Fiber structures including an active substance and with a graphic printed on them

Abstract

Fiber structure comprising threads; wherein the threads comprise a thread-forming material, wherein the thread-forming material is a water-soluble material; and wherein the fiber structure further contains an active ingredient which is released from the fiber structure upon exposure to conditions of intended use; wherein the fiber structure comprises a graphic printed directly onto the fiber structure, wherein the fiber structure comprises a first surface and a second surface opposite the first surface; and wherein the graphic includes an ink that is positioned at least on a portion of the first surface; and wherein a portion of the ink is positioned on the fiber structure at a depth of 100 µm or less below the first surface, the depth being determined according to the ink penetration depth test procedure.

Description

AREA OF INVENTION

[0001] The present disclosure relates to fiber webs and in particular fiber structures including one or more active substances and with graphics printed thereon. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Fiber web materials incorporating specific active ingredients are already known. For example, US 2012 / 0 237 576 A1 discloses a nonwoven fiber web comprising several filaments containing filament-forming materials and one or more active ingredients. The active ingredients are present in the filaments in a proportion of more than 35% by weight, based on dry filament composition. Furthermore, the active ingredients are releaseable from the filaments when their morphology changes. Another example of fiber structures containing active ingredients, from which the active ingredients are releaseable during intended use, is described in US 2013 / 0 167 305 A1. Additionally, polyester nonwovens impregnated and / or coated with a cleaning composition are known. According to the description in Fig. 1 and Fig.2. Regarding the state of the art in this field. An example of such a fiber web material is commercially available as Purex® Complete 3-in-1 Laundry Sheets from The Dial Corporation. Furthermore, a manufactured article consisting of a cast solution of a cleaning composition is also commercially available as Dizolve® Laundry Sheets from the Dizolve Group Corporation.

[0003] Various fiber web materials and / or manufactured articles that release cleaning compositions and / or active ingredients for cleaning are generally considered unattractive due to the lack of any graphics or visually appealing appearance. Visual graphics are an important aspect in meeting customer expectations, signaling that a product delivers the expected performance and contributing to a pleasant user experience. In various applications, fiber web materials with one or more graphics are generally perceived as more appealing to customers than materials without graphics.

[0004] Printing graphics on fiber web materials configured for in-use dissolution presents several challenges. Because such materials are designed for in-use dissolution, the application of ink solutions, particularly aqueous inks, could trigger premature localized dissolution of the fiber material at the points of ink application. This dissolution could create fiber bonds and hard spots within the web, which may be unsightly to the touch and reduce the material's flexibility. Furthermore, the ink may dissolve fibers and penetrate the interior of a thread, resulting in lower-than-desired color intensity and reduced visibility to the viewer.Additionally, some inks can be problematic in terms of color residues that settle on surfaces, clothing, fabrics or other materials that need to be cleaned.

[0005] Printing inks on disintegrating fiber web materials would also present other difficulties, considering the potential for a relatively large degree of dot gain on such materials (the distribution of ink from the original / intended print point to surrounding areas). For example, a typical sheet of paper used for printing a book might have a dot gain of about 3% to 4%, whereas a disintegrating fiber web material can have the potential for a much larger dot gain because the material contains fibers that literally dissolve during use. This greater dot gain would make it difficult to achieve the intended levels of color intensity; it would limit the color gamut available for desired graphics and make it difficult to achieve acceptable print quality.

[0006] In addition, many prior art printing processes, such as those known from EP 2 508 436 A2 or EP 1 948 771 B1 for printing on fiber-free, water-soluble films, may be unsuitable for printing on soluble fiber web materials, particularly due to the relatively high modulus of elasticity of soluble fiber web materials. For example, a printing process used for a substrate with a high modulus of elasticity (e.g., cardboard or newsprint) cannot be applied in the same way to a soluble fiber web material with a low modulus of elasticity. The low modulus of elasticity of soluble fiber web materials results in inconsistencies in the fiber web material that are relatively noticeable compared to a typical paper substrate (such as for printing books or newspapers).Therefore, maintaining adequate tension in dissolvable fiber web materials during printing without tearing, shredding, pulling, or deformation of the materials presents a challenge when printing on such fiber web materials. Further examples of printed, fiber-free, water-soluble films are shown in US 2012 / 0048769 A1 and WO 2009 / 063356 A1.

[0007] There is a need for a dissolvable fiber web material with graphics that overcomes the negative characteristics described above. Additionally, many customers may prefer to purchase such dissolvable fiber web materials and / or manufactured articles with printed graphic designs. Therefore, there is a continuing need for aesthetically pleasing dissolvable fiber web materials where the resolution, flexibility, strength, modulus of elasticity, color intensity, cleanability, and other performance characteristics of the fiber web materials are not compromised when graphics or ink materials are added. Furthermore, there is a continuing need for methods for applying graphics or ink materials to the surface of dissolvable fiber web materials. BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0008] The present disclosure relates to fiber structures including active ingredients and graphics printed on them. In some embodiments, a nonwoven fiber web can enclose a fiber structure comprising threads. The threads, in turn, can enclose thread-forming material as well as an active ingredient that can be released from the threads under the conditions of the intended use. Additionally, graphics can be printed directly onto the fiber structure.

[0009] In some embodiments, a fiber web comprises the following: a fiber structure comprising threads, wherein the threads comprise: thread-forming material and an active ingredient that can be released from the threads under the conditions of the intended use; and a graphic printed directly onto the fiber structure.

[0010] In some embodiments, a fiber web comprises the following: a fiber structure comprising: filament-forming material and an active ingredient releaseable from the fiber structure under the conditions of the intended use; a graphic printed directly onto the fiber structure, wherein the graphic comprises L*a*b* color values, and wherein the graphic is defined by the difference in CIELab coordinate values ​​that are arranged within the limits described by the following system of equations: {a*=−13.0 to −10.0;b*=7.6 to 15.5}−−>b*=2.645a∗+41.869 {a*=−10.0 to −2.1;b*=15.5 to 7.0}−−>b*=1.456a∗+30.028 {a*=−2.1 to 4.8;b*=27.0 to 24.9}−−>b*=−0.306a∗+26.363 {a*=4.8 to 20.9;b*=24.9 to 15.2}−−>>b*=−0.601a∗+27.791 {a*=20.9 to 23.4;b*=15.2 to −4.0}−−>b*=−7.901a∗+180.504 {a*=23.4 to 20.3;b*=−4.0 to -10.3}−−>b*=2.049a∗−51.823 {a*=20.3 to 6.6;b*=−10.3 to -19.3}−−>b*=0.657a∗−23.639 {a*=6.6 to −5.1;b*=−19.3 to −18.0}−−>b*=−0.110a∗−18.575 {a*=−5, to −9.2;b*=−18.0 to -7.1}−−>b*=−2.648a∗−31.419 {a*=−9.2 to −13.0;b*=−7.1 to 7.6}−−>b*=−3.873a∗−42.667 ; and where L* is from 0 to 100.

[0011] In some embodiments, a fiber web comprises the following: a fiber structure with a first surface and a second surface opposite the first surface, wherein the fiber structure comprises: filament-forming material and an active ingredient releaseable from the fiber structure under conditions of the intended use; a graphic printed directly onto the first surface of the fiber structure; and the fiber structure has an adhesion value of at least approximately 1.5 or higher for average dry ink.

[0012] In some embodiments, a fiber web comprises the following: a fiber structure with a first surface and a second surface opposite the first surface, wherein the fiber structure comprises: filament-forming material, and an active ingredient releaseable from the fiber structure under conditions of the intended use; a graphic printed directly onto the first surface of the fiber structure, and the fiber structure has an adhesion value of at least approximately 1.5 or higher for average wet ink. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Fig. 1 is a previously known nonwoven substrate. Fig. 2 is another, already known non-woven substrate. Fig. Figure 3 is a schematic top view of a section of a fiber structure. Fig. Figure 4 is a schematic representation of an apparatus used to form fiber structures. Fig.5 is a schematic representation of an apparatus according to the representation in Fig. 4 dies were used. Fig. Figure 6A is a schematic view of equipment for measuring the resolution of a fiber structure. Fig. 6B is a schematic top view of Fig. 6A. Fig. Figure 7 is a schematic view of equipment for measuring the resolution of a fiber structure. Fig. Figure 8 shows an example of how a pattern can be printed onto a substrate. Fig. 9 is a top view of Fig. 8 when viewed in the transverse direction. Fig. 10 is a top view of Fig. 8 when viewed in the machine direction. Fig. 11 represents the ink penetration depth of a substrate with ink. Fig. 12 is a representation of three axes (i.e., L*, a*, and b*) used in the CIELAB color scale. Fig. Figure 13 is a graphical representation of an exemplary color space in CIELAB (L*a*b*) coordinates, where the a*b* plane is shown with L* = 0 to 100. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0013] The present invention relates to fiber webs and, in particular, fiber structures including one or more active ingredients and graphics printed thereon. As discussed below, a nonwoven fiber web can enclose a fiber structure comprising filaments. The filaments can, in turn, enclose filament-forming material and an active ingredient that can be released from the filaments under the conditions of the intended use. Additionally, graphics can be printed directly onto the fiber structure. In particular, the fiber structure can include a first surface and a second surface opposite the first surface, and one or more graphics can be printed directly onto the first and / or second surface of the fiber structure. In some embodiments, the graphics comprise ink positioned on the first and / or second surface.It is also evident that the ink can penetrate the fiber structure below the surface to which it is applied. This allows the ink to be present on and / or within the fiber structure at varying depths below the first and / or second surface. In some embodiments, the graphics can be applied such that the fiber structures exhibit different adhesion values ​​for wet and / or dry ink. Additionally, the graphics can be applied in such a way that the fiber structure can possess certain desired physical properties, such as desired ranges of geometric mean modulus of elasticity, geometric mean elongation, and / or geometric mean tensile strength.Additionally, a graphic can be printed directly onto the fiber structure, allowing the graphic to be defined by the difference in CIELab coordinate values ​​that lie within the limits described by systems of equations. Definitions and explanations of various terms used herein are given below. I. Definitions

[0014] As used here, the following terms have the meanings indicated after them: As used herein, "primary color" refers to a color used in the halftone printing process as the basis for creating additional colors. In some non-restrictive embodiments, a primary color is provided by a colored ink. Non-restrictive examples of primary colors may be selected from the group consisting of: cyan, magenta, yellow, black, red, green, and blue-violet. As used herein, "black" refers to a color and / or primary color that absorbs wavelengths across the entire spectral range from about 380 nm to about 740 nm. As used herein, “blue” or “blue-violet” refers to a color and / or primary color that has a maximum local reflection in the spectral range of about 390 nm to about 490 nm. As used herein, "cyan" refers to a color and / or primary color that has a maximum local reflectance in the spectral range of approximately 390 nm to approximately 570 nm. In some embodiments, the maximum local reflectance lies between the maximum local reflectance of the local maxima of blue-violet and green. "Dip gain" is a printing phenomenon that causes printed material to appear darker than intended. It is caused by halftone dots that appear in the areas between the original image ("input screen") and the image ultimately printed on the fiber web material ("output screen"). An "ink" is a liquid containing colorant used to transfer a specific color onto fiber web materials. An ink can include dyes, pigments, organic pigments, inorganic pigments, and / or combinations thereof. A non-restrictive example of an ink includes solid colors. Additional non-restrictive examples of inks include white. Additional non-restrictive examples of inks include hot melt inks. As used herein, "green" refers to a color and / or primary color that has a maximum local reflection in the spectral range of approximately 491 nm to approximately 570 nm. Halftoning, sometimes referred to as screen printing, is a printing technique that allows for less than full saturation of primary colors. Halftoning involves printing relatively small dots of each primary color in a pattern small enough for the average human viewer to perceive a single color. For example, magenta printed with a 20% screen appears pink to the average viewer. This is because, without being constrained by theory, the average viewer can perceive the tiny magenta dots and the white paper between them as lighter and less saturated than the pure magenta ink. "Hue" is the relative red, yellow, green, and blue-violet of a given color. A ray can be generated from the origin to any color within two-dimensional a*b* space. The hue is the angle measured from 0° (the positive a* axis) to the generated ray. The hue can be any value between 0° and 360°. Brightness is determined by the L* value, with higher values ​​being whiter and lower values ​​blacker. "Lab color" or "L*a*b* color space," as used herein, refers to a color model employed by professionals to characterize and quantitatively describe perceived colors with a relatively high degree of precision. Specifically, CIELab can be used to represent a color scale because the L*a*b* color space exhibits a relatively high degree of perceptual uniformity between colors. As a result, the L*a*b* color space can be used to describe the range of colors that an ordinary observer can actually perceive visually. As used herein, “Magenta” refers to a color and / or primary color that has a maximum local reflection in the spectral range of approximately 390 nm to approximately 490 nm and of 621 nm to approximately 740 nm. “Process printing,” as used herein, refers to a method of producing color prints using at least three of the primary colors cyan, magenta, yellow, and black. Each color layer is added over a base substrate. In some embodiments, the base substrate is white or off-white. With the addition of each color layer, certain amounts of light are absorbed (printing professionals understand that the inks are, in effect, “subtracted” from the brightness of the white background), thus producing different colors. CMY (cyan, magenta, yellow) are used in combination to provide additional colors. Non-limiting examples of such colors are red, green, and blue. K (black) is used to provide alternating shades and pigments.For experts in this field, it is evident that CMY can alternatively be used in combination to provide a black-like color. As used herein, “red” refers to a color and / or primary color that has a maximum local reflection in the spectral range of approximately 621 nm to approximately 740 nm. "Emerging color" refers, as used herein, to the color that an ordinary observer perceives in the finished product of a halftone printing process. According to the example herein, the resulting color of magenta when printed with a 20% screen is pink. As used herein, “yellow” refers to a color and / or primary color that has a maximum local reflection in the spectral range of approximately 571 nm to approximately 620 nm.

[0015] The term "graphic" refers to images or designs consisting of a figure (e.g., one or more lines), a symbol or sign, a color difference or transition of at least two colors, or similar elements. A graphic may include an aesthetic image or design that can provide certain advantages when viewed. A graphic may be in the form of a photographic image. A graphic may also be in the form of a one-dimensional (1-D) or two-dimensional (2-D) barcode or a quick-response (QR) code.A graphic design is determined, for example, by the color(s) used in the graphic (individual pure ink or solid colors as well as set process colors), as well as by the size of the entire graphic (or components of the graphic), the positions of the graphic (or components of the graphic), the movements of the graphic (or components of the graphic), the geometric shapes of the graphic (or components of the graphic), the number of colors in the graphic, the variations of color combinations in the graphic, the number of printed graphics, the disappearance of color(s) in the graphic, and the content of text messages in the graphic.

[0016] "Different in terms of graphic design" means that graphics should not appear different when viewed by users or consumers with normal attention. Therefore, two graphics with graphical differences unintentionally caused by problems or errors in a manufacturing process, for example, in terms of graphic design, are not considered to differ from each other.

[0017] “Standard” or “standardized” refers to graphics, products and / or articles that have the same aesthetic appearance without any intended difference between them.

[0018] The term "custom" or "personalized" refers to graphics, products, and / or items that are modified to suit a small group, region, buyer, customer, or similar. Custom graphics can be selected from a range of available graphics. For example, custom graphics might include animal motifs chosen from groups such as farm animals, marine animals, birds, and the like. In other examples, custom graphics might include nursery rhymes and similar themes. In one scenario, a buyer of such products or items might create custom products or items by selecting graphics for those items from a range of graphics offered by a manufacturer of such items or products.Custom graphics can also include "personally designed" graphics, which are graphics created for a specific buyer. For example, personally designed graphics might include a person's name alone or in combination with a design.

[0019] "Thread," "fiber," or "fiber element," as used herein, means an elongated particle with a length significantly exceeding its diameter, i.e., a length-to-diameter ratio of at least approximately 10. A fiber element may be a thread or a fiber. In one example, the fiber element is a single fiber element rather than a yarn comprising a multitude of fiber elements. Fiber elements may be spun from thread-forming compositions, also referred to as fiber-element-forming compositions, by suitable spinning processes such as meltblowing and / or spunbonding. Fiber elements may consist of one component and / or multiple components. For example, the fiber elements may comprise bicomponent fibers and / or threads.The bicomponent fibers and / or threads can be arranged in any form, such as side-by-side, sheath-core, islands-in-the-sea, etc.

[0020] “Thread-forming composition” as used herein means a composition suitable for producing a thread, such as by meltblowing and / or spunbonding. The thread-forming composition comprises one or more thread-forming materials that have properties that make them suitable for spinning into a thread. In one example, the thread-forming material comprises a polymer. In addition to one or more thread-forming materials, the thread-forming composition may comprise one or more additives, such as one or more active ingredients. Additionally, the thread-forming composition may comprise one or more polar solvents, such as water, in which one or more, e.g., all, of the thread-forming materials and / or one or more, e.g., all, of the active ingredients are dissolved and / or dispersed.

[0021] “Thread-forming material,” as used herein, means a material, such as a polymer or monomers, capable of forming a polymer possessing properties suitable for the manufacture of a thread. In one example, the thread-forming material comprises one or more substituted polymers, such as an anionic, cationic, zwitterionic, and / or non-ionic polymer. In another example, the polymer may comprise a hydroxyl polymer, such as polyvinyl alcohol (“PVOH”), and / or a polysaccharide, such as starch, and / or a starch derivative, such as ethoxylated starch and / or acid-diluted starch. In yet another example, the polymer may comprise polyethylenes and / or terephthalates. In still another example, the thread-forming material is a material soluble in a polar solvent.

[0022] "Additive" as used herein means a material present in a thread that is not a thread-forming material. In one example, an additive includes an active ingredient. In another example, an additive includes a processing aid. In yet another example, an additive includes a filler. In one example, an additive includes a material present in the thread, the absence of which would not cause the thread to lose its thread structure or, in other words, the absence of which would not cause the thread to lose its solid shape. In another example, an additive, such as an active ingredient, includes a non-polymeric material.

[0023] “Conditions of intended use” as defined herein refer to the temperature, physical, chemical and / or mechanical conditions to which a yarn is exposed when used for one or more of the intended purposes. For example, if a yarn and / or a nonwoven material comprising a yarn is intended for use in a washing machine for laundry care purposes, the conditions of intended use include the relevant temperatures as well as the chemical, physical and / or mechanical conditions present in a washing machine, including the wash water during a laundry cycle.If, in another example, a thread and / or a nonwoven material comprising a thread is intended for use by humans as a shampoo for hair care purposes, the conditions of intended use include the relevant temperatures as well as the chemical, physical, and / or mechanical conditions present during the shampooing of human hair. Similarly, if a thread and / or a nonwoven material comprising a thread is intended for use in a dishwashing process, whether by hand or in a dishwasher, the conditions of intended use include the temperature as well as the chemical, physical, and / or mechanical conditions present in the dishwashing water and / or the dishwasher during the dishwashing process.

[0024] “Active ingredient” as used herein means an additive that produces an intended effect in an environment that generates a yarn and / or the nonwoven material comprising the yarn according to the invention, such as when the yarn is exposed to conditions of the intended use of the yarn and / or the nonwoven material comprising the yarn. In one example, an active ingredient comprises an additive that treats a surface, such as a hard surface (i.e., kitchen worktops, bathtubs, toilets, toilet bowls, sinks, floors, walls, teeth, motor vehicles, windows, mirrors, dishes) and / or a soft surface (i.e., textile products, hair, skin, carpet, crops, plants). In another example, an active ingredient comprises an additive that induces a chemical reaction (i.e.,Foaming, beading, coloring, heating, cooling, soaping, disinfecting, and / or clarifying and / or chlorinating (as in clarifying and / or disinfecting water and / or chlorinating water). In yet another example, an active ingredient comprises an additive that treats an environment (i.e., deodorizes, cleans, perfumes air). In another example, the active ingredient is formed on-site, such as during the formation of the active ingredient containing the thread; for example, the thread may comprise a water-soluble polymer (e.g., starch) and a surfactant (e.g., anionic surfactant) that can produce a polymer complex or coacervate that acts as an active ingredient used to treat web surfaces.

[0025] "Textile care active ingredient," as used herein, means an active ingredient which, when applied to a textile article, confers an advantage and / or improvement upon that textile article. Non-limiting examples of benefits and / or improvements to a textile article include, but are not limited to, cleaning (e.g., by means of surfactants), stain removal, stain reduction, wrinkle removal, color refreshment, influence on electrostatic properties, wrinkle resistance, iron-free properties, wear reduction, durability, pilling removal, pilling prevention, soiling removal, soiling prevention (including soil repellency), shape retention, shrinkage reduction, softness, fragrance, antibacterial effect, antiviral effect, odor resistance, and odor elimination.

[0026] "Dishwashing agent," as used herein, means an active ingredient which, when applied to dishes, glasses, pots, pans, cutlery, and / or baking trays, provides an advantage and / or improvement to the dishes, glasses, plastic items, pots, pans, and / or baking trays. Non-limiting examples of benefits and / or improvements to dishes, glassware, plastic items, pots, pans, utensils, and / or baking trays include, but are not limited to, the removal of food and soils, cleaning (e.g., by means of surfactants), stain removal, stain reduction, grease removal, water spot removal and / or water spot prevention, glass and metal care, disinfection, shining, and polishing.

[0027] “Hard surface active ingredient,” as used herein, means an active ingredient which, when applied to floors, work surfaces, sinks, windows, mirrors, showers, bathtubs, and / or toilets, provides a benefit and / or improvement to the floors, work surfaces, sinks, windows, mirrors, showers, bathtubs, and / or toilets. Non-limiting examples of benefits and / or improvements to floors, work surfaces, sinks, windows, mirrors, showers, bathtubs, and / or toilets include, but are not limited to, the removal of food and soils, cleaning (e.g., by means of surfactants), stain removal, stain reduction, grease removal, water stain removal and / or water stain prevention, limescale removal, disinfection, shine, polishing, and refreshing.

[0028] “Weight ratio” means, as used herein, the base material of the dry thread and / or dry cleaning agent (g or %) on a dry weight basis in the thread to the weight of the additive, such as the active ingredient (g or %) on a dry weight basis in the thread.

[0029] "Hydroxylpolymer" includes, as used herein, any hydroxyl-containing polymers that can be incorporated into a thread, e.g., as a thread-forming material. In one example, the hydroxylpolymer includes more than 10 wt% and / or more than 20 wt% and / or more than 25 wt% hydroxyl content.

[0030] “Biodegradable” means, as used herein with respect to a material, such as a thread as a whole and / or a polymer in a thread, such as a thread-forming material, that the thread and / or the polymer is capable of and / or undergoes physical, chemical, thermal and / or biological degradation in an urban solid waste composting facility such that at least 5% and / or at least 7% and / or at least 10% of the original thread and / or polymer are converted to carbon dioxide after 30 days, as measured in accordance with OECD Guideline (1992) 301B for testing chemicals; Biodegradability - CO2 Evolution (Modified Sturm Test) test, which is hereby adopted by reference herein.

[0031] “Non-biodegradable” means, as used herein with respect to a material, such as a thread as a whole and / or a polymer in a thread, such as a thread-forming material, that the thread and / or the polymer cannot undergo physical, chemical, thermal and / or biological degradation in an urban solid waste composting facility such that at least 5% of the original thread and / or polymer is converted to carbon dioxide after 30 days, as measured in accordance with OECD Guideline (1992) 301B for testing chemicals; Biodegradability - CO2 Evolution (Modified Sturm Test) test, which is hereby adopted by reference herein.

[0032] “Non-thermoplastic” means, as used herein, with respect to a material such as a thread as a whole and / or a polymer in a thread such as a thread-forming material, that the thread and / or the polymer does not have a melting point and / or softening point which allows it to flow under pressure in the absence of a plasticizer such as water, glycerin, sorbitol, urea or the like.

[0033] “Non-thermoplastic, biodegradable thread” as used herein means a thread which has the properties of being biodegradable and non-thermoplastic as defined above.

[0034] “Non-thermoplastic, non-biodegradable thread” as used herein means a thread which has the properties of being non-biodegradable and non-thermoplastic as defined above.

[0035] As used herein, “thermoplastic” means, with respect to a material such as a thread as a whole and / or a polymer in a thread such as a thread-forming material, that the thread and / or the polymer has a melting point and / or softening point at a certain temperature which enables it to flow under pressure in the absence of a plasticizer.

[0036] “Thermoplastic biodegradable thread” as used herein means a thread which has the properties of being biodegradable and thermoplastic as defined above.

[0037] “Thermoplastic, non-biodegradable thread” as used herein means a thread which has the properties of being non-biodegradable and thermoplastic as defined above.

[0038] “Polar solvent-soluble material” as used herein means a material that is miscible in a polar solvent. For example, a polar solvent-soluble material is miscible in alcohol and / or water. In other words, a polar solvent-soluble material is a material that can form a stable, homogeneous solution (without a separate phase for more than 5 minutes after the homogeneous solution has been formed) with a polar solvent such as alcohol and / or water under ambient conditions.

[0039] “Alcohol-soluble material” as used herein means a material that is miscible with alcohol. In other words, a material capable of forming a stable, homogeneous solution (without a separate phase for more than 5 minutes after formation of the homogeneous solution) with an alcohol under ambient conditions.

[0040] “Water-soluble material” as used herein means a material that is miscible with water. In other words, a material that is capable of forming a stable, homogeneous solution (without a separate phase for more than 5 minutes after the homogeneous solution has been formed) with water under ambient conditions.

[0041] “Nonpolar solvent-soluble material” as used herein means a material that is miscible in a nonpolar solvent. In other words, a nonpolar solvent-soluble material is a material that can form a stable, homogeneous solution (without a separate phase for more than 5 minutes after the homogeneous solution has been formed) with a nonpolar solvent.

[0042] “Ambient conditions” as used herein means 23 °C ± 2.2 °C (73 °F ± 4 °F) and a relative humidity of 50 % ± 10 %.

[0043] “Weight mean of molecular weight”, as used herein, means the weight mean of the molecular weight determined using gel permeation chromatography according to the protocol given in Colloids and Surfaces A. Physico Chemical & Engineering Aspects, Vol. 162, 2000, pp. 107-121.

[0044] “Length,” as used herein in reference to a thread, means the length along the longest axis of the thread, from one end to the other. If a thread has a kink, curl, or bend, then the length is the length along the entire length of the thread.

[0045] “Diameter”, as used herein in reference to a thread, is measured according to the diameter testing procedure described herein. For example, a thread may have a diameter of less than 100 µm and / or less than 75 µm and / or less than 50 µm and / or less than 25 µm and / or less than 20 µm and / or less than 15 µm and / or less than 10 µm and / or less than 6 µm and / or greater than 1 µm and / or greater than 3 µm.

[0046] “Trigger condition,” as used in this example, refers to anything, such as an action or event, that acts as a stimulus and initiates or causes a change in the thread, such as shrinkage or a change in the physical structure of the thread and / or the release of an additive, such as an active ingredient. In another example, the trigger condition may be present in an environment such as water when a thread and / or nonwoven material is placed in the water. In other words, nothing changes in the water except for the fact that the thread and / or nonwoven material and / or film is placed in the water.

[0047] “Morphology changes,” as used herein in reference to a change in the morphology of a thread, mean that the thread undergoes a change in its physical structure. Non-limiting examples of morphology changes in a thread include dissolution, melting, swelling, shrinking, breaking apart, bursting, elongation, shortening, and combinations thereof. The threads may lose their physical thread structure completely or substantially, or their morphology may change, or they may retain or substantially retain their physical thread structure when subjected to conditions of intended use.

[0048] “Total content,” as used herein, for example, in reference to the total content of one or more active ingredients present in the thread and / or cleaning product, means the sum of the weights or weight percentages of all relevant materials, such as the active ingredients. In other words, a thread and / or cleaning product may contain 25 wt% of an anionic surfactant based on the dry thread and / or the dry cleaning product, or 15 wt% of a non-ionic surfactant based on the dry thread and / or the dry cleaning product, 10 wt% of a chelating agent, and 5 wt% of a fragrance, such that the total content of active ingredients present in the thread is greater than 50 wt%, namely 55 wt% based on the dry thread and / or the dry cleaning product.

[0049] “Cleaning product” as used herein means a solid form, for example, a rectangular solid, occasionally referred to as a sheet, comprising one or more active ingredients, e.g., a fabric care active ingredient, a dishwashing active ingredient, a hard surface active ingredient, and mixtures thereof. In one example, a cleaning product may comprise one or more surfactants, one or more enzymes, one or more fragrances, and / or one or more lye suppressants. In another example, a cleaning product may comprise a builder and / or a chelating agent. In yet another example, a cleaning product may comprise a bleaching agent.

[0050] "Fiber web," as used herein, means an assembly of formed fibers and / or threads, such as a fiber structure and / or a cleaning product, formed from fibers and / or threads, such as continuous threads of any nature or origin, associated with one another. In one example, the fiber web is a rectangular solid comprising fibers and / or threads, formed by a spinning process rather than a casting process.

[0051] For the purposes of this disclosure, as used herein and in accordance with the general definition of the European Disposables and Nonwovens Association (EDANA), "nonwoven web" means a layer of fibers and / or threads, such as continuous threads of any nature or origin, formed into a web by any means and which can be joined together by any means other than weaving or knitting. Felts obtained by wet milling are not nonwoven webs. By way of example, a nonwoven web means a regulated arrangement of threads in a structure to perform a function. By way of example, a nonwoven web is an arrangement comprising a plurality of two or more and / or three or more threads intertwined or otherwise associated with one another to form a nonwoven web.For example, a nonwoven fiber web can contain one or more additives, such as particles and / or fibers, in addition to the threads.

[0052] "Particles," as used herein, refers to granular substances and / or powders. For example, threads and / or fibers can be converted into powder.

[0053] “Equivalent diameter,” as used herein, is intended to define a cross-sectional area and surface area of ​​an individual starch thread, without considering the shape of the cross-sectional area. The equivalent diameter is a parameter of the equation S = ¼πD 2It suffices where S is the cross-sectional area of ​​the thread (ignoring its geometric shape), π = 3.14159, and D is the equivalent diameter. For example, the rectangular cross-section formed by two opposite sides "A" and two opposite sides "B" can be expressed as: S = A × B. Simultaneously, this cross-sectional area can be expressed as a circular area with the equivalent diameter D. The equivalent diameter D can then be calculated from the following formula: S = ¼πD 2 , where S is the known area of ​​the rectangle. (Of course, the equivalent diameter of a circle is the actual diameter of the circle.) An equivalent radius is 1 / 2 of the equivalent diameter.

[0054] The term "pseudothermoplastic" in conjunction with "materials" or "compositions" is intended to refer to materials and compositions that can be softened by the influence of elevated temperatures and / or dissolution in a suitable solvent or otherwise to such an extent that they can be brought into a flowable state in which they can be shaped as required and, in particular, processed to form starch fibers suitable for creating a fibrous structure. Pseudothermoplastic materials can, for example, be formed under the combined influence of heat and pressure.Pseudothermoplastic materials differ from thermoplastic materials in that the softening or liquefaction of pseudothermoplastic materials is caused by the presence of plasticizers or solvents. Without these, it would be impossible to bring them into a soft or flowable state necessary for shaping by means of temperature or pressure, since pseudothermoplastic materials do not "melt" as such. The influence of water content on the glass transition temperature and melting temperature of starch can be measured by differential dynamic calorimetry, as described by Zeleznak and Hoseny in "Cereal Chemistry," Vol. 64, No. 2, pp. 121-124, 1987. Pseudothermoplastic melt is a pseudothermoplastic material in a flowable state.

[0055] “Microgeometry” and its permutations refer to relatively small (i.e., “microscopic”) details of a fiber structure, such as a surface texture, without considering the overall configuration of the structure, as opposed to its overall (i.e., “macroscopic”) geometry. Terms containing “macroscopic” as an adjective or adverbial refer to the overall geometry of a structure or part of it, taking into account its placement in a two-dimensional configuration, such as the XY plane. For example, the fiber structure at the macroscopic level, when arranged on a flat surface, comprises a relatively thin and flat sheet.However, at a microscopic level, the structure may comprise a multitude of first regions forming a first level with a first elevation, as well as a multitude of domes or "cushions" distributed over this, extending outwards from the frame area to form a second elevation.

[0056] “Intensive properties” are properties that do not have a value dependent on any aggregation of values ​​at the fiber structure level. A shared intensive property is an intensive property that can be attributed to more than one region. Such intensive properties of the fiber structure include, without limitation, density, base weight, elevation, and turbidity. For example, if density is a shared intensive property of two differential regions, a density value in one region can differ from a density value in the other region. Regions (such as a first region and a second region) are identifiable areas that are distinguishable from one another by separate intensive properties.

[0057] "Glass transition temperature" T g is the temperature at which the material changes from a viscous or rubbery state to a hard and relatively brittle state.

[0058] “Machine direction” (or MD) is the direction parallel to the flow direction of the fiber structure as it passes through the manufacturing equipment. “Machine transverse direction” (or CD) is the direction perpendicular to the machine direction and parallel to the general plane of the manufactured fiber structure.

[0059] "X", "Y", and "Z" denote a conventional system of Cartesian coordinates, where mutually perpendicular coordinates "X" and "Y" define a reference XY plane, and "Z" defines a line orthogonal to the XY plane. "Z-direction" denotes any direction perpendicular to the XY plane. Accordingly, the term "Z-dimension" denotes a dimension, distance, or parameter measured parallel to the Z-direction. If an element, such as a die-casting component, is curved or otherwise uneven, the XY plane follows the configuration of the element.

[0060] An "essentially continuous" region refers to an area in which any two points can be connected by an unbroken line that lies entirely within the area along the length of the line. This means that the essentially continuous region has "continuity" in all directions parallel to the first plane and is only terminated at the edges of this region. The term "essentially" in conjunction with "continuous" is intended to indicate that, while absolute continuity is preferred, minor deviations from absolute continuity may be tolerable as long as these deviations do not noticeably affect the performance characteristics of the fiber structure (or a compression molding element) according to its design and planning.

[0061] A “substantially semi-continuous” region refers to an area that has “continuity” in all, or at least one, directions parallel to the first plane, where no two points on this area can be connected by an unbroken line that lies entirely within the area for its entire length. The semi-continuous region may also exhibit continuity in only one direction parallel to the first plane. Analogous to the continuous region described above, while absolute continuity in all directions, or at least in one direction, is preferred, slight deviations from such continuity may be tolerable as long as these deviations do not noticeably impair the performance characteristics of the fiber structure.

[0062] “Discontinuous” regions refer to individual and separate areas that are discontinuous in all directions parallel to the first level.

[0063] “Flexibility” is the ability of a material to deform under a given load without breaking, regardless of the ability or inability of the material or structure to return to its pre-deformation shape.

[0064] A "moldable element" is a structural element that can be used as a support for the threads that can be laid upon it during a fiber structure manufacturing process, and as a forming element to create (or "shape") a desired microscopic geometry of a fiber structure. The moldable element can include any elements capable of transferring a three-dimensional pattern onto the structure being produced upon it, and without limitation, it includes a stationary plate, belt, cylinder / roller, woven fabric, and tape.

[0065] Melt spinning is a process by which a thermoplastic or pseudothermoplastic material is transformed into fibrous material through the application of a damping force. Melt spinning can include mechanical stretching, meltblowing, spunbonding, and electrospinning.

[0066] “Mechanical elongation” is the process that induces a stretch on a fiber thread by bringing it into contact with a driven surface, such as a roller, to subject the melt to a force, thus creating fibers.

[0067] Meltblowing is a process for producing fiber webs or articles directly from polymers or resins using high-speed air or another suitable force to dampen the fibers. In a meltblowing process, the damping force in the form of high-speed air is applied as the material exits the die or spindle.

[0068] “Spunbonding” encompasses the process that allows the fiber to drop a predetermined distance under the forces of flow and gravity, and subsequently to apply a force via high-speed air or another suitable source.

[0069] "Electrospinning" is a process that uses electrical potential as a force to dampen the fibers.

[0070] Dry spinning, also commonly known as solution spinning, involves the use of solvents to stabilize fiber formation. A material is dissolved in a suitable solvent and dampened via mechanical stretching, meltblowing, spunbonding, and / or electrospinning. The fiber becomes stable when the solvent evaporates.

[0071] Wet spinning involves dissolving a material in a suitable solvent and forming small fibers through mechanical stretching, meltblowing, spunbonding, and / or electrospinning. As the fiber forms, it is transferred to a coagulation system, which typically includes a bath filled with a suitable solution that solidifies the desired material, thereby producing stable fibers.

[0072] "Melting temperature" means the temperature or temperature range at or above which the starch composition melts or softens sufficiently to be processed into starch filaments. It is understood that some starch compositions are pseudothermoplastic and as such may not exhibit pure "melting" behavior.

[0073] “Base weight” as used herein is the weight per unit area of ​​a sample, expressed in g / m² 2 and measured according to the test procedure for baseline weight described herein.

[0074] “Fiber structure” as used herein means a structure comprising one or more fiber threads and / or fibers. By way of example, a fiber structure means an ordered arrangement of threads and / or fibers within a structure for performing a function. Non-limiting examples of fiber structures may include cleaning products as well as fabrics (including woven, knitted, or nonwoven materials) and absorbent pads (e.g., for diapers or feminine hygiene products). The fiber structures of the present invention may be homogeneous, or they may be layered. If layered, the fiber structures may comprise at least two and / or at least three and / or at least four and / or at least five layers, for example, one or more fiber element layers, one or more particle layers, and / or one or more mixed fiber element / particle layers.

[0075] According to the use of the articles “one”, “an” and “an” herein, for example in “an anionic surfactant” or “a fiber”, it is understood that they stand for one or more of the materials claimed or described.

[0076] Unless otherwise stated, all percentages and ratios are calculated as wt. %. Unless otherwise stated, all percentages and ratios are calculated based on the total composition.

[0077] Unless otherwise stated, all proportions or concentrations of components or compositions are given in relation to the active concentration of that component or composition and exclude foreign substances, such as residues of solvents or by-products that may be present in commercially available sources. II. Fiber structures

[0078] According to the representation in Fig.3. A fiber structure 20 can be formed from fibers with at least one first region (e.g., a network region 22) and a second region (e.g., individual zones 24). Each of the first and second regions has at least one common intensive property, such as a base weight. The common intensive property of the first region can differ in value from the common intensive property of the second region. For example, the base weight of the first region can be higher than the base weight of the second region. Fig. Figure 3 shows a top view of part of a fiber structure 20, with the network region 22 being represented as defining hexagons, although of course other predetermined patterns can be used.

[0079] In certain embodiments, suitable fiber structures can have a water content (% moisture) of 0% to about 20%; in certain embodiments, fiber structures can have a water content of about 1% to about 15%; and in certain embodiments, fiber structures can have a water content of about 5% to about 10%.

[0080] In certain embodiments, a suitable fiber structure can achieve a mean geometric TEA absorption of approximately 38.6 J / m². 2 (100 g*in / in 2 ) or more, and / or approximately 57.9 J / m² 2 (150 g*in / in 2 ) or more, and / or approximately 77.2 J / m² 2 (200 g*in / in 2 ) or more, and / or approximately 115 J / m² 2 (300 g*in / in 2 ) or more according to the tensile test procedure described herein.

[0081] In certain embodiments, a suitable fiber structure may have a mean geometric modulus of about 5000 g / cm or less, and / or of about 4000 g / cm or less, and / or of about 3500 g / cm or less, and / or of about 3000 g / cm or less, and / or of about 2700 g / cm or less according to the tensile test procedure described herein.

[0082] In certain embodiments, suitable fiber structures may exhibit a mean geometric vibration peak of approximately 10% or greater, and / or approximately 20% or greater, and / or approximately 30% or greater, and / or approximately 50% or greater, and / or approximately 60% or greater, and / or approximately 65% ​​or greater, and / or approximately 70% or greater, as measured according to the tensile test procedure described herein.

[0083] In certain embodiments, suitable fiber structures as described herein may exhibit a mean geometric tensile strength of about 77.4 N / m (200 g / in) or more, and / or of about 116 N / m (300 g / in) or more, and / or of about 154 N / m (400 g / in) or more, and / or of about 193 N / m (500 g / in) or more, and / or of about 231 N / m (600 g / in) or more, as measured according to the tensile test method described herein.

[0084] Other suitable arrangements of fiber structures are described in US 4 637 859 A and US 2003 / 0 203 196 A1.

[0085] Additional, non-restrictive examples of other suitable fiber structures are disclosed in US 2013 / 0 172 226 A1; US ​​2013 / 0 171 421 A1; and US 2013 / 0 167 305 A1, which are hereby incorporated by reference herein.

[0086] The use of such fiber structures with a graphic on them as cleaning products, as described herein, offers additional advantages compared to the prior art. Because at least two regions within the fiber structure have different intensity properties, the fiber structure can maintain sufficient integrity before use, but during use (e.g., in the washing machine), the fiber structure can break down sufficiently and release the active ingredient. Additionally, such fiber structures do not adhere to any washed items (e.g., clothing) or washing machine surfaces, and these fiber structures do not block the washing machine's drain assembly. A. Threads

[0087] Threads can include one or more thread-forming materials. In addition to the thread-forming materials, the thread can further comprise one or more active ingredients that are releaseable from the thread, e.g., when the thread is exposed to conditions of intended use, wherein the total content of the one or more thread-forming materials present in the thread is less than approximately 80% by weight on a dry thread basis and / or on a dry cleaning product basis, and wherein the total content of the one or more active ingredients present in the thread is greater than 20% by weight on a dry thread basis and / or on a dry cleaning product basis.

[0088] In another example, a thread can comprise one or more thread-forming materials and one or more active ingredients, wherein the total content of thread-forming materials present in the thread can be from about 5 wt.% to less than 80 wt.% based on dry thread and / or on the dry cleaning product, and wherein the total content of active ingredients present in the thread can be greater than 20 wt.% to about 95 wt.% based on dry thread and / or on the dry cleaning product.

[0089] For example, a thread may comprise at least 10 wt% and / or at least 15 wt% and / or at least 20 wt% or less than 80 wt% and / or less than 75 wt% and / or less than 65 wt% and / or less than 60 wt% and / or less than 55 wt% and / or less than 50 wt% and / or less than 45 wt% and / or less than 40 wt% based on dry thread and / or based on the dry cleaning product of thread-forming materials, and more than 20 wt% and / or at least 35 wt% and / or at least 40 wt% and / or at least 45 wt% and / or at least 50 wt% and / or at least 60 wt% and / or less than 95 wt% and / or less than 90 wt% and / or less than 85 wt% and / or less than 80 wt% and / or less than 75 wt% based on dry thread and / or based on the active ingredients in the dry cleaning product.

[0090] For example, a thread may comprise at least 5 wt% and / or at least 10 wt% and / or at least 15 wt% and / or at least 20 wt% and / or less than 50 wt% and / or less than 45 wt% and / or less than 40 wt% and / or less than 35 wt% and / or less than 30 wt% and / or less than 25 wt% of dry thread-forming materials and / or of dry cleaning product-based materials, and more than 50 wt% and / or at least 55 wt% and / or at least 60 wt% and / or at least 65 wt% and / or at least 70 wt% and / or less than 95 wt% and / or less than 90 wt% and / or less than 85 wt% and / or less than 80 wt% and / or less than 75 wt% of active ingredients based on dry thread and / or of dry cleaning product-based materials. In one example, the thread can contain more than 80% by weight of active ingredients based on dry thread and / or on the dry cleaning product.

[0091] In another example, the one or more filament-forming materials and active ingredients are present in the filament in a weight ratio of the total content of filament-forming materials to active ingredients of 4.0 or less and / or 3.5 or less and / or 3.0 or less and / or 2.5 or less and / or 2.0 or less and / or 1.85 or less and / or less than 1.7 and / or less than 1.6 and / or less than 1.5 and / or less than 1.3 and / or less than 1.2 and / or less than 1 and / or less than 0.7 and / or less than 0.5 and / or less than 0.4 and / or less than 0.3 and / or more than 0.1 and / or more than 0.15 and / or more than 0.2.

[0092] In yet another example, a thread may comprise approximately 10 wt% and / or approximately 15 wt% to less than 80 wt% of a dry thread-based material and / or a dry cleaning product based on a thread-forming material, such as a polyvinyl alcohol polymer and / or a starch polymer, and more than 20 wt% to approximately 90 wt% and / or 85 wt% of a dry thread-based material and / or a dry cleaning product based on an active ingredient. The thread may further comprise a plasticizer, such as glycerin, and / or a pH adjuster, such as citric acid.

[0093] In yet another example, a thread may comprise approximately 10 wt% and / or approximately 15 wt% to less than 80 wt% of a dry thread-based material and / or a dry cleaning product based on a thread-forming material, such as a polyvinyl alcohol polymer and / or a starch polymer, and more than 20 wt% to approximately 90 wt% and / or 85 wt% of an active ingredient based on a dry thread-based material and / or a dry cleaning product based on the active ingredient, wherein the weight ratio of thread-forming material to active ingredient is 4.0 or less. The thread may further comprise a plasticizer, such as glycerin, and / or a pH adjuster, such as citric acid.

[0094] In yet another example, a thread may comprise one or more thread-forming materials and one or more active ingredients selected from the group consisting of enzymes, bleaching agents, builders, chelating agents, sensates, dispersants, and mixtures thereof, which are releasable and / or are released when the thread is exposed to conditions of intended use. In one example, the thread comprises a total thread-forming material content of less than 95% by weight and / or less than 90% by weight and / or less than 80% by weight and / or less than 50% by weight and / or less than 35% by weight and / or up to approximately 5% by weight and / or up to approximately 10% by weight and / or up to approximately 20% by weight based on the dry thread and / or on the dry cleaning product, and based on a total active ingredient content selected from the group consisting of enzymes, bleaching agents, builders, chelating agents, and mixtures thereof, with a total content of more than 5% by weight.-% and / or more than 10 wt.% and / or more than 20 wt.% and / or more than 35 wt.% and / or more than 50 wt.% and / or more than 65 wt.% and / or up to approximately 95 wt.% and / or up to approximately 90 wt.% and / or up to approximately 80 wt.% based on dry filaments and / or on dry cleaning product. In one example, the active ingredient comprises one or more enzymes. In another example, the active ingredient comprises one or more bleaching agents. In yet another example, the active ingredient comprises one or more builders. In yet another example, the active ingredient comprises one or more chelating agents.

[0095] In yet another example, the threads could contain active ingredients that might be considered hazardous to health and / or safety if released into the air. For instance, the thread could be used to prevent enzymes inside the thread from being released into the air.

[0096] In one example, the threads could be meltblown threads. In another example, the threads could be spunbond threads. In yet another example, the threads could be hollow threads before and / or after the release of one or more of the active ingredients.

[0097] Suitable threads can be hydrophilic or hydrophobic. To modify their inherent hydrophilic or hydrophobic properties, the threads can be surface-treated and / or internally treated.

[0098] In one example, the thread has a diameter of less than 100 µm and / or less than 75 µm and / or less than 50 µm and / or less than 30 µm and / or less than 10 µm and / or less than 5 µm and / or less than 1 µm, as measured according to the diameter testing procedure described herein. In another example, the thread may have a diameter greater than 1 µm, as measured according to the diameter testing procedure described herein. The diameter of a thread can be used to control the release rate of one or more active ingredients within the thread and / or the degradation rate and / or changes in the physical structure of the thread.

[0099] The thread can contain two or more different active ingredients. In one example, the thread contains two or more different active ingredients that are compatible with each other. In another example, the thread contains two or more different active ingredients that are incompatible with each other.

[0100] For example, the thread might contain an active ingredient inside the thread and another active ingredient on an outer surface, such as a coating. The active ingredient on the outer surface can be the same as the one inside the thread, or it can be different. If they are different, the active ingredients may be compatible or incompatible.

[0101] In one example, one or more active ingredients may be distributed evenly or substantially evenly throughout the entire thread. In another example, one or more active ingredients may be distributed within the thread as distinct regions. In yet another example, at least one active ingredient is distributed evenly or substantially evenly throughout the entire thread, and at least one other active ingredient is distributed within the thread as one or more distinct regions. In yet another example, at least one active ingredient is distributed within the thread as one or more distinct regions, and at least one other active ingredient is distributed within the thread as one or more distinct regions that are different from the first set of distinct regions.

[0102] The threads can be used as individual items. For example, the threads can be applied to and / or placed on a carrier substrate, such as a handkerchief, paper towel, bath towel, makeup remover wipe, sanitary napkin, tampon, diaper, adult incontinence product, washcloth, drying towel, sheet, laundry towel, drying towel, net, filter paper, fabrics, clothing, underwear, and similar items.

[0103] Additionally, a large number of the threads can be collected and pressed into a film, creating the film which comprises the one or more thread-forming materials and the one or more active ingredients that can be released from the film when, for example, the film is exposed to conditions of intended use.

[0104] For example, a fiber structure with such threads may have an average disintegration time of about 60 seconds (s) or less, and / or about 30 s or less, and / or about 10 s or less, and / or about 5 s or less, and / or about 2.0 s or less, and / or about 1.5 s or less, as measured according to the dissolution test procedure described herein.

[0105] For example, a fiber structure with such threads may have an average disintegration time of about 600 seconds (s) or less, and / or about 400 s or less, and / or about 300 s or less, and / or about 200 s or less, and / or about 175 s or less, as measured according to the dissolution test procedure described herein.

[0106] In one example, a fiber structure with such threads can have an average disintegration time per g / m². 2 of approximately 1.0 seconds per g / m² 2or less, and / or of approximately 0.5 s per g / m² 2 or less, and / or of approximately 0.2 s per g / m² 2 or less, and / or of approximately 0.1 s per g / m² 2 or less, and / or of approximately 0.05 s per g / m² 2 or less, and / or of approximately 0.03 s per g / m² 2 or less, as measured according to the resolution test procedure described herein.

[0107] In one example, a fiber structure with such threads can have an average disintegration time per g / m². 2 the sample of approximately 10 seconds per g / m² 2 or less, and / or of approximately 5.0 s per g / m² 2 or less, and / or of approximately 3.0 s per g / m² 2 or less, and / or of approximately 2.0 s per g / m² 2 or less, and / or of approximately 1.8 s per g / m² 2 or less, and / or of approximately 1.5 s per g / m² 2 or less, as measured according to the resolution test procedure described herein. B. Thread-forming material

[0108] A thread-forming material can include any suitable material, such as a polymer or monomers capable of producing a polymer that has properties that make it suitable for the production of a thread, e.g. by means of a spinning process.

[0109] For example, the filament-forming material can be a material soluble in a polar solvent, such as an alcohol-soluble material and / or a water-soluble material.

[0110] In another example, the thread-forming material can comprise a material soluble in a nonpolar solvent.

[0111] In yet another example, the thread-forming material can comprise a polar solvent-soluble material and be free of non-polar solvent-soluble materials (less than 5 wt% and / or less than 3 wt% and / or less than 1 wt% and / or less than 0 wt% based on dry thread and / or based on the dry cleaning product).

[0112] In yet another example, the filament-forming material can be a film former. In yet another example, the filament-forming material can be of synthetic or natural origin, and it can be chemically, enzymatically, and / or physically modified.

[0113] In yet another example, the thread-forming material can comprise a polymer selected from the group consisting of polymers derived from acrylic monomers, such as ethylene unsaturated carboxylic acid monomers and ethylene unsaturated monomers, polyvinyl alcohol, polyacrylates, polymethacrylates, copolymers of acrylic acid and methacrylate, polyvinylpyrrolidones, polyalkylene oxides, starch and starch derivatives, pullulan, gelatin, hydroxypropyl methylcelluloses, methylcelluloses and carboxymethylcelluloses.

[0114] In yet another example, the filament-forming material can comprise a polymer selected from the group consisting of polyvinyl alcohol, polyvinyl alcohol derivatives, carboxylated polyvinyl alcohol, sulfonated polyvinyl alcohol, starch, starch derivatives, cellulose derivatives, hemicellulose, hemicellulose derivatives, proteins, sodium alginate, hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, chitosan, chitosan derivatives, polyethylene glycol, tetramethylene ether glycol, polyvinylpyrrolidone, hydroxymethylcellulose, hydroxyethylcellulose, and mixtures thereof.

[0115] In another example, the filament-forming material comprises a polymer selected from the group consisting of pullulan, hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, hydroxyethylcellulose, hydroxypropylcellulose, polyvinylpyrrolidone, carboxymethylcellulose, sodium alginate, xanthan gum, tragacanth gum, guar gum, acacia gum, gum arabic, polyacrylic acid, methyl methacrylate copolymer, carboxyvinyl polymer, dextrin, pectin, chitin, levan, elsinan, collagen, gelatin, zein, gluten, soy protein, casein, polyvinyl alcohol, starch, starch derivatives, hemicellulose, hemicellulose derivatives, proteins, chitosan, chitosan derivatives, polyethylene glycol, tetramethylene ether glycol, hydroxymethylcellulose, and mixtures thereof. i. Polar solvent-soluble materials

[0116] Non-restrictive examples of polar solvent-soluble materials include polar solvent-soluble polymers. These polymers can be of synthetic or natural origin and can be chemically and / or physically modified. In one example, the polymers soluble in a polar solvent have an average molecular weight of at least 10,000 g / mol and / or at least 20,000 g / mol and / or at least 40,000 g / mol and / or at least 80,000 g / mol and / or at least 100,000 g / mol and / or at least 1,000,000 g / mol and / or at least 3,000,000 g / mol and / or at least 10,000,000 g / mol and / or at least 20,000,000 g / mol and / or up to about 40,000,000 g / mol and / or up to about 30,000,000 g / mol.

[0117] In one example, the polar solvent-soluble polymers are selected from the group consisting of alcohol-soluble polymers, water-soluble polymers, and mixtures thereof. Non-restrictive examples of water-soluble polymers include water-soluble hydroxyl polymers, water-soluble thermoplastic polymers, water-soluble biodegradable polymers, water-soluble non-biodegradable polymers, and mixtures thereof. In one example, the water-soluble polymer includes polyvinyl alcohol. In another example, the water-soluble polymer includes starch. In yet another example, the water-soluble polymer includes both polyvinyl alcohol and starch. a. Water-soluble hydroxyl polymers

[0118] Non-restrictive examples of water-soluble hydroxyl polymers can include polyols such as polyvinyl alcohol, polyvinyl alcohol derivatives, polyvinyl alcohol copolymers, starch, starch derivatives, starch copolymers, chitosan, chitosan derivatives, chitosan copolymers, cellulose derivatives such as cellulose ether and ester derivatives, cellulose copolymers, hemicellulose, hemicellulose derivatives, hemicellulose copolymers, gums, arabinans, galactans, proteins and various other polysaccharides and mixtures thereof.

[0119] In one example, a water-soluble hydroxyl polymer encloses a polysaccharide. "Polysaccharide," as used herein, refers to natural polysaccharides and polysaccharide derivatives and / or modified polysaccharides. Suitable water-soluble polysaccharides include, without limitation, starches, as well as starch derivatives, chitosan, chitosan derivatives, cellulose derivatives, hemicellulose, hemicellulose derivatives, gums, arabinans, galactans, and mixtures thereof. The water-soluble polysaccharide may have an average molecular weight of about 10,000 g / mol to about 40,000,000 g / mol and / or greater than 100,000 g / mol and / or greater than 1,000,000 g / mol and / or greater than 3,000,000 g / mol and / or greater than 3,000,000 g / mol to about 40,000,000 g / mol.

[0120] Water-soluble polysaccharides can include those derived from cellulose, cellulose derivatives, or cellulose copolymers. Such water-soluble polysaccharides derived from cellulose can be selected from the group consisting of starches, starch derivatives, chitosan, chitosan derivatives, hemicellulose, hemicellulose derivatives, gums, arabinans, galactans, and mixtures thereof.

[0121] In another example, a water-soluble hydroxyl polymer can comprise a non-thermoplastic polymer.

[0122] The water-soluble hydroxyl polymer can have an average molecular weight of approximately 10,000 g / mol to approximately 40,000,000 g / mol and / or greater than 100,000 g / mol and / or greater than 1,000,000 g / mol and / or greater than 3,000,000 g / mol and / or greater than 3,000,000 g / mol to approximately 40,000,000 g / mol. Water-soluble hydroxyl polymers with higher or lower molecular weights can be used in combination with hydroxyl polymers with a specific desired average molecular weight.

[0123] Well-known modifications of water-soluble hydroxyl polymers, such as natural starches, include chemical and / or enzymatic modifications. For example, natural starch may be acid-diluted, hydroxyethylated, hydroxypropylated, and / or oxidized. Furthermore, the water-soluble hydroxyl polymer can include dentin cornstarch.

[0124] Naturally occurring starch is generally a mixture of linear amylose and branched amylopectin polymers composed of D-glucose units. Amylose is an essentially linear polymer of D-glucose units linked by (1,4)-α-D bonds. Amylopectin is a highly branched polymer of D-glucose units linked by (1,4)-α-D bonds and (1,6)-α-D bonds at the branch points. Naturally occurring starch typically contains relatively high proportions of amylopectin, for example, corn starch (64–80% amylopectin), waxy corn (93–100% amylopectin), rice (83–84% amylopectin), potato (about 78% amylopectin), and wheat (73–83% amylopectin).Although potentially all starches are suitable for this purpose, it is generally most common to work with amylopectin-rich natural starches derived from agriculture, which have the advantage of being plentiful, easily regenerated and inexpensive.

[0125] As used herein, “starch” includes all naturally occurring, unmodified starches, modified starches, synthetic starches, and mixtures thereof, as well as mixtures of amylose or amylopectin components, the starch being modified by physical, chemical, or biological processes, or combinations thereof. The choice of an unmodified or modified starch may depend on the desired end product. In one embodiment, the suitable starch or starch mixture has an amylopectin content of about 20% to about 100% by weight, more commonly about 40% to about 90% by weight, and still more commonly about 60% to about 85% by weight of the starch or mixtures thereof.

[0126] Suitable naturally occurring starches can include, without limitation, corn starch, potato starch, sweet potato starch, wheat starch, sago palm starch, tapioca starch, rice starch, soybean starch, canola starch, amioca starch, bracken starch, lotus starch, waxy corn starch, and amylose-rich corn starch. Due to their economics and availability, naturally occurring starches, especially corn starch and wheat starch, are the preferred starch polymers.

[0127] Polyvinyl alcohols can be grafted with other monomers to modify their properties. A wide range of monomers have been successfully grafted onto polyvinyl alcohol. Non-restrictive examples of such monomers include vinyl acetate, styrene, acrylamide, acrylic acid, 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate, acrylonitrile, 1,3-butadiene, methyl methacrylate, methacrylic acid, maleic acid, itaconic acid, sodium vinylsulfonate, sodium allylsulfonate, sodium methylallylsulfonate, sodium phenylallyl ethersulfonate, sodium phenylmethylallyl ethersulfonate, 2-acrylamide methylpropanesulfonic acid (AMPs), vinylidene chloride, vinyl chloride, vinylamine, and a variety of acrylate esters.

[0128] In one example, the water-soluble hydroxyl polymer is selected from the group consisting of polyvinyl alcohols, hydroxymethylcelluloses, hydroxyethylcelluloses, hydroxypropylmethylcelluloses, and mixtures thereof. A non-restrictive example of a suitable polyvinyl alcohol includes products marketed under the trade name CELVOL® by Sekisui Specialty Chemicals America, LLC (Dallas, TX). A non-restrictive example of a suitable hydroxypropylmethylcellulose includes products marketed under the trade name METHOCEL® by the Dow Chemical Company (Midland, MI), including combinations with the aforementioned polyvinyl alcohols. b. Water-soluble thermoplastic polymers

[0129] Non-restrictive examples of suitable water-soluble thermoplastic polymers include thermoplastic starch and / or starch derivatives, polylactic acid, polyhydroxyalkanoate, polycaprolactone, polyesteramides and certain polyesters and mixtures thereof.

[0130] Water-soluble thermoplastic polymers can be hydrophilic or hydrophobic. To modify their inherent hydrophilic or hydrophobic properties, water-soluble thermoplastic polymers can be surface-treated and / or internally treated.

[0131] Water-soluble thermoplastic polymers can include biodegradable polymers.

[0132] Thermoplastic polymers with any suitable average molecular weight can be used. For example, the average molecular weight of a thermoplastic polymer can be greater than approximately 10,000 g / mol and / or greater than approximately 40,000 g / mol and / or greater than approximately 50,000 g / mol and / or less than approximately 500,000 g / mol and / or less than approximately 400,000 g / mol and / or less than approximately 200,000 g / mol. ii. Non-polar solvent-soluble materials

[0133] Non-restrictive examples of non-polar solvent-soluble materials include non-polar solvent-soluble polymers. Non-restrictive examples of suitable non-polar solvent-soluble materials include cellulose, chitin, chitin derivatives, polyolefins, polyesters, copolymers thereof, and mixtures thereof. Non-restrictive examples of polyolefins include polypropylene, polyethylene, and mixtures thereof. A non-restrictive example of a polyester includes polyethylene terephthalate.

[0134] The non-polar, solvent-soluble materials may include a non-biodegradable polymer such as polypropylene, polyethylene, and certain polyesters.

[0135] Thermoplastic polymers with any suitable average molecular weight can be used. For example, the average molecular weight of a thermoplastic polymer can be greater than approximately 10,000 g / mol and / or greater than approximately 40,000 g / mol and / or greater than approximately 50,000 g / mol and / or less than approximately 500,000 g / mol and / or less than approximately 400,000 g / mol and / or less than approximately 200,000 g / mol. C. Active ingredients

[0136] Active ingredients are a class of additives designed and intended to provide an advantage to something other than the thread itself, for example, to provide a benefit to an environment outside the thread. Active ingredients can be any suitable additives that produce an intended effect under conditions of the thread's intended use. For example, the active ingredient can be selected from the group consisting of body cleansing and / or conditioning agents such as hair care products, e.g., shampoos and / or hair dyes, hair conditioners, skin care products, sunscreens, and skin conditioners.Laundry care and / or conditioning products such as textile care products, textile conditioners, textile softeners, textile wrinkle-preventing agents, antistatic textile care products, stain removers for textile care, dirt repellents, dispersants, foam suppressants, foam boosters, foam inhibitors and textile refreshers; liquid and / or powdered dishwashing detergents (for hand washing and / or use in dishwashers); care products and / or conditioning agents and / or polishing agents for hard surfaces; other cleaning and / or conditioning agents such as antimicrobial agents;Fragrances, bleaching agents (such as oxygen bleach, hydrogen peroxide, percarbonate bleach, perborate bleach, chlorine bleach), bleach activators, chelating agents, builders, lotions, brighteners, air conditioners, carpet conditioners, dye transfer inhibitors, water softeners, water hardeners, pH adjusters, enzymes, flocculants, foaming agents, preservatives, cosmetic active ingredients, makeup removers, foaming agents, separating agents, coacervate formers, bleaching earths, thickeners, latices, silicas, desiccants, odor control agents, antiperspirants, refrigerants, heat-treating agents, absorbent gelling agents, anti-inflammatory agents, dyes, pigments, acids and bases; liquid treatment active ingredients; agricultural active ingredients; industrial active ingredients;Ingestible active ingredients such as medicinal products, teeth whitening agents, dental care products, mouthwashes, gum care products, edibles, diet aids, vitamins, minerals; water treatment products such as water purification and / or water disinfection agents and mixtures thereof.;

[0137] Non-restrictive examples of suitable cosmetic active ingredients, skin care products, skin conditioners, hair care products and hair conditioners are described in: CTFA Cosmetic Ingredient Handbook, Second Edition, The Cosmetic, Toiletries, and Fragrance Association, Inc. 1988, 1992.

[0138] For one or more of the active ingredients listed above, one or more classes of chemicals may be suitable. For example, surfactants can be used for any number of the active ingredients described above. Similarly, bleaching agents can be used for textile care, cleaning hard surfaces, dishwashing, and even teeth whitening. Therefore, a person skilled in the art will recognize that the active ingredients are selected based on the intended use of the yarn and / or the nonwoven material produced from it.

[0139] For example, if a thread or a nonwoven material made from it is designed to be used for hair care and / or conditioning, one or more suitable surfactants, such as a foaming agent, may be selected to provide the desired benefit to a consumer when the thread and / or the nonwoven material containing it is exposed to conditions of intended use.

[0140] If a yarn and / or nonwoven material made from it is designed and intended for use in washing clothes in a washing cycle, one or more suitable surfactants and / or enzymes and / or builders and / or fragrances and / or defoamers and / or bleaching agents could, for example, be selected to produce the desired beneficial effect for a consumer when the yarn and / or the nonwoven material containing it is exposed to the conditions of its intended use. In another example, if the yarn and / or the nonwoven material made from it is designed for use in washing garments in a washing cycle and / or cleaning dishes in a dishwashing cycle, the yarn could include a laundry detergent composition or a dishwashing detergent composition.

[0141] In one example, the active ingredient is unscented. In another example, the active ingredient is non-surfactant. In yet another example, the active ingredient is non-swallowable, i.e., different from swallowable active ingredients. i. Surfactants

[0142] Non-restrictive examples of suitable surfactants include anionic surfactants, cationic surfactants, non-ionic surfactants, zwitterionic surfactants, amphoteric surfactants, and mixtures thereof. Co-surfactants may also be included in the yarns. For yarns designed for use as laundry detergents and / or dishwashing detergents, the total surfactant content must be sufficient to provide cleaning, including stain and / or odor removal, and generally ranges from about 0.5% to about 95%. Furthermore, surfactant systems comprising two or more surfactants designed for use in yarns for laundry detergents and / or dishwashing detergents may include entirely anionic surfactants, as well as mixed-type surfactant systems with anionic / non-ionic surfactant mixtures, or non-ionic / cationic surfactant mixtures, or low-foaming non-ionic surfactants.

[0143] The surfactants described herein can be linear or branched. For example, suitable linear surfactants include those derived from agrochemical oils such as coconut oil, palm kernel oil, soybean oil, or other vegetable-based oils. a. Anionic surfactants

[0144] Non-restrictive examples of suitable anionic surfactants include alkyl sulfates, as well as alkyl ether sulfates, branched alkyl sulfates, branched alkyl alkoxylates, branched alkyl alkoxylate sulfates, medium-chain branched alkyl arylsulfonates, sulfated monoglycerides, sulfonated olefins, alkyl arylsulfonates, primary or secondary alkanesulfonates, alkyl sulfosuccinates, acyltaurates, acyl isethionates, alkyl glyceryl ether sulfonates, sulfonated methyl esters, sulfonated fatty acids, alkyl phosphates, acyl glutamates, acyl sarcosinates, alkyl sulfoacetates, acylated peptides, alkyl ether carboxylates, acyl lactylates, anionic fluorinated surfactants, sodium lauroylglutamate and combinations thereof.

[0145] Suitable alkyl sulfates and alkyl ether sulfates for use herein include materials with the formula ROSO3M or RO(C2H4O)xSO3M, where R is an alkyl or alkenyl consisting of approximately 8 to approximately 24 carbon atoms; x is 1 to 10; and M is a water-soluble cation such as ammonium, sodium, potassium, and triethanolamine. Other suitable anionic surfactants are described in McCutcheon's Detergents and Emulsifiers, North American Edition (1986), Allured Publishing Corp., and McCutcheon's Functional Materials, North American Edition (1992), Allured Publishing Corp.

[0146] In one example, suitable anionic surfactants C9-C can be incorporated into the threads. 15 Alkyl benzene sulfonates (LAS), C8-C 20 Alkyl ether sulfates, e.g. B. alkylpoly(ethoxy)sulfates, C8-C 20This includes alkyl sulfates and mixtures thereof. Other anionic surfactants include methyl ester sulfonates (MES), secondary alkane sulfonates, methyl ester ethoxylates (MEE), sulfonated estolides, and mixtures thereof.

[0147] In one example, the anionic surfactant is selected from the group consisting of: C 11 -C 18 Alkylbenzenesulfonates (“LAS”) and primary, branched-chain and random C 10 -C 20 Alkyl sulfates (“AS”), C 10 -C 18 secondary (2,3) alkyl sulfates of the formula CH3(CH2)x(CHOSO3-M+) CH3 and CH3 (CH2)y(CHOSO3-M+) CH2CH3, wherein x and (y + 1) are integers of at least about 7 and preferably at least about 9 and M is a water-soluble cation, in particular sodium, unsaturated sulfates such as oleyl sulfate, the C 10 -C 18 Alpha-sulfonated fatty acid esters, the C 10 -C 18 sulfated alkyl polyglycosides, the C 10 -C 18Alkyl alkoxysulfates (“AExS”), where x is 1-30, and C 10 -C 18 Alkyl alkoxycarboxylates, e.g., comprising 1-5 ethoxy units; medium-chain branched alkyl sulfates as discussed in US 6,020,303 A and US 6,060,443 A; medium-chain branched alkyl alkoxysulfates as discussed in US 6,008,181 A and US 6,020,303 A; modified alkylbenzenesulfonates (MLAS) as discussed in WO 99 / 05,243 A1, WO 99 / 05,242 A1, and WO 99 / 05,244 A1; methyl ester sulfonates (MES); and alpha olefin sulfonates (AOS).

[0148] Other suitable anionic surfactants that can be used are alkyl ester sulfonate surfactants, including sulfonated linear esters of C8-C 20 Carboxylic acids (i.e., fatty acids). Other suitable anionic surfactants that can be used include salts of soap, C8-C 22 primarily from secondary alkanesulfonates, C8-C 24Olefinsulfonates, sulfonated polycarboxylic acids, C8-C 24 Alkyl polyglycol ether sulfates (containing up to 10 mol of ethylene oxide); alkyl glycerol sulfonates, fatty acid glycerol sulfonates, fatty oleoyl glycerol sulfates, alkylphenol ethylene oxide ether sulfates, paraffin sulfonates, alkyl phosphates, isethionates such as the acyl isethionates, N-acyltaurates, alkyl succinamates and sulfosuccinates, monoesters of sulfosuccinates (e.g., saturated and unsaturated C 12 -C 18 Monoesters) and diesters of sulfosuccinates (e.g. saturated and unsaturated C6-C 12 Diester), sulfates of alkyl polysaccharides such as the sulfates of alkyl polyglucoside, and alkyl polyethoxycarboxylate such as that with the formula RO(CH2CH2O)k-CH2COO-M+, where R is a C8-C 22 Alkyl is, k is an integer from 0 to 10, and M is a soluble salt-forming cation.

[0149] Other examples of anionic surfactants are the alkali metal salts of C 10 -C 16alkylbenzenesulfonic acids, preferably C 11 -C 14 Alkylbenzenesulfonic acids. In one example, the alkyl group is linear. Such linear alkylbenzenesulfonates are known as "LAS". Such surfactants and their preparation are described, for example, in US 2,220,099 A and US 2,477,383 A. In another example, linear alkylbenzenesulfonates include the linear straight-chain sodium and potassium alkylbenzenesulfonates, in which the average number of carbon atoms in the alkyl group ranges from about 11 to 14. Sodium C 11 -C 14 LAS, i.e. C 12 LAS is a specific example of such surfactants.

[0150] Another exemplary type of anionic surfactant comprises linear or branched ethoxylated alkyl sulfate surfactants. Such materials, also known as alkyl ether sulfates or alkyl polyethoxylate sulfates, are materials corresponding to the following formula: R'-O-(C2H4O) n -SO3M, where R' is a C8-C 20 The alkyl group is present, n ranges from approximately 1 to 20, and M is a salt-forming cation. In a specific embodiment, R' is a C 10 -C 18 Alkyl, n is from about 1 to 15, and M is sodium, potassium, ammonium, alkylammonium, or alkanolammonium. In further specific embodiments, R' is a C 12 -C 16, n is from about 1 to 6, and M is sodium. Alkyl ether sulfates are generally used in the form of mixtures comprising varying R' chain lengths and varying degrees of ethoxylation. Often, such mixtures inevitably also contain some non-ethoxylated alkyl sulfate materials, i.e., surfactants of the above formula for ethoxylated alkyl sulfates, where n=0. Non-ethoxylated alkyl sulfates can also be added separately to the compositions and used like any anionic surfactant components that may be present. Specific examples of non-alkoxylated, i.e., non-ethoxylated, alkyl ether sulfate surfactants are those obtained by sulfation of higher C8-C 20 Fatty alcohols produced surfactants. Conventional primary alkyl sulfate surfactants have the general formula: R''OSO3-M+, where R'' is usually a C8-C 20The alkyl group can be straight-chain or branched-chain, and M is a water-soluble cation. In specific embodiments, R'' is a C 10 -C 15 Alkyl group, and M is an alkali metal, and in particular R'' is a C 12 -C 14 Alkyl, and M is sodium. Specific, non-limiting examples of suitable anionic surfactants herein include the following: a) C 11 -C 18 alkyl benzene sulfonates (LAS); b) C 10 -C 20 primary branched-chain and random alkyl sulfates (AS); c) C 10 -C 18 Secondary (2,3)-alkyl sulfates with the following formulas: where M is hydrogen or a cation providing charge neutrality, and where all M units, whether associated with a surfactant or additional components, may be either a hydrogen atom or a cation, depending on the form isolated by the executor or the relative pH of the system in which the compound is used, with non-restrictive examples of suitable cations including sodium, potassium, ammonium, and mixtures thereof, and x is an integer of at least 7 and / or at least about 9, and y is an integer of at least 8 and / or at least 9; d) C 10 -C 18 Alkyl alkoxysulfates (AE) z S), where z is, for example, 1-30; e) C 10 -C 18Alkyl alkoxycarboxylates, preferably comprising 1-5 ethoxy units; f) medium-chain branched alkyl sulfates as discussed in US 6,020,303 A and US 6,060,443 A; g) medium-chain branched alkyl alkoxy sulfates as discussed in US 6,008,181 A and US 6,020,303 A; h) Modified alkylbenzenesulfonates (MLAS) as discussed in WO 99 / 05 243 A1, WO 99 / 05 242 A1, WO 99 / 05 244 A1, WO 99 / 05 082 A1, WO 99 / 05 084 A1, WO 99 / 05 241 A1, WO 99 / 07 656 A2, WO 00 / 23 549 A1 and WO 00 / 23 548 A1; i) Methyl ester sulfonate (MES); and j) Alpha olefin sulfonate (AOS). b. Cationic surfactants

[0151] Non-restrictive examples of suitable cationic surfactants include, without further limitation, surfactants with the following formula (I): where R 1 , R 2 , R 3 and R 4Each is independently selected from (a) an aliphatic group consisting of 1 to 26 carbon atoms or (b) an aromatic, alkoxy, polyoxyalkylene, alkylamide, hydroxyalkyl, aryl, or alkylaryl group with up to 22 carbon atoms; and where X is a salt-forming anion such as the anions selected from halogens (e.g., chloride, bromide), acetate, citrate, lactate, glycolate, phosphate, nitrate, sulfate, and alkyl sulfate radicals. In one example, the alkyl sulfate radical is methosulfate and / or ethosulfate.

[0152] Suitable quaternary cationic ammonium surfactants of general formula (I) may include: cetyltrimethylammonium chloride, behenyltrimethylammonium chloride (BTAC), stearyltrimethylammonium chloride, cetylpyridinium chloride, octadecyltrimethylammonium chloride, hexadecyltrimethylammonium chloride, octyldimethylbenzylammonium chloride, decyldimethylbenzylammonium chloride, stearyldimethylbenzylammonium chloride, didodecyldimethylammonium chloride, didecyldimemethylammonium chloride, dioctadecyldimethylammonium chloride, distearyldimethylammonium chloride, tallowtrimethylammonium chloride, cocotrimethylammonium chloride, 2-ethylhexylstearyldimethylammonium chloride, dipalmitoylethyldimethylammonium chloride, PEG-2-oleylammonium chloride and salts thereof, wherein the chloride is replaced by halogen (e.g. bromide), acetate, citrate, lactate, glycolate, phosphate nitrate, sulfate or alkyl sulfate.

[0153] Non-restrictive examples of suitable cationic surfactants are commercially available under the trade name ARQUAD® from Akzo Nobel Surfactants (Chicago, Illinois, USA).

[0154] For example, suitable cationic surfactants include quaternary ammonium surfactants, for instance with up to 26 carbon atoms, including the following: AQA surfactants (alkoxylate quaternary ammonium) as discussed in US 6,136,769 A; dimethyl hydroxyethyl quaternary ammonium as discussed in US 6,004,922 A; dimethyl hydroxyethyl laurylammonium chloride; polyamine cationic surfactants as discussed in WO 98 / 35002 A1, WO 98 / 35003 A1, WO 98 / 35004 A1, WO 98 / 35005 A1 and WO 98 / 35006 A1; Cationic ester surfactants as discussed in US 4 228 042 A, US 4 239 660 A, US 4 260 529 A and US 6 022 844 A; and amino surfactants as discussed in US 6 221 825 B1 and WO 00 / 47 708 A1, for example amidopropyldimethylamine (APA).

[0155] Other suitable cationic surfactants include salts of primary, secondary, and tertiary fatty amines. In one embodiment, the alkyl groups of such amines have between 12 and about 22 carbon atoms, and they can be substituted or unsubstituted. These amines are usually used in combination with an acid to provide the cationic species.

[0156] The cationic surfactant can include cationic ester surfactants with the following formula: where R1 is a C5-C 31linear or branched alkyl, alkenyl or alkaryl chain or M-.N+(R6R7R8)(CH2)s; X and Y are independently selected from the group consisting of COO, OCO, O, CO, OCOO, CONH, NHCO, OCONH and NHCOO, wherein at least one of X or Y is a COO, OCO, OCOO, OCONH or NHCOO group; R2, R3, R4, R6, R7 and R8 are independently selected from the group consisting of alkyl, alkenyl, hydroxyalkyl, hydroxyalkenyl and alkaryl groups having 1 to 4 carbon atoms; and R5 is independently H or a C1-C3 alkyl group; where the values ​​of m, n, s, and t are independently in the range of 0 to 8, where the value of b is in the range of 0 to 20, and where the values ​​of a, u, and v are independently either 0 or 1, provided that at least one of u or v must be 1; and where M is a counter-anion. In an example, R2, R3, and R4 are independently selected from CH3 and -CH2CH2OH.In another example, M is selected from the group consisting of halide, methyl sulfate, sulfate, nitrate, chloride, bromide, or iodide.

[0157] Cationic surfactants can be selected for use in body cleansing applications. For example, these cationic surfactants can be incorporated into the thread and / or fiber at a total weight content of approximately 0.1% to approximately 10%, and / or approximately 0.5% to approximately 8%, and / or approximately 1% to approximately 5%, and / or approximately 1.4% to approximately 4%, taking into account the balanced benefits of easy rinsing, rheology, and wet conditioning. A variety of cationic surfactants, including cationic mono- and dialkyl chain surfactants, can be used in the compositions. In one example, the cationic surfactants include cationic monoalkyl chain surfactants, considering the provision of the desired gel matrix and wet conditioning benefits.Cationic mono-alkyl-chain surfactants are surfactants with a long alkyl chain having 12 to 22 carbon atoms and / or 16 to 22 carbon atoms and / or 18 to 22 carbon atoms in its alkyl group, taking into account the provision of the benefit of balanced wet conditioning. The remaining nitrogen-bonded groups are independently selected from an alkyl group with 1 to 4 carbon atoms or an alkoxy, polyoxyalkylene, alkylamide, hydroxyalkyl, aryl, or alkylaryl group with up to approximately 4 carbon atoms. Such cationic mono-alkyl surfactants include, for example, quaternary mono-alkyl ammonium salts and mono-alkyl amines. Quaternary mono-alkyl ammonium salts include, for example, those with a non-functionalized long alkyl chain. Mono-alkyl amines include, for example, mono-alkyl amidoamines and salts thereof. Other cationic surfactants, such as...Cationic dialkyl surfactants can also be used alone or in combination with cationic monoalkyl chain surfactants. Examples of such cationic dialkyl chain surfactants include dialkyl-(14-18)-dimethylammonium chloride, ditallow alkyl-dimethylammonium chloride, dihydrated tallow alkyldimethylammonium chloride, distearyldimethylammonium chloride, and dicetyl dimethylammonium chloride.

[0158] In one example, the cationic ester surfactants are hydrolyzable under the conditions of a washing cycle. c. Non-ionic surfactants

[0159] Non-restrictive examples of suitable non-ionic surfactants include alkoxylated alcohols (AEs) and alkylphenols, as well as polyhydroxy fatty acid amides (FFAAs), alkyl polysaccharides (APGs), C 10 -C 18 Glycerol ethers and similar substances.

[0160] For example, non-restrictive examples of suitable non-ionic surfactants include the following: C 12 -C 18 Alkyl ethoxylates such as NEODOL® non-ionic surfactants from Shell; C6-C 12 Alkylphenoalkoxylates, wherein the alkoxylate units are a mixture of ethyleneoxy and propylenoxy units; C 12 -C 18 Alcohol and C6-C 12 Alkylphenol condensates with ethylene oxide / propylene oxide block alkyl polyamine ethoxylates such as PLURONIC® from BASF; C 14 -C 22 medium-chain branched alcohols, BA, as discussed in US 6,150,322; C 14 -C 22 medium-chain branched alkyl alkoxylates, BAE x, where x is from 1 to 30, as discussed in US 6,153,577 A, US 6,020,303 A and US 6,093,856 A; alkyl polysaccharides as discussed in US 4,565,647 A Llenado, issued January 26, 1986; in particular, alkyl polyglycosides as discussed in US 4,483,780 A and US 4,483,779 A; polyhydroxy detergents and acid amides as discussed in US 5,332,528 A; and ether-limited poly(oxyalkylated) alcohol surfactants as discussed in US 6,482,994 A and WO 01 / 42,408 A2.

[0161] Examples of suitable commercially available non-ionic surfactants include the following: Tergitol® 15-S-9 (the condensation product of C 11 -C 15 linear alcohol with 9 mol ethylene oxide) and Tergitol® 24-L-6 NMW (the condensation product of C 12 -C 14primary alcohol with 6 mol ethylene oxide with a narrow molecular weight distribution), both marketed by Dow Chemical Company; Neodol® 45-9 (the condensation product of C 14 -C 15 linear alcohol with 9 mol ethylene oxide), Neodol® 23-3 (the condensation product of C 12 -C 13 linear alcohol with 3 mol ethylene oxide), Neodol® 45-7 (the condensation product of C 14 -C 15 linear alcohol with 7 mol ethylene oxide) and Neodol® 45-5 (the condensation product of C 14 -C 15 linear alcohol with 5 mol ethylene oxide) distributed by Shell Chemical Company; Kyro® EOB (the condensation product of C 13 -C 15 Alcohol with 9 mol ethylene oxide), distributed by The Procter & Gamble Company; and Genapol LA O3O or O5O (the condensation product of C 12 -C 14Alcohol with 3 or 5 mol ethylene oxide) distributed by Hoechst. The non-ionic surfactants can have an HLB range of approximately 8 to approximately 17 and / or from approximately 8 to approximately 14. Condensates with propylene oxide and / or butylene oxides can also be used.

[0162] Non-restrictive examples of suitable semi-polar non-ionic surfactants include: water-soluble amine oxides containing an alkyl moiety of about 10 to about 18 carbon atoms and two moiety units selected from the group consisting of alkyl moiety units and hydroxyalkyl moiety units containing about 1 to about 3 carbon atoms; water-soluble phosphine oxides containing an alkyl moiety of about 10 to about 18 carbon atoms and two moiety units selected from the group consisting of alkyl moiety units and hydroxyalkyl moiety units containing about 1 to about 3 carbon atoms; and water-soluble sulfoxides containing an alkyl moiety of about 10 to about 18 carbon atoms and a moiety selected from the group consisting of alkyl moiety units and hydroxyalkyl moiety units containing about 1 to about 3 carbon atoms. See WO 01 / 32 816 A1, US 4 681 704 A and US 4 133 779 A.

[0163] Another class of non-ionic surfactants that can be used includes polyhydroxy fatty acid amide surfactants of the following formula: where R 1 H or C 1-4 Hydrocarbyl, 2-Hydroxyethyl, 2-Hydroxypropyl or a mixture thereof, R2 C 5-31 Hydrocarbyl is and Z is a polyhydroxyhydrocarbyl with a linear hydrocarbyl chain having at least 3 hydroxyls directly linked to the chain or an alkoxylated derivative thereof. In an example, R 1 Methyl, R2 is an even C 11-15 -Alkyl or C 15-17 -Alkyl or alkenyl chain, such as coconut alkyl or mixtures thereof, and Z is derived from a reducing sugar such as glucose, fructose, maltose, lactose in a reductive amination reaction. Typical examples include the C 12 -C 18 and C 12 -C 14 N-Methylglucamide.

[0164] Alkyl polysaccharide surfactants can also be used as non-ionic surfactants. Polyethylene, polypropylene, and polybutylene oxide condensates of alkylphenols are also suitable for use as non-ionic surfactants. These compounds include the condensation products of alkylphenols with an alkyl group containing approximately 6 to 14 carbon atoms, in either a straight-chain or branched-chain configuration with the alkylene oxide. Commercially available non-ionic surfactants of this type include Igepal® CO-630, distributed by GAF Corporation; and Triton® X-45, X-114, X-100, and X-102, each distributed by the Dow Chemical Company.

[0165] Low-foaming non-ionic surfactants can be used for automatic dishwashing applications. Suitable low-foaming non-ionic surfactants are disclosed in US 7,272,138 A, column 7, line 10, to column 7, line 60.

[0166] Examples of other suitable non-ionic surfactants include the commercially available and BASF-distributed Pluronic® surfactants, the commercially available and BASF-distributed Tetronic® compounds, and the commercially available and BASF-distributed Plurafac® surfactants. d. Zwitterionic surfactants

[0167] Non-restrictive examples of zwitterionic or amphoteric surfactants include: derivatives of secondary and tertiary amines, derivatives of heterocyclic secondary and tertiary amines, or derivatives of quaternary ammonium, quaternary phosphonium, or tertiary compounds. See US 3,929,678 A, column 19, line 38 to column 22, line 48, for examples of zwitterionic surfactants; betaines, including alkyldimethyl betaine and cocodimethyl amidopropyl betaine, C8 to C 18 (for example, from C) 12 up to C 18) Amine oxides and sulfo- and hydroxy-betaines, such as N-alkyl-N,N-dimethylammino-1-propanesulfonate, wherein the alkyl group is C8 to C 18 and in certain embodiments of C 10 up to C 14 may be. e. Amphoteric surfactants

[0168] Non-restrictive examples of amphoteric surfactants include the following: aliphatic derivatives of secondary and tertiary amines or aliphatic derivatives of heterocyclic secondary and tertiary amines, in which the aliphatic radical may be straight-chain or branched, and mixtures thereof. One of the aliphatic substituents may contain at least 8 carbon atoms, e.g., from about 8 to about 18 carbon atoms, and at least one contains an anionic water-solubilizing group, e.g., carboxy, sulfonate, sulfate. See US 3,929,678 A, column 19, lines 18–35, for suitable examples of amphoteric surfactants. f. Co-surfactants

[0169] In addition to the surfactants described above, the filaments may also contain co-surfactants. In the case of laundry detergents and / or dishwashing liquids, these typically contain a mixture of surfactant types to provide comprehensive cleaning performance over a wide variety of soils and stains and under a wide variety of usage conditions. A large range of these co-surfactants can be used in the filaments. A typical list of anionic, non-ionic, ampholytic, and zwitterionic classes and species of these co-surfactants is given above and can also be found in US 3,664,961 A. In other words, surfactant systems may include one or more co-surfactants selected from non-ionic, cationic, anionic, zwitterionic surfactants, or mixtures thereof. The choice of co-surfactant may depend on the desired benefit. The surfactant system may contain from 0 wt% to approximately 10 wt%.-% or from approximately 0.1 wt% to approximately 5 wt% or from approximately 1 wt% to approximately 4 wt% of the composition of other co-surfactants. g. Amine-neutralized anionic surfactants

[0170] The anionic surfactants and / or anionic co-surfactants may exist in an acidic form that can be neutralized to form a surfactant salt. In one example, the filaments may comprise a surfactant salt form. Typical neutralizing agents include a metal counter-ion base such as hydroxides, e.g., NaOH or KOH. Other agents for neutralizing the anionic surfactants and anionic co-surfactants in their acidic forms include ammonia, amines, or alkanolamines. In one example, the neutralizing agent comprises an alkanolamine, for instance, an alkanolamine selected from the group consisting of: monoethanolamine, diethanolamine, triethanolamine, and other linear or branched alkanolamines already known; e.g., 2-amino-1-propanol, 1-aminopropanol, monoisopropanolamine, or 1-amino-3-propanol. Amine neutralization may be complete or partial, e.g.,Part of the anionic surfactant mixture can be neutralized with sodium or potassium, and part of the anionic surfactant mixture can be neutralized with amines or alkanoamines. ii. Fragrances

[0171] One or more fragrances and / or fragrance raw materials, such as accords and / or notes, can be integrated into one or more of the threads. The fragrance can comprise a fragrance component selected from the group consisting of: aldehyde fragrance components, ketone fragrance components, and mixtures thereof.

[0172] One or more fragrances and / or fragrance components may be incorporated into the threads. A wide range of natural and synthetic chemical components suitable as fragrances and / or fragrance components includes, without limitation, aldehydes, ketones, esters, and mixtures thereof. Also included are various natural extracts and essences, which may comprise complex mixtures of components, such as orange oil, lemon oil, rose extract, lavender, musk, patchouli, balsamic essence, sandalwood oil, pine oil, cedarwood, and the like. Finished fragrances may contain extremely complex mixtures of such components. For example, a finished fragrance typically comprises from about 0.01% by weight to about 2% by weight of the dry thread and / or the dry web material. iii. Fragrance delivery systems

[0173] Certain fragrance delivery systems, methods for manufacturing certain fragrance delivery systems, and uses of such fragrance delivery systems are disclosed in US 2007 / 0275866A1. Non-restrictive examples of fragrance delivery systems include the following: Polymer-Assisted Delivery (PAD): This fragrance delivery technology uses polymer materials to deliver fragrance materials. Examples include classic coacervation, water-soluble or partially soluble to insoluble charged or neutral polymers, liquid crystals, hot melts, hydrogels, scented plastics, microcapsules, nano- and micro-latizes, polymer film formers and polymer absorbents, polymer adsorbents, etc. PAD includes, without limitation, the following: a.) Matrix systems: The fragrance is dissolved or dispersed in a polymer matrix or particle. Fragrances can, for example, 1) be dispersed into the polymer before formulation of the product, or 2) be added separately from the polymer during or after product formulation. Diffusion of the fragrance from the polymer is a common trigger that enables or increases the throughput of fragrance release from a polymer matrix system upon deposition or application to the desired area (site), although many other triggers are known to regulate fragrance release. Absorption and / or adsorption into or onto polymer particles, films, solutions, and the like are aspects of this technology. Nano- or microparticles composed of organic materials (e.g., latizes) are examples.Suitable particles include a wide range of materials, including, but not limited to, polyacetal, polyacrylate, polyacrylonitrile, polyamide, polyaryletherketone, polybutadiene, polybutylene, polybutylene terephthalate, polychloroprene, polyethylene, polyethylene terephthalate, polycyclohexylene dimethylene terephthalate, polycarbonate, polychloroprene, polyhydroxyalkanoate, polyketone, polyester, polyethylene, polyetherimide, polyethersulfone, polyethylene chloride, polyimide, polyisoprene, polylactide, polymethylpentene, polyphenylene oxide, polyphenylene sulfide, polyphthalamide, polypropylene, polystyrene, polysulfone, polyvinyl acetate, polyvinyl chloride, as well as polymers or copolymers based on acrylonitrile butadiene, cellulose acetate, ethylene vinyl acetate, ethylene vinyl alcohol, styrene butadiene, vinyl acetate ethylene and mixtures thereof.

[0174] “Standard” systems refer to systems that are “preloaded” with the intention of keeping the preloaded fragrance associated with the polymer until the time(s) of fragrance release. Such polymers can also suppress the clean product odor and, depending on the fragrance release rate, provide a floral scent and / or long-lasting benefits. A challenge with such systems is achieving an ideal balance between 1) stability within the product (keeping the fragrance in the carrier until needed) and 2) timely release (during use or from a dry spot). Achieving such stability is particularly important during in-product storage and product storage. This challenge is especially evident for water-based, surfactant-containing products, such as heavy-duty liquid detergents.Many commercially available “standard” matrix systems effectively become “equilibrium systems” when formulated in aqueous-based products. One can choose an “equilibrium system” or a container system that provides acceptable diffusion stability within the product and for the…

[0175] Release has available triggers (e.g., friction). “Equilibrium systems” are those in which the fragrance and polymer can be added to the product separately, and the equilibrium interaction between fragrance and polymer results in a benefit at one or more points of contact for consumers (as opposed to free fragrance control, which lacks polymer-assisted delivery technology). The polymer may also be preloaded with fragrance; however, the fragrance may partially or completely diffuse into the product during storage and reach an equilibrium that includes the presence of desired fragrance raw materials (PRMs) associated with the polymer. The polymer then carries the fragrance to the surface, and release typically occurs via fragrance diffusion.The use of such equilibrium system polymers has the potential to reduce the intensity of the clean product odor (typically stronger in preloaded standard systems). The deposition of such polymers can serve to "flatten" the release profile and provide increased longevity. As stated above, this longevity is achieved by suppressing the initial intensity, and it can allow the formulator to use a higher efficacy or low odor threshold (ODT) or low Kovats index (KI) PRMs to achieve FMOT benefits without the initial intensity being too strong or distorted. It is important that the fragrance release occurs within the timeframe of application to influence the desired point(s) of contact with the consumer.Suitable microparticles and microlatizes, as well as methods for their preparation, can be found in US 2005 / 0003980A1. Matrix systems also include hot-melt adhesives and fragrance polymers. Additionally, hydrophobically modified polysaccharides can be formulated into the perfumed product to increase fragrance deposition and / or modify fragrance release. All such matrix systems, including, for example, polysaccharides and nanolatizes, can be combined with other polymer-assisted release (PAD) systems, including other PAD systems, such as PAD container systems in the form of a fragrance microcapsule (PMC). Polymer-assisted release (PAD) matrix systems can include the systems described in the following references: US 2004 / 0110648A1; US ​​2004 / 0092414A1. US 2004 / 0 091 445 A1 and US 2004 / 0 087 476 A1; and US 6,531,444 B1; US 6,024,943A; US 6,042,792A; US 6,051,540A; US 4,540,721 A and US 4,973,422 A.

[0176] Silicones are also examples of polymers that can be used as polymer-assisted delivery (PAD) systems, and they can provide fragrance benefits in a manner similar to the polymer-assisted delivery matrix system. Such a PDT is referred to as silicone-assisted delivery (SAD). Silicones can be preloaded with fragrance, or they can be used as an equilibrium system as described for PAD. Suitable silicones and their preparation can be found in WO 2005 / 102261 A1; US ​​2005 / 0124530 A1; US ​​2005 / 0143282 A1; and WO 2003 / 015736 A1. Functionalized silicones can also be used as described in US 2006 / 003913 A1. Examples of silicones include polydimethylsiloxane and polyalkyldimethylsiloxanes.Other examples include those with amine functionality that can be used to provide benefits related to amine-assisted delivery (AAD) and / or polymer-assisted delivery (PAD) and / or amine reaction products (ARP). Other such examples are found in US 4911852A; and in US 2004 / 0058845A1; US ​​2004 / 0092425A1; and US 2005 / 0003980A1.

[0177] b.) Container Systems: Container systems are also known as core-shell technology, i.e., technology in which the fragrance is surrounded by a membrane that controls fragrance release and can also serve as a protective shell. The material inside the microcapsule is referred to as the core, internal phase, or filling, while the wall is occasionally referred to as the shell, coating, or membrane. Microparticles or pressure-sensitive capsules or microcapsules are examples of this technology. Microcapsules according to the invention are formed by a variety of processes, including, without limitation, coating, extrusion, spray drying, interfacial, local, and matrix polymerization. The possible shell materials vary greatly in their stability with respect to water. Among the most stable are polyoxymethylene urea (PMU)-based materials, which can retain certain PRMs in aqueous solution (or in product) for even longer periods.Such systems include, without limitation, urea-formaldehyde and / or melamine-formaldehyde. Stable shell materials include polyacrylate-based materials obtained as a reaction product with an oil-soluble or dispersible amine and a multifunctional acrylate or methacrylate monomer or oligomer, as well as an oil-soluble acid and an initiator in the presence of an anionic emulsifier comprising a water-soluble or water-dispersible acrylic acid-alkyl acid copolymer, an alkali, or an alkali salt. Gelatin-based microcapsules can be prepared to dissolve rapidly or slowly in water, for example, depending on the degree of cross-linking. Many other capsule wall materials are available and vary in the degree of fragrance diffusion stability observed.Without resorting to a theory, the throughput rate of fragrance release from a capsule, for example, one placed on a surface, is typically inversely proportional to the stability of fragrance diffusion within the product. Thus, urea-formaldehyde and melamine-formaldehyde microcapsules, for instance, usually require a different or additional release mechanism than diffusion, such as mechanical force (e.g., friction, pressure, shear stress), to rupture the capsule and increase the throughput rate of fragrance release. Other triggers include melting, dissolution, hydrolysis or other chemical reactions, electromagnetic radiation, and the like. The use of preloaded microcapsules requires the correct balance between stability within the product and release upon use and / or on the surface (locally), as well as the appropriate selection of preloaded reagents (PRMs).Microcapsules based on urea-formaldehyde and / or melamine-formaldehyde are relatively stable, especially in near-neutral, aqueous solutions. These materials may require a friction trigger, which may not be applicable to all product applications. Other microcapsule materials (e.g., gelatin) may be unstable in aqueous products and may even provide limited benefit (compared to free fragrance control) when stored within the product. Odor sampling technologies are yet another example of PAD (Persistent Odor Detection Device).Fragrance microcapsules (PMCs) may include the following references: US 2003 / 0125222A1; US ​​2003 / 0215417A1; US ​​2003 / 0216488A1; US ​​2003 / 0158344A1; US ​​2003 / 165692A1; US ​​2004 / 0071742A1; US ​​2004 / 0071746A1; US ​​2004 / 0072719A1; US ​​2004 / 0072720A1; US ​​2006 / 0039934A1; US ​​2003 / 203829A1; US 2003 / 0 195 133 A1; US 2004 / 0 087 477 A1; US 2004 / 0 106 536 A1; and US 6,645,479 B1; US 6,200,949 B1; US 4,882,220A; US 4,917,920A; US 4,514,461A; US 6 106 875 A and US 4 234 627 A, US 3 594 328 A and US 32 713 E, WO 2009 / 134 234 A1, WO 2006 / 127 454 A2, WO 2010 / 079 466 A2, WO 2010 / 079 467 A2, WO 2010 / 079 468 A2, WO 2010 / 084 480 A2.

[0178] Molecule-Assisted Release (MAD): Non-polymeric materials or molecules can also serve to enhance fragrance release. Without resorting to a specific theory, the fragrance may interact non-covalently with organic materials, resulting in altered deposition and / or release. Non-restrictive examples of such organic materials include, without limitation, hydrophobic materials such as organic oils, waxes, mineral oils, petrolatum, fatty acids or esters, sugars, surfactants, liposomes, and other fragrance raw materials (fragrance oils), as well as natural oils, including body and / or other dirt materials. Fragrance fixatives are yet another example. From one perspective, non-polymeric materials or molecules may have a CLogP greater than approximately 2.Molecule-assisted delivery (MAD) may also include the molecules described in US 7 119 060 B2 and US 5 506 201 A.

[0179] Fiber-Assisted Release (FAD): The choice or use of a location itself can serve to enhance fragrance release. Thus, the location itself can be a fragrance release technology. For example, different fabric types, such as cotton or polyester, have different properties regarding their ability to attract, retain, and / or release fragrance. The amount of fragrance deposited on or in fibers can be modified by the choice of fiber, as well as by the fiber's history or treatment, and by fiber coatings or treatments. Fibers can be woven or nonwoven materials and of natural or synthetic origin. Natural fibers include fibers produced by plants, animals, and geological processes, and they include, without limitation, cellulose materials, such as...Cotton, linen, hemp, jute, flax, ramie, and sisal, as well as fibers used in the manufacture of paper and cloth. Fiber-assisted delivery may consist of the use of wood fiber, such as thermomechanical pulp and bleached or unbleached wrapping paper or sulfite pulps. Animal fibers largely consist of specific proteins, such as silk, sinews, katgut, and hair (including wool). Synthetic chemical-based polymer fibers include, without limitation, polyamide nylon, PET or PBT polyesters, phenol-formaldehyde (PDF), polyvinyl alcohol fiber (PVOH), polyvinyl fluoride fiber (PVC), polyolefins (PP and PE), and acrylic polymers. All such fibers may be preloaded with a fragrance and subsequently added to a product that may, but need not, contain free fragrance and / or one or more fragrance delivery technologies.From one perspective, the fibers can be added to a product prior to being loaded with a fragrance, and subsequently loaded with a fragrance that can diffuse into the fibers. Without relying on a specific theory, the fragrance can be absorbed onto or within the fiber, for example, during product storage, and then released at one or more real-world points of use or at consumer touchpoints.

[0180] Amine-Assisted Release (AAD): The amine-assisted release technology approach utilizes materials containing an amine group to enhance fragrance deposition or modify fragrance release during product use. This approach eliminates the need for prior complex or reagent phases of fragrance raw materials and amines before their addition to the product. Suitable amine-containing AAD materials can be non-aromatic, such as polyalkylimines like polyethyleneimine (PEI) or polyvinylamine (PVAm), or aromatic, such as anthranilates. These materials can also be polymeric or non-polymeric. They can contain at least one primary amine. This technology enables increased longevity and controlled release of even low ODT fragrance notes (e.g.,Aldehydes, ketones, enones) via amine functionality, as well as the release of other PRMs, without recourse to theory, via polymer-assisted delivery for polymeric amines. Without technology, volatile top notes can dissipate too quickly, leaving a higher ratio of heart and base notes to top notes. The use of a polymeric amine allows for higher levels of top notes and other PRMs, which can be used to maintain long-lasting freshness without making the clean product scent more intense than desired, or it allows for the more efficient use of top notes and other PRMs. From one perspective, AAD systems are effective at delivering PRMs at pH values ​​higher than approximately neutral. Without recourse to theory, conditions in which more amines of the AAD system are deprotonated can lead to an increased affinity of the deprotonated amines for PRMs such as aldehydes and ketones, including unsaturated ketones and enones such as...Damascone. From one perspective, polymeric amines are effective at releasing PRMs at pH values ​​below approximately neutral. Without resorting to theory, conditions where more amines of the AAD system are protonated can lead to a reduced affinity of the protonated amines for PRMs such as aldehydes and ketones, as well as a strong affinity of the polymer framework for a wide range of PRMs. From such a perspective, polymer-assisted release can deliver more of the fragrance benefit; such systems are a subset of AAD and can be referred to as amine polymer-assisted release, or APAD. In some cases, when APAD is used in a composition with a pH value below seven, such APAD systems can also be considered polymer-assisted release (PAD). From yet another perspective, AAD and PAD systems can interact with other materials, such as…with anionic surfactants or polymers to form coacervate and / or coacervate-like systems. From another perspective, a material containing a non-nitrogen heteroatom, such as sulfur, phosphorus, or selenium, can be used as an alternative to amine compounds. From yet another perspective, the aforementioned alternative compounds can be used in combination with amine compounds. From a still further perspective, a single molecule can comprise an amine moiety and one or more of the alternative heteroatom moieties, such as thiols, phosphines, and selenols. Suitable AAD systems and methods for their preparation can be found in US 2005 / 0003980A1; US ​​2003 / 0199422A1; US ​​2003 / 0036489A1; US 2004 / 0 220 074 A1 and US 6 103 678 A.

[0181] Cyclodextrin (CD) Delivery System: This technological approach utilizes a cyclic oligosaccharide, or cyclodextrin, to enhance fragrance delivery. Typically, a fragrance and cyclodextrin (CD) complex is formed. Such complexes can be pre-formed, locally formed, or formed on-site or at the delivery site. Without delving into theory, water loss can shift the equilibrium toward the CD fragrance complex, particularly if other added components (e.g., surfactant) are not present in high concentrations to compete with the fragrance for cyclodextrin cavity space. A benefit of a blooming effect can be achieved if exposure to water or an increase in humidity occurs at a later time. Additionally, cyclodextrin allows the fragrance formulator greater flexibility in selecting PRMs.Cyclodextrin can be preloaded with fragrance or added separately to achieve the desired benefits of fragrance stability, deposition, or release. Suitable cyclodextrins and methods for their preparation are found in US 2005 / 0003980A1 and US 2006 / 0263313A1, and in US 5552378A; US 3812011A; US 4317881A; US 4418144A; and US 4378923A.

[0182] Starch-Encapsulated Accord (SEA): The use of starch-encapsulated accord (SEA) technology allows for the modification of fragrance properties, for example, by converting a liquid fragrance into a solid fragrance through the addition of components such as starch. Benefits include increased fragrance retention during product storage, particularly under non-aqueous conditions. Exposure to moisture can trigger a blooming effect of the fragrance. Advantages in other real-world situations can also be achieved, as the starch allows the product formulator to select PRMs or PRM concentrations that would not normally be possible without SEA. Another example of this technology involves the use of other organic and inorganic materials, such as silica, to convert fragrance from liquid to solid.Suitable SEAs as well as methods for their manufacture can be found in US 2005 / 0 003 980 A1 and in US 6 458 754 B1.

[0183] Inorganic Carrier Release System (ZIC): This technology refers to the use of porous zeolites or other inorganic materials for fragrance release. Fragrance-loaded zeolite can be used with or without added components, such as coatings used to modify the fragrance-release properties during product storage, use, or in dry application. Suitable zeolite and inorganic carriers, as well as methods for their preparation, can be found in US 2005 / 0003980A1 and US 5858959A; US 6245732B1; US ​​6048830A; and US 4539135A. Silica is another form of ZIC. Another example of a suitable inorganic carrier includes inorganic channels in which the fragrance or other active material is contained within the volume of the nano- or micro-channels.From one perspective, the fragrance-loaded inorganic channel (or fragrance-loaded channel or PLT) is a mineral nano- or microchannel, such as halloysite or mixtures of halloysite with other inorganic materials, including other clays. PLT technology may also include additional components inside and / or outside the channel to enhance diffusion stability within the product, deposition at the desired location, or control of the fragrance release rate. Monomeric and / or polymeric materials, including starch encapsulation, may be used to coat, block, close, or otherwise encapsulate the PLT. Suitable PLT systems and methods for their fabrication are described in US 5,651,976 A.

[0184] Pro-fragrance (PP): This technology refers to fragrance technologies resulting from the reaction of fragrance materials with other substrates or chemicals to form materials that have a covalent bond between one or more PRMs and one or more carriers. The PRM is transformed into a new material called pro-PRM (i.e., pro-fragrance), which can then release the original PRM upon exposure to a trigger such as water or light. Pro-fragrances can provide enhanced fragrance release properties, such as increased fragrance deposition, longevity, stability, retention, and the like. Pro-fragrances include substances that are monomeric (non-polymeric) or polymeric, and they can be pre-formed or locally formed under equilibrium conditions, such as those that may occur during product storage or at the wet or dry release site.Non-restrictive examples of pro-fragrances include Michael additions (e.g., beta-amino ketones), aromatic or non-aromatic imines (Schiff bases), oxazolidines, beta-keto esters, and orthoesters. Another perspective includes compounds containing one or more beta-oxy or beta-thiocarbonyl moieties capable of releasing a PRM, such as an alpha- or beta-unsaturated ketone, an aldehyde, or a carboxylic acid ester. The typical trigger for fragrance release is exposure to water, although other triggers may include enzymes, heat, light, pH changes, auto-oxidation, equilibrium shifts, concentration changes, ionic starch, and other factors. Light-triggered pro-fragrances are particularly suitable for aqueous-based products.Such photo-pro-fragrances (PPPs) include, without limitation, those that release coumarin derivatives and fragrances and / or pro-fragrances upon triggering. The released pro-fragrance may release one or more PRMs via one of the triggers mentioned above. From one perspective, the photo-pro-fragrance releases a nitrogen-based pro-fragrance when exposed to a light and / or moisture trigger. From another perspective, the nitrogen-based pro-fragrance released by the photo-pro-fragrance releases one or more PRMs selected, for example, from aldehydes, ketones (including enones), and alcohols. From yet another perspective, the PPP releases a dihydroxycoumarin derivative. The light-triggered pro-fragrance may also be an ester that releases a coumarin derivative and a fragrance alcohol.From one perspective, the pro-fragrance is a dimethoxybenzoin derivative as described in US 2006 / 0020459A1. From another perspective, the pro-fragrance is a 3',5'-dimethoxybenzoin (DMB) derivative that releases an alcohol upon exposure to electromagnetic radiation. From yet another perspective, the pro-fragrance releases one or more low ODT-PRMs, including tertiary alcohols such as linalool, tetrahydrolinalool, or dihydromyrcenol. Suitable pro-fragrances and methods for their preparation are described in US 7,018,978B2; US 6,987,084B2; US 6,956,013B2; US 6,861,402B1; US ​​6,544,945B1; and US 6,093,691A. US 6,277,796 B1; US 6,165,953A; US 6,316,397 B1; US 6,437,150 B1; US 6,479,682 B1; US 6,096,918A; US 6,218,355 B1; US 6,133,228A; US 6,147,037A; US 7,109,153 B2; US 7,071,151 B2; US 6,987,084 B2; US 6 610 646 B2 and US 5 958 870 A, as well as US 2005 / 0 003 980 A1 and US 2006 / 0 223 726 A1.

[0185] Amine reaction product (ARP): For the purposes of this application, ARP is a subclass or species of PP. One can also use “reactive” polymeric amines in which the amine functionality pre-reacts with one or more PRMs to form an amine reaction product (ARB). Typically, the reactive amines are primary and / or secondary amines, and they may be part of a polymer or a monomer (non-polymeric). Such ARPs may also be mixed with additional PRMs to provide the benefits of polymer-assisted and / or amine-assisted delivery. Non-restrictive examples of polymeric amines include polyalkylimine-based polymers, such as polyethyleneimine (PEI) or polyvinylamine (PVAm). Non-restrictive examples of monomeric (non-polymeric) amines include hydroxylamines, such as 2-aminoethanol and its alkyl-substituted derivatives, and aromatic amines, such as… B. Anthranitates.The ARPs can be premixed with fragrance or added separately in leave-on or rinse-off applications. From another perspective, a material containing a heteroatom other than nitrogen, such as oxygen, sulfur, phosphorus, or selenium, can be used as an alternative to amine compounds. From yet another perspective, the aforementioned alternative compounds can be used in combination with amine compounds. From a still further perspective, a single molecule can comprise an amine moiety and one or more of the alternative heteroatom moieties, such as thiols, phosphines, and selenols. The benefits can include improved fragrance delivery as well as controlled fragrance release. Suitable ARPs and methods for their preparation can be found in US 2005 / 0003980A1 and US 6413920B1. iv. Bleach

[0186] Threads may contain one or more bleaching agents. Non-restrictive examples of suitable bleaching agents include peroxy acids, perborate, chlorine bleach, oxygen bleach, hypohalite bleach, bleach precursors, bleach activators, bleach catalysts, hydrogen peroxide, bleach boosters, photographic bleach, bleach enzymes, radical-providing initiators, peroxygen bleach, and mixtures thereof.

[0187] One or more bleaching agents may be incorporated into the threads, and they may be present at a concentration of approximately 1 wt% to approximately 30 wt% and / or approximately 5 wt% to approximately 20 wt% based on the dry thread and / or based on the dry web material. If present, bleaching activators may be present in the threads at a concentration of approximately 0.1 wt% to approximately 60 wt% and / or approximately 0.5 wt% to approximately 40 wt% based on the dry thread and / or based on the dry web material.

[0188] Non-restrictive examples of bleaching agents include oxygen bleach, perborate bleach, percarboxylic acid bleach and salts thereof, peroxygen bleach, persulfate bleach, percarbonate bleach, and mixtures thereof. Further non-restrictive examples of bleaching agents are disclosed in US 4,483,781 A, US 740,446 A, EP 0 133 354 A1, US 4,412,934 A, and US 4,634,551 A.

[0189] Non-restrictive examples of bleach activators (e.g., acyl-lactam activators) are disclosed in US 4 915 854 A, US 4 412 934 A, US 4 634 551 A and US 4 966 723 A.

[0190] In one example, the bleaching agent comprises a transition metal bleaching catalyst, which may be encapsulated. The transition metal bleaching catalyst typically comprises a transition metal ion, for example, a transition metal ion from a transition metal selected from the group consisting of Mn(II), Mn(III), Mn(IV), Mn(V), Fe(II), Fe(III), Fe(IV), Co(I), Co(II), Co(III), Ni(I), Ni(II), Ni(III), Cu(I), Cu(II), Cu(III), Cr(II), Cr(III), Cr(IV), Cr(V), Cr(VI), V(III), V(IV), V(V), Mo(IV), Mo(V), Mo(VI), W(IV), W(V), W(VI), Pd(II), Ru(II), Ru(III), and Ru(IV). In one example, the transition metal is selected from the group consisting of Mn(II), Mn(III), Mn(IV), Fe(II), Fe(III), Cr(II), Cr(III), Cr(IV), Cr(V), and Cr(VI). The transition metal bleaching catalyst typically includes a ligand, for example, a macropolycyclic ligand such as a bridged macropolycyclic ligand. The transition metal ion may be coordinated with the ligand.Furthermore, the ligand may comprise at least four donor atoms, of which at least two are bridgehead donor atoms. Non-restrictive examples of suitable transition metal bleaching catalysts are described in US 5,580,485 A; US 4,430,243 A; US 4,728,455 A; US 5,246,621 A; US 5,244,594 A; US 5,284,944 A; US 5,194,416 A; US 5,246,612 A; US 5,256,779 A; US 5,280,117 A; US 5,274,147 A; US 5,153,161 A; US 5,227,084 A; US 5,114,606 A; US 5,114,611 A, EP 0 549,271 A1; EP 0 544,490 A1; EP 0 549,272 A1; and EP 0 544,440 A2. In one example, a suitable transition metal bleaching catalyst includes a manganese-based catalyst, for example, as described in US 5,576,282 A. In another example, suitable cobalt bleaching catalysts are described in US 5,597,936 A and US 5,595,967 A. Such cobalt catalysts are readily prepared by known procedures, for example, according to the teachings in US 5,597,936 A and US 5,595,967 A.In yet another example, suitable transition metal bleaching catalysts comprise a transition metal complex of ligands, such as bispidones described in WO 2005 / 042 532 A1.

[0191] Bleaching agents other than oxygen bleaches are also known in the art and may be used herein (e.g., photoactivated bleaches such as sulfonated zinc and / or aluminum phthalocyanines (US 4,033,718 A, incorporated herein by reference)), and / or preformed organic peracids such as peroxycarboxylic acid or a salt thereof and / or peroxysulfonic acids or salts thereof. In one example, a suitable organic peracid comprises phthaloylimidoperoxycaproic acid or a salt thereof. If present, the photoactivated bleaches, such as sulfonated zinc phthalocyanine, may be present in the filaments at a concentration of about 0.025 wt% to about 1.25 wt% on the dry filament basis and / or on the dry web material basis. v. Brightener

[0192] Any optical brighteners or other brightening agents or whitening agents known in the prior art may be incorporated into the filaments in proportions of approximately 0.01 wt.% to approximately 1.2 wt.% on the dry filament base and / or on the dry web material base. Commercially available optical brighteners that may be suitable may be classified into subgroups which, without necessarily being limited, include derivatives of stilbene, pyrazoline, coumarin, carboxylic acid, methine cyanine, dibenzothiophene-5,5-dioxide, azoles, 5- or 6-element ring heterocycles, and other various agents. Examples of such brighteners are disclosed in "The Production and Application of Fluorescent Brightening Agents," M. Zahradnik, published by John Wiley & Sons, New York (1982). Specific, non-restrictive examples of optical brighteners suitable for use in the present compositions are identified in US 4,790,856 A and US 3,646,015 A. vi. Fabric dyes

[0193] Threads may include fabric colorants. Non-restrictive examples of suitable fabric colorants include low-molecular-weight dyes and polymeric dyes. Suitable low-molecular-weight dyes include low-molecular-weight dyes selected from the group consisting of dyes that fall into the following Colour Index (CI) classifications: Direct Blue, Direct Red, Direct Violet, Acid Blue, Acid Red, Acid Violet, Basic Blue, Basic Violet, and Basic Red, or mixtures thereof.In another example, suitable polymeric dyes include polymeric dyes selected from the group consisting of fabric base dyes marketed under the name Liquitint® (Milliken, Spartanburg, South Carolina, USA), color polymer conjugates formed from at least one reactive dye and a polymer selected from the group consisting of polymers comprising a hydroxyl moiety, a primary amine moiety, a secondary amine moiety, a thiol moiety, and mixtures thereof. In yet another example, suitable polymeric dyes include polymeric dyes selected from the group consisting of Liquitint® (Milliken, Spartanburg, South Carolina, USA), Violet CT, carboxymethylcellulose (CMC) conjugated with a reactive blue, reactive violet, or reactive red dye, such as CMC conjugated with CI.Reactive Blue 19, distributed by Megazyme, Wicklow, Ireland under the product name AZO-CM-CELLULOSE, product code S-ACMC, alkoxylated triphenyl methane polymer dyes, alkoxylated thiophene polymer dyes and mixtures thereof.

[0194] Non-restrictive examples of suitable tinting dyes include those specified in US 7,205,269 B2; US 7,208,459 B2; and US 7,674,757 B2. For example, fabric tinting dyes can be selected from the following group: triarylmethane (blue and violet basic colors), methine (blue and violet basic colors), anthraquinone (blue and violet basic colors), azo dyes Basic Blue 16, Basic Blue 65, Basic Blue 66, Basic Blue 67, Basic Blue 71, Basic Blue 159, Basic Violet 19, Basic Violet 35, Basic Violet 38, Basic Violet 48, oxazine dyes Basic Blue 3, Basic Blue 75, Basic Blue 95, Basic Blue 122, Basic Blue 124, Basic Blue 141, Nile Blue A and xanthene dye Basic Violet 10, an alkoxylated triphenylmethane polymeric dye; an alkoxylated thiopene polymeric dye; thiazolium dye; and mixtures thereof.

[0195] In one example, a fabric dye includes the whitening agents specified in WO 2008 / 087 497 A1. These whitening agents can be characterized by the following structure (I): where R1 and R2 can be selected independently from the following: a) [(CH2CR'HO) x (CH2CR''HO)yH] where R' is selected from the group consisting of H, CH3, CH2O(CH2CH2O) z H and mixtures thereof; where R'' is selected from the group consisting of H, CH2O(CH2CH2O) z H and mixtures thereof; where x + y ≤ 5; where y ≥ 1; and where z = 0 to 5; b) R1 = alkyl, aryl or arylalkyl and R2 = [(CH2CR'HO) x (CH2CR''HO)yH] where R' is selected from the group consisting of H, CH3, CH2O(CH2CH2O) z H and mixtures thereof; where R'' is selected from the group consisting of H, CH2O(CH2CH2O) z H and mixtures thereof; where x + y ≤ 10; where y ≥ 1; and where z = 0 to 5; c) R1 = [CH2CH2(OR3)CH2OR 4] and R2 = [CH2CH2(OR3)CH2OR4] where R3 is selected from the group consisting of H, (CH2CH2O) z H and mixtures thereof; and where z = 0 to 10; where R4 is selected from the group consisting of (C1-C 16 )Alkyl, aryl groups and mixtures thereof; and d) wherein R1 and R2 can be independently selected from the amino addition product of styrene oxide, glycidyl methyl ether, isobutyl glycidyl ether, isopropyl glycidyl ether, t-butyl glycidyl ether, 2-ethylhexyl glycidyl ether and glycidyl hexadecyl ether, followed by the addition of 1 to 10 alkylene oxide units.

[0196] In another example, a suitable whitening agent can be characterized by the following structure (II): where R' is selected from the group consisting of H, CH3, CH2O(CH2CH2O) z H and mixtures thereof; where R'' is selected from the group consisting of H, CH2O(CH2CH2O) zH and mixtures thereof; where x + y ≤ 5; where y ≥ 1; and where z = 0 to 5.

[0197] In yet another example, a suitable whitening agent can be characterized by the following structure (III):

[0198] This whitening agent is commonly referred to as "Violet DD". Violet DD is typically a mixture containing a total of 5 EO groups. This structure is created by the following selection of dependent groups in Structure I, shown in Table I below under "Part a" above: Table I . R1 R2 R' R'' X y R' R'' X y a H H 3 1 H H 0 1 b H H 2 1 H H 1 1 c=b H H 1 1 H H 2 1 d=a H H 0 1 H H 3 1

[0199] Other whitening agents for use include those described in US 2008 / 0034511A1 (Unilever). In one example, the whitening agent is "Violet 13". vii. Dye transfer inhibitors

[0200] Threads may contain one or more dye transfer inhibitors that prevent the transfer of dyes from one fabric to another during a cleaning process. Generally, such dye transfer inhibitors include polyvinylpyrrolidone polymers, polyamine N-oxide polymers, copolymers of N-vinylpyrrolidone and N-vinylimidazole, manganese phthalocyanine, peroxidases, and mixtures thereof. When used, these agents typically comprise concentrations of approximately 0.01% to 10% by weight, and / or approximately 0.01% to 5% by weight, and / or approximately 0.05% to 2% by weight, based on the dry thread and / or the dry fiber web material. viii. Chelating agents

[0201] Yarns may contain one or more chelating agents, for example, one or more iron and / or manganese and / or other metal ion chelating agents. Such chelating agents may be selected from the group consisting of aminocarboxylates, aminophosphonates, polyfunctionally substituted aromatic chelating agents, and mixtures thereof. If used, these chelating agents generally comprise concentrations of approximately 0.1 wt% to approximately 15 wt% and / or approximately 0.1 wt% to approximately 10 wt% and / or approximately 0.1 wt% to approximately 5 wt% and / or approximately 0.1 wt% to approximately 3 wt% on the dry yarn base and / or on the dry fiber web material base.

[0202] Chelating agents can be selected by experts in this field to provide heavy metal sequestration (e.g., iron) without negatively affecting enzyme stability through excessive binding of calcium ions. Non-restrictive examples of chelating agents can be found in US 7,445,644 B2, US 7,585,376 B2, and US 2009 / 0176,684 A1.

[0203] Suitable chelating agents include heavy metal chelating agents such as diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid (DTPA) and / or a catechin, including, but not limited to, tiron. In embodiments employing a dual chelating agent system, the chelating agents may be DTPA and tiron.

[0204] DTPA has the following core molecular structure:

[0205] Tiron, also known as 1,2-dihydroxybenzene-3,5-disulfonic acid, is a member of the catechin family and has the molecular structure shown below:

[0206] Other sulfonated catechins are useful. In addition to disulfonic acid, the term "tiron" can also include mono- or disulfonate salts of the acid, such as disodium sulfonate salt, which shares the same core molecular structure as disulfonic acid.

[0207] Other suitable chelating agents for use herein may be selected from the group consisting of aminocarboxylates, aminophosphonates, polyfunctionally substituted aromatic chelating agents, and mixtures thereof. By way of example, without further restriction, the chelating agents include: HEDP (hydroxyethanedimethylenephosphonic acid); MGDA (methylglycine diacetic acid); GLDA (glutamine-N,N-diacetic acid); and mixtures thereof.

[0208] Without resorting to a specific theory, it is assumed that the benefits of these materials stem in part from their exceptional ability to remove heavy metal ions from washing solutions by forming soluble chelates; further benefits include the prevention of inorganic film or scale buildup. Other suitable chelating agents for use here include the commercially available DEQUEST series and chelates from Monsanto, DuPont, and Nalco, Inc.

[0209] Suitable chelating agents include, without limitation, ethylenediaminetetraacetates, N-(hydroxyethyl)ethylenediaminetriacetates, nitrile triacetates, ethylenediaminetetrapropionates, triethylenetetraamine hexaacetates, diethylenetriamine pentaacetates, and ethanol diglycines, alkali metals, ammonium and substituted ammonium salts thereof, and mixtures thereof. Aminophosphonates are also suitable for use as chelating agents in the compositions according to the invention, provided that at least low levels of total phosphorus in the filaments are permissible, and they include ethylenediaminetetrakis (methylenephosphonates). In one example, these aminophosphonates do not contain alkyl or alkenyl groups with more than about six carbon atoms. Polyfunctionally substituted aromatic chelating agents are also suitable in the compositions herein.

[0210] See US Patent 3,812,044 A, granted on May 21, 1974, to Connor et al. Non-restrictive examples of compounds of this type in acidic form are dihydroxydisulfobenzenes such as 1,2-dihydroxy-3,5-disulfobenzene.

[0211] In one example, a biodegradable chelating agent includes ethylenediamine disuccinate (“EDDS”), for example, the [S,S] isomer as described in US 4,704,233 A. The trisodium salt of EDDS can be used. In another example, the magnesium salts of EDDS can also be used.

[0212] One or more chelating agents may be present in the threads at a concentration of approximately 0.2 wt.% to approximately 0.7 wt.% and / or approximately 0.3 wt.% to approximately 0.6 wt.% on a dry thread basis and / or on a dry fiber web basis. ix. Foam suppressant

[0213] Compounds for reducing or suppressing alkaline formation can be integrated into the threads. Foam suppression can be particularly important in the so-called "highly concentrated cleaning process" described in US 4,489,455 A and US 4,489,574 A, and in front-loading washing machines.

[0214] A wide variety of materials can be used as antifoams, and antifoams are already known to professionals in this field. See, for example, Kirk Othmer's Encyclopedia of Chemical Technology, Third Edition, Volume 7, pages 430–447 (John Wiley & Sons, Inc., 1979). Examples of antifoams include monocarbon fatty acids and their soluble salts, as well as high-molecular-weight hydrocarbons such as paraffin, fatty acid esters (e.g., fatty acid triglycerides), fatty acid esters of monovalent alcohols, and aliphatic carbons. 18 -C 40Ketones (e.g., stearone), N-alkylated aminotriazines, waxy hydrocarbons, preferably with a melting point below about 100 °C, silicone antifoaming agents, and secondary alcohols. Antifoaming agents are described in US 2,954,347 A; US 4,265,779 A; US 3,455,839 A; US 3,933,672 A; US 4,652,392 A; US 4,978,471 A; US 4,983,316 A; US 5,288,431 A; US 4,639,489 A; US 4,749,740 A; and US 4,798,679 A; US 4,075,118 A; in EP 0 354 016 A2; EP 0 150 872 A1; and DE 21 24 526 A1.

[0215] In the case of fiber structures containing threads and / or fibers containing such threads, designed for use in automatic washing machines, foam must not form to such an extent that it floods the washing machine. If foam suppressants are used, they are preferably present in a "foam-suppressing quantity." "Foam-suppressing quantity" means that the manufacturer of the formulation can select an amount of this foam suppressant that sufficiently controls the foam to obtain a low-foaming detergent for use in automatic washing machines.

[0216] The yarns considered here generally contain from 0 wt% to approximately 10 wt% foam suppressants based on the dry yarn and / or the dry web material. When used as foam suppressants, monocarboxylic fatty acids and their salts may be present in amounts up to approximately 5 wt% and / or from approximately 0.5 wt% to approximately 3 wt% based on the dry yarn and / or the dry web material. When used, silicone foam suppressants are typically used in the yarns at a concentration of up to approximately 2.0 wt% based on the dry yarn and / or the dry web material, although higher concentrations are possible. When used, monostearyl phosphate foam suppressants are typically used in the yarns at a concentration of approximately 0.1 wt% to approximately 2 wt% based on the dry yarn and / or the dry web material.When used, hydrocarbon foam suppressants are typically incorporated into the yarns at a concentration of approximately 0.01 wt% to approximately 5.0 wt%, based on the dry yarn and / or the dry web material. Alcohol foam suppressants are typically incorporated into the yarns at a concentration of approximately 0.2 wt% to approximately 3 wt%, based on the dry yarn and / or the dry web material. x. Foam enhancer

[0217] If a large amount of foam is desired, foam enhancers such as C can be used. 10 -C 16 Alkanolamides are incorporated into the threads, typically at a content of approximately 0 wt.% to approximately 10 wt.% and / or approximately 1 wt.% to approximately 10 wt.% on a dry thread basis and / or on a dry web basis. The C 10 -C 14Monoethanolamides and diethanolamides represent a typical class of such foam boosters. The use of such foam boosters with added high-foaming surfactants, such as the amine oxides, betaines, and sultanes mentioned above, is also advantageous. If required, water-soluble magnesium and / or calcium salts such as MgCl₂, MgSO₄, CaCl₂, CaSO₄, and similar substances can be added to the filaments at concentrations of approximately 0.1 wt% to approximately 2 wt% on the dry filament base and / or on the dry fiber web material to provide additional foams. xi. Plasticizers

[0218] One or more plasticizers may be present in the threads. Non-restrictive examples of suitable plasticizers include quaternary ammonium compounds, e.g., a quaternary ammonium esterquat compound, as well as silicones such as polysiloxanes, e.g., smectite clay, and mixtures thereof.

[0219] In one example, the plasticizers include a textile plasticizer. Non-restrictive examples of textile plasticizers include non-perceptible smectite clays, as described in US 4,062,647, and other textile plasticizer clays known in the prior art. If present, the textile plasticizer may be found in the yarns at a concentration of about 0.5 wt.% to about 10 wt.% and / or about 0.5 wt.% to about 5 wt.% on a dry yarn basis and / or on a dry web basis. Textile plasticizer clays may be used in combination with amine and / or cationic plasticizers, such as those disclosed in US 4,375,416 A and US 4,291,071 A. Cationic plasticizers may also be used without a textile plasticizer. xii. Conditioning agents

[0220] Threads may include one or more conditioning agents, such as a high-melting-point fatty compound. The high-melting-point fatty compound may have a melting point of approximately 25 °C or higher and may be selected from the group consisting of fatty alcohols, fatty acids, fatty alcohol derivatives, fatty acid derivatives, and mixtures thereof. Such fatty compounds, which have a low melting point (below 25 °C), are not intended as conditioning agents. Non-restrictive examples of high-melting-point fatty compounds can be found in the International Cosmetic Ingredient Dictionary, Fifth Edition, 1993, and the CTFA Cosmetic Ingredient Handbook, Second Edition, 1992.

[0221] One or more high-melting-point fatty compounds may be incorporated into the threads at a concentration of approximately 0.1% to approximately 40% by weight, and / or approximately 1% to approximately 30% by weight, and / or approximately 1.5% to approximately 16% by weight, and / or approximately 1.5% to approximately 8% by weight, based on dry thread and / or dry fiber web material. The conditioning agents may provide conditioning benefits, such as a smooth feel when applied to wet hair and / or fabric, and softness and / or a moist feel when applied to dry hair and fabric.

[0222] Threads may contain a cationic polymer as a conditioning agent. The concentrations of the cationic polymer in the threads, if present, typically range from about 0.05 wt% to about 3 wt% and / or from about 0.075 wt% to about 2.0 wt% and / or from about 0.1 wt% to about 1.0 wt% on a dry thread basis and / or on a dry web basis. Non-restrictive examples of suitable cationic polymers may have cationic charge densities of at least 0.5 meq / g and / or at least 0.9 meq / g and / or at least 1.2 meq / g and / or at least 1.5 meq / g at pH values ​​of about 3 to about 9 and / or about 4 to about 8. For example, suitable cationic polymers as conditioning agents can have cationic charge densities of less than 7 meq / g and / or less than 5 meq / g at a pH of about 3 to about 9 and / or about 4 to about 8.Here, the "cationic charge density" of a polymer refers to the ratio of the number of positive charges on the polymer to the molecular weight of the polymer. The average molecular weight (weight average) of such suitable cationic polymers is generally between about 10,000 and 10 million; in one embodiment between about 50,000 and about 5 million, and in another embodiment between 100,000 and about 3 million.

[0223] Suitable cationic polymers for use in the threads may contain cationic nitrogenous moieties, such as quaternary ammonium moieties, and / or cationic protonated amino moieties. Any anionic counter-ions may be used in conjunction with the cationic polymers, provided the cationic polymers remain water-soluble and the counter-ions are physically and chemically compatible with the other components of the threads or do not otherwise unduly impair product performance, stability, or aesthetics. Non-restrictive examples of such counter-ions include halides (e.g., chloride, fluoride, bromide, iodide), sulfates, and methyl sulfates.

[0224] Non-restrictive examples of such cationic polymers are described in the CTFA Cosmetic Ingredient Dictionary, 3rd edition, edited by Estrin, Crosley and Haynes, (The Cosmetic, Toiletry, and Fragrance Association, Inc., Washington, DC (1982)).

[0225] Other suitable cationic polymers for use in such threads may include cationic polysaccharide polymers, cationic guar gum derivatives, quaternary nitrogenous cellulose ethers, cationic synthetic polymers, and cationic copolymers of etherified cellulose, guar gum, and starch. If used, the cationic polymers are water-soluble. Further suitable cationic polymers for use in the threads are described in US 3,962,418 A, US 3,958,581 A, and US 2007 / 0207109 A1, which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0226] Threads may contain a non-ionic polymer as a conditioning agent. Polyalkylene glycols with a molecular weight greater than approximately 1000 are suitable for this purpose. Suitable options are those with the following general formula: where R 95 selected from the group consisting of H, Methyl and mixtures thereof.

[0227] Silicones may be incorporated into the filaments as conditioning agents. Suitable silicones for use as conditioning agents typically comprise a water-insoluble, water-dispersible, non-volatile liquid that forms emulsified liquid particles. Suitable conditioning agents for use in the composition are those generally characterized as silicones (e.g., silicone oils, cationic silicones, silicone rubber, high-refracting silicones, and silicone resins), organic conditioning oils (e.g., hydrocarbon oils, polyolefins, and fatty acid esters), or combinations thereof, or those conditioning agents that otherwise form liquid, dispersed particles within the aqueous surfactant matrix therein. Such conditioning agents must be physically and chemically compatible with the basic components of the composition and must not otherwise unduly impair product stability, aesthetics, or performance.

[0228] The concentration of conditioning agents in the filaments may be sufficient to provide the desired conditioning benefit. Such a concentration can vary depending on the conditioning agent, the desired conditioning performance, the average size of the conditioning agent particles, the type and concentration of other components, and other similar factors.

[0229] The concentration of silicone conditioning agents typically ranges from about 0.01 wt% to about 10 wt% on a dry yarn basis and / or on a dry web basis. Non-restrictive examples of suitable silicone conditioning agents and optional suspenders for the silicone are described in US 34,584 E, US 5,104,646 A; US 5,106,609 A; US 4,152,416 A; US 2,826,551 A; US 3,964,500 A; US 4,364,837 A; US 6,607,717 B1; US ​​6,482,969 B1; US ​​5,807,956 A; US 5,981,681 A; US 6,207,782 B1; US ​​7,465,439 B2; US 7,041,767 B2; US 7,217,777 B2; in US 2007 / 0 286 837 A1; US 2005 / 0 048 549 A1; US 2007 / 0 041 929 A1; inGB 849 433 A; in DE 100 36 533 A1, each of which is incorporated herein by reference; in Chemistry and Technology of Silicones, New York: Academic Press (1968); in General Electric Silicone Rubber Product Data Sheets SE 30, SE 33, SE 54 and SE 76; in Silicon Compounds, Petrarch Systems, Inc.(1984); und in Encyclopedia of Polymer Science and Engineering, Band 15, 2. Auflage, S. 204-308, John Wiley & Sons, Inc. (1989).

[0230] In one example, threads may also include approximately 0.05 wt% to approximately 3 wt% of at least one organic conditioning oil as a conditioner, based on the dry thread and / or the dry web material, either alone or in combination with other conditioners, such as the silicones (described herein). Suitable conditioning oils include hydrocarbon oils, polyolefins, and fatty acid esters. Also suitable for use in the compositions herein are the conditioners described by the Procter & Gamble Company in US 5,674,478 A and US 5,750,122 A. Also suitable for use herein are the conditioners described in US 4,529,586 A; US 4,507,280 A; US 4,663,158 A; US 4,197,865 A; and US 4,217,914 A. US 4,381,919 A; and US 4,422,853 A, each incorporated herein by reference. xiii. Humectants

[0231] Yarns may contain one or more humectants. These humectants are selected from the group consisting of polyhydric alcohols, water-soluble alkoxylated non-ionic polymers, and mixtures thereof. If used, the humectants may be present in the yarns at a concentration of approximately 0.1 wt% to approximately 20 wt% and / or approximately 0.5 wt% to approximately 5 wt% on the dry yarn base and / or on the dry fiber web material base. xiv. Suspending agents

[0232] Threads may further comprise a suspending agent at concentrations effective for suspending water-insoluble material in dispersed form within the compositions or for modifying the viscosity of the composition. Such concentrations of suspending agents range from approximately 0.1 wt% to approximately 10 wt% and / or from approximately 0.3 wt% to approximately 5.0 wt% based on the dry thread and / or the dry fiber web material.

[0233] Non-restrictive examples of suitable suspending agents include anionic and non-ionic polymers (e.g., vinyl polymers, acyl derivatives, long-chain amine oxides and mixtures thereof, alkanolamides of fatty acids, long-chain esters of long-chain alkanolamides, glyceryl esters, primary amines with one fatty alkyl moiety having at least about 16 carbon atoms, secondary amines with two fatty alkyl moieties, each having at least about 12 carbon atoms). Examples of suspending agents are described in US 4,741,855 A. 15. Enzymes

[0234] One or more enzymes may be present in the filaments. Non-restrictive examples of suitable enzymes include: proteases, amylases, lipases, cellulases, carbohydrases (including mannanases and endoglucanases), pectinases, hemicellulases, peroxidases, xylanases, phospholipases, esterases, cutinases, keratanases, reductases, oxidases, phenoloxidases, lipoxygenases, ligninases, pullulanases, tannases, penosanases, malanases, glucanases, arabinosidases, hyaluraonidases, chondroitinases, laccases, and mixtures thereof.

[0235] Enzymes can be incorporated into the threads for numerous purposes, including, but not limited to, the removal of protein-based, carbohydrate-based, or triglyceride-based stains from substrates, the prevention of foreign dye transfer during fabric washing, and fabric restoration. In one example, the threads may contain proteases, amylases, lipases, cellulases, peroxidases, and mixtures thereof of any suitable origin, such as plant, animal, bacterial, fungal, and yeast origin. Selections of the enzymes used are influenced by factors such as pH activity and / or stability optima, thermostability, and stability with respect to other additives, such as active ingredients, for example, builders, present in the threads. In one example, the enzyme is selected from the group consisting of: bacterial enzymes (e.g.,bacterial amylases and / or bacterial proteases), fungal enzymes (e.g. fungal cellulases) and mixtures thereof.

[0236] When present in the threads, the enzymes can be found in concentrations sufficient to provide a "cleaning-effective amount." The term "cleaning-effective amount" refers to an amount capable of producing a cleaning, stain-removing, soil-removing, whitening, deodorizing, or freshness-enhancing effect on substrates such as fabric, dishes, and the like. In practical terms, for current commercial preparations, typical amounts are up to about 5 mg (by weight), more commonly 0.01 mg to 3 mg, of active enzyme per gram of thread and / or fiber. As stated elsewhere, the threads can typically comprise concentrations of about 0.001 wt% to about 5 wt% and / or about 0.01 wt% to about 3 wt% and / or about 0.01 wt% to about 1 wt% on a dry thread basis and / or on a dry fiber web basis.

[0237] One or more enzymes can be applied to the thread and / or fiber structure after the thread and / or fiber structure has been produced.

[0238] A range of enzyme materials and means for their integration into the thread-forming composition, which may be a synthetic detergent composition, is also disclosed in WO 93 / 07263 A2; WO 93 / 07260 A1; WO 89 / 08694 A1; in US 3553139A; US 4101457A; and in US 4507219A. 16. Enzyme stabilization system

[0239] If enzymes are present in the threads and / or fibers, an enzyme stabilization system may also be enclosed within the threads. Enzymes can be stabilized by various techniques. Non-restrictive examples of enzyme stabilization techniques are disclosed and illustrated in US 3,600,319 A and US 3,519,570 A; in EP 0 199,405 A2, EP 0 200,586 A1; and in WO 94 / 01,532 A1.

[0240] For example, the enzyme stabilization system can include calcium and / or magnesium ions.

[0241] The enzyme stabilization system can be present in the filaments at a concentration of approximately 0.001 wt% to approximately 10 wt%, and / or approximately 0.005 wt% to approximately 8 wt%, and / or approximately 0.01 wt% to approximately 6 wt%, based on the dry filament and / or the dry web material. The enzyme stabilization system can be any stabilization system compatible with the enzymes present in the filaments. Such an enzyme stabilization system may be provided by other formulation materials or it may be added separately, for example, by the formulator or by an enzyme manufacturer. Such enzyme stabilization systems may include, for example, calcium ions, magnesium ions, boric acid, propylene glycol, short-chain carboxylic acids, boronic acids, and mixtures thereof, and they are designed to address various stabilization challenges. 17. Framework materials

[0242] Threads may contain one or more framework materials. Non-restrictive examples of suitable framework materials include zeolite framework materials, aluminosilicate framework materials, silicate framework materials, phosphate framework materials, citric acid, citrates, nitrilotriacetic acid, nitrilotriacetate, polyacrylates, acrylate / maleate copolymer, and mixtures thereof.

[0243] In one example, a framework material selected from the group consisting of aluminosilicates, silicates, and mixtures thereof may be incorporated into the filaments. The framework materials may be incorporated into the filaments to aid in the control of hardness by minerals, particularly calcium and / or magnesium, in the wash water, or to aid in the removal of surface contaminants. Also suitable for use herein are synthesized crystalline ion exchange materials or hydrates thereof with a chain structure and a composition represented in anhydride form by the following general formula I: x(M₂O)·ySiO₂·zM'O, where M is Na and / or K, M' is Ca and / or Mg; y / x is 0.5 to 2.0; and z / x is 0.005 to 1.0 according to the teachings in US 5,427,711 A.

[0244] Non-restrictive examples of other suitable framework materials that may be incorporated into the filaments include phosphates and polyphosphates, e.g., their sodium salts; carbonates, bicarbonates, sesquicarbonates, and other carbonate minerals besides sodium carbonate or sesquicarbonate; organic mono-, di-, tri-, and tetracarboxylates, for example, water-soluble non-surfactant carboxylates in acid, sodium, potassium, or alkanolammonium salt form, as well as oligomeric or water-soluble polymeric carboxylates with low molecular weight, including aliphatic and aromatic types; and phytic acid. These framework materials may be supplemented by borates, e.g., for pH buffering, or by sulfates, e.g., sodium sulfate, and other filler or support materials that may be important for the engineering of stable surfactants and / or framework-containing filaments.

[0245] Other framework materials may be selected from polycarboxylates, e.g., copolymers of acrylic acid, copolymers of acrylic acid and maleic acid, and copolymers of acrylic acid and / or maleic acid, and other suitable ethylene monomers with various types of additional functionalities.

[0246] The backing material content can vary considerably depending on the end application. For example, the threads may contain at least 1 wt% and / or from approximately 1 wt% to approximately 30 wt% and / or from approximately 1 wt% to approximately 20 wt% and / or from approximately 1 wt% to approximately 10 wt% and / or from approximately 2 wt% to approximately 5 wt% of one or more backing materials on a dry weight basis. 18iii. Clay soil removal / anti-re-deposition agent

[0247] Threads may contain water-soluble ethoxylated amines with clay-removal and anti-redeposition properties. Such water-soluble amines may be present in the threads at concentrations of approximately 0.01 wt% to approximately 10.0 wt% and / or approximately 0.01 wt% to approximately 7 wt% and / or approximately 0.1 wt% to approximately 5 wt% on the dry thread base and / or on the dry web material of one or more water-soluble ethoxylated amines. Non-restrictive examples of suitable clay-removal and anti-redeposition agents are described in US 4,597,898 A; US 4,548,744 A; US 4,891,160 A; in EP 0 111,965 A2; EP 0 111,984 A2; EP 0 112,592 A2; and in WO 95 / 32 272 A1. 19. Polymeric dirt repellent

[0248] Threads may contain polymeric stain repellents, hereinafter referred to as "SRAs". If used, SRAs generally comprise concentrations of approximately 0.01 wt.% to approximately 10.0 wt.% and / or approximately 0.1 wt.% to approximately 5 wt.% and / or approximately 0.2 wt.% to approximately 3.0 wt.% based on the dry thread and / or the dry fiber web material.

[0249] SRAs typically have hydrophilic segments to hydrophilize the surface of hydrophobic fibers such as polyester and nylon, and hydrophobic segments to adhere to hydrophobic fibers, where they remain until the end of the wash and rinse cycles, thus acting as anchors for the hydrophilic segments. This can make it easier to remove stains that appear after treatment with SRA in subsequent washes.

[0250] SRAs can, for example, include a variety of charged, e.g., anionic or cationic (see US 4,956,447 A), as well as uncharged monomer units, and structures can be linear, branched, or star-shaped. They can include lid units that are particularly effective at controlling molecular weight or modifying physical or surface-active properties. Structures and charge distributions can be adapted for application to different fiber or textile types and for varying detergents or detergent additives.Non-restrictive examples of SRAs are described in US 4,968,451 A; US 4,711,730 A; US 4,721,580 A; US 4,702,857 A; US 4,877,896 A; US 3,959,230 A; US 3,893,929 A; US 4,000,093 A; US 5,415,807 A; US 4,201,824 A; US 4,240,918 A; US 4,525,524 A; US 4,201,824 A; US 4,579,681 A; and US 4,787,989 A; in EP 0 219 048 A2; EP 0 279 134 A1; EP 0 457 205 A2; and in DE 23 35 044 A1. xx. Polymeric dispersants

[0251] Polymeric dispersants can be advantageously used in the yarns at concentrations of approximately 0.1 wt% to approximately 7 wt% and / or approximately 0.1 wt% to approximately 5 wt% and / or approximately 0.5 wt% to approximately 4 wt% on the dry yarn base and / or on the dry fiber web material, particularly in the presence of zeolite and / or layered silicate backing materials. Suitable polymeric dispersants may include polymeric polycarboxylates and polyethylene glycols, although other agents known in the art may also be used. For example, a wide variety of modified or unmodified polyacrylates, polyacrylate / mealeate, or polyacrylate / methacrylate compounds are very suitable.It is assumed, although no limiting recourse to any theory is made, that polymeric dispersants enhance detergent builder performance when used in combination with other builders (including lower molecular weight polycarboxylates) through inhibition of crystal growth, dirt particle release peptization, and anti-redeposition properties. Non-limiting examples of polymeric dispersants are found in US 3,308,067 A, EP 0 066 915 A2, and EP 0 193 360 A2. 21. Alkoxylated polyamine polymers

[0252] Alkoxylated polyamines can be incorporated into the filaments to provide dirt suspension, grease removal, and / or particle removal. Such alkoxylated polyamines include, without limitation, ethoxylated polyethyleneimines, ethoxylated hexamethylenediamines, and sulfated versions thereof. Polypropoxylated derivatives of polyamines can also be incorporated into the filaments. A wide variety of amines and polyalkylenemines can be alkoxylated to various degrees and optionally further modified to provide the aforementioned benefits. A convenient example is 600 g / mol polyethyleneimine core ethoxylated to 20 EO groups per NH, available from BASF. xxii. Alkoxylated polycarboxylate polymers

[0253] Alkoxylated polycarboxylates, such as those produced from polyacrylates, can be incorporated into the threads to provide additional grease-removing performance. Such materials are described in WO 91 / 08 281 A1 and WO 90 / 01 ​​815 A1. Chemically, these materials comprise polyacrylates with one ethoxy side chain for every 7-8 acrylate units. The side chains have the formula -(CH₂CH₂O)₂. m (CH2) n CH3, where m is 2–3 and n is 6–12. The side chains are ester-linked to the polyacrylate backbone to provide a comb-type polymer structure. The molecular weight can vary but is typically in the range of about 2,000 to about 50,000. Such alkoxylated polycarboxylates can comprise about 0.05 wt% to about 10 wt% of dry fiber and / or dry web material. 23. Amphiphilic graft copolymers

[0254] Threads may enclose one or more amphiphilic graft copolymers. An example of a suitable amphiphilic graft copolymer comprises (i) a polyethylene glycol backbone; and (ii) at least one dependent part selected from polyvinyl acetate, polyvinyl alcohol, and mixtures thereof. A non-restrictive example of a commercially available amphiphilic graft copolymer is Sokalan HP22, marketed by BASF. xxiv. Aids for decomposition

[0255] Filaments may incorporate decomposition aids to accelerate dissolution when the filament contains more than 40% surfactant, to mitigate the formation of insoluble or poorly soluble surfactant aggregates that may occasionally form, or when surfactant compositions are used in cold water. Non-restrictive examples of decomposition aids include sodium chloride, sodium sulfate, potassium chloride, potassium sulfate, magnesium chloride, and magnesium sulfate. xxv. Buffer systems

[0256] Threads can be formulated so that the wash water, during use in aqueous cleaning processes, e.g., when washing clothes or dishes, has a pH value between approximately 5.0 and approximately 12 and / or between approximately 7.0 and 10.5. In the case of dishwashing, the pH value of the wash water is normally between approximately 6.8 and 9.0. When washing clothes, the pH value of the water is usually between 7 and 11. Techniques for controlling the pH value to recommended usage levels include the use of buffers, alkalis, acids, etc., and are already known to experts in this field. These include the use of sodium carbonate, citric acid or sodium citrate, monoethanolamine or other amines, boric acid or borates, and other pH-adjusting compounds that are already known in the art.

[0257] Threads suitable as detergent compositions with a "low pH" may be included and are particularly suitable for the surfactant systems, and they can provide pH values ​​less than 8.5 and / or less than 8.0 and / or less than 7.0 and / or less than 7.0 and / or less than 5.5 and / or about 5.0 when used.

[0258] Threads with a dynamic pH profile during washing may be included. Such threads may use wax-coated citric acid particles in conjunction with other pH control agents such that (i) 3 minutes after contact with water, the pH of the wash liquor is greater than 10; (ii) 10 minutes after contact with water, the pH of the wash liquor is less than 9.5; (iii) 20 minutes after contact with water, the pH of the wash liquor is less than 9.0; and (iv) the equilibrium pH of the wash liquor is optionally in the range of approximately 7.0 to 8.5. xxvi. Heat-generating agents

[0259] Yarns may contain a heat-generating agent. Heat-generating agents are formulated to produce heat in the presence of water and / or oxygen (e.g., atmospheric oxygen, etc.) and thereby accelerate the rate of fiber degradation in the presence of water and / or oxygen and / or increase the effectiveness of one or more active ingredients in the yarn. The heat-generating agent may also, or alternatively, be used to accelerate the release rate of one or more active ingredients from the fiber structure. The heat-generating agent is formulated to undergo an exothermic reaction upon exposure to oxygen (i.e., oxygen in the air, oxygen in water, etc.) and / or water. Many different materials and combinations of materials can be used as heat-generating agents.Non-restrictive examples of heat-generating agents that can be used in the fiber structure include electrolyte salts (e.g., aluminum chloride, calcium chloride, calcium sulfate, copper(II) chloride, copper(II) chloride, ferrous sulfate, magnesium chloride, magnesium sulfate, manganese chloride, manganese sulfate, potassium chloride, potassium sulfate, sodium acetate, sodium chloride, sodium carbonate, sodium sulfate, etc.), glycols (e.g., propylene glycol, dipropylene glycol, etc.), lime (e.g., quicklime, slaked lime, etc.), metals (e.g., chromium, copper, iron, magnesium, manganese, etc.), metal oxides (e.g., aluminum oxide, iron oxide, etc.), polyalkylenamines, polyalkyleneimines, polyvinylamines, zeolites, glycerol, 1,3-propanediol, polysorbate esters (e.g., Tweens 20, 60, 85, 80), and / or Polyglycerol esters (e.g., Noobe, Drewpol, and Drewmulze from Stepan). The heat-generating agent can be composed of one or more materials.For example, magnesium sulfate can form the heat-forming agent on its own. In another non-limiting example, the combination of about 2-25 wt% activated carbon, about 30-70 wt% iron powder, and about 1-10 wt% metal salt can form the heat-forming agent. As can be seen, other or additional materials can be used alone or in combination with other materials to form the heat-forming agent. Non-limiting examples of materials that can be used to form the heat-forming agent employed in a fiber structure are disclosed in US 5,674,270 A and US 6,020,040 A; and in US 2008 / 0132,438 A1 and US 2011 / 0301,070 A1. xxvii. Decay accelerators

[0260] Threads may contain disintegration accelerators used to accelerate the rate at which a fiber structure disintegrates in the presence of water and / or oxygen. If used, the disintegration accelerator is generally designed to release gas upon exposure to water and / or oxygen, which in turn sets the region around the fiber structure in motion to accelerate the disintegration of a support film of the fiber structure. The disintegration accelerator, if used, may also or alternatively be used to accelerate the release rate of one or more active substances from the fiber structure; however, this is not required. The disintegration accelerator, if used, may also or alternatively be used to increase the efficacy of one or more active substances within the fiber structure; however, this is not required.The decomposition accelerator may include one or more materials, such as, but without limitation, alkali metal carbonates (e.g., sodium carbonate, potassium carbonate, etc.), alkali metal hydrogen carbonates (e.g., sodium hydrogen carbonate, potassium hydrogen carbonate, etc.), ammonium carbonate, etc. The water-soluble strip may optionally include one or more activators used to activate or increase the activation rate of the one or more decomposition accelerators within the fiber structure. As can be seen, one or more activators may be included in the fiber structure even if no decomposition accelerator is present; however, this is not required.For example, the activator may include an acid or alkali compound, which may be used as an adjunct to one or more active ingredients in the fiber structure, whether or not a disintegration accelerator is included in the fiber structure. Non-restrictive examples of activators, if used, that may be included in the fiber structure include organic acids (e.g., hydroxy acids [citric acid, tartaric acid, malic acid, lactic acid, gluconic acid, etc.], saturated aliphatic carboxylic acids [acetic acid, succinic acid, etc.], unsaturated aliphatic carboxylic acids [e.g., fumaric acid, etc.]). Non-restrictive examples of materials that may be used to form disintegration accelerators used in a fiber structure are disclosed in US 2011 / 0301070A1. III. Release of active ingredient

[0261] One or more active ingredients can be released from a yarn or web of fibers with a graphic when the yarn is subjected to a triggering condition. For example, one or more active ingredients can be released from the yarn or a portion of the yarn when the yarn or portion of the yarn loses its identity, that is, when it loses its physical structure. For instance, a yarn loses its physical structure when it unravels, melts, or undergoes another transformation process, resulting in the loss of its structure. In another example, the one or more active ingredients are released from the yarn when the yarn's morphology changes.

[0262] In another example, one or more active substances can be released from the thread or part of the thread when the thread or part of the thread changes its identity, that is, when its physical structure changes rather than it loses it. For example, a thread changes its physical structure when it swells, shrinks, lengthens and / or shortens, but retains its thread-forming properties.

[0263] In another example, one or more active ingredients can be released from the thread or web of fibers with graphics without changing the morphology of the thread (its physical structure is neither lost nor altered).

[0264] In one example, a thread or web of fibers carrying a graphic can release an active ingredient when the thread is exposed to a triggering condition that leads to the release of the active ingredient, such as causing the thread to change or lose its identity as described above. Non-restrictive examples of triggering conditions include exposure of the thread to a solvent, a polar solvent such as alcohol and / or water, and / or a non-polar solvent, which may be sequential depending on whether the thread-forming material includes a polar solvent-soluble material; and exposure of the thread to heat, such as to a temperature above 24 °C (75 °F) and / or above 38 °C (100 °F) and / or above 65.5 °C (150 °F) and / or above 93.3 °C (200 °F) and / or above 100 °C (212 °F). the thread's exposure to cold, such as...a temperature of less than 4.4 °C (40 °F) and / or less than 0 °C (32 °F) and / or less than -17 °C (0 °F); exposure of the thread to a force, such as a tensile force applied by a consumer when using the thread; and / or exposure of the thread to a chemical reaction; exposure of the thread to a condition that results in a phase change; exposure of the thread to a change in pH and / or pressure and / or temperature; exposure of the thread to one or more chemicals that cause the thread to release one or more of its active ingredients; exposure of the thread to ultrasound; exposure of the thread to light and / or certain wavelengths; exposure of the thread to a difference in ionic strength; and / or exposure of the thread to an active ingredient released from another thread.

[0265] In one example, one or more active ingredients can be released from the threads or a web of fibers with graphics when a nonwoven material containing the threads is subjected to a triggering step selected from the group consisting of pretreating stains on a textile article with the nonwoven material; forming a washing liquor by bringing the nonwoven material into contact with water; swirling the nonwoven material in a dryer; heating the nonwoven material in a dryer; and combinations thereof. IV. Thread-forming composition

[0266] The threads are made from a thread-forming composition. The thread-forming composition can be based on a polar solvent. For example, the thread-forming composition can be an aqueous composition comprising one or more thread-forming materials and one or more active ingredients.

[0267] The thread-forming composition can be processed at a temperature of approximately 50 °C to approximately 100 °C and / or from approximately 65 °C to approximately 95 °C and / or from approximately 70 °C to approximately 90 °C when threads are produced from the thread-forming composition.

[0268] In one example, the filament-forming composition may comprise at least 20% wt. and / or at least 30% wt. and / or at least 40% wt. and / or at least 45% wt. and / or at least 50% wt. up to approximately 90% wt. and / or up to approximately 85% wt. and / or up to approximately 80% wt. and / or up to approximately 75% wt. of one or more filament-forming materials, one or more active ingredients, and mixtures thereof. The filament-forming composition may comprise from approximately 10% wt. to approximately 80% wt. of a polar solvent, such as water.

[0269] The thread-forming composition can have a capillary number of at least 1 and / or at least 3 and / or at least 5, so that the thread-forming composition can be effectively polymerized to a hydroxyl polymer fiber.

[0270] The capillary number is a dimensionless number used to indicate the probability of droplet detachment. A higher capillary number indicates greater flow stability upon exiting the die. The capillary number is defined as follows: Ca=V∗ησ V is the flow velocity at the die outlet (in units of length per time), η is the flowability under the conditions of the die (in units of mass per length*time), σ is the surface tension of the fluid (in units of mass per time). 2When velocity, viscosity, and surface tension are expressed in mutually consistent units, the resulting capillary number is dimensionless; the individual units cancel out.

[0271] The capillary number is defined for the conditions at the die outlet. The flow velocity is the average velocity of the fluid flowing through the die opening. The average velocity is defined as follows: V = Volume Area Vol' = Volume flow rate (length units) 3 per time), Area = Cross-sectional area of ​​the die outlet (length units) 2 ).

[0272] If the die opening is a circular hole, the flow velocity can be defined as: V=Vol'π∗R2 R is the radius of the circular hole (length units).

[0273] The viscosity of the fluid depends on the temperature and can also depend on the shear rate. The definition of a shear-thinning fluid includes a dependence on the shear rate. The surface tension depends on the fluid's composition and temperature.

[0274] In a fiber spinning process, the threads must exhibit initial stability when they leave the die. The capillary number is used to characterize this initial stability criterion. Under the die conditions, the capillary number must be greater than 1 and / or greater than 4.

[0275] In one example, the filamentous composition has a capillary count of at least 1 to about 50 and / or of at least 3 to about 50 and / or of at least 5 to about 30.

[0276] In one example, the thread-forming composition may include one or more release agents and / or lubricants. Non-restrictive examples of suitable release agents and / or lubricants include, but are not limited to, fatty acids, fatty acid salts, fatty alcohols, fatty acid esters, sulfonated fatty acid esters, fatty acid amino acetates and fatty acid amides, silicones, aminosilicones, fluoropolymers, and mixtures thereof.

[0277] In one example, the thread-forming composition may include one or more non-stick and / or adhesive solvents. Non-restrictive examples of suitable non-stick and / or adhesive solvents include, but are not limited to, starches, modified starches, cross-linked polyvinylpyrrolidone, cross-linked cellulose, microcrystalline cellulose, silica, metal oxides, calcium carbonate, talc, and mica.

[0278] Active ingredients can be added to the yarn-forming composition before and / or during yarn formation, and / or they can be added to the yarn after it has been formed. For example, a fragrance active ingredient can be applied to the yarn and / or the nonwoven material surrounding the yarn after the yarn and / or the nonwoven material has been formed. In another example, an enzyme active ingredient can be applied to the yarn and / or the nonwoven material surrounding the yarn after the yarn and / or the nonwoven material has been formed. In yet another example, one or more particulate active ingredients, such as one or more ingestible active ingredients, like bismuth subsalicylate, which may not be suitable for passing through the spinning process to produce the yarn, can be applied to the yarn and / or the nonwoven material surrounding the yarn after the yarn and / or the nonwoven material has been formed. V. Method for producing a thread

[0279] Threads can be produced by any suitable process. A non-restrictive example of a process suitable for producing threads is described below.

[0280] In an example, a process for producing a thread comprises the following steps: a) providing a thread-forming composition comprising one or more thread-forming materials and one or more active ingredients; and b) spinning the thread-forming composition into one or more threads comprising the one or more thread-forming materials and the one or more active ingredients that are releaseable from the thread upon exposure to conditions of intended use, wherein the total content of the one or more thread-forming materials present in the thread is less than 65% by weight and / or 50% by weight or less, based on dry thread and / or on the basis of the dry cleaning product, and wherein the total content of the one or more active ingredients present in the thread is greater than 35% by weight and / or 50% by weight or more, based on dry thread and / or on the basis of the dry cleaning product.

[0281] In one example, during the spinning step, any volatile solvent present in the yarn-forming composition, such as water, is removed, for example, by drying while the yarn is being formed. In another example, more than 30 wt% and / or more than 40 wt% and / or more than 50 wt% of the volatile solvent in the yarn-forming composition, such as water, is removed during the spinning step, for example, by drying the produced yarn.

[0282] The thread-forming composition may comprise a suitable total content of thread-forming materials and a suitable content of active ingredients, provided that the thread produced from the thread-forming composition comprises a total content of thread-forming materials in the thread of approximately 5 wt.% to 50 wt.% or less based on dry thread and / or on the basis of the dry cleaning product, and a total content of active ingredients in the thread of between 50 wt.% and approximately 95 wt.% based on dry thread and / or on the basis of the dry cleaning product.

[0283] In one example, the thread-forming composition may comprise a suitable total content of thread-forming materials and a suitable content of active ingredients, provided that the thread produced from the thread-forming composition comprises a total content of thread-forming materials in the thread of approximately 5 wt.% to 50 wt.% or less based on dry thread and / or on the basis of the dry cleaning product, and a total content of active ingredients in the thread of 50 wt.% to approximately 95 wt.% based on dry thread and / or on the basis of the dry cleaning product, wherein the weight ratio of thread-forming material to additive is 1 or less.

[0284] In one example, the filament-forming composition comprises approximately 1 wt.% and / or approximately 5 wt.% and / or approximately 10 wt.% to approximately 50 wt.% and / or to approximately 40 wt.% and / or to approximately 30 wt.% and / or to approximately 20 wt.%, based on the filament-forming composition, of filament-forming materials; and approximately 1 wt.% and / or approximately 5 wt.% and / or approximately 10 wt.% to approximately 50 wt.% and / or to approximately 40 wt.% and / or to approximately 30 wt.% and / or to approximately 20 wt.%, based on the filament-forming composition, of active ingredients. and of approximately 20% by weight and / or approximately 25% by weight and / or approximately 30% by weight and / or approximately 40% by weight and / or up to approximately 80% by weight and / or up to approximately 70% by weight and / or up to approximately 60% by weight and / or up to approximately 50% by weight, based on the filamentous composition, of a volatile solvent, such as water. The filamentous composition may contain small amounts of other active ingredients, such as less than 10% by weight.-% and / or less than 5 wt.% and / or less than 3 wt.% and / or less than 1 wt.%, based on the thread-forming composition, plasticizers, pH adjusters and other active ingredients.

[0285] The filament-forming composition is spun into one or more threads by any suitable spinning process, such as meltblowing and / or spunbonding. In one example, the filament-forming composition is spun into a multitude of threads by meltblowing. For instance, the filament-forming composition can be pumped from an extruder to a meltblowing spinneret. As it exits the one or more filament-forming holes in the spinneret, the filament-forming composition is attenuated with air to produce one or more threads. Subsequently, the threads can be dried to remove any residue of the solvent used in spinning, such as water.

[0286] Threads can be gathered on a compression molding element, such as a textured belt, to form a fiber structure. VI. Detergent product

[0287] Detergent products comprising one or more active ingredients may exhibit novel properties, characteristics and / or combinations thereof compared to previously known detergent products comprising one or more active ingredients. A. Fiber structure

[0288] For example, a detergent product can comprise a fiber structure with a graphic printed on it, e.g., a fiber web. One or more and / or a plurality of threads can form a fiber structure via a suitable process known in the prior art. The fiber structure can be used to release the active ingredients from the threads when exposed to the conditions of the intended use of the threads and / or the fiber structure.

[0289] Even though fiber structures can have a solid form, the thread-forming composition used to produce the threads can be in the form of a liquid.

[0290] In one example, a fiber structure with a printed graphic may comprise a large number of threads that are identical or substantially identical in composition. In another example, the fiber structure may comprise two or more different threads. Non-restrictive examples of differences in the threads include physical differences, such as differences in diameter, length, texture, shape, stiffness, elasticity, etc.; chemical differences, such as degree of cross-linking, solubility, melting point, Tg, active ingredient, thread-forming material, color, concentration of the active ingredient, proportion of the thread-forming material, presence of a coating on the thread, biodegradability, hydrophobic behavior, contact angle, etc.Differences exist in whether the thread loses its physical structure when exposed to conditions of intended use; differences in whether the thread's morphology changes when exposed to conditions of intended use; and differences in the rate at which the thread releases one or more of its active ingredients when exposed to conditions of intended use. For example, two or more threads in the fiber structure may contain the same thread-forming material but have different active ingredients. This may occur if the different active ingredients are potentially incompatible, such as an anionic surfactant (like an active ingredient in a shampoo) and a cationic surfactant (like an active ingredient in a hair conditioner).

[0291] In another example, a fiber structure with a graphic printed on it can comprise two or more distinct layers (in the z-direction of the fiber structure, consisting of threads that form the fiber structure). The threads in one layer can be the same as, or different from, the threads in another layer. Each layer can contain a variety of identical, substantially identical, or different threads. For example, threads that can release their active ingredients more quickly than others in the fiber structure can be positioned on an external surface of the fiber structure.

[0292] In another example, a fiber structure with printed graphics can have different regions, such as regions with different base weights, densities, and / or thicknesses. In yet another example, the fiber structure can have texture on one or more of its surfaces. A surface of the fiber structure can include a pattern, such as a non-random repeating pattern. The fiber structure can be embossed. In another example, the fiber structure can include openings. The openings can be arranged in a non-random repeating pattern.

[0293] In one example, a fiber structure with a graphic printed on it can include individual regions of threads that differ from other parts of the fiber structure.

[0294] Non-restrictive examples of the use of a fiber structure with printed graphics on it include, without limitation, a tumble dryer substrate, a washing machine substrate, washcloths, cleaning and / or polishing substrates for hard surfaces, floor cleaning or polishing substrates, battery components, baby wipes, adult wipes, feminine hygiene products, towels, window cleaning substrates, oil-absorbing and / or dishwashing cloths, insect repellent substrate, swimming pool chemical substrate, breath fresheners, deodorants, garbage bags, packaging film and / or sleeve, wound dressing, medical delivery, building insulation, grain and / or plant covering and / or embedding, and adhesive substrate.Skin care substrate, hair care substrate, air care substrate, water treatment substrate and / or filter, toilet bowl cleaning substrate, candy substrate, animal feed, livestock farming, teeth whitening substrates, carpet cleaning substrates and other suitable uses of the active ingredients.

[0295] A fiber structure with a graphic printed on it can be used in its present form, or it can be coated with one or more active ingredients.

[0296] In another example, a fiber structure with printed graphics can be pressed into a film, for example, by applying pressure and / or heating the fiber structure to convert it into a film. The film contains the active ingredients that were present in the fibers. The fiber structure can be completely converted into a film, or parts of the fiber structure can remain in the film after partial conversion. The films can be used for any suitable purpose for which the active ingredients can be used, including, but not limited to, the uses given as an example for the fiber structure. B. Method of use of the detergent product

[0297] The fiber structure with printed graphics, comprising one or more fabric care actives, can be used in a process for treating a textile article. The process for treating a textile article may comprise one or more steps selected from the group consisting of the following: (a) pretreating the textile article before washing it; (b) contacting the textile article with a washing liquor formed by contacting the nonwoven material or film with water; (c) contacting the textile article with the nonwoven material or film in a dryer; (d) drying the textile article with the nonwoven material or film in a dryer; and (e) combinations thereof.

[0298] In some embodiments, the method may further include the step of pre-moistening the fiber structure with the printed graphic before bringing it into contact with the textile article to be pre-treated. For example, the nonwoven material or film may be pre-moistened with water and then applied to a section of the textile article that has a stain to be pre-treated. Alternatively, the textile article may be moistened, and the nonwoven material or film may be placed on or attached to it. In some embodiments, the method may further include the step of selecting only one section of the nonwoven material or film for use in treating a textile article.For example, if only one textile article is to be treated, a section of the nonwoven material or film can be cut and / or torn off and either placed on or attached to the textile article, or added to water to form a relatively small amount of washing solution, which is then used to pretreat the textile article. In this way, the user can adapt the textile treatment procedure according to the task at hand. In some embodiments, at least a section of a nonwoven material or film can be applied to the textile article to be treated using a device. Examples of devices include, without limitation, brushes and sponges. Any or several of the above steps can be repeated to achieve the desired textile treatment benefit. VII. Method for producing a fiber structure

[0299] The following methods can be used to form fiber structures onto which graphics can be printed. For example, fiber structures can be formed using a small-format device, of which a schematic representation in Fig. Figure 4 is shown. A pressurized container suitable for batch operation can be filled with a material suitable for spinning. The pump can be a Zenith®, type PEP II, with a capacity of 5.0 cubic centimeters per revolution (cm³). 3 / revolution), manufactured by Parker Hannifin Corporation, Zenith Pumps division, Sanford, NC, USA. The material flow to a die can be controlled by adjusting the pump's revolutions per minute (rpm). Piping connects the tank, pump, and die.

[0300] The die in Fig. 5 can have multiple rows of circular extrusion dies spaced at a distance P from each other. Fig. 5) are spaced approximately 3.048 mm (about 0.120 in). The nozzles each have an inner diameter of approximately 0.220 mm (about 0.009 in) and an outer diameter of approximately 0.813 mm (about 0.032 in). Each individual nozzle may be surrounded by an annular and conically expanding opening to supply refining air to each individual melt capillary. The material expelled through the nozzles may be surrounded by, and refined by, generally cylindrical, humidified streams of air supplied through the openings.

[0301] Refining air can be provided by heating compressed air from a source using a resistance heating device, such as a heater manufactured by Chromalox, a division of Emerson Electric, Pittsburgh, Pa., USA. A suitable amount of steam can be added to saturate or nearly saturate the warm air under the conditions in the electrically heated, thermostatically controlled supply line. Condensate can be removed in an electrically heated, thermostatically controlled separator.

[0302] The embryonic fibers can be dried using a drying air stream heated by a resistance heating device (not shown) to a temperature of approximately 149 °C (about 300 °F) to about 315 °C (about 600 °F). The air is fed through drying nozzles and discharged at an angle of approximately 90° to the general orientation of the non-thermoplastic embryonic fibers being spun. The dried embryonic fibers are collected on a collecting device, such as a movable perforated belt or a compression molding element. To aid fiber collection, a vacuum source can be added directly below the formation zone.

[0303] Table 1 below shows an example of a thread-forming composition for producing threads and / or a fiber structure suitable for use as a detergent. This mixture was prepared and processed in a pressurized tank of Fig. 4th place. Table 1 Thread-forming composition (i.e. premix) (%) Thread-forming composition (%) Thread (i.e., components remaining after drying) (%) % wt. based on dry filament (%) C12-15 AES 28,45 11,38 11,38 28,07 C11.8 HLAS 12,22 4,89 4,89 12,05 MEA 7,11 2,85 2,85 7,02 N67HSAS 4,51 1,81 1,81 4,45 Glycerin 3,08 1,23 1,23 3,04 PE-20, polyethyleneimine ethoxylate, PEI 600 E20 3,00 1,20 1,20 2,95 Ethoxylated / Propoxylated Polyethylenimine 2,95 1,18 1,18 2,91 Brightener 15 2,20 0,88 0,88 2,17 Amine oxide 1,46 0,59 0,59 1,44 Sasol 24.9 Non-ionic surfactant 1,24 0,50 0,50 1,22 DTPA (Chelant) 1,08 0,43 0,43 1,06 Tiron (Chelant) 1,08 0,43 0,43 1,06 Celvol 523 PVOH 1 0,000 13,20 13,20 32,55 Water 31,63 59,43 - - Celvol 523, Celanese / Sekisui, MW 85,000-124,000, 87-89% hydrolyzed

[0304] The dry embryonic fibers can be collected on a compression mold as described above. The mold mold provides surfaces that are inherently permeable to air. The fibers used to construct the mold mold are impermeable, while the spaces between the fibers are permeable. Additionally, a structure can be applied to the mold mold to provide further impermeable surfaces, which can be continuous, interrupted, or semi-continuous. A vacuum applied at the deposition site is used to assist in bending the fibers into the molded structure.

[0305] Basic spinning conditions were achieved using a fiber web collected on the collating die-forming element. This web was then fed under the die, and patterns were captured after the vacuum was applied. As described in more detail below, these fiber structures can then be further processed and / or transformed, for example, in a printing process.

[0306] In addition to the techniques described herein for forming regions in fiber structures with differing properties (e.g., average densities), other methods can be employed to provide suitable results. One such example includes embossing techniques for forming such regions. Suitable embossing techniques are described in US 2010 / 0 297 377 A1, US 2010 / 0 295 213 A1, US 2010 / 0 295 206 A1, US 2010 / 0 028 621 A1, and US 2006 / 0 278 355 A1.

[0307] As mentioned above, graphics can be printed onto fiber web layers and fiber structures according to the present disclosure. Printing can be characterized as an industrial process in which a graphic is reproduced on a sheet. Fig. Figures 8 to 10 show an example of how a graphic 300 can be printed onto a fiber web or fiber structures described above in the form of a sheet 302, including a first surface 304 and a second surface 306 opposite the first surface 304. A variety of graphics 300 in Fig. Figure 8 is schematically represented by a series of "+" shapes. To provide a frame of reference for the present discussion, sheet 302 is shown in Fig.Figure 8 shows a longitudinal axis and a transverse axis. The longitudinal axis also corresponds to what can be called the machine direction (i.e., MD) of sheet 302, and the lateral axis corresponds to what can be called the transverse direction (i.e., CD) of sheet 302. As shown in Fig. 8 10 The graphics 300 can be printed onto a first surface 304 of the sheet 302 by moving the substrate lengthwise relative to a printing station 308 while the printing station 308 prints the graphics 300. It is understood that the printing station can also be configured to move relative to the substrate during printing. For example, the printing station can move back and forth laterally relative to the substrate while printing the graphics.

[0308] It is evident that the 308 print station can be configured in various ways and can include different types of printing accessories. For example, in some configurations, the print station can include an inkjet printer. Inkjet printing is a non-contact dot-matrix printing technology in which droplets of ink are ejected from a small aperture directly onto a specified position on a medium to create a graphic. Two examples of inkjet technologies include thermal bubbles (bubble jet) and piezoelectric technology. Thermal bubbles use heat to apply the ink, while piezoelectric technology uses a crystal and an electrical charge to apply the ink. In some configurations, the print station can include a corona pretreatment system, which can be positioned in front of the printer.The corona pretreatment can be configured to increase the surface energy of the fiber web material being printed. In some configurations, the print station can also include an ink curing unit. In some configurations, the ink curing unit can be an ultraviolet (UV) light source, which may include one or more UV lamps positioned behind the printer to aid in curing inks deposited by the printer to form graphics on the fiber web material. In some configurations, the ink curing unit can also include an infrared (IR) drying light source, which may include one or more IR lamps positioned behind the printer to aid in drying water-based or solvent-based inks deposited by the printer to form graphics on the fiber web material.In some configurations, the ink curing apparatus may include an electron beam generator (EB or E-beam), which may include one or more E-beam electrodes that may be positioned behind the printer to assist in curing inks deposited by the printer to form the graphics onto the fiber web material.

[0309] It is evident that various types of printing processes can be used to produce the graphics disclosed herein. For example, some embodiments may employ flexographic printing. In particular, flexographic printing may use printing plates made of rubber or plastic with a slightly raised image on them. The ink-coated plates are rotated on a cylinder that transfers the image to the sheet. Flexographic printing can be a relatively high-speed printing process that uses fast-drying inks. Other embodiments may employ intaglio printing. In particular, intaglio printing uses an image etched on the surface of a metal plate. The etched area is filled with ink, and the plate is rotated on a cylinder that transfers the image to the sheet. In some embodiments, printing devices such as those disclosed in US 2012 / 0222576A1 may be used.

[0310] In addition to the aforementioned various types of printing processes, it is understood that different types of inks or ink systems can be applied to different types of paper to produce the disclosed structures, such as solvent-based, water-based, and UV-cured inks. Some embodiments can use inks such as Artistri® inks available from DuPont™, including Acid Dye Ink 500 Series; Pigment Ink 5000 Series; Acid Dye Ink 700 Series; Disperse Dye Ink 700 Series; Reactive Dye Ink 700 Series; Pigment Ink 700 Series; Acid Dye Ink 2500 Series; Disperse Dye Ink 2500 Series; Reactive Dye Ink 2500 Series; Pigment Dye Ink 2500 Series; Disperse Dye Ink 3500 Series; and Pigment Dye Ink 3500 Series. and Solar Brite™ Ink. Ink as disclosed in US 8 137 721 B2 may also be used.Water-based inks that can be used are available from Environmental Inks and Coatings Corporation, Morganton, NC, USA, under the following code numbers: EH034677 (Yellow); EH057960 (Magenta); EH028676 (Cyan); EH092391 (Black); EH034676 (Orange); and EH064447 (Green). Some embodiments can use water-based inks with food-grade components formulated for direct printing onto ingestible food or pharmaceutical products, such as Candymark series inks available in colors like Black Pro, Red Pro, Blue Pro, and Yellow Pro from Inkcups in Danvers, Massachusetts, USA. Other extensive product lines of general-purpose and special-purpose inks can also be used, including food-grade inks available from Videojet Technologies Inc. in Wood Dale, Illinois, USA.

[0311] The primary difference between ink systems is the method used to dry or cure the ink. For example, solvent-based and water-based inks are dried by evaporation, while UV-cured inks are cured by chemical reactions. Inks may also include components such as solvents, dyes, resins, additives, and (only in ultraviolet inks) UV-curing compounds, which perform various functions. Some designs may employ a multi-stage printing system.

[0312] In some embodiments, the ink compositions used herein may contain a wax to improve the abrasion resistance of the ink. Such waxes may include a polyethylene wax emulsion. Adding a wax to the ink composition can improve abrasion resistance by establishing a barrier that inhibits the physical disruption of the ink film after application of the ink to the fiber sheet. Based on the solids content of the total ink composition by weight, the addition of wax can range from approximately 0.5 wt% to 10 wt% solids. An example polyethylene wax emulsion is JONWAX 26, supplied by SC Johnson & Sons, Inc. of Racine, Wis., USA.

[0313] As discussed above with reference to Fig.8 to 10 One or more graphics 300 can be printed directly onto the first and / or second surface of fiber webs or fiber structures in the form of sheets 302. The graphics 300 enclose ink, and thus ink can be present on the first and / or second surfaces 304, 306. In some embodiments, ink can penetrate below the first and / or second surface to various depths. For example, shows Fig.Figure 11 shows a side view of a fiber web or fiber structure 302, wherein ink 310 of a printed graphic 300 has penetrated to a distance D below the first surface 304. Thus, ink of a printed graphic 300 can be located on the fiber web or fiber structure 302 at a depth D below the first and / or second surface 304, 306. In some embodiments, ink can penetrate to a depth of 100 µm or less below the first surface 304 and / or the second surface 306, as measured by the ink penetration test method described herein.

[0314] It is evident that the fiber web and / or fiber structures with printed graphics on them can have different ink adhesion ratings. For example, it may be desirable for a fiber web or fiber structure to have a dry average ink adhesion rating of at least approximately 1.5 or higher, 3.0 or higher, or 4.0 or higher, as measured by the dry ink adhesion rating test procedure described herein. Furthermore, it may be desirable for a fiber web or fiber structure to have a wet average ink adhesion rating of at least approximately 1.5 or higher, 3.0 or higher, or 4.0 or higher, as measured by the wet ink adhesion rating test procedure described herein. It is understood that a dry ink adhesion rating and / or a wet ink adhesion rating of at least approximately 1.5 or higher indicates a desired degree of resistance to ink abrasion.

[0315] As mentioned above, the graphics may include various colors. For example, in some embodiments, a graphic includes a primary color selected from the group consisting of cyan, yellow, magenta, and black. It is also understood that the primary colors may have different optical densities. For example, in some embodiments, the primary color cyan has an optical density greater than approximately 0.05. In other embodiments, the primary color yellow has an optical density greater than approximately 0.05. In still other embodiments, the primary color magenta has an optical density greater than approximately 0.05. In yet other embodiments, the primary color black has an optical density greater than approximately 0.05.

[0316] Color identification is determined according to the Commission Internationale de l'Eclairage L*a*b* Color Space (hereinafter "CIELab"). CIELab is a mathematical color scale based on the 1976 standard of the Commission Internationale de l'Eclairage (hereinafter "CIE"). CIELab allows the recording of a color in a three-dimensional space analogous to Cartesian xyz space. Each color can be recorded in CIELab using three values ​​(L*, a*, b*). For example, there is an origin with two axes, a* and b*, which are coplanar and perpendicular, and an L-axis that is perpendicular to the a* and b* axes and intersects them only at the origin. A negative a* value represents green, and a positive a* value represents red. CIELab has the colors blue-violet to yellow where the y-axis is traditionally located in Cartesian xyz space. CIELab identifies this axis as the b*-axis.Negative b* values ​​represent blue-violet, and positive b* values ​​represent yellow. CIELab has brightness where the z-axis is traditionally located in Cartesian xyz space. CIELab identifies this axis as the L-axis. The L*-axis ranges from 100, which is white, to 0, which is black. An L* value of 50 indicates a mid-gray (provided a* and b* are 0). Any color can be recorded in CIELab using the three values ​​(L*, a*, b*). As described herein, equal distances in CIELab space correspond approximately to uniform changes in perceived color. As a result, experts in this field can approximate perceptual differences between any two colors by treating each color as a distinct point in a three-dimensional Euclidean coordinate system and calculating the Euclidean distance between the two points (ΔE*). ab ).

[0317] The three-dimensional CIELab allows the calculation of the three color components: saturation, hue, and brightness. In two-dimensional space, defined by the a-axis and the b-axis, the components of hue and saturation can be determined. Color saturation (C*) is the relative saturation of the perceived color and can be determined by the distance from the origin in the a*b* plane. Color saturation for a given a*, b* quantity can be calculated as follows: C*=(a*2+b*2)1 / 2

[0318] For example, a color with a*b* values ​​of (10,0) would have a lower color saturation than a color with a*b* values ​​of (20,0). The latter color would be perceived qualitatively as "more red" than the former. Hue is the relative red, yellow, green, and blue-violet of a given color. A ray can be generated from the origin to any color within the two-dimensional a*b* space. Fig. Figure 12 is a representation of three axes (for the L*, a*, and b* values ​​of a given color) used with the CIELAB color scale.

[0319] With reference to the CIELab coordinate system described above, a fiber web can enclose a fiber structure comprising a filament-forming material, as well as an active ingredient that can be released from the fiber structure when subjected to the conditions of its intended use. A graphic printed directly onto the fiber structure, wherein the graphic comprises L*a*b* color values ​​and the graphic is defined by the difference in CIELab coordinate values ​​that lie within the limits described by the following system of equations: {a*=−13.0 to −10.0;b*=7.6 to 15.5}−−>b*=2.645a∗+41.869 {a*=−10.0 to −2.1;b*=15.5 to 7.0}−−>b*=1.456a∗+30.028 {a*=−2.1 to 4.8;b*=27.0 to 24.9}−−>b*=−0.306a∗+26.363 {a*=4.8 to 20.9;b*=24.9 to 15.2}−−>>b*=−0.601a∗+27.791 {a*=20.9 to 23.4;b*=15.2 to −4.0}−−>b*=−7.901a∗+180.504 {a*=23.4 to 20.3;b*=−4.0 to -10.3}−−>b*=2.049a∗−51.823 {a*=20.3 to 6.6;b*=−10.3 to -19.3}−−>b*=0.657a∗−23.639 {a*=6.6 to −5.1;b*=−19.3 to −18.0}−−>b*=−0.110a∗−18.575 {a*=−5, to −9.2;b*=−18.0 to -7.1}−−>b*=−2.648a∗−31.419 {a*=−9.2 to −13.0;b*=−7.1 to 7.6}−−>b*=−3.873a∗−42.667 ; and where L* is from 0 to 100. Fig. Figure 13 is a graphical representation of the color scale in CIELab (L*a*b*) coordinates described above, where the a*b* plane is shown and L* = 0 to 100.

[0320] It is evident that the printed fiber webs and / or fiber structures herein can be used in various applications. In some embodiments, the fiber webs or fiber structures can be used to form a pouch, as described in U.S. Preliminary Patent Application No. 61 / 874,533, entitled “POUCHES COMPRISING WATER-SOLUBLE FIBROUS WALL MATERIALS AND METHODS FOR MAKING SAME,” filed on September 6, 2013, which is incorporated herein by reference. For example, the fiber webs or fiber structures can be configured to form a pouch wall material that constitutes one or more of the walls of a pouch, such that an interior of the pouch is at least partially or completely enclosed by the pouch wall material.In some applications, any contents of the pouch, such as active ingredients in powder form, laundry detergent compositions, dishwashing detergent compositions, and other cleaning mixtures, can be contained and retained within the pouch, at least until the pouch ruptures, for example, during use, and releases its contents. Thus, the pouch wall material produced from fiber webs or fiber materials treated herein can incorporate a printed graphic that can be positioned on an internal and / or external wall surface of the pouch. A graphic positioned on an internal wall surface of a pouch can be configured to be visible from the external wall surface.

[0321] As discussed above, in a fiber structure, a graphic is printed directly onto the fiber structure. The fiber structure can include threads, which in turn can contain thread-forming materials and an active ingredient that can be released from the threads when the structure is exposed to the conditions of its intended use. The fiber structure can also include a first surface and a second surface opposite the first; and the graphic can include ink positioned on the first surface. The fiber structure can also be designed as a pouch wall material that defines the internal volume of a pouch. Thus, the first surface can face the internal volume of the pouch, or it can face away from the internal volume of the pouch. Test procedure

[0322] Unless otherwise stated, all tests described herein, including those described in the "Definitions" section and the following test procedures, were performed on samples conditioned at a temperature of 23°C ± 1°C and a relative humidity of 50% ± 2% for at least 2 hours prior to testing. All tests are performed under identical environmental conditions. Samples with defects such as creases, tears, holes, etc., are not tested. For testing purposes, samples conditioned as described herein are considered dry samples (such as "dry threads"). Furthermore, all tests are performed in rooms conditioned in this manner. Test procedures for color and optical density Background

[0323] This procedure provides a method for the quantitative measurement of color and optical density of printed materials using the X-Rite SpectroEye. Optical density is a dimensionless value. In this procedure, the reflective color and optical density of a printed material are measured using the X-Rite SpectroEye, a handheld spectrophotometer, with standardized procedures and reference materials.

[0324] This process is applicable to soluble fiber webs that have been dyed by printing or other methods of adding dyes to a material. Equipment: Handheld spectrophotometer: 45° / 0° configuration, hemispherical geometry, X-Rite SpectroEye available from X-Rite - Corporate Headquarters USA, 4300 44th St. SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49512 USA, Phone +1 616-803-2100.

[0325] White standard sheet: PG2000 available from Sun Chemical-Vivitek Division. 1701 Westinghouse Blvd., Charlotte, NC 28273, Phone: +1(704) 587-8381. Test environment:

[0326] The analyses must be carried out in a laboratory with controlled temperature and humidity (23 °C ± 2 °C or 50 % ± 2 % relative humidity).

[0327] Spectrophotometer settings: Physical filter: None White base: Abs Viewer: 2° Density standard: ANSI T Lighting: C NOTE: Ensure that the spectrophotometer is set to read L*a*b* units.

[0328] Procedures: 1. All samples and the white standard plate are equilibrated at 23 °C ± 2 °C and 50 % ± 2 % relative humidity for at least 2 hours prior to analysis. 2. Select the sample region for analysis and place the sample on the PG2000 white standard plate. 3. Place the opening of the X-Rite SpectroEye over the sample and confirm that only the printed region of the sample can be viewed through the instrument's opening window. 4. Go through the measurement menu to read and record the color (L*, a* and b*) and optical density values ​​for each sample.

[0329] Calculations: 1. Measure the optical density for each sample region and record the readings. 2. For each optical density measurement, use three recordings to calculate and record the mean and standard deviation. Optical density values ​​should be recorded rounded to the nearest increment of 0.01 units. 3. Measure the color (L*, a* and b*) for each sample region and record the readings. 4. For each color measurement (L*, a*, b*), use three records to calculate and record the mean and standard deviation. The L*, a*, and b* values ​​should be recorded rounded to the nearest 0.1 unit. Test procedures for classifying dry ink adhesion

[0330] This method measures the amount of ink transferred from the surface of a printed substrate to the surface of a standard woven pattern (crock-cloth) by rubbing with a vertical rotary crockmeter. The ink transfer is quantified using a spectrophotometer and converted into a rating of ink adhesion ranging from 0 to 5, where 0 = extensive transfer and 5 = no ink transfer.

[0331] Equipment: Vertical rotary crockmeter: AATCC crockmeter, model CM6; available from Textile Innovators Corporation, Windsor, NC, USA. Standard fabric pattern (Crock-Cloth): The model number of the Crock-Cloth is Shirting #3, 5 cm x 5 cm (2 in x 2 in) square fabric pattern, available from Testfabrics Inc., West Pittston, PA, USA. Precision pipette, can dispense 0.150 ml ± 0.005 ml: Gilson Inc., Middleton, WI, USA. Spectrophotometer, 45° / 0° configuration, hemispherical geometry; HunterLab Labscan XE with Universal Software 3.80; available from Hunter Associates Laboratory Inc., Reston, VA, USA. Reagent: Distilled water, deionized. Instrument setup and calibration:

[0332] The settings of the Hunter Color Meter are as follows: geometry 45 / 0 color scale CIE L*a*b* Lighting: D65 Viewing angle 10° pore size 2 cm (0.7 inches) Illuminated area 1 cm (0.5 inch) UV filter nominally

[0333] Color is recorded as L*a*b* values ​​± 0.1 units. Calibrate the instrument according to instructions using the standard black and white plates provided by the vendor. Calibration must be performed daily before conducting analyses.

[0334] The analyses must be carried out in a laboratory with controlled temperature and humidity (23 °C ± 2 °C, or 50 % ± 2 % relative humidity).

[0335] Procedure: 1. All samples and Crock-Cloth cloths are equilibrated at 23 °C ± 2 °C and 50 % ± 2 % relative humidity for at least 2 hours prior to analysis. 2. Center a single Crock-Cloth cloth over the color meter port and cover it with the standard white plate. Take a reading and record it. This is the reference L*a*b* value. 3. Apply dry crock-cloth to the base of the crockmeter. 4. Add the 64-g weight to the vertical shaft and then lower the foot onto the sample. The actual load on the sample is only the normal instrument weight and the additional 64-g weight. Hold the sample securely in position and perform five full rotations of the crockmeter handle. (1 rotation = 2 cycles) 5. Elevate your foot and remove the Crock-Cloth. Avoid finger contact with the test area and the abrasion zone. 6. Place the Crock-Cloth with the test side facing the opening of the color meter, carefully centering the abrasion area over the port. Cover with the standard white plate. Read L*a*b* and record the reading. This is the sample value. 7. Repeat steps 2 to 6 for each of the 3 repetitions. Calculations:

[0336] Calculate ΔE* for each repetition from the set of color reference readings and the readings after separation (abrasion) as follows: ΔE∗=[(L∗reference−L∗rubbed)2+(a∗reference−a∗rubbed)2+(b∗reference−b∗rubbed)2]1 / 2

[0337] Convert the obtained ΔE* value into an ink adhesion rating (IAR) using the following equation: IAR=−0.0001(ΔE∗)3+0.0088(ΔE∗)2−0.295 ΔE∗+5.00

[0338] Recording: Ink adhesion rating (IAR) values ​​are recorded as the average of 3 repetitions with ± 0.1 units. Test procedures for classifying wet ink adhesion

[0339] This method measures the amount of ink transferred from the surface of a printed substrate to the surface of a standard woven pattern (crock-cloth) by rubbing with a vertical rotary crockmeter. The ink transfer is quantified using a spectrophotometer and converted into a rating of ink adhesion ranging from 0 to 5, where 0 = extensive transfer and 5 = no ink transfer.

[0340] Equipment: Vertical rotary crockmeter: AATCC Crockmeter, Model CM6; available from Textile Innovators Corporation, Windsor, NC, USA. Standard fabric pattern (Crock-Cloth): The model number of the Crock-Cloth is Shirting #3, 5 cm x 5 cm (2 in x 2 in) square fabric pattern, available from Testfabrics Inc., West Pittston, PA, USA. Precision pipette, dispenses 0.150 ml ± 0.005 ml: Gilson Inc., Middleton, WI, USA. Spectrophotometer, 45° / 0° configuration, hemispherical geometry; HunterLab Labscan XE with Universal Software 3.80; available from Hunter Associates Laboratory Inc., Reston, VA, USA. Reagent: Distilled water, deionized. Instrument setup and calibration:

[0341] The settings of the Hunter Color Meter are as follows: geometry 45 / 0 color scale CIE L*a*b* Lighting: D65 Viewing angle 10° pore size 2 cm (0.7 inches) Illuminated area 2 cm (0.5 inch) UV filter nominally

[0342] Color is recorded as L*a*b* values ​​± 0.1 units. Calibrate the instrument according to instructions using the standard black and white plates provided by the vendor. Calibration must be performed daily before conducting analyses.

[0343] The analyses must be carried out in a laboratory with controlled temperature and humidity (23 °C ± 2 °C, or 50 % ± 2 % relative humidity).

[0344] Procedure: 1. All samples and Crock-Cloth cloths are equilibrated at 23 °C ± 2 °C and 50 % ± 2 % relative humidity for at least 2 hours prior to analysis. 2. Prepare a reference sample by moistening a clean Crock-Cloth cloth using 0.15 ml of the reagent. Allow to dry overnight (at least 12 hours) at an ambient temperature of 23 °C ± 2 °C and 50% ± 2% relative humidity. 3. After the aforementioned moistened Crock-Cloth has dried, center the cloth over the dry Crock-Cloth above the color meter port and cover it with the standard white plate. Read L*a*b* and record the reading. This is the reference value. 4. Place a clean, dry crock-cloth on the base of the crockmeter before moistening. Using a pipette, add 0.15 ml of the reagent to the surface of the crock-cloth and wet the contact area evenly. 5. Within one minute of wetting, add a 64 g weight to the vertical shaft and then lower the foot onto the sample. The actual load on the sample is only the normal instrument weight and the additional 64 g weight. Hold the sample securely in position and perform five complete rotations of the crockmeter handle. (1 rotation = 2 cycles) 6. Elevate your foot and remove the Crock-Cloth. Avoid finger contact with the test area and the abrasion zone. 7. Allow the aforementioned wet, rubbed Crock-Cloth to dry completely before proceeding with color measurement. Dry overnight (at least 12 hours) at an ambient temperature of 23 °C ± 2 °C and 50% ± 2% relative humidity. 8. Place the above-mentioned dry Crock-Cloth sample with the test side facing the opening of the colorimeter and carefully center the abrasion area over the port. Cover with the standard white plate. Read L*a*b* and record the reading. This is the sample value. 9. Repeat steps 2 through 8 for each of the 3 repetitions. Calculations:

[0345] Calculate ΔE* for each repetition from the set of color reference readings and the readings after separation (abrasion) as follows: ΔE∗=[(L∗reference−L∗rubbed)2+(a∗reference−a∗rubbed)2+(b∗reference−b∗rubbed)2]1 / 2

[0346] Convert the obtained ΔE* value into an ink adhesion rating (IAR) using the following equation: IAR=−0.0001(ΔE∗)3+0.0088(ΔE∗)2−0.295 ΔE∗+5.00

[0347] Recording: Ink adhesion rating (IAR) values ​​are recorded as the average of 3 repetitions with ± 0.1 units. Color space - Test procedure

[0348] Rehearsal preparation: 2500 color patches (individual patches measuring 6 mm x 6 mm) are printed onto the substrate. A CMYK ink combination is used to build and print the patches. The patches are printed where each CMYK color represents a change in percentage dot coverage from 0 to 100. To facilitate printing and measuring the patches, the color profile can be printed in rows, columns, and patterns as represented by the ANSI Color Characterization Target IT8.7 / 4, disclosed on page 161 of FLEXOGRAPHIC IMAGE REPRODUCTION SPECIFICATIONS & TOLERANCES (Flexographic Technical Association (FTA), Flexographic Image Reproduction Specifications & Tolerances, 900 Marconi Avenue, Ronkonkoma, NY 11779-7212; www.flexography.org).

[0349] Equipment: X-Rite iProfiler (including spectrophotometer and i1 / i0 table) X-Rite - Corporate Headquarters USA, 4300 44th St. SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49512 USA, telephone +1 616-803-2100.

[0350] Spectrophotometer settings: Physical filter: None Viewer: 2° Lighting: D50 bulbs Measurement geometry: 45° / 0° NOTE: Ensure that the spectrophotometer is set to read L*a*b* units. White standard sheet: PG2000 available from Sun Chemical-Vivitek Division. 1701 Westinghouse Blvd., Charlotte, NC 28273, USA, Telephone: +1(704) 587-8381.

[0351] Measurement procedure: 1. Set up the spectrophotometer according to the settings specified above. 2. Before taking color measurements, calibrate the instrument according to the manufacturer's instructions. 3. Printed samples are in a dry state and are equilibrated at a relative ambient humidity of approximately 50% ± 2% and a temperature of 23°C ± 1°C for at least 2 hours prior to analysis. 4. Place the sample to be measured on a standard PG2000 white plate. Place the white plate on the i1 / i0 table. 5. Define the first and last color patches for the i1 / i0 table. Set the i1 / i0 table to start the color measurement from the first color patch to the last color patch. The L*, a*, and b* values ​​of all color patches are read and recorded.

[0352] Calculations: 1. The captured CIELAB L*, a*, b* data set is plotted in a 2-dimensional space with a* and b* axes. 2. The color space can be approximately determined by drawing straight lines to the spaces between the outermost points of the fiber fabric color space. 3. Equations for these lines are generated by performing linear regressions to achieve a fit to the straight line between the two adjacent, outermost points.

[0353] The color scale of the fiber web occupies the color space described by the area with the a* and b* axes of the CIELab (L*, a*, b*) color space, enclosed by the system of equations described above, where L* = 0 to 100. Ink penetration depth test procedure

[0354] Equipment: Teflon-coated razor blade: GEM® Stainless Steel Coated, Single Edge Industrial Blades, 62-0165 or equivalent. Double-sided transparent tape: Scotch® Double Sided Tape 665 Refill, 1 cm (½ inch) × 33 m (36 yards), 8 cm or 3 inch core, clear or equivalent. Microscope slides such as a Precleaned Gold Seal® Rite-On® Microslides, Cat. No. 3050, 25 × 75 mm, 0.93-1.05 mm thick or equivalent. Zeiss Axioplan II with Z-motorized stage, Carl Zeiss Microimaging GmbH, Göttingen, Germany. MRc5 (5 MP, color) Zeiss camera, Carl Zeiss Microimaging GmbH, Göttingen, Germany. Axiovision software version 4.8 with Z-Stack and Extended Focus, Carl Zeiss Microimaging GmbH, Göttingen, Germany.

[0355] Procedure: Using a new Teflon-coated razor blade, a section approximately 0.5 cm to 1 cm long and 1–2 mm wide is cut from the fiber web region containing the printed ink. The section is then mounted for cross-sectional viewing by placing it edge-down on double-sided transparent tape on a microscope slide. The section is positioned perpendicular to the slide and microscope stage, with its length parallel to the slide surface. After visual inspection, the section is adjusted, if necessary, to minimize the tilt relative to the slide surface. The cross-section is viewed using reflected halogen light, both with and without crossed polarizers, on a Zeiss Axioplan II equipped with a Z-motorized stage and a Zeiss MRc5 camera (5 MP, color).The microscope is integrated into Axiovision software version 4.8 with the Z-Stack and Extended Focus modules. Select the best visual contrast with and without crossed polarizers for viewing and imaging. If no difference in visual contrast is observed between the two settings, either can be used for further processing. The magnification is set to 200x, using a Zeiss 20x Plan-Neofluar objective (0.50 NA, POL). Images of the cross-section are acquired using a Z-Stack module of the Axiovision software and subsequently processed using the Extended Focus module (wavelet technique) to generate a 2D representation of the cross-section. The Z-Stack range is selected to bring the cross-sectional plane into focus, with a typical range being approximately 20–100 µm and a step size of usually 1–5 µm.

[0356] The distance from the top surface over which the ink is deposited is measured in Axiovision and recorded as the ink penetration depth. The top surface is defined as the most exposed region exhibiting printed ink. In the case of embossed fiber webs, the top surface is modulated by the embossing process, with the top surface changing depending on the heights and depths of the embossed pattern. Therefore, the top surface is considered the specific local area for the ink-printed target region on the sample. Ink penetration is measured in µm from the top surface to the distance at which no ink is detectable. Baseline weight test procedure

[0357] The base weight of a nonwoven structure and / or a dissolving fiber structure is measured on stacks of twelve usable units using a top-loading analytical balance with a resolution of ± 0.001 g. The balance is protected from drafts and other disturbances by a draft shield. A precision cutting tool measuring 3.500 in ± 0.0035 in by 3.500 in ± 0.0035 in is used to prepare all samples.

[0358] Using a precision die, the test pieces are cut into squares. The squares are then combined to form a stack twelve samples thick. The mass of the sample stack is measured and recorded to the nearest 0.001 g.

[0359] The base weight is given in g / m² 2 (0.1 lb / 3000 ft 2 ) calculated as follows: Base weight = (stack mass) / [(area of ​​1 square in the stack) × (number of squares in the stack)]

[0360] For example: Base weight (g / m² (pounds / 3000 feet)) = [[Stacking mass (g) / 453.6 (g / 0.5 kg (g / pound))] / [79.03 (cm² (12.25 (inch²)) / 10,000 (cm² / m²) (10,000 cm² / m² (144 (inch² / feet²))×12]]×3000 or Basis weight(g / m2)=mass of stack(g) / [79.032(cm2) / 10,000(cm2 / m2)×12]

[0361] The result is given rounded to the nearest 0.1 g / m³. 2 (0.1 lb / 3000 ft 2 ) using a similar precision cutter as mentioned above, the sample dimensions can be altered or varied so that at least 645 cm² is obtained. 2 (100 inch²) sample area in the stack. Methods for testing water content

[0362] The water or moisture content present in a thread and / or fiber and / or nonwoven fabric is measured using the following water content test procedure.

[0363] A thread and / or fleece or a section thereof (“sample”) in the form of a pre-cut layer is placed in an air-conditioned room at a temperature of 23 °C ± 1 °C and a relative humidity of 50% ± 2% for at least 24 hours before testing. Each sample has an area of ​​at least 25 cm². 2 (4 inch) 2), but small enough to fit well on the weighing platform of the balance. Under the temperature and humidity conditions mentioned above, the weight of the sample is recorded every five minutes using a balance with at least four decimal places until a change of less than 0.5% from the previous weight is recorded over a period of 10 minutes. The final weight is recorded as the "equilibrium weight". Within 10 minutes, the samples are placed on top of a sheet of foil in a circulating air oven at 70 °C ± 2 °C and a relative humidity of 4% ± 2% for 24 hours of drying. After 24 hours of drying, the sample is removed and weighed within 15 seconds. This weight is reported as the "dry weight of the sample".

[0364] The water content (moisture content) of the sample is calculated as follows: (%) Water (moisture) in the sample = 100% × (equilibrium weight of the sample − dry weight of the sample) Dry weight of the sample

[0365] The average water content (moisture content) of the sample, expressed as a percentage over three repetitions, yields the stated water content (moisture content) of the sample, expressed as a percentage. Results must be reported to an accuracy of 0.1%. Resolution test procedure

[0366] Apparatus and materials (see also) Fig. 6A, Fig. 6B and Fig. 7): 600 ml beaker 240 Magnetic stirrer 250 (Labline model no. 1250 or equivalent) Magnetic stirring rod 260 (5 cm) Thermometer (1 to 100 °C + / - 1 °C) Die-cutting mold -- Stainless steel die-cutting mold with dimensions 3.8 cm x 3.2 cm

[0367] Timer (0-3,600 seconds or 1 hour), accurate to the second. The timer used must have a sufficient measuring range for the total time if the sample has a resolution time of more than 3,600 seconds. However, the timer must be accurate to the second.

[0368] Polaroid 35 mm Slide Mount 270 (commercially available from Polaroid Corporation, or equivalent). 35 mm Slide Mount Holder 280 (or equivalent).

[0369] Water from the city of Cincinnati or equivalent with the following properties: Total hardness = 155 mg / l as CaCO3; Calcium content = 33.2 mg / l; Magnesium content = 17.5 mg / l; Phosphate content = 0.0462. Test protocol

[0370] Equilibrate samples in an environment with constant temperature and humidity of 23 °C ± 1 °C and 50 % rH ± 2 % for at least 2 hours.

[0371] The base weight of the sample material is measured using the base weight method defined herein.

[0372] Three resolution test samples are cut from a sample of a nonwoven structure using a die (3.8 cm x 3.2 cm) so that they fit into the 35 mm slide holder 270, which has a free area measuring 24 mm x 36 mm.

[0373] Each sample is fixed in a separate 35 mm slide holder 270. The magnetic stirring rod 260 is placed in the 600 ml beaker 240.

[0374] Turn on the tap water supply (or equivalent source) and measure the water temperature with a thermometer. If necessary, adjust the hot or cold water flow to maintain the test temperature. The test temperature is 15 °C ± 1 °C. Once the test temperature is reached, fill beaker 240 with 500 ml ± 5 ml of tap water at 15 °C ± 1 °C.

[0375] Place the full beaker 240 on the magnetic stirrer 250, turn on the stirrer 250, and adjust the stirring speed until a vortex forms and the bottom of the vortex is at the 400 ml mark on the beaker 240.

[0376] Secure the 35 mm microscope slide 270 in the alligator clip 281 of the 35 mm slide holder 280 so that the long end 271 of the slide 270 is parallel to the water surface. The alligator clip 281 must be positioned in the middle of the long end 271 of the slide 270. The depth adjustment 285 of the holder 280 must be set so that the distance between the bottom of the depth adjustment 285 and the bottom of the alligator clip 281 is approximately 28 cm ± 0.318 cm (approximately 11 ± 0.125 in). This setting positions the sample surface perpendicular to the water flow. A slightly modified example of a 35 mm slide and slide holder arrangement is shown in the Fig.1 to 3 of US 6 787 512 B1 shown.

[0377] The attached slide and clamp are quickly immersed in the water, and the timer is started. The sample is lowered until it is centered in the beaker. Disintegration occurs when the nonwoven structure breaks apart. This is recorded as the disintegration time. Once all visible nonwoven structure has detached from the slide, the slide is lifted from the water while the solution is continuously monitored for undissolved fragments of the nonwoven structure. Dissolution occurs when no more nonwoven structure fragments are visible. This is recorded as the resolution time.

[0378] Three repetitions of each sample are performed, and the average decay and dissolution times are recorded. The average decay and dissolution times are given in seconds.

[0379] The average decay and dissolution times are each normalized for the base weight by dividing by the base weight of the sample determined using the base weight method defined herein. The decay and dissolution times normalized for the base weight are expressed in seconds / g / m³. 2 the sample (s / (g / m 2 )) indicated. Methods for testing the diameter

[0380] The diameter of a single thread or thread within a nonwoven web is determined using a scanning electron microscope (SEM) or a light microscope and image analysis software. A magnification of 200 to 10,000x is selected to ensure the threads are sufficiently magnified for measurement. When using the SEM, gold or a palladium compound is sprayed onto the samples to prevent electrostatic charging and vibration of the thread in the electron beam. Alternatively, a manual procedure is used to determine the thread diameters based on the image acquired by the SEM or light microscope (displayed on the screen). Using a mouse or a position indicator tool, the edge of a randomly selected thread is located, and then the diameter is measured across its width (i.e., perpendicular to the thread's direction at that point) to the opposite edge of the thread.A scaled and calibrated image analysis tool provides the scale so that the actual value is available in µm. For fibers within a nonwoven web or film, several fibers are randomly selected above the sample using SEM or a light microscope. At least two portions of the nonwoven web or film (or the fiber web within the product) are cut out and tested in this way. A minimum of 100 such measurements are performed, and all data are then recorded for statistical analysis. The recorded data are used to calculate the mean (average) diameter of the fibers, the standard deviation of the fiber diameters, and the median of the fiber diameters.

[0381] Another useful statistical measure is calculating the size of the population of threads smaller than a certain upper limit. To determine this statistical measure, the software is programmed to count how many results have thread diameters below an upper limit. This count (divided by the total number of data points and multiplied by 100%) is expressed as a percentage below the upper limit, such as "percent below 1 µm diameter" or "%-submicron". The measured diameter (in µm) of a single circular thread is denoted by di.

[0382] If the threads have non-circular cross-sections, the thread diameter is measured as the hydraulic diameter, which is equated to four times the cross-sectional area of ​​the thread divided by the cross-sectional circumference of the thread (or, in the case of a hollow thread, by the outer circumference). The number-mean diameter, or alternatively the average diameter, is calculated as follows: dnum=∑i=1ndin Tensile test methods: elongation, tensile strength, TEA and modulus

[0383] Elongation, tensile strength, TEA, and tangent modulus are measured using a constant-rate tensile testing machine with a computer interface (a suitable instrument is the EJA Vantage from Thwing-Albert Instrument Co., West Berlin, NJ), using a load cell for which the measured forces are within 10% to 90% of the cell's limits. Smooth handles with stainless steel surfaces, 25.4 mm high and wider than the width of the test specimen, are fitted to both the upper movable and lower stationary pneumatic clamping jaws. An air pressure of approximately 414 kPa (60 psi) is applied to the clamping jaws.

[0384] Eight usable units of nonwoven and / or dissolving fiber structure are divided into two stacks of four samples each. The samples in each stack are consistently oriented with respect to the machine direction (MD) and cross direction (CD). One stack is designated for testing in the MD direction, and the other is designated for testing in the CD direction. Using a 2.5 cm or 1-inch precision tool (Thwing Albert JDC-1-10, or similar), cut four MD strips from one stack and four CD strips from the other, with dimensions of 2.54 cm ± 0.025 cm (1.00 in ± 0.01 in) in width and 7.62 cm to 10.16 cm (3.0 in - 4.0 in) in length. Each strip of a usable unit thickness is treated as a uniform test sample.

[0385] Program the tensile testing machine to perform a strain test, acquiring force and strain data at a rate of 20 Hz while the crosshead lifts at a rate of 5.08 cm / min (2.00 in / min) until the sample breaks. The breakage sensitivity is set to 80%, meaning the test will stop when the measured force drops to 20% of the maximum peak force, at which point the crosshead will return to its home position.

[0386] Set the gauge length to 2.54 cm (1.00 in). Zero the crosshead and load cell. Insert at least 2.54 cm (1.00 in) of the uniform pattern into the upper handle, align it vertically with the upper and lower clamping jaws, and close the upper handles. Insert the one-piece specimen into the lower handles and close them. The one-piece specimen must be under sufficient tension to eliminate sag but exhibit less than 5.0 g of force at the load cell. Start the tensile testing machine and data acquisition. Repeat the test in a similar manner for all four CD and the four one-piece MD specimens.

[0387] Program software to calculate the following from the curve of constructed force (g) versus strain (cm / inch): The tensile strength is defined as the maximum peak force (g) divided by the specimen width (cm) and is expressed as N / m to an accuracy of + / - 0.4 N / m (1 g / inch).

[0388] The adjusted gauge length is calculated as the measured expansion at 3.0 g force (inches), added to the original gauge length (inches).

[0389] The elongation is calculated as the expansion at maximum peak force (inches), divided by the adjusted gauge length (inches), multiplied by 100 and expressed as a percentage to the nearest 0.1%.

[0390] The total energy (TEA) is calculated as the area under the force curve integrated from zero extension to the extension at maximum peak force (g*inch), divided by the product of the adapted gauge length (in) and the sample width (inch), and it is recorded to the nearest 0.4 J / m². 2 (1 g*inch / inch 2 ).

[0391] Plot the force (g) versus extension (inches) curve again as the force (g) versus stress curve. Stress is defined here as extension (inches) divided by the adjusted measurement length (inches).

[0392] Program software to calculate the following from the curve of the constructed force (g) against stress:

[0393] The tangent modulus is calculated as the slope of the linear line drawn between the two data points on the force (g) versus stress curve, where one of the data points used is the first data point recorded after a force of 28 g and the other data point is the first data point recorded after a force of 48 g. This slope is then divided by the sample width (2.54 cm) and plotted to the next 1 g / cm.

[0394] Tensile strength (N / m (g / inch)), elongation (%), total energy (J / m) 2 (g*inch / inch 2 The tangent modulus (g / cm) and the tangent modulus are calculated for the four uniform CD patterns and the four uniform MD patterns. Calculate an average for each parameter separately for the CD and MD patterns.

[0395] Calculations: Geometric mean of tensile strength = square root of [[MD−tensile strength(N / m(g / inch))×CD−tensile strength(N / m (g / inch))] Geometric mean of elongation at break = square root of [MD−elongation at break (%)×CD−elongation at break (%)] Geometric mean TEA = square root [MD TEA (J / m2(g*inch / inch2))×CDTEA (J / m2(g*inch / inch2))] Geometric mean modulus = square root of [MD modulus (g / cm) × CD modulus (g / cm)] Total dry tensile strength (TDT) = MD−Tensile strength (N / m(g / inch)) + CD−Tensile strength (N / m(g / inch)) Total TEA = MD − TEA (J / m²(g*inch / inch²)) + CD ∗ TEA (g*inch / inch²) Total module=MD module(g / cm)+CD module(g / cm) Tensile strength ratio = MD−Tensile strength (N / m(g / inch)) / CD−Tensile strength (N / m(g / inch)) EXAMPLES OF OPTICAL DENSITY MEASUREMENTS ON PRINTED FIBER PLATE LAYER AND PRINTING CONDITIONS

[0396] A fiber web sheet measuring 20 cm by 28 cm (8 in by 11 in) was cut from a fiber web roll, produced according to the fiber structure fabrication process described above. The fiber web sheet was then mounted on a plate of an Amica Systems TL2020 inkjet printing system with a print gap (distance between the nozzle plate and the surface of the fiber web sheet) set to 2 mm. The resolution was set to 600 dpi x 300 dpi, where 600 dpi was the resolution in one machine direction and 300 dpi was the resolution in one cross direction of the fiber web. The droplet size was set to 14 picoliters.

[0397] A color chart for the colors cyan, magenta, yellow and black was printed on separate fiber web layers, with each color chart comprising 17 color swatches with the following ink coverage in %: 1%, 2%, 3%, 5%, 10%, 20%, 30%, 40%, 50%, 60%, 70%, 80%, 90%, 95%, 96%, 97% and 100%. 1. Color example CYAN

[0398] A color chart for the color cyan was printed onto a fiber web layer using DuPont Artistri® Series P5000 + Pigment Ink, P5100 Cyan. 2. Color example MAGENTA

[0399] A color chart for the color magenta was printed onto a fiber web layer using DuPont Artistri® Series P5000 + Pigment Ink, P5200 Magenta. 3. Color example YELLOW

[0400] A color chart for the color yellow was printed onto a fiber web layer using DuPont Artistri® Series P5000 + Pigment Ink, P5300 Yellow. 4. Color example BLACK

[0401] A color chart for the color black was printed onto a fiber web layer using DuPont Artistri® Series P5000 + Pigment Ink, P5400 Black.

[0402] The optical density was measured and recorded for each field according to the test procedure for color and optical density described herein.

[0403] The recorded data “ratio of optical density to ink coverage in %” for each color sample are shown in Table 2 below. TABLE 2 Optical density Color application (%) Cyan magenta Yellow Black 1 0,01 0,07 0,09 0,02 1 0,01 0,07 0,09 0,02 2 0,03 0,07 0,09 0,02 2 0,03 0,07 0,09 0,02 3 0,02 0,01 0,09 0,01 3 0,02 0,01 0,09 0,01 5 0,02 0,07 0,08 0,02 5 0,02 0,07 0,08 0,02 10 0,02 0,09 0,08 0,04 10 0,02 0,09 0,08 0,04 20 0,03 0,08 0,10 0,05 20 0,03 0,08 0,10 0,05 30 0,05 0,10 0,08 0,10 30 0,05 0,10 0,08 0,10 40 0,08 0,10 0,07 0,13 40 0,08 0,10 0,07 0,13 50 0,14 0,15 0,09 0,17 50 0,14 0,15 0,09 0,17 60 0,18 0,17 0,09 0,22 60 0,18 0,17 0,09 0,22 70 0,24 0,21 0,08 0,28 70 0,24 0,21 0,08 0,28 80 0,29 0,27 0,13 0,36 80 0,29 0,27 0,13 0,36 90 0,39 0,39 0,22 0,56 90 0,39 0,39 0,22 0,56 95 0,46 0,46 0,12 0,56 95 0,46 0,46 0,12 0,56 96 0,47 0,45 0,21 0,53 96 0,47 0,45 0,21 0,53 97 0,47 0,47 0,31 0,62 97 0,47 0,47 0,31 0,62 100 0,49 0,47 0,26 0,60 100 0,49 0,47 0,26 0,60 EXAMPLES OF MEASUREMENTS OF WET AND DRY ADHESION ON PRINTED FIBER PLATE LAYER FIBER PLATE LAYER AND PRINTING CONDITIONS

[0404] A fiber web layer measuring 20 cm by 28 cm (8 in by 11 in) was cut from a fiber web roll, produced according to the fiber structure manufacturing process described above. The fiber web layer was then mounted on a plate of an Amica Systems TL2020 inkjet printing system with a print gap (distance between the nozzle plate and the surface of the fabric layer) set to 2 mm. The resolution was set to 600 dpi x 300 dpi, where 600 dpi was the resolution in one machine direction and 300 dpi was the resolution in one cross direction of the fiber web layer. The droplet size was set to 14 picoliters.

[0405] A 13 cm x 13 cm (5 in x 5 in) area of ​​the fiber web layer was printed with cyan ink, DuPont Artistri® Series P5000 + Pigment Ink, P5100 Cyan. Wet and dry adhesion ratings were measured and recorded according to the wet and dry adhesion rating test procedures described herein. Each measurement was taken on an untested area of ​​the printed fiber web layer.

[0406] The recorded data for the classification of wet and dry adhesion are shown in Table 3 below. TABLE 3 Ink adhesion rating (IAR) Classification of dry ink adhesion 4,5 Classification of wet ink adhesion 4,1 EXAMPLES OF PRINTED FIBERGLASS WITH COLOR CALUMN MEASUREMENTS FIBERGLASS LAYER AND PRINTING CONDITIONS

[0407] A fiber web sheet measuring 20 cm by 28 cm (8 in by 11 in) was cut from a fiber web roll, produced according to the fiber structure fabrication process described above. The fiber web sheet was then mounted on a plate of an Amica Systems TL2020 inkjet printing system with a print gap (distance between the nozzle plate and the surface of the fiber web sheet) set to 2 mm. The resolution was set to 600 dpi x 300 dpi, where 600 dpi was the resolution in one machine direction and 300 dpi was the resolution in one cross direction of the fiber web. The droplet size was set to 14 picoliters.

[0408] 2500 color patches (individual 6 mm x 6 mm patches) were printed onto fiber web layers, and data was recorded according to the color scale test procedure described herein. Printing was performed using DuPont Artistri® Series P5000 + Pigment Ink, P5100 Cyan, P5200 Magenta, P5300 Yellow, and P5400 Black.

[0409] The resulting color scale was measured according to the color scale test procedure and defined by the difference in CIELab coordinate values ​​that are within the limits described by the following system of equations: {a*=−13.0 to −10.0;b*=7.6 to 15.5}−−>b*=2.645a∗+41.869 {a*=−10.0 to −2.1;b*=15.5 to 7.0}−−>b*=1.456a∗+30.028 {a*=−2.1 to 4.8;b*=27.0 to 24.9}−−>b*=−0.306a∗+26.363 {a*=4.8 to 20.9;b*=24.9 to 15.2}−−>>b*=−0.601a∗+27.791 {a*=20.9 to 23.4;b*=15.2 to −4.0}−−>b*=−7.901a∗+180.504 {a*=23.4 to 20.3;b*=−4.0 to -10.3}−−>b*=2.049a∗−51.823 {a*=20.3 to 6.6;b*=−10.3 to -19.3}−−>b*=0.657a∗−23.639 {a*=6.6 to −5.1; b*=−19.3 to −18.0}−−>b*=−0.110a*−18.575 {a*=−5.1 to −9.2; b*=−18.0 to −7.1}−−>b*=−2.648a*−31.419 {a*=−9.2 to −13.0; b*=−7.1 to 7.6}−−>b*=−3.873a*−42.667; ;and where L* is from 0 to 100. Fig. Figure 13 is a graphical representation of the color scale in CIELab (L*a*b*) coordinates described above, where the a*b* plane is shown and L* = 0 to 100. EXAMPLES OF PRINTED FIBER PLATE FOR MEASUREMENTS OF INK PENETRATION FIBER PLATE LAYER AND PRINTING CONDITIONS

[0410] A fiber web sheet measuring 20 cm by 28 cm (8 in by 11 in) was cut from a fiber web roll, produced according to the fiber structure manufacturing process described above. The fiber web sheet was then mounted on a plate of an Amica Systems TL2020 inkjet printing system with a print gap (distance between the nozzle plate and the surface of the fiber web sheet) set to 2 mm.

[0411] A 13 cm x 13 cm (5 in x 5 in) area of ​​the fiber web layer was printed with cyan ink, DuPont Artistri® Series P5000 + Pigment Ink, P5100 Cyan. The ink penetration distances were measured according to the ink penetration test procedures described herein and recorded as shown in Table 4 below. TABLE 4 Example Ink penetration (µm) Nr. 1 73 Nr. 2 98 Nr. 3 38

[0412] The dimensions and values ​​disclosed herein should not be understood as being strictly limited to the exact numerical values ​​stated. Instead, unless otherwise specified, each of these dimensions should have the meaning of the stated value and a functionally appropriate range surrounding that value. For example, a dimension disclosed as "40 mm" should mean "about 40 mm".

[0413] Every document referenced herein, including any references to or related patents or applications, is hereby incorporated herein by reference in its entirety, unless expressly excluded or otherwise limited. The citation of a document does not imply that it is recognized as prior art for any embodiment disclosed or claimed herein, or that it teaches, suggests, or discloses such embodiment, either alone or in combination with other referenced sources. Furthermore, to the extent that any meaning or definition of a term in this document conflicts with any meaning or definition of the same term in a document incorporated by reference, the meaning or definition assigned to that term in this present document shall prevail.

[0414] Although certain embodiments of the present invention have been presented and described, it is obvious to the person skilled in the art that various further changes and modifications can be made without deviating from the basic concept and scope of protection of the present invention. Therefore, the appended claims are intended to cover all such changes and modifications that fall within the scope of protection of the invention. Examples of implementation: 1. Fiber web, comprising the following: a fibrous structure comprising threads, wherein the threads comprise the following: thread-forming material; and an active ingredient, releaseable from the threads upon exposure to conditions of intended use; a graphic printed directly onto the fiber structure. 2. Fiber web according to Example 1, wherein the fiber structure includes a first surface and a second surface opposite the first surface; and wherein the graphic comprises ink positioned on the first surface. 3. Fiber web according to Example 2, wherein part of the ink is positioned on the fiber structure at a depth of 100 µm or less below the first surface. 4. Fiber web according to one of the preceding examples, wherein the graphic includes a primary color selected from the group consisting of cyan, yellow, magenta and black. 5. Fiber web according to Example 4, wherein at least one of the primary colors cyan, yellow, magenta and black has an optical density of more than about 0.05. 6. Fiber web according to any of the preceding examples, wherein the fiber structure has a geometric tensile strength of at least about 77.4 N / m (200 g / inch) or higher. 7. Fiber web according to one of the preceding examples, wherein the fiber structure has a geometric mean elongation at break of at least about 10% or greater. 8. Fiber web according to one of the preceding examples, wherein the fiber structure has a geometric mean modulus of about 5000 g / cm or less. 9. Fiber web according to one of the preceding examples, wherein the fiber structure has an average decay time of about 60 seconds or less. 10. Fiber web according to one of the preceding examples, wherein the fiber structure has an average resolution time of about 600 seconds or less. 11. Fiber web according to one of the preceding examples, wherein the fiber structure has an average decay time per g / m2 of about 1.0 seconds / g / m2 (s / gsm) or less. 12. Fiber web according to any of the preceding examples, wherein the fiber structure has an average dissolution time per g / m2 of the sample of about 10 seconds / g / m2 (s / gsm) or less. 13. Fiber web according to one of the preceding examples, wherein the graphic comprises L*a*b* color values, the graphic being defined by the difference in CIELab coordinate values ​​arranged within the limits described by the following system of equations: {a*=−13.0 to 10.0; b*=7.6 to 15.5}−−>b*=2.645a*+41.869 {a*=−10.0 to 2.1; b*=15.5 to 27.0}−−>b*=1.456a*+30.028 {a*=−2.1 to 4.8; b*=27.0 to 24.9}−−>b*=−0.306a*+26.363 {a*=4.8 to 20.9; b*=24.9 to 15.2}−−>>b*=−0.601a*+27.791 {a*=20.9 to 23.4; b*=15.2 to 4.0}−−>b*=−7.901a*+180.504 {a*=23.4 to 20.3; b*=−4.0 to 10.3}−−>>b*=2.049a*−51.823 {a*=20.3 to 6.6; b*=−10.3 to 19.3}−−>b*=0.657a*−23.639 {a*=6.6 to 5.1; b*=−19.3 to 18.0}−−>b*=−0.110a*−18.575 {a*=−5.1 to 9.2; b*=−18.0 to 7.1}−−>b*=−2.648a*−31.419 {a*=−9.2 to 13.0; b*=−7.1 to 7.6}−−>b*=−3.873a*−42.667; ; and where L* is from 0 to 100. 14. Fiber web according to one of the preceding examples, wherein the fiber structure has an average wet ink adhesion rating of at least about 1.5 or higher. 15. Fiber web according to one of the preceding examples, wherein the fiber structure has an average dry ink adhesion rating of at least about 1.5 or higher.

Claims

[1] Fiber structure comprising threads; wherein the threads comprise a thread-forming material, wherein the thread-forming material is a water-soluble material; and wherein the fiber structure further contains an active ingredient which is released from the fiber structure upon exposure to conditions of intended use; wherein the fiber structure comprises a graphic printed directly onto the fiber structure, wherein the fiber structure comprises a first surface and a second surface opposite the first surface; and wherein the graphic includes an ink that is positioned at least on a portion of the first surface; and wherein a portion of the ink is positioned on the fiber structure at a depth of 100 µm or less below the first surface, the depth being determined according to the ink penetration depth test procedure. [2] Fiber structure according to claim 1, wherein the graphic includes a primary color selected from the group consisting of cyan, yellow, magenta and black. [3] Fiber structure according to claim 2, wherein at least one of the primary colors cyan, yellow, magenta and black has an optical density of more than about 0.

05. [4] Fiber structure according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the fiber structure has a geometric tensile strength of at least about 77.4 N / m (200 g / inch) or higher. [5] Fiber structure according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the fiber structure has a geometric mean elongation at break of at least about 10% or greater. [6] Fiber structure according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the fiber structure has a geometric mean modulus of about 5000 g / cm or less. [7] Fiber structure according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the fiber structure has an average decay time of about 60 seconds or less. [8] Fiber structure according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the fiber structure has an average resolution time of about 600 seconds or less. [9] Fiber structure according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the fiber structure has an average decay time per g / m2 of about 1.0 seconds / g / m2 (s / gsm) or less. [10] Fiber structure according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the fiber structure has an average dissolution time per g / m2 of the sample of about 10 seconds / g / m2 (s / gsm) or less. [11] Fiber structure according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the graphic comprises L*a*b* color values, wherein the graphic is defined by the difference in CIELab coordinate values ​​that are arranged within the limits described by the following system of equations: {a*=−13.0 to −10.0; b*=7.6 to 15.5}−−>b*=2.645a*+41.869 {a*=−10.0 to −2.1; b*=15.5 to 27.0}−−>b*=1.456a*+30.028 {a*=−2.1 to 4.8; b*=27.0 to 24.9}−−>b*=−0.306a*+26.363 {a*=4.8 to 20.9; b*=24.9 to 15.2}−−>>b*=0.601a∗+27.791 {a*=20.9 to 23.4; b*=15.2 to −4.0}−−>b*=−7.901a∗+180.504 {a*=23.4 to 20.3; b*=−4.0 to −10.3}−−>b*=2.049a∗−51.823 {a*=20.3 to 6.6; b*=−10.3 to −19.3}−−>b*=0.657a∗−23.639 {a*=6.6 to −5.1; b*=−19.3 to −18.0}−−>b*=−0.110a∗−18.575 {a*=−5.1 to −9.2; b*=−18.2 to −7.1}−−>b*=−2.648a∗−31.419 {a*=−9.2 to −13.4; b*=−7.1 to 7.6}−−>b*=−3.873a∗−42.667 ; and where L* is from 0 to 100. [12] Fiber structure according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the fiber structure has an average wet ink adhesion rating of at least about 1.5 or higher. [13] Fiber structure according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the fiber structure has an average dry ink adhesion rating of at least about 1.5 or higher. [14] Fiber structure according to any of the preceding claims, which is configured as a bag wall material and defines an internal volume of a bag. [15] Fiber structure according to any of the preceding claims comprising at least two and / or at least three and / or at least four and / or at least five layers. [16] Fiber structure according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the active ingredient comprises one or more surfactants. [17] Fiber structure according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the threads contain one or more active ingredients. [18] Fiber structure according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the active ingredient is a particulate active ingredient. [19] Product comprising the fiber structure according to any of the preceding claims.

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