Note : Les descriptions sont présentées dans la langue officielle dans laquelle elles ont été soumises.
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PACKAGING FOR UNIT DOSE OF DETERGENT AND
METHOD OF ITS USE
A package for containing at least one unit dose of a detergent composition,
such as
packaged detergent tablets. The present invention further relates to a method
of use
of the package.
Laundry detergents have long been known in the form of tablets (i.e. a unit
dose)
packaged into a polymeric film. An early commercial of this was Procter &
Gamble's
Salvo tablets which were sold in the United States in the 1960's. In one
commercially marketed execution, four Salvo tablets were sealed within a
polyethylene film. More recently automatic dish washing tablets have been
presented to the consumer in a similar package. Laundry detergent tablets have
also
been presented commercially, for example in pairs, wrapped and sealed within a
flow-wrap which is discarded after the package has been opened for use.
One of the disadvantages of such a package is that once the wrapping material
has
been opened by the consumer in order to gain access to the detergent tablets,
the
wrapping material serves no further purpose, and is simply discarded.
Evidently, this
is wasteful.
Summary of the Invention
The present invention avoids this wastefulness by providing a package for
containing
at least one unit dose in the form of at least one tablet of a detergent
composition,
wherein the package comprises a substrate and at least one fabric treatment
chemical, and wherein the fabric treatment chemicals are released from the
substrate
through an action selected from the group consisting of temperature, friction,
contact
with water, and mixtures thereof; a) wherein the fabric treatment chemical is
impregnated into the substrate; b) wherein the fabric treatment chemical is
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selected from the group consisting of: i) surfactants for fabric stain pre-
treatment;
ii) solvents for fabric stain pre-treatment; iii) fabric softening agents; iv)
fabric
integrity ingredients including carboxymethyl celluloses; and v) mixtures
thereof;
and c) wherein the at least one tablet is wrapped into the impregnated
substrate.
The package may then be used to apply the fabric treatment chemicals either
directly
to fabrics, or via the wash liquor, or in the dryer; wherein the fabric
treatment
chemicals are active during the laundry washing and/or drying processes and/or
provide a residue on laundered fabrics.
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The present invention also provides a method for treating fabrics, the method
comprising the step of opening a package, the package containing at least one
unit dose of detergent, and subsequently dissolving and/or dispersing the
detergent composition to provide a wash liquor, and wherein the package
comprises an insoluble substrate and one or more fabric treatment chemicals,
the chemical-containing substrate being used to directly or indirectly apply
the
fabric treatment chemicals to the fabrics. Preferably the method of the
present
invention comprises one of the steps of:
a) pretreating stains on the fabrics with the chemical-containing substrate,
before
washing the fabrics with the wash liquor comprising the detergent composition;
b) adding the chemical-containing substrate to the wash liquor, the wash
liquor
comprising the detergent composition; or
c) adding the chemical-containing substrate to the dryer, after washing the
fabrics
with the wash liquor comprising the detergent composition.
Detailed Description of the Invention
2o The detergent composition useful in the present invention may comprise any
chemical components which are useful in laundry, especially but not
exclusively
domestic laundry; as well as process aids and other auxiliaries known in the
laundry field.
By unit dose it is meant herein a predetermined amount of detergent
composition, preferably in the tablet form.
Preferably the substrate is insoluble, by which it is meant herein that at
least 50%
by weight of the substrate does not dissolve in water at 20 C and pH 7 for a
period of at least 24 hours. Preferably 90%, and more preferably 99%, by
weight
of the substrate does not dissolve in water at 20 C and pH 7 for a period of
at
least 24 hours.
The insoluble substrate may be formed from a sheet of flexible material.
Materials suitable for use as a flexible sheet include mono-layer, co-extruded
or
laminated films. Such films may comprise various components, such as
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polyethylene, polypropylene, polystyrene, polyethylene-terephtalate.
Preferably,
the insoluble substrate comprises, or consists essentially of, a polyethylene
and
bi-oriented-polypropylene co-extruded film with an MVTR of less than 5
g/day/m2.
The package is preferably sealed around the at least one unit dose of the
detergent composition so that the package is substantially impermeable to
moisture so that the MVTR of the package is preferably of less than 10
g/day/m2,
more preferably of less than 5 g/day/m2, even more preferably of less than 1
g/day/m2. The film may have various thicknesses. The thickness should
typically
be between 10 and 150 m, preferably between 15 and 120 m, more preferably
between 20 and 100 m, even more preferably between 25 and 80 m and most
preferably between 30 and 40 m.
Alternative insoluble substrates may also be formed from cellulosic or other
polymeric material by methods such as wet-laying, air-laying or
hydroentangling.
The insoluble substrate preferably comprises a barrier layer typically found
with
packaging materials having a low oxygen transmission rate, typically of less
than
300 cm3/m2/day, preferably of less than 150 cm3/m2/day, more preferably of
less
than 100 cm3/m2/day, even more preferably of less than 50 cm3/m2/day and most
preferably of less than 10 cm3/m2/day. Typical materials having such barrier
properties include bi-oriented polypropylene, polyethylene terephthalate,
polyamide, poly(ethylene vinyl alcohol) , or laminated materials comprising
one of
these, as well as SiOx (Silicium oxides), or metallic foils such as aluminium
foils
for example. Such packaging material may have a beneficial influence on the
stability of the product during storage for example.
Another suitable type of substrate, optionally in combination with the type of
substrate described above, are those that are adapted to soften fabrics in an
automatic laundry dryer, of the types disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,989,631,
Marsan, issued Nov. 2, 1976; 4,055,248, Marsan, issued Oct. 25, 1977;
4,073,996, Bedenk et al., issued Feb. 14, 1978; 4,022,938, Zaki et al., issued
May 10, 1977; 4,764,289, Trinh, issued Aug. 16, 1988; 4,808,086, Evans et al.,
issued Feb. 28,1989; 4,103,047, Zaki et al., issued Jul. 25, 1978; 3,736,668,
Dillarstone, issued Jun. 5, 1973; 3,701,202, Compa et al., issued Oct. 31,
1972;
3,634,947, Furgal, issued Jan. 18, 1972; 3,633,538, Hoeflin, issued Jan. 11,
1972; and 3,435,537, Rumsey, issued Apr. 1, 1969; and 4,000,340, Murphy et
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al., issued Dec. 28, 1976.
In a preferred substrate article embodiment, the fabric treatment compositions
are
provided as an article of manufacture in combination with a dispensing means
such
as a flexible substrate which effectively releases the composition in an
automatic
laundry (clothes) dryer. Such dispensing means can be designed for single
usage or
for multiple uses. The dispensing means can also be a "carrier material" that
releases the fabric softener composition and then is dispersed and/or
exhausted from
the dryer.
The dispensing means will normally carry an effective amount of fabric
treatment
composition. Such effective amount typically provides sufficient fabric
conditioning/antistatic agent and/or anionic polymeric soil release agent for
at least
one treatment of a minimum load in an automatic laundry dryer. Amounts of
fabric
treatment composition for multiple uses, e.g., up to about 30, can be used.
Typical amounts for a single article can vary from about 0.25 g to about 100
g,
preferably from about 0.5=g to about 20 g, most preferably from about 1 g to
about 10 g.
Highly preferred paper, woven or nonwoven "absorbent" substrates useful herein
are
fully disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 3,686,025, Morton, issued Aug. 22, 1972. It
is
known that most substances are able to absorb a liquid substance to some
degree;
however, the term "absorbent" as used herein, is intended to mean a substance
with
an absorbent capacity (i.e., a parameter representing a substrate's ability to
take up
and retain a liquid) from 4 to 12, preferably 5 to 7, times its weight of
water.
Typically each unit dose comprises between 10 g and 100 g of active
components,
more preferably between 30 g and 60 g. The consumer may be guided by usage
instructions to use two unit doses for an averagely soiled laundry load, to
use three
unit doses for a heavily soiled load. One unit dose may be used for a very
lightly
soiled load or for a half load. Most commonly on the market today, the primary
package (for example a cardboard box or carton) contains enough unit doses
("N"
unit doses) for several wash loads; and the unit doses are additionally
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packaged in pairs within a plurality of secondary packages (referred to herein
as
the insoluble substrate; for example a plastic or metallic flow-wrap). One
inconvenience of this arrangement is that when a consumer has a heavily soiled
load, and wishes to use three tablets, it is necessary to open the secondary
packaging of two pairs of unit doses in order to use the required three unit
doses,
and as a consequence to retain one unwrapped but unused unit dose for
subsequent use. One solution to this problem, irrespective of whether or not
the
secondary packaging is an insoluble substrate which has been treated according
to the teaching of the present invention, is to wrap N unit doses in a
plurality,
A+B, of secondary packages, so that a predetermined number of unit doses are
packed in pairs, to give A packages comprising pairs of unit doses, and to
wrap a
predetermined number of unit doses in threes, to give B packages each
comprising three unit doses, and finally to pack these secondary packages into
the primary package. The values for "A" and "B" can be predetermined according
to known consumer habits.
In general:
N=(Axni)+(Bxn2)+...
where N, A, B, nl, n2 ... are each integers and wherein ni # n2. Preferably
wherein nl, n2 ... are each 2, or greater. Most preferably N = (A x ni) +(B x
n2),
and nl=2, and n2=3; in this case N is greater than, or equal to 5, preferably
N is
greater than 10, more preferably N is from 20 to 150, and most preferably N is
between 24 and 128.
For example, a primary package containing 32 unit doses may comprise 10 flow-
wrapped secondary packages each containing 2 unit doses and 4 flow-wrapped
secondary packages each containing 3 unit doses. In this example: N=32, A=10,
3o B=4, n1=2, and n2=3.
Among the (secondary) packing methods preferred for use in the present
invention are the wrapping methods disclosed in W092/20593, including flow
wrapping or over wrapping. When using such processes, a longitudinal seal is
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provided, which may be a fin seal or an overlapping seal, after which a first
end of
the package is closed with a first end seal, followed by closure of the second
end
with a second end seal.
In a preferred embodiment of the present invention the package further
comprises a means for opening the sealed package. Furthermore, the package
may optionally comprise re-closing means as described in W092/20593. In
particular, using a twist, a cold seal or an adhesive is particularly suited.
indeed,
a band of cold seal or a band of adhesive may be applied to a surface of the
package at a position adjacent to the second end of the package, so that this
band may provide both the initial seal and re-closure of the package. In such
a
case the adhesive or cold seal band may correspond to a region having a
cohesive surface, i.e. a surface which will adhere only to another cohesive
surface. Such re-closing means may also comprise spacers which will prevent
unwanted adhesion. Such spacers are described in W095/13225, published on
18t" May 1995. There may also be a plurality of spacers and a plurality of
strips of
adhesive material. The main requirement is that the communication between the
exterior and the interior of the package should be minimal, even after first
opening of the package. A cold seal may be used, and in particular a grid of
cold
seal, whereby the cold seal is adapted so as to facilitate opening of the
package.
The chemicals preferred for use in the present invention in combination with
the
insoluble substrate
include:
a) a surfactant and/or solvent for stain pre-treatment;
b) a fabric softening agent, including cationic surfactants and nonionic
surfactants;
c) a fabric integrity ingredient, including carboxymethyl celluloses;
A highly preferred component of the detergent composition present on the
substrate for use herein is a solvent. More preferred solvents are defined in
terms of Hansen parameters. A hydrophobic solvent as defined herein is
considered to be a solvent having Hansen hydrogen bonding cohesion parameter
dH below 18 (Joule/cm3)0.5 Preferred hydrophobic solvents have a Hansen
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hydrogen bonding cohesion parameter dH below 12 (Joule/cm3)o.5 and a Hansen
polar parameter dP below 8(Joule/cm3)0.5
Preferred solvents for use comprise mixture of hydrocarbons with a flash point
no
lower than 70 C and aliphatic fatty acid esters. More preferred solvents would
be
alkanes or alkenes with a chain length above C7, and particularly alkanes and
alkenes with a chain length above C12.
Particularly preferred hydrophobic solvents are terpenes, paraffins;
isoparaffins;
naphtenes; aromatics; and olefins. Solvents are used in the detergent
compositions of the present invention preferably at a level of from 3% to 90%,
more preferably from 4% to 45%, and most preferably from 5% to 25% by weight
of the detergent composition.
Other solvents having a Hansen parameter of dH less than 18 (Joule/cm3)0 .5
include glycol ethers, more preferably glycol ethers based upon ethylene
oxide,
propylene oxide, or mixtures thereof. Such solvents may, and preferably are,
used in combination with either short chain surfactants, long chain
surfactants, or
mixtures thereof.
In one embodiment of the invention the hydrophobic solvents defined above are
used in combination with mixtures of short chain and long chain surfactants
having preferably and overall HLB value of from 2 to 16, and more preferably
from 8 to 14. Preferred molar ratio of short-chain to long chain ratios are
from
1:10 to 10:1, more preferably between 1:3 and 3:1, most preferably about 1:1.
Surfactants are preferably present at a level of from 1 to 50%, more
preferably 10
to 40% and most preferably 15 to 30% by weight of the detergent composition.
Short chain surfactants are surfactants which compromise a C6-C10 alkyl chain
3o as their hydrophobic portion. Preferred short-chain surfactants for use are
the
C4-C8 fatty alcohol polyglycol ethers with 2-5 EO. C6-C8 alkyl sulphonates, C6-
C8 alkyl sulphates, C6-C8 alkyl ethoxy sulphates, C6-C10 betaines or C6-C10
amine oxides could also be useful.
Water-soluble nonionic surfactants are also useful as surfactants in the
compositions of the invention. Indeed, preferred processes use
anionic/nonionic
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blends. Such nonionic materials include compounds produced by the condensation
of alkylene oxide groups (hydrophilic in nature) with an organic hydrophobic
compound, which may be aliphatic or alkyl aromatic in nature. The length of
the
polyoxyalkylene group which is condensed with any particular hydrophobic group
can
be readily adjusted to yield a water-soluble compound having the desired
degree of
balance between hydrophilic and hydrophobic elements.
Suitable nonionic surfactants include the polyethylene oxide condensates of
alkyl
phenols, e.g., the condensation products of alkyl phenois having an alkyl
group
containing from about 6 to 16 carbon atoms, in either a straight chain or
chain
configuration, with from about 4 to 25 moles of ethylene oxide per mole of
alkyl
phenol.
Preferred nonionics are the water-soluble condensation products of aliphatic
alcohols
containing from 8 to 22 carbon atoms, in either straight chain or branched
configuration, with from 1 to 25 moles of ethylene oxide per mole of alcohol,
especially 2 to 7 moles of ethylene oxide per mole of alcohol. Particularly
preferred
are the condensation products of alcohols having an alkyl group containing
from
about 9 to 15 carbon atoms; and condensation products of propylene glycol with
ethylene oxide.
Other preferred nonionics are polyhydroxy fatty acid amides which may be
prepared
by reacting a fatty acid ester and an N-alkyl polyhydroxy amine. The preferred
amine
for use in the present invention is N-(R1)-CH2(CH2OH)4-CH2-OH and the
preferred
ester is a C12-C20 fatty acid methyl ester. Most preferred is the reaction
product of
N-methyl glucamine (which may be derived from glucose) with C12-C20 fatty acid
methyl ester.
Semi-polar nonionic surfactants include water-soluble amine oxides containing
one alkyl moiety of from about 10 to 18 carbon atoms and 2 moieties selected
from the group consisting of alkyl groups and hydroxyalkyl groups containing
from
1 to about 3 carbon atoms; water-soluble phosphine oxides containing one alkyl
moiety of about 10 to 18 carbon atoms and 2 moieties selected from the group
consisting of alkyl groups and hydroxyalkyl groups containing from about 1 to
3
carbon atoms; and water-soluble sulfoxides containing one alkyl moiety of
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from about 10 to 18 carbon atoms and a moiety selected from the groups
consisting of alkyl and hydroxyalkyl moieties of from about 1 to 3 carbon
atoms.
Examples of cationic surfactants which are suitable for use as a component of
the package in the present invention include cationic quaternary ammonium
compounds and imidazolium compounds. In a preferred embodiment of the
present invention, the fabric softening agent comprises from about 5% to about
95% preferably from about 15% to about 90%, more preferably from about 25%
to about 85%, and even more preferably from about 25% to about 55%, of
1o biodegradable cationic surfactant, preferably an ester quaternary ammonium
compound (EQA).
The EQA of the present invention is selected from Formulas I, II, III, and
mixtures
thereof.
Formula I comprises:
(R)4-m --N+ --[(CH2), --Y--R2 ]m X-
wherein each Y=--O--C(O)--, or --C(O)--O--; m=1 to 3; each n=is an integer
from
1 to 4, and mixtures thereof; each R substituent is a short chain Cl -C6,
preferably Cl -C3, alkyl group, e.g., methyl, ethyl, propyl, and the like; a
short
chain Cl -C4 hydroxy alkyl group; benzyl; or mixtures thereof, with,
preferably, at
least one R group being short chain alkyl, preferably methyl; each R2 is a
long
chain, saturated and/or unsaturated (IV of from about 3 to about 60), C8 -C30
hydrocarbyl, or substituted hydrocarbyl substituent, preferably straight or
branched alkyl or alkenyl chain, preferably containing from about 14 to about
18
carbon atoms, more preferably straight chain, or mixtures thereof; and the
counterion, X-, can be any softener-compatible anion, for example,
methylsulfate,
ethylsulfate, chloride, bromide, formate, sulfate, lactate, nitrate, benzoate,
and
the like, preferably methylsulfate.
Tallow is a convenient and inexpensive source of long chain alkyl and alkenyl
materials. It will be understood that substituents R and R2 of Formula I can
optionally be substituted with various groups such as alkoxyl or hydroxyl
groups.
The preferred compounds can be considered to be diester (DEQA) variations of
ditallow dimethyl ammonium methyl sulfate (DTDMAMS), which is a widely used
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fabric softener. At least 80% of the DEQA is in the diester form, and from 0%
to
about 20%, preferably less than about 10%, more preferably less than about 5%,
can
be EQA monoester (e.g., only one --Y--R2 group).
The following are non-limiting examples of EQA Formula I (wherein all long-
chain
alkyl substituents are straight-chain):
Saturated
[C2 H512+ N[CH2 CH2 OC(O)C H35]2 (CH3 S04)'
[CH3][C2 H5]+ N[CH2 CH2 OC(O)CI3 H27]2 [HC(O)O]'
[C3 H7][C2 H5]+ N[CH2 CH2 OC(O)C11 H23]2 (CH3 S04)'
[CH3]2+ N-[CH2 CH2 OC(O)CIT H35]CH2 CH2 OC(O)C15 H31 (CH3 S04)"
[CH3]2+ N[CH2 CH2 OC(O)R2]2 (CH3 S04)"
where --C(O)R2 is derived from saturated tallow.
Unsaturated
[CH3 ]Z +N[CH2 CH2 OC(O)C17 H33 ]2 (CH3 S04)
[C2 H5 ]2+ N[CH2 CH2 OC(O)C H33 ]2 Ci'
[CH3 ][C2 H5 ]+ N[CH2 CH2 OC(OP3 H25 ]2 [Cs H5 C(O)O]
[CH3 ]2+ N-[CH2 CH2 OC(O)C17 H33 ]CH2 CH2 OC(O)C15 H29 (CH3 CH2 S04)'
[CH3 ]2+ N[CH2 CH2 OC(O)R 2 ]2 (CH3 S04)"
where --C(O)R2 is derived from partially hydrogenated tallow or modified
tallow having the characteristics set forth herein.
Other specific examples of biodegradable Formula I compounds suitable for use
in
the fabric softening agents herein are: N-methyl-N,N-di-(2-C14 -C18 -acyloxy
ethyl),
N-2-hydroxyethyl ammonium methylsulfate; [HO--CH(CH3)CH2 ][CH3 ]+ N[CH2 CH2
OC(O)C15 H31 12 Br ;[HO-CH(CH3)CHZ ][CH3 ]+ N[CH2 CH2 OC(O)C15 H29 12
[HC(O)O]'; and [CH2 CH2 OH][CH3 ]+ N[CH2CH2 OC(O)R2]2 (CH3 S04)'. A preferred
CA 02403582 2005-12-12
compound is N-methyl, N,N-di-(2-oleyloxyethyl) N-2-hydroxyethyl ammonium
methylsulfate.
In addition to Formula I compounds, the compositions and articles of the
present
invention comprise EQA compounds of Formula II:
(R' )3 -+ N--(CH2),, --C(YR2)H--C(YR2)H2 X-
wherein, for any moiecule:
each Y is --O--C(O)- or --C(O)-O--; each R' is Cl -C4 alkyl or hydroxy alkyl;
R2 and n are defined herein before for Formula I; and wherein preferably R' is
a
methyl group, n is 1, Y is --O--C(O)--, each R2 is C14 -C18, more preferably
straight
chain; and X' is methyl sulfate.
A specific example of a biodegradable Formula II EQA compound suitable for use
in
the aqueous fabric softening compositions herein is: 1,2-bis(tallowyl oxy)-3-
trimethyl
ammoniopropane methylsulfate (DTTMAPMS).
Other examples of suitable Formula II EQA compounds of this invention are
obtained
by, e.g., replacing "tallowyl" in the above compounds with, for example,
cocoyl,
lauryl, oleyl, stearyl, paimityl, or the like; replacing "methyl" in the above
compounds
with ethyl, propyl, isopropyl, butyl, isobutyl, t-butyl, or the hydroxy
substituted analogs
of these radicals; replacing "methylsulfate" in the above compounds with
chloride,
ethylsulfate, bromide, formate, sulfate, lactate, nitrate, and the like, but
methylsulfate
is preferred.
Fabric conditioning agent useful in the present invention can also comprise
Formula III compounds:
(R)4-m--N+-- [(CHZ)n--Y--RZ ]m X-
R, R2, m, n, and X- are previously defined in Formula I; and each Y=--NH--C(O)-
-;
--C(O)--NH--;
--C(O)--O--; and --O--C(O)--; wherein at least one Y group is --NH--C(O)--or
--C(O)--NH--. An example of this compound is methyl bis (oleyl amidoethyl)
2-hydroxyethyl ammonium methyl sulfate.
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The cationic surfactants herein can be prepared by standard esterification and
quaternization reactions, using readily available starting materials. General
methods
for preparation are disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 4,137,180.
As used herein, when the diester quat is specified, it will include the
monoester quat
that is normally present. For the optimal antistatic benefit the percentage of
monoester quat should be as low as possible, preferably less than about 20%.
The
level of monoester quat present can be controlled in the manufacturing of the
EQA.
EQA compounds prepared with fully saturated acyl groups are rapidly
biodegradable
and excellent softeners. However, it has been discovered that compounds
prepared
with at least partially unsaturated acyl groups have advantages (i.e.,
antistatic
benefits) and are highly acceptable for consumer products when certain
conditions
are met.
Variables that must be adjusted to obtain the benefits of using unsaturated
acyl
groups include the Iodine Value (IV) of the fatty acids, the odor of fatty
acid starting
material, and/or the EQA. Any reference to IV values herein refers to IV of
fatty acyl
groups and not to the resulting EQA compound.
Antistatic effects are especially important where the fabrics are dried in a
tumble
dryer, and/or where synthetic materials which generate static are used. As the
IV is
raised, there is a potential for odor problems.
Some highly desirable, readily available sources of fatty acids such as
tallow,
possess odors that remain with the compound EQA despite the chemical and
mechanical processing steps which convert the raw tallow to finished EQA. Such
sources must be deodorized, e.g., by absorption, distillation (including
stripping such
as steam stripping), etc., as is well known in the art. In addition, care
should be
taken to minimize the adverse results of contact of the resulting fatty acyl
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groups with oxygen and/or bacteria by adding antioxidants, antibacterial
agents,
etc. The additional expense and effort associated with the unsaturated fatty
acyl
groups is justified by the superior performance.
Generally, hydrogenation of fatty acids to reduce polyunsaturation and to
lower IV
to insure good color and odor stability leads to a high degree of trans
configuration in the molecule. The polyunsaturation content of the touch
hardened fatty acid should be less than about 5%, preferably less than about
1%.
During touch hardening the cis/trans isomer weight ratios are controlled by
methods known in the art such as by optimal mixing, using specific catalysts,
providing high H2 availability, etc.
It has also been found that for good chemical stability of the diester
quaternary
compound in molten storage, water levels in the raw material must be minimized
to preferably less than about 1% and more preferably less than about 0.5%.
Storage temperatures should be kept as low as possible and still maintain a
fluid
material, ideally in the range of from about 49 C. to about 75 C. The
optimum
storage temperature for stability and fluidity depends on the specific IV of
the fatty
acid used to make the diester quaternary and the level/type of solvent
selected.
2o Also, exposure to oxygen should be minimized to keep the unsaturated groups
from oxidizing. It can therefore be important to store the material under a
reduced
oxygen atmosphere such as a nitrogen blanket. It is important to provide good
molten storage stability to provide a commercially feasible raw material that
will
not degrade noticeably in the normal transportation/storage/handling of the
material in manufacturing operations.
The fabric conditioning agent optionally further comprises ethoxylated and/or
propoxylated sugar derivative containing a "sugar" moiety, e.g., a moiety
derived
from, e.g., a polyhydroxy sugar, or sugar alcohol, that contains from about 4
to
3o about 12 hydroxy groups. This sugar moiety is substituted by at least one
long
hydrophobic group, containing from about 8 to about 30 carbon atoms,
preferably
from about 16 to about 18 carbon atoms. For improved physical characteristics,
e.g., higher melting point, the hydrophobic group can contain more carbon
atoms,
e.g., 20-22, and/or there can be more than one hydrophobic group, preferably
two or, less preferably, three. In general, it is preferred that the
hydrophobic
group is supplied by esterifying one of the hydroxy groups with a fatty acid.
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However, the hydrophobic group can be supplied by connecting the hydrophobic
group to the sugar moiety by an ether linkage, and/or a moiety containing a
carboxy
group esterified with a fatty alcohol can be attached to the sugar moiety to
provide
the desired hydrophobic group.
Sugar moieties include sucrose, galactose, mannose, glucose, fructose,
sorbitan,
sorbitol, mannitol, inositol, etc., and/or their derivatives such as
glucosides,
gaiactosides, etc. Other "sugar" types of moieties containing multiple hydroxy
groups
can also be used including starch fractions and polymers such as
polyglycerols. The
sugar moiety can be any polyhydroxy group that provides the requisite
number/density of hydroxy groups approximating that of conventional sugar
moieties.
The hydrophobic group can be provided by attachment with an ester, ether, or
other
linkage that provides a stable compound. The hydrophobic group is preferably
primarily straight chain, and preferably contains some unsaturation to provide
additional antistatic benefits. Such hydrophobic groups and their sources are
well
known, and are described hereinafter with respect to the more conventional
types of
softening agents.
The polyalkoxy chain can be all ethoxy groups, and/or can contain other groups
such
as propoxy, glyceryl ether, etc., groups. In general, polyethoxy groups are
preferred,
but for improved properties such as biodegradability, glyceryl ether groups
can be
inserted. Typically there are from about 4 to about 100, preferably from about
10 to about 40, more preferably from about 15 to about 30, ethoxy groups, or
their
equivalents, per molecule.
An empirical formula is as follows:
Rn, -(sugar)(R' O)n
wherein R is a hydrophobic group containing from about 8 to about 30,
preferably
from about 12 to about 22, more preferably from about 16 to about 18 carbon
atoms;
"sugar" refers to a polyhydroxy group, preferably derived from a sugar, sugar
alcohol,
or similar polyhydroxy compound; R' is an alkylene group, preferably ethylene
or
14
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propylene, more preferably ethylene; m is a number from 1 to about 4,
preferably 2;
and n is a number from about 4 to about 100, preferably from about 10 to about
40.
(R' O)n can be attached to a sugar moiety or link a sugar moiety and R.
Preferred
compounds of this type are polyethoxylated sorbitan monostearate
and polyethoxylated sorbitan tristearate, e.g., GlycosperseTM S-20 and
Glycosperse TS-20, respectively, from Lonza, each of which contain about 20
ethoxylate moieties per molecule, and mixtures thereof.
The level of the polyethoxy sugar derivative is typically at least about 2%,
preferably at least about 10%. Preferably the maximum level is no more than
about 90%, more preferably no more than about 75%.
The polyethoxy sugar derivative provides improved antistatic properties to the
compositions and can provide equivalent antistatic properties to conventional
dryer
added compositions, and/or articles, even with less, or no, quaternary
ammonium
softener materials present. tt is possible to prepare a dryer-added
composition, or
article, that is entirely nonionic.
Fabric softening agents employed herein optionally contain, as a preferred
component, at a level of from 0% to about 95%, preferably from about 10% to
about
75%, more preferably from about 20% to about 60%, carboxylic acid salt of a
tertiary
amine which has the formula:
R5 --N(R6)(R7 )--H(+)(-)O--C(O)--R8
wherein R5 is a long chain aliphatic group containing from about 8 to about 30
carbon atoms; R6 and R' are the same or different from each other and are
selected from the group consisting of aliphatic groups containing from about
1 to about 30 carbon atoms, hydroxyalkyl groups of the Formula R4 OH wherein
R4 is an alkylene group of from about 2 to about 30 carbon atoms, and alkyl
ether
groups of the formula R9 (OCn HZn)m wherein R9 is alkyl and alkenyl of from
about
1 to about 30 carbon atoms and hydrogen, each n is 2 or 3, and m is from about
1 to about 30, and wherein R8 is selected from the group consisting of
unsubstituted
alkyl, alkenyl, aryl, alkaryl and aralkyl of about 1 to about 30 carbon atoms,
and
substituted alkyl, alkenyl, aryl, alkaryl, and aralkyl of from about 1 to
CA 02403582 2005-12-12
about 30 carbon atoms wherein the substituents are selected from the group
consisting of halogen, carboxyl, and hydroxyl, said composition having a
melting
point of from about 350 C. to about 1000 C.
This component can provide the foilowing benefits: superior odor, a decrease
in paint
softening of the dryer drum, and/or improved fabric softening performance,
compared
to similar articles without this component. Either R5, R6, R', and/or R 8
chains can
contain unsaturation for improved antistatic benefits.
Tertiary amine salts of carboxylic acids have superior chemical stability,
compared to
primary and secondary amine carboxylate salts. For example, primary and
secondary amine carboxylates tend to form amides when heated, e.g., during
processing or use in the dryer. Also, they absorb carbon dioxide, thereby
forming
high melting carbamates which build up as an undesirable residue on treated
fabrics.
Preferably, R5 is an aliphatic chain containing from about 12 to about 30
carbon
atoms, R6 is an aliphatic chain of from about 1 to about 30 carbon atoms, and
R' is
an aliphatic chain of from about I to about 30 carbon atoms. Particularly
preferred
tertiary amines for static control performance are those containing
unsaturation; e.g.,
oleyldimethylamine and/or soft tallowalkyldimethylamine.
Examples of preferred tertiary amines as starting material for the reaction
between
the amine and carboxylic acid to form the tertiary amine salts are:
lauryldimethylamine, myristyldimethylamine, stearyldimethylamine,
tallowalkyldimethylamine, coconutalkyldimethylamine, dilauryimethylamine,
distearylmethylamine, ditallowalkylmethylamine, oleyldimethylamine, dioleyl
methylamine, lauryldi(3-hydroxypropyl)amine, stearyidi(2-hydroxyethyl)amine,
trilaurylamine, laurylethylmethylamine, and C18 H37 N[(OC2 H4)10 OH]Z.
Preferred fatty acids are those wherein R8 is a long chain, unsubstituted
alkyl or
alkenyl group of from about 8 to about 30 carbon atoms, more preferably from
about
11 to about 17 carbon atoms.
Examples of specific carboxylic acids as a starting material are: formic acid,
acetic
acid, lauric acid, myristic acid, palmitic acid, stearic acid, oleic acid,
oxalic
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acid, adipic acid, 12-hydroxystearic acid, benzoic acid, 4-hydroxybenzoic
acid, 3-
chlorobenzoic acid, 4-nitrobenzoic acid, 4-ethylbenzoic acid, 4-(2-
chloroethyl)benzoic acid, phenylacetic acid, (4-chlorophenyl)acetic acid, (4-
hydroxyphenyl)acetic acid, and phthalic acid.
Preferred carboxylic acids are stearic, oleic, lauric, myristic, paimitic, and
mixtures thereof.
Preferred amine salts for use herein are those wherein the amine moiety is a
C8 -
1o C30 alkyl or alkenyl dimethyl amine or a di-C8 -C30 alkyl or alkenyl methyl
amine,
and the acid moiety is a C8 -C30 alkyl or alkenyl monocarboxylic acid. The
amine
and the acid, respectively, used to form the amine salt will often be of mixed
chain lengths rather than single chain lengths, since these materials are
normally
derived from natural fats and oils, or synthetic processed which produce a
mixture of chain lengths. Also, it is often desirable to utilize mixtures of
different
chain lengths in order to modify the physical or performance characteristics
of the
softening composition.
Specific preferred amine salts for use in the present invention are
oleyldimethylamine stearate, stearyldimethylamine stearate,
stearyidimethylamine tallowate, stearyldimethylamine myristate,
stearyldimethylamine palmitate, distearylmethylamine palmitate,
distearylmethylamine laurate, and mixtures thereof. A particularly preferred
mixture is oleyldimethylamine stearate and
distearylmethylamine myristate, in a ratio of 1:10 to 10:1, preferably about
1:1.
Fabric conditioning agents useful in the present invention optionally further
comprise unsaturated fatty acid. The unsaturated fatty acid is preferably
present
in the fabric conditioning agents herein at a level of from about 1% to about
15%,
preferably from about 3% to about 12%.
Preferred fatty acids are those containing a long chain, unsubstituted alkenyl
group of from about 8 to about 30 carbon atoms, more preferably from about 11
to about 17 carbon atoms. Examples of specific carboxylic acids are: oleic
acid,
linoleic acid, and mixtures thereof. These unsaturated fatty acids can be used
in
combination with saturated fatty acids like stearic, paimitic, and/or lauric
acids.
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Preferred carboxylic acids are oleic, linoleic, tallow fatty acids, and
mixtures
thereof.
A highly preferred optional ingredient is a nonionic fabric softening
agent/material
other than those disclosed hereinbefore. Typically, such nonionic fabric
softener
materials have an HLB of from about 2 to about 9, more typically from about 3
to
about 7. In general, the materials selected should be relatively crystalline,
higher
melting (e.g., >25 C.). These materials can then improve processability of
the
composition.
The level of optional nonionic softener in the solid composition is typically
from
about 10% to about 50%, preferably from about 15% to about 40%.
Preferred nonionic softeners are fatty acid partial esters of polyhydric
alcohols, or
anhydrides thereof, wherein the alcohol, or anhydride, contains from about 2
to
about 18, preferably from about 2 to about 8, carbon atoms, and each fatty
acid
moiety contains from about 8 to about 30, preferably from about 16 to about
20,
carbon atoms. Typical examples of said fatty acids being lauric acid, myristic
2o acid, palmitic acid, stearic acid, oleic acid, and behenic acid. Typically,
such
softeners contain from about 1 to about 4, preferably about 2 fatty acid
groups
per molecule.
The polyhydric alcohol portion of the ester can be ethylene glycol,
polyethylene
glycol, (e.g., tetraethylene glycol), glycerol, poly (e.g., di-, tri-, tetra,
penta-, and/or
hexa-) glycerol, xylitol, sucrose, erythritol, pentaerythritol, sorbitol or
sorbitan.
These nonionic fabric softening materials do not include the ethoxylated sugar
derivatives disclosed hereinbefore. They typically contain no more than about
4
ethoxy groups per molecule.
Highly preferred optional nonionic softening agents for use in the present
invention are C10 -C26 acyl sorbitan esters and polyglycerol monostearate.
Sorbitan esters are esterified dehydration products of sorbitol. The preferred
sorbitan ester comprises a member selected from the group consisting of C10-
C26 acyl sorbitan monoesters and C10 -C26 acyl sorbitan diesters and
ethoxylates of said esters wherein one or more of the unesterified hydroxyl
18
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groups in said esters contain from 1 to about 4 oxyethylene units, and
mixtures
thereof. For the purpose of the present invention, sorbitan esters containing
unsaturation (e.g., sorbitan monooleate) are preferred.
The foregoing types of complex mixtures of anhydrides of sorbitol are
collectively
referred to herein as "sorbitan". It will be recognized that this "sorbitan"
mixture will
also contain some free, uncyclized sorbitol.
Details, including formula, of the preferred sorbitan esters can be found in
U.S.
Patent No. 4,128,484.
For the purposes of the present invention, it is preferred that a significant
amount of
di-, and tri-, and/or tetra- sorbitan esters are present in the ester mixture.
Ester
mixtures having from 20-50% mono-ester, 25-50% di-ester and 10-35% of tri-and
tetra-esters are preferred.
The material which is sold commercially as sorbitan mono-ester (e.g.,
monostearate)
does in fact contain significant amounts of di- and tri-esters and a typical
analysis of
commercial sorbitan monostearate indicates that it comprises about 27% mono-,
32% di- and 30% tri- and tetra-esters.
Commercial sorbitan monostearate therefore is a preferred material. Mixtures
of
sorbitan stearate and sorbitan palmitate having stearate/paimitate weight
ratios
varying between 10:1 and 1:10, and 1,5-sorbitan esters are useful. Both the
1,4-and 1,5-sorbitan esters are useful herein.
Other useful alkyl sorbitan esters for use in the softening compositions
herein include
sorbitan monolaurate, sorbitan monomyristate, sorbitan monopalmitate, sorbitan
monobehenate, sorbitan monooleate, sorbitan dilaurate, sorbitan dimyristate,
sorbitan dipalmitate, sorbitan distearate, sorbitan dibehenate, sorbitan
dioleate,
sorbitan tristearate, and mixtures thereof, and mixed tallowalkyl sorbitan
mono-, di-,
and tri-esters.
The preferred sorbitan esters employed herein can contain up to about 15% by
weight of esters of the C20-C26, and higher, fatty acids, as well as minor
amounts of
C8, and lower, fatty esters.
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Glycerol and polyglycerol esters, especially glycerol, diglycerol,
triglycerol, and
polyglycerol mono- and/or di- esters, preferably mono-, are also preferred
herein
(e.g., polyglycerol monostearate with a trade mark 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/on myristic acids. It is
understood that
the typical mono-ester contains some di- and tri-ester, etc.
The "g(ycerol esters" also include the polyglycerol, e.g., diglycerol through
octaglycerol esters.
Cyclodextrin/perfume complexes and free perfume can also be used in the
present
invention in combination with the insoluble substrate.
The package herein can also contain from about 0.5% to about 60%, preferably
from
about 1% to about 50%, cyclodextrin/perfume inclusion complexes, as disclosed
in
U.S. Patent Nos. 5,139,687, Botcher et al., issued Aug. 18, 1992; and
5,234,610,
Gardlik et al., issued Aug. 10, 1993. Perfumes are highly desirable, can
usually
benefit from protection, and can be complexed with cyclodextrin. Fabric
softening
products typically contain perfume to provide an olfactory aesthetic benefit
and/or to
serve as a signal that the product is effective.
The perfume ingredients and compositions of this invention are the
conventional ones known in the art. Selection of any perfume component, or
amount of perfume, is based solely on aesthetic considerations. Suitable
perfume compounds and compositions can be found in the art including U.S.
Patent Nos. 4,145,184, Brain and Cummins, issued Mar. 20, 1979; 4,209,417,
Whyte, issued June 24, 1980; 4,515,705, Moeddel, issued May 7, 1985;
and 4,152,272, Young, issued May 1, 1979. Many of the art recognized
perfume compositions are relatively substantive, as
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described hereinafter, to maximize their odor effect on substrates. However,
it is
a special advantage of perfume delivery via the perfume/cyclodextrin complexes
that nonsubstantive perfumes are also effective. The volatility and
substantivity of
perfumes is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,234,610, supra.
If a package contains both free and complexed perfume, the escaped perfume
from the complex contributes to the overall perfume odor intensity, giving
rise to a
longer lasting perfume odor
impression.
As disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,234,610, supra, by adjusting the levels of
free
perfume and perfume/CD complex it is possible to provide a wide range of
unique
perfume profiles in terms of timing (release) and/or perfume identity
(character).
Solid, dryer-activated fabric conditioning compositions are a uniquely
desirable
way to apply the cyclodextrins, since they are applied at the very end of a
fabric
treatment regimen when the fabric is clean and when there are almost no
additional treatments that can remove the cyclodextrin.
Examples of fabric integrity ingredients which are suitable for use as a
component of the package in the present invention include cellulose
derivatives,
such as those described in WO-A-9914245 (P&G) and WO-A-9914295 (P&G).
The unit dose detergent composition may comprise any ingredients which are
useful for laundry purposes such as surfactants (anionic, nonionic, cationic,
amphoteric, zwitterionic); builders (including phosphates, zeolites); polymers
(including acrylic and maleic polymers and copolymers, carboxymethyl
cellulose);
bleach (such as perborate, percarbonate, and various bleach precursors);
bleach
activators (such as TAED); clay (such as bentonite); chelating agents; optical
brightener; suds suppressor; enzymes; perfume. Various salts are also
commonly used in detergent compositions for various purposes, some are
builders in their own right, others are used as pH buffers or as fillers. The
most
common salts are carbonates, silicates (including SKS-6 ), citrates and
sulphates.
Preferably the various components are prepared in powdered or granular form
and then mixed prior to being formed into tablets. When the unit dose is in
the
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form of a tablet, the tablet is most commonly formed by compression of the
powders and granules in a tablet mold. The tablets may be formed with the aid
of
tabletting aids, such as binders, disintegrants etc. Binders and disintegrants
are
described in Handbook of Pharmaceutical Excipients (1986). Optionally, the
tablets may also comprise a coating, such as a dicarboxylic acid.
Typically each unit dose comprises between 10g and 100g of active components,
more preferably between 30g and 60 g.
22
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Examples
Example 1.
i) A detergent powder of composition A (see Table 1) was prepared as follows:
all the particulate materials of composition A were mixed together in a mixing
drum to form a homogenous particulate mixture. During the mixing the binder
was sprayed on.
ii) Tablets were then made in the following way. 42.3g of the mixture was
introduced into -a mould of square shape with dimensions of 42x42mm and
compressed with a force of 1.5kN by means of an Instron Press, to give a
tablet density of about 1090 g/l. Afterwards, the pressed tablets were coated
with a mix, melted at 175 C, containing 96.5% of a dicarboxylic acid (adipic
acid) and 3.5% of a disintegrant (PuroliteT'"). The total coating weight of
the
tablet was 2.6g.
iii) A mix of 80% of nonionic surfactant Neodol AE7 and 20% of
Lutensit KHD 96 was prepared, by heating the mix to 50 C. 0.74g of this
hot melt was applied to a sheet of polypropylene film of a thickness of 30pm
and of a dimension of 14.5xl6cm. The sheet was left to cool down for
24 hours, at ambient conditions. This treated sheet of polypropylene film can
be used to wrap two of the tablets prepared in ii).
iv) A strip of a lipstick stain on a flat piece of knitted cotton was gently
rubbed for
20sec. with the sheet of polypropylene film prepared in iii).
v) The treated stain was washed with two of the tablets prepared in ii) under
the
following wash conditions: Miele NovotronicTM W831, short cycle, 40 C. After
the wash, the washed strip was dried at ambient conditions for 12 hours.
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Example 2.
i) Steps i) and ii) of example 1 were repeated.
ii) A mix of 70% of nonionic surfactant Neodol AE7 ; 5% Dehydol C8E04;
5% Limonene and 20% Polyethylene glycol, Pluriol 4000 was prepared,
by heating the mix to 50 C. 0.85g of this hot melt was applied to a sheet of
polypropylene film of a thickness of 30pm and of a dimension of
14.5xl6cm. The sheet was left to cool down for 24 hours, at ambient
conditions. This treated sheet of polypropylene film can be used to wrap
two of the tablets prepared in i).
iii) A strip of a lipstick stain on a flat piece of knitted cotton was gently
rubbed
for 20sec. with the sheet of polypropylene film prepared in ii).
iv) The treated stain was washed with two of the tablets prepared in i) under
the following wash conditions: Miele Novotronic W831, short cycle, 40 C.
After the wash, the washed strip was dried at ambient conditions for 12hrs.
24
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Example 3.
i) A detergent powder of composition B (see Table 1) was prepared as
described in step i) of Example 1.
ii) Tablets were then made in the following way. 42.3g of the mixture was
introduced into a mould of square shape with dimensions of 42x42mm and
compressed with a force of 1.5kN by means of an Instron Press to give a
tablet density of about 1100 g/l. Afterwards, the pressed tablets were coated
with a mix (melted at 175 C) containing 96.5% of a dicarboxylic acid (adipic
acid) and 3.5% of a disintegrant (Purolite). The total coating weight of the
tablet was 2.4g.
iii) A strip of a lipstick stain on a flat piece of knitted cotton was washed
with two
of the tablets prepared in ii) under the following wash conditions: Mieie
Novotronic W831, short cycle, 40 C. After the wash, the washed strip was
dried at ambient conditions for 12 hours.
iv) The stain pairs (Example 1 vs. Example 3; Example 2 vs. Example 3) were
visually graded according to the Scheffe scale. The results are shown in
Table 2. The results show that pre-treating the lipstick stain with the
flow-wrap of the present invention, results in a significantly higher level of
stain removal versus the reference (Example 3).
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Table 1. Detergent base powder composition
Composition A Composition
(%) B
%
Anionic agglomerates 1 22.266 22.266
Anionic agglomerates 2 9.115 9.115
Cationic agglomerates 4.675 4.675
Nonionic agglomerates 6.15 9.129
Citric acid 4.67 4.67
Layered silicate, SKS-6 9.757 9.757
Sodium percarbonate 12.266 12.266
Bleach activator agglomerates 6.093 6.093
Sodium carbonate 10.986 8.007
EDDS / Sulphate particle 0.495 0.495
Tetrasodium salt of Hydroxyethane 0.82 0.82
Di hos honic acid
Soil release polymer 0.363 0.363
Fluorescer 0.23 0.23
Soap powder 1.4 1.4
Suds suppressor 2.8 2.8
Pol eth lene glycol, Pluriol 4000 dry add 2 2
Protease 0.967 0.967
Lipase 0.35 0.35
Cellulase 0.152 0.152
Amylase 1.134 1.134
Perfume 0.561 0.561
Binder :
Sodium Di Iso Propyl Benzene Sulphonate 0.75 0.75
Lutensit KHD 96 0.75 0.75
Pol eth lene glycol, Pluriol 1000 0.39 0.39
Pol eth lene glycol, Pluriol 4000 0.86 0.86
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Anionic agglomerates 1 comprises 40% AS/AE3S; 27% Zeolite A; 12% sodium
carbonate; 9% maleic/acrylic copolymer; the balance being moisture and minor
ingredients, impurities etc.
Anionic agglomerates 2 comprises 20% AS/AE3S; 20 LAS; 28% Zeolite A; 20%
sodium carbonate; the
Cationic agglomerates comprises 20% quaternary ammonium compound; 64%
Zeolite A; 10% sodium sulphate; the balance being moisture and minor
ingredients, impurities etc.
Nonionic agglomerates comprises 24% alkyl ethoxylate (AE7); 11 % Zeolite A;
20% sodium carbonate; 36% sodium acetate; the balance being moisture and
minor ingredients, impurities etc.
Bleach activator agglomerates comprises 81 % TAED; 17% acrylic/maleic
copolymer and 2% water.
Suds suppressor comprises 11.5% silicone oil; 4.5% hyfac; 13% TAE80 and 71 %
starch.
Fluorescer comprises 87% Brightener 47 (81 % active) and 13% Brightener 49
(100% active).
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Table 2. Stain removal performance
The scale mentioned in the table below was used to compare the level of stain
removal.
Score Meaning
0 There is no difference
1 I think that this one is better
2 This one is better
3 This one is si nificantl better
4 This one is a whole lot better
Experiment Score
Example 1 versus '3' in favor of
3 example 1
Example 2 versus '3' in favor of
3 example 2
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Example 4.
i) A detergent powder of composition B (see table 1) was prepared as
described in step i) of example 1
ii) Tablets were then made in the following way. 42.3g of the mixture was
introduced into a mould of square shape with dimensions of 42x42mm and
compressed with a force of 1.5kN by means of an Instron Press, to give a
tablet density of about 1050 g/l. Afterwards, the pressed tablets were
coated with a mix (melted at 175 C) containing 96.5% of a dicarboxylic
acid (adipic acid) and 3.5% of a disintegrant (purolite). The total coating
weight of the tablet was 2.5g.
iii) lOg of hexadecyl carboxymethyl cellulose produced by Metsa Specialty
Chemicals was dispersed in 100mI Polyethylene glycol, Pluriol 1000 at
50 C. Subsequently, a sheet of polypropylene film of a thickness of 30 m
and of a dimension of 14.5xl6cm was dipped into the hot melt. After
dipping, the sheet was left to cool down at ambient conditions for 24hrs.
The amount of hexadecyl carboxymethyl cellulose deposited on the sheet
was 1 g. This treated sheet of polypropylene film can be used to wrap two
of the tablets prepared in ii).
iv) A cotton garment was cut in two. One half was washed with two of the
tablets prepared in ii) together with the sheet of polypropylene film
prepared in iii) under the following wash conditions: Miele Novotronic
W831, short cycle, 30 C. After the wash, the garment was dried at ambient
conditions for 12hrs. This whole wash procedure was repeated 10 times.
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Example 5.
i) Tablets were made as described in example 4.
ii) The second half of the cotton garment described in step iv) of example 3,
was washed with two of the tablets prepared in i) under the following wash
conditions: Miele Novotronic W831, short cycle, 30 C. After the wash, the
garment was dried at ambient conditions for 12hrs. This whole wash
procedure was repeated 10 times.
iii) Both halves (example 4 and 5) were visually assessed for pilling. The
results are shown in table 3. The results show that washing the garment
with the flowwrap of the present invention results in a significantly higher
level of fabric integrity versus the reference (example 5).
Table 3. Fabric integrity performance
The scale mentioned in the table below was used to compare the level of fabric
integrity of the garment prepared in example 4 and 5.
Score Meaning
0 There is no difference
1 I think that this one is better
2 This one is better
3 This one is significantly better
4 This one is a whole lot better
Experiment Score
Example 4 '3' in favor of
versus 5 example 4
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Example 6.
i) Tablets were made as described in example 3, discussed hereinabove.
ii) A mix of 20% Polyethylene glycol, Pluriol 1000 and 80% of softness
active tri-ethanol ester methyl ammonium methyl sulfate was prepared by
heating the mix to 50 C. 2.5 g of this melt was applied to a sheet of
polypropylene film of a thickness of 30 m and of a dimension of
14.5xl6cm. The sheet was left to cool down at ambient conditions, for 24
hours. This treated sheet can be used to wrap two of the tablets prepared
in i).
iii) A cotton garment was washed with two of the tablets prepared in i) under
the following wash conditions: Miele Novotronic W831, short cycle, 30 C.
iv) After the wash, the garment was cut in two. One half was dried in a Miele
Novotronic T490 in the presence of the sheet prepared in ii).
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Example 7.
i) The other half of the cotton garment, washed as explained in step iii) of
example 5 was dried in a Miele Novotronic T490 without the sheet
prepared in step ii) of example 5.
ii) The level of fabric softness of this half after the drying step was
compared
vs. example 5 (see above) via a softness test. The results are shown in
table 4. The results show that drying the garment in the presence of a
flowwrap of the present invention, results in a significantly higher level of
softness versus the reference (example 7).
Table 4. Fabric conditioning performance
The scale mentioned in the table below was used to compare the level of fabric
softness of the garment prepared in example 6 and the garment prepared in
example 7:
Score Meaning
0 There is no difference
1 I think that this one is better
2 This one is better
3 This one is significantly better
4 This one is a whole lot better
The fabric conditioning (level of softness) result in this experiment is as
follows:
Experiment Score
Example 6 vs. '3' in favour of example
7 6
32
