Acidic liquid fabric care composition

Abstract

The acidic liquid fabric care compositions include citric acid and / or salts thereof, fragrance materials including certain aldehyde-based perfume raw materials, and water. Related methods of use and preparation of such compositions.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] This disclosure relates to an acidic liquid fabric care composition comprising citric acid and / or a salt thereof, a fragrance material containing a specific aldehyde-based fragrance ingredient, and water. This disclosure also relates to methods of use and methods of manufacturing such compositions. [Background technology]

[0002] Certain liquid fabric care compositions having a low pH and low to 0 amounts of surfactants, softeners, or bleaches may still be useful for providing fabric care effects, particularly for through-the-rinse applications in automatic washing machines. For example, such compositions may provide a softening effect and / or may be useful for removing limescale that can accumulate on fabrics such as towels, especially when the fabric has been washed with hard water.

[0003] Such compositions may contain relatively high concentrations of citric acid and / or related salts. Aromatic materials (e.g., fragrances) may also be added to the composition to improve the scent of the stock product and / or to provide benefits such as freshness to the fabric of the choice during processing.

[0004] However, it has been found that such compositions may experience color instability during storage, potentially informing consumers of product degradation and / or reduced efficiency. In particular, the presence of fragrance ingredients is thought to contribute to the discoloration of such compositions. [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0005] An improved low-pH fabric care composition containing fragrance materials is needed. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] This disclosure relates to a liquid fabric care composition having a specific aldehyde-based fragrance raw material and characterized by a relatively low pH.

[0007] For example, the present disclosure relates to a liquid fabric care composition comprising from about 10 wt% to about 50 wt% of citric acid and / or its salts in the liquid fabric care composition, and from about 0.01% to about 20% of an aroma material, the aroma material comprising a first aldehyde-based fragrance raw material, the first aldehyde-based fragrance raw material having the following structure (a, b, or c): a) R 1 -C(R 2 )(R 3 )-C(R 4 )(R 5 )-CHO, wherein R 2 , R 3 , R 4 , and R 5 are independently selected from hydrogen or a hydrocarbon moiety, the hydrocarbon moiety being optionally substituted or unsubstituted, provided that at least one of R 2 , R 3 , R 4 , or R 5 A hydrocarbon moiety is; b) R 1 -C(R 2 )=C(R 4 )-CHO, wherein R 2 and R 4 are independently selected from hydrogen or a hydrocarbon moiety, the hydrocarbon moiety being optionally substituted or unsubstituted; c) R 1 -Ar-CHO, wherein Ar is a substituted or unsubstituted aryl ring; characterized by at least one of, wherein for each of the structures according to a), b), and c), each R 1 is independently selected from H, a substituted hydrocarbon moiety, or an unsubstituted hydrocarbon moiety, the aroma material, and from about 30 wt% to about 90 wt% of water in the liquid fabric care composition, the composition comprising less than 5 wt% of a material selected from the group consisting of detergency surfactants, bleaching systems, fabric softening materials, and mixtures thereof, the liquid fabric care composition being characterized by a stock solution pH of about 2 to about 6. The present disclosure relates to a liquid fabric care composition.

[0008] This disclosure also relates to a method for treating a fabric, comprising the step of bringing the fabric into contact with a liquid fabric care composition described herein.

[0009] The disclosure also relates to a method for preparing a liquid fabric care composition, comprising combining water, citric acid, and a fragrance material, preferably a fragrance material pre-mixed with a nonionic surfactant. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0010] This disclosure relates to an acidic liquid fabric care composition. The composition comprises citric acid, a fragrance material containing a specific aldehyde-based fragrance raw material, and water. Such a composition is considered to have relatively good color stability compared to comparative compositions.

[0011] While not bound by theory, many commonly used aldehyde-based fragrance ingredients are thought to tend to cause discoloration in acidic aqueous fabric care treatment compositions. This presents a challenge for formulations, as aldehyde-based fragrance ingredients are often preferred for providing consumers with a pleasant olfactory experience during use and on treated fabrics.

[0012] This disclosure provides a solution to this choice between significant product discoloration and a desired freshness profile. Surprisingly, it has been found that by selecting specific aldehyde-based fragrance raw materials with particular structural properties, the resulting treated compositions undergo a remarkably low level of discoloration.

[0013] The compositions and related methods are described in more detail below.

[0014] When used herein, the articles “a” and “an” as used in the claims are understood to mean one or more of the claims or described herein. When used herein, the terms “include,” “includes,” and “including” are meant to be non-limiting. The compositions of the Disclosure may include, may essentially consist of, or may consist of the components of the Disclosure.

[0015] In this specification, the terms “substantially free of” or “substantially free from” may be used. This means that the indicated material is present in minimal amounts and is not intentionally added to the composition to form part of the composition, or, preferably, is not present at an analytically detectable level. It means that the composition includes a composition in which the indicated material is present only as an impurity among one of the other materials that are intentionally included. If the indicated material is present, it may be present at a level of less than 1% by weight, less than 0.1% by weight, less than 0.01% by weight, or even 0% by weight of the composition.

[0016] As used herein, the term “fabric care composition” includes compositions and formulations designed for treating fabrics. Such compositions include, but are not limited to, laundry cleaning compositions and detergents, fabric softening compositions, fabric strengthening compositions, fabric deodorizing compositions, pre-wash detergents, pre-wash treatments, laundry additives, spray products, dry cleaning agents or compositions, wash rinse additives, cleaning additives, post-rinse fabric treatments, ironing aids, unit-dose formulations, delayed-delivery formulations, detergents contained on or in porous substrates or nonwoven sheets, and other suitable forms that may be apparent to those skilled in the art in consideration of the teachings herein. Such compositions may be used as pre-wash treatments, post-wash treatments, or added during the rinse or wash cycle of a laundry operation.

[0017] Unless otherwise noted, all concentrations of components or compositions refer to the active portion of that component or composition, excluding impurities that may be present in the commercially available source of such components or compositions, such as residual solvents or by-products.

[0018] All temperatures in this specification are in degrees Celsius (°C) unless otherwise specified. Unless otherwise stated, all measurements in this specification are performed at 20°C and atmospheric pressure.

[0019] In all embodiments of this disclosure, all percentages are relative to the total weight of the composition unless otherwise specified. Unless otherwise specified, all ratios are weight ratios.

[0020] It should be understood that all maximum numerical limits given throughout this specification include all lower numerical limits as if they were explicitly stated herein. All minimum numerical limits shown throughout this specification include all higher numerical limits as if they were explicitly stated herein. All numerical ranges given throughout this specification include all narrow numerical ranges that fall within such broad numerical ranges as if they were explicitly stated herein.

[0021] composition This disclosure relates to liquid fabric care compositions having a relatively low pH. In other words, this disclosure relates to acidic liquid fabric care compositions.

[0022] The compositions of this disclosure may be particularly useful for treating fabrics such as clothes or towels during the rinse cycle of a fully automatic washing machine. Due to the low pH of the compositions, they may be useful for making fabrics more flexible and / or for brightening colors by removing limescale that may have accumulated on the fabric surface, which may result from washing the fabric in hard water.

[0023] The composition comprises citric acid and / or a salt thereof. As those skilled in the art will understand, citric acid and its salts may exist in equilibrium in the liquid composition. Citric acid is preferred for use in this composition because it is a performance-efficient and cost-effective material, as well as readily available.

[0024] The composition may contain about 10% to about 50% by weight of citric acid and / or its salts. The liquid fabric care composition may contain about 15% to about 40% by weight, preferably about 20% to about 30% by weight of citric acid and / or its salts.

[0025] The liquid fabric care compositions of this disclosure include fragrance materials (also referred to herein as "fragrance" or "scent"). The fragrance materials are added to impart an aesthetically pleasing fragrance to the liquid product composition, the treatment solution, and / or the fabric treated with the composition. The compositions of this disclosure may contain fragrance materials in an amount of about 0.1% to about 20% by weight, or about 0.2% to about 10% by weight, or about 0.3% to about 5% by weight of the composition.

[0026] Non-limiting examples of aromatic materials include, but are not limited to, aldehydes, ketones, and esters. Other examples include various natural extracts and natural compounds, which may include complex mixtures of components such as orange oil, lemon oil, rose extract, lavender, musk, patchouli, balsam extract, sandalwood oil, pine oil, and cedar. The final fragrance may contain a very complex mixture of such components.

[0027] Aromatic materials may include aldehyde-based fragrance raw materials. While we do not wish to be bound by theory, aldehyde-based fragrance raw materials are often desirable from the standpoint of olfaction / freshness, but they are also thought to have a tendency to discolor.

[0028] Accordingly, the aromatic materials of the compositions of this disclosure include a first aldehyde-based fragrance raw material, as described in more detail below. The first aldehyde-based fragrance raw material is selected for its relative color stability in the acidic compositions of this disclosure. In other words, compared to other aldehyde-containing fragrance raw materials, the first aldehyde-based fragrance raw materials described herein are considered less likely to cause discoloration in the compositions. Although not bound by theory, the first aldehyde-based fragrance raw materials described herein are considered to be sterically hindered at the carbon closest to the aldehyde moiety and / or otherwise resistant to certain interactions, thus reducing their tendency to discolor.

[0029] In short, the first aldehyde-based fragrance raw material according to this disclosure does not contain a divalent -CH2-CH2- group directly adjacent to the aldehyde moiety. Instead, the first aldehyde-based fragrance raw material may feature, for example, branching, double bonds, and / or ring structures within the first two carbon atoms adjacent to the aldehyde moiety. These structures are thought to contribute to the PRM's tendency to resist discoloration.

[0030] For example, the fragrance material may include a first aldehyde-based fragrance raw material characterized by at least one of the following structures: a)R 1 -C(R 2 )(R 3 )-C(R 4 )(R 5 )-CHO, In the formula, R 2 , R 3 , R 4 , and R 5 R is independently selected from hydrogen or hydrocarbon moieties, and the hydrocarbon moiety may be substituted or unsubstituted, however R 2 , R 3 , R 4 , or R 5 At least one of them is a hydrocarbon part; b)R 1 -C(R 2 )=C(R 4 )-CHO, In the formula, R2 and R 4 The hydrocarbon moiety is independently selected from hydrogen or hydrocarbon moieties, and the hydrocarbon moiety may be substituted or unsubstituted; c)R 1 -Ar-CHO, In the formula, Ar is a substituted or unsubstituted aryl ring. For each of the structures according to a), b), and c), each R 1 H is independently selected from a substituted hydrocarbon moiety or an unsubstituted hydrocarbon moiety.

[0031] Aromatic materials are group a), R 1 -C(R 2 )(R 3 )-C(R 4 )(R 5 It may contain a first aldehyde-based fragrance raw material characterized by the structure of )-CHO. The fragrance material has the structure of group b), R 1 -C(R 2 )=C(R 4 It may contain a first aldehyde-based fragrance raw material characterized by )-CHO. The fragrance materials are from group c), R 1 The first aldehyde-based fragrance raw material may include an Ar-CHO structure. The fragrance material may first be an aldehyde-based fragrance raw material characterized by a structure from at least two groups, preferably at least three groups, selected from groups a), b), and c).

[0032] R 1 The group can be any hydrocarbon portion suitable to be part of a useful fragrance raw material in the processed composition according to this disclosure. 1 The group may be characterized by a molecular weight of about 50 to about 500 daltons, preferably about 75 to about 400 daltons, and more preferably about 100 to about 300 daltons.

[0033] R 1 The group can be an unsubstituted hydrocarbon moiety. 1 The group can be a substituted hydrocarbon moiety. 1 The base can be a linear portion. 1 The group can be non-linear or branched. 1The group can be a saturated hydrocarbon moiety. 1 The group can be an unsaturated hydrocarbon moiety. 1 The group may contain at least one double bond.

[0034] The first aldehyde-based fragrance raw material may have the structure according to formula I. R 1 -L-CHO Formula I In the formula, the L group is a divalent hydrocarbon moiety, the divalent hydrocarbon moiety contains 2 to 25 carbon atoms, preferably 2 to 15 carbon atoms, more preferably 4 to 15 carbon atoms, and even more preferably 4 to 12 carbon atoms, the divalent hydrocarbon moiety is linear or branched, the divalent hydrocarbon moiety is substituted or unsubstituted, and the divalent hydrocarbon moiety does not contain an unsubstituted ethylene (-CH2-CH2-) group bonded to a -CHO (aldehyde) group, as described in more detail above, R 1 The group is a monovalent moiety selected from hydrogen or a monovalent hydrocarbon moiety.

[0035] The first aldehyde-based fragrance raw material may have a monohydric hydrocarbon moiety bonded to the aldehyde (-CHO) moiety, the monohydric hydrocarbon moiety containing two carbon atoms at the α-β positions relative to the aldehyde moiety, and the two carbon atoms at the α-β positions do not form a -CH2-CH2- moiety (i.e., they do not form a 2-carbon unsubstituted unbranched alkane moiety).

[0036] Suitable first aldehyde-based fragrance raw materials include PT-bucinal, hydroxycitronellal, citronellal, simal, methylnonylacetaldehyde, melonal, helional, aldehyde mandarin, anisaldehyde, heliotropin, vanillin, ethyl vanillin, liral, tripral (i.e., ligustral), amyl cinnamaldehyde, neoivernal, nympheal, centenal, or combinations thereof.

[0037] The fragrance material may contain at least 1% by weight, preferably about 5% to about 40% by weight, and more preferably about 5% to about 30% by weight of the first aldehyde-based fragrance raw material. The fabric care composition may contain about 0.001% to about 1% by weight, preferably about 0.005% to about 0.5% by weight, and more preferably about 0.01% to about 0.3% by weight of the first aldehyde-based fragrance raw material.

[0038] The fragrance material may include other aldehyde-based fragrance raw materials that are not sterically or otherwise hindered, similar to the first aldehyde-based fragrance raw material. For example, the fragrance material may further include a second aldehyde-based fragrance raw material, the second aldehyde-based fragrance raw material characterized by a different structure from the first aldehyde-based fragrance raw materials of groups a), b), and c). For example, the second aldehyde-based fragrance raw material may include linear aldehydes such as octyl aldehyde, nonyl aldehyde, decyl aldehyde, or combinations thereof.

[0039] Since the second aldehyde-based fragrance raw material may be more likely to discolor than the first aldehyde-based fragrance raw material, it may be preferable for the composition to contain a relatively small amount of the second aldehyde-based fragrance raw material. For example, the composition may contain less than 25% by weight of the fragrance material, preferably less than 20% by weight, more preferably less than 10% by weight, and even more preferably less than 5% of the second aldehyde-based fragrance raw material.

[0040] To minimize the risk of discoloration due to the presence of aldehyde-based fragrance raw materials, the relative amount of the first aldehyde-based fragrance raw material may be greater than the relative amount of the second aldehyde-based fragrance raw material. For example, the weight ratio of the first aldehyde-based fragrance raw material to the second aldehyde-based fragrance raw material may be greater than 1:1, preferably at least 2:1, more preferably at least 5:1, even more preferably at least 10:1, even more preferably at least 20:1, or even more preferably at least 30:1. The weight ratio of the first aldehyde-based fragrance raw material to the second aldehyde-based fragrance raw material may be greater than 1:1 to about 50:1, preferably about 2:1 to about 30:1, more preferably about 5:1 to about 30:1, and even more preferably about 10:1 to about 30:1.

[0041] To reduce the risk of discoloration, it may be even more preferable to incorporate a composition that contains a first aldehyde-based fragrance ingredient but does not contain a second aldehyde-based fragrance ingredient. In such cases, the weight ratio (first:second) may be 100:0.

[0042] In total, aldehyde-based fragrance raw materials (e.g., first and second aldehyde PRMs) may be present in an amount of about 5% to about 75% by weight, preferably about 10% to about 50% by weight, of the fragrance material.

[0043] At least a portion of the aromatic materials of this disclosure may be derived from natural sources. Such materials are considered to have a lower environmental impact and / or be more environmentally sustainable than synthetically derived materials and / or geologically derived (e.g., petroleum-based) materials. At least about 50% by weight, or at least about 60% by weight, or at least about 70% by weight, or at least about 80% by weight, or at least about 90% by weight, or at least about 95% by weight, or at least about 100% by weight of the aromatic materials may be naturally derived aromatic materials.

[0044] For the fabric treatment compositions of this disclosure, it is desirable that the fragrance material is relatively hydrophilic. Hydrophilic fragrance materials are more likely to dissolve or disperse well in the aqueous compositions of this disclosure, which leads to improved phase stability and / or transparency of the product.

[0045] Since the compositions of this disclosure are typically characterized by a relatively low pH, the aromatic materials of this disclosure are typically acid-stable, particularly at the pH of the composition. Acid stability can be qualitatively demonstrated by the absence of phase separation, discoloration, and / or precipitate formation at acidic pH (preferably pH about 2 to about 4) during storage.

[0046] To facilitate the easy introduction of fragrance materials into the aqueous compositions of this disclosure, the fragrance materials may be mixed with a nonionic surfactant or other emulsifier before mixing with water and / or citric acid. In other words, the compositions may be prepared in a process in which the fragrance materials are mixed with a nonionic surfactant before mixing with citric acid.

[0047] The liquid fabric care compositions of this disclosure are typically aqueous compositions. The liquid fabric care compositions typically contain water. The composition may contain about 30% to about 90% by weight of water. The composition may contain about 50% to about 90% by weight, preferably about 60% to about 85% by weight, and more preferably about 70% to about 80% by weight of water.

[0048] The liquid fabric treatment compositions of this disclosure are aqueous, but the compositions may further contain organic solvents, which can improve the stability of the composition, the solubility of the components, and / or the transparency of the composition. The fabric treatment composition may contain about 0.1% to about 30% by weight, or about 1% to about 20% by weight, of the organic solvent. Suitable organic solvents include ethanol, diethylene glycol (DEG), 2-methyl-1,3-propanediol (MPD), monopropylene glycol (MPG), dipropylene glycol (DPG), origamine (e.g., diethylenetriamine (DETA), tetraethylenepentamine (TEPA)), glycerin, propoxylated glycerin, ethoxylated glycerin, ethanol, 1,2-propanediol (also called propylene glycol), 1,3-propanediol, 2,3-butanediol, cellulosic ethanol, renewable propylene glycol, renewable monodipropylene glycol, renewable dipropylene glycol, renewable 1,3-propanediol, and mixtures thereof. One or more of the organic solvents may be bio-based. This means that it is derived from natural / possibly non-geological sources (e.g., non-petroleum-based sources).

[0049] The liquid fabric care compositions of this disclosure may contain hydrotropic substances such as sodium cumene sulfonate (SCS). This may enhance the stability of the composition.

[0050] The compositions of this disclosure may include a nonionic surfactant, which may be useful for product stability and / or for introducing fragrance materials. The compositions may contain about 0.1% to about 8% by weight, preferably about 1% to about 5% by weight, of a nonionic surfactant in the liquid fabric care composition. The nonionic surfactant is preferably an ethoxylated fatty alcohol. The nonionic surfactant may be pre-mixed with the fragrance material.

[0051] In addition to citric acid and / or its salts, the liquid fabric care composition may further contain additional organic acids. The additional organic acids may be selected from the group consisting of acetic acid, lactic acid, adipic acid, aspartic acid, carboxymethyl oxymalonic acid, carboxymethyl oxysuccinic acid, glutaric acid, hydroxyethyl iminodioacetic acid, iminodiacetic acid, maleic acid, malic acid, malonic acid, oxydiacetic acid, oxydicuccinic acid, succinic acid, sulfamic acid, tartaric acid, tartaric acid, tartaric acid, tartaric acid, or mixtures thereof, preferably acetic acid. It may be preferable that the composition is substantially free of additional organic acids. It may be preferable that the composition is substantially free of acetic acid, which can add an undesirable odor.

[0052] The liquid fabric care compositions of this disclosure are acidic compositions. A low pH is thought to promote the benefits provided by the compositions (e.g., limescale removal). For example, the compositions may feature a stock pH of about 2 to about 6, preferably about 2 to about 5, preferably about 2 to about 4, and more preferably about 2 to about 3. pH in these ranges is thought to promote the performance efficacy of citric acid and / or its salts.

[0053] The compositions of this disclosure may include a neutralizing agent, which can facilitate the achievement of a desired pH. The neutralizing agent is preferably a caustic neutralizing agent, and more preferably sodium hydroxide (NaOH). Strong bases such as caustic neutralizing agents like NaOH are thought to offer benefits such as physical stability against weak bases such as monoethanolamine (MEA).

[0054] The liquid fabric care compositions of this disclosure may contain a limited number of ingredients, such as 10 or fewer, or 9 or fewer, or 8 or fewer, or 7 or fewer, or 6 or fewer, or 5 or fewer. Limiting the number of ingredients can reduce the storage and / or transportation costs of raw materials and / or simplify the composition manufacturing process. Consumers may also desire products with a limited number of ingredients, as they may be perceived as simpler, have a smaller environmental footprint, and / or have an easier-to-understand ingredient list.

[0055] A liquid fabric care composition may contain less than 10% by weight of materials selected from the group consisting of cleansing surfactants, bleaching agents, fabric softening materials, and mixtures thereof. The composition may contain less than 8% by weight, preferably less than 5% by weight, preferably less than 4% by weight, preferably less than 2.5% by weight, and preferably less than 1% by weight of materials selected from the group consisting of cleansing surfactants, bleaching agents, and / or fabric softening materials, or may contain substantially no such materials. Such materials may affect the aesthetic, physical stability, and / or chemical stability of the other components in the composition. In addition, or alternatively, certain such materials may be physically or chemically unstable in the low pH environment of the composition. Furthermore, consumers using the composition may want the substances removed from the treated fabric, while at least some of the listed materials may instead be deposited on the fabric during a normal treatment cycle. This creates an undesirable residue.

[0056] This composition may not substantially contain any detergent surfactants, including anionic surfactants, nonionic surfactants, amphoteric surfactants, and / or zwitterionic surfactants. Examples of anionic surfactants include sulfurizing surfactants such as alkyl sulfates or alkoxylated alkyl sulfates, sulfonating surfactants such as (linear) alkylbenzene sulfonates, and / or carboxylated surfactants. Examples of suitable nonionic surfactants include alkoxylated fatty alcohols, alkoxylated alkylphenols, and / or alkyl polyglucosides. Examples of zwitterionic surfactants include amine oxides and / or betaines.

[0057] The liquid fabric care composition may contain less than 5% by weight, preferably less than 3% by weight, more preferably less than 1% by weight, and even more preferably less than 0.1% by weight of an anionic surfactant.

[0058] As described above, liquid fabric care compositions may contain nonionic surfactants. When a composition contains a nonionic surfactant, it may not substantially contain other (nonionic) surfactants.

[0059] This composition may not substantially contain a bleaching agent. Examples of bleaching agents include peroxide bleaches such as hydrogen peroxide and / or sources of peroxides. Examples of bleaching agents include hypohalite salts such as hypochlorite bleaches or sources of such hypochlorites. Other examples of bleaching agents include bleaching activators such as NOBS or TAED, or bleaching catalysts.

[0060] This composition may not substantially contain fabric softening materials. Such materials may be deposited on fabrics, which may be undesirable for certain consumers, applications, or fabrics. Additionally or alternatively, such materials may require emulsification or other treatment to be compatible with this aqueous composition. Fabric softening materials may be cationically charged and / or capable of being cationically charged under typical washing conditions. Examples of fabric softening materials include quaternary ammonium ester compounds, silicones, non-esterified quaternary ammonium compounds, amines, fatty acid esters, sucrose esters, silicones, dispersible polyolefins, polysaccharides, fatty acids, softening or conditioning oils, polymer latexes, or combinations thereof. As used herein, the term “fabric softening material” is not intended to include any of the materials listed above as organic acids, including citric acid or acetic acid (e.g., vinegar).

[0061] The liquid fabric care compositions of this disclosure may be relatively transparent. For example, when the composition is substantially dye-free, it may be characterized by a light transmittance of at least about 60% (%T) when a 1 cm cuvette is used at a wavelength of about 410 to 800 nanometers.

[0062] As described above, the composition may be relatively transparent. Therefore, the composition may not substantially contain particles such as encapsulating agents, silicone droplets, pearlescent agents and / or opaling agents that may reduce the relative transparency of the composition. The composition may not substantially contain fluorescent whitening agents. The composition may not substantially contain dyes. As used herein, the term “dye” includes aesthetic dyes that modify the aesthetics of a cleaning composition, as well as dyes and / or pigments that adhere to fabrics and can alter the color of the fabric. Dyes are intended to include colorants, pigments and hues. Depending on the desired use or aesthetics, the composition may contain dyes, preferably aesthetic dyes.

[0063] The liquid fabric care compositions of this disclosure may be characterized by a relatively low viscosity. Such viscosity may be desirable for easy dispensing and / or to minimize clogging in machine dispenser drawers. The compositions may be characterized by a viscosity of about 0 to about 200 cps, preferably about 0 to about 100 cps, and more preferably about 0 to about 60 cps, when determined by rotational viscosity measurement using a Brookfield viscometer and ASTM D 2196-99 at 60 RPM and 22°C.

[0064] To maintain low viscosity, the compositions of this disclosure are substantially free of other rheological modifiers such as thickeners or structuring agents. The compositions are substantially free of salts such as inorganic salts like sodium chloride, magnesium chloride and / or calcium chloride, which can provide rheological modifications such as thickening. When used herein, such salts are not intended to contain neutralization products of the organic acids described herein.

[0065] The liquid fabric care compositions described herein can be packaged in any suitable container, including those constructed from paper, cardboard, plastic materials, and any suitable laminates. The containers may contain renewable and / or recyclable materials.

[0066] The composition may be packaged in a transparent or translucent container. It may be preferable to package the transparent fabric care composition in a transparent or translucent container, such as a transparent or translucent bottle. The container may have a transmittance of more than about 25%, or more than about 30%, or more than about 40%, or more than about 50% in the visible portion of the spectrum (about 410–800 nm). Alternatively, the absorbance of the bottle may be measured as less than about 0.6, or by having a transmittance of more than about 25%, with the transmittance % being equal to the following:

[0067]

number

[0068] For the purposes of this disclosure, a wavelength within the visible light range is considered transparent / translucent as long as it has a transmittance greater than approximately 25%.

[0069] Examples of transparent bottle materials that may be used include, but are not limited to, polypropylene (PP), polyethylene (PE), polycarbonate (PC), polyamide (PA) and / or polyethylene terephthalate (PETE), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), and polystyrene (PS). Recyclable materials may be preferred for environmental reasons.

[0070] The container or bottle may be of any shape or size suitable for storing and packaging household liquids. For example, the container may have any size, but typically it has a maximum capacity of about 0.05 to about 15 L, or about 0.1 to about 5 L, or about 0.2 to about 2.5 L. The container may be suitable for easy handling. For example, the container may have a handle or part of such dimensions that the container can be easily lifted and carried with one hand. The container may have means suitable for pouring the liquid detergent composition and means for re-closing the container. The pouring means may be of any size or form. The closing means may be of any form or size (e.g., screwed or clicked onto the container to close it). The closing means may be a cap that can be removed from the container. Alternatively, the cap may be attached to the container whether the container is open or closed. The closing means may be incorporated into the container.

[0071] Processing method This disclosure relates to a method for treating fabrics. The method includes the step of bringing the fabric into contact with a liquid fabric care composition according to this disclosure.

[0072] The contact process may occur in the presence of water. Preferably, the contact process takes place during the rinse cycle of a fully automatic washing machine.

[0073] The composition may be dispersed or decomposed in water to form a treatment solution. The pH of the treatment solution may be higher than the pH of the liquid fabric care composition (e.g., close to 7). The treatment solution may feature a pH ranging from about 2, or about 3, or about 4 to about 7, or about 6, or about 5. The organic acid system of the fabric care composition (e.g., citric acid and any additional organic acids) may be selected to substantially buffer the treatment solution to a desired pH. Additionally or alternatively, the fabric care composition may contain other buffers or pH adjusters to deliver a desired pH in the treatment solution.

[0074] The composition is typically used in a solution (i.e., treatment solution) at a concentration of approximately 500 ppm to 15,000 ppm.

[0075] The water temperature can range from approximately 5°C to approximately 90°C. The weight ratio of the treatment solution to the fabric can range from approximately 1:1 to approximately 30:1.

[0076] The process may be a manual process, such as in a washbasin. Alternatively, the process may be an automated process that generates a drum in a fully automatic washing machine. The machine may be a top-loading or front-loading washing machine. The compositions of this disclosure may be manually supplied to the drum of a fully automatic washing machine. Alternatively, they may be automatically supplied, for example, via a dispenser drawer or other container.

[0077] A typical processing method includes at least one wash cycle and at least one subsequent rinse cycle. The fabric may be treated with a surfactant, such as an anionic surfactant, during the wash cycle. The composition may preferably be supplied to a drum and / or the fabric may come into contact with the composition during the rinse cycle.

[0078] Manufacturing method This disclosure relates to a method for preparing the liquid fabric care composition described herein. The method may include the step of combining water, citric acid and / or a salt thereof, the fragrance material described herein (including the first aldehyde fragrance raw material), and water in amounts suitable for obtaining, for example, the weight % described herein. Preferably, the fragrance material is pre-mixed with a nonionic surfactant.

[0079] For example, any suitable process known in the art, such as batch processes, inline mixing and / or cyclic loop processes, may be used.

[0080] The preparation method may include the steps of providing an aqueous base, which may simply be water; adding citric acid, which may be part of an aqueous solution such as a 50% citric acid solution; and adding a fragrance material that can be pre-mixed with a nonionic surfactant. Any other materials, such as neutralizing agents, hydrotropic substances, additional surfactants and / or solvents, may be added if desired.

[0081] The aqueous base contains water. The aqueous base may contain at least 50% by weight, or at least 60% by weight, or at least 70% by weight, or at least 75% by weight, or at least 80% by weight, or at least 85% by weight, or at least 90% by weight, or at least 95% by weight of water.

[0082] combination The specific combinations contemplated in this disclosure are described in the following alphabetically designated sections. These combinations are essentially illustrative and not intended to limit the scope of this disclosure. A. A liquid fabric care composition comprising about 10% to about 50% by weight of citric acid and / or its salt, and about 0.01% to about 20% of a fragrance material, wherein the fragrance material comprises a first aldehyde-based fragrance raw material, and the first aldehyde-based fragrance raw material has the following structure (a, b, or c): a)R 1 -C(R 2 )(R 3 )-C(R 4 )(R5 )-CHO, where R 2 , R 3 , R 4 , and R 5 R is independently selected from hydrogen or hydrocarbon moieties, and the hydrocarbon moiety may be substituted or unsubstituted, however R 2 , R 3 , R 4 , or R 5 At least one of them is a hydrocarbon part; b)R 1 -C(R 2 )=C(R 4 )-CHO, where R 2 and R 4 The hydrocarbon moiety is independently selected from hydrogen or hydrocarbon moieties, and the hydrocarbon moiety may be substituted or unsubstituted; c)R 1 -Ar-CHO, where Ar is a substituted or unsubstituted aryl ring; characterized by at least one of these, For each of the structures according to a), b), and c), each R 1 The liquid fabric care composition comprises, independently, a fragrance material selected from H, a substituted hydrocarbon moiety, or an unsubstituted hydrocarbon moiety, and about 30% to about 90% by weight of water in the liquid fabric care composition, wherein the composition comprises less than 5% by weight of materials selected from the group consisting of detergent surfactants, bleaching agents, fabric softening materials, and mixtures thereof, and the liquid fabric care composition is characterized by a stock pH of about 2 to about 6. B. The liquid fabric care composition according to paragraph A, wherein the liquid fabric care composition comprises about 15% to about 40% by weight, preferably about 20% to about 30% by weight, of citric acid and / or its salt. C. The liquid fabric care composition according to paragraph A or B, wherein the fragrance material comprises a first aldehyde-based fragrance raw material characterized by the structure of group a). D. A liquid fabric care composition according to any one of paragraphs A to C, wherein the fragrance material comprises a first aldehyde-based fragrance raw material characterized by the structure of group b). E. A liquid fabric care composition according to any one of paragraphs A to D, comprising a first aldehyde-based fragrance raw material characterized by the structure of group c). F. The liquid fabric care composition according to any one of paragraphs A to E, wherein the fragrance material comprises a first aldehyde-based fragrance raw material from at least two groups, preferably at least three groups, selected from groups a), b), and c). G. The liquid fabric care composition according to any one of paragraphs A to F, wherein the fragrance material comprises at least 1% by weight, preferably about 5% to about 40% by weight, and more preferably about 5% to about 30% by weight of an aldehyde-based fragrance raw material. HR 1 The liquid fabric care composition described in any one of paragraphs A to G, wherein the base is an unsubstituted hydrocarbon moiety. IR 1 The base is branched, and the liquid fabric care composition is as described in any one of paragraphs A to H. JR 1 The liquid fabric care composition according to any one of paragraphs A to I, wherein the group is characterized by a molecular weight of about 50 to about 500 daltons, preferably about 75 to about 400 daltons, and more preferably about 100 to about 300 daltons. The liquid fabric care composition according to any one of paragraphs A to J, wherein the fragrance material comprises a first aldehyde-based fragrance raw material selected from the group consisting of PT Bucinal, hydroxycitronellal, citronellal, simal, methylnonylacetaldehyde, melonal, helional, aldehyde mandarin, anisaldehyde, heliotropin, vanillin, ethyl vanillin, liral, tripral, amyl cinnamaldehyde, neoivernal, nympheal, centenal, and combinations thereof. L. The fragrance material further comprises a second aldehyde-based fragrance raw material, the second aldehyde-based fragrance raw material having a different structure from the first aldehyde-based fragrance raw material of groups a), b), and c), and preferably the weight ratio of the first aldehyde-based fragrance raw material to the second aldehyde-based fragrance raw material is greater than 1:1, preferably at least 2:1, more preferably at least 5:1, even more preferably at least 10:1, even more preferably at least 20:1, or even more preferably at least 30:1, according to any one of paragraphs A to K. M. A liquid fabric care composition according to any one of paragraphs A to L, comprising about 0.1% to about 10%, preferably about 0.2% to about 5% by weight of a fragrance material in the composition. N. A liquid fabric care composition according to any one of paragraphs A to M, wherein the composition is prepared by a process in which a fragrance material is mixed with a nonionic surfactant before being mixed with citric acid. O. The liquid fabric care composition is the liquid fabric care composition according to any one of paragraphs A to N, wherein the liquid fabric care composition comprises about 50% to about 90% by weight, preferably about 60% to about 85% by weight, and more preferably about 70% to about 80% by weight of water. P. A liquid fabric care composition according to any one of paragraphs A to O, comprising, or substantially comprising, less than 8% by weight, preferably less than 5% by weight, preferably less than 4% by weight, preferably less than 2.5% by weight, preferably less than 1% by weight, of a material selected from the group consisting of cleaning surfactants, bleaching agents, and / or fabric softening materials. Q. A liquid fabric care composition according to any one of paragraphs A to P, comprising less than 5% by weight, preferably less than 3% by weight, more preferably less than 1% by weight, and even more preferably less than 0.1% by weight of an anionic surfactant. R. A liquid fabric care composition according to any one of paragraphs A to Q, comprising about 0.1% to about 8% by weight, preferably about 1% to about 5% by weight, of a nonionic surfactant in the liquid fabric care composition. S. A liquid fabric care composition according to any one of paragraphs A to R, further comprising an additional organic acid selected from acetic acid, lactic acid, adipic acid, aspartic acid, carboxymethyl oxymalonic acid, carboxymethyl oxysuccinic acid, glutaric acid, hydroxyethyl iminodioacetic acid, iminodiacetic acid, maleic acid, malic acid, malonic acid, oxydiacetic acid, oxysuccinic acid, succinic acid, sulfamic acid, tartaric acid, tartaric acid, tartaric acid, tartaric acid, or a mixture thereof, preferably acetic acid. T. The liquid fabric care composition according to any one of paragraphs A to S, further comprising a neutralizing agent, preferably a caustic neutralizing agent, more preferably sodium hydroxide (NaOH). U. A liquid fabric care composition according to any one of paragraphs A to T, characterized by a pH of about 2 to about 5, preferably about 2 to about 4, more preferably about 2 to about 3. V. A liquid fabric care composition according to any one of paragraphs A to U, characterized by a light transmittance (%T) of at least about 60% when a 1 cm cuvette is used at a wavelength of about 410 to 800 nanometers, when the composition is substantially dye-free. W. A liquid fabric care composition according to any one of paragraphs A to V, characterized in that the composition has a viscosity of about 0 to about 200 cps, preferably about 0 to about 100 cps, more preferably about 0 to about 60 cps, when determined by rotational viscosity measurement using a Brookfield viscometer and ASTM D 2196-99 at 60 RPM and 22°C. X. A liquid fabric care composition as described in any one of paragraphs A to W, which is packaged in a transparent or translucent container. Y. A method for processing a fabric, comprising the step of bringing the fabric into contact with a composition described in any one of paragraphs A to X. Z. A method for preparing a liquid fabric care composition as described in any one of paragraphs A to X, comprising the step of combining water, citric acid, and a fragrance material which is pre-mixed with a nonionic surfactant, preferably.

[0083] Test method Method for measuring the color of a sample Place the sample in a square glass vial available from VWR (Randor, Pennsylvania) catalog number 10862-182. * a * , and b *All reflectance spectra and color measurements, including values, are performed using a LabScan Ultrascan VIS reflectance spectrophotometer (HunterLabs, Reston, VA; D65 light source, UV light excluded). The instrument is calibrated according to the reflectance spectrum calibration instructions. Next, the color sample is measured using the instrument's reflectance test method, by placing the sample at the same height as the instrument's port opening and positioning a white backing tile to hold the sample flat against the port opening during the measurement.

[0084] A method for aging a sample After the initial color reading, the square glass vials containing the product samples are placed in temperature-controlled rooms at 50°C (+ / -2°C) and 25°C (+ / -2°C). The samples are removed from the temperature-controlled rooms weekly and allowed to equilibrate to room temperature. After equilibrating to room temperature, the samples are measured using the coloring method described above. Then, after each aging color measurement is completed, the samples are returned to their respective temperature-controlled rooms.

[0085] Method for measuring pH The pH of liquid fabric care products is measured using the Extech Instrument Model pH300 pH probe, available from WVGrainger, Inc. (Lake Forrest Illinois). The pH probe is first properly calibrated using pH buffers of pH 1.68, pH 4.00, and pH 7.00. The probe is then used to measure the undiluted liquid acid rinse product. Samples are measured at a temperature of 20°C–25°C. The probe is rinsed with deionized water, carefully wiped clean, and dried between pH readings of different samples. [Examples]

[0086] The embodiments provided below are intended to be illustrative and not limiting.

[0087] Example 1. PRM selection and color stability To test the effect of fragrance ingredient (PRM) selection on color stability in liquid acidic fabric care compositions, various products will be prepared using different PRMs. More specifically, a range of aldehyde PRMs will be combined with a non-aldehyde PRM (methyl anthranilate) to prepare products, which will then be stored at 50°C and tested for color stability.

[0088] The separate fragrance premixes are prepared using the following aldehyde PRMs, which are structurally described in more detail below: undecylenaldehyde, decylaldehyde, lauric acid aldehyde, intronaldehyde, PT-bucinal, hydroxycitronellal, citronellal, simal, methylnonylacetaldehyde, melonal, helional, aldehyde mandarin, hexyl cinnamaldehyde, anisaldehyde, heliotropin, and vanillin. The fragrance premixes are also prepared using only methyl anthranilate.

[0089] The structures of the tested PRMs are shown in Table 1 below, along with a brief structural description of the portion adjacent to the aldehyde moiety. In some cases, only representative isomers are shown, but it should be recognized that other isomers may be present in a given sample of PRM. PRMs are generally classified into five groups (A to E) according to their structure. PRMs of groups B, C, and D are generally considered to be the first aldehyde-based fragrance raw materials according to this disclosure, while PRMs of groups A and E are comparative materials (asterisk). * (Marked with ").

[0090] [Table 1-1]

[0091] [Table 1-2]

[0092] [Table 1-3]

[0093] The fragrance premix is formed by mixing 72.7 parts by weight of a nonionic surfactant (e.g., C24-9, manufactured by Huntsman Corp (Port Neches, Texas)), 13.7 parts by weight of the tested fragrance raw material (see below; e.g., manufactured in East Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania, USA), and 13.7 parts by weight of methyl anthranilate (e.g., manufactured by Vigon International Inc) using an appropriately sized container used to contain the mixture. The mixing is carried out using an IKA RW 20D S1 overhead mixer, model RW20D-S1 and R1325, a four-blade propeller stirrer (e.g., manufactured by VWR (Randor, Pennsylvania)). The premix is prepared within 2 hours before use when completing the liquid acidic fabric care composition.

[0094] The liquid acidic fabric care product is prepared by mixing the components listed in Table 2 in the following proportions.

[0095]

Table 2

[0096] After manufacturing the products, they are stored at 50°C for one week. After the storage period, they are evaluated for color stability, i.e., by measuring the change in b-value according to the method provided herein. The results for each leg are given in Table 3 below. The PRMs are classified by the group of structures adjacent to the aldehyde moiety, and the average change in b-value for each group is provided.

[0097] [Table 3] * = Comparison material

[0098] According to the results in Table 3, the comparative aldehyde-based fragrance raw materials in Group A show the greatest color change on average (based on the change in b value after storage at 50°C for one week). In contrast, the PRMs in Groups B, C, and D (e.g., the first aldehyde-based fragrance raw materials according to this disclosure) show relatively little color change on average.

[0099] According to the results in Table 3, the non-aldehyde PRMs in group E (methyl anthranilate, another comparative material) showed relatively little color change, indicating that discoloration is a particular problem with aldehyde PRMs, and that careful selection by compounders of such PRMs, as disclosed herein, is beneficial for product color stability.

[0100] Example 2. Method for producing an exemplary composition The compositions according to this disclosure may be prepared by the following method. Mixing is generally carried out throughout the process, and the mixture is cooled to manage the heat of neutralization.

[0101] Provide the target amount of water (67.7% activity in the final formulation) in a suitable container. Separately, prepare a premix by combining propanediol (5.3% activity in the final formulation) with the first part of the nonionic surfactant (C24-9; 0.1% activity in the formulation). Add this premix to the water in the container. This premix is ​​considered useful as a processing aid, which may include minimizing surfactant gelation and / or promoting solubilization.

[0102] To this mixture, add a target amount of citric acid solution (50.5% activity level) so that 23.7% active citric acid is present in the final formulation. (Citric acid may be added as a powder instead.) Add sodium formate solution (30% activity level) to provide 0.16% sodium formate in the final formulation. Sodium formate may be added after the citric acid, but preferably in parallel. Sodium bicarbonate may be added optionally. Add sodium cumenesulfonate ("SCS"; 45% activity level) to provide 1.1% active SCS in the final formulation.

[0103] A sufficient sodium hydroxide (NaOH) solution (50% active level) is added to achieve the target pH range of 2.5 (approximately 1.3-3.0% active NaOH in the final formulation). SCS and NaOH may preferably be added in parallel, but preferably through different input ports. This yields the base (unflavored) formulation.

[0104] To add the fragrance, a second portion of the nonionic surfactant (an amount sufficient to provide 4% in the final formulation) is combined with the fragrance (1.5% active in the final formulation) to form a fragrance premix. The nonionic surfactant is thought to facilitate incorporation of the fragrance into the (aqueous) base formulation and provide stability benefits in the final product formulation. After cooling the base formulation (e.g., to ambient temperature), the fragrance premix is added to the base formulation to complete the final product formulation.

[0105] Example 3. Exemplary Product Formulation An exemplary product formulation for a liquid fabric care composition is provided in Table 4 below. The amounts are shown in weight %.

[0106] [Table 4] 2 Food grade quality 50.5% active citric acid solution available from Tate and Lyle PLC (Dayton, Ohio) 3 30 wt% sodium formate solution made by mixing 30 wt% sodium formate powder available from Perstorm Polyols Inc (Toledo, Kansas) and 70 wt% deionized water in a suitably sized container used to contain the mixture. 4 50% active sodium hydroxide solution film grade available from Formosa Plastics Corp (Baton Rouge, Louisiana) 5 Biobased grade available from Archer Daniels Midland (Decatur, Illinois) 6 45% active sodium cumene sulfonate solution available from Nease Corp (Harrison, Ohio) 7This is the addition of NI C24-9 to a product separate from the addition of NI C24-9 to a fragrance premix composition. Available from Huntsman Corp (Port Neches, Texas). 8 A 14.70% active distilled white vinegar / acetic acid solution available from Fleischmann's Vinegar Company Inc (Baltimore, Maryland). 9 The fragrance premix consists of 3 parts by weight of fragrance and 8 parts by weight of nonionic surfactant (NI C24-9). The fragrance portion may be a mixture of fragrance raw materials in the following proportions, as shown in Table 5. * Those marked with " are hindered aldehyde PRMs (e.g., primary aldehyde PRMs) and are present in a total amount of 26.7% by weight of the fragrance portion. ** Those marked with '' are non-hindered aldehyde PRMs (e.g., secondary aldehyde PRMs) and are present in a total amount of 1.3% by weight of the fragrance portion. The weight ratio of primary aldehyde PRMs to secondary aldehyde PRMs is approximately 20.5:1.

[0107] [Table 5]

[0108] 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."

[0109] All documents referenced herein, including any patents or patent applications that are cross-referenced or related, and any patent applications or patents on which this application claims priority or benefit thereof, are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety unless explicitly stated to be excluded or limited. No reference to any document shall be deemed prior art to any invention disclosed or claimed herein, nor shall it be deemed to teach, suggest or disclose any such invention, either alone or in combination with any other reference. Furthermore, if any meaning or definition of a term in this document conflicts with any meaning or definition of the same term in any document incorporated by reference, the meaning or definition given to the term in this document shall apply.

[0110] While specific embodiments of the present invention have been illustrated and described, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various other changes and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Therefore, it is intended that all such changes and modifications within the scope of the invention be covered in the appended claims.

Claims

1. A liquid fabric care composition, The liquid fabric care composition contains 20% to 50% by weight of citric acid and / or its salt, A fragrance material comprising 0.01% to 20% by weight of the liquid fabric care composition, The aforementioned fragrance material includes a first aldehyde-based fragrance raw material, The first aldehyde-based fragrance raw material is an aromatic material selected from the group consisting of PT bucinal, citronellal, simal, methyl nonylacetaldehyde, melonal, helional, aldehyde mandarin, hexyl cinnamaldehyde, anisaldehyde, heliotropin, vanillin, and combinations thereof. The liquid fabric care composition comprises 30% to 80% by weight of water, The concentration of a material selected from the group consisting of anionic surfactants, amphoteric surfactants, zwitterionic surfactants, bleaching agents, fabric softening materials, and mixtures thereof in the liquid fabric care composition is less than 5% by weight of the liquid fabric care composition. The aforementioned liquid fabric care composition does not contain acetic acid. The liquid fabric care composition is a liquid fabric care composition having a pH of 2 to 6.

2. The liquid fabric care composition according to claim 1, wherein the liquid fabric care composition comprises 20% to 40% by weight of citric acid and / or a salt thereof.

3. The liquid fabric care composition according to claim 1, wherein the fragrance material comprises at least 1% by weight of the first aldehyde-based fragrance raw material.

4. The liquid fabric care composition according to claim 1, wherein the fragrance material further comprises a second aldehyde-based fragrance raw material, the second aldehyde-based fragrance raw material having a structure different from that of the first aldehyde-based fragrance raw material.

5. The liquid fabric care composition according to claim 1, wherein the liquid fabric care composition contains 50% to 80% by weight of water.

6. The liquid fabric care composition according to claim 1, wherein the liquid fabric care composition comprises 0.1% to 8% by weight of a nonionic surfactant.

7. The liquid fabric care composition according to claim 1, wherein the liquid fabric care composition comprises an additional organic acid selected from lactic acid, adipic acid, aspartic acid, carboxymethyl oxymalonic acid, carboxymethyl oxysuccinic acid, glutaric acid, hydroxyethyl iminoniacetic acid, iminodiacetic acid, maleic acid, malic acid, malonic acid, oxydiacetic acid, oxydisuccinic acid, succinic acid, sulfamic acid, tartaric acid, tartaric acid, tartaric acid, tartaric acid, or a mixture thereof.

8. The liquid fabric care composition according to claim 1, characterized in that the liquid fabric care composition has a pH of 2 to 5.

9. The liquid fabric care composition according to claim 1, wherein the liquid fabric care composition is packaged in a transparent or translucent container.

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