Liquid fabric softener composition

Abstract

To provide a liquid softener that contains a softening base and a flavor in high concentrations and resists an increase in viscosity.SOLUTION: A liquid softener composition contains (A) at least one compound selected from the group consisting of an amine compound intramolecularly having one to three C10-26 hydrocarbon groups, divided by an ester group and / or an amide group, a salt thereof and a quaternarized product thereof; (B) a quaternary ammonium salt represented by general formula (B1) (where R1 is a C16-26 saturated or unsaturated hydrocarbon group, optionally divided by an ester group and / or an amide group, R2 and R3 independently represent a C1-3 alkyl, X is an anion group); and (C) a flavor. The content of components (A) (B), and (C) are set, respectively, at 15-30 mass%, 1.0-3.0 mass%, and 1.0-5.0 mass% relative to the total mass of the liquid softener composition, and furthermore, the mass ratio between the components (A) and (B), (A / B), is set at 6-30.SELECTED DRAWING: None

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a concentrated liquid fabric softener composition. [Background technology]

[0002] Reducing the mass of liquid fabric softeners by concentrating them has advantages such as improved convenience for consumers and reduced environmental impact by reducing the amount of plastic container material used. As a technique for concentrating liquid fabric softeners, blending a fabric softener base at a high concentration is known (Patent Documents 1 to 7). Furthermore, in the field of liquid fabric softeners, a technique of incorporating quaternary ammonium salts is known for the purposes of improving freeze recovery, improving the dispersibility of encapsulated fragrances, suppressing solid precipitation due to exposure to sunlight, and maintaining a transparent appearance (Patent Documents 1, 2, 4, 5, and 7). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2015-4145 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2015-34371 [Patent Document 3] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2014-15687 [Patent Document 4] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2013-133547 [Patent Document 5] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2014-125692 [Patent Document 6] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2016-216864 [Patent Document 7] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2019-94581 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In order to develop a concentrated liquid fabric softener that has fragrance, one of the important properties of fabric softeners, the inventors first discovered that thickening (the phenomenon of increased viscosity) occurs when a fabric softener base and fragrance are blended at high concentrations.Thickened concentrated liquid fabric softeners have issues as products, such as reduced handling when pouring them into a washing machine and reduced discharge efficiency from the washing machine's inlet. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] As a result of intensive research into the above-mentioned problems, the present inventors have found that by incorporating a specific amount of a quaternary ammonium salt having a specific carbon chain length, thickening can be suppressed even when both an emollient and a fragrance are present at high concentrations. The present invention is based on this finding.

[0006] That is, the present invention relates to the following [1] to [7]. [1] A liquid fabric softener composition comprising the following components (A) to (C): (A) at least one compound selected from the group consisting of amine compounds having 1 to 3 hydrocarbon groups having 10 to 26 carbon atoms in the molecule, which are interrupted by ester groups (-COO-) and / or amide groups (-NHCO-), salts thereof, and quaternized products thereof; (B) Quaternary ammonium salt represented by general formula (B1): TIFF0007792203000001.tif2853(in the formula, R 1 is a saturated or unsaturated hydrocarbon group having 16 to 26 carbon atoms, which may be interrupted by an ester group (—COO—) and / or an amide group (—NHCO—), and R 2 and R 3 are independently alkyl having 1 to 3 carbon atoms, and X is an anionic group; and (C) Contains fragrance, The content of the component (A) is 15 to 30% by mass relative to the total mass of the liquid softener composition, The content of the (B) component is 1.0 to 3.0% by mass relative to the total mass of the liquid softener composition, The content of the component (C) is 1.0 to 5.0% by mass relative to the total mass of the liquid softener composition, The mass ratio (A / B) of the component (A) to the component (B) is 6 to 30, A liquid fabric softener composition, characterized in that the liquid fabric softener composition is an emulsion type. [2] The liquid fabric softener composition according to [1] above, wherein the component (B) is selected from the group consisting of octadecyltrimethylammonium chloride, hexadecyltrimethylammonium chloride, octadecyltrimethylammonium bromide, and hexadecyltrimethylammonium bromide. [3] The liquid fabric softener composition according to [1] or [2] above, wherein the content of component (A) is 18 to 25% by mass relative to the total mass of the liquid fabric softener composition. [4] The liquid fabric softener composition according to any one of the above [1] to [3], wherein the content of component (B) is 1.0 to 2.0% by mass relative to the total mass of the liquid fabric softener composition. [5] The liquid fabric softener composition according to any one of the above [1] to [4], wherein the content of component (C) is 1.5 to 2.5% by mass relative to the total mass of the liquid fabric softener composition. [6] The liquid fabric softener composition according to any one of the above [1] to [5], wherein the mass ratio (A / B) of the component (A) to the component (B) is 10 to 20. [7] The liquid fabric softener composition according to any one of the above [1] to [6], wherein the mass ratio (A / C) of the component (A) to the component (C) is 5 to 30. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] As shown in the examples below, the present invention provides a concentrated liquid fabric softener that contains a high concentration of fabric softener base and fragrance but exhibits reduced thickening. The concentrated liquid fabric softener exhibits a viscosity that improves usability (particularly, ease of handling when dispensed into a washing machine and efficiency of discharging from the washing machine's dispenser opening). Therefore, the present invention provides a concentrated liquid fabric softener with added value not found in conventional products. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0008] [Component (A): Cationic Surfactant] Component (A) is a cationic surfactant that is "at least one compound selected from the group consisting of amine compounds having 1 to 3 hydrocarbon groups having 10 to 26 carbon atoms in the molecule, which are separated by ester groups (-COO-) and / or amide groups (-NHCO-), their salts, and their quaternized products." Component (A) is a softening base material, and is blended into the liquid softener composition to impart the effect of imparting softness (handiness) to textile products.

[0009] The number of carbon atoms in the hydrocarbon group having 10 to 26 carbon atoms (hereinafter also referred to as "long-chain hydrocarbon group") is preferably 17 to 26, more preferably 18 to 24. When the number of carbon atoms is 10 or more, the softening effect is good, and when it is 26 or less, the handleability of the liquid softener composition is good. The long-chain hydrocarbon group may be saturated or unsaturated. When the long-chain hydrocarbon group is unsaturated, the double bond may be located anywhere, but when there is one double bond, the double bond is preferably located in the center of the long-chain hydrocarbon group or distributed around the median. The long-chain hydrocarbon group may be a chain hydrocarbon group or a hydrocarbon group containing a ring in its structure, and is preferably a chain hydrocarbon group. The chain hydrocarbon group may be either a linear or branched chain. As the chain hydrocarbon group, an alkyl group or an alkenyl group is preferred, and an alkyl group is more preferred. The long-chain hydrocarbon group is divided by a dividing group. The division may be at one position or at two or more positions, preferably at one position. The interrupting group is an ester group (-COO-) or an amide group (-NHCO-). When the long-chain hydrocarbon group has two or more interrupting groups, each interrupting group may be the same or different. The carbon atoms of the dividing group are counted in the number of carbon atoms of the long-chain hydrocarbon group. The long-chain hydrocarbon group is usually introduced by using an industrially used unhydrogenated fatty acid derived from beef tallow, a fatty acid obtained by hydrogenating or partially hydrogenating the unsaturated moiety, an unhydrogenated fatty acid or fatty acid ester derived from a plant such as palm or oil palm, or a fatty acid or fatty acid ester obtained by hydrogenating or partially hydrogenating the unsaturated moiety. The number of long-chain hydrocarbon groups in an "amine compound having 1 to 3 hydrocarbon groups having 10 to 26 carbon atoms in the molecule, which are interrupted by an ester group (-COO-) or an amide group (-NHCO-) ​​(hereinafter sometimes referred to as an "amine compound" in this specification)" is 1 to 3. Preferably, the number is 2 (secondary amine compound) or 3 (tertiary amine compound), and more preferably 3.

[0010] The amine compound includes a compound represented by the following general formula (A1). TIFF0007792203000002.tif1954 (in the formula, R 1 ~R 3 are each independently -CH2CH(Y)OCOR 4 (Y is a hydrogen atom or CH3, and R 4 is a hydrocarbon group having 7 to 21 carbon atoms), -(CH2) n NHCOR 5 (n is 2 or 3, and R 5 is a hydrocarbon group having 7 to 21 carbon atoms), a hydrogen atom, an alkyl group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms, -CH2CH(Y)OH (Y is a hydrogen atom or CH3), or -(CH2) n NH2 (n is 2 or 3), R 1 ~R 3 At least one of the groups is -CH2CH(Y)OCOR 4 and / or -(CH2) n NHCOR 5 ) The group "-CHCH(Y)OCOR" in general formula (A1) 4 In the formula, Y is preferably a hydrogen atom. R 4 is preferably a hydrocarbon group having 15 to 19 carbon atoms.4 When there are multiple R 4 may be the same as each other or may be different from each other. R 4 The hydrocarbon group is a fatty acid having 8 to 22 carbon atoms (R 4 COOH) (a fatty acid residue) by removing the carboxyl group, and R 4 The fatty acids that form the base of 4 COOH) may be a saturated or unsaturated fatty acid, and may be a straight-chain or branched fatty acid. Among them, saturated or unsaturated straight-chain fatty acids are preferred. In order to impart good water absorbency to softened clothes, R 4 The saturated / unsaturated ratio (mass ratio) of the fatty acid from which the above is derived is preferably from 90 / 10 to 0 / 100, more preferably from 90 / 10 to 40 / 60, and particularly preferably from 90 / 10 to 70 / 30. R 4 When is an unsaturated fatty acid residue, it exists in cis and trans forms, and the mass ratio of cis / trans isomers is preferably 40 / 60 to 100 / 0, particularly preferably 70 / 30 to 90 / 10. R 4 Specific examples of fatty acids that serve as the base for this include stearic acid, palmitic acid, myristic acid, lauric acid, oleic acid, elaidic acid, linoleic acid, partially hydrogenated palm oil fatty acid (iodine value 10 to 60), and partially hydrogenated beef tallow fatty acid (iodine value 10 to 60). Among these, it is preferable to use a fatty acid composition prepared by combining predetermined amounts of two or more acids selected from stearic acid, palmitic acid, myristic acid, oleic acid, elaidic acid, and linoleic acid, and adjusting the composition to satisfy the following conditions (a) to (c): (a) The ratio (mass ratio) of saturated fatty acids to unsaturated fatty acids is 90 / 10 to 0 / 100, more preferably 90 / 10 to 40 / 60, and particularly preferably 90 / 10 to 70 / 30. (b) The cis / trans ratio (mass ratio) is 40 / 60 to 100 / 0, more preferably 70 / 30 to 90 / 10. (c) The fatty acids having 18 carbon atoms are 60% by mass or more, preferably 80% by mass or more, the fatty acids having 20 carbon atoms are less than 2% by mass, and the fatty acids having 21 to 22 carbon atoms are less than 1% by mass. In the general formula (A1), the group "-(CH2) n NHCOR 5 In the formula, n is preferably 3. R 5 is preferably a hydrocarbon group having 15 to 19 carbon atoms. 5 When there are multiple R 5 may be the same as each other or may be different from each other. R 5 As for R 4 Specific examples include the following:

[0011] In general formula (A1), R 1 ~R 3 At least one of these is -CH2CH(Y)OCOR 4 and / or -(CH2) n NHCOR 5 ) is R 1 ~R 3 Two of them are -CH2CH(Y)OCOR 4 and / or -(CH2) n NHCOR 5 ) is preferred. R 1 ~R 3 Of these, one or two are -CH2CH(Y)OCOR 4 and / or -(CH2) n NHCOR 5 ), the remaining two or one are a hydrogen atom, an alkyl group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms, -CH2CH(Y)OH (Y is a hydrogen atom or CH3), or -(CH2) n NH2 (n is 2 or 3), an alkyl group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms, -CH2CH(Y)OH, or -(CH2) nPreferably, it is NH2. Here, the alkyl group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms is preferably a methyl group or an ethyl group, and more preferably a methyl group. Y in -CH2CH(Y)OH is -CH2CH(Y)OCOR 4 Same as Y in -(CH2) n n in NH2 is -(CH2) n NHCOR 5 It is the same as n in

[0012] Preferred examples of the compound represented by general formula (A1) include tertiary amine compounds represented by the following general formulae (A1-1) to (A1-7). TIFF0007792203000003.tif189103 (In each formula (A1-1) to (A1-7), R 9 are each independently a hydrocarbon group having 7 to 21 carbon atoms, and in each of the formulae (A1-6) to (A1-7), R 10 are each independently a hydrocarbon group having 7 to 21 carbon atoms.

[0013] R 9 and R 10 As the hydrocarbon group having 7 to 21 carbon atoms, R 4 The hydrocarbon groups having 7 to 21 carbon atoms in the general formula are the same as those in the general formula, and are preferably alkyl and alkenyl groups having 15 to 17 carbon atoms. 9 When there are multiple R 9 may be the same as each other or may be different from each other.

[0014] Component (A) may be a salt of an amine compound. The salt of an amine compound can be obtained by neutralizing the amine compound with an acid. The acid used for neutralization may be an organic acid or an inorganic acid, such as hydrochloric acid, sulfuric acid, or methyl sulfate. The neutralization of the amine compound can be carried out by a known method. Quaternized amine compounds can be obtained by reacting an amine compound with a quaternizing agent. Examples of quaternizing agents include alkyl halides such as methyl chloride and dialkyl sulfates such as dimethyl sulfate. When these quaternizing agents are reacted with an amine compound, the alkyl group of the quaternizing agent is introduced to the nitrogen atom of the amine compound, forming a salt of a quaternary ammonium ion with a halogen ion or a monoalkyl sulfate ion. The alkyl group introduced by the quaternizing agent is preferably an alkyl group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms, more preferably a methyl group or an ethyl group, and particularly preferably a methyl group. The quaternization of an amine compound can be carried out by known methods.

[0015] The compounds represented by general formulae (A1) and (A1-1) to (A1-7), their salts and quaternary compounds thereof may be commercially available or may be produced by known methods. For example, a compound represented by general formula (A1-1) (hereinafter referred to as "compound (A1-1)") and a compound represented by general formula (A1-2) (hereinafter referred to as "compound (A1-2)") can be prepared by the reaction of R 4 The compound (A1-1) can be synthesized by a condensation reaction of the fatty acid composition described in the section 1 or a fatty acid methyl ester composition in which the fatty acid in the fatty acid composition is replaced with a methyl ester of the fatty acid, with methyldiethanolamine. In this case, from the viewpoint of imparting good flexibility, it is preferable to synthesize the compound (A1-1) / compound (A1-2) so that the abundance ratio represented by "compound (A1-1) / compound (A1-2)" is 99 / 1 to 50 / 50 by mass. Furthermore, when the quaternized product is used, it is more preferable to use dimethyl sulfate as the quaternizing agent. In this case, from the viewpoint of imparting flexibility, it is preferable to synthesize the compound (A1-1) so that the abundance ratio expressed as "quaternized product of compound (A1-1) / quaternized product of compound (A1-2)" is 99 / 1 to 50 / 50 by mass.

[0016] The compound represented by general formula (A1-3) (hereinafter referred to as "compound (A1-3)"), the compound represented by general formula (A1-4) (hereinafter referred to as "compound (A1-4)"), and the compound represented by general formula (A1-5) (hereinafter referred to as "compound (A1-5)") are each a compound represented by general formula (1) R 4The composition can be synthesized by a condensation reaction of the fatty acid composition or fatty acid methyl ester composition described in the section 1. with triethanolamine. In this case, from the viewpoint of imparting flexibility, the content ratio of each component relative to the total mass of compounds (A1-3), (A1-4), and (A1-5) is preferably 1 to 60 mass% for compound (A1-3), 5 to 98 mass% for compound (A1-4), and 0.1 to 40 mass% for compound (A1-5), and more preferably 30 to 60 mass% for compound (A1-3), 10 to 55 mass% for compound (A1-4), and 5 to 35 mass% for compound (A1-5). When using such quaternized compounds, it is more preferable to use dimethyl sulfate as the quaternizing agent in order to ensure that the quaternization reaction proceeds sufficiently. From the viewpoint of imparting flexibility, the abundance ratios of the quaternized compounds (A1-3), (A1-4), and (A1-5) are preferably, in terms of mass ratio, 1 to 60% by mass of the quaternized compound (A1-3), 5 to 98% by mass of the quaternized compound (A1-4), and 0.1 to 40% by mass of the quaternized compound (A1-5), and more preferably 30 to 60% by mass of the quaternized compound (A1-3), 10 to 55% by mass of the quaternized compound (A1-4), and 5 to 35% by mass of the quaternized compound (A1-5). When the compounds (A1-3), (A1-4), and (A1-5) are quaternized, unquaternized esteramine generally remains after the quaternization reaction. In this case, the mass ratio of the "quaternized product / unquaternized esteramine" is preferably within a range of 70 / 30 to 99 / 1.

[0017] The compound represented by general formula (A1-6) (hereinafter referred to as "compound (A1-6)") and the compound represented by general formula (A1-7) (hereinafter referred to as "compound (A1-7)") are each a compound represented by general formula (1) R 4The compound (A1-6) can be synthesized by a condensation reaction of the fatty acid composition described in the previous section with N-(2-hydroxyethyl)-N-methyl-1,3-propylenediamine, which is synthesized from an adduct of N-methylethanolamine and acrylonitrile by a known method described in J. Org. Chem., 26, 3409 (1960). In this case, it is preferable to synthesize the compound (A1-6) / compound (A1-7) so that the mass ratio of the compound (A1-6) / compound (A1-7) is 99 / 1 to 50 / 50. When the quaternized product is used, it is preferable to use methyl chloride as the quaternizing agent, and it is preferable to synthesize the compound so that the abundance ratio represented by "quaternized product of compound (A1-6) / quaternized product of compound (A1-7)" is 99 / 1 to 50 / 50 by mass.

[0018] The component (A) is At least one selected from the group consisting of a compound represented by general formula (A1), a salt thereof, and a quaternary compound thereof is preferred, More preferably, at least one selected from the group consisting of compounds represented by general formulas (A1-1) to (A1-7), salts thereof, and quaternized products thereof, At least one selected from the group consisting of compounds represented by general formulas (A1-3) to (A1-5), salts thereof and quaternized products thereof is more preferred.

[0019] Component (A) is a known substance and is readily available on the market or can be prepared.

[0020] The component (A) may be a single type, or a combination of multiple types (for example, a mixture of compounds represented by general formulas (A1-3) to (A1-5)).

[0021] The content of component (A) is 15 to 30% by mass, preferably 15 to 25% by mass, and more preferably 18 to 25% by mass, based on the total mass of the liquid fabric softener composition. When the content of component (A) is 15% by mass or more, the purpose of blending can be achieved, and when it is 30% by mass or less, thickening of the liquid fabric softener composition can be suppressed.

[0022] [Component (B): Quaternary ammonium salt] Component (B) is a quaternary ammonium salt represented by general formula (B1). TIFF0007792203000004.tif2853(in the formula, R 1 is a saturated or unsaturated hydrocarbon group having 16 to 26 carbon atoms, which may be interrupted by an ester group (—COO—) and / or an amide group (—NHCO—), and R 2 and R 3 are independently alkyl having 1 to 3 carbon atoms, and X is an anionic group. Component (B) is added to suppress thickening of the liquid softener composition.

[0023] R 1 The hydrocarbon group has 16 to 26 carbon atoms, preferably 16 to 24 carbon atoms, and more preferably 16 to 20 carbon atoms. 1 may be saturated or unsaturated, but is preferably a saturated hydrocarbon group. The hydrocarbon group may contain a pendant group, but preferably does not contain a pendant group. The dividing group is an ester group (-COO-) or an amide group (-NHCO-). The dividing group may be one or more, preferably one. When the hydrocarbon group has two or more dividing groups, the dividing groups may be the same or different. The carbon atoms of the dividing group are counted in the number of carbon atoms of the hydrocarbon group. R 1 Specific examples of the group include an octadecyl group, a hexadecyl group, and an eicosyl group, with the octadecyl group and the hexadecyl group being preferred. R 2 and R 3 are independently alkyl having 1 to 3 carbon atoms, and are preferably methyl groups. Examples of X include methyl sulfate, bromine, and chlorine, with chlorine being preferred.

[0024] Specific examples of component (B) include octadecyltrimethylammonium chloride, hexadecyltrimethylammonium chloride, octadecyltrimethylammonium bromide, and hexadecyltrimethylammonium bromide, with octadecyltrimethylammonium chloride and hexadecyltrimethylammonium chloride being preferred.

[0025] Component (B) is a known substance and is readily available on the market or can be prepared.

[0026] The component (B) may be used alone or in combination of two or more types.

[0027] The content of component (B) is 1.0 to 3.0 mass%, preferably 1.0 to 2.5 mass%, and more preferably 1.0 to 2.0 mass%, relative to the total mass of the liquid softener composition. When the content of component (B) is 1.0 to 3.0 mass%, the purpose of blending can be achieved.

[0028] [(C) Ingredient: Fragrance] Component (C) is added to impart fragrance to the liquid fabric softener composition and also to impart fragrance to clothes after treatment with the composition. The component (C) is a fragrance that is not encapsulated in a capsule, and is different from the fragrance contained as a core material in the encapsulated fragrance (functional capsule) described below. The (C) component can be any fragrance commonly used in the fabric softener field, and is not particularly limited. Lists of usable fragrance raw materials are found in various literature, such as "Perfume and Flavor Chemicals," Vol. I and II, Steffen Arctander, Allured Pub. Co. (1994), "Synthetic Fragrances: Chemistry and Product Knowledge," by Genichi Indo, The Chemical Daily (1996), "Perfume and Flavor Materials of Natural Origin," by Steffen Arctander, Allured Pub. Co. (1994), "Encyclopedia of Fragrances," edited by the Japan Fragrance Manufacturers Association, Asakura Shoten (1989), "Perfumery Material Performance V.3.3," by Boelens Aroma Chemical Information Service (1996), and "Flower Oils and Floral Compounds in Perfumery," by Danute Lajaujis Anonis, Allured Pub. Co. (1993).

[0029] The component (C) may be used alone or in combination with several other components (fragrance composition). The fragrance composition may contain a solvent commonly used in liquid fabric softener compositions, such as dipropylene glycol (DPG) or isopropyl myristate (IPM).

[0030] The content of component (C) is 1.0 to 5.0% by mass, preferably 1.0 to 3.0% by mass, and more preferably 1.5 to 2.5% by mass, based on the total mass of the liquid fabric softener composition. When the content of component (C) is 1.0% by mass or more, the purpose of blending can be achieved, and when it is 5.0% by mass or less, thickening of the liquid fabric softener composition can be suppressed.

[0031] [Mixing ratio of each ingredient] The mass ratio (A / B) of component (A) to component (B) is 6 to 30, preferably 10 to 25, and more preferably 10 to 20. Blending at these mass ratios can suppress thickening of the liquid softener composition while achieving the blending purpose of each component. The mass ratio (A / C) of the component (A) to the component (C) is preferably 5 to 30, more preferably 8 to 25, and particularly preferably 10 to 20. Within this mass ratio range, thickening of the liquid softener composition can be suppressed.

[0032] [Emulsion-type liquid fabric softener composition] The liquid fabric softener composition is an emulsion type. "Emulsion" means that when a glass cell with an optical path length of 10 mm is used as the measurement cell and ion-exchanged water is placed in the reference cell, the visible light transmittance (wavelength 660 nm) of the sample is less than 30%, preferably 20% or less, and more preferably 15% or less.

[0033] [Optional ingredients] The liquid softener composition may contain the following optional components in addition to the essential components (A) to (C) as long as the effects of the present invention are not impaired.

[0034] 〔water〕 The liquid softener composition is preferably an aqueous composition comprising water. The water that can be used includes tap water, ion-exchanged water, pure water, distilled water, etc. Among these, ion-exchanged water is preferred. The water content is not particularly limited, but is preferably 50% by mass or more, more preferably 60% by mass or more, based on the total mass of the liquid softener composition. When the water content is 50% by mass or more, the handling properties become better.

[0035] [Nonionic surfactant] The nonionic surfactant is added to improve the stability (particularly the freeze recovery) of the liquid softener composition. As the nonionic surfactant, any component known in the field of liquid softener compositions can be used without particular limitation, for example, alkylene oxide adducts of alcohols, amines, or fatty acids. The carbon chain portions of the alcohol, amine, and fatty acid may be branched or linear, and may be unsaturated. The carbon chain may also have a distribution of carbon atoms. The carbon chain preferably has 6 to 20 carbon atoms, more preferably 8 to 18 carbon atoms. When the carbon chain is linear, the carbon chain preferably has 6 to 14 carbon atoms, more preferably 8 to 12 carbon atoms, and most preferably 8 to 10 carbon atoms. When the carbon chain is branched, the carbon chain preferably has 6 to 18 carbon atoms, more preferably 9 to 18 carbon atoms, and most preferably 13 carbon atoms. Examples of usable raw materials for nonionic surfactants include Exxal manufactured by Exxon Chemical, the LUTENSOL series manufactured by BASF, Oxocol manufactured by Kyowa Hakko Kogyo, the GENAPOL series manufactured by Hoechst AG, and the DOBANOL series manufactured by Shell. When the nonionic surfactant is an alkylene oxide adduct of alcohol, either a primary alcohol or a secondary alcohol can be used. An alcohol having 13 carbon atoms is produced using, for example, dodecene as a raw material, but the starting material can also be butylene or propylene. When the carbon chain contains an unsaturated group, the number of carbon atoms is particularly preferably 18. The stereoisomeric structure of the unsaturated group may be a cis or trans isomer, or a mixture of both, but the ratio of cis / trans isomers is particularly preferably 25 / 75 to 100 / 0 (mass ratio). The alkylene oxide is preferably ethylene oxide (EO), but propylene oxide (PO) or butylene oxide (BO) may also be added together with EO. The average number of moles of EO added is preferably 5 to 100 moles, more preferably 10 to 80 moles, and particularly preferably 15 to 70 moles. The average number of moles of PO or BO added together with EO is preferably 1 to 5, more preferably 1 to 3 moles. In this case, EO may be added first, followed by PO or BO, or PO or BO may be added first, followed by EO. Specific examples of nonionic surfactants include an average EO9PO1 adduct of nonyl alcohol, an average EO40 mole adduct of primary isononyl alcohol, an average EO20 mole adduct of primary isodecyl alcohol, an average EO20 mole adduct of lauryl alcohol, an average EO60 mole adduct of primary isohexadecyl alcohol, an average EO20 mole adduct of primary isotridecyl alcohol, an average EO60 mole adduct of primary isotridecyl alcohol, an average EO50 mole adduct of tridecyl alcohol, an average EO60 adduct of beef tallow alkylamine, an average EO60 adduct of beef tallow alkylamine, an average EO50 adduct of oleylamine, an average EO20 mole adduct of lauric acid, etc. Commercially available products include the Emalex series manufactured by Nippon Emulsion, the Emalmin series manufactured by Sanyo Chemical, the TDA series and Esomin series manufactured by Lion Chemical, the Softanol series manufactured by Nippon Shokubai, and the LUTESOL series manufactured by BASF.

[0036] The content of the nonionic surfactant is not particularly limited as long as the purpose of blending can be achieved, but is 0.1 to 10 mass %, preferably 0.5 to 5.0 mass %, and more preferably 1.0 to 3.0 mass %, relative to the total mass of the liquid fabric softener composition. The mass ratio of component (A) to the nonionic surfactant (A / nonionic surfactant) is preferably from 5 to 30, more preferably from 8 to 25, and particularly preferably from 10 to 20. Within this mass ratio range, the purpose of adding the nonionic surfactant can be achieved while suppressing thickening of the liquid softener composition. The total content of component (A) and the nonionic surfactant is preferably 35% by mass or less, more preferably 30% by mass or less, and particularly preferably 25% by mass or less, based on the total mass of the liquid softener composition. When the total content is 30% by mass or less, the purpose of adding the nonionic surfactant can be achieved while suppressing thickening of the liquid softener composition.

[0037] [Water-soluble solvent] The water-soluble solvent is added to improve the stability (particularly the freeze recovery property) of the liquid softener composition. The water-soluble solvent is preferably one or more selected from the group consisting of alcohols having 1 to 4 carbon atoms, glycol ether solvents, and polyhydric alcohols. Specifically, it is preferable to blend a solvent component selected from ethanol, isopropanol, glycerin, ethylene glycol, propylene glycol, diethylene glycol, dipropylene glycol, hexylene glycol, polyoxyethylene phenyl ether, and water-soluble solvents represented by the following general formula (X): R 4 -O-(C2H4O) y -(C3H6O) Z -H (X) (In the formula, R 4 is an alkyl or alkenyl group having 1 to 6 carbon atoms, preferably 2 to 4 carbon atoms, y and z are each the average number of moles added, y is 1 to 10, preferably 2 to 5, and z is 0 to 5, preferably 0 to 2. Among the above, ethanol, ethylene glycol, butyl carbitol, propylene glycol, dipropylene glycol monomethyl ether, and diethylene glycol monobutyl ether are preferred. The water-soluble solvent may be used alone or in combination of two or more kinds. The content of the water-soluble solvent is not particularly limited as long as the purpose of blending can be achieved, but is 0.001 to 30 mass %, preferably 0.01 to 25 mass %, and more preferably 0.1 to 20 mass %, relative to the total mass of the liquid softener composition.

[0038] [Silicone Compound] The silicone compound is added mainly for the purpose of further improving the persistence of the fragrance. As the silicone compound, any component known in the field of liquid softener compositions can be used without any particular limitation. The molecular structure of the silicone compound may be linear, branched, or crosslinked. The silicone compound may also be a modified silicone compound. The modified silicone compound may be modified with one or more organic functional groups. The silicone compound can be used in the form of an oil, or in the form of an emulsion dispersed with an optional emulsifier. Specific examples of silicone compounds include dimethyl silicone, polyether-modified silicone, methylphenyl silicone, alkyl-modified silicone, higher fatty acid-modified silicone, methylhydrogen silicone, fluorine-modified silicone, epoxy-modified silicone, carboxy-modified silicone, carbinol-modified silicone, and amino-modified silicone. Among these, polyether-modified silicone, amino-modified silicone, and dimethyl silicone are preferred from the viewpoints of versatility and improved fragrance durability, and polyether-modified silicone and amino-modified silicone are preferred from the viewpoints of further improving fragrance durability and ease of handling during production.

[0039] There is no particular limitation on the kinematic viscosity of dimethyl silicone, but it should be 1 to 100,000,000 mm 2 / s is preferred, and 10 to 10,000,000 mm 2 / s is more preferable, 100 to 1,000,000 mm 2 Dimethyl silicone may be in the form of an oil or an emulsion.

[0040] Specific examples of polyether-modified silicones include copolymers of alkylsiloxane and polyoxyalkylene. The number of carbon atoms in the alkyl group of the alkylsiloxane is preferably 1 to 3. The number of carbon atoms in the alkylene group of the polyoxyalkylene is preferably 2 to 5. Preferred polyether-modified silicones include copolymers of dimethylsiloxane and polyoxyalkylene (such as polyoxyethylene, polyoxypropylene, and random or block copolymers of ethylene oxide and propylene oxide). Specific examples include compounds represented by the following general formula (I): TIFF0007792203000005.tif2587 (wherein M, N, a, and b each independently represent an average degree of polymerization, and R represents hydrogen or an alkyl group.) In the general formula (I), M is 10 to 10,000, preferably 100 to 300. N is 1 to 1,000, preferably 1 to 100. Furthermore, it is preferable that M>N. a is 2 to 100, preferably 2 to 50. b is 0 to 50, preferably 0 to 10. R is preferably hydrogen or an alkyl group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms. The polyether-modified silicone represented by general formula (I) can generally be produced by addition reaction of an organohydrogenpolysiloxane having Si-H groups with a polyoxyalkylene alkyl ether having a terminal carbon-carbon double bond, such as a polyoxyalkylene allyl ether, in the presence of a platinum catalyst. In this case, the product may contain traces of unreacted polyoxyalkylene alkyl ether or organohydrogenpolysiloxane having Si-H groups. Because organohydrogenpolysiloxane having Si-H groups is highly reactive, it is preferable that its amount in the polyether-modified silicone be 30 ppm or less (as the amount of Si-H).

[0041] Preferred polyether-modified silicones also include linear polysiloxane-polyoxyalkylene block copolymers represented by the following general formula (II). TIFF0007792203000006.tif27156 (wherein A, B, h, and i each represent an average degree of polymerization, R represents an alkyl group, and R′ represents hydrogen or an alkyl group.) In the general formula (II), A is 5 to 10,000; B is 2 to 10,000; h is 2 to 100; i is a number between 0 and 50. R is preferably an alkyl group having 1 to 5 carbon atoms. R' is preferably hydrogen or an alkyl group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms. The linear polysiloxane-polyoxyalkylene block copolymer represented by general formula (II) can be produced by reacting a polyoxyalkylene compound having a reactive terminal group with a dihydrocarbylsiloxane having a terminal group that reacts with the reactive terminal group of the compound. Such polyether-modified silicones have higher viscosity as the side chain polyoxyalkylene chains become longer and the degree of polymerization of the polysiloxane chains increases. Therefore, to improve workability during production and facilitate blending into aqueous compositions, it is preferable to blend them in the form of a premix with a water-soluble organic solvent. Examples of water-soluble organic solvents include ethanol, dipropylene glycol, and butyl carbitol.

[0042] More specific examples of polyether-modified silicones include SH3772M, SH3775M, FZ-2166, FZ-2120, L-720, SH8700, L-7002, L-7001, SF8410, FZ-2164, FZ-2203, and FZ-2208 manufactured by Dow Corning Toray Co., Ltd.; KF352A, KF615A, X-22-6191, X-22-4515, KF-6012, and KF-6004 manufactured by Shin-Etsu Chemical Co., Ltd.; and TSF4440, TSF4441, TSF4445, TSF4450, TSF4446, TSF4452, and TSF4460 manufactured by Momentive Performance Materials Japan, LLC.

[0043] Amino-modified silicones have amino groups introduced into the terminals or side chains of a dimethylsilicone skeleton. In addition to the amino groups, substituents such as hydroxyl groups, alkyl groups, and phenyl groups may also be introduced. The amino-modified silicone may be in the form of an oil, or may be in the form of an amino-modified silicone emulsion emulsified using a nonionic surfactant or a cationic surfactant as an emulsifier. A preferred amino-modified silicone oil or base oil in the emulsion is a compound represented by the following general formula (III). TIFF0007792203000007.tif2671 (in the formula, R 1 and R 6 may be the same or different and are a methyl group, a hydroxyl group, or a hydrogen atom; R 2 is -(CH2) n -A 1 , or -(CH2) n -NHCO-(CH2) m -A 1 (In each formula, A 1 is -N(R 3 )(R 4 ), -N + (R 3 )(R 4 )(R 5 )·X - (In each formula, R 3 , R 4 and R 5 may be the same or different, and each represents a hydrogen atom, an alkyl group having 1 to 12 carbon atoms, a phenyl group, or -(CH2) n -NH2 (wherein n is 0 to 12), and X - is a fluorine ion, a chlorine ion, a bromine ion, an iodine ion, a methyl sulfate ion, or an ethyl sulfate ion), and the values ​​of m and n may be the same or different and are integers of 0 to 12; p and q each represent the degree of polymerization of the polysiloxane and may be the same or different, p is 0 to 20,000, preferably 10 to 10,000, and q is 1 to 500, preferably 1 to 100.

[0044] The amino-modified silicone oil has a kinematic viscosity of 50 to 20,000 mm at 25°C. 2 / s, and 100 to 10,000 mm 2 When the kinematic viscosity is in this range, a high fragrance persistence effect is exhibited, and the manufacturability is improved, and the handling of the composition is also easy.

[0045] As the amino-modified silicone, commercially available products can be used. Examples of amino-modified silicone oils include those sold by Toray Dow Corning Co., Ltd. under the names SF-8417, BY16-892, and BY16-890, and those sold by Shin-Etsu Chemical Co., Ltd. under the names KF-864, KF-860, KF-8004, KF-8002, KF-8005, KF-867, KF-861, KF-880, and KF-867S. Examples of amino-modified silicone emulsion types include those sold by Toray Dow Corning Co., Ltd. under the names SM8904, BY22-079, FZ-4671, and FZ-4672; those sold by Shin-Etsu Chemical Co., Ltd. under the name PolonMF-14, PolonMF-29, PolonMF-14D, PolonMF-44, PolonMF-14EC, and PolonMF-52 in the Polon series; and those sold by Asahi Kasei Silicone Co., Ltd. under the name WACKER FC201.

[0046] The silicone compound may be used alone or in combination of two or more kinds. The content of the silicone compound is not particularly limited as long as the purpose of blending can be achieved, but is 0.01 to 10 mass %, preferably 0.05 to 8 mass %, more preferably 0.1 to 5 mass %, relative to the total mass of the liquid softener composition.

[0047] [Preservatives] The preservative is mainly added to enhance the antiseptic and bactericidal power of the liquid fabric softener composition and to maintain the antiseptic properties during long-term storage. Any preservative known in the field of liquid fabric softener compositions can be used without particular limitation, including, for example, isothiazolone-based organic sulfur compounds, benzisothiazolone-based organic sulfur compounds, benzoic acids, and 2-bromo-2-nitro-1,3-propanediol. Examples of isothiazolone organic sulfur compounds include 5-chloro-2-methyl-4-isothiazolin-3-one, 2-n-butyl-3-isothiazolone, 2-benzyl-3-isothiazolone, 2-phenyl-3-isothiazolone, 2-methyl-4,5-dichloroisothiazolone, 5-chloro-2-methyl-3-isothiazolone, 2-methyl-4-isothiazolin-3-one, and mixtures thereof. Among these, 5-chloro-2-methyl-4-isothiazolin-3-one and 2-methyl-4-isothiazolin-3-one are preferred, and a mixture of 5-chloro-2-methyl-4-isothiazolin-3-one and 2-methyl-4-isothiazolin-3-one is more preferred, with a mixture of about 77% by mass of the former and about 23% by mass of the latter, or a diluted solution thereof (e.g., an isothiazolone solution), being particularly preferred. Examples of benzisothiazolone organic sulfur compounds include 1,2-benzisothiazolin-3-one, 2-methyl-4,5-trimethylene-4-isothiazolin-3-one, and related compounds such as dithio-2,2-bis(benzmethylamide), and mixtures thereof. Among these, 1,2-benzisothiazolin-3-one is particularly preferred. Examples of benzoic acids include benzoic acid or a salt thereof, parahydroxybenzoic acid or a salt thereof, methyl parahydroxybenzoate, ethyl parahydroxybenzoate, propyl parahydroxybenzoate, butyl parahydroxybenzoate, and benzyl parahydroxybenzoate. A single type of preservative may be used, or multiple types may be used in combination. The content of the preservative is not particularly limited as long as the purpose of blending can be achieved, but is preferably 0.0001 to 1% by mass relative to the total mass of the liquid fabric softener composition. When the content is 0.0001% by mass or more, the effect of blending the preservative can be sufficiently obtained, and when the content is 1% by mass or less, the high storage stability of the liquid fabric softener composition can be sufficiently maintained.

[0048] [Antibacterial Agents] The antibacterial agent is added to improve the shelf life of the liquid fabric softener composition. The antibacterial agent may be any component known in the field of liquid fabric softener compositions, without any particular limitations. Specific examples include diclosan, triclosan, benzalkonium chloride, zinc bis-(2-pyridylthio-1-oxide), 8-oxyquinoline, biguanide compounds (e.g., polyhexamethylene biguanide), chlorhexidine hydrochloride, and polylysine. Among these, benzalkonium chloride, biguanide compounds, and chlorhexidine hydrochloride are preferred. The antibacterial agent may be used alone or in combination with several other types. The content of the antibacterial agent is not particularly limited as long as the purpose of blending it can be achieved, but it is preferably 0.001 to 5% by mass relative to the total mass of the liquid fabric softener composition.

[0049] [Viscosity modifier] The viscosity modifier is added to the liquid softener composition to further improve its usability. Specific examples of viscosity adjusters include calcium chloride, magnesium chloride, sodium chloride, sodium p-toluenesulfonate, sodium citrate, etc. Among these, calcium chloride, magnesium chloride, and sodium citrate are preferred. The content of the viscosity modifier is 0.01 to 1.5% by mass, preferably 0.1 to 1.0% by mass, and more preferably 0.3 to 0.8% by mass, relative to the total mass of the liquid softener composition. The viscosity modifier may be used alone or in combination of two or more kinds. The viscosity modifier can be added at any stage in the production of the liquid softener composition.

[0050] [Functional capsules] The functional capsules are formulated to impart various functions to the liquid softener composition due to the core substance encapsulated in the capsule. The functional capsule is composed of a core substance and a wall substance that covers the core substance.

[0051] The core material can be any material commonly used as an encapsulating material in the field of liquid fabric softeners, without any particular limitations, including, for example, fragrances, essential oils, whitening agents, insect repellents, silicones, waxes, flavorings, vitamins, skin care agents, enzymes, probiotics, dyes, pigments, fragrance precursors, cooling agents, warming agents, attractants such as pheromones, antibacterial agents, bleaches, flavorings, sweeteners, waxes, pharmaceuticals, fertilizers, and herbicides. The core substance may be of a single type or a combination of multiple types.

[0052] The wall material can be any encapsulation material commonly used in the field of liquid softener compositions, without any particular limitations. Specific examples include natural polymers such as gelatin and agar, oily film-forming substances such as fats and oils and waxes, and synthetic polymers such as polyacrylic acid, polyvinyl, polymethacrylic acid, melamine, and urethane. These can be used alone or in combination of two or more.

[0053] Specific examples of encapsulated fragrances having a fragrance as a core material include BLUEFLOWERPOP "FFMHN2814" manufactured by Firmenich; GREEN BREEZE CAPS, ORCHARD GARDEN CAPS, RAINBOW CAPS, VELVET CAPS, AURORACAPS, and COSMICCAPS manufactured by Givaudan; and UNICAP101 and UNICAP503 manufactured by IFF. Specific examples of cooling capsules containing a cooling agent as a core material include MultiSal SalCool, HydroSal FreshCool, and SalSphere SalCool manufactured by SALVONA Technologies, and Neoage AROMA-C manufactured by NICCA CHEMICAL CO., LTD. Specific examples of warming capsules that contain a warming agent as the core material include Riken Resin RMC-TO manufactured by Miki Riken Co., Ltd. and Hydrosal Heat manufactured by SALVONA Technologies. Other specific examples include Riken Resin NFHO-W (antibacterial effect), Riken Resin RMC-HBP (insect repellent effect) and RMC-PT (insect repellent effect) manufactured by Miki Riken Co., Ltd.

[0054] The average particle size of the functional capsules is preferably 10 to 30 μm. Functional capsules having this particle size have excellent adsorption to clothes and can be stably dispersed in the liquid fabric softener composition.

[0055] The functional capsules may be of a single type or of a combination of two or more types. The content of the functional capsules is not particularly limited as long as the purpose of blending can be achieved, but it is preferably 0.0001 to 1% by mass relative to the total mass of the liquid softener composition.

[0056] [Structuring Agent] The structuring agent is added to the liquid softener composition in order to disperse insoluble particles such as functional capsules uniformly and stably in the liquid softener composition. Examples of the structuring agent include polyethyleneimine or a derivative thereof, a cationic (meth)acrylic polymer, dextrins, and a nonionic polymer having a urethane skeleton. Examples of polyethyleneimine or a derivative thereof include Lupasol SK (manufactured by BASF), which is an amide derivative of polyethyleneimine, and Lupasol PS (manufactured by BASF), which is polyethyleneimine. Examples of cationic (meth)acrylic polymers include Rheovis FRC (manufactured by BASF) and Rheovis CDE (manufactured by BASF). Examples of dextrins include cyclodextrin and highly branched cyclic dextrin. Highly branched cyclic dextrin is a glucan having an inner branched cyclic structure portion and an outer branched structure portion and a degree of polymerization in the range of 50 to 10,000, in which the inner branched cyclic structure portion is a cyclic glucan chain formed by α-1,4-glucosidic bonds and α-1,6-glucosidic bonds, and the outer branched structure portion is an acyclic glucan chain bonded to the inner branched cyclic structure portion. Examples of highly branched cyclic dextrin include cluster dextrin (manufactured by Glyco Nutrition Foods Co., Ltd.). Examples of nonionic polymers having a urethane skeleton include OPTIFLO-H 7625 VF, OPTIFLO-H 7500 VF, OPTIFLO-H 6500 VF, OPTIFLO-H 3300 VF, and OPTIFLO 2600 VF (manufactured by BYK-Chemie), and Aculyn 44 (manufactured by DOW). The structuring agent may be used alone or in combination. The content of the structuring agent is not particularly limited as long as the purpose of blending can be achieved, but it is preferably 0.01 to 5% by mass relative to the total mass of the liquid softener composition.

[0057] [Viscosity of Liquid Softener Composition] The liquid fabric softener composition according to the present invention has a viscosity that improves usability (particularly ease of handling when added to a washing machine and efficiency of discharge from the washing machine's inlet) because thickening of the composition is suppressed. Specifically, the viscosity (at 25°C) is preferably less than 500 mPa·s, more preferably less than 300 mPa·s. The viscosity can be measured using a B-type viscometer (manufactured by Tokimec Corporation).

[0058] [pH of liquid fabric softener composition] The pH of the liquid softener composition is not particularly limited, but from the viewpoint of suppressing hydrolysis of component (A) over storage time, the pH at 25°C is preferably adjusted to the range of 1 to 6, more preferably 2 to 4. For pH adjustment, hydrochloric acid, sulfuric acid, phosphoric acid, alkyl sulfuric acid, benzoic acid, paratoluenesulfonic acid, citric acid, malic acid, succinic acid, lactic acid, glycolic acid, hydroxyethanediphosphonic acid, phytic acid, ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid, short-chain amine compounds such as dimethylamine, alkali metal hydroxides such as sodium hydroxide, alkali metal carbonates, alkali metal silicates, etc. can be used.

[0059] [Manufacturing method] The liquid fabric softener composition can be produced by a known method, for example, a method similar to that for producing a conventional liquid fabric softener composition using a cationic surfactant as the main component. For example, an oil phase containing components (A), (B), and (C) is mixed with an aqueous phase at a temperature equal to or higher than the melting point of component (A) to prepare an emulsion, and then other components are added to and mixed with the obtained emulsion as needed, thereby producing a liquid fabric softener composition.

[0060] [Method of using the liquid softener composition] The method for treating textile products using the liquid softener composition is not particularly limited, and it can be used in the same way as conventional liquid softeners. For example, the liquid softener composition can be dissolved in rinse water during the rinsing stage of laundry to perform the treatment, or the liquid softener composition can be dissolved in water in a container such as a basin, and then the textile product is placed in the container for immersion treatment. In either case, the liquid softener composition is used after being diluted to an appropriate concentration, and the liquor ratio (weight ratio of the treatment liquid to the textile product) is preferably 3 to 100 times, and more preferably 5 to 50 times. Specifically, the liquid softener composition is used in an amount such that the concentration of component (A) is preferably 0.01 ppm to 1000 ppm, more preferably 0.1 ppm to 300 ppm, based on the total amount of water used. The types of textile products that can be treated with the liquid fabric softener composition are not particularly limited, and examples include clothing, curtains, sofas, carpets, towels, handkerchiefs, sheets, pillowcases, etc. The materials for these products may be natural fibers such as cotton, silk, wool, etc., or chemical fibers such as polyester. [Example]

[0061] The present invention will be described in more detail below with reference to examples, but the present invention is not limited to these examples. In the examples and comparative examples, the blending amount of each component is shown in mass % (based on the pure content unless otherwise specified).

[0062] [Component (A): Cationic Surfactant] The following A-1 was used. A-1: A cationic surfactant synthesized according to the procedure described in Example 4 of JP-A-2003-12471. A-1 is a compound represented by general formulas (A1-3), (A1-4), and (A1-5) (in each formula, R 9 is an alkyl or alkenyl group having 15 to 17 carbon atoms) quaternized with dimethyl sulfate.

[0063] [Component (B): Quaternary ammonium salt] The following B-1 to B-3 were used. B-1: Octadecyltrimethylammonium chloride (manufactured by Tokyo Chemical Industry Co., Ltd.). B-1 is a compound represented by the general formula (B1): 1 is a saturated hydrocarbon group having 18 carbon atoms, and R 2 is a methyl group, and R 3 is a methyl group and X is chlorine. B-2: hexadecyltrimethylammonium chloride (manufactured by Tokyo Chemical Industry Co., Ltd.). B-2 is a compound represented by the general formula (B1), where R 1 is a saturated hydrocarbon group having 16 carbon atoms, and R 2 is a methyl group, and R 3 is a methyl group and X is chlorine. B-3: Dodecyltrimethylammonium chloride (manufactured by Tokyo Chemical Industry Co., Ltd.). B-3 is a compound represented by the general formula (B1), 1 is a saturated hydrocarbon group having 12 carbon atoms, and R 2 is a methyl group, and R 3 is a methyl group and X is chlorine. 1B-3 was used as a comparative example because it did not satisfy the requirement (16 to 26 carbon atoms).

[0064] [(C) Ingredient: Fragrance] Fragrance composition C-1 having the composition shown in the table below was used. The numerical value of each fragrance component in the table is the mass % relative to the total mass of fragrance composition C-1. TIFF0007792203000008.tif125151

[0065] [Other ingredients] The following common components D-1 to D-4 were used. The contents in the table are values ​​relative to the total mass of the liquid fabric softener composition. D-1 TIFF0007792203000009.tif57162 D-2 TIFF0007792203000010.tif57162 D-3 TIFF0007792203000011.tif78162 D-4 TIFF0007792203000012.tif62161

[0066] [Method for preparing liquid softener composition] Liquid fabric softener compositions were prepared having the formulations shown in Table 1 below. In Table 1, the numerical values ​​for each component are in mass % relative to the total mass of the liquid fabric softener composition. In Table 1, "A / B" indicates the mass ratio of component (A) to component (B), and "A / C" indicates the mass ratio of component (A) to component (C).

[0067] A liquid fabric softener composition was prepared using a glass container (inner diameter 100 mm, height 150 mm) and an agitator (Ajiter SJ type, manufactured by Shimadzu Corporation) according to the following procedure. The components (A), (B), (C) and a nonionic surfactant were mixed and stirred to obtain an oil phase mixture. The preservative was dissolved in ion-exchanged water for the balance to obtain an aqueous phase mixture, the mass of which was equivalent to the remainder obtained by subtracting the total mass of the oil phase mixture and the preservative from 980 g. Next, the oil phase mixture heated to above the melting point of component (A) was placed in a glass container and stirred. The aqueous phase mixture heated to above the melting point of component (A) was added in two divided portions and stirred. The aqueous phase mixture was divided into two portions at a ratio of 30:70 (by mass), and stirring was carried out at a rotation speed of 1,000 rpm for 3 minutes after the first addition of the aqueous phase mixture and for 2 minutes after the second addition of the aqueous phase mixture. Thereafter, the viscosity modifier, structuring agent, and functional capsules were added and stirred. If necessary, an appropriate amount of hydrochloric acid (reagent 1 mol / L, Kanto Chemical) or sodium hydroxide (reagent 1 mol / L, Kanto Chemical) was added to adjust the pH to 3.0 (25°C), and ion-exchanged water was added to bring the total mass to 1,000 g to obtain the desired liquid fabric softener composition.

[0068] [Evaluation of Liquid Fabric Softener Compositions] The viscosity (mPa·s) of the liquid softener composition at 25° C. was measured using a B-type viscometer (manufactured by Tokimec Co., Ltd.) The results are shown in the “Viscosity” column of Table 1. When the appearance was visually evaluated, each of the liquid fabric softener compositions of the Examples and Comparative Examples was found to be cloudy and milky, rather than transparent. Furthermore, a glass cell with an optical path length of 10 mm was used as the measurement cell, and ion-exchanged water was placed in the control cell. The visible light transmittance (wavelength 660 nm) of each liquid fabric softener composition was measured, and all were found to be 1% or less. [Industrial Applicability]

[0069] The present invention can be used in the field of fabric softeners.

[0070] [Table 1]

Claims

1. A liquid fabric softener composition comprising the following components (A) to (C): (A) at least one compound selected from the group consisting of amine compounds having 1 to 3 hydrocarbon groups having 10 to 26 carbon atoms in the molecule, which are interrupted by ester groups (—COO—) and / or amide groups (—NHCO—), salts thereof, and quaternized products thereof; (B) A quaternary ammonium salt represented by general formula (B1) (excluding component (A)): (In the formula, R 1 is a saturated or unsaturated hydrocarbon group having 16 to 26 carbon atoms, which may be interrupted by an ester group (—COO—) and / or an amide group (—NHCO—), and R 2 and R 3 are independently alkyl having 1 to 3 carbon atoms, and X is an anionic group; and (C) contains a fragrance, the content of the component (A) is 15 to 30% by mass relative to the total mass of the liquid softener composition; the content of the component (B) is 1.0 to 2.5% by mass relative to the total mass of the liquid softener composition; the content of the component (C) is 1.0 to 5.0% by mass relative to the total mass of the liquid softener composition; the mass ratio (A / B) of the component (A) to the component (B) is 6 to 30; A liquid fabric softener composition, characterized in that the liquid fabric softener composition is an emulsion type.

2. 2. The liquid fabric softener composition according to claim 1, wherein component (B) is selected from the group consisting of octadecyltrimethylammonium chloride, hexadecyltrimethylammonium chloride, octadecyltrimethylammonium bromide, and hexadecyltrimethylammonium bromide.

3. 3. The liquid fabric softener composition according to claim 1, wherein the content of component (A) is 18 to 25% by mass, based on the total mass of the liquid fabric softener composition.

4. The liquid fabric softener composition according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the content of component (B) is 1.0 to 2.0% by mass, based on the total mass of the liquid fabric softener composition.

5. The liquid fabric softener composition according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the content of component (C) is 1.5 to 2.5% by mass, based on the total mass of the liquid fabric softener composition.

6. The liquid fabric softener composition according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the mass ratio (A / B) of the component (A) to the component (B) is 10 to 20.

7. The liquid fabric softener composition according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the mass ratio (A / C) of the component (A) to the component (C) is 5 to 30.

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