Detergent with open-pore microcapsules for long-lasting and reloadable release of fragrance and active ingredients on textiles

Abstract

Detergent comprising microcapsules with an open-pore carrier material, • wherein the microcapsules are loaded with at least one active ingredient, • the microcapsules remain attached to the textile fiber during the washing process • and ensure continuous release of active ingredients over several days or weeks after washing.

Description

Technical area:

[0001] The invention relates to washing and cleaning agents with active ingredient additives in encapsulated form, in particular those which are transferred to the textile during washing and remain there in order to enable prolonged and reloadable release of fragrance or active ingredient. State of the art:

[0002] Conventional fragrance capsules in detergents are usually completely consumed or washed out during the wash cycle. Their long-term effectiveness remains limited, and refilling is generally not possible. In addition, many products contain polymer capsules that can be considered microplastics. Object of the invention:

[0003] A detergent should be provided that • Contains microcapsules, • which remain on the textile fibre after washing, • Release active ingredients continuously, • and can be recharged by spraying, • without containing microplastics or nanoparticles. Solution:

[0004] The detergent contains open-pore microcapsules in powder or granule form that absorb active ingredients such as fragrances or fabric care components and release them evenly over an extended period. During the wash cycle, the capsules adhere to the textile fibers and remain there even after drying. The porous structure holds liquid active ingredients through capillary action and releases them in a controlled manner in the gas phase. Reloading can be achieved simply by spraying on a perfume or functional spray, without the need for a new wash cycle.

[0005] Advantages of the invention: • Capsules remain on textiles after washing • Long-term effect over days to weeks • Reloadable by simply spraying on fragrances or care sprays • Uniform release without rapid volatilization • No microplastics, no nanoparticles – also regulatory safe in the long term • Compatible with all detergent formats (powder, liquid, gel, tabs) • No clumping, good processability (“dry liquid”) • High loading volume and high chemical stability • Variable particle size adjustable

Claims

[1] Detergent comprising microcapsules with an open-pore carrier material, • wherein the microcapsules are loaded with at least one active ingredient, • the microcapsules remain attached to the textile fiber during the washing process • and ensure continuous release of active ingredients over several days or weeks after washing. [2] Detergent according to claim 1, wherein the active ingredients comprise fragrances, fabric care components, antibacterial agents, enzymes, enzyme stabilizers or other cosmetic or functional substances. [3] Detergent according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the microcapsules can be reloaded with an active ingredient after the washing process by simply spraying on a liquid medium. [4] Detergent according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the microcapsules have particle sizes in the range of 10 µm to 1500 µm. [5] Detergent according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the capsules contain a porous matrix with a capillary structure which binds liquid active ingredients by capillary forces and regulates their release in the gas phase. [6] Detergent according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the microcapsules may contain a loading of up to 50% by weight of active ingredient. [7] Detergent according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the microcapsules are compatible with different types of detergents, in particular powder, liquid or gel detergents and detergent tablets. [8] Detergent according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the open-pore carrier material is free from microplastics and free from nanoparticles. [9] Detergent according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the microcapsules remain on the textile fiber even after the drying process and continue to be functional. [10] Detergent according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the microcapsules are made compatible with strong oxidative or alkaline environments by external stabilizers.