is desirable for consumers to have a composition for use in the rinse which provides effective elimination or reduction of wrinkles in dry fabric in wear in addition to the benefits of good softness and perfume normally expected from rinse added products.

In addition, it is particularly desirable that the in-wear wrinkle resistance is provided by the composition after the first wash cycle in which it is used.

The present invention seeks to address one or more of the above-mentioned problems.

According to one aspect of the present invention there is provided a fabric treatment composition for use in the rinse cycle of a washing machine for reducing in-wear wrinkle in fabrics, the composition comprising:

1. a) a nanoparticle dispersion comprising particles having an average particle size in the range 5 to 500nm,
2. b) a lubricant phase selected from a cationic fabric softener, a silicone oil, sucrose polyester oil and mixtures thereof, and
3. c) water

The compositions of the invention are used in the rinse cycle of a laundry process and impart in-wear crease resistance to the treated fabrics. The compositions comprise a blend of nanoparticles, which act as a friction element, and a lubricant phase. The balance of the nanoparticles and lubricant phase provides the desired properties by virtue of their physical properties. The compositions of the invention are free from catalysts and curing agents and do not react to form a film when deposited on the fabric.

The compositions of the present invention are typically for use as part of a fabric care composition which is delivered to the rinse cycle of an automatic washing machine.

The compositions of the present invention comprise a nanoparticle dispersion which act as a frictional element when deposited on the fabrics. The particles are inorganic.

Suitable inorganic nano-particles include silicas, SiO₂.

The widely commercial and preferred inorganic nanoparticle are amorphous silicas available in the sol or colloidal form as defined on page 330 of The Chemistry of Silica, by R K Iler, Wiley-Interscience, New York, 1979.

Silica nanoparticles could also be of non-siliceous core as long as the surface of the nanoparticle is coated with silica as described on page 330 of Iler's book. The core can be of organic polymeric nature.

In the context of the present invention, "nanoparticle" denotes particles having an average particle size ranging from 5 to 500 nm. Larger particle size silica also aid crease resistance but apparently they are not as effective as those between 15-100 nm. Preferably all of the particles have a particle size below 500 nm, more preferably below 100 nm.

It has been found that a particle size of 500 nm or less provides excellent crease resistance on poplin fibres and a particle size of 300 nm or less provides excellent crease resistance on cotton fibres.

Dispersions having an average particle size in the range 10 to 50 nm are particularly useful. The amount to deposit between 0.25 to 2% and preferably between 0.25 to 0.5 wt% owf (0.0025 to 0.005 g/g of fabric).

Nanoparticles depending on their structure can provide additional benefits - aid odour absorption during the wear, increase longer lasting freshness, reduced glare and shine on ironing items, resistance to staining, and ease of stain removal in following washes can be achieved.

Preferred nanoparticles for use in the invention are colloidal silica. The term 'colloidal silica' here refers to dispersions or sols of discrete particles of amorphous silica, which are preferably stable. Reacted silica is the hydrophobic fumed silica as used in anti-foaming emulsions mentioned above.

Commercial colloidal silica is available containing up to 50% silica with particle diameter between 10-21 nm under the trade name Ludox (ex Grace Davison) and Snowtex (ex Nissan). Particular examples include Ludox Cl (a cationic silica) and Ludox HS50 (an anionic silica), both having a particle size of 20 nm. The quoted size represents the linear diameter of the particle.

It is well known in the art that the surface of silica particles can be easily modified to endow them with additional benefits. For example modification with aluminates allows surface charge modification (positive charge). Silicas can be modified organically (organosols as described on page 412 of the above reference). The preferred silicas have suitable modification for surface charge and/or other textile functional benefits including antimicrobial, dermal and transdermal, controlled release of fragrance and repellent agents, improved abrasion stability, water and oil, dirt repellency, and UV protection as described in Journal of Sol-Gel Science and Technology 27, 43-52, 2003 by B Mahltig and H Bottcher; Modified Silica Sol coatings for Water-Repellent Textiles.

The compositions of the present invention comprise a fibre lubricant selected from silicone oils, sucrose polyester oils or oily sugar derivatives and quaternary ammonium fabric softening materials.

The lubricant phase of interest include silicone oils and oily sugar derivatives.

The silicone lubricants of interest include the classical three classes of non-reactive silicone polymers (PDMS), reactive silicone polymers (silanol terminated PDMS) and modified silicone polymers (amino/amide functional siloxanes, non-ionic modified siloxanes or polyether modified siloxanes). Preferred silicones are PDMS types in emulsion or microemulsion format, which are commercially available, for example, Dow Corning 1716 (cationic) microemulsion, etc. Also DC amino silicones 2-8669 nonionic microemulsion, 2-8203 nonionic microemulsion, 28197 nonionic macroemulsion.

Another class of preferred silicones are those ex Wacker including Wetsoft CTA (amino glycol PDMS), Finish CT 34E (amino PDMS emulsion), Finish CT 208E (amino OH PDMS emulsion), Finish CT 96 E (amino PDMS emulsion), and their Fluid L range, Fluid L 652 for example (amino PDMS).

Although silicone oils are preferred to improve the fabric handle and softness non-silicone lubricants such as sucrose polyester oils can provide the lubrication needed for fabric recovery from wrinkle. WO2002/019236A1 (Unilever) provides a fuller list of silicone polymers of interest and EP1205538 (Unilever) the class of drying oils.

A preferred class of commercial materials in which the particulate phase and a lubricant phase are combined include but not limited to Dow Corning's silicone + reacted silica blends marketed as anti-foaming agents including DOW CORNING® Antifoam B, DOW CORNING@ 544, DOW CORNING@ Q2-3302 ANTIFOAM COMPOUND, DOW CORNING@ 1581 WATER REPELLENT, DOW CORNING@ 2-1912 FLUID.

Another preferred class of materials in which the particulate phase and the lubricant phase are combined include but not limited to Dow Corning MQ silicone resin range which contains a PDMS silicone oil and a silicone resin nano-particulate phase.

Suitable sucrose polyester oils are the reaction products of fatty acid methyl ester (FAME) of natural oils and sucrose. Suitable oils and their preparation are described in EP323670B1, EP 383404B1, WO 2001/46210, WO 98/16538, WO 01/46359A1 and British Patent Application No. 0501006.1.

Preferred oils are derived from natural oils predominantly comprising C₁₆ and C₁₈ hydrocarbon chains e.g. palm kernel oil, soy bean oil.

The quaternary ammonium fabric softening material is generally one that is able to form a lamellar phase dispersion in water, in particular a dispersion of liposomes.

The quaternary ammonium compound "QAC" is preferably one having two C_12-28 groups, that may independently be alkyl or alkenyl groups, connected to the nitrogen head group, preferably being connected to the nitrogen head group by at least one ester link, and more preferably by two ester links.

The average chain length of the alkyl and/or alkenyl groups is preferably at least C₁₄ and more preferably at least C₁₆. It is particularly preferred that at least half of the groups have a chain length of C₁₈. In general, the alkyl and/or alkenyl groups are predominantly linear.

A first group of QACs suitable for use in the composition is represented by formula (I): wherein each R is independently selected from a C_5-35 alkyl or alkenyl group; R¹ 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 tri-ester analogues associated with them. Such materials are particularly suitable for use in the present invention.

Especially preferred agents are di-esters of triethanolammonium methylsulphate, otherwise referred to as "TEA ester quats". Commercial examples include 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 C₁₀-C₂₀ and C₁₆-C₁₈ unsaturated fatty acids), ex Witco Corporation.

The second group of QACs suitable for use in the composition is represented by formula (II): wherein each R¹ group is independently selected from C_1-4 alkyl, hydroxyalkyl or C_2-4 alkenyl groups; and wherein each R² group is independently selected from C_8-28 alkyl or alkenyl groups; and wherein n, T, and X^- are as defined above.

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 mono-ester.

A third group of QACs suitable for use in the composition is represented by formula (III):

        (R¹)₂-N⁺-[(CH₂)_n-T-R²]₂ X^-     (III)

wherein each R¹ group is independently selected from C_1-4 alkyl, or C_2-4 alkenyl groups; and wherein each R² 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 and hardened versions thereof.

A fourth group of QACs suitable for use in the composition is represented by formula (IV):

        (R¹)₂-N⁺-(R²)₂ X^-     (IV)

wherein each R¹ group is independently selected from C_1-4 alkyl, or C_2-4 alkenyl groups; and wherein each R² group is independently selected from C_8-28 alkyl or alkenyl groups; and X^- is as defined above. Preferred materials of this fourth group include di(hardened tallow)dimethylammonium chloride.

The iodine value of the softening agent is preferably from 0 to 20, more preferably from 0 to 4, and most preferably from 0 to 2. Essentially saturated material, i.e. having an iodine value of from 0 to 1, is used in especially high performing compositions. At low iodine values, the softening performance is excellent and the composition has improved resistance to oxidation and associated odour problems upon storage.

Iodine value is defined as the number of grams of iodine absorbed per 100 g of test material. NMR spectroscopy is a suitable technique for determining the iodine value of the softening agents of the present invention, using the method described in Anal. Chem., 34, 1136 (1962) by Johnson and Shoolery and in EP 593,542 (Unilever, 1993).

The softening agent is usually present in the compositions of the invention at a level of 5% or greater by weight of the total composition.

References to levels of cationic softening agent in this specification are to the total level of cationic softening agent, including all cationic components of a complex raw material that could enter aqueous lamellar phase together. With a di-ester softening agent, it includes any associated mono-ester or tri-ester that may be present.

For ease of formulation, the amount of softening agent is generally 50% or less, particularly 40% or less, and especially 30% or less by weight of the total composition. Generally the softening agent is present in an amount of from 3 to 20% by weight of the composition.

The composition of the present invention may comprise a fatty complexing agent. Especially suitable fatty complexing agents include fatty alcohols and fatty acids. Of these, fatty alcohols are most preferred.

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) and behenyl alcohol, a C22 chain alcohol, available as Lanette 22 (ex Henkel).

The fatty complexing agent is present in an amount of from 0.1% to 15% by weight based on the total weight of the composition. More preferably, the fatty component is present in an amount of from 0.2 to 10%, most preferably from 0.25 to 5%, e.g. 0.3 to 4% by weight.

The compositions further comprise a nonionic surfactant. Typically these can be included for the purpose of stabilising the compositions.

Suitable nonionic surfactants include addition products of ethylene oxide and/or propylene oxide with fatty alcohols, fatty acids and fatty amines.

Any of the alkoxylated materials of the particular type described hereinafter can be used as the nonionic surfactant. Suitable surfactants are substantially water soluble surfactants of the general formula:

        R-Y-(C₂H₄O)_z- C₂H₄OH

where R is selected from the group consisting of primary, secondary and branched chain alkyl and/or acyl hydrocarbyl groups; 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 25, preferably 10 to 20, e.g. 14 to 18 carbon atoms.

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 at least about 8, preferably at least about 10 or 11.

Preferably the nonionic surfactant has an HLB of from about 7 to about 20, more preferably from 10 to 18, e.g. 12 to 16.

Examples of nonionic surfactants follow. In the examples, the integer defines the number of ethoxy (EO) groups in the molecule.

The deca-, undeca-, dodeca-, tetradeca-, and pentadeca-ethoxylates of n-hexadecanol, and n-octadecanol having an HLB within the range recited herein are useful viscosity/ dispersibility modifiers in the context of this invention. Exemplary ethoxylated primary alcohols useful herein as the viscosity/dispersibility modifiers of the compositions are C₁₈

EO(10); and C₁₈ EO(11). The ethoxylates of mixed natural or synthetic alcohols in the "tallow" chain length range are also useful herein. Specific examples of such materials include tallow alcohol-EO(11), tallow alcohol-EO(18), and tallow alcohol-EO (25), coco alcohol-EO(10), coco alcohol-EO(15), coco alcohol-EO(20) and coco alcohol-EO(25).

The deca-, undeca-, dodeca-, tetradeca-, pentadeca-, octadeca-, and nonadeca-ethoxylates of 3-hexadecanol, 2-octadecanol, 4-eicosanol, and 5-eicosanol having an HLB within the range recited herein are useful viscosity and/or dispersibility modifiers in the context of this invention. Exemplary ethoxylated secondary alcohols useful herein as the viscosity and/or dispersibility modifiers of the compositions are: C₁₆ EO(11); C₂₀ EO(11); and C₁₆ EO(14).

Branched chain primary and secondary alcohols which are available from the well-known "OXO" process can be ethoxylated and employed as the viscosity and/or dispersibility modifiers of compositions herein.

Suitable polyol based surfactants include sucrose esters such sucrose monooleates, alkyl polyglucosides such as stearyl monoglucosides and stearyl triglucoside and alkyl polyglycerols.

The nonionic surfactant is preferably present in an amount from 0.01 to 10%, more preferably 0.1 to 5%, most preferably 0.35 to 3.5%, e.g. 0.5 to 2% by weight, based on the total weight of the composition.

In rinse cycle fabric care compositions, co-active softeners may also be incorporated in an amount from 0.01 to 20% by weight, more preferably 0.05 to 10%, based on the total weight of the composition. Preferred co-active softeners include fatty esters, and fatty N-oxides.

Preferred fatty esters include fatty monoesters, such as glycerol monostearate. If GMS is present, then it is preferred that the level of GMS in the composition, is from 0.01 to 10 wt%, based on the total weight of the composition.

The co-active softener may also comprise an oily sugar derivative. Suitable oily sugar derivatives, their methods of manufacture and their preferred amounts are described in WO-A1-01/46361 on page 5 line 16 to page 11 line 20, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein.

It is useful, though not essential, if the compositions comprise one or more polymeric viscosity control agents. Suitable polymeric viscosity control agents include nonionic and cationic polymers, such as hydrophobically modified cellulose ethers (e.g. Natrosol Plus, ex Hercules), cationically modified starches (e.g. Softgel BDA and Softgel BD, both ex Avebe). A particularly preferred viscosity control agent is a copolymer of methacrylate and cationic acrylamide available under the tradename Flosoft 200 (ex SNF Floerger).

Nonionic and/or cationic polymers are preferably present in an amount of 0.01 to 5wt%, more preferably 0.02 to 4wt%, based on the total weight of the composition.

Other optional nonionic softeners, bactericides, soil-releases agents may also be incorporated in the rinse cycle fabric care compositions.

Such compositions may also contain one or more optional ingredients conventionally included in liquid rinse fabric conditioning compositions such as pH buffering agents, perfume carriers, fluorescers, colourants, hydrotropes, antifoaming agents, antiredeposition agents, polyelectrolytes, enzymes, optical brightening agents, anti-shrinking agents, anti-spotting agents, antioxidants, sunscreens, anti-corrosion agents, drape imparting agents, anti-static agents, ironing aids and dyes.

The lubricant and the particulate phases in the compositions of the invention can be in a fully dispersed state, partially flocculated or associated in the form of a Pickering emulsion where the particles stud the surface of the emulsion or liposome droplets to form a nanoparticle-droplet composite - studded particles.

The composition may be prepared according to any suitable method. In one method the nanoparticle dispersion plus the lubricant emulsion or microemulsion if needed can be post dosed into the fabric softening base after it is manufactured with minimum agitation to prevent flocculation.

In another method of addition the nanoparticle phase at the required level can be post-dosed into an off-the-shelf ready fabric conditioner.

The product preferably comprises a liquid, preferably an aqueous liquid.

The composition can be a rinse cycle fabric care composition for use in a conventional automatic washing machine.

• Figures 1a and 1b represent a standard Wrinkle Recovery Tester Instrument Model 155 commercially available from James H Heal & Co. Ltd.,
• Figure 2 represents images of the existing AATCC 128 Scale,
• Figure 3 represents images of the new U Scale and
• Figure 4 is a plot showing the comparison of the AATCC scale with the new U Scale.

It has been discovered that the traditional Crease or Wrinkle Recovery Angle (CRA) approach for characterising anti-wrinkle compositions of inventions, that is AATCC66-1990 (see EP-A-1096060) is largely irrelevant to in-wear wrinkle assessment. In in-wear wrinkling the sharpness of the fold and deformation matters and this is not measured by CRA.

There are many textile industry standard methods (Association of American Textile Chemists and Colourists - AATCC) described for generating and measuring wrinkling on fabric.

The AATCC 128 Wrinkle Recovery Test is that most widely used to determine the wrinkle recovery of garments and is referenced widely in the external literature. A test fabric is wrinkled under standard conditions of load, time and environmental conditions using a standard Wrinkle Recovery Tester model 155 device supplied by James H Heal & Co Ltd (Figure 1). The level of wrinkled state is ranked visually with reference to a standard 3D (cast)replica scale, WR1-WR5, where WR1 = no recovery from creasing and WR5 = full recovery using a defined illumination set-up. Figure 2 shows this 3D AATCC 128 wrinkle scale.

However, the existing 3D AATCC 128 scale is not ideal when testing fabrics for in-wear wrinkling for the following reasons.

The existing AATCC 128 3D standards cannot allow a panellist to distinguish fine differences in intensity of wrinkling. For example in in-wear wrinkling the range of wrinkle falls around 2.5 to 3.5 but the 128 scale covers the broad brush scale of 1 to 5 missing details in the 2.5-3.5 range of interest.

Hence there is a need for a more relevant scale to assess the intensity of wrinkling with good discrimination.

The new scale, called U scale hereafter, emerged from images of woven cotton poplin monitors wrinkled, using the Wrinkle Recovery Tester model 155, to severity between 0 = not wrinkled (flat) and 10 = severely wrinkled as shown in Figure 3. This scale therefore covers a wider spectrum of wrinkles in the middle range allowing panellists to discriminate fine details in a systematic manner.

Compared to AATCC128 scale, which manifests a rather flat insensitive region around a score of 3, the new U scale allows discrimination between the intensity of wrinkling around this region. Figure 4 shows the comparison between the two scales graphically.

The test solution is prepared with the desired strength or the desired % owf and stabilised overnight on a roller bank.

The monitor is then weighed (W1), soaked in the test solution and compressed between the rollers of the Werner Mathis AG padder so that it weighs double its original weight.

The monitor is left to dry at controlled temperature and RH (20°C/65%RH) for 24 hours and then re-weighed (W2).

The weight of additive on the monitor is (W2 - W1) from which the %owf can be calculated.

The dry monitor is ironed flat using the Philips Azur 4000 iron on the hottest setting and with highest steam setting and left to condition for a further 24 hours at controlled T and RH (20°C/65%RH).

Six such test monitors per treatment are prepared.

In each test there are control monitors for comparison with the composition treated monitors. These control monitors are treated with demineralised water instead of the compositions and prepared in the same way.

To generate wrinkled state the monitors are loaded onto a Wrinkle Recovery Tester model 155 so that the warp direction is vertical. The fabric is then compressed (wrinkled) using no additional weight for 8 minutes.

After wrinkling the monitors are hung up for 24 hours at 20°C/65%RH.

A digital photograph image is taken of each monitor using a Nokia Digital Camera under identical lighting conditions. The standard lighting conditions are achieved using a Verivide Crease Imaging Cabinet.

The images are then loaded into a panelling programme and each image is presented to the panellist to score against_images of the scale being used - either AATCC128 or U Scale.

Six trained panellists score all monitors for wrinkle intensity against the scale.

In each test six untreated control monitors are also prepared and wrinkled in exactly the same way as the treated monitors as described above to enable comparison with the compositions.

The invention will now be illustrated by the following nonlimiting examples. Further modifications will be apparent to the person skilled in the art. Samples of the invention are represented by a number. Comparative samples are represented by a letter. All values are percentage by weight of the active ingredient unless stated otherwise.

The formulations in the following Table 1 were prepared by co-melting the quaternary ammonium fabric softening material, tallow alcohol, and nonionic, heating water and adding the co-melt to the water under stirring to form a homogeneous mixture, allowing the mixture to cool and then adding the dye/perfume and preservative at 40°C. The mixture was allowed to cool further and then the silica dispersion was post-dosed with stirring. Ingredient Example 1 Example 2 Example A Tetranyl AHT-1 (1) 14.94 6.035 14.94 Genapol C200 (2) 0.38 0.10 0.38 Hydronol D(3) 1.00 0.20 1.00 silica(4) 10.96 4.43 - polymer (5) - 0.030 - Dye/perfume/pr eservative minor minor minor water to 100 to 100 to 100 (1) Tetranyl AHT-1 is a fully hardened tallow triethanolamine quaternary fabric softener supplied by KAO at 85% active level
(2) Genapol C200 is a coco (C9-C11) 20EO nonionic (Clariant)
(3) Hydrenol D (Cognis) is a fully hardened vegetable derived C16-C18 fatty alcohol.
(4) C820 is a 11% silica dispersion in water (Ciba) with 22 nm size silica particles. The quantities in the table show the amount of silica.
(5) Natrasol 331 a hydrophobically modified hydroxy ethyl cellulose.

The formulation of Examples A and 1 were subject to wrinkle testing and compared to the application of the silica dispersion and water. The results are reported in Table 2. Example A Example 1 silica (C820) Water Quat : silica ratio 1:0 1.3:1 0:1 Control Score 2.86 3.39 3.53 3.17

As the results in Table 2 show the fabric conditioner formulation treatment on its own (Example A) provides little or no in-wear wrinkle benefit as the comparison with water control demonstrate. However the combination of fabric conditioner with silica particles in accordance with the invention offers improved in-wear wrinkle benefit.

Silica on its own gives the flattest state corresponding to the least in-wear wrinkle. However the fabric handle is too harsh and abrasive with silica alone.

Table 3 characterises the fabric handle obtained using the formulations. A lower 2HG5 score means that there is a more elastic response when a shearing force is applied to the treated fabric. A lower G score means that a lower level of stiffness is experienced when a shearing force is applied. % owf Example A Example 1 Silica (C820) water control 0.3% (2HG5) 10.60 6.30 12.36 10.807 0.3% (G) 1.98 1.68 2.49 2.00

The results show the combined lubricant/silica (Example 1) provides the desirable fabric smoothness and softness.

The formulations reported in the following Table 4 were prepared by mixing a silica dispersion with off-the-shelf fabric conditioning compositions. The silica dispersions was Ludox SP532-10519 a 40% silicon dispersion with 50 nm particle size ex Grace Davison. The fabric conditioning compositions were:

1. (A) Vernal Blue sky fabric conditioner from Henkel containing 13.9% by weight of a softener based on a partially hardened triethanolamine quaternary ammonium compound
2. (B) Comfort Blue fabric conditioner from Unilever having a composition as Example A.

Test of the monitors by an expert panel showed their handle and softness acceptable. Ease of ironing of the quat:silica blends was comparable with to that of Comfort commercial fabric conditioner

Another class of lubricant-particle blends belong to the MQ silicone resin class from Dow Corning shown in Tables 5 and 6. The intensity of wrinkling is reduced compared to untreated after 1 hr and 24hrs at the preferred deposition levels. Ratio PDMS/silicone resin blend (cationic emulsifier) %owf 40/60 30/70 20/80 Untreated 1hr score 24hr score 1hr score 24hr score 1hr score 24hr score 1hr score 24hr score 0.1 3.71 2.97 3.17 2.61 3.25 2.49 3.60 2.88 0.25 3.08 2.49 2.78 2.29 2.40 1.93 3.60 2.88 Ratio PDMS/silicone resin blend (non-ionic emulsifier) % owf 40/60 30/70 20/80 Untreated 1hr score 24hr score 1hr score 24hr score 1hr score 24hr score 1hr score 24hr score 0.1 2.67 1.67 2.15 2.08 2.75 2.38 3.58 2.89 0.25 1.83 2.14 2.92 2.25 3.58 2.38 4.00 2.89

In Tables 5 and 6 the composition of the internal phase of the emulsions is the same. They differ in the type of surfactant used for emulsification.

Table 7 shows the composition of the oil and water phases of the emulsions. The PDMS/resin blends in D5 (a low molecular weight silicone oil solvent) are mixed with water and emulsifier (not shown in Table 7). Ingredient % in composition Water 50 D5 25 PDMS / Resin blend 25

Siloxane resin consisting of monovalent trisiloxy (M) groups having formula R₃SiO_1/2 and tetravalent siloxy (Q) groups having formula SiO_4/2 and the polymer is amino functionalised PDMS with some degree of OH termination of viscosity 4000 mPa s.

Table 8 provides the droplet sizes of the resin blend emulsions used in Tables 8 and 9. PDMS/MQ blend ratio Surfactant Type PSD (nm) 40/60 Nonionic 139 30/70 Nonionic 129 20/80 Nonionic 161 40/60 Cationic 116 30/70 Cationic 154 20/80 Cationic 139

The silicon resin blend treated monitors showed better softness and handle compared to silica at equal add-on level. Their ease of ironing was also improved compared to the silica.