Concentrated fabric conditioner

Abstract

A concentrated fabric conditioner composition comprising from 30 to 90% by weight of a fabric softening active blend wherein the fabric softening active blend comprises: a) a quaternary ammonium compound having from 30 to 100% saturated fatty acid chains; and b) a quaternary ammonium compound having 0 to 20% saturated fatty acid chains; wherein the ratio of quaternary ammonium compound a): quaternary ammonium compound b) is from 6.25: 4 to 3: 7.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention is in the field of concentrated fabric conditioners. Background Art

[0002] Concentrated fabric conditioners are fabric conditioners that contain high levels of fabric softening actives. When conventional fabric softening actives (such as those derived from palm oil or tallow) are used in high concentrations, they result in unacceptable thickening of the formulation, particularly at low temperatures. This creates problems for the supply chain in colder regions of the world. There is a need to formulate concentrated fabric softening compositions that have a suitable viscosity over a wide temperature range, including low temperatures. Summary of the invention

[0003] It has been found that by using a specific combination of quaternary ammonium compounds having different degrees of saturation in their fatty acid chains, a concentrated product can be formed which is liquid at low temperatures.

[0004] Thus, one aspect of the present invention provides a concentrated fabric conditioner composition comprising from 30 to 90 wt% of a fabric softening active, wherein the fabric softening active comprises:

[0005] a) quaternary ammonium compounds having 30 to 100% saturated fatty acid chains; and

[0006] b) quaternary ammonium compounds having 0 to 20% saturated fatty acid chains,

[0007] The ratio of quaternary ammonium compound a):quaternary ammonium compound b) is 6.25:3.75 to 3:7.

[0008] The present invention also relates to a process for preparing a fabric conditioner, wherein:

[0009] a) a quaternary ammonium compound having 30 to 100% saturated fatty acid chains is mixed with b) a quaternary ammonium compound having 0 to 20% saturated fatty acid chains to form a fabric softening blend; the ratio of quaternary ammonium compound a): quaternary ammonium compound b) is 6.25:4 to 3:7;

[0010] The fabric softening blend is further combined with a solvent to form a fabric conditioner. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0011] By reading the following detailed description and the appended claims, these and other aspects, features and advantages will become apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art. For the avoidance of doubt, any feature of one aspect of the present invention may be used in any other aspect of the present invention. The word "comprising" is intended to mean "including", but not necessarily "consisting of" or "consisting of". In other words, the steps or options listed do not need to be exhaustive. It should be noted that the examples given in the following description are intended to illustrate the present invention and do not mean that the present invention is limited to these examples themselves. Similarly, unless otherwise stated, all percentages are weight / weight percentages. Except in the operating examples and comparative examples, or in the case of otherwise clearly stated, all numbers in this specification indicating the amount of material or reaction conditions, the physical properties of the material and / or the use should be understood to be modified by the word "about". The numerical range expressed in the "x to y" format should be understood to include x and y. When multiple preferred ranges are described in the form of "x to y" for a particular feature, it should be understood that all ranges combining different endpoints are also considered.

[0012] Fabric softening actives

[0013] The fabric conditioner described herein comprises a fabric softening active blend. The fabric softening active blend comprises: a) a quaternary ammonium compound having 30 to 100% saturated fatty acid chains and b) a quaternary ammonium compound having 0 to 20% saturated fatty acid chains. In other words, there are two different quaternary ammonium compounds, each with a different amount of saturated fatty acid chains. The remaining fatty acid chains are monounsaturated, diunsaturated or polyunsaturated.

[0014] The quaternary ammonium compounds a) and / or b) are preferably so-called "esterquats" or ester-linked quaternary ammonium compounds. Particularly preferred materials are ester-linked triethanolamine (TEA) quaternary ammonium compounds, which contain mixtures of mono-, di- and tri-ester-linked components.

[0015] Typically, TEA-based fabric softening compounds comprise a mixture of mono-, diester and triester forms of the compound, wherein the diester-linked components comprise no more than 70 wt %, preferably no more than 60 wt %, for example no more than 55 wt %, or even no more than 45 wt % of the fabric softening compound, and at least 10 wt % of the mono-ester-linked components.

[0016] A first group of quaternary ammonium compounds (QAC) suitable for use as quaternary ammonium compounds a) and / or b) in the present invention is represented by formula (I):

[0017]

[0018] wherein each R is independently selected from a C5 to C35 alkyl or alkenyl group;1 represents a C1 to C4 alkyl, C2 to C4 alkenyl or C1 to C4 hydroxyalkyl; T may be O-CO (i.e., an ester group bonded to R via its carbon atom), or alternatively may be CO-O (i.e., an ester group bonded to R via its oxygen atom); n is a number selected from 1 to 4; m is a number selected from 1, 2 or 3; and X- is an anionic counterion, such as a halide or an alkyl sulfate, for example chloride or methyl sulfate. The diester variant of formula I (i.e., m=2) is preferred and generally has monoester and triester analogs associated therewith. Such materials are particularly suitable for use in the present invention.

[0019] Likewise suitable are active substances enriched in the diester of triethanolammonium methylsulfate, otherwise known as "TEA esterquats".

[0020] A second group of QACs suitable for use as quaternary ammonium compounds a) and / or b) in the present invention is represented by formula (II):

[0021]

[0022] Each R 1 The groups are independently selected from C1 to C4 alkyl, hydroxyalkyl or C2 to C4 alkenyl; and wherein each R 2 The groups are independently selected from C8 to C28 alkyl or alkenyl; and wherein n, T and X- are as defined above.

[0023] A third group of QACs suitable for use as quaternary ammonium compounds a) and / or b) in the present invention is represented by formula (III):

[0024] (R 1 )2-N + [(CH2) n -TR 2 ]2X - (III)

[0025] Each R 1 The groups are independently selected from C1 to C4 alkyl or C2 to C4 alkenyl; and wherein each R 2 The groups are independently selected from C8 to C28 alkyl or alkenyl groups; and n, T and X- are as defined above.

[0026] A specific example of the third group of QACs suitable for use as quaternary ammonium compounds a) and / or b) in the present invention is represented by formula (IV):

[0027]

[0028] A fourth group of QACs suitable for use in the present invention is represented by formula (V):

[0029]

[0030] R1 and R2 are independently selected from C10 to C22 alkyl or alkenyl, preferably C14 to C20 alkyl or alkenyl. X- is as defined above.

[0031] A further type of softening compound may be a non-ester quaternary ammonium material represented by formula (VI):

[0032]

[0033] Each R 1 The groups are independently selected from C1 to C4 alkyl, hydroxyalkyl or C2 to C4 alkenyl; R 2 The groups are independently selected from C8 to C28 alkyl or alkenyl groups, and X- is as defined above.

[0034] The fabric softening active blend comprises: a) a quaternary ammonium compound having from 30 to 100% of the total number of fatty acid chains as saturated fatty acid chains, preferably from 40 to 95% as saturated fatty acid chains, and most preferably from 50 to 90% as saturated fatty acid chains. The fatty chains may be derived from any suitable source, however vegetable oils or animal fats are preferred. Particularly preferred are fatty chains derived from animal fats and / or palm oil.

[0035] Suitable quaternary ammonium compounds include: di-palmitoyloxyethyl hydroxyethyl methyl ammonium methyl sulfate, 1,2-bis[tallowoyloxy]-3-trimethylammonium propane chloride, 1,2-bis[hardened tallowoyloxy]-3-trimethylammonium propane chloride, bis(2-tallowoyloxyethyl)dimethylammonium chloride.

[0036] The fabric softening active blend comprises b) a quaternary ammonium compound having 0 to 20%, preferably 0 to 10%, more preferably 0 to 5% saturated fatty acid chains of the total number of fatty acid chains. The fatty acid chain may be any fatty acid, however particularly preferred are C16 or C18 fatty acids, such as palmitoleic or oleic fatty acids, most preferably the fatty acid chain is oleic acid. Preferably, b) the quaternary ammonium compound comprises 80 to 100% monounsaturated fatty acid chains of the total number of fatty acid chains, more preferably 90 to 100% monounsaturated fatty acid chains.

[0037] The ratio of quaternary ammonium compound a): quaternary ammonium compound b) is from 6.25:3.75 to 2:7, preferably from 6.25:3.75 to 3:7, preferably 6:4-3:7. These ratios allow for liquid products at low temperatures without unsatisfactory levels of oxidation of any flavor present in the formulation.

[0038] Preferably, the fabric conditioner of the present invention comprises greater than 30 wt% of the blend of fabric softening actives, more preferably greater than 35 wt% of the blend of fabric softening actives, most preferably greater than 40 wt% of the blend of fabric softening actives, by weight of the composition. Preferably, the fabric conditioner of the present invention comprises less than 90 wt% of the blend of fabric softening actives, more preferably less than 85 wt% of the blend of fabric softening actives, most preferably less than 80 wt% of the blend of fabric softening actives, by weight of the composition.

[0039] Suitably the fabric conditioner comprises from 30 to 90 wt% of the fabric softening active blend, preferably from 35 to 85 wt% of the fabric softening active blend and more preferably from 40 to 80 wt% of the fabric softening active blend by weight of the composition.

[0040] Solvents

[0041] The compositions described herein preferably comprise a solvent. The solvent is preferably an organic solvent.

[0042] Preferred organic solvents are selected from hydrocarbons, aromatic alcohols and combinations thereof. The solvent may comprise a mixture of suitable solvents. Particularly preferred hydrocarbons are hydrocarbons having a carbon chain containing 5 to 19 carbons, more preferably 12 to 18 carbons. The hydrocarbon may be straight or branched, preferably straight. Particularly preferred aromatic alcohols are benzyl alcohol.

[0043] Preferably, the composition comprises from 5 to 80 wt% of a solvent as described herein. More preferably from 10 to 65 wt% solvent, and most preferably from 15 to 50 wt% solvent, based on the weight of the composition.

[0044] spices

[0045] The compositions as described herein preferably comprise perfume. When present, the compositions preferably comprise 0.1 to 30% by weight of perfume, i.e. free perfume and / or perfume microcapsules. As known in the art, free perfume and perfume microcapsules provide perfume effects to consumers at different points in the laundry process. It is particularly preferred that the compositions of the present invention comprise a combination of both free perfume and perfume microcapsules.

[0046] Preferably, the compositions of the present invention comprise from 0.5 to 30 wt% perfume material, more preferably from 1 to 20 wt% perfume material, most preferably from 1 to 15 wt% perfume material.

[0047] Useful flavor components may include materials of natural and synthetic origin. They include single compounds and mixtures. Specific examples of such components can be found in the existing literature, for example, Fenaroli's Handbook of Flavor Ingredients, 1975, CRC Press; Synthetic Food Adjuncts, 1947, MB Jacobs, Van Nostrand ed.; or Perfume and Flavor Chemicals, S. Arctander 1969, Montclair, NJ (USA). These substances are well known to those skilled in the art of flavoring, seasoning and / or aromatic consumer products.

[0048] The compositions of the present invention preferably comprise from 0.5 to 20 wt% free perfume, more preferably from 0.5 to 12 wt% free perfume.

[0049] Particularly preferred fragrance components are fragrance-releasing fragrance components and affinity fragrance components. The fragrance-releasing fragrance components are defined by a boiling point below 250°C and a LogP greater than 2.5. The affinity fragrance components are defined by a boiling point above 250°C and a LogP greater than 2.5. The boiling point is measured at standard pressure (760 mm Hg). Preferably, the fragrance composition comprises a mixture of fragrance-releasing fragrance components and affinity fragrance components. The fragrance composition may comprise other fragrance components.

[0050] It is common for multiple flavor components to be present in free oil flavor compositions. In the compositions used in the present invention, it is envisaged that three or more, preferably four or more, more preferably five or more, most preferably six or more different flavor components will be present. Up to 300 flavor components may be used.

[0051] The composition of the present invention preferably comprises 0.5 to 20 wt% of perfume microcapsules, more preferably 0.5 to 12 wt% of perfume microcapsules. The weight of the microcapsules is the weight of the material as supplied.

[0052] When the perfume component is encapsulated, suitable encapsulating materials may include, but are not limited to, amino plastics, proteins, polyurethanes, polyacrylates, polymethacrylates, polysaccharides, polyamides, polyolefins, gums, silicones, lipids, modified celluloses, polyphosphates, polystyrenes, polyesters or combinations thereof. Particularly preferred materials are amino plastic microcapsules, such as melamine formaldehyde or urea formaldehyde microcapsules.

[0053] The fragrance microcapsules of the present invention may be breakable microcapsules and / or moisture-activated microcapsules. Breakable means that the fragrance microcapsules will break when force is applied. Moisture-activated means that the fragrance is released in the presence of water. The composition of the present invention preferably comprises breakable microcapsules. Moisture-activated microcapsules may additionally be present. Examples of microcapsules that may be breakable include aminoplast microcapsules.

[0054] The perfume component contained in the microcapsules may comprise odoriferous substances and / or pro-perfume substances.

[0055] Particularly preferred flavor components contained in the microcapsules are release flavor components and affinity flavor components. The release flavor component is defined by a boiling point below 250°C and a LogP greater than 2.5. Preferably, the encapsulated flavor composition comprises at least 20% by weight of the release flavor component, more preferably at least 30% by weight, and most preferably at least 40% by weight of the release flavor component. The affinity flavor component is defined by a boiling point above 250°C and a LogP greater than 2.5. Preferably, the encapsulated flavor composition comprises at least 10% by weight of the affinity flavor component, more preferably at least 20% by weight and most preferably at least 30% by weight of the affinity flavor component. The boiling point is measured at standard pressure (760 mm Hg). Preferably, the flavor composition comprises a mixture of the release flavor component and the affinity flavor component. The flavor composition may comprise other flavor components.

[0056] It is common for a plurality of perfume components to be present in the microcapsules. In the compositions used in the present invention, it is envisaged that three or more, preferably four or more, more preferably five or more, and most preferably six or more different perfume components are present in the microcapsules. Up to 300 perfume components may be used.

[0057] The microcapsules may contain perfume components and a carrier for the perfume ingredient, such as zeolite or cyclodextrin.

[0058] Other Ingredients

[0059] The compositions for the purposes described herein may contain other ingredients of fabric conditioner liquids known to those skilled in the art. Among these materials, mention may be made of: defoamers, insect repellents, coloring or tinting dyes, preservatives (e.g., bactericides), antivirals, pH buffers, perfume carriers, hydrotropes, anti-redeposition agents, detergents, polyelectrolytes, shrinkage inhibitors, wrinkle inhibitors, antioxidants, dyes, colorants, sunscreens, corrosion inhibitors, drape-imparting agents, antistatic agents, chelating agents, and ironing aids. The products of the invention may contain pearlescent agents and / or sunscreens. A preferred chelating agent is HEDP, an abbreviation for etidronic acid or 1-hydroxyethane 1,1-diphosphonic acid.

[0060] The composition is non-aqueous, however some water may be present. The composition comprises less than 10% by weight water, and most preferably less than 5% by weight water.

[0061] Preparation method

[0062] In one aspect of the present invention, a method for preparing a fabric conditioner is provided, wherein a quaternary ammonium compound having 30 to 100% saturated fatty acid chains is mixed with a quaternary ammonium compound having 0 to 20% saturated fatty acid chains in a ratio of quaternary ammonium compound a) to quaternary ammonium compound b) of 6.25:4 to 3:7 to form a fabric softening blend, and the fabric softening blend is further combined with a solvent to form a fabric conditioner. By preparing such a blend of fabric softening actives, a concentrated fabric conditioner remains liquid at low temperatures.

[0063] The compositions described herein are preferably prepared by melting the ester-linked quaternary ammonium compound in the presence of a solvent. The ester-linked quaternary ammonium compound and the solvent are preferably heated to a temperature above 45° C., more preferably above 50° C., and most preferably about 55° C. Any perfume ingredients or other ingredients present in the final composition may be added at any stage; before heating, or at elevated temperature, or after the composition has cooled.

[0064] Use of the composition

[0065] The compositions described herein are preferably used in the rinse stage of a laundry process. They can be used in their concentrated form and metered into the laundry process. The compositions can be metered into the laundry process using a measuring cap, a pipette, a dropper or any other suitable metering device. Preferably, the compositions are metered into the rinse stage of a laundry process.

[0066] Preferably the concentrated compositions described herein may be used in unit dose capsules or as a diluted household product.

[0067] If used in unit dose capsules, the compositions described herein may be packaged as a unit dose in a water soluble polymeric film. Preferably 2 to 15 ml are encapsulated in a polymeric film.

[0068] If used as a diluted household product, this means that the composition is sold to the consumer in concentrated form (as described herein) and the consumer dilutes the product at home. Dilution is performed with water. For example, a consumer can pour a concentrated product (as described herein) into a container of water to prepare a more diluted product. The dilution is performed before the laundry process, in other words, before the product is metered into a washing machine or a container in which the consumer performs laundry. Dilution allows the consumer to follow their normal dosing habits. If the composition is used as a diluted household product, the consumer is preferably instructed to dilute using a dilution ratio of 1:2 to 1:20, more preferably 1:3 to 1:12 of the non-aqueous concentrated liquid fabric conditioner composition to water. The consumer may preferably be instructed to shake well before use. This is particularly preferred if the perfume microcapsules are present in the composition.

[0069] Dilution with water prior to addition to the laundry process means before the product is added to the washing machine or to a container for hand washing, ie the consumer dilutes the product and then adds it to the drum or drawer of the washing machine or to a container for hand washing.

[0070] When the composition is in the form of a diluted household product, it is preferred that the composition also comprises a nonionic surfactant and / or a polymer.

[0071] Example

[0072] Example 1

[0073] The effect of blending two fabric softening actives on the pour point of the formulation was evaluated.

[0074] Table 1: Example preparations and observations

[0075]

[0076] Fabric softening actives 1 - triethanolamine quaternary ammonium compound containing fatty acid chains derived from palm oil (-70% saturated)

[0077] Fabric softening actives 2 - triethanolamine quaternary ammonium compounds containing only oleic fatty acid chains (0% saturated)

[0078] Solvents 3 -C 13-15 hydrocarbon

[0079] The composition is prepared by co-melting the fabric softening active, benzyl alcohol, solvent and minor ingredients at -65° C. The perfume is added after the composition has cooled.

[0080] Pour point was evaluated using ASTM D97.

[0081] Example 2

[0082] The effect of mixtures of fabric softening actives in different ratios was evaluated.

[0083] Table 2: Example preparations and observations

[0084]

[0085] The composition was prepared as in Example 1.

[0086] The following protocol was used for observations: The sample was kept in a refrigerator for 1 day. The sample was then inverted. If the sample flowed, the observation was recorded as liquid. If the sample did not flow, it was reported as solid.

Claims

1. A concentrated fabric conditioner composition comprising from 30 to 90% by weight of a fabric softening active blend, wherein the fabric softening active blend comprises: a) quaternary ammonium compounds having 30 to 100% saturated fatty acid chains; and b) quaternary ammonium compounds having 0 to 20% saturated fatty acid chains; wherein the ratio of quaternary ammonium compound a):quaternary ammonium compound b) is 6.25:3.75 to 2:7; wherein the composition comprises less than 10 wt % water.

2. A concentrated fabric conditioner composition according to claim 1 wherein the quaternary ammonium compound a) is an ester-linked quaternary ammonium compound.

3. A concentrated fabric conditioner composition according to any preceding claim wherein the quaternary ammonium compound b) is an ester-linked quaternary ammonium compound.

4. A concentrated fabric conditioner composition according to claim 1 wherein the quaternary ammonium compound a) fatty acid chain is derived from tallow and / or palm oil.

5. A concentrated fabric conditioner composition according to claim 1 wherein the quaternary ammonium compound b) fatty acid chain is C16 or C18.

6. A concentrated fabric conditioner composition according to any preceding claim, wherein the composition further comprises an organic solvent.

7. A unit dose product comprising a concentrated fabric conditioner composition according to claims 1 to 6 encapsulated in a polymeric film.

8. A method of using the concentrated fabric conditioner according to claims 1 to 6, wherein the concentrated fabric conditioner is diluted with water before being added to a laundry process.

9. A method for preparing a fabric conditioner, wherein: a) a quaternary ammonium compound having 30 to 100% saturated fatty acid chains and b) a quaternary ammonium compound having 0 to 20% saturated fatty acid chains are mixed in a ratio of quaternary ammonium compound a):quaternary ammonium compound b) of 6.25:4 to 2:7 to form a fabric softening blend; The fabric softening blend is further combined with a solvent to form a fabric conditioner; wherein the composition comprises less than 10 wt % water.

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