Granular laundry detergent composition comprising optical whitening agent and hueing dye

Abstract

The present invention relates to a particulate laundry detergent composition comprising a first optical whitening agent and a hueing dye. A water soluble unit dose article comprising the particulate laundry detergent composition is also envisaged.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention relates to a granular laundry detergent composition comprising a first optical brightener and a color toner dye. A water-soluble unit dose article comprising the granular laundry detergent composition is also contemplated. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Optical brighteners and color toner dyes are known and have been added to laundry detergent compositions to provide beneficial effects to fabrics. Both optical brighteners and color toner dyes provide a whiteness beneficial effect to the washed fabric. Without being bound by theory, optical brighteners (also known as fluorescent brighteners) have long been used in fabric care products to compensate for the yellowish tint of fabrics by absorbing light in the ultraviolet and violet regions and emitting light in the blue region (i.e., blue fluorescence). This blue light is added to the light reflected by the fabric and serves to improve the whitened appearance of the fabric. Detergent manufacturers incorporate colorants into their laundry detergent products to impart a visual beneficial effect to fabrics by providing a preferred fabric hue to the fabrics washed therewith.

[0003] However, there is a need to provide an improved whiteness beneficial effect on synthetic fabrics.

[0004] Surprisingly, the granular laundry detergent composition according to the present invention comprising a combination of a color toner dye and a specific optical brightener provides an improved whiteness beneficial effect to fabrics as compared to combinations of optical brighteners and color toner dyes taught previously. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0005] A first aspect of the present invention is a granular laundry detergent composition comprising a first optical brightener and a color toner dye, wherein the first optical brightener has the following structure:

[0006]

[0007] A second aspect of the present invention is a water-soluble unit dose article comprising a granular laundry detergent composition, wherein the water-soluble unit dose article comprises a water-soluble nonwoven sheet, wherein:

[0008] a. the nonwoven sheet is formed to form an internal compartment and the granular laundry detergent composition is contained within the compartment; or

[0009] b. the nonwoven sheet is oriented into layers, the layers are stacked on top of each other, and the granular laundry detergent composition is positioned between the layers. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0010] Granular laundry detergent composition

[0011] The present invention relates to a granular laundry detergent composition. The granular laundry detergent composition is to be understood as a free-flowing particulate composition. Generally, the granular laundry detergent composition is a full-formulation laundry detergent composition and not a part thereof (such as spray-dried, extruded or agglomerated granules that only form part of the laundry detergent composition). Generally, the granular laundry detergent composition comprises a plurality of chemically different granules, such as spray-dried base detergent granules and / or agglomerated base detergent granules and / or extruded base detergent granules; combining one or more, generally two or more, or five or more, or even ten or more granules selected from: surfactant granules, including surfactant agglomerates, surfactant extrudates, surfactant needles, surfactant faces, surfactant flakes; phosphate granules; zeolite granules; silicate granules, especially sodium silicate granules; carbonate granules, especially sodium carbonate granules; polymer granules, such as carboxylate polymer granules, cellulose polymer granules, starch granules, polyester granules, polyamine granules, terephthalic acid polymer granules, polyethylene glycol granules; aesthetic granules, such as colored stripes, needles, layered granules and ring granules; enzyme granules, such as protease granules, amylase granules, lipase granules, cellulase granules, mannanase granules, pectate lyase granules, xyloglucanase granules, bleaching enzyme granules and co-granules of any one of these enzymes, preferably these enzyme granules contain sodium sulfate; bleaching agent granules, such as percarbonate granules, especially coated percarbonate granules, such as percarbonate coated with carbonate, sulfate, silicate, borosilicate, or any combination thereof, perborate granules, bleach activator granules such as tetraacetylethylenediamine granules and / or alkyloxysulfonate granules, bleach catalyst granules such as transition metal catalyst granules, and / or isoquinolinium bleach catalyst granules, preformed peracid granules, especially coated preformed peracid granules; filler granules, such as sulfate granules and chloride granules; clay granules, such as montmorillonite granules and clay-siloxane granules; flocculant granules, such as polyethylene oxide granules; wax granules, such as wax agglomerates; siloxane granules, optical brightener granules; dye transfer inhibitor granules; dye fixative granules; fragrance granules, such as fragrance microcapsules and starch-encapsulated fragrance blend granules, and pre-fragrance granules, such as Schiff base reaction product granules; colorant dye granules; chelating agent granules, such as chelating agent agglomerates; and any combination thereof.

[0012] Suitable laundry detergent compositions can comprise detergent ingredients selected from: detergency surfactants such as anionic detergency surfactants, nonionic detergency surfactants, cationic detergency surfactants, zwitterionic detergency surfactants and amphoteric detergency surfactants; polymers such as carboxylate polymers, soil-release polymers, anti-redeposition polymers, cellulose polymers and care polymers; bleaches such as hydrogen peroxide sources, bleach activators, bleach catalysts and preformed peracids; optical bleaches such as zinc sulfonated phthalocyanine and / or aluminum sulfonated phthalocyanine; enzymes such as proteases, amylases, cellulases, lipases; zeolite builders; phosphate builders; auxiliary builders such as citric acid and citrates; carbonates such as sodium carbonate and sodium bicarbonate; sulfates such as sodium sulfate; silicates such as sodium silicate; chloride salts such as sodium chloride; chelating agents; colorants; dye transfer inhibitors; dye fixatives; fragrances; siloxanes; fabric softeners such as clays; flocculants such as polyethylene oxide; foam suppressants; and any combination thereof.

[0013] Suitable laundry detergent compositions can have low buffering capacity. Such laundry detergent compositions typically have a reserve alkalinity to pH 9.5 of less than 5.0 g NaOH / 100 g. These low-buffered laundry detergent compositions typically contain a low content of carbonate.

[0014] The granular laundry detergent composition comprises a first optical brightener. The first optical brightener has the following structure:

[0015]

[0016] The first optical brightener can be present between 0.01% and 5% or even between 0.5% and 4% by weight of the granular laundry detergent composition.

[0017] The granular laundry detergent composition comprises a colorant dye. The granular laundry detergent composition can comprise a colorant dye between 0.1% and 10% by weight of the granular laundry detergent composition. The colorant dye can be selected from Direct Violet 9, Direct Violet 66, Direct Violet 99, Acid Violet 50, Solvent Violet 13, Liquitint ® V200 and Liquitint ® E4210 or a combination thereof.

[0018] The colorant dye can have the following structure:

[0019]

[0020] Wherein: R1 and R2 are independently selected from: H; alkyl; alkoxy; alkyleneoxy; alkyl-capped alkyleneoxy; urea; and amido; R3 is a substituted aryl group; X is a substituted group comprising a sulfonamide moiety and optionally an alkyl and / or aryl moiety, and wherein said substituted group comprises at least one alkyleneoxy chain, said at least one alkyleneoxy chain comprising at least four alkyleneoxy moieties in an average molar distribution.

[0021] The toner dye may have the following structure:

[0022]

[0023] Wherein the exponential values x and y are independently selected from 1 to 10.

[0024] The granular laundry detergent composition may comprise a second optical brightener. The second optical brightener may be selected from brighteners having the following structures:

[0025] ,

[0026] ,

[0027] ,

[0028] ,

[0029] or mixtures thereof.

[0030] The weight ratio of the second optical brightener to the first optical brightener may be from 3:1 to 8:1.

[0031] The second optical brightener may be present between 0.1% and 5% or even between 0.5% and 4% by weight of the granular laundry detergent composition.

[0032] The granular laundry detergent composition may comprise a surfactant. The surfactant may be selected from anionic surfactants, nonionic surfactants or mixtures thereof.

[0033] The anionic surfactant may include linear alkylbenzene sulfonates, ethoxylated alkyl sulfates, alkyl sulfates or mixtures thereof. The granular laundry detergent composition may comprise an anionic surfactant between 5% and 60% by weight of the granular laundry detergent composition. Suitable anionic surfactants include sulfonate detergency surfactants and sulfate detergency surfactants.

[0034] Suitable sulfonate detergency surfactants include methyl sulfonate, alpha olefin sulfonate, alkylbenzene sulfonate, especially alkylbenzene sulfonate, preferably C 10-13Alkylbenzene sulfonates. Suitable alkylbenzene sulfonates (LAS) are available, preferably obtained by sulfonating commercially available linear alkylbenzenes (LAB); suitable LABs include lower 2-phenyl LABs, and other suitable LABs include higher 2-phenyl LABs, such as those sold under the trade name Hyblene ® supplied by Sasol.

[0035] Suitable sulfate detergent surfactants include alkyl sulfates, preferably C 8-18 alkyl sulfates, or predominantly C 12 alkyl sulfates.

[0036] Preferred sulfate detergent surfactants are alkyl alkoxylated sulfates, preferably alkyl ethoxylated sulfates, preferably C 8-18 alkyl alkoxylated sulfates, preferably C 8-18 alkyl ethoxylated sulfates, preferably alkyl alkoxylated sulfates having an average degree of alkoxylation of 0.5 to 20, preferably 0.5 to 10, preferably alkyl alkoxylated sulfates being C 8-18 alkyl ethoxylated sulfates having an average degree of ethoxylation of 0.5 to 10, preferably 0.5 to 5, more preferably 0.5 to 3, and most preferably 0.5 to 1.5.

[0037] Alkyl sulfates, alkyl alkoxylated sulfates and alkylbenzene sulfonates can be straight-chain or branched, substituted or unsubstituted, and can be derived from petrochemical materials or biological materials.

[0038] Other suitable anionic detergent surfactants include alkyl ether carboxylates.

[0039] Suitable anionic detergent surfactants can be in the form of salts, and suitable counterions include sodium, calcium, magnesium, amino alcohols, and any combination thereof. The preferred counterion is sodium.

[0040] Nonionic surfactants can be fatty alcohol ethoxylates, preferably where the granular laundry detergent composition contains fatty alcohol ethoxylates between 0.1% and 40% by weight of the granular laundry detergent composition. Nonionic surfactants can be nonionic detergent surfactants. Suitable nonionic detergent surfactants are selected from: C8-C 18 alkyl ethoxylates, such as NEODOL from Shell ® nonionic surfactants; C6-C 12 alkylphenol alkoxylates, where preferably the alkoxylate units are ethyleneoxy units, propyleneoxy units, or mixtures thereof; C 12 -C 18 alcohols and C6-C 12Condensates of alkylphenols with ethylene oxide / propylene oxide block polymers, such as Pluronic available from BASF ® ; alkyl polysaccharides, preferably alkyl polyglycosides; methyl ester ethoxylates; polyhydroxy fatty acid amides; ether-capped poly(alkoxylated) alcohol surfactants; and mixtures thereof.

[0041] Suitable nonionic detersive surfactants are alkyl polyglucosides and / or alkyl alkoxylated alcohols.

[0042] Suitable nonionic detersive surfactants include alkyl alkoxylated alcohols, preferably C 8-18 Alkyl alkoxylated alcohols, preferably C 8-18 Alkyl ethoxylated alcohols, preferably alkyl alkoxylated alcohols having an average degree of alkoxylation of from 1 to 50, preferably from 1 to 30, or from 1 to 20, or from 1 to 10, preferably the alkyl alkoxylated alcohol being C 8-18 Alkyl ethoxylated alcohols having an average degree of ethoxylation of from 1 to 10, preferably from 1 to 7, more preferably from 1 to 5, and most preferably from 3 to 7. The alkyl alkoxylated alcohols can be straight-chain or branched, and substituted or unsubstituted.

[0043] Suitable nonionic detersive surfactants include secondary alcohol-based detersive surfactants.

[0044] The granular laundry detergent composition may comprise a soil-release polymer. The granular laundry detergent composition may comprise a soil-release polymer in an amount between 0.1% and 5% by weight of the granular laundry detergent composition. Preferably, the soil-release polymer is a polyester soil-release polymer.

[0045] Polyester soil-release polymers generally have hydrophilic segments to hydrophilize the surface of hydrophobic fibers such as polyester and nylon, and hydrophobic segments to deposit on the hydrophobic fibers and remain adhered thereto until the wash and rinse cycles are complete, thereby serving as an anchor for the hydrophilic segments. This can make stains that appear after treatment with the detergent easier to clean in a later wash program. It is also believed that facilitating soil release helps to improve or maintain the wicking properties of the fabric.

[0046] The structure of the polyester soil-release polymer can be adjusted to be suitable for different detergent or detergent additive products. The soil-release polymer can be linear, branched or star-shaped. The soil-release polymer can also comprise a variety of charged units. Generally, when the soil-release polymer is used in combination with a detergent containing an anionic surfactant, a nonionic soil-release polymer or an anionic soil-release polymer can be particularly preferred to avoid potential negative interactions between the soil-release polymer and the anionic surfactant. The soil-release polymer can comprise a capping moiety, which is particularly effective in controlling the molecular weight of the polymer or changing the physical or surface adsorption properties of the polymer.

[0047] Preferred polyester detergency polymers include terephthalate-derived polyester polymers comprising structural unit (I) or structural units (I) and (II):

[0048] (I) -[(OCHR 1 -CHR 2 ) a -O-OC-Ar-CO-] d

[0049] (II) -[(OCHR 3 -CHR 4 ) b -O-OC-sAr-CO-] e

[0050] Wherein:

[0051] a, b are from 1 to 200;

[0052] d, e are from 1 to 50;

[0053] Ar is independently selected from 1,4-substituted phenylene and 1,3-substituted phenylene

[0054] sAr is 1,3-substituted phenylene substituted at position 5 with -SO3M; wherein M is a counterion selected from Na + , Li + , K + , ½ Mg 2+ , ½ Ca 2+ , 1 / 3 Al 3+ , ammonium, monoalkylammonium, dialkylammonium, trialkylammonium or tetraalkylammonium, wherein the alkyl group is C1-C 18 alkyl or C2-C 10 hydroxyalkyl or mixtures thereof;

[0055] R 1 、R 2 、R 3 、R 4 、R are independently selected from H or C1-C 18 n-alkyl or iso-alkyl; preferably selected from H or C1 alkyl.

[0056] Optionally, the polymer further comprises one or more end groups (III) derived from polyalkylene glycol monoalkyl ethers, preferably selected from structure (III-a)

[0057]

[0058] Wherein:

[0059] R7 is a straight-chain or branched C 1-30 alkyl group, C2-C 30 alkenyl group, or a cycloalkyl group having 5 to 9 carbon atoms, or a C8-C 30 aryl group, or a C6-C 30 arylalkyl group; preferably a C 1-4 alkyl group, more preferably a methyl group; and

[0060] c, d, and e are numbers independently selected from 0 to 200 based on a molar average, where the sum of c + d + e is from 2 to 500,

[0061] where the [C2H4-O], [C3H6-O], and [C4H8-O] groups of the terminal group (IV-a) can be block, alternating, periodic, and / or statistical arrangements, preferably block and / or statistical arrangements, and any one of the [C2H4-O], [C3H6-O], and [C4H8-O] groups of the terminal group (IV-a) can be connected to -R7 and / or -O. Preferably, the [C3H6-O] group is connected to -O, and -O is further connected to -OC-Ar-CO- or -OC-sAr-CO-.

[0062] Optionally, the polymer contains one or more anionic end units (IV) and / or (V). Where M is a counterion selected from Na + , Li + , K + , ½ Mg 2+ , ½ Ca 2+ , 1 / 3 Al 3+ , ammonium, monoalkylammonium, dialkylammonium, trialkylammonium, or tetraalkylammonium, where the alkyl group is a C1-C 18 alkyl group or a C2-C 10 hydroxyalkyl group or a mixture thereof.

[0063] -O-CH2CH2-SO3M (IV)

[0064] (V)

[0065] Optionally, the polymer may contain crosslinked polyfunctional structural units having at least three functional groups capable of undergoing an esterification reaction. The functional groups can be, for example, acid-, alcohol-, ester-, acid anhydride-, or epoxy groups, etc.

[0066] Optionally, other dicarboxylic acids or polycarboxylic acids or their salts or their (di)alkyl esters can be used in the polyesters of the present invention, such as naphthalene-1,4-dicarboxylic acid, naphthalene-2,6-dicarboxylic acid, tetrahydrophthalic acid, trimellitic acid, diphenoxyethane-4,4'-dicarboxylic acid, diphenyl-4,4'-dicarboxylic acid, 2,5-furandicarboxylic acid, adipic acid, sebacic acid, decane-1,10-dicarboxylic acid, fumaric acid, succinic acid, 1,4-cyclohexanedicarboxylic acid, cyclohexanediacetic acid, glutaric acid, azelaic acid or their salts or their (di)alkyl esters, preferably their (C1-C4)-(di)alkyl esters, and more preferably their (di)methyl esters or mixtures thereof.

[0067] One type of preferred polyester soil release polymer is a nonionic polyester soil release polymer that does not contain the above structural unit (II). A particularly preferred nonionic polyester soil release polymer has a structure according to the following formula:

[0068]

[0069] Wherein:

[0070] R5 and R6 are independently selected from H or CH3. More preferably, one of R5 and R6 is H and the other is CH3.

[0071] c and d are numbers independently selected from 0 to 200 based on the molar average, where the sum of c + d is 2 to 400,

[0072] More preferably, d is from 0 to 50 and c is from 1 to 200,

[0073] More preferably, d is from 1 to 10 and c is from 5 to 150,

[0074] R7 is C 1- C4 alkyl, and more preferably methyl,

[0075] n is from 1 to 50 based on the molar average.

[0076] One example of the most preferred above-mentioned suitable terephthalate-derived nonionic soil release polymer has one of R5 and R6 being H and the other being CH3; d is 0; c is 5 - 100, and R7 is methyl, and n is 3 - 10.

[0077] Another type of preferred polyester soil release polymer is an anionic polyester soil release polymer that contains the above structural unit (I) and structural unit (II). Preferably, the anionic soil release polymer further contains at least one end group selected from (III-a), (IV), and (V). More preferably, the anionic soil release polymer contains structures (I) and (II) and one or two end groups (III-a), where R 7is a C1 alkyl group, c ranges from 2 to 100, preferably 3 to 50, such as 5, 10, 15, 20.

[0078] The polyester detergent polymer can be obtained or convertible into different forms, including powders, granules, liquids, waxes or premixes. In some embodiments, other materials (e.g., water, alcohols, other solvents, salts, surfactants, etc.) are required to convert the polyester detergent polymer into the different forms mentioned above. The weight percentage of the active detergent polymer in the powder, granule, liquid, wax or premix ranges from 10% to 100%, such as 15%, 20%, 40%, 60%, 70%, 80%, 90%, 95%, 100%. When the detergent polymer is in the form of a liquid or premix, the premix can be transparent or opaque, white or slightly yellowish. The opaque premix can be used to provide an opaque appearance to the final product or a part of the final product.

[0079] The polyester may or may not be biodegradable, and the preferred detergent polymer is readily biodegradable.

[0080] Examples of suitable detergent polymers include the TexCare ® series supplied by Clariant, including the nonionic detergent polymers Texcare ® SRN 100, SRN 170, SRN 170 C, SRN 170 Terra, SRN 172, SRN 240, SRN 260, SRN 260 life, SRN 260 SG Terra, SRN UL50, SRN 300, SRN 325; and the anionic detergent polymers Texcare ® SRA 100, SRA 300, SRA300 F. Examples of suitable detergent polymers also include the REPEL-O-TEX ® series of polymers supplied by Rhodia / Solvay, including the nonionic detergent polymers REPEL-O-TEX ® Crystal, Crystal PLUS, Crystal NAT, SRP6; and the anionic detergent polymers REPEL-O-TEX ® SF-2. Other examples of commercial detergent polymers also include the WeylClean ® series of detergent polymers supplied by WeylChem, including the nonionic detergent polymers WeylClean ® PLN1, PLN2; and the anionic detergent polymers WeylClean ®PSA1. Other examples of commercial detergent polymers are Marloquest ® polymers such as Marloquest supplied by Sasol ® SL, HSCB, L235M, U, B and G82. Other suitable commercial detergent polymers include Sorez 100 (from ISP or Ashland).

[0081] The raw materials for preparing the polyesters of the present invention can be based on fossil carbon or renewable carbon. Renewable carbon includes carbon derived from biomass, carbon capture or chemical recycling. Preferably, the raw materials for preparing the polyesters of the present invention are at least partially based on renewable carbon. The renewable carbon index (RCI, a measure of sustainability obtained by dividing the number of carbons from renewable sources by the total number of carbons in the active ingredient) of the polyesters of the present invention is preferably higher than 40%, more preferably higher than 50%, even more preferably higher than 60%, particularly preferably 70% to 100% (including 100%), and most preferably 100%.

[0082] The first optical brightener and the second optical brightener can be located in the same particle or in separate particles.

[0083] The granular laundry detergent composition can comprise spray-dried granules, agglomerates, extrudates, flakes or mixtures thereof.

[0084] Generally, suitable spray-drying methods include the steps of forming an aqueous slurry mixture and transferring the aqueous slurry mixture to a pressure nozzle by at least one pump, preferably two pumps. Atomizing the aqueous slurry mixture into a spray-drying tower and drying the aqueous slurry mixture to form spray-dried granules. Preferably, the spray-drying tower is a countercurrent spray-drying tower, although a co-current spray-drying tower can also be suitable.

[0085] Generally, the spray-dried powder is subjected to cooling, such as air stripping. Generally, the spray-dried powder is subjected to particle size classification, such as sieving, to obtain a desired particle size distribution. Preferably, the spray-dried powder has a particle size distribution such that the weight-average particle size is in the range of 300 microns to 500 microns, and less than 10% by weight of the spray-dried particles have a particle size greater than 2360 microns.

[0086] It can be preferred to heat the aqueous slurry mixture to raise the temperature before atomizing into the spray-drying tower.

[0087] For anionic surfactants such as linear alkylbenzene sulfonates, it can be preferred to be introduced into the spray-drying process after the step of forming the aqueous slurry mixture: for example, after pumping, the acid precursor is introduced into the aqueous slurry mixture.

[0088] For gases, such as air, it may be preferred to be introduced into the spray drying process after the step of forming the aqueous slurry.

[0089] For any inorganic components, such as sodium sulfate and sodium carbonate, it may be preferred that if present in the aqueous slurry mixture, they are micronized to small particle sizes.

[0090] Typically, suitable agglomeration methods include the step of contacting in a mixer a detergent component, such as a detergent surfactant, for example linear alkylbenzene sulfonate (LAS) and / or alkyl alkoxylated sulfate with an inorganic material, such as sodium carbonate and / or silica. The agglomeration method can also be an in-situ neutralization agglomeration method, in which an acid precursor of the detergent surfactant, such as LAS, is contacted with a basic material, such as a carbonate and / or sodium hydroxide in a mixer, and in which the acid precursor of the detergent surfactant is neutralized by the basic material during the agglomeration method to form the detergent surfactant.

[0091] Other suitable detergent components that can be agglomerated include polymers, chelating agents, bleach activators, siloxanes, and any combination thereof.

[0092] The agglomeration method can be a high, medium, or low shear agglomeration method, in which a high shear, medium shear, or low shear mixer is used accordingly. The agglomeration method can be a multi-step agglomeration method, in which two or more mixers are used, such as a combination of a high shear mixer and a medium or low shear mixer. The agglomeration method can be a continuous method or a batch method.

[0093] It may be preferred for the agglomerates to be subjected to a drying step, for example, a fluidized bed drying step. It may also be preferred for the agglomerates to be subjected to a cooling step, for example, a fluidized bed cooling step.

[0094] Typically, the agglomerates are subjected to particle size classification, such as fluidized bed elutriation and / or screening, to obtain a desired particle size distribution. Preferably, the agglomerates have a particle size distribution such that the weight average particle size is in the range of 300 microns to 800 microns, and less than 10 wt% of the agglomerates have a particle size less than 150 microns, and less than 10 wt% of the agglomerates have a particle size greater than 1200 microns.

[0095] It may be preferred for the small and oversized agglomerates to be recycled back into the agglomeration method. Typically, the oversized particles are subjected to a comminution step, such as grinding, and recycled back to an appropriate location in the agglomeration method, such as a mixer. Typically, the fines are recycled back to an appropriate location in the agglomeration method, such as a mixer.

[0096] For ingredients, such as polymers and / or nonionic detergent surfactants and / or fragrances, it may be preferred to spray them onto the substrate detergent granules, such as spray-dried substrate detergent granules and / or agglomerated substrate detergent granules. Generally, this spraying step is carried out in a tumbling drum mixer.

[0097] The granular laundry detergent composition may be contained within a package, where the package comprises a cellulose-containing material, a plastic, or a mixture thereof, preferably where the package comprises at least 50% recycled material by weight of the package. Preferably, the cellulose-containing material comprises cardboard, corrugated cardboard, paperboard, or a mixture thereof.

[0098] Method for washing fabrics

[0099] A method of washing fabrics includes the steps of contacting a solid composition with water to form a washing liquid and washing the fabrics in the washing liquid. Generally, the washing liquid has a temperature above 0°C to 90°C, or to 60°C, or to 40°C, or to 30°C, or to 20°C. Before, after, or simultaneously with contacting the solid composition with water, the fabrics may be contacted with water. Generally, the washing liquid is formed by contacting the laundry detergent with water in such an amount that the concentration of the laundry detergent composition in the washing liquid is 0.2 g / L to 20 g / L, or 0.5 g / L to 10 g / L, or to 5.0 g / L. The method of washing fabrics may be carried out in a front-loading automatic washing machine, a top-loading automatic washing machine, including a high-efficiency automatic washing machine, or a suitable hand-washing container. Generally, the washing liquid contains 90 liters or less, or 60 liters or less, or 15 liters or less, or 10 liters or less of water. Generally, 200 g or less, or 150 g or less, or 100 g or less, or 50 g or less of the laundry detergent composition is contacted with water to form the washing liquid.

[0100] Water-soluble unit dose article

[0101] Another aspect of the present invention is a water-soluble unit-dose article that includes a granular laundry detergent composition. The water-soluble unit-dose article includes a water-soluble nonwoven sheet, wherein;

[0102] a. The nonwoven sheet is formed to form an internal compartment and the granular laundry detergent composition is contained within the compartment;

[0103] Or

[0104] b. The nonwoven sheet is oriented into layers, the layers are stacked on top of each other, and the granular laundry detergent composition is positioned between the layers.

[0105] The water-soluble fibrous nonwoven sheet contains a plurality of fibers. Preferably, the fibers are entangled fibers in the form of a fibrous structure.

[0106] The water-soluble fibrous nonwoven sheet can be uniform or can be layered. If it is layered, the water-soluble fibrous nonwoven sheet can include at least two and / or at least three and / or at least four and / or at least five layers.

[0107] Preferably, the water-soluble fibrous nonwoven sheet has a basis weight between 20 gsm and 60 gsm, preferably between 20 gsm and 55 gsm, more preferably between 25 gsm and 50 gsm, and most preferably between 25 gsm and 45 gsm. Those skilled in the art will know the method of measuring the basis weight.

[0108] As used herein, "fiber" refers to an elongated element having a length greater than its average diameter, preferably a ratio of length to average diameter of at least about 10.

[0109] Preferably, each fiber can have a length greater than or equal to 5.08 cm, greater than or equal to 7.62 cm, greater than or equal to 10.16 cm, greater than or equal to 15.24 cm, or a mixture thereof.

[0110] Alternatively, each fiber can have a length less than 5.08 cm, less than 3.81 cm, less than 2.54 cm, or a mixture thereof.

[0111] Each fiber can have a width less than 100 µm, less than 75 µm, less than 50 µm, less than 25 µm, less than 10 µm, less than 5 µm, less than 1 µm, or a mixture thereof. Those skilled in the art will know the standard methods and techniques for measuring width. Preferred methods include scanning electron microscopy (SEM) or optical microscopy and image analysis software.

[0112] The water-soluble fibrous nonwoven sheet can contain a plurality of fibers that are the same or substantially the same in compositional angle. Alternatively, the water-soluble fibrous nonwoven sheet can contain two or more different fibers according to the present invention. Non-limiting examples of fiber differences can be physical differences such as differences in diameter, length, texture, shape, hardness, elasticity, etc.; chemical differences such as crosslinking level, solubility, melting point, Tg, active agent.

[0113] Preferably, the fibers are present between 80% and 95% by weight of the water-soluble fibrous nonwoven sheet, preferably between 85% and 93% by weight, more preferably between 87% and 90% by weight.

[0114] The water-soluble fibrous nonwoven sheet may exhibit different regions, such as regions of different basis weights, densities, and / or thicknesses. The water-soluble fibrous nonwoven sheet may include a texture on one or more of its surfaces. The surface of the water-soluble fibrous nonwoven sheet may include a pattern, such as a non-random repeating pattern.

[0115] The water-soluble fibrous nonwoven sheet may have a thickness between 0.01 mm and 100 mm, preferably between 0.05 mm and 50 mm, more preferably between 0.1 mm and 20 mm, even more preferably between 0.1 mm and 10 mm, even more preferably between 0.1 mm and 5 mm, even more preferably between 0.1 mm and 2 mm, even more preferably between 0.1 mm and 0.5 mm, and most preferably between 0.1 mm and 0.3 mm. Those skilled in the art will know the standard methods for measuring thickness.

[0116] The fibers may comprise a polyvinyl alcohol polymer. Preferably, the fibers comprise between 50% and 98%, preferably between 65% and 97%, more preferably between 80% and 96%, and even more preferably between 88% and 96% by weight of the fiber of polyvinyl alcohol.

[0117] The polyvinyl alcohol polymer may have a weight average molecular weight between 50 kDa and 150 kDa, preferably between 75 kDa and 140 kDa, and more preferably between 100 kDa and 130 kDa. As used herein, "weight average molecular weight" means the weight average molecular weight determined using gel permeation chromatography according to the protocol presented in Colloids and Surfaces A. Physico Chemical & Engineering Aspects, Volume 162, 2000, pages 107-121. Those skilled in the art will know other known techniques for determining the weight average molecular weight (MW).

[0118] Preferably, the polyvinyl alcohol polymer is a polyvinyl alcohol homopolymer. Preferably, the polyvinyl alcohol homopolymer has an average degree of hydrolysis percentage of 75% to 100%, preferably 80% to 95%, and most preferably 85% to 90%. Preferably, the polyvinyl alcohol homopolymer has an average viscosity of 1 mPas to 30 mPas, preferably 5 mPas to 25 mPas, and most preferably 10 mPas to 20 mPa, where the viscosity is measured in a 4% aqueous solution in demineralized water at 20°C.

[0119] The fiber preferably contains a breaker in an amount between 0.1% and 15% by weight of the fiber, where the breaker is selected from polyols, sugar alcohols, amines, amides, carbohydrates, polyvalent cations, or mixtures thereof, preferably selected from polyols, sugar alcohols, or mixtures thereof. Preferably, the fiber contains a breaker in an amount between 1% and 12% by weight of the fiber, preferably between 2% and 10%.

[0120] The dimensions and values disclosed herein are not to be understood as being strictly limited to the exact numerical values recited. Instead, each such dimension is intended to mean the recited value and a functionally equivalent range surrounding that value. For example, a dimension disclosed as "40 mm" is intended to mean "about 40 mm".

[0121] Unless expressly excluded or otherwise limited, each document cited herein, including any cross-referenced or related patent or patent application, and any patent application or patent to which this application claims priority or for which it claims the benefit, 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, teaches, suggests, or discloses any such invention. Further, when any meaning or definition of a term in this invention conflicts with any meaning or definition of the same term in a document incorporated by reference, the meaning or definition assigned to the term in this invention shall govern.

[0122] Although specific embodiments of the 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 invention. Accordingly, it is intended that all such changes and modifications that fall within the scope of the invention be covered by the appended claims.

[0123] Examples

[0124] The following experiments were conducted

[0125] 1) Preparation of test compositions

[0126] A granular detergent having the following composition was used as the base detergent, and the formulation did not contain optical brighteners. The components and contents in the formulation are as follows:

[0127]

[0128] For each wash cycle, eight separate wash solutions were prepared using water having a hardness of 7 grains per gallon and containing 5 g / L of the above formulation.

[0129] The following shows the amounts of different optical brighteners added to each washing solution (expressed as ppm active substance) to evaluate the fabric whiteness performance of each sample:

[0130]

[0131] Optical brightener structure :

[0132]

[0133] 2) Test fabrics

[0134] Whiteness tracer

[0135] 5×5 cm cotton fabric samples (supplied by Centre for Test Materials, Vlaardingen, Netherlands). For each test preparation, 4 single-cycle replicates and 4 multi-cycle replicates were used.

[0136] 5×5 cm polyester-cotton fabric samples (supplied by Centre for Test Materials, Vlaardingen, Netherlands). For each test preparation, 4 single-cycle replicates and 4 multi-cycle replicates were used.

[0137] 5×5 cm polyester fabric samples (supplied by Centre for Test Materials, Vlaardingen, Netherlands). For each test preparation, 4 single-cycle replicates and 4 multi-cycle replicates were used.

[0138] Ballast

[0139] 5×5 cm knitted cotton ballast (supplied by Warwick Equest, Consett, United Kingdom), reaching a total load weight of 60 g.

[0140] Soil

[0141] 5×5 cm SBL2004 soil samples (supplied by Centre for Test Materials, Vlaardingen, Netherlands). 21 samples were used for each test preparation.

[0142] 3) Test washing procedure

[0143] 1. This method involves using an oscillating detergent tester to simulate the action of a washing machine.

[0144] 2. Wash the white tracer fabric together with the knitted cotton ballast using the test preparation, adding to maintain a water:fabric ratio of 17:1.

[0145] 3. Stir the oscillating detergent meter tank containing the test solution (1.0 L) and the test fabric at 250 rpm for 30 minutes at 35 °C. After washing, then rinse the test fabric and the ballast in fresh water (7.0 US gpg hardness at 15 °C) for 5 minutes, twice.

[0146] 4. Repeat the washing process using the multi-cycle test fabric from the first washing cycle for 3 more washing cycles. The single-cycle tracer is removed after the first cycle.

[0147] 5. Then remove the tracer replicas and dry them at ambient room temperature for >12 hours. Measure the whiteness level of the test fabric using a spectrophotometer (D65 lamp) to show the whiteness performance of each example.

[0148] 4) Comparison of samples

[0149] Table 1 - Whiteness properties of fluorescent brighteners 185 and DV9 on single-cycle cotton fabrics

[0150]

[0151] Evaluate the whiteness performance of the examples in Table 1 according to the whiteness method shown above. As shown in Table 1, when OBA185 is combined with DV9 (Example H), an obvious synergistic effect is shown. Compared with the reference formulation (Example A), an increase in WCIE of +11.4 is shown, and this beneficial effect is greater than the additive beneficial effects of the individual technologies in Examples B and G.

[0152] Table 2 - Whiteness properties of OBA 185 and AV50 on single-cycle polyester / cotton fabrics

[0153]

[0154] Evaluate the whiteness performance of the examples in Table 2 according to the whiteness method shown above. As shown in Table 1, when the optical brightening agent 185 is combined with AV50 (Example J), an obvious synergistic effect is shown. Compared with the reference formulation (Example A), an increase in WCIE of +5.9 is shown, and this beneficial effect is greater than the additive beneficial effects of the individual technologies in Examples B and I.

[0155] Table 3 - Whiteness properties of fluorescent brighteners 185 and V200 on multi-cycle polyester / cotton fabrics

[0156]

[0157] Evaluate the whiteness performance of the examples in Table 3 according to the whiteness method shown above. As shown in Table 1, when fluorescent brightener 185 is combined with V200 (Example F), an obvious synergistic effect is shown. Compared with the reference formulation (Example A), an increase in WCIE of +12.1 is shown, and this beneficial effect is greater than the additive beneficial effects of the individual techniques in Examples B and E.

[0158] Table 4 - Whiteness properties of fluorescent brighteners 185 and V200 on multi-cycle polyester fabrics

[0159]

[0160] Evaluate the whiteness performance of the examples in Table 4 according to the whiteness method shown above. As shown in Table 1, when fluorescent brightener 185 is combined with V200 (Example F), an obvious synergistic effect is shown. Compared with the reference formulation (Example A), an increase in WCIE of +14.6 is shown, and this beneficial effect is greater than the additive beneficial effects of the individual techniques in Examples B and E.

Claims

1. A granular laundry detergent composition comprising a first optical brightener and a hueing dye, in, The first optical brightener has the following structure: 。 2. A granular laundry detergent composition according to claim 1, wherein the hueing dye is selected from Direct Violet 9, Direct Violet 66, Direct Violet 99, Acid Violet 50, Solvent Violet 13, a hueing dye having the following structure: in: R1 and R2 are independently selected from: H; alkyl; alkoxy; alkyleneoxy; alkyl-terminated alkyleneoxy; urea; and amide; R3 is a substituted aryl group; X is a substituent group comprising a sulfonamide moiety and optionally an alkyl and / or aryl moiety, and wherein the substituent group comprises at least one alkyleneoxy chain comprising at least four alkyleneoxy moieties in an average molar distribution, Hueing dyes having the following structure: wherein the index values ​​x and y are independently selected from 1 to 10; or a combination thereof.

3. A granular laundry detergent composition according to any preceding claim comprising between 0.1% and 10% by weight of the granular laundry detergent composition of the hueing dye.

4. A granular laundry detergent composition according to any preceding claim comprising a second optical brightener, wherein the second optical brightener is selected from brighteners having the following structure: ， ， ， ， or a mixture thereof.

5. A granular laundry detergent composition according to claim 4, wherein the weight ratio of the second optical brightener to the first optical brightener is from 3:1 to 8:

1.

6. A granular laundry detergent composition according to any preceding claim, wherein the first optical brightener is present at between 0.01% and 5% or even between 0.5% and 4% by weight of the granular laundry detergent composition.

7. A granular laundry detergent composition according to claims 4 to 6 wherein the second optical brightener is present at between 0.1% and 5% or even between 0.5% and 4% by weight of the granular laundry detergent composition.

8. A granular laundry detergent composition according to any preceding claim, wherein the granular laundry detergent composition comprises a surfactant, wherein the surfactant is selected from anionic surfactants, nonionic surfactants or mixtures thereof.

9. A granular laundry detergent composition according to claim 8, wherein the anionic surfactant comprises linear alkylbenzene sulfonate, ethoxylated alkyl sulfate, alkyl sulfate or mixtures thereof, preferably wherein the granular laundry detergent composition comprises between 5% and 60% of the anionic surfactant by weight of the granular laundry detergent composition.

10. A granular laundry detergent composition according to claim 8 or 9, wherein the nonionic surfactant is a fatty alcohol ethoxylate, preferably wherein the granular laundry detergent composition comprises between 0.1% and 40% of the fatty alcohol ethoxylate by weight of the granular laundry detergent composition.

11. A granular laundry detergent composition according to any preceding claim comprising a soil release polymer, preferably a polyester soil release polymer, wherein preferably the granular laundry detergent composition comprises between 0.1% and 5% of said soil release polymer by weight of the granular laundry detergent composition.

12. A granular laundry detergent composition according to any preceding claim, wherein the granular laundry detergent composition comprises spray-dried granules, agglomerates, extrudates, tablets or mixtures thereof.

13. A granular laundry detergent composition according to any preceding claim, wherein the first optical brightener and the second optical brightener are located in the same granule or in separate granules.

14. A granular laundry detergent composition according to any preceding claim, wherein the granular laundry detergent is contained within a package, wherein the package comprises a cellulose containing material, a plastic or a mixture thereof, preferably wherein the package comprises at least 50% recycled material by weight of the package.

15. A water-soluble unit dose article comprising a granular laundry detergent composition according to any preceding claim, wherein the water-soluble unit dose article comprises a water-soluble nonwoven sheet, wherein: a. The nonwoven sheet is formed to form an internal compartment and the granular laundry detergent composition is contained within the compartment; or b. The nonwoven sheet is oriented into layers, the layers are stacked upon one another, and the granular laundry detergent composition is positioned between the layers.

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