Water-soluble films, water-soluble unit dose articles, and methods of making and using same

Abstract

Water-soluble films, water-soluble unit dose articles, and related methods of making and using them.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] Water-soluble films, water-soluble unit dose articles, and methods of making and using them. [Background technology]

[0002] Water-soluble unit dose articles are popular with consumers because they are convenient and efficient to use. Such water-soluble unit dose articles often contain detergent compositions. Without wishing to be bound by theory, when the water-soluble unit dose article is added to water, the film releases its internal contents into the surrounding water to generate a cleaning solution. The water-soluble film used must meet two criteria: it must be strong enough so that it does not tear or break during storage and transportation, causing premature rupture of the water-soluble unit dose article, and it must dissolve sufficiently during the wash cycle to wash and minimize unwanted film residue at the end of the wash operation. To meet these needs, films made of polyvinyl alcohol have been used. The preferred method of making such unit dose articles is to deform a first water-soluble film into a mold to make an open cavity, fill the open cavity with a detergent composition, then close the open cavity with a second water-soluble film, and seal the first and second water-soluble films together to make the water-soluble unit dose article.

[0003] There is an increasing desire to wash fabrics under more environmentally friendly conditions, such as shorter wash cycles and cooler wash temperatures. Under such conditions, unit dose articles made using traditional water-soluble films (including primarily polyvinyl alcohol homopolymers) can suffer from incomplete dissolution during the wash cycle, resulting in residual undissolved film material that can deposit on the article being washed.

[0004] Efforts to overcome this problem have been made in the past. US Patent 10,619,042 describes a water-soluble unit dose article comprising a water-soluble film comprising a polyvinyl alcohol (PVOH) resin blend comprising a first PVOH polymer comprising carboxylated anionic monomer units, vinyl alcohol monomer units, and optionally vinyl acetate monomer units, the carboxylated anionic monomer units being present in the first PVOH polymer in an amount ranging from about 3 mol % to about 6 mol %, the second PVOH polymer consisting essentially of vinyl alcohol monomer units and optionally vinyl acetate monomer units, the first PVOH polymer being present in an amount ranging from about 10 wt % to about 70 wt % of the total PVOH polymer in the film. Such water-soluble unit dose articles provide both excellent solubility and at the same time acceptable film structural integrity, but are subject to further improvements, as described below. Summary of the Invention

[0005] A first embodiment is a water-soluble unit dose article comprising at least two compartments and optionally containing a composition contained in at least one of the compartments, the unit dose article comprising: a. a first water-soluble film, the first water-soluble film having a first side and a second side, the first water-soluble film comprising a first PVOH resin, the first polyvinyl alcohol resin comprising a polyvinyl alcohol comprising a polyvinyl alcohol homopolymer, an anionic polyvinyl alcohol copolymer, or a blend thereof; b. a second water-soluble film, the second water-soluble film having a first side and a second side, the second water-soluble film comprising a second polyvinyl alcohol resin, the second polyvinyl alcohol resin comprising: i. a polyvinyl alcohol polymer comprising less than 15% by weight of a second polyvinyl alcohol resin of carboxylated anionic monomer units, vinyl alcohol monomer units, and optionally vinyl acetate monomer units, wherein the carboxylated anionic monomer units are derived from a member selected from the group consisting of maleic acid, monoalkyl maleates, dialkyl maleates, maleic anhydride, and combinations thereof; ii. about 85% to 100% by weight of a second polyvinyl alcohol resin, a polyvinyl alcohol homopolymer or homopolymer blend, the homopolymer consisting of vinyl alcohol monomer units and optionally vinyl acetate monomer units; a second water-soluble film, wherein the second polyvinyl alcohol resin has an average viscosity of less than about 12 mPa.s measured as a 4% polyvinyl alcohol polymer solution in deionized water at 20° C.; c. a third water-soluble film, the third water-soluble film having a first side and a second side, the third water-soluble film comprising a third polyvinyl alcohol resin, the third polyvinyl alcohol resin optionally comprising a polyvinyl alcohol consisting of a polyvinyl alcohol homopolymer, an anionic polyvinyl alcohol copolymer, or a blend thereof; a first side of the first water-soluble film is sealed to a second side of the second water-soluble film to create a first compartment between the first and second water-soluble films, and a first side of the second water-soluble film is sealed to a second side of the third water-soluble film to create at least a second compartment between the second and third water-soluble films, the second compartment being disposed over the first compartment; A water-soluble unit dose article, with the proviso that if the article contains a composition contained within a compartment, the composition is not a laundry composition and is not an automatic dishwashing composition.

[0006] Another aspect is a. deforming a first water-soluble film to create an open cavity; b. filling the open cavity with a composition; c. separately deforming the third water-soluble film to create at least one open cavity; d. filling at least one open cavity from step (c) with a composition; e. closing the open filled cavity from step (d) with a second water-soluble film; f. sealing the second water-soluble film to a third water-soluble film to create a closure intermediate; g. closing the open filled cavities from step (b) with the closed intermediate from step (f); h. sealing the first water-soluble film to a second water-soluble film to create a water-soluble unit dose article.

[0007] For the compositions and methods described herein, any feature, including but not limited to components, compositional ranges thereof, substituents, conditions, and steps, is intended to be selected from the various aspects, embodiments, and examples provided herein.

[0008] Further aspects and advantages will become apparent to those skilled in the art from consideration of the following detailed description in conjunction with the drawings. While the films, unit dose articles and methods described herein are susceptible to embodiment in a variety of forms, it is not intended to be limited to the specific embodiments described herein, and specific embodiments are described below with the understanding that the disclosure is exemplary. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] A water-soluble unit dose article according to the present invention. [Diagram 2] Schematic diagram of the basic setup for % Pouch Strength Pass Rate and % Seal Failure tests is shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0010] As mentioned above, US Patent No. 10,619,042 describes a water-soluble unit dose article comprising a film containing a PVOH resin blend, comprising a first PVOH polymer comprising carboxylated anionic monomer units, vinyl alcohol monomer units, and optionally vinyl acetate monomer units, wherein the carboxylated anionic monomer units are present in the first PVOH polymer in an amount of about 3 mol% to about 6 mol%, and the second PVOH polymer consists essentially of vinyl alcohol monomer units and optionally vinyl acetate monomer units, and the first PVOH polymer is present in an amount ranging from about 10% to about 70% by weight of the total PVOH polymer in the film. However, problems have been found with such unit dose articles, particularly in that failures in the seal between the first water-soluble film and the second water-soluble film may occur, rather than failures in the structural integrity of the film itself. Such seal failures may result in premature rupture of the water-soluble unit dose article.

[0011] Thus, there is a need in the art for a water soluble unit dose article that reduces seal failure compared to U.S. Pat. No. 10,619,042, but also maintains the structural integrity of the film itself and a dissolution profile comparable to that of U.S. Pat. No. 10,619,042.

[0012] It has been surprisingly found that the water-soluble unit dose articles described below accomplish this, which is even more surprising considering that the second water-soluble film contains a higher degree of polyvinyl alcohol homopolymer, which one skilled in the art would expect to result in reduced dissolution under shorter and cooler wash cycles.

[0013] Furthermore, it has been found that when the prior art films are sealed via solvent seal, the solvent sealing solution tends not to be deposited homogeneously on the water-soluble film before sealing. Without wishing to be bound by the theory that the two films are intended to be sealed together, the solvent sealing solution needs to be applied to at least one of the films. If the solvent sealing solution does not provide a homogeneous layer on the film to which it is applied, this may result in a weaker seal between the two films, which leads to sealing failure and premature rupture of the water-soluble unit dose article. Surprisingly, it has been found that in the unit dose article described below, a more uniform / homogenous solvent sealing solution layer is obtained between the water-soluble films to be sealed, resulting in reduced sealing failure.

[0014] The water-soluble films, unit dose articles, and methods are considered to include embodiments including any combination of one or more of the elements, features, and steps described below (including those shown in the figures), unless otherwise stated.

[0015] Water-soluble unit dose article A first aspect of the present invention is a water-soluble unit dose article. The water-soluble unit dose article comprises at least a first compartment and, optionally, a composition contained within the compartment. Suitable compositions are described in more detail below. The water-soluble unit dose article comprises a first water-soluble film and a second water-soluble film, and, optionally, a third water-soluble film. The first water-soluble film, the second water-soluble film, and, optionally, the third water-soluble film are described in more detail below.

[0016] The final water-soluble unit dose article comprises a water-soluble film shaped so that the unit dose article comprises at least one internal compartment surrounded by the water-soluble film. The intermediate structure contemplated as an embodiment of the present disclosure can comprise an element of the article or a part of the article in an unsealed state, for example, to allow the intermediate structure to provide the composition before final filling. The water-soluble unit dose article is configured so that the composition does not leak out of the compartment during storage. However, when the water-soluble unit dose article comes into contact with water, the water-soluble film dissolves and releases the contents of the internal compartment, for example, into a washing solution, bulk water, or other environment (e.g., soil in the case of agricultural compositions).

[0017] Compartments of the final unit dose article, if present, should be understood to mean the closed internal space within the unit dose article that holds the composition. In reality, the compartments may be devoid of composition or devoid of solid or liquid type composition disposed therein, and may, for example, contain only air to provide the article with buoyancy for a period of time before dissolving.

[0018] The first water-soluble film has a first side and a second side. The second water-soluble film has a first side and a second side. The optional third water-soluble film has a first side and a second side.

[0019] A first side of the first water-soluble film is sealed to a second side of the second water-soluble film to create a first compartment between the first and second water-soluble films. Optionally, the first side of the second water-soluble film is sealed to a second side of the third water-soluble film to create at least a second compartment between the second and third water-soluble films, optionally with the second compartment disposed above the first compartment.

[0020] The first water-soluble film and the second water-soluble film can be sealed by any suitable method, such as, for example, solvent sealing, heat sealing, or mixtures thereof. The solvent sealing solution optionally comprises an aqueous solvent, a non-aqueous solvent, or a mixture thereof. The solvent sealing solution can comprise or consist of water. The solvent sealing solution optionally comprises at least 95% by weight, or at least 98% by weight, or at least 99% by weight, or 100% by weight of the solvent sealing solution of water. The solvent sealing solution can be applied to the film by any suitable method, including contact and / or non-contact methods. For example, the solvent solution can be applied by a contact transfer process, such as using a contact member comprising a non-absorbent or substantially impermeable material, such as an anilox roller, a rubber (e.g., EPDM) roller, or any combination thereof, optionally in combination with a doctor blade. The sealing solution can be applied using a drawdown bar, a Mayer bar, or a similar device. In another type of embodiment, the sealing solution can be applied using a contact member including an absorbent material, such as natural felt, synthetic felt, porous plastic, foam, sponge, microfiber, cotton, polyester, extruded polyester fiber, nonwoven web, etc., for example, in pad or roller form. Alternatively, the sealing solution can be applied through a dosing nozzle or a spray nozzle. Any combination of the above methods and devices is contemplated. In one type of embodiment, a contact transfer method using an absorbent material is contemplated, optionally in a continuous process using a felt roll applicator. In one type of embodiment, the solvent sealing solution is applied to the second side of the second water-soluble film, the second side of the second water-soluble film facing the first side of the first water-soluble film.

[0021] The second water-soluble film and the optional third water-soluble film can be sealed via solvent sealing, heat sealing, or mixtures thereof, such as solvent sealing. The solvent sealing solution can include an aqueous solvent, a non-aqueous solvent, or a mixture thereof. For example, the solvent sealing solution can include water or can consist of water. The solvent sealing solution can include a solvent sealing solution that is at least 95% by weight, or at least 98% by weight, or at least 99% by weight, or 100% by weight water. The solvent sealing solution can be applied by any suitable method, including contact and / or non-contact methods. For example, the solvent solution can be applied in a contact transfer process, for example, using a non-absorbent or substantially impermeable material, for example, using an anilox roller, a rubber (e.g., EPDM) roller, or any combination thereof, optionally in combination with a doctor blade. The sealing solution can be applied using a drawdown bar, a Mayer bar, or a similar device. In another type of embodiment, the sealing solution can be applied using an absorbent material, such as natural felt, synthetic felt, porous plastic, foam, sponge, microfiber, cotton, polyester, extruded polyester fiber, nonwoven web, etc., for example, in pad or roller form. Alternatively, the sealing solution can be applied through a dosing nozzle or a spray nozzle. Any combination of the above methods and devices is contemplated. In one type of embodiment, a contact transfer method using an absorbent material is contemplated, optionally in a continuous process using a felt roll applicator. The solvent sealing solution can be applied to a first side of the second water-soluble film, the first side of the second water-soluble film facing the second side of the third water-soluble film.

[0022] Without wishing to be bound by theory, it is believed that adding a solvent sealing solution onto a water-soluble film can create a thin foam layer. It is believed that this thin foam layer prevents optimal sealing of the two films, for example, as a result of the non-homogeneous layer of the solvent sealing solution present on the water-soluble film. The seal thus modified is relatively weak in whole or in part, for example, resulting in premature seal failure under stress conditions. Surprisingly, it has been found that adding a solvent sealing solution to the second water-soluble film according to the present invention reduces or even eliminates the foam layer, thereby reducing the cases of seal failure.

[0023] Optionally, the unit dose article includes at least a third compartment, optionally at least a third and a fourth compartment between the second water-soluble film and the third water-soluble film. The second and third compartments, optionally the second, third and fourth compartments, can be arranged side by side with each other, and further optionally, the second and third compartments, e.g., the second, third and fourth compartments, can be arranged on top of the first compartment. In some types of embodiments, the second and third compartments, or the second, third and fourth compartments, can be smaller than the first compartment. The second and third compartments, or the second, third and fourth compartments, can be the same size as each other, or can be different sizes. Some of the compartments can be the same size, and some can be different sizes.

[0024] As mentioned above, one class of embodiments of the water-soluble unit dose article comprises at least two compartments. This type of embodiment is further described below. The water-soluble unit dose article comprises at least two compartments, and optionally a composition contained in one or more compartments. Suitable compositions are described in more detail below. The water-soluble unit dose article comprises a first water-soluble film, a second water-soluble film, and a third water-soluble film. The first water-soluble film, the second water-soluble film, and the third water-soluble film are described in more detail below.

[0025] The final water-soluble unit dose article comprises a water-soluble film shaped so that the unit dose article comprises at least two internal compartments surrounded by the water-soluble film. The intermediate structure contemplated as one embodiment of the present disclosure can comprise an element of the article or a part of the article in an unsealed state, for example, to allow the intermediate structure to provide a composition before the final filling of each compartment. Thus, for example, the intermediate structure can comprise a first sealed compartment and a second partially open compartment ready for filling. The water-soluble unit dose article is configured so that the two or more compositions do not leak from the two or more compartments during storage. However, when the water-soluble unit dose article is added to water, the water-soluble film dissolves and releases the contents of the internal compartments, for example, into a washing solution, bulk water, or other environment.

[0026] Compartments of the final unit dose article, if present, should be understood to mean the closed interior spaces within the unit dose article that hold the compositions. In practice, one or more compartments may be devoid of any composition disposed therein, e.g., providing the article with buoyancy for a period of time before dissolving.

[0027] The first water-soluble film has a first side and a second side. The second water-soluble film has a first side and a second side. The third water-soluble film has a first side and a second side.

[0028] A first side of the first water-soluble film is sealed to a second side of the second water-soluble film to create a first compartment between the first and second water-soluble films, and a first side of the second water-soluble film is sealed to a second side of the third water-soluble film to create at least a second compartment between the second and third water-soluble films, the second compartment being disposed above the first compartment.

[0029] The first water-soluble film and the second water-soluble film can be sealed by any suitable method, such as, for example, by solvent sealing, heat sealing, or mixtures thereof. The solvent sealing solution optionally comprises an aqueous solvent, a non-aqueous solvent, or a mixture thereof. In an embodiment, the solvent sealing solution can comprise or consist of water. The solvent sealing solution optionally comprises at least 95% by weight, or at least 98% by weight, or at least 99% by weight, or 100% by weight of the solvent sealing solution of water. The solvent sealing solution can be applied by any suitable method, including contact and / or non-contact methods. For example, the solvent solution can be applied by a contact transfer process, such as using a contact member comprising a non-absorbent or substantially impermeable material, such as an anilox roller, a rubber (e.g., EPDM) roller, or any combination thereof, optionally in combination with a doctor blade. The sealing solution can be applied using a drawdown bar, a Mayer bar, or a similar device. In another type of embodiment, the sealing solution can be applied using a contact member including an absorbent material, such as natural felt, synthetic felt, porous plastic, foam, sponge, microfiber, cotton, polyester, extruded polyester fiber, nonwoven web, etc., for example, in pad or roller form. Alternatively, the sealing solution can be applied through a dosing nozzle or a spray nozzle. Any combination of the above methods and devices is contemplated. In one type of embodiment, a contact transfer method using an absorbent material is contemplated, optionally in a continuous process using a felt roll applicator. The solvent sealing solution can be applied to the second side of the second water-soluble film, the second side of the second water-soluble film facing the first side of the first water-soluble film.

[0030] The second water-soluble film and the third water-soluble film can be sealed by any suitable method, such as, for example, solvent sealing, heat sealing, or a mixture thereof. The solvent sealing solution optionally comprises an aqueous solvent, a non-aqueous solvent, or a mixture thereof. In an embodiment, the solvent sealing solution can comprise water. The solvent sealing solution optionally comprises at least 95% by weight, or even at least 98% by weight, or even at least 99% by weight, or even 100% by weight of the solvent sealing solution of water. The solvent sealing solution can be applied by any suitable method, including contact and / or non-contact methods. For example, the solvent solution can be applied by a contact transfer process, such as using a contact member comprising a non-absorbent or substantially impermeable material, such as an anilox roller, a rubber (e.g., EPDM) roller, or any combination thereof, optionally in combination with a doctor blade. The sealing solution can be applied using a drawdown bar, a Mayer bar, or a similar device. In another type of embodiment, the sealing solution can be applied using a contact member including an absorbent material, such as natural felt, synthetic felt, porous plastic, foam, sponge, microfiber, cotton, polyester, extruded polyester fiber, nonwoven web, etc., for example, in pad or roller form. Alternatively, the sealing solution can be applied through a dosing nozzle or a spray nozzle. Any combination of the above methods and devices is contemplated. In one type of embodiment, a contact transfer method using an absorbent material is contemplated, optionally in a continuous process using a felt roll applicator. The solvent sealing solution can be applied to a first side of the second water-soluble film, the first side of the second water-soluble film facing the second side of the third water-soluble film.

[0031] Optionally, the unit dose article includes at least a third compartment, optionally at least a third and a fourth compartment between the second water-soluble film and the third water-soluble film. The second and third compartments, optionally the second, third and fourth compartments, can be arranged side by side with each other, and further optionally, the second and third compartments, e.g., the second, third and fourth compartments, can be arranged on top of the first compartment. In some types of embodiments, the second and third compartments, or the second, third and fourth compartments, can be smaller than the first compartment. The second and third compartments, or the second, third and fourth compartments, can be the same size as each other, or can be different sizes. Some of the compartments can be the same size, and some can be different sizes.

[0032] The composition according to the invention may be contained in at least one of the compartments, for example, in a single compartment, or in two compartments, or in three compartments, or in four compartments.

[0033] Each compartment may contain the same or a different composition. The different compositions may all be in the same form or they may be in different forms, for example, a solid, powder, gel, paste, liquid, etc.

[0034] Figure 1 discloses a water-soluble unit dose article (1) according to the present invention. A first water-soluble film (2) and a third water-soluble film (3) are shown sealed together at a seal area (4). Not shown is a second water-soluble film disposed between the first water-soluble film (2) and the third water-soluble film (3). A composition (5) is contained within the water-soluble unit dose article (1).

[0035] The water-soluble unit dose article may be coated with a lubricant, which may be selected from, for example, talc, zinc oxide, silica, siloxane, zeolite, silicic acid, alumina, sodium sulfate, potassium sulfate, calcium carbonate, magnesium carbonate, sodium citrate, sodium triple phosphate, potassium citrate, potassium triple phosphate, calcium stearate, zinc stearate, magnesium stearate, starch, modified starch, clay, kaolin, gypsum, cyclodextrin, or a mixture of any of the above.

[0036] First water-soluble film The water-soluble unit dose article includes a first water-soluble film. The first water-soluble film of the present invention is soluble or dispersible in water. The first water-soluble film may have an average thickness, prior to any deformation, in the range of about 20 to about 150 microns, or about 35 to about 125 microns, or about 50 to about 110 microns, or about 76 microns. The first water-soluble film has a first side and a second side.

[0037] The first water-soluble film can have a water solubility of at least 50%, or at least 75%, or at least 95%, as measured by the method described herein after using a glass filter with a maximum pore size of 20 microns. 5 g ± 0.1 g of film material is added to a pre-weighed 3 L beaker and 2 L ± 5 ml of distilled water is added. This is stirred vigorously for 30 minutes at 30°C on a magnetic stirrer, Labline model No. 1250 or equivalent, set at 600 rpm and a 5 cm magnetic stirrer. The mixture is then filtered through a folded qualitative sintered glass filter with a pore size defined above (maximum 20 microns). The water is dried from the collected filtrate by any conventional method and the weight of the remaining material is determined (this is the dissolved or dispersed fraction). The percentage of solubility or dispersibility can then be calculated.

[0038] The first water-soluble film can be obtained by casting, blow molding, extrusion or blow extrusion of a polymeric material as known in the art and as further described below. The first water-soluble film can be a solvent-cast water-soluble film.

[0039] The first water-soluble film comprises a first PVOH resin, and the first polyvinyl alcohol resin comprises a polyvinyl alcohol comprising a polyvinyl alcohol homopolymer, an anionic polyvinyl alcohol copolymer, or a blend thereof.

[0040] In one embodiment, the first water-soluble film can include a blend of polyvinyl alcohol homopolymer and / or anionic polyvinyl alcohol copolymer. For example, the first water-soluble film can include a blend of polyvinyl alcohol homopolymer and anionic polyvinyl alcohol copolymer, where the polyvinyl alcohol homopolymer and the anionic polyvinyl alcohol copolymer are present in a relative weight ratio of 90 / 10 to 10 / 90, or 80 / 20 to 20 / 80, or 70 / 30 to 50 / 50.

[0041] The first water-soluble film can include an anionic polyvinyl alcohol copolymer comprising anionic monomer units, optionally present in the anionic polyvinyl alcohol copolymer in an average amount ranging from about 1 mol % to about 10 mol %, or from about 2 mol % to about 5 mol %. The anionic polyvinyl alcohol copolymer can be selected from sulfonated and carboxylated anionic polyvinyl alcohol copolymers, such as carboxylated anionic polyvinyl alcohol copolymers.

[0042] The first water-soluble film may comprise a blend of polyvinyl alcohol homopolymer and carboxylated anionic polyvinyl alcohol copolymer, optionally with the carboxylate selected from acrylate, methacrylate, maleate, or mixtures thereof, with maleate being specifically contemplated. The carboxylated anionic monomer units in the first water-soluble film may be derived from monoalkyl maleate units, optionally selected from the group consisting of monomethyl maleate, salts, such as alkali metal salts, thereof, and combinations thereof. Without wishing to be bound by theory, the anionic polyvinyl alcohol copolymer comprises carboxylated anionic monomer units, vinyl alcohol monomer units, and optionally vinyl acetate monomer units. Each carboxylated anionic monomer unit may be present in the carboxylated anionic polyvinyl alcohol copolymer in an average amount ranging from about 3 mol% to about 6 mol%, or from about 3 mol% to about 5 mol%, or from about 3.5 mol% to about 4.5 mol%, or from about 4 mol% to about 4.5 mol%.

[0043] Without wishing to be bound by theory, the term "homopolymer" generally includes polymers with a single type of monomer repeat unit (e.g., a polymer chain consisting of a single monomer repeat unit). For the specific case of polyvinyl alcohol polymers, the term "homopolymer" further includes copolymers having a distribution of vinyl alcohol monomer units and optionally vinyl acetate monomer units depending on the degree of hydrolysis (e.g., a polymer chain that includes or consists of vinyl alcohol). In the case of 100% hydrolysis, a polyvinyl alcohol homopolymer may only include vinyl alcohol units. Without wishing to be bound by theory, the term "copolymer" generally includes polymers with two or more types of monomer repeat units (e.g., a polymer chain that includes or consists of two or more different monomer repeat units as a random copolymer, block copolymer, etc.). For the specific case of polyvinyl alcohol polymers, the term "copolymer" (or "polyvinyl alcohol copolymer") can include copolymers having a distribution of vinyl alcohol and vinyl acetate monomer units depending on the degree of hydrolysis, as well as at least one other type of monomer repeat unit (e.g., a ter (or more) polymer chain containing or consisting of vinyl alcohol, vinyl acetate, and one or more other monomer units, such as anionic monomer units). In the case of 100% hydrolysis, polyvinyl alcohol copolymers can include copolymers having vinyl alcohol units and one or more other monomer units, but no vinyl acetate units. Without wishing to be bound by theory, the term "anionic copolymer" includes copolymers having anionic monomer units that contain anionic moieties. Common classes of anionic monomer units include vinyl polymerized units corresponding to monocarboxylic acid vinyl monomers, esters and anhydrides thereof, dicarboxylic acid monomers with polymerizable double bonds, esters and anhydrides thereof, vinyl sulfonic acid monomers, and alkali metal salts of any of the foregoing.Examples of anionic monomer units include vinyl polymerized units corresponding to vinyl anionic monomers including vinyl acetate, maleic acid, monoalkyl maleates, dialkyl maleates, monomethyl maleate, dimethyl maleate, maleic anhydride, fumaric acid, monoalkyl fumarates, dialkyl fumarates, monomethyl fumarate, dimethyl fumarate, fumaric anhydride, itaconic acid, monomethyl itaconate, dimethyl itaconate, itaconic anhydride, vinyl sulfonic acid, allyl sulfonic acid, ethylene sulfonic acid, 2-acrylamido-1-methylpropanesulfonic acid, 2-acrylamido-2-methylpropanesulfonic acid, 2-methylacrylamido-2-methylpropanesulfonic acid, 2-sulfoethyl acrylate, alkali metal salts of the foregoing (e.g., sodium, potassium, or other alkali metal salts), esters of the foregoing (e.g., methyl, ethyl, or other C1-C4 or C6 alkyl esters), and combinations thereof (e.g., multiple types of anionic monomers or equivalent forms of the same anionic monomer). Anionic monomers can include one or more acrylamidomethylpropanesulfonic acids (e.g., 2-acrylamido-1-methylpropanesulfonic acid, 2-acrylamido-2-methylpropanesulfonic acid, 2-methylacrylamido-2-methylpropanesulfonic acid), alkali metal salts thereof (e.g., sodium salts), and combinations thereof.

[0044] The first polyvinyl alcohol resin can optionally be present in a range of about 50% to about 95% by weight, or about 50% to about 80% by weight, or about 60% to about 75% by weight of the first water-soluble film.

[0045] The first polyvinyl alcohol resin optionally comprises: i. a first polyvinyl alcohol polymer comprising carboxylated anionic monomer units, vinyl alcohol monomer units, and optionally vinyl acetate monomer units, wherein the carboxylated anionic monomer units are derived from a member selected from the group consisting of maleic acid, monoalkyl maleates, dialkyl maleates, maleic anhydride, and combinations thereof; ii. a second PVOH polymer, wherein the second PVOH polymer is a homopolymer, wherein the homopolymer consists of vinyl alcohol monomer units and optionally vinyl acetate monomer units.

[0046] The first polyvinyl alcohol polymer in the first water-soluble film optionally comprises: a. an average 4% aqueous solution viscosity (in deionized water) at 20° C. in the range of about 10 mPa.s to about 40 mPa.s, or in the range of about 10 mPa.s to about 30 mPa.s, or in the range of about 12 mPa.s to about 25 mPa.s, or in the range of 14 mPa.s to about 20 mPa.s, or b. an average degree of hydrolysis in the range of about 60% to about 99%, in the range of 80% to about 98%, in the range of about 83% to about 95%, or in the range of about 85% to about 92%, or c. a combination thereof.

[0047] The second polyvinyl alcohol polymer in the first water-soluble film optionally comprises: a. an average 4% aqueous solution viscosity (in deionized water) at 20° C. in the range of about 3 mPa.s to about 30 mPa.s, or in the range of about 7 mPa.s to about 30 mPa.s, or in the range of about 10 mPa.s to about 30 mPa.s, or in the range of about 12 mPa.s to about 25 mPa.s, or b. an average degree of hydrolysis in the range of about 60% to about 99%, or in the range of about 80% to about 98%, or in the range of about 85% to about 95%, or in the range of about 87% to about 92%, or c. a combination thereof.

[0048] The viscosity of polyvinyl alcohol resins is determined by measuring freshly made solutions using a Brookfield Viscometer Type LV with a UL adapter as described in British Standard EN ISO 15023-2:2006 Annex E Brookfield Test Method. It is international practice to state the viscosity of a 4% aqueous solution of polyvinyl alcohol (in deionized water) at 20°C.

[0049] In the first water-soluble film, the relative weight ratio of the first PVOH polymer and the second PVOH polymer can optionally be in the range of about 90 / 10 to about 10 / 90, or in the range of about 80 / 20 to about 20 / 80, or in the range of about 70 / 30 to about 50 / 50.

[0050] The water-soluble films, including the first, second, and third water-soluble films, if present, can be characterized or tested for tensile stress according to the Modulus of Elasticity (MOD) test. The procedure includes determining the modulus of elasticity at 10% elongation according to ASTM D882 ("Standard Test Method for Tensile Properties of Thin Plastic Sheeting") or equivalent. An INSTRON tensile testing device (Model 5544 Tensile Tester or equivalent) is used to collect the film data. A minimum of three specimens, each cut with a reliable cutting tool to ensure dimensional stability and repeatability, are tested in the machine direction (MD) (if applicable) for each measurement. Testing is performed in a standard laboratory atmosphere of 23±2.0°C and 35±5% relative humidity. One-inch wide (2.54 cm) specimens of a single film sheet with a thickness of 75 μm were prepared. The specimens are then transferred to the INSTRON tensile tester for testing to proceed with minimal exposure to the 35% relative humidity environment. A tensile tester equipped with a 500N load cell is prepared and calibrated according to the manufacturer's instructions. The correct grips and faces are installed (INSTRON grips with model number 2702-032 faces that are rubber coated and 25 mm wide, or equivalent). The sample is mounted on the tensile tester and analyzed to determine the 100% modulus (i.e., the stress required to achieve 100% film elongation).

[0051] The first water-soluble film has a modulus of at least about 20 N / mm2 as measured at 35% RH by the MOD test. 2The MOD value at 10% elongation can be characterized by a 100% modulus value of at least about 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, or 27 N / mm. Generally, a higher MOD value is desirable because it corresponds to pouches that are stiffer and less likely to deform and stick together when stacked on top of each other during manufacturing or in end consumer packaging. Furthermore, the MOD value at 10% elongation corresponds to the ability of the film to maintain its stiffness rather than loosening or sagging when contacted with liquid pouch contents. In particular, films with higher MOD values ​​correspond to pouches that tend to soften and appear loose when contacted with liquid pouch contents containing low molecular weight polyols. In various embodiments, the first water-soluble film has a modulus of at least about 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, or 27 N / mm. 2 , and / or up to 24, 25, 27, 28, 29, or 30 N / mm 2 (For example, about 20N / mm 2 ~Approx. 30N / mm 2 , or about 20N / mm 2 ~about 28N / mm 2 , or about 22N / mm 2 ~Approx. 25N / mm 2 ) MOD value.

[0052] The first water-soluble film may optionally include a surfactant content in the range of about 0.1% to about 3.5% by weight, or in the range of about 0.1% to about 2.5% by weight, or in the range of about 1% to about 2% by weight, or in the range of about 0.5% to about 2% by weight. Suitable surfactants may include nonionic, cationic, anionic, and zwitterionic classes. Suitable surfactants include nonionic, including but not limited to polyoxyethylenated polyoxypropylene glycols, alcohol ethoxylates, alkylphenol ethoxylates, tertiary acetylenic glycols, and alkanolamides; cationic, including but not limited to polyoxyethylenated amines, quaternary ammonium salts, and quaternized polyoxyethylenated amines; and zwitterionic, including but not limited to amine oxides, N-alkyl betaines, and sulfobetaines. For example, the nonionic surfactant may be selected from alcohol ethoxylates, the cationic surfactant may be selected from quaternary ammonium salts, and the zwitterionic surfactant may be selected from amine oxides.Other suitable surfactants include dioctyl sodium sulfosuccinate, lactylated fatty acid esters of glycerol and propylene glycol, lactyl esters of fatty acids, sodium alkyl sulfates, polysorbate 20, polysorbate 60, polysorbate 65, polysorbate 80, lecithin, acetylated fatty acid esters of glycerol and propylene glycol, and acetylated esters of fatty acids, and combinations thereof.

[0053] The first water-soluble film may optionally have a residual moisture content of at least 4%, or in the range of about 4% to about 15%, or about 5% to about 10% by weight of the first water-soluble film as measured by Karl Fischer titration.

[0054] The first water-soluble film can optionally include one or more ingredients selected from the group consisting of plasticizers, plasticizer compatibilizers, lubricants, release agents, fillers, extenders, crosslinkers, antiblocking agents, antioxidants, anti-blocking agents, antifoaming agents, nanoparticles, bleaching agents, aversive agents, surfactants, and combinations thereof.

[0055] The first water-soluble film can optionally include one or more plasticizers in an amount ranging from about 5% to about 50% by weight, or from about 10% to about 40% by weight, or from about 20% to about 30% by weight of the first water-soluble film. The plasticizer in the first water-soluble film can optionally be selected from a polyol, a sugar alcohol, or a mixture thereof, for example, the polyol comprises a polyol selected from the group consisting of glycerol, diglycerin, ethylene glycol, diethylene glycol, triethylene glycol, tetraethylene glycol, polyethylene glycol up to 400 MW, neopentyl glycol, 1,2-propylene glycol, 1,3-propanediol, dipropylene glycol, polypropylene glycol, 2-methyl-1,3-propanediol, trimethylolpropane, and polyetherol, or a mixture thereof, and the sugar alcohol comprises a sugar alcohol selected from the group consisting of isomalt, maltitol, sorbitol, xylitol, erythritol, adonitol, dulcitol, pentaerythritol, and mannitol, or a mixture thereof. The plasticizer can optionally be selected from the group consisting of sorbitol, glycerol, dipropylene glycol, polyethylene glycol, trimethylolpropane, and a mixture thereof.

[0056] The first water-soluble film according to the present invention may optionally include a lubricant / release agent. Suitable lubricants / release agents may include, but are not limited to, fatty acids and their salts, fatty alcohols, fatty esters, fatty amines, fatty amine acetates, and fatty amides. Preferred lubricants / release agents may be selected from fatty acids, fatty acid salts, and fatty acid amine acetates. The amount of lubricant / release agent in the first water-soluble film is optionally in the range of about 0.02% to about 1.5% by weight, or about 0.1% to about 1% by weight of the first water-soluble film.

[0057] The first water-soluble film may optionally include a filler, an extender, an antiblocking agent, an antiblocking agent, or a mixture thereof. Suitable fillers, extenders, antiblocking agents, antiblocking agents, or mixtures thereof include, but are not limited to, starch, modified starch, crosslinked polyvinylpyrrolidone, crosslinked cellulose, microcrystalline cellulose, silica, metal oxides, calcium carbonate, talc, and mica. Starch, modified starch, silica, and mixtures thereof are specifically contemplated. The amount of fillers, extenders, antiblocking agents, antiblocking agents, or mixtures thereof in the first water-soluble film may optionally range from about 0.1% to about 25%, from about 1% to about 10%, from about 2% to about 8%, or from about 3% to about 5% by weight of the first water-soluble film. In the absence of starch, a suitable filler, elongation agent, antiblocking agent, antiblocking agent or mixture thereof may optionally be present in the range of about 0.1% to about 1%, or about 4%, or about 6%, or about 1% to about 4%, or about 1% to about 2.5% by weight of the first water-soluble film. The first water-soluble film may include a printed area. The printed area may be achieved using standard techniques such as flexographic printing or inkjet printing.

[0058] The first water-soluble film may include an aversive agent, such as a bitter agent. Suitable bitter agents include, but are not limited to, naringin, sucrose octaacetate, quinine hydrochloride, denatonium benzoate, and mixtures thereof. Any suitable level of the aversive agent may be used in the film. Suitable levels include, but are not limited to, about 1 ppm to about 5000 ppm, or about 100 ppm to about 2500 ppm, or about 250 ppm to about 2000 ppm.

[0059] The first water-soluble film, and its individual components, can independently contain from 0 ppm to about 20 ppm, or from 0 ppm to about 15 ppm, or from 0 ppm to about 10 ppm, or from 0 ppm to about 5 ppm, or from 0 ppm to about 1 ppm, or from 0 ppb to about 100 ppb, or from 0 ppb dioxane. Those skilled in the art will recognize known methods and techniques for determining dioxane levels in water-soluble films and their components.

[0060] Next, a subtype of the general first water-soluble film described above is provided, which is specifically contemplated for use with all other water-soluble films described herein, including the second water-soluble film, and the third water-soluble film, as well as with each of the compositions and methods described herein.

[0061] The first water-soluble film has an average thickness, prior to any deformation, in the range of about 20 to about 150 microns, or about 35 to about 125 microns, or about 50 to about 110 microns, or about 76 microns. The first water-soluble film has a first side and a second side.

[0062] The first water-soluble film may have a water solubility of at least 50%, or at least 75%, or at least 95%, as measured by the method described above using a glass filter having a maximum pore size of 20 microns.

[0063] The first water-soluble film can be obtained by casting, blow molding, extrusion or blow extrusion of a polymeric material as known in the art and as further described below. The first water-soluble film can be a solvent-cast water-soluble film.

[0064] The first water-soluble film includes a first PVOH resin, the first polyvinyl alcohol resin being i. a first polyvinyl alcohol polymer comprising carboxylated anionic monomer units, vinyl alcohol monomer units, and optionally vinyl acetate monomer units, wherein the carboxylated anionic monomer units are derived from a member selected from the group consisting of maleic acid, monoalkyl maleates, dialkyl maleates, maleic anhydride, and combinations thereof; ii. a second PVOH polymer, the second PVOH polymer being a homopolymer, the homopolymer consisting of vinyl alcohol monomer units and optionally vinyl acetate monomer units.

[0065] The first polyvinyl alcohol resin can optionally be present in the range of about 50% to about 95% by weight, or about 50% to about 80% by weight, or about 60% to about 75% by weight of the first water-soluble film.

[0066] The carboxylated anionic monomer units in the first water-soluble film may optionally be derived from monoalkyl maleate units, such as monomethyl maleate, its salts, such as alkali metal salts, and combinations thereof. Without wishing to be bound by theory, a polyvinyl alcohol polymer comprising carboxylated anionic monomer units, vinyl alcohol monomer units, and optionally vinyl acetate monomer units is an anionic polyvinyl alcohol copolymer. Each carboxylated anionic monomer unit may optionally be present in the first polyvinyl alcohol polymer in an average amount ranging from about 3 mol% to about 6 mol%, or from about 3 mol% to about 5 mol%, or from about 3.5 mol% to about 4.5 mol%, or from about 4 mol% to about 4.5 mol%.

[0067] Common classes of anionic monomer units include vinyl polymerized units corresponding to vinyl monocarboxylic acid monomers, their esters and anhydrides, dicarboxylic acid monomers having a polymerizable double bond, their esters and anhydrides, vinyl sulfonic acid monomers, and alkali metal salts of any of the foregoing. Examples of anionic monomer units include vinyl polymerized units corresponding to vinyl anionic monomers including vinyl acetate, maleic acid, monoalkyl maleates, dialkyl maleates, monomethyl maleate, dimethyl maleate, maleic anhydride, fumaric acid, monoalkyl fumarates, dialkyl fumarates, monomethyl fumarate, dimethyl fumarate, fumaric anhydride, itaconic acid, monomethyl itaconate, dimethyl itaconate, itaconic anhydride, vinyl sulfonic acid, allyl sulfonic acid, ethylene sulfonic acid, 2-acrylamido-1-methylpropanesulfonic acid, 2-acrylamido-2-methylpropanesulfonic acid, 2-methylacrylamido-2-methylpropanesulfonic acid, 2-sulfoethyl acrylate, alkali metal salts of the foregoing (e.g., sodium, potassium, or other alkali metal salts), esters of the foregoing (e.g., methyl, ethyl, or other C1-C4 or C6 alkyl esters), and combinations thereof (e.g., multiple types of anionic monomers or equivalent forms of the same anionic monomer). Anionic monomers can include one or more acrylamidomethylpropanesulfonic acids (e.g., 2-acrylamido-1-methylpropanesulfonic acid, 2-acrylamido-2-methylpropanesulfonic acid, 2-methylacrylamido-2-methylpropanesulfonic acid), alkali metal salts thereof (e.g., sodium salts), and combinations thereof.

[0068] The first polyvinyl alcohol polymer in the first water-soluble resin optionally comprises: a. an average viscosity in the range of about 10 mPa.s to about 40 mPa.s, or in the range of about 10 mPa.s to about 30 mPa.s, or in the range of about 12 mPa.s to about 25 mPa.s, or in the range of about 14 mPa.s to about 20 mPa.s, when measured as a 4% solution of polyvinyl alcohol polymer in deionized water at 20°C; b. an average degree of hydrolysis of about 60% to about 99%, or about 80% to about 98%, or about 83% to about 95%, or about 85% to about 92%, or c. a combination thereof.

[0069] The second polyvinyl alcohol polymer in the first water-soluble resin optionally comprises: a. an average viscosity in the range of about 3 mPa.s to about 30 mPa.s, or in the range of about 7 mPa.s to about 30 mPa.s, or in the range of about 10 mPa.s to about 30 mPa.s, or in the range of about 12 mPa.s to about 25 mPa.s, when measured as a 4% solution of polyvinyl alcohol polymer in deionized water at 20°C; b. an average degree of hydrolysis ranging from about 60% to about 99%, or from about 80% to about 98%, or from about 85% to about 95%, or from about 87% to about 92%, or c. a combination thereof.

[0070] In the first water-soluble resin, the relative weight ratio of the first PVOH polymer and the second PVOH polymer can optionally be in the range of from about 90 / 10 to about 10 / 90, or from about 80 / 20 to about 20 / 80, or from about 70 / 30 to about 50 / 50.

[0071] In one type of embodiment, for example, for use with laundry and automatic dishwashing compositions, or generally with fabric and home care compositions, the first polyvinyl alcohol resin can have at least 65% by weight of a first polyvinyl alcohol polymer comprising carboxylated anionic monomer units, vinyl alcohol monomer units, and optionally vinyl acetate monomer units, where the carboxylated anionic monomer units are derived from a member selected from the group consisting of maleic acid, monoalkyl maleates, dialkyl maleates, maleic anhydride, and combinations thereof. Optionally, the amount of such first polyvinyl alcohol polymer can be in the range of about 65% to about 95% by weight, or 65% to about 90% by weight, or greater than 65% to about 95% by weight, or greater than 65% to about 90% by weight, or greater than 65% to about 85% by weight, or about 70% to about 90% by weight, based on the weight of the first polyvinyl alcohol resin.

[0072] The first water-soluble film has a modulus of at least about 20 N / mm2 as measured at 35% RH by the MOD test. 2 The MOD value at 10% elongation can be characterized by a 100% modulus value of at least about 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, or 27 N / mm. Generally, a higher MOD value is desirable because it corresponds to pouches that are stiffer and less likely to deform and stick together when stacked on top of each other during manufacturing or in end consumer packaging. Furthermore, the MOD value at 10% elongation corresponds to the ability of the film to maintain its stiffness rather than loosening or sagging when contacted with liquid pouch contents. In particular, films with higher MOD values ​​correspond to pouches that tend to soften and appear loose when contacted with liquid pouch contents containing low molecular weight polyols. In various embodiments, the first water-soluble film has a modulus of at least about 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, or 27 N / mm. 2 , and / or up to 24, 25, 27, 28, 29, or 30 N / mm 2 (For example, about 20N / mm 2 ~Approx. 30N / mm 2 , or about 20N / mm 2 ~about 28N / mm 2, or about 22N / mm 2 ~Approx. 25N / mm 2 ) MOD value.

[0073] The first water-soluble film may optionally include a surfactant content in the range of about 0.1% to about 3.5% by weight, or in the range of about 0.1% to about 2.5% by weight, or in the range of about 1% to about 2% by weight, or in the range of about 0.5% to about 2% by weight. Suitable surfactants may include nonionic, cationic, anionic, and zwitterionic classes. Suitable surfactants include nonionic, including but not limited to polyoxyethylenated polyoxypropylene glycols, alcohol ethoxylates, alkylphenol ethoxylates, tertiary acetylenic glycols, and alkanolamides; cationic, including but not limited to polyoxyethylenated amines, quaternary ammonium salts, and quaternized polyoxyethylenated amines; and zwitterionic, including but not limited to amine oxides, N-alkyl betaines, and sulfobetaines. For example, the nonionic surfactant may be selected from alcohol ethoxylates, the cationic surfactant may be selected from quaternary ammonium salts, and the zwitterionic surfactant may be selected from amine oxides.Other suitable surfactants include dioctyl sodium sulfosuccinate, lactylated fatty acid esters of glycerol and propylene glycol, lactyl esters of fatty acids, sodium alkyl sulfates, polysorbate 20, polysorbate 60, polysorbate 65, polysorbate 80, lecithin, acetylated fatty acid esters of glycerol and propylene glycol, and acetylated esters of fatty acids, and combinations thereof.

[0074] The first water-soluble film may optionally have a residual moisture content of at least 4%, or in the range of about 4% to about 15%, or about 5% to about 10% by weight of the first water-soluble film as measured by Karl Fischer titration.

[0075] The first water-soluble film can include one or more ingredients selected from the group consisting of plasticizers, plasticizer compatibilizers, lubricants, release agents, fillers, extenders, crosslinkers, antiblocking agents, antioxidants, anti-tack agents, antifoaming agents, nanoparticles, bleaching agents, aversive agents, surfactants, and combinations thereof.

[0076] The first water-soluble film may include one or more plasticizers in an amount ranging from about 5% to about 50% by weight, or from about 10% to about 40% by weight, or from about 20% to about 30% by weight of the first water-soluble film. The plasticizer in the first water-soluble film may optionally be selected from a polyol, a sugar alcohol, or a mixture thereof, for example, the polyol may include a polyol selected from the group consisting of glycerol, diglycerin, ethylene glycol, diethylene glycol, triethylene glycol, tetraethylene glycol, polyethylene glycol up to 400 MW, neopentyl glycol, 1,2-propylene glycol, 1,3-propanediol, dipropylene glycol, polypropylene glycol, 2-methyl-1,3-propanediol, trimethylolpropane, and polyetherol, or a mixture thereof, and the sugar alcohol may include a sugar alcohol selected from the group consisting of isomalt, maltitol, sorbitol, xylitol, erythritol, adonitol, dulcitol, pentaerythritol, and mannitol, or a mixture thereof. The plasticizer may be selected from the group consisting of sorbitol, glycerol, dipropylene glycol, polyethylene glycol, trimethylolpropane, and mixtures thereof.

[0077] The first water-soluble film may optionally include a lubricant / release agent. Suitable lubricants / release agents may include, but are not limited to, fatty acids and their salts, fatty alcohols, fatty esters, fatty amines, fatty amine acetates, and fatty amides. Preferred lubricants / release agents may be selected from fatty acids, fatty acid salts, and fatty acid amine acetates. The amount of lubricant / release agent in the first water-soluble film may optionally range from about 0.02% to about 1.5% by weight, or from about 0.1% to about 1% by weight of the first water-soluble film.

[0078] The first water-soluble film may optionally include a filler, an extender, an antiblocking agent, an antiblocking agent, or a mixture thereof. Suitable fillers, extenders, antiblocking agents, antiblocking agents, or mixtures thereof include, but are not limited to, starch, modified starch, crosslinked polyvinylpyrrolidone, crosslinked cellulose, microcrystalline cellulose, silica, metal oxides, calcium carbonate, talc, and mica. Starch, modified starch, silica, and mixtures thereof are specifically contemplated. The amount of fillers, extenders, antiblocking agents, antiblocking agents, or mixtures thereof in the first water-soluble film may optionally range from about 0.1% to about 25%, from about 1% to about 10%, from about 2% to about 8%, or from about 3% to about 5% by weight of the first water-soluble film. In the absence of starch, a suitable filler, extender, antiblocking agent, antisticking agent or mixtures thereof may optionally be present in a range of from about 0.1% to about 1%, or about 4%, or about 6%, or about 1% to about 4%, or about 1% to about 2.5% by weight of the first water-soluble film.

[0079] The first water-soluble film may include printed areas, which may be achieved using standard techniques such as flexographic printing or inkjet printing.

[0080] The first water-soluble film may include an aversive agent, such as a bitter agent. Suitable bitter agents include, but are not limited to, naringin, sucrose octaacetate, quinine hydrochloride, denatonium benzoate, and mixtures thereof. Any suitable level of the aversive agent may be used in the film. Suitable levels include, but are not limited to, about 1 ppm to about 5000 ppm, or about 100 ppm to about 2500 ppm, or about 250 ppm to about 2000 ppm.

[0081] The first water-soluble film, and its individual components, can independently contain from 0 ppm to about 20 ppm, or from 0 ppm to about 15 ppm, or from 0 ppm to about 10 ppm, or from 0 ppm to about 5 ppm, or from 0 ppm to about 1 ppm, or from 0 ppb to about 100 ppb, or from 0 ppb dioxane. Those skilled in the art will recognize known methods and techniques for determining dioxane levels in water-soluble films and their components.

[0082] Second water-soluble film The water-soluble unit dose article includes a second water-soluble film. The second water-soluble film has a first side and a second side. The second water-soluble film includes a second polyvinyl alcohol resin.

[0083] The second water-soluble film of the present invention is soluble or dispersible in water. The second water-soluble film may have an average thickness, before any deformation, in the range of about 20 to about 150 microns, or about 35 to about 125 microns, or about 50 to about 110 microns, or about 76 microns.

[0084] The second water-soluble film can have a water solubility of at least 50%, or at least 75%, or at least 95%, as measured by the method described herein after using a glass filter with a maximum pore size of 20 microns. 5 g±0.1 g of film material is added to a pre-weighed 3 L beaker and 2 L±5 ml of distilled water is added. This is stirred vigorously for 30 minutes at 30° C. on a magnetic stirrer set at 600 rpm, Labline Model No. 1250 or equivalent, and a 5 cm magnetic stirrer. The mixture is then filtered through a folded qualitative sintered glass filter with a pore size defined above (maximum 20 microns). The water is dried from the collected filtrate by any conventional method, and the weight of the remaining material is determined (this is the dissolved or dispersed fraction). The percentage of solubility or dispersibility can then be calculated.

[0085] The second water-soluble film may be obtained by casting, blow molding, extrusion or blow extrusion of a polymeric material as known in the art and as further described below. The second water-soluble film may be a solvent-cast water-soluble film.

[0086] The second water-soluble film includes a polyvinyl alcohol resin. The polyvinyl alcohol resin can optionally be present in the range of about 50% to about 95% by weight, or about 50% to about 80% by weight, or about 60% to about 75% by weight of the second water-soluble film.

[0087] The second polyvinyl alcohol resin comprises a polyvinyl alcohol polymer comprising less than 15% by weight of carboxylated anionic monomer units, vinyl alcohol monomer units, and optionally vinyl acetate monomer units, the carboxylated anionic monomer units being derived from a member selected from the group consisting of maleic acid, monoalkyl maleates, dialkyl maleates, maleic anhydride, and combinations thereof. The polyvinyl alcohol polymer comprising carboxylated anionic monomer units may be present in the second polyvinyl alcohol resin in a range of, for example, from about 1% to less than 15% by weight, or from about 1% to about 10% by weight, or from about 1% to about 5% by weight, or from about 5% to about 15% by weight, or from about 5% to about 10% by weight. Without wishing to be bound by theory, the polyvinyl alcohol polymer comprising carboxylated anionic monomer units, vinyl alcohol monomer units, and optionally vinyl acetate monomer units is an anionic polyvinyl alcohol copolymer. The second polyvinyl alcohol resin can also comprise about 85% to about 100% by weight of a second polyvinyl alcohol resin of a polyvinyl alcohol homopolymer or polyvinyl alcohol homopolymer blend, where the polyvinyl alcohol homopolymer is comprised of vinyl alcohol monomer units and optionally vinyl acetate monomer units. In certain embodiments, the second polyvinyl alcohol resin can comprise a first polyvinyl alcohol polymer (anionic copolymer) in the amounts described herein, with the balance being the second polyvinyl alcohol polymer (polyvinyl alcohol homopolymer or polyvinyl alcohol homopolymer blend).

[0088] When present, the carboxylated anionic monomer units may optionally be present in the polyvinyl alcohol polymer comprising the carboxylated anionic monomer units in an average amount of at least 3 mol %, or from about 3 mol % to about 6 mol %, or from about 3 mol % to about 5 mol %, or from about 3.5 mol % to about 4.5 mol %, or from about 4 mol % to about 4.5 mol %. The polyvinyl alcohol polymer comprising carboxylated anionic monomer units, vinyl alcohol monomer units, and optionally vinyl acetate monomer units in the polyvinyl alcohol resin of the second water-soluble film, if present, may optionally be characterized by an average 4% aqueous solution viscosity (in deionized water) at 20° C. in the range of from about 10 mPa.s to about 40 mPa.s, or from about 10 mPa.s to about 30 mPa.s, or from about 12 mPa.s to about 25 mPa.s, or from about 14 mPa.s to about 20 mPa.s, or by an average degree of hydrolysis in the range of from about 60% to about 99%, or from about 80% to about 98%, or from about 83% to about 95%, or from about 85% to about 92%, or by a combination of such viscosity and average degree of hydrolysis.

[0089] The carboxylated anionic units can be derived from maleic acid, monoalkyl maleates, dialkyl maleates, monomethyl maleate, dimethyl maleate, maleic anhydride, or mixtures thereof. The maleate units can be derived from monoalkyl maleate units, optionally selected from the group consisting of monomethyl maleate, salts, e.g., alkali metal salts, and combinations thereof.

[0090] The second polyvinyl alcohol resin can also comprise a polyvinyl alcohol homopolymer or a polyvinyl alcohol homopolymer blend in the range of about 85% to about 100% by weight of the polyvinyl alcohol resin, the polyvinyl alcohol homopolymer or polyvinyl alcohol homopolymer blend being composed of vinyl alcohol monomer units and optionally vinyl acetate monomer units. The second water-soluble film can comprise a polyvinyl alcohol homopolymer or polyvinyl alcohol homopolymer blend in the range of about 90% to about 100% by weight of the second polyvinyl alcohol resin, for example, 100% by weight.

[0091] The polyvinyl alcohol resin of the second water-soluble film is a polyvinyl alcohol homopolymer or a blend of a first polyvinyl alcohol homopolymer and a second polyvinyl alcohol homopolymer, and has a viscosity in the range of about 8 mPa.s to less than 12 mPa.s, or about 8.5 mPa.s to less than 12 mPa.s, or about 9 mPa.s to less than 12 mPa.s, or about 9.5 mPa.s to less than 12 mPa.s, or about 10 mPa.s to less than 12 mPa.s, or about 10.5 mPa.s to less than 12 mPa.s. The composition may comprise a polyvinyl alcohol homopolymer or a blend of a first polyvinyl alcohol homopolymer and a second polyvinyl alcohol homopolymer having an average viscosity, when measured as a 4% polyvinyl alcohol solution in deionized water at 20° C., and optionally the first polyvinyl alcohol homopolymer and the second polyvinyl alcohol homopolymer or blend are present in a relative weight ratio ranging from about 90 / 10 to about 10 / 90, or from about 80 / 20 to about 20 / 80, or from about 70 / 30 to 50 / 50. In other embodiments, the polyvinyl alcohol homopolymer or the blend of the first and second polyvinyl alcohol homopolymers has a viscosity of from about 8 mPa.s to about 11.5 mPa.s, or from about 8.5 mPa.s to about 11.5 mPa.s, or from about 9 mPa.s to about 11.5 mPa.s, or from about 9.5 mPa.s to about 11.5 mPa.s, or from about 10 mPa.s to about 11.5 mPa.s, or from about 10.5 mPa.s to about 11.5 mPa.s, or The polyvinyl alcohol may have an average viscosity ranging from about 8 mPa.s to about 11 mPa.s, or from about 8 mPa.s to about 10 mPa.s, measured as a 4% solution of polyvinyl alcohol in deionized water at 20° C., and optionally the first polyvinyl alcohol homopolymer and the second polyvinyl alcohol homopolymer are present in a relative weight ratio ranging from about 90 / 10 to about 10 / 90, or from about 80 / 20 to about 20 / 80, or from about 70 / 30 to 50 / 50.As used herein, the first polyvinyl alcohol homopolymer may optionally have an average viscosity in the range of about 11 mPa.s to about 20 mPa.s, about 11 mPa.s to about 18 mPa.s, or about 11 mPa.s to about 15 mPa.s, measured as a 4% polyvinyl alcohol polymer solution in deionized water at 20° C., and the second polyvinyl alcohol homopolymer may have an average viscosity in the range of about 1 mPa.s to about 10 mPa.s, optionally in the range of about 5 mPa.s to about 10 mPa.s, optionally in the range of about 6 mPa.s to about 10 mPa.s, optionally in the range of about 7 mPa.s to about 10 mPa.s, optionally in the range of about 8 mPa.s to about 10 mPa.s, measured as a 4% polyvinyl alcohol solution in deionized water at 20° C. Optionally, the difference in average viscosity between the first polyvinyl alcohol polymer and the second polyvinyl alcohol homopolymer is at least about 1 mPa.s, or in the range of about 2 to about 10 mPa.s, or in the range of about 3 to about 8 mPa.s, when measured as a 4% polyvinyl alcohol polymer solution in deionized water at 20° C. In any type of embodiment, the first and second polyvinyl alcohol homopolymers can independently have an average degree of hydrolysis in the range of about 75% to about 99%, or in the range of about 80% to about 95%, or in the range of about 85% to about 95%. Optionally, the polyvinyl alcohol resin of the second water-soluble film can have an average degree of hydrolysis in the range of about 75% to about 99%, or in the range of about 80% to about 95%, or in the range of about 85% to about 95%. A suitable test method for measuring the degree of hydrolysis is according to standard method JIS K6726.

[0092] The second water-soluble film has a modulus of 20 N / mm2 when measured at 35% RH by the MOD test. 2 A 100% modulus value less than 20 N / mm can be characterized as a modulus of elasticity of 100%. Generally, higher MOD values ​​(e.g., 20 N / mm) correspond to films that are stiffer and less likely to deform and stick to each other when stacked on top of each other during manufacturing or in the final consumer packaging. 2A MOD value of 100% elongation or more is desirable. Moreover, the MOD value at 100% elongation corresponds to the ability of the film to maintain its rigidity rather than loosening or sagging when contacted with liquid pouch contents. In particular, films having higher MOD values ​​correspond to pouches that tend to soften and appear loose when contacted with liquid pouch contents containing low molecular weight polyols. However, it has been determined that the second polyvinyl alcohol film may advantageously have a lower 100% modulus as described herein. Moreover, when used as an intermediate film in the stacked pouch configurations described herein, the relatively low MOD value and the resulting tendency of the film to sag is negated by the configuration of the pouch, with the second film being essentially entirely within the pouch product. In various embodiments, the second water-soluble film has a modulus of about 20 N / mm 2 Less than or about 19N / mm 2 Less than or about 18N / mm 2 Less than or about 17N / mm 2 Less than or about 16N / mm 2 Less than or about 15N / mm 2 Less than or about 14N / mm 2 less than, and optionally at least about 9 N / mm 2 , or at least about 10 N / mm 2 , or at least about 11 N / mm 2 , or at least about 12 N / mm 2 , or at least about 13 N / mm 2 , for example, about 10 N / mm 2 ~Approx. 16N / mm 2 , or about 11 N / mm 2 ~Approx. 15N / mm 2 , or about 12N / mm 2 ~Approx. 14N / mm 2 In a related embodiment, the second water-soluble film has a MOD value within the range of about 1 N / mm2 different from the 100% modulus value of the first water-soluble film. 2 , or at least about 2 N / mm 2 , or at least about 3 N / mm 2 , or at least about 4 N / mm 2, or at least about 5 N / mm 2 , or at least about 6 N / mm 2 , or at least about 7 N / mm 2 , or at least about 10 N / mm 2 , or at least about 20 N / mm 2 , or at least 25N / mm 2 , and optionally at least about 1 N / mm different from the 100% modulus value of the third water-soluble film. 2 , or at least about 2 N / mm 2 , or at least about 3 N / mm 2 , or at least about 4 N / mm 2 , or at least about 5 N / mm 2 , or at least about 6 N / mm 2 , or at least about 7 N / mm 2 , or at least about 10 N / mm 2 , or at least about 20 N / mm 2 and even more optionally, at least about 1 N / mm different from the 100% modulus value of both the first water-soluble film and, optionally, the third water-soluble film (if present, respectively). 2 , or at least about 2 N / mm 2 , or at least about 3 N / mm 2 , or at least about 4 N / mm 2 , or at least about 5 N / mm 2 , or at least about 6 N / mm 2 , or at least about 7 N / mm 2 , or at least about 10 N / mm 2 , or at least about 20 N / mm 2 The elastic modulus may be characterized by a 100% elastic modulus value which is

[0093] The second water-soluble film can optionally include a surfactant content in the range of about 0.1% to about 3.5% by weight, or in the range of about 0.1% to about 2.5% by weight, or in the range of about 1% to about 2% by weight, or in the range of about 0.5% to about 2% by weight. Suitable surfactants can include nonionic, cationic, anionic, and zwitterionic classes. Suitable surfactants include nonionic, including but not limited to polyoxyethylenated polyoxypropylene glycols, alcohol ethoxylates, alkylphenol ethoxylates, tertiary acetylenic glycols, and alkanolamides; cationic, including but not limited to polyoxyethylenated amines, quaternary ammonium salts, and quaternized polyoxyethylenated amines; and zwitterionic, including but not limited to amine oxides, N-alkyl betaines, and sulfobetaines. For example, the nonionic surfactant may be selected from alcohol ethoxylates, the cationic surfactant may be selected from quaternary ammonium salts, and the zwitterionic surfactant may be selected from amine oxides.Other suitable surfactants include dioctyl sodium sulfosuccinate, lactylated fatty acid esters of glycerol and propylene glycol, lactyl esters of fatty acids, sodium alkyl sulfates, polysorbate 20, polysorbate 60, polysorbate 65, polysorbate 80, lecithin, acetylated fatty acid esters of glycerol and propylene glycol, and acetylated esters of fatty acids, and combinations thereof.

[0094] The second water-soluble film may optionally have a residual moisture content of at least about 4%, or in the range of about 4% to about 15%, or about 5% to about 10% by weight of the second water-soluble film as measured by Karl Fischer titration.

[0095] The second water-soluble film can optionally include one or more components selected from the group consisting of plasticizers, plasticizer compatibilizers, lubricants, release agents, fillers, extenders, crosslinkers, antiblocking agents, antioxidants, anti-blocking agents, antifoaming agents, nanoparticles, bleaching agents, aversive agents, surfactants, and combinations thereof.

[0096] The second water-soluble film can optionally include one or more plasticizers in an amount ranging from about 5% to about 50% by weight, or from about 10% to about 40% by weight, or from about 20% to about 30% by weight of the second water-soluble film. The plasticizer in the second water-soluble film can optionally be selected from a polyol, a sugar alcohol, or a mixture thereof, for example, the polyol comprises a polyol selected from the group consisting of glycerol, diglycerin, ethylene glycol, diethylene glycol, triethylene glycol, tetraethylene glycol, polyethylene glycol up to 400 MW, neopentyl glycol, 1,2-propylene glycol, 1,3-propanediol, dipropylene glycol, polypropylene glycol, 2-methyl-1,3-propanediol, trimethylolpropane, and polyetherol, or a mixture thereof, and the sugar alcohol comprises a sugar alcohol selected from the group consisting of isomalt, maltitol, sorbitol, xylitol, erythritol, adonitol, dulcitol, pentaerythritol, and mannitol, or a mixture thereof. The plasticizer can be selected from the group consisting of sorbitol, glycerol, dipropylene glycol, polyethylene glycol, trimethylolpropane, and a mixture thereof.

[0097] The second water-soluble film according to the present invention may include a lubricant / release agent. Suitable lubricants / release agents may include, but are not limited to, fatty acids and their salts, fatty alcohols, fatty esters, fatty amines, fatty amine acetates, and fatty amides. Preferred lubricants / release agents may be selected from fatty acids, fatty acid salts, and fatty acid amine acetates. The amount of lubricant / release agent in the second water-soluble film may optionally range from about 0.02% to about 1.5% by weight, or from about 0.1% to about 1% by weight of the second water-soluble film.

[0098] The second water-soluble film may optionally include a filler, an extender, an antiblocking agent, an antiblocking agent, or a mixture thereof. Suitable fillers, extenders, antiblocking agents, antiblocking agents, or mixtures thereof include, but are not limited to, starch, modified starch, crosslinked polyvinylpyrrolidone, crosslinked cellulose, microcrystalline cellulose, silica, metal oxides, calcium carbonate, talc, and mica. Starch, modified starch, silica, and mixtures thereof are specifically contemplated. The amount of fillers, extenders, antiblocking agents, antiblocking agents, or mixtures thereof in the second water-soluble film may optionally range from about 0.1% to about 25%, from about 1% to about 10%, from about 2% to about 8%, or from about 3% to about 5% by weight of the second water-soluble film. In the absence of starch, a suitable filler, extender, antiblocking agent, antisticking agent or mixtures thereof may optionally be present in the range of about 0.1% to about 1%, or about 4%, or about 6%, or about 1% to about 4%, or about 1% to about 2.5% by weight of the second water-soluble film.

[0099] The second water-soluble film may include printed areas, which may be achieved using standard techniques such as flexographic printing or inkjet printing.

[0100] The second water-soluble film may include an aversive agent, such as a bitter agent. Suitable bitter agents include, but are not limited to, naringin, sucrose octaacetate, quinine hydrochloride, denatonium benzoate, and mixtures thereof. Any suitable level of the aversive agent may be used in the second water-soluble film. Suitable levels include, but are not limited to, about 1 ppm to about 5000 ppm, or about 100 ppm to about 2500 ppm, or about 250 ppm to about 2000 ppm.

[0101] The second water-soluble film, and its individual components, can independently contain from 0 ppm to about 20 ppm, or from 0 ppm to about 15 ppm, or from 0 ppm to about 10 ppm, or from 0 ppm to about 5 ppm, or from 0 ppm to about 1 ppm, or from 0 ppb to about 100 ppb, or from 0 ppb dioxane. Those skilled in the art will recognize known methods and techniques for determining dioxane levels in water-soluble films and their components.

[0102] The third water-soluble film The water-soluble unit dose article may include a third water-soluble film. The third water-soluble film of the present invention is soluble or dispersible in water. The third water-soluble film may have an average thickness, prior to any deformation, in the range of about 20 to about 150 microns, or about 35 to about 125 microns, or about 50 to about 110 microns, or about 76 microns. The third water-soluble film has a first side and a second side.

[0103] The third water-soluble film may have a water solubility of at least 50%, or at least 75%, or at least 95%, as measured by the method described above using a glass filter having a maximum pore size of 20 microns.

[0104] The third water-soluble film can be obtained by casting, blow molding, extrusion or blow extrusion of a polymeric material as known in the art and as further described below. The third water-soluble film can be a solvent-cast water-soluble film.

[0105] The third water-soluble film comprises a third PVOH resin, the third polyvinyl alcohol resin comprising a polyvinyl alcohol homopolymer, an anionic polyvinyl alcohol copolymer, or a blend thereof.

[0106] In one embodiment, the third water-soluble film can include a blend of polyvinyl alcohol homopolymer and / or anionic polyvinyl alcohol copolymer. For example, the third water-soluble film can include a blend of polyvinyl alcohol homopolymer and anionic polyvinyl alcohol copolymer, where the polyvinyl alcohol homopolymer and the anionic polyvinyl alcohol copolymer are present in a relative weight ratio of 90 / 10 to 10 / 90, or 80 / 20 to 20 / 80, or 70 / 30 to 50 / 50.

[0107] The third water-soluble film can include an anionic polyvinyl alcohol copolymer comprising anionic monomer units, optionally present in the anionic polyvinyl alcohol copolymer in an average amount ranging from about 1 mol % to about 10 mol %, or from about 2 mol % to about 5 mol %. The anionic polyvinyl alcohol copolymer can be selected from sulfonated and carboxylated anionic polyvinyl alcohol copolymers, such as carboxylated anionic polyvinyl alcohol copolymers.

[0108] The third water-soluble film can include a blend of polyvinyl alcohol homopolymer and carboxylated anionic polyvinyl alcohol copolymer, optionally with the carboxylate selected from acrylate, methacrylate, maleate, or mixtures thereof, with maleate being specifically contemplated. The carboxylated anionic monomer units in the third water-soluble film can be derived from monoalkyl maleate units, optionally selected from the group consisting of monomethyl maleate, salts, such as alkali metal salts, thereof, and combinations thereof. Without wishing to be bound by theory, the anionic polyvinyl alcohol copolymer includes carboxylated anionic monomer units, vinyl alcohol monomer units, and optionally vinyl acetate monomer units. Each carboxylated anionic monomer unit can be present in the carboxylated anionic polyvinyl alcohol copolymer in an average amount ranging from about 3 mol% to about 6 mol%, or from about 3 mol% to about 5 mol%, or from about 3.5 mol% to about 4.5 mol%, or from about 4 mol% to about 4.5 mol%.

[0109] Common classes of anionic monomer units include vinyl polymerized units corresponding to vinyl monocarboxylic acid monomers, their esters and anhydrides, dicarboxylic acid monomers having a polymerizable double bond, their esters and anhydrides, vinyl sulfonic acid monomers, and alkali metal salts of any of the foregoing. Examples of anionic monomer units include vinyl polymerized units corresponding to vinyl anionic monomers including vinyl acetate, maleic acid, monoalkyl maleates, dialkyl maleates, monomethyl maleate, dimethyl maleate, maleic anhydride, fumaric acid, monoalkyl fumarates, dialkyl fumarates, monomethyl fumarate, dimethyl fumarate, fumaric anhydride, itaconic acid, monomethyl itaconate, dimethyl itaconate, itaconic anhydride, vinyl sulfonic acid, allyl sulfonic acid, ethylene sulfonic acid, 2-acrylamido-1-methylpropanesulfonic acid, 2-acrylamido-2-methylpropanesulfonic acid, 2-methylacrylamido-2-methylpropanesulfonic acid, 2-sulfoethyl acrylate, alkali metal salts of the foregoing (e.g., sodium, potassium, or other alkali metal salts), esters of the foregoing (e.g., methyl, ethyl, or other C1-C4 or C6 alkyl esters), and combinations thereof (e.g., multiple types of anionic monomers or equivalent forms of the same anionic monomer). Anionic monomers can include one or more acrylamidomethylpropanesulfonic acids (e.g., 2-acrylamido-1-methylpropanesulfonic acid, 2-acrylamido-2-methylpropanesulfonic acid, 2-methylacrylamido-2-methylpropanesulfonic acid), alkali metal salts thereof (e.g., sodium salts), and combinations thereof.

[0110] The third polyvinyl alcohol resin can optionally be present in the range of about 50% to about 95% by weight, or about 50% to about 80% by weight, or about 60% to about 75% by weight of the third water-soluble film.

[0111] The third polyvinyl alcohol resin optionally comprises: i. a first polyvinyl alcohol polymer comprising carboxylated anionic monomer units, vinyl alcohol monomer units, and optionally vinyl acetate monomer units, wherein the carboxylated anionic monomer units are derived from a member selected from the group consisting of maleic acid, monoalkyl maleates, dialkyl maleates, maleic anhydride, and combinations thereof; ii. a second PVOH polymer, wherein the second PVOH polymer is a homopolymer, wherein the homopolymer consists of vinyl alcohol monomer units and optionally vinyl acetate monomer units.

[0112] The first polyvinyl alcohol polymer in the third water-soluble film optionally comprises: a. an average 4% aqueous solution viscosity (in deionized water) at 20° C. in the range of about 10 mPa.s to about 40 mPa.s, or in the range of about 10 mPa.s to about 30 mPa.s, or in the range of about 12 mPa.s to about 25 mPa.s, or in the range of 14 mPa.s to about 20 mPa.s, or b. an average degree of hydrolysis in the range of about 60% to about 99%, in the range of 80% to about 98%, in the range of about 83% to about 95%, or in the range of about 85% to about 92%, or c. a combination thereof.

[0113] The second polyvinyl alcohol polymer in the third water-soluble film optionally comprises: a. an average 4% aqueous solution viscosity (in deionized water) at 20° C. in the range of about 3 mPa.s to about 30 mPa.s, or in the range of about 7 mPa.s to about 30 mPa.s, or in the range of about 10 mPa.s to about 30 mPa.s, or in the range of about 12 mPa.s to about 25 mPa.s, or b. an average degree of hydrolysis in the range of about 60% to about 99%, or in the range of about 80% to about 98%, or in the range of about 85% to about 95%, or in the range of about 87% to about 92%, or c. a combination thereof.

[0114] In the third water-soluble film, the relative weight ratio of the first PVOH polymer and the second PVOH polymer can optionally be in the range of about 90 / 10 to about 10 / 90, or in the range of about 80 / 20 to about 20 / 80, or in the range of about 70 / 30 to about 50 / 50.

[0115] The third water-soluble film has a modulus of at least about 20 N / mm2 when measured at 35% RH by the MOD test. 2 The third water-soluble film can be characterized by a 100% modulus value of at least about 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, or 27 N / mm. Generally, higher MOD values ​​are desirable because they correspond to pouches that are stiffer and less likely to deform and stick together when stacked on top of each other during manufacturing or in end consumer packaging. Furthermore, the MOD value at 10% elongation corresponds to the film's ability to maintain its stiffness rather than loosen or sag when contacted with liquid pouch contents. In particular, films with higher MOD values ​​correspond to pouches that are more likely to soften and appear loose when contacted with liquid pouch contents containing low molecular weight polyols. In various embodiments, the third water-soluble film has a modulus of at least about 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, or 27 N / mm. 2 , and / or up to 24, 25, 27, 28, 29, or 30 N / mm 2 (For example, about 20N / mm 2 ~Approx. 30N / mm 2 , or about 20N / mm 2 ~about 28N / mm 2 , or about 22N / mm 2 ~Approx. 25N / mm 2 ) MOD value.

[0116] The third water-soluble film can optionally include a surfactant content in the range of about 0.1% to about 3.5% by weight, or in the range of about 0.1% to about 2.5% by weight, or in the range of about 1% to about 2% by weight, or in the range of about 0.5% to about 2% by weight. Suitable surfactants can include nonionic, cationic, anionic, and zwitterionic classes. Suitable surfactants include nonionic, including but not limited to polyoxyethylenated polyoxypropylene glycols, alcohol ethoxylates, alkylphenol ethoxylates, tertiary acetylenic glycols, and alkanolamides; cationic, including but not limited to polyoxyethylenated amines, quaternary ammonium salts, and quaternized polyoxyethylenated amines; and zwitterionic, including but not limited to amine oxides, N-alkyl betaines, and sulfobetaines. For example, the nonionic surfactant may be selected from alcohol ethoxylates, the cationic surfactant may be selected from quaternary ammonium salts, and the zwitterionic surfactant may be selected from amine oxides.Other suitable surfactants include dioctyl sodium sulfosuccinate, lactylated fatty acid esters of glycerol and propylene glycol, lactyl esters of fatty acids, sodium alkyl sulfates, polysorbate 20, polysorbate 60, polysorbate 65, polysorbate 80, lecithin, acetylated fatty acid esters of glycerol and propylene glycol, and acetylated esters of fatty acids, and combinations thereof.

[0117] The third water-soluble film may optionally have a residual moisture content of at least 4%, or in the range of about 4% to about 15%, or about 5% to about 10% by weight of the third water-soluble film as measured by Karl Fischer titration.

[0118] The third water-soluble film can optionally include one or more ingredients selected from the group consisting of plasticizers, plasticizer compatibilizers, lubricants, release agents, fillers, extenders, crosslinkers, antiblocking agents, antioxidants, anti-blocking agents, antifoaming agents, nanoparticles, bleaching agents, aversive agents, surfactants, and combinations thereof.

[0119] The third water-soluble film can optionally include one or more plasticizers in an amount ranging from about 5% to about 50% by weight, or from about 10% to about 40% by weight, or from about 20% to about 30% by weight of the third water-soluble film. The plasticizer in the third water-soluble film can optionally be selected from a polyol, a sugar alcohol, or a mixture thereof, for example, the polyol comprises a polyol selected from the group consisting of glycerol, diglycerin, ethylene glycol, diethylene glycol, triethylene glycol, tetraethylene glycol, polyethylene glycol up to 400 MW, neopentyl glycol, 1,2-propylene glycol, 1,3-propanediol, dipropylene glycol, polypropylene glycol, 2-methyl-1,3-propanediol, trimethylolpropane, and polyetherol, or a mixture thereof, and the sugar alcohol comprises a sugar alcohol selected from the group consisting of isomalt, maltitol, sorbitol, xylitol, erythritol, adonitol, dulcitol, pentaerythritol, and mannitol, or a mixture thereof. The plasticizer can optionally be selected from the group consisting of sorbitol, glycerol, dipropylene glycol, polyethylene glycol, trimethylolpropane, and a mixture thereof.

[0120] The third water-soluble film according to the present invention may optionally include a lubricant / release agent. Suitable lubricants / release agents may include, but are not limited to, fatty acids and their salts, fatty alcohols, fatty esters, fatty amines, fatty amine acetates, and fatty amides. Preferred lubricants / release agents may be selected from fatty acids, fatty acid salts, and fatty acid amine acetates. The amount of lubricant / release agent in the third water-soluble film may optionally range from about 0.02% to about 1.5% by weight, or from about 0.1% to about 1% by weight of the third water-soluble film.

[0121] The third water-soluble film may optionally include a filler, an extender, an antiblocking agent, an antiblocking agent, or a mixture thereof. Suitable fillers, extenders, antiblocking agents, antiblocking agents, or mixtures thereof include, but are not limited to, starch, modified starch, crosslinked polyvinylpyrrolidone, crosslinked cellulose, microcrystalline cellulose, silica, metal oxides, calcium carbonate, talc, and mica. Starch, modified starch, silica, and mixtures thereof are specifically contemplated. The amount of fillers, extenders, antiblocking agents, antiblocking agents, or mixtures thereof in the third water-soluble film may optionally range from about 0.1% to about 25%, from about 1% to about 10%, from about 2% to about 8%, or from about 3% to about 5% by weight of the third water-soluble film. In the absence of starch, a suitable filler, elongation agent, antiblocking agent, antiblocking agent or mixture thereof may optionally be present in the range of about 0.1% to about 1%, or about 4%, or about 6%, or about 1% to about 4%, or about 1% to about 2.5% by weight of the third water-soluble film. The third water-soluble film may include a printed area. The printed area may be achieved using standard techniques such as flexographic printing or inkjet printing.

[0122] The third water-soluble film may include an aversive agent, such as a bitter agent. Suitable bitter agents include, but are not limited to, naringin, sucrose octaacetate, quinine hydrochloride, denatonium benzoate, and mixtures thereof. Any suitable level of the aversive agent may be used in the film. Suitable levels include, but are not limited to, about 1 ppm to about 5000 ppm, or about 100 ppm to about 2500 ppm, or about 250 ppm to about 2000 ppm.

[0123] The third water-soluble film, and its individual components, can independently contain from 0 ppm to about 20 ppm, or from 0 ppm to about 15 ppm, or from 0 ppm to about 10 ppm, or from 0 ppm to about 5 ppm, or from 0 ppm to about 1 ppm, or from 0 ppb to about 100 ppb, or from 0 ppb dioxane. Those skilled in the art will recognize known methods and techniques for determining dioxane levels in water-soluble films and their components.

[0124] Next, a subtype of the general third water-soluble film described above is provided, which is specifically contemplated for use with all other water-soluble films described herein, including the second water-soluble film and the first water-soluble film, as well as with each of the compositions described herein and each of the methods described herein.

[0125] The third water-soluble film may have an average thickness, prior to any deformation, in the range of about 20 to about 150 microns, or about 35 to about 125 microns, or about 50 to about 110 microns, or about 76 microns. The third water-soluble film has a first side and a second side.

[0126] The third water-soluble film can have a water solubility of at least 50%, or at least 75%, or at least 95%, as measured by the method described herein after using a glass filter with a maximum pore size of 20 microns. 5 g ± 0.1 g of film material is added to a pre-weighed 3 L beaker and 2 L ± 5 ml of distilled water is added. This is stirred vigorously for 30 minutes at 30°C on a magnetic stirrer, Labline model No. 1250 or equivalent, set at 600 rpm and a 5 cm magnetic stirrer. The mixture is then filtered through a folded qualitative sintered glass filter with a pore size defined above (maximum 20 microns). The water is dried from the collected filtrate by any conventional method and the weight of the remaining material is determined (this is the dissolved or dispersed fraction). The percentage of solubility or dispersibility can then be calculated.

[0127] The third water-soluble film can be obtained by casting, blow molding, extrusion or blow extrusion of a polymeric material as known in the art and as further described below. The third water-soluble film can be a solvent-cast water-soluble film.

[0128] The third water-soluble film includes a third PVOH resin, the third polyvinyl alcohol resin being i. a first polyvinyl alcohol polymer comprising carboxylated anionic monomer units, vinyl alcohol monomer units, and optionally vinyl acetate monomer units, wherein the carboxylated anionic monomer units are derived from a member selected from the group consisting of maleic acid, monoalkyl maleates, dialkyl maleates, maleic anhydride, and combinations thereof; ii. a second PVOH polymer, the second PVOH polymer being a homopolymer, the homopolymer consisting of vinyl alcohol monomer units and optionally vinyl acetate monomer units.

[0129] The third polyvinyl alcohol resin can optionally be present in the range of about 50% to about 95% by weight, or about 50% to about 80% by weight, or about 60% to about 75% by weight of the third water-soluble film.

[0130] The carboxylated anionic monomer units in the third water-soluble film may optionally be derived from monoalkyl maleate units, such as monomethyl maleate, its salts, such as alkali metal salts, and combinations thereof. Without wishing to be bound by theory, a polyvinyl alcohol polymer comprising carboxylated anionic monomer units, vinyl alcohol monomer units, and optionally vinyl acetate monomer units is an anionic polyvinyl alcohol copolymer. Each carboxylated anionic monomer unit may optionally be present in the first polyvinyl alcohol polymer in an average amount ranging from about 3 mol% to about 6 mol%, or from about 3 mol% to about 5 mol%, or from about 3.5 mol% to about 4.5 mol%, or from about 4 mol% to about 4.5 mol%.

[0131] Without wishing to be bound by theory, the term "homopolymer" generally includes polymers with a single type of monomer repeat unit (e.g., a polymer chain consisting of a single monomer repeat unit). For the specific case of polyvinyl alcohol polymers, the term "homopolymer" further includes copolymers having a distribution of vinyl alcohol monomer units and optionally vinyl acetate monomer units depending on the degree of hydrolysis (e.g., a polymer chain that includes or consists of vinyl alcohol). In the case of 100% hydrolysis, a polyvinyl alcohol homopolymer may only include vinyl alcohol units. Without wishing to be bound by theory, the term "copolymer" generally includes polymers with two or more types of monomer repeat units (e.g., a polymer chain that includes or consists of two or more different monomer repeat units as a random copolymer, block copolymer, etc.). For the specific case of polyvinyl alcohol polymers, the term "copolymer" (or "polyvinyl alcohol copolymer") can include copolymers having a distribution of vinyl alcohol and vinyl acetate monomer units depending on the degree of hydrolysis, as well as at least one other type of monomer repeat unit (e.g., a ter (or more) polymer chain containing or consisting of vinyl alcohol, vinyl acetate, and one or more other monomer units, such as anionic monomer units). In the case of 100% hydrolysis, polyvinyl alcohol copolymers can include copolymers having vinyl alcohol units and one or more other monomer units, but no vinyl acetate units. Without wishing to be bound by theory, the term "anionic copolymer" includes copolymers having anionic monomer units that contain anionic moieties. Common classes of anionic monomer units include vinyl polymerized units corresponding to monocarboxylic acid vinyl monomers, esters and anhydrides thereof, dicarboxylic acid monomers with polymerizable double bonds, esters and anhydrides thereof, vinyl sulfonic acid monomers, and alkali metal salts of any of the foregoing.Examples of anionic monomer units include vinyl polymerized units corresponding to vinyl anionic monomers including vinyl acetate, maleic acid, monoalkyl maleates, dialkyl maleates, monomethyl maleate, dimethyl maleate, maleic anhydride, fumaric acid, monoalkyl fumarates, dialkyl fumarates, monomethyl fumarate, dimethyl fumarate, fumaric anhydride, itaconic acid, monomethyl itaconate, dimethyl itaconate, itaconic anhydride, vinyl sulfonic acid, allyl sulfonic acid, ethylene sulfonic acid, 2-acrylamido-1-methylpropanesulfonic acid, 2-acrylamido-2-methylpropanesulfonic acid, 2-methylacrylamido-2-methylpropanesulfonic acid, 2-sulfoethyl acrylate, alkali metal salts of the foregoing (e.g., sodium, potassium, or other alkali metal salts), esters of the foregoing (e.g., methyl, ethyl, or other C1-C4 or C6 alkyl esters), and combinations thereof (e.g., multiple types of anionic monomers or equivalent forms of the same anionic monomer). Anionic monomers can include one or more acrylamidomethylpropanesulfonic acids (e.g., 2-acrylamido-1-methylpropanesulfonic acid, 2-acrylamido-2-methylpropanesulfonic acid, 2-methylacrylamido-2-methylpropanesulfonic acid), alkali metal salts thereof (e.g., sodium salts), and combinations thereof.

[0132] The first polyvinyl alcohol polymer in the third water-soluble resin optionally comprises: a. an average 4% aqueous solution viscosity (in deionized water) at 20° C. in the range of about 10 mPa.s to about 40 mPa.s, or in the range of about 10 mPa.s to about 30 mPa.s, or in the range of about 12 mPa.s to about 25 mPa.s, or in the range of about 14 mPa.s to about 20 mPa.s, or b. an average degree of hydrolysis of about 60% to about 99%, or about 80% to about 98%, or about 83% to about 95%, or about 85% to about 92%, or c. a combination thereof.

[0133] The second polyvinyl alcohol polymer in the third water-soluble resin optionally comprises: a. an average 4% aqueous solution viscosity (in deionized water) at 20° C. in the range of about 3 mPa.s to about 30 mPa.s, or in the range of about 7 mPa.s to about 30 mPa.s, or in the range of about 10 mPa.s to about 30 mPa.s, or in the range of about 12 mPa.s to about 25 mPa.s, or b. an average degree of hydrolysis ranging from about 60% to about 99%, or from about 80% to about 98%, or from about 85% to about 95%, or from about 87% to about 92%, or c. a combination thereof.

[0134] In the third water-soluble resin, the relative weight ratio of the first PVOH polymer and the second PVOH polymer can optionally be in the range of from about 90 / 10 to about 10 / 90, or from about 80 / 20 to about 20 / 80, or from about 70 / 30 to about 50 / 50.

[0135] In one type of embodiment, for example, for use with laundry and automatic dishwashing compositions, or generally with fabric and home care compositions, the third polyvinyl alcohol resin can have at least 65% by weight of a first polyvinyl alcohol polymer comprising carboxylated anionic monomer units, vinyl alcohol monomer units, and optionally vinyl acetate monomer units, where the carboxylated anionic monomer units are derived from a member selected from the group consisting of maleic acid, monoalkyl maleates, dialkyl maleates, maleic anhydride, and combinations thereof. Optionally, the amount of such first polyvinyl alcohol polymer can be in the range of about 65% to about 95% by weight, or 65% to about 90% by weight, or greater than 65% to about 95% by weight, or greater than 65% to about 90% by weight, or greater than 65% to about 85% by weight, or about 70% to about 90% by weight, based on the weight of the third polyvinyl alcohol resin.

[0136] The third water-soluble film has a modulus of at least about 20 N / mm2 when measured at 35% RH by the MOD test. 2The third water-soluble film can be characterized by a 100% modulus value of at least about 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, or 27 N / mm. Generally, higher MOD values ​​are desirable because they correspond to pouches that are stiffer and less likely to deform and stick together when stacked on top of each other during manufacturing or in end consumer packaging. Furthermore, the MOD value at 10% elongation corresponds to the film's ability to maintain its stiffness rather than loosen or sag when contacted with liquid pouch contents. In particular, films with higher MOD values ​​correspond to pouches that are more likely to soften and appear loose when contacted with liquid pouch contents containing low molecular weight polyols. In various embodiments, the third water-soluble film has a modulus of at least about 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, or 27 N / mm. 2 , and / or up to 24, 25, 27, 28, 29, or 30 N / mm 2 (For example, about 20N / mm 2 ~Approx. 30N / mm 2 , or about 20N / mm 2 ~about 28N / mm 2 , or about 22N / mm 2 ~Approx. 25N / mm 2 ) MOD value.

[0137] The third water-soluble film can optionally include a surfactant content in the range of about 0.1% to about 3.5% by weight, or in the range of about 0.1% to about 2.5% by weight, or in the range of about 1% to about 2% by weight, or in the range of about 0.5% to about 2% by weight. Suitable surfactants can include nonionic, cationic, anionic, and zwitterionic classes. Suitable surfactants include nonionic, including but not limited to polyoxyethylenated polyoxypropylene glycols, alcohol ethoxylates, alkylphenol ethoxylates, tertiary acetylenic glycols, and alkanolamides; cationic, including but not limited to polyoxyethylenated amines, quaternary ammonium salts, and quaternized polyoxyethylenated amines; and zwitterionic, including but not limited to amine oxides, N-alkyl betaines, and sulfobetaines. For example, the nonionic surfactant may be selected from alcohol ethoxylates, the cationic surfactant may be selected from quaternary ammonium salts, and the zwitterionic surfactant may be selected from amine oxides.Other suitable surfactants include dioctyl sodium sulfosuccinate, lactylated fatty acid esters of glycerol and propylene glycol, lactyl esters of fatty acids, sodium alkyl sulfates, polysorbate 20, polysorbate 60, polysorbate 65, polysorbate 80, lecithin, acetylated fatty acid esters of glycerol and propylene glycol, and acetylated esters of fatty acids, and combinations thereof.

[0138] The third water-soluble film may optionally have a residual moisture content of at least 4%, or in the range of about 4% to about 15%, or about 5% to about 10% by weight of the third water-soluble film as measured by Karl Fischer titration.

[0139] The third water-soluble film can include one or more components selected from the group consisting of plasticizers, plasticizer compatibilizers, lubricants, release agents, fillers, extenders, crosslinkers, antiblocking agents, antioxidants, anti-blocking agents, antifoaming agents, nanoparticles, bleaching agents, aversive agents, surfactants, and combinations thereof.

[0140] The third water-soluble film may include one or more plasticizers in an amount ranging from about 5% to about 50% by weight, or from about 10% to about 40% by weight, or from about 20% to about 30% by weight of the third water-soluble film. The plasticizer in the third water-soluble film may optionally be selected from a polyol, a sugar alcohol, or a mixture thereof, for example, the polyol may include a polyol selected from the group consisting of glycerol, diglycerin, ethylene glycol, diethylene glycol, triethylene glycol, tetraethylene glycol, polyethylene glycol up to 400 MW, neopentyl glycol, 1,2-propylene glycol, 1,3-propanediol, dipropylene glycol, polypropylene glycol, 2-methyl-1,3-propanediol, trimethylolpropane, and polyetherol, or a mixture thereof, and the sugar alcohol may include a sugar alcohol selected from the group consisting of isomalt, maltitol, sorbitol, xylitol, erythritol, adonitol, dulcitol, pentaerythritol, and mannitol, or a mixture thereof. The plasticizer may be selected from the group consisting of sorbitol, glycerol, dipropylene glycol, polyethylene glycol, trimethylolpropane, and mixtures thereof.

[0141] The third water-soluble film according to the present invention may optionally include a lubricant / release agent. Suitable lubricants / release agents may include, but are not limited to, fatty acids and their salts, fatty alcohols, fatty esters, fatty amines, fatty amine acetates, and fatty amides. Preferred lubricants / release agents may be selected from fatty acids, fatty acid salts, and fatty acid amine acetates. The amount of lubricant / release agent in the third water-soluble film may optionally range from about 0.02% to about 1.5% by weight, or from about 0.1% to about 1% by weight of the third water-soluble film.

[0142] The third water-soluble film may optionally include a filler, an extender, an antiblocking agent, an antiblocking agent, or a mixture thereof. Suitable fillers, extenders, antiblocking agents, antiblocking agents, or mixtures thereof include, but are not limited to, starch, modified starch, crosslinked polyvinylpyrrolidone, crosslinked cellulose, microcrystalline cellulose, silica, metal oxides, calcium carbonate, talc, and mica. Starch, modified starch, silica, and mixtures thereof are specifically contemplated. The amount of fillers, extenders, antiblocking agents, antiblocking agents, or mixtures thereof in the third water-soluble film may optionally range from about 0.1% to about 25%, from about 1% to about 10%, from about 2% to about 8%, or from about 3% to about 5% by weight of the third water-soluble film. In the absence of starch, a suitable filler, extender, antiblocking agent, antisticking agent or mixtures thereof may optionally be present in the range of about 0.1% to about 1%, or about 4%, or about 6%, or about 1% to about 4%, or about 1% to about 2.5% by weight of the third water-soluble film.

[0143] The third water-soluble film may include printed areas, which may be achieved using standard techniques such as flexographic printing or inkjet printing.

[0144] The third water-soluble film may include an aversive agent, such as a bitter agent. Suitable bitter agents include, but are not limited to, naringin, sucrose octaacetate, quinine hydrochloride, denatonium benzoate, and mixtures thereof. Any suitable level of the aversive agent may be used in the film. Suitable levels include, but are not limited to, about 1 ppm to about 5000 ppm, or about 100 ppm to about 2500 ppm, or about 250 ppm to about 2000 ppm.

[0145] The third water-soluble film, and its individual components, can independently contain from 0 ppm to about 20 ppm, or from 0 ppm to about 15 ppm, or from 0 ppm to about 10 ppm, or from 0 ppm to about 5 ppm, or from 0 ppm to about 1 ppm, or from 0 ppb to about 100 ppb, or from 0 ppb dioxane. Those skilled in the art will recognize known methods and techniques for determining dioxane levels in water-soluble films and their components.

[0146] How the film is made The water-soluble film used in the water-soluble unit dose article of the disclosed film can be made by any suitable method. The process for making water-soluble film includes solvent casting, blow molding, extrusion, and blow extrusion, which are generally known in the art. The process for solvent casting is known in the art. For example, in the film forming process, resin and secondary additives are dissolved in a solvent, typically water, metered onto a surface, and substantially dried (or forced dried) to form a cast film, and then the resulting cast film is removed from the casting surface. The process can be carried out in batches, and is more efficiently carried out in a continuous process.

[0147] In the formation of a continuous film, it is a conventional method to meter a solution of resin and second component onto a moving casting surface, such as a continuously moving metal drum or belt, causing the solvent to be substantially removed from the liquid, thereby forming a self-supporting cast film, and then peeling the resulting cast film from the casting surface.The solution can optionally be metered or coated onto a carrier film, release liner, or removable backing, whereby after solvent removal, the resulting cast film or coating can be separated from the carrier film, release liner, or removable backing (e.g., immediately after drying or at a later time, such as before use), or can remain attached to the carrier film, release liner, or removable backing.The film or coating prepared on the carrier film, release liner, or removable backing can be self-supporting or non-self-supporting.

[0148] Generally, the amount of water in the metered solution of polyvinyl alcohol, additional resin, and / or secondary components for film casting is selected so that the solution has a maximum solids level below the viscosity inflection point when the solution is heated to the casting temperature. Methods for determining the amount of solids at the viscosity inflection point are known in the art. Generally, the water content of the metered solution may include 60-85% water, or 60-75% water to provide a solution suitable for casting with a typical casting solution. The viscosity of the casting solution may be, for example, at least about 20,000 cps at 185°F (85°C), at least 30,000 cps at 185°F (85°C), for example, about 40,000 cps to about 50,000 cps at 185°F (85°C).

[0149] The solution can be cast at any suitable temperature such that the film has a temperature during drying, for example, in the range of about 50° C. to about 105° C. It is believed, without intending to be bound by theory, that if the casting solution and film temperature drops below about 50° C., the time required to dry the film increases undesirably and the length of the drying chamber required to completely dry the casting solution increases undesirably. Additionally, without intending to be bound by theory, if the solution and film temperature increases above about 105° C., the solvent can rapidly boil out of the film, resulting in film surface defects such as holes or blisters in the finished film and / or promoting undesirable reactions between adjacent PVOH backbones, resulting in a film with reduced solubility.

[0150] In a continuous or semi-continuous casting process, the moving casting surface may have a line speed ranging from about 5 m / min to about 50 m / min. The line speed may affect the resulting film properties, such as physical properties, thickness, residual moisture content, and film quality. In general, a decrease in line speed increases the resulting film thickness, assuming a constant solution feed rate, and an increase in line speed decreases the resulting film thickness. In general, an increase in line speed decreases the residence time of the film in the dryer, which may require an increase in drying temperature, resulting in drying defects or sticking at sufficiently high temperatures. In contrast, a decrease in line speed increases the residence time of the film in the dryer.

[0151] Any of the first, second, third, or additional films according to the disclosure herein can be produced by solvent casting, for example, using a solvent band casting system. The system may include a tank for mixing and / or storing the polymer solution with any secondary additives, and is used with a band caster having at least a first and second rotating drum, in which a continuous band (e.g., a metal band) is tensioned to move with the rotation of the drums. A sheet die can apply the polymer solution from the tank to the metal band, and a drying chamber surrounding at least a portion of the metal band downline of the sheet die is used to remove the solvent from the polymer solution as it moves in a thin sheet on the metal band. In addition, a release coating can be used to provide one or more benefits to the film and / or process. For example, a release coating can substantially reduce or eliminate air bubbles in the produced polymer film, or a release coating can improve the ease of release of the produced film from the casting surface. A roll coater release coating applicator in communication with a supply of release coating and a portion of the band can transfer a fluid release coating to the casting surface before applying the polymer solution to the band. Suitable solvent band casting systems and related materials are further described in US Patent Application Publication No. 2006 / 0081176 A1, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0152] In general, the casting surface can be any suitable substrate for producing polymeric films known to those skilled in the art. In embodiments, the substrate can be a casting roller or drum, a casting belt, or a combination thereof. As used herein, a substrate is used to produce a polymeric film from a polymeric resin or a polymeric resin solution. The substrate comprises a substrate surface, and the substrate surface is coated with a release coating. The polymeric resin solution can be cast onto the substrate while the substrate is moving, e.g., rotating. In embodiments, the substrate is a casting drum. In embodiments, the substrate is a casting belt. The substrate can comprise stainless steel, and can optionally have a stainless steel surface. The substrate can comprise stainless steel, which is optionally plated, e.g., chrome-plated, nickel-plated, zinc-plated, or a combination thereof.

[0153] In general, the release coating may include one or more surfactants and optionally a carrier, such as water. The release coating may include, for example, one or more surfactants selected from fluorosurfactants, non-fluorinated anionic surfactants, non-fluorinated zwitterionic surfactants, salts thereof, or any combination thereof. In embodiments, the anionic or zwitterionic surfactant may be non-fluorinated and may be selected from the group consisting of C6-C 30 Phosphate esters, C6-C 30 Phosphate diester, C6-C 30 Carboxylate, C6-C 30 Dicarboxylates, C6-C 30 Sulfates, C6-C 30 In an embodiment, the release coating comprises a non-fluorinated zwitterionic surfactant or a salt thereof. In an embodiment, the release coating comprises a non-fluorinated anionic surfactant or a salt thereof. In an embodiment, the non-fluorinated anionic surfactant is a C6-C 30 Phosphate ester or C8-C 16 Phosphate esters, C6-C 60 Phosphate diester, C 16 -C 32 Phosphate diester, C6-C30 Carboxylate, C6-C 30 Dicarboxylates, C6-C 30 Sulfates, C6-C 30 In an embodiment, the non-fluorinated anionic surfactant comprises a C6-C 30 Phosphate ester or C6-C 18 Phosphate esters, C6-C 60 Phosphate diester, C 18 -C 32 In embodiments, the anionic surfactant may be selected from one or more of C6-based fluoroaliphatic ammonium phosphate ester, tridecyl alcohol ethoxylate phosphate ester, POE-12, tridecyl alcohol ethoxylate phosphate ester, POE-3, laureth-11 carboxylic acid, cryptoanionic surfactant-laureth-6 carboxylic acid, or sodium lauryl ether sulfate, POE-4.

[0154] As used herein, the term "non-fluorinated" refers to surfactants having less than 0.01% fluorine by weight based on the total molecular weight of the compound, or less than 0.001% fluorine by weight based on the total molecular weight of the compound, or less than 0.0001% fluorine by weight based on the total molecular weight of the compound.

[0155] In an embodiment, the release coating can include a fluorosurfactant, such as a perfluoroalkyl-containing compound. In an embodiment, the fluorosurfactant can include a solution of ZONYL FSP surfactant (EI du Pont de Nemours and Company). A range of about 0.05% to about 5.0% by weight of surfactant in the release coating is contemplated. The amount of surfactant required to provide suitable wetting can vary depending on the film to be coated on the band. Other products may require higher concentrations to improve release characteristics. Hard surface diffusion wetting is more efficient at higher surfactant concentrations until the surfactant solution reaches the critical micelle concentration (CMC). This concentration represents the threshold above which additional surfactant does not produce any further efficiency in spreading wetting. However, increasing the concentration beyond the CMC can improve wetting by the polymer solution and improve the release characteristics of some film formulations.

[0156] The release coating may be applied to the surface of the substrate prior to casting the polymeric resin or polymeric resin solution onto the surface-coated substrate, and may optionally be subsequently dried. In embodiments, the release coating may have a pH of about 1 to about 5 when applied to the substrate surface prior to drying the release coating on the substrate surface. In embodiments in which the surfactant comprises a non-fluorinated anionic surfactant, a non-fluorinated zwitterionic surfactant, salts thereof, and combinations thereof, the release coating may have a pH of about 1 to about 8 or a pH of about 1 to about 5 when applied to the substrate surface prior to drying the release coating on the substrate surface. For example, the release coating may have a pH of about 1, about 1.5, about 2, about 2.5, about 3, about 3.5, about 4, about 5, about 6, about 7, or about 8 when applied to the substrate surface. In embodiments, the release coating, when applied to a substrate surface prior to drying the release coating on the substrate surface, can have a pH of from about 1 to about 7, or from about 1 to about 6, or from about 1 to about 4, or from about 1 to about 3, or from about 2 to about 7, or from about 2 to about 6, or from about 2 to about 5, or from about 2 to about 4, or from about 2 to about 3, or from about 3 to about 7, or from about 3 to about 5, or from about 1.5 to about 3.5, or from about 4 to about 7.

[0157] Generally, the release coating may have a surfactant concentration in the range of about 0.001% to about 100% by weight, based on the total weight of the release coating. In embodiments, the release coating may have a surfactant concentration in the range of about 0.001% to about 20% by weight, prior to drying the release coating on the surface of the substrate. For example, the release coating may have a surfactant concentration in the range of about 0.001% to about 10% by weight, or about 0.01% to about 5% by weight, or about 0.01% to about 4% by weight, or about 0.01% to about 3% by weight, or about 0.01% to about 2% by weight, or about 0.05% to about 2% by weight, or about 0.1% to about 2% by weight, or about 0.5% to about 2% by weight, prior to drying the release coating on the surface of the substrate. In embodiments, the release coating may have a surfactant concentration in the range of about 0.01% to about 4.00% by weight, based on the total weight of the release coating before drying the release coating on the surface of the substrate. In embodiments, the release coating may have a surfactant concentration in the range of about 0.05% to about 2.00% by weight, based on the total weight of the release coating before drying the release coating on the surface of the substrate. In embodiments, the release coating may have a surfactant concentration in the range of about 2.5% to about 100% by weight, based on the total weight of the release coating after drying the release coating on the surface of the substrate. For example, after drying the release coating on the substrate surface, the release coating can have a surfactant concentration in the range of about 3% to about 100% by weight, or about 4% to about 90% by weight, or about 4% to about 80% by weight, or about 4% to about 70% by weight, or about 4% to about 50% by weight, or about 4% to about 30% by weight, or about 4% to about 20% by weight, or about 4.7% to about 100% by weight, or about 5% to about 90% by weight, based on the total weight of the release coating. In embodiments, the release coating can have a surfactant concentration in the range of about 4.7% to about 100% by weight, based on the total weight of the release coating, after drying the release coating on the substrate surface. For example, the release coating can include an amount of ZONYL surfactant in the range of about 0.05% to about 5.0% by weight, based on the total weight of the release coating.

[0158] Generally, the release coatings described herein may have a hydrophilic lipophilic balance in the range of about 1 to about 30. In embodiments, the release coatings may have a hydrophilic lipophilic balance in the range of about 1 to about 20, or about 1 to about 18, or about 1 to about 17, or about 1 to about 16, or about 1 to about 15, or about 2 to about 17, or about 3 to about 17, or about 4 to about 15, or about 5 to about 12, or about 8 to about 12. In embodiments, the release coatings may have a hydrophilic lipophilic balance in the range of about 1 to about 20. In embodiments, the release coatings may have a hydrophilic lipophilic balance in the range of about 3 to about 17.

[0159] Typically, the release coating has a thickness of about 0.1 nm to about 100 nm on the surface of the substrate. In an embodiment, the release coating has a thickness of about 0.1 nm to about 80 nm, or about 0.1 nm to about 60 nm, or about 0.1 nm to about 40 nm, or about 0.1 nm to about 40 nm, or about 0.1 nm to about 20 nm, or about 0.1 nm to about 10 nm, or about 1 nm to about 10 nm, or about 1 nm to about 5 nm on the surface of the substrate. In an embodiment, the release coating has a thickness of about 0.1 nm to about 40 nm on the surface of the substrate. In an embodiment, the release coating has a thickness of about 0.1 nm to about 10 nm on the surface of the substrate.

[0160] A method for making a water-soluble unit dose article, such as a pouch or packet, is described in more detail below. In one aspect, the method can optionally include a solvent for deforming a first water-soluble film described herein (e.g., thermoforming the film in a mold) to create an open cavity, filling the open cavity with a composition (e.g., a detergent composition), closing the open filled cavity with a second water-soluble film described herein, and sealing the second water-soluble film to the first water-soluble film to create the water-soluble unit dose article.

[0161] Unit dose articles such as pouches and packets can be made using any suitable equipment. For example, single compartment pouches can be made using vertical form-fill, horizontal form-fill, or rotary drum fill techniques commonly known in the art. Such processes can be either continuous or intermittent. Thus, the mold can be in any desired orientation relative to the film. However, in one convenient type of embodiment, the mold is under the film to facilitate gravity filling of the contents into the deformed film. The film can be moistened and / or heated to enhance its malleability. The water-soluble film may be preheated prior to deformation via a hot plate, infrared lamps, or combinations thereof, with the use of infrared lamps being specifically contemplated. The method can also involve the use of a vacuum to draw the film into a suitable mold. The vacuum to draw the film into the mold can be applied for any suitable time, such as from about 0.2 to about 5 seconds, from about 0.3 to about 3, or from about 0.5 to about 1.5 seconds. The vacuum may for example be such as to provide a low pressure in the range of 10 mbar to 1000 mbar, or in the range of 100 mbar to 600 mbar.

[0162] The process for producing water-soluble unit dose articles can include automated manufacturing process equipment and steps, such as a conveyor belt, a series of conveyor belts, a drum, a series of drums, or a combination thereof. The process for producing water-soluble unit dose articles can include or consist of manual manufacturing steps, in which one or more sequences or steps described herein are performed manually. Optionally, the process can include both manual and automated steps. Fully automated processes are also contemplated.

[0163] The process, or a portion of the process, for making the water-soluble unit dose articles may be carried out as a continuous process. Alternatively, the process, or a portion of the process, for making the water-soluble unit dose articles may be an intermittent or batch process. Processes for manufacturing water-soluble unit dose articles in continuous or substantially continuous processes are contemplated.

[0164] The mold in which the molded article is made can have any shape, length, width, and depth depending on the required dimensions of the pouch. The molds can also differ from each other in size and shape if desired. For example, the volume of the final unit dose article can be about 5 ml to about 300 ml, or about 10 ml to 150 ml, or about 20 ml to about 100 ml, and the size of the mold can be adjusted accordingly.

[0165] thermoforming Deforming the film may include thermoforming, for example, thermoforming the first water-soluble film in a mold to create an open cavity. A thermoformable film is a film that can be shaped through the application of heat and force. Thermoforming a film is a process of heating a film, shaping it (e.g., in a mold), and then cooling the film so that the film will retain its shape, e.g., the shape of the mold. Heat may be applied using any suitable means. For example, the film may be directly heated by passing it under a heating element or through hot air before or once it is applied onto the surface. Alternatively, the film may be indirectly heated, for example, by heating the surface or by applying a hot item onto the film. In an embodiment, the film may be heated using infrared light. The film may be heated to a temperature in the range of about 50°C to about 150°C, about 50°C to about 120°C, about 60°C to about 130°C, about 70°C to about 120°C, or about 60°C to about 90°C. Thermoforming can be performed by any one or more of the following processes: manual draping of a heat-softened film over a mold, or forming the softened film against a mold by pressure (e.g., vacuum forming), or automatic high-speed indexing of a freshly extruded sheet having a precisely known temperature to a forming and trimming station, or automatic placement, plug forming and / or pneumatic stretching and pressure forming of the film.

[0166] Alternatively, the film may be moistened by any suitable means, such as directly by spraying a wetting agent (including water, a solution of the film composition, a plasticizer for the film composition, or any combination of the foregoing) onto the film, or by wetting the surface, or indirectly by applying a moistening article to the film, for example, as further described herein, prior to or once it is applied onto the surface. For example, the film may be moistened by a contact transfer method in which a moistening absorbent member is applied to the film surface.

[0167] Once the film is heated and / or wetted, it can be drawn into a suitable mold, preferably using a vacuum. Filling of the formed film can be accomplished by utilizing any suitable means. In an embodiment, the choice of method can be guided by the product form and the required filling speed. In an embodiment, the formed film can be filled by an in-line filling technique. The filled open packet is then sealed using a second film by any suitable method to form a pouch. This can be accomplished, for example, in a continuous constant motion while in a horizontal position. For example, a mold with multiple cavities can be used to make multiple packets simultaneously. Closure can be accomplished by continuously feeding a second water-soluble film over and over the open and filled packet, and then sealing the first and second films together, typically in the area between the mold cavities and therefore between the packets.

[0168] Sealing water-soluble unit dose articles The first water-soluble film and the second water-soluble film can be sealed by any suitable method, such as, for example, by solvent sealing, heat sealing, or a mixture thereof. The solvent sealing solution optionally comprises an aqueous solvent, a non-aqueous solvent, or a mixture thereof. In an embodiment, the solvent sealing solution can comprise water. The solvent sealing solution optionally comprises at least 95% by weight, or even at least 98% by weight, or even at least 99% by weight, or even 100% by weight of the solvent sealing solution of water. The solvent sealing solution can be applied by any suitable method, including contact and / or non-contact methods. For example, the solvent solution can be applied by a contact transfer process, such as using a contact member comprising a non-absorbent or substantially impermeable material, such as an anilox roller, a rubber (e.g., EPDM) roller, or any combination thereof, optionally in combination with a doctor blade. The sealing solution can be applied using a drawdown bar, a Mayer bar, or a similar device. In another type of embodiment, the sealing solution can be applied using a contact member including an absorbent material, such as natural felt, synthetic felt, porous plastic, foam, sponge, microfiber, cotton, polyester, extruded polyester fiber, nonwoven web, etc., for example, in the form of a pad or roller. Application of the solvent sealing solution via a felt roll is specifically contemplated. Alternatively, the sealing solution can be applied via a dosing nozzle or a spray nozzle. Combinations of any of the above methods and devices are contemplated. In one type of embodiment, a contact transfer method using an absorbent material is contemplated. The solvent sealing solution can be applied to a second water-soluble film to seal to the first water-soluble film or the third water-soluble film. For example, the solvent sealing solution can be applied to a second side of the second water-soluble film, the second side of the second water-soluble film facing the first side of the first water-soluble film. In one type of embodiment, the solvent sealing solution is applied to the water-soluble film in an amount ranging from about 1 g to about 30 g per square meter of film, or in an amount ranging from about 5 g to about 20 g per square meter of film.

[0169] As mentioned above, one type of method includes solvent sealing to form a water-soluble unit dose article. Typically, only the area where the seal is to be formed is treated with a solvent. The solvent may be applied on either film, and in one type of embodiment, it is applied only on the closure film, and typically on the area where the seal is to be formed. In an embodiment, it may be preferable that heat is also applied. A preferred method of solvent sealing includes applying a solvent on the area between the mold cavities or on the closure film, spraying, printing, or contact applying to these areas, and then applying pressure to these areas to form the seal. For example, a sealing roll and belt (optionally providing heat) may be used to apply pressure.

[0170] In an embodiment, the first water-soluble film is sealed to the second water-soluble film by a solvent seal. In an embodiment, the sealing solution includes water and may further include one or more diols and / or glycols, such as 1,2-ethylenediol (ethylene glycol), 1,3-propanediol, 1,2-propanediol, 1,4-butanediol (tetramethylene glycol), 1,5-pantanediol (pentamethylene glycol), 1,6-hexanediol (hexamethylene glycol), 2,3-butanediol, 1,3-butanediol, 2-methyl-1,3-propanediol, various polyethylene glycols (e.g., diethylene glycol, triethylene glycol), and combinations thereof. In an embodiment, the sealing solution includes erythritol, threitol, arabitol, xylitol, ribitol, mannitol, sorbitol, galactitol, fucitol, iditol, inositol, volemitol, isomalt, maltol, lactitol.

[0171] The sealing solution can be applied to the interface area of ​​the first water-soluble film in any amount suitable to bond the first and second water-soluble films together. As used herein, the term "coating weight" refers to the amount of sealing solution applied to the film in grams of solution per square meter of film. In general, if the coating weight of the sealing solvent is too low, the film will not adhere properly and the risk of pouch failure at the seam will increase. Furthermore, if the coating weight of the sealing solvent is too high, the risk of solvent migration from the interface area will increase, increasing the possibility that etching holes may form in the side of the pouch. The coating weight window refers to the range of coating weights that can be applied to a given film while maintaining good adhesion and avoiding the formation of etching holes. A wide coating weight window is desirable because it provides a robust seal under a wide range of operations. A suitable coating weight window is at least about 3 g / m 2 , or at least about 4 g / m 2 , or at least about 5 g / m 2 , or at least about 6 g / m 2 Contains the amount of.

[0172] Cutting Water-Soluble Unit Dose Articles The unit dose article, e.g., the pouch, can be cut by a cutting device. The cutting can be accomplished using any known method. It may also be preferred that the cutting is done in a continuous manner, preferably at a constant speed and preferably in a horizontal position. The cutting device may be, for example, a sharp article, or a hot article, or a laser, in the latter case, the hot article or laser "burns" through the film / sealing area. The cutting can be performed by one or more rotating knives.

[0173] Multi-compartment pouch forming and filling The different compartments of the multi-compartment pouch may be made together in a side-by-side or concentric fashion, and the resulting joined-together pouch may or may not be separated by cutting. Alternatively, the compartments may be made separately.

[0174] In embodiments, the unit dose article may be made according to a process including the steps of (a) forming a first compartment (as described above), (b) forming recesses within some or all of the sealed compartments formed in step (a) to produce a second molded compartment superimposed on the first compartment, (c) filling and sealing the second compartment with a third film, (d) sealing the first, second, and third films, and (e) cutting the films to produce a multi-compartment pouch. The recesses formed in step (b) may be achieved by applying a vacuum to the compartments prepared in step (a).

[0175] In an embodiment, the second and / or third compartments can be made in separate steps and then combined with the first compartment, as described in European Patent Application No. 08101442.5, or U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2013 / 240388 (A1), or U.S. Patent No. 7,964,549 (B2).

[0176] The unit dose article can be produced by (a) deforming in a mold a first water-soluble film as described herein to create an open cavity, the first water-soluble film comprising a first polyvinyl alcohol resin; (b) filling the open cavity formed by the first water-soluble film with a composition; and (c) closing the open filled cavity from step (b) with a second water-soluble film as described herein, the second polyvinyl alcohol resin being, for example, a polyvinyl alcohol polymer comprising: (1) less than 15% by weight of the second polyvinyl alcohol resin of carboxylated anionic monomer units, vinyl alcohol monomer units, and optionally vinyl acetate monomer units, the carboxylated anionic monomer units being selected from the group consisting of maleic acid, monoalkyl maleates, maleates, methacrylates, ... and (2) a second polyvinyl alcohol resin of about 85% to about 100% by weight polyvinyl alcohol homopolymer or homopolymer blend, the homopolymer consisting of vinyl alcohol monomer units and optionally vinyl acetate monomer units, the second polyvinyl alcohol resin having an average 4% solution viscosity in deionized water at 20° C. within the range of 8 mPa.s to 12 mPa.s; and (d) sealing the second water-soluble film to the first water-soluble film, optionally via a solvent seal, to produce a water-soluble unit dose article.

[0177] Another method of making a pouch includes (a) deforming a first water-soluble film described herein in a mold to create an open cavity; (b) filling the open cavity formed by the first water-soluble film with a composition; (c) separately deforming a third water-soluble film described herein in a mold to create at least one open cavity; (d) filling the at least one open cavity in the third film with a composition (e.g., the same or different from the composition of step (b)); and (e) completing the process of step (d). (f) sealing the second water-soluble film and the third water-soluble film, optionally via a solvent seal, to create a closed intermediate; (g) closing the open filled cavity of step (b) with the closed intermediate of step (f); and (h) sealing the first water-soluble film to the second water-soluble film of the closed intermediate of step (g) to create a water-soluble unit dose article, optionally via a solvent seal. Use of this method can provide, for example, a unit dose article having a compartment of a composition that is superimposed, for example, one or more compartments superimposed against another compartment. In an embodiment, any one of the sealing steps can include a solvent seal, and in one type of embodiment, at least one of the sealing steps includes a solvent seal. In an embodiment, each of the first and second water-soluble films has a first side and a second side, the first side of the first water-soluble film is sealed to the second side of the second water-soluble film to create a first compartment between the first water-soluble film and the second water-soluble film, and the first side of the second water-soluble film is sealed to the second side of the third water-soluble film to create at least a second compartment between the second water-soluble film and the third water-soluble film, the second compartment being disposed above the first compartment. In an embodiment, the first water-soluble film and the third water-soluble film can be identical before thermoforming, i.e., physically and chemically identical, the term "same" meaning within standard processing to make specification changes.Optionally, sealing the first water-soluble film and the second water-soluble film can include wetting the second water-soluble film with a sealing solution described herein, for example, via a contact wetting method. Additionally or alternatively, sealing the second water-soluble film and the third water-soluble film can optionally include wetting the second water-soluble film with a sealing solution described herein, for example, via a contact wetting method.

[0178] The method can further include forming at least a third compartment, optionally at least a third and a fourth compartment, between the second water-soluble film and the third water-soluble film. The second and third compartments, e.g., the second, third and fourth compartments, can optionally be arranged side-by-side with each other, and the second and third compartments, e.g., the second, third and fourth compartments, can optionally be arranged on top of the first compartment. Optionally, sealing the second and third water-soluble films can include wetting the second water-soluble film with a sealing solution as described herein, for example, via a contact wetting method.

[0179] The unit dose articles may be made according to a process including: (a) forming a first compartment using a first film described herein on a first forming machine, optionally using heat and / or vacuum; (b) filling the first compartment with a first composition; (c) deforming a third film described herein on a second forming machine, optionally using heat and vacuum, to create a second and optionally third shaped compartment; (d) filling the second and optionally third compartments; (e) sealing the second and optionally third compartments using a second film described herein; (f) placing the sealed second and optionally third compartments onto the first compartment; (g) sealing the first film to the second film, thereby sealing the first, second and optionally third compartments; and (h) cutting the film to produce a multi-compartment pouch. Optionally, sealing the first water-soluble film and the second water-soluble film can include wetting the second water-soluble film with a sealing solution described herein, for example, via a contact wetting method. Additionally or alternatively, sealing the second water-soluble film and the third water-soluble film can optionally include wetting the second water-soluble film with a sealing solution described herein, for example, via a contact wetting method.

[0180] The first and second forming machines may be selected based on their suitability for carrying out the above process. The first and second forming machines may be, for example, horizontal forming machines and / or rotary drum forming machines. In an embodiment, the first forming machine may be a horizontal forming machine and the second forming machine may be a rotary drum former, for example located above the first forming machine.

[0181] The closed intermediate can be produced, for example, on a rotating drum or on a horizontal belt, with a rotating drum being particularly contemplated. The filled open cavities of steps (a) and (b) can be produced on a horizontal belt or a rotating drum, with a horizontal belt being particularly contemplated. If a rotating drum is used, the water-soluble film is preferably kept in place via vacuum. If a horizontal belt is used, the water-soluble film is preferably kept in place via vacuum.

[0182] A plurality of unit dose articles can be formed in such a way that they are connected to each other by flat areas. Without wishing to be bound by theory, such a process includes making a plurality of water-soluble unit dose articles connected by a non-deformed film to make a water-soluble web of unit dose articles. The non-deformed film is the flat area of ​​the water-soluble web between the unit dose articles. Thus, the flat area can include two or more water-soluble films sealed together as described herein. Thus, the step of deforming a film as described herein will be understood by those skilled in the art to include a process of deforming a portion of a film article while leaving one or more other portions undeformed.

[0183] The resulting web of water soluble unit dose articles connected through flat regions can be transferred to a cutting station and cut to produce individual unit dose articles. In one type of embodiment, the cutting station cuts the flat regions in the web in the machine direction and in the cross machine direction. Cutting can be accomplished using a rotating knife.

[0184] It should be appreciated that by using an appropriate supply station, it may be possible to produce multi-compartment pouches incorporating a number of different or unique compositions and / or different or unique liquid, gel or paste compositions.

[0185] The film and / or pouch may be sprayed or dusted with a suitable material, such as an active agent, a lubricant, an aversive agent, or mixtures thereof. The film and / or pouch may be printed thereon, for example, with an ink and / or an active agent.

[0186] Vertical Form Fill Seal In an embodiment, the sealed unit dose article is a vertical form-fill-seal article. A vertical form-fill-seal (VFFS) process is a conventional automated process. A VFFS includes equipment such as an assembly machine that wraps a single piece of film around a vertically oriented feed tube. The machine heat seals or otherwise secures opposing edges of the film together to create a side seal and create a hollow tube of film. The machine then heat seals or otherwise forms a bottom seal, thereby defining a container portion having an open top where a top seal is later formed. The machine introduces a specific amount of flowable product into the container portion through the open top end. Once the container contains a desired amount of product, the machine advances the film, for example, to another heat sealing device to create a top seal. Finally, the machine advances the film to a cutter, which cuts the film just above the top seal to provide a filled package.

[0187] During operation, an assembly machine advances the film from the roll to form a package. Thus, the film must be able to easily advance through the machine and not adhere to the machine assembly or be so fragile that it breaks during processing. Such formed packages can be combined with another film and / or package to produce a unit dose article as described herein. For example, a VFFS-made package can be made from a first film as described herein and joined with one or more additional fill cavities made as described above from a second film and a third film as described herein. As another example, a VFFS-made package can be made from a second film as described herein and joined with one or more additional fill cavities made as described above from a first film or a third film as described herein. Other permutations of the forming and filling combinations of the first, second, and third films described herein are also contemplated.

[0188] composition Household care compositions In an embodiment, the water soluble unit dose article may include a household care composition.

[0189] The household care composition is preferably selected from the group consisting of light duty liquid detergent compositions, heavy duty liquid detergent compositions, hard surface cleaning compositions, laundry detergent gels, bleaching compositions, laundry additives, fabric enhancer compositions, shampoos, body washes, other personal care compositions, and mixtures thereof, preferably liquid laundry detergent compositions.

[0190] In another aspect, the composition may be selected from the group of laundry compositions and automatic dishwashing compositions, including liquid laundry detergent compositions.

[0191] In another aspect, the household care composition may be selected from non-laundry and non-automatic dishwashing compositions, e.g., selected from the group consisting of light duty liquid detergent compositions, heavy duty liquid detergent compositions, hard surface cleaning compositions, bleaching compositions, shampoos, body washes, other personal care compositions, and other compositions that are non-laundry and non-automatic dishwashing compositions, or mixtures of any of the foregoing.

[0192] The term "liquid laundry detergent composition" refers to any laundry detergent composition that contains a liquid capable of wetting and treating fabrics, including, but not limited to, liquids, gels, pastes, dispersions, etc. A liquid composition can include solids or gases in any appropriately finely divided form, but liquid compositions exclude entirely non-fluid forms such as tablets or granules.

[0193] The liquid detergent composition may be used in hand-washing fabric operations or may be used in automatic machine fabric washing operations.

[0194] Preferably the liquid laundry detergent composition comprises from 15% to 55% by weight of a non-soap anionic surfactant. Preferably the detergent composition comprises from 20% to 55%, more preferably from 25% to 50% of a non-soap anionic surfactant.

[0195] Preferably, the non-soap anionic surfactant comprises a linear alkylbenzene sulfonate. Preferably, the linear alkylbenzene sulfonate is C 10 -C 16 Alkylbenzene sulfonate, C 11 -C 14Preferably, the alkylbenzene sulfonate is an amine-neutralized alkylbenzene sulfonate, an alkali metal-neutralized alkylbenzene sulfonate, or a mixture thereof. The amine is preferably selected from monoethanolamine, triethanolamine, or a mixture thereof. The alkali metal is preferably selected from sodium, potassium, magnesium, or a mixture thereof. Preferably, the liquid laundry detergent composition comprises from 1% to 40%, preferably from 3% to 40%, more preferably from 6% to 35% by weight of the liquid laundry detergent composition of linear alkylbenzene sulfonate.

[0196] Preferably, the non-soap anionic surfactant comprises an alkyl sulfate anionic surfactant, wherein the alkyl sulfate anionic surfactant is selected from an alkyl sulfate, an alkoxylated alkyl sulfate, or a mixture thereof. The alkyl sulfate anionic surfactant may be a primary or secondary alkyl sulfate anionic surfactant, or a mixture thereof, preferably a primary alkyl sulfate anionic surfactant. Preferably, the alkoxylated alkyl sulfate comprises an ethoxylated alkyl sulfate, a propoxylated alkyl sulfate, a mixed ethoxylated / propoxylated alkyl sulfate, or a mixture thereof, more preferably an ethoxylated alkyl sulfate. Preferably, the ethoxylated alkyl sulfate has an average degree of ethoxylation of 0.1-5, preferably 0.5-3. Preferably, the ethoxylated alkyl sulfate has an average alkyl chain length of 8-18, more preferably 10-16, most preferably 12-15. Preferably, the alkyl chain of the alkyl sulfate anionic surfactant is 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, the branch being preferably at the 2-position, or alternatively may be further down the alkyl chain, or may be multi-branched with branches extending onto the alkyl chain. The weight average degree of branching 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 branching 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, synthetically derived materials, or mixtures thereof. Preferably, the synthetically derived materials include oxo synthetic materials, Ziegler synthetic materials, Gerbet synthetic materials, Fischer-Tropsch synthetic materials, isoalkyl synthetic materials, or mixtures thereof, preferably oxo synthetic materials. Preferably the liquid laundry detergent composition comprises from 1% to 35%, preferably from 3% to 30%, more preferably from 6% to 20% of an alkyl sulfate anionic surfactant by weight of the liquid laundry detergent composition.

[0197] Preferably, the non-soap anionic surfactant comprises a linear alkylbenzene sulfonate and an alkoxylated alkyl sulfonate, more preferably the weight ratio of the linear alkylbenzene sulfonate to the alkoxylated alkyl sulfonate is from 1:2 to 9:1, preferably from 1:1 to 7:1, more preferably from 1:1 to 5:1, most preferably from 1:1 to 4:1.

[0198] The liquid laundry detergent composition comprises from 2.5% to 30% by weight of the liquid laundry detergent composition of a nonionic surfactant, which is described in more detail below.

[0199] Preferably, the weight ratio of the non-soap anionic surfactant to the nonionic surfactant is from 1:1 to 13:1, preferably from 1.25:1 to 10:1, more preferably from 1.5:1 to 7.5:1.

[0200] Preferably, the liquid laundry detergent composition comprises a nonionic surfactant. Preferably, the nonionic surfactant comprises an alkoxylated alcohol, and the alkoxylated alcohol is derived from a synthetic alcohol, a natural alcohol, or a mixture thereof. The alkoxylated alcohol can be a primary alkoxylated alcohol, a secondary alkoxylated alcohol, or a mixture thereof, preferably a primary alkoxylated alcohol. Preferably, the alkoxylated alcohol comprises an ethoxylated alcohol, a propoxylated alcohol, a mixed ethoxylated / propoxylated alcohol, or a mixture thereof, more preferably an ethoxylated alcohol. Alternatively, the alkoxylated alcohol can also comprise a higher alkoxy group, such as a butoxy group. In the case of mixed alkoxy groups, the alkoxy groups can be randomly ordered or present in blocks, preferably present in blocks. For example, mixed ethoxy (EO) / propoxy (PO) groups can be ordered in EO / PO blocks, PO / EO blocks, EO / PO / EO blocks, or PO / EO / PO blocks. Preferably, the ethoxylated alcohols have an average degree of ethoxylation of 0.1-20, preferably 5-15, most preferably 6-10. If propoxylation is present, preferably the average degree of propoxylation is 0.1-25, more preferably 2-20, most preferably 5-10. Preferably, the alkoxylated alcohols have an average alkyl chain length of 8-18, more preferably 10-16, most preferably 12-15. Preferably, the alkyl chain of the alkoxylated alcohol is linear, branched, or a mixture thereof, the branched alcohol being a branched primary alkoxylated alcohol, a branched secondary alkoxylated alcohol, or a mixture thereof, preferably a branched primary alkoxylated alcohol. Preferably, the weight average degree of branching of the alkoxylated alcohol is 0%-100%, preferably 0%-95%, more preferably 0%-60%, most preferably 0%-20%. The branches may be at the 2-alkyl position, or further down the alkyl chain, or may be multi-branched with individual branches spanning the entire alkyl chain.Preferably, the synthetically derived material comprises an oxo synthetic material, a Ziegler synthetic material, a Gerbet synthetic material, a Fischer-Tropsch synthetic material, an isoalkyl branched material, or mixtures thereof, preferably an oxo synthetic material. Preferably, the liquid laundry detergent composition comprises from 0.5% to 20%, preferably from 1% to 15%, more preferably from 3% to 12%, by weight of the liquid laundry detergent composition of a non-ionic surfactant, preferably the non-ionic surfactant comprises an alkoxylated alcohol. Without wishing to be bound by theory, it is believed that non-ionic surfactants, particularly alkoxylated alcohol non-ionic surfactants, provide superior body soil cleaning and soil suspension benefits.

[0201] Preferably, the weight ratio of the non-soap anionic surfactant to the nonionic surfactant is from 1:1 to 20:1, from 1.5:1 to 17.5:1, from 2:1 to 15:1, or from 2.5:1 to 13:1.

[0202] Preferably the liquid laundry detergent composition comprises a fatty acid, preferably a neutralized fatty acid soap, preferably a fatty acid salt, more preferably an amine neutralized fatty acid salt, the amine being more preferably an alkanolamine selected from monoethanolamine, diethanolamine, triethanolamine, or mixtures thereof, more preferably monoethanolamine.The liquid detergent composition may comprise from 1.5% to 20%, from 2% to 15%, from 3% to 12%, or from 4% to 10% fatty acid, by weight of the liquid detergent composition.

[0203] Preferably the liquid laundry detergent composition comprises from 1% to 20%, preferably from 5% to 15% water by weight of the liquid laundry detergent composition.

[0204] Preferably, the liquid laundry detergent composition comprises from 10% to 40%, preferably from 15% to 30% by weight of the liquid laundry detergent composition of a non-aqueous solvent, preferably the non-aqueous solvent is selected from 1,2-propanediol, dipropylene glycol, tripropylene glycol, glycerol, sorbitol, polyethylene glycol, or mixtures thereof.

[0205] Preferably, the liquid laundry detergent composition comprises additional ingredients selected from the group comprising builders, perfumes, enzymes, citrates, bleaches, bleach catalysts, dyes, hueing dyes, brighteners, cleaning polymers including alkoxylated polyamines and polyethyleneimines, soil release polymers, fabric care polymers including cationic hydroxyethylcellulose and cationic polyglucans, surfactants, solvents, dye transfer inhibitors, chelating agents, encapsulated perfumes, polycarboxylates, structurants, pH trimming agents, antioxidants including Ralox 35, and mixtures thereof.

[0206] Preferably, the laundry detergent composition comprises a further enzyme selected from the group comprising hemicellulase, peroxidase, protease, cellulase, xylanase, lipase, phospholipase, esterase, chitinase, pectinase, keratanase, reductase, oxidase, phenoloxidase, lipoxygenase, ligninase, pullulanase, tannase, pentosanase, malanase, β-glucanase, arabinosidase, hyaluronidase, chondroitinase, laccase, xyloglucanase, mannanase and amylase, nuclease or mixtures thereof, preferably selected from the group comprising protease, amylase, cellulase, lipase, xyloglucanase, mannanase and mixtures thereof. Preferably, the further enzyme is lipase.

[0207] As used herein, the term lipase includes enzymes that catalyze the hydrolysis of fats (lipids). Lipases are a subclass of esterases. Suitable lipases for the present invention include phospholipases, acyltransferases, or perhydrolases with homology to Candida antarctica lipase A, acyltransferases from Mycobacterium smegmatis, perhydrolases from the CE 7 family, and in particular the S54V variant used in the commercial product Gentle Power Bleach from Huntsman Textile Effects Pte Ltd. Suitable lipases and cutinases include those of bacterial or fungal origin. Chemically modified or protein engineered mutant enzymes are included. Examples include lipases from Thermomyces, such as lipase from T. lanuginosus (previously named Humicola lanuginosa), cutinases from Humicola, such as H. insolens, lipases from Pseudomonas strains (some of which have now been renamed Burkholderia), such as P. alcaligenes or P. pseudoalcaligenes, P. cepacia, P. sp. strain SD705, P. wisconsinensis, GDSL-type Streptomyces lipases, cutinases from Magnaporthe grisea, cutinases from Pseudomonas mendocina, lipases from Thermobifida fusca, Geobacillus stearothermophilus lipase, lipases from Bacillus subtilis, lipases from Streptomyces griseus and S. pristinaespiralis. Typically, the lipase enzyme is present in the composition in an amount of 0.001% to 0.03%, preferably 0.0025% to 0.025%, more preferably 0.005% to 0.02% by weight of the composition of enzymatically active protein. Without wishing to be bound by theory, the enzyme is supplied as a preparation comprising the enzyme and other ingredients.Enzymes themselves are proteins that catalyze a reaction. By an enzymatically active protein is meant herein an enzyme that is capable of actively catalyzing the relevant reaction.

[0208] Preferably the liquid laundry detergent composition has a pH of from 6 to 10, more preferably from 6.5 to 8.9, most preferably from 7 to 8, the pH of the laundry detergent composition being measured at 10% product concentration in deionised water at 20°C.

[0209] The liquid laundry detergent composition may be Newtonian or non-Newtonian. Preferably, the liquid laundry detergent composition is non-Newtonian. Without wishing to be bound by theory, non-Newtonian liquids have properties different from those of Newtonian liquids, more specifically, the viscosity of non-Newtonian liquids depends on the shear rate, while Newtonian liquids have a constant viscosity independent of the applied shear rate. It is believed that the decrease in viscosity of non-Newtonian liquids upon application of shear further promotes dissolution of the liquid detergent. The liquid laundry detergent composition described herein may have any suitable viscosity, depending on factors such as the formulation ingredients and the purpose of the composition.

[0210] Automatic dishwashing detergent composition: The treatment composition may be an automatic dishwashing detergent composition comprising ingredients selected from surfactants, builders, sulfonated / carboxylated polymers, silicone soak inhibitors, silicates, metal and / or glass care agents, enzymes, bleaches, bleach activators, bleach catalysts, alkalinity sources, perfumes, dyes, solvents, fillers, and mixtures thereof.

[0211] Preferred surfactants for use in automatic dishwashing detergents are low foaming, either by themselves or in combination with other components (e.g., suds suppressors). Preferred for use herein are low and high cloud point nonionic surfactants and mixtures thereof, including nonionic alkoxylated surfactants (especially ethoxylates derived from C6-C18 primary alcohols), ethoxylated-propoxylated alcohols (e.g., POLY-TERGENT® SLF18 from Olin Corporation), epoxy terminated poly(oxyalkylated) alcohols (e.g., POLY-TERGENT® SLF18B from Olin Corporation, ether terminated poly(oxyalkylated) alcohol surfactants, as well as PLURONIC®, REVERSED POLY(OXY) SULFATES from BASF-Wyandotte Corp. (Wyandotte, Mich.). Included are block polyoxyethylene-polyoxypropylene polymer compounds such as PLURONIC® and TETRONIC®, amphoteric surfactants such as C12-C20 alkyl amine oxides (preferred amine oxides for use herein include lauryl dimethylamine oxide and hexadecyl dimethylamine oxide), and alkyl amphocarboxylic acid surfactants such as MIRANOL™ C2M, and zwitterionic surfactants such as betaines and sultaines, and mixtures thereof. The surfactants may be present at a level of from about 0.2% to about 30%, more preferably from about 0.5% to about 10%, and most preferably from about 1% to about 5%, by weight of the detergent composition.

[0212] Builders suitable for use in the detergent compositions described herein include water-soluble builders including citrates, carbonates, silicates, and polyphosphates, such as sodium tripolyphosphate, and sodium tripolyphosphate hexahydrate, potassium tripolyphosphate, and mixed salts of sodium and potassium tripolyphosphate.

[0213] Enzymes suitable for use in the detergent compositions described herein include bacterial and fungal cellulases, including CAREZYME® and CELLUZYME® (Novo Nordisk A / S); peroxidases; lipases, including AMANO-P® (Amano Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd.), M1 LIPASE® and LIPOMAX® (Gist-Brocades), and LIPOLASE® and LIPOLASE ULTRA® (Novo); cutinases; proteases, including ESPERASE®, ALCALASE®, DURAZYM®, and SAVINASE® (Novo), and MAXATASE®, MAXACAL®, PROPERASE®, and MAXAPEM® (Gist-Brocades); PURAFECT® OX AM (Genencor), and □□ and □□ amylases, including TERMAMYL®, BAN®, FUNGAMYL®, DURAMYL®, and NATALASE® (Novo); pectinases; and mixtures thereof. Enzymes herein may be added as prills, granules, or co-granules, typically at levels ranging from 0.0001% to 2% by weight of pure enzyme, based on the weight of the cleaning composition.

[0214] Suitable suds suppressors for use in the detergent compositions described herein include nonionic surfactants with low cloud points. As used herein, "cloud point" is a well-known property of nonionic surfactants that results in the surfactant becoming less soluble with increasing temperature, and the temperature at which the appearance of a second phase can be observed is referred to as "cloud point". As used herein, "low cloud point" nonionic surfactants are defined as nonionic surfactant system components with cloud points below 30°C, preferably below about 20°C, even more preferably below about 10°C, and most preferably below about 7.5°C. Low cloud point nonionic surfactants can include nonionic alkoxylated surfactants, especially ethoxylates derived from primary alcohols, and polyoxypropylene / polyoxyethylene / polyoxypropylene (PO / EO / PO) reverse block polymers. Such low cloud point nonionic surfactants can also include, for example, ethoxylated propoxylated alcohols (e.g., BASF POLY-TERGENT® SLF18) and epoxy terminated poly(oxyalkylated) alcohols, BASF POLY-TERGENT® SLF18B series of nonionics).

[0215] Other components suitable for use in the detergent compositions described herein include cleaning polymers with anti-redeposition, soil release, or other cleaning properties.Anti-redeposition polymers for use herein include acrylic acid-containing polymers such as SOKALAN® PA30, PA20, PA15, PA10, and SOKALAN® CP10 (BASF GmbH), ACUSOL® 45N, 480N, 460N (Rohm and Haas), acrylic acid / maleic acid copolymers such as SOKALAN® CP5, and acrylic / methacrylic copolymers.Other suitable polymers include amine-based polymers such as alkoxylated polyalkyleneimines (e.g., PEI600 EO20 and / or ethoxysulfated hexamethylenediamine dimethylquat), which can be optionally quaternized. Soil release polymers for use herein include nonionic and anionic polymers based on terephthalate esters of alkyl and hydroxyalkyl celluloses, polyoxyethylene, polyoxypropylene, and copolymers thereof, as well as ethylene glycol, propylene glycol, and mixtures thereof.

[0216] Heavy metal ion sequestrants and crystal growth inhibitors are also suitable for use in the detergents, such as the salt and free acid forms of diethylenetriaminepenta(methylenephosphonate), ethylenediaminetetra(methylenephosphonate), hexamethylenediaminetetra(methylenephosphonate), ethylenediphosphonate, hydroxy-ethylene-1,1-diphosphonate, nitrilotriacetate, ethylenediaminotetraacetate, ethylenediamine-N,N'-disuccinate.

[0217] Also suitable for use in the detergent compositions described herein are corrosion inhibitors, such as organic silver coatings (especially paraffins such as WINOG® 70 sold by Wintershall, Salzbergen, Germany), nitrogen-containing corrosion inhibitor compounds (e.g., benzotriazoles and benzimidazoles), and Mn(II) compounds, especially Mn(II) salts of organic ligands.

[0218] Other components suitable for use in the detergent compositions herein include enzyme stabilizers, such as calcium ions, boric acid, and propylene glycol.

[0219] Suitable rinse additives are known in the art.Commercially available rinse aids for dishwashing are typically mixtures of low foaming fatty alcohol polyethylene / polypropylene glycol ether, solubilizers (e.g. cumene sulfonate), organic acids (e.g. citric acid) and solvents (e.g. ethanol).The function of such rinse aids is to affect the interfacial tension of water so that it can be discharged in the form of a thin coherent film from the rinsed surface, without leaving any drops, streaks or films after the subsequent drying process.

[0220] Non-household care compositions The composition for inclusion in the unit dose article can be a non-household care composition.For example, the non-household care composition can be selected from agricultural compositions, automotive compositions, aviation compositions, food and nutritional compositions, industrial compositions, livestock compositions, marine compositions, medical compositions, commercial compositions, military and paramilitary compositions, office compositions, and recreational and park compositions, pet compositions, water treatment compositions (including cleaning compositions and detergent compositions applicable to any such use).

[0221] In one type of embodiment, the composition comprises a pesticide, such as one or more insecticides, fungicides, herbicides, pesticides, acaricides, repellents, attractants, defoliants, plant growth regulators, fertilizers, bactericides, micronutrients, and trace elements. Suitable pesticides and secondary agents are described in U.S. Patent Nos. 6,204,223 and 4,681,228, and European Patent No. EP0989803(A1). For example, suitable herbicides include paraquat salts (e.g., paraquat dichloride or paraquat bis(methyl sulfate), diquat salts (e.g., diquat dibromide or diquat alginate), and glyphosate or its salts or esters (e.g., glyphosate isopropylammonium, glyphosate sesquisodium or glyphosate trimesium, also known as sulfosate). Incompatible pairs of crop protection chemicals can be used in separate chambers, for example, as described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,558,228. Incompatible pairs of crop protection chemicals that can be used include, for example, bensulfuron methyl and molinate, 2,4-D and thifensulfuron methyl, 2,4-D and methyl 2-[[[[N-4-methoxy-6-methyl-1,3,5-triazin-2-yl]

[0036] Examples of suitable phosphate inhibitors include, but are not limited to, 2,4-D and metsulfuron methyl, maneb or mancozeb and benomyl, glyphosate and metsulfuron methyl, tralomethrin and any organophosphate such as monocrotophos or dimethoate, bromoxynil and N-[[4,6-dimethoxypyrimidin-2-yl]-amino]carbonyl]-3-(ethylsulfonyl)-2-pyridine-sulfonamide, bromoxynil and methyl 2-[[[[(4-methyl-6-methoxy)-1,3,5-triazin-2-yl)amino]carbonyl]amino]sulfonyl]-benzoate, bromoxynil and methyl 2-[[[[N-(4-methoxy-6-methyl-1,3,5-triazin-2-yl)-N-methylamino]carbonyl]amino]sulfonyl]benzoate.In another related type of embodiment, the composition may include one or more seeds, optionally together with soil, and optionally together with one or more additional components selected from mulch, sand, peat moss, water jelly crystals, and fertilizer, including, for example, the type of embodiments described in U.S. Pat. No. 8,333,033.

[0222] In another type of embodiment, the composition is a water treatment agent. Such agents include aggressive oxidizing chemicals, such as those described in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2014 / 0110301 and U.S. Patent No. 8,728,593. For example, sanitizing agents can include hypochlorites, such as sodium hypochlorite, calcium hypochlorite, and lithium hypochlorite, and chlorinated isocyanurates, such as dichloroisocyanuric acid (also called "dichlor" or dichloro-s-triazinetrione, 1,3-dichloro-1,3,5-triazinane-2,4,6-trione) and trichloroisocyanuric acid (also called "trichlor" or 1,3,5-trichloro-1,3,5-triazinane-2,4,6-trione). Salts and hydrates of the disinfecting compounds are also contemplated. For example, dichloroisocyanuric acid can be provided as sodium dichloroisocyanurate, sodium dichloroisocyanurate dihydrate, among others. Bromine-containing disinfectants may also be suitable for use in unit dose packaging applications, such as 1,3-dibromo-5,5-dimethylhydantoin (DBDMH), 2,2-dibromo-3-nitrilopropionamide (DBNPA), dibromocyanoacetamide, 1-bromo-3-chloro-5,5-dimethylhydantoin, and 2-bromo-2-nitro-1,3-propanediol, among others. The oxidizing agent may be one described in U.S. Pat. No. 7,476,325, such as potassium hydrogen peroxymonosulfate. The composition may be a pH-adjusting chemical, such as one described in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2008 / 0185347, and may include, for example, an acidic component and an alkaline component, such that the composition is effervescent and adjusts the pH of the water when it comes into contact with water. Suitable components include sodium bicarbonate, sodium bisulfate, potassium hydroxide, sulfamic acid, organic carboxylic acids, sulfonic acids, and potassium dihydrogen phosphate. The buffer blend may include, for example, boric acid, sodium carbonate, glycolic acid, and oxone monopersulfate.

[0223] The water treatment agent may be or may include a flocculant, such as those described in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2014 / 0124454. The flocculant may include a polymeric flocculant, such as polyacrylamide, polyacrylamide copolymers, such as diallyldimethylammonium chloride (DADMAC), dimethylaminoethyl acrylate (DMAEA), dimethylaminoethyl methacrylate (DMAEM), 3-methylamidopropyltrimethylammonium chloride (MAPTAC) or acrylamide copolymers of acrylic acid, cationic polyacrylamide, anionic polyacrylamide, neutral polyacrylamide, polyamines, polyvinylamines, polyethyleneimines, polydimethyldiallylammonium chloride, polyoxyethylene, polyvinyl alcohol, polyvinylpyrrolidone, polyacrylic acid, polyphosphoric acid, polystyrene sulfonic acid, or any combination thereof. The flocculant can be selected from chitosan acetate, chitosan lactate, chitosan adipate, chitosan glutamate, chitosan succinate, chitosan malate, chitosan citrate, chitosan fumarate, chitosan hydrochloride, and combinations thereof. The water treatment composition can include one or more phosphate removing materials selected from, for example, zirconium compounds, rare earth lanthanide salts, aluminum compounds, iron compounds, or any combination thereof.

[0224] The composition may be, for example, a limescale removal composition as described in US Patent Application Publication No. 2006 / 0172910, such as citric acid, or maleic acid, or sulfates thereof, or any mixture thereof.

[0225] Various other types of compositions are contemplated for use in the unit dose articles described herein, including particulates such as feathers, e.g., as described in US RE29059 E; superabsorbent polymers, e.g., as described in US Patent Application Publication Nos. 2004 / 0144682 and 2006 / 0173430; pigments and stains, e.g., as described in U.S. Patent Application Publication Nos. 3,580,390 and 2011 / 0054111; brazing fluxes (e.g., alkali metal fluoroaluminates, alkali metal fluorosilicates, and alkali metal fluorozincates), e.g., as described in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 8,163,104; ingestible foods (e.g., coffee powder or dried soups), e.g., as described in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2007 / 0003719; and wound dressings, e.g., as described in U.S. Patent No. 4,466,431.

[0226] Effective drugs In another aspect, the compositions for use in the unit dose articles can be characterized by the actives therein, such as personal care actives, cosmetic benefit actives, skin care actives, hair care actives, fabric care actives, dishwashing actives, hard surface actives, agricultural actives, ingestible actives, liquid treatment actives, industrial actives, or any combination of the foregoing.

[0227] "Personal care active" as used herein means an active that may be applied to mammalian keratinous tissue without undue undesirable effects.

[0228] "Keratin tissue" as used herein means the stratum corneum-containing layer arranged as the outermost protective covering of mammals, including, but not limited to, skin, hair, scalp, and nails.

[0229] "Cosmetic benefits" as used herein with respect to mammalian keratinous tissue include, but are not limited to, cleansing, inhibiting sebum, reducing the oily and / or shiny appearance of skin and / or hair, reducing dryness, itchiness and / or flakiness, reducing pore size of skin, exfoliating, scaling, improving the appearance of keratinous tissue, conditioning, smoothing, providing deodorant and / or antiperspirant benefits to the skin, and the like.

[0230] "Cosmetic benefit active," as used herein, refers to an active agent that can provide one or more cosmetic benefits.

[0231] "Skin care active," as used herein, means an active that, when applied to the skin, provides a benefit or improvement to the skin. It is to be understood that skin care actives are useful not only for application to the skin, but also to the hair, scalp, nails, and other mammalian keratinous tissue.

[0232] As used herein, "hair care active" means an active that, when applied to mammalian hair, provides a benefit and / or improvement to the hair. Non-limiting examples of hair benefits and / or improvements include softness, static control, hair repair, dandruff removal, dandruff resistance, hair color, shape retention, hair retention, and hair growth.

[0233] "Fabric care actives" as used herein means actives that, when applied to a fabric, provide a benefit and / or improvement to the fabric. Non-limiting examples of fabric benefits and / or improvements include cleaning (e.g., with surfactants), stain removal, stain reduction, wrinkle removal, color restoration, static control, wrinkle resistance, permanent press, abrasion reduction, abrasion resistance, pill removal, pill resistance, stain removal, stain resistance (including stain release), shape retention, shrink reduction, softness, fragrance, antibacterial, antiviral, odor resistance, and odor elimination.

[0234] "Dishwashing actives," as used herein, means actives that, when applied to dishes, glassware, pots, pans, cookware, and / or cooking sheets, provide a benefit and / or improvement to the dishes, glassware, pots, pans, and / or cooking sheets. Non-limiting examples of benefits and / or improvements to dishes, glassware, pots, pans, cookware, and / or cooking sheets include food and / or stain removal, cleaning (such as with surfactants) stain removal, stain reduction, grease removal, water spot removal and / or water spot prevention, shine, polish.

[0235] "Hard surface active agents," as used herein, when applied to floors, countertops, sinks, windows, mirrors, showers, tubs, and / or toilets, the active agents provide a benefit and / or improvement to the floors, countertops, sinks, windows, mirrors, showers, tubs, and / or toilets. Non-limiting examples of benefits and / or improvements to floors, countertops, sinks, windows, mirrors, showers, tubs, and / or toilets include food and / or stain removal, grease removal, water spot removal and / or prevention, shine, and polish.

[0236] "Agricultural active agent" as used herein means an active agent that, when applied to a crop and / or plant, provides a benefit and / or improvement to the crop and / or plant. For example, insecticides, herbicides, fertilizers, drought resistant agents are non-limiting examples of suitable agricultural active agents that may be present in the compositions of the present invention included in the unit dose article.

[0237] "Ingestible active agent," as used herein, means an active agent suitable for ingestion and / or ingestion by an animal, e.g., a mammal, such as a human, via the oral, nasal, ocular, auditory, skin pores, rectal, vaginal, or other orifice or wound in the animal (such as delivery of the active agent via a wound dressing). Non-limiting examples of ingestible active agents include feminine hygiene active agents, baby care active agents, oral care active agents, medicinal active agents, vitamins, food active agents (e.g., delivered in novel food forms), pet care active agents, and mixtures thereof.

[0238] "Liquid treatment actives" as used herein means actives that, when applied to a liquid, such as water and / or alcohol, provide benefits and / or improvements to the liquid. For example, chlorine and / or other pool chemicals are non-limiting examples of suitable liquid treatment actives. In another example, water clarification and / or water disinfection actives, such as those used in commercial water filtration and / or water treatment technologies such as PUR®, are non-limiting examples of suitable liquid treatment actives that may be present in the compositions of the present invention included in the unit dose article. Additionally, oil dispersants and / or oil cleaners are other non-limiting examples of suitable liquid treatment actives.

[0239] "Industrial actives" as used herein means actives that provide a benefit within an article of manufacture. For example, glues and / or adhesives to provide adhesion between two objects, insecticides incorporated into housing insulation, oxygen scavenging actives incorporated into food and / or fresh produce packaging, insect repellents incorporated into articles used by humans to repel insects, and moisture scavengers incorporated into desiccants are non-limiting examples of industrial actives that may be present in the compositions of the present invention included in unit dose articles.

[0240] Various aspects of the films, unit dose articles, and methods are described below using numbered paragraphs.

[0241] Aspect A A1. A polyvinyl alcohol resin present in an amount of about 50% by weight to about 95% by weight based on the total weight of the film, wherein the polyvinyl alcohol resin is a polyvinyl alcohol copolymer comprising less than about 15% by weight, based on the total weight of the polyvinyl alcohol resin, of carboxylated anionic monomer units; and About 85% to about 100% by weight of a polyvinyl alcohol homopolymer or a polyvinyl alcohol homopolymer blend, based on the total weight of the polyvinyl alcohol resin; A water-soluble film, wherein the polyvinyl alcohol homopolymer has a 4% aqueous solution viscosity in deionized water at 20° C. of at least 8 mPa.s and less than 12 mPa.s, or from about 9 mPa.s to less than 12 mPa.s, or from about 10 mPa.s to less than 12 mPa.s, or the polyvinyl alcohol homopolymer blend has a 4% aqueous solution viscosity in deionized water at 20° C. of at least 8 mPa.s and less than 12 mPa.s, or from about 9 mPa.s to less than 12 mPa.s, or from about 10 mPa.s to less than 12 mPa.s.

[0242] A2. The water-soluble film of A1, wherein the polyvinyl alcohol resin comprises about 85% by weight to about 100% by weight, based on the total weight of the polyvinyl alcohol resin of the polyvinyl alcohol homopolymer blend.

[0243] A3. A water-soluble film according to A1, wherein the polyvinyl alcohol resin comprises a polyvinyl alcohol homopolymer component comprising a polyvinyl alcohol homopolymer or a polyvinyl alcohol homopolymer blend in a concentration in the range of about 90% to about 99% by weight, or about 90% to about 100% by weight, or 100% by weight, based on the polyvinyl alcohol resin, and the polyvinyl alcohol copolymer component in a concentration in the range of about 0% to about 10% by weight, 1% to about 10% by weight, or 0% by weight, based on the polyvinyl alcohol resin.

[0244] A4. A water-soluble film according to any one of A1 to A3, wherein the polyvinyl alcohol homopolymer or polyvinyl alcohol homopolymer blend has an average 4% aqueous solution viscosity in deionized water at 20°C of at least 8 mPa.s to about 11.5 mPa.s, or at least 8.5 mPa.s to about 11.5 mPa.s, or at least 9 mPa.s to about 11.5 mPa.s, or about 10 mPa.s to about 11.5 mPa.s.

[0245] A5. A water-soluble film according to any one of A1 to A4, wherein the polyvinyl alcohol homopolymer blend comprises a first polyvinyl alcohol homopolymer and a second polyvinyl alcohol homopolymer, and the first polyvinyl alcohol homopolymer and the second polyvinyl alcohol homopolymer are present in a relative weight ratio ranging from about 90 / 10 to about 10 / 90, or from about 80 / 20 to about 20 / 80, or from about 70 / 30 to about 50 / 50.

[0246] A6. The first polyvinyl alcohol homopolymer has an average viscosity in the range of about 11 mPa.s to about 20 mPa.s, or about 11 mPa.s to about 15 mPa.s, when measured as a 4% polyvinyl alcohol polymer solution in deionized water at 20°C; and A water-soluble film as described in A5, wherein the second polyvinyl alcohol homopolymer has an average viscosity in the range of about 1 mPa.s to about 10 mPa.s, or about 5 mPa.s to about 10 mPa.s, when measured as a 4% polyvinyl alcohol polymer solution in deionized water at 20°C.

[0247] A7. The water-soluble film of A5 or A6, wherein the difference in average viscosity between the first polyvinyl alcohol homopolymer and the second polyvinyl alcohol homopolymer is at least about 1 mPa.s, or in the range of about 2 mPa.s to about 10 mPa.s, or in the range of about 3 mPa.s to about 8 mPa.s, when measured as a 4% solution of the polyvinyl alcohol polymer in deionized water at 20°C.

[0248] A8. The water-soluble film according to any one of A5 to A7, wherein each of the first polyvinyl alcohol homopolymer and the second polyvinyl alcohol homopolymer has an average degree of hydrolysis in the range of about 75% to about 99%, or about 80% to about 95%, or about 85% to about 95%.

[0249] A9. Optionally, the film has a strength of about 19 N / mm when measured at 35% RH by the MOD test. 2 Less than or about 18N / mm 2 Less than or about 17N / mm 2Less than or about 16N / mm 2 Less than or about 15N / mm 2 Less than or about 14N / mm 2 less than, and optionally at least about 9 N / mm 2 , or at least about 10 N / mm 2 , or at least about 11 N / mm 2 , at least about 12 N / mm 2 , or at least about 13 N / mm 2 , for example, about 10 N / mm 2 ~Approx. 16N / mm 2 , or about 11 N / mm 2 ~Approx. 15N / mm 2 , or about 12N / mm 2 ~Approx. 14N / mm 2 Range of at least 20N / mm 2 The water-soluble film according to any one of A5 to A8, characterized by a modulus value of less than 100%.

[0250] A10. The water-soluble film according to any one of A1 to A9, wherein the carboxylated anionic monomer unit is derived from maleic acid, a monoalkyl maleate, a dialkyl maleate, maleic anhydride, or any combination thereof.

[0251] A11. A water-soluble film according to A10, wherein the carboxylated anionic monomer units are derived from maleic acid.

[0252] A12. The water-soluble film of A10, wherein the carboxylated anionic monomer units are derived from monoalkyl maleate units optionally selected from the group consisting of monomethyl maleate, salts, such as alkali metal salts, salts thereof, and combinations thereof.

[0253] A13. The water-soluble film according to any one of A1 to A12, wherein the carboxylated anionic monomer units are present in the polyvinyl alcohol copolymer in an average amount of at least 3 mol%, or from about 3 mol% to about 6 mol%, or from about 3 mol% to about 5 mol%, or from about 3.5 mol% to about 4.5 mol%, or from about 4 mol% to about 4.5 mol%.

[0254] A14. A water-soluble film according to any one of A1 to A13, wherein the polyvinyl alcohol resin is present in the water-soluble film in an amount ranging from about 50% by weight to about 80% by weight, or from about 60% by weight to about 75% by weight, based on the total weight of the film.

[0255] A15. The water-soluble film according to any one of A1 to A14, further comprising a surfactant in an amount ranging from about 0.1% by weight to about 3.5% by weight, or from about 0.5% by weight to about 2% by weight, based on the total weight of the film.

[0256] A16. A water-soluble film according to any one of A1 to A15, having a residual moisture content of at least 4% by weight, or in the range of about 4% by weight to about 15% by weight, or about 5% by weight to about 10% by weight, based on the total weight of the film, as measured by Karl Fischer titration.

[0257] A17. The water-soluble film according to any one of A1 to A16, further comprising one or more components selected from plasticizers, plasticizer compatibilizers, lubricants, release agents, fillers, extenders, cross-linking agents, antiblocking agents, antioxidants, detackifying agents, antifoaming agents, nanoparticles, bleaching agents, and aversive agents.

[0258] A18. A water-soluble film according to A17, comprising a total amount of plasticizer in the range of about 5% by weight to about 50% by weight, or about 10% by weight to about 40% by weight, or about 20% by weight to about 30% by weight, based on the total weight of the film.

[0259] A19. The water-soluble film according to A17 or A18, wherein the plasticizer comprises glycerol, diglycerin, ethylene glycol, diethylene glycol, triethylene glycol, tetraethylene glycol, polyethylene glycol up to 400 MW, neopentyl glycol, 1,2-propylene glycol, 1,3-propanediol, dipropylene glycol, polypropylene glycol, 2-methyl-1,3-propanediol, trimethylolpropane, polyether, isomalt, maltol, sorbitol, xylitol, erythritol, adonitol, dulcitol, pentaerythitol, mannitol, or a mixture of any of the foregoing.

[0260] A20. The water-soluble film of A19, wherein the plasticizer comprises sorbitol, glycerol, dipropylene glycol, polyethylene glycol, trimethylolpropane, or a mixture of any of the foregoing.

[0261] A21. A water-soluble film according to any one of A1 to A20, wherein the film has an average thickness in the range of about 20 to about 150 microns, or about 35 to about 125 microns, or about 50 to about 110 microns, or about 76 microns, before any deformation.

[0262] A22. The water-soluble film according to any one of A1 to A21, wherein the film is a solvent-cast film.

[0263] A23. A water-soluble unit dose article comprising the water-soluble film according to any one of A1 to A22.

[0264] A24. The water-soluble unit dose article of A23, comprising a compartment and a composition contained within the compartment.

[0265] Aspect B B1. A water-soluble unit dose article comprising at least two compartments and optionally containing a composition contained in at least one of the compartments, the unit dose article comprising: a. a first water-soluble film, the first water-soluble film having a first side and a second side, the first water-soluble film comprising a first PVOH resin, the first polyvinyl alcohol resin being i. a first polyvinyl alcohol polymer comprising carboxylated anionic monomer units, vinyl alcohol monomer units, and optionally vinyl acetate monomer units, wherein the carboxylated anionic monomer units are derived from a member selected from the group consisting of maleic acid, monoalkyl maleates, dialkyl maleates, maleic anhydride, and combinations thereof; ii. a first water-soluble film comprising a second PVOH polymer, the second PVOH polymer being a homopolymer, the homopolymer consisting of vinyl alcohol monomer units and optionally vinyl acetate monomer units; and b. a second water-soluble film, the second water-soluble film having a first side and a second side, the second water-soluble film comprising a second polyvinyl alcohol resin, the second polyvinyl alcohol resin comprising: i. less than 15% by weight of a second polyvinyl alcohol resin of a polyvinyl alcohol polymer comprising carboxylated anionic monomer units, vinyl alcohol monomer units, and optionally vinyl acetate monomer units, wherein the carboxylated anionic monomer units are derived from a member selected from the group consisting of maleic acid, monoalkyl maleates, dialkyl maleates, maleic anhydride, and combinations thereof; ii. a second polyvinyl alcohol resin, comprising about 85% to about 100% by weight of a polyvinyl alcohol homopolymer or homopolymer blend, the homopolymer consisting of vinyl alcohol monomer units and, optionally, vinyl acetate monomer units; a second water-soluble film, wherein the second polyvinyl alcohol resin has an average viscosity, measured as a 4% polyvinyl alcohol polymer solution in deionized water at 20° C., in the range of about 8 mPa.s to less than 12 mPa.s, or about 9 mPa.s to less than 12 mPa.s, or about 10 mPa.s to less than 12 mPa.s; c. a third water-soluble film, the third water-soluble film having a first side and a second side, the third water-soluble film comprising a third polyvinyl alcohol resin, the third polyvinyl alcohol resin optionally comprising: i. a first PVOH polymer comprising carboxylated anionic monomer units, vinyl alcohol monomer units, and optionally vinyl acetate monomer units, wherein the carboxylated anionic monomer units are derived from a member selected from the group consisting of maleic acid, monoalkyl maleates, dialkyl maleates, maleic anhydride, and combinations thereof; ii. a third water-soluble film comprising a second PVOH polymer, the second PVOH polymer being a homopolymer, the homopolymer consisting of vinyl alcohol monomer units and optionally vinyl acetate monomer units; a first side of the first water-soluble film is sealed to a second side of the second water-soluble film to create a first compartment between the first and second water-soluble films, and a first side of the second water-soluble film is sealed to a second side of the third water-soluble film to create at least a second compartment between the second and third water-soluble films, the second compartment being disposed over the first compartment; provided that if a composition is contained in at least one of the compartments, the composition is not a household care composition;

[0266] B2. The water soluble unit dose article of B1, wherein the second polyvinyl alcohol resin comprises: about 90% to about 100%, optionally about 100%, by weight of the second polyvinyl alcohol resin, a polyvinyl alcohol homopolymer or polyvinyl alcohol homopolymer blend; and about 0% to about 10%, optionally about 0%, by weight of the second polyvinyl alcohol resin, a polyvinyl alcohol polymer comprising carboxylated anionic monomer units, vinyl alcohol monomer units, and optionally vinyl acetate monomer units, wherein the carboxylated anionic monomer units are derived from a member selected from the group consisting of maleic acid, monoalkyl maleates, dialkyl maleates, maleic anhydride, and combinations thereof.

[0267] B3. The water soluble unit dose article of any one of B1-B3, wherein the second polyvinyl alcohol resin comprises a blend of a first polyvinyl alcohol homopolymer and a second polyvinyl alcohol homopolymer, wherein the first polyvinyl alcohol homopolymer and the second polyvinyl alcohol homopolymer are present in a relative weight ratio within the range of about 90 / 10 to about 10 / 90, or about 80 / 20 to about 20 / 80, or about 70 / 30 to about 50 / 50.

[0268] B4. In the second polyvinyl alcohol resin, a. the first polyvinyl alcohol homopolymer has an average viscosity in the range of about 11 mPa.s to about 20 mPa.s, or about 11 mPa.s to about 15 mPa.s, when measured as a 4% polyvinyl alcohol polymer solution in deionized water at 20° C.; b. the second polyvinyl alcohol homopolymer has an average viscosity, measured as a 4% solution of the polyvinyl alcohol polymer in deionized water at 20° C., of from about 1 mPa.s to about 10 mPa.s, or from about 5 mPa.s to about 10 mPa.s; Optionally, the difference in average viscosity between the first polyvinyl alcohol polymer and the second polyvinyl alcohol homopolymer is at least 1 mPa.s, or from about 2 to about 10 mPa.s, or from about 3 to about 8 mPa.s, when measured as a 4% solution of the polyvinyl alcohol polymer in deionized water at 20° C.

[0269] B5. A water soluble unit dose article according to any one of B3-B5, wherein each polyvinyl alcohol homopolymer independently has an average degree of hydrolysis ranging from about 75% to about 99%, or from about 80% to about 95%, or from about 85% to about 95%.

[0270] B6.a. the first polyvinyl alcohol resin is present in an amount ranging from about 50% to about 95% by weight, or from about 50% to about 80% by weight, or from about 60% to about 75% by weight of the first water-soluble film; or b. the second polyvinyl alcohol resin is present in an amount ranging from about 50% to about 95% by weight, or from about 50% to about 80% by weight, or from about 60% to about 75% by weight of the second water-soluble film; or c. the third polyvinyl alcohol resin is present in an amount ranging from about 50% to about 95% by weight, or from about 50% to about 80% by weight, or from about 60% to about 75% by weight of the third water-soluble film; or d. The water soluble unit dose article of any one of B1-B5, wherein any combination of features (a)-(c) is present.

[0271] B7. The water soluble unit dose article of any one of B1-B6, wherein each carboxylated anionic monomer unit in the first water soluble resin and the third water soluble resin is independently derived from a monoalkyl maleate unit, optionally selected from the group consisting of monomethyl maleate, a salt, e.g., an alkali metal salt, and combinations thereof, and optionally each carboxylated anionic monomer unit is independently present in each of the first PVOH polymers in an average amount of from about 3 mol % to about 6 mol %, or from about 3 mol % to about 5 mol %, or from about 3.5 mol % to about 4.5 mol %, or from about 4 mol % to about 4.5 mol %.

[0272] B8. The water soluble unit dose article of any one of B1-B7, wherein the second polyvinyl alcohol resin comprises a polyvinyl alcohol polymer comprising carboxylated anionic monomer units derived from monoalkyl maleate units optionally selected from the group consisting of monomethyl maleate and its salts, optionally alkali metal salts thereof, and combinations thereof, and the carboxylated anionic monomer units are present in the polyvinyl alcohol polymer comprising carboxylated anionic monomer units in an average amount of at least 3 mol%, or from about 3 mol% to about 6 mol%, or from about 3 mol% to about 5 mol%, or from about 3.5 mol% to about 4.5 mol%, or from about 4 mol% to about 4.5 mol%.

[0273] B9. Each of the first PVOH polymers in the first water-soluble resin and the third water-soluble resin is independently a. an average viscosity in the range of about 10 mPa.s to about 40 mPa.s, or about 10 mPa.s to about 30 mPa.s, or about 12 mPa.s to about 25 mPa.s, or about 14 mPa.s to about 20 mPa.s, when measured as a 4% solution of the polyvinyl alcohol polymer in deionized water at 20° C.; b. an average degree of hydrolysis ranging from about 60% to about 99%, or from about 80% to about 98%, or from about 83% to about 95%, or from about 85% to about 92%, or c. any combination of the foregoing. and each second PVOH polymer in the first water-soluble resin and the third water-soluble resin independently comprises: d. an average viscosity in the range of about 3 mPa.s to about 30 mPa.s, or about 7 mPa.s to about 30 mPa.s, or about 10 mPa.s to about 30 mPa.s, or about 12 mPa.s to about 25 mPa.s, when measured as a 4% solution of the polyvinyl alcohol polymer in deionized water at 20°C; or e. an average degree of hydrolysis ranging from about 60% to about 99%, or from about 80% to about 98%, or from about 85% to about 95%, or from about 87% to about 92%, or f. A water-soluble unit dose article according to any one of B1-B8, characterized by any combination of the foregoing.

[0274] B10. A polyvinyl alcohol polymer comprising carboxylated anionic monomer units, vinyl alcohol monomer units, and optionally vinyl acetate monomer units in the second polyvinyl alcohol resin, a. an average viscosity in the range of about 10 mPa.s to about 40 mPa.s, or about 10 mPa.s to about 30 mPa.s, or about 12 mPa.s to about 25 mPa.s, or about 14 mPa.s to about 20 mPa.s, when measured as a 4% solution of the polyvinyl alcohol polymer in deionized water at 20°C; or b. an average degree of hydrolysis ranging from about 60% to about 99%, or from about 80% to about 98%, or from about 83% to about 95%, or from about 85% to about 92%, or c. Any combination of the foregoing. The water-soluble unit dose article of any one of B1-B9.

[0275] B11. A water-soluble unit dose article according to any one of B1 to B10, wherein in the first water-soluble film and the third water-soluble film, the relative weight ratio of the first PVOH polymer to the second PVOH polymer is within the range of about 90 / 10 to about 10 / 90, or about 80 / 20 to about 20 / 80, or about 70 / 30 to about 50 / 50.

[0276] B12. A water-soluble unit dose article according to any one of B1 to B11, wherein the first water-soluble film, the second water-soluble film, and the third water-soluble film each independently have a surfactant content in the range of about 0.1% to about 3.5% by weight, or about 0.5% to about 2% by weight of each film.

[0277] B13. A water-soluble unit dose article according to any one of B1-B12, wherein the first water-soluble film, the second water-soluble film, and the third water-soluble film each individually have a residual moisture content of at least 4%, or in the range of about 4% to about 15%, or about 5% to about 10% by weight of the water-soluble film, as measured by Karl Fischer titration.

[0278] B14. The water soluble unit dose article of any one of B1-B13, wherein each film independently comprises one or more components selected from the group consisting of plasticizers, plasticizer compatibilizers, lubricants, release agents, fillers, extenders, crosslinkers, antiblocking agents, antioxidants, anti-tack agents, antifoaming agents, nanoparticles, bleaching agents, aversive agents, surfactants, and combinations thereof.

[0279] B15. Each film independently comprises one or more plasticizers in an amount ranging from 5% to about 50%, or from about 10% to about 40%, or from about 20% to about 30% by weight of the individual film, optionally the plasticizer is selected from a polyol, a sugar alcohol, or a mixture thereof, and optionally the polyol is selected from glycerol, diglycerin, ethylene glycol, diethylene glycol, triethylene glycol, tetraethylene glycol, polyethylene glycol up to 400 MW, neopentyl glycol, 1,2-propylene glycol, 1,3-propanediol, dipropylene glycol, polypropylene glycol , 2-methyl-1,3-propanediol, trimethylolpropane and polyether polyols, or mixtures thereof; the sugar alcohol comprises a sugar alcohol selected from the group consisting of isomalt, maltitol, sorbitol, xylitol, erythritol, adonitol, dulcitol, pentaerythritol and mannitol, or mixtures thereof; and optionally the plasticizer is selected from the group consisting of sorbitol, glycerol, dipropylene glycol, polyethylene glycol, trimethylolpropane, or mixtures thereof.

[0280] B16. The first water-soluble film and the second water-soluble film are optionally sealed via a solvent seal, a heat seal, or a combination thereof, optionally via a solvent seal, further optionally, the solvent seal solution comprises an aqueous solvent, a non-aqueous solvent, or a combination thereof, further optionally, the solvent seal solution comprises water, and / or The water soluble unit dose article of any one of B1-B15, wherein the second water soluble film and the third water soluble film are sealed via a solvent seal, a heat seal, or a combination thereof, optionally via a solvent seal, and further optionally, the solvent sealing solution comprises an aqueous solvent, a non-aqueous solvent, or a combination thereof, and further optionally, the solvent sealing solution comprises water.

[0281] B17. A water soluble unit dose article according to any one of B1 to B16, wherein the unit dose article comprises at least a third compartment, optionally at least a third and a fourth compartment between the second water soluble film and the third water soluble film, optionally the second and third compartments, optionally the second, third and fourth compartments are arranged side by side with each other, and the second and third compartments, optionally the second, third and fourth compartments, are arranged above the first compartment.

[0282] B18. The water soluble unit dose article of any one of B1-B17, wherein the package includes a non-household care composition contained in at least one of the compartments.

[0283] B19. The water soluble unit dose article of B18, wherein the package contains a non-household care composition contained in each compartment.

[0284] B20. The water soluble unit dose article of B18 or B19, wherein the non-household care composition is selected from the group consisting of agricultural compositions, automotive compositions, aviation compositions, food and nutritional compositions, industrial compositions, livestock compositions, marine compositions, medical compositions, commercial compositions, military and paramilitary compositions, office compositions, and compositions containing one or more active agents selected from recreational and park compositions, pet compositions, water treatment compositions, agricultural active agents, ingestible active agents, liquid treatment active agents, industrial active agents, and combinations of any of the foregoing.

[0285] B21.a. Optionally, deforming a first water-soluble film in a mold via thermoforming, vacuum forming, or a combination thereof to create an open cavity; b. filling the open cavity with a composition; c. separately deforming the third water-soluble film in a mold, optionally creating at least one open cavity via thermoforming, vacuum forming, or a combination thereof; d. filling at least one open cavity from step (c) with a composition; e. closing the open filled cavity from step (d) with a second water-soluble film; f. sealing the second water-soluble film to the third water-soluble film to create a closed intermediate, optionally wherein the second water-soluble film and the third water-soluble film are sealed via a solvent seal, and further optionally, a solvent sealing solution is applied to a first side of the second water-soluble film prior to sealing the films together, the first side being the side facing the third water-soluble film; g. closing the open filled cavities from step (b) with the closed intermediate from step (f); A method of making a water-soluble unit dose article according to any one of B1-B20, comprising the step of: sealing a first water-soluble film to a second water-soluble film to make a water-soluble unit dose article, optionally wherein the first water-soluble film and the second water-soluble film are sealed via a solvent seal, and further optionally wherein a solvent seal solution is applied to a second side of the second water-soluble film prior to sealing the films together, the second side being the side facing the first water-soluble film.

[0286] B22. The method of B21, wherein the first water-soluble film in step (a) and the third water-soluble film in step (c) are the same before being deformed.

[0287] Aspect C C1. A water-soluble unit dose article comprising at least a first compartment and, optionally, a composition contained in at least the first compartment, the unit dose article comprising: a. a first water-soluble film, the first water-soluble film having a first side and a second side, the first water-soluble film comprising a first PVOH resin, the first polyvinyl alcohol resin being i. a first polyvinyl alcohol polymer comprising carboxylated anionic monomer units, vinyl alcohol monomer units, and optionally vinyl acetate monomer units, wherein the carboxylated anionic monomer units are derived from a member selected from the group consisting of maleic acid, monoalkyl maleates, dialkyl maleates, maleic anhydride, and combinations thereof; ii. a first water-soluble film comprising a second PVOH polymer, the second PVOH polymer being a homopolymer, the homopolymer consisting of vinyl alcohol monomer units and optionally vinyl acetate monomer units; and b. a second water-soluble film, the second water-soluble film having a first side and a second side, the second water-soluble film comprising a second polyvinyl alcohol resin, the second polyvinyl alcohol resin comprising: i. a polyvinyl alcohol polymer comprising less than 15% by weight of a second polyvinyl alcohol resin of carboxylated anionic monomer units, vinyl alcohol monomer units, and optionally vinyl acetate monomer units, wherein the carboxylated anionic monomer units are derived from a member selected from the group consisting of maleic acid, monoalkyl maleates, dialkyl maleates, maleic anhydride, and combinations thereof; ii. a second polyvinyl alcohol resin, comprising about 85% to about 100% by weight of a polyvinyl alcohol homopolymer or homopolymer blend, the homopolymer consisting of vinyl alcohol monomer units and, optionally, vinyl acetate monomer units; a second water-soluble film, wherein the second polyvinyl alcohol resin has a viscosity in the range of about 8 mPa.s to less than 12 mPa.s, or about 9 mPa.s to less than 12 mPa.s, or about 10 mPa.s to less than 12 mPa.s, when measured as a 4% polyvinyl alcohol polymer solution in deionized water at 20° C.; a first side of the first water-soluble film is sealed to a second side of the second water-soluble film to create a first compartment between the first water-soluble film and the second water-soluble film; provided that when the article comprises a household care composition contained in at least a first compartment, the first polyvinyl alcohol resin comprises a first polyvinyl alcohol polymer in an amount of at least 65%, or in the range of about 65% to about 95%, or in the range of 65% to about 90%, or greater than 65% to about 95%, or greater than 65% to about 90%, or greater than 65% to about 85%, or in the range of about 70% to about 90% by weight, based on the weight of the first polyvinyl alcohol resin.

[0288] C2. The water soluble unit dose article of C1, wherein the second polyvinyl alcohol resin comprises: about 90% to about 100%, optionally about 100%, by weight of the second polyvinyl alcohol resin, a polyvinyl alcohol homopolymer or polyvinyl alcohol homopolymer blend; and about 0% to about 10%, optionally about 0%, by weight of the second polyvinyl alcohol resin, a polyvinyl alcohol polymer comprising carboxylated anionic monomer units, vinyl alcohol monomer units, and optionally vinyl acetate monomer units, wherein the carboxylated anionic monomer units are derived from a member selected from the group consisting of maleic acid, monoalkyl maleates, dialkyl maleates, maleic anhydride, and combinations thereof.

[0289] C3. The water soluble unit dose article of any one of C1-C2, wherein the second polyvinyl alcohol resin comprises a blend of a first polyvinyl alcohol homopolymer and a second polyvinyl alcohol homopolymer, wherein the first polyvinyl alcohol homopolymer and the second polyvinyl alcohol homopolymer are present in a relative weight ratio of 90 / 10 to 10 / 90, or 80 / 20 to 20 / 80, or 70 / 30 to 50 / 50.

[0290] C4. In the second polyvinyl alcohol resin, a. the first polyvinyl alcohol homopolymer has an average viscosity in the range of about 11 mPa.s to about 20 mPa.s, or about 11 mPa.s to about 15 mPa.s, when measured as a 4% polyvinyl alcohol polymer solution in deionized water at 20° C.; b. the second polyvinyl alcohol homopolymer has an average viscosity, measured as a 4% polyvinyl alcohol polymer solution in deionized water at 20° C., of from about 1 mPa.s to about 10 mPa.s, or from about 5 mPa.s to about 10 mPa.s; Optionally, the difference in average viscosity between the first polyvinyl alcohol polymer and the second polyvinyl alcohol homopolymer is at least 1 mPa.s, or from about 2 to about 10 mPa.s, or from about 3 to about 8 mPa.s, when measured as a 4% solution of the polyvinyl alcohol polymer in deionized water at 20° C.

[0291] C5. The water soluble unit dose article of any one of C3-C4, wherein each polyvinyl alcohol homopolymer independently has an average degree of hydrolysis ranging from about 75% to about 99%, or from about 80% to about 95%, or from about 85% to about 95%.

[0292] C6.a. the first polyvinyl alcohol resin is present in an amount ranging from about 50% to about 95% by weight, or from about 50% to about 80% by weight, or from about 60% to about 75% by weight of the first water-soluble film; or b. the second polyvinyl alcohol resin is present in an amount ranging from about 50% to about 95% by weight, or from about 50% to about 80% by weight, or from about 60% to about 75% by weight of the second water-soluble film; or c. A water soluble unit dose article according to any one of C1-C5, any combination thereof.

[0293] C7. The water soluble unit dose article of any one of C1-C6, wherein the carboxylated anionic monomer units in the first water soluble film are derived from monoalkyl maleate units optionally selected from the group consisting of monomethyl maleate, salts, e.g., alkali metal salts, and combinations thereof, and optionally the carboxylated anionic monomer units are present in the first PVOH polymer in an average amount of from about 3 mol% to about 6 mol%, or from about 3 mol% to about 5 mol%, or from about 3.5 mol% to about 4.5 mol%, or from about 4 mol% to about 4.5 mol%.

[0294] C8. The water soluble unit dose article of any one of C1-C7, wherein the second polyvinyl alcohol resin optionally comprises a polyvinyl alcohol polymer comprising carboxylated anionic monomer units derived from monoalkyl maleate units selected from the group consisting of monomethyl maleate, salts, e.g., alkali metal salts, and combinations thereof, and the carboxylated anionic monomer units are present in the polyvinyl alcohol polymer comprising carboxylated anionic monomer units in an average amount of from about 3 mol% to about 6 mol%, or from about 3 mol% to about 5 mol%, or from about 3.5 mol% to about 4.5 mol%, or from about 4 mol% to about 4.5 mol%.

[0295] C9. The first PVOH polymer in the first water-soluble resin is a. an average viscosity in the range of about 10 mPa.s to about 40 mPa.s, or about 10 mPa.s to about 30 mPa.s, or about 12 mPa.s to about 25 mPa.s, or about 14 mPa.s to about 20 mPa.s, when measured as a 4% solution of the polyvinyl alcohol polymer in deionized water at 20° C.; b. an average degree of hydrolysis ranging from about 60% to about 99%, or from about 80% to about 98%, or from about 83% to about 95%, or from about 85% to about 92%, or c. any combination of the above; and the second PVOH polymer in the first water-soluble resin is a. an average viscosity in the range of about 3 mPa.s to about 30 mPa.s, or about 7 mPa.s to about 30 mPa.s, or about 10 mPa.s to about 30 mPa.s, or about 12 mPa.s to about 25 mPa.s, when measured as a 4% solution of the polyvinyl alcohol polymer in deionized water at 20° C.; b. an average degree of hydrolysis ranging from about 60% to about 99%, or from about 80% to about 98%, or from about 85% to about 95%, or from about 87% to about 92%, or c. Any combination of the foregoing. The water-soluble unit dose article of any one of C1-C8.

[0296] C10. A polyvinyl alcohol polymer comprising carboxylated anionic monomer units, vinyl alcohol monomer units, and optionally vinyl acetate monomer units in the second polyvinyl alcohol resin, a. an average viscosity in the range of about 10 mPa.s to about 40 mPa.s, or about 10 mPa.s to about 30 mPa.s, or about 12 mPa.s to about 25 mPa.s, or about 14 mPa.s to about 20 mPa.s, when measured as a 4% solution of the polyvinyl alcohol polymer in deionized water at 20°C; or b. an average degree of hydrolysis ranging from about 60% to about 99%, or from about 80% to about 98%, or from about 83% to about 95%, or from about 85% to about 92%, or c. Any combination of the foregoing. The water soluble unit dose article of any one of C1-C9.

[0297] C11. The water-soluble unit dose article according to any one of C1 to C10, wherein in the first water-soluble film, the relative weight ratio of the first PVOH polymer to the second PVOH polymer is in the range of about 90 / 10 to about 10 / 90, or about 80 / 20 to about 20 / 80, or about 70 / 30 to about 50 / 50.

[0298] C12. The water-soluble unit dose article of any one of C1-C11, wherein the first water-soluble film and the second water-soluble film each independently have a surfactant content in the range of about 0.1% to about 3.5% by weight, or about 0.5% to about 2% by weight of each film.

[0299] C13. The water-soluble unit dose article of any one of C1-C12, wherein the first water-soluble film and the second water-soluble film each individually have a residual moisture content of at least 4%, or in the range of about 4% to about 15%, or about 5% to about 10% by weight of the water-soluble film, as measured by Karl Fischer titration.

[0300] C14. The water soluble unit dose article of any one of C1-C13, wherein each film independently comprises one or more ingredients selected from the group consisting of plasticizers, plasticizer compatibilizers, lubricants, release agents, fillers, extenders, crosslinkers, antiblocking agents, antioxidants, anti-blocking agents, antifoaming agents, nanoparticles, bleaching agents, aversive agents, surfactants, and combinations thereof.

[0301] C15. Each film independently comprises one or more plasticizers in an amount ranging from 50% to about 50% by weight of the individual film, or from about 10% to about 40% by weight, or from about 20% to about 30% by weight, and optionally the plasticizer is selected from a polyol, a sugar alcohol, or a mixture thereof, and optionally the polyol is selected from glycerol, diglycerin, ethylene glycol, diethylene glycol, triethylene glycol, tetraethylene glycol, polyethylene glycol up to 400 MW, neopentyl glycol, 1,2-propylene glycol, 1,3-propanediol, dipropylene glycol, polypropylene glycol. 15. The water soluble unit dose article of claim 14, wherein the polyol is selected from the group consisting of isomalt, maltitol, sorbitol, xylitol, erythritol, adonitol, dulcitol, pentaerythritol and mannitol, or a mixture thereof; and optionally the plasticizer is selected from the group consisting of sorbitol, glycerol, dipropylene glycol, polyethylene glycol, trimethylolpropane, or a mixture thereof.

[0302] C16. The water soluble unit dose article of any one of C1-C15, wherein the first water soluble film and the second water soluble film are sealed via a solvent seal, a heat seal, or a combination thereof, optionally via a solvent seal, and further optionally, the solvent sealing solution comprises an aqueous solvent, a non-aqueous solvent, or a combination thereof, and further optionally, the solvent sealing solution comprises water.

[0303] C17. The unit dose article comprises at least a second compartment, optionally at least a third compartment between the first water-soluble film and the second water-soluble film, and optionally The water soluble unit dose article of any one of C1-C16, wherein the first compartment and the second compartment, optionally the first compartment, the second compartment and the third compartment, are arranged side by side with each other, and optionally the water soluble unit dose article comprises three, or even four, or even five side by side compartments.

[0304] C18. The water soluble unit dose article of any one of C1-C17, wherein the article comprises a household care composition contained in at least a first compartment.

[0305] C19. The water soluble unit dose article of any one of C1-C18, wherein the household care composition is selected from the group consisting of light duty liquid detergent compositions, heavy duty liquid detergent compositions, hard surface cleaning compositions, laundry detergent gels, bleaching compositions, laundry additives, fabric enhancer compositions, shampoos, body washes, other personal care compositions, and mixtures thereof, such as liquid laundry detergent compositions.

[0306] C20. The water soluble unit dose article of any one of C1-C19, wherein the article comprises a non-household care composition contained in at least a first compartment, the non-household care composition optionally being selected from the group consisting of agricultural compositions, automotive compositions, aviation compositions, food and nutritional compositions, industrial compositions, livestock compositions, marine compositions, medical compositions, commercial compositions, military and paramilitary compositions, office compositions, and compositions containing one or more active agents selected from recreational and park compositions, pet compositions, water treatment compositions, agricultural actives, ingestible actives, liquid treatment actives, industrial actives, and combinations of any of the foregoing.

[0307] C21.a. Optionally, deforming a first water-soluble film in a mold via thermoforming, vacuum forming, or a combination thereof to create an open cavity; b. filling the open cavity formed by the first water-soluble film with a composition; c. closing the open filled cavity with a second water-soluble film; d. sealing a first water-soluble film to a second water-soluble film to create a water-soluble unit dose article, wherein the first water-soluble film and the second water-soluble film have a solvent sealing solution applied to the second water-soluble film before sealing the films together; A method for producing a water-soluble unit dose article according to any one of C1 to C20, comprising:

[0308] C22.a. sealing a first portion of water-soluble film to a second portion of water-soluble film to form an open cavity; b. filling the open cavity with a composition; c. sealing an additional portion of the first water-soluble film to an additional portion of the second water-soluble film to close the open cavity and create a water-soluble unit dose article; Optionally, the first water-soluble film and the second water-soluble film are sealed in step (a) via a solvent seal, and further optionally, a solvent sealing solution is applied to the second water-soluble film prior to sealing the portions of the film together; A method for making a water soluble unit dose article according to any one of C1 to C20, optionally wherein the first water soluble film and the second water soluble film are sealed during step (c) via a solvent seal, and further optionally, a solvent sealing solution is applied to the second water soluble film prior to sealing further portions of the films together.

[0309] Aspect D D1. A water-soluble unit dose article comprising at least a first compartment and, optionally, a composition contained in at least the first compartment, the unit dose article comprising: a. a first water-soluble film, the first water-soluble film having a first side and a second side, the first water-soluble film comprising a first PVOH resin, the first polyvinyl alcohol resin comprising a polyvinyl alcohol comprising a polyvinyl alcohol homopolymer, an anionic polyvinyl alcohol copolymer, or a blend thereof; b. a second water-soluble film, the second water-soluble film having a first side and a second side, the second water-soluble film comprising a second polyvinyl alcohol resin, the second polyvinyl alcohol resin comprising: i. a polyvinyl alcohol polymer comprising less than 15% by weight of a second polyvinyl alcohol resin of carboxylated anionic monomer units, vinyl alcohol monomer units, and optionally vinyl acetate monomer units, wherein the carboxylated anionic monomer units are derived from a member selected from the group consisting of maleic acid, monoalkyl maleates, dialkyl maleates, maleic anhydride, and combinations thereof; ii. a second polyvinyl alcohol resin, comprising about 85% to about 100% by weight of a polyvinyl alcohol homopolymer or homopolymer blend, the homopolymer consisting of vinyl alcohol monomer units and, optionally, vinyl acetate monomer units; a second water-soluble film, wherein the second polyvinyl alcohol resin has a viscosity in the range of about 8 mPa.s to less than 12 mPa.s, or about 9 mPa.s to less than 12 mPa.s, or about 10 mPa.s to less than 12 mPa.s, when measured as a 4% polyvinyl alcohol polymer solution in deionized water at 20° C.; A water-soluble unit dose article, wherein a first side of a first water-soluble film is sealed to a second side of a second water-soluble film to create a first compartment between the first water-soluble film and the second water-soluble film.

[0310] D2. The water soluble unit dose article of D1, wherein the second polyvinyl alcohol resin comprises: about 90% to about 100%, optionally about 100%, by weight of the second polyvinyl alcohol resin, a polyvinyl alcohol homopolymer or polyvinyl alcohol homopolymer blend; and about 0% to about 10%, optionally about 0%, by weight of the second polyvinyl alcohol resin, a polyvinyl alcohol polymer comprising carboxylated anionic monomer units, vinyl alcohol monomer units, and optionally vinyl acetate monomer units, wherein the carboxylated anionic monomer units are derived from a member selected from the group consisting of maleic acid, monoalkyl maleates, dialkyl maleates, maleic anhydride, and combinations thereof.

[0311] D3. The water soluble unit dose article of any one of D1-D2, wherein the second polyvinyl alcohol resin comprises a blend of a first polyvinyl alcohol homopolymer and a second polyvinyl alcohol homopolymer, optionally wherein the first polyvinyl alcohol homopolymer and the second polyvinyl alcohol homopolymer are present in a relative weight ratio within the range of about 90 / 10 to about 10 / 90, or about 80 / 20 to about 20 / 80, or about 70 / 30 to about 50 / 50.

[0312] D4. In the second polyvinyl alcohol resin, a. the first polyvinyl alcohol homopolymer has an average viscosity in the range of about 11 mPa.s to about 20 mPa.s, or about 11 mPa.s to about 15 mPa.s, when measured as a 4% polyvinyl alcohol polymer solution in deionized water at 20° C.; b. the second polyvinyl alcohol homopolymer has an average viscosity, measured as a 4% polyvinyl alcohol polymer solution in deionized water at 20° C., of from about 1 mPa.s to about 10 mPa.s, or from about 5 mPa.s to about 10 mPa.s; Optionally, the difference in average viscosity between the first polyvinyl alcohol polymer and the second polyvinyl alcohol homopolymer is at least 1 mPa.s, or from about 2 to about 10 mPa.s, or from about 3 to about 8 mPa.s, when measured as a 4% solution of the polyvinyl alcohol polymer in deionized water at 20° C.

[0313] D5. The water soluble unit dose article of any one of D3-D4, wherein each polyvinyl alcohol homopolymer independently has an average degree of hydrolysis ranging from about 75% to about 99%, or from about 80% to about 95%, or from about 85% to about 95%.

[0314] D6.a. the first polyvinyl alcohol resin is present in an amount ranging from about 50% to about 95% by weight, or from about 50% to about 80% by weight, or from about 60% to about 75% by weight of the first water-soluble film; or b. the second polyvinyl alcohol resin is present in an amount ranging from about 50% to about 95% by weight, or from about 50% to about 80% by weight, or from about 60% to about 75% by weight of the second water-soluble film; or c. A water-soluble unit dose article according to any one of D1-D5, in any combination thereof.

[0315] D7. The water soluble unit dose article of any one of D1-D6, wherein the carboxylated anionic monomer units in the first water soluble film are derived from monoalkyl maleate units optionally selected from the group consisting of monomethyl maleate, salts, e.g., alkali metal salts, and combinations thereof, and optionally the carboxylated anionic monomer units are present in the first PVOH polymer in an average amount of from about 3 mol% to about 6 mol%, or from about 3 mol% to about 5 mol%, or from about 3.5 mol% to about 4.5 mol%, or from about 4 mol% to about 4.5 mol%.

[0316] D8. The water soluble unit dose article of any one of D1-D7, wherein the second polyvinyl alcohol resin optionally comprises a polyvinyl alcohol polymer comprising carboxylated anionic monomer units derived from monoalkyl maleate units selected from the group consisting of monomethyl maleate, salts, e.g., alkali metal salts, and combinations thereof, and the carboxylated anionic monomer units are present in the polyvinyl alcohol polymer comprising carboxylated anionic monomer units in an average amount of about 3 mol% to about 6 mol%, or about 3 mol% to about 5 mol%, or about 3.5 mol% to about 4.5 mol%, or about 4 mol% to about 4.5 mol%.

[0317] D9. The first PVOH polymer in the first water-soluble film is a. an average viscosity in the range of about 10 mPa.s to about 40 mPa.s, or about 10 mPa.s to about 30 mPa.s, or about 12 mPa.s to about 25 mPa.s, or about 14 mPa.s to about 20 mPa.s, when measured as a 4% solution of the polyvinyl alcohol polymer in deionized water at 20° C.; b. an average degree of hydrolysis ranging from about 60% to about 99%, or from about 80% to about 98%, or from about 83% to about 95%, or from about 85% to about 92%, or c. any combination of the preceding; and the second PVOH polymer in the first water-soluble film is a. an average viscosity in the range of about 3 mPa.s to about 30 mPa.s, or about 7 mPa.s to about 30 mPa.s, or about 10 mPa.s to about 30 mPa.s, or about 12 mPa.s to about 25 mPa.s, when measured as a 4% solution of the polyvinyl alcohol polymer in deionized water at 20° C.; b. an average degree of hydrolysis ranging from about 60% to about 99%, or from about 80% to about 98%, or from about 85% to about 95%, or from about 87% to about 92%, or c. Any combination of the foregoing. The water-soluble unit dose article according to any one of D1-D8.

[0318] D10. A polyvinyl alcohol polymer comprising carboxylated anionic monomer units, vinyl alcohol monomer units, and optionally vinyl acetate monomer units in the second polyvinyl alcohol resin, a. an average viscosity in the range of about 10 mPa.s to about 40 mPa.s, or about 10 mPa.s to about 30 mPa.s, or about 12 mPa.s to about 25 mPa.s, or about 14 mPa.s to about 20 mPa.s, when measured as a 4% solution of the polyvinyl alcohol polymer in deionized water at 20°C; or b. an average degree of hydrolysis ranging from about 60% to about 99%, or from about 80% to about 98%, or from about 83% to about 95%, or from about 85% to about 92%, or c. Any combination of the foregoing. The water-soluble unit dose article of any one of D1-D9.

[0319] D11. The water-soluble unit dose article of any one of D1 to D10, wherein in the first water-soluble film, the relative weight ratio of the first PVOH polymer to the second PVOH polymer is in the range of about 90 / 10 to about 10 / 90, or about 80 / 20 to about 20 / 80, or about 70 / 30 to about 50 / 50.

[0320] D12. The water-soluble unit dose article of any one of D1-D11, wherein the first water-soluble film and the second water-soluble film each independently have a surfactant content in the range of about 0.1% to about 3.5% by weight, or about 0.5% to about 2% by weight of each film.

[0321] D13. The water-soluble unit dose article of any one of D1-D12, wherein the first water-soluble film and the second water-soluble film each individually have a residual moisture content of at least 4%, or in the range of about 4% to about 15%, or about 5% to about 10% by weight of the water-soluble film, as measured by Karl Fischer titration.

[0322] D14. The water soluble unit dose article of any one of D1-D13, wherein each film independently comprises one or more components selected from the group consisting of plasticizers, plasticizer compatibilizers, lubricants, release agents, fillers, extenders, crosslinkers, antiblocking agents, antioxidants, anti-blocking agents, antifoaming agents, nanoparticles, bleaching agents, aversive agents, surfactants, and combinations thereof.

[0323] D15. Each film independently comprises one or more plasticizers in an amount ranging from 5% to about 50%, or from about 10% to about 40%, or from about 20% to about 30% by weight of the individual film, optionally the plasticizer is selected from a polyol, a sugar alcohol, or a mixture thereof, and optionally the polyol is selected from glycerol, diglycerin, ethylene glycol, diethylene glycol, triethylene glycol, tetraethylene glycol, polyethylene glycol up to 400 MW, neopentyl glycol, 1,2-propylene glycol, 1,3-propanediol, dipropylene glycol, polypropylene glycol , 2-methyl-1,3-propanediol, trimethylolpropane and polyether polyols, or mixtures thereof; the sugar alcohol comprises a sugar alcohol selected from the group consisting of isomalt, maltitol, sorbitol, xylitol, erythritol, adonitol, dulcitol, pentaerythritol and mannitol, or mixtures thereof; and optionally the plasticizer is selected from the group consisting of sorbitol, glycerol, dipropylene glycol, polyethylene glycol, trimethylolpropane, or mixtures thereof.

[0324] D16. The water soluble unit dose article of any one of D1-D5, wherein the first water soluble film and the second water soluble film are sealed via a solvent seal, a heat seal, or a combination thereof, optionally via a solvent seal, and further optionally, the solvent sealing solution comprises an aqueous solvent, a non-aqueous solvent, or a combination thereof, and further optionally, the solvent sealing solution comprises water.

[0325] D17. The unit dose article comprises at least a second compartment, optionally at least a third compartment between the first water-soluble film and the second water-soluble film, and optionally The water soluble unit dose article of any one of D1-D16, wherein the first compartment and the second compartment, optionally the first compartment, the second compartment and the third compartment, are arranged side by side with each other, and optionally the water soluble unit dose article comprises three, or even four, or even five side by side compartments.

[0326] D18. The water soluble unit dose article of any one of D1-D17, wherein the article comprises a household care composition contained in at least a first compartment.

[0327] D19. The water soluble unit dose article of any one of D1-D18, wherein the household care composition is selected from the group consisting of light duty liquid detergent compositions, heavy duty liquid detergent compositions, hard surface cleaning compositions, laundry detergent gels, bleaching compositions, laundry additives, fabric enhancer compositions, shampoos, body washes, other personal care compositions, and mixtures thereof, such as liquid laundry detergent compositions.

[0328] D20. The water soluble unit dose article of any one of D1-D19, wherein the article comprises a non-household care composition contained in at least a first compartment, the non-household care composition optionally being selected from the group consisting of agricultural compositions, automotive compositions, aviation compositions, food and nutritional compositions, industrial compositions, livestock compositions, marine compositions, medical compositions, commercial compositions, military and paramilitary compositions, office compositions, and compositions containing one or more active agents selected from recreational and park compositions, pet compositions, water treatment compositions, agricultural actives, ingestible actives, liquid treatment actives, industrial actives, and combinations of any of the foregoing.

[0329] D21.a. Optionally, deforming a first water-soluble film in a mold via thermoforming, vacuum forming, or a combination thereof to create an open cavity; b. filling the open cavity formed by the first water-soluble film with a composition; c. closing the open filled cavity with a second water-soluble film; d. sealing a first water-soluble film to a second water-soluble film to create a water-soluble unit dose article, wherein the first water-soluble film and the second water-soluble film have a solvent sealing solution applied to the second water-soluble film before sealing the films together; A method for producing a water-soluble unit dose article according to any one of D1 to D20, comprising:

[0330] D22.a. sealing a portion of a first water-soluble film to a portion of a second water-soluble film to form an open cavity; b. filling the open cavity with a composition; c. sealing an additional portion of the first water-soluble film to an additional portion of the second water-soluble film to close the open cavity and create a water-soluble unit dose article; Optionally, the first water-soluble film and the second water-soluble film are sealed in step (a) via a solvent seal, and further optionally, a solvent sealing solution is applied to the second water-soluble film prior to sealing the portions of the film together; A method for making a water soluble unit dose article of any one of D1-D20, optionally wherein the first water soluble film and the second water soluble film are sealed during step (c) via a solvent seal, and further optionally, a solvent sealing solution is applied to the second water soluble film prior to sealing further portions of the films together.

[0331] Aspect E E1. A water-soluble unit dose article comprising at least two compartments and, optionally, a composition contained in at least one of the compartments, the unit dose article comprising: a. a first water-soluble film, the first water-soluble film having a first side and a second side, the first water-soluble film comprising a first PVOH resin, the first polyvinyl alcohol resin comprising a polyvinyl alcohol comprising a polyvinyl alcohol homopolymer, an anionic polyvinyl alcohol copolymer, or a blend thereof; b. a second water-soluble film, the second water-soluble film having a first side and a second side, the second water-soluble film comprising a second polyvinyl alcohol resin, the second polyvinyl alcohol resin comprising: i. a polyvinyl alcohol polymer comprising less than 15% by weight of a second polyvinyl alcohol resin of carboxylated anionic monomer units, vinyl alcohol monomer units, and optionally vinyl acetate monomer units, wherein the carboxylated anionic monomer units are derived from a member selected from the group consisting of maleic acid, monoalkyl maleates, dialkyl maleates, maleic anhydride, and combinations thereof; ii. about 85% to 100% by weight of a second polyvinyl alcohol resin, a polyvinyl alcohol homopolymer or homopolymer blend, the homopolymer consisting of vinyl alcohol monomer units and optionally vinyl acetate monomer units; a second water-soluble film, wherein the second polyvinyl alcohol resin has an average viscosity, measured as a 4% polyvinyl alcohol polymer solution in deionized water at 20° C., in the range of about 8 mPa.s and less than 12 mPa.s, or about 9 mPa.s to less than 12 mPa.s, or about 10 mPa.s to less than 12 mPa.s; c. a third water-soluble film, the third water-soluble film having a first side and a second side, the third water-soluble film comprising a third PVOH resin, the third polyvinyl alcohol resin optionally comprising a polyvinyl alcohol consisting of a polyvinyl alcohol homopolymer, an anionic polyvinyl alcohol copolymer, or a blend thereof; a first side of the first water-soluble film is sealed to a second side of the second water-soluble film to create a first compartment between the first and second water-soluble films, and a first side of the second water-soluble film is sealed to a second side of the third water-soluble film to create at least a second compartment between the second and third water-soluble films, the second compartment being disposed over the first compartment; A water-soluble unit dose article, with the proviso that if the article contains a composition contained within a compartment, the composition is not a laundry composition and is not an automatic dishwashing composition.

[0332] E2. The water soluble unit dose article of E1, wherein the second polyvinyl alcohol resin comprises: about 90% to about 100%, optionally about 100%, by weight of the second polyvinyl alcohol resin of a polyvinyl alcohol homopolymer or polyvinyl alcohol homopolymer blend; and about 0% to about 10%, optionally about 0%, by weight of the second polyvinyl alcohol resin of a polyvinyl alcohol polymer comprising carboxylated anionic monomer units, vinyl alcohol monomer units, and optionally vinyl acetate monomer units, wherein the carboxylated anionic monomer units are derived from a member selected from the group consisting of maleic acid, monoalkyl maleates, dialkyl maleates, maleic anhydride, and combinations thereof.

[0333] E3. The water soluble unit dose article of any one of E1-E2, wherein the second polyvinyl alcohol resin comprises a blend of a first polyvinyl alcohol homopolymer and a second polyvinyl alcohol homopolymer, optionally wherein the first polyvinyl alcohol homopolymer and the second polyvinyl alcohol homopolymer are present in a relative weight ratio within the range of about 90 / 10 to about 10 / 90, or about 80 / 20 to about 20 / 80, or about 70 / 30 to about 50 / 50.

[0334] E4. In the second polyvinyl alcohol resin, a. the first polyvinyl alcohol homopolymer has an average viscosity in the range of about 11 mPa.s to about 20 mPa.s, or about 11 mPa.s to about 15 mPa.s, when measured as a 4% polyvinyl alcohol polymer solution in deionized water at 20° C.; b. the second polyvinyl alcohol homopolymer has an average viscosity, measured as a 4% polyvinyl alcohol polymer solution in deionized water at 20° C., of from about 1 mPa.s to about 10 mPa.s, or from about 5 mPa.s to about 10 mPa.s; Optionally, the difference in average viscosity between the first polyvinyl alcohol polymer and the second polyvinyl alcohol homopolymer, when measured as a 4% solution of the polyvinyl alcohol polymer in deionized water at 20° C., is at least 1 mPa.s, or from about 2 to about 10 mPa.s, or from about 3 to about 8 mPa.s.

[0335] E5. The water soluble unit dose article of any one of E3-E4, wherein each polyvinyl alcohol homopolymer independently has an average degree of hydrolysis ranging from about 75% to about 99%, or from about 80% to about 95%, or from about 85% to about 95%.

[0336] E6.a. the first polyvinyl alcohol resin is present in an amount ranging from about 50% to about 95% by weight, or from about 50% to about 80% by weight, or from about 60% to about 75% by weight of the first water-soluble film; or b. the second polyvinyl alcohol resin is present in an amount ranging from about 50% to about 95% by weight, or from about 50% to about 80% by weight, or from about 60% to about 75% by weight of the second water-soluble film; or c. the third polyvinyl alcohol resin is present in an amount ranging from about 50% to about 95% by weight, or from about 50% to about 80% by weight, or from about 60% to about 75% by weight of the third water-soluble film; or d. Any combination of the preceding, a water soluble unit dose article according to any one of E1-E5.

[0337] E7. The water soluble unit dose article of any one of E1-E6, wherein the first water soluble film, the third water soluble film, or both, independently comprise a blend of polyvinyl alcohol homopolymer and / or anionic polyvinyl alcohol copolymer, and optionally, the first water soluble film, the third water soluble film, or both, independently comprise a blend of polyvinyl alcohol homopolymer and anionic polyvinyl alcohol copolymer, wherein the polyvinyl alcohol homopolymer and the anionic polyvinyl alcohol copolymer are present in a relative weight ratio ranging from about 90 / 10 to about 10 / 90, or from about 80 / 20 to about 20 / 80, or from about 70 / 30 to about 50 / 50.

[0338] E8. The water soluble unit dose article of E7, wherein the anionic polyvinyl alcohol copolymer comprises anionic monomer units, and optionally, the anionic monomer units are present in the anionic polyvinyl alcohol copolymer in an average amount ranging from about 1 mol % to about 10 mol %, or from about 2 mol % to about 5 mol %.

[0339] E9. The water soluble unit dose article of any one of E7-E8, wherein the anionic polyvinyl alcohol copolymer is selected from sulfonated and carboxylated anionic polyvinyl alcohol copolymers, e.g., carboxylated anionic polyvinyl alcohol copolymers, and optionally the first water soluble film and the third water soluble film independently comprise a blend of polyvinyl alcohol homopolymer and carboxylated anionic polyvinyl alcohol copolymer, wherein the carboxylate is selected from acrylate, methacrylate, maleate, or mixtures thereof, e.g., maleate.

[0340] E10. The water soluble unit dose article of any one of E1-E9, wherein the second polyvinyl alcohol resin optionally comprises a polyvinyl alcohol polymer comprising carboxylated anionic monomer units derived from monoalkyl maleate units selected from the group consisting of monomethyl maleate, salts, e.g., alkali metal salts, and combinations thereof, and the carboxylated anionic monomer units are present in the polyvinyl alcohol polymer comprising carboxylated anionic monomer units in an average amount of at least 3 mol%, or from about 3 mol% to about 6 mol%, or from about 3 mol% to about 5 mol%, or from about 3.5 mol% to about 4.5 mol%, or from about 4 mol% to about 4.5 mol%.

[0341] E11. The water-soluble unit dose article of any one of E1-E10, wherein the first water-soluble film, the second water-soluble film, and the third water-soluble film each independently comprise a surfactant content in the range of about 0.1% to about 3.5% by weight, or about 0.5% to about 2% by weight of the water-soluble film.

[0342] E12. The water-soluble unit dose article of any one of E1-E11, wherein the first water-soluble film, the second water-soluble film, and the third water-soluble film each individually have a residual moisture content of at least 4%, or in the range of about 4% to about 15%, or about 5% to about 10% by weight of the water-soluble film, as measured by Karl Fischer titration.

[0343] E13. The water soluble unit dose article of any one of E1-E12, wherein each film independently comprises one or more ingredients selected from the group consisting of plasticizers, plasticizer compatibilizers, lubricants, release agents, fillers, extenders, crosslinkers, antiblocking agents, antioxidants, anti-adherents, antifoaming agents, nanoparticles, bleaching agents, aversive agents, surfactants, and combinations thereof.

[0344] E14. Each film independently comprises one or more plasticizers in an amount ranging from 5% to about 50%, or from about 10% to about 40%, or from about 20% to about 30% by weight of the individual film, optionally the plasticizer is selected from a polyol, a sugar alcohol, or a mixture thereof, and optionally the polyol is selected from glycerol, diglycerin, ethylene glycol, diethylene glycol, triethylene glycol, tetraethylene glycol, polyethylene glycol up to 400 MW, neopentyl glycol, 1,2-propylene glycol, 1,3-propanediol, dipropylene glycol, polypropylene glycol , 2-methyl-1,3-propanediol, trimethylolpropane, and polyether polyols, or mixtures thereof; the sugar alcohol comprises a sugar alcohol selected from the group consisting of isomalt, maltitol, sorbitol, xylitol, erythritol, adonitol, dulcitol, pentaerythritol, and mannitol, or mixtures thereof; and optionally the plasticizer is selected from the group consisting of sorbitol, glycerol, dipropylene glycol, polyethylene glycol, trimethylolpropane, or mixtures thereof.

[0345] E15. The first water-soluble film and the second water-soluble film are sealed via a solvent seal, a heat seal, or a combination thereof, optionally via a solvent seal, wherein the solvent seal solution comprises an aqueous solvent, a non-aqueous solvent, or a mixture thereof, for example, the solvent seal solution comprises water, and The water soluble unit dose article of any one of E1-E14, wherein the second water soluble film and the third water soluble film are sealed via a solvent seal, a heat seal, or a mixture thereof, optionally via a solvent seal, and optionally the solvent sealing solution comprises an aqueous solvent, a non-aqueous solvent, or a mixture thereof, e.g., the solvent sealing solution comprises water.

[0346] E16. The water soluble unit dose article of any one of E1-E15, wherein the unit dose article comprises at least a third compartment, optionally at least a third and a fourth compartment between the second water soluble film and the third water soluble film, optionally the second and third compartments, optionally the second, third and fourth compartments, are disposed side by side with each other, and the second and third compartments, optionally the second, third and fourth compartments, are disposed above the first compartment.

[0347] E17. The water soluble unit dose article of any one of E1-E15, wherein the composition is selected from the group consisting of light duty liquid detergent compositions, heavy duty liquid detergent compositions, hard surface cleaning compositions, bleaching compositions, shampoos, body washes, other personal care compositions, and mixtures thereof.

[0348] E18. The water soluble unit dose article of any one of E1-E17, wherein the article comprises a non-household care composition contained in at least a first compartment, the non-household care composition optionally being selected from the group consisting of agricultural compositions, automotive compositions, aviation compositions, food and nutritional compositions, industrial compositions, livestock compositions, marine compositions, medical compositions, commercial compositions, military and paramilitary compositions, office compositions, and compositions containing one or more active agents selected from recreational and park compositions, pet compositions, water treatment compositions, agricultural actives, ingestible actives, liquid treatment actives, industrial actives, and combinations of any of the foregoing.

[0349] E19.a. Deforming a first water-soluble film in a mold via thermoforming, vacuum forming, or a combination thereof to create an open cavity; b. filling the open cavity with a composition; c. separately deforming the third water-soluble film in a mold to create at least one open cavity via thermoforming, vacuum forming, or a combination thereof; d. filling at least one open cavity from step (c) with a composition; e. closing the open filled cavity from step (c) with a second water-soluble film; f. sealing the second water-soluble film and the third water-soluble film to create a closed intermediate, optionally where the second water-soluble film and the third water-soluble film are sealed via a solvent seal, and optionally where a solvent sealing solution is applied to a first side of the second water-soluble film prior to sealing the films together, the first side being the side facing the third water-soluble film; g. closing the open filled cavities from step (b) with the closed intermediate from step (f); h. A method for producing a water-soluble unit dose article described in any one of E1-E18, comprising the step of sealing a first water-soluble film to a second water-soluble film to produce a water-soluble unit dose article, wherein the first water-soluble film and the second water-soluble film are sealed via a solvent seal, and optionally, a solvent seal solution is applied to a second side of the second water-soluble film prior to sealing the films together, the second side being the side facing the first water-soluble film.

[0350] E20. The method of E19, wherein the first water-soluble film in step (a) and the third water-soluble film in step (c) are the same before being deformed.

[0351] Aspect F F1. A method of making a water soluble unit dose article, comprising: a. deforming a first water-soluble film in a mold to create an open cavity, the first water-soluble film comprising a first PVOH resin; b. filling the open cavity formed by the first water-soluble film with a composition; c. closing the open filled cavity from step (b) with a second water-soluble film, the second water-soluble film comprising a second polyvinyl alcohol resin, the second polyvinyl alcohol resin comprising: i. a polyvinyl alcohol polymer comprising less than 15% by weight of a second polyvinyl alcohol resin of carboxylated anionic monomer units, vinyl alcohol monomer units, and optionally vinyl acetate monomer units, wherein the carboxylated anionic monomer units are derived from a member selected from the group consisting of maleic acid, monoalkyl maleates, dialkyl maleates, maleic anhydride, and combinations thereof; ii. a second polyvinyl alcohol resin that is 85% to about 100% by weight of a polyvinyl alcohol homopolymer or homopolymer blend, the homopolymer consisting of vinyl alcohol monomer units and optionally vinyl acetate monomer units; closing, wherein the second polyvinyl alcohol resin has an average 4% solution viscosity in deionized water at 20° C. in the range of less than 8 mPa.s to 12 mPa.s, about 9 mPa.s to 12 mPa.s, or about 10 mPa.s to 12 mPa.s; and d. sealing a second water-soluble film to the first water-soluble film to create a water-soluble unit dose article, optionally via a solvent seal.

[0352] F2. The first water-soluble film has a first side and a second side, and the second water-soluble film has a first side and a second side, and prior to step (c), further comprising: e. separately deforming a third water-soluble film in a mold to create at least one open cavity, the third water-soluble film comprising a third PVOH resin that is the same or different from the first and second PVOH resins; f. filling at least one open cavity from step (e) with a composition; g. closing the open filled cavity from step (f) with a second water-soluble film; h. sealing the second water-soluble film to a third water-soluble film to create a closed intermediate, optionally via a solvent seal; i. closing the open filled cavity from step (b) with a second water-soluble film according to step (c) includes closing the open filled cavity from step (b) with the closure intermediate from step (h); j. The method of F1, wherein sealing the second water-soluble film and the first water-soluble film to create the water-soluble unit dose article in step (d) comprises sealing the first water-soluble film of the closure intermediate to the second water-soluble film in step (h) to create the water-soluble unit dose article.

[0353] F3. The method of F2, wherein a first side of a first water-soluble film is sealed to a second side of a second water-soluble film to create a first compartment between the first and second water-soluble films, and a first side of the second water-soluble film is sealed to a second side of a third water-soluble film to create at least a second compartment between the second and third water-soluble films, the second compartment being disposed above the first compartment.

[0354] F4. The method of any one of F1-F3, wherein the sealing of the first film to the second film, or the sealing of the third film to the second film, or both the sealing of the first film to the second film and the sealing of the third film to the second film comprise a solvent seal.

[0355] F5. The method of F4, comprising applying the sealing solution to the film via a contact method.

[0356] F6. The method of any one of F4-F5, comprising applying the sealing solution using an absorbent member.

[0357] F7. The method of any one of F4-F6 comprising applying the sealing solution in a continuous process.

[0358] F8. The method of any one of F1-F7, wherein the first polyvinyl alcohol resin comprises a first polyvinyl alcohol polymer comprising carboxylated anionic monomer units, vinyl alcohol monomer units, and optionally vinyl acetate monomer units, wherein the carboxylated anionic monomer units are derived from a member selected from the group consisting of maleic acid, monoalkyl maleates, dialkyl maleates, maleic anhydride, and combinations thereof.

[0359] F9. The method of F8, wherein the first polyvinyl alcohol resin further comprises a second PVOH polymer, the second PVOH polymer being a homopolymer, the homopolymer consisting of vinyl alcohol monomer units and optionally vinyl acetate monomer units.

[0360] F10. The method of any one of F2-F9, wherein the third polyvinyl alcohol resin comprises a first polyvinyl alcohol polymer comprising carboxylated anionic monomer units, vinyl alcohol monomer units, and optionally vinyl acetate monomer units, wherein the carboxylated anionic monomer units are derived from a member selected from the group consisting of maleic acid, monoalkyl maleates, dialkyl maleates, maleic anhydride, and combinations thereof.

[0361] F11. The method of F10, wherein the third polyvinyl alcohol resin further comprises a second PVOH polymer, the second PVOH polymer being a homopolymer, the homopolymer consisting of vinyl alcohol monomer units and optionally vinyl acetate monomer units.

[0362] F12. The method of any one of F2-F11, wherein the first water-soluble film in step (a) and the third water-soluble film in step (e) are identical before being deformed.

[0363] F13. The method of any one of F1-F12, wherein the second polyvinyl alcohol resin comprises a polyvinyl alcohol homopolymer or a polyvinyl alcohol homopolymer blend in an amount ranging from about 90% to about 100% by weight, or about 100% by weight, of the second polyvinyl alcohol resin.

[0364] F14. The method of any one of F1-F13, wherein the second polyvinyl alcohol resin comprises a blend of a first polyvinyl alcohol homopolymer and a second polyvinyl alcohol homopolymer, wherein the first polyvinyl alcohol homopolymer and the second polyvinyl alcohol homopolymer are present in a relative weight ratio within the range of from 90 / 10 to about 10 / 90, or from about 80 / 20 to about 20 / 80, or from about 70 / 30 to about 50 / 50.

[0365] F15. In the second polyvinyl alcohol resin, a. the first polyvinyl alcohol homopolymer has an average viscosity in the range of about 11 mPa.s to about 20 mPa.s, or about 11 mPa.s to about 15 mPa.s, when measured as a 4% polyvinyl alcohol polymer solution in deionized water at 20° C.; b. the second polyvinyl alcohol homopolymer has an average viscosity in the range of about 1 mPa.s to about 10 mPa.s, or about 5 mPa.s to about 10 mPa.s, measured as a 4% solution of the polyvinyl alcohol polymer in deionized water at 20° C.; Optionally, the method of F14, wherein the difference in average viscosity between the first polyvinyl alcohol homopolymer and the second polyvinyl alcohol homopolymer is at least about 1 mPa.s, or in the range of about 2 to about 10 mPa.s, or about 3 to about 8 mPa.s, measured as a 4% solution of the polyvinyl alcohol polymer in deionized water at 20° C.

[0366] F16. The method of any one of F14-F15, wherein the individual polyvinyl alcohol homopolymers in the second polyvinyl alcohol resin independently have an average degree of hydrolysis in the range of from about 75% to about 99%, or from about 80% to about 95%, or from about 85% to about 95%.

[0367] F17.a. the first polyvinyl alcohol resin is present in the range of about 50% to about 95% by weight, or about 50% to about 80% by weight, or about 60% to about 75% by weight of the first water-soluble film; or b. the second polyvinyl alcohol resin is present in the range of about 50% by weight to about 95% by weight, or about 50% by weight to about 80% by weight, or about 60% by weight to about 75% by weight of the second water-soluble film; or c. the third polyvinyl alcohol resin is present in the range of about 50% by weight to about 95% by weight, or about 50% by weight to about 80% by weight, or about 60% by weight to about 75% by weight of the third water-soluble film; or d. A combination of any of the preceding, any one of the methods described in F2 to F16.

[0368] F18. The method of any one of F4-F17, wherein each carboxylated anionic monomer unit in the first water-soluble resin and in the third water-soluble resin is independently derived from a monoalkyl maleate unit optionally selected from the group consisting of monomethyl maleate, a salt, optionally an alkali metal salt, and combinations thereof, and optionally each carboxylated anionic monomer unit is independently present in each of the first PVOH polymers in an average amount ranging from about 3 mol % to about 6 mol %, or from about 3 mol % to about 5 mol %, or from about 3.5 mol % to about 4.5 mol %, or from about 4 mol % to about 4.5 mol %.

[0369] F19. The method of any one of F1-F18, wherein the second polyvinyl alcohol resin comprises a polyvinyl alcohol comprising carboxylated anionic monomer units derived from a member selected from the group consisting of maleic acid, monoalkyl maleates, dialkyl maleates, dialkyl maleic anhydrides, and combinations thereof, and the carboxylated anionic monomer units are present in the polyvinyl alcohol polymer in an average amount of at least 3 mol %, or from about 3 mol % to about 6 mol %, or from about 3 mol % to about 5 mol %, or from about 3.5 mol % to about 4.5 mol %, or from about 4 mol % to about 4.5 mol %.

[0370] F20. The method of F19, wherein the carboxylated anionic monomeric units are derived from monoalkyl maleates selected from the group consisting of monomethyl maleate, a salt thereof, optionally an alkali metal salt thereof, and any combination of the foregoing.

[0371] F21. Each of the first PVOH polymers in the first water-soluble resin and the third water-soluble resin is independently a. an average viscosity in the range of about 10 mPa.s to about 40 mPa.s, or about 10 mPa.s to about 30 mPa.s, or about 12 mPa.s to about 25 mPa.s, or about 14 mPa.s to about 20 mPa.s, when measured as a 4% solution of the polyvinyl alcohol polymer in deionized water at 20°C; or b. an average degree of hydrolysis ranging from about 60% to about 99%, or from about 80% to about 98%, or from about 83% to about 95%, or from about 85% to about 92%, or c. Characterized by any combination of the foregoing. and each second PVOH polymer in the first water-soluble resin and the third water-soluble resin independently comprises: c. an average viscosity in the range of about 3 mPa.s to about 30 mPa.s, or in the range of about 7 mPa.s to about 30 mPa.s, or in the range of about 10 mPa.s to about 30 mPa.s, or in the range of about 12 mPa.s to about 25 mPa.s, when measured as a 4% solution of polyvinyl alcohol polymer in deionized water at 20°C; d. an average degree of hydrolysis ranging from about 60% to about 99%, or from about 80% to about 98%, or from about 85% to about 95%, or from about 87% to about 92%, or c. The method according to any one of F4 to F20, characterized by any combination of the preceding.

[0372] F22. The polyvinyl alcohol comprising carboxylated anionic monomer units in the second polyvinyl alcohol resin is a. an average 4% solution viscosity in the range of about 10 mPa.s to less than 12 mPa.s at 20°C; or b. an average degree of hydrolysis ranging from about 60% to about 99%, or from about 80% to about 98%, or from about 83% to about 95%, or from about 85% to about 92%, or c. The method according to any one of F4 to F21, characterized by any combination of the preceding.

[0373] F23. The method according to any one of F4 to F22, wherein in the first water-soluble resin and the third water-soluble resin, the relative weight ratio of the first PVOH polymer and the second PVOH polymer is within the range of about 90 / 10 to about 10 / 90, or about 80 / 20 to about 20 / 80, or about 70 / 30 to about 50 / 50.

[0374] F24. The method of any one of F4 to F23, wherein the first water-soluble film, the second water-soluble film, and the third water-soluble film each independently have a surfactant content in the range of about 0.1% to about 3.5% by weight, or about 0.5% to about 2% by weight of each film.

[0375] F25. The method of any one of F4 to F24, wherein the first water-soluble film, the second water-soluble film, and the third water-soluble film each individually have a residual moisture content, as measured by Karl Fischer titration, of at least 4%, or in the range of about 4% to about 15%, or about 5% to about 10% by weight of the water-soluble film.

[0376] F26. The method of any one of F1-F25, wherein each film independently comprises one or more components from the group of plasticizers, plasticizer compatibilizers, lubricants, release agents, fillers, extenders, crosslinkers, antiblocking agents, antioxidants, anti-blocking agents, antifoaming agents, nanoparticles, bleaching agents, aversive agents, surfactants, and combinations thereof.

[0377] F27. The method of F26, wherein each film independently comprises one or more plasticizers in an amount ranging from about 5% to about 50%, or from about 10% to about 40%, or from about 20% to about 30% by weight of the individual film, the plasticizer being selected from a polyol, a sugar alcohol, or a mixture thereof, optionally the polyol comprises a polyol selected from the group consisting of glycerol, diglycerin, ethylene glycol, diethylene glycol, triethylene glycol, tetraethylene glycol, polyethylene glycols up to 400 MW, neopentyl glycol, 1,2-propylene glycol, 1,3-propanediol, dipropylene glycol, polypropylene glycol, 2-methyl-1,3-propanediol, trimethylolpropane, and polyether polyols, or a mixture thereof, and the sugar alcohol comprises a sugar alcohol selected from the group consisting of isomalt, maltitol, sorbitol, xylitol, erythritol, adonitol, dulcitol, pentaerythritol, and mannitol, or a mixture thereof.

[0378] F28. Further comprising: optionally forming at least a third compartment, and optionally at least a third and a fourth compartment, between the second water-soluble film and the third water-soluble film; The method of any one of F4 to F27, wherein the second section and the third section, optionally the second section, the third section and the fourth section, are arranged side by side with each other, and the second section and the third section, optionally the second section, the third section and the fourth section, are arranged above the first section.

[0379] F29. The composition comprises a household care composition that is not a cleaning composition or an automatic dishwashing composition, provided that the first water-soluble film and the third water-soluble film do not comprise a polyvinyl alcohol resin comprising: i. a first polyvinyl alcohol polymer comprising carboxylated anionic monomer units, vinyl alcohol monomer units, and optionally vinyl acetate monomer units, wherein the carboxylated anionic monomer units are derived from a member selected from the group consisting of maleic acid, monoalkyl maleates, dialkyl maleates, maleic anhydride, and combinations thereof; ii. a second PVOH polymer, wherein the second PVOH polymer is a homopolymer, the homopolymer consisting of vinyl alcohol monomer units and optionally vinyl acetate monomer units. The method of any one of F1-F28.

[0380] F30. The method of F29, wherein the composition is selected from the group consisting of light duty liquid detergent compositions, heavy duty liquid detergent compositions, hard surface cleaning compositions, bleaching compositions, shampoos, body washes, other personal care compositions, and mixtures thereof.

[0381] F31. The method of any one of F1-F28, wherein the composition comprises a non-household care composition.

[0382] F32. The method of F31, wherein the non-household care composition is selected from the group consisting of agricultural compositions, automotive compositions, aviation compositions, food and nutritional compositions, industrial compositions, livestock compositions, marine compositions, medical compositions, commercial compositions, military and paramilitary compositions, office compositions, and compositions containing one or more actives selected from recreational and park compositions, pet compositions, water treatment compositions, agricultural actives, ingestible actives, liquid treatment actives, industrial actives, and combinations of any of the foregoing.

[0383] The dimensions and values ​​disclosed herein should not be understood as being strictly limited to the exact numerical values ​​recited. Instead, unless otherwise specified, each such dimension is intended to alternatively describe the recited value, and a functionally equivalent range surrounding that value. For example, a dimension disclosed as "about 40 mm" is an implicit disclosure of "40 mm" that is made explicit herein.

[0384] Throughout this specification and the claims that follow, unless the context dictates otherwise, the words "comprise" and variations such as "comprises" and "comprising" will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated integer or step, or group of integers or steps, but not the exclusion of any other integer or step, or group of integers or steps.

[0385] Throughout this specification, when a composition is described as comprising components or materials, it is contemplated that the composition may consist essentially of, or consist of, any combination of the recited components or materials, unless otherwise stated. Similarly, when a method is described as comprising particular steps, it is contemplated that the method may also consist essentially of, or consist of, any combination of the recited steps, unless otherwise stated. The inventions illustratively disclosed herein may be suitably practiced in the absence of any element or step not specifically disclosed herein.

[0386] The implementation of the methods disclosed herein, and their individual steps, can be performed manually and / or with the aid of, or automation provided by, electronic devices. Although the process is described with reference to specific embodiments, one of ordinary skill in the art will readily appreciate that other ways of performing the acts associated with the methods may be used. For example, the order of various steps may be changed without departing from the scope or spirit of the methods, unless otherwise noted. In addition, some of the individual steps may be combined, omitted, or further subdivided into additional steps.

[0387] All patents, publications, and references cited herein are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety. In the event of a conflict between this disclosure and the incorporated patents, publications, and references, this disclosure shall control. EXAMPLES

[0388] The effect of the presence or absence of anionic polyvinyl alcohol copolymers, as well as the effect of varying average molecular weight, expressed as a 4% viscosity of an aqueous polymer solution (deionized water) of polyvinyl alcohol homopolymer blends within polyvinyl alcohol blends with polymer resins, has been studied on 1) the sensitivity of the corresponding water-soluble films to generate a foam layer on the film surface upon sealing solvent application, 2) the resulting seal and unit dose article strength, and 3) the film / unit dose article dissolution profile.

[0389] Test materials: Water-soluble film: Single solvent cast water-soluble test films, variably different in polyvinyl alcohol type selection, were provided by MonoSol LLC. The test films comprised 65% water-soluble polyvinyl alcohol resin, the remainder being water, plasticizers, surfactants, and other materials typically present in water-soluble films. The test films were sealed in the manner contemplated for the "second water-soluble film" described as part of the present invention above, and structures were made in the manner contemplated for the "second water-soluble film" described as part of the present invention above. Thus, the test films that fall outside the scope of the "second water-soluble film" described above are characterized as comparative examples.

[0390] Comparative Examples 1-4 contained 15%-30% by weight of an anionic copolymer polyvinyl alcohol polymer resin in the intermediate film (Film 2). Comparative Examples 5-7 contained polyvinyl alcohol homopolymer blends with different average viscosities.

[0391] Example 1 includes a polyvinyl alcohol homopolymer blend having an average viscosity according to the present invention. Additional resins are listed below: Anionic polyvinyl alcohol copolymer containing resin (weight percent polyvinyl alcohol polymer resin): Comparative Example 1: Polyvinyl alcohol blend containing 70% polyvinyl alcohol homopolymer (13 mPa.s, dH 86%) - 30% methyl maleic acid based anionic polyvinyl alcohol copolymer (4% anionic substitution, 18 mPa.s, 90% dH) Comparative Example 2: Polyvinyl alcohol blend containing 85% polyvinyl alcohol homopolymer (13 mPa.s, dH 86%) - 15% methyl maleate-based anionic polyvinyl alcohol copolymer (4% anionic substitution, 18 mPa.s, 90% dH) Comparative Example 3: Polyvinyl alcohol blend containing 85% polyvinyl alcohol homopolymer (8 mPa.s, dH 88%) - 15% methyl maleate-based anionic polyvinyl alcohol copolymer (4% anionic substitution, 18 mPa.s, 90% dH) Comparative Example 4: Polyvinyl alcohol blend containing 85% polyvinyl alcohol homopolymer (18 mPa.s, dH 88%) - 15% methyl maleate-based anionic polyvinyl alcohol copolymer (4% anionic substitution, 18 mPa.s, 90% dH) Resins made of polyvinyl alcohol homopolymer (weight percent of polyvinyl alcohol polymer resin): Comparative Example 5: 100% polyvinyl alcohol homopolymer (13 mPa.s, dH 86%) Comparative Example 6: 80% polyvinyl alcohol homopolymer (13 mPa.s, dH 86%) - 20% polyvinyl alcohol homopolymer (8 mPa.s, dH 88%) - average viscosity: 12 mPa.s Comparative Example 7: 80% polyvinyl alcohol homopolymer (13 mPa.s, dH 86%) - 20% polyvinyl alcohol homopolymer (18 mPa.s, dH 88%) - average viscosity: 14 mPa.s Inventive Example 1: 60% polyvinyl alcohol homopolymer (13 mPa.s, dH 86%) - 40% polyvinyl alcohol homopolymer (8 mPa.s, dH 88%) - average viscosity: 11 mPa.s

[0392] Water-soluble unit dose articles: These water-soluble test films were used to make water-soluble unit dose articles. A first water-soluble film, comprising a polyvinyl alcohol blend comprising 60% polyvinyl alcohol homopolymer (23 mPa.s, dH 87%) and 40% methyl maleate-based anionic polyvinyl alcohol copolymer (4% anionic substitution, 18 mPa.s, 90% dH), as provided by MonoSol company, was drawn into a mold comprising two side-by-side cavities under the influence of vacuum to make open compartments. The detergent composition was dosed into the interior of these open compartments, and then the open-filled compartments were closed individually with each of the above test films. The side-by-side configuration represents the top compartment configuration, as shown in Figure 1. The two films were sealed together with water, and the sealing water was pre-applied onto the test film via a pre-wet felt roll on the surface of the test film facing the first water-soluble film. The target sealing water coating weight was 9 grams of water per square meter of water-soluble film. A third water-soluble film of the same composition as the first water-soluble film was drawn into a separate mold containing a single cavity under the influence of vacuum to create an open compartment. The detergent composition was dosed into the open compartment in the side-by-side compartment unit dose article created as described above before closing the open compartment, to create a water-soluble unit dose article having the appearance shown in FIG. 1 and sold under the Fairy NonBio brand by the Procter and Gamble company in the UK in July 2020, but with a different film. Sealing water was pre-applied onto the test film through a pre-wet felt roll on the surface of the test film facing the third water-soluble film. The target sealing water coating weight was 13 grams of water per square meter of water-soluble film. All water-soluble films used had a starting thickness of 76 microns before article creation, e.g., before deformation.

[0393] Liquid laundry detergent composition: The respective liquid laundry detergent compositions added to the individual compartments described in the Water Soluble Unit Dose Article section above are summarized in Table 1. The liquid laundry detergent compositions were prepared by mixing the individual components in a batch process. [Table 1-1] [Table 1-2]

[0394] Test results: With or without foam layer: The water-soluble test films were visually evaluated for the presence or absence of a foam layer created on the water-soluble film surface after the sealing water application step on the test film before contacting the third water-soluble film as described above. The results summarized in Table 2 below clearly show that the water-soluble films containing water-soluble resins containing 15-30% anionic copolymers (Comparative Examples 1-4) are sensitive to forming a foam layer on the surface of the water-soluble film upon sealing water application, as opposed to the water-soluble films containing polymeric resins consisting of polyvinyl alcohol homopolymers (blends) (Inventive Example 1 and Comparative Examples 5-7). It is believed that this foam layer drives uneven diffusion of the sealing water, resulting in a corresponding poor sealing quality and the presence of weakly sealed spots. [Table 2]

[0395] %Pouch Strength Pass Rate and %Seal Failure: Test Method: This test method uses a load cell with a maximum capacity of 100 kN (kilonewtons) and is carried out on a Mark-10 tester ESM750SLCE (JJBOS BV, Marconistraat 1, NL-2809 PH Gouda, The A methodology is described for determining the % pouch strength pass and % seal failure using the 300N compression tester (Netherlands). Under the influence of an external compression force, the pouch deforms, stressing both the film and the seal area. The internal pressure within the pouch depends on the external force applied to the entire surface area of ​​the pouch. The pouch strength (in Newtons) is defined as the maximum compression force required by two parallel plates to raise the internal pressure of the pouch to the bursting point. Pouches that burst at the seal area are reported as "seal failure" which is used to calculate the % seal failure (seal failure = 1, no seal failure = 0) over 18 iterations. Pouches that burst at a pressure equivalent to that produced by compression less than 300N are reported as "fail" which is used to calculate the % pouch strength pass (fail = 0, pass = 1) over 18 iterations.

[0396] The % Pouch Strength Pass and % Seal Failure are measured after the water soluble pouches are stored for 7 days at ambient conditions and preconditioned for 16-24 hours at 23°C / 50%RH. The method is performed in a room environment between 40-50% relative humidity (RH) and at a temperature of 22-24°C. The water soluble pouches are tested within 1 hour of removal from preconditioning.

[0397] FIG. 2 shows a schematic diagram of the basic setup of the % pouch strength pass rate and % seal failure test. To measure the % pouch strength pass rate and % seal failure rate, the pouch 510 is enclosed in a plastic bag 500, which is then sealed (150 mm x 124 mm, 60 micron thickness when closed - e.g. Raja Grip RGP6B) to prevent contamination of the working environment in case of pouch rupture. The pouch 510 is centered within the bag 500 and placed between the two compression plates 520, 530 of the instrument. The pouch 510 is placed with its width seal dimension 540 (e.g. the smallest dimension in a defined rectangular plane that just encompasses the seal area, 41 mm in the actual pouch tested) between the compression plates (x direction) so that stress is applied to the width seal. Therefore, the diameter of the compression plates needs to be large enough to not pinch the pouch as it deforms (here D=116 mm). For compression, the rate of decreasing the distance between plates 520 and 530 is set at 200 mm / min. Eighteen replicates are performed for each test leg, and the % pouch strength pass and % seal failure data across these 18 replicates are reported.

[0398] Test results: The results summarized in Table 3 clearly show that the water-soluble unit dose article comprising a water-soluble test film comprising a polyvinyl alcohol-based polymer resin made of a homopolymer blend having an average viscosity profile according to the present invention (Invention Example 1) has superior pow strength and seal failure properties compared to the water-soluble unit dose article comprising a water-soluble test film comprising a polyvinyl alcohol-based polymer resin made of a homopolymer blend having an average viscosity profile according to Comparative Examples 5-7, and compared to the water-soluble unit dose article comprising a polyvinyl alcohol-based polymer resin with 15-30% anionic polyvinyl alcohol copolymer blend (Comparative Examples 1-4). [Table 3]

[0399] Water-soluble unit dose article dissolves - film residue Test Method: This test method describes a water soluble unit dose article dissolution test that evaluates the amount of undissolved water soluble film residue. More specifically, the method is designed to evaluate the relative dissolution characteristics of laundered water soluble unit dose articles under stress washer conditions. The method used an Electrolux Programmable washer type W565H with a ballast load containing a mixture of cotton and polycotton swatches (from Calderon Textiles, LLC 6131 W 80th Street Indianapolis, IN 46278). The ballast load consisted of two-ply swatches of cotton and polycotton knit, approximately 50x50cm in size.

[0400] Orange Pouch: A brand new cotton white ballast load from Calderon 50X50cm has been divided into portions of up to 3.0kg (approximately 25 items of ballast cotton) and prepared to be dyed orange via a washer dyeing process using a commercial dye solution. To dye the load, a standard domestic washer can be used, employing a standard cotton cycle at 40°C. 350g of Dylon fresh orange machine dye all-in-one has been added to the washer drum. Salt can be added according to the dye package instructions.

[0401] Thus, the drum was manually moved from side to side until the dye was no longer visible. Thus, 25 cotton ballasts (50 cm x 50 cm in size) were evenly distributed on the drum without folding the items. A standard cotton cycle at 40°C was run with a water hardness of 15 gpg. After completion of the cycle, 75 g of Ariel Professional powder was added to the dispenser and a regular cotton cycle at 40°C was run with a water hardness of 15 gpg (particles per gallon). After completion of this cycle, two additional regular cotton cycles at 40°C without any detergent were run with a water hardness of 15 gpg, followed by line drying of the items.

[0402] Please note: brand new Calderon loads must be desized prior to staining by adding 25 items to a front loading Miele washer, running 50g Ariel Sensitivity Powder, 2 short cotton cycles (approximately 1 hour 30 minutes) at 60°C with 15gpg water hardness, followed by 2 short cotton cycles (approximately 1 hour 30 minutes) without detergent, 60°C with 15gpg water hardness, then tumble drying.

[0403] The orange fabric was cut into a 48 x 48 cm piece, folded in half, cut in half and sewn with the top side open into four equivalent pouches measuring 22 x 22 cm. One test specimen of the preconditioned water soluble unit dose article was placed in the lower right corner of the orange pouch and the pouch was closed and sewn shut. The water soluble unit dose article must be preconditioned for a minimum of 2 weeks at 23°C and 50% rH prior to testing.

[0404] Loads: Four loads of 3 kg mixed cotton (13 pieces) and polycotton (10 pieces) were washed in a short cotton cycle at 60°C with 79g Ariel Professional detergent with a water hardness of 15 gpg, followed by another short cotton cycle at 60°C without any detergent with a water hardness of 15 gpg, and finally tumble dried before use. Each load of 3.0 kg was pre-treated twice by washing with four Ariel pods in a "pre-wet" cycle, followed by washing without detergent in the "dissolution program" described below, and finally tumble dried.

[0405] The Electrolux W565 programmable washer was programmed with two programs. The first program was designed to evenly wet the load (the pre-wet program). The second program (the dissolution program) was utilized to simulate 15 minutes of a Western European stress cycle setting, followed by pumping the water and initiating a 3-minute spin at 1100 rpm. [Table 4]

[0406] A load consisting of 13 cotton sheets measuring 50X50cm and 10 polycotton sheets measuring 27X27cm (weighing 3.0±0.15kg) was evenly introduced into an Electrolux W565 washer and the pre-wet program was run twice.

[0407] After the pre-wet program, the wet ballast was removed from the drum and four orange pouches, each containing a water-soluble unit dose article of a different test leg, were aligned at the bottom of the drum, so that four different test articles were tested at once in the same washer, making the test environment as reproducible as possible across the test legs. 10 g of SUDS suppressor (Dowsil GP-4314 silicone SUDS suppressor, commercially available from Dow Corning company) was added to the dispenser and the wet load was placed on top of the orange pouch without allowing the drum to move. The dissolution program was started. At the end of the complete program, the orange pouches were transferred to a grading room (equipped with D65 lighting conditions) and the residue was evaluated by an expert grader.

[0408] The orange pouches are visually cut and graded according to a 0-7 scale (0=no film residue, 7=complete pouch residue) within 30 minutes after the end of each run. The final score is calculated as the average of four external replicates, i.e., four different washer runs, and two replicates (average of eight scores).

[0409] Test results: The results summarized in Table 4 clearly show that the water soluble unit dose article comprising polyvinyl alcohol based polymer resin made of homopolymer blends having an average viscosity profile according to the present invention (Invention Example 1) has excellent pouch strength yet does not show dissolution compromise compared to the tested water soluble unit dose articles comprising water soluble test films comprising polyvinyl alcohol based polymer resin made of polyvinyl alcohol homopolymer blends having an average viscosity profile as described in Comparative Examples 5-6, as well as the tested water soluble unit dose articles comprising water soluble test films comprising polyvinyl alcohol based polymer resins comprising 15% anionic polyvinyl alcohol copolymer, Comparative Examples 2-3. [Table 5]

[0410] Test Method: This method is used to determine the tensile force required to peel a solution sealed water soluble film (seal peel strength). An INSTRON tensile testing instrument or equivalent is used to collect the film data. An ESIPROOF calibrated instrument with anilox rollers 140 / 10 or equivalent is used to clamp two pieces of film in deionized water. A minimum of three specimens, each cut with a reliable cutting tool to ensure dimensional stability and repeatability, are tested in the machine direction (MD) (if applicable) for each measurement. Testing is performed in a standard laboratory atmosphere of 23±2.0°C and 35±5% relative humidity.

[0411] For seal peel strength determination, test specimens are prepared by cutting two 4" x 12" (10.2 cm x 30.5 cm) film sheets with a dimension of 12" (30.5 cm) in the machine direction (MD) (if applicable). For one sheet, the four corners are taped to the surface of the film matte surface facing up. The other sheet is layered on top of one of the taped sheets with the matte surfaces in contact. The 4 inch (10.2 cm) edge of the top sheet is taped and secured to the bottom sheet. The loose end of the top sheet is run through the ESIPROOF proofing roller using a 140 / 10 anilox roller. 0.5 mL of test seal solution (water) is applied to the doctor blade. The roller is pulled at a constant speed (3", 7.6 cm per second) to coat and secure the top film to the bottom sheet. Allow the film to weld for approximately 10-15 minutes, thereby forming a seal, but leaving two unsealed (free) film flaps at one end of the specimen for subsequent peel testing. The sealed specimen is then transferred to an INSTRON tensile tester for testing to proceed with minimal exposure to a 35% relative humidity environment. A tensile tester equipped with a 500 N load cell is prepared and calibrated according to the manufacturer's instructions. The correct grips and faces are installed.

[0412] For the peel test, there is 0.50 inch (1.27 cm) spacing between the rubber grips, all four of which are flat and square. Three (or more) 1 inch wide (2.54 cm) specimens are cut in the machine direction (MD). The opened flaps of each specimen are placed in the grips of the testing machine, taking care that the specimen is lined up with and parallel to the grips, so that the specimen is not pulled too hard in the jaws of the testing machine. The load is balanced and the test is started according to the equipment manufacturer's instructions. At the end of the test, the absolute positive force (APF in Newtons) required to tear or separate the layers is recorded as the seal peel strength.

[0413] Additional test materials: Solvent cast water soluble test films were prepared with various levels of copolymer content. The test films contained approximately 65% ​​to 77% of one or more water soluble polyvinyl alcohol resins in the ratios set forth below, with the remainder being water, plasticizers, surfactants, and other materials typically present in water soluble films. The test films of Comparative Examples 8-9 were sealed with either the film of Comparative Example 1, or Example 1 of the present invention as the "second water soluble film" in the manner contemplated for the "first water soluble film" or "third water soluble film" described as part of the present invention above. Comparative Example 8: Polyvinyl alcohol blend containing 60% polyvinyl alcohol homopolymer (23 mPa.s, dH 87%) to 40% methylmaleic acid based anionic polyvinyl alcohol copolymer (4% anionic substitution, 18 mPa.s, dH 90%). Comparative Example 9: Polyvinyl alcohol blend containing 32% polyvinyl alcohol homopolymer (23 mPa.s, dH 88%) - 68% methyl maleate based anionic polyvinyl alcohol copolymer (4% anionic substitution, 18 mPa.s, dH 90%). Comparative Example 10: Polyvinyl alcohol homopolymer blend containing 75% polyvinyl alcohol homopolymer (23 mPa.s, dH 88%) - 25% polyvinyl alcohol homopolymer (6 mPa.s, dH 88%) Comparative Example 11: 100% methyl maleate based anionic polyvinyl alcohol copolymer (4% anion substitution, 18 mPa.s, dH 90%).

[0414] Test results: The peel strength results for each of Comparative Examples 8-11 sealed to Comparative Example 1, and each of Comparative Examples 8-11 sealed to Inventive Example Film 1, are shown in the table below. In each case, the Inventive Example 1 film exhibited a higher average seal peel strength, i.e., whether the first water-soluble film contained no anionic polyvinyl alcohol copolymer content, 100% anionic polyvinyl alcohol copolymer content, or an intermediate amount of anionic polyvinyl alcohol copolymer content. [Table 6]

[0415] Overall conclusion: From the data summarized across the different examples, it is clear that water-soluble films comprising polyvinyl alcohol based resins consisting of polyvinyl alcohol homopolymer blends according to the present invention and comprising a viscosity profile according to the present invention do not form a foam layer upon sealing solvent application, leading to superior seal and pouch strength profiles while not resulting in dissolution compromise, as compared to comparative water-soluble film compositions outside the scope of the present invention. The present disclosure includes the following embodiments. <1> 1. A water-soluble unit dose article comprising at least two compartments and, optionally, a composition contained in at least one of said compartments, said unit dose article comprising: a. a first water-soluble film, said first water-soluble film having a first side and a second side, said first water-soluble film comprising a first PVOH resin, said first polyvinyl alcohol resin comprising a polyvinyl alcohol consisting of a polyvinyl alcohol homopolymer, an anionic polyvinyl alcohol copolymer, or a blend thereof; b. a second water-soluble film, the second water-soluble film having a first side and a second side, the second water-soluble film comprising a second polyvinyl alcohol resin, the second polyvinyl alcohol resin comprising: i. a polyvinyl alcohol polymer comprising carboxylated anionic monomer units, vinyl alcohol monomer units, and optionally vinyl acetate monomer units, less than 15% by weight of said second polyvinyl alcohol resin, wherein said carboxylated anionic monomer units are derived from a member selected from the group consisting of maleic acid, monoalkyl maleates, dialkyl maleates, maleic anhydride, and combinations thereof; ii. about 85% to 100% by weight of the second polyvinyl alcohol resin, a polyvinyl alcohol homopolymer or homopolymer blend, the homopolymer consisting of vinyl alcohol monomer units and optionally vinyl acetate monomer units; a second water-soluble film, wherein the second polyvinyl alcohol resin has an average viscosity, measured as a 4% polyvinyl alcohol polymer solution in deionized water at 20° C., in the range of about 8 mPa.s and less than 12 mPa.s, or about 9 mPa.s to less than 12 mPa.s, or about 10 mPa.s to less than 12 mPa.s; c. a third water-soluble film, said third water-soluble film having a first side and a second side, said third water-soluble film comprising a third PVOH resin, said third polyvinyl alcohol resin optionally comprising a polyvinyl alcohol consisting of a polyvinyl alcohol homopolymer, an anionic polyvinyl alcohol copolymer, or a blend thereof; said first side of said first water-soluble film is sealed to said second side of said second water-soluble film to create a first compartment between said first water-soluble film and said second water-soluble film, and said first side of said second water-soluble film is sealed to said second side of said third water-soluble film to create at least a second compartment between said second water-soluble film and said third water-soluble film, said second compartment being disposed over said first compartment; With the proviso that if said article contains a composition contained within a compartment, said composition is not a laundry composition and is not an automatic dishwashing composition. <2> the second polyvinyl alcohol resin comprising about 90% to about 100%, optionally about 100%, by weight of the second polyvinyl alcohol resin of the polyvinyl alcohol homopolymer or polyvinyl alcohol homopolymer blend, and about 0% to about 10%, optionally about 0%, by weight of the second polyvinyl alcohol resin of the polyvinyl alcohol polymer comprising carboxylated anionic monomer units, vinyl alcohol monomer units, and optionally vinyl acetate monomer units, wherein the carboxylated anionic monomer units are derived from a member selected from the group consisting of maleic acid, monoalkyl maleates, dialkyl maleates, maleic anhydride, and combinations thereof. <1> 2. The water-soluble unit dose article according to claim 1 . <3> the second polyvinyl alcohol resin comprises a blend of a first polyvinyl alcohol homopolymer and a second polyvinyl alcohol homopolymer, optionally wherein the first polyvinyl alcohol homopolymer and the second polyvinyl alcohol homopolymer are present in a relative weight ratio ranging from about 90 / 10 to about 10 / 90, or from about 80 / 20 to about 20 / 80, or from about 70 / 30 to about 50 / 50; <1> or <2> 2. The water-soluble unit dose article according to claim 1 . <4> In the second polyvinyl alcohol resin, a. the first polyvinyl alcohol homopolymer has an average viscosity in the range of about 11 mPa.s to about 20 mPa.s, or about 11 mPa.s to about 15 mPa.s, when measured as a 4% polyvinyl alcohol polymer solution in deionized water at 20° C.; b. the second polyvinyl alcohol homopolymer has an average viscosity in the range of about 1 mPa.s to about 10 mPa.s, or about 5 mPa.s to about 10 mPa.s, when measured as a 4% polyvinyl alcohol polymer solution in deionized water at 20° C.; Optionally, the difference in average viscosity between the first polyvinyl alcohol polymer and the second polyvinyl alcohol homopolymer is at least 1 mPa.s, or from about 2 to about 10 mPa.s, or from about 3 to about 8 mPa.s, when measured as a 4% solution of the polyvinyl alcohol polymer in deionized water at 20° C. <3> 2. The water-soluble unit dose article according to claim 1 . <5> each of the polyvinyl alcohol homopolymers independently has an average degree of hydrolysis ranging from about 75% to about 99%, or from about 80% to about 95%, or from about 85% to about 95%; <3> or <4> 2. The water-soluble unit dose article according to claim 1 . <6> a. the first polyvinyl alcohol resin is present in an amount ranging from about 50% by weight to about 95% by weight, or from about 50% by weight to about 80% by weight, or from about 60% by weight to about 75% by weight of the first water-soluble film; or b. the second polyvinyl alcohol resin is present in an amount ranging from about 50% to about 95% by weight, or from about 50% to about 80% by weight, or from about 60% to about 75% by weight of the second water-soluble film; or c. the third polyvinyl alcohol resin is present in an amount ranging from about 50% by weight to about 95% by weight, or from about 50% by weight to about 80% by weight, or from about 60% by weight to about 75% by weight of the third water-soluble film; or d. Any combination of the foregoing; <1> ~ <5> 13. The water-soluble unit dose article of any one of claims 1 to 12. <7> the first water-soluble film, the third water-soluble film, or both, independently comprise a blend of a polyvinyl alcohol homopolymer and / or an anionic polyvinyl alcohol copolymer, and optionally the first water-soluble film, the third water-soluble film, or both, independently comprise a blend of a polyvinyl alcohol homopolymer and an anionic polyvinyl alcohol copolymer, wherein the polyvinyl alcohol homopolymer and the anionic polyvinyl alcohol copolymer are present in a relative weight ratio ranging from about 90 / 10 to about 10 / 90, or from about 80 / 20 to about 20 / 80, or from about 70 / 30 to about 50 / 50; <1> ~ <6> 13. The water-soluble unit dose article of any one of claims 1 to 12. <8> the anionic polyvinyl alcohol copolymer comprises anionic monomer units, optionally present in the anionic polyvinyl alcohol copolymer in an average amount ranging from about 1 mol % to about 10 mol %, or from about 2 mol % to about 5 mol %; <7> 2. The water-soluble unit dose article according to claim 1 . <9> the anionic polyvinyl alcohol copolymer is selected from sulfonated and carboxylated anionic polyvinyl alcohol copolymers, e.g., carboxylated anionic polyvinyl alcohol...

Claims

1. 1. A water-soluble unit dose article comprising at least two compartments and, optionally, a composition contained in at least one of said compartments, said unit dose article comprising: a. a first water-soluble film, said first water-soluble film having a first side and a second side, said first water-soluble film comprising a first polyvinyl alcohol resin, said first polyvinyl alcohol resin comprising a polyvinyl alcohol comprising a polyvinyl alcohol homopolymer, an anionic polyvinyl alcohol copolymer, or a blend thereof; b. a second water-soluble film, the second water-soluble film having a first side and a second side, the second water-soluble film comprising a second polyvinyl alcohol resin, the second polyvinyl alcohol resin comprising: i. a polyvinyl alcohol polymer comprising carboxylated anionic monomer units, vinyl alcohol monomer units, and optionally vinyl acetate monomer units, wherein the carboxylated anionic monomer units are derived from a member selected from the group consisting of maleic acid, monoalkyl maleates, dialkyl maleates, maleic anhydride, and combinations thereof, and are present in an amount less than 15% by weight of the second polyvinyl alcohol resin, and the remainder of a second polyvinyl alcohol resin is a polyvinyl alcohol homopolymer or a polyvinyl alcohol homopolymer blend; ii. 100% by weight of the second polyvinyl alcohol resin, a polyvinyl alcohol homopolymer blend; each polyvinyl alcohol homopolymer consists of vinyl alcohol monomer units and optionally vinyl acetate monomer units; In the above-mentioned embodiments, the polyvinyl alcohol homopolymer blend comprises a first polyvinyl alcohol homopolymer and a second polyvinyl alcohol homopolymer, each homopolymer consisting of vinyl alcohol monomer units and optionally vinyl acetate monomer units; The second polyvinyl alcohol resin has an average viscosity in the range of 8 mPa.s to less than 12 mPa.s, or 9 mPa.s to less than 12 mPa.s, or 10 mPa.s to less than 12 mPa.s, the first polyvinyl alcohol homopolymer has an average viscosity in the range of 11 mPa.s to 20 mPa.s, or 11 mPa.s to 15 mPa.s, and the second polyvinyl alcohol homopolymer has an average viscosity in the range of 1 mPa.s to 10 mPa.s, or 5 mPa.s to 10 mPa.s. a second water-soluble film having an average viscosity in the range of 0.1 to 1.0 s, said viscosity being measured as a 4% polyvinyl alcohol polymer solution in deionized water at 20° C. using a Brookfield LV viscometer with a UL adapter as described in British Standard EN ISO 15023-2:2006 Annex E Brookfield Test Method; c. a third water-soluble film, said third water-soluble film having a first side and a second side, said third water-soluble film comprising a third polyvinyl alcohol resin, said third polyvinyl alcohol resin optionally comprising a polyvinyl alcohol consisting of a polyvinyl alcohol homopolymer, an anionic polyvinyl alcohol copolymer, or a blend thereof; said first side of said first water-soluble film is sealed to said second side of said second water-soluble film to create a first compartment between said first water-soluble film and said second water-soluble film, and said first side of said second water-soluble film is sealed to said second side of said third water-soluble film to create at least a second compartment between said second water-soluble film and said third water-soluble film, said second compartment being disposed above said first compartment; With the proviso that if said article contains a composition contained within a compartment, said composition is not a laundry composition and is not an automatic dishwashing composition.

2. The water soluble unit dose article of claim 1, wherein the second polyvinyl alcohol resin comprises 90% to less than 100% by weight of the second polyvinyl alcohol resin of the polyvinyl alcohol homopolymer or polyvinyl alcohol homopolymer blend, and up to 10% by weight of the second polyvinyl alcohol resin of the polyvinyl alcohol polymer comprising carboxylated anionic monomer units, vinyl alcohol monomer units, and optionally vinyl acetate monomer units, wherein the carboxylated anionic monomer units are derived from a member selected from the group consisting of maleic acid, monoalkyl maleates, dialkyl maleates, maleic anhydride, and combinations thereof.

3. 3. The water soluble unit dose article of claim 1 or 2, wherein the second polyvinyl alcohol resin comprises a blend of the first polyvinyl alcohol homopolymer and the second polyvinyl alcohol homopolymer, optionally wherein the first polyvinyl alcohol homopolymer and the second polyvinyl alcohol homopolymer are present in a relative weight ratio ranging from 90 / 10 to 10 / 90, or from 80 / 20 to 20 / 80, or from 70 / 30 to 50 / 50.

4. 4. The water soluble unit dose article of claim 3, wherein the second polyvinyl alcohol resin has a difference in average viscosity of the first polyvinyl alcohol homopolymer and the second polyvinyl alcohol homopolymer, measured as a 4% polyvinyl alcohol polymer solution in deionized water at 20° C. using a Brookfield LV viscometer with a UL adapter as described in British Standard EN ISO 15023-2:2006 Annex E Brookfield test method, of at least 1 mPa.s, or from 2 to 10 mPa.s, or from 3 to 8 mPa.s.

5. 5. The water soluble unit dose article of claim 3 or 4, wherein each said polyvinyl alcohol homopolymer independently has an average degree of hydrolysis ranging from 75% to 99%, or from 80% to 95%, or from 85% to 95%.

6. a. the first polyvinyl alcohol resin is present in an amount ranging from 50% to 95%, or from 50% to 80%, or from 60% to 75% by weight of the first water-soluble film; or b. the second polyvinyl alcohol resin is present in an amount ranging from 50% to 95%, or from 50% to 80%, or from 60% to 75% by weight of the second water-soluble film; or c. the third polyvinyl alcohol resin is present in an amount ranging from 50% to 95%, or from 50% to 80%, or from 60% to 75% by weight of the third water-soluble film; or d. The water soluble unit dose article of any one of claims 1 to 5, in any combination of the foregoing.

7. 7. The water soluble unit dose article of any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the first water soluble film, the third water soluble film, or both, independently comprise a blend of polyvinyl alcohol homopolymer and / or anionic polyvinyl alcohol copolymer, and optionally the first water soluble film, the third water soluble film, or both, independently comprise a blend of polyvinyl alcohol homopolymer and anionic polyvinyl alcohol copolymer, wherein the polyvinyl alcohol homopolymer and the anionic polyvinyl alcohol copolymer are present in a relative weight ratio ranging from 90 / 10 to 10 / 90, or from 80 / 20 to 20 / 80, or from 70 / 30 to 50 / 50.

8. 8. The water soluble unit dose article of claim 7, wherein the anionic polyvinyl alcohol copolymer comprises anionic monomer units, optionally wherein the anionic monomer units are present in the anionic polyvinyl alcohol copolymer in an average amount ranging from 1 mol % to 10 mol %, or from 2 mol % to 5 mol %.

9. 9. The water soluble unit dose article of claim 7 or 8, wherein the anionic polyvinyl alcohol copolymer is selected from sulfonated and carboxylated anionic polyvinyl alcohol copolymers, and optionally the first water soluble film and the third water soluble film independently comprise a blend of a polyvinyl alcohol homopolymer and a carboxylated anionic polyvinyl alcohol copolymer, and optionally the carboxylate of the carboxylated anionic polyvinyl alcohol copolymer is selected from an acrylate, a methacrylate, a maleate, or a mixture thereof.

10. The water soluble unit dose article of any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein in b.i., the second polyvinyl alcohol resin optionally comprises a polyvinyl alcohol polymer comprising carboxylated anionic monomer units derived from monoalkyl maleate units selected from the group consisting of monomethyl maleate, salts thereof, and combinations thereof, and the carboxylated anionic monomer units are present in the polyvinyl alcohol polymer comprising carboxylated anionic monomer units in an average amount in the range of at least 3 mol%, or 3 mol% to 6 mol%, or 3 mol% to 5 mol%, or 3.5 mol% to 4.5 mol%, or 4 mol% to 4.5 mol%.

11. 11. The water-soluble unit dose article of any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the first water-soluble film, the second water-soluble film, and the third water-soluble film each individually comprise a surfactant content in the range of 0.1% to 3.5%, or 0.5% to 2%, by weight of the water-soluble film.

12. 12. The water-soluble unit dose article of any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the first water-soluble film, the second water-soluble film, and the third water-soluble film each individually have a residual moisture content of at least 4%, or in the range of 4% to 15%, or 5% to 10%, by weight of the water-soluble film, as measured by Karl Fischer titration.

13. 13. The water soluble unit dose article of any one of claims 1-12, wherein each film independently comprises one or more ingredients selected from the group consisting of plasticizers, plasticizer compatibilizers, lubricants, release agents, fillers, extenders, crosslinkers, antiblocking agents, antioxidants, anti-blocking agents, antifoaming agents, nanoparticles, bleaching agents, aversive agents, surfactants, and combinations thereof.

14. Each film independently comprises one or more plasticizers in an amount ranging from 5% to 50%, or 10% to 40%, or 20% to 30% by weight of the individual film, optionally wherein the plasticizer is selected from a polyol, a sugar alcohol, or a mixture thereof, optionally wherein the polyol is selected from glycerol, diglycerin, ethylene glycol, diethylene glycol, triethylene glycol, tetraethylene glycol, polyethylene glycol up to 400 MW, neopentyl glycol, 1,2-propylene glycol, 1,3-propanediol, dipropylene glycol, polypropylene glycol, 2-methylpropanediol, tert-butyl ether ...

14. The water soluble unit dose article of claim 13, wherein the polyol comprises a polyol selected from the group consisting of isomalt, maltitol, sorbitol, xylitol, erythritol, adonitol, dulcitol, pentaerythritol, and mannitol, or a mixture thereof, and optionally the plasticizer is selected from the group consisting of sorbitol, glycerol, dipropylene glycol, polyethylene glycol, trimethylolpropane, or a mixture thereof.

15. the first water-soluble film and the second water-soluble film are sealed via a solvent seal, a heat seal, or a combination thereof, optionally via a solvent seal, optionally wherein the solvent seal solution comprises an aqueous solvent, a non-aqueous solvent, or a mixture thereof; and 15. The water soluble unit dose article of any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein the second water soluble film and the third water soluble film are sealed via a solvent seal, a heat seal, or a mixture thereof, optionally via a solvent seal, and optionally the solvent seal solution comprises an aqueous solvent, a non-aqueous solvent, or a mixture thereof.

16. 16. The water soluble unit dose article of any one of claims 1 to 15, wherein the unit dose article comprises at least a third compartment, optionally at least a third and a fourth compartment between the second water soluble film and the third water soluble film, optionally the second and third compartments being disposed side by side with each other, and the second and third compartments, optionally the second, third and fourth compartments being disposed above the first compartment.

17. 17. The water soluble unit dose article of any one of claims 1 to 16, wherein the composition is selected from the group consisting of light duty liquid detergent compositions, heavy duty liquid detergent compositions, hard surface cleaning compositions, bleaching compositions, shampoos, body washes, other personal care compositions, and mixtures thereof.

18. 18. The water soluble unit dose article of any one of claims 1 to 17, wherein the article comprises a non-household care composition contained in at least the first compartment, the non-household care composition optionally selected from the group consisting of agricultural compositions, automotive compositions, aviation compositions, food and nutritional compositions, industrial compositions, livestock compositions, marine compositions, medical compositions, commercial compositions, military and paramilitary compositions, office compositions, and compositions containing one or more actives selected from recreational and park compositions, pet compositions, water treatment compositions, agricultural actives, ingestible actives, liquid treatment actives, industrial actives, and combinations of any of the foregoing.

19. a. deforming the first water-soluble film in a mold via thermoforming, vacuum forming, or a combination thereof to create an open cavity; b. filling the open cavity with a composition; c. separately deforming the third water-soluble film in a mold to create at least one open cavity via thermoforming, vacuum forming, or a combination thereof; d. filling the at least one open cavity from step (c) with a composition; e. closing the open fill cavity with the second water-soluble film from step (d); f. sealing the second water-soluble film to the third water-soluble film to create a closed intermediate, optionally wherein the second water-soluble film and the third water-soluble film are sealed via a solvent seal, optionally wherein a solvent sealing solution is applied to the first side of the second water-soluble film prior to sealing the films together, the first side being the side facing the third water-soluble film; g. closing the open filled cavity from step (b) with the closed intermediate from step (f); and h. sealing the first water-soluble film to the second water-soluble film to create a water-soluble unit dose article, optionally wherein the first water-soluble film and the second water-soluble film are sealed via a solvent seal, and further optionally, a solvent sealing solution is applied to a second side of the second water-soluble film prior to sealing the films together, the second side being the side facing the first water-soluble film.

20. 20. The method of claim 19, wherein the first water-soluble film in step (a) and the third water-soluble film in step (c) are the same before being deformed.

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