Particles for full laundry wash softening

Abstract

The invention relates to particles for full laundry wash softening. A particulate composition for providing a softening benefit to an article of clothing is disclosed. The composition comprises a water-soluble or water-dispersible carrier, a cationic polymer, and a fatty amine.

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application of an application with the PCT international application date of May 8, 2020, PCT international application number PCT / US2020 / 070033, and Chinese national application number 202080031918.6, and the invention name is “Particles for washing and softening whole laundry”. Technical Field

[0002] Full laundry detergent softening additive. Background Art

[0003] Consumers continue to express interest in products that simplify the process they use to wash clothes, products that help them reduce the time they spend dealing with soiled clothes, and products that help them achieve both high levels of cleanliness and high levels of softness for their family's clothes. Current cleaning and softening of clothes requires consumers to dose two products into different compartments or sections of a washing machine, or to dose one product into a washing machine and one product into a dryer.

[0004] There are three basic steps in washing fabrics: washing, rinsing and drying. The washing step generally uses water and a detergent composition that contains anionic surfactants and other active agents that are compatible with the anionic surfactants in unused product form and in the wash liquor formed during the washing step. After washing, rinsing the clothes one or more times is part of the rinsing step.

[0005] At present, clothing softening is most commonly and practically achieved during the rinsing step with a liquid softening composition (which is separated from the detergent composition) or during the drying step with a sheet that releasably carries a solid softening composition. To apply the liquid softening composition to the clothing in the washing machine, the liquid softening composition is added to the clothing during the rinsing step. The liquid softening composition can be automatically added to the rinse from a compartment that keeps the liquid softening composition separated from the detergent composition. The compartment can be a part of the agitator (if present), or another part of the washing machine that can be used to distribute the liquid softening composition into the drum. This is generally referred to as full rinse softening. Full rinse softening requires consumers to quantitatively dose the detergent composition and the softening composition to different locations of the washing machine, which is inconvenient. Clothes softening can also be achieved during the drying step using a fabric softening sheet. Using any of these cleaning and softening methods, cleaning and softening are all carried out separately.

[0006] Consumers find it inconvenient to have to dispense multiple products into different locations, whether that location is part of a washing machine or the location is distributed between a washing machine and a dryer. Consumers want to be able to dose a detergent composition and a softening composition into a single location.

[0007] Unfortunately, liquid detergent compositions tend to be incompatible with softening compositions. Liquid detergent compositions contain anionic surfactants to help clean clothes. Softening compositions typically contain cationic surfactants to soften clothes. When mixed in a single package as a liquid, anionic surfactants and cationic surfactants can mix and form solid precipitates. When packaged together in liquid form or packaged together in a wash liquid, this causes stability problems of the combination, and compared with a detergent composition without a softening composition, cleaning performance is reduced. This incompatibility problem is one of the reasons why detergent compositions and fabric softening compositions are separately dosed and applied. Liquid fabric softening compositions packaged separately from detergent compositions may not be preferred by some consumers due to the inconvenience of dosing the composition to the washing machine, the feeling of being messy, and the texture of the product.

[0008] In view of these limitations, there is a continuing unmet need for a through-the-wash fabric softening composition in solid form that can be dispensed by the consumer along with a laundry detergent to provide through-the-wash softening during the washing step. Summary of the invention

[0009] A composition comprising a plurality of particles, the plurality of particles comprising:

[0010] 25% to 94% by weight of a water-soluble or water-dispersible carrier;

[0011] 0.5 to 10% by weight of a cationic polymer; and

[0012] 8 to 45% by weight of a fatty amine having the structure

[0013] ;

[0014] Wherein each R1 is independently selected from C8-C 32 Alkyl, C8-C 32 Substituted alkyl, C6-C 32 Aryl, C5-C 32 Substituted aryl, C6-C 32 Alkyl aryl, C6-C 32 substituted alkylaryl;

[0015] X is Group or Group;

[0016] Y is an alkylene group having 1 to 6 carbon atoms;

[0017] N is a nitrogen atom;

[0018] R2 is independently selected from H, C1-C6 alkyl, hydroxyalkyl and polyhydroxyalkyl;

[0019] q is 0 or 1;

[0020] p is an integer from 1 to 3; and

[0021] Wherein the plurality of particles comprises individual particles, wherein the individual particles each have a mass of about 1 mg to about 1 g. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0022] The compositions described herein can provide a full wash fabric softening composition that is convenient for consumers to dose into a washing machine. The full wash fabric softening composition can be provided in the form of a composition comprising a plurality of particles. The plurality of particles can be provided in a package separate from the detergent composition packaging. Having the softening composition as a plurality of particles in a package separate from the detergent composition packaging can be beneficial because it allows the consumer to select the amount of the softening composition, regardless of the amount of the detergent composition used. This can give the consumer the opportunity to customize the amount of the softening composition, thereby customizing the degree of softening benefit they achieve, which is a highly valuable consumer benefit.

[0023] Many consumers prefer granular products, especially dust-free granules. Consumers can easily dose the granular product directly from the package into the washing machine or into a dosing compartment on the washing machine. Alternatively, the consumer can dose from the package into a measuring cup, which optionally provides one or more dosing marks, and then dose the granules into a dosing compartment on the washing machine or directly into the drum. For products in which a measuring cup is used, granular products tend to be cleaner than liquid products.

[0024] The plurality of particles of the fabric softening composition may comprise about 25% to about 94% by weight of a water-soluble or water-dispersible carrier, about 0.5% to about 10% by weight of a cationic polymer, and about 5% to about 45% by weight of a fatty amine. The individual particles constituting the plurality of particles may have a mass of about 1 mg to about 10 g. The fatty amine and the cationic polymer may be dispersed in a carrier. The carrier brings the fatty amine and the cationic polymer into the washing machine. The plurality of particles are dissolved in the washing liquid. The cationic polymer is deposited on the fibers of the fabric and promotes the deposition of the quaternary ammonium compound on the fabric. Moreover, the fatty amine is deposited on the fibers of the fabric from the washing liquid. The cationic polymer and the fatty amine deposited on the fibers provide a soft feel to the consumer.

[0025] Optionally, the plurality of particles may further comprise a fatty acid.The fatty amine, cationic polymer and fatty acid may be dispersed in a carrier.

[0026] Water soluble or water dispersible carrier

[0027] The plurality of particles may comprise a water soluble carrier or a water dispersible carrier. Upon dissolution or dispersion of the carrier, the fabric care benefit agent is dispersed into the wash liquor.

[0028] The water-soluble or water-dispersible carrier can be a material that is soluble or dispersible in the wash liquid within a short period of time, such as less than about 10 minutes. The water-soluble or water-dispersible carrier can be selected from water-soluble inorganic alkali metal salts, water-soluble alkaline earth metal salts, water-soluble organic alkali metal salts, water-soluble organic alkaline earth metal salts, water-soluble carbohydrates, water-soluble silicates, water-soluble urea, and any combination thereof.

[0029] The water-soluble carrier may be a water-soluble polymer. The water-soluble polymer may be selected from polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), modified PVA; polyvinyl pyrrolidone; PVA copolymers such as PVA / polyvinyl pyrrolidone and PVA / polyvinyl amine; partially hydrolyzed polyvinyl acetate; polyalkylene oxides such as ethylene oxide; polyethylene glycol; acrylamide; acrylic acid; cellulose, alkyl celluloses such as methyl cellulose, ethyl cellulose and propyl cellulose; cellulose ethers; cellulose esters; cellulose amides; polyvinyl acetate; polycarboxylic acids and salts; polyamino acids or peptides; polyamides; polyacrylamide; copolymers of maleic acid / acrylic acid; polysaccharides including starch, modified starch; gelatin; alginates; xyloglucan, other hemicellulose polysaccharides including xylan, glucuronoxylan, arabinoxylan, mannan, glucomannan and galactoglucomannan; natural gums such as pectin, xanthan gum, carrageenan, locust bean gum, gum arabic, gum tragacanth; and combinations thereof. In one embodiment, the polymer comprises: polyacrylates, especially sulfonated polyacrylates and water-soluble acrylate copolymers; and alkylhydroxycelluloses, such as methylcellulose, sodium carboxymethylcellulose, modified carboxymethylcellulose, dextrin, ethylcellulose, propylcellulose, hydroxyethylcellulose, hydroxypropylmethylcellulose, maltodextrin, polymethacrylate. In another embodiment, the water-soluble polymer can be selected from PVA; PVA copolymers; hydroxypropylmethylcellulose (HPMC); and mixtures thereof.

[0030] The water-soluble carrier can be selected from polyvinyl alcohol, modified polyvinyl alcohol, polyvinyl pyrrolidone, polyvinyl alcohol / polyvinyl pyrrolidone, polyvinyl alcohol / polyvinyl amine, partially hydrolyzed polyvinyl acetate, polyalkylene oxide, polyethylene glycol, acrylamide, acrylic acid, cellulose, alkyl cellulose, methyl cellulose, ethyl cellulose, propyl cellulose, cellulose ether, cellulose ester, cellulose amide, polyvinyl acetate, polycarboxylic acids and salts, polyamino acids or peptides, polyamides, polyacrylamides, maleic acid / acrylic acid copolymers, polysaccharides, starch, modified starch, gelatin, alginates, xyloxan, hemicellulose polysaccharides, Xylans, glucuronic acid xylans, arabinoxylans, mannans, glucomannans, galactoglucomannans, natural gums, pectins, xanthan gum, carrageenan, locust bean gum, gum arabic, gum tragacanth, polyacrylates, sulfonated polyacrylates, water-soluble acrylate copolymers, alkyl hydroxycellulose, methylcellulose, sodium carboxymethylcellulose, modified carboxymethylcellulose, dextrin, ethylcellulose, propylcellulose, hydroxyethylcellulose, hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, maltodextrin, polymethacrylates, polyvinyl alcohol copolymers, hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, and mixtures thereof.

[0031] The water-soluble carrier may be selected from polyethylene glycol, sodium acetate, sodium bicarbonate, sodium chloride, sodium silicate, polypropylene glycol polyoxyalkylene, polyethylene glycol fatty acid ester, polyethylene glycol ether, sodium sulfate, starch, and mixtures thereof.

[0032] The water-soluble carrier may be polyethylene glycol (PEG). PEG may be a convenient material for preparing individual particles because PEG may be sufficiently water-soluble to dissolve during a wash cycle when the particles have a mass range disclosed herein. In addition, PEG may be easily processed in a melt form. The melting onset temperature of PEG may vary depending on the molecular weight of the PEG. A plurality of particles may contain about 25% to about 94% PEG by weight, having a weight average molecular weight of about 2000 to about 13000. PEG has a relatively low cost, can be formed into many different shapes and sizes, and is well soluble in water. PEG has a variety of weight average molecular weights. Suitable PEG weight average molecular weight ranges include about 2,000 to about 13,000, or about 4,000 to about 13,000, or about 4,000 to about 12,000, or about 4,000 to about 11,000, or about 5,000 to about 11,000, or about 6,000 to about 10,000, or about 7,000 to about 9,000, or combinations thereof. PEG is available from BASF, such as PLURIOL E8000 (which has a weight average molecular weight of 9000, even though it is 8000 in the product name), or other PLURIOL products.

[0033] The plurality of particles may comprise from about 25% to about 94% by weight of the plurality of PEG particles. Optionally, the particles may comprise from about 35% to about 94% by weight of the plurality of particles, optionally from about 50% to about 94%, optionally combinations thereof, and any integer percentage or range of integer percentages within any of the foregoing ranges of PEG.

[0034] The water-soluble carrier may include a material selected from the following: x -(CH(CH3)CH2O) y -(C2H4O) z -OH, wherein x is from about 50 to about 300, y is from about 20 to about 100, and z is from about 10 to about 200; formula (C2H4O) q -C(O)O-(CH2) r -CH3 polyethylene glycol fatty acid esters, wherein q is from about 20 to about 200, and r is from about 10 to about 30; formula HO-(C2H4O) s -(CH2) t )-CH3 polyethylene glycol fatty alcohol ethers, wherein s is from about 30 to about 250, and t is from about 10 to about 30; and mixtures thereof. Formula H-(C2H4O) x -(CH(CH3)CH2O) y -(C2H4O) z The polyalkylene polymer of -OH may be a block copolymer or a random copolymer, wherein x is from about 50 to about 300, y is from about 20 to about 100, and z is from about 10 to about 200.

[0035] Water-soluble carriers may include: polyethylene glycol; formula H-(C2H4O) x -(CH(CH3)CH2O) y -(C2H4O) z -OH, wherein x is from about 50 to about 300; y is from about 20 to about 100, and z is from about 10 to about 200; formula (C2H4O) q -C(O)O-(CH2) r -CH3 polyethylene glycol fatty acid esters, wherein q is from about 20 to about 200, and r is from about 10 to about 30; and formula HO-(C2H4O) s -(CH2) t )-CH3, wherein s is from about 30 to about 250, and t is from about 10 to about 30.

[0036] The water-soluble carrier may include from about 20% to about 80% by weight of the particle of a compound of the formula H-(C2H4O) x -(CH(CH3)CH2O)y -(C2H4O) z A polyalkylene polymer of -OH wherein x is from about 50 to about 300; y is from about 20 to about 100, and z is from about 10 to about 200.

[0037] The water-soluble carrier may include from about 1% to about 20% by weight of the granules of a compound of the formula (C2H4O) q -C(O)O-(CH2) r -CH3 polyethylene glycol fatty acid esters, wherein q is from about 20 to about 200, and r is from about 10 to about 30.

[0038] The water-soluble carrier may include from about 1% to about 10% by weight of the plurality of particles of a compound of the formula HO-(C2H4O) s -(CH2) t )-CH3, wherein s is from about 30 to about 250, and t is from about 10 to about 30.

[0039] The water-soluble carrier may be selected from: formula H-(C2H4O) x -(CH(CH3)CH2O) y -(C2H4O) z -OH, wherein x is from about 50 to about 300, y is from about 20 to about 100, and z is from about 10 to about 200; formula (C2H4O) q -C(O)O-(CH2) r -CH3 polyethylene glycol fatty acid esters, wherein q is from about 20 to about 200, and r is from about 10 to about 30; formula HO-(C2H4O) s -(CH2) t )-CH3 polyethylene glycol fatty alcohol ethers, wherein s is from about 30 to about 250, and t is from about 10 to about 30; C8-C22 alkyl polyalkoxylates containing more than about 40 alkoxylate units; polyethylene glycol having a weight average molecular weight of about 2000 to about 15000; EO / PO / EO block copolymers; PO / EO / PO block copolymers; EO / PO block copolymers; PO / EO block copolymers; polypropylene glycol; ethoxylated nonionic surfactants having a degree of ethoxylation greater than about 30; polyvinyl alcohol; polyalkylene glycols having a weight average molecular weight of about 2000 to about 15000; and mixtures thereof.

[0040] The plurality of particles of the fabric softening composition may contain from about 25% to about 94% by weight of a water-soluble or water-dispersible carrier. Optionally, the plurality of particles of the fabric softening composition may contain from about 30% to about 94% by weight, optionally from about 35% to about 85% by weight, optionally from about 35% to about 94% by weight of a water-soluble or water-dispersible carrier.

[0041] Fatty amines

[0042] Fatty amines can have the following structure:

[0043] ;

[0044] Wherein each R1 is independently selected from C8-C 32 Alkyl, C8-C 32 Substituted alkyl, C6-C 32 Aryl, C5-C 32 Substituted aryl, C6-C 32 Alkyl aryl, C6-C 32 substituted alkylaryl;

[0045] X is

[0046]

[0047] Group or

[0048]

[0049] Group;

[0050] Y is an alkylene group having 1 to 6 carbon atoms; N is a nitrogen atom; R2 is independently selected from H, a C1-C6 alkyl group, a hydroxyalkyl group, and a polyhydroxyalkyl group; q is 0 or 1; and p is an integer of 1-3.

[0051] Optionally, each R1 is independently C 10 -C 22 Alkyl or C8-C 22 Substituted alkyl;

[0052] X is

[0053]

[0054] group; Y is an alkylene group having 2 to 4 carbon atoms; R2 is independently H or a C1-C6 alkyl group; q is 1; and p is 1.

[0055] Optionally, each R1 is independently C 10 -C 22 Alkyl and R2 is a methyl group

[0056] Fatty amines can have the following structure

[0057] .

[0058] Optionally, R1 is C 12 -C 22 Alkyl; X is

[0059]

[0060] Y is an alkylene group having 2-4 carbon atoms; R2 is independently selected from H, C1-C6 alkyl, hydroxyalkyl and polyhydroxyalkyl groups; q=1; and p=1 to 3.

[0061] The fatty amine may have a structure selected from the following:

[0062] ,

[0063] ,

[0064] as well as

[0065] .

[0066] Optionally, each R1 is independently C 10 -C 18 alkyl; Y is an alkylene group having 2-4 carbon atoms, R2 is independently selected from H, C1-C6 alkyl, hydroxyalkyl and polyhydroxyalkyl groups, p is an integer of 1-3, and q=0

[0067] Optionally, R2 is a methyl or hydroxyethyl group;

[0068] The fatty amine may have a structure selected from the following:

[0069] and

[0070] The fatty amine may be selected from the group consisting of bis-(2-hydroxypropyl)-methylamine, bis-(hydroxyethyl)-methylamine, bis-(hydroxyethyl)-isopropylamine and fatty esters of triethanolamine and at least one fatty acid, wherein the at least one fatty acid comprises C 12 -C 22 alkyl chain; N,N-bis-(stearoyl-2-hydroxypropyl)-N-methylamine; N,N-bis(stearoyl-oxy-ethyl)-N-methylamine; N, N-bis(stearoyl-oxy-ethyl)-N-hydroxyethylamine; N-(stearoyl-oxy-ethyl)-N, N-dimethylamine; N-(stearoyl-oxy-ethyl)-N, N-hydroxyethylamine; N,N,N-tri(stearoyl-oxy-ethyl)-amine; stearamidopropyl dimethylamine; cocoamidopropyl dimethylamine; behenamidopropyl dimethylamine; stearylamine; distearylamine; tristearylamine; N, N-distearyl N-methylamine, and combinations thereof.

[0071] The plurality of particles of the fabric softening composition may contain from about 5% to about 45% by weight of the fatty amine. Optionally, the plurality of particles of the fabric softening composition may contain from about 8% to about 35% by weight, optionally from about 10% to about 35% by weight, optionally from about 12% to about 30% by weight, optionally from about 15% to about 25% by weight of the fatty amine. The weight fraction of the fatty amine and the fatty amine in the plurality of particles may affect the dissolution time of the plurality of particles.

[0072] fatty acid

[0073] The plurality of particles may further comprise fatty acids. The fatty acids may be provided in a molar ratio of fatty amine to fatty acid of about 1:3 to about 3:1.

[0074] The term fatty acid as used herein includes fatty acids in non-protonated or protonated form in the broadest sense. The fatty acid may include those containing 12 to 25, 13 to 22, or even 16 to 20 total carbon atoms and the fatty moiety containing 10 to 22, 12 to 18, or even 14 (mid-cut) to 18 carbon atoms. Mixtures of fatty acids from different fat sources may be used.

[0075] The cis / trans ratio of the unsaturated fatty acids may be important, with the cis / trans ratio (C18:1 material) being at least 1:1, at least 3:1, 4:1, or even 9:1 or higher. Branched fatty acids such as isostearic acid are also suitable, as they may be more stable to oxidation and the resulting color and odor quality degradation. The fatty acids may have an iodine value of 0 to 140, 50 to 120, or 85 to 105.

[0076] A plurality of particles can contain about 1% to about 40% fatty acid by weight. The fatty acid can be selected from saturated fatty acids, unsaturated fatty acids, and mixtures thereof. The fatty acid can be a blend of saturated fatty acids, a blend of unsaturated fatty acids, and mixtures thereof. The fatty acid can be substituted or unsubstituted. The fatty acid can be provided with a quaternary ammonium compound. The fatty acid can have an iodine value of zero.

[0077] The fatty acid may be selected from stearic acid, palmitic acid, coconut oil, palm kernel oil, stearic acid palmitic acid blend, oleic acid, vegetable oil, partially hydrogenated vegetable oil, and mixtures thereof. The fatty acid may be selected from stearic acid, arylsulfonic acid, cumenesulfonic acid, xylenesulfonic acid, toluenesulfonic acid, alkenylsuccinic acid, octylsuccinic acid, dodecenylsuccinic acid, C 12 -C 18 Fatty acids, oleic acid, lauric acid, myristic acid, and combinations thereof.

[0078] The fatty acid may be stearic acid CAS No. 57-11-4. The fatty acid may be palmitic acid CAS No. 57-10-3. The fatty acid may be a blend of stearic acid and coconut oil.

[0079] The fatty acid may be a C12 to C22 fatty acid. The C12 to C22 fatty acid may be of tallow or vegetable origin, may be saturated or unsaturated, may be substituted or unsubstituted.

[0080] Without being bound by theory, the fatty acid may be used as a processing aid to uniformly mix the formulation components of the individual particles making up the plurality of particles.

[0081] Cationic polymers

[0082] The plurality of particles may comprise a cationic polymer. The cationic polymer may provide the benefit of a deposition aid which aids the deposition of the quaternary ammonium compound onto the fabric and possibly some other benefit agent contained in the particle.

[0083] The plurality of particles may contain from about 0.5% to about 10% by weight of the cationic polymer. Optionally, the plurality of particles may contain from about 0.5% to about 5% by weight of the cationic polymer, or even from about 1% to about 5% by weight, or even from about 2% to about 4% by weight of the cationic polymer, or even about 3% by weight of the cationic polymer. Without being bound by theory, it is believed that the cleaning performance of the laundry detergent decreases with increasing cationic polymer content in the particles during washing, and the acceptable cleaning performance of the detergent can be maintained within the above range.

[0084] The cationic polymer may have a cationic charge density of more than about 0.05 meq / g (meq means milliequivalent) to 23 meq / g, preferably about 0.1 meq / g to about 4 meq / g, even more preferably about 0.1 meq / g to about 2 meq / g, and most preferably 0.1 meq / g to about 1 meq / g.

[0085] The cationic charge density mentioned above may be at a pH of about 3 to about 9, optionally about 4 to about 9, at the pH of intended use.

[0086] The cationic charge density of a polymer refers to the ratio of the number of positive charges on the polymer to the molecular weight of the polymer. Charge density is calculated by dividing the net charge number of each repeating unit by the molecular weight of the repeating unit. The positive charge can be located on the polymer backbone and / or the polymer side chains. The average molecular weight of such a suitable cationic polymer can generally be between about 10,000 and about 10 million, or even between about 50,000 and about 5 million, or even between about 100,000 and about 3 million.

[0087] Non-limiting examples of cationic polymers are cationic or amphoteric polysaccharides, proteins and synthetic polymers. Cationic polysaccharides include cationic cellulose derivatives, cationic guar gum derivatives, chitosan and its derivatives, and cationic starch. Cationic polysaccharides have a molecular weight of about 1,000 to about 2 million, preferably about 100,000 to about 800,000. Suitable cationic polysaccharides include cationic cellulose ethers, especially cationic hydroxyethyl cellulose and cationic hydroxypropyl cellulose. Particularly preferred are cationic cellulose polymers with substituted anhydroglucose units corresponding to the following general structural formula:

[0088]

[0089] Where R 1 , R 2 , R 3 Each independently selected from H, CH3, C 8-24 Alkyl (straight or branched chain), , or a mixture thereof;

[0090] R 4 For H,

[0091] n is from about 1 to about 10;

[0092] Rx is selected from H, CH3, C 8-24 Alkyl (straight or branched chain), or a mixture thereof, wherein Z is a water-soluble anion, preferably chloride and / or bromide; R 5 H, CH3, CH2CH 3、 or a mixture thereof; R 7 CH3, CH2CH3, phenyl, C 8-24 Alkyl (straight or branched chain), or mixtures thereof; and

[0093] R 8 and R 9 Each is independently CH3, CH2CH3, phenyl, or a mixture thereof:

[0094] The prerequisite is that the R of each anhydroglucose unit 1 , R 2 , R 3 At least one of the groups is And each polymer has at least one Group.

[0095] The charge density (defined by the number of cationic charges per 100 anhydroglucose units) of the cationic cellulose herein is preferably from about 0.5% to about 60%, more preferably from about 1% to about 20%, and most preferably from about 2% to about 10%.

[0096] The range of alkyl substitution on the anhydroglucose rings of the polymer is from about 0.01% to 5% per sugar unit of the polymeric material, more preferably from about 0.05% to 2% per glucose unit.

[0097] When added to water at room temperature, cationic cellulose may be lightly cross-linked with a dialdehyde, such as glyoxyl, to prevent the formation of lumps, agglomerates or other agglomerates.

[0098] Examples of cationic hydroxyalkylcelluloses include those with the INCI name Polyquaternium 10, such as those sold under the trade names UCARE Polymer JR 30M, JR 400, JR 125, LR 400, and LK 400, Polymer PK polymers; Polyquaternium 67, such as those sold under the trade names SOFTCAT SK TM, all sold by Dow Chemicals, Midlad MI; and Polyquaternium 4, such as those sold under the trade names CELQUAT H200 and CELQUAT L-200 from National Starch and Chemical Company (Bridgewater, NJ). Other suitable polysaccharides include those with glycidyl C 12 -C 22Hydroxyethylcellulose or hydroxypropylcellulose quaternized with alkyl dimethyl ammonium chloride. Examples of such polysaccharides include polymers with the INCI name Polyquaternium 24, such as those sold by Dow Chemicals of Midland, MI under the trade name QUATERNIUM LM 200. Cationic starch refers to starch that has been chemically modified to provide a starch with a net positive charge in a pH 3 aqueous solution. This chemical modification includes, but is not limited to, the addition of amino and / or ammonium groups to the starch molecule. Non-limiting examples of these ammonium groups may include substituents such as trimethyl hydroxypropyl ammonium chloride, dimethyl stearyl hydroxypropyl ammonium chloride, or dimethyl dodecyl hydroxypropyl ammonium chloride. The source of starch prior to chemical modification may be selected from a variety of sources, including tubers, legumes, cereals, and grains. Non-limiting examples of starch from this source may include corn starch, wheat starch, rice starch, waxy corn starch, oat starch, tapioca starch, waxy barley starch, waxy rice starch, gluten rice starch, glutinous rice starch, amylopectin, potato starch, tapioca starch, oat starch, sago starch, sweet rice starch, or mixtures thereof. Non-limiting examples of cationic starch include cationic corn starch, cationic tapioca starch, cationic potato starch, or mixtures thereof. Cationic starch may include amylase, amylopectin, or maltodextrin. Cationic starch may include one or more additional modifications. For example, these modifications may include cross-linking, stability reactions, phosphorylation, hydrolysis, cross-linking. Stability reactions may include alkylation and esterification. Cationic starch suitable for use in the compositions of the present invention may be commercially available from Cerestar under the trade name C*BOND, and commercially available from National Starch and Chemical Company under the trade name CATO 2A. Cationic galactomannan includes cationic guar gum or cationic locust bean gum. Exemplary of cationic guar gums are quaternary ammonium derivatives of hydroxypropyl guar gum, such as those sold under the trade names JAGUAR C13 and JAGUAR Excel from Rhodia, Inc. (Cranbury, NJ) and N-HANCE from Aqualon (Wilmington, DE).

[0099] Other suitable cationic polymers for use in the plurality of particles include polysaccharide polymers, cationic guar gum derivatives, cellulose ethers containing quaternary nitrogen, synthetic polymers, copolymers of etherified cellulose, guar gum, and starch. When used, the cationic polymers herein are soluble in the composition used to form the particles, or are soluble in the complex coacervate phase in the composition forming the particles. Suitable cationic polymers are described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,962,418; 3,958,581; and U.S. Patent Publication No. 2007 / 0207109A1.

[0100] One class of suitable cationic polymers includes those prepared by polymerization of ethylenically unsaturated monomers using a suitable initiator or catalyst, such as those disclosed in WO 00 / 56849 and USPN 6,642,200. Suitable cationic polymers may be selected from synthetic polymers prepared by polymerization of one or more cationic monomers and optionally a second monomer, the cationic monomers being selected from N,N-dialkylaminoalkyl acrylates, N,N-dialkylaminoalkyl methacrylates, N,N-dialkylaminoalkyl acrylamides, N,N-dialkylaminoalkyl methacrylamides, quaternized N,N-dialkylaminoalkyl acrylates, quaternized N,N-dialkylaminoalkyl methacrylates, quaternized N,N-dialkylaminoalkyl acrylamides, quaternized N,N-dialkylaminoalkyl methacrylamides, quaternized N,N-dialkylaminoalkyl methacrylamides, quaternized N,N-dialkylaminoalkyl methacrylates. Acetylamidopropyl-pentamethyl-1,3-propene-2-ol diammonium chloride, N,N,N,N',N',N'',N''-heptamethyl-N''-3-(1-oxy-2-methyl-2-propenyl)aminopropyl-9-oxy-8-azodecane-1,4,10-triammonium chloride, vinylamine and its derivatives, allylamine and its derivatives, vinylimidazole, quaternized vinylimidazole and diallyldialkylammonium chloride and combinations thereof, the second monomer is selected from acrylamide, N,N-dialkylacrylamide, methacrylamide, N,N-dialkylmethacrylamide, acrylic acid C1-C 12 Alkyl esters, acrylic acid C1-C 12 Hydroxyalkyl esters, polyalkylene glycol acrylates, C1-C methacrylate 12 Alkyl esters, methacrylate C1-C 12 Hydroxyalkyl esters, polyalkylene glycol methacrylates, vinyl acetate, vinyl alcohol, vinyl formamide, vinyl acetamide, vinyl alkyl ethers, vinyl pyridine, vinyl pyrrolidone, vinyl imidazole, vinyl caprolactam and derivatives, acrylic acid, methacrylic acid, maleic acid, vinyl sulfonic acid, styrene sulfonic acid, acrylamidopropyl methanesulfonic acid (AMPS) and their salts. The polymer may optionally be branched or crosslinked by using branching and crosslinking monomers. Branching and crosslinking monomers include ethylene glycol diacrylate, divinylbenzene and butadiene. Polyethyleneimines suitable for use herein are those sold under the trade name LUPASOL by BASF AG (Ludwigshafen, Germany).

[0101] On the other hand, the cationic polymer can be selected from cationic polysaccharides, polyethyleneimine and its derivatives, poly(acrylamide-co-diallyldimethylammonium chloride), poly(acrylamide-methacrylamidopropyltrimethylammonium chloride), poly(acrylamide-co-N,N-dimethylaminoethyl acrylic acid) and its quaternized derivatives, poly(acrylamide-co-N,N-dimethylaminoethyl methacrylate) and its quaternized derivatives, poly(hydroxyethyl acrylate-co-dimethylaminoethyl methacrylate), poly(hydroxypropyl acrylate-co-dimethylaminoethyl methacrylate), poly(hydroxypropyl acrylate-co-methacrylamidopropyltrimethylammonium chloride), poly(acrylamide-co-diallyldimethylammonium chloride-co-acrylic acid), poly(acrylamide-methacrylamidopropyltrimethylammonium chloride-co-acrylic acid), poly(diallyldimethylammonium chloride), poly(vinylpyrrolidone Suitable cationic polymers include polyquaternium-1, polyquaternium-5, polyquaternium-6, polyquaternium-7, polyquaternium-8, polyquaternium-10, polyquaternium-11, polyquaternium-14, polyquaternium-22, polyquaternium-28, polyquaternium-30, polyquaternium-32, and polyquaternium-33, which are described in accordance with the International Nomenclature. for Cosmetic Ingredients”.

[0102] On the other hand, the cationic polymer may include polyethyleneimine or a polyethyleneimine derivative. On the other hand, the cationic polymer may include an acrylic acid-based cationic polymer. On the other hand, the cationic polymer may include a cationic polyacrylamide. On the other hand, the cationic polymer may include a polymer comprising polyacrylamide and polymethacrylamidopropyltrimethylammonium cations. On the other hand, the cationic polymer may include poly(acrylamide-N-dimethylaminoethyl acrylate) and its quaternized derivatives. In this regard, the cationic polymer may be those sold under the trade name SEDIPUR purchased from BTC Specialty Chemicals (BASF Group, Florham Park, NJ). On the other hand, the cationic polymer may include poly(acrylamide-co-methacrylamidopropyltrimethylammonium chloride). On the other hand, the cationic polymer may include a polymer not based on acrylamide, such as those sold under the trade name RHEOVIS CDE purchased from Ciba Specialty Chemicals (BASF Group, Florham Park, NJ), or as disclosed in USPA 2006 / 0252668.

[0103] In another aspect, the cationic polymer may be selected from cationic polysaccharides. In one aspect, the cationic polymer may be selected from cationic cellulose ethers, cationic galactomannans, cationic guar gums, cationic starches, and combinations thereof.

[0104] Another group of suitable cationic polymers may include alkylamine-epichlorohydrin polymers, which are reaction products of amines and oligoamines with epichlorohydrin, such as those listed in, for example, USPN 6,642,200 and 6,551,986. Examples include dimethylamine-epichlorohydrin-ethylenediamine available from Clariant (Basle, Switzerland) under the trade names CARTAFIX CB, CARTAFIX TSF.

[0105] Another group of suitable synthetic cationic polymers may include polyamidoamine-epichlorohydrin (PAE) resins of polyalkylene polyamines and polycarboxylic acids. The most commonly used PAE resins are condensation products of diethylenetriamine reacted with adipic acid followed by reaction with epichlorohydrin. They are available from Hercules Inc. (Wilmington DE) under the trade name KYMENE or from BASF AG (Ludwigshafen, Germany) under the trade name LURESIN.

[0106] The cationic polymer may contain charge-neutralizing anions such that the entire polymer is neutral under ambient conditions. Non-limiting examples of suitable counterions (other than anionic species generated during use) include chloride, bromide, sulfate, methylsulfate, sulfonate, mesylate, carbonate, bicarbonate, formate, acetate, citrate, nitrate, and mixtures thereof.

[0107] The cationic polymer may have a weight average molecular weight of about 500 Daltons to about 5,000,000 Daltons, or about 1,000 Daltons to about 2,000,000 Daltons, or about 5000 Daltons to about 1,000,000 Daltons, as determined by size exclusion chromatography with RI detection relative to polyethylene oxide standards. In one aspect, the cationic polymer may have a weight average molecular weight of about 100,000 Daltons to about 800,000 Daltons.

[0108] The cationic polymer may be provided in a powder form. The cationic polymer may be provided in an anhydrous state.

[0109] Dispersing aids

[0110] The particles may also include a dispersing aid. The dispersing aid may be a nonionic surfactant. The dispersing aid may be a branched isotridecanol having an average of 11 EO units. The dispersing aid may be SURFONIC TDA-11 available from Huntsman Corp (Salt Lake City, UT).

[0111] Antimicrobial active ingredients

[0112] The particles may contain or further contain an antimicrobial active ingredient. The antimicrobial active ingredient may be 4,4'-dichloro-2-hydroxydiphenyl ether (or hydroxydichlorodiphenyl ether). The antimicrobial agent may be TINOSAN HP100 available from BASF. The antimicrobial active ingredient may have the following structure:

[0113]

[0114] The particles may contain about 0.1% to about 1% by weight, or even about 0.3% to about 0.7% by weight, or even about 0.5% to about 0.6% by weight of the antimicrobial active ingredient. The particles may contain about 25% to about 99.9% by weight of a water-soluble or water-dispersible carrier and about 0.1% to about 1% by weight of the antimicrobial active ingredient, and one or more optional components of about 0.1% to about 75% by weight. The particles may contain about 88% to about 91% by weight of a water-soluble or water-dispersible carrier (e.g., polyethylene glycol having a weight average molecular weight of 9000) and about 0.1 to about 1% by weight of the antimicrobial active ingredient (e.g., 4,4'-dichloro-2-hydroxydiphenyl ether). The particles may be free of one or more of a cationic polymer, a fatty amine, and a fatty acid.

[0115] Particles

[0116] The individual particles constituting the plurality of particles may have an individual mass of about 1 mg to about 1 g, or about 5 mg to about 500 mg, or about 5 mg to about 200 mg, or about 10 mg to about 100 mg, or about 20 mg to about 50 mg, or about 35 mg to about 45 mg, or about 38 mg. The smaller the individual particles, the faster they tend to dissolve in water. The individual particles constituting the plurality of particles may have a mass standard deviation of less than about 30 mg, or less than about 15 mg, or less than about 5 mg, or about 3 mg. The average particle mass within the above range may provide a dispersion time in water that allows the particles to dissolve during a typical washing cycle. The mass standard deviation within the above range may provide a relatively uniform dispersion time in water. The plurality of particles may be substantially free of particles having a mass of less than 10 mg. This is feasible for limiting the ability of the particles to spread in the air.

[0117] The individual particles making up the plurality of particles may have an average maximum cross-sectional dimension of about 0.05 mm to about 20 mm, optionally about 0.5 mm to about 10 mm, optionally about 1 mm to about 5 mm.

[0118] Individual particles may have any shape. The shape may include any basic three-dimensional shape, such as a sphere, a hemisphere, an oblate spheroid, a spheroid, a disk, a plate, a cone, a truncated cone, a prism, a cylinder, a pyramid, a bar, a rectangular body, a torus, a torus, and the like. The shape may be formed to resemble a recognizable shape, such as a heart, a star, a rock, a pretzel, a "smiley face," and the like. The shape may include recognizable images, such as icons and logos, including logos representing product brands. These shapes may be uniform shapes, combinations of different shapes, or generally random shapes (such as pellets).

[0119] Individual particles may have an aspect ratio, which is the ratio of the largest cross-sectional dimension of the particle to the longest dimension perpendicular to the largest cross-sectional dimension and completely within the outer perimeter of the particle. The aspect ratio of an individual particle or the average aspect ratio of a plurality of particles may be from about 1:1 to about 1000:1, optionally from about 1:1 to about 100:1, optionally from about 1:1 to about 10:1, optionally from about 1:1 to about 2:1.

[0120] A plurality of particles can be combined to form a dose for quantitative dosing into a washing machine or laundry tub. A single dose of a plurality of particles can contain about 1 g to about 50 g of particles, optionally about 5 g to about 50 g, or about 10 g to about 45 g, or about 20 g to about 40 g, or combinations thereof and any integer gram or integer gram range of mass within any of the foregoing ranges.

[0121] The plurality of particles may include an antioxidant. The antioxidant may help promote the stability of the color and / or odor of the particles over time between production and use. The plurality of particles may include from about 0.01% to about 1% by weight antioxidant, optionally from about 0.001% to about 2% by weight antioxidant, optionally from about 0.01% to about 0.1% by weight antioxidant. The antioxidant may be butylated hydroxytoluene.

[0122] Method for treating articles of clothing

[0123] The plurality of particles disclosed herein enable consumers to achieve softening through washing, particularly through a wash sub-cycle. By providing softening via a wash sub-cycle, the consumer need only dose the detergent composition and particles into a single location, such as a wash tub, before or shortly after the washing machine is started. This may be more convenient for the consumer than using a liquid fabric enhancer that is dispensed separately into the wash tub after the wash sub-cycle is completed, such as before, during, or between two rinse cycles. Using the automatic dispensing components of modern vertical and high-efficiency machines may be inconvenient because this requires dispensing the fabric softening composition into a location other than where the detergent composition is dispensed.

[0124] The method for treating a clothing article may include the step of providing the clothing article in a washing machine. The clothing article is contacted with a composition comprising a plurality of particles disclosed herein during a washing sub-cycle of the washing machine. Individual particles may be dissolved in water provided as part of a washing sub-cycle to form a liquid. Dissolution or dispersion of individual particles may occur during a washing sub-cycle. Optionally, the method may also include the step of contacting the clothing article with a detergent composition during a washing sub-cycle of the washing machine, the detergent composition comprising about 3% to about 60%, optionally about 3% to about 40% anionic surfactant by weight. The anionic surfactant may be selected from sulfates, sulfonates, carboxylates, and mixtures thereof. The detergent composition is different from the particles. The detergent composition may optionally be provided separately from the particles. The detergent composition may be distributed separately from the particles.

[0125] A washing machine has at least two basic sub-cycles within an operating cycle: a wash sub-cycle and a rinse sub-cycle. The wash sub-cycle of a washing machine is the cycle that begins on a washing machine when water is first added or partially added to fill the washtub. The main purpose of the wash sub-cycle is to remove and / or loosen soil from the clothing items and suspend the soil in the wash liquid. Typically, the wash liquid is drained at the end of the wash sub-cycle. The rinse sub-cycle of a washing machine occurs after the wash sub-cycle and has the main purpose of rinsing soil and optionally some benefit agents brought to the wash sub-cycle by the clothing items.

[0126] The method may optionally include a step of contacting the clothing articles with a detergent composition comprising an anionic surfactant during the wash subcycle. Most consumers provide the detergent composition to the wash basin during the wash subcycle. The detergent composition may contain anionic surfactants and optional other benefit agents, including but not limited to spices, bleaching agents, brighteners, hueing dyes, enzymes, etc. During the wash subcycle, the benefit agent provided with the detergent composition contacts the clothing articles placed in the wash basin or is applied to the clothing articles. Typically, the benefit agent of the detergent composition is dispersed in a wash liquid of water and benefit agent.

[0127] During the washing sub-cycle, the washtub may be filled or at least partially filled with water. Individual particles may be dissolved or dispersed in water to form a wash liquid comprising individual particle components. Optionally, if a detergent composition is used, the wash liquid may include components of the detergent composition and individual particles or dissolved individual particles. Before the clothing item is placed in the washtub of the washing machine, a plurality of particles may be placed in the washtub of the washing machine. After the clothing item is placed in the washtub of the washing machine, a plurality of particles may be placed in the washtub of the washing machine. Multiple particles may be placed in the washtub before the washtub is filled or partially filled with water or after the washtub has been filled with water.

[0128] If the consumer uses a detergent composition to implement the method for processing clothing products, the detergent composition and multiple particles can be provided by a separate package. For example, the detergent composition can be a liquid detergent composition provided from a bottle, a pouch, a water-soluble pouch, a measuring cup, a quantitative ball or a barrel associated with a washing machine. Multiple particles can be provided by a separate package, provided by a carton, a bottle, a water-soluble pouch, a measuring cup, a pouch, etc. in a non-limiting example. If the detergent composition is a solid form such as a powder, a water-soluble fiber substrate, a water-soluble sheet, a water-soluble film, a water-soluble film, a water-insoluble fiber web carrying a solid detergent composition, multiple particles can have a solid form detergent composition. For example, multiple particles can be provided by a container comprising a mixture of a solid detergent composition and multiple particles. Optionally, multiple particles can be provided by a pouch, which is formed by a detergent composition, and the detergent composition is a water-soluble fiber substrate, a water-soluble sheet, a water-soluble film, a water-soluble film, a water-insoluble fiber web carrying a solid detergent composition.

[0129] Preparation of individual particles

[0130] For carriers that can be conveniently processed as melts, a rotational molding process can be used. A mixture of the molten carrier and other materials constituting the particles is prepared, for example, in a batch or continuous mixing method. A plurality of particles can be produced on a rotational molding device (e.g., Sandvik ROTOFORM 3000) feeding the molten mixture. Optionally, individual particles can have gas inclusions. Such occlusion of a gas (e.g., air) can help the particles dissolve faster in washing. By way of non-limiting example, occlusion of the gas can be provided by injecting the gas into the molten precursor material and grinding the mixture.

[0131] Melting Onset Test Method

[0132] Melting onset is determined using the following Melting Onset Test Method. Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC) is used to quantify the temperature at which melting onset occurs during the peak melting transition of any given individual particle composition to be tested. Melting temperature measurements are performed using a high-quality DSC instrument such as TA Instruments' Discovery DSC (TA Instruments Inc. / Waters Corporation, New Castle, Delaware, USA) with supporting software and nitrogen purge capability. A calibration check is performed using an indium standard sample. If the melting onset temperature of the measured indium standard sample is within the range of 156.3-157.3°C, the DSC instrument is considered suitable for performing the test.

[0133] A plurality of particles of the test composition are examined to identify individual particles comprising the first group of particles versus those comprising the second group of particles, and those comprising any additional number of groups that may be present. Methods for examining a plurality of particles to achieve such group identification may include a variety of methods, including by visual inspection and comparison of individual particles, inspection and comparison of individual particles based on chemical composition, and by chemical testing to determine whether fatty amines, cationic polymers, or fatty acids are present in individual particles. The test composition will be tested on a group basis (i.e., by physically separating individual particles according to their groups, thereby forming internally uniform samples, wherein each sample comprises a single group of individual particles). These samples are used to test a group of individual particles of each group separated from particles of other groups. The measurement results of each group of particles in the individual particles are reported separately (i.e., on a group basis).

[0134] By obtaining at least 5g of individual particles, then using an analytical grinding device such as A11 B S1 type IKA basic analytical grinding machine (IKA-Werke GmbH & Co. KG, Staufen im Breisgau, Germany) to grind into powder and pulverize, a uniform test sample is prepared. Subsequently, the ground sample is sieved through a clean stainless steel screen, and the screen mesh size opening is nominally 1mm in diameter (e.g., 18 mesh sizes). For each sample to be tested, at least two parallel test samples are ground and measured independently. A sample of the ground material weighing about 5mg is placed at the bottom of a sealed aluminum DSC sample pan, and the sample is spread to cover the bottom of the pan. A sealed aluminum cover is placed on the sample pan, and the cover is sealed with a sample encapsulation press to prevent evaporation or weight loss during measurement. DSC measurement is performed relative to a reference standard. Use an empty aluminum DSC sample pan as a reference standard to measure the thermal adsorption changes of the pan containing the sample relative to an empty reference pan.

[0135] The DSC instrument was set up to analyze the samples using the following cycle configuration selections: the sample purge gas was nitrogen set to 50 mL / min; the sampling interval was set to 0.1 s / point; the balance was set to -20.00°C; the isothermal hold was set to 1 minute. Data was collected using the following settings during a single heating cycle: the ramp was set to 10.00°C / min, ramped to 90.00°C; and the isothermal hold was set to hold at 90.00°C for 1 minute. The sealed sample pan containing the parallel test samples was carefully loaded into the instrument, which was an empty reference pan. The DSC analysis cycle specifically described above was performed, and the output data was evaluated. The data obtained during the DSC heating cycle is typically plotted with temperature (°C) on the X-axis and heat flow (W / g) normalized to the sample weight on the Y-axis, so that melting points appear as downward (absorbent) peaks because they absorb energy.

[0136] The melting transition onset temperature is the temperature at which a deviation from a baseline previously established for the melting temperature of interest is first observed. The peak melting temperature is the specific temperature at which the maximum differential energy required to be observed during a given DSC heating cycle transforms a sample from a solid phase to a molten phase. For purposes of the present invention, the melting onset temperature is defined as the melting transition onset temperature of the peak melting temperature. Additional general information on the DSC technique can be found in industry standard method ASTM D3418-03 - Determination of Transition Temperatures of Polymers by DSC.

[0137] Using the DSC instrument software, two points were manually defined as the "start and stop integration" baseline limits. The two points selected were on the baseline flat area to the left and right of the detected melting transition peak, respectively. This defined area was then used to determine the peak temperature (T), which can be used to report the peak melting temperature. The melting onset temperature of the peak melting temperature was then determined using the instrument software.

[0138] The reported melting onset temperatures are the average results (°C) from replicate test samples of that set of pellets.

[0139] Particle dissolution and friction coefficient testing

[0140] Prepare particle samples to measure the dissolution time of particles in water. Prepare samples by providing a polyethylene glycol with a weight average molecular weight of 9000 in a glass jar and placing the cup material in an oven at a temperature of 80°C overnight for melting. The high-speed mixing cup (Max 100 SPEEDMIX Cup) of fatty amines and fatty acids (if used) is placed in the same oven for four hours to melt. After melting, thoroughly mix the contents of 100 SPEEDMIX cup by vortexing the contents. Then add molten polyethylene glycol to the high-speed mixing cup. Then add cationic polymer (if used) to the high-speed mixing cup. The high-speed mixing cup of the material is placed in a SPEEDMIXER DAC 150 FVC-K (FLAK TEK Inc.) and kept for 60 seconds at 3500 rpm. Then immediately pour the mixture onto a rubber mold that was initially at room temperature, and spread it into the recessed portion in the rubber mold with a spatula. The mixture hardens in the recessed portion of the rubber mold to form particles. The hardened particles are removed from the rubber mold. The mold shape is an oblate hemisphere with a diameter of 5.0 mm and a height of 2.5. The particle dissolution time test is performed as follows. 500 mL of 25 C, 137 parts per million hardness is placed in a 600 mL beaker. A 41 mm × 8 mm stirring rod is placed in the beaker. The beaker is then placed on a stirring plate and stirred at 400 rpm. 0.6 g of TIDEFREE detergent (purchased from THE PROCTER & GAMBLE COMPANY) is added and mixed for 30 seconds. Five particles (each having a mass of 38 mg + / - 3 mg) are added to the beaker at the same time and a timer is started. The time for the mixture to reach a stable visual appearance is determined by visual observation and recorded as the particle dissolution time.

[0141] For reference, particles composed of 100% by weight of polyethylene glycol having a weight average molecular weight of 9000 had a particle dissolution time of 11 minutes. In addition, for reference, particles composed of 100% stearamidopropyl dimethylamine did not obtain a stable visual appearance after more than 60 minutes.

[0142] Table 1 lists the particle dissolution times for various prepared particle samples. Particle dissolution times reported as greater than some times indicate that a stable visual appearance was not achieved within that time.

[0143] Table 1: In a detergent composition comprising a fatty amine, a fatty acid, a dispersing aid, a cationic Dissolution time of particles in a solution of particles composed of an ionic polymer and a balance of polyethylene glycol having a weight average molecular weight of 9000 :

[0144]

[0145]

[0146] 1 SURFONIC TDA-11 branched isotridecanol having an average of 11 EO units, available from Huntsman Corp (Salt Lake City, UT).

[0147] 2 Cationic hydroxyethyl cellulose having a weight average molecular weight of 400 kDa, a charge density of 0.18, and an average weight percentage of nitrogen / anhydroglucose repeating units of 0.28% (Polymer PK, available from Dow Chemical).

[0148] As shown in Table 1, the inclusion of fatty acids in the particles tends to reduce the particle dissolution time. Short dissolution times can provide the benefit of complete particle dissolution during the treatment or wash cycle so that there are no remnants of the particles at the end of the treatment or wash cycle. In addition, short dissolution times can also provide the benefit of completely releasing one or more fabric softening actives into the wash liquor so that they can be deposited onto the treated clothes.

[0149] Table 2 lists the particle dissolution times for various prepared particle samples.

[0150] Table 2: In a detergent composition comprising a fatty amine, a fatty acid, a dispersing aid, a 3% by weight of cationic polymer 1 and 67% by weight of polyethylene glycol having a weight average molecular weight of 9000. Dissolution time of particles in solution: The second and ninth rows (counting the header row) are duplicates of the results listed in Table 1 .

[0151]

[0152]

[0153] 1 Cationic hydroxyethyl cellulose having a weight average molecular weight of 400 kDa, a charge density of 0.18, and an average weight percentage of nitrogen / anhydroglucose repeating units of 0.28% (Polymer PK, available from Dow Chemical).

[0154] 2SURFONIC TDA-11 branched isotridecanol having an average of 11 EO units, available from Huntsman Corp (Salt Lake City, UT).

[0155] 3 Ethoxylated sorbitol terminated with an alkyl group having 12 carbon atoms.

[0156] 4 Polyethyleneimine of molecular weight 600 with 10 moles of ethoxylate per nitrogen.

[0157] 5 C12-15 alcohol ethoxylated with 9 moles of EO, available from Shell Chemicals (Houston, TX).

[0158] As shown in Table 2, inclusion of a liquid dispersing aid tends to reduce particle dissolution time, wherein the short dissolution time provides the benefits described above with respect to Table 1.

[0159] In order to evaluate the efficacy of various fatty amines for delivering fabric softening benefits, a series of tests listed in Table 3 were conducted. A North America Kenmore 600 series top loading washing machine was used. Each machine was set to run a normal single cycle, including a 12-minute wash agitation cycle and 1 three-minute rinse. The hardness of the water used was 137 ppm, and the wash temperature was 25°C, and the rinse temperature was 15.5°C. The water volume for each step was 64 liters. The total fabric weight was 3.6 kg (which included 10 test fabric hand towel terry cloths, about 1.3 kg of 100% cotton T-shirts, about 800 g of 100% cotton hand towels, and about 300 g of 50 / 50 polyester-cotton T-shirt pieces). The detergent used was a fragrance-free TIDE Original Scent liquid (produced by The Procter & Gamble Company). 81 g of detergent was dosed into the wash water while filling the wash water. After the detergent was added, 30.8 g of the particles to be evaluated were also added, and then the fabric was added. After the water addition is completed, the machine enters the stirring period. Washing stirring (normal setting) is then performed, and a rinsing step (along with the corresponding dehydration cycle) is performed. After the washing process is completed, the fabric is removed. The test fabric is mechanically dried in a Kenmore dryer with a cotton / high setting for 50 minutes. The test fabric is then balanced in a control room at 70F / 50% relative humidity for 24 hours. After the test fabric towel cloth has been balanced, the friction coefficient of each towel cloth is evaluated. Using the Thwing Albert friction / peel tester FP-2250, the dynamic friction coefficient is measured by attaching a sample cut from the towel cloth to a slide plate and dragging the slide plate over a portion of the remaining towel cloth at a fixed rate. The softness benefit reported in Table 3 is a reduction in the friction coefficient relative to the control with only detergent. Compared with the control with only detergent, the greater the softness benefit, the lower the friction coefficient of the fabric. The average value of 10 towel cloths washed in the corresponding products is reported in Table 3.

[0160] Table 3: The listed weight percentages of fatty amine, fatty acid, cationic polymer and a weight average molecular weight of 9000 Particles composed of polyethylene glycol (PEG) provide softness benefits :

[0161]

[0162] 1 Cationic hydroxyethyl cellulose having a weight average molecular weight of 400 kDa, a charge density of 0.18, and an average weight percentage of nitrogen / anhydroglucose repeating units of 0.28% (Polymer PK, available from Dow Chemical).

[0163] As shown in Table 3, each of the compositions evaluated provided softness benefits compared to the detergent only control.

[0164] combination

[0165] Here is an example:

[0166] A. A composition comprising a plurality of particles, the plurality of particles comprising:

[0167] from about 25% to about 94% by weight of a water-soluble or water-dispersible carrier;

[0168] From about 0.5% to about 10% by weight of a cationic polymer; and

[0169] From about 5% to about 45% by weight of a fatty amine having the structure

[0170] ;

[0171] Wherein each R1 is independently selected from C8-C 32 Alkyl, C8-C 32 Substituted alkyl, C6-C 32 Aryl, C5-C 32 Substituted aryl, C6-C 32 Alkyl aryl, C6-C 32 substituted alkylaryl;

[0172] X is Group or Group;

[0173] Y is an alkylene group having 1 to 6 carbon atoms;

[0174] N is a nitrogen atom;

[0175] R2 is independently selected from H, C1-C6 alkyl, hydroxyalkyl and polyhydroxyalkyl;

[0176] q is 0 or 1;

[0177] p is an integer from 1 to 3; and

[0178] Wherein the plurality of particles comprises individual particles, wherein the individual particles each have a mass of about 1 mg to about 1 g.

[0179] B. A composition according to paragraph A, wherein

[0180] Each R1 is independently C 10 -C 22 Alkyl or C8-C 22 Substituted alkyl;

[0181] X is the Group;

[0182] Y is an alkylene group having 2 to 4 carbon atoms; and

[0183] R2 is independently H or C1-C6 alkyl;

[0184] q is 1; and

[0185] p is 1.

[0186] C. A composition according to paragraph B, wherein each R1 is independently C 10 -C 22 An alkyl group and R2 is a methyl group.

[0187] D. A composition according to paragraph C, wherein the fatty amine has the structure

[0188] .

[0189] E. A composition according to paragraph A, wherein

[0190] R1 is C 12 -C 22 alkyl;

[0191] X is Group;

[0192] Y is an alkylene group having 2 to 4 carbon atoms;

[0193] R2 is independently selected from H, C1-C6 alkyl, hydroxyalkyl and polyhydroxyalkyl groups;

[0194] q = 1; and

[0195] p=1 to 3.

[0196] F. A composition according to paragraph E, wherein the fatty amine has a structure selected from the group consisting of:

[0197] ;

[0198] ;

[0199] ;and

[0200] .

[0201] G. A composition according to paragraph A, wherein

[0202] R1 is C 10 -C 18 alkyl;

[0203] Y is an alkylene group having 2 to 4 carbon atoms;

[0204] R2 is independently selected from H, C1-C6 alkyl, hydroxyalkyl and polyhydroxyalkyl groups;

[0205] q = 0; and

[0206] p=1-3.

[0207] H. A composition according to paragraph A, wherein the fatty amine is selected from the group consisting of bis-(2-hydroxypropyl)-methylamine, bis-(hydroxyethyl)-methylamine and esters of triethanolamine with at least one fatty acid, wherein the at least one fatty acid comprises C 12 -C 22 alkyl chain; N, N-bis(stearoyl-oxy-ethyl)-N-hydroxyethylamine; N, N-bis-(stearoyl-2-hydroxypropyl)-N-methylamine; N, N-bis(stearoyl-oxy-ethyl)-N-methylamine; N, N-bis(stearoyl-oxy-ethyl)-N-hydroxyethylamine; N-(stearoyl-2-hydroxypropyl)-N, N-dimethylamine; N-(stearoyl-oxy-ethyl)-N, N-dimethylamine; N-(stearoyl-oxy-ethyl)-N, N-hydroxyethylamine; N, N, N-tri(stearoyl-oxy-ethyl)-amine; stearamidopropyl dimethylamine; cocoamidopropyl dimethylamine; behenamidopropyl dimethylamine; stearylamine; distearylamine; tristearylamine; and N, N-distearyl N-methylamine.

[0208] I. The composition of any of paragraphs A to H, wherein the plurality of particles further comprises a fatty acid, and the molar ratio of the fatty amine to the fatty acid is from about 1:3 to about 3:1.

[0209] J. A composition according to any one of paragraphs I, wherein the fatty acid is selected from stearic acid, aryl sulfonic acid, isopropylbenzene sulfonic acid, xylene sulfonic acid, toluene sulfonic acid, alkenyl succinic acid, octyl succinic acid, dodecenyl succinic acid, C 12 -C 18 Fatty acids, oleic acid, lauric acid, myristic acid, and combinations thereof.

[0210] K. A composition according to any of paragraphs A to J, wherein the fatty amine is selected from dimethylamidopropyl stearamide, bis-(2-hydroxypropyl)-methylamine, bis-(hydroxyethyl)-methylamine, bis-(hydroxyethyl)-isopropylamine and esters of triethanolamine with at least one fatty acid, wherein the at least one fatty acid comprises C 12 -C 22alkyl chains; N,N-bis(stearoyl-oxy-ethyl)-N-hydroxyethylamine; N,N-bis-(stearoyl-2-hydroxypropyl)-N-methylamine; N,N-bis(stearoyl-oxy-ethyl)-N-methylamine; N, N-bis(stearoyl-oxy-ethyl)-N-hydroxyethylamine; N-(stearoyl-2-hydroxypropyl)-N,N-dimethylamine; N-(stearoyl-oxy-ethyl)-N, N-dimethylamine; N-(stearoyl-oxy-ethyl)-N, N-hydroxyethylamine; N,N,N-tri(stearoyl-oxy-ethyl)-amine; and combinations thereof.

[0211] L. The composition of any of paragraphs A to K, wherein the cationic polymer is a cationic polysaccharide.

[0212] M. A composition according to paragraph L, wherein the cationic polysaccharide is a polymeric quaternary ammonium salt of hydroxyethylcellulose that has been reacted with an epoxide substituted with trimethylammonium groups.

[0213] N. The composition of any of paragraphs A to M, wherein the particles further comprise a dispersing aid.

[0214] O. The composition of any of paragraphs A to N, wherein the fatty amine and the cationic polymer are dispersed in the carrier.

[0215] P. A composition according to any of paragraphs A to O, wherein the carrier is a water-soluble polymer.

[0216] Q. A composition according to any one of paragraphs A to P, wherein the carrier is selected from:

[0217] Formula: H-(C2H4O) x -(CH(CH3)CH2O) y -(C2H4O) z -OH, wherein x is from about 50 to about 300, y is from about 20 to about 100, and z is from about 10 to about 200;

[0218] Formula (C2H4O) q -C(O)O-(CH2) r -CH3 polyethylene glycol fatty acid esters, wherein q is from about 20 to about 200, and r is from about 10 to about 30;

[0219] Formula HO-(C2H4O) s -(CH2) t )-CH3 polyethylene glycol fatty alcohol ether, wherein s is from about 30 to about 250, and t is from about 10 to about 30;

[0220] C8-C22 alkyl polyalkoxylates containing more than about 40 alkoxylate units;

[0221] polyethylene glycol having a weight average molecular weight of about 2,000 to about 15,000;

[0222] EO / PO / EO block copolymer;

[0223] PO / EO / PO block copolymer;

[0224] EO / PO block copolymer;

[0225] PO / EO block copolymer;

[0226] Polypropylene glycol;

[0227] Ethoxylated nonionic surfactants having a degree of ethoxylation greater than about 30;

[0228] Polyvinyl alcohol;

[0229] a polyalkylene glycol having a weight average molecular weight of about 2,000 to about 15,000;

[0230] and mixtures thereof.

[0231] R. A composition according to any of paragraphs A to Q, wherein the plurality of particles further comprises from about 5% to about 25% by weight of a fatty acid, wherein the carrier is a water-soluble polymer, wherein the cationic polymer is a cationic polysaccharide, wherein the plurality of particles has a melt onset of from about 25° C. to about 120° C., and wherein the fatty amine, the cationic polymer, and the fatty acid are dispersed in the carrier.

[0232] S. The composition of any of paragraphs A to R, wherein the plurality of particles comprises from about 8% to about 45% by weight of the fatty amine, preferably from about 10% to about 45% by weight of the fatty amine.

[0233] T. A method for treating a clothing article, the method comprising the steps of:

[0234] providing the laundry items in the washing machine; and

[0235] The clothing article is contacted with a composition according to any of paragraphs A to S during a wash sub-cycle of the washing machine.

[0236] U. The method according to paragraph T, further comprising the step of contacting the clothing article with a detergent composition during a wash sub-cycle of the washing machine, the detergent composition comprising from about 3% to about 60% by weight of an anionic surfactant.

[0237] The dimensions and values ​​disclosed herein are not to be understood as being strictly limited to the exact numerical values ​​cited. Instead, unless otherwise indicated, each such dimension is intended to represent the stated value and a functionally equivalent range around that value. For example, a dimension disclosed as "40 mm" is intended to mean "about 40 mm".

Claims

1. A composition comprising a plurality of particles, the plurality of particles comprising: 25% to 94% by weight of a water-soluble or water-dispersible carrier; 0.5 to 10% by weight of a cationic polymer; and 10 to 45% by weight of a fatty amine having the structure ； Wherein each R1 is independently selected from C8-C 32 Alkyl, C8-C 32 Substituted alkyl, C6-C 32 Aryl, C5-C 32 Substituted aryl, C6-C 32 Alkyl aryl, C6-C 32 substituted alkylaryl; X is Group or Group; Y is an alkylene group having 1 to 6 carbon atoms; N is a nitrogen atom; R2 is independently selected from H, C1-C6 alkyl, hydroxyalkyl and polyhydroxyalkyl; q is 0 or 1; p is an integer from 1 to 3; and wherein the plurality of particles comprises individual particles, wherein the individual particles each have a mass of 1 mg to 1 g.

2. The composition according to claim 1, wherein Each R1 is independently C 10 -C 22 Alkyl or C8-C 22 Substituted alkyl; X is the Group; Y is an alkylene group having 2 to 4 carbon atoms; and R2 is independently H or C1-C6 alkyl; q is 1; and p is 1.

3. The composition according to claim 2, wherein each R1 is independently C 10 -C 22 An alkyl group and R2 is a methyl group.

4. The composition according to claim 3, wherein the fatty amine has the structure 。 5. The composition according to claim 1, wherein R1 is C 12 -C 22 alkyl; X is Group; Y is an alkylene group having 2 to 4 carbon atoms; R2 is independently selected from H, C1-C6 alkyl, hydroxyalkyl and polyhydroxyalkyl groups; q = 1; and p=1 to 3.

6. The composition of claim 5, wherein the fatty amine has a structure selected from the group consisting of: ； ； ;and 。 7. The composition according to claim 1, wherein R1 is C 10 -C 18 alkyl; Y is an alkylene group having 2 to 4 carbon atoms; R2 is independently selected from H, C1-C6 alkyl, hydroxyalkyl and polyhydroxyalkyl groups; q = 0; and p=1-3。 8. The composition of claim 1, wherein the fatty amine is selected from the group consisting of bis-(2-hydroxypropyl)-methylamine, bis-(hydroxyethyl)-methylamine, and esters of triethanolamine with at least one fatty acid, wherein the at least one fatty acid comprises C 12 -C 22 alkyl chain; N, N-bis(stearoyl-oxy-ethyl)-N-hydroxyethylamine; N, N-bis-(stearoyl-2-hydroxypropyl)-N-methylamine; N, N-bis(stearoyl-oxy-ethyl)-N-methylamine; N, N-bis(stearoyl-oxy-ethyl)-N-hydroxyethylamine; N-(stearoyl-2-hydroxypropyl)-N, N-dimethylamine; N-(stearoyl-oxy-ethyl)-N, N-dimethylamine; N-(stearoyl-oxy-ethyl)-N, N-hydroxyethylamine; N, N, N-tri(stearoyl-oxy-ethyl)-amine; stearamidopropyl dimethylamine; cocoamidopropyl dimethylamine; behenamidopropyl dimethylamine; stearylamine; distearylamine; tristearylamine; and N, N-distearyl N-methylamine.

9. The composition of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the plurality of particles further comprises a fatty acid, the molar ratio of the fatty amine to the fatty acid being from 1:3 to 3:

1.

10. The composition according to claim 9, wherein the fatty acid is selected from stearic acid, aryl sulfonic acid, cumene sulfonic acid, xylene sulfonic acid, toluene sulfonic acid, alkenyl succinic acid, octyl succinic acid, dodecenyl succinic acid, C 12 -C 18 Fatty acids, oleic acid, lauric acid, myristic acid, and combinations thereof.

11. A composition according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the fatty amine is selected from dimethylamidopropyl stearamide, bis-(2-hydroxypropyl)-methylamine, bis-(hydroxyethyl)-methylamine, bis-(hydroxyethyl)-isopropylamine and esters of triethanolamine with at least one fatty acid, the at least one fatty acid comprising C 12 -C 22 alkyl chains; N, N-bis(stearoyl-oxy-ethyl)-N-hydroxyethylamine; N, N-bis-(stearoyl-2-hydroxypropyl)-N-methylamine; N, N-bis(stearoyl-oxy-ethyl)-N-methylamine; N, N-bis(stearoyl-oxy-ethyl)-N-hydroxyethylamine; N-(stearoyl-2-hydroxypropyl)-N, N-dimethylamine; N-(stearoyl-oxy-ethyl)-N, N-dimethylamine; N-(stearoyl-oxy-ethyl)-N, N-hydroxyethylamine; N, N, N-tri(stearoyl-oxy-ethyl)-amine; and combinations thereof.

12. A composition according to any preceding claim, wherein the cationic polymer is a cationic polysaccharide, preferably a polymeric quaternary ammonium salt of hydroxyethylcellulose which has been reacted with an epoxide substituted with trimethylammonium groups.

13. A composition according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the carrier is selected from: Formula H-(C2H4O) x -(CH(CH3)CH2O) y -(C2H4O) z -OH, wherein x is from 50 to 300, y is from 20 to 100, and z is from 10 to 200; Formula (C2H4O) q -C(O)O-(CH2) r -CH3 polyethylene glycol fatty acid esters, wherein q is 20 to 200, and r is 10 to 30; Formula HO-(C2H4O) s -(CH2) t )-CH3 polyethylene glycol fatty alcohol ether, wherein s is 30 to 250, and t is 10 to 30; C8-C22 alkyl polyalkoxylates containing more than 40 alkoxylate units; Polyethylene glycol having a weight average molecular weight of 2000 to 15000; EO / PO / EO block copolymer; PO / EO / PO block copolymer; EO / PO block copolymer; PO / EO block copolymer; Polypropylene glycol; Ethoxylated nonionic surfactants with a degree of ethoxylation greater than 30; Polyvinyl alcohol; Polyalkylene glycol having a weight average molecular weight of 2000 to 15000; and mixtures thereof.

14. The composition of any of the preceding claims, wherein the plurality of particles further comprises 5% to 25% by weight of a fatty acid, wherein the carrier is a water-soluble polymer, wherein the cationic polymer is a cationic polysaccharide, wherein the plurality of particles has a melt onset of 25°C to 120°C, and wherein the fatty amine, the cationic polymer and the fatty acid are dispersed in the carrier.

15. A method for treating an article of clothing, the method comprising the steps of: providing articles of clothing in a washing machine; as well as The laundry items are contacted with a composition according to any one of the preceding claims during a wash sub-cycle of the washing machine.

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