Water-soluble unit-dose articles containing narrow-range ethoxylated alcohol nonionic surfactants

Abstract

A water-soluble unit dose article comprising a liquid laundry detergent composition, the liquid laundry detergent composition containing a narrow range ethoxylated alcohol nonionic surfactant.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] A water-soluble unit-dose article comprising a liquid laundry detergent composition, wherein the liquid laundry detergent composition contains a narrow-range ethoxylated alcohol nonionic surfactant. [Background technology]

[0002] Water-soluble unit-dose articles are favored by consumers because they are convenient and efficient to use. Such water-soluble unit-dose articles often include laundry detergent compositions. While not strictly theoretical, when a water-soluble unit-dose article is added to water, the film dissolves / disintegrates, releasing its internal contents into the surrounding water and creating a cleaning solution.

[0003] In many cases, liquid laundry detergent compositions contained in water-soluble unit-dose articles are formulated with ethoxylated alcohol nonionic surfactants. These ethoxylated alcohol nonionic surfactants are typically derived from natural or synthetic alcohol sources, such as oxo-derived alcohol sources (e.g., those marketed under the trade name Neodol) or alternative sources (e.g., those marketed under the trade names Marlipal and Surfonic). Conventionally, alcohols are ethoxylated using well-known ethoxylation processes, which typically result in a broad ethoxylation distribution.

[0004] Some compounders tend to incorporate ethoxylated alkyl alcohol nonionic surfactants at low concentrations in liquid laundry detergent compositions contained within water-soluble unit-dose articles. While not theoretically bound, it is believed that increasing only the ethoxylated alcohol concentration of such broadly ethoxylated nonionic surfactants as a variable tends to cause low-water-content liquid laundry detergent compositions for use in water-soluble unit-dose articles to significantly increase viscosity upon initial dilution with water. In addition, extensional viscosity increases, making it more difficult to disperse the liquid laundry detergent composition overall in water. Both effects lead to a delay in product dissolution time, which is undesirable, especially considering the trend toward shorter, lower-temperature, and less frequent water wash cycles. This effect has been observed with various starting alcohol sources (primary and secondary alcohols), variations in the starting primary alcohol composition, and variations in the average degree of ethoxylation.

[0005] However, when a compounder is targeting, for example, dull stains on worn fabrics, they may want to increase the concentration of the ethoxylated alcohol nonionic surfactant in a water-soluble unit-dose article containing a liquid laundry detergent composition in order to enhance the overall cleaning effect on the fabric. [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0006] Surprisingly, the water-soluble unit-dose article according to the present invention, which contains a narrow-range ethoxylated alcohol nonionic surfactant, was found to reduce the viscosity increase during dilution and minimize the effect of extensional viscosity, resulting in improved product solubility for low-water-content liquid laundry detergent compositions within the water-soluble unit-dose article. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] A water-soluble unit-dose article comprising a water-soluble film and a liquid laundry detergent composition, The liquid laundry detergent composition contains a nonionic surfactant, the nonionic surfactant contains an ethoxylated alcohol nonionic surfactant, and the ethoxylated alcohol nonionic surfactant contains a narrow-range ethoxylated alcohol nonionic surfactant. The narrow-range ethoxylated alcohol nonionic surfactant contains an alkyl chain having an average of 8 to 18 carbon atoms, preferably an average of 10 to 16, and more preferably an average of 12 to 15 carbon atoms. A narrow-range ethoxylated alcohol nonionic surfactant has an average ethoxylation degree of 5 to 12, preferably 6 to 10. The narrow-range ethoxylated alcohol nonionic surfactant contains polyethoxy groups, and at least 85% by weight of the entire narrow-range ethoxylated alcohol surfactant is an ethoxylated alcohol nonionic surfactant molecule containing polyethoxy groups with 5 to 12, preferably 6 to 10, ethoxy groups. A water-soluble unit-dose article comprising a liquid laundry detergent composition containing 1% to 20% by weight of water relative to the liquid laundry detergent composition. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] This is a water-soluble unit-dose article according to the present invention. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0009] Water-soluble unit dose articles This invention discloses a water-soluble unit-dose article comprising a water-soluble film and a liquid laundry detergent composition. The water-soluble film and the liquid laundry detergent composition will be described in more detail below.

[0010] A water-soluble unit-dose article comprises a water-soluble film molded such that the unit-dose article has at least one internal compartment surrounded by a water-soluble film. The unit-dose article may comprise a first water-soluble film and a second water-soluble film sealed together to define the internal compartment. The water-soluble unit-dose article is configured to prevent the detergent composition from leaking out of the compartment during storage. However, when the water-soluble unit-dose article is added to water, the water-soluble film dissolves, releasing the contents of the internal compartment into the cleaning solution.

[0011] A compartment should be understood as a sealed internal space within a unit-dose article that holds the detergent composition. During manufacturing, the first water-soluble film may be shaped to include an opening compartment into which the detergent composition is added. Next, the first film is covered with a second water-soluble film in a direction that closes the opening of the compartment. The first and second films are then sealed together along the sealing region.

[0012] A unit dose article may contain more than one compartment, more than two compartments, more than three compartments, or more than four compartments. The compartments may be arranged in an overlapping configuration, i.e., one positioned on top of the other. In such an orientation, the unit dose article contains at least three films, one or more in the top, one in the middle, and one in the bottom. Alternatively, the compartments may be arranged in an adjacent configuration, i.e., one adjacent to the other. The compartments may be oriented in a "tire and rim" configuration, i.e., the first compartment is positioned adjacent to the second compartment, but the first compartment at least partially surrounds the second compartment but does not completely enclose it. Alternatively, one compartment may be completely enclosed within another compartment.

[0013] When the unit dose article comprises at least two compartments, one compartment may be smaller than the other. When the unit dose article comprises at least three compartments, two of the compartments may be smaller than the third compartment, and preferably, the smaller compartments are superimposed on the larger compartment. The superimposed compartments are preferably oriented adjacent to each other. The unit dose article may include at least four compartments, three of the compartments may be smaller than the fourth compartment, and preferably, the smaller compartments are superimposed on the larger compartment. The superimposed compartments are preferably oriented adjacent to each other.

[0014] In the multi-compartment orientation, the detergent composition according to the present invention may be contained within at least one of the compartments. For example, the detergent composition may be contained in only one compartment, or in two compartments, or even in three compartments, or even in four compartments.

[0015] Each compartment may contain the same composition or different compositions. The different compositions may all be in the same form or in different forms.

[0016] The water-soluble unit dose article may include at least two internal compartments, and the liquid laundry detergent composition is contained within at least one of these compartments. Preferably, the unit dose article includes at least three compartments, and the detergent composition is contained within at least one of these compartments.

[0017] Figure 1 discloses a water-soluble unit dose article (1) according to the present invention. The water-soluble unit dose article (1) includes a first water-soluble film (2) and a second water-soluble film (3), which are sealed together at a sealing region (4). The liquid laundry detergent composition (5) is contained within the water-soluble soluble unit dose article (1).

[0018] Water-soluble film The film of the present invention is water-soluble or water-dispersible. The water-soluble film preferably has a thickness of 20 to 150 micrometers, preferably 35 to 125 micrometers, even more preferably 50 to 110 micrometers, and most preferably about 76 micrometers.

[0019] Preferably, after using a glass filter with a maximum pore size of 20 micrometers, when measured by the method described herein, the water solubility of the film is at least 50%, preferably at least 75%, or even at least 95%.

[0020] Add 5 grams ± 0.1 gram of the film material to a pre-weighed 3 L beaker and add 2 L ± 5 mL of distilled water. Stir this vigorously for 30 minutes at 30 °C using a magnetic stirrer (Labline model number 1250) or equivalent set at 600 rpm and a 5 cm magnetic stirrer. Next, filter the mixture through a pleated qualitative sintered glass filter with the pore size (maximum 20 micrometers) defined above. Dry the water from the recovered filtrate by any conventional method and determine the weight of the remaining material (this is the dissolved or dispersed fraction). Next, the percentage of solubility or dispersibility can be calculated.

[0021] Preferred film materials are preferably polymer materials. The film material can be obtained by, for example, casting, blow molding, extrusion molding, or coextrusion molding of polymer materials well known in the art.

[0022] Preferred polymers, copolymers, or derivatives thereof suitable for use as pouch materials are selected from polyvinyl alcohol, polyvinylpyrrolidone, polyalkylene oxide, acrylamide, acrylic acid, cellulose, cellulose ether, cellulose ester, celluloseamide, polyvinyl acetate, polycarboxylic acids and salts, polyamino acids or peptides, polyamides, polyacrylamide, maleic acid / acrylic acid copolymers, polysaccharides including starch and gelatin, xanthan gum, and natural gums such as cara gum. More preferred polymers are selected from polyacrylate and water-soluble acrylate copolymers, methylcellulose, sodium carboxymethylcellulose, dextrin, ethylcellulose, hydroxyethylcellulose, hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, maltodextrin, and polymethacrylate, and most preferably from polyvinyl alcohol, polyvinyl alcohol copolymer and hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC), and combinations thereof. Preferably, the concentration of the polymer in the pouch material, for example, PVA polymer, is at least 60%. The polymer may have any weight-average molecular weight, preferably about 1,000 to 1,000,000, more preferably about 10,000 to 300,000, and even more preferably about 20,000 to 150,000.

[0023] Preferably, the water-soluble film comprises a polyvinyl alcohol polymer, preferably the polyvinyl alcohol polymer comprises a polyvinyl alcohol homopolymer or copolymer, preferably a blend of polyvinyl alcohol homopolymer and / or polyvinyl alcohol copolymer, preferably the polyvinyl alcohol copolymer is selected from sulfonated and carboxylated anionic polyvinyl alcohol copolymers, particularly carboxylated anionic polyvinyl alcohol copolymers, most preferably the polyvinyl alcohol polymer comprises a blend of polyvinyl alcohol homopolymer and carboxylated anionic polyvinyl alcohol copolymer, or a blend of polyvinyl alcohol homopolymer.

[0024] A preferred film is one that exhibits good solubility in cold water, i.e., unheated distilled water. Preferably, such a film exhibits good solubility at a temperature of 24°C, and more preferably at 10°C. Good solubility means that the film exhibits water solubility of at least 50%, preferably at least 75%, or even more preferably at least 95%, when measured by the method described herein after using the glass filter with a maximum pore size of 20 micrometers as described above.

[0025] Preferred films include those supplied by Monosol under product reference numbers M8630, M8900, M8779, and M8310.

[0026] The film may be opaque, transparent, or translucent. The film may include printed areas.

[0027] The printable area can be obtained using standard techniques such as flexographic printing or inkjet printing.

[0028] The film may contain an aversive agent, such as a bittering agent. Suitable bittering agents include, but are not limited to, naringin, sucrose octaacetate, quinine hydrochloride, denatonium benzoate, or mixtures thereof. Any suitable concentration of the aversive agent may be used in the film. Suitable concentrations include, but are not limited to, 1 to 5000 ppm, or even 100 to 2500 ppm, or even 250 to 2000 ppm.

[0029] Preferably, a water-soluble film, or a water-soluble unit-dose article, or both, is coated with a lubricant, preferably selected from talc, zinc oxide, silica, siloxane, zeolite, silicic acid, alumina, sodium sulfate, potassium sulfate, calcium carbonate, magnesium carbonate, sodium citrate, sodium tripolyphosphate, potassium citrate, potassium tripolyphosphate, calcium stearate, zinc stearate, magnesium stearate, starch, modified starch, clay, kaolin, gypsum, cyclodextrin, or mixtures thereof.

[0030] Preferably, the water-soluble film and each of its individual components independently contain 0 ppm to 20 ppm, preferably 0 ppm to 15 ppm, more preferably 0 ppm to 10 ppm, even more preferably 0 ppm to 5 ppm, even more preferably 0 ppm to 1 ppm, even more preferably 0 ppb to 100 ppb, and most preferably 0 ppb of dioxane. Those skilled in the art will recognize known methods and techniques for determining the dioxane levels in the water-soluble film and its components.

[0031] Liquid laundry detergent composition Water-soluble unit-dose articles include liquid laundry detergent compositions. The term "liquid laundry detergent composition" refers to, but is not limited to, any laundry detergent composition containing a liquid capable of wetting and treating fabrics, including liquids, gels, pastes, and dispersions. Liquid compositions may contain solids or gases in preferably subdivided forms, but liquid compositions exclude forms that are non-flowing as a whole, such as tablets or granules.

[0032] The liquid detergent composition may be used for hand washing of fabrics or for washing fabrics in an automatic washing machine.

[0033] The liquid laundry detergent composition contains a nonionic surfactant. The nonionic surfactant will be described in more detail below.

[0034] The liquid laundry detergent composition may contain a non-soap anionic surfactant, preferably a neutralized linear alkylbenzene sulfonate, a neutralized alkyl sulfate anionic surfactant (selected from neutralized alkoxylated alkyl sulfate, neutralized non-alkoxylated alkyl sulfate, and mixtures thereof), or a non-soap anionic surfactant selected from mixtures thereof. The non-soap anionic surfactant may contain a mixture of a neutralized linear alkylbenzene sulfonate and a neutralized alkyl sulfate anionic surfactant. The weight ratio of the neutralized linear alkylbenzene sulfonate to the neutralized alkyl sulfate anionic surfactant may be 1:2 to 9:1, or 1:1 to 7:1, or 2:1 to 6:1, or 2:1 to 5:1.

[0035] Preferably, the non-soap anionic surfactant contains a linear alkylbenzene sulfonate. Preferably, the linear alkylbenzene sulfonate is C 10 ~C 16 Alkylbenzene sulfonate, C 11 ~C 14 The composition comprises alkylbenzene sulfonates or mixtures thereof. Preferably, the alkylbenzene sulfonates are amine-neutralized alkylbenzene sulfonates, alkali metal-neutralized alkylbenzene sulfonates, or mixtures thereof. The amine is preferably selected from monoethanolamine, triethanolamine, monoisopropanolamine, or mixtures thereof. The alkali metal may preferably be selected from sodium, potassium, magnesium, or mixtures thereof. Preferably, the liquid laundry detergent composition contains 1% to 40% by weight, preferably 3% to 40% by weight, and more preferably 6% to 35% by weight of linear alkylbenzene sulfonates.

[0036] Preferably, the non-soap anionic surfactant includes an alkyl sulfate anionic surfactant, and the alkyl sulfate anionic surfactant is selected from alkyl sulfates, alkoxylated alkyl sulfates, or mixtures thereof. The alkyl sulfate anionic surfactant may be a primary or secondary alkyl sulfate anionic surfactant, or a mixture thereof, preferably a primary alkyl sulfate anionic surfactant. Preferably, the alkoxylated alkyl sulfate includes ethoxylated alkyl sulfate, propoxylated alkyl sulfate, mixed ethoxylated / propoxylated alkyl sulfate, or a mixture thereof, more preferably ethoxylated alkyl sulfate. Preferably, the ethoxylated alkyl sulfate has an average degree of ethoxylation of 0.1 to 5, preferably 0.5 to 3. Preferably, the ethoxylated alkyl sulfate has an average alkyl chain length of 8 to 18, more preferably 10 to 16, most preferably 12 to 15. Preferably, the alkyl chain of the alkyl sulfate anionic surfactant may be linear, branched, or a mixture thereof. Preferably, the branched alkyl sulfate anionic surfactant is a branched primary alkyl sulfate, a branched secondary alkyl sulfate, or a mixture thereof, preferably a branched primary alkyl sulfate, where the branching is preferably at the 2-position, or alternatively may be located further down the alkyl chain, or the branching may be polybranched, spreading over the alkyl chain. The weight-average degree of polymerization of the alkyl sulfate anionic surfactant may be 0% to 100%, preferably 0% to 95%, more preferably 0% to 60%, and most preferably 0% to 20%. Alternatively, the weight-average degree of polymerization of the alkyl sulfate anionic surfactant may be 70% to 100%, preferably 80% to 90%. Preferably, the alkyl chain is selected from naturally derived materials, synthetic materials, or a mixture thereof. Preferably, the synthetic material includes oxo-synthetic materials, Ziegler-synthetic materials, Guerbet-synthetic materials, aldol condensation-synthetic materials, Fischer-Tropsch-synthetic materials, iso-alkyl-synthetic materials, or mixtures thereof, preferably oxo-synthetic materials.Preferably, the liquid laundry detergent composition contains 1% to 35% by weight, preferably 3% to 30% by weight, and more preferably 6% to 20% by weight of an alkyl sulfate anionic surfactant.

[0037] The weight ratio of non-soap anionic surfactant to ethoxylated alcohol nonionic surfactant in the liquid laundry detergent composition is 1:1 to 20:1, or 1:1 to 15:1, or 1:1 to 10:1, or 1:1 to 5:1.

[0038] The liquid laundry detergent composition may contain fatty acids, preferably neutralized fatty acid soaps. The fatty acid soap may be an amine-neutralized fatty acid soap, wherein the amine is an alkanolamine, more preferably selected from monoethanolamine, diethanolamine, triethanolamine, monoisopropanolamine, or a mixture thereof, and more preferably monoethanolamine. The liquid laundry detergent composition may contain 1.5% to 20% by weight, 2% to 15% by weight, 3% to 12% by weight, or 4% to 10% by weight of fatty acids, preferably neutralized fatty acid soaps.

[0039] The liquid laundry detergent contains 1% to 20% by weight, preferably 5% to 15% by weight, of water in the liquid detergent composition.

[0040] Preferably, the liquid laundry detergent composition comprises 10% to 40% by weight, preferably 15% to 30% by weight, of a non-aqueous solvent, which is preferably selected from 1,2-propanediol, dipropylene glycol, tripropylene glycol, glycerol, sorbitol, polyethylene glycol, ethoxylated glycerin, or a mixture thereof.

[0041] Preferably, the liquid laundry detergent composition contains auxiliary components selected from the group including builders, fragrances, enzymes, citrates, bleaches, bleach catalysts, dyes, color dyes, whitening agents, cleaning polymers (such as alkoxylated polyamines and polyethyleneimines), soil-release polymers, fabric care polymers (such as cationic hydroxyethylcellulose, cationic guar gum, and cationic polyglucans), surfactants, solvents, color transfer inhibitors, chelating agents, encapsulated fragrances, polycarboxylates, structuring agents, pH adjusters, antioxidants (such as Ralox 35), and mixtures thereof.

[0042] Preferably, the laundry detergent composition contains further enzymes selected from the group comprising hemicellulase, peroxidase, protease, cellulase, xylanase, lipase, phospholipase, esterase, cutinase, pectinase, keratinase, reductase, oxidase, phenoloxidase, lipoxygenase, ligninase, pullulanase, tannase, pentosanase, maranase, β-glucanase, arabinosidase, hyaluronidase, chondroitinase, laccase, xyloglucanase, mannanase, and amylase, nuclease, or mixtures thereof, preferably further enzymes selected from the group comprising protease, amylase, cellulase, lipase, xyloglucanase, mannanase, and mixtures thereof.

[0043] Preferably, the liquid laundry detergent composition has a pH of 6 to 10, more preferably 6.5 to 8.9, and most preferably 7 to 8, and the pH of the laundry detergent composition is measured as a 10% product concentration in desalinated water at 20°C.

[0044] Liquid laundry detergent compositions may be Newtonian or non-Newtonian. Preferably, liquid laundry detergent compositions are non-Newtonian. While we do not wish to be bound by theory, non-Newtonian liquids have different properties from Newtonian liquids; more specifically, the viscosity of non-Newtonian liquids depends on the shear rate, while Newtonian liquids have a constant viscosity regardless of the shear rate applied. The decrease in viscosity of non-Newtonian liquids when shear is applied is thought to further promote the dissolution of the liquid detergent. Liquid laundry detergent compositions described herein may have any preferred viscosity depending on factors such as the components they are formulated with and the purpose of the composition.

[0045] Nonionic surfactants The liquid laundry detergent composition contains a nonionic surfactant. The nonionic surfactant includes an ethoxylated alcohol nonionic surfactant. Preferably, the liquid laundry detergent composition contains 3% to 30% by weight, or 5% to 25% by weight, or 10% to 20% by weight of an ethoxylated alcohol nonionic surfactant.

[0046] The ethoxylated alcohol nonionic surfactant includes a narrow-range ethoxylated alcohol nonionic surfactant, which includes an alkyl chain having an average of 8 to 18 carbon atoms, preferably an average of 10 to 16 carbon atoms, more preferably an alkyl chain having an average of 12 to 15 carbon atoms, which has an average degree of ethoxylation of 5 to 12, preferably 6 to 10, which includes a polyethoxy group, and which comprises an ethoxylated alcohol nonionic surfactant molecule containing a polyethoxy group having 5 to 12, preferably 6 to 10 ethoxy groups.

[0047] Narrow-range ethoxylates (NREs) are alcohol polyglycol ethers with a narrow congener distribution and are known nonionic surfactants. Peak-type alkoxylation and peak-type ethoxylation are also often used to describe the methods and materials used in their production. These can be produced industrially, for example, by adding ethylene oxide to an alcohol in the presence of a suitable catalyst (a calcined or fatty acid-hydrophobized layered compound). Examples of narrow-range alkoxylation catalysts include many alkaline earth (Mg, Ca, Ba, Sr, etc.) derived catalysts, Lewis acid catalysts such as zirconium dodecanoxide sulfate, and certain boron halide catalysts, such as those described by Dupont, in the form of MB(OR1)x(X)4-x or B(OR1)3 / MX (wherein R1 is an optionally substituted linear, branched, cyclic, or aromatic hydrocarbyl group having 1 to 30 carbon atoms, M is Na+, K+, Li+, R2R3R4R5P+ or R2R3R4R5P+, where R2, R3, R4, and R5 are independently hydrocarbyl groups, and x is 1 to 3). This process can also be carried out with various other hydrophobic materials and can be implemented using various alkoxylation compounds (e.g., propylene oxide and butylene oxide) by modifying the catalytic properties.

[0048] Narrow-range ethoxylated alcohol nonionic surfactants may include linear narrow-range ethoxylated alcohol nonionic surfactants, branched-range narrow-range ethoxylated alcohol nonionic surfactants, or mixtures thereof. In the branched-range form, the branching may be at position 1, position 2, or further down the alkyl chain, where the carbon position numbering begins from the carbon linked to the oxygen linker between the alkyl chain and the ethoxylated chain. The branching may be single-branched or multi-branched. Most preferably, the branching is single-branched at position 2. The branching is preferably alkyl-branched, more preferably methyl-branched, ethyl-branched, propyl-branched, butyl-branched, or pentyl-branched, most preferably a mixture thereof.

[0049] In the case of a branched chain, the narrow-range ethoxylated alcohol nonionic surfactant preferably comprises a mixture of the surfactant isomer of formula I and the surfactant isomer of formula II.

[0050] [ka] In the formula, m is 4 to 11, preferably 6 to 11, and n is 0 to 5. About 50% to about 100% by weight, preferably about 90% to about 100% by weight, of the narrow-range ethoxylated alcohol nonionic surfactant is an isomer in which m+n equals 9. Alternatively, about 50% to about 100% by weight, preferably about 90% to about 100% by weight, of the narrow-range ethoxylated alcohol nonionic surfactant is a mixture of isomers where m+n equals 11. Alternatively, about 50% to about 100% by weight, preferably about 90% to about 100% by weight, of the narrow-range ethoxylated alcohol nonionic surfactant is a mixture of isomers where m+n is equal to 9 or 11. Approximately 25% to 50% of the mixture consists of surfactant isomers of formula I, with n=0. Approximately 0.001% to 25% by weight of the narrow-range ethoxylated alcohol nonionic surfactant is a surfactant isomer according to formula II. X is O-(EO)yH or O-(EO)yH or O-(CH2CH2O)yH, y is an average ethoxylation degree (EO) of 6-12, preferably 8-10, and most preferably 9.

[0051] Preferably, about 15% to about 40% of the surfactant isomers of formula I in the mixture have n equal to 1. Preferably, about 5% to about 20% of the surfactant isomers of formula I in the mixture have n equal to 2. Preferably, about 60% to about 90% of the surfactant isomers of formula I in the mixture have n less than 3. Preferably, 0% to about 40% of the surfactant isomers of formula I in the mixture have n greater than 2.

[0052] If the first ethoxylated alcohol nonionic surfactant contains a mixture of isomers in which m+n is equal to 9 or 11, the weight ratio of the isomer with m+n equal to 11 to the isomer with m+n equal to 9 is 10:90 to 95:5, preferably 30:70 to 90:10, and most preferably 50:50 to 85:15.

[0053] In the case of linear alkyl alcohols, the alkyl chains of the alcohol may have a natural distribution of C6-C20 alkyl chains depending on the source of the material. Alternatively, linear alkyl alcohols may be fractionated to increase the C12-C14 alkyl chain content.

[0054] The narrow-range ethoxylated alcohol nonionic surfactant may include a primary alcohol-based narrow-range ethoxylated alcohol nonionic surfactant, a secondary alcohol-based narrow-range ethoxylated alcohol nonionic surfactant, or a mixture thereof.

[0055] Preferably, the ethoxylated alcohol nonionic surfactant comprises a narrow range of ethoxylated alcohol nonionic surfactants, comprising 50% to 99% by weight, preferably 60% to 95% by weight, and more preferably 70% to 90% by weight.

[0056] The ethoxylated alcohol nonionic surfactant may contain a broad-spectrum ethoxylated alcohol nonionic surfactant in an amount of 1% to 50% by weight, preferably 5% to 40% by weight, and more preferably 10% to 30% by weight of the ethoxylated alcohol nonionic surfactant. Preferably, the broad-spectrum ethoxylated alcohol nonionic surfactant contains an alkyl chain having an average of 8 to 18 carbon atoms, preferably an average of 10 to 16 carbon atoms, and more preferably an average of 12 to 15 carbon atoms. The broad-spectrum ethoxylated alcohol nonionic surfactant contains polyethoxy groups, preferably 15% to 45% by weight, preferably 25% to 40% by weight of the total broad-spectrum ethoxylated alcohol surfactant, which consists of ethoxylated alcohol nonionic surfactant molecules containing polyethoxy groups with 6 to 10 ethoxy groups, and 30% to 70% by weight, preferably 40% to 65% by weight of the total broad-spectrum ethoxylated alcohol surfactant, which consists of ethoxylated alcohol nonionic surfactant molecules containing polyethoxy groups with 5 to 12 ethoxy groups.

[0057] The broad-range ethoxylated alcohol nonionic surfactant may contain a linear alkyl chain, a branched alkyl chain, or a mixture thereof, where the linear and branched chains are defined in the same way as in the case of the narrow-range ethoxylated alcohol nonionic surfactant described above.

[0058] Broad-spectrum ethoxylated alcohol nonionic surfactants may include primary alcohol-based broad-spectrum ethoxylated alcohol nonionic surfactants, secondary alcohol-based broad-spectrum ethoxylated alcohol nonionic surfactants, or mixtures thereof.

[0059] Narrow-range and / or broad-range ethoxylated alcohol nonionic surfactants may be derived from natural alcohol sources, synthetic alcohol sources, or mixtures thereof. Most preferred natural sources include palm kernel oil, coconut oil, or mixtures thereof, with palm kernel oil being preferred. When the narrow-range and / or broad-range ethoxylated alkyl alcohol nonionic surfactant is derived from a synthetic alcohol source, the synthetic alcohol source is preferably produced by the oxo process, Ziegler process, Guerbet process, aldol condensation process, or a mixture thereof. The resulting alcohol can optionally, but preferably, be further fractionated to increase the C12-C15 content of the starting alcohol.

[0060] Preferably, the liquid laundry detergent composition contains a narrow-range ethoxylated alcohol nonionic surfactant and a broad-range ethoxylated alcohol nonionic surfactant in a relative weight ratio of 10:1 to 1:1, preferably 5:1 to 1:1, and most preferably 3:1 to 1:1.

[0061] Suitable examples of narrow-range ethoxylated alcohol nonionic surfactants are commercially available from Nouryon under the trade names Berol or Ethylan, and from Sasol under the trade name Novel.

[0062] Manufacturing method Those skilled in the art will recognize the standard techniques for producing the liquid laundry detergent composition and water-soluble unit-dose articles according to the present invention. Those skilled in the art will also recognize the standard techniques and methods for producing the components of the liquid laundry detergent composition according to the present invention.

[0063] How to use A further aspect of the present invention is a method for washing fabric, comprising the steps of: preparing a washing solution by diluting a water-soluble unit-dose article according to the present invention with water 200 to 3000 times, preferably 300 to 2000 times; and bringing the fabric to be treated into contact with the washing solution.

[0064] Preferably, the cleaning solution contains 5 L to 75 L, preferably 7 L to 40 L, more preferably 10 L to 20 L of water. Preferably, the cleaning solution is at a temperature of about 5°C to about 90°C, preferably about 10°C to about 60°C, more preferably about 12°C to about 45°C, most preferably about 15°C to about 40°C. Preferably, the washing of the fabric in the cleaning solution takes 5 to 50 minutes, preferably 5 to 40 minutes, more preferably 5 to 30 minutes, even more preferably 5 to 20 minutes, most preferably 6 to 18 minutes to complete. Preferably, the cleaning solution contains 1 kg to 20 kg, preferably 3 kg to 15 kg, most preferably 5 to 10 kg of fabric. Preferably, the cleaning solution may contain water of any hardness ranging from 0 gpg to 40 gpg.

[0065] The dimensions and values ​​disclosed herein should not be understood as being strictly limited to the exact numerical values ​​listed. Instead, unless otherwise specified, each such dimension is intended to mean both the listed value and the functionally equivalent range encompassing that value. For example, a dimension disclosed as "40 mm" is intended to mean "approximately 40 mm." [Examples]

[0066] Liquid detergent compositions suitable for use in water-soluble unit-dose laundry detergent products were prepared by mixing individual components in a batch process. The influence of the width of the ethoxylation distribution within the ethoxylated alcohol nonionic surfactant on the viscosity variation of the product over dilution and their extensional viscosity profiles was tested using the test methods described herein. Table 1 summarizes all the compositions tested. Example 1 is a liquid detergent composition containing a narrow-range ethoxylated (NRE) alcohol nonionic surfactant according to the present invention. Examples A to H describe comparative compositions containing broad-range ethoxylated (BRE) alcohol nonionic surfactants outside the scope of the present invention. The Marlipal, Surfonic, and Scionol nonionic surfactant samples are derived from primary alcohols, and the Terditol sample is derived from a secondary alcohol.

[0067]

Table 1

[0068] Table 2 summarizes the viscosity and extensional viscosity data at dilution of compositions containing C12-C14 primary alcohol-based ethoxylated alcohol nonionic surfactants, and therefore the data obtained by varying only the average degree of ethoxylation and the width of the ethoxylation distribution. Comparing the data from Example A with Examples C and E, it can be seen that increasing only the concentration of the ethoxylated alcohol nonionic, coupled with a sharp increase in extensional viscosity indicated by an increase in capillary rupture time, changes the rheological profile at dilution from a reduced viscosity profile to a thickened viscosity profile. When the width of the ethoxylation distribution is narrowed (Example 1), it was found that the effects of this thickening and increase in extensional viscosity are canceled out, promoting product dispersion and thus having a positive effect on the dissolution of the liquid detergent composition.

[0069] [Table 2] * PC=product concentration

[0070] As can be seen from the data in Table 3, the same rheological influence trend was observed for BRE ethoxylated secondary alcohols (Examples B, D, F) and alternative BRE ethoxylated primary alcohol sources (Examples G and H), further demonstrating the unique properties exhibited by the NRE ethoxylated alcohol nonionic surfactant-containing composition (Example 1).

[0071] [Table 3]

[0072] Test method: Viscosity when diluted: Viscosity profiles were tested for starting product compositions prepared by mixing the starting composition and desalted water at 20°C, as well as for active products at concentrations of 90% and 80%. A TA Rheometer AR2000 was used at room temperature (20°C) to obtain the rheological profiles of the liquid laundry detergent compositions or rheological profiles with reduced product concentrations. Preliminary shearing of the samples was performed for 50 seconds. -1 Perform this for 30 seconds, and then reduce the shear rate to 0.1s -1 from 2000s -1 It was continuously increased for 7 minutes until 20s -1 The viscosity values ​​were reported. The greater the viscosity reduction during dilution, the more easily the product disperses, and therefore the faster the final product dissolves accordingly.

[0073] Extensional viscosity (Caber rupture time): The extensional viscosity profiles were evaluated for both the starting composition prepared as described above and the active product at a concentration of 90%.

[0074] The extensional viscosity profile of the test composition was evaluated using a Haake Caber I extensional rheometer (Caber: capillary break-up extensional rheometer) by measuring the break time of the capillary formed by extending the test sample to a specific strain. The sample diameter was set to 6 mm, the initial sample height to 3 mm, the final sample height to 8.63 mm, the extension profile was set to linear, and the impact time was set to 100 ms. An increase in break time (seconds) indicates an increase in extensional viscosity, and therefore a stronger force resisting the dispersion of liquid laundry detergent, which in turn negatively affects the dissolution of the product. The inventions disclosed herein are as follows: [1] A water-soluble unit dose article comprising a water-soluble film and a liquid laundry detergent composition, The liquid laundry detergent composition comprises a nonionic surfactant, the nonionic surfactant comprises an ethoxylated alcohol nonionic surfactant, and the ethoxylated alcohol nonionic surfactant comprises a narrow-range ethoxylated alcohol nonionic surfactant. The aforementioned narrow-range ethoxylated alcohol nonionic surfactant comprises an alkyl chain having an average of 8 to 18 carbon atoms, preferably an average of 10 to 16, and more preferably an average of 12 to 15 carbon atoms. The aforementioned narrow-range ethoxylated alcohol nonionic surfactant has an average degree of ethoxylation of 5 to 12, preferably 6 to 10. The narrow-range ethoxylated alcohol nonionic surfactant contains polyethoxy groups, and at least 85% by weight of the entire narrow-range ethoxylated alcohol surfactant is an ethoxylated alcohol nonionic surfactant molecule containing polyethoxy groups comprising 5 to 12, preferably 6 to 10, ethoxy groups. A water-soluble unit-dose article wherein the liquid laundry detergent composition contains 1% to 20% by weight of water relative to the liquid laundry detergent composition. [2] The water-soluble unit-dose article according to [1], wherein the narrow-range ethoxylated alcohol nonionic surfactant comprises a linear narrow-range ethoxylated alcohol nonionic surfactant, a branched-chain narrow-range ethoxylated alcohol nonionic surfactant, or a mixture thereof. [3] The water-soluble unit-dose article according to [1] or [2], wherein the narrow-range ethoxylated alcohol nonionic surfactant comprises a primary alcohol-based narrow-range ethoxylated alcohol nonionic surfactant, a secondary alcohol-based narrow-range ethoxylated alcohol nonionic surfactant, or a mixture thereof. [4] The water-soluble unit dose article according to any one of [1] to [3], wherein the liquid laundry detergent composition comprises 3% to 30% by weight, or 5% to 25% by weight, or 10% to 20% by weight of the ethoxylated alcohol nonionic surfactant of the liquid laundry detergent composition. [5] The water-soluble unit dose article according to any one of [1] to [4], wherein the ethoxylated alcohol nonionic surfactant comprises 50% to 99% by weight, preferably 60% to 95% by weight, and more preferably 70% to 90% by weight of the narrow-range ethoxylated alcohol nonionic surfactant. A water-soluble unit-dose article according to any one of [6][1] to [5], wherein the ethoxylated alcohol nonionic surfactant comprises a broad range of ethoxylated alcohol nonionic surfactants in an amount of 1% to 50% by weight, preferably 5% to 40% by weight, and more preferably 10% to 30% by weight of the ethoxylated alcohol nonionic surfactant, The broad-spectrum ethoxylated alcohol nonionic surfactant comprises an alkyl chain having an average of 8 to 18 carbon atoms, preferably an average of 10 to 16, and more preferably an average of 12 to 15 carbon atoms. The broad-spectrum ethoxylated alcohol nonionic surfactant contains polyethoxy groups, and 15% to 45% by weight, preferably 25% to 40% by weight, of the total broad-spectrum ethoxylated alcohol nonionic surfactant molecule containing polyethoxy groups with 6 to 10 ethoxy groups, A water-soluble unit-dose article wherein 30% to 70% by weight, preferably 40% to 65% by weight, of the total broad-spectrum ethoxylated alcohol surfactant is an ethoxylated alcohol nonionic surfactant molecule containing a polyethoxy group containing 5 to 12 ethoxy groups. [7] The water-soluble unit-dose article according to [6], wherein the broad-spectrum ethoxylated alcohol nonionic surfactant comprises a linear broad-spectrum ethoxylated alcohol nonionic surfactant, a branched broad-spectrum ethoxylated alcohol nonionic surfactant, or a mixture thereof, and the broad-spectrum ethoxylated alcohol nonionic surfactant comprises a primary alcohol broad-spectrum ethoxylated alcohol nonionic surfactant, a secondary alcohol broad-spectrum ethoxylated alcohol nonionic surfactant, or a mixture thereof. A water-soluble unit dose article as described in [8], [6] or [7], i) The narrow-range ethoxylated alcohol nonionic surfactant is derived from a natural alcohol source, a synthetic alcohol source, or a mixture thereof. ii) The broad-spectrum ethoxylated alcohol nonionic surfactant is derived from a natural alcohol source, a synthetic alcohol source, or a mixture thereof. iii) or a mixture thereof Water-soluble unit dose product. The water-soluble unit dose articles described in [9][8]; i) The narrow-range ethoxylated alcohol nonionic surfactant is derived from a synthetic alcohol source, and the synthetic alcohol source is produced by the oxo process, the Ziegler process, the Guerbet process, the aldol condensation method, or a mixture thereof. ii) The broad-spectrum ethoxylated alcohol nonionic surfactant is derived from a synthetic alcohol source, and the synthetic alcohol source is produced by the oxo process, the Ziegler process, the Guerbet process, the aldol condensation method, or a mixture thereof. iii) or a mixture thereof Water-soluble unit dose product.

[10] The water-soluble unit-dose article according to any one of [6] to [9], wherein the liquid laundry detergent composition comprises the narrow-range ethoxylated alcohol nonionic surfactant and the broad-range ethoxylated alcohol nonionic surfactant in a relative weight ratio of 10:1 to 1:1, preferably 5:1 to 1:1, and most preferably 3:1 to 1:1.

[11] A water-soluble unit-dose article comprising a non-soap anionic surfactant, wherein the non-soap anionic surfactant is preferably selected from a neutralized linear alkylbenzene sulfonate, a neutralized alkoxylated alkyl sulfate, a neutralized non-alkoxylated alkyl sulfate, and a mixture thereof, or a mixture thereof, more preferably the non-soap anionic surfactant comprises a mixture of a neutralized linear alkylbenzene sulfonate and a neutralized alkyl sulfate anionic surfactant, and even more preferably the weight ratio of the neutralized linear alkylbenzene sulfonate to the neutralized alkyl sulfate anionic surfactant is 1:2 to 9:1, or 1:1 to 7:1, or 2:1 to 6:1, or 2:1 to 5:1.

[12] The water-soluble unit dose article according to

[11] , wherein the weight ratio of the non-soap anionic surfactant to the ethoxylated alcohol nonionic surfactant in the liquid laundry detergent composition is 1:1 to 20:1, or 1:1 to 15:1, or 1:1 to 10:1, or 1:1 to 5:1.

[13] The water-soluble unit dose article according to any one of [1] to

[12] , wherein the liquid laundry detergent composition comprises a fatty acid, preferably a neutralized fatty acid soap, and more preferably the liquid laundry detergent composition comprises 1.5% to 20% by weight, 2% to 15% by weight, 3% to 12% by weight, or 4% to 10% by weight of a fatty acid, preferably a neutralized fatty acid soap.

[14] The water-soluble unit dose article according to any one of [1] to

[13] , wherein the liquid laundry detergent comprises 5% to 15% by weight of water in the liquid detergent composition.

[15] The water-soluble unit dose article according to any one of [1] to

[14] , wherein the liquid laundry detergent composition comprises 10% to 40% by weight, preferably 15% to 30% by weight, of a non-aqueous solvent, wherein the non-aqueous solvent is preferably selected from 1,2-propanediol, dipropylene glycol, tripropylene glycol, glycerol, sorbitol, polyethylene glycol, ethoxylated glycerin, or a mixture thereof.

[16] The water-soluble unit dose article according to any one of [1] to

[15] , wherein the water-soluble film comprises a polyvinyl alcohol polymer, preferably a polyvinyl alcohol homopolymer, a polyvinyl alcohol copolymer, or a mixture thereof, preferably a blend of a polyvinyl alcohol homopolymer and / or a polyvinyl alcohol copolymer, more preferably the polyvinyl alcohol copolymer is selected from sulfonated and carboxylated anionic polyvinyl alcohol copolymers, particularly carboxylated anionic polyvinyl alcohol copolymers, and most preferably the polyvinyl alcohol polymer comprises a blend of a polyvinyl alcohol homopolymer and a carboxylated anionic polyvinyl alcohol copolymer, or a blend of polyvinyl alcohol homopolymers.

Claims

1. A water-soluble unit-dose article comprising a water-soluble film and a liquid laundry detergent composition, The liquid laundry detergent composition comprises a nonionic surfactant, the nonionic surfactant comprises an ethoxylated alcohol nonionic surfactant, and the ethoxylated alcohol nonionic surfactant comprises a narrow-range ethoxylated alcohol nonionic surfactant. The aforementioned narrow-range ethoxylated alcohol nonionic surfactant comprises an alkyl chain having an average of 8 to 18 carbon atoms, The aforementioned narrow-range ethoxylated alcohol nonionic surfactant has an average degree of ethoxylation of 5 to 12. The narrow-range ethoxylated alcohol nonionic surfactant contains a polyethoxy group, and at least 85% by weight of the entire narrow-range ethoxylated alcohol surfactant is an ethoxylated alcohol nonionic surfactant molecule containing a polyethoxy group comprising 5 to 12 ethoxy groups. The liquid laundry detergent composition contains 1% to 20% by weight of water, The liquid laundry detergent composition contains a non-soap anionic surfactant, and the weight ratio of the non-soap anionic surfactant to the ethoxylated alcohol nonionic surfactant in the liquid laundry detergent composition is 1:1 to 20:

1. The non-soap anionic surfactant is a neutralized alkyl sulfate anionic surfactant selected from neutralized linear alkylbenzene sulfonate, neutralized alkoxylated alkyl sulfate, neutralized non-alkoxylated alkyl sulfate, and mixtures thereof, or a mixture thereof, and is a water-soluble unit-dose article.

2. The water-soluble unit-dose article according to claim 1, wherein the narrow-range ethoxylated alcohol nonionic surfactant comprises a linear narrow-range ethoxylated alcohol nonionic surfactant, a branched-chain narrow-range ethoxylated alcohol nonionic surfactant, or a mixture thereof.

3. The water-soluble unit-dose article according to claim 1, wherein the narrow-range ethoxylated alcohol nonionic surfactant comprises a primary alcohol-based narrow-range ethoxylated alcohol nonionic surfactant, a secondary alcohol-based narrow-range ethoxylated alcohol nonionic surfactant, or a mixture thereof.

4. The water-soluble unit-dose article according to claim 1, wherein the liquid laundry detergent composition contains 3% to 30% by weight of the ethoxylated alcohol nonionic surfactant.

5. The water-soluble unit-dose article according to claim 1, wherein the ethoxylated alcohol nonionic surfactant comprises 50% to 99% by weight of the narrow-range ethoxylated alcohol nonionic surfactant.

6. A water-soluble unit-dose article according to claim 1, wherein the ethoxylated alcohol nonionic surfactant comprises a broad range of ethoxylated alcohol nonionic surfactants ranging from 1% to 50% by weight of the ethoxylated alcohol nonionic surfactant, The broad-spectrum ethoxylated alcohol nonionic surfactant comprises an alkyl chain having an average of 8 to 18 carbon atoms, The broad-spectrum ethoxylated alcohol nonionic surfactant contains polyethoxy groups, and 15% to 45% by weight of the total broad-spectrum ethoxylated alcohol surfactant is an ethoxylated alcohol nonionic surfactant molecule containing polyethoxy groups with 6 to 10 ethoxy groups. A water-soluble unit-dose article wherein 30% to 70% by weight of the total broad-spectrum ethoxylated alcohol surfactant is an ethoxylated alcohol nonionic surfactant molecule containing 5 to 12 polyethoxy groups.

7. The water-soluble unit-dose article according to claim 6, wherein the broad-spectrum ethoxylated alcohol nonionic surfactant comprises a linear broad-spectrum ethoxylated alcohol nonionic surfactant, a branched broad-spectrum ethoxylated alcohol nonionic surfactant, or a mixture thereof, and the broad-spectrum ethoxylated alcohol nonionic surfactant comprises a primary alcohol broad-spectrum ethoxylated alcohol nonionic surfactant, a secondary alcohol broad-spectrum ethoxylated alcohol nonionic surfactant, or a mixture thereof.

8. A water-soluble unit dose article according to claim 6, i) The narrow-range ethoxylated alcohol nonionic surfactant is derived from a natural alcohol source, a synthetic alcohol source, or a mixture thereof. ii) The broad-spectrum ethoxylated alcohol nonionic surfactant is derived from a natural alcohol source, a synthetic alcohol source, or a mixture thereof. iii) or a mixture thereof, Water-soluble unit dose product.

9. A water-soluble unit dose article according to claim 8, i) The narrow-range ethoxylated alcohol nonionic surfactant is derived from a synthetic alcohol source, and the synthetic alcohol source is produced by the oxo process, Ziegler process, Guerbet process, aldol condensation method, or a mixture thereof. ii) The broad-spectrum ethoxylated alcohol nonionic surfactant is derived from a synthetic alcohol source, and the synthetic alcohol source is produced by the oxo process, the Ziegler process, the Guerbet process, the aldol condensation method, or a mixture thereof. iii) or a mixture thereof, Water-soluble unit dose product.

10. The water-soluble unit-dose article according to claim 6, wherein the liquid laundry detergent composition contains the narrow-range ethoxylated alcohol nonionic surfactant and the broad-range ethoxylated alcohol nonionic surfactant in a relative weight ratio of 10:1 to 1:

1.

11. The water-soluble unit-dose article according to claim 1, wherein the non-soap anionic surfactant comprises a mixture of a neutralized linear alkylbenzene sulfonate and a neutralized alkyl sulfate anionic surfactant, and the weight ratio of the neutralized linear alkylbenzene sulfonate to the neutralized alkyl sulfate anionic surfactant is 1:2 to 9:

1.

12. The water-soluble unit-dose article according to claim 1, wherein the weight ratio of the non-soap anionic surfactant to the ethoxylated alcohol nonionic surfactant in the liquid laundry detergent composition is 1:1 to 15:

1.

13. The water-soluble unit-dose article according to claim 1, wherein the liquid laundry detergent composition contains 1.5% to 20% by weight of fatty acids.

14. The water-soluble unit-dose article according to claim 1, wherein the liquid laundry detergent composition contains 5% to 15% by weight of water in proportion to the liquid laundry detergent composition.

15. The water-soluble unit dose article according to claim 1, wherein the liquid laundry detergent composition comprises 10% to 40% by weight of a non-aqueous solvent, the non-aqueous solvent being selected from 1,2-propanediol, dipropylene glycol, tripropylene glycol, glycerol, sorbitol, polyethylene glycol, ethoxylated glycerin, or a mixture thereof.

16. The water-soluble unit dose article according to claim 1, wherein the water-soluble film comprises a polyvinyl alcohol polymer, and the water-soluble film comprises a polyvinyl alcohol homopolymer, a polyvinyl alcohol copolymer, or a mixture thereof.

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