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(11) | EP 3 441 449 A1 |
| (12) | EUROPEAN PATENT APPLICATION |
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| (54) | USE OF THE COMBINATION OF A CATIONIC POLYSACCHARIDE POLYMER AND AN ANIONIC NON-SOAP SURFACTANT |
| (57) The present invention is to the use of a cationic polysaccharide and an anionic non-soap
surfactant, and the use of a laundry detergent composition comprising said cationic
polysaccharide and anionic non-soap surfactant to improve deposition of a softening
active onto a fabric. |
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention is to the use of a cationic polysaccharide and an anionic non-soap surfactant, and the use of a laundry detergent composition comprising said cationic polysaccharide and anionic non-soap surfactant.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] During the laundry wash operation, consumers like to both clean fabrics and impart fabric softening benefits on them. This is achieved by washing the fabric in the main wash step using a laundry detergent and then adding a fabric softening active to the fabrics during the subsequent rinse step.
[0003] However, there is a desire to improve the softening benefit provided by the softening active. Preferably, there is also a desire to overall reduce the amount of softening active used from an environmental sustainability point of view, without impacting the overall softening benefit on fabrics. More particularly it is believed that part of the softening active present in the rinse liquor is not deposited on the fabric during the wash operation and is drained away together with the rinsing water. This compromises the softness performance on the fabric and also has a negative effect on environmental sustainability.
[0004] Therefore there is still a need for wash processes that provide for improved deposition of the softening active on the fabrics during a rinse cycle.
[0005] It was surprisingly found that the combination of a cationic polysaccharide polymer and an anionic non-soap surfactant used to treat a fabric in a first wash liquor improved deposition of a fabric softening active onto the fabric during treatment of the fabric in a subsequent rinse liquor.
[0006] This synergistic benefit of the cationic polysaccharide polymer and an anionic non-soap surfactant enabled lower fabric softening active levels to be used to achieve the desired fabric softening benefit.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0007] A first aspect of the present invention is the use of the combination of a cationic polysaccharide polymer and an anionic non-soap surfactant in a first fabric treatment liquor, in order to improve deposition of a softening active on a fabric upon contact of the softening active with said fabric in a separate subsequent second fabric treatment liquor, wherein said fabric was first contacted with said first fabric treatment liquor.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Use
[0009] The present invention is to the use of the combination of a cationic polysaccharide polymer and an anionic non-soap surfactant in a first fabric treatment liquor in order to improve deposition of a softening active on a fabric upon contact of the softening active with said fabric in a separate subsequent second fabric treatment liquor, wherein said fabric was first contacted with said first fabric treatment liquor.
[0010] Preferably, the first fabric treatment liquor comprises between 0.1ppm and 100 ppm preferably between 0.5ppm and 50ppm, more preferably between 1ppm and 20 ppm, of the cationic polysaccharide polymer.
[0011] Preferably, the first fabric treatment liquor comprises between 10ppm and 1000 ppm, preferably between 50ppm and 900ppm, more preferably between 100ppm and 800 ppm of a non-soap anionic surfactant.
[0012] The cationic polysaccharide polymer and the anionic non-soap surfactant are described in more detail below.
[0013] Those skilled in the art will know how to make the first fabric treatment liquor. Without wishing to be bound by theory, the first fabric wash liquor comprises water and the cationic polysaccharide polymer and the anionic non-soap surfactant are comprised therein. The cationic polysaccharide may be fully dissolved in the water, partially dissolved in the water, a dispersion in the water, or a mixture thereof, preferably fully dissolved. The anionic non-soap surfactant may be fully dissolved in the water, partially dissolved in the water, a dispersion in the water, or a mixture thereof, preferably fully dissolved.
[0014] The first fabric treatment liquor can be created automatically in the drum of an automatic washing machine or can be made in a manual wash operation.
[0015] Preferably, the first fabric treatment liquor comprises between 0ppm and 200 ppm, preferably between 5ppm and 150 ppm, more preferably between 10ppm and 100ppm of a fatty alcohol ethoxylate non-ionic surfactant.
[0016] Preferably, the first fabric treatment liquor comprises less than 300 ppm, preferably between 5ppm and 250 ppm, more preferably between 10ppm and 200ppm of fatty acid, neutralised fatty acid soap, or a mixture thereof.
[0017] The first fabric treatment liquor may comprise between 1L and 64L, preferably between 2L and 32L, more preferably between 3L and 20L of water.
[0018] The fabric is first contacted with said first fabric treatment liquor. When made in the drum of an automatic washing machine, traditionally, the fabrics to be washed are added to the drum and the door of the washing machine closed. The cationic polysaccharide polymer and the anionic non-soap surfactant can be added to the drum along with the fabrics or may be added to the dispensing drawer of the washing machine.
[0019] The fabric to be laundered may be any suitable fabric. By fabric we preferably mean a textile or cloth comprising a network of natural or synthetic fibers. Those skilled in the art will be aware of suitable fabrics. The fabric may be selected from cotton, polyester, cotton/polyester blends or a mixture thereof, preferably cotton. The fabric may comprise a stain, soil or mixture thereof to be removed. Those skilled in the art will be aware of suitable stains or soils to be removed.
[0020] The use of the combination of the cationic polysaccharide polymer and the anionic non-soap surfactant in the first fabric treatment liquor is in order to improve deposition of a softening active on the fabric upon contact of the softening active with said fabric in a separate subsequent second fabric treatment liquor.
[0021] The second fabric treatment liquor preferably comprises between 1ppm and 500ppm, preferably between 10ppm and 400ppm, most preferably between 20ppm and 300ppm of the softening active.
[0022] The second fabric treatment liquor may comprise between 1L and 64L, preferably between 2L and 32L, more preferably between 3L and 20L of water.
[0023] The first and second fabric treatment liquor may comprise water of any hardness preferably varying between 0 gpg to 40gpg. A lower water hardness is termed soft water whereas a higher water hardness is termed hard water.
[0024] Those skilled in the art will know how to make the second fabric treatment liquor. Without wishing to be bound by theory, the second fabric wash liquor comprises water and the softening active comprised therein. The softening active may be fully dissolved in the water, partially dissolved in the water, a dispersion in the water, or a mixture thereof.
[0025] The second fabric treatment liquor can be created automatically in the drum of an automatic washing machine or can be made in a manual wash operation.
[0026] Preferably, the first fabric treatment liquor, the second fabric treatment liquor or both comprise between 1kg and 20 kg, preferably between 3kg and 15kg, most preferably between 5kg and 10 kg of the fabrics.
[0027] Preferably, the first fabric treatment liquor, the second fabric treatment liquor or both are present in an automatic washing machine.
[0028] Preferably, the first fabric treatment liquor is at a temperature of between 5°C and 90°C, preferably between 10°C and 60°C, more preferably between 12°C and 45°C, most preferably between 15°C and 40°C. Preferably, the first fabric treatment step takes between 5 minutes and 50 minutes, preferably between 5 minutes and 40 minutes, more preferably between 5 minutes and 30 minutes, even more preferably between 5 minutes and 20 minutes, most preferably between 6 minutes and 18 minutes to complete.
[0029] Preferably, the second fabric treatment liquor is at a temperature of between 5°C and 30°C, preferably between 5°C and 25°C, more preferably between 5°C and 20°C, most preferably between 5°C and 15°C. Preferably, the second fabric treatment step takes 1 minute and 30 minutes, preferably between 2 minutes and 25 minutes, more preferably between 3 minutes and 20 minutes, most preferably between 5 minutes and 15 minutes to complete.
[0030] Preferably, the fabric is transferred directly from the first fabric treatment liquor to the second fabric treatment liquor, preferably wherein the first fabric treatment liquor and the second fabric treatment liquor are separately formed in the same drum of an automatic washing machine.
[0031] Without wishing to be bound by theory, transferring the fabrics may involve removing the fabrics from the first treatment liquor, or draining the first treatment liquor away from the fabrics. In an automatic washing machine operation it is preferred that the first treatment liquor is drained away from the fabrics. In the avoidance of doubt, some of the fabric treatment liquor may remain soaked into the fabrics following separation of the fabrics and the first treatment liquor, i.e. the fabrics remain wet. With respect to the present invention the fabrics and the first treatment liquor are deemed separated from one another once the fabric is separate from the main volume of the first treatment liquor or the main volume of the first treatment liquor has been drained away, despite some residual first treatment liquor possibly remaining soaked into the fabrics.
[0032] When made in the drum of an automatic washing machine, traditionally, the fabrics remain in the drum of the washing machine following draining of the first treatment liquor. The washing machine then automatically creates the second treatment liquor comprising the fabrics. Preferably, the fabrics are not removed from the drum of the washing prior to creation of the second treatment liquor. Preferably, once the first treatment liquor has been drained away the washing machine creates the second treatment liquor within 30 minutes, preferably within 20 minutes, more preferably within 10 minutes, most preferably within 5 minutes of removal of the first treatment liquor.
[0033] Preferably, the cationic polysaccharide polymer and the anionic non-soap surfactant are present in a laundry detergent composition which is diluted by a factor of between 300 and 3000 fold in water to create the first fabric treatment liquor.
[0034] The laundry detergent composition preferably comprises other common laundry detergent ingredients. The laundry detergent composition may be in any suitable form. The laundry detergent composition may be a powder, a liquid or a mixture thereof.
[0035] The solid laundry detergent composition may comprise solid particulates or may be a single homogenous solid. Preferably, the solid laundry detergent composition comprises particles. This means the solid laundry detergent composition comprises individual solid particles as opposed to the solid being a single homogenous solid. The particles may be free-flowing or may be compacted, preferably free-flowing.
[0036] The term 'liquid laundry detergent composition' refers to any laundry detergent composition comprising a liquid capable of wetting and treating a fabric, and includes, but is not limited to, liquids, gels, pastes, dispersions and the like. The liquid composition can include solids or gases in suitably subdivided form, but the liquid composition excludes forms which are non-fluid overall, such as powders, tablets or granules.
[0037] The laundry detergent composition may be present in a water-soluble unit dose article and the water-soluble unit dose article comprises a water-soluble film.
[0038] The water-soluble unit dose article comprises a water-soluble film and a laundry detergent composition. The laundry detergent composition and the water-soluble film are described in more detail below.
[0039] The water-soluble unit dose article comprises the water-soluble film shaped such that the unit-dose article comprises at least one internal compartment surrounded by the water-soluble film, and wherein the laundry detergent composition is present within said compartment. The unit dose article may comprise a first water-soluble film and a second water-soluble film sealed to one another such to define the internal compartment. The water-soluble unit dose article is constructed such that the laundry detergent composition does not leak out of the compartment during storage. However, upon addition of the water-soluble unit dose article to water, the water-soluble film dissolves and releases the contents of the internal compartment into the wash liquor.
[0040] The compartment should be understood as meaning a closed internal space within the unit dose article, which holds the detergent composition. During manufacture, a first water-soluble film may be shaped to comprise an open compartment into which the detergent composition is added. A second water-soluble film is then laid over the first film in such an orientation as to close the opening of the compartment. The first and second films are then sealed together along a seal region.
[0041] The unit dose article may comprise more than one compartment, even at least two compartments, or even at least three compartments. The compartments may be arranged in superposed orientation, i.e. one positioned on top of the other. In such an orientation the unit dose article will comprise three films, top, middle and bottom. Alternatively, the compartments may be positioned in a side-by-side orientation, i.e. one orientated next to the other. The compartments may even be orientated in a 'tyre and rim' arrangement, i.e. a first compartment is positioned next to a second compartment, but the first compartment at least partially surrounds the second compartment, but does not completely enclose the second compartment. Alternatively one compartment may be completely enclosed within another compartment.
[0042] Wherein the unit dose article comprises at least two compartments, one of the compartments may be smaller than the other compartment. Wherein the unit dose article comprises at least three compartments, two of the compartments may be smaller than the third compartment, and preferably the smaller compartments are superposed on the larger compartment. The superposed compartments preferably are orientated side-by-side.
[0043] In a multi-compartment orientation, the laundry detergent composition according to the present invention may be comprised in at least one of the compartments. It may for example be comprised in just one compartment, or may be comprised in two compartments, or even in three compartments.
[0044] Each compartment may comprise the same or different compositions. The different compositions could all be in the same form, or they may be in different forms.
[0045] The water-soluble unit dose article may comprise at least two internal compartments, wherein the liquid laundry detergent composition is comprised in at least one of the compartments, preferably wherein the unit dose article comprises at least three compartments, wherein the detergent composition is comprised in at least one of the compartments.
[0046] FIG.1 discloses a water-soluble unit dose article (1) according to the present invention. The water-soluble unit dose article (1) comprises a first water-soluble film (2) and a second water-soluble film (3) which are sealed together at a seal region (4). The laundry detergent composition (5) is comprised within the water-soluble soluble unit dose article (1).
[0047] The film of the present invention is soluble or dispersible in water. The water-soluble film preferably has a thickness of from 20 to 150 micron, preferably 35 to 125 micron, even more preferably 50 to 110 micron, most preferably about 76 micron.
[0048] Preferably, the film has a water-solubility of at least 50%, preferably at least 75% or even at least 95%, as measured by the method set out here after using a glass-filter with a maximum pore size of 20 microns:
5 grams ±0.1 gram of film material is added in a pre-weighed 3L beaker and 2L ± 5ml of distilled water is added. This is stirred vigorously on a magnetic stirrer, Labline model No. 1250 or equivalent and 5 cm magnetic stirrer, set at 600 rpm, for 30 minutes at 30°C. Then, the mixture is filtered through a folded qualitative sintered-glass filter with a pore size as defined above (max. 20 micron). The water is dried off from the collected filtrate by any conventional method, and the weight of the remaining material is determined (which is the dissolved or dispersed fraction). Then, the percentage solubility or dispersability can be calculated.
[0049] Preferred film materials are preferably polymeric materials. The film material can, for example, be obtained by casting, blow-moulding, extrusion or blown extrusion of the polymeric material, as known in the art.
[0050] Preferred polymers, copolymers or derivatives thereof suitable for use as pouch material are selected from polyvinyl alcohols, polyvinyl pyrrolidone, polyalkylene oxides, acrylamide, acrylic acid, cellulose, cellulose ethers, cellulose esters, cellulose amides, polyvinyl acetates, polycarboxylic acids and salts, polyaminoacids or peptides, polyamides, polyacrylamide, copolymers of maleic/acrylic acids, polysaccharides including starch and gelatine, natural gums such as xanthum and carragum. More preferred polymers are selected from polyacrylates and water-soluble acrylate copolymers, methylcellulose, carboxymethylcellulose sodium, dextrin, ethylcellulose, hydroxyethyl cellulose, hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, maltodextrin, polymethacrylates, and most preferably selected from polyvinyl alcohols, polyvinyl alcohol copolymers and hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose (HPMC), and combinations thereof. Preferably, the level of polymer in the pouch material, for example a PVA polymer, is at least 60%. The polymer can have any weight average molecular weight, preferably from about 1000 to 1,000,000, more preferably from about 10,000 to 300,000 yet more preferably from about 20,000 to 150,000.
[0051] Mixtures of polymers and/or copolymers can also be used as the pouch material, especially mixtures of polyvinylalcohol polymers and/or copolymers, especially mixtures of polyvinylalcohol homopolymers and/or anionic polyvinylalcohol copolymers preferably selected from sulphonated and carboxylated anionic polyvinylalcohol copolymers especially carboxylated anionic polyvinylalcohol copolymers. Most preferably the water soluble film comprises a blend of a polyvinylalcohol homopolymer and a carboxylated anionic polyvinylalcohol copolymer.
[0052] Preferred films exhibit good dissolution in cold water, meaning unheated distilled water. Preferably such films exhibit good dissolution at temperatures of 24°C, even more preferably at 10°C. By good dissolution it is meant that the film exhibits water-solubility of at least 50%, preferably at least 75% or even at least 95%, as measured by the method set out here after using a glass-filter with a maximum pore size of 20 microns, described above.
[0053] Preferred films are those supplied by Monosol under the trade references M8630, M8900, M8779, M8310.
[0055] The area of print may be achieved using standard techniques, such as flexographic printing or inkjet printing.
[0056] The film may comprise an aversive agent, for example a bittering agent. Suitable bittering agents include, but are not limited to, naringin, sucrose octaacetate, quinine hydrochloride, denatonium benzoate, or mixtures thereof. Any suitable level of aversive agent may be used in the film. Suitable levels include, but are not limited to, 1 to 5000ppm, or even 100 to 2500ppm, or even 250 to 2000rpm.
[0057] The softening active may be present in a fabric softening composition which is diluted by a factor of between 300 and 3000 fold in water to create the second fabric treatment liquor. The fabric softening composition may comprise other common fabric softening composition ingredients.
[0058] The softening composition may be in any suitable form. The softening composition may be a powder, a liquid or a mixture thereof.
[0059] The softening composition may comprise solid particulates or may be a single homogenous solid. Preferably, the solid softening composition comprises particles. This means the solid softening composition comprises individual solid particles as opposed to the solid being a single homogenous solid. The particles may be free-flowing or may be compacted, preferably free-flowing.
[0060] The term 'liquid laundry softening composition' refers to any laundry softening composition comprising a liquid capable of wetting and treating a fabric, and includes, but is not limited to, liquids, gels, pastes, dispersions and the like. The liquid composition can include solids or gases in suitably subdivided form, but the liquid composition excludes forms which are non-fluid overall, such as powders, tablets or granules.
Anionic non-soap surfactant
[0061] Preferably, the non-soap anionic surfactant comprises linear alkylbenzene sulphonate, alkoxylated alkyl sulphate or a mixture thereof, more preferably a mixture thereof wherein the weight ratio of linear alkylbenzene sulphonate to alkoxylated alkyl sulphate preferably the weight ratio of linear alkylbenzene sulphonate to ethoxylated alkyl sulphate is from 1:2 to 20:1, preferably from 1.1:1 to 15:1, more preferably from 1.2:1 to 10:1, even more preferably from 1.3:1 to 5: 1, most preferably from 1.4:1 to 3:1.
[0062] The weight ratio of linear alkylbenzene sulphonate to ethoxylated alkyl sulphate may be from 1:10 to 20:1, preferably from 1:7 to 3:1, more preferably from 1:5 to 1.5:1.
[0063] If formulated in a laundry detergent composition then the laundry detergent composition may comprise up to 50%, preferably between 5% and 50%, more preferably between 7.5% and 45%, even more preferably between 10% and 40%. The laundry detergent composition may comprise between 12% and 37%, preferably between 15% and 30% by weight of the laundry detergent composition of the non-soap anionic surfactant.
Cationic polysaccharide polymer
[0064] Preferably, the cationic polysaccharide polymer is selected from cationically modified hydroxyethyl cellulose, cationically modified hydroxypropyl cellulose, cationically and hydrophobically modified hydroxyethyl cellulose, cationically and hydrophobically modified hydroxypropyl cellulose, or a mixture thereof, more preferably cationically modified hydroxyethyl cellulose, cationically and hydrophobically modified hydroxyethyl cellulose, or a mixture thereof.
[0065] Preferably, the cationic polysaccharide is in particulate form, preferably wherein the particulate cationic polysaccharide has an average D90 diameter of less than 300 microns, more preferably less than 200 microns, even more preferably less than 150 microns. Without wishing to be bound by theory, formulation of the cationic polysaccharide in particulate form has the added benefit of minimizing interaction of the cationic polysaccharide with the water-soluble film, when formulated in a water-soluble unit dose article. Such interaction can retard the dissolution of both the film and the cationic polysaccharide.
[0066] When formulated in a laundry detergent composition, the laundry detergent composition may comprise between 0.05% and 10%, preferably between 0.1% and 5%, more preferably between 0.2% and 3%, most preferably between 0.25% and 1% by weight of the laundry detergent composition of the cationic polysaccharide polymer.
[0067] The laundry detergent composition may comprise a non-ionic surfactant, preferably wherein the non-ionic surfactant is selected from a fatty alcohol alkoxylate, an oxo-synthesised fatty alcohol alkoxylate, Guerbet alcohol alkoxylates, alkyl phenol alcohol alkoxylates or a mixture thereof. Preferably, the liquid laundry detergent composition comprises between 1% and 25%, preferably between 1.5% and 20%, most preferably between 2% and 15% by weight of the liquid laundry detergent composition of the non-ionic surfactant.
[0068] The weight ratio of non-soap anionic surfactant to non-ionic surfactant may be from 1:1 to 20:1, preferably from 1.3:1 to 15:1, more preferably from 1.5:1 to 10:1.
[0069] The laundry detergent composition may comprise between 1% and 25%, preferably between 1.5% and 20%, more preferably between 1% and 25%, preferably between 1.5% and 20%, most preferably between 2% and 15% by weight of the liquid detergent composition of soap. Without wishing to be bound by theory, it is preferred to carefully control fatty acid and neutralized fatty acid soap levels. Whilst some fatty acid or neutralized fatty acid soap is preferred in order to neutralize water hardness, too much fatty acid, fatty acid soap or a mixture thereof can cause salt formation on the fabrics and deactivate the cationic polysaccharide ahead of use in the rinse step.
[0070] The laundry detergent composition may comprise a further cleaning or care polymer, preferably wherein the cleaning or care polymer is selected from an ethoxylated polyethyleneimine, alkoxylated polyalkyl phenol, an amphiphilic graft copolymer, a polyester terephthalate, a carboxymethylcellulose or a mixture thereof.
[0071] The laundry detergent may comprise further adjunct ingredients. The adjunct laundry detergent ingredient may be selected from bleach, bleach catalyst, dye, hueing agents, surfactants, solvents, dye transfer inhibitors, chelants, enzymes, perfumes, encapsulated perfumes, perfume delivery agents, suds suppressor, brighteners, polycarboxylates, structurants, anti-oxidants, deposition aids and mixtures thereof.
Fabric softening active
[0072] Preferably, said softening active is selected from the group consisting of quaternary ammonium compounds, amines, fatty esters, sucrose esters, silicones, dispersible polyolefins, polysaccharides, fatty acids, softening oils, polymer latexes, softening clays and combinations thereof, preferably wherein the fabric softening active is selected from the group consisting of quaternary ammonium compounds and mixtures thereof, more preferably ester quats, most preferably wherein the fabric softening active is selected from the group consisting of diester quats, more preferably Diethylester Dimethyl Ammonium Chloride (DEEDMAC).
[0073] When formulated in a fabric softening composition, preferably, the softening composition comprises between 2% and 25%, preferably between 4% and 20%, more preferably between 5% and 15%, most preferably between 5% and 13% by weight of the softening composition of the softening active.
[0074] The laundry softening composition preferably further comprises perfume or perfume capsule technology, aiming at delivering scent to the treated fabrics. The laundry softening composition may comprise further ingredients, as typically recognized by a skilled person in the art.
[0075] A further use of the combination of a cationic polysaccharide polymer and an anionic non-soap surfactant in a first fabric treatment liquor is to enable the lower use of softener active in a second subsequent fabric treatment liquor.
[0076] The combination of a cationic polysaccharide polymer and an anionic non-soap surfactant in a first fabric treatment liquor may be used to improve deposition of other actives, such as perfume materials or perfume capsules on a fabric upon contact of the active(s) with said fabric in a separate subsequent second fabric treatment liquor.
Method of making
[0077] Those skilled in the art will be aware of methods to make the water-soluble unit dose article, the laundry detergent composition, the fabric softening composition, the softening active, the anionic non-soap surfactant and the cationic polysaccharide polymer of the present invention using known methods in the art.
[0078] The dimensions and values disclosed herein are not to be understood as being strictly limited to the exact numerical values recited. Instead, unless otherwise specified, each such dimension is intended to mean both the recited value and a functionally equivalent range surrounding that value. For example, a dimension disclosed as "40 mm" is intended to mean "about 40 mm."
EXAMPLES
[0079] The impact of presence versus absence of a cationic hydroxyethylcellulose (CatHEC) according to the present invention in the main wash has been assessed on the deposition efficacy hence softness performance of a diethylesterdimethylammonium- chloride (DEEDMAC) diesterquat softening active added during the subsequent rinse cycle.
Main wash detergent composition:
| Comparative Example A and C (WT%) | Comparative Example B and Example A (WT%) | |
| HLAS anionic surfactant | 14.15 | 14.15 |
| HAE3S (C24AE3S) anionic surfactant | 13.12 | 13.12 |
| C24AE7 nonionic surfactant | 2.99 | 2.99 |
| Citric acid | 0.94 | 0.94 |
| Palm Kernel Fatty acid | 3.88 | 3.88 |
| HEDP chelant | 2.31 | 2.31 |
| Ethoxylated polyethyleneimine (PEI600EO20)* | 1.62 | 1.62 |
| Amphiphilic graft polymer** | 1.99 | 1.99 |
| Carboxymethylcellulose | 0.49 | 0.49 |
| Texcare SRA300 | 0.32 | 0.32 |
| Polymer PK ex Dow (Cationic polysaccharide) | - | 0.48 |
| Brightener 49 | 0.45 | 0.45 |
| Hueing dye | 0.02 | 0.02 |
| Monoethanolamine | 7.83 | 7.83 |
| Water | 9.16 | 9.16 |
| 1,2 Propanediol | 21.29 | 19.99 |
| Glycerine | 7.79 | 7.79 |
| DiPropyleneGlycol | 7.55 | 7.55 |
| Minors (preservatives, antioxidant, anti-foam, perfume, dye Hydrogenated Castor Oil structurant, protease & amylase enzyme, processing aids) | Balance to 100% | Balance to 100% |
| *ethoxylated polyethyleneimine having an average degree of ethoxylation of 20 per
EO chain and a polyethyleneimine backbone with MW of about 600 **polyethylene glycol graft polymer comprising a polyethylene glycol backbone (Pluriol E6000) and hydrophobic vinyl acetate side chains, comprising 40% by weight of the polymer system of a polyethylene glycol backbone polymer and 60% by weight of the polymer system of the grafted vinyl acetate side chains |
Fabric Enhancer composition :
| Ingredient | WT% |
| DEEDMAC | 9.3% |
| Perfume | 2.4% |
| Water | 87% |
| Minors | Balance to 100% |
Test methods :
Wash process :
[0080] 10 pieces of 100% cotton terry towels (size : 30cmx30cm) were washed together with 10 pieces of 50% cotton / 50% polyester knitted swatches (size : 30cmx30cm - K7422) and 80% cotton / 20% polyester ballast load (total weight of fabric in the wash : 2.7kg) with 25.7g of the formulations tabulated above in a top loading Kenmore 600L washing machine on Heavy Duty cycle (32°C, wash time : 12 minutes, 64 Litres of 8 gpg water). The fabrics were consequently rinsed for 3 minutes in presence (Comparative Example C - Example A) / absence (Comparative Example A & B) of 25.5g of the Fabric Enhancer composition tabulated above (20°C, rinse time : 3 minutes, 64 Litres of 8 gpg water) and tumble dried.
Fabric to fabric friction measurement:
[0081] The 100% cotton terry towel tracers were equilibrated for at least 5 hours in a room with constant temperature (23°C) and humidity (55% relative humidity). The fabric to fabric kinetic friction coefficient was measured in the same room using a Thwing-Albert Friction Peel Tester with a 2.5 kg load cell and a crosshead height of 25mm. A first piece of fabric was laid on the sample stage of the instrument, and a second piece of the same fabric (11.43cm x 6.35cm) was attached to a 200g clamping sled attached to the load cell and placed on the surface of the first piece of fabric. The Friction Peel Tester is programmed to move the second piece of fabric (on the clamping sled) over the first piece of fabric (on the sample stage) at a speed of 20cm/min for 20 seconds. As the fabrics move over each other the software records the frictional force experienced by the fabric on the clamping sled. The terry towel tracers are placed on the instrument to be measured against the grain.
[0082] The kinetic friction coefficient (referred to as "KCoF") is derived by taking the average force of the last 10 seconds of the measurement (kinetic section) divided by the normal force exerted during the measurement. This kinetic friction coefficient is used as a measure of softness. A low kinetic friction coefficient means less friction, and so better softness. The average friction result of the 10 terry towels is reported below.
Diesterquat deposition measurement:
[0083] Concentrations of DEEDMAC diesterquat material extracted from fabric after the wash test were analyzed by Hydrophilic interaction liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry (HILIC/MS/MS) analysis, employing multiple-reaction monitoring (MRM).
[0084] The DEEDMAC diesterquat raw material was used to prepare working standards to generate a calibration curve. This curve covered a working standard concentration range of 13.2-to-1644 ng/mL, which translates into 12.8-1596 µg/g (ppm) for the active diesterquat deposited on fabric. A labelled internal standard with deuterium was used to correct for matrix effects.
[0085] The amount of deposited DEEDMAC diesterquat has been defined by cross-comparing the measurement on the extracted DEEDMAC diesterquat material versus the generated calibration curve. The average result of the 10 cotton terry towels has been reported.
| REAGENTS USED | |
| DEEDMAC Diesterquat d3 deuterated internal standard (IS) | Hard Tallow DEEDMac d6, Rewoquat V3283 Lot#: M919388Ex-002, Manufacturer: Evanik Degussa |
| DEEDMAC Diesterquat raw material | REWOQUAT CI-DEEDMAC, Material No. 99057480, Spec. Code K01, P&G J |
| Extraction solvent: | 45/45/10 CHCl3/MeOH/UPW 1% HOAc |
| APPARATUS USED | |
| Mass Spectrometer | AB Sciex API4000 MS/MS, with Turbo IonSpray capability; or AB Sciex API3000 MS/MS |
| HPLC Pumping System | Shimadzu Prominence LC20A system UFLC (controller & 3 pumps) |
| HPLC Column | Waters, Atlantis HILIC Silica 5um, 2.1x50mm column, Part No. 186002012 |
| Quantitative Program | Analyst/Multiquant |
| Loop Volume | 10 µL |
| Flow rate | 400 µL/min |
| Injection volume | 20 µL |
| HPLC Column Temperature | Room Temperature |
Test results:
[0086] The below table shows the actual amount of diesterquat (DEEDMAC) softening active deposited onto the fabrics, as well as the resulting coefficient of friction measured on the fabrics. It can clearly be seen that when formulating a cationic hydroxyethylcellulose according to the invention in the main wash product, that an enhanced diesterquat softening active (DEEDMAC) deposition in the rinse and hence improved softening performance (decreased coefficient of friction - KCoF) is achieved.
| CatHEC in main wash | Diesterquat (DEEDMAC) in rinse | Deposited diesterquat (DEEDMAC) (Terry cotton) | KCoF | Delta KCoF | |
| Comparative Example A | - | - | - | 1.69 | - |
| Comparative Example B | 2 ppm through the wash | - | - | 1.68 | -0.01 |
| Comparative Example C | - | 43 ppm through the wash | 483 µg/g | 1.5 | - |
| Example A | 2 ppm through the wash | 43 ppm through the wash | 675 µg/g | 1.36 | -0.14 |
1. Use of the combination of a cationic polysaccharide polymer and an anionic non-soap
surfactant in a first fabric treatment liquor,
in order to improve deposition of a softening active on a fabric upon contact of the softening active with said fabric in a separate subsequent second fabric treatment liquor, wherein said fabric was first contacted with said first fabric treatment liquor.
in order to improve deposition of a softening active on a fabric upon contact of the softening active with said fabric in a separate subsequent second fabric treatment liquor, wherein said fabric was first contacted with said first fabric treatment liquor.
2. The use according to claim 1 wherein the cationic polysaccharide polymer is selected
from cationically modified hydroxyethyl cellulose, cationically modified hydroxypropyl
cellulose, cationically and hydrophobically modified hydroxyethyl cellulose, cationically
and hydrophobically modified hydroxypropyl cellulose, or a mixture thereof, more preferably
cationically modified hydroxyethyl cellulose, cationically and hydrophobically modified
hydroxyethyl cellulose, or a mixture thereof.
3. The use according to any preceding claims wherein said softening active is selected
from the group consisting of quaternary ammonium compounds, amines, fatty esters,
sucrose esters, silicones, dispersible polyolefins, polysaccharides, fatty acids,
softening oils, polymer latexes, softening clays and combinations thereof, preferably
wherein the fabric softening active is selected from the group consisting of quaternary
ammonium compounds and mixtures thereof, more preferably ester quats, most preferably
wherein the fabric softening active is selected from the group consisting of diester
quats, more preferably Diethylester Dimethyl Ammonium Chloride.
4. The use according to any preceding claims wherein the first fabric treatment liquor
comprises between 0.1ppm and 100 ppm preferably between 0.5ppm and 50ppm, more preferably
between 1ppm and 20 ppm of the cationic polysaccharide polymer.
5. The use according to any preceding claims wherein the first fabric treatment liquor
comprises between 10ppm and 1000 ppm, preferably between 50ppm and 900ppm, more preferably
between 100ppm and 800 ppm of the non-soap anionic surfactant, preferably wherein
the non-soap anionic surfactant comprises linear alkylbenzene sulphonate, alkoxylated
alkyl sulphate or a mixture thereof, more preferably a mixture thereof wherein the
ratio of linear alkylbenzene sulphonate to alkoxylated alkyl sulphate preferably the
ratio of linear alkylbenzene sulphonate to ethoxylated alkyl sulphate is from 1:2
to 20:1, preferably from 1.1:1 to 15:1, more preferably from 1.2:1 to 10:1, even more
preferably from 1.3:1 to 5:1, most preferably from 1.4:1 to 3:1.
6. The use according to any preceding claim wherein the first fabric treatment liquor
comprises between 0ppm and 200 ppm, preferably between 5ppm and 150 ppm, more preferably
between 10ppm and 100ppm of a fatty alcohol ethoxylate non-ionic surfactant.
7. The use according to any preceding claims wherein the second fabric treatment liquor
comprises between 1ppm and 500ppm, preferably between 10ppm and 400ppm, most preferably
between 20ppm and 300ppm of the softening active.
8. The use according to any preceding claims, wherein the first fabric treatment liquor
comprises less than 300 ppm, preferably between 5ppm and 250 ppm, more preferably
between 10ppm and 200ppm of fatty acid, neutralised fatty acid soap, or a mixture
thereof.
9. The use according to any preceding claims, wherein the first fabric treatment liquor,
the second fabric treatment liquor or both comprise between 1kg and 20 kg, preferably
between 3kg and 15kg, most preferably between 5kg and 10 kg of the fabrics.
10. The use according to any preceding claims wherein the fabrics comprise natural materials,
synthetic materials or a mixture thereof, preferably wherein the fabric is selected
from cotton, polyester, cotton/polyester blends or a mixture thereof, preferably cotton.
11. The use according to any preceding claims wherein the first fabric treatment liquor,
the second fabric treatment liquor or both are present in an automatic washing machine.
12. The use according to any preceding claims wherein the fabric is transferred directly
from the first fabric treatment liquor to the second fabric treatment liquor, preferably
wherein the first fabric treatment liquor and the second fabric treatment liquor are
separately formed in the same drum of an automatic washing machine.
13. The use according to any preceding claims wherein the cationic polysaccharide polymer
and the anionic non-soap surfactant are present in a laundry detergent composition
which is diluted by a factor of between 300 and 3000 fold in water to create the first
fabric treatment liquor.
14. The use according to claim 13 wherein the laundry detergent composition is present
in a water-soluble unit dose article and wherein the water-soluble unit dose article
comprises a water-soluble film.
15. The use according to any preceding claims wherein the softening active is present
in a fabric softening composition which is diluted by a factor of between 300 and
3000 fold in water to create the second fabric treatment liquor.