Liquid fabric softener composition

Abstract

To provide a liquid softener composition excellent in perfume retention to a laundry.SOLUTION: An emulsion-type liquid softener composition comprises components (A) and (B) below: (A) one or more cationic surfactants selected from (A-1) and (A-2) below; (A-1) at least one compound selected from the group consisting of amine compounds having one to three hydrocarbon groups of 10 to 26 carbons in a molecule fragmented by an ester group (-COO-) and / or an amide group (-NHCO-), salts thereof and quaternized products thereof, (A-2) a quaternary ammonium salt represented by the (B) below, wherein a content of component (A) is less than 5 mass %, the content of component (B) is 0.01 to 2 mass%, and the mass ratio A / B of component (A) to component (B) is 1 to 200.SELECTED DRAWING: None

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a liquid softener composition and a method for treating textiles. [Background technology]

[0002] In recent years, with the growing interest in fragrance, fabric softeners are required to have strong and long-lasting fragrance on the washed laundry. However, the functionality of fabric softeners can be reduced by detergent components (anionic surfactants) such as alkylbenzene sulfonic acid (LAS). Although there are known techniques to address this issue from the perspective of fabric softener functionality (Patent Documents 1 and 2), these techniques are not sufficient in terms of imparting softness and lingering fragrance to laundry treated with fabric softeners. For example, in Southeast Asia, there is a particularly high demand for fragrance, but powder detergents are the norm, and large amounts of anionic surfactants are used. Furthermore, in Southeast Asia, the concentration of cationic surfactants, which are the softening bases in fabric softeners, is low. Therefore, under washing conditions such as those in Southeast Asia, where the amount of anionic surfactants used is high and the concentration of cationic surfactants, which are the softening bases in fabric softeners, is low, the functionality of the fabric softener tends to be reduced by the anionic surfactants. To meet the needs under such washing conditions, the amount of fragrances added to fabric softeners is increased, but this is inefficient and uneconomical. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Special Publication No. 2004-525271 [Patent Document 2] Special Publication No. 2008-538393 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In view of the above background, an object of the present invention is to provide a liquid fabric softener composition that is excellent in imparting a residual fragrance to laundry treated items, and in particular, to provide a liquid fabric softener composition that contains a small amount of a cationic surfactant, which is a softening base, and is suitable for use under laundry conditions in which a large amount of anionic surfactant is used. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] As a result of extensive research, the present inventors have discovered that by blending a quaternary ammonium salt having a specific carbon chain length in a liquid fabric softener containing a specific amount of cationic surfactant as a softening base, it is possible to improve not only the softening effect but also the lingering fragrance effect. The present invention relates to the following [1] and [2]. [1] The following components (A) and (B): (A) one or more cationic surfactants selected from the following (A-1) and (A-2); (A-1) 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-), salts thereof, and quaternized products thereof. (A-2) Quaternary ammonium salt represented by the following formula (A2): [ka] (wherein R1 and R2 are independently an alkyl or alkenyl group having 8 to 24 carbon atoms that is not interrupted by an ester group (—COO—) or an amide group (—NHCO—), R3 and R4 are independently a methyl group, an ethyl group, a hydroxyethyl group, a hydroxypropyl group, a polyoxyethylene group, or a polyoxypropylene group, and X - represents an anion.) and (B) A quaternary ammonium salt represented by the following formula (B): [ka] (In the formula, R 1is a hydrocarbon group having 8 to 24 carbon atoms that is not interrupted by an ester group (-COO-) or an amide group (-NHCO-), and R 2 and R 3 are independently an alkyl group having 1 to 3 carbon atoms, and X - represents an anion.) An emulsion-type liquid softener composition comprising: The content of component (A) is less than 5% by mass, The content of component (B) is 0.01 to 2% by mass, An emulsion-type liquid fabric softener composition, in which the mass ratio A / B of the component (A) to the component (B) is 1-200. [2] A method for treating textile products, comprising contacting the textile products with the emulsion-type liquid fabric softener composition described in [1] above in water containing 1 ppm or more of linear alkylbenzene sulfonic acid or a salt thereof. [Effects of the Invention]

[0006] According to one aspect of the present invention, a liquid fabric softener composition that is excellent in imparting a residual fragrance to treated laundry can be provided. According to one aspect of the present invention, a liquid fabric softener composition that is excellent in lingering fragrance and imparting softness to treated laundry can be provided. According to one aspect of the present invention, a liquid fabric softener composition can be provided that is excellent in fragrance retention and softness imparting to treated laundry, and has good stability. According to one aspect of the present invention, a liquid fabric softener composition can be provided that contains a small amount of cationic surfactant, which is a softening base, and is suitable for use under laundry conditions in which a large amount of anionic surfactant is used. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0007] Although the composition of the present invention is an emulsion-type liquid fabric softener composition, in this specification the composition of the present invention may be simply referred to as a liquid fabric softener composition.

[0008] [Component (A)] In the liquid softener composition of the present invention, component (A) is blended to impart to the liquid softener composition the effect of imparting softness (handle) to textile products (that is, the inherent function of a softener). The component (A) is one or more cationic surfactants selected from the components (A-1) and (A-2).

[0009] <Component (A-1)> The component (A-1) is at least one compound selected from the group consisting of amine compounds, their salts, and their quaternized products, each of which has 1 to 3 hydrocarbon groups having 10 to 26 carbon atoms (hereinafter sometimes referred to as "long-chain hydrocarbon groups" in this specification) that are interrupted by ester groups (-COO-) and / or amide groups (-NHCO-). The carbon number of the long chain hydrocarbon group is 10 to 26, preferably 17 to 26, and more preferably 19 to 24. When the carbon number is 10 or more, flexibility is good, and when it is 26 or less, handling properties are 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, it is preferred that the double bond be located at or near the center of the long-chain hydrocarbon group. 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.

[0010] The long-chain hydrocarbon group is interrupted by an ester group (-COO-) or an amide group (-NHCO-). That is, the long-chain hydrocarbon group has at least one interrupting group selected from the group consisting of an ester group and an amide group in its carbon chain, and the carbon chain is interrupted by this interrupting group. The presence of this interrupting group improves biodegradability. The number of dividing groups in one long-chain hydrocarbon group may be one or more. That is, the long-chain hydrocarbon group may be divided by a dividing group at one location, or at two or more locations. When the long-chain hydrocarbon group has two or more dividing groups, the dividing groups may be the same or different. In addition, when a dividing group is present in the carbon chain, the carbon atom of the dividing group is It will be counted in the carbon number. The long-chain hydrocarbon group is usually an unhydrogenated fatty acid derived from beef tallow, which is used industrially, and the unsaturated part is hydroxylated. Fatty acids obtained by hydrogenation or partial hydrogenation, unhydrogenated fats derived from plants such as palm and oil palm Fatty acids or fatty acid esters, or fats obtained by hydrogenating or partially hydrogenating the unsaturated portion It is introduced by using fatty acids or fatty acid esters.

[0011] The amine compound as component (A) contained in the liquid softener composition of the present invention is preferably a secondary amine compound or a tertiary amine compound, and more preferably a tertiary amine compound. More specifically, the amine compound as component (A) contained in the liquid softener composition of the present invention includes compounds represented by the following general formula (A1). [ka] [In the formula, R 1 ~R 3 are each independently a hydrocarbon group having 10 to 26 carbon atoms, -CH2CH(Y)OCOR 4 (Y is a hydrogen atom or CH3, and R 4 is a hydrocarbon group having 7 to 21 carbon atoms.) 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 and R 1 ~R 3At least one of the groups is a hydrocarbon group having 10 to 26 carbon atoms, -CH2CH(Y)OCOR 4 , or -(CH2) n NHCOR 5 ]

[0012] In formula (A1), R 1 ~R 3 The number of carbon atoms in the hydrocarbon group having 10 to 26 carbon atoms is preferably 17 to 26, and more preferably 19 to 24. The hydrocarbon group may be saturated or unsaturated. The hydrocarbon group is preferably an alkyl group or an alkenyl group. -CH2CH(Y)OCOR 4 In the formula, Y is a hydrogen atom or CH3, and a hydrogen atom is particularly preferred. R 4 is a hydrocarbon group having 7 to 21 carbon atoms, 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 90 / 10 to 0 / 100, more preferably 80 / 20 to 0 / 100. 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.

[0013] R 4Specific examples of fatty acids that serve as the base of the above 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), partially hydrogenated beef tallow fatty acid (iodine value 10 to 60), etc. 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 so as 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, and more preferably 80 / 20 to 0 / 100. (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.

[0014] -(CH2) n NHCOR 5 In this case, n is 2 or 3, and 3 is particularly preferred. R 5 is a hydrocarbon group having 7 to 21 carbon atoms, 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: R 1 ~R 3 At least one of the groups is a long-chain hydrocarbon group (a hydrocarbon group having 10 to 26 carbon atoms, -CH2CH(Y)OCOR 4 , or -(CH2) n NHCOR 5 ) and two of them are preferably long-chain hydrocarbon groups. R 1 ~R 3When one or two of the groups are long-chain hydrocarbon groups, the remaining two or one of the groups are hydrogen atoms, alkyl groups having 1 to 4 carbon atoms, -CH2CH(Y)OH, or -(CH2) n NH2, an alkyl group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms, -CH2CH(Y)OH, or -(CH2) n Of these, 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

[0015] The salt of an amine compound can be obtained by neutralizing the amine compound with an acid. The acid used to neutralize the amine compound may be an organic acid or an inorganic acid, such as hydrochloric acid, sulfuric acid, or methyl sulfuric acid. The neutralization of the amine compound can be carried out by a known method. Quaternized amine compounds can be obtained by reacting the amine compound with a quaternizing agent. Examples of quaternizing agents used for quaternizing amine compounds 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.

[0016] <Component (A-2)> The component (A-2) is a quaternary ammonium salt represented by the following formula (A2): [ka] (wherein R1 and R2 are independently an alkyl or alkenyl group having 8 to 24 carbon atoms that is not interrupted by an ester group (—COO—) or an amide group (—NHCO—), R3 and R4 are independently a methyl group, an ethyl group, a hydroxyethyl group, a hydroxypropyl group, a polyoxyethylene group, or a polyoxypropylene group, and X - represents an anion.) The hydrocarbon group in R1 and R2 has 8 to 24 carbon atoms, preferably 10 to 20 carbon atoms, and more preferably 14 to 18 carbon atoms. R1 and R2 may be the same or different. Furthermore, R3 and R4 may be the same or different. In R3 and R4, the polyoxyethylene group and polyoxypropylene group may have an average degree of polymerization of 1 to 5, but are not particularly limited thereto. R3 and R4 are preferably a methyl group, an ethyl group, or a hydroxyethyl group, and more preferably a methyl group or an ethyl group. X may be a halogen atom or a group represented by R5SO4. Examples of the halogen atom include chlorine, bromine, and iodine, and chlorine is preferred. R5 is an alkyl group having 1 to 3 carbon atoms, such as a methyl group, an ethyl group, or a propyl group.

[0017] Component (A-2) is a known substance and is readily available on the market or can be prepared. Component (A-2) can be produced using, as a starting material, unsaturated higher fatty acids such as oleic acid, linoleic acid, and linolenic acid, natural fatty acids such as palm oil fatty acids, soybean oil fatty acids, safflower oil fatty acids, and tall oil fatty acids, or mixtures of these or mixtures of these with beef tallow fatty acids. Of these, oleic acid, a mixture of oleic acid and beef tallow fatty acids, and palm oil fatty acids are particularly preferred. Examples of commercially available products of component (A-2) include, but are not limited to, Lipocard 2HT-75 manufactured by Lion Specialty Chemicals Co., Ltd., Arcard 2HT-75 manufactured by Akzo Nobel, and 2HT manufactured by Hana Resources. The component (A-2) may be used alone or in combination of two or more types.

[0018] The blending amount of component (A) contained in the liquid softener composition of the present invention is less than 5 mass % relative to the total mass of the liquid softener composition, preferably 1 to less than 4.5 mass %, and more preferably 1.5 to less than 4 mass %. When the blending amount of component (A) is 1 mass % or more, the softening effect on textile products is further improved, and the amount of softener composition used can be reduced. When the blending amount of component (A) is less than 5 mass %, the amount of softener composition used becomes appropriate, and satisfaction in use can be improved.

[0019] [(B) Component] In the liquid softener composition of the present invention, component (B) is blended to improve the softening effect and / or lingering fragrance effect of the liquid softener composition on textile products, particularly to improve the softening effect and / or lingering fragrance effect of the liquid softener composition on textile products under washing conditions in which a large amount of anionic surfactant is used. Component (B) is a quaternary ammonium salt represented by the following formula (B): [ka] (In the formula, R 1 is a hydrocarbon group having 8 to 24 carbon atoms that is not interrupted by an ester group (-COO-) or an amide group (-NHCO-), and R 2 and R 3 are independently an alkyl group having 1 to 3 carbon atoms, and X - represents an anion.) R 1 The hydrocarbon group has 8 to 24 carbon atoms, preferably 12 to 20 carbon atoms, and more preferably 14 to 18 carbon atoms. R 1may be saturated or unsaturated, but is preferably a saturated hydrocarbon group. 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.

[0020] Component (B) is a known substance and is readily available on the market or can be prepared. Specific examples of component (B) include, but are not limited to, octyltrimethylammonium chloride, decyltrimethylammonium chloride, dodecyltrimethylammonium chloride, tetradecyltrimethylammonium chloride, hexadecyltrimethylammonium chloride, and stearyltrimethylammonium chloride.

[0021] The blending amount of component (B) contained in the liquid softener composition of the present invention is 0.01 to 2 mass% relative to the total mass of the liquid softener composition, preferably 0.1 to 2 mass%, and more preferably 0.2 to 1.5 mass%. When the blending amount of component (B) is 0.01 mass% or more, the effect of imparting softness and / or the effect of imparting lingering fragrance to textile products are improved. When the blending amount of component (B) is 2 mass% or less, storage stability is good. In the liquid fabric softener composition of the present invention, the mass ratio A / B of the component (A) to the component (B) is 1 to 200, preferably 2 to 100, and more preferably 3 to 20. When A / B is 1 or more, the fragrance intensity, persistence, and deodorizing effect required of a fabric softener are good. When A / B is 200 or less, the storage stability is good.

[0022] [(C) component] In the liquid fabric softener composition of the present invention, component (C) is a perfume, which can be blended to impart fragrance to the liquid fabric softener composition and also to textile products treated with the composition. As component (C), any fragrance commonly used in the fabric softener field can be used, and there is no particular limitation. Lists of usable fragrance raw materials are found in various documents, 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).

[0023] The component (C) may be used alone or in combination with several other components (a fragrance composition). The amount of component (C) contained in the liquid fabric softener composition of the present invention is not particularly limited, but is preferably 0.1 to 3.0% by mass, more preferably 0.2 to 2.0% by mass, and even more preferably 0.2 to 1.5% by mass, relative to the total mass of the liquid fabric softener composition. When the amount of component (C) is 0.1% by mass or more, the fragrance intensity, persistence, and deodorizing effect required of a fabric softener are better, and when it is 3.0% by mass or less, the dispersion of the fragrance becomes unstable and floating of the oil can be better prevented.

[0024] [Other optional ingredients] The liquid fabric softener composition of the present invention may contain, as necessary, the following components in addition to the above components (A) to (C), provided that the effects of the present invention are not impaired: For example, water, nonionic surfactants, water-soluble solvents, sugar-based compounds, silicone compounds, dyes and / or pigments, preservatives, ultraviolet absorbers, antibacterial agents, highly branched cyclic dextrins, functional capsules, viscosity modifiers, structuring agents, etc.

[0025] <Water> The liquid softener composition of the present invention is preferably an aqueous composition containing water. The water may be tap water, ion-exchanged water, pure water, distilled water, etc. Among these, ion-exchanged water is preferred. The amount of water to be added 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 amount is 50% by mass or more, handling properties become better.

[0026] <Nonionic surfactant> A nonionic surfactant may be added to the liquid softener composition to further improve its stability, particularly its freeze recovery. 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 10 to 100 moles, more preferably 20 to 80 moles, and particularly preferably 40 to 70 moles. The average number of moles of PO or BO added together with EO is preferably 1 to 5 moles, more preferably 1 to 3 moles. In this case, PO or BO may be added after EO is added, or PO or BO may be added after EO is added. Specific examples of anionic 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 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 EO60 adduct of oleylamine, Examples of commercially available products include the Emalex series manufactured by Nippon Emulsion, the Emalmin series manufactured by Sanyo Chemical Industry, the TDA series and Esomin series manufactured by Lion Chemical Industry, the Softanol series manufactured by Nippon Shokubai, and the LUTESOL series manufactured by BASF.

[0027] The amount of the nonionic surfactant to be blended is not particularly limited as long as the blending purpose can be achieved, but is 0 to 10 mass %, preferably 0.5 to 7 mass %, and more preferably 1 to 4 mass %, relative to the total mass of the liquid softener composition.

[0028] <Water-soluble solvent> The water-soluble solvent may be added to further improve the stability of the liquid softener composition, particularly to further improve the freeze recovery property. 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 6 -O-(C2H4O) y -(C3H6O) Z -H (X) (In the formula, R 6 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 amount of the water-soluble solvent to be added is not particularly limited, but is preferably 0 to 30% by mass, more preferably 0.01 to 25% by mass, and even more preferably 0.1 to 20% by mass, relative to the total mass of the liquid softener composition.

[0029] <Sugar compounds> The sugar-based compound can be added to the liquid softener composition to further improve its stability, particularly its freeze recovery. The sugar compound preferably has a number of repeating units (degree of polymerization) of the sugar skeleton of 1 to 40, more preferably 1 to 20, and particularly preferably 1 to 5 (i.e., monosaccharides and oligosaccharides with a degree of polymerization of more than 1 and not more than 5). Preferred sugar compounds include monosaccharides, disaccharides, oligosaccharides, and sugar alcohols. Specific examples of sugars include glucose, fructose, galactose, arabinose, ribose, maltose, isomaltose, cellobiose, lactose, sucrose, trehalose, talose, maltotriose, isomaltotriose, and oligosaccharides obtained by partial hydrolysis of natural polysaccharides, as well as compounds (sugar derivatives) in which a substituent has been introduced into these sugars. Substituents that can be introduced include alkyl groups, alkenyl groups, alkoxy groups, hydroxyalkyl groups, amine groups, quaternary ammonium groups, and carboxyl groups, with alkyl groups, alkenyl groups, and alkoxy groups being particularly preferred. The substituent is preferably an alkyl group, alkenyl group, or alkoxy group having 1 to 18 carbon atoms, more preferably an alkyl group, alkenyl group, or alkoxy group having 1 to 12 carbon atoms, even more preferably an alkyl group having 1 to 6 carbon atoms, and most preferably an alkyl group having 1 to 3 carbon atoms. The sugar is preferably one or more selected from monosaccharides and oligosaccharides having a degree of polymerization of 1 to 5, and compounds in which the hydrogen atom of at least one hydroxyl group in a monosaccharide or oligosaccharide having a degree of polymerization of 1 to 5 is substituted with an alkyl group. Among the above, trehalose is preferred from the viewpoint of freeze-reconstitution. Examples of sugar alcohols include erythritol, threitol, pentitol, hexitol, dulcitol, sorbitol, mannitol, volemitol, perseitol, xylitol, maltitol, and lactitol. The sugar-based compound may be used alone or as a mixture of two or more kinds. The amount of sugar-based compound to be added is not particularly limited as long as the purpose of addition can be achieved, but is 0.01 to 10 mass %, preferably 0.05 to 7 mass %, and more preferably 0.1 to 5 mass %, relative to the total mass of the liquid fabric softener composition.

[0030] <Silicone compounds> The silicone compound may be 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.

[0031] 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.

[0032] 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): [ka] (In the formula, 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).

[0033] Preferred polyether-modified silicones also include linear polysiloxane-polyoxyalkylene block copolymers represented by the following general formula (II): [ka] (In the formula, 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.

[0034] 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.

[0035] 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). [ka] (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.

[0036] 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.

[0037] 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.

[0038] The silicone compound may be used alone or as a mixture of two or more kinds. The amount of silicone compound to be added is not particularly limited as long as the purpose of addition can be achieved, but is 0.01 to 10 mass %, preferably 0.05 to 8 mass %, and more preferably 0.1 to 5 mass %, relative to the total mass of the liquid softener composition.

[0039] <Dyes and / or pigments> Dyes and pigments, respectively, may be incorporated to enhance the appearance of the liquid softener composition. Both the dyes and pigments can be any known components in the field of liquid fabric softener compositions, without any particular restrictions. Specific examples of dyes that can be added are described in the Dyes Handbook (edited by the Organic Synthetic Chemistry Association, published July 20, 1970 by Maruzen Co., Ltd.). Also usable are dyes described in JP-A-6-123081, JP-A-6-123082, JP-A-7-18573, JP-A-8-27669, JP-A-9-250085, JP-A-10-77576, JP-A-11-43865, JP-A-2001-181972, JP-A-2001-348784, and the like. Preferably, the dye is one or more water-soluble dyes of red, blue, yellow or purple selected from acid dyes, direct dyes, basic dyes, reactive dyes and mordant / acid mordant dyes. From the viewpoint of the storage stability of the liquid softener composition and dyeability to fibers, acid dyes, direct dyes, or reactive dyes having at least one functional group selected from a hydroxyl group, a sulfonic acid group, an amino group, and an amide group in the molecule are preferred. The dyes and pigments may be used singly or in combination of two or more. The amount of each dye and pigment to be added is not particularly limited as long as the purpose of the addition can be achieved, but is preferably 1 to 50 ppm, more preferably 1 to 30 ppm, based on the total mass of the liquid softener composition.

[0040] <Preservatives> The preservative may be added mainly to enhance the preservative and sterilizing power of the liquid fabric softener composition and to maintain the preservative properties during long-term storage. As the preservative, any component known in the field of liquid fabric softener compositions can be used without particular limitation, and specific examples include isothiazolone-based organic sulfur compounds, benzisothiazolone-based organic sulfur compounds, benzoic acids, 2-bromo-2-nitro-1,3-propanediol, etc. 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. The amount of preservative to be added is not particularly limited as long as the purpose of addition 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 amount is 0.0001% by mass or more, the effect of adding the preservative can be sufficiently obtained, and when the amount is 1% by mass or less, the high storage stability of the liquid fabric softener composition can be sufficiently maintained.

[0041] <UV absorber> UV absorbers may be included to protect the liquid softener composition from UV rays. UV absorbers are components that absorb UV rays, convert them into infrared rays or visible light, and then emit them, thereby exerting UV protection effects. As the ultraviolet absorber, any component known in the field of liquid softener compositions can be used without particular limitation. Specific examples include aminobenzoic acid derivatives such as p-aminobenzoic acid, ethyl p-aminobenzoate, glyceryl p-aminobenzoate, and amyl p-dimethylaminobenzoate; salicylic acid derivatives such as ethylene glycol salicylate, dipropylene glycol salicylate, octyl salicylate, and myristyl salicylate; cinnamic acid derivatives such as methyl diisopropylcinnamate, ethyl p-methoxycinnamate, isopropyl p-methoxycinnamate, 2-ethylhexyl p-methoxycinnamate, and butyl p-methoxycinnamate; benzophenone derivatives such as 2-hydroxy-4-methoxybenzophenone, 2-hydroxy-4-methoxybenzophenone-5-sulfonic acid, and 2,2'-dihydroxy-4-methoxybenzophenone; azole compounds such as urocanic acid and ethyl urocanate; and 4-t-butyl-4'-methoxybenzoylmethane. The amount of the ultraviolet absorber to be added is not particularly limited as long as the amount is an amount that can achieve the purpose of addition, but is preferably 0.001 to 5% by mass relative to the total mass of the liquid softener composition.

[0042] <Antibacterial agent> Antimicrobial agents may be included to enhance the shelf life of the liquid fabric softener composition. As the antibacterial agent, any component known in the field of liquid fabric softener compositions can be used without particular limitation. Specific examples include diclosan, triclosan, benzalkonium chloride, bis-(2-pyridylthio-1-oxide)zinc, 8-oxyquinoline, biguanide compounds (e.g., polyhexamethylene biguanide), chlorhexidine hydrochloride, and polylysine. Among these, benzalkonium chloride, biguanide compounds, and chlorhexidine hydrochloride are preferred. The amount of the antibacterial agent to be added is not particularly limited as long as the amount is sufficient to achieve the intended purpose, but is preferably 0.001 to 5% by mass relative to the total mass of the liquid fabric softener composition.

[0043] <Highly branched cyclic dextrin> The highly branched cyclic dextrin can be blended to further improve the stability (particularly the freeze-restorability) of the liquid softener composition and to impart deodorizing and anti-odor properties to textile products. The highly branched cyclic dextrin refers to a glucan having an inner branched cyclic structure portion and an outer branched structure portion, and having a weight average degree of polymerization in the range of 50 to 10,000. Glucans having an inner branched cyclic structure portion and an outer branched structure portion are also called highly branched cyclic dextrins or cluster dextrins. Highly branched cyclic dextrin has a structure in which a plurality of (for example, 100) acyclic glucose chains (outer branched structural portions) are bonded to one inner branched cyclic structural portion. The inner branched cyclic structure portion refers to a cyclic structure portion formed by an α-1,4-glucosidic bond and an α-1,6-glucosidic bond. The inner branched cyclic structure portion of highly branched cyclic dextrin is composed of approximately 10 to 100 glucose units. In other words, the degree of polymerization of the inner branched cyclic structure portion is in the range of 10 to 100. The outer branched structure portion refers to the acyclic structure portion bonded to the inner branched cyclic structure portion. The average degree of polymerization of the acyclic glucose chains constituting the outer branched structure portion of the highly branched cyclic dextrin is 10 to 20. However, the degree of polymerization of one acyclic glucose chain may be 40 or more. The weight average degree of polymerization of glucose in the highly branched cyclic dextrin is in the range of 50 to 10,000, specifically 50 to 5,000, and more specifically about 2,500. The molecular weight of the highly branched cyclic dextrin of the present invention is in the range of about 30,000 to 1,000,000.

[0044] Highly branched cyclic dextrins having such a structure and degree of polymerization (molecular weight) are substances different from common cyclodextrins with glucose polymerization degrees of 6 to 8, such as α-cyclodextrin (degree of polymerization 6), β-cyclodextrin (degree of polymerization 7), and γ-cyclodextrin (degree of polymerization 8).

[0045] Highly branched cyclic dextrin can be produced, for example, from starch as a raw material by the action of an enzyme called a branching enzyme. Starch, the raw material, is composed of amylose, in which glucose units are linked in a linear chain via α-1,4-glucosidic bonds, and amylopectin, which has a complex branched structure via α-1,6-glucosidic bonds. Amylopectin is a macromolecule with many linked cluster structures. The enzyme used, a branching enzyme, is a glucan chain-transferase found widely in plants, animals, and microorganisms. Branching enzymes act on the joints of the amylopectin cluster structure, catalyzing the reaction that converts it into a ring.

[0046] A specific example of the highly branched cyclic dextrin is a glucan described in JP-A-8-134104, which has an inner branched cyclic structural portion and an outer branched structural portion and has a degree of polymerization in the range of 50 to 10,000. In the present invention, the highly branched cyclic dextrin can be understood with reference to the description in JP-A-8-134104. Highly branched cyclic dextrins can be produced as described above and are readily available on the market. Commercially available highly branched cyclic dextrins include "Cluster Dextrin" (registered trademark) from Glico Nutrition Foods Co., Ltd. The highly branched cyclic dextrin may be used alone or in combination of two or more types.

[0047] The content of the highly branched cyclic dextrin is not particularly limited as long as the purpose of incorporation can be achieved, but is preferably 0.01 to 10 mass%, more preferably 0.05 to 5 mass%, and even more preferably 0.1 to 2 mass%, relative to the total mass of the liquid softener composition. When the content is 0.01 mass% or more, the incorporation effect (particularly the effect of imparting deodorizing and anti-odor properties to fabrics) can be fully exhibited. When the content is 10 mass% or less, an increase in the viscosity of the liquid softener composition can be suppressed, and usability such as ease of discharging from a container and ease of loading into a washing machine can be maintained.

[0048] <Functional capsules> Functional capsules can be formulated to impart various functions to the liquid softener composition due to the core material contained within the capsule. The functional capsule is composed of a core substance and a wall substance that covers the core substance.

[0049] 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 used alone or in a suitable combination of two or more types.

[0050] 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.

[0051] Specific examples of encapsulated fragrances having a fragrance as a core material include BLUEFLOWERPOP "FFMHN2814" manufactured by Firmenich, GREEN BREEZE CAPS, GREEN BREEZE DeoB, ORCHARD GARDEN CAPS, RAINBOW CAPS, VELVET CAPS, VELVET UP, 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.

[0052] The average particle size of the functional capsules is preferably 10 μm 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. Functional capsules are known materials and are readily available on the market or can be prepared. 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 the formulation can be achieved. The content is preferably 0.0001 to 1% by mass relative to the total mass.

[0053] <Viscosity modifier> For the purpose of controlling the viscosity of the liquid softener composition of the present invention, inorganic or organic water-soluble salts can be used, such as calcium chloride, magnesium chloride, sodium chloride, sodium p-toluenesulfonate, and sodium citrate, with calcium chloride, magnesium chloride, and sodium citrate being preferred. The blending amount is 0 to 1.5 mass %, preferably 0.01 to 1.0 mass %, and more preferably 0.01 to 0.8 mass %. The viscosity modifier may be blended in any step.

[0054] <Structuring agent> As a structuring agent, polyethyleneimine or a derivative thereof, or a cationic (meth)acrylic polymer may be incorporated into the liquid softener composition. Examples of polyethyleneimine or derivatives 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). 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 5.0% by mass relative to the total mass of the liquid softener composition.

[0055] <Other optional ingredients> In addition to the optional ingredients mentioned above, the liquid fabric softener composition may contain antioxidants and reducing agents to improve the fragrance and color stability of the composition, emulsifiers (such as polystyrene emulsions), opacifying agents, shrinkage inhibitors, anti-wrinkle agents, shape retention agents, drape retention agents, ironing improvers, oxygen bleach inhibitors, brighteners, whitening agents, fabric softening clay, antistatic agents, dye transfer inhibitors (such as polyvinylpyrrolidone), polymer dispersants, stain release agents, scum dispersants, fluorescent whitening agents (such as 4,4-bis(2-sulfostyryl)biphenyl disodium (Tinopal CBS-X manufactured by Chiba Specialty Chemicals)), dye fixatives, anti-fading agents (such as 1,4-bis(3-aminopropyl)piperazine), stain removers, and fiber surface modifiers (such as cereals containing glutathione). The following may be appropriately blended: enzymes such as lyase, amylase, protease, lipase, and keratinase; foam inhibitors; components that impart the texture and functionality of silk, such as moisture absorption and release properties (silk protein powder, surface-modified products thereof, and emulsified dispersions, specifically K-50, K-30, K-10, A-705, S-702, L-710, FP series (Idemitsu Petrochemicals), hydrolyzed silk liquid (Jomo), Silkgen G Soluble S (Ichimaru Falcos)); and stain-preventing agents (nonionic polymer compounds consisting of alkylene terephthalate and / or alkylene isophthalate units and polyoxyalkylene units, such as FR627 manufactured by GOO Chemical Industry Co., Ltd. and SRC-1 manufactured by Clariant Japan).

[0056] [Viscosity of liquid fabric softener composition] The viscosity of the liquid softener composition is not particularly limited as long as it does not impair its usability, but is preferably less than 500 mPa·s, more preferably less than 300 mPa·s. If the viscosity is in this range, the usability, such as ease of handling when putting the composition into a washing machine, is good. The viscosity is a value measured at 25°C using a Brookfield analog viscometer (for example, Brookfield Analog Viscometer T).

[0057] [pH of liquid fabric softener composition] The pH of the liquid fabric 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 within the range of 1 to 6, more preferably within the range of 2 to 4, and even more preferably within the range of 2 to 3. For pH adjustment, pH adjusters such as 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, and alkali metal silicates can be used.

[0058] [Method for preparing liquid fabric softener composition] The method for preparing the liquid fabric softener composition of the present invention is not particularly limited. 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), as well as other components as needed, 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 other components are added and mixed as needed to the obtained emulsion, thereby producing a liquid fabric softener composition.

[0059] [Method of using the liquid fabric softener composition] The method of using the liquid softener composition of the present invention is not particularly limited, and it can be used in the same manner as general softener compositions. For example, there is a method of dissolving the liquid softener composition of the present invention in rinse water at the rinsing stage of laundry to soften the laundry, or a method of dissolving the liquid softener composition of the present invention in water in a container such as a basin, and then placing the laundry in the container for immersion treatment. Another aspect of the present invention relates to a method for treating textiles, specifically, the method comprises contacting a textile with a liquid softener composition in water containing 1 ppm or more of linear alkylbenzene sulfonic acid or a salt thereof, wherein the liquid softener composition is as described herein. The water containing 1 ppm or more of linear alkylbenzene sulfonic acid or a salt thereof refers to, for example, the water used for rinsing after adding fabric softener during laundry. The concentration of linear alkylbenzene sulfonic acid or a salt thereof in such water may be 3 ppm or more, or 5 ppm or more. Linear alkylbenzenesulfonic acid or a salt thereof is also called LAS, and the alkyl group has, for example, 8 to 16 carbon atoms.

[0060] The term "contacting a liquid softener composition with a textile product in water containing 1 ppm or more of linear alkylbenzenesulfonic acid or a salt thereof" is not particularly limited, and may mean adding the liquid softener composition to water containing a textile product and 1 ppm or more of linear alkylbenzenesulfonic acid or a salt thereof, or immersing a textile product in water containing the liquid softener composition and 1 ppm or more of linear alkylbenzenesulfonic acid or a salt thereof. The textile products to be treated are not particularly limited, but examples include clothing, curtains, sofas, carpets, towels, handkerchiefs, sheets, pillowcases, etc. The materials 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 scope of the present invention is not limited thereto. In the examples, the amounts of components are all expressed in mass % (based on pure content unless otherwise specified).

[0062] [Component (A)] The following A-1 and A-2 were used. A-1: Ester-type cationic surfactant A cationic surfactant synthesized according to the procedure described in Example 4 of JP 2003-12471 A A-2: Dimethyldialkyl cation (trade name "Lipocard 2HT-75", manufactured by Lion Specialty Chemicals Co., Ltd.) In A-2, each dialkyl is an alkyl group having 18 carbon atoms.

[0063] [(B) Component] The following B-1 to B-3 were used. B-1: Hexadecyltrimethylammonium chloride (Tokyo Chemical Industry Co., Ltd.) B-2: Dodecyltrimethylammonium chloride (Tokyo Chemical Industry Co., Ltd.) B-3: Octyltrimethylammonium chloride (Tokyo Chemical Industry Co., Ltd.)

[0064] [(C) component] C-1: Fragrance containing fragrance ingredients with the composition shown in Table 1 below [Table 1]

[0065] [Common ingredients] D-1: Ingredients shown in Table 2 below [Table 2]

[0066] D-2: Ingredients shown in Table 3 below [Table 3]

[0067] [Method for preparing emulsion-type liquid fabric softener composition] Using a glass container with an inner diameter of 100 mm and a height of 150 mm and an agitator (Ajiter SJ type, manufactured by Shimadzu Corporation), the blending amounts of each component were adjusted as shown in Table 4 below, and an emulsion-type liquid fabric softener composition was prepared according to the following procedure. First, components (A), (B), (C), and a nonionic surfactant were mixed and agitated to obtain an oil phase mixture. Separately, a preservative was dissolved in ion-exchanged water for the balance to obtain an aqueous phase mixture. The mass of the ion-exchanged water for the balance (including the preservative) corresponds to the remainder obtained by subtracting the total mass of the oil phase mixture from 980 g. Next, the oil phase mixture heated above the melting point of component (A) was placed in a glass container and stirred. The aqueous phase mixture heated above the melting point of component (A) was added in two separate portions and stirred. The aqueous phase mixture was divided into two portions at a mass ratio of 30:70, and stirring was performed at 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. Calcium chloride and / or capsule fragrance were then added to the resulting emulsion and stirred. If necessary, an appropriate amount of hydrochloric acid (1 mol / L reagent, Kanto Chemical) or sodium hydroxide (1 mol / L reagent, Kanto Chemical) was added to adjust the pH, and ion-exchanged water was added to bring the total mass to 1,000 g to obtain the desired emulsion-type liquid fabric softener compositions (Examples 1 to 13, Comparative Examples 1 to 3).

[0068] [Method for evaluating liquid fabric softener compositions] The resulting liquid fabric softener compositions were evaluated for "fragrance intensity," "softness," and "storage stability" according to the following procedures.

[0069] <1. Treatment of cotton towels with liquid fabric softener composition> (Pretreatment of evaluation cloth) A commercially available cotton towel (manufactured by Toshinsha) was subjected to the following pretreatment three times using the commercially available detergent "Top Platinum Clear" (manufactured by Lion Corporation) in a twin-tub washing machine (Toshiba VH-30S). Pre-treatment: Wash for 10 minutes with standard detergent amount, 30 times bath ratio, and 45°C tap water, followed by a 10-minute rinse cycle twice.

[0070] (Treatment with liquid fabric softener composition during the rinsing step of laundry) Pre-washed cotton towels (manufactured by Toshinsha) were washed in a twin-tub washing machine (Toshiba VH-30S) with LAS (trade name "Lipon LS-250", manufactured by Lion Specialty Chemicals Co., Ltd.) added to a concentration of 15 ppm, simulating the second rinse, and each of the liquid fabric softener compositions obtained above was added. The towels were then softened for 3 minutes (25 ml softener / 1.5 kg fabric, 20 times bath ratio, tap water at 25°C). After the softening treatment, the towels were dehydrated for 1 minute. After the treatment, the cotton towels were removed from the twin-tub washing machine and dried under constant temperature and humidity conditions of 20°C and 40% RH for 18 hours, and then subjected to the evaluations described below.

[0071] <2. Fragrance intensity evaluation> The scent intensity of the cotton towels after 18 hours of drying was evaluated sensorily according to the following six-level odor intensity rating method. The scent intensity was judged according to the following criteria using the average scores (calculated to one decimal point) of eight expert panelists. The results are shown in the "Scent Intensity" section of Table 4 below. In terms of commercial value, a rating of ○ or higher was considered acceptable. (Evaluation criteria) 0: Odorless 1: Barely detectable scent 2: The scent is so clear that you can tell what it is. 3: Easily detectable scent 4: Strong fragrance 5: Strong fragrance (Judgment criteria) ◎: 2.5 points ~ 3.5 points ○: 2 points to less than 2.5 points, ×: Less than 2 points

[0072] <3. Flexibility evaluation> The softness imparted to the cotton towels after drying for 18 hours was evaluated in a paired sensory comparison with a control product (softened in the same manner as in the "treatment with liquid fabric softener composition in the rinsing step during laundry" except that LAS was not present) using the following evaluation criteria. Evaluation was carried out by six expert panelists using the following evaluation criteria. The results are shown in the "Softness" section of Table 4 below. In terms of commercial value, a rating of Fair or better was considered acceptable. (Evaluation criteria) ◎: Evaluated as having almost no difference in flexibility compared to the flexibility when LAS is not present 5-6 out of 6 people did ○: Evaluated as having almost no difference in flexibility compared to the flexibility when LAS is not present 3-4 out of 6 people did △: Evaluated as having almost no difference in flexibility compared to the flexibility when LAS is not present 1-2 people out of 6 did ×: Evaluated as having almost no difference in flexibility compared to the flexibility when LAS is not present 0 out of 6 people did

[0073] <4. Storage stability (separation) evaluation> 80 mL of each liquid fabric softener composition obtained as described above was placed in a lightweight glass bottle (PS-No. 11, manufactured by Tanuma Glass Industry Co., Ltd.) and sealed to serve as an evaluation sample. After a durability test in which the composition was left to stand at 25°C for 30 days, the state of the liquid was visually observed and evaluated according to the following criteria using the average score of eight expert panelists. Separation was also evaluated according to the following criteria. The results are shown in the "Storage Stability" section of Table 4 below. A rating of 0 or higher was considered acceptable in terms of commercial value. <Judgment criteria> ◎: No change at all compared to before the durability test. ○: Almost no change compared to before the durability test, but slight separation is observed. △: Separation of 1 to 10% is observed compared to before the durability test. ×: Separation of 10% or more is observed compared to before the durability test.

[0074] [Table 4]

Claims

1. The following components (A) and (B): (A) one or more cationic surfactants selected from the following (A-1): (A-1) 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. and (B) A quaternary ammonium salt represented by the following formula (B): (In the formula, R 1 is a hydrocarbon group having 8 to 24 carbon atoms that is not interrupted by an ester group (—COO—) or an amide group (—NHCO—), and R 2 and R 3 are independently an alkyl group having 1 to 3 carbon atoms, and X - represents an anion.) An emulsion-type liquid softener composition comprising: The component (A) comprises an amine compound, a salt thereof, or a quaternized product thereof, which has two or three hydrocarbon groups having 10 to 26 carbon atoms in the molecule, each hydrocarbon group being separated by an ester group and / or an amide group; The content of the component (A) is less than 5% by mass, The content of component (B) is 0.2 to 1.5% by mass, An emulsion-type liquid fabric softener composition, wherein the mass ratio A / B of the component (A) to the component (B) is 2 or more.

2. An emulsion-type liquid fabric softener composition as described in claim 1, wherein component (A) comprises an amine compound represented by the following formula (A1), its salt, or its quaternary derivative: [In the formula, R 1 to R 3 are each independently a hydrocarbon group having 10 to 26 carbon atoms, —CH 2 CH(Y)OCOR 4 (Y is a hydrogen atom or CH 3 , and R 4 is a hydrocarbon group having 7 to 21 carbon atoms), —(CH 2 ) 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, —CH 2 CH(Y)OH (Y is a hydrogen atom or CH 3 ), or —(CH 2 ) n NH 2 (n is 2 or 3), and two of R 1 to R 3 are a hydrocarbon group having 10 to 26 carbon atoms, —CH 2 CH(Y)OCOR 4 , or —(CH 2 ) n NHCOR 5 .]

3. A method for treating textiles, comprising contacting the textiles with the emulsion-type liquid softener composition according to claim 1 or 2 in water containing 1 ppm or more of linear alkylbenzene sulfonic acid or a salt thereof.

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