Method for formulating laundry detergent to ensure stable cleaning performance at low temperatures

Formulating laundry detergents with specific anionic and nonionic surfactants and solvents stabilizes cleaning power at low temperatures, addressing inefficiencies in existing detergents and ensuring effective soil removal across a 10 to 30°C range.

JP2026518946APending Publication Date: 2026-06-11DOW GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES LLC

Patent Information

Authority / Receiving Office
JP · JP
Patent Type
Applications
Current Assignee / Owner
DOW GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES LLC
Filing Date
2023-04-13
Publication Date
2026-06-11

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Laundry detergents do not maintain consistent cleaning power at low washing water temperatures, typically between 10 to 30°C, due to reduced efficiency in soil removal, which is common in regions without hot water supply and in energy-efficient washing practices.

Method used

A method for formulating laundry detergents using specific anionic and nonionic surfactants, along with water-miscible organic solvents, to stabilize cleaning power across a 10 to 30°C temperature range, ensuring effective soil removal.

Benefits of technology

The formulated detergents exhibit at least 95% cleaning power stability at 10°C compared to 30°C, maintaining high soil removal index (SRI) through the use of selected surfactants and solvents, enhancing performance in low-temperature washing conditions.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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Abstract

A method for formulating laundry detergent, comprising (a) selecting an anionic surfactant and (b) formula (I)R 1 -O-(EO) x -(AO) y -(EO) z -H(wherein, R 1 is a linear C 8~18 A method is provided, comprising: (c) selecting a nonionic surfactant selected from the group of nonionic surfactants having an alkyl group, where x is 2 to 4, AO is an oxyalkylene group having 3 to 5 carbon atoms, y is 6 to 25, and z is 1 to 50, and selected based on its ability to impart cleaning stability to a laundry detergent formulation with respect to a washing water temperature in the range of 10 to 30°C; (c) selecting a water-miscible organic solvent; and providing a formulated laundry detergent formulation by combining the selected anionic surfactant, the selected nonionic surfactant, the selected water-miscible organic solvent, and water.
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Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a method for formulating laundry detergent formulations so as to have stable cleaning power at washing water temperatures in the range of 10 to 30°C. In particular, the present invention relates to a method for formulating a laundry detergent formulation to have cleaning power stability with respect to washing water temperatures in the range of 10 to 30°C, comprising: (a) selecting an anionic surfactant selected from the group consisting of alkyl sulfates, alkylbenzene sulfates, alkylbenzene sulfonic acids, alkylbenzene sulfonates, alkyl polyethoxy sulfates, paraffin sulfonic acids, paraffin sulfonates, olefin sulfonic acids, olefin sulfonates, alpha-sulfocarboxylates, alpha-sulfocarboxylate esters, alkyl glyceryl ether sulfonic acids, alkyl glyceryl ether sulfonates, fatty acid sulfates, fatty acid sulfonates, fatty acid ester sulfonates, alkylphenol polyethoxy ether sulfates, 2-acrylooxyalkane-1-sulfonic acids, 2-acrylooxyalkane-1-sulfonates, beta-alkyloxyalkane sulfonic acids, beta-alkyloxyalkane sulfonates, oleic acid, salts thereof, and mixtures thereof; and (b) formula (I) R 1 -O-(EO) x -(AO) y -(EO) z -H (In the formula, R 1 is a linear C 8~18 (c) A nonionic surfactant is selected from the group of nonionic surfactants having an alkyl group, where x is 2-4, AO is an oxyalkylene group having 3-5 carbon atoms, y is 6-25, and z is 1-50, and is selected based on its ability to impart cleaning stability to laundry detergent formulations for wash water temperatures in the range of 10-30°C, and (c) a C having one hydroxyl group 1~4Selecting a water-miscible organic solvent selected from the group consisting of alcohol, propylene glycol, glycerol, 1,3-butanediol, 1,3-hexanediol, dipropylene glycol, and mixtures thereof, and combining the selected anionic surfactant, the selected nonionic surfactant, the selected water-miscible organic solvent, and water to provide a formulated laundry detergent composition.

Background Art

[0002] The efficiency of fabric washing depends on the temperature of the washing liquid. A decrease in the washing liquid temperature usually results in a decrease in soil removal. However, in many geographical regions, it is inevitable to wash fabric articles under low temperature conditions in winter. That is, many consumers do not have hot water supply facilities at home, and the municipal water supply may be at a temperature of 10°C when supplied to the washing machine. Furthermore, consumers are increasingly choosing to wash without heating in order to reduce energy consumption and carbon emissions. Regardless of the temperature of the wash water, consumers expect the laundry detergent to function consistently.

[0003] Therefore, there is a continuing need for laundry detergent compositions that exhibit detergency stability at washing water temperatures of 10 to 30°C.

Summary of the Invention

[0004] The present invention relates to a method of formulating a laundry detergent composition so as to have detergency stability with respect to a washing water temperature in the range of 10 to 30 °C, comprising: (a) selecting an anionic surfactant selected from the group consisting of alkyl sulfate, alkylbenzene sulfate, alkylbenzene sulfonic acid, alkylbenzene sulfonate, alkyl polyethoxy sulfate, paraffin sulfonic acid, paraffin sulfonate, olefin sulfonic acid, olefin sulfonate, alpha-sulfocarboxylate, ester of alpha-sulfocarboxylate, alkyl glyceryl ether sulfonic acid, alkyl glyceryl ether sulfonate, sulfate of fatty acid, sulfonate of fatty acid, sulfonate of fatty acid ester, alkylphenol polyethoxy ether sulfate, 2-acryloxy-alkane-1-sulfonic acid, 2-acryloxy-alkane-1-sulfonate, beta-alkyloxyalkane sulfonic acid, beta-alkyloxyalkane sulfonate, oleic acid, their salts, and mixtures thereof; and (b) a nonionic surfactant having the formula (I) R 1 -O-(EO) x -(AO) y -(EO) z -H (wherein R 1 is a linear C 8~18 alkyl group, AO is an oxyalkylene group having 3 to 5 carbon atoms, x is 2 to 4, y is 6 to 25, and z is 1 to 50), which is selected from the group of nonionic surfactants and is selected based on its ability to impart detergency stability to the laundry detergent composition with respect to a washing water temperature in the range of 10 to 30 °C; and (c) selecting a water-miscible organic solvent selected from the group consisting of C 1~4 alcohol having one hydroxyl group, propylene glycol, glycerol, 1,3-butanediol, 1,3-hexanediol, dipropylene glycol, and mixtures thereof; and providing a formulated laundry detergent composition by combining the selected anionic surfactant, the selected nonionic surfactant, the selected water-miscible organic solvent, and water. A method is provided that includes these steps.

[0005] The present invention also relates to a method for formulating a laundry detergent formulation to have cleaning power stability with respect to washing water temperatures in the range of 10 to 30°C, comprising: (a) selecting an anionic surfactant selected from the group consisting of alkyl sulfates, alkylbenzene sulfates, alkylbenzene sulfonic acids, alkylbenzene sulfonates, alkyl polyethoxy sulfates, paraffin sulfonic acids, paraffin sulfonates, olefin sulfonic acids, olefin sulfonates, alpha-sulfocarboxylates, esters of alpha-sulfocarboxylates, alkyl glyceryl ether sulfonic acids, alkyl glyceryl ether sulfonates, fatty acid sulfates, fatty acid sulfonates, fatty acid ester sulfonates, alkylphenol polyethoxy ether sulfates, 2-acrylooxyalkane-1-sulfonic acids, 2-acrylooxyalkane-1-sulfonates, beta-alkyloxyalkane sulfonic acids, beta-alkyloxyalkane sulfonates, oleic acid, salts thereof, and mixtures thereof; and (b) formula (I) (wherein R 1 is a linear C 8~18 (c) A nonionic surfactant is selected from the group of nonionic surfactants having an alkyl group, where AO is an oxyalkylene group having three carbon atoms, x is 2 to 4, y is 6 to 25, and z is 1 to 50, and is selected based on its ability to impart cleaning stability to laundry detergent formulations for wash water temperatures in the range of 10 to 30°C, and (c) a C having one hydroxyl group 1~4 The present invention provides a method comprising: selecting a water-miscible organic solvent selected from the group consisting of alcohol, propylene glycol, glycerol, 1,3-butanediol, 1,3-hexanediol, dipropylene glycol, and mixtures thereof; and providing a formulated laundry detergent formulation by combining a selected anionic surfactant, a selected nonionic surfactant, a selected water-miscible organic solvent, and water, wherein the formulated laundry detergent formulation contains 5 to 95% by weight of the selected anionic surfactant (a) + selected nonionic surfactant (b) based on the weight of the formulated laundry detergent formulation.

[0006] The present invention also relates to a method for formulating a laundry detergent formulation to have cleaning power stability with respect to washing water temperatures in the range of 10 to 30°C, comprising: (a) selecting an anionic surfactant selected from the group consisting of alkyl sulfates, alkylbenzene sulfates, alkylbenzene sulfonic acids, alkylbenzene sulfonates, alkyl polyethoxy sulfates, paraffin sulfonic acids, paraffin sulfonates, olefin sulfonic acids, olefin sulfonates, alpha-sulfocarboxylates, esters of alpha-sulfocarboxylates, alkyl glyceryl ether sulfonic acids, alkyl glyceryl ether sulfonates, fatty acid sulfates, fatty acid sulfonates, fatty acid ester sulfonates, alkylphenol polyethoxy ether sulfates, 2-acrylooxyalkane-1-sulfonic acids, 2-acrylooxyalkane-1-sulfonates, beta-alkyloxyalkane sulfonic acids, beta-alkyloxyalkane sulfonates, oleic acid, salts thereof, and mixtures thereof; and (b) formula (I) (wherein R 1 is a linear C 8~18 (c) A nonionic surfactant is selected from the group of nonionic surfactants having an alkyl group, where AO is an oxyalkylene group having three atoms, x is 2 to 4, y is 6 to 25, and z is 1 to 50, and is selected based on its ability to impart cleaning stability to laundry detergent formulations for wash water temperatures in the range of 10 to 30°C, and (c) a C having one hydroxyl group 1~4The present invention provides a method comprising: selecting a water-miscible organic solvent selected from the group consisting of alcohol, propylene glycol, glycerol, 1,3-butanediol, 1,3-hexanediol, dipropylene glycol, and mixtures thereof; and providing a formulated laundry detergent formulation by combining a selected anionic surfactant, a selected nonionic surfactant, a selected water-miscible organic solvent, and water, wherein the formulated laundry detergent formulation comprises 5 to 95% by weight of the selected anionic surfactant (a) + selected nonionic surfactant (b) based on the weight of the formulated laundry detergent formulation, and the selected nonionic surfactant (b) constitutes 15 to 60% by weight of the combination of the selected anionic surfactant (a) + selected nonionic surfactant (b).

[0007] The present invention also relates to a method for formulating a laundry detergent formulation to have cleaning power stability with respect to washing water temperatures in the range of 10 to 30°C, comprising: (a) selecting an anionic surfactant selected from the group consisting of alkyl sulfates, alkylbenzene sulfates, alkylbenzene sulfonic acids, alkylbenzene sulfonates, alkyl polyethoxy sulfates, paraffin sulfonic acids, paraffin sulfonates, olefin sulfonic acids, olefin sulfonates, alpha-sulfocarboxylates, esters of alpha-sulfocarboxylates, alkyl glyceryl ether sulfonic acids, alkyl glyceryl ether sulfonates, fatty acid sulfates, fatty acid sulfonates, fatty acid ester sulfonates, alkylphenol polyethoxy ether sulfates, 2-acrylooxyalkane-1-sulfonic acids, 2-acrylooxyalkane-1-sulfonates, beta-alkyloxyalkane sulfonic acids, beta-alkyloxyalkane sulfonates, oleic acid, salts thereof, and mixtures thereof; and (b) formula (I) (wherein R 1 is a linear C 8~18(c) A nonionic surfactant is selected from the group of nonionic surfactants having an alkyl group, where AO is an oxyalkylene group having three carbon atoms, x is 2 to 4, y is 6 to 25, and z is 1 to 50, and is selected based on its ability to impart cleaning stability to laundry detergent formulations for wash water temperatures in the range of 10 to 30°C, and (c) a C having one hydroxyl group 1~4 The present invention provides a method comprising: selecting a water-miscible organic solvent selected from the group consisting of alcohol, propylene glycol, glycerol, 1,3-butanediol, 1,3-hexanediol, dipropylene glycol, and mixtures thereof; and providing a formulated laundry detergent formulation by combining a selected anionic surfactant, a selected nonionic surfactant, a selected water-miscible organic solvent, and water, wherein the formulated laundry detergent formulation contains 5 to 95% by weight of the selected anionic surfactant (a) + selected nonionic surfactant (b) based on the weight of the formulated laundry detergent formulation, the selected nonionic surfactant (b) constitutes 15 to 60% by weight of the combination of the selected anionic surfactant (a) + selected nonionic surfactant (b), and the formulated laundry detergent formulation contains 5 to 40% by weight of the water-miscible organic solvent based on the weight of the formulated laundry detergent formulation.

[0008] The present invention also relates to the use of a surfactant blend for imparting low-temperature cleaning stability to a laundry detergent formulation, wherein the surfactant blend is (a) an anionic surfactant selected from the group consisting of alkyl sulfates, alkylbenzene sulfates, alkylbenzene sulfonic acids, alkylbenzene sulfonates, alkyl polyethoxy sulfates, paraffin sulfonic acids, paraffin sulfonates, olefin sulfonic acids, olefin sulfonates, alpha-sulfocarboxylates, esters of alpha-sulfocarboxylates, alkyl glyceryl ether sulfonic acids, alkyl glyceryl ether sulfonates, fatty acid sulfates, fatty acid sulfonates, fatty acid ester sulfonates, alkylphenol polyethoxy ether sulfates, 2-acrylooxyalkane-1-sulfonic acids, 2-acrylooxyalkane-1-sulfonates, beta-alkyloxyalkane sulfonic acids, beta-alkyloxyalkane sulfonates, oleic acid, salts thereof, and mixtures thereof, and (b) formula (I) (wherein R 1 is a linear C 8~18 A nonionic surfactant selected from the group of nonionic surfactants having an alkyl group, where AO is an oxyalkylene group having 3 to 5 carbon atoms, x is 2 to 4, and y is 6 to 25. It includes and provides a product that exhibits low-temperature cleaning stability over cleaning temperatures of 10 to 30°C.

[0009] The present invention also provides a method for washing a fabric article, comprising: providing a soiled fabric article; formulating a laundry detergent mixture according to the method of the present invention; providing washing water; and applying the washing water and the formulated laundry detergent mixture to the soiled fabric article to provide a washed fabric article. The present invention provides a method that includes a washing water at a temperature of 10-30°C. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0010] Surprisingly, the selected anionic surfactant and formula (I) R 1 -O-(EO)x -(AO) y -(EO) z -H (In the formula, R 1 is a linear C 8~18 Alkyl alkyl groups (preferably linear C) 10~18 Alkyl alkyl groups, more preferably linear C chains. 12~14 Alkyl alkyl group or linear C chain 16~18 A specially formulated aqueous liquid laundry detergent, in combination with a nonionic surfactant having an alkyl group, where AO is an oxyalkylene group having 3 to 5 carbon atoms (preferably 3 to 4 carbon atoms, more preferably 3 carbon atoms), x is 2 to 4 (preferably 4), y is 6 to 25 (preferably 7 to 20, more preferably 8 to 15, most preferably 8 to 14), and z is 1 to 50 (preferably 4 to 40, more preferably 6 to 30, most preferably 8 to 25), has been found to exhibit cleaning power stability at wash water temperatures in the range of 10 to 30°C.

[0011] Unless otherwise specified, ratios, percentages, and parts are expressed by weight.

[0012] As used herein and in the appended claims, the term “low-temperature cleaning stability” means that the soil removal index (SRI) calculated using ASTM method D4265-14 for a given laundry detergent formulation at a washing temperature of 10°C is at least 95% (preferably at least 97%, more preferably at least 98%, and most preferably at least 100%) of the soil removal index (SRI) calculated using ASTM method D4265-14 for the same laundry detergent formulation at a washing temperature of 30°C.

[0013] Preferably, the method for formulating a laundry detergent formulation to have cleaning power stability in the range of washing water temperature of 10 to 30°C according to the present invention is to select an anionic surfactant selected from the group consisting of (a) alkyl sulfates, alkylbenzene sulfates, alkylbenzene sulfonic acids, alkylbenzene sulfonates, alkyl polyethoxy sulfates, paraffin sulfonic acids, paraffin sulfonates, olefin sulfonic acids, olefin sulfonates, alpha-sulfocarboxylates, alpha-sulfocarboxylate esters, alkyl glyceryl ether sulfonic acids, alkyl glyceryl ether sulfonates, fatty acid sulfates, fatty acid sulfonates, fatty acid ester sulfonates, alkylphenol polyethoxy ether sulfates, 2-acrylooxyalkane-1-sulfonic acids, 2-acrylooxyalkane-1-sulfonates, beta-alkyloxyalkane sulfonic acids, beta-alkyloxyalkane sulfonates, oleic acid, salts thereof, and mixtures thereof (preferably, the anionic surfactant is C 8~20 Alkylbenzene sulfate, C 8~20 Alkylbenzenesulfonic acid, C 8~20 Alkylbenzenesulfonate, C 8~20 A surfactant selected from the group consisting of alkyl polyethoxysulfates, paraffin sulfonic acid, paraffin sulfonate, alpha-olefin sulfonic acid, alpha-olefin sulfonate, fatty acid sulfonates, fatty acid ester sulfonates, oleic acid, salts thereof, and mixtures thereof, more preferably an anionic surfactant is C 12~16 Alkylbenzenesulfonic acid, C 12~16 Alkylbenzenesulfonate, C 12~16 Alkyl polyethoxysulfate, C 12~18 Paraffin-sulfonic acid, C 12~18 A surfactant selected from the group consisting of paraffin sulfonates, oleic acid, and mixtures thereof, and more preferably an anionic surfactant, C 12~16 Alkylbenzenesulfonic acid, C 12~16 Alkylbenzenesulfonate, C 12~16(b) Formula (I) R 1 -O-(EO) x -(AO) y -(EO) z -H (In the formula, R 1 is a linear C 8~18 Alkyl alkyl groups (preferably linear C) 10~18 Alkyl alkyl groups, more preferably linear C chains. 12~14 Alkyl alkyl group or linear C chain 16~18 (c) an alkyl group, where AO is an oxyalkylene group having 3 to 5 carbon atoms (preferably 3 to 4 carbon atoms, more preferably 3 carbon atoms), x is 2 to 4 (preferably 4), y is 6 to 25 (preferably 7 to 20, more preferably 8 to 15, most preferably 8 to 14), and z is 1 to 50 (preferably 4 to 40, more preferably 6 to 30, most preferably 8 to 25), and is selected from the group of nonionic surfactants having (c) an alkyl group having 1 hydroxyl group 1~4The present invention provides a formulated laundry detergent formulation by selecting a water-miscible organic solvent from the group consisting of alcohol (e.g., ethanol), propylene glycol, glycerol, 1,3-butanediol, 1,3-hexanediol, dipropylene glycol, and mixtures thereof (preferably ethanol, propylene glycol, and mixtures thereof, more preferably propylene glycol), and combining a selected anionic surfactant, a selected nonionic surfactant, a selected water-miscible organic solvent, and water (preferably the formulated laundry detergent formulation being 5 to 95% by weight (preferably 25 to 80% by weight, more preferably 35 to 75% by weight, even more preferably 45 to 70% by weight, and even more preferably based on the weight of the formulated laundry detergent formulation). Preferably, the formulation comprises 50-70% by weight, most preferably 60-70% by weight, of a selected anionic surfactant (a) + a selected nonionic surfactant (b) (preferably, the selected nonionic surfactant (b) constitutes 15-60% by weight (preferably 25-60% by weight, more preferably 35-57% by weight, most preferably 40-56% by weight) of the combination of the selected anionic surfactant (a) + the selected nonionic surfactant (b)) (preferably, the formulated laundry detergent formulation comprises 5-40% by weight (preferably 20-40% by weight, more preferably 20-35% by weight, even more preferably 20-30% by weight, most preferably 20-25% by weight) of a water-miscible organic solvent, based on the weight of the formulated laundry detergent formulation).

[0014] Preferably, the method of the present invention for formulating a laundry detergent formulation to have cleaning power stability in the range of 10 to 30°C further comprises selecting optional additives to be incorporated into the formulated laundry detergent formulation. More preferably, the method of the present invention for formulating a laundry detergent formulation to have cleaning power stability in the range of 10 to 30°C further comprises selecting optional additives to be incorporated into the formulated laundry detergent formulation, the optional additives being builders (e.g., sodium bicarbonate, sodium carbonate, zeolite, sodium citrate, sodium tripolyphosphate, and aminocarboxylates (methylglycine diacetic acid, sodium salt or glutamate diacetic acid, sodium salt, etc.)); hydrotropes (e.g., sodium xylene sulfonate, sodium cumene sulfonate, sodium toluene sulfonate); foam control agents (e.g., polydimethylsiloxane); enzymes (e.g., protease, cellulase, etc.) The following are selected from the group consisting of: phosphates, amylases, mannanases; preservatives; fragrances (e.g., essential oils such as D-limonene); fluorescent whitening agents; bleaches (e.g., sodium percarbonate, sodium perborate, sodium hypochlorite); dyes; additive polymers (e.g., acrylic acid homopolymers, and dispersant polymers such as copolymers of acrylic acid with maleic acid, sulfonated monomers and / or ethyl acrylate); fabric softeners (e.g., softening silicones, cationic coacervated polymers (e.g., cationic hydroxyalkylcellulose, polyquaternium polymers)); pH adjusters / buffers; additional surfactants (e.g., cationic surfactants, amphoteric surfactants); cleaning boosters; and mixtures thereof.

[0015] Preferably, the use of a surfactant blend to impart low-temperature cleaning stability to a laundry detergent formulation, wherein the surfactant blend of the present invention is selected from the group consisting of (a) anionic surfactants, alkyl sulfates, alkylbenzene sulfates, alkylbenzene sulfonic acids, alkylbenzene sulfonates, alkyl polyethoxy sulfates, paraffin sulfonic acids, paraffin sulfonates, olefin sulfonic acids, olefin sulfonates, alpha-sulfocarboxylates, alpha-sulfocarboxylate esters, alkyl glyceryl ether sulfonic acids, alkyl glyceryl ether sulfonates, fatty acid sulfates, fatty acid sulfonates, fatty acid ester sulfonates, alkylphenol polyethoxy ether sulfates, 2-acrylooxyalkane-1-sulfonic acids, 2-acrylooxyalkane-1-sulfonates, beta-alkyloxyalkane sulfonic acids, beta-alkyloxyalkane sulfonates, oleic acid, salts thereof, and mixtures thereof (preferably, the anionic surfactant is C 8~20 Alkylbenzene sulfate, C 8~20 Alkylbenzenesulfonic acid, C 8~20 Alkylbenzenesulfonate, C 8~20 A surfactant selected from the group consisting of alkyl polyethoxysulfates, paraffin sulfonic acid, paraffin sulfonate, alpha-olefin sulfonic acid, alpha-olefin sulfonate, fatty acid sulfonates, fatty acid ester sulfonates, oleic acid, salts thereof, and mixtures thereof, more preferably an anionic surfactant is C 12~16 Alkylbenzenesulfonic acid, C 12~16 Alkylbenzenesulfonate, C 12~16 Alkyl polyethoxysulfate, C 12~18 Paraffin-sulfonic acid, C 12~18 A surfactant selected from the group consisting of paraffin sulfonates, oleic acid, and mixtures thereof, and more preferably an anionic surfactant, C 12~16 Alkylbenzenesulfonic acid, C 12~16 Alkylbenzenesulfonate, C 12~16(b) Formula (I) R 1 -O-(EO) x -(AO) y -(EO) z -H (In the formula, R 1 is a linear C 8~18 Alkyl alkyl groups (preferably linear C) 10~18 Alkyl alkyl groups, more preferably linear C chains. 12~14 Alkyl alkyl group or linear C chain 16~18 The laundry detergent formulation comprises a nonionic surfactant selected from the group of nonionic surfactants having an alkyl group, where AO is an oxyalkylene group having 3 to 5 carbon atoms (preferably 3 to 4 carbon atoms, more preferably 3 carbon atoms), x is 2 to 4 (preferably 4), and y is 6 to 25 (preferably 7 to 20, more preferably 8 to 15, most preferably 8 to 14), wherein the low-temperature cleaning stability is shown over a washing temperature of 10 to 30°C (preferably, the laundry detergent formulation is 5 to 95% by weight (preferably 25 to 80% by weight, more preferably 35 to 75% by weight, even more preferably, based on the weight of the laundry detergent formulation). The laundry detergent formulation comprises 45-70% by weight, more preferably 50-70% by weight, most preferably 60-70% by weight) of a surfactant blend (preferably, the surfactant blend comprises 15-60% by weight (preferably 25-60% by weight, more preferably 35-57% by weight, most preferably 40-56% by weight) of a nonionic surfactant (b) based on the weight of the surfactant blend) (preferably, the laundry detergent formulation further comprises 5-40% by weight (preferably 20-40% by weight, more preferably 20-35% by weight, even more preferably 20-30% by weight, most preferably 20-25% by weight) of a water-miscible organic solvent based on the weight of the laundry detergent formulation).

[0016] Preferably, the method for washing a fabric article of the present invention comprises providing a soiled fabric article (preferably soiled with oily and greasy stains, more preferably soiled with sebum) (preferably soiled with stained cotton fabric, more preferably soiled with stained polycotton fabric), providing a formulated laundry detergent that has cleaning power stability with respect to a washing water temperature in the range of 10 to 30°C according to the method of the present invention, providing washing water, and applying the washing water and the formulated laundry detergent to the soiled fabric article to provide a washed fabric article, wherein the washing water is at a temperature of 10 to 30°C. More preferably, the method for washing a fabric article of the present invention comprises providing a soiled fabric article (preferably soiled with oily and greasy stains, more preferably soiled with sebum) (preferably soiled with stained cotton fabric, more preferably soiled with stained polycotton fabric), providing a formulated laundry detergent compound having cleaning power stability with respect to a washing water temperature in the range of 10 to 30°C according to the method of the present invention, providing washing water, providing rinsing water, and applying the washing water and laundry detergent compound to the soiled fabric to provide a washed fabric article, wherein the washing water is at a temperature of 10 to 30°C, and then applying the rinsing water to the washed fabric article to remove the formulated laundry detergent compound from the washed fabric article.

[0017] Herein, several embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail in the following examples.

[0018] Synthesis S1:LC 16~18 -(EO) 4- -(PO) 14 -(EO) 25 formula LC 16~18 -(EO)4-(PO) 14 -(EO) 25 (In the formula, “LC 16~18」 is a nonionic surfactant represented by a linear C 16~18 alkyl moiety). 1 mole of L-C 16~18 alcohol and 45 - 50 wt% aqueous potassium hydroxide solution were charged into a reactor. The amount of potassium hydroxide charged was sufficient to provide a KOH concentration of 0.17 wt% based on the weight of the polymer product. The contents of the reactor were maintained at a temperature of 50 - 60 °C for 30 minutes. Then, by vacuum stripping at 80 °C, the water content in the vapor space of the reactor was reduced to less than 1,000 ppm. Next, the temperature set point of the reactor contents was raised to 110 °C. Then, 4 molar equivalents of ethylene oxide, EO, based on the initial charge of L-C 16~18 alcohol, were slowly fed to the reactor while maintaining the temperature of the reactor contents at 110 - 140 °C. When the pressure in the reactor returned to approximately the same as the pressure before EO was fed, 14 molar equivalents of propylene oxide, PO, based on the initial charge of L-C 16~18 alcohol, were slowly fed to the reactor while maintaining the temperature of the reactor contents at 110 - 140 °C. When the pressure in the reactor returned to approximately the same as the pressure before PO was fed, 5 molar equivalents of EO, based on the initial charge of L-C 16~18 alcohol, were slowly fed to the reactor while maintaining the temperature of the reactor contents at 110 - 140 °C. When the pressure in the reactor returned to approximately the same pressure as before EO was fed, to promote the complete reaction of EO, the reactor contents were maintained at 110 - 140 °C for an additional 2 hours. Then, the reactor was purged with nitrogen and the reactor contents were cooled to 60 °C. Then, acetic acid was added to the reactor contents to neutralize potassium hydroxide. After cooling the reactor contents to 40 °C, the product polymer was recovered.

[0019] Syntheses S2 - S9 The procedure described for Synthesis S1 was repeated for Syntheses S2 - S9, where the alcohol used had the alkyl groups described in Table 1 and the relative molar amounts of EO and PO added in various steps were as described in Table 1.

[0020]

Table 1

[0021] Comparative Examples CF1-CF11 and Examples F1-F14: Unit Dosage of Detergent Unit-dose laundry detergent formulations for Comparative Examples CF1-CF11 and Examples F1-F14, used in the washing tests in subsequent examples, were prepared, having the formulations described in Tables 2-3. Water and propylene glycol were mixed in a beaker with mechanical stirring. Then, dodecylbenzenesulfonic acid, oleic acid, and monoethanolamine were added to the beaker while continuing to stir. Next, nonionic surfactants (synthetic S1-S10) were added to the beaker while continuing to stir. Finally, the pH was adjusted to 7.5 with monoethanolamine to form the unit-dose laundry detergent.

[0022] Comparative Examples CF12-CF13 and Examples F15-F21: Liquid Laundry Detergents Liquid laundry detergent formulations for Comparative Examples CF12-CF13 and Examples F15-F21, which will be used in the washing tests in subsequent examples, were prepared with the formulations shown in Table 4. Water and propylene glycol were mixed in a beaker with mechanical stirring. Then, dodecylbenzenesulfonic acid, oleic acid, and monoethanolamine were added to the beaker while continuing to stir. Next, nonionic surfactants (synthetic S1-S6 or synthetic S9-S10) were added to the beaker while continuing to stir. Then, the pH was adjusted to 8-8.5 with monoethanolamine to form a concentrated liquid laundry detergent.

[0023] [Table 2]

[0024] [Table 3]

[0025] [Table 4]

[0026] Low-temperature washing stability The low-temperature cleaning power stability (LTDS) of the laundry detergent formulations of Comparative Examples CF1-CF13 and Examples F1-F21 was evaluated using a Terg-o-tometer model TOM-52-A, available from SR Lab Instruments (6 x 1L wells), with stirring at 120 cycles per minute, under the conditions shown in Table 5.

[0027] [Table 5]

[0028] The stain removal index (SRI) was calculated using the ASTM method D4265-14. The low-temperature cleaning stability (LTDS) was determined for each of the laundry detergent formulations in Comparative Examples CF1-CF13 and Examples F1-F21 using the following formula. LTDS=[(SRI(T2)) / (SRI(T1))]×100% (In the formula, LTDS is the low-temperature cleaning power stability (%), SRI(T2) is the stain removal index calculated at temperature 2 (10°C) using ASTM method D4265-14, and SRI(T1) is the stain removal index calculated at temperature 1 (30°C) using ASTM method D4265-14). The results are shown in Table 6.

[0029] [Table 6]

Claims

1. A method for formulating laundry detergent components to have stable cleaning power at washing water temperatures in the range of 10 to 30°C, (a) Select an anionic surfactant selected from the group consisting of alkyl sulfates, alkylbenzene sulfates, alkylbenzene sulfonic acids, alkylbenzene sulfonates, alkyl polyethoxy sulfates, paraffin sulfonic acids, paraffin sulfonates, olefin sulfonic acids, olefin sulfonates, alpha-sulfocarboxylates, esters of alpha-sulfocarboxylates, alkyl glyceryl ether sulfonic acids, alkyl glyceryl ether sulfonates, fatty acid sulfates, fatty acid sulfonates, fatty acid ester sulfonates, alkylphenol polyethoxy ether sulfates, 2-acrylooxyalkane-1-sulfonic acids, 2-acrylooxyalkane-1-sulfonates, beta-alkyloxyalkane sulfonic acids, beta-alkyloxyalkane sulfonates, oleic acid, and mixtures thereof. (b) Formula (I) 2 1 --(EO) x -(AO) y -(59) z -8 (In the formula, R 1 is a linear C 8~18 The selection of a nonionic surfactant is made from the group of nonionic surfactants having an alkyl group, where AO is an oxyalkylene group having 3 to 5 carbon atoms, x is 2 to 4, y is 6 to 25, and z is 1 to 50, and is based on its ability to impart cleaning power stability to laundry detergent formulations in the range of 10 to 30°C. (c) C having one hydroxyl group 1~4 Select a water-miscible organic solvent from the group consisting of alcohols (e.g., ethanol), propylene glycol, glycerol, 1,3-butanediol, 1,3-hexanediol, dipropylene glycol, and mixtures thereof. To provide a laundry detergent formulation comprising a combination of a selected anionic surfactant, a selected nonionic surfactant, a selected water-miscible organic solvent, and water. Methods that include...

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein AO is an oxyalkylene group having three carbon atoms, and the formulated laundry detergent formulation comprises 5 to 95% by weight of the selected anionic surfactant (a) + the selected nonionic surfactant (b) based on the weight of the formulated laundry detergent formulation.

3. The method according to claim 2, wherein the selected nonionic surfactant (b) constitutes 15 to 60% by weight of the combination of the selected anionic surfactant (a) and the selected nonionic surfactant (b).

4. The method according to claim 3, wherein the formulated laundry detergent formulation contains 5 to 40% by weight of the water-miscible organic solvent based on the weight of the formulated laundry detergent formulation.

5. The method according to claim 1, wherein AO is an oxyalkylene group having three carbon atoms, and the formulated laundry detergent formulation comprises 45 to 70% by weight of the selected anionic surfactant (a) + the selected nonionic surfactant (b) based on the weight of the formulated laundry detergent formulation.

6. The method according to claim 5, wherein the selected nonionic surfactant (b) constitutes 15 to 60% by weight of the combination of the selected anionic surfactant (a) and the selected nonionic surfactant (b).

7. The method according to claim 6, wherein the formulated laundry detergent formulation contains 20 to 40% by weight of the water-miscible organic solvent based on the weight of the formulated laundry detergent formulation.

8. The method according to claim 1, wherein the formulated laundry detergent further comprises optionally selected additives chosen from the group consisting of builders, hydrotropes, foam regulators, enzymes, preservatives, fragrances, fluorescent whitening agents; bleaches, dyes, additive polymers, fabric softeners, pH adjusters / buffers, and mixtures thereof.

9. The use of a surfactant blend to impart low-temperature cleaning stability to a laundry detergent formulation, wherein the surfactant blend is (a) anionic surfactant selected from the group consisting of alkyl sulfate, alkylbenzene sulfate, alkylbenzene sulfonic acid, alkylbenzene sulfonate, alkyl polyethoxy sulfate, paraffin sulfonic acid, paraffin sulfonate, olefin sulfonic acid, olefin sulfonate, alpha-sulfocarboxylate, alpha-sulfocarboxylate ester, alkyl glyceryl ether sulfonic acid, alkyl glyceryl ether sulfonate, fatty acid sulfate, fatty acid sulfonate, fatty acid ester sulfonate, alkylphenol polyethoxy ether sulfate, 2-acrylooxyalkane-1-sulfonic acid, 2-acrylooxyalkane-1-sulfonate, beta-alkyloxyalkanesulfonic acid, beta-alkyloxyalkanesulfonate, oleic acid, and mixtures thereof. (b) Formula (I) 2 1 --(EO) x -(AO) y -(59) z -8 (In the formula, R 1 is a linear C 8~18 (It is an alkyl group, where x is 2 to 4, AO is an oxyalkylene group having 3 to 5 carbon atoms, and y is 6 to 25) A nonionic surfactant selected from the group of nonionic surfactants having the following characteristics: The invention provides a solution that includes a low-temperature cleaning power stability, which is demonstrated over a cleaning temperature range of 10 to 30°C.

10. A method for washing textile articles, To provide soiled cloth items, Forming a laundry detergent mixture according to the method described in claim 1, To provide washing water, The cleaning water and the formulated laundry detergent mixture are applied to the soiled fabric article to provide a cleaned fabric article. A method comprising the washing water having a temperature of 10 to 30°C.