Water-soluble unit dose articles comprising amine oxide surfactants and dominant non-aqueous solvents

Abstract

The invention relates to a water soluble unit dose article comprising an amine oxide surfactant and a dominant non-aqueous solvent. The present invention relates to water soluble unit dose articles comprising an amine oxide surfactant and a dominant non-aqueous solvent, methods of making and methods of use.

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application of the application with Chinese national application number 202111136777.7 and the invention name of "Water-soluble unit dose preparation containing amine oxide surfactant and dominant non-aqueous solvent". Technical Field

[0002] The present invention relates to water-soluble unit dose preparations comprising an amine oxide surfactant and a predominantly non-aqueous solvent, methods of making and methods of using. Background Art

[0003] Water-soluble unit dose products are popular with consumers for their convenience and ease of use. Consumers also like the fact that they do not need to measure detergent doses, thus eliminating accidental spills during dosing operations. Accidental doses can be messy and inconvenient. In addition, since amphoteric surfactants, especially amine oxide surfactants, have very good performance in grease cleaning, there is a need for water-soluble unit dose products containing amine oxide surfactants.

[0004] During the manufacture of the above-mentioned unit dose article, the first film is deformed in a mold to form an open cavity, and a liquid laundry detergent composition is added to the open cavity by a filling nozzle. After filling the second film, it is placed on the open filling cavity and sealed to the first film around the sealing area. One of the challenges during filling is that the liquid laundry detergent composition, especially when they have a relatively high viscosity under high shear, tends to "wire drawing" between the cavity and the filling nozzle. This "wire drawing" is a phenomenon owing to the rheological properties of the liquid laundry detergent composition, and the liquid laundry detergent composition remains attached to the nozzle, thereby forming a filament or "wire drawing" between the nozzle and the open cavity. When the device removes the filling cavity from the nozzle, the distance between the nozzle and the filling cavity is enough to interrupt the "wire drawing", and allows a new cavity to be filled to the position below the nozzle. However, this type of fracture of "wire drawing" may take a period of time, which then limits the speed at which continuous filling can occur. In fact, break time can sometimes be the controlling factor in selecting the maximum speed at which the filling operation can be performed, because accelerating the filling operation before the "stringing" breaks can cause some of the liquid laundry detergent composition from the "stringing" to accidentally fall onto the membrane between the cavities, which in turn can affect the ability of the two membranes to seal together and cause premature breakage or failure of the unit dose product.

[0005]

[0006] Therefore, there is a need for water-soluble unit dose articles that reduce or minimize stringing of liquid laundry detergent compositions during manufacture of the unit dose article.

[0006] Surprisingly, it has been found that water-soluble unit dose preparations solve the above-mentioned technical problems when such water-soluble unit dose preparations are formed by using a liquid detergent composition comprising an amine oxide surfactant together with a predominantly non-aqueous solvent. Summary of the invention

[0007] In one aspect, the present invention relates to a water-soluble unit dose article comprising a water-soluble film and a liquid laundry detergent composition wrapped with the water-soluble film, wherein the liquid laundry detergent composition comprises: a) 0.1% to 50% by weight of the composition of an amine oxide surfactant, b) 0.1% to 50% by weight of the composition of a non-amine oxide surfactant, and c) 0.1% to 70% by weight of the composition of a non-aqueous solvent, wherein the weight ratio of the non-amine oxide surfactant to the non-aqueous solvent in the liquid laundry detergent composition is less than 1: 1. In some embodiments, the weight ratio of the non-amine oxide surfactant to the non-aqueous solvent is 1:5 to 1:1.05, preferably 1:4 to 1:1.1, more preferably 1:3 to 1:1.15, and most preferably 1:2.5 to 1:1.2.

[0008] A second aspect of the invention is a packaged product comprising a reclosable container and at least one water-soluble unit dose article according to the invention.

[0009] The third aspect of the present invention is a method for preparing a water-soluble unit dose product according to the present invention, wherein the liquid laundry detergent composition is prepared by preparing a base composition comprising a non-amine oxide surfactant and adding an amine oxide surfactant to the base composition, wherein the amine oxide surfactant is added in the form of a powder or a premix, wherein the premix comprises an amine oxide surfactant and a non-aqueous solvent.

[0010] One advantage of water-soluble unit dose preparations may be the delivery of excellent grease cleaning performance.

[0011] Another advantage of water soluble unit dose formulations may be providing reduced "stringing" phenomena.

[0012] Another advantage of water-soluble unit dose preparations may be providing improved stability (less leakage and / or less phase separation) and / or mechanical properties (eg, improved elasticity and / or strength after storage) of the water-soluble unit dose preparations. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0013] definition

[0014] As used herein, the articles including "a" and "an" when used in a claim should be understood to mean one or more of what is claimed or described.

[0015] As used herein, the terms "comprise / comprises / comprising", "include / includes / including", "contain / contains / containing" are non-limiting, i.e., other steps and other ingredients that do not affect the results may be added. The above terms encompass the terms "consisting of" and "consisting essentially of".

[0016] As used herein, when a composition is "substantially free" of a particular ingredient, it means that the composition contains less than trace amounts, or less than 0.1%, or less than 0.01%, or less than 0.001% of the particular ingredient by weight of the composition.

[0017] As used herein, the term "laundry detergent composition" refers to a composition for cleaning contaminated materials, including fabrics. Such compositions can be used as laundry pre-treaters, laundry post-treaters, or can be added during the rinse cycle or wash cycle of a laundry operation. The term "liquid laundry detergent composition" refers herein to a composition in the form of a pourable liquid, a gel, a cream, and a combination thereof. The term "unit dose laundry detergent composition" refers herein to a water-soluble pouch containing a certain volume of liquid, which is wrapped by a water-soluble film.

[0018] As used herein, the term "alkyl" refers to a branched or unbranched, substituted or unsubstituted hydrocarbon moiety. Included within the term "alkyl" is the alkyl portion of an acyl group.

[0019] As used herein, the term "wash solution" refers to a typical amount of aqueous solution used for one laundry washing cycle, preferably 1 L to 50 L, or 1 L to 20 L for hand washing, and 20 L to 50 L for machine washing.

[0020] As used herein, the term "stained fabric" is used non-specifically and may refer to any type of fabric made of natural or man-made fibers, including natural fibers, man-made fibers, and synthetic fibers, such as but not limited to cotton, linen, wool, polyester, nylon, silk, acrylic, etc., as well as various blends and combinations.

[0021] Water-soluble unit dose products

[0022] The present invention discloses a water-soluble unit dose product, which comprises a water-soluble film and a liquid laundry detergent composition. Specifically, the liquid laundry detergent composition is wrapped with a water-soluble film. The water-soluble film and the liquid detergent composition are described in more detail below.

[0023] The water-soluble unit dose product comprises a water-soluble film, which is shaped so that the unit dose product comprises at least one internal compartment surrounded by the water-soluble film. The unit dose product may comprise a first water-soluble film and a second water-soluble film sealed to each other to define the internal compartment. The water-soluble unit dose product is configured so that the detergent composition does not leak out of the compartment during storage. However, when the water-soluble unit dose product is added to water, the water-soluble film dissolves and releases the contents in the internal compartment into the washing liquid.

[0024] The compartment should be understood to refer to the enclosed inner space in the unit dose article, which holds the detergent composition. During manufacture, the first water-soluble film can be shaped to include an open compartment, in which the detergent composition is added. The second water-soluble film is then covered above the first film in an orientation close to the opening of the compartment. The first film and the second film are then sealed together along the sealing area.

[0025] The unit dose article may include more than one compartment, even at least two compartments, or even at least three compartments. The compartments may be arranged in a superimposed orientation, i.e., one is positioned on top of another. In this orientation, the unit dose article will include three layers of film: top, middle and bottom. Alternatively, the compartments may be positioned in a side-by-side orientation, i.e., one is oriented next to another. The compartments may even be oriented in a "tire and rim" arrangement, i.e., a first compartment is positioned close to a second compartment, but the first compartment at least partially surrounds the second compartment, but does not completely enclose the second compartment. Alternatively, one compartment may be completely enclosed in another compartment.

[0026] In the case where the unit dose article comprises at least two compartments, one of the compartments may be smaller than the other compartment. In the case where the unit dose article comprises at least three compartments, two of the compartments may be smaller than the third compartment, and preferably the smaller compartment is superimposed on the larger compartment. The superimposed compartments are preferably oriented side by side.

[0027] In a multi-compartment orientation, the detergent composition according to the invention may be contained in at least one of the compartments. It may, for example, be contained in only one compartment, or may be contained in two compartments, or even in three compartments.

[0028] Each compartment may contain the same or different compositions. The different compositions may all be in the same form, or they may be in different forms.

[0029] The water-soluble unit dose article may comprise at least two internal compartments, wherein the liquid laundry detergent composition is contained in at least one of the compartments, preferably wherein the unit dose article comprises at least three compartments, wherein the detergent composition is contained in at least one of the compartments.

[0030] Water soluble film

[0031] The film of the present invention is soluble or dispersible in water. The water-soluble film preferably comprises polyvinyl alcohol or a copolymer thereof. Preferably, the water-soluble film comprises a blend of at least two different polyvinyl alcohol homopolymers, at least two different polyvinyl alcohol copolymers, at least one polyvinyl alcohol homopolymer and at least one polyvinyl alcohol copolymer, or a combination thereof.

[0032] Preferably, the water-soluble film has a thickness of between 50 and 100 microns, preferably between 70 and 90 microns, prior to deformation into a unit dose article.

[0033] Preferably, the membrane has a water solubility of at least 50%, preferably at least 75%, or even at least 95%, as measured by the method set forth herein, after using a glass filter with a maximum pore size of 20 micrometers:

[0034] 5 g ± 0.1 g of membrane material is added to a pre-weighed 3L beaker and 2L ± 5 ml of distilled water is added. It is vigorously stirred at 30°C for 30 minutes on a magnetic stirrer Labline (model 1250) or equivalent and a 5 cm magnetic stirrer (set to 600 rpm). The mixture is then filtered through a folded qualitative porous glass filter with the above specified pore size (maximum 20 microns). The water in the collected filtrate is dried by any conventional method, and the weight of the remaining material (the dissolved or dispersed part) is determined. Then, the percentage of solubility or dispersion can be calculated.

[0035] Preferred film materials are preferably polymeric materials. As known in the art, the film material can be obtained by, for example, casting, blow molding, extrusion or blown extrusion of the polymeric material.

[0036] Preferred polymers, copolymers or derivatives thereof suitable for use as pouch materials are selected from polyvinyl alcohol, polyvinyl pyrrolidone, polyalkylene oxides, acrylamide, acrylic acid, cellulose, cellulose ethers, cellulose esters, cellulose amides, polyvinyl acetate, polycarboxylic acids and polycarboxylates, polyamino acids or peptides, polyamides, polyacrylamides, maleic acid / acrylic acid copolymers, polysaccharides including starch and gelatin, natural gums such as xanthan gum and carrageenan. More preferred polymers are selected from polyacrylates and water-soluble acrylate copolymers, methylcellulose, sodium carboxymethylcellulose, dextrins, ethylcellulose, hydroxyethylcellulose, hydroxypropylmethylcellulose, maltodextrins, polymethacrylates, and most preferably selected from polyvinyl alcohol, polyvinyl alcohol copolymers and hydroxypropylmethylcellulose (HPMC), and combinations thereof. Preferably, the level of polymer (e.g. PVA polymer) in the pouch material is at least 60%. The polymer may have any weight average molecular weight, preferably from about 1000 to 1,000,000, more preferably from about 10,000 to 300,000, and still more preferably from about 20,000 to 150,000.

[0037] Preferably, the water-soluble unit dose preparation comprises polyvinyl alcohol.

[0038] Mixtures of polymers can also be used as pouch materials. This may be useful for controlling the mechanical properties and / or dissolution characteristics of a compartment or pouch according to its application and required requirements. Suitable mixtures include, for example, a mixture in which one polymer has a higher water solubility than another polymer, and / or a mixture in which one polymer has a higher mechanical strength than another polymer. Also suitable are mixtures of polymers with different weight average molecular weights, such as a mixture of PVA or its copolymers having a weight average molecular weight of about 10,000 to 40,000, preferably about 20,000, and a mixture of PVA or its copolymers having a weight average molecular weight of about 100,000 to 300,000, preferably about 150,000. Also suitable for this article are polymer blend compositions, such as polymer blends such as polylactide and polyvinyl alcohol comprising hydrolysis-degradable and water-soluble polymer blends, which can be obtained by mixing polylactide and polyvinyl alcohol, typically comprising about 1% by weight to 35% by weight of polylactide and about 65% by weight to 99% by weight of polyvinyl alcohol.

[0039] Preferred for use herein are PVA polymers that are from about 60% to about 98% hydrolyzed, preferably from about 80% to about 90% hydrolyzed to improve the dissolution characteristics of the material.

[0040] Preferred membranes exhibit good solubility in cold water (which means unheated distilled water). Preferably, such membranes exhibit good solubility at a temperature of 24° C., even more preferably at 10° C. By good solubility, it is meant that the membrane exhibits a water solubility of at least 50%, preferably at least 75%, or even at least 95%, as measured by the method described herein after using a glass filter with a maximum pore size of 20 microns, as described above.

[0041] Preferred membranes are those provided by Monosol.

[0042] Of the total PVA resin content in the films described herein, the PVA resin may include from about 30% to about 85% by weight of the first PVA polymer, or from about 45% to about 55% by weight of the first PVA polymer. For example, the PVA resin may contain about 50% by weight of each PVA polymer, wherein the viscosity of the first PVA polymer is about 13 cP and the viscosity of the second PVA polymer is about 23 cP (the viscosity is measured as a 4% polymer solution at 20° C. in deionized water).

[0043] Preferably, the film comprises a blend of at least two different polyvinyl alcohol homopolymers and / or copolymers.

[0044] Most preferably, the water-soluble film comprises a blend of at least two different polyvinyl alcohol homopolymers, especially a water-soluble film comprising: a blend of at least two different polyvinyl alcohol homopolymers having different average molecular weights, especially a blend of 2 different polyvinyl alcohol homopolymers having an absolute average viscosity difference |µ2 - µ1| between the first PVOH homopolymer and the second PVOH homopolymer in the range of 5 cP to about 15 cP (the viscosity is measured as a 4% polymer solution in deionized water), and the two homopolymers have an average degree of hydrolysis between 85% and 95%, preferably between 85% and 90%. The first homopolymer preferably has an average viscosity of 10 cP to 20 cP, preferably 10 cP to 15 cP. The second homopolymer preferably has an average viscosity of 20 cP to 30 cP, preferably 20 cP to 25 cP. Most preferably, the two homopolymers are blended in a ratio of 40 / 60 to 40 / 60% by weight.

[0045] Alternatively, the water-soluble film comprises a polymer blend comprising at least one copolymer comprising polyvinyl alcohol and anionically modified monomeric units. Specifically, the polymer blend may comprise a polyvinyl alcohol homopolymer and a copolymer comprising polyvinyl alcohol and anionically modified monomeric units at a ratio of 90 / 10 to 50 / 50 wt %. Alternatively, the polymer blend may comprise two different copolymers at a ratio of 90 / 10 to 10 / 90 wt %, comprising polyvinyl alcohol and anionically modified monomeric units.

[0046] General types of anionic monomer units that can be used in PVOH copolymers include vinyl polymerization units corresponding to monocarboxylic acid vinyl monomers, their esters and anhydrides, dicarboxylic acid monomers having polymerizable double bonds, their esters and anhydrides, vinyl sulfonic acid monomers, and alkali metal salts of any of the foregoing. Examples of suitable anionic monomer units include vinyl polymerization units corresponding to vinyl anionic monomers including vinyl acetic acid, maleic acid, monoalkyl maleates, dialkyl maleates, monomethyl maleate, dimethyl maleate, maleic anhydride, fumaric acid, monoalkyl fumarate, dialkyl fumarate, monomethyl fumarate, dimethyl fumarate, fumaric anhydride, itaconic acid, monomethyl itaconate, dimethyl itaconate, itaconic anhydride, vinyl sulfonic acid, vinyl esters, and vinyl esters. Propylene sulfonic acid, vinyl sulfonic acid, 2-acrylamido-1-methylpropanesulfonic acid, 2-acrylamido-2-methylpropanesulfonic acid, 2-methacrylamido-2-methylpropanesulfonic acid, 2-sulfoethyl acrylate, alkali metal salts of the foregoing (e.g., sodium, potassium or other alkali metal salts), esters of the foregoing (e.g., methyl ester, ethyl ester or other C1-C4 or C6 alkyl esters), and combinations thereof (e.g., multiple types of anionic monomers or equivalent forms of the same anionic monomer). In one aspect, the anionic monomer can be one or more acrylamidomethylpropanesulfonic acids (e.g., 2-acrylamido-1-methylpropanesulfonic acid, 2-acrylamido-2-methylpropanesulfonic acid, 2-methacrylamido-2-methylpropanesulfonic acid), alkali metal salts thereof (e.g., sodium salt), and combinations thereof. In one aspect, the anionic monomer can be one or more of monomethyl maleate, alkali metal salts thereof (e.g., sodium salt), and combinations thereof.

[0047] The content of one or more anionic monomer units incorporated into the PVOH copolymer is not specifically limited. In some aspects, the one or more anionic monomer units are present in the PVOH copolymer individually or collectively in an amount ranging from about 2 mol % to about 10 mol %. (For example, in various embodiments, at least 2.0 mol %, 2.5 mol %, 3.0 mol %, 3.5 mol % or 4.0 mol % and / or at most about 3.0 mol %, 4.0 mol %, 4.5 mol %, 5.0 mol %, 6.0 mol %, 8.0 mol % or 10 mol %).

[0048] Of course, different membrane materials and / or membranes of different thicknesses may be used in preparing the compartments of the present invention. The beneficial effect of selecting different membranes is that the resulting compartments may exhibit different solubility or membrane release characteristics.

[0049] The film material herein may also include one or more additive ingredients. For example, it may be advantageous to add a plasticizer, such as glycerol, ethylene glycol, diethylene glycol, propylene glycol, dipropylene glycol (DPG), sorbitol, and mixtures thereof. Other additives may include water and functional detergent additives to be delivered to the wash water, including surfactants, such as organic polymer dispersants, etc.

[0050] Preferred films are those supplied by Monosol under the trade references M8630, M8900, M8779, M8310 described in US 6 166 117 and US 6 787 512, and PVA films having corresponding solubility and deformability characteristics.

[0051] Liquid laundry detergent compositions

[0052] The water-soluble unit dose article comprises a liquid laundry detergent composition. The term "liquid laundry detergent composition" refers to any laundry detergent composition comprising a liquid capable of wetting and treating fabrics, and includes but is not limited to liquids, gels, pastes, dispersions, etc. Liquid compositions may include solids or gases in appropriately divided form, but liquid compositions do not include generally non-fluid forms, such as tablets or granules.

[0053] The liquid detergent compositions can be used in hand fabric washing operations or can be used in automatic machine fabric washing operations.

[0054] The liquid laundry detergent composition comprises an amine oxide surfactant, a non-amine oxide surfactant and a non-aqueous solvent. Specifically, the weight ratio of the non-amine oxide surfactant to the non-aqueous solvent in the liquid laundry detergent composition is less than 1:1. In some embodiments, the weight ratio of the non-amine oxide surfactant to the non-aqueous solvent is 1:5 to 1:1.05, preferably 1:4 to 1:1.1, more preferably 1:3 to 1:1.15, most preferably 1:2.5 to 1:1.2, for example 1:2, 1:1.9, 1:1.8, 1:1.7, 1:1.6, 1:1.5, 1:1.4, 1:1.3, 1:1.25, 1:1.2 or any range therebetween.

[0055] The non-aqueous solvent may include a monohydric alcohol solvent, a diol solvent, a polyol solvent, a hydroxy ether solvent, or any combination thereof. Specifically, the sum of the amounts of the diol solvent, the polyol solvent, and the hydroxy ether solvent may be higher than the sum of the amounts of the amine oxide surfactant and the non-amine oxide surfactant.

[0056] The liquid laundry detergent composition may comprise a cleaning or care polymer, preferably wherein the cleaning or care polymer is selected from ethoxylated polyethyleneimines, alkoxylated polyalkylphenols, amphiphilic graft copolymers, polyethylene terephthalates, hydroxyethylcellulose, carboxymethylcellulose, or mixtures thereof.

[0057] The water-soluble unit dose preparation may contain adjunct ingredients selected from hueing dyes, polymers, builders, dye transfer inhibitors, dispersants, enzymes, enzyme stabilizers, catalytic materials, bleaches, bleach activators, polymeric dispersants, anti-redeposition agents, suds suppressors, aesthetic dyes, opacifiers, perfumes, perfume delivery systems, structurants, hydrotropes, processing aids, pigments, and mixtures thereof.

[0058] Preferably, the liquid laundry detergent composition is non-Newtonian. Without being bound by theory, non-Newtonian liquids have different properties from Newtonian liquids, more specifically, the viscosity of non-Newtonian liquids depends on the shear rate, whereas Newtonian liquids have a constant viscosity independent of the applied shear rate.

[0059] The liquid laundry detergent composition may have a viscosity of at least 2 Pa.s at a shear rate of 0.5 s-1, as measured using a TA Rheometer AR2000 at 25°C, preferably wherein the liquid detergent composition has a viscosity of between 2 Pa.s and 35 Pa.s, preferably between 2.5 Pa.s and 30 Pa.s, more preferably between 3 Pa.s and 25 Pa.s, even more preferably between 5 Pa.s and 20 Pa.s, most preferably between 10 Pa.s and 16 Pa.s at a shear rate of 0.5 s-1, as measured using a TA Rheometer AR2000 at 25°C. The liquid laundry detergent composition may be characterized by a viscosity of at least 2 Pa.s at a shear rate of 0.5 s-1, as measured using a TA Rheometer AR2000 at 25°C. -1 The fluid may preferably be a non-Newtonian fluid having shear-thinning properties, and thus is further characterized in that when the fluid is subjected to a shear rate of about 0.5 s, the viscosity of the fluid is within the range of about 100 mPa·s to about 900 mPa·s, preferably about 150 mPa·s to about 800 mPa·s, and more preferably about 200 mPa·s to about 600 mPa·s. -1 The low shear viscosity is in the range of about 1000 mPa.s to about 10000 mPa.s, preferably about 1500 mPa.s to about 7500 mPa.s, and more preferably about 2000 mPa.s to about 5000 mPa.s when measured at a shear rate of 1.5 %.

[0060] In one embodiment, the liquid laundry detergent composition may comprise: a) 2% to 8% by weight of the composition of an amine oxide surfactant, the amine oxide surfactant being dodecyl dimethyl amine oxide and / or tetradecyl dimethyl amine oxide, b) 20% to 35% by weight of the composition of a non-amine oxide surfactant, the non-amine oxide surfactant comprising C6-C 20 LAS, C6-C 20 AAS, and C6-C 20 alkoxylated alcohol, c) 20% to 32% by weight of the composition of a glycol solvent comprising 1,2-propylene glycol, 1,3-propylene glycol and dipropylene glycol, and d) 10% to 16% by weight of the composition of a polyol solvent comprising glycerol, wherein the sum of the amounts of the glycol solvent and the polyol solvent is greater than the amount of the non-amine oxide surfactant, and wherein the weight ratio of the glycol solvent to the polyol solvent is from 2.0:1 to 2.4:1.

[0061] Amine oxide surfactant

[0062] Typical amine oxide surfactants may include water-soluble amine oxides having an R 1 C 8-18 The alkyl part and the two R 2 and R 3 Part, the R 2 and R 3 Partially selected from C 1-3 Alkyl groups and C 1-3 Preferably, the amine oxide may be represented by the formula R 1 – N(R 2 )(R 3 ) O to characterize, where R 1 C 8-18 Alkyl, and R 2 and R 3 is selected from methyl, ethyl, propyl, isopropyl, 2-hydroxyethyl, 2-hydroxypropyl and 3-hydroxypropyl, preferably methyl. Specifically, the linear amine oxide surfactant may include a linear C 10 -C 18 Alkyl dimethyl amine oxide and linear C8-C 12 Alkoxyethyl dihydroxyethyl amine oxides. Preferred amine oxides include linear C 10 , Straight chain C 10 -C 12 and straight chain C 12 -C 14 Alkyl dimethyl amine oxide, most preferably linear C 12 - 14 Alkyl dimethyl amine oxide.

[0063] In some embodiments, the amine oxide surfactant may be present in an amount in the range of 0.3% to 30%, preferably 0.5% to 20%, more preferably 0.8% to 15%, most preferably 1% to 10%, for example 2%, 4%, 6%, 8%, 10% or any range thereof by weight of the composition.

[0064] Preferably, the amine oxide surfactant can be selected from C6-C 20 Alkyl dimethyl amine oxide, C 6-20 More preferably, the amine oxide surfactant can be selected from C 10 -C 16 Alkyl dimethyl amine oxide and any combination thereof. Most preferably, the amine oxide surfactant may be selected from dodecyl dimethyl amine oxide, tetradecyl dimethyl amine oxide, and any combination thereof.

[0065] Non-oxidized amine surfactants

[0066] The liquid detergent composition of the present invention may contain a non-oxidized amine surfactant, which is preferably selected from an anionic surfactant, a nonionic surfactant, and any combination thereof. Specifically, the non-oxidized amine surfactant is present in an amount ranging from 1% to 45%, preferably from 3% to 40%, more preferably from 5% to 37%, and most preferably from 7% to 35%, by weight of the composition.

[0067] Preferably, the anionic surfactant can be selected from C6-C 20 Linear alkylbenzene sulfonate (LAS), C6-C 20 Alkyl sulfate (AS), C6-C 20 Alkyl alkoxy sulfate (AAS), C6-C 20 Methyl ester sulfonate (MES), C6-C 20 Alkyl ether carboxylates (AEC), fatty acids, and any combination thereof. More preferably, the anionic surfactant system may comprise C6-C 20 LAS and optionally anionic surfactants such as C6-C 20 AS and / or C6-C 20 In one embodiment, LAS is C 10 -C 16 LAS, preferably C 12 -C 14 LAS.

[0068] Preferably, the nonionic surfactant may be selected from alkyl alkoxylated alcohols, alkyl alkoxylated phenols, alkyl polysaccharides, alkyl polyglycosides, methyl ester ethoxylates, polyhydroxy fatty acid amides, alkoxylated fatty acid esters, sucrose esters, sorbitan esters and alkoxylated derivatives of sorbitan esters, and any combination thereof. More preferably, the nonionic surfactant may comprise C8-C8 having a weight average ethoxylation degree in the following range: 18 Ethoxylated alcohol: 1 to 20, preferably 5 to 15, more preferably 7 to 10.

[0069] In some embodiments, the non-amine oxide surfactant may include anionic surfactants and nonionic surfactants, wherein the anionic surfactant includes C6-C 20 LAS and optional C6-C 20 AS and / or C6-C 20 AAS, and the nonionic surfactant comprises a C6-C alkoxylated surfactant having a weight average alkoxylation degree in the range of 1 to 20, preferably 5 to 15, more preferably 7 to 10. 20 Alkoxylated alcohols.

[0070] In some embodiments, LAS and AAx The weight ratio of S is at least 0.6, preferably at least 0.8, more preferably at least 0.9, most preferably at least 1, for example 0.6, 0.7, 0.8, 0.9, 1, 1.2, 1.5, 2, 2.5, 3, 4, 5, 8, 10 or any range therebetween.

[0071] In some embodiments, the C6-C 20 LAS is present in an amount ranging from 1% to 20%, preferably from 2% to 15%, more preferably from 3% to 10% by weight of the composition.

[0072] In some embodiments, the C6-C 20 AAS is present in an amount ranging from 1% to 20%, preferably from 2% to 15%, more preferably from 3% to 10% by weight of the composition.

[0073] In some embodiments, the C6-C 20 The alkoxylated alcohol is present in an amount ranging from 1% to 30%, preferably from 2% to 25%, more preferably from 3% to 20% by weight of the composition.

[0074] Non-aqueous solvents

[0075] The liquid detergent composition may contain a non-aqueous solvent. Specifically, the non-aqueous solvent is present in an amount ranging from 1% to 65%, preferably 10% to 60%, more preferably 20% to 55%, most preferably 30% to 50% by weight of the composition.

[0076] Specifically, the non-aqueous solvent is selected from monohydric alcohols, diols, polyols, hydroxy ethers, and any combination thereof. Preferably, the non-aqueous solvent is selected from ethanol, propanol, terpineol, ethylene glycol, 1,2-propylene glycol, 1,3-propylene glycol, butanediol, glycerol, butanetriol, pentaerythritol, dipropylene glycol (DPG), n-butoxypropoxypropanol (nBPP), diethylene glycol, and any combination thereof. More preferably, the non-aqueous solvent is selected from 1,2-propylene glycol, glycerol, dipropylene glycol, and any combination thereof. In some embodiments, the liquid detergent composition may contain a diol solvent and a polyol solvent, wherein the weight ratio of the diol solvent to the polyol solvent is 1.8:1 to 2.7:1, preferably 1:9 to 2.5:1, more preferably 2.0:1 to 2.4:1, such as 2.1:1, 2.2:1, 2.3:1, 2.4:1 or any range thereof.

[0077] As used herein, the term "diol solvent" refers to an alcohol compound having two hydroxyl groups. As used herein, the term "polyol solvent" refers to an alcohol compound having three or more hydroxyl groups. As used herein, the term "hydroxy ether solvent" refers to an ether compound having at least one hydroxyl group.

[0078] In some embodiments, the sum of the amounts of the diol solvent and the polyol solvent is 20% to 65%, preferably 25% to 60%, more preferably 30% to 55%, most preferably 35% to 50%, for example 35%, 40%, 45%, 50% or any range thereof, by weight of the composition.

[0079] Specifically, the diol solvent may be present in an amount in the range of 10% to 40%, preferably 15% to 35%, more preferably 20% to 32%, for example 22%, 25%, 27%, 30% or any range thereof, based on the weight of the composition; and / or the polyol solvent may be present in an amount in the range of 5% to 20%, preferably 8% to 18%, more preferably 10% to 16%, for example 11%, 12%, 13%, 14%, 15% or any range thereof, based on the weight of the composition.

[0080] Preferably, the diol solvent is selected from ethylene glycol, 1,2-propylene glycol (p-diol), 1,3-propylene glycol, butylene glycol, and any combination thereof. More preferably, the diol solvent includes 1,2-propylene glycol.

[0081] Preferably, the polyol solvent is selected from glycerol, butanetriol, pentaerythritol, and any combination thereof. More preferably, the polyol solvent comprises glycerol.

[0082] In some embodiments, 1,2-propylene glycol is present in an amount ranging from 5% to 40%, preferably from 10% to 35%, more preferably from 15% to 30% by weight of the composition; and / or glycerol is present in an amount ranging from 1% to 30%, preferably from 3% to 25%, more preferably from 5% to 20% by weight of the composition.

[0083] In addition, the liquid laundry detergent composition may also contain a hydroxy ether solvent. Specifically, the hydroxy ether solvent may be present in an amount in the following range based on the weight of the composition: 0.1% to 20%, preferably 1% to 15%, more preferably 2% to 10%, for example 3%, 4%, 5%, 6%, 7%, 8%, 9% or any range therebetween.

[0084] Preferably, the hydroxy ether solvent may be selected from dipropylene glycol (DPG), n-butoxypropoxypropanol (nBPP), diethylene glycol, and any combination thereof. More preferably, the hydroxy ether solvent may include DPG.

[0085] Dye fixative

[0086] Liquid detergent compositions of the present invention may include dye fixing agents. The dye fixing agents of the present invention are cationic polymers. Without being bound by any theory, it is believed that such dye fixing agents with positive charge can bind to dyes with negative charge by charge interaction, and then prevent the dyes from leaving the textile or prevent the dyes from redepositing on textiles of different colors. Specifically, the dye fixing agent can be selected from the reaction products of the following materials: i) polyamines with cyanamide and organic acid and / or inorganic acid, ii) cyanamide with aldehyde and ammonium salt, iii) cyanamide with aldehyde and amine, or iv) amine with epichlorohydrin. Preferably, the dye fixing agent can be selected from the reaction products of amine and epichlorohydrin, wherein the amine is a primary amine, a secondary amine or a tertiary amine. More preferably, the dye fixing agent can be selected from the reaction products of dimethylamine and epichlorohydrin. Most preferably, the dye fixing agent can be poly (2-hydroxypropyl dimethyl ammonium chloride), also referred to as poly (dimethylamine-co-epichlorohydrin), such as a polymer commercially available from Clariant under the trade name TEXCARE DFC 6 (CAS#: 25988-97-0).

[0087] The term "amine" includes monoamines and polyamines. The monoamines used herein may be primary, secondary and tertiary amines. They may be aliphatic amines, such as dialkylamines, especially dimethylamine; alicyclic amines, such as cyclohexylamine; and aromatic amines, such as aniline. However, the amines used herein may also have aliphatic, alicyclic and aromatic substituents at the same time. In addition, heterocyclic compounds such as pyridine may also be used. The term "polyamine" herein includes, for example, diamines, triamines, tetramines, etc., and also includes similar N-alkyl polyamines and N,N-dialkyl polyamines. Examples thereof are ethylenediamine, propylenediamine, butanediamine, pentanediamine, hexanediamine, diethylenetriamine, triethylenetetramine and higher polyamines. Particularly preferred polyamines may be ethylenediamine, diethylenetriamine and dimethylaminopropylamine. Ammonium salts are salts of ammonia, especially ammonium chloride or the above-mentioned amines or polyamines with different inorganic or organic acids, or other quaternary ammonium salts.

[0088] The cyanamide may be monocyanamide or dicyandiamide. The aldehyde used herein may include, for example, aliphatic aldehydes such as formaldehyde, acetaldehyde, propionaldehyde, butyraldehyde; dialdehydes such as glyoxal; unsaturated aldehydes such as acrolein, crotonaldehyde and aromatic aldehydes such as benzaldehyde. Particularly preferred aldehydes may be aliphatic aldehydes such as formaldehyde.

[0089] The dye fixing agent used herein may also be a homopolymer and copolymer based on diallyldimethylammonium chloride (DADMAC). Copolymers based on DADMAC contain other vinyl monomers as other components, such as vinyl imidazole, vinyl pyrrolidone, vinyl alcohol, vinyl acetate, (meth) acrylic acid / ester, acrylamide, styrene, styrene sulfonic acid, acrylamidomethylpropane sulfonic acid (AMPS), etc. Homopolymers based on DADMAC can be obtained under the trade name Dodigen ® 3954, Dodigen 4033, and Genamin PDAC (obtained from Clariant).

[0090] Preferably, the dye fixing agent suitable for the present disclosure can be selected from the reaction product of an amine and epichlorohydrin, wherein the amine is a primary amine, a secondary amine or a tertiary amine. More preferably, the dye fixing agent suitable for the present invention can be selected from the reaction product of dimethylamine and epichlorohydrin. Most preferably, the dye fixing agent can be poly (2-hydroxypropyl dimethyl ammonium chloride).

[0091] In one embodiment, the dye fixing agent is poly(2-hydroxypropyldimethylammonium chloride) of formula (I):

[0092] (I)

[0093] wherein n is an integer from 5 to 1000.

[0094] The dye fixing agent in the composition according to the present disclosure may be present in an amount in the range of 0.02% to 5%, preferably 0.05% to 4%, more preferably 0.1% to 3%, most preferably 0.15% to 2%, for example 0.2%, 0.3%, 0.4%, 0.5%, 0.6%, 0.7%, 0.8%, 0.9%, 1.0%, 1.1%, 1.2%, 1.3%, 1.4%, 1.5%, 1.6%, 1.7%, 1.8% or any range therebetween by weight of the composition.

[0095] Preparation method

[0096] Those skilled in the art will know how to prepare the unit dose articles and liquid laundry detergent compositions of the present invention using techniques known in the art.

[0097] Another aspect of the present invention is a process for preparing a water-soluble unit dose product according to the present invention, wherein a liquid laundry detergent composition is prepared by preparing a base composition comprising a non-amine oxide surfactant and adding an amine oxide surfactant to the base composition, wherein the amine oxide surfactant is added in the following manner;

[0098] a. in powder form; or

[0099] b. a premix, wherein the premix comprises the amine oxide surfactant and a non-aqueous solvent; or

[0100] c. mixtures thereof.

[0101] The amine oxide surfactant-non-aqueous solvent premix is ​​preferably substantially non-aqueous, i.e. preferably contains less than 20%, more preferably less than 10%, most preferably less than 5% water. The premix preferably contains at least 10%, preferably at least 20%, more preferably at least 30% amine oxide surfactant by weight of the premix. The premix may contain up to 35%, preferably 40%, more preferably 50%, even more preferably 60% amine oxide surfactant by weight of the premix.

[0102] Washing method

[0103] Another aspect of the invention is a method of washing comprising the steps of adding a water soluble unit dose product according to the invention to sufficient water to dilute the liquid detergent composition at least 300 times to form a wash liquor, and contacting items to be washed with the wash liquor.

[0104] Packaging products

[0105] Another aspect of the invention is a packaged product comprising a reclosable container and at least one water-soluble unit dose product according to the invention contained in the container.

[0106] Those skilled in the art will know relevant storage containers. Preferably, the storage container is a flexible, preferably resealable bag, a rigid, preferably reclosable bucket, or a mixture thereof, preferably wherein the storage container comprises a child-resistant closure. Those skilled in the art will know suitable child-resistant closures.

[0107] The packaging can be made of any suitable material. The container can be made of metal material, aluminum, plastic material, cardboard material, laminate, cellulose pulp material or their mixture. The packaging can be made of plastic material, preferably polyolefin material. The packaging can be made of polypropylene, polystyrene, polyethylene, polyethylene terephthalate, PVC or their mixture or more durable engineering plastics such as acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), polycarbonate, polyamide, etc. The material used to prepare the container can contain other ingredients, such as colorants, preservatives, plasticizers, UV stabilizers, oxygen, spices and moisture-proof recycling materials, etc.

[0108] use

[0109] Another aspect of the present invention is the use of an amphoteric surfactant in a liquid detergent composition contained in a water-soluble unit dose product according to the present invention to provide superior grease cleaning benefits and improved stability.

[0110] Example

[0111] Example 1: Liquid Wiredrawing

[0112] The following shear-thinning liquid detergent formulations were prepared using standard mixing techniques and equipment known to those skilled in the art. Amine oxide surfactants were added to the inventive samples where the non-aqueous solvent was predominant (i.e., the amount of non-aqueous solvent was greater than the amount of non-amine oxide surfactant). Comparative Samples 1 and 2 contained non-aqueous solvents that were not predominant with the amine oxide surfactant (Comparative Sample 1) or without the amine oxide surfactant (Comparative Sample 2).

[0113] Table 1

[0114]

[0115] 1: Dye fixing agent: poly(2-hydroxypropyldimethylammonium chloride), which is commercially available under the trade name TEXCARE DFC 6 from Clariant.

[0116] The liquid stringing distribution of these samples was evaluated by measuring the rupture time of the capillary formed when the test sample was stretched to a certain strain using a Haake Caber I extensional rheometer (Caber: capillary rupture extensional rheometer). The sample diameter was set to 6 mm, the initial sample height was set to 3 mm, the final sample height was set to 17.27 mm, the extension profile was set to linear, and the impact time was set to 100 ms. As shown in the data shown in the following table, when amine oxide was added to the liquid formulation, liquid stringing was significantly impaired (0.1466 in Comparative Sample 2 compared to 0.1616 in Comparative Sample 1), and surprisingly, the liquid formulation containing amine oxide surfactants in the case of a non-aqueous solvent dominating (the sample of the present invention) was less sensitive to liquid stringing than the comparative sample 1 with the same content of amine oxide, i.e., it showed a shorter capillary rupture time (0.1426 in the sample of the present invention compared to 0.1616 in Comparative Sample 1). In addition, the sample of the present invention showed even better performance in liquid stringing than the comparative sample 2 that did not contain amine oxide.

[0117] Table 2

[0118]

[0119] Example 2: Film plasticization properties

[0120] The effect of adding amine oxide on the plasticizing properties of water-soluble films in the presence of a predominantly non-aqueous solvent as in the samples prepared in Example 1 was evaluated. 75 µm thick water-soluble films based on polyvinyl alcohol (e.g. a blend of polyvinyl alcohol homopolymer and carboxylated anionic polyvinyl alcohol copolymer) as supplied by Monosol were used to evaluate the dependence of film plasticization on the presence of amine oxide in laundry detergent compositions. The effect of film plasticization on the presence of amine oxide in laundry detergent formulations according to the invention was defined by measuring the film elastic properties (E-modulus) and the stress at 100% strain after subjecting the water-soluble films to an aging test by immersion in the formulations of the invention, Sample 1 and Comparative Samples 1 to 5. A 12 cm x 17 cm film sample was immersed in 150 ml of the test liquid by the following steps: 1) selecting a flat, clean, inert glass container, 2) covering the bottom of the container with a thin layer of the Example formulation to be tested, 3) carefully spreading the film to be tested on the liquid, 4) gently pushing the air bubbles trapped under the film to the side, 5) gently pouring the remaining Example formulation on top of the film in a manner that the film was completely immersed in the liquid, ensuring that the film had no wrinkles and no air bubbles were in contact with the film, and 6) closing the glass container, and 7) storing the closed container at 35°C for 5 days, followed by 1 night at 21°C and 40% relative humidity. After aging, the film was removed from the Example formulation and gently wiped dry with soft, dry liquid-absorbing paper, and then the stress-strain distribution of the film after immersion was measured immediately. The E-modulus and stress-strain distribution of the film were measured using an Instron instrument (system ID #5567J4072 purchased from Instron Corporation). Film plasticizing properties are defined under constant temperature and relative humidity conditions (21 ± 1 ℃ and 45 ± 5% RH). The gauge length is set to 25mm. From the film sheet, longitudinally, i.e. the direction in which the film moves during the production process (the direction in which the film moves during the manufacturing process is defined by the film unwinding from the roll, in which the film has been transported from the manufacturer), 5 1 inch wide and 12cm long strips are cut out. The E-modulus and stress-strain curves of these 5 parallel determinations are defined, and the stress under 100% strain value when the average E-modulus and strain rate are 500mm / min is reported.

[0121] The dimensions and values ​​disclosed herein are not to be understood as being strictly limited to the exact numerical values ​​cited. Instead, unless otherwise indicated, each such dimension is intended to represent the stated value and a functionally equivalent range around that value. For example, a dimension disclosed as "40 mm" is intended to mean "about 40 mm".

[0122] Unless expressly excluded or otherwise limited, each document cited herein, including any cross-referenced or related patent or patent application and any patent application or patent to which this application claims priority or the benefit of, is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. The citation of any document is not an admission that it is prior art to any of the present invention disclosed or claimed herein, or an admission that it, by itself or in combination with any one or more of the references, proposes, suggests, or discloses any such invention. In addition, to the extent that any meaning or definition of a term in this invention conflicts with any meaning or definition of the same term in a document incorporated by reference, the meaning or definition assigned to that term in this invention shall govern.

[0123] Although specific embodiments of the present invention have been illustrated and described, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various other changes and modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Therefore, it is intended that all such changes and modifications within the scope of the present invention be covered in the appended claims.

Claims

1. A water-soluble unit dose product, comprising a water-soluble film and a liquid laundry detergent composition wrapped with the water-soluble film, wherein the liquid laundry detergent composition comprises: a) 2% to 8% by weight of the composition of an amine oxide surfactant, b) 20% to 35% by weight of the composition of a non-amine oxide surfactant, wherein the non-amine oxide surfactant is selected from the group consisting of C6-C 20 Linear alkylbenzene sulfonate, C6-C 20 Alkyl alkoxy sulfate, C6-C8 with a weight average alkoxylation degree in the range of 7 to 10 20 Alkoxylated alcohols, and any combination thereof, and c) 30% to 50% by weight of the composition of a non-aqueous solvent, wherein the non-aqueous solvent is selected from the group consisting of monohydric alcohols, diols, polyols, hydroxy ethers, and any combination thereof, The weight ratio of the non-amine oxide surfactant to the non-aqueous solvent in the liquid laundry detergent composition is 1:2 to 1:1.

25.

2. The water-soluble unit dose product according to claim 1, wherein the amine oxide surfactant is selected from C6-C 20 Alkyl dimethyl amine oxide, C 6-20 Amidoalkyldimethylamine oxide, and any combination thereof.

3. The water-soluble unit dose product according to claim 1, wherein the amine oxide surfactant is selected from C 10 -C 16 Alkyl dimethyl amine oxides and any combination thereof.

4. The water-soluble unit dose preparation according to claim 1, wherein the amine oxide surfactant is selected from the group consisting of dodecyl dimethyl amine oxide, tetradecyl dimethyl amine oxide, and any combination thereof.

5. The water-soluble unit dose product of claim 1, wherein the non-amine oxide surfactant comprises C6-C 20 Linear alkylbenzene sulfonate and C6-C 20 Alkoxylated alcohols, and optionally, including C6-C 20 Alkyl alkoxy sulfate.

6. The water-soluble unit dose preparation according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the non-aqueous solvent is selected from ethanol, propanol, terpineol, ethylene glycol, 1,2-propylene glycol, 1,3-propylene glycol, butylene glycol, glycerol, butanetriol, pentaerythritol, dipropylene glycol, n-butoxypropoxypropanol, diethylene glycol, and any combination thereof.

7. The water-soluble unit dose product according to claim 1, wherein the non-aqueous solvent is selected from 1,2-propylene glycol, glycerol, dipropylene glycol, and any combination thereof.

8. The water-soluble unit dose article of claim 1 wherein the liquid laundry detergent composition further comprises a dye fixing agent present in an amount ranging from 0.02% to 5% by weight of the composition.

9. The water-soluble unit dose article of claim 8, wherein the dye fixing agent is selected from the reaction product of an amine and epichlorohydrin, wherein the amine is a primary amine, a secondary amine, or a tertiary amine.

10. The water-soluble unit dose preparation according to claim 8, wherein the dye fixing agent is selected from the reaction products of dimethylamine and epichlorohydrin.

11. The water-soluble unit dose preparation of claim 8, wherein the dye fixing agent is poly (2-hydroxypropyl dimethyl ammonium chloride).

12. The water-soluble unit dose product according to claim 1, wherein the water-soluble film is a polymeric water-soluble film.

13. The water-soluble unit dose article of claim 12, wherein the polymer film comprises polyvinyl alcohol.

14. The water-soluble unit dose product of claim 1, comprising an adjunct ingredient selected from the group consisting of hueing dyes, polymers, builders, dye transfer inhibitors, dispersants, enzymes, enzyme stabilizers, catalytic materials, bleaches, bleach activators, polymeric dispersants, anti-redeposition agents, suds suppressors, aesthetic dyes, opacifiers, perfumes, perfume delivery systems, structurants, hydrotropes, processing aids, pigments, and mixtures thereof.

15. The water-soluble unit dose product according to claim 1, The amine oxide surfactant is dodecyl dimethyl amine oxide and / or tetradecyl dimethyl amine oxide. The non-oxidized amine surfactant comprises C6-C 20 Linear alkylbenzene sulfonate, C6-C 20 Alkyl alkoxy sulfates, C6-C 20 Each of the alkoxylated alcohols, and wherein the liquid laundry detergent composition comprises from 35% to 45% by weight of the composition of a non-aqueous solvent comprising propylene glycol, dipropylene glycol and glycerol.

16. The water-soluble unit dose product according to claim 1, wherein The C6-C 20 linear alkylbenzene sulfonate is present in an amount ranging from 2% to 15% by weight of the composition; and The C6-C 20 Alkyl alkoxy sulfate is present in an amount ranging from 2% to 15% by weight of the composition; and The C6-C 20 The alkoxylated alcohol is present in an amount ranging from 2% to 25% by weight of the composition.

17. The water-soluble unit dose product according to claim 1, wherein The C6-C 20 linear alkylbenzene sulfonate is present in an amount ranging from 3% to 10% by weight of the composition; and The C6-C 20 Alkyl alkoxy sulfate is present in an amount ranging from 3% to 10% by weight of the composition; and The C6-C 20 The alkoxylated alcohol is present in an amount ranging from 3% to 20% by weight of the composition.

18. A packaged product comprising a reclosable container and at least one water-soluble unit dose product according to any one of claims 1 to 17 contained therein.

19. A method for preparing a water-soluble unit dose product according to any one of claims 1 to 17, wherein the liquid laundry detergent composition is prepared by preparing a base composition comprising the non-amine oxide surfactant and adding the amine oxide surfactant to the base composition, wherein the amine oxide surfactant is added in the form of a powder or a premix, wherein the premix comprises the amine oxide surfactant and the non-aqueous solvent.

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