A method for evaluating the effectiveness of a detergent composition for preventing the formation of secondary stains on fabrics.

Abstract

A method is provided for evaluating the effectiveness of a detergent composition in preventing the formation of secondary stains (also known as "stains caused by cross-contamination") on fabrics.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a method for evaluating the effectiveness of a detergent composition for preventing the formation of secondary stains (also known as "stains caused by cross-contamination") on fabrics. [Background technology]

[0002] As detergent products have evolved, consumer needs regarding cleaning have been adequately met. However, there are still several other unmet consumer needs in the field of laundry. One particular unresolved issue is that most clothing, after being washed multiple times and used for a certain period of time, becomes grayer / darker and loses its color. Clothes may look clean after washing, but they don't look as new or colorful as they were originally. In other words, clothes become "old" over time. [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0003] The underlying reasons for the aforementioned problems are quite complex. Previous research has been conducted to understand the mechanisms behind such problems. For example, the phenomenon of soil redeposition has been identified as one of the reasons for the above problems, and many active materials, including soil redeposition polymers (SRPs), have been developed to mitigate these issues. However, the effectiveness of such SRPs has not satisfied consumers. Therefore, there is a need to understand this problem better and to develop additional approaches to solve the aforementioned problems. [Means for solving the problem]

[0004] The inventors have surprisingly identified that one of the important reasons for the above problems is that during the washing process, especially during mixed washing, the clothing is contaminated by a mixture of the causes of stains. The inventors named the stain formed by such a mixture of stain causes during washing as secondary stain (also called "stain due to cross - contamination"). Similar to passive smoking, the so - called secondary stain refers to a stain caused by a passive process, i.e., by washing the fabric, but not by an active process, i.e., by normal use. In particular, the inventors have discovered that secondary stains are formed by mud stains and body stains, and optionally a mixture of dyes (also called "secondary dirt") during the mixed washing of clothing. In mixed washing, men's and women's clothing, tops and bottoms, and light - colored and dark - colored clothing are mixed together. In this case, different stain causes, such as mud stains containing SiO2 and / or metal oxide particles, body stains containing lipids and proteins, and dyes, are present together in the washing liquid. Different from simple dirt redeposition, mud stains, body stains, and optionally dyes in mixed washing can constitute a complex washing liquid in which these components can interact with each other. Such a washing liquid containing secondary dirt can contain smaller particles (e.g., sub - micron and / or nanoscale particle sizes) that can penetrate deeply into the gaps between the fabric or yarn, or even be located deep within the internal pores of the fiber. Although they cannot be easily seen by consumers or by analytical devices, they can contribute to the problem of the clothing becoming gray and / or dull after washing.

[0005] Based on the above surprising findings, the inventors have developed a method for evaluating the effectiveness of a detergent composition for preventing the formation of secondary stains on fabrics. This method includes: A) providing a secondary dirt composition, a fabric, and the detergent composition to be evaluated; B) adding the secondary dirt composition, the fabric, and the detergent composition to be evaluated to water to form a washing liquid; C) washing the fabric in the washing liquid; and D) measuring the whiteness maintenance index of the fabric. The secondary dirt composition includes mud stains and body stains, and the weight ratio of mud stains to body stains is 5:1 to 1:3.

[0006] In some embodiments according to the present application, the weight ratio of mud stain to body stain is 4:1 to 1:3, preferably 3:1 to 1:2.5, more preferably 2:1 to 1:2.5, and most preferably 1:1 to 1:2.5.

[0007] In some embodiments according to the present application, the secondary stain composition further contains a dye at a concentration of 0.001% to 1.5% by weight, or 0.01% to 1% by weight, preferably 0.03% to 0.5% by weight, more preferably 0.05% to 0.3% by weight, based on the total weight of the secondary stain composition.

[0008] In some embodiments according to the present application, the secondary stain composition is present in the cleaning liquid at a concentration of 0.03 g / L to 15 g / L, preferably 0.1 g / L to 10 g / L, more preferably 0.3 g / L to 5 g / L, even more preferably 0.5 g / L to 2 g / L, for example 0.1 g / L, 0.2 g / L, 0.3 g / L, 0.4 g / L, 0.5 g / L, 0.7 g / L, 1 g / L, 1.5 g / L, 2 g / L, 2.5 g / L, 3 g / L, or any concentration range therebetween.

[0009] In some embodiments according to the present application, in the cleaning liquid, the mud stain is present at a concentration of 0.05 g / L to 12 g / L, preferably 0.2 g / L to 5 g / L, more preferably 0.3 g / L to 2 g / L, for example 0.05 g / L, 0.3 g / L, 1.0 g / L, 2.0 g / L, or any concentration range therebetween.

[0010] In some embodiments according to the present application, in the cleaning liquid, the body stain is present at a concentration of 0.05 g / L to 12 g / L, preferably 0.2 g / L to 5 g / L, more preferably 0.3 g / L to 2 g / L, for example 0.05 g / L, 0.3 g / L, 1.0 g / L, 2.0 g / L, or any concentration range therebetween.

[0011] In some embodiments of this application, the dye is present in the washing solution at a concentration of 0.0005 g / L to 1 g / L, preferably 0.001 g / L to 0.5 g / L, more preferably 0.005 g / L to 0.2 g / L, for example 0.0001 g / L, 0.0002 g / L, 0.0005 g / L, 0.001 g / L, 0.002 g / L, 0.003 g / L, 0.004 g / L, 0.01 g / L, 0.02 g / L, 0.03 g / L, 0.04 g / L, 0.05 g / L, 0.1 g / L, 0.2 g / L, or any range in between.

[0012] In some embodiments of this application, the mud particles have an average particle size of 0.03 μm to 50 μm, preferably 0.1 μm to 30 μm, more preferably 0.2 μm to 10 μm, most preferably 0.5 μm to 5 μm, for example 0.1 μm, 0.2 μm, 0.3 μm, 0.4 μm, 0.5 μm, 0.7 μm, 0.9 μm, 1 μm, 2 μm, 3 μm, 4 μm, 5 μm, 10 μm, 15 μm, 20 μm, 25 μm, 30 μm, 35 μm, 40 μm, 45 μm, or any range in between.

[0013] In some embodiments of this application, the detergent composition is determined to be effective in preventing the formation of secondary stains when the whiteness retention index of the fabric is 0.1 to 8, preferably 0.3 to 7, more preferably 0.5 to 6.5, and most preferably 0.5 to 6, as measured according to Test 1: Secondary Stain Whiteness Retention Index Test.

[0014] In some embodiments of this application, the fabric is selected from the group consisting of cotton, polycotton, recycled cotton, synthetically modified cotton, flax, wool, polyester, nylon, elastane, silk, acrylic, and any combination thereof, preferably the fabric is cotton, polycotton, recycled cotton, synthetically modified cotton, polyester, nylon, elastane, or any combination thereof.

[0015] In some embodiments of this application, the detergent composition comprises a processing aid, which is preferably selected from the group consisting of surfactants, fatty acids and / or salts thereof, enzymes, encapsulation beneficial agents, dirt-releasing polymers, colorants, builders, chelating agents, color transfer inhibitors, dispersants, enzyme stabilizers, antioxidants, catalysts, bleaching agents, bleaching catalysts, bleaching activators, polymer dispersants, dirt-removing / re-adhesion inhibitors, polymer grease cleaners, amphiphilic copolymers, glossing agents, antifoaming agents, dyes, colorants, fragrances, structural elastochemicals, fabric softeners, carriers, fillers, hydrotropes, solvents, antimicrobial agents and / or preservatives, neutralizing agents and / or pH adjusters, processing aids, rheology adjusters and / or structuring agents, opacifiers, pearl essences, pigments, corrosion inhibitors and / or colorfast agents, and mixtures thereof.

[0016] In some embodiments of this application, secondary stains are stains on the fabric that are formed during the washing of the fabric, preferably secondary stains are stains on the fabric that are formed during the washing of the fabric by mud and body dirt, and optionally a mixture of dyes.

[0017] In some embodiments of this application, the whiteness retention index of the fabric is L * The whiteness retention index of the fabric is determined by measuring AB and calculating ΔE as the whiteness retention index, preferably according to Test 1: Whiteness Retention Index Test for Secondary Staining.

[0018] In another aspect, the present application relates to a method for preventing the formation of secondary stains on a fabric, A) The process of providing the fabric, B) A polyalkylene oxide graft copolymer in an amount of about 0.05% to about 15% by weight, preferably about 0.1% to about 5% by weight, and more preferably about 0.2% to about 3% by weight of the detergent composition, a) A polyalkylene oxide component as a graft base having a number-average molecular weight of 1,000 to 20,000 daltons and based on ethylene oxide, propylene oxide, butylene oxide, or a mixture thereof, b) The polyvinyl ester comprises a polyvinyl ester component as a side chain, derived from a saturated monocarboxylic acid and / or a methyl or ethyl ester of acrylic acid or methacrylic acid containing 1 to 6 carbon atoms, c) containing polyvinylpyrrolidone as a side chain, The weight ratio of (a):(c) is 1:0.1 to 1:2. The present invention relates to a method comprising the step of treating a fabric with a detergent composition containing a polyalkylene oxide graft copolymer, wherein the amount of (a) by weight is greater than the amount of (b).

[0019] In another embodiment, the present application relates to a method for washing fabric, A) A step of providing a mixed fabric and detergent composition, B) A step of adding the mixed fabric and detergent composition to water to form a cleaning solution, C) A step of washing the fabric mixed in a cleaning solution, The detergent composition contains a polyalkylene oxide graft copolymer in an amount of about 0.05% to about 15% by weight, preferably about 0.1% to about 5% by weight, more preferably about 0.2% to about 3% by weight of the detergent composition, and the polyalkylene oxide graft copolymer is a) A polyalkylene oxide component as a graft base having a number-average molecular weight of 1,000 to 20,000 daltons and based on ethylene oxide, propylene oxide, butylene oxide, or a mixture thereof, b) The polyvinyl ester comprises a polyvinyl ester component as a side chain, derived from a saturated monocarboxylic acid and / or a methyl or ethyl ester of acrylic acid or methacrylic acid containing 1 to 6 carbon atoms, c) containing polyvinylpyrrolidone as a side chain, The weight ratio of (a):(c) is 1:0.1 to 1:2. This concerns a method by which the quantity of (a) is greater than the quantity of (b) based on weight.

[0020] In one embodiment of this application, the mixed fabric refers to fabrics having different types of stains. Preferably, the mixed fabric is selected from the group consisting of a mixture of men's and women's clothing, a mixture of jackets and underwear, a mixture of light-colored and dark-colored clothing, and any combination thereof.

[0021] In one embodiment of this application, in the graft polymer, a) the polyalkylene oxide comprises ethylene oxide units or ethylene oxide units and propylene oxide units, preferably consisting of ethylene oxide units or ethylene oxide units and propylene oxide units, and b) the polyvinyl ester comprises vinyl acetate, preferably consisting of vinyl acetate.

[0022] In one embodiment of the present application, in the graft copolymer, the polyalkylene oxide has a number-average molecular weight of 2,000 to 15,000 daltons, and / or the weight ratio of (a):(b) is 1.0:0.1 to 1.0:0.99, preferably 1.0:0.3 to 1.0:0.9, and / or the polyalkylene oxide graft polymer has a weight-average molecular weight of 4,000 Da to 100,000 Da. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0023] definition When used herein, articles such as "a" and "an" are understood to mean one or more of the claims or descriptions when used in the claims.

[0024] As used herein, the terms “comprise,” “comprises,” “comprising,” “include,” “includes,” and “contain,” are intended to be non-limiting, meaning that other steps and other components that do not affect the final result may be added. The terms “consisting of” and “consisting essentially of” are included above.

[0025] As used herein, when a composition is "substantially free" of a particular component, it means that the composition contains that particular component in trace amounts, or less than 0.1% by weight, or less than 0.01% by weight, or less than 0.001% by weight.

[0026] As used herein, the term “laundry detergent composition” means a composition for washing soiled materials, including fabrics. Such compositions can be used as pre-washing agents, post-washing agents, or added during the rinse or wash cycle of a laundry operation. Laundry detergent compositions may be in a form selected from liquids, powders, unit doses such as single-compartment or multi-compartment unit doses, pouches, tablets, gels, pastes, bars, or flakes. Preferably, laundry detergent compositions are liquids or unit-dose compositions. The term “liquid laundry detergent composition” as used herein means a composition that is in a form selected from the group consisting of pourable liquids, gels, creams, and combinations thereof. Liquid laundry detergent compositions may be either aqueous or non-aqueous, and may be anisotropic, isotropic, or a combination thereof. The term “unit-dose laundry detergent composition” as used herein means a water-soluble pouch containing a specific amount of liquid enclosed in a water-soluble film.

[0027] As used herein, the term “secondary stain” means a stain on a fabric that does not form during use but does form during washing. In particular, during the washing process, various stains / dirt / dyes are removed from the fabric surface into the washing solution, which then become a complex mixture (e.g., mud and body grime, and optionally a mixture containing dyes) that may contaminate other garments being washed in the washing solution.

[0028] As used herein, the term “secondary staining” means stains in the washing solution during the washing process. Secondary staining may result in the formation of secondary stains on the fabric during the washing process.

[0029] As used herein, the term “secondary stain composition” means a combination comprising at least mud and body grime that can facilitate the formation of secondary stains on the fabric in the cleaning solution. The mud and body grime may exist as a mixture or may be spatially separated. If the mud and body grime are present separately, they can be added separately to water to form a cleaning solution together with the detergent composition and the fabric. In some embodiments, the secondary stain composition may further contain dyes.

[0030] As used herein, the term “body grime” means body oils, dead skin flakes, sweat, desquamation, scales, sebum, or any combination thereof. Several commercially available body grime products exist, such as JB03 manufactured by Sino Light Inspection & Certification Co. Ltd.

[0031] As used herein, the term "alkyl" means a hydrocarbyl moiety that is branched or unbranched, substituted or unsubstituted. The term "alkyl" includes the alkyl moiety of an acyl group.

[0032] As used herein, the term “major surfactant” refers to a surfactant present in a composition in a larger amount than any other surfactant contained in such composition. Similarly, the term “major anionic surfactant” refers to an anionic surfactant present in a composition in a larger amount than any other anionic surfactant contained in such composition.

[0033] As used herein, the term “majority surfactant” means a surfactant present in a composition in an amount that is at least 50% by weight of the total surfactant content in such composition. Similarly, the term “majority anionic surfactant” means an anionic surfactant present in a composition in an amount that is at least 50% by weight of the total anionic surfactant content in such composition.

[0034] As used herein, the term “cleaning solution” refers to a typical amount of aqueous solution used for one cycle of laundry washing, preferably 1 to 50 liters, or 1 to 20 liters for manual washing, or 20 to 65 liters for machine washing.

[0035] As used herein, the term “textile” is used non-specifically and may refer to any type of natural or artificial fiber, including but not limited to cotton, linen, wool, polyester, nylon, silk, acrylic, and similar materials, as well as various mixtures and combinations of natural or artificial fibers.

[0036] Detergent composition The detergent compositions of this disclosure may be selected from the group consisting of detergent powder compositions, lightweight liquid detergent compositions, heavy liquid detergent compositions, detergent gels commonly used in laundry, bleaching compositions, laundry additives, fabric strengthening compositions, unit dose articles, and mixtures thereof.

[0037] The composition may be in any preferred form. The composition may be in the form of a liquid composition, a granular composition, a single-compartment pouch, a multi-compartment pouch, a sheet, a scented tablet or beads, a fibrous article, a tablet, a bar, a flake, or a mixture thereof. The composition may be liquid, solid, or a combination thereof.

[0038] The composition may be an aqueous liquid laundry detergent composition. In such an aqueous liquid laundry detergent composition, the water content can be at a concentration of 5.0% to 95% by weight of the liquid detergent composition, preferably 25% to 90% by weight, and more preferably 50% to 85% by weight.

[0039] The pH range of the detergent composition is preferably 6.0 to 8.9, more preferably 7 to 8.8.

[0040] The detergent composition can also be encapsulated in a water-soluble film to form a unit-dose article. Such a unit-dose article contains the detergent composition of the present invention, the detergent composition contains less than 20% by weight, preferably less than 15% by weight, and more preferably less than 10% by weight of water, and the detergent composition is encapsulated in a water-soluble or water-dispersible film. Such a unit-dose article can be formed using any means known in the art. A suitable unit-dose article may contain one compartment, which contains the liquid laundry detergent composition. Alternatively, the unit-dose article may be a multi-compartment unit-dose article, in which at least one compartment contains the liquid laundry detergent composition.

[0041] Polyalkylene oxide graft copolymer The detergent composition may contain one or more polyalkylene oxide graft copolymers. The graft copolymer can be present in concentrations of about 0.01% to about 15% by weight, preferably about 0.05% to about 10% by weight, more preferably about 0.1% to about 5% by weight, most preferably about 0.2% to about 3% by weight, for example, 0.10%, 0.15%, 0.20%, 0.25%, 0.30%, 0.35%, 0.40%, 0.45%, 0.50%, 1%, 2%, or 3% by weight of the composition.

[0042] In particular, in one embodiment, the polyalkylene oxide graft copolymer comprises (a) a polyalkylene oxide having a number-average molecular weight of 1,000 to 20,000 daltons and based on ethylene oxide, propylene oxide, and / or butylene oxide; (b) a polyvinyl ester component as a side chain; and (c) polyvinylpyrrolidone as a side chain. In particular, the polyvinyl ester component is derived from a saturated monocarboxylic acid and / or a methyl or ethyl ester of acrylic acid or methacrylic acid containing 1 to 6 carbon atoms.

[0043] In particular, in one embodiment, the weight ratio of component a) to component b) is 1:0.1 to 1:0.99, preferably 1:0.3 to 1:0.9.

[0044] In particular, in one embodiment, the weight ratio of component a) to component c) is 1:0.1 to 1:2, preferably 1:0.3 to 1:1.

[0045] In particular, in one embodiment, in the polyalkylene oxide graft copolymer, 1.0 mol% to 60 mol%, preferably 20 mol% to 60 mol%, and more preferably 30 mol% to 50 mol%, of the grafted monomer of component (b) is hydrolyzed.

[0046] In particular, in some embodiments, the polyalkylene oxide comprises or consists of ethylene oxide units or ethylene oxide units and propylene oxide units.

[0047] In particular, in one embodiment, the polyvinyl ester includes vinyl acetate.

[0048] Suitable polyalkylene oxides can be based on homopolymers or copolymers, with homopolymers being preferred. The polyalkylene oxide may be based on a homopolymer of ethylene oxide, or an ethylene oxide copolymer having an ethylene oxide content of 40 mol% to 99 mol%. Suitable comonomers for such copolymers include propylene oxide, n-butylene oxide, and / or isobutylene oxide. Suitable copolymers include copolymers of ethylene oxide and propylene oxide, copolymers of ethylene oxide and butylene oxide, and / or copolymers of ethylene oxide, propylene oxide, and at least one butylene oxide. The copolymer may contain an ethylene oxide content of 40 to 99 mol%, a propylene oxide content of 1.0 to 60 mol%, and a butylene oxide content of 1.0 to 30 mol%. The graft base may be linear (linear) or branched, for example, a branched homopolymer and / or a branched copolymer.

[0049] Branched copolymers can be prepared by adding ethylene oxide, with or without propylene oxide and / or butylene oxide, to a polyhydric low molecular weight alcohol, such as trimethylolpropane, pentose, or hexose.

[0050] Alkylene oxide units can exist internally as blocks, even if they are randomly distributed within the polymer.

[0051] The polyalkylene oxide of component (a) may be the corresponding polyalkylene glycol in its free form (i.e., having an OH terminal group), or one or both terminal groups may be protected. Preferred terminal groups may be, for example, C1-C25 alkyl groups, phenyl groups, and C1-C14 alkylphenyl groups. The terminal group may be a C1-alkyl (e.g., methyl) group. Suitable materials for the graft base include polyethylene glycols such as PEG1000, PEG2000, PEG4000, PEG6000, PEG8000, PEG10000, PEG12000, and / or PEG20000, and / or monomethoxypolyethylene glycols such as MPEG2000, MPEG4000, MPEG6000, MPEG8000, and MEG10000, which are commercially available from BASF under the trade name PLURIOL, and / or block copolymers made from ethylene oxide-propylene oxide-ethylene oxide (EO-PO-EO) or propylene oxide-ethylene oxide-propylene oxide (PO-EO-PO), such as PE6100, PE6800, or PE3100, which are commercially available from BASF under the trade name PLURONIC®.

[0052] Polyalkylene oxides can be grafted with N-vinylpyrrolidone as the monomer of component (b). While we do not wish to be bound by theory, it is believed that the presence of N-vinylpyrrolidone ("VP") monomer in the graft copolymer according to this disclosure results in water solubility and good film-forming properties compared to other similar polymers that do not contain N-vinylpyrrolidone monomer. The repeating unit of vinylpyrrolidone is amphiphilic due to a polar amide group that can form a dipole and a nonpolar moiety with a methylene group that makes the backbone and ring hydrophobic.

[0053] Polyalkylene oxides can be grafted with vinyl esters as monomers for component (c). The vinyl esters may be derived from saturated monocarboxylic acids that may contain 1 to 6 carbon atoms, 1 to 3 carbon atoms, 1 to 2 carbon atoms, or 1 carbon atom. Preferred vinyl esters may be selected from the group consisting of vinyl formate, vinyl acetate, vinyl propionate, vinyl butyrate, vinyl valerate, vinyl isovalerate, vinyl caproate, or mixtures thereof. Preferred monomers for component (c) include those selected from the group consisting of vinyl acetate, vinyl propionate, or mixtures thereof, and are preferably vinyl acetate.

[0054] Traditionally, molecular weight is expressed by the "K value" obtained from relative viscosity measurements. Graft copolymers can have K values ​​of 5.0 to 200, and optionally 5.0 to 50, measured according to H. Fikentscher in a 2% strength solution in dimethylformamide at 25°C.

[0055] A particularly preferred graft copolymer of the present invention has a polyethylene oxide backbone grafted with one or more polyvinyl acetate side chains. More preferably, the weight ratio of the polyethylene oxide backbone to the polyvinyl acetate side chains is in the range of about 1:0.2 to about 1:10, or about 1:0.5 to about 1:6, most preferably about 1:1 to about 1:5. An example of such a preferred amphiphilic graft copolymer is the Sokalan® HP22 polymer, commercially available from BASF Corporation. This polymer has a polyethylene oxide backbone grafted with polyvinyl acetate side chains. The polyethylene oxide backbone of this polymer has a number-average molecular weight (Mn) of about 6,000 g / mol (corresponding to about 136 ethylene oxide units), and the weight ratio of the polyethylene oxide backbone to the polyvinyl acetate side chains is about 1:3. The number-average molecular weight (Mn) of the polymer itself is about 24,000 g / mol.

[0056] Surfactant-based The composition according to the present disclosure may contain a surfactant system in an amount of 1% to 99% by weight, preferably 4% to 80% by weight, preferably 6% to 50% by weight, more preferably 10% to 30% by weight, for example, 5%, 10%, 15%, 20%, 25%, 30%, 35%, 40%, 45%, 50%, 60%, 70%, 80%, 90% by weight or any range therebetween. Specifically, the surfactant system may include an anionic surfactant and a nonionic surfactant.

[0057] In particular, the anionic surfactant may include linear alkylbenzene sulfonate (LAS), alkyl ethoxylated sulfate (AES), alkyl sulfate (AS), methyl ester sulfonate (MES), alkyl ether carboxylate (AEC), or any combination thereof, and preferably, the anionic surfactant is C6 - C 20 linear alkylbenzene sulfonate (LAS), C6 - C 20 alkyl ethoxylated sulfate (AES), C6 - C 20 alkyl sulfate (AS), and is selected from the group consisting of any combination thereof.

[0058] In particular, the nonionic surfactant may include alkyl alkoxylated alcohol, alkyl alkoxylated phenol, alkyl polysaccharide, polyhydroxy fatty acid amide, alkoxylated fatty acid ester, and any combination thereof, and preferably, the nonionic surfactant is selected from the nonionic surfactants represented by formula (1). R 12 -X-[(EO) s / (PO) t -R 13 ...(1) wherein, R 12 is a linear or branched alkyl having 8 to 18 carbon atoms, X is -O- or -C(O)O-, R 13is an alkyl group having hydrogen or 1 to 6 carbon atoms, s represents the average repeat of EO, t represents the average repeat of PO, s is 3 to 20, t is 0 to 6, EO represents ethylene oxide, PO represents propylene oxide, and EO and PO may be arranged in a mixture.

[0059] Suitable anionic surfactant systems for the compositions of the present invention are C6-C 20 Linear alkylbenzene sulfonate (LAS), C6~C 20 Alkyl sulfate (AS), C6~C 20 Alkylalkoxysulfates (AAS), C6~C 20 Methyl ester sulfonate (MES), C6-C 20 Alkyl ether carboxylates (AECs) and any combination thereof may be selected from the group. For example, laundry detergent compositions may be C6-C 20 Alkylalkoxysulfate (AA x It may contain S), where x is about 1 to 30, preferably about 1 to 15, more preferably about 1 to 10, and most preferably about 1 to 3. x The alkyl chain in S may be either linear or branched, and medium-chain branched AA x S surfactants are particularly preferred. Preferred group AA x For S, x is approximately 1 to 3. 12 ~C 14 Examples include alkyl alkoxy sulfates. In some embodiments, the composition contains 1% to 30% by weight, preferably 2% to 25% by weight, more preferably 3% to 20% by weight, for example, 4%, 5% by weight, 6% by weight, 7% by weight, 8% by weight, 9% by weight, 10% by weight, 12% by weight, 14% by weight, 16% by weight, 18% by weight, 20% by weight, or any range in between these amounts of anionic surfactants.

[0060] Suitable nonionic surfactant systems for the composition may be selected from the group consisting of alkylalkoxylated alcohols, alkylalkoxylated phenols, alkyl polysaccharides, polyhydroxy fatty acid amides, alkoxylated fatty acid esters, sucrose esters, sorbitan esters and alkoxylated derivatives of sorbitan esters, and any combination thereof. Non-limiting examples of nonionic surfactants suitable for use herein include C, such as Neodol® nonionic surfactants available from Shell. 12 ~C 18 Alkyl ethoxylate; C6~C 12 Alkylphenol alkoxylates (where the alkoxylate unit is a mixture of ethylene oxy units and propylene oxy units); C with ethylene oxide / propylene oxide block alkyl polyamine ethoxylates such as Pluronic® available from BASF. 12 ~C 18 Alcohol and C6~C 12 Alkylphenol condensate; C 14 ~C 22 Examples of medium-chain branched alkyl alkoxylates (BAEx, where x is approximately 1 to approximately 30); alkyl polysaccharides, specifically alkyl polyglycosides; polyhydroxy fatty acid amides; and ether-terminated poly(oxyalkylated) alcohol surfactants. Furthermore, nonionic surfactants as used herein include alkoxylated ester surfactants, for example, those of formula R 1 C(O)O(R2O)nR 3 [In the formula, R 1 These are linear and branched C6-C 22 Selected from alkyl or alkylene moieties, R 2 It is selected from the C2H4 and C3H6 portions, R 3Alkoxylated ester surfactants having [where is selected from H, CH3, C2H5, and C3H7 moieties, and n has a value of about 1 to about 20] are also useful. Examples of such alkoxylated ester surfactants include aliphatic methyl ester ethoxylates (MEEs), which are well known in the art. In some specific embodiments, the alkoxylated nonionic surfactant contained in the laundry detergent composition of the present invention is C6-C 20 Alkoxylated alcohols, preferably C8-C 18 Alkoxylated alcohols, more preferably C 10 ~C 16 It is an alkoxylated alcohol. C6~C 20 The alkoxylated alcohol is preferably an alkylalkoxylated alcohol with an average alkoxylated degree of about 1 to about 50, preferably about 3 to about 30, more preferably about 5 to about 20, and even more preferably about 5 to about 9. In some embodiments, the composition contains 1% to 30% by weight, preferably 2% to 25% by weight, more preferably 3% to 20% by weight, for example, 4%, 5% by weight, 6% by weight, 7% by weight, 8% by weight, 9% by weight, 10% by weight, 12% by weight, 14% by weight, 16% by weight, 18% by weight, 20% by weight, or any range in between these amounts of a nonionic surfactant.

[0061] The ratio of anionic surfactant to nonionic surfactant may be 0.01 to 100, preferably 0.05 to 20, more preferably 0.1 to 10, and most preferably 0.2 to 5.

[0062] In some embodiments, the anionic surfactant is C6-C 20 Linear alkylbenzene sulfonate surfactant (LAS), preferably C 10 ~C 16 LAS, and moreover C 12 ~C 14 Includes LAS. In other embodiments, the anionic surfactant is C6-C 20 Alkylalkoxy sulfate (AAS), preferably C 10 ~C 16AAS, ferC 12 ~C 14 Contains AAS. In other embodiments, the anionic surfactant is C6-C 20 Alkyl sulfate (AS), preferably C 10 ~C 16 AS, more preferably C 12 ~C 14 Includes AS.

[0063] In some specific embodiments of the present invention, anionic surfactants may be present in the composition as the main surfactant, preferably as the majority surfactant. Preferably, the ratio of anionic surfactants to nonionic surfactants may be 1.05 to 100, preferably 1.1 to 20, more preferably 1.2 to 10, and most preferably 1.3 to 5. Specifically, the anionic surfactant is C6 to C 20 It may contain linear alkylbenzene sulfonates (LAS).

[0064] In some specific embodiments of the present invention, a nonionic surfactant may be present in the composition as the main surfactant, preferably as the majority surfactant. Preferably, the ratio of anionic surfactant to nonionic surfactant may be 0.01 to 0.95, preferably 0.05 to 0.9, more preferably 0.1 to 0.85, and most preferably 0.2 to 0.8. Specifically, the nonionic surfactant is C6 to C 20 It may contain alkoxylated alcohols.

[0065] The laundry detergent composition of the present invention may further contain a cationic surfactant. Non-limiting examples of cationic surfactants include quaternary ammonium salt surfactants (which may have up to 26 carbon atoms and include alkoxylated quaternary ammonium (AQA) surfactants); dimethylhydroxyethyl quaternary ammonium compounds; dimethyldiisopropyl quaternary ammonium compounds; dimethylhydroxyethyl laurylammonium chloride; polyamine cationic surfactants; and amine surfactants, specifically amidopropyl dimethylamine (APA).

[0066] The laundry detergent composition of the present invention may further contain an amphoteric surfactant. Non-limiting examples of amphoteric surfactants include amine oxides, derivatives of secondary and tertiary amines, derivatives of heterocyclic secondary and tertiary amines, or derivatives of quaternary ammonium, quaternary phosphonium, or tertiary sulfonium compounds. Preferred examples include C6-C 20 Examples of betaines include alkyldimethylamine oxide, alkyldimethyl betaine and cocodimethylamidopropyl betaine, sulfo and hydroxybetaine (alkyl group is C8-C8). 18 or C 10 ~C 14 Possible candidates include N-alkyl-N,N-dimethylamino-1-propanesulfonate.

[0067] Other ingredients The laundry detergent compositions according to this disclosure may further contain 0.01% to 10% by weight, preferably 0.1% to 5% by weight, more preferably 0.2% to 3% by weight, and most preferably 0.3% to 2% by weight of a surfactant-enhancing polymer, preferably polyvinyl acetate grafted polyethylene oxide copolymer, in an amount of the composition.

[0068] The laundry detergent compositions described herein may contain auxiliary components. Suitable auxiliary substances include, but are not limited to, builders, chelating agents, rheological modifiers, color transfer inhibitors, dispersants, enzymes and enzyme stabilizers, antioxidants, catalytic materials, bleach activators, hydrogen peroxide, hydrogen peroxide sources, pre-formed peracids, polymer dispersants, mud removers / anti-re-adhesion agents, whitening agents, anti-foaming agents, dyes, photo-fading agents, fragrances, fragrance microcapsules, structural elastoides, fabric softeners, carriers, hydrotropes, processing aids, solvents, colorants, structuring agents, and / or pigments. The exact properties and concentrations of these auxiliary components in the laundry detergent composition depend on the physical form of the composition and the nature of the washing operation in which the composition is used.

[0069] In some embodiments, the laundry detergent compositions according to the present disclosure may further contain 0.01% to 10% by weight, preferably 0.1% to 5% by weight, more preferably 0.2% to 4% by weight, most preferably 0.3% to 3% by weight, for example, 0.5% by weight, 1% by weight, 2% by weight, 3% by weight, 4% by weight, 5% by weight, or any range thereof, of fatty acids.

[0070] Preparation of composition The laundry detergent compositions of the present invention are generally prepared by conventional methods known in the art of the manufacture of laundry detergent compositions. Such methods typically involve mixing essential and optional components in any desired order to a relatively homogeneous state, with or without the application of heating, cooling, vacuum, etc., thereby providing a laundry detergent composition containing the components at the required concentrations.

[0071] How to use Another aspect of the present invention relates to a method for using a laundry detergent composition to treat mixed fabrics. Such a method can provide the benefit of preventing the formation of secondary stains. The method comprises the step of adding 5 g to 120 g of the above laundry detergent composition to a washing tub containing water to form a cleaning solution. The amount of cleaning solution in the washing tub according to this specification is preferably 1 L to 65 L, or 1 L to 20 L for manual washing and 10 L to 65 L for machine washing. The temperature of the laundry cleaning solution is preferably in the range of 5°C to 60°C.

[0072] The dosage in the methods described herein may vary depending on the type of washing. In one embodiment, the method involves dispensing about 5 g to about 60 g of the laundry detergent composition into a manual washing tub (e.g., about 2 to 4 L). In an alternative embodiment, the method involves dispensing about 5 g to about 100 g, preferably about 10 g to about 65 g, of the laundry detergent composition into a washing machine (e.g., about 10 to 45 L).

[0073] Test method Test 1: Whiteness retention index test of secondary stain compositions The whiteness retention index test is performed using a Tergotometer (model: NE6-COP, manufactured by Copley Scientific Ltd) as follows: Mud stain: Arizona fine particle clay with an average particle size of approximately 0.5-2 μm, available from Shanghai Rainbow Technology Ltd Co., 0.75 g / L Body stains: JB03nil carbon black, available from Sino light inspection & certification Co.Ltd., 0.15g / L~2.25g / L Dyes: Reactive Red 3BS and Reactive Black WNN, available from Zhejiang Longsheng Ltd.Co.

[0074] The weight ratio of mud to body dirt is 5:1 to 1:3, preferably 1:2.

[0075] The dye dosage is 5 ppm to 300 ppm, preferably 12 ppm of reactive red and 30 ppm of reactive black. Water amount: 0.8L Type of water: Tap water Detergent composition concentration: 2000 ppm Fabric tracer: Two 10cm x 10cm pieces of whitening agent-containing PCW13 (50% cotton, 50% polyester, purchased from Danxin Textile Co. (Beijing, China)) were pre-striped six times in deionized water with Chinese national standard powder detergent (Taiyuan, China).

[0076] Before washing, use the L fabric tracer. * Measure ab (then calculate ΔE, which is specified as the whiteness maintenance index). 1. Add tap water. 2. Add HDL and let it dissolve for 1 minute. 3. Add the mud stain and let it dissolve for 3 minutes. 4. Add body stains (and optionally dyes) and let dissolve for 5 minutes. The dye solution is prepared by pre-adding the dye powder to RO water. 5. Add the fabric tracer and start agitation (main wash). 6. The main washing time is 10 minutes. 7. Rinse once after the main wash. 8. The rinsing time is 3 minutes. 9. Remove the fabric from the rinse container and allow it to air dry. 10. Tracer L after washing with detergent and mud * ab is measured using IA measurement, and ΔE is calculated.

[0077] Test 2: Conventional cleaning test The whiteness retention index test is performed using a Tergotometer (model: NE6-COP, manufactured by Copley Scientific Ltd) as follows: Mud stain remover, available from Shanghai Rainbow Technology Ltd Co. (Arizona fine particle clay with an average particle size of approximately 0.5-2 μm), 0.75 g / L Water amount: 0.8L Type of water: Tap water Detergent composition concentration: 2000 ppm Fabric tracer: Two 10cm x 10cm pieces of whitening agent-containing PCW13 (50% cotton, 50% polyester, purchased from Danxin Textile Co. (Beijing, China)) were pre-striped six times in deionized water with Chinese national standard powder detergent (Taiyuan, China).

[0078] Before washing, use the L fabric tracer. * Measure ab (then calculate ΔE, which is specified as the whiteness maintenance index). 1. Add tap water. 2. Add HDL and dissolve for 1 minute. 3. Add the mud stain and dissolve for 3 minutes. 4. Add the fabric tracer and start agitation (main wash). 5. The main washing time is 10 minutes. 6. Rinse once after the main wash. 7. The rinsing time is 3 minutes. 8. Remove the fabric from the rinse container and allow it to air dry. 9. Tracer L after washing with detergent and mud * ab is measured using IA measurement, and ΔE is calculated.

[0079] Test 3: Whiteness Grade Test Data To observe the whiteness of the fabrics between the test sample and the reference sample, five panelists assigned scores ranging from -2 to 2. A negative number indicates that the panelist gave a high rating to the reference sample, a positive number indicates that the panelist gave a high rating to the test sample, and a score of 0 indicates no difference between the samples.

[0080] [Table 1] [Examples]

[0081] Synthesis Example 1: Synthesis of Graft Copolymers A graft copolymer of PVP / PVAc-g-PEG in a weight ratio of 20:30:50 and having a weight-average molecular weight of 16,800 daltons was prepared as follows.

[0082] In a polymerization vessel equipped with a stirrer and reflux condenser, 720 g of PEG (6000 g / mol) and 60 g of 1,2-propanediol (MPG) were initially added under a nitrogen atmosphere. The mixture was homogenized at 70°C.

[0083] Next, 432 g of vinyl acetate (after 2 hours), 288 g of vinylpyrrolidone in 576 g of MPG (after 5 hours), and 30.2 g of tert-butyl perpivalate in 196.6 g of MPG (after 5.5 hours) were weighed and added. After the feed was completely added, the solution was stirred at 70°C for 1 hour. Then, 3.8 g of tert-butyl perpivalate in 25.0 g of MPG (after 1.5 hours) was weighed and added, followed by stirring for 0.5 hours.

[0084] Volatile substances were removed by vacuum stripping. Then, 676.8 g of deionized water was added, and steam distillation was performed at 100°C for 1 hour.

[0085] The temperature of the reaction mixture was lowered to 80°C, and 160.6 g of aqueous sodium hydroxide solution (50%, each containing 40 mol% VAc) was added at the maximum feed rate. After the sodium hydroxide solution had been completely added, the mixture was stirred at 80°C for 1 hour, and then cooled to ambient temperature.

[0086] The obtained graft copolymer is characterized by a K value of 24. The solid content of the final solution is 45%.

[0087] Example 1: Establishment of a method for evaluating the prevention of secondary stain formation. To understand why clothes turn gray and / or dull after washing, we analyzed the detergent solutions of consumers who reported the above problems. Thirty detergent solution samples were collected from 30 consumers. The concentration and composition of dirt in the detergent solution samples were measured. The average total dirt concentration was 200 mg / L, which is significantly higher than the dirt concentration used in the standard laundry detergent test (SBL2004) (approximately 60 mg / L). The dirt composition is as follows: Proteins and lipids typically originate from body dirt. Proteins and lipids are underreported in the standard laundry detergent test (SBL2004).

[0088] [Table 2]

[0089] Furthermore, the particle size of the cleaning solution samples was measured. The median particle size was 41 μm, which is much smaller than the average particle size of dirt used in the standard laundry cleaning test (SBL2004) (approximately 77 μm).

[0090] Therefore, the inventors recognized that the presence of secondary soiling (i.e., a mixture of mud and body grime, and optionally soiling in the cleaning solution containing dyes) may be the reason why clothing turns gray and / or dull after washing. In other words, secondary soiling in the cleaning solution causes secondary stains to form on the fabric. Therefore, the inventors developed a method for evaluating the effectiveness of detergent compositions in preventing the formation of secondary stains on fabrics. This method simulates the formation of secondary stains by adding specific ratios (e.g., 5:1 to 1:3) of mud and body grime, and optionally dyes, to the cleaning solution. In particular, four secondary soil compositions (Secondhand Soil Composition, SSC) SSC 1 to 4 were formulated as shown below.

[0091] [Table 3] 1. Mud stain: Arizona fine particle clay with an average particle size of approximately 0.5-2 μm, available from Shanghai Rainbow Technology Ltd Co. 2. Body stains: JB03nil carbon black, available from Sino light inspection & certification Co.Ltd.

[0092] To test whether the secondary stain composition can simulate the formation of secondary stains during washing, a sample liquid detergent composition (Sample 1) based on National Standard Liquid (NSL) laundry detergent was tested using SSC1 according to Test 1: Whiteness retention index test of secondary stain composition and Test 2: Conventional washing test. The results showed that the washing performance of Sample 1 under conventional conditions (i.e., the test result according to Test 2) was very good, but the washing performance of Sample 1 against the secondary stain composition (i.e., the test result according to Test 1) was considerably insufficient (3.4 vs. 13.8), which is consistent with consumer experience. Therefore, the secondary stain composition is useful for evaluating the prevention of secondary stain formation.

[0093] [Table 4]

[0094] Example 2: Improved prevention of secondary stains in a laundry detergent composition containing polyalkylene oxide graft copolymer. Two sample liquid laundry detergent compositions containing the following components were prepared. Sample 2 contained a polyalkylene oxide graft copolymer, while Sample 3 did not contain such a graft copolymer.

[0095] [Table 5] 1. A polyalkylene oxide graft copolymer according to Synthesis Example 1, having a weight-average molecular weight of 16,800 daltons and a weight ratio of PVP / PVAc-g-PEG of 20:30:50.

[0096] According to Test 1: Whiteness Retention Index Test of Secondary Stain Compositions described above, the ΔE of samples 2 and 3 was measured using SSC1 to SSC4 described in Example 1. Surprisingly, sample 2, which contains a graft copolymer, shows significantly improved prevention of secondary stains compared to sample 3, which does not contain such a graft copolymer, as shown in Table 5 below.

[0097] [Table 6]

[0098] 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."

[0099] 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.

[0100] 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.

Claims

1. A method for evaluating the effectiveness of a detergent composition for preventing the formation of secondary stains on fabrics, A) A step of providing a secondary stain composition, a fabric, and a detergent composition to be evaluated, B) A step of adding the secondary stain composition, the fabric, and the detergent composition to be evaluated to water to form a cleaning solution, C) A step of washing the fabric in the cleaning solution, D) A step of measuring the whiteness retention index of the fabric, A method wherein the secondary soiling composition comprises mud and body dirt, and the weight ratio of the mud to the body dirt is 5:1 to 1:

3.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein the weight ratio of the mud stain to the body stain is 4:1 to 1:3, preferably 3:1 to 1:2.5, more preferably 2:1 to 1:2.5, and most preferably 1:1 to 1:2.

5.

3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the secondary soiling composition is present in the cleaning solution at a concentration of 0.03 g / L to 15 g / L, preferably 0.1 g / L to 10 g / L, more preferably 0.3 g / L to 5 g / L, and even more preferably 0.5 g / L to 2 g / L.

4. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the secondary stain composition further comprises a dye at a concentration of 0.001% to 1.5% by weight, preferably 0.03% to 0.5% by weight, and more preferably 0.05% to 0.3% by weight, based on the total weight of the secondary stain composition.

5. The cleaning solution contains the mud stain at a concentration of 0.05 g / L to 12 g / L, preferably 0.2 g / L to 5 g / L, more preferably 0.3 g / L to 2 g / L, and / or The body dirt is present in the washing solution at a concentration of 0.05 g / L to 12 g / L, preferably 0.2 g / L to 5 g / L, more preferably 0.3 g / L to 2 g / L, and / or The method according to claim 4, wherein the dye is present in the washing solution at a concentration of 0.0005 g / L to 1 g / L, preferably 0.001 g / L to 0.5 g / L, and more preferably 0.005 g / L to 0.2 g / L.

6. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the fabric is selected from the group consisting of cotton, polycotton, recycled cotton, synthetically modified cotton, flax, wool, polyester, nylon, elastane, silk, acrylic, and any combination thereof.

7. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the fabric is cotton, polycotton, recycled cotton, synthetically modified cotton, polyester, nylon, elastane, or any combination thereof.

8. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the detergent composition comprises a processing aid, the processing aid is preferably selected from the group consisting of surfactants, fatty acids and / or salts thereof, enzymes, encapsulation beneficial agents, dirt-releasing polymers, colorants, builders, chelating agents, color transfer inhibitors, dispersants, enzyme stabilizers, antioxidants, catalysts, bleaching agents, bleaching catalysts, bleaching activators, polymer dispersants, dirt-removing / re-adhesion inhibitors, polymer grease cleaners, amphiphilic copolymers, glossing agents, antifoaming agents, dyes, colorants, fragrances, structural elasticizers, fabric softeners, carriers, fillers, hydrotropes, solvents, antimicrobial agents and / or preservatives, neutralizing agents and / or pH adjusters, processing aids, rheology adjusters and / or structuring agents, opacifying agents, pearl essences, pigments, corrosion inhibitors and / or colorfast agents, and mixtures thereof.

9. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the secondary stain is a stain on the fabric formed during the washing of the fabric, preferably the secondary stain is a stain on the fabric formed during the washing of the fabric by mud, body dirt, and optionally a mixture of dyes.

10. The whiteness maintenance index of the aforementioned fabric is L ＊ The method according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the whiteness retention index of the fabric is determined by measuring AB and calculating ΔE as the whiteness retention index, and preferably the whiteness retention index of the fabric is determined according to Test 1: Whiteness Retention Index Test of Secondary Stain Compositions.

11. A method for preventing the formation of secondary stains on fabric, A) The process of providing the fabric, B) A polyalkylene oxide graft copolymer in an amount of about 0.05% to about 15% by weight, preferably about 0.1% to about 5% by weight, and more preferably about 0.2% to about 3% by weight of the detergent composition, a) A polyalkylene oxide component as a graft base having a number-average molecular weight of 1,000 to 20,000 daltons and based on ethylene oxide, propylene oxide, butylene oxide, or a mixture thereof, b) The polyvinyl ester comprises a polyvinyl ester component as a side chain, derived from a saturated monocarboxylic acid and / or a methyl or ethyl ester of acrylic acid or methacrylic acid containing 1 to 6 carbon atoms, c) containing polyvinylpyrrolidone as a side chain, The weight ratio of (a) to (c) is 1:0.1 to 1:

2. A method comprising the step of treating the fabric with the detergent composition containing a polyalkylene oxide graft copolymer, wherein the amount of (a) by weight is greater than the amount of (b).

12. A method for washing fabric, A) A step of providing a mixed fabric and detergent composition, B) A step of adding the mixed fabric and the detergent composition to water to form a cleaning solution, C) A step of washing the mixed fabric in the cleaning solution, The detergent composition comprises about 0.05% to about 15% by weight, preferably about 0.1% to about 5% by weight, and more preferably about 0.2% to about 3% by weight of a polyalkylene oxide graft copolymer, wherein the polyalkylene oxide graft copolymer is a) A polyalkylene oxide component as a graft base having a number-average molecular weight of 1,000 to 20,000 daltons and based on ethylene oxide, propylene oxide, butylene oxide, or a mixture thereof, b) The polyvinyl ester comprises a polyvinyl ester component as a side chain, derived from a saturated monocarboxylic acid and / or a methyl or ethyl ester of acrylic acid or methacrylic acid containing 1 to 6 carbon atoms, c) containing polyvinylpyrrolidone as a side chain, The weight ratio of (a) to (c) is 1:0.1 to 1:

2. A method in which the quantity of (a) is greater than the quantity of (b) by weight.

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