Laundry composition

Abstract

A laundry composition comprising a plurality of particles, wherein the particles comprise 20 to 95 wt% of a water soluble carrier selected from the group consisting of carbohydrates, inorganic alkali metal salts, organic alkali metal salts, inorganic alkaline earth metal salts, organic alkaline earth metal salts, urea, and mixtures thereof; 0.4 to 0.9 wt% of a silicate; and 0.1 to 30% by weight of a benefit agent; wherein the particles are uniformly structured; wherein the water-soluble carrier comprises a carbohydrate selected from the group consisting of sugars, sugar alcohols, and mixtures thereof; and wherein the silicate is selected from the group consisting of sodium silicate, potassium silicate, magnesium silicate, calcium silicate or mixtures thereof.

Description

Field of the Invention

[0001] The present invention relates to laundry compositions comprising a plurality of particles. Background of the Invention

[0003] There are many types of laundry products available on the market, including detergents, fabric conditioners, stain removers and bleaches. Laundry products are used for a variety of reasons, traditionally detergents are used for cleaning, and fabric conditioners are used to soften and perfume fabrics. There is a constant need for laundry products that provide fabric care benefits to fabrics.

[0004] Various benefit agents are commonly incorporated into laundry products to provide fabric care benefits. However, the disadvantages of adding benefit agents to laundry products are increased complexity in the formulation, increased cost, and the benefit agents may not meet the environmental requirements expected by consumers.

[0005] Today, laundry products that provide additional benefits to fabrics in addition to conventional laundry detergents and fabric conditioners are gaining popularity among consumers. Consumers like products that enable consumers to use customized amounts of benefit agents based on their personal preferences for how much benefit agent they need to obtain the desired benefit. There is an increasing demand for laundry products that allow consumers to customize their laundry process to suit their needs and preferences.

[0006] Products that provide benefits to fabrics during the laundry process (regardless of other laundry products) have been developed to achieve the desired benefits based on the personal preferences of consumers. Among such products, those in particle form are particularly popular. Conventional carrier materials for particles are synthetic polymers such as polyethylene glycol (PEG). In a typical production method for particles, a melt comprising a carrier material and other ingredients is first produced, and the obtained melt is directly mixed with a benefit agent. The completed molten dispersion is then formed into particles.

[0007] WO 2011 / 056938 A1 relates to a laundry fragrance additive comprising polyethylene glycol and a perfume. The laundry fragrance additive enables consumers to control the amount of fragrance imparted to their laundry.

[0008] WO 2016099852A1 relates to a composition of a plurality of uniformly structured particles. The particles include polyethylene glycol, flavorings and starch particles, and each has a mass between about 0.95 mg and about 5 g.

[0009] However, the production of such products has certain limitations: the production methods, including heating and cooling, are time-consuming and complex, requiring special equipment; some benefit agents, such as fragrances, tend to evaporate quickly at higher temperatures, and thus the fragrance content of the composition decreases rapidly during the production process. In addition, carrier materials such as PEG are expensive and not sustainable. Many consumers prefer compounds with good environmental properties, and therefore there is a need for alternatives to petroleum-based raw materials to achieve environmental sustainability.

[0010] Another problem that may occur with laundry products in particle form is that the stability of the product may be poor. For example, during production, transportation and / or storage, the particles may stick together and lose their fluidity, which may cause processing problems and dosing problems for consumers. Due to the sticking of particles, such particles may even leave a lot of residue in the washing machine (for example, on the washing machine door glass or rubber ring) after washing, resulting in a poor user experience for consumers. In addition, the particles may be fragile and thus tend to break into small pieces or undergo irreversible deformation during production, transportation and / or storage, which may indicate poor product quality and negatively affect consumer acceptance of the product.

[0011] Furthermore, the solubility properties of laundry products in granular form are also important to consumers.

[0012] Therefore, there remains a need for improvements in such laundry products. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0014] In a first aspect, the present invention relates to a laundry composition comprising a plurality of particles, wherein the particles comprise:

[0015] a) 20 to 95% by weight of a water-soluble carrier selected from carbohydrates, inorganic alkali metal salts, organic alkali metal salts, inorganic alkaline earth metal salts, organic alkaline earth metal salts, urea and mixtures thereof;

[0016] b) 0.4 to 0.9 wt. % silicate; and

[0017] c) 0.1 to 30% by weight of a benefit agent;

[0018] The particles are uniformly structured;

[0019] wherein the water-soluble carrier comprises a carbohydrate selected from sugars, sugar alcohols and mixtures thereof;

[0020] The silicate is selected from sodium silicate, potassium silicate, magnesium silicate, calcium silicate or a mixture thereof.

[0021] In a second aspect, the present invention relates to a method of forming a laundry composition according to any embodiment of the first aspect, comprising the steps of:

[0022] (i) combining the components of the composition to form a mixture;

[0023] (ii) feeding the mixture into an extruder and extruding it to form an extrudate;

[0024] (iii) Cutting the extrudate to form pellets

[0025] (iv) drying the granules; and

[0026] (v) Optionally, an anti-caking agent is sprinkled on the granules.

[0027] In a third aspect, the present invention relates to a method for treating laundry, comprising the steps of:

[0028] (i) placing fabrics into a washing machine;

[0029] (ii) dispensing a laundry composition according to any embodiment of the first aspect into a washing machine; and

[0030] (iii) contacting fabrics with a laundry composition during the wash sub-cycle of a washing machine.

[0031] In a fourth aspect, the present invention relates to the use of a laundry composition according to any embodiment of the first aspect to provide fabric care benefits to washed fabrics in a laundry process, preferably to impart fragrance to washed fabrics. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0033] Except in the examples, or where otherwise explicitly indicated, all numbers in this description indicating amounts of material or reaction conditions, physical properties of materials and / or use may optionally be understood as modified by the word "about".

[0034] Unless otherwise indicated, all amounts are by weight of the composition.

[0035] It should be noted that in specifying any range of values, any particular upper value can be associated with any particular lower value.

[0036] For the avoidance of doubt, the word “comprising” means “including” but not necessarily “consisting of” or “composed of”. In other words, the listed steps or schemes do not have to be exhaustive.

[0037] The disclosure of the invention presented herein should be deemed to cover all embodiments as presented in mutually multiple dependent claims, irrespective of the fact that the claims may appear without multiple dependency or redundancy.

[0038] Where features are disclosed with respect to a particular aspect of the invention (eg, a composition of the invention), such disclosure should also be considered applicable mutatis mutandis to any other aspect of the invention (eg, a method of the invention).

[0039] In the context of the present invention, laundry compositions are laundry compositions intended to be used in addition to conventional detergents or fabric conditioners. Laundry compositions provide additional benefits over and above those provided by detergents or fabric conditioners, and they provide consumers with the ability to customize the levels of benefit agents provided in the wash.

[0040] Water soluble carrier

[0041] As used herein, the term "water-soluble" means that the material dissolves or otherwise disperses in water at a level of at least 90% by weight at ambient conditions and 25°C, preferably at least 95% by weight, more preferably at least 98% by weight at ambient conditions and 25°C. The particles of the present invention comprise not less than 20% by weight of a water-soluble carrier, preferably not less than 30% by weight, more preferably not less than 35% by weight, and most preferably not less than 40% by weight of a water-soluble carrier. The particles of the present invention comprise no more than 95% by weight of a water-soluble carrier, preferably no more than 85% by weight, more preferably no more than 75% by weight, and most preferably no more than 70% by weight of a water-soluble carrier. The particles of the present invention comprise from 20 to 95% by weight of a water-soluble carrier, preferably from 30 to 85% by weight, more preferably from 35 to 75% by weight, and most preferably from 40 to 70% by weight of a water-soluble carrier.

[0042] The water-soluble carrier is selected from the group consisting of carbohydrates, inorganic alkali metal salts, organic alkali metal salts, inorganic alkaline earth metal salts, organic alkaline earth metal salts, urea and mixtures thereof.

[0043] Suitable alkali metal salts include alkali metal ions selected from lithium, sodium, potassium and mixtures thereof, and anions selected from fluoride, chloride, bromide, iodide, sulfate, bisulfate, phosphate, carbonate, acetate, citrate, lactate, pyruvate, ascorbate, sorbate and mixtures thereof. Examples of suitable inorganic alkali metal salts include, but are not limited to, sodium fluoride, sodium chloride, sodium bromide, sodium iodide, sodium sulfate, sodium bisulfate, sodium phosphate, sodium monohydrogen phosphate, sodium dihydrogen phosphate, sodium carbonate, sodium bicarbonate, potassium fluoride, potassium chloride, potassium bromide, potassium iodide, potassium sulfate, potassium bisulfate, potassium phosphate, potassium monohydrogen phosphate, potassium dihydrogen phosphate, potassium carbonate, potassium monohydrogen carbonate or mixtures thereof. Examples of suitable organic alkali metal salts include sodium acetate, sodium citrate, sodium lactate, sodium tartrate, sodium ascorbate, sodium sorbate, potassium acetate, potassium citrate, potassium lactate, potassium tartrate, potassium ascorbate, potassium sorbate or mixtures thereof.

[0044] Suitable alkaline earth metal salts include alkaline earth metal ions selected from magnesium, calcium and mixtures thereof and anions selected from fluoride, chloride, bromide, iodide, sulfate, bisulfate, phosphate, carbonate, acetate, citrate, lactate, pyruvate, ascorbate, sorbate and mixtures thereof. Examples of suitable inorganic alkaline earth metal salts include, but are not limited to, magnesium fluoride, magnesium chloride, magnesium bromide, magnesium iodide, magnesium sulfate, magnesium phosphate, magnesium monohydrogen phosphate, magnesium dihydrogen phosphate, magnesium carbonate, magnesium monohydrogen carbonate, calcium fluoride, calcium chloride, calcium bromide, calcium iodide, calcium sulfate, calcium phosphate, calcium monohydrogen phosphate, calcium dihydrogen phosphate, calcium carbonate, calcium monohydrogen carbonate or mixtures thereof. Examples of suitable organic alkaline earth metal salts include magnesium acetate, magnesium citrate, magnesium lactate, magnesium tartrate, magnesium ascorbate, magnesium sorbate, calcium acetate, calcium citrate, calcium lactate, calcium tartrate, calcium ascorbate, calcium sorbate or mixtures thereof.

[0045] The water-soluble carrier comprises a carbohydrate selected from sugar, sugar alcohol and mixtures thereof, which can reduce the corrosion to the internal parts of the washing machine compared with using salts as a carrier. More preferably, the water-soluble carrier comprises sugar. Suitable sugar can be selected from dextrose, sucrose, fructose, glucose, isoglucose, rhamnose, fucose, deoxyribose, ribose, trehalose, xylose, mannose, arabinose, galactose, cellobiose, lactose, maltose, isomaltose, melibiose, gentiobiose, maltotriose, raffinose, panose and mixtures thereof. Preferably, sugar is selected from dextrose, sucrose, fructose, glucose, isoglucose, galactose, raffinose and mixtures thereof. More preferably, sugar comprises sucrose or is sucrose.

[0046] Sugar alcohol is an organic compound with more than two hydroxyl groups.Sugar alcohol can have 4 to 12 carbon atoms.Suitable sugar alcohol can be selected from sorbitol, mannitol, isomalt, maltitol, lactitol, xylitol, erythritol and mixtures thereof.Preferably, sugar alcohol is selected from mannitol, sorbitol and mixtures thereof.

[0047] If the water soluble carrier includes a sugar, it may be preferred to include a bittering agent. Preferred bittering agents are selected from denatonium benzoate, denatonium saccharin, quinine or a salt of quinine. The chemical name of denatonium is phenylmethyl-[2-[(2,6-dimethylphenyl)amino]-2-oxoethyl]-diethylammonium. Particularly preferred is denatonium benzoate. Examples are Denatonium benzoate from Johnson Matthey Fine Chemicals. Preferably, the bittering agent is present in an amount of 0.001 to 0.01% by weight of the granule.

[0048] The particles of the present invention may contain additional carriers (in addition to the water-soluble carrier). Additional carrier materials may provide various benefits such as stability benefits. Additional carrier materials may be selected from polymers (e.g., polyethylene glycol, ethylene oxide / propylene oxide block copolymers, polyvinyl alcohol, polyvinyl acetate and derivatives thereof), proteins (e.g., gelatin, albumin, casein), polysaccharides (e.g., starch, xanthan gum, cellulose or derivatives thereof), water-dispersible fillers (e.g., zeolites, silica, clays), vegetable soaps (e.g., coconut soap beads or palm soaps), ethoxylated nonionic surfactants (having the formula R1O(R2O)xH, wherein R1 preferably contains 12 to 20 carbon atoms, R2 is C2H4 or a mixture of C2H4 and C3H6 units, and x=8 to 120) and mixtures thereof.

[0049] Preferably, other carriers include polysaccharides. Polysaccharides are sugar polymers comprising more than 10 monosaccharide units, preferably 15 to 1000 monosaccharide units and more preferably 25 to 500 monosaccharide units. Suitable polysaccharides can be selected from starch, glycogen, chitin, gum arabic, xanthan gum, cellulose, callose, dextran, encapsulated cellulose, inulin, alginic acid, gellan gum, guar gum, carob powder, carrageenan and derivatives of these compounds, and mixtures thereof. Preferably, polysaccharides include starch and / or derivatives thereof. Most preferably, polysaccharides include starch or are starch. Suitable starch can be selected from wheat starch, rice starch, potato starch, corn starch, tapioca starch and mixtures thereof.

[0050] Preferably, the particles of the present invention comprise 0.1 to 50 wt% of additional carrier, more preferably 1 to 35 wt%, even more preferably 2 to 25 wt%, most preferably 5 to 20 wt% of additional carrier.

[0051] Silicate

[0052] The particles of the invention comprise 0.4 to 0.9 wt% silicate, preferably 0.5 to 0.8 wt% silicate.Silicates can be used as processing aids to improve the processability of the composition in production by imparting hardness to the composition.

[0053] Examples of suitable silicates include, but are not limited to, sodium silicate, potassium silicate, magnesium silicate, calcium silicate or mixtures thereof. Particularly preferred is sodium silicate. An example is sodium silicate commercially available from Tianjin Sailicheng Technology Co. Ltd.

[0054] The use of higher levels of silicates in the particles is not preferred. More silicates may result in particles that are brittle and tend to break into undesirable small pieces. In addition, when higher levels of silicates are present in the particles, the dissolution time of the particles in the laundry process may also increase.

[0055] Beneficial Agents

[0056] As used herein, benefit agent refers to an active substance that is usually delivered to the fabric of washing to improve or improve the characteristics of these fabrics. The benefit agent is dispersed in a carrier material. The benefit agent can be free in the carrier material, or it can be encapsulated. The particles of the present invention comprise 0.1 to 30 % by weight of benefit agent, preferably 1 to 30 % by weight, more preferably 2 to 30 % by weight, even more preferably 5 to 30 % by weight, even more preferably 5 to 20 % by weight, most preferably 5 to 15 % by weight of benefit agent.

[0057] Examples of suitable benefit agents include, but are not limited to, fragrances; deodorants (malodor agent) (e.g., non-complexed cyclodextrins, odor blockers, reactive aldehydes, flavonoids, zeolites, activated carbon, or mixtures thereof); fabric softening actives; cationic polymers; dye transfer inhibitors; hueing dyes; insect repellents; organic sunscreen actives (e.g., octyl methoxycinnamate); antimicrobial agents (e.g., 2-hydroxy-4,2,4-trichlorodiphenyl ether); ester solvents (e.g., isopropyl myristate); lipids and lipid-like substances (e.g., cholesterol); hydrocarbons (e.g., paraffin, petrolatum, and mineral oil); fish and vegetable oils; hydrophobic plant extracts; waxes; pigments (e.g., inorganic compounds having a hydrophobically modified surface and / or dispersed in an oil or hydrophobic liquid); sugar esters (e.g., sucrose polyesters); silicone oils, resins, and modifications thereof (e.g., linear and cyclic polydimethylsiloxanes, amino-modified, allcyl, aryl, and alkylaryl silicone oils, preferably having a viscosity greater than 50,000 cst); or mixtures thereof.

[0058] Preferably, the benefit agent is a fragrance. The particles preferably contain 0.1 to 30% by weight of fragrance material, i.e. free fragrance and / or fragrance microcapsules. As known in the art, free fragrance and fragrance microcapsules provide a fragrance sensation to the consumer at different time points during the wash cycle. It is particularly preferred that the particles of the present invention contain a combination of both free fragrance and fragrance microcapsules.

[0059] Preferably, the granules of the present invention comprise from 0.5 to 20% flavour material, more preferably from 1 to 15% flavour material, most preferably from 2 to 10% flavour material.

[0060] Useful flavor components may include materials of natural and synthetic origin. They include single compounds and mixtures. Specific examples of such components can be found in the existing literature, for example, Fenaroli's Handbook of Flavor Ingredients, 1975, CRC Press; Synthetic Food Adjuncts, 1947, MB Jacobs, Van Nostrand ed., or Perfume and Flavor Chemicals, S. Arctander, 1969, Montclair, NJ (USA). These substances are well known to those skilled in the art of flavoring, seasoning and / or perfuming consumer products.

[0061] Free Fragrance:

[0062] The granules of the invention preferably comprise from 0.1 to 15% free perfume, more preferably from 0.5 to 8% free perfume by weight of the granule.

[0063] Particularly preferred perfume components are fragrance-releasing perfume components and affinity perfume components. The fragrance-releasing perfume component is defined by a boiling point less than 250°C and a LogP greater than 2.5. The affinity perfume component is defined by a boiling point greater than 250°C and a LogP greater than 2.5. The boiling point is measured at standard pressure (760 mm Hg). Preferably, the perfume composition comprises a mixture of fragrance-releasing and affinity perfume components. The perfume composition may include other perfume components.

[0064] It is common for multiple flavor components to be present in free oil flavor compositions. In the compositions used in the present invention, it is envisaged that three or more, preferably four or more, more preferably five or more, most preferably six or more different flavor components will be present. Up to 300 flavor components may be used.

[0065] Microcapsules of spices:

[0066] The particles of the present invention preferably comprise from 0.1 to 15% perfume microcapsules, more preferably from 0.5 to 8% perfume microcapsules by weight of the particle. The weight of the microcapsules is the weight of the material as supplied.

[0067] When the perfume component is encapsulated, suitable encapsulating materials may include, but are not limited to, aminoplasts, proteins, polyurethanes, polyacrylates, polymethacrylates, polysaccharides, polyamides, polyolefins, gums, silicones, lipids, modified celluloses, polyphosphates, polystyrenes, polyesters or mixtures thereof. Particularly preferred materials are aminoplast microcapsules, such as melamine formaldehyde or urea formaldehyde microcapsules.

[0068] The fragrance microcapsules of the present invention may be breakable microcapsules and / or moisture-activated microcapsules. Breakable means that the fragrance microcapsules break when force is applied. Moisture-activated means that the fragrance is released in the presence of water. The particles of the present invention preferably contain breakable microcapsules. In addition, moisture-activated microcapsules may also be present. Examples of potentially breakable microcapsules include aminoplast microcapsules.

[0069] The fragrance components contained in the microcapsules may include odoriferous materials and / or top-note materials.

[0070] Particularly preferred perfume components contained in the microcapsules are fragrance-releasing perfume components and affinity perfume components. Fragrance-releasing perfume components are defined as having a boiling point of less than 250°C and a LogP greater than 2.5. Affinity perfume components are defined as having a boiling point of greater than 250°C and a LogP greater than 2.5. The boiling point is measured at standard pressure (760 mm Hg). Preferably, the perfume composition comprises a mixture of fragrance-releasing perfume components and affinity perfume components. The perfume composition may comprise other perfume components.

[0071] It is common to have multiple fragrance components in the microcapsules. In the compositions used in the present invention, it is envisioned to have three or more, preferably four or more, more preferably five or more, most preferably six or more different fragrance components in the microcapsules. Up to 300 fragrance components may be used.

[0072] The microcapsules may contain perfume components and carriers for perfume ingredients such as zeolites or cyclodextrins.

[0073] Another preferred benefit agent may be a fabric softening active. The fabric softening active may be any material known to soften fabrics. These may be polymeric materials or compounds of known softening materials. Examples of suitable fabric softening actives include quaternary ammonium compounds, silicone polymers, polysaccharides, clays, amines, fatty esters, dispersible polyolefins, polymer latexes or mixtures thereof.

[0074] The fabric softening active may preferably be a cationic or nonionic material.Preferably, the fabric softening active of the present invention is a cationic material. Suitable cationic fabric softening actives are described herein.

[0075] Preferred softening actives for use in the granules of the present invention are quaternary ammonium compounds (QACs).

[0076] QAC preferably includes at least one chain derived from a fatty acid, more preferably at least two chains derived from a fatty acid. In general, fatty acids are defined as aliphatic monocarboxylic acids with a chain of 4 to 28 carbons. Fatty acids can be derived from various sources, such as tallow or plant sources. Preferably, the fatty acid chain is derived from a plant. Preferably, the fatty acid chain of QAC comprises, by weight of total fatty acid chain, 10 to 50 wt % of saturated C18 chain and 5 to 40 wt % of monounsaturated C18 chain. In a further preferred embodiment, the fatty acid chain of QAC comprises, by weight of total fatty acid chain, 20 to 40 wt %, preferably 25 to 35 wt % of saturated C18 chain and 10 to 35 wt %, preferably 15 to 30 wt % of monounsaturated C18 chain.

[0077] A preferred class of quaternary ammonium compounds are the so-called "esterquats." Particularly preferred materials are ester-linked triethanolamine (TEA) quaternary ammonium compounds, which include mixtures of mono-, di- and triester-linked components.

[0078] Typically, TEA-based fabric softening compounds comprise a mixture of mono-, diester and triester forms of the compound, wherein the diester-linked components comprise no more than 70 wt %, preferably no more than 60 wt %, for example no more than 55 wt %, or even no more than 45 wt % of the fabric softening compound, and at least 10 wt % of the mono-ester-linked components.

[0079] The first group of quaternary ammonium compounds (QAC) suitable for use in the present invention is represented by formula (I):

[0080]

[0081] wherein each R is independently selected from a C5 to C35 alkyl or alkenyl group; 1 represents a C1 to C4 alkyl group, a C2 to C4 alkenyl group or a C1 to C4 hydroxyalkyl group; T may be O-CO (i.e., an ester group bonded to R via its carbon atom), or alternatively may be CO-O (i.e., an ester group bonded to R via its oxygen atom); n is a number selected from 1 to 4; m is a number selected from 1, 2 or 3; and X - is an anionic counterion such as a halide or alkyl sulfate, for example chloride or methyl sulfate. The diester variant of formula I (ie m=2) is preferred and generally has monoester and triester analogs associated therewith. Such materials are particularly suitable for use in the present invention.

[0082] Suitable actives include soft quaternary ammonium actives such as Stepantex VT90, Rewoquat WE18 (ex Evonik) and Tetranyl L1 / 90N, Tetranyl L190 SP and Tetranyl L190 S (all ex Kao).

[0083] Also suitable are active substances rich in the diester of triethanolamine methylsulfate, otherwise known as "TEA esterquats".

[0084] Commercial examples include Preapagen TM TQL (from Clariant) and Tetranyl TM AHT-1 (from Kao) (both bis[hardened tallow ester] of triethanolammonium methylsulfate), AT-1 (bis[tallow ester] of triethanolammonium methylsulfate) and L5 / 90 (bis[palmityl ester] of triethanolammonium methylsulfate), and Rewoquat TM WE15 (diester of triethanolammonium methylsulfate, the fatty acyl residues of which are derived from C10-C20 and C16-C18 unsaturated fatty acids) (from Evonik).

[0085] A second group of QACs suitable for use in the present invention is represented by formula (II):

[0086]

[0087] Among them, each R 1 groups are independently selected from C1 to C4 alkyl, hydroxyalkyl or C2 to C4 alkenyl; and wherein each R 2 The groups are independently selected from C8 to C28 alkyl or alkenyl groups; and wherein n, T and X - As defined above.

[0088] Preferred materials of this second group include 1,2-bis[tallowyloxy]-3-trimethylammonium propane chloride, 1,2-bis[hardened tallowyloxy]-3-trimethylammonium propane chloride, 1,2-bis[oleoyloxy]-3-trimethylammonium propane chloride and 1,2-bis[stearoyloxy]-3-trimethylammonium propane chloride. Such materials are described in US 4,137,180 (Lever Brothers). Preferably, these materials also contain an amount of the corresponding monoester.

[0089] A third group of QACs suitable for use in the present invention is represented by formula (III):

[0090] (R 1 )2-N + -[(CH2) n -TR 2 ]2X - (III)

[0091] Among them, each R 1 The groups are independently selected from C1 to C4 alkyl or C2 to C4 alkenyl, and wherein each R 2The groups are independently selected from C8 to C28 alkyl or alkenyl groups; and n, T and X - As defined above. Preferred materials of this third group include bis(2-tallowoyloxyethyl)dimethylammonium chloride, partially hardened and hardened forms thereof.

[0092] The fourth group of QACs suitable for use in the present invention is represented by formula (IV)

[0093]

[0094] R1 and R2 are independently selected from C10 to C22 alkyl or alkenyl, preferably C14 to C20 alkyl or alkenyl. - As defined above.

[0095] The iodine value of the quaternary ammonium fabric conditioning material is preferably from 0 to 80, more preferably from 0 to 60, and most preferably from 0 to 45. The iodine value can be selected appropriately. Substantially saturated materials having an iodine value of from 0 to 5, preferably from 0 to 1, can be used in the compositions of the present invention. Such materials are referred to as "hardened" quaternary ammonium compounds.

[0096] A further preferred range of iodine values ​​is from 20 to 60, preferably from 25 to 50, more preferably from 30 to 45. Materials of this type are "soft" triethanolamine quaternary ammonium compounds, preferably triethanolamine dialkyl ester methyl sulfate. Such ester-linked triethanolamine quaternary ammonium compounds contain unsaturated fatty chains.

[0097] If there is a mixture of quaternary ammonium materials in the composition, the iodine value referred to above represents the average iodine value of the parent fatty acyl compounds or fatty acids of all quaternary ammonium materials present. Similarly, if there is any saturated quaternary ammonium material in the composition, the iodine value represents the average iodine value of the parent fatty acyl compounds of the fatty acids of all quaternary ammonium materials present.

[0098] Iodine value as used in the context of the present invention refers to the fatty acid used to produce the QAC and is a measure of the unsaturation present in the material as measured by nmr spectroscopy as described in Anal. Chem., 34, 1136 (1962) Johnson and Shoolery.

[0099] A further type of softening compound may be a non-ester quaternary ammonium material represented by formula (V):

[0100]

[0101] Among them, each R 1 The groups are independently selected from C1 to C4 alkyl, hydroxyalkyl or C2 to C4 alkenyl; each R 2 The groups are independently selected from C8 to C28 alkyl or alkenyl groups, and X - As defined above.

[0102] The granules of the present invention preferably comprise from 0.1 to 50 wt% fabric softening active, more preferably from 1 to 40 wt%, even more preferably from 5 to 35 wt%, most preferably from 10 to 30 wt% fabric softening active.

[0103] Anionic surfactants

[0104] The particles of the present invention may comprise an anionic surfactant selected from alkyl sulfates, alkyl ether sulfates, soaps and mixtures thereof. Preferably, the anionic surfactant is selected from alkyl sulfates, alkyl ether sulfates and mixtures thereof. More preferably, the anionic surfactant comprises or is an alkyl sulfate. The anionic surfactant may be used as a binder to bind the carrier material and other components of the composition together, thereby helping to provide a processable composition during production.

[0105] Preferably, the granules of the present invention comprise no less than 5 wt% anionic surfactant, more preferably no less than 6 wt% anionic surfactant, most preferably no less than 7 wt% anionic surfactant. Preferably, the granules of the present invention comprise no more than 15 wt% anionic surfactant, more preferably no more than 12 wt% anionic surfactant, most preferably no more than 10 wt% anionic surfactant. Preferably, the granules of the present invention comprise from 5 to 15 wt% anionic surfactant, more preferably from 6 to 12 wt% anionic surfactant, most preferably from 7 to 10 wt% anionic surfactant.

[0106] Surprisingly, it was found that the use of 5 to 15 wt % of anionic surfactants provides improved composition processability. Anionic surfactants can also improve the appearance of the particles and make the surface of the particles look smoother. Consumers are sensitive to visual cues when using laundry products. Laundry products containing particles with rough surfaces are generally considered to be a quality issue and are not liked by consumers.

[0107] Alkyl sulfates are anionic surfactants that are water-soluble salts containing a hydrocarbon hydrophobic group and a hydrophilic sulfate group. Preferably, the alkyl sulfate has an alkyl group containing 8 to 18 carbon atoms, more preferably 10 to 18 carbon atoms, and even more preferably 10 to 16 carbon atoms. It will be appreciated that both branched and straight chain alkyl groups are included. The alkyl group is preferably straight chain, i.e., normal alkyl, however, branched chain alkyl sulfates may also be used, although they are less preferred from the perspective of biodegradability.

[0108] Preferably, the alkyl sulfate comprises a salt of alkyl sulfate. In this manner, the alkyl sulfate comprises a positively charged ion and a negatively charged alkyl sulfate moiety. The positively charged ion may be a metal ion, such as sodium, potassium or magnesium; or an ammonia ion, such as ammonium, monoethanolamine, diethanolamine or triethanolamine. Mixtures of such ions may also be used. Sodium and potassium are preferred.

[0109] Preferably, the alkyl sulfate comprises a sodium, potassium, calcium, magnesium, ammonium or ethanolamine salt of an alkyl sulfate having 8 to 18 carbon atoms, more preferably 10 to 18 carbon atoms, and even more preferably 10 to 16 carbon atoms. Illustrative, but non-limiting, examples of alkyl sulfates include sodium lauryl sulfate (also known as sodium dodecyl sulfate), ammonium lauryl sulfate, diethanolamine (DEA) lauryl sulfate. Suitable examples also include alkyl sulfates commercially available from natural sources under the trade names Galaxy 689, Galaxy 780, Galaxy 789, Galaxy 799SP and Ufarol TCL 92N and from synthetic sources under the trade names Safol 23, Dobanol 23A or 23S, Lial 123S, Alfol 1412S, Empireol LC3 and Empireol 075SR.

[0110] Sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS), also known as sodium dodecyl sulfate, is particularly preferred as the alkyl sulfate. For example, an example of sodium dodecyl sulfate is commercially available from Dongming Jujin Chemical Co., Ltd.

[0111] Alkyl ether sulfates are those having the formula RO(CH2CH2O) n SO3M anionic surfactant, wherein R is a linear or branched alkyl or alkenyl group having 8 to 18 carbon atoms, preferably 10 to 18 carbon atoms, more preferably 12 to 14 carbon atoms; M is a positively charged ion, including sodium, potassium, calcium, magnesium, ammonium, monoethanolamine, diethanolamine, triethanolamine or a mixture thereof, preferably sodium, potassium or a mixture thereof; n is a degree of ethoxylation of 0.5 to 3, preferably 1 to 3. A preferred example is sodium lauryl ether sulfate (SLES), wherein the main C 12 The lauryl alkyl groups are ethoxylated with an average of 2 EO units per molecule.

[0112] As used herein, the term "soap" refers to an alkali metal salt or alkanolammonium salt of an aliphatic, alkane or alkene monocarboxylic acid. Preferred monocarboxylic acids are fatty acids having 6 to 22 carbon atoms, more preferably 12 to 18 carbon atoms. Examples of suitable soaps include, but are not limited to, sodium, potassium, calcium, magnesium, ammonium, monoethanolamine, diethanolamine, triethanolamine salts of lauric acid, myristic acid, palmitic acid, stearic acid, (hydrogenated) erucic acid, behenic acid, coconut oil fatty acid, palm oil fatty acid, palm kernel oil fatty acid, olive oil fatty acid, tallow fatty acid or a mixture thereof. Fatty acids can be saturated or unsaturated, straight or branched. Particularly preferred soaps include sodium or potassium salts of coconut fatty acid, palm kernel oil fatty acid or a mixture thereof.

[0113] In addition to the above-mentioned anionic surfactants, the particles of the present invention may also include other anionic surfactants. Examples of suitable anionic surfactants include, but are not limited to, alkyl sulfonates, alkylaryl sulfonates, alpha-olefin sulfonates, alkylhydroxyethyl sulfonates, alkanoylhydroxyethyl sulfonates, alkyl succinates, alkyl sulfosuccinates, alkyl ether sulfosuccinates, N-alkyl sarcosinates, alkyl phosphates, alkyl ether phosphates, alkyl ether carboxylic acids and salts thereof, particularly their sodium, potassium, calcium, magnesium, ammonium and monoethanolamine, diethanolamine and triethanolamine salts. The hydrocarbyl group preferably contains 10 to 18 carbon atoms and may be unsaturated. Alkyl ether sulfosuccinates, alkyl ether phosphates and alkyl ether carboxylic acids and salts thereof may contain one to twenty ethylene oxide or propylene oxide units per molecule.

[0114] The particles of the present invention may comprise alkylbenzene sulfonates, particularly linear alkylbenzene sulfonates (LAS), having an alkyl chain length of 10 to 18 carbon atoms. Commercial LAS is a mixture of closely related isomers and homologous alkyl chain homologues, each of which contains an aromatic ring sulfonated in the "para" position and connected to a linear alkyl chain at any position except the terminal carbon. The chain length of the linear alkyl chain is generally 11 to 15 carbon atoms, and the chain length of the main material is about C12. Each alkyl chain homologue is composed of a mixture of all possible sulfophenyl isomers except the 1-phenyl isomer. LAS is usually formulated into the composition in the form of an acid (i.e., HLAS) and then at least partially neutralized in situ. Examples of alkylbenzene sulfonates include sodium salts of linear alkylbenzene sulfonic acid, alkyltoluene sulfonates, alkylxylene sulfonates, alkylphenol sulfonates, alkylnaphthalene sulfonates, diamylnaphthalene sulfonate ammonium and dinonylnaphthalene sulfonate sodium, and a mixture with olefin sulfonates. Preferably, the particles of the present invention are substantially free of alkylbenzene sulfonates. As used herein, "substantially free" means less than 1.5 wt%, preferably less than 1.0 wt%, more preferably less than 0.75 wt%, still more preferably less than 0.5 wt%, even more preferably less than 0.1 wt%, most preferably 0 to 0.01 wt%, including all ranges subsumed therein, based on the total weight of the composition. The particles of the present invention preferably do not contain any alkylbenzene sulfonate.

[0115] Disintegrants

[0116] Preferably, the granules of the present invention comprise a disintegrant. As used herein, a disintegrant refers to a material added to the granules to cause them to disintegrate upon contact with water and thereby release the beneficial agent. The granules of the present invention preferably comprise 0.1 to 20 wt% of a disintegrant, more preferably 0.5 to 15 wt%, even more preferably 1 to 10 wt%, still more preferably 1 to 5 wt%, most preferably 1.5 to 3 wt% of a disintegrant.

[0117] Preferably, the disintegrant is a non-effervescent disintegrant. Examples of suitable non-effervescent disintegrants include, but are not limited to, polyvinyl pyrrolidone, crospovidone (cross-linked polyvinyl pyrrolidone), starch derivatives, cellulose, fiber derivatives, clays (e.g., bentonite, alginate), gums (e.g., agar, gum arabic, xanthan gum, guar gum, locust bean gum, karaya gum, pectin, tragacanth), non-carbonates (e.g., sodium chloride, potassium chloride, magnesium sulfate, calcium silicate, magnesium aluminum silicate) or mixtures thereof.

[0118] Preferably, the disintegrant is cellulose or a cellulose derivative. Examples of suitable cellulose derivatives include, but are not limited to, methylcellulose, ethylcellulose, propylcellulose, methylethylcellulose, carboxymethylcellulose, ethylcarboxymethylcellulose, hydroxyethylcellulose, hydroxypropylcellulose, carboxymethylhydroxyethylcellulose, methylhydroxyethylcellulose, hydroxypropylmethylcellulose, ethylhydroxyethylcellulose, methylethylhydroxyethylcellulose, carboxymethylcellulose calcium, sodium carboxymethylcellulose, microcrystalline cellulose, croscarmellose sodium (cross-linked sodium carboxymethylcellulose) or a mixture thereof. Preferably, the disintegrant is selected from calcium carboxymethylcellulose, sodium carboxymethylcellulose, microcrystalline cellulose, croscarmellose sodium and a mixture thereof.

[0119] It is also preferred that the disintegrant is a starch derivative, which is also known as modified starch. Examples of suitable starch derivatives include, but are not limited to, sodium starch glycolate, carboxymethyl starch, sodium carboxymethyl starch, hydroxypropyl starch, pregelatinized starch or mixtures thereof.

[0120] Preferably, the disintegrant is selected from croscarmellose sodium (cross-linked sodium carboxymethyl cellulose), sodium carboxymethyl starch, sodium starch glycolate and mixtures thereof. Particularly preferred is croscarmellose sodium. Particularly preferred is croscarmellose sodium. An example is croscarmellose sodium commercially available from Anhuisunhere Pharmaceutical Excipients Co., Ltd.

[0121] It is preferred that the granules of the present invention comprise 0.1 to 20 wt% croscarmellose sodium, more preferably 0.5 to 15 wt%, even more preferably 1 to 10 wt%, still more preferably 1 to 5 wt%, most preferably 1.5 to 3 wt% croscarmellose sodium.

[0122] Disintegrants can be effervescent disintegrants. Suitable effervescent disintegrants include carbonates and acids. Preferably, the acid is selected from organic acids, salts of organic acids, salts of inorganic acids and mixtures thereof. More preferably, the acid is an organic acid. The organic acid suitable for the composition of the present invention can be any organic acid. Using an organic acid as a polyacid (i.e., an acid having more than one carboxylic acid group), more particularly using a dicarboxylic acid or tricarboxylic acid organic acid has achieved particularly good results. The organic acid used in the present invention has a weight average molecular weight of at most 500 daltons, more preferably at most 400 daltons and most preferably at most 300 daltons, and the molecular weight is based on the free acid equivalent. In any case, preferably the organic acid is not an acid based on a polymer. The organic acid used according to the present invention preferably comprises 3 to 25 carbon atoms, more preferably 4 to 15 carbon atoms.

[0123] In view of consumer acceptance and reducing environmental impact, organic acids are preferably those also found to be naturally occurring, for example in plants. Suitable examples of organic acids include acetic acid, citric acid, aspartic acid, lactic acid, adipic acid, succinic acid, glutaric acid, gluconic acid, malic acid, tartaric acid, maleic acid, fumaric acid, sugar acid, their salts or mixtures thereof. Of particular interest are citric acid, aspartic acid, acetic acid, lactic acid, succinic acid, glutaric acid, gluconic acid, their salts or mixtures thereof. Most preferably, the organic acid is citric acid, succinic acid, their salts or mixtures thereof.

[0124] Preferably, the carbonate comprises sodium carbonate, sodium bicarbonate, sodium glycine carbonate, potassium carbonate, potassium bicarbonate, potassium glycine carbonate, calcium carbonate, calcium bicarbonate, magnesium carbonate or a mixture thereof. More preferably, the carbonate comprises sodium carbonate, sodium bicarbonate, potassium carbonate, potassium bicarbonate or a mixture thereof. Most preferably, the carbonate comprises sodium carbonate, sodium bicarbonate or a mixture thereof.

[0125] It is particularly preferred that the effervescent disintegrant is a combination of sodium bicarbonate, citric acid and succinic acid.

[0126] It is preferred that the amount of carbonate is related to the amount of acid. More specifically, it is desirable that the weight ratio of carbonate to acid is from 1:10 to 10:1, more preferably from 1:5 to 5:1, even more preferably from 1:3 to 3:1.

[0127] Colorants

[0128] The particles of the present invention may contain a colorant. The colorant may be a dye or a pigment or a mixture thereof. The purpose of the colorant is to impart color to the particles and is not intended to act as a hueing dye or to color washed fabrics. A single colorant or a mixture of colorants may be used.

[0129] Preferably, the colorant is a dye, more preferably a polymeric dye. Non-limiting examples of suitable dyes include the LIQUITINET series of dyes from Milliken Chemical.

[0130] Preferably, the particles of the present invention comprise 0.001 to 2 wt%, more preferably 0.005 to 1 wt%, most preferably 0.005 to 0.6 wt% of colorant.

[0131] water

[0132] Water may be included to improve the processability of the composition during production. Preferably, the granules comprise 0.1 to 10 wt% water, more preferably 0.5 to 8 wt% water, even more preferably 1 to 6 wt% water, most preferably 2 to 5 wt% water.

[0133] Granular form

[0134] The granules of the present invention may be in any solid form, such as: powder, pellets, tablets, spheres, pastilles or extrudates. Preferably, the granules are in the form of extruded granules.

[0135] The particles may be of any shape or size suitable for dissolution in the laundry process. Preferably, the mass of each individual particle is from 0.95 mg to 5 g, more preferably from 0.005 to 1 g, even more preferably from 0.005 to 0.5 g and most preferably from 0.01 to 0.1 g. Preferably, the maximum linear dimension of each individual particle in any direction is less than 10 mm, more preferably from 1 to 8 mm, most preferably from 4 to 6 mm.

[0136] Preferably, the particles have a substantially flat base and a height perpendicular to the substrate. Preferably, the maximum base dimension of each particle is less than 10 mm, more preferably 1 to 8 mm, most preferably 4 to 6 mm. Preferably, the height of each particle is 0.05 to 5 mm, more preferably 0.1 to 3 mm, most preferably 0.2 to 2.5 mm. It is preferred that each individual particle has a maximum base dimension of less than 10 mm and a height of 0.05 to 5 mm.

[0137] The shape of the particles can be selected from hemispherical, compressed hemispherical, lentil-shaped, oblong, cube, rectangular, round, cylindrical, disc-shaped, flower-shaped, star-shaped, petal-shaped, heart-shaped and a mixture thereof. Preferably, the shape of the particles is selected from disc-shaped, flower-shaped, star-shaped, petal-shaped, heart-shaped and a mixture thereof, which can be more visually attractive to consumers.

[0138] Preferably, the particles of the present invention are formed using an extrusion device. The extrusion device can be a single screw extruder or a twin screw extruder, preferably, the twin screw extruder has co-rotating or counter-rotating screws. The present invention also relates to a method for forming particles, comprising the following steps:

[0139] (i) combining the components of the composition to form a mixture;

[0140] (ii) feeding the mixture into an extruder and extruding it to form an extrudate;

[0141] (iii) cutting the extrudate to form particles;

[0142] (iv) drying the granules; and

[0143] (v) Optionally, an anti-caking agent is sprinkled on the granules.

[0144] Preferably, the process is carried out at a temperature of 10 to 50° C., more preferably 15 to 40° C., even more preferably 20 to 30° C. It is preferred that the process is carried out at room temperature (25° C.) and one atmosphere of pressure.

[0145] Preferably, the mixture of step (i) is uniform. Uniform means that the mixture before extrusion has a uniform texture, so that the extrudate obtained from the mixture has a uniform quality. When the composition includes perfume microcapsules, it is preferred that the perfume microcapsules are added to the mixture as the last ingredient for mixing, which can reduce the rupture of perfume microcapsules during mixing.

[0146] In the extrusion process of steps (ii) and (iii), the mixture of step (i) is extruded from an extruder through a die having an orifice of a predetermined diameter. The extruder is equipped with a cutting knife to allow the extrudate to be cut at the die outlet to form particles. The desired particle height can be achieved by changing the speed at which the extrudate is fed into the cutter and the speed at which the extrudate is cut.

[0147] The drying step (iv) may be performed before, during or after step (iii). Preferably, the drying is performed at room temperature (25°C), <50% relative humidity (RH) and one atmosphere of pressure, which can reduce evaporative losses of benefit agents such as fragrances.

[0148] After step (iv), the method may include the step (v) of sprinkling an anti-caking agent on the particles. The anti-caking agent may be applied to the outer surface of the particles to reduce the possibility of the particles sticking together. Examples of suitable anti-caking agents include, but are not limited to, silicon dioxide, zeolite, unmodified starch, cellulose, rock powder, clay, calcium and magnesium stearates, silica, silicates, talc, flour, starch, tricalcium phosphate, powdered cellulose, sodium bicarbonate, sodium ferrocyanide, potassium ferrocyanide, calcium ferrocyanide, calcium phosphate, sodium silicate, calcium silicate, magnesium trisilicate, talc, sodium aluminosilicate, potassium aluminum silicate, calcium aluminosilicate, bentonite, aluminum silicate, stearic acid, polydimethylsiloxane or mixtures thereof.

[0149] This method does not require heating the mixture above the melting temperature to shape it into the desired form and then cooling it, which greatly simplifies the production process and reduces the loss of benefit agents such as fragrances during production.

[0150] The granules of the present invention can also be made by roller compaction. The components of the composition are introduced between two rollers and rolled under pressure between the two rollers to form a thin sheet of compact. The thin sheet of compact is broken into small pieces by cutting. These small pieces can be further formed into granules.

[0151] The particles of the present invention are uniformly structured. Uniformly structured means that there is a continuous phase throughout the particle. There is no core-shell structure. The particle components such as the benefit agent are distributed or dispersed in the continuous phase. When the benefit agent is a fragrance, it can improve the stability of the fragrance against oxidation and evaporation losses during storage. The continuous phase is mainly provided by the carrier material.

[0152] The particles of the present invention need to dissolve in a typical washing cycle time, preferably no more than 20 minutes, more preferably no more than 15 minutes, and even more preferably no more than 10 minutes. If the dissolution rate of the particles is too slow, there may be undissolved residues formed by the components of the particles on the washed fabric when washing is completed, which is undesirable for consumers. Preferably, the dissolution rate of the particles is not less than 1 minute, more preferably not less than 2 minutes, and even more preferably not less than 3 minutes. If the dissolution rate of the particles is too fast, most of the benefit agents may be released prematurely and washed away before they can be delivered to the washed fabric to provide various benefits. Preferably, the dissolution rate of the particles is 1 minute to 20 minutes, more preferably 2 minutes to 15 minutes, and even more preferably 3 minutes to 10 minutes.

[0153] How to use

[0154] The particles of the present invention are used in the laundry process. They can be added in the wash sub-cycle or the rinse sub-cycle of the laundry cycle using a washing machine. Alternatively, the particles can also be used for manual hand washing of fabrics. The particles can be used in addition to other laundry products, or they can be used as a stand-alone product.

[0155] The particles of the invention are preferably dosed in an amount of 1 g to 50 g, more preferably 10 g to 45 g, most preferably 15 g to 40 g. The consumer can dose the particles directly into the washing machine from the packaging, or into a dosing box on the washing machine.

[0156] The present invention also relates to a method for treating clothes, comprising the following steps:

[0157] (i) placing fabrics into a washing machine;

[0158] (ii) dispensing the laundry composition into a washing machine; and

[0159] (iii) contacting fabrics with a laundry composition during the wash sub-cycle of a washing machine.

[0160] Uses of granules

[0161] Typically, the primary use of the particles of the present invention is to provide fabric care benefits to laundered fabrics in a laundry process.Preferably, the particles are used to impart fragrance to laundered fabrics in a laundry process.

[0162] To facilitate understanding of the present invention, the following examples are provided. The examples are not intended to limit the scope of the claims. Example

[0163] The granules were prepared as shown in Table 1. All ingredients are expressed as weight percent of the total formulation.

[0164] Table 1

[0165]

[0166] a. Refined cane sugar from Guangxi Fengtang Biochemical Co., Ltd.

[0167] b. Sodium silicate solution from Tianjin Sailicheng Technology Co., Ltd. (34% active matter).

[0168] Granule preparation method

[0169] The sample was prepared as follows: the ingredients except the perfume microcapsules were added to a powder mixer and mixed uniformly with a three-roll mill. Afterwards, the perfume microcapsules were added to the powder mixer and the resulting mixture was mixed uniformly. The mixture was fed to a twin-screw co-rotating extruder equipped with a die having an orifice of a predetermined diameter and a cutting knife. The mixture was extruded to form an extrudate having a diameter of about 5 mm. The extrudate was cut into pellets having a thickness of about 2 mm. The pellets were dried at room temperature (25° C.) and one atmosphere.

[0170] It has been found that sample A, which does not contain silicate, has poor processability. The sample is too soft to be extruded, and it deforms easily during cutting. Sample 1 according to the present invention provides improved processability. The sample is extruded smoothly, and the extrudate is hard enough to be cut into the desired particles without deformation.

Claims

1. A laundry composition comprising a plurality of particles, wherein the particles comprise: a) 20 to 95% by weight of a water-soluble carrier selected from the group consisting of carbohydrates, inorganic alkali metal salts, organic alkali metal salts, inorganic alkaline earth metal salts, organic alkaline earth metal salts, urea and mixtures thereof; b) 0.4 to 0.9 wt. % silicate; and c) 0.1 to 30% by weight of a benefit agent; wherein the particles are uniformly structured; wherein the water-soluble carrier comprises a carbohydrate selected from sugars, sugar alcohols and mixtures thereof; and The silicate is selected from sodium silicate, potassium silicate, magnesium silicate, calcium silicate or a mixture thereof.

2. The laundry composition according to claim 1, wherein the water-soluble carrier comprises a sugar selected from the group consisting of dextrose, sucrose, fructose, glucose, isoglucose, rhamnose, fucose, deoxyribose, ribose, trehalose, xylose, mannose, arabinose, galactose, cellobiose, lactose, maltose, isomaltose, melibiose, gentiobiose, maltotriose, raffinose, panose and mixtures thereof, preferably the water-soluble carrier comprises a sugar selected from the group consisting of dextrose, sucrose, fructose, glucose, isoglucose, galactose, raffinose and mixtures thereof.

3. A laundry composition according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the silicate is sodium silicate.

4. A laundry composition according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the benefit agent is selected from perfumes, deodorants, fabric softening actives, cationic polymers, dye transfer inhibitors, hueing dyes, insect repellents, organic sunscreen actives, antimicrobials, ester solvents, lipids and lipid-like materials, hydrocarbons, fish and vegetable oils, hydrophobic plant extracts, waxes, pigments, sugar esters, silicone oils, resins and modifications thereof, and mixtures thereof.

5. A laundry composition according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the benefit agent is a perfume, preferably a combination of free perfume and perfume microcapsules.

6. A laundry composition according to claim 5, wherein the particle comprises from 0.1 wt% to 30 wt%, preferably from 0.5 to 20 wt% perfume.

7. A laundry composition according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the particle comprises an anionic surfactant selected from alkyl sulphates, alkyl ether sulphates, soap and mixtures thereof, preferably the anionic surfactant is an alkyl sulphate.

8. A laundry composition according to claim 7, wherein the anionic surfactant is present in an amount of 5 to 15 wt% of the composition.

9. A laundry composition according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the particle comprises a disintegrant selected from polyvinylpyrrolidone, crospovidone, starch, starch derivatives, cellulose, fiber derivatives, clays, gums, non-carbonates and mixtures thereof.

10. A laundry composition according to claim 9, wherein the disintegrant is present in an amount of 0.1 to 20% by weight of the composition.

11. A laundry composition according to any preceding claim, wherein each particle has a maximum linear dimension in any direction of less than 10 mm, preferably from 1 to 8 mm.

12. A method of forming a laundry composition according to claims 1 to 11, comprising the steps of: (i) combining the components of the composition to form a mixture; (ii) feeding the mixture into an extruder and extruding it to form an extrudate; (iii) cutting the extrudate to form the particles; (iv) drying the particles; and (v) optionally sprinkling an anti-caking agent on the granules.

13. A method for treating clothing, comprising the steps of: (i) placing fabrics into a washing machine; (ii) dispensing a laundry composition according to any one of claims 1 to 11 into the washing machine; as well as (iii) contacting said fabrics with said laundry composition during a wash sub-cycle of said washing machine.

14. Use of a laundry composition according to claims 1 to 11 to provide fabric care benefits to washed fabrics in a laundry process, preferably to impart fragrance to the washed fabrics.

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