Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
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FABRIC SOFTENING COMPOSITIONS
Field of the invention
The present invention relates to stabilised liquid fabric softening
compositions which reduce the amount of dyes released from coloured
fabrics upon wet treatment such as those which occur in a laundry
operation.
Background of the invention
The domestic treatment of colored fabrics is a problem known in the art
to the formulator of laundry compositions. More particularly, the
problem of formulating laundry compositions which reduce the amount
of dyes released from coloured fabrics upon wet treatment is a
particular challenge to the formulator. This problem is now even more
acute with the trends of consumer to move towards more colored
fabrics.
Numerous solutions have been proposed in the art to solve this problem
such as by treating the fabric with a dye scavenger during the washing
process as described in EP 0,341,205, EP 0,033,815 and with a
polyvinyl substance as described in WO 94/11482 or in the rinse cycle
as described in EP 0,462,806.
However, notwithstanding the advances in the art, there is still a need
for a composition which effectively reduces the amount of dyes
released from coloured fabrics upon wet treatment.
Furthermore, a problem encountered with these prior art solutions is
that the dye fixing agents when used in the washing process may be
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destroyed or~damaged by contact on storage and/or during the process,
whilst when used in the rinse cycle the use of a dye fixing agent in
combination with a fabric softener will provide in-product phase
instability. Hence, the Applicant observed that the use of a dye fixing
agent at total levels as low as 0.5% by weight in a fabric softener
composition produced a detrimental effect on the storage stability of the
resulting compositions. Such instability was more particularly seen at a
total level of dye fixing agent of at least 3% by weight. As a result of
this in-product phase instability problem, the composition aesthetic, e.g
the homogeneity of the compositions, has been seen reduced.
The Applicant has now found that the use of a mixture of at least two
cationic dye fixing agents in a liquid fabric softening composition
comprising one or more fabric softener material fulfills such a need.
Advantageously, the Applicant has found that contrary to the use of
one dye fixing agent, the use of such a mixture, when incorporated in a
fabric softening composition, also allows an ease in the formulation of
the product as well as producing a product with good storage stability.
These benefits are more preferably seen where the said cationic dye
fixating agents have different solubility, e.g the mixture comprises at
least one water-soluble cationic dye fixing agent and at least one water-
insoluble cationic dye fixing agent.
It is therefore an advantage of the invention to provide a fabric
softening composition which provides effective reduction of the amount
of dyes released from coloured fabrics upon wet domestic treatments.
It is another advantage of the invention to provide fabric softening
compositions with effective storage stability properties.
It is another advantage of the invention to provide fabric softening
compositions with effective softening properties.
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SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a liquid fabric softening composition
comprising one or more fabric softener materials and a mixture of at least two
cationic dye fixing agents, wherein said fabric softener is a cationic fabric
softener, and wherein said cationic fabric softener is selected from
quaternary
ammonium compounds and amine precursors having the formula (I) or (II),
below:
R ~ R2
~-(~WQ-~r I
Ri
or
Rs' Rs
N-(CHz)n"CH -CHz X -
I I
T1 Tz
wherein Q is selected from -O-C(O)-, -C(O)-O-, -O-C(O)-O-, -NR4-
C(O)-, -C(O)-NR4-;
R ~ is (CHZ)n-Q-T2 or T3;
R2 is (CH2)m-Q-T4 or T5 or R3;
R3 is C~-C4 alkyl or C~-C4 hydroxyalkyl or H;
R4 is H or C~-C4 alkyl or C~-C4 hydroxyalkyl;
T~. T2, T3, T4, T5 are independently C~ ~-C22 alkyl or alkenyl;
n and m are integers from i to 4; and
X- is a softener-compatible anion.
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3a
In accordance with another aspect of the present, a liquid fabric softening
composition comprising one or more fabric softener materials and a mixture
of at least two cationic dye fixing agents, wherein said mixture comprises at
least one water-soluble and one water-insoluble dye fixing agents.
t~etailed description of the inv nt~n,~n
Cafi'-onic d_~,re fyxina agent
One essential feature of the invention is a mixture of at least two
cationic dye fixing agents. Preferably for enhanced storage stability and
ease of formulation of the composition, the dye fixing agents are
structurally different, more preferably structurally different so as to have
different solubility and more preferably so that at least one of the dye
fixing agent is water-soluble and at least one is water-insoluble. By
"water-soluble cationic dye fixing agents is meant that a composition
containing 1096 by weight of cationic dye fixing agent in water is
transparent at room temperature (15°C to 25°C1. By "transparent"
is
meant a substance which permits the passage of rays of the visible
spectrum. Similarly, by "water-insoluble cationic dye fixing agent" is
meant that a composition containing 1096 by weight of cationic dye
fixing agent in water is not transparent, e.g. cloudy or opaque, at room
temperature (15°C to 25°C1 .
Cationic dye fixing agents, or "fixatives", are well-known, commercially
available materials which are designed to improve the appearance of
dyed fabric by minimizing the loss of dye from fabrics due to washing.
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By cationic 'is meant components based on various quaternized or
otherwise cationically charged organic nitrogen compounds.
Suitable cationic dye fixing agents for use herein are described in
"Aftertreatments for improving the fastness of dyes on textile fibres" by
Christopher C. Cook (REV. PROG. COLORATION Vol. 12, 19821.
Preferred dye fixing agents suitable for use in the present invention are
ammonium compounds such as fatty acid - diamine condensates e.g.
the hydrochloride, acetate, methosulphate and benzyl hydrochloride of
oleyldiethyl aminoethylamide, oleylmethyl-diethylenediamine
methosulphate, monostearyl-ethylene diaminotrimethylammonium metho
sulphate and oxidized products of tertiary amines; derivatives of
polymeric alkyldiamines, polyamine-cyanuric chloride condensates and
aminated glycerol dichlorohydrins.
In a preferred embodiment of the invention, it is preferred for better
storage stability that the mixture of dye fixing agents comprises water-
soluble and water-insoluble dye fixing agents. However, not to be
bound by theory, it is believed that for the above mentioned compounds
the water-solubility is influenced by several factors, e.g molecular
weight, number of cationic charges and/or the counteranion.
Accordingly, determination of the .water-solubility or insolubility property
of each component, considered for use in the mixture, will easily be
made by the skilled person according to the above mentioned
conditions.
Other water-soluble cationic dye fixatives and water-insoluble cationic
dye fixatives are available under various trade names from several
suppliers. Representative examples of water-soluble cationic dye
fixatives include: CROSCOLOR PMF (July 1981, Code No. 7894) and
CROSCOLOR NOFF (January 1988, Code No. 8544) from Crosfield;
SANDOFIX TPS, which is also available from Sandoz and is a preferred
polycationic fixative for use herein, SANDOFIX SWE (cationic resinous
compound), Tinofix~ ECO available from Ciba-Geigy and REWIN DWR
from CHT-Beitlich GMBH.
... .._ ~ ._..........
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Representatide examples of water-insoluble cationic dye fixatives
include: INDOSOL E-50 (February 27, 1984, Ref. No. 6008.35.84;
polyethyleneamine-based) from Sandoz; REWIN SRF and REWIN SRF-0
from CHT-Beitlich GMBH.
The total amount of cationic dye fixing agents to be employed in the
composition of the invention will typically be of at least 0.1 % by weight
of the composition. Advantageously, the compositions according to the
invention can contain a high level of cationic dye fixing agents, as high
as 10% by weight without being detrimental to the stability of the
compositions. However, for economical reasons, it is preferred to have
a lower level of cationic dye fixing agents of 0.5% to 8% by weight,
more preferably from 1 % to 5% by weight and most preferably from
3% to 5% by weight of the composition. An advantage of these lower
levels is that the formulation cost is reduced without being detrimental
to the stability of the composition or the dye fixing performance of the
composition.
For optimum dye fixing benefit, it is preferred that the mixture of
cationic dye fixing agents is a mixture of a water-soluble dye fixing
agent and a water-insoluble dye fixing agent in a weight ratio of soluble
dye fixing agent to insoluble dye fixing agent of 0.01:1 to 2:1,
preferably 0.1:1 to 1:1, more preferably 0.3:1 to 0.8:1.
Fabric softeners
Another essential component of the invention is a fabric softener. The
fabric softening materials for use herein may be selected from the group
consisting of cationic, nonionic, amphoteric or anionic fabric softening
material, preferably cationic fabric softener materials.
Typical levels of said fabric softener components within the liquid
softener compositions are from 1 % to 80% by weight of the
compositions. Depending on the composition execution which can be
__ dilute with a preferred level of fabric softening components from 1 % to
5%, or concentrated, with a preferred level of fabric softening
components from 5% to 80%, more preferably 10% to 50%, most
preferably 15% to 35% by weight.
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Typical cationic fabric softening components having at least two long
chains include the water-insoluble quaternary-ammonium fabric
softening actives, the most commonly used having been di-long alkyl
chains ammonium chloride.
Preferred
cationic
softeners
among
these
include
the following:
1 ) ditallow dimethylammonium chloride (DTDMAC);
2) dihydrogenated tallow dimethylammonium chloride;
3) dihydrogenated tallow dimethylammonium methylsulfate;
4) distearyl dimethylammonium chloride;
5) dioleyi dimethylammonium chloride;
6) dipalmityl hydroxyethyl methylammonium chloride;
7) stearyl benzyl dimethylammonium chloride;
8) tallow trimethylammonium chloride;
9) hydrogenated tallow trimethylammonium chloride;
10) C12-14 alkyl hydroxyethyl dimethylammonium
chloride;
11) C12_1g alkyl dihydroxyethyl methylammonium
chloride;
12) ditallow imidazolinium methylsulfate;
13) 1-(2-tallowylamidoethyl)-2-tallowyl imidazoiinium
methylsu (fate.
However, in recent years, the need has arisen for more environmental-
friendly materials, and rapidly biodegradable quaternary ammonium
compounds have been presented as alternatives to the traditionally used
di-long chain ammonium chlorides. Such 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.
_.._.. __.__ .. r
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The quaternary ammonium compounds and amine precursors herein
have the formula (I) or (II), below
R3 R3
R\ /R2 + N/ (CHz)n-CH -CH2 X -
~~~2~-Q-T 1 X- R3 I
R~ Q i ~2
T T
or
Q is selected from the group consisting of -O-C(0)-, -C(O)-O-, -0-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 C11-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 or
methyl sulfate.
The alkyl, or alkenyl, chain T1, T2, T3, T4, T6 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.
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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) ammonium
chloride;
3) N,N-di(2-tallowyl-oxy-2-oxo-ethyl)-N,N-dimethyl ammonium chloride;
4) N,N-di(2-tallowyl-oxy-ethylcarbonyloxyethyl)-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-tallowyi-oxy-2-oxoethyl)-N-(tallowyl-N,N-dimethyl-ammonium
chloride);
8) N-methyl-N-(3-tallowamidopropyl),N-IZ-tallowoyloxyethyl)
ammonium chloride;
9) 1,2-ditallowyl-oxy-3-trimethylammoniopropane chloride;
and mixtures of any of the above materials.
Of these, compounds 1-8 are examples of compounds of Formula (1);
compound 9 is a compound of Formula (II).
Particularly preferred is N,N-di(tallowyl-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
Iodine Value (IV) of the corresponding fatty acid, which in the present
case should preferably be in the range of from 5 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 an 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.
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For compounds of Formula (I) made from tallow fatty acids having an 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 (II)
are obtained by, e.g. .
- replacing "tallow" in the above compounds with, for example, coco,
palm, lauryl, oieyl, ricinoleyl, stearyl, palmityl, or the like, said fatty
acyl 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 amines
corresponding 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 diluted
form, the pH of the neat composition is in the range of 2.0 to 3Ø The
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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-C5)
carboxylic acids, and alkylsulfonic acids. Suitable inorganic acids include
HCI, .H2S04, HN03 and H3P04. Suitable organic acids include formic,
acetic, citric, methylsulfonic and ethylsulfonic acid. Preferred acids are
citric, hydrochloric, phosphoric, formic, methylsulfonic acid, and benzoic
acids.
Other fabric softening materials may be used in addition or alternatively
to the biodegradable fabric softener. These may be selected from the
group consisting of cationic fabric softening materials such as di-long
alkyl chain ammonium chloride, nonionic, amphoteric or anionic fabric
softening materials. 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.
Typically, such nonionic fabric softener materials have an HLB of from
about 2 to about 9, more typically from about 3 to about 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.
Dispersibility 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.
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.
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The polyhydtic 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.
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 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 about 10:1 and about 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.
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Among the -above disclosed fabric softener materials, the preferred
fabric softeners for the purpose of the invention are the cationic
biodegradable fabric softeners.
Liquid carrier
The compositions of the invention also contain a liquid carrier. Suitable
liquid carriers are selected from water, organic solvents and mixtures
thereof. The liquid carrier employed in the instant compositions is
preferably at least primarily water due to its low cost relative availability,
safety, and environmental compatibility. The level of water in the liquid
carrier is preferably of at least 50%, most preferably at least 60%, by
weight of the carrier. Mixtures of water and low molecular weight, e.g.,
< 200, organic solvent, e.g., lower alcohol 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.
Optional components
Surfactant concentration aids may also optionally be used. Surfactant
concentration aids are typically selected from the group consisting of
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.
Single long chain alkyl cationic surfactants
Such mono-long-chain-alkyl cationic surfactants useful in the present
invention are, preferably, quaternary ammonium salts of the general
formula
(R2N + R31 X_
wherein the R2 group is C1p-C22 hydrocarbon group, preferably C12-
C1 g alkyl group of the corresponding ester linkage interrupted group
with a short alkylene (C1-C4) group between the ester linkage and the
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N, and having a similar hydrocarbon group, e.g., a fatty acid ester of
choline, preferably C12-C14 (coco) choline ester and/or C1 g-C1 g tallow
choJine 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.
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
N ' N+ C2H9-y2 R7 X_
~I~ \R6
Re
wherein Y2 is -C(0)-O-, -O-(O)C-, -C(0)-N(R5)-, or -N(R5)-C(O)- in which
R5 is hydrogen or a C1-C4 alkyl radical; Rs is a C1-C4 alkyl radical or H
(for imidazoline precursors); R~ and R8 are each independently selected
from the group consisting of 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
C f 2 ~ H2
wherein R2 and X- are as defined above. A typical material of this type
is cetyl pyridinium chloride.
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Nonionic Surfactant (Alkox~rlated 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
R2 - Y - (C2H40)z - C2H40H
wherein R2 is selected from the group consisting of primary, secondary
and branched chain alkyl and/or acyl hydrocarbyl groups; primary,
secondary and branched chain alkenyl hydrocarbyl groups; and primary,
secondary and branched chain 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 10-11.
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(111, tallow alcohol-EO(18), and tallow alcohol-EO(25);
- Straight-Chain, Secondary Alcohol Alkoxylates such as 2-
C1 gE0(11 ); 2-C20E0(11 ); and 2-C1 gE0(14);
- 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
w - branched chain primary and secondary alcohols which are available
from the well-known "OXO" process.
__._ __..___..~..__-___-.______ _ _~
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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 the group consisting of 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,
dipropyltetra-decyiamine oxide, methylethylhexadecylamine oxide,
dimethyl-2-hydroxyoctadecylamine oxide, and coconut fatty alkyl
dimethylamine oxide.
Fatty Acids
Suitable fatty acids include those containing from 10 to 25, preferably
from 12 to 25 total carbon atoms, with the fatty moiety containing from
10 to 22, preferably from 16 to 22, carbon atoms. The shorter moiety
contains from 1 to 4, preferably from 1 to 2 carbon atoms. The level of
unsaturation of the tallow chain can be measured by the Iodine Value
(IV) of the corresponding fatty acid, which in the present case should
preferably be in the range of from 5 to 100, more preferably in the
range of from 0 to 25.
Specific examples of fatty acid compounds suitable for use in the
aqueous fabric softening compositions herein include compounds
selected from lauric acid, myristic acid, palmitic acid, stearic acid,
arachidic acid, behenic acid, oleic acid, coconut fatty acid, tallow fatty
acid, partially hydrogenated tallow fatty acid and mixtures thereof. A
most preferred fatty acid compound is tallow fatty acid with an Iodine
Value (IV) of 18.
Electrolyte Concentration Aids
The composition of the invention may also optionally comprise one or
more electrolytes. It has been found that where electrolytes
concentration aids were added to diluted softening compositions
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comprising thickeners but no sequestering component, the problem of
phase and viscosity instability upon storage was increased. Surprisingly,
compositions according to the invention allow the use of electrolytes
concentration aids and still exhibit excellent phase and viscosity stability
upon storage.
Electrolyte concentration aids, e.g inorganic viscosity control agents,
which can also act like or augment the effect of the surfactant
concentration aids, include water-soluble, ionizabie salts. These
inorganic viscosity control agents can also optionally be incorporated
into the compositions of the present invention. Incorporation of these
components to the composition must be processed at a very slow rate.
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., potassium chloride, 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 20,000
parts per million (ppm~, preferably from 20 to 11,000 ppm, by weight of
the composition.
Alkylene polyammonium salts can be incorporated into the composition
to give 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 stabilise the viscosity over a broader
range of temperature, especially at low temperatures, compared to the
inorganic electrolytes.
Specific examples of alkylene polyammonium salts include I-lysine
monohydrochloride and 1,5-diammonium 2-methyl pentane
dihydrochloride.
....__,___..._._~. _._....._._~ .._._.._.....- ..........
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17
Still other optional ingredients are stabilisers, such as well-known
antioxidants and reductive agents, Soil Release Polymers, thickeners,
emulsifiers, bacteriocides, colorants, perfumes, preservatives, optical
brighteners, anti ionisation agents, antifoam agents and enzymes.
Form of the coml osition
The fabric softening composition can take a variety of physical forms
including liquid such as aqueous or non-aqueous compositions.
Such compositions may be used as a rinse added product, or as a spray
or foam product. Preferably, the present composition is in a rinse added
form.
The compositions of the invention can be added directly in the rinse
both to provide adequate usage concentration, e.g., at least 50 ppm
and more preferably from 100 to 10,000 ppm of the liquid rinse added
fabric softener compositions of the present invention.
Accordingly, a method is provided for treating fabrics comprising
contacting said fabrics in the rinse cycle with an aqueous medium
containing at least 50 ppm, preferably from 100 to 10,000 ppm of the
liquid fabric softening composition of the invention.
PrQS~P~
The fabric softening composition can conveniently be made according
to well- known processes to the skilled person. An exemplary
disclosure is given in EP-A-0,668,902.
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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In the examples, the abbreviated component identifications have the
following meanings:
DEQA . Di-(tallowoyl-oxy-ethyl) dimethyl ammonium chloride
Fatty acid . Stearic acid of IV =18
Electrolyte . Calcium chloride
PEG . Polyethylene Glycol MW 4000
Velustrol~ PKS . Cationic polyethylene emulsion available from HOECHST
Aktiengesellschaft
Examl i~ a 1
The following fabric softening composition according to the present
invention was prepared:
Com onent A
DEQA 1 g,0
H drochlorid acid 0.02
Soil Release Pol mer 0.02
PEG 0.6
Perfume 1.0
Electrol to 600 m
D a 50 m
Tinofix~ ECO 1.0
Rewin~ SRF-O 2.0
Water and minors to balance to 100%
Exam I
The following fabric softening compositions are in accordance with the
invention:
Com onent D E F G
DEaA 2.6 2.9 18.0 19.0
Fatt acid 0.3 - 1.0
H drochlorid acid 0.02 0.02 0.02 0.02
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Soil Release Pol - - 0.02 0.02
mer
PEG - - 0.6 0.6
Perfume 1 0.5 1 0.5
Electrol to - - 600 m 600 m
D a 10 m 10 m 50 m 50 m
Velustrol~ PKS - - - 2, 6
Tinofix~ ECO 0.3 0.3 1.0 0.3
Rewin~ SRF-O 0.6 0.6 2.0 0.6
Water and minors
to balance to 100%
