Fabric softener composition comprising polysaccharide

Abstract

The present invention relates to a fabric softener composition which comprises a polysaccharide, to a method for producing it, and to the use of a polysaccharide to improve the softening effect of the fabric softener composition.

Description

[0001] Fabric softener composition with polysaccharide

[0002] The present invention relates to a fabric softener composition comprising a polysaccharide, a process for its preparation and the use of a polysaccharide for improving the softening effect of the fabric softener composition.

[0003] Fabric softeners are used to counteract the drying stiffness that occurs when laundry dries. This stiffness occurs when electrostatic hydrogen bonds form between the cellulose fibers. Today, cationic surfactants, particularly quaternary ammonium compounds known as esterquats, are generally used to counteract this effect. The cationic surfactants penetrate the fibers of the laundry, attach themselves to the negatively charged areas, and thereby weaken the interactions. Fabric softeners are among the most popular household products with questionable benefits, including their environmental impact. Therefore, there is a need for fabric softener formulations that are characterized by their high effectiveness and sustainability.

[0004] DE 2925859 describes a liquid laundry aftertreatment agent with quaternary ammonium compounds and cationic polysaccharide derivatives, which contains 0.5 to 6.0 wt.% of fabric softening active ingredient consisting of 40 to 100 wt.% of quaternary ammonium salts selected from the derivatives of ammonia and / or imidazoline with at least 2 long-chain aliphatic radicals in the molecule and 0 to 60 wt.% of a fatty acid / hydroxyalkylpolyamine condensation product and 1.0 to 6.0 wt.% of a water-soluble polygalactomannan ether containing quaternary ammonium groups and other customary constituents of liquid laundry aftertreatment agents.

[0005] EP 0 596 580 relates to a liquid, aqueous fabric softening composition based on a cationic, biodegradable fabric softening agent and containing a gelatinized cationic starch as a thickener.

[0006] WO 2011 / 123606 discloses a process for preparing a fabric softener composition comprising from 1% to 49% by weight of the fabric softener composition of bis-(2-hydroxyethyl)-dimethylammonium chloride fatty acid ester, comprising the step of mixing water with a fabric softener active composition (FSAC), wherein the FSAC comprises: (i) from 65 to 95% by weight of the FSAC of the bis-(2-hydroxyethyl)-dimethylammonium chloride fatty acid ester having a molar ratio of fatty acid units to amine units of 1.80 to 1.96, an average chain length of the fatty acid units of 16 to 18 carbon atoms and an iodine number, calculated for the free fatty acid, of 0 to 50, (ii) from 2 to 8% by weight of the FSAC of a fatty acid triglyceride having an average chain length of the fatty acid units of 10 to 14 carbon atoms and an iodine number, calculated for the free fatty acid, from 0 to 15 and (iii) from 3 to 12 wt.-% of the FSAC an alcohol selected from ethanol, 1-propanol and 2-propanol; to form the fabric softener composition comprising from 1% to 49% by weight of the fabric softener composition of the bis-(2-hydroxyethyl)-dimethylammonium chloride fatty acid ester.

[0007] In addition to their softening effect, fabric softeners are often used to impart a specific scent to laundry, so fabric softener compositions usually contain other ingredients such as fragrances. The use of fragrances encapsulated in a polymer shell has become established, as this allows for a more targeted release of the fragrances. To prevent these so-called fragrance microcapsules from settling in the fabric softener composition, they must be stabilized, so that additional ingredients are generally required in the composition. It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a liquid fabric softener composition capable of stabilizing fragrance microcapsules.

[0008] Although the surfactants used today are mostly of natural origin and biodegradable, harmful effects on aquatic organisms cannot be completely ruled out, so that in the context of the present invention it is still desirable to keep the amount of softening compounds as low as possible.

[0009] It has surprisingly been found that this object is achieved by a fabric softener composition as defined in claim 1.

[0010] In this respect, a first aspect of the present invention is a fabric softener composition comprising, based on the total weight of the composition: a. 1.5 to 6% by weight of a fabric softening quaternary ammonium compound; b. 0.1 to 3% by weight of a polysaccharide; c. at least 0.1% by weight of fragrance; and d. at least 0.1% by weight of fragrance microcapsules.

[0011] The fabric softener composition according to the invention is surprisingly characterized by well-stabilized fragrance microcapsules and an improved softening effect compared to conventional fabric softener compositions.

[0012] Given the increased environmental awareness among consumers, products that contribute to sustainable use are particularly desired. Therefore, the components of the composition according to the invention are selected particularly with regard to their biocompatibility and degradability. In this context, a preferred embodiment is one in which the polysaccharide is starch or cellulose, preferably starch of plant origin, in particular those selected from the group consisting of potato starch, corn starch, cereal starch, pea starch, tapioca starch, and modified starches, as well as modified cellulose, in particular alkyl cellulose, and mixtures thereof.

[0013] The fabric softening ammonium compound used in the fabric softener composition according to the invention is preferably a compound of formula (I): where R 4represents an aliphatic alk(en)yl radical having 12 to 22 carbon atoms with 0, 1 or 2 double bonds and / or optionally substituents; R 5 for H, OH, or O(CO)R 7 stands, R 6 independent of R 5 for H, OH, or O(CO)R 8 where R 7 and R 8 independently of one another each represents an aliphatic alk(en)yl radical having 12 to 22 carbon atoms with 0, 1 or 2 double bonds, m, n and p can each independently have the value 1, 2 or 3 and X- can be either a halide, methosulfate, methophosphate or phosphate ion or mixtures of these anions.

[0014] A fabric softener composition according to the invention preferably contains a fabric softening, quaternary ammonium compound having an iodine value in the range from 0 to 15. The iodine value of the quaternary ammonium compound is preferably between 0 and 10. It has surprisingly been found that a low iodine value, in particular an iodine value of less than 10, leads to a significant reduction in the residual moisture in the laundry, which can, for example, reduce the drying time.

[0015] Preferably, the fabric softener composition of the present invention contains a quaternary ammonium compound selected from the group consisting of methyl N-(2-hydroxyethyl)-N,N-di(tallow acyloxyethyl)ammonium methosulfate, bis(palmitoyloxyethyl)hydroxyethylmethylammonium methosulfate, 1,2-bis[tallow acyloxy]-3-trimethylammonium propane chloride, methyl N,N-bis(stearoyloxyethyl)-N-(2-hydroxyethyl)ammonium methosulfate, N,N-dimethyl-N,N-di(tallow acyloxyethyl)ammonium methosulfate and N,N-dimethyl-N,N-di-(palmitoyloxyethyl)ammonium methosulfate, wherein the alkyl radicals derived from tallow fatty acid or palm oil are so highly hydrogenated that the iodine value of the compounds is less than or equal to 15. The fabric softener composition particularly preferably contains methyl N-(2-hydroxyethyl)-N,N-di(tallow acyloxyethyl)ammonium methosulfate with an iodine value of 2 as a softening, quaternary ammonium compound.

[0016] Within the scope of the present invention, it was surprisingly found that the addition of the polysaccharide not only improves the stability of the fabric softener composition, but also improves the softening effect, so that the content of fabric-softening quaternary ammonium compound required in the fabric softener composition could be reduced. Therefore, an embodiment is preferred in which the content of fabric-softening quaternary ammonium compound in the composition is a maximum of 5 wt.%, preferably a maximum of 3 wt.%, based on the total weight of the composition.

[0017] In a preferred embodiment of the fabric softener composition according to the invention, the polysaccharide content in the composition is 0.5 to 1.5 wt.%, particularly preferably 0.8 to 1.0 wt.%, in each case based on the total weight of the composition. It has surprisingly been found that this content is sufficient to achieve stable dispersion of the fragrance microcapsules.

[0018] In order to achieve a uniform and targeted release of the fragrance, it has proven advantageous to use fragrance microcapsules. Suitable microcapsules are known to the person skilled in the art and are described, for example, in US Pat. No. 5,137,646. In the context of the present invention, it has surprisingly been found that, in particular, microcapsules with a specific size can be stabilized by the addition of a polysaccharide to the composition. Therefore, an embodiment is preferred in which the fragrance microcapsules have a size of less than 100 μm, particularly preferably 10 to 40 μm, in particular 20 to 30 μm. The content of fragrance microcapsules in the composition according to the invention is preferably 0.1 to 2 wt.%. The content of perfume in the composition is equally preferably 0.1 to 2 wt.%, in each case based on the total weight of the composition.

[0019] The present invention further provides a process for producing the fabric softener composition according to the invention. Within the scope of the process according to the invention, the polysaccharide is first converted into a water-soluble form, and then the other components, such as the fabric-softening quaternary ammonium compound, fragrance, and fragrance microcapsules, are added. In a preferred embodiment of the process according to the invention, the polysaccharide is converted into an aqueous premix by dispersing, preferably at temperatures of 60 to 100°C, more preferably 65 to 95°C. The process according to the invention can be operated both continuously and in batch mode.

[0020] Within the scope of the present invention, it was surprisingly found that the softening effect of a fabric softener composition can be improved by adding a polysaccharide to the composition. Therefore, a further subject of the present invention is the use of a polysaccharide to improve the softening effect of a fabric softener composition. In a preferred embodiment, the polysaccharide is used in an amount of 0.1 to 3 wt.%, particularly preferably 0.5 to 1.5 wt.%, in particular 0.8 to 1.0 wt.%, based on the total weight of the composition, particularly preferably in combination with a fabric-softening quaternary ammonium compound.In a further preferred embodiment, the polysaccharide is starch or cellulose, preferably starch of plant origin, in particular that which is selected from the group consisting of potato starch, corn starch, cereal starch, pea starch, tapioca starch, and modified starches as well as modified cellulose, in particular alkyl cellulose, and mixtures thereof.

[0021] The present invention is explained in more detail with reference to the following examples and figures, which are in no way to be understood as a limitation of the inventive concept.

[0022] Examples:

[0023] Fabric softener compositions according to the invention, as summarized in Table 1, were measured for their softening effect and rheological properties. The data refer to wt. %.

[0024] Table 1

[0025] 1) Bermocoll EBM 10

[0026] 2) Präpagen TQ The compositions according to the invention showed no phase separation or settling of the fragrance microcapsules even after storage for 8 weeks.

[0027] As can be seen from Figure 1, the plasticizing effect can be significantly improved by the inventive combination of quaternary ammonium compound and polysaccharide, whereby the data show the double determination of the measurement series.

[0028] In addition to an improved plasticizing effect, the composition according to the invention also exhibits advantageous rheological properties. Figure 2a shows the viscosity behavior of a composition according to the invention according to Example 5, while Figure 2b shows the viscosity behavior of a comparative composition without the addition of polysaccharide.

[0029] Table 2 shows the yield stress data of the composition according to the invention according to Example 5 and a comparison composition without the addition of polysaccharide.

[0030] Table 2:

[0031] In addition, the viscosities of the compositions according to the invention (Examples 8 to 12) were examined as a function of shear rate: All samples exhibit shear-thinning behavior in viscosity curves (Figure 3) (viscosity as a function of shear rate: AR-G2 rheometer (from TA Instruments), 20°C, shear rate ramp 0.01–1000 1 / s, plate / plate system, plate diameter 6 cm, plate spacing 800 μm). The viscosity of the compositions according to Examples 8 to 11 is higher than that of Example 12; all samples exhibit shear-thinning behavior.

[0032] Table 3 (data in wt%):

[0033]

[0034] 3): Wheat starch (Kroner)

[0035] 4): native corn starch (Kroner)

[0036] 5): native corn starch (Agrana)

[0037] 6): cold-soluble corn starch (ADM)

[0038] In addition, an odor test was conducted on cotton textiles. For this purpose, 30 test textiles (100% cotton) were thoroughly moistened in a washing machine (Miele Nootronic W1935) using the 40°C easy-care program without detergent. In the final rinse cycle, 22 g of example composition 11 or 12 were used (in 2 L of water). The laundry was line-dried overnight at room temperature. The odor test was conducted on the freshly dried textiles (paired comparison fresh) and on textiles that were folded after drying and stored at room temperature for one week (paired comparison stored). The test subjects rated which composition produced the better fragrance impression separately for the fresh and stored textiles. The number given indicates how many test subjects rated each textile better than the other.

[0039] The inventive composition according to Example 11 shows a more convincing performance on stored textiles.

Claims

Patent claims: 1 . A fabric softener composition comprising, based on the total weight of the composition: a. 1.5 to 6 wt.% of a fabric softening quaternary ammonium compound, b. 0.1 to 3 wt.% of a polysaccharide, c. at least 0.1 wt.% of perfume, and d. at least 0.1 wt.% of perfume microcapsules.

2. Fabric softener composition according to claim 1, characterized in that the polysaccharide is starch or cellulose, preferably starch of vegetable origin, in particular that which is selected from the group consisting of potato starch, corn starch, cereal starch, pea starch, tapioca starch, and modified starches as well as modified cellulose, in particular alkyl cellulose, and mixtures thereof.

3. Fabric softener composition according to at least one of claims 1 or 2, characterized in that the fabric softening quaternary ammonium compound is a compound of formula (I): s where R 4 represents an aliphatic alk(en)yl radical having 12 to 22 carbon atoms with 0, 1 or 2 double bonds and / or optionally substituents; R 5 for H, OH, or O(CO)R 7 stands, R 6 independent of R 5 for H, OH, or O(CO)R 8 where R 7 and R 8 independently of one another each represents an aliphatic alk(en)yl radical having 12 to 22 carbon atoms with 0, 1 or 2 double bonds, m, n and p can each independently have the value 1, 2 or 3 and X- can be either a halide, methosulfate, methophosphate or phosphate ion or mixtures of these anions.

4. Fabric softener composition according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the content of the fabric softening compound in the composition is at most 5 wt.%, preferably at most 3 wt.%, based on the total weight of the composition. Fabric softener composition according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the polysaccharide content in the composition is 0.5 to 1.5 wt. %, preferably 0.8 to 1.0 wt. %, based in each case on the total weight of the composition. Fabric softener composition according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the fragrance microcapsules have a size of less than 100 μm, particularly preferably 10 to 40 μm, in particular 20 to 30 μm. Process for producing a fabric softener composition according to at least one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that first the polysaccharide is converted into a water-soluble form and then further components such as the fabric-softening quaternary ammonium compound, fragrance and the fragrance microcapsules are added.Process according to claim 7, characterized in that the process is operated continuously or in batch mode. Use of a polysaccharide for improving the softening effect of a fabric softener composition. Use according to claim 9, characterized in that the polysaccharide is used in an amount of 0.1 to 3 wt. %, based on the fabric softener composition, and / or that the polysaccharide is starch or cellulose, preferably starch of plant origin, in particular that selected from the group consisting of potato starch, corn starch, cereal starch, pea starch, tapioca starch, and modified starches as well as modified cellulose, in particular alkyl cellulose, and mixtures thereof.

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