Structuring premix and liquid composition comprising the same

Abstract

To provide a structuring premix which is more salt-tolerant and can be used to structure laundry liquid compositions which comprise little or no anionic surfactant, while avoiding problems with poor phase stability which is associated with cationically charged or uncharged polymeric structuring agents.SOLUTION: A structuring premix is produced by formulation using a non-polymeric, crystalline, hydroxyl-containing structuring agent and at least two nonionic surfactants having both a low HLB and a high HLB.SELECTED DRAWING: None

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a structured premix comprising a non-polymeric, crystalline hydroxyl-containing structuring agent.

Background Art

[0002] As liquid fabric care compositions become more complex, it becomes more difficult to structure them. For example, it is desirable to structure such compositions not only to suspend active substances such as encapsulated fragrances, but also to imply that they are abundantly formulated in the formulation.

[0003] Fabric softening compositions typically contain vesicles (small sacs) of cationically charged surfactants. Furthermore, it is desired to formulate and produce a laundry detergent composition that contains little or no anionic surfactant. The detergent composition as described above can be formulated as described above to better incorporate cationic components such as cationically charged polymers and / or cationic antibacterial agents. Anionic surfactants can form complexes with such cationic active substances, resulting in a decrease in effectiveness and a decrease in phase stability.

[0004] For reasons related to skin care and to provide certain washing effects, it is also desired to structure laundry detergent compositions, particularly those that contain little or no anionic surfactant. Liquid laundry compositions that contain little or no anionic surfactant have typically been structured using polymeric, non-charged or cationically charged structuring agents. The reason is that anionic charged structuring agents and structuring agent premixes containing anionic surfactants can form complexes with cationic active substances, or are not very effective in forming structures throughout the liquid composition when they contain only low concentrations of anionic surfactant.

[0005] Structuring the above-described composition without making the phase stability insufficient is still difficult. Furthermore, when a polymeric structuring agent is used to structure a colloidal system, it may cause depletion aggregation, so it is generally difficult to compound and manufacture. Depletion aggregation can be eliminated or at least minimized by using a crosslinked nonionic or cationic polymeric structuring agent such as Rheovis (trademark) CDE, Rheovis (trademark) CDX, or FloSoft (trademark) 222. However, the effectiveness of such a polymeric structuring agent remains highly dependent on the concentration of the salts present. Therefore, the viscosity and structuring effect can vary as the concentration of the salts introduced with other components changes.

[0006] Structuring premixes containing non-polymeric and crystalline hydroxyl-containing structuring agents are known to suspend active substances in detergent compositions. However, such premixes have typically been used to emulsify anionic surfactants with non-polymeric and crystalline hydroxyl-containing structuring agents. Thus, they still remain unsuitable for structuring liquid compositions that contain little or no anionic surfactant or contain cationically charged or cationically coated components.

[0007] In addition, since various compositions are typically manufactured in the same location, it is desirable to provide a structuring premix that is compatible across a number of different compositions.

[0008] Accordingly, there is still a need for a structuring premix that has higher salt tolerance and can be used to structure a variety of liquid laundry compositions, particularly one that contains little or no anionic surfactant and, on the other hand, can avoid the poor phase stability problems associated with cationically charged or uncharged polymeric structuring agents.

[0009] International Publication No. 2002 / 040627 (A2) relates to structured systems, particularly thread-like structured systems and / or disk-like structured systems, a structured system that can form disk-like structures in which structuring agents aggregate together and interact with other disk-like structures to provide a structured system, a method for producing such a structured system, a stabilizing liquid composition containing such a structured system, a system that utilizes such a structured system to stabilize a liquid composition, and a method for providing benefits using the stabilizing liquid composition. European Patent No. 1534221 (A1) (Noveon) relates to a method of compatibilizing an anionic polymer rheology modifier with a cationic component, which includes complexing the cationic component with an anionic complexing agent and then combining the complexed cationic component with an anionic rheology modifier. European Patent No. 1534221 (A1) further relates to a composition containing an anionic polymer rheology modifier and a complexed cationic component, and a personal care or household composition containing an anionic rheology modifier and a cationic component complexed with an anionic complexing agent. International Publication No. 2014 / 070201 (A1) (Clorox) discloses a cationic micelle having an anionic polymer counterion composition, its method, and system. International Publication No. 2014 / 026859 (Henkel) relates to a liquid fabric or hard surface treatment agent containing at least one nonionic, amphiphilic, associative thickener and a cationic biocidal compound. International Publication No. 2011 / 031940 (A1) (Procter & Gamble) relates to a structured system containing crystalline glyceride(s) emulsified with an alkanolamine-neutralized anionic surfactant for use in a liquid or gel form detergent.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0010]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Patent Document 3

[0011] The present invention relates to a structured premix, the structured premix comprising 1.0% to 16% by weight of a non-polymeric and crystalline hydroxyl-containing structuring agent and 4.0% to 20% by weight of at least two nonionic surfactants, wherein the at least two nonionic surfactants are: at least one low HLB nonionic surfactant having an HLB of 5.0 to 9.5; and at least one high HLB nonionic surfactant having an HLB of 10.5 to 16.0, and the average HLB of the at least two nonionic surfactants is 9.5 to 12.5.

[0012] The present invention further relates to a liquid detergent composition comprising the structured premix according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the liquid detergent composition contains less than 7.5% anionic surfactant. [Modes for Carrying Out the Invention]

[0013] The structured premix of the present invention provides good structuring for various liquid compositions, particularly liquid compositions that contain little or no anionic component and / or contain a cationic component. In addition, the structured premix provides a rheology with higher salt tolerance and higher phase stability than that provided by a polymeric structuring agent.

[0014] As defined herein, when a component is "essentially free" of another component, it means that the component is present at a concentration of less than 15% by weight, preferably less than 10% by weight, more preferably less than 5% by weight, and even more preferably less than 2% by weight in each of the premixes or compositions. Most preferably, when a component is "essentially absent", it means that the component is not present at all in the corresponding premix or composition.

[0015] As defined herein, "stable" means that when measured using the Floc Formation Test described in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2008 / 0263780 (A1), no visible phase separation is observed for a period of at least about 2 weeks, preferably at least 4 weeks, more preferably at least 1 month, and even more preferably at least 4 months for a premix maintained at 25°C.

[0016] All percentages, ratios, and proportions used herein are, unless otherwise specified, percentages by weight of each of the premixes or compositions. Average values are all calculated based on the "weight" of each of the premixes, compositions, or their components, unless specifically stated otherwise.

[0017] Unless otherwise noted, all levels of components, premixes, or compositions relate to the active portion of such components, premixes, or compositions, and impurities that may be present in commercial sources of such components or compositions, such as residual solvents or by-products, are excluded.

[0018] Unless otherwise specified, all measurements are carried out at 25°C.

[0019] Structured premix: Non-polymeric and crystalline hydroxyl-functional structuring agents are emulsified using surfactants to form a structuring premix. The non-polymeric and crystalline hydroxyl-functional structuring agents can include crystallizable glycerides. Preferably, the non-polymeric and crystalline hydroxyl-containing structuring agents include, or even consist of, hydrogenated castor oil (commonly abbreviated as "HCO") or derivatives thereof.

[0020] Castor oil is a triglyceride vegetable oil that mainly contains ricinoleic acid, but also contains oleic acid and linoleic acid. When castor oil is hydrogenated, it becomes castor oil wax, also known as hydrogenated castor oil. Hydrogenated castor oil may contain at least 85% by weight of ricinoleic acid of castor oil. Preferably, hydrogenated castor oil contains glyceryl tris-12-hydroxystearate (CAS number: 139-44-6). In a preferred embodiment, hydrogenated castor oil contains at least 85% by weight, more preferably at least 95% by weight of glyceryl tris-12-hydroxystearate of hydrogenated castor oil. However, the hydrogenated castor oil composition can also contain other saturated or unsaturated linear or branched esters. In a preferred embodiment, hydrogenated castor oil has a melting point in the range of 45°C to 95°C as measured using ASTM D3418 or ISO 11357. Hydrogenated castor oil may have low residual unsaturates and is generally not ethoxylated because ethoxylation tends to lower the melting point temperature to an undesirable extent. "Low residual unsaturates" means, in this specification, an iodine value of 20 or less, preferably 10 or less, more preferably 3 or less. Those skilled in the art will know the method for measuring the iodine value using generally known techniques.

[0021] The structuring premix contains 1.0% to 16% by weight, preferably 1.0% to 10% by weight, more preferably 2.0% to 6.0% by weight of non-polymeric and crystalline hydroxyl-containing structuring agents.

[0022] The structured premix of the present invention preferably contains water. The water is preferably present at a concentration of 45% to 97% by weight, more preferably 55% to 93% by weight, and even more preferably 65% to 87% by weight of the structured premix.

[0023] The structured premix of the present invention contains at least two nonionic surfactants, and the at least two nonionic surfactants are: a) at least one low HLB nonionic surfactant having an HLB of 5 to 9.5, preferably 7.5 to 9.0; and b) at least one high HLB nonionic surfactant having an HLB of 10.5 to 16, preferably 12 to 14.5, selected from, and the average HLB of the at least two nonionic surfactants is 9.5 to 12.5, preferably 11.0 to 12.0.

[0024] When the premix contains two or more low HLB nonionic surfactants, the low HLB nonionic surfactants have an average HLB within the aforementioned range. When the premix contains two or more high HLB nonionic surfactants, the high HLB nonionic surfactants have an average HLB within the aforementioned range.

[0025] It has been found that the combination of the low HLB nonionic surfactant and the high HLB nonionic surfactant provides an improved structure compared to a premix containing one nonionic surfactant.

[0026] "HLB" is the balance between hydrophilicity and lipophilicity of a surfactant. This is a measure of the degree of hydrophilicity or lipophilicity and is determined by calculating values for different regions of the molecule. Other methods for calculating HLB are known (see in particular the Davis method, Davies JT (1957), "A quantitative kinetic theory of emulsion type, I. Physical chemistry of the emulsifying agent"), but for the purposes of the present invention, the Griffin method (the method described in Griffin, WC. (1949), "Classification of Surface-Active Agents by 'HLB'" and Griffin, WC. (1954)'s "Calculation of HLB Values of Non-Ionic Surfactants") is used.

[0027] The Griffin method for calculating the HLB of non-ionic surfactants is as follows, as described in the above-mentioned 1954 literature: HLB = 20 * M h / M (where M h is the molecular weight of the hydrophilic part of the molecule and M is the molecular weight of the whole molecule, and the result is given on a scale of 0 - 20).

[0028] The average HLB of a combination of non-ionic surfactants is the weight average of the HLB of the individual surfactants.

[0029] Weight average HLB = (x1 * HLB1 + x2 * HLB2 +....) / (x1 + x2 +....) (where x1, x2,... are the weights (in g) of the individual non-ionic surfactants in the mixture and HLB1, HLB2,... are the HLB of the individual non-ionic surfactants).

[0030] The structured premix contains 4.0 wt% to 20 wt%, preferably 10 wt% to 16 wt% of a nonionic surfactant. The structured premix can contain 0.5 wt% to 8.0 wt%, preferably 1.0 wt% to 7.0 wt%, more preferably 2.0 wt% to 6.0 wt% of a low HLB nonionic surfactant and 1.5 wt% to 16 wt%, preferably 4.0 wt% to 11.0 wt%, more preferably 6.0 wt% to 8.0 wt% of a high HLB nonionic surfactant.

[0031] Suitable nonionic surfactants for either or both of the low HLB nonionic surfactant and the high HLB nonionic surfactant include alkoxylated alcohol nonionic surfactants, alkyl polyglycoside nonionic surfactants, and mixtures thereof. Preferably, the low HLB nonionic surfactant and the high HLB nonionic surfactant are nonionic surfactants of the same class.

[0032] Suitable alkoxylated alcohol nonionic surfactants can be linear or branched, primary or secondary alkyl alkoxylated nonionic surfactants. Alkyl ethoxylated nonionic surfactants are preferred.

[0033] The alkoxylated alcohol nonionic surfactant suitable for use as the low HLB nonionic surfactant can have an alkyl chain length containing 8 to 18 carbon atoms, or 10 to 16 carbon atoms, or 12 to 14 carbon atoms. The alkoxylated alcohol nonionic surfactant suitable for use as the low HLB nonionic surfactant is preferably ethoxylated and more preferably has no other types of alkoxylation. Suitable low HLB nonionic surfactants can have an average degree of alkoxylation of 0 to 6.0, preferably 0.5 to 4.5, more preferably 2.5 to 3.5.

[0034] Suitable alkoxylated alcohol nonionic surfactants suitable for use as low HLB nonionic surfactants include Tomadol® 1-3 (C11 EO3, supplied by Evonik Industries), Surfonic® 24-3 (C12-14 EO3, supplied by Huntsman), and Tomadol® 25-3 (C12-15 EO3, supplied by Evonik Industries).

[0035] Alkoxylated alcohol nonionic surfactants suitable for use as high HLB nonionic surfactants can have an alkyl chain length containing 8 to 24 carbon atoms, or 8 to 18 carbon atoms, or 9 to 16 carbon atoms. Alkoxylated alcohol nonionic surfactants suitable for use as high HLB nonionic surfactants are preferably ethoxylated and more preferably have no other types of alkoxylation. Those suitable for use as high HLB nonionic surfactants can have an average degree of alkoxylation where the number of carbon atoms in the alkyl chain is 6.5 to 16.0, preferably 7.0 to 14.0, and on average 8.0 to 12.

[0036] Suitable alkoxylated alcohol nonionic surfactants suitable for use as high HLB nonionic surfactants include Tomadol 25-12 (C12-15 EO12, supplied by Evonik Industries), Tomadol 91-8 (C9-11 EO8, supplied by Evonik Industries), Surfonic 24-9 (C12-14 EO9, supplied by Huntsman), Lorodac 26-7 (C12-16 EO7, supplied by Sasol).

[0037] The premix can contain less than 5.0% by weight, preferably less than 2.0% by weight, more preferably 0.25% to 1.0% by weight of an anionic surfactant. When the anionic surfactant is present, the anionic surfactant can be selected from the group consisting of alkyl sulfate surfactants, alkyl alkoxy sulfate surfactants, linear alkyl benzene sulfonate surfactants, and mixtures thereof, and is preferably a linear alkyl benzene sulfonate surfactant.

[0038] Suitable alkyl sulfate surfactants can have a molar average alkyl chain length of the alkyl sulfate anionic surfactant, which can be 8 to 18. Suitable alkyl alkoxy sulfate surfactants are preferably ethoxylated alkyl sulfate surfactants. The alkyl alkoxy sulfate surfactant can have a molar average alkyl chain length of the alkyl sulfate anionic surfactant, which can be 8 to 18. Suitable alkyl benzene sulfonates include C10 - C18 alkyl benzene sulfonates.

[0039] In addition to the nonionic surfactant and the anionic surfactant (if present), the structured premix may contain additional surfactants. In particular, the structured premix may include additional surfactants selected from: cationic surfactants; amphoteric surfactants: zwitterionic surfactants; and mixtures thereof. However, the premix preferably does not contain additional surfactants other than the nonionic surfactant and the anionic surfactant (if present).

[0040] The structured premix may further contain a pH adjuster, especially when forming the premix using a non-neutralized anionic surfactant. Any known pH adjuster containing an alkali source and an acidifier of either an inorganic type or an organic type can be used depending on the desired pH.

[0041] If necessary, the pH adjuster can be present in the structured premix at a concentration of 0.001% to 3.0% by weight, preferably 0.005% to 1.0% by weight, more preferably 0.01% to 0.5% by weight.

[0042] Preferred inorganic alkali sources are sodium hydroxide, potassium hydroxide, and mixtures thereof, and most preferably the inorganic alkali source is sodium hydroxide. Although less preferred for ecological reasons, water-soluble phosphates may be used as the alkali source, for example, pyrophosphates, orthophosphates, polyphosphates, phosphonates, and mixtures thereof.

[0043] Suitable alkanolamines can be selected from lower alkanol mono-, di-, and trialkanolamines (for example, it can be monoethanolamine, diethanolamine, or triethanolamine). Higher alkanolamines have a larger molecular weight and may be less mass-efficient for this purpose. For reasons of mass efficiency, monoalkanolamines and dialkanolamines are preferred. Monoethanolamine is particularly preferred, although in certain embodiments, additional alkanolamines such as triethanolamine may be useful as buffers. The most preferred alkanolamine used herein is monoethanolamine.

[0044] The structured premix preferably has a pH in the range of 5 to 11, or 6 to 9.5, or 7 to 9 by optionally using a buffer. Without being bound by theory, the buffer is thought to stabilize the pH of the structured premix and thereby limit any potential hydrolysis of the HCO structuring agent. However, buffer-free embodiments are also contemplated, and if the HCO hydrolyzes, some 12-hydroxystearate may be formed, which can also structure, although to a lesser extent than the HCO. In certain preferred buffer-containing embodiments, the pH buffer does not introduce monovalent inorganic cations such as sodium into the structured premix. Preferred buffers are monoethanolamine salts such as the salts of boric acid. However, embodiments are also contemplated that are intentionally free of added sodium, boron, and phosphorus in the buffer solution. In some embodiments, the monoethanolamine salt may be present at a concentration of 0 wt% to 5 wt%, 0.5 wt% to 3 wt%, or 0.75 wt% to 1 wt% of the structured premix.

[0045] Alkanolamines, such as triethanolamine, and / or other amines can be used as part of the buffer system, provided that the alkanolamine is first added in an amount sufficient for the emulsification purpose of the main structuring agent, which is to neutralize the acid form of any anionic surfactant present, or the anionic surfactant is pre-neutralized by another means.

[0046] The structured premix may further contain a non-amino-functional organic solvent. The non-amino-functional organic solvent is an organic solvent that does not contain an amino functional group. Suitable non-amino-functional organic solvents include monohydric alcohols, dihydric alcohols, polyhydric alcohols, glycerol, glycols such as polyalkylene glycols including polyethylene glycol, and mixtures thereof. More preferred non-amino-functional organic solvents include monohydric alcohols, dihydric alcohols, polyhydric alcohols, glycerol, and mixtures thereof. Highly preferred is a mixture of non-amino-functional organic solvents, especially: for example, lower aliphatic alcohols such as ethanol, propanol, butanol, isopropanol; diols such as 1,2-propanediol or 1,3-propanediol; and glycerol, a mixture of two or more of these. A mixture of propanediol and diethylene glycol is also preferred. Such mixtures preferably do not contain methanol or ethanol.

[0047] Preferred non-amino-functional organic solvents are liquids at ambient temperature and pressure (i.e., 21 °C and 1 atm) and contain carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen. The non-amino-functional organic solvent may be present when preparing the structured premix or may be added directly to the liquid composition.

[0048] The structured premix may also contain a preservative or biocide, especially when it is intended to store the premix before use.

[0049] The structured premix is measured using an Anton Paar MCR 302 rheometer (manufactured by Anton Paar, Graz, Austria) with a cone and plate geometry having an angle of 2° and a gap of 206 microns at a steady-state shear rate of 0.01 s -1 and a temperature of 25 °C to have a viscosity of 10 - 10,000, preferably 100 - 1000 Pa·s.

[0050] The structured premix can further contain at least one type of suspended microparticles or droplets.

[0051] Liquid composition containing a structured premix: The structured premix of the present invention is useful for structuring liquid compositions, particularly liquid fabric care compositions. The liquid compositions of the present invention typically contain from 0.01% to 2% by weight, preferably from 0.03% to 1% by weight, more preferably from 0.05% to 0.5% by weight, of a non-polymeric and crystalline hydroxyl-containing structuring agent introduced via the structured premix.

[0052] Suitable liquid compositions include liquid fabric care compositions such as laundry detergent compositions and rinse additives for laundry. As used herein, "liquid composition" refers to any composition containing a liquid capable of wetting and treating a substrate. "Liquid fabric care composition" refers to a composition suitable for treating clothing, such as washing clothing, and providing other fabric care effects such as improved softness or freshness.

[0053] The liquid composition is more easily dispersible and can coat the surface of the object to be treated more uniformly without the need to first dissolve the composition as in the case of solid compositions. The liquid composition can flow at 25°C and includes compositions having a viscosity almost like that of water, but also includes "gel" compositions that flow slowly and retain their shape for several seconds or minutes. The composition may preferably contain solids or gases in a suitably subdivided form, but excludes product forms that are non-fluid as a whole, such as tablets or granules. The liquid composition preferably has a density in the range of 0.9 to 1.3 g / cm 3 and more specifically from 1.00 to 1.10 g / cm 3 and excludes any solid additives, but includes any air bubbles present if any.

[0054] Suitable rinsing additives include liquid fabric softener compositions. As used herein, "liquid fabric softener composition" refers to any treatment composition that contains a liquid capable of softening fabrics (e.g., clothing in a household washing machine). The composition may preferably contain solids or gases in a finely divided form, but excludes product forms that are non-liquid as a whole, such as tablets or granules, for example.

[0055] Aqueous liquid fabric softening compositions are preferred. In such aqueous liquid fabric softener compositions, the water content can be present at a concentration of 5% to 98% by weight, preferably 50% to 96% by weight, more preferably 70% to 95% by weight of the liquid fabric softener composition.

[0056] The pH of the undiluted fabric softener composition is typically acidic in order to improve the hydrolysis stability of the quaternary ammonium ester softening active substance, and can be pH 2.0 to 6.0, preferably pH 2.0 to 4.5, more preferably pH 2.0 to 3.5 (see the section "Method").

[0057] To provide a thick appearance while maintaining the pourability of the fabric softener composition, the viscosity of the fabric softener composition can be 50 mPa·s to 800 mPa·s, preferably 70 mPa·s to 600 mPa·s, more preferably 100 mPa·s to 500 mPa·s when measured with a Brookfield (registered trademark) DV-E rotational viscometer (see the section "Method").

[0058] The liquid fabric softener composition of the present invention may contain a quaternary ammonium ester softening active substance (fabric softening active substance, "FSA") at a concentration of 2% to 25%, preferably 3% to 20%, more preferably 3% to 17%, and most preferably 4% to 15%. The concentration of the quaternary ammonium ester softening active substance may depend on the desired concentration of the total softening active substance in the composition (diluted or concentrated composition) and the presence or absence of other softening active substances. However, the risk of increased viscosity and increased phase instability over time is typically higher for fabric softener compositions having a higher FSA concentration. On the other hand, at very high FSA levels, it becomes more difficult to control the viscosity.

[0059] Preferably, the iodine value of the parent fatty acid forming the quaternary ammonium fabric softening active substance (see the section "Method") is 5 to 60, more preferably 10 to 45, and even more preferably 15 to 40. Without being bound by theory, when the parent fatty acid forming the quaternary ammonium fabric softening active substance is at least partially unsaturated, a lower melting point that is more easily processed for the FSA can be obtained. In particular, diunsaturated fatty acids enable the realization of an FSA that is easy to process.

[0060] Suitable quaternary ammonium ester softening active substances include, but are not limited to, materials selected from the group consisting of monoester quats, diester quats, triester quats, and mixtures thereof. Preferably, with respect to the total quaternary ammonium ester softening active substance, the concentration of the monoester quat is 2.0% to 40.0% by weight, the concentration of the diester quat is 40.0% to 98.0% by weight, and the concentration of the triester quat is 0.0% to 25.0% by weight.

[0061] Suitable quaternary ammonium ester softening active substances have the following formula: {R 2 (4-m) -N+-[X-Y-R 1 m}A- (wherein, ​m is 1, 2, or 3, provided that the value of each m is the same, each R 1 is independently a hydrocarbyl group or a branched hydrocarbyl group, preferably, R 1 is linear, more preferably, R 1 is a partially unsaturated linear alkyl chain, each R 2 is independently a C1-C3 alkyl group or a hydroxyalkyl group, preferably, R 2 is selected from methyl, ethyl, propyl, hydroxyethyl, 2-hydroxypropyl, 1-methyl-2-hydroxyethyl, poly(C 2~3 alkoxy), polyethoxy, benzyl, each X is independently -(CH2)n-, -CH2-CH(CH3)-, or -CH(CH3)-CH2-, each n is independently 1, 2, 3, or 4, preferably, each n is 2, each Y is independently -O-(O)C- or -C(O)-O-, A- is independently selected from the group consisting of chloride, methyl sulfate, and ethyl sulfate, preferably, A- is selected from the group consisting of chloride and methyl sulfate, more preferably, A- is methyl sulfate; provided that when Y is -O-(O)C-, the total carbon in each R 1 is 13-21, preferably 13-19). The compound may include a softener-compatible anion (A-) being methyl sulfate. When the softener-compatible anion (A-) is methyl sulfate, the problem of viscosity increase becomes greater, but it promotes the quaternization step in the production of the quaternary ammonium ester softening active substance, so it is a preferred softener-compatible anion.

[0062] Examples of suitable quaternary ammonium ester softening active substances are commercially available from KAO Chemicals under the trade names Tetranyl AT-1 and Tetranyl AT-7590, from Evonik under the trade names Rewoquat WE16DPG, Rewoquat WE18, Rewoquat WE20, Rewoquat WE28, and Rewoquat 38DPG, and from Stepan under the trade names Stepantex GA90, Stepantex VR90, Stepantex VK90, Stepantex VA90, Stepantex DC90, Stepantex VL90A.

[0063] These types of agents and their general methods of manufacture are disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 4,137,180.

[0064] The structured premix is particularly useful for structuring liquid detergent compositions, especially liquid laundry detergent compositions. The composition can contain an anionic surfactant at any suitable concentration, but is particularly suitable for compositions containing a low concentration of anionic surfactant or, more preferably, no anionic surfactant. Since the structured premix of the present invention contains only a low concentration of anionic surfactant, the structured premix is particularly suitable for structuring liquid compositions containing cationic active substances such as those selected from the group consisting of quaternary ammonium ester softening active substances, cationic antibacterial agents, cationic polymer adhesion aids, cationically coated encapsulated fragrances, and mixtures thereof.

[0065] As used herein, "liquid detergent composition" refers to a composition suitable for washing substrates such as clothing. Suitable liquid detergent compositions contain sufficient detergency surfactants to provide a significant washing effect. Most preferred are liquid laundry detergent compositions that can wash fabrics, for example, in a household washing machine.

[0066] The liquid detergent composition of the present invention may contain 1% to 70% by weight, preferably 5% to 60% by weight, more preferably 10% to 50% by weight, and most preferably 15% to 45% by weight of a detergency surfactant. A nonionic detergency surfactant is preferred.

[0067] The detergent composition of the present invention preferably contains up to 30% by weight, more preferably 1% to 15% by weight, and most preferably 2% to 10% by weight of one or more nonionic surfactants. Suitable nonionic surfactants include C12-C18 alkyl ethoxylates (''AE'') containing so-called narrow-peak alkyl ethoxylates, C6-C12 alkylphenol alkoxylates (especially ethoxylates and ethoxy / propoxy mixtures), block-type alkylene oxide condensates of C6-C12 alkylphenols, alkylene oxide condensates of C8-C22 alkanols, and ethylene oxide / propylene oxide block polymers (Pluronic® (manufactured by BASF Corp.)), as well as semi-polar nonionic substances (e.g., amine oxides and phosphine oxides), but are not limited thereto. A broad disclosure of suitable nonionic surfactants can be found in U.S. Patent No. 3,929,678.

[0068] When an anionic surfactant is present, the anionic surfactant is preferably present at a concentration of up to 30% by weight, preferably 2% to 25% by weight, more preferably 3% to 10% by weight of the liquid composition. When an anionic surfactant is present, the anionic surfactant can be selected from the group consisting of C11-C18 alkylbenzene sulfonates, C10-C20 branched and random alkyl sulfates, C10-C18 alkyl ethoxysulfates, medium-chain branched alkyl sulfates, medium-chain branched alkyl alkoxysulfates, C10-C18 alkyl alkoxycarboxylates containing 1 to 5 ethoxy units, modified alkylbenzene sulfonates, C12-C20 methyl ester sulfonates, C10-C18 α-olefin sulfonates, C6-C20 sulfosuccinates, and mixtures thereof. However, any anionic surfactant known in the art of detergent compositions per se, for example, those disclosed in W.M. Linfield, "Surfactant Science Series", Vol. 7, edited by Marcel Dekker, etc. may be used. The detergent composition preferably contains at least one sulfonic acid surfactant, for example, linear alkylbenzene sulfonic acid, or in the form of a water-soluble salt of the acid.

[0069] Preferably, the liquid detergent composition contains 1% to 95% by weight of water, a non-amino functional organic solvent, and mixtures thereof. In the case of a concentrated liquid composition, the composition preferably contains 15% to 70% by weight, more preferably 20% to 50% by weight, most preferably 25% to 45% by weight of water, a non-amino functional organic solvent, and mixtures thereof. Alternatively, the liquid composition may be a low-moisture liquid composition. Such a low-moisture liquid composition can contain less than 20% by weight, preferably less than 15% by weight, more preferably less than 10% by weight of water, and is particularly suitable for producing soluble unit-dose articles.

[0070] The liquid detergent composition of the present invention may contain 2% to 40% by weight, more preferably 5% to 25% by weight of a non-amino functional organic solvent.

[0071] The liquid detergent composition may also contain conventional detergent ingredients, and the conventional detergent ingredients are: additional surfactants selected from amphoteric, zwitterionic, cationic surfactants, and mixtures thereof; enzymes; enzyme stabilizers; amphiphilic alkoxylated lipid washing polymers; clay stain washing polymers; soil release polymers; soil suspension polymers; bleaching agent systems; optical brighteners; color tone dyes; particles; fragrances and other odor control agents including fragrance delivery systems; hydrotropes; defoamers; fabric care fragrances; pH adjusters migration inhibitors; preservatives; non-fabric direct dyes; and mixtures thereof, selected from.

[0072] The structured premix of the present invention is particularly effective in stabilizing fine particles because a structured premix containing longer threads provides improved low-shear viscosity. Therefore, the structured premix of the present invention is particularly suitable for stabilizing a liquid composition further containing fine particles. Suitable fine particles can be selected from the group consisting of encapsulating agents, oils, pearlescent agents (e.g., mica and titanium dioxide), water-insoluble polymers, and mixtures thereof. Suitable oils can be selected from the group consisting of essential oils, silicone defoamers, and mixtures thereof. Particularly preferred oils are fragrances that provide an odor effect to the liquid composition or to a substrate treated with the liquid composition. When such a fragrance is added, it is added at a concentration of 0.1% to 5%, more preferably 0.3% to 3%, and even more preferably 0.6% to 2% by weight of the liquid composition.

[0073] In order to provide a benefit during use that persists for a long time on the treated substrate, an encapsulating agent can be added to the liquid composition. The encapsulating agent can be added at a concentration of 0.01% to 10% by weight, more preferably 0.1% to 2% by weight, and even more preferably 0.15% to 0.75% by weight of the encapsulated active substance in the liquid composition. In a preferred embodiment, the encapsulated product is a fragrance encapsulated product in which the encapsulated active substance is a fragrance and an enzyme encapsulated product in which the encapsulated active substance is one or more enzymes. The fragrance encapsulated product releases the encapsulated fragrance, for example, when the treated substrate is rubbed.

[0074] The encapsulates typically include an encapsulate core and an encapsulate wall surrounding the encapsulate core. The encapsulate wall is typically formed by crosslinking formaldehyde with at least one other monomer. The core can contain a beneficial agent such as a fragrance.

[0075] The encapsulate core may optionally contain a diluent. A diluent is a material used to dilute the beneficial agent being encapsulated and is thus preferably inert. That is, the diluent does not react with the beneficial agent during manufacture or use. Preferred diluents can be selected from the group consisting of isopropyl myristate, propylene glycol, poly(ethylene glycol), or mixtures thereof.

[0076] The encapsulates, and methods for making them, are disclosed in the following references: US Patent Application Publication No. 2003-215417 (A1); US Patent Application Publication No. 2003 / 216488 (A1); US Patent Application Publication No. 2003 / 158344 (A1); US Patent Application Publication No. 2003 / 165692 (A1); US Patent Application Publication No. 2004 / 071742 (A1); US Patent Application Publication No. 2004 / 071746 (A1); US Patent Application Publication No. 2004 / 072719 (A1); US Patent Application Publication No. 2004 / 072720 (A1); European Patent No. 1,393,706 (A1); US Patent Application Publication No. 2003 / 203829 (A1); US Patent Application Publication No. 2003 / 195133 (A1); US Patent Application Publication No. 2004 / 087477 (A1); US Patent Application Publication No. 2004 / 0106536 (A1); US Patent No. 6645479; US Patent No. 6200949; US Patent No. 4882220; US Patent No. 4917920; US Patent No. 4514461; US Reissue Patent No. 32,713; US Patent No. 4234627.

[0077] The encapsulation technology is disclosed in MICROENCAPSULATION: Methods and Industrial Applications, Edited by Benita and Simon (Marcel Dekker, Inc., 1996). Aldehyde-based resins such as melamine-formaldehyde resin or urea-formaldehyde resin are particularly attractive for encapsulating fragrances due to their wide range of availability and reasonable cost.

[0078] The encapsulated material preferably has a size of 1 micron to 75 microns, more preferably 5 microns to 30 microns. The wall of the encapsulated material preferably has a thickness of 0.05 micron to 10 microns, more preferably 0.05 micron to 1 micron. Typically, the encapsulated core contains 50% to 95% by weight of the beneficial agent.

[0079] The liquid composition can contain a cationic antibacterial agent such as a quaternary ammonium compound. Such a cationic antibacterial agent provides an antibacterial effect to liquid compositions such as liquid fabric softening compositions and / or liquid detergent compositions.

[0080] Preferred quaternary ammonium compounds are represented by the following formula:

[0081]

Chemical formula

[0082] More preferred quaternary ammonium compounds used in the composition of the present invention have the structural formula:

[0083]

Chemical formula

[0084] Exemplary quaternary ammonium compounds include alkylammonium halides such as cetyltrimethylammonium bromide, alkylarylammonium halides such as octadecyldimethylbenzylammonium bromide, N-alkylpyridinium halides such as N-cetylpyridinium bromide, and the like. Other suitable types of quaternary ammonium compounds include those in which the molecule contains either an amide bond or an ester bond, such as octylphenoxyethoxyethyldimethylbenzylammonium chloride, N-(laurylcocoaminoformylmethyl)-pyridinium chloride, and the like. Other very effective types of quaternary ammonium compounds useful as bactericides include those in which the hydrophobic group is characterized by a substituted aromatic nucleus, as in the case of laurylphenyltrimethylammonium chloride, cetylaminophenyltrimethylammonium methosulfate, dodecylphenyltrimethylammonium methosulfate, dodecylbenzyltrimethylammonium chloride, chlorinated dodecylbenzyltrimethylammonium chloride, and the like.

[0085] Particularly useful quaternary germicides include compositions currently marketed under the trade names BARDAC, BARQUAT, BTC, and HYAMINE. These quaternary ammonium compounds are usually provided in a solvent such as C2 - C6 alcohols (ethanol, n - propanol, isopropanol, n - butanol, sec - butanol, etc.), glycols such as ethylene glycol, or in water, an alcohol as described above, and a mixture containing a glycol as described above. Particularly preferred are, for example, didecyldimethylammonium chloride sold under the trade names Bardac 2250 (trademark), Bardac 2270 (trademark), Bardac 2270E (trademark), Bardac 2280 (trademark), etc. from Lonza, and / or, for example, a mixture of alkyldimethylbenzylammonium chloride, preferably C12 - C18, and alkyldimethylethylbenzylammonium chloride, preferably C12 - C18, sold under the trade name Barquat 4280Z (trademark) from Lonza. In a preferred embodiment, the alkyldimethylbenzylammonium chloride and the alkyldimethylethylbenzylammonium chloride are present in a ratio of 20:80 to 80:20 or 40:60 to 60:40, with a ratio of 50:50 being most preferred.

[0086] Other suitable but less preferred antibacterial agents include bactericidal amines, particularly bactericidal triamines such as LONZA - BAC 12 (sold, for example, by Lonza, Inc. (Fairlawn, New Jersey) and / or Stepan Co. (Northfield, Illinois), and other vendors).

[0087] In the cleaning composition according to the present invention, an antibacterial agent, preferably a quaternary ammonium compound, needs to be present in an amount effective to exhibit satisfactory bactericidal activity against selected bacteria to be treated by the cleaning composition. Such effectiveness can be achieved with a relatively small amount of the quaternary ammonium compound present for less resistant bacterial strains, but for more resistant bacterial strains, a larger amount of the quaternary ammonium compound is required to destroy these more resistant strains.

[0088] The quaternary ammonium compound only needs to be present in a bactericidally effective amount, and can be a small amount of about 0.001% by weight. In a more preferred composition, the hard surface cleaning composition contains the antibacterial agent at a concentration of 0.05% to 5.00% by weight, preferably 0.1% to 3.0% by weight, more preferably 0.9% to 1.5% by weight of the composition for improved gloss in addition to bactericidal efficacy.

[0089] The bactericidally effective amount of the antibacterial agent is considered to result in at least a 4.5 log, preferably at least a 5 log reduction of Staphylococcus aureus in less than 3 minutes using the method of EN1276 (Test for bactericidal activity of chemical disinfectants).

[0090] Unit dose article: The liquid composition can also be encapsulated in a water-soluble film to form a unit dose article. Such a unit dose article contains the liquid composition of the present invention, the liquid composition is a low-moisture liquid composition, and the liquid composition is encapsulated in a water-soluble or water-dispersible film.

[0091] The unit dose article may comprise one compartment formed by a water-soluble film that completely encloses at least one internal space, the internal space containing a low-moisture liquid composition. The unit dose article may optionally further comprise additional compartments containing additional low-moisture liquid compositions or solid compositions. The multi-compartment unit dose form may be desirable for reasons such as separating chemically incompatible components; or when it is desirable for a portion of the components to be released into the cleaning liquid earlier or later. The unit dose article can be formed using any means known in the art.

[0092] Particularly preferred are unit dose articles where the low-moisture liquid composition is a liquid laundry detergent composition. The structured premix of the present invention can be used to structure a low-moisture liquid composition containing less than 45% by weight, preferably less than 30% by weight, more preferably less than 20% by weight, and most preferably less than 15% by weight of water.

[0093] Suitable water-soluble pouch materials include polymers, copolymers, or derivatives thereof. Preferred polymers, copolymers or derivatives thereof are selected from the group consisting of polyvinyl alcohol, polyvinyl pyrrolidone, polyalkylene oxide, acrylamide, acrylic acid, cellulose, cellulose ether, cellulose ester, cellulose amide, polyvinyl acetate, polycarboxylic acid and salts, polyamino acids or peptides, polyamide, polyacrylamide, copolymers of maleic acid / acrylic acid, polysaccharides including starch and gelatin, and natural gums such as xanthan and carrageenan. More preferred polymers are selected from polyacrylate and water-soluble acrylate copolymers, methylcellulose, sodium carboxymethylcellulose, dextrin, ethylcellulose, hydroxyethylcellulose, hydroxypropylmethylcellulose, maltodextrin, polymethacrylate, and most preferably from polyvinyl alcohol, polyvinyl alcohol copolymers and hydroxypropylmethylcellulose (HPMC), and combinations thereof.

[0094] Method for producing a structured premix: The structured premix of the present invention may be produced using any suitable method. Preferred methods are: mixing at least two nonionic surfactants in an aqueous surfactant blend such that at least one low HLB nonionic surfactant and at least one high HLB nonionic surfactant are present at a concentration such that the average HLB of the at least two nonionic surfactants is from 9.5 to 12.5; preparing an emulsion containing a non-polymeric, crystalline hydroxyl-containing structuring agent in the aqueous surfactant blend at a first temperature of 80°C to 98°C; and cooling the emulsion.

[0095] In this step, the premix is then cooled. Without being bound by theory, it is believed that during cooling, the liquid oil emulsion droplets become de-wetted as a result of surfactant adsorption, thereby promoting crystallization. Small crystals may nucleate around the emulsion droplets during cooling. Further, crystallization may be affected by surfactant adsorption or the cooling rate. The external structuring system is cooled at a cooling rate of from about 0.1°C / min to about 10°C / min, from about 0.5°C / min to about 1.5°C / min, or from about 0.8°C / min to about 1.2°C / min.

[0096] The emulsion contains droplets of a non-polymeric, crystalline hydroxyl-containing structuring agent, preferably hydrogenated castor oil (HCO), in a molten form. The droplets preferably have an average diameter of from 0.1 micron to 4 microns, more preferably from 1 micron to 3.5 microns, even more preferably from 2 microns to 3.5 microns, and most preferably from 2.5 microns to 3 microns. The average diameter is measured at the temperature at which emulsification is complete.

[0097] An emulsion can be prepared by providing a first liquid comprising or even consisting of a non-polymeric and crystalline hydroxyl-containing structuring agent in molten form, and a second liquid comprising or consisting of an aqueous surfactant blend. The first liquid is emulsified in the second liquid. This is typically done by combining the first and second liquids together and passing them through a mixing device. An emulsion can be formed using any suitable device that delivers energy input to the premix. Non-limiting examples of such devices can be selected from static mixers and dynamic mixers (including all kinds of low-shear and high-shear mixers). In some embodiments, the emulsion can be formed in a batch manufacturing system, or a semi-continuous or continuous manufacturing system.

[0098] The second liquid can contain 50 wt% to 99 wt%, more preferably 60 wt% to 95 wt%, and most preferably 70 wt% to 90 wt% water. The second liquid contains an alkyl sulfate surfactant to improve emulsification. In a preferred embodiment, the second liquid contains at least 1 wt%, preferably 1 wt% to 50 wt%, more preferably 5 wt% to 40 wt%, and most preferably 10 wt% to 30 wt% surfactant. It should be understood that the surfactant is present in the second liquid at a concentration such that the resulting emulsion consists mainly of droplets of the non-polymeric and crystalline hydroxyl-containing structuring agent and is present in a water continuous phase rather than a surfactant continuous phase.

[0099] The second liquid can contain a preservative. Preferably, the preservative is an antibacterial agent. Any suitable preservative can be used, for example, a preservative selected from the "Acticide" series of antibacterial agents commercially available from Thor Chemicals (Cheshire, UK).

[0100] Combine the first liquid and the second liquid to form an emulsion at a first temperature. The first temperature is 80°C to 98°C, preferably 85°C to 95°C, more preferably 87.5°C to 92.5°C, and an emulsion is formed.

[0101] Preferably, the first liquid is at a temperature of 70°C or higher, more preferably between 70°C and 150°C, and most preferably between 75°C and 120°C, immediately before being combined with the second liquid. This temperature range ensures that the non-polymeric and crystalline hydroxyl-containing structuring agent is melted and enables the efficient formation of the emulsion. However, too high a temperature can cause discoloration or even decomposition of the non-polymeric and crystalline hydroxyl-containing structuring agent.

[0102] The second liquid is typically at a temperature of 80°C to 98°C, preferably 85°C to 95°C, more preferably 87.5°C to 92.5°C, before being combined with the first liquid. That is, it is at the first temperature or a temperature close thereto.

[0103] The ratio of the non-polymeric and crystalline hydroxyl-containing structuring agent to water in the emulsion can be 1:50 to 1:5, preferably 1:33 to 1:7.5, more preferably 1:20 to 1:10. In other words, the ratio of the non-polymeric and crystalline hydroxyl-containing structuring agent to water can be 1:50 to 1:5, preferably 1:33 to 1:7.5, more preferably 1:20 to 1:10 when the two liquid streams are combined, for example, when entering a mixing device.

[0104] The method of manufacturing the emulsion can be a continuous process or a batch process. By being continuous, the downtime between runs is reduced, resulting in a more cost-effective and time-efficient process. As used herein, "continuous process" means a continuous flow of material through an apparatus. As used herein, "batch process" means that the process undergoes separate, distinct steps. The flow of the product through the apparatus is interrupted when the different stages of the conversion are completed, i.e., it is a discontinuous flow of material.

[0105] Although not bound by theory, the use of a continuous process is thought to provide improved control of emulsion droplet size compared to a batch process. As a result, a continuous process typically results in a more efficient generation of droplets having a desired average size, and thus the droplet size will fall within a narrower range. Batch production of an emulsion generally results in a greater variation in the droplet size produced due to the inherent variation in the degree of mixing that occurs within the batch tank. The variation can result from the use and placement of mixing paddles within the batch tank. As a result, zones of slower moving liquid (and thus less mixing and larger droplets) and zones of faster moving liquid (and thus more mixing and smaller droplets) will occur. Those skilled in the art will know how to select a suitable mixing device to enable a continuous process. Further, a continuous process enables faster transfer of the emulsion to a cooling step. Cooling can occur within the batch tank prior to transfer to the cooling step, but a continuous process also enables less premature cooling than this utilization.

[0106] An emulsion can be prepared using any suitable mixing device. Mixing devices typically use mechanical energy to mix liquids. Suitable mixing devices can include static and dynamic mixing devices. Examples of dynamic mixer devices are homogenizers, rotor stators, and high shear mixers. The mixing device can be a plurality of mixing devices arranged in series or parallel to provide the required energy dissipation rate.

[0107] Preferably, the emulsion is 1×10 2 W / Kg~1×10 7 W / Kg, preferably 1×10 3 W / Kg~5×10 6 W / Kg, more preferably 5×10 4 W / Kg~1×10 6It is formed by combining components via high-energy dispersion, having an energy dissipation rate of W / Kg.

[0108] Although not bound by theory, high-energy dispersion is thought to reduce the emulsion size and increase the efficiency of crystal growth in subsequent processes.

[0109] The emulsion can be cooled to a second temperature by any suitable means, for example, by passing it through a heat exchange device. Suitable heat exchange devices can be selected from the group consisting of plate and frame heat exchangers, shell and tube heat exchangers, and combinations thereof.

[0110] The emulsion can be passed through two or more heat exchange devices. In this case, the second or subsequent heat exchange device is typically arranged in series with respect to the first heat exchange device. Such an arrangement of heat exchange devices can be used to control the cooling profile of the emulsion.

[0111] The emulsion is maintained at the second temperature for at least 2 minutes. Preferably, the emulsion is maintained at the second temperature for 2 to 30 minutes, preferably 5 to 20 minutes, more preferably 10 to 15 minutes.

[0112] To incorporate the structured premix into the liquid composition, any suitable means such as a static mixer can be used, and an overhead mixer as typically used in a batch process can be used.

[0113] Preferably, to minimize damage to the threads of the structured premix, the structured premix is added after incorporation of the components that require high-shear mixing. More preferably, the structured premix is the last component to be incorporated into the liquid composition. The structured premix is preferably incorporated into the liquid composition using low-shear mixing. Preferably, the structured premix is 1000 seconds -1Less than, preferably 500 seconds -1 Less than, more preferably 200 seconds -1 Using an average shear rate of less than, the liquid composition is incorporated. The residence time of mixing is preferably less than 20 seconds, more preferably less than 5 seconds, and even more preferably less than 1 second. The shear rate and residence time are calculated according to the method used for the mixing device and are usually provided by the manufacturer. For example, in the case of a static mixer, the average shear rate is calculated using the following formula:

[0114] [Number] (wherein v f is the porosity of the static mixer (provided by the supplier), and D pipe is the inner diameter of the pipe containing the static mixer element, and v pipe is the average velocity of the fluid passing through the pipe having an inner diameter D pipe and is calculated from the formula:

[0115] [Number] (where Q is the volumetric flow rate of the fluid passing through the static mixer).

[0116] In the case of a static mixer, the residence time is calculated using the following formula:

[0117] [Number] (wherein L is the length of the static mixer).

[0118] Method: A) Measurement of pH: The pH is measured at 25 °C for the undiluted composition using a Santarius PT-10P pH meter equipped with a gel-filled probe (Toledo probe, part number 52 000 100, etc.) calibrated according to the instructions for use.

[0119] B) Rheology: Viscosity measurements are performed using an AR-G2 rheometer (TA instruments) with a cone and plate geometry (equipped with a 2° stainless steel cone with a diameter of 60 mm and a gap of 50 μm). Steady state flow experiments start at a shear rate of 0.01 s -1 and increase the shear rate to 100 -1 s -1 in a logarithmically spaced manner at 10 points per decade. Data are acquired with a sample time of 30 s and at least three consecutive measurements are made at each point.

[0120] Yield point measurements are performed on an AR-G2 rheometer (TA instruments) with a cone and plate geometry (equipped with a 2° stainless steel cone with a diameter of 60 mm and a gap of 50 μm). Steady state flow experiments start at a shear rate of 10 s -1 and decrease the shear rate to 10 -1 s -1 in a logarithmically spaced manner at 10 points per decade. Data are acquired over a sample time of 30 s and at least three consecutive measurements are made at each point. The shear rate - shear stress (flow) curve is fitted to the Herschel - Bulkley equation (below) between 0.1 and 10 s -1 where σ0 is the yield stress, σ is the shear stress,

[0121]

Equation

[0122]

Equation

[0123] C) Energy dissipation rate: In a continuous process including a static emulsifying device, the energy dissipation rate is calculated by measuring the pressure drop across the emulsifying device, multiplying this value by the flow rate, and then dividing by the effective volume of the device. When emulsification is carried out via an external power source such as a batch tank or a high-shear mixer, the energy dissipation is calculated via Equation 1 below (Kowalski, A.J., 2009., Power consumption of in-line rotor-stator devices. Chem. Eng. Proc. 48, 581.); P f =P T +P F +P L Equation 1

[0124] In the above equation, P T is the power required to rotate the rotor with respect to the liquid, P F is the additional power requirement from the liquid flow, and P L is the power lost, for example, from bearings, vibration, noise, etc.

[0125] Examples: The premixes of the present invention and the comparative premixes were prepared using the following procedure.

[0126] Prepared by running Trios® software (version number 5.0.0.44608) in a starch pasting cell attached to a Discovery Hybrid Rheometer (DHR) (manufactured by TA Instruments, New Castle, Delaware).

[0127] A total of 30.0 g of deionized water, surfactant, and flaked hydrogenated castor oil were added to the starch pasting cell cup in amounts appropriate to provide the blends shown in Table 1. When using an anionic surfactant (linear alkylbenzene sulfonate), first, the anionic surfactant was neutralized using monoethanolamine. Then, the cell cup was placed in the cell jacket and attached to the rheometer. Next, the impeller was lowered into the cup to the exact height and the locking cover was attached. The rheometer temperature was set to 90 °C and the cell contents were stirred for up to 10 minutes after reaching the set temperature at 20 mixing speed set points on the Trios® software used to run the rheometer.

[0128] Premixes 1 - 6 of the present invention contained both a high HLB nonionic surfactant and a low HLB nonionic surfactant at concentrations that resulted in an average HLB within the range required by the present invention. In contrast, Comparative Example A contained a single nonionic surfactant, and Comparative Examples B and C contained a high HLB nonionic surfactant and a low HLB nonionic surfactant at concentrations such that the average HLB was outside the range required by the present invention.

[0129] The premix was dispersed in the model detergent composition at a 10:90 weight ratio. The model detergent composition consisted of 10.0 wt% linear alkylbenzene sulfonate (HLAS) in deionized water and 1.9 wt% monoethanolamine. As a result, the resulting detergent mixture contained 9% anionic surfactant (HLAS) and 0.4% hydrogenated castor oil. Then, the yield point was measured.

[0130] As can be seen from the resulting yield points shown in Table 1, the premixes of the present invention provide improved structuring while containing a limited amount of or no anionic surfactant compared to the comparative premixes.

[0131]

Table 1

[0132] The following structured premixes were prepared using the same methodology as above and the yield point was measured, but a commercially available detergent composition (Dreft Stage 1: Newborn liquid detergent, sold in North America) containing less than 5.0 wt% anionic surfactant was used.

[0133]

Table 2

[0134] The following is a liquid detergent composition that can be manufactured using the structured premix of the present invention.

[0135]

Table 3

[0136] The following is a liquid fabric softening composition that can be produced using the structured premix of the present invention.

[0137]

Table 4

[0138] The dimensions and values disclosed in this specification are not to be understood as being strictly limited to the exact numerical values recited. Instead, unless otherwise indicated, each such dimension is intended to mean both the recited value and the functionally equivalent range surrounding that value. For example, a dimension disclosed as "40 mm" is intended to mean "about 40 mm".

Claims

1. 1. A structured premix comprising: a) 1.0% to 16% by weight of a non-polymeric, crystalline, hydroxyl-containing structurant; and b) 4.0% to 20% of at least two nonionic surfactants: (i) at least one low HLB nonionic surfactant having an HLB of 5.0 to 9.5; (ii) at least two nonionic surfactants, including at least one high HLB nonionic surfactant having an HLB of 10.5 to 16.0; A structured premix, wherein the average HLB of said at least two nonionic surfactants is from 9.5 to 12.

5.

2. 10. The structured premix of claim 1, wherein the structured premix comprises from 1.0% to 10% by weight, more preferably from 2.0% to 6.0% by weight, of the non-polymeric, crystalline, hydroxyl-containing structurant.

3. a) the at least one low HLB nonionic surfactant has an HLB of 7.5 to 9.0; b) the at least one high HLB nonionic surfactant has an HLB of 12.0 to 14.5; 3. The structured premix of claim 1 or 2, wherein the average HLB of the at least two nonionic surfactants is from 11.0 to 12.

0.

4. The structured premix of any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the structured premix comprises from 10% to 16% by weight of a non-ionic surfactant.

5. The structured premix comprises: a) 0.5% to 8.0% by weight, preferably 1.0% to 7.0% by weight, more preferably 2.0% to 6.0% by weight of said low HLB nonionic surfactant; 5. The structured premix of claim 1, further comprising: b) 1.5% to 16%, preferably 4.0% to 11.0%, more preferably 6.0% to 8.0% by weight of said high HLB nonionic surfactant.

6. 6. A structured premix according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the low HLB nonionic surfactant and the high HLB nonionic surfactant are independently selected from the group consisting of alkoxylated alcohol nonionic surfactants, alkyl polyglucoside nonionic surfactants, and mixtures thereof, preferably from the group consisting of alkoxylated alcohol nonionic surfactants, more preferably from the group consisting of ethoxylated alcohol nonionic surfactants.

7. 7. A structured premix according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the premix comprises less than 5.0wt%, preferably less than 2.0wt%, more preferably between 0.25wt% and 1.0wt% of anionic surfactant.

8. 8. A structured premix according to claim 7, wherein the anionic surfactant, if present, is selected from the group consisting of alkyl sulphate surfactants, alkyl alkoxy sulphate surfactants, linear alkyl benzene sulphonate surfactants, and mixtures thereof, preferably a linear alkyl benzene sulphonate surfactant.

9. 9. The structured premix of any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the non-polymeric, crystalline, hydroxyl functional structurant comprises a crystallizable glyceride, preferably the crystallizable glyceride comprises hydrogenated castor oil.

10. The structured premix was heated at 25° C. for 0.01 seconds. －１ 10. A structured premix according to any one of claims 1 to 9, having a viscosity of 10 to 10,000 Pa.s, preferably 100 to 1000 Pa.s, at a steady state shear rate of 100.

11. The structured premix of any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the structured premix further comprises at least one suspended particulate or droplet.

12. 1. A method for making a structured liquid fabric care composition comprising: a) providing a structured premix according to any one of claims 1 to 11; b) combining said structured premix with a liquid fabric care composition.

13. 12. A liquid fabric care composition comprising the structured premix of any one of claims 1 to 11, said liquid fabric care composition comprising less than 7.5%, preferably less than 5% anionic surfactant.

14. 14. The liquid fabric care composition of claim 13, wherein said fabric care composition comprises particulates, preferably said particulates are selected from the group consisting of encapsulating agents, oils, pearlescent agents, water insoluble polymers, and mixtures thereof.

15. 15. The liquid fabric care composition of claim 13 or 14, wherein the fabric care composition comprises a cationic component, preferably the cationic component is selected from the group consisting of quaternary ammonium ester softening actives, cationic antimicrobial agents, cationic polymeric deposition aids, cationic coated encapsulated perfumes, and mixtures thereof, more preferably from the group consisting of quaternary ammonium ester softening actives.

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