Liquid softener composition

Abstract

To provide a liquid softener composition having excellent residual fragrance properties, deodorizing properties and cooling sensation imparting effect on textile products.SOLUTION: There is provided a liquid softener composition which comprises the following components (A) to (C): (A) at least one compound selected from the group consisting of an amine compound having 1 to 3 hydrocarbon groups having 10 to 26 carbon atoms in the molecule, which may be divided by an ester (-COO-) group or an amide (-NHCO-) group, a salt thereof and a quaternized product thereof, (B) at least one sugar-based compound selected from starch, amylopectin, amylose, carboxymethyl cellulose and hydroxyethyl cellulose and (C) a perfume composition (excluding an encapsulated perfume), wherein the content of the component (C) is 0.5 to 2 mass% and the weight ratio (A) / (B) of the component (A) to the component (B) is 25 or more.SELECTED DRAWING: None

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a liquid fabric softener composition. In particular, the present invention relates to a liquid fabric softener composition that is excellent in fragrance retention, deodorizing properties, and / or the effect of imparting a cooling sensation to textile products. [Background technology]

[0002] In recent years, fabric softeners are being required to have multiple functions such as fragrance, deodorization, antibacterial and antiviral properties in addition to the original basic function of providing flexibility to textile products. Among these, the feel and fragrance are factors that greatly affect the perceived effectiveness, and technology that provides a cooling effect by combining menthol and silicone (Patent Document 1) and technology that uses a fragrance precursor to leave a specific fragrance component on a textile product (Patent Document 2) are technologies that have been known for some time in the field of liquid fabric softeners for clothing. In addition, a method for treating textile products that suppresses the odor of remaining dirt and improves lingering fragrance is known, which uses a specific liquid detergent composition and a specific liquid fabric softener composition (Patent Document 3). Furthermore, a method for improving lingering fragrance is known, which uses a cationic polysaccharide and a nonionic polysaccharide (Patent Document 4). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2021-101049 A [Patent Document 2] JP 2017-82357 A [Patent Document 3] JP 2015-101649 A [Patent Document 4] Special Publication No. 2017-522410 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, these technologies are realized using independent bases, and multiple effects cannot be realized with a single base. Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a liquid fabric softener composition which is excellent in fragrance retention, deodorizing properties, and the effect of imparting a cooling sensation to textile products. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] The present invention is a development technology for a liquid fabric softener that improves the fragrance retention and deodorizing properties of the fragrance by blending a sugar-based compound, while imparting a cooling effect to textile products. By using a hydrophilic fragrance that is characterized by freshness and lightness as the fragrance, it is also possible to promote a cooling effect. The present invention relates to, for example, the following items [1] to [6]. [1] The following components (A) to (C): (A) At least one compound selected from the group consisting of amine compounds having 1 to 3 hydrocarbon groups having 10 to 26 carbon atoms in the molecule, which may be interrupted by an ester group (-COO-) and / or an amide group (-NHCO-), a salt thereof, and a quaternary product thereof. (B) at least one sugar compound selected from starch, amylopectin, amylose, carboxymethylcellulose, and hydroxyethylcellulose; (C) Fragrance composition (excluding encapsulated fragrances) The liquid fabric softener composition comprises: a) a component (C) content of 0.5 to 2 mass %; and b) a mass ratio (A) / (B) of the component (A) to the component (B) of 25 or more. [2] The liquid fabric softener composition according to the above [1], wherein the content of the component (B) is 0.01 to 0.5 mass %. [3] The liquid fabric softener composition according to the above [1] or [2], wherein the component (C) contains 15 to 60 mass % of a hydrophilic fragrance component having a green, herbal or fruity note, classified as an alcohol or an ester, and having a logP value of 1 to 3, relative to the total mass of the component (C). [4] The liquid fabric softener composition according to any one of the above [1] to [3], wherein the average logP of the fragrance component in the component (C) is 1 to 5. [5] The liquid fabric softener composition according to any one of the above [1] to [4], wherein the mass ratio (A) / (B) of the component (A) to the component (B) is 2000 or less. [6] The liquid fabric softener composition according to any one of the above [1] to [5], wherein a mass ratio (B) / (C) of the component (B) to the component (C) is 0.005 to 0.4. Effect of the Invention

[0006] According to one aspect of the present invention, a liquid fabric softener composition having excellent fragrance retention, deodorizing properties, or the effect of imparting a cooling sensation to textile products can be provided. According to one aspect of the present invention, a liquid fabric softener composition having excellent fragrance retention and deodorizing properties can be provided. According to one aspect of the present invention, a liquid fabric softener composition having excellent fragrance retention and effect of imparting a cooling sensation to textile products can be provided. According to one aspect of the present invention, a liquid fabric softener composition having excellent deodorizing properties and an excellent effect of imparting a cooling sensation to textile products can be provided. According to one aspect of the present invention, a liquid fabric softener composition having excellent fragrance retention, deodorizing properties, and the effect of imparting a cooling sensation to textile products can be provided. According to one embodiment of the present invention, it is possible to increase the residual fragrance even in a fragrance composition containing a large amount of a fragrance having a low log P value, which is easily washed away by water and is difficult to leave on fibers. According to one aspect of the present invention, thickening is suppressed, and the separation stability of the liquid softener composition is good. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0007] [Component (A)] In the liquid softener composition of the present invention, component (A) is at least one compound selected from the group consisting of amine compounds having 1 to 3 hydrocarbon groups having 10 to 26 carbon atoms in the molecule, which may be interrupted by an ester group (-COO-) and / or an amide group (-NHCO-), their salts, and their quaternary derivatives, and is a cationic surfactant. Component (A) is blended in order to impart a softening effect to the liquid fabric softener composition.

[0008] The carbon number of the hydrocarbon group having 10 to 26 carbon atoms (hereinafter sometimes referred to as "long-chain hydrocarbon group" in this specification) is 10 to 26, preferably 17 to 26, and more preferably 19 to 24. When the carbon number is 10 or more, the flexibility is good, and when it is 26 or less, the handleability is good. The long-chain hydrocarbon group may be saturated or unsaturated. When the long-chain hydrocarbon group is unsaturated, the position of the double bond may be anywhere, but when there is one double bond, the position of the double bond is preferably at the center of the long-chain hydrocarbon group or near the center. The long chain hydrocarbon group may be a chain-like hydrocarbon group or a hydrocarbon group containing a ring in the structure, and is preferably a chain-like hydrocarbon group. The chain-like hydrocarbon group may be either a straight chain or a branched chain. As the chain-like hydrocarbon group, an alkyl group or an alkenyl group is preferable, and an alkyl group is more preferable.

[0009] The long-chain hydrocarbon group may be interrupted by an ester group (-COO-) and / or an amide group (-NHCO-). That is, the long-chain hydrocarbon group may have at least one interrupting group selected from the group consisting of an ester group and an amide group in its carbon chain, and the carbon chain may be interrupted by the interrupting group. The presence of the interrupting group is preferable from the viewpoint of improving biodegradability, etc. When the long-chain hydrocarbon group has the splitting group, the number of splitting groups that one long-chain hydrocarbon group has may be one or more. That is, the long-chain hydrocarbon group may be split at one location by a splitting group, or at two or more locations. When the long-chain hydrocarbon group has two or more splitting groups, the splitting groups may be the same or different. When the carbon chain contains a dividing group, the carbon atoms of the dividing group are counted in the number of carbon atoms of the long-chain hydrocarbon group. The long-chain hydrocarbon group is usually introduced by using an industrially used unhydrogenated fatty acid derived from beef tallow, a fatty acid obtained by hydrogenating or partially hydrogenating an unsaturated portion, an unhydrogenated fatty acid or fatty acid ester derived from a plant such as palm or oil palm, or a fatty acid or fatty acid ester obtained by hydrogenating or partially hydrogenating an unsaturated portion. The amine compound which is the component (A) is preferably a secondary amine compound or a tertiary amine compound, and more preferably a tertiary amine compound.

[0010] More specifically, the amine compound which is the component (A) is a compound represented by the following general formula (A1). [ka] [In the formula, R 1 ~R 3 each independently represents a hydrocarbon group having 10 to 26 carbon atoms, -CH2CH(Y)OCOR 4 (Y is a hydrogen atom or CH3, R 4 is a hydrocarbon group having 7 to 21 carbon atoms.) n NHCOR 5 (n is 2 or 3, R 5 is a hydrocarbon group having 7 to 21 carbon atoms, a hydrogen atom, an alkyl group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms, -CH2CH(Y)OH (Y is a hydrogen atom or CH3), or -(CH2) n NH2 and R 1 ~R 3 At least one of the above is a hydrocarbon group having 10 to 26 carbon atoms, -CH2CH(Y)OCOR 4 , or -(CH2) n NHCOR 5 It is.

[0011] In general formula (A1), R 1 ~R 3 The number of carbon atoms in the hydrocarbon group having 10 to 26 carbon atoms is preferably 17 to 26, and more preferably 19 to 24. The hydrocarbon group may be saturated or unsaturated. The hydrocarbon group is preferably an alkyl group or an alkenyl group. -CH2CH(Y)OCOR 4 In the formula, Y is a hydrogen atom or CH3, and a hydrogen atom is particularly preferred. 4 is a hydrocarbon group having 7 to 21 carbon atoms, preferably a hydrocarbon group having 15 to 19 carbon atoms. 4 When there are multiple R 4 may be the same as each other or may be different from each other.

[0012] R 4 The hydrocarbon group is a fatty acid having 8 to 22 carbon atoms (R 4 COOH) (a fatty acid residue) with the carboxyl group removed, and R 4 The fatty acids that are the basis of 4 COOH) may be a saturated or unsaturated fatty acid, and may be a straight-chain or branched fatty acid. Among them, a saturated or unsaturated straight-chain fatty acid is preferred. In order to impart good water absorbency to softened clothes, R 4 The saturated / unsaturated ratio (mass ratio) of the fatty acid that is the source of the above is preferably from 90 / 10 to 0 / 100, and more preferably from 80 / 20 to 0 / 100. R 4 When is an unsaturated fatty acid residue, it exists in cis and trans forms, and the mass ratio of cis / trans isomers is preferably 40 / 60 to 100 / 0, particularly preferably 70 / 30 to 90 / 10.

[0013] R 4 Specific examples of fatty acids that serve as the basis of the above include stearic acid, palmitic acid, myristic acid, lauric acid, oleic acid, elaidic acid, linoleic acid, partially hydrogenated palm oil fatty acid (iodine value 10 to 60), partially hydrogenated beef tallow fatty acid (iodine value 10 to 60), etc. Among these, it is preferable to use a fatty acid composition prepared by combining two or more acids selected from stearic acid, palmitic acid, myristic acid, oleic acid, elaidic acid, and linoleic acid in predetermined amounts so as to satisfy the following conditions (a) to (c). (a) the ratio (mass ratio) of saturated fatty acids / unsaturated fatty acids is 90 / 10 to 0 / 100, more preferably 80 / 20 to 0 / 100; (b) the ratio (mass ratio) of cis isomers / trans isomers is 40 / 60 to 100 / 0, more preferably 70 / 30 to 90 / 10; (c) fatty acids having 18 carbon atoms are 60% by mass or more, preferably 80% by mass or more, fatty acids having 20 carbon atoms are less than 2% by mass, and fatty acids having 21 to 22 carbon atoms are less than 1% by mass.

[0014] -(CH2) n NHCOR 5 In the formula, n is 2 or 3, and 3 is particularly preferred. 5 is a hydrocarbon group having 7 to 21 carbon atoms, preferably 15 to 19 carbon atoms. 5 When there are multiple R 5 may be the same or different. 5 As for R 4 The same can be mentioned.

[0015] R 1 ~R 3 At least one of the following is a long-chain hydrocarbon group (a hydrocarbon group having 10 to 26 carbon atoms, -CH2CH(Y)OCOR 4 , or -(CH2) n NHCOR 5 ), and preferably, two of them are long-chain hydrocarbon groups. 1 ~R 3 When one or two of the above are long-chain hydrocarbon groups, the remaining two or one are a hydrogen atom, an alkyl group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms, -CH2CH(Y)OH, or -(CH2) n NH2, an alkyl group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms, -CH2CH(Y)OH, or -(CH2) n Of these, the alkyl group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms is preferably a methyl group or an ethyl group, and more preferably a methyl group. Y in -CH2CH(Y)OH is -CH2CH(Y)OCOR 4 Same as Y in -(CH2) n n in NH2 is -(CH2) nNHCOR 5 Same as n in .

[0016] Preferred examples of the compound represented by the general formula (A1) include the compounds represented by the following general formulas (A1-1) to (A1-8). [ka] [In the formula, R 7 and R 8 R is independently a hydrocarbon group having 10 to 26 carbon atoms. 9 and R 10 are each independently a hydrocarbon group having 7 to 21 carbon atoms.

[0017] R 7 and R 8 The hydrocarbon group in R 1 ~R 3 Examples of the hydrocarbon group include those having 10 to 26 carbon atoms. R 9 , R 10 The hydrocarbon group having 7 to 21 carbon atoms in R 4 In the formula, R 9 When there are multiple R 9 may be the same as each other or may be different from each other.

[0018] The component (A) may be a salt or a quaternary product of an amine compound. The salt of an amine compound can be obtained by neutralizing the amine compound with an acid. The acid used for neutralizing the amine compound may be an organic acid or an inorganic acid, and examples of the acid include hydrochloric acid, sulfuric acid, and methylsulfuric acid. The neutralization of the amine compound can be carried out by a known method. The quaternary product of an amine compound is obtained by reacting the amine compound with a quaternizing agent. Examples of the quaternizing agent used for quaternizing an amine compound include alkyl halides such as methyl chloride, and dialkyl sulfates such as dimethyl sulfate. When these quaternizing agents are reacted with an amine compound, the alkyl group of the quaternizing agent is introduced to the nitrogen atom of the amine compound, and a salt of a quaternary ammonium ion and a halogen ion or a monoalkyl sulfate ion is formed. The alkyl group introduced by the quaternizing agent is preferably an alkyl group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms, more preferably a methyl group or an ethyl group, and particularly preferably a methyl group. The quaternization of an amine compound can be carried out by a known method.

[0019] The component (A) is preferably at least one selected from the group consisting of compounds represented by the general formula (A1), salts thereof, and quaternary products thereof, more preferably at least one selected from the group consisting of the general formulas (A1-1) to (A1-8), salts thereof, and quaternary products thereof, and is more preferably at least one selected from the group consisting of the general formulas (A1-4) to (A1-6) (in each formula, R 9 is an alkyl or alkenyl group having 15 to 17 carbon atoms), a salt thereof, and a quaternary product thereof are particularly preferred.

[0020] The compound represented by the general formula (A1), its salt and its quaternary derivative may be commercially available or may be produced by a known method. For example, the compound represented by the general formula (A1-2) (hereinafter "compound (A1-2)") and the compound represented by the general formula (A1-3) (hereinafter "compound (A1-3)") can be synthesized by a condensation reaction between the above-mentioned fatty acid composition or a fatty acid methyl ester composition in which the fatty acid in the fatty acid composition is replaced with a methyl ester of the fatty acid, and methyldiethanolamine. In this case, from the viewpoint of improving flexibility, it is preferable to synthesize the compound so that the abundance ratio represented by "compound (A1-2) / compound (A1-3)" is 99 / 1 to 50 / 50 by mass ratio. Furthermore, when the quaternary product is used, it is more preferable to use dimethyl sulfate as the quaternary agent. In this case, from the viewpoint of flexibility, it is preferable to synthesize the compound so that the abundance ratio represented by "quaternary product of compound (A1-2) / quaternary product of compound (A1-3)" is 99 / 1 to 50 / 50 by mass ratio.

[0021] The compound represented by the general formula (A1-4) (hereinafter referred to as "compound (A1-4)"), the compound represented by the general formula (A1-5) (hereinafter referred to as "compound (A1-5)"), and the compound represented by the general formula (A1-6) (hereinafter referred to as "compound (A1-6)") can be synthesized by a condensation reaction between the above-mentioned fatty acid composition or fatty acid methyl ester composition and triethanolamine. In this case, from the viewpoint of flexibility, the content ratio of each component relative to the total mass of the compounds (A1-4), (A1-5), and (A1-6) is preferably 1 to 60 mass% for compound (A1-4), 5 to 98 mass% for compound (A1-5), and 0.1 to 40 mass% for compound (A1-6), and more preferably 30 to 60 mass% for compound (A1-4), 10 to 55 mass% for compound (A1-5), and 5 to 35 mass% for compound (A1-6). In addition, when using the quaternized product, it is more preferable to use dimethyl sulfate as a quaternizing agent in order to sufficiently proceed with the quaternization reaction. The ratio of the quaternized products of the compounds (A1-4), (A1-5), and (A1-6) is preferably 1 to 60% by mass of the quaternized product of the compound (A1-4), 5 to 98% by mass of the quaternized product of the compound (A1-5), and 0.1 to 40% by mass of the quaternized product of the compound (A1-6) in terms of flexibility, and more preferably 30 to 60% by mass of the quaternized product of the compound (A1-4), 10 to 55% by mass of the quaternized product of the compound (A1-5), and 5 to 35% by mass of the quaternized product of the compound (A1-6). In addition, when the compounds (A1-4), (A1-5), and (A1-6) are quaternized, generally, esteramine that is not quaternized remains even after the quaternization reaction. In this case, the ratio of "quaternized product / non-quaternized ester amine" is preferably within a mass ratio range of 70 / 30 to 99 / 1.

[0022] The compound represented by the general formula (A1-7) (hereinafter "compound (A1-7)") and the compound represented by the general formula (A1-8) (hereinafter "compound (A1-8)") can be synthesized by a condensation reaction of the above fatty acid composition with N-methylethanolamine and acrylonitrile adduct and N-(2-hydroxyethyl)-N-methyl-1,3-propylenediamine, which is synthesized by a known method described in J.Org.Chem.,26,3409(1960). At that time, it is preferable to synthesize the compound so that the abundance ratio represented by "compound (A1-7) / compound (A1-8)" is 99 / 1 to 50 / 50 by mass ratio. In addition, when using the quaternary compound, it is preferable to use methyl chloride as a quaternary agent, and it is preferable to synthesize the compound so that the abundance ratio represented by "quaternary compound of compound (A1-7) / quaternary compound of compound (A1-8)" is 99 / 1 to 50 / 50 by mass ratio.

[0023] Component (A) is a known substance and is readily available on the market or can be prepared. The component (A) may be used alone or in combination of two or more types. The amount of the (A) component is not particularly limited as long as it is an amount that can achieve the purpose of the blending, but is preferably 5 to 20 mass%, more preferably 10 to 20 mass%, and even more preferably 10 to 15 mass% based on the total mass of the liquid softener composition. If the amount of the (A) component is 5 mass% or more, when combined with a free fragrance ((C) component), it is more effective in terms of imparting residual fragrance and deodorizing properties, and the (A) component can provide a cooling sensation effect (however, the cooling sensation effect is not as great as that of the (B) component). If the amount of the (A) component is 20 mass% or less, the viscosity is not too high, and it is possible to prevent deterioration of usability and ensure stability, and if the amount of the (A) component is 15 mass% or less, the viscosity is not too high, and it is relatively easy to ensure usability and stability.

[0024] [(B) Component] In the liquid fabric softener composition of the present invention, component (B) is at least one sugar compound selected from starch, amylopectin, amylose, carboxymethyl cellulose, and hydroxyethyl cellulose. The component (B) is blended to improve the lingering fragrance, improve the deodorizing properties, and / or impart a cooling sensation. Both of the (B) components are substances classified as polysaccharides. Polysaccharides have many hydroxyl groups, and when they combine with water to form bound water, they retain water in the fibers and exert a cooling effect. In addition, by efficiently adsorbing hydrophilic fragrance ingredients to the fibers together with water, it is possible to improve the lingering fragrance and deodorizing properties. The polysaccharide used in the liquid softener composition of the present invention is preferably non-cationic and non-cyclic. The reason why non-cationic is preferable is presumed to be due to the inhibition of adsorption by the (A) component. For example, in the case of cationic cellulose, since the (A) component is cationic, a cationic polysaccharide having the same charge generates charge repulsion, inhibiting the adsorption site of the polysaccharide on the fiber and making it difficult to adsorb, thereby reducing the blending effect. In addition, the reason why non-cyclic polysaccharide is preferable is presumed to be due to the fact that the adsorption state of the polysaccharide on the fiber surface is affected by the three-dimensional structure. A component having a ring structure in the molecule, such as a cyclic polysaccharide, for example, highly branched cyclic dextrin (CCD), has a three-dimensional surface state and a small surface area when adsorbed on a fiber, compared with linear polysaccharides. Therefore, there are few hydroxyl groups that react with water on the fiber surface, and the residual fragrance, deodorizing, and cooling effect are low. In one embodiment of the present invention, the liquid softener composition does not contain a cationic polysaccharide.

[0025] Amylopectin is characterized by a tree-like dendritic arrangement of chains of α-D-glucose units linked together by 1,4'-glycosidic bonds, with the main chain (or first order chain), the second chain (or second order chain), the third chain (or third order chain), and higher order chains linked together such that each chain of order X is attached to a chain of order X-1 by a first glucose, and where the majority of bonds involved in the branching are 1,6'-glycosidic bonds. The ratio of 1,6'-glycosidic to 1,4'-glycosidic bonds is typically between about 1 / 30 and about 1 / 24. The number of pyranose units involved in the amylopectin moiety depends on the origin of the starch source: for example, the number of linked pyranose units involved in the amylopectin moiety of corn starch is between 280 and 35,000, while the number of linked pyranose units involved in the amylopectin moiety of potato starch is between 1,100 and 220,000. Starch subjected to enzymatic treatment with glycogen branching enzyme (identification number: EC 2.4.1.18, also called glucuronosyltransferase) typically has a ratio of 1,6'-glycosidic bonds to 1,4'-glycosidic bonds between about 1 / 30 and about 1 / 24, and is therefore also useful for the present invention. For example, highly branched starch can be obtained by treating starch or starch derivatives in partially or fully gelatinized form with glycogen branching enzyme (identification number: EC 2.4.1.18). Highly branched starch has a degree of molecular branching of 6%, preferably 6.5%. The degree of molecular branching is defined as the percentage of α-1,6-glycosidic linkages of the sum of α-1,6- and α-1,4-glycosidic linkages (α-1,6 / (α-1,6+α-1,4)×100%). The level of 1,6'-glycosidic bonds in polysaccharides may be determined by measuring the difference in the amount of reducing ends before and after enzymatic debranching of the product using isoamyl (see, for example, Y. Takeda et al., Carbohydr. Res. 1993, 240, 253-263). Hydrophobically modified amylopectin-rich starches, such as starches functionalized with octenyl succinic anhydride (OSA) or dodecenyl succinic anhydride (DDSA), may also be used in the liquid softener compositions of the present invention. Typically, these modified starches have a substitution grade of between 1 and 10% by weight of dry starch.

[0026] As the starch, hydroxyethylated starch, hydroxypropylated starch, carboxymethylated starch, or starch which has been reduced in viscosity by an oxidizing agent (eg, H2O2, NaClO, etc.) or an enzyme, may be used. Hydroxyethyl cellulose and carboxymethyl cellulose are water-soluble cellulose derivatives in which some of the hydroxyl groups are substituted with hydroxyethyl or carboxymethyl groups. The degree of substitution of the hydroxyethyl or carboxymethyl groups in these cellulose derivatives is preferably 1 to 3. The "degree of substitution" refers to the average number of hydroxyl groups substituted with hydroxyethyl or carboxymethyl groups per glucose ring unit of cellulose.

[0027] Component (B) is a known substance and is readily available on the market or can be prepared. The component (B) may be used alone or in combination of two or more types. The amount of the (B) component is not particularly limited as long as the blending purpose can be achieved, but is preferably 0.01 to 0.5 mass%, more preferably 0.01 to 0.4 mass%, and even more preferably 0.01 to 0.1 mass% based on the total mass of the liquid softener composition. When the (B) component is blended in an amount of 0.01 mass% or more, the fragrance retention, deodorizing properties, and / or cooling sensation effect are improved. When the (B) component is blended in an amount of 0.5 mass% or less, it is relatively easy to ensure stability in terms of separation, viscosity, etc.

[0028] [(C) component] In the liquid fabric softener composition of the present invention, the component (C) is a fragrance composition, which is blended to improve fragrance retention, improve deodorizing properties, and / or impart a cool sensation image. As the (C) component, any fragrance commonly used in the field of fabric softeners can be used, and there is no particular limitation. A list of usable fragrance raw materials can be found in various documents, such as "Perfume and Flavor Chemicals", Vol. I and II, Steffen Arctander, Allured Pub. Co. (1994); "Synthetic Fragrances: Chemistry and Product Knowledge", Indo Genichi, Chemical Industry Daily Co. (1996); "Perfume and Flavor Materials of Natural Origin", Steffen Arctander, Allured Pub. Co. (1994); "Encyclopedia of Fragrance", edited by the Japan Fragrance Manufacturers Association, Asakura Shoten (1989); "Perfumery Material Performance V.3.3", Boelens Aroma Chemical Information Service (1996); and "Flower oils and Floral Compounds In Perfumery", Danute Lajaujis Anonis, Allured Pub. Co. (1993). Component (C) is not an encapsulated fragrance but a free fragrance composition (a fragrance not encapsulated in a capsule).

[0029] It is preferable that the fragrance composition contains fragrance components that give a refreshing and light feeling and promote a cool sensation. From the viewpoint of volatility, fragrances are classified into top notes, middle notes, and last notes, and among them, top notes contain many highly volatile fragrance components, specifically, green, herbal, and fruity fragrance components. In addition, hydrophilic fragrance components with low logP are generally used for top notes. logP is the 1-octanol / water partition coefficient P that represents the ratio of equilibrium concentrations of a chemical substance in 1-octanol and in water. In this specification, the average logP represents the logP obtained by multiplying the logP of each fragrance component contained in the fragrance composition by its blending ratio and summing them up, and is an index of the hydrophilicity and hydrophobicity of the entire fragrance composition. In the liquid fabric softener composition of the present invention, attention is focused on hydrophilic fragrance components characterized by green, herbal, or fruity tones, and among them, component (C) preferably contains a fragrance component classified as an alcohol or an ester, and more preferably contains a hydrophilic fragrance component classified as an alcohol or an ester and having a logP of 1 to 3.

[0030] With reference to THE GOOD SCENTS COMPANY IMFORMATION SYSTEM, hydrophilic fragrance ingredients classified as alcohols or esters with a logP of 1 to 3 (in this specification, when the logP is 1 to 3, it may be referred to as "low logP") are listed below, but are not limited to these. The numbers written after the ingredient names indicate the logP values. Green-like fragrance ingredients include 1-PENTEN-3-OL (1.10), 2,4-HEXADIEN-1-OL (1.083), (E,E)-2,4-HEXADIEN-1-OL (1.083), CIS-3-HEXENYL LACTATE(1.575), CIS-3-HEXEN-1-OL(1.697), CIS-4-HEXEN-1-OL(1.541), TRANS-2-HEXEN-1-OL(1.612), CIS-3-HEXENYL FORMATE(2.098), 1-HEPTANOL(2.62), STYRALLYL ACETATE(2.351), CIS-3-HEXEN-1-YL ACETATE(2.415), ETHYL Examples include trans-2-hexenyl acetate (2.58), cycloalbanate (2.643), ethyl 2-methylvalerate (2.667), 2,6-nonadienol (2.614), and alpha-propyl hemine alcohol (2.877). Herbal fragrance ingredients include BUTYL LEVULINATE (1.00), METHYL O-METHOXYBENZOATE (2.04), 3-HEPTANOL (2.24), 1-ETHYNYLCYCLOHEXYL ACETATE (2.18), METHYL 1-METHYL-3-CYCLOHEXENE CARBOXYLATE (3.242), etc. As fruity fragrance components, PRENOL(1.00), ISOAMYL LACTATE(1.60), METHYL ISOBUTYRATE(1.20), ETHYL 3-HYDROXY HEXANOATE(1.00), N-BUTYL FORMATE(1.396), ETHYL PROPIONATE(1.21), METHYL BUTYRATE(1.29), N-PROPYL ACETATE(1.24), DIETHYL SUCCINATE(1.26), FURFURYL ACETATE(1.102), ETHYL 3-HYDROXY-3-PHENYLPROPIONATE(1.462), ETHYL ISOBUTYRATE(1.648), ISOBUTYL ACETATE(1.78), METHYL 2-METHYL BUTYRATE(1.648), AMYL FORMATE(1.905), ETHYL BUTYRATE(1.804), METHYL VALERATE(1.96), ETHYL (E)-2-METHYLBUT-2-ENOATE(2.225), PRENYL ACETATE(1.65), (R)-2-HEPTANOL(2.285), 2-METHYLBUTYL ACETATE(2.158), ETHYL ISOVALERATE(2.158), ETHYL-2-METHYL BUTYRATE(2.158), ISOAMYL ACETATE(2.26), ISOBUTYL PROPIONATE(2.158), ISOPROPYL BUTYRATE(2.158), PROPYL ISOBUTYRATE(2.158), HEXYL FORMATE(2.415), ALLYL AMYL GLYCOLATE(2.72), ETHYL VALERATE(2.314), METHYL HEXANOATE(2.314), N-AMYL ACETATE(2.30), N-BUTYL PROPIONATE(2.314), PROPYL BUTYRATE(2.314), ALLYL PHENOXY ACETATE(2.607), BENZYL PROPIONATE(2.57), 2-PHENOXYETHYL PROPIONATE(2.262), ETHYL TRANS-3-HEXENOATE(2.59), ALLYL ISOVALERATE(2.462), CYCLOHEXYL ACETATE(2.64), ANISYL PROPIONATE(2.396), ISOBUTYL ISOBUTYRATE(2.511), ISOPROPYL ISOVALERATE(2.511), ISOAMYL PROPIONATE(2.667), N-BUTYL ISOBUTYRATE(2.667), PROPYLENE GLYCOL Examples include DI-N-BUTYRATE (2.612), BUTYL BUTYRATE (2.823), ETHYL HEXANOATE (2.823), METHYL HEPTANOATE (2.823), N-HEXYL ACETATE (2.87), FURFURYL VALERATE (2.631), etc. .

[0031] The (C) component contains preferably 15 to 60% by mass, more preferably 35 to 60% by mass, and even more preferably 50 to 60% by mass of a hydrophilic fragrance component with a logP of 1 to 3, which is classified as a green, herbal or fruity fragrance component, alcohol or ester, based on the total mass of the (C) component, i.e., the fragrance composition. When the amount of the hydrophilic fragrance component with a logP of 1 to 3, which is classified as a green, herbal or fruity fragrance component, alcohol or ester, is 15% by mass or more based on the total mass of the fragrance composition, the fragrance retention, deodorizing properties, and / or cool sensation image are improved. Since the hydrophilic fragrance is adsorbed to the fiber together with the water held by the polysaccharide, the higher the proportion of the hydrophilic fragrance in the entire fragrance, the higher the blending effect, but when the amount of the hydrophilic fragrance component with a logP of 1 to 3, which is classified as a green, herbal or fruity fragrance component, alcohol or ester, based on the total mass of the fragrance composition is about 60% by mass, the blending effect tends to be saturated. In one embodiment, the average logP of the fragrance components in component (C) is, for example, 1-5, and preferably 1-4.

[0032] The component (C) may be a single type of fragrance, or a combination of multiple types. The blending amount of the (C) component is 0.5 to 2 mass%, preferably 0.5 to 1.5 mass%, and more preferably 0.5 to 1 mass%, based on the total mass of the liquid softener composition. When the blending amount of the (C) component is 0.5 mass% or more, the effects of improving the fragrance retention and deodorizing properties are better. When the blending amount of the (C) component is 2 mass% or less, the viscosity is not too high, and thickening over time and deterioration of appearance are unlikely to occur.

[0033] [(A) / (B) ratio] In the liquid softener composition of the present invention, the mass ratio (A) / (B) of the component (A) to the component (B) is 25 or more, preferably 25 to 2000, more preferably 400 to 2000, and even more preferably 400 to 1000. When (A) / (B) is 25 or more, it is relatively easy to ensure stability in terms of separation, viscosity, etc. When (A) / (B) is 2000 or less, the fragrance retention, deodorizing properties, and / or cooling sensation imparting effect are improved.

[0034] [(B) / (C) ratio] In the liquid softener composition of the present invention, the mass ratio (B) / (C) of the (B) component to the (C) component is not particularly limited, but is, for example, 0.005 to 0.4, preferably 0.01 to 0.4. When (B) / (C) is 0.005 or more, the fragrance retention, deodorizing properties, and / or cooling effect are improved. When (B) / (C) is 0.4 or less, it is relatively easy to ensure stability such as separation.

[0035] [Optional ingredients] The liquid softener composition of the present invention may contain, as necessary, known components such as those listed below in addition to the above components (A) to (C) within the scope of the effects of the present invention.

[0036] <Water-soluble solvent> The water-soluble solvent may be added to the liquid softener composition in order to further improve the stability (particularly the freeze recovery property) of the liquid softener composition. The water-soluble solvent is preferably one or more selected from the group consisting of alcohols having 1 to 4 carbon atoms, glycol ether solvents, and polyhydric alcohols. Specifically, it is preferable to blend a solvent component selected from ethanol, isopropanol, glycerin, ethylene glycol, propylene glycol, diethylene glycol, dipropylene glycol, hexylene glycol, polyoxyethylene phenyl ether, and water-soluble solvents represented by the following general formula (X). R 4 -O-(C2H4O) y -(C3H6O) Z -H (X) (In the formula, R 4 is an alkyl or alkenyl group having 1 to 6 carbon atoms, preferably 2 to 4 carbon atoms; y and z are the average number of moles added, y is 1 to 10, preferably 2 to 5, and z is 0 to 5, preferably 0 to 2. Among the above, ethanol, ethylene glycol, butyl carbitol, propylene glycol, dipropylene glycol monomethyl ether, and diethylene glycol monobutyl ether are preferred. The water-soluble solvent may be used alone or in combination of two or more kinds. The content of the water-soluble solvent is not particularly limited as long as the purpose of the blending can be achieved, but is preferably 0.01 to 4 mass %, more preferably 0.01 to 3 mass %, and particularly preferably 0.1 to 3 mass %, relative to the total mass of the liquid softener composition.

[0037] <Functional Capsule> Functional capsules may be formulated to impart various functions to the liquid softener composition due to the core material encapsulated within the capsule. The functional capsule is composed of a core substance and a wall substance that covers the core substance. As the core material, any material generally used as an encapsulating material in the field of liquid fabric softeners can be used without any particular limitation, including, for example, perfumes, essential oils, whitening agents, insect repellents, silicones, waxes, flavorings, vitamins, skin care agents, enzymes, probiotics, dyes, pigments, perfume precursors, cooling agents, warming agents, attractants such as pheromones, antibacterial agents, bleaching agents, flavorings, sweeteners, waxes, medicines, fertilizers, herbicides, etc. The core material may be used alone or in combination of two or more kinds. As the wall material, any material generally used as an encapsulating material in the field of liquid softener compositions can be used without any particular limitation.Specific examples include natural polymers such as gelatin and agar, oily film-forming substances such as fats and oils and waxes, and synthetic polymers such as polyacrylic acid, polyvinyl, polymethacrylic acid, melamine, and urethane, and the like.One of these can be used alone, or two or more can be used in combination as appropriate.

[0038] Specific examples of encapsulated fragrances having a fragrance as a core material include BLUEFLOWERPOP "FFMHN2814" manufactured by Firmenich; GREEN BREEZE CAPS, ORCHARD GARDEN CAPS, RAINBOW CAPS, VELVET CAPS, AURORACAPS, and COSMIC CAPS manufactured by Givaudan; and UNICAP101 and UNICAP503 manufactured by IFF. Specific examples of cooling capsules that contain a cooling agent as the core material include MultiSal SalCool, Hydrosal FreshCool, and SalSphere SalCool manufactured by SALVONA Technologies, and Neoage AROMA-C manufactured by NICCA CHEMICAL CO., LTD. Specific examples of heat-sensitive capsules that have a heat-sensitive agent as the core material include Riken Resin RMC-TO manufactured by Miki Riken Co., Ltd. and Hydrosal Heat manufactured by SALVONA Technologies. Other specific examples include Riken Resin NFHO-W (antibacterial effect), Riken Resin RMC-HBP (insect repellent effect) and RMC-PT (insect repellent effect) manufactured by Miki Riken Co., Ltd.

[0039] The average particle size of the functional capsules is preferably 10 to 30 μm. The functional capsules having the above particle size have excellent adsorptivity to clothes and can be stably dispersed in the liquid softener composition. The functional capsules may be of a single type or of a combination of multiple types. The content of the functional capsules is not particularly limited as long as the purpose of blending can be achieved, but is preferably 0.0001 to 1% by mass based on the total mass of the liquid softener composition.

[0040] <Water> The liquid softener composition is preferably an aqueous composition that contains water. The water that can be used may be tap water, ion-exchanged water, pure water, distilled water, etc. Among these, ion-exchanged water is preferable. The water content is not particularly limited, but is preferably 50% by mass or more, more preferably 60% by mass or more, based on the total mass of the liquid softener composition. When the water content is 50% by mass or more, the handling property becomes better.

[0041] <Water-soluble non-ionic polymer> Water-soluble nonionic polymers (excluding amylose, carboxymethyl cellulose, and hydroxyethyl cellulose, which are component (B)) are structural viscosity imparting agents and may be added to further improve the dispersibility of the functional capsules. "Water-soluble" refers to the property of forming a solution that shows no visible precipitation or layer separation when 1 g of a target nonionic polymer is added to 1,000 g of water (25°C), stirred, and allowed to stand at 25°C for 24 hours. The water-soluble nonionic polymer is a known substance and is readily available on the market or can be prepared. Specific examples include polymeric dextrin (Sanwa Starch Co., Ltd., product name: Sandec #30), branched glucan having a cyclic structure (described in JP 2012-120471 A), and highly branched cyclic dextrin (Glico Nutrition Foods Co., Ltd., product name: Cluster Dextrin). The water-soluble nonionic polymer may be used alone or in combination of two or more kinds. The content of the water-soluble nonionic polymer is not particularly limited as long as the blending purpose can be achieved, but is preferably 0.01 to 5 mass%, more preferably 0.05 to 3 mass%, and particularly preferably 0.2 to 2 mass% based on the total mass of the liquid softener composition. When the content of the water-soluble nonionic polymer is 5 mass% or less, the blending effect can be obtained while maintaining good usability of the liquid softener composition.

[0042] <Viscosity modifier> A viscosity modifier may be incorporated to further improve ease of use of the liquid softener composition. Specific examples of the viscosity adjuster include calcium chloride, magnesium chloride, sodium chloride, sodium p-toluenesulfonate, sodium citrate, etc. Among these, calcium chloride, magnesium chloride, and sodium citrate are preferred. The viscosity modifier may be used alone or in combination of two or more kinds. The content of the viscosity adjuster is not particularly limited as long as the purpose of the blending can be achieved, but is preferably 0.001 to 0.5 mass %, more preferably 0.003 to 0.2 mass %, and even more preferably 0.005 to 0.1 mass %, relative to the total mass of the liquid softener composition.

[0043] <Preservatives> The preservative may be added mainly to enhance the preservative or bactericidal power of the liquid fabric softener composition and to maintain the preservative properties during long-term storage. As the preservative, any component known in the field of liquid fabric softeners can be used without particular limitation, specific examples of which include isothiazolone-based organic sulfur compounds, benzisothiazolone-based organic sulfur compounds, benzoic acids, 2-bromo-2-nitro-1,3-propanediol, etc. Examples of the isothiazolone organic sulfur compound include 5-chloro-2-methyl-4-isothiazolin-3-one, 2-n-butyl-3-isothiazolone, 2-benzyl-3-isothiazolone, 2-phenyl-3-isothiazolone, 2-methyl-4,5-dichloroisothiazolone, 5-chloro-2-methyl-3-isothiazolone, 2-methyl-4-isothiazolin-3-one, and mixtures thereof. Among these, 5-chloro-2-methyl-4-isothiazolin-3-one and 2-methyl-4-isothiazolin-3-one are preferred, a mixture of 5-chloro-2-methyl-4-isothiazolin-3-one and 2-methyl-4-isothiazolin-3-one is more preferred, and a mixture of about 77% by mass of the former and about 23% by mass of the latter or a dilution thereof (e.g., an isothiazolone solution) is particularly preferred. Examples of benzisothiazolone-based organic sulfur compounds include 1,2-benzisothiazolin-3-one, 2-methyl-4,5-trimethylene-4-isothiazolin-3-one, and related compounds such as dithio-2,2-bis(benzmethylamide), and mixtures thereof. Among these, 1,2-benzisothiazolin-3-one is particularly preferred. Examples of the benzoic acids include benzoic acid or a salt thereof, parahydroxybenzoic acid or a salt thereof, methyl parahydroxybenzoate, ethyl parahydroxybenzoate, propyl parahydroxybenzoate, butyl parahydroxybenzoate, and benzyl parahydroxybenzoate. A single type of preservative may be used, or multiple types may be used in combination. The content of the preservative is not particularly limited as long as the purpose of blending can be achieved, but is preferably 0.0001 to 1 mass% based on the total mass of the liquid softener composition. If it is 0.0001 mass% or more, the blending effect of the preservative can be sufficiently obtained, and if it is 1 mass% or less, the high storage stability of the liquid softener composition can be sufficiently maintained.

[0044] <Nonionic surfactant> The nonionic surfactant can be blended to suppress liquid separation at low temperatures (improve separation stability) and further suppress thickening. As the nonionic surfactant, any component known in the field of liquid softeners can be used without any particular limitation. Examples of the nonionic surfactant include those derived from polyhydric alcohols, higher alcohols, higher amines, or higher fatty acids. More specifically, the nonionic surfactant may include glycerin fatty acid esters or pentaerythritol formed by ester-bonding fatty acids having 10 to 22 carbon atoms to glycerin or pentaerythritol; polyoxyethylene alkyl ethers having alkyl or alkenyl groups having 10 to 22 carbon atoms and an average number of moles of ethylene oxide (EO) added of 10 to 100 moles; polyoxyethylene fatty acid alkyl esters (wherein the alkyl has 1 to 3 carbon atoms); polyoxyethylene alkylamines having an average number of moles of EO added of 10 to 100 moles; alkyl polyglucosides having alkyl or alkenyl groups having 8 to 18 carbon atoms; and hydrogenated castor oil having an average number of moles of EO added of 10 to 100 moles. Of these, polyoxyethylene alkyl ethers having an alkyl group with 10 to 18 carbon atoms and an average added mole number of EO of 20 to 80 moles (preferably 40 to 80 moles, and more preferably 50 to 70 moles) are preferred.

[0045] Examples of polyoxyethylene alkyl ethers include those in which an average of 60 moles of EO are added to primary isotridecyl alcohol (carbon number 13), those in which an average of 40 moles of EO are added to lauryl alcohol (carbon number 12), and those in which an average of 20 moles of EO are added to lauryl alcohol (carbon number 12). Nonionic surfactants are known materials and are readily available commercially or can be prepared. The nonionic surfactant may be used alone or in combination of two or more kinds. The content of the nonionic surfactant is not particularly limited as long as the blending purpose can be achieved, but is preferably 1% by mass or more and less than 3% by mass, more preferably 1.5% by mass or more and less than 3% by mass, and even more preferably 1.5% by mass or more and less than 2.5% by mass, based on the total mass of the liquid softener composition. If the content of the nonionic surfactant is 1% by mass or more, liquid separation at low temperatures is suppressed, and good separation stability can be obtained. If the content of the nonionic surfactant is less than 3% by mass, thickening of the liquid softener composition is suppressed, and good usability can be obtained.

[0046] [Viscosity of liquid fabric softener composition] The liquid softener composition according to the present invention has a viscosity that improves its usability (particularly, its ease of handling when put into a washing machine and its efficiency of discharge from the inlet of the washing machine) because thickening is suppressed. Specifically, the viscosity (25°C) is preferably less than 500 mPa·s, more preferably less than 300 mPa·s. The viscosity can be measured using a B-type viscometer (manufactured by TOKIMEC Corporation).

[0047] [Method of manufacturing liquid fabric softener composition] The liquid softener composition can be produced by a known method, for example, a method similar to the method for producing a conventional liquid softener composition using a cationic surfactant as a main component. For example, an oil phase containing the (A) component, the (C) component, and a nonionic surfactant is mixed with an aqueous phase at a temperature equal to or higher than the melting point of the (A) component to prepare an emulsion, and the (B) component and other components as necessary are added to the obtained emulsion and mixed to produce the liquid softener composition.

[0048] [Method of using the liquid fabric softener composition] The method of treating textile products using the liquid softener composition is not particularly limited, and it can be used in the same way as conventional liquid softeners. For example, the liquid softener composition is dissolved in rinsing water at the stage of washing and treated, or the liquid softener composition is dissolved in water in a container such as a basin, and then the textile product is placed in the container and soaked in the composition. In either case, the composition is used after being diluted to an appropriate concentration, and the liquor ratio (weight ratio of the treatment liquid to the textile product) is preferably 3 to 100 times, particularly 5 to 50 times. Specifically, the composition is used in an amount such that the concentration of the (A) component is preferably 0.01 ppm to 1000 ppm, more preferably 0.1 ppm to 300 ppm, based on the total amount of water used. The type of textile product that can be treated with the liquid fabric softener composition is not particularly limited, and examples thereof include clothing, curtains, sofas, carpets, towels, handkerchiefs, sheets, pillowcases, etc. The material of the textile product may be natural fibers such as cotton, silk, wool, etc., or chemical fibers such as polyester. EXAMPLES

[0049] The present invention will be described in more detail below with reference to examples, but the scope of the present invention is not limited thereto. In the examples, the amounts of components are all expressed in mass% (based on pure content unless otherwise specified).

[0050] [Component (A)] The following A-1 and A-2 were used. A-1: A cationic surfactant synthesized according to the procedure described in Example 4 of JP-A-2003-12471. A-2: Product name "Stepantex SE-88", manufactured by Stepan

[0051] [(B) Component] The following B-1 to B-7 were used. B-1: Product name "Starch (soluble)", Junsei Chemical Co., Ltd. B-2: Product name "Amylopectin Hydrate", Tokyo Chemical Industry Co., Ltd. B-3: Product name "Amylose", Fujifilm Wako Pure Chemical Industries, Ltd. B-4: Product name "CMC Daicel 1170", Daicel Chemical Industries, Ltd. B-5: Product name "Hydroxyethyl Cellulose", Fujifilm Wako Pure Chemical Industries, Ltd. B-6 (comparison product): Product name "Cluster Dextrin", Glico Nutrition Foods Co., Ltd. B-7 (comparison product): Product name "Katinal HC-100", Toho Chemical Industry Co., Ltd.

[0052] [(C) component] The following C-1 to C-3 were used. C-1: Fragrance composition containing fragrance ingredients with the composition shown in Table 1 below (average log P 2.5, and 60% low log P ingredients) C-2: Fragrance composition containing fragrance ingredients with the composition shown in Table 2 below (average log P 3.5 and 35% low log P ingredients) C-3: Fragrance composition containing fragrance ingredients with the composition shown in Table 3 below (average log P 4.5 and 15% low log P ingredients)

[0053] [Table 1]

[0054] [Table 2]

[0055] [Table 3]

[0056] [Common component (referred to as E component)] Preservative: 1,2-benzisothiazolin-3-one (product name "Nipacide BIT20", manufactured by Clariant Japan Co., Ltd.) 0.002% by mass Viscosity modifier: Calcium chloride (product name "Granular Calcium Chloride", Tokuyama Corporation) 0.01% by mass Dispersant: Polyoxyethylene isotridecyl ether (carbon number 13, EO added mole number 60) 2.5% by mass

[0057] [Method of preparing liquid fabric softener composition] Liquid fabric softener compositions having the compositions shown in Table 4 below were prepared. In Table 4, the units of the numerical values ​​for each component are mass % relative to the total mass of the liquid fabric softener composition. "A / B" in Table 4 indicates the mass ratio of component (A) to component (B). "B / C" in Table 4 indicates the mass ratio of component (B) to component (C). A liquid softener composition was prepared using a glass container (inner diameter 100 mm, height 150 mm) and an agitator (Ajiter SJ type, manufactured by Shimadzu Corporation) according to the following procedure. First, the (A) component, the (C) component, and the nonionic surfactant were mixed and stirred to obtain an oil phase mixture. On the other hand, the preservative was dissolved in ion-exchanged water for balance to obtain an aqueous phase mixture. The mass of the ion-exchanged water for balance was equivalent to the remainder obtained by subtracting the total amount of the oil phase mixture, the (B) component, and the (E) component (excluding the preservative) from 980 g. Next, the oil phase mixture heated to above the melting point of the (A) component was placed in a glass container and stirred, while the aqueous phase mixture heated to above the melting point of the (A) component was added in two divided portions and stirred. The division ratio of the aqueous phase mixture was 30:70 (mass ratio), and stirring (rotation speed 1,000 rpm) was performed for 3 minutes after the first addition of the aqueous phase mixture and for 2 minutes after the second addition of the aqueous phase mixture. Then, the (B) component, viscosity modifier, and dispersant were added to the obtained emulsion and stirred. If necessary, an appropriate amount of hydrochloric acid (reagent 1 mol / L, Kanto Chemical) or sodium hydroxide (reagent 1 mol / L, Kanto Chemical) was added to adjust the pH, and ion-exchanged water was added to make the total mass 1,000 g to obtain the target softener compositions (Examples 1 to 18, Comparative Examples 1 to 5).

[0058] [Method of evaluating liquid fabric softener compositions] Each of the obtained liquid fabric softener compositions was evaluated for "ability to impart residual fragrance to textile products," "ability to impart deodorizing properties to textile products," "ability to impart a cool feeling to textile products," and "separation stability of the fabric softener composition" according to the following procedures.

[0059] <Evaluation of the ability to impart residual fragrance to textile products> For the evaluation of residual fragrance, cotton towels (Daizen Co., Ltd.) were used as evaluation cloths. The cotton towels were washed for 10 minutes with a commercial detergent "Top Platinum Clear" (Lion Co., Ltd.) using a two-tub washing machine (Mitsubishi Electric CW-C30A1-H) (standard usage amount, standard course, bath ratio 20 times, tap water at 25 ° C.), the first rinse (3 minutes), and the second rinse was performed with the liquid fabric softener composition prepared by the above-mentioned "Preparation method of liquid fabric softener composition" for 3 minutes of softening treatment (1.5 kg of test cloth, 10 mL of liquid fabric softener composition, bath ratio 20 times, tap water at 25 ° C.). The residual fragrance of the cotton towels dehydrated (for 1 minute) after softening treatment was sensorily evaluated, and the residual fragrance imparting effect of the liquid fabric softener composition was judged according to the following judgment criteria. The judgment results are shown in the "Residual Fragrance" column in Table 4. The judgment criteria of ○ or more were considered to be passed. (Judgment criteria) ◎◎: Significant improvement in lingering fragrance compared to the standard ◎: Compared to the standard, the improvement in the lingering fragrance is easily noticeable ○: Slight improvement in lingering aroma compared to the standard △: Compared to the standard, there is a barely detectable improvement in the lingering aroma. ×: No improvement in lingering fragrance compared to the standard

[0060] <Evaluation of the ability to impart deodorizing properties to textile products> For the odor eliminating evaluation, a wet artificially soiled cloth (manufactured by Laundry Science Association) was used as the evaluation cloth. The wet artificially soiled cloth was subjected to softening treatment for 3 minutes with the liquid softener composition prepared by the above-mentioned "Method of preparing liquid softener composition" using a Tergo-to-meter (manufactured by Ueshima Seisakusho Co., Ltd.) (10 mL of liquid softener composition, 20 times bath ratio, tap water at 25°C for 1.5 kg test cloth). The odor of the wet artificially soiled cloth that was dehydrated (for 1 minute) after the softening treatment was evaluated sensorily, and the odor eliminating effect of the liquid softener composition was evaluated according to the following evaluation criteria. The evaluation results are shown in the "Odor eliminating property" column of Table 4. Evaluation criteria of ○ or higher were considered to pass. (Judgment criteria) ◎◎: Odor is significantly suppressed compared to the standard. ◎: Odor suppression is felt to be easily detectable compared to the standard ○: Odor suppression is slightly felt compared to the standard. △: Odor suppression is barely detectable compared to the standard ×: Odor suppression is not felt compared to the standard.

[0061] <Evaluation of the ability to impart a cooling sensation to textile products> The treatment was carried out in the same manner as in the evaluation of residual fragrance. The dehydrated towels were dried for 24 hours under high temperature and high humidity conditions of 25°C and 40% RH, and the dried cotton towels were used as evaluation cloths. The cool sensation intensity when the cotton towels were touched with the hand was evaluated sensorily, and the cool sensation effect of the liquid fabric softener composition was judged using the following judgment criteria, taking into consideration the impression of cool sensation given by the lingering fragrance intensity. The judgment results are shown in the "Cool Sensation Effect" column in Table 4. A judgment criterion of ○ or higher was considered to be a pass. (Judgment criteria) ◎◎: The cooling effect is significantly improved compared to the standard. ◎: Compared to the standard, the cooling effect is easily noticeable and improved. ○: A slight improvement in cooling effect is felt compared to the standard △: Compared to the standard, the cooling effect is barely detectable. ×: No improvement in cooling effect is felt compared to the standard

[0062] <Evaluation of separation stability of fabric softener composition> The liquid fabric softener composition prepared by the above "Method for preparing liquid fabric softener composition" was poured into a lightweight glass bottle (PS-No. 11, manufactured by Tanuma Glass Industry Co., Ltd.) in an amount of 80 mL and sealed to prepare an evaluation sample. The evaluation sample was left to stand for half a year at 5°C, and the appearance of the liquid after storage was visually evaluated according to the following evaluation criteria. The evaluation results are shown in the "Softener separation stability" column in Table 4. In terms of commercial value, a rating of ○ or higher was considered to be acceptable. (Judgment criteria) ◎: The separation length and turbidity of the separation layer are equivalent to the standard. ○: The separation length is slightly longer than the standard, or a slightly translucent separation layer can be seen. △: The separation length is clearly longer than the standard, or a clearly translucent separation layer can be confirmed. ×: The separation length is clearly longer than the standard, and a transparent separation layer can be confirmed.

[0063] [Table 4]

Claims

1. The following components (A) to (C): (A) At least one compound selected from the group consisting of amine compounds having 1 to 3 hydrocarbon groups having 10 to 26 carbon atoms in the molecule, which may be interrupted by an ester group (-COO-) and / or an amide group (-NHCO-), their salts, and their quaternary derivatives. (B) at least one sugar compound selected from starch, amylopectin, amylose, carboxymethyl cellulose, and hydroxyethyl cellulose; (C) Fragrance composition (excluding encapsulated fragrances) The liquid fabric softener composition comprises:

2. The liquid fabric softener composition according to claim 1, wherein the content of component (B) is 0.01 to 0.5 mass %.

3. 3. The liquid fabric softener composition according to claim 1, wherein component (C) contains 15 to 60% by mass of a hydrophilic fragrance component that is classified as an alcohol or an ester and has a log P value of 1 to 3 and has a green, herbal or fruity scent, relative to the total mass of component (C).

4. 3. The liquid fabric softener composition according to claim 1, wherein the average log P of the fragrance component in component (C) is 1 to 5.

5. 3. The liquid softener composition according to claim 1, wherein the mass ratio (A) / (B) of the component (A) to the component (B) is 2,000 or less.

6. 3. The liquid softener composition according to claim 1, wherein the mass ratio (B) / (C) of the component (B) to the component (C) is 0.005 to 0.4.

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