Method for making perfume-containing particles

Abstract

A method of making perfume-containing particles is provided, each of such particles comprising a perfume ingredient, a first carrier and a second carrier, the first carrier comprising a water-soluble and heat-fusible material, the second carrier comprising a water-soluble or water-dispersible particle, 80%-100% by weight of the second carrier being characterized by a particle size in the range of 5 micrometers to 150 micrometers, each of the perfume-containing particles having a mass of 0.1 mg to 5 g and a maximum dimension of 3 mm to 10 mm, the method comprising the steps of: a) providing intermediate particles comprising at least a second carrier and a binder, the intermediate particles being characterized by a maximum dimension in the range of 0.5 mm to 10 mm, the intermediate particles comprising at least a second carrier and a binder, b) mixing the intermediate particles, the perfume ingredient, the first carrier in a molten state, and optionally one or more other ingredients to form a slurry, and c) forming the perfume-containing particles from the slurry.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to perfume-containing particles and methods for making same. [Background technology]

[0002] Scent is perceived as providing consumer pleasure when doing laundry. Consumers can associate a particular scent with laundry product performance and as an indicator of laundry product quality. Laundry products that provide consumers with a pleasant or enhanced scent experience when they dispense laundry, transfer wet laundry from the washer to the dryer or drying rack or line, or wear clothes fulfill this consumer need.

[0003] Correspondingly, scented particles have become increasingly popular as laundry scent additives and can be used to impart new scents to washed items or to enhance existing scents.

[0004] Most of these fragrance particles contain one or more perfume component carrier materials. The perfume component may be selected from the group consisting of free perfume, encapsulated perfume, and combinations thereof. The carrier material may be selected from the group consisting of polymers (e.g., polyethylene glycol, ethylene oxide / propylene oxide block copolymer, polyvinyl alcohol, polyvinyl acetate, and derivatives thereof), proteins (e.g., gelatin, albumin, casein, etc.), sugars (e.g., dextrose, fructose, galactose, glucose, isoglucose, sucrose, etc.), polysaccharides (e.g., starch, cellulose, or derivatives thereof), water-soluble or water-dispersible fillers (e.g., sodium chloride, sodium sulfate, sodium carbonate / bicarbonate, zeolite, silica, clay, etc.), and combinations thereof. Some fragrance particles contain only one type of carrier material, while others may contain a mixture of two or more different carrier materials.

[0005] U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 20190218480(A) discloses fragrance particles containing a mixture of a polymer (e.g., polyethylene glycol) and a water-soluble or water-dispersible filler having a specific particle size range, which results in significantly reduced compositional variation, thereby providing better product quality control, a consistent user experience, and consumer satisfaction. However, there are challenges during manufacturing to handle fine powders of filler particles. First, due to their dustiness, handling fine powders of filler particles requires very careful operating procedures. Second, some fine powders of filler particles are prone to absorbing moisture and clogging, thus requiring particularly careful conditions for storage and transportation. If discrete particles with a specific particle size are required, special capital investment may be required, which can result in complex processing. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0006] [Patent Document 1] U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 20190218480(A) Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0007] Therefore, there is a need to provide an improved process for making fragrance particles containing filler carriers with small particle sizes, with better operational flexibility.It is further desirable to provide filler carrier particles that are less likely to agglomerate under humidity or long transportation, in order to reduce capital investment, save operational costs, and / or simplify processing complexity. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] The present applicants have surprisingly discovered an improved method for producing perfume-containing particles, in which a water-soluble or water-dispersible carrier (filler) can be distributed into particles with a specific particle size range by an easier operation method. Such a method introduces preformed intermediate particles produced by granulating a water-soluble or water-dispersible carrier with a heat-meltable binder. Granulation results in more homogeneous particles with better flow properties. Granules are easier to store and transport compared to powders. The granulation process can modify or improve the filler release profile during the subsequent process of producing perfume-containing particles. Surprisingly, the filler released from the intermediate particles re-melts into perfume-containing particles by maintaining a specific particle size range.

[0009] In one aspect, the invention relates to a method of making perfume-containing particles, the perfume-containing particles comprising a perfume ingredient, a first carrier, and a second carrier, the first carrier comprising a water-soluble and heat-fusible material, the second carrier comprising water-soluble or water-dispersible particles, 80% to 100% by weight of the second carrier characterized by a particle size in the range of 5 micrometers to 150 micrometers, each of the perfume-containing particles having a mass of 0.1 mg to 5 g and a maximum dimension of 3 mm to 10 mm, the method comprising: a) providing intermediate particles characterized by a maximum dimension in the range of 0.5 mm to 10 mm, the intermediate particles comprising at least a second carrier and a binder; b) mixing the intermediate particles, the flavor ingredient, the molten first carrier, and optionally one or more other ingredients to form a slurry; and c) forming perfume-containing particles from the slurry.

[0010] Preferably, the intermediate particles are prepared by granulation of the second carrier and binder. The intermediate particles can be prepared, for example, by high-shear wet granulation, low-shear wet granulation, fluidized-bed wet granulation, dry granulation, spray-drying granulation, rotor granulation, extrusion, hot-melt granulation, etc. The intermediate particles can have any suitable shape. For example, the intermediate particles can be any regular shape, such as a cube, sphere, hemisphere, cylinder, noodle, etc., or can be irregular. Preferably, the intermediate particles are characterized by a maximum dimension ranging from 0.5 mm to 10 mm, preferably from 0.6 mm to 9 mm, more preferably from 0.8 mm to 8 mm.

[0011] The first carrier in the perfume-containing particle may comprise a water-soluble, heat-meltable material, preferably having a melting point of 35°C to 70°C. The first carrier may be a material selected from polyethylene glycol, polypropylene glycol, ethylene oxide / propylene oxide block copolymer, nonionic surfactant, and combinations thereof. For example, the first carrier may be polyethylene glycol having a weight-average molecular weight (Mw) of 2,000 to 30,000 daltons, preferably 3,000 to 20,000 daltons, more preferably 4,000 to 15,000 daltons. Preferably, the first carrier is present in each perfume-containing particle in an amount ranging from 5% to 90%, preferably 10% to 70%, more preferably 20% to 60%, based on the total weight of each perfume-containing particle.

[0012] The second carrier in the perfume-containing particle may comprise a material selected from the group consisting of sodium chloride, sodium sulfate, sodium carbonate, sodium bicarbonate, sodium citrate, magnesium chloride, magnesium sulfate, potassium chloride, potassium sulfate, potassium carbonate, potassium bicarbonate, calcium bicarbonate, zeolite, silica, clay, and combinations thereof, preferably sodium chloride, sodium sulfate, sodium carbonate, or combinations thereof. Preferably, 80% to 100% by weight of the second carrier present in the perfume-containing particle is characterized by a particle size ranging from 10 micrometers to 125 micrometers, preferably from 10 micrometers to 105 micrometers, more preferably from 10 micrometers to 90 micrometers. Preferably, the second carrier may be present in each perfume-containing particle in an amount ranging from about 1% to about 90%, preferably from about 5% to about 50%, more preferably from about 8% to about 40%, based on the total weight of each perfume-containing particle.

[0013] Preferably, the binder in the intermediate particles comprises a material selected from polyethylene glycol, ethylene oxide / propylene oxide block copolymers, polyvinyl alcohol, polyvinyl acetate, and derivatives thereof; gelatin, albumin, casein, dextrose, fructose, galactose, glucose, isoglucose, sucrose; polysaccharides, cellulose, starch, or derivatives thereof; nonionic surfactants, anionic surfactants, cationic surfactants, and combinations thereof.

[0014] In some preferred examples, the weight ratio of the second carrier to the binder in the intermediate particles is about 50 to 99: 1 to 50. For example, the weight ratio of the second carrier to the binder in the intermediate particles can be 50:50, or 55:45, or 60:40, or 65:35, or 70:30, or 75:25, or 80:20, or 85:15, or 90:10, or 95:5, and any combination between the above ranges.

[0015] Each of the above-described perfume-containing particles may contain one or more perfume ingredients selected from the group consisting of free perfume, encapsulated perfume, and combinations thereof. In certain embodiments, the perfume-containing particles contain one or more free perfumes, preferably present in an amount ranging from about 0.1% to about 25%, alternatively from about 0.2% to about 20%, preferably from about 0.5% to about 15%, and more preferably from about 1% to about 10%, based on the total weight of each perfume-containing particle. Additionally, the perfume-containing particles may contain an encapsulated perfume, either alone or in combination with a free perfume. Preferably, the encapsulated perfume is present in crushable perfume microcapsules, while the crushable perfume microcapsules are preferably present in an amount ranging from about 0.1% to about 25%, alternatively from about 0.2% to about 20%, preferably from about 0.5% to about 10%, and more preferably from about 1% to about 5%, based on the total weight of each perfume-containing particle.

[0016] Optionally, the perfume-containing particles of the present invention may further comprise one or more other ingredients selected from the group consisting of colorants, solvents, softening actives, and combinations thereof. In some examples, the one or more ingredients are present in an amount ranging from 0.01% to 10%, preferably from 0.02% to 8%, and more preferably from 0.1% to 5%, based on the total weight of each perfume-containing particle.

[0017] These and other aspects of the present invention will become more apparent from a reading of the following detailed description. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0018] Features and advantages of various embodiments of the invention will become apparent from the following specification, including examples of specific embodiments intended to give a broad expression of the invention. Various modifications will become apparent to those skilled in the art from this specification and practice of the invention. The scope of the invention is not intended to be limited to the particular forms disclosed, and the invention covers all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the claims.

[0019] The dimensions and values ​​disclosed herein should not be understood as being strictly limited to the exact numerical values ​​recited. Instead, unless otherwise specified, each such dimension is intended to mean both the recited value and a functionally equivalent range surrounding that value. For example, a dimension disclosed as "40 mm" is intended to mean "about 40 mm."

[0020] As used herein, terms such as "a" and "an" when used in a claim are understood to mean one or more of what is claimed or described. The terms "comprise," "comprises," "comprising," "contain," "contains," "containing," "include," "includes," and "including" are all meant to be open-ended.

[0021] The term "perfume-containing particle" refers to a particle containing one or more perfume ingredients, such as free perfume, pro-perfume, encapsulated perfume (including perfume microcapsules), etc. Preferably, such perfume-containing particles contain perfume encapsulated in perfume microcapsules, particularly crushable perfume microcapsules.

[0022] The term "aspect ratio" refers to the ratio of the longest dimension to the shortest dimension of a perfume-containing particle. For example, if such a perfume-containing particle has a hemispherical or compressed hemispherical shape, the aspect ratio is the ratio of the base diameter to the height of the perfume-containing particle.

[0023] The term "consisting essentially of" means that the composition contains less than about 1%, and preferably less than about 0.5%, of ingredients other than the listed ingredients.

[0024] Additionally, the terms "substantially free of" or "substantially free from" mean that the specified material is present in an amount of 0% to about 1% by weight, preferably 0% to about 0.5% by weight, and more preferably 0% to about 0.2% by weight. The term "essentially free" means that the specified material is present in an amount of 0% to about 0.1% by weight, preferably 0% to about 0.01% by weight, and more preferably is not present at analytically detectable concentrations.

[0025] As used herein, all concentrations and ratios are by weight unless otherwise specified. All temperatures herein are in degrees Celsius (°C) unless otherwise specified. All conditions herein are at 20°C and atmospheric pressure unless otherwise specified. All molecular weights of polymers are determined by weight average number molecular weight unless otherwise specified.

[0026] Method for making perfume-containing particles The present invention relates to perfume-containing particles and a method for making the same. The perfume-containing particles comprise a perfume component, a first carrier, and a second carrier, wherein the first carrier comprises a water-soluble and heat-fusible material, and the second carrier comprises water-soluble or water-dispersible particles. The method for making the perfume-containing particles includes: a) providing intermediate particles characterized by a maximum dimension in the range of 0.5 mm to 10 mm, the intermediate particles comprising at least a second carrier and a binder; b) mixing the intermediate particles, the perfume component, and the first carrier in a molten state to form a slurry; and c) forming perfume-containing particles from the slurry.

[0027] The incorporation of the step of providing intermediate particles comprising at least a second carrier and a binder results in homogeneous perfume-containing particles, with the second carrier retaining its specific particle size characteristics throughout the manufacturing process. In particular, the perfume-containing particles comprise 80% to 100% by weight of the second carrier, characterized by a particle size ranging from 5 micrometers to 150 micrometers, and each of the perfume-containing particles contains about 1% to about 90% by weight, preferably about 5% to about 50% by weight, and more preferably about 8% to about 40% by weight of the second carrier. The second carrier comprises a water-soluble or water-dispersible particle selected from the group consisting of sodium chloride, sodium sulfate, sodium carbonate, sodium bicarbonate, sodium citrate, magnesium chloride, magnesium sulfate, potassium chloride, potassium sulfate, potassium carbonate, potassium bicarbonate, calcium bicarbonate, zeolite, silica, clay, and combinations thereof, preferably a water-soluble or water-dispersible particle selected from sodium chloride, sodium sulfate, sodium carbonate, or combinations thereof.

[0028] The intermediate particles are prepared by granulation of the second carrier and binder. The intermediate particles can be prepared, for example, by high-shear wet granulation, low-shear wet granulation, fluidized-bed wet granulation, dry granulation, spray-drying granulation, rotor granulation, extrusion, hot-melt granulation, etc. The intermediate particles can have any suitable shape. For example, the intermediate particles can be any regular shape, such as a cube, sphere, hemisphere, cylinder, noodle, etc., or can be irregular. Preferably, the intermediate particles are characterized by a maximum dimension ranging from 0.5 mm to 10 mm, preferably from 0.6 mm to 9 mm, more preferably from 0.8 mm to 8 mm. Preferably, the intermediate particles have an aspect ratio (longest dimension to shortest dimension) of about 20:1 to about 1:1, or about 15:1 to about 1:1, or about 10:1 to about 1:1. For example, the intermediate particles may have a noodle or cylindrical shape with an aspect ratio of about 20:1 to about 3:1, or may have a hemispherical shape with a largest dimension having an aspect ratio of about 1.5:1 to about 1:1.

[0029] The binder used in the intermediate particles may include materials selected from polyethylene glycol, ethylene oxide / propylene oxide block copolymers, polyvinyl alcohol, polyvinyl acetate, and derivatives thereof; gelatin, albumin, casein, dextrose, fructose, galactose, glucose, isoglucose, sucrose; polysaccharides, cellulose, starch, or derivatives thereof; nonionic surfactants, anionic surfactants, cationic surfactants, and combinations thereof. Preferably, the binder in the intermediate particles is compatible with the first carrier. In particular, the binder may include the same material as the first carrier. Alternatively, the binder may include a different material from the first carrier, but the binder material may be at least compatible with the material of the first carrier.

[0030] The intermediate particles may optionally contain any other suitable or compatible ingredients, as described in the Optional / Adjunct Ingredients section below. In preferred, but not required, examples, the intermediate particles may further contain an adjunct ingredient selected from a pH adjuster, a colorant, a solvent, a softening active, a disinfectant, an anti-mite agent, a dye transfer inhibitor, a silicone, a polymer, and combinations thereof. For example, the adjunct ingredient in the intermediate particles may be present in a range of about 0.01% to about 40%, preferably about 0.1% to about 30%.

[0031] The method for producing the flavor-containing particles of the present invention can be performed in either batch mode or continuous mode. In either mode, intermediate particles containing at least a water-soluble or water-dispersible second carrier and a binder are first prepared using a suitable granulation method described herein. The second carrier can be a material selected from the list consisting of sodium chloride particles, sodium sulfate particles, sodium carbonate particles, etc. The binder used in the intermediate particles can be selected from polymers (e.g., polyethylene glycol, ethylene oxide / propylene oxide block copolymers, polyvinyl alcohol, polyvinyl acetate, and derivatives thereof), proteins (e.g., gelatin, albumin, casein, etc.), sugars (e.g., dextrose, fructose, galactose, glucose, isoglucose, sucrose, etc.), polysaccharides (e.g., starch, cellulose, or derivatives thereof). In the batch mode, the first carrier (e.g., molten PEG) is charged into a mixing vessel with temperature control. Then, the perfume ingredients (e.g., free perfume and / or PMC), intermediate particles, and optional ingredients (dyes, pigments, solvents, etc.) are added and mixed with the molten PEG until homogeneous. In a continuous mode, the molten PEG is mixed with the above-mentioned perfume ingredients, intermediate particles, and optional ingredients in an in-line mixer, such as a static mixer or a high-shear mixer, and the resulting homogeneous mixture is then used for forming. The perfume ingredients, intermediate particles, and optional ingredients can be added to the molten PEG in any order or simultaneously in a step prior to pastille formation.

[0032] The flavor-containing particles may be manufactured by a pastry tablet forming process. The desired composition containing the above-mentioned molten PEG, flavor component, intermediate particles, and optional ingredients is provided as a viscous slurry. The viscous slurry may be provided at a processing temperature that is less than about 20 degrees Celsius higher than the onset of the solidification temperature of the PEG material as determined by differential scanning calorimetry. In one embodiment, the PMC can be added to the molten PEG and free flavor as a slurry to form a viscous slurry. The PMC can also be added to the molten PEG and free flavor as a powder to form a viscous slurry.

[0033] In a particularly preferred embodiment of the present invention, a gas or gas generating component may be added to the viscous slurry to form an aerated viscous slurry.

[0034] The aerated or non-aerated viscous slurry can then be formed into flavor-containing particles (particularly in the form of pastilles) using a ROTOFORMER available from Sandvik Materials Technology. Specifically, the viscous slurry can be dispensed into a stator through a feed tube. A cylinder is provided for rotation around the stator along the longitudinal axis L of the cylinder, the cylinder having a periphery with a plurality of openings disposed around the periphery. The viscous slurry is then passed through the openings of the cylinder onto a moving conveyor below the cylinder to form droplets of the viscous slurry. The droplets of the viscous slurry are cooled below the glass transition temperature of the PEG material on the moving conveyor, thereby forming a plurality of pastilles having a hemispherical or compressed hemispherical shape (depending on the viscosity of the slurry). This method can be performed using any of the devices disclosed herein.

[0035] In the present invention, a second carrier (particularly, inorganic water-soluble particles) is added to the first carrier and the perfume component, and then granulated with a binder to form intermediate particles before forming the perfume-containing particles. Such a process provides perfume-containing particles containing the second carrier with a specific desired particle size distribution as described above. The intermediate particles can be manufactured before use to make perfume-containing particles. They are provided to the molten first carrier without on-site pretreatment and can withstand long-term storage or transportation. In contrast, previous methods for manufacturing perfume-containing particles may require an additional step of crushing and sieving the second carrier particles immediately before adding them to the molten PEG, which requires more capital investment and process complexity.

[0036] fragrance-containing particles The perfume-containing particles produced by the method of the present invention may each have a particular shape and size, with each perfume-containing particle having a mass of between 0.1 mg and 5 g and a maximum dimension of between 3 mm and 10 mm.

[0037] Preferably, the mass of each flavor-containing particle may be from about 1 mg to about 3 g, preferably from about 2 mg to about 2 g, more preferably from about 5 mg to about 1 g, even more preferably from about 10 mg to about 500 mg, even more preferably from about 15 mg to about 300 mg, even more preferably from about 20 mg to about 125 mg, and alternative combinations thereof and any integer or range of integers within the aforementioned ranges.

[0038] The perfume-containing particles of the present invention may have any shape selected from the group consisting of a sphere, a hemisphere, a compressed hemisphere, a cylinder, a disk, a circle, a lentil shape, an ellipse, a cube, a rectangle, a star shape, a flower shape, and any combination thereof. A lentil shape refers to the shape of a lentil bean. Preferably, the perfume-containing particles of the present invention have a hemisphere or a compressed hemisphere. A compressed hemisphere refers to a shape that corresponds to an at least partially flattened hemisphere such that the curvature of the curved surface is, on average, less than that of a hemisphere having the same radius.

[0039] The perfume-containing particles of the present invention may each have a maximum dimension of about 3 mm to about 10 mm, preferably about 4 mm to about 9 mm, and more preferably about 5 mm to about 8 mm. The compressed hemispherical particles may have an aspect ratio (i.e., the ratio of the base diameter to the height perpendicular to the base) of about 2.0 to about 5, alternatively about 2.1 to about 4.5, alternatively about 2.2 to about 4. Elliptical particles refer to particles having a maximum dimension and a secondary dimension perpendicular to the maximum dimension, wherein the ratio of the maximum dimension to the secondary dimension is greater than about 1.2, preferably greater than about 1.5, and more preferably greater than about 2.

[0040] Each fragrance-containing particle is approximately 0.003 cm 3 ~about 0.15cm 3 , preferably about 0.005 cm 3 ~about 0.12cm3 may have a volume of

[0041] In a preferred, but not required, embodiment of the present invention, the perfume-containing particles of the present invention have a density less than that of water so that they can float on water. For example, such perfume-containing particles have a density of about 0.5 g / cm 3 ~Approx. 0.98g / cm 3 , preferably about 0.7 g / cm 3 ~Approx. 0.95g / cm 3 , more preferably about 0.8 g / cm 3 ~Approx. 0.9g / cm 3 The density may range from 0.01 to 0.01.

[0042] The plurality of perfume-containing particles of the present invention can have different shapes, sizes, masses, and / or densities.

[0043] The perfume-containing particles produced by the method of the present invention may comprise a perfume ingredient, polyethylene glycol, water-soluble or water-dispersible second carrier particles characterized by a particular particle size distribution, and, optionally, one or more auxiliary ingredients as described in detail below.

[0044] Fragrance ingredients The fragrance-containing particles of the present invention may contain about 0.1% by weight to about 20% by weight, preferably about 0.5% by weight to about 15% by weight, and more preferably about 1% by weight to about 10% by weight of one or more fragrance components, such as free fragrance, pre-fragrance, encapsulated fragrance (including fragrance microcapsules), etc.

[0045] In one embodiment, the perfume-containing particles comprise free perfume and are substantially or essentially free of encapsulated perfume. In such an embodiment, each perfume-containing particle may comprise about 25% or less, preferably about 20% or less (e.g., from about 0.1% to about 20%), more preferably from about 0.5% to about 15%, and most preferably from about 1% to about 10%, alternatively from about 9% to about 20%, alternatively from about 10% to about 18%, alternatively from about 11% to about 13%, or alternatively a combination thereof, of free perfume by weight of such particle.

[0046] In another embodiment, each perfume-containing particle comprises an encapsulated perfume (i.e., perfume supported by a carrier material such as starch, cyclodextrin, silica, zeolite, or clay, or perfume in the form of perfume microcapsules), but is substantially or essentially free of free perfume. Preferably, the perfume-containing particle comprises perfume encapsulated in perfume microcapsules (PMC), which are preferably friable (e.g., verses moisture-activated PMC), but may also be moisture-activated. For purposes of the present invention, the term "perfume microcapsule" or "PMC" describes both perfume microcapsules and perfume nanocapsules. In such embodiments, each perfume-containing particle may each comprise from about 0.1% to about 20% by weight of the particle, preferably from about 0.5% to about 10% by weight, more preferably from about 1% to about 5% by weight, alternatively from about 4% to about 7% by weight, alternatively from about 5% to about 7% by weight, alternatively combinations thereof, of perfume microcapsules (preferably, crushable perfume microcapsules).

[0047] In yet another embodiment, each perfume-containing particle contains both free perfume and encapsulated perfume (preferably in the form of perfume microcapsules, more preferably in the form of crushable perfume microcapsules), for example, in a weight ratio ranging from about 1:5 to about 5:1, alternatively from about 1:4 to about 4:1, and further alternatively from about 1:3 to about 3:1. In another embodiment, the perfume-containing particle may contain from about 1% to about 10% PMC by weight of the particle, alternatively from about 2% to about 12%, alternatively from about 2% to about 8%, alternatively from about 3% to about 8%, alternatively from about 4% to about 7%, alternatively from about 5% to about 7%, or alternatively combinations thereof. In this embodiment, the perfume encapsulated by the PMC may comprise from about 0.6% to about 4% perfume by weight of the particle.

[0048] In one embodiment, the PMC comprises a melamine / formaldehyde shell commercially available from Appleton, Quest International, International Flavor & Fragrance, or other suitable source. In a preferred embodiment, the shell of the PMC is coated with a polymer to enhance the ability of the PMC to adhere to fabrics.

[0049] In yet another embodiment, the perfume-containing particles may include a formaldehyde scavenger. In yet another embodiment, the scent of the perfume-containing particles is matched with the scent of other fabric care products (e.g., laundry detergent, fabric softener). In this way, consumers who like the scent of APRIL FRESH can use a packaged composition containing multiple perfume-containing particles with the scent of APRIL FRESH, thereby matching the scent experience of washing laundry with the scent experience obtained by using APRIL FRESH. The perfume-containing particles of the present invention may be sold as a product array (with laundry detergent and / or fabric softener) with a matched scent.

[0050] First carrier The perfume-containing particles of the present invention include a first carrier. The first carrier in the perfume-containing particles may comprise a water-soluble, heat-meltable material, preferably having a melting point of 35°C to 70°C. The first carrier may be a material selected from polyethylene glycol, polypropylene glycol, ethylene oxide / propylene oxide block copolymers, nonionic surfactants, and combinations thereof. For example, the first carrier may be polyethylene glycol (PEG). PEG is relatively low cost, can be formed into many different shapes and sizes, minimizes diffusion of free perfume, and is highly soluble in water. As used herein, the term "polyethylene glycol" or "PEG" refers to a homopolymer containing ethylene oxide repeat units, a random copolymer containing ethylene oxide and propylene oxide repeat units, a block copolymer containing polyethylene oxide and polypropylene oxide blocks, and combinations thereof.

[0051] Preferably, each perfume-containing particle comprises about 5% to about 90% by weight, preferably about 10% to about 70% by weight, more preferably about 20% to about 60% by weight of PEG, and more preferably, such PEG is characterized by a weight average molecular weight (Mw) ranging from about 2,000 to about 30,000 daltons, preferably from about 3,000 to about 20,000 daltons, more preferably from about 4,000 to about 15,000 daltons. Suitable PEGs include homopolymers commercially available from BASF under the trade name Pluriol® E 8000.

[0052] Particularly preferred PEGs within the meaning of the present invention are ethylene oxide-propylene oxide-ethylene oxide (EOx1POyEOx2) triblock copolymers, preferably having an average ethylene oxide chain length of about 2 to about 90, preferably about 3 to about 50, more preferably about 4 to about 20 ethylene oxide units, and an average propylene oxide chain length of 20 to 70, preferably 30 to 60, more preferably 45 to 55 propylene oxide units. More preferably, the ethylene oxide-propylene oxide-ethylene oxide (EOx1POyEOx2) triblock copolymers have a molecular weight of about 2000 to about 30,000 daltons, preferably about 3000 to about 20,000 daltons, more preferably about 4000 to about 15,000 daltons.

[0053] Preferably, the copolymer comprises 10% to 90%, preferably 15% to 50%, and most preferably 15% to 25% by weight of the copolymer of multiple ethylene oxide blocks. Most preferably, the total ethylene oxide content is divided equally between the two ethylene oxide blocks. By equally divided in this context, we mean that each ethylene oxide block contains, on average, 40% to 60%, preferably 45% to 55%, even more preferably 48% to 52%, and most preferably 50% of the total number of ethylene oxide units, with the percentages of both ethylene oxide blocks adding up to 100%. Some ethylene oxide-propylene oxide-ethylene oxide (EOx1POyEOx2) triblock copolymers improve cleaning.

[0054] Suitable ethylene oxide-propylene oxide-ethylene oxide triblock copolymers are commercially available from BASF as the Pluronic series or from Dow Chemical as the Tergitol L series. A particularly suitable material is Pluronic® PE 9200. Other suitable materials include Pluronic® F38, F68, and F108.

[0055] Second Carrier In addition to the perfume ingredient and PEG described above, the perfume-containing particles of the present invention further comprise a second carrier in the form of a microparticle.

[0056] The second carrier may be or may include a water-soluble material selected from the group consisting of a water-soluble inorganic alkali metal salt, a water-soluble alkaline earth metal salt, a water-soluble organic alkali metal salt, a water-soluble organic alkaline earth metal salt, a water-soluble carbohydrate, a water-soluble silicate, a water-soluble urea, and any combination thereof.

[0057] The alkali metal salt may be selected from the group consisting of, for example, lithium salts, sodium salts, and potassium salts, and any combination thereof. Useful alkali metal salts may be selected from the group consisting of, for example, alkali metal fluorides, alkali metal chlorides, alkali metal bromides, alkali metal iodides, alkali metal sulfates, alkali metal bisulfates, alkali metal phosphates, alkali metal monohydrogen phosphates, alkali metal dihydrogen phosphates, alkali metal carbonates, alkali metal monohydrogen carbonates, alkali metal acetates, alkali metal citrates, alkali metal lactates, alkali metal pyruvates, alkali metal silicates, alkali metal ascorbates, and combinations thereof. Preferred alkali metal salts may be selected from the group consisting of sodium fluoride, sodium chloride, sodium bromide, sodium iodide, sodium sulfate, sodium bisulfate, sodium phosphate, sodium monohydrogen phosphate, sodium dihydrogen phosphate, sodium carbonate, sodium bicarbonate, sodium acetate, sodium citrate, sodium lactate, sodium tartrate, sodium silicate, sodium ascorbate, potassium fluoride, potassium chloride, potassium bromide, potassium iodide, potassium sulfate, potassium bisulfate, potassium phosphate, potassium monohydrogen phosphate, potassium dihydrogen phosphate, potassium carbonate, potassium monohydrogen carbonate, potassium acetate, potassium citrate, potassium lactate, potassium tartrate, potassium silicate, potassium, ascorbate, and combinations thereof.

[0058] The alkaline earth metal salt may be selected from the group consisting of alkaline earth metal fluorides, alkaline earth metal chlorides, alkaline earth metal bromides, alkaline earth metal iodides, alkaline earth metal sulfates, alkaline earth metal bisulfates, alkaline earth metal phosphates, alkaline earth metal monohydrogen phosphates, alkaline earth metal dihydrogen phosphates, alkaline earth metal carbonates, alkaline earth metal monohydrogen carbonates, alkaline earth metal acetates, alkaline earth metal citrates, alkaline earth metal lactates, alkaline earth metal pyruvates, alkaline earth metal silicates, alkaline earth metal ascorbates, and combinations thereof. Preferred alkaline earth metal salts may be selected from the group consisting of magnesium salts, calcium salts, and the like, and combinations thereof, including, for example, magnesium fluoride, magnesium chloride, magnesium bromide, magnesium iodide, magnesium sulfate, magnesium phosphate, magnesium monohydrogen phosphate, magnesium dihydrogen phosphate, magnesium carbonate, magnesium monohydrogen carbonate, magnesium acetate, magnesium citrate, magnesium lactate, magnesium tartrate, magnesium silicate, magnesium ascorbate, calcium fluoride, calcium chloride, calcium bromide, calcium iodide, calcium sulfate, calcium phosphate, calcium monohydrogen phosphate, calcium dihydrogen phosphate, calcium carbonate, calcium monohydrogen carbonate, calcium acetate, calcium citrate, calcium lactate, calcium tartrate, calcium silicate, calcium ascorbate, and combinations thereof.

[0059] The second support may also be a water-dispersible material selected from the group consisting of zeolites, silicas, clays, and combinations thereof.

[0060] Particularly preferred second carriers for the practice of the present invention include, but are not limited to, sodium chloride, sodium sulfate, sodium carbonate, sodium bicarbonate, sodium citrate, magnesium chloride, magnesium sulfate, potassium chloride, potassium sulfate, potassium carbonate, potassium bicarbonate, calcium bicarbonate, zeolites, silica, clays, and combinations thereof.

[0061] Preferably, 80% to 100% by weight of the second carrier present in the perfume-containing particle is characterized by a particle size in the range of 10 micrometers to 125 micrometers, preferably 10 micrometers to 105 micrometers, more preferably 10 micrometers to 90 micrometers. Preferably, the second carrier may be present in each perfume-containing particle in an amount in the range of about 1% to about 90%, preferably about 5% to about 50%, more preferably about 8% to about 40%, based on the total weight of each perfume-containing particle.

[0062] The water-soluble or water-dispersible second carrier is present in the perfume-containing particles in the form of fine particles, i.e., as discrete particles with a specific particle size distribution. Such a specific particle size distribution is particularly effective in reducing the compositional variation of the perfume-containing particles between batches. Without being bound by any theory, it is believed that when the second carrier particles are used separately, they may not dissolve in the molten polymer blend during the perfume particle preparation process, so that such particles settle to the bottom of the mixing tank, thereby causing compositional variation in the perfume particles thus formed. One way to alleviate this problem is to provide constant and increased stirring in the mixing tank to reduce settling, but this approach significantly increases capital investment, operating costs, and processing complexity. The present inventors have discovered that by preparing intermediate particles comprising second carrier particles and a binder with a specific particle size (e.g., 150 micrometers or less), the compositional variation of the perfume particles thus formed can be significantly reduced without the need for constant and increased stirring in the mixing tank. Thus, the present invention effectively solves or reduces settling problems with little or no increase in capital investment, operational costs, and / or processing complexity.

[0063] Specifically, about 80% to 100% by weight of the second carrier in the flavor-containing particle, preferably about 85% to 100% by weight, more preferably about 90% to 100% by weight, even more preferably about 95% to 100% by weight, even more preferably about 98% to 100% by weight, and most preferably about 99% to 100% by weight, have a particle size of 150 micrometers or less. Preferably, about 80% to 100% by weight of the discrete particles of the second carrier in the flavor-containing particle have a particle size of about 5 micrometers to about 150 micrometers, preferably about 10 micrometers to about 125 micrometers, more preferably about 10 micrometers to about 105 micrometers, and most preferably about 10 micrometers to about 90 micrometers. The particle size of the second carrier in the flavor-containing particle can be easily determined by micro-CT testing described in Test Method 1 below.

[0064] Preferably, each of the perfume-containing particles comprises from about 5% to about 90% by weight, preferably from about 10% to about 70% by weight, more preferably from about 20% to about 60% by weight of water-soluble or water-dispersible filler particles.

[0065] Preferably, the binder in the intermediate particles comprises a material that is compatible with the first carrier. In particular, the binder may comprise the same or different material as the first carrier. For example, the binder used in the intermediate particles may comprise a material selected from polyethylene glycol, ethylene oxide / propylene oxide block copolymer, polyvinyl alcohol, polyvinyl acetate, and derivatives thereof; gelatin, albumin, casein, dextrose, fructose, galactose, glucose, isoglucose, sucrose; polysaccharides, cellulose, starch, or derivatives thereof; nonionic surfactants, anionic surfactants, cationic surfactants, and combinations thereof.

[0066] In some preferred examples, the weight ratio of the second carrier to the binder in the intermediate particles is about 50 to 99: 1 to 50. For example, the weight ratio of the second carrier to the binder in the intermediate particles can be 50:50, or 55:45, or 60:40, or 65:35, or 70:30, or 75:25, or 80:20, or 85:15, or 90:10, or 95:5, and any combination between the above ranges.

[0067] Optional / auxiliary ingredients The perfume-containing particles of the present invention may optionally contain one or more optional / auxiliary ingredients, including colorants, solvents, softening actives, germicidal substances, anti-mite substances, dye transfer inhibitors, silicones, polymers, and combinations thereof, in an amount ranging from about 0.01% to about 30% by weight, preferably from about 0.02% to about 25% by weight, and more preferably from about 0.1% to about 15% by weight. Such optional / auxiliary ingredients can be added during the mixing process with the first carrier, intermediate particles, and perfume, or can be added to the intermediate particles along with the second carrier and binder, as long as the materials are compatible. Alternatively, some of the optional / auxiliary ingredients can be added to the intermediate particles, while some of the optional / auxiliary ingredients can be added directly to the mixing process.

[0068] The colorant can impart a color to the perfume-containing particles selected from the group consisting of blue, green, yellow, orange, pink, red, purple, gray, etc. The colorant may be selected from the group consisting of dyes, pigments, and combinations thereof. Preferably, the colorant comprises at least one dye selected from those typically used in laundry detergents or fabric softeners. Examples of suitable dyes include, but are not limited to, LIQUITINT BLUE BL, LIQUITINT PINK AM, AQUA AS CYAN 15, and VIOLET FL (Milliken Chemical). When dyes are used, the perfume-containing particles may comprise less than about 0.1% by weight of the particle, alternatively from about 0.001% to about 0.1%, alternatively from about 0.01% to about 0.02%, or combinations thereof.

[0069] The perfume-containing particles of the present invention may be substantially free of laundry actives and / or fabric softener actives. To reduce costs and avoid formulation capacity issues, one aspect of the present invention may include perfume-containing particles that are essentially free or completely free of laundry actives and / or fabric softener actives. In one embodiment, each perfume-containing particle contains less than about 3%, alternatively less than about 2%, alternatively less than about 1%, or alternatively less than about 0.1% laundry actives and / or fabric softener actives (or combinations thereof) by weight of the perfume-containing particle. Laundry actives may include detergent surfactants, detergent builders, bleaches, enzymes, mixtures thereof, and the like. It is particularly preferred that the perfume particles of the present invention be substantially or essentially free of surfactants, since the presence of such surfactants can accelerate the dissolution of the perfume particles in water, which is undesirable in the context of the present invention. It is understood that non-detergent levels of surfactants may be used to help solubilize the perfume contained in the composition. More preferably, the perfume particles of the present invention are substantially free or essentially free of any cleaning actives.

[0070] Depending on the application, the perfume-containing particles of the present invention may contain a solvent selected from the group consisting of glycerin, polypropylene glycol, isopropyl myristate, dipropylene glycol, 1,2-propanediol, and PEG having a weight average molecular weight of less than 2000, and mixtures thereof.

[0071] The perfume-containing particles may further comprise an antioxidant. The antioxidant may help to enhance the color or odor stability of the particles over a period from production to use. The perfume-containing particles may comprise about 0.001% to about 2% by weight of such an antioxidant, preferably 0.01% to about 1% by weight, and more preferably about 0.05% to about 0.5% by weight. The antioxidant may be butylated hydroxytoluene.

[0072] Packaged Composition A unit dose or a plurality of such unit doses of the perfume-containing particles produced by the method of the present invention can be contained in a package to form a packaged composition. The package can be a bottle, a bag, or other container. In one embodiment, the package is a bottle, preferably a PET bottle that includes a translucent portion to reveal the perfume-containing particles to a viewing consumer. In one embodiment, the package contains a single unit dose (e.g., a trial-size sachet) or a plurality of unit doses (e.g., about 15 unit doses to about 30 unit doses).

[0073] Administration A plurality of perfume-containing particles may collectively comprise a unit dose for dispensing into a washing machine or laundry basin. A single unit dose of perfume tablet may comprise from about 13 g to about 27 g, alternatively from about 14 g to about 20 g, alternatively from about 15 g to about 19 g, alternatively from about 16 g to about 18 g, or a combination thereof.

[0074] The aforementioned package may include a dosing means for dispensing the perfume-containing particles from the package into a washing machine (or laundry tub for hand-washing). A user may use the dosing means to measure out a recommended unit dose, or may simply use the dosing means to measure out the perfume-containing particles according to the user's unique scent preference. Examples of dosing means may be a dispensing cap, dome, etc. operatively attached to the package. The dosing means may be releasably detachable from the package and reattachable to the package, such as a cup attachable to the package. The dosing means may be connected (e.g., by a hinge or string) to the remaining (or unattached) portion of the package. The dosing means may have one or more boundaries (e.g., a fill line) to indicate a recommended unit dose. The packaging may include instructions instructing the user to open a removable opening in the package and dispense (e.g., pour) the perfume-containing particles contained within the package into the dosing means. The user may then be instructed to dispense the perfume-containing particles in the dosing means into the washing machine or laundry tub. The perfume-containing particles of the present invention can be used to add a clean feeling to laundry.The package containing the dispensing means may be made of plastic.

[0075] In one embodiment, the perfume-containing particles of the present invention can be administered to a laundry machine used during the "wash cycle" of the washing machine (although a "rinse cycle" may also be used). In another embodiment, the perfume-containing particles of the present invention are administered to a laundry basin during washing and / or rinsing of the laundry. For laundry hand rinse applications, the perfume-containing particles may further comprise an "anti-foaming agent," such as those available from Wacker.

[0076] Test Method Test Method 1: Micro-CT Test for Measuring the Particle Size of Second Carriers in Flavor-Containing Particles X-ray micro-CT is used to acquire and analyze images of the second carrier (water-soluble or water-dispersible particles) in the sample for particle size measurement according to the present invention.

[0077] A 10 mm diameter punch is used to physically extract a representative area of ​​the sample. The punched sample (approximately 10 mm in diameter) is then mounted on a sample holder. The sample holder is then placed in an X-ray scanner, such as a GE Phoenix v|tome|xm (GE Sensing & Inspection Technologies GmbH, Niels-Bohr-Str. 7 31515 Wunstorf, Germany). The scanning parameters used are: microtube, voltage: 180 kV, current: 120 μA, tube mode: 1, timing: 1000 ms, averaging: 2, skip frame: 1, number of images: 1500. The resulting dataset is 2014 x 2014 x 2014 voxels with attenuation values ​​expressed as 16-bit integers. Each voxel has a diameter of 7 micrometers.

[0078] To measure the particle size distribution in a sample, the following steps can be performed. 1. An automatic thresholding algorithm (Otsu's method, which is a well-known thresholding method implemented in Matlab, see "A Threshold Selection Method from Gray-Level Histograms", Nobuyuki Otsu, 2EEE Transactions On Systems Man, and Cybernetics, VOL. SMC-9, NO. 1, January 1979) is applied to each of the datasets, resulting in labeled images representing particles (gray level 2), matrix (gray level 1), and voids (gray level 0). 2. The labeled image dataset is imported into Fiji (v1.51u) followed by a further thresholding step where particles are set to grey level 255 and the rest are set to grey level 0. 3. Next, a Fiji embedded plugin called "3D watershed segmentation" is used to separate particles adjacent to each other and give each particle a unique ID in three-dimensional space (see J. Ollion, J. Cochennec, F. Loll, C. Escude, T. Boudier. (2013) TANGO: "A Generic Tool for High-throughput 3D Image Analysis for Studying Nuclear Organization", Bioinformatics 2013 Jul 15;29(14):1840-1). 4. The calculated "3D watershed segmentation" dataset was imported into the Fiji plugin "3D Manager" to measure the minimum distance from the center to the surface (DCmin). Distances from the center to the surface (DCmin) of less than 1 voxel were removed as noise. The minimum diameter (Dmin) was calculated as Dmin = DCmin. * 2 and recorded as the size of each particle. [Example]

[0079] Example 1: Perfumed beads of the present invention First, intermediate particles are prepared by extrusion or hot melt granulation of PEG9000, sodium sulfate particles with a fine particle size distribution (<120 μm), and optionally other ingredients. Intermediate particles A and B have a noodle-like shape with maximum dimensions of 6 mm and 5 mm, respectively.

[0080] [Table 1] * Particle size<120um

[0081] Second, the PEG 9000 raw material is heated overnight in a 75°C oven to form a molten PEG slurry.

[0082] Suitable amounts of molten PEG slurry, intermediate particles, perfume microcapsules, and free perfume are measured and mixed to form each perfume-containing composition with the specific composition breakdown shown below in Table 1. The mixture is mixed by hand for about 10 minutes to form a viscous and homogeneous slurry (this can also be done with a motor-driven stirrer), while the beaker is placed on a heater to maintain the mixture at a temperature of about 75°C.

[0083] The viscous slurry is then poured into a mold containing bead-shaped cavities approximately 30 seconds after the mixing process is complete. The viscous slurry cools to ambient temperature within the mold, thereby forming solidified, bead-shaped, perfume-containing particles.

[0084] [Table 2]

[0085] The particle size of the second carrier (sodium sulfate in the embodiment of Table 1) in the perfume-containing particles can be readily determined by micro-CT testing as described in Test Method 1. It is characterized in that 80% to 100% by weight of the second carrier is characterized by a particle size in the range of 5 micrometers to 150 micrometers.

[0086] All documents cited herein, including any cross-referenced or related patents or patent applications, and any patent applications or patents to which this application claims priority or benefit, are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety, unless expressly stated to the contrary. The citation of any document shall not be deemed to be prior art to any invention disclosed or claimed herein, or to teach, suggest, or disclose any such invention, either alone or in combination with any other reference or references. Furthermore, to the extent that any meaning or definition of a term in this document conflicts with any meaning or definition of the same term in a document incorporated by reference, the meaning or definition assigned to that term in this document shall govern.

[0087] While particular embodiments of the present invention have been illustrated and described, it would be obvious to those skilled in the art that various other changes and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. It is therefore intended to cover in the appended claims all such changes and modifications that are within the scope of this invention. The inventions disclosed in this specification are as follows. [1] A method of making perfume-containing particles, the perfume-containing particles comprising a perfume ingredient, a first carrier, and a second carrier, the first carrier comprising a water-soluble and heat-fusible material, the second carrier comprising water-soluble or water-dispersible particles, 80% to 100% by weight of the second carriers characterized by a particle size in the range of 5 micrometers to 150 micrometers, each of the perfume-containing particles having a mass of 0.1 mg to 5 g and a maximum dimension of 3 mm to 10 mm, the method comprising: a) providing intermediate particles characterized by a maximum dimension in the range of 0.5 mm to 10 mm; b) providing a mixture of the intermediate particles, the perfume ingredient, the first carrier in a molten state, and optionally one or more and other ingredients to form a slurry; c) forming said perfume-containing particles from said slurry. [2] The method of [1], wherein the intermediate particles are provided by granulation, preferably the granulation is selected from the group consisting of high shear wet granulation, low shear wet granulation, fluidized bed wet granulation, dry granulation, spray drying granulation, rotor granulation, extrusion, and hot melt granulation, and preferably the intermediate particles are characterized by a maximum dimension in the range of 0.6 mm to 9 mm, more preferably 0.8 mm to 8 mm. [3] The method according to [1] or [2], wherein the first carrier comprises a water-soluble and heat-meltable material having a melting point of 35°C to 70°C, and preferably the water-soluble and heat-meltable material is selected from polyethylene glycol, polypropylene glycol, ethylene oxide / propylene oxide block copolymer, nonionic surfactant, and combinations thereof, more preferably polyethylene glycol having a weight-average molecular weight (Mw) of 2,000 to 30,000 daltons, preferably 3,000 to 20,000 daltons, more preferably 4,000 to 15,000 daltons. [4] The method according to any one of [1] to [3], wherein 80% by weight to 100% by weight of the second carrier present in the flavor-containing particles is characterized by a particle size in the range of 10 micrometers to 125 micrometers, preferably 10 micrometers to 105 micrometers, and more preferably 10 micrometers to 90 micrometers. [5] The method according to any one of [1] to [4], wherein the second carrier comprises a material selected from the group consisting of sodium chloride, sodium sulfate, sodium carbonate, sodium bicarbonate, sodium citrate, magnesium chloride, magnesium sulfate, potassium chloride, potassium sulfate, potassium carbonate, potassium bicarbonate, calcium bicarbonate, zeolite, silica, clay, and combinations thereof, preferably a material selected from sodium chloride, sodium sulfate, sodium carbonate, or combinations thereof. [6] The method according to any one of [1] to [5], wherein the binder in the intermediate particles comprises a material selected from polyethylene glycol, ethylene oxide / propylene oxide block copolymer, polyvinyl alcohol, polyvinyl acetate, and derivatives thereof, gelatin, albumin, casein, dextrose, fructose, galactose, glucose, isoglucose, sucrose, polysaccharides, cellulose, starch, and derivatives thereof, nonionic surfactants, anionic surfactants, cationic surfactants, and combinations thereof. [7] The method according to any one of [1] to [6], wherein the weight ratio of the second carrier to the binder in the intermediate particles is 50-99:1-50. [8] The method according to any one of [1] to [7], wherein the second carrier in each of the flavor-containing particles is present in an amount ranging from 1% to 90%, preferably from 5% to 50%, and more preferably from 8% to 40%, relative to the total weight of each flavor-containing particle. [9] Each of the perfume-containing particles contains one or more free perfumes, and preferably, The method according to any one of [1] to [8], wherein the deflavoring agent comprises one or more free flavors present in an amount ranging from 0.1% to 20%, preferably from 0.5% to 15%, more preferably from 1% to 10%, based on the total weight of each flavor-containing particle.

[10] Each of the perfume-containing particles contains an encapsulated perfume, and preferably mosquito The method according to any one of [1] to [9], wherein the encapsulated fragrance is present in crushable fragrance microcapsules, and more preferably, the crushable fragrance microcapsules are present in an amount ranging from 0.1% to 20%, preferably from 0.5% to 10%, more preferably from 1% to 5%, relative to the total weight of each fragrance-containing particle.

[11] The method according to any one of [1] to

[10] , wherein the first carrier is present in each of the flavor-containing particles in an amount ranging from 5% to 90%, preferably from 10% to 70%, more preferably from 20% to 60%, based on the total weight of each flavor-containing particle.

[12] The method according to any one of [1] to

[11] , wherein each of the perfume-containing particles comprises one or more other ingredients selected from the group consisting of colorants, solvents, softening actives, and combinations thereof, and the one or more ingredients are present in an amount ranging from 0.01% to 10%, preferably from 0.02% to 8%, and more preferably from 0.1% to 5%, based on the total weight of each perfume-containing particle.

[13] The method according to any one of [1] to

[12] , wherein each of the flavor-containing particles has a hemispherical or compressed hemispherical shape.

Claims

1. 1. A method of making perfume-containing particles, the perfume-containing particles comprising a perfume ingredient, a first carrier, and a second carrier, the first carrier comprising a water-soluble and heat-fusible material, the second carrier comprising water-soluble or water-dispersible particles, 80% to 100% by weight of the second carrier characterized by a particle size in the range of 5 micrometers to 150 micrometers, each of the perfume-containing particles having a mass of 0.1 mg to 5 g and a maximum dimension of 3 mm to 10 mm, the method comprising: a) providing intermediate particles characterized by a maximum dimension in the range of 0.5 mm to 10 mm, said intermediate particles comprising at least said second carrier and a binder; b) mixing the intermediate particles, the flavor ingredient, the first carrier in a molten state, and optionally one or more other ingredients to form a slurry; c) forming the perfume-containing particles from the slurry; the binder in the intermediate particles comprises a material selected from polyethylene glycol, ethylene oxide / propylene oxide block copolymer, polyvinyl alcohol, polyvinyl acetate, and derivatives thereof, gelatin, albumin, casein, dextrose, fructose, galactose, glucose, isoglucose, sucrose, polysaccharides, cellulose, starch, or derivatives thereof, nonionic surfactants, anionic surfactants, cationic surfactants, and combinations thereof; The method wherein the binder material is compatible with the first carrier material.

2. 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the intermediate particles are provided by granulation.

3. The method of claim 1, wherein the first carrier comprises a water-soluble and heat-meltable material having a melting point between 35°C and 70°C.

4. 10. The method of claim 1, wherein 80% to 100% by weight of the second carrier present in the perfume-containing particles is characterized by a particle size in the range of 10 micrometers to 125 micrometers.

5. 10. The method of claim 1, wherein the second carrier comprises a material selected from the group consisting of sodium chloride, sodium sulfate, sodium carbonate, sodium bicarbonate, sodium citrate, magnesium chloride, magnesium sulfate, potassium chloride, potassium sulfate, potassium carbonate, potassium bicarbonate, calcium bicarbonate, zeolite, silica, clay, and combinations thereof.

6. The method of claim 1, wherein the weight ratio of the second carrier to the binder in the intermediate particles is 50-99:1-50.

7. 10. The method of claim 1, wherein the second carrier in each of the perfume-containing particles is present in an amount ranging from 1% to 90% based on the total weight of each perfume-containing particle.

8. The method of claim 1 , wherein each of the perfume-containing particles comprises one or more free perfumes.

9. The method of claim 1 , wherein each of the perfume-containing particles comprises an encapsulated perfume.

10. 10. The method of claim 1, wherein the first carrier is present in each of the perfume-containing particles in an amount ranging from 5% to 90% based on the total weight of each perfume-containing particle.

11. 10. The method of claim 1, wherein each of the perfume-containing particles comprises one or more other ingredients selected from the group consisting of colorants, solvents, softening actives, and combinations thereof, wherein the one or more ingredients are present in an amount ranging from 0.01% to 10%, based on the total weight of each perfume-containing particle.

12. The method of claim 1 , wherein each of the perfume-containing particles has a hemispherical or compressed hemispherical shape.

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