Cleaning bar soaps

Abstract

A cleansing bar is provided, the cleansing bar comprising: a cleansing surfactant; water; and a crosslinked cellulose ether, the crosslinked cellulose ether containing from 0.1 wt% to 0.6 wt% of polyether groups based on the weight of the crosslinked cellulose ether; wherein the cleansing bar is a solid.

Description

[0001] This invention relates to a cleaning bar soap. Specifically, this invention relates to a cleaning bar soap comprising: a cleaning surfactant; water and cross-linked cellulose, the cross-linked cellulose containing 0.1% to 0.6% by weight of polyether groups based on the weight of the cross-linked cellulose ether; wherein the cleaning bar soap is a solid.

[0002] Cleaning bar soaps remain popular with consumers for cleaning clothes, hard surfaces, skin, and hair.

[0003] Refined rolled cleaning bar soaps are typically made from soap bars containing non-soap surfactants or total fatty substances (TFM) of more than 70% by weight, 10% to 14% by weight of water, and other components such as titanium dioxide, surfactants, and fragrances. Currently, rolled bar soaps typically have a water content of about 8% to 15% by weight, while unrolled bar soaps have a water content of 20% to 25% by weight.

[0004] Cleaning bar soaps with different compositions are known. Conventional cleaning bar soaps are formulated with various additives to impart the soap's inherent benefits. Conventional cleaning bar soaps contain at least one surfactant (e.g., monovalent sodium, potassium, ammonium, and alkyl ammonium salts of monocarboxylic acid fatty acids) and optionally one or more auxiliaries, such as humectants, wetting agents, antibacterial agents, water, fillers, polymers, processing aids, dyes, fragrances, etc., to enhance the cleaning and conditioning properties of the cleaning bar soap.

[0005] The goal is to produce cleaning bar soaps with high water content to improve formulation and processing efficiency. However, it remains difficult to maintain the high water content of the formulation after it has been processed into the finished cleaning bar soap.

[0006] Therefore, there is still a need for new bar soap formulations that can achieve high water content in the finished bar soap while maintaining other desired bar soap properties such as abrasion rate.

[0007] The present invention provides a cleaning bar soap comprising: 5% to <78.99% by weight of a cleaning surfactant based on the weight of the cleaning bar soap; >21% to 50% by weight of water based on the weight of the cleaning bar soap; 0.01% to 5% by weight of a cross-linked cellulose ether based on the weight of the cleaning bar soap, the cross-linked cellulose ether containing 0.1% to 0.6% by weight of a polyether group based on the weight of the cross-linked cellulose ether; 0% to 3% by weight of a processing aid based on the weight of the cleaning bar soap; 0% to 3% by weight of an optional component based on the weight of the cleaning bar soap, the optional component being selected from the group consisting of fragrances, colorants / dyes, or combinations thereof; and 0% to 15% by weight of a filler based on the weight of the cleaning bar soap; wherein the cleaning bar soap is a solid.

[0008] The present invention provides a cleaning bar soap comprising: 5% to <78.99% by weight of a cleaning surfactant based on the weight of the cleaning bar soap; >21% to 50% by weight of water based on the weight of the cleaning bar soap; 0.01% to 5% by weight of an irreversible cross-linked cellulose ether based on the weight of the cleaning bar soap, the irreversible cross-linked cellulose ether containing 0.1% to 0.6% by weight of a polyether group based on the weight of the irreversible cross-linked cellulose ether; 0% to 3% by weight of a processing aid based on the weight of the cleaning bar soap; 0% to 3% by weight of an optional component based on the weight of the cleaning bar soap, the optional component being selected from the group consisting of fragrances, colorants / dyes, or combinations thereof; and 0% to 15% by weight of a filler based on the weight of the cleaning bar soap; wherein the cleaning bar soap is a solid.

[0009] The present invention provides a method for preparing a cleaning bar soap, the method comprising: providing a cleaning surfactant; providing water; providing a cross-linked cellulose ether containing 0.1% to 0.6% by weight of polyether groups based on the weight of the cross-linked cellulose ether; mixing the cleaning surfactant, the cross-linked cellulose ether, and water to form a combination; rolling the combination; extruding the rolled combination; and stamping the extruded material to provide a cleaning bar soap.

[0010] The present invention provides a method for preparing a cleaning bar soap, the method comprising: providing a cleaning surfactant; providing water; providing a cross-linked cellulose ether containing 0.1% to 0.6% by weight of a polyether group based on the weight of the cross-linked cellulose ether; providing a fragrance and providing a processing aid; mixing the cleaning surfactant, the cross-linked cellulose ether, the fragrance, the processing aid and water to form a combination; rolling the combination; extruding the rolled combination; and stamping the extruded material to provide a cleaning bar soap. Detailed Implementation

[0011] We have surprisingly discovered that the following cleaning bar soaps are beneficial for high water content (>21% by weight) in the finished cleaning bar soap while maintaining acceptable abrasion resistance, the cleaning bar soaps containing cross-linked cellulose ethers with polyether groups in the cross-linking agent (preferably cellulose ethers containing alkyl ether and hydroxyalkyl ether groups).

[0012] Unless otherwise specified, ratios, percentages, parts, etc. are all by weight.

[0013] As used herein and in the appended claims, the term “DS” refers to the number of alkyl-substituted OH groups in each glucan anhydride unit of the cellulose ether, as determined by the Zeisel method.

[0014] As used herein and in the appended claims, the terms “DS(methyl)” or “DS(M)” refer to the number of methyl-substituted OH groups in each glucan anhydride unit of a cellulose ether, as determined by the Zeisel method.

[0015] As used herein and in the appended claims, the term “MS” refers to the number of moles of etherifying agent bound in ether form per mole of glucan anhydride unit as a hydroxyalkyl substituent in the cellulose ether, as determined by the Zeisel method.

[0016] As used herein and in the appended claims, the terms “MS(hydroxyethyl)” or “MS(HE)” refer to the number of moles of etherifying agent bound in ether form per mole of glucan anhydride unit as a hydroxyethyl substituent in the cellulose ether, as determined by the Zeisel method.

[0017] As used herein and in the appended claims, the terms “MS(hydroxypropyl)” or “MS(HP)” refer to the number of moles of etherifying agent bound in ether form per mole of glucan anhydride unit as a hydroxypropyl substituent in the cellulose ether, as determined by the Zeisel method.

[0018] The term "Zeisel method" refers to the Zeisel cleavage procedure used to determine MS and DS. See G. Bartelmus and R. Ketterer, Zeitschrift fuer Analytische Chemie, Vol. 286 (1977, Springer, Berlin, DE), pp. 161-190.

[0019] Preferably, the cleaning bar soap of the present invention is selected from laundry detergent bar soaps, personal care cleaning bar soaps, shampoo bar soaps, hard surface cleaning bar soaps, toilet bars, and dish soaps. More preferably, the cleaning bar soap of the present invention is selected from laundry detergent bar soaps, personal care cleaning bar soaps, and shampoo bar soaps. Most preferably, the cleaning bar soap of the present invention is a laundry detergent bar soap.

[0020] Preferably, the cleaning bar soap of the present invention comprises: 5% to <78.99% by weight (preferably 7% to 70% by weight; more preferably 8% to 60% by weight; most preferably 10% to 55% by weight) of a cleaning surfactant based on the weight of the cleaning bar soap; and >21% to 50% by weight (preferably >23% to 45% by weight; more preferably 25% to 40% by weight; most preferably 30% to 37.5% by weight) of water based on the weight of the cleaning bar soap. And, based on the weight of the cleaning bar soap, 0.01 wt% to 5 wt% (preferably 0.05 wt% to 3 wt%; more preferably 0.1 wt% to 2.5 wt%; still more preferably 0.15 wt% to 2 wt%; most preferably 0.2 wt% to 1.5 wt%) of crosslinked cellulose ether, the crosslinked cellulose ether containing, based on the weight of the crosslinked cellulose ether, 0.1 to 0.6 wt% of polyether groups (preferably, wherein the crosslinked cellulose ether is an irreversible crosslinked cellulose ether); 0 wt% to 3 wt% (preferably 0.01 wt% to 3 wt%) of processing aids based on the weight of the cleaning bar soap; based on the The cleaning bar soap contains, by weight, 0% to 3% (preferably, 0.01% to 3% by weight) of optional components selected from the group consisting of fragrances, colorants / dyes, or combinations thereof; and, by weight, 0% to 70% (preferably, 2% to 65% by weight; more preferably, 2.5% to 60% by weight; most preferably, 3% to 55% by weight) of fillers; wherein the cleaning bar soap is solid (i.e., wherein the cleaning bar soap does not imperceptibly change shape when placed on a rigid surface and left to stand at room temperature 22°C and pressure 101.4 kPa for 24 hours).

[0021] Preferably, the cleaning bar soap of the present invention comprises: 5% to <78.99% by weight (preferably 7% to 70% by weight; more preferably 8% to 60% by weight; most preferably 10% to 55% by weight) of a cleaning surfactant based on the weight of the cleaning bar soap; more preferably, the cleaning bar soap of the present invention comprises: 5% to <78.99% by weight (preferably 7% to 70% by weight; more preferably 8% to 60% by weight; most preferably 10% to 55% by weight) of a cleaning surfactant based on the weight of the cleaning bar soap; wherein the cleaning surfactant is selected from the group consisting of: non-soap surfactants, soaps, and mixtures thereof. Most preferably, the cleaning bar soap of the present invention comprises: 35% to <78.99% by weight (preferably 37% to 70% by weight; more preferably 40% to 60% by weight; most preferably 45% to 55% by weight) of a cleaning surfactant based on the weight of the cleaning bar soap; wherein the cleaning surfactant includes soap.

[0022] Preferably, the cleaning bar soap of the present invention comprises: 5% to 30% by weight (preferably 7% to 25% by weight; more preferably 8% to 20% by weight; most preferably 10% to 15% by weight) of a non-soap surfactant based on the weight of the cleaning bar soap. More preferably, the cleaning bar soap of the present invention comprises: 5% to 30% by weight (preferably 7% to 25% by weight; more preferably 8% to 20% by weight; most preferably 10% to 15% by weight) of a non-soap surfactant based on the weight of the cleaning bar soap; wherein the non-soap surfactant is selected from the group consisting of: alkyl sulfonic acids, alkyl sulfates, alkyl sulfonates, alkyl sulfosuccinates, alkylbenzene sulfonic acids, alkylbenzene sulfates, alkylbenzene sulfonates, alkyl ether sulfonic acids, alkyl ether sulfates, alkyl ether sulfonates, alkyl ether sulfonates, etc. Salts, paraffin sulfonic acids, paraffin sulfates, paraffin sulfonates, olefin sulfonic acids, olefin sulfates, olefin sulfonates, α-sulfocarboxylates, esters of α-sulfocarboxylates, alkyl glyceryl ether sulfonic acids, alkyl glyceryl ether sulfates, alkyl glyceryl ether sulfonates, sulfates of fatty acids, sulfonates of fatty acids, sulfonates of fatty acid esters, alkylphenol polyethoxyether sulfates, 2-acryloyloxyalkane-1-sulfonic acid, 2-acryloyloxyalkane-1-sulfonate, β-alkoxyalkane sulfonic acid, β-alkoxyalkane sulfonate, salts thereof, and mixtures thereof. More preferably, the cleaning bar soap of the present invention comprises: 5% to 30% by weight (preferably, 7% to 25% by weight; more preferably, 8% to 20% by weight; most preferably, 10% to 15% by weight) of a non-soap surfactant based on the weight of the cleaning bar soap; wherein the non-soap surfactant is selected from the group consisting of: C 8-20 Alkylbenzenesulfonic acid, C 8-20 Alkylbenzene sulfate, C8-20 Alkylbenzene sulfonates, C 8-20 Alkyl ether sulfonic acid, C 8-20 Alkyl ether sulfate, C 8-20 Alkyl ether sulfonates, alkane sulfonates, alkane sulfates, alkane sulfonates, α-olefin sulfonates, α-olefin sulfates, α-olefin sulfonates, sulfonates of fatty acids, sulfonates of fatty acid esters, their salts, and mixtures thereof. More preferably, the cleaning bar soap of the present invention comprises: 5% to 30% by weight (preferably 7% to 25% by weight; more preferably 8% to 20% by weight; most preferably 10% to 15% by weight) of a non-soap surfactant based on the weight of the cleaning bar soap; wherein the non-soap surfactant is selected from the group consisting of: C 10-16 Alkylbenzenesulfonic acid, C 10-16 Alkylbenzene sulfonates, C 10-16 Alkyl polyethoxysulfonic acid, C 10-16 Alkyl polyethoxy sulfate, C 10-16 Alkyl polyethoxysulfonates, their salts, and mixtures thereof. Even more preferably, the cleaning bar soap of the present invention comprises: 5% to 30% by weight (preferably 7% to 25% by weight; more preferably 8% to 20% by weight; most preferably 10% to 15% by weight) of a non-soap surfactant based on the weight of the cleaning bar soap; wherein the non-soap surfactant is selected from the group consisting of: C 11-14 Alkylbenzenesulfonic acid, C 11-14 Alkylbenzene sulfonates, C 11-14 Alkyl polyethoxysulfonic acid, C 11-14 Alkyl polyethoxy sulfate, C 11-14 Alkyl polyethoxysulfonates, their salts, and mixtures thereof. Most preferably, the cleaning bar soap of the present invention comprises: 5% to 30% by weight (preferably 7% to 25% by weight; more preferably 8% to 20% by weight; most preferably 10% to 15% by weight) of a non-soap surfactant based on the weight of the cleaning bar soap; wherein the non-soap surfactant comprises (preferably) C 11-14 Alkylbenzene sulfonic acid.

[0023] Preferably, the cleaning bar soap of the present invention comprises: 35% to <78.99% by weight (preferably 37% to 70% by weight; more preferably 40% to 60% by weight; most preferably 45% to 55% by weight) of a cleaning surfactant based on the weight of the cleaning bar soap; more preferably, the cleaning bar soap of the present invention comprises: 35% to <78.99% by weight (preferably 37% to 70% by weight; more preferably 40% to 60% by weight; most preferably 45% to 55% by weight) of a cleaning surfactant based on the weight of the cleaning bar soap, wherein the cleaning surfactant is a soap selected from a monovalent salt of a monocarboxylic acid fatty acid having an anti-ion selected from the group consisting of sodium, potassium, ammonium and alkanoic acid ammonium ions. More preferably, the cleaning bar soap of the present invention comprises: 35% to <78.99% by weight (preferably 37% to 70% by weight; more preferably 40% to 60% by weight; most preferably 45% to 55% by weight) of a cleaning surfactant based on the weight of the cleaning bar soap; wherein the cleaning surfactant is soap; wherein the soap is an alkali metal salt (preferably a sodium salt) of at least one fatty acid from animal fats and vegetable oils. Even more preferably, the cleaning bar soap of the present invention comprises: 35% to <78.99% by weight (preferably 37% to 70% by weight; more preferably 40% to 60% by weight; most preferably 45% to 55% by weight) of a cleaning surfactant based on the weight of the cleaning bar soap; wherein the cleaning surfactant is soap; wherein the soap is an alkali metal salt (preferably a sodium salt) of at least one fatty acid from palm oil, palm kernel oil, castor oil, rice bran oil, sunflower oil, coconut oil, soybean oil, peanut oil, tallow, lard, fish oil, and blends thereof. More preferably, the cleaning bar soap of the present invention comprises: 35% to <78.99% by weight (preferably 37% to 70% by weight; more preferably 40% to 60% by weight; most preferably 45% to 55% by weight) of a cleaning surfactant based on the weight of the cleaning bar soap; wherein the cleaning surfactant is soap; wherein the soap is an alkali metal salt (preferably a sodium salt) of fatty acids derived from a 40:60 to 97:3 blend of oils and fats (preferably, the blend of oils and fats is selected from a blend of palm oil and palm kernel oil and a blend of palm oil and coconut kernel oil).Most preferably, the cleaning bar soap of the present invention comprises: 35% to <78.99% by weight (preferably 37% to 70% by weight; more preferably 40% to 60% by weight; most preferably 45% to 55% by weight) of a cleaning surfactant based on the weight of the cleaning bar soap; wherein the cleaning surfactant is soap; wherein the soap is an alkali metal salt (preferably a sodium salt) of fatty acids from a 50:50, 60:40, 70:30, 80:20 or 90:10 (preferably 80:20) blend of palm oil and palm kernel oil.

[0024] Preferably, the cleaning bar soap of the present invention comprises: >21% to 50% by weight (preferably, >23% to 45% by weight; more preferably, 25% to 40% by weight; most preferably, 30% to 37.5% by weight) of water based on the weight of the cleaning bar soap. More preferably, the cleaning bar soap of the present invention comprises: >21% to 50% by weight (preferably, >23% to 45% by weight; more preferably, 25% to 40% by weight; most preferably, 30% to 37.5% by weight) of water based on the weight of the cleaning bar soap; wherein the water is at least one of distilled water and deionized water. Most preferably, the cleaning bar soap of the present invention comprises: >21% to 50% by weight (preferably, >23% to 45% by weight; more preferably, 25% to 40% by weight; most preferably, 30% to 37.5% by weight) of water based on the weight of the cleaning bar soap; wherein the water is deionized water.

[0025] Preferably, the cleaning bar soap of the present invention comprises: 0.01% to 5% by weight (preferably 0.05% to 3% by weight; more preferably 0.1% to 2.5% by weight; still more preferably 0.15% to 2% by weight; most preferably 0.2% to 1.5% by weight) of crosslinked cellulose ether based on the weight of the cleaning bar soap, the crosslinked cellulose ether containing 0.1% to 0.6% by weight of polyether groups based on the weight of the crosslinked cellulose ether. More preferably, the cleaning bar soap of the present invention comprises: 0.01% to 5% by weight (preferably 0.05% to 3% by weight; more preferably 0.1% to 2.5% by weight; still more preferably 0.15% to 2% by weight; most preferably 0.2% to 1.5% by weight) of crosslinked cellulose ether based on the weight of the cleaning bar soap, the crosslinked cellulose ether containing 0.1% to 0.6% by weight of polyether groups based on the weight of the crosslinked cellulose ether; wherein the crosslinked cellulose ether comprises a base cellulose ether and a crosslinked portion; wherein the crosslinked portion contains polyether groups, and wherein the base cellulose ether is a mixed cellulose ether containing hydroxyalkyl ether groups and alkyl ether groups. More preferably, the cleaning bar soap of the present invention comprises: 0.01% to 5% by weight (preferably 0.05% to 3% by weight; more preferably 0.1% to 2.5% by weight; still more preferably 0.15% to 2% by weight; most preferably 0.2% to 1.5% by weight) of crosslinked cellulose ether based on the weight of the cleaning bar soap, the crosslinked cellulose ether containing 0.1% to 0.6% by weight of polyether groups based on the weight of the crosslinked cellulose ether; wherein the crosslinked cellulose ether comprises a base cellulose ether and a crosslinked portion; wherein the crosslinked portion contains polyether groups, and wherein the base cellulose ether is selected from hydroxyethyl methylcellulose, hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, methyl hydroxyethyl hydroxypropylcellulose, ethyl hydroxyethyl cellulose, and combinations thereof. Most preferably, the cleaning bar soap of the present invention comprises: 0.01% to 5% by weight (preferably 0.05% to 3% by weight; more preferably 0.1% to 2.5% by weight; still more preferably 0.15% to 2% by weight; most preferably 0.2% to 1.5% by weight) of crosslinked cellulose ether based on the weight of the cleaning bar soap, the crosslinked cellulose ether containing 0.1% to 0.6% by weight of polyether groups based on the weight of the crosslinked cellulose ether; wherein the crosslinked cellulose ether comprises a base cellulose ether and a crosslinked portion; wherein the crosslinked portion contains polyether groups, and wherein the base cellulose ether is hydroxyethyl methyl cellulose.

[0026] Preferably, the cleaning bar soap of the present invention comprises: 0.01% to 5% by weight (preferably 0.05% to 3% by weight; more preferably 0.1% to 2.5% by weight; still more preferably 0.15% to 2% by weight; most preferably 0.2% to 1.5% by weight) of crosslinked cellulose ether based on the weight of the cleaning bar soap, the crosslinked cellulose ether containing 0.1% to 0.6% by weight of polyether groups based on the weight of the crosslinked cellulose ether, and wherein the crosslinked cellulose ether is an irreversible crosslinked cellulose ether. More preferably, the cleaning bar soap of the present invention comprises: 0.01% to 5% by weight (preferably 0.05% to 3% by weight; more preferably 0.1% to 2.5% by weight; still more preferably 0.15% to 2% by weight; most preferably 0.2% to 1.5% by weight) of crosslinked cellulose ether based on the weight of the cleaning bar soap, the crosslinked cellulose ether containing 0.1% to 0.6% by weight of polyether groups based on the weight of the crosslinked cellulose ether; wherein the crosslinked cellulose ether comprises a base cellulose ether and a crosslinked portion; wherein the crosslinked portion contains polyether groups; wherein the base cellulose ether is a mixed cellulose ether containing hydroxyalkyl ether groups and alkyl ether groups, and wherein the crosslinked cellulose ether is an irreversible crosslinked cellulose ether. More preferably, the cleaning bar soap of the present invention comprises: 0.01% to 5% by weight (preferably 0.05% to 3% by weight; more preferably 0.1% to 2.5% by weight; still more preferably 0.15% to 2% by weight; most preferably 0.2% to 1.5% by weight) of crosslinked cellulose ether based on the weight of the cleaning bar soap, the crosslinked cellulose ether containing 0.1% to 0.6% by weight of polyether groups based on the weight of the crosslinked cellulose ether; wherein the crosslinked cellulose ether comprises a base cellulose ether and a crosslinked portion; wherein the crosslinked portion contains polyether groups; wherein the base cellulose ether is selected from hydroxyethyl methylcellulose, hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, methyl hydroxyethyl hydroxypropyl cellulose, ethyl hydroxyethyl cellulose, and combinations thereof, and wherein the crosslinked cellulose ether is an irreversible crosslinked cellulose ether. Most preferably, the cleaning bar soap of the present invention comprises: 0.01% to 5% by weight (preferably 0.05% to 3% by weight; more preferably 0.1% to 2.5% by weight; still more preferably 0.15% to 2% by weight; most preferably 0.2% to 1.5% by weight) of crosslinked cellulose ether based on the weight of the cleaning bar soap, the crosslinked cellulose ether containing 0.1% to 0.6% by weight of polyether groups based on the weight of the crosslinked cellulose ether; wherein the crosslinked cellulose ether comprises a base cellulose ether and a crosslinked portion; wherein the crosslinked portion contains polyether groups; wherein the base cellulose ether is hydroxyethyl methyl cellulose; and wherein the crosslinked cellulose is an irreversible crosslinked cellulose ether.

[0027] Preferably, the crosslinked cellulose ether contains 0.1 to 0.6 wt% (preferably 0.12 to 0.6 wt%; more preferably 0.12 wt% to 0.45 wt%; most preferably 0.12 wt% to 0.29 wt%) of polyether groups based on the weight of the crosslinked cellulose ether. Most preferably, the crosslinked cellulose ether contains 0.1 to 0.6 wt% (preferably 0.12 to 0.6 wt%; more preferably 0.12 wt% to 0.45 wt%; most preferably 0.12 wt% to 0.29 wt%) of polyether groups based on the weight of the crosslinked cellulose ether; wherein the polyether groups are polyoxyalkylene groups having 2 to 100 (preferably 2 to 20; more preferably 3 to 15) alkylene oxide groups per crosslinked portion. Most preferably, the crosslinked cellulose ether contains 0.1 to 0.6% by weight (preferably 0.12 to 0.6% by weight; more preferably 0.12% to 0.45% by weight; most preferably 0.12% to 0.29% by weight) of polyether groups based on the weight of the crosslinked cellulose ether; wherein the polyether groups are polyoxypropylene groups having 2 to 100 (preferably 2 to 20; more preferably 3 to 15) propylene oxide groups per crosslinked portion.

[0028] Preferably, the crosslinked cellulose ether of the present invention comprises a base cellulose ether having a crosslinked portion containing 0.1 to 0.6% by weight of a polyether group based on the weight of the crosslinked cellulose ether. Preferably, the base cellulose ether is selected from hydroxyalkyl cellulose ethers, alkyl cellulose ethers, and combinations thereof. Examples of base cellulose ethers include, for example, methylcellulose, ethylcellulose, propylcellulose, butylcellulose, hydroxyethylmethylcellulose, hydroxypropylmethylcellulose, hydroxyethylcellulose, ethylhydroxyethylcellulose, methylethylhydroxyethylcellulose, hydrophobically modified ethylhydroxyethylcellulose, hydrophobically modified hydroxyethylcellulose, sulfoethylmethylhydroxyethylcellulose, sulfoethylmethylhydroxypropylcellulose, and sulfoethylhydroxyethylcellulose. Preferably, the base cellulose ether is a mixed cellulose ether containing both hydroxyalkyl ether groups and alkyl ether groups, such as alkylhydroxyethylcellulose and hydroxyalkylmethylcellulose (e.g., hydroxyethylmethylcellulose, hydroxypropylmethylcellulose, methylhydroxyethylhydroxypropylcellulose, and ethylhydroxyethylcellulose).

[0029] Preferably, the base cellulose ether contains hydroxyalkyl ether substitution. More preferably, the base cellulose ether has a degree of hydroxyethyl ether substitution MS(HE) of 1.5 to 4.5 (preferably 2.0 to 3.0) or a degree of hydroxypropyl ether substitution MS(HP).

[0030] Preferably, the base cellulose ether contains methyl ether substitution. More preferably, the base cellulose ether has a degree of methyl ether substitution DS(M) of 1.2 to 2.1 (preferably 1.3 to 1.7; more preferably 1.35 to 1.60).

[0031] Preferably, the base cellulose ether is a mixed cellulose ether containing hydroxyalkyl ether substitution and alkyl ether substitution. More preferably, the base cellulose ether is a mixed cellulose ether having a degree of hydroxyethyl ether substitution MS(HE) of 0.05 to 0.75 (preferably, 0.15 to 0.45; more preferably, 0.20 to 0.40) and a degree of methyl ether substitution DS(M) of 1.2 to 2.1 (preferably, 1.3 to 1.7; more preferably, 1.35 to 1.60).

[0032] Preferably, the base cellulose ether is a mixed cellulose ether containing hydroxyalkyl ether substitution and alkyl ether substitution. More preferably, the base cellulose ether is a mixed cellulose ether having a degree of hydroxypropyl ether substitution MS(PE) of 0.1 to 1.5 (preferably 0.2 to 1.2) and a degree of methyl ether substitution DS(M) of 1.2 to 2.1 (preferably 1.3 to 2.0).

[0033] Preferably, the crosslinked cellulose ether comprises a base cellulose ether having a crosslinked portion containing 0.1 to 0.6% by weight of a polyether group based on the weight of the crosslinked cellulose ether; wherein the base cellulose ether is hydroxyethyl methyl cellulose, and wherein the crosslinked portion is a polyoxypropylene dioxyethylene ether crosslinked portion, such as those produced as a reaction product of hydroxyethyl methyl cellulose and polypropylene glycol (PPG) glycidyl ether.

[0034] Crosslinking agents used to crosslink base cellulose ethers to form crosslinked cellulose ethers include compounds having polyoxyalkylene or polyalkylene glycol groups, and two or more (preferably two) crosslinking groups such as halogen groups, glycidyl groups, or epoxy groups, and olefinic unsaturated groups (e.g., vinyl groups) and forming ether bonds with the base cellulose ether to form the crosslinked cellulose ether. Preferably, the crosslinking agent is selected from 1,2-dichloro(poly)alkoxy ethers, dichloropolyoxyethylene, diglycidyl polyalkoxy ethers, diglycidyl phosphonates, and divinyl polyoxyethylene containing sulfone groups. Crosslinking agents having two different types of functional groups can be used. Examples include diglycidyl polyoxypropylene and glycidyl(poly)oxyalkyl methacrylate. Preferably, the crosslinking agent contains 2 to 100 (preferably 2 to 20; more preferably 3 to 15) alkylene oxide groups per molecule.

[0035] Preferably, the amount of crosslinking agent contained in the crosslinked cellulose ether is in the range of 0.0001 to 0.05 equivalents (preferably, 0.0005 to 0.01 equivalents; more preferably, 0.001 to 0.005 equivalents), wherein the unit "equivalent" represents the molar ratio of the number of moles of crosslinking agent to the number of moles of glucan anhydride units (AGU) in the base cellulose ether.

[0036] Preferably, the crosslinked cellulose ether is irreversible. That is, the crosslinks in the crosslinked cellulose ether do not decompose during its intended use under normal conditions. Conversely, reversible crosslinks will decompose during the intended use of the crosslinked cellulose ether under normal conditions. Examples of reversible crosslinks in cellulose ethers intended for use in cleaning bar soaps are those produced using aldehyde-based crosslinking agents (e.g., glyoxal), whose crosslinked portions decompose when the crosslinked material is dissolved in water.

[0037] Preferably, the cleaning bar soap of the present invention comprises: <0.5% by weight (preferably, <0.01% by weight; more preferably, <0.001% by weight; still more preferably, <0.0001% by weight; most preferably, <the limit of detection) of crosslinked carboxymethyl cellulose based on the weight of the cleaning bar soap.

[0038] Preferably, the cleaning bar soap of the present invention is solid. As used herein and in the appended claims, the term "solid" with respect to the cleaning bar soap means that when the cleaning bar soap is placed on a rigid surface and left to stand on the rigid surface at room temperature (22°C) and pressure (101.4 kPa) for 24 hours, the cleaning bar soap does not perceptibly change shape.

[0039] Preferably, the cleaning bar soap of the present invention has an abrasion rate of 0.5% to 11% by weight (more preferably, 1% to 8% by weight; most preferably, 1% to 4% by weight), wherein the abrasion rate is the weight loss of the cleaning bar soap after 4 days of use as described in the examples.

[0040] Preferably, the cleaning bar soap of the present invention further comprises optional ingredients. More preferably, the cleaning bar soap of the present invention further comprises optional ingredients; wherein the optional ingredients are selected from the group consisting of: builders; humectants; processing aids (e.g., titanium dioxide); preservatives (e.g., benzoic acid, sorbic acid, phenoxyethanol); antioxidants (e.g., butylated hydroxytoluene); viscosity modifiers; polymers; free fatty acids; foam stabilizers; foam enhancers; fillers; chelating agents; antimicrobial agents (e.g., biocides); pH adjusters; pH buffers; fragrances / perfumes; salts; colorants (e.g., dyes) and mixtures thereof. Most preferably, the cleaning bar soap of the present invention further comprises optional ingredients selected from the group consisting of processing aids (e.g., titanium dioxide), fragrances, colorants, and mixtures thereof.

[0041] Preferably, the cleaning bar soap of the present invention optionally further comprises, based on the weight of the cleaning bar soap, 0% to 50% by weight (preferably, 8% to 40% by weight; more preferably, 10% to 30% by weight; most preferably, 10.5% to 15% by weight) of a builder. More preferably, the cleaning bar soap of the present invention optionally further comprises, based on the weight of the cleaning bar soap, 0% to 50% by weight (preferably, 8% to 40% by weight; more preferably, 10% to 30% by weight; most preferably, 10.5% to 15% by weight) of a builder; wherein the builder is selected from the group consisting of: hydrateable alkali metal phosphates, bases (including carbonates and bicarbonates), zeolites, ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid salts, hypocyanidin triacetic acid salts, and mixtures thereof. More preferably, the cleaning bar soap of the present invention optionally further comprises, based on the weight of the cleaning bar soap, 0% to 50% by weight (preferably, 8% to 40% by weight; more preferably, 10% to 30% by weight; most preferably, 10.5% to 15% by weight) of a builder; wherein the builder is selected from the group consisting of zeolite, sodium citrate, sodium carbonate, calcium carbonate, sodium bicarbonate, calcium bicarbonate, and mixtures thereof. Most preferably, the cleaning bar soap of the present invention optionally further comprises, based on the weight of the cleaning bar soap, 0% to 50% by weight (preferably, 8% to 40% by weight; more preferably, 10% to 30% by weight; most preferably, 10.5% to 15% by weight) of a builder; wherein the builder includes at least one of sodium carbonate and calcium carbonate.

[0042] Preferably, the cleaning bar soap of the present invention further comprises a humectant. More preferably, the cleaning bar soap of the present invention further comprises 0.1% to 5% by weight (preferably 0.25% to 2% by weight; more preferably 0.5% to 1.5% by weight; most preferably 0.75% to 1.25% by weight) of a humectant based on the weight of the cleaning bar soap. More preferably, the cleaning bar soap of the present invention further comprises, based on the weight of the cleaning bar soap, 0.1% to 5% by weight (preferably, 0.25% to 2% by weight; more preferably, 0.5% to 1.5% by weight; most preferably, 0.75% to 1.25% by weight) of a humectant; wherein the humectant is a polyol selected from the group consisting of: glycerol, sorbitol, propylene glycol, butylene glycol, hexanediol, ethoxylated glucose, 1,2-hexanediol, glycerol, dipropylene glycol, erythritol, trehalose, diglycerol, xylitol, maltitol, maltose, glucose, fructose, and mixtures thereof. More preferably, the cleaning bar soap of the present invention further comprises 0.1% to 5% by weight (preferably 0.25% to 2% by weight; more preferably 0.5% to 1.5% by weight; most preferably 0.75% to 1.25% by weight) of a wetting agent based on the weight of the cleaning bar soap; wherein the wetting agent comprises glycerin. Most preferably, the cleaning bar soap of the present invention further comprises 0.1% to 5% by weight (preferably 0.25% to 2% by weight; more preferably 0.5% to 1.5% by weight; most preferably 0.75% to 1.25% by weight) of a wetting agent based on the weight of the cleaning bar soap; wherein the wetting agent is glycerin.

[0043] Preferably, the cleaning bar soap of the present invention further comprises a processing aid. More preferably, the cleaning bar soap of the present invention further comprises 0.01% to 3% by weight (preferably 0.1% to 1.5% by weight; more preferably 0.25% to 1.25% by weight; most preferably 0.5% to 1% by weight) of a processing aid based on the weight of the cleaning bar soap. Still more preferably, the cleaning bar soap of the present invention further comprises 0.01% to 3% by weight (preferably 0.1% to 1.5% by weight; more preferably 0.25% to 1.25% by weight; most preferably 0.5% to 1% by weight) of a processing aid based on the weight of the cleaning bar soap; wherein the processing aid is an inorganic powder material selected from the group consisting of: talc, calcite, kaolin, silica, titanium dioxide, diatomaceous earth, and mixtures thereof. More preferably, the cleaning bar soap of the present invention further comprises: 0.01 wt% to 3 wt% (preferably 0.1 wt% to 1.5 wt%; more preferably 0.25 wt% to 1.25 wt%; most preferably 0.5 wt% to 1 wt%) of processing aids based on the weight of the cleaning bar soap; wherein the processing aids are selected from the group consisting of talc, calcite, titanium dioxide, and mixtures thereof. Most preferably, the cleaning bar soap of the present invention further comprises: 0.01 wt% to 3 wt% (preferably 0.1 wt% to 1.5 wt%; more preferably 0.25 wt% to 1.25 wt%; most preferably 0.5 wt% to 1 wt%) of processing aids based on the weight of the cleaning bar soap; wherein the processing aids include titanium dioxide.

[0044] Preferably, the cleaning bar soap of the present invention further comprises a chelating agent. More preferably, the cleaning bar soap of the present invention further comprises: 0.01% to 0.5% by weight (preferably, 0.05% to 0.3% by weight; more preferably, 0.075% to 0.25% by weight; most preferably, 0.1% to 0.2% by weight) of a chelating agent based on the weight of the cleaning bar soap. Still more preferably, the cleaning bar soap of the present invention further comprises: 0.01% to 0.5% by weight (preferably, 0.05% to 0.3% by weight; more preferably, 0.075% to 0.25% by weight; most preferably, 0.1% to 0.2% by weight) of a chelating agent based on the weight of the cleaning bar soap; wherein the chelating agent is selected from the group consisting of: diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid; 1-hydroxyethane-1,1-bisphosphonic acid; citric acid; ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA), its salts, and mixtures thereof. More preferably, the cleaning bar soap of the present invention further comprises: 0.01% to 0.5% by weight (preferably 0.05% to 0.3% by weight; more preferably 0.075% to 0.25% by weight; most preferably 0.1% to 0.2% by weight) of a chelating agent based on the weight of the cleaning bar soap; wherein the chelating agent is selected from the group consisting of: pentasodium diethylenetriaminepentaacetate, disodium 1-hydroxyethane-1,1-bisphosphonate; citric acid, ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA), tetrasodium ethylenediaminetetraacetate, and mixtures thereof. Most preferably, the cleaning bar soap of the present invention further comprises: 0.01% to 0.5% by weight (preferably 0.05% to 0.3% by weight; more preferably 0.075% to 0.25% by weight; most preferably 0.1% to 0.2% by weight) of a chelating agent based on the weight of the cleaning bar soap; wherein the chelating agent comprises tetrasodium ethylenediaminetetraacetate.

[0045] Preferably, the cleaning bar soap of the present invention further comprises a fragrance. More preferably, the cleaning bar soap of the present invention further comprises 0.01% to 3% by weight (preferably 0.1% to 2% by weight; more preferably 0.5% to 1.75% by weight; most preferably 0.75% to 1.25% by weight) of fragrance based on the weight of the cleaning bar soap.

[0046] Preferably, the cleaning bar soap of the present invention further comprises a colorant. More preferably, the cleaning bar soap of the present invention further comprises 0.01% to 3% by weight (preferably 0.1% to 2% by weight; more preferably 0.5% to 1.75% by weight; most preferably 0.75% to 1.25% by weight) of colorant based on the weight of the cleaning bar soap.

[0047] Preferably, the cleaning bar soap of the present invention comprises 0% to 70% by weight (preferably 2% to 65% by weight; more preferably 2.5% to 60% by weight; most preferably 3% to 55% by weight) of filler based on the weight of the cleaning bar soap. More preferably, the cleaning bar soap of the present invention comprises 0% to 70% by weight (preferably 2% to 65% by weight; more preferably 2.5% to 60% by weight; most preferably 3% to 55% by weight) of filler based on the weight of the cleaning bar soap; wherein the filler further comprises substances selected from the group consisting of: sulfates (e.g., magnesium sulfate), chlorides (e.g., sodium chloride), calcite, silicates (e.g., sodium silicate; hydrated aluminum silicate), dolomite, and mixtures thereof. Most preferably, the cleaning bar soap of the present invention comprises 0% to 18% by weight (preferably 2% to 10% by weight; more preferably 1% to 10% by weight; most preferably 3% to 5% by weight) of filler based on the weight of the cleaning bar soap; wherein the filler comprises sodium silicate.

[0048] The cleaning bar soap of the present invention can be produced using well-known techniques, including melt casting (also known as melting and casting), stamping, extrusion, grinding, molding, and combinations thereof.

[0049] Preferably, the method for preparing the cleaning bar soap of the present invention comprises: providing a cleaning surfactant (preferably, wherein the cleaning surfactant is soap; more preferably, wherein the cleaning surfactant is soap provided in the form of soap bars; most preferably, wherein the cleaning surfactant is soap provided in the form of soap bars containing an aqueous mixture comprising at least 70% by weight of total fatty substances (TFM) and 10% to 15% by weight of water); providing water; providing a crosslinked cellulose ether containing 0.1% to 0.6% by weight of polyether groups based on the weight of the crosslinked cellulose ether; mixing the cleaning surfactant, the crosslinked cellulose ether, and water to form a combination (preferably, the cleaning surfactant, the crosslinked cellulose ether, and the water are heated during mixing to form the combination); rolling the combination; extruding the rolled combination; and stamping the extruded material to provide the cleaning bar soap. More preferably, the method for preparing the cleaning bar soap of the present invention comprises: providing a cleaning surfactant (preferably, wherein the cleaning surfactant is soap; more preferably, wherein the cleaning surfactant is soap provided in the form of soap bars; most preferably, wherein the cleaning surfactant is soap provided in the form of soap bars containing an aqueous mixture comprising at least 70% by weight of total fatty substances (TFM) and 10% to 15% by weight of water); providing water; providing a cross-linked cellulose ether containing 0.1% to 0.6% by weight of polyether groups based on the weight of the cross-linked cellulose ether; providing a fragrance; providing a processing aid; mixing the cleaning surfactant, cross-linked cellulose ether, fragrance, processing aid and water to form a combination; rolling the combination; extruding the rolled combination; and stamping the extruded material to provide the cleaning bar soap.

[0050] Some embodiments of the present invention will now be described in detail in the following examples.

[0051] Synthesis 1: Cross-linked cellulose ether

[0052] The crosslinking agent used in Synthesis 1 is linear poly(propylene glycol) diglycidyl ether, which is made of propylene glycol (PPG) with a molecular weight of about 400 Daltons and has the following formula:

[0053]

[0054] Where n is 5.7 to 6.7 (in EPILOX) TM M985 poly(propylene glycol) diglycidyl ether crosslinking agent was purchased from Leuna-Harze GmbH (Leuna, DE).

[0055] 1.5 mol of ground cellulose powder was added to a 5 L autoclave. After immediately purging the autoclave with nitrogen, the contents were heated to 40 °C. Dimethyl ether (DME, 4.7 mol / mol glucan (AGU)) and chloromethane (MCl; 3.2 mol / mol AGU) were then injected into the autoclave. Sodium hydroxide (NaOH, 50% wt% aqueous solution, 1.9 mol NaOH / mol AGU) was added to the autoclave in three portions over 2 minutes at 40 °C. The reaction mixture was maintained at 40 °C for 30 minutes. Ethylene oxide (0.45 mol / mol AGU) was then added, and the reaction mixture was maintained at 40 °C for 10 minutes. The crosslinking agent (EPILOX) was then added. TM M985 crosslinking agent (0.0025 mol / mol AGU) was dissolved in 20 mL of isopropanol and added to the contents of the autoclave in six increments at 30-second intervals. The contents of the autoclave were then heated to 80°C over 40 minutes. At 80°C, a water-soluble monovalent copper ligand (MCL 2; 1.3 mol / mol AGU) was rapidly injected into the autoclave. Then, NaOH (0.67 mol / mol AGU) was added in seven portions over 30 minutes, followed by cooking at 80°C for 70 minutes. Subsequently, the product, crosslinked cellulose ether, was washed in hot (>95°C) water, neutralized with formic acid, granulated, dried, and ground.

[0056] Comparative Example C1 and Examples 1-7: Cleaning Bar Soap

[0057] For each of Comparative Example C1 and Examples 1-7, cleaning bar soaps having the compositions shown in Table 1 were prepared. Soap bar pellets were crushed in a Sigma mixer and mixed in the Sigma mixer with the other ingredients shown in Table 1 in the same quantities. All ingredients were added sequentially, without a specific order, except for the fragrance added last. The entire material was then transferred from the Sigma mixer to a three-roll mill to grind the mixture. All processes were performed under laboratory conditions. The material received from the roll mill was then pressed into strips in a screw press and extruded at a temperature of 45°C to 65°C. The extruded material was then cut into small pieces and stamped into soap molds to provide the final product, the cleaning bar soap.

[0058] Table 1

[0059]

[0060] Moisture content of cleaning bar soap

[0061] The moisture content of the cleaning bar soaps prepared according to Comparative Example C1 and Examples 1-7 was measured using a Mettler Toledo HX204 halogen moisture analyzer with a drying temperature set to 150°C and 0.5 g of sample selected from the cross-section of the cleaning bar soap. The moisture content is reported in Table 2.

[0062] Table 2

[0063] Comparative Example C1 19.67 Example 1 30.66 Example 2 31.25 Example 3 31.98 Example 4 30.68 Example 5 29.38 Example 6 35.00 Example 7 41.25

[0064] Cleaning bar soap wear rate

[0065] Trained team members evaluated each cleaning bar soap prepared according to Comparative Example C1 and Examples 1-7 using the following test protocol to assess the wear rate as the percentage of weight loss from the cleaning bar soap after 4 days of use. A 20cm x 15cm poplin fabric was immersed in water. The cleaning bar soaps were first weighed (three samples of each cleaning bar soap composition were tested). The bar soaps were rubbed 10 times with the top surface of the soap onto the fabric surface. Each rub was a horizontal stroke. The same method was then used to rub the bar soaps 10 times with the bottom surface on different fabrics kept under the same conditions. A total of 20 rubs were performed on each cleaning bar soap. The cleaning bar soaps were left to stand for 30 minutes, and then the process was repeated. This process was repeated five times per day for each cleaning bar soap (i.e., 100 rubs per cleaning bar soap per day). The cleaning bar soaps were then kept in Petri dishes in trays containing some water, covered overnight with a paraffin film to create humidity. The process was repeated the next day (i.e., 100 rubs per cleaning bar soap), and then the cleaning bar soaps were stored as described. This continued for four consecutive days. On the fifth day, the cleaning bar soap was weighed, and the average wear rate is reported in Table 3.

[0066] Table 3

[0067] Comparative Example C1 10.64 Example 1 10.34 Example 2 8.90 Example 3 6.86 Example 4 3.80 Example 5 3.26 Example 6 3.15 Example 7 2.92

Claims

1. A cleaning bar soap, comprising: Based on the weight of the cleaning bar soap, 5% to <78.99% by weight of cleaning surfactant; Based on the weight of the cleaning bar soap, >21% to 50% water; and Based on the weight of the cleaning bar soap, 0.01% to 5% by weight of crosslinked cellulose ether, wherein the crosslinked cellulose ether contains 0.1% to 0.6% by weight of polyether groups based on the weight of the crosslinked cellulose ether; Based on the weight of the cleaning bar soap, 0% to 3% by weight of processing aids; Based on the weight of the cleaning bar soap, 0% to 3% by weight of optional components, the optional components being selected from the group consisting of: fragrances, colorants / dyes, or combinations thereof; Based on the weight of the cleaning bar soap, 0% to 15% by weight of filler; The cleaning bar soap mentioned therein is a solid.

2. The cleaning bar soap according to claim 1, wherein the cross-linked cellulose ether is an irreversible cross-linked cellulose ether.

3. The cleaning bar soap according to claim 2, wherein the polyether group in the irreversible crosslinked cellulose ether is a polyoxyalkylene group having 2 to 100 alkylene oxide groups.

4. The cleaning bar soap according to claim 3, wherein the polyoxyalkylene group is selected from the group consisting of: polyoxyethylene, polyoxypropylene, and combinations thereof.

5. The cleaning bar soap according to claim 4, wherein the irreversible crosslinked cellulose ether comprises a base cellulose ether and a crosslinked portion; wherein the crosslinked portion contains the polyether group; and wherein the base cellulose ether contains hydroxyalkyl ether and alkyl ether groups.

6. The cleaning bar soap according to claim 5, wherein the base cellulose ether is selected from the group consisting of hydroxyethyl methylcellulose, hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, methyl hydroxyethyl hydroxypropylcellulose, ethyl hydroxyethyl cellulose, and combinations thereof.

7. The cleaning bar soap of claim 1, wherein the cleaning surfactant is soap; wherein the cleaning bar soap comprises 35% to <78.99% by weight of the soap based on the weight of the cleaning bar soap; and wherein the cleaning bar soap further comprises: Based on the weight of the cleaning bar soap, 0.01% to 3% by weight of processing aids; and Based on the weight of the cleaning bar soap, 0.01% to 3% by weight of optional components, said optional components being selected from the group consisting of at least one of fragrances and dyes; and The cleaning bar soap mentioned above is a laundry cleaning bar soap, wherein, The sum of all components equals 100%.

8. The cleaning bar soap of claim 1, wherein the cleaning surfactant is soap; wherein the cleaning bar soap comprises 35% to <78.99% by weight of the soap based on the weight of the cleaning bar soap; and wherein the cleaning bar soap further comprises: Based on the weight of the cleaning bar soap, 0.01% to 3% by weight of processing aids; Based on the weight of the cleaning bar soap, 0.01% to 3% by weight of optional components, said optional components being selected from the group consisting of at least one of fragrances and dyes; and Based on the weight of the cleaning bar soap, 0.1% to 5% by weight of a wetting agent; and The cleaning bar soaps mentioned above are personal care cleaning bar soaps, wherein, The sum of all components equals 100%.

9. A method for preparing the cleaning bar soap according to any one of claims 1-8, comprising: Provides cleaning surfactants; Provide water; A crosslinked cellulose ether is provided, the crosslinked cellulose ether containing 0.1% to 0.6% by weight of polyether groups based on the weight of the crosslinked cellulose ether; The cleaning surfactant, the cross-linked cellulose ether, and the water are mixed to form a combination; Roll the assembly; The combination rolled by extrusion; and The extruded material is stamped to provide the cleaning bar soap.

10. The method of claim 9, further comprising: Provide fragrances; as well as Provide processing aids; The fragrance and the processing aid are mixed with the cleaning surfactant, the cross-linked cellulose ether and the water to form the combination.

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