Laundry aid particles and colorfastness inhibitors

Abstract

The present invention provides laundry aid particles that suppress the bleeding of dyes contained in textile products during the washing process, thereby suppressing color fading of textile products. [Solution] Laundry aid particles containing (B) a polyalkylene glycol with a weight-average molecular weight of 3000 to 10000.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to laundry aid particles, a colorfastness inhibitor, a method for treating textile products, and a method for inhibiting colorfastness of textile products. [Background technology]

[0002] In recent years, there has been progress in the development of granular compositions in which beneficial substances are supported on a solid carrier and added together with detergent during washing. When such compositions are used, they exert their functions from the washing process onward, allowing for more effective application of beneficial substance components to clothing. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a packaged composition containing a plurality of fragrance-containing particles, wherein each of the fragrance-containing particles comprises a fragrance component, polyethylene glycol, and water-soluble or water-dispersible filler particles, with 80% to 100% by weight of the water-soluble filler particles having a particle size in the range of 5 micrometers to 150 micrometers, and each of the fragrance-containing particles having a mass of 0.1 mg to 5 g and a maximum dimension of 3 mm to 10 mm.

[0003] Furthermore, there is a need for technology to suppress color fading of clothing and other items caused by bleeding (leaching) of dyes contained in clothing and other items during washing. To address color fading caused by dye bleeding, industrial treatments, such as strictly controlling parameters such as pH, electrolyte concentration, water hardness, and temperature, have been used as solutions. However, it is generally impossible to control these parameters at a high level in a household washing machine. For example, Patent Document 2 discloses a color protection composition comprising a dye fixative and a divalent salt, and a method for preventing or suppressing color fading of fabrics using a divalent salt. [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Special Publication No. 2021-529869 [Patent Document 2] Special Publication No. 2002-522651 [Overview of the Initiative] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0005] As one embodiment, the present invention provides laundry aid particles that suppress the bleeding of dyes contained in textile products during the washing process, thereby suppressing color fading of textile products. As another embodiment, the present invention preferably provides laundry aid particles that suppress the bleeding of dyes contained in textile products during the washing process, thereby suppressing color fading of textile products, and furthermore, can provide a lasting fragrance to textile products. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The present invention relates, in one embodiment, to laundry aid particles containing (A) a polyalkylene glycol having a weight-average molecular weight of 3,000 to 10,000 (hereinafter also referred to as component (A)), and (B) a polyvalent metal salt (hereinafter also referred to as component (B)).

[0007] Furthermore, as another embodiment of the present invention, the present invention relates to a colorfastness inhibitor containing the aforementioned laundry aid particles.

[0008] Another embodiment of the present invention relates to a method for processing textile products, in which a rinsing step is performed after supplying the laundry aid particles or the colorfastness inhibitor.

[0009] Another embodiment of the present invention relates to a method for preventing color fading of textile products, wherein a rinsing step is performed after supplying the laundry aid particles or the color fading inhibitor. [Effects of the Invention]

[0010] The laundry aid particles of the present invention can suppress color fading of textile products during washing. Furthermore, the laundry aid particles of the present invention that optionally contain (C) fragrance [hereinafter also referred to as (C) component] can suppress color fading of textile products during the washing process and can also provide a lasting fragrance to textile products. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0011] [Laundry aid particles] The laundry aid particles of the present invention contain (A) a polyalkylene glycol with a weight-average molecular weight of 3,000 to 10,000 and (B) a polyvalent metal salt.

[0012] <(A) component> (A) Component is polyalkylene glycol. Component (A) may be at least one selected from the group consisting of polyethylene glycol (PEG), polypropylene glycol, and random or block adducts of ethylene oxide and propylene oxide, and may preferably be polyethylene glycol from the viewpoint of availability, improved solubility, and improved moldability of laundry aid particles. If the laundry aid particles contain the fragrance (C) described later, component (A) may preferably be polyethylene glycol from the viewpoint of stabilizing the fragrance in the laundry aid particles (such as suppressing the volatilization and seepage of the fragrance supported and held on component (B) described later during particle storage).

[0013] The weight-average molecular weight of component (A) is 3000 or more, preferably 4000 or more, more preferably 5000 or more, even more preferably 5500 or more, and 10000 or less, and preferably 9000 or less, more preferably 8500 or less, even more preferably 8000 or less, and even more preferably 7000 or less, from the viewpoint of improving solubility and moldability. Here, the weight-average molecular weight can be calculated using the GPC method (gel permeation chromatography) with polyethylene glycol or polystyrene as standard substances. For example, it can be measured using the measurement conditions of the example and calculated in terms of polyethylene glycol.

[0014] <(B) component> Component (B) is a polyvalent metal salt, and from the viewpoint of improving the effect of suppressing discoloration, it is preferably a water-soluble polyvalent metal salt. In this invention, "polyvalent metal salt" refers to a salt of a metal ion with a valency of 2 or more. In this invention, "water-soluble" means that the solubility in 100g of water at 20°C is 1.0g or more.

[0015] (B) The polyvalent metal salt is preferably at least one selected from the group consisting of alkaline earth metal salts such as magnesium salts and calcium salts, and trivalent typical metal salts such as aluminum salts, more preferably at least one selected from the group consisting of alkaline earth metal salts and aluminum salts, or may contain these.

[0016] Furthermore, component (B) may be at least one selected from the group consisting of inorganic salts of the polyvalent metal, such as sulfates, bisulfates, fluorides, chlorides, bromides, and nitrates, and organic salts, such as silicates, acetates, acetylacetones, and oxalates, or may contain these.

[0017] (B) component, from the viewpoints of ease of handling and availability, is preferably at least one selected from the group consisting of sulfate, bisulfate, chloride, carbonate, and bicarbonate of the polyvalent metal, more preferably at least one selected from the group consisting of sulfate of the polyvalent metal and chloride of the polyvalent metal, still more preferably sulfate of the polyvalent metal, or may contain these.

[0018] Furthermore, the (B) component is preferably a magnesium salt, more preferably magnesium sulfate salt, from the viewpoints of ease of handling, availability, and pH upon dissolution in water.

[0019] (B) component is preferably in a particulate form from the viewpoint of ease of production, and its average particle diameter is preferably 5 μm or more, more preferably 100 μm or more, still more preferably 1.0 mm or more, still more preferably 2.0 mm or more, and still more preferably 3.0 mm or more from the same viewpoint, and preferably 20 mm or less, more preferably 15 mm or less, still more preferably 10 mm or less, and even more preferably 5 mm or less from the viewpoint of improving solubility in water. The average particle diameter can be measured by calculating the equivalent spherical diameter of 250 particles using the image analysis software ImageJ.

[0020] <(C) component> The washing assistant particles of the present invention can further contain (C) perfume. The "perfume" in the present invention refers to at least one selected from the group consisting of perfume components and perfume precursors, and the "perfume" can be classified into (C1) perfume encapsulated in microcapsules [hereinafter, also referred to as (C1) component or microencapsulated perfume], and (C2) perfume not encapsulated in microcapsules [hereinafter, also referred to as (C2) component or external perfume]. The perfume component contains, for example, the following perfume compounds or a composition consisting of perfume compounds.

[0021] There are no particular restrictions on the fragrance components, but for example, fragrance compounds described in Motoki Nakajima, "Basic Knowledge of Fragrances and Perfumery," 4th edition, Sangyo Tosho Co., Ltd., April 20, 2005, or fragrance compounds known to be incorporated into fabric softeners through patent documents, etc., can be used. The fragrance component may be a single fragrance compound, or it may be a composition consisting of two or more fragrance compounds. In addition to the fragrance component, the fragrance composition may include at least one selected from the group consisting of fragrance precursors, fragrance diluents, and solvents. However, in this case, the fragrance component may be a single fragrance compound or a composition consisting only of two or more fragrance compounds. Furthermore, fragrance compounds or fragrance compositions independently manufactured by fragrance manufacturers can be used.

[0022] The ClogP value of each fragrance compound in component (C) is preferably 1.0 or higher, more preferably 1.5 or higher, even more preferably 2.0 or higher, even more preferably 2.3 or higher, even more preferably 2.5 or higher, and preferably 30 or lower, more preferably 20 or lower, even more preferably 10 or lower, even more preferably 6.0 or lower, even more preferably 5.5 or lower, and even more preferably 5.0 or lower, from the viewpoint of improving the load-bearing capacity and retention capacity on component (A) or component (B). The ClogP of the fragrance components may be a weighted average value with the weight of each fragrance compound as the weight, and the preferred embodiment is as described above.

[0023] Examples of fragrance compounds included in component (C) are the following fragrance compounds. Here, the numbers in parentheses are the ClogP values. For example, amyl cinnamic aldehyde (4.3), 2-methyl undecanal (4.7), ethyl-3-methyl-3-phenyloxiran-2-carboxylate (3.0), allyl amyl glycolate (2.3), allyl caproate (3.2), allylcyclohexyl propionate (4.5), allyl heptanoate (3.2), ambrettelide (5.4), ambroxan® (4.8), amyl salicylate (4.6), isoamyl salicylate (4.5), benzyl benzoate (4.0), benzyl salicylate (4.3), benzyl acetate (2.0), Bouguerinal (3.9), OT-butylcyclohexyl acetate (4.4), PT-butylcyclohexyl acetate (4.4), Cashmeran (registered trademark) (4.5), Cedyl methyl ether (5.0), 1,4-cineole (3.1), 1,8-cineole (3.1), citronellol (3.6), citronellyl acetate (4.6), citronellyl nitrile (3.6), cyclamenaldehyde (3.9), cyclohexyl salicylate (4.9), damascenone (4.2), α-damascone (4.3), β-damascone (4.4), δ-damascone (4.2), decanal (3.8), dihydromyrcenoyl (3.5), dimethyltetrahydrobenzaldehyde (2.9), diphenyl oxide (4.1), (1-cyclohexyl-2-methylpropane-2-yl)butanoate (4.4), ethylene brassirate (4.7), ethylenedodecanediate (4.2), ethyl-2-methylbutyrate (2.3), ethyl vanillin (1.6), eugenol (2.7), fluate (registered trademark) (3.6), geraniol (3.5), geranyl acetate (4.5), geranylnitrile (3.9) ), hexyl cinnamic aldehyde (4.8), hexyl acetate (4.8), hexyl salicylate (5.1), cis-3-hexenyl salicylate (4.8), Iso E super (5.2), α-ionone (3.9), β-ionone (4.4), propan-2-yl-2-methylbutanoate (2.7), Javanol (registered trademark) (4.7), Lilial (registered trademark) (4.4), limonene (4.9), linalool (3.3), linalyl acetate (4.4), Lilal (registered trademark) (3.3), manzanate (2.8), methyl dihydrojasmonate (3.0), Methyl anthranilate (2.3), Methyl β-naphthyl ketone (2.9), γ-methyl ionone (4.8), Methyl salicylate (2.6), 11-oxa-16 hexadecanolide (4.9), Nectaril (5.1), Nerol (3.7), Neroline jalayala (3.3), γ-nonalactone (2.1), Nonanal (3.3), Octanal (2.8), Phenylhexanol (3.5), Propan-2-yl-2-methylbutanoate (2.7), Sandalmysole Examples include at least one fragrance compound selected from the group consisting of Lucoa® (4.7), terpineol (3.3), terpinyl acetate (4.3), tetrahydrolinalool (3.6), tricyclodecenyl acetate (2.9), tricyclodecenyl propionate (3.3), γ-undecalactone (3.1), florosa (2), isoamyl acetate (2.3), stearyl acetate (2.5), tripral (2.9), and Dynascone® (4.5).

[0024] Fragrance precursors include compounds that release fragrance components in reaction to water, and compounds that release fragrance components in reaction to light. Compounds that release fragrance components in reaction to water include silicate ester compounds having an alkoxy component derived from fragrance alcohol, fatty acid ester compounds having an alkoxy component derived from fragrance alcohol, acetal compounds or hemiacetal compounds obtained by the reaction of a carbonyl component derived from fragrance aldehyde or fragrance ketone with an alcohol compound, Schiff base compounds obtained by the reaction of a carbonyl component derived from fragrance aldehyde or fragrance ketone with a primary amine compound, and hemiaminal compounds or hydrazone compounds obtained by the reaction of a carbonyl component derived from fragrance aldehyde or fragrance ketone with a hydrazine compound. Compounds that release fragrance components in reaction to light include 2-nitrobenzyl ether compounds having an alkoxy component derived from fragrance alcohol, α-ketoester compounds having a carbonyl component derived from fragrance aldehyde or fragrance ketone, and coumaric acid ester compounds having an alkoxy component derived from fragrance alcohol. These fragrance precursors may be used as polymers, for example, as reaction products between some carboxyl groups of polyacrylic acid and fragrance alcohols.

[0025] Component (C1) is a fragrance encapsulated in microcapsules, as described above. In other words, component (C1) is a fragrance component and / or fragrance precursor in a microcapsule (hereinafter also referred to as fragrance-encapsulated microcapsule, fragrance microcapsule, or microencapsulated fragrance) which consists of a fragrance core and a shell (sometimes called a shell). Component (C1) may be at least one selected from the group consisting of the aforementioned fragrance compounds, or it may be a composition consisting of two or more. Furthermore, the fragrance microcapsule containing component (C1) is adsorbed onto the textile product, and after drying, the capsule breaks down when rubbed or other stimuli are applied, releasing the fragrance. Therefore, the present invention can improve the persistence of the fragrance in textile products by containing fragrance microcapsules containing component (C1).

[0026] The method for preparing fragrance microcapsules is not particularly limited, and known microencapsulation methods can be employed. Specifically, examples include chemical methods (interfacial polymerization, insitu polymerization, orifice method), physicochemical methods (coacervation method), and mechanical / physical methods (air suspension coating method, spray drying method, high-speed airflow impact method). Examples of outer shells for fragrance microcapsules include various polymer compounds such as polyurethane, polyamide, melamine resin, urea resin, alginate, gelatin, gum arabic, and starch, as well as inorganic compounds such as silica.

[0027] More specifically regarding the method for manufacturing fragrance microcapsules, methods described in "Making and Using Microcapsules" (Masumi Koishi et al., Kogyo Chosakai, published in 2005), and in Japanese Patent Publication Nos. 2008-63575, 2006-249326, 2006-518790, 11-216354, and 5-222672 can be employed. A preferred method for manufacturing fragrance microcapsules is to disperse an emulsifier such as an ethylene-maleic anhydride copolymer, a fragrance, and an optional diluent or solvent in water to obtain an emulsion, and then add a wall material such as melamine-formaldehyde resin to this emulsion and stir to obtain a slurry of fragrance microcapsules. Another method involves first mixing a monomer that will form the resin of the wall material with an emulsifier such as an isobutylene-maleic anhydride copolymer or an acrylic acid-acrylamide copolymer in water to prepare a wall material-emulsifier mixture, then emulsifying this wall material-emulsifier mixture with a fragrance and an optional diluent or solvent, and finally adding formaldehyde to the emulsion and stirring to obtain a slurry of fragrance microcapsules.

[0028] In 100% by mass of the slurry containing fragrance microcapsules obtained by the above-described method for producing fragrance microcapsules, the content of the fragrance compound, i.e., the content of component (C1), is preferably 15% by mass or more, more preferably 18% by mass or more, even more preferably 20% by mass or more, and preferably 60% by mass or less, more preferably 50% by mass or less, and even more preferably 40% by mass or less.

[0029] Furthermore, it is also possible to use capsules in which a fragrance is encapsulated in a silica shell formed by a sol-gel reaction using an alkoxysilane described in Japanese Patent Publication No. 2023-8936 as a shell precursor. Additionally, it is possible to use capsules in which a fragrance is encapsulated in a shell obtained from a water-soluble monomer or a crosslinkable monomer having two or more (meth)acryloyl groups, as described in Japanese Patent Publication No. 2016-534159.

[0030] (C1) The fragrance microcapsules containing the component (C1) may have an average particle size of preferably 0.1 μm or more, more preferably 1 μm or more, and preferably 50 μm or less, and more preferably 40 μm or less, from the viewpoint of the fragrance intensity of the textile product after treatment, and furthermore, the fragrance intensity when the textile product is subjected to stimuli such as rubbing after drying. The average particle size (median diameter) of the fragrance microcapsules containing the component (C1) can be measured using the laser diffraction / scattering particle size distribution analyzer "LA-950" (manufactured by Horiba, Ltd.).

[0031] Component (C2) is a fragrance not contained in the microcapsules (also called an external fragrance). The fragrance components contained in the external fragrance may be one or more selected from the group consisting of the aforementioned fragrance compounds. Furthermore, component (C2) may be the same as the fragrance encapsulated in the fragrance microcapsules, i.e., component (C1).

[0032] <(D) component> From the viewpoint of promoting the adsorption of component (C) onto textile products, the laundry aid particles of the present invention may further contain at least one selected from the group consisting of (D) a water-soluble cationic polymer compound and a cationic surfactant.

[0033] Examples of water-soluble cationic polymer compounds include polydiallyldimethylammonium chloride and its copolymers, such as poly(diallyldimethylammonium chloride), poly(acrylamide-co-diallyldimethylammonium chloride), poly(acrylamide-co-acrylamide-co-diallyldimethylammonium chloride), poly(acrylamide-co-acrylamide-co-diallyldimethylammonium chloride), poly(2-(methacryloyloxy)ethyltrimethylammonium chloride), polyethyleneimine, polyallylamine, cationized cellulose, cationized hydroxyethylcellulose, cationized guar gum, cationized tara gum, cationized fenugreek gum, and cationized locust bing gum.

[0034] As for the water-soluble cationic polymer compound, from the viewpoint of ease of handling and availability, it is preferable to use at least one selected from the group consisting of polydiallyldimethylammonium chloride and its copolymers, poly(diallyldimethylammonium chloride), poly(acrylate-co-diallyldimethylammonium chloride), and poly(acrylamide-co-diallyldimethylammonium chloride), more preferably poly(acrylamide-co-diallyldimethylammonium chloride). For example, products sold by Lubrizol Japan Co., Ltd. under the names "Merquat(trademark)-550 Polymer" or "Merquat(trademark)-550PR Polymer" can be used.

[0035] Examples of cationic surfactants include alkylamine salts and alkyl quaternary ammonium salts.

[0036] The alkylamine salt is preferably a salt of a secondary or tertiary amine, and more preferably a salt of a tertiary amine. The alkylamine salt has at least one long-chain alkyl group, and preferably a compound having at least one group selected from the group consisting of at least one long-chain alkyl group, a short-chain alkyl group, and a benzyl group. The number of carbon atoms of the long-chain alkyl group is preferably 10 or more, more preferably 12 or more, even more preferably 14 or more, and preferably 22 or less, more preferably 20 or less, and even more preferably 18 or less. The number of carbon atoms of the short-chain alkyl group is preferably 1 or more, preferably 4 or less, more preferably 1 or 2, and even more preferably 1, i.e., a methyl group. Examples of alkylamine salts include long-chain monoalkylmonomethyl secondary amine salts and long-chain monoalkyldimethyl tertiary amine salts, where the long-chain alkyl group is within the range of the above carbon number. Examples of long-chain monoalkyldimethyl tertiary amine salts include alkylamine acetates such as lauryldimethylamine acetate and stearyldimethylamine acetate.

[0037] Alkyl quaternary ammonium salts are compounds having at least one long-chain alkyl group, and preferably at least one group selected from the group consisting of at least one long-chain alkyl group, a short-chain alkyl group, and a benzyl group. The number of carbon atoms in the long-chain alkyl group is preferably 10 or more, more preferably 12 or more, even more preferably 14 or more, and may be preferably 22 or less, more preferably 20 or less, and even more preferably 18 or less. The number of carbon atoms in the short-chain alkyl group is preferably 1 or more, preferably 4 or less, more preferably 1 or 2, and even more preferably 1, i.e., a methyl group. Examples of alkyl quaternary ammonium salts include long-chain alkyltri short-chain alkyl quaternary ammonium salts, di long-chain alkyldi short-chain alkyl quaternary ammonium salts, and long-chain alkylbenzyldi short-chain alkyl quaternary ammonium salts, in which the long-chain alkyl group and the short-chain alkyl group each fall within the aforementioned range of carbon atoms. Examples of long-chain alkyltri-short-chain alkylquaternary ammonium salts include alkyltrimethylammonium chlorides such as lauryltrimethylammonium chloride, cetyltrimethylammonium chloride, and stearyltrimethylammonium chloride; and alkyltrimethylammonium bromides such as lauryltrimethylammonium bromide, cetyltrimethylammonium bromide, and stearyltrimethylammonium bromide. Examples of di-long-chain di-short-chain alkylquaternary ammonium salts include dialkyldimethylammonium chlorides such as distearyldimethylammonium chloride; and dialkyldimethylammonium bromides such as distearyldimethylammonium bromide. Examples of long-chain alkylbenzyldi-short-chain alkylquaternary ammonium salts include alkylbenzyldimethylammonium chloride and alkylbenzyldimethylammonium bromide.

[0038] Among these, the cationic surfactant is preferably an alkyl quaternary ammonium salt, more preferably an alkyltrimethylammonium salt having an alkyl group with 10 to 22 carbon atoms, even more preferably an alkyltrimethylammonium chloride having an alkyl group with 10 to 22 carbon atoms, and even more preferably at least one selected from the group consisting of lauryltrimethylammonium chloride, stearyltrimethylammonium chloride, and cetyltrimethylammonium chloride, and even more preferably cetyltrimethylammonium chloride.

[0039] <(E) component> The laundry aid particles of the present invention may optionally contain (E) an antioxidant (hereinafter also referred to as (E) component) if they contain component (C), from the viewpoint of maintaining the quality of the fragrance during storage. Examples of antioxidants that can be used include butylhydroxytoluene (BHT), butylhydroxyanisole (BHA), distyrenated cresol, sodium sulfite and sodium bisulfite, and phenolic antioxidants such as methyl-3-(3,5-di-t-butyl-hydroxyphenyl)propionate.

[0040] The laundry aid particles of the present invention may further contain an organic solvent.

[0041] <Composition, etc.> In the laundry aid particles of the present invention, the content of component (A) may be preferably 0.5% by mass or more, more preferably 1% by mass or more, even more preferably 5% by mass or more, and preferably 99% by mass or less, and more preferably 90% by mass or less. These content amounts may be based on the blending amounts when manufacturing the laundry aid particles of the present invention.

[0042] Furthermore, from the viewpoint of preventing color fading, the content of component (A) in the laundry aid particles of the present invention is preferably 0.5% by mass or more, more preferably 1% by mass or more, even more preferably 5% by mass or more, even more preferably 10% by mass or more, and preferably 80% by mass or less, more preferably 60% by mass or less, and even more preferably 40% by mass or less.

[0043] Furthermore, from the viewpoint of improving the moldability of the laundry aid particles, the content of component (A) in the laundry aid particles of the present invention may be preferably 10% by mass or more, more preferably 20% by mass or more, even more preferably 30% by mass or more, even more preferably 50% by mass or more, and preferably 99% by mass or less, more preferably 90% by mass or less, and more preferably 80% by mass or less.

[0044] In the laundry aid particles of the present invention, the content of (B) polyvalent metal salt component is preferably 0.1% by mass or more, more preferably 1% by mass or more, even more preferably 5% by mass or more, and preferably 99% by mass or less, more preferably 95% by mass or less, even more preferably 93% by mass or less, and even more preferably 90% by mass or less. These content amounts may be based on the blending amounts when manufacturing the laundry aid particles of the present invention.

[0045] Furthermore, from the viewpoint of preventing color fading, the content of component (B) in the laundry aid particles of the present invention is preferably 10% by mass or more, more preferably 20% by mass or more, even more preferably 30% by mass or more, even more preferably 50% by mass or more, even more preferably 70% by mass or more, and preferably 99% by mass or less, more preferably 90% by mass or less, and even more preferably 85% by mass or less.

[0046] Furthermore, from the viewpoint of improving the moldability and solubility of the laundry aid particles, the content of component (B) in the laundry aid particles of the present invention may be preferably 1% by mass or more, more preferably 5% by mass or more, even more preferably 10% by mass or more, and preferably 80% by mass or less, more preferably 60% by mass or less, and even more preferably 40% by mass or less.

[0047] In the laundry aid particles of the present invention, the mass ratio of the content of component (A) to the content of component (B), [(A) / (B)], is preferably 0.01 or more, more preferably 0.02 or more, even more preferably 0.05 or more, and from the viewpoint of the solubility of the laundry aid particles, it may be in the range of preferably 99 or less, more preferably 20 or less.

[0048] Furthermore, from the viewpoint of improving the color fading suppression effect, the mass ratio [(A) / (B)] in the laundry aid particles of the present invention may be preferably 0.01 or more, more preferably 0.02 or more, even more preferably 0.05 or more, and preferably 2.0 or less, more preferably 1.0 or less, and even more preferably 0.5 or less.

[0049] Furthermore, from the viewpoint of improving the moldability of the laundry aid particles, the mass ratio [(A) / (B)] in the laundry aid particles of the present invention may be preferably 0.25 or more, more preferably 0.4 or more, even more preferably 0.8 or more, and preferably 99 or less, more preferably 20 or less, even more preferably 15 or less, even more preferably 10 or less, and even more preferably 5 or less.

[0050] If the laundry aid particles of the present invention contain the fragrance (C), the content of the fragrance component may be preferably 1.0% by mass or more, more preferably 2.0% by mass or more, even more preferably 3.0% by mass or more, and preferably 10% by mass or less, and more preferably 8.0% by mass or less, based on 100% by mass of the laundry aid particles of the present invention. These content amounts may be based on the blending amounts when manufacturing the laundry aid particles of the present invention, and may further be based on the blending amounts of the slurry containing fragrance microcapsules encapsulating component (C).

[0051] Furthermore, from the viewpoint of imparting fragrance, the content of component (C) is preferably 0.5 parts by mass or more, more preferably 2.0 parts by mass or more, even more preferably 2.5 parts by mass or more, even more preferably 3.0 parts by mass or more, even more preferably 5 parts by mass or more, and preferably 30 parts by mass or less, even more preferably 20 parts by mass or less, even more preferably 15 parts by mass or less, and even more preferably 10 parts by mass or less.

[0052] If the laundry aid particles of the present invention contain microcapsules encapsulating component (C1), the content of component (C1) may be, from the viewpoint of the perceived fragrance of clothes after washing, preferably 0.1% by mass or more, more preferably 0.2% by mass or more, even more preferably 0.3% by mass or more, even more preferably 0.4% by mass or more, and preferably 6.5% by mass or less, more preferably 6.0% by mass or less, even more preferably 5.5% by mass or less, even more preferably 5.0% by mass or less, even more preferably 4.5% by mass or less, even more preferably 4.0% by mass or less, and even more preferably 2.0% by mass or less, based on 100% by mass of the laundry aid particles of the present invention. The content may be based on the amount of slurry containing fragrance microcapsules encapsulating component (C1) when manufacturing the laundry aid particles of the present invention.

[0053] When the laundry aid particles of the present invention contain the above-mentioned (C2) component, the amount of this component in the laundry aid particles of the present invention may preferably be 1.0% by mass or more, more preferably 2.0% by mass or more, even more preferably 3.0% by mass or more, even more preferably 4.0% by mass or more, even more preferably 5.0% by mass or more, and preferably 10.0% by mass or less, and more preferably 9.0% by mass or less. These amounts may be based on the blending amounts when manufacturing the laundry aid particles of the present invention.

[0054] When the laundry aid particles of the present invention contain fragrance microcapsules containing component (C1) and component (C2), the mass ratio of the content of component (C1) to the content of component (C2) [(C1) / (C2)] is preferably 0.005 or more, more preferably 0.01 or more, even more preferably 0.1 or more, and preferably 5.0 or less, more preferably 3.0 or less, even more preferably 2.5 or less, even more preferably 2.0 or less, even more preferably 0.7 or less, and even more preferably 0.6 or less.

[0055] When the laundry aid particles of the present invention contain component (D), and optionally contain component (C), the content of component (D) in 100% by mass of the laundry aid particles of the present invention may be preferably 0.01% by mass or more, more preferably 0.03% by mass or more, even more preferably 0.05% by mass or more, and preferably 2.0% by mass or less, and more preferably 1.0% by mass or less. These content amounts may be based on the blending amounts when manufacturing the laundry aid particles of the present invention.

[0056] If the laundry aid particles of the present invention contain component (E), the content of component (E) in the laundry aid particles of the present invention may be preferably 0.01% by mass or more, more preferably 0.02% by mass or more, even more preferably 0.05% by mass or more, more preferably 0.10% by mass or more, and preferably 0.50% by mass or less, and more preferably 0.30% by mass or less. These content amounts may be based on the blending amounts when manufacturing the laundry aid particles of the present invention.

[0057] <Other ingredients> The laundry aid particles of the present invention may further contain a nonionic surfactant from the viewpoint of improving the solubility of the laundry aid particles.

[0058] Examples of nonionic surfactants include, preferably, amine oxide type surfactants, glycoside type nonionic surfactants, polyoxyalkylene monoalkyl or alkenyl ether type nonionic surfactants, polyhydric alcohol fatty acid ester type or polyhydric alcohol alkyl ether type nonionic surfactants, and alkanolamide type nonionic surfactants.

[0059] If the laundry aid particles of the present invention contain a nonionic surfactant, the content of the nonionic surfactant may be preferably 0.1% by mass or more, more preferably 0.5% by mass or more, and preferably 5% by mass or less, and more preferably 2% by mass or less, in the laundry aid particles of the present invention from the viewpoint of improving solubility. These contents may be based on the blending amount when manufacturing the laundry aid particles of the present invention.

[0060] The laundry aid particles of the present invention may further contain an antibacterial agent from the viewpoint of reducing unpleasant odors on clothing. Examples of antibacterial agents include chlorophenol-based antibacterial agents such as diclosan, triclosan, chlorthymol, carbachlor, chlorophene, dichlorophene, hexachlorophene, chloroxylenol, and chlorocresol; phenol-based antibacterial agents such as O-phenylphenol and isopropylmethylphenol; benzyl alcohol and phenoxyethanol; and biguanide compounds such as chlorhexidine salt and octenidine salt. From the viewpoint of availability, it is preferable that at least one selected from the group consisting of diclosan and octenidine dihydrochloride is used.

[0061] If the laundry aid particles of the present invention contain an antibacterial agent, the amount of the antibacterial agent may be preferably 0.1% by mass or more, more preferably 0.3% by mass or more, and preferably 0.8% by mass or less, and more preferably 0.6% by mass or less, in the laundry aid particles of the present invention from the viewpoint of reducing unpleasant odors on clothing. These amounts may be based on the blending amounts when manufacturing the laundry aid particles of the present invention.

[0062] The laundry aid particles of the present invention may contain, as other components, pigments, dyes, fluorescent dyes, preservatives, solvents, defoamers, surfactants (excluding nonionic surfactants), enzymes (except those corresponding to components (A), (B), (C), (D), and (E)), to the extent that they do not impair the effects of the present invention.

[0063] The shape of the laundry aid particles of the present invention is not particularly limited, but from the viewpoint of appearance and ease of handling, they are preferably spherical, hemispherical, cylindrical, granular, or powdery, and more preferably spherical, hemispherical, or cylindrical.

[0064] The laundry aid particles of the present invention may have an average particle size of preferably 1.0 mm or more, more preferably 1.5 mm or more, even more preferably 2.0 mm or more, and preferably 20 mm or less, more preferably 10 mm or less, and even more preferably 5 mm or less, from the viewpoint of solubility and handling properties. The average particle size can be measured by calculating the equivalent spherical diameter of 250 particles using the image analysis software ImageJ.

[0065] The laundry aid particles of the present invention may preferably have a bulk density of 400 g / L or more, more preferably 500 g / L or more, from the viewpoint of volume when a predetermined amount of particles is measured out and volume when used, and preferably 1000 g / L or less, more preferably 800 g / L or less, from the viewpoint of ease of use when used. The bulk density can be measured by a bulk density meter in accordance with JIS K7365.

[0066] The laundry aid particles of the present invention can suppress color fading of textile products during the washing process because they are mixed with water and brought into contact with textile products. Furthermore, laundry aid particles containing beneficial components for textile products, such as fragrances, are preferable from the viewpoint of imparting fragrance to textile products. That is, the present invention may be laundry aid particles containing component (A), component (B), and optionally component (C). In one embodiment, from the viewpoint of improving solubility, the laundry aid particles may be such that component (A) and optionally component (C) are supported and / or held on the surface of component (B). Preferably, the laundry aid particles may be such that component (A) and optionally component (C) are supported and / or held on the pore surface of component (B), which is a polyvalent metal salt of a water-soluble solid having pores on its surface. In another embodiment, the laundry aid particles may be such that component (B) and optionally component (C) are held and / or encapsulated by component (A).

[0067] [Method for manufacturing laundry aid particles] The laundry aid particles of the present invention are manufactured by blending component (A), component (B), an optional component (C), an optional component (D), and an optional component (E). That is, as one embodiment, the present invention provides a method for manufacturing laundry aid particles [hereinafter also referred to as the manufacturing method of the present invention] which involves blending component (A), component (B), an optional component (C), an optional component (D), and an optional component (E).

[0068] In the method for producing laundry aid particles of the present invention, the embodiments described in the description of laundry aid particles of the present invention can be applied as appropriate. Components (A), (B), (C), (D), and (E) may be the same as those described in the description of laundry aid particles of the present invention. In the method for producing laundry aid particles of the present invention, the amounts of component (A), component (B), component (C), component (D), and component (E) can be applied as appropriate by replacing the content of each component with the amount of each component, within the range of content and mass ratio of each component described in the description of laundry aid particles of the present invention.

[0069] In the method for producing laundry aid particles of the present invention, when the mass ratio of the amount of component (A) to the amount of component (B) in the laundry aid particles of the present invention, [(A) / (B)], is preferably 0.01 or more, and preferably 2.0 or less, in one embodiment, component (B) may be a water-soluble solid polyvalent metal salt, preferably a water-soluble solid polyvalent metal salt having pores on its surface [hereinafter, a water-soluble solid polyvalent metal salt, preferably a water-soluble solid polyvalent metal salt having pores on its surface, is also referred to as component (B1)].

[0070] (B1) The average pore diameter of component (B1) may be preferably 1 nm or more, more preferably 10 nm or more, from the viewpoint of further improving storage stability and the strength of the laundry aid particles, and preferably 1000 μm or less, more preferably 100 μm or less, from the viewpoint of the strength of the resulting laundry aid particles. The average pore diameter of the pores present on the surface of component (B1) can be measured by the mercury intrusion method using a mercury porosimeter (e.g., Autopore IV9500 (manufactured by Shimadzu Corporation)), and the value of the average pore diameter can be calculated using AveragePoreDiameter(4V / A).

[0071] (B1) component may preferably have a bulk density of 450 g / L or more, more preferably 500 g / L or more, from the viewpoint of further increasing the strength of the laundry aid particles, and preferably a bulk density of 750 g / L or less, more preferably 650 g / L or less, from the viewpoint of solubility. The bulk density of component (B) is calculated using a bulk density meter in accordance with JIS K7365.

[0072] Furthermore, as component (B1), a polyvalent metal salt [hereinafter also referred to as component (B11)] which is a water-soluble solid with a moisture content of 0.1% by mass or more and 20% by mass or less as measured by an infrared moisture meter can be used from the viewpoint of further increasing the strength of the laundry aid particles and from the viewpoint of storage stability.

[0073] The moisture content of component (B11) as measured by an infrared moisture meter is preferably 1% by mass or more, preferably 1.6% by mass or more, more preferably 2.0% by mass or more, even more preferably 5% by mass or more, even more preferably 8% by mass or more, and from the viewpoint of storage stability, preferably 20% by mass or less, more preferably 18% by mass or less, and even more preferably 15% by mass or less.

[0074] The moisture content of component (B11) may be measured using an infrared moisture meter. For example, it can be measured at a measurement temperature of 105°C using an infrared moisture meter (e.g., MOC63u, manufactured by Shimadzu Corporation). The moisture content calculated here represents the moisture content of component (B1). The moisture content (mass%) of component (B11) is calculated by measuring the mass of component (B1) before and after drying using an infrared moisture meter and using the following formula.

[0075] Moisture content (mass %) = {Mass before drying (g) - Mass after drying (g)} / Mass before drying (g)

[0076] Furthermore, component (B11) can be prepared, for example, by drying component (B1). As one embodiment of component (B11), component (B1) with a moisture content of more than 20% by mass as measured by an infrared moisture meter can be dried and adjusted to a moisture content of 0.1% by mass or more and 20% by mass or less as measured by an infrared moisture meter.

[0077] The (B11) component can be dried using methods such as electric dryers (shelf drying), fluidized bed drying, vacuum drying, and microwave drying to adjust the moisture content of the (B1) component. From the viewpoint of suppressing the collapse of the (B1) component during drying, a drying method that does not apply strong shear force as much as possible is preferred, and from an equipment standpoint, shelf drying, fluidized bed drying, and vacuum drying are preferred.

[0078] The drying process is not particularly limited to batch or continuous methods. For example, batch methods include drying with electric shelf dryers or hot air dryers, or drying with a batch-type fluidized bed, while continuous methods include using a fluidized bed, vibrating fluidized bed, rotary dryer, or steam tube dryer.

[0079] The drying conditions are not particularly limited as long as the moisture content of component (B1) measured by an infrared moisture meter is preferably in the range of 0.1% by mass or more, and preferably 20% by mass or less. For example, the following drying temperatures and drying times can be combined to adjust the conditions.

[0080] The drying temperature can be appropriately determined considering the drying rate, but is preferably 60°C or higher, more preferably 80°C or higher, and even more preferably 100°C or higher. Furthermore, from the viewpoint of heat load and the ease with which fragrance microcapsules containing any (C1) component or any (C2) component adhere to component (B1), the upper limit may be preferably 200°C or lower, more preferably 180°C or lower, even more preferably 150°C or lower, and even more preferably 130°C or lower.

[0081] The drying time varies depending on the moisture content and amount of component (B1) used in the manufacturing process. However, in the case of batch operation using a fluidized bed dryer, it is preferably 5 minutes or more, more preferably 15 minutes or more, and preferably 1 hour or less, and more preferably 40 minutes or less. In the case of electric drying, it is preferably 10 minutes or more, more preferably 30 minutes or more, and preferably 4 hours or less, and more preferably 2 hours or less.

[0082] Furthermore, component (B1) may be pre-compressed and molded into granules, flakes, or beads, and then dried to prepare component (B11). The molding method can be any known method. For example, it can be manufactured using compression molding, extrusion granulation, rolling granulation, agitation granulation, or compaction granulation. Among these, molding by compression molding is preferred.

[0083] (B1) When compressing the components, the manufacturing machine used is not limited as long as it can produce briquettes or tablets, and well-known briquetting machines, tablet presses, etc. can be used. A briquetting machine is a device that supplies granules between two rolls, each with a pocket on its outer circumference that serves as the mold for the desired compressed material, which bites into each other and rotates at the same speed, and compresses and molds them continuously. Well-known briquetting machines include briquetting machines [manufactured by Shinto Kogyo Co., Ltd.]. A tablet press is a device that fills granules into a die and compresses and molds them between a lower punch and an upper punch. Tablet presses include single-shot tablet presses in which a pair of upper and lower punches move up and down within a single die to compress, and rotary tablet presses in which dies are embedded at equal intervals around the outer circumference of a horizontally rotating turntable, and a series of operations of filling, compressing, and discharging are performed continuously while the turntable rotates. As well-known tablet presses, for single-shot tablet presses, for example, tablets manufactured by Riken, and for rotary tablet presses, for example, tablets manufactured by Kikusui Seisakusho Co., Ltd. can be used.

[0084] When molding by methods other than compression molding, well-known extrusion granulators such as Pelletter Double, Dome Gran, Twin Dome Gran, Disc Pelletter (manufactured by Dalton Co., Ltd.), and Basket-type granulator (manufactured by Kikusui Seisakusho Co., Ltd.), as well as rolling granulators, can be used. Furthermore, the granules can be sized after molding as needed. As the machine used for sized granules, well-known crushers (or pulverizers) can be used, such as Marmelizer (manufactured by Dalton Co., Ltd.), Fitsmill (manufactured by Dalton Co., Ltd.), Powermill (manufactured by Powrec Co., Ltd.), and Cormill (manufactured by Quadro).

[0085] As described above, component (B) is preferably used in the laundry aid particles of the present invention when the mass ratio [(A) / (B)] of the amount of component (A) to the amount of component (B) in the laundry aid particles of the present invention is 0.01 or more and 2.0 or less. That is, as one embodiment of the present invention, the present invention provides a method for producing laundry aid particles of the present invention, comprising component (A) and component (B) of the present invention, wherein the mass ratio [(A) / (B)] of the amount of component (A) to the amount of component (B) in the particles is 0.01 or more and 2.0 or less.

[0086] In the method for producing the laundry aid particles of the present invention described above, from the viewpoint of the color fading suppression effect, component (A) may be blended in the laundry aid particles of the present invention in an amount of preferably 0.5% by mass or more, more preferably 1% by mass or more, even more preferably 5% by mass or more, even more preferably 10% by mass or more, and preferably 80% by mass or less, more preferably 60% by mass or less, and even more preferably 40% by mass or less.

[0087] In the method for producing the laundry aid particles of the present invention described above, from the viewpoint of the color fading suppression effect, component (B) may be blended in the laundry aid particles of the present invention in an amount of preferably 10% by mass or more, more preferably 20% by mass or more, even more preferably 30% by mass or more, even more preferably 50% by mass or more, even more preferably 70% by mass or more, and preferably 99% by mass or less, more preferably 90% by mass or less, and even more preferably 85% by mass or less.

[0088] In the method for producing laundry aid particles of the present invention described above, the mass ratio [(A) / (B)] of the amount of component (A) to the amount of component (B) in the laundry aid particles of the present invention is preferably 0.01 or more, more preferably 0.02 or more, even more preferably 0.05 or more, and preferably 2.0 or less, more preferably 1.0 or less, and even more preferably 0.5 or less, from the viewpoint of the color fading suppression effect.

[0089] In the method for producing laundry aid particles of the present invention described above, an organic solvent may be further added from the viewpoint of promoting the loading of component (C) into the pores of component (B), suppressing the volatilization of component (C) during particle storage, and suppressing the leaching of component (C) during particle storage.

[0090] Examples of organic solvents that can be used include methanol, ethanol, ethylene glycol, glycerin, diethylene glycol monoethyl ether, propylene glycol, dipropylene glycol, dipropylene glycol monoethyl ether, 3-methoxy-3-methylbutanol, diethyl phthalate, isopropyl myristate, benzyl myristate, triethyl citrate, diisobutyl adipate, hydrogenated methyl abietate, liquid paraffin, and isoparaffin. The organic solvent to be blended may be the same as the organic solvent optionally contained in component (C), and from the viewpoint of promoting the loading of component (C) into the pores of component (B), suppressing the volatilization of component (C) during particle storage, and suppressing the seepage of component (C) during particle storage, the amount of the organic solvent blended may be, for example, preferably 0.02% by mass or more, more preferably 0.05% by mass or more, even more preferably 0.5% by mass or more, even more preferably 1% by mass or more, and preferably 50% by mass or less, more preferably 30% by mass or less, even more preferably 3.0% by mass or less, even more preferably 2.0% by mass or less, and even more preferably 1.5% by mass or less, as the content of the organic solvent in the laundry aid particles of the present invention.

[0091] The method for producing laundry aid particles of the present invention described above yields laundry aid particles in which component (A) and optionally component (C) are supported and / or retained on the surface of component (B), preferably laundry aid particles in which component (A) and optionally component (C) are supported and / or retained on the pore surface of component (B), which is a polyvalent metal salt of a water-soluble solid having pores on its surface.

[0092] Furthermore, as another embodiment of the present invention, a method for producing laundry aid particles containing components (A), (B), and (C) is preferred from the viewpoint of imparting fragrance to textile products. That is, as another embodiment of the present invention, a method for producing laundry aid particles of the present invention is provided, which contains components (A), (B), and (C) of the present invention, wherein the mass ratio [(A) / (B)] of the amount of component (A) to the amount of component (B) in the particles is 0.01 or more and 2.0 or less. Since the laundry aid particles produced by the method of the present invention are mixed with water and brought into contact with textile products, laundry aid particles containing components beneficial to textile products, such as fragrances, are preferred from the viewpoint of imparting fragrance to textile products. In the above embodiment, component (B) may preferably be the aforementioned component (B1), and more preferably the aforementioned component (B11).

[0093] In the method for producing laundry aid particles of the present invention, as another embodiment, the amount of component (C) blended is preferably 0.5 parts by mass or more, more preferably 2.0 parts by mass or more, even more preferably 2.5 parts by mass or more, even more preferably 3.0 parts by mass or more, even more preferably 5 parts by mass or more, per 100 parts by mass of component (B), from the viewpoint of imparting functionality, and may be preferably 30 parts by mass or less, more preferably 20 parts by mass or less, even more preferably 15 parts by mass or less, and even more preferably 10 parts by mass or less, from the viewpoint of uniformly supporting component (C) in component (B).

[0094] In another embodiment, the laundry aid particles of the present invention can be produced by mixing a mixture obtained by mixing component (B) and component (C2) with a mixture of fragrance microcapsules containing component (A) and component (C1). In yet another embodiment, the laundry aid particles of the present invention can be produced by mixing a mixture obtained by mixing component (A), component (B), and fragrance microcapsules containing component (C1), and component (C2). As the mixture obtained by mixing component (A), component (B), and fragrance microcapsules containing component (C1), a mixture obtained by mixing a capsule slurry containing fragrance microcapsules containing component (A) and component (C1) and component (B) can also be used.

[0095] In another embodiment, the laundry aid particles of the present invention can also be produced by dividing component (B) and mixing it in stages. Specifically, this can be done by the following steps (i) to (iii).

[0096] Step (i) A step of mixing a portion of component (A), a portion of component (B), and component (C2) to obtain a mixture. Step (ii) A step of mixing the mixture obtained in step (i) with the remaining component (B). Step (iii) A step to produce laundry aid particles by mixing the mixture obtained in step (ii) with the remainder of component (A) and fragrance microcapsules containing component (C1).

[0097] When component (B) is mixed in stages in this manner, laundry aid particles containing component (A), component (B), optionally component (C1) in fragrance microcapsules, and optionally component (C2) may be obtained in any proportion, as may laundry aid particles containing component (A), component (B), and optionally component (C1) in fragrance microcapsules. As another embodiment of the present invention, for example, laundry aid particles of different compositions as described above may be used in combination.

[0098] When producing the laundry aid particles of the present invention by mixing component (B) in stages, the mass ratio [step (i) / step (ii)] of a portion of the amount of component (B) mixed in step (i) to the remaining amount of component (B) mixed in step (ii) may be, for example, preferably 0.1 or more, more preferably 0.2 or more, and preferably 10 or less, more preferably 5 or less.

[0099] Another embodiment of the present invention involves a method for producing laundry aid particles by dividing component (B) and mixing them in stages, specifically, a method for producing them in the following steps (i') to (iii').

[0100] Step (i'): A step of mixing a portion of component (A), a portion of component (B), and fragrance microcapsules containing component (C1) to obtain a mixture. Step (ii'): A step of mixing the mixture obtained in step (i') with the remaining component (B). Step (iii'): A step of mixing the mixture obtained in step (ii') with the remainder of component (A) and component (C2) to produce laundry aid particles.

[0101] When component (B) is mixed in stages in this manner, laundry aid particles containing component (A), component (B), optionally component (C1) in fragrance microcapsules and optionally component (C2) may be obtained, as well as laundry aid particles containing component (A), component (B), and optionally component (C2) in any proportion. Depending on the situation, the laundry aid particles of the present invention may be used in combination, for example, by using laundry aid particles of different compositions as described above. Laundry aid particles mixed in any proportion can be produced.

[0102] The preferred range for the mass ratio [step (i') / step (ii')] of component (B) mixed in step (i') and component (B) mixed in step (ii') is the same as described above.

[0103] The mixer is not particularly limited as long as components (A), (B), (C), and optional components can be mixed substantially uniformly, and may be a mixer with heating means, for example, a drum mixer, ribbon mixer, Nauter mixer, V-type blender (manufactured by Paulex Co., Ltd.), double cone mixer (manufactured by Tokuju Kogyosho Co., Ltd.), and ribbon blender (manufactured by Hosokawa Micron Corporation), a container rotary granulator (manufactured by Sugiyama Heavy Industries Co., Ltd.), etc.

[0104] The mixing temperature is preferably 20°C or higher, more preferably 30°C or higher, from the viewpoint of fluidity and handling, and may be preferably 60°C or lower, more preferably 50°C or lower, from the viewpoint of suppressing the breakdown of component (B1).

[0105] The rotation speed of the mixer may be preferably 10 rpm or more, more preferably 20 rpm or more, from the viewpoint of uniform mixing, and preferably 100 rpm or less, more preferably 50 rpm or less, from the viewpoint of suppressing the breakdown of component (B1).

[0106] The mixing time may be preferably 1 minute or more, more preferably 3 minutes or more, from the viewpoint of uniform mixing, and preferably 20 minutes or less, more preferably 10 minutes or less, from the viewpoint of suppressing the breakdown of component (B1).

[0107] When supplying component (C) to component (B), the supply temperature is preferably 20°C or higher, more preferably 30°C or higher, from the viewpoint of fluidity and handling, and preferably 60°C or lower, more preferably 50°C or lower, from the viewpoint of volatilization stability of component (C).

[0108] The supply rate of component (C) may be preferably 1 part by mass / min or more, more preferably 5 parts by mass / min or more, and preferably 20 parts by mass / min or less, and more preferably 15 parts by mass / min or less, per 100 parts by mass of component (B), from the viewpoint of uniformly supporting component (C) in component (B).

[0109] Furthermore, in the method for producing laundry aid particles of the present invention, as another embodiment, if the mass ratio of the amount of component (A) to the amount of component (B) in the laundry aid particles of the present invention, [(A) / (B)], is, for example, preferably 0.8 or more and preferably 99 or less, then as one embodiment, laundry aid particles can be prepared by mixing molten component (B) with molten component (A) and cooling to below the glass transition temperature.

[0110] As another embodiment, the laundry aid particles of the present invention can be formed by methods known in the art.

[0111] In the method for producing laundry aid particles of the present invention described above, from the viewpoint of improving moldability, component (A) may be blended into the laundry aid particles of the present invention in an amount preferably 10% by mass or more, more preferably 20% by mass or more, even more preferably 30% by mass or more, even more preferably 50% by mass or more, and preferably 99% by mass or less, more preferably 90% by mass or less, and more preferably 80% by mass or less.

[0112] In the method for producing the laundry aid particles of the present invention described above, from the viewpoint of improving the color fading suppression effect, component (B) may be added to the laundry aid particles of the present invention in an amount preferably 1% by mass or more, more preferably 5% by mass or more, even more preferably 10% by mass or more, and preferably 80% by mass or less, more preferably 60% by mass or less, and even more preferably 40% by mass or less.

[0113] In the method for producing laundry aid particles of the present invention described above, the mass ratio [(A) / (B)] of the amount of component (A) to the amount of component (B) in the laundry aid particles of the present invention is preferably 0.8 or more, more preferably 1.5 or more, even more preferably 2.0 or more, and preferably 99 or less, more preferably 20 or less, even more preferably 15 or less, even more preferably 10 or less, and even more preferably 5 or less, from the viewpoint of improving the moldability of the laundry aid particles.

[0114] The method for producing laundry aid particles of the present invention described above yields laundry aid particles in which component (A) holds and / or encapsulates component (B) and optionally component (C).

[0115] [Color fading inhibitor] The present invention provides a colorfastness inhibitor containing the aforementioned laundry aid particles. In one embodiment, the colorfastness inhibitor of the present invention may contain, for example, preferably (A) a polyalkylene glycol having a weight-average molecular weight of 5000 to 9000, and (B) a polyvalent metal salt, from the viewpoint of improving solubility and moldability. The colorfastness inhibitor of the present invention can appropriately apply the embodiments described for the laundry aid particles of the present invention. Components (A), (B), (C), (D), and (E) are the same as those described for the laundry aid particles of the present invention. In addition, the laundry aid particles of the present invention may, as another embodiment, be the laundry aid particles of the present invention described above.

[0116] In the color fading inhibitor of the present invention, the content of component (A) may be preferably 0.5% by mass or more, more preferably 1% by mass or more, even more preferably 5% by mass or more, even more preferably 10% by mass or more, and preferably 80% by mass or less, more preferably 60% by mass or less, and even more preferably 40% by mass or less, from the viewpoint of color fading inhibitory effect. In the color fading inhibitor of the present invention, the content of component (B) may be preferably 10% by mass or more, more preferably 20% by mass or more, even more preferably 30% by mass or more, even more preferably 50% by mass or more, even more preferably 70% by mass or more, and preferably 99% by mass or less, more preferably 90% by mass or less, and even more preferably 85% by mass or less, from the viewpoint of color fading inhibitory effect.

[0117] Furthermore, in the color fading inhibitor of the present invention, the mass ratio [(A) / (B)] is preferably 0.01 or more, more preferably 0.02 or more, even more preferably 0.05 or more, and preferably 2.0 or less, more preferably 1.0 or less, and even more preferably 0.5 or less.

[0118] [Processing methods for textile products] The laundry aid particles or colorfastness inhibitor of the present invention can suppress colorfastness of textile products caused by washing with the textile product detergent composition by washing the textile products with a washing solution (hereinafter referred to as the "washing solution of the present invention") which is a mixture of a textile product detergent composition containing a surfactant and water, followed by a rinsing step. In the present invention, the "washing process" refers to the process of washing textile products with a washing solution obtained by mixing a detergent composition for textile products containing a surfactant with water. In other words, the present invention provides, as one embodiment, a method for processing textile products, in which laundry aid particles containing (A) a polyalkylene glycol having a weight-average molecular weight of 3,000 to 10,000 [hereinafter referred to as component (A)] and (B) a polyvalent metal salt [hereinafter referred to as component (B)] are supplied, followed by a rinsing step. In the method for processing textile products of the present invention, the laundry aid particles of the present invention described above may be used.

[0119] Furthermore, as another embodiment of the present invention, a method for treating textile products is provided, comprising supplying a colorfastness inhibitor containing (A) a polyalkylene glycol having a weight-average molecular weight of 5000 to 9000 and (B) a polyvalent metal salt, followed by a rinsing step. In the textile product treatment method of the present invention, the colorfastness inhibitor of the present invention described above may be used.

[0120] In the method for processing textile products of the present invention, the embodiments described in the laundry aid particles or the colorfastness inhibitor of the present invention, and the method for producing the laundry aid particles of the present invention can be applied as appropriate. Components (A), (B), (C), (D), and (E) are the same as those described in the laundry aid particles or the colorfastness inhibitor of the present invention. In the method for processing textile products of the present invention, the amounts of component (A), component (B), component (C), component (D), and component (E) can be applied as appropriate by replacing the content of each component with the amount of each component, within the range of content and mass ratio of each component described in the laundry aid particles or the colorfastness inhibitor of the present invention.

[0121] In the method for processing textile products of the present invention, the mass ratio of the content of component (A) to the content of component (B) in the washing solution of the present invention, [component (A) / component (B)], is preferably 0.01 or more, more preferably 0.02 or more, even more preferably 0.05 or more, and from the viewpoint of the solubility of the washing aid particles of the present invention or the colorfastness inhibitor of the present invention, it may be preferably 99 or less, and preferably 20 or less.

[0122] Furthermore, in the method for processing textile products of the present invention, the washing solution of the present invention may use the washing aid particles or the colorfastness inhibitor of the present invention such that the content of component (A), component (B), and optionally included components (C) to (E) in the washing solution falls within the content range of each component of the washing aid particles or colorfastness inhibitor of the present invention described above.

[0123] In the method for processing textile products of the present invention, the laundry aid particles of the present invention or the colorfastness inhibitor of the present invention may be supplied during the washing process of the textile product, or during the rinsing process after the washing process, or may be supplied in both the washing process and the rinsing process after the washing process of the textile product.

[0124] In the textile product processing method of the present invention, the laundry aid particles of the present invention or the colorfastness inhibitor of the present invention are supplied during the washing process of the textile product, followed preferably by a rinsing process. Therefore, the washing solution in the washing process and the rinsing water in the rinsing process after the washing process may contain the components of the textile product detergent composition and the laundry aid particle components of the present invention or the colorfastness inhibitor components of the present invention. Even when the laundry aid particles of the present invention or the colorfastness inhibitor of the present invention are supplied during the washing process of the textile product, the colorfastness inhibitory effect and fragrance imparting effect can be maintained not only during the washing process but also during the rinsing process.

[0125] When supplying the laundry aid particles or the colorfastness inhibitor of the present invention in the washing process of textile products, the amount of laundry aid particles or the colorfastness inhibitor added may be preferably 5.0 g or more, more preferably 7.0 g or more, and preferably 10.0 g or less, and more preferably 8.0 g or less, per 1 kg of textile product. In the method for processing textile products of the present invention, the textile products may be processed with only the laundry aid particles or the colorfastness inhibitor of the present invention, or they may be processed using a washing solution containing the laundry aid particles or the colorfastness inhibitor of the present invention, a detergent composition for textile products, and water.

[0126] When supplying the laundry aid particles or the colorfastness inhibitor of the present invention in the washing process of textile products, a method of supplying them in a concentration of water is preferably 0.001 ppm or more, more preferably 0.01 ppm or more, and preferably 1000 ppm or less, and more preferably 100 ppm or less.

[0127] In the method for processing textile products of the present invention, the material of the textile product is not particularly limited and includes, for example, natural fibers such as cotton, linen, wool, and silk, synthetic fibers such as polyester and acrylic, and blends thereof.

[0128] In the method for processing textile products of the present invention, the textile product may contain one or more dyes, and specific examples of dyes include direct dyes, reactive dyes, acid dyes, disperse dyes, cationic dyes, vat dyes, sulfur dyes, etc., and direct dyes and reactive dyes are preferred from the viewpoint of the solubility of the dye in water.

[0129] [Methods to prevent color fading in textile products] As one embodiment, the present invention provides a method for suppressing color fading of textile products, comprising supplying laundry aid particles containing (A) a polyalkylene glycol with a weight-average molecular weight of 3,000 to 10,000 and (B) a polyvalent metal salt [hereinafter referred to as component (B)], followed by a rinsing step. In the method for suppressing color fading of textile products of the present invention, the laundry aid particles of the present invention described above may be used.

[0130] Furthermore, as another embodiment of the present invention, the present invention provides a method for preventing color fading of textile products, comprising supplying a color fading inhibitor containing (A) a polyalkylene glycol having a weight-average molecular weight of 5000 to 9000 and (B) a polyvalent metal salt, followed by a rinsing step. In the method for preventing color fading of textile products of the present invention, the color fading inhibitor of the present invention described above may be used.

[0131] In the method for preventing color fading of textile products of the present invention, the embodiments described in the laundry aid particles of the present invention, the method for producing the laundry aid particles of the present invention, and the color fading inhibitor of the present invention can be appropriately applied. Components (A), (B), (C), (D), and (E) may be the same as those described in the laundry aid particles of the present invention, the method for producing the laundry aid particles of the present invention, and the color fading inhibitor of the present invention. In the method for preventing color fading of textile products of the present invention, the amounts of component (A), component (B), component (C), component (D), and component (E) can be appropriately applied by replacing the content of each component with the amount of each component, within the range of content and mass ratio of each component described in the laundry aid particles of the present invention, the method for producing the laundry aid particles of the present invention, and the color fading inhibitor of the present invention. In the method for preventing color fading of textile products of the present invention, the laundry aid particles of the present invention described in the above-mentioned method for processing textile products of the present invention can be appropriately replaced with the color fading inhibitor of the present invention. [Examples]

[0132] The components used in the examples and comparative examples are summarized below. The weight-average molecular weight of component (A) was calculated by the GPC measurement described below.

[0133] <<Method for measuring weight-average molecular weight>> Measurement was performed using gel permeation chromatography (in terms of polyethylene glycol). • GPC system: HLC-8420GPC EcoSEC Elite (Registered Trademark) (Manufactured by TOSOH) • Detector: Differential refractometer • Columns: Two K-804L columns (manufactured by Showa Denko Corporation) were connected in series. Column temperature: 40°C • Eluent: 1 mmol / L Farmin DM20, chloroform ·Flow rate: 1.0mL / min

[0134] <(A) component> • PEG4000: Polyethylene glycol, weight-average molecular weight 3000, manufactured by SIGMA-ALDRICH. • PEG5000: Poly(ethylene glycol) methyl ether, weight-average molecular weight 5000, manufactured by Toronto Research Chemicals. • PEG6000: Polyethylene glycol, weight-average molecular weight 6000, manufactured by Kao Corporation. • PEG8000: Polyethylene glycol, weight-average molecular weight 8000, manufactured by MP Biomedicals. • PEG10000: Polyethylene glycol, weight-average molecular weight 10000, manufactured by SIGMA-ALDRICH.

[0135] <(B) component> Magnesium sulfate-1: Magnesium sulfate heptahydrate (product name "Magnesium Sulfate heptahydrate", manufactured by Laizhou City Laiyu Chemical Co. Ltd., spherical material measuring 3-5 mm, moisture content 31.1% by mass as measured by an infrared moisture meter, bulk density 790 g / L) was dried at 120°C for 2 hours using an Advantec Toyo Co., Ltd. "DRM620TE" forced-air low-temperature dryer (moisture content 10.0% by mass as measured by an infrared meter, bulk density 600 g / L). • Magnesium sulfate-2: Anhydrous magnesium sulfate (product name "Magnesium Sulfate (Anhydrous)", manufactured by Fujifilm Wako Pure Chemical Industries, Ltd.) was used as purchased reagent. • Aluminum sulfate: Aluminum sulfate 14-18 hydrate (product name "Aluminum Sulfate 14-18 Hydrate", manufactured by Fujifilm Wako Pure Chemical Industries, Ltd., needle-shaped material 0.1-5.0 mm in diameter) was dried at 120°C for 2 hours using a Yamato Scientific Co., Ltd. forced-air constant-temperature incubator (15% by mass as measured by infrared meter moisture content).

[0136] The water content of component (B) above was calculated using the following method. Two grams of the sample (polyvalent metal salt) was weighed onto an aluminum container with a diameter of 11.5 cm. Then, using an infrared moisture meter (Shimadzu Corporation, MOC63u), the mass of the dried sample (component (B)) was measured under the conditions of 105°C and Auto (the measurement was terminated when the change in the measured value fell to within 0.05% in 30 seconds). The moisture content was calculated using the following formula.

[0137] Moisture content (mass %) = {Mass before drying (g) - Mass after drying (g)} / Mass before drying (g)

[0138] <(B') component> Sodium chloride: Manufactured by Fujifilm Wako Pure Chemical Corporation • Sodium sulfate-1: Sodium sulfate decahydrate (product name "Sodium Sulfate Decahydrate", manufactured by Fujifilm Wako Pure Chemical Industries, Ltd., columnar material 0.1-5.0 mm in diameter, moisture content 56.6% by mass as measured by an infrared moisture meter, bulk density 711 g / L) was dried at 120°C for 4 hours using a Yamato Scientific Co., Ltd. forced-air constant temperature incubator (moisture content 0.4% by mass as measured by an infrared meter, bulk density 400 g / L to 800 g / L). • Sodium sulfate-2: Sodium sulfate decahydrate (product name "Sodium Sulfate Decahydrate", manufactured by Fujifilm Wako Pure Chemical Industries, Ltd.) was used as purchased reagent.

[0139] <(C) component> (C1) Component • (C1-1): Fragrance used in the fragrance-containing microcapsule slurry prepared in the following manufacturing example (I) • (C1-2): Fragrance used in a microcapsule slurry containing fragrance with an average particle size of 10 μm and an effective content of 25% by mass (this is considered the content of component (C1-2)). (ClogP = 4.2) (The average particle size is measured using the method described in the manufacturing example (I) below.)

[0140] (C2) Component • (C2-1): Fragrance composed of the fragrance compounds shown in Table 2 below.

[0141] <<Manufacturing example (I)>> 1.7 g of diisobutylene-maleic anhydride copolymer (Demol EP, 25% solids, Kao Corporation) was neutralized with hydrochloric acid and then diluted with deionized water to obtain an aqueous solution with a solids content of 3% and a pH of 4.3. Next, 98 g of fragrance composed of the fragrance compounds shown in Table 1 below was added to 100 g of the diisobutylene-maleic anhydride copolymer aqueous solution, emulsified using a homomixer, and heated to 50°C. Next, an aqueous solution of 12 g of partially methylolated melamine resin (trade name Cyme1385, 80% solids, manufactured by Cytec Industries Inc.) and 35 g of deionized water was added dropwise. This was held at 50°C for 2 hours, then at 70°C for 1 hour, and then at 80°C for 3 hours to complete the encapsulation. After this, it was allowed to cool to obtain a microcapsule slurry with an average particle size of 7 μm and an effective content of 40% by mass (this is the content of component (C1-1)). The average particle size (median diameter) of microcapsules was measured using a laser diffraction / scattering particle size distribution analyzer "LA-950" (manufactured by Horiba, Ltd.). A flow cell was used for the measurement, and water was used as the dispersion medium. The refractive index was set to 1.333-i for the dispersion medium and 1.48-0i for the dispersed phase. The dispersion containing the particles to be measured was added to the flow cell, and measurements were taken at a concentration that showed a transmittance of approximately 90%, and the average particle size (median diameter) was determined.

[0142] Fragrance compounds used in manufacturing example (I)

[0143] [Table 1]

[0144] (C2-1) Fragrance compound used in component

[0145] [Table 2]

[0146] <(D) component> • Water-soluble cationic polymer compound: "Polyquaternium-7" (manufactured by Lubrizol Advanced Materials, Inc.) <(E) component> • BHT: Antioxidant, manufactured by Fujifilm Wako Pure Chemical Industries, Ltd.

[0147] [Manufacturing of laundry aid particles] Laundry aid particles with the compositions shown in Table 3 (Example 1 and Comparative Example 1), Table 4 (Example 2 and Comparative Example 2), and Table 5 (Example 3) were manufactured by the following manufacturing methods (i) and (ii).

[0148] (i) Method for producing laundry aid particles Component (B) or (B') shown in Table 3 or Table 4 (solid temperature of component (B) or (B') 50°C) was placed in a clean beaker, and while manually mixing the mixture of component (C2-1) and component (E) in the composition shown in Table 3 or Table 4, the amount shown in Table 3 or Table 4 was added and mixed for 30 seconds (mixture 25°C, addition time 30 seconds, particle solid temperature after addition 45°C). Furthermore, a mixture of component (C1-1), component (D), component (A), and water was added in the amount shown in Table 4 or Table 4 and mixed manually for 3 minutes and 30 seconds (mixture 60°C, addition time 30 seconds, particle solid temperature after addition 45°C). The batch size was 50g (total amount added). The resulting particles had an average particle size of 4mm and a bulk density in the range of 550g / L to 700g / L.

[0149] (ii) Method for producing laundry aid particles The components (B) or (B') shown in Table 4 or Table 5 were placed in a clean beaker equipped with a stirrer and heated in an oven at 75°C for approximately 1 hour. Subsequently, the molten PEG slurry (component (A)), fragrance microcapsules (component (C1-1)), component (D) and water, and components (C2-1) and (E) were added in the amounts shown in Table 3 or Table 4. Weighing was performed within 2 minutes to avoid solidification of the raw materials. The mixture was manually mixed for approximately 2 minutes to form a viscous and homogeneous slurry (this can also be done with a motor-driven stirrer), while the beaker was simultaneously placed on a heater to maintain the mixture at a temperature of approximately 75°C. The viscous slurry was then poured into a silicone mold containing bead-shaped cavities approximately 30 seconds after the mixing process was completed, as follows. The interval between each pour should not be longer than 5 seconds. The viscous slurry cooled to ambient temperature in the corresponding silicone mold, thereby forming solidified laundry aid particles. Using this manufacturing method, Examples 1-4, 1-6 to 1-8, Comparative Examples 1-1 to 1-3 (all in Table 3), and Examples 3-1 to 3-5 (all in Table 5) were prepared as shown in Tables 3 and 5. The resulting particles were hemispherical in shape with an average particle size of 5 mm and a bulk density in the range of 400 g / L to 500 g / L.

[0150] Example 1 and Comparative Example 1 (Table 3) Laundry aid particles for Example 1 and Comparative Example 1 were produced using the compositions and particle manufacturing methods shown in Table 3. The color fading inhibitory effect of the obtained laundry aid particles was evaluated using the following method (color fading evaluation 1). The results are shown in Table 3.

[0151] <Color fading evaluation 1 (evaluation of the effect of suppressing color fading after the washing process)> (Ca 2+ vs. Mg 2+Then, 0.1 g of liquid detergent 1 (Attack Zero) and 0.22 g of laundry aid particles shown in each table were added to 300 mL of 4°dH hard water (with a weight ratio of approximately 4:1), and the mixture was added to a turgotometer to prepare the washing solution (this is the washing solution before washing). 10 g of AISE test cloth No. 13 (purchased from CFT Co., Ltd.) was added to the washing solution, and washing was performed under the conditions of a washing time of 10 minutes, a rotation speed of 100 rpm, and a water temperature of 30°C. After washing, the washing solution in the turgotometer (this is the washing solution after washing) was collected, and the color difference ΔE of the washing solution calculated by the method described below is shown in each table as "Color fading evaluation 1 (ΔE1)".

[0152] <<Method for calculating color difference ΔE (ΔE1 or ΔE2)>> ΔE is the color difference as described in JIS Z8730. The reflectance of the target laundry solution (or rinse solution) is measured using a colorimeter (Z-300A manufactured by Nippon Denshoku Co., Ltd.), and the obtained L * a * b * The following formula 1 is used to calculate ΔE using a color system. ΔE is calculated based on the measured values ​​of 4°dH hard water before washing and the washing solution (or rinse water) after washing. A higher ΔE indicates worse dye bleeding.

[0153]

number

[0154] AISE test cloth No. 13 (manufactured by CFT, using Rubine direct dye) was used as the colored fabric (test cloth).

[0155] [Table 3]

[0156] As shown in the examples in Table 3, a good ΔE1 value was obtained by using the laundry aid particles of the present invention, which contain magnesium sulfate or aluminum sulfate as component (B) and PEG4000-10000 as component (A).

[0157] On the other hand, in Comparative Example 1-1, which did not contain component (B), and in Comparative Examples 1-2 to 1-4, which contained only comparative component (B), the ΔE1 value was 20 or higher. Furthermore, in Comparative Example 1-5, which did not use the laundry aid particles of the present invention, the ΔE1 value was large.

[0158] Example 2 and Comparative Example 2 (Table 4) Laundry aid particles for Example 2 and Comparative Example 2 were produced using the compositions and particle manufacturing methods shown in Table 4. The color fading inhibitory effect of the obtained laundry aid particles was evaluated under the same conditions as in Example 1, except that the laundry aid particles shown in Table 4 were replaced with those shown in Table 4. The results are shown in Table 4.

[0159] Furthermore, the color fading suppression effect of the laundry aid particles in Example 2 and Comparative Example 2, shown in Table 4, was evaluated using the following method. The results are shown in Table 4.

[0160] Furthermore, Comparative Example 2-2 was evaluated in the same way as described in Color Fade Evaluation 1 and 2, except that laundry aid particles were not added.

[0161] Comparative Example 2-3 was evaluated in the same way as described in Color Fade Evaluation 1 and 2, except that Liquid Detergent 2 (prepared by adding 3 parts by mass of magnesium sulfate and 0.7 parts by mass of PEG4000 to 100 parts by mass of Liquid Detergent 1) was used in place of Liquid Detergent 1 in Color Fade Evaluation 1 and 2, and laundry aid particles were not added, based on Example 5 of Patent Document 2 (II in Table 7).

[0162] <Color fading evaluation 2 (evaluation of color fading suppression effect after the washing and rinsing processes)> (Ca 2+ vs. Mg 2+Next, 0.1 g of liquid detergent 1 (Attack Zero) and 0.22 g of laundry aid particles shown in each table were added to 300 mL of 4°dH hard water (with a weight ratio of approximately 4:1), and the mixture was added to a turgotometer to prepare the washing solution. 10 g of cotton knit fabric (purchased from Tanigashira Shoten, 6 cm x 6 cm) was added to the washing solution, and the fabric was washed for 10 minutes at a rotation speed of 100 rpm and a water temperature of 30°C. After washing, the cotton knit fabric was removed and dewatered. Subsequently, 10 g of AISE test cloth No. 13 (purchased from CFT Co.) was added to 300 mL of 4°dH hard water, and the fabric was rinsed for 3 minutes at a rotation speed of 100 rpm and a water temperature of 30°C. After rinsing, the rinse solution was collected, and the color difference ΔE of the rinse solution, calculated using the "Method for Calculating Color Difference ΔE" described above, is shown in each table as "Color Fading Evaluation 2 (ΔE2)". A higher ΔE2 value indicates poorer dye bleeding.

[0163] [Table 4]

[0164] As shown in the examples in Table 4, by using the laundry aid particles of the present invention, which contain magnesium sulfate and aluminum sulfate as component (B) and PEG as component (A), we unexpectedly discovered that not only is there a color fading suppression effect (ΔE1) during washing, but the color fading suppression effect of the laundry aid particles of the present invention added during washing is also exhibited during rinsing. It was also confirmed that this effect does not occur with liquid detergent 2 containing PEG4000 and magnesium sulfate, as exemplified in Example 5II of Patent Document 2 (Comparative Example 2-3).

[0165] Example 3 The laundry aid particles of Example 3 were manufactured using the composition and particle manufacturing method shown in Table 5. The color fading inhibitory effect of the obtained laundry aid particles was evaluated under the same conditions as in Examples 1 and 2, except that the laundry aid particles shown in Table 3 were replaced with the laundry aid particles shown in Table 5. The results are shown in Table 5.

[0166] Furthermore, the fragrance intensity of the laundry aid particles of Example 3, shown in Table 5, was evaluated using the method described below. The results are shown in Table 5.

[0167] <Fragrance intensity evaluation (friction strength)> (Ca 2+ vs. Mg 2+ In 300 mL of 4°dH hard water (with a weight ratio of approximately 4:1), 0.1 g of a liquid detergent (Attack Zero) and 0.22 g of the washing aid particles shown in Table 5 were added. In addition, 10 g of AISE test cloth NO. 13 (purchased from CFT) was added to a Tergotometer, and washing was carried out under the conditions of a washing time of 10 minutes, a rotation speed of 100 rpm, and a water temperature of 30°C. After washing, the AISE test cloth was taken out, dehydrated, and then dried for one day in a room maintained at a room temperature of 23 degrees and a humidity of 40%. The fragrance intensity of the AISE test cloth when the surface of the dried AISE test cloth was traced with two fingers was evaluated. The said evaluation was the average value of the evaluations of three professional panelists (each panelist gave an evaluation score up to the first decimal place based on the following evaluation criteria) as the evaluation result. The fragrance intensity evaluation is shown in Table 5.

[0168] <Evaluation criteria> 0: Odorless 1: Barely perceptible 2: Weakly perceptible 3: Clearly perceptible 4: Strongly perceptible 5: Considerably strongly perceptible

[0169]

Table 5

[0170] As shown in Table 5, it was revealed that for the PEG added as the (A) component, there is an optimal weight average molecular weight value in terms of the fading suppression effect and the fragrance intensity evaluation.

Claims

1. Laundry aid particles containing (A) polyalkylene glycol with a weight-average molecular weight of 3,000 to 10,000 (hereinafter also referred to as component (A)), and (B) a polyvalent metal salt (hereinafter also referred to as component (B)).

2. Furthermore, the laundry aid particles according to claim 1 contain (C) fragrance [hereinafter also referred to as (C) component].

3. (A) The laundry aid particles according to claim 1 or 2, wherein component (A) is a polyalkylene glycol having a weight-average molecular weight of 5,000 or more and 9,000 or less.

4. (B) The laundry aid particles according to claim 1 or 2, wherein component (B) is at least one selected from the group consisting of alkaline earth metal salts and aluminum salts.

5. (B) The laundry aid particles according to claim 1 or 2, wherein component (B) is at least one selected from the group consisting of sulfates, bisulfates, chlorides, carbonates, and bicarbonates of polyvalent metals.

6. The laundry aid particles according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the mass ratio of the content of component (A) to the content of component (B) [(A) / (B)] is 0.01 or more and 99 or less.

7. A colorfastness inhibitor containing the laundry aid particles described in claim 1.

8. A method for processing textile products, comprising supplying laundry aid particles according to claim 1, or a colorfastness inhibitor according to claim 7, followed by a rinsing step.

9. A method for preventing color fading of textile products, comprising supplying laundry aid particles according to claim 1 or a color fading inhibitor according to claim 7, followed by a rinsing step.

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