Liquid fabric softener composition

Abstract

To provide a liquid fabric softener composition that has excellent liquid properties for stabilizing the dispersion of encapsulated fragrances, exhibits minimal viscosity changes over time, and has good freeze-recovery properties. [Solution] (A) Components: Cationic flexible substrate consisting of a long-chain tertiary amine and its salt, or a long-chain quaternary ammonium salt, (B) Component: Cationic polymer, (C) Ingredients: Nonionic surfactant, Includes, The mass of component (A) relative to the total mass of the liquid fabric softener composition is 3 to less than 12% by mass. The mass of component (C) relative to the total mass of the liquid fabric softener composition is 1.3 to 5% by mass. Liquid fabric softener composition. A liquid fabric softener composition comprising the following (A) to (C) components.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] This invention relates to a liquid fabric softener composition. [Background technology]

[0002] Consumers use fabric softeners for various reasons, including to improve the texture and fragrance of clothes after washing, to enhance the longevity of the fragrance, and to provide deodorizing and odor-preventing effects. Therefore, liquid fabric softener compositions primarily use cationic surfactants (quaternary ammonium esters) to provide texture, while various methods are employed to enhance fragrance, improve fragrance longevity, and provide deodorizing and odor-preventing effects. For example, one technique involves incorporating encapsulated fragrances containing fragrance components into the liquid fabric softener composition. When using encapsulated fragrances, the dispersibility of the encapsulated fragrances in the fabric softener is a crucial issue. If the specific gravity of the components encapsulated in the fragrance differs from the specific gravity of the liquid fabric softener composition, it is known that after long-term storage, the encapsulated fragrances may float or settle in the liquid fabric softener, and problems such as aggregation, solidification, or film formation of the encapsulated fragrances themselves may occur. To improve the dispersibility of encapsulated fragrances, techniques include devising an emulsification process for an oil phase mixture containing a specific cationic surfactant and setting the component blending ratio within a specific range (Patent Document 1), and techniques for increasing the viscosity of liquid softeners by utilizing water-soluble polymers or polymer thickeners (Patent Documents 2-4). [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2017-40019 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2017-25443 [Patent Document 3] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2022-78278 [Patent Document 4] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2019-509402 [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0004] However, the above technology has several drawbacks, including insufficient dispersion stability of encapsulated fragrances, drastic changes in viscosity over time, and poor freeze-recovery properties. Therefore, the inventors investigated and found that softeners with a high concentration of the components described in Patent Documents 2-4 (water-soluble polymers, polymer thickeners) worsen viscosity stability over time and freeze-recovery properties. Therefore, the present invention aims to provide a liquid fabric softener composition that exhibits good dispersion stability of encapsulated fragrances, suppresses viscosity changes over time, and has excellent freeze-recovery properties. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] The present invention has the following aspects. (1) (A) component: a cationic flexible base material consisting of a long-chain tertiary amine and its salt, or a long-chain quaternary ammonium salt, (B) component: a cationic polymer, (C) component: a nonionic surfactant, Includes, The mass of component (A) relative to the total mass of the liquid fabric softener composition is 3 to less than 12% by mass. A liquid fabric softener composition in which the mass of component (C) is 1.3 to 5% by mass relative to the total mass of the liquid fabric softener composition. (2) The liquid softener composition according to (1), wherein component (B) is a cationic polymer containing at least one selected from the cationic monomers described in (b-1) and (b-2). (b-1) Dimethylaminoethyl (meth)acrylate, dimethylaminopropyl (meth)acrylate, dimethylaminobutyl (meth)acrylate, diethylaminoethyl (meth)acrylate, dipropylaminoethyl (meth)acrylate, dimethylaminoethyl (meth)acrylamide, dimethylaminopropyl (meth)acrylamide, dimethylaminobutyl (meth)acrylamide, diethylaminoethyl (meth)acrylamide (b-2) Ethyl (meth)acrylate trimethylammonium chloride, ethyl (meth)acrylate dimethylethylammonium chloride, allyl (meth)acrylate dimethylethylammonium chloride, ethyl (meth)acrylate dimethylethylammonium sulfate, ethyl (meth)acrylate trimethyl phosphate, ethyl (meth)acrylate dimethylethylammonium phosphate, ethyl (meth)acrylate diethylethylmethylammonium chloride, ethyl (meth)acrylate triethylammonium chloride, ethyl (meth)acrylate triethylammonium sulfate, ethyl (meth)acrylate diethylethylmethylammonium phosphate, ethyl (meth)acrylate triethylammonium phosphate, dimethylaminopropyl (meth)acrylamide methyl chloride, dimethylaminopropyl (meth)acrylamide ethyl chloride, dimethylaminopropyl (meth)acrylamide ethyl sulfate, dimethylaminopropyl (meth)acrylamide methyl phosphate, dimethylaminopropyl (meth)acrylamide ethyl phosphate (3) The liquid softener composition according to (1), wherein the component (B) is a cationic polymer containing ethyl (meth)acrylate trimethyl chloride as a monomer. (4) The mass of the component (B) relative to the total mass of the liquid softener composition is 0.01 to 2% by mass. (1) or (2) The liquid softener composition. (5) The liquid softener composition, wherein the component (C) is the following (C1). (C1) Polyoxyethylene alkyl ether represented by the general formula (C1): R1-O-(C2H4O)r-H (C1) (In the formula, R1 is an alkyl group or alkenyl group having 10 to 18 carbon atoms, r is the average number of added moles and is 45 to 100.)

Advantages of the Invention

[0006] An object of the present invention is to provide a liquid softener composition that has good dispersion stability of encapsulated fragrances, suppresses viscosity changes over time, and has excellent freeze-thaw recovery.

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0007] Hereinafter, the present invention will be described in detail. The liquid softener composition of the present invention contains (A) component: a cationic softening base material composed of a long-chain tertiary amine and its salt, or a long-chain quaternary ammonium salt, (B) component: a cationic polymer, and (C) component: a nonionic surfactant, The mass of the (A) component relative to the total mass of the liquid softener composition is less than 3 to 12% by mass, The mass of the (C) component relative to the total mass of the liquid softener composition is 1.3 to 5% by mass.

[0008] <(A) component> (A) component is at least one compound selected from the group consisting of an amine compound having 1 to 3 hydrocarbon groups having 10 to 26 carbon atoms (hereinafter sometimes referred to as "long-chain hydrocarbon group" in this specification) which may be interrupted by an ester group and / or an amide group in the molecule, its salt, and its quaternized product. (A) component is blended to impart flexibility to fiber products and the like. The number of carbon atoms of the long-chain hydrocarbon group is 10 to 26, preferably 17 to 26, and more preferably 19 to 24. When the number of carbon atoms is 10 or more, the flexibility is good, and when it is 26 or less, the handling property is good. The long-chain hydrocarbon group may be saturated or unsaturated. When the long-chain hydrocarbon group is unsaturated, the position of the double bond may be anywhere, but when there is one double bond, the position of the double bond is preferably at the center or around the center of the long-chain hydrocarbon group. The long-chain hydrocarbon group may be a chain hydrocarbon group or a hydrocarbon group containing a ring in the structure, and is preferably a chain hydrocarbon group. The chain hydrocarbon group may be linear or branched. As the chain hydrocarbon group, an alkyl group or an alkenyl group is preferable, and an alkyl group is more preferable.

[0009] The long-chain hydrocarbon group may be fragmented by an ester group (-COO-) and / or an amide group (-NHCO-). That is, the long-chain hydrocarbon group may have at least one fragmenting group selected from the group consisting of ester groups and amide groups in its carbon chain, and the carbon chain may be fragmented by this fragmenting group. Having such a fragmenting group is preferable from the viewpoint of improving biodegradability, etc. If a long-chain hydrocarbon group has a cleavage group, it may have one or more cleavage groups. That is, a long-chain hydrocarbon group may be cleaved at one location by a cleavage group, or it may be cleaved at two or more locations. If it has two or more cleavage groups, each cleavage group may be the same or different. Furthermore, if a cleavage group is present in the carbon chain, the carbon atoms of the cleavage group shall be counted in the number of carbon atoms of the long-chain hydrocarbon group. Long-chain hydrocarbon groups are typically introduced by using unhydrogenated fatty acids derived from beef tallow, fatty acids obtained by hydrogenating or partially hydrogenating the unsaturated portion, unhydrogenated fatty acids or fatty acid esters derived from plants such as palm oil and oil palm, or fatty acids or fatty acid esters obtained by hydrogenating or partially hydrogenating the unsaturated portion. The amine compound as component (A) in the liquid softener composition produced by the manufacturing method of the present invention is preferably a secondary amine compound or a tertiary amine compound, and more preferably a tertiary amine compound.

[0010] More specifically, the amine compound as component (A) in the liquid softener composition produced by the manufacturing method of the present invention is a compound represented by the following general formula (A1). [ka]

[0011] [In the formula, R 1 ~R 3 Each of these is independently a hydrocarbon group with 10 to 26 carbon atoms, -CH2CH(Y)OCOR 4 (Y is a hydrogen atom or CH3, R 4is a hydrocarbon group having 7 to 21 carbon atoms.) or -(CH2)nNHCOR 5 (n is 2 or 3, and R 5 is a hydrocarbon group having 7 to 21 carbon atoms.), a hydrogen atom, an alkyl group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms, -CH2CH(Y)OH, or -(CH2)nNH2, and R 1 ~R 3 at least one of them is a hydrocarbon group having 10 to 26 carbon atoms, -CH2CH(Y)OCOR 4 or -(CH2)nNHCOR 5 .)

[0012] In formula (A1), R 1 ~R 3 The hydrocarbon group having 10 to 26 carbon atoms in preferably has 17 to 26 carbon atoms, more preferably 19 to 24 carbon atoms. The hydrocarbon group may be saturated or unsaturated. The hydrocarbon group is preferably an alkyl group or an alkenyl group. -CH2CH(Y)OCOR 4 in, Y is a hydrogen atom or CH3, and a hydrogen atom is particularly preferred. R 4 is a hydrocarbon group having 7 to 21 carbon atoms, preferably a hydrocarbon group having 15 to 19 carbon atoms. When there are a plurality of R4 in the compound represented by formula (A1), the plurality of R 4 may be the same as each other or may be different from each other.

[0013] R 4 The hydrocarbon group of is the residue (fatty acid residue) obtained by removing the carboxy group from a fatty acid (R 4 COOH) having 8 to 22 carbon atoms. The fatty acid (R 4 from which the COOH) may be a saturated fatty acid or an unsaturated fatty acid, and may be a straight-chain fatty acid or a branched fatty acid. Among them, saturated or unsaturated straight-chain fatty acids are preferred. In order to impart good water absorption to the soft-treated clothing, the saturation / unsaturation ratio (mass ratio) of the fatty acid from which R 4 COOH) is preferably 90 / 10 to 0 / 100, more preferably 80 / 20 to 0 / 100. R 4 The saturation / unsaturation ratio (mass ratio) of the fatty acid from which is preferably 90 / 10 to 0 / 100, more preferably 80 / 20 to 0 / 100. R 4When is an unsaturated fatty acid residue, both cis and trans isomers exist, but the mass ratio of the cis / trans isomer is preferably 40 / 60 to 100 / 0, and particularly preferably 70 / 30 to 90 / 10.

[0014] R 4 Specifically, examples of fatty acids that can be used as the basis for this include stearic acid, palmitic acid, myristic acid, lauric acid, oleic acid, elaidic acid, linoleic acid, partially hydrogenated palm oil fatty acid (iodine value 10-60), and partially hydrogenated beef tallow fatty acid (iodine value 10-60). In particular, it is preferable to use a fatty acid composition prepared by combining two or more types selected from stearic acid, palmitic acid, myristic acid, oleic acid, elaidic acid, and linoleic acid in predetermined amounts, so as to satisfy the following conditions (a) to (c). (a) The ratio (mass ratio) of saturated fatty acids to unsaturated fatty acids is 90 / 10 to 0 / 100, more preferably 80 / 20 to 0 / 100. (b) The ratio (mass ratio) of cis isomers to trans isomers is 40 / 60 to 100 / 0, more preferably 70 / 30 to 90 / 10. (c) The amount of fatty acids with 18 carbon atoms is 60% by mass or more, preferably 80% by mass or more, the amount of fatty acids with 20 carbon atoms is less than 2% by mass, and the amount of fatty acids with 21 to 22 carbon atoms is less than 1% by mass.

[0015] -(CH2)nNHCOR 5 In this case, n is 2 or 3, with 3 being particularly preferred. 5 R is a hydrocarbon group having 7 to 21 carbon atoms, preferably 15 to 19 carbon atoms. When multiple R5s are present in the compound represented by formula (A1), the multiple R 5 They may be identical to each other, or they may be different. 5 For example, R 4 Similar examples include the above.

[0016] R 1 ~R 3 Of these, at least one is a long-chain hydrocarbon group (a hydrocarbon group with 10 to 26 carbon atoms, -CH2CH(Y)OCOR 4 , or -(CH2)nNHCOR 5 ) and preferably two of them are long-chain hydrocarbon groups.1 ~R 3 If one or two of the members are long-chain hydrocarbon groups, the remaining two or one member are a hydrogen atom, a C1-C4 alkyl group, -CH2CH(Y)OH, or -(CH2)nNH2, and it is preferable that they are a C1-C4 alkyl group, -CH2CH(Y)OH, or -(CH2)nNH2. Of these, the C1-C4 alkyl group is preferably a methyl group or an ethyl group, and the methyl group is particularly preferred. In -CH2CH(Y)OH, Y is the same as in -CH2CH(Y)OCOR4. In -(CH2)nNH2, n is the same as in -(CH2)nNHCOR5.

[0017] Preferred examples of compounds represented by general formula (A1) include tertiary amine compounds represented by the following general formulas (A1-1) to (A1-7). [ka] (In formulas (A1-1) to (A1-7), R9 is independently a hydrocarbon group having 7 to 21 carbon atoms, and in formulas (A1-6) to (A1-7), R10 is independently a hydrocarbon group having 7 to 21 carbon atoms.)

[0018] Examples of hydrocarbon groups having 7 to 21 carbon atoms in R9 and R10 are the same as those in R4 of the general formula (A1), and are preferably alkyl and alkenyl groups having 15 to 17 carbon atoms. When there are multiple R9s in the general formula, these R9s may be the same as those in R4 of the general formula, or they may be different.

[0019] Component (A) may be a salt of an amine compound. Salts of amine compounds are obtained by neutralizing the amine compound with an acid. The acid used for neutralization can be either an organic or inorganic acid, such as hydrochloric acid, sulfuric acid, or methyl sulfuric acid. Neutralization of amine compounds can be carried out by known methods. Quaternized amine compounds are obtained by reacting the amine compound with a quaternizing agent. Examples of quaternizing agents include alkyl halides such as methyl chloride, and dialkyl sulfates such as dimethyl sulfate. When these quaternizing agents react with an amine compound, the alkyl group of the quaternizing agent is introduced to the nitrogen atom of the amine compound, forming a salt of a quaternary ammonium ion and a halogen ion or monoalkyl sulfate ion. The alkyl group introduced by the quaternizing agent is preferably an alkyl group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms, more preferably a methyl group or an ethyl group, and particularly preferably a methyl group. Quaternization of amine compounds can be carried out by known methods.

[0020] Compounds represented by general formulas (A1) and (A1-1) to (A1-7), their salts, and their quaternary derivatives may be commercially available or prepared by known methods. For example, the compound represented by general formula (A1-1) (hereinafter referred to as "compound (A1-1)") and the compound represented by general formula (A1-2) (hereinafter referred to as "compound (A1-2)") can be synthesized by a condensation reaction between a fatty acid composition described in column R4 of general formula (1), or a fatty acid methyl ester composition obtained by replacing the fatty acid in the fatty acid composition with the methyl ester of the fatty acid, and methyldiethanolamine. In this case, from the viewpoint of providing good flexibility, it is preferable to synthesize them so that the abundance ratio represented by "compound (A1-1) / compound (A1-2)" is 99 / 1 to 50 / 50 by mass ratio. Furthermore, when using the quaternized compound, it is more preferable to use dimethyl sulfuric acid as the quaternizing agent. In this case, from the viewpoint of imparting flexibility, it is preferable to synthesize the compound such that the ratio of "quaternized compound (A1-1) / quaternized compound (A1-2)" is 99 / 1 to 50 / 50 by mass ratio.

[0021] The compounds represented by general formula (A1-3) (hereinafter referred to as "compound (A1-3)"), the compounds represented by general formula (A1-4) (hereinafter referred to as "compound (A1-4)"), and the compounds represented by general formula (A1-5) (hereinafter referred to as "compound (A1-5)") can be synthesized by a condensation reaction between a fatty acid composition or fatty acid methyl ester composition described in column R4 of general formula (1) and triethanolamine. From the viewpoint of imparting flexibility and antibacterial properties, the total mass of compounds (A1-3), (A1-4), and (A1-5) is as follows: Preferably, the content of compound (A1-3) is 5 to 98% by mass, the content of compound (A1-4) is 1 to 60% by mass, and the content of compound (A1-5) is 0.1 to 40% by mass. It is more preferable that the content of compound (A1-3) is 10-65% by mass, the content of compound (A1-4) is 20-60% by mass, and the content of compound (A1-5) is 5-35% by mass. Furthermore, when using the quaternized product, it is more preferable to use dimethyl sulfate as the quaternizing agent in order to ensure that the quaternization reaction proceeds sufficiently. From the viewpoint of imparting flexibility and antibacterial properties, the total mass of the quaternary compound of compound (A1-3), the quaternary compound of compound (A1-4), and the quaternary compound of compound (A1-5) is as follows: Preferably, the quaternary content of compound (A1-3) is 5 to 98% by mass, the quaternary content of compound (A1-4) is 1 to 60% by mass, and the quaternary content of compound (A1-5) is 0.1 to 40% by mass. It is more preferable that the quaternary content of compound (A1-3) is 20-65% by mass, the quaternary content of compound (A1-4) is 20-60% by mass, and the quaternary content of compound (A1-5) is 5-35% by mass. When compounds (A1-3), (A1-4), and (A1-5) are quaternized, unquaternized esteramines generally remain after the quaternization reaction. In this case, the ratio of "quaternized product / unquaternized esteramine" is preferably within the mass ratio range of 70 / 30 to 99 / 1.

[0022] The compounds represented by general formula (A1-6) (hereinafter referred to as "compound (A1-6)") and the compound represented by general formula (A1-7) (hereinafter referred to as "compound (A1-7)") can be synthesized by a condensation reaction between the fatty acid composition described in column R4 of general formula (1) and N-(2-hydroxyethyl)-N-methyl-1,3-propylenediamine, which is synthesized by a known method described in J.Org.Chem.,26,3409(1960) from an adduct of N-methylethanolamine and acrylonitrile. In this case, it is preferable to synthesize them so that the abundance ratio represented by "compound (A1-6) / compound (A1-7)" is 99 / 1 to 50 / 50 by mass ratio. Furthermore, when using the quaternary compound, it is preferable to use methyl chloride as the quaternizing agent, and it is preferable to synthesize it so that the abundance ratio expressed as "quaternary compound (A1-6) / quaternary compound (A1-7)" is 99 / 1 to 50 / 50 by mass ratio.

[0023] (A) Components include: Preferably, at least one compound selected from the group consisting of compounds represented by general formula (A1), salts thereof, and quaternary compounds thereof, More preferably, at least one compound selected from the group consisting of compounds represented by general formulas (A1-1) to (A1-7), their salts, and their quaternary derivatives, A more preferable option is at least one compound selected from the group consisting of compounds represented by general formulas (A1-3) to (A1-5), their salts, and their quaternary derivatives.

[0024] (A) The components are known substances, readily available on the market, or can be prepared. (A) Component may be a single type or a combination of multiple types (for example, a mixture of compounds represented by general formulas (A1-3) to (A1-5)).

[0025] The content of component (A) is 3% by mass or more and less than 12% by mass relative to the total mass of the liquid fabric softener composition. When the content of component (A) is 3% by mass or more, the purpose of formulation can be achieved. The content of component (A) is 3 to less than 12% by mass, preferably 7 to 11% by mass, relative to the total mass of the liquid fabric softener composition.

[0026] <(B) component> Component (B) is a cationic polymer. A cationic polymer is a compound that becomes positively charged as a whole when dissolved in water (cationic). Component (B) may be a polymer compound composed solely of cationic monomers having only cationic groups. In this case, it may be one type of cationic monomer or two or more types. (B) The cationic group of component (B) can be one or more groups selected from amino groups, amine groups, and quaternary ammonium groups. Component (B) may be a polymer compound composed of a cationic monomer having only cationic groups and other monomers (anionic monomer having only anionic groups and / or nonionic monomer having only nonionic groups). However, if component (B) is composed of a cationic monomer and other monomers, the sum of the charges of component (B) is positive. (B) Examples of component (B) include cationic (meth)acrylic polymers, cationic starch, cationic cellulose, etc., with cationic (meth)acrylic polymers being preferred. Cationic polymers may be used individually or as a mixture of two or more types. You may use it.

[0027] Cationic (meth)acrylic polymers, that is, (meth)acrylic polymers having cationic functional groups, include, for example, primary amino groups, secondary amino groups, tertiary amino groups, and quaternary ammonium groups, with tertiary amino groups and quaternary ammonium groups being preferred. Examples of monomers constituting cationic (meth)acrylic polymers include (meth)acrylamide, N-(hydroxymethyl)acrylamide, N-(2-hydroxyethyl)acrylamide, N-(methoxymethyl)acrylamide, compounds represented by the following formula (b-1), compounds represented by the following formula (b-2), and dialkyldiallylammonium salts represented by the following formula (b-3).

[0028] [ka] [In the formula, R21 represents a hydrogen atom or a methyl group, Y represents an oxygen atom or -NH-, R22 represents a linear or branched alkylene group having 1 to 8 carbon atoms, which may be substituted with a hydroxyl group, and R23 and R24 each independently represent a hydrogen atom or a linear, branched, or cyclic alkyl group having 1 to 12 carbon atoms.]

[0029] Examples of compounds represented by formula (b-1) include dialkylaminoalkyl (meth)acrylate compounds such as dimethylaminoethyl (meth)acrylate, dimethylaminopropyl (meth)acrylate, dimethylaminobutyl (meth)acrylate, diethylaminoethyl (meth)acrylate, and dipropylaminoethyl (meth)acrylate; and dialkylaminoalkyl (meth)acrylamide compounds such as dimethylaminoethyl (meth)acrylamide, dimethylaminopropyl (meth)acrylamide, dimethylaminobutyl (meth)acrylamide, and diethylaminoethyl (meth)acrylamide.

[0030] [ka] [In the formula, R21, Y, and R22 are the same as defined in formula (d-1) above, R25 to R27 each independently represent a linear, branched, or cyclic alkyl group having 1 to 12 carbon atoms, and Z represents a halogen ion, OH, 1 / 2HSO42-, 1 / 3PO43-, HCO2-, or CH3CO2-.]

[0031] Examples of compounds represented by formula (b-2) include ethyltrimethylammonium chloride (meth)acrylate, ethyldimethylethylammonium chloride (meth)acrylate, allylethyldimethylethylammonium chloride (meth)acrylate, ethyldimethylethylammonium sulfate (meth)acrylate, ethyltrimethyl phosphate (meth)acrylate, ethyldimethylethylammonium phosphate (meth)acrylate, ethyldiethylmethylammonium chloride (meth)acrylate, ethyltriethylammonium chloride (meth)acrylate, ethyltriethylammonium sulfate (meth)acrylate, ethyldiethylmethylammonium phosphate (meth)acrylate, ethyltriethylammonium phosphate (meth)acrylate, dimethylaminopropyl (meth)acrylamide methyl chloride, dimethylaminopropyl (meth)acrylamide ethyl chloride, dimethylaminopropyl (meth)acrylamide ethyl sulfate, dimethylaminopropyl (meth)acrylamide methyl phosphate, and dimethylaminopropyl (meth)acrylamide ethyl phosphate. Among these, ethyl trimethyl chloride (meth)acrylate is preferred.

[0032] Examples of dialkyldiallylammonium salts include compounds represented by the following formula (b-3). [ka] [In the formula, R28 and R29 each independently represent an alkyl group having 1 to 3 carbon atoms, and Xa represents a halogen atom.]

[0033] In the formula, the alkyl groups at R28 and R29 are most preferably methyl groups. Examples of halogen atoms for Xa include chlorine atoms and bromine atoms, with chlorine atoms being preferred. When dialkyldiallylammonium salts are polymerized, cyclization typically forms repeating units having a 5-membered or 6-membered ring structure.

[0034] Other monomers besides (b-1)(b-2)(b-3) include methyl (meth)acrylate, ethyl (meth)acrylate, n-propyl (meth)acrylate, isopropyl (meth)acrylate, n-butyl (meth)acrylate, isobutyl (meth)acrylate, tert-butyl (meth)acrylate, n-pentyl (meth)acrylate, neopentyl (meth)acrylate, cyclopentyl (meth)acrylate, n-hexyl (meth)acrylate, cyclohexyl (meth)acrylate, n-octyl (meth)acrylate, isooctyl (meth)acrylate, 2-ethylhexyl (meth)acrylate, n-decyl (meth)acrylate, isodecyl (meth)acrylate, lauryl (meth)acrylate, and Examples include decyl (meth)acrylate, stearyl (meth)acrylate, isostearyl (meth)acrylate, behenyl (meth)acrylate, phenyl (meth)acrylate, toluyl (meth)acrylate, xyl (meth)acrylate, or benzyl (meth)acrylate, N-methyl (meth)acrylamide, N,N-dimethyl (meth)acrylamide, N,N-diethyl (meth)acrylamide, Nn-propyl (meth)acrylamide, N-isopropyl (meth)acrylamide, N-tert-butyl (meth)acrylamide, N-isobutyl (meth)acrylamide, phenyl (meth)acrylamide, toluyl (meth)acrylamide, xyl (meth)acrylamide, and benzyl (meth)acrylamide.

[0035] Specific examples of cationic (meth)acrylic polymers include SNF's product names "Flosoft FS222" and "Flosoft FS555," and BASF's product name "Rheovis CDE."

[0036] Specific examples of cationic starch include "SENSOMER CI-50," a product of Lubrizol Japan Co., Ltd. Specific examples of cationic cellulose include Lion Corporation's product "Leoguard LP," among others.

[0037] In the fabric softener composition of the present invention, the amount of component (B) is not particularly limited, but is preferably 0.01 to 2% by mass, more preferably 0.03 to 1% by mass, and even more preferably 0.05 to 0.5% by mass, relative to the total mass of the fabric softener composition. If the amount of component (B) is 0.01% by mass or more, the dispersibility of the encapsulated fragrance can be further improved. If the amount of component (B) is 2% by mass or less, thickening over time is suppressed and freeze-recovery properties are improved.

[0038] <(C) component> (C) Component is a nonionic surfactant. It can be added to further improve the stability of the liquid fabric softener composition, particularly by suppressing thickening over time and improving freeze-recovery properties. As nonionic surfactants, any known components in the field of liquid fabric softeners can be used without particular limitation. Examples include those derived from polyhydric alcohols, higher alcohols, higher amines, or higher fatty acids. More specifically, examples include glycerin fatty acid esters, sorbitan fatty acid esters, or pentaerythritol, which are formed by esterifying glycerin, sorbitan, or pentaerythritol with a fatty acid having 10 to 22 carbon atoms; polyoxyethylene alkyl ethers having an alkyl or alkenyl group having 10 to 22 carbon atoms and an average number of moles of ethylene oxide (EO) added of 45 to 100 moles; polyoxyethylene fatty acid alkyl (alkyl with 1 to 3 carbon atoms) esters; polyoxyethylene alkylamines with an average number of moles of EO added of 10 to 100 moles; alkyl polyglucosides having an alkyl or alkenyl group having 8 to 18 carbon atoms; and hydrogenated castor oil with an average number of moles of EO added of 10 to 100 moles. Among these, polyoxyethylene alkyl ethers having an alkyl group with 10 to 18 carbon atoms and an average number of added EO moles of 45 to 100 moles (preferably 50 to 80 moles) are preferred.

[0039] Examples of polyoxyethylene alkyl ethers include those obtained by adding an average of 60 moles of EO to primary isotridecyl alcohol (13 carbon atoms) and those obtained by adding an average of 100 moles of EO to lauryl alcohol (12 carbon atoms).

[0040] (C) Components are known substances, readily available on the market, or can be prepared. (C) Component may be a single type or multiple types may be used in combination.

[0041] The content of component (C) is 1.3 to 5% by mass, preferably 1.5 to 4% by mass, and more preferably 1.8 to 3% by mass, based on the total mass of the liquid softener composition. When the content of component (C) is within the above range, thickening over time is suppressed and freeze-recovery properties are improved.

[0042] The mass ratio of component (B) to component (A) is preferably 0.001 or more and 0.2 or less, more preferably 0.01 or more and 0.1 or less, and even more preferably 0.01 or more and 0.05 or less. If the mass ratio of component (B) to component (A) is within the above range, the capsule dispersibility of the liquid softener composition will be good, and a good balance will be achieved with freeze-recovery properties.

[0043] The mass ratio of component (B) to component (C) is preferably 0.01 or more and 0.5 or less, more preferably 0.03 or more and 0.3 or less, and even more preferably 0.04 or more and 0.1 or less. If the mass ratio of component (B) to component (C) is within the above range, a good balance between viscosity stability and freeze recovery properties of the liquid softener composition can be achieved.

[0044] <Optional ingredients> The liquid softener composition of the present invention may contain optional components other than the essential components (A) to (C) above, as needed, as long as they do not impair the effects of the present invention.

[0045] <(D) component> (D) The component is a functional capsule. The functional capsule base material of component (D) contained in the fabric softener composition of the present invention imparts functionality to textile products treated with the liquid fabric softener composition. By using a fragrance as the inner encapsulating base material, it is incorporated to improve the fragrance release of textile products, enhance the persistence of the fragrance, or impart a fragrance effect due to friction during use of the textile products. The functional capsule substrate consists of a core material and a wall material that covers the core material.

[0046] The core material contains a fragrance composition. The fragrance composition can be any fragrance composition used in the field of liquid fabric softener compositions without any particular limitations, and can be appropriately selected according to the purpose. Examples include essential oils, absolutes, and synthetic perfume components such as hydrocarbons, alcohols, aldehydes, ketones, ethers, acetals, ketals, and nitriles, which are commonly used in fabric softeners and laundry detergents.

[0047] Examples of preferred fragrance components to be incorporated into fragrance compositions are described in Japanese Patent Publication No. 2010-520928, and include, for example, Agrumex, Aldron, Ambrettolide, Ambroxan, Benzyl cinnamate, Benzyl salicylate, Boisambrene, Cedrol, Cedyl acetate, Celestolide / Crysolide, Cetalox, Citronellyl ethoxalate, Fixal, Fixolide, Galaxolide, Guaiacwood Acetate, cis-3-hexenyl salicylate, Hexyl cinnamaldehyde, Hexyl salicylate, IsoE Super, Linalyl benzoate, Linalyl cinnamate, Linalyl phenylacetate, Javanol, Methyl cedyl ketone, Moskene, Musk, Musk Ketone, Musk Tibetine, MuskXylol, Myraldyl Acetate, Nerolidyl Acetate, Novalide, Okoumal, Paracreyl Caprylate, Paracreyl Phenyl Acetate, Phantolid, Phenyl Ethyl Cinnamate, Phenyl Ethyl Salicylate, Rose Crystals, Rosone, Sandela, Tetradecanitrile, Thibetolide, Traceolide, Trimofix O, 2-Methylpyrazine, Acetaldehyde Phenylethylpropyl Acetal, Acetophenone, Alcohol C6 (hereinafter, notation Cn includes all substances having n carbon atoms and one hydroxyl function), Alcohol C8, Aldehyde C6 (hereinafter, notation Cn includes all isomers having n carbon atoms and one aldehyde function), Aldehyde C7, Aldehyde C8, Aldehyde C9, Nonenyl Aldehyde Aldehyde), allyl amyl glycolate, allyl caproate, amyl butyrate, aldehyde anisique, benzaldehyde, benzyl acetate, benzylacetone, benzyl alcohol, benzyl butyrate, benzyl formate, benzyl isovalerate, benzyl methyl ether, benzyl propionate, BergamylAcetate, butyl acetate, camphor, 3-methyl-5-propyl-2-cyclohexenone, cinnamaldehyde, cis-3-hexenol, cis-3-hexenyl acetate, cis-3-hexenyl formate, cis-3-hexenyl isobutyrate, cis-3-hexenyl propionate, cis-3-hexenyl tigrate, citronellal, citronellol, citronellylnitrile, 2-hydroxy-3-methyl-2-cyclopenten-1-one, cuminaldehyde, cyclal C, (cyclohexyloxy)-2-propenyl acetate, damascenone, alpha-damascone, beta-damascone, decahydrobeta-naphthyl formate, methyl malonate Dihydrojasmone, dihydrolinalool, dihydromyrcenolate, dihydroterpineol, dimethyl anthranilate, dimethylbenzylcarbinol, dimethylbenzylcarbinyl acetate, dimethyloctenone, dimetol, dimilcetol, estragol, ethyl acetate, ethyl acetoethyl acetate, ethyl benzoate, ethyl heptanoate, ethyl linalool, ethyl salicylate, ethyl 2-methyl butyrate, eucalyptol, eugenol, fenquil acetate, fenquil alcohol, 4-phenyl-2,4,6-trimethyl-1,3-dioxane, methyl 2-octinate, 4-isopropylcyclohexanol, 2-sec -Butylcyclohexanone, stylaryl acetate, geranylnitrile, hexyl acetate, alpha-ionone, isoamyl acetate, isobutyl acetate, iso-cyclocitral, dihydroisojasmone, iso-menthone, iso-pentylate, iso-plegol, cisjasmone, levorotonic carvone, phenylacetaldehyde glyceryl acetal, 3-hexenyl methyl ether carvinic acid, 1-methylcyclohexa-1,3-diene, linalool, linalool oxide, 2-ethyl ethyl pentanoate, 2,6-dimethyl-5-heptenal, menthol Menthone, methylacetophenone, methylamyl ketone, methyl benzoate, alpha-methylcinnamaldehyde, methylheptenone, methylhexyl ketone, methyl para-cresol, methylphenyl acetate, methyl salicylate, neral, nerol, 4-tert-pentyl-cyclohexanone, para-cresol, para-cresil acetate, para-t-butylcyclohexanone, para-toluyl aldehyde, phenylacetaldehyde, phenylethyl acetate, phenylethyl alcohol, phenylethyl butyrate, phenylethyl formate, phenylethyl isobutyrate, phenylethyl propionate Examples include phenylpropyl acetate, phenylpropyl aldehyde, tetrahydro-2,4-dimethyl-4-pentyl-furan, 4-methyl-2-(2-methyl-1-propenyl)tetrahydropyran, 5-methyl-3-heptanone oxime, stilallyl propionate, styrene, 4-methylphenylacetaldehyde, terpineol, terpinolene, tetrahydro-linalool, tetrahydro-mircenol, trans-2-hexenal, verzyl acetate, and viridine. The fragrance composition may contain one type of fragrance component, or it may contain two or more types of fragrance components.

[0048] As the wall material, there are no particular limitations on which materials commonly used as fragrance encapsulation materials in the field of liquid fabric softener compositions can be used. For example, the wall material is composed of polymeric substances, and specifically, examples include natural polymers such as gelatin and agar, oily film-forming substances such as oils and waxes, and synthetic polymers such as polyvinyl, polyacrylic acid, polymethacrylic acid, melamine, and urethane. One of these can be used alone or two or more can be used in combination as appropriate. From the viewpoint of fragrance release when the encapsulated fragrance is destroyed, the wall material is preferably an aminoplast polymer made of melamine-formaldehyde resin or urea-formaldehyde resin, or a polyacrylic acid-based or polymethacrylic acid-based polymer. Aminoplast polymers such as those described in Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2010-520928 are particularly preferred. Specifically, it is preferable that the terpolymer consists of a polyamine-derived portion / aromatic polyphenol-derived portion / methylene units, dimethoxymethylene and dimethoxymethylene, and alkylene and alkylene oxy portions.

[0049] (D) Component is readily available on the market or can be synthesized by known methods. (D) Component may be used as a single encapsulated fragrance or as a mixture of two or more types. Specific examples of encapsulated fragrances containing fragrance as a core material include Firmenich's BLUEFLOWERPOP "FFMHN2814", Givaudan's GREEN BREEZE CAPS, ORCHARD GARDEN CAPS, RAINBOW CAPS, VELVET CAPS, AURORACAPS, COSMICCAPS, DEO B NEO BIO PLANETCAPS, VELVET BIO PLANETCAPS, MERMAID BIO PLANETCAPS, IFF's UNICAP101, and UNICAP503. The amount of component (D) (the amount of fragrance in component (D)) is not particularly limited as long as it is an amount that can achieve the purpose of formulation, but the amount of fragrance is preferably 0.01 to 3% by mass, more preferably 0.05 to 2% by mass, and even more preferably 0.1 to 1% by mass, relative to the total mass of the liquid fabric softener composition. If the amount of component (D) is 0.01% by mass or more, a strong fragrance and better fragrance persistence can be obtained. If the amount of component (D) is 3% by mass or less, an overly strong fragrance is suppressed.

[0050] <(E) component> (E) The component is fragrance-free. Fragrance-free means that the fragrance is not contained within the capsule. (E) Component is added to improve the residual fragrance of the liquid fabric softener composition and to impart fragrance to textile products. (E) As for component (E), any fragrance component commonly used as a fragrance in the liquid fabric softener field can be used without any particular restrictions. (E) Component (E) can be selected as appropriate depending on the purpose. (E) Component may be a single type or multiple types may be used in combination. (E) Specific examples of components include aldehydes, phenols, alcohols, ethers, esters, hydrocarbons, ketones, lactones, musks, fragrances with terpene skeletons, natural fragrances, and animal-derived fragrances. Specific examples of each fragrance are shown below. [Aldehydes] Undecylenaldehyde, laurylaldehyde, aldehyde C-12MNA, miracaldehyde, α-amyl cinnamic aldehyde, cyclamenaldehyde, citral, citronellal, ethyl vanillin, heliotropin, anisaldehyde, hexyl cinnamic aldehyde, octanal, ligstral, lilial, liral, tripral, vanillin, and helional, etc. [Phenols] Eugenol, isoeugenol, etc. [Alcoholic beverages] Citronellol, dihydromyrcenolate, dihydrolinalool, geraniol, linalool, nerol, sandalol, santarex, terpineol, tetrahydrolinalool, menthol, borneol, 1-decanal, pactanol, and phenylethyl alcohol, etc. [Ethers] Sedlumber, grisalva, methyl eugenol, methyl isoeugenol, etc. [Esters] cis-3-hexenyl acetate, cis-3-hexenyl propionate, cis-3-hexenyl salicylate, p-crezyl acetate, pt-butylcyclohexyl acetate, amyl acetate, methyl dihydrojasmonate, amyl salicylate, benzyl salicylate, benzyl acetate, cedyl acetate, citronellyl acetate, decahydro-β-naphthyl acetate, dimethyl Benzylcarbinyl acetate, erica propionate, ethyl acetate, erica acetate, geranyl acetate, geranyl formate, hedione, linalyl acetate, β-phenylethyl acetate, hexyl salicylate, styraryl acetate, terpinyl acetate, vetiveryl acetate, OT-butylcyclohexyl acetate, manzanate, allyl heptanoate, etc. [Hydroxides] Limonene (especially d-limonene), α-pinene, β-pinene, myrcene, camphene, terpinolene, etc. [Ketones] α-Ionone, β-Ionone, methyl-β-naphthylketone, α-Damascone, β-Damascone, δ-Damascone, Damascenone, cis-Jasmon, methylionone (methyl ionone), allylionone, cashmeran, dihydrojasmone, IsoE Super, Beltfix, isolonediforanone, Coavon, Carvone, Rosephenone, Raspberry Ketone, Dynascone, Maltol, etc. [Lactones] γ-decalactone, γ-undecalactone, γ-nonalactone, γ-dodecalactone, coumarin, ambroxan, etc. [Musks] Cyclopentadecanolide, ethylene brassirate, galaxolide, musk ketone, tonalide, tonalide, and nitromusks, etc. [Fragrances containing a terpene skeleton] Geraniol, nerol, linalool, citral, citronellol, menthol, mint, citronellal, myrcene, α-pinene, β-pinene, limonene, terpinellol, carvone, ionone (e.g., β-ionone), camphene, borneol, etc. [Natural fragrance] Examples of essential oils include orange oil, lemon oil, lime oil, petitgrain oil, yuzu oil, neroli oil, bergamot oil, lavender oil, lavandin oil, abies oil, anise oil, bay oil, rose oil, ylang-ylang oil, citronella oil, geranium oil, peppermint oil, spearmint oil, eucalyptus oil, lemongrass oil, patchouli oil, jasmine oil, rose oil, cedar oil, vetiver oil, galbanum oil, oakmoss oil, pine oil, camphor oil, sandalwood oil, fragrant camphor oil, turpentine oil, clove oil, clove leaf oil, cassia oil, nutmeg oil, cananga oil, and thyme oil. [Animal fragrance] Musk, spirit cat incense, sea lion incense, ambergris, etc.

[0051] (E) Component is preferably a fragrance composition containing the above-mentioned fragrance components (hereinafter also referred to as "free fragrance composition"). In particular, a fragrance composition containing aldehydes, ketones, and hydrocarbons is preferred. Specific examples of this preferred fragrance composition include those containing one or more of the following fragrance components. [Aldehydes] Undecylenaldehyde, Laurylaldehyde, Aldehyde C-12MNA, Miracaldehyde, α-Amyl Cinnamic Aldehyde, Cyclamenaldehyde, Citral, Citronellal, Heliotropin, Anisaldehyde, α-Hexyl Cinnamic Aldehyde, Octanal, Ligustraal, Lilial, Liral, Tripral, Vanillin, Ethyl Vanillin, Helional [Ketones] α-Ionone, β-Ionone, Methyl-β-Naphthylketone, α-Damascone, β-Damascone, δ-Damascone, Cis-Jasmon, Methylionone, Allylionone, Cashmeran, Dihydrojasmon, IsoE Super, Beltfix, Isolone Difolanone, Corebon, Rosephenone, Raspberry Ketone, Dynascone, Maltol [Hydroxides] Limonene, α-pinene, β-pinene, myrcene, terpinolene

[0052] When a fragrance-free composition contains aldehydes, ketones, and hydrocarbons as fragrance components, it is desirable that the freeze-recovery properties are good, and the total mass of these fragrance components is preferably 10% by mass or more, more preferably 30% by mass or more, and particularly preferably 50% by mass or more, based on the total mass of the fragrance composition.

[0053] Fragrance-free compositions may contain fragrance solvents. Fragrance solvents commonly used in the liquid fabric softener field can be used without particular restrictions. The solvents used for fragrances include acetin (triacetin), MMB acetate (3-methoxy-3-methylbutyl acetate), sucrose diacetate hexisobutyrate, ethylene glycol dibutyrate, hexylene glycol, dibutyl sebacate, methyl carbitol (diethylene glycol monomethyl ether), carbitol (diethylene glycol monoethyl ether), TEG (triethylene glycol), propylene glycol, diethyl phthalate, tripropylene glycol, avorin (dimethyl phthalate), dipropylene glycol (DPG), farnesene, dioctyl adipate, and tributylin (glyceryl Examples include ributanoate, hydrolyte-5 (1,2-pentanediol), propylene glycol diacetate, cetyl acetate (hexadecyl acetate), ethyl abietate, avalin (methyl abietate), Citroflex A-2 (acetyl triethyl citrate), Citroflex A-4 (tributyl acetyl citrate), Citroflex No. 2 (triethyl citrate), Citroflex No. 4 (tributyl citrate), Durafix (methyl dihydroabietate), MITD (isotridecyl myristate), polylimonene (limonene polymer), and 1,3-butylene glycol. The content of the solvent for the fragrance composition is, for example, 0.1 to 30% by mass, preferably 1 to 20% by mass, relative to the total mass of the free fragrance composition.

[0054] Fragrance-free compositions may contain fragrance antioxidants. Those commonly used in the liquid fabric softener field can be used without particular restriction as fragrance antioxidants. Specific examples include 3,5-di-t-butyl-4-hydroxytoluene (BHT), t-butyl-p-hydroxyanisole (BHA), p-methoxyphenol, β-naphthol, phenyl-α-naphthylamine, tetramethyldiaminodiphenylmethane, γ-oryzanol, vitamin E (α-tocopherol, β-tocopherol, γ-tocopherol, δ-tocopherol), 2,2'-ethylidenebis(4,6-di-t-butylphenol), tris(tetramethylhydroxypiperidinol)·1 / 3 citrate, bis(2,2,6,6-tetramethyl-4-piperidyl) sebacate, quercetin, and 4,4'-bis(α,α-dimethylbenzyl)diphenylamine. Preferably, it is 2,6-di-t-dibutyl-4-hydroxytoluene. The antioxidant content is, for example, 0.001 to 10% by mass, preferably 0.01 to 5% by mass, relative to the total mass of the free fragrance composition.

[0055] The content of component (E) is not particularly limited as long as the purpose of formulation is achieved, but is preferably 0.1 to 3% by mass, more preferably 0.5 to 1.5% by mass, relative to the total mass of the liquid softener composition. A better formulation effect can be obtained within the above content range.

[0056] <(F) component> For the purpose of controlling the viscosity of the liquid fabric softener composition of the present invention, inorganic or organic water-soluble salts can be used as component (F). Specifically, calcium chloride, magnesium chloride, sodium chloride, sodium p-toluenesulfonate, sodium citrate, etc., can be used, with calcium chloride, magnesium chloride, and sodium citrate being particularly preferred. These water-soluble salts can be added in an amount that does not impair the dispersibility of the functional capsule base material, and the amount added is, for example, 0 to 0.5% by mass, preferably 0 to 0.3% by mass, and more preferably 0 to 0.1% by mass, relative to the total mass of the liquid fabric softener composition. The water-soluble salts can be added at any step in the manufacturing of the liquid fabric softener composition. The viscosity of the liquid fabric softener composition can be measured using a Type B viscometer (manufactured by TOKIMEC).

[0057] Other optional ingredients include those commonly found in liquid fabric softener compositions. Specific examples include water, silicone, dyes, water-soluble solvents, preservatives, UV absorbers, antibacterial agents, deodorants, and skincare ingredients. The following provides a detailed explanation of some optional components.

[0058] <Water> The liquid softener composition produced by the manufacturing method of the present invention is preferably an aqueous composition containing water. Any type of water can be used, including tap water, purified water, deionized water, distilled water, and deionized water. Of these, deionized water is preferred. The amount of water used is not particularly limited and can be added as appropriate to achieve the desired component composition.

[0059] <Antibacterial agent> Antibacterial agents are added to further enhance the antibacterial properties of the liquid fabric softener composition. Antibacterial agents commonly used in liquid fabric softeners can be used without any particular restrictions. Examples of antibacterial agents include diclosan, triclosan, quaternary ammonium salts (alkylammonium chloride, benzalkonium chloride, etc.), bis-(2-pyridylthio-1-oxide)zinc, polyhexamethylene biguanidine hydrochloride, 8-oxyquinoline, and polylysine. Among these, quaternary ammonium salts (alkylammonium chloride, benzalkonium chloride, etc.) and polyhexamethylene biguanidine hydrochloride are preferred. Antimicrobial agents may be used individually or in combination of multiple types. The content of the antibacterial agent is not particularly limited as long as the purpose of formulation is achieved, but is preferably 0.001 to 10% by mass, more preferably 0.01 to 1% by mass, relative to the total mass of the liquid softener composition.

[0060] <Preservatives> Preservatives are primarily added to enhance the preservative and antibacterial properties of liquid fabric softener compositions and maintain their preservative status during long-term storage. Any known components in the field of liquid fabric softeners can be used as preservatives without particular limitations. Specific examples include isothiazolone-based organic sulfur compounds, benzisothiazolone-based organic sulfur compounds, benzoic acids, and 2-bromo-2-nitro-1,3-propanediol. Examples of isothiazolone-based organic sulfur compounds include 5-chloro-2-methyl-4-isothiazolin-3-one, 2-n-butyl-3-isothiazolon, 2-benzyl-3-isothiazolon, 2-phenyl-3-isothiazolon, 2-methyl-4,5-dichloroisothiazolon, 5-chloro-2-methyl-3-isothiazolon, 2-methyl-4-isothiazolin-3-one, and mixtures thereof. Among these, 5-chloro-2-methyl-4-isothiazolin-3-one and 2-methyl-4-isothiazolin-3-one are preferred, and a mixture of 5-chloro-2-methyl-4-isothiazolin-3-one and 2-methyl-4-isothiazolin-3-one is more preferred, with a mixture of about 77% by mass of the former and about 23% by mass of the latter, or a dilute thereof (e.g., isothiazolone solution), being particularly preferred. Examples of benzisothiazolon-based organosulfur compounds include 1,2-benzisothiazolin-3-one, 2-methyl-4,5-trimethylene-4-isothiazolin-3-one, related compounds such as dithio-2,2-bis(benzmethylamide), and mixtures thereof. Among these, 1,2-benzisothiazolin-3-one is particularly preferred. Examples of benzoic acids include benzoic acid or its salts, p-hydroxybenzoic acid or its salts, methyl p-hydroxybenzoate, ethyl p-hydroxybenzoate, propyl p-hydroxybenzoate, butyl p-hydroxybenzoate, and benzyl p-hydroxybenzoate. A single type of preservative may be used, or multiple types may be used in combination. The content of the preservative is not particularly limited as long as the purpose of formulation is achieved, but it is preferably 0.0001 to 1% by mass relative to the total mass of the liquid fabric softener composition. If it is 0.0001% by mass or more, the preservative effect is sufficiently obtained, and if it is 1% by mass or less, the high storage stability of the liquid fabric softener composition can be sufficiently maintained.

[0061] [Method for manufacturing liquid fabric softener composition] The method for producing the liquid softener composition of the present invention will be described. The manufacturing method of this embodiment is carried out through the following four steps. Step 1: A step to prepare an oil phase at 50°C or higher by mixing oil-soluble components such as component (A), component (C), and component (E), and an aqueous phase at 50°C or higher by mixing water and water-soluble components such as preservatives. Step 2: This step involves mixing a portion of the oil phase and aqueous phase prepared in Step 1 to form a liquid crystal, with the mixing ratio of the oil phase to the aqueous phase (mass ratio of aqueous phase to oil phase) being 0.8 to 1.2 times. Step 3: A step in which the remaining aqueous phase is added to the liquid crystal prepared in Step 2 and mixed to form an emulsion, wherein the aqueous phase is 50 to 85% by mass of the total amount of the liquid softener composition. Step 4: Add components (B), (D), and (F) to the emulsion prepared in Step 3 and mix.

[0062] <Process 1> Step 1 is the process of preparing an oil phase at 50°C or higher by mixing oil-soluble components such as component (A), component (C), and component (E), and an aqueous phase at 50°C or higher by mixing water and water-soluble components such as preservatives.

[0063] [Preparation of oil phase] The oil phase is created by preheating component (A) to over 50°C to melt it, and then mixing it with component (C), which has also been melted in the same way. In addition to components (A) and (C), the oil phase may also contain oil-soluble components. Examples of these oil-soluble components include component (E) and silicone compounds. Furthermore, water and water-soluble components brought in from the raw materials can also be counted as part of the oil phase.

[0064] [Create water phase] In the aqueous phase preparation process, an aqueous phase is created in which water is the main component. The aqueous phase is primarily composed of water, to which water-soluble components (preservatives, pH adjusters, dispersants, etc.) are added as needed, and the mixture is heated to 50°C or higher. The aqueous phase may be 100% by mass (all water), and component (C) may also be added. The amount of component (C) in the aqueous phase is not particularly limited, but is preferably 5% by mass or less, more preferably 0.1 to 4% by mass, and even more preferably 0.1 to 3% by mass. If the amount of component (C) is below the preferred upper limit, the dispersion stability of the emulsion obtained in step 2 will be better. If it is above the lower limit, it is effective as an emulsifying aid for oil-soluble components added to the oil phase. Furthermore, oil-soluble components brought in from the raw materials can also be counted as part of the aqueous phase.

[0065] <Process 2> Step 2 is a process in which the oil phase and a portion of the aqueous phase prepared in Step 1 are mixed to form a liquid crystal, and the mixing ratio of the oil phase to the aqueous phase (mass ratio of aqueous phase to oil phase) is 0.8 to 1.2 times. In step 2, the oil phase obtained in step 1 is mixed with a portion of the aqueous phase (liquid crystal forming water) to form a liquid crystal. In this invention, liquid crystal forming water refers to the amount of aqueous phase used when creating a liquid crystal, and represents the mass ratio of the amount of a portion of the aqueous phase to the amount of the oil phase. From this mass ratio, the amount of a portion of the aqueous phase and the amount of the remainder of the aqueous phase are determined. In this specification, the aqueous phase (liquid crystal forming water) mixed in step 2 is also referred to as the "first aqueous phase."

[0066] In step 2, the mass ratio of the first aqueous phase (liquid crystal forming water) to the oil phase is preferably in the range of 0.8 to 1.2, more preferably in the range of 0.85 to 1.1, and even more preferably in the range of 0.85 to 1.05, as this facilitates the formation of fine emulsion particles. If the liquid crystal forming water ratio is below the lower limit, the particle size of the final emulsion will be non-uniform, and its stability will deteriorate. If it is above the upper limit, the particle size will be small, and the viscosity will decrease, which may lead to poor dispersion of (D).

[0067] The temperature conditions in the emulsification step of step 2 are 50°C or higher, preferably 55°C or higher, and more preferably 58°C or higher. If the temperature is below 50°C, the viscosity of the final emulsion will be low, and there is a risk of poor dispersion of (D).

[0068] <Process 3> Step 3 is a step in which the remaining aqueous phase is added to the liquid crystal prepared in Step 2 and mixed to form an emulsion, wherein the aqueous phase is 50 to 85% by mass of the total amount of the liquid softener composition. In this specification, the aqueous phase added and mixed in step 3 is also referred to as the "second aqueous phase."

[0069] The temperature of the aqueous phase in this process is 50°C or higher, preferably 55°C or higher, and more preferably 58°C or higher. If the temperature is below 50°C, the viscosity of the final emulsion will be low, and there is a risk of poor dispersion of component (D).

[0070] <Step 4> Step 4 is the process of adding components (B), (D), and (F) to the emulsion prepared in Step 3 and mixing them.

[0071] In step 4, various base materials can be added in addition to components (B), (D), and (F). Examples include components (C), (E), dyes, water-soluble solvents, preservatives, UV absorbers, antibacterial agents, deodorants, and skincare ingredients. These manufacturing processes, steps 2-4, can be carried out in batch or continuously.

[0072] [Viscosity of liquid fabric softener composition] The viscosity of the liquid fabric softener composition of the present invention is not particularly limited as long as its usability is not impaired, but it is preferable that the viscosity at 25°C be less than 800 mPa·s. Considering the increase in viscosity over time due to storage, it is more preferable that the viscosity of the liquid fabric softener composition immediately after manufacture at 25°C be less than 500 mPa·s, and even more preferable that it be less than 300 mPa·s. When the viscosity is within this range, usability such as handling when adding to a washing machine is good. The viscosity can be measured using a BL-type rotational viscometer manufactured by Tokyo Keiki Co., Ltd.

[0073] [TI value] To suppress poor dispersion of component (E), it is necessary to maintain a high level of viscosity during standing. Therefore, poor dispersion of component (E) is predicted by measuring the thixotropy index value (TI value). The TI value can be calculated according to the following formula. TI value = viscosity of liquid fabric softener composition at 6 rpm / viscosity of liquid fabric softener composition at 60 rpm The above TI value is 1 for Newtonian fluids like water, where viscosity does not change even when the shear rate changes. If the TI value is greater than 1, it indicates that the liquid has a higher viscosity at lower shear forces compared to when the shear force is higher, and it is a thixotropic liquid.

[0074] In the liquid fabric softener composition of the present invention, the TI value range indicating thixotropy is preferably 1.5 or higher, more preferably 2.0 to less than 5.0, and even more preferably 2.5 to 3.5. When the TI value is 1.5 or higher, excellent thixotropy is obtained, and the dispersion stability of component (E) is further improved. On the other hand, when it exceeds 5.0, although the thixotropy increases and the dispersion stability of component (E) improves, problems such as difficulty in dispensing the liquid fabric softener composition into the cap during metering may occur.

[0075] [pH of liquid fabric softener composition] The pH of the liquid softener composition of the present invention is not particularly limited, but from the viewpoint of suppressing the hydrolysis of ester groups contained in the molecule of component (A) due to storage over time, it is preferable to adjust the pH at 25°C to a range of 1 to 6, and more preferably to a range of 2 to 4. pH adjusters such as hydrochloric acid, sulfuric acid, phosphoric acid, alkyl sulfuric acid, benzoic acid, p-toluenesulfonic acid, citric acid, malic acid, succinic acid, lactic acid, glycolic acid, hydroxyethanediphosphonic acid, phytic acid, ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid, triethanolamine, diethanolamine, dimethylamine, N-methylethanolamine, N-methyldiethanolamine, and other short-chain amine compounds, alkali metal hydroxides such as sodium hydroxide, alkali metal carbonates, and alkali metal silicates can be used.

[0076] [Examples]

[0077] The present invention will be described in more detail below with reference to examples, but the present invention is not limited thereto. In the examples, all component amounts are expressed in mass % (on a pure content basis unless otherwise specified). [(A) component] A-1: A cationic surfactant synthesized according to the procedure described in Example 4 of Japanese Patent Publication No. 2003-12471. A-1 is a composition containing compounds represented by general formulas (A1-3), (A1-4), and (A1-5) (wherein R9 is an alkyl or alkenyl group having 15 to 17 carbon atoms) that have been quaternized with dimethyl sulfate. A-2: Product name "Stepantex SE-88", manufactured by Stepan. A-2 is a composition containing compounds represented by general formulas (A1-3), (A1-4), and (A1-5) (wherein R9 is an alkyl or alkenyl group having 15 to 17 carbon atoms) that have been quaternized with dimethyl sulfate. A-3: Product name "HITEX RO16E", manufactured by Tounan Synthetic Co., Ltd. A-3 is a composition containing compounds represented by general formulas (A1-3), (A1-4), and (A1-5) (in each formula, R9 is an alkyl or alkenyl group having 15 to 17 carbon atoms) that have been quaternized with dimethyl sulfate.

[0078] [(B) Component] B-1: Copolymer of ethyltrimethylammonium methacrylate and acrylamide (manufactured by SNF Corporation, product name "Flosoft FS222") B-2: Copolymer of ethyltrimethylammonium methacrylate chloride and acrylamide (manufactured by SNF Corporation, product name "Flosoft FS555") B-3: Polyethyltrimethylammonium chloride methacrylate (BASF Corporation, "Rheovis CDE") B-4: Cationized cellulose (manufactured by Lion Specialty Chemicals Co., Ltd., product name "Leoguard LP")

[0079] [(C) component] C-1: Polyoxyethylene (60) isotridecyl ether (manufactured by Lion Chemical Co., Ltd. as "TA600") C-2: Polyoxyethylene (100) lauryl ether (manufactured by NOF Corporation, "K-2100W")

[0080] (D) Encapsulated fragrance (manufactured by Givaudan, product name "GreenBreeze") 0.2% (E) The following fragrance compositions: 0.9% by mass [Table 1] (F) Calcium chloride (manufactured by Tokuyama Corporation, product name: Granular calcium chloride) Other ingredients The following common ingredients were used. The values ​​in the table represent the values ​​relative to the total mass of the liquid fabric softener composition. (G) Ingredients: Common ingredients common name Product name Manufacturer Content (mass%) 95% synthetic ethanol - Pure Chemical 2 Cetyltrimethylammonium chloride Lipocard 16-29 Lion Specialty Chemicals 0.1 1,2-Benzisothiazolin-3-one (Preservative) Nipacide BIT 20 Clariant Japan Co., Ltd. 0.01

[0081] [Method for preparing a liquid fabric softener composition] Liquid fabric softener compositions having the composition shown in Table 1 were prepared. In Table 1, the units of the numerical values ​​for each component are in mass % of the total mass of the liquid fabric softener composition. However, for component (E), the unit is the mass % of the core material of the encapsulated fragrance relative to the total mass of the liquid fabric softener composition. In Table 1, "B / A" indicates the mass ratio of component (B) to component (A).

[0082] A liquid softener composition was prepared using a glass container (100 mm inner diameter, 150 mm height) and a stirrer (Agitator SJ type, manufactured by Shimadzu Corporation) according to the following procedure. First, component (A), a portion of component (C), and component (D) were mixed and stirred to obtain an oil phase mixture. On the other hand, a preservative was dissolved in deionized water for balancing to obtain an aqueous phase mixture. The mass of the deionized water for balancing corresponded to the remainder after subtracting the amount of the oil phase mixture from 980g. Next, the oil phase mixture, heated to above the melting point of component (A), was placed in a glass container and stirred. The aqueous phase mixture, also heated to above the melting point of component (A), was added in two portions and stirred. The ratio of the aqueous phase mixture was 30:70 (by mass), and stirring (at a rotation speed of 1,000 rpm) was performed for 3 minutes after the first addition of the aqueous phase mixture and for 2 minutes after the second addition of the aqueous phase mixture. Subsequently, component (B), the remaining component (C), ingredient (E), ingredient (F), and a water-soluble solvent were added, and then deionized water was added to bring the total mass to 1,000 g to obtain the desired liquid softener composition.

[0083] [Capsule dispersibility evaluation] The liquid fabric softener composition prepared as described above was placed in 80 mL lightweight PS glass bottles (PS-No. 11, manufactured by Tanuma Glass Industry Co., Ltd.), sealed tightly, and the dispersibility of component (D) was evaluated using the following 5-point evaluation method. The evaluation samples were similarly sealed and stored at 25°C for 3 months, and then visually evaluated by 8 expert panelists based on the following criteria. The results are expressed as the average value of the 8 panelists (Tables 2-4). A score of 2 or higher was judged to be acceptable in terms of commercial value. <Evaluation Criteria> 4 points: Equivalent to the sample before storage. 3 points: Slight buoyancy is observed. Points 2: Suspension is observed, but it is easily redispersed by gentle shaking. 1 point: Suspension was observed, and some particles adhered to the glass bottle; gentle shaking did not redisperse them. <Judgment criteria> ◎◎: 4 points ◎: 3 points or more, less than 4 points ○: 2 points or more, less than 3 points ×: Less than 2 points

[0084] [Viscosity stability over time] First, the liquid fabric softener composition was heated to 25°C one day after manufacturing, and its viscosity (initial viscosity "η1") was measured using a B-type viscometer (TOKIMEC, rotor No. 2) (rotation speed 30 rpm) ("η1" is shown in the "30 rpm viscosity" column of Table 1). Next, the liquid fabric softener composition was stored at room temperature for two months. After that, the liquid fabric softener composition was heated to 25°C, and its viscosity (viscosity after two months of storage "η2") was measured using a B-type viscometer (TOKIMEC, rotor No. 2) (rotation speed 30 rpm). The absolute value of the viscosity change due to storage, Δη3, was calculated according to the following formula, and this was used as an indicator of viscosity stability. Δη3 = |(η1 - η2) / η1 × 100| The viscosity stability of the liquid fabric softener composition was evaluated according to the following four-level evaluation criteria. For commercial value, a Δη3 of 0 or higher was considered acceptable. <Judgment criteria> ◎◎: Δη3 is less than 20 ◎: Δη3 is 20 or greater, but less than 40. ○: Δη3 is 40 or greater, but less than 80. ×: Δη3 is 80 or higher [Freeze-recovery properties] Evaluator samples were prepared by placing 80 mL of the liquid softener composition into a lightweight glass bottle (PS-No.11, manufactured by Tanuma Glass Industry Co., Ltd.) and sealing it tightly. The evaluation samples were subjected to a durability test in which they were held at -15°C for 40 hours (frozen), followed by being held at 25°C for 8 hours (dissolved), and this cycle was repeated three times. The liquid state of the evaluation samples at 25°C after the durability test was evaluated based on the following criteria. The evaluation was performed visually by a panel of five experts based on the following criteria. The results are expressed as the average value of the six individuals (Tables 2-4). A score of 3 or higher was judged to be acceptable in terms of commercial value. <Evaluation Criteria> 5 points: The fluidity is sufficient, and there is almost no change compared to before the durability test. 4 points: Although an increase in viscosity is observed compared to before the durability test, the fluidity remains sufficient. 3. Although an increase in viscosity is observed compared to before the durability test, fluidity is still maintained. Points 2: Viscosity has increased compared to before the durability test, and it is not very fluid. Point 1: The viscosity has increased significantly compared to before the durability test, and it has almost (or no) fluidity. <Judgment criteria> ◎◎: 5 points ◎: 4 points or more, less than 5 points ○: 3 points or more, less than 4 points ×: Less than 3 points

[0085] [Table 2] [Table 3] [Table 4]

Claims

1. (A) Components: Cationic flexible base material consisting of long-chain tertiary amines and their salts, or long-chain quaternary ammonium salts. (B) Component: Cationic polymer, (C) Ingredients: Nonionic surfactant, Includes, The mass of component (A) relative to the total mass of the liquid fabric softener composition is 3 to less than 12% by mass. The mass of component (C) relative to the total mass of the liquid fabric softener composition is 1.3 to 5% by mass. Liquid fabric softener composition.

2. The liquid softener composition according to claim 1, wherein component (B) is a cationic polymer containing at least one selected from the cationic monomers described in (b-1) and (b-2). (b-1) Dimethylaminoethyl (meth)acrylate, dimethylaminopropyl (meth)acrylate, dimethylaminobutyl (meth)acrylate, diethylaminoethyl (meth)acrylate, dipropylaminoethyl (meth)acrylate, dimethylaminoethyl (meth)acrylamide, dimethylaminopropyl (meth)acrylamide, dimethylaminobutyl (meth)acrylamide, diethylaminoethyl (meth)acrylamide (b-2) Ethyltrimethylammonium chloride (meth)acrylate, ethyldimethylethylammonium chloride (meth)acrylate, allylethyldimethylethylammonium chloride (meth)acrylate, ethyldimethylethylammonium sulfate (meth)acrylate, ethyltrimethyl phosphate (meth)acrylate, ethyldimethylethylammonium phosphate (meth)acrylate, ethyldiethylmethylammonium chloride (meth)acrylate, ethyltriethylammonium chloride (meth)acrylate, ethyltriethylammonium sulfate (meth)acrylate, ethyldiethylmethylammonium phosphate (meth)acrylate, ethyltriethylammonium phosphate (meth)acrylate, dimethylaminopropyl (meth)acrylamide methyl chloride, dimethylaminopropyl (meth)acrylamide ethyl chloride, dimethylaminopropyl (meth)acrylamide ethyl sulfate, dimethylaminopropyl (meth)acrylamide methyl phosphate, dimethylaminopropyl (meth)acrylamide ethyl phosphate

3. The liquid softener composition according to claim 1, wherein component (B) is a cationic polymer containing ethyl trimethyl chloride (meth)acrylate as a monomer.

4. The mass of component (B) relative to the total mass of the liquid fabric softener composition is 0.01 to 2% by mass. The liquid fabric softener composition according to claim 1 or 2.

5. Furthermore, the liquid softener composition according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising (D) component: functional capsules.

Images