Dilution thickening surfactant concentrate

Abstract

The present technology relates to a diluted thickening surfactant concentrate and a cleaning composition prepared therefrom. The neat concentrate exhibits a higher viscosity when diluted with water than the viscosity of the neat concentrate before dilution. The diluted thickening surfactant concentrate comprises: (a) (i) a nonionic surfactant component comprising a fatty alcohol ethoxylate and a polysorbate, and (ii) an anionic surfactant component comprising an alkylbenzene sulfonic acid and its salts, a surfactant chassis; (b) a polyethoxylated alkyl glucoside ester component; (c) one or more electrolytes; (d) optionally one or more beneficial agents; and (e) water. A method for preparing the neat concentrate is also disclosed. 10 ~C 16 An alkylbenzene sulfonic acid and its salts, an anionic surfactant component, and a surfactant chassis; (b) a polyethoxylated alkyl glucoside ester component; (c) one or more electrolytes; (d) optionally one or more beneficial agents; and (e) water. A method for preparing the neat concentrate is also disclosed.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present technology relates to a diluted thickening surfactant concentrate and a cleaning composition prepared therefrom. In one aspect, the present technology provides a neat, concentrated surfactant-containing composition that, when water is added, exhibits a higher viscosity than the neat concentrate. The diluted thickening concentrate may be suitable for preparing a liquid composition for home care cleaning applications.

Background Art

[0002] Increasingly, consumers are demanding that manufacturers provide sustainable and environmentally considerate home care products while maintaining expectations for product performance. The current trend in this regard is the provision of highly concentrated products that can be diluted by the consumer end-user to a concentration suitable for end use. The availability of highly concentrated, low-viscosity products instead of ready-to-use formulations has several advantages. For example, since the viscosity and water content of the product are significantly reduced, the costs and ecological hazards associated with manufacturing, packaging, and transportation are significantly reduced.

[0003] The reduced viscosity during the preparation of the concentrated product reduces the shear force required for mixing the components and thus reduces the energy consumption during the manufacturing process. The reduction in the water content of the final product enables the rationalization of the product container and reduces the fuel cost during transportation. Furthermore, the concentrated product reduces the retail shelf space at the point of sale.

[0004] A suitable dilutable concentrated composition is a product characterized by a set of features that enable the end consumer to actually use the product. One of the most important features of the concentrated product is to have an appropriate viscosity profile, i.e., an increased viscosity of the diluted product compared to the concentrated product. The concentrated product should be homogeneous, have a stable pH and phase, and be easily pourable and transparent. In addition, the concentrated product should readily incorporate water and be mixed by manual shaking or stirring to prepare the diluted final product. The resulting diluted final product should be homogeneous and exhibit a higher viscosity profile than the initial concentrate. A sufficiently high viscosity profile is necessary for the end user to handle the product and control the amount of product that spreads onto a sponge, dishcloth, or the substrate being cleaned. Such rheological properties are advantageous for cleaning hard surfaces as they prevent the product from running off when applied to a vertical surface. At the same time, a highly viscous product does not flow easily and makes it difficult to use for application and spreading onto the substrate being cleaned, so the diluted product should not be too viscous.

[0005] Despite attempts in the art to provide concentrated dilution-thickening cleaning compositions, there remains a need for dilution-thickening compositions that meet the following requirements: 1) a pourable, easily formulated, and stable concentrated surfactant composition; 2) a concentrated surfactant composition that is easily diluted by manual shaking or stirring; 3) a concentrated surfactant composition that exhibits an increased viscosity when diluted compared to the concentrated product; 4) a diluted product that exhibits an ideal viscosity suitable for the intended use; and 5) a concentrated surfactant composition such that the diluted product exhibits good performance and aesthetic properties (e.g., foaming, detergency, phase stability, and transparency).

Summary of the Invention

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] The present technology relates to a dilution-thickening surfactant concentrate and a cleaning composition prepared therefrom that meet the aforementioned expectations, namely, 1) a highly concentrated surfactant composition that is easy to formulate and easy to pour out, 2) a concentrated surfactant composition that is easily diluted with water and mixed by manual shaking or stirring, 3) a concentrated surfactant composition that exhibits an increased viscosity when diluted compared to the concentrated initial product, 4) a diluted product that exhibits an ideal viscosity suitable for the intended use, and 5) a concentrated surfactant composition in which the diluted product exhibits good performance and aesthetic properties (e.g., foaming, phase stability, detergency, and transparency).

[0007] The concept of dilution thickening explains the phenomenon that a formulation thickens when diluted with a solvent, typically water. The concentrated surfactant-containing formulation should have a low enough viscosity to be easily poured out of the container, but when water is added, it should have a high enough viscosity to be retained on the desired substrate during application.

[0008] In home care formulation technology, it is well known that liquid detergents should have an ideal viscosity. In fact, viscosity enables controlled handling and dispensing of the product during use compared to products with lower viscosities. In home care applications, viscosity enables better effectiveness of the product when applied to non-horizontal surfaces such as toilets, sinks, shower rooms, bathtubs, etc. In addition, cleaning products are expected to be easy to use. In other words, the shear-thinning profile of the liquid composition should exhibit a high viscosity under low shear conditions and a lower viscosity under high shear conditions to facilitate application of the product to the substrate being cleaned and removal of the product from the substrate.

[0009] In one aspect, the dilution-thickening surfactant concentrate of the present technology comprises (a)(i) a nonionic surfactant component comprising a fatty alcohol ethoxylate and a polysorbate, and (ii) C 10 ~C 16An anionic surfactant component containing an alkylbenzene sulfonic acid and its salts, a surfactant chassis, (b) a polyethoxylated alkyl glucoside ester component, (c) one or more electrolytes, (d) one or more optional beneficial agents, and (e) water. When water is added, the diluted concentrate exhibits a higher viscosity than the viscosity of the initial neat concentrate.

[0010] In one aspect, the present technology relates to a neat dilution thickening liquid cleaning concentrate, and the neat liquid concentrate is (a) A surfactant chassis of about 40% to about 65% by weight, (i) A nonionic surfactant component containing a fatty alcohol ethoxylate component and a polysorbate component of about 25% to about 56.5% by weight, wherein in the nonionic surfactant component, the amount of the fatty alcohol ethoxylate is in the range of about 90% to about 95% by weight, and the amount of the polysorbate component is in the range of about 5% to about 10% by weight, a nonionic surfactant component; (ii) About 8.5% to about 40% by weight of C 10 ~C 16 An anionic surfactant component containing an alkylbenzene sulfonic acid and its salts, a surfactant chassis; (b) A polyethoxylated alkyl glucoside ester component of about 2% to about 6% by weight; (c) One or more electrolytes of about 1% to about 5% by weight; (d) One or more beneficial agents of about 0% to about 10% by weight, or about 1% to about 7% by weight, or about 3% to about 5% by weight; (e) The balance water, and all weight percentages are based on the total weight of the composition. When the neat concentrate is diluted with water, it results in a composition having an increased viscosity compared to the neat concentrate.

[0011] In one aspect, the present technology relates to a cleaning composition prepared by diluting a neat liquid concentrate with water, and the concentrate is (a) A surfactant chassis of about 40% to about 65% by weight, (i) A nonionic surfactant component comprising from about 25 to about 56.5% by weight of a fatty alcohol ethoxylate component and a polysorbate component, wherein in the nonionic surfactant component, the amount of the fatty alcohol ethoxylate ranges from about 90 to about 95% by weight and the amount of the polysorbate component ranges from about 5 to about 10% by weight, and (ii) An anionic surfactant component comprising from about 8.5 to about 40% by weight of an alkylbenzene sulfonic acid and its salts, and 10 ~C 16 A surfactant chassis comprising: (b) From about 2 to about 6% by weight of a polyethoxylated alkyl glucoside ester component; (c) From about 1 to about 5% by weight of one or more electrolytes; (d) From about 0 to about 10% by weight, or from about 1 to about 7% by weight, or from about 3 to about 5% by weight of one or more benefit agents; (e) The balance of water, with all weight percentages being based on the total weight of the composition.

[0012] The diluted thickening surfactant concentrate can be used as a neat concentrate (i.e., before dilution with water) or diluted with water to obtain a diluted thickened cleaning product. The neat concentrate and the diluted thickened final product can be used for home care cleaning applications including, but not limited to, pre-wash stain removal aids for laundry, laundry detergents, hard surface cleaners, and manual dishwashing detergents.

[0013] In one aspect, the diluted thickened compositions and products of the present technology are diluted with at least 2 times, or at least 3 times, or at least 4 times the weight of the neat liquid concentrate of water.

[0014] In another aspect, the present technology provides a method for preparing a neat concentrate, the method comprising: (a) Dissolving an alkylbenzene sulfonic acid component in water; (b) Neutralizing the alkylbenzene sulfonic acid component with a basic material to form an alkylbenzene sulfonate component; (c) Dissolving the polyethoxylated alkyl glucoside ester in the alkyl benzene sulfonate component formed in step (b); (d) Adding a fatty alcohol ethoxylate to the component formed in step (c); (e) Dissolving an electrolyte in the component formed in step (d), and optionally, (f) Adding one or more optional beneficial agents to the component formed in step (e). **DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION**

[0015] In all aspects of the disclosed technology, all weight percentages are calculated based on the weight of the total composition, based on 100 percent active material. All ratios are expressed as weight ratios. All numerical ranges of amounts are inclusive and combinable unless otherwise specified.

[0016] For selected embodiments and aspects of the technology of the present disclosure, overlapping weight ranges are presented for the various components and ingredients that may be contained in the compositions of the present disclosure. However, the amount of each component in the compositions of the present disclosure is selected from the disclosed ranges such that the sum of all components or ingredients in the composition totals 100 weight percent. The amounts used will vary depending on the purpose and properties of the desired product and can be readily determined by one of ordinary skill in the art.

[0017] The term "neat" concentrate, product or composition refers to the dilution thickening concentrate of the present technology containing components (a), (b), (c), and optionally (d) before dilution with water.

[0018] "Beneficial agent" means any compound, material or active ingredient that imparts aesthetic features to the product in which it is contained or provides a specific effect on the surface of the substrate on which the product is delivered.

[0019] As used herein, the term "home care" includes, but is not limited to, products used in the home for surface cleaning or maintenance of hygiene, such as in the kitchen and bathroom (e.g., hard surface cleaners, manual and automatic dish care, toilet cleaners and disinfectants), as well as laundry products for fabric care and cleaning (e.g., detergents, fabric conditioners, pre-stain removers).

[0020] In one aspect, the technology is a neat concentrate for dilution with water, which, when diluted with water, results in a composition having an increased viscosity compared to the neat concentrate, and the neat concentrate is (a) a surfactant chassis of about 40% to about 65% by weight, (i) a nonionic surfactant component comprising about 25% to about 56.5% by weight of a fatty alcohol ethoxylate component and a polysorbate component, wherein in the nonionic surfactant component, the amount of fatty alcohol ethoxylate ranges from about 90% to about 95% by weight and the amount of polysorbate component ranges from about 5% to about 10% by weight, a nonionic surfactant component, and (ii) an anionic surfactant component comprising about 8.5% to about 40% by weight of C 10 ~C 16 alkylbenzene sulfonic acid and its salts, a surfactant chassis comprising (b) about 2% to about 6% by weight of a polyethoxylated alkyl glucoside ester component, and (c) about 1% to about 5% by weight of one or more electrolytes, and (d) about 0% to about 10% by weight, or about 1% to about 7% by weight, or about 3% to about 5% by weight of one or more benefit agents, relating to the neat concentrate.

[0021] In a further aspect, the technology relates to a dilution-thickened neat concentrate diluted with at least 2 times, or at least 3 times, or at least 4 times the amount of water by weight of the neat liquid concentrate, and the viscosity of the dilution-thickened neat concentrate is higher than the viscosity of the initial neat concentrate.

[0022] Surfactant chassis - Component (a) Component (a) of the neat concentrate of the present technology comprises (i) a nonionic surfactant component containing about 25 to about 56.5% by weight of a fatty alcohol ethoxylate component and a polysorbate component, and (ii) about 8.5 to about 40% by weight of a C 10 ~C 16 An anionic surfactant component containing alkylbenzene sulfonic acid and its salts, and contains a surfactant chassis of about 40 to about 65% by weight, where all weight percentages are based on the weight of the total composition.

[0023] In one aspect, the fatty alcohol ethoxylate (i) of the surfactant chassis is ethoxylated with about 2 to about 10, or about 3 to about 8, or about 5 to about 7 moles of ethylene oxide.

[0024] In one aspect, the fatty alcohol ethoxylate of component (i) of the surfactant chassis contains about 2 to about 10, or about 3 to about 8, or about 5 to about 7 moles of ethylene oxide and is a C 10 ~C 15 Selected from fatty alcohol ethoxylates. Such materials are commercially available under the trade name Neodol by Shell Chemical Company, including Neodol 25-7 and Neodol 23-6.5. Other useful C 10 ~C 15 Examples of fatty alcohol ethoxylates include Neodol 1-5, an ethoxylated fatty alcohol having an average of 11 carbon atoms in the alkyl chain and containing about 5 moles of ethylene oxide, and Neodol 23-9, an ethoxylated primary C 12 ~C 13 Alcohol containing about 9 moles of ethylene oxide. Mixtures of these fatty alcohol ethoxylates can also be used.

[0025] The fatty alcohol ethoxylate also has an ethoxylated C having an average of 7 moles of ethylene oxide per mole of fatty alcohol 12 ~C 15Dobanol 25-7, which is a fatty alcohol, is sold by Shell Chemical Company under the trade name Dobanol(™).

[0026] In one aspect, C 10 ~C 15 By fatty alcohol is meant a fatty alcohol that is an alcohol having an average of C 10 carbons, or an alcohol having an average of C 11 carbons, or an alcohol having an average of C 12 carbons, or an alcohol having an average of C 13 carbons, or an alcohol having an average of C 14 carbons, or an alcohol having an average of C 15 carbons, and mixtures thereof, each of said fatty alcohols being ethoxylated with from about 2 to about 10, or from about 3 to about 8, or from about 5 to about 7 moles of ethylene oxide.

[0027] In one aspect, a mixture of fatty alcohols selected from two or more of C 10 C 11 C 12 C 13 C 14 C 15 fatty alcohols is utilized, each of said fatty alcohols being ethoxylated with from about 2 to about 10, or from about 3 to about 8, or from about 5 to about 7 moles of ethylene oxide.

[0028] The polysorbate of component (i) of the surfactant chassis is selected from polysorbate 20 (polyoxyethylene (20) sorbitan monolaurate), polysorbate 40 (polyoxyethylene (20) sorbitan monopalmitate), polysorbate 60 (polyoxyethylene (20) sorbitan monostearate), polysorbate 80 (polyoxyethylene (20) sorbitan monooleate), and mixtures thereof. The number 20 following the term "polyoxyethylene" indicates the total number of moles of oxyethylene-(CH2CH2O) groups contained in the molecule. Polysorbates are sold by Croda Americas LLC under the trade names Tween(®) and Span(®).

[0029] Based on the weight of the non-ionic component (i), the amount of the fatty alcohol ethoxylate in the non-ionic surfactant component (a) ranges from about 90% to about 95% by weight, and the amount of polysorbate ranges from about 5% to about 10% by weight.

[0030] The anionic surfactant of the surfactant chassis component (ii) is C 10 ~C 16 alkylbenzene sulfonic acid and / or its salts, and mixtures thereof. In one aspect, C 10 ~C 16 alkylbenzene sulfonic acid is neutralized in situ with a basic material to form a sulfonate, or pre-neutralized C 10 ~C 16 alkylbenzene sulfonate can be used. Suitable basic neutralizing agents include alkanolamines such as monoethanolamine (MEA), diethanolamine (DEA), and triethanolamine (TEA), amino alcohols such as 2-amino-2-methyl-1,3-propanediol, 2-amino-2-hydroxymethyl-1,3-propanediol, aminomethylpropanol, and alkali metals such as sodium hydroxide, potassium hydroxide, and organic ammonium hydroxides, but are not limited thereto. Commercially available C 10 ~C 16 alkylbenzene sulfonic acid surfactants (decylbenzene sulfonic acid and dodecylbenzene sulfonic acid) are sold by Stepan Company under the trade name Bio-Soft (trademark) (product designations S-101 and S-118). Pre-neutralized C 10 ~C 16Non-limiting examples of alkylbenzene sulfonate surfactants include sodium dodecylbenzene sulfonate and triethanolamine dodecylbenzene sulfonate, which are commercially available from Stepan Company under the Bio-soft trade names (product designations D-40 and N-300, respectively).

[0031] In one embodiment, C 10 ~C 16 An alkylbenzene sulfonic acid or sulfonate means that the acid or sulfonate contains an alkyl group having an average of 10 carbon atoms, or an average of 11 carbon atoms, or an average of 12 carbon atoms, or an average of 13 carbon atoms, or an average of 14 carbon atoms, or an average of 15 carbon atoms, or an average of 16 carbon atoms, and mixtures thereof.

[0032] In one embodiment, C 10 ~C 16 The mixture of alkylbenzene sulfonic acid and / or sulfonate is selected from two or more acids and / or sulfonates having an average of 10 carbon atoms, or an average of 11 carbon atoms, or an average of 12 carbon atoms, or an average of 13 carbon atoms, or an average of 14 carbon atoms, or an average of 15 carbon atoms, or an average of 16 carbon atoms.

[0033] C 10 ~C 16 The amount of alkylbenzene sulfonic acid and / or sulfonate ranges from about 8.5 to about 40% by weight based on the weight of the total composition.

[0034] Polyethoxylated alkyl glucoside ester - Component (b) In one aspect of the present technology, Component (b) is a polyethoxylated alkyl glucoside ester represented by the following formula,

[0035]

Chemical formula

[0036] In one aspect, R 1 is a methyl group.

[0037] In one aspect, R 2 is an unsaturated C 18 acyl group.

[0038] In one aspect, the sum of w + x + y + z is 120.

[0039] A preferred polyethoxylated alkyl glucoside ester is commercially available under the trade name Novethix™ HC 220S sold by Lubrizol Advanced Materials, Inc.

[0040] The amount of the polyethoxylated alkyl glucoside ester constituent used in the neat surfactant concentrate of the present technology is in the range of about 2 to about 6% by weight based on the weight of the total composition.

[0041] Electrolyte - constituent (c) In one aspect of the present technology, the electrolyte component (c) is selected from NaCl, KCl, MgCl2, MgSO4, Na2SO4, sodium citrate, and mixtures thereof. Generally, the prior art teaches that a dilution thickening effect can be achieved in certain surfactant solutions by using an excessive amount of salt (e.g., more than 5% by weight). A known problem associated with using a large amount of salt can result in cloudy, turbid, or opaque products, or products that are prone to phase separation known as "salting out". Surprisingly, when preparing the neat surfactant concentrate of the present technology by combining the surfactant chassis of component (a) with component (b) containing polyethoxylated alkyl glucoside esters, a reduced level of electrolyte (about 5% by weight or less, or about 4% by weight or less, or about 3% by weight or less, or about 2% by weight or less) is found to be necessary.

[0042] In one aspect, the amount of electrolyte used in the neat surfactant concentrate of the present technology ranges from about 1% to about 5% by weight, or about 1.5% to about 4% by weight, or about 2% to about 3% by weight, based on the weight of the total composition.

[0043] Beneficial agent - component (d) In one aspect, the neat concentrate of the present technology includes one or more optional beneficial agents. Exemplary beneficial agents include, but are not limited to, fragrances, fragrance solubilizers, botanicals, antibacterial agents, moisturizers, emollients, enzymes, odor control agents, acidic and alkaline pH adjusters, preservatives, buffers, colorants, hydrotropes, chelating agents, and mixtures thereof.

[0044] When the composition according to the present technology is used for manual dishwashing, the additive can be selected from the above list. However, the composition according to the present invention can be used in different applications (for example, cleaning agents for hard surfaces, laundry detergents, and automatic dishwashing). In this regard, suitable additives may include corrosion inhibitors, cationic polymers, antistatic agents, antioxidants, quaternary ammonium compounds, UV absorbers, scale inhibitors, natural oils, silicones, fluorescent brighteners, optical bleaches, fiber lubricants, reducing agents, enzymes, enzyme stabilizers, powder finishes, builders, bleaches, bleach catalysts, soil release agents, migration inhibitors, colorants, rheology modifiers, soil repellents, water repellents, suspending agents, structuring agents, disinfectants, solvents, fabric finishes, dye fixatives, fabric conditioning agents, deodorants, and other components such as mixtures thereof.

[0045] In one aspect, the amount of the beneficial agent used in the neat concentrate ranges from about 0 to about 10 wt%, or about 0.5 to about 7 wt%, or about 1 to about 5 wt%, or about 1.5 to about 3 wt% based on the weight of the total composition. One skilled in the art of home care formulations can readily determine the amount of one or more beneficial agents to use based on the intended application.

[0046] Aqueous phase - Component (e) In one aspect, the neat diluted thickening concentrate contains a small amount of water as a diluent to facilitate the dissolution of the solid components used to formulate the neat concentrate. In one aspect, deionized (D.I.) water is used for dilution purposes, but dilution water from natural, municipal, or commercial sources can also be used as long as any mineral ions present in such water do not adversely affect the intended function of any of the components contained in the neat diluted thickening concentrate.

[0047] In one aspect, the amount of water (e) utilized in the neat concentrate comprising components (a), (b), (c), and (d) depends on the total of the components contained in the concentrated composition. Sufficient water is added to bring the total of all component contents to 100 weight percent (an amount corresponding to 100%) based on the weight of the total composition.

[0048] In one aspect, the water component (e) present in the neat concentrate of the present technology ranges from about 25 to about 40 weight percent based on the weight of the total composition.

[0049] In one non-limiting aspect, the neat dilution thickening concentrate according to the present technology can be prepared by dissolving an alkylbenzene sulfonic acid surfactant component in deionized water in a first mixing vessel, and then adding a neutralizing agent (e.g., TEA) to form a sulfonate. A polyethoxylated alkyl glucoside ester component is added to the mixing vessel and dissolved in the aqueous alkylbenzene sulfonate composition. The heat of neutralization released by the exothermic neutralization reaction of the alkylbenzene sulfonic acid promotes the dissolution of the polyethoxylated alkyl glucoside ester component in the aqueous alkylbenzene sulfonate. In one aspect, the heat of neutralization raises the temperature of the alkylbenzene sulfonate composition to at least about 50 °C, or at least about 55 °C, or at least about 60 °C, or at least about 65 °C, or at least about 70 °C, or at least about 75 °C. The heat of neutralization eliminates the need for an external heating step during the preparation of the neat concentrate, thus saving energy resources and improving production efficiency. "External heating" means heating the formulation components from an applied heat source (e.g., a heating jacket, a heating element, an open flame, etc.). Next, the fatty alcohol ethoxylate component is added to the contents of the vessel with stirring, and then the electrolyte is added while stirring is continued until the electrolyte dissolves. An optional beneficial agent (e.g., a preservative) is added to the composition with stirring until it is homogeneously dispersed. In a second mixing vessel, the polysorbate component and an optional beneficial agent component (e.g., a fragrance) are mixed. The contents of the second mixing vessel are transferred to the first mixing vessel and mixed with its contents until homogeneous to obtain a neat dilution thickening concentrate.

[0050] The neat concentrate of the present technology can be thickened by the end user (consumer) simply by adding water. The water can be obtained from any suitable source such as tap water, well water, bottled water, rainwater, etc. The amount of water suitable for diluting the neat concentrate to achieve an increase in viscosity ranges from at least about 1-fold, or at least 2-fold, or at least 3-fold, or at least 4-fold the weight of the neat concentrate. The consumer simply adds the neat concentrate to the dilution water and manually shakes or stirs the diluted concentrate until it is homogeneous.

[0051] In one aspect, the ideal viscosities of the neat concentrate and the diluted and thickened concentrate are set forth in the following table.

[0052] [Table 4] 1 No dilution water added 2 Neat concentrate: dilution water (w / w)

[0053] For purposes of illustration, a 1:3 dilution contains 50 g of neat concentrate + 150 g of dilution water.

[0054] The present technology is illustrated by the following examples, which are for illustrative purposes only and should not be regarded as limiting the scope of the technology or method by which it can be practiced. The amounts of all components reported in the examples of the tables are "as supplied" by the manufacturer. Any component not supplied as 100 percent active material is identified by the percent active material supplied by the manufacturer. To calculate the amount of active ingredient utilized in the exemplified compositions, multiply the percent active by the total amount of the component (as supplied). For example, if a component supplied by the manufacturer contains 30 wt% active polymeric material (the remainder being an inert carrier).

[0055] Test methods Viscosity determination All viscosity measurements reported in this specification are performed by the Brookfield rotational spindle method, whether or not they are mentioned. Viscosity measurements are calculated in cP (mPa·s) using a Brookfield rotational spindle viscometer, model DV3T RV (Brookfield Engineering Laboratories, Inc.). The neat concentrate is measured using spindle size number 2 at 20 revolutions per minute (rpm) and a temperature of 25°C. The diluted concentrate is measured using spindle size number 3 at 20 revolutions per minute (rpm) and a temperature of 25°C.

[0056] Measurement of transparency The transparency (turbidity) measurements reported in this specification are expressed in Nephelometric Turbidity Units (NTU) using a nephelometric turbidimeter (Micro 100 Turbidimeter, HF Scientific, Inc.) at an ambient room temperature of approximately 25°C. Distilled water (NTU = 0) is used as a standard. Fill the test sample to approximately the top of a 6-drum screw-cap vial (70 mm × 25 mm) and centrifuge at 100 rpm until all air bubbles are removed. After centrifugation, wipe each sample vial with a tissue paper to remove any dirt before placing it in the turbidimeter. Place the sample in the turbidimeter and take a reading. When the reading stabilizes, record the NTU value. Rotate the vial a quarter turn and take another reading and record it. Repeat this until four readings are taken. Report the lowest of the four readings as the turbidity value. In one aspect, the composition has an NTU value in the range of at least about 2 to at least about 30 NTU, or at least about 3 to at least about 25 NTU, or at least about 4 to at least about 20 NTU, or at least about 5 to at least about 15 NTU, or at least about 6 to at least about 10 NTU.

[0057] Stability test The neat concentrate and the diluted thickened product made therefrom are stable. The stability requirements for a particular formulation vary depending on its end-market use and the geography in which it is bought and sold. Subsequently, the acceptable "shelf life" is determined for each composition. This refers to the amount of time the composition should remain stable over its normal storage and handling conditions, measured from the time the composition is manufactured until it is ultimately sold for consumer use. Generally, home care compositions require a shelf life of 1 to 3 years.

[0058] To eliminate the need to conduct stability studies beyond 1 year, formulators typically conduct stability tests under stress conditions to predict the shelf life of the composition. Accelerated stability tests are conducted at low temperature by placing test samples in a cooling cabinet maintained at a constant temperature of 5°C (Thermolab Scientific, model number YGK400SE1B3) and at high temperature by placing test samples in an aging oven maintained at a constant temperature of 50°C (Mack Pharmatech Pvt Ltd, model number MK-21-B1). The composition should be stable at room temperature (about 25°C) and low temperature (5°C) for at least 1 month, or at least 2 months, or at least 3 months. Samples are considered stable at high temperature (50°C) after just 1 month due to the very stringent temperature parameters.

[0059] A product or composition made by this technology is considered stable if it meets parameters 1 - 4 below after an accelerated stability test and is considered clear if it meets parameter 5 during the accelerated stability test. 1. There is no phase separation, sedimentation, or creaming in any of the materials in the composition. The composition should remain completely homogeneous throughout its bulk. Separation is defined herein as the visible presence of two or more distinct layers or phases of any of the components in the formulation. 2. The viscosity of the composition does not increase or decrease significantly over time, generally being less than 50%, or less than 35%, or less than 20%. 3. The pH of the composition does not increase or decrease by more than 2 pH units, or more than 1 pH unit, or more than 1 / 2 unit, or more than 0.5 pH unit. 4. The visible color of the composition should remain constant over the course of the test interval. 5. The turbidity value should be 30 NTU or less, or 20 NTU or less, or 15 NTU or less, or 10 NTU or less, or 5 NTU or less over the course of the test interval.

Example

[0060] Example 1 A neat diluted thickening surfactant concentrate was formulated from the components listed in Table 1.

[0061]

Table 1

[0062] A neat-dilution thickening surfactant concentrate was prepared by dissolving LABSA in deionized water in a first mixing vessel, followed by adding TEA as a neutralizing agent to form a sulfonate. Next, a polyethoxylated alkyl glucoside ester component was added to the vessel and dissolved in the aqueous alkyl benzene sulfonate. The heat of neutralization from the formation of the LABSA sulfonate facilitated the dissolution of the polyethoxylated alkyl glucoside ester in the contents of the vessel. Next, a fatty alcohol ethoxylate component was added to the contents of the vessel with stirring, followed by adding NaCl electrolyte while continuing to stir until dissolved. Then, phenoxyethanol was added to the contents of the vessel with stirring until homogeneously dispersed. In a second mixing vessel, the polysorbate component and the fragrance component were mixed until homogeneous. Next, the contents of the second mixing vessel were transferred to the first mixing vessel and mixed to obtain a neat-dilution thickening concentrate.

[0063] Example 2 100 g of the neat-dilution thickening concentrate prepared in Example 1 was placed into a plurality of 100 mL polyethylene terephthalate (PET) bottles equipped with screw caps. The samples were aged at room temperature (RT), 5 °C, and 50 °C according to the above stability test protocol. After intervals of 24 hours, 1 month, 2 months, and 3 months, the samples were removed from the cooling cabinet and the aging oven and equilibrated to room temperature. Once room temperature was reached, the physical properties (viscosity, turbidity, and pH) of the samples were measured and recorded. Samples maintained at room temperature during the test intervals were used as the baseline. In addition, the samples were visually observed for phase separation and color change. The stability results are presented in Table 2.

[0064] [Table 2]

[0065] As exemplified by the results and observations reported in Table 2, the neat concentrate of Example 1 met and passed all the stability parameters for aging at room temperature for at least 3 months, accelerated aging at 5°C for at least 3 months, and accelerated aging at 50°C for at least 1 month.

[0066] Example 3 100 g of the neat concentrate prepared in Example 1 was diluted with 300 g of deionized water and mixed by hand using a glass rod stirrer to obtain a 1:3 diluted and thickened composition. 100 g samples of the diluted and thickened composition were added to a plurality of 100 mL PET bottles with screw caps. After intervals of 24 hours, 1 month, 2 months, and 3 months, the samples were removed from the cooling cabinet and aging oven and equilibrated to room temperature. Once at room temperature, the physical properties (viscosity, turbidity, and pH) of the samples were measured and recorded. Samples maintained at room temperature were used as the baseline at intervals during the test duration. In addition, the samples were visually observed for phase separation and color change. The stability results are presented in Table 3.

[0067]

Table 3

[0068] As exemplified by the results and observations reported in Table 3, the diluted and thickened composition utilizing the neat concentrate of Example 1 met and passed all the stability parameters for aging at room temperature for at least 3 months, accelerated aging at 5°C for at least 3 months, and accelerated aging at 50°C for at least 1 month.

Claims

1. A neat concentrate for dilution with water, wherein when the neat concentrate is diluted with water, a composition having increased viscosity compared to the neat concentrate is obtained, (a) A surfactant chassis containing 40 to 65% by weight, (i) A nonionic surfactant component comprising 25 to 56.5% by weight of a fatty alcohol ethoxylate component and a polysorbate component, wherein the amount of fatty alcohol ethoxylate in the nonionic surfactant component is in the range of 90 to 95% by weight and the amount of polysorbate component is in the range of 5 to 10% by weight, (ii) 8.5 to 40% by weight, C １０ ~C １６ A surfactant chassis comprising an anionic surfactant component containing alkylbenzene sulfonic acid and its salts, (b) 2 to 6% by weight of a polyethoxylated alkyl glucoside ester component, (c) One or more electrolytes in an amount of 1 to 5% by weight, (d) One or more beneficial agents in an amount of 0 to 10% by weight, or 1 to 7% by weight, or 3 to 5% by weight, selected from the group consisting of fragrances, fragrance solubilizers, plant-derived chemicals, antibacterial agents, humectants, emollients, enzymes, odor control agents, acidic and alkaline pH adjusters, preservatives, buffers, colorants, hydrotropes, chelating agents, and mixtures thereof, (e) a neat concentrate comprising the remainder water, with all weight percentages based on the weight of the total composition.

2. The neat concentrate according to claim 1, wherein the water component (e) is in the range of 25 to 40% by weight based on the weight of the entire composition.

3. The neat concentrate according to Claim 1, wherein the anionic surfactant is neutralized in situ with a basic neutralizing agent to form a sulfonate, or is used as a pre-neutralized C10-C16 alkylbenzene sulfonate.

4. The fatty alcohol ethoxylate component contains 2 to 10, 3 to 8, or 5 to 7 moles of ethylene oxide. １２ ~C １５ A neat concentrate according to claim 1, selected from fatty alcohol ethoxylates.

5. The neat concentrate according to claim 1, wherein the polysorbate component is selected from polysorbate 20, polysorbate 40, polysorbate 60, polysorbate 80, and mixtures thereof.

6. The polyethoxylated alkyl glucoside ester component comprises a compound represented by the following formula: 【Chemistry 2】 wherein, R ２ is independently selected from H and saturated and unsaturated C １０ -C ２２ acyl groups, R １ is selected from C １ -C １０ alkyl groups, the sum of w + x + y + z is in the range of about 60 to about 150 in one embodiment, about 80 to about 135 in another embodiment, and about 90 to about 125 in a further embodiment, provided that three or more of R ２ cannot simultaneously represent H, Preferably, the neat concentrate according to claim 1, wherein R1 in the polyethoxylated alkyl glucoside ester component is methyl and the sum of w+x+y+z is 120.

7. The neat concentrate according to claim 1, wherein the polyethoxylated alkyl glucoside ester component comprises PEG-120 methyl glucose trioleate.

8. The neat concentrate according to claim 1, having a turbidity value in the range of at least 2 to at least 30 NTU, or at least 3 to at least 25 NTU, or at least 4 to at least 20 NTU, or at least 5 to at least 15 NTU, or at least 6 to at least 10 NTU.

9. The neat concentrate according to claim 1, wherein the neat concentrate is a cleaning product for hard surfaces, a manual dishwashing detergent, a pre-stain removal aid for laundry, or a laundry detergent.

10. A diluted final product comprising the neat concentrate component described in claim 1 and an aqueous diluent component, wherein the aqueous diluent component is present in an amount at least twice, at least three times, or at least four times the weight of the neat concentrate component.

11. The diluted final product according to claim 10, wherein the diluted final product has a viscosity exceeding the viscosity of the liquid concentrate components.

12. The diluted final product according to claim 10 or claim 11, wherein the diluted final product is a cleaning product, a manual dishwashing detergent product, a pre-stain remover for laundry, or a laundry detergent.

13. A method for preparing the neat concentrate according to any one of claims 1 to 9, (a) A step of dissolving the C10-C16 alkylbenzene sulfonic acid components in water, (b) A step of neutralizing the C10 to C16 alkylbenzenesulfonic acid components with a basic material to form alkylbenzenesulfonate components, (c) A step of dissolving the polyethoxylated alkyl glucoside ester in the alkylbenzene sulfonate component formed in step (b), (d) A step of adding a fatty alcohol ethoxylate to the component formed in step (c), (e) A step of dissolving the electrolyte in the constituent components formed in step (d), and optionally, (f) A step of adding one or more optional beneficial agents to the components formed in step (e), wherein the one or more beneficial agents are selected from the group consisting of fragrances, fragrance solubilizers, plant-derived chemicals, antibacterial agents, humectants, emollients, enzymes, odor control agents, acidic and alkaline pH adjusters, preservatives, buffers, colorants, hydrotropes, chelating agents, and mixtures thereof. (g) A method comprising the step of adding polysorbate components and fragrance components to the components formed in step (e) or (f).

14. The polyethoxylated alkyl glucoside ester is PEG-120 methyl glucose trioleate, and / or The fatty alcohol ethoxylate is selected from C12-C15 fatty alcohol ethoxylates containing 2-10, 3-8, or 5-7 moles of ethylene oxide, and / or mixtures thereof, and / or A method for preparing a neat concentrate according to claim 13, wherein the polysorbate component is selected from polysorbate 20, polysorbate 40, polysorbate 60, polysorbate 80, and mixtures thereof.

15. A method for preparing a neat concentrate according to claim 13, wherein the neutralizing step (b) generates enough heat to raise the temperature of the alkylbenzene sulfonate component to at least 50°C, or at least 55°C, or at least 60°C, or at least 65°C, or at least 70°C, or at least 75°C, in order to promote the dissolution of the polyethoxylated alkyl glucoside ester in step (c).

16. A method for preparing a neat concentrate according to claim 13, wherein no external heat is supplied to any of steps (a) to (g).

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