A concentrated conditioner composition

Abstract

The application discloses a concentrated softener composition, which is made of the following components by weight percentage: cationic softener 15-25%; stabilizer 0.2-0.5%; viscosity reducer 0.1-1%; acidity regulator 0.1-0.5%; auxiliary agent 0.01-5%; and the rest is soft water. The application relates to a concentrated softener composition, which is prepared by compounding different types of cationic softeners with stabilizers, so that the product not only has excellent softening effect, but also has excellent high-temperature (45 DEG C), normal-temperature and low-temperature (-5 DEG C) stability. The fabric treated by the concentrated softener composition still has good smoothness and lofting effect and does not obviously yellow after high-temperature drying (greater than 125 DEG C).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of fabric softeners, and more specifically to a concentrated fabric softener composition. Background Technology

[0002] With the continuous improvement of living standards, people have placed higher demands on the quality of fabrics after washing. Therefore, functions such as softening and antistatic properties have received widespread attention. Commercially available fabric softeners are generally low in concentration; according to the QB / T4535 standard, the solid content of ordinary fabric softeners should be ≥3.5%. Low-concentration fabric softeners require a high dosage per wash (≥80ml), resulting in large bottles that are inconvenient to use. Energy conservation and emission reduction are expressions of corporate social responsibility. Concentrating detergents not only effectively achieves energy conservation and emission reduction goals but also reduces packaging material usage, increases corporate profits, and promotes healthy corporate development. The cationic surfactants used in fabric softeners have poor solubility in water. These surfactants are dispersed in aqueous solutions, and at high concentrations, fabric softeners are prone to low-temperature gelation that is irreversible and high-temperature stratification. To address this issue, most products on the market use amide-based quaternary ammonium salts with good high- and low-temperature resistance. While this solution solves the stability problem, its softening effect is less than satisfactory. Summary of the Invention

[0003] In order to overcome the shortcomings and deficiencies of the prior art, the present invention provides a concentrated fabric softener composition that can meet the following requirements: (1) the concentrated fabric softener composition has a high concentration and excellent high temperature (45°C), room temperature and low temperature (-5°C) stability; (2) the fabric treated with the concentrated fabric softener composition and dried has an excellent hand feel; (3) the fabric treated with the concentrated fabric softener composition and dried at high temperature does not turn yellow significantly.

[0004] The objective of this invention is achieved through the following technical solution:

[0005] In a first aspect, the present invention provides a concentrated fabric softener composition prepared from the following components in weight percentages:

[0006] 15-25% cationic fabric softener;

[0007] Stabilizer 0.2-0.5%;

[0008] Viscosity reducer 0.1-1%;

[0009] Acidity regulator 0.1-0.5%;

[0010] Additives 0.01-5%;

[0011] The remaining soft water.

[0012] The cationic softeners include amide-based cationic softeners, ester-based cationic softeners, and alkyl-based cationic softeners.

[0013] The cationic fabric softener contains 40-60% amide-based cationic fabric softener by weight.

[0014] The cationic fabric softener contains 30-45% by weight of ester-based cationic fabric softener.

[0015] The alkyl cationic softener comprises 10-20% by weight in the cationic softener.

[0016] The amide-based cationic softener is one of methylbis(tallowamidoethyl)-2-hydroxyethylmethylammonium sulfate, methylbis(oilamidoethyl)-2-hydroxyethylmethylammonium sulfate, and methylbis(hydrogenatedtallowamidoethyl)-2-hydroxyethylmethylammonium sulfate, preferably methylbis(tallowamidoethyl)-2-hydroxyethylmethylammonium sulfate.

[0017] The ester-based cationic softener is one of bis(tallow-based carboxyethyl)-hydroxyethylmethyl methyl sulfate ammonium, bis(hydrogenated tallow-based carboxyethyl)-hydroxyethylmethyl methyl sulfate ammonium, bis(oil-based carboxyethyl)-hydroxyethylmethyl methyl sulfate ammonium, bis(palmitoyl carboxyethyl)-hydroxyethylmethyl methyl sulfate ammonium, and bis(hydrogenated palmitoyl carboxyethyl)-hydroxyethylmethyl methyl sulfate ammonium, preferably bis(palmitoyl carboxyethyl)-hydroxyethylmethyl methyl sulfate ammonium.

[0018] The alkyl cationic softener is one of dihydrogenated tallow dimethyl ammonium chloride, dihydrogenated palmitodimethyl ammonium chloride, and dioctadecyl dimethyl ammonium chloride, preferably dioctadecyl dimethyl ammonium chloride.

[0019] The stabilizer is one of fatty alcohol polyoxyethylene ether, fatty amine polyoxyethylene ether, or alkyl glycoside. The stabilizer's function is to significantly reduce the stability problems (low-temperature gelation, high-temperature stratification) that are prone to occur with high-concentration cationic fabric softeners.

[0020] Furthermore, the fatty alcohol polyoxyethylene ether is a C16-C18 alcohol with a degree of polymerization ≥20; the fatty amine polyoxyethylene ether is a C16-18 amine with a degree of polymerization ≥25; and the alkyl glycoside is a C12-16 alcohol with a degree of polymerization between 1.1 and 3.

[0021] The viscosity reducer is at least one of calcium chloride, magnesium chloride, sodium chloride, and sodium sulfate, preferably calcium chloride and magnesium chloride.

[0022] The acidity regulator is at least one of hydrochloric acid, sulfuric acid, and nitric acid, preferably hydrochloric acid and sulfuric acid.

[0023] The additives mentioned are one or more of the following: cosolvents, preservatives, pigments, fluorescent whitening agents, fragrances, modified siloxane softeners, and defoamers.

[0024] Compared with existing technical solutions, the concentrated fabric softener composition of the present invention has the following advantages:

[0025] 1. This invention solves the stability problem of highly concentrated fabric softeners. The concentrated fabric softener composition of this invention uses three cationic fabric softeners and stabilizers in combination, and the product does not separate at high temperatures, does not gel at low temperatures, and has minimal viscosity change between high and low temperatures.

[0026] 2. The combination of three cationic fabric softeners provides better softening effect. This fabric softener composition uses a combination of three cationic fabric softeners, which has a better softening effect than single-component amide-based cationic fabric softeners or ester-based cationic fabric softeners, and its softening performance is close to that of single-component alkyl-based cationic fabric softeners.

[0027] 3. Fabrics treated with the concentrated softener composition of the present invention show less yellowing after high-temperature drying. Amide-based cationic softeners and ester-based cationic softeners generally have moderate softening properties but good resistance to yellowing, while alkyl-based cationic softeners have good softening properties but poor resistance to yellowing. Therefore, the concentrated softener composition of the present invention achieves a good balance between softening and anti-yellowing properties, exhibiting excellent softening performance and good resistance to yellowing.

[0028] 4. The concentrated fabric softener composition of this invention is particularly suitable for hotel linen washing. Hotel linen washing is completed by dedicated washing equipment, and the addition of detergents is also done through a dispenser. Due to the special nature of the dispenser's program settings, sufficient detergent needs to be added in a short time. Therefore, the detergents used in laundry plants are all concentrated or ultra-concentrated products, and the smaller the viscosity change with temperature, the better (viscosity significantly affects the dispenser's feed rate). With the increasing centralization of laundry plants, tunnel washing machines, which are highly efficient and save water and electricity, are being widely adopted. A through-type dryer is a matching drying equipment for tunnel washing machines. It uses a special heater and a unique 3D three-dimensional air duct structure, allowing hot air to fully contact the linens, giving the machine excellent drying capabilities. The drying temperature of a through-type dryer (>125℃) is much higher than that of a stand-alone dryer (<90℃). Under such high-temperature drying conditions, linens are prone to hardening due to rapid water loss. The concentrated fabric softener composition of this invention effectively solves this industry problem. Detailed Implementation

[0029] The technical solutions in the embodiments will be clearly and completely described below. Obviously, the embodiments described below are only some embodiments of the present invention, and not all embodiments. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments of the present invention without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0030] It should be understood that, when used in this specification and the appended claims, the terms "comprising" and "including" indicate the presence of the described features, integrals, steps, operations, elements and / or components, but do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integrals, steps, operations, elements, components and / or collections thereof.

[0031] It should also be understood that the terminology used in this specification of embodiments of the invention is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to limit the embodiments of the invention. As used in this specification of embodiments of the invention and the appended claims, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0032] All raw materials involved in this invention can be purchased directly from the market. For process parameters not specifically specified, conventional techniques can be used as a reference.

[0033] In some embodiments, the amide-based cationic softener is one of VARISOFT 222LM and VARI SOFT 222AP manufactured by Evonik Specialty Chemicals, and ACCOSOFT 501 manufactured by Stepan Chemicals, with VARISOFT 222LM being preferred.

[0034] In some embodiments, the ester-based cationic softener is one of Rewopol WE28 and Rewopol WE45 manufactured by Evonik Specialty Chemicals, Stepantex SP90, Stepantex VT90 and Stepantex VK90 manufactured by Stepan Chemicals, and TEP-88 manufactured by Solvay Fine Chemicals, with Stepantex VK90 being preferred.

[0035] In some embodiments, the alkyl cationic softener is one of SUNQAT SM-75 produced by Tianjin Xianguang, ARQUAD 2HT-75 produced by Noryon, and DHT21 E75 produced by Solvay Fine Chemicals, with SUNQAT SM-75 being preferred.

[0036] Comparative Examples 1-6

[0037] Comparative Examples 1-6 each provide a fabric softener. The components and formulations used to prepare the fabric softeners of Comparative Examples 1-6 are shown in Table 1 below.

[0038] Table 1. Ingredients and proportions of fabric softeners in Comparative Examples 1-6

[0039]

[0040]

[0041] Examples 1-4

[0042] Examples 1-4 each provide a concentrated fabric softener composition. The components and formulations used to prepare the concentrated fabric softener compositions of Examples 1-4 are shown in Table 2 below.

[0043] Table 2. Composition and proportions of concentrated fabric softener compositions in Examples 1-4

[0044]

[0045] Experimental Example 1 – High and Low Temperature Stability and Viscosity Change Test

[0046] The low-temperature stability test method involves placing the sample in a -5℃ refrigerator for 4 weeks, testing the viscosity (-5℃), and then restoring it to room temperature to observe the product appearance.

[0047] The room temperature stability test method involves placing the sample in a room temperature environment for 3 months, testing the viscosity (room temperature viscosity), and observing the product appearance.

[0048] The high-temperature stability test method involves placing the sample in an oven at 45°C for 4 weeks, testing the viscosity (at 45°C), and then restoring it to room temperature to observe the product appearance.

[0049] The low-temperature, room-temperature, and high-temperature stability of Comparative Examples 1-6 and Examples 1-4 were tested using the method described above, and the test results are shown in Table 3.

[0050] Table 3. Comparative Examples 1-6 and Examples 1-4: Appearance and viscosity test data at low temperature, room temperature, and high temperature.

[0051]

[0052] According to the test results in Table 3, except for Comparative Examples 1 and 4 which showed high-low temperature stability, the other comparative examples all exhibited high-temperature stratification or low-temperature gelation. The stability of fabric softeners using ester-based cationic or alkyl-based cationic softeners alone was poor. The combination with amide-based cationic softeners significantly improved the product's stability. Comparative Examples 4-6 and Examples 1-4 show that when the amount of amide-based cationic softener added is less than 40% of the cationic softener, the stability still fails. The comparison between Comparative Example 6 and Example 1 shows that the stabilizer is crucial for the high-low temperature stability of the entire system. The solution provided in the embodiments of this invention exhibits excellent low-temperature (-5℃), room-temperature, and high-temperature (45℃) stability, with no obvious gelation or stratification observed after 30 days of exposure to high and low temperatures.

[0053] The flow rate of Example 1 was calibrated using a SEKO diaphragm pump, and the calibration results are shown in Table 4.

[0054] Table 4. Sampling volume of SEKO diaphragm pump in 10s at different temperatures.

[0055] temperature Sampling volume (ml) 0℃ 269 5℃ 274 10℃ 280 15℃ 291 20℃ 298 25℃ 304 30℃ 308 35℃ 311

[0056] According to the test results in Table 4, the sampling volume of the SEKO diaphragm pump fluctuates with viscosity; the higher the viscosity (and the lower the temperature), the smaller the sampling volume. Example 1 showed an extreme value of 42 ml between 0°C and 35°C, which meets the requirements of laundry facilities in most regions.

[0057] Experimental Example 2 - Smoothing Effect Test

[0058] Softness test method: Dissolve the test sample in a basin of water at an effective concentration of 0.02%. Soak the treated fabric (guest room bath towels or hand towels, washed with surfactant and sodium hydroxide at high temperature, and neutralized to neutral with neutralizing acid) in the basin of water for 5 minutes, wring out, air dry, and then manually rub the towel fibers to loosen them. The softness and comfort of the towels are evaluated by 10 trained evaluators (5 men and 5 women), who rate them on a scale of 1 to 5, with higher scores for better feel.

[0059] The softening effect of Comparative Examples 1-6 and Examples 1-4 was tested using the method described above, and the test results are shown in Table 5.

[0060] Table 5 shows the compliance scores for Comparative Examples 1-6 and Examples 1-4.

[0061] Compliance score Comparative Example 1 2.5 Comparative Example 2 2.7 Comparative Example 3 4.6 Comparative Example 4 3.9 Comparative Example 5 4.3 Comparative Example 6 4.2 Example 1 4.2 Example 2 4.1 Example 3 4.3 Example 4 4.4

[0062] The test results in Table 5 show that simple amide-based or ester-based cationic fabric softeners have poor softening properties, while alkyl-based cationic fabric softeners alone exhibit excellent softening properties. Comparative Examples 4-6 and Examples 1-4 demonstrate that the blending of different types of cationic fabric softeners can significantly improve the softening properties of the product. Within acceptable stability and viscosity ranges, the higher the total proportion of ester-based and alkyl-based cationic fabric softeners, the better the softening properties.

[0063] Test Example 3 - Yellowing Resistance Test

[0064] Yellowing resistance test method: Samples of the examples and comparative examples selected through high-low temperature stability test and softening effect test were used in a cage washing machine. After washing and drying, the yellowing of the towels was observed.

[0065] Comparative Example 1, Comparative Example 3, and Example 1 were used for on-site testing. The softness and yellowing of the hotel linens after washing were ranked by on-site professionals (laundry product sales and after-sales, senior laundry workers, laundry owners, etc.). The results are shown in Table 6.

[0066] Table 6 ranks the flexibility and yellowing resistance of Comparative Examples 1 and 3, and Example 1.

[0067] Smoothness Yellowing degree Comparative Example 1 3 2 Comparative Example 3 1 3 Example 1 2 1

[0068] According to the test results in Table 6, Comparative Example 3 exhibits the best softening properties but also suffers from the most severe yellowing, failing to meet the requirements of washing plants. Example 1 balances both softening and yellowing resistance, thus meeting the needs of washing plants.

[0069] In summary, the interaction of different components in Examples 1-4 achieves the effects of high- and low-temperature stability, good softening properties, and excellent resistance to yellowing of the concentrated fabric softener.

[0070] The above embodiments are preferred embodiments of the present invention, but the embodiments of the present invention are not limited to the above embodiments. Any changes, modifications, substitutions, combinations, or simplifications made without departing from the spirit and principle of the present invention shall be considered equivalent substitutions and shall be included within the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A concentrated fabric softener composition, characterized in that, Made from the following components by weight percentage: 15-25% cationic fabric softener; Stabilizer 0.2-0.5%; Viscosity reducer 0.1-1%; Acidity regulator 0.1-0.5%; Additives 0.01-5%; The remaining soft water; The cationic softeners include amide-based cationic softeners, ester-based cationic softeners, and alkyl-based cationic softeners; The amide-based cationic softener accounts for 40-60% of the weight of the cationic softener; The cationic softener contains 30-45% by weight of ester-based cationic softener; The alkyl cationic softener in the cationic softener accounts for 10-20% by weight; The amide-based cationic softener is one of methylbis(tallowamidoethyl)-2-hydroxyethylmethylammonium sulfate, methylbis(oleoamidoethyl)-2-hydroxyethylmethylammonium sulfate, and methylbis(hydrogenatedtallowamidoethyl)-2-hydroxyethylmethylammonium sulfate; The ester-based cationic softener is one of the following: bis(tallow-based carboxyethyl)-hydroxyethyl methyl sulfate ammonium, bis(hydrogenated tallow-based carboxyethyl)-hydroxyethyl methyl sulfate ammonium, bis(oil-based carboxyethyl)-hydroxyethyl methyl sulfate ammonium, bis(palmitoyl carboxyethyl)-hydroxyethyl methyl sulfate ammonium, and bis(hydrogenated palmitoyl carboxyethyl)-hydroxyethyl methyl sulfate ammonium. The alkyl cationic softener is one of dihydrogenated tallow dimethyl ammonium chloride, dihydrogenated palmitodimethyl ammonium chloride, and dioctadecyl dimethyl ammonium chloride; The stabilizer is one of fatty alcohol polyoxyethylene ether, fatty amine polyoxyethylene ether, and alkyl glycoside; The viscosity reducer is at least one of calcium chloride, magnesium chloride, sodium chloride, and sodium sulfate.

2. The concentrated fabric softener composition according to claim 1, characterized in that, The acidity regulator is at least one of hydrochloric acid, sulfuric acid, and nitric acid.

3. The concentrated fabric softener composition according to claim 1, characterized in that, The additives mentioned are one or more of the following: cosolvents, preservatives, pigments, fluorescent whitening agents, fragrances, modified siloxane softeners, and defoamers.

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