Water-soluble unit dose article containing ethoxylated secondary alcohol nonionic surfactant

Abstract

A water-soluble unit dose article comprising a liquid laundry detergent composition, the liquid laundry detergent composition containing an ethoxylated secondary 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 an ethoxylated secondary 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., marketed under the trade name NeoDol) or alternative sources (e.g., marketed under the trade names Marlipal and Surfonic).

[0004] When ethoxylated alcohol nonionic surfactants are incorporated at low concentrations, the liquid laundry detergent composition contained within a water-soluble unit-dose article experiences a rapid decrease in viscosity upon initial contact with water. This makes these formulations more prone to leakage from the unit-dose article when accidentally exposed to water, for example, if pinholes are formed in the water-soluble film upon contact with water.

[0005] While not bound by theory, it is believed that when only the concentration of ethoxylated alcohol nonionic surfactant is increased, the liquid laundry detergent composition tends to thicken upon initial dilution with water. In addition, the extensional viscosity increases, making it more difficult to disperse the liquid laundry detergent composition overall. Both effects lead to improved resistance to leakage of the liquid laundry detergent composition from water-soluble unit-dose articles where pinholes have formed. This effect has been observed for various starting alcohol sources (primary and secondary alcohols) and variations in the average degree of ethoxylation.

[0006] A further advantage of increasing the concentration of ethoxylated alkyl alcohol nonionic surfactant in a water-soluble unit-dose article containing a liquid laundry detergent composition is the enhancement of the overall cleaning effect on fabrics, for example, when targeting dull stains on worn fabrics. [Overview of the Initiative] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0007] Surprisingly, it was found that, compared to conventional primary alcohol ethoxylate nonionic surfactants, incorporating the ethoxylated secondary alcohol nonionic surfactant according to the present invention leads to an even greater presence of the effects of increased viscosity and rapid increase in extensional viscosity during dilution. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] A first aspect of the present invention is 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, and the nonionic surfactant contains 3% to 30% by weight, or 5% to 25% by weight, or 10% to 20% by weight of an ethoxylated alcohol nonionic surfactant, and the ethoxylated alcohol nonionic surfactant contains an ethoxylated secondary alcohol nonionic surfactant, Ethoxylated secondary alcohol nonionic surfactants contain alkyl chains having an average of 8 to 18 carbon atoms, The ethoxylated secondary alcohol nonionic surfactant is a water-soluble unit-dose article having an average ethoxylation degree of at least 6 but less than 10.

[0009] A second 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. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0010] [Figure 1] This is a water-soluble unit-dose article according to the present invention. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0011] 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.

[0012] 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.

[0013] 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.

[0014] 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.

[0015] If the unit-dose article has at least two compartments, one of the compartments may be smaller than the other. If the unit-dose article has at least three compartments, two of the compartments may be smaller than a third compartment, preferably with the smaller compartments overlapping the larger compartments. The overlapping compartments are preferably oriented adjacent to each other. The unit-dose article may contain at least four compartments, three of which may be smaller than a fourth compartment, preferably with the smaller compartments overlapping the larger compartments. The overlapping compartments are preferably oriented adjacent to each other.

[0016] In a multi-compartment orientation, the detergent composition according to the present invention may be contained within at least one compartment. For example, the detergent composition may be contained within one compartment, two compartments, or even three or four compartments.

[0017] Each section may contain the same composition or different compositions. The different compositions may all be in the same form or in different forms.

[0018] The water-soluble unit-dose article may include at least two internal compartments, with the liquid detergent composition being included in at least one of these compartments. Preferably, the unit-dose article includes at least three compartments, and the detergent composition is included in at least one of these compartments.

[0019] 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 detergent composition (5) is included within the water-soluble unit-dose article (1).

[0020] 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.

[0021] Preferably, when measured by the method described herein after use of a glass filter with a maximum pore size of 20 micrometers, the water solubility of the film is at least 50%, preferably at least 75%, or even at least 95%. 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 defined above (maximum 20 micrometers). 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.

[0022] A preferred film material is preferably a polymer material. The film material can be obtained by methods well known in the art, such as casting, blow molding, extrusion, or blow extrusion of polymer materials.

[0023] 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.

[0024] 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.

[0025] 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.

[0026] Preferred films include those supplied by Monosol under product reference numbers M8630, M8900, M8779, and M8310.

[0027] The film may be opaque, transparent, or translucent. The film may include printed areas.

[0028] The printable area can be obtained using standard techniques such as flexographic printing or inkjet printing.

[0029] 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.

[0030] 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.

[0031] 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.

[0032] 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.

[0033] The liquid detergent composition may be used for hand washing of fabrics or for washing fabrics in an automatic washing machine.

[0034] The liquid laundry detergent composition contains a nonionic surfactant. The nonionic surfactant will be described in more detail below.

[0035] The liquid laundry detergent composition may contain a non-soap anionic surfactant, preferably 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 non-soap anionic surfactant selected from mixtures thereof. The non-soap anionic surfactant may contain a mixture of neutralized linear alkylbenzene sulfonate and neutralized alkyl sulfate anionic surfactant. The weight ratio of neutralized linear alkylbenzene sulfonate to 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.

[0036] 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 14The 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.

[0037] 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.

[0038] 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.

[0039] 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.

[0040] The liquid laundry detergent may contain 1% to 20% by weight, preferably 5% to 15% by weight, of water in the liquid detergent composition.

[0041] 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.

[0042] 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.

[0043] 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.

[0044] 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.

[0045] 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.

[0046] 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.

[0047] The liquid laundry detergent composition may contain 2% to 25% by weight, or 4% to 18% by weight, or 7% to 15% by weight of an ethoxylated secondary alcohol nonionic surfactant.

[0048] Ethoxylated alcohol nonionic surfactants include ethoxylated secondary alcohol nonionic surfactants. Ethoxylated secondary alcohol nonionic surfactants contain alkyl chains having an average of 8 to 18 carbon atoms, and ethoxylated secondary alcohol nonionic surfactants have an average degree of ethoxylation of at least 6 but less than 10.

[0049] Preferably, the ethoxylated secondary alcohol nonionic surfactant has an average ethoxylation degree of 7 to 9.5, preferably 8 to 9, and most preferably 9.

[0050] Ethoxylated secondary alcohol nonionic surfactants preferably contain an alkyl chain having an average of 10 to 16 carbon atoms, more preferably 11 to 15.

[0051] The ethoxylated alcohol nonionic surfactant may contain 50% to 99% by weight, preferably 60% to 95% by weight, and more preferably 70% to 90% by weight of the ethoxylated secondary alcohol nonionic surfactant.

[0052] The ethoxylated alcohol nonionic surfactant may contain 1% to 50% by weight, preferably 5% to 40% by weight, and more preferably 10% to 30% by weight of ethoxylated primary alcohol nonionic surfactant. Preferably, the ethoxylated primary 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, and has an average degree of ethoxylation of 6 to 12, preferably 8 to 10, and most preferably 9.

[0053] Ethoxylated primary alcohol nonionic surfactants may be linear or branched. In the case of branched surfactants, the branching may be at 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, pentyl-branched, or hexyl-branched, most preferably a mixture thereof.

[0054] In the case of a branched chain, the ethoxylated primary alcohol nonionic surfactant preferably comprises a mixture of a surfactant isomer according to formula I and a surfactant isomer according to formula II.

[0055] [ka] In the formula, m is 4 to 11, preferably 6 to 11, and n is 0 to 5. Approximately 50% to approximately 100% by weight, preferably approximately 90% to approximately 100% by weight, of the ethoxylated primary alcohol nonionic surfactant is an isomer in which m+n equals 9, or approximately 50% to approximately 100% by weight, preferably approximately 90% to approximately 100% by weight, of the ethoxylated primary alcohol nonionic surfactant is an isomer in which m+n equals 11. Alternatively, about 50% to about 100% by weight, preferably about 90% to about 100% by weight, of an ethoxylated primary 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 ethoxylated primary alcohol nonionic surfactant is a surfactant isomer according to formula II. X is O-(EO)yH, y is an average ethoxylation degree (EO) of 6-12, preferably 8-10, and most preferably 9.

[0056] 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.

[0057] 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.

[0058] In the linear form, the alcohol may have a natural distribution of C6-C20 alkyl chains depending on the source of the material. Alternatively, the linear alcohol may be fractionated to increase the C12-C14 alkyl chain content.

[0059] Ethoxylated primary 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 ethoxylated primary alcohol nonionic surfactant is derived from a synthetic alcohol source, the synthetic alcohol source may be produced by the oxo process, Ziegler process, Guerbet process, aldol condensation process, or a mixture thereof. The resulting alcohol can be optionally, but preferably, further fractionated to increase the C12-C15 content of the starting alcohol.

[0060] The ethoxylation distribution of either or both primary and secondary ethoxylated alcohol nonionic surfactants can be narrow or broad, and narrow-range ethoxylates (NREs) in chemistry are alcohol polyglycol ethers with a narrow homologue distribution and are known nonionic surfactants. Peak-type alkoxylation and peak-type ethoxylation are also often used to describe the methods and materials by which they are produced. They 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 catalysts derived from alkaline earth elements (Mg, Ca, Ba, Sr, etc.), 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 R2R3R4R5N+, where R2, R3, R4, and R5 are independently hydrocarbyl groups, and x is 1 to 3). NRE ethoxylated alcohol nonionic surfactants consist of ethoxylated alcohol nonionic surfactant molecules comprising at least 85% by weight of the total narrow-range ethoxylated alcohol surfactants, and comprising polyethoxy groups containing 5 to 12, preferably 6 to 10, ethoxy groups.Conversely, broad-spectrum ethoxylated (BRE) alcohol nonionic surfactants include ethoxylated alcohol nonionic surfactant molecules comprising 15% to 45% by weight, preferably 25% to 40% by weight, of the broad-spectrum ethoxylated alcohol surfactant, which contain polyethoxy groups containing 6 to 10 ethoxy groups, and alcohol ethoxylate nonionic surfactant molecules comprising 30% to 70% by weight, preferably 40% to 65% by weight, of the broad-spectrum ethoxylated alcohol surfactant, which contain polyethoxy groups containing 5 to 12 ethoxy groups.

[0061] Preferably, the liquid laundry detergent composition contains an ethoxylated secondary alcohol and an ethoxylated primary 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.

[0062] Suitable ethoxylated secondary alcohol nonionic surfactants are commercially available from Dow, such as the Terditol 15-S series, or from Nippon Shokubai Co., Ltd., such as the Softanol series. A particularly suitable material is Terditol 15-S-9.

[0063] 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.

[0064] 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.

[0065] 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.

[0066] 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]

[0067] A liquid detergent composition suitable for use in a soluble unit dose laundry detergent product was prepared by mixing the individual components in a batch process. The effect of the degree of ethoxylation in ethoxylated primary and secondary alcohol nonionic surfactants on the product viscosity variation across dilution and their extensional viscosity profiles was tested using the test methods described herein. Table 1 summarizes all the compositions tested. Examples 1 and 2 are liquid detergent compositions containing an ethoxylated secondary alcohol nonionic surfactant having an average degree of ethoxylation according to the present invention. Examples A - C describe comparative compositions containing ethoxylated primary alcohol nonionic surfactants outside the scope of the present invention. Example D contains an ethoxylated secondary alcohol nonionic surfactant having an average degree of ethoxylation according to the present invention but at a lower concentration of ethoxylated alcohol nonionic surfactant. Example E describes a comparative composition containing an ethoxylated secondary alcohol nonionic surfactant having an average degree of ethoxylation outside the scope of the present invention.

[0068]

Table 1

[0069] Table 2 summarizes the viscosity and extensional viscosity data at dilution of compositions containing primary and secondary alcohol-based ethoxylated alcohol nonionic surfactants, with only the average degree of ethoxylation varied as the variable. Comparing the data from Examples 1 and 2 with Examples D and E, it can be seen that, as long as the average degree of ethoxylation does not exceed the claims of the present invention, increasing only the concentration of the ethoxylated secondary alcohol nonionic surfactant as the variable changes the rheological profile at dilution from a decreasing profile to a increasing profile, coupled with a sharp increase in extensional viscosity indicated by an increase in capillary rupture time. Similar observations are made for the ethoxylated primary alcohol nonionic surfactant (Example A vs. Examples B and C), but the degree of change is smaller than when a secondary alcohol-based nonionic surfactant is selected (Example C vs. Example 2). A greater degree of change in viscosity and extensional viscosity behavior at dilution makes the liquid detergent composition containing the ethoxylated alcohol nonionic surfactant according to the present invention less likely to leak from a water-soluble unit-dose article with pinholes formed.

[0070] [Table 2] * PC=product concentration

[0071] 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 increase in viscosity during initial dilution, the less the product disperses, and therefore, the better the control of leakage during pinhole formation.

[0072] 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%.

[0073] 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 after 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 an improved resistance to the dispersion of liquid laundry detergent, which in turn positively impacts leakage control during pinhole formation. 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, wherein the nonionic surfactant comprises 3% to 30% by weight, or 5% to 25% by weight, or 10% to 20% by weight of an ethoxylated alcohol nonionic surfactant, and the ethoxylated alcohol nonionic surfactant comprises an ethoxylated secondary alcohol nonionic surfactant. The ethoxylated secondary alcohol nonionic surfactant comprises an alkyl chain having an average of 8 to 18 carbon atoms, A water-soluble unit-dose article wherein the ethoxylated secondary alcohol nonionic surfactant has an average degree of ethoxylation of at least 6 but less than 10. [2] The water-soluble unit dose article according to [1], wherein the ethoxylated secondary alcohol nonionic surfactant has an average degree of ethoxylation of 7 to 9.5, preferably 8 to 9, and most preferably 9. [3] The water-soluble unit dose article according to [1] or [2], wherein the ethoxylated secondary alcohol nonionic surfactant comprises an alkyl chain having an average of 10 to 16 carbon atoms, preferably an average of 11 to 15 carbon atoms. [4] The water-soluble unit dose article according to any one of [1] to [3], 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 ethoxylated secondary alcohol nonionic surfactant. [5] The ethoxylated alcohol nonionic surfactant comprises 1% to 50% by weight, preferably 5% to 40% by weight, and more preferably 10% to 30% by weight of the ethoxylated primary alcohol nonionic surfactant, Preferably, the ethoxylated primary alcohol nonionic surfactant comprises 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. Preferably, the ethoxylated primary alcohol nonionic surfactant has an average degree of ethoxylation of 6 to 12, preferably 8 to 10, and most preferably 9, as described in any of [1] to [4]. [6] The ethoxylated primary alcohol nonionic surfactant may be linear, branched, or a mixture thereof, and the ethoxylated primary alcohol nonionic surfactant may be derived from a natural alcohol source, a synthetic alcohol source, or a mixture thereof. The water-soluble unit dose article according to [5]. [7] The water-soluble unit-dose article according to [6], wherein the ethoxylated primary alcohol nonionic surfactant is derived from a synthetic primary alcohol source, and the synthetic primary alcohol source is preferably produced by the oxo process, the Ziegler process, the Guerbet process, the aldol condensation method, or a mixture thereof. [8] The water-soluble unit-dose article according to any one of [5] to [7], wherein the liquid laundry detergent composition comprises the ethoxylated secondary alcohol nonionic surfactant and the ethoxylated primary 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. [9] 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.

[10] The water-soluble unit-dose article according to [9], wherein the weight ratio of a non-soap anionic surfactant to an 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.

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

[10] , 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.

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

[11] , wherein the liquid laundry detergent comprises 1% to 20% by weight, preferably 5% to 15% by weight, of water in the liquid detergent composition.

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

[12] , 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, ethoxylated glycerin, sorbitol, polyethylene glycol, or a mixture thereof.

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

[13] , 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.

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

[14] , wherein the water-soluble unit dose article comprises at least one, at least two, at least three, or at least four compartments, preferably, wherein the water-soluble unit dose article comprises at least two, at least three, or at least four compartments, wherein the compartments are arranged in an overlapping configuration, and at least one, at least two, or at least three upper compartments are arranged in an adjacent configuration, and the upper compartments arranged in an adjacent configuration are superimposed on at least one, at least two lower compartments, and the lower compartments are arranged in an adjacent configuration. A method for washing fabric, comprising the steps of: preparing a washing solution by diluting a water-soluble unit-dose article described in any of

[16] [1] to

[15] with water 200 to 3000 times, preferably 300 to 2000 times; and bringing the fabric to be treated into contact with the washing solution.

Claims

1. A water-soluble unit-dose article comprising a water-soluble film and a liquid laundry detergent composition, The water-soluble film contains at least 60% polyvinyl alcohol polymer. The liquid laundry detergent composition comprises a nonionic surfactant and an anionic surfactant, wherein the nonionic surfactant comprises 10% to 30% by weight of an ethoxylated alcohol nonionic surfactant in the liquid laundry detergent composition, and the ethoxylated alcohol nonionic surfactant comprises an ethoxylated secondary alcohol nonionic surfactant. The ethoxylated secondary alcohol nonionic surfactant comprises an alkyl chain having an average of 10 to 16 carbon atoms, The ethoxylated secondary alcohol nonionic surfactant has an average degree of ethoxylation of at least 6 but less than 10. The ethoxylated alcohol nonionic surfactant comprises 60% to 99% by weight of the ethoxylated secondary alcohol nonionic surfactant, The anionic surfactant includes a non-soap anionic surfactant. 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 5:

1. The liquid laundry detergent composition further comprises 1% to 20% by weight of water and 10% to 40% by weight of a non-aqueous solvent. A water-soluble unit-dose article wherein the non-aqueous solvent is selected from 1,2-propanediol, dipropylene glycol, tripropylene glycol, glycerol, ethoxylated glycerin, sorbitol, polyethylene glycol, or a mixture thereof.

2. The water-soluble unit-dose article according to claim 1, wherein the ethoxylated secondary alcohol nonionic surfactant has an average degree of ethoxylation of 7 to 9.

5.

3. The water-soluble unit-dose article according to claim 1, wherein the ethoxylated alcohol nonionic surfactant comprises 70% to 99% by weight of the ethoxylated secondary alcohol nonionic surfactant.

4. The water-soluble unit-dose article according to claim 1, wherein the ethoxylated alcohol nonionic surfactant comprises 1% to 40% by weight of the ethoxylated primary alcohol nonionic surfactant.

5. The water-soluble unit-dose article according to claim 4, wherein the ethoxylated primary alcohol nonionic surfactant may be linear, branched, or a mixture thereof, and the ethoxylated primary alcohol nonionic surfactant may be derived from a natural alcohol source, a synthetic alcohol source, or a mixture thereof.

6. The water-soluble unit-dose article according to claim 5, wherein the ethoxylated primary alcohol nonionic surfactant is derived from a synthetic primary alcohol source.

7. The water-soluble unit-dose article according to claim 4, wherein the liquid laundry detergent composition contains the ethoxylated secondary alcohol nonionic surfactant and the ethoxylated primary alcohol nonionic surfactant in a relative weight ratio of 10:1 to 1:

1.

8. The aforementioned non-soap anionic surfactant is neutralized linear alkylbenzene sulfonate , neutralized alkoxylated alkyl sulfate, neutralized non-alkoxylated alkyl Neutralized alkyl sulfates selected from sulfates and mixtures thereof. A water-soluble unit according to claim 1, selected from an on-occlusive surfactant or a mixture thereof. quantity goods.

9. The water-soluble unit-dose article according to claim 1, wherein the liquid laundry detergent composition contains a fatty acid.

10. The water-soluble unit dose article according to claim 1, wherein the water-soluble unit dose article comprises at least two compartments, and the compartments are arranged in an overlapping configuration.

11. A method for washing fabric, comprising the steps of: preparing a washing solution by diluting a water-soluble unit-dose article according to any one of claims 1 to 10 with water 200 to 3000 times; and bringing a fabric to be treated into contact with the washing solution.

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