Sealing tabs and water-soluble unit dose articles comprising fibrous nonwoven sheet material

Abstract

An exemplary system includes a water-soluble unit-dose article comprising a fibrous nonwoven sheet shaped to form a sealed internal compartment and granular laundry detergent contained within the internal compartment. The sheet comprises fibers containing a polyvinyl alcohol polymer. The granular laundry detergent comprises fragrance particles. The system also includes sealing clips, at least one of which is a heated sealing clip. A top seal of the internal compartment is held between the clips. A first clip includes a protrusion along the longitudinal direction of the seal. The protrusion has a base in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the seal. The base is larger than three times the thickness of the water-soluble fibrous nonwoven sheet and less than twenty times the thickness of the water-soluble fibrous nonwoven sheet.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to the preparation of water-soluble unit-dose products comprising fibrous nonwoven sheets and fragrance-containing particulate laundry detergents. Background Technology

[0002] Consumers expect their fabrics to have a pleasant scent during and after the washing process. To achieve this, fragrances are added to laundry detergent compositions. Summary of the Invention

[0003] In one aspect, the present invention provides a component comprising:

[0004] A water-soluble unit-dose product comprising a water-soluble fibrous nonwoven sheet and granular laundry detergent, wherein the water-soluble fibrous nonwoven sheet is shaped to form a sealed internal compartment, wherein the granular laundry detergent is contained within the internal compartment, wherein the water-soluble fibrous nonwoven sheet comprises a plurality of fibers, wherein the fibers comprise a polyvinyl alcohol polymer, and wherein the granular laundry detergent comprises a plurality of particles, wherein the plurality of particles include fragrance particles, wherein the fragrance particles comprise a fragrance; and

[0005] A sealing clip, wherein at least one of the sealing clips is a heated sealing clip, wherein the top seal of the sealed internal compartment is held between the sealing clips, wherein a first clip of the sealing clips includes a protrusion along the longitudinal direction of the seal, the protrusion having a base along a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the seal, the base being larger than 3 times the thickness of the water-soluble fibrous nonwoven sheet and less than 20 times the thickness of the water-soluble fibrous nonwoven sheet.

[0006] In another aspect, the present invention provides a method for operating the above-described components, the method comprising:

[0007] Forming a sleeve comprising the water-soluble fibrous nonwoven sheet;

[0008] The sleeve is laterally sealed by keeping the sealing clip across the sleeve closed to form a bottom seal;

[0009] In response to forming the bottom seal, the internal compartment is filled with the granular laundry detergent;

[0010] Open the sealing clips and allow the filled internal compartment to slide between and over the open sealing clips; and

[0011] In response to the filled internal compartment sliding across the open sealing clip, the sleeve is laterally sealed by keeping the sealing clip closed across the sleeve to form a top seal.

[0012] These and other aspects of the invention will become clearer with reference to the following detailed description of the invention. Attached Figure Description

[0013] Figure 1 An exemplary system is illustrated schematically.

[0014] Figure 2 for Figure 1 A cross-section of an exemplary system.

[0015] Figure 3A -F schematically illustrates various exemplary systems.

[0016] Figure 4 An exemplary method is illustrated schematically.

[0017] Figure 5 Another exemplary method is illustrated schematically. Detailed Implementation

[0018] As will be explained in more detail below, the water-soluble unit-dosage articles according to this disclosure contain granular laundry detergent within an internal compartment formed of a water-soluble fibrous nonwoven sheet. It has been found that many aspects must be considered when designing such articles.

[0019] The first aspect of these aspects is to avoid or reduce the risk of undesirable leakage of granular laundry detergent into the interior compartment due to sealing defects, such as during storage or transportation of the product, resulting in contamination or loss of the detergent product. This is particularly relevant in the context of this disclosure, where the granular laundry detergent according to this disclosure comprises a plurality of particles, said plurality of particles including fragrance particles containing fragrance. Fragrance particles typically contain volatile components, and without wishing to be bound by theory, it has been found that the presence of fragrance in granular laundry detergent can affect the sealing reliability of water-soluble unit dose products, for example, due to the presence of fragrance components in the top or head space of the product when sealing or forming a seal, leading to powdery accumulation in the sealed area, potentially promoting sealing defects and deterioration of the seal clips. The presence of fragrance is indeed believed to contribute to the formation of so-called “fine powder” or particles with relatively reduced size, which can penetrate porous polyvinyl alcohol polymer nonwoven materials and affect the seal. In some examples, when the spice particles are captured and squeezed by the clips, they may release, for example, spice oils or spice components, which can make the sealing area sticky, leading to increased buildup along the contact area of ​​the clips, and ultimately requiring replacement of the clips or clip components to prevent the seal from weakening.

[0020] On the other hand, it promotes or accelerates the dilution of products during the washing cycle, especially the dilution of water-soluble fibrous nonwoven sheets, so as to quickly release detergent during the washing cycle.

[0021] It has been found that these aspects can interact, wherein the robustness and robustness of the internal compartments will prevent or reduce the risk of undesirable leakage of particulate laundry detergent outside the internal compartments, while such robustness and robustness of the internal compartments will result in increased dilution time. The system and method according to the invention aim to resolve such contradictions by providing a seal that is mechanically reliable and dissolves rapidly, thereby preventing or reducing the occurrence of residues on the fabric.

[0022] It has been found that such seals can be achieved using sealing clips with specific properties that work in conjunction with the properties of water-soluble fibrous nonwoven sheets as described herein.

[0023] Water-soluble unit-dose products and sealing clip systems

[0024] This disclosure relates to a water-soluble unit-dose article comprising a water-soluble fibrous nonwoven sheet and a particulate laundry detergent composition. The fibrous nonwoven sheet and particulate laundry detergent composition are described in more detail below.

[0025] A water-soluble fibrous nonwoven sheet is shaped to form a sealed internal compartment in which a particulate laundry detergent composition is contained.

[0026] The unit-dosage article may comprise a first fibrous nonwoven sheet and a second water-soluble fibrous nonwoven sheet sealed to each other to define an internal compartment. The water-soluble unit-dosage article is configured such that the particulate detergent composition does not leak out of the compartment during storage. However, when the water-soluble unit-dosage article is added to water, the water-soluble nonwoven sheet dissolves and releases the contents of the internal compartment into the washing liquid.

[0027] The compartment should be understood as a sealed internal space within a unit dose of the product, which holds the particulate detergent composition. In some examples, a first water-soluble fibrous nonwoven sheet may be formed to include an open compartment into which the detergent composition is added. A second water-soluble fibrous nonwoven sheet may then be covered over the first sheet in an orientation close to the opening of the compartment. The first and second sheets may then be sealed together along a sealing region. In other examples, the same single sheet may be formed as a sleeve (i.e., in a generally tubular shape) that is laterally sealed (i.e., sealed in a direction at an angle (e.g., perpendicular) to the axis of the tubular shape) to form a compartment. In other words, a single water-soluble fibrous nonwoven sheet may be formed as an open container. The particulate laundry detergent composition may then be filled into the open container, and the open container may then be sealed to close it and form an internal compartment.

[0028] A unit-dose article may include more than one compartment, or even at least two compartments, or even at least three compartments. The compartments may be positioned side-by-side, i.e., one immediately adjacent to the other. Alternatively, one compartment may be completely enclosed within another compartment. In the case where the unit-dose article includes at least two compartments, one compartment may be smaller than the other. Each compartment may contain the same or different compositions.

[0029] Figure 1 A water-soluble unit-dose article 1 according to this disclosure is disclosed. The water-soluble unit-dose article 1 shown has a generally rectangular shape; however, it may have any suitable shape, including square, triangular, circular, elliptical, hexagonal, or a combination thereof. The water-soluble unit-dose article 1 comprises a water-soluble fibrous nonwoven sheet 2.

[0030] from Figure 2 As can be seen, the diagram is along Figure 1A cross-sectional view of the water-soluble unit dose product 1 in the direction S, said direction S being normal to or perpendicular to the plane P transverse to the product, the plane P being parallel to the longitudinal direction of the sealing clips 10 and 11, which will be described in more detail below, wherein the water-soluble fibrous nonwoven sheet 2 is shaped to form at least one internal compartment 3 for accommodating the particulate laundry detergent composition 4.

[0031] Detailed descriptions of the components of the water-soluble unit dose product are provided in the following description.

[0032] Figure 1 Sealing clips 10 and 11 are also disclosed. Sealing clips should be understood as elongated mechanical elements, such as sealing rods, made of, for example, metal, and in some examples, aluminum, which can be brought close together to clamp material between such clips to seal such material. To form a seal, at least one of the sealing clips is a heated sealing clip. In some examples, the heated sealing clip may include a heat source, such as one or more resistors, or may be in contact with a heat source. In some examples, a single heated sealing clip is provided, which transfers heat to the material clamped or trapped between the clips. In some examples, the sealing clips comprise a pair of heated sealing clips facing each other, thereby increasing and homogenizing heat transfer compared to using a single heated clip coupled to a clip that will not be heated.

[0033] In some examples, the heated sealing clip is heated using hot-wire pulse technology, in which a wire, such as a nickel-chromium wire, is rapidly heated by an electric current. Other techniques can be used to heat the sealing clip. In some examples, such wires may be encapsulated in a non-stick coating, such as polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) or polyimides such as poly(4,4'-oxydiphenylene-pyromellitictetracarboximide). In some examples, a non-stick coating (e.g., a PTFE tape) is placed on the hot wire or heat-sealing tape such that the non-stick coating is positioned between the hot wire or heat-sealing tape and the nonwoven sheet to reduce the likelihood that such nonwoven sheet may stick to the heat source and result in a poor or weak seal.

[0034] In some examples, the sealing clip according to this disclosure may be an inner sealing clip held between outer retaining clips (e.g., unheated outer retaining clips), wherein the first outer retaining clip, the inner sealing clip, and the second outer retaining clip follow each other in this order in the direction of movement of the nonwoven sheet, wherein the outer retaining clips may hold the nonwoven sheet in place when a seal is formed.

[0035] In some examples, the clip includes a silicon layer, such as one with a hardness between 25 and 35 Shore A or a tensile strength between 550 and 770 MPa. A high Shore value or high tensile strength provides high local sealing pressure, which can, for example, help with precise definition or cutting of the seal. However, a high Shore value can lead to rapid degradation of the non-stick coating. In some examples, the silicon layer is placed below the filament of the hot-wire pulse component (i.e., further away from the seal). In some examples, the silicon layer runs along the full length of the sealing clip or sealing bar. In some examples, the width of the silicon layer is substantially equal to the width of the sealing clip.

[0036] In some examples, a non-stick strip, such as a PTFE strip (e.g., commercially available as a Teflon strip), is placed between the silicon layer that acts as a pad and the filament of the hot wire pulse component to reduce friction and allow the filament to move freely during thermal expansion or contraction.

[0037] In some examples, non-stick strips or PTFE strips are also placed below the silicon layer (i.e., further away from the seal) and on top of the clip body (e.g., aluminum body) to act as an insulating layer, thereby preventing heat transfer to the silicon and shortening its lifespan.

[0038] like Figure 1 The sealing clips 10 and 11 shown make the top of the sealed internal compartment sealed (in Figure 1 (It is not visible because it is trapped between the sealing clips) It is held between the clips. This type of clamping is formed by a top seal made of water-soluble fibrous nonwoven sheet.

[0039] like Figure 1 As shown in the system, the first clip in the clip ( Figure 1 The clip 10 in the first clip includes a protrusion 12 along the longitudinal direction of the seal, the protrusion having a base in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the seal, the size of which is greater than 3 times and less than 20 times the thickness of the water-soluble fibrous nonwoven sheet. It has been found that this precise dimensional setting of the first clip in relation to the thickness of the nonwoven sheet results in a relatively strong seal by compressing the nonwoven sheet with the protrusion, while limiting the width of the seal in the direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the seal, thereby leading to improved dilution of the seal in the context of a washing cycle. This protrusion results in increased pressure and localization to overcome the presence of fragrance particles.

[0040] In some examples, the first clip 10 of the clips is a heated clip. In other examples, both clips 10 and 11 are heated. In some examples, the first clip 10 is not heated, but clip 11 is heated.

[0041] Figure 3A-F illustrates several different systems according to this disclosure, which focus on along Figure 1 The sealed area is observed in direction V, which corresponds to the longitudinal direction of the seal. Figure 3A Each of -F shows a first clip 30A-F and another clip 31A-F, each first clip 30A-F including a longitudinal direction along the seal ( Figure 1 The protrusions 32A-F (V) in the design have bases 33A-F in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the seal. Such bases should be understood as surfaces at the junction between the protrusion and the body of the clip, from which the protrusion extends. The surfaces of the bases are substantially parallel to a plane parallel to the seal. The protrusions or protrusions should be understood as protrusions extending from the body of the clip and toward the water-soluble fibrous nonwoven sheet held between the sealing clips. Figure 1 In the context described, Figure 3A In each example shown in -F, the size of the base is greater than 3 times the thickness of the water-soluble fibrous nonwoven sheet 2 and less than 20 times the thickness of the water-soluble fibrous nonwoven sheet 2 (which is only...). Figure 3A Medium numbering to avoid impact Figure 3B -F readability). Figure 3A In -F, each seal is formed from two water-soluble fibrous nonwoven sheets, or from two portions of the same sheet. Although the sheets have the same thickness in Examples 3A-E, in... Figure 3F In some of the examples shown, different thicknesses can be used; in such cases, the average thickness should be used to select the relative dimensions of the sheet thickness and the protrusion base. As already explained, such a specific range of protrusion bases and sheet thicknesses allows for reliable sealing for water-soluble unit-dose articles while maintaining satisfactory dissolution of the water-soluble fibrous nonwoven sheet during washing.

[0042] In some examples, the size of the base is greater than 4.5 times the thickness of the water-soluble fibrous nonwoven sheet 2 and less than 15 times the thickness of the water-soluble fibrous nonwoven sheet 2. In some examples, the size of the base is greater than 6 times the thickness of the water-soluble fibrous nonwoven sheet 2 and less than 10 times the thickness of the water-soluble fibrous nonwoven sheet 2. In some examples, the size of the base is greater than 7 times the thickness of the water-soluble fibrous nonwoven sheet 2 and less than 8 times the thickness of the water-soluble fibrous nonwoven sheet 2.

[0043] In some examples, the base has a dimension greater than 0.5 mm and less than 5 mm. In some examples, the base has a dimension greater than 0.75 mm and less than 3 mm. In some examples, the base has a dimension greater than 1 mm and less than 2 mm.

[0044] In some examples, the thickness of the water-soluble fibrous nonwoven sheet is less than 0.4 mm and greater than 0.1 mm.

[0045] Figure 3A The example shown in -F illustrates the relationship between sheet thickness and base size. For instance, a comparison between configurations 3A and 3D shows that a larger base (33A is greater than 33D) corresponds to a thicker sheet. Similarly, a comparison between configurations 3C and 3F shows that a larger base (33C is greater than 33F) corresponds to a thicker sheet. Even with different shapes, comparisons of bases 33A, 33B, 33E, and 33C, which have similar dimensions, also correspond to similar sheet thicknesses.

[0046] In such Figure 3A , 3B In some examples shown in 3C or 3E, the cross-section of the protruding portion along a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the seal includes a bead shape protruding from the base and facing the seal. The bead shape should be understood as a smooth, raised, continuous shape. In some examples, such a cross-section includes raised areas with a radius of curvature greater than 0.25 mm and less than 2.5 mm. In some examples, such a cross-section includes raised areas with a radius of curvature greater than 0.5 mm and less than 1 mm. Such as... Figure 3D Other examples of 3F show protrusions with shapes other than bead shapes, such as "T" shapes. Other shapes not shown here can typically be, for example, polygons.

[0047] In such Figure 3A In some examples shown in Figures B, D, E, and F, the base has a dimension along the same direction that is smaller than the width of the body of the first clip. In other examples shown in Figure C, the base has a dimension along the same direction that corresponds to or is equal to the width of the body of the first clip. In some other examples not shown here, the base may have a dimension along the same direction that is larger than the width of the body of the first clip.

[0048] In such Figure 3B In some of the examples shown, the body of one of the clips may include multiple sub-clips.

[0049] like Figure 3AAs shown in -F, the second clip 11 of the clip faces the first clip 10 of the clip, wherein the second clip includes a flat portion facing at least a portion of the protruding portion. In some examples, the dimension of the flat portion along the direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the seal is greater than half the base dimension and less than 5 times the base dimension. In some examples, the dimension of the flat portion along the direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the seal is greater than the base dimension and less than 5 times the base dimension. In some examples, the dimension of the flat portion along the direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the seal is greater than twice the base dimension and less than 5 times the base dimension. Although in some examples the second clip has no protruding portion, in other examples not shown here, the second clip 11 of the clip faces the first clip 10 of the clip, wherein the second clip includes a second protruding portion facing at least a portion of the protruding portion of the first clip.

[0050] In some examples, the sealing clip is along the longitudinal direction of the seal (see...). Figure 1 The length of the arrow V in the diagram is at least 2.5% longer than the length of the seal along its longitudinal direction. This length difference avoids or reduces the impact of heating discontinuities at the end of the clip on the seal. This length difference has been found to increase seal reliability. In some examples, the length of the sealing clip along the longitudinal direction of the seal is at least 5% longer than the length of the seal along its longitudinal direction. In some examples, the length of the sealing clip along the longitudinal direction of the seal is at least 10% longer than the length of the seal along its longitudinal direction.

[0051] In some examples, the weight of the granular laundry detergent contained in the inner compartment is greater than 5 grams and less than 200 grams. In some examples, the weight of the granular laundry detergent contained in the inner compartment is greater than 20 grams and less than 100 grams. Weight was found to affect seal formation, and in some examples, the weight affected the cutting of the seal due to the tension created by the weight on the sealing area held between the clips. This tension was also found to depend on the seal length. In fact, in some examples, the seal has a length greater than 4 cm and less than 11 cm along its longitudinal direction.

[0052] In some examples, the protruding portion includes a removable layer that contacts the top seal, the removable layer having a surface energy of less than 19 × 10⁻⁵ N per centimeter. In such cases... Figure 3C , 3EIn some examples, such as those described in 3F, the protrusion itself may be removable. An example of a material with a surface energy less than 19 × 10⁻⁵ N per centimeter is PTFE as described above. This introduces non-stick properties and allows for replacement in the event of thermal degradation of the layer with a surface energy less than 19 × 10⁻⁵ N per centimeter. In some examples, the removable layer with a surface energy less than 19 × 10⁻⁵ N per centimeter also comes into direct contact with the heat source of the corresponding clip to avoid sticking to the heat source (such as a hot wire or heat pipe).

[0053] Figure 4 An exemplary method 400 of an operating system is shown, which is any of the systems described herein. The different blocks included in this method are associated with diagrams illustrating the corresponding actions, in which reference numerals are not repeated when similar elements are involved.

[0054] In block 410, method 400 includes forming a sleeve 460 comprising a water-soluble fibrous nonwoven sheet. In this example, the sheet is formed from a single sheet 462, which is sealed to itself to form a longitudinal seal 464 in a sealing device 466, which is not described in detail here. In other examples not shown, the sleeve may be formed from two sheets facing each other and forming a sleeve between two parallel longitudinal sleeves.

[0055] In block 420, method 400 includes laterally sealing the sleeve by holding sealing clips (such as clips 10 and 11) across the sleeve closure to form a bottom seal. It should be noted that by forming in this manner, the bottom seal will have characteristics similar to the top seal. In some examples, the sealing clips are held in contact with the nonwoven sheet for more than 50 ms and less than 600 ms to form the seal. In some examples, the sealing clips are held in contact with the nonwoven sheet for more than 100 ms and less than 400 ms to form the seal. In some examples, the sealing clips are held in contact with the nonwoven sheet for more than 100 ms and less than 300 ms to form the seal. In some examples, the sealing clips are held in contact with the nonwoven sheet for more than 230 ms and less than 280 ms to form the seal. Such time ranges allow for the avoidance of damage to the seal (e.g., due to excessive heat application) while forming a reliable seal (e.g., through sufficient heat application).

[0056] In block 430, method 400 includes filling the inner compartment with granular laundry detergent in response to forming a bottom seal. Such filling can be performed, for example, via a hopper 470 comprising a cylindrical or tubular portion 472 around which a sleeve is formed. Filling can also be performed in other ways. It should be noted that such filling results in the diffusion of fine powder, such as fragrance particles, which are held in a diffuse state, particularly in the area forming the top seal, thereby affecting the melting or fusion of the nonwoven sheet forming the seal or weld. In some examples, the method further includes allowing the granular laundry detergent to settle in the inner compartment by keeping the sealing clip open for at least 50 ms after the filled inner compartment slides over the open sealing clip and before forming the top seal.

[0057] In block 440, method 400 includes opening the sealing clips and allowing the filled internal compartment to slide between and across the opened sealing clips. It should be noted that while the clips should be considered closed when they are stationary and pressed against each other (e.g., clamping the sleeve), they should be considered "open" when "not closed," i.e., open when open, closed, or held open. It should be noted that sliding can occur between the clips by gravity, facilitated by the weight of the particulate laundry detergent. The distance corresponding to the displacement or travel of the sleeve during sliding will correspond to the distance between the top and bottom seals.

[0058] In block 450, the method includes: laterally sealing the sleeve by holding the sealing clip across the sleeve to form a top seal according to the present disclosure, in response to the filled inner compartment sliding across the open sealing clip. In some examples, the sleeve remains stationary, i.e., does not slide, during the sealing of the top and bottom seals.

[0059] In some examples, the protruding portion reaches a temperature greater than 180°C and less than 250°C during seal formation. In some examples, the protruding portion reaches a temperature greater than 190°C and less than 230°C during seal formation. In some examples, the protruding portion reaches a temperature greater than 200°C and less than 220°C during seal formation. The temperature range affects the time required to form the seal and the degradation of the water-soluble fibrous nonwoven sheet, or the lifespan of the clip components (such as the non-stick materials, non-stick coatings, or removable layers mentioned above).

[0060] In some examples, such as method 400, the method further includes replacing the removable layer after forming at least 5,000 filled water-soluble unit dosage articles. This can be achieved using, for example, [missing information]. Figure 3C , 3EThis can be accomplished using a system with a removable layer as shown in 3F. In some examples, the method includes replacing the removable layer after forming at least 10,000 filled water-soluble unit dose articles. In some examples, the method includes replacing the removable layer after forming at least 12,000 filled water-soluble unit dose articles. In some examples, the method includes replacing the removable layer in less than 4 hours after forming at least 5,000 filled water-soluble unit dose articles. In some examples, the method includes replacing the removable layer in less than 4 hours after forming at least 10,000 filled water-soluble unit dose articles. In some examples, the method includes replacing the removable layer in less than 4 hours after forming at least 12,000 filled water-soluble unit dose articles.

[0061] Figure 5 Another exemplary method 500 is illustrated. Method 500 includes blocks 410, 420, 430, 440, and 450 as described in the context of method 400. Method 500 also includes, within block 450, a block 555 in which the sealing clip cuts the top seal along the longitudinal direction of the seal (in other words, transverse to the longitudinal direction of the sleeve) in block 555, using a clip to seal a filled water-soluble unit-dose article to form a top seal. Such simultaneous sealing and cutting has been found to be particularly effective.

[0062] It should be noted that different ranges are provided in this specification for different dimensions (such as temperature, time, length or quantity of manufactured articles). Combinations of these ranges, especially combinations of different narrow ranges, have been found to result in progressively increasing reliability of the articles and the manufacturing efficiency of these articles.

[0063] Water-soluble fibrous nonwoven sheets

[0064] The water-soluble unit-dose product comprises a water-soluble fibrous nonwoven sheet. The water-soluble fibrous nonwoven sheet comprises multiple fibers. Preferably, the fibers are entangled fibers in a fibrous structure.

[0065] Water-soluble fibrous nonwoven sheets can be homogeneous or layered. If layered, the water-soluble fibrous nonwoven sheet may comprise at least two and / or at least three and / or at least four and / or at least five layers.

[0066] Preferably, the water-soluble fibrous nonwoven sheet has a basis weight between 15 gsm and 60 gsm, more preferably between 20 gsm and 55 gsm, more preferably between 25 gsm and 50 gsm, and most preferably between 25 gsm and 45 gsm. Those skilled in the art will know methods for measuring basis weight.

[0067] The basis weight of the water-soluble fibrous nonwoven sheet was measured using a top-loaded analytical balance with a resolution of ±0.001g on a stack of twelve available units. An airflow hood was used to protect the balance from airflow and other interference. Precision-cut dies (measured at 8.9cm ± 0.009cm * 8.9cm ± 0.009cm) were used to prepare all samples.

[0068] The samples are cut into squares using a precision cutting die. The cut squares are then assembled to form a stack of twelve sample thicknesses. The mass of the sample stack is measured and recorded to an accuracy of 0.001g.

[0069] In g / m 2 The base weight is calculated in units of (gsm) as follows:

[0070] Base weight = (mass of the stack) / [(area of ​​one square in the stack) × (number of squares in the stack)]

[0071] In this document, "fiber" refers to an elongated element whose length exceeds its average diameter, preferably with a length-to-average diameter ratio of at least about 10.

[0072] Preferably, each fiber may have a length greater than or equal to 5.08 cm, greater than or equal to 7.62 cm, greater than or equal to 10.16 cm, greater than or equal to 15.24 cm, or a combination thereof.

[0073] Alternatively, each fiber may have a length of less than 5.08 cm, less than 3.81 cm, less than 2.54 cm, or a combination thereof.

[0074] Each fiber may have a width of less than 100µm, less than 75µm, less than 50µm, less than 25µm, less than 10µm, less than 5µm, less than 1µm, or a combination thereof. Those skilled in the art will know standard methods and techniques for measuring width. Preferred methods include scanning electron microscopy (SEM) or optical microscopy and image analysis software.

[0075] Water-soluble fibrous nonwoven sheets may comprise a plurality of fibers that are identical or substantially identical in composition. Alternatively, water-soluble fibrous nonwoven sheets may comprise two or more different fibers according to the invention. Non-limiting examples of fiber differences may include: physical differences, such as differences in diameter, length, texture, shape, hardness, elasticity, etc.; and chemical differences, such as one or more of crosslinking levels, solubility, melting point, glass transition temperature Tg, and surfactants.

[0076] Preferably, the material contains fibers comprising between 80% and 95% by weight of the water-soluble fibrous nonwoven sheet, more preferably between 85% and 93%, and more preferably between 87% and 90%.

[0077] Water-soluble fibrous nonwoven sheets can exhibit different regions, such as regions with different basis weights, densities, and / or thicknesses. Water-soluble fibrous nonwoven sheets can contain textures on one or more of their surfaces. The surfaces of water-soluble fibrous nonwoven sheets can contain patterns, such as non-random repeating patterns.

[0078] Water-soluble fibrous nonwoven sheets may have a thickness between 0.01 mm and 100 mm, preferably between 0.05 mm and 50 mm, more preferably between 0.1 mm and 20 mm, even more preferably between 0.1 mm and 10 mm, even more preferably between 0.1 mm and 5 mm, even more preferably between 0.1 mm and 2 mm, even more preferably between 0.1 mm and 0.5 mm, and most preferably between 0.1 mm and 0.3 mm. Those skilled in the art will know standard methods for measuring thickness.

[0079] The fiber contains a polyvinyl alcohol polymer. Preferably, the fiber contains between 50% and 98% polyvinyl alcohol by weight of the fiber, more preferably between 65% and 97%, more preferably between 80% and 96%, and even more preferably between 88% and 96%.

[0080] Polyvinyl alcohol polymers may have a weight-average molecular weight between 50 kDa and 150 kDa, preferably between 75 kDa and 140 kDa, and more preferably between 100 kDa and 130 kDa. As used herein, “weight-average molecular weight” means, using gel permeation chromatography, according to Colloids and Surfaces A. Physico Chemical & Engineering Aspects, Vol. 162, 2000, pp. 107-121. Other known techniques for determining weight-average molecular weight (MW) will be known to those skilled in the art.

[0081] Preferably, the polyvinyl alcohol polymer is a polyvinyl alcohol homopolymer. Preferably, the polyvinyl alcohol homopolymer has an average degree of hydrolysis percentage of 75% to 100%, more preferably 80% to 95%, and most preferably 85% to 90%. Preferably, the polyvinyl alcohol homopolymer has an average viscosity of 1 to 30 mPas, more preferably 5 to 25 mPas, and most preferably 10 to 20 mPa, wherein the viscosity is measured at 20°C as a 4% aqueous solution in demineralized water.

[0082] The fiber preferably contains between 0.1% and 15% by weight of the fiber of a breaker, wherein the breaker is selected from polyols, sugar alcohols, amines, amides, carbohydrates, polyvalent cations, or mixtures thereof, preferably from polyols, sugar alcohols, or mixtures thereof. Preferably, the fiber contains between 1% and 12% by weight of the fiber, preferably between 2% and 10%.

[0083] Not wanting to be bound by theory, polyols are synthetic materials, while sugar alcohols are natural materials. Sugar alcohols can include ribose, xylose, fructose, or mixtures thereof.

[0084] Preferably, the degreasing agent is selected from glycerol, polyethylene glycol, 1,2-propanediol, dipropylene glycol, 2-methyl-1,3-propanediol, triethylene glycol, polyethylene glycol, sorbitol, cyclohexanediol, hexanediol, dipropylene glycol n-butyl ether, 2-methyl-2,4-pentanediol, polyethylene glycol, urea, formamide, ethanolamine, carbohydrates, disohydrated hexitol, magnesium chloride, and mixtures thereof, and is more preferably selected from polyethylene glycol, glycerol, sorbitol, dipropylene glycol, and mixtures thereof.

[0085] Preferably, the fiber comprises, by weight of the fiber, between 0.1% and 15%, preferably between 1% and 12%, more preferably between 2% and 10% of a breaker selected from the following: glycerol, polyethylene glycol, 1,2-propanediol, dipropylene glycol, 2-methyl-1,3-propanediol, triethylene glycol, polyethylene glycol, sorbitol, cyclohexanediol, hexanediol, dipropylene glycol n-butyl ether, 2-methyl-2,4-pentanediol, polypropylene glycol, urea, formamide, ethanolamine, carbohydrates, disohydrated hexitol, magnesium chloride, and mixtures thereof. Preferably, the fiber comprises, by weight of the fiber, between 0.1% and 15%, preferably between 1% and 12%, more preferably between 2% and 10% of a breaker selected from the following: polyethylene glycol, glycerol, sorbitol, dipropylene glycol, and mixtures thereof.

[0086] Preferably, the fiber contains a breaker at a weight of 0.1% to 15%, preferably between 1% and 12%, more preferably between 2% and 10% of the fiber, and wherein the fiber contains a breaker selected from the group consisting of glycerol, polyethylene glycol, 1,2-propanediol, dipropylene glycol, 2-methyl-1,3-propanediol, triethylene glycol, polyethylene glycol, sorbitol, cyclohexanediol, hexanediol, dipropylene glycol n-butyl ether, 2-methyl-2,4-pentanediol, polypropylene glycol, urea, formamide, ethanolamine, carbohydrates, disohydrated hexitol, magnesium chloride, and mixtures thereof. Preferably, the fiber contains between 0.1% and 15% by weight of the fiber, preferably between 1% and 12%, more preferably between 2% and 10%, and wherein the fiber contains between 0.1% and 15% by weight of the fiber, preferably between 1% and 12%, more preferably between 2% and 10%, of a breaker selected from polyethylene glycol, glycerin, sorbitol, dipropylene glycol, and mixtures thereof.

[0087] Preferably, the polyethylene glycol has a weight-average molecular weight between 100 and 800, more preferably between 200 and 750, more preferably between 400 and 700, and even more preferably between 500 and 650. As used herein, “weight-average molecular weight” means, using gel permeation chromatography, according to the information found in Colloids and Surfaces A. Physico Chemical & Engineering Aspects, Vol. 162, 2000, pp. 107-121. Other known techniques for determining weight-average molecular weight (MW) will be known to those skilled in the art.

[0088] The fibrous nonwoven sheet may contain a second plurality of particles. Not wishing to be bound by theory, the fibrous nonwoven sheet contains gaps or spaces between fibers. When present, a second plurality of particles are present, preferably residing within these gaps / spaces between fibers. Preferably, the second plurality of particles are present at a weight percentage between 0.25% and 10%, more preferably between 0.5% and 5%, and more preferably between 1% and 3% of the water-soluble fibrous nonwoven sheet. Those skilled in the art will know methods for determining the weight percentage of the second plurality of particles. A preferred method involves the following steps: carefully separating the two sides of the fibrous nonwoven sheet from a unit dose article filled with detergent. Weighing each side separately. Recording the initial weight (filled with particles). Placing the particle-filled fabric on a sieve and blowing a dry compressed air line through the fibrous nonwoven sheet to remove all retained particles. Re-measuring the weight of the fibrous nonwoven material to obtain the difference. The weight difference is recorded as ((initial weight – final weight) / initial weight) × 100 (recorded as a weight percentage).

[0089] Preferably, the second plurality of particles within the nonwoven fabric comprises zeolite, inorganic salt, surfactant particles, or mixtures thereof. Preferably, the inorganic salt comprises sodium carbonate, sodium chloride, sodium sulfate, or mixtures thereof. Preferably, the surfactant particles may comprise spray-dried surfactant particles, agglomerated surfactant particles, or mixtures thereof.

[0090] Preferably, the second plurality of particles within the nonwoven fabric have an average particle size distributed between 1 micrometer and 150 micrometers, preferably between 5 micrometers and 125 micrometers, and more preferably between 10 micrometers and 100 micrometers.

[0091] Preferably, the fiber contains less than 5%, more preferably less than 3%, and even more preferably less than 2% water by weight of the fiber.

[0092] Preferably, the fibers do not contain any surfactants. It is not desirable to be bound by theory, but surfactants are present in particulate laundry detergent compositions; therefore, any surfactants present within the fibers themselves do not contribute to the cleaning performance per unit dose of the product.

[0093] Fibers can be produced by any suitable method. Fibers can be spun from filaments using techniques known to those skilled in the art. Suitable spinning methods may include melt-blowing, spunbonding, electrospinning, rotary spinning, or a combination thereof.

[0094] Unwilling to be bound by theory, nonwoven fiber sheets exhibit a different melting curve than cast sheets.

[0095] The following is an exemplary test method for measuring the dissolution of fibrous nonwoven sheets. The following apparatus can be used in the exemplary dissolution method:

[0096] 2000mL glass beaker (approximately 7.5 inches high by 5.5 inches in diameter)

[0097] Magnetic stirrer plate (Labline, Melrose Park, IL, model 1250 or equivalent)

[0098] Magnetic stir bar (2 inches long by 3 / 8 inches in diameter, Teflon coated)

[0099] Thermometer (1 to 100℃ + / - 1℃)

[0100] 1.25-inch binder clip

[0101] Alligator clip (about one inch long)

[0102] Depth adjustment lever and retainer with base

[0103] Timer (accurate to at least 0.1 seconds)

[0104] Deionized water (equilibrated at 23℃±1℃)

[0105] Cutting die - a stainless steel cutting die measuring 3.8cm × 3.2cm.

[0106] Polaroid 35mm slider frame (available commercially from Polaroid Corporation or equivalent) 35mm slider frame retainer (or equivalent)

[0107] Prior to testing, the fibrous nonwoven sheet samples were equilibrated for at least 24 hours in a constant temperature and humidity environment of 23℃±1℃ and 50%±2% relative humidity. The dissolution test was also conducted under the same temperature and relative humidity conditions.

[0108] The basis weight of the sample material was measured using known techniques.

[0109] Three melting test samples were cut from the fibrous nonwoven sheet sample to be tested using a cutting die (3.8cm × 3.2cm) and fitted into a 35mm slide frame with an opening area of ​​24 × 36mm.

[0110] Each sample is locked in a separate 35mm slider frame.

[0111] Fill a 2000mL glass beaker with 1600±5mL of deionized water and place it on top of a magnetic stirrer plate. Place the magnetic stir bar at the bottom of the beaker. Adjust the stirring speed to create a stable vortex in the center of the beaker, with the bottom of the vortex at the 1200mL mark.

[0112] A trial run may be necessary to ensure the depth adjustment rod is properly positioned. Secure the 35mm vane frame to the alligator clips of the 35mm vane frame holder, ensuring the long end of the vane frame is parallel to the water surface. The alligator clips should be positioned in the middle of the long end of the vane frame. The alligator clips are welded to the end of the depth adjustment rod. The depth adjustment rod is positioned such that when the long tail clip descends into the water, the entire fibrous nonwoven sheet sample is completely submerged in the water at the center of the beaker, the top of the fibrous nonwoven sheet sample is at the bottom of the vortex, and the bottom of the vane frame / vane frame holder is not in direct contact with the stirring rod. The depth adjustment rod and alligator clips should be positioned such that the surface of the porous membrane wall material sample is perpendicular to the water flow.

[0113] In one motion, the fixed slider and clamp are dropped into the water, triggering a timer. The fibrous nonwoven sheet sample falls, centering the sample in the beaker. Once all visible fibrous nonwoven sheet samples have been released from the slider frame, the slider frame is raised out of the water while the solution of undissolved sample fragments is continuously monitored. Dissolution occurs when all sample fragments are no longer visible. This is recorded as the dissolution time.

[0114] Perform three parallel determinations for each sample and record the average dissolution time to + / - 0.1 seconds. The average dissolution time is in seconds.

[0115] The average dissolution time is normalized to the basis weight by dividing each sample by the basis weight determined by a known basis weight method. The basis weight-normalized average dissolution time is expressed in seconds per gsm sample (s / (g / m2)).

[0116] Non-limiting examples of suitable methods for preparing fibers include:

[0117] a. Such as providing filament forming compositions from a can; and

[0118] b. Forming a filament composition, such as spinning it into one or more fibers via a spinning die; and

[0119] c. Collect the fibers onto a collection device such as a patterned belt.

[0120] The filament forming composition can be transferred between a tank and a spinning die via suitable piping, with or without a pump. The spinning die may include a plurality of fiber forming orifices comprising a melt capillary surrounded by concentric decaying fluid orifices through which a fluid, such as air, passes to facilitate decay of the filament forming composition into fibers as it exits the fiber forming orifices.

[0121] The filament forming composition can be spun into one or more fibers using any suitable spinning method such as meltblowing, spunbonding, electrospinning, and / or rotary spinning. Multiple fibers can be spun from the filament forming composition by meltblowing. For example, the filament forming composition can be pumped from a tank to a meltblown spinneret. As it exits one or more fiber forming orifices in the spinneret, the filament forming composition is attenuated with air to form one or more fibers. The fibers can then be dried to remove any residual solvents used for spinning, such as water.

[0122] Fibers can be collected on belts, such as patterned belts, to form fibrous nonwoven sheets containing fibers.

[0123] Preferably, fibrous nonwoven sheets are made by bonding or interlocking fibers through mechanical, thermal, chemical, or solvent means. When fibrous nonwoven sheets are made from short fibers, their production involves forming a uniform fiber web by wet spinning or carding, followed by bonding the nonwoven material thermally or by other means such as needle punching or hydroentangling. Spinned fibrous nonwoven materials are prepared in a continuous process of fiber spinning, and then dispersed directly into the fiber web by a deflector or airflow. Meltblown fibrous nonwoven materials are produced in a one-step process in which high-speed air blows molten thermoplastic resin from an extruder die onto a conveyor or conveyor screen to form a fine fibrous and self-bonding fiber web.

[0124] Granular laundry detergent composition

[0125] Water-soluble unit-dose products include granular laundry detergents. Granular laundry detergents should be understood as laundry detergents containing multiple granules.

[0126] Typically, granular laundry detergent compositions are part of the full-formulation laundry detergent composition, not just a part of it (such as spray-dried, extruded, or agglomerated granules that form only a part of the laundry detergent composition). Typically, granular detergent compositions comprise multiple chemically distinct particles, such as spray-dried base detergent particles and / or agglomerated base detergent particles and / or extruded base detergent particles; combinations of one or more, typically two or more, or five or more, or even ten or more particles, selected from: surfactant particles, including surfactant agglomerates, surfactant extruders, surfactant needles, surfactant flakes, surfactant sheets; phosphate particles; zeolite particles; silicate particles, especially sodium silicate particles; carbonate particles, especially sodium carbonate particles; polymer particles, such as carboxylate polymer particles, cellulose polymer particles, starch particles, polyester particles, polyamine particles, terephthalic acid polymer particles, polyethylene glycol particles; aesthetic particles, such as colored stripes, needles, layered particles, and ring particles; enzyme particles, such as protease particles, amylase particles, lipase particles, cellulase particles, mannanase particles, pectinase lyase particles, xyloglucanase particles, bleaching enzyme particles, and other enzymes thereof. Any of the following co-particles, preferably these enzyme particles contain sodium sulfate; bleaching agent particles, such as percarbonate particles, especially coated percarbonate particles, such as percarbonate coated with carbonate, sulfate, silicate, borosilicate, or any combination thereof, perborate particles, bleaching activator particles such as tetraacetylethylenediamine particles and / or alkyloxybenzene sulfonate particles, bleaching catalyst particles such as transition metal catalyst particles, and / or isoquinoline onion bleaching catalyst particles, pre-formed peracid particles, especially coated pre-formed peracid particles. Granules; filler granules, such as sulfate granules and chloride granules; clay granules, such as montmorillonite granules and clay with siloxane granules; flocculant granules, such as polyethylene oxide granules; wax granules, such as wax agglomerates; siloxane granules, whitening agent granules; dye transfer inhibitor granules; dye fixative granules; fragrance granules, such as fragrance microcapsules and starch-encapsulated fragrance harmonizer granules, and pre-fragrance granules, such as Schiff base reaction product granules; tinting dye granules; chelating agent granules, such as chelating agent agglomerates; and any combination thereof.

[0127] The fragrance contained in the fragrance particles comprises fragrance raw materials. Fragrance raw materials may comprise one or more, preferably two or more. As used herein, the term "fragrance raw material" (or "PRM") refers to a compound having a molecular weight of at least about 100 g / mol, and which may be used alone or together with other fragrance raw materials to impart odor, aroma, flavor, or fragrance. Typical PRMs include, in particular, alcohols, ketones, aldehydes, esters, ethers, nitrites, and alkenes, such as terpenes.

[0128] PRMs are characterized by their boiling point (BP) measured at atmospheric pressure (760 mm Hg) and their octanol / water partition coefficient (P), which can be described by logP and determined according to the test methods described below. Based on these properties, PRMs can be classified into Quadrant I, Quadrant II, Quadrant III, or Quadrant IV fragrances, as detailed below. Fragrances with multiple PRMs from different quadrants may be desirable, for example, to provide beneficial aromatic effects at different points of contact during normal use.

[0129] Flavoring raw materials having a boiling point (BP) below about 250°C and a BP less than about 3 are designated as Quadrant I flavoring raw materials. Quadrant I flavoring raw materials are preferably limited to less than 30% of the flavor composition. Flavoring raw materials having a BP above about 250°C and a BP greater than about 3 are designated as Quadrant IV flavoring raw materials; flavoring raw materials having a BP above about 250°C and a BP less than about 3 are designated as Quadrant II flavoring raw materials; and flavoring raw materials having a BP below about 250°C and a BP greater than about 3 are designated as Quadrant III flavoring raw materials.

[0130] Preferably, the flavoring comprises a mixture of at least three, or even at least five, or at least seven flavoring ingredients. The flavoring of the capsule may contain at least ten or at least fifteen flavoring ingredients. A mixture of flavoring ingredients can, for example, provide a more complex and desired aesthetic at multiple contact points, and / or better flavor performance or durability. However, it may be desirable to limit the number of flavoring ingredients in the flavoring to reduce or limit formulation complexity and / or cost.

[0131] Fragrances may contain at least one fragrance ingredient from a natural source. Such components may be desirable for sustainability / environmental reasons. Natural fragrance ingredients may include natural extracts or essential oils, which may contain mixtures of PRMs. Such natural extracts or essential oils may include orange oil, lemon oil, rose extract, lavender, musk, green balsam, balsam oil, sandalwood oil, pine oil, cedarwood, etc.

[0132] In addition to flavoring ingredients, flavorings may also include pre-flavorings, which can help improve the persistence of the beneficial effects of freshness. Pre-flavorings may include non-volatile materials that are released or transformed into flavoring materials by, for example, simple hydrolysis, or may be pre-flavorings that are triggered by pH changes (e.g., by a decrease in pH), or may be pre-flavorings that are released by enzymes, or light-triggered pre-flavorings. Depending on the pre-flavorings selected, pre-flavorings may exhibit different release rates.

[0133] Suitable flavorings include flavoring materials selected from the following groups: (a) flavoring materials having a ClogP of less than 3.0 and a boiling point of less than 250°C (Quadrant 1 flavoring materials); (b) flavoring materials having a ClogP of less than 3.0 and a boiling point of 250°C or greater (Quadrant 2 flavoring materials); (c) flavoring materials having a ClogP of 3.0 or greater and a boiling point of less than 250°C (Quadrant 3 flavoring materials); (d) flavoring materials having a ClogP of 3.0 or greater and a boiling point of 250°C or greater (Quadrant 4 flavoring materials); and (e) mixtures thereof.

[0134] For fragrances, a preferred form is fragrance delivery technology. Such delivery technologies also stabilize and enhance the release of deposited fragrance materials from washed fabrics. These fragrance delivery technologies can also be used to further increase the persistence of fragrance release from washed fabrics. Suitable fragrance delivery technologies include: fragrance microcapsules, pre-fragrances, polymer-assisted delivery, molecular-assisted delivery, fiber-assisted delivery, amine-assisted delivery, cyclodextrins, starch-encapsulated flavoring agents, zeolites and other inorganic carriers, and any mixtures thereof. Suitable fragrance microcapsules are described in WO2009 / 101593.

[0135] Methods for determining logP :

[0136] The logarithmic value (logP) of the octanol / water partition coefficient for each PRM in the tested spice blends was calculated. The logP of each PRM was calculated using the Consensus logP Computational Model version 14.02 (Linux), purchased from Advanced Chemistry Development Inc. (ACD / Labs) (Toronto, Canada), to provide dimensionless logP values. The ACD / Labs Consensus logP Computational Model is part of the ACD / Labs Model Suite.

[0137] In some examples, the spice particles have a median particle size range of less than 100 micrometers and greater than 5 micrometers. In some examples, the spice particles have a median particle size range of less than 60 micrometers and greater than 10 micrometers. In some examples, the spice particles have a median particle size range of less than 50 micrometers and greater than 15 micrometers. The median particle size should be understood as the volume-weighted median particle size. The volume-weighted average diameter is determined according to the methods provided in the "Test Methods" section below.

[0138] Spice particle size determination :

[0139] Depending on the relative size of the particles, one of two methods is employed: if the approximate volume-weighted median particle size of the population is 10 µm or larger, image analysis is performed; or if the approximate volume-weighted median particle size of the population is less than 10 µm, microscopy is used. These methods will be described in more detail below.

[0140] A. Image Analysis

[0141] The volume-weighted median particle size is calculated from images taken from samples flowing through a variable-size flow cell. This instrument (Occhio FC200S) is specifically designed for liquid applications using an image analysis unit. The sample is pumped through the flow cell at a very low rate via a syringe pump, and images are captured at set intervals while the sample is passing through the flow cell. This rate is matched to the camera's frame rate and depends on the behavior of the sample and the particles it contains. Flow cells with sizes of 250 and 500 µm can be used. Callisto version 2013.13 software is used to read out the pixels and calculate size and shape parameters. The size descriptor used is the ISO area diameter.

[0142] The illumination is provided by a red LED light source, and the illumination is adjusted manually until proper grayscale detection is achieved via the particle's grayscale threshold. The hardware magnification depends on the particle size, for example, 6× or 9×.

[0143] B. Microscopic method

[0144] The volume-weighted median particle size was calculated from values ​​obtained by microscopic observation and measurement of approximately 900 randomly sampled particles. The microscope used was a Leica DM6000B. The microscope magnification was set to 200×. The outputs obtained after microscopic analysis were: (1) a list of detected diameters; and (2) a count of each detected diameter size.

[0145] Therefore, the volume (V) of each particle is calculated by the following formula:

[0146] V=4 / 3πr 3

[0147] Where r is the radius of each detected particle. Finally, assuming each particle is a sphere, the volume-weighted median granularity is calculated (e.g., via a spreadsheet such as Microsoft Excel). ™ Those created in (the middle).

[0148] Suitable granular laundry detergent compositions may contain detergent ingredients selected from the following: detergency surfactants, such as anionic, nonionic, cationic, amphoteric, and ampholytic surfactants; polymers, such as carboxylate polymers, detergency polymers, anti-redeposition polymers, cellulose polymers, and conditioning polymers; bleaches, such as hydrogen peroxide sources, bleaching activators, bleaching catalysts, and pre-formed peracids; photobleaching agents, such as zinc phthalocyanine sulfonate and / or aluminum phthalocyanine sulfonate; enzymes, such as proteases, amylases, cellulases, and lipases; zeolite builders; phosphate builders; auxiliary builders, such as citric acid and citrates; carbonates, such as sodium carbonate and sodium bicarbonate; sulfates, such as sodium sulfate; silicates, such as sodium silicate; chloride salts, such as sodium chloride; brighteners; chelating agents; toning agents; dye transfer inhibitors; dye fixatives; fragrances; siloxanes; fabric softeners, such as clays; flocculants, such as polyethylene oxide; defoamers; and any combination thereof.

[0149] Suitable granular laundry detergent compositions can have low buffering capacity. Such laundry detergent compositions typically have a reserve alkalinity of less than 5.0 g NaOH / 100 g up to pH 9.5. These low-buffered laundry detergent compositions typically contain low amounts of carbonates.

[0150] Suitable toners include small molecule dyes, typically belonging to the color index (CI) classifications of acidic, direct, basic, reactive (including their hydrolyzed forms), or solvent or disperse dyes, such as dyes classified as blue, violet, red, green, or black, and providing the desired hue alone or in combination. Preferred toners of this type include Acid Violet 50, Direct Violet 9, 66, and 99, Solvent Violet 13, and any combinations thereof.

[0151] Many toners applicable to this invention are known and described in the art, such as the toners described in WO2014 / 089386.

[0152] Suitable toners include phthalocyanine and azo dye conjugates, such as those described in WO2009 / 069077.

[0153] Suitable toners can be alkoxylated. Such alkoxylated compounds can be prepared by organic synthesis, which yields a mixture of molecules with different degrees of alkoxylation. This mixture can be used directly as a toner, or it can undergo purification steps to increase the proportion of the target molecule. Suitable toners include alkoxylated diazo dyes, such as those described in WO2012 / 054835, and / or alkoxylated thiophene azo dyes, such as those described in WO2008 / 087497 and WO2012 / 166768.

[0154] Toners may have the following structures:

[0155]

[0156] in:

[0157] R1 and R2 are independently H, alkyl, alkoxy, alkeneoxy, alkyl-terminated alkeneoxy, polyalkeneoxy, alkyl-terminated polyalkeneoxy, or amide group;

[0158] W represents the substituted amino group;

[0159] U is hydrogen, an amino group, or an amino group substituted with an acyl group;

[0160] Y represents the hydrogen or sulfonic acid moiety; and

[0161] Z represents the sulfonic acid moiety or an amino group substituted with a phenyl group.

[0162] Toners can be incorporated as part of a reaction mixture resulting from the organic synthesis of dye molecules via one or more optional purification steps. Such reaction mixtures generally contain the dye molecules themselves and may also contain unreacted starting materials and / or byproducts of the organic synthesis pathway. Suitable toners can be incorporated into tinting dye particles, such as those described in WO 2009 / 069077.

[0163] Granular laundry detergents may contain 1% to 50% by weight of a surfactant system. Suitable detergency surfactants include anionic, nonionic, cationic, amphoteric, and ampholytic surfactants. Suitable detergency surfactants may be linear or branched, substituted or unsubstituted, and may be derived from petrochemical or biological materials.

[0164] Suitable anionic detergency surfactants include sulfonate and sulfate detergency surfactants.

[0165] Suitable sulfonate detergency surfactants include methyl sulfonate, α-olefin sulfonate, alkylbenzene sulfonate, especially alkylbenzene sulfonate, preferably C 10-13 Alkylbenzene sulfonates. Suitable alkylbenzene sulfonates (LAS) are available, preferably obtained by sulfonating a commercially available linear alkylbenzene (LAB); suitable LABs include lower 2-phenyl LABs, and other suitable LABs include higher 2-phenyl LABs, such as those marketed under the trade name Hyblene. ® Those supplied by Sasol.

[0166] Suitable sulfate detergency surfactants include alkyl sulfates, preferably C464-242 ... 8-18 Alkyl sulfates, or mainly C 12 Alkyl sulfates.

[0167] Preferred sulfate detergency surfactants are alkylalkoxylated sulfates, preferably alkylethoxylated sulfates, and preferably C 8-18 Alkyl alkoxylated sulfates, preferably C 8-18 Alkyl ethoxylated sulfates, preferably alkyl alkoxylated sulfates, have an average degree of alkoxylation of 0.5 to 20, preferably 0.5 to 10, and preferably alkyl alkoxylated sulfates are C 8-18 Alkyl ethoxylated sulfate having an average degree of ethoxylation of 0.5 to 10, preferably 0.5 to 5, more preferably 0.5 to 3, and most preferably 0.5 to 1.5.

[0168] Alkyl sulfates, alkylalkoxylated sulfates, and alkylbenzene sulfonates can be straight-chain or branched, substituted or unsubstituted, and can be derived from petrochemical or biological materials.

[0169] Other suitable anionic detergency surfactants include alkyl ether carboxylates.

[0170] Suitable anionic detergency surfactants may be in the form of salts, and suitable counterions include sodium, calcium, magnesium, amino alcohols, and any combination thereof. Sodium is the preferred counterion.

[0171] The surfactant system comprises a linear alkylbenzene sulfonate and an alkylalkoxylated alcohol with an average degree of alkoxylation of 1 to 10. The weight ratio of the linear alkylbenzene sulfonate to the alkylalkoxylated alcohol ranges from 3:1 to 300:1.

[0172] Granular laundry detergents may contain 1% to 30% by weight of a surfactant system.

[0173] The surfactant system comprises a linear alkylbenzene sulfonate and an alkylalkoxylated alcohol with an average degree of alkoxylation of 1 to 10, wherein the weight ratio of the linear alkylbenzene sulfonate to the alkylalkoxylated alcohol is in the range of 10:1 to 200:1.

[0174] At least a portion of the linear alkylbenzene sulfonate may be present in the granular laundry detergent in the form of spray-dried particles, wherein the spray-dried particles contain 10% to 80% by weight of the linear alkylbenzene sulfonate. Preferably, the spray-dried particles contain 40% to 80% by weight of the linear alkylbenzene sulfonate.

[0175] At least a portion of linear alkylbenzene sulfonates may exist in granular laundry detergents in the form of flakes.

[0176] At least a portion of linear alkylbenzene sulfonates can exist in particulate laundry detergents in the form of agglomerates.

[0177] The surfactant system may contain alkyl sulfates, preferably, wherein the alkyl sulfate is C 12 -C 14 Alkyl sulfate. Preferably, the weight ratio of linear alkylbenzene sulfonate to alkyl sulfate is in the range of 2:1 to 60:1.

[0178] Suitable nonionic detergency surfactants are selected from: C8-C 18 Alkyl ethoxylates, such as NEODOL from Shell ® Nonionic surfactant; C6-C 12 Alkylphenol alkoxylates, wherein preferably the alkoxyl unit is an ethyleneoxy unit, an propyleneoxy unit, or a mixture thereof; C 12 -C 18 Alcohols and C6-C 12 Condensations of alkylphenols with ethylene oxide / propylene oxide block polymers, such as Pluronic from BASF. ® Alkyl polysaccharides, preferably alkyl polyglycosides; methyl ester ethoxylates; polyhydroxy fatty acid amides; ether-terminated poly(alkoxylated) alcohol surfactants; and mixtures thereof.

[0179] Suitable nonionic detergency surfactants are alkyl polyglucosides and / or alkyl alkoxylated alcohols.

[0180] Suitable nonionic detergency surfactants include alkylalkoxylated alcohols, preferably C 8-18 Alkyl alkoxylated alcohols, preferably C 8-18 Alkyl ethoxylated alcohols, preferably alkyl alkoxylated alcohols, have an average degree of alkoxylation of 1 to 50, preferably 1 to 30, or 1 to 20, or 1 to 10, and preferably alkyl alkoxylated alcohols are C10 and C20. 8-18 Alkyl ethoxylated alcohols having an average degree of ethoxylation of 1 to 10, preferably 1 to 7, more preferably 1 to 5, and most preferably 3 to 7. Alkyl alkoxylated alcohols may be straight-chain or branched, and may be substituted or unsubstituted.

[0181] Suitable nonionic detergency surfactants include detergency surfactants based on secondary alcohols.

[0182] Suitable cationic detergency surfactants include alkylpyridinium compounds, alkyl quaternary ammonium compounds, alkyl quaternary phosphonium compounds, alkyl ternary sulfonium compounds, and mixtures thereof.

[0183] Preferred cationic detergency surfactants are quaternary ammonium compounds having the following general formula:

[0184] (R)(R1)(R2)(R3)N + X -

[0185] Where R is a straight or branched chain, substituted or unsubstituted C. 6-18 The alkyl or alkenyl moiety, R1 and R2 are independently selected from the methyl or ethyl moiety, R3 is the hydroxyl, hydroxymethyl or hydroxyethyl moiety, and X is an anion that provides electroneutrality, preferably including: halide ions, preferably chloride ions; sulfate ions; and sulfonate ions.

[0186] Suitable amphoteric detergency surfactants include amine oxides and / or betaine.

[0187] Suitable polymers include carboxylate polymers, detergent polymers, anti-redeposition polymers, cellulose polymers, care polymers, and any combination thereof.

[0188] The composition may contain a carboxylate polymer, such as a maleate / acrylate random copolymer or a polyacrylate homopolymer. Suitable carboxylate polymers include: polyacrylate homopolymers having a molecular weight of 4,000 Da to 9,000 Da; and maleate / acrylate random copolymers having a molecular weight of 50,000 Da to 100,000 Da, or 60,000 Da to 80,000 Da.

[0189] Another suitable carboxylate polymer is a copolymer comprising: (i) 50% to less than 98% by weight of structural units derived from one or more monomers containing carboxyl groups; (ii) 1% to less than 49% by weight of structural units derived from one or more monomers containing sulfonate moieties; and (iii) 1% to 49% by weight of structural units derived from one or more classes of monomers selected from monomers containing ether bonds represented by formulas (I) and (II).

[0190] Formula (I):

[0191]

[0192] In formula (I), R0 represents a hydrogen atom or a CH3 group, R represents a CH2 group, a CH2CH2 group, or a single bond, and X represents a number from 0 to 5, provided that when R is a single bond, X represents a number from 1 to 5, and R1 is a hydrogen atom or a C1 to C2 atom. 20 Organic groups;

[0193] Equation (II)

[0194]

[0195] In formula (II), R0 represents a hydrogen atom or a CH3 group, R represents a CH2 group, a CH2CH2 group, or a single bond, X represents a number from 0 to 5, and R1 is a hydrogen atom or C1 to C2. 20 Organic groups.

[0196] Preferably, the polymer has a weight-average molecular weight of at least 50 kDa or even at least 70 kDa.

[0197] The composition may contain a detergency polymer. A suitable detergency polymer has a structure as defined by one of the following structures (I), (II), or (III):

[0198] (I) -[(OCHR 1 -CHR 2 ) a -O-OC-Ar-CO-] d

[0199] (II) -[(OCHR 3 -CHR 4 ) b -O-OC-sAr-CO-] e

[0200] (III) -[(OCHR 5 -CHR 6 ) c -OR 7 ] f

[0201] in:

[0202] a, b, and c range from 1 to 200;

[0203] d, e, and f range from 1 to 50;

[0204] Ar is a 1,4-substituted phenylene;

[0205] sAr is a 1,3-substituted phenylene oxide that is substituted at position 5 by SO3Me;

[0206] Me is Li, K, Mg / 2, Ca / 2, Al / 3, ammonium, monoalkylammonium, dialkylammonium, trialkylammonium, or tetraalkylammonium, wherein the alkyl group is C1-C. 18 Alkyl or C2-C 10 hydroxyalkyl groups or mixtures thereof;

[0207] R 1 R 2 R 3 R 4 R 5 and R 6Independently selected from H or C1-C 18 n-alkyl or C1-C 18 isoalkyl; and

[0208] R 7 C1-C, whether straight or branched 18 Alkyl groups, or straight-chain or branched C2-C 30 Alkenyl, or a cycloalkyl group having 5 to 9 carbon atoms, or C8-C 30 aryl group, or C6-C 30 Arylalkyl group.

[0209] Suitable detergent polymers are produced by Clariant with TexCare. ® A range of polymers are available for sale, such as TexCare. ® SRN240 and TexCare ® SRA300. Other suitable detergency polymers are available from Solvay using Repel-o-Tex. ® A range of polymers are available, such as Repel-o-Tex. ® SF2 and Repel-o-Tex ® Crystal.

[0210] Suitable anti-redeposition polymers include polyethylene glycol polymers and / or polyethyleneimine polymers.

[0211] Suitable polyethylene glycol polymers include random graft copolymers comprising: (i) a hydrophilic backbone comprising polyethylene glycol; and (ii) one or more hydrophobic side chains selected from C4-C4. 25 Alkyl groups, polypropylene, polybutylene, vinyl esters of saturated C1-C6 monocarboxylic acids, C1-C6 alkyl esters of acrylic acid or methacrylic acid, and mixtures thereof. Suitable polyethylene glycol polymers have a polyethylene glycol backbone with randomly grafted polyvinyl acetate side chains. The average molecular weight of the polyethylene glycol backbone can range from 2,000 Da to 20,000 Da, or from 4,000 Da to 8,000 Da. The molecular weight ratio of the polyethylene glycol backbone to the polyvinyl acetate side chains can range from 1:1 to 1:5, or from 1:1.2 to 1:2. The average number of grafting sites per ethylene oxide unit can be less than 0.02, or less than 0.016, and the average number of grafting sites per ethylene oxide unit can range from 0.010 to 0.018, or the average number of grafting sites per ethylene oxide unit can be less than 0.010, or in the range of 0.004 to 0.008.

[0212] Suitable polyethylene glycol polymers are described in WO08 / 007320.

[0213] A suitable polyethylene glycol polymer is Sokalan HP22.

[0214] Suitable cellulose polymers are selected from alkyl cellulose, alkylalkoxyalkyl cellulose, carboxyalkyl cellulose, alkylcarboxyalkyl cellulose, sulfonyl alkyl cellulose, and more preferably from carboxymethyl cellulose, methyl cellulose, methyl hydroxyethyl cellulose, methyl carboxymethyl cellulose, and mixtures thereof.

[0215] Suitable carboxymethyl cellulose has a degree of carboxymethyl substitution of 0.5 to 0.9 and a molecular weight of 100,000 Da to 300,000 Da.

[0216] Suitable carboxymethyl cellulose has a degree of substitution greater than 0.65 and a blockiness greater than 0.45, for example, as described in WO09 / 154933.

[0217] Suitable care polymers include cationic or hydrophobic modified cellulose polymers. These modified cellulose polymers can provide fabrics with beneficial anti-abrasion and dye-locking effects during washing cycles. Suitable cellulose polymers include cationic modified hydroxyethyl cellulose.

[0218] Other suitable care polymers include dye-locked polymers, such as condensation oligomers produced by the condensation of imidazole and epichlorohydrin, preferably in a 1:4:1 ratio. A suitable commercially available dye-locked polymer is Polyquart. ® FDI (Cognis).

[0219] Other suitable care polymers include amino-siloxanes, which can provide beneficial effects on fabric feel and fabric shape retention.

[0220] Suitable bleaching agents include hydrogen peroxide sources, bleaching activators, bleaching catalysts, pre-formed peracids, and any combination thereof. Particularly suitable bleaching agents include combinations of hydrogen peroxide sources with bleaching activators and / or bleaching catalysts.

[0221] Suitable sources of hydrogen peroxide include sodium perborate and / or sodium percarbonate.

[0222] Suitable bleaching activators include tetraacetylethylenediamine and / or alkylphenol sulfonates.

[0223] The composition may contain a bleaching catalyst. Suitable bleaching catalysts include peroxyimine cation bleaching catalysts, transition metal bleaching catalysts, and especially manganese and iron bleaching catalysts. Suitable bleaching catalysts have a structure conforming to the following general formula:

[0224]

[0225] Where R 13 Choose from the group consisting of: 2-ethylhexyl, 2-propylheptyl, 2-butyloctyl, 2-pentylnonyl, 2-hexyldecyl, n-dodecyl, n-tetradecyl, n-hexadecyl, n-octadecyl, isononyl, isodecyl, isothidecyl, isotriadecyl and isopentadecyl.

[0226] Suitable preformed peracids include phthalimide-peroxyhexanoic acid.

[0227] Suitable enzymes include lipases, proteases, cellulases, amylases, and any combination thereof.

[0228] Suitable proteases include metalloproteinases and serine proteases. Examples of suitable neutral or alkaline proteases include: subtilisin (EC 3.4.21.62); trypsin-type or chymotrypsin-type proteases; and metalloproteinases. Suitable proteases include chemically modified or genetically modified mutants of the aforementioned suitable proteases.

[0229] Suitable commercially available proteases include those marketed under the trade name Alcalase. ® Savinase ® Prime ® Durazym ® Polarzyme ® Kannase ® Liquanase ® Liquanase Ultra ® Savinase Ultra ® Ovozyme ® Neutrase ® Everlase ® and Esperase ® Those sold by Novozymes A / S (Denmark); under the trade name Maxatase ® Maxacal ® Maxapem ® Preferenz P ® A series of proteases, including Preferenz ® P280, Preferenz ® P281, Preferenz ® P2018-C, Preferenz ® P2081-WE, Preferenz ®P2082-EE and Preferenz ® P2083-A / J, Property ® Purafect ® Purafect Prime ® Purafect Ox ® FN3 ® FN4 ® Excellase ® and Purafect OXP ® Those sold by DuPont; under the trade name Opticlean ® and Optimase ® Those sold by Solvay Enzymes; those purchased from Henkel / Kemira, namely BLAP (sequence shown in Figure 29 of US 5,352,604, with the following mutations: S99D + S101 R + S103A + V104I + G159S, hereinafter referred to as BLAP); BLAP R (BLAP with S3T + V4I + V199M + V205I + L217D), BLAPX (BLAP with S3T + V4I + V205I), and BLAP F49 (BLAP with S3T + V4I + A194P + V199M + V205I + L217D) from Henkel / Kemira; and KAP (Bacillus subtilis protease with the mutation A230V + S256G + S259N) from Kao.

[0230] The appropriate proteases are described in WO11 / 140316 and WO11 / 072117.

[0231] Suitable amylases are derived from the AA560α amylase endogenously derived from Bacillus spp. DSM 12649, and preferably possess the following mutations: R118K, D183*, G184*, N195F, R320K, and / or R458K. Suitable commercially available amylases include stainzyme. ® Stainzyme ® Plus, Natalase, Terminyl ® Termonyl ® Ultra, Liquezyme ® SZ, Duramyl ® Everest ® (All from Novozymes) and Spezyme® AA, Preferenz S ® Series of amylases, Purastar ® and Purastar ® Ox Am, Optisize ® HT Plus (both from DuPont).

[0232] The appropriate amylase is described in WO06 / 002643.

[0233] Suitable cellulases include those derived from bacteria or fungi. Chemically modified or protein-engineered mutants are also suitable. Suitable cellulases include those from the genera *Bacillus*, *Pseudomonas*, *Humicola*, *Fusarium*, *Thielavia*, and *Acremonium*, such as fungal cellulases produced by *Humicola insolens*, *Myceliophthorathermophila*, and *Fusarium oxysporum*.

[0234] Commercially available cellulases include Celluzyme ® Carezyme ® and Carezyme ® Premium, Celluclean ® and Whitezyme ® (Novozymes A / S), Revitalenz ® Series of enzymes (Du Pont), and Biotouch ® AB Enzymes. Suitable commercially available cellulases include Carezyme. ® Premium, Celluclean ® Classic. Suitable proteases are described in WO07 / 144857 and WO10 / 056652.

[0235] Suitable lipases include those from bacteria, fungi, or synthetic sources, as well as their variants. Chemically modified or protein-engineered mutants are also suitable. Examples of suitable lipases include those from the genus *Thermomyces*, such as those from *H. lanuginosa* (*T. lanuginosus*).

[0236] The lipase may be a "first-cycle lipase," for example, those described in WO06 / 090335 and WO13 / 116261. In one aspect, the lipase is a first-wash lipase, preferably a variant of a wild-type lipase from *Thermophilus spp.* containing the T231R and / or N233R mutation. Preferred lipases include those marketed under the trade name Lipex. ® Lipolex ® and Lipoclean ® Those sold by Novozymes (Bagsvaerd, Denmark).

[0237] Other suitable lipases include: Liprl 139, for example, as described in WO2013 / 171241; and TfuLip2, for example, as described in WO2011 / 084412 and WO2013 / 033318.

[0238] Other suitable enzymes are bleaching enzymes, such as peroxidases / oxidases, including those from plant, bacterial, or fungal sources and their variants. Commercially available peroxidases include Guardzyme. ® (Novozymes A / S). Other suitable enzymes include choline oxidases and perhydrolases, such as those used in Gentle Power Bleach. ™ Those in it.

[0239] Other suitable enzymes include those marketed under the trade name X-Pect. ® Pectaway ® (From Novozymes A / S, Bagsvaerd, Denmark) and PrimaGreen ® DuPont sells pectic acid lyase and under the brand name Mannaway ® (Novozymes A / S, Bagsvaerd, Denmark) and Mannastar ® Mannanase sold by (Du Pont).

[0240] The composition may contain zeolite detergent builders. The composition may contain 0% to 5% by weight of zeolite detergent builders, or 3% by weight of zeolite detergent builders. The composition may even be substantially free of zeolite detergent builders; substantially free means "without intentional addition". Typical zeolite detergent builders include zeolite A, zeolite P, and zeolite MAP.

[0241] The composition may contain phosphate builders. The composition may contain 0% to 5% by weight, or up to 3% by weight, of phosphate builders. The composition may even be substantially free of phosphate builders; substantially free means "without intentional addition." A typical phosphate builder is sodium tripolyphosphate.

[0242] The composition may contain carbonates. The composition may contain 0% to 10% by weight of carbonates, or 0% to 5% by weight of carbonates. The composition may even be substantially free of carbonates; substantially free of carbonates means "without intentional addition". Suitable carbonates include sodium carbonate and sodium bicarbonate.

[0243] The composition may contain silicates. The composition may contain 0% to 10% by weight of silicates, or 0% to 5% by weight of silicates. Preferred silicates are sodium silicates, particularly preferred sodium silicates having a Na₂O:SiO₂ ratio of 1.0 to 2.8, preferably 1.6 to 2.0.

[0244] The suitable sulfate is sodium sulfate.

[0245] Suitable fluorescent whitening agents include: stilbene biphenyl compounds, such as Tinopal ® CBS-X, diaminobis(phenylene) disulfonic acid compounds, such as Tinopal ® DMS Pure Xtra and Blankophor ® HRH, and pyrazoline compounds, such as Blankophor ® SN and coumarin compounds, such as Tinopal ® SWN.

[0246] Preferred brighteners are: sodium 2-(4-styryl-3-sulfonylphenyl)-2H-naphthol[1,2-d]triazole, sodium 4,4'-bis{[(4-phenylamino-6-(N-methyl-N-2-hydroxyethyl)amino-1,3,5-triazin-2-yl)];amino}stilbene-2-2'disulfonate, sodium 4,4'-bis{[(4-phenylamino-6-morpholino-1,3,5-triazin-2-yl)]amino}bis(phenylethylene-2-2'disulfonate), and sodium 4,4'-bis(2-sulfostyryl)biphenyl. A suitable fluorescent brightener is CI. Fluorescent brightener 260 can be used in its β or α crystalline form or a mixture of these crystalline forms.

[0247] The composition may further comprise a chelating agent selected from: diethylenetriaminepentaacetate, diethylenetriaminepenta (methylphosphonic acid), ethylenediamine-N'N'-disuccinic acid, ethylenediaminetetraacetate, ethylenediaminetetra (methylenephosphonic acid), and hydroxyethanedi (methylenephosphonic acid). Preferred chelating agents are ethylenediamine-N'N'-disuccinic acid (EDDS) and / or hydroxyethanediphosphonic acid (HEDP). The composition preferably comprises ethylenediamine-N'N'-disuccinic acid or a salt thereof. Preferably, ethylenediamine-N'N'-disuccinic acid is in its S,S enantiomer form. Preferably, the composition comprises disodium 4,5-dihydroxy-isophthalic acid. Preferred chelating agents can also act as inhibitors of calcium carbonate crystal growth, such as: 1-hydroxyethane diphosphate (HEDP) and its salts; N,N-dicarboxymethyl-2-aminopentane-1,5-ic acid and its salts; 2-phosphonobutane-1,2,4-tricarboxylic acid and its salts; and combinations thereof.

[0248] Suitable dye transfer inhibitors include polyamine N-oxide polymers, copolymers of N-vinylpyrrolidone and N-vinylimidazole, polyvinylpyrrolidone, polyvinyloxazolidinone, polyvinylimidazole, and mixtures thereof. Preferred are poly(vinylpyrrolidone), poly(vinylpyridine betaine), poly(vinylpyridine N-oxide), poly(vinylpyrrolidone-vinylimidazole), and mixtures thereof. Suitable commercially available dye transfer inhibitors include PVP-K15 and K30 (Ashland), Sokalan. ® HP165, HP50, HP53, HP59, HP56K, HP56, HP66 (BASF), Chromabond ® S-400, S403E and S-100 (Ashland).

[0249] Suitable siloxanes include polydimethylsiloxanes and aminosiloxanes. Suitable siloxanes are described in WO05075616.

[0250] Typically, the particles of the composition can be prepared by any suitable method, such as spray drying, agglomeration, extrusion, and any combination thereof.

[0251] Typically, a suitable spray drying method includes the steps of forming an aqueous slurry mixture, transferring it to a pressure nozzle by at least one pump, preferably two pumps, atomizing the aqueous slurry mixture into a spray drying tower, and drying the aqueous slurry mixture to form spray-dried particles. Preferably, the spray drying tower is a counter-current spray drying tower, although a co-current spray drying tower is also suitable.

[0252] Typically, spray-dried powders are cooled, for example, by air stripping. Typically, spray-dried powders are subjected to particle size classification, such as sieving, to obtain a desired particle size distribution. Preferably, the spray-dried powders have a particle size distribution such that the weight-average particle size is in the range of 300 to 500 micrometers, and less than 10% by weight of the spray-dried particles have a particle size greater than 2360 micrometers.

[0253] It is preferable to heat the aqueous slurry mixture to raise the temperature before atomizing it into a spray drying tower, as described in WO2009 / 158162.

[0254] For anionic surfactants, such as linear alkylbenzene sulfonates, it is preferable to introduce them into the spray drying method after the step of forming an aqueous slurry mixture: for example, after pumping, the acid precursor is introduced into the aqueous slurry mixture, such as that described in WO 09 / 158449.

[0255] For gases, such as air, it is preferable to introduce them into the spray drying method after the step of forming an aqueous slurry, as described in WO2013 / 181205.

[0256] For any inorganic component, such as sodium sulfate and sodium carbonate, it is preferable that, if present in an aqueous slurry mixture, it be micronized into small particle sizes, as described in WO2012 / 134969.

[0257] Typically, suitable agglomeration methods involve contacting detergency components, such as detergency surfactants, for example linear alkylbenzene sulfonates (LAS) and / or alkylalkoxylated sulfates, with inorganic materials, such as sodium carbonate and / or silica, in a mixer. Agglomeration methods can also be in-situ neutralization agglomeration methods, wherein acidic precursors of the detergency surfactant, such as LAS, are contacted with alkaline materials, such as carbonates and / or sodium hydroxide, in a mixer, and wherein the acidic precursors of the detergency surfactant are neutralized by the alkaline material during the agglomeration process to form the detergency surfactant.

[0258] Other suitable detergent ingredients that can be agglomerated include polymers, chelating agents, bleaching activators, siloxanes, and any combination thereof.

[0259] Agglomeration methods can be high-, medium-, or low-shear agglomeration methods, wherein high-shear, medium-shear, or low-shear mixers are used accordingly. Agglomeration methods can be multi-step agglomeration methods, wherein two or more mixers are used, such as a combination of a high-shear mixer and a medium- or low-shear mixer. Agglomeration methods can be continuous or batch methods.

[0260] It is preferable to subject the agglomerates to a drying step, for example, a fluidized bed drying step. It is also preferable to subject the agglomerates to a cooling step, for example, a fluidized bed cooling step.

[0261] Typically, agglomerates undergo particle size classification, such as fluidized bed washing and / or sieving, to obtain a desired particle size distribution. Preferably, the agglomerates have a particle size distribution such that the weight average particle size is in the range of 300 micrometers to 800 micrometers, and less than 10% by weight of the agglomerates have a particle size of less than 150 micrometers, and less than 10% by weight of the agglomerates have a particle size of greater than 1200 micrometers.

[0262] For both fine and oversized agglomerates, recycling back into the agglomeration process is preferred. Typically, oversized particles undergo a crushing step, such as grinding, and are recycled back to the appropriate location within the agglomeration process, such as a mixer. Similarly, fine powder is typically recycled back to the appropriate location within the agglomeration process, such as a mixer.

[0263] For the ingredients, such as polymers and / or nonionic detergency surfactants and / or fragrances, it is preferable to spray them onto the base detergent particles, such as spray-dried base detergent particles and / or agglomerated base detergent particles. Typically, this spraying step is carried out in a tumbling drum mixer.

[0264] As described above, the water-soluble unit dosage article according to this disclosure is suitable for use in methods of washing fabrics. Such methods may include the following steps:

[0265] a. Provide an automatic washing machine, wherein the automatic washing machine includes a drum and a drawer;

[0266] b. Adding the water-soluble unit dose product according to the invention to the drawer, the drum, or a mixture thereof, and adding the fabric to be washed to the drum;

[0267] c. Start the washing cycle in the automatic washing machine.

[0268] Preferably, the water-soluble unit dose product is added to sufficient water to dilute the liquid laundry detergent composition by at least 300 times to form a washing liquid, and the fabric is brought into contact with the washing liquid in the drum of a washing machine. It is not desirable to be bound by theory; when the water-soluble unit dose product is added to water, the water-soluble film dissolves, thereby releasing the internal liquid laundry detergent composition into the water. The liquid laundry detergent composition is dispersed in the water to form a washing liquid.

[0269] Preferably, the washing liquid may contain water between 1L and 64L, more preferably between 2L and 32L, and even more preferably between 3L and 20L.

[0270] Preferably, the temperature of the washing liquid is between 5°C and 90°C, more preferably between 10°C and 60°C, even more preferably between 12°C and 45°C, and most preferably between 15°C and 40°C.

[0271] Preferably, the washing of the fabric in the washing liquid takes between 5 and 50 minutes, more preferably between 5 and 40 minutes, more preferably between 5 and 30 minutes, even more preferably between 5 and 20 minutes, and most preferably between 6 and 18 minutes.

[0272] Preferably, the washing liquid contains between 1 kg and 20 kg of fabric, more preferably between 3 kg and 15 kg, and most preferably between 5 kg and 10 kg.

[0273] The washing liquid may contain water of any hardness, preferably varying between 0 gpg and 40 gpg.

[0274] The dimensions and values ​​disclosed herein should not be construed as strictly limited to the precise numerical values ​​cited. Rather, unless otherwise specified, each such dimension is intended to represent the stated value and a range around which it is functionally equivalent. For example, a dimension disclosed as “40 mm” is intended to represent “approximately 40 mm”.

Claims

1. A component, the component comprising: A water-soluble unit-dose product comprising a water-soluble fibrous nonwoven sheet and granular laundry detergent, wherein the water-soluble fibrous nonwoven sheet is shaped to form a sealed internal compartment, wherein the granular laundry detergent is contained within the internal compartment, wherein the water-soluble fibrous nonwoven sheet comprises a plurality of fibers, wherein the fibers comprise a polyvinyl alcohol polymer, and wherein the granular laundry detergent comprises a plurality of particles, wherein the plurality of particles include fragrance particles, wherein the fragrance particles comprise a fragrance; and A sealing clip, wherein at least one of the sealing clips is a heated sealing clip, wherein the top seal of the sealed internal compartment is held between the sealing clips, wherein a first clip of the sealing clips includes a protrusion along the longitudinal direction of the seal, the protrusion having a base along a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the seal, the base being larger than 3 times the thickness of the water-soluble fibrous nonwoven sheet and less than 20 times the thickness of the water-soluble fibrous nonwoven sheet.

2. The component of claim 1, wherein the sealing clips comprise a pair of heated sealing clips facing each other.

3. The component according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the cross-section of the protruding portion along a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the seal includes a bead shape protruding from the base.

4. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the first clip in the sealing clip is a heated clip.

5. The component of claim 1, wherein the second clip of the sealing clip faces the first clip of the sealing clip, wherein the second clip of the sealing clip includes a flat portion facing at least a portion of the protrusion.

6. The component of claim 1, wherein the length of the sealing clip along the longitudinal direction of the seal is at least 2.5% longer than the length of the seal along the longitudinal direction of the seal.

7. The component of claim 1, wherein the particulate laundry detergent comprises fragrance particles with a median particle size range of less than 100 micrometers and greater than 5 micrometers.

8. The component of claim 1, wherein the weight of the particulate laundry detergent contained in the internal compartment is greater than 5 grams and less than 200 grams.

9. The component according to claim 1, wherein the thickness of the water-soluble fibrous nonwoven sheet is less than 0.4 mm and greater than 0.1 mm.

10. The component of claim 1, wherein the protruding portion includes a removable layer in contact with the top seal, the removable layer having a size less than 19 x 10 mm. -5 Surface energy in N / cm.

11. A method of operating a component according to any one of the preceding claims, the method comprising: Forming a sleeve comprising the water-soluble fibrous nonwoven sheet; The sleeve is laterally sealed by keeping the sealing clip across the sleeve closed to form a bottom seal; In response to forming the bottom seal, the internal compartment is filled with the granular laundry detergent; Open the sealing clips and allow the filled internal compartment to slide between and over the open sealing clips; as well as In response to the filled internal compartment sliding across the open sealing clip, the sleeve is laterally sealed by keeping the sealing clip closed across the sleeve to form a top seal.

12. The method of claim 11, wherein the protruding portion reaches a temperature greater than 180°C and less than 250°C during sealing formation.

13. The method of any one of claims 11 or 12, wherein the component of claim 10 is operated, and the method further comprises replacing the removable layer after forming at least 5,000 filled water-soluble unit dose articles.

14. The method according to claim 11, wherein the method comprises: After the filled inner compartment slides past the open sealing clip and before the top seal is formed, the particulate laundry detergent is allowed to settle in the inner compartment by keeping the sealing clip open for at least 50 ms.

15. The method of claim 11, wherein using the sealing clip to seal the filled water-soluble unit dose article to form the top seal comprises cutting the top seal by the sealing clip along the longitudinal direction of the seal.

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