FABRIC SPRAY PRODUCT

Abstract

The fabric spray preparation contains: quaternary ammonium compounds in concentrations ranging from 0.1% to 20% by weight; and glucamide in concentrations ranging from 0.01% to 5% by weight.

Description

[0001] FABRIC SPRAY

[0002] Field of the Invention

[0003] The present invention is in the field of fabric sprays. of the Invention

[0004] Fabric sprays are used by consumers to refresh items of clothing between washes. Sprays can help to remove wrinkles and make garments smell fresher.

[0005] Quaternary ammonium compounds are known in the field of laundry compositions. However, when incorporated into a fabric spray, the storage stability of the composition can be affected.

[0006] There is a need to improve the stability of fabric sprays comprising quaternary ammonium compounds. of the Invention

[0007] It has been found that the inclusion of glucamide improves the stability of a fabric spray comprising a quaternary ammonium compound.

[0008] Accordingly in a first aspect of the present invention is provided a fabric spray composition comprising: a) 0.1 to 20 wt.% quaternary ammonium compound; and b) 0.01 to 5 wt.% glucamide.

[0009] In a further aspect of the present invention is provided a method of improving the stability of a fabric spray comprising a quaternary ammonium compound, the method comprising the steps of : i) preparing a premix comprising quaternary ammonium compound and glucamide; ii) dispersing the premix in water. Detailed of the Invention

[0010] These and other aspects, features and advantages will become apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art from a reading of the following detailed description and the appended claims. For the avoidance of doubt, any feature of one aspect of the present invention may be utilised in any other aspect of the invention. The word “comprising” is intended to mean “including” but not necessarily “consisting of” or “composed of.” In other words, the listed steps or options need not be exhaustive. It is noted that the examples given in the description below are intended to clarify the invention and are not intended to limit the invention to those examples per se. Similarly, all percentages are weight / weight percentages unless otherwise indicated. Except in the operating and comparative examples, or where otherwise explicitly indicated, all numbers in this description indicating amounts of material or conditions of reaction, physical properties of materials and / or use are to be understood as modified by the word “about”. Numerical ranges expressed in the format "from x to y" are understood to include x and y. When for a specific feature multiple preferred ranges are described in the format "from x to y", it is understood that all ranges combining the different endpoints are also contemplated.

[0011] The compositions described herein comprise 0.1 to 20 wt.% quaternary ammonium compound by weight of the composition. More preferably 0.2 to 10 wt.% quaternary ammonium compound and even more preferably 0.3 to 5 wt.% quaternary ammonium compound by weight of the composition.

[0012] The quaternary ammonium compounds preferably comprise an ester group. These may be referred to as ‘ester-linked quaternary ammonium compounds’.

[0013] A first group of quaternary ammonium compounds suitable for use in the present invention is represented by formula (I):

[0014] KCH2MTR)]m wherein each R is independently selected from a C5 to C35 alkyl or alkenyl group; R1represents a C1 to C4 alkyl, C2 to C4 alkenyl or a C1 to C4 hydroxyalkyl group; T may be either O-CO. (i.e. an ester group bound to R via its carbon atom), or may alternatively be CO-O (i.e. an ester group bound to R via its oxygen atom); n is a number selected from 1 to 4; m is a number selected from 1 , 2, or 3; and X- is an anionic counter-ion, such as a halide or alkyl sulphate, e.g. chloride or methylsulfate. Di-esters variants of formula I (i.e. m = 2) are preferred and typically have mono- and tri-ester analogues associated with them. Such materials are particularly suitable for use in the present invention. Also suitable are esters of triethanolammonium methylsulfate, otherwise referred to as "TEA ester quats".

[0015] A second group of quaternary ammonium compounds suitable for use in the invention is represented by formula (II): wherein each R1group is independently selected from C1 to C4 alkyl, hydroxyalkyl or C2 to C4 alkenyl groups; and wherein each R2group is independently selected from C8 to C28 alkyl or alkenyl groups; and wherein n, T, and X- are as defined above.

[0016] A third group of quaternary ammonium compounds suitable for use in the invention is represented by formula (III):

[0017] (R1N (CH^-T-R;'];X (III) wherein each R1group is independently selected from C1 to C4 alkyl, or C2 to C4 alkenyl groups; and wherein each R2group is independently selected from C8 to C28 alkyl or alkenyl groups; and n, T, and X- are as defined above. Preferred materials of this third group include bis(2-tallowoyloxyethyl)dimethyl ammonium chloride, partially hardened and hardened versions thereof.

[0018] A particular example of the third group of quaternary ammonium compounds is represented the by the formula (IV): )

[0019] A fourth group of quaternary ammonium compounds suitable for use in the invention are represented by formula (V)

[0020] R1and R2are independently selected from C10 to C22 alkyl or alkenyl groups, preferably C14 to C20 alkyl or alkenyl groups. X- is as defined above.

[0021] A further type of quaternary ammonium compound may be a non-ester quaternary ammonium material represented by formula (VI): ) wherein each R1group is independently selected from C1 to C4 alkyl, hydroxyalkyl or C2 to C4 alkenyl groups; R2group is independently selected from C8 to C28 alkyl or alkenyl groups, and X- is as defined above.

[0022] Preferably the quaternary ammonium compound comprises compounds obtained by reacting: i) a mixture of at least one dicarboxylic acid of formula (VII) wherein X represents a saturated or unsaturated hydrocarbon residue having 1 to 8 carbon atoms, and at least one monocarboxylic acid of formula (VIII) wherein R1 represents a saturated or unsaturated hydrocarbon residue having 5 to 21 carbon atoms, with ii) at least one tertiary amine of formula (IX) wherein R2, R3, and R4independently represent a C2 to Ce hydroxyalkyl group, preferably 2- hydroxyethyl, and then reacting the resulting product with iii) at least one quaternizing agent for quaternizing at least one amino group contained in the reaction product.

[0023] In the dicarboxylic acid of formula (I), X preferably represents a group having 2 to 8 carbons, X preferably represents a hydroxy-substituted linear or branched alkyl or alkylene. More preferably, X represents ethan-1 ,2-diyl, propan-1 , 2-diyl, propan-1 , 3-diyl, butan-1 ,4-diyl, hexan- 1 ,4-diyl, or cyclohexan-1 ,4-diyl, particularly preferably X represents butan-1 , 4-diyl. Even more preferably the dicarboxylic acid is selected from: succinic acid, maleic acid, glutaric acid, adipic acid and combinations thereof. Most preferably the dicarboxylic acid comprises adipic acid.

[0024] In the monocarboxylic acids of formula (VIII), R1CO preferably represents an aliphatic, linear, or branched acyl residue having 6 to 22 carbon atoms. Preferably the monocarboxylic acid is selected from caproic acid, caprylic acid, 2-ethylhexanoic acid, capric acid, lauric acid, isotridecanoic acid, myristic acid, palmitic acid, palmoleic acid, stearic acid, isostearic acid, oleic acid, elaidic acid, petroselic acid, linoleic acid, linolenic acid, 2-octyldodecanoic acid, eleostearic acid, arachidic acid, gadoleic acid, behenic acid, erucic acid, coconut fatty acid, palm fatty acid, palm kernel fatty acid, tallow fatty acid and combinations thereof. Industrial mixtures thereof which are produced, for example, during the pressurized cleavage of natural fats and oils, during the reduction of aldehydes from the Roelen oxo synthesis, or the dimerization of unsaturated fatty acids may also be used. More preferably the monocarboxylic acid is selected from: Stearic acid, isostearic acid, palmitic acid, myristic acid, lauric acid, capric acid, caprylic acid, 2-ethylhexanoic acid, 2-octyldodecanoic acid, caproic acid, oleic acid, linoleic acid, and linolenic acid, coconut fatty acid, palm fatty acid, palm kernel fatty acid, tallow fatty acid and combinations thereof.

[0025] Preferably the dicarboxylic acid of formula (VII) is selected from: succinic acid, maleic acid, glutaric acid, adipic acid, and combinations thereof and the monocarboxylic acid of formula (II) is selected from: stearic acid, isostearic acid, palmitic acid, myristic acid, lauric acid, capric acid, caprylic acid, 2-ethylhexanoic acid, 2-octyldodecanoic acid, caproic acid, oleic acid, linoleic acid, linolenic acid, partially-hydrogenated coconut fatty acid, palm fatty acid, palm kernel fatty acid, tallow fatty acid and combinations thereof.

[0026] The alkanolamines of formula (IX), preferably contain a hydroxyalkane residue (alkanol residue) having 2 to 6 carbon atoms, preferably 2 to 4 carbon atoms. Preferably the alkanolamines of formula (IX) comprises triethanolamine.

[0027] The monocarboxylic acids (of formula VIII) and the dicarboxylic acids (of formula VII) may be used in the molar ratio of from about 1:10 to about 10:1. It has, however, proven advantageous to use a molar ratio of from about 1 :1 to about 4:1 and, in particular, from about 1.5:1 to about 3:1.

[0028] Manufacturing methods for preparing the esterquats used according to the present disclosure are generally known in the prior art. In particular, the method of preparation comprises the steps of esterification and quatanization.

[0029] In an especially preferred embodiment, the at least one cationic compound comprises or is composed of an esterquat compound of formula (X) wherein,

[0030] X is a saturated or unsaturated hydrocarbon residue having 1 to 10 carbon atoms preferably butan-1 ,4-diyl

[0031] A is a (C2 to C6) alkanediyl group, preferably ethan-1 ,2-diyl

[0032] R1 is a (C2 to C4) hydroxyalkyl group or a (C6 to C22) acyloxy (C2 to C4) alkyl group, preferably 2-hydroxyethyl or 2-((C6 to C22) acyloxy)ethyl;

[0033] R2 is methyl or ethyl;

[0034] R3 and R4-independently are a hydrogen atom or a (C6 to C2) acyl group; n is 1 or 2; and

[0035] Z- is an anion, preferably methyl sulphate;

[0036] And wherein, at least one of the groups R1, R3, or R4 comprises a (C6 to C22) acyl residue.

[0037] The compositions described herein comprise 0.01 to 5 wt.% glucamide by weight of the composition, preferably 0.05 to 5 wt.% glucamide and most preferably 0.1 to 3 wt.% glucamide by weight of the composition.

[0038] Preferably the glucamide has the structure of formula (XI):

[0039] R1is preferably C5 to C30, more preferably C8 to C22 and most preferably C12 to C20.

[0040] Suitable glucamides are sold under the trade name GlucoPure ex. Clariant.

[0041] The composition described herein preferably comprise non-ionic surfactant. Preferably the compositions comprise 0.1 to 20 wt.% non-ionic surfactant by weight of the composition, more preferably 0.2 to 10 wt.% non-ionic surfactant and most preferably 0.3 to 5 wt.% non-ionic surfactant. The non-ionic surfactant does not include the glucamide. Preferably the non-ionic surfactant comprises materials selected from ethoxylated triglycerides, alcohol ethoxylates and combinations thereof. More preferably the nonionic surfactant comprises ethoxylated triglyceride.

[0042] When an ethoxylated triglyceride is used, the triglyceride may be any suitable triglyceride. Preferably the triglyceride is fully saturated. Full saturation may be naturally occurring, or may be achieved by hydrogenation. Preferably the triglyceride chains comprise alcohol groups. Preferred sources of triglyceride are plant oils and combinations thereof. Preferably the triglycerides are sourced from the following oils: almond, argan, babassu, borage, camelina, canola, castor, chia, cherry, coconut, corn, cotton, coffee, Cuphea Viscosissima , flax (linseed), grape, hemp, hepar, jatropha, jojoba, Lesquerella Fendleri, Moringa Oleifera, macadamia, mango, mustard, neem, olive, palm, palm kernel, perilla, rapeseed, safflower, sesame, shea, stillingia, soybean, sunflower, tonka bean, tung and combinations thereof.

[0043] The ethoxylated triglyceride preferably comprises 6 to 100 moles of ethoxylation, more preferably 12 to 80, and even more preferably 20 to 60 moles of ethoxylation. Most preferably the ethoxylated triglyceride comprises about 40 moles of ethoxylation (i.e. 35 to 45 moles of ethoxylation).

[0044] Most preferably the ethoxylated triglyceride comprises PEG-40 hydrogenated castor oil. The ethoxylated triglyceride enhances the transparency of the compositions.

[0045] Alcohol ethoxylates have a formula:

[0046] RO(CH2CH2O)XH

[0047] R represents the fatty alcohol chain. Preferably R is saturated. Preferably R = Cs to C24 fatty alcohol, more preferably R = Cw to C22fatty alcohol, even more preferably R = Ci2to C2o fatty alcohol and most preferably R = Ci6 to Cis fatty alcohol. In other words, preferably the alcohol ethoxylate comprises a Cs to C24 fatty alcohol, more preferably a C to C22fatty alcohol and most preferably a R = Cw to Cw fatty alcohol. x represents the degree of ethoxylation. Preferably x is 5 to 100, more preferably 10 to 80, even more preferably 12 to 60 and most preferably 15 to 40. In other words, preferably the alcohol ethoxylate comprises 5 to 100 ethoxylate groups, more preferably 12 to 60 ethoxylate groups and most preferably 15 to 40 ethoxylate groups. Most preferably the alcohol ethoxylate comprises R = Ci6 to Cis fatty alcohol and x = 25.

[0048] Suitable commercially available materials are available under the trade name Lutensol AT25 ex. BASF.

[0049] The compositions described herein preferably comprise free perfume. Preferably the free perfume is present in the spray composition in an amount selected from the range of from 0.0001 to 10 wt.%, preferably from 0.001 to 8 wt.%, more preferably from 0.01 to 5 wt.%, by weight of the spray composition.

[0050] Useful perfume components may include materials of both natural and synthetic origin. They include single compounds and mixtures. Specific examples of such components may be found in the current literature, e.g., in Fenaroli's Handbook of Flavor Ingredients, 1975, CRC Press; Synthetic Food Adjuncts, 1947 by M. B. Jacobs, edited by Van Nostrand; or Perfume and Flavor Chemicals by S. Arctander 1969, Montclair, N.J. (USA). These substances are well known to the person skilled in the art of perfuming, flavouring, and / or aromatizing consumer products.

[0051] Particularly preferred perfume components are blooming perfume components and substantive perfume components. Blooming perfume components are defined by a boiling point less than 250°C and a LogP greater than 2.5. Substantive perfume components are defined by a boiling point greater than 250°C and a LogP greater than 2.5. Preferably a perfume composition will comprise a mixture of blooming and substantive perfume components. The perfume composition may comprise other perfume components.

[0052] It is commonplace for a plurality of perfume components to be present in a free oil perfume composition. In the compositions for use in the present invention it is envisaged that there will be three or more, preferably four or more, more preferably five or more, most preferably six or more different perfume components. An upper limit of 300 perfume components may be applied.

[0053] The compositions of the present invention may comprise one or more perfume compositions. The perfume compositions may be in the form of a mixture of free perfumes compositions or a mixture of encapsulated and free oil perfume compositions.

[0054] Preferably some of the perfume components are contained in a microcapsule. Where encapsulated perfume are present, suitable encapsulating material, may comprise, but are not limited to; aminoplasts, proteins, polyurethanes, polyacrylates, polymethacrylates, polysaccharides, polyamides, polyolefins, gums, silicones, lipids, modified cellulose, polyphosphate, polystyrene, polyesters or combinations thereof.

[0055] Perfume components contained in a microcapsule may comprise odiferous materials and / or pro-fragrance materials.

[0056] Encapsulated perfume may preferably be present in an amount from 0.01 to 20 wt.%, more preferably 0.1 to wt.15 wt.%, more preferably from 0.1 to 10 wt.%, even more preferably from 0.1 to 6.0 wt.%, most preferably from 0.5 to 6.0 wt.%, based on the total weight of the composition.

[0057] Compositions of the present invention preferably comprise anti-malodor ingredient(s). Anti- malodor ingredients may be in addition to traditional free perfume ingredients. The spray compositions preferably comprise 0.01 to 5 wt.% ant-malodor ingredient, preferably from 0.1 to 3 wt.%, more preferably from about 0.5 to 2 wt.%, by weight of the spray composition.

[0058] Any suitable anti-malodor agent may be used. Indeed, an anti-malodor effect may be achieved by any compound or product that is effective to “trap”, “absorb” or “destroy” odor molecules to thereby separate or remove odor from the garment or act as a "malodor counteractant". The odor control agent may be selected from the group consisting of: uncompleted cyclodextrin; odor blockers; reactive aldehydes; flavonoids; zeolites; activated carbon; a mixture of zinc ricinolate or a solution thereof and a substituted monocyclic organic compound; and mixtures thereof.

[0059] As used herein, the term “cyclodextrin” includes any of the known cyclodextrins such as unsubstituted cyclodextrins containing from six to twelve glucose units, especially, alphacyclodextrin, beta-cyclodextrin, gamma-cyclodextrin and / or their derivatives and / or mixtures thereof. The alpha-cyclodextrin consists of six glucose units, the beta-cyclodextrin consists of seven glucose units, and the gamma-cyclodextrin consists of eight glucose units arranged in donut-shaped rings. Preferably, the cyclodextrins are highly water-soluble such as, alpha- cyclodextrin and / or derivatives thereof, gamma-cyclodextrin and / or derivatives thereof, derivatised beta-cyclodextrins, and / or mixtures thereof. The derivatives of cyclodextrin consist mainly of molecules wherein some of the OH groups are converted to OR groups. Cyclodextrin derivatives include, e.g., those with short chain alkyl groups such as methylated cyclodextrins, and ethylated cyclodextrins, wherein R is a methyl or an ethyl group; those with hydroxyalkyl substituted groups, such as hydroxypropyl cyclodextrins and / or hydroxyethyl cyclodextrins, wherein R is a — CH2 — CH(OH) — CHs or a — CH2CH2 — OH group; branched cyclodextrins such as maltose-bonded cyclodextrins; cationic cyclodextrins such as those containing 2-hydroxy-3- (dimethylamino)propyl ether, wherein R is CH2 — CH(OH) — CH2 — N(CHs)2 which is cationic at low pH; quaternary ammonium, e.g., 2-hydroxy-3-(trimethylammonio)propyl ether chloride groups, wherein R is CH2 — CH(OH) — CH2 — N+(CH3)3CI-; anionic cyclodextrins such as carboxymethyl cyclodextrins, cyclodextrin sulfates, and cyclodextrin succinylates; amphoteric cyclodextrins such as carboxymethyl / quaternary ammonium cyclodextrins; cyclodextrins wherein at least one glucopyranose unit has a 3-6-anhydro-cyclomalto structure, e.g., the mono-3-6-anhydrocyclodextrinse

[0060] Highly water-soluble cyclodextrins are those having water solubility of at least about 10 g in 100 ml of water at room temperature, preferably at least about 20 g in 100 ml of water, more preferably at least about 25 g in 100 ml of water at room temperature. The availability of solubilized, uncomplexed cyclodextrins is essential for effective and efficient odour control performance. Solubilized, water-soluble cyclodextrin can exhibit more efficient odour control performance than non-water-soluble cyclodextrin when deposited onto surfaces, especially fabric. Examples of preferred water-soluble cyclodextrin derivatives suitable for use herein are hydroxypropyl alpha-cyclodextrin, methylated alpha-cyclodextrin, methylated beta-cyclodextrin, hydroxyethyl beta-cyclodextrin, and hydroxypropyl beta-cyclodextrin. Hydroxyalkyl cyclodextrin derivatives preferably have a degree of substitution of from about 1 to about 14, more preferably from about 1.5 to about 7, wherein the total number of OR groups per cyclodextrin is defined as the degree of substitution. Methylated cyclodextrin derivatives typically have a degree of substitution of from about 1 to about 18, preferably from about 3 to about 16. A known methylated beta-cyclodextrin is heptakis-2,6-di-O-methyl-p-cyclodextrin, commonly known as DIMEB, in which each glucose unit has about 2 methyl groups with a degree of substitution of about 14. A preferred, more commercially available, methylated beta-cyclodextrin is a randomly methylated beta-cyclodextrin, commonly known as RAMEB, having different degrees of substitution, normally of about 12.6. RAMEB is more preferred than DIMEB, since DIMEB affects the surface activity of the preferred surfactants more than RAMEB. The preferred cyclodextrins are available, e.g., from Cerestar U.S.A., Inc. and Wacker Chemicals (U.S.A.), Inc.

[0061] "Odor blockers" can be used as an anti-malodor agent to mitigate the effects of malodors. Nonlimiting examples of odor blockers include 4-cyclohexyl-4-methyl-2-pentanone, 4- ethylcyclohexyl methyl ketone, 4-isopropylcyclohexyl methyl ketone, cyclohexyl methyl ketone, 3-methylcyclohexyl methyl ketone, 4-tert.-butylcyclohexyl methyl ketone, 2-methyl-4- tert. butylcyclohexyl methyl ketone, 2-methyl-5-isopropylcyclohexyl methyl ketone, 4- methylcyclohexyl isopropyl ketone, 4- methylcyclohexyl secbutyl ketone, 4-methylcyclohexyl isobutyl ketone, 2,4-dimethylcyclohexyl methyl ketone, 2,3-dimethylcyclohexyl methyl ketone,

[0062] 2.2-dimethylcyclohexyl methyl ketone, 3,3-dimethylcyclohexyl methyl ketone, 4,4- dimethylcyclohexyl methyl ketone, 3,3,5- trimethylcyclohexyl methyl ketone, 2,2,6- trimethylcyclohexyl methyl ketone, 1-cyclohexy1-1-ethyl formate, 1 -cyclohexyl- 1 -ethyl acetate, 1 -cyclohexyl- 1 -ethyl propionate, 1-cyclohexy1-1-ethyl isobutyrate, 1 -cyclohexyl- 1 -ethyl n- butyrate, 1-cyclohexyl-1-propyl acetate, 1 -cyclohexyl- 1 -propyl n-butyrate, 1-cyclohexyl-2- methyl-1-propy1 acetate, 2-cyclohexyl-2-propyl acetate, 2-cyclohexyl-2-propyl propionate, 2- cyc10hexyl-2-propyl isobutyrate, 2-cyclohexyl-2-propyl nbutyrate, 5,5-dimethyl-1 ,3- cyclohexanedione (dimedone), 2, 2-dimethy1-1 ,3-dioxane-4, 6-dione (Meldrum's acid), spiro- [4.5]-6,1 0-dioxa-7,9-dioxodecane, spiro-[5.5]-1,5-dioxa-2,4-dioxoundecane, 2,2-hydroxymethyl-

[0063] 1.3-dioxane-4, 6-dione and 1 ,3-cyclohexadione. Odour blockers are disclosed in more detail in US4,009,253; US4,187,251 ; US4,719,105; US5,441 ,727; and US5,861 ,371 , incorporated herein by reference.

[0064] Reactive aldehydes can be used as anti-malodor agent to mitigate the effects of malodors. Examples of suitable reactive aldehydes include Class I aldehydes and Class II aldehydes. Examples of Class I aldehydes include anisic aldehyde, o-allyl-vanill in, benzaldehyde, cuminic aldehyde, ethylaubepin, ethyl-vanillin, heliotropin, tolyl aldehyde, and vanillin. Examples of Class II aldehydes include 3-(4'-tert.butylphenyl)propanal, 2-methyl-3-(4'- tertbutyl phenyl) propanal, 2- methyl-3-(4'-isopropylphenyl)propanal, 2,2-dimethyl-3-(4- ethylphenyl)propanal, cinnamic aldehyde, a-amyl-cinnamic aldehyde, and a-hexyl-cinnamic aldehyde. These reactive aldehydes are described in more detail in US5,676,163. Reactive aldehydes, when used, can include a combination of at least two aldehydes, with one aldehyde being selected from acyclic aliphatic aldehydes, non-terpenic aliphatic aldehydes, non- terpenic alicyclic aldehydes, terpenic aldehydes, aliphatic aldehydes substituted by an aromatic group and bifunctional aldehydes; and the second aldehyde being selected from aldehydes possessing an unsaturation alpha to the aldehyde function conjugated with an aromatic ring, and aldehydes in which the aldehyde group is on an aromatic ring. This combination of at least two aldehydes is described in more detail in WO 00 / 49120. As used herein, the term "reactive aldehydes" further encompasses deodourizing materials that are the reaction products of (i) an aldehyde with an alcohol, (ii) a ketone with an alcohol, or (iii) an aldehyde with the same or different aldehydes. Such deodourizing materials can be: (a) an acetal or hemiacetal produced by means of reacting an aldehyde with a carbinol; (b) a ketal or hemiketal produced by means of reacting a ketone with a carbinol; (c) a cyclic triacetal or a mixed cyclic triacetal of at least two aldehydes, or a mixture of any of these acetals, hemiacetals, ketals, hemiketals, or cyclic triacetals. These deodorizing perfume materials are described in more detail in WO 01 / 07095 incorporated herein by reference.

[0065] Flavanoids can also be used as anti-malodor agent. Flavanoids are compounds based on the C6-C3-C6 flavan skeleton. Flavanoids can be found in typical essential oils. Such oils include essential oil extracted by dry distillation from needle leaf trees and grasses such as cedar, Japanese cypress, eucalyptus, Japanese red pine, dandelion, low striped bamboo and cranesbill and can contain terpenic material such as alpha-pinene, beta-pinene, myrcene, phencone and camphene. Also included are extracts from tea leaf. Descriptions of such materials can be found in JP 02284997 and JP 04030855 incorporated herein by reference.

[0066] Metallic salts can also be used as anti-malodor agents for malodor control benefits. Examples include metal salts of fatty acids. Ricinoleic acid is a preferred fatty acid. Zinc salt is a preferred metal salt. The zinc salt of ricinoleic acid is especially preferred. A commercially available product is TEGO Sorb A30 ex Evonik. Further details of suitable metallic salts is provided below.

[0067] Zeolites can be used as anti-malodor agent. A useful class of zeolites is characterized as "intermediate" silicate / aluminate zeolites. The intermediate zeolites are characterized by SiO21 AIO2 molar ratios of less than about 10. Preferably the molar ratio of SiO21 AIO2 ranges from about 2 to about 10. The intermediate zeolites can have an advantage over the "high" zeolites. The intermediate zeolites have a higher affinity for amine-type odors, they are more weight efficient for odor absorption because they have a larger surface area, and they are more moisture tolerant and retain more of their odor absorbing capacity in water than the high zeolites. A wide variety of intermediate zeolites suitable for use herein are commercially available as Valfor® CP301-68, Valfor® 300-63, Valfor® CP300-35, and Valfor® CP300-56, available from PQ Corporation, and the CBV100® series of zeolites from Conteka. Zeolite materials marketed under the trade name Abscents® and Smellrite®, available from The Union Carbide Corporation and UOP are also preferred. Such materials are preferred over the intermediate zeolites for control of sulfur-containing odours, e.g., thiols, mercaptans. Suitably the zeolite material has a particle size of less than about 10 microns and is present in the spray composition at a level of less than about 1% by weight of the spray composition. Activated carbon is another suitable anti-malodor agent. Suitable carbon material is a known absorbent for organic molecules and / or for air purification purposes. Often, such carbon material is referred to as "activated" carbon or "activated" charcoal. Such carbon is available from commercial sources under such trade names as; Calgon- Type CPG®;Type PCB®;Type SGL®;Type CAL®;and Type OL®. Suitably the activated carbon preferably has a particle size of less than about 10 microns and is present in the spray composition at a level of less than about 1% by weight of the spray composition.

[0068] Synergistic combinations of anti-malodor counteractants as disclosed herein are suitable.

[0069] The spray compositions described herein preferably comprise lubricants. Lubricants may be silicone based lubricants or non-silicone based lubricants. The compositions described herein preferably comprise 0.5 to 10 wt.% lubricant, preferably from 1 to 8 wt.%, more preferably from 1.5 to 6 wt.% lubricant by weight of the spray composition. This is in addition to the quaternary ammonium compound.

[0070] Examples of non-silicone based lubricants include amines, fatty acid esters, clays, waxes, polyolefins, polymer latexes, synthetic and natural oils. Preferably the lubricant is a silicone- based lubricant.

[0071] Silicones suitable for the present invention are fabric softening silicones. Non-limiting examples of such silicones include: Non-functionalised silicones such as polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS), Functionalised silicones such as alkyl (or alkoxy) functionalised, alkylene oxide functionalised, amino functionalised, phenyl functionalised, hydroxy functionalised, polyether functionalised, acrylate functionalised, siliconhydride functionalised, carboxy functionalised, phosphate functionalised, sulphate functionalised, phosphonate functionalised, sulphonic functionalised, betaine functionalised, quarternized nitrogen functionalised and mixtures thereof. For best performance, it is preferred that the silicone is selected from: carboxy functionalised silicone; anionic functionalised silicone; nonfunctionalised silicone; and mixtures thereof. More preferably, the silicone is selected from: carboxy functionalised silicone; amino functionalised silicone; polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) and mixtures thereof. Preferred features of each of these materials are outlined herein. Most preferably the silicone is selected from amino functionalised silicones; polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) and mixtures thereof. The molecular weight of the silicone polymer is preferably from 1,000 to 500,000, more preferably from 2,000 to 250,000 even more preferably from 5,000 to 200,000.

[0072] The fabric spray of the present invention may preferably further comprise one or more setting polymers, “setting polymer” means any polymer which refers to polymer having properties of film-formation, adhesion, or coating deposited on a surface on which the polymer is applied. Preferably the composition comprises 0.5 to 10 wt.% setting polymer, preferably 1 to 7.5 wt.%, more preferably from 1.5 to 5 wt.% setting polymer, by weight of the fabric spray composition.

[0073] The setting polymer according to the present invention may be any water-soluble or water dispersible polymer. Preferably the polymer is a film-forming polymer or mixture of such polymers. This includes homopolymers or copolymers of natural or synthetic origin having functionality rendering the polymers water-soluble such as hydroxyl, amine, amide or carboxyl groups. The setting polymers may be cationic, anionic, non-ionic or amphoteric. The molecular weight of the setting polymer is preferably from 1,000 to 500,000, more preferably from 2,000 to 250,000 even more preferably from 5,000 to 200,000.

[0074] The polymers may be a single species of polymer or a mixture thereof. Preferably the setting polymer is selected from: anionic polymers, non-ionic polymers, amphoteric polymers and mixtures thereof. For all polymers herein described it is intended to cover both the acids and salts thereof.

[0075] Suitable cationic setting polymers are preferably selected from polyquaternary polymers, the group consisting of: quaternized acrylates or methacrylates; quaternary homopolymers or copolymers of vinylimidazole; homopolymers or copolymers comprising a quaternary dimethdiallyl ammonium chloride; cationic polysaccharides; cationic cellulose derivatives; chitosans and derivatives thereof; and mixtures thereof.

[0076] Suitable anionic setting polymers may be selected from polymers comprising groups derived from carboxylic or sulfonic acids. Copolymers containing acid units are generally used in their partially or totally neutralized form, more preferably totally neutralized. Suitable anionic setting polymer may comprise: (a) at least one monomer derived from a carboxylic acid or sulfonic acid such or their salts and (b) one or more monomers selected from the group consisting of: esters of acrylic acid and / or methacrylic acid, acrylate esters grafted onto a polyalkylene glycol, hydroxyesters acrylate, acrylamides, methacrylamides which may or may not be substituted on the nitrogen by lower alkyl groups, hydroxyalkylated acrylamide, amino alkylated, alkylacrylamine, alkylether acrylate, monoethylenic monomer, styrene, vinyl esters, allyl esters or methallyl esters, vinyllactams, alkyl maleimide, hydroxyalkyl maleimide, and mixtures thereof. When present the anhydride functions of these polymers can optionally be monoesterified or monoamidated. Alternatively the anionic setting polymer may be selected from a water-soluble polyurethane, anionic polysaccharides and combinations thereof.

[0077] Preferred anionic setting polymers may be selected from: copolymers derived from acrylic acid such as the acrylic acid.

[0078] Non-ionic setting polymers may be natural, synthetic or mixtures thereof. Synthetic non-ionic setting polymers are selected from: homopolymers and copolymers comprising: (a) at least one of the following main monomers: vinylpyrrolidone; vinyl esters grafted onto a polyalkylene glycol; acrylate esters grafted onto a polyalkylene glycol or acrylamide and (b) one or more other monomers such as vinyl esters, alkylacrylamine, nylcaprolactam, hydroxyalkylated acrylamide, amino alkylated acrylamide, vinyl ether; alkyl maleimide, hydroxyalkyl maleimide, and mixtures thereof. Suitable natural non-ionic setting polymers are water-soluble. Preferred natural non-ionic polymers are selected from: non-ionic polysaccharides including: non-ionic cellulose, non-ionic starches, non-ionic glycogens, non- ionic chitins and non-ioinc guar gums; cellulose derivative, such as hydroxyalkylcelluloses and mixtures thereof. The non-ionic setting polymers are preferably selected from vinylpyrrolidone / vinyl acetate copolymers and such as vinylpyrrolidone homopolymer.

[0079] Amphoteric setting polymers may be natural, synthetic or a mixture thereof. Suitable synthetic amphoteric setting polymers include those comprising: an acid and a base like monomer; a carboxybetaine or sulfobetaine zwitterionic monomer; and an alkylamine oxide acrylate monomer. An example of such an amphoteric setting polymer is acrylates / ethylamine oxide methacrylate sold as Diaformer Z 731 N by Clariant; and mixtures thereof.

[0080] Preferably the setting polymer is selected from acrylate polymers, co-polymers comprising acrylate monomers, starches, celluloses, derivatives of cellulose and mixtures thereof. Most preferably the setting polymer is selected from the group consisting of: acrylates and copolymers of two or more acrylate monomers such as:(meth)acrylic acid or one of their simple esters; octylacrylamide / acrylate / butylaminoethyl methacrylate copolymers; acrylates / hydroxyesters acrylates copolymers of butyl acrylate, methyl methacrylate, methacrylic acid, ethyl acrylate and hydroxyethyl methacrylate; polyurethane-14 / AMP-acrylates copolymer blend; and mixtures thereof. This includes both the acids and salts thereof. The compositions described herein are aqueous fabric sprays. Preferably at least 60 wt.% of the composition is water, more preferably at least 70 wt.%. Preferably the composition comprises less than 99 wt.% water, more preferably less than 98%.

[0081] The compositions described herein may contain further optional laundry ingredients. Such ingredients include preservatives (including biocides) pH buffering agents, perfume carriers, hydrotropes, polyelectrolytes, anti-shrinking agents, anti-oxidants, anti-corrosion agents, drape imparting agents, anti-static agents, ironing aids, antifoams, colorants, pearlisers and / or opacifiers, natural oils / extracts, processing aids, e.g. electrolytes, hygiene agents, e.g. antibacterials, antivirals and antifungals, thickeners and skin benefit agents.

[0082] The compositions are fabric spray compositions. By this is meant that the compositions are suitable for spraying onto a fabric. They may be sprayed by any suitable spraying device.

[0083] Preferably the spray device comprises a biodegradable plastic material. Preferably the spray device comprises recycled plastic, in particular PCR. “post-consumer resin (PCR)” typically means plastic that has been collected via established consumer recycling streams, sorted, washed and reprocessed, for example into pellets.

[0084] The particle size of the formulation when sprayed is preferably no more than 300pm, preferably no more than 250pm, preferably no more than 150pm, preferably no more than 125pm, preferably no more than 100pm. The particle size of the formulation when sprayed is preferably at least 5pm, preferably at least 10pm, preferably at least 15pm, preferably at least 20pm, preferably at least 30pm, preferably at least 40pm. Suitably the spray comprises droplets having an average diameter in the range of preferably 5 to 300 pm, more preferably 10 to 250pm, most preferably 15 to 150pm. This size allows for homogeneous distribution and a balance between sufficient wetting of the fabric, without potential fabric damage caused by excessive dosing of certain ingredients. Droplet size may be measured on a Malvern Spraytec instrument, with the peak maximum corresponding to the average droplet size. The parameter droplet size is the volume mean diameter, D[4,3],

[0085] It is preferred that compositions made according to the invention comprise less than 10wt% amino-functional polymers, more preferably less than 5wt%, more preferably less than 1wt%, more preferably less than 0.5wt%, more preferably less than 0.1 wt%, more preferably that compositions according to the invention are essential free from an amino-functional polymer and most preferably that compositions according to the invention are completely free from an amino-functional polymer. Amino-functional polymers are water-soluble or dispersible polyamines. Typically such amino-functional polymers have a molecular weight between 200 and 106.

[0086] It is preferred that compositions made according to the invention comprise less than 1wt% of a crystal growth inhibitor, more preferably less than 0.5wt%, more preferably less than 0.2wt%, more preferably less than 0.1 wt%, more preferably less than 0.005wt%, more preferably essentially free from a crystal growth inhibitor and most preferably that compositions according to the invention are completely free from a crystal growth inhibitor. Crystal growth inhibitors are compounds that reduce the rate of formation of inorganic microcrystals. Crystal growth inhibitors are selected from carboxylic acid compounds, organic monophosphonic acid, organic diphosphonic acid and mixtures thereof. By organic monophosphonic acid is meant herein an organic monophosphonic acid which does not contain nitrogen as part of its chemical structure. Likewise by organic diphosphonic acid is meant herein an organic diphosphonic acid which does not contain nitrogen as part of its chemical structure.

[0087] In one aspect of the present invention is provided a method of preparing a fabric spray composition, wherein the method comprises the steps of: i) preparing a premix comprising the quaternary ammonium compound and preferably the glucamide, the premix preferably having a temperature of 40°C to 60°C, more preferably 45°C to 55°C. ii) Dispersing the premix in water, the water preferably at a temperature of 50°C to 80°C, more preferably 55°C to 70°C

[0088] Other ingredients may be added to the premix or dispersed in the water either before or after the addition of the premix.

[0089] In a further aspect of the present invention is provided a method of improving the stability of a fabric spray comprising a quaternary ammonium compound, the method comprising the steps of : i) preparing a premix comprising quaternary ammonium compound and glucamide; ii) dispersing the premix in water. The premix preferably having a temperature of 40°C to 60°C, more preferably 45°C to 55°C. The water preferably at a temperature of 50°C to 80°C, more preferably 55°C to 70°C. Other ingredients may be added to the premix or dispersed in the water either before or after the addition of the premix.

[0090] Examples

[0091] Table 1: Example compositions

[0092] Quaternary ammonium compound1- quaternary ammonium compound according to formula X Glucamide2- GlucoPure Sence ex. Clariant

[0093] The compositions were prepared by mixing the preservative and water at a temperature of ~60°C. A premix of the quaternary ammonium compound, glucamide and all remaining ingredients was prepared at a temperature of ~50°C. The premix was added to the water and stirred until thoroughly mixed.

[0094] The pH stability of the composition was measured at 20°C storage.

[0095] The pH stability of composition 1 was significantly improved by the presence of glucamide.

Claims

Claims1) A fabric spray composition comprising: a. 0.1 to 20 wt.% quaternary ammonium compound; and b. 0.01 to 5 wt.% glucamide.2) A fabric spray composition according to claim 1 , wherein the quaternary ammonium compound is an ester linked quaternary ammonium compound.3) A fabric spray composition according to any preceding claim, wherein the quaternary ammonium compound comprises compounds obtained by reacting: a mixture of at least one dicarboxylic acid of formula (VII)wherein X represents a saturated or unsaturated hydrocarbon residue having 1 to 8 carbon atoms, and at least one monocarboxylic acid of formula (VIII)wherein R1 represents a saturated or unsaturated hydrocarbon residue having 5 to 21 carbon atoms, with at least one tertiary amine of formula (IX)wherein R2, R3, and R4independently represent s C2 to Ce hydroxyalkyl group, preferably 2-hydroxyethyl, and then reacting the resulting product with at least one quaternizing agent for quaternizing at least one amino group contained in the reaction product.4) A fabric spray composition according to any preceding claim, wherein the glucamide has the formula:Wherein R1is C5 to C30.5) A fabric spray composition according to any preceding claim, wherein the composition further comprises non-ionic surfactant.6) A fabric spray composition according to any preceding claim, wherein the composition further comprises perfume.7) A fabric spray according to any preceding claim wherein the composition further comprises anti-malodor ingredient.8) A method of improving the stability of a fabric spray comprising a quaternary ammonium compound, the method comprising the steps of: i. preparing a premix comprising quaternary ammonium compound and glucamide; ii. dispersing the premix in water.