Diluting thickening surfactant concentrates

Abstract

The present technology relates to dilution thickening surfactant concentrates and cleaning compositions prepared from dilution thickening surfactant concentrates. The pure concentrate after dilution with water exhibits a higher viscosity than the pure concentrate before dilution. In one embodiment, the dilution thickening surfactant concentrate comprises: (a) a surfactant base comprising: (i) a nonionic surfactant component comprising a fatty alcohol ethoxylate and a polysorbate; and (ii) an anionic surfactant component, the anionic surfactant component comprising a C10-C16 alkyl benzene sulfonic acid and a salt thereof; (b) a polyethoxylated alkyl glucoside ester component; (c) one or more electrolytes; (d) optionally one or more benefit agents; and (e) water. Methods for preparing pure concentrates are also disclosed.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present technology relates to dilute thickened surfactant concentrates and cleaning compositions prepared from the dilute thickened surfactant concentrates. In one aspect, the present technology provides a pure, concentrated surfactant-containing composition, wherein upon addition of water, the diluted concentrate exhibits a higher viscosity than the viscosity of the pure concentrate. The diluted thickened concentrate can be suitable for preparing liquid compositions for home care cleaning applications. Background Art

[0002] Consumers are increasingly insisting on manufacturers to provide sustainable and environmentally friendly home care products while maintaining product performance expectations. The current trend in this regard is to provide highly concentrated products that can be diluted by consumer end users to concentrations suitable for end use. The availability of highly concentrated, low viscosity products instead of ready-to-use formulations has several advantages. For example, the costs and ecological hazards associated with manufacturing, packaging and transportation are significantly reduced because the viscosity and water content of the product are significantly reduced.

[0003] Reduced viscosity during preparation of concentrated products reduces the shear forces required to mix the components, thus reducing energy consumption during manufacturing. Reduced water content of the final product allows rationalization of product containers and reduces fuel costs during transportation. In addition, concentrated products reduce retail shelf space at the point of sale.

[0004] Suitable dilutable concentrated compositions are those products characterized by a group of features that enable the final consumer to actually use the product. One of the most important features of concentrated products is to have an appropriate viscosity characteristic, i.e., the viscosity of the diluted product increases compared to the concentrated product. The concentrated product must be uniform, pH and phase stable, easy to pour and transparent. In addition, the concentrated product must be easily mixed with water and mixed by manual shaking or stirring to prepare the diluted final product. The resulting diluted final product must be uniform and show a viscosity characteristic higher than the initial concentrate. In order for the final user to handle the product and control the amount of product spread on the sponge, dishcloth or substrate to be cleaned, a sufficiently high viscosity characteristic is required. This rheological property is advantageous for the cleaning of hard surfaces because they prevent the product from flowing out when being applied to a vertical surface. At the same time, the diluted product cannot be too viscous, because the high viscosity product is not easy to flow, making it difficult to be used for quantitative dosing and spread on the substrate to be cleaned.

[0005] Despite attempts in the art to provide concentrated dilute-thickened cleaning compositions, there remains a need for dilute-thickened compositions that meet the following requirements: 1) a stable, pourable concentrated surfactant composition that is easy to formulate; 2) a concentrated surfactant composition that is easily diluted by manual shaking or stirring; 3) a concentrated surfactant composition that exhibits increased viscosity upon dilution compared to the concentrated product; 4) a diluted product that exhibits a desirable viscosity for the intended application; and 5) a concentrated surfactant composition wherein the diluted product exhibits good performance and aesthetic properties (e.g., lather, cleansing, phase stability, and clarity). Summary of the invention

[0006] The present technology relates to dilute thickening surfactant concentrates and cleaning compositions made from the dilute thickening surfactant concentrates that meet the aforementioned expectations, namely: 1) highly concentrated surfactant compositions that are easy to formulate and easy to pour; 2) concentrated surfactant compositions that are easily diluted with water and mixed by manual shaking or stirring; 3) concentrated surfactant compositions that exhibit increased viscosity upon dilution compared to the concentrated initial product; 4) the diluted product exhibits a desirable viscosity for the intended application; and 5) concentrated surfactant compositions wherein the diluted product exhibits good performance and aesthetic properties (e.g., lather, phase stability, cleaning, and clarity).

[0007] The concept of dilution thickening describes the phenomenon that a formulation thickens when diluted with a solvent (usually water). Formulations containing concentrated surfactants should be thin enough to pour easily from a container, but should become thick enough to remain on the desired substrate when water is added during application.

[0008] It is well known in the field of home care formulations that liquid detergents should have an ideal viscosity. In fact, the viscosity allows the handling and distribution of the product to be controlled during use compared to thinner products. In home care applications, the viscosity allows the product to perform better when applied to non-horizontal surfaces such as flush toilets, sinks, showers, bathtubs, etc. In addition, it is desirable that the cleaning product is easy to use. In other words, the shear-thinning properties of the liquid composition should show high viscosity under low shear conditions and show lower viscosity under high shear conditions to facilitate the application of the product and removal from the substrate to be cleaned.

[0009] In one aspect, the dilute thickening surfactant concentrate of the present technology comprises: (a) a surfactant base comprising: (i) a nonionic surfactant component comprising a fatty alcohol ethoxylate and a polysorbate; and (ii) an anionic surfactant component comprising C 10 -C 16Alkylbenzene sulfonic acid and salts thereof; (b) polyethoxylated alkyl glucoside ester component; (c) one or more electrolytes; (d) one or more optional benefit agents; and (e) water. After adding water, the diluted concentrate exhibits a higher viscosity than the viscosity of the initial pure concentrate.

[0010] In one aspect, the present technology is directed to a neat diluted thickened liquid cleaning concentrate comprising:

[0011] (a) from about 40% to about 65% by weight of a surfactant base comprising:

[0012] (i) from about 25% to about 56.5% by weight of a nonionic surfactant component, the nonionic surfactant component comprising a fatty alcohol ethoxylate component and a polysorbate component, wherein in the nonionic surfactant component, the amount of fatty alcohol ethoxylate is in the range of from about 90% to about 95% by weight, and the amount of polysorbate component is in the range of from about 5% to about 10% by weight;

[0013] (ii) from about 8.5% to about 40% by weight of an anionic surfactant component comprising C 10 -C 16 Alkylbenzenesulfonic acids and their salts;

[0014] (b) from about 2% to about 6% by weight of a polyethoxylated alkyl glucoside ester component;

[0015] (c) from about 1 weight percent to about 5 weight percent of one or more electrolytes;

[0016] (d) from about 0% to about 10%, or from about 1% to about 7%, or from about 3% to about 5% by weight of one or more benefit agents; and

[0017] (e) the remainder being water; wherein all weight percentages are based on the total weight of the composition. The neat concentrate upon dilution with water produces a composition having an increased viscosity compared to the neat concentrate.

[0018] In one aspect, the present technology is directed to a cleaning composition prepared by diluting a neat liquid concentrate with water, the concentrate comprising:

[0019] (a) from about 40% to about 65% by weight of a surfactant base comprising:

[0020] (i) from about 25% to about 56.5% by weight of a nonionic surfactant component, the nonionic surfactant component comprising a fatty alcohol ethoxylate component and a polysorbate component, wherein in the nonionic surfactant component, the amount of fatty alcohol ethoxylate is in the range of from about 90% to about 95% by weight, and the amount of polysorbate component is in the range of from about 5% to about 10% by weight;

[0021] (ii) from about 8.5% to about 40% by weight of an anionic surfactant component comprising C 10 -C 16 Alkylbenzenesulfonic acids and their salts;

[0022] (b) from about 2% to about 6% by weight of a polyethoxylated alkyl glucoside ester component;

[0023] (c) from about 1 weight percent to about 5 weight percent of one or more electrolytes;

[0024] (d) from about 0% to about 10%, or from about 1% to about 7%, or from about 3% to about 5% by weight of one or more benefit agents; and

[0025] (e) the remainder is water; wherein all weight percentages are based on the total weight of the composition.

[0026] The dilute thickened surfactant concentrate can be used as a neat concentrate (i.e., before dilution with water), or can be diluted with water to obtain a dilute thickened cleaning product. The neat concentrate and the dilute thickened final product can be used in home care cleaning applications including, but not limited to, pre-laundry stain removal aids, laundry detergents, hard surface cleaners, and hand dishwashing detergents.

[0027] In one aspect, the diluted thickened compositions and products of the present technology are diluted with water in an amount of at least 2 times, or at least 3 times, or at least 4 times the weight of the neat liquid concentrate.

[0028] In another aspect, the present technology provides a method for preparing a pure concentrate, the method comprising the steps of:

[0029] (a) dissolving an alkylbenzene sulfonic acid component in water;

[0030] (b) neutralizing the alkylbenzene sulfonic acid component with an alkaline substance to form an alkylbenzene sulfonate component;

[0031] (c) dissolving the polyethoxylated alkyl glucoside ester in the alkylbenzene sulfonate component formed in step (b);

[0032] (d) adding a fatty alcohol ethoxylate to the components formed in step (c); and

[0033] (e) dissolving an electrolyte in the components formed in step (d); optionally

[0034] (f) optionally adding one or more benefit agents to the components formed in step (e). DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0035] In all aspects of the disclosed technology, all weight percentages are calculated based on 100% active material and based on the weight of the total composition. All ratios are expressed as weight ratios. Unless otherwise stated, all numerical ranges of amounts are inclusive and combinable.

[0036] Although overlapping weight ranges of various components and ingredients that may be included in the disclosed compositions have been expressed for selected embodiments and aspects of the disclosed technology, the amount of each component in the disclosed compositions is selected from its disclosed range so that the sum of all components or ingredients in the composition will total 100 weight %. The amount employed will vary with the purpose and characteristics of the desired product and can be readily determined by those skilled in the art.

[0037] The term "neat" concentrate, product or composition refers to the diluted thickened concentrate of the present technology comprising components (a), (b), (c), and optionally (d) prior to dilution with water.

[0038] "Benefit agent" refers to any compound, material or active ingredient that imparts aesthetic characteristics to a product containing the benefit agent or provides a specific effect to the surface of a substrate to which it is delivered.

[0039] As used herein, the term "home care" includes, but is not limited to, products used in the home for cleaning surfaces or maintaining sanitary conditions, such as products used in the kitchen and bathroom (e.g., hard surface cleaners, hand and automatic dishwasher dish care agents, toilet bowl cleaners and disinfectants), and laundry products used for fabric care and cleaning (e.g., detergents, fabric conditioners, pre-wash stain removers), and the like.

[0040] In one aspect, the present technology is directed to a neat concentrate for dilution with water, the neat concentrate upon dilution with water producing a composition having an increased viscosity compared to the neat concentrate, the neat concentrate comprising:

[0041] (a) from about 40% to about 65% by weight of a surfactant base comprising:

[0042] (i) from about 25% to about 56.5% by weight of a nonionic surfactant component, the nonionic surfactant component comprising a fatty alcohol ethoxylate component and a polysorbate component, wherein in the nonionic surfactant component, the amount of fatty alcohol ethoxylate is in the range of from about 90% to about 95% by weight, and the amount of polysorbate component is in the range of from about 5% to about 10% by weight;

[0043] (ii) from about 8.5% to about 40% by weight of an anionic surfactant component comprising C 10 -C 16 Alkylbenzenesulfonic acids and their salts;

[0044] (b) from about 2% to about 6% by weight of a polyethoxylated alkyl glucoside ester component;

[0045] (c) from about 1 weight percent to about 5 weight percent of one or more electrolytes;

[0046] (d) from about 0 wt % to about 10 wt %, or from about 1 wt % to about 7 wt %, or from about 3 wt % to about 5 wt % of one or more benefit agents.

[0047] In additional aspects, the present technology relates to a diluted thickened pure concentrate diluted with water in an amount of at least 2 times, or at least 3 times, or at least 4 times the weight of the pure liquid concentrate, wherein the viscosity of the diluted thickened pure concentrate is greater than the viscosity of the initial pure concentrate.

[0048] Surfactant base - component (a)

[0049] Component (a) of the pure concentrate of the present technology comprises from about 40 wt % to about 65 wt % of a surfactant base, the surfactant base comprising: (i) from about 25 wt % to about 56.5 wt % of a nonionic surfactant component, the nonionic surfactant component comprising a fatty alcohol ethoxylate component and a polysorbate component; and (ii) from about 8.5 wt % to about 40 wt % of an anionic surfactant component, the anionic surfactant component comprising C 10 -C 16 Alkylbenzene sulfonic acids and salts thereof, wherein all weight percentages are based on the weight of the total composition.

[0050] In one aspect, the fatty alcohol ethoxylate component (i) of the surfactant base is ethoxylated with from about 2 moles to about 10 moles, or from about 3 moles to about 8 moles, or from about 5 moles to about 7 moles of ethylene oxide.

[0051] In one aspect, the fatty alcohol ethoxylate of component (i) of the surfactant base is selected from C 600-1800 containing from about 2 moles to about 10 moles, or from about 3 moles to about 8 moles, or from about 5 moles to about 7 moles of ethylene oxide. 10 -C 15 Fatty alcohol ethoxylates. Such materials are marketed by Shell Chemical Company under the trade name Neodol TM For sale, including Neodol 25-7 and Neodol 23-6.5. Other useful C 10 -C 15 Fatty alcohol ethoxylates include: Neodol 1-5, an ethoxylated fatty alcohol having an average of 11 carbon atoms in the alkyl chain and containing about 5 moles of ethylene oxide; Neodol 23-9, an ethoxylated primary C 6-11 fatty alcohol containing about 9 moles of ethylene oxide; 12 -C 13 Mixtures of these fatty alcohol ethoxylates may also be used.

[0052] Fatty alcohol ethoxylates are also marketed by Shell Chemical Company under the trade name Dobanol TM Sales include Dobanol 25-7, an ethoxylated C 12 -C 15 Fatty alcohol.

[0053] In one aspect, C 10 -C 15 Fatty alcohol means a fatty alcohol containing an average of C 10 Fatty alcohol, or average C 11 Fatty alcohol, or average C 12 Fatty alcohol, or average C 13 Fatty alcohol, or average C 14 Fatty alcohol, or average C 15 Fatty alcohols, and mixtures thereof, wherein each fatty alcohol in the fatty alcohols is ethoxylated with from about 2 moles to about 10 moles, or from about 3 moles to about 8 moles, or from about 5 moles to about 7 moles of ethylene oxide.

[0054] In one aspect, the use of 10 Fatty alcohol, C 11 Fatty alcohol, C 12 Fatty alcohol, C 13 Fatty alcohol, C 14 Fatty alcohol, C 15 A mixture of two or more of the fatty alcohols, wherein each of the fatty alcohols is ethoxylated with about 2 to about 10 moles, or about 3 to about 8 moles, or about 5 to about 7 moles of ethylene oxide.

[0055] The polysorbate of component (i) of the surfactant base is selected from polysorbate 20 (polyoxyethylene (20) sorbitan monolaurate), polysorbate 40 (polyoxyethylene (20) sorbitan monopalmitate), polysorbate 60 (polyoxyethylene (20) sorbitan monostearate), polysorbate 80 (polyoxyethylene (20) sorbitan monooleate), and mixtures thereof. The number 20 after the term "polyoxyethylene" indicates the total number of moles of oxyethylene -(CH2CH2O)- groups contained in the molecule. Polysorbates are manufactured by Croda Americas LLC as Tween TM and Span TM Product name sales.

[0056] The amount of fatty alcohol ethoxylate in the nonionic surfactant component (a) is in the range of about 90 wt % to about 95 wt %, and the amount of polysorbate is in the range of about 5 wt % to about 10 wt %, based on the weight of the nonionic component (i).

[0057] The anionic surfactant of component (ii) of the surfactant base comprises C 10 -C 16 Alkylbenzene sulfonic acid and / or its salt, and mixtures thereof. In one aspect, the C 10 -C 16 Alkylbenzene sulfonic acid is neutralized in situ to form the sulfonate or can be used as a pre-neutralized C 10 -C 16 Alkylbenzene sulfonate. Suitable alkaline neutralizing agents include, but are not limited to, alkanolamines such as monoethanolamine (MEA), diethanolamine (DEA), and triethanolamine (TEA); amino alcohols such as 2-amino-2-methyl-1,3-propanediol, 2-amino-2-hydroxymethyl-1,3-propanediol, aminomethylpropanol; and alkali metals such as sodium hydroxide, potassium hydroxide, and organic ammonium hydroxides. Commercially available C 10 -C 16 Alkylbenzene sulfonic acid surfactants (decylbenzene sulfonic acid and dodecylbenzene sulfonic acid) are marketed by Stepan Company under the trade name Bio-Soft TM (Product name S-101 and S-118) are sold. Pre-neutralized C 10 -C 16 Non-limiting examples of alkylbenzene sulfonate surfactants include sodium dodecylbenzene sulfonate and triethanolamine dodecylbenzene sulfonate, which are commercially available from Stepan Company under the Bio-soft trade name (product names D-40 and N-300, respectively).

[0058] In one aspect, C10 -C 16 Alkylbenzenesulfonic acid or sulfonate means that the acid or sulfonate contains an alkyl group having an average of 10 carbon atoms, or an average of 11 carbon atoms, or an average of 12 carbon atoms, or an average of 13 carbon atoms, or an average of 14 carbon atoms, or an average of 15 carbon atoms, or an average of 16 carbon atoms, and mixtures thereof.

[0059] In one aspect, C 10 -C 16 The mixture of alkylbenzene sulfonic acids and / or sulfonates is selected from two or more acids and / or sulfonates having an average of 10 carbon atoms, or an average of 11 carbon atoms, or an average of 12 carbon atoms, or an average of 13 carbon atoms, or an average of 14 carbon atoms, or an average of 15 carbon atoms, or an average of 16 carbon atoms.

[0060] Based on the weight of the total composition, C 10 -C 16 The amount of alkylbenzene sulfonic acid and / or sulfonate ranges from about 8.5 wt % to about 40 wt %.

[0061] Polyethoxylated alkyl glucoside esters - component (b)

[0062] In one aspect of the present technology, component (b) is a polyethoxylated alkyl glucoside ester represented by the formula:

[0063]

[0064] Where R 2 independently selected from H and saturated and unsaturated C 10 -C 22 Acyl group; R 1 Selected from C1-C 10 alkyl group; and the sum of w+x+y+z is in the range of about 60 to about 150, or about 80 to about 135, or about 90 to about 125; provided that R 2 No more than two of them can represent H at the same time.

[0065] In one aspect, R 1 A methyl group.

[0066] In one aspect, R 2 Unsaturated C 18 Acyl group.

[0067] In one aspect, the sum of w+x+y+z is 120.

[0068] Suitable polyethoxylated alkyl glucoside esters are available under the trade name Novethix TMHC 220S is commercially available and sold by Lubrizol Advanced Materials, Inc.

[0069] The amount of the polyethoxylated alkyl glucoside ester component in the neat surfactant concentrates used in the present technology ranges from about 2 wt % to about 6 wt %, based on the weight of the total composition.

[0070] Electrolyte - component (c)

[0071] In one aspect of the present technology, the electrolyte component (c) is selected from NaCl, KCl, MgCl2, MgSO4, Na2SO4, sodium citrate, and mixtures thereof. Generally, the prior art teaches that a dilution thickening effect can be achieved in certain surfactant solutions by using excess salt (e.g., greater than 5 wt%). A known problem with using large amounts of salt is that it can result in a turbid, hazy or opaque product, or the product is prone to phase separation, so-called "salting out". Surprisingly, it has been found that when the surfactant base of component (a) is combined with component (b) comprising a polyethoxylated alkyl glucoside ester to prepare a pure surfactant concentrate of the present technology, a reduced level of electrolyte (about 5 wt% or less, or about 4 wt% or less, or about 3 wt% or less, or about 2 wt%) is required.

[0072] In one aspect, the amount of electrolyte used in the neat surfactant concentrates of the present technology ranges from about 1 wt % to about 5 wt %, or from about 1.5 wt % to about 4 wt %, or from about 2 wt % to about 3 wt %, based on the weight of the total composition.

[0073] Beneficial Agent - Component (d)

[0074] In one aspect, the pure concentrate of the present technology comprises one or more optional beneficial agents. Exemplary beneficial agents include, but are not limited to, fragrances, fragrance solubilizers, botanicals, antimicrobial agents, humectants, emollients, enzymes, odor control agents, acidic and alkaline pH adjusters, preservatives, buffers, colorants, hydrotropes, chelating agents, and mixtures thereof.

[0075] If the composition according to the present technology is used for manual dishwashing, the additive can be selected from the above list. However, the composition according to the present invention can be used in different applications (e.g., hard surface cleaners, laundry detergents and automatic dishwashing). In this regard, suitable additives may include other components such as corrosion inhibitors, cationic polymers, antistatic agents, antioxidants, quaternary ammonium compounds, UV absorbers, antiscalants, natural oils, silicones, fluorescent whitening agents, photobleaches, fiber lubricants, reducing agents, enzymes, enzyme stabilizers, powder finishing agents, builders, bleaching agents, bleaching catalysts, detergents, dye transfer inhibitors, colorants, rheology modifiers, antifouling agents, water-resistant agents, suspending agents, structurants, disinfectants, solvents, fabric finishing agents, dye fixatives, fabric conditioners, deodorants, and mixtures thereof.

[0076] In one aspect, the amount of benefit agent used in the neat concentrate ranges from about 0 wt % to about 10 wt %, or from about 0.5 wt % to about 7 wt %, or from about 1 wt % to about 5 wt %, or from about 1.5 wt % to about 3 wt %, based on the weight of the total composition. One skilled in the art of home care formulations can readily determine the amount of one or more benefit agents to be used based on the intended application.

[0077] Aqueous phase - component (e)

[0078] In one aspect, the neat diluted thickened concentrate contains a small amount of water as a diluent to facilitate dissolution of the solid components used to formulate the neat concentrate. In one aspect, deionized (DI) water is used as the diluent, but dilution water from natural, municipal or commercial sources may be used so long as any mineral ions that may be present in such water do not adversely affect the intended function of any component contained in the neat diluted thickened concentrate.

[0079] In one aspect, the amount of water (e) used in a pure concentrate comprising components (a), (b), (c) and (d) depends on the sum of the components contained in the concentrate composition. Sufficient water is added to bring the sum of the total component contents to 100% by weight (amounts up to 100%) based on the weight of the total composition.

[0080] In one aspect, the water component (e) is present in the neat concentrates of the present technology in an amount ranging from about 25 wt % to about 40 wt %, based on the weight of the total composition.

[0081] In one non-limiting aspect, the pure diluted thickening concentrate according to the present technology can be prepared by dissolving the alkylbenzene sulfonic acid surfactant component in deionized water in a first mixing container and then adding a neutralizing agent (e.g., TEA) to form a sulfonate. The polyethoxylated alkyl glucoside ester component is added to the mixing container and dissolved in the alkylbenzene sulfonate aqueous solution composition. The neutralization heat released by the exothermic heat of the neutralization reaction of the alkylbenzene sulfonic acid promotes the dissolution of the polyethoxylated alkyl glucoside ester component in the alkylbenzene sulfonic acid aqueous solution. In one aspect, the neutralization heat raises the temperature of the alkylbenzene sulfonate composition to at least about 50°C, or at least about 55°C, or at least about 60°C, or at least about 65°C, or at least about 70°C, or at least about 75°C. The neutralization heat eliminates the need for an external heating step during the preparation of the pure concentrate, thereby saving energy and improving production efficiency. "External heating" means heating the formulation components from an applied heat source (e.g., a heating jacket, a heating element, an open flame, etc.). The fatty alcohol ethoxylate component is then added to the container contents under stirring, followed by the addition of electrolytes under continuous stirring until the electrolytes are dissolved. An optional benefit agent (e.g., preservative) is added to the composition under stirring until uniformly dispersed. In a second mixing container, the polysorbate component and the optional benefit agent component (e.g., fragrance) are mixed. The contents of the second mixing container are transferred to the first mixing container and mixed with the contents of the first mixing container until uniform to obtain a pure diluted thickening concentrate.

[0082] The pure concentrate of the present technology can be thickened by the end user (consumer) simply by adding water. The water can be obtained from any suitable source, such as municipal water supply, well water, bottled water, rainwater, etc. The amount of water suitable for diluting the pure concentrate to achieve an increase in viscosity ranges from about at least 1 times, or at least 2 times, or at least 3 times, or at least 4 times the weight of the pure concentrate. The consumer simply adds the pure concentrate to the dilution water and manually shakes or stirs the diluted concentrate until uniform.

[0083] In one aspect, the ideal viscosities of the neat concentrate and the diluted thickened concentrate are set forth in the following table.

[0084]

[0085] 1. No dilution water added

[0086] 2Pure concentrate: dilution water (w / w)

[0087] For purposes of illustration, a 1:3 dilution comprises 50 g of neat concentrate plus 150 g of dilution water.

[0088] The present technology is illustrated by the following examples, which are for illustrative purposes only and should not be considered to limit the scope of the technology or the manner in which it can be practiced. The amounts of all ingredients reported in the tables in the examples are "provided" by the manufacturer. Any ingredient that is not provided as 100% active substance is identified by the percentage of active material provided by the manufacturer. In order to calculate the amount of active ingredient used in an exemplary composition, the percentage of active substance is multiplied by the total amount of one ingredient (as provided). For example, if one ingredient provided by the manufacturer contains 30% by weight of active polymer material (the rest is an inert carrier).

[0089] Test Method

[0090] Viscosity measurement

[0091] All viscosity measurements reported herein, whether or not mentioned, were made by the Brookfield rotating spindle method. Viscosity measurements were calculated in cP (mPa·s) using a Brookfield rotating spindle viscometer, Model DV3TRV (Brookfield Engineering Laboratories, Inc.). Measurements were made on neat concentrates using a spindle size No. 2 at 20 revolutions per minute (rpm) and a temperature of 25° C. Measurements were made on diluted concentrates using a spindle size No. 3 at 20 revolutions per minute (rpm) and a temperature of 25° C.

[0092] Transparency measurement

[0093] The transparency (turbidity) measurements reported herein were given in nephelometric turbidity units (NTU) using a nephelometric turbidity meter (Micro 100 turbidimeter, HF Scientific, Inc.) at room temperature of about 25°C. Distilled water (NTU=0) was used as a standard. A 6-dram screw cap vial (70 mm×25 mm) was almost filled with the test sample and centrifuged at 100 rpm until all bubbles were removed. After centrifugation, each sample bottle was wiped with a tissue before being placed in the nephelometer to remove any stains. The sample was placed in the nephelometer and the reading was taken. Once the reading was stable, the NTU value was recorded. The vial was turned a quarter turn, and another reading was read and recorded. This process was repeated until four readings were obtained. The lowest reading among the four readings was reported as the turbidity value. In one aspect, the composition has an NTU value ranging from at least about 2NTU to at least about 30NTU, or from at least about 3NTU to at least about 25NTU, or from at least about 4NTU to at least about 20NTU, or from at least about 5NTU to at least about 15NTU, or from at least about 6NTU to at least about 10NTU.

[0094] Stability test

[0095] The pure concentrate and the diluted thickened product prepared from the pure concentrate are stable. The stability requirements of a particular formulation will vary with its final market application and the geographic environment in which it is purchased and sold. An acceptable "shelf life" is then determined for each composition. This refers to the amount of time the composition should remain stable under its normal storage and handling conditions, which is measured between the time the composition is produced and the time it is ultimately sold for use by the consumer. Typically, a shelf life of one to three years is required for home care compositions.

[0096] In order to eliminate the need for stability studies that exceed one year, formulators usually perform stability testing under stress conditions to predict the shelf life of the composition. Accelerated stability testing is performed by placing the test sample in a refrigerator (Thermolab Scientific, model YGK400SE1B3) maintained at a constant temperature of 5°C at a reduced temperature, and by placing the test sample in an aging oven (Mack Pharmatech Pvt Ltd, model MK-21-B1) maintained at a constant temperature of 50°C at an elevated temperature. The composition should remain stable for at least 1 month, or at least 2 months, or at least 3 months at room temperature (≈25°C) and at a reduced temperature (5°C). Due to very strict temperature parameters, the sample is considered to be stable only after 1 month at an elevated temperature (50°C).

[0097] Products or compositions prepared according to the present technology are considered stable if they meet the following parameters 1 to 4 after accelerated stability testing, and are considered clear if parameter 5 is met during accelerated stability testing:

[0098] 1. There should be no phase separation, settling or creaming of any material in the composition. The composition should remain completely homogeneous throughout its bulk. Separation is defined herein as the visible presence of 2 or more distinct layers or phases of any component in the formulation.

[0099] 2. The viscosity of the composition does not increase or decrease significantly over time, typically less than 50%, or less than 35%, or less than 20%.

[0100] 3. The pH of the composition does not increase or decrease by more than two pH units, or by more than one pH unit, or by more than half a pH unit, or by more than 0.5 pH units.

[0101] 4. The visible color of the composition should remain constant during the testing interval.

[0102] 5. During the test interval, the turbidity value should be 30 NTU or less, or 20 NTU or less, or 15 NTU or less, or 10 NTU or less, or 5 NTU or less.

[0103] Example 1

[0104] Neat dilute thickening surfactant concentrates were formulated from the ingredients set forth in Table 1.

[0105] Table 1

[0106] Element weight% Function Add Order Water (deionized water) 28 Thinner 1 <![CDATA[LABSA 1 ]]> 20 Anionic surfactants 2 <![CDATA[TEA 2 ]]> 14 Neutralizer 3 <![CDATA[Polyethoxylated methyl glucoside ester 3 > 4 Associative thickeners 4 <![CDATA[NI 7EO 4 ]]> 27 Nonionic surfactants 5 NaCl 2 Electrolytes 6 <![CDATA[Aromatic agent C7270 5 > 1 Fragrance 7 Polysorbate 20 2 Solubilizer 7 Phenoxyethanol 2 preservative 8

[0107] 1 Straight chain (C 10 -C 16 )Alkylbenzenesulfonic acid

[0108] 2 Triethanolamine

[0109] 3 Novethix TM HC220S

[0110] 4 Nonionic surfactant (C 12 -C 13 ) alcohol ethoxylate (condensed with 7 mol of ethylene oxide)

[0111] 5 Keva, Mumbai, India

[0112] 6 Tween TM 20

[0113] A dilute thickening surfactant concentrate is prepared by dissolving LABSA in deionized water in a first mixing vessel, followed by the addition of TEA as a neutralizing agent to form the sulfonate. The polyethoxylated alkyl glucoside component is then added to the vessel and dissolved in the aqueous alkylbenzene sulfonate solution. The heat of neutralization from the formation of the LABSA sulfonate promotes the dissolution of the polyethoxylated alkyl glucoside in the vessel contents. The fatty alcohol ethoxylate component is then added to the vessel contents under stirring, followed by the addition of NaCl electrolyte under continuous stirring until dissolved. Phenoxyethanol is then added to the vessel contents under stirring until uniformly dispersed. In a second mixing vessel, the polysorbate component and the fragrance component are mixed until uniform. The contents of the second mixing vessel are then transferred to the first mixing vessel and mixed to obtain a pure dilute thickening concentrate.

[0114] Example 2

[0115] 100 g of the pure diluted thickening concentrate prepared in Example 1 was placed in a plurality of 100 ml polyethylene terephthalate (PET) bottles equipped with screw caps. According to the above stability test protocol, the samples were aged at room temperature (RT) 5°C and 50°C. After 24 hours, 1 month, 2 months and 3 months, the samples were taken out of the cooling room and aging oven and allowed to equilibrate to room temperature. After reaching RT, the physical properties (viscosity, turbidity and pH) of the samples were measured and recorded. The samples kept at room temperature during the test interval were used as baselines. In addition, the phase separation and color change of the samples were visually observed. The stability results are presented in Table 2.

[0116] Table 2

[0117]

[0118] As demonstrated by the results and observations reported in Table 2, the neat concentrate of Example 1 met and passed all stability parameters for aging at room temperature for at least 3 months, accelerated aging at 5°C for at least 3 months, and accelerated aging at 50°C for at least 1 month.

[0119] Example 3

[0120] 100g pure concentrate prepared in Example 1 was diluted with 300g deionized water and manually mixed with a glass rod stirrer to obtain a 1:3 dilution thickening composition. 100g dilution thickening composition samples were added to multiple 100ml PET bottles equipped with screw caps. After 24 hours, 1 month, 2 months and 3 months, the samples were taken out from cooling chambers and aging ovens, and balanced to room temperature. After reaching RT, the physical properties (viscosity, turbidity and pH) of the samples were measured and recorded. The samples kept at room temperature during the test duration time interval were used as baselines. In addition, the phase separation and color change of the samples were visually observed. The stability results are presented in Table 3.

[0121] Table 3

[0122]

[0123] As exemplified by the results and observations reported in Table 3, the diluted thickened compositions using the neat concentrate of Example 1 met and passed all stability parameters for aging at room temperature for at least 3 months, accelerated aging at 5°C for at least 3 months, and accelerated aging at 50°C for at least 1 month.

Claims

1. A neat concentrate for dilution with water, which upon dilution with water produces a composition having an increased viscosity compared to the neat concentrate, the neat concentrate comprising: (a) from about 40% to about 65% by weight of a surfactant base, the surfactant base comprising: (i) from about 25% to about 56.5% by weight of a nonionic surfactant component, the nonionic surfactant component comprising a fatty alcohol ethoxylate component and a polysorbate component, wherein in the nonionic surfactant component, the amount of the fatty alcohol ethoxylate is in the range of from about 90% to about 95% by weight, and the amount of the polysorbate component is in the range of from about 5% to about 10% by weight; (ii) from about 8.5% to about 40% by weight of an anionic surfactant component comprising C 10 -C 16 Alkylbenzenesulfonic acids and their salts; (b) from about 2% to about 6% by weight of a polyethoxylated alkyl glucoside ester component; (c) from about 1 weight percent to about 5 weight percent of one or more electrolytes; (d) from about 0% to about 10%, or from about 1% to about 7%, or from about 3% to about 5% by weight of one or more benefit agents; and (e) the remainder is water; wherein all weight percentages are based on the weight of the total composition.

2. The neat concentrate of claim 1, wherein the water component (e) is in the range of about 25 wt % to about 40 wt %, based on the weight of the total composition.

3. A neat concentrate according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the anionic surfactant is selected from: alkanolamines selected from monoethanolamine, diethanolamine and triethanolamine; amino alcohols; and C 10 -C 16 Alkali metal salts of alkylbenzenesulfonic acids.

4. The neat concentrate of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the fatty alcohol ethoxylate component is selected from C 2 to about 10 moles, or from about 3 to about 8 moles, or from about 5 to about 7 moles of ethylene oxide. 12 -C 15 Fatty alcohol ethoxylates.

5. The neat concentrate according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the polysorbate component is selected from polysorbate 20, polysorbate 40, polysorbate 60, polysorbate 80, and mixtures thereof.

6. A pure concentrate according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the polyethoxylated alkyl glucoside ester component comprises a compound represented by the formula: Where R 2 independently selected from H and saturated and unsaturated C 10 -C 22 Acyl group; R 1 Selected from C1-C 10 alkyl group; and the sum of w+x+y+z is in the range of about 60 to about 150 in one aspect, in the range of about 80 to about 135 in another aspect, and in the range of about 90 to about 125 in yet another aspect; provided that R 2 No more than two of them can represent H at the same time.

7. The pure concentrate according to claim 6, wherein in the polyethoxylated alkyl glucoside ester component, R 1 is a methyl group, and the sum of w+x+y+z is 120.

8. The neat concentrate of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the polyethoxylated alkyl glucoside ester component comprises PEG-120 methyl glucose trioleate.

9. The pure concentrate according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the electrolyte is selected from the group consisting of NaCl, KCl, MgCl2, MgSO4, Na2SO4, sodium citrate, and mixtures thereof.

10. The pure concentrate of any of the preceding claims, having a turbidity value in the range of at least about 2 NTU to at least about 30 NTU, or at least about 3 NTU to at least about 25 NTU, or at least about 4 NTU to at least about 20 NTU, or at least about 5 NTU to at least about 15 NTU, or at least about 6 NTU to at least about 10 NTU.

11. A neat concentrate according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the one or more benefit agents are selected from the group consisting of fragrances, fragrance solubilizers, botanicals, antimicrobials, humectants, emollients, enzymes, odor control agents, acidic and alkaline pH adjusters, preservatives, buffers, colorants, hydrotropes, chelating agents, and mixtures thereof.

12. The neat concentrate according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the neat concentrate is a hard surface cleaning product.

13. A neat concentrate according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the neat concentrate is a manual dishwashing detergent.

14. The neat concentrate according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the neat concentrate is a pre-laundry detergent aid.

15. The neat concentrate according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the neat concentrate is a laundry detergent.

16. A diluted final product comprising the pure concentrate component of any one of the preceding claims and an aqueous diluent component, wherein the aqueous diluent component is present in an amount of at least 2 times, or at least 3 times, or at least 4 times the weight of the pure concentrate component.

17. The diluted end product of claim 16, wherein the viscosity of the diluted end product exceeds the viscosity of the liquid concentrate component.

18. The diluted end product according to any one of claims 16 and 17, wherein the diluted end product is a cleaning product.

19. The diluted end product according to any one of claims 16 to 17, wherein the diluted end product is a manual dishwashing detergent product.

20. The diluted end product according to any one of claims 16 to 17, wherein the diluted end product is a pre-laundry stain removal aid.

21. The diluted end product according to any one of claims 16 to 17, wherein the diluted end product is a laundry detergent.

22. A method for preparing a pure concentrate according to any one of claims 1 to 15, comprising the following steps: (a) dissolving an alkylbenzene sulfonic acid component in water; (b) neutralizing the alkylbenzene sulfonic acid component with an alkaline substance to form an alkylbenzene sulfonate component; (c) dissolving the polyethoxylated alkyl glucoside ester in the alkylbenzene sulfonate component formed in step (b); (d) adding a fatty alcohol ethoxylate to the components formed in step (c); and (e) dissolving an electrolyte in the components formed in step (d); optionally (f) optionally adding one or more benefit agents to the components formed in step (e).

23. The method for preparing a pure concentrate according to claim 22, further comprising the step (g) of adding a polysorbate component and a fragrance component to the components formed in step (e) or (f).

24. A process for preparing a pure concentrate according to any one of claims 22 or 23, wherein the alkylbenzene sulfonic acid component is selected from C 10 -C 16 Alkylbenzenesulfonic acid.

25. The process for preparing a pure concentrate according to any one of claims 22 to 24, wherein the alkaline substance is selected from alkanolamines.

26. The process for preparing a pure concentrate according to claim 25, wherein the alkanolamine is selected from the group consisting of monoethanolamine, diethanolamine, triethanolamine, and mixtures thereof.

27. A process for preparing a pure concentrate according to any one of claims 22 to 26, wherein the polyethoxylated alkyl glucoside ester is PEG-120 methyl glucose trioleate.

28. A process for preparing a pure concentrate according to any one of claims 22 to 27, wherein the fatty alcohol ethoxylate is selected from C ethoxylates containing from about 2 moles to about 10 moles, or from about 3 moles to about 8 moles, or from about 5 moles to about 7 moles of ethylene oxide, and mixtures thereof. 12 -C 15 Fatty alcohol ethoxylates.

29. The process for preparing a pure concentrate according to any one of claims 22 to 28, wherein the electrolyte is selected from the group consisting of NaCl, KCl, MgCl2, MgSO4, Na2SO4, sodium citrate, and mixtures thereof.

30. A process for preparing a pure concentrate according to any one of claims 22 to 29, wherein the polysorbate component is selected from the group consisting of polysorbate 20, polysorbate 40, polysorbate 60, polysorbate 80, and mixtures thereof.

31. A process for preparing a pure concentrate according to any one of claims 22 to 30, wherein the neutralization step (b) generates an exotherm sufficient to raise the temperature of the alkylbenzene sulfonate component to at least about 50°C, or at least about 55°C, or at least about 60°C, or at least about 65°C, or at least about 70°C, or at least about 75°C to facilitate dissolution of the polyethoxylated alkyl glucoside ester in step (c).

32. A process for preparing a pure concentrate according to any one of claims 22 to 31, wherein no external heat is supplied to any of steps (a) to (g).

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