Opacifiers for detergent formulations

Abstract

A fabric care formulation comprising a liquid carrier and a plurality of composite opacifier particles, the composite opacifier particles comprising metal oxide particles partially or completely encapsulated by wax, wherein the metal oxide particles are selected from the group consisting of zinc oxide, titanium oxide and mixtures thereof, the metal oxide particles have a z-average particle size of greater than 100 nm as measured by dynamic light scattering, the wax has a melting point temperature of 45-110°C, and the composite opacifier particles have a z-average particle size of greater than 100 nm to 2,000 nm as measured by dynamic light scattering.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to fabric care formulations. In particular, the present invention relates to fabric care formulations comprising a liquid carrier and a plurality of composite opacifier particles, the composite opacifier particles comprising metal oxide particles partially or completely encapsulated by a wax, wherein the metal oxide particles are selected from the group consisting of zinc oxide, titanium oxide, and mixtures thereof, the metal oxide particles have a z-average particle size of greater than 100 nm as measured by dynamic light scattering, the wax has a melting point temperature of 45 to 110°C, and the composite opacifier particles have a z-average particle size of greater than 100 nm to 2,000 nm as measured by dynamic light scattering.

[0002] In addition to cleaning performance, the aesthetic appearance and feel of a detergent is an important consideration for consumers. Accordingly, detergents typically contain a variety of formulation ingredients that affect functionality, aesthetics, or both, including, for example, surfactants, solvents, optionally builders, and opacifiers.

[0003] Opacifiers are materials that make liquid systems opaque. Thus, opacifiers are used to modify the appearance or aesthetics of detergents, for example, by converting the liquid from clear or translucent to opaque. Opacifiers can provide a uniform, premium "lotionized" appearance to liquid products. Opacifiers are usually formed from submicron-sized particles that are delivered to the formulation as a suspension of particles in a solvent, typically water.

[0004] Since opacifiers target the aesthetics of the formulation, it is generally desirable that their inclusion does not interfere with the function of the formulation or have a negative effect on the formulation.For example, opacifiers that show limited compatibility with other materials in the formulation have stability issues, and show spotting or residue formation, and are not preferred.In addition, opacifiers that introduce a large amount of water into the formulation, for example, by only being effective when used in large amounts, are also not preferred, especially for formulations where it is desirable to limit the amount of water, such as concentrated detergents or unit dose packets.

[0005] There remains a need for more sustainable opacifiers for use in detergent formulations, particularly sustainable opacifiers that perform comparably to traditional styrene acrylic copolymer-based opacifiers.

[0006] The present invention provides a fabric care formulation comprising a liquid carrier and a plurality of composite opacifier particles, the composite opacifier particles comprising metal oxide particles partially or completely encapsulated by a wax, wherein the metal oxide particles are selected from the group consisting of zinc oxide, titanium oxide and mixtures thereof, and the metal oxide particles have a z-average particle size of greater than 100 nm as measured by dynamic light scattering, the wax has a melting point temperature of 45 to 110°C, and the composite opacifier particles have a z-average particle size of greater than 100 nm to 2,000 nm as measured by dynamic light scattering.

[0007] The present invention provides a method of treating fabrics comprising providing soiled fabric articles, providing wash water, providing a fabric care formulation according to claim 3, and applying the fabric care formulation to the soiled fabric articles in the presence of the wash water to provide washed fabric articles. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0008] The inventors have surprisingly found that composite opacifier particles comprising metal oxide particles partially or fully encapsulated by a wax (preferably a natural wax) can be stably incorporated into liquid detergent formulations to provide opacification comparable to conventional styrene acrylate copolymer-based opacifiers, while increasing the overall sustainability of the liquid detergent formulation.

[0009] Unless otherwise indicated, ratios, percentages, parts, etc. are by weight.

[0010] As used herein, unless otherwise indicated, "molecular weight" or M W The phrase "weight average molecular weight" refers to weight average molecular weight as measured conventionally using gel permeation chromatography (GPC) and poly(ethylene oxide) standards. GPC techniques are described in detail in "Modern Size Exclusion Chromatography," W.W. Yau, J.J. Kirkland, D.D.Bly; Wiley-Interscience, 1979, and in "A Guide to Materials Characterization and Chemical Analysis," J.P. Sibilia; VCH, 1988, pp. 81-84. Molecular weights are reported herein in units of Daltons, or equivalently, g / mol.

[0011] Preferably, the fabric care formulation of the present invention is selected from the group consisting of laundry detergent formulations, fabric softener formulations and laundry refresher formulations. More preferably, the fabric care formulation of the present invention is a laundry detergent formulation. Most preferably, the fabric care formulation of the present invention is a liquid laundry detergent formulation.

[0012] Preferably, the fabric care formulation of the present invention comprises a liquid carrier (preferably 25 to 97.9 wt. % (more preferably 50 to 94.5 wt. %, even more preferably 62.5 to 91.75 wt. %, even more preferably 70 to 89.9 wt. %, and most preferably 76 to 88 wt. %) of the liquid carrier based on the weight of the fabric care formulation), and a plurality of composite opacifier particles (preferably 0.05 to 10 wt. % (more preferably 0.1 to 7.5 wt. %, even more preferably 0.5 to 5 wt. %, and most preferably 0.75 to 3.0 wt. % of the plurality of composite opacifier particles based on the weight of the fabric care formulation), the composite opacifier particles being partially intercalated with wax. the wax has a melting point temperature of 45-110°C (preferably 65-100°C, more preferably 75-90°C, most preferably 80-90°C); and the composite opacifier particles have a z-average particle size of greater than 100 nm to 2,000 nm (preferably 200-1,000 nm, more preferably 250-750 nm, most preferably 300-500 nm) as measured by dynamic light scattering (e.g., using a Beckman Coulter particle size analyzer equipped with a Universal Liquid Module).

[0013] Preferably, the fabric care formulations of the present invention comprise a liquid carrier. More preferably, the fabric care formulations of the present invention comprise 25 to 97.9 wt.% (preferably, 50 to 94.5 wt.%, more preferably, 62.5 to 91.75 wt.%, even more preferably, 70 to 89.9 wt.%, and most preferably, 76 to 88 wt.%) of the liquid carrier based on the weight of the fabric care formulation. Even more preferably, the fabric care formulations of the present invention comprise 25 to 97.9 wt.% (preferably, 50 to 94.5 wt.%, more preferably, 62.5 to 91.75 wt.%, even more preferably, 70 to 89.9 wt.%, and most preferably, 76 to 88 wt.%) of the liquid carrier based on the weight of the fabric care formulation, wherein the liquid carrier comprises water. Most preferably, the fabric care formulations of the present invention comprise 25 to 97.9 wt.% (preferably, 50 to 94.5 wt.%, more preferably, 62.5 to 91.75 wt.%, even more preferably, 70 to 89.9 wt.%, and most preferably, 76 to 88 wt.%) of a liquid carrier, based on the weight of the fabric care formulation, wherein the liquid carrier is water.

[0014] Preferably, the liquid carrier is C 1~3 Alkanolamines, C 1~3 The liquid carrier may contain a water-miscible liquid such as an alkanol or a glycol. More preferably, the liquid carrier contains 0 to 8 wt. % (preferably 0.2 to 8 wt. %, more preferably 0.5 to 5 wt. %) of a water-miscible liquid based on the weight of the liquid carrier, and the water-miscible liquid is C 1~3 Alkanolamines, C 1~3 Preferably, the liquid carrier comprises 0 to 8% by weight (preferably 0.2 to 8% by weight, more preferably 0.5 to 5% by weight) of a water-miscible liquid, based on the weight of the liquid carrier, and the water-miscible liquid is selected from the group consisting of ethanol and propylene glycol.

[0015] Preferably, the fabric care formulation of the present invention comprises 0.05 to 10 wt. % (preferably 0.1 to 7.5 wt. %, more preferably 0.5 to 5 wt. %, and most preferably 0.75 to 3 wt. %) of a plurality of composite opacifier particles, based on the weight of the fabric care formulation, the composite opacifier particles comprising metal oxide particles partially or fully encapsulated by wax (preferably 50 to 100% encapsulated, more preferably 75 to 100% encapsulated, and most preferably 90 to 100% encapsulated), the metal oxide particles being selected from the group consisting of zinc oxide, titanium dioxide, and the like. and mixtures thereof, wherein the metal oxide particles have a z-average particle size of greater than 100 nm (preferably 110 nm to 500 nm, more preferably 150 nm to 400 nm, and most preferably 175 to 275 nm) as measured by dynamic light scattering (e.g., using a Brookhaven particle size analyzer), the wax has a melting point temperature of 45 to 110°C (preferably 65 to 100°C, more preferably 75 to 90°C, and most preferably 80 to 90°C), and the composite opacifier particles have a z-average particle size of greater than 100 nm to 2,000 nm (preferably 200 nm to 1,000 nm, more preferably 250 nm to 750 nm, and most preferably 300 nm to 500 nm) as measured by dynamic light scattering (e.g., using a Beckman Coulter particle size analyzer equipped with a Universal Liquid Module).More preferably, the fabric care formulation of the present invention comprises 0.05 to 10 wt.% (preferably 0.1 to 7.5 wt.%, more preferably 0.5 to 5 wt.%, most preferably 0.75 to 3 wt.%) of a plurality of composite opacifier particles, based on the weight of the fabric care formulation, the composite opacifier particles comprising metal oxide particles partially or fully encapsulated by wax (preferably 50 to 100% encapsulated, more preferably 75 to 100% encapsulated, most preferably 90 to 100% encapsulated), the composite opacifier particles comprising 1 to 40 wt.% (preferably 2 to 30 wt.%, more preferably 3 to 25 wt.%, most preferably 5 to 20 wt.%) of metal oxide particles, based on the weight of the composite opacifier particles, the metal oxide particles being selected from the group consisting of zinc oxide, titanium oxide, titanium dioxide ... and mixtures thereof, wherein the metal oxide particles have a z-average particle size of greater than 100 nm (preferably 110 nm to 500 nm, more preferably 150 nm to 400 nm, and most preferably 175 to 275 nm) as measured by dynamic light scattering (e.g., using a Brookhaven particle size analyzer), the composite opacifier particles comprise 60 to 99 wt % (preferably 70 to 98 wt %, more preferably 75 to 97 wt %, and most preferably 80 to 95 wt %) wax, based on the weight of the composite opacifier particles, the wax having a melting point temperature of 45 to 110°C (preferably 65 to 100°C, more preferably 75 to 90°C, and most preferably 80 to 90°C), and the composite opacifier particles have a z-average particle size of greater than 100 nm (preferably 110 nm to 500 nm, more preferably 150 nm to 400 nm, and most preferably 175 to 275 nm) as measured by dynamic light scattering (e.g., using a Universal The particles have a z-average particle size of greater than 100 nm to 2,000 nm (preferably 200 nm to 1,000 nm, more preferably 250 nm to 750 nm, and most preferably 300 nm to 500 nm) as measured using a Beckman Coulter particle size analyzer equipped with a Liquid Module.Most preferably, the fabric care formulation of the present invention comprises 0.05 to 10 wt.% (preferably 0.1 to 7.5 wt.%, more preferably 0.5 to 5 wt.%, most preferably 0.75 to 3 wt.%) of a plurality of composite opacifier particles, based on the weight of the fabric care formulation, the composite opacifier particles comprising metal oxide particles that are partially or fully encapsulated by wax (preferably 50 to 100% encapsulated, more preferably 75 to 100% encapsulated, most preferably 90 to 100% encapsulated), and the composite opacifier particles comprise 1 to 40 wt.% (preferably 2 to 30 wt.%, more preferably 3 to 25 wt.%, most preferably 5 to 20 wt.%) of metal oxide particles, based on the weight of the composite opacifier particle, the metal oxide particles the composite opacifier particles are titanium dioxide particles, the titanium dioxide particles having a z-average particle size of greater than 100 nm (preferably 110 nm to 500 nm, more preferably 150 nm to 400 nm, and most preferably 175 to 275 nm) as measured by dynamic light scattering (e.g., using a Brookhaven particle size analyzer); the composite opacifier particles comprise 60 to 99 wt % (preferably 70 to 98 wt %, more preferably 75 to 97 wt %, and most preferably 80 to 95 wt %) wax, based on the weight of the composite opacifier particles, the wax having a melting point temperature of 45 to 110°C (preferably 65 to 100°C, more preferably 75 to 90°C, and most preferably 80 to 90°C); the composite opacifier particles are titanium dioxide particles, the z-average particle size of greater than 100 nm (preferably 110 nm to 500 nm, more preferably 150 nm to 400 nm, and most preferably 175 to 275 nm) as measured by dynamic light scattering (e.g., using a Universal The particles have a z-average particle size of greater than 100 nm to 2,000 nm (preferably 200 nm to 1,000 nm, more preferably 250 nm to 750 nm, and most preferably 300 nm to 500 nm) as measured using a Beckman Coulter particle size analyzer equipped with a Liquid Module.

[0016] Preferably, the metal oxide particles are selected from the group consisting of zinc oxide, titanium oxide, and mixtures thereof, and the metal oxide particles have a z-average particle size of greater than 100 nm (preferably, 110 nm to 500 nm, more preferably, 150 nm to 400 nm, and most preferably, 175 to 275 nm) as measured by dynamic light scattering (e.g., using a Brookhaven particle size analyzer). The metal oxide particles include titanium dioxide having a z-average particle size of greater than 100 nm (preferably, 110 nm to 500 nm, more preferably, 150 nm to 400 nm, and most preferably, 175 to 275 nm) as measured by dynamic light scattering (e.g., using a Brookhaven particle size analyzer). Most preferably, the metal oxide particles are titanium dioxide having a z-average particle size of greater than 100 nm (preferably 110 nm to 500 nm, more preferably 150 nm to 400 nm, most preferably 175 to 275 nm) as measured by dynamic light scattering (e.g., using a Brookhaven particle size analyzer). Preferably, the metal oxide particles have a hydrophobic surface treatment (e.g., a polysiloxane surface coating).

[0017] Preferably, the wax is a natural wax. More preferably, the wax is a natural wax selected from the group consisting of carnauba wax, candelilla wax, bayberry wax, castor wax, coco butter, esparto wax, laurel wax, japan wax, jojoba wax, ouricury wax, palm wax, rice bran wax, soybean wax, shea butter, sunflower wax, tallow wax, and mixtures thereof. More preferably, the wax is a natural wax selected from the group consisting of carnauba wax, castor wax, ouricury wax, rice bran wax, and mixtures thereof. Even more preferably, the wax is a natural wax comprising carnauba wax. Most preferably, the wax is carnauba wax.

[0018] Preferably, the wax is C 23~31 Paraffin, C 24~36Fatty alcohol, C 12~36 Fatty acids and C 9~24 Fatty acids and C 12~36 Includes esters derived from fatty alcohols.

[0019] Preferably, the fabric care formulations of the present invention are laundry detergent formulations further comprising a cleaning surfactant. More preferably, the fabric care formulations of the present invention are laundry detergent formulations further comprising 2 to 60 wt% (more preferably, 5 to 40 wt%, even more preferably, 7.5 to 30 wt%, even more preferably, 10 to 25 wt%, and most preferably, 10 to 20 wt%) of a cleaning surfactant based on the weight of the fabric care formulation. Even more preferably, the fabric care formulations of the present invention are laundry detergent formulations further comprising 2 to 60 wt% (more preferably, 5 to 40 wt%, even more preferably, 7.5 to 30 wt%, even more preferably, 10 to 25 wt%, and most preferably, 10 to 20 wt%) of a cleaning surfactant based on the weight of the fabric care formulation. The cleaning surfactant is selected from the group consisting of anionic surfactants, nonionic surfactants, cationic surfactants, amphoteric surfactants, and mixtures thereof. Even more preferably, the fabric care formulations of the present invention are laundry detergent formulations further comprising 2 to 60 wt.% (more preferably, 5 to 40 wt.%, even more preferably, 7.5 to 30 wt.%, even more preferably, 10 to 25 wt.%, and most preferably, 10 to 20 wt.%) of a cleaning surfactant, based on the weight of the fabric care formulation, wherein the cleaning surfactant is selected from the group consisting of a mixture comprising an anionic surfactant and a nonionic surfactant. Most preferably, the fabric care formulations of the present invention are laundry detergent formulations further comprising 2 to 60 wt.% (more preferably, 5 to 40 wt.%, even more preferably, 7.5 to 30 wt.%, even more preferably, 10 to 25 wt.%, and most preferably, 10 to 20 wt.%) of a cleaning surfactant, based on the weight of the fabric care formulation, wherein the cleaning surfactant comprises a mixture of linear alkyl benzene sulfonate, sodium lauryl ethoxy sulfate, and nonionic alcohol ethoxylate.

[0020] Anionic surfactants include alkyl sulfates, alkylbenzene sulfates, alkylbenzene sulfonic acids, alkylbenzene sulfonates, alkyl polyethoxy sulfates, alkoxylated alcohols, paraffin sulfonic acids, paraffin sulfonates, olefin sulfonic acids, olefin sulfonates, alpha-sulfocarboxylates, esters of alpha-sulfocarboxylates, alkyl glyceryl ether sulfonic acids, alkyl glyceryl ether sulfonates, sulfates of fatty acids, sulfonates of fatty acids, sulfonates of fatty acid esters, alkyl phenols, alkylphenol polyethoxy ether sulfates, 2-acryloxy-alkane-1-sulfonic acids, 2-acryloxy-alkane-1-sulfonates, beta-alkyloxyalkane sulfonic acids, beta-alkyloxyalkane sulfonates, amine oxides, and mixtures thereof. Preferred anionic surfactants include C 8~20 Alkylbenzene sulfate, C 8~20 Alkylbenzene sulfonic acid, C 8~20 Alkylbenzene sulfonates, paraffin sulfonic acids, paraffin sulfonates, alpha-olefin sulfonic acids, alpha-olefin sulfonates, alkoxylated alcohols, C 8~20 Alkylphenols, amine oxides, sulfonates of fatty acids, sulfonates of fatty acid esters, C 8~10 alkyl polyethoxy sulfates, and mixtures thereof. More preferred anionic surfactants include C 12~16 Alkylbenzene sulfonic acid, C 12~16 Alkylbenzene sulfonate, C 12~18 Paraffin sulfonic acid, C 12~18 Paraffin sulfonate, C 12~16 Alkyl polyethoxy sulfates, and mixtures thereof.

[0021] Nonionic surfactants include alkoxylates (e.g., polyglycol ethers, fatty alcohol polyglycol ethers, alkylphenol polyglycol ethers, end-capped polyglycol ethers, mixed ethers, hydroxy mixed ethers, fatty acid polyglycol esters, and mixtures thereof. Preferred nonionic surfactants include fatty alcohol polyglycol ethers. More preferred nonionic surfactants include secondary alcohol ethoxylates, ethoxylated 2-ethylhexanol, ethoxylated seed oil, butanol-capped ethoxylated 2-ethylhexanol, and mixtures thereof. Most preferred nonionic surfactants include secondary alcohol ethoxylates.

[0022] The cationic surfactant includes a quaternary surfactant compound.Preferred cationic surfactants include a quaternary surfactant compound having at least one of an ammonium group, a sulfonium group, a phosphonium group, an iodonium group, and an arsonium group.More preferred cationic surfactants include at least one of dialkyldimethylammonium chloride and alkyldimethylbenzylammonium chloride.Even more preferred cationic surfactants include C 16~18 Dialkyldimethylammonium chloride, C 8~18 The most preferred cationic surfactants include at least one of alkyldimethylbenzylammonium chloride and dimethylditallow ammonium chloride.

[0023] Examples of amphoteric surfactants include betaine, amine oxide, alkylamidoalkylamine, alkyl-substituted amine oxide, acylated amino acid, derivatives of aliphatic quaternary ammonium compounds, and mixtures thereof. Preferred amphoteric surfactants include derivatives of aliphatic quaternary ammonium compounds. More preferred amphoteric surfactants include derivatives of aliphatic quaternary ammonium compounds having a long-chain group with 8 to 18 carbon atoms. Even more preferred amphoteric surfactants include C 12~14 The most preferred amphoteric surfactants include at least one of alkyl dimethylamine oxide, 3-(N,N-dimethyl-N-hexadecyl-ammonio)propane-1-sulfonate, and 3-(N,N-dimethyl-N-hexadecylammonio)-2-hydroxypropane-1-sulfonate. 12~14 At least one of alkyl dimethyl amine oxides may be mentioned.

[0024] Preferably, the fabric care formulations of the present invention optionally further comprise at least one additional formulation ingredient selected from the group consisting of antimicrobial agents, rheology modifiers, pH adjusters, foaming agents, emulsifiers, fragrances, chelating agents, preservatives (e.g., benzoic acid, sorbic acid, phenoxyethanol), bleaching agents, bleach activators, antistatic agents, structurants, hydrotropes, builders, stabilizers, enzymes, optical brighteners, fillers, fabric softeners, colorants, absorbents, hard particles, soft particles, and mixtures thereof.

[0025] Preferably, the fabric care formulations of the present invention optionally further comprise a hydrotrope. More preferably, the fabric care formulations of the present invention optionally further comprise 0-10 wt% (preferably 0.1-7.5 wt%, more preferably 0.2-5 wt%, and most preferably 0.5-2.5 wt%) of a hydrotrope based on the weight of the fabric care formulation. More preferably, the fabric care formulations of the present invention optionally further comprise 0-10 wt% (preferably 0.1-7.5 wt%, more preferably 0.2-5 wt%, and most preferably 0.5-2.5 wt%) of a hydrotrope based on the weight of the fabric care formulation, the hydrotrope being selected from the group consisting of calcium, sodium, potassium, ammonium, and alkanolammonium salts of alkyl hydroxide, urea, monoethanolamine, diethanolamine, triethanolamine, xylene sulfonic acid, toluene sulfonic acid, ethylbenzene sulfonic acid, naphthalene sulfonic acid, and cumene sulfonic acid, salts thereof, and mixtures thereof. Most preferably, the fabric care formulations of the present invention further comprise 0-10 wt.% (preferably, 0.1-7.5 wt.%, more preferably, 0.2-5 wt.%, most preferably, 0.5-2.5 wt.%) of a hydrotrope, based on the weight of the fabric care formulation, the hydrotrope being selected from the group consisting of sodium toluene sulfonate, potassium toluene sulfonate, sodium xylene sulfonate, ammonium xylene sulfonate, potassium xylene sulfonate, calcium xylene sulfonate, sodium cumene sulfonate, ammonium cumene sulfonate, and mixtures thereof.

[0026] Preferably, the fabric care formulations of the present invention optionally further comprise a perfume. More preferably, the fabric care formulations of the present invention optionally further comprise 0 to 10 wt% (preferably 0.001 to 5 wt%, more preferably 0.005 to 3 wt%, most preferably 0.01 to 2.5 wt%) of perfume based on the weight of the fabric care formulation.

[0027] Preferably, the fabric care formulations of the present invention optionally further comprise a builder. More preferably, the fabric care formulations of the present invention further comprise 0 to 50 wt% (preferably 5 to 50 wt%, more preferably 7.5 to 30 wt%) of builder based on the weight of the fabric care formulation. Most preferably, the fabric care formulations of the present invention optionally further comprise 0 to 50 wt% (preferably 5 to 50 wt%, more preferably 7.5 to 30 wt%) of builder based on the weight of the fabric care formulation. Builders: The builders are selected from the group consisting of inorganic builders (e.g., tripolyphosphates, pyrophosphates), alkali metal carbonates, borates, bicarbonates, hydroxides, zeolites, citrates (e.g., sodium citrate), polycarboxylates, monocarboxylates, aminotrismethylenephosphonic acid, salts of aminotrismethylenephosphonic acid, hydroxyethanediphosphonic acid, salts of hydroxyethanediphosphonic acid, diethylenetriaminepenta(methylenephosphonic acid), salts of diethylenetriaminepenta(methylenephosphonic acid), ethylenediaminetetraethylene-phosphonic acid, salts of ethylenediaminetetraethylene-phosphonic acid, oligomeric phosphonates, polymeric phosphonates, and mixtures thereof.

[0028] Preferably, the fabric care formulations of the present invention further comprise 0 to 10 wt. % of a bleaching agent, based on the weight of the fabric care formulation. Preferred bleaching agents include, for example, sodium perborate and sodium percarbonate.

[0029] Preferably, the fabric care formulations of the present invention further comprise 0-10 wt. % of a bleach activator, based on the weight of the fabric care formulation. Preferred bleach activators include, for example, tetraacetyl ethylene diamine (TAED) and sodium nonanoyloxybenzene sulfonate (NOBS).

[0030] Preferably, the fabric care formulations of the present invention further comprise 0 to 1 wt. % of a stabilizer, based on the weight of the fabric care formulation. Preferred stabilizers include, for example, phosphonates.

[0031] Preferably, the fabric care formulations of the present invention further comprise 0-2 wt. % of an enzyme, based on the weight of the fabric care formulation. Preferred enzymes include, for example, proteases, cellulases, amylases and lipases.

[0032] Preferably, the fabric care formulations of the present invention further comprise 0 to 0.3 wt. % of an optical brightener, based on the weight of the fabric care formulation. Preferred optical brighteners include, for example, fluorescent whitening agents.

[0033] Preferably, the fabric care formulations of the present invention further comprise 0 to 74.09 wt% (preferably, 0.1 to 74.09 wt%, more preferably, 5 to 70 wt%, even more preferably, 28.5 to 65 wt%, and most preferably, 53.9 to 62 wt%) of a filler based on the weight of the fabric care formulation. More preferably, the fabric care formulations of the present invention further comprise 0 to 74.09 wt% (preferably, 0.1 to 74.09 wt%, more preferably, 5 to 70 wt%, even more preferably, 28.5 to 65 wt%, and most preferably, 53.9 to 62 wt%) of a filler based on the weight of the fabric care formulation, the filler comprising at least one of sodium sulfate, sodium chloride, calcite, and dolomite. Most preferably, the fabric care formulations of the present invention further comprise 0 to 74.09 wt.% (preferably, 0.1 to 74.09 wt.%, more preferably, 5 to 70 wt.%, even more preferably, 28.5 to 65 wt.%, and most preferably, 53.9 to 62 wt.%) of a filler, based on the weight of the fabric care formulation, wherein the filler is selected from the group consisting of sodium sulfate, sodium chloride, calcite, dolomite, and mixtures thereof.

[0034] Preferably, the fabric care formulations of the present invention optionally further comprise a fabric softener. More preferably, the fabric care formulations of the present invention optionally further comprise 0 to 10 wt% (preferably 0.5 to 10 wt%) of a fabric softener based on the weight of the fabric care formulation. Most preferably, the fabric care formulations of the present invention optionally further comprise 0 to 10 wt% (preferably 0.5 to 10 wt%) of a fabric softener based on the weight of the fabric care formulation, wherein the fabric softener is a cationic coacervated polymer (e.g., cationic hydroxyl ethyl cellulose, polyquaternium polymer, and combinations thereof).

[0035] Preferably, the fabric care formulations of the present invention optionally further comprise a pH adjuster. Preferably, the fabric care formulations of the present invention optionally further comprise a pH adjuster, and the fabric care formulations have a pH of 6 to 12.5 (preferably 6.5 to 11, more preferably 7.5 to 10). Bases for adjusting pH include inorganic bases such as sodium hydroxide (including soda ash) and potassium hydroxide, sodium bicarbonate, sodium silicate, ammonium hydroxide, and organic bases (e.g., mono-, di-, or tri-ethanolamine, and 2-dimethylamino-2-methyl-1-propanol (DMAMP)). Acids for adjusting pH include inorganic acids (e.g., hydrochloric acid, phosphoric acid, and sulfuric acid) and organic acids (e.g., acetic acid).

[0036] Preferably, the fabric care compositions of the present invention further comprise a rheology modifier. More preferably, the fabric care formulations of the present invention further comprise a rheology modifier, selected to increase the viscosity of the fabric care formulation (preferably without substantially altering other properties of the fabric care formulation). Most preferably, the fabric care formulations of the present invention further comprise 0-10 wt% (preferably 0.05-5 wt%, more preferably 0.1-2.5 wt%, most preferably 0.15-2.0 wt%) of a rheology modifier, based on the weight of the fabric care formulation.

[0037] Preferably, the method of treating soiled fabrics of the present invention comprises providing a fabric article (preferably a soiled fabric article), providing a fabric care formulation of the present invention, and applying the fabric care formulation to the fabric article to provide a treated fabric article. More preferably, the method of treating fabrics of the present invention comprises providing a soiled fabric article, providing wash water, preparing a fabric care formulation of the present invention, and applying the fabric care formulation to the soiled fabric article in the presence of the wash water to provide a washed fabric article.

[0038] Some embodiments of the present invention will now be described in detail in the following examples.

[0039] Comparative Examples CD1-CD4 and Examples D1-D2: Dispersion Dispersions were prepared in each of Comparative Examples CD1-CD4 and Examples D1-D2 by combining the ingredients shown in Table 1 in a 300 mL Parr mixing vessel equipped with a Cowles mixer blade positioned at the bottom of a 3.5-inch long stirring shaft and a pulley system allowing a mixer speed of up to 1,825 rpm. The wax, 30% potassium hydroxide solution, inorganic formulation ingredients (if any), and initial water shown in Table 1 were added to the Parr mixing vessel. The contents of the Parr mixing vessel were then heated with a heating mantle set at 140°C. Once the wax was sufficiently softened, stirring was initiated at 150 rpm to promote uniform heating of the vessel contents. Once the vessel contents reached the process temperature of 140°C, the stirring speed was increased to 600 rpm. After 5 minutes, the amount of dilution water shown in Table 1 was added to the vessel. The heating mantle was lowered, and the vessel contents were cooled to 50°C by immersing the vessel in a cold water bath while maintaining the stirring speed at 600 rpm. The resulting dispersion products were tested for % solids, volume average particle size and pH.

[0040] [Table 1] 1 Carnauba wax (C) available from Machado & CIA Inc.23~31 Paraffin, C 24~36 Fatty alcohol, C 12~36 Fatty acids and C9, C 12~36 esters of 2 IMERCARE® opaque kaolin (Al2Si2O5(OH)4) with an average particle size of 600 nm, available from Imerys Performance Minerals 3 TI-PURE™ R-104 TiO2 with a hydrophobic coating, average particle size of 220 nm, available from Chemours 4 TI-PURE™ R-101 TiO2 with a mean particle size of 290 nm and a hydrophilic coating available from Chemours * Multiple peaks were observed

[0041] Comparative Examples C1-C4 and Example 1: Liquid Laundry Detergent Formulations In each of Comparative Examples C1-C4 and Example 1, a liquid laundry formulation was prepared by combining the ingredients in the amounts listed in Table 2.

[0042] [Table 2] 1 Nacconal 90G Linear Alkylbenzene Sulfonate, available from Stepan Company 2 Steol CS-460 Sodium Lauryl Ethoxy Sulfate, available from Stepan Company 3 Biosoft N25-7 Nonionic Alcohol Ethoxylate available from Stepan Company 4 OPULYN™ 301 Opacifier 5 TI-PURE™ R-104 TiO2 particles with a hydrophobic coating, 220 nm average particle size, available from Chemours

[0043] Performance Test The formula stability and opacity (L) of the body wash formulas from each of Comparative Examples C1-C4 and Example 1 were measured. * The L values ​​are reported in Table 3. Each formulation was filled into a 1 mL vial and imaged at room temperature with a Dow PICA IIU High Throughput (HTR) Imaging Station. Images were analyzed using Dow image Analysis Methods for HTR (DiamHTR) Version 2.0 in MATLAB. The analysis software batch processed the images and integrated the entire area of ​​the sample image to calculate the average L for each sample. * a * b * The color values ​​could be calculated. * , a * and b * The values ​​are listed in Table 3.

[0044] [Table 3]

Claims

1. 1. A fabric care formulation comprising: A liquid carrier; and a plurality of composite opacifier particles, said composite opacifier particles comprising metal oxide particles partially or completely encapsulated by a wax, wherein said metal oxide particles are selected from the group consisting of zinc oxide, titanium oxide and mixtures thereof, said metal oxide particles having a z-average particle size of greater than 100 nm as measured by dynamic light scattering, said wax having a melting point temperature of 45 to 110°C, and said composite opacifier particles having a z-average particle size of greater than 100 nm to 2,000 nm as measured by dynamic light scattering.

2. 10. The fabric care formulation of claim 1, wherein said fabric care formulation is selected from the group consisting of laundry detergent formulations, fabric softener formulations, and laundry refresher formulations.

3. 3. The fabric care formulation of claim 2, wherein said fabric care formulation is a laundry detergent formulation, said fabric care formulation further comprising a detersive surfactant.

4. 4. The fabric care formulation of claim 3, wherein the vehicle is an aqueous vehicle.

5. 5. The fabric care formulation of claim 4, wherein said metal oxide particles are titanium dioxide particles.

6. 6. The fabric care formulation of claim 5 further comprising a rheology modifier.

7. 7. The fabric care formulation of claim 6, wherein said wax is a natural wax.

8. 8. The fabric care formulation of claim 7, wherein said natural wax is from the group consisting of carnauba wax, candelilla wax, bayberry wax, castor wax, coco butter, esparto wax, Japan wax, jojoba wax, laurel wax, ouricle wax, palm wax, rice bran wax, soybean wax, sunflower wax, shea butter, tallow wax and mixtures thereof.

9. 9. The fabric care formulation of claim 8, wherein said natural wax is carnauba wax.

10. 1. A method of treating fabrics, comprising: providing a soiled fabric item; Preparing wash water; Providing a fabric care formulation according to claim 3; applying said fabric care formulation to said soiled fabric articles in the presence of said wash water to provide cleaned fabric articles.

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