Liquid softener composition

Abstract

To provide a liquid softener that prevents biofilm formation on fiber products and reduces odors from insufficient drying.SOLUTION: A liquid softener composition comprises: (A) at least one compound selected from the group consisting of an amine compound having, in the molecule, 1 to 3 hydrocarbon groups having 10 to 26 carbon atoms, segmented by an ester group (-COO-) and / or an amide group (-NHCO-), salts thereof, and quaternized products thereof; and (B) pectinase, wherein the content of component (A) is 3 mass% or more relative to the total mass of the liquid softener composition.SELECTED DRAWING: None

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a liquid softener composition.

Background Art

[0002] In recent years, the market size of softeners in Japan has been on an expanding trend, and among them, the share of softeners having a deodorizing function has been increasing year by year. On the other hand, consumers' needs for suppressing odors (especially, the odor of air-dried laundry) generated in textile products after washing and softening treatment are still high. In order to impart a function of suppressing the growth of causative bacteria of unpleasant odors in textile products to a softener, a technique of blending a specific cationic surfactant, a quaternary ammonium salt, and a nonionic surfactant in specific amounts is known (Patent Document 1). When the growth of bacteria adhering to textile products progresses, a biofilm may be formed and adhered. It is very difficult to remove a biofilm, which is an adhesive substance containing extracellular polysaccharide, from textile products by ordinary washing and softening treatment. Therefore, a technique of blending an enzyme into a softener in order to weaken biofilm stains in textile products is known (Patent Document 2). In addition, regarding pectinase, which is an enzyme that decomposes pectin (polysaccharide), which is a constituent component of the cell wall, a technique of blending a pectate lyase mutant into a softener (Patent Document 3) and a technique of blending pectinase into a mannanase-containing detergent (Patent Document 4) are known.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Patent Document 3

Patent Document 4

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] The inventor recognized that the presence of biofilm in textile products is one of the causes of musty odor, and attempted to control the biofilm by imparting antibacterial properties to softeners as described in Patent Document 1, but a sufficient reduction effect on musty odor could not be obtained. Therefore, the problem was set to provide a liquid softener that can suppress biofilm formation and reduce musty odor.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] As a result of intensive studies on the above problems, the inventor found that when a specific type of enzyme and a specific type and specific amount of cationic surfactant are combined, the formation of biofilm in textile products after softening treatment is suppressed and musty odor is reduced. The present invention has been made based on this finding.

[0006] That is, the present invention relates to the following [1] to [6]. [1] A liquid softener composition comprising the following components (A) and (B): (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 and interrupted by ester groups (-COO-) and / or amide groups (-NHCO-), salts thereof, and quaternized products thereof; and (B) Pectinase wherein the content of component (A) is 3% by mass or more based on the total mass of the liquid softener composition A liquid softener composition characterized by the above. [2] Component (A) is a mixture of the following components (A1-3), (A1-4) and (A1-5), Component (A1-3) is an amine compound, a salt thereof or a quaternized product thereof represented by the following general formula (A1-3), (Component (A1-4) is an amine compound represented by the following general formula (A1-4), a salt thereof, or a quaternized product thereof, The liquid softener composition according to [1] above, wherein component (A1-5) is an amine compound represented by the following general formula (A1-5), a salt thereof, or a quaternized product thereof. TIFF2025087192000001.tif86104(In each of the formulas (A1-3) to (A1-5), R 9 is independently a hydrocarbon group having 7 to 21 carbon atoms.) [3] Component (A1-3) is a quaternized product of an amine compound represented by general formula (A1-3), Component (A1-4) is a quaternized product of an amine compound represented by general formula (A1-4), Component (A1-5) is a quaternized product of an amine compound represented by general formula (A1-5), With respect to the total mass of components (A1-3), (A1-4) and (A1-5), the content of component (A1-3) is 5 to 98% by mass, the content of component (A1-4) is 1 to 60% by mass, and the content of component (A1-5) is 0.1 to 40% by mass. The liquid softener composition according to [2] above [4] The liquid softener composition according to [1] above, wherein component (B) is at least one pectinase selected from the group consisting of pectate lyase, polygalacturonase, pectin esterase and pectin methyl esterase. [5] The liquid softener composition according to [1] above, further comprising (C) a nonionic surfactant. [6] The liquid softener composition according to [1] above, wherein the mass ratio (A / C) of component (A) to component (C) is 0.1 to 10. [Advantages of the Invention]

[0007] As shown in the examples described below, the liquid softener composition of the present invention is excellent in suppressing the odor of freshly dried laundry (especially the odor of freshly dried laundry by air-drying in a room). Therefore, the present invention can provide a liquid softener having an added value not found in conventional products. [Modes for Carrying Out the Invention]

[0008] [Component (A): Cationic surfactant] (A) component is a cationic surfactant which is "at least one compound selected from the group consisting of amine compounds having 1 to 3 hydrocarbon groups with 10 to 26 carbon atoms in the molecule, which are segmented by ester groups (-COO-) and / or amide groups (-NHCO-), salts thereof, and quaternized products thereof". (A) component is formulated to impart antibacterial properties (e.g., antibacterial properties against Staphylococcus aureus and Staphylococcus epidermidis, which are human skin commensal bacteria, etc.) and deodorizing properties (especially suppression of the smell of dampness) to the liquid softener composition. Incidentally, (A) component is a softening base material and also has a function of imparting softness (texture) to fiber products.

[0009] The number of carbon atoms of the hydrocarbon group having 10 to 26 carbon atoms (hereinafter also referred to as "long-chain hydrocarbon group") is preferably 17 to 26, more preferably 18 to 24. When the number of carbon atoms is 10 or more, the effect of imparting softness is good, and when it is 26 or less, the handleability of the liquid softener composition 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 distributed around the median value. The long-chain hydrocarbon group may be a chain hydrocarbon group or a hydrocarbon group containing a ring in the structure, preferably a chain hydrocarbon group. The chain hydrocarbon group may be either linear or branched. As the chain hydrocarbon group, an alkyl group or an alkenyl group is preferable, and an alkyl group is more preferable. The long-chain hydrocarbon group is segmented by a segmentation group. The segmentation may be at one place or at two or more places. Preferably it is at one place. The segmentation group is an ester group (-COO-) or an amide group (-NHCO-). When the long-chain hydrocarbon group has two or more segmentation groups, each segmentation group may be the same or different. Note that the carbon atoms of the cleavage group shall be counted as part of the carbon number of the long-chain hydrocarbon group. The long-chain hydrocarbon group is usually introduced by using industrially used tallow-derived unsaturated fatty acids, fatty acids obtained by hydrogenating or partially hydrogenating the unsaturated part, plant-derived unsaturated fatty acids or fatty acid esters such as palm coconut and oil coconut, or fatty acids or fatty acid esters obtained by hydrogenating or partially hydrogenating the unsaturated part. In the "amine compound having 1 to 3 long-chain hydrocarbon groups having 10 to 26 carbon atoms in the molecule and being cleaved by an ester group (-COO-) or an amide group (-NHCO-)" (hereinafter sometimes referred to as "amine compound" in this specification), the number of long-chain hydrocarbon groups is 1 to 3. Preferably 2 (secondary amine compound) or 3 (tertiary amine compound), more preferably 3.

[0010] Examples of the amine compound include compounds represented by the following general formula (A1). TIFF2025087192000002.tif2054(wherein R 1 ~R 3 are each independently, -CH 2 CH(Y)OCOR 4 (Y is a hydrogen atom or CH 3 and R 4 is a hydrocarbon group having 7 to 21 carbon atoms), -(CH 2 ) n NHCOR 5 (n is 2 or 3 and R 5 is a hydrocarbon group having 7 to 21 carbon atoms), a hydrogen atom, an alkyl group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms, -CH 2 CH(Y)OH (Y is a hydrogen atom or CH 3 ), or, -(CH 2 ) n NH 2 (n is 2 or 3), and R 1 ~R 3 at least one of which is -CH 2 CH(Y)OCOR 4 and / or -(CH 2 ) n NHCOR5 is.) In the group “-CH 2 CH(Y)OCOR 4 ” in the general formula (A1), a hydrogen atom is preferable as Y. R 4 is preferably a hydrocarbon group having 15 to 19 carbon atoms. When there are a plurality of R 4 in the compound represented by the general formula (A1), the plurality of R 4 may be the same as each other or may be different from each other. R 4 's hydrocarbon group is a residue (fatty acid residue) obtained by removing a carboxy group from a fatty acid having 8 to 22 carbon atoms (R 4 COOH), and the fatty acid (R 4 COOH) that is the source of R 4 may be a saturated fatty acid or an unsaturated fatty acid, and may be a straight-chain fatty acid or a branched fatty acid. Among them, saturated or unsaturated straight-chain fatty acids are preferable. In order to impart good water absorption to the soft-treated clothing, the saturation / unsaturation ratio (mass ratio) of the fatty acid that is the source of R 4 is preferably 90 / 10 to 0 / 100, more preferably 90 / 10 to 40 / 60, and particularly preferably 90 / 10 to 70 / 30. R 4 When it is an unsaturated fatty acid residue, there are cis and trans isomers, and the mass ratio of the cis isomer / trans isomer is preferably 40 / 60 to 100 / 0, and particularly preferably 70 / 30 to 90 / 10. R 4 Specific examples of the fatty acid that is the source of R (a) The ratio of saturated fatty acid / unsaturated fatty acid (mass ratio) is 90 / 10 to 0 / 100, more preferably 90 / 10 to 40 / 60, and particularly preferably 90 / 10 to 70 / 30. (b) The ratio of cis form / trans form (mass ratio) is 40 / 60 to 100 / 0, more preferably 70 / 30 to 90 / 10. (c) The fatty acid having 18 carbon atoms is 60% by mass or more, preferably 80% by mass or more, the fatty acid having 20 carbon atoms is less than 2% by mass, and the fatty acids having 21 to 22 carbon atoms are less than 1% by mass. In the general formula (A1), for the group "-(CH 2 ) n NHCOR 5 ", n is preferably 3. R 5 is preferably a hydrocarbon group having 15 to 19 carbon atoms. When there are a plurality of R 5 in the compound represented by the general formula (A1), the plurality of R 5 may be the same as each other or may be different from each other. R 5 is specifically exemplified by the same ones as R 4 .

[0011] In the general formula (A1), among R 1 ~R 3 , at least one is -CH 2 CH(Y)OCOR 4 and / or -(CH 2 ) n NHCOR 5 ). It is preferable that two of R 1 ~R 3 are -CH 2 CH(Y)OCOR 4 and / or -(CH 2 ) n NHCOR 5 ). R 1 ~R 3 , one or two of them are -CH 2 CH(Y)OCOR 4 and / or -(CH 2 ) n NHCOR5 ) When it is, the remaining two or one are a hydrogen atom, an alkyl group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms, -CH 2 CH(Y)OH (Y is a hydrogen atom or CH 3 ), or -(CH 2 ) n NH 2 (n is 2 or 3), and it is preferably an alkyl group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms, -CH 2 CH(Y)OH, or -(CH 2 ) n NH 2 . Here, as the alkyl group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms, a methyl group or an ethyl group is preferable, and a methyl group is particularly preferable. Y in -CH 2 CH(Y)OH is the same as Y in -CH 2 CH(Y)OCOR 4 . n in -(CH 2 ) n NH 2 is the same as n in -(CH 2 ) n NHCOR 5 .

[0012] Preferable examples of the compound represented by the general formula (A1) include tertiary amine compounds represented by the following general formulas (A1-1) to (A1-7). TIFF2025087192000003.tif189103 (In each of the formulas (A1-1) to (A1-7), R 9 is independently a hydrocarbon group having 7 to 21 carbon atoms, and in each of the formulas (A1-6) to (A1-7), R 10 is independently a hydrocarbon group having 7 to 21 carbon atoms.)

[0013] R 9 and R 10 The hydrocarbon group having 7 to 21 carbon atoms in is the same as the hydrocarbon group having 7 to 21 carbon atoms in R 4 in the general formula (A1), and is preferably an alkyl group and an alkenyl group having 15 to 17 carbon atoms. When there are a plurality of R 9 in the general formula, the plurality of R 9They may be identical to each other or may be different from each other.

[0014] The component (A) may be a salt of an amine compound. The salt of the amine compound is obtained by neutralizing the amine compound with an acid. The acid used for neutralization may be an organic acid or an inorganic acid, and examples thereof include hydrochloric acid, sulfuric acid, and methyl sulfuric acid. The neutralization of the amine compound can be carried out by a known method. The quaternized product of the amine compound is obtained by reacting the amine compound with a quaternizing agent. Examples of the quaternizing agent include alkyl halides such as methyl chloride and dialkyl sulfates such as dimethyl sulfate. When these quaternizing agents are reacted with the amine compound, an alkyl group of the quaternizing agent is introduced into 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 the amine compound can be carried out by a known method.

[0015] The compounds represented by general formulas (A1) and (A1-1) to (A1-7), their salts, and their quaternized products may be commercially available products or may be those produced by known methods. For example, the compound represented by general formula (A1-1) (hereinafter referred to as "compound (A1-1)") and the compound represented by general formula (A1-2) (hereinafter referred to as "compound (A1-2)") are the R in general formula (1) 4 The fatty acid composition described in the column, or the fatty acid methyl ester composition in which the fatty acids in the fatty acid composition are replaced with methyl esters of the fatty acids, and methyldiethanolamine can be synthesized by a condensation reaction. At that time, from the viewpoint of improving the imparting of flexibility, it is preferable to synthesize so that the abundance ratio represented by "compound (A1-1) / compound (A1-2)" is 99 / 1 to 50 / 50 by mass ratio. Furthermore, when using the quaternized product, it is more preferable to use dimethyl sulfate as the quaternizing agent. In that case, from the viewpoint of imparting flexibility, it is preferable to synthesize such that the abundance ratio represented by "quaternized product of compound (A1-1) / quaternized product of compound (A1-2)" is 99 / 1 to 50 / 50 in terms of mass ratio.

[0016] The compound represented by the general formula (A1-3) (hereinafter referred to as "compound (A1-3)"), the compound represented by the general formula (A1-4) (hereinafter referred to as "compound (A1-4)"), and the compound represented by the general formula (A1-5) (hereinafter referred to as "compound (A1-5)") are R in the general formula (1) 4 It can be synthesized by a condensation reaction of the fatty acid composition or fatty acid methyl ester composition described in the column of with triethanolamine. From the viewpoints of imparting flexibility and antibacterial property, based on the total mass of compounds (A1-3), (A1-4), and (A1-5), the content of compound (A1-3) is preferably 5 to 98% by mass, the content of compound (A1-4) is preferably 1 to 60% by mass, and the content of compound (A1-5) is preferably 0.1 to 40% by mass. More preferably, the content of compound (A1-3) is 10 to 65% by mass, the content of compound (A1-4) is 20 to 60% by mass, and the content of compound (A1-5) is 5 to 35% by mass. Also, when using the quaternized product, it is more preferable to use dimethyl sulfate as the quaternizing agent in terms of allowing the quaternization reaction to proceed sufficiently. From the viewpoints of imparting flexibility and antibacterial property, based on the total mass of the quaternized product of compound (A1-3), the quaternized product of compound (A1-4), and the quaternized product of compound (A1-5), the content of the quaternized product of compound (A1-3) is preferably 5 to 98% by mass, the content of the quaternized product of compound (A1-4) is preferably 1 to 60% by mass, and the content of the quaternized product of compound (A1-5) is preferably 0.1 to 40% by mass. More preferably, the content of the quaternized product of compound (A1-3) is 20 to 65% by mass, the content of the quaternized product of compound (A1-4) is 20 to 60% by mass, and the content of the quaternized product of compound (A1-5) is 5 to 35% by mass. When quaternizing the compounds (A1-3), (A1-4), and (A1-5), generally, ester amines that have not been quaternized remain even after the quaternization reaction. In that case, the ratio of "quaternized product / unquaternized ester amine" is preferably within the range of a mass ratio of 70 / 30 to 99 / 1.

[0017] The compound represented by the general formula (A1-6) (hereinafter referred to as "compound (A1-6)") and the compound represented by the general formula (A1-7) (hereinafter referred to as "compound (A1-7)") are those of R in the general formula (1) 4 From the fatty acid composition described in the column of, and the adduct of N-methylethanolamine and acrylonitrile, it can be synthesized by a condensation reaction with N-(2-hydroxyethyl)-N-methyl-1,3-propanediamine synthesized by a known method described in J. Org. Chem., 26, 3409 (1960). At that time, it is preferably synthesized so that the abundance ratio represented by "compound (A1-6) / compound (A1-7)" is 99 / 1 to 50 / 50 by mass ratio. When using the quaternized product thereof, it is preferable to use methyl chloride as the quaternizing agent, and it is preferably synthesized so that the abundance ratio represented by "quaternized product of compound (A1-6) / quaternized product of compound (A1-7)" is 99 / 1 to 50 / 50 by mass ratio.

[0018] As the component (A), at least one selected from the group consisting of the compound represented by the general formula (A1), its salt, and its quaternized product is preferable, at least one selected from the group consisting of the compounds represented by the general formulas (A1-1) to (A1-7), their salts, and their quaternized products is more preferable, at least one selected from the group consisting of the compounds represented by the general formulas (A1-3) to (A1-5), their salts, and their quaternized products is even more preferable.

[0019] The component (A) is a known substance and is easily available on the market or can be prepared. (A) component may be used alone or in combination of a plurality of types (for example, a mixture of compounds represented by general formulas (A1-3) to (A1-5)).

[0020] (A) The content of the component is 3% by mass or more based on the total mass of the liquid softener composition. When the content of the (A) component is 3% by mass or more, the compounding purpose can be achieved. The upper limit of the content of the (A) component is not particularly limited from the viewpoint of the compounding purpose. The content of the (A) component is preferably 3 to 15% by mass, more preferably 5 to 12% by mass based on the total mass of the liquid softener composition.

[0021] [(B) component: Pectinase] (B) component is blended to suppress the formation of biofilm and reduce the musty smell. Although the present invention is not limited by a specific theory, it is considered that the (B) component exerts its blending effect by the following mechanism (1) and / or (2). (1) By decomposing the extracellular polysaccharide produced by bacteria that form biofilm (also the causative bacteria of musty smell) (for example, Staphylococcus aureus, Moraxella osloensis, etc.), while suppressing the formation and growth of biofilm, the biofilm removal effect during washing is enhanced. (2) By decomposing the extracellular polysaccharide that constitutes the biofilm, the effect (antibacterial property) of the (A) component against biofilm-forming bacteria is enhanced.

[0022] Pectinase is an enzyme that decomposes pectin. In the present invention, pectinase having the above-mentioned pectin-decomposing activity can be used without particular limitation.

[0023] Examples of pectinases include pectate lyase (EC 4.2.2.2), endo - polygalacturonase (EC 3.2.1.15), pectinesterase (EC 3.1.1.11), pectin methylesterase (EC 3.1.1.11), and the like. Among them, those selected from the group consisting of pectate lyase, endo - polygalacturonase, pectinesterase, and pectin methylesterase are preferred.

[0024] The pectinase may be either wild - type or mutant as long as it has pectin - degrading activity. Also, the origin of the pectinase is not particularly limited, and it may be isolated from nature or may be a recombinant.

[0025] Component (B) is a known substance and is easily available on the market or can be prepared. Examples of commercially available products (pectinase preparations) containing component (B) include Pectawash (Novozymes Corporation), Pectaway (Novozymes Corporation), Xpect 1000L (Novozymes Corporation), Pectinase XP - 534 NEO (Nagase Sangyo Co., Ltd.), Pectinase SS (Yakult Honsha Co., Ltd.), and Sucrase TM N (Mitsubishi Chemical Corporation), etc. Component (B) may be used alone or in combination of multiple types. The content of component (B) is not particularly limited as long as the blending purpose can be achieved. As described above, usually, component (B) is blended in the form of an enzyme preparation. The content as an enzyme preparation is preferably 0.05 - 3% by mass, more preferably 0.1 - 2% by mass, and even more preferably 0.3 - 1% by mass based on the total mass of the liquid softener composition. When the content of the (B) component is expressed based on the enzyme activity, the amount at which the pectinase activity of the liquid softener composition is 0.6 (PDEU / g) or more is preferable, 1.2 (PDEU / g) or more is more preferable, and 3.7 (PDEU / g) or more is even more preferable. Here, the unit “PDEU” of the pectinase activity means a value converted from the absorbance calibration curve prepared using the standard enzyme “Standard Pectinase” manufactured by Novozymes Japan, and “ / g” means a value relative to the unit mass of the liquid detergent composition.

[0026] [Emulsion-type liquid softener composition] The liquid softener composition is of the emulsion type. “Emulsion” means that when a glass cell with an optical path length of 10 mm is used as the measurement cell and ion-exchanged water is put into the control cell, the visible light transmittance (wavelength 660 nm) of the sample is less than 30%.

[0027] [Optional components] In the liquid softener composition, the following optional components other than the essential components (A) and (B) may be blended within a range that does not impair the effects of the present invention.

[0028] [Component (C): Nonionic surfactant] Component (C) is blended in the liquid softener composition containing component (A) in the above-mentioned blending amount to suppress liquid separation at low temperatures (improve separation stability) and further suppress thickening. As the nonionic surfactant, components known in the field of liquid softeners can be used without particular limitation. Examples include those derived from polyhydric alcohols, higher alcohols, higher amines, or higher fatty acids. More specifically, 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 an alkyl group or alkenyl group with 10 to 22 carbon atoms and an average addition mole number of ethylene oxide (EO) of 10 to 100 moles; polyoxyethylene fatty acid alkyl (the alkyl having 1 to 3 carbon atoms) esters; polyoxyethylene alkylamines having an average addition mole number of EO of 10 to 100 moles; alkyl polyglucosides having an alkyl group or alkenyl group with 8 to 18 carbon atoms; hydrogenated castor oil having an average addition mole number of EO of 10 to 100 moles, etc. Among them, polyoxyethylene alkyl ethers having an alkyl group with 10 to 18 carbon atoms and an average addition mole number of EO of 20 to 80 moles (preferably 40 to 80 moles, more preferably 50 to 70 moles) are preferred.

[0029] Examples of the polyoxyethylene alkyl ether include those obtained by adding an average of 60 moles of EO to primary isotridecyl alcohol (13 carbon atoms), those obtained by adding an average of 40 moles of EO to lauryl alcohol (12 carbon atoms), and those obtained by adding an average of 20 moles of EO to lauryl alcohol (12 carbon atoms).

[0030] Component (C) is a known substance and is easily available in the market or can be prepared. Component (C) may be used alone or in combination of multiple types.

[0031] The content of component (C) is 1% by mass or more and less than 10% by mass, preferably 1.5% by mass or more and less than 7% by mass, more preferably 2% by mass or more and 5% by mass or less, based on the total mass of the liquid softener composition. When the content of component (C) is 1% by mass or more, structural viscosity is imparted to the liquid softener composition, and the viscosity stability of the liquid softener composition after freeze-thaw recovery is improved. When it is less than 3% by mass, the usability and separation stability of the liquid softener composition are improved.

[0032] [Mass ratio of component (A) and component (C)] The mass ratio (A / C) of component (A) and component (C) is preferably 0.1 to 10, more preferably 0.5 to 7, still more preferably 1 to 5. When it is within the above mass ratio range, while maintaining good separation stability, the effect of component (B) against the raw drying odor can be supplemented and enhanced.

[0033] [Component (D): Perfume] Component (D) is blended for scenting the liquid softener composition and further for scenting the fiber product after treatment with the composition. Component (D) is a perfume not encapsulated in a capsule (free perfume), which is different from the perfume contained as the core substance in the encapsulated perfume (functional capsule) described later. (D) As the component, fragrances commonly used in the field of softeners can be used without particular limitation. The list of available fragrance raw materials is described in various documents, such as "Perfume and Flavor Chemicals", Vol.I and II, Steffen Arctander, Allured Pub.Co. (1994) and "Synthetic Fragrances - Chemistry and Product Knowledge", by Motokazu Indoh, Chemical Industry Daily Co., Ltd. (1996) and "Perfume and Flavor Materials of Natural Origin", Steffen Arctander, Allured Pub.Co. (1994) and "Encyclopedia of Scents", edited by the Japan Flavor Association, Asakura Shoten (1989) and "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), etc. Among the compounds used as fragrance components, some act as antagonists of odorant receptors. In order to enhance the deodorizing effect of the liquid softener composition, for example, antagonists of olfactory receptors described in JP-A-2017-101224, JP-A-2015-193643, JP-T-2020-500589, etc. may be used as the component (D).

[0034] (D) A single type may be used, or multiple types may be used in combination (free fragrance composition). There are no particular restrictions on the fragrance components used in the fragrance composition, and they can be appropriately selected according to the purpose. (D) As the component, for example, aldehydes, phenols, alcohols, ethers, esters, hydrocarbons, ketones, lactones, musks, fragrances having a terpene skeleton, natural fragrances, animal-derived fragrances, etc. can be mentioned. Specific examples of each fragrance are as follows. Examples of aldehydes include undecylenic aldehyde, lauryl aldehyde, aldehyde C-12MNA, mirc aldehyde, α-amyl cinnamic aldehyde, cyclamen aldehyde, citral, citronellal, ethyl vanillin, heliotropin, anisaldehyde, α-hexyl cinnamic aldehyde, octanal, ligustral, lilial, lyral, triplal, vanillin, helional, and the like. Examples of phenols include eugenol, isoeugenol, and the like. Examples of alcohols include citronellol, dihydromyrcenol, dihydrolinalool, geraniol, linalool, nerol, sandalwood oil, santalex, terpineol, tetrahydrolinalool, menthol, borneol, 1-decanal, bakdanol, phenylethyl alcohol, and the like. Examples of ethers include cedramber, glyceryl salicylate, methyl eugenol, methyl isoeugenol, and the like. Examples of esters include cis-3-hexenyl acetate, cis-3-hexenyl propionate, cis-3-hexenyl salicylate, p-cresyl acetate, p-t-butylcyclohexyl acetate, amyl acetate, methyl dihydrojasmonate (dihydromethyl jasmonate), amyl salicylate, benzyl salicylate, benzyl benzoate, benzyl acetate, cedryl acetate, citronellyl acetate, decahydro-β-naphthyl acetate, dimethylbenzylcarbinyl acetate, erica propionate, ethyl acetoacetate, erica acetate, geranyl acetate, geranyl formate, hedyon, linalyl acetate, β-phenylethyl acetate, hexyl salicylate, styrallyl acetate, terpinyl acetate, vetiveryl acetate, o-t-butylcyclohexyl acetate, manzanate, allyl heptanoate, and the like. Examples of hydrocarbons include limonene (especially d-limonene), α-pinene, β-pinene, myrcene, camphene, terpinolene, and the like. Examples of ketones include α-ionone, β-ionone, methyl-β-naphthyl ketone, α-damascone, β-damascone, δ-damascone, damasconone, cis-jasmone, methyl ionone, allyl ionone, cashmeran, dihydrojasmone, isoeuper, beltfix, isolongifolanone, corebon, carvon, rose phenone, raspberry ketone, dynascone, maltol, and the like. Examples of lactones include γ-decalactone, γ-undecalactone, γ-nonalactone, γ-dodecalactone, coumarin, ambroxan, and the like. Examples of musks include cyclopentadecanolide, ethylene brassylate, galaxolide, musk ketone, tonalide, tonalid, nitro musks, and the like. Examples of fragrances having a terpene skeleton include geraniol, nerol, linalool, citral, citronellol, menthol, mint, citronellal, myrcene, α-pinene, β-pinene, limonene, terpinolene, carvon, ionone (e.g., β-ionone), camphene, borneol, and the like. Examples of natural fragrances include essential oils such as orange oil, lemon oil, lime oil, petitgrain oil, yuzu oil, neroli oil, bergamot oil, lavender oil, lavandin oil, abies oil, anise oil, bay oil, bois de rose oil, ylang-ylang oil, citronella oil, geranium oil, peppermint oil, mint oil, spearmint oil, eucalyptus oil, lemongrass oil, patchouli oil, jasmine oil, rose oil, cider oil, vetiver oil, galbanum oil, oakmoss oil, pine oil, camphor oil, sandalwood oil, linalool oil, terpine oil, clove oil, clove leaf oil, cassia oil, nutmeg oil, cananga oil, and thyme oil. Examples of animal-derived fragrances include civet, musk, castoreum, ambergris, and the like.

[0035] When the component (D) is a perfume composition, the content of perfume components having a ClogP value of 5 or more is preferably 25% by mass or more, more preferably 30% by mass or more, still more preferably 35% by mass or more, particularly preferably 40% by mass or more, based on the total mass of the perfume composition. With the above content, better fragrance persistence can be obtained. The types of perfume components having a ClogP value of 5 or more are not particularly limited. Preferred examples include habanolide (5.0), ambroxan (5.3), tonalide (6.3), hexyl salicylate (5.1), galaxolide (6.1), muscone (6.0), exaltolide (6.2), isoeuper (5.2), beltfix (acetyl cedrene) (5.0), cedryl methyl ether (5.1), etc. (the numbers in parentheses represent the ClogP values). Among them, habanolide, ambroxan, galaxolide, isoeuper, and tonalide are more preferred.

[0036] The ClogP value is a value representing the 1-octanol / water partition coefficient P, which is the ratio of the equilibrium concentrations of a chemical substance in 1-octanol and water, in the form of the logarithm to the base 10, logP. The ClogP value can be determined by the f-value method (hydrophobic fragment constant method) by decomposing the chemical structure of a compound into its constituent elements and integrating the hydrophobic fragment constants (f-values) of each fragment (see, for example, Clog 3 Reference Manual Daylight Software 4.34, Albert Leo, David Weininger, Version 1, March 1994). Generally, since the higher the ClogP value of a perfume, the more hydrophobic it is, it can be said that a perfume composition containing a large amount of perfume components with a small ClogP value is a more hydrophilic perfume composition than a perfume composition containing a large amount of perfume components with a large ClogP value.

[0037] The perfume composition may contain a solvent commonly used in liquid fabric softeners. Examples of solvents for perfumes include acetin (triacetin), MMB acetate (3-methoxy-3-methylbutyl acetate), sucrose diacetate hexaisobutyrate, ethylene glycol dibutyrate, hexylene glycol, dibutyl sebacate, Delltyle Extra (isopropyl myristate), methyl carbitol (diethylene glycol monomethyl ether), carbitol (diethylene glycol monoethyl ether), TEG (triethylene glycol), benzyl benzoate (BB), propylene glycol, diethyl phthalate, tripropylene glycol, Avorin (dimethyl phthalate), Delltyle Prime (isopropyl palmitate), dipropylene glycol (DPG), farnesene, dioctyl adipate, tributyrin (glyceryl tributanoate), Hydrolite-5 (1,2-pentanediol), propylene glycol diacetate, cetyl acetate (hexadecyl acetate), ethyl abietate, Avallin (methyl abietate), Citrofex A-2 (acetyltriethyl citrate), Citrofex A-4 (tributylacetyl citrate), Citrofex No.2 (triethyl citrate), Citrofex No.4 (tributyl citrate), Durafix (methyldihydroabietate), MITD (isotridecyl myristate), poly limonene (limonene polymer), 1,3-butylene glycol, and the like. The content of the solvent is, for example, 0.1 to 30% by mass, preferably 1 to 20% by mass, based on the total mass of the perfume composition.

[0038] The fragrance composition may be blended with an antioxidant commonly used in liquid softeners. Examples of antioxidants for fragrances include 3,5-di-tert-butyl-4-hydroxytoluene (BHT), t-butyl-p-hydroxyanisole (BHA), p-methoxyphenol, β-naphthol, phenyl-α-naphthylamine, tetramethyldiaminodiphenylmethane, γ-oryzanol, vitamin E (α-tocopherol, β-tocopherol, γ-tocopherol, δ-tocopherol), 2,2'-ethylidenebis(4,6-di-t-butylphenol), tris(tetramethylhydroxypiperidinol)·1 / 3 citrate, bis(2,2,6,6-tetramethyl-4-piperidyl) sebacate, quercetin, 4,4'-bis(α,α-dimethylbenzyl) diphenylamine, etc. Preferably, it is 3,5-di-tert-butyl-4-hydroxytoluene (BHT). The content of the antioxidant is, for example, 0.001 to 10% by mass, preferably 0.01 to 5% by mass, based on the total mass of the fragrance composition.

[0039] (D) The content of the component is not particularly limited as long as the blending purpose can be achieved, but it is preferably 0.3 to 2% by mass, more preferably 0.5 to 1% by mass, based on the total mass of the liquid softener composition. When the content of the (D) component is 0.3% by mass or more, a higher blending effect can be obtained, and when it is 1% by mass or less, excellent separation stability can be obtained.

[0040] [Antibacterial agent] The antibacterial agent is blended to enhance the antibacterial property of the liquid softener composition. As the antibacterial agent, those generally blended in liquid softeners can be used without particular limitation. Examples of the antibacterial agent include dichlorosan, triclosan, quaternary ammonium salts (alkylammonium chloride, benzalkonium chloride, etc.), bis-(2-pyridylthio-1-oxide) zinc, polyhexamethylene biguanide hydrochloride, 8-hydroxyquinoline, polylysine, etc. Among them, quaternary ammonium salts (alkylammonium chloride, benzalkonium chloride, etc.) and polyhexamethylene biguanide hydrochloride are preferred. The antibacterial agent may be used alone or in combination of two or more kinds. The content of the antibacterial agent is not particularly limited as long as the compounding purpose can be achieved, but it is preferably 0.001 to 10% by mass, more preferably 0.01 to 1% by mass, based on the total mass of the liquid softener composition.

[0041] 〔Water-soluble solvent〕 The water-soluble solvent is blended to further improve the stability (especially freeze-thaw stability) of the liquid softener composition. As the water-soluble solvent, one or more selected from the group consisting of alcohols having 1 to 4 carbon atoms, glycol ether solvents, and polyhydric alcohols are preferable. 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 the water-soluble solvent represented by the following general formula (X). R 4 -O-(C 2 H 4 O) y -(C 3 H 6 O) Z -H ···(X) (In the formula, R 4 is an alkyl group or alkenyl group having 1 to 6 carbon atoms, preferably 2 to 4 carbon atoms, y and z are average addition mole numbers, respectively, y is 1 to 10, preferably 2 to 5, and z is 0 to 5, preferably 0 to 2.) Among those listed above, ethanol, ethylene glycol, butyl carbitol, propylene glycol, dipropylene glycol monomethyl ether, and diethylene glycol monobutyl ether are preferable. 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 compounding purpose can be achieved, but it is preferably 0.01 to 4% by mass, more preferably 0.01 to 3% by mass, particularly preferably 0.1 to 3% by mass, based on the total mass of the liquid softener composition.

[0042] 〔Functional Capsules〕 Functional capsules are formulated to impart various functions resulting from the core substance encapsulated within the capsule to the liquid softener composition and / or fiber products. Functional capsules are composed of a core substance and a wall substance that covers the core substance.

[0043] As the core substance, those generally used as capsule-encapsulated substances in the liquid softener field can be used without particular limitation. Specific examples include fragrances, essential oils, brighteners, insect repellents, silicones, waxes, flavoring agents, vitamins, skin care agents, enzymes, probiotics, dyes, pigments, fragrance precursors, cooling agents, warming agents, attractants such as pheromones, antibacterial agents, bleaching agents, flavoring agents, sweeteners, waxes, drugs, fertilizers, herbicides, etc. The core substance may be used alone or in combination of multiple types.

[0044] As the wall substance, those generally used as encapsulating materials in the liquid softener field can be used without particular limitation. Specific examples include natural polymers such as gelatin and agar, oily film-forming substances such as oils and waxes, and synthetic polymer substances such as polyacrylic acid-based, polyvinyl-based, polymethacrylic acid-based, melamine-based, and urethane-based substances. The wall substance may be used alone or in combination of multiple types.

[0045] Specific examples of encapsulated fragrances with fragrances as the core substance include BLUEFLOWERPOP "FFMHN2814" manufactured by Firmenich; GREEN BREEZE CAPS, ORCHARD GARDEN CAPS, RAINBOW CAPS, VELVET CAPS, AURORACAPS, and COSMICCAPS manufactured by Givaudan; UNICAP101 and UNICAP503 manufactured by IFF, etc. Specific examples of the cooling capsules using a cooling agent as the core material include MultiSal SalCool, HydroSal FreshCool, SalSphere SalCool manufactured by SALVONA Technologies, and NEO ARGE AROMA-C manufactured by Nichika Chemical Co., Ltd. Specific examples of the warming capsules using a warming 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.

[0046] The average particle diameter of the functional capsules is preferably 10 to 30 μm. The functional capsules having the above particle diameter are excellent in adsorbability to clothing and can be stably dispersed in the liquid softener composition.

[0047] A single type of functional capsule may be used, or a plurality of types may be used in combination. The content of the functional capsule is not particularly limited as long as the blending purpose can be achieved, but it is preferably 0.0001 to 1% by mass based on the total mass of the liquid softener composition. When the functional capsule is an encapsulated fragrance, the content of the encapsulated fragrance (based on the mass of the fragrance contained in the capsule) is preferably 0.0001 to 1% by mass based on the total mass of the liquid softener composition.

[0048] 〔Water〕 The liquid softener composition is preferably an aqueous composition containing water. As the water, tap water, ion-exchanged water, pure water, distilled water, etc. can be used. Among them, ion-exchanged water is preferable. The content of water is not particularly limited, but it 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 content of water is 50% by mass or more, the handling property becomes better.

[0049] 〔Viscosity regulator〕 The viscosity regulator is formulated to further improve the usability of the liquid softener composition. Specific examples of the viscosity regulator include calcium chloride, magnesium chloride, sodium chloride, sodium p-toluenesulfonate, sodium citrate, etc. Among them, calcium chloride, magnesium chloride, and sodium citrate are preferred. The viscosity regulator may be used alone or in combination of multiple types. The content of the viscosity regulator is 0.001 to 0.5% by mass, preferably 0.003 to 0.2% by mass, more preferably 0.005 to 0.1% by mass based on the total mass of the liquid softener composition.

[0050] 〔Preservative〕 The preservative is mainly formulated to enhance the antiseptic power and bactericidal power of the liquid softener composition and maintain the preservative property during long-term storage. As the preservative, components known in the field of liquid softeners can be used without particular limitation. Specific examples 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-based organic sulfur compounds 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-dichloro isothiazolone, 5-chloro-2-methyl-3-isothiazolone, 2-methyl-4-isothiazolin-3-one, and mixtures thereof. Among them, 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 the former at about 77% by mass and the latter at about 23% by mass and its dilutions (e.g., isothiazolone solution) are particularly preferred. Examples of benzisothiazolone-based organic sulfur compounds include 1,2-benzisothiazolin-3-one, 2-methyl-4,5-trimethylene-4-isothiazolin-3-one, dithio-2,2-bis(benzylmethylamide) as a related compound, and mixtures thereof. Among them, 1,2-benzisothiazolin-3-one is particularly preferred. Examples of benzoic acids include benzoic acid or its salts, p-hydroxybenzoic acid or its salts, methyl p-oxybenzoate, ethyl p-oxybenzoate, propyl p-oxybenzoate, butyl p-oxybenzoate, benzyl p-oxybenzoate, and the like. 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 blending purpose can be achieved, but it is preferably 0.0001 to 1% by mass based on the total mass of the liquid softener composition. When it is 0.0001% by mass or more, the blending effect of the preservative can be sufficiently obtained, and when it is 1% by mass or less, the high storage stability of the liquid softener composition can be sufficiently maintained.

[0051] 〔Stabilizer〕 The stabilizer is blended to suppress liquid separation and improve the handleability of the liquid softener composition. In addition, the stabilizer also contributes to the dispersion stability of the functional capsules (blended as optional components). Examples of the stabilizer include urethane polymers, dextrin derivatives, cationic (meth)acrylic polymers, etc. Among them, urethane polymers are preferred. Hereinafter, urethane polymers will be described in detail.

[0052] The urethane polymer is a nonionic polymer having a urethane skeleton. Preferably, the urethane polymer is a nonionic polymer having a hydrophobic group at its molecular terminals and further having a urethane skeleton inside its molecule. This contains repeatedly a structural unit containing a urethane bond in the main chain of the polymer. The molecular terminals can be both terminals of the molecule. In particular, the urethane polymer can be a nonionic polymer having hydrophobic groups at both molecular terminals and having a hydrophilic group and a urethane skeleton inside its molecule. Such a urethane polymer can be a rheology modifier. One of the mechanisms by which the urethane polymer can function as a rheology modifier can be to form aggregates. For example, the hydrophobic groups in the urethane polymer can associate with the vesicle particles formed by the component (A) (a structure formed by connecting the vesicle particles via the urethane polymer is called a crosslinked structure), and / or the hydrophobic groups in the urethane polymer can associate with each other. The hydrophobic group that the urethane polymer can have is not particularly limited, and examples thereof include linear or branched, or cyclic hydrocarbon groups such as an alkyl group and a cycloalkyl group, and an aryl group or an arylalkyl group which may be substituted. The hydrophilic group that the urethane polymer can have is not particularly limited, and examples thereof include polyoxyalkylene and polyoxyalkenylene.

[0053] As the urethane polymer, a commercially available one may be used, or one produced by a known method may be used. Examples of commercially available urethane polymers include, but are not limited to, RHEOBYK-H 7625 VF (former name: OPTIFLO-H 7625 VF), RHEOBYK-H 7500 VF (former name: OPTIFLO-H 7500 VF), RHEOBYK-H 6500 VF (former name: OPTIFLO-H 6500 VF), RHEOBYK-H 3300 VF (former name: OPTIFLO-H 3300 VF), RHEOBYK-M 2600 VF (former name: OPTIFLO-M 2600 VF), RHEOBYK-L 1400 VF (former name: OPTIFLO-L 1400 VF) manufactured by BYK-Chemie Japan Co., Ltd., Aculyn 44, Acusol 880, Acusol 882 manufactured by The Dow Chemical Company Japan, and Rheovis PU1190, Rheovis PU1341 manufactured by BASF.

[0054] As an example of a method for producing a urethane polymer, a prepolymer having isocyanate groups at both ends is formed by reacting a polyol with an excessive amount of diisocyanate, and then a urethane polymer is produced using a mixture of a monoamine (e.g., a primary mono long-chain amine) and a diamine having a structure that becomes a hydrophobic group. Examples of polyols that can be used include polyether polyols such as polyethylene glycol and polypropylene glycol, and polyester polyols. The polyol will constitute the hydrophilic group in the urethane polymer. Examples of monoamines that can be used include aliphatic amines, arylaliphatic amines, and aromatic amines. In addition, the urethane polymer can also be produced from a polyol, a diisocyanate, and an alcohol having a structure that becomes a hydrophobic group. The method for producing the urethane polymer is not limited to these.

[0055] The mass average molecular weight of the urethane polymer is not particularly limited, but for example, it can be 1,000 to 1,000,000, preferably 2,000 to 500,000, and more preferably 5,000 to 300,000. The urethane polymer may be used alone or in combination of two types. The content of the urethane polymer is not particularly limited as long as the compounding purpose can be achieved, but is preferably 0.001 to 0.1% by mass, more preferably 0.003 to 0.05% by mass, and particularly preferably 0.005 to 0.03% by mass based on the total mass of the liquid softener composition. When the blending amount of the urethane polymer is within this range, liquid separation can be better suppressed during storage at 25°C, and appropriate viscosity can be imparted, resulting in good handleability.

[0056] 〔Other optional components〕 In addition to the aforementioned components, antioxidants, reducing agents, emulsifiers (such as polystyrene emulsion), opacifying agents, anti-shrinkage agents, anti-wrinkle agents for washing, shape-retaining agents, drape-retaining agents, ironing property improvers, oxygen bleach inhibitors, brightening agents, whitening agents, fabric softening clay, antistatic agents, migration inhibitors (such as polyvinylpyrrolidone), polymer dispersants, soil release agents, scum dispersants, fluorescent brightening agents (such as 4,4-bis(2-sulfostyryl)biphenyl disodium (Tinopal CBS-X manufactured by Ciba Specialty Chemicals)), dye fixatives, anti-fading agents (such as 1,4-bis(3-aminopropyl)piperazine), stain removers, fiber surface modifiers (enzymes such as cellulase, amylase, protease, lipase, and keratinase), defoaming agents, components that impart the texture and functions of silk such as moisture absorption and release properties (silk protein powder, their surface-modified products, emulsion dispersions, specifically K-50, K-30, K-10, A-705, S-702, L-710, FP series (Idemitsu Petrochemical), hydrolyzed silk solution (Jomo), Silkgen G Soluble S (Ichimaru Pharcos)), and anti-pollution agents (nonionic polymer compounds composed of alkylene terephthalate and / or alkylene isophthalate units and polyoxyalkylene units, for example, FR627 manufactured by Gohou Chemical Industry, SRC-1 manufactured by Clariant Japan, etc.) can be appropriately blended.

[0057] 〔pH of the liquid softener composition〕 The pH of the liquid softener composition is not particularly limited, but from the viewpoint of suppressing the hydrolysis of component (A) over time during storage, the pH at 25°C is preferably adjusted to the range of 1 to 6, more preferably 2 to 4. For pH adjustment, hydrochloric acid, sulfuric acid, phosphoric acid, alkyl sulfuric acid, benzoic acid, p-toluenesulfonic acid, citric acid, malic acid, succinic acid, lactic acid, glycolic acid, hydroxyethanediphosphonic acid, phytic acid, ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid, short-chain amine compounds such as dimethylamine, alkali metal hydroxides such as sodium hydroxide, alkali metal carbonates, alkali metal silicates, etc. can be used.

[0058] 〔Viscosity of the liquid softener composition〕 Since the thickening of the liquid softener composition according to the present invention is suppressed, it has a viscosity that makes its usability (particularly, the handling property when charging into a washing machine and the discharge efficiency from the charging port of the washing machine) good. 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).

[0059] 〔Manufacturing method〕 The liquid softener composition can be manufactured by a known method, for example, the same method as the manufacturing method of a conventional liquid softener composition using a cationic surfactant as the main agent. For example, an oil phase containing component (A) and component (C) and an aqueous phase are mixed under temperature conditions equal to or higher than the melting point of component (A) to prepare an emulsion, and then component (B) and other components as necessary are added to and mixed with the obtained emulsion to manufacture it. The oil phase can be prepared by mixing component (A), component (C), and other components as necessary at a temperature equal to or higher than the melting point of component (A). The aqueous phase can be prepared by mixing water and other components as necessary.

[0060] 〔Usage method of the liquid softener composition〕 The method for treating textile products using the liquid softening composition is not particularly limited and can be used in the same manner as conventional liquid softeners. For example, the treatment can be carried out by dissolving the liquid softening composition in the rinsing water at the rinsing stage of washing, or by dissolving the liquid softening composition in water in a container such as a tub and further immersing the textile products. In both cases, it is diluted to an appropriate concentration for use, and the bath ratio (weight ratio of the treatment liquid to the textile products) is preferably 3 to 100 times, particularly preferably 5 to 50 times. Specifically, it is used in an amount such that the concentration of component (A) 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 types of textile products that can be treated with the liquid softening composition are not particularly limited, and examples include clothing, curtains, sofas, carpets, towels, handkerchiefs, sheets, and pillowcases. The materials can be natural fibers such as cotton, silk, and wool, or chemical fibers such as polyester.

Examples

[0061] Hereinafter, the present invention will be described in more detail with reference to examples, but the present invention is not limited thereto. In addition, in the examples and comparative examples, the blending amounts of all components are shown in mass% (except when specified, in terms of pure content).

[0062] [(A) component: Cationic surfactant] The following A-1 to A-3 were used. A-1: A cationic surfactant synthesized according to the procedure described in Example 4 of JP-A-2003-12471. A-1 is a composition containing a compound represented by general formulas (A1-3), (A1-4), and (A1-5) (in each formula, R 9 is an alkyl group or alkenyl group having 15 to 17 carbon atoms) quaternized with dimethyl sulfate. Also, with respect to the "total mass of the quaternized products of compound (A1-3), the quaternized product of compound (A1-4), and the quaternized product of compound (A1-5)", the content of the quaternized product of compound (A1-3) was 50% by mass, the content of the quaternized product of compound (A1-4) was 30% by mass, and the content of the quaternized product of compound (A1-5) was 20% by mass. A-2: Trade name "Stepantex SE-88", manufactured by Stepan. A-2 is a composition containing a compound represented by general formulas (A1-3), (A1-4), and (A1-5) (in each formula, R 9 is an alkyl group or alkenyl group having 15 to 17 carbon atoms) quaternized with dimethyl sulfate. Also, with respect to the "total mass of the quaternized products of compound (A1-3), the quaternized product of compound (A1-4), and the quaternized product of compound (A1-5)", the content of the quaternized product of compound (A1-3) was 55% by mass, the content of the quaternized product of compound (A1-4) was 35% by mass, and the content of the quaternized product of compound (A1-5) was 10% by mass. A-3: Trade name "HITEX RO16E", manufactured by Southeast Synthetic Co., Ltd. A-3 is a composition containing a compound represented by general formulas (A1-3), (A1-4), and (A1-5) (in each formula, R 9 is an alkyl group or alkenyl group having 15 to 17 carbon atoms) quaternized with dimethyl sulfate. Also, with respect to the "total mass of the quaternized products of compound (A1-3), the quaternized product of compound (A1-4), and the quaternized product of compound (A1-5)", the content of the quaternized product of compound (A1-3) was 65% by mass, the content of the quaternized product of compound (A1-4) was 20% by mass, and the content of the quaternized product of compound (A1-5) was 15% by mass.

[0063] [(B) component: Pectinase enzyme] The following B-1 and B-2 were used. Note that B-2, which is not pectinase, was used in the comparative example. B-1: Pectate lyase (enzyme preparation. Trade name: Xpect 1000L (1244 PDEU / g). Supplier: Novozymes Co., Ltd.) B-2: Cellulase (trade name: Carezyme Premium. Supplier: Novozymes Corporation)

[0064] 〔(C) component: Nonionic surfactant〕 The following C-1 was used. C-1: Polyoxyethylene isotridecyl ether EO 60 moles (ethylene oxide added to Lutensol TO3 manufactured by BASF (EO 60 moles indicates that the average number of moles of ethylene oxide added is 60), trade name "TA600-75", manufactured by Lion Chemical Co., Ltd.)

[0065] 〔(D) component: Perfume〕 A perfume composition D-1 having the composition shown in the following table was used. The numerical values of each perfume component in the table are mass % based on the total mass of the perfume composition D-1.

[0066] D-1 TIFF2025087192000004.tif197149 The content of D-1 in the liquid softener compositions of each example and comparative example was 0.9 mass % based on the total mass of the liquid softener composition.

[0067] 〔Other components〕 The following common component E-1 was used. The contents in the table are values based on the total mass of the liquid softener composition.

[0068] E-1 TIFF2025087192000005.tif57161

[0069] 〔Method for preparing liquid softener composition〕 A liquid softener composition having the composition shown in Table 1 below was prepared. In Table 1, the unit of the numerical value of each component is mass % based on the total mass of the liquid softener composition. The content of the (B) component in Table 1 is the content as an enzyme preparation. 「A / C」 in Table 1 indicates the mass ratio of the (A) component to the (C) component.

[0070] The liquid softener composition was prepared by the following procedure using a glass container (inner diameter 100 mm, height 150 mm) and a stirrer (Agitator SJ type, manufactured by Shimadzu Corporation). First, the components (A), (C), and (D) 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. Here, the mass of the ion-exchanged water for balance corresponded to the remainder obtained by subtracting the total amount of the oil-phase mixture, component (B), stabilizer, preservative, functional capsules, and viscosity modifier from 980 g. Next, the oil-phase mixture heated to a temperature equal to or higher than the melting point of component (A) was placed in a glass container and stirred, and the aqueous-phase mixture heated to a temperature equal to or higher than the melting point of component (A) was added in two portions. Here, the splitting ratio of the aqueous-phase mixture was 30:70 (mass ratio), and the stirring was carried out at a rotational speed of 1,000 rpm 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. Component (B), stabilizer, functional capsules, and viscosity modifier were added to the obtained emulsion, and hydrochloric acid (reagent 1 mol / L, Kanto Chemical) or sodium hydroxide (reagent 1 mol / L, Kanto Chemical) was added in an appropriate amount as necessary to adjust the pH to 2.5, and further ion-exchanged water was added so that the total mass became 1,000 g to obtain a liquid softener composition. When visually evaluating the appearance, each liquid softener composition of the examples and comparative examples was not transparent and was turbid to such an extent that it could be immediately judged that the visible light transmittance under the above-described conditions was less than 30%, and thus was an emulsion type.

[0071] [Suppression of raw, dry odor] The used towel that was concerned about the musty smell existing in ordinary households was used as the evaluation cloth. The evaluation cloth was washed with a commercially available detergent "Top Platinum Clear" (manufactured by Lion Corporation) for 10 minutes using a two-tank washing machine (CW-C30A1-H manufactured by Mitsubishi Electric) (standard usage amount, standard course, bath ratio 20 times, using tap water at 25°C), the first rinsing (for 3 minutes) was carried out, and then a softening treatment for 3 minutes with a liquid softener composition was carried out during the subsequent second rinsing (for every 1 kg of the test cloth, 5 mL of the liquid softener composition, bath ratio 20 times, using tap water at 25°C). The evaluation cloth dehydrated after the softening treatment was dried indoors (at 25°C, 100% RH) for 6 hours (air drying). The smell of the evaluation cloth after air drying was subjectively evaluated according to the following evaluation criteria. The evaluation was carried out by 6 professional panelists. The average score (calculated to the first decimal place) of the 6 panelists was applied to the following judgment criteria to determine the effect of suppressing the smell after air drying of the liquid softener composition. The judgment results are shown in the column of "Suppression of musty smell" in Table 1. ○, ◎, and ◎◎ were judged as passing. <Evaluation criteria> 0 points: No strange smell at all. 1 point: The strange smell can just be felt. 2 points: The strange smell is felt weakly. 3 points: The strange smell is felt somewhat strongly. 4 points: The strange smell is felt strongly. 5 points: The strange smell is felt strongly. <Judgment criteria> ◎◎: Less than 1.0 point ◎: 1.0 point or more and less than 1.5 points ○: 1.5 points or more and less than 2.0 points ×: 2.0 points or more

[0072] [Suppression of biofilm formation] (1) Treatment method A cotton cloth (2 cm × 2 cm) was treated with the liquid softener composition (standard usage amount, bath ratio 20 times, 25°C, for 3 minutes) and dried. The cotton cloth after drying was used as the test cloth. A cotton cloth treated in the same manner except that the liquid softener composition was not used was used as the control cloth. (2) Biofilm measurement Cultures of Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Moraxella osloensis, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa cultured in accordance with JIS L1902 were diluted to a predetermined concentration with a nutrient medium and physiological saline to prepare bacterial solutions. One test cloth (or control cloth) was placed at the bottom of a 12-well plate, 2 mL of the prepared bacterial solution was added, and it was allowed to stand in a constant temperature bath at 30 °C for 48 hours to form a biofilm. After 48 hours, the test cloth (or control cloth) was taken out from the bacterial solution and dried. Subsequently, it was washed with the commercially available detergent "Top Super NANOX" (manufactured by Lion Corporation) for 3 minutes, and then immersed in a 0.1% crystal violet solution for 30 minutes. Thereafter, the test cloth (or control cloth) was extracted with 2 mL of ethanol, and the extract obtained by further diluting 5-fold with ethanol was placed in a 96-well plate. The absorbance of the extract in the well at a wavelength of 590 nm was measured using a plate reader (Infinite Pro 2000, manufactured by Tecan). The absorbance ratio of the test cloth when the absorbance of the control cloth was set to 100 was calculated. The inhibitory effect on biofilm formation was determined according to the following criteria. The determination results are shown in the column of "Inhibition of Biofilm Formation" in Table 1. ○, ◎, and ◎◎ were determined to be qualified. <Judgment Criteria> ◎◎: Absorbance ratio is less than 70 (biofilm formation is significantly inhibited) ◎: Absorbance ratio is 70 or more and less than 90 (biofilm formation is inhibited) ○: Absorbance ratio is 90 or more and less than 100 (biofilm formation is slightly inhibited) ×: Absorbance ratio is 100 or more (biofilm formation is not inhibited / growing) Crystal violet adsorbs to both cotton cloth and biofilm. In this test, the total amount of crystal violet extracted with ethanol from the cotton cloth after the biofilm formation treatment (the amount of crystal violet adsorbed to the cotton cloth + the amount of crystal violet adsorbed to the biofilm) was measured using absorbance as an index. Since the cotton cloths used in the test were of equal amount (in other words, the amount of crystal violet adsorbed to the cotton cloths was equal), a low absorbance ratio means that the amount of biofilm formed was less than that of the control cloth.

[0073] [Antibacterial property] (1) Treatment method Cotton cloth (15 cm × 15 cm) was treated with a liquid softener composition (standard usage amount, bath ratio 20 times, 25 °C, 3 minutes) and dried. The dried cotton cloth was used as the test cloth. The cotton cloth not treated with the liquid softener composition was used as the untreated cloth.

[0074] (2) Evaluation of antibacterial property against Staphylococcus aureus The instruments, water, etc. used in this evaluation were sterilized in advance by autoclaving. The culture solution of Staphylococcus aureus cultured according to JIS L1902 was diluted 20 times with a nutrient medium to prepare a mother solution of Staphylococcus aureus (number of bacteria: 1 ± 0.3 × 10 5 CFU / mL). 200 μL of the mother solution of Staphylococcus aureus was inoculated onto 0.4 g of the test cloth and incubated in a constant temperature bath at 37 °C for 18 hours. Thereafter, the bacteria were extracted from the test cloth using an extraction solution (physiological saline for elution described in JIS L1902). This extraction solution was diluted 10 times with physiological saline. The operation of further diluting the obtained diluted solution 10 times was repeated 4 times to obtain a 100,000-fold diluted solution. Note that the "physiological saline for elution" was prepared by dissolving 8.5 g of sodium chloride in 1,000 mL of purified water in a flask, further adding 2 g of polyoxyethylene sorbitan monooleate (nonionic surfactant, manufactured by Kanto Chemical Co., Inc., trade name "Polysorbate 80, Tween 80") and dissolving it, and then subjecting it to high-pressure steam sterilization (autoclave treatment).

[0075] Next, 1 mL of the resulting 100,000-fold dilution was inoculated and mixed into 15 mL of SCDLP agar medium (manufactured by Nippon Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd.) on a petri dish incubated at 48°C, and cultured in a constant temperature bath at 37°C for 1 to 2 days. Then, the number of colonies was counted to determine the viable cell count. The same operations as those for the test cloth were performed on the untreated cloth to measure the viable cell count. Using these measured values, the antibacterial activity value was calculated from the following formula (ii). Antibacterial activity value = log10 (viable cell count of untreated cloth / viable cell count of test cloth) ···(ii) The antibacterial effect was determined according to the following criteria. The determination results are shown in the "Antibacterial property" column of Table 1. ○, ◎, and ◎◎ were determined to be qualified. <Judgment criteria> ◎◎: Antibacterial activity value is 3.0 or more ◎: Antibacterial activity value is 2.5 or more and less than 3.0 ○: Antibacterial activity value is 2.0 or more and less than 2.5 ×: Antibacterial activity value is less than 2.0

Industrial applicability

[0076] The present invention can be used in the field of softeners.

[0077]

Table 1

Claims

1. A liquid fabric softener composition comprising the following components (A) and (B): (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 are interrupted by ester groups (—COO—) and / or amide groups (—NHCO—), salts thereof, and quaternized products thereof; and (B) Pectinase and the content of component (A) is 3% by mass or more based on the total mass of the liquid fabric softener composition A liquid fabric softener composition characterized by the above.

2. Component (A) is a mixture of the following components (A1-3), (A1-4), and (A1-5), Component (A1-3) is an amine compound represented by the following general formula (A1-3), a salt thereof, or a quaternized product thereof, Component (A1-4) is an amine compound represented by the following general formula (A1-4), a salt thereof, or a quaternized product thereof, The liquid fabric softener composition according to claim 1, wherein component (A1-5) is an amine compound represented by the following general formula (A1-5), a salt thereof, or a quaternized product thereof. (In each of the formulas (A1-3) to (A1-5), R 9 is independently a hydrocarbon group having 7 to 21 carbon atoms.)

3. Component (A1-3) is a quaternized product of an amine compound represented by the general formula (A1-3), Component (A1-4) is a quaternized product of an amine compound represented by the general formula (A1-4), Component (A1-5) is a quaternized product of an amine compound represented by the general formula (A1-5), Based on the total mass of components (A1-3), (A1-4), and (A1-5), the content of component (A1-3) is 5 to 98% by mass, the content of component (A1-4) is 1 to 60% by mass, and the content of component (A1-5) is 0.1 to 40% by mass. The liquid fabric softener composition according to claim 2

4. The liquid fabric softener composition according to claim 1, wherein component (B) is at least one pectinase selected from the group consisting of pectate lyase, polygalacturonase, pectin esterase, and pectin methyl esterase.

5. Furthermore, the liquid fabric softener composition according to claim 1, which further contains (C) a nonionic surfactant.

6. The liquid fabric softener composition according to claim 1, wherein the mass ratio (A / C) of component (A) to component (C) is 0.1 to 10.

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