Laundry composition

Abstract

A laundry composition comprising a plurality of particles wherein the particles comprise: 20 to 95 wt% of a water-soluble carrier selected from the group consisting of carbohydrates, inorganic alkali metal salts, organic alkali metal salts, inorganic alkaline earth metal salts, organic alkaline earth metal salts, urea, and mixtures thereof; a filler selected from the group consisting of silica, zeolite, clay, calcium carbonate, magnesium carbonate, calcium stearate, magnesium stearate, titanium dioxide, calcium phosphate and mixtures thereof; and a perfume; wherein the water-soluble carrier comprises a carbohydrate selected from the group consisting of sugars, sugar alcohols, and mixtures thereof; wherein the particles are uniformly structured; and wherein the filler has a D50 particle size of from 0.01 to 100 [mu] m, and wherein the particle size is measured using a Malvern Mastersize.

Description

Technical Field

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

[0002] A wide variety of laundry products are available on the market, including detergents, fabric conditioners, stain removers, and bleaches. Laundry products are used for a variety of reasons, with detergents traditionally used for cleaning and fabric conditioners used for softening and perfumed fabrics. There is a continuing need for laundry products that provide fabric care benefits to fabrics.

[0003] Various benefit agents are commonly added to laundry products to provide fabric care benefits. However, adding benefit agents to laundry products has the disadvantages of increased formulation complexity, increased cost, and benefit agents that may not meet the environmental credentials that consumers expect.

[0004] Today, in addition to conventional laundry detergents and fabric conditioners, laundry products that provide additional benefits to their fabrics are also popular with consumers. Consumers enjoy products that allow them to use customized amounts of benefit agents based on their personal preferences for how much benefit agent is needed to provide the desired benefit. There is an increasing demand for laundry products that allow consumers to customize their laundry routine to suit their needs and preferences.

[0005] Products that provide benefits to fabrics during laundry, independent of other laundry products, have been developed to achieve desired benefits based on the individual preferences of consumers. Among these products, those in particle form are particularly popular. Conventional carrier materials for the particles are synthetic polymers, such as polyethylene glycol (PEG). In a typical preparation method for the particles, a melt is first prepared, the melt comprising a carrier material and other components, and the resulting melt is directly mixed with a benefit agent. The final melt dispersion is then shaped into particles.

[0006] WO 2011 / 056938 A1 relates to a laundry fragrance additive having polyethylene glycol and a perfume. The laundry fragrance additive enables consumers to control the amount of fragrance imparted to their laundry.

[0007] WO 2016099852A1 relates to a composition of a plurality of uniformly structured particles, comprising polyethylene glycol particles, flavor particles, and starch particles, each having a mass of about 0.95 mg to about 5 grams.

[0008] WO 2021 / 239374 A1 relates to a solid fabric softening composition comprising a fabric softening active, a co-active and a disintegrant system, wherein the disintegrant system comprises a salt and an acid.

[0009] US2017 / 0175059A1 relates to a multi-compartment water-soluble unit dose article comprising at least a first compartment and a second compartment: (a) wherein the first compartment comprises a first composition that is a free-flowing, uncompressed particulate composition, and wherein the first composition comprises a fabric softening ingredient; and (b) wherein the second compartment comprises the second composition that is a liquid composition comprising less than 5% of a structuring agent by weight of the liquid composition, less than 15% of water by weight of the unit dose article, and 5% to 35% of a non-aqueous solvent by weight of the unit dose article; and wherein the weight ratio of the first composition to the second composition is from 2:1 to 1:25.

[0010] However, the production of such products has certain limitations: the preparation process, which involves heating and cooling, is time-consuming and complex, requiring specialized equipment; some benefit agents, such as fragrances, tend to evaporate rapidly at higher temperatures, so the fragrance content of the composition decreases rapidly during preparation. Furthermore, carrier materials, such as PEG, are expensive and unsustainable. Many consumers prefer compounds with a favorable environmental profile, so alternatives to petroleum-based raw materials are needed for environmental sustainability.

[0011] Another problem that can occur in the laundry product of particle form is that this product may have poor stability.For example, the particles may stick together and lose its fluidity during preparation, transportation and / or storage, which will cause processing problems and consumer dosing (dosing) problems.Due to the viscosity of the particles, such particles may even leave more residues in the washing machine (for example, on the washing machine door glass or rubber ring) after washing, resulting in poor user experience for the consumer. In addition, the particles may be fragile (brittle) and tend to be broken into small pieces or irreversibly deformed during preparation, transportation and / or storage, which can imply poor product quality and have a negative impact on the consumer acceptance of the product. Therefore, it is desirable that the particles have enough strength to maintain mechanical stability. As used herein, "mechanical stability" refers to that the particles maintain their shape under common conditions in preparation, transportation and / or storage, that is, they will neither be broken into small pieces nor irreversibly deformed within the common temperature range or under the action of force in preparation, transportation and / or storage.

[0012] It is also desirable that laundry products in particle form have good color stability. The color stability of a product can provide a measure of product quality over time under various conditions (e.g., temperature, humidity, light) and is used to establish product shelf life and storage conditions. When using such laundry products, consumers are sensitive to visual cues. Changes in the color of the product can indicate a decline in quality and negatively impact consumer acceptance of the product.

[0013] Furthermore, the dissolution behavior of laundry products in particulate form is also important to consumers.

[0014] Therefore, there still exists a need for improved laundry products of this type. Summary of the Invention

[0015] In a first aspect, the present invention relates to a laundry composition comprising a plurality of particles, wherein the particles comprise:

[0016] a) 20 to 95% by weight of a water-soluble carrier selected from the group consisting of carbohydrates, inorganic alkali metal salts, organic alkali metal salts, inorganic alkaline earth metal salts, organic alkaline earth metal salts, urea, and mixtures thereof;

[0017] b) a filler selected from the group consisting of silica, zeolite, clay, calcium carbonate, magnesium carbonate, calcium stearate, magnesium stearate, titanium dioxide, calcium phosphate, and mixtures thereof; and

[0018] c) spices;

[0019] wherein the water-soluble carrier comprises carbohydrates selected from the group consisting of sugars, sugar alcohols, and mixtures thereof;

[0020] wherein the particles are uniformly structured; and

[0021] wherein the filler has a D50 particle size of 0.01 to 100 microns, and wherein the particle size is measured using a Malvern Mastersizer.

[0022] "Homogeneously structured" means that a continuous phase is present throughout the particle. A core-shell structure is not present. The constituents of the particle, such as the benefit agent, are distributed or dispersed within the continuous phase. When the benefit agent is a fragrance, this can improve fragrance stability against oxidation and evaporation losses during storage. The continuous phase is primarily provided by the carrier material.

[0023] In a second aspect, the invention relates to a method of forming a laundry composition according to any embodiment of the first aspect, the method comprising the steps of:

[0024] (i) mixing the components of the composition to form a mixture;

[0025] (ii) feeding the mixture into an extruder and extruding it to form an extrudate;

[0026] (iii) cutting the extrudate to form particles;

[0027] (iv) drying the particles; and

[0028] (v) optionally dusting the particles with an anti-caking agent.

[0029] In a third aspect, the present invention relates to a method for treating laundry, the method comprising the steps of:

[0030] (i) providing fabrics in a washing machine;

[0031] (ii) dispensing a laundry composition according to any embodiment of the first aspect into said washing machine; and

[0032] (iii) contacting said fabrics with said laundry composition during a wash sub-cycle of said washing machine.

[0033] In a fourth aspect, the present invention relates to the use of a laundry composition according to any embodiment of the first aspect for providing fabric care benefits to washed fabrics during a laundry process, preferably for imparting fragrance to washed fabrics. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0034] Except in the examples, or where otherwise explicitly indicated, all numbers in this description indicating amounts of material or conditions of reactions, physical properties of materials and / or use may optionally be understood as modified by "about."

[0035] All amounts are by weight of the composition unless otherwise specified.

[0036] It should be noted that when specifying any range of values, any particular upper value can be associated with any particular lower value.

[0037] For the avoidance of doubt, the word "comprising" is intended to mean "including" but not necessarily "consisting of" or "composed of." In other words, the listed steps or options do not have to be exhaustive.

[0038] The disclosure of the invention as found herein is deemed to cover all embodiments as found in the claims as multiple dependents on each other, irrespective of the fact that the claims are found without multiple dependency or redundancy.

[0039] Where features are disclosed with respect to a particular aspect of the invention (eg, the composition of the invention), such disclosure is also considered applicable, mutatis mutandis, to any other aspect of the invention (eg, the method of the invention).

[0040] Laundry compositions in the context of the present invention are laundry compositions that are intended to be used in addition to conventional detergents or fabric conditioners. Such laundry compositions provide additional benefits over and above those delivered by detergents or fabric conditioners, and they provide the consumer with the ability to customize the level of benefit agents delivered in the wash.

[0041] Water-soluble carrier

[0042] As used herein, the term "water-soluble" means that the material is soluble or otherwise dispersible in water at a level of at least 90% by weight at 25°C under ambient conditions, preferably at least 95% by weight at 25°C under ambient conditions, more preferably at least 98% by weight. The particles of the present invention comprise not less than 20% by weight of a water-soluble carrier, preferably not less than 30% by weight, more preferably not less than 35% by weight, and most preferably not less than 40% by weight of a water-soluble carrier. The particles of the present invention comprise not more than 95% by weight of a water-soluble carrier, preferably not more than 85% by weight, more preferably not more than 75% by weight, and most preferably not more than 70% by weight of a water-soluble carrier. The particles of the present invention comprise from 20 to 95% by weight of a water-soluble carrier, preferably from 30 to 85% by weight, more preferably from 35 to 75% by weight, and most preferably from 40 to 70% by weight of a water-soluble carrier.

[0043] The water-soluble carrier is selected from the group consisting of carbohydrates, inorganic alkali metal salts, organic alkali metal salts, inorganic alkaline earth metal salts, organic alkaline earth metal salts, urea and mixtures thereof.

[0044] Suitable alkali metal salts include: an alkali metal ion selected from lithium, sodium, potassium and mixtures thereof; and an anion selected from fluoride, chloride, bromide, iodide, sulfate, bisulfate, phosphate, carbonate, acetate, citrate, lactate, pyruvate, ascorbate, sorbate and mixtures thereof. Examples of suitable inorganic alkali metal salts include, but are not limited to, sodium fluoride, sodium chloride, sodium bromide, sodium iodide, sodium sulfate, sodium bisulfate, sodium phosphate, sodium monohydrogen phosphate, sodium dihydrogen phosphate, sodium carbonate, sodium bicarbonate, potassium fluoride, potassium chloride, potassium bromide, potassium iodide, potassium sulfate, potassium bisulfate, potassium phosphate, potassium monohydrogen phosphate, potassium dihydrogen phosphate, potassium carbonate, potassium monohydrogen carbonate or mixtures thereof. Examples of suitable organic alkali metal salts include sodium acetate, sodium citrate, sodium lactate, sodium tartrate, sodium ascorbate, sodium sorbate, potassium acetate, potassium citrate, potassium lactate, potassium tartrate, potassium ascorbate, potassium sorbate, or mixtures thereof.

[0045] Suitable alkaline earth metal salts include: alkaline earth metal ions selected from magnesium, calcium and mixtures thereof; and anions selected from fluoride, chloride, bromide, iodide, sulfate, bisulfate, phosphate, carbonate, acetate, citrate, lactate, pyruvate, ascorbate, sorbate and mixtures thereof. Examples of suitable inorganic alkaline earth metal salts include, but are not limited to, magnesium fluoride, magnesium chloride, magnesium bromide, magnesium iodide, magnesium sulfate, magnesium phosphate, magnesium monohydrogen phosphate, magnesium dihydrogen phosphate, magnesium carbonate, magnesium monohydrogen carbonate, calcium fluoride, calcium chloride, calcium bromide, calcium iodide, calcium sulfate, calcium phosphate, calcium monohydrogen phosphate, calcium dihydrogen phosphate, calcium carbonate, calcium monohydrogen carbonate or mixtures thereof. Examples of suitable organic alkaline earth metal salts include magnesium acetate, magnesium citrate, magnesium lactate, magnesium tartrate, magnesium ascorbate, magnesium sorbate, calcium acetate, calcium citrate, calcium lactate, calcium tartrate, calcium ascorbate, calcium sorbate, or mixtures thereof.

[0046] The water-soluble carrier comprises carbohydrate, and the carbohydrate is selected from saccharide, sugar alcohol and their mixture, and this can reduce the corrosion of the internal parts of washing machine compared with using salt as the carrier. More preferably, the water-soluble carrier comprises carbohydrate. Suitable carbohydrate can be selected from dextrose, sucrose, fructose, glucose, isoglucose, rhamnose, fucose, deoxyribose, ribose, trehalose, xylose, mannose, arabinose, galactose, cellobiose, lactose, maltose, isomaltose, melibiose, gentiobiose (gentobiose), maltotriose, raffinose, panose and their mixture. Preferably, the carbohydrate is selected from dextrose, sucrose, fructose, glucose, isoglucose, galactose, raffinose and their mixture. More preferably, the carbohydrate comprises sucrose or is sucrose.

[0047] Sugar alcohol is an organic compound with more than two hydroxyl groups. This sugar alcohol can have 4 to 12 carbon atoms. Suitable sugar alcohol can be selected from sorbitol, mannitol, isomalt, maltitol, lactitol, xylitol, erythritol and their mixture. Preferably, the sugar alcohol is selected from mannitol, sorbitol and their mixture.

[0048] If the water-soluble carrier contains a carbohydrate, it may preferably include a bittering agent. Preferred bittering agents are selected from denatonium benzoate, denatonium saccharide, quinine or a salt of quinine. The chemical name of denatonium is phenylmethyl-[2-[(2,6-dimethylphenyl)amino]-2-oxoethyl]-diethylammonium. Denatonium benzoate is particularly preferred. An example is denatonium from Johnson Matthey Fine Chemicals. Preferably, the bittering agent is present in an amount of 0.001 to 0.01 wt % based on the weight of the particle.

[0049] The particles of the present invention may comprise additional carriers (in addition to the water-soluble carrier). The additional carrier material may provide various benefits, such as stability benefits. The additional carrier material may be selected from polymers (e.g., polyethylene glycol, ethylene oxide / propylene oxide block copolymers, polyvinyl alcohol, polyvinyl acetate, and derivatives thereof), proteins (e.g., gelatin, albumin, casein), polysaccharides (e.g., starch, xanthan gum, cellulose, or derivatives thereof), vegetable soaps (e.g., coconut soap beads or palm soap), ethoxylated nonionic surfactants (having the formula R1O(RO)xH, wherein R1 preferably contains 12 to 20 carbon atoms, R2 is C2H4, or a mixture of C2H4 units and C3H6 units, and x=8 to 120), and mixtures thereof.

[0050] Preferably, extra carrier comprises polysaccharide.Polysaccharide is following carbohydrate polymer, and described carbohydrate polymer comprises more than 10 monosaccharide units, preferably 15 to 1000 monosaccharide units, more preferably 25 to 500 monosaccharide units.Suitable polysaccharide can be selected from starch, glycogen, chitin, gum arabic, xanthan gum, cellulose, guaiac, dextran, encapsulated cellulose (tunicin), inulin, alginic acid, gellan gum, guar gum, carob powder, carrageenan and the derivative of these compounds and their mixture.Preferably, described polysaccharide comprises starch and / or its derivative.Most preferably, described polysaccharide comprises starch or is starch.Suitable starch can be selected from wheat starch, rice starch, potato starch, corn starch, tapioca starch and their mixture.

[0051] Preferably, the particles of the present invention comprise 0.1 to 50 wt% of additional carriers, more preferably 1 to 35 wt%, even more preferably 2 to 25 wt%, most preferably 5 to 20 wt% of said additional carriers.

[0052] filler

[0053] The particles of the present invention preferably contain 0.1 to 10% by weight of filler, more preferably 0.3 to 8% by weight, even more preferably 0.5 to 5% by weight, and most preferably 1 to 4% by weight of filler. The filler may act as a processing aid to improve the processability of the composition during preparation by imparting hardness to the composition.

[0054] The filler is selected from silicon dioxide, zeolite, clay (e.g., kaolin, talc, bentonite), calcium carbonate, magnesium carbonate, calcium stearate, magnesium stearate, titanium dioxide, calcium phosphate, and mixtures thereof. Preferably, the filler is selected from silicon dioxide, zeolite, clay (e.g., kaolin, talc, bentonite), calcium carbonate, and mixtures thereof. Silicon dioxide is particularly preferred. An example is the commercially available silicon dioxide from Jinsanjiang (Zhaoqing) Silicon Material Company Limited under the trade name GF052.

[0055] The filler used in the present invention has a D50 particle size of 0.01 to 100 microns, preferably 0.1 to 50 microns, more preferably 1 to 30 microns, even more preferably 5 to 25 microns, still more preferably 8 to 20 microns, and most preferably 10 to 18 microns. Preferably, the filler is silica having a D50 particle size of 0.01 to 100 microns, preferably 0.1 to 50 microns, more preferably 1 to 30 microns, even more preferably 5 to 25 microns, still more preferably 8 to 20 microns, and most preferably 10 to 18 microns. The D50 particle size of the particulate material is the particle size diameter at which 50% by weight of the particles have a larger diameter and 50% by weight of the particles have a smaller diameter. In the context of the present invention, particle size is measured using a Malvern Mastersizer 2000.

[0056] The filler may be porous. Preferably, the filler has an apparent density of 0.05 to 0.5 g / ml, more preferably 0.1 to 0.4 g / ml, even more preferably 0.15 to 0.35 g / ml, and most preferably 0.2 to 0.3 g / ml. Preferably, the filler is silica having an apparent density of 0.05 to 0.5 g / ml, more preferably 0.1 to 0.4 g / ml, even more preferably 0.15 to 0.35 g / ml, and most preferably 0.2 to 0.3 g / ml.

[0057] It is not preferred to use high levels of fillers in the particles. More fillers may cause the particles to become brittle and tend to break into undesirable small pieces. In addition, when high levels of fillers are present in the particles, the dissolution time of the particles during the laundry process may also increase.

[0058] beneficial agents

[0059] As used herein, "benefit agent" refers to an active substance that is typically delivered to washed fabrics to enhance or improve the properties of those fabrics. Preferably, the benefit agent is dispersed within a carrier material. The benefit agent may be free in the carrier material, or it may be encapsulated. The particles of the present invention preferably contain 0.1 to 50% by weight of benefit agent, more preferably 1 to 40% by weight, even more preferably 2 to 35% by weight, and most preferably 5 to 30% by weight of benefit agent.

[0060] Examples of suitable benefit agents include, but are not limited to, fragrances; anti-malodor agents (e.g., uncomplexed cyclodextrins, odor blockers, reactive aldehydes, flavonoids, zeolites, activated carbon, or mixtures thereof); fabric softener actives; cationic polymers; dye transfer inhibitors; hueing dyes; insect repellents; organic sunscreen actives (e.g., octyl methoxycinnamate); antimicrobial agents (e.g., 2-hydroxy-4,2,4-trichlorodiphenyl ether); ester solvents (e.g., isopropyl myristate); lipids and lipid-like substances (e.g., cholesterol); hydrocarbons (e.g., For example, paraffin, petrolatum and mineral oil); fish oil and vegetable oil; hydrophobic plant extracts; wax; pigment (for example, an inorganic compound having a hydrophobically modified surface and / or dispersed in an oil or hydrophobic liquid); sugar-esters (for example, sucrose polyesters); silicone oils, resins and their modifications (for example, linear and cyclic polydimethylsiloxanes, amino-modified silicone oils, alkyl silicone oils, aryl silicone oils and alkylaryl silicone oils, which preferably have a viscosity greater than 50,000 cst); or mixtures thereof.

[0061] The benefit agent is a fragrance. The particles preferably comprise 0.1 to 30% by weight of fragrance material, i.e., free fragrance and / or fragrance microcapsules. As is known in the art, free fragrance and fragrance microcapsules provide the consumer with a fragrance hit at different points during the wash cycle. It is particularly preferred that the particles of the present invention comprise a combination of free fragrance and fragrance microcapsules.

[0062] Preferably, the particles of the present invention comprise from 0.5% to 20% flavour material, more preferably from 1% to 15% flavour material, most preferably from 2% to 10% flavour material.

[0063] Useful flavoring ingredients may include materials of both natural and synthetic origin. They include single compounds and mixtures. Specific examples of such ingredients can be found in the existing literature, for example, in Fenaroli's Handbook of Flavor Ingredients, 1975, CRC Press; M.B. Jacobs' Synthetic Food Adjuncts, 1947, edited by Van Nostrand; or S. Arctander's Perfume and Flavor Chemicals, 1969, Montclair, NJ (USA). These substances are well known to those skilled in the art of flavoring, seasoning, and / or aromatizing consumer products.

[0064] Free fragrance:

[0065] The particles of the present invention preferably comprise from 0.1% to 15% free perfume, more preferably from 0.5% to 8% free perfume by weight of the particle.

[0066] Particularly preferred fragrance components are blooming fragrance components and substantive fragrance components. Blooming fragrance components are defined by a boiling point less than 250°C and a LogP greater than 2.5. Substantive fragrance components are defined by a boiling point greater than 250°C and a LogP greater than 2.5. Boiling points are measured at standard pressure (760 mm Hg). Preferably, a fragrance composition will contain a mixture of blooming fragrance components and substantive fragrance components. The fragrance composition may contain other fragrance components.

[0067] It is common for multiple flavor components to be present in free oil flavor compositions. In the compositions used in the present invention, it is envisioned that three or more, preferably four or more, more preferably five or more, and most preferably six or more different flavor components will be present. An upper limit of 300 flavor components may apply.

[0068] Fragrance microcapsules:

[0069] The particles of the present invention preferably comprise from 0.1% to 15% perfume microcapsules, more preferably from 0.5% to 8% perfume microcapsules by weight of the particle.The weight of microcapsules is the weight of the material as supplied.

[0070] When encapsulating perfume components, suitable encapsulating materials may include, but are not limited to, aminoplasts, proteins, polyurethanes, polyacrylates, polymethacrylates, polysaccharides, polyamides, polyolefins, gums, silicones, lipids, modified celluloses, polyphosphates, polystyrenes, polyesters, or mixtures thereof. Particularly preferred materials are aminoplast microcapsules, such as melamine formaldehyde or urea formaldehyde microcapsules.

[0071] The fragrance microcapsules of the present invention can be friable microcapsules and / or moisture-activated microcapsules. "Friable" means that the fragrance microcapsules will break when force is applied. "Moisture-activated" means that the fragrance is released in the presence of water. The particles of the present invention preferably contain friable microcapsules. Moisture-activated microcapsules may also be present. Examples of friable microcapsules include aminoplast microcapsules.

[0072] The fragrance components contained in the microcapsules may include fragrance materials and / or pro-fragrance materials.

[0073] Particularly preferred fragrance components contained in the microcapsules are bloom fragrance components and long-lasting fragrance components. Bloom fragrance components are defined by a boiling point less than 250°C and a LogP greater than 2.5. Long-lasting fragrance components are defined by a boiling point greater than 250°C and a LogP greater than 2.5. Boiling points are measured at standard pressure (760 mm Hg). Preferably, the fragrance composition will contain a mixture of bloom fragrance components and long-lasting fragrance components. The fragrance composition may contain other fragrance components.

[0074] It is common for multiple fragrance components to be present in the microcapsules. In the compositions used in the present invention, it is envisioned that three or more, preferably four or more, more preferably five or more, and most preferably six or more different fragrance components will be present in the microcapsules. An upper limit of 300 fragrance components may apply.

[0075] The microcapsules may contain the perfume component and a carrier for the perfume ingredient, such as a zeolite or a cyclodextrin.

[0076] Another preferred benefit agent can be a fabric softener active. The fabric softening active can be any material known to soften fabric. These can be polymeric materials or compounds of known softening materials. Examples of suitable fabric softening actives include quaternary ammonium compounds, silicone polymers, polysaccharides, clays, amines, fatty esters, dispersible polyolefins, polymer latexes, or mixtures thereof.

[0077] The fabric softening active may preferably be a cationic or nonionic material.Preferably, the fabric softening active of the present invention is a cationic material.Suitable cationic fabric softening actives are described herein.

[0078] Preferred softening actives for use in the particles of the present invention are quaternary ammonium compounds (QACs).

[0079] QAC preferably comprises at least one chain derived from a fatty acid, more preferably at least two chains derived from a fatty acid. Generally, fatty acids are defined as aliphatic monocarboxylic acids with a chain of 4 to 28 carbons. Fatty acids can be derived from various sources, such as tallow or plant sources. Preferably, the fatty acid chains are derived from plants. Preferably, by the weight of the total fatty acid chains, the fatty acid chains of QAC comprise 10 to 50 wt % saturated C18 chains and 5 to 40 wt % monounsaturated C18 chains. In a further preferred embodiment, by the weight of the total fatty acid chains, the fatty acid chains of QAC comprise 20 to 40 wt %, preferably 25 to 35 wt % saturated C18 chains, and 10 to 35 wt %, preferably 15 to 30 wt % monounsaturated C18 chains.

[0080] One preferred type of quaternary ammonium compounds is known as "ester quats." Particularly preferred materials are ester-linked triethanolamine (TEA) quaternary ammonium compounds, which contain a mixture of monoester-, diester-, and triester-linked components.

[0081] Typically, TEA-based fabric softening compounds comprise a mixture of monoester, diester and triester forms of the compound, wherein the diester-linked component comprises no more than 70% by weight of the fabric softening compound, preferably no more than 60% by weight, for example no more than 55%, or even no more than 45% of the fabric softening compound, and at least 10% by weight of the monoester-linked component.

[0082] A first group of quaternary ammonium compounds (QACs) suitable for use in the present invention is represented by formula (I):

[0083]

[0084] wherein each R is independently selected from a C5 to C35 alkyl or alkenyl group; R 1 represents a C1 to C4 alkyl group, a C2 to C4 alkenyl group, or a C1 to C4 hydroxyalkyl group; T may be O—CO (i.e., an ester group bonded to R via its carbon atom), or may alternatively be CO—O (i.e., an ester group bonded to R via its oxygen atom); n is a number selected from 1 to 4; m is a number selected from 1, 2, or 3; and X - is an anionic counterion, such as a halide or alkyl sulfate, such as chloride or methyl sulfate. Diester variants of Formula I (ie, m=2) are preferred and generally have monoester and triester analogs associated with them. These materials are particularly suitable for use in the present invention.

[0085] Suitable actives include soft quaternary ammonium actives such as Stepantex VT90, Rewoquat WE18 (available from Evonik) and Tetranyl L1 / 90N, Tetranyl L190 SP and Tetranyl L190 S (all available from Kao).

[0086] Also suitable are actives rich in the diester of triethanolammonium methylsulfate, otherwise known as "TEA esterquats."

[0087] Commercial examples include Preapagen TM TQL (available from Clariant) and Tetranyl TM AHT-1 (available from Kao) (both are di-[hardened tallow ester] of triethanolammonium methylsulfate), AT-1 (di-[tallow ester] of triethanolammonium methylsulfate) and L5 / 90 (di-[palmityl ester] of triethanolammonium methylsulfate) (both available from Kao) and Rewoquat TM WE15 (diester of triethanolammonium methylsulfate having fatty acyl residues derived from C10-C20 and C16-C18 unsaturated fatty acids) (available from Evonik).

[0088] A second group of QACs suitable for use in the present invention is represented by formula (II):

[0089]

[0090] Each R 1 groups are independently selected from C1 to C4 alkyl, hydroxyalkyl or C2 to C4 alkenyl; and wherein each R 2 The groups are independently selected from C8 to C28 alkyl or alkenyl groups; and wherein n, T and X - As defined above.

[0091] Preferred materials of this second group include 1,2-bis[tallowoyloxy]-3-trimethylammonium propane chloride, 1,2-bis[hardened tallowoyloxy]-3-trimethylammonium propane chloride, 1,2-bis[oleoyloxy]-3-trimethylammonium propane chloride, and 1,2-bis[stearoyloxy]-3-trimethylammonium propane chloride. These materials are described in US Pat. No. 4,137,180 (Lever Brothers). Preferably, these materials also contain an amount of the corresponding monoester.

[0092] A third group of QACs suitable for use in the present invention is represented by formula (III):

[0093] (R 1 )2-N + -[(CH2) n-TR 2 ]2X - (III)

[0094] Each R 1 The groups are independently selected from C1 to C4 alkyl, or C2 to C4 alkenyl; and wherein each R 2 The groups are independently selected from C8 to C28 alkyl or alkenyl groups; and n, T and X - As defined above, preferred materials of this third group include bis(2-tallowoyloxyethyl)dimethylammonium chloride, its partially hardened forms and its hardened forms.

[0095] A fourth group of QACs suitable for use in the present invention is represented by formula (IV):

[0096]

[0097] R1 and R2 are independently selected from C10 to C22 alkyl or alkenyl groups, preferably C14 to C20 alkyl or alkenyl groups. - As defined above.

[0098] The iodine value of the quaternary ammonium fabric conditioning material is preferably from 0 to 80, more preferably from 0 to 60, and most preferably from 0 to 45. The iodine value can be selected appropriately. Substantially saturated materials having an iodine value of from 0 to 5, preferably from 0 to 1, can be used in the compositions of the present invention. Such materials are known as "hardened" quaternary ammonium compounds.

[0099] Another preferred range of iodine values ​​is 20 to 60, preferably 25 to 50, more preferably 30 to 45. This type of material is a "soft" triethanolamine quaternary ammonium compound, preferably a triethanolamine di-alkyl ester methyl sulfate. Such ester-linked triethanolamine quaternary ammonium compounds contain unsaturated fatty chains.

[0100] If a mixture of quaternary ammonium materials is present in the composition, the iodine value referred to above represents the average iodine value of the parent fatty acyl compounds or fatty acids of all quaternary ammonium materials present. Similarly, if any saturated quaternary ammonium materials are present in the composition, the iodine value represents the average iodine value of the parent fatty acyl compounds or fatty acids of all quaternary ammonium materials present.

[0101] Iodine value as used in the context of the present invention refers to the fatty acids used to prepare the QAC, with the degree of unsaturation present in the material being measured by NMR spectroscopy as described in Anal. Chem, 34, 1136 (1962) Johnson and Shoolery.

[0102] Another type of softening compound may be a non-ester quaternary ammonium material represented by formula (V):

[0103]

[0104] Each R 1 The groups are independently selected from C1 to C4 alkyl, hydroxyalkyl or C2 to C4 alkenyl; each R 2 Groups are independently selected from C8 to C28 alkyl or alkenyl groups; and X - As defined above.

[0105] The particles of the present invention preferably comprise from 0.1 to 50 wt% fabric softening active, more preferably from 1 to 40 wt%, even more preferably from 5 to 35 wt%, most preferably from 10 to 30 wt% fabric softening active.

[0106] Anionic surfactants

[0107] The particles of the present invention may comprise an anionic surfactant selected from the group consisting of alkyl sulfates, alkyl ether sulfates, soaps, and mixtures thereof. Preferably, the anionic surfactant is selected from the group consisting of alkyl sulfates, soaps, and mixtures thereof, and more preferably, the anionic surfactant is a combination of alkyl sulfates and soaps. In another preferred embodiment, the anionic surfactant comprises or is an alkyl sulfate. The anionic surfactant may serve as a binder to bind the carrier material and other components of the composition together, thereby helping to provide a processable composition during preparation.

[0108] Preferably, the particles of the present invention comprise no less than 5 wt% anionic surfactant, more preferably no less than 6 wt% anionic surfactant, and most preferably no less than 7 wt% anionic surfactant. Preferably, the particles of the present invention comprise no more than 15 wt% anionic surfactant, more preferably no more than 12 wt% anionic surfactant, and most preferably no more than 10 wt% anionic surfactant. Preferably, the particles of the present invention comprise from 5 to 15 wt% anionic surfactant, more preferably from 6 to 12 wt% anionic surfactant, and most preferably from 7 to 10 wt% anionic surfactant.

[0109] Surprisingly, it was found that using 5 to 15 wt % of anionic surfactant provided improved workability of the composition. Anionic surfactants can also improve the appearance of the particles and make the surface of the particles appear smoother. When using laundry products, consumers are sensitive to visual cues. Laundry products containing particles with rough surfaces are generally considered to have quality issues and are not popular with consumers.

[0110] Alkyl sulfates are anionic surfactants that are water-soluble salts containing a hydrocarbon hydrophobic group and a hydrophilic sulfate group. Preferably, the alkyl sulfate has an alkyl group with 8 to 18 carbon atoms, more preferably 10 to 18 carbon atoms, and even more preferably 10 to 16 carbon atoms. It should be understood that both branched and linear alkyl groups are contemplated. The alkyl group is preferably linear, i.e., normal, however, branched alkyl sulfates may also be used, although they are less preferred from a biodegradability perspective.

[0111] Preferably, the alkyl sulfate comprises a salt of an alkyl sulfate ester. In this manner, the alkyl sulfate comprises a positively charged ion and a negatively charged alkyl sulfate ester moiety. The positively charged ion can be a metal ion, such as sodium, potassium, or magnesium, or an ammonia-containing ion, such as ammonium, monoethanolamine, diethanolamine, or triethanolamine. Mixtures of these ions can also be used. Sodium and potassium are preferred.

[0112] Preferably, the alkyl sulfate comprises a sodium, potassium, calcium, magnesium, ammonium or ethanolamine salt of an alkyl sulfate ester having 8 to 18 carbon atoms, more preferably 10 to 18 carbon atoms, and even more preferably 10 to 16 carbon atoms. Illustrative but non-limiting examples of alkyl sulfates include sodium lauryl sulfate (also known as sodium dodecyl sulfate), ammonium lauryl sulfate, diethanolamine (DEA) lauryl sulfate. Suitable examples also include alkyl sulfates commercially available from natural sources under the trade names Galaxy 689, Galaxy 780, Galaxy 789, Galaxy 799SP and Ufarol TCL 92N, and alkyl sulfates commercially available from synthetic sources under the trade names Safol 23, Dobanol 23A or 23S, Lial 123S, Alfol 1412S, Empicol LC3, Empicol 075SR.

[0113] Sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS), also known as sodium dodecyl sulfate, is particularly preferred as the alkyl sulfate. An example of sodium lauryl sulfate is commercially available from Dongming Jujin Chemical Co., Ltd.

[0114] Alkyl ether sulfates are compounds having the formula RO(CH2CH2O) nAn anionic surfactant of SO3M, wherein R is a linear or branched alkyl or alkenyl group having 8 to 18 carbon atoms, preferably 10 to 18 carbon atoms, more preferably 12 to 14 carbon atoms; M is a positively charged ion including sodium, potassium, calcium, magnesium, ammonium, monoethanolamine, diethanolamine, triethanolamine or a mixture thereof, preferably sodium, potassium or a mixture thereof; n is a degree of ethoxylation of 0.5 to 3, preferably 1 to 3. A preferred example is sodium lauryl ether sulfate (SLES), wherein the main C 12 The lauryl alkyl groups have been ethoxylated to have an average of 2 EO units per molecule.

[0115] As used herein, the term "soap" means an alkali metal or alkanolammonium salt of an aliphatic, alkane or alkene monocarboxylic acid. Preferred monocarboxylic acids are fatty acids having 6 to 22 carbon atoms, more preferably 12 to 18 carbon atoms. Examples of suitable soaps include, but are not limited to, sodium salts, potassium salts, calcium salts, magnesium salts, ammonium salts, monoethanolamine salts, diethanolamine salts, triethanolamine salts of the following acids: lauric acid, myristic acid, palmitic acid, stearic acid, (hydrogenated) erucic acid, behenic acid, coconut oil fatty acids, palm oil fatty acids, palm kernel oil fatty acids, olive oil fatty acids, tallow fatty acids or mixtures thereof. The fatty acids may be saturated or unsaturated, linear or branched. Particularly preferably, the soap comprises sodium salts or potassium salts of coconut oil fatty acids, palm kernel oil fatty acids or mixtures thereof.

[0116] In addition to the above-mentioned anionic surfactants, the particles of the present invention may also include other anionic surfactants. Examples of suitable anionic surfactants include, but are not limited to, alkyl sulfonates, alkylaryl sulfonates, alpha-olefin sulfonates, alkyl isethionates, alkanoyl isethionates, alkyl succinates, alkyl sulfosuccinates, alkyl ether sulfosuccinates, N-alkyl sarcosinates, alkyl phosphates, alkyl ether phosphates, alkyl ether carboxylic acids and their salts, particularly their sodium salts, potassium salts, calcium salts, magnesium salts, ammonium salts and monoethanolamine salts, diethanolamine salts and triethanolamine salts. The alkyl group preferably contains 10 to 18 carbon atoms and can be unsaturated. The alkyl ether sulfosuccinates, alkyl ether phosphates and alkyl ether carboxylic acids and their salts can contain 1 to 20 ethylene oxide or propylene oxide units per molecule.

[0117] The particles of the present invention may comprise alkylbenzene sulfonates, particularly linear alkylbenzene sulfonates (LAS) with an alkyl chain length of 10 to 18 carbon atoms. Commercial LAS is a mixture of closely related isomers and homologues of alkyl chain homologues, each containing an aromatic ring sulfonated in the "para" position and attached to a linear alkyl chain at any position except the terminal carbon. The linear alkyl chain typically has a chain length of 11 to 15 carbon atoms, with the primary material having a chain length of about C12. Each alkyl chain homologue is composed of a mixture of all possible sulfophenyl isomers except the 1-phenyl isomer. LAS is typically formulated into the composition in the form of an acid (i.e., HLAS) and then at least partially neutralized in situ. Examples of alkylbenzene sulfonates include the following sodium salts: linear alkylbenzene sulfonates, alkyltoluene sulfonates, alkylxylene sulfonates, alkylphenol sulfonates, alkylnaphthalene sulfonates, diamylammonium naphthalene sulfonate, and sodium dinonylnaphthalene sulfonate, as well as a mixture with an olefin sulfonate. Preferably, the particles of the present invention are substantially free of alkylbenzene sulfonates. As used herein, "substantially free" means less than 1.5 wt%, preferably less than 1.0 wt%, more preferably less than 0.75 wt%, more preferably still less than 0.5 wt%, even more preferably less than 0.1 wt%, and most preferably from 0 to 0.01 wt%, based on the total weight of the composition, including all ranges subsumed therein. It is preferred that the particles of the present invention do not contain any alkylbenzene sulfonate.

[0118] disintegrants

[0119] Preferably, the particles of the present invention comprise a disintegrant. As used herein, a disintegrant refers to a material that is added to the particles to disintegrate them, thereby releasing the beneficial agent upon contact with water. The particles of the present invention preferably comprise 0.1 to 20% by weight of disintegrant, more preferably 0.5 to 15% by weight, even more preferably 1 to 10% by weight, still more preferably 1 to 5% by weight, and most preferably 1.5 to 3% by weight of disintegrant.

[0120] Preferably, the disintegrant is a non-effervescent disintegrant. Examples of suitable non-effervescent disintegrants include, but are not limited to, polyvinylpyrrolidone, crospovidone (cross-linked polyvinylpyrrolidone), starch derivatives, cellulose, cellulose derivatives, clays (e.g., bentonite, alginates), gums (e.g., agar, gum arabic, xanthan gum, guar gum, locust bean gum, karaya gum, pectin, tragacanth), non-carbonate salts (e.g., sodium chloride, potassium chloride, magnesium sulfate, calcium silicate, magnesium aluminum silicate), or mixtures thereof.

[0121] Preferably, disintegrant is cellulose or cellulose derivative.The example of suitable cellulose derivative includes but is not limited to methylcellulose, ethylcellulose, propylcellulose, methylethylcellulose, carboxymethylcellulose, ethylcarboxymethylcellulose, hydroxyethylcellulose, hydroxypropylcellulose, carboxymethylhydroxyethylcellulose, methylhydroxyethylcellulose, hydroxypropylmethylcellulose, ethylhydroxyethylcellulose, methylethylhydroxyethylcellulose, carboxymethylcellulose calcium, sodium carboxymethylcellulose, microcrystalline cellulose, crosslinked sodium carboxymethylcellulose (croscarmellose sodium) (crosslinked sodium carboxymethylcellulose) or their mixture.Preferably, disintegrant is selected from carboxymethylcellulose calcium, sodium carboxymethylcellulose, microcrystalline cellulose, crosslinked sodium carboxymethylcellulose and their mixture.

[0122] It is also preferred that the disintegrant is a starch derivative, which is also known as modified starch. Examples of suitable starch derivatives include, but are not limited to, sodium starch glycolate, carboxymethyl starch, sodium carboxymethyl starch, hydroxypropyl starch, pregelatinized starch, or mixtures thereof.

[0123] Preferably, the disintegrant is selected from cross-linked sodium carboxymethyl cellulose (cross-linked sodium carboxymethyl cellulose), sodium carboxymethyl starch, sodium starch glycolate, and mixtures thereof. Cross-linked sodium carboxymethyl cellulose is particularly preferred. Cross-linked sodium carboxymethyl cellulose is particularly preferred. An example is cross-linked sodium carboxymethyl cellulose commercially available from Anhui Sunhere Pharmaceutical Excipients Co., Ltd.

[0124] Preferably, the particles of the present invention comprise 0.1 to 20 wt% croscarmellose sodium, more preferably 0.5 to 15 wt%, even more preferably 1 to 10 wt%, still more preferably 1 to 5 wt%, and most preferably 1.5 to 3 wt% croscarmellose sodium.

[0125] Disintegrants can be effervescent disintegrants. Suitable effervescent disintegrants include carbonates and acids. Preferably, the acid is selected from organic acids, salts of organic acids, salts of inorganic acids and mixtures thereof. More preferably, the acid is an organic acid. The organic acid suitable for use in the composition of the present invention can be any organic acid. Used as a polyacid (i.e., an acid having more than one carboxylic acid group), more particularly as a dicarboxylic or tricarboxylic organic acid, has achieved particularly good results. The organic acid used in the present invention has a weight-average molecular weight of at most 500 daltons, more preferably at most 400 daltons, most preferably at most 300 daltons, based on the free acid equivalent. In any case, preferably, the organic acid is not an acid based on a polymer. The organic acid used according to the present invention preferably comprises 3 to 25 carbon atoms, more preferably 4 to 15 carbon atoms.

[0126] In some embodiments, the organic acid is selected from the group consisting of citric acid, aspartic acid, lactic acid, adipic acid, succinic acid, glutaric acid, gluconic acid, malic acid, tartaric acid, maleic acid, fumaric acid, sugar acid, their salt or their mixture. Of particular interest are citric acid, aspartic acid, acetic acid, lactic acid, succinic acid, glutaric acid, gluconic acid, their salt or their mixture. Most preferably, the organic acid is citric acid, succinic acid, their salt or their mixture.

[0127] Preferably, the carbonate comprises sodium carbonate, sodium bicarbonate, sodium glycine carbonate, potassium carbonate, potassium bicarbonate, potassium glycine carbonate, calcium carbonate, calcium bicarbonate, magnesium carbonate or a mixture thereof. More preferably, the carbonate comprises sodium carbonate, sodium bicarbonate, potassium carbonate, potassium bicarbonate or a mixture thereof. Most preferably, the carbonate comprises sodium carbonate, sodium bicarbonate or a mixture thereof.

[0128] It is particularly preferred that the effervescent disintegrant is a combination of sodium bicarbonate, citric acid and succinic acid.

[0129] Preferably, the amount of carbonate is related to the amount of acid. More specifically, it is desirable that the weight ratio of carbonate to acid is from 1:10 to 10:1, more preferably from 1:5 to 5:1, even more preferably from 1:3 to 3:1.

[0130] Colorants

[0131] The particles of the present invention may contain a colorant. The colorant may be a dye or a pigment or a mixture thereof. The colorant has the purpose of imparting color to the particles and is not intended to be a hueing dye or to impart color to washed fabrics. A single colorant or a mixture of colorants may be used.

[0132] Preferably, the colorant is a dye, more preferably a polymeric dye. Non-limiting examples of suitable dyes include the LIQUITINET series of dyes available from Milliken Chemical.

[0133] Preferably, the particles of the present invention comprise from 0.001 to 2 wt%, more preferably from 0.005 to 1 wt%, most preferably from 0.005 to 0.6 wt% of colorant.

[0134] water

[0135] Water may be included to enhance the processability of the composition during preparation. Preferably, the particles comprise 0.1 to 10 wt% water, more preferably 0.5 to 8 wt% water, even more preferably 1 to 6 wt% water, most preferably 2 to 5 wt% water.

[0136] Particle form

[0137] The particles of the present invention may be in any solid form, such as powder, pellets, tablets, spheres, pastilles or extrudates. Preferably, the particles are in the form of extruded particles.

[0138] The particles may be of any shape or size suitable for dissolution in a laundry process. Preferably, each individual particle has a mass of 0.95 mg to 5 g, more preferably 0.005 to 1 g, even more preferably 0.005 to 0.5 g, most preferably 0.01 to 0.1 g. Preferably, each individual particle has a maximum linear dimension in any direction of less than 10 mm, more preferably 1 to 8 mm, most preferably 4 to 6 mm.

[0139] Preferably, the particles have a substantially flat base and a height perpendicular to the base. Preferably, each particle has a maximum base dimension of less than 10 mm, more preferably 1 to 8 mm, and most preferably 4 to 6 mm. Preferably, each particle has a height of 0.05 to 5 mm, more preferably 0.1 to 3 mm, and most preferably 0.2 to 2.5 mm. Preferably, each individual particle has a maximum base dimension of less than 10 mm and a height of 0.05 to 5 mm.

[0140] The shape of the particles can be selected from the group consisting of hemispherical, compressed hemispherical, lentil-shaped, oval, cubic, rectangular, circular, cylindrical, disc-shaped, flower-shaped, star-shaped, petal-shaped, heart-shaped, and mixtures thereof. Preferably, the shape of the particles is selected from the group consisting of disc-shaped, flower-shaped, star-shaped, petal-shaped, heart-shaped, and mixtures thereof, which are more visually attractive to consumers.

[0141] Preferably, an extrusion device is used to form the particles of the present invention. The extrusion device can be a single screw extruder or a twin screw extruder, preferably a twin screw extruder having co-rotating or counter-rotating screws. The present invention also relates to a method for forming the particles, comprising the steps of:

[0142] (i) mixing the components of the composition to form a mixture;

[0143] (ii) feeding the mixture into an extruder and extruding it to form an extrudate;

[0144] (iii) cutting the extrudate to form particles;

[0145] (iv) drying the particles; and

[0146] (v) optionally dusting the particles with an anti-caking agent.

[0147] Preferably, the process is carried out at a temperature of 10 to 50° C., more preferably 15 to 40° C., even more preferably 20 to 30° C. Preferably, the process is carried out at room temperature (25° C.) and one atmosphere of pressure.

[0148] Preferably, the mixture of step (i) is homogeneous. "Hygeneous" means that the mixture before extrusion has a uniform texture, so that the extrudate obtained from the mixture has uniform quality. When the composition includes fragrance microcapsules, it is preferred to add the fragrance microcapsules to the mixture as the last ingredient for mixing, which can reduce the breakage of the fragrance microcapsules during mixing.

[0149] During the extrusion process of step (ii) and step (iii), the mixture of step (i) is extruded from an extruder through a die having an orifice of predetermined diameter. The extruder is equipped with a cutter that allows the extrudate to be cut at the die exit to form particles. The required height of the particles can be achieved by changing the speed at which the extrudate is fed into the cutter and the rate at which the extrudate is cut.

[0150] The drying step (iv) may be performed before, during or after step (iii). Preferably, the drying is performed at room temperature (25°C), relative humidity (RH) <50% and one atmosphere of pressure, which can reduce evaporative loss of benefit agents such as fragrances.

[0151] After step (iv), the method may comprise the step (v) of dusting the particles with an anti-caking agent.Anti-caking agents may be applied to the outer surface of the particles to reduce the likelihood of the particles sticking together.

[0152] This method does not require heating the mixture above the melting temperature to shape it into the desired form and cooling it again, which greatly simplifies the manufacturing process and reduces the loss of benefit agents such as fragrances during the manufacturing process.

[0153] The particles of the present invention can also be made using roller compaction. The components of the composition are introduced between two rollers and rolled under pressure between the two rollers to form a dense sheet. The dense sheet is broken into small pieces by cutting. The small pieces can be further formed into particles.

[0154] The particles of the present invention need to dissolve within a typical wash cycle time, preferably no more than 20 minutes, more preferably no more than 15 minutes, even more preferably no more than 10 minutes. If the dissolution rate of the particles is too slow, then when washing is complete, there may be undissolved residues formed by the constituents of the particles remaining on the washed fabric, which is undesirable for the consumer. The particles preferably have a dissolution rate of no less than 1 minute, more preferably no less than 2 minutes, even more preferably no less than 3 minutes. If the dissolution rate of the particles is too fast, most of the benefit agents may be released prematurely and washed away before they can be delivered to the washed fabric to provide various benefits. Preferably, the particles have a dissolution rate of 1 minute to 20 minutes, more preferably 2 minutes to 15 minutes, even more preferably 3 minutes to 10 minutes.

[0155] How to use

[0156] The particles of the present invention are used in laundry processes. They can be added during the wash or rinse sub-cycle of a laundry cycle using a washing machine. Alternatively, the particles can be used in hand washing of fabrics. The particles can be used with other laundry products, or they can be used as a stand-alone product.

[0157] The particles of the present invention are preferably dosed in an amount of 1 g to 50 g, more preferably 10 g to 45 g, most preferably 15 g to 40 g. The consumer can dose the particles directly from the packaging into the washing machine, or into a dosing compartment on the washing machine.

[0158] The present invention also relates to a method for treating laundry, comprising the steps of:

[0159] (i) providing fabrics in a washing machine;

[0160] (ii) dispensing the laundry composition into a washing machine; and

[0161] (iii) contacting said fabrics with said laundry composition during the wash sub-cycle of a washing machine.

[0162] Uses of particles

[0163] Typically, the primary use of the particles of the present invention is to provide fabric care benefits to laundered fabrics during the laundry process.Preferably, the particles are used to impart fragrance to laundered fabrics during the laundry process.

[0164] The following examples are provided to facilitate understanding of the present invention. These examples are not intended to limit the scope of the claims.

[0165] Example

[0166] Particles were prepared as shown in Table 1. All ingredients are expressed as weight percent of the total formulation.

[0167] Table 1

[0168]

[0169] a. Refined cane sugar from Guangxi Fengtang Biochemical Co., Ltd.

[0170] b. Silica having a D50 particle size of 15.3 μm under the trade name GF052 from Jinsanjiang (Zhaoqing) Silicon Material Co., Ltd

[0171] c. Silica with a D50 particle size of 150 μm available under the trade name LH104 from Shandong Longhua Chengxin Powder Technology Co., Ltd

[0172] Method of making particles

[0173] Sample A was prepared as follows: the ingredients except silica, free fragrance oil, and fragrance microcapsules were added to a dough mixer and uniformly mixed using a three-roll mill. The fragrance microcapsules were then added to the dough mixer and the resulting mixture was uniformly mixed. The mixture was fed into a twin-screw, co-rotating extruder equipped with a die having an orifice with a predetermined diameter and cutting blades. The mixture was extruded to form an extrudate having a diameter of approximately 5 mm. The extrudate was cut into particles having a thickness of approximately 2 mm. The particles were dried at room temperature (25° C.) and atmospheric pressure.

[0174] The particles were added as cores to a rotating coating pan. One-third of the total amount of silica was added to the coating pan and mixed with the particles. After the two were evenly mixed, one-third of the total amount of free fragrance oil was sprayed into the mixture and the resulting mixture was stirred until the silica was completely absorbed by the core particles. This coating process was repeated until all the silica was adsorbed on the surface of the particles.

[0175] Sample 1 and Sample B were prepared as follows: the ingredients except the fragrance microcapsules were added to a dough mixer and uniformly mixed using a three-roll mill. Thereafter, the fragrance microcapsules were added to the dough mixer and the resulting mixture was uniformly mixed. The mixture was fed into a twin-screw, co-rotating extruder equipped with a die having an orifice with a predetermined diameter and cutting blades. The mixture was extruded to form an extrudate having a diameter of approximately 5 mm. The extrudate was cut into particles having a thickness of approximately 2 mm. The particles were dried at room temperature (25° C.) and 1 atmosphere of pressure.

[0176] It has been found that the manufacturing process of Sample A is more complicated and time-consuming than that of Sample B and Sample 1, requiring at least 3 hours.

[0177] Methods for testing stability

[0178] The freshly prepared particles were stored in 100 mL PP bottles at 5°C, 25°C, 37°C, 45°C, 50°C, 37°C, and 70% RH (relative humidity). After one month, the appearance of the particles was observed with the naked eye. The stability test results are shown in Table 2.

[0179] Table 2

[0180]

[0181] As can be seen in Table 2, Sample 1 comprising silica exhibits improved stability compared to Sample A.

[0182] Method for testing particle breakage rate

[0183] A 350 mL bottle was conditioned at 23 + / - 2°C / 50% RH (relative humidity) for 24 hours. After separating the powder from the particles using a 20 mesh screen, the bottle was filled with approximately 200 g of particles. The initial weight of the particles (after separation of the powder) was recorded. The bottle was then tightly sealed with a closure. When the bottle was filled with particles, the height was adjusted so that the bottom of the bottle was 1 meter above the ground, and the bottle was then dropped six times in the following order: the bottle was oriented face down and dropped; the bottle was oriented back down and dropped; the bottle was oriented top down and dropped; the bottle was oriented bottom down and dropped; the bottle was oriented sideways and dropped; the bottle was oriented sideways and dropped.

[0184] After falling, a 20-mesh sieve was used to separate the powder from the particles. The total weight of the powder was recorded. The particle breakage rate (R b ) is calculated as:

[0185] Rb (%) = (total weight of powder after falling / initial weight of particles) x 100%

[0186] For each sample, the drop test was repeated 5 times, and the average breakage rate of the particles was calculated and reported in Table 3.

[0187] Table 3

[0188]

[0189] The breakage rate is a parameter used to evaluate the strength of particles under impact. If the particle breakage rate is less than 1%, it is considered acceptable. As can be seen in Table 3, Sample 1 has a breakage rate of 0.8%, which is within the acceptable range.

Claims

1. A laundry composition comprising a plurality of particles, wherein the particles comprise: a) 20 to 95% by weight of a water-soluble carrier selected from the group consisting of carbohydrates, inorganic alkali metal salts, organic alkali metal salts, inorganic alkaline earth metal salts, organic alkaline earth metal salts, urea, and mixtures thereof; b) a filler selected from the group consisting of silica, zeolite, clay, calcium carbonate, magnesium carbonate, calcium stearate, magnesium stearate, titanium dioxide, calcium phosphate, and mixtures thereof; and c) spices; wherein the water-soluble carrier comprises carbohydrates selected from the group consisting of sugars, sugar alcohols, and mixtures thereof; wherein the particles are uniformly structured; and wherein the filler has a D50 particle size of 0.01 to 100 microns, and wherein the particle size is measured using a Malvern Mastersizer.

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

3. A laundry composition according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the filler is selected from silica, zeolite, clay, calcium carbonate and mixtures thereof, preferably silica.

4. A laundry composition according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the filler has a D50 particle size of from 0.1 to 50 microns, preferably from 1 to 30 microns.

5. A laundry composition according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the particle comprises from 0.1 to 10 wt% of the filler, preferably from 0.3 to 8 wt% of the filler.

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

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

8. A laundry composition according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the particles comprise an anionic surfactant selected from alkyl sulphates, alkyl ether sulphates, soap and mixtures thereof.

9. A laundry composition according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the particles comprise a disintegrant selected from polyvinylpyrrolidone, crospovidone, starch derivatives, cellulose, cellulose derivatives, clays, gums, non-carbonate salts and mixtures thereof.

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

11. A method of forming a laundry composition according to claims 1 to 10, said method comprising the steps of: (i) mixing the components of the composition to form a mixture; (ii) feeding the mixture into an extruder and extruding it to form an extrudate; (iii) cutting the extrudate to form particles; (iv) drying the particles; and (v) optionally dusting the particles with an anti-caking agent.

12. A method for treating clothing, comprising the steps of: (i) providing fabrics in a washing machine; (ii) dispensing a laundry composition according to any one of claims 1 to 10 into the washing machine; and (iii) contacting said fabrics with said laundry composition during a wash sub-cycle of said washing machine.

13. Use of a laundry composition according to claims 1 to 10 for providing fabric care benefits to washed fabrics during a laundry process, preferably imparting fragrance to washed fabrics.

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