Water-soluble unit dose article comprising first alkoxylated alcohol non-ionic surfactant and second alkoxylated alcohol non-ionic surfactant

Abstract

To provide a water-soluble unit dose article containing a non-soap anionic surfactant and non-ionic surfactant which can secure cleaning performance while providing desired film plasticization properties, and methods of using the same.SOLUTION: In a first aspect, a water-soluble unit dose article comprises a water-soluble film and a liquid laundry detergent composition. The liquid laundry detergent composition comprises: a. 15-55 wt.% of a non-soap anionic surfactant with respect to the laundry detergent composition; and b. 2.5-30 wt.% of the laundry detergent composition with respect to the laundry detergent composition.SELECTED DRAWING: None

Description

Technical Field

[0001] A water-soluble unit-dose article containing a non-soap anionic surfactant and a nonionic surfactant, and a method of using the same.

Background Art

[0002] Water-soluble unit-dose articles are preferred by consumers because they are convenient and efficient to use. Such water-soluble unit-dose articles often include laundry detergent compositions. Without being bound by theory, when a water-soluble unit-dose article is added to water, the film dissolves / disintegrates to release the internal contents into the surrounding water, generating a cleaning solution.

[0003] International Publication No. 2020 / 132575 teaches a water-soluble unit-dose article containing an alkoxylated alcohol nonionic surfactant having a mixed alkoxy chain (EO / PO). International Publication No. 2020 / 132575 suggests that the advantages provided by these nonionic surfactants are related to ensuring a preferred viscosity profile in the presence of sodium lauryl sulfate.

[0004] Often, alkoxylated alcohol nonionic surfactants, more specifically ethoxylated alcohol nonionic surfactants, are formulated into the detergent composition of a water-soluble unit-dose article to provide a fabric cleaning effect. However, such materials have the problem that they can deplasticize the film. Without being bound by theory, if the plasticization of the film is insufficient, the film becomes brittle and is prone to accidental early rupture. This problem can be improved by reducing the concentration of the alkoxylated alcohol nonionic surfactant, but this often sacrifices the cleaning performance of the detergent composition.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0005]

Patent Document 1

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

PROBLEMS TO BE SOLVED BY THE INVENTION

[0006] Surprisingly, it has been found that this problem can be overcome by carefully formulating a non-ionic type of alkoxylated alcohol. Without being bound by theory, by combining the first alkoxylated alcohol non-ionic surfactant according to the present invention with a low concentration of a second alkoxylated alcohol non-ionic surfactant / in combination with the absence of a second alkoxylated alcohol non-ionic surfactant, the alkoxylated alcohol non-ionic surfactant in the detergent composition can be adjusted to a desired concentration, ensuring washing performance while providing desired film plasticizing properties.

MEANS FOR SOLVING THE PROBLEM

[0007] A first aspect of the present invention is a water-soluble unit-dose article comprising a water-soluble film and a liquid laundry detergent composition, wherein the liquid laundry detergent composition comprises a. 15 wt% to 55 wt% of a non-soap anionic surfactant in the laundry detergent composition, and b. 2.5 wt% to 30 wt% of a non-ionic surfactant in the laundry detergent composition, and the non-ionic surfactant is (i) Structure; (I) R1-O-(AO1) n -(AO2) m -(AO3) z -H [In the formula, AO1 is a first alkoxy chain selected from an ethoxylate chain, a propoxylate chain, or a butoxylate chain; AO2 is a second alkoxy chain selected from an ethoxylate chain, a propoxylate chain, or a butoxylate chain; AO3 is a third alkoxy chain selected from an ethoxylate chain, a propoxylate chain, or a butoxylate chain; AO1 and AO2 are different from each other; when AO3 is present, AO2 and AO3 are different from each other; R1 is a linear or branched alkyl chain having an average of 8 to 18 carbon atoms; n is 1 to 30, m is 1 to 30, z is 0 to 30, and the sum of n + m + z is at least 10], a first alkoxylated alcohol nonionic surfactant, and (ii) 2% to 10% by weight of the laundry detergent composition, structure; (II) R2-O-(EO) p -H [In the formula, EO is an ethoxylate chain, R2 is a linear or branched alkyl chain having an average of 8 to 18 carbon atoms, and p is 1 to 30], a second alkoxylated alcohol nonionic surfactant, and is a water-soluble unit-dose article.

[0008] A second aspect of the present invention includes a step of diluting the water-soluble unit-dose article according to any claim with water 200 to 1000 times, preferably 300 to 2000 times, to prepare a cleaning liquid, and a step of bringing the fabric to be treated into contact with the cleaning liquid, and is a method for washing a fabric.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0009]

Figure 1

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0010] Water-soluble unit-dose article The present invention discloses a water-soluble unit-dose article including a water-soluble film and a liquid laundry detergent composition. The water-soluble film and the liquid detergent composition will be described in more detail below.

[0011] The water-soluble unit-dose article comprises a water-soluble film shaped such that the unit-dose article contains at least one internal compartment surrounded by the water-soluble film. The unit-dose article may include a first water-soluble film and a second water-soluble film sealed to each other so as to define the internal compartment. The water-soluble unit-dose article is configured such that the detergent composition does not leak out of the compartment during storage. However, when the water-soluble unit-dose article is added to water, the water-soluble film dissolves and the contents of the internal compartment are released into the cleaning liquid.

[0012] The compartment is to be understood as meaning a sealed internal space within the unit-dose article that holds the detergent composition. During manufacture, the first water-soluble film may be shaped such as to include an open compartment to which the detergent composition is added. Next, the first film is covered with the second water-soluble film in an orientation that closes the opening of the compartment. The first and second films are then sealed together along a sealing region.

[0013] The unit-dose article may include more than one compartment, further at least two compartments, or further at least three compartments, or further at least four compartments. The compartments may be arranged in a stacked orientation, i.e., such that one is positioned above the other. In such an orientation, the unit-dose article includes at least three films at the top, one or more in the middle, and at the bottom. Alternatively, the compartments may be arranged in an adjacent orientation, i.e., such that one is positioned adjacent to the other. The compartments may be oriented in a "tire and rim" arrangement, i.e., the first compartment is positioned adjacent to the second compartment, but the first compartment at least partially surrounds the second compartment without completely enclosing it. Alternatively, one compartment may be completely enclosed within another compartment.

[0014] When the unit-dose article includes at least two compartments, one compartment may be smaller than the other. When the unit-dose article includes at least three compartments, two of the compartments may be smaller than the third compartment, and preferably, the smaller compartments are superimposed on the larger compartment. The superimposed compartments are preferably oriented adjacent to each other. The unit-dose article may include at least four compartments, and three of the compartments may be smaller than the fourth compartment, and preferably, the smaller compartments are superimposed on the larger compartment. The superimposed compartments are preferably oriented adjacent to each other.

[0015] In the multi-compartment orientation, the detergent composition according to the present invention may be included in at least one of the compartments. For example, the detergent composition may be included in only one compartment, or may be included in two compartments, or even three compartments, or even four compartments.

[0016] Each compartment may contain the same composition or different compositions. The different compositions may all be in the same form or in different forms.

[0017] The water-soluble unit-dose article may include at least two internal compartments, and the liquid laundry detergent composition is included in at least one of these compartments. Preferably, the unit-dose article includes at least three compartments, and the detergent composition is included in at least one of these compartments.

[0018] Figure 1 discloses a water-soluble unit-dose article (1) according to the present invention. The water-soluble unit-dose article (1) includes a first water-soluble film (2) and a second water-soluble film (3), which are sealed together in a sealing region (4). The liquid laundry detergent composition (5) is included within the water-soluble soluble unit-dose article (1).

[0019] Water-soluble film The film of the present invention is water-soluble or water-dispersible. The water-soluble film preferably has a thickness of 20 to 150 micrometers, preferably 35 to 125 micrometers, more preferably 50 to 110 micrometers, and most preferably about 76 micrometers.

[0020] Preferably, after use of a glass filter with a maximum pore size of 20 micrometers, when measured by the method described herein, the water solubility of the film is at least 50%, preferably at least 75%, or even at least 95%. Add 5 grams ± 0.1 grams of the film material to a pre-weighed 3 L beaker, and add 2 L ± 5 mL of distilled water. Stir this vigorously for 30 minutes at 30 °C with a magnetic stirrer (Labline model number 1250) or equivalent set at 600 rpm, and a 5 cm magnetic stirrer. Then filter the mixture through a folded qualitative sintered glass filter with the pore size (maximum 20 micrometers) defined above. Dry the water from the recovered filtrate by any conventional method and determine the weight of the remaining material (this is the dissolved or dispersed fraction). Then the solubility or dispersibility can be calculated.

[0021] A preferred film material is preferably a polymer material. The film material can be obtained by, for example, casting, blow molding, extrusion molding, or coextrusion molding of a polymer material known in the art.

[0022] Preferred polymers, copolymers or derivatives thereof suitable for use as pouch materials are selected from polyvinyl alcohol, polyvinyl pyrrolidone, polyalkylene oxide, acrylamide, acrylic acid, cellulose, cellulose ether, cellulose ester, cellulose amide, polyvinyl acetate, polycarboxylic acid and salts, polyamino acid or peptide, polyamide, polyacrylamide, copolymer 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 copolymer, methylcellulose, sodium carboxymethylcellulose, dextrin, ethylcellulose, hydroxyethylcellulose, hydroxypropylmethylcellulose, maltodextrin, polymethacrylate, and most preferably selected from polyvinyl alcohol, polyvinyl alcohol copolymer and hydroxypropylmethylcellulose (HPMC), and combinations thereof. Preferably, the concentration of the polymer in the pouch material, for example, the PVA polymer, is at least 60%. The polymer may have any weight average molecular weight, preferably about 1,000 to 1,000,000, more preferably about 10,000 to 300,000, still more preferably about 20,000 to 150,000.

[0023] Preferably, the water-soluble film comprises a polyvinyl alcohol polymer or copolymer, preferably a blend of a polyvinyl alcohol polymer and / or a polyvinyl alcohol copolymer, preferably selected from sulfonated and carboxylated anionic polyvinyl alcohol copolymers, particularly carboxylated anionic polyvinyl alcohol copolymers, and most preferably comprises a blend of a polyvinyl alcohol homopolymer and a carboxylated anionic polyvinyl alcohol copolymer.

[0024] A preferred film shows good dissolution in cold water, i.e., in distilled water that has not been heated. Preferably, such a film exhibits good dissolution at a temperature of 24 °C, and more preferably at 10 °C. Good dissolution means that when measured by the method described herein after using the glass filter with a maximum pore size of 20 micrometers as described above, the film shows a water solubility of at least 50%, preferably at least 75%, or even at least 95%.

[0025] Preferred films include those supplied by Monosol under the product reference numbers M8630, M8900, M8779, and M8310.

[0026] The film may be opaque, transparent, or translucent. The film may include printed areas.

[0027] The printed areas can be obtained using standard techniques such as flexographic printing or inkjet printing.

[0028] The film may contain an aversion agent, such as a bittering agent. Suitable bittering agents include, but are not limited to, naringin, sucrose octaacetate, quinine hydrochloride, sodium benzoate, or mixtures thereof. Any suitable concentration of the aversion agent may be used in the film. Suitable concentrations include, but are not limited to, 1 to 5000 ppm, or even 100 to 2500 ppm, or even 250 to 2000 ppm.

[0029] Preferably, the water-soluble film, or the water-soluble unit-dose article, or both, are coated with a lubricant, and preferably, the lubricant is selected from talc, zinc oxide, silica, siloxane, zeolite, silicic acid, alumina, sodium sulfate, potassium sulfate, calcium carbonate, magnesium carbonate, sodium citrate, sodium tripolyphosphate, potassium citrate, potassium tripolyphosphate, calcium stearate, zinc stearate, magnesium stearate, starch, modified starch, clay, kaolin, gypsum, cyclodextrin, or mixtures thereof.

[0030] Preferably, the water-soluble film and each of its individual components independently contain dioxane at 0 ppm to 20 ppm, preferably 0 ppm to 15 ppm, more preferably 0 ppm to 10 ppm, even more preferably 0 ppm to 5 ppm, even more preferably 0 ppm to 1 ppm, even more preferably 0 ppb to 100 ppb, and most preferably 0 ppb. One skilled in the art will recognize known methods and techniques for determining the dioxane levels in the water-soluble film and its components.

[0031] Liquid laundry detergent composition The water-soluble unit-dose article includes a liquid laundry detergent composition. The term "liquid laundry detergent composition" refers to any laundry detergent composition that includes a liquid capable of wetting and treating fabrics, and includes, but is not limited to, liquids, gels, pastes, dispersions, etc. The liquid composition may preferably contain a finely divided form of a solid or gas, but excludes forms that are non-fluid as a whole, such as tablets or granules.

[0032] The liquid detergent composition may be used for hand washing fabrics or for washing fabrics in an automatic washing machine.

[0033] The liquid laundry detergent composition contains 15 wt% to 55 wt% of a non-soap anionic surfactant of the laundry detergent composition. Preferably, the detergent composition contains 20% to 55%, more preferably 25% to 50% of the non-soap anionic surfactant.

[0034] Preferably, the non-soap anionic surfactant includes linear alkylbenzene sulfonate. Preferably, the linear alkylbenzene sulfonate is an alkylbenzene sulfonate having C 10 ~C 16 , an alkylbenzene sulfonate having C 11 ~C 14 , or a mixture thereof. Preferably, the alkylbenzene sulfonate is an amine-neutralized alkylbenzene sulfonate, an alkali metal-neutralized alkylbenzene sulfonate, or a mixture thereof. The amine can preferably be selected from monoethanolamine, triethanolamine, or a mixture thereof. The alkali metal can preferably be selected from sodium, potassium, magnesium, or a mixture thereof. Preferably, the liquid detergent composition contains 1 wt% to 40 wt%, preferably 3 wt% to 40 wt%, more preferably 6 wt% to 35 wt% of linear alkylbenzene sulfonate based on the weight of the liquid detergent composition.

[0035] Preferably, the non-soap anionic surfactant includes an alkyl sulfate anionic surfactant, and the alkyl sulfate anionic surfactant is selected from alkyl sulfates, alkoxylated alkyl sulfates, or mixtures thereof. The alkyl sulfate anionic surfactant can be a primary or secondary alkyl sulfate anionic surfactant, or a mixture thereof, preferably a primary alkyl sulfate anionic surfactant. Preferably, the alkoxylated alkyl sulfate includes ethoxylated alkyl sulfate, propoxylated alkyl sulfate, mixed ethoxylated / propoxylated alkyl sulfate, or mixtures thereof, more preferably ethoxylated alkyl sulfate. Preferably, the ethoxylated alkyl sulfate has an average degree of ethoxylation of 0.1 to 5, preferably 0.5 to 3. Preferably, the ethoxylated alkyl sulfate has an average alkyl chain length of 8 to 18, more preferably 10 to 16, and most preferably 12 to 15. Preferably, the alkyl chain of the alkyl sulfate anionic surfactant can be linear, branched, or a mixture thereof. Preferably, the branched alkyl sulfate anionic surfactant is a branched primary alkyl sulfate, a branched secondary alkyl sulfate, or a mixture thereof, preferably a branched primary alkyl sulfate, and the branch is preferably at the 2-position or may be further down the alkyl chain, or the branch can be a multi-branch that spreads over the alkyl chain. The weight average degree of polymerization of the alkyl sulfate anionic surfactant can be 0% to 100%, preferably 0% to 95%, more preferably 0% to 60%, and most preferably 0% to 20%. Alternatively, the weight average degree of polymerization of the alkyl sulfate anionic surfactant can be 70% to 100%, preferably 80% to 90%. Preferably, the alkyl chain is selected from natural-derived materials, synthetic-derived materials, or mixtures thereof. Preferably, the synthetic-derived materials include oxo-synthetic materials, Ziegler synthetic materials, Guerbet synthetic materials, Fischer-Tropsch synthetic materials, iso-alkyl synthetic materials, or mixtures thereof, preferably oxo-synthetic materials.Preferably, the liquid detergent composition contains 1% to 35% by weight, preferably 3% to 30% by weight, more preferably 6% to 20% by weight of an alkyl sulfate anionic surfactant based on the weight of the liquid detergent composition.

[0036] Preferably, the non-soap anionic surfactant contains linear alkylbenzene sulfonate and alkoxylated alkyl sulfate, and more preferably, the weight ratio of linear alkylbenzene sulfonate to alkoxylated alkyl sulfate is 1:2 to 9:1, preferably 1:1 to 7:1, more preferably 1:1 to 5:1, and most preferably 1:1 to 4:1.

[0037] The liquid detergent composition contains 2.5% to 30% by weight of a nonionic surfactant based on the weight of the liquid detergent composition. The nonionic surfactant will be described in more detail below.

[0038] Preferably, the weight ratio of the non-soap anionic surfactant to the nonionic surfactant is 1:1 to 13:1, preferably 1.25:1 to 10:1, and more preferably 1.5:1 to 7.5:1.

[0039] Preferably, the liquid detergent composition contains a fatty acid, preferably a neutralized fatty acid soap, preferably a fatty acid salt, more preferably an amine-neutralized fatty acid salt, preferably the amine is an alkanolamine, more preferably selected from monoethanolamine, diethanolamine, triethanolamine, or a mixture thereof, and more preferably monoethanolamine. The liquid detergent composition may contain 1.5% to 20% by weight, 2% to 15% by weight, 3% to 12% by weight, or 4% to 10% by weight of the fatty acid based on the weight of the liquid detergent composition.

[0040] Preferably, the liquid detergent composition contains 1% to 20% by weight, preferably 5% to 15% by weight of water based on the weight of the liquid detergent composition.

[0041] Preferably, the liquid detergent composition contains 10% to 40% by weight, preferably 15% to 30% by weight, of a non-aqueous solvent, and preferably the non-aqueous solvent is selected from 1,2-propanediol, dipropylene glycol, tripropylene glycol, glycerol, sorbitol, polyethylene glycol, or a mixture thereof.

[0042] Preferably, the liquid detergent composition contains auxiliary components selected from the group consisting of builders, fragrances, enzymes, citrate salts, bleaching agents, bleach catalysts, dyes, hue dyes, optical brighteners, washing polymers containing alkoxylated polyamines and polyethyleneimine, soil release polymers, fabric care polymers containing cationic hydroxyethyl cellulose and cationic polyglucan, surfactants, solvents, anti-migration agents, chelating agents, encapsulated fragrances, polycarboxylates, structuring agents, pH adjusters, antioxidants containing Ralox 35, and mixtures thereof.

[0043] Preferably, the detergent composition contains further enzymes selected from the group consisting of hemicellulase, peroxidase, protease, cellulase, xylanase, lipase, phospholipase, esterase, cutinase, pectinase, keratinase, reductase, oxidase, phenol oxidase, lipoxygenase, ligninase, pullulanase, tannase, pentosanase, mannanase, amylase, nuclease, or mixtures thereof, preferably further enzymes selected from the group consisting of protease, amylase, cellulase, lipase, xyloglucanase, mannanase, and mixtures thereof. Preferably, the further enzyme is lipase.

[0044] As used herein, the term "lipase" includes enzymes that catalyze the hydrolysis of fats (lipids). Lipases are a subclass of esterases. Suitable lipases for the present invention include phospholipases, acyltransferases or perhydrolases, for example, acyltransferases having homology with Candida antarctica lipase A, acyltransferases derived from Mycobacterium smegmatis, perhydrolases derived from the CE7 family, and variants of Mycobacterium smegmatis (M. smegmatis) perhydrolase, in particular the S54V variant used in the commercially available product Gentle Power Bleach manufactured by Huntsman Textile Effects Pte Ltd. Suitable lipases and cutinases include those of bacterial or fungal origin. Chemically modified or protein-engineered variant enzymes are included. Examples include lipases derived from the genus Thermomyces, for example, T. lanuginosus (formerly named Humicola lanuginosa), cutinases derived from the genus Humicola, for example, H. insolens, strains of the genus Pseudomonas (some of which are now renamed the genus Burkholderia), for example, P. alcaligenes or P. pseudoalcaligenes, P. cepacia, Pseudomonas strain SD705, lipases derived from P. wisconsinensis, lipases of the GDSL type from the genus Streptomyces, cutinases derived from Magnaporthe grisea, cutinases derived from Pseudomonas mendocina, lipases derived from Thermobifida fusca, Geobacillus stearothermophilus lipase, lipases derived from Bacillus subtilis, and lipases derived from Streptomyces glycerus and S. pristinaespiralis.Typically, the lipase enzyme is present in the composition in an amount of 0.001% to 0.03% by weight of the composition, preferably 0.0025% to 0.025% by weight, more preferably 0.005% to 0.02% by weight of the enzyme-active protein. Without being bound by theory, the enzyme is supplied as a preparation containing the enzyme and other components. The enzyme itself is a protein that catalyzes the reaction. The enzyme-active protein, as used herein, means an enzyme that can actively catalyze the relevant reaction.

[0045] Preferably, the liquid laundry detergent composition has a pH of 6 to 10, more preferably 6.5 to 8.9, and most preferably 7 to 8, and the pH of the laundry detergent composition is measured at a 10% product concentration in deionized water at 20 °C.

[0046] The liquid laundry detergent composition may be Newtonian or non-Newtonian. Preferably, the liquid laundry detergent composition is non-Newtonian. Without wishing to be bound by theory, non-Newtonian liquids have properties different from Newtonian liquids. More specifically, the viscosity of non-Newtonian liquids depends on the shear rate, while Newtonian liquids have a constant viscosity regardless of the applied shear rate. The decrease in viscosity upon shear application of non-Newtonian liquids is thought to further facilitate the dissolution of the liquid detergent. The liquid laundry detergent composition described herein may have any suitable viscosity depending on factors such as the ingredients incorporated and the purpose of the composition.

[0047] Nonionic surfactant The liquid laundry detergent composition contains 2.5% to 30% by weight of nonionic surfactant of the liquid laundry detergent composition. Preferably, the laundry detergent composition contains 3.5% to 20% by weight, preferably 5% to 15% by weight of nonionic surfactant of the laundry detergent composition.

[0048] The nonionic surfactant has the structure; (I) R1-O-(AO1) n -(AO2) m -(AO3) z -H The first alkoxylated alcohol nonionic surfactant is represented by the following formula: [[AO1 is a first alkoxy chain selected from an ethoxylate chain, a propoxylate chain, or a butoxylate chain; AO2 is a second alkoxy chain selected from an ethoxylate chain, a propoxylate chain, or a butoxylate chain; AO3 is a third alkoxy chain selected from an ethoxylate chain, a propoxylate chain, or a butoxylate chain]]. AO1 and AO2 are different from each other. AO2 and AO3 (when present) are different from each other. R1 is a linear or branched alkyl chain having an average of 8 to 18 carbon atoms. Preferably, the alkyl chain is selected from natural-derived materials, synthetic-derived materials, or mixtures thereof. Preferably, the synthetic-derived materials include oxo-synthesis materials, Ziegler-synthesis materials, Guerbet-synthesis materials, Fischer-Tropsch synthesis materials, iso-alkyl synthesis materials, or mixtures thereof. R1-O can be derived from a primary alcohol, a secondary alcohol, or a mixture thereof, preferably a primary alcohol. n is 1 to 30, m is 1 to 30, z is 0 to 30, and the sum of n + m + z is at least 10.

[0049] Preferably, the first alkoxylated alcohol nonionic surfactant is of formula (III) or (IV); (III) R1-O-(EO) x -(PO) y -(AO3) z -H; or (IV) R1-O-(PO) y -(EO) x -(AO3) z -H; [wherein, EO is an ethoxylate group, PO is a propoxylate group, AO3 is selected from an ethoxylate group, a propoxylate group, or a butoxylate group, preferably an ethoxylate group or a propoxylate group], or is selected from mixtures thereof, preferably selected from those having formula (IV). Each x is independently 1 to 30, preferably 3 to 25, more preferably 5 to 20. Each y is independently 1 to 30, preferably 1 to 20, more preferably 2 to 10. Each z is independently 0 to 30, preferably 0 to 27, more preferably 0 to 25. Each R1 is a linear or branched alkyl chain having an average of 8 to 18, preferably 8 to 14, more preferably 8 to 12 carbon atoms. Preferably, the alkyl chain is selected from natural-derived materials, synthetic-derived materials, or mixtures thereof. Preferably, the synthetic-derived materials include oxo-synthesis materials, Ziegler-synthesis materials, Guerbet-synthesis materials, Fischer-Tropsch synthesis materials, iso-alkyl synthesis materials, or mixtures thereof. R1-O can be derived from a primary alcohol, a secondary alcohol, or a mixture thereof, preferably a primary alcohol.

[0050] Preferably, the sum of x + y + z is at least 10, preferably 10 to 50, more preferably 10 to 40.

[0051] More preferably, the first alkoxylated alcohol nonionic surfactant has the formula; (V) R1-O-(PO) y -(EO) x -H [wherein EO is an ethoxylate group and PO is a propoxylate group]. x is 3 to 30, preferably 5 to 20, even more preferably 5 to 15, most preferably 7 to 11. y is 2 to 10, preferably 3 to 9, more preferably 4 to 8, most preferably 5 to 7. Preferably, the sum of x + y is 10 to 40, preferably 10 to 30, more preferably 10 to 20. R1 is a linear or branched alkyl chain having an average of 8 to 10 carbon atoms. Preferably, the alkyl chain is selected from natural-derived materials, synthetic-derived materials, or mixtures thereof. Preferably, the synthetic-derived materials include oxo synthesis materials, Ziegler synthesis materials, Guerbet synthesis materials, Fischer-Tropsch synthesis materials, iso-alkyl synthesis materials, or mixtures thereof. Alternatively, the synthetic-derived materials are derived from secondary alcohols. More preferably, R1 is 2-ethylhexyl or 2-propylheptyl, and most preferably 2-ethylhexyl.

[0052] The liquid detergent composition may contain 2.5 wt% to 20 wt%, preferably 2.5 wt% to 15 wt%, more preferably 3 wt% to 10 wt% of a first alkoxylated alcohol nonionic surfactant based on the liquid detergent composition.

[0053] Suitable examples of this first alkoxylated alcohol nonionic surfactant are, inter alia, those commercially available from BASF under the Plurafac lineup, from Dow under the Ecosurf lineup, or from Clariant under the Genapol lineup. Most preferably, the first alkoxylated nonionic surfactant contains a Guerbet-derived alkyl chain such as those commercially available from BASF as the Plurafac SLF lineup and from Dow as the Ecosurf EH lineup. The most preferred commercially available first alkoxylated nonionic surfactants are Plurafac SLF180, Ecosurf EH9, and Ecosurf EH14, especially Ecosurf EH9.

[0054] The nonionic surfactant has a structure of 10 wt% or less of the detergent composition; (II) R2-O-(EO) p -H; It contains a second alkoxylated alcohol nonionic surfactant represented by [[where EO is an ethoxylate chain]]. Preferably, the alkyl chain is selected from natural-derived materials, synthetic-derived materials, or a mixture thereof, and most preferably is a natural-derived material. Preferably, the synthetic-derived materials include oxo-synthesis materials, Ziegler synthesis materials, Guerbet synthesis materials, Fischer-Tropsch synthesis materials, iso-alkyl synthesis materials, or a mixture thereof. R2 is a linear or branched alkyl chain having an average of 8 to 18 carbon atoms, preferably a linear alkyl chain. p is from 1 to 30.

[0055] More preferably, the second alkoxylated alcohol nonionic surfactant has the formula; (II) R2-O-(EO) p -H [where EO is an ethoxylate group]. p, the number of ethylene oxide units per mole of alcohol, is on average 5 to 12, preferably 6 to 10, more preferably 7 to 9. R2 is a linear or branched alkyl chain having an average of 8 to 18 carbon atoms, preferably 9 to 15 carbon atoms, more preferably 10 to 14 carbon atoms. Preferably, the alkyl chain is selected from natural-derived materials, synthetic-derived materials, or a mixture thereof, and more preferably is a natural-derived material. Preferably, the synthetic-derived materials include oxo-synthesis materials, Ziegler synthesis materials, Guerbet synthesis materials, Fischer-Tropsch synthesis materials, iso-alkyl synthesis materials, or a mixture thereof.

[0056] The liquid laundry detergent composition may contain 0 wt% to 8 wt%, preferably 2 wt% to 6 wt% of the second alkoxylated alcohol nonionic surfactant based on the detergent composition.

[0057] The liquid laundry detergent composition may contain 2 wt% to 10 wt%, preferably 2 wt% to 8 wt%, more preferably 2 wt% to 6 wt% of the second alkoxylated alcohol nonionic surfactant based on the detergent composition.

[0058] The weight ratio of the first alkoxylated nonionic surfactant to the second alkoxylated nonionic surfactant is preferably from 1:1 to 7:1, preferably from 1:1 to 5:1, more preferably from 1:1 to 3:1.

[0059] The first alkoxylated nonionic surfactant can be added directly to the liquid laundry detergent composition. Alternatively, the first alkoxylated nonionic surfactant can first be mixed with other components to prepare a premix. This premix containing the first alkoxylated nonionic surfactant can be added to the liquid laundry detergent composition. Alternatively, a part of the first alkoxylated nonionic surfactant can be added directly to the liquid laundry detergent composition and the remainder can be added to the liquid laundry detergent composition as part of the premix. Similarly, the second alkoxylated nonionic surfactant, if present, can be added directly to the liquid detergent composition, added as part of the premix, or added partially directly and partially as part of the premix.

[0060] Manufacturing method Those skilled in the art will recognize standard techniques for manufacturing the liquid laundry detergent composition and the water-soluble unit dose article according to the present invention. Those skilled in the art will also recognize standard techniques and methods for manufacturing the components of the liquid laundry detergent composition of the present invention.

[0061] Usage method A further aspect of the present invention is a method of laundering a fabric, comprising the steps of diluting the water-soluble unit dose article according to the present invention with water by 200 to 3000 times, preferably 300 to 2000 times, to prepare a cleaning liquid, and contacting the fabric to be treated with the cleaning liquid.

[0062] 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 a functionally equivalent range surrounding that value. For example, a dimension disclosed as "40 mm" is intended to mean "about 40 mm".

Example

[0063] The effect of film swelling / dedwelling over time by adding the mixed alkoxylated alcohol nonionic surfactant according to the present invention onto a laundry detergent formulation containing different concentrations of ethoxylated alcohol nonionic surfactants suitable for use in water-soluble unit-dose articles was evaluated using the film swelling test method described herein.

[0064] Test method: Film swelling: Film samples of water-soluble PVOH films intended for use in forming sealed compartments encapsulating comparative compositions and the liquid household detergent compositions according to the present invention described herein were prepared. The film / juice ratio during immersion was approximately 1:100. Typically, five replicates were used for each test. The bottom of a clean, inert glass container was covered with a thin layer of liquid, and the film to be tested was spread over the liquid. Air bubbles trapped under the film were gently pushed towards both sides. The remaining liquid was then gently poured onto the upper surface of the film so that the film was fully immersed in the liquid. The film was left wrinkle-free and air bubbles were kept out of contact with the film. The film was stored for 5 days at 50 °C and overnight at 21 °C under sealed container conditions while in contact with the liquid. Separate glass containers were used for each test. The film was then removed from the storage container and excess liquid was removed from the film. A sheet of paper was placed on top of the film placed on bench paper, and the film was then thoroughly blotted dry with dry paper immediately prior to weighing. The weight of the film was measured before and after the immersion test under standard laboratory conditions, and the relative weight gain / loss was calculated and expressed as a % change according to the following formula. % Change = (Final weight / Initial weight) * 100.

[0065] Test material: Table 1 summarizes the individual detergent test compositions suitable for incorporation into water-soluble unit dose articles. Comparative Compositions 1-3 do not contain the mixed alkoxylated alcohol nonionic surfactant according to the present invention. Compositions 1 and 2 of the present invention combine the mixed alkoxylated alcohol nonionic surfactant with a low concentration of a pure ethoxylated alcohol nonionic surfactant (Composition 1 of the present invention) or in the absence of a pure ethoxylated alcohol nonionic surfactant (Composition 2 of the present invention), so they are formulations according to the present invention. On the other hand, Comparative Composition 4 contains the mixed alkoxylated alcohol nonionic surfactant together with a high concentration of a pure ethoxylated alcohol nonionic surfactant, so it is a formulation outside the scope of the present invention. The effects of these different test formulations on film swelling were evaluated for PVOH-based water-soluble films containing a mixed PVOH homopolymer and a carboxylated PVOH copolymer blend provided by the MonoSol company.

[0066]

Table 1

[0067] Test results: The data of the % weight change of the water-soluble film summarized in Table 2 shows that the comparative detergent compositions outside the scope of the present invention that do not contain the mixed alcohol alkoxylate nonionic surfactant cause film deplasticization over time when in contact with each detergent composition.

[0068]

Table 2

[0069] Table 3 shows the effect of a single variable addition of a series of mixed alkoxylated alcohols (Composition 1 of the present invention vs. Comparative Composition 1, Comparative Composition 4 vs. Comparative Composition 3) or a complete replacement of the ethoxylated alcohol nonionic surfactant with a mixed alkoxylated alcohol nonionic surfactant (Composition 2 of the present invention vs. Comparative Composition 2). A single variable addition in this context means replacing the non-aqueous solvent (1,2-propanediol) one by one with the mixed alkoxylated alcohol nonionic surfactant. To understand whether the observed trend is due to the insertion of the mixed alkoxylate alcohol nonionic surfactant or the partial removal of the non-aqueous solvent (1,2-propanediol), a complete ethoxylated alcohol nonionic surfactant replacement trial was added.

[0070] The weight change data summarized in Table 3 below clearly shows that both the single variable addition and the complete replacement of the ethoxylated alcohol nonionic surfactant with the mixed alkoxylated alcohol nonionic surfactant affect film deplasticization over time. In the case of a single variable addition of the mixed alkoxylated alcohol nonionic surfactant, the expected value of the observed film deplasticization effect is consistently significantly higher when it is co-formulated with a low concentration of the ethoxylated alcohol nonionic surfactant compared to when it is co-formulated with a high concentration of the ethoxylated alcohol nonionic surfactant, and further when the ethoxylated alcohol nonionic surfactant is absent. In the latter case, for the specific case of Ecosurf LFE1410, further film deplasticization is observed.

[0071]

Table 3

[0072] The following is an example of a multi-compartment water-soluble single-dose laundry article that was commercially available in the UK in January 2020, has a larger lower compartment with two smaller compartments in a side configuration stacked on top of the bottom compartment, according to the design of the Ariel 3-in-1 Pods visualized in FIG. 1. The entire water-soluble single-dose article contains an exemplary formulation (Tables 2 and 3) containing a surfactant system comprising a mixed alkoxylated alcohol nonionic surfactant according to the present invention. The following composition is encapsulated in a water-soluble film comprising a polyvinyl alcohol-based water-soluble film, more specifically a blend of a polyvinyl alcohol homopolymer received from the MonoSol company and a carboxylated anionic polyvinyl alcohol copolymer.

[0073]

Table 4

[0074]

Table 5

[0075] 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 a functionally equivalent range surrounding that value. For example, a dimension disclosed as "40 mm" is intended to mean "about 40 mm".

Claims

1. A water-soluble unit-dose article comprising a water-soluble film and a liquid laundry detergent composition, wherein the liquid laundry detergent composition comprises a. 15% to 55% by weight of a non-soap anionic surfactant in the laundry detergent composition, and b. 2.5% to 30% by weight of a nonionic surfactant in the laundry detergent composition, and the nonionic surfactant is (i) structure; (I) R １ -O-(AO １ ) ｎ -(AO ２ ) ｍ -(AO ３ ) ｚ -H [wherein, AO １ is a first alkoxy chain selected from an ethoxylate chain, a propoxylate chain or a butoxylate chain, and AO ２ is a second alkoxy chain selected from an ethoxylate chain, a propoxylate chain or a butoxylate chain, and AO ３ is a third alkoxy chain selected from an ethoxylate chain, a propoxylate chain or a butoxylate chain, and AO １ and AO ２ are different from each other, and when AO ３ is present, AO ２ and AO ３ are different from each other, R １ is a linear or branched alkyl chain having an average of 8 to 18 carbon atoms, n is 1 to 30, m is 1 to 30, z is 0 to 30, and the sum of n + m + z is at least 10], and a first alkoxylated alcohol nonionic surfactant according to (ii) 2% to 10% by weight of the laundry detergent composition, structure; (III) R ２ -O-(EO) ｐ -H [wherein, EO is an ethoxylate chain, R ２ is a linear or branched alkyl chain having an average of 8 to 18 carbon atoms, and p is from 1 to 30], and a second alkoxylated alcohol nonionic surfactant, a water-soluble unit-dose article.

2. The water-soluble unit-dose article according to claim 1, wherein the laundry detergent composition comprises 3.5% to 20% by weight, preferably 5% to 15% by weight of the nonionic surfactant in the laundry detergent composition.

3. The first alkoxylated alcohol nonionic surfactant has the formula; (III) R １ -O-(EO) ｘ -(PO) ｙ -(AO ３ ) ｚ -H; or (IV) R １ -O-(PO) ｙ -(EO) ｘ -(AO ３ ) ｚ -H; [Wherein, EO is an ethoxylate group, PO is a propoxylate group, and AO ３ is selected from an ethoxylate group, a propoxylate group or a butoxylate group, preferably an ethoxylate group or a propoxylate group, Each x is independently 1 to 30, preferably 3 to 25, more preferably 5 to 20, Each y is independently 1 to 30, preferably 1 to 20, more preferably 2 to 10, Each z is independently 0 to 30, preferably 0 to 27, more preferably 0 to 25, Each R １ is a linear or branched alkyl chain having on average 8 to 18 carbon atoms, preferably 8 to 14 carbon atoms, more preferably 8 to 12 carbon atoms, Preferably, the sum of x + y + z is at least 10, preferably 10 to 50, more preferably 10 to 40] and is selected from those having, the water-soluble unit-dose article according to claim 1 or 2.

4. The first alkoxylated alcohol nonionic surfactant has the formula; (V) R １ -O-(PO) ｙ -(EO) ｘ -H [Wherein, EO is an ethoxylate group and PO is a propoxylate group, x is 3 to 30, preferably 5 to 20, even more preferably 5 to 15, most preferably 7 to 11, y is 2 to 10, preferably 3 to 9, more preferably 4 to 8, most preferably 5 to 7, R １ is a linear or branched alkyl chain having an average of 8 to 10 carbon atoms, preferably 2-ethylhexyl or 2-propylheptyl, more preferably 2-ethylhexyl, Preferably, the sum of x + y is 10 to 40, preferably 10 to 30, more preferably 10 to 20] and has, the water-soluble unit-dose article according to claim 3.

5. The second alkoxylated alcohol nonionic surfactant has the formula; (II) R ２ -O-(EO) ｐ -H [Wherein, EO is an ethoxylate group, p, the ethylene oxide units per mole of alcohol, is on average 5 to 12, preferably 6 to 10, more preferably 7 to 9, R ２ is a linear or branched alkyl chain having an average of 8 to 18 carbon atoms, preferably 9 to 15 carbon atoms, more preferably 10 to 14 carbon atoms], and the water-soluble unit dosage article according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

6. The water-soluble unit-dose article according to any one of claims 1 to 5, comprising 2.5% to 20% by weight, preferably 2.5% to 15% by weight, more preferably 3% to 10% by weight of the first alkoxylated alcohol nonionic surfactant in the detergent composition.

7. The water-soluble unit-dose article according to any one of claims 1 to 6, comprising 2% to 8% by weight, preferably 2% to 6% by weight, of the second alkoxylated alcohol nonionic surfactant in the detergent composition.

8. The water-soluble unit-dose article according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the weight ratio of the first alkoxylated nonionic surfactant to the second alkoxylated nonionic surfactant is 1:1 to 7:1, preferably 1:1 to 5:1, more preferably 1:1 to 3:

1.

9. The water-soluble unit-dose article according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the detergent composition contains 20% to 55%, preferably 25% to 50%, of a non-soap anionic surfactant, preferably the non-soap anionic surfactant contains linear alkylbenzene sulfonate and alkoxylated alkyl sulfate, and more preferably, the weight ratio of the linear alkylbenzene sulfonate to the alkoxylated alkyl sulfate is 1:2 to 9:1, preferably 1:1 to 7:1, more preferably 1:1 to 5:1, and most preferably 1:1 to 4:

1.

10. The water-soluble unit-dose article according to claim 9, wherein the weight ratio of the non-soap anionic surfactant to the nonionic surfactant is 1:1 to 13:1, preferably 1.25:1 to 10:1, more preferably 1.5:1 to 7.5:

1.

11. The water-soluble unit-dose article according to any one of claims 1 to 10, containing a fatty acid, preferably a neutralized fatty acid soap, and more preferably, the detergent composition contains 1.5% to 20% by weight, 2% to 15% by weight, 3% to 12% by weight, or 4% to 10% by weight of the fatty acid, preferably the neutralized fatty acid soap, in the detergent composition.

12. The water-soluble unit-dose article according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the liquid laundry detergent contains 1% to 20% by weight, preferably 5% to 15% by weight, of water in the liquid detergent composition.

13. The water-soluble unit-dose article according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the liquid laundry detergent composition contains 10% to 40% by weight, preferably 15% to 30% by weight, of a non-aqueous solvent, and preferably, the non-aqueous solvent is selected from 1,2-propanediol, dipropylene glycol, tripropylene glycol, glycerol, sorbitol, polyethylene glycol, or a mixture thereof.

14. The water-soluble film contains a polyvinyl alcohol polymer, preferably the water-soluble film contains a polyvinyl alcohol polymer or copolymer, preferably a blend of a polyvinyl alcohol polymer and / or a polyvinyl alcohol copolymer, more preferably selected from sulfonated and carboxylated anionic polyvinyl alcohol copolymers, particularly carboxylated anionic polyvinyl alcohol copolymers, and most preferably contains a blend of a polyvinyl alcohol homopolymer and a carboxylated anionic polyvinyl alcohol copolymer. The water-soluble unit-dose article according to any one of claims 1 to 13.

15. A method for washing a fabric, comprising: diluting the water-soluble unit-dose article according to any one of claims 1 to 14 with water 200 to 1000 times, preferably 300 to 2000 times, to prepare a cleaning solution; and contacting the fabric to be treated with the cleaning solution.

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