Fabric softening composition with enhanced fragrance and Anti-coarseness and Anti-pilling performances and manufacturing method thereof

Abstract

Fabric softening composition with enhanced fragrance, anti-coarseness and anti-pilling performances, including the following components mixed in an aqueous solvent: - a first fabric softening agent having an additional function of antistatic agent; - a group of at least two fragrances with various levels of diffusion over time; - at least one pH buffer; - at least one preservative; - a second fabric softening agent acting as an enhancer of the first softening agent and of the group of fragrances; - at least one enzyme with anti-coarseness and anti-pilling function coupled with an enzymatic activity enhancer; and related manufacturing method.

Description

[0001] FABRIC SOFTENING COMPOSITION WITH ENHANCED FRAGRANCE AND ANTICOARSENESS AND ANTI-PILLING PERFORMANCES AND MANUFACTURING METHOD THEREOF

[0002] DESCRIPTION

[0003] FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0004] The present invention relates to the field of fabric softening agents to be used both at the end of normal washing operations and as a soaking preventive measure for new garments . In particular, the invention relates to a softening composition with enhanced fragrance and anti-coarseness and anti-pilling performances . The present invention also relates to a manufacturing method of said softening composition .

[0005] STATE OF THE PRIOR ART

[0006] Coarseness and pilling are two ef fects which j ointly contribute to the deterioration of a garment or home textile, because of the continuous friction which occurs in ordinary use , and of repeated washing .

[0007] The coarseness of fabrics is a well-known effect , which does not require any detailed explanation . As a matter of fact , it is common experience that an aged fabric, not adequately treated during washing, exhibits to the touch a progressively drier and stiffer handle compared to the new fabric, having experienced a progressive increase in its coarseness over time .

[0008] Pilling is a much more specific effect , consisting in the formation of small balls of tangled fibres ( regionally also referred to as fluff , lint , or fuz z ) detached from the fabric but still linked to a greater or lesser extent to the same . Pilling is therefore a superficial degradation of fabrics caused by wear and washing and it is considered an undesirable characteristic .

[0009] After a certain period of use and, consequently, a certain number of washes - such as , for example, the usual domestic washing of garments and home textiles - a slow and progressive detachment of the fibre ends from the fabric is caused, leading to the generation of a thin surface fluff . Where this fluf f , under the effect of mechanical rubbing, does not detach spontaneously, it results in the formation of such small balls . Taking, by way of example , a pair of trousers , the areas of the trousers where pilling most frequently appears are the crotch and the inside of the thigh, which are in fact the areas where the greatest friction occurs during use .

[0010] Pilling is an issue which mainly affects some types of fabrics , including both natural fabrics , such as wool and cotton, and some synthetic fabrics too , such as polyester . Since it is a frequent issue , the textile industry has sought possible solutions to contain the problem, firstly identifying four stages of pilling development : 1 ) fluf f formation, 2 ) entanglement , 3 ) growth of the balls and, finally, 4 ) wear and tear and detachment .

[0011] It is understood that once the pilling process has begun, that is , when a first layer of fluf f begins to develop on the fabric, the user is usually forced to wait for the pilling process to reach its end, and therefore for the unaesthetic balls to form, before removing them . Removal can be done by rubbing the fabric with an abrasive material ( e . g . pumice stone or fine-grained sandpaper) or by actually shaving the fabric with hand razors or with more specific technological solutions , such as lint-removing machines , available on the market in both the electric and manual types .

[0012] Since pilling obviously shortens the life of garments or home textiles (tablecloths , sheets , slipcovers , and the like ) , the textile industry attempted several approaches to prevent pilling, such as treatments of the finished product , such as polymer coatings or modifications to the fibre combing ( e . g . , increasing the number of twists per unit length of the used textile fibres ) . Some fabrics are also chemically treated during the weaving process , precisely to reduce their tendency to pilling .

[0013] However, at least until now, the best prevention method to avoid pilling consists in a regular maintenance of the garments and home textiles by using anti-pilling agents in each washing operation . When used, anti-pilling agents are now generally included in detergents . A problem related to this way of using anti-pilling agents in detergents is that , especially in the home environment , the washing cycle associated with detergents ends with a prolonged rinsing operation in order to completely remove the washing water (grey water ) which mainly contains the dirt removed from the washed items but also contains several not fully used components of the employed detergent , including anti-pilling agents but also fragrances and anti-coarseness agents . As a result , the washed fabrics do not incorporate a sufficient amount of said washing additives and therefore remain very rough, and thus more likely to undergo fluff formation and consequent pilling .

[0014] To overcome this problem and be able to obtain that the washed items turn out suf ficiently soft , scented, and preserved from fluff formation, it was proposed to increase the percentage by weight of the additives effective in reaching this result . In practice , however, this solution has not proved to be fully satis factory because a higher concentration of additives in the washing step can be too aggressive and then cause early deterioration of the textile fibres .

[0015] To overcome this problem, it was also proposed to incorporate anti-pilling and anti-coarseness agents in a softening composition, together with the fragrances typically used in softeners . However, also this attempt did not give completely satisfactory results , since still a very high portion of anti-pilling and anti-coarseness agents is removed together with the rinsing water and therefore is not retained in the fabrics in a sufficient amount to eliminate the pilling phenomenon . TECHNICAL PROBLEM

[0016] The technical problem addressed by the present invention is therefore precisely to of fer a softening composition which overcomes these drawbacks and therefore allows to achieve a trans fer of active agents to the treated garments which gives the desired ef fects of perfuming, anti-coarseness and anti-pilling at a not excessively high level in the initial period immediately after treatment - so as to avoid a too strong perfuming action and / or an aggressive effect on the fibres - and which subsequently maintains the desired effects at a sufficiently high level for a long time , of fering a pleasant perfuming even some time after the treatment and ef fectively preserving the fabrics from pilling for a long while .

[0017] A first ob ject of the invention is therefore to develop a softening composition which exhibit a fragrances spectrum well distributed over time, reducing the initial peak of high fragrance and maintaining such level for an extended period .

[0018] A second obj ect of the invention is to improve the trans fer of anti-pilling and anti-coarseness agents to fabrics , and their permanence on the same, to stably improve the softness of the fabrics and significantly reduce the pilling phenomenon .

[0019] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0020] This problem is solved, and these ob jects achieved by a softening composition including the components defined in claim 1 attached hereto and by a manufacturing method of said softening composition including the steps defined in claim 11 attached hereto .

[0021] The secondary claims disclose other preferred features of the invention .

[0022] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF A PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

[0023] According to the present invention, to solve the above technical problem by means of an operationally simple and immediately applicable solution, a softening composition is provided, which formulation exploits specific synergies between its components . Hereinafter, the whole formulation and the functions of the individual components of said softening composition will be set forth and described in detail .

[0024] The softening composition according to the present invention includes a first group of basic components and a second group of special components which provide additional performances to the softening composition . The basic components are the following : a first fabric softening agent also acting as an antistatic agent (preferably a cationic surfactant based on quaternary esters ) , a group of fragrances with various levels of diffusion over time (preferably a mixture of free fragrance , microencapsulated fragrance , and fragrance emulsifier) , at least one pH buffer and at least one preservative . On the other hand, the special components are the following : a second fabric softening agent (preferably consisting in a polymer that exhibits a strong capacity of binding to fabrics ) having the function of enhancing the first softening agent and the group of fragrances , and at least one enzyme with anti-coarseness and anti-pilling function coupled to an enzymatic activity enhancer (preferably a cellulase coupled to a polyaspartate ) .

[0025] The softening composition of the invention may further optionally include chelating agents and dye fixatives .

[0026] Definitions

[0027] The percentages given in the present description are all percentages by weight of the total weight of the softening composition of the present invention .

[0028] In the following description, when a word is used in the singular form, such as "an enzyme" or "an emulsifier, " it is not intended to exclude that such definitions include "one or more enzymes" or "one or more emulsifiers . "

[0029] First softening agent with antistatic function

[0030] Examples of the first fabric softening agent also having an antistatic function consist in cationic surfactants . More specifically, quaternary ammonium compounds such as long chain (Cie- Cis ) fatty-acids containing, in addition, other functional groups , such as esters , which improve their biodegradability are preferred . An example of a particularly preferred commercial product is available from STEPAN under the trademark STEPANTEX® PA 85 G . Other commercial products which can alternatively be used as the first fabric softening agent are STEPANTEX® SP-90 ( CAS-91995-81-2 ) , STEPANTEX® CA- 88E ( CAS-157905-74-3 ) , STEPANTEX® DC 90 (CAS-931-216- 1 ) , and ACCOSOFT® 808 90% (CAS-68122-86-1 ) , ACCOSOFT® 550- 90 HF (CAS- 68410-69-5 ) and ACCOSOFT® 780 PG (CAS-70914-09- 9 ) , all available from the same STEPAN . The content of first fabric softening agent is 8% to 12% of the total weight of the softening composition of the invention .

[0031] Group of fragrances

[0032] The softening composition according to the present invention includes a group of fragrances consisting of three different components , which work at dif ferent times and with a synergic ef fect to obtain a fragrance of the treated fabrics which lasts for a prolonged time and has a controlled intensity, i . e . without the traditional "excess" of fragrance in the period immediately following the treatment .

[0033] A first component is a free fragrance, such as an essential oil or an oil fragrance . The content of free fragrance is 2 . 5 - 3 . 5% of the total weight of the softening composition of the invention .

[0034] A second component consists of microencapsulated fragrances , i . e . small-sized ( such as nanometric or microscopic ) capsules containing inside a free fragrance . The capsules can protect the fragrances from external agents , allowing a more controlled release of the same , compared to the free fragrance, depending on the progressive breaking of the capsules . Fragrances packaged in this way are commercially available from GIVAUDAN . The content of microencapsulated fragrances is 0 . 5 - 2 . 0% of the total weight of the softening composition of the invention .

[0035] A third component of the group of fragrances includes a fragrance emulsifier, which turns the fragrances themselves in an aqueous solution, allowing, in a per se known manner, for a homogeneous distribution of the two diverse types of fragrances described above during the softening treatment of the garments or fabrics . Commercially available and acceptable fragrance emulsifiers in the composition of the present invention are preferably ethoxylated hydrogenated oils , such as the commercially available products Eumulgin® CO 40 from BASF and Hedipin® RH 400 from GAMMA CHIMICA . The content of emulsifier is approximately 3 . 5% of the total weight of the softening composition of the invention . pH Buffer - Preservative

[0036] PH buffering agents , such as an acid and a salt (or a base ) , are advantageously added to the softening composition of the invention in a manner known per se; citric acid monohydrate is preferably used as an acid, in an amount of preferably about 0 . 05% of the total weight of the softening composition of the invention . By way of example, sodium citrate and / or sodium chloride can be used as a salt . Preferably, the content of salt is about 0 . 15% of the total weight of the softening composition of the invention . The final pH of the softening composition should be in the range of 2 . 0 to 5 . 0 and preferably in the range of 2 . 5 to 3 . 5 .

[0037] A preservative is also added in a manner known per se . A preferred preservative is based on benzoisothiazolinone , or on mixtures of dif ferently substituted isothiazolinone . Examples of commercially available preferred products are Acticide® from THOR SPECIALTIES or Preventol® D7 from LANXESS . The content of preservative is approximately 0 . 015% of the total weight of the softening composition of the invention .

[0038] Second fabric softening agent having the additional function of enhancing the first softening agent and the group of fragrances

[0039] The softening composition of the present invention also includes , as a special first additional component , a second softening agent having a high synergistic ef fect with the first softening agent and the group of fragrances . Said second softening agent is provided in fact with a specific combination of polar and non-polar functional groups , contained in a single polymer . A preferred second softening agent of this type belongs to the latest generations of silicones containing modified sugars . Preferably, the softening agent is provided with a chain of siloxanes appropriately modified with amino groups . Some of the amino groups are further trans formed into amides using polyhydroxyacid derivatives .

[0040] This second softening agent is also commonly named glucoamido aminopropyl dimethicone and it shows particular af finity towards fabrics . Once bound to the fabrics , it then increases the amount of first softening agent and fragrances which remain in contact with said fabrics . An aqueous microemulsion of glucoamido aminopropyl dimethicone , named 9180D and marketed by HANSA in the HANSACARE line, is preferably used . The content of the above described second softening agent is 1 . 5 - 2 . 5% of the total weight of the softening composition of the invention .

[0041] Cellulase enzyme joined to an enzymatic activity enhancer

[0042] According to the present invention, the softening composition also includes , as a second special component , a cellulase enzyme joined with an enzymatic activity enhancer . This matched component has in fact proven to be a crucial element to ef fectively prevent pilling on garment fabrics and, in addition, it also allows to significantly reduce the stif fness of the fabrics on which it is used, thus giving a softer handle to such fabrics .

[0043] An enzyme that shows better synergy with the other components of the softening composition according to the present invention belongs to the cellulase family . Preferably, mixtures of cellulase enzymes marketed by NOVOZYME are used . In particular, Carezyme® Elite 100 L and / or Carezyme® premium 4500 L are preferably used . The content of the above-described enzyme is 0 . 2 - 1 . 0% of the total weight of the softening composition of the invention .

[0044] The enzymatic activity of the cellulase is enhanced, as mentioned above , by j oining an enhancer top the same . Enzymatic activity enhancers suitable for the softening composition of the present invention are anionic polymers and more precisely polyaspartate salts with alkali metals , more preferably sodium polyaspartate . This enhancer also performs further functions , acting as an anti-redeposition agent , a chelating agent and an antiscalant agent . The softening composition of the invention preferably includes , as the enhancer, sodium polyaspartate marketed by LYGOS under the trademark Soltellus® 2101S and / or 2101L . The content of the enzymatic activity enhancer described above is 0 . 1 - 0 . 5% of the total weight of the softening composition of the invention . Additional additives

[0045] Finally, it is possible to add other secondary components , such as chelating agents and colour fixing agents . Examples of chelating agents suitable for the softening composition of the invention are EDTA, GLDA, MGDA, sodium glucoheptonate, EDG, DTPA, HEDTA . Colour fixing agents suitable for the softening composition of the present invention can be cationic derivatives of polyamines , such as those marketed under the name Euro Dye Fix NF by EUROPEAN TEXTILE CHEMICAL CORPORATION . I f present , the content of chelating agents is 1 - 5% and the content of colour fixing agents is 0 . 5 - 2 . 0% of the total weight of the softening composition of the invention .

[0046] The softening composition according to the present invention is in liquid form . To achieve a suitable viscosity, approximately 60% to approximately 80% by weight of an aqueous solvent is added to the above-mentioned components . Preferably, deionized water is used as the aqueous solvent . Alternatively, the present softening agent can also be used in concentrated form, to be diluted at the time of use .

[0047] The concentration ranges of the dif ferent components discussed above in detail , with reference to the employed commercial formulations , are summarised in the following Table 1 .

[0048] TABLE 1

[0049] The concentration ranges of the dif ferent components discussed above in detail , with reference to the active agents employed, are summarised in the following Table 2 .

[0050] TABLE 2

[0051] The present invention also relates to a preferred manufacturing method of the softening composition described above . Said manufacturing method provides for the following steps : a) Preheating . The fragrance emulsifier is preheated to 40 / 45 °C; separately, the first softening agent is preheated to 55-60 ° C; and, also separately, the deionized water is preheated to 35-36 °C; b) Adding the free fragrance . The free fragrance is added to the fragrance emulsifier, while stirring with a magnetic stirrer at low speed until a homogeneous mixture is obtained; c) Adding the first softening agent . The first softening agent is mixed with deionized water ( keeping the temperature at 35-36 ° C) , while stirring until a homogeneous solution is obtained; d) Mixing the group of fragrances with the first softening agent . The homogeneous mixtures resulting from steps b ) and c) are mutually mixed, while the microencapsulated fragrance is gradually added . The mixture is stirred until complete homogenization of the components ; e ) Adding the second softening agent and the enzymatic activity enhancer . The second softening agent and the enzymatic activity enhancer are added to the homogeneous mixture resulting from step d) . The mixture is stirred until complete dissolution and homogenization of the components . f ) Adding the enzyme . The enzyme is slowly added to the homogeneous mixture resulting from step e ) . The mixture is stirred until complete homogenization . g) Separately adding, in subsequent steps of homogeneous mixing and in this order, the pH buffers and the preservatives , making sure that the final pH falls within the expected limits

[0052] It is understood, however, that the invention is not to be considered as limited to the specific formulation illustrated above by way of example, which is only an exemplary embodiment thereof , but that several other formulations are possible , all within the reach of a person skilled in the art , without thereby departing from the scope of protection of the invention itself , as defined by the following claims .

Claims

CLAIMS1 ) Fabric softening composition with enhanced fragrance and anti-coarseness and anti-pilling performances , including the following components mixed in an aqueous solvent : a first fabric softening agent having an additional function of antistatic agent ; at least one fragrance; optionally a pH buf fer; optionally a preservative ; a second fabric softening agent acting as an enhancer of the first softening agent and of the group of fragrances ; at least one enzyme with anti-coarseness and anti-pilling function joined with an enzymatic activity enhancer .2 ) Softening composition according to claim 1 , wherein said first softening agent includes a quaternary ammonium ester .3 ) Softening composition according to claim 2 , wherein said quaternary ammonium ester is a long chain (Cie-Cis ) fatty-acid ester .4 ) Softening composition according to claim 1 , wherein said at least one fragrance is a group of at least two fragrances with various levels of dif fusion over time .5 ) Softening composition according to claim 4 , wherein said group of at least two fragrances includes a free fragrance, a microencapsulated fragrance , and a fragrance emulsifier .6 ) Softening composition according to claim 1 , wherein said second softening agent is an aqueous microemulsion of glucoamido aminopropyl dimethicone .7 ) Softening composition according to claim 1 , wherein said enzyme with anti-coarseness and anti-pilling functions includes one or more cellulases in a mixture .8 ) Softening composition according to claim 1 , wherein said enzymatic activity enhancer is sodium polyaspartate .9 ) Softening composition according to any one of the preceding claims , further including a chelating agent selected from EDTA,GLDA, MGDA, sodium glucoheptonate, EDG, DTPA, HEDTA.10) Softening composition according to any one of the preceding claims, further including a colour fixing agent.11) Softening composition according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said aqueous solvent includes deionized water.12) Softening composition according to any one of the preceding claims, having a pH in the range of 2.0 to 5.0 and preferably in the range of 2.5 to 3.5.13) Softening composition according to claim 12, having the following composition:14 ) Manufacturing method of a softening composition accordinge of the preceding claims 1 to 13, including the steps of: a. Preheating in separate containers: i. said fragrance emulsifier at 40 / 45°C; ii. said first softening agent at 55-60°C; and, iii. deionized water at 35-36°C; b. Adding said free fragrance to the fragrance emulsifier, while stirring with a magnetic stirrer at low speed until a homogeneous mixture is obtained; c. Adding said first softening agent to said deionized water (while keeping the temperature at 35-36°C) , while stirring until a homogeneous solution is obtained; d. Mutually mixing the homogeneous mixtures resulting from steps b) and c) , while adding the microencapsulated fragrance, maintaining the mixture under stirring until complete homogenization of the components; e. Adding the second softening agent and the enzymatic activity enhancer. The second softening agent and the enzymatic activity enhancer are added to the homogeneous mixture resulting from step d) . The mixture is stirred until complete dissolution and homogenization of the components . f. Adding the enzyme. The enzyme is slowly added to the homogeneous mixture resulting from step e) . The mixture is stirred until complete homogenization. g. Separately adding, in subsequent steps of homogeneous mixing and in this order, said pH buffers and preservatives, making sure that the final pH is within the expected limits .

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