Technical Field
[0001] The present invention relates to bleaching compositions. The compositions of the
present invention are particularly useful for laundry bleaching.
Background
[0002] Compositions for the bleaching of laundry have been extensively described in the
art. Bleaching compositions can be classified into peroxide bleaching compositions
and hypochlorite bleaching compositions. Peroxide bleaching compositions have the
advantage over hypochlorite bleaching compositions in that they are generally considered
as being somewhat safer to fabrics, specifically to colored fabrics. Peroxide compositions
however have the inconvenience that they are often chemically unstable, which makes
it difficult to formulate peroxide bleaching compositions which are sufficiently stable
for sufficiently long periods of time to be commercialized. A possible solution to
this problem consists in formulating compositions with a high level of peroxide, to
extend the "effective" period of the composition. However, a potential drawback of
this solution is that compositions may reach consumers which still comprise a high
amount of peroxide, possibly causing skin irritation (e.g. itching) in contact with
the peroxide composition. This irritation, specifically itching phenomenon is quite
moderate and fully reversible, but does constitute potential discomfort for the user.
[0003] Furthermore peroxide species are in general poor bleaching agents at lower temperatures,
so that it is required to formulate activated peroxide bleaching compositions if they
are to be used across a wider range of temperatures. Activated bleaching compositions
comprise a bleach activator, typically a peracid precursor, which will react in an
aqueous medium with hydrogen peroxide to form the corresponding peracid. This peracid
is an effective bleaching agent at lower temperatures.
[0004] It is thus an object of the present invention to formulate a peroxide bleaching composition
which is stable, without having to resort to using higher amounts of peroxide, and
which can be activated in a stable manner.
[0005] It is also an object of the present invention to formulate a bleaching composition
with superior bleaching performance.
[0006] In response we have now found that this object can be met by formulating an aqueous
emulsion as described herein.
[0007] Bleaching compositions formulated as emulsions have been disclosed in EP 598 170
and a co-pending patent application number EP-A-687 726. The compositions as described
in '170 are emulsions comprising hydrogen peroxide in one phase and a hydrophobic
liquid ingredient in the other phase. This hydrophobic liquid ingredient can be a
peracid precursor. The compositions as described in '726 comprise at least two nonionic
surfactants and benzoyl peroxide.
Summary of the invention
[0008] The present invention relates to a composition in the form of an aqueous emulsion
and/or microemulsion comprising a diacyl peroxide and a surfactant system, wherein
the surfactant system comprises at least one anionic surfactant and at least one nonionic
surfactant.
Detailed description of the invention
Aqueous emulsion
[0009] The compositions according to the present invention are stable aqueous emulsions
and/or microemulsions. By "stable emulsion" it is meant a liquid composition comprising
polar and non polar components which does not macroscopically separate into distinct
layers, upon standing for at least two weeks at 20 °C, more preferably at least six
months. The emulsion can alternatively be microemulsions. By "microemulsion" it is
meant an emulsion that is thermodynamically stable.
[0010] The Applicants have found that diacyl peroxide (or DAP) is not stable in aqueous
solution. However, when the DAP is formulated with a mixture of at least one anionic
surfactant and at least one nonionic surfactant the stability of the DAP is improved.
It is believed that this phenomenon exists because the surfactants form micelles in
which the DAP is retained, thus protecting the DAP from decomposition. Moreover, it
has additionally been found that the stability of the composition is improved even
further when the composition comprises a hydrophobic solvent.
[0011] The compositions according to the present invention are aqueous. Accordingly, the
compositions according to the present invention preferably comprise from 10% to 95%
by weight of the total composition of water, preferably from 30% to 90%, most preferably
from 60% to 85%. Deionized water is preferably used.
Diacyl Peroxide
[0012] The compositions of the present invention comprise a diacyl peroxide (or DAP). The
DAP may be selected from the group consisting of dialiphatic peroxide, diaromatic
peroxide, aliphatic-aromatic peroxide or mixtures thereof. Generally, the DAP has
general formula:
R-C(O)-O-O-(O)C-R
1
wherein R and R
1 can be the same of different and are selected from either aliphatic or aromatic groups
having from 6 to 20 carbon atoms.
[0013] Where R and/or R
1 is an aliphatic group it may be branched, but is preferably linear. Preferred aliphatic
groups have from 8 to 14 carbon atoms, most preferably 10 to 12 carbon atoms. Particularly,
preferred dialiphatic peroxides include dioctanoyl peroxide, didecanoyl peroxide,
dilauroyl peroxide, dimyristoyl peroxide or mixtures thereof Dilauroyl peroxide is
available from Akzo Nobel under the tradename Laurox®. Dodeconoy peroxide is availabe
from Akzo Nobel under the tradename Perkadox SE 10.
[0014] An example of a suitable diaromatic peroxide is dibenzoyl peroxide. However for the
purposes of the present invention although useful, these species are not preferred
because they are more noticeably aggressive to colours, causing fabric colour loss.
[0015] Particulary preferred DAP's are aliphatic-aromatic peroxides wherein one of either
R or R' is aliphatic and the other is aromatic. In these species the aromatic moiety
is preferably benzoyl. In an alternative embodiment, the aromatic species may be a
substituted benzoyl wherein the substituent is preferably an alkyl group having from
1 to 20 carbon atoms. The aliphatic moiety preferably comprises from 8 to 14 carbon
atoms, more preferably from 10 to 12 carbon atoms and although it may be branched
, it is preferably linear.
[0016] A particularly preferred aliphatic-aromatic peroxide is benzoyl-lauroyl peroxide.
Typically the DAP is preferably at level of from 0.01% to 20% by weight of the composition,
more preferably 0.05% to 10%, most preferably 0.5% to 3%.
Surfactant
[0017] The compositions according to the present invention are emulsions of at least one
anionic and at least one nonionic surfactant.
[0018] Suitable anionic surfactants for use in the compositions herein include water-soluble
salts or acids of the formula ROSO
3M wherein R preferably is a C
8-C
20 hydrocarbyl, preferably linear or branched alkyl having a C
8-C
20 alkyl component, more preferably a C
10- C
14 linear or branched alkyl, and M is H or a cation, e.g., an alkali metal cation (e.g.,
sodium, potassium, lithium), or ammonium or substituted ammonium (e.g., methyl-, dimethyl-,
and trimethyl ammonium cations and quaternary ammonium cations, such as tetramethylammonium
and dimethyl piperdinium cations and quaternary ammonium cations derived from alkylamines
such as ethylamine, diethylamine, triethylamine, and mixtures thereof, and the like).
[0019] Other suitable anionic surfactants for use herein are water-soluble salts or acids
of the formula RO(A)
mSO
3M wherein R is an unsubstituted C
6-C
24 linear or branched alkyl group having a C
6-C
24 alkyl component, preferably a C
10-C
20 linear or branched alkyl, more preferably C
12-C
18 linear or branched alkyl, A is an ethoxy or propoxy unit, m is greater than zero,
typically between about 0.5 and about 30, more preferably between about 0.5 and about
5, and M is H or a cation which can be, for example, a metal cation (e.g., sodium,
potassium, lithium, calcium, magnesium, etc.), ammonium or substituted-ammonium cation.
Alkyl ethoxylated sulfates as well as alkyl propoxylated sulfates are contemplated
herein. Specific examples of substituted ammonium cations include methyl-, dimethyl-,
trimethyl-ammonium and quaternary ammonium cations, such as tetramethyl-ammonium,
dimethyl piperdinium and cations derived from alkanolamines such as ethylamine, diethylamine,
triethylamine, mixtures thereof and the like. Exemplary surfactants are C
12-C
18 alkyl polyethoxylate (1.0) sulfate, C
12-C
18E(1.0) sulfate, C
12-C
18 alkyl polyethoxylate (2.25) sulfate, C
12-C
18E(2.25) sulfate, C
12-C
18 alkyl polyethoxylate (3.0) sulfate, C
12-C
18E(3.0) sulfate, and C
12-C
18 alkyl polyethoxylate (4.0) sulfate, C
12-C
18E(4.0) sulfate, wherein the counterion is conveniently selected from sodium and potassium.
[0020] Other anionic surfactants useful for detersive purposes can also be used herein.
These can include salts (including, for example, sodium, potassium, ammonium, and
substituted ammonium salts such as mono-, di- and triethanolamine salts) of soap,
C
9-C
20 linear alkylbenzenesulfonates, C
8-C
22 primary or secondary alkanesulfonates, C
8-C
24 olefinsulfonates, sulfonated polycarboxylic acids prepared by sulfonation of the
pyrolyzed product of alkaline earth metal citrates, e.g., as described in British
patent specification No. 1,082,179, C
8-C
24 alkylpolyglycolethersulfates (containing up to 10 moles of ethylene oxide); alkyl
ester sulfonates such as C
14-16 methyl ester sulfonates; acyl glycerol sulfonates, fatty oleyl glycerol sulfates,
alkyl phenol ethylene oxide ether sulfates, paraffin sulfonates, alkyl phosphates,
isethionates such as the acyl isethionates, N-acyl taurates, alkyl succinamates and
sulfosuccinates, monoesters of sulfosuccinate (especially saturated and unsaturated
C
12-C
18 monoesters) diesters of sulfosuccinate (especially saturated and unsaturated C
6-C
14 diesters), sulfates of alkylpolysaccharides such as the sulfates of alkylpolyglucoside
(the nonionic nonsulfated compounds being described below), branched primary alkyl
sulfates, alkyl polyethoxy carboxylates such as those of the formula RO(CH
2CH
2O)
kCH
2COO-M
+ wherein R is a C
8-C
22 alkyl, k is an integer from 0 to 10, and M is a soluble salt-forming cation.
[0021] Resin acids and hydrogenated resin acids are also suitable, such as rosin, hydrogenated
rosin, and resin acids and hydrogenated resin acids present in or derived from tall
oil. Further examples are given in "Surface Active Agents and Detergents" (Vol. I
and II by Schwartz, Perry and Berch). A variety of such surfactants are also generally
disclosed in U.S. Patent 3,929,678, issued December 30, 1975, to Laughlin, et al.
at Column 23, line 58 through Column 29, line 23 (herein incorporated by reference).
[0022] Other suitable anionic surfactants for use herein also include acyl sarcosinate or
mixtures thereof, in its acid and/or salt form, preferably long chain acyl sarcosinates
having the following formula:
wherein M is hydrogen or a cationic moiety and wherein R is an alkyl group of from
11 to 15 carbon atoms, preferably of from 11 to 13 carbon atoms. Preferred M are hydrogen
and alkali metal salts, especially sodium and potassium. Said acyl sarcosinate surfactants
are derived from natural fatty acids and the amino-acid sarcosine (N-methyl glycine).
They are suitable to be used as aqueous solution of their salt or in their acidic
form as powder. Being derivatives of natural fatty acids, said acyl sarcosinates are
rapidly and completely biodegradable and have good skin compatibility.
[0023] Accordingly, suitable long chain acyl sarcosinates to be used herein include C
12 acyl sarcosinate (i.e., an acyl sarcosinate according to the above formula wherein
M is hydrogen and R is an alkyl group of 11 carbon atoms) and C
14 acyl sarcosinate (i.e., an acyl sarcosinate according to the above formula wherein
M is hydrogen and R is an alkyl group of 13 carbon atoms). C
12 acyl sarcosinate is commercially available, for example, as Hamposyl L-30® supplied
by Hampshire. C
14 acyl sarcosinate is commercially available, for example, as Hamposyl M-30® supplied
by Hampshire.
[0024] The most preferred anionic surfactants are selected from the group consisting of
paraffin sulphonate, C
10-14 alkyl sulphates and mixtures thereof.
[0025] Suitable nonionic surfactants for use herein include a class of compounds which may
be broadly defined as compounds produced by the condensation of alkylene oxide groups
(hydrophilic in nature) with an organic hydrophobic compound, which may be branched
or linear aliphatic (e.g. Guerbet or secondary alcohol) or alkyl aromatic in nature.
The length of the hydrophilic or polyoxyalkylene radical which is condensed with any
particular hydrophobic group can be readily adjusted to yield a water-soluble compound
having the desired degree of balance between hydrophilic and hydrophobic elements.
Accordingly suitable nonionic synthetic surfactants include :
(i) The polyethylene oxide condensates of alkyl phenols, e.g., the condensation products
of alkyl phenols having an alkyl group containing from 6 to 20 carbon atoms in either
a straight chain or branched chain configuration, preferably from 8 to 12 carbon atoms,
with ethylene oxide, the said ethylene oxide being present in amounts equal to 10
to 25 moles of ethylene oxide per mole of alkyl phenol. The alkyl substituent in such
compounds may be derived from polymerized propylene, diisobutylene, octane, and nonane;
(ii) Those derived from the condensation of ethylene oxide with the product resulting
from the reaction of propylene oxide and ethylene diamine products which may be varied
in composition depending upon the balance between the hydrophobic and hydrophilic
elements which is desired. Examples are compounds containing from about 40% to about
80% polyoxyethylene by weight and having a molecular weight of from about 5000 to
about 11000 resulting from the reaction of ethylene oxide groups with a hydrophobic
base constituted of the reaction product of ethylene diamine and excess propylene
oxide, said base having a molecular weight of the order of 2500 to 3000;
(iii) The condensation product of aliphatic alcohols having from 6 to 22 carbon atoms,
in either straight chain or branched chain configuration, preferably from 8 to 18
carbon atoms, with from 2 to 35 moles of ethylene oxide, preferably from 4 to 25 and
more preferably from 5 to 18 to make polyethoxylated alcohols. Example of this type
of material are a coconut alcohol ethylene oxide condensate having from 5 to 18 moles
of ethylene oxide per mole of coconut alcohol, the coconut alcohol fraction having
from 9 to 14 carbon atoms;
(iv) Trialkyl amine oxides and trialkyl phosphine oxides wherein one alkyl group ranges
from 10 to 18 carbon atoms and two alkyl groups range from 1 to 3 carbon atoms; specific
example is tetradecyl dimethyl phosphine oxide;
(v) The condensation products of ethylene oxide with a hydrophobic base formed by
the condensation of propylene oxide with propylene glycol; The hydrophobic portion
of these compounds will preferably have a molecular weight of from about 1500 to about
1800 and will exhibit water insolubility. The addition of polyoxyethylene moieties
to this hydrophobic portion tends to increase the water solubility of the molecule
as a whole, and the liquid character of the product is retained up to the point where
the polyoxyethylene content is about 50% of the total weight of the condensation product,
which corresponds to condensation with up to about 40 moles of ethylene oxide.
[0026] Particularly suitable nonionic surfactants for use herein are capped nonionic ethoxylated
surfactants according to the formula:
R
1(OR
2)
nOR
3
wherein R1 is a C8-C18 linear or branched alkyl or alkenyl group, aryl group, alkaryl group, preferably,
R1 is a C10-C15 alkyl or alkenyl group, more preferably a C10-C15 alkyl group;
R2 is a C2-C10 linear or branched alkyl group, preferably a C4 group;
R3 is a C1-C10 alkyl or alkenyl group, preferably a C1-C5 alkyl group, and
n is an integer ranging in the range of from 1 to 20, preferably from 1 to 10, more
preferably from 1 to 5;
or mixtures thereof.
[0027] These surfactants are commercially available from BASF under the trade name Plurafac®,
from HOECHST under the trade name Genapol® or from ICI under the trade name Symperonic®.
Preferred capped nonionic ethoxylated surfactant of the above formula are those commercially
available under the tradename Genapol® L 2.5 NR from Hoechst, and Symperonic® LF/CS
1100 from ICI.
[0028] Other suitable nonionic surfactants for use herein include the amine oxides corresponding
to the formula:
wherein R is a primary alkyl group containing 6-24 carbons, preferably 10-18 carbons,
and wherein R' and R'' are, each, independently, an alkyl group containing 1 to 6
carbon atoms. The arrow in the formula is a conventional representation of a semi-polar
bond. The preferred amine oxides are those in which the primary alkyl group has a
straight chain in at least most of the molecules, generally at least 70%, preferably
at least 90% of the molecules, and the amine oxides which are especially preferred
are those in which R contains 10-18 carbons and R' and R'' are both methyl. Exemplary
of the preferred amine oxides are the N-hexyldimethylamine oxide, N-octyldimethylamine
oxide, N-decyldimethylamine oxide, N-dodecyl dimethylamine oxide, N-tetradecyldimethylamine
oxide, N-hexadecyl dimethylamine oxide, N-octadecyldimethylamine oxide, N-eicosyldimethylamine
oxide, N-docosyldimethylamine oxide, N-tetracosyl dimethylamine oxide, the corresponding
amine oxides in which one or both of the methyl groups are replaced with ethyl or
2-hydroxyethyl groups and mixtures thereof. A most preferred amine oxide for use herein
is N-decyldimethylamine oxide.
[0029] Other suitable nonionic surfactants for the purpose of the invention are the phosphine
or sulfoxide surfactants of formula :
wherein A is phosphorus or sulfur atom, R is a primary alkyl group containing 6-24
carbons, preferably 10-18 carbons, and wherein R' and R'' are, each, independently
selected from methyl, ethyl and 2-hydroxyethyl. The arrow in the formula is a conventional
representation of a semi-polar bond.
[0030] Other suitable nonionic surfactants for use herein include a class of compounds which
may be broadly defined as polymeric surfactants. Suitable polymeric surfactants include
block-copolymers surfactants which comprise, preferably alternating hydrophilic and
hydrophobic blocks such as the poly (alkylene oxide) copolymers. Examples of surfactants
belonging to this class are the ethoxy/propoxy block copolymers usually referred to
as Pluronics available from BASF.
[0031] Other suitable nonionic surfactants for the purpose of the invention include the
alkyl polyglucosides (APG) which are condensation products of renewable raw materials
(for example starch and natural oils) such as Glucopon from available from Henkel.
[0032] Other suitable nonionic surfactants for use herein also include sorbitan esters which
are polyhydroxyl based surfactants for example those which are the condensation product
of a fatty acid with the ring structure of sorbitan, which may is obtainable by dehydration
of sorbitol. These surfactants are known under the Atlas trade name of Span.
[0033] The most preferred nonionic surfactants are selected from the group consisting of
polyethoxylated alcohols, alkyl polyglucosides.
[0034] The ratio of anionic to nonionic surfactant is from 1:2 to 1:20, more preferably
1:4 to 1:10.
Hydrophobic solvent
[0035] In a particularly preferred embodiment of the present invention the composition also
comprises a hydrophobic solvent. Where present the hydrophobic solvent is combined
with the DAP prior to mixing the combination with the aqueous matrix comprising the
surfactants. It has been found that the chemical and physical stability of a composition
comprising hydrophobic solvent is even further improved versus when the hydrophobic
solvent is not present.
[0036] Suitable hydrophobic solvents are preferably selected from isoparaffins (such as
Isopar M available from Exxon) and hydrophobic esters (e.g. butylphalate) n-hydrocarbons
(e.g. dodecane) and mixtures thereof.
PH
[0037] The pH of the compositions herein plays a role in the chemical stability of the composition.
Accordingly, the compositions herein are preferably formulated at a pH of from 1 to
6, preferably 2 to 5. A variety of suitable means can be used for adjusting the pH
of the compositions, including organic or inorganic acids.
Optional ingredients
[0038] The compositions herein may comprise a variety of optional ingredients, for example
other peroxygen bleach radical scavengers, chelants, additional surfactants, stabilisers,
foam suppressers or boosters, soil suspending polymers, dye transfer inhibit colourants
and perfumes.
Peroxygen bleach
[0039] Peroxygen bleach may be present as a preferred optional ingredient of the present
invention. Suitable peroxygen bleaches to be used herein are hydrogen peroxide, water
soluble sources thereof, or mixtures thereof. As used herein a hydrogen peroxide source
refers to any compound that produces perhydroxyl ions when said compound is in contact
with water.
[0040] Suitable water-soluble sources of hydrogen peroxide for use herein include percarbonates,
persilicates, persulphates such as monopersultate, perborates, peroxyacids such as
diperoxydodecandioic acid (DPDA), magnesium perphtalic acid, perlauric acid, perbenzoic
and alkylperbenzoic acids, hydroperoxides, aliphatic and aromatic diacyl peroxides,
and mixtures thereof. Preferred peroxygen bleaches herein are hydrogen peroxide, hydroperoxide
and/or diacyl peroxide. Hydrogen peroxide is the most preferred peroxygen bleach herein.
[0041] Suitable hydroperoxides for use herein are tert-butyl hydroperoxide, cumyl hydroperoxide,
2,4,4-trimethylpentyl-2-hydroperoxide, di-isopropylbenzenemonohydroperoxide, tert-amyl
hydroperoxide and 2,5-dimethyl-hexane-2,5-dihydroperoxide. Such hydroperoxides have
the advantage to be particularly safe to fabrics and colour while delivering excellent
bleaching performance when used in any laundry application.
[0042] Typically, the compositions herein may comprise from 0.01 % to 20%, preferably from
1% to 15% and more preferably from 1.5% to 10% by weight of the total composition
of said peroxygen bleach.
Chelant
[0043] It may also be useful to include chelants in the compositions of the present invention.
Suitable chelating agents to be used herein include chelating agents selected from
the group of phosphonate chelating agents, amino carboxylate chelating agents, polyfunctionally-substituted
aromatic chelating agents, and further chelating agents like glycine, salicylic acid,
aspartic acid, glutamic acid, malonic acid, or mixtures thereof. Chelating agents
when used, are typically present herein in amounts ranging from 0.001% to 5% by weight
of the total composition and preferably from 0.05% to 2% by weight.
[0044] Suitable phosphonate chelating agents to be used herein may include ethydronic acid
as well as amino phosphonate compounds, including amino alkylene poly (alkylene phosphonate),
alkali metal ethane 1-hydroxy diphosphonates, nitrilo trimethylene phosphonates, ethylene
diamine tetra methylene phosphonates, and diethylene triamine penta methylene phosphonates.
The phosphonate compounds may be present either in their acid form or as salts of
different cations on some or all of their acid functionalities. Preferred phosphonate
chelating agents to be used herein are diethylene triamine penta methylene phosphonates.
Such phosphonate chelating agents are commercially available from Monsanto under the
trade name DEQUEST®.
[0045] The most preferred phosphonate chelating agent to be used herein is aminotri(methylene
phosphonic acid), herein referred to as ATMP. Indeed, it has been found that the addition
of ATMP, i.e. the compound of formula :
in a liquid composition of the present invention considerably reduces the damage
otherwise associated with the pretreatment of fabrics with peroxygen bleach-containing
compositions, especially those fabrics which contain metal ions, such as copper, iron,
chromium, and manganese.
[0046] Polyfunctionally-substituted aromatic chelating agents may also be useful in the
compositions herein. See U.S. patent 3,812,044, issued May 21, 1974, to Connor et
al. Preferred compounds of this type in acid form are dihydroxydisulfobenzenes such
as 1,2-dihydroxy -3,5-disulfobenzene.
[0047] A preferred biodegradable chelating agent for use herein is ethylene diamine N,N'-
disuccinic acid, or alkali metal, or alkaline earth, ammonium or substitutes ammonium
salts thereof or mixtures thereof. Ethylenediamine N,N'- disuccinic acids, especially
the (S,S) isomer have been extensively described in US patent 4, 704, 233, November
3, 1987, to Hartman and Perkins. Ethylenediamine N,N'-disuccinic acids is, for instance,
commercially available under the tradename ssEDDS® from Palmer Research Laboratories.
[0048] Suitable amino carboxylates to be used herein include ethylene diamine tetra acetates,
diethylene triamine pentaacetates, diethylene triamine pentaacetate (DTPA),N- hydroxyethylethylenediamine
triacetates, nitrilotri-acetates, ethylenediamine tetrapropionates, triethylenetetraaminehexa-acetates,
ethanol-diglycines, propylene diamine tetracetic acid (PDTA) and methyl glycine diacetic
acid (MGDA), both in their acid form, or in their alkali metal, ammonium, and substituted
ammonium salt forms. Particularly suitable amino carboxylates to be used herein are
diethylene triamine penta acetic acid, propylene diamine tetracetic acid (PDTA) which
is, for instance, commercially available from BASF under the trade name Trilon FS®
and methyl glycine di-acetic acid (MGDA).
[0049] Another preferred chelating agent for use herein is of the formula:
wherein R
1, R
2, R
3, and R
4 are independently selected from the group consisting of -H, alkyl, alkoxy, aryl,
aryloxy, -Cl, -Br, -NO
2, -C(O)R', and - SO
2R''; wherein R' is selected from the group consisting of -H, -OH, alkyl, alkoxy, aryl,
and aryloxy; R'' is selected from the group consisting of alkyl, alkoxy, aryl, and
aryloxy; and R
5, R
6, R
7, and R
8 are independently selected from the group consisting of -H and alkyl.
Radical scavenger
[0050] A preferred optional feature of the compositions herein a radical scavenger, which
are beneficial to the stability of the compositions herein. Suitable radical scavengers
for use herein include the well-known substituted mono and dihydroxy benzenes and
their analogs, alkyl and aryl carboxylates and mixtures thereof. Preferred such radical
scavengers for use herein include di-tert-butyl hydroxy toluene (BHT), hydroquinone,
di-tert-butyl hydroquinone, mono-tert-butyl hydroquinone, tert-butyl-hydroxy anysole,
benzoic acid, toluic acid, catechol, t-butyl catechol, benzylamine, 1,1,3-tris(2-methyl-4-hydroxy-5-t-butylphenyl)
butane, n-propyl-gallate or mixtures thereof and highly preferred is di-tert-butyl
hydroxy toluene. Radical scavengers when used, are typically present herein in amounts
ranging from 0.001% to 2% by weight of the total composition and preferably from 0.001%
to 0.5% by weight.
[0051] The presence of chelating agents, especially ATMP, and/or radical scavengers allows
to contribute to the safety profile of the compositions of the present invention suitable
for pretreating a soiled colored fabric upon prolonged contact times before washing
said fabric. Radical scavengers, when used, are typically present herein in amounts
ranging from 0.01 % to 2 % by weight of the total composition, preferably 0.01 % to
0.2 %.
Additional surfactants
[0052] The compositions herein may further comprise other additional surfactants selected
from nonionic, anionic, zwitterionic, cationic surfactants and mixtures thereof.
[0053] Suitable zwitterionic detergents for use herein comprise the betaine and betaine-like
detergents wherein the molecule contains both basic and acidic groups which form an
inner salt giving the molecule both cationic and anionic hydrophilic groups over a
broad range of pH values. Some common examples of these detergents are described in
U.S. Pat. Nos. 2,082,275, 2,702,279 and 2,255,082, incorporated herein by reference.
Preferred zwitterionic detergent compounds have the formula :
wherein R1 is an alkyl radical containing from 8 to 22 carbon atoms, R2 and R3 contain
from 1 to 3 carbon atoms, R4 is an alkylene chain containing from 1 to 3 carbon atoms,
X is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen and a hydroxyl radical, Y is selected
from the group consisting of carboxyl and sulfonyl radicals and wherein the sum of
R1, R2 and R3 radicals is from 14 to 24 carbon atoms.
[0054] Amphoteric and ampholytic detergents which can be either cationic or anionic depending
upon the pH of the system are represented by detergents such as dodecylbeta-alanine,
N-alkyltaurines such as the one prepared by reacting dodecylamine with sodium isethionate
according to the teaching of U.S. Pat. No. 2,658,072, N-higher alkylaspartic acids
such as those produced according to the teaching of U.S. Pat. No. 2,438,091, and the
products sold under the trade name "Miranol", and described in U.S. Pat. No. 2,528,378,
said patents being incorporated herein by reference. Additional synthetic detergents
and listings of their commercial sources can be found in McCutcheon's Detergents and
Emulsifiers, North American Ed. 1980, incorporated herein by reference.
[0055] Cationic surfactants suitable for use in compositions of the present invention are
those having a long-chain hydrocarbyl group. Examples of such cationic surfactants
include the ammonium surfactants such as alkyltrimethylammonium halogenides, and those
surfactants having the formula:
[R
2(OR
3)
y][R
4(OR
3)
y]
2R
5N
+X
-
wherein R
2 is an alkyl or alkyl benzyl group having from 8 to 18 carbon atoms in the alkyl chain,
each R
3 is selected from the group consisting of -CH
2CH
2-, -CH
2CH(CH
3)-, -CH
2CH
2CH
2-, and mixtures thereof; each R
4 is selected from the group consisting of C
1-C
4 alkyl, benzyl ring structures formed by joining the two R
4 groups, and hydrogen when y is not 0; R
5 is the same as R
4 or is an alkyl chain wherein the total number of carbon atoms of R
2 plus R
5 is not more than about 18; each y is from 0 to about 10 and the sum of the y values
is from 0 to about 15; and X is any compatible anion.
[0056] Quaternary ammonium surfactant suitable for the present invention has the formula
(I):
whereby R1 is a short chainlength alkyl (C6-C10)
y is 2-4, preferably 3.
whereby R2 is H or a C1-C3 alkyl,
whereby x is 0-4, preferably 0-2, most preferably 0,
whereby R3, R4 and R5 are either the same or different and can be either a short chain
alkyl (C1-C3) or alkoxylated alkyl of the formula II,
whereby X
- is a counterion, preferably a halide, e.g. chloride or methylsulfate.
R6 is C
1-C
4 and z is 1 or 2.
[0057] Preferred quat ammonium surfactants are those as defined in formula I whereby
R1 is C8, C10 or mixtures thereof, x=o,
R3, R4, R5 = CH3.
[0058] Highly preferred cationic surfactants are the water-soluble quaternary ammonium compounds
useful in the present composition having the formula :
R
1R
2R
3R
4N
+X
- (i)
wherein R
1 is C
8-C
16 alkyl, each of R
2, R
3 and R
4 is independently C
1-C
4 alkyl, benzyl, and -(C
2H
40)
xH where x has a value from 2 to 5, and X is an anion. Not more than one of R
2, R
3 or R
4 should be benzyl.
[0059] The preferred alkyl chain length for R
1 is C
12-C
15 particularly where the alkyl group is a mixture of chain lengths derived from coconut
or palm kernel fat or is derived synthetically by olefin build up or OXO alcohols
synthesis. Preferred groups for R
2R
3 and R
4 are methyl and the anion X may be selected from halide, methosulphate, acetate and
phosphate ions.
Examples of suitable quaternary ammonium compounds of formulae (i) for use herein
are :
coconut trimethyl ammonium chloride or bromide;
decyl triethyl ammonium chloride;
C12-15 trimethyl ammonium chloride or bromide;
myristyl trimethyl ammonium methyl sulphate;
lauryl dimethyl benzyl ammonium chloride or bromide;
lauryl dimethyl (ethenoxy)4 ammonium chloride or bromide;
choline esters (compounds of formula (i) wherein R1 is
di-alkyl imidazolines
[0060] Other cationic surfactants useful herein are also described in U.S. Patent 4,228,044,
Cambre, issued October 14, 1980 and in European Patent Application EP 000,224.
Foam suppressers
[0061] The compositions according to the present invention may further comprise a foam suppressor
such as 2-alkyl alkanol, or mixtures thereof, as an optional ingredient. Particularly
suitable to be used in the present invention are the 2-alkyl alkanols having an alkyl
chain comprising from 6 to 16 carbon atoms, preferably from 8 to 12 and a terminal
hydroxy group, said alkyl chain being substituted in the α position by an alkyl chain
comprising from 1 to 10 carbon atoms, preferably from 2 to 8 and more preferably 3
to 6. Such suitable compounds are commercially available, for instance, in the Isofol®
series such as Isofol® 12 (2-butyl octanol) or Isofol® 16 (2-hexyl decanol). Typically,
the compositions of the present invention comprise up to 2 % by weight of the total
composition of a 2-alkyl alkanol, or mixtures thereof, preferably from 0.05 % to 1.5
% and more preferably from 0.1 % to 0.8 %.
Soil suspending polymer
[0062] The compositions according to the present invention may further comprise a soil suspending
polyamine polymer or mixtures thereof, as optional ingredient. Any soil suspending
polyamine polymer known to those skilled in the art may be used herein. Particularly
suitable polyamine polymers for use herein are polyalkoxylated polyamines. Such materials
can conveniently be represented as molecules of the empirical structures with repeating
units :
and
wherein R is a hydrocarbyl group, usually of 2-6 carbon atoms; R
1 may be a C
1-C
20 hydrocarbon; the alkoxy groups are ethoxy, propoxy, and the like, and y is 2-30,
most preferably from 10-20; n is an integer of at least 2, preferably from 2-20, most
preferably 3-5; and X
- is an anion such as halide or methylsulfate, resulting from the quaternization reaction.
[0063] The most highly preferred polyamines for use herein are the so-called ethoxylated
polyethylene amines, i.e., the polymerized reaction product of ethylene oxide with
ethyleneimine, having the general formula :
when y = 2-30. Particularly preferred for use herein is an ethoxylated polyethylene
amine, in particular ethoxylated tetraethylenepentamine, and quaternized ethoxylated
hexamethylene diamine.
[0064] Soil suspending polyamine polymers contribute to the benefits of the present invention,
i.e., that when added on top of said diacyl peroxide, further improve the stain removal
performance of a composition comprising them, especially under laundry pretreatment
conditions, as described herein. Indeed, they allow to improve the stain removal performance
on a variety of stains including greasy stains, enzymatic stains, clay/mud stains
as well as on bleachable stains.
[0065] Typically, the compositions comprise up to 10% by weight of the total composition
of such a soil suspending polyamine polymer or mixtures thereof, preferably from 0.1%
to 5% and more preferably from 0.3% to 2%.
[0066] The compositions herein may also comprise other polymeric soil release agents known
to those skilled in the art. Such polymeric soil release agents are characterised
by having both hydrophilic segments, to hydrophilize the surface of hydrophobic fibres,
such as polyester and nylon, and hydrophobic segments, to deposit upon hydrophobic
fibres and remain adhered thereto through completion of washing and rinsing cycles
and, thus, serve as an anchor for the hydrophilic segments. This can enable stains
occurring subsequent to treatment with the soil release agent to be more easily cleaned
in later washing procedures.
[0067] The polymeric soil release agents useful herein especially include those soil release
agents having: (a) one or more nonionic hydrophile components consisting essentially
of (i) polyoxyethylene segments with a degree of polymerization of at least 2, or
(ii) oxypropylene or polyoxypropylene segments with a degree of polymerization of
from 2 to 10, wherein said hydrophile segment does not encompass any oxypropylene
unit unless it is bonded to adjacent moieties at each end by ether linkages, or (iii)
a mixture of oxyalkylene units comprising oxyethylene and from 1 to about 30 oxypropylene
units wherein said mixture contains a sufficient amount of oxyethylene units such
that the hydrophile component has hydrophilicity great enough to increase the hydrophilicity
of conventional polyester synthetic fiber surfaces upon deposit of the soil release
agent on such surface said hydrophile segments preferably comprising at least about
25% oxyethylene units and more preferably, especially for such components having about
20 to 30 oxypropylene units, at least about 50% oxyethylene units; or (b) one or more
hydrophobe components comprising (i) C
3 oxyalkylene terephthalate segments, wherein, if said hydrophobe components also comprise
oxyethylene terephthalate, the ratio of oxyethylene terephthalate:C
3 oxyalkylene terephthalate units is about 2:1 or lower, (ii) C
4-C
6 alkylene or oxy C
4-C
6 alkylene segments, or mixtures therein, (iii) poly (vinyl ester) segments, preferably
polyvinyl acetate), having a degree of polymerization of at least 2, or (iv) C
1-C
4 alkyl ether or C
4 hydroxyalkyl ether substituents, or mixtures therein, wherein said substituents are
present in the form of C
1-C
4 alkyl ether or C
4 hydroxyalkyl ether cellulose derivatives, or mixtures therein, and such cellulose
derivatives are amphiphilic, whereby they have a sufficient level of C
1-C
4 alkyl ether and/or C
4 hydroxyalkyl ether units to deposit upon conventional polyester synthetic fiber surfaces
and retain a sufficient level of hydroxyls, once adhered to such conventional synthetic
fiber surface, to increase fiber surface hydrophilicity, or a combination of (a) and
(b).
[0068] Typically, the polyoxyethylene segments of (a)(i) will have a degree of polymerization
of from about 1 to about 200, although higher levels can be used, preferably from
3 to about 150, more preferably from 6 to about 100. Suitable oxy C
4-C
6 alkylene hydrophobe segments include, but are not limited to, end-caps of polymeric
soil release agents such as MO
3S(CH
2)
nOCH
2CH
2O-, where M is sodium and n is an integer from 4-6, as disclosed in U.S. Patent 4,721,580,
issued January 26, 1988 to Gosselink.
[0069] Polymeric soil release agents useful in the present invention also include cellulosic
derivatives such as hydroxyether cellulosic polymers, co-polymeric blocks of ethylene
terephthalate or propylene terephthalate with polyethylene oxide or polypropylene
oxide terephthalate, and the like. Such agents are commercially available and include
hydroxyethers of cellulose such as METHOCEL (Dow). Cellulosic soil release agents
for use herein also include those selected from the group consisting of C
1-C
4 alkyl and C
4 hydroxyalkyl cellulose; see U.S. Patent 4,000,093, issued December 28, 1976 to Nicol,
et al.
[0070] Soil release agents characterised by poly(vinyl ester) hydrophobe segments include
graft co-polymers of poly(vinyl ester), e.g., C
1-C
6 vinyl esters, preferably poly(vinyl acetate) grafted onto polyalkylene oxide backbones,
such as polyethylene oxide backbones. See European Patent Application 0 219 048, published
April 22, 1987 by Kud, et al. Commercially available soil release agents of this kind
include the SOKALAN type of material, e.g., SOKALAN HP-22, available from BASF (West
Germany).
[0071] One type of preferred soil release agent is a co-polymer having random blocks of
ethylene terephthalate and polyethylene oxide (PEO) terephthalate. The molecular weight
of this polymeric soil release agent is in the range of from about 25,000 to about
55,000. See U.S. Patent 3,959,230 to Hays, issued May 25, 1976 and U.S. Patent 3,893,929
to Basadur issued July 8, 1975.
[0072] Another preferred polymeric soil release agent is a polyester with repeat units of
ethylene terephthalate units which contains 10-15% by weight of ethylene terephthalate
units together with 90-80% by weight of polyoxyethylene terephthalate units, derived
from a polyoxyethylene glycol of average molecular weight 300-5,000. Examples of this
polymer include the commercially available material ZELCON 5126 (from Dupont) and
MILEASE T (from ICI). See also U.S. Patent 4,702,857, issued October 27, 1987 to Gosselink.
[0073] Another preferred polymeric soil release agent is a sulfonated product of a substantially
linear ester oligomer comprised of an oligomeric ester backbone of terephthaloyl and
oxyalkyleneoxy repeat units and terminal moieties covalently attached to the backbone.
These soil release agents are fully described in U.S. Patent 4,968,451, issued November
6, 1990 to J.J. Scheibel and E.P. Gosselink. Other suitable polymeric soil release
agents include the terephthalate polyesters of U.S. Patent 4,711,730, issued December
8, 1987 to Gosselink et al, the anionic end-capped oligomeric esters of U.S. Patent
4,721,580, issued January 26, 1988 to Gosselink, and the block polyester oligomeric
compounds of U.S. Patent 4,702,857, issued October 27, 1987 to Gosselink.
[0074] Preferred polymeric soil release agents also include the soil release agents of U.S.
Patent 4,877,896, issued October 31, 1989 to Maldonado et al, which discloses anionic,
especially sulfoaroyl, end-capped terephthalate esters.
[0075] Still another preferred soil release agent is an oligomer with repeat units of terephthaloyl
units, sulfoisoterephthaloyl units, oxyethyleneoxy and oxy-1,2-propylene units. The
repeat units form the backbone of the oligomer and are preferably terminated with
modified isethionate end-caps. A particularly preferred soil release agent of this
type comprises about one sulfoisophthaloyl unit, 5 terephthaloyl units, oxyethyleneoxy
and oxy-1,2-propyleneoxy units in a ratio of from about 1.7 to about 1.8, and two
end-cap units of sodium 2-(2-hydroxyethoxy)-ethanesulfonate. Said soil release agent
also comprises from about 0.5% to about 20%, by weight of the oligomer, of a crystalline-reducing
stabilizer, preferably selected from the group consisting of xylene sulfonate, cumene
sulfonate, toluene sulfonate, and mixtures thereof See U.S. Pat. No. 5,415,807, issued
May 16, 1995, to Gosselink et al.
[0076] If utilised, soil release agents will generally comprise from 0.01 % to 10.0%, by
weight, of the detergent compositions herein, typically from 0.1% to 5%, preferably
from 0.2% to 3.0%.
Dye transfer inhibitor
[0077] The compositions of the present invention may also include one or more materials
effective for inhibiting the transfer of dyes from one dyed surface to another during
the cleaning process. Generally, such dye transfer inhibiting agents include polyvinyl
pyrrolidone polymers, polyamine N-oxide polymers, co-polymers of N-vinylpyrrolidone
and N-vinylimidazole, manganese phthalocyanine, peroxidases, and mixtures thereof
If used, these agents typically comprise from 0.01% to 10% by weight of the composition,
preferably from 0.01% to 5%, and more preferably from 0.05% to 2%.
[0078] More specifically, the polyamine N-oxide polymers preferred for use herein contain
units having the following structural formula: R-A
x-P; wherein P is a polymerizable unit to which an N-O group can be attached or the
N-O group can form part of the polymerizable unit or the N-O group can be attached
to both units; A is one of the following structures: -NC(O)-, -C(O)O-, -S-, -O-, -N=;
x is 0 or 1; and R is aliphatic, ethoxylated aliphatics, aromatics, heterocyclic or
alicyclic groups or any combination thereof to which the nitrogen of the N-O group
can be attached or the N-O group is part of these groups. Preferred polyamine N-oxides
are those wherein R is a heterocyclic group such as pyridine, pyrrole, imidazole,
pyrrolidine, piperidine and derivatives thereof. The N-O group can be represented
by the following general structures:
wherein R
1, R
2, R
3 are aliphatic, aromatic, heterocyclic or alicyclic groups or combinations thereof
x, y and z are 0 or 1; and the nitrogen of the N-O group can be attached or form part
of any of the aforementioned groups. The amine oxide unit of the polyamine N-oxides
has a pKa <10, preferably pKa <7, more preferred pKa <6.
[0079] Any polymer backbone can be used as long as the amine oxide polymer formed is water-soluble
and has dye transfer inhibiting properties. Examples of suitable polymeric backbones
are polyvinyls, polyalkylenes, polyesters, polyethers, polyamide, polyimides, polyacrylates
and mixtures thereof. These polymers include random or block co-polymers where one
monomer type is an amine N-oxide and the other monomer type is an N-oxide. The amine
N-oxide polymers typically have a ratio of amine to the amine N-oxide of 10:1 to 1:1,000,000.
However, the number of amine oxide groups present in the polyamine oxide polymer can
be varied by appropriate co-polymerization or by an appropriate degree of N-oxidation.
The polyamine oxides can be obtained in almost any degree of polymerization. Typically,
the average molecular weight is within the range of 500 to 1,000,000; more preferred
1,000 to 500,000; most preferred 5,000 to 100,000. This preferred class of materials
can be referred to as "PVNO". The most preferred polyamine N-oxide useful in the detergent
compositions herein is poly(4-vinylpyridine-N-oxide) which as an average molecular
weight of about 50,000 and an amine to amine N-oxide ratio of about 1:4.
[0080] Co-polymers of N-vinylpyrrolidone and N-vinylimidazole polymers (referred to as a
class as "PVPVI") are also preferred for use herein. Preferably the PVPVI has an average
molecular weight range from 5,000 to 1,000,000, more preferably from 5,000 to 200,000,
and most preferably from 10,000 to 20,000. (The average molecular weight range is
determined by light scattering as described in Barth, et al.,
Chemical Analysis, Vol 113. "Modern Methods of Polymer Characterization", the disclosures of which
are incorporated herein by reference.) The PVPVI co-polymers typically have a molar
ratio of N-vinylimidazole to N-vinylpyrrolidone from 1:1 to 0.2:1, more preferably
from 0.8:1 to 0.3:1, most preferably from 0.6:1 to 0.4:1. These co-polymers can be
either linear or branched.
[0081] The present invention compositions may also employ a polyvinylpyrrolidone ("PVP")
having an average molecular weight of from 5,000 to 400,000, preferably from 5,000
to 200,000, and more preferably from 5,000 to 50,000. PVP's are known to persons skilled
in the detergent field; see, for example, EP-A-262,897 and EP-A-256,696, incorporated
herein by reference. Compositions containing PVP can also contain polyethylene glycol
("PEG") having an average molecular weight from 500 to 100,000, preferably from 1,000
to 10,000. Preferably, the ratio of PEG to PVP on a ppm basis delivered in wash solutions
is from 2:1 to 50:1, and more preferably from 3:1 to 10:1.
Suds booster
[0082] If high sudsing is desired, suds boosters such as C
10-C
16 alkanolamides can be incorporated into the compositions, typically at 1%-10% levels.
The C
10-C
14 monoethanol and diethanol amides illustrate a typical class of such suds boosters.
Use of such suds boosters with high sudsing adjunct surfactants such as the amine
oxides, betaines and sultaines noted above is also advantageous. If desired, soluble
magnesium salts such as MgCl
2, MgSO
4, and the like, can be added at levels of, for example, 0.1%-2%, to provide additional
suds and to enhance grease removal performance.
Brightener
[0083] Any optical brighteners, fluorescent whitening agents or other brightening or whitening
agents known in the art can be incorporated in the instant compositions when they
are designed for fabric treatment or laundering, at levels typically from about 0.05%
to about 1.2%, by weight, of the detergent compositions herein. Commercial optical
brighteners which may be useful in the present invention can be classified into subgroups,
which include, but are not necessarily limited to, derivatives of stilbene, pyrazoline,
coumarin, carboxylic acids, methinecyanines, dibenzothiophene-5,5-dioxide, azoles,
5-and 6-membered-ring heterocyclic brighteners, This list being illustrative and non-limiting.
Examples of such brighteners are disclosed in "The Production and Application of Fluorescent
Brightening Agents", M. Zahradnik, Published by John Wiley & Sons, New York (1982).
[0084] Specific examples of optical brighteners which are useful in the present compositions
are those identified in U.S. Patent 4,790,856, issued to Wixon on December 13, 1988.
These brighteners include the PHORWHITE series of brighteners from Verona. Other brighteners
disclosed in this reference include: Tinopal UNPA, Tinopal CBS and Tinopal 5BM; available
from Ciba-Geigy; Artic White CC and Artic White CWD, available from Hilton-Davis,
located in Italy; the 2-(4-styryl-phenyl)-2H-naphthol[1,2-d]triazoles; 4,4'-bis- (1,2,3-triazol-2-yl)-stilbenes;
4,4'-bis(styryl)bisphenyls; and the aminocoumarins. Specific examples of these brighteners
include 4-methyl-7-diethyl- amino coumarin; 1,2-bis(benzimidazol-2-yl)ethylene; 2,5-bis(benzoxazol-2-yl)thiophene;
2-styryl-napth[1,2-d]oxazole; and 2-(stilbene-4-yl)-2H-naphtho- [1,2-d]triazole. See
also U.S. Patent 3,646,015, issued February 29, 1972, to Hamilton. Anionic brighteners
are typically preferred herein.
Colourant
[0085] A preferred optional ingredient of the compositions described herein is a colourant.
Colourants may be either dyes or pigments depending on their chemical structure. The
colourants suitable for use herein are diacyl peroxide-stable i.e. they do not decompose
a contact with diacyl peroxide.
[0086] Preferred stable colourants are selected from the group consisting of Pigment Green
(CI 74260), Pigment Blue 15:3 (CI 74160) available from BASF, Pigment Blue 27 (CI
77510), copper (ii) pthalocyamine tetrasulphanic acid and mixtures thereof.
Process for Manufacture
[0087] The present invention further encompasses a process for the manufacture of the compositions
described herein. The process according to the present invention comprises at least
two steps:
[0088] In the first step, DAP is combined with a hydrophobic solvent. In the second step,
the resulting mixture of the first step is combined with an aqueous matrix, comprising
at least one anionic and one nonionic surfactant. The aqueous matrix preferably comprises
other optional ingredients as well.
Process of use
[0089] The composition of the present invention may be used as a laundry bleach to clean.
Where the composition is used as a laundry bleach it can be added to the main wash
cycle of a laundry washing machine alone or in addition to a conventional laundry
detergent. However, it is preferably used as a pretreatment wherein the composition
is applied to a fabric, allowed to remain in contact with said fabric before being
washed and/or rinsed off.
[0090] Said composition may remain in contact with said fabric, typically for a period of
1 minute to several hours, preferably 1 minute to 1 hour, more preferably 1 minute
to 30 minutes, and most preferably 2 to 10 minutes. Optionally, when the fabric is
soiled with encrusted stains/soils which otherwise would be relatively difficult to
remove, said compositions may be rubbed and/or brushed more or less intensively, for
example, by means of a sponge or a brush or simply by rubbing two pieces of fabric
each against the other.
[0091] By "washing" it is to be understood herein to simply rinse the fabrics with water,
or the fabrics may be washed with a conventional detergent composition comprising
at least one surface active agent, this by the means of a washing machine or simply
by hand.
[0092] By "in its neat form" it is to be understood that the liquid compositions are applied
directly onto the fabrics to be pre-treated without undergoing any dilution, e.g.,
the compositions according to the present invention are applied as described herein.
[0093] According to the process of pretreating soiled fabrics of the present invention,
the liquid compositions according to the present invention used in said process should
preferably not be left to dry onto the fabrics. Indeed, it has been found that water
evaporation contributes to increase the concentration of free radicals onto the surface
of the fabrics and consequently, the rate of chain reaction. It is also speculated
that an auto-oxidation reaction occurs upon evaporation of water when the liquid compositions
are left to dry onto the fabrics. Said reaction of auto-oxidation contributes to generate
peroxy-radicals which may cause color damage. Thus, not leaving the present liquid
bleaching compositions to dry onto the fabrics, in the process of bleaching fabrics
according to the present invention, contributes to a benefit according to the present
invention, i.e., to reduce color damage when pretreating fabrics with liquid bleaching
compositions.
Examples
[0094] The following compositions were made by mixing the listed ingredients in the listed
proportions (weight %).
Composition 1 |
Isopar M |
2% |
Dibuthyl Phthalate |
0.5% |
Dobanol 45-7 |
10% |
NaPS |
1% |
Didecanoyl Peroxide |
0.8% |
H2O2 |
6.8% |
Water and minors |
to balance |
pH |
3 |
Composition 2 |
Dobanol 23-6.5 |
5% |
LAS |
1% |
Isopar M |
1.5% |
Benzoyl Lauroyl Peroxide |
2% |
Water and minors |
to balance |
pH |
4 |