Water-soluble unit-dose articles containing concentrated detergent compositions

Abstract

A concentrated laundry detergent composition comprising a non-soap surfactant containing 50% to 65% by weight of an anionic non-soap surfactant and a nonionic surfactant, wherein the nonionic surfactant includes an alcohol ethoxylate surfactant, and the weight ratio of the non-soap anionic surfactant to the nonionic surfactant is 1.5:1 or less; a water-soluble unit-dose article comprising a concentrated laundry detergent composition comprising 5% to 20% by weight of an organic solvent and 5% to 25% by weight of water.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] A water-soluble unit-dose article containing a concentrated detergent composition. [Background technology]

[0002] Water-soluble unit-dose detergent articles are popular with consumers because they are convenient and efficient to use. Such water-soluble unit-dose articles contain a detergent composition encased in a water-soluble film. When a water-soluble unit-dose detergent article is added to water, the film dissolves / disintegrates, releasing the detergent into the surrounding water and creating a cleaning solution.

[0003] When formulating detergent compositions to be contained within water-soluble unit-dose articles, especially when the composition is in liquid form, there are many constraints. The detergent composition should be stable, have an appropriate viscosity that facilitates manufacturing and allows for easy dissolution at use, and should be compatible with water-soluble films. Typically, detergent compositions contain aqueous and / or non-aqueous solvents to assist in meeting the above requirements. These solvents can help prevent physical phase instability, control viscosity to allow for dosability during manufacturing and a good dissolution profile at use, and ensure adequate plasticization of water-soluble films to prevent premature rupture. Water-soluble films with too low a level of plasticization become brittle with aging and are therefore prone to premature rupture. Solvents may not contribute much to product performance at use, such as cleaning, whiteness, freshness, or the care of fabrics or hard surfaces; therefore, it is desirable to reduce the amount of solvent in the detergent composition. However, simply reducing the level of solvent can lead to physical and chemical instability in the composition and incompatibility with water-soluble films. [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0004] Therefore, there is a need to provide detergent compositions in which the active ingredients are more highly concentrated and contain less solvent. Such compositions have advantages including reduced costs and a reduction in the overall carbon dioxide emissions of the detergent composition. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] A concentrated detergent composition comprising a non-soap surfactant system containing an anionic non-soap surfactant and a nonionic surfactant in an amount of 50% to 65% by weight of the composition, wherein the nonionic surfactant includes an alcohol ethoxylate surfactant, and the weight ratio of the non-soap anionic surfactant to the nonionic surfactant is 1.5:1 or less; a water-soluble unit-dose article comprising a concentrated detergent composition comprising an organic solvent in an amount of 5% to 20% by weight of the composition; and water in an amount of 5% to 25% by weight of the composition. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0006] [Figure 1] This is a water-soluble unit-dose article according to the present invention. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0007] Water-soluble unit dose articles The present invention discloses a water-soluble unit-dose article comprising a water-soluble film and a detergent composition, preferably a laundry detergent composition. The water-soluble film and the laundry detergent composition will be described in more detail below. The laundry detergent composition is preferably a liquid laundry detergent composition.

[0008] A water-soluble unit-dose detergent article includes a water-soluble film molded such that the unit-dose article contains at least one internal compartment surrounded by a water-soluble film. The unit-dose article may comprise a first water-soluble film and a second water-soluble film sealed together to define the internal compartment. The water-soluble unit-dose article is configured to prevent the detergent composition from leaking out of the compartment during storage. However, when the water-soluble unit-dose article is added to water, the water-soluble film dissolves, releasing the contents of the internal compartment into the cleaning solution.

[0009] A compartment should be understood as a sealed internal space within a unit-dose article that holds the detergent composition. During manufacturing, the first water-soluble film may be shaped to include an opening compartment into which the detergent composition is added. Next, the first film is covered with a second water-soluble film in an orientation that closes the opening of the compartment. The first and second films are then sealed together along the sealing region.

[0010] A unit dose article may contain more than one compartment, more than two compartments, more than three compartments, or more than four compartments. The compartments may be arranged in an overlapping orientation, that is, one positioned on top of the other. In such an orientation, the unit dose article contains at least three films, one or more in the top, one in the middle, and one in the bottom. Alternatively, the compartments may be positioned in a side-by-side orientation, that is, one adjacent to the other. The compartments may also be oriented in a "tire and rim" arrangement, that is, the first compartment is positioned adjacent to the second compartment, but the first compartment at least partially surrounds the second compartment but does not completely enclose it. Alternatively, one compartment may be completely enclosed within another compartment.

[0011] If the unit-dose article has at least two compartments, one of the compartments may be smaller than the other. If the unit-dose article has at least three compartments, two of the compartments may be smaller than a third compartment, preferably with the smaller compartments overlapping the larger compartments. The overlapping compartments are preferably oriented adjacent to each other. The unit-dose article may contain at least four compartments, three of which may be smaller than a fourth compartment, preferably with the smaller compartments overlapping the larger compartments. The overlapping compartments are preferably oriented adjacent to each other.

[0012] In a multi-compartment orientation, the detergent composition according to the present invention may be contained in at least one of the compartments. For example, the detergent composition may be contained in only one compartment, two compartments, or even three or four compartments.

[0013] Each section may contain the same composition or different compositions. The different compositions may all be in the same form or in different forms.

[0014] The water-soluble unit-dose article may contain at least two internal compartments, with the laundry detergent composition contained in at least one of these compartments; preferably, the unit-dose article contains at least three compartments, with the detergent composition contained in at least one of these compartments.

[0015] The water-soluble unit dose article may contain a laundry detergent composition in an amount of 1 to 60 grams, preferably 5 to 50 grams, more preferably 10 to 40 grams, most preferably 12 to 25 grams, or 30 to 40 grams. The water-soluble unit dose article may also contain a liquid laundry detergent composition in an amount of 1 mL to 60 mL, preferably 5 mL to 50 mL, more preferably 10 mL to 40 mL, most preferably 12 mL to 25 mL, or 30 mL to 40 mL.

[0016] Figure 1 discloses a water-soluble unit-dose article (1) according to the present invention. The water-soluble unit-dose article (1) comprises a first water-soluble film (2) and a second water-soluble film (3), which are sealed together in a sealing region (4). The laundry detergent composition (5) is contained within the water-soluble unit-dose article (1).

[0017] Water-soluble film The film of the present invention is water-soluble or water-dispersible. The water-soluble film preferably has a thickness of 20 to 150 micrometers, preferably 35 to 125 micrometers, more preferably 50 to 110 micrometers, and most preferably about 76 micrometers.

[0018] Preferably, after use of a glass filter having a maximum pore size of 20 micrometers, when measured by the method described herein, the water solubility of the film is at least 50%, preferably at least 75%, or even more preferably at least 95%.

[0019] Add 5 grams ± 0.1 grams of the film material to a pre-weighed 3 L beaker and add 2 L ± 5 ml of distilled water. Stir this vigorously at 30 °C for 30 minutes with a magnetic stirrer (Labline model number 1250) or equivalent set at 600 rpm and a 5 cm magnetic stirrer. Next, filter the mixture through a pleated qualitative fired glass filter having the pore size (maximum 20 micrometers) defined above. Dry the water from the recovered filtrate by any conventional method and determine the weight of the remaining material (this is the dissolved or dispersed fraction). Next, the percentage of solubility or dispersibility can be calculated.

[0020] Preferred film materials are preferably polymeric materials. The film material can be obtained by, for example, casting, blow molding, extrusion or coextrusion of polymeric materials known in the art.

[0021] Preferred polymers, copolymers, or derivatives thereof suitable for use as pouch materials are selected from polyvinyl alcohol, polyvinylpyrrolidone, polyalkylene oxide, acrylamide, acrylic acid, cellulose, cellulose ether, cellulose ester, celluloseamide, polyvinyl acetate, polycarboxylic acids and salts, polyamino acids or peptides, polyamides, polyacrylamide, maleic acid / acrylic acid copolymers, polysaccharides including starch and gelatin, xanthan gum, and natural gums such as cara gum. More preferred polymers are selected from polyacrylate and water-soluble acrylate copolymers, methylcellulose, sodium carboxymethylcellulose, dextrin, ethylcellulose, hydroxyethylcellulose, hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, maltodextrin, and polymethacrylate, and most preferably from polyvinyl alcohol, polyvinyl alcohol copolymer and hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC), and combinations thereof. Preferably, the concentration of the polymer in the pouch material, for example, PVA polymer, is at least 60%. The polymer may have any weight-average molecular weight, preferably about 1,000 to 1,000,000, more preferably about 10,000 to 300,000, and even more preferably about 20,000 to 150,000.

[0022] Preferably, the water-soluble film contains a polyvinyl alcohol polymer, and preferably, the polyvinyl alcohol polymer is a polyvinyl alcohol homopolymer or a polyvinyl alcohol copolymer, or a mixture thereof, preferably including a blend of a polyvinyl alcohol homopolymer and / or a polyvinyl alcohol copolymer. Preferably, the polyvinyl alcohol copolymer is selected from sulfonated and carboxylated anionic polyvinyl alcohol copolymers, particularly carboxylated anionic polyvinyl alcohol copolymers. Most preferably, the polyvinyl alcohol polymer includes a blend of a polyvinyl alcohol homopolymer and a carboxylated anionic polyvinyl alcohol copolymer, or a blend of polyvinyl alcohol homopolymers. Alternatively, the water-soluble film may contain a single polyvinyl alcohol polymer, preferably a carboxylated anionic polyvinyl alcohol copolymer.

[0023] Preferred films exhibit good dissolution in cold water, i.e., in unheated distilled water. Preferably, such films exhibit good solubility at a temperature of 24°C, and even more preferably at 10°C. Good dissolution means that when measured by the method described herein after using a glass filter with a maximum pore size of 20 micrometers as described above, the film exhibits at least 50%, preferably at least 75%, or even at least 95% water solubility.

[0024] Preferred films include those supplied by Monosol under product reference numbers M8630, M8900, M8779, M8310.

[0025] The film may be opaque, transparent or translucent. The film may include printed areas. The printed areas can be obtained using standard techniques such as flexographic printing or inkjet printing.

[0026] The film may contain an aversive agent, such as a bittering agent. Suitable bittering agents include, but are not limited to, naringin, sucrose octaacetate, quinine hydrochloride, denatonium benzoate, or mixtures thereof. Any suitable concentration of the aversive agent may be used in the film. Suitable concentrations include, but are not limited to, 1 to 5000 ppm, or more specifically, 100 to 2500 ppm, or more specifically, 250 to 2000 ppm.

[0027] Preferably, a water-soluble film, or a water-soluble unit-dose article, or both, is coated with a lubricant, preferably selected from talc, zinc oxide, silica, siloxane, zeolite, silicic acid, alumina, sodium sulfate, potassium sulfate, calcium carbonate, magnesium carbonate, sodium citrate, sodium tripolyphosphate, potassium citrate, potassium tripolyphosphate, calcium stearate, zinc stearate, magnesium stearate, starch, modified starch, clay, kaolin, gypsum, cyclodextrin, or mixtures thereof.

[0028] Preferably, the water-soluble film and each of its individual components independently contain 0 ppm to 20 ppm, preferably 0 ppm to 15 ppm, more preferably 0 ppm to 10 ppm, even more preferably 0 ppm to 5 ppm, even more preferably 0 ppm to 1 ppm, even more preferably 0 ppb to 100 ppb, and most preferably 0 ppb of dioxane. Those skilled in the art will recognize known methods and techniques for determining the dioxane levels in the water-soluble film and its components.

[0029] Detergent composition The water-soluble unit-dose article comprises a detergent composition, which may be any cleaning or treatment composition such as a hard surface cleaning composition, an automatic dishwasher cleaning composition, or a laundry composition. Preferably, the composition is a laundry detergent composition, and more preferably, the detergent composition is a liquid laundry detergent composition. The term "liquid laundry detergent composition" refers to, but is not limited to, any laundry detergent composition containing a liquid capable of wetting and treating fabrics, such as liquids, gels, pastes, and dispersions. The liquid composition may preferably contain a solid or gas in a subdivided form, but excludes forms that are non-flowing as a whole, such as tablets or granules.

[0030] The laundry detergent composition may be used for hand washing of fabrics or for washing fabrics in an automatic washing machine.

[0031] Laundry detergent compositions include non-soap surfactants and organic solvents. The non-soap surfactants and organic solvents are described in more detail below.

[0032] The laundry detergent composition contains 50% to 65% by weight, preferably 55% to 65% by weight, more preferably 55% to 65% by weight, of a non-soap surfactant system. The non-soap surfactant system includes a non-soap anionic surfactant and a nonionic surfactant system, and the nonionic surfactant includes, preferably, an alcohol ethoxylate surfactant. The weight ratio of the non-soap anionic surfactant to the nonionic surfactant is 1.5:1 or less, preferably 1.5:1 to 1:2, more preferably 1.5:1 to 1:1. The non-soap anionic surfactant is preferably selected from neutralized linear alkylbenzene sulfonate, (selected from neutralized alkoxylated alkyl sulfate, neutralized non-alkoxylated alkyl sulfate, and mixtures thereof) neutralized alkyl sulfate anionic surfactant, or a mixture thereof. The non-soap anionic surfactant may also include a mixture of neutralized linear alkylbenzene sulfonate and neutralized alkyl sulfate anionic surfactant. The weight ratio of neutralized linear alkylbenzene sulfonate to neutralized alkyl sulfate anionic surfactant may be 1:2 to 9:1, or 1:1 to 7:1, or 1.5:1 to 6:1, or 1.5:1 to 5:1. Alternatively, the non-soap anionic surfactant system may not contain neutralized alkyl sulfate anionic surfactant. Alternatively, the non-soap anionic surfactant system may consist of neutralized linear alkylbenzene sulfonate. When calculating the weight percentage or weight ratio of surfactants, the weight of the neutralized counterion is not considered in the case of anionic surfactants. For example, when calculating the weight percentage of anionic soap or non-soap surfactant or the weight ratio of anionic soap or non-soap surfactant to nonionic surfactant for anionic soap or non-soap surfactant, only the weight of the surfactant anion is considered.

[0033] Preferably, the non-soap anionic surfactant contains a linear alkylbenzene sulfonate. Preferably, the linear alkylbenzene sulfonate is C 10 ~C 16 Alkylbenzene sulfonate, C 11~C 14 The laundry detergent composition contains alkylbenzene sulfonates or mixtures thereof. Preferably, the alkylbenzene sulfonates are amine-neutralized alkylbenzene sulfonates, alkali metal-neutralized alkylbenzene sulfonates, or mixtures thereof. The amine is preferably selected from monoethanolamine, triethanolamine, monoisopropanolamine, or mixtures thereof. The alkali metal may preferably be selected from sodium, potassium, magnesium, or mixtures thereof. Preferably, the laundry detergent composition contains 5% to 45% by weight, preferably 7.5% to 40% by weight, more preferably 10% to 35% by weight of linear alkylbenzene sulfonates.

[0034] Non-soap anionic surfactants may include alkyl sulfate anionic surfactants, which are selected from alkyl sulfates, alkoxylated alkyl sulfates, or mixtures thereof. Alkyl sulfate anionic surfactants may be primary or secondary alkyl sulfate anionic surfactants, or mixtures thereof, preferably primary alkyl sulfate anionic surfactants. Preferably, alkoxylated alkyl sulfates include ethoxylated alkyl sulfates, propoxylated alkyl sulfates, mixed ethoxylated / propoxylated alkyl sulfates, or mixtures thereof, more preferably ethoxylated alkyl sulfates. Preferably, ethoxylated alkyl sulfates have an average degree of ethoxylation of 0.1 to 5, preferably 0.5 to 3. Alternatively, alkyl sulfate anionic surfactants do not contain alkoxylation. Preferably, the alkyl sulfate anionic surfactant has an average alkyl chain length of 8 to 18, more preferably 10 to 16, and most preferably 12 to 15. Preferably, the alkyl chain of the alkyl sulfate anionic surfactant may be linear, branched, or a mixture thereof. Preferably, the branched alkyl sulfate anionic surfactant is a branched primary alkyl sulfate, a branched secondary alkyl sulfate, or a mixture thereof, preferably a branched primary alkyl sulfate, where the branching is preferably at the 2-position, or alternatively may be located further down the alkyl chain, or the branching may be polybranched, spreading over the alkyl chain. The weight-average degree of polymerization of the alkyl sulfate anionic surfactant may be 0% to 100%, preferably 0% to 95%, more preferably 0% to 60%, and most preferably 0% to 20%. Alternatively, the weight-average degree of polymerization of the alkyl sulfate anionic surfactant may be 70% to 100%, preferably 80% to 90%. Preferably, the alkyl chain is selected from naturally derived materials, synthetic materials, or mixtures thereof. Preferably, synthetic materials include oxo-synthetic materials, Ziegler-synthetic materials, Guerbet-synthetic materials, aldol condensation-synthetic materials, Fischer-Tropsch-synthetic materials, iso-alkyl-synthetic materials, or mixtures thereof, preferably oxo-synthetic materials.Preferably, the laundry detergent composition contains 1% to 20% by weight, preferably 2% to 15% by weight, and more preferably 4% to 10% by weight of an alkyl sulfate anionic surfactant. Alternatively, the composition does not contain an alkyl sulfate anionic surfactant. If alkyl ethoxysulfates are present in the laundry detergent composition, the alkyl ethoxysulfate starting material may be treated to reduce the 1,4-dioxane content to a low concentration of less than 1 ppm per surfactant. Those skilled in the art will be aware of technical means for reducing the dioxane content in surfactant starting materials, including (multi-stage) steam stripping, nanofiltration, or a combination thereof.

[0035] The laundry detergent composition contains a nonionic surfactant. The nonionic surfactant includes, and preferably consists of, an ethoxylated alcohol nonionic surfactant. Preferably, the laundry detergent composition contains 5% to 45% by weight, or 10% to 40% by weight, or 15% to 35% by weight of an ethoxylated alcohol nonionic surfactant. The ethoxylated alcohol nonionic surfactant may be a primary nonionic surfactant, a secondary nonionic surfactant, or a mixture thereof. Preferably, the nonionic surfactant includes a mixture of a primary ethoxylated alcohol nonionic surfactant and a secondary ethoxylated alcohol nonionic surfactant, and more preferably, the primary ethoxylated alcohol nonionic surfactant and the secondary ethoxylated alcohol nonionic surfactant are present in a weight ratio of 2:1 to 1:10, preferably 1.5:1 to 1:7, and more preferably 1:1 to 1:5. The ethoxylated alcohol nonionic surfactant may be linear or branched. In the branched chain form, the branching may be at position 1, position 2, or further down the alkyl chain, where the carbon position numbering begins from the carbon linked to the oxygen linker between the alkyl chain and the ethoxylated chain. The branching may be single-branched or multi-branched. Most preferably, the branching is single-branched at position 2. The branching is preferably alkyl-branched, more preferably methyl-branched, ethyl-branched, propyl-branched, butyl-branched, or pentyl-branched, most preferably a mixture thereof. In the linear chain form, the alkyl chain of the alcohol may have a natural distribution of C6-C20 alkyl chains depending on the source of the material. Alternatively, the linear alkyl alcohol may be fractionated to increase the C12-C14 alkyl chain content. The ethoxylated alcohol nonionic surfactant contains an alkyl chain having an average of 8-18 carbon atoms, preferably 10-16 carbon atoms, more preferably 12-15 carbon atoms. The ethoxylated alcohol nonionic surfactant has an average degree of ethoxylation of 5-12, preferably 6-10. Ethoxylated alcohol nonionic surfactants may have a broad range (BRE) or narrow range (NRE) ethoxylation distribution.Narrow-range ethoxylates (NREs) are alcohol polyglycol ethers with a narrow congener distribution and are known nonionic surfactants. Peak-type alkoxylation and peak-type ethoxylation are also often used to describe the methods and materials used in their production. They can be produced industrially, for example, by adding ethylene oxide to an alcohol in the presence of a suitable catalyst (a calcined or fatty acid-hydrophobized layered compound). Examples of narrow-range alkoxylation catalysts include many alkaline earth (Mg, Ca, Ba, Sr, etc.) derived catalysts, Lewis acid catalysts such as zirconium dodecanoxide sulfate, and certain boron halide catalysts, such as those described by Dupont, in the form of MB(OR1)x(X)4-x or B(OR1)3 / MX (wherein R1 is an optionally substituted linear, branched, cyclic, or aromatic hydrocarbyl group having 1 to 30 carbon atoms, M is Na+, K+, Li+, R2R3R4R5N+, or R2R3R4R5P+, where R2, R3, R4, and R5 are independently hydrocarbyl groups, and x is 1 to 3). This process can be carried out for a variety of other hydrophobic materials and can be performed using various alkoxylation compounds (e.g., propylene oxide and butylene oxide) by modifying the catalytic properties. The narrow-range ethoxylated alcohol nonionic surfactant comprises alcohol ethoxylate nonionic surfactant molecules, which constitute at least 85% by weight of the total narrow-range ethoxylate alcohol surfactant, and which contain polyethoxy groups comprising 5 to 12, preferably 6 to 10, ethoxy groups.The broad-spectrum ethoxylated alcohol nonionic surfactant contains polyethoxy groups, preferably 15% to 45% by weight, preferably 25% to 40% by weight of the total broad-spectrum ethoxylated alcohol surfactant, which consists of ethoxylated alcohol nonionic surfactant molecules containing polyethoxy groups with 6 to 10 ethoxy groups, and 30% to 70% by weight, preferably 40% to 65% by weight of the total broad-spectrum ethoxylated alcohol surfactant, which consists of ethoxylated alcohol nonionic surfactant molecules containing polyethoxy groups with 5 to 12 ethoxy groups. The ethoxylated alcohol nonionic surfactant may be derived from a natural alcohol source, a synthetic alcohol source, or a mixture thereof. The most preferred natural sources include palm kernel oil, coconut oil, or a mixture thereof, with palm kernel oil being preferred. When the ethoxylated alcohol nonionic surfactant is derived from a synthetic alcohol source, the synthetic alcohol source is preferably produced via an oxo process, Ziegler process, Guerbet process, aldol condensation process, or a mixture thereof. The resulting alcohol can optionally, but preferably, be further fractionated to increase the C12-C15 content of the starting alcohol. Suitable examples of narrow-range ethoxylated alcohol nonionic surfactants are commercially available from Nouryon under the trade names Berol or Ethylan, and from Sasol under the trade name Novel.

[0036] The laundry detergent composition may contain fatty acids, preferably neutralized fatty acid soap. The fatty acid soap may be an amine neutralized fatty acid soap, wherein the amine is an alkanolamine, more preferably selected from monoethanolamine, diethanolamine, triethanolamine, monoisopropanolamine, or a mixture thereof, and more preferably monoethanolamine. The laundry detergent composition may contain 1% to 20% by weight, preferably 3% to 17% by weight, more preferably 5% to 15% by weight of fatty acids, preferably neutralized fatty acid soap.

[0037] The laundry detergent contains 5% to 25% by weight, preferably 7% to 20% by weight, and more preferably 10% to 15% by weight of water, of the detergent composition.

[0038] Preferably, the laundry detergent composition contains 5% to 20% by weight, preferably 10% to 17% by weight, of a non-aqueous organic solvent, preferably selected from 1,2-propanediol, dipropylene glycol, tripropylene glycol, glycerol, sorbitol, polyethylene glycol, ethoxylated glycerin, or mixtures thereof. Preferably, the non-aqueous organic solvent contains 1,2-propanediol and glycerol, more preferably in a weight ratio of 1:3 to 12:1, preferably 1:2 to 9:1, and more preferably 1:1 to 6:1. Preferably, the laundry composition contains less than 1% by weight, preferably less than 0.5% by weight, of ethanol, and most preferably, the laundry composition does not contain ethanol.

[0039] Preferably, the laundry detergent composition contains additive components selected from the group including builders, fragrances, enzymes, citrates, bleaches, bleaching catalysts, dyes, color dyes, whitening agents, cleaning polymers (including alkoxylated polyamines and polyethyleneimines), stain-removing polymers, fabric care polymers (including cationic hydroxyethylcellulose, cationic guar gum, and cationic polyglucans), surfactants, solvents, color transfer inhibitors, chelating agents, encapsulated fragrances, polycarboxylates, structuring agents, pH adjusters, antioxidants (including Ralox 35), defoamers, and mixtures thereof.

[0040] Preferably, the laundry detergent composition comprises further enzymes selected from the group comprising hemicellulase, peroxidase, protease, cellulase, xylanase, lipase, phospholipase, esterase, cutinase, pectinase, keratinase, reductase, oxidase, phenoloxidase, lipoxygenase, ligninase, pullulanase, tannase, pentosanase, maranase, β-glucanase, arabinosidase, hyaluronidase, chondroitinase, laccase, xyloglucanase, mannanase, and amylase, nuclease, or mixtures thereof, preferably further enzymes selected from the group comprising protease, amylase, cellulase, lipase, xyloglucanase, mannanase, nuclease, and mixtures thereof.

[0041] Preferably, the laundry detergent composition has a pH of 6 to 10, more preferably 6.5 to 8.9, and most preferably 7 to 8, and the pH of the laundry detergent composition is measured as the 10% product concentration in desalinated water at 20°C.

[0042] In the case of liquids, liquid laundry detergent compositions may be Newtonian or non-Newtonian. Preferably, liquid laundry detergent compositions are non-Newtonian. While we do not wish to be bound by theory, non-Newtonian liquids have different properties from Newtonian liquids; more specifically, the viscosity of non-Newtonian liquids depends on the shear rate, whereas Newtonian liquids have a constant viscosity regardless of the shear rate applied. The decrease in viscosity of non-Newtonian liquids when shear is applied is thought to further promote the dissolution of the liquid detergent. The liquid laundry detergent compositions described herein may have any preferred viscosity depending on factors such as the components they are formulated with and the purpose of the composition.

[0043] Manufacturing method Those skilled in the art will recognize the standard techniques for producing the laundry detergent composition and water-soluble unit-dose articles according to the present invention. Those skilled in the art will also recognize the standard techniques and methods for producing the components of the laundry detergent composition according to the present invention.

[0044] How to use A further aspect of the present invention is a method for washing fabric, comprising the steps of: preparing a washing solution by diluting a water-soluble unit-dose article according to the present invention with water 200 to 3000 times, preferably 300 to 2000 times; and bringing the fabric to be treated into contact with the washing solution.

[0045] Preferably, the cleaning solution contains 5 L to 75 L, preferably 7 L to 40 L, more preferably 10 L to 20 L of water. Alternatively, the cleaning solution may contain 35 L to 65 L of water. Preferably, the cleaning solution is at a temperature of 5°C to 90°C, preferably 10°C to 60°C, more preferably 12°C to 45°C, and most preferably 15°C to 40°C. Preferably, the washing of the fabric in the cleaning solution takes 5 to 60 minutes, preferably 5 to 40 minutes, more preferably 5 to 30 minutes, even more preferably 5 to 20 minutes, and most preferably 6 to 18 minutes to complete. Alternatively, the washing of the fabric in the cleaning solution may take 30 to 60 minutes. Preferably, the cleaning solution contains 1 kg to 20 kg, preferably 3 kg to 15 kg, and most preferably 5 to 10 kg of fabric. Preferably, the cleaning solution may contain water of any hardness ranging from 0 gpg to 40 gpg.

[0046] The dimensions and values ​​disclosed herein should not be understood as being strictly limited to the exact numerical values ​​listed. Instead, unless otherwise specified, each such dimension is intended to mean both the listed value and the functionally equivalent range encompassing that value. For example, a dimension disclosed as "40 mm" is intended to mean "approximately 40 mm."

[0047] All documents referenced herein, including any patents or patent applications that are cross-referenced or related, and any patent applications or patents on which this application claims priority or benefit thereof, are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety, unless expressly excluded or otherwise limited. No reference to any document shall be deemed prior art to any invention disclosed or claimed herein, nor shall any such invention be taught, suggested, or disclosed, either alone or in combination with any one or more other references. Furthermore, to the extent that any meaning or definition of a term in this document conflicts with any meaning or definition of the same term in any document incorporated by reference, the meaning or definition given to that term in this document shall prevail.

[0048] While specific embodiments of the present invention have been illustrated and described, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various other changes and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Therefore, it is intended that all such changes and modifications within the scope of the invention be covered in the appended claims. [Examples]

[0049] Liquid laundry detergent compositions suitable for use in water-soluble unit-dose laundry detergent articles were prepared by mixing individual components in a batch process. The appearance and viscosity of the compositions, as well as the interaction between the compositions and water-soluble films (quantified by the swelling of the films), were evaluated by changing the weight ratio of non-soap anionic surfactants to nonionic surfactants in the surfactant system. Comparative composition 1 represents an uncompressible positive reference formulation outside the scope of the present invention. Comparative composition 2 represents a related compressible negative reference formulation in which the weight ratio of non-soap anionic surfactants to nonionic surfactants is equal to that of the uncompressible positive reference formulation.

[0050] The data summarized in Table 1 shows that by formulating the ratio of non-soap anionic surfactant to nonionic surfactant according to the present invention, transparent compressed compositions with suitable viscosity and film swelling profile can be achieved for both AES-based surfactant formulations and AES-free surfactant formulations, despite a reduction in organic solvent content.

[0051] [Table 1] 1 Neodol C14-15 EO7 available from Shell Company 2 Naturally derived C12-14 EO9 3 A polyethylene glycol graft polymer comprising a polyethylene glycol backbone (Plurriol E6000) and hydrophobic vinyl acetate side chains, wherein the polymer comprises 40% by weight of the polyethylene glycol backbone polymer and 60% by weight of the grafted vinyl acetate side chains. 4 Ethoxylated polyethyleneimine having an average ethoxylation degree of 20 per EO chain and a polyethyleneimine skeleton with approximately 600 MW.

[0052] Test method Appearance of detergent composition The appearance of the detergent composition is visually evaluated after storing the composition overnight in a 30 mL glass vial at 20°C. Visual evaluation is performed with samples without hydrogenated castor oil and enzymes, taking into consideration that hydrogenated castor oil and potential enzyme samples may make the final product slightly translucent and thus mask the hazy appearance of the final product.

[0053] Viscosity of detergent composition Viscosity measurement is carried out using a rotational rheometer, for example, the HR10 from TA Instruments. This instrument includes a 40 mm 2° cone fixture with a 52 μm gap. This measurement is carried out using a flow procedure that includes an adjustment step, a peak hold, and a continuous ramp step. The adjustment step includes a 10-second pre-shear at a shear rate of 10 s -1 at a measurement temperature of 20°C and a 60-second equilibrium at the selected temperature. The peak hold includes sampling every 10 s and applying a shear rate of 0.05 s -1 at 20°C for 3 minutes. The continuous ramp step is carried out at a shear rate of 0.1 - 1200 s -1 at 20°C for 3 minutes to obtain the full flow profile. The viscosity value at a shear rate of 20 s -1 is extracted and reported. The detergent composition of the present invention should have a viscosity of 250 - 1000 mPa·s, preferably 300 - 800 mPa·s. A viscosity that is too low (less than 250 mPa·s) may cause splashing during charging in the manufacturing process. A viscosity that is too high (more than 1000 mPa·s) may cause stringing during charging in the manufacturing process, and both splashing and stringing can potentially have an adverse effect on the seal strength.

[0054] % Film swelling Prepare 11cm x 12cm water-soluble PVOH film samples and expose them to the detergent composition and comparative composition according to the present invention. A total of 750 mL of these liquid detergent compositions is required for each test film. Cover the bottom of a clean, inert glass container with a thin layer of liquid, spread the first film to be tested on the liquid, and gently push any trapped air bubbles under the film toward both sides. Spread a thin layer of liquid over the first film sample, then add the second film sample. Repeat this process until five film samples are stacked with thin film layers in between. Next, gently pour the remaining liquid onto the top of the fifth film so that the film is fully immersed in the liquid. The film should be left wrinkle-free and no air bubbles should come into contact with the film. Store the film in contact with the liquid under sealed container conditions at 50°C for 5 days and at 21°C overnight. Use a separate glass container for each different liquid to be tested. Remove the film from the storage container and remove any excess liquid from the film. Place a sheet of paper on top of the film, which is placed on the bench paper, and then wipe the film thoroughly with dry paper, such as a dry tissue that does not contain fibers that may adhere to the surface of the polyvinyl alcohol-based film, and let it dry. Measure the weight of the film before and after the immersion test, calculate the relative weight increase / loss, and express it as a percentage change according to the following formula. Change % = (Final weight - Starting weight / Starting weight) * 100. Calculate and report the average value of five film samples per test solution.

[0055] A negative film swelling value may result in a brittle film during product aging, while a film swelling value exceeding 15% may make the entire unit-dose article flexible during aging, and therefore aesthetically unattractive. Preferably, the film swelling value is 3% to 15%, more preferably 5% to 15%.

Claims

1. A water-soluble unit-dose detergent article comprising a water-soluble film and a detergent composition, The aforementioned detergent composition is A non-soap surfactant system comprising 50% to 65% by weight of the above composition, including an anionic non-soap surfactant and a nonionic surfactant, The above composition contains 5% to 20% by weight of an organic solvent, The composition comprises 5% to 25% by weight of water, The nonionic surfactant comprises an alcohol ethoxylate surfactant, and the weight ratio of the non-soap anionic surfactant to the nonionic surfactant is 1.5:1 or less, in a water-soluble unit-dose detergent article.

2. The detergent article according to claim 1, wherein the anionic non-soap surfactant is selected from the group consisting of linear alkylbenzene sulfonates, alkyl ether sulfates, alkyl sulfates, and mixtures thereof.

3. The detergent article according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the nonionic surfactant is selected from the group consisting of primary alcohol ethoxylates, secondary alcohol ethoxylates, and mixtures thereof.

4. The detergent article according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the detergent is a laundry detergent.

5. The detergent article according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the organic solvent is selected from the group consisting of 1,2-propanediol, dipropylene glycol, tripropylene glycol, glycerol, sorbitol, polyethylene glycol, ethoxylated glycerin, or mixtures thereof.

6. The detergent article according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the weight ratio of the non-soap anionic surfactant to the nonionic surfactant is 1:2 to 1.5:

1.

7. The detergent article according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the detergent composition further comprises a fatty acid.

8. The detergent article according to claim 7, wherein the detergent composition contains 1.5% to 20% by weight of the fatty acid.

9. The detergent article according to any one of claims 1 to 8, further comprising an enzyme, preferably an enzyme selected from the group consisting of proteases, amylases, cellulases, lipases, xyloglucanases, mannanases, nucleases, and mixtures thereof.

10. A detergent article according to any one of claims 1 to 9, further comprising a thickening agent, preferably hydrogenated castor oil.

11. A detergent article according to any one of claims 1 to 10, further comprising a performance polymer, preferably a stain-removing polymer.

12. A detergent article according to any one of claims 1 to 11, further comprising a chelating agent, preferably an aminocarboxylated chelating agent.

13. The detergent article according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the detergent composition has a pH of 6 to 10 when measured in a 10% by weight aqueous solution at 25°C.

14. The detergent article according to any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein the water-soluble film comprises a polyvinyl alcohol polymer, and preferably the water-soluble film comprises a polyvinyl alcohol homopolymer, a polyvinyl alcohol copolymer, or a mixture thereof.

15. The detergent article according to claim 14, wherein the water-soluble film comprises a blend of polyvinyl alcohol homopolymers or polyvinyl alcohol copolymers or a blend of polyvinyl alcohol homopolymers and polyvinyl alcohol copolymers, preferably the polyvinyl alcohol copolymer is selected from sulfonated and carboxylated anionic polyvinyl alcohol copolymers, particularly carboxylated anionic polyvinyl alcohol copolymers, and most preferably the polyvinyl alcohol polymer comprises a blend of polyvinyl alcohol homopolymers and carboxylated anionic polyvinyl alcohol copolymers, or a blend of polyvinyl alcohol homopolymers.

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