Cleaning composition

Abstract

The present invention is in the field of cleaning compositions. More specifically, the present invention relates to laundry cleaning compositions for providing improved cleaning benefits and enhanced soil release benefits. There is a need for an "eco-friendly" cleaning composition with a cleaning promoter that provides enhanced cleaning efficacy. It provides an enhanced laundry cleaning composition. It was found that a cleaning composition comprising a specific amount of a compound comprising water soluble cellulose and a selected cleaning promoter provides a stable liquid cleaning composition that has good "eco-friendly" characteristics and provides improved decontamination benefits. The invention further relates to a unit dose product and to a method for cleaning a substrate involving the cleaning composition.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention is in the field of cleaning compositions. More particularly, the present invention relates to laundry cleaning compositions comprising a water-soluble cellulose containing compound and a cleaning booster providing improved stain removal benefits. Background Art

[0002] Consumers prefer to use various cleaning products for their household chores. Laundry detergents, dishwashing detergents, hard surface cleaners are a few examples of such cleaning products. These products are usually available in various forms such as powders, bars, liquids, pods, sheets, etc.

[0003] Detergent products usually contain one or more detergent actives for cleaning benefits. It may additionally contain specific additional ingredients for enhancing or improving cleaning efficacy and sensory perception. Such ingredients are usually classified as cleaning accelerators. Examples of such ingredients include chelating agents, soil stripping polymers, anti-redeposition polymers, defoamers, builders, tinting dyes, fluorescent agents and spices. Conventional detergent products additionally contain a large amount of carriers, the carrier in liquid form being mainly water and the carrier in solid form being mainly an inert filler.

[0004] It is observed that consumers are now concerned about the environment. They prefer "eco-friendly" products or "environmentally friendly" products, i.e. products that contain natural or biodegradable ingredients or ingredients obtained through renewable sources, or that have less or no impact on the environment when the product is prepared or used.

[0005] Formulating cleaning products with renewable materials is a step in this direction. It is desirable that such products provide at least the same or even better cleaning efficacy than conventional detergent products. In particular, in a laundry environment, it is desirable that the product effectively removes stains from a substrate.

[0006] In this regard, WO 2017 / 164569 A1 (Yoo Shi Chang, 2017) discloses a paper type detergent comprising 10 to 20 parts by weight of starch, 25 to 35 parts by weight of a nonionic surfactant, 8 to 12 parts by weight of an anionic surfactant, 10 to 20 parts by weight of an emulsifier, 6 to 10 parts by weight of a dispersant, 10 to 15 parts by weight of a film-forming agent, 2 to 5 parts by weight of a complex enzyme, 2 to 4 parts by weight of a nano-silver antibacterial agent and 3 to 5 parts by weight of deionized water.

[0007] EP 1 163 895 A1 (Kao Corp., 2001) discloses a detergent composition comprising components (A) and (B): (A) 3 to 60 wt. % of at least one surfactant selected from anionic surfactants, amphoteric surfactants and hydrophilic nonionic surfactants; and (B) 0.1 to 50 wt. % of fibers having an average fiber length of 0.02 to 1 mm.

[0008] CN 107 201 279 (Kesh Chemical Ind Shenzhen Co. Ltd., 2017) discloses a detergent tablet and a preparation method thereof. The tablet is prepared from a film former, a nonionic surfactant, an anionic surfactant, a zwitterionic surfactant, a moisturizer, a chelating agent, a preservative, an edible pigment, a natural flavor, etc., and is prepared by the following steps: weighing, pulping, tableting, etc.

[0009]

[0006] Despite the disclosure of cleaning compositions, there remains a need for "eco-friendly" cleaning compositions comprising cleaning boosters that provide enhanced cleaning efficacy.

[0010] The present inventors have surprisingly discovered that specific amounts of water-soluble cellulose containing compounds and selected cleaning boosters together provide stable liquid cleaning compositions having good "eco-friendly" characteristics and providing improved stain removal benefits. Summary of the invention

[0011] In a first aspect, the present invention provides a laundry cleaning composition comprising:

[0012] a) 10 to 80 wt % of a surfactant;

[0013] b) at least 5% by weight of a cellulose-containing compound having a solubility in distilled water at 25° C. of at least 0.5% by weight; and

[0014] c) a cleaning booster selected from the group consisting of chelating agents, soil release polymers and anti-redeposition polymers and combinations thereof.

[0015] In another aspect, the present invention provides a unit dose product comprising the cleaning composition according to the first aspect in a water soluble pouch.

[0016] In another aspect, the present invention provides a method for cleaning a substrate comprising the steps of:

[0017] a) providing water in a container;

[0018] b) dissolving a cleaning composition according to the first aspect in said water, thereby providing a wash liquor; and

[0019] c) applying the washing liquid for cleaning the substrate.

[0020] By reading the following detailed description, these and other aspects, features and advantages will become apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art. To avoid confusion, any feature of one aspect of the present invention can be used in any other aspect of the present invention. The word "comprising" is intended to mean "including", but not necessarily "consisting of" or "consisting of". In other words, the steps or options listed do not need to be exhaustive. It should be noted that the examples given in the following description are intended to illustrate the present invention and are not intended to limit the present invention to those examples themselves. Similarly, unless otherwise indicated, all percentages are weight / weight percentages. Except in the examples and comparative examples, or in the case of otherwise clearly indicated, the numerical values ​​of all indication material amounts or conditions of reaction, physical properties of materials and / or uses in this specification should be understood to be modified by "about". The numerical range represented by the format "x to y" is understood to include x and y. When multiple preferred ranges are described in the format "x to y" for a particular feature, it should be understood that all ranges combining different endpoints are also considered. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0021] According to the present invention, there is provided a laundry cleaning composition comprising 10 wt % to 80 wt % of a surfactant; at least 5 wt % of a cellulose-containing compound having a solubility of at least 0.5 wt % in distilled water at 25° C.; and a cleaning booster selected from the group consisting of a chelating agent, a soil release polymer, an anti-redeposition polymer, and combinations thereof.

[0022] Surfactants

[0023] The cleaning composition comprises 10 to 80 wt% of a surfactant. Preferably, the cleaning composition comprises 15 to 75 wt%, more preferably 20 to 70 wt%, even more preferably 20 to 65 wt%, most preferably 20 to 60 wt% of a surfactant.

[0024] Preferably, the surfactant is selected from anionic surfactants, nonionic surfactants, amphoteric surfactants and combinations thereof.

[0025] Preferably, the cleaning composition comprises an anionic surfactant. Preferably, the anionic surfactant is selected from alkyl sulphate, alkyl ether sulphate, linear alkyl benzene sulfonate and combinations thereof.

[0026] Anionic surfactants suitable for use in the present invention include salts of organic sulfates and sulfonates having an alkyl group containing from about 8 to about 22 carbon atoms, the term "alkyl" being used to include the alkyl portion of a higher acyl group. Examples of such materials include alkyl sulfate ester salts, alkyl ether sulfates, alkyl aryl sulfonates, alpha-olefin sulfonates, and mixtures thereof. The alkyl group preferably contains 10 to 18 carbon atoms and may be unsaturated. The alkyl ether sulfates may contain one to ten ethylene oxide or propylene oxide units per molecule, and preferably contain one to three ethylene oxide units per molecule.

[0027] Suitable anionic surfactants may also include alkylbenzene sulfonates. Preferably, in an embodiment suitable for washing dishes, linear alkylbenzene sulfonates (LAS) with an alkyl chain length of 10 to 18 carbon atoms are included. Commercial LAS is a mixture of closely related isomers and homologues of alkyl chain homologues, each containing the following aromatic rings, which are sulfonated in the "para" position and are bonded to the linear alkyl chain at any position except the terminal carbon. The linear alkyl chain generally has a chain length of 11 to 15 carbon atoms, wherein the main material has a chain length of about C12. Each alkyl chain homologue is composed of a mixture of all possible sulfo-phenyl isomers except the 1-phenyl isomer. LAS is generally formulated as a composition in the form of an acid (i.e., HLAS), then at least partially neutralized in situ. Counterions for anionic surfactants are generally alkali metals such as sodium or potassium; or ammonia counterions. A mixture of such counterions may also be used. Sodium and potassium are preferred.

[0028] Preferably, suitable anionic surfactants include alkyl sulfate surfactants (PAS), such as non-ethoxylated primary and secondary alkyl sulfates having an alkyl chain length of 10 to 18.

[0029] The cleaning composition may contain alkyl ether sulfates having a linear or branched alkyl group having 10 to 18, more preferably 12 to 14 carbon atoms and containing an average of 1 to 3 ethylene oxide (EO) units per molecule. A preferred example is sodium lauryl ether sulfate (SLES), in which the predominantly C12 lauryl alkyl group has been ethoxylated with an average of 3 EO units per molecule. The alkyl ether sulfates may be used alone or in combination with any other anionic surfactants.

[0030] Most preferably, the anionic surfactant is selected from the group consisting of primary alkyl sulfates, alkylbenzene sulfonates, alkyl ether sulfates, and combinations thereof.

[0031] Preferably, the amount of anionic surfactant is in the range of up to 100 wt% based on the total amount of the surfactant. More preferably, the amount of anionic surfactant is in the range of 10 to 100 wt%, even more preferably 20 to 100 wt%, even more preferably 30 to 100 wt%, based on the total amount of the surfactant. Most preferably, the anionic surfactant accounts for 50 to 100 wt% of the total amount of the surfactant.

[0032] Preferably, the cleaning composition comprises 8 to 80 wt. %, more preferably 15 to 75 wt. %, even more preferably 20 to 70 wt. %, most preferably 25 to 65 wt. % of anionic surfactant.

[0033] Besides anionic surfactants, the cleaning compositions according to the invention may additionally comprise nonionic and amphoteric surfactants.

[0034] Suitable nonionic surfactants include water-soluble aliphatic ethoxylated nonionic surfactants, including primary and secondary aliphatic alcohol ethoxylates. This includes condensation products of higher alcohols (e.g., alkanols containing about 8 to 16 carbon atoms in a linear or branched configuration) condensed with about 4 to 20 moles of ethylene oxide, for example, condensation products of lauryl or myristyl alcohol condensed with about 10 moles of ethylene oxide (EO), condensation products of tridecanol condensed with about 6 to 15 moles of EO, condensation products of myristyl alcohol with about 10 moles of EO per mole of myristyl alcohol, condensation products of EO with a cut of coconut fatty alcohol containing a mixture of fatty alcohols having alkyl chains of 10 to about 14 carbon atoms in length and wherein the condensation product contains about 6 moles of EO per mole of total alcohol or about 9 moles of EO per mole of alcohol, and tallow alcohol ethoxylates containing 6 to 11 EO per mole of alcohol.

[0035] Examples of the aforementioned nonionic surfactants include, but are not limited to, Neodol (trademark, from Shell), which are higher aliphatic primary alcohols containing about 9 to 15 carbon atoms, such as C9 to C11 alkanols condensed with 4 to 10 moles of ethylene oxide (Neodol 91-8 or Neodol 91-5), C12 to C13 alkanols condensed with 6.5 moles of ethylene oxide (Neodol 23-6.5), C12 to C15 alkanols condensed with 12 moles of ethylene oxide (Neodol 25-12), C14 to C15 alkanols condensed with 13 moles of ethylene oxide (Neodol 45-13), and the like. Such aliphatic alcohol ethoxylates (ethoxamers) have HLB (hydrophobic lipophilic balance) values ​​of about 8 to 15 and provide good O / W emulsification, while aliphatic alcohol ethoxylates (ethoxamers) with HLB values ​​below 7 contain less than 4 ethylene oxide groups and tend to be poor emulsifiers and poor detergents.

[0036] Another group of suitable nonionic surfactants are the alkyl polyglycosides (APGs), which are sugar derivatives of fatty alcohols. Examples of such surfactants are decyl glucoside, lauryl glucoside, myristyl glucoside.

[0037] Preferably, the cleaning composition comprises 0 to 50 wt% nonionic surfactant, more preferably 5 to 45 wt%, even more preferably 10 to 40 wt%, most preferably 15 to 35 wt% nonionic surfactant.

[0038] In addition to anionic and / or nonionic surfactants, the cleaning composition may also contain amphoteric surfactants. Suitable amphoteric surfactants include derivatives of aliphatic quaternary ammonium compounds, aliphatic sulfonium compounds and aliphatic phosphonium compounds, which have aliphatic groups of 8 to 18 carbon atoms and aliphatic groups substituted with anionic water-solubilizing groups, such as 3-(NN-dimethyl-N-hexadecyl ammonium) propane-1-sulfonate betaine, 3-(dodecylmethylsulfonium) propane-1-sulfonate betaine and 3-(cetylmethylphosphonium) ethanesulfonate betaine.

[0039] Examples of amphoteric surfactants suitable for use in the present invention include cocoamidopropyl betaine (CAPB), cocoamidopropylamine oxide (CAPAO), coconut diethanolamide (CDEA), and coconut monoethanolamide (CMEA).

[0040] Preferably, the cleaning composition comprises 0 to 30 wt%, more preferably 1 to 25 wt%, even more preferably 2 to 20 wt%, most preferably 3 to 20 wt% of an amphoteric surfactant.

[0041] Preferably, the surfactant comprises a combination of anionic surfactants, nonionic surfactants and amphoteric surfactants. The ratio of anionic surfactants to nonionic surfactants to amphoteric surfactants is preferably at least 3:1:1 by weight. More preferably, the ratio of anionic surfactants to nonionic surfactants to amphoteric surfactants is preferably at least 5:1:1 by weight, most preferably at least 7:1:1 by weight. Preferably, the ratio of anionic surfactants to nonionic surfactants to amphoteric surfactants is in the range of 3:1:1 to 10:1:1 by weight.

[0042] Cellulose-containing compounds

[0043] The cleaning composition comprises at least 5% by weight of a cellulose-containing compound. Cellulose-containing compounds are primarily obtained through renewable pathways and are therefore advantageous for preparing "eco-friendly" products. It has been observed that a particular amount of cellulose-containing compounds aids in removing stains from substrates, particularly from fabrics.

[0044] The cellulose-containing compound is soluble in water and has a solubility of at least 0.5% by weight in distilled water at 25°C. In the understanding of those skilled in the art, the cellulose-containing compound is within the meaning of a cellulose derivative. Preferably, the cellulose-containing compound is readily soluble in water at 25°C. The term "readily soluble" in this article means that the polymer dissolves in water at room temperature, thereby providing a visually clear or transparent solution without leaving any lumps in the solution. "Visually clear or transparent" in this article refers to a solution with a turbidity value of less than 50 NTU (nephelometric turbidity units).

[0045] Preferably, the composition comprises at least 10 wt% of a cellulose-containing compound. The amount of the cellulose-containing compound may be in the range of 10 to 50 wt%, more preferably 10 to 45 wt%, even more preferably 10 to 40 wt%, most preferably 10 to 30 wt%, based on the weight of the cleaning composition.

[0046] Preferably, the compound containing cellulose is a cellulose ether derivative. Usually, the cellulose ether derivative is obtained by replacing one or more hydrogen atoms of the hydroxyl group in the anhydroglucose unit of cellulose with an alkyl or substituted alkyl group. Degree of substitution (DS) is one of the factors that limit the properties of cellulose ether derivatives, particularly the solubility in water. It is defined as the number of substituted hydroxyl groups of each glucose molecule, ranging between 0 and 3. For example, cellulose ether derivatives with a degree of substitution value of 1.2 to 2.4 are soluble in cold water. Examples suitable for cellulose ether derivatives of the present invention include methylcellulose, ethylcellulose, ethylmethylcellulose, hydroxyethylcellulose, hydroxypropylcellulose, hydroxyethylmethylcellulose, hydroxypropylmethylcellulose, ethylhydroxyethylcellulose, carboxymethylcellulose and sodium carboxymethylcellulose.

[0047] Preferably, the cellulose ether derivative is selected from cellulose alkyl ether derivatives or cellulose hydroxyalkyl ether derivatives. Nonionic cellulose ether derivatives, ie derivatives containing nonionic functional groups such as hydroxyl, methoxy, ethoxy, hydroxyethyl, hydroxypropyl, di-hydroxypropyl and dihydroxybutyl, are also suitable for use in the present invention.

[0048] Preferably, the cellulose derivative is selected from hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, methylcellulose, hydroxypropyl cellulose and combinations thereof. The most preferred cellulose derivative is hydroxypropyl methylcellulose.

[0049] In this regard, generally pure celluloses are hardly soluble in distilled water, however they form gels by absorbing water, and therefore they are not suitable for use in the present invention.

[0050] Cleaning accelerator

[0051] The composition comprises a cleaning accelerator. The term "cleaning accelerator" in the detergent context refers to an ingredient that helps enhance the cleaning performance and sensory properties of the composition. These ingredients are usually present in addition to detergent actives or surfactants. It has been observed that the combination of a cellulose-containing compound and the cleaning accelerator synergistically improves the cleaning efficacy of the composition.

[0052] The cleaning booster according to the present invention is selected from the group consisting of chelating agents, soil release polymers, anti-redeposition polymers and combinations thereof.The composition comprises one or more cleaning boosters listed herein.

[0053] The composition preferably comprises 0.1 to 20 wt% of the cleaning agent. More preferably, the composition comprises 0.2 to 15 wt%, even more preferably 0.5 to 12 wt%, most preferably 0.8 to 10 wt% of the cleaning agent.

[0054] Chelating agents

[0055] The composition may contain a chelating agent as a cleaning accelerator. Preferably, the chelating agent is selected from an organic detergent builder or a chelating material. Examples of such chelating agents include alkali metals, citrates, succinates, malonates, carboxymethyl succinates, carboxylates, polycarboxylates and polyacetyl carboxylates. Specific examples include sodium, potassium and lithium salts of oxydisuccinic acid, mellitic acid, benzene polycarboxylates and citric acid. Other examples are DEQUEST TM , organic phosphonic acid (ester / salt) type chelating agents and alkyl hydroxyphosphonic acid (ester / salt) types sold by Monsanto.

[0056] Other suitable organic builders / chelants include the higher molecular weight polymers and copolymers known to have builder properties. For example, such materials include appropriate polyacrylic acids, polymaleic acids, and polyacrylic acid / polymaleic acid copolymers, and their salts, such as those marketed by BASF under the name SOKALAN TM Preferred chelating agents are 2066 (diethylenetriamine penta(methylenephosphonic acid) or DTPMP heptasodium salt). Another suitable chelating agent is HEDP (1-hydroxyethylidene-1,1,-diphosphonic acid), sold for example as Dequest 2010.

[0057] Preferably, the chelating agent is selected from amino-phosphonic acid, phosphonic acid, aminocarboxylic acid, and their salts. Preferably, the chelating agent is selected from diethylenetriamine penta (methylenephosphonic acid-seven sodium salt (DTPMPA), 1-hydroxyethylidene 1,1-diphosphonic acid (HEDP), trisodium salt of methylglycine diacetic acid (MGDA), N,N-dicarboxymethylglutamic acid tetrasodium salt (GLDA), and their combinations. The most preferred chelating agent is diethylenetriamine penta (methylenephosphonic acid-seven sodium salt (DTPMPA) and / or 1-hydroxyethylidene 1,1-diphosphonic acid (HEDP).

[0058] The composition preferably comprises 0.1 to 20 wt% chelating agent, more preferably 0.2 to 15 wt%, even more preferably 0.5 to 12 wt%, most preferably 0.8 to 10 wt% chelating agent.

[0059] Anti-redeposition polymers

[0060] The composition may include an anti-redeposition polymer as a cleaning accelerator. Anti-redeposition polymers generally stabilize the dirt in the washing solution, thereby preventing the redeposition of the dirt. Soil stripping polymers suitable for use in the present invention include alkoxylated polyethyleneimines. Polyethyleneimines are materials composed of ethyleneimine units -CH2CH2NH-, and in the case of branching, the hydrogen on the nitrogen is replaced by another chain ethyleneimine unit. The preferred alkoxylated polyethyleneimines used in the present invention have a polyethyleneimine backbone with a weight average molecular weight (Mw) of about 300 to about 10,000. The polyethyleneimine backbone can be linear or branched. It can be branched to the extent that it is a dendritic polymer. The alkoxylation can generally be ethoxylated or propoxylated, or a mixture of the two. In the case where the nitrogen atom is alkoxylated, the preferred average degree of alkoxylation is 10 to 30, preferably 15 to 25 alkoxy groups per modification. The preferred material is an ethoxylated polyethyleneimine wherein the average degree of ethoxylation is from 10 to 30, preferably from 15 to 25 ethoxy groups per ethoxylated nitrogen atom in the polyethyleneimine backbone. Mixtures of any of the above materials may also be used. The most preferred anti-redeposition polymers are polyethyleneimines.

[0061] The composition preferably comprises from 0.025 to 15 wt% anti-redeposition polymer, more preferably from 0.05 to 12 wt%, even more preferably from 0.1 to 10 wt%, most preferably from 0.2 to 8 wt% anti-redeposition polymer.

[0062] Soil Release Polymer (SRP)

[0063] The composition may contain a soil release polymer as a cleaning promoter. Soil release polymers generally help to improve the release of soil from the fabric by changing the fabric surface during washing. The adsorption of soil release polymers on the fabric surface is caused by the affinity between the chemical structure of the soil release polymer and the target fiber.

[0064] The soil release polymers used in the present invention may include a variety of charged (e.g., anionic) and uncharged monomer units, and the structure may be linear, branched or star-shaped. The structure of the soil release polymer may also contain end-capping groups to control the molecular weight or to change the polymer properties such as surface activity. The weight average molecular weight (Mw) of the SRP may suitably be in the range of about 1000 to about 20,000, preferably in the range of about 1500 to about 10,000.

[0065] Soil release polymers for use in the present invention may be suitably selected from copolyesters of dicarboxylic acids (e.g. adipic acid, phthalic acid or terephthalic acid), diols (e.g. ethylene glycol or propylene glycol) and polyglycols (e.g. polyethylene glycol or polypropylene glycol). The copolyesters may also contain monomer units substituted with anionic groups, such as sulfonated isophthaloyl units. Examples of such materials include oligoesters produced by transesterification / oligomerization of poly(ethylene glycol) methyl ether, dimethyl terephthalate ("DMT"), propylene glycol ("PG"), and poly(ethylene glycol") ("PEG"); partially- and fully-anionically terminated oligoesters, such as oligomers from ethylene glycol ("EG"), PG, DMT, and Na-3,6-dioxa-8-hydroxyoctane sulfonate; non-ionically terminated block polyester oligomeric compounds, such as those produced from DMT, Me-terminated PEG, and EG and / or PG, or a combination of DMT, EG and / or PG, Me-terminated PEG, and Na-dimethyl-5-sulfoisophthalate, and copolymeric blocks of ethylene terephthalate or propylene terephthalate with polyethylene oxide or polypropylene oxide terephthalate.

[0066] Other types of soil release polymers useful in the present invention include polymers having poly(vinyl ester) hydrophobic segments, such as graft copolymers of poly(vinyl esters), such as C1-C6 vinyl esters (e.g., poly(vinyl acetate)) grafted onto a polyalkylene oxide backbone; poly(vinyl caprolactam) and related copolymers with monomers such as vinyl pyrrolidone and / or dimethylaminoethyl methacrylate; and polyester-polyamide polymers prepared by condensing adipic acid, caprolactam and polyethylene glycol.

[0067] Preferred soil release polymers for use in the present invention include copolyesters formed by the condensation of terephthalate with a diol, preferably 1,2 propanediol, and additionally containing end caps formed from repeating units of alkylene oxide terminated with alkyl groups. Examples of such materials have structures corresponding to formula (I):

[0068]

[0069] Where R 1 and R 2 Independently of each other are X-(OC2H4) n -(OC3H6) m ; X is a C1 to C4 alkyl group, preferably a methyl group; n is a value of 12 to 120, preferably a value of 40 to 50; m is a value of 1 to 10, preferably a value of 1 to 7; and a is a value of 4 to 9. Since m, n and a are average values, they may not necessarily be integers for a large number of the polymers. Mixtures of any of the above materials may also be used.

[0070] When included, the amount of soil release polymer may range from 0.1 to 15 wt % by weight of the composition. More preferably, the amount of SRP ranges from 0.2 to 12 wt %, even more preferably from 0.4 to 10 wt %, still more preferably from 0.5 to 8 wt %, most preferably from 0.5 to 5 wt % by weight of the composition.

[0071] Suitable soil release polymers are described in more detail in U.S. Patent Nos. 5,574,179; 4,956,447; 4,861,512; 4,702,857, WO 2007 / 079850 and WO 2016 / 005271.

[0072] Preferably, the composition comprises one or more cleaning boosters selected from the above-mentioned chelating agents, anti-redeposition polymers and soil release polymers. The most preferred cleaning booster is a combination of the chelating agents, anti-redeposition polymers and soil release polymers.

[0073] Additional optional ingredients

[0074] The cleaning compositions may contain optional ingredients in addition to enhance performance and / or consumer acceptability. Examples of such ingredients include foam control agents or defoamers, preservatives (e.g., bactericides), fluorescent agents, optical brighteners, degreasing agents, tinting dyes, etc. Each of these ingredients will be present in an amount that effectively achieves its purpose. Typically, these optional ingredients are individually included in an amount of up to 10% by weight based on the weight of the cleaning compositions. Suitable defoamers include silicones and fatty acids.

[0075] The cleaning composition may comprise an effective amount of one or more enzymes, preferably selected from the group consisting of hemicellulases, peroxidases, proteases, cellulases, hemicellulases, xylanases, xantanases, lipases, phospholipases, esterases, cutinases, pectinases, carrageenase, mannanases, pectate lyases, keratinases, reductases, oxidases, phenoloxidases, lipoxygenases, ligninases, pullulanases, tannases, pentosanases, malanases, beta-glucanases, arabinosidases, hyaluronidases, chondroitinase, laccase, tannases, amylases, nucleases (e.g., deoxyribonucleases and / or ribonucleases), phosphodiesterases, or mixtures thereof. Particularly preferred are mixtures of proteases, amylases, lipases, cellulases, phosphodiesterases, and / or pectate lyases.

[0076] The composition can be formulated as a laundry detergent. In this case, the composition may contain 30 to 90% by weight, more preferably 40 to 80% by weight, more preferably 50 to 75% by weight of water. Preferably, water is used as a component to make up the balance in such compositions.

[0077] The composition in liquid form is heated to 25°C in 21 seconds. -1 The composition may have a viscosity of 200 to about 10,000 mPa.s at a shear rate of 1.5 to 2.0. The shear rate is the shear rate normally applied to the liquid when pouring from a bottle. The pourable liquid detergent composition preferably has a viscosity of 200 to 1,500 mPa.s, preferably 200 to 700 mPa.s.

[0078] Unit Dose Products

[0079] A unit dose product is provided, which comprises a cleaning composition in a water-soluble pouch. The term "unit dose" herein refers to a dose of a product suitable for single use. The cleaning composition is available in liquid or powder form. In liquid form, water can be added, while in powder form, an inert filler can be added to the composition as a carrier.

[0080] Preferably, the water-soluble pouch is made of a water-soluble film. Preferably, the water-soluble film comprises a water-soluble polymer, such as polyvinyl alcohol (PVOH), including its homopolymers (e.g., substantially only vinyl alcohol monomer units and vinyl acetate monomer units) and its copolymers (e.g., in addition to vinyl alcohol units and vinyl acetate units, one or more other monomer units). In addition to the PVOH polymer and PVOH copolymer in the blend, other water-soluble polymers used may include, but are not limited to, modified polyvinyl alcohols; polyacrylates; water-soluble acrylate copolymers; polyvinyl pyrrolidone; polyethylene imine; pullulan; water-soluble natural polymers, including but not limited to guar gum, gum arabic, xanthan gum, carrageenan and starch; water-soluble polymer derivatives, including but not limited to modified starch, ethoxylated starch and hydroxy-propylated starch; copolymers of the foregoing; and any combination of the foregoing. Other water-soluble polymers can include polyalkylene oxides, polyacrylamides, polyacrylic acids and their salts, celluloses, cellulose ethers, cellulose esters, cellulose amides, polyvinyl acetates, polycarboxylates and their salts, polyamino acids, polyamides, gelatins, methylcelluloses, carboxymethylcelluloses and their salts, dextrins, ethylcelluloses, hydroxyethylcelluloses, hydroxypropylmethylcelluloses, maltodextrins and polymethacrylates. Such water-soluble polymers, whether PVOH or other commercially available from various sources. Any of the aforementioned water-soluble polymers are generally suitable for use as film-forming polymers. Typically, the water-soluble film may include copolymers and / or blends of the aforementioned resins.

[0081] The water-soluble film may additionally contain other adjuvants and processing agents, such as, but not limited to, plasticizers, plasticizers and compatibilizers, surfactants, lubricants, mold release agents, fillers, extenders, crosslinking agents, antiblocking agents, antioxidants, anti-adhesives, defoaming agents, aversive agents or bittering agents (e.g., denatonium benzoate, denatonium saccharide, and denatonium chloride; sucrose octa-acetate; quinine) and other functional ingredients, in amounts suitable for their intended purpose.

[0082] Detergent Tablets

[0083] Cleaning compositions can be formulated as detergent sheets. Said composition comprises a compound containing cellulose, and in addition to improving cleaning efficacy, the compound containing cellulose can also be used as a water-soluble matrix (matrix) of the detergent sheet. Usually, detergent sheets are compact in size, and therefore consume less packaging materials, less storage / transportation space than conventional product forms such as liquid or powder. In practice, consumers may dissolve detergent sheets in water to form washing liquid for cleaning their washing loads. Consumers can also prepare liquid detergents by dissolving detergent sheets in water, and store it in a second container for later use. In this respect, the liquid detergent is preferably comparable to conventional liquid detergents, and is different from the washing liquid in terms of the amount of washing actives and specific attributes such as viscosity and sensory.

[0084] Conventionally, cleaning products or detergents in sheet form contain polyvinyl alcohol (PVA). For sheet form, PVA is used as a water-soluble base / substrate. However, the present invention may not require PVA, as cellulose derivatives can be used for the same purpose. In addition, cellulose derivatives are mainly obtained through renewable pathways, so it is conducive to preparing the product in an "eco-friendly" manner.

[0085] Detergent sheet can be provided as unit dose. Perforated marks indicating unit dose can be provided for the detergent sheet. In practice, the consumer tears the unit dose by the mark and uses it. The detergent sheet can also be provided as a sheet booklet, and each sheet corresponds to a unit dose. Preferably, the sheet has a low friction coefficient or can contain a slippery additive so that they do not stick together. Therefore, in this form, the detergent sheet can include a slippery additive, such as erucamide, oleamide, acesulfamide, to reduce the friction coefficient. It can also contain other additives to improve the dissolution of the sheet in water. Optionally, it can contain conventional additives for packaging or film matrix. Examples of such ingredients include, but are not limited to, antioxidants, foaming agents, dyes, fillers, colorants, cross-linking agents, inhibitors, pigments, stabilizers and biocides.

[0086] The cleaning composition in the form of a detergent sheet may further comprise a swellable disintegrant. "Swellable disintegrant" herein refers to a component that swells when in contact with water and thereby accelerates the dissolution of the cleaning composition. In particular, in the present invention, a swellable disintegrant refers to a disintegrant having a water absorption rate (WAR) greater than 1.

[0087] Water absorption (WAR) is a measure of how much water a material absorbs under controlled and defined conditions. The procedure described in ASTM D570 is used in this application.

[0088] The swellable disintegrant is selected from microcrystalline cellulose, sodium starch glycolate and mixtures thereof. The most preferred swellable disintegrant is microcrystalline cellulose. Microcrystalline cellulose absorbs water and swells and has a WAR value greater than 5. The most preferred swellable disintegrant is microcrystalline cellulose.

[0089] The cleaning composition in the form of a detergent tablet may comprise from 0.1 to 20 wt% of a swellable disintegrant, more preferably from 0.5 to 15 wt%, most preferably from 1 to 10 wt% of a swellable disintegrant.

[0090] The cleaning composition in the form of a detergent sheet may not contain a significant amount of water, particularly free water. "Free water" herein refers to water that is added or visually perceptible on the product. However, the method for preparing the detergent sheet includes the steps of preparing an aqueous solution of the ingredients and casting on the surface. Therefore, it may contain water residues therein. Preferably, the detergent sheet contains less than 25% by weight, more preferably less than 20% by weight, most preferably less than 15% by weight of water. Preferably, the detergent sheet contains 5 to 25% by weight, more preferably 5 to 20% by weight, even more preferably 8 to 15% by weight, most preferably 10 to 15% by weight of water, and the water is bound to the detergent sheet. The water content can be measured by thermogravimetric analysis, such as a moisture balance or a thermogravimetric analyzer.

[0091] The composition in the form of a sheet can be prepared by preparing a liquid premix by adding the ingredients in water and casting the premix on a surface. Thereon, the premix is ​​cast on a surface as a sheet or film having a specific thickness. Preferably, an applicator is used to control the thickness. The casting process includes removing the water by evaporation, thereby providing the detergent sheet. The casting can be carried out at room temperature or at an elevated temperature, preferably at less than 100° C., more preferably less than 95° C. Most preferably, the casting process is carried out at 70 to 90° C. The method for preparing the detergent sheet may also include any other conventional method for forming a film or sheet.

[0092] application

[0093] The cleaning compositions according to the present invention can be formulated for use in laundry. The term "laundry" in this article refers to the treatment or washing of fabrics. The laundry can include hand washing and machine washing. In hand washing, the consumer dissolves the cleaning composition of a unit dose in a bucket of water to form a washing liquid, and soaks their load of clothes in the washing liquid and subsequently washes it. The cleaning composition can also be used in machine washing, wherein the consumer directly administers the cleaning composition of a unit dose in the washing machine and washes their load.

[0094] The present invention provides a method for cleaning a substrate, the method comprising the steps of: providing water in a container, dissolving a cleaning composition in the water, providing a washing liquid, and subsequently applying the washing liquid for cleaning the substrate. The substrate may be a fabric, and the cleaning method may include "laundry". The laundry may include hand washing and machine washing. The container may be a tub of a washing machine, or a bucket or washing vessel in the case of hand washing. Preferably, the ratio of the cleaning composition to water is preferably in the range of 1:50 to 1:5000 by weight, more preferably 1:75 to 1:4000 by weight, even more preferably 1:100 to 1:3000 by weight, most preferably 1:150 to 1:2000 by weight.

[0095] Example

[0096] The materials used in the examples are listed in Table 1 below.

[0097] Table 1

[0098]

[0099] Ex-1 and Ex-B in the form of detergent sheets were prepared. Hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC) was available as a dry powder, and Ex-1 and Ex-B were prepared by dissolving it in hot water (80°C), thereby providing a liquid premix. The remaining ingredients were weighed according to the formula provided in Table 2 and mixed thoroughly with the premix. Subsequently, the premix was cast on a surface using a TQC Compact (TSC Sheen) film applicator and a draw-dawn applicator to form a wet film. The film was dried at 70 to 90°C for 2 hours to provide a composition in the form of a detergent sheet.

[0100] Ex-A and Ex-C comparative compositions were prepared according to the formulations provided in Table 2. Ex-A is a liquid composition as it does not contain a sheet forming polymer such as hydroxypropylmethylcellulose. Ex-C, which contains starch instead of HPMC, is not a stable liquid and therefore was not evaluated further.

[0101] Table 2

[0102] Material (g) Ex-1 Ex-A Ex-B Ex-C Na-LAS 4.0 4.1 4.1 4.1 CAPB 0.4 0.4 0.4 0.4 NI 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.5 HPMC (cellulose derivative) 1.6 0.0 1.6 0.0 starch 0.0 0.0 0.0 1.6 glycerin 0.2 0.2 0.2 0.2 Tinopal 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1 Acusol 1.1 1.1 1.1 1.1 Dequest 0.4 0.4 0.0 0.4 EPEI 0.7 0.7 0.7 0.7 Texacare 0.4 0.4 0.4 0.4 MCC 0.7 0.7 0.7 0.7 water 25.1 0.0 25.5 25.5 Total weight (g) 35.2 8.6 34.8 35.2

[0103] The water content of the composition in sheet form was determined by thermogravimetric analysis to be 10 ± 2 wt %. Therefore, the amount of each ingredient relative to the detergent sheet was evaluated by normalization for the water content. Ex-A was normalized in this way for comparison with the remaining examples. It is also summarized in Table 2A below:

[0104] Table 2A

[0105] Material (%w / w) Ex-1* Ex-A Ex-B* Na-LAS 35.6 47.7 37.1 CAPB 3.6 4.7 3.7 NI 4.5 5.8 4.6 HPMC (cellulose derivative) 14.3 0.0 14.8 starch 0.0 0.0 0.0 glycerin 1.8 2.3 1.9 Tinopal 0.9 1.2 0.9 Acusol 9.8 12.8 10.2 Dequest 3.6 4.7 0.0 EPEI 6.2 8.1 6.5 Texacare 3.6 4.7 3.7 MCC 6.2 8.1 6.5 water 10.0 0.0 10.0

[0106] *Cleaning composition in the form of a detergent sheet

[0107] Evaluate

[0108] The stain removal efficacy of each composition was evaluated according to the SRI (Stain Removal Index). The SRI is defined as:

[0109] SRI = 100 – ΔE, where

[0110] (ΔE) 2 =[(L B -L S ) 2 +(a B -a S ) 2 +(b B -b S ) 2 ],

[0111] Wherein L, a, b are color values ​​in the CIELAB color space, and B represents blank fabric (unstained), and S represents stained fabric.

[0112] The SRI of each composition was measured for different stains using ArtixScan F1 (Innotech Scanner) and is summarized in Table 3. Higher SRI values ​​indicate better stain removal efficacy.

[0113] Table 3

[0114]

[0115] From Tables 2A and 3, it is apparent that Ex-1, which contains a lower amount of surfactant, provides significantly better cleaning (higher SRI values) on various types of stains compared to Ex-A. Ex-B does not contain a cleaning booster, however this is compensated by the amount of surfactant, but delivers worse SRI values ​​compared to Ex-1.

Claims

1. A laundry cleaning composition comprising: a) 10 to 80 wt % of a surfactant; b) at least 5% by weight of a cellulose-containing compound having a solubility in distilled water at 25° C. of at least 0.5% by weight; and c) a cleaning booster selected from the group consisting of chelating agents, soil release polymers, anti-redeposition polymers, and combinations thereof.

2. The composition according to claim 1, wherein the surfactant is selected from the group consisting of anionic surfactants, nonionic surfactants, amphoteric surfactants and combinations thereof.

3. The composition according to claim 2, wherein the anionic surfactant accounts for 50 to 100 wt% of the total amount of the surfactant.

4. The composition according to any one of claims 2 or 4, wherein the surfactant is a combination of anionic surfactants, nonionic surfactants and amphoteric surfactants.

5. The composition according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the amount of the cellulose containing compound is in the range of 5 to 50 wt% based on the weight of the composition.

6. The composition according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the cellulose-containing compound is a cellulose ether derivative.

7. The composition of claim 6, wherein the cellulose ether derivative is selected from the group consisting of hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, methylcellulose, hydroxypropyl cellulose, ethyl cellulose, ethyl methyl cellulose, hydroxyethyl cellulose, hydroxyethyl methyl cellulose, hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose, ethyl hydroxyethyl cellulose, and combinations thereof.

8. The composition according to claim 7, wherein the cellulose ether derivative is hydroxypropyl methylcellulose.

9. The composition according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the amount of the cleaning promoter is in the range of 0.1 to 20 wt% based on the weight of the composition.

10. The composition according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the cleaning booster is a chelating agent selected from amino-phosphonic acid, phosphonic acid, aminocarboxylic acid, and salts thereof.

11. A composition according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the cleaning booster is an anti-redeposition polymer comprising polyethyleneimine.

12. A composition according to any one of claims 1 to 11 in the form of a detergent tablet.

13. A unit dose product comprising a composition according to any one of claims 1 to 11 contained in a water soluble pouch.

14. A method for cleaning a substrate comprising the steps of: a) providing water in a container; b) dissolving a cleaning composition according to any one of claims 1 to 13 in said water, thereby providing a wash liquor; and c) applying the washing liquid for cleaning the substrate.

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