Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
CA 02311176 2000-06-12
Use of Partly Oxidized Polyethylene as an Ironing Aid in
Liquid Water-containing Fabric Softeners
Field of the Invention
This invention relates to the use of partly oxidized polyethylene in
liquid water-containing fabric softener formulations containing 0.1 to 80%
by weight of cationic and/or nonionic fabric softeners for significantly
improving the gliding behavior of irons in the ironing of laundry treated with
the fabric softener compositions.
Background of the Invention
In the ironing of laundry, there is a general wish to minimize the
effort involved in the ironing process. Accordingly, it is desirable to
provide
compounds which reduce the friction of the iron on the laundry to be ironed
and which therefore improve the gliding behavior of the iron. In addition, it
is desirable to achieve this by a composition with which the laundry is
treated in the washing machine itself or during handwashing and through
which the laundry is additionally provided with a pleasantly soft feel.
It is known from Russian patent application SU-A-912 795 that
oxidized polyethylene wax in quantities of 0.05 to 0.5% by weight in
formulations additionally containing polyethylene glycol with a molecular
weight of 1470 to 1600 in quantities of 0.5 to 2% by weight, sodium
hydrogen carbonate, 0.1 to 0.3% by weight formalin, 0.1 to 0.2% by weight
perfume, 0.05 to 0.1 % by weight of a mixture of polyethylene glycol ethers
of higher fatty alcohols and water serves as an ironing aid for cotton and
linen fabrics. The composition is sprayed onto the laundry after washing,
drying and optionally starching. The disadvantage is that the composition
has to be sprayed on in a separate step after washing and drying which
requires additional time and energy.
US A-3,992,332 discloses a water-soluble composition for treating
laundry which contains at least 1 % by weight of water-soluble
silicone/glycol copolymer, at least 5% by weight of an antistatic agent
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containing a phosphate derivative, for example alkyl phosphate ester, and
at least 70% by weight water. This composition is used as a conditioner
which improves the washing and bleaching performance of detergents,
softens fabrics and inter alia makes ironing easier. Unfortunately, this
composition does not satisfy consumer demand for environmentally friendly
phosphate-free formulations.
Polyethylene wax is known as a lubricant from US A-4,556,498
where is it used as a film former for the combined coating and "over-
ironing" of metal substrates, for example in the production of hollow
cylindrical vessels with bases, for example food cans.
Polyethylene is also known as an anti-scratch coating on steel
plates, such as iron plates, from US-A-4,027,070.
US-A-3,536,643 describes a process for the production of aqueous
polyethylene dispersions in which the polymer is initially prepared at
suitable temperatures and pressures in the presence of persulfate initiator
and a perfluorofatty acid salt containing at least 6 carbon atoms per
molecule. A nonionic emulsifier is then added to stabilize the dispersion,
even in the absence of the perfluorofatty acid salt. After treatment of the
dispersion in an ion exchanger, a stable aqueous polyethylene dispersion
free from the perfluorofatty acid salt is ultimately obtained. The resulting
aqueous polyethylene dispersions are useful for the size adjustment or for
the filling of paper and in the production of an ironing aid, the resistance
of
the polymer to melting preventing polymer growth. In addition, the
dispersions are used for regulating opacity in dye applications. However,
there is no teaching in the document in question on the use of these poly-
ethylene dispersions or on their application in fabric softener compositions
to improve the gliding behavior of irons on laundry treated with these
compositions.
In addition, polyethylene dispersions are used for finishing and
aftertreatment in the production of yarns and textile fibers in order to
deliver
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3
an increased lubricating effect during processing with the relevant
machinery and to prevent damage to the fibers. This use of polyethylene
dispersions is known from patent applications DE-A-37 34 931, DE-A-38
76 210, DE-A-42 06 714, EP-A-0 416 917, WO-A-92107132 and from US-
A-4,960,431. In addition, organic polymers, such as polyethylene, are
used for encapsulating solid particles or liquid droplets of the type used,
for
example, in detergents and fabric softeners. A process for encapsulating
water-soluble or water-sensitive materials with polyethylene as
encapsulating material is described, for example, in European patent
application EP-A-0 382 464.
Fabric softener formulations containing polyethylene are also known.
In all these fabric softener formulations, however, the role of the poly-
ethylene is either merely to enhance the softening effect of the fabric
softener or to regulate the viscosity of the compositions.
Thus, British patent application GB-A-2,281,316 describes a laundry
treatment composition containing at least one softener and a wax. No
explicit function or effect is assigned to the wax which is preferably
oxidized, may be polyethylene wax and is preferably added to the softener-
containing formulation in the form of an emulsion or dispersion together
with a surfactant, acid or alkali and a dispersant. The effects of the
plasticizer are merely stated to include soft feel, water absorption, reducing
the scratching of the fabrics, fluffiness and an antistatic effect.
Patent application WO 97146654 describes fabric softener composi-
tions containing at least one cationic fabric softener with at least two long
chains, at least one dispersible polyolefin and at least one cationic dye
fixing agent. The polyolefin enables the dye fixing agent to be used in
relatively small quantities.
Liquid fabric softener compositions for the final rinse cycle are
described in patent application WO 97/28239. These compositions contain
a fabric softener, for example a quaternary ammonium compound or amine
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precursor, and a dispersible polyolefin, such as polyethylene or oxidized
polyethylene. In addition, the compositions contain a liquid carrier, such as
water, a monohydric C~~4 alcohol, a polyhydric C2E6 alcohol, propylene
carbonate, liquid polyethylene glycols or mixtures thereof. In addition, the
amphoteric surfactant content is below 1 % by weight. The composition
may optionally contain 0 to 30% by weight of a dispersibility modifier. The
composition prevents creasing, has antistatic properties, improves the
appearance of colors, absorbs water and imparts a soft feel.
US patent US-A-4,115,281 discloses a stable liquid fabric softener
composition containing 0.5 to 25% by weight of fatty acid amide as
softener, 3 to 50% by weight of an acidifying agent and 25 to 96.5% by
weight of water. The document in question also discloses a process for the
production of the liquid composition, mentioning that partly oxidized poly-
ethylene may also be used as the softener.
German patent application DE-A-38 42 571 describes hydrophilic
softeners for fibrous materials which, besides typical ingredients, contain a
water-soluble ammonium salt containing at least one fatty acid residue, a
quaternary ammonium compound - different from this first compound - con-
taining at least one long-chain alkyl group and dispersed polyethylene wax
which is preferably oxidized.
Finally, German patent application DE-A-44 35 386 discloses water-
containing fabric softener dispersions containing esterquats and polyolefin
waxes for viscosity adjustment and optionally other surfactants and/or
auxiliaries and additives. Esterquats in the context of this document are
understood to be quaternized fatty acid triethanolamine ester salts. The
polyolefin waxes are predominantly linear polyolefins of wax-like character,
for example polypropylene waxes and, in particular, polyethylene waxes
with relatively low molecular weights of 500 to 20,000. Modified polyolefin
waxes can be produced by copolymerization of ethylene with suitable other
monomers such as, for example, vinyl acetate or acrylic acid. Finally, the
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dispersibility of polyolefins can be improved by oxidative surface treatment.
In addition, patent application WO 9810472 describes fabric care
compositions which reduce the creasing of textiles during wearing and
during subsequent washing. At the same time, the reduction of creasing
5 and pilling and the durability of colors are enhanced. This is achieved by a
process in which a composition containing a polycarboxylic acid or
polycarboxylic acid derivative is applied to the fabric and preserved by a
household process. This composition may be added to a fabric conditioner
for the rinse cycle of a domestic washing machine or to an ironing aid and
may be applied to the fabrics by spraying. It is assumed that the creasing
of textiles is reduced by the creation of an ester bond between the
carboxylic acid residues, the addition of catalysts promoting the formation
of such ester bonds. Fabric conditioner compositions in which the poly-
carboxylic acids mentioned are incorporated contain cationic and/or non-
ionic softeners and optionally polyethylenes, paraffin waxes or silicones
which enhance the effect according to the invention. The fabrics can be
preserved by brief exposure to moderate heat applied, for example, in a
tumble dryer or by an iron.
Now, the problem addressed by the present invention was to provide
a fabric softener which, in the ironing of correspondingly treated laundry,
would significantly improve the gliding behavior of the iron and would
reduce the effort involved in the ironing process.
Summary of the Invention
It has now been found that the addition of partly oxidized
polyethylene to fabric softener formulations containing cationic and/or
nonionic fabric softeners produces a significant improvement in the gliding
behavior of the iron in the ironing of laundry treated with these fabric
softeners so that there is no need for the ironing aid to be added in a
separate step after removal of the laundry from the washing machine. In
addition, an increased percentage content of cationic and/or nonionic fabric
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softeners provides the textiles with a soft feel.
Accordingly, the present invention relates to the use of partly
oxidized polyethylene in liquid water-containing fabric softener composi-
tions which contain 0.1 to 80% by weight of cationic and/or nonionic fabric
softeners and optionally other ingredients for improving the gliding behavior
of the iron in the ironing of laundry treated with the fabric softener
compositions.
Detailed Description of the Invention
By "partly oxidized polyethylene" are meant predominantly linear
polyethylene waxes which are products with relatively low molecular
weights of 500 to 50,000. The polyethylene waxes are generally produced
by direct low-pressure polymerization or, preferably, high-pressure poly-
merization of the monomers or by selective depolymerization of products of
relatively high molecular weight. The modified polyethylene waxes used
may be produced by polymerization of ethylene, preferably in the absence
of a catalyst for early termination of the polymerization reaction, and
subsequent oxidation, for example by introduction of air, or by
copolymerization of ethylene with suitable other monomers, such as acrylic
acid for example, the percentage content of the acrylic acid units preferably
not exceeding 20%, more particularly 10%. Finally, the dispersibility of
polyolefins can be improved by oxidative surface treatment. Overviews on
this subject can be found, for example, in Ullmanns Enzyklopadie der
technischen Chemie, 4th Edition, 24, 36 and in Encycl. Polym. Sci.
Eng. 17, 792f.
Oxidized high-density polyethylene wax with an average molecular
weight of 500 to 50,000 and, more particularly, 2000 to 10,000 is preferred
for the use according to the invention. The polyethylene waxes are
normally marketed as aqueous dispersions and have a solids content of up
to 45% by weight and preferably of up to 25% by weight.
Preferred fabric softener compositions contain partly oxidized poly-
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7
ethylene in quantities of 0.01 to 20% by weight, preferably in quantities of
0.05 to 10% by weight and more preferably in quantities of 0.1 to 5% by
weight active substance.
In another embodiment, the partly oxidized polyethylene may
essentially be a copolymer of ethylene units and acrylic acid units, the
partly oxidized polyethylene preferably having a molar content of acrylic
acid units of at most 20% and, more particularly, at most 10%.
The fabric softeners used are cationic and/or nonionic fabric
softeners, the cationic softeners being substances where the high
molecular weight hydrophobic group responsible for surface activity is
present in the cation during the dissociation process in aqueous solution.
The most important representatives of cationic softeners are quaternary
ammonium compounds with the general formula (R4N+) X-. Cationic
softeners generally provide the fibers with a positive charge. This behavior
is used to absorb the cationic softeners above all onto natural fibers which
is the basis of their softening effect. Preferred cationic softeners are
compounds corresponding to the following formulae:
R'
R' -N+- (CH2)n-T-R2 (I)
R'
R'
R' -N+- (CH2)"-T-R2 (II)
(CH)n_T-R2
(CHZ)"_T-R2
R' -N I-(CI-12)n-T-R2 (III)
(CH2)n-T-RZ
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R'
R' -N''- (CH2)n-CH-CH2 (I~
R' T T
R2 R2
R'
R3 -N+-(CH2)n-T-R2
R4
in which the groups R' independently of one another are selected from C~~
alkyl, alkenyl or hydroxyalkyl groups; the groups R2 independently of one
another are selected from C8X28 alkyl or alkenyl groups; R3 = R' or (CH2)n-
T-R2; R4 = R' or R2 or (CH2)n-T-R2; T = CH2-, -O-CO-, -CO-O-, -NH-, -NH-
CO- or -CO-NH- and n is an integer of 0 to 5. In one preferred
embodiment, alkyl amidoammonium compounds are used as the cationic
softeners.
Particularly important cationic softeners are those in which the
central nitrogen atom of the ration is substituted by two long and two short
chains. They show pronounced wetting, emulsifying and dispersing power.
Particularly preferred representatives are ammonium diester compounds.
In one preferred embodiment, the compositions contain quaternary
ammonium diester compounds and/or quaternary alkyl amidoammonium
compounds as fabric softeners. Because it has been found that the gliding
behavior of the iron are further improved by a combination of quaternary
ammonium compounds, the compositions according to the invention in one
particularly preferred embodiment contain at least two quaternary
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9
ammonium compounds, of which one is a quaternary di-Csxzs-acyl-
substituted triethanolamine, as fabric softeners. The other quaternary
ammonium compounds may comprise, for example, an alkyl
amidoammonium compound.
Suitable nonionic softeners are, above all, nonionic alkoxylated alkyl
and/or alkylaryl compounds.
Preferred nonionic softeners of this type are alkoxylated, advantage-
ously ethoxylated, above all primary alcohols preferably containing 8 to 18
carbon atoms and on average 1 to 12 moles ethylene oxide (EO) per mole
alcohol, more preferably 1 to 6 EO and most preferably 1 to 3 EO, in which
the alcohol residue may be linear or, preferably, 2-methyl-branched or may
contain linear and methyl-branched residues in the form of the mixtures
typically present in oxoalcohol residues. In other embodiments, alcohol
ethoxylates containing linear residues of alcohols of native origin with 12 to
18 carbon atoms, for example coconut, palm, palm kernel, tallow or oleyl
alcohol, and on average 2 to 8 EO per mole alcohol are preferred.
Preferred ethoxylated alcohols include, for example, C~2_~4 alcohols
containing 3 EO or 4 EO, C9_» alcohols containing 7 EO, C~3_~5 alcohols
containing 3 EO, 5 EO, 7 EO or 8 EO, C,2x,s alcohols containing 3 EO, 5
EO or 7 EO and mixtures thereof, such as mixtures of C~2_~4 alcohol
containing 3 EO and C~2_~a alcohol containing 7 EO. The degrees of
ethoxylation mentioned are statistical mean values which, for a special
product, may be a whole number or a broken number. Preferred alcohol
ethoxylates have a narrow homolog distribution (narrow range ethoxylates,
NRE). In addition to these nonionic surfactants, fatty alcohols containing
more than 12 EO may also be used. Examples of such fatty alcohols are
(tallow) fatty alcohols containing 14 EO, 16 EO, 20 EO, 25 EO, 30 EO or 40
EO.
In addition, alkyl glycosides corresponding to the general formula
RO(G)x, in which R is a primary linear or methyl-branched, more
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particularly 2-methyl-branched, aliphatic radical containing 8 to 22 and
preferably 12 to 18 carbon atoms and G stands for a glycose unit
containing 5 or 6 carbon atoms, preferably glucose, may also be used as
further nonionic softeners. The degree of oligomerization x, which
5 indicates the distribution of monoglycosides and oligoglycosides, is a
number of 1 to 10; x preferably has a value of 1.1 to 1.4.
Another class of preferred nonionic softeners, which may be used
either as sole nonionic softener or in combination with other nonionic
softeners, more particularly together with alkoxylated fatty alcohols and/or
10 alkyl glycosides, are alkoxylated, preferably ethoxylated or ethoxylated
and
propoxylated fatty acid alkyl esters, preferably containing 1 to 4 carbon
atoms in the alkyl chain, more particularly the fatty acid methyl esters which
are described for example in Japanese patent application JP 581217598 or
which are preferably obtained by the process described in International
patent application WO-A-90113533. C~2_~8 fatty acid methyl esters contain-
ing on average 3 to 15 EO and, more particularly, 5 to 12 EO are particu-
larly preferred.
Fatty compounds such as, for example, esters, glycerides, acids,
alcohols etc. may also be used as nonionic softeners.
Preferred compositions contain cationic and/or nonionic fabric
softeners in quantities of 3 to 50% by weight, preferably 5 to 40% by weight
and more preferably 10 to 30% by weight.
In addition, other ingredients, such as surfactants and other
auxiliaries and additives, may be present.
The compositions may contain anionic, cationic, nonionic and/or
amphoteric or zwitterionic surfactants as surfactants.
Typical examples of anionic surfactants are alkyl benzenesulfonates,
alkane sulfonates, olefin sulfonates, alkyl ether sulfonates, glycerol ether
sulfonates, a-methyl ester sulfonates, sulfofatty acids, fatty alcohol ether
sulfates, glycerol ether sulfates, hydroxy mixed ether sulfates, mono-
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glyceride (ether) sulfates, fatty acid amide (ether) sulfates, mono- and di-
alkyl sulfosuccinates, mono- and dialkyl sulfosuccinamates, sulfotri-
glycerides, amide soaps, ether carboxylic acids and salts thereof, fatty acid
isethionates, fatty acid sarcosinates, fatty acid taurides, acyl lactylates,
acyl
glutamates, acyl tartrates, alkyl oligoglucoside sulfates and alkyl (ether)
phosphates, If the anionic surfactants contain polyglycol ether chains, they
may have a conventional homolog distribution although they preferably
have a narrow homolog distribution.
Typical examples of nonionic surfactants are fatty alcohol polyglycol
ethers, alkylphenol polyglycol ethers, fatty acid polyglycol esters, fatty
acid
amide polyglycol ethers, fatty amine polyglycol ethers, alkoxylated
triglycerides, mixed ethers, alk(en)yl oligoglycosides, fatty acid-N-alkyl
glucamides, polyol fatty acid esters, sugar esters, sorbitan esters and
polysorbates. If the nonionic surfactants contain polyglycol ether chains,
they may have a conventional homolog distribution although they
preferably have a narrow homolog distribution.
Typical examples of other cationic surfactants are quaternary
ammonium compounds.
Typical examples of amphoteric or zwitterionic surfactants are alkyl
betaines, alkyl amidobetaines, aminopropionates, aminoglycinates, imida
zolinium betaines and sulfobetaines.
The surfactants mentioned are all known compounds. Information
on the structure and production of these compounds can be found in
relevant synoptic works, cf. for example J. Falbe (Ed.), "Surfactants in
Consumer Products", Berlin, Springer Verlag, 1987, pages 54 to 124 or
J. Falbe (Ed.), "Katalysatoren, Tenside and Mineraloladditive",
Stuttgart, Thieme Verlag, 1978, pages 123 to 217.
In one preferred embodiment of the invention, the compositions may
contain anionic surfactants of the alkyl and/or alkenyl sulfate type. These
anionic surfactants are understood to be the sulfation products of primary
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12
alcohols which correspond to formula (I~:
[R5 -O-S03~m Ym+
where m is the number 1 or 2 and R5 is a linear or branched, aliphatic alkyl
and/or alkenyl group containing 6 to 22 and preferably 12 to 18 carbon
atoms and Y is an alkali metal and/or alkaline earth metal, ammonium, alkyl
ammonium, alkanolammonium or glucammonium.
Typical examples of alkyl sulfates which may be used in accordance
with the invention are the sulfation products of caproic alcohol, caprylic
alcohol, capric alcohol, 2-ethyl hexyl alcohol, lauryl alcohol, myristyl
alcohol, cetyl alcohol, palmitoleyl alcohol, stearyl alcohol, isostearyl
alcohol,
oleyl alcohol, elaidyl alcohol, petroselinyl alcohol, arachyl alcohol,
gadoleyl
alcohol, behenyl alcohol and erucyl alcohol and the technical mixtures
thereof obtained by high-pressure hydrogenation of technical methyl ester
fractions or aldehydes from Roelen's oxo synthesis. The sulfation products
may advantageously be used in the form of their alkali metal salts, more
particularly their sodium salts. Alkyl sulfates based on C~6/C~g tallow
alcohols or vegetable fatty alcohols of comparable C chain distribution in
the form of their sodium salts are particularly preferred.
The compositions according to the invention may contain typical
auxiliaries and additives such as, for example, perfume oils, dyes and
preservatives. Preferred additives are soil-repellent polymers, i.e. polymers
preferably containing ethylene terephthalate and/or polyethylene glycol
terephthalate groups, the molar ratio of ethylene terephthalate to
polyethylene glycol terephthalate being in the range from 50:50 to 90:10.
The molecular weight of the linking polyethylene glycol units is preferably in
the range from 750 to 5000, i.e. the degree of ethoxylation of the polymers
containing polyethylene glycol groups may be about 15 to 100. The
polymers are distinguished by an average molecular weight of about 5000
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13
to 200,000 and may have a block structure, although they preferably have
a random structure.
Preferred polymers are those with molar ratios of ethylene tere
phthalate to polyethylene glycol terephthalate of about 65:35 to about
90:10 and preferably in the range from about 70:30 to 80:20. Other
preferred polymers are those which contain linking polyethylene glycol units
with a molecular weight of 750 to 5000 and preferably in the range from
1000 to about 3000 and which have a molecular weight (of the polymer) of
about 10,000 to about 50,000. Examples of commercially available
polymers are the products Milease TM T (ICI) and Repelotex TM SRP 3
(Rhone Poulenc). The sulfonated types marketed by BASF are also
suitable. In one preferred embodiment, modified polyethylene glycols,
more particularly butyl-diglycol-modified polyethylene glycols, are used.
Where the compositions according to the invention are used in
washing machines, it can be of advantage to add typical foam inhibitors to
them. Suitable foam inhibitors are; for example, soaps of natural or
synthetic origin which have a high percentage content Of C~g_24 fatty acids.
Suitable non-surfactant foam inhibitors are, for example, organopolysilox-
anes and mixtures thereof with microfine, optionally silanized silica and
paraffns, waxes, microcrystalline waxes and mixtures thereof with silanized
silica or bis-stearyl ethylenediamide. Mixtures of different foam inhibitors,
for example mixtures of silicones, paraffins or waxes, may also be used
with advantage. The foam inhibitors, more particularly silicone- and/or
paraffin-containing foam inhibitors, are preferably fixed to a granular water-
soluble or water-dispersible support. Emulsions of polymerized modified
siloxane, more particularly polydimethyl siloxane emulsions, are preferred
and are advantageously used in quantities of 0.001 to about 0.5% by
weight.
If the water-containing fabric softener dispersions do not already
have a low starting viscosity, for example through the use of quaternary
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14
ammonium compounds with a high cisarans ratio, it is advisable to
establish a low viscosity by addition of an electrolyte. Suitable electrolytes
are, for example, sodium chloride, sodium acetate, magnesium sulfate or
calcium chloride and, more particularly, magnesium chloride. Where a low
starting viscosity is established by addition of an electrolyte, small
quantities are again sufficient. The electrolyte is present in the dispersion
in concentrations of, for example, 0.001 to 3% by weight, based on the final
dispersion.
The other surfactants, auxiliaries and/or additives together
preferably make up from 0.1 to 10% by weight and more preferably from
0.5 to 5% by weight of the composition.
The compositions according to the invention are stable in storage
and are suitable for the softening of fibers, yarns and sheet-form textiles in
general and laundry in particular. The advantages of the invention lie in a
distinct reduction in the effort involved in ironing and in the elimination of
a
separate laundry treatment step after removal of the laundry from the
washing machine to achieve this easier ironing.
Embodiments of the invention are described by reference to the
following examples which are not to be construed as limiting.
Examples
Formulations for fabric softeners are set out in Table 1. Example 3
is a composition according to the invention while Examples 1 and 2 are
Comparison Examples.
Table 1:
Formulations for fabric softeners with and without ironing aids, quantities in
by weight
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Formulation Example 1 Example 2 Example 3
5 Cationic surfactant' 18.0 26.6 24.4
Polyethylene dispersion2 --- --- 3.0
MgCl2 ~ 6 H20 0.55 0.55 0.55
Perfume, dye, thickener, defoamer,Balance Balance Balance
water to 100 to 100 to 100
Ironing force at 4295 g weightlN 3.34 3.19 2.94
Stepantex VL 90 A~, N-methyl-N-(2-hydroxyethyl)-N,N-(ditallow acyl-
oxyethyl)-ammonium methosulfate, containing as additive Stepanquat X
9124~ (Stepan Europe), 3-tallow amidopropyl dimethyl ammonium
methosulfate, 90% in isopropanol
Adalin K~ (Henkel), 20% by weight dispersion in water, corresponding
to 0.6% by weight polyethylene, active substance
The weight of 4295 g was obtained by applying a weight of 2595 g
to the iron, which itself weighed 1700 g, in order to simulate the pressure
normally applied to the iron during ironing.
The fabric used was a coarse cotton fabric which is known by the
name of bleached cotton cloth and which is used for table and bed linen.
After removal of the finish, the pieces of cloth were treated with the
corresponding fabric softeners in a quantity of 10.3 g/kg dried laundry.
The pieces of laundry thus treated were ironed with a precision
measuring arrangement developed by applicants themselves. A Rowenta
iron (Rowenta Professional DE-811 Inox steam iron) adjusted to setting III
was drawn over a length of 670 mm of the test fabric at a constant speed of
800 mm/min. The forces required for this purpose were determined using a
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16
Zwick universal testing machine (type 2.5/TN1P).
The easy-iron effect of the polyethylene dispersion is clear from the
Examples. An increase in the quantity of esterquat from 18.0% by weight
in Example 1 to 26.6% by weight in Example 2 had relatively little effect
(reduction in ironing force 0.15 N = 4.5%). When the quantity of esterquat
of Example 1 was increased to only 24.4% by weight in Example 3 and
0.6% by weight of partly oxidized polyethylene (pure substance) was also
added, the necessary ironing force was reduced by 0.40 N (12%).
Accordingly, partly oxidized polyethylene produces a distinct
reduction in the ironing force and thus significantly improves the gliding
behavior of the iron.
