Substrates having water-soluble polymeric zones comprising freshening actives and consumer products comprising substrates

Abstract

A substrate (10) and consumer products made therefrom are provided. The substrate includes a surface and a water-soluble polymer region (12) disposed on and in contact with the surface. The water-soluble polymer region comprises a freshening active, a water-soluble film-forming polymer, and a surfactant.

Description

[0001] Division Explanation

[0002] This application is a divisional application of Patent Application No. 202080072838.5, titled "Substrate Having a Water-Soluble Polymer Region Containing a Freshness Active Substance and a Consumer Product Comprising the Substrate", filed on November 3, 2020, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Technical Field

[0003] The present invention relates to a substrate having a freshness active substance, a method for preparing the same, and a consumer product comprising the substrate. Background Art

[0004] Substrates such as films, nonwovens, and foams are common components in various ordinary consumer products. For example, grocery bags, garbage bags, sacks, and packaging materials are products typically made of thermoplastic films. Additionally, feminine hygiene products, baby diapers, adult incontinence products, and many other products include thermoplastic films and / or nonwovens to some extent. Cleaning tools may include foams and / or nonwoven substrates. Consumer products such as garbage bags, diapers, and cleaning tools can contain freshness active substances, such as fragrances. Freshness active substances that can volatilize at ambient temperature to control malodors can substantially volatilize during the production process, which can involve high-temperature melt extrusion of polyethylene or other plastics. Such volatilization during the production process can waste valuable volatile fragrances and freshness active substances and change the fragrance of the fragrances and freshness active substances when the components are differentially volatilized. In addition, the fragrances and freshness active substances that can be applied to the substrate can be limited to materials that will remain attached to the substrate without peeling or falling off. Therefore, it would be beneficial to provide a substrate for a consumer product having a freshness active substance that is stable until the freshness active substance is desired or needed to be released. Summary of the Invention

[0005] "Combination:"

[0006] A. A consumer product, the consumer product comprising:

[0007] A substrate, the substrate including a surface;

[0008] A water-soluble polymer region, the water-soluble polymer region disposed on and in contact with the surface, the water-soluble polymer region comprising a freshness active substance, a polymer, and a surfactant,

[0009] wherein the consumer product does not contain an adhesive disposed between the surface of the substrate and the water-soluble polymer region.

[0010] B. The consumer product according to paragraph A, wherein the freshness active substance is selected from the group consisting of: fragrance raw materials, deodorants, intercalated bleaches, cleaning active substances, antibacterial active substances, and combinations thereof.

[0011] C. The consumer product according to paragraph A or paragraph B, wherein the freshness active substance is encapsulated.

[0012] D. The consumer product according to any one of paragraphs A to C, wherein the substrate is selected from the group consisting of: non-woven fabrics, polymer films, foams, and combinations thereof.

[0013] E. The consumer product according to any one of paragraphs A to D, wherein the polymer is selected from the group consisting of: methyl cellulose, hydroxyethyl methyl cellulose, hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose, hydroxypropyl ethyl cellulose, ethyl cellulose, hydroxyethyl methyl cellulose, and combinations thereof.

[0014] F. The consumer product according to any one of paragraphs A to E, wherein the surfactant is selected from the group consisting of: ethoxylated sorbitan, sorbitan, and combinations thereof.

[0015] G. The consumer product according to any one of paragraphs A to F, wherein the water-soluble polymer region contains at least 70% by weight of the freshness active substance.

[0016] H. The thermoplastic film according to any one of paragraphs A to G, the thermoplastic film further comprising a plurality of discontinuous and dispersed water-soluble polymer regions.

[0017] I. The consumer product according to any one of paragraphs A to H, wherein the consumer product is selected from the group consisting of: wipes, dusters, dry mop pads, air filters, dryer sheets, bags, films, diapers, sanitary napkins, incontinence products, fiber-based detergents, paper towels, toilet paper, foam sponges, and combinations thereof.

[0018] J. A method for preparing a consumer product, the method comprising the steps of:

[0019] Providing a substrate;

[0020] Depositing a liquid water-soluble polymer composition onto one or more locations of the substrate, wherein the liquid water-soluble polymer composition contains a freshness active substance, a polymer, and a surfactant; and

[0021] Drying the liquid water-soluble polymer composition on the surface of the substrate to form one or more water-soluble polymer regions.

[0022] K. The method according to paragraph J, wherein the freshness active substance is selected from the group consisting of: fragrance raw materials, deodorants, intercalated bleaching agents, cleaning active substances, antibacterial active substances, and combinations thereof.

[0023] L. The method according to paragraph J or paragraph K, wherein the freshness active substance is encapsulated. M. The method according to any one of paragraphs J to L, wherein the substrate is selected from the group consisting of

[0024] non-woven fabrics, polymer films, foams, and combinations thereof.

[0025] N. The method according to any one of paragraphs J to M, wherein the polymer is selected from the group consisting of: methylcellulose, hydroxyethyl methylcellulose, hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, hydroxypropyl ethylcellulose, ethylcellulose, hydroxyethyl methylcellulose, and combinations thereof.

[0026] O. The method according to any one of paragraphs J to N, wherein the surfactant is selected from the group consisting of: ethoxylated sorbitan, sorbitan, and combinations thereof.

[0027] P. The method according to any one of paragraphs J to O, wherein the water-soluble polymer zone contains at least 70% by weight of the freshness active substance.

[0028] Q. The method according to any one of paragraphs J to P, wherein the step of depositing the liquid water-soluble polymer composition onto one or more locations of the substrate further comprises depositing the liquid water-soluble polymer composition onto a plurality of locations of the substrate, and wherein the step of drying the liquid water-soluble polymer composition on the surface of the substrate to form one or more water-soluble polymer zones further comprises drying the liquid water-soluble polymer composition on the surface of the substrate to form a plurality of discrete and dispersed water-soluble polymer zones.

[0029] R. The method according to any one of paragraphs J to Q, wherein the consumer product is selected from the group consisting of: wipes, dusters, dry mop pads, air filters, dryer sheets, bags, films, diapers, sanitary napkins, incontinence products, fiber-based detergents, paper towels, toilet paper, foam sponges, and combinations thereof.

[0030] S. The method according to any one of paragraphs J to R, wherein the water-soluble polymer composition has a contact angle of less than 70 degrees on the thermoplastic film. Description of the Drawings

[0031] Figure 1 is a schematic plan view of a film including a plurality of water-soluble polymer zones.

[0032] Figure 2 A perspective view of an exemplary non - limiting example of a thermoplastic bag.

[0033] Figure 3 A schematic cross - sectional view of a thermoplastic bag including a water - soluble polymer region.

[0034] Figure 4 A plan view of the outer wall of a thermoplastic bag, showing the placement area of the freshness - active substance of the thermoplastic bag.

[0035] Figure 5 Shows a manufacturing method for preparing a thermoplastic film having a water - soluble polymer region provided thereon and then producing a plastic bag therefrom.

[0036] Figure 6 A graph of the modulus of a water - soluble polymer region at different relative humidities.

[0037] Figure 7 A graph of the fragrance and malodor intensity of exemplary and comparative water - soluble polymer compositions.

[0038] Figure 8 A graph of the fragrance spill - over time and fragrance intensity of an exemplary water - soluble polymer region containing an encapsulated freshness - active substance provided between the layers of a multilayer thermoplastic bag compared to a water - soluble polymer region provided on the interior of the thermoplastic bag.

[0039] Figure 9 A graph of the reduction of malodor of a water - soluble polymer region containing an intercalated bleach active substance provided between the layers of a multilayer thermoplastic bag compared to a water - soluble polymer region provided on the interior of the thermoplastic bag. Detailed Description

[0040] The present invention can be more readily understood by reference to the following detailed description of exemplary and preferred compositions. It should be understood that the scope of the claims is not limited to the specific products, methods, conditions or parameters described herein, and the terms used herein are not intended to limit the present invention as claimed.

[0041] All percentages and ratios used herein are by weight of the total composition. All numerical ranges are narrower ranges including the end values; the upper and lower limits of the described ranges are interchangeable to further form ranges not explicitly described. Unless otherwise specifically stated, all ratios are weight ratios. All ranges are inclusive of the end values and combinable. The number of significant figures represents neither a limitation on the quantities shown nor a limitation on the precision of the measurement. All numerical values should be understood to be modified by the word "about" unless otherwise specifically indicated. Unless otherwise indicated, all measurements are understood to be made at about 25 °C and under ambient conditions, where "ambient conditions" means conditions at about 1 atmosphere and about 50% relative humidity.

[0042] The following definitions may be useful for understanding the present disclosure.

[0043] Unless otherwise indicated, "molecular weight" means weight-average molecular weight. Molecular weight is measured using an industry standard method, gel permeation chromatography ("GPC").

[0044] "Nonwoven fabric" means a porous fibrous material made from continuous (long) filaments (fibers) and / or discontinuous (short) filaments (fibers) by methods such as, for example, spunbonding, meltblowing, carding, etc. The nonwoven fiber web does not have a woven or knitted filament pattern.

[0045] As used herein, the term "freshness active substance" refers to a composition that affects (e.g., modifies and / or masks) an odor in at least one way. For example, a "freshness active substance" can absorb malodorous substances (e.g., malodorous odors) and / or can release fragrance materials. In addition, a "freshness active substance" can mask (e.g., cover) and / or neutralize malodorous substances. As used herein, the term "neutralize" or any of its derivatives refers to the ability of a compound or product to reduce or eliminate malodorous compounds. Odor neutralization can be partial, affecting only some of the malodorous compounds within a specified range, or only a portion of the malodorous compounds. Malodorous compounds can be neutralized by a chemical reaction that produces a new chemical entity, by multivalent chelation, by chelation, by association, or by any other interaction that makes the malodorous compound less malodorous or non-malodorous.

[0046] As used herein, the term "odor" refers to any substance that can stimulate a person's olfactory response; i.e., the sense of smell.

[0047] As used herein, the term "malodor" and any of its derivatives refers to an odor that is generally considered by the general population to be unpleasant, offensive, or nauseating, such as the broad-spectrum odor associated with household garbage, including odors associated with stale urine, feces, vomit, and decaying organic matter (e.g., food scraps, ordinary household garbage, such as garlic, onions, fish, etc.).

[0048] As used herein, the term "substantially" with respect to a given parameter, property, or condition means that a person of ordinary skill in the art will understand that within a degree of variation, such as within acceptable manufacturing tolerances, the given parameter, property, or condition is met. For example, depending on the particular parameter, property, or condition being substantially met, the parameter, property, or condition can be met at least 90.0%, at least 95.0%, at least 99.0%, or even at least 99.9%.

[0049] As used herein, any relative terms such as "first", "second", and "third", "inner", "outer", "upper", "lower", "side", "top", "bottom", etc. are for the purpose of clearly and conveniently understanding the present disclosure and the drawings, and do not imply or depend on any particular preference, orientation, or order, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. For example, the relative terms can refer to the orientation of a bag when placed for use in a container (e.g., a trash can).

[0050] One or more embodiments of the present disclosure include a substrate having a freshness active substance. The substrate can be incorporated into a consumer product.

[0051] Reference Figure 1 , the substrate can include a water-soluble polymer region 12 disposed on and in direct contact with the substrate 10. The water-soluble region includes a water-soluble polymer that immobilizes the freshness active substance to the substrate. The water-soluble polymer can be used to adhere the freshness active substance to the substrate and control the release of the freshness active substance therefrom. The release of the freshness active substance can be effected by friction, dissolution of the water-soluble polymer, heating, pH change, etc.

[0052] The water-soluble polymer composition can contain one or more freshness active substances such as volatile fragrance materials, desiccant materials, antimicrobial agents, deodorants, stabilized oxidants, functional nanoparticles, etc. Thus, the freshness active substance reduces a certain amount of malodorous molecules that permeate or pass through the membrane, masks the malodorous molecules, and / or otherwise neutralizes or blocks the malodor.

[0053] The freshness active substance can at least partially absorb and / or trap malodorous molecules. In other words, the freshness active substance can "capture" malodorous molecules. By absorbing and / or trapping malodorous molecules, the freshness active substance can help reduce or prevent the permeation or passage of malodorous molecules through the membrane.

[0054] Because the water-soluble polymer immobilizes the freshness active substance on the substrate, the freshness active substance can include substances that are not typically used in "fragrance" films. For example, the water-soluble polymer composition can prevent the premature release of the freshness active substance from the substrate, potentially coming into contact with the consumer, or causing premature activation of the freshness active substance. Thus, the film can employ liquids, viscous substances, oils, and / or solids as the freshness active substance. The water-soluble polymer composition is capable of controlling the release or exposure of the freshness active substance, thereby allowing the use of otherwise avoidable freshness active substances on the substrate, as the freshness active substance can be considered a skin irritant or can be associated with inhalation problems under some usage conditions. Using the water-soluble polymer zone to immobilize the freshness active substance to the substrate can also reduce waste of expensive freshness active substances that do not adhere properly to the substrate and would otherwise not be immobilized and potentially lost during manufacturing or handling prior to use.

[0055] The substrate including the water-soluble polymer zone of the present invention can be customized to provide enhanced release of one or more freshness active substances. Specifically, holding the freshness active substance in the water-soluble polymer composition can provide control over the release rate and / or the release direction of one or more substances of the freshness active substance. The substrate can include one or more different freshness active substances in regions or islands of the water-soluble polymer composition disposed on the substrate, which regions or islands release at different times or have different functions / effects. By using different water-soluble polymer composition formulations having different dissolution times compared to other water-soluble polymer compositions, and / or different molecular weight polymers that can affect the dissolution time and / or different water-soluble polymer zones having different thicknesses, specific regions of the substrate can be made to release the freshness active substance at different times.

[0056] The present disclosure includes consumer products made of or having such substrates. For example, such products include, but are not limited to, grocery bags, garbage bags, burlap sacks and packaging materials, feminine hygiene products, baby diapers, adult incontinence products, wipes, dusters, mop pads, air filters, dryer sheets, fiber-based detergents, paper towels, toilet paper, foam sponges, and combinations thereof. Consumer products can also include the same or similar products used in commercial or industrial environments. For ease of illustration, the figures and much of the following disclosure focus on films and bags. It should be understood that the teachings and disclosure are equally applicable to other consumer products. For example, nonwovens, woven materials, and / or foams can be used in place of the films described herein.

[0057] The water-soluble polymer composition can be disposed at various locations on the substrate. Some substrates can include a water-soluble polymer composition having a freshness active substance at one or more locations including the same or different freshness active substances.

[0058] The water-soluble polymer region is in direct contact with the surface of the substrate without the need for an additional adhesive to bond the water-soluble polymer region and the surface of the substrate. That is, the substrate can be free of an adhesive disposed between the water-soluble polymer region and the surface of the substrate and / or that adheres the water-soluble polymer region to the surface of the substrate. For example, the substrate can be free of a pressure-sensitive adhesive disposed between the water-soluble polymer region and the surface of the film and / or that adheres the water-soluble polymer region to the surface of the film. As used herein, "adhesive" includes acrylate and methacrylate homopolymers or copolymers, butyl rubber-based systems, silicones, urethanes, vinyl esters and amides, olefin copolymer materials, natural or synthetic rubbers, hot melt adhesives; polyethylene; polysiloxane; polyisobutylene; polyacrylate; polyacrylamide; polyurethane; plasticized ethylene vinyl acetate copolymer; and tacky rubbers such as polyisobutylene, polybutadiene, polystyrene isoprene copolymer, polystyrene-butadiene copolymer, and neoprene (polychloroprene) and combinations thereof. The adhesive can be present on the substrate or other parts of the consumer product as long as the adhesive is not used to bond the water-soluble polymer region to the substrate. As used herein, "adhesive" is considered a component different from the water-soluble film-forming polymer and the freshness active substance.

[0059] Substrate

[0060] Suitable substrates include woven fiber webs, non-woven fiber webs or films, such as polymer fiber web materials, (open-cell formed) thermoplastic films, (open-cell) plastic films, hydroformed thermoplastic films, reticulated thermoplastic films, and combinations, such as laminates thereof. The substrate can be a porous foam, reticulated foam, and thermoplastic scrim; tissue paper or combinations thereof.

[0061] Exemplary films can include thermoplastic polyolefins, including polyethylene and its copolymers and polypropylene and its copolymers. Olefin-based polymers can include ethylene- or propylene-based polymers, such as polyethylene, polypropylene, and copolymers such as ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA), ethylene methyl acrylate (EMA), and ethylene acrylic acid (EAA), or blends of such polyolefins.

[0062] Other examples of polymers suitable for use as the membranes of the present invention can include elastomeric polymers. Suitable elastomeric polymers can also be biodegradable or environmentally degradable. Suitable elastomeric polymers can include recycled elastomeric polymers, either alone or in combination with natural elastomeric polymers. Suitable elastomeric polymers for the membranes include poly(ethylene-butene), poly(ethylene-hexene), poly(ethylene-octene), poly(ethylene-propylene), poly(styrene-butadiene-styrene), poly(styrene-isoprene-styrene), poly(styrene-ethylene-butene-styrene), poly(ester-ether), poly(ether-amide), poly(ethylene-vinyl acetate), poly(ethylene-methyl acrylate), poly(ethylene-acrylic acid), oriented poly(ethylene terephthalate), poly(ethylene-butyl acrylate), polyurethanes, poly(ethylene-propylene-diene), ethylene-propylene rubber, nylon, etc. Suitable biodegradable elastomeric polymers include starch, polylactide, polyhydroxyalkanoates, bio-identical renewable resins such as bio-polyethylene, etc.

[0063] Some of the examples and descriptions below refer to membranes formed from linear low density polyethylene. As used herein, the term "linear low density polyethylene" (LLDPE) is defined to mean a copolymer of ethylene and a small amount of olefins containing 4 to 10 carbon atoms, having a density of about 0.910 to about 0.926, and a melt index (MI) of about 0.5 to about 10. For example, some of the examples herein use an octene comonomer, solution phase LLDPE (MI = 1.1; ρ = 0.920). Additionally, other examples use gas phase LLDPE, which is hexene gas phase LLDPE formulated with slip / AB (MI = 1.0; ρ = 0.920). Still other examples use gas phase LLDPE, which is hexene gas phase LLDPE formulated with slip / AB (MI = 1.0; ρ = 0.926). It should be understood that the present disclosure is not limited to LLDPE and can include "high density polyethylene" (HDPE), "low density polyethylene" (LDPE), and "very low density polyethylene" (VLDPE). In fact, membranes made from any of the previously mentioned thermoplastic materials or combinations thereof can be suitable for use with the present disclosure.

[0064] Some of the membranes of the present invention can include any flexible or pliable thermoplastic material that can be formed or stretched into a fibrous web or membrane. The thermoplastic material can be opaque, transparent, translucent, or colored. Additionally, the thermoplastic material can be breathable or non-breathable.

[0065] As used herein, the term "flexible" refers to a material that can be flexed or bent, particularly repeatedly, such that it is compliant and yieldable in response to an applied force. Thus, the meaning of "flexible" is substantially opposite to the terms inflexible, rigid, or unyielding. Accordingly, flexible materials and structures can be changed in shape and structure to accommodate an external force and conform to the shape of an object with which they are in contact without losing their integrity. In accordance with additional prior art materials, there are provided web materials that exhibit "elastomeric-like" behavior in the direction of an applied strain without the use of additional conventional elastomers. As used herein, the term "elastomeric-like" describes the behavior of a web material that, when subjected to an applied strain, extends in the direction of the applied strain and, when the applied strain is released, the web material returns, to some extent, to its prestrained state.

[0066] The film can include a slip agent, an anti-blocking agent, a voiding agent, or a tackifier. The film can be voiding-agent free. Some examples of inorganic voiding agents that can further provide odor control include, but are not limited to, the following: calcium carbonate, magnesium carbonate, barium carbonate, calcium sulfate, magnesium sulfate, barium sulfate, calcium oxide, magnesium oxide, titanium oxide, zinc oxide, aluminum hydroxide, magnesium hydroxide, talc, clay, silica, alumina, mica, glass powder, starch, charcoal, zeolite, any combination thereof, etc. Organic voiding agents, polymers that are immiscible in the primary polymer matrix, can also be used. For example, polystyrene can be used as a voiding agent in polyethylene and polypropylene films.

[0067] The film can include natural oils. For example, the additives can include thymol oil, peppermint oil, lemongrass oil, tea tree oil, cinnamon bark oil, methyl jasmonate, etc. Other additives can include zinc pyrithione ("ZPT") and copper pyrithione ("CPT") that inhibit the growth of microorganisms.

[0068] One of ordinary skill in the art will understand that manufacturers can use a variety of techniques to form a film or web for use with the present disclosure. For example, a manufacturer can form a precursor mixture of a thermoplastic material and one or more additives. The manufacturer can then use conventional flat or cast extrusion or coextrusion to form a film from the precursor mixture to produce a single-layer, double-layer, or multi-layer film. Alternatively, the manufacturer can use a suitable method to form a film, such as a blown film method to produce a single-layer, double-layer, or multi-layer film. If desired for a given end use, the manufacturer can orient the film by trapping air bubbles, a tenter frame, or other suitable methods. Additionally, the manufacturer can optionally anneal the film thereafter.

[0069] The membrane preparation method may include a process called "orientation". The orientation of a polymer refers to its molecular organization, i.e., the orientation of the molecules relative to each other. Similarly, the orientation process is a process that imposes directionality (orientation) on the arrangement of polymers in the membrane. The orientation process is used to impart desired properties to the membrane, including making the cast film tougher (higher tensile properties). Depending on whether the membrane is made into a flat film by casting or a tubular film by blow molding, the orientation process may require different procedures. This is related to the fact that membranes made by two conventional film-making processes have different physical properties; casting and blow molding. Generally speaking, blown films tend to have greater stiffness and toughness. In contrast, cast films typically have the advantages of greater film transparency and uniformity of thickness and flatness, usually allowing the use of a wider range of polymers and producing higher-quality films.

[0070] When the membrane has been stretched in a single direction (uniaxial orientation), the resulting membrane may exhibit strength and stiffness in the stretching direction, but may be weaker in the other direction (i.e., across the stretching direction) and often splits when bent or pulled. To overcome this limitation, biaxial or double-axis orientation can be employed to more evenly distribute the strength quality of the membrane in two directions. Most biaxial orientation processes use equipment that stretches the membrane successively in one direction and then in the other direction.

[0071] In one or more embodiments, the membrane can be a blown film or a cast film. Blown films and cast films are formed by extrusion. The extruder used can be a conventional extruder using a die, which will provide the desired specifications. Some available extruders are described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,814,135; 4,857,600; 5,076,988; 5,153,382; each of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Examples of various extruders that can be used to produce the membranes to be used with the present disclosure can be of the single-screw type modified with a blown film die head, an air ring, and continuous take-up equipment.

[0072] Manufacturers can use multiple extruders to supply different melt streams, and a feedblock can sort the melt streams into different channels of a multi-channel die. Multiple extruders can allow manufacturers to form membranes with layers of different compositions. Such membranes can subsequently be laminated discontinuously with another layer of membrane to provide the benefits of the present disclosure.

[0073] In the blown film process, the die can be an upright cylinder with a circular opening. Rolls can pull the molten plastic upward away from the die. As the membrane travels upward, an air ring can cool the membrane. An air outlet can force compressed air into the center of the extruded circular profile, creating a bubble. The air can expand the extruded circular cross-section by a multiple of the die diameter. This ratio is called the "blow-up ratio". When using the blown film process, the manufacturer can collapse the membrane to double the layers of the membrane. Alternatively, the manufacturer can cut and fold the membrane, or cut and leave the membrane unfolded.

[0074] The extrusion process can orient the polymer chains of the blown film. "Orientation" of a polymer refers to its molecular organization, i.e., the orientation of the molecules or polymer chains relative to each other. In particular, the extrusion process can cause the polymer chains of the blown film to be mainly oriented longitudinally. The orientation of the polymer chains can result in an increase in strength in the direction of orientation. As used herein, being mainly oriented in a particular direction means that the polymer chains are more oriented in the particular direction than in another direction. However, it should be understood that a film that is mainly oriented in a particular direction may still include polymer chains that are oriented in a direction different from the particular direction. Thus, the initial or starting film (the film before being stretched or bonded or laminated according to the principles described herein) can include a blown film that is mainly oriented longitudinally.

[0075] The method of blowing a tubular stock or bubble can further orient the polymer chains of the blown film. In particular, the blowing process can cause the polymer chains of the blown film to be biaxially oriented. Although biaxially oriented, the polymer chains of the blown film can be mainly oriented longitudinally (i.e., more oriented longitudinally than transversely).

[0076] The film of one or more embodiments of the present disclosure can have an initial gauge in the range of from about 0.1 mil to about 20 mils, suitably from about 0.2 mil to about 4 mils, suitably in the range of from about 0.3 mil to about 2 mils, suitably from about 0.6 mil to about 1.25 mils, suitably from about 0.9 mil to about 1.1 mils, suitably from about 0.3 mil to about 0.7 mils, and suitably from about 0.4 mil to about 0.6 mils. Additionally, the initial gauge of the film of one or more embodiments of the present disclosure can be non-uniform. Thus, the initial gauge of the film of one or more embodiments of the present disclosure can vary along the length and / or width of the film.

[0077] As an initial material, one or more layers of the film described herein can comprise any flexible or pliable material that comprises a thermoplastic material and can be formed or stretched into a fibrous web or film. As described above, the film can comprise a single-layer or multi-layer thermoplastic film. Each individual film layer itself can comprise a single layer or multiple layers. In other words, the respective layers of the film can each comprise multiple laminated layers themselves. Such layers can be bonded together more tightly than the bonding provided by intentionally weak discontinuous bonds in the finished film. Tight and relatively weak lamination can be achieved by mechanically pressing the layers together, bonding the layers with an adhesive, bonding with heat and pressure, spread coating, extrusion coating, and combinations thereof. Adjacent sub-layers of a single layer can be co-extruded. Co-extrusion results in a tight bond such that the bond strength is greater than the tear resistance of the resulting laminate (i.e., the film will tear rather than allow the adjacent layers to peel apart through the breakage of the laminated bond).

[0078] The surface on one or both sides of the membrane can be embossed before applying the water-soluble polymer composition. Applying the water-soluble polymer composition to the embossed surface can enhance the adhesion of the water-soluble polymer composition.

[0079] Suitable substrates include fibrous web materials comprising natural fibers or synthetic fibers or combinations thereof (e.g., woven or non-woven fibrous webs).

[0080] Examples of natural fibers can include cellulose natural fibers such as fibers from hardwood sources, softwood sources or other non-woody plants, and animal fibers such as wool, silk, fur and hair.

[0081] Synthetic fibers can be any material such as, but not limited to, those selected from the group consisting of: polyesters (e.g., polyethylene terephthalate), polyolefins, polypropylene, polyethylene, polyethers, polyamides, polyesteramides, polyvinyl alcohol, polyhydroxyalkanoates, polysaccharides, and combinations thereof.

[0082] In addition, synthetic fibers can be single-component (i.e., a single synthetic material or mixture constitutes the entire fiber), bicomponent (i.e., the fiber is divided into regions that include two or more different synthetic materials or mixtures thereof, and can include coextruded fibers as well as core and sheath fibers), and combinations thereof. Bicomponent fibers can be used as component fibers of the fibrous web material, and / or their presence can be used as an adhesive for other fibers present in the fibrous web material.

[0083] Any or all synthetic fibers can be treated before, during or after manufacture to alter any desired properties of the fibers. For example, instead of applying a block copolymer to the substrate or in addition to applying a block copolymer to the substrate, the fibers can be coated with a block copolymer as described herein. As used herein, the terms "coated substrate" or "substrate coated with..." are intended to cover such embodiments.

[0084] In some embodiments, the substrates herein can be or can include non-woven fibrous web materials, whereby the non-woven fibrous web can be manufactured by a variety of known techniques. Non-limiting examples of techniques include spunbonding, carding, wet-laying, air-laying, meltblowing, needling, mechanical entanglement, thermomechanical entanglement, hydroentangling, calendaring bonding, and combinations thereof.

[0085] The substrate can be or can include a laminated fibrous web of two or more non-woven fibrous webs. The laminated fibrous web can include a spunbond layer (S) and / or a meltblown layer (M) and / or a carded layer. Suitable laminated fibrous webs include, but are not limited to, SS, SSS, SMS, SMMS or SMMMS. In some embodiments, the laminated fibrous web can include nanofibers having a diameter less than 1 μm.

[0086] The substrate may further include a laminate of a nonwoven layer and a film layer.

[0087] The substrate may include or consist of a foam material. Suitable foams for use herein are selected from the group of foams consisting of: polyurethane foam; polypropylene foam; polyethylene foam; cellulose foam sponge; naturally occurring sponge; open-cell polyester foam; and crosslinked polyethylene foam; and combinations thereof. The foam may include melamine-formaldehyde resin foam. The foam may be thermally compressed. For example, the foam may be a thermally compressed melamine-formaldehyde resin foam.

[0088] Water-soluble Polymer Composition

[0089] The water-soluble polymer composition for preparing the water-soluble polymer zone comprises a water-soluble film-forming polymer, a freshness active substance comprising an amount of freshness agent sufficient to resist malodorous components in or around the substrate, and water. The water-soluble polymer composition is applied to the substrate in liquid form. Most of the water in the water-soluble polymer composition evaporates, leaving a dry or substantially dry water-soluble polymer zone on the substrate. The water-soluble polymer zone fixes the freshness active substance to the substrate until activation activity occurs. Activation activity may include friction, moisture, heating, pH change, etc. and combinations thereof. The water-soluble polymer zone dissolves in the presence of moisture from the surrounding environment.

[0090] Prior to exposure to moisture from the environment, the water-soluble polymer zone is provided on the substrate as a dry water-soluble polymer composition. Prior to use and / or prior to exposure to moisture from the environment and / or in the absence of moisture or water, the freshness active substance may be released only minimally (if at all) in dry form from the water-soluble polymer zone. Without being bound by theory, when exposed to moisture from the surrounding environment, the water-soluble polymer zone or the water-soluble polymer composition dissolves, decomposes, and / or loses its physical integrity. When the water-soluble polymer zone or the water-soluble polymer composition softens and / or dissolves, the freshness active substance may be released. By fixing the freshness active substance in the water-soluble polymer zone until activation activity occurs, the freshness active substance can counteract malodors when the malodors in and around the substrate approach levels undesirable to the consumer.

[0091] Some water-soluble polymer zones may include a freshness active substance activated by friction. Such water-soluble polymer zones may release the freshness active substance under applied frictional force, while the water-soluble polymer zone dissolves or loses its physical integrity or does not dissolve or lose its physical integrity.

[0092] Before releasing the active substance, the water-soluble polymer region is substantially free of water, or may contain less than about 15%, 12%, or 10% water by weight of the water-soluble polymer region based on the total weight of the water-soluble polymer region, or contains from about 0.001% to about 15% water, or from about 0.05% to about 10% water.

[0093] Preferred water-soluble film-forming polymers may be selected from polyethylene oxide polymers, polyvinyl alcohol, polyvinylpyrrolidone, acrylamide, acrylic acid, cellulose, cellulose ethers, cellulose esters, cellulose amides, polyvinyl acetate, polycarboxylic acids and salts, polyamino acids or peptides, polyamides, polyacrylamides, copolymers of maleic acid / acrylic acid, polysaccharides (including starch) and gelatin, natural gums (such as xanthan gum and carrageenan), polyacrylates and water-soluble acrylate copolymers, polymethacrylates, methyl cellulose, carboxymethyl cellulose, hydroxyethyl cellulose, hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose, dextrin, maltodextrin, their salts, and combinations thereof.

[0094] Additional water-soluble film-forming polymers for the water-soluble polymer zone can be selected from polyethylene glycol, pullulan, carbohydrate polymers such as natural polysaccharides or derivatives (including pectin and derivatives), sodium alginate, methyl methacrylate copolymer, carboxyvinyl polymer, amylase, pectin, chitin, chitosan, fructan, elsinan, collagen, gelatin, zein, gluten, soy protein isolate, whey protein isolate, casein, gums (such as guar gum, gum arabic, tragacanth gum, xanthan gum, sodium gellan gum, indian gum, okra gum, sterculia gum, locust bean gum, tara gum, mountain ash seed gum, fenugreek seed gum, scleroglucan, psyllium seed gum, tamarind gum, oat gum, mountain ash seed gum, rhizobium gum, biosynthetic gum, khaya gum, pectin, arabic, konjac glucomannan, galactomannan, gracilaria gum, acetylated mannan, welan gum, rhamnan, agar, succinoglycan, scleroglucan and dextran, linseed gum), propylene glycol, alginate, starch (such as amylose, amylopectin, modified starch, hydroxyethyl starch, carboxymethyl starch, high amylose starch, hydroxypropylated high amylose starch, biosynthetic processed starch, starch such as rice, corn, potato and wheat), dextran, dextrin and maltodextrin, konjac, acetylated mannan from aloe vera, carrageenan, scleroglucan, succinoglucan, pine polysaccharide, chondroitin sulfate, hyaluronic acid, gellan gum, deacetylated konjac, water-soluble non-gelling polypeptides or proteins (such as gelatin, albumin, milk protein, soy protein and whey protein), hydrocolloids (such as synthetic hydrocolloids exemplified by polyethyleneimine), hydroxyethyl cellulose, sodium carboxymethyl cellulose, carboxymethyl cellulose, hydroxypropyl cellulose, hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose, methyl cellulose, ethyl cellulose, polyacrylic acid, low molecular weight polyacrylamide and their sodium salts (carbomer), polyvinylpyrrolidone, polyethylene glycol, polyethylene oxide, polyvinyl alcohol, pluronics, diketopiperazines and other block copolymers, carboxyvinyl polymer and colloidal silica, soluble polyesters, natural seaweeds, natural seeds, natural plant exudates, natural fruit extracts, glycyrrhizic acid, polyacrylic acid, vinyl polymers, cationic polymers, acrylic polymers (such as sodium polyacrylate, ethyl polyacrylate and polyacrylamide) and combinations.

[0095] The water-soluble film-forming polymer can be selected from the group consisting of: polyethylene oxide polymers, polyvinyl alcohol, polyvinyl alcohol copolymers, starch, methyl cellulose, sodium carboxymethyl cellulose, hydroxyethyl cellulose, hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose, hydroxypropyl cellulose and combinations. Preferred polymers, copolymers or their derivatives for the water-soluble polymer composition for the water-soluble polymer zone are selected from polyethylene oxide, methyl cellulose, hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose, hydroxypropyl cellulose and combinations thereof.

[0096] The water-soluble film-forming polymer can be made from polyethylene oxide such as polyethylene oxide film or polyethylene glycol, and includes POLYOX, sold by the Dow Chemical Company. Polyethylene oxide includes POLYOX WSR N-10 (having a molecular weight of 10,000), WSR N-80 (having a molecular weight of about 200,000), and WSR N750 (having a molecular weight of about 300,000) with corresponding solubility characteristics. In one aspect, the water-soluble film contains polyethylene oxide having a molecular weight of about 500 to about 10,000,000, or about 10,000 to about 1,000,000, or about 100,000 to about 300,000, or about 150,000 to about 250,000.

[0097] Other water-soluble film-forming polymers can include plasticized methylcellulose and / or plasticized hydroxypropyl methylcellulose and / or plasticized hydroxypropyl cellulose. As used herein, "plasticized" means a composition of methylcellulose or hydroxypropyl methylcellulose or hydroxypropyl cellulose and a plasticizer, wherein the plasticizer is used in an amount of about 2% to about 80% or about 2% to about 60%, or about 10% to about 50% or about 20% to about 45% by weight of the composition.

[0098] Most preferably, the water-soluble film-forming polymer can be selected from the group consisting of methylcellulose, hydroxyethyl methylcellulose, hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, hydroxypropyl ethylcellulose, ethylcellulose, hydroxyethyl methylcellulose, and combinations thereof. It has been found that after the water-soluble polymer composition is dried on the film, such cellulose materials adhere well to the film and do not flake off from the surface of the film.

[0099] Hydroxypropyl methylcellulose can be METHOCEL TM E5LV, a low-viscosity water-soluble cellulose ether purchased from Dow / Coloron LTD and having a viscosity of about 4.0 mPa·s - 6.0 mPa·s (2% in water, at 20 °C). Other METHOCEL TM grades include METHOCEL TM E3LV (viscosity of about 2.4 mPa·s - 3.6 mPa·s, 2% in water, at 20 °C), METHOCEL TM E6LV (viscosity of about 4.8 mPa·s - 7.2 mPa·s, 2% in water, at 20 °C), METHOCEL TM E15LV (viscosity of about 12 mPa·s - 18 mPa·s, 2% in water, at 20 °C), METHOCEL TME50LV (viscosity of about 40 mPa·s - 60 mPa·s, 2% in water, at 20 °C) and METHOCEL TM K3LV (viscosity of about 2.4 mPa·s - 3.6 mPa·s, 2% in water, at 20 °C).

[0100] The poly(ethylene oxide) polymer or cellulose ether can be combined with an additional polymer, such as a polymer, copolymer, or derivative thereof that can be other water-soluble film-forming polymers. The additional polymer can be selected from polyvinyl alcohol, polyvinylpyrrolidone, polyalkylene oxide, acrylamide, acrylic acid, cellulose, cellulose ether, cellulose ester, cellulose amide, polyvinyl acetate, polycarboxylic acid and salts, polyamino acid or peptide, polyamide, polyacrylamide, copolymer of maleic acid / acrylic acid, polysaccharides (including starch) and gelatin, natural gums (such as xanthan gum and carrageenan), polyacrylate and water-soluble acrylate copolymer, polymethacrylate, methylcellulose, carboxymethylcellulose, hydroxyethylcellulose, hydroxypropylmethylcellulose, dextrin, maltodextrin, their salts, and combinations thereof. In one aspect, the water-soluble polymer zone comprises a poly(ethylene oxide) polymer and an additional polymer selected from the group consisting of polyvinyl alcohol, polyvinyl alcohol copolymer, starch, methylcellulose, sodium carboxymethylcellulose, hydroxyethylcellulose, hydroxypropylmethylcellulose, and combinations.

[0101] Also suitable is a mixture of poly(ethylene oxide) polymers having different molecular weights. The additional polymer can have a weight-average molecular weight of about 1,000 Daltons to 1,000,000 Daltons (Da) (e.g., about 50,000 Da to 300,000 Da, or about 20,000 Da to 150,000 Da). The level of the water-soluble film-forming polymer in the water-soluble film in the dry state can be about 20% to about 90%, or about 45% to about 85%, or about 50% to about 70% by weight of the water-soluble polymer zone.

[0102] The water-soluble film-forming polymer can be a combination of poly(ethylene oxide) (such as POLYOX WSR N-80) and methylcellulose or hydroxypropylmethylcellulose (such as METHOCEL TM E5LV) and an optional plasticizer. In another aspect, the water-soluble film / fluid can be a combination of poly(ethylene oxide) and ethanol (e.g., such as a 20% poly(ethylene oxide) solution and the remainder is a 66:33 ethanol:water mixture).

[0103] The water-soluble polymer composition may further comprise one or more plasticizers. For example, it may be beneficial to add the plasticizer at a level of about 2% to about 80% or about 2% to about 60% by weight of the water-soluble polymer composition or the water-soluble film-forming polymer. The plasticizer may be, for example, glycerol, ethylene glycol, diethylene glycol, hexylene glycol, triethylene glycol, propylene glycol, polyethylene glycol, polypropylene glycol, alkyl citrates, sorbitol, pentaerythritol, glucosamine, N-methylglucosamine, sodium cumenesulfonate, and mixtures thereof. In one aspect, the plasticizer is glycerol. Other plasticizers may include vegetable oils, polysorbates, polyethylene oxides, polydimethylsiloxanes, mineral oils, paraffins, C1-C3 alcohols, dimethyl sulfoxide, N,N-dimethylacetamide, sucrose, corn syrup, fructose, sodium dioctyl sulfosuccinate, triethyl citrate, tributyl citrate, 1,2-propanediol, monoacetate, diacetate, or triacetate of glycerol, natural gums, citrates, and mixtures thereof.

[0104] The water-soluble polymer composition may comprise one or more surfactants for dissolving water-insoluble materials, such as water-insoluble freshness active substances. The surfactants suitable for the aqueous compositions of the present invention can be any surfactants suitable for household cleaning, fabric treatment, or deodorant compositions. These include anionic, nonionic, cationic, amphoteric, and zwitterionic detergents.

[0105] Examples of anionic surfactants include C8-C22 alkyl sulfates, alkylbenzene sulfonates having 9 to 15 carbon atoms in the alkyl group, alkyl ethylene oxide ether sulfates having 8 to 22 carbon atoms and 1 to 30 ethylene oxide groups in the alkyl chain, and C8 to C22 fatty acid soaps. Examples of nonionic surfactants include condensates of 3 to 30 moles of ethylene oxide with aliphatic alcohols having 8 to 22 carbon atoms, condensates of 5 to 30 moles of ethylene oxide with alkylphenols (where the alkyl contains 9 to 15 carbon atoms), and C8 to C22 alkyl dimethylamine oxides. In one embodiment, the nonionic surfactant is one called Tergitol available from The Dow Chemical Company TMSecondary alcohol ethoxylates of 15 - S. Other examples of non - ionic surfactants include ethoxylated sorbitols, including polysorbates 20, 25, 40, 60, 65, 80, and 120; sorbitols, including: sorbitan stearates and sorbitan X stearates, where X is monolaurate sorbitan, dilaurate sorbitan, trilaurate sorbitan, isosorbide monolaurate, diisosorbide dilaurate, triisosorbide trilaurate, sesquisorbide monolaurate, sesquisoisosorbide monolaurate, sorbitan monolaurate, and sorbitan X monolaurate, where X is mono, and other combinations; and combinations thereof. Examples of amphoteric surfactants and zwitterionic surfactants are found in U.S. Patent 3,929,678 to Laughlin et al., issued December 30, 1975, columns 19 line 38 to column 22 line 48. Examples of cationic surfactants are tetraalkyl quaternary ammonium salts having at least one alkyl chain of 8 to 22 carbon atoms, where the other alkyl groups may contain 1 to 22 carbon atoms, and where the anionic counterion is a halogen, ethyl sulfate, or methyl sulfate. The term "household cleaning and fabric treatment and deodorizing compositions" herein includes fabric washing, softening, and freshening compositions, as well as floor, mat, and other household surface treatment compositions that require cleaning and / or impart beneficial treatments or properties to surfaces. Additional surfactants are disclosed in U.S. Patent 3,664,961 to Norris, issued May 23, 1972.

[0106] The water - soluble polymer composition may contain one or more additional ingredients, including extenders, fillers, diluents, stabilizers, emulsifiers, thickeners, preservatives, binders, colorants, pigments, solubilizers, wetting agents, water - soluble inert fillers, buffers, penetration enhancers, and combinations. Thickeners may include gum arabic, carrageenan, karaya gum, tragacanth gum, locust bean gum, quince seed or Cydonia oblonga, casein, dextrin, gelatin, sodium pectinate, sodium alginate, methyl cellulose, ethyl cellulose, CMC, hydroxyethyl cellulose, hydroxypropyl cellulose, polyvinyl alcohol, PVM, PVP, sodium polyacrylate, carboxyvinyl polymer, locust bean gum, guar gum, tamarind gum, cellulose dialkyldimethylammonium sulfate, xanthan gum, magnesium aluminum silicate, bentonite, hectorite, AIMg silicate or beagum, synthetic hectorite, and silicon anhydride.

[0107] Stabilizers may include xanthan gum, locust bean gum, and carrageenan, guar gum, sugars, polyols, amino acids, or methylamine. Emulsifiers may include triethanolamine stearate, quaternary compounds, gum arabic, gelatin, lecithin, bentonite, sodium benzoate.

[0108] When applied to a substrate, especially when the water-soluble polymer composition is sprayed onto the substrate, the viscosity of the water-soluble polymer composition can be in the range of 5,000 mPa-s to 10,000 mPa-s.

[0109] The water-soluble polymer composition can be formulated such that the freshness active substance remains in the water-soluble polymer composition until the relative humidity is relatively high, so as to delay the release of the freshness active substance until it is most needed to combat malodorous compounds. For example, the relative humidity in a trash can can start at about 50% and can increase to at least 70% during normal use. Thus, the choice of the water-soluble film-forming polymer can result in a modulus of the pure water-soluble polymer region of at least about 2,000 MPa at 40% relative humidity, and the modulus can be reduced to about 1,000 MPa at 75% relative humidity or higher. When carrying the freshness active substance, the modulus can be significantly lower because these can have a plasticizing effect. Here, the modulus of the modified water-soluble polymer region can be 400 MPa at 40% relative humidity and is reduced to 30 MPa at 75% relative humidity or higher. Thus, the water-soluble polymer region remains on the freshness active substance until the relative humidity in the trash increases.

[0110] The choice of the water-soluble film-forming polymer can improve the wetting and adhesion of the water-soluble polymer composition on the substrate. Sufficient wetting and adhesion can occur when the water-soluble polymer composition has a contact angle of less than 70 degrees.

[0111] The polymer should be water-soluble / highly swellable such that it will soften upon exposure to moisture to release the active substance. For example, polymers that swell only in hot water (gelatin) or polymers that are initiated by acid-base chemistry (chitosan) may be less preferred.

[0112] When the polymer softens or dissolves in response to moisture from the surrounding environment, the water-soluble polymer region can change opacity or color over time. The change in opacity or color can be a visual indication to the consumer that the freshness active substance is working.

[0113] Fresh Active Substance

[0114] When in liquid form, the water-soluble polymer composition contains about 30% to about 80% or about 40% to about 90%, more preferably about 40% to about 75% of the freshness active substance.

[0115] The freshness active substance may include one or more substances. The one or more substances may include gases, liquids, colloidal suspensions, and / or solid substances. The freshness active substance may include one or more volatile fragrance materials (i.e., fragrance materials capable of being delivered to the olfactory system) and deodorants (e.g., deodorant compositions having a deodorizing effect on unpleasant odors such as those associated with activated nitrogen compounds, activated sulfur compounds, etc.). As used herein, the term "fragrance" refers to any mixture or composition containing one or more fragrance raw materials, with or without one or more carrier solvents configured to emit a pleasant odor. Additionally, as used herein, the term "perfume" refers to a compound used due to its attractive odor. In the context of the present disclosure, a compound may have a pleasant odor without being used as a perfume.

[0116] Furthermore, the freshness active substance may include one or more desiccant materials (e.g., hygroscopic substances having a high affinity for water and used as desiccants such as calcium oxide or silica gel), antimicrobial agents (e.g., zinc pyrithione ("ZPT") and / or copper pyrithione ("CPT")), deodorants, and functional nanoparticles. The freshness active substance may include absorbents.

[0117] The freshness active substance may include natural oils. For example, the freshness active substance may include thyme oil, peppermint oil, lemongrass oil, tea tree oil, cinnamon bark oil, methyl jasmonate, etc.

[0118] The freshness active substance may include a variety of different components. For example, the freshness active substance may include a first component of a deodorant and a second component of a volatile fragrance material. In another non-limiting example, the freshness active substance may include a first component of a deodorant, a second component of an antimicrobial agent, and a third component of a volatile fragrance material. Additionally, the freshness active substance may include a variety of different components to provide fragrances with different expressions (e.g., intensity and / or characteristics).

[0119] The freshness active substance can help reduce the amount of substrate or malodorous molecules (e.g., unpleasant odor molecules) that penetrate through the first and second sidewalls 102, 104 of the bag 100 or that permeate from it. Additionally, the freshness active substance can help control the amount of PRM molecules that penetrate through the substrate of the first and second sidewalls 102, 104 of the bag 100. As used herein, the term "permeate" can refer to molecules that pass through the first and second sidewalls 102, 104 or any portion thereof. Further, when referring to a material, the terms "permeable" and any of its derivative terms mean that the material has pores, gaps, or other means through which a fluid (e.g., gas and / or liquid) can pass. Specifically, when referring to a liquid, once a liquid-permeable material is saturated with the liquid, no force greater than gravity is required to move the liquid through the liquid-permeable material. When referring to a gas, once a gas-permeable material is saturated with the gas, no force greater than simple diffusion (i.e., the movement of molecules from a higher to a lower concentration) is required to move the gas through the gas-permeable material.

[0120] The freshness active substance can help prevent malodorous molecules from permeating through the substrate of the bag 100. For example, the freshness active substance can at least partially absorb and / or trap malodorous molecules that penetrate from the interior of the bag 100 into the freshness active substance. In other words, the freshness active substance can "capture" malodorous molecules. The air within the freshness active substance (e.g., air bubbles) can trap malodorous molecules. Additionally, the freshness active substance can trap malodorous molecules by reacting with the malodorous molecules having, for example, reactive substances. The freshness active substance can also neutralize malodorous molecules by reacting with them. By absorbing and / or trapping malodorous molecules, the freshness active substance can prevent malodorous molecules from permeating to the exterior of the bag 100. Thus, compared to the sidewalls of a conventional thermoplastic bag, the bag 100 of the present disclosure can allow fewer malodorous molecules to penetrate through the substrate of the first and second sidewalls 102, 104 of the bag 100.

[0121] In addition, the freshness active substance can include a plurality of different substances configured to be released at different times. For example, the freshness active substance can include a first odor control element released during a first 24-hour period, a second odor control element released during a second 24-hour period (e.g., 24 hours to 28 hours), and a third odor control element released during a third 24-hour period (e.g., 48 hours to 72 hours). As another non-limiting example, the freshness active substance can include a first layer that initially releases an aromatic material, a second layer that releases the aromatic material after a certain period of time (e.g., with a delayed release), and a third layer that releases the aromatic material after a longer certain period of time (e.g., with a longer delayed release).

[0122] For example, one or more portions of the freshness active substance can be encapsulated to delay the release of the portion of the freshness active substance. One or more portions of the freshness active substance can be encapsulated in one or more of starch, cyclodextrin starch materials, or fragrance microcapsules. The microcapsules can include melamine, polyacrylamide, silicone, silica, polystyrene, polyurea, polyurethane, polyacrylate-based materials, gelatin, styrene maleic anhydride, polyamide, and mixtures thereof. Additionally, the microcapsules can include melamine crosslinked with formaldehyde, melamine dimethoxyethanol crosslinked with formaldehyde, and mixtures thereof. The microcapsules can include polystyrene crosslinked with divinylbenzene, urea crosslinked with formaldehyde, urea crosslinked with glutaraldehyde, polyacrylates formed from methyl methacrylate or dimethylaminoethyl methacrylate, polyacrylates formed from amine acrylates and / or methacrylates with strong acids, polyacrylates formed from carboxylic acid acrylates and / or methacrylates monomers with strong bases, polyacrylates formed from amine acrylates and / or methacrylate monomers with carboxylic acid acrylates and / or carboxylic acid methacrylate monomers, and mixtures thereof. Further, the fragrance microcapsules can be coated with deposition aids, cationic polymers, nonionic polymers, anionic polymers, or mixtures thereof. Suitable polymers can include polyvinyl formaldehyde, partially hydroxylated polyvinyl formaldehyde, polyvinylamine, polyvinylimine, ethoxylated polyvinylimine, polyvinyl alcohol, polyacrylate, and combinations thereof. The freshness active substance can include a fragrance material complex (e.g., materials used in Schiff base reactions). In other words, the freshness active substance can include a catalyst for at least partially neutralizing malodorous molecules. The shell of the encapsulated freshness active substance can be biodegradable.

[0123] The freshness active substance can reduce malodor without the addition of fragrances. Such freshness active substances can be used to provide odorless bags or in combination with fragrances.

[0124] The water-soluble polymer composition can control the release or exposure of the freshness active substance, thereby allowing the use of freshness active substances that would otherwise be avoided on substrates, as the freshness active substance can be considered a skin irritant or can be associated with inhalation problems under some use conditions. For example, the freshness active substance can include calcium carbonate, magnesium carbonate, barium carbonate, alumina, magnesia, zinc oxide, superabsorbent polymers, calcium chloride, zeolites (aluminosilicates), pulp (wood) powder, or any combination thereof. The freshness active substance can include hydrogen peroxide, peroxydone, haloalkyl hydantoins, magnesium hypochlorite hydroxide oxide, sodium perborate, sodium percarbonate, or acid catalysts.

[0125] Similarly, the use of the water-soluble polymer composition can allow for the inclusion of otherwise avoidable freshness active substances on the substrate because the freshness active substances are wet or sticky. As used herein, the term "sticky" can refer to a material that tends to adhere to (e.g., at least partially attach to) a surface upon contact.

[0126] For example, the freshness active substances can include colloidal copper chloride nanoparticles, stabilized oxidants such as intercalated bleaches, or metal salts of polyitaconic acid resins (i.e., poly(sodium zinc itaconate)). For example, the freshness active substances can include polyethylene glycol copolymers, polyethyleneimine, or silicones.

[0127] Intercalated bleach compounds that can be used as freshness active substances in the present invention include alkaline earth metal hypochlorite substances intercalated with oxide and / or hydroxide substances. Compared to other forms of chlorine bleaches, the intercalated bleach compounds exhibit excellent stability (e.g., equal to or better than any other known chlorine bleach substance), have little or no characteristic chlorine bleach odor, exhibit excellent pH buffering characteristics in a significantly milder pH range (e.g., from about 8 to about 11.5) than existing liquid bleach compositions (11.5 to 13.5). Even in a high humidity environment, the intercalated bleach compounds are stable and show relatively low reactivity with organic materials compared to other solid chlorine bleach alternatives. The material does not seem to exhibit any signs of self-propagating decomposition reactions, can be provided in solid form (which can be dissolved or suspended in an aqueous solution), and is not as prone to caking or agglomeration as many existing alternative chlorine bleaches. The material shows better flexibility in terms of its compatibility with various additives, can be formulated to control the release of hypochlorite over a desired period of time, and can be formulated in a phosphate-free composition while providing the above benefits.

[0128] The available chlorine concentration in the intercalated bleach compound can be from about 0.01% to about 25%, or from about 0.1% to about 25%, or from about 1% to about 25%, or from about 2.5% to 25%.

[0129] The intercalated bleach compound can have the formula M x (OCl) y (O) m (OH) n :

[0130] where M is an alkaline earth metal or a mixture of alkaline earth metals, such as magnesium or calcium or a mixture thereof;

[0131] where x and y independently equal any number greater than or equal to 1 (e.g., 1, 2, 3, 4, etc.);

[0132] wherein m and n independently equal any number equal to or greater than 0 (e.g., 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, etc.), provided that m and n are not both 0; and

[0133] wherein x ≧ 3y.

[0134] The values of x, y, m, and n can be integers (i.e., whole numbers). As a further example, in one embodiment, 2m + n ≧ 5y. In another embodiment, x = 0.5y + m + 0.5n.

[0135] Bag

[0136] Figure 2 is a perspective view of an exemplary non - limiting embodiment of a thermoplastic bag 100. The bag 100 includes a first sidewall 102 and a second sidewall 104. Each of the first and second sidewalls 102, 104 includes a first side edge 106, a second opposite side edge 108, a bottom edge 110 extending between the first and second side edges 106, 108, and a top edge 111 extending between the first and second side edges 106, 108 opposite the bottom edge. The first sidewall 102 and the second sidewall 104 are joined together along the first side edge 106, the second opposite side edge 108, and the bottom edge 110. The first and second sidewalls 102, 104 can be joined along the first and second side edges 106, 108 and the bottom edge 110 by any suitable process (such as, for example, heat - sealing). The first and second sidewalls 102, 104 may not be joined along the side edges. Instead, the first and second sidewalls 102, 104 can be a single uniform piece. In other words, the first and second sidewalls 102, 104 can form a sleeve or balloon structure defining an interior 130 and an exterior 132.

[0137] One or more of the bottom edge 110 or the side edges 106, 108 can include creases. In other words, the first and second sidewalls 102, 104 can include a single integral piece of material. The top edge 111 of the first and second sidewalls 102, 104 can define an opening 112 leading to the interior of the bag 100. In other words, the opening 112 can be oriented opposite the bottom edge 110 of the bag 100. Additionally, when placed in a trash container, the top edge 111 of the first and second sidewalls 102, 104 can fold over the edge of the container.

[0138] The bag 100 can optionally include a closure mechanism 114 positioned adjacent to the top edge 111 for sealing the top of the bag 100 to form at least a substantially completely enclosed container or vessel. As Figure 2As shown, the closure mechanism 114 can include a drawstring 116, a first hem 118, and a second hem 120. In particular, the first top edge 111 of the first sidewall 102 can be folded back into the interior volume and can be attached to the inner surface of the first sidewall 102 to form the first hem 118. Similarly, the second top edge 111 of the second sidewall 104 is folded back into the interior volume and can be attached to the inner surface of the second sidewall 104 to form the second hem 120. The drawstring 116 extends along the first and second top edges 111 through the first and second hems 118, 120. The first hem 118 includes a first hole 122 (e.g., notch) that extends through the first hem 118 and exposes a portion of the drawstring 116. Similarly, the second hem 120 includes a second hole 124 that extends through the second hem 120 and exposes another portion of the drawstring 116. During use, pulling the drawstring 116 through the first and second holes 122, 124 will cause the first and second top edges 110 to contract. Thus, pulling the drawstring 116 through the first and second holes 122, 124 will cause the opening 112 of the bag to at least partially close or decrease in size. The drawstring closure mechanism 114 can be used with any embodiment of the enhanced thermoplastic bag described herein.

[0139] Although the bag 100 is described herein as including a drawstring closure mechanism 114, those of ordinary skill in the art will readily recognize that other closure mechanisms 114 can be implemented into the bag 100. For example, the closure mechanism 114 can include one or more flaps, adhesive tapes, pleats and fold closures, interlocking closures, sliding closures, zipper closures, or any other closure structure known to those skilled in the art for closing a bag.

[0140] Figure 3 is Figure 2 A side cross-sectional view of the bag 100. The bag 100 includes one or more water-soluble polymer regions 12 on the inner surface 130 of one or more sidewalls 102, 104 of the bag 100.

[0141] When compared to a conventional thermoplastic bag, the bag 100 of the present invention can maintain a fresher (e.g., cleaner) odor even when the contents of the bag 100 have an unpleasant smell. Thus, a room in which the bag 100 is used as a trash bag can maintain a better odor. In addition, the bag 100 of the present disclosure can reduce the amount of malodorous molecules that come into contact with a container (e.g., trash can) into which the bag 100 can be inserted. Thus, a container using the bag 100 of the present disclosure can smell better than a container using a conventional thermoplastic bag. As an additional result, a container using the bag 100 of the present disclosure may require less cleaning than a container using a conventional thermoplastic bag.

[0142] As briefly described above, an additional triggering mechanism for activating the freshness active substance, in addition to or separate from moisture, may include activating the freshness active substance by pressure and / or friction on a substrate caused by an article placed in the bag 100. In other words, the freshness active substance may be "touch-activated". Also as described above, the triggering mechanism for activating the freshness active substance may further include thermal activation (e.g., thermally activated), chemical activation (e.g., using the internal freshness active substance chemistry to cause a reaction), photolytic activation (e.g., using light to activate the freshness active substance), and / or pH activation (e.g., using the pH value to activate the freshness active substance).

[0143] Figure 4 A plan view showing the outer sidewall of the thermoplastic bag 100, showing the area for placing the freshness active substance of the thermoplastic bag 100. In particular, the water-soluble polymer zone may be provided in one or more areas on the inner surface of the sidewall of the thermoplastic bag. The water-soluble polymer zone may be provided in the middle area 126 of the thermoplastic bag 100. The freshness active substance may be provided in the lower area 128 of the thermoplastic bag 100. For example, the freshness active substance may be provided at the bottom of the thermoplastic bag 100. The freshness active substance may be provided in two or more of the upper area, middle area, and lower area 124, 126, 128 of the thermoplastic bag 100.

[0144] In one non-limiting example, the freshness active substance that requires friction to release the freshness active substance may be provided in the upper area 124 so as to be released when the user fills and / or compresses the bag. In another non-limiting example, the freshness active substance that requires the water-soluble polymer composition to dissolve to release the freshness active substance may be provided in the middle area or the lower area 126 or 128, where the humidity or liquid content may be relatively higher than other areas of the bag. Some substrates may include a water-soluble polymer zone that has the freshness active substance at one or more areas including the same or different freshness active substances.

[0145] The water-soluble polymer zone may adopt one or more different shapes. For example, the water-soluble polymer zone may have a rectangular shape, a square shape, a circular shape, a triangular shape, or any other geometric shape and combinations thereof. Due to being sprayed or printed onto the substrate, the water-soluble polymer zone may have a random droplet pattern. The water-soluble polymer zone may be discontinuously dispersed on the substrate in a regular or irregular pattern.

[0146] The size of the water-soluble polymer zone may be relatively small to provide a strong bond between the water-soluble polymer zone and the substrate. Each water-soluble polymer zone may have a surface area of 10 cm 2 to 300 cm 2 .

[0147] The water-soluble polymer region can be of various colors and can provide additional aesthetic benefits to the bag. The water-soluble polymer region can be similar to the color of the bag so as to be less visible to the consumer, or can be different from the color of the bag so as to increase the visibility of the water-soluble polymer region to the consumer.

[0148] Method for Preparing a Substrate Comprising a Water-soluble Polymer Region

[0149] Figure 5 A manufacturing method is shown for preparing a substrate having a water-soluble polymer region provided thereon and then producing a plastic bag therefrom. Figure 5 An exemplary consumer product manufacturing method for preparing a bag is shown. This method shows manufacturing methods for preparing various consumer products according to the present invention. Refer to Figure 1 , Figure 2 and Figure 5 , according to method 200, one or more substrates in the form of a film 202 can be unwound from a supply roll 204, for example, and guided along the machine direction MD. Alternatively, the film can come directly from one or more extrusion towers instead of the supply roll 204.

[0150] A water-soluble polymer composition 206 (i.e., one or more substances) can be applied to the one or more substrates using an applicator 208. The application can include spraying, printing, and any other method known in the art for applying a liquid substance to a substrate. Once applied to the substrate, the water-soluble polymer composition 206 is dried. The water-soluble polymer composition can be air-dried, or dried with the aid of air, heat, light. Preferably, the water-soluble polymer composition is capable of air-drying onto the substrate to form a substantially dry water-soluble polymer region that dries in a relatively short time such that the substrate can be further processed on the production line. For example, the water-soluble polymer region can preferably dry in less than 2 minutes, more preferably less than 1 minute. More preferably, the water-soluble polymer composition forms a non-sticky water-soluble polymer region on the substrate that can be folded to form a bag, e.g., the water-soluble polymer region does not adhere to other parts of the substrate.

[0151] After the water-soluble polymer composition is applied to the film, the film can be passed between a pair of cylindrical intermeshing rollers 210, 212 for incremental stretching. Figure 5The intermeshing rollers 210, 212 shown in [Figure] can have a configuration similar to any intermeshing rollers described in U.S. Patent No. 8,603,609. The rollers 210, 212 can be oriented such that the longitudinal axes of the rollers are perpendicular to the processing direction. Additionally, the rollers 210, 212 can rotate in opposite rotational directions about their longitudinal axes. A motor can be provided to power the rotation of the rollers 210, 212 in a controlled manner. When the film passes between a pair of rollers 210, 212, the ridges and / or teeth of the rollers 210, 212 can form the film (i.e., the final sidewalls of the bag 100).

[0152] The folding operation 214 can fold the film to produce the sidewalls of the finished bag. The folding operation 214 can fold the film in half along the transverse direction. In particular, the folding operation 214 can move the first edge 216 adjacent to the second edge 218, thereby creating a folded edge 217. For example, the method can include the folding operation described in U.S. Patent No. 8,568,283, the entire content of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. Additionally, the folding operation 214 can form a hem at the final top of the thermoplastic film.

[0153] To produce the finished bag, the processing equipment can further process the folded film. In particular, the drawstring operation 220 can insert the drawstring 116 into the edges 216, 218 of the film. Additionally, the sealing operation 224 can form the parallel side edges of the finished bag by creating heat seals 226 between adjacent portions of the folded film. Additionally, the sealing operation 224 can seal the hem to the sidewalls of the final thermoplastic bag. The heat seal 226 can strongly bond the adjacent layers together at the location of the heat seal 226 in order to tightly seal the edges of the finished bag (e.g., produce at least a substantially waterproof seal). The heat seals 226 can be spaced along the folded film in order to provide the desired width for the finished bag. The sealing operation 224 can use a heating device such as a heated knife or a sealing bar to form the heat seals 226.

[0154] The perforating operation 228 can form perforations 230 in the heat seals 226 using a perforating device such as a perforating knife. The perforations 230 together with the folded outer edge 220 can define a single bag 100 that can be separated from the film. The roller 232 can wind the film embodying the finished bag 100 for packaging and distribution. For example, the roller 232 can be placed in a box or bag for sale to customers.

[0155] In a further embodiment, the folded film can be cut into individual bags along the heat seals 226 by a cutting operation. In another embodiment, the folded film can be folded one or more times before the cutting operation. In yet another embodiment, the side sealing operation 224 can be combined with the cutting and / or perforating operation 228.

[0156] Testing Method

[0157] Contact Angle Method of Water-soluble Polymer Composition

[0158] The glass slide is covered with a cut portion from the non-patterned area of a Glad Forceflex garbage bag. 3 μL of solution (90% malodorous components, 20% active substance, 10% soluble film, 20%-50% active substance) is pipetted onto the film. Images are taken with a Celestron microscope + Microcapture Pro. Then the images are analyzed by measuring angular features in ImageJ. Three droplets / samples of each polymer composition are analyzed. Sample images are shown below.

[0159] Drying Time

[0160] The drying time is calculated as the amount of time from when deposition is complete until the water-soluble polymer zone is visually dry and leaves no residue when tapped with a finger.

[0161] Adhesion

[0162] The adhesion of the water-soluble polymer composition is evaluated approximately 24 hours after casting the water-soluble polymer zone onto the bag. The bag is fluffed open to simulate the consumer experience, and any flaking observed should be noted. Additionally, the water-soluble polymer zone is gently touched to observe if it is sticky when touched or if any of the water-soluble polymer zone rubs off.

[0163] Modulus of Water-soluble Polymer Composition

[0164] Tensile (modulus) properties are measured using a load cell on a constant speed extension tensile tester with a computer interface (a suitable instrument is the MTS Insight using Testworks 4.0 software, such as the instrument purchased from MTS Systems Corp. (Eden Prairie, MN)), and the force being measured is within 1% to 99% of the sensor limit. Both the movable (upper) and fixed (lower) fixtures are equipped with light vise-action grips that are wider than the width of the specimen. The tensile tester is equipped with a sample humidity and temperature control chamber, and throughout the tensile experiment, the environment of the sample can be maintained at a set temperature between 23 °C and 40 °C (with an accuracy of ±0.5 °C) and a set relative humidity between 35% and 95% (with an accuracy of ±0.5%). All tests are conducted in a conditioning chamber maintained at approximately 23 °C ± 2 °C and a relative humidity of approximately 50% ± 2%.

[0165] After performing the initial gauge adjustment, the tension tester is programmed to perform an elongation test. To perform the gauge adjustment, first lower the chuck by 5.0 mm at a rate of 7.5 mm / s to increase the slack of the sample. Then raise the chuck at 7.5 mm / s until it is measured at 0.1 N on the load cell, and set the current gauge at this time as the adjusted gauge. Continue to raise the chuck at 7.5 mm / s until the sample breaks, i.e., the force drops to <0.05 N after the maximum peak force. Collect force and chuck travel data at 200 Hz throughout the experiment. Return the chuck to the original gauge. Before testing, condition the samples at approximately 23 °C ± 2 °C and approximately 50% ± 2% relative humidity for at least two hours. Determine the machine direction (MD) and cross direction (CD) of the samples. Using a JDC cutter (purchased from Thwing-Albert) or other suitable device, cut eighteen (18) samples that are 80 mm long by 25.4 mm ± 0.1 mm wide in the cross direction. Next, cut eighteen (18) samples that are 80 mm long by 25.4 mm ± 0.1 mm wide in the machine direction. Measure the thickness of each sample using a digital linear caliper (e.g., Ono Sokki GS-503 or equivalent instrument) with feet having a diameter of 25 mm that apply a pressure of 0.69 kPa. Zero the caliper feet against the anvil. Raise the feet and place the sample flat against the anvil, with the sample width under the pressure foot, and lower the feet onto the sample at approximately 5 mm / second, avoiding any creases, folds, or obvious defects. Read the caliper (mm) and record it to 0.01 mm after 5.0 seconds of having the feet on the sample. Calculate the cross-sectional area of each sample as the sample width multiplied by the caliper reading, and record it to 0.01 mm 2 。

[0166] Accurately set the initial gauge to 75.0 mm and zero the chuck and load cell. Insert the sample into the upper grip, vertically align it within the upper and lower grips, close the upper grip and tighten it. Insert the other end of the sample into the lower grip and tighten it. The sample should have a minimum amount of slack, with the force measured at the load cell being less than 0.1 N. Seal the environmental chamber and allow the temperature and humidity to reach the set target values, and then hold these conditions for 10 minutes before testing. Start the test program.

[0167] Plot a graph of force (N) versus elongation (mm). Here, the elongation is the travel length corrected for the adjusted gauge. Read and record the maximum peak force and report it to 0.1 N. Calculate the work of rupture as the area under the curve between the start of elongation and the final break elongation. Record it to 0.01 N*mm.

[0168] Using force (N) and elongation data (mm), construct an engineering stress (MPa) vs. engineering strain curve. In this article, the engineering stress σ is defined as the force (N) divided by the initial cross-sectional area of the sample (mm 2 ). The engineering strain ε is the change in length (from the adjusted gauge) divided by the adjusted gauge. Read the breaking stress (MPa) from the curve as the maximum stress of the curve and record it to the nearest 0.01 MPa. Calculate the modulus (MPa) from the curve as the maximum slope of the linear segment fitted to the curve by linear regression, where the length of the segment incorporates at least 20% of the curve. Record to the nearest 0.01 MPa.

[0169] Analyze three replicate CD and three replicate MD samples under each of the following target environmental conditions:

[0170] Temperature (°C) Relative Humidity (%) 1 25 40 2 25 75 3 25 90

[0171] Calculate the arithmetic mean of the three replicate CD results for each environmental condition. Calculate the arithmetic mean of the three replicate MD results for each environmental condition separately. For each of the environmental conditions, report the modulus to the nearest 0.1 MPa, the breaking stress to the nearest 0.1 MPa, the peak force to the nearest 0.01 N, and the fracture energy to the nearest 0.1 N*mm.

[0172] Sensory Analysis of Fragrance and Malodor

[0173] Identify the respondents who need to be screened and informed for the test. This trained panel has the ability to measure and provide inputs on various waste requirements, including product reformulation, alternative supplier approval, or other identification needs. Follow good sensory practices when preparing the test environment, substrates, and training panels.

[0174] Use synthetic and actual malodors. When using actual malodors, take care to ensure the uniformity of the samples to limit the variability of the odor characteristics between tests.

[0175] Measure the product performance using (1) an untreated malodor control and (2) a combination of the specified malodor and the product. Conduct the test in an isolation chamber and evaluate the material while each material remains in its isolation chamber after an appropriate exposure time to the malodor, the product, or both. Take care to ensure an odorless state in the evaluation space.

[0176] Then place the garbage bag including the water-soluble polymer zone into a standard 13-gallon trash can (a standard household trash can with a lid). Then load the malodor to be tested into a can. Additionally, the untreated malodor control (a garbage bag without added fragrance harmonizer) is loaded with the malodor being tested.

[0177] According to the test objectives, specific malodorous components or proprietary waste mixtures representative of consumer household waste are added to the garbage bags (both treated and control), covered, and allowed to age for an appropriate time point.

[0178] The samples are presented to the assessors in an odor evaluation chamber, which is labeled with a randomly generated code. The assessors are required to sniff the chamber contents and evaluate the overall intensity. The assessors are required to take breaks between evaluations. Using a 15 - point general scale, the panel evaluates each sample by total intensity = total malodor + total fragrance. The data is statistically analyzed using ANOVA, and pairwise comparison analysis is performed using Fisher's LSD and interpreted at a 95% confidence level. The data is statistically analyzed using one - way ANOVA with Fisher's LSD.

[0179] Shearing Method

[0180] In accordance with general panel evaluation guidelines, the encapsulated samples are evaluated before and after activation. Each panelist evaluates the total intensity, total malodor, and total fragrance of the non - activated samples. After all panelists have completed the pre - activation assessment, a proprietary activation device is used on each sample to shear the wall of the garbage bag. Then, the panel completes the post - activation assessment in the same manner at an appropriate time point.

[0181] Examples

[0182] The following are non - limiting examples of using the products and methods of the present invention. The examples are given for illustrative purposes only and should not be construed as limiting the present invention, as many variations are possible without departing from the essence and scope of the present invention, which will be recognized by those of ordinary skill in the art.

[0183] In the examples, unless otherwise specified, all concentrations are listed as weight percentages, and minor materials such as diluents, fillers, etc. may be excluded. Thus, the listed formulations contain the listed components and any trace components or materials associated with such components. It will be obvious to those of ordinary skill in the art that the selection of these trace components will vary depending on the physical and chemical characteristics of the specific ingredients selected to prepare the present invention as described herein.

[0184] Example 1: Evaluation of the Contact Angle of Water-soluble Polymer Composition

[0185] Preparation Method of Water-soluble Polymer Concentrate

[0186] To produce a fresh formula, an aqueous concentrate of the polymer is first produced. These are tested as such or combined with fresh active substances for additional testing. Two examples of the polymer concentrate are given below:

[0187] METHOCEL TM Method for preparing concentrate

[0188] Prepare METHOCEL as follows TM A solution of the polymer. First, add distilled water to a beaker and stir and heat it to 95 °C from a overhead mixer at 300 RPM. Once at 95 °C, add 1% phenoxyethanol and stir until dispersed. Next, add 20% METHOCEL with stirring at 300 RPM TM . Once all the polymer has been added, remove the heat until the solution reaches 60 °C. Once at 60 °C, reduce the stirring to 150 RPM and place the solution in an ice bath until fully hydrated.

[0189] Preparation Method of Polyethylene Oxide Concentrate

[0190] Prepare a solution of polyethylene oxide (PEO) polymer as follows. First, add distilled water to a beaker and stir with an overhead mixer at 500 RPM. Then, add 1% phenoxyethanol. Once the phenoxyethanol has been dispersed, slowly add 50% PEO over 45 minutes. Continue stirring for 30 minutes and then reduce the stirring rate to 200 RPM. Then stir the mixture for another 2 hours.

[0191] Add other polymers not described in detail in a similar manner to produce an aqueous concentrate of 11.5%-50% polymer as shown in Table 1.

[0192] Add Fresh Active Substance (Water-containing) :[[]]END]]

[0193] Most aqueous and / or water-soluble freshness active substances can be added directly to the polymer concentrate at room temperature with stirring. Add the freshness composition at a level in the range of 80 wt%-90 wt%.

[0194] The contact angles of Example Formulation A to Example Formulation F are provided in Table 1. Without wishing to be bound by theory, the lower the contact angle, the greater the spread of the water-soluble polymer composition and the greater the adhesion to the film.

[0195] Table 1

[0196] Example Formulation A B C D E F Water-soluble Film-forming Polymer - <![CDATA[METHOCEL TM > PVP PEG8000 - <![CDATA[METHOCEL TM > Water-soluble Film-forming Polymer (%) - 2％ 5％ 5％ - 4％ Water Balance Balance Balance Balance Balance Balance Fresh Active Substance A (%) 100％ 90％ 90％ 90％ - - Fresh Active Substance B (%) - - - - 100％ 80％ Contact Angle (degrees) 88 63 87 87 84 61

[0197] Example 2: Evaluation of the Drying Time and Adhesion of Water-soluble Polymer Composition

[0198] Preparation of a Film Comprising a Water-soluble Polymer Region :[[]]END]]

[0199] Prepare the polymer concentrate as described in the method for preparing a water-soluble polymer concentrate. After preparing the concentrate, deposit the exemplary water-soluble polymer concentrate onto the membrane by screen printing. Use a screen with a mesh size of 420 and a closed stencil with a mesh pattern as follows: Place the screen on top of a polyester film to serve as a surrogate substrate. Place a few milliliters of the sample on the mesh sheet and use a squeegee to force the solution through the mesh sheet and onto the substrate. Then gently remove the mesh sheet. Then observe the samples transferred to the polyester film substrate to determine if they are dry and the extent to which they adhere to the polyester film substrate.

[0200] Table 2

[0201]

[0202]

[0203] Example 3: Evaluation of the Modulus of Water-soluble Polymer Region

[0204] Formulation Preparation

[0205] Prepare the polymer concentrate for modulus studies as previously described in the section on the method for preparing a water-soluble polymer concentrate.

[0206] To produce a water-soluble polymer zone containing glycerol, use the following method. After preparing the polymer concentrate, add 10.52 wt% glycerol to the polymer concentrate in a beaker at room temperature. Then mix these components together until homogeneous.

[0207] Casting of Water-soluble Polymer Composition

[0208] The water-soluble polymer zone is produced by solution casting with a doctor blade to produce a water-soluble polymer zone of uniform thickness.

[0209] Table 3

[0210]

[0211] Results

[0212] Refer to Table 3 and Figure 6 , these data indicate that the mechanical properties of these water-soluble polymer zones are sensitive to relative humidity. At low relative humidity, such as under typical storage conditions, the water-soluble polymer zone should have a high modulus and serve to contain any active ingredients. However, as the relative humidity increases (such as might be found under use conditions in a trash can that holds food scraps), the modulus will decrease, allowing the active ingredient to be released from the water-soluble polymer zone.

[0213] These data further indicate that the total modulus and the modulus sensitivity to relative humidity can be targeted at specific components. In this case, glycerol was successfully used to sharply reduce the modulus and enhance the response to relative humidity. It is expected that several fresh active substances will have a similar effect and can serve the dual purpose of providing a fresh beneficial effect and contributing to the control of the modulus effect.

[0214] Example 4: Evaluation of the Change in Fragrance Intensity over Time

[0215] Add Fresh Active Substance (Non-water) :

[0216] Lipophilic components are not easily miscible in the polymer concentrate. For lipophilic fresh active substances, the following method is adopted: Add 0.08% of polysorbate 20 to the polymer concentrate. Then, add 40% by weight of the fresh active substance. Once the active substance and the surfactant are added, the mixture is ground for 3 minutes to 5 minutes at 4000 rpm using an IKA T25 Turrax homogenizer to emulsify the system.

[0217] The fragrance and malodor intensities of the obtained water-soluble polymer composition are evaluated according to the above sensory analysis test method for fragrance and malodor. The results are shown in Figure 7 .

[0218] Example 5: Evaluation of Encapsulated Fresh Active Substance

[0219] A bag containing a water-soluble polymer composition with encapsulated fresh active substance is prepared as follows: First, prepare METHOCEL TM concentrate according to the above METHOCEL TM concentrate preparation method. In a suitable mixing container, with gentle stirring at room temperature, add the METHOCEL TM concentrate to the encapsulation slurry at 20% by weight. Then, meteringly add an appropriate amount of the encapsulant-METHOCEL TM mixture to the 12" part inside the bag. Then close the bag and roll a 5-lb manual roller once over the outside of the metered formulation area to produce a uniform water-soluble polymer zone.

[0220] The fragrance intensity of the obtained water-soluble polymer composition is evaluated according to the above sensory analysis test method for fragrance and malodor. The results are shown in Figure 8 .

[0221] Example 6: Evaluation of Intercalated Bleaching Agent Fresh Active Substance

[0222] A bag containing a water-soluble polymer composition with intercalated bleaching fresh active substance is prepared as follows: First, prepare METHOCEL TM concentrate according to the above METHOCEL TMConcentrate. While stirring, add the bleach freshness active substance at 15% by weight to METHOCEL TM in the concentrate. Then apply the composition to the interior of the bag using a typical fragrance feeding procedure.

[0223] Prepare a bag containing an intercalated bleach freshness active substance as follows. The intercalated bleach freshness active substance is added between the layers rather than inside the bag: the bleach freshness active substance mixed with 40% by weight of propylene glycol. Apply the composition between the bag layers using a typical fragrance feeding procedure.

[0224] Evaluate the fragrance intensity of the resulting water-soluble polymer composition according to the sensory analysis test method for the above-mentioned fragrances and malodors. The results are shown in Figure 9 this.

[0225] The dimensions and values disclosed herein should not be construed as being strictly limited to the exact numerical values recited. Instead, unless otherwise specified, each such dimension is intended to represent the recited value and a range functionally equivalent around that value. For example, a dimension disclosed as "40 mm" is intended to represent "about 40 mm".

[0226] It should be understood that every maximum numerical limit value given in this specification will include every smaller numerical limit value, i.e., as if the smaller numerical limit value were also recited in this specification. Every minimum numerical limit given throughout this specification will include every higher numerical limit, as if such higher numerical limits were expressly written herein. Every numerical range given throughout this specification will include every narrower numerical range falling within such broader numerical range, as if such narrower numerical ranges were all expressly written herein.

[0227] Unless expressly excluded or otherwise limited, every 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 its filing date, is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. The citation of any document is not an admission that it is prior art with respect to any invention disclosed or claimed herein or that it alone or in any combination with any one or more other references anticipates, suggests, or discloses any such invention. Further, when any meaning or definition of a term in this invention conflicts with the same term's meaning or definition in a document incorporated by reference, the meaning or definition assigned to the term in this invention shall govern.

[0228] 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 can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Accordingly, it is intended that all such changes and modifications that fall within the scope of the present invention be covered by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A consumer product, the consumer product comprising: A bag having an inner surface and a substrate; A water-soluble polymer zone, which is disposed on and in contact with the inner surface by depositing a liquid water-soluble polymer composition composed of a freshness active substance, a polymer, and a surfactant, the water-soluble polymer zone containing the freshness active substance, the polymer, and the surfactant, wherein the liquid water-soluble polymer composition contains 40% to 90% of the freshness active substance, and wherein the water-soluble polymer zone has a surface area of 10 cm 2 to 300 cm 2 wherein: The polymer is selected from the group consisting of methylcellulose, hydroxyethylcellulose, hydroxypropylmethylcellulose, hydroxypropylethylcellulose, ethylcellulose, hydroxyethylmethylcellulose, and combinations thereof, The surfactant is selected from the group consisting of ethoxylated sorbitan; sorbitan stearate; sorbitan X stearate, where X is monolaurate, dilaurate, trilaurate, isosorbide monolaurate, diisosorbide dilaurate, triisosorbide trilaurate, sesquisorbide monolaurate, or sesquisoisosorbide monolaurate; sorbitan laurate; sorbitan monolaurate, and combinations thereof, The substrate is a polymer film, and The consumer product does not contain an adhesive disposed between the inner surface and the water-soluble polymer region.

2. The consumer product according to claim 1, wherein the freshness active substance further comprises components selected from the following: intercalated bleaching agents, cleaning active substances, antibacterial active substances, and combinations thereof.

3. The consumer product according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the freshness active substance is encapsulated.

4. The consumer product according to claim 1, wherein the polymer film is a thermoplastic film.

5. The consumer product according to claim 1, wherein the water-soluble polymer region contains at least 70% by weight of the freshness active substance.

6. The consumer product according to claim 1, the consumer product further comprising a plurality of discontinuous and dispersed water-soluble polymer regions.

7. A method for preparing a consumer product, the method comprising the following steps: A bag is provided, the bag having an inner surface and a substrate; A liquid water-soluble polymer composition is deposited at one or more locations on the inner surface, where the liquid water-soluble polymer composition consists of a freshness active, a polymer, and a surfactant, where the liquid water-soluble polymer composition comprises 40% to 90% of the freshness active, and where The polymer is selected from the group consisting of methylcellulose, hydroxyethylcellulose, hydroxypropylmethylcellulose, hydroxypropylethylcellulose, ethylcellulose, hydroxyethylmethylcellulose, and combinations thereof, The surfactant is selected from the group consisting of ethoxylated sorbitan; sorbitan stearate; sorbitan X stearate, where X is monolaurate, dilaurate, trilaurate, isosorbide monolaurate, diisosorbide dilaurate, triisosorbide trilaurate, sesquisorbide monolaurate, or sesquisoisosorbide monolaurate; sorbitan laurate; sorbitan monolaurate, and combinations thereof, The substrate is a polymer film; and Dry the liquid water-soluble polymer composition on the inner surface to form one or more water-soluble polymer zones adhered to the substrate, the water-soluble polymer zones comprising a film of the freshness active, the polymer, and the surfactant, wherein each of the water-soluble polymer zones has a surface area of 10 cm 2 to 300 cm 2 of surface area.

8. The method according to claim 7, wherein the freshness active substance further comprises components selected from the following: intercalated bleaching agents, cleaning active substances, antibacterial active substances, and combinations thereof.

9. The method according to claim 7 or 8, wherein the freshness active substance is encapsulated.

10. The method according to claim 7, wherein the base polymer film is a thermoplastic film.

11. The method according to claim 7, wherein the liquid water-soluble polymer composition has a contact angle of less than 70 degrees on the substrate.

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