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FABRIC SOFTENER COMPOSITIONS
Field of the invention
The present invention relates to fabric softener compositions having
enhanced storage stability. More particularly, the present invention relates
to a fabric softening composition comprising a fabric softening component,
a heavy metal ion sequestrant and a component selected from a dye, a
perfume, a compound having a fatty acid moiety of lodine Value (IV) of at
least 2 and mixtures thereof.
Backqround of the invention
Fabric softening compositions are known in the art and have been widelyused by consumers during the rinse cycles of laundry operations. However,
consumer acceptance of such compositions is determined not only by the
performance achieved with these products but also by the aesthetics
associated therewith. The perfume systems as well as the dye systems are
therefore an important aspect of the successful formulation of such
commercial products.
Of these, products which contain a high level of perfume relative to the
total amount of fabric softening actives present within the composition are
most preferred.
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The Applicant has now found that a problem encountered with fabric
softening compositions is that of the degradation upon storage of sensitive
components selected from perfumes, dyes, fatty acids of lodine Value (IV)
of at least 2, compounds having one or more fatty acid moieties of IV of at
least 2.
Indeed, fatty acids of IV of at least 2 and/or fatty acids compounds having
fatty acid moiety of IV of at least 2 which include components such as N,N-
di(tallowyl-oxy-ethyl)-N,N-dimethyl ammonium chloride have been observed
to degrade upon storage, resulting in a performance loss together with a
strong odour characteristic of the degradation. In general, the higher the IV
value, the higher the degradation.
Not to be bound by theory, we believe that we have found that this problem
of sensitive components degradation is related to the presence of heavy
metal ions. Indeed, we believe that the presence of heavy metal ion
compounds as impurities within the fabric softening composition catalyse,
upon storage, oxidative processes of some sensitive softening composition
ingredients such as dyes, perfumes and compounds having fatty acid
moiety of IV of at least 2. The presence of such heavy metal ions may be
provided by the fabric softener raw materials and/or from the metal
hardware used for processing and/or for storage of the fabric softening
composition .
The Applicant has now found that the provision of a heavy metal ion
sequestrant present at low levels overcomes the problem.
Co-pending application PCT/US95/05267 discloses a fabric softening
composition comprising a fabric softening agent, a cellulase and a chelant
wherein said chelant is present in amount of 10ppm to 0.5% by weight of
the composition.
It is therefore an object of the invention to provide fabric softening
composition which exhibit excellent storage stability especially with regard
to the dye and/or perfume and/or fatty acids of IV of at least 2 and/or
compounds having fatty acid moiety of IV of at least 2.
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The lodine Value herein described (IV) is a method well known in the art for
measuring the degree of unsaturation of a fatty acid compound or a fatty
acid moiety. This is measured by titration of lodine whereby the number of
lodine molecule which have disappeared is proportional to the number of
unsaturation of the fatty acid compound or moiety.
SummarY of the invention
There is provided a fabric softener composition which is free of cellulase
and which comprises:
i) -from 1% to 80% by weight of a fabric softener compound,
ii) -from 10ppm to 0.5% by weight of a heavy metal ion sequestrant, and
said composition comprises a component selected from a dye, a
perfume, a fatty acid compound of lodine Value (IV) of at least 2, a
compound having one or more fatty acid moieties of lodine value (IV)
of at least 2, and mixtures thereof.
Detailed descriDtion of the invention
Fabric softeninq com~ound
An essential component of the invention is a fabric softening compound.
Fabric softening compositions, in particular fabric softening compositions to
be used in the rinse cycle of laundry washing processes, are well known.
Compositions of the present invention preferably comprise from 1 to 80%by weight of fabric softening active, more preferably from 2 to 70% by
weight, most preferably from 5 to 50% by weight of the composition.
Conventional fabric softening materials may be used. These may be
selected from cationic fabric softening materials such as di-long alkyl chain
ammonium chloride and biodegradable fabric softening materials, nonionic,
amphoteric or anionic fabric softening material. Disclosure of such materials
may be found in US 4,327,133; 4,421,792; 4,426,299; 4,460,485;
3,644,203 and 4,661,269.
preferred fabric softening materials are biodegradable quaternary ammonium
compounds contain long chain alk(en)yl groups interrupted by functional
groups such as carboxy groups.
Said materials and fabric softening compositions containing them are
disclosed in numerous publications such as EPA 040 562, and EPA 239
910.
In EPA 239 910 is disclosed that a pH range of from 2.5 to 4.2 provides
optimum storage stability to said rapidly biodegradable ammonium
compounds.
The quaternary ammonium compounds and amine precursors herein have
the formula (I) or (II), below:
<IMG>
or
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R3~ R3
+ Nl--(CH2)n-CH~ X-
R3 Q Q
Tl T2
(Il)
Q is selected from -O-C(O)-, -C(O)-O-, -O-C(O)-O-, -NR4-C(o)-, -C(o)-NR4-;
R1 is (CH2)n-Q-T2 or T3;
R2 is (CH2)m-Q-T4 or T5 or R3;
R3 is C1-C4 alkyl or C1-C4 hydroxyalkyl or H;
R4 is H or C1-C4 alkyl or C1-C4 hydroxyalkyl;
T1, T2, T3, T4, T5 are independently C1 1-C22 alkyl or alkenyl;
n and m are integers from 1 to 4; and
X~ is a softener-compatible anion.
Non-limiting examples of softener-compatible anions include chloride ormethyl sulfate.
The alkyl, or alkenyl, chain T1, T2, T3, T4, T5 must contain at least 11
carbon atoms, preferably at least 16 carbon atoms. The chain may be
straight or branched.
Tallow is a convenient and inexpensive source of long chain alkyl and
alkenyl material. The compounds wherein T1, T2, T3, T4, T5 represents
the mixture of long chain materials typical for tallow are particularly
preferred .
Specific examples of quaternary ammonium compounds suitable for use in
the aqueous fabric softening compositions herein include:
1) N,N-di(tallowyl-oxy-ethyl)-N,N-dimethyl ammonium chloride;
2) N,N-di(tallowyl-oxy-ethyl)-N-methyl, N-(2-hydroxyethyl);
3) N,N-di(2-tallowyl-oxy-2-oxo-ethyl)-N,N-dimethyl ammonium chloride;
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4) N,N-di(2-tallowyl-oxyethylcarbonyloxyethyl)-N,N-dimethyl ammonium
chloride;
5) N-(2-tallowyl-oxy-2-ethyl)-N-(2-tallowyloxy-2-oxo-ethyl)-N,N-dimethyl
ammonium chloride;
6) N,N,N-tri(tallowyl-oxy-ethyl)-N-methyl ammonium chloride;
7) N-~2-tallowyl-oxy-2-oxoethyl)-N-(tallowyl-N,N-dimethyl-ammonium
chloride;
and
8) 1,2-ditallowyl-oxy-3-trimethylammoniopropane chloride; and mixtures of
any of the above materials.
Of these, compounds 1-7 are examples of compounds of Formula (I);
compound 8 is a compound of Formula (Il).
Particularly preferred is N,N-di(tallowoyl-oxy-ethyl)-N,N-dimethyl ammonium
chloride, where the tallow chains are at least partially unsaturated.
The level of unsaturation of the tallow chain can be measured by the lodine
Value (IV) of the corresponding fatty acid, which in the present case should
preferably be in the range of from ~i to 100 with two categories of
compounds being distinguished, having a IV below or above 25.
Indeed, for compounds of Formula (I) made from tallow fatty acids having a
IV of from 5 to 25, preferably 15 to 20, it has been found that a cis/trans
isomer weight ratio greater than 30/70, preferably greater than 50/50 and
more preferably greater than 70/30 provides optimal concentrability.
For compounds of Formula (I) made from tallow fatty acids having a IV of
above 25, the ratio of cis to trans isomers has been found to be less critical
unless very high concentrations are needed.
Other examples of suitable quaternary ammoniums of Formula (I) and (Il) are
obtained by, e.g.:
- replacing "tallow" in the above compounds with, for example, coco,
palm, lauryl, oleyl, ricinoleyl, stearyl, palmityl, or the like, said fatty acyl
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chains being either fully saturated, or preferably at least partly
unsaturated;
- replacing "methyl" in the above compounds with ethyl, ethoxy, propyl,
propoxy, isopropyl, butyl, isobutyl or t-butyl;
- replacing "chloride" in the above compounds with bromide, methylsulfate,
formate, sulfate, nitrate, and the like.
In fact, the anion is merely present as a counterion of the positively charged
quaternary ammonium compounds. The nature of the counterion is not
critical at all to the practice of the present invention. The scope of this
invention is not considered limited to any particular anion.
By "amine precursors thereof" is meant the secondary or tertiary aminescorresponding to the above quaternary ammonium compounds, said amines
being substantially protonated in the present compositions due to the
claimed pH values.
For the preceding biodegradable fabric softening agents, the pH of the
compositions herein is an essential parameter of the present invention.
Indeed, it influences the stability of the quaternary ammonium or amine
precursors compounds, especially in prolonged storage conditions.
The pH, as defined in the present context, is measured in the neat
compositions at 20 ~ C. For optimum hydrolytic stability of these
compositions, the neat pH, measured in the above-mentioned conditions,
must be in the range of from 2.0 to 4.5. Preferably, where the liquid fabric
softening compositions of the invention are in a concentrated form, the pH
of the neat composition is in the range of 2.0 to 3.5, while if it is in a
diluted form, the pH of the neat composition is in the range of 2.0 to 3Ø
The pH of these compositions herein can be regulated by the addition of a
Bronsted acid.
Examples of suitable acids include the inorganic mineral acids, carboxylic
acids, in particular the low molecular weight ~C1-Cs) carboxylic acids, and
alkylsulfonic acids. Suitable inorganic acids include HCI, H2S04, HN03 and
H3P04. Suitable organic acids include formic, acetic, citric, methylsulfonic
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and ethylsulfonic acid Preferred acids are citric, hydrochloric, phosphoric,
formic, methylsulfonic acid, and benzoic acids.
The quaternary ammonium or amine precursors compounds herein are
present at levels of from 1% to 80% of compositions herein, depending on
the composition execution which can be dilute with a preferred level of
active biodegradable fabric softening components from 1% to 5 % , or
concentrated, with a preferred level of active biodegradable fabric softening
components from 5% to 80%, more preferably 10% to 50%, most
preferably 15% to 35% by weight.
Softening agents also useful in the present invention compositions are
nonionic fabric softener materials, preferably in combination with cationic
softening agents. Typically, such nonionic fabric softener materials have a
HLB of from 2 to 9, more typically from 3 to 7. Such nonionic fabric
softener materials tend to be readily dispersed either by themselves, or
when combined with other materials such as single-long-chain alkyl cationic
surfactant described in detail hereinafter. Dispersibi1ity can be improved by
using more single-long-chain alkyl cationic surfactant, mixture with other
materials as set forth hereinafter, use of hotter water, and/or more
agitation. In general, the materials selected should be relatively crystalline,
higher melting, (e.g. >40~C) and relatively water-insoluble.
The level of optional nonionic softener in the compositions herein is typically
from 0.1 % to 10%, preferably from 1% to 5%.
Preferred nonionic softeners are fatty acid partial esters of polyhydric
alcohols, or anhydrides thereof, wherein the alcohol, or anhydride, contains
from 2 to 18, preferably from 2 to 8, carbon atoms, and each fatty acid
moiety contains from 12 to 30, preferably from 16 to 20, carbon atoms.
Typically, such softeners contain from one to 3, preferably 2 fatty acid
groups per molecule.
The polyhydric alcohol portion of the ester can be ethylene glycol, glycerol,
poly (e.g., di-, tri-, tetra, penta-, and/or hexa-) glycerol, xylitol, sucrose,
erythritol, pentaerythritol, sorbitol or sorbitan. Sorbitan esters and
polyglycerol monostearate are particularly preferred.
,
_
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The fatty acid portion of the ester is normally derived from fatty acids
having from 12 to 30, preferably from 16 to 20, carbon atoms, typical
examples of said fatty acids being lauric acid, myristic acid, palmitic acid,
stearic acid, oleic and behenic acid.
Highly preferred optional nonionic softening agents for use in the present
invention are the sorbitan esters, which are esterified dehydration products
of sorbitol, and the glycerol esters.
Commercial sorbitan monostearate is a suitable material. Mixtures of
sorbitan stearate and sorbitan palmitate having stearate/palmitate weight
ratios varying between 10: 1 and 1: 10, and 1,5-sorbitan esters are also
useful .
Glycerol and polyglycerol esters, especially glycerol, diglycerol, triglycerol,
and polyglycerol mono- and/or di-esters, preferably mono-, are preferred
herein (e.g. polyglycerol monostearate with a trade name of Radiasurf
7248).
Useful glycerol and polyglycerol esters include mono-esters with stearic,
oleic, palmitic, lauric, isostearic, myristic, and/or behenic acids and the
diesters of stearic, oleic, palmitic, lauric, isostearic, behenic, and/or myristic
acids. It is understood that the typical mono-ester contains some di- and
tri-ester, etc.
The "glycerol esters" also include the polyglycerol, e.g., diglycerol through
octaglycerol esters. The polyglycerol polyols are formed by condensing
glycerin or epichlorohydrin together to link the glycerol moieties via ether
linkages. The mono- and/or diesters of the polyglycerol polyols are
preferred, the fatty acyl groups typically being those described hereinbefore
for the sorbitan and glycerol esters.
Additional fabric softening agents useful herein are described in U.S
4,661,269; U.S 4,439,335; and in U.S. 3,861,870; US 4,308,151; US
3,886,075; US 4,233,164; US 4,401,578; US 3,974,076; US 4,237,016;
and EP 472,178.
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For example, suitable fabric softener agents useful herein may compriseone, two, or all three of the following fabric softening agents:
(a) the reaction product of higher fatty acids with a polyamine selected
from hydroxyalkylalkylenediamines and dialkylenetriamines and
mixtures thereof (preferably from 10% to 80%); and/or
(b) cationic nitrogenous salts containing only one long chain acyclic
aliphatic C1s-C22 hydrocarbon group (preferably from 3% to 40%);
and/or
(c) cationic nitrogenous salts having two or more long chain acyclic
aliphatic C1 s-C22 hydrocarbon groups or one said group and an
arylalkyl group (preferably from 10% to 80%);
with said (a), (b) and (c) preferred percentages being by weight of the fabric
softening agent component of the present invention compositions.
Following are the general descriptions of the preceeding (a), (b), and (c)
softener ingredients (including certain specific examples which illustrate, but
do not limit the present invention).
Component ~ Softening agents (actives) of the present invention may be
the reaction products of higher fatty acids with a polyamine selected from
hydroxyalkylalkylenediamines and dialkylenetriamines and mixtures thereof.
These reaction products are mixtures of several compounds in view of the
multi-functional structure of the polyamines.
The preferred Component (a) is a nitrogenous compound selected from thereaction product mixtures or some selected cornponents of the mixtures.
More specifically, the preferred Component (a) is compounds selected from
substituted imidazoline compounds having the formula:
RI~N
IN
R2-NH~ R
o
wherein R1 is an acyclic aliphatic C1s-C21 hydrocarbon group and R2 is a
divalent C1-C3 alkylene group.
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Component (a) materials are commercially available as: Mazamide~ 6, sold
by Mazer Chemicals, or Ceranine(~ HC, sold by Sandoz Colors & Chemicals;
stearic hydroxyethyl imidazoline sold under the trade names of Alkazine~
ST by Alkaril Chemicals, Inc., or Schercozoline(~) S by Scher Chemicals,
Inc.; N,N"-ditallowalkoyldiethylenetriamine; 1 - tallowamidoethyl - 2 -
tallowimidazoline (wherein in the preceeding structure R 1 is an aliphatic
C1 5-C17 hydrocarbon group and R2 is a divalent ethylene group).
Certain of the Components (a) can also be first dispersed in a Bronsted acid
dispersing aid having a pKa value of not greater than 4; provided that the
pH of the final composition is not greater than 5. Some preferred dispersing
aids are hydrochloric acid, phosphoric acid, or methylsulfonic acid.
Both N,N"-ditallowalkoyldiethylenetriamine and 1-tallow(amidoethyl)-2-tallowimidazoline are reaction products of tallow fatty acids and
diethylenetriamine, and are precursors of the cationic fabric softening agent
methyl-1-tallowamidoethyl-2-tallowimidazolinium methylsulfate (see
"Cationic Surface Active Agents as Fabric Softeners," R. R. Egan, Journal
of the American Oil Chemicals' Society, January 1978, pages 1 18-121).
N,N"-ditallow alkoyldiethylenetriamine and 1-tallowamidoethyl-2-
tallowimidazoline can be obtained from Witco Chemical Company as
experimental chemicals. Methyl-1-tallowamidoethyl-2-tallowimidazolinium
methylsulfate is sold by Witco Chemical Company under the tradename
Varisoft(~ 475.
Component (b): The preferred Component (b) is a cationic nitrogenous salt
containing one long chain acyclic aliphatic C1 s-C22 hydrocarbon group,
preferably selected from acyclic quaternary ammonium salts having the
formula:
- R5 -+
R4 - N - R5 A
R6
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wherein R4 is an acyclic aliphatic C1s-C22 hydrocarbon group, R~ and R6
are C1-C4 saturated alkyl or hydroxy alkyl groups, and A- is an anion.
Examples of Component (b) are the monoalkyltrimethylammonium salts
such as monotallowtrimethylammonium chloride, mono (hydrogenated
tallow) trimethylammonium chloride, palmityltrimethyl ammonium chloride
and soyatrimethylammonium chloride, sold by Sherex Chemical Company
under the trade name Adogen~) 471, Adogen(~ 441, Adogen~ 444, and
Adogen(~) 415, respectively. In these salts, R4 is an acyclic aliphatic C16-
C18 hydrocarbon group, and R5 and R6 are methyl groups. Mono
(hydrogenated tallow) trimethylammonium chloride and
monotallowtrimethylammonium chloride are preferred.
Other examples of Component (b) are behenyltrimethylammonium chloride
wherein R4 is a C22 hydrocarbon group and sold under the trade name
Kemamine(~ Q2803-C by Humko Chemical Division of Witco Chemical
Corporation; soyadimethylethylammonium ethylsulfate wherein R4 is a C16-
C18 hydrocarbon group, R5 is a methyl group, R6 is an ethyl group, and A-
is an ethylsulfate anion, sold under the trade name Jordaquat~ 1033 by
Jordan Chemical Company; and methyl-bis(2-hydroxyethyl)-
octadecylammonium chloride wherein R4 is a C1g hydrocarbon group, R5 is
a 2-hydroxyethyl group and R6 is a methyl group and available under the
trade name Ethoquad(~ 18/12 from Armak Company.
Other examples of Component (b) are 1-ethyl-1-(2-hydroxy ethyl)-2-
isoheptadecylimidazolinium ethylsulfate, available from Mona Industries, Inc.
under the trade name Monaquat(~ ISIES; mono(tallowoyloxyethyl)
hydroxyethyldimethylammonium chloride, i.e., monoester of tallow fatty
acid with di(hydroxyethyl)dimethylammonium chloride, a by-product in the
process of making diester of tallow fatty acid with
di(hydroxyethyl)dimethylammonium chloride, i.e.,
di(tallowoyloxyethyl)dimethylammonium chloride.
Component ~cJ: Preferred cationic nitrogenous salts having two or more
long chain acyclic aliphatic C1 s-C22 hydrocarbon groups or one said group
and an arylalkyl group which can be used either alone or as part of a
mixture are selected from the group consisting of:
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13
(i) acyclic quaternary ammonium salts having the formula:
R4 - +
R4--N--Rs A-
R8
wherein R4 is an acyclic aliphatic C1s-C22 hydrocarbon group, R5 is
a C1-C4 saturated alkyl or hydroxyalkyl group, R8 is selected from
R4 and R5 groups, and A- is an anion defined as above;
(ii) diamido quaternary ammonium salts having the formula:
O R5 0 +
R9
wherein Rl is an acyclic aliphatic C1s-C21 hydrocarbon group, each
R2 is the same or different divalent alkylene group having 1 to 3
carbon atoms, R5 and R9 are C1-C4 saturated alkyl or hydroxyalkyl
groups, and A- is an anion;
(iii) diamino alkoxylated quaternary ammonium salts having the formula:
Rl--C--NH--R2-N--R2-NH--I I--Rl A-
(CH2CH20)r,H
wherein n is equal to 1 to 5, and R1, R2, R5 and A- are as defined
above;
(iv) diester quaternary ammonium (DEQA) compounds having the
formula:
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14
(R)4-m - N + -[(CH2)n - Y R2]m A-
wherein
each Y = -0-(O)C-, or -C(0)-0-;
m - 2 or 3;
each n = 1 to 4;
each R substituent is a short chain C1-C6, preferably C1-C3 alkyl or
hydroxyalkyl group, e.g., methyl (most preferred), ethyl, propyt,
hydroxyethyl, and the like, benzyl, or mixtures thereof;
each R2 is a long chain C 1 0-c22 hydrocarbyl, or substituted
hydrocarbyl substituent, preferably C1 5-C1 g alkyl and/or alkenyl,
most preferably C1 s-C1 8 straight chain alkyl and/or alkenyl; and
the counterion, A-, can be any softener-compatible anion, for
example, chloride, bromide, methylsulfate, formate, sulfate, nitrate
and the like; and
(v) mixtures thereof.
Examples of Component (c) are the well-known dialkyldi methylammonium
salts such as ditallowdimethylammonium chloride,
ditallowdimethylammonium methylsulfate, di (hydrogenatedtallow)
dimethylammonium chloride, distearyldimethylammonium chloride,
dibehenyldimethylammonium chloride. Di(hydrogenatedtallow)di
methylammonium chloride and ditallowdimethylammonium chloride are
preferred. Examples of commercially available dialkyldimethyl ammonium
salts usable in the present invention are
di~hydrogenatedtallow)dimethylammonium chloride (trade name Adogen
442), ditallowdimethylammonium chloride ~trade name Adogen~ 470),
distearyl dimethylammonium chloride (trade name Arosurf~ TA- 100) , all
available from Witco Chemical Company. Dibehenyldimethylammonium
chloride is sold under the trade name Kemamine Q-2802C by Humko
Chemical Division of Witco Chemical Corporation.
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Other examples of Component (c) are methylbis(tallowamidoethyl)(2-
hydroxyethyl)ammonium methylsulfate and methylbis(hydrogenated
tallowamidoethyl)(2-hydroxyethyl)ammonium methylsulfate; these materials
are available from Witco Chemical Company under the trade names Varisoft
~ 222 and Varisoft(~ 1 10, respectively: dimethylstearylbenzyl ammonium
chloride sold under the trade names Varisoft~ SDC by Witco Chemical
Company and Ammonyx(~ 490 by Onyx Chemical Company; 1-methyl-1-
tallowamidoethyl-2-tallowimidazolinium methylsulfate and 1-methyl-1-
(hydrogenatedtallowamidoethyl)-2-(hydrogenatedtallow)imidazolinium
methylsulfate; they are sold under the trade names Varisoft(~ 475 and
Varisoft(~ 445, respectively, by Witco Chemical Company.
The following are also non-limiting examples of Component (c) (wherein all
long-chain alkyl substituents are straight-chain):
[CH3]2 + N[CH2CH20C(O)R2] Cl-
[HocH(cH3)cH2][cH3] + N[cH2cH2oc(o)c1 5H31]2 Br
[C2H512 + N[cH2cH2oc(o)c1 7H35]2 Cl
[CH31[C2H5] + N[CH2CH20C(O)C1 3H27]2 1-
[C3H7][C2Hs] + N[cH2cH2oc(o)c1 5H31 l2 S04CH3
[CH3]2 + N-cH2cH2oc(o)c1 5H31 Cl
I
CH2CH20C(O)c1 7H35
[CH2CH20H][CH3] + N[CH2CH20C(O)R2]2 Cl-
where -C(O)R2 is derived from soft tallow and/or hardened tallow fatty
acids. Especially preferred is diester of soft and/or hardened tallow fatty
acids with di(hydroxyethyl)dimethylammonium chloride, also called
di(tallowoyloxyethyl)dimethylammonium chloride.
Since the foregoing compounds (diesters) are somewhat labile to hydrolysis,
they should be handled rather carefully when used to formulate the
compositions herein. For example, stable liquid compositions herein are
formulated at a pH in the range of 2 to 5, preferably from 2 to 4.5, more
preferably from 2 to 4. The pH can be adjusted by the addition of a
Bronsted acid. Ranges of pH for making stable softener compositions
containing diester quaternary ammonium fabric softening compounds are
disclosed in U.S 4,767,547.
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16
These types of compounds and general methods of making them are
disclosed in U.S 4,1 37,1 80.
A preferred composition contains Component (a) at a level of from 10% to
80%, Component (b) at a level of from 3% to 40%, and Component (c) at
a level of from 10% to 80%, by weight of the fabric softening component
of the present invention compositions.
An even more preferred composition contains Component (a): the reactionproduct of 2 moles of hydrogenated tallow fatty acids with 1 mole of N-2
hydroxyethylethylenediamine and is present at a level of from 20% to 70%
by weight of the fabric softening component of the present invention
compositions; Component (b): mono(hydrogenated tallow)trimethyl
ammonium chloride present at a level of from 3% to 30% by weight of the
fabric softening component of the present invention compositions;
Component (c): selected from di(hydrogenatedtallow)dimethylammonium
chloride, ditallowdimethylammonium chloride, methyl-1-tallowamidoethyl-2-
tallowimidazolinium methylsulfate, diethanol ester dimethylammonium
chloride, and mixtures thereof; wherein Component (c) is present at a level
of from 20% to 60% by weight of the fabric softening component of the
present invention compositions; and wherein the weight ratio of said
di(hydrogenated tallow)dimethylammonium chloride to said methyl-1-
tallowamidoethyl-2-tallowimidazolinium methylsulfate is from 2:1 to 6:1.
In the cationic nitrogenous salts described hereinbefore, the anion A-
provides charge neutrality. Most often, the anion used to provide charge
neutrality in these salts is a halide, such as chloride or bromide. However,
other anions can be used, such as methylsulfate, ethylsulfate, hydroxide,
acetate, formate, citrate, sulfate, carbonate, and the like. Chloride and
methylsulfate are preferred herein as anion A-.
The amount of fabric softening agent (fabric softener) in liquid compositions
of this invention is typically from 2% to 50%, preferably from 4% to 30%,
by weight of the composition. The lower limits are amounts needed to
contribute effective fabric softening performance when added to laundry
rinse baths in the manner which is customary in home laundry practice.
The higher limits are suitable for concentrated products which provide the
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consumer with more economical usage due to a reduction of packaging and
distributing costs.
Heavy metal ion seaue~LIa~lts
Heavy metal ion sequestrants are essential components herein for the
purpose of the invention. By heavy metal ion sequestrants it is meant
components which act to sequester ~chelate) heavy metal ions. These
components may also have calcium and magnesium chelation capacity, but
preferentially they bind heavy metal ions such as iron, manganese and
copper.
Heavy metal ion sequestrants are present at a level less than 0.5%
(excluding 0.5%), preferably in amount from 0.001% (1 Oppm) to 0.5%,
more preferably from 0.005% to 0.1%, most preferably from 0.01% to
0.05% by weight of the compositions.
Heavy metal ion sequesL-a,lts, which are acidic in nature, having for
example phosphonic acid or carboxylic acid functionalities, may be present
either in their acid form or as a complex/salt with a suitable counter cation
such as an alkali or alkaline metal ion, ammonium, or substituted ammonium
ion, or any mixtures thereof. Preferably any salts/complexes are water
soluble. The molar ratio of said counter cation to the heavy metal ion
sequestrant is preferably at least 1:1.
Suitable heavy metal ion sequesl~anLs for use herein include the amino
carboxylic acids such as ethylenediamine-N,N'-disuccinic acid (EDDS),
ethylenediamine tetraacetic acid (EDTA), N-hydroxyethylenediamine triacetic
acid, nitrilotriacetic acid (NTA), ethylene diamine tetrapropionic acid,
ethylenediamine-N,N'-diglutamic acid, 2-hydroxypropylenediamine-N,N'-
disuccinic acid, triethylenetetraamine hexacetic acid, diethylenetriamine
pentaacetic acid (DETPA), trans 1,2 diaminocyclohexane-N,N,N',N'-
tetraacetic acid or ethanoldiglycine.
Other suitable heavy metal ion sequesL, a, ~~s for use herein include the
organo aminophosphonic acids such as ethylenediamine tetrakis
(methylenephosphonic acid), diethylene triamine-N,N,N',N",N"-pentakis
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18
lmethylene phosphonic acid) ~DETMP), 1-hydroxyethane 1,1-diphosphonic
acid (HEDP) or hydroxyethane dimethylenephosphonic acid.
Although not preferred for use herein, other suitable heavy metal ion
sequestrants are gluconic acid, citric acid, tartaric acid, isopropyl citric acid,
oxydisuccinic acid, dipicolinic acid, 4, 5 dihydroxy-m-benzenesulfonic acid,
8-hydroxyquinoline, sodium dithiocarbamate, sodium tetraphenylboron or
ammonium nitrosophenyl hydroxylamine.
Mixture of any of the herein before described heavy metal ion sequest,a,-
~can also be used.
Especially preferred is ethylenediamine-N,N'-disuccinic acid (EDDS~, most
preferably present in the form of its S,S isomer, which is preferred for its
biodegradability profile.
The heavy metal ion sequestrants can be added to the composition at anypoint during the processing including into the water seat, after the addition
of electrolyte (hot) or post-addition to the cooled product or mixed with any
other raw material prior to the addition into the final mix. Preferably, the
heavy metal ion sequestrants are incorporated into the water seat premix
with minors before the softener active injection,
In the fabric softener composition of the invention, there is also a sensitive
component selected from a perfume, a dye, a fatty acid compound of lodine
Value (IV) of at least 2, a compound having one or more fatty acid moieties
of IV of at least 2, and mixtures thereof.
Perfume
As a compound in the present invention the word perfume encompasses
individual perfume components and compositions of perfume components.
Selection of any perfume is based solely on aesthetic considerations.
Perfume, in the sense of perfume components or compositions of perfume
components, can be any odoriferous materials or any materials which act as
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a malodour counteractent. The perfume wiil most often be liquid at ambient
temperatures, but also can be liquified solid such as the various
camphoraceous perfumes known in the art. The perfume can be relatively
simple in composition or can comprise highly sophisticated, compact
mixtures of natural or synthetic chemical components, all chosen to provide
any desired odour.
Useful perfumes are those odorous materials that deposit on fabrics during
the laundry process and are detectable by people with normal olfactory
sensity. Many of the perfume ingredients along with their odor corrector
and their physical and chemical properties are given in "Perfume and Flavor
chemicals (aroma chemicals)", Stephen Arctender, Vols. I and ll, Aurthor,
Montclair, H.J. and the Merck Index, 8th Edition, Merck & Co., Inc.
Rahway, N.J. Perfume components and compositions can also be found in
the art, e.g. US Patent Nos. 4,145,184, 4,152,272, 4,209,417 or
4,51 5,705.
A wide variety of chemicals are known for perfume use including materials
such as aldehydes, ketones, esters and the like. More commonly, naturally
occurring plant and animal oils and exudates comprising complex mixtures
of various chemical components are known for use as perfume, and such
materials can be used herein. Typical perfumes can comprise e.g.
woody/earthy bases containing exotic materials such as sandalwood oil,
civet and patchouli oil. The perfume also can be of a light floral fragrance
e.g. rose or violet extract. Further the perfume can be formulated to
provide desirable fruity odours e.g. Iime, lemon or orange.
Particular examples of useful perfume components and compositions are
anetole, benzaldehyde, benzyl acetate, benzyl alcohol, benzyl formate, iso-
bornyl acetate, camphene, cis-citral (neral), citronellal, citronellol, citronellyl
acetate, paracymene, decanal, dihydrolinalool, dihydromyrcenol, dimethyl
phenyl carbinol, eucalyptol, geranial, geraniol, geranyl acetate, geranyl
nitrile, cis-3-hexenyl acetate, hydroxycitronellal, d-limonene, linalool, linalool
oxide, linalyl acetate, linalyl propionate, methyl anthranilate, alpha-methyl
ionone, methyl nonyl acetaldehyde, methyl phenyl carbinyl acetate, laevo-
menthyl acetate, menthone, iso-menthone, myrcene, myrcenyl acetate,
myrcenol, nerol, neryl acetate, nonyl acetate, phenyl ethyl alcohol, alpha-
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pinene, beta-pinene, gamma-terpinene, alpha-terpineol, beta-terpineol,
terpinyl acetate, vertenex (para-tertiary-butyl cyclohexyl acetate), amyl
cinnamic aldehyde, iso-amyl salicylate, beta-caryophyllene, cedrene,
cinnamic alcohol, couramin, dimethyl benzyl carbinyl acetate, ethyl vanillin,
eugenol, iso-eugenol, flor acetate, heliotrophine, 3-cis-hexenyl salicylate,
hexyl salicylate, lilial (para-tertiarybutyl-alpha-methyl hydrocinnamic
aldehyde), gamma-methyl ionone, nerolidol, patchouli alcohol, phenyl
hexanol, beta-selinene, trichloromethyl phenyl carbinyl acetate, triethyl
citrate, vanillin, veratraldehyde, alpha-cedrene, beta-cedrene,
C1 5H24sesquiterpenes, benzophenone, benzyl salicylate, ethylene
brassylate, galaxolide ~1,3,4,6,7,8-hexahydro-4,6,6,7,8,8,-hexamethyl-
cyclo-penta-gamma-2-benzopyran), hexyl cinnamic aldehyde, Iyral ~4-~4-
hydroxy-4~methyl pentyl)-3-cyclohexene-1 0-carboxaldehyde), methyl
cedrylone, methyl dihydro jasmonate, methyl-beta-naphthyl ketone, musk
ambrette, musk idanone, musk ketone, musk tibetine, musk xylol, aurantiol
and phenylethyl phenyl acetate.
The perfume compound is included in the fabric softener compositions ofthe invention in a weight ratio of perfume to fabric softener of 1:100 to
1:2, preferably from 1:70 to 1:3, most preferably from 1:40 to 1:4. The
higher ratios relate to diluted compositions while the lower ratios relate to
concentrated compositions. The most appropriate ratio of perfume to fabric
softner will easily be identified by knowing the dilution and the desired final
amount in the fabric treatment composition.
Dve
As a compound in the present invention the dye(s) includes water soluble
dye systems, conventional dyes and mixtures thereof. The dye will be
present in amount of from 0.2 to 200ppm, preferably from 1 to 100ppm
and most preferably from 2 to 60ppm by weight of the composition.
Suitable water soluble dye systems include those which comprise a dye
selected from:
1. Quinoline Yellow 70 with color index no. 47005;
2. Tartrazine XX90 with color index no. 19140;
3. Orange RGL90 with color index no. 15986;
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21
4. Ponceau 4RC82 with color index no. 16255;
5. Blue AE85 with color index no. 42090;
6. Patent Blue V85/V50 with color index no. 42051; and
7. mixtures thereof.
Still other suitable dyes are the conventional dyes selected from Acid Red
52 with color index no. 45100, Acid Yellow 3 with color index no. 47005,
Acid Blue 127 with color index no. 61135, Acid Blue 5 with color index no.
42051, Acid Blue 80 with color index no. 61585 and mixtures thereof.
The dyes can be added to the composition at any point during the
processing including into the water seat, after the addition of optional
electrolyte (hot) or post-addition to the cooled product or mixed with any
other raw material during the process or mixed with any other raw material
prior to the addition into the final mix.
Fattv acid comPound of lodine Value (IV) of at least 2 and/or comPound
having one or more fattv acid moieties of lodine value (IV) of at least 2
When said fatty acid compound of lodine Value (IV) of at least 2 and/or said
compound having one or more fatty acid moieties of lodine value (IV) of at
least 2 are present, the present invention has been seen beneficial to the
storage stability of said compounds.
Most of fatty acid compounds of IV of at least 2 and/or compounds having
one or more fatty acid moieties of IV of at least 2 are fabric softener
compounds.
Accordingly, in the present invention, said fatty acid compound of IV of at
least 2 and/or said compound having one or more fatty acid moieties of IV
of at least 2 can be the only fabric softener actives, or said fatty acid
compound of IV of at least 2 and/or said compound having one or more
fatty acid moieties of IV of at least 2 can be a softener in addition to the
fabric softener disclosed herein before.
Such compounds having one or more fatty acid moieties of IV of at least 2
include the herein before described compounds in the quaternary ammonium
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22
compounds disclosure such as N,N-di(tallowyl-oxy-ethyl)-N,N-dimethyl
ammonium chloride; N,N-di(tallowyl-oxy-ethyl)-N-methyl, N-(2-
hydroxyethyl); N,N-di(2-tallowyl-oxy-2-oxo-ethyl)-N,N-dimethyl ammonium
chloride; N,N-di(2-tallowyl-oxyethylcarbonyloxyethyl)-N,N-
dimethylammonium chloride; N-(2-tallowyl-oxy-2-ethyl)-N-(2-tallowyloxy-2-
oxo-ethyl)-N,N-dimethyl ammonium chloride; N,N,N-tri(tallowyl-oxy-ethyl)-N-
methyl ammonium chloride; N-(2-tallowyl-oxy-2-oxoethyl)-N-(tallowyl-
N,N-dimethyl-ammonium chloride; 1,2-ditallowyl-oxy-3-
trimethylammoniopropane chloride; and mixtures of any of the above
materials, wherein said tallow moiety has a IV value of at least 2.
QPtional inqredients
Fully formulated fabric softening compositions can contain polymers having
a partial or net cationic charge.
Such polymers can be used at levels of from 0.001% to 10%, preferably
0.01% to 2% by weight of the compositions.
Such polymers having a partial cationic charge can be polyamine N-oxidecontaining polymers which contain units having the following structure
formula ~A):
(A) Ax
I
R
wherein P is a polymerisable unit, whereto the R-N~0 group can be
attached to or wherein the R-N~0 group forms part of the polymerisable
unit or a combination of both.
O O O
-
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23
Il l l 11
A is -NC-, -CO-, -C-, -O-, -S-, -N-; x is O or 1;
R are aliphatic, ethoxylated aliphatics, aromatic, heterocyclic or alicyclic
groups or any combination thereof whereto the nitrogen of the N~O group
can be attached or wherein the nitrogen of the N~O group is part of these
groups.
~he N~O group can be represented by the following general structures:
O o
R ~ ~ )y =N -(Rl)x
~)Z
wherein R 1, R2, and R3 are aliphatic groups, aromatic, heterocyclic or
alicyclic groups or combinations thereof, x or/and y or/and z is O or 1 and
wherein the nitrogen of the N~O group can be attached or wherein the
nitrogen of the N~O group forms part of these groups.
The N~O group can be part of the polymerisable unit (P) or can be attached
to the polymeric backbone or a combination of both.
Suitable polyamine N-oxides wherein the N~O group forms part of the
polymerisable unit comprise polyamine N-oxides wherein R is selected from
aliphatic, aromatic, alicyclic or heterocyclic groups.
One class of said polyamine N-oxides comprises the group of polyamine N-
oxides wherein the nitrogen of the N~O group forms part of the R-group.
Preferred polyamine N-oxides are those wherein R is a heterocyclic group
such as pyrridine, pyrrole, imidazole, pyrrolidine, piperidine, quinoline,
acridine and derivatives thereof.
Another class of said polyamine N-oxides comprises the group of polyamine
N-oxides wherein the nitrogen of the N~O group is attached to the R-group.
Other suitable polyamine N-oxides are the polyamine oxides whereto the N
~O group is attached to the polymerisable unit.
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24
Preferred class o~ these polyamine N-oxides are the polyamine N-oxides
having the general formula (A) wherein R is an aromatic, heterocyclic or
alicyclic groups wherein the nitrogen of the N~0 functional group is part of
said R group.
Examples of these classes are polyamine oxides wherein R is a heterocyclic
compound such as pyrridiner pyrrole, imidazole and derivatives thereof.
Another preferred class of polyamine N-oxides are the polyamine oxides
having the general formula (A) wherein R are aromatic, heterocyclic or
alicyclic groups wherein the nitrogen of the N~0 functional group is
attached to said R groups.
Examples of these classes are polyamine oxides wherein R groups can be
aromatic such as phenyl.
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.
The amine N-oxide polymers useful herein typically have a ratio of amine to
the amine N-oxide of 10:1 to 1:1000000. However the amount of amine
oxide groups present in the polyamine N-oxide containing polymer can be
varied by appropriate copolymeri~ation or by appropriate degree of N-
oxidation. Preferably, the ratio of amine to amine N-oxide is from 2:3 to
1:1000000. More preferably from 1:4 to 1:1000000, most preferably from
1 :7 to 1:1000000. The polymers of the present invention actually
encompass random or block copolymers where one monomer type is an
amine N-oxide and the other monomer type is either an amine N-oxide or
not. The amine oxide unit of the polyamine N-oxides has a PKa < 10,
preferably PKa < 7, more preferred PKa < 6.
The polyamine N-oxide containing polymer can be obtained in almost any
degree of polymerisation. The degree of polymerisation is not critical
provided the material has the desired water-solubility and dye-suspending
power.
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Typically, the average molecular weight of the polyamine N-oxide containing
polymer is within the range of 500 to 1000,000; preferably from 1,000 to
50,000, more preferably from 2,000 to 30,000, most preferably from
3,000 to 20,000.
Such polymers having a net cationic charge include polyvinylpyrrolidone(PVP) as well as copolymers of N-vinylimidazole N-vinyl pyrrolidone, having
an average molecular weight range in the range 5,000 to 100,000,
preferably 5,000 to 50,000; said copolymers having a molar ratio of N-
vinylimidazole to N-vinylpyrrolidone from 1 to 0.2, preferably from 0.8 to
0.3.
Suffactant/Concentration Aids
Concentrated compositions of the present invention may require organic
and/or inorganic concentration aids to go to even higher concentrations
and/or to meet higher stability standards depending on the other
ingredients. Surfactant concentration aids are typically selected from single
long chain alkyl cationic surfactants, nonionic surfactants, amine oxides,
fatty acids, and mixtures thereof, typically used at a level of from 0 to 15%
of the composition.
Sinqle lonq chain alkvl cationic surfactants
Such mono-long-chain-alkyl cationic surfactants useful in the present
invention are, preferably, quaternary ammonium salts of the general formula
[R2N + R3] X~
wherein the R2 group is C10-C22 hydrocarbon group, preferably C12-C1g
alkyl group of the corresponding ester linkage interrupted group with a short
alkylene (C1-C4) group between the ester linkage and the N, and having a
similar hydrocarbon group, e.g., a fatty acid ester of choline, preferably
C12-C14 (coco) choline ester and/or C16-C1g tallow choline ester at from
0.1% to 20% by weight of the softener active. Each R is a C1-C4 alkyl or
substituted (e.g., hydroxy) alkyl, or hydrogen, preferably methyl, and the
counterion X~ is a softener compatible anion, for example, chloride, bromide,
methyl sulfate, etc.
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Other cationic materials with ring structures such as alkyl imidazoline,
imidazolinium, pyridine, and pyridinium salts having a single C12-C30 alkyl
chain can also be used. Very low pH is required to stabilize, e.g.,
imidazoline ring structures.
Some alkyl imidazolinium salts and their imidazoline precursors useful in the
present invention have the general formula:
CH2 CH2
N~c,N\ C2H4--Y--R x
1 8 R6
wherein y2 is -C(O~-O-, -O-tO)C-, -C(o)-N(R5)-, or
-N(R5)-C(o)- in which R5 is hydrogen or a C1-C4 alkyl radical; R6 is a C1-
C4 alkyl radical or H (for imidazoline precursors); R7 and R8 are each
independently selected from R and R2 as defined hereinbefore for the single-
long-chain cationic surfactant with only one being R2.
Some alkyl pyridinium salts useful in the present invention have the general
formula:
R - N ~ X
wherein R2 and X- are as defined above. A typical material of this type is
cetyl pyridinium chloride.
Nonionic Surfactant (Alkoxylated Materials~
Suitable nonionic surfactants for use herein include addition products of
ethylene oxide and, optionally, propylene oxide, with fatty alcohols, fatty
acids, fatty amines, etc.
Suitable compounds are substantially water-soluble surfactants of the
general formula:
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27
R2 y - (C2H40)z - C2H40H
wherein R2 is selected from primary, secondary and branched chain alkyl
and/or acyl hydrocarbyi groups; primary, secondary and branched chain
alkenyl hydrocarbyl groups; and primary, secondary and branched chain
alkyl- and alkenyl-substituted phenolic hydrocarbyl groups; said hydrocarbyl
groups having a hydrocarbyl chain length of from 8 to 20, preferably from
10 to 18 carbon atoms.
Y is typically -O-, -C(O)O-, -C(O)N(R)-, or -C(O)N(R)R-, in which R2 and R,
when present, have the meanings given hereinbefore, and/or R can be
hydrogen, and z is at least 8, preferably at least 10-1 1.
The nonionic surfactants herein are characterized by an HLB (hydrophilic-
lipophilic balance) of from 7 to 20, preferably from 8 to 15.
Examples of particularly suitable nonionic surfactants include
Straight-Chain, Primary Alcohol Alkoxylates such as tallow alcohol-EO(11),
tallow alcohol-EO( 1 8), and tallow alcohol-EO(25);
Straight-Chain, Secondary Alcohol Alkoxylates such as 2-C1 6EO(1 1 ); 2-
C2oEO ( 1 1 ) ; and 2-C 1 6EO ( 1 4) ;
Alkyl Phenol Alkoxylates, such as p-tridecylphenol EO(11 ) and p-
pentadecylphenol EO(18), as well as
Olefinic Alkoxylates, and Branched Chain Alkoxylates such as branched
chain primary and secondary alcohols which are available from the well-
known "OXO" process.
Amine Oxides
Suitable amine oxides include those with one alkyl or hydroxyalkyl moiety of
8 to 28 carbon atoms, preferably from 8 to 16 carbon atoms, and two alkyl
moieties selected from alkyl groups and hydroxyalkyl groups with 1 to 3
carbon atoms.
Examples include dimethyloctylamine oxide, diethyldecylamine oxide, bis-(2-
hydroxyethyl)dodecylamine oxide, dimethyldodecyl-amine oxide,
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28
dipropyltetradecylamine oxide, methylethylhexadecylamine oxide, dimethyl-
2-hydroxyoctadecylamine oxide, and coconut fatty alkyl dimethylamine
oxide.
Fattv Acids
Suitable fatty acids include those containing from 12 to 25, preferably from
16 to 20 total carbon atoms, with the fatty moiety containing from 10 to
22, preferably from 15 to 17 (mid cut), carbon atoms.
Electrolvte Concentration Aids
Inorganic viscosity control agents which can also act like or augment the
effect of the surfactant concentration aids, include water-soluble, ionizable
salts which can also optionally be incorporated into the compositions of the
present invention. A wide variety of ionizable salts can be used. Examples
of suitable salts are the halides of the Group IA and IIA metals of the
Periodic Table of the Elements, e.g., calcium chloride, magnesium chloride,
sodium chloride, potassium bromide, and lithium chloride. The ionizable
salts are particularly useful during the process of mixing the ingredients to
make the compositions herein, and later to obtain the desired viscosity.
The amount of ionizable salts used depends on the amount of active
ingredients used in the compositions and can be adjusted according to the
desires of the formulator. Typical levels of salts used to control the
composition viscosity are from 20 to 15,000 parts per million ~ppm~,
preferably from 50 to 10,000 ppm, by weight of the composition.
Alkylene polyammonium salts can be incorporated into the composition togive viscosity control in addition to or in place of the water-soluble,
ionizable salts above. In addition, these agents can act as scavengers,
forming ion pairs with anionic detergent carried over from the main wash, in
the rinse, and on the fabrics, and may improve softness performance.
These agents may stabilize the viscosity over a broader range of
temperature, especially at low temperatures, compared to the inorganic
electrolytes .
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Specific examples of alkylene polyammonium salts include l-lysine
monohydrochloride and 1,5-diammonium 2-methyl pentane dihydrochloride.
Another optional, but preferred, ingredient is a liquid carrier. Suitable liquidcarriers for the present invention are selected from water, organic solvents
and mixtures thereof. Preferably the liquid carrier employed in the instant
compositions is at least primarily water due to its low cost, safety, and
environmental compatibility. The level of water in the liquid carrier is
preferably at least 10%, most preferably at least 50%, by weight of the
carrier. Mixtures of water and low molecular weight, e.g., <200, organic
solvent, e.g., lower alcohois such as ethanol, propanol, isopropanol or
butanol are useful as the carrier liquid. Low molecular weight alcohols
include monohydric, dihydric (glycol, etc.) trihydric (glycerol, etc.), and
higher polyhydric (polyols) alcohols.
Still other optional ingredients are stabilizers, such as well known
antioxidants and reductive agents, dye transfer inhibiting agents, Soil
Release Polymers, thickeners, emulsifiers, bacteriocides, colorants,
preservatives, optical brighteners, dye fixative agents, anti ionisation agents,antifoam agents, builders and enzymes excluding cellulase.
Form of the comPosition
The composition of the present invention may be provided in any suitable
forms for use in the rinse cycle of a laundry washing process or as a pre-
treatment product or in a spray product. Suitable forms of the compositions
include the liquid compositions such as aqueous or non-aqueous
compositions, or solid compositions such as solid particulate fabric softener
compositions or solid compositions in dryer-added sheet products.
The invention is illustrated in the following non limiting examples, in which
all percentages are on a weight basis unless otherwise stated.
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Example 1
The following liquid fabric softening compositions A to C were prepared,
where Composition A is a prior art composition and B and C are in accord
with the invention:
A B C
DEQA ~1) 20.0 20.0 20.0
Hydrochloride acid 0.02 0.02 0.02
EDDS ~2) - 1 00 ppm
DETMP (3) - - 200ppm
SRP 0.1 0.1 0.1
Polyethylene Glycol 1.0 1.0 1.0
4000
Perfume 1.0 1.0 1.0
Electrolyte (4) 0.2 0.2 0.2
Silicone antifoam 0.01 0.01 0.01
Dye 0.005 0.005 0.005
Water up to 100 up to 100 up to 100
(1) Di-(tallowyloxyethyl) dimethyl ammonium chloride
(2) Ethylenediamine-N,N'-disuccinic acid
(3) Diethylenetriamine-N,N,N',N",N"-pentakis(methylene phosphonic
acid)
(4) Calcium chloride
(5) Acid Blue 127 of Color Index 61 135
The herein before described compositions were made according to known
process for preparing fabric softener compositions by injecting into the hot
water seat (60-70~C) containing minors the molten DEQA, fotlowed by
slowly adding the electrolyte to the desired viscosity and thereafter the
perfume before leaving the product to cool. Where present, i.e compositions
B and C, the heavy metal ion sequestrant was added to the waterseat prior
to the fabric softener compound iniection.
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31
Storaqe stabilitv results
Compositions A to C were then assessed for their storage stabiiity withregard to the dye and/or perfume stability.
Dve stabilitv test
The dye stability was assessed by the determination of the Delta-E values
measured by a Spectraflash (Data color int.) and defined for example in
ASTM D2244. The lower the value, the better the dye stability.
Perfume intensitv assessment
The intensity of the perfume has been evaluated by trained perfumers and
allocated an intensity rating varying between 1 (no odour detected) and 10
(perfection). The higher the rating, the stronger the odour. Grades below 5
indicate to varying degrees, an odor unlike that intended for the product.
In this instance, a trained perfumer is defined as a person having at least 6
months training with demonstrated evidence of olfactive sensitivity.
Int~ ly ratingOdour in product
10Odour essentially all perfume
7 Odour mostly perfume
5Odor of perfume and base
approximately equal
3Odour essentially unlike that
intented for product
Odour more unlike that intented
for product
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32
The results are as follows:
A B C
Dye stability 2.16 0.39 0 33
Delta-E( * )
2 months 35~C
Perfume intensity 6 7 7
(as is)(**)
3 months at 35~C
( *) Delta-E has been calculated versus 2 months old samples kept at
room temperature.
~**) Perfume intensity was assessed on the neat product versus a freshly
made product of composition A
It can be seen that the presence of a heavy metal ion sequestrant increase
the storage stability of the product containing dyes and perfumes.
Exam~le 2
The following formulations according to the invention were prepared:
D E F
DEQA 10 10 10
Hydrochloride acid 0.02 0.02 0.02
Dye 50ppm 50ppm 50ppm
Electrolyte 250ppm 250ppm 250ppm
Perfume 2.0 2.0 2.0
EDDS - 250ppm 500ppm
Water up to 100 up to 1 00 up to 1OO
Dye stability 5.6 2.5 2.3
Delta-E( ~)
1 month 22~C-24~C ,~
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Dye stability 13.4 4.9 4.0
Delta-E( * * )
1 month at 35~C
Perfume intensity (as 6 7 7
is)(***)
1 month at 35~C
(*) Deita-E has been calculated versus freshly made product.
(**) Delta-E has been calculated versus freshly made product.
( * * *) Perfume intensity was assessed versus a freshly made product of
composition A
