Liquid softener composition

Abstract

The present invention provides a liquid softener composition, comprising (A) a cationic surfactant, (B) a nonionic polymer having a polyurethane skeleton, (C) a nonionic surfactant and (D) an encapsulated fragrance, wherein the mass ratio C / B of the component (C) to the component (B) is 50 to 5000.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a liquid softener composition. Specifically, the present invention relates to a liquid softener composition having excellent dispersion stability of encapsulated fragrance. Background Art

[0002] Consumers require that softening finishing agents have a long-lasting fragrance effect. To achieve this, encapsulated fragrances containing fragrances are used. Generally, in order to stably disperse the encapsulated fragrances, a structural tackifier can be added. For example, it is known that a technology for improving the dispersion stability of encapsulated fragrances by adding specific amine compounds and semi-polar surfactants is known (Japanese Patent Publication No. 2015-034371). In addition, as a technology for imparting structural tack, a softener composition using a structurant such as a nonionic polymer having a polyurethane skeleton is known (Japanese Patent Publication No. 2010-529250). Summary of the invention

[0003] [Problems to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, when the softener composition using the technique described in Patent Document 1 was stored under low temperature conditions (15° C.), a problem of liquid separation was found.

[0005] In addition, when the composition described in Patent Document 2 is stored under low temperature conditions (5° C.), the viscosity increases significantly, and the problem of decreased handleability (usability / dischargeability) in low temperature environments such as winter is found.

[0006] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a softener composition which does not phase separate under low temperature conditions, has good handleability, and can stably mix encapsulated fragrances.

[0007]

Methods for solving the problem

[0008] After intensive research on the above-mentioned subject, it was found that by mixing a nonionic polymer having a polyurethane skeleton and a nonionic surfactant into a softener composition at a certain ratio, the dispersion stability of the capsules is improved and phase separation and high viscosity under low temperature conditions can be suppressed.

[0009] The present invention relates to, for example, the following [1] to [3].

[0010] [1] A liquid softener composition comprising (A) a cationic surfactant, (B) a nonionic polymer having a polyurethane skeleton, (C) a nonionic surfactant, and (D) an encapsulated fragrance,

[0011] The mass ratio C / B of the component (C) to the component (B) is 50 to 5,000.

[0012] [2] The liquid softener composition according to [1] above, wherein the component (B) is a nonionic polymer having hydrophobic groups at both ends and a polyurethane skeleton inside the molecule.

[0013] [3] The liquid softener composition according to [1] or [2] above, wherein the content of the component (B) is 0.001 to 0.05% by mass.

[0014] [Effects of the invention]

[0015] According to one embodiment of the present invention, a liquid softener composition having excellent dispersion stability of an encapsulated fragrance can be provided.

[0016] According to one embodiment of the present invention, a liquid softener composition in which phase separation and increase in viscosity under low temperature conditions are suppressed can be provided.

[0017] According to one embodiment of the present invention, there can be provided a liquid softener composition having excellent dispersion stability of an encapsulated fragrance and in which phase separation and increase in viscosity under low temperature conditions are suppressed. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0018]

(A)Component

[0019] The purpose of blending the component (A) in the liquid softener composition of the present invention is to impart to the liquid softener composition an effect of imparting softness (touch) to textile products (that is, the original function of a softener).

[0020] Specifically, component (A) is "at least one compound selected from the group consisting of an amine compound having 1 to 3 hydrocarbon groups with 10 to 26 carbon atoms separated by ester groups (-COO-) and / or amide groups (-NHCO-), salts thereof, and quaternary compounds thereof". Among them, an acid salt or a quaternary compound thereof of a tertiary amine having at least one hydrocarbon group with 10 to 26 carbon atoms separated by ester groups or amide groups in the molecule is preferred.

[0021] The number of carbon atoms in the hydrocarbon group having 10 to 26 carbon atoms (hereinafter sometimes referred to as "long-chain hydrocarbon group" in this specification) is preferably 16 to 26, more preferably 18 to 24. When the number of carbon atoms is 10 or more, the effect of imparting flexibility is good, and when the number of carbon atoms is 26 or less, the handling property of the liquid softener composition is good.

[0022] The long-chain hydrocarbon group may be saturated or unsaturated. When the long-chain hydrocarbon group is unsaturated, the double bond may be located at any position, but when there is one double bond, the double bond is preferably located at the center of the long-chain hydrocarbon group or exists around the center.

[0023] The long-chain hydrocarbon group may be a chain hydrocarbon group or a hydrocarbon group containing a ring in the structure, preferably a chain hydrocarbon group. The chain hydrocarbon group may be either straight chain or branched chain. As the chain hydrocarbon group, an alkyl group or an alkenyl group is preferred, and an alkyl group is more preferred.

[0024] The long-chain hydrocarbon group is separated by a separator group. The separation may be 1 place or 2 or more places. The separator group is an ester group (-COO-) or an amide group (-NHCO-). When the long-chain hydrocarbon group has 2 or more separator groups, each separator group may be the same or different. In addition, the carbon atoms possessed by the separator group are counted in the number of carbon atoms of the long-chain hydrocarbon group.

[0025] The long-chain hydrocarbon group is usually introduced by using unhydrogenated fatty acids derived from beef tallow used industrially, fatty acids obtained by hydrogenating or partially hydrogenating the unsaturated portion, unhydrogenated fatty acids or fatty acid esters derived from plants such as palm coconut and oil coconut, or fatty acids or fatty acid esters obtained by hydrogenating or partially hydrogenating the unsaturated portion, etc.

[0026] The number of long-chain hydrocarbon groups in the "amine compound having 1 to 3 hydrocarbon groups having 10 to 26 carbon atoms separated by ester groups (-COO-) or amide groups (-NHCO-) ​​in the molecule (hereinafter sometimes referred to as "amine compound" in this specification)" is 1 to 3. Preferably, the number is 2 (secondary amine compound) or 3 (tertiary amine compound), and more preferably 3.

[0027] Examples of the amine compound include compounds represented by the following general formula (A1).

[0028]

[0029] (Where R 1 ~R 3 Each is independently -CH2CH(Y)OCOR 4 (Y is a hydrogen atom or CH3, R 4 is a hydrocarbon group having 7 to 21 carbon atoms), -(CH2) n NHCOR 5 (n is 2 or 3, R 5 is a hydrocarbon group having 7 to 21 carbon atoms), a hydrogen atom, an alkyl group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms, -CH2CH(Y)OH (Y is a hydrogen atom or CH3), or -(CH2) n NH2 (n is 2 or 3),

[0030] R1 ~R 3 At least one of them is -CH2CH(Y)OCOR 4 or -(CH2) n NHCOR 5 . )

[0031] The group "-CH2CH(Y)OCOR in the general formula (A1) 4 ", Y is preferably a hydrogen atom.

[0032] As R 4 , preferably a hydrocarbon group having 15 to 19 carbon atoms. In the compound represented by the general formula (A1), there are multiple R 4 When the multiple R 4 They may be the same as each other or different from each other.

[0033] R 4 The hydrocarbon group is a fatty acid having 8 to 22 carbon atoms (R 4 COOH) after the carboxyl group is removed (fatty acid residue), as R 4 The original fatty acids (R 4 COOH), which may be a saturated fatty acid or an unsaturated fatty acid, and may be a straight-chain fatty acid or a branched-chain fatty acid. Among them, a saturated or unsaturated straight-chain fatty acid is preferred. In order to give the softened clothes good water absorption, as R 4 The saturated / unsaturated ratio (mass ratio) of the basic fatty acid is preferably 90 / 10 to 0 / 100, more preferably 90 / 10 to 40 / 60, particularly preferably 90 / 10 to 50 / 50.

[0034] R 4 In the case of an unsaturated fatty acid residue, there are cis-isomers and trans-isomers, and the mass ratio of cis-isomer / trans-isomer is preferably 40 / 60 to 100 / 0, particularly preferably 70 / 30 to 90 / 10.

[0035] As R 4 The basic fatty acid specifically includes stearic acid, palmitic acid, myristic acid, lauric acid, oleic acid, elaidic acid, linoleic acid, partially hydrogenated palm oil fatty acid (iodine value 10 to 60), partially hydrogenated tallow fatty acid (iodine value 10 to 60), etc. Among them, it is preferred to use a fatty acid composition in which two or more selected from stearic acid, palmitic acid, myristic acid, oleic acid, elaidic acid and linoleic acid are combined in a prescribed amount and adjusted to satisfy the following conditions (a) to (c).

[0036] (a) The ratio (mass ratio) of saturated fatty acid / unsaturated fatty acid is 90 / 10 to 0 / 100, more preferably 90 / 10 to 40 / 60, and particularly preferably 90 / 10 to 50 / 50.

[0037] (b) The ratio (mass ratio) of cis isomer / trans isomer is 40 / 60 to 100 / 0, more preferably 70 / 30 to 90 / 10.

[0038] (c) The fatty acid having 18 carbon atoms accounts for 60% by mass or more, preferably 70% by mass or more, the fatty acid having 20 carbon atoms accounts for less than 2% by mass, and the fatty acid having 21 to 22 carbon atoms accounts for less than 1% by mass.

[0039] The group "-(CH2) n NHCOR 5 " In this case, n is preferably 3.

[0040] As R 5 , preferably a hydrocarbon group having 15 to 19 carbon atoms. In the compound represented by the general formula (A1), there are multiple R 5 When the multiple R 5 They may be the same as each other or different from each other.

[0041] As R 5 , we can specifically cite 4 Same group.

[0042] In the general formula (A1), R 1 ~R 3 At least one of them is -CH2CH(Y)OCOR 4 or -(CH2) n NHCOR 5 ). Preferably, R 1 ~R 3 2 of them are -CH2CH(Y)OCOR 4 and / or -(CH2) n NHCOR 5 ).

[0043] R 1 ~R 3 One or two of them are -CH2CH(Y)OCOR 4 and / or -(CH2) n NHCOR 5 ), the remaining two or one is a hydrogen atom, an alkyl group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms, -CH2CH(Y)OH (Y is a hydrogen atom or CH3) or -(CH2) nNH2 (n is 2 or 3), preferably an alkyl group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms, -CH2CH(Y)OH or -(CH2) n NH2. Here, the alkyl group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms is preferably a methyl group or an ethyl group, and particularly preferably a methyl group. Y in -CH2CH(Y)OH and -CH2CH(Y)OCOR 4 The same as Y in -(CH2) n The n in NH2 and -(CH2) n NHCOR 5 The n in is the same.

[0044] Preferred examples of the compound represented by the general formula (A1) include tertiary amine compounds represented by the following general formulae (A1-1) to (A1-7).

[0045]

[0046] (In each of the formulas (A1-1) to (A1-7), R 9 Each independently represents a hydrocarbon group having 7 to 21 carbon atoms. In each of the formulas (A1-6) to (A1-7), R 10 Each is independently a hydrocarbon group having 7 to 21 carbon atoms.)

[0047] As R 9 and R 10 The hydrocarbon group having 7 to 21 carbon atoms in the general formula (A1) may be 4 The carbon number of the hydrocarbon group in the formula is 7 to 21, preferably an alkyl group or an alkenyl group having 15 to 17 carbon atoms. 9 When the multiple R 9 They may be the same as each other or different from each other.

[0048] The component (A) of the present invention may be a salt of an amine compound. As the salt, a salt of a tertiary amine compound is preferred.

[0049] The salt of the amine compound is obtained by neutralizing the amine compound with an acid. The acid used to neutralize the amine compound may be an organic acid or an inorganic acid, such as hydrochloric acid, sulfuric acid or methylsulfuric acid. The neutralization of the amine compound may be carried out by a known method.

[0050] The component (A) may be a quaternary ammonium compound of an amine compound. As the quaternary ammonium compound, a quaternary ammonium compound of a tertiary amine compound is preferred.

[0051] The quaternary ammonium compound of an amine compound can be obtained by reacting the amine compound with a quaternizing agent. Examples of the quaternizing agent used in the quaternization of the amine compound include alkyl halides such as methyl chloride and dialkyl sulfates such as dimethyl sulfate. When these quaternizing agents react with the amine compound, the alkyl group of the quaternizing agent is introduced into the nitrogen atom of the amine compound to form a salt of a quaternary ammonium ion and a halogen ion or a monoalkyl sulfate ion. The alkyl group introduced by the quaternizing agent is preferably an alkyl group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms, more preferably a methyl group or an ethyl group, and particularly preferably a methyl group. The quaternization of the amine compound can be carried out by a known method.

[0052] The compounds represented by the general formulae (A1) and (A1-1) to (A1-7), their salts, and their quaternary ammonium compounds may be commercially available ones or those produced by known methods.

[0053] For example, the compound represented by the general formula (A1-1) (hereinafter referred to as "compound (A1-1)") and the compound represented by the general formula (A1-2) (hereinafter referred to as "compound (A1-2)") can be obtained by 4 The fatty acid composition described in the column, or the fatty acid in the fatty acid composition is replaced by the methyl ester of the fatty acid and the condensation reaction of the fatty acid methyl ester composition and methyldiethanolamine. At this time, from the viewpoint of being able to impart good flexibility, it is preferably synthesized so that the existence ratio represented by "compound (A1-1) / compound (A1-2)" is 99 / 1 to 50 / 50 by mass ratio.

[0054] Furthermore, when using the quaternary ammonium compound, dimethyl sulfate is more preferably used as the quaternizing agent. In this case, from the viewpoint of imparting flexibility, it is preferably synthesized so that the existence ratio represented by "quaternary ammonium compound of compound (A1-1) / quaternary ammonium compound of compound (A1-2)" is 99 / 1 to 50 / 50 by mass ratio.

[0055] The compound represented by the general formula (A1-3) (hereinafter referred to as "compound (A1-3)"), the compound represented by the general formula (A1-4) (hereinafter referred to as "compound (A1-4)") and the compound represented by the general formula (A1-5) (hereinafter referred to as "compound (A1-5)") can be obtained by R 4The fatty acid composition or fatty acid methyl ester composition described in the column is synthesized by condensation reaction with triethanolamine. At this time, from the viewpoint of imparting flexibility, relative to the total mass of compounds (A1-3), (A1-4) and (A1-5), the content ratio of each component is preferably 1 to 60 mass % for compound (A1-3), 5 to 98 mass % for compound (A1-4), and 0.1 to 40 mass % for compound (A1-5), and more preferably 30 to 60 mass % for compound (A1-3), 10 to 55 mass % for compound (A1-4), and 5 to 35 mass % for compound (A1-5).

[0056] In addition, when using a quaternary ammonium compound thereof, dimethyl sulfate is more preferably used as a quaternizing agent from the viewpoint that the quaternary ammonium reaction proceeds sufficiently. From the viewpoint of imparting flexibility, the presence ratio of each quaternary ammonium compound of compound (A1-3), (A1-4), and (A1-5) is preferably 1 to 60% by mass of the quaternary ammonium compound of compound (A1-3), 5 to 98% by mass of the quaternary ammonium compound of compound (A1-4), and 0.1 to 40% by mass of the quaternary ammonium compound of compound (A1-5), and more preferably 30 to 60% by mass of the quaternary ammonium compound of compound (A1-3), 10 to 55% by mass of the quaternary ammonium compound of compound (A1-4), and 5 to 35% by mass of the quaternary ammonium compound of compound (A1-5).

[0057] Furthermore, when compounds (A1-3), (A1-4), and (A1-5) are quaternized, unquaternized esteramines generally remain after the quaternization reaction. In this case, the ratio of "quaternized product / unquaternized esteramine" is preferably within a mass ratio range of 70 / 30 to 99 / 1.

[0058] The compound represented by the general formula (A1-6) (hereinafter referred to as "compound (A1-6)") and the compound represented by the general formula (A1-7) (hereinafter referred to as "compound (A1-7)") can be obtained by 4 The fatty acid composition described in the column is synthesized by condensation reaction with N-methyl-N-(2-hydroxyethyl)-1,3-propylenediamine synthesized by a known method described in J. Org. Chem., 26, 3409 (1960) from an adduct of N-methylethanolamine and acrylonitrile. In this case, it is preferably synthesized so that the existence ratio represented by "compound (A1-6) / compound (A1-7)" is 99 / 1 to 50 / 50 by mass ratio.

[0059] When using a quaternary ammonium compound thereof, methyl chloride is preferably used as the quaternizing agent, and the composition is preferably synthesized so that the abundance ratio represented by "quaternary ammonium compound of compound (A1-6) / quaternary ammonium compound of compound (A1-7)" is 99 / 1 to 50 / 50 in terms of mass ratio.

[0060] As component (A),

[0061] Preferably, it is at least one selected from the group consisting of a compound represented by the general formula (A1), a salt thereof, and a quaternary ammonium compound thereof,

[0062] More preferably, it is at least one selected from the group consisting of compounds represented by general formulae (A1-1) to (A1-7), salts thereof, and quaternary ammonium compounds thereof,

[0063] More preferably, it is at least one selected from the group consisting of compounds represented by general formulae (A1-3) to (A1-5), salts thereof, and quaternary ammonium products thereof.

[0064] As the component (A), one amine compound, a salt thereof or a quaternary ammonium product thereof may be used alone or as a mixture of two or more amine compounds (for example, a mixture of compounds represented by general formulae (A1-3) to (A1-5)).

[0065] The amount of component (A) is not particularly limited as long as it is an amount that can achieve the purpose of mixing, but is preferably 4 to 25% by mass, more preferably 5 to 18% by mass, particularly preferably 6 to 15% by mass, and most preferably 9 to 12% by mass relative to the total mass of the liquid softener composition. When the amount of component (A) is 4% by mass or more, the softener can function as a softener and a sufficient effect of imparting a persistent fragrance can be obtained. When the amount of component (A) is 25% by mass or less, the storage stability of the liquid softener composition is better.

[0066] [(B) Ingredients]

[0067] The component (B) mixed in the liquid softener composition of the present invention is a nonionic polymer having a polyurethane skeleton. Such component (B) may be a rheology modifier. In the liquid softener composition of the present invention, component (B) is mixed with component (C) at a certain ratio, and the purpose of mixing component (B) is to improve the dispersion stability of the encapsulated fragrance and / or to suppress phase separation and high viscosity under low temperature conditions.

[0068] One of the mechanisms by which the component (B) functions as a rheology modifier may be the formation of an association. For example, the hydrophobic groups in the component (B) may associate with the vesicle particles formed by the component (A) (the structure formed by connecting the vesicle particles to each other via the component (B) is called a cross-linked structure), and / or the hydrophobic groups in the component (B) may associate with each other. Therefore, the component (B) may be a nonionic polymer having a hydrophobic group and a polyurethane skeleton.

[0069] Preferably, component (B) is a nonionic polymer having hydrophobic groups at both ends and a polyurethane skeleton inside the molecule. In particular, component (B) is a nonionic polymer having hydrophobic groups at both ends and a hydrophilic group and a polyurethane skeleton inside the molecule.

[0070] The hydrophobic group that the component (B) may have is not particularly limited, and examples thereof include linear, branched, or cyclic hydrocarbon groups such as alkyl groups and cycloalkyl groups, and optionally substituted aryl groups or aralkyl groups.

[0071] The hydrophilic group that the component (B) may have is not particularly limited, and examples thereof include polyoxyalkylene groups and polyoxyalkenylene groups.

[0072] As the component (B), a commercially available one may be used, or one produced by a known method may be used.

[0073] Examples of commercially available products of the component (B) include OPTIFLO-H 7625VF, OPTIFLO-H 7500 VF, OPTIFLO-H 6500 VF, OPTIFLO-H 3300 VF, and OPTIFLO 2600 VF manufactured by BYK-Chemie and Aculyn 44 manufactured by DOW, but are not limited thereto.

[0074] As an example of the preparation method of (B) component, it can be mentioned that polyol is reacted with excessive diisocyanate to form a prepolymer with isocyanate groups at both ends, and then, an amine with a structure that becomes a hydrophobic group is used to manufacture (B) component. In addition, (B) component can also be manufactured by polyol, diisocyanate and alcohols with a structure that becomes a hydrophobic group. The preparation method of (B) component is not limited to these. As usable polyols, polyether polyols, polyester polyols such as polyethylene glycol and polypropylene glycol can be mentioned, and polyols constitute the hydrophilic group in (B) component.

[0075] The mass average molecular weight of the component (B) is not particularly limited, and may be, for example, 1,000 to 1,000,000, preferably 2,000 to 500,000, and more preferably 5,000 to 300,000.

[0076] (B) The component may be used alone or in combination of two.

[0077] The amount of component (B) is not particularly limited as long as it is an amount that can achieve the purpose of mixing, but is preferably 0.001 to 0.05 mass %, more preferably 0.002 to 0.03 mass %, and particularly preferably 0.003 to 0.01 mass % relative to the total mass of the liquid softener composition. In the present invention, it is advantageous that the effect can be obtained even with such a small amount of component (B).

[0078] The mechanism of action and the effect of component (B) are described below. As described above, component (B) is inferred to be present between the vesicle particles formed by component (A), connecting the vesicle particles to each other, so that a cross-linked structure can be formed. By forming a cross-linked structure via component (B) in this way, it is believed that two effects can be obtained. The first is to impart rheological properties. That is, this may be because by forming a cross-linked structure, the viscosity, thixotropy, etc. required for the dispersion stabilization of capsule particles can be obtained. The second is to prevent excessive coagulation that may cause phase separation, etc. This may be because the hydrophobic part in component (B) interacts with the vesicle particles formed by component (A), and the polyurethane structure as its hydrophilic part is difficult to interact with the hydrophobic vesicle particles, so that the force of the vesicle particles away acts. Therefore, it can be considered that by the presence of component (B) between vesicle particles, the distance between vesicle particles is kept constant, thereby preventing excessive coagulation.

[0079] According to the above-mentioned mechanism of action, component (B) is particularly suitable for imparting rheological properties in an emulsified system. As a structuring agent for an emulsified system, component (B) is advantageous in that it is less likely to increase viscosity after high-temperature storage compared to gums such as gellan gum, carrageenan, and xanthan gum, and (meth)acrylic acid polymers such as acrylic acid-alkyl acrylate copolymers that are commonly used as structuring agents.

[0080] [(C) Ingredients]

[0081] The component (C) mixed in the liquid softener composition of the present invention is a nonionic surfactant. In the liquid softener composition of the present invention, the component (C) is mixed with the component (B) at a certain ratio, and the purpose of mixing the component (C) is to improve the dispersion stability of the encapsulated fragrance and / or to suppress phase separation and high viscosity under low temperature conditions.

[0082] As the component (C), for example, a component derived from a polyol, a higher alcohol, a higher amine or a higher fatty acid can be used, and a component known as a nonionic surfactant in the field of liquid softener compositions can be used. As an example of the component (C), a glycerol fatty acid ester or pentaerythritol in which a fatty acid having 10 to 22 carbon atoms is esterified to glycerol or pentaerythritol can be cited. In addition, as another example of the component (C), an alkylene oxide adduct of an alcohol or a fatty acid can be used.

[0083] Each carbon chain portion of the alcohol and fatty acid may be branched, straight, or unsaturated. In addition, there may be distribution in the carbon chain. The number of carbon atoms in the carbon chain is preferably 6 to 20, more preferably 8 to 18. In the case where the carbon chain is straight, the number of carbon atoms is preferably 6 to 14, more preferably 8 to 12, and most preferably 10 to 12. In the case where the carbon chain is branched, the number of carbon atoms is preferably 6 to 18, more preferably 9 to 18, and most preferably 13.

[0084] As the raw material of the nonionic surfactant component (C), Exxal manufactured by Exxon Mobil, LUTENSOL series manufactured by BASF, OXOCOL manufactured by Kyowa Hakko Kogyo, DOBANOL series manufactured by Shell, etc. can be used. In the case where the nonionic surfactant is an oxyalkylene adduct of an alcohol, either a primary alcohol or a secondary alcohol can be used. The alcohol having 13 carbon atoms can be manufactured, for example, from dodecene, and its starting raw material can be butene or propylene.

[0085] When the carbon chain contains an unsaturated group, the carbon number is particularly preferably 18. The stereoisomer structure of the unsaturated group may be a cis-isomer or a trans-isomer, or a mixture of both, and the ratio of cis-isomer / trans-isomer is particularly preferably 25 / 75 to 100 / 0 (mass ratio).

[0086] As the alkylene oxide, ethylene oxide (EO) is preferred, but propylene oxide (PO) or butylene oxide (BO) may be added together with EO. The average number of moles of EO added is preferably 10 to 100 mol, more preferably 20 to 80 mol, and particularly preferably 40 to 70 mol. In addition, the average number of moles of PO or BO added together with EO is preferably 1 to 5 mol, and more preferably 1 to 3 mol. In this case, PO or BO may be added after EO is added, or EO may be added after PO or BO is added.

[0087] Specifically, as the component (C), there can be mentioned polyoxyethylene alkyl ethers having an alkyl group or (alkenyl group) having 10 to 22 carbon atoms and an average addition mole number of ethylene oxide of 10 to 100 mol; polyoxyethylene fatty acid alkyl (the alkyl group has 1 to 3 carbon atoms) esters; polyoxyethylene alkylamines having an average addition mole number of ethylene oxide of 10 to 100 mol; alkyl polyglycosides having an alkyl group or (alkenyl group) having 8 to 18 carbon atoms; hydrogenated castor oil having an average addition mole number of ethylene oxide of 10 to 100 mol, etc. Among them, polyoxyethylene alkyl ethers having an alkyl group having 10 to 18 carbon atoms and an average addition mole number of ethylene oxide of 20 to 80 mol are preferred, polyoxyethylene alkyl ethers having an average addition mole number of ethylene oxide of 30 to 70 mol are more preferred, and polyoxyethylene alkyl ethers having an average addition mole number of ethylene oxide of 40 to 60 mol are particularly preferred.

[0088] Specific examples of the component (C) include an average EO9PO1 adduct of nonanol, an average EO40 mole adduct of isononyl primary alcohol, an average EO20 mole adduct of isodecyl primary alcohol, an average EO20 mole adduct of lauryl alcohol, an average EO60 mole adduct of isohexadecyl primary alcohol, an average EO60 mole adduct of isotridecyl primary alcohol, an average EO50 mole adduct of tridecyl primary alcohol, an average EO20 mole adduct of lauric acid, etc. As commercially available products, the EMALEX series manufactured by Nippon Emulsion, the EMULMIN series manufactured by Sanyo Chemical, the TDA series manufactured by Lion Chemical, the SOFTANOL series manufactured by Nippon Shokubai, the LUTESOL series manufactured by BASF, etc. can be used.

[0089] As the component (C), a polyoxyalkylene amine, a salt thereof, or a quaternary ammonium compound thereof may be used. For example, the compound is represented by the following general formula (C1).

[0090]

[0091] (wherein, R9 represents an alkyl group having 8 to 20 carbon atoms, an alkenyl group having 8 to 20 carbon atoms, or an alkanoyl group having 8 to 20 carbon atoms; A 1 O and A 2 O each independently represents an oxyalkylene group having 2 to 4 carbon atoms; a and b are integers satisfying a+b=1 to 100. )

[0092] The number of carbon atoms of the hydrocarbon group of R9 in the general formula (C1) is preferably 8 to 18, more preferably 10 to 18, further preferably 10 to 14, and particularly preferably 12. When the number of carbon atoms of the hydrocarbon group of R9 is 8 to 18, the freeze recovery property of the liquid softener composition can be further improved, and the dispersibility of the encapsulated fragrance can be further improved.

[0093] A in the general formula (C1) 1 O and A 2 O's are each independently an oxyalkylene group having 2 to 4 carbon atoms, but two or more groups may be present. When two or more groups are present, they may be added in a block form or randomly.

[0094] Examples of the compound represented by the general formula (C1) include 2 moles of dodecylamine ethylene oxide adduct, 5 moles of dodecylamine ethylene oxide adduct, 15 moles of dodecylamine ethylene oxide adduct, 20 moles of dodecylamine ethylene oxide adduct, 2 moles of coconut oil alkyl (alkenyl) amine ethylene oxide adduct, 5 moles of coconut oil alkyl (alkenyl) amine ethylene oxide adduct, 15 moles of coconut oil alkyl (alkenyl) amine ethylene oxide adduct, 20 moles of coconut oil alkyl (alkenyl) amine ethylene oxide adduct, 30 moles of tetradecylamine ethylene oxide adduct, 40 moles of hexadecylamine ethylene oxide adduct, 2 moles of tallow alkylamine ethylene oxide adduct, 5 moles of tallow alkylamine ethylene oxide adduct, 20 ... Fatty alkyl (alkenyl) amine ethylene oxide 10 mol adduct, hydrogenated tallow alkyl amine ethylene oxide 2 mol adduct, oleyl amine ethylene oxide 2 mol adduct, oleyl amine ethylene oxide 7 mol adduct, oleyl amine ethylene oxide 10 mol adduct, hexadecylamine ethylene oxide 30 mol / propylene oxide 5 mol random adduct, decylamine ethylene oxide 25 mol / propylene oxide 5 mol block adduct, hexadecylamine ethylene oxide 22 mol / propylene oxide 3 mol random adduct, hexadecylamine ethylene oxide 27 mol / propylene oxide 5 mol random adduct, hexadecylamine ethylene oxide 40 mol / propylene oxide 10 mol random adduct and decylamine ethylene oxide 24 mol / propylene oxide 3 mol block adduct, etc.

[0095] (C) The component may be used alone or in combination of two.

[0096] The amount of component (C) blended is not particularly limited as long as it is an amount that can achieve the purpose of blending, but is preferably 1 to 10% by mass, more preferably 2 to 6% by mass, and particularly preferably 3 to 5% by mass based on the total mass of the liquid softener composition.

[0097] When the blending amount of the component (C) is 1% by mass or more, the freeze recovery property is good, and when the blending amount of the component (C) is 10% by mass or less, the workability is good because appropriate viscosity can be imparted.

[0098] In the liquid softener composition of the present invention, the mass ratio C / B of the component (C) to the component (B) is 50 to 5000, preferably 100 to 3000, more preferably 200 to 2500, and particularly preferably 500 to 2000. When C / B is within the range of 50 to 5000, both the dispersion stability of the encapsulated fragrance can be improved and the phase separation and high viscosity under low temperature conditions can be suppressed.

[0099] [(D) Ingredients]

[0100] In the liquid softener composition of the present invention, the component (D) is an encapsulated fragrance. The purpose of mixing the component (D) is to make the fragrance of the fiber product treated with the liquid softener composition better, to improve the durability of the fragrance, or to give the fiber product a fragrance effect caused by friction during use.

[0101] The encapsulated flavor is composed of a core material and a wall material covering the core material.

[0102] The core material comprises a fragrance composition.

[0103] The fragrance composition can be used without particular limitation in the field of liquid softener compositions, and can be appropriately selected according to the purpose. For example, essential oils and absolute oils commonly used in clothing softeners, clothing detergents, and synthetic fragrance components such as hydrocarbons, alcohols, aldehydes, ketones, ethers, acetals, ketals, and nitriles can be cited.

[0104] Examples of preferred fragrance ingredients to be blended in the fragrance composition are described in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2010-520928, and include, for example, Agrumex (2-tert-butylcyclohexyl acetate), Aldron, Ambrettolide (ambranolide), Ambroxan (ambroxan), benzyl cinnamate, benzyl salicylate, Boisambrene (ethoxymethoxycycloundecane), cedrol, cedryl acetate, Celestolide / Crysolide (Salisbury's Musk), Cetalox (Super Ambroxan), citronellyl ethyl oxalate, Fixal, Fixolide (Musk Tona), Galaxolide (Galaxolide), Guaiacwood Acetate (Guaiacwood Acetate), salicylic acid-cis-3-hexenyl ester, hexyl cinnamaldehyde, hexyl salicylate, IsoE Super, Linalyl Benzoate, Linalyl Cinnamate, Linalyl Phenylacetate, Javanol, Methyl Cedryl Ketone, Moskene, Musk, Musk Ketone, Musk Tibetine, Musk Xylol, Myraldyl Acetate, Nerolidyl Acetate, Novalide, Okoumal, p-Tolyl Octanoate, p-Tolyl Phenylacetate, Phantolid, Phenethyl Cinnamate, Phenethyl Salicylate, Rose Crystals, Rosone, Sandela, Tetradecanitrile, Thibetolide, Traseolide, Trimofix O (Shu Moufu), 2-methylpyrazine, acetaldehyde phenethyl propyl acetal, acetophenone, alcohol C6 (hereinafter, the notation Cn includes all substances having n carbon atoms and one hydroxyl functional group), alcohol C8, aldehyde C6 (hereinafter, the notation Cn includes all isomers having n carbon atoms and one aldehyde functional group), aldehyde C7, aldehyde C8, aldehyde C9, nonenylic aldehyde, allyl glycolate, allyl hexanoate, amyl butyrate, anisaldehyde, benzaldehyde, benzyl acetate, benzyl acetone, benzyl alcohol, benzyl butyrate, benzyl formate, benzyl isovalerate, benzyl methyl ether, benzyl propionate, bergamylAcetate (myrcenyl acetate), butyl acetate, camphor, 3-methyl-5-propyl-2-cyclohexenone, cinnamaldehyde, cis-3-hexenol, cis-3-hexenyl acetate, cis-3-hexenyl formate, cis-3-hexenyl isobutyrate, cis-3-hexenyl propionate, cis-3-hexenyl tiglic acid, citronellal, citronellol, citronellyl nitrile, 2-hydroxy-3-methyl-2-cyclopenten-1-one, cumaldehyde, CYCLAL C (2,4-dimethyl-3-cyclohexene-1-carboxaldehyde), cyclohexyloxyacetic acid-2-propenyl ester, damascenone, α-dihydrodamascone, β-dihydrodamascone, decahydro-β-naphthyl formate), diethyl malonate, dihydrojasmone, dihydrolinalool, dihydromyrcenol, dihydroterpineol, dimethyl anthranilate, dimethyl benzyl carbinol, dimethyl benzyl acetate, dimethyl octenone, 2,6-dimethylhept-2-ol (Dimetol), dimyrcenol, estragole, ethyl acetate, ethyl acetoacetate, ethyl benzoate, ethyl heptanoate, ethyl linalool, ethyl salicylate, ethyl 2-methylbutyrate, eucalyptol, eugenol, fenchyl acetate, fenchol, 4-phenyl-2, 4,6-trimethyl-1,3-dioxane, methyl 2-octynoate, 4-isopropylcyclohexanol, 2-sec-butylcyclohexanone, styryl acetate, geranyl nitrile, hexyl acetate, α-ionone, isopentyl acetate, isobutyl acetate, isocitral, dihydroisojasmone, isomenthone, isopentyl ester, iso-pentylate, isomenthol, cis-jasmone, L-carvone, phenylacetaldehyde glycerol acetal, carbinic acidacid)-3-hexenyl methyl ether, 1-methyl-cyclohexa-1,3-diene, linalool, linalool oxide, 2-ethyl ethyl valerate, 2,6-dimethyl-5-heptenal, menthol, menthone, methyl acetophenone, methyl amyl ketone, methyl benzoate, α-methylcinnamaldehyde, methyl heptenone, methyl hexyl ketone, p-cresol methyl ether, methyl phenyl acetate, methyl salicylate, neral, nerol, 4-tert-amyl-cyclohexanone, p-cresol, p-cresyl acetate, p-tert-butylcyclohexanone, p-methylphenyl Formaldehyde, phenylacetaldehyde, phenylethyl acetate, phenylethanol, phenylethyl butyrate, phenylethyl formate, phenylethyl isobutyrate, phenylethyl propionate, phenylpropyl acetate, phenylpropionaldehyde, tetrahydro-2,4-dimethyl-4-pentyl-furan, 4-methyl-2-(2-methyl-1-propenyl)tetrahydropyran, 5-methyl-3-heptanone oxime, styryl propionate, styrene, 4-methylphenylacetaldehyde, terpineol, terpinolene, tetrahydrolinalool, tetrahydromyrcenol, trans-2-hexenal, verdyl acetate and Viridine (phenylacetaldehyde dimethyl acetal), etc.

[0105] The flavor composition may contain one flavor component or two or more flavor components.

[0106] As the wall material, those commonly used as encapsulation materials for fragrances in the field of liquid softener compositions can be used without particular limitation. For example, the wall material is composed of a polymer substance, specifically, natural polymers such as gelatin and agar, oily film-forming substances such as fats and oils and waxes, synthetic polymers such as polyacrylic acid, polyvinyl, polymethacrylic, melamine, and polyurethane, etc., and one of them can be used alone or two or more of them can be used in combination as appropriate.

[0107] From the viewpoint of fragrance release when the encapsulated fragrance is destroyed, the wall material is preferably an aminoplast polymer formed of a melamine-formaldehyde resin or a urea-formaldehyde resin, a polyacrylic acid-based polymer or a polymethacrylic acid-based polymer. An aminoplast polymer as described in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2010-520928 is particularly preferred. Specifically, a terpolymer consisting of a portion derived from a polyamine / a portion derived from an aromatic polyphenol / methylene unit, an alkylene portion having a dimethoxymethylene group and a dimethoxymethylene group, and an alkyleneoxy portion is preferred.

[0108] The component (D) can be easily obtained from the market or can be synthesized by a known method.

[0109] As the component (D), one encapsulated fragrance may be used alone or as a mixture of two or more kinds.

[0110] The blending amount of the component (D) (the blending amount as the amount of the fragrance in the component (D)) is not particularly limited as long as it is an amount that can achieve the blending purpose, but is preferably 0.01 to 3% by mass, more preferably 0.05 to 2% by mass, and particularly preferably 0.1 to 1% by mass relative to the total mass of the liquid softener composition. When the blending amount is 0.01 to 3% by mass, it is possible to impart a desired fragrance persistence while maintaining better freeze recovery properties in the liquid softener composition.

[0111] [Optional ingredients]

[0112] The liquid softener composition of the present invention may contain, as required, other components known in the field of liquid softener compositions in addition to the components (A) to (D) as long as the effects of the present invention are not impaired. For example, water, amphoteric surfactants, water-soluble solvents, sugar compounds, dyes and / or pigments, preservatives, ultraviolet absorbers, antibacterial agents, fragrances, anti-wrinkle agents, and rheology modifiers (thickeners) other than the component (B) may be mixed.

[0113] (water)

[0114] The liquid softener composition of the present invention is preferably an aqueous composition containing water.

[0115] As water, tap water, ion-exchanged water, pure water, distilled water, etc. can be used arbitrarily. Among them, ion-exchanged water is preferred.

[0116] The amount of water to be mixed is not particularly limited, but is preferably 50% by mass or more, more preferably 60% by mass or more, relative to the total mass of the liquid softener composition. When the amount is 50% by mass or more, the workability is better.

[0117] (amphoteric surfactant)

[0118] An amphoteric surfactant may be mixed for the purpose of further improving stability (particularly, further improving freeze recovery properties).

[0119] Examples of the amphoteric surfactant include betaine, N-alkyl amino acid, N-alkenyl amino acid, and salts thereof.

[0120] Examples of betaine include alkyl betaine, carbobetaine, amidobetaine, sulfobetaine, amidosulfobetaine, imidazolinium betaine, and phosphobetaine.

[0121] N-alkyl amino acids or N-(chain)alkenyl amino acids have the following structure: an alkyl group or (chain)alkenyl group is bonded to a nitrogen atom, and further bonded to one or two groups represented by "-R-COOH" (wherein R represents a divalent hydrocarbon group, preferably an alkylene group, and particularly preferably one having 1 to 2 carbon atoms). In the compound to which one "-R-COOH" is bonded, a hydrogen atom is further bonded to the nitrogen atom. A compound having one "-R-COOH" is called a monomer, and a compound having two "-R-COOH"s is called a dimer. As amphoteric surfactants, both these monomers and dimers can be used. In each N-alkyl amino acid and N-(chain)alkenyl amino acid, the alkyl group and the (chain)alkenyl group may be straight-chain or branched.

[0122] The amphoteric surfactant as the optional component is preferably sulfobetaine or amide sulfobetaine, and more preferably sulfobetaine represented by the following general formula (IV) or a mixture thereof.

[0123]

[0124] (Where,

[0125] R 1 ' is a straight-chain or branched alkyl or alkenyl group having 9 to 23 carbon atoms,

[0126] W is an ester group or an amide group,

[0127] r is an integer from 1 to 4,

[0128] R 2 ' is an alkyl or hydroxyalkyl group having 1 to 3 carbon atoms,

[0129] R 3 'Yes-(CH2) s -T or -CH2CH(OH)CH2-T (where s is 0 to 4 and T is -COO ﹣ 、-SO3 ﹣ 、-OSO3 ﹣ or -O ﹣ ),

[0130] R 4 'It's R 1 '-S-(CH2) r -、R 2 ' or R 3 ').

[0131] In the general formula (IV), R 1 The number of carbon atoms in ' is preferably 11 to 17. 1 ' is a fatty acid residue, and specific examples thereof include lauric acid, myristic acid, palmitic acid, stearic acid, oleic acid, palmitoleic acid, elaidic acid, linoleic acid, and eicosanoic acid.

[0132] W is preferably an ester group.

[0133] As R 2 Specific examples of ' include methyl, ethyl, hydroxyethyl, hydroxypropyl and the like.

[0134] R 3 The s in ' is preferably 2 to 3.

[0135] Specific examples of the sulfobetaine represented by the general formula (IV) include sulfobetaines represented by the following general formulae (V) to (VII). Among them, compounds represented by (V) and (VI) are more preferred.

[0136]

[0137] (In each formula, R 1 The definition of ' is the same as R in the general formula (IV) 1 'same)

[0138] In the general formula (VI), R 1 'It can be the same or different.

[0139] As R 1 The iodine value of the basic fatty acid composition is preferably 0-100, more preferably 0-70, and further preferably 20-45.

[0140] The amphoteric surfactant is easily available on the market, or can be synthesized by a known method.

[0141] The amphoteric surfactant may be used alone or as a mixture of two or more thereof. For example, a mixture of a plurality of sulfobetaines represented by the general formula (IV) or a mixture of any combination of sulfobetaines represented by the general formulas (V) to (VII) may be used.

[0142] In a mixture of sulfobetaines represented by the general formula (IV), when the ratio of the cis isomer based on the geometrical isomerism of the (alkenyl) groups constituting each sulfobetaine is 25 to 95%, preferably 40 to 90%, the viscosity of the liquid softener composition can be made moderate.

[0143] The amount of the compounding agent is preferably 0.01 to 3% by mass, more preferably 0.05 to 2% by mass, and still more preferably 0.1 to 1% by mass relative to the total mass of the liquid softener composition. When the compounding amount is 0.01% by mass or more, better freeze recovery properties can be obtained, and when the compounding amount is 3% by mass or less, better storage stability can be obtained at high temperatures.

[0144] (Water-soluble solvent)

[0145] A water-soluble solvent may be mixed for the purpose of further improving the stability of the liquid softener composition (particularly, further improving the freeze recovery property).

[0146] As the water-soluble solvent, one or more selected from alcohols having 1 to 4 carbon atoms, glycol ether solvents, and polyols are preferred. Specifically, a solvent component selected from ethanol, isopropyl alcohol, glycerol, ethylene glycol, propylene glycol, diethylene glycol, dipropylene glycol, hexylene glycol, polyoxyethylene phenyl ether, and a water-soluble solvent represented by the following general formula (X) is preferably mixed.

[0147] R 6 -O-(C2H4O) y -(C3H6O) Z -H···(X)

[0148] (Where R 6 It is an alkyl or (alkenyl) group having 1 to 6 carbon atoms, preferably 2 to 4 carbon atoms, y and z are respectively the average number of added moles, y is 1 to 10 (preferably 2 to 5), and z is 0 to 5 (preferably 0 to 2).

[0149] Among the above, ethanol, ethylene glycol, butyl carbitol, propylene glycol, dipropylene glycol monomethyl ether, and diethylene glycol monobutyl ether are preferred.

[0150] The blending amount of the water-soluble solvent is not particularly limited, but is preferably 0 to 30% by mass, more preferably 0.01 to 25% by mass, and still more preferably 0.1 to 20% by mass, based on the total mass of the liquid softener composition.

[0151] (Sugar compounds)

[0152] A sugar compound may be mixed for the purpose of further improving the stability of the liquid softener composition (particularly, further improving the freeze recovery property).

[0153] As the carbohydrate compound, the number of repeating units of the sugar backbone (polymerization degree) is preferably 1 to 40, more preferably 1 to 20, and particularly preferably 1 to 5 (i.e., monosaccharides and oligosaccharides having a polymerization degree of more than 1 and not more than 5). Preferred carbohydrate compounds include monosaccharides, disaccharides, oligosaccharides or sugar alcohols.

[0154] Specific examples of sugars include glucose, fructose, galactose, arabinose, ribose, maltose, isomaltose, cellobiose, lactose, sucrose, trehalose, talose, maltotriose, isomaltotriose, oligosaccharides obtained by partial hydrolysis of natural polysaccharides, and compounds (sugar derivatives) in which substituents are introduced into these sugars. As substituents that can be introduced, alkyl, (alkenyl), alkoxy, hydroxyalkyl, amino, quaternary ammonium, carboxyl, etc. can be mentioned, among which alkyl, (alkenyl) and alkoxy can be mentioned in particular. As substituents, alkyl, (alkenyl) or alkoxy having 1 to 18 carbon atoms is preferred, alkyl, (alkenyl) or alkoxy having 1 to 12 carbon atoms is more preferred, alkyl having 1 to 6 carbon atoms is further preferred, and alkyl having 1 to 3 carbon atoms is most preferred.

[0155] The sugar is preferably one or more selected from monosaccharides and oligosaccharides having a degree of polymerization of 1 to 5, and compounds in which at least one hydrogen atom of a hydroxyl group in monosaccharides and oligosaccharides having a degree of polymerization of 1 to 5 is substituted with an alkyl group. Among the above, trehalose is preferred from the viewpoint of freeze recovery properties.

[0156] Examples of the sugar alcohol include erythritol, threitol, pentitol, hexitol, galactitol, sorbitol, mannitol, volemitol, perseitol, xylitol, maltitol, and lactitol.

[0157] The sugar compound may be used alone or as a mixture of two or more.

[0158] The amount of the saccharide compound mixed is not particularly limited, but is preferably 0.01 to 10% by mass, more preferably 0.05 to 7% by mass, and still more preferably 0.1 to 5% by mass, based on the total mass of the liquid softener composition.

[0159] (Dyes and / or Pigments)

[0160] Dyes and pigments may be mixed separately for the purpose of improving the appearance of the liquid softener composition.

[0161] Dyes and pigments can use components known in the field of liquid softener compositions without particular limitation. Specific examples of dyes that can be added are recorded in Dye Handbook (Organic Synthetic Chemistry Association, July 20, 1970, issued by Maruzen Co., Ltd.) etc. In addition, dyes recorded in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 6-123081 Gazette, Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 6-123082 Gazette, Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 7-18573 Gazette, Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 8-27669 Gazette, Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 9-250085 Gazette, Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 10-77576 Gazette, Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 11-43865 Gazette, Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2001-181972 Gazette, Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2001-348784 Gazette etc. can also be used.

[0162] Preferably, it is at least one red, blue, yellow or violet water-soluble dye selected from acid dyes, direct dyes, basic dyes, reactive dyes and mordant-acid mordant dyes.

[0163] From the viewpoint of storage stability of the liquid softener composition and dyeability to fibers, acid dyes, direct dyes or reactive dyes having at least one functional group selected from a hydroxyl group, a sulfonic acid group, an amino group and an amide group in the molecule are preferred.

[0164] Dyes and pigments may be used alone or as a mixture of two or more thereof. Dyes and pigments may also be used in combination.

[0165] The amount of each dye and pigment mixed is not particularly limited, but is preferably 1 to 50 ppm, more preferably 1 to 30 ppm, based on the total mass of the liquid softener composition.

[0166] (preservative)

[0167] The preservative may be mixed mainly for the purpose of enhancing the antiseptic and bactericidal properties of the liquid softener composition and maintaining the antiseptic property during long-term storage.

[0168] As the preservative, any known component in the field of liquid softener compositions can be used without particular limitation. Specific examples include isothiazolone-based organic sulfur compounds, benzisothiazolone-based organic sulfur compounds, benzoic acids, and 2-bromo-2-nitro-1,3-propanediol.

[0169] Examples of isothiazolinone-based organic sulfur compounds include 5-chloro-2-methyl-4-isothiazolin-3-one, 2-n-butyl-3-isothiazolin-1, 2-benzyl-3-isothiazolin-1, 2-phenyl-3-isothiazolin-1, 2-methyl-4,5-dichloroisothiazolin-1, 5-chloro-2-methyl-3-isothiazolin-1, 2-methyl-4-isothiazolin-3-one, and mixtures thereof. Among these, 5-chloro-2-methyl-4-isothiazolin-3-one and 2-methyl-4-isothiazolin-3-one are preferred, and a mixture of 5-chloro-2-methyl-4-isothiazolin-3-one and 2-methyl-4-isothiazolin-3-one is more preferred, and a mixture of the former in an amount of about 77% by mass and the latter in an amount of about 23% by mass, or a diluted solution thereof (e.g., an isothiazolone solution) is particularly preferred.

[0170] Examples of the benzisothiazolinone-based organic sulfur compounds include 1,2-benzisothiazolin-3-one, 2-methyl-4,5-trimethylene-4-isothiazolin-3-one, dithio-2,2-bis(benzoformamide) as an analog, and mixtures thereof. Among them, 1,2-benzisothiazolin-3-one is particularly preferred.

[0171] Examples of the benzoic acids include benzoic acid or salts thereof, p-hydroxybenzoic acid or salts thereof, methyl p-hydroxybenzoate, ethyl p-hydroxybenzoate, propyl p-hydroxybenzoate, butyl p-hydroxybenzoate, and benzyl p-hydroxybenzoate.

[0172] The amount of the preservative to be mixed is not particularly limited, but is preferably 0.0001 to 1% by mass relative to the total mass of the liquid softener composition. When it is 0.0001% by mass or more, the mixing effect of the preservative can be sufficiently obtained, and when it is 1% by mass or less, the high storage stability of the liquid softener composition can be sufficiently maintained.

[0173] (Ultraviolet light absorber)

[0174] An ultraviolet absorber may be mixed for the purpose of protecting the liquid softener composition from ultraviolet rays.

[0175] The ultraviolet absorber is a component that exhibits an ultraviolet protection effect by absorbing ultraviolet rays and converting them into infrared rays or visible rays and releasing them.

[0176] As the ultraviolet absorber, any known component in the field of liquid softener compositions can be used without particular limitation. Specific examples include aminobenzoic acid derivatives such as p-aminobenzoic acid, ethyl p-aminobenzoate, glyceryl p-aminobenzoate, or amyl p-dimethylaminobenzoate; salicylic acid derivatives such as ethylene glycol salicylate, dipropylene glycol salicylate, octyl salicylate, and myristyl salicylate; cinnamic acid derivatives such as methyl diisopropylcinnamate, ethyl p-methoxycinnamate, isopropyl p-methoxycinnamate, 2-ethylhexyl p-methoxycinnamate, and butyl p-methoxycinnamate; benzophenone derivatives such as 2-hydroxy-4-methoxybenzophenone, 2-hydroxy-4-methoxybenzophenone-5-sulfonic acid, and 2,2'-dihydroxy-4-methoxybenzophenone; azole compounds such as urocanic acid and ethyl urocanate; 4-tert-butyl-4'-methoxybenzoylmethane, and the like.

[0177] The amount of the ultraviolet absorber mixed is not particularly limited, but is preferably 0.001 to 5% by mass based on the total mass of the liquid softener composition.

[0178] (Antibacterial Agent)

[0179] An antibacterial agent may be mixed for the purpose of improving the storage stability of the liquid softener composition.

[0180] As the antibacterial agent, known components in the field of liquid softener compositions can be used without particular limitation. Specific examples include diclosan, triclosan, benzalkonium chloride, bis-(2-pyridylthio-1-oxide) zinc, 8-hydroxyquinoline, biguanide compounds (e.g., polyhexamethylene biguanide), chlorhexidine hydrochloride, polylysine, etc. Among them, benzalkonium chloride, biguanide compounds, and chlorhexidine hydrochloride are preferred.

[0181] The amount of the antibacterial agent to be mixed is not particularly limited as long as it is an amount that can achieve the purpose of mixing, but is preferably 0.001 to 5% by mass based on the total mass of the liquid softener composition.

[0182] (Rheology modifiers (thickeners) other than component (B))

[0183] A rheology modifier (thickener) other than component (B) may be mixed for the purpose of adjusting the viscosity of the liquid softener composition or stabilizing the dispersion of capsule fragrances, etc. Specific examples include gums such as gellan gum, carrageenan, and xanthan gum, acrylic polymers such as alkyl methacrylate-acrylic acid copolymer (CARBOPOL AQUA30) and cationic acrylic acid homopolymer (Rheovis FRC), fine cellulose, and highly branched cyclodextrin (Cluster Dextrin).

[0184] In addition to the above optional components, an antioxidant (e.g., butylated hydroxytoluene) or a reducing agent for improving the stability of the aroma and color tone of the liquid softener composition, an emulsifier (e.g., polystyrene emulsion), an opacifying agent, an anti-shrinking agent, an anti-wrinkle agent (e.g., polyether-modified silicone), a shape retaining agent, a drape retaining agent, an ironing property improving agent, an oxidative bleaching control agent, a whitening agent, a whitening agent, a fabric softening clay, an antistatic agent, an anti-migration agent (e.g., polyvinyl pyrrolidone), a polymer dispersant, a dirt release agent, a foam dispersant, a fluorescent whitening agent (4,4-bis(2-sulfostyryl)biphenyl disodium (Tinopal manufactured by Ciba Specialty Chemicals) CBS-X) etc.), dye fixing agent, anti-fading agent (1,4-bis(3-aminopropyl)piperazine etc.), dye remover, fiber surface modifier (enzymes such as cellulase, amylase, protease, lipase, keratinase etc.), defoaming agent, ingredients that impart silk texture and functions such as moisture absorption and release (silk protein powder, their surface modified products, emulsified dispersions, specifically K-50, K-30, K-10, A-705, S-702, L-710, FP series (Idemitsu Petrochemical), hydrolyzed silk solution (Hydrolyzed Silk Solution) (Uemo), SILKGEN G SolubleS (Ichimaru PHARCOS)), antifouling agent (non-ionic polymer compound composed of alkylene terephthalate and / or alkylene isophthalate unit and polyoxyalkylene unit, for example, FR627 manufactured by Huying Chemical Industry, SRC-1 manufactured by Clariant Japan etc.), etc.

[0185] [pH of liquid softener composition]

[0186] The pH of the liquid softener composition is not particularly limited, but is preferably adjusted to a pH in the range of 1 to 6 at 25° C., more preferably in the range of 2 to 4, and even more preferably in the range of 2 to 3, from the viewpoint of improving the dispersibility of the encapsulated fragrance or inhibiting the hydrolysis of the component (A) which occurs with the passage of storage time.

[0187] For pH adjustment, pH adjusters such as hydrochloric acid, sulfuric acid, phosphoric acid, alkylsulfuric acid, benzoic acid, p-toluenesulfonic acid, citric acid, malic acid, succinic acid, lactic acid, glycolic acid, hydroxyethylidene diphosphonic acid, phytic acid, ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid, short-chain amine compounds such as dimethylamine, alkali metal hydroxides such as sodium hydroxide, alkali metal carbonates, and alkali metal silicates can be used.

[0188] [Viscosity of liquid softener composition]

[0189] The viscosity of the liquid softener composition is not particularly limited unless its usability is impaired, but is preferably less than 1000 mPa·s.

[0190] Taking into account the increase in viscosity due to storage time, the viscosity immediately after production is more preferably less than 800 mPa·s, and further preferably less than 500 mPa·s. When it is less than 800 mPa·s, the usability such as operability when put into a washing machine is good. From the viewpoint of usability, the lower limit of the viscosity is not particularly limited.

[0191] In addition, for the purpose of controlling the viscosity of the liquid softener composition of the present invention, inorganic or organic water-soluble salts can be used. Specifically, calcium chloride, magnesium chloride, sodium chloride, sodium p-toluenesulfonate, sodium citrate, etc. can be used, among which calcium chloride, magnesium chloride, and sodium citrate are preferred. These water-soluble salts can be mixed in an amount that does not impair the dispersibility of the encapsulated fragrance, and the mixing amount is, for example, 0 to 0.5 mass %, preferably 0 to 0.3 mass %, and more preferably 0 to 0.1 mass % relative to the total mass of the liquid softener composition. The water-soluble salts can be mixed in any process of preparing the liquid softener composition.

[0192] The viscosity of the liquid softener composition in the present invention refers to a value measured at 25° C. using a B-type viscometer (for example, Analog Viscometer T manufactured by Brookfield).

[0193] [Method for preparing liquid softener composition]

[0194] The preparation method of the liquid softener composition of the present invention is not particularly limited and can be prepared by a known preparation method of a liquid softener composition, for example, by the same method as the preparation method of a conventional softener composition using a cationic surfactant as a main agent.

[0195] For example, the preparation method can be as follows: an oil phase containing components (A) and (C) is mixed with an aqueous phase at a temperature not lower than the melting point of component (A) to prepare an emulsion, and then components (B) and (D) and other components as required are added to the obtained emulsion and mixed.

[0196] The oil phase can be prepared by mixing the component (A), the component (C), and, if necessary, any optional components at a temperature not lower than the melting point of the component (A).

[0197] The aqueous phase can be prepared by mixing water and any optional components as required.

[0198] The component (C) may be mixed in the aqueous phase, or may be added to an emulsion obtained by mixing an oil phase and an aqueous phase at a temperature not lower than the melting point of the component (A) and mixed.

[0199] [How to use the liquid softener composition]

[0200] The method of using the liquid softener composition of the present invention is not particularly limited, and it can be used in the same manner as a general softener composition. For example, in the rinsing stage of washing, the liquid softener composition of the present invention is dissolved in the rinsing water to soften the laundry, or in the method of dissolving the liquid softener composition of the present invention in water in a container such as a basin, and then putting the laundry into the water for immersion treatment.

[0201] [Example]

[0202] The present invention will be described in more detail below based on Examples, but the scope of the present invention is not limited thereto. In the Examples, all the amounts of components mixed are expressed in mass % (converted to pure component content unless otherwise specified).

[0203] [(A) Component: Cationic surfactant]

[0204] The following A-1 to A-3 were used.

[0205] A-1: a cationic surfactant described in Example 4 of JP-A-2003-12471.

[0206] A-1 is a compound represented by the general formula (A1-3), (A1-4) and (A1-5) (in each formula, R 9 This is a composition of substances obtained by quaternizing an alkyl group and an alkenyl group having 15 to 17 carbon atoms with dimethyl sulfate.

[0207] A-2: Trade name "Stepantex SE-88", manufactured by Stepan Corporation.

[0208] A-3: Cationic surfactant (a 1:1 molar mixture of N,N-bis(stearoyl-oxy-ethyl)N,N-dimethylammonium chloride and N-(stearoyl-oxy-ethyl)N-hydroxyethyl N,N-dimethylammonium chloride obtained by quaternizing the reaction product of fatty acid and methyldiethanolamine in a molar ratio of 1.5:1 with methyl chloride.)

[0209] A-3 is a compound represented by the general formula (A1-1) and (A1-2) (in each formula, R 9 It is a composition of substances in which an alkyl group having 15 to 17 carbon atoms and an alkenyl group are quaternized with methyl chloride.

[0210] [Component (B): Nonionic polymer with a polyurethane skeleton]

[0211] The following B-1 to B-6 were used.

[0212] B-1: trade name "OPTIFLO-H 7625 VF", manufactured by BYK-Chemie.

[0213] B-2: trade name "OPTIFLO-H 7500 VF", manufactured by BYK-Chemie.

[0214] B-3: trade name "OPTIFLO-H 6500 VF", manufactured by BYK-Chemie.

[0215] B-4: trade name "OPTIFLO-H 3300 VF", manufactured by BYK-Chemie.

[0216] B-5: trade name "OPTIFLO 2600 VF", manufactured by BYK-Chemie.

[0217] B-6: The trade name is "Aculyn 44", manufactured by DOW.

[0218] [Ingredient (C): nonionic surfactant]

[0219] The following C-1 to C-3 were used.

[0220] C-1: poly(oxyethylene)isotridecyl ether) EO60 mol (ethylene oxide was added to Lutensol TO3 manufactured by BASF (EO60 mol means that the average number of added moles of ethylene oxide is 60)).

[0221] C-2: polyoxyethylene isotridecyl ether EO 40 mol (ethylene oxide was added to Lutensol TO3 manufactured by BASF (EO 40 mol means that the average number of moles of ethylene oxide added is 40)).

[0222] C-3: polyoxyethylene lauryl ether EO20 mol (ethylene oxide is added to lauryl alcohol (EO20 mol means that the average number of moles of ethylene oxide added is 20)).

[0223] [(D) Ingredient: Encapsulated fragrance]

[0224] D-1: trade name "GREEN BREEZE CAPS", manufactured by Givaudan.

[0225] D-2: trade name "ORCHARD GARDEN CAPS", manufactured by Givaudan.

[0226] Both D-1 and D-2 are encapsulated fragrances with a fragrance composition as the core material and a melamine-formaldehyde resin as the capsule wall.

[0227] [Optional ingredients]

[0228] (preservative)

[0229] E-1: isothiazolinone liquid (trade name "KATHON CG-ICP", manufactured by DuPont.)

[0230] E-2: 1,2-Benzisothiazoline-3-one (trade name "Nipacide BIT 20", manufactured by Clariant Japan Co., Ltd.)

[0231] (Viscosity Control Agent)

[0232] F-1: Calcium chloride (trade name "granular calcium chloride", manufactured by Tokuyama Co., Ltd.)

[0233] (spices)

[0234] G-1: Free fragrance containing fragrance components according to the composition shown in Table 1 below (fragrance not contained in capsules)

[0235]

Table 1

[0236] Flavor ingredient name Mixing amount Limonene 10 TETRAHYDRO MYRCENOL 1 Decanal (ALDEHYDE C-10) 0.1 Linalool 5 LINALYL ACETATE 0.5 STYRALYL ACETATE 0.4 Butylated Hydroxytoluene (BHT) 2 1,8-Cineole 1 Anisaldehyde (ANIS ALDEHYDE) 1 o-tert-Butyl Cyclohexyl Acetate (VERDOX) 2 TETRAHYDRO LINALOOL 2 ETHYL LINALOOL 7 ALPHA TERPINEOL 2 GERANYL BUTYRATE 0.5 GERANYL ACETATE 0.5 CITRONELLOL 1 β-Damascenone 0.1 GERANIOL 0.2 PHENYLETHYL ISOBUTYRATE 1 CYCLAMEN ALDEHYDE 0.5 Methyl dihydrojasmonate (HEDION) 35 PHENOXANOL 3 Helional 0.2 BENZYL SALICYLATE 7 AMBROXANE 0.3 Sandalwood 210 (SANDALORE) 0.5 Ambroxan(ISO E SUPER) 3 HABANOLIDE 2 MUSK T 8 GAMMA DECALACTONE 0.5 GAMMA UNDECALACTONE 1.0 HELIOTROPIN 0.2 Dipropylene glycol (DPG) 1.5 total 100

[0237] (Antioxidant)

[0238] H-1: Butylated hydroxytoluene (trade name "SUMILIZER BHT", manufactured by Sumitomo Chemical)

[0239] (Washing wrinkle prevention agent)

[0240] I-1: polyether-modified silicone described as A-1 in the examples of JP-A-2009-155739 (kinematic viscosity 8000 mm 2 / s).

[0241] [Method for preparing liquid softener composition]

[0242] Using a glass container having an inner diameter of 100 mm and a height of 150 mm and a stirrer (Ajiter SJ model, manufactured by Shimadzu Corporation), the mixing amount of each component was adjusted as shown in Table 2 below, and a softener composition was prepared in the following order. In Table 2 below, the numerical value of each component is the mixing amount (mass %) relative to the total mass of the liquid softener composition. The numerical value of the component (D) is the mixing amount (mass %) as a fragrance relative to the total mass of the liquid softener composition.

[0243] First, the components (A), (C), fragrance, antioxidant, and, if necessary, a wrinkle preventing agent (silicone) are mixed and stirred to obtain an oil phase mixture. On the other hand, a preservative is dissolved in ion exchange water for balance to obtain an aqueous phase mixture. Here, the mass of the ion exchange water for balance is equivalent to the remainder obtained by subtracting the total amount of the oil phase mixture, the component (B), the preservative, the component (D), and the viscosity control agent from 980 g.

[0244] Next, the oil phase mixture heated to a temperature above the melting point of component (A) was placed in a glass container, and while stirring, the water phase mixture heated to a temperature above the melting point of component (A) was added in two portions and stirred. Here, the water phase mixture was divided into a ratio of 30:70 (mass ratio), and stirred at a rotation speed of 1,000 rpm, stirring for 3 minutes after the first addition of the water phase mixture, and stirring for 2 minutes after the second addition of the water phase mixture. To the obtained emulsion, components (B), (D) and a viscosity control agent were added, and an appropriate amount of hydrochloric acid (reagent 1 mol / L, Kanto Chemical) or sodium hydroxide (reagent 1 mol / L, Kanto Chemical) was added as needed to adjust the pH to 2.5, and ion exchange water was added to make the total mass 1,000 g to obtain the target liquid softener composition.

[0245] [Evaluation method of liquid softener composition]

[0246] <Evaluation of Capsule Dispersion Stability>

[0247] 80 mL of each softener composition prepared by the above-mentioned "Preparation method of liquid softener composition" was placed in a lightweight PS glass bottle (PS-No.11, manufactured by Tanuma Glass Industry) and sealed, and the dispersibility of the (D) component was evaluated by the 4-level evaluation method shown below. The evaluation sample was a sample sealed in the same way, stored at 30°C for 1 month, and visually evaluated by a 5-person evaluation panel according to the following criteria. The results are expressed as the average value of 5 people (rounded off below the decimal point) and are shown in the "Capsule dispersion stability" item in the following Table 2. In terms of commodity value, 3 or more is judged to be qualified.

[0248] (Evaluation Criteria)

[0249] 4: No floating or sedimentation of capsules was observed

[0250] 3: Slight capsule floating and sedimentation was observed

[0251] 2: The capsules were observed to float and settle, but they were easily redispersed by slight vibration.

[0252] 1: Clearly observe the floating and settling of capsules, and they will not disperse again with slight vibration

[0253] <Evaluation of Phase Separation Stability>

[0254] 80 mL of each liquid softener composition prepared by the above-mentioned "Preparation method of liquid softener composition" was placed in a lightweight PS glass bottle (PS-No.11, manufactured by Tanuma Glass Industry) and sealed as an evaluation sample. The evaluation sample was stored at 15°C for 1 month, and the state after storage (degree of separation of the softener composition) was evaluated according to the following criteria. The evaluation was performed by a 5-person evaluation team visually according to the following criteria. The results are expressed as the average value of 5 people (rounded off below the decimal point) and are shown in the "Phase Separation Stability" item in the following Table 2. 3 points or more are judged to be qualified.

[0255] (Evaluation Criteria)

[0256] 4: No phase separation, same as the sample before storage

[0257] 3: A slight translucent layer can be observed in the upper or lower layer

[0258] 2: A clear translucent layer can be observed in the upper or lower layer

[0259] 1: A clear transparent layer can be observed in the upper or lower layer

[0260] <Evaluation of fluidity under low temperature conditions>

[0261] 80 mL of each liquid softener composition prepared by the above-mentioned "Preparation method of liquid softener composition" was placed in a lightweight PS glass bottle (PS-No.11, manufactured by Tanuma Glass Industry) and sealed as an evaluation sample. The evaluation sample was stored at 5°C for 1 week, and the fluidity of the softener composition at 5°C was evaluated according to the following criteria. The evaluation was performed visually by a 5-person evaluation team according to the following criteria. The results are expressed as the average value of 5 people (rounded off after the decimal point) and are shown in the "Fluidity" item in the following Table 2. 3 points or more are judged to be qualified.

[0262] (Evaluation Criteria)

[0263] 4: The fluidity is sufficient and there is almost no change compared with before the low temperature test.

[0264] 3: Compared with before the low temperature test, the viscosity increased, but the fluidity was maintained.

[0265] 2: Compared with before the low temperature test, the viscosity has increased and the fluidity is not so good.

[0266] 1: Compared with before the low temperature test, the viscosity increased significantly and there was almost no fluidity.

[0267]

Table 2

[0268]

Claims

1. A liquid softener composition comprising (A) a cationic surfactant, (B) a nonionic polymer having hydrophobic groups at both ends and a polyurethane skeleton inside the molecule, (C) a nonionic surfactant, and (D) an encapsulated fragrance, characterized in that: The mass ratio C / B of the component (C) to the component (B) is 125 to 2500, and the content of the component (B) is 0.001 to 0.03 mass %.

2. The liquid softener composition according to claim 1, wherein The C / B is 125-500.

3. The liquid softener composition according to claim 1, wherein The C / B is 500-600.

4. The liquid softener composition according to claim 1, wherein The C / B is 600-700.

5. The liquid softener composition according to claim 1, wherein The C / B is 700-2000.

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