Concentrated solid laundry softener composition

Abstract

To provide a solid laundry softener composition in a stable solid form that functions at least as well as conventional liquid compositions. [Solution] Solid laundry softening compositions for laundry applications are disclosed. In particular, solid laundry softening compositions are provided that combine a high content and loading of quaternary ammonium compound relative to urea coagulation aid, with a quaternary ammonium compound to urea ratio of at least about 1:1 to about 6:1. Poured and extruded solid compositions can be provided as stable, multi-purpose blocks with uniform dispensing rates and no block breakage. Advantageously, the combination of quaternary ammonium compound and urea can be provided in combination with softening boosters, processing aids, surfactants, and / or additional functional ingredients to provide stable solid compositions.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS This application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. § 119 to U.S. Provisional Application No. 62 / 868,390, filed June 28, 2019, which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

[0002] The present invention relates to a solid laundry softening composition and its application. In particular, the solid laundry softening composition combines a quaternary ammonium compound and a urea coagulant in a ratio of at least about 1:1 to about 6:1 of quaternary ammonium compound to urea. The high quaternary ammonium compound ratio and content in the solid laundry softening composition can be further combined with softening boosters, processing aids, surfactants, and / or additional functional ingredients to provide a stable solid composition that is processable and suitable for dispensing, despite the high quaternary ammonium compound content in the solid composition. [Background technology]

[0003] Alkaline detergents and strong mechanical action are well known for use in laundry applications, including industrial and consumer use in both automatic and manual washing processes. However, alkaline detergents can result in an unpleasant stiff or rough feel after the laundry or textile item is dried. This is traditionally overcome by using fabric softening compositions to restore softness to the hand of the laundry or textile item. Fabric softener compositions are generally used to deposit fabric softening compounds onto fabrics. Generally, such compositions contain cationic fabric softeners dispersed in water. These fabric softening compositions are most often liquid compositions that are delivered to the rinse bath. Liquid softeners added in the rinse have certain advantages. For example, they are easy to handle, e.g., easy to dispense and measure. Liquid softeners also minimize the possibility of concentrated deposits of softener on areas of fabric causing visible staining. To facilitate the use of liquid softeners, some automatic clothes washing machines that incorporate automatic fabric softener dispensers require fabric softeners in liquid form for suitable dispensing.

[0004] There is a continuing need and consumer demand for solid fabric softener compositions instead of liquids. There are several reasons for this. For example, liquid fabric softener products can contain about 90% to about 95% water. These products require large amounts of packaging, heavy weight shipping (high shipping costs), and large shelf space at retail stores. Although liquid concentrate compositions are available, significant water content remains in liquid compositions. Additionally, any liquid formulations have a shorter shelf life than solid compositions.

[0005] Therefore, there is a need for an improved solid fabric softener composition to take advantage of these benefits, namely, the composition is dense for transportation, transportation costs are reduced, less packaging material is used, the container is more easily disposable, there is less possibility of undesirable leakage, and less shelf space is required at retail stores.Solid formulations are also more stable to storage and extreme temperatures.Although solid compositions have many of these advantages, it remains a challenge to develop a solid fabric softener formulation that has performance comparable to that of liquid fabric softeners with the same type and amount of active content.It is even more challenging to formulate concentrated solids to provide high dosages of active fabric softeners.

[0006] Quaternary ammonium compounds have long been known in the art for their fabric softening capabilities in liquid formulations. However, it is a challenge to formulate such actives into solid softeners that do not melt, "sag," or separate during typical storage and shipping temperatures. Many preferred biodegradable softening actives, such as triethanolamine diester quats (one example is methyl bis(ethyl tallowate)-2-hydroxyethyl ammonium methyl sulfate), have low melting points and are semi-solid at room temperature, making them much more difficult to formulate into non-sag products. As a result, typical actives for liquid softeners are not suitable for use in solid composition formulations. An additional challenge in producing solid softener compositions is to develop a formulation that has sufficient distribution rate when sprayed with water. Many typical actives for fabric softening are hydrophobic, resulting in undesirably low distribution rate. If the distribution rate is too slow, the required amount of the formulation cannot be delivered during a normal rinse cycle. Another challenge with dispensing is the "sagging" and crumbling of the solid composition, including during dispensing or during storage in the moist environment of the dispenser between dispenses. Thus, there is a need for compositions and methods for formulating and using solid laundry softener compositions to overcome these challenges. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0007] It is therefore an object herein to provide a solid laundry softener composition in a stable solid form that performs at least as well as conventional liquid compositions.

[0008] Yet another subject of the present specification is a solid block, such as Multiple Use It is an object of the present invention to provide a solid laundry softener that can have a high loading of quaternary ammonium compound on the urea solids, comprising a solid composition.

[0009] Other objects, advantages and features will become apparent from the following specification taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. [Means for solving the problem]

[0010] The advantage of the solid laundry softening composition and the method of using it is that it is a poured and extruded solid composition that has a high level of quaternary ammonium compound loaded on the urea coagulation aid while maintaining processability, distribution effect, and softening effect.An additional advantage of the solid laundry softening composition and the method of using it is that the solid composition can be further stabilized with surfactants and / or one or more processing aids.

[0011] In one embodiment, the solid laundry softening composition comprises about 15-60% by weight of a compound of the following formula: [ka] [In the formula, R 1 and R 2 represents the same or different hydrocarbyl groups having 8 to 24 carbon atoms; R 3 and R 4represents the same or different hydrocarbyl groups containing 1 to about 4 carbon atoms, and X is an anion; and about 1% to about 25% by weight of urea or an occlusion compound forming derivative, wherein the ratio of the quaternary ammonium compound to the urea or an occlusion compound forming derivative is about 1:1 to about 6:1, and the solid composition is dispenseable and processable. In an embodiment, the solid has a hardness of less than about 5 mm as measured by a penetrometer reading, the solid is dispenseable as measured by dispensing with an SCLS dispenser at 50° C., the conductivity of a dispensed solution of the solid composition is at least 1000 uS / cm within 1 minute, and the solid is processable as measured by a processing viscosity of less than 20 Pa s at 75° C.

[0012] In a further embodiment, the solid laundry softening composition comprises about 15-60% by weight of a carboxylic acid salt of the following formula: [ka] [In the formula, R 1 and R 2 represents the same or different hydrocarbyl groups having 12 to 24 carbon atoms; R 3 and R 4 represents the same or different hydrocarbyl groups containing 1 to about 4 carbon atoms, and X is an anion, about 1% to about 25% by weight of urea or an inclusion compound forming derivative, a surfactant enhancer that provides improved fabric softness and / or dispensing and processing, the ratio of the quaternary ammonium compound to the urea or inclusion compound forming derivative is about 1:1 to about 6:1, and the solid composition is dispenseable and processable. In an embodiment, the solid has a hardness of less than about 5 mm as measured by a penetrometer reading, the solid is dispenseable as measured by dispensing with an SCLS dispenser at 50° C., the conductivity of a dispensed solution of the solid composition is at least 1000 uS / cm within 1 minute, and the solid is processable as measured by a processing viscosity of less than 20 Pa s at 75° C.

[0013] In yet another embodiment, a method for treating a fabric comprises contacting a solid laundry softening composition with water to form an aqueous suspension, wherein the solid laundry softening composition is as described in the embodiments herein, and wherein the solid laundry softening composition has a stable hardness of less than about 7.5, 7, 6.5, 6, 5.5, preferably less than 5, 4.5, 4, 3.5, 3, 2.5, 2, 1.5, 1, or 0.5 mm, as measured by penetrometer reading. Multiple Use The method includes forming an aqueous suspension, which is a block, and dispensing the aqueous suspension into a washing machine, where the aqueous suspension contacts the fabrics to be treated, which are beneficially cleaned, softened, etc., resulting in treated fabrics.

[0014] While multiple embodiments are disclosed, still other embodiments will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description, which shows and describes illustrative embodiments. Accordingly, the drawings and detailed description are to be regarded as illustrative in nature and not restrictive. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0015] [Figure 1] 1 shows the results of fabric analysis using a phabrometer in terms of fabric softness in one embodiment. [Diagram 2] 1 shows the results of fabric analysis using a phabrometer in terms of fabric elasticity in one embodiment.

[0016] Various embodiments of the present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the drawings, in which like reference numerals represent like parts throughout the several views. Reference to the various embodiments is not intended to limit the scope of the invention. The figures presented herein are presented for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the various embodiments according to the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0017] The embodiments are not limited to a particular solid laundry softening composition, method of making, and / or method of use, which may vary and are understood by those skilled in the art. It should be further understood that all terminology used herein is merely for the purpose of describing a particular embodiment, and is not intended to be limiting in any manner or scope. For example, when used in this specification and the appended claims, the singular forms "a", "an" and "the" may include plural referents unless the content clearly indicates otherwise. Furthermore, all units, prefixes, and symbols may be expressed in their SI recognized form. Numerical ranges recited within this specification include numbers within the defined range. Throughout this disclosure, various aspects are presented in range format. It should be understood that the description in range format is merely for convenience and brevity, and should not be construed as an inflexible limitation on the scope of the invention. Thus, the description of a range should be considered to specifically disclose all possible subranges as well as individual numerical values ​​within that range (e.g., 1 to 5 includes 1, 1.5, 2, 2.75, 3, 3.80, 4, and 5).

[0018] In order to make the present invention easier to understand, certain terms are defined first.Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by those skilled in the art to which the present invention relates.Many methods and materials similar to, modified or equivalent to those described herein can be used to practice the present invention without undue experimentation, and preferred materials and methods are described herein.In describing and claiming the present embodiment, the following terminology is used according to the definitions described below.

[0019] The term "about" as used herein refers to variations in numerical quantities that may occur, for example, due to common measuring and liquid handling procedures used in the real world to make concentrates or use solutions, inadvertent errors in those procedures, differences in manufacture, source, or purity of ingredients used to make the composition or carry out the method, etc. The term "about" also encompasses amounts that differ due to different equilibrium conditions for a composition resulting from a particular initial mixture. Whether or not modified by the term "about," the claims include the equivalent of the amount.

[0020] The terms "actives" or "percent actives" or "percent actives by weight" or "actives concentration" are used interchangeably herein and refer to the concentration of ingredients involved in cleaning expressed as a percentage minus inactive ingredients such as water or salt.

[0021] As used herein, the term "alkyl" or "alkyl group" refers to a saturated hydrocarbon having one or more carbon atoms, including straight-chain alkyl groups (e.g., methyl, ethyl, propyl, butyl, pentyl, hexyl, heptyl, octyl, nonyl, decyl, etc.), cycloalkyl groups (or "cycloalkyl" or "alicyclic" or "carbocyclic" groups) (e.g., cyclopropyl, cyclopentyl, cyclohexyl, cycloheptyl, cyclooctyl, etc.), branched-chain alkyl groups (e.g., isopropyl, tert-butyl, sec-butyl, isobutyl, etc.), and alkyl-substituted alkyl groups (e.g., alkyl-substituted cycloalkyl groups and cycloalkyl-substituted alkyl groups). Unless otherwise specified, the term "alkyl" includes both "unsubstituted alkyl" and "substituted alkyl". As used herein, the term "substituted alkyl" refers to an alkyl group having a substituent replacing one or more hydrogens on one or more carbons of the hydrocarbon backbone. Examples of such substituents include alkenyl, alkynyl, halogeno, hydroxyl, alkylcarbonyloxy, arylcarbonyloxy, alkoxycarbonyloxy, aryloxy, aryloxycarbonyloxy, carboxylate, alkylcarbonyl, arylcarbonyl, alkoxycarbonyl, aminocarbonyl, alkylaminocarbonyl, dialkylaminocarbonyl, alkylthiocarbonyl, alkoxyl, phosphate, phosphonato, phosphinato, cyano. , amino (including alkylamino, dialkylamino, arylamino, diarylamino, and alkylarylamino), acylamino (including alkylcarbonylamino, arylcarbonylamino, carbamoyl, and ureido), imino, sulfhydryl, alkylthio, arylthio, thiocarboxylate, sulfate, alkylsulfinyl, sulfonate, sulfamoyl, sulfonamido, nitro, trifluoromethyl, cyano, azido, heterocyclic, alkylaryl, or aromatic (including heteroaromatic) groups.

[0022] In some embodiments, substituted alkyls may include heterocyclic groups. As used herein, the term "heterocyclic group" includes closed ring structures similar to carbocyclic groups in which one or more carbon atoms in the ring is an element other than carbon, such as nitrogen, sulfur, or oxygen. Heterocyclic groups may be saturated or unsaturated. Exemplary heterocyclic groups include, but are not limited to, aziridine, ethylene oxide (epoxide, oxirane), thiirane (episulfide), dioxirane, azetidine, oxetane, thietane, dioxetane, dithietane, dithiete, azolidine, pyrrolidine, pyrroline, oxolane, dihydrofuran, and furan.

[0023] As used herein, the term "hygroscopic" refers to the ability of a material to absorb and retain moisture. As referred to herein, "non-hygroscopic" or "not hygroscopic" refers to a material or composition containing the material that does not absorb water in amounts that would render the material or composition liquid when exposed to moisture, such as humidity. A hygroscopic material causes a solid to absorb water, which in this context results in a softer solid with a lower penetrometer value.

[0024] As used herein, the terms "laundry", "linen", "fabric", and / or "textile" refer to items or articles that are cleaned in a washing machine. In general, laundry refers to any item or article made from or including textile materials, woven, nonwoven, and knitted fabrics. Textile materials may include natural or synthetic fibers, such as silk fibers, linen fibers, cotton fibers, polyester fibers, polyamide fibers such as nylon, acrylic fibers, acetate fibers, and blends thereof, including cotton and polyester blends. The fibers may be treated or untreated. Exemplary treated fibers include those that have been treated for flame retardancy. It should be understood that the term "linen" is often used to describe certain types of laundry items, including bed sheets, pillowcases, towels, table linens, tablecloths, bar mops, and uniforms.

[0025] As used herein, the term "polymer" generally includes, but is not limited to, homopolymers, copolymers, such as block, graft, random and alternating copolymers, terpolymers, and higher order "x"-mers, further including derivatives, combinations, and blends thereof. Furthermore, unless otherwise specifically limited, the term "polymer" is intended to include all possible isomeric configurations of the molecule, including, but not limited to, isotactic, syndiotactic, and random symmetries, and combinations thereof. Furthermore, unless otherwise specifically limited, the term "polymer" is intended to include all possible geometric configurations of the molecule.

[0026] As used herein, the term "crumb" refers to the shedding or flaking of large pieces or chunks of material from a solid composition during dispensing when a portion of the solid composition is placed in an aqueous solution using water for dispensing. When a solid composition is softened by dispensing of water, pieces or chunks of solid material fall off of the solid during or between dispensing in an unintentional and / or uncontrolled manner.

[0027] The term "solid" refers to a composition that is in a generally shape-stable form under expected storage conditions, e.g., particles, agglomerates, flakes, granules, pellets, tablets, lozenges, pucks, briquettes, bricks, or blocks, and is a unit dose or a portion from which a measured unit dose can be drawn. A solid may have various degrees of shape stability, but will generally not appreciably flow and will substantially retain its shape under moderate stress, pressure, or simple gravity, e.g., when a molded solid is removed from a mold, when an extruded solid exits an extruder, etc. A solid may have various degrees of surface hardness, ranging, e.g., from that of a molten solid block, the surface of which is relatively dense and hard, resembling concrete, to a consistency characterized as less hard. In a preferred embodiment, the solid composition is a solid block and not a loose or flowable powder.

[0028] The term "water-soluble" refers to a compound that can be dissolved in water at a concentration greater than 1% by weight.

[0029] As used herein, the term "sag" refers to a predictive assessment of collapse in a small sample size.

[0030] The terms "weight percent," "wt%," "percent by weight," "% by weight," and variations thereof, as used herein, refer to the concentration of a substance by dividing the weight of that substance by the total weight of the composition and multiplying by 100. As used herein, it is understood that "percent," "%," and the like are intended to be synonymous with "weight percent," "% by weight," and the like.

[0031] The compositions and methods described herein may comprise, consist essentially of, or consist of the components and ingredients described herein, as well as other components described herein. As used herein, "consist essentially of" means that the compositions and methods may include additional steps, components, or ingredients, but only if the additional steps, components, or ingredients do not materially alter the basic and novel characteristics of the claimed compositions and methods. It should be noted that the term "composed of" as used herein and in the appended claims describes a system, device, or other structure that is constructed or configured to perform a particular task or conform to a particular form. The term "composed of" may be used interchangeably with other similar phrases, such as arranged and configured, constructed and arranged, adapted and configured, adapted, constructed, manufactured, and arranged.

[0032] Solid laundry softening composition The solid laundry softening composition according to the present disclosure comprises, consists of, and / or consists essentially of a quaternary ammonium compound (preferably a low iodine value quaternary ammonium compound) and a urea coagulant. The solid composition may also include softening boosters (e.g., silicones), processing aids, surfactants, and / or additional functional ingredients.

[0033] In an embodiment, the solid composition is beneficial to have a high content or loading of quaternary ammonium compound in the urea solid composition. In one embodiment, the ratio of quaternary ammonium compound to urea or its inclusion compound-forming derivative is at least about 1:1, at least about 1.5:1, at least about 2:1, at least about 2.5:1, at least about 3:1, at least about 3.5:1, at least about 4:1, at least about 4.5:1, at least about 5:1, at least about 5.5:1, at least about 6:1, or up to about 6.5:1. In a further embodiment, the ratio of quaternary ammonium compound to urea or its inclusion compound-forming derivative is about 1:1 to about 6:1. It is unexpected that a stable processable solid can be formulated with such a high loading and content of quaternary ammonium compound to urea.

[0034] Exemplary ranges for solid laundry softening compositions are set forth in Tables 1A-1C, expressed as percentages by weight of the solid compositions. [Table 1] [Table 2] [Table 3]

[0035] In some embodiments, the solid laundry softening compositions described in Tables 1A-1C have a hardness of less than about 5 mm as measured by a penetrometer reading. In some embodiments, the solid laundry softening compositions described in Tables 1A-1C are dispenseable solids, as measured by dispensing with an SCLS dispenser at 50° C., and the conductivity of the dispensed solution of the solid laundry softening composition is at least 1000 uS / cm within 1 minute. In some embodiments, the solid laundry softening compositions described in Tables 1A-1C are processable solids, as measured by a process viscosity of less than 20 Pa s at 75° C. In some embodiments, the solid laundry softening compositions set forth in Tables 1A-1C have a hardness of less than about 5 mm as measured by a penetrometer reading, are dispenseable solids as measured by dispensing with an SCLS dispenser at 50° C., and the dispensed solution of the solid laundry softening composition is at least 1000 uS / cm within 1 minute, and / or is a processable solid as measured by a processing viscosity of less than 20 Pa s at 75° C.

[0036] Quaternary Ammonium Compounds The solid laundry softening compositions described herein include at least one quaternary ammonium compound. The quaternary ammonium compound has the following general formula: [ka] wherein R 1 , R 2 , R 3 , and R 4Each of R and R may be a C1-C24 aliphatic, normal or branched, saturated or unsaturated hydrocarbon group, an alkoxy group (R--O--), a polyalkoxy group, a benzyl group, an allyl group, a hydroxyalkyl group (HOR--), and X is an anion, preferably selected from a halide, a methyl sulfate or an ethyl sulfate radical. The quaternary ammonium compound may include any anion or counterion that allows for the use of the component in a manner that imparts fabric softening properties. Exemplary counterions include chloride, methyl sulfate, ethyl sulfate, and sulfate.

[0037] Exemplary quaternary ammonium compounds for the solid laundry softening composition have the following general formula: [ka] [In the formula, R 1 and R 2 represents the same or different hydrocarbyl groups having from about 12 to about 24 carbon atoms, preferably from about 12 to about 22 carbon atoms, more preferably from about 14 to about 22 carbon atoms, or even more preferably from about 14 to about 20 carbon atoms; R 3 and R 4 represent the same or different hydrocarbyl groups containing from about 1 to about 4 carbon atoms, and X is a suitable anion, for example a halide anion.

[0038] Preferred quaternary ammonium compounds have a highly saturated carbon backbone of the hydrocarbyl group (i.e., a highly saturated alkyl group). Preferably, the quaternary ammonium compound has two long R alkyl or alkenyl-based chains (i.e., R 1 and R 2 As referred to herein, "highly saturated" or "high degree of saturation" in reference to the carbon backbone is represented by a low iodine value of the quaternary ammonium compound, i.e., an iodine value of 15 or less.

[0039] Representative examples of these quaternary ammonium compounds include, for example, di(tallow alkyl)dimethylammonium methyl sulfate, dihexadecyl dimethyl ammonium chloride, di(hydrogenated tallow alkyl)dimethyl ammonium chloride, dioctadecyl dimethyl ammonium chloride, di(hydrogenated tallow alkyl)dimethyl ammonium methyl sulfate, dihexadecyl diethyl ammonium chloride, di(coconut alkyl)dimethyl ammonium chloride, ditallow alkyl dimethyl ammonium chloride, and di(hydrogenated tallow alkyl)dimethyl ammonium chloride, and combinations thereof.

[0040] Further representative examples of quaternary ammonium compounds useful in the solid laundry softening composition include, but are not limited to, mono-C8-C24 alkyl trimethyl quaternary ammonium compounds, monomethyl tri-C8-24 alkyl quaternary ammonium compounds, imidazolinium quaternary ammonium compounds, dimethyl-C8-24 alkyl benzyl quaternary ammonium compounds, complex diquaternary ammonium compounds, di-C8-24 alkyl dimethyl quaternary ammonium compounds, mono- or dialkyl di- or trialkoxy quaternary ammonium compounds, mono- or dialkyl di- or tripolyalkoxy quaternary ammonium compounds (wherein the alkoxy group is a methoxy, ethoxy or propoxy group, or a hydroxyethyl or hydroxypropyl group, and the polyalkoxy is a polyethoxy or polypropoxy group having from 2 to 50 alkoxy groups), diamidoamine-methyl-C8-C22 alkyl-quaternary ammonium compounds, and di-C8-C22 alkyl methyl benzyl quaternary ammonium compounds.

[0041] The solid laundry softening composition may preferably comprise a quaternary ammonium compound having sufficient saturated hydrocarbon groups, such as alkyl groups, to have an iodine value of less than or equal to 15. In a further embodiment, the solid laundry softening composition may preferably comprise an R 1 -alkyl group having from about 8 to about 24 carbon atoms, from about 12 to about 24 carbon atoms, preferably from about 12 to about 22 carbon atoms, more preferably from about 14 to about 22 carbon atoms, or even more preferably from about 14 to about 20 carbon atoms. 1 and R 2 In a preferred embodiment, the dialkyl quaternary ammonium compound is di(hydrogenated tallow alkyl)dimethylammonium chloride (DHTDMAC), DEEDMA (C) quat, or an ester quat.

[0042] Representative examples of quaternary ammonium compounds include, for example, alkylbenzylammonium chloride or alkyldimethylbenzylammonium chloride (ADBAC), for example, alkyl C12-C18 benzylammonium chloride, alkylethylbenzylammonium chloride or alkyldimethylethylbenzylammonium chloride (ADEBAC), for example, alkyl C12-C18 ethylbenzylammonium chloride, dialkylammonium salts or dialkyldimethylammonium chlorides, for example, dialkyl C12-C18 dialkyl C1-C4 ammonium salts.

[0043] The solid laundry softening composition may preferably comprise amidoamine quaternary ammonium compounds, including, for example, diamidoamine quaternary ammonium compounds.Exemplary diamidoamine quaternary ammonium compounds are available under the name Varisoft®.Exemplary amidoamine quaternary ammonium compounds include methyl bis(tallow amidoethyl)-2-hydroxyethyl ammonium methyl sulfate, methyl bis(oleyl amidoethyl)-2-hydroxyethyl ammonium methyl sulfate, and methyl bis(hydrogenated tallow amidoethyl)-2-hydroxyethyl ammonium methyl sulfate.

[0044] The solid laundry softening composition can preferably comprise imidazolinium quaternary compound.Exemplary imidazolinium quaternary ammonium compounds include methyl-1 hydrogenated tallow amidoethyl-2 hydrogenated tallow imidazolinium methyl sulfate, methyl-1-tallow amidoethyl-2-tallow imidazolinium methyl sulfate, methyl-1-oleyl amidoethyl-2-oleyl imidazolinium methyl sulfate and 1-ethylenebis(2-tallow,1-methyl,imidazolinium-methyl sulfate).

[0045] The solid laundry softening composition may preferably include an alkylated quaternary compound. Exemplary alkylated quaternary ammonium compounds include ammonium compounds having an alkyl group containing 6 to 24 carbon atoms. Exemplary alkylated quaternary ammonium compounds include monoalkyltrimethyl quaternary ammonium compounds, monomethyltrialkyl quaternary ammonium compounds, and dialkyldimethyl quaternary ammonium compounds. The alkyl groups are preferably aliphatic and saturated straight or branched chain C12-C24, C14-C24, C14-C22, or C14-C20 groups.

[0046] The solid laundry softening composition may preferably include an ester quaternary compound. Ester quat refers to a compound having at least two or more alkyl or alkenyl groups connected to the molecule through at least one ester bond. An ester quaternary ammonium compound may have at least one ester bond or may have two or more ester bonds. Exemplary ester quaternary ammonium compounds include, for example, triethanolammonium methyl sulfate and dialkenyl ester of N,N-di(tallowoyloxyethyl)N,N-dimethylammonium chloride, polyol ester quat (PEQ). Commercial examples of the compounds include, but are not limited to, dioleate ester of triethanolammonium methyl sulfate, dioleate ester of triethanolammonium methyl sulfate, partially hydrogenated tallow ester of triethanolammonium ethyl sulfate, palm ester of triethanolammonium methyl sulfate, hydrogenated tallow ester of triethanolammonium methyl sulfate, unsaturated carboxylic acid reaction product of quaternized triethanolamine dimethyl sulfate. Further examples include triethanolamine (TEA) ester quats (e.g., methyl bis(ethyl tallowate)-2-hydroxyethyl ammonium methyl sulfate), methyl diethanolamine (MDEA) ester quats, diamide quats (e.g., methyl bis(hydrogenated tallow amidoethyl)-2-hydroxyethyl ammonium methyl sulfate), and dialkyl dimethyl quats (e.g., dihydrogenated tallow dimethyl ammonium chloride). Preferred ester quats are those made from the reaction of alkyl carboxylic acid fractions, methyl esters, and triglycerides with triethanolamine. Additional descriptions of ammonium quaternary fabric softening actives are disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,769,159, which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0047] In some embodiments, the ammonium quaternary laundry softening active used has a low iodine value. The iodine value is a measure of the unsaturation of the alkyl chain or alkyl backbone of the quaternary ammonium compound. In one embodiment, the iodine value is 15 or less, less than about 15, less than about 14, less than about 13, less than about 12, less than about 11, less than about 10, less than about 9, less than about 8, less than about 7, less than about 6, less than about 5, less than about 4, less than about 3, less than about 2, less than about 1, or even 0, which, in combination with the silicone active described herein, provides a beneficial solid quat formulation. The iodine value can be calculated according to ASTM D5554-15 Standard Test Method for Determination of the Iodine Value of Fats and Oils, where the same method is used to determine the iodine value of the alkyl chain or alkyl backbone of the quaternary ammonium compound.

[0048] In one embodiment, the quaternary ammonium compound is a biodegradable compound. In a further embodiment, the quaternary ammonium compound is a biodegradable compound having an iodine value of 15 or less.

[0049] In one embodiment, one or more of the quaternary ammonium compounds are included in the solid composition in an amount of about 5% to about 80%, 10% to about 80%, 15% to about 80%, about 15% to about 60%, about 25% to about 60%, preferably about 25% to about 55% by weight based on the total weight of the solid laundry softening composition. In an embodiment, the inclusion of a softening booster can reduce the concentration of the quaternary ammonium compounds in the solid composition, for example, to as low as about 5% by weight.

[0050] Urea and inclusion compound-forming derivative coagulants Urea or an inclusion compound forming derivative is included in the solid laundry softening composition as a solidifying agent. The urea can be in the form of prilled beads or a powder.

[0051] In one embodiment, salts of urea, such as urea citrate, are also included.

[0052] As referred to herein, the inclusion compound forming derivatives include urea occlusion complexes. Urea occlusion complexes have a significant portion of urea. An exemplary inclusion compound forming derivative is thiourea. In embodiments where an inclusion compound forming derivative is included instead of urea, it is understood that water must be included in the composition for urea occlusion solidification.

[0053] As can be ascertained by those skilled in the art, the solidification rate of the solid laundry softening composition will vary at least in part depending on the amount of urea added to the composition, as well as its particle size and particle shape.In the exemplary embodiment described herein, urea in particulate form is combined with quaternary ammonium compounds and other components.The urea forms a matrix with the additional components in the composition that hardens and becomes solid.Advantageously, the amount of urea included in the composition is effective to provide a cast and / or extruded solid material with a surface that is stabilized against the effects of atmospheric humidity.Urea can also provide the hardness and desired dissolution rate of the composition when placed in an aqueous medium, helping to achieve a desired distribution rate from the solidified composition during use.

[0054] In one embodiment, the urea and one or more of the inclusion compound forming derivatives are included in the solid composition in an amount of about 1% to about 25%, about 2% to about 25%, about 5% to about 25%, or about 10% to about 25% by weight. In further embodiments, the urea and one or more of the inclusion compound forming derivatives are included in the solid composition in an amount of about 1% to about 20%, about 5% to about 20%, or about 10% to about 20% by weight, based on the total weight of the solid laundry softening composition.

[0055] Softening agent The solid laundry softening composition may optionally include softening boosters, including silicone compounds and polymers, deposition aids such as cationic cellulose and cationic charged polymers such as polyquaterniums, guar derivatives, and other boosters that do not function alone as softening agents but instead boost the softness of quaternary ammonium compounds.

[0056] In one embodiment, at least one silicone compound or polymer is included to add softening effect in combination with quaternary ammonium compound.The silicone compound or polymer promotes the softness of quaternary ammonium compound in addition to providing the softness of active material.Suitable silicones include those with hydrophilic functional groups, such as polyalkyl silicones, amino silicones, siloxanes, polydimethylsiloxanes, organosilicones such as ethoxylated organosilicones, propoxylated organosilicones, ethoxylated / propoxylated organosilicones, and mixtures thereof.

[0057] In one embodiment, the organosilicon is an amino-functional silicone or silicone quaternary ammonium compound, a hydroxyl-modified silicone, or a silicone with incorporated hydrophilic groups, and emulsions thereof. Examples of incorporated hydrophilic groups include, for example, EO / PO or PEG-modified silicones.

[0058] Organosilicones provide fabrics with not only softness and smoothness, but also provide substantial color appearance benefits, especially after multiple laundry wash cycles. Exemplary organosilicones include Si--O moieties and can be selected from (a) non-functionalized siloxane polymers, (b) functionalized siloxane polymers, and combinations thereof. The molecular weight of organosilicon is typically indicated by reference to the viscosity of the material. In one embodiment, the organosilicon can include a viscosity of about 10 to about 2,000,000 centistokes at 25° C. In another embodiment, suitable organosilicon can have a viscosity of about 10 to about 800,000 centistokes at 25° C. Suitable organosilicones can be linear, branched, or crosslinked. Suitable organosilicones can be in the form of a pure liquid, in combination with a solvent, or in the form of an emulsion in water. When an aqueous emulsion is used, the preferred silicones are as concentrated as possible to minimize the amount of liquid added to the composition, since large amounts of liquid can complicate the solidification process.

[0059] Silicone polymers of linear or branched structure can also be used in solid laundry softening composition.The silicone of the present invention can also be a single polymer or a mixture of polymers.In a preferred embodiment, silicone is an amino-functional silicone, such as polydimethylsiloxane polymer, which can be a linear or branched structure amino-functional silicone polymer, and can also be a single polymer or a mixture of polymers (including a mixture of polymers where one of the polymers does not contain amino functional groups).

[0060] In a preferred embodiment, the silicone does not include ester-based polysiloxanes.In particular, ester-based polysiloxanes include polymers having cleavable bonds as described in US Patent Application Publication No. 2019 / 0024018, the disclosure of which is incorporated by reference.These polysiloxanes excluded from the silicone compound of the solid composition include those having the following formula (I): [ka] and siloxane polymers having at least one unit of the formula: (a) L is a divalent alkylene linking radical; each R2 is independently selected from the group consisting of H, C1-C4 alkyl, substituted alkyl, aryl, substituted aryl, and combinations thereof; each s is independently an integer from 2 to about 12; and each y is independently an integer from 1 to about 100; (b) X1 and X2 each independently represent [ka] E is an electron withdrawing group, and each R4 moiety is independently selected from the group consisting of H, C1-C 32 Alkyl, C1-C 32 Substituted alkyl, C6-C 32 Aryl, C5-C 32 Substituted Aryl, C6-C 32 Alkylaryl, C6-C 32 substituted alkylaryl, each Z is independently selected from the group consisting of [ka] and the index j is an integer from 1 to 32; (c) R1 is independently H, OH, C1-C 32 Alkyl, C1-C 32 Substituted alkyl, C6-C 32 Aryl, C5-C 32 Substituted Aryl, C6-C 32 Alkylaryl, C6-C 32 Substituted alkylaryl, C1-C 32 Alkoxy, and C1-C 32 substituted alkoxy; (d) R3 is independently C1 to C 32 Alkylene, C1-C 32 Substituted alkylene, C6-C 32 Aryl, C5-C 32Substituted Aryl, C6-C 32 Alkylene aryl, and C5-C 32 substituted alkylene aryl; (e) each index m is 1 or 0; (f) q is 1 or 0, (g) each index p is an integer from about 2 to about 1000; and (h) the index n is an integer from about 1 to about 50.

[0061] Cationic cellulose and cationic charged polymers, such as polyquaterniums, can be used as softening promoters. The term polyquaternium is the International Cosmetic Ingredients Nomenclature (INCI) designation for various polycationic polymers, including polyquaterniums 1-47. For example, polyquaternium-4 is hydroxyethyl cellulose dimethyl diallyl ammonium chloride copolymer, polyquaternium-10 is quaternized hydroxyethyl cellulose, and polyquaternium-24 is hydroxyethyl cellulose or hydroxypropyl cellulose quaternized with glycidyl C12-C22 alkyl dimethyl ammonium chloride. Exemplary polyquaterniums for softening promotion include, for example, Polyquaternium-1, Polyquaternium-5, Polyquaternium-6, Polyquaternium-7, Polyquaternium-8, Polyquaternium-10, Polyquaternium-11, Polyquaternium-14, Polyquaternium-22, Polyquaternium-28, Polyquaternium-30, Polyquaternium-32, and Polyquaternium-33, as referred to in the International Cosmetic Ingredient Nomenclature System. A variety of polyquaterniums are commercially available, including Flosof LS407 and 447 from SNF Floerger, SOFTCAT SK from Dow Chemicals, CELQUAT H200 and CELQUAT L-200 from National Starch and Chemical Company.

[0062] Exemplary classes of softening boosters include the cationic cellulosic polymers cocodimethylammonium hydroxypropyloxyethylcellulose, lauryldimethylammonium hydroxypropyloxyethylcellulose, stearyldimethylammonium hydroxypropyloxyethylcellulose, and stearyldimethylammonium hydroxyethylcellulose, cellulose 2-hydroxyethyl 2-hydroxy 3-(trimethylammonio)propyl ether salt, polyquaternium-4, polyquaternium-10, polyquaternium-24, and polyquaternium-67, or mixtures thereof.

[0063] Further examples of promoters can include starches that have been chemically modified to give the starch a net positive charge in an aqueous solution at pH 3. The chemical modification includes, but is not limited to, the addition of amino and / or ammonium groups to the starch molecule. Non-limiting examples of these ammonium groups can include substituents such as trimethylhydroxypropylammonium chloride, dimethylstearylhydroxypropylammonium chloride, or dimethyldodecylhydroxypropylammonium chloride. The source of starch before chemical modification can be selected from a variety of sources, such as tubers, legumes, cereals, and grains. Non-limiting examples of the starch source include corn starch, wheat starch, rice starch, waxy corn starch, oat starch, cassaya starch, waxy barley, waxy rice starch, gluten rice starch, sweet rice starch, amioca, potato starch, tapioca starch, oat starch, sago starch, sweet rice, or mixtures thereof. Non-limiting examples of cationic starch include cationic corn starch, cationic tapioca, cationic potato starch, or mixtures thereof. The cationic starch may include amylase, amylopectin, or maltodextrin. The cationic starch may include one or more further modifications. For example, these modifications may include cross-linking, stabilization reactions, phosphorylation, hydrolysis, cross-linking. The stabilization reactions may include alkylation and esterification.

[0064] In addition to mixtures of nonionic and cationic guar, such as Solvay's Easysoft (a mixture of hydrophobically modified nonionic and cationic guar), guar derivatives including nonionic and cationic guar can be used as softening promoters.Cationic guar gum is a quaternary ammonium derivative of hydroxypropyl guar, such as that sold under the trade name JAGUAR by Rhodia, Inc. Further examples of cationic polymers include polysaccharide polymers, cationic guar gum derivatives, quaternary nitrogen-containing cellulose ethers, synthetic polymers, copolymers of etherified cellulose, guar, and starch.

[0065] Exemplary cationic polymers include those produced by polymerization of ethylenically unsaturated monomers using a suitable initiator or catalyst, and include N,N-dialkylaminoalkyl acrylates, N,N-dialkylaminoalkyl methacrylates, N,N-dialkylaminoalkyl acrylamides, N,N-dialkylaminoalkyl methacrylamides, quaternized N,N-dialkylaminoalkyl acrylates, quaternized N,N-dialkylaminoalkyl meth ... N,N-dialkylaminoalkylacrylamides, quaternized N,N-dialkylaminoalkylmethacrylamides, methacryloamidopropyl-pentamethyl-1,3-propylene-2-ol-ammonium dichloride, N,N,N,N',N',N'',N''-heptamethyl-N''-3-(1-oxo-2-methyl-2-propenyl)aminopropyl-9-oxo-8-azo-decane-1,4,10-triammonium trichloride, vinylamine and its derivatives, allylamine and its derivatives, vinylimida vinyl imidazole, quaternized vinyl imidazole and diallyl dialkyl ammonium chloride and combinations thereof, and optionally further monomers including acrylamide, N,N-dialkyl acrylamide, methacrylamide, N,N-dialkyl methacrylamide, C1-C12 alkyl acrylate, C1-C12 hydroxyalkyl acrylate, polyalkylene glycol acrylate, C1-C12 alkyl methacrylate, C1-C12 hydroxyalkyl methacrylate, polyalkylene glycol methacrylate, vinyl acetate, vinyl alcohol, vinyl formamide, vinyl acetamide, vinyl alkyl ether, vinyl pyridine, vinyl pyrrolidone, vinyl imidazole, vinyl caprolactam, and derivatives, acrylic acid, methacrylic acid, maleic acid, vinyl sulfonic acid, styrene sulfonic acid, acrylamidopropyl methane sulfonic acid (AMPS), and salts thereof. In other embodiments, the cationic polymer backbone does not contain cationic monomers, but instead provides cationic functional groups.

[0066] In embodiments using softening boosters, the softening booster is present at a level of about 0.1% to about 20%, about 0.5% to about 20%, about 1% to about 20%, about 0.1% to about 10%, about 0.1% to about 5%, about 1% to about 10%, or 1% to about 5% by weight based on the total weight of the solid laundry softening composition. In some embodiments, the non-silicone booster is present at a level in the range of about 0.01% to about 10%, about 0.1% to about 10%, about 0.1% to about 5%, or about 0.1% to about 2% by weight.

[0067] Without being limited to a particular mechanism of action, the ratio of dialkyl quaternary ammonium compound to silicone or other softening promoter in a solid laundry softening composition, when provided in a ratio of less than about 3:1, preferably from about 2.4:1 to about 1.8:1, or most preferably from about 2:1, provides effective softening without adversely affecting the treated surface.

[0068] Further functional ingredients The components of the solid laundry softening composition may further be combined with various functional components suitable for use in laundry softening applications and / or in processing and forming the solid laundry softening composition.In some embodiments, the solid composition comprising the quaternary ammonium compound and urea or inclusion compound-forming derivative constitutes the majority or even substantially all of the total weight of the solid composition.For example, in some embodiments, little or no additional functional components are disposed therein.

[0069] In other embodiments, additional functional ingredients may be included in the composition. The functional ingredients provide the composition with desired properties and functionality. For the purposes of this application, the term "functional ingredient" includes materials that, when dispersed or dissolved in a use solution and / or concentrated solution, such as an aqueous solution or suspension, provide beneficial properties in softening fabrics and / or maintaining the stability of the solid composition and its suitable processing and / or distribution. Some specific examples of functional materials are described in more detail below, but the specific materials described are provided merely as examples, and a wide variety of other functional ingredients may be used.

[0070] In embodiments, the composition may contain salts, antifoaming agents, anti-redeposition agents, solubility modifiers, dispersing agents, stabilizers, sequestering agents and / or chelating agents, surfactants (including non-ionic surfactants), anti-wrinkle agents, optical brighteners, fragrances and / or dyes, rheology modifiers or thickeners, hydrotropes or couplers, buffers, solvents, enzymes, Antifouling agent , dye scavengers, starch / crisping agents, bactericides / fungicides, antioxidants or other skin care ingredients, disinfectants, as well as ingredients for residual protection, and the like.

[0071] Processing Aids Processing aids can provide advantageous characteristics to solid compositions, such as improving workability, dispensability, and flexibility. In one embodiment, the processing aid for solidification comprises one or more non-deliquescent materials. Advantageously, the inclusion of non-deliquescent materials forms a non-hygroscopic material, so that when the solid composition is exposed to moisture (such as during dispensing of the solid composition), the composition does not absorb water or does not absorb enough water to become liquid. This is important due to the challenges of dispensing, i.e., the moist environment to which the solid composition is exposed.

[0072] The solid laundry softening composition may include one or more processing aids having medium to long chain alkyl groups. In one embodiment, the processing aid has at least a C6 alkyl group.

[0073] The solid laundry softening composition may include one or more processing aids that are medium to long chain fatty carboxylic acids. Exemplary fatty acids such as free fatty acids may be used, and the term "fatty acid" is used herein in a very broad sense to include fatty acids in unprotonated or protonated form. Those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that whether a fatty acid is protonated or unprotonated is determined primarily by the pH of the aqueous composition. The fatty acid may be in its unprotonated or salt form with a counterion such as, but not limited to, calcium, magnesium, sodium, potassium, etc. The term "free fatty acid" refers to a fatty acid that is not bound (covalently or otherwise) to another chemical moiety. Fatty acids may include those that contain 12-25, 13-22, or even 16-20 total carbon atoms, with the fatty portion containing 10-22, 12-18, or even 14 (mid-cut) to 18 carbon atoms. The fatty acids may be derived from (1) animal fats and / or partially hydrogenated animal fats, such as beef tallow, lard, etc.; (2) vegetable oils and / or partially hydrogenated vegetable oils, such as canola oil, safflower oil, peanut oil, sunflower oil, sesame seed oil, rapeseed oil, cottonseed oil, corn oil, soybean oil, tall oil, rice oil, palm oil, palm kernel oil, coconut oil, other tropical palm oils, linseed oil, tung oil, castor oil, etc.; (3) processed and / or bodied oils, such as linseed oil or tung oil, via heat, pressure, alkali isomerization and catalytic treatments; or (4) combinations thereof to yield saturated (e.g., stearic acid), unsaturated (e.g., oleic acid), polyunsaturated (linoleic acid), branched (e.g., isostearic acid) or cyclic (e.g., saturated or unsaturated disubstituted cyclopentyl or cyclohexyl derivatives of polyunsaturated acids) fatty acids. A mixture of fatty acids from different fat sources may be used.

[0074] Suitable carboxylic acids may be saturated or unsaturated, but are preferably saturated. These carboxylic acids have at least 6 carbon atoms or about 6 to about 22 carbon atoms in the alkyl or alkenyl chain and are in either a straight or branched chain configuration, with preferred carboxylic acids being in a straight chain configuration having at least 6 carbon atoms, preferably about 12 to about 22 carbon atoms. Non-limiting examples of useful carboxylic acids include lauric acid (C12), stearic acid (C18), palmitic acid (C16), or behenic acid (C22). Further examples include long chain fatty acids or salts thereof, such as stearic acid, palmitic acid, coco fatty acid, stearin monoethanolamide, coco monoethanolamide, etc. While not being limited to a particular mechanism or theory of action of the present invention, C6-C22 alkyl groups, such as C6-C22 alkyl chains, of carboxylic acid stabilizers are preferred because they readily form hard, low melting urea storage complexes and are compatible with quaternary ammonium compounds.

[0075] Further processing aids include LMEA (lauric monoethanolamide), SMEA (stearic monoethanolamide), etc. A variety of hydrophobic species that are solid at room temperature are suitable for use as stabilizers, including but not limited to palmitic acid, coco fatty acid, lauric monoethanolamide, stearic monoethanolamide, coco monoethanolamide, and the above fatty acids. Further stabilizers can include alkyl quaternary ammonium compounds.

[0076] When included in a solid laundry softening composition, the processing aid is present at a level of from about 0.1% to about 10.0%, from about 0.1% to about 7.0%, or from about 0.1% to about 5.0% by weight, based on the total weight of the composition.

[0077] salt To aid in solidification matrix, preferably water-soluble salts, salts may be included in the solid laundry softening composition in combination with urea or inclusion compound-forming derivatives. Salts, including water-soluble salts, may be either organic or inorganic. Water-soluble salts include salts of polycarboxylic acids, such as citrates, which are acids with more than one carboxylate group, including diacids and triacids. Water-soluble salts include salts of carboxylic acids (aliphatic, acetic, formic), aromatic (benzoic, salicylic), or dicarboxylic acids, such as oxalic, phthalic, sebacic, adipic, glutaric acids, tricarboxylic acids, such as citric acid, carboxylic acids, such as aliphatic (oleic, palmitic, stearic) or aromatic (phenylstearic) acids, or even water-soluble amino acids, or salts with sodium, potassium, aluminum, magnesium, titanium, ammonium, triethanolamine, diethanolamine, and / or monoethanolamine as cations. Salts may include neutral salts, such as sulfates. Preferred salts of acids are sodium citrate and / or monosodium citrate.

[0078] In embodiments in which the salt is included in the solid composition, the salt is present at a level in the range of about 0% to about 50% by weight, about 5% to about 50% by weight, about 5% to about 50% by weight, about 10% to about 50% by weight, preferably about 15% to about 50% by weight, or preferably about 20% to about 40% by weight, based on the total weight of the solid laundry softening composition.

[0079] acid The solid laundry softening composition may also include an acid (also referred to as an "acidulant"). Unexpectedly, the acid, i.e., urea, in combination with other ingredients in the composition that are not traditionally compatible, is compatible. Without being limited to a particular mechanism of action, the acid is compatible when provided as a weak acid that does not significantly destabilize the urea occlusion structure. In one embodiment, one or more acids can be included in the solid laundry softening composition.

[0080] A wide range of acid materials may be used, including, but not limited to, oxalic acid, citric acid, gluconic acid, tartaric acid, nitrilotriacetic acid, ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid, aminotri(methylenephosphonic) acid, 1-hydroxyethylidine-1,1-diphosphonic acid, hexamethylenediaminetetra(methylenephosphonic acid), ammonium or sodium difluoride, ammonium or sodium silicofluoride, ammonium or sodium bisulfate, ammonium or sodium bisulfite, hydroxyacetic acid, phosphoric acid, sulfamic acid. In further embodiments, salts of acids may also be used, including, for example, urea citrate and sodium citrate.

[0081] In one embodiment, the preferred class of acids are polycarboxylic acids, such as dicarboxylic acids. Preferred acids include adipic acid, glutaric acid, succinic acid, and mixtures thereof. A preferred acidulant is a mixture of adipic acid, glutaric acid, and succinic acid, which is a raw material sold by BASF under the name SOKALAN® DCS.

[0082] In one embodiment, the weak acid is compatible with the solid urea and the quaternary ammonium compound. Without being limited to a particular mechanism or theory of action of the present invention, the strong acid may form a complex with the urea and destabilize the solid composition.

[0083] In some applications, it is preferred to use an acid that can chelate iron over a pH range of 2-8 as well as affect pH. Dissolved iron in both ferric and ferrous oxidation states is found in many water supplies used for washing fabrics. Iron can enter water supplies from sources that are groundwater or surface water, or from iron pipes used in municipal water supplies or on-site plumbing. Even small amounts of dissolved iron, less than 0.5 ppm, can cause white fabrics to turn yellow or colored fabrics to discolor over time. Water softeners used to remove calcium and magnesium ions from hard water do not completely remove the troublesome iron ions from the water. Preferred iron chelating acids include citric acid, gluconic acid, and aminotri(methylenephosphonic acid). In an exemplary embodiment, citric acid and its salts are the preferred acid because they acidify, buffer in the appropriate range, chelate iron, and are gentle on fabrics and skin. Additionally, citric acid and its salts do not destabilize the urea complex.

[0084] The acid concentration in the solid composition ranges from about 0% to about 20% by weight, from about 1% to about 15% by weight, from about 2% to about 15% by weight, or from about 2% to about 12% by weight.

[0085] Surfactants The solid composition may also include a surfactant. In some embodiments, a surfactant is included as a processing aid (processing and dispensing). In further embodiments, a surfactant is included to impart flexibility. The surfactant concentration in the solid composition is in the range of about 0% to about 20% by weight, about 0.1% to about 15% by weight, about 0.5% to about 15% by weight, or about 1% to about 12% by weight.

[0086] Preferably, the surfactants utilized include those selected from water-soluble or water-dispersible non-ionic or semi-polar non-ionic, cationic, amphiphilic, anionic, or any combination thereof, In one embodiment, non-ionic or cationic surfactants are preferred due to their compatibility with the quaternary ammonium compounds.

[0087] Nonionic Surfactants Also useful in the present invention are surface-active substances classified as nonionic substances.Preferred nonionic surfactants useful in solid compositions include alcohol ethoxylate surfactants.Non-limiting examples of commercially available alcohol ethoxylate nonionic surfactants include Tomadol 25-7 available from Tomah, Dehypon LS 54 available from Henkel, Pluronic N-3 available from BASF, Plurafac LF-221, Plurafac D-25, and SLF-18.Additional Pluronics can include block copolymers such as Pluronics F-108 (poly(ethylene glycol)-block-poly(propylene glycol)-block-poly(ethylene glycol)).

[0088] Useful nonionic surfactants include the following: 1. Block polyoxypropylene-polyoxyethylene polymer compounds based on propylene glycol, ethylene glycol, glycerol, trimethylolpropane, and ethylenediamine as the initiator reactive hydrogen compound. Examples of polymer compounds made from sequential propoxylation and ethoxylation of the initiator are commercially available from BASF Corp. One class of compounds are difunctional (two reactive hydrogen) compounds formed by condensation of ethylene oxide with a hydrophobic base formed by addition of propylene oxide to the two hydroxyl groups of propylene glycol. This hydrophobic portion of the molecule weighs from about 1,000 to about 4,000. Ethylene oxide is then added to sandwich this hydrophobe between the hydrophilic groups, controlled by length to comprise about 10% to about 80% by weight of the final molecule. Another class of compounds are trifunctional block copolymers derived from sequential addition of propylene oxide and ethylene oxide to ethylenediamine. The molecular weight of the propylene oxide hydrotype is in the range of about 500 to about 7,000, and hydrophilic ethylene oxide is added so as to constitute about 10% by weight to about 80% by weight of the molecule.

[0089] 2. Condensation products of one mole of alkylphenols, in which the alkyl chain, of straight or branched configuration, or of single or double alkyl constituents, contains from about 8 to about 18 carbon atoms, with from about 3 to about 50 moles of ethylene oxide. The alkyl groups may be represented, for example, by diisobutylene, di-amyl, polymerized propylene, iso-octyl, nonyl, and di-nonyl. These surfactants may be polyethylene, polypropylene, and polybutylene oxide condensates of alkylphenols. Examples of commercial compounds of this chemistry are available under the trade names Igepal® from Rhone-Poulenc and Triton® from Union Carbide.

[0090] 3. Condensation products of one mole of saturated or unsaturated straight or branched chain alcohol having from about 6 to about 24 carbon atoms with from about 3 to about 50 moles of ethylene oxide. The alcohol portion may consist of a mixture of alcohols within the carbon ranges set forth above, or may consist of alcohols having a specific number of carbon atoms within this range. Examples of similar commercial surfactants are available under the trade names Utensil™, Dehydol™ from BASF, Neodol™ from Shell Chemical Co., and Alfonic™ from Vista Chemical Co.

[0091] 4. Condensation products of one mole of saturated or unsaturated straight or branched chain carboxylic acid having from about 8 to about 18 carbon atoms with from about 6 to about 50 moles of ethylene oxide. The acid portion may consist of a mixture of acids within the carbon atom range defined above, or may consist of an acid having a specific number of carbon atoms within this range. Examples of commercial compounds of this chemical structure are available under the trade names Disponil or Agnique manufactured by BASF, and Lipopeg™ manufactured by Lipo Chemicals, Inc.

[0092] In addition to ethoxylated carboxylic acids, commonly referred to as polyethylene glycol esters, glycerides, glycerin, and other alkanoic acid esters formed by reaction with polyhydric (saccharide or sorbitan / sorbitol) alcohols have application in the present invention for specialized embodiments, particularly indirect food additive applications. All of these ester moieties have one or more reactive hydrogen sites on their molecules that can be subjected to further acylation or ethylene oxide (alkoxide) addition to control the hydrophilicity of these materials. Care must be taken when adding these fatty esters or acylated carbohydrates to the compositions of the present invention containing amylase and / or lipase enzymes due to possible incompatibility.

[0093] Examples of non-ionic low foaming surfactants include: 5. Compounds from (1) modified and essentially inverted by the addition of ethylene oxide to ethylene glycol to provide a hydrophile of specified molecular weight, then adding propylene oxide to obtain a hydrophobic block on the outside (end) of the molecule. The hydrophobic portion of the molecule has a molecular weight of about 1,000 to about 3,100, and the central hydrophile comprises 10% to about 80% by weight of the final molecule. These inverted Pluronics™ are manufactured by BASF Corporation under the trade name Pluronic™ R surfactants. Similarly, Tetronic™ R surfactants are manufactured by BASF Corporation by the sequential addition of ethylene oxide and propylene oxide to ethylenediamine. The hydrophobic portion of the molecule has a molecular weight of about 2,100 to about 6,700, with the central hydrophile comprising 10% to 80% by weight of the final molecule.

[0094] 6. Compounds from groups (1), (2), (3) and (4) modified by "capping" or "end-blocking" the terminal hydroxy group(s) (of the polyfunctional moiety) to reduce foaming by reaction with hydrophobic small molecules such as propylene oxide, butylene oxide, benzyl chloride; and short chain fatty acids, alcohols or alkyl halides containing 1 to about 5 carbon atoms; and mixtures thereof. Also included are reactants such as thionyl chloride which convert the terminal hydroxy group to a chloride group. Such modifications to the terminal hydroxy group may result in all-block, block-hetero, hetero-block or all-hetero nonionic materials.

[0095] Further examples of useful low foaming nonionics include: 7. U.S. Pat. No. 2,903,486, issued Sep. 8, 1959 to Brown et al., of the formula: [ka] where R is an alkyl group of 8 to 9 carbon atoms, A is an alkylene chain of 3 to 4 carbon atoms, n is an integer of 7 to 16, and m is an integer of 1 to 10.

[0096] The polyalkylene glycol condensates of U.S. Pat. No. 3,048,548, issued Aug. 7, 1962 to Martin et al., having alternating hydrophilic oxyethylene chains and hydrophobic oxypropylene chains in which the weight of the terminal hydrophobic chains, the weight of the intermediate hydrophobic units, and the weight of the linking hydrophilic units each represent approximately one-third of the condensate.

[0097] 1. The defoaming nonionic surfactants disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 3,382,178 issued May 7, 1968 to Lissant et al. having the general formula Z[(OR)OH], where Z is an alkoxylatable material, R is a radical derived from an alkylene oxide which may be ethylene and propylene, n is an integer, for example, from 10 to 2,000 or more, and z is an integer determined by the number of reactive oxyalkylatable groups.

[0098] Formula Y(C3H6O) n (C2H4O) m No. 2,677,700 issued to Jackson et al. on May 4, 1954, corresponding to H, where Y is the residue of an organic compound having from about 1 to 6 carbon atoms and one reactive hydrogen atom, n has an average value of at least about 6.4 as determined by the hydroxyl number, and m has a value such that the oxyethylene moieties constitute from about 10% to about 90% by weight of the molecule.

[0099] Formula Y[(C3H6O n (C2H4O) m H] xConjugated polyoxyalkylene compounds as described in U.S. Pat. No. 2,674,619 issued Apr. 6, 1954 to Lundsted et al., wherein Y is the residue of an organic compound having about 2-6 carbon atoms and containing x reactive hydrogen atoms (x having a value of at least about 2), n has a value such that the molecular weight of the polyoxypropylene hydrophobic base is at least about 900, and m has a value such that the oxyethylene content of the molecule is from about 10% to about 90% by weight. Compounds falling within the scope of the definition for Y include, for example, propylene glycol, glycerin, pentaerythritol, trimethylolpropane, ethylenediamine, and the like. The oxypropylene chains optionally, but beneficially, contain small amounts of ethylene oxide, and the oxyethylene chains also optionally, but beneficially, contain small amounts of propylene oxide.

[0100] Further conjugated polyoxyalkylene surfactants which may be advantageously used in the compositions of the present invention have the formula: P[(CHO) n (C2H4O) m H] x where P is the residue of an organic compound having from about 8 to 18 carbon atoms and containing x reactive hydrogen atoms, x has a value of 1 or 2, n has a value such that the molecular weight of the polyoxyethylene portion is at least about 44, and m has a value such that the oxypropylene content of the molecule is from about 10% to about 90% by weight. In either case, the oxypropylene chains may optionally, but advantageously, contain small amounts of ethylene oxide and the oxyethylene chains may optionally, but advantageously, contain small amounts of propylene oxide.

[0101] 8. Polyhydroxy fatty acid amide surfactants suitable for use in the present compositions have the structural formula RCON R1 Z, where R1 is H, a C1-C4 hydrocarbyl, 2-hydroxyethyl, 2-hydroxypropyl, ethoxy, propoxy group, or a mixture thereof, and R2 is a C5-C 31Hydrocarbyl, including those having Z being a polyhydroxyhydrocarbyl having a linear hydrocarbyl chain with at least three hydroxyls directly attached to the chain, or an alkoxylated derivative thereof (preferably ethoxylated or propoxylated). Z may be derived from a reducing sugar in a reductive amination reaction, such as a glycityl moiety.

[0102] 9. Alkyl ethoxylate condensation products of aliphatic alcohols with about 0 to about 25 moles of ethylene oxide are suitable for use in the present compositions. The alkyl chain of the aliphatic alcohol can be straight or branched, primary or secondary, and generally contains from 6 to 22 carbon atoms, more preferably from 10 to 18 carbon atoms, and most preferably from 12 to 16 carbon atoms.

[0103] 10. Ethoxylated C6 to C 18 Fatty alcohols and C6-C 18 Mixed ethoxylated and propoxylated fatty alcohols, especially those that are water soluble, are suitable surfactants for use in the present compositions. Suitable ethoxylated fatty alcohols are C6-C8 with a degree of ethoxylation of 3 to 50. 18 Contains ethoxylated fatty alcohols.

[0104] 11. Nonionic alkyl polysaccharide surfactants particularly suitable for use in the present compositions include those disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 4,565,647, issued January 21, 1986, Llenado. These surfactants contain a hydrophobic group containing about 6 to about 30 carbon atoms and a polysaccharide, e.g., a polyglycoside, a hydrophilic group containing about 1.3 to about 10 saccharide units. Any reduced saccharide containing 5 or 6 carbon atoms can be used, e.g., glucose, galactose, and galactosyl moieties can be substituted for glucosyl moieties. (Optionally, the hydrophobic group is attached at the 2-, 3-, 4-, etc. position, thus resulting in glucose or galactose as opposed to a glucoside or galactoside.) The intersaccharide bond can be, for example, between one position of the additional saccharide unit and the 2-, 3-, 4-, and / or 6-position on the preceding saccharide unit.

[0105] 12. Fatty acid amide surfactants suitable for use in the present compositions include those having the formula: R6CON(R7)2, where R6 is an alkyl group containing 7 to 21 carbon atoms and each R7 is independently hydrogen, C1-C4 alkyl, C1-C4 hydroxyalkyl, or --(C2H4O). X H, where x is in the range of 1 to 3.

[0106] 13. A useful class of nonionic surfactants includes the class defined as alkoxylated amine or, most specifically, alcohol alkoxylated / aminated / alkoxylated surfactants. These nonionic surfactants can be at least partially represented by the general formula: R 20 --(PO) S N--(EO) t H, R 20 --(PO) S N--(EO) t H(EO) t H, and R 20 --N(EO) t H, wherein R 20is an alkyl, alkenyl or other aliphatic group, or an alkyl-aryl group of 8 to 20, preferably 12 to 14 carbon atoms, EO is oxyethylene, PO is oxypropylene, s is 1 to 20, preferably 2 to 5, t is 1 to 10, preferably 2 to 5, and u is 1 to 10, preferably 2 to 5. Other variations in the scope of these compounds include those of the alternative formula: R 20 --(PO) V --N[(EO) w H][(EO) z H], wherein R 20 is as defined above, v is 1 to 20 (e.g., 1, 2, 3, or 4 (preferably 2)), and w and z are independently 1 to 10, preferably 2 to 5. These compounds are commercially represented by the line of products sold by Huntsman Chemicals as nonionic surfactants. Preferred chemicals in this class include Surfonic™ PEA 25 amine alkoxylates. Preferred nonionic surfactants for the compositions of the present invention include alcohol alkoxylates, EO / PO block copolymers, alkylphenol alkoxylates, and the like.

[0107] In a preferred embodiment, non-ionic surfactants having at least a C6, C8, C10, or C12 alkyl chain and an HLB between about 10 and 15. Without being limited to a particular mechanism or theory of action of the present invention, non-ionic surfactants having long alkyl chains and an HLB between about 10 and 15 beneficially improve dispensing of solid compositions without compromising processability or product hardness as described herein.

[0108] The article, Nonionic Surfactants, edited by Schick, MJ, Vol. 1 of the Surfactant Science Series, Marcel Dekker, Inc., New York, 1983, is an excellent reference for the wide range of nonionic compounds commonly used in the practice of the present invention. A general listing of nonionic classes, and species of these surfactants, is given in U.S. Patent No. 3,929,678, issued December 30, 1975 to Laughlin and Heuring. Further examples are given in ''Surface Active Agents and Detergents'' (Vols. I and II, Schwartz, Perry and Berch).

[0109] Cationic Surfactants Surface active materials classified as cationic surfactants are also useful in compositions when the charge of the hydrotrope part of the molecule is positive. This group also includes surfactants that do not carry a charge unless the hydrotrope is lowered to near neutral or below pH, in which case they are cationic (e.g., alkylamines). In theory, cationic surfactants can be synthesized from any combination of elements that contain the "onium" structure RnX+Y--, and can include compounds other than nitrogen (ammonium), such as phosphorus (phosphonium) and sulfur (sulfonium). In practice, the cationic surfactant field is dominated by nitrogen-containing compounds, probably because the synthetic route to nitrogenous cationic materials is simple and easy, and produces high yields of products, which can make them less expensive.

[0110] Cationic surfactants preferably include and more preferably refer to compounds that contain at least one long carbon chain hydrophobic group and at least one positively charged nitrogen. The long carbon chain group can be directly attached to the nitrogen atom by simple substitution, or more preferably, indirectly attached by a bridging functional group in so-called interrupted alkylamines and amidoamines. Such functional groups can make the molecule more hydrophilic and / or more water-dispersible, more easily dissolved in water by co-surfactant mixtures, and / or water-soluble. To increase water solubility, additional primary, secondary, or tertiary amino groups can be introduced, or the amino nitrogen can be quaternized with low molecular weight alkyl groups. Furthermore, the nitrogen can be part of a branched or straight chain moiety with various degrees of unsaturation, or part of a saturated or unsaturated heterocyclic ring. In addition, cationic surfactants may contain complex bonds with two or more cationic nitrogen atoms.

[0111] The simplest cationic amines, amine salts and quaternary ammonium compounds are depicted diagrammatically as follows: [ka] where R represents an alkyl chain, R', R'', and R''' can be either an alkyl chain or an aryl group or hydrogen, and X represents an anion.

[0112] The majority of the bulk commercial cationic surfactants can be subdivided into four main classes and further subgroups known to those skilled in the art and described in "Surfactant Encyclopedia", Cosmetics & Toiletries, Vol. 104(2) 86-96 (1989). The first class includes alkylamines and their salts. The second class includes alkylimidazolines. The third class includes ethoxylated amines. The fourth class includes quaternaries such as, for example, alkylbenzyldimethylammonium salts, alkylbenzene salts, heterocyclic ammonium salts, tetraalkylammonium salts, etc.

[0113] Cationic surfactants useful in the composition are represented by the formula R 1 m R 2 x Y L Z, wherein R 1 are each an organic radical containing a straight or branched chain alkyl or alkenyl group, optionally substituted with up to three phenyl or hydroxy groups, and interrupted by up to four of the following structures: [ka] or an isomer or mixture of these structures, containing about 8 to 22 carbon atoms. 1 The group may further contain up to 12 ethoxy groups. m is a number from 1 to 3. Preferably, there is not more than one R 1 The group has 16 or more carbon atoms when m is 2, or more than 12 carbon atoms when m is 3. 2 are each an alkyl or hydroxyalkyl group containing 1 to 4 carbon atoms or a benzyl group, and there is not more than one R 2 is benzyl, and x is a number from 0 to 11, preferably from 0 to 6. The remainder of any carbon atom positions on the Y group are filled with hydrogen.

[0114] Y is [ka] or mixtures thereof. Preferably, L is 1 or 2, and the Y group is R 1 having 1 to about 22 carbon atoms and 2 free carbon single bonds when L is 2. 1 and R 2Z is a water-soluble anion such as a halide, sulfate, methyl sulfate, hydroxide, or nitrate, with chloride, bromide, iodide, sulfate, or methyl sulfate being preferred in number to provide electrical neutrality of the cationic component.

[0115] Anionic Surfactants Also useful in the composition are surface-active substances classified as anionic surfactants. Anionic surfactants have a negative charge relative to hydrophobic substances or the hydrophobic portion of the molecule does not carry a charge (e.g., carboxylic acid) unless the pH is raised above neutral. Carboxylate, sulfonate, sulfate, and phosphate are polar (hydrophilic) solubilizing groups found in anionic surfactants. Of the cations (counterions) associated with these polar groups, sodium, lithium, and potassium confer water solubility, ammonium and substituted ammonium ions provide both water solubility and oil solubility, and calcium, barium, and magnesium promote oil solubility.

[0116] Exemplary anionic sulfate surfactants include alkyl ether sulfates, alkyl sulfates, linear and branched primary and secondary alkyl sulfates, alkyl ethoxy sulfates, fatty oleyl glycerol sulfates, alkylphenol ethylene oxide ether sulfates, C5-C 17Included are the sulfates of alkyl polysaccharides, such as acyl-N-(C1-C4 alkyl) and -N-(C1-C2 hydroxyalkyl) glucamine sulfates, and sulfates of alkyl polyglucosides. Also included are alkyl sulfates, alkyl poly(ethyleneoxy)ether sulfates, and aromatic poly(ethyleneoxy)sulfates, such as the sulfates or condensation products of ethylene oxide and nonylphenol (usually having 1-6 oxyethylene groups per molecule). Suitable anionic materials also include alkyl sulfonates, linear and branched primary and secondary alkyl sulfonates, and aromatic sulfonates with or without substituents.

[0117] Further suitable anionic materials include carboxylic acids (and salts), such as alkanoic acids (and alkanoates), ester carboxylic acids (e.g., alkyl succinates), ether carboxylic acids, sulfonated fatty acids, such as sulfonated oleic acid, and the like. Such carboxylates include alkyl ethoxy carboxylates, alkyl aryl ethoxy carboxylates, alkyl polyethoxy polycarboxylate surfactants, and soaps (e.g., alkyl carboxyls). Secondary carboxylates useful in the present compositions include those that contain a carboxyl unit connected to a secondary carbon. The secondary carbon may be in a ring structure, such as in p-octyl benzoic acid, or in alkyl substituted cyclohexyl carboxylates. Secondary carboxylate surfactants generally do not contain ether linkages, ester linkages, and hydroxyl groups. In addition, they typically lack a nitrogen atom in the head group (amphiphilic portion). Suitable secondary soap surfactants typically contain 11-13 total carbon atoms, although more carbon atoms (e.g., up to 16) may be present. Suitable carboxylates also include acylamino acids (and salts), such as, for example, acyl glutamates, acyl peptides, sarcosinates (eg, N-acylsarcosinates), taurates (eg, N-acyltaurates and fatty acid amides of methyl tauride).

[0118] Suitable anionic surfactants include alkyl or alkylaryl ethoxy carboxylates of the formula: RO-(CH2CH2O) n (CH2) m -CO2X(3) In the formula, R is C8 to C 22 is an alkyl group, or [ka] , R 1 is C4~C 16 R is an alkyl group, n is an integer from 1 to 20, m is an integer from 1 to 3, and X is a counterion such as hydrogen, sodium, potassium, lithium, ammonium, or an amine salt such as monoethanolamine, diethanolamine, or triethanolamine. In some embodiments, n is an integer from 4 to 10 and m is 1. In some embodiments, R is a C8 to C 16 In some embodiments, R is an alkyl group. 12 ~C 14 It is an alkyl group, n is 4, and m is 1.

[0119] In other embodiments, R is [ka] and R 1 is C6~C 12 In still other embodiments, R 1 is a C9 alkyl group, n is 10, and m is 1.

[0120] Amphiphilic Surfactants Also useful in the present invention are surface-active substances classified as amphiphilic surfactants. Amphiphilic (amphoteric) surfactants contain both basic and acidic hydrophilic groups, as well as organic hydrophobic groups. These ionic entities can be either anionic or cationic groups as described herein for other types of surfactants. Basic nitrogen and acidic carboxylate groups are typical functional groups used as basic and acidic hydrophilic groups. In some surfactants, sulfonates, sulfates, phosphonates, or phosphates provide the negative charge.

[0121] Amphoteric surfactants can be broadly described as derivatives of aliphatic secondary and tertiary amines, where the aliphatic radical may be linear or branched, and one of the aliphatic substituents contains about 8-18 carbon atoms, and one contains an anionic water-solubilizing group, such as carboxy, sulfo, sulfato, phosphato, or phosphino. Amphoteric surfactants are known to those skilled in the art and are subdivided into two main classes described in "Surfactant Encyclopedia" Cosmetics & Toiletries, Vol. 104 (2) 69-71 (1989), which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. The first class includes acyl / dialkylethylenediamine derivatives (e.g., 2-alkylhydroxyethylimidazoline derivatives) and their salts. The second class includes N-alkylamino acids and their salts. Some amphoteric surfactants can be envisioned as falling into both classes.

[0122] Amphoteric surfactants can be synthesized by methods known to those skilled in the art.For example, 2-alkylhydroxyethyl imidazoline is synthesized by condensation and ring closure of long-chain carboxylic acid (or derivative) with dialkylethylenediamine.Commercial amphoteric surfactants are derivatized, for example, with chloroacetic acid or ethyl acetate, by subsequent hydrolysis and opening of the imidazoline ring by alkylation.During alkylation, one or two carboxy-alkyl groups react to form tertiary amine and ether bond, and different alkylating agents produce different tertiary amines.

[0123] Amine oxides have the following general formula: [ka] where the arrow is a conventional representation of a semi-polar bond and R 1 , R 2 , and R 3 R may be aliphatic, aromatic, heterocyclic, alicyclic, or a combination thereof. Generally, in detergent-related amine oxides, R 1 is an alkyl radical of about 8 to about 18 carbon atoms; R 2 and R 3 is alkyl or hydroxyalkyl of 1 to 3 carbon atoms, or a mixture thereof; R 2 and R 3 can be linked together, for example through an oxygen or nitrogen atom, to form a ring structure; R 4 is an alkaline or hydroxyalkylene group containing 2-3 carbon atoms; and n is in the range of 0 to about 20.

[0124] Suitable amine oxides include those selected from coconut or tallow alkyl di-(lower alkyl)amine oxides, specific examples of which are dodecyldimethylamine oxide, tridecyldimethylamine oxide, etradecyldimethylamine oxide, pentadecyldimethylamine oxide, hexadecyldimethylamine oxide, heptadecyldimethylamine oxide, octadecyldimethylaine oxide, and the like. oxide), dodecyldipropylamine oxide, tetradecyldipropylamine oxide, hexadecyldipropylamine oxide, tetradecyldibutylamine oxide, octadecyldibutylamine oxide, bis(2-hydroxyethyl)dodecylamine oxide, bis(2-hydroxyethyl)-3-dodecoxy-1-hydroxypropylamine oxide, dimethyl-(2-hydroxydodecyl)amine oxide, 3,6,9-trioctadecyldimethylamine oxide, and 3-dodecoxy-2-hydroxypropyldi-(2-hydroxyethyl)amine oxide. An exemplary commercially available cocoamine oxide surfactant is BARLOX 12, available from Lonza.

[0125] Suitable long chain imidazole derivatives may generally have the general formula: [ka] In the formula, R is an acyclic hydrophobic group containing about 8 to 18 carbon atoms, and M is a cation, generally sodium, for neutralizing the charge of the anion. Commercially well-known imidazoline-derived amphoteric compounds that can be used in the present composition include, for example, cocoamphopropionate, cocoamphocarboxy-propionate, cocoamphoglycinate, cocoamphocarboxy-glycinate, cocoamphopropyl-sulfonate, and cocoamphocarboxy-propionic acid. Amphocarboxylic acids can be generated from aliphatic imidazolines, where the dicarboxylic acid functional group of the amphodicarboxylic acid is diacetic acid and / or dipropionic acid.

[0126] The carboxymethylated compounds (glycinates) described herein above are often referred to as betaines. Betaines are a special class of amphoteric compounds described herein below in the section entitled Zwitterion Surfactants.

[0127] Long-chain N-alkylamino acids are easily prepared by the reaction RNH2, where R is C8-C 18 They are fatty amines with straight or branched chain alkyl, halogenated carboxylic acids. Alkylation of the primary amino group of the amino acid results in secondary and tertiary amines. The alkyl substituent may have additional amino groups that provide multiple reactive nitrogen centers. Most commercial N-alkylamine acids are alkyl derivatives of beta-alanine or beta-N(2-carboxyethyl)alanine. Examples of suitable commercially available N-alkylamino acid ampholytes include, but are not limited to, alkyl beta-amino dipropionates, RN(C2H4COOM)2, and RNHC2H4COOM. In one embodiment, R can be an acyclic hydrophobic group containing about 8 to about 18 carbon atoms, and M is a cation to neutralize the charge of the anion.

[0128] Suitable amphoteric surfactants include those derived from coconut products such as coconut oil or coconut fatty acids. Additional suitable coconut-derived surfactants include as part of their structure an ethylenediamine moiety, an alkanolamide moiety, an amino acid moiety such as glycine, or combinations thereof, and an aliphatic substituent of about 8 to 18 (e.g., 12) carbon atoms. Such surfactants may also be considered alkyl amphodicarboxylic acids. These amphoteric surfactants include those derived from coconut products such as coconut oil or coconut fatty acids. Additional suitable coconut-derived surfactants include as part of their structure an ethylenediamine moiety, an alkanolamide moiety, an amino acid moiety such as glycine, or combinations thereof, and an aliphatic substituent of about 8 to 18 (e.g., 12) carbon atoms. Such surfactants may also be considered alkyl amphodicarboxylic acids. 12 -Alkyl-C(O)-NH-CH2-CH2-N + (CH2-CH2-CO2Na)2-CH2-CH2-OH or C 12 -Alkyl-C(O)-N(H)-CH2-CH2-N + The amphoteric surfactant may include a chemical structure represented as (CH2-CO2Na)2-CH2-CH2-OH. Disodium cocoamphodipropionate is one suitable amphoteric surfactant, and is commercially available under the trade name Miranol™ FBS from Rhodia Inc., Cranbury, NJ. Another suitable coconut-derived amphoteric surfactant, having the chemical name disodium cocoamphodiacetate, is also sold under the trade name Mirataine™ JCHA from Rhodia Inc., Cranbury, NJ. A typical listing of amphoteric classes and species of these surfactants is found in U.S. Patent No. 3,929,678, issued December 30, 1975 to Laughlin and Heuring. Further examples are found in "Surface Active Agents and Detergents" (Vol. I and II by Schwartz, Perry, and Berch), which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0129] Salt for Conductivity The solid composition may also include at least one additional salt as an additional processing aid. In one embodiment, the additional salt is a salt for electrical conductivity and / or an inorganic anion or a non-sequestering organic anion to allow standard measurement of the electrical conductivity of the wash liquor. Although it is preferred to use sodium chloride, a wide variety of ionizable salts may be used. Examples of suitable salts are the halides and acetates of metals of Group IA of the Periodic Table of Elements, such as lithium chloride, sodium chloride, potassium chloride, ammonium chloride, sodium bromide, potassium bromide, calcium bromide, sodium iodide, potassium iodide, sodium acetate, potassium acetate, or mixtures thereof. Sodium chloride is preferred. Ionizable salts are particularly useful during the process of mixing ingredients to make the compositions herein to obtain the desired electrical conductivity for later measuring the dispersion rate of the softening composition. The amount of ionizable salt used depends on the amount of active ingredient used in the composition and can be adjusted according to the needs of the formulator.

[0130] In a preferred embodiment, the salt for electrical conductivity included in the solid composition preferably has a solubility of at least about 5 ppm at 45° C. In a preferred embodiment, the salt for electrical conductivity included in the solid composition preferably has a solubility greater than that of stearic acid.

[0131] Salts for conductivity, such as sodium chloride, may be present at a level of from about 0% to about 60% by weight, based on the total weight of the composition, preferably from about 1% to about 50% by weight, based on the total weight of the solid laundry softening composition.

[0132] Dispersants Dispersants may be included to aid in removing dirt and microorganisms from articles and surfaces. Examples of dispersants include, but are not limited to, water-soluble polymers, surfactants, hydrotropes, and wetting agents. In a preferred embodiment, the dispersant is an anionic surfactant. The composition need not include a dispersant, but if included, it may be included in an amount that provides the desired dispersing properties. Suitable ranges of dispersant in the composition may be up to about 20% by weight, about 0.5 to about 15% by weight, or about 2 to about 9% by weight.

[0133] fragrance The solid composition may also include any softener compatible perfume / fragrance material. Suitable fragrance materials are disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 5,500,138, which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0134] Method for making a solid composition The solid laundry softening compositions shown in Tables 1A-1C can be solidified as poured and / or extruded solids. The solid compositions can be manufactured in commonly available mixing equipment. In embodiments, the liquid material can be adapted to a solid by incorporating a solidifying agent, i.e., urea (an inclusion compound forming derivative), into the composition, and the solidification process is a urea occlusion process. An inclusion complex solidification scheme is described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,647,258, which is incorporated herein by reference. Further solidification schemes are described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,674,831, which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0135] In some embodiments, in forming a solid composition, a mixing system may be used to provide continuous mixing of the components at a shear high enough to form a substantially homogenous solid or semi-solid mixture with the components distributed throughout. The mixture is processed at a temperature that maintains the physical and chemical stability of the components. The components may be in the form of a liquid or a solid, such as a dry particulate, and may be added to the mixture separately or as part of a premix with another component. One or more premixes may be added to the mixture. The components are mixed to form a substantially homogenous consistency with the components distributed substantially uniformly throughout. The mixture may be discharged from the mixing system through a die or other forming means. The characterized extrudate may then be divided into useful sizes having controlled mass.

[0136] The composition hardens due to chemical and physical reactions of the essential components to form a solid. The solidification process can last from a few minutes to about 6 hours or more, depending, for example, on the size of the cast or extruded composition, the components of the composition, the temperature of the composition, and other similar factors. In some embodiments, the cast or extruded composition "cures" or begins to harden into a solid form within about 1 minute to about 3 hours, or within about 1 minute to about 2 hours, or in some embodiments, within about 1 minute to about 20 minutes.

[0137] In some embodiments, the extruded solids can be packaged, for example, in a container or film. The temperature of the mixture when discharged from the mixing system can be low enough to allow the mixture to be poured or extruded directly into a packaging system without first cooling the mixture. The time between extrusion discharge and packaging can be adjusted to allow the composition to harden for better handling during further processing and packaging. In some embodiments, the mixture at the time of discharge is in the range of about 20°C to about 90°C, or in some embodiments, in the range of about 25°C to about 55°C. The composition is then allowed to harden into a solid form that can range from a low density, spongy, malleable caulking consistency to a high density, molten solid, concrete-like solid.

[0138] solid composition The solid laundry softening composition is preferably formed by combining the components in the weight percentages and ratios disclosed herein. Multiple Use Solid Compositions: A solid composition is provided as a solid, and the use solution, where the use solution is a suspension, is formed during the dispensing and / or washing process.

[0139] A solid composition is substantially homogeneous with respect to the distribution of components throughout its mass and is dimensionally stable.

[0140] The solid composition may be a cast or extruded solid. The resulting solid may take the form of, but is not limited to, a pellet, a block, or a tablet. In a preferred embodiment, the solid does not contain loose or free-flowing powders, and the composition is a solid block that has dimensional stability, as measured by a growth exponent of less than 3% when heated to a temperature of 120F, taking into account any dimensional changes of the solid composition. In an exemplary embodiment, the solid may have a weight of at least about 50 grams, at least about 100 grams, at least about 250 grams, at least about 1 kilogram, or at least about 10 kilograms.

[0141] In some embodiments, the solid laundry softening composition has a hardness of less than about 0.5 mm as measured by a penetrometer reading.

[0142] In some embodiments, the solid laundry softening composition is dispenseable, as measured by dispensing with an Ecolab SCLS dispenser at 50° C., and the conductivity of the dispensed solution of the solid laundry softening composition reaches at least 1000 uS / cm within 1 minute.

[0143] In a further embodiment, the solid laundry softening composition is considered processable as measured by having a processing (i.e., making the solid composition) viscosity of less than 20 Pa s at 75°C.

[0144] In some embodiments, the solid composition may be dissolved, for example, in an aqueous or other medium, to produce a concentrated solution and / or a use solution. This solution may be directed to a storage container for later use and / or dilution, or may be applied directly to a point of use in a laundry application. The solid composition may be applied to a block or other suitable surface, such as a wall, wall, or wall. Multiple Use It is advantageously designed as a solid and can be used repeatedly as a solid laundry softening composition over multiple cycles.

[0145] How to use The solid laundry softening composition is suitable for consumer and industrial laundry applications. Thus, according to the embodiments described herein, it is suitable for single use and Multiple Use It is possible to provide a solid composition of

[0146] Typically, for laundry (i.e., fabric / textile) softening processes, the solid softening composition is dispensed by contacting the solid with a sufficient amount of water to dissolve at least a portion of the solid laundry softening composition, thereby forming a dissolved portion of the solid laundry softening composition that can be added to the rinse cycle of the laundry process. A use solution of the laundry softening composition is contacted with the fabric requiring treatment. The fabric becomes a treated fabric that is beneficially cleaned, softened, etc., depending on the laundry process.

[0147] The water temperature for dispensing should be from about 40° C. to about 60° C., preferably from about 45° C. to about 55° C. Multiple Use The dispensing of the solid block preferably dispenses at greater than 10 grams / minute, more preferably greater than 15 grams / minute, and most preferably greater than 20 grams / minute, without experiencing any sagging, crumbling, or chunking. Dispensing of the solid compositions described herein advantageously provides a non-sagging solid composition, with the solid composition losing less than about 10 grams per 100 grams (10%) over a 72 hour period at temperatures up to 120° F.

[0148] Diluted liquid compositions formed from the solid compositions disclosed herein are preferably used in the rinse cycle of conventional automatic laundry operations. Typically, the rinse water has a temperature of about 5°C to about 60°C.

[0149] The fabric or fiber is contacted with an amount of the solid softening composition effective to achieve the desired level of softness. The amount used is based on the user's judgment depending on the concentration of the softening material, the type of fiber or fabric, the degree of softness desired, etc. The amount of softener dispensed is generally characterized as the ratio of the amount of softening quaternary ammonium compound active to the amount of linen. This ratio is preferably in the range of 0.01% to 0.25%, more preferably 0.025% to 0.20% of the quaternary ammonium compound active to the linen.

[0150] The amount of water used to deliver this amount of solid softening composition can be any amount that can conveniently dissolve the desired dose within the time required to deliver the softening composition to the rinse cycle of the machine. For example, when using water at 45°C to 55°C, a 100g dose of softening composition is generally dispensed in 1 to 4 minutes using 2 to 10 liters of water.

[0151] The solid laundry softening composition beneficially provides softness to treated linen without causing significant loss of absorbency or wicking.Since one of the main functions of certain linen, such as towels, is to absorb water, it is undesirable for the fabric softener active to make the surface hydrophobic, reducing the amount of water that can be absorbed.The solid laundry softening composition does not reduce water absorption, which can be measured by the distance that water can wick up the treated linen in a certain period of time (as outlined in the examples).

[0152] Advantageously, the treated linen has a fine softness in addition to whiteness, brightness, and odor removal. Softness refers to a quality that a user perceives as soft through his or her touch. Such tactilely perceptible softness can be characterized by, but is not limited to, bounciness, softness, fluffiness, slipperiness, and smoothness, as well as subjective descriptions such as "feeling like silk or flannel". In one embodiment, the softness produced by the use of the solid laundry softening composition is at least comparable to the softness desirability exhibited by commercially available liquid fabric softener compositions.

[0153] The solid laundry softening composition beneficially provides softening without causing significant yellowing or discoloration of treated linen. Yellowing, at best, gives linen a dirty or unpleasant appearance. Thus, the use of quaternary ammonium fabric conditioners that cause yellowing may provide a pleasant feel, but may shorten the overall lifespan of linen, since the linen must be discarded before its normal useful life is over. For colored linen, yellowing is less noticeable, but quaternary ammonium compounds cause color clouding over time. According to the compositions and methods disclosed herein, it is easily understood that it is desirable to provide a fabric softener that does not cause significant yellowing or clouding of fabrics that are repeatedly washed and dried. Furthermore, it is generally desirable for dried white laundry to remain white even after multiple drying cycles. That is, it is desirable for fabrics not to yellow or cloudy after repeated drying cycles. Yellowing or discoloration can be measured directly visually or using a spectrophotometer, typically through the "L", "a" and "b" values ​​of a color scale. The color change is then reported as Delta E (outlined in the examples) between treated and new linen. Generally, a Delta E value >1 is considered perceptible to the human eye and indicates a discoloration such as yellowing. EXAMPLES

[0154] The embodiments of the present invention are further defined in the following non-limiting examples. It should be understood that these examples, while showing specific embodiments of the present invention, are given by way of illustration only. From the above description and these examples, a person skilled in the art can ascertain the essential features of the present invention, and can make various changes and modifications to the embodiments of the present invention to adapt them to various applications and conditions without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Thus, in addition to those shown and described herein, various modifications of the embodiments of the present invention will be apparent to a person skilled in the art from the foregoing description. Such modifications are also intended to be included within the scope of the appended claims.

[0155] In the examples listed, the following chemical ingredients were used: -Methyldiethanolamine (MDEA) ester quaternary ammonium compound (80%) -Triethanolamine (TEA) ester quaternary ammonium compound (85%) -Dihydrogenated tallow dimethyl ammonium chloride (DHTDMAC, 85%) - Diamidoamine quaternary ammonium compound (90%) -High iodine value TEA ester quat (85%) -Fatty acid amides (e.g. fatty acid monoethanolamides) -Polydimethylsiloxane emulsion (30%) -Amino-functionalized polydimethylsiloxane (80%) -Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS) -Amine oxides (e.g. Barlox 12) -Nonionic EO-PO reverse block copolymer -Nonionic alcohol ethoxylate surfactants (such as Surfonic L24-7) -Acidifier mixture of adipic acid, glutaric acid and succinic acid (such as Sokalan DCS) -Organosilicones such as aminosilicones, which are hydrophobically modified silicones for softening promotion

[0156] Example 1 Various quaternary ammonium compounds (quats) were evaluated to determine whether and to what extent they could be loaded onto solid urea-based softener compositions while maintaining adequate hardness. The quaternary ammonium compounds evaluated included MDEA ester quats (readily biodegradable quats with iodine value <10), TEA ester quats (readily biodegradable quats with iodine value >10), DHTDMAC (non-biodegradable quats with iodine value <10), Rewoquat WE-45 (palm oil-based ester quats with iodine value >20), and diamidoamine quats (Accosoft 550 with iodine value approx. 10). These quaternary ammonium compounds were incorporated into seven formulations according to Table 2. [Table 4]

[0157] To evaluate the effect of quaternary ammonium compounds and urea on the stability of the formulations, 100 grams of samples were prepared according to the formulations in Table 2. After the samples were prepared, they were chilled below 0° C. overnight. The samples were placed upside down in an oven and the temperature was increased in 5° C. intervals (left for at least 16 hours to equilibrate) until some of the sample had fallen to the bottom of the cup, which was considered "flowable."

[0158] To assess hardness using a penetrometer, a given sample was placed on the penetrometer and allowed to penetrate for 5 seconds. The penetration depth was measured in millimeters. The measurement process was then repeated on various areas of the sample for a total of three penetrations to arrive at an average value. Typically, the penetrometer readings range from 0 mm to sample height (approximately 32 mm). The penetrometer hardness is an indicator of collapse, since samples that become soft under high humidity conditions tend to collapse under either gravity or the water pressure of the dispenser. As described herein, a sufficiently hard composition has a penetrometer hardness (mm) of ≦8. The results are shown in Table 3. [Table 5]

[0159] Table 3 shows that up to 82% of quaternary ammonium compounds (particularly MDEA ester quats) can be loaded into compositions containing 14% urea and 4% water while maintaining good hardness and temperature fastness compared to formulations containing only quaternary ammonium compounds. A ratio of about 6:1 quats:urea is particularly useful for maintaining formulation fastness. Additionally, different quaternary ammonium compounds can be combined to achieve high quaternary ammonium compound loadings while maintaining product hardness (see, e.g., formulation 7), and silicone emulsions can be used in place of water, if desired, to further contribute to softness (see, e.g., formulations 2-7). Beneficially, silicones provide softening as a result of hydrophobic modification (e.g., amino silicones).

[0160] Example 2 Various processing aids were evaluated to determine which would most effectively aid in the processability and dispensability of the softener formulation described in Example 1. Formulations were prepared according to Table 4, varying the amount of processing aid from 0% to 11% by weight. [Table 6]

[0161] The hardness of formulations P1-P4 was evaluated using the procedure described in Example 1. Viscosity was further evaluated using a Brookfield RVT viscometer at 50 rpm, spindle allowed to spin for 1 minute before results were recorded. Formulations are considered processable if the viscosity is less than 20 Pas at 75° C. The results of this analysis are shown in Table 5 below. [Table 7]

[0162] Table 5 shows that the incorporation of processing aids into the formulations did not impair or improve the stability of the formulations. In particular, formulations P2-P4 (all containing processing aids) exhibited hardness that was comparable to or better than formulation P1 (which did not contain processing aids). The formulations containing processing aids also exhibited superior processability.

[0163] Example 3 Various surfactant packages were evaluated to determine which would most effectively aid in the processability and dispensability of the softener formulation described in Example 1. Formulations were prepared according to Table 6, evaluating a variety of anionic, amine oxide, cationic, EO / PO nonionic, and other alkyl / ethoxylate nonionic surfactants. [Table 8]

[0164] The hardness of Formulations P1-P4 was evaluated using the procedure described in Example 1. The viscosity was further evaluated by the method described in Example 2. The results of this evaluation are shown in Table 7. [Table 9]

[0165] As shown in Table 7, several surfactants are suitable for improving the dispenseability of the formulation. While many surfactants are suitable, nonionic surfactants with HLB values ​​between 10 and 15 and / or long alkyl chains beneficially improve dispenseability without compromising processability or product hardness.

[0166] Example 4 Traditionally, urea-based solid formulations are not compatible with acids, making it very difficult to incorporate acidulants into the formulations. The effect of including acidulants in the formulations was evaluated by preparing several formulations according to Table 8. The hardness was then evaluated using the procedure described in Example 1. [Table 10]

[0167] As shown in Table 8, an acidic acidulant can be successfully incorporated into the formulation while still maintaining a hard solid. Thus, surprisingly, an optional acidic acidulant can be added to the formulation without reducing the integrity or stability of the formulation.

[0168] Example 5 The water fastness of the solid formulations was evaluated since solid formulations highly loaded with quaternary ammonium compounds typically lose stability in the presence of water. The formulations were prepared according to Table 9. Formulation W1 was dispensed in an Ecolab SCLS dispenser at 40-70°C. Formulation W3 had 3% water added to the formulation to test fastness in the presence of water. Hardness was evaluated according to the procedure described in Example 1. The results are shown in Table 9. [Table 11]

[0169] As shown in Table 9 and by visual evaluation, both formulations maintained excellent hardness during dispensing, even under high temperature and humidity conditions. Neither Formulation W1 nor Formulation W2 crumbled during the capsule dispensing process.

[0170] Example 6 Cotton towel samples were treated with the fabric softener formulations and evaluated for softness on a phabrometer. Cotton towel samples were prepared by subjecting the cotton towels to five double scouring cycles at approximately 28 lbs. fill weight and allowing to dry between each cycle. Sample swatches were cut from the destained hand towels using a die press with a 11.3 cm circular die so that there were at least four sample swatches for each formulation evaluated. The swatches were labeled according to their test conditions.

[0171] A 1500 mL beaker was placed on a hot plate with a stir bar and 500 mL of deionized water. The temperature was set to 40° C. and the stir bar was set to rotate at 400 RPM. The desired type and amount of softening formulation, Formulation S1, as outlined in Table 8, was delivered to each beaker. The MDEA ester quat was dosed at 40 ppm per 25 g of towels with a 6:1 quat:surfactant ratio and the TEA ester quat was dosed at 60 ppm per 25 g of towels with a 10:1 quat:surfactant ratio. The beakers were then thoroughly mixed and allowed to reach the desired temperature. After mixing, the swatches were added to each beaker, one at a time, and mixed for 6 minutes. After 6 minutes, each beaker was emptied of solution and the swatches were removed and allowed to dry for 20 minutes. All swatches were then placed in a humidity chamber and left overnight at 40% humidity.

[0172] Fabric analysis was performed in a phabrometer, where swatches were individually weighed and forced through an orifice while measuring / calculating softness and resilience properties. Treated fabrics were compared to a blank or a 60 ppm TEA ester quat control (a commercial quat silicone softener). In general, the higher the softness value, the softer the fabric. The higher the resilience value, the more resilient the fabric. The results of the phabrometer analysis are shown in Figures 1 and 2, where the blank is an untreated towel with no softening treatment. Figures 1 and 2 show that the formulations of the present application beneficially maintain good fabric softness without significantly affecting fabric integrity. These results are evaluated in comparison to a TEA ester quat control where comparable or improved softening is desired.

[0173] Example 7 Additional ratios of quaternary ammonium compound:urea of ​​1:1, 3:1, and 8:1 were tested to evaluate processability and dispensability. Formulations were prepared according to Table 10. Formulations were dispensed into an Ecolab SCLS dispenser at 50° C. The results are shown in Table 10. [Table 12]

[0174] Dispensability of the solid compositions using an SCLS dispenser at 50° C. required that the conductivity of the dispensed solution of the solid laundry softening composition reach at least 1000 uS / cm within 1 minute to meet the requirement of "dispensability". The threshold for processability is a processing viscosity of less than 20 Pa s at 75° C. Hardness was measured with a penetrometer according to the method described in Example 1.

[0175] As shown, the data confirms that the ratio of quaternary ammonium compound to urea or inclusion compound forming derivative is preferably from about 1:1 to less than 8:1, or from about 1:1 to about 6:1, to provide a dispensable and processable solid composition. The 8:1 quat:urea in formulation S3A is not dispenseable, and this appears to be more dependent on the salt concentration than the quat:urea ratio (as confirmed by the conductivity requirements). These results also show that hardness is at least partially dependent on the quat:urea ratio, and while a ratio of less than 3:1 is preferred, a ratio in the range of 1:1 to 6:1 provides a solid, i.e., dispensable, solid composition, when salt is present in the formulation to promote high conductivity.

[0176] The processability evaluated was not controlled by the quat:urea ratio. Instead, the dosage of fatty acid amide influences this property of the solid composition. Higher urea:quat ratios result in lower initial viscosity, but the viscosity can be adjusted by adding higher levels of fatty acid amide.

[0177] Having thus described various embodiments, it will be apparent that they can be modified in many ways. Such modifications should not be regarded as a departure from the spirit and scope of the invention, and all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the following claims. The above specification provides a description of the manufacture and use of the disclosed compositions and methods. Since many embodiments can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention, the invention resides in the claims. Examples of embodiments of the present disclosure are listed in the following items [1] to

[24] . [1] 1. A solid laundry softening composition comprising: The following formula:

change

[10] 10. The composition of claim 9, wherein the surfactant is a nonionic, amphiphilic, anionic, or cationic surfactant.

[11] 11. The composition of any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the solid composition is a multi-use composition of at least 250 grams and / or the solid is a poured or extruded solid, the solid being a capsule, tablet, pack, brick, or block.

[12] 1. A solid laundry softening composition comprising: The following formula:

change

[13] 13. The composition of claim 12, wherein the quaternary ammonium compound comprises from about 15% to about 55% by weight of the solid laundry softening composition, and the urea or inclusion compound forming derivative comprises from about 5% to about 20% by weight of the solid laundry softening composition.

[14] 14. The composition of claim 12 or 13, wherein the quaternary ammonium compound comprises a dialkyl quaternary ammonium compound, preferably a di-C8-24 alkyl dimethyl quaternary ammonium compound or di(hydrogenated tallow alkyl) dimethyl ammonium chloride (DHTDMAC), an ester quat, an amido amine, an imidazoline, an ester amide salt, or a combination thereof, wherein the quaternary ammonium compound has an iodine value of 15 or less, or 10 or less.

[15] 15. The composition of any one of claims 12-14, further comprising a softening promoter, preferably an organosilicone including polyalkylsilicones, aminosilicones, siloxanes, polydimethylsiloxanes, ethoxylated organosilicones, propoxylated organosilicones, ethoxylated / propoxylated organosilicones, deposition aids, or mixtures thereof, in an amount of about 0.1% to about 20% by weight of the solid composition.

[16] 16. The composition of claim 15, wherein the silicone is an emulsion and displaces water added to the formulation to form the solid composition.

[17] 17. The composition of any one of claims 12-16, further comprising one or more of: (A) a processing aid comprising a C6 to C22 alkyl group in an amount of about 0.5% to about 10% by weight of the solid composition; (B) a salt; (C) an acid (i.e., an acidulant); (D) a surfactant; or (E) an additional functional ingredient.

[18] 18. The composition of any one of claims 12 to 17, wherein the solid composition is a multi-use composition of at least 250 grams and / or the solid is a poured or extruded solid, the solid being a capsule, tablet, pack, brick, or block.

[19] 1. A method for treating a fabric, comprising: (a) contacting the solid laundry softening composition according to any one of claims 1 to 18 with water to form an aqueous suspension; (b) dispensing the aqueous suspension into a washing machine, wherein the aqueous suspension contacts the fabrics to be treated.

[20] 20. The method of claim 19, wherein the treated fabric does not exhibit yellowing or fabric color change as measured by a Delta E value >1.

[21] 21. The method of claim 19 or 20, wherein the dispensing of the aqueous suspension is at least about 10 grams / minute with water at a temperature of about 40°C to 60°C.

Claims

1. 1. A solid laundry softening composition comprising: 10 to 60% by weight of a quaternary ammonium compound comprising at least one of a dialkyl quaternary ammonium compound, an ester quaternary ammonium compound, an amidoamine quaternary ammonium compound, an imidazoline quaternary ammonium compound, or an esteramide quaternary ammonium compound; 1% to 25% by weight of urea or an inclusion compound forming derivative; a processing aid comprising a fatty acid amide; A solid laundry softening composition, wherein the ratio of quaternary ammonium compound to urea or its inclusion compound forming derivative is from 1:1 to 6:

1.

2. 2. The composition of claim 1, wherein the quaternary ammonium compound comprises from 15% to 60% by weight of the solid laundry softening composition, and the urea or inclusion compound forming derivative comprises from 1% to 20% by weight of the solid laundry softening composition.

3. 3. The composition of claim 1 or 2, wherein the quaternary ammonium compound comprises a di-C8-24 alkyl dimethyl quaternary ammonium compound or di(hydrogenated tallow alkyl) dimethyl ammonium chloride (DHTDMAC).

4. The composition of any one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising a softening booster in an amount of from 0.1% to 20% by weight of the solid laundry softening composition.

5. 5. The composition of claim 4, wherein the softening promoter is an organosilicone including polyalkylsilicones, aminosilicones, siloxanes, polydimethylsiloxanes, ethoxylated organosilicones, propoxylated organosilicones, ethoxylated / propoxylated organosilicones, or mixtures thereof.

6. The composition of claim 5 wherein the silicone is a silicone emulsion.

7. 7. The composition of claim 6, wherein the processing aid has a C6 to C22 alkyl group and the processing aid is included in an amount from 0.5% to 10% by weight of the solid laundry softening composition.

8. 8. The composition of any one of claims 1 to 7, further comprising a salt, an acid, a surfactant, and / or other additional functional ingredient selected from an anti-foaming agent, an anti-redeposition agent, a solubility modifier, a dispersing agent, a stabilizer, a sequestering or chelating agent, an anti-wrinkle agent, an optical brightener, a fragrance, a dye, a rheology modifier or thickener, a hydrotrope or coupler, a buffer, a solvent, an enzyme, a stain release agent, a dye scavenger, a starch / crisping agent, a bactericide / fungicide, an antioxidant, a skin care ingredient, a disinfectant, or a combination thereof.

9. The composition of claim 8, wherein the surfactant is a nonionic, amphiphilic, anionic, or cationic surfactant.

10. 10. The composition of any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the solid laundry softening composition is a multi-use composition of at least 250 grams and / or the solid laundry softening composition is a poured or extruded bar, the poured or extruded bar being a capsule, tablet, puck, brick, or block.

11. 1. A solid laundry softening composition comprising: 15 to 60% by weight of a quaternary ammonium compound comprising at least one of a dialkyl quaternary ammonium compound, an ester quaternary ammonium compound, an amidoamine quaternary ammonium compound, an imidazoline quaternary ammonium compound, or an esteramide quaternary ammonium compound; 1% to 25% by weight of urea or an inclusion compound forming derivative; A processing aid comprising a fatty acid amide; a surfactant including a nonionic surfactant, A solid laundry softening composition, wherein the ratio of quaternary ammonium compound to urea or its inclusion compound forming derivative is from 1:1 to 6:

1.

12. 12. The composition of claim 11, wherein the quaternary ammonium compound comprises from 15% to 55% by weight of the solid laundry softening composition and the urea or inclusion compound forming derivative comprises from 5% to 20% by weight of the solid laundry softening composition.

13. 13. The composition of claim 11 or 12, wherein the quaternary ammonium compound has an iodine value of 15 or less, or 10 or less.

14. 14. The composition of claim 13, wherein the quaternary ammonium compound comprises a di-C8-24 alkyl dimethyl quaternary ammonium compound or di(hydrogenated tallow alkyl)dimethyl ammonium chloride (DHTDMAC).

15. The composition of any one of claims 11 to 14, further comprising a softening booster in an amount from 0.1% to 20% by weight of the solid laundry softening composition.

16. 16. The composition of claim 15, wherein the softening promoter is an organosilicone including polyalkylsilicones, aminosilicones, siloxanes, polydimethylsiloxanes, ethoxylated organosilicones, propoxylated organosilicones, ethoxylated / propoxylated organosilicones, or mixtures thereof.

17. 17. The composition of claim 16, wherein the silicone is an emulsion and displaces water added to the formulation to form the solid laundry softening composition.

18. 18. The composition of any one of claims 11 to 17, wherein the processing aid has a C6 to C22 alkyl group and the processing aid is present in an amount of 0.5% to 10% by weight of the solid laundry softening composition, and the solid laundry softening composition further comprises a salt, an acid, or an additional functional ingredient selected from an antifoaming agent, an anti-redeposition agent, a solubility modifier, a dispersing agent, a stabilizer, a sequestering or chelating agent, an anti-wrinkle agent, an optical brightener, a fragrance, a dye, a rheology modifier or thickener, a hydrotrope or coupler, a buffer, a solvent, an enzyme, a soil release agent, a dye scavenger, a starch / crisping agent, a bactericide / fungicide, an antioxidant, a skin care ingredient, a disinfectant, or a combination thereof.

19. 18. The composition of any one of claims 11 to 17, wherein the solid laundry softening composition is a multi-use composition of at least 250 grams and / or the solid laundry softening composition is a poured or extruded bar, the poured or extruded bar being a capsule, tablet, puck, brick, or block.

20. 1. A method for treating a fabric, comprising: (a) contacting a solid laundry softening composition according to any one of claims 1 to 19 with water to form an aqueous suspension; (b) dispensing the aqueous suspension into a washing machine and contacting the aqueous suspension with the fabrics to be treated.

21. 21. The method of claim 20, wherein the treated fabric does not exhibit yellowing or change in fabric color.

22. 22. The method of claim 20 or 21, wherein the dispensing of the aqueous suspension is at least 10 grams / minute with water at a temperature of 40°C to 60°C.

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