Aqueous, transparent fabric conditioner

Abstract

An aqueous, transparent fabric conditioner comprising: a) 1 to 25 wt.% unsaturated ester linked quaternary ammonium compound; and b) 6 to 20 wt.% single long chain quaternary ammonium compound comprising a hydroxyl group, wherein the unsaturated ester linked quaternary ammonium compound comprises at least two chains derived from fatty acids, wherein the single long chain quaternary ammonium compound comprising a hydroxyl group has a long chain comprising 4 to 22 carbons and wherein the composition has a turbidity value of 0 to 10 NTU.

Description

[0001] AQUEOUS, TRANSPARENT FABRIC CONDITIONER

[0002] Field of the Invention

[0003] The present invention relates to transparent fabric conditioners.

[0004] Background of the Invention

[0005] Transparent fabric conditioners are desirable for some groups of consumers. However, formulating transparent fabric conditioners is challenging. Ester linked quaternary ammonium compounds which are commonly used as fabric softening actives are inherently unstable, often leading to cloudy or hazy formulations. It is a challenge for formulators to produce a fabric softening composition which is stable and effective at softening fabrics.

[0006] US5525245 discloses clear fabric softener microemulsion compositions comprising a combination of diester quaternary ammonium surfactants, diamido ammonium surfactants and selected organic solvents. These microemulsions are converted to macroemulsions upon dilution with water in the rinse cycle to provide a fabric softening treatment.

[0007] US20220154106 discloses liquid conditioning compositions that include alkyl ester quaternary ammonium softening actives.

[0008] CN107129882A discloses a transparent laundry liquid detergent composition having the function of washing softness and a preparation method thereof.

[0009] Summary of the Invention

[0010] It has been found that the combination of two different quaternary ammonium compounds leads to a stable, transparent formulation.

[0011] According in a first aspect of the present application is provided an aqueous, transparent fabric conditioner comprising: a) 1 to 25 wt.% unsaturated ester linked quaternary ammonium compound; and b) 6 to 20 wt.% single long chain quaternary ammonium compound comprising a hydroxyl group, wherein the unsaturated ester linked quaternary ammonium compound comprises at least two chains derived from fatty acids, wherein the single long chain quaternary ammonium compound comprising a hydroxyl group has a long chain comprising 4 to 22 carbons, and wherein the composition has a turbidity value of 0 to 10 NTU. In a further aspect of the present application is provided a method of preparing an aqueous, transparent fabric conditioner, wherein: i) 6 to 20 wt.% single long chain quaternary ammonium compound comprising a hydroxyl group is mixed with water and heated to a temperature between 40°C and 80°C; followed by ii) addition of 1 to 25 wt.% unsaturated ester linked quaternary ammonium compound.

[0012] Detailed of the Invention

[0013] These and other aspects, features and advantages will become apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art from a reading of the following detailed description and the appended claims. For the avoidance of doubt, any feature of one aspect of the present invention may be utilised in any other aspect of the invention. The word “comprising” is intended to mean “including” but not necessarily “consisting of” or “composed of.” In other words, the listed steps or options need not be exhaustive. It is noted that the examples given in the description below are intended to clarify the invention and are not intended to limit the invention to those examples per se. Similarly, all percentages are weight / weight percentages unless otherwise indicated. Except in the operating and comparative examples, or where otherwise explicitly indicated, all numbers in this description indicating amounts of material or conditions of reaction, physical properties of materials and / or use are to be understood as modified by the word “about”. Numerical ranges expressed in the format "from x to y" are understood to include x and y. When for a specific feature multiple preferred ranges are described in the format "from x to y", it is understood that all ranges combining the different endpoints are also contemplated.

[0014] The compositions described herein are aqueous. Aqueous is defined as a composition comprising 50 to 93 wt.% water, preferably more than 52 wt.% to 92 wt.%, more preferably 55 to 90 wt. % water.

[0015] The compositions described herein are transparent. Transparent is defined by the turbidity of the formulation. A formulation having a turbidity of less than 10 NTU (Nephelometric Turbidity unit) is considered transparent. Turbidity may be measured using a Turbidimeter, for example a Turbidimeter ex. Merck.

[0016] A particularly suitable Turbidimeter is the TURBI QUANT 1100 IR (Portable Turbidimeter) available from MERCK. Such a Turbidimeter uses white or broadband light with a spectral output ranging from 400 to 680 nm. A sensor is positioned at a 90° angle to the light source and this measures the intensity of the scattered light. The amount of scattered light is directly proportional to the number of particles present in the sample.

[0017] The compositions described herein comprise 1 to 25 wt.% unsaturated ester linked quaternary ammonium compound. Preferably the fabric conditioners comprise more than 2 wt. % unsaturated ester linked quaternary ammonium compound, more preferably more than 3 wt. % unsaturated ester linked quaternary ammonium compound. Preferably the fabric conditioners of the present invention comprise less than 22 wt. % unsaturated ester linked quaternary ammonium compound, more preferably less than 20 wt. % unsaturated ester linked quaternary ammonium compound, most preferably less than 18 wt. % unsaturated ester linked quaternary ammonium compound active by weight of the composition. Suitably the fabric conditioners comprise 1 to 25 wt. % unsaturated ester linked quaternary ammonium compound, preferably 2 to 22 wt.% unsaturated ester linked quaternary ammonium compound, more preferably 3 to 20 wt. % unsaturated ester linked quaternary ammonium compound, most preferably 3 to 18 wt.% unsaturated ester linked quaternary ammonium compound by weight of the composition.

[0018] The unsaturated ester linked quaternary ammonium compound preferably comprise at least one chain derived from fatty acids, more preferably at least two chains derived from a fatty acids. Preferably the fatty acids are defined as aliphatic monocarboxylic acids having a chain of 4 to 28 carbons. Fatty acids may be derived from various sources such as tallow or plant sources. Preferably the fatty acid chains are derived from plants.

[0019] The unsaturated ester linked quaternary ammonium compound comprises unsaturation. Preferably 50 to 90 wt.% of the fatty acids are, monounsaturated (comprise one carbon-carbon double bond), diunsaturated (comprise two carbon-carbon double bonds) or poly unsaturated (comprise more than two carbon-carbon double bonds).

[0020] Preferably the unsaturated ester linked quaternary ammonium compound ester-linked triethanolamine (TEA) quaternary ammonium compounds. Preferably the unsaturated ester linked quaternary ammonium compound comprises a mixture of mono-, di- and tri-ester linked components.

[0021] A first group of unsaturated ester linked quaternary ammonium compound suitable for use in the present compostions is represented by formula (I): wherein each R is independently selected from a C5 to C35 alkyl or alkenyl group; R1 represents a C1 to C4 alkyl, C2 to C4 alkenyl or a C1 to C4 hydroxyalkyl group; T may be either O-CO. (i.e. an ester group bound to R via its carbon atom), or may alternatively be CO-O (i.e. an ester group bound to R via its oxygen atom); n is a number selected from 1 to 4; m is a number selected from 1, 2, or 3; and X- is an anionic counter-ion, such as a halide or alkyl sulphate, e.g. chloride or methylsulfate. Di-esters variants of formula I (i.e. m = 2) are preferred and typically have mono- and tri-ester analogues associated with them. Such materials are particularly suitable for use in the present invention.

[0022] A second group of unsaturated ester linked quaternary ammonium compound suitable for use in the invention is represented by formula (II): wherein each R1 group is independently selected from C1 to C4 alkyl, hydroxyalkyl or C2 to C4 alkenyl groups; and wherein each R2 group is independently selected from C8 to C28 alkyl or alkenyl groups; and wherein n, T, and X- are as defined above.

[0023] A third group of unsaturated ester linked quaternary ammonium compound suitable for use in the invention is represented by formula (III): till) wherein each R1 group is independently selected from C1 to C4 alkyl, or C2 to C4 alkenyl groups; and wherein each R2 group is independently selected from C8 to C28 alkyl or alkenyl groups; and n, T, and X- are as defined above. Preferred materials of this third group include bis(2-tallowoyloxyethyl)dimethyl ammonium chloride, partially hardened and hardened versions thereof.

[0024] A particular example of the third group of group of unsaturated ester linked quaternary ammonium compound is represented the by the formula (IV):

[0025] A fourth group of group of unsaturated ester linked quaternary ammonium compound suitable for use in the invention are represented by formula (V): )

[0026] R1 and R2 are independently selected from C10 to C22 alkyl or alkenyl groups, preferably C14 to C20 alkyl or alkenyl groups. X- is as defined above.

[0027] The iodine value of the unsaturated ester linked quaternary ammonium compound is preferably from 70 to 130, more preferably from 80 to 120, and most preferably from 80 to 110. The iodine value may be chosen as appropriate.

[0028] If there is a mixture of group of unsaturated ester linked quaternary ammonium compound are present in the composition, the iodine value, referred to above, represents the mean iodine value of the parent fatty acyl compounds or fatty acids of all of the group of unsaturated ester linked quaternary ammonium compound materials present.

[0029] Iodine value as used in the context of the present invention refers to, the fatty acid used to produce the group of unsaturated ester linked quaternary ammonium compound, the measurement of the degree of unsaturation present in a material by a method of nmr spectroscopy as described in Anal. Chem., 34, 1136 (1962) Johnson and Shoolery. The compositions described herein comprise 6 to 20 wt.% single long chain quaternary ammonium compound comprising a hydroxyl group. Preferably the composition comprises 6.5 to 18 wt.% and most preferably 7 to 14 wt.% single long chain quaternary ammonium compound comprising a hydroxyl group, by weight of the composition. Preferably the single long chain quaternary ammonium compound does not comprise an ester linkage. Preferably the long chain of the single long chain quaternary ammonium compound comprises 4 to 22 carbons, preferably 6 to 20 carbons, more preferably 8 to 18 carbons and most preferably 10 to 14 carbons.

[0030] The single long chain quaternary ammonium compound is preferably represented by the following formula (VII):

[0031] Wherein R1is a long chain comprising 4 to 22 carbons, preferably 6 to 20 carbons, more preferably 8 to 18 carbons and most preferably 10 to 14 carbons.

[0032] R2comprises a hydroxyl group. Preferably R2comprises (CH2)i-eOH, preferably (CH2)I-4OH and most preferably (CH2)2OH.

[0033] R3and R4are independently selected from hydrogen, a Ci to C4 alkyl group or a Ci to C4 hydroxyl group. Preferably a Ci to C4 alkyl group, most preferably CH3.

[0034] The counter ion may be chloride as shown in formula (VII) or any other suitable anion.

[0035] The compositions described herein may preferably comprise nonionic surfactant. The non-ionic surfactant further improves the transparency of the formulations. Preferably the non-ionic surfactant has a Hydrophilic-lipophilic balance (HLB) value of 8 to 16, more preferably 9 to 14 and most preferably 10 to 13. Preferably the composition comprises 1 to 25 wt.% non-ionic surfactant has a Hydrophilic-lipophilic balance (HLB) value of 8 to 16, more preferably 2 to 20 wt.% and most preferably 3 to 15 wt.% non-ionic surfactant has a Hydrophilic-lipophilic balance (HLB) value of 8 to 16 by weight of the composition.

[0036] Preferably the non-ionic surfactant is an alcohol selected from alcohol ethoxylate or alcohol propoxylate, more preferably alcohol ethoxylate. Preferably the alcohol chain comprises 5 to 20 carbon atoms, more preferably 6 to 18 carbon atoms, even more preferably 7 to 16 carbon atoms and most preferably 8 to 14 carbon atoms. Preferably the non-ionic surfactant comprises 2 to 30 oxylate groups, more preferably 2 to 20 oxylate groups and most preferably 2 to 15 oxylate groups.

[0037] The compositions described herein may preferably comprise solvent. The solvent further improves the transparency of the formulations. The compositions described herein preferably comprise 6 to 25 wt. % solvent having the Hansen solubility parameters 5P polarity parameter of 4 to 22 MPa1 / 2and <5H hydrogen bonding parameter of 5 to 30 MPa1 / 2. Preferably the compositions comprise 6.5 to 20 wt.% of the solvent, most preferably 7 to 15 wt.% solvent having the Hansen solubility parameters 5P polarity parameter of 4 to 22 MPa1 / 2and 5Hhydrogen bonding parameter of 5 to 30 MPa1 / 2by weight of the composition.

[0038] Hansen solubility parameters are available in the literature or may be calculated using software such as Hansen Solubility Parameters in Practice (HSPiP). Preferably the 5Ppolarity parameter is of 5 to 15 MPa1 / 2, more preferably 5.5 to 12 MPa1 / 2. Preferably the <5Hhydrogen bonding parameter is 6 to 26 MPa1 / 2, more preferably 6.5 to 24 MPa1 / 2.

[0039] Preferably the solvent is organic. Most preferably the solvent is selected from: Mono propylene glycol, Benzyl alcohol, 2-Pentanol, Propylene glycol propyl ether, hexylene glycol and combinations thereof.

[0040] The compositions described herein preferably comprise perfume i.e. free or non-encapsulated perfume. Preferably the compositions comprise 0.2 to 20 wt.% perfume, more preferably 0.5 to 15 wt.% perfume and most preferably 0.75 to 10 wt.% perfume by weight of the composition.

[0041] Useful perfume components may include materials of both natural and synthetic origin. They include single compounds and mixtures. Particularly preferred perfume components are blooming perfume components and substantive perfume components. Blooming perfume components are defined by a boiling point less than 250°C and a LogP or greater than 2.5. Substantive perfume components are defined by a boiling point greater than 250°C and a LogP greater than 2.5. Boiling point is measured at standard pressure (760 mm Hg). Preferably a perfume composition will comprise a mixture of blooming and substantive perfume components. The perfume composition may comprise other perfume components.

[0042] It is commonplace for a plurality of perfume components to be present in a free perfume composition. In the compositions for use in the present invention it is envisaged that there will be three or more, preferably four or more, more preferably five or more, most preferably six or more different perfume components. An upper limit of 300 perfume components may be applied.

[0043] The compositions may comprise other ingredients of fabric conditioner liquids as will be known to the person skilled in the art. A non-limiting list of such ingredients include: antifoams, insect repellents, shading or hueing dyes, preservatives (e.g. bactericides), pH buffering agents, perfume carriers, hydrotropes, anti-redeposition agents, soil-release agents, polyelectrolytes, anti-shrinking agents, anti-wrinkle agents, anti-oxidants, dyes, colorants, sunscreens, anticorrosion agents, drape imparting agents, anti-static agents, sequestrants and ironing aids.

[0044] The products of the invention may contain pearlisers and / or opacifiers. A preferred sequestrant is HEDP, an abbreviation for Etidronic acid or 1 -hydroxyethane 1 ,1-diphosphonic acid.

[0045] The compositions described herein may be produced by the following method: mixing the single long chain quaternary ammonium compound comprising a hydroxyl with water and heating to a temperature between 40°C and 80°C, preferably 50°C to 70°C, most preferably 55°C to 65°C; followed by the addition of 1 to 20 wt.% unsaturated ester linked quaternary ammonium compound. Preferably the composition is cooled to a temperature bellow 40°C before any perfume is added. Any additional ingredients may be added at any stage, preferably with the single long chain ammonium compound. Examples

[0046] Table 1: Fabric conditioner formulations

[0047] Single long chain quaternary ammonium compound comprising a hydroxyl group1- Praepagen HY - Alkyl dimethyl hydroxylethyl ammonium chloride, ex. Clariant Unsaturated ester linked quaternary ammonium compound2- TETRANYL AO-1 ex. KAO

[0048] The fabric conditioners were prepared by mixing the citric acid, Praepagen HY and water, the mixture was heated to 65°C with stirring. The Tetranyl AO-1 was added and stirring continued to form a clear and isotropic solution. The temperature was reduced to 45°C and the perfume oil added with further mixing.

[0049] Turbidity of the formulations was assessed using a portable Turbidimeter (TURBI QUANT 1100 IR) purchased from Merck. Samples were placed into 10 ml cuvettes and inserted into the cuvette shaft. A check was made to ensure that there were no air bubbles in the sample before beginning analysis. A method was then run complying with the US EPA 180.1 standard for the determination of Turbidity.

[0050] Table 2: Results

[0051] The turbidity of the formulations significantly improves when more than 4 wt.% single long chain quaternary ammonium compound comprising a hydroxyl group is present in the formulation.

Claims

Claims1. An aqueous, transparent fabric conditioner comprising: i 1 to 25 wt.% unsaturated ester linked quaternary ammonium compound; and ii 6 to 20 wt.% single long chain quaternary ammonium compound comprising a hydroxyl group, wherein the unsaturated ester linked quaternary ammonium compound comprises at least two chains derived from fatty acids, wherein the single long chain quaternary ammonium compound comprising a hydroxyl group has a long chain comprising 4 to 22 carbons, and wherein the composition has a turbidity value of 0 to 10 NTU.

2. A composition according to claim 1, wherein the unsaturated ester linked quaternary ammonium compound has an iodine value of 5 to 80.

3. A composition according to any preceding claim, wherein the single long chain quaternary ammonium compound is represented by the following formula:R1R2N+R4R3Cl-Wherein R1is a long chain comprising 4 to 22 carbons;R2comprises a hydroxyl group; andR3and R4are independently selected from hydrogen, a Ci to C4 alkyl group or a Ci to C4 hydroxyl group. Preferably a Ci to C4 alkyl group, most preferably CH3.

4. A composition according to any preceding claim, wherein the composition further comprises non-ionic surfactant having a Hydrophilic-lipophilic balance (HLB) value of 8 to5. A composition according to claim 4, wherein the composition comprises 1 to 25 wt.% nonionic surfactant having a Hydrophilic-lipophilic balance (HLB) value of 8 to 166. A composition according to claim 4, wherein the non-ionic surfactant having a Hydrophilic-lipophilic balance (HLB) value of 8 to 16 is selected from ethoxylate or alcohol propoxylate.

7. A composition according to any preceding claim, wherein the composition further comprises a solvent having the Hansen solubility parameters 5P polarity parameter of 4 to 22 MPa1 / 2and <5H hydrogen bonding parameter of 5 to 30 MPa1 / 2.

8. A composition according to claim 7, wherein the composition comprises 6 to 25 wt. % solvent having the Hansen solubility parameters 5P polarity parameter of 4 to 22 MPa1 / 2and <5H hydrogen bonding parameter of 5 to 30 MPa1 / 2.

9. A composition according to claim 7, wherein the solvent is organic.

10. A composition according to claim 7, wherein the solvent is selected from: Mono propylene glycol, Benzyl alcohol, 2-Pentanol, Propylene glycol propyl ether, hexylene glycol and combinations thereof.

11. A method of preparing an aqueous, transparent fabric conditioner according to any preceding claim, wherein: i 6 to 20 wt.% single long chain quaternary ammonium compound comprising a hydroxyl group is mixed with water and heated to a temperature between 40°C and 80°C; followed by ii addition of 1 to 25 wt.% unsaturated ester linked quaternary ammonium compound.

Images