Fabric softener with magnesium oxide

Abstract

A composition comprising: (a) a conventional fabric softener component; (b) magnesium oxide (MgO); and (c) at least one member of the group consisting of cationic polyacrylonitrile and alkylamine ethoxylate. Related manufacturing methods are also disclosed.

Description

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0002] This PCT application claims the benefit under 35 U.S.C. §119(e) of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 503,494, filed May 22, 2023, which has the same title as the present application and is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Technical Field

[0003] The invention belongs to the field of fabric softeners. Background Art

[0004] Fabric softeners are often added to the laundry cycle to give textiles a soft and smooth feel. Softeners act as lubricants, reducing surface friction between the fibers and the yarn itself, and between the fabric surface and the skin. Softeners also improve fabric drape and wrinkle resistance. Softener formulations often also include spices to create a pleasant aroma, and hygroscopic agents to reduce static buildup. Softener formulations are added after the main wash sequence, at the end of the laundry cycle.

[0005] Textile lubrication is usually achieved by adding long-chain alkane molecules. However, long-chain alkane molecules have little affinity for textile fibers and therefore will be retained in the laundry water medium in a large number. Fortunately, most textile fibers carry negative surface charge (negative zeta potential) in aqueous solution. By incorporating cationic structural moieties into long-chain softening agent molecules, this phenomenon is utilized to obtain affinity. These cationic structural moieties include quaternary ammonium salts, amine salts, imidazolines, and quaternary ammonium salts with ester groups. The softener with cationic structural moieties is subsequently discharged from the aqueous solution onto the fiber surface, thereby producing a slightly combined hydrophobic lubricating surface layer.

[0006] However, a disadvantage of a hydrophobic surface layer on fabrics is that it readily absorbs and accumulates oily soils, resulting in a dirty, gray appearance over time. For this reason, it is important that the softener-fiber ionic bond is weak and readily dissociates during the next wash cycle, removing the softener along with the adsorbed oily soils. Consequently, softener reapplication is necessary at the end of each wash cycle. Summary of the Invention

[0007] One aspect of some embodiments of the present invention relates to the use of a fabric softener as a carrier and binder to hold magnesium oxide (MgO) particles on the fiber surface. In some embodiments, the magnesium oxide on the fiber surface contributes to a positive skin feel, and / or skin health, and / or odor reduction, and / or skin pH balance, and / or sweat absorption. Because the magnesium oxide on the fiber surface is bound to the fabric softener, it is removed with each wash cycle and reapplied the next time fabric softener is applied.

[0008] Another aspect of some embodiments of the present invention is that the addition of cationic polyacrylonitrile and / or alkylamine ethoxylate to the fabric softener formulation helps the magnesium oxide remain dispersed in the softener without phase separation or a significant increase in viscosity. In some exemplary embodiments of the present invention, the cationic polyacrylonitrile is provided as a quaternary ammonium compound and / or a quaternary ammonium derivative. An example of a cationic polyacrylonitrile quaternary ammonium compound is SETAVIN LSP (Zschimmer & Schwarz, DE). An example of a cationic polyacrylonitrile quaternary ammonium derivative is SETAVIN ZAC (CAS: 68424-85-1; Zschimmer & Schwarz, DE). An example of an alkylamine ethoxylate is SETAVIN CDP (UFI ACN6-93H1-JC4K-SF8F; Zschimmer & Schwarz, DE).

[0009] Other aspects of some embodiments of the present invention relate to a magnesium oxide (MgO) premix comprising MgO HA4 in water along with a liquid dispersant and a thickener. In some exemplary embodiments of the present invention, the final formulation is about 29% solids by weight. In some embodiments, 2735 acts as a dispersant. 2735 is a commercially available styrene / methacrylic acid copolymer (Huntsman Corporation, The Woodlands, TX, USA). Alternatively or additionally, in some embodiments, the thickening agent includes hydroxyethyl cellulose, such as CELLOSIZE TM QP-100MH hydroxyethyl cellulose (DOW Chemical).

[0010] According to various exemplary embodiments of the present invention, the final fabric softener formulation includes MgCl2 and / or acetic acid.

[0011] It will be appreciated that the various aspects described above relate to solutions to technical problems associated with product shelf life (prior to phase separation).

[0012] Alternatively or additionally, it will be understood that the various aspects described above relate to solutions to technical problems related to the viscosity of the product (the product must be easily poured into the fabric softener compartment of a washing machine).

[0013] Alternatively or additionally, it will be understood that the various aspects described above relate to temporarily imparting additional properties to the fabric. According to various exemplary embodiments of the present invention, the additional properties include positive skin feel, and / or skin health, and / or odor reduction, and / or skin pH balance and / or sweat absorption.

[0014] In some exemplary embodiments of the present invention, compositions are provided that include: (a) a conventional fabric softener component; (b) magnesium oxide (MgO); and (c) at least one member of the group consisting of a cationic polyacrylonitrile and an alkylamine ethoxylate. In some embodiments, the alkylamine ethoxylate comprises SETAVIN CDP (UFIACN6-93H1-JC4K-SF8F). Alternatively or additionally, in some embodiments, at least one cationic polyacrylonitrile comprises a quaternary ammonium derivative. Alternatively or additionally, in some embodiments, the composition comprises hydroxyethyl cellulose. Alternatively or additionally, in some embodiments, the composition comprises a dispersant.

[0015] In some exemplary embodiments of the present invention, a manufacturing method is provided comprising: (a) preparing a premix of magnesium oxide (MgO) in water using a dispersant; and (b) adding the premix of cationic polyacrylonitrile and alkylamine ethoxylate to a fabric softener to produce a magnesium oxide-enhanced fabric softener. In some embodiments, the preparation comprises: stirring the liquid dispersant into water; and gradually adding magnesium oxide powder under stirring; and then adding a thickener while stirring.

[0016] Some exemplary embodiments of the present invention relate to the use of magnesium oxide (MgO) as a fabric treating agent in combination with a fabric softener.

[0017] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as those generally understood by those of ordinary skill in the art to which the present invention belongs. Although suitable methods and materials are described below, methods and materials similar to or equivalent to those described herein may be used in the practice of the present invention. In the event of a conflict, this patent specification (including definitions) will be taken as the criterion. All materials, methods, and examples are illustrative only and are not intended to be limiting.

[0018] As used herein, the terms "comprise" and "include" or their grammatical variations should be considered to specify the inclusion of the specified features, integers, acts, or components, without excluding the addition of one or more additional features, integers, acts, components, or groups thereof. This term is broader than and encompasses the terms "consisting of" and "consisting essentially of" as defined by the United States Patent and Trademark Office's Manual of Patent Examining Procedures. Thus, any recitation that an embodiment "comprises" or "includes" a feature is a specific statement that a sub-embodiment "consists essentially of" and / or "consists of" the feature.

[0019] When used herein, the phrase "consisting essentially of" or grammatical variations thereof should be considered to specify stated features, integers, steps or components, but does not preclude the addition of one or more additional features, integers, steps, components or groups thereof, provided that the additional features, integers, steps, components or groups thereof do not materially alter the basic and novel characteristics of the claimed composition, apparatus or method.

[0020] The phrase "suitable for" as used in this specification and the appended claims imposes additional structural limitations on the aforementioned components.

[0021] The term "methodology" refers to ways, means, techniques and procedures for accomplishing a given task, including but not limited to those known to practitioners of architecture and / or computer science or readily developable from known ways, means, techniques and procedures.

[0022] Unless otherwise indicated, percentages (%) are W / W (weight / weight ratio). BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0023] In order to understand the invention and to see how it may be carried out in practice, embodiments will now be described, by way of non-limiting example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the drawings, identical and similar structures, elements, or portions thereof that appear in more than one drawing are generally labeled with the same or similar reference numerals in the drawings in which they appear. The dimensions of components and features shown in the drawings are selected primarily for convenience and clarity of presentation and are not necessarily drawn to scale. The drawings are:

[0024] Figure 1 is a simplified flow chart of a manufacturing method according to some exemplary embodiments of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0025] Embodiments of the present invention relate to compositions and methods of manufacture. Specifically, some embodiments of the present invention may use a fabric softener as a carrier to transiently bind magnesium oxide (MgO) to fabric. For the purposes of this specification and the appended claims, the term "transiently bound" indicates that the magnesium oxide remains on the fabric from the end of one wash cycle until a subsequent wash cycle. If magnesium oxide is not reapplied, subsequent wash cycles will remove the magnesium oxide from the fabric.

[0026] The principles and operation of compositions and / or methods according to exemplary embodiments of the present invention may be better understood with reference to the drawings and accompanying descriptions.

[0027] Before explaining at least one embodiment of the present invention in detail, it is to be understood that the application of the present invention is not limited to the details set forth in the following description or illustrated by the examples. The present invention can have other embodiments or be practiced or carried out in various ways. In addition, it is to be understood that the wording and terminology adopted herein are for descriptive purposes and should not be considered as limiting.

[0028] Exemplary compositions

[0029] In some exemplary embodiments of the present invention, there is provided a composition comprising conventional fabric softener components, magnesium oxide (MgO) and a cationic polyacrylonitrile and / or an alkylamine ethoxylate. In some embodiments, the alkylamine ethoxylate comprises SETAVIN CDP (UFI ACN6-93H1-JC4K-SF8F). Alternatively or additionally, in some embodiments, at least one cationic polyacrylonitrile comprises a quaternary ammonium derivative, such as SETAVIN ZAC (CAS: 68424-85-1). Alternatively or additionally, in some embodiments, the composition comprises hydroxyethyl cellulose. An example of a hydroxyethyl cellulose suitable for use in the composition is CELLOSIZE TM QP-100MH hydroxyethyl cellulose (DOW Chemical). Alternatively or additionally, in some embodiments, the composition comprises a dispersant. An example of a dispersant suitable for use in the composition is a styrene / methacrylic acid copolymer, such as 2735 (Huntsman Corporation, USA, TX, The Woodlands).

[0030] Exemplary Manufacturing Methods

[0031] Figure 1 1 is a simplified flow diagram of a manufacturing method according to some exemplary embodiments of the present invention, generally designated 100. The depicted exemplary method 100 includes preparing a premix of magnesium oxide (MgO) in water using a dispersant at 110; and adding the premix of cationic polyacrylonitrile and alkylamine ethoxylate to a fabric softener at 120 to produce a magnesium oxide-enhanced fabric softener. In some exemplary embodiments of the present invention, preparing 110 includes: stirring the liquid dispersant into the water at 112; gradually adding magnesium oxide powder under stirring at 114; and then adding a thickener at 116 while stirring.

[0032] It is expected that during the life of this patent, a variety of cationic polyacrylonitrile and alkylamine ethoxylates will be developed, and the scope of this invention is intended to include all such new technologies a priori.

[0033] Example Benefits

[0034] In some exemplary embodiments of the present invention, magnesium oxide (MgO) is provided for use as a fabric treatment agent in combination with a fabric softener. The fabric treatment agent with MgO utilizes the fabric softener as a carrier and binder to hold the magnesium oxide particles on the fiber surface. In some embodiments, the magnesium oxide particles on the fiber surface contribute to a positive skin feel, and / or skin health, and / or odor reduction, and / or skin pH balance, and / or sweat absorption.

[0035] As used herein, the term "about" refers to ±10%.

[0036] Although the present invention has been described in conjunction with specific embodiments thereof, it is apparent that various alternatives, modifications and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art. It is therefore intended to encompass all such alternatives, modifications and variations that fall within the spirit and broad scope of the appended claims.

[0037] Specifically, multiple numerical indices have been utilized. It should be understood that these numerical indices can further vary based on the various engineering principles, materials, intended uses, and designs of the various embodiments of the present invention. In addition, the components and / or actions that belong to the exemplary embodiments of the present invention and are depicted as a single unit can be divided into subunits. On the contrary, the components and / or actions that belong to the exemplary embodiments of the present invention and are depicted as subunits / single actions can be combined into a single unit / action with described / depicted function.

[0038] Alternatively or additionally, features used to describe the method may be used to characterize the apparatus, and features used to describe the apparatus may be used to characterize the method.

[0039] It will be further understood that the individual features described above may be combined in all possible combinations and subcombinations to produce further embodiments of the present invention. The examples given above are exemplary in nature and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention, which is defined solely by the claims below.

[0040] Every representation of an embodiment of the invention that includes a particular feature, part, component, module, or process is an explicit statement that there are additional embodiments of the invention that do not include that feature, part, component, module, or process.

[0041] Alternatively or additionally, various exemplary embodiments of the invention do not include any particular feature, part, component, module, process or element not expressly disclosed herein.

[0042] Specifically, the invention has been described in the context of magnesium oxide, but can also be used to disperse other alkaline earth metal oxides in fabric softeners to cause them to transiently bind to fabric fibers.

[0043] All publications, references, patents, and patent applications mentioned in this specification are herein incorporated by reference in their entirety, to the same extent as if each individual publication, patent, or patent application was specifically and individually indicated to be incorporated herein by reference. In addition, citation or identification of any reference in this application shall not be construed as an admission that such reference is available as prior art to the present invention.

[0044] As used herein, the terms "include" and "have" and variations thereof mean "including, but not necessarily limited to."

[0045] After examining the following examples, which are not intended to be limiting, additional objects, advantages, and novel features of the various embodiments of the present invention will become apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art. Additionally, each of the various embodiments and aspects of the present invention as described above and claimed in the claims section below finds experimental support in the following examples.

[0046] Example

[0047] Reference is now made to the following examples, which together with the above descriptions illustrate the invention in a non limiting fashion.

[0048] Materials and methods

[0049] The following materials and methods were used to perform the experiments described in the Examples below:

[0050]

[0051] Example 1:

[0052] Preparation of magnesium oxide (MgO) premix

[0053] To facilitate the dispersion of magnesium oxide in fabric softener, an aqueous premix solution was prepared according to the formulation in Table 1.

[0054] Table 1 - MgO Premix: 29% Solids

[0055]

[0056] Briefly, a liquid dispersant (TERSPERSE 2735) was added to a certain amount of water and stirred. Next, MgO powder was gradually added with stirring for 30 minutes. Finally, a thickener (HEC QP-100MH) was added.

[0057] This premix was used in subsequent examples.

[0058] Example 2:

[0059] Add the premix directly to the fabric softener

[0060] To determine whether the premix alone was a suitable vehicle for dispersing magnesium oxide in fabric softener, 19.3 grams of the premix was added to 80.6 grams of conventional fabric softener. The resulting mixture was unstable and phase separated after several hours. The lower phase was a hard mass, and the upper phase was a liquid. The phase separation was clearly irreversible and could not be resolved by simple stirring.

[0061] This result indicates that additional ingredients are needed in the formulation.

[0062] Example 3:

[0063] Add the premix to the fabric softener in the presence of anionic detergent

[0064] To test whether anionic detergents could prevent phase separation, additional experiments were performed using TRITON X-100 (2.8%), magnesium oxide premix (2.8%), and fabric softener (94.3%).

[0065] This formulation eliminated phase separation but produced a highly viscous composition with poor pourability. This result indicates that anionic detergents are not a solution.

[0066] Example 4:

[0067] Add the premix to the fabric softener in the presence of MgCl2

[0068] To test whether MgCl2 could prevent phase separation while maintaining pourability, additional experiments were conducted using MgCl2 (2.3%), magnesium oxide premix (2.8%), and fabric softener (95%).

[0069] The formulation was unstable and phase separated after a few hours. This result indicated that additional divalent cations were not a solution.

[0070] Example 5:

[0071] Coating magnesium oxide with stearic acid

[0072] To test whether coating the magnesium oxide with stearic acid could prevent phase separation while maintaining pourability, additional experiments were performed as detailed in Table 2 without the premix of Example 1.

[0073] Table 2 - MgO formulations coated with 3% stearic acid

[0074]

[0075] The formulation was unstable and phase separated rapidly. This result indicated that the coated MgO was too hydrophobic.

[0076] Example 6:

[0077] Add the premix to the fabric softener in the presence of Setavin ZAC

[0078] To test whether SETAVIN ZAC could prevent phase separation, additional experiments were conducted using SETAVIN ZAC (2.8%), magnesium oxide premix (2.8%), and fabric softener (94.3%).

[0079] The formulation appeared acceptable on the day of preparation but phase separated after 1 week. This result indicated that SETAVINZAC was not a solution.

[0080] Example 7:

[0081] Add the premix to the fabric softener in the presence of Setavin ZAC

[0082] To test whether SETAVIN ZAC could prevent phase separation, additional experiments were conducted using SETAVIN ZAC (2.8%), magnesium oxide premix (2.8%), and fabric softener (94.3%).

[0083] The formulation appeared acceptable on the day of preparation but phase separated after 1 week. This result indicated that SETAVINZAC was not a solution.

[0084] Experiments were conducted on 45 / 55 polyethylene cotton fabric using conventional fabric softener as a control to determine if the magnesium oxide-enhanced fabric softener imparted antibacterial (Staphylococcus aureus - ATCC 6538) properties to the washed fabric. No differences were found between fabrics treated with conventional fabric softener and magnesium oxide-enhanced fabric softener (data not shown).

[0085] Example 8:

[0086] Add the premix to the fabric softener in the presence of Setavin CDP

[0087] To test whether SETAVIN CDP could prevent phase separation, additional experiments were conducted using SETAVIN CDP (5.5%), magnesium oxide premix (2.7%), and fabric softener (91.7%).

[0088] The formula was too viscous for pouring. This result indicated that SETAVIN CDP was not a solution.

[0089] Experiments were conducted on 45 / 55 polyethylene cotton fabric using conventional fabric softener as a control to determine whether magnesium oxide-enhanced fabric softener imparted antibacterial (Staphylococcus aureus - ATCC 6538) properties to the washed fabric. There was no difference between fabrics treated with conventional fabric softener and magnesium oxide-enhanced fabric softener (data not shown).

[0090] Example 9:

[0091] Add the premix to the fabric softener in the presence of Setavin ZAC and Setavin CDP

[0092] To test whether SETAVIN ZAC and SETAVIN CDP could prevent phase separation, additional experiments were conducted using SETAVIN CDP (2.7%), SETAVIN ZAC (2.7%), magnesium oxide premix (2.7%), and fabric softener (91.9%).

[0093] The formulation was stable, had no phase separation and was pourable. The results indicate that SETAVIN CDP in combination with SETAVIN ZAC is a viable formulation option for delivering magnesium oxide to fabrics using fabric softeners as carriers.

[0094] Experiments were conducted on 45 / 55 polyethylene cotton fabric using conventional fabric softener as a control to determine whether magnesium oxide-enhanced fabric softener imparted antibacterial (Staphylococcus aureus - ATCC 6538) properties to the washed fabric. There was no difference between fabrics treated with conventional fabric softener and magnesium oxide-enhanced fabric softener (data not shown).

[0095] Example 10:

[0096] Effects of different amounts of premixed Setavin ZAC and Setavin CDP on antibacterial activity

[0097] To test whether magnesium oxide delivered to fabric via a fabric softener imparts antimicrobial properties to fabric, an additional series of experiments were conducted using varying amounts of SETAVIN ZAC, SETAVIN CDP, and magnesium oxide premix.

[0098] All formulations based on SETAVIN ZAC, SETAVIN CDP and magnesium oxide premix had good stability and good pourability.

[0099] For each formulation, antibacterial testing was performed on fabrics using conventional fabric softener as a control to determine if the magnesium oxide enhanced fabric softener imparted antibacterial (Staphylococcus aureus - ATCC 6538) properties to the washed fabrics.

[0100] In the first experiment, the formulations in Table 3 were used and the effects on bacteria are summarized in Table 4.

[0101] Table 3: 3.8% MgO

[0102]

[0103] Table 4 - Results obtained with Staphylococcus aureus - ATCC 6538 - cotton fabric

[0104]

[0105] The results summarized in Table 4 indicate that bacteria started to grow on the untreated fabric samples after 5 hours. After 5 hours and 24 hours, an increase of 3 and 4 orders of magnitude was observed, respectively.

[0106] After a 2-hour contact time, a 2-log reduction was seen on the MgO-treated sample relative to the untreated "blank." After 24 hours, the same sample showed a 1-log increase, but was still 3 logs below the "blank."

[0107] Although some bacterial growth was observed on the treated fabrics, the bacterial counts at each time point were at least two or three orders of magnitude lower than those on the untreated fabrics. This result demonstrates the significant antibacterial effect of using 0.36% MgO.

[0108] In the next experiment, the formulations in Table 5 were used and the effects on bacteria are summarized in Table 6.

[0109] Table 5: 7.1% MgO

[0110]

[0111] Table 6 - Results obtained with Staphylococcus aureus - ATCC 6538 - cotton fabric

[0112]

[0113] Again, while some bacterial growth was observed on the treated fabrics, the bacterial counts were at least two or three orders of magnitude lower than those on the untreated fabrics at every time point. This result demonstrates a significant antimicrobial effect using 0.66% MgO. However, it is unclear whether increasing the MgO concentration has a complementary antimicrobial effect.

[0114] In the next experiment, the formulations in Table 7 were used and the effects on bacteria are summarized in Table 8.

[0115] Table 7: 7.1% MgO

[0116]

[0117]

[0118] In Table 8, the first three fabrics are untreated blanks. The first was not washed at all. The second was washed with laundry detergent only. The third was washed with laundry detergent and fabric softener. No magnesium oxide was used in these control treatments.

[0119] Table 8 - Results obtained with Staphylococcus aureus - ATCC 6538 - cotton fabric

[0120]

[0121] Bacteria started growing on the 0% MgO control sample after 5 hours. After 5 hours and 24 hours, an increase of 2 and 4 orders of magnitude was observed, respectively. There was no difference between the results of the 3 different control samples tested.

[0122] After a contact time of 2 hours, all treated samples showed a 2 log reduction.

[0123] After a contact time of 5 hours, the first replicate showed a 2 log reduction, while the second and third replicates showed a 1 log reduction after the same contact time.

[0124] After 24 hours of contact time, all MgO-treated samples showed significantly less bacterial growth than the control samples that were not exposed to MgO.

[0125] Based on these experiments, it appears that a MgO content of <0.33% on the fabric is sufficient to obtain an antimicrobial / biostatic effect compared to the control.

[0126] The results summarized in Table 9 indicate the presence of some residual MgO (and possibly some softener) carried over from the previous wash.

[0127] Table 9 - Results obtained with Staphylococcus aureus - ATCC 6538 - cotton fabric

[0128]

[0129] After a contact time of 2 hours, all treated samples showed a 2-3 log reduction relative to the untreated blank fabric.

[0130] Samples analyzed after 1 wash showed a 1 log reduction after 5 hours, while samples analyzed after 2, 3, and 4 washes showed a 2 log reduction after the same contact time.

[0131] After 24 hours, some deviations between replicate results were observed in some samples. This deviation was mainly attributed to the inherent unevenness of softener deposition in the washing machine. Still, compared to time zero, most results indicated a bioinhibitory effect.

[0132] The overall conclusion is that MgO is indeed deposited on fabrics using fabric softeners and remains there after the final rinse at the levels indicated in the table above. The levels of deposited MgO are clearly sufficient to produce an antimicrobial / biostatic effect as measured by standard tests.

[0133] The results indicate that after each wash cycle, the total amount of magnesium oxide detected on the fabric increased to a certain extent in the first wash and then plateaued after about 15 washes (data not shown). There are at least two contributing factors to the observed increased magnesium oxide levels:

[0134] First, some residual MgO persists between cycles; and

[0135] Second, the fabric becomes more absorbent between cycles and absorbs a little more material (this is a common textile effect).

[0136] None of these factors had any effect on fabric performance, as the fabrics performed well after the first wash after adding magnesium oxide to the fabric softener. Although the concentration increased in the first wash cycle, most of the magnesium oxide was washed away with each wash cycle.

[0137] Example 11:

[0138] Confirmed in cotton / polyethylene blends

[0139] To test whether magnesium oxide delivered to fabric via fabric softener imparts similar antimicrobial properties to cotton / synthetic blends, an additional series of experiments were conducted using 50% cotton / 50% polyethylene using 10.8% MgO as detailed in Table 10.

[0140] All formulations based on SETAVIN ZAC, SETAVIN CDP and magnesium oxide premix had good stability and good pourability.

[0141] Antibacterial analysis was performed on fabrics using conventional fabric softener as a control to determine whether the magnesium oxide enhanced fabric softener imparted antibacterial (Staphylococcus aureus - ATCC 6538) properties to the washed fabrics. The results are summarized in Table 11.

[0142] Table 10: 10.8% MgO formulation

[0143] Components quantity[%] softener 41 Setavin CDP 9.8 Setavin ZAC 9.8 MgO premix (29% solid content) 39.2 HEC 0.2

[0144] Table 11 - Results from Staphylococcus aureus - ATCC 6538 - 50 / 50 Cotton / PET Treated with the MgO Formulas of Table 10 result

[0145]

[0146] After 1, 2, 3, and 4 washes, the 50 / 50 cotton / PET fabric samples washed with the formulation of Table 10 showed a 3-4 log reduction after 2 and 5 hours of contact time. Table 12 - Staphylococcus aureus - ATCC6538 - not treated with MgO The results obtained with 50 / 50 PET / cotton

[0147]

[0148] The results summarized in Table 12 show that the laundry detergent + Setavin ZAC + Setavin CDP + softener have no antimicrobial activity. This confirms that the antimicrobial activity observed in the previous experiments was due to MgO.

[0149] Table 13 - Results obtained with Staphylococcus aureus - ATCC 6538 - untreated 100% cotton fabric

[0150]

[0151] The results summarized in Table 13 show that untreated cotton fabrics washed with or without laundry detergent exhibited no antimicrobial effect.

[0152] Table 14 Results obtained with Staphylococcus aureus - ATCC 6538 - 100% PET fabric treated with the formulation of Table 10 fruit

[0153]

[0154]

[0155] The results summarized in Table 14 indicate that after a contact time of 2 hours, polyethylene (PET) fabric treated with the magnesium oxide formulation of Table 10 showed no activity after 1, 2 washes, and a 1 log reduction after 3 and 4 washes.

[0156] Additionally, after a contact time of 5 hours, the PET fabric treated with the magnesium oxide formulation of Table 10 showed a bioinhibitory effect after 1, 2, and 3 washes, and a 2 log reduction after 4 washes.

[0157] Example 12:

[0158] Proven effectiveness of magnesium oxide against E. coli

[0159] To test whether the antibacterial properties of magnesium oxide delivered to fabrics via fabric softeners were effective against other bacteria, additional experiments were performed using Escherichia coli (E. coli). The results are summarized in Table 15.

[0160] Table 15 - Results obtained with E. coli ATCC 8739 ATCC-cotton fabric

[0161]

[0162] The results summarized in Table 15 show that E. coli started to grow on the untreated blank fabric after 5 hours. An increase of 3 and 4 orders of magnitude was obtained after 5 and 24 hours, respectively.

[0163] After a contact time of 2 hours, all treated samples showed at least a 3 log reduction.

[0164] After 5 hours, the treated fabric showed a 3 log reduction after 1 wash relative to the untreated fabric.

[0165] After 5 hours, the treated fabrics showed a 4 log reduction after 2 or 3 washes relative to the untreated fabrics.

[0166] After 5 hours, the treated fabric showed a 6 log reduction after 4 washes relative to the untreated fabric.

[0167] Example 13:

[0168] Additional premix formulations

[0169] Additional exemplary premix formulations are set forth in Table 16.

[0170] Table 16 - Additional premix formulations with 29% solids

[0171] Sample No. %MgO %Tersperse <![CDATA[%H2O]]> %HEC A 27 5.4 67.2 0.4 B 25 9 65.6 0.4 C 26.4 7 66.2 0.4

[0172] The most stable formulation (A) was used to prepare different formulations of detergent softeners and compositions described below. In these experiments, the HEC thickener was CELLOSIZE TM ,QP-100HEC QP 100MH,Dow.

[0173] Example 14:

[0174] Effects of different amounts of premixed Setavin CDP and MgCl2 on antibacterial activity

[0175] To test whether magnesium oxide delivered to fabric via a fabric softener imparts antimicrobial properties to fabric, an additional series of experiments were conducted using varying amounts of SETAVIN CDP, MgCl2, and magnesium oxide premixes.

[0176] All formulations based on the SETAVIN CDP, MgCl2 and magnesium oxide premix exhibited good stability and good pourability.

[0177] Table 17 - Additional Softener Formulations with 29% Solids

[0178] Softener sample number Softener% MgO% CDP% <![CDATA[H2O%]]> HEC% <![CDATA[MgCl2%]]> SA 54 19.4 4.3 21.5 0.2 0.5 SB 53.8 19.3 4.3 21.5 0.2 0.9 SC 53.4 19.22 4.3 21.3 0.2 1.5

[0179] Antibacterial analysis was performed on fabrics using the formulations in Table 18 below, using conventional fabric softener as a control, to determine whether magnesium oxide-enhanced fabric softener imparted antibacterial (Staphylococcus aureus - ATCC 6538) properties to washed fabrics. The results are summarized in Table 19. In each case, the fabric was 50% cotton / 50% polyester. The treated fabrics were washed four times in a row.

[0180] Table 18: Additional Exemplary Softener Formulations

[0181] Components amount [gr] ％ <![CDATA[H2O]]> 120 21.5 HEC 1.2 0.21 softener 300 53.8 Setavin CDP 24 4.3 MgO premix (29% solid content) 108 19.3 <![CDATA[MgCl2]]> 4.4 0.9

[0182] Table 19: Bacterial counts on fabrics after different contact times

[0183]

[0184] These results indicate that the addition of Setavin CDP, which improves the long-term stability of the softener formulation, does not detract from the good antimicrobial properties of the formulation.

[0185] Example 15:

[0186] Effects of different amounts of premixed Setavin CDP and acetic acid on antibacterial activity

[0187] To test whether magnesium oxide delivered to fabric via a fabric softener imparts antimicrobial properties to fabric, an additional series of experiments were conducted using varying amounts of SETAVIN CDP, acetic acid, and magnesium oxide premixes.

[0188] All formulations based on the SETAVIN CDP, acetic acid and magnesium oxide premix had good stability and good pourability.

[0189] Table 20: Additional exemplary softener compositions with acetic acid

[0190] Softener sample number Softener% MgO% CDP% <![CDATA[H2O%]]> HEC% AA% Acidification-A 52.2 19.15 4.3 22.7 0.3 1.4 Acidification-B 54 19.4 4.3 21.1 0.3 1 Acidification-C 52.2 18.8 4.3 22.5 0.3 1.9

[0191] The antimicrobial analysis of the fabrics from the previous examples was performed using the formulations in Table 21. The fabric in the first experiment was a 50 / 50 cotton and PET knit, while the second experiment used a 50 / 50 cotton and PET woven fabric from the previous examples. The results are summarized in Tables 22 and 23, respectively.

[0192] Table 21: Additional Exemplary Softener Formulations with Acetic Acid

[0193] Components amount [gr] ％ <![CDATA[H2O]]> 120 21.5 HEC 1.2 0.21 softener 300 53.7 Setavin CDP 24 4.3 MgO premix (29% solid content) 108 19.3 Acetic acid 50% 5.65 1.0

[0194] Table 22: Bacterial counts on knitted fabrics washed with acidified magnesium oxide softener after different contact times

[0195]

[0196] Table 23: Bacterial counts on woven fabrics washed with acidified magnesium oxide softener after different contact times

[0197]

[0198] These results indicate that acidification of the Setavin CDP-containing formulation in Example 14, which improved the long-term stability of the softener formulation, did not compromise the good antimicrobial properties of the formulation.

Claims

1. A composition comprising: (a) conventional fabric softener components; (b) magnesium oxide (MgO); and (c) at least one member of the group consisting of cationic polyacrylonitrile and alkylamine ethoxylate.

2. The composition of claim 1, wherein the alkylamine ethoxylate comprises SETAVIN CDP (UFIACN6-93H1-JC4K-SF8F).

3. The composition of claim 1, wherein the at least one cationic polyacrylonitrile comprises a quaternary ammonium derivative.

4. The composition of claim 1, comprising hydroxyethyl cellulose.

5. The composition of claim 1, comprising a dispersant.

6. A manufacturing method comprising: (a) preparing a premix of magnesium oxide (MgO) in water using a dispersant; and (b) adding cationic polyacrylonitrile and alkylamine ethoxylate and the premix to a fabric softener to produce a magnesium oxide enhanced fabric softener.

7. The method according to claim 6, wherein the preparing comprises: Stir the liquid dispersant into the water; and Gradually add magnesium oxide powder while stirring; and subsequently Add thickener while stirring.

8. Magnesium oxide (MgO) is used as a fabric treatment agent in combination with fabric softeners.

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