Home care fabric conditioning composition

Abstract

The invention relates to a home care fabric conditioning composition comprising a polymer and perfume, wherein the polymer is the reaction product of monomers comprising one or more first monomers and one or more second monomers, wherein the or each first monomer is a cyclic anhydride of the following formula (I), wherein at least one of R1 and R2 is a C6-30 alkyl or alkenyl group and the or each second monomer is an ester of glycerol and a hydroxycarboxylic acid,, and wherein the polymer is present at no more than 20wt.% (based on the total weight of the composition). The invention further relates to a method of conditioning a fabric. The invention further relates to the use of a fabric conditioning composition to condition a fabric.

Description

[0001] HOME CARE FABRIC CONDITIONING COMPOSITION

[0002] Field of the Invention

[0003] The present invention is in the field of home care fabric conditioning compositions, in particular compositions for softening fabrics.

[0004] Background of the Invention

[0005] Home care fabric conditioning compositions are well known in the art. Such compositions are typically used in laundry processes to treat fabric substrates of the home or any of its contents whereby the conditioning composition is added to a laundry process such that it is contact with the fabrics being laundered. The contact results in the delivery of a conditioning benefit to the fabrics, for example softness, resilience, colour-maintenance, colour-rejuvenation amongst other things. The magnitude of the benefit is often dependent on the fabric type, for example some benefits are more pronounced on cotton fabrics whilst other are more pronounced on polyester fabrics.

[0006] Often, but not always, such conditioning compositions are applied in the rinse stage of a typical laundry process.

[0007] Despite the existing prior art there remains a need for new conditioning compositions.

[0008] Summary of the Invention

[0009] It has surprisingly been found that conditioning compositions comprising a polymer that is the reaction product of particular monomers provides fabric softening in a laundry process.

[0010] Accordingly in a first aspect of the invention a home care fabric conditioning composition is provided comprising a polymer and perfume, wherein the polymer is the reaction product of monomers comprising one or more first monomers and one or more second monomers, wherein the or each first monomer is a cyclic anhydride of the following formula (I):

[0011]

[0012] wherein at least one of R1and R2is a Ce-30 alkyl or alkenyl group,

[0013] and the or each second monomer is an ester of glycerol and a hydroxycarboxylic acid, and wherein the polymer is present at less than 20wt.% (based on the total weight of the composition).

[0014] In a second aspect of the invention a method is provided of conditioning a fabric, wherein a composition according to the first aspect is applied to a fabric in a laundry process.

[0015] In a third aspect of the invention a use is provided to condition a fabric.

[0016] Detailed Description of the Invention

[0017] 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.

[0018] 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. Definitions

[0019] Throughout the description and claims of this specification, the following terms are used and are defined below:

[0020] “alkyl” and “alkylene” include both straight and branched chain alkyl and alkylene groups respectively unless otherwise stated.

[0021] In the context of the polymer of the invention, references to individual alkyl groups such as “propyl” are specific for the straight chain version only and references to individual branched chain alkyl groups such as “isopropyl” are specific for the branched chain version only. For example, “C3-30 alkyl” includes C6-24 alkyl, Ce-s alkyl, propyl, isopropyl and t-butyl. Also, references to individual alkenyl groups such as “propenyl” are specific for the straight chain version only and references to individual branched chain alkenyl groups such as “isopropenyl” are specific for the branched chain version only. For example, “C3-30 alkenyl” includes C6-24 alkenyl, Ce-s alkenyl, propenyl and isopropenyl.

[0022] “C3-30 “ means a group having from 3 to 30 carbons atoms therein, for example having 3, 4, 5 etc up to 30 carbon atoms.

[0023] "Hydrocarbyl" takes its ordinary meaning, i.e. to a group having a carbon atom directly attached to the remainder of the molecule and having predominantly hydrocarbon character.

[0024] “monomer” means a compound comprising at least one polymerisable functional group.

[0025] Number average molecular weight is determined by gel permeation chromatography using a polystyrene standard according to ASTM D6579-11 (“Standard Practice for Molecular Weight Averages and Molecular Weight Distribution of Hydrocarbon, Rosin and Terpene Resins by Size Exclusion Chromatography”. LIV detector; 254 nm, solvent: unstabilised THF, retention time marker: toluene, sample concentration: 2mg / ml).

[0026] Home care fabric conditioning composition means compositions for the conditioning of any fabric substrate of the home or any of its contents.

[0027] “Fabric” includes clothing, linens and other household textiles, such as upholstery, curtains, blinds etc. In the context of fabrics, the term “linen” is used to describe certain types of laundry items including bed sheets and bed covers, pillow cases, towels, tablecloths, table napkins, uniforms and the like, but also washable household items such as curtains and blinds, washable upholstery items such as cushion covers and the like. The term “household textiles” can include woven fabrics, non-woven fabrics, and knitted fabrics and fabrics can include natural or synthetic fibres such as silk fibres, linen fibres, cotton fibres, polyester fibres, polyamide fibres such as nylon, rayon, acrylic fibres, acetate fibres, and blends thereof including cotton and polyester blends, fabrics which are elastic and / or contain elastane, and also viscose, modal and lyocell.

[0028] Conditioning compositions

[0029] The term “conditioning” is used herein to include any conditioning benefit(s) to a fabric. One such conditioning benefit includes softening fabric. Other non-limiting conditioning benefits include reduction of abrasion, reduction of wrinkles, fabric feel, garment shape retention, garment shape recovery, elasticity benefits, garment stiffness benefits, ease of ironing, perfume deposition, freshness, colour care, colour maintenance, whiteness maintenance, colour rejuvenation, whiteness rejuvenation, brightness of fabrics, pilling reduction, static reduction, antibacterial properties, foam reduction, malodour control, or any combination thereof.

[0030] A conditioning composition is used herein to mean the composition which provides the conditioning benefit to the fabric.

[0031] Polymer

[0032] The polymer may be obtainable or obtained by polymerising monomers comprising one or more first monomers and one or more second monomers as defined herein. Thus, the reaction product is a polymer comprising repeat units derived from the one or more first monomers and repeat units derived from the one or more second monomers as defined herein.

[0033] The polymer as used herein may be the reaction product of monomers consisting essentially of or consisting of one or more first monomers and one or more second monomers as defined herein. In other words, the polymer may be obtainable or obtained by polymerising monomers consisting essentially of or consisting of one or more first monomers and one or more second monomers as defined herein. Thus, the reaction product may be a polymer consisting essentially of or consisting of repeat units derived from the one or more first monomers and the one or more second monomers as defined herein. Preferably, the polymer is a polyester.

[0034] The polymer may be prepared by any suitable method. The first and second monomers may be reacted in any suitable molar ratio to make the polymer. Thus repeat units in the polymer derived from the first and second monomers may be present in the polymer in any suitable molar ratio and in any suitable arrangement. The first and second monomers may be reacted in a molar ratio of from 1:10 to 10:1, preferably from 1:6 to 6:1, for example from 1:3 to 3:1.

[0035] Preferably, the first and second monomers may be reacted in a molar ratio of 1:1. Ratios refer to the total amounts of first monomers or second monomers if more than one first monomer or second monomer is present.

[0036] The polymer may be prepared by any suitable method involving any suitable reaction. For example, the reaction may occur between the first and second monomers in the absence of other monomer(s) or may occur in the presence of other monomer(s).

[0037] One or more first monomers is a cyclic anhydride.

[0038] Any suitable cyclic anhydride or mixtures of different cyclic anhydrides may be used to make the polymer, as would be understood by the person skilled in the art. The “cyclic anhydride” means a compound (or monomer) that comprises at least one anhydride group contained within a ring structure. Said ring structure may comprise from 4 to 8 atoms, preferably carbon and oxygen. Said ring structure may be saturated or partially unsaturated. The cyclic anhydride compound preferably comprises more than 8 atoms.

[0039] For example, suitable cyclic anhydrides may also include one or more of an anhydride of formula (II) or formula (III):

[0040]

[0041] wherein in formula (II) R3and R4are each independently selected from hydrogen, an alkyl group and an alkenyl group, or R3and R4together with the carbon atoms to which they are attached represent an optionally substituted cyclic group; and

[0042] in formula (III) X is CR9R10, O, S, or NR11; R5, R6, R7, R8, R9, R10, and R11are each independently selected from hydrogen, an alkyl group and an alkenyl group, and / or any of R5, R6, R7, R8, R9, R10, and R11together with the atoms to which they are attached represent an optionally substituted cyclic group.

[0043] Accordingly, in a further aspect the invention may also provide a home care fabric conditioning composition comprising less than 20wt.% of a polymer (based on the total weight of the composition), wherein the polymer is the reaction product of monomers comprising one or more first monomers and one or more second monomers, wherein the or each first monomer is a cyclic anhydride of the following formula (II):

[0044]

[0045] wherein R3and R4are each independently selected from hydrogen, an alkyl group and an alkenyl group, or R3and R4together with the carbon atoms to which they are attached represent an optionally substituted cyclic group.

[0046] In a further aspect the invention may also provide a home care fabric conditioning composition comprising less than 20wt.% of a polymer (based on total weight of the composition), wherein the polymer is the reaction product of monomers comprising one or more first monomers and one or more second monomers, wherein the each first monomer is a cyclic anhydride of the following formula (III):

[0047]

[0048] wherein X is CR9R10, O, S, or NR11; R5, R6, R7, R8, R9, R10, and R11are each independently selected from hydrogen, an alkyl group and an alkenyl group, and / or any of R5, R6, R7, R8, R9, R10, and R11together with the atoms to which they are attached represent an optionally substituted cyclic group.

[0049] In a further aspect, the invention may also provide a home care fabric conditioning composition comprising less than 20wt.% of a polymer (based on total weight of the composition), wherein the polymer is the reaction product of monomers comprising one or more first monomers and one or more second monomers, wherein the each first monomer is a cyclic anhydride according to formula (I), wherein R1and R2are each independently selected from hydrogen, an alkyl group and an alkenyl group, or R1and R2together with the carbon atoms to which they are attached represent an optionally substituted cyclic group.

[0050] X may suitably be CR9R10, O, or S. Preferably, X is CR9R10.

[0051] When any of R1, R2, R3, R4, R5, R6, R7, R8, R9, R10, and R11represents an alkyl group or an alkenyl group, the or each alkyl or alkenyl group may be branched or unbranched. The or each alkyl group may contain from 1 to 30 carbon atoms and the or each alkenyl group may contain from 2 to 30 carbon atoms. Preferably, the or each alkyl or alkenyl group may contain 6 or more carbon atoms. For example, the or each alkyl or alkenyl group may contain from 6 to 30, such as from 8 to 24, carbon atoms (i.e. may be a Ce-3o, such as a Cs-24, alkyl or alkenyl group).

[0052] When any of R1and R2, or R3and R4, orR5, R6, R7, R8, R9, and R10represents an alkenyl group, the alkenyl group may be a polyisobutenyl group. The polyisobutenyl group (when present) suitably has a number average molecular weight of from 100 to 2000, preferably from 100 to 1000, for example 260 or 550. The cyclic anhydride may be a polyisobutenyl succinic anhydride, for example wherein the polyisobutenyl group has a number average molecular weight of 260 or 550. Suitably, one of R1and R2, R3and R4, orR5, R6, R7, R8, R9, R10, and R11may be an alkyl group or an alkenyl group and the other (or others) may be hydrogen.

[0053] Examples of cyclic anhydride monomers of the formula (I), (II) or (III) wherein any of R1and R2, R3and R4, orR5, R6, R7, R8, R9, R10, and R11represents hydrogen or a Ce-30, such as a Cs-24, branched or unbranched alkyl or alkenyl group include succinic anhydride, dodecenyl succinic anhydride (such as (2-dodecen-1-yl)succinic anhydride), tetrapropenyl succinic anhydride, octadecenyl succinic anhydride, octenyl succinic anhydride, nonenyl succinic anhydride, C20-24 alkenyl succinic anhydride, maleic anhydride and glutaric anhydride.

[0054] When any of R1and R2, or R3and R4, orR5, R6, R7, R8, R9, R10, and R11, together with the atoms to which they are attached represent an optionally substituted cyclic group, the cyclic group so formed may be mono or polycyclic (preferably mono or bicyclic) and may be aromatic or non-aromatic. Examples of aromatic groups that may be so formed include benzene and naphthalene. Examples of non-aromatic groups that may be so formed include cyclopentane, cyclohexane, and cyclooctane.

[0055] Any of R5, R6, R7, R8, R9, R10, and R11together with the atoms to which they are attached may represent an optionally substituted cyclic group. Any of R5, R6, R7, R8, R9, R10, and R11not representing a cyclic group are independently selected from hydrogen, an alkyl group and an alkenyl group as described herein. Two, three, four, five, or six of R5, R6, R7, R8, R9, R10, and R11together with the atoms to which they are attached may represent an optionally substituted cyclic group. Suitably at least R5and R7, or R5and R9, or R5and R11, or R7and R9, or R7and R11, or R5, R7and R9, or R5, R7and R11together with the atoms to which they are attached may represent an optionally substituted cyclic group. For the avoidance of doubt, when any of R5, R6, R7, R8, R9, and R10together with the atoms to which they are attached represent an optionally substituted cyclic group, one or more of R5, R6, R7, R8, R9, and R10may contribute to one or more double bonds (for example, aromaticity) in the cyclic group. For example, R8and R10may together form a carbon-carbon double bond, which may form part of an aromatic cyclic group.

[0056] The optionally substituted cyclic group represented by R1and R2, or R3and R4, or any of R5, R6, R7, R8, R9, R10, and R11, together with the atoms to which they are attached (when present) may be optionally substituted with any suitable substituent(s), such as for example one or more substituents independently selected from alkyl (for example C1-30, preferably C1-24, such as C1-4 or Cs-24, alkyl), alkenyl (for example C2-30, preferably C2-24, such as C2-4 or Cs-24, alkenyl), alkoxy (for example C1-30, preferably C1-24, such as C1-4 or Cs-24, alkoxy), alkenyloxy (for example C2-30, preferably C2-24, such as C2-4 or Cs-24, alkenyloxy), carboxy, alkoxy-carbonyl (for example C1-30, preferably C1-24, such as C1-4 or Cs-24, alkoxy-carbonyl), alkenyloxy-carbonyl (for example C2-30, preferably C2-24, such as C2-4 or Cs-24, alkenyloxy-carbonyl), hydroxy, halo (for example chloro or fluoro), nitro and cyano groups. The optionally substituted cyclic group represented by R1and R2, or R3and R4, or any of R5, R6, R7, R8, R9, R10, and R11, together with the atoms to which they are attached (when present) may alternatively be substituted by groups which form a further cyclic anhydride group. An example of such a cyclic anhydride is pyromellitic dianhydride.

[0057] Examples of suitable cyclic anhydrides of formula (I) in which R1and R2together with the carbon atoms to which they are attached represent an optionally substituted cyclic group include optionally substituted 1,2-cyclohexanedicarboxylic anhydride and 1,3-cyclopentanedicarboxylic anhydride. 1,2-Cyclohexanedicarboxylic anhydride is preferred.

[0058] Examples of suitable anhydrides of formula (II) in which R3and R4together with the carbon atoms to which they are attached represent an optionally substituted cyclic group include optionally substituted phthalic anhydride, pyromellitic dianhydride, 1,2-naphthalic anhydride and 2,3-naphthalic anhydride. Examples of a substituted phthalic anhydride may include 1,2,4-benzenetricarboxylic anhydride, and 6-((octadec-9-en-1-yloxy)carbonyl)-1,3-dioxo-1,3-dihydroisobenzofuran-5-carboxylic acid.

[0059] Examples of suitable anhydrides of formula (III) in which any of R5, R6, R7, R8, R9, R10, and R11together with the carbon atoms to which they are attached represent an optionally substituted cyclic group include optionally substituted 1,8-naphthalic anhydride and homophthalic anhydride.

[0060] Preferred cyclic anhydrides include one or more cyclic anhydrides of formula (I) wherein R1and R2are each independently selected from hydrogen and a Cs-30, such as a Cs-24, alkyl or alkenyl group, or wherein R1and R2together with the carbon atoms to which they are attached represent an optionally substituted cyclic group; or of formula (II) wherein R3and R4are each independently selected from hydrogen and a C6-30, such as a Cs-24, alkyl or alkenyl group, or wherein R3and R4together with the carbon atoms to which they are attached represent an optionally substituted cyclic group; or of formula (III) wherein X is CR9R10, O, or S and R5, R6, R7, R8, R9, and R10are each independently selected from hydrogen and a Cs-3o, such as a Cs-24, an alkyl group or alkenyl group, and / or wherein any of R5, R6, R7, R8, R9, and R10together with the carbon atoms to which they are attached represent an optionally substituted cyclic group. More preferably, R5, R6, R7, R8, R9, and R10are each hydrogen, and / or wherein any of R5, R6, R7, R8, R9, and R10together with the carbon atoms to which they are attached represent an optionally substituted cyclic group.

[0061] At least one of the first monomers is a cyclic anhydride of formula (I), (II) or (III) wherein at least one of R1and R2, or at least one of R3and R4, or at least one of R5, R6, R7, R8, R9, R10, and R11, is a Ce-3o, such as a Cs-24, alkyl or alkenyl (more preferably alkenyl) group. Preferably, at least one of the first monomers is a cyclic anhydride of formula (I), (II) or (III) wherein at least one of R1and R2, or at least one of R3and R4, or at least one of R5, R6, R7, R8, R9, R10, and R11, is a Cs-30, such as a Cs-24, alkyl or alkenyl (more preferably alkenyl) group and the other (or others) is (or are) hydrogen.

[0062] Preferably, cyclic anhydride may be an anhydride of formula (I) wherein R1and R2are both hydrogen i.e. the cyclic anhydride may be succinic anhydride.

[0063] Preferably, the cyclic anhydride may be an anhydride of formula (II) wherein R3and R4are both hydrogen i.e. the cyclic anhydride may be maleic anhydride.

[0064] Preferably , the cyclic anhydride may be an anhydride of formula (III) in which X is CR9R10and R5, R6, R7, R8, R9, and R10each represent hydrogen i.e. the cyclic anhydride may be glutaric anhydride.

[0065] Preferably , the cyclic anhydride may be an anhydride of formula (III) in which X is O and R5, R6, R7, and R8each represent hydrogen i.e. the cyclic anhydride may be diglycolic anhydride.

[0066] Preferably , the cyclic anhydride may be an anhydride of formula (III) in which X is S and R5, R6, R7, and R8each represent hydrogen (i.e. the cyclic anhydride may be thiodiglycolic

[0067] anhydride. For example, the or each cyclic anhydride may be an anhydride of formula (I) wherein R1and R2are both hydrogen or wherein one of R1and R2is an alkyl or alkenyl group and the other of R1and R2is hydrogen. For example, the or each cyclic anhydride may be an anhydride of formula (I) wherein R1and R2are both hydrogen or wherein one of R1and R2is a Ce-3o, such as a Cs-24, alkyl or alkenyl (more preferably alkenyl) group and the other of R1and R2is hydrogen. Examples of such cyclic anhydride compounds include succinic anhydride, C20-24 alkenyl succinic anhydride, dodecenyl succinic anhydride (such as (2-dodecen-1-yl)succinic anhydride), nonenyl succinic anhydride, octadecenyl succinic anhydride and octenyl succinic anhydride.

[0068] Preferably, the or each cyclic anhydride may be an anhydride of formula (I) wherein one of R1and R2is an alkenyl group, such as a C6-30 (preferably Cs-24) alkenyl group, and the other of R1and R2is hydrogen. Examples of such cyclic anhydride compounds include C20-24 alkenyl succinic anhydride, dodecenyl succinic anhydride (such as (2-dodecen-1-yl)succinic anhydride), nonenyl succinic anhydride, octadecenyl succinic anhydride and octenyl succinic anhydride.

[0069] Preferably, the or each cyclic anhydride may be dodecenyl succinic anhydride, such as (2-dodecen-1-yl)succinic anhydride.

[0070] The or each cyclic anhydride may be an anhydride of formula (I) wherein one of R1and R2is hydrogen and the other of R1and R2is a polyisobutenyl group, for example wherein the polyisobutenyl group suitably has a number average molecular weight of from 100 to 2000, preferably from 100 to 1000, for example 260 or 550.

[0071] Preferably, the or each cyclic anhydride may be a cyclic anhydride of formula (I) or (II) wherein R1and R2, or R3and R4, together with the carbon atoms to which they are attached represent an optionally substituted cyclic group, wherein the cyclic group is an aromatic or a non-aromatic group and is mono or polycyclic.

[0072] Preferably, the or each cyclic anhydride may be an anhydride of formula (I) wherein R1and R2together with the carbon atoms to which they are attached represent an optionally substituted cyclic group, wherein the cyclic group is a non-aromatic (for example saturated) mono or bicyclic group. More preferably, the or each cyclic anhydride may be a cyclic anhydride of formula (I) wherein R1and R2together with the carbon atoms to which they are attached represent an optionally substituted cyclic group, wherein the cyclic group is a non-aromatic (for example saturated) monocyclic group, such as a cyclohexane group. Preferably, the or each cyclic anhydride may be an anhydride of formula (II) wherein R3and R4together with the carbon atoms to which they are attached represent an optionally substituted cyclic group, wherein the cyclic group is an aromatic mono or bicyclic group, such as a benzene or naphthalene group. More preferably, the or each cyclic anhydride may be a cyclic anhydride of formula (II) wherein R3and R4together with the carbon atoms to which they are attached represent an optionally substituted cyclic group, wherein the cyclic group is an aromatic monocyclic group, such as a benzene group.

[0073] Preferably, the or each cyclic anhydride may be an anhydride of formula (III) wherein X is CR9R10and R5, R6, R7, R8, R9, and R10together with the carbon atoms to which they are attached represent an optionally substituted cyclic group, wherein the cyclic group is an aromatic bicyclic group, such as a naphthalene group; or R7and R8are hydrogen and R5, R6, R9and R10together with the carbon atoms to which they are attached represent an optionally substituted cyclic group, wherein the cyclic group is an aromatic monocyclic group, such as a benzene group. More preferably, the or each cyclic anhydride may be an anhydride of formula (III) wherein X is CR9R10and R5, R6, R7, R8, R9, and R10together with the carbon atoms to which they are attached represent an optionally substituted cyclic group, wherein the cyclic group is an aromatic bicyclic group, such as a naphthalene group.

[0074] When the cyclic anhydride is an anhydride of formula (I) wherein R1and R2together with the carbon atoms to which they are attached represent an optionally substituted cyclohexane group, the cyclic anhydride may be of the formula (IA):

[0075]

[0076] wherein n is an integer from 0 to 4 and each R12(when present) is independently selected from alkyl (for example C1-30, preferably C1-24, such as C1-4, alkyl), alkenyl (for example C2-30, preferably C2-24, such as C2-4, alkenyl), alkoxy (for example C1-30, preferably C1-24, such as CM, alkoxy), alkenyloxy (for example C2-30, preferably C2-24, such as C2-4, alkenyloxy), carboxy, alkoxy-carbonyl (for example C1-30, preferably C1-24, such as C1-4, alkoxy-carbonyl), alkenyloxycarbonyl (for example C2-30, preferably C2-24, such as C2-4, alkenyloxy-carbonyl), hydroxy, halo (for example chloro or fluoro), nitro and cyano groups, or when n is 2 the two R12groups may represent a further cyclic anhydride group (such as a further succinic anhydride group).

[0077] Examples of suitable succinic anhydrides of formula (IA) include 1,2-cyclohexanedicarboxylic anhydride and 4-methyl, 1,2, cyclohexanedicarboxylic anhydride.

[0078] When the cyclic anhydride is an anhydride of formula (II) wherein R3and R4together with the carbon atoms to which they are attached represent an optionally substituted benzene group, the cyclic anhydride may be of the formula (HA):

[0079]

[0080] wherein n’ is an integer from 0 to 4 and each R13(when present) is independently selected from alkyl (for example C1-30, preferably C1-24, such as C1-4, alkyl), alkenyl (for example C2-30, preferably C2-24, such as C2-4, alkenyl), alkoxy (for example C1-30, preferably C1-24, such as CM, alkoxy), alkenyloxy (for example C2-30, preferably C2-24, such as C2-4, alkenyloxy), carboxy, alkoxy-carbonyl (for example C1-30, preferably C1-24, such as C1-4, alkoxy-carbonyl), alkenyloxycarbonyl (for example C2-30, preferably C2-24, such as C2-4, alkenyloxy-carbonyl), hydroxy, halo (for example chloro or fluoro), nitro and cyano groups, or when n’ is 2 the two R13groups may represent a further cyclic anhydride group (such as a further succinic anhydride group).

[0081] When R13represents a alkoxy-carbonyl (for example C1-30, preferably Cs-24, alkoxy-carbonyl) or alkenyloxy-carbonyl (for example C2-30, preferably Cs-24, alkenyloxy-carbonyl), substituent, the alkoxy-carbonyl or alkenyloxy-carbonyl group may be of the formula -C(O)OR13’ wherein R13’ is a C1-30, preferably Cs-24, alkyl group or a C2-30, preferably Cs-24, alkenyl group. Suitably R13’ may represent an oleyl group. Examples of suitable succinic anhydrides of formula (HA) include phthalic anhydride, pyromellitic dianhydride, 1,2,4-benzenetricarboxylic anhydride, 1,2-naphthalic anhydride and 2,3-naphthalic anhydride, and 6-((octadec-9-en-1-yloxy)carbonyl)-1,3-dioxo-1,3-dihydroisobenzofuran-5-carboxylic acid.

[0082] When the cyclic anhydride is an anhydride of formula (III) wherein X is CR9R10and R5, R6, R7, R8, R9, and R10together with the carbon atoms to which they are attached represent an optionally substituted naphthalene group, the cyclic anhydride may be of the formula (I HA):

[0083]

[0084] wherein each of m and m’ is independently an integer from 0 to 3 and each of R14and R15(when present) is independently selected from alkyl (for example C1-30, preferably C1-24, such as C1-4, alkyl), alkenyl (for example C2-30, preferably C2-24, such as C2-4, alkenyl), alkoxy (for example C1-30, preferably C1-24, such as C1-4, alkoxy), alkenyloxy (for example C2-30, preferably C2-24, such as C2-4, alkenyloxy), carboxy, alkoxy-carbonyl (for example C1-30, preferably C1-24, such as C1-4, alkoxy-carbonyl), alkenyloxy-carbonyl (for example C2-30, preferably C2-24, such as C2-4, alkenyloxy-carbonyl), hydroxy, halo (for example chloro or fluoro), nitro and cyano groups.

[0085] Examples of suitable succinic anhydrides of formula (I HA) include 1,8-naphthalic anhydride.

[0086] When the cyclic anhydride is an anhydride of formula (HI) wherein X is CR9R10, R7and R8are hydrogen and R5, R6, R9and R10together with the carbon atoms to which they are attached represent an optionally substituted benzene group, the cyclic anhydride may be of the formula (HIB):

[0087]

[0088] wherein m” is an integer from 0 to 4 and each R16(when present) is independently selected from alkyl (for example C1-30, preferably C1-24, such as CM, alkyl), alkenyl (for example C2-30, preferably C2-24, such as C2-4, alkenyl), alkoxy (for example C1-30, preferably C1-24, such as CM, alkoxy), alkenyloxy (for example C2-30, preferably C2-24, such as C2-4, alkenyloxy), carboxy, alkoxy-carbonyl (for example C1-30, preferably C1-24, such as C1-4, alkoxy-carbonyl), alkenyloxycarbonyl (for example C2-30, preferably C2-24, such as C2-4, alkenyloxy-carbonyl), hydroxy, halo (for example chloro or fluoro), nitro and cyano groups.

[0089] Examples of suitable succinic anhydrides of formula (I I IB) include homophthalic anhydride.

[0090] Suitably, the or each cyclic anhydride may be selected from one or more of succinic anhydride, maleic anhydride, glutaric anhydride, a C6-30 alkenyl succinic anhydride such as C20-24 alkenyl succinic anhydride, dodecenyl succinic anhydride (such as (2-dodecen-1-yl)succinic anhydride), nonenyl succinic anhydride, octadecenyl succinic anhydride, octenyl succinic anhydride, octadecyl succinic anhydride, or octyl succinic anhydride, a branched alkenyl succinic anhydride such as tetrapropenyl succinic anhydride or polyisobutenyl succinic anhydride, phthalic anhydride, pyromellitic dianhydride, 1, 2, 4-benzenetricarboxylic anhydride, 1,2-cyclohexanedicarboxylic anhydride, 1,2-naphthalic anhydride, 2, 3-naphthalic anhydride, 1,8-naphthalic anhydride and homophthalic anhydride.

[0091] Suitably, the or each cyclic anhydride may be selected from one or more of succinic anhydride, maleic anhydride, glutaric anhydride, a C6-30 alkenyl succinic anhydride such as C20-24 alkenyl succinic anhydride, dodecenyl succinic anhydride (such as (2-dodecen-1-yl)succinic anhydride), nonenyl succinic anhydride, octadecenyl succinic anhydride, octenyl succinic anhydride, octadecyl succinic anhydride, or octyl succinic anhydride, and a branched alkenyl succinic anhydride such as tetrapropenyl succinic anhydride or polyisobutenyl succinic anhydride. Suitably, the or each cyclic anhydride may be selected from one or more of phthalic anhydride, pyromellitic dianhydride, 1,2,4-benzenetricarboxylic anhydride, 1 ,2-cyclohexanedicarboxylic anhydride, 1,2-naphthalic anhydride, 2, 3-naphthalic anhydride, 1,8-naphthalic anhydride and homophthalic anhydride.

[0092] More suitably, the or each cyclic anhydride may be selected from one or more of succinic anhydride, maleic anhydride, C20-24 alkenyl succinic anhydride, dodecenyl succinic anhydride (such as (2-dodecen-1-yl)succinic anhydride), nonenyl succinic anhydride, octadecenyl succinic anhydride, octenyl succinic anhydride, phthalic anhydride, pyromellitic dianhydride, 1,2,4-benzenetricarboxylic anhydride, 1 ,2-cyclohexanedicarboxylic anhydride, 1 ,2-naphthalic anhydride, 2, 3-naphthalic anhydride, 1,8-naphthalic anhydride, homophthalic anhydride and glutaric anhydride.

[0093] More suitably, the or each cyclic anhydride may be selected from one or more of succinic anhydride, maleic anhydride, C20-24 alkenyl succinic anhydride, dodecenyl succinic anhydride (such as (2-dodecen-1-yl)succinic anhydride), nonenyl succinic anhydride, octadecenyl succinic anhydride, octenyl succinic anhydride, and glutaric anhydride.

[0094] Preferably, the or each cyclic anhydride may be selected from one or more of succinic anhydride, maleic anhydride, C20-24 alkenyl succinic anhydride, dodecenyl succinic anhydride (such as (2-dodecen-1-yl)succinic anhydride), nonenyl succinic anhydride, octadecenyl succinic anhydride, octenyl succinic anhydride, phthalic anhydride, pyromellitic dianhydride, 1,2,4-benzenetricarboxylic anhydride, 1 ,2-cyclohexanedicarboxylic anhydride and 1,8-naphthalic anhydride.

[0095] Preferably, the or each cyclic anhydride may be selected from one or more of succinic anhydride, maleic anhydride, C20-24 alkenyl succinic anhydride, dodecenyl succinic anhydride (such as (2-dodecen-1-yl)succinic anhydride), nonenyl succinic anhydride, octadecenyl succinic anhydride, and octenyl succinic anhydride.

[0096] Preferably, the or each cyclic anhydride may be selected from one or more of phthalic anhydride, pyromellitic dianhydride, 1,2,4-benzenetricarboxylic anhydride, 1,2-cyclohexanedicarboxylic anhydride and 1,8-naphthalic anhydride.

[0097] Preferably, the or each cyclic anhydride may be independently selected from a C6-30 alkyl or alkenyl substituted succinic anhydride, phthalic anhydride and pyromellitic dianhydride. Preferably, the or each cyclic anhydride may be independently selected from a Ce-30 alkyl or alkenyl substituted succinic anhydride.

[0098] Preferably, the or each cyclic anhydride may be independently selected from (2-dodecen-1-yl)succinic anhydride, nonenyl succinic anhydride, octadecenyl succinic anhydride, phthalic anhydride and pyromellitic dianhydride.

[0099] Preferably, the or each cyclic anhydride may be independently selected from (2-dodecen-1-yl)succinic anhydride, nonenyl succinic anhydride, and octadecenyl succinic anhydride.

[0100] Preferably, the or each cyclic anhydride may be independently selected from phthalic anhydride and pyromellitic dianhydride.

[0101] One or more second monomers: polyol

[0102] Any suitable polyol may be used to make the polymer. Mixtures of two or more different second monomers (i.e. different polyols) may be used to make the polymer.

[0103] The term polyol is used to refer to any compound including two or more hydroxy (OH) functional groups. The or each polyol may comprise carbon, hydrogen and oxygen atoms, and optionally, additionally, nitrogen atoms. The or each polyol may consist essentially of or consist of carbon, hydrogen and oxygen atoms.

[0104] Suitable polyols for preparing the polyester may be compounds having from 2 to 10, preferably from 2 to 6, more preferably 2 or 3, hydroxy groups.

[0105] Suitable polyols may include one or more of a polyol of formula (IV):

[0106] H-(OR17)P-OH

[0107] (IV)

[0108] wherein each R17is independently an optionally substituted hydrocarbylene group and p is an integer of at least 1. When p is an integer of greater than 1 , the polyol of formula (I ) may comprise groups R17that are all the same or may comprise groups R17that are different. Suitably, each R17in the formula (IV) may be the same. Preferably p is an integer from 1 to 140, such as from 1 to 110, from 1 to 40 or from 1 to 10.

[0109] For example, suitable polyols may include one or more of a polyol of formula (IVA):

[0110] H-(OR18)q-OH

[0111] (IVA)

[0112] wherein each R18is independently an optionally substituted alkylene group and q is an integer of at least 1. When q is an integer of greater than 1 , the polyol of formula (IV) may comprise groups R18that are all the same or may comprise groups R18that are different. Suitably, each R18in the formula (IVA) is the same. Preferably q is an integer from 1 to 140, such as from 1 to 110, from 1 to 40 or from 1 to 10.

[0113] When the polyol of formula (IV) or (IVA) contains a substituted hydrocarbylene or alkylene group, any suitable substituent may be present, such as for example a carboxy or amido substituent.

[0114] The polyol of formula (IVA) may have more than 2 hydroxy groups and the group R18may be a hydroxy substituted alkylene group. Each hydroxy substituted alkylene group R18may have 1, 2 or more hydroxy groups. Each hydroxy substituted alkylene group R18may preferably have 1 hydroxy group.

[0115] The polyol of formula (IVA) may have 2 hydroxy groups and the group R18may be an optionally substituted alkylene group wherein the optional substituent is not hydroxy.

[0116] The polyol of formula (IV) or of formula (IVA) may be a sugar derived compound in which R17or R18includes one or more hydroxy residues.

[0117] The or each R17or R18may represent a cyclic alkylene unit. One or more heteroatoms (for example oxygen atoms) may be present in the cyclic alkylene unit. For example the unit may contain an ether linkage.

[0118] Suitably the or each R17or R18may be one or more saccharide units or may be substituted with one or more saccharide units. Suitably the or each R17or R18may be an unsubstituted alkylene group.

[0119] Preferably the or each R17or R18is an optionally substituted alkylene group having from 1 to 50, such as from 1 to 40, preferably from 1 to 30, more preferably from 1 to 20, suitably from 1 to 12 or from 1 to 10, for example from 2 to 6, carbon atoms.

[0120] Preferably the or each R17or R18is an unsubstituted alkylene group having from 1 to 50, preferably from 1 to 20, more preferably from 1 to 12 or from 1 to 10, suitably from 2 to 6 carbon atoms. Each R17or R18may be straight chained or branched.

[0121] Suitably the or each R17or R18may be an ethylene, propylene, butylene, pentylene, hexylene or dodecylene group. When R17or R18has more than 2 carbon atoms any isomer may be present. Preferably R17or R18is an ethylene or a propylene group, most preferably an ethylene group.

[0122] When q is 1 , R18may be a group of formula (CH2)x wherein x is from 2 to 12, preferably from 3 to 12.

[0123] Suitably when q is 1, R18may be a straight chain or branched optionally substituted alkylene group and the polyol may be selected from ethylene glycol, propylene glycol, 1,3-propanediol, 1,2-butanediol, 1,3-butanediol, 1,4-butanediol, 2,3-butanediol, 1,6-hexanediol, 1,12-dodecanediol, trimethylolpropane, 2-ethyl-1, 3, -hexanediol, 2,2-diethyl-1,3-propanediol, 2,2-bis(hydroxymethyl)propionic acid, pentaerythritol, sorbitol, xylitol, glycerol and neopentyl glycol.

[0124] Suitably when q is 1, R18may be a straight chain or branched alkylene group having from 2 to 12, preferably from 3 to 12, carbon atoms. Suitable compounds of this type include ethylene glycol, propylene glycol, 1,3-propanediol, 1,2-butanediol, 1,3-butanediol, 1,4-butanediol, 2,3-butanediol, 1,6-hexanediol, 1,12-dodecanediol, trimethylolpropane, 2-ethyl-1, 3, -hexanediol, 2,2-diethyl-1,3-propanediol, pentaerythritol and neopentyl glycol.

[0125] Suitably when q is 1, R18may be a branched alkylene group having from 2 to 12, preferably from 3 to 12, carbon atoms. Suitable compounds of this type include propylene glycol, 1,2-butanediol, 1,3-butanediol, trimethylolpropane, 2-ethyl-1, 3, -hexanediol, 2,2-diethyl-1 ,3-propanediol, pentaerythritol and neopentyl glycol. Suitably when q is 2 or more, the or each R18may be a straight chain or branched alkylene group and the polyol may, for example, be selected from diglycerol, diethylene glycol, triethylene glycol, dipropylene glycol, tripropylene glycol, polyethylene glycol and polypropylene glycol.

[0126] Suitably when q is 2 or more, the or each R18may be a straight chain or branched alkylene group having from 2 to 4, preferably 2 or 3, carbon atoms. Suitable compounds of this type include diethylene glycol, triethylene glycol, di propylene glycol, tripropylene glycol, polyethylene glycol (PEG), for example having a number average molecular weight of from 150 to 6000, and polypropylene glycol (PPG), for example having a number average molecular weight of from 400 to 2000. Suitable polyols may include one or more of PEG 6000, PEG 1500, PEG 1000, PEG 600, PEG 400, PEG 200, PPG 2000, PPG 1000 and PPG 425.

[0127] The or each R17or R18may comprise a mixture of isomers. For example when R17or R18is propylene, the polyol may include moieties -CH2CH(CH3)- and -CH(CH3)CH2- in any order within the chain.

[0128] R17or R18may comprise a mixture of different groups for example ethylene, propylene or butylene units.

[0129] The or each R18may be an ethylene, propylene or butylene group. For example, the or each R18may be an n-propylene or n-butylene group or an isopropylene or isobutylene group. For example the or each R18may be -CH2CH2-, -CH2CH(CH3)-, - CH(CH3)CH2-, CH2CH2CH2-, -CH2C(CH3)2-, -CH2CH2CH2CH2-, -CH(CH3)CH(CH3)- or -CH2CH(CH2CH3)-.

[0130] Preferably R18is selected from -CH2CH2-, -CH2CH2CH2-, -CH(CH3)CH2- or-CH2CH(OH)CH2, more preferably from -CH2CH2-, and-CH2CH2CH2-.

[0131] Suitably the polyol of formula (IV) or (IVA) may be a sugar derived alcohol, for example, glucose, fructose, trehalose, sucrose, lactose, maltose or sorbitol, preferably sorbitol.

[0132] Suitably the polyol of formula (IV) may be selected from one or more of 1,12-dodecanediol, 1,6-hexanediol, trimethylolpropane, neopentyl glycol, polyethylene glycol (such as PEG 6000, PEG 1500, PEG 1000, PEG 600, PEG 400, PEG 200), polypropylene glycol (such as PPG 2000, PPG 1000, PPG 425), sorbitol, trimethylolpropane and xylitol. Suitably, the polyol, for example of formula (IV), may be an ester of glycerol (also known as a glyceride) and a hydroxycarboxylic acid. The ester of glycerol may be a mono-, di- or triglyceride, suitably a tri-glyceride. Suitably, the hydroxycarboxylic acid comprises one or more hydroxyl groups and one or more carboxylic acid groups. The hydroxycarboxylic acid may be a monocarboxylic acid comprising one or more hydroxyl groups.

[0133] The hydroxycarboxylic acid may be of the formula R19COOH, wherein R19is a hydroxylsubstituted hydrocarbyl group. R12is suitably a hydroxy-substituted alkyl, alkenyl oralkaryl group, preferably a hydroxy-substituted alkyl or alkenyl group. R19suitably comprises from 1 to 25 carbon atoms, preferably from 1 to 20 carbon atoms, more preferably from 1 to 17 carbon atoms.

[0134] Suitably, the hydroxycarboxylic acid may be selected from glycolic acid, lactic acid, hydroxybutyric acid, hydroxyvaleric acid, hydroxycaproic acid, hydroxystearic acid (preferably 12-hydroxystearic acid), 2,2-bis(hydroxymethyl)propionic acid, mandelic acid or ricinoleic acid. Preferably, the hydroxycarboxylic acid or the cyclic ester thereof may be selected from glycolic acid, mandelic acid, ricinoleic acid, malic acid, tartaric acid or citric acid. More preferably, the hydroxycarboxylic acid or the cyclic ester thereof is ricinoleic acid.

[0135] Preferably, when the polyol is an ester of glycerol, the polyol may be a mono-, di- or tri-glyceride of ricinoleic acid. Most preferably, when the polyol is an ester of glycerol, the polyol may be a tri-glyceride of ricinoleic acid, such as castor oil.

[0136] Suitable polyols may include one or more of an alkoxylated polyol of formula (IV) or (IVA). These polyols may be the reaction product of a polyol of formula (IV) or (IVA) and one or more alkylene oxides, such as ethylene oxide or propylene oxide. Such alkoxylated polyols may include polyoxyethylene (80) sorbitan monooleate (also known as Tween® 80) and 2, 4,7,9-tetramethyl-5-decyne-4,7-diol ethoxylate.

[0137] Preferably, the or each polyol may be independently selected from castor oil, 1,6-hexanediol, sorbitol, neopentyl glycol and a polyalkylene glycol (such as PEG 200).

[0138] When the or each polyol comprises carbon, hydrogen, oxygen and nitrogen atoms, the or each polyol may comprise two or more (such as 2 or 3) hydroxy groups and one or more (suitably one) amine groups. The amine groups may suitably be secondary or tertiary amines. Preferably the amine groups are tertiary amines. These polyols may be referred to herein as nitrogen containing polyols.

[0139] For example, suitable nitrogen containing polyols may include one or more of a polyol of formula (V) or a derivative thereof:

[0140] NR20R21R22(V)

[0141] wherein R20, R21and R22are each independently selected from hydrogen, hydroxyalkyl and hydrocarbyl, provided that at least two of R20, R21and R22represents a hydroxyalkyl group. Preferably, the at least two of R20, R21and R22that represent a hydroxyalkyl group are the same.

[0142] For example, in the compounds of formula (V), R20and R21may each represent hydroxyalkyl and R22may represent hydrogen, hydroxyalkyl or hydrocarbyl.

[0143] In the formula (V), the hydroxyalkyl group may contain from 1 to 8, such as from 1 to 4, such as 2 or 3, carbon atoms. For example, each hydroxyalkyl group may be hydroxyethyl or hydroxypropyl, particularly hydroxyethyl.

[0144] In the formula (V), the hydrocarbyl group (when present) may represent any suitable such group, such as an alkyl group, for example an alkyl group containing from 1 to 10, such as from 1 to 6 or from 1 to 4, carbon atoms. Thus, the hydrocarbyl group may represent a methyl, ethyl, propyl or butyl group (especially butyl or methyl).

[0145] For example, in the compounds of formula (V), R20and R21may each represent hydroxyalkyl and R22may represent hydrogen, hydroxyalkyl or hydrocarbyl (especially hydrogen or hydrocarbyl, more especially hydrocarbyl).

[0146] Preferably in the compounds of formula (V), R20and R21both represent hydroxyethyl and R22represents hydrogen or hydrocarbyl, such as a hydrocarbyl group containing from 1 to 6, or from 1 to 4, carbon atoms. Preferably in the compounds of formula (V), R20and R21both represent hydroxyethyl and R22represents hydrogen or an alkyl group containing from 1 to 6, or from 1 to 4, carbon atoms (especially methyl). Examples of suitable nitrogen containing polyols include N-methyl diethanolamine, N-butyl diethanolamine, triethanolamine and diethanolamine, and derivatives thereof.

[0147] References herein to nitrogen containing polyols include derivatives thereof, such as a corresponding quaternary compound. Thus, as example of a suitable derivative of a nitrogen containing polyol is tris(2-hydroxyalkyl)methylammonium compound, for example tris(2-hydroxyethyl)methylammonium methylsulfate, which is a quaternary ammonium salt of triethanolamine.

[0148] Preferably, the or each nitrogen containing polyol may be independently selected from N-butyl diethanolamine, diethanolamine and N-methyl diethanolamine, and derivatives (for example quaternary ammonium salts) thereof.

[0149] Further examples of suitable nitrogen containing polyols include those formed by reaction of a hydroxy substituted cyclic ester or cyclic carbonate, such as glycerol carbonate or gluconolactone, with a suitable primary or secondary amine compound, such as ethanolamine, dipropylamine, hexylamine, dodecylamine, phenethylamine, dipropylamine, ethylenediamine, or a polyether polyamine. Suitable polyether amines may include polyether monoamines (such as for example Jeffamine M-1000) and polyether polyamines (such as for example Jeffamine ED-600). As the skilled person would appreciate, the reaction of a hydroxy substituted cyclic ester or cyclic carbonate with a suitable primary or secondary amine compound will result in a ring opening reaction to form a compound such as a N-carbamoyl polyol or an amido polyol.

[0150] The or each polyol may be selected from one or more polyol of the formula (IV) or (IVA) as defined herein (including an ester of glycerol and a hydroxycarboxylic acid (such as castor oil)), one or more of an alkoxylated polyol of formula (IV) or (IVA) as defined herein, one or more nitrogen containing polyol as defined herein (including compounds of the formula (V)) and one or more polyol formed by reaction of a hydroxy substituted cyclic ester or cyclic carbonate with a suitable primary or secondary amine compound.

[0151] Preferably, the or each polyol may be selected from one or more polyol of the formula (IV) or (IVA) as defined herein (including an ester of glycerol and a hydroxycarboxylic acid (such as castor oil)), one or more of an alkoxylated polyol of formula (IV) or (IVA) as defined herein, one or more nitrogen containing polyol of the formula (V) as defined herein and one or more polyol formed by reaction of a hydroxy substituted cyclic ester or cyclic carbonate with a suitable primary or secondary amine compound.

[0152] More preferably, the or each polyol may be selected from one or more polyol of the formula (IV) or (IVA) as defined herein (such as an ester of glycerol and a hydroxycarboxylic acid, for example castor oil), and one or more nitrogen containing polyol of the formula (V) as defined herein.

[0153] The or each polyol may be selected from one or more polyol of the formula (IV) or (IVA) as defined herein, such as an ester of glycerol and a hydroxycarboxylic acid (for example castor oil) /

[0154] The or each polyol may be selected from one or more of an alkoxylated polyol of formula (IV) or (IVA) as defined herein.

[0155] The or each polyol may be selected from one or more polyol of the formula (IV) or (IVA) as defined herein, such as an ester of glycerol and a hydroxycarboxylic acid (for example castor oil) and from one or more of an alkoxylated polyol of formula (IV) or (IVA) as defined herein.

[0156] The or each polyol may be selected from one or more nitrogen containing polyol as defined herein (including compounds of the formula (V)).

[0157] The or each polyol may be selected from one or more polyol formed by reaction of a hydroxy substituted cyclic ester or cyclic carbonate with a suitable primary or secondary amine compound.

[0158] The polymer may be the reaction product of monomers comprising one (i.e. a single) cyclic anhydride and one (i.e. a single) polyol.

[0159] The polymer may be the reaction product of monomers comprising two different cyclic anhydrides and one (i.e. a single) polyol , or the polymer may be the reaction product of monomers comprising one (i.e. a single) cyclic anhydride and two different polyols.

[0160] The polymer may be the reaction product of monomers consisting essentially of or consisting of one (i.e. a single) cyclic anhydride and one (i.e. a single) polyol. The polymer may be the reaction product of monomers consisting essentially of or consisting of two different cyclic anhydrides and one (i.e. a single) polyol , or the polymer may be the reaction product of monomers consisting essentially of or consisting of one (i.e. a single) cyclic anhydride and two different polyols.

[0161] Third Monomer / s

[0162] The polymer may be the reaction product of monomers comprising first and second monomers as described herein and, additionally, one or more third monomers.

[0163] Said one or more third monomers may for example act as end capping groups and / or may introduce additional functional groups to the polymers.

[0164] The polymer for use herein may be the reaction product of monomers consisting essentially of or consisting of the one or more first monomers and one or more second monomers as disclosed herein and additionally one or more third monomers. In other words, the polymer may be the reaction product of monomers consisting essentially of or consisting one or more first monomers as disclosed herein, one or more second monomers as disclosed herein and one or more third monomers.

[0165] Examples of suitable third monomers include one or more of the following:

[0166] (i) polycarboxylic acids or reactive equivalents thereof;

[0167] (ii) monocarboxylic acids or esters thereof;

[0168] (iii) hydroxycarboxylic acids or cyclic esters thereof;

[0169] (iv) epoxide compounds;

[0170] (v) polyfunctional monomers having a reactive amino group;

[0171] (vi) monoalcohols;

[0172] (vii) monofunctional monomers having a reactive amino group.

[0173] The third monomer may be (i) a polycarboxylic acid or a reactive equivalent thereof.

[0174] Suitable polycarboxylic acids comprise two or more carboxylic acid groups, such as two or three carboxylic acid groups. Preferred polycarboxylic acids are dicarboxylic acids. The polycarboxylic acid may be aliphatic or aromatic. The aliphatic polycarboxylic acid may be cycloaliphatic. The aliphatic polycarboxylic acid may be saturated or unsaturated i.e. comprises one or more carbon-carbon (C=C) double bonds. The polycarboxylic acid may comprise one or more heteroatoms such as oxygen, nitrogen and sulfur atoms. For example, the polycarboxylic acid may comprise one or more moieties selected from hydroxy groups, amino groups, ether groups, and / or thioether groups.

[0175] Reactive equivalents of polycarboxylic acids may be used. By the term “reactive equivalent”, we mean a compound that results in the same reaction product as the corresponding polycarboxylic acid. Suitable reactive equivalents include acid chlorides and esters of the polycarboxylic acids described herein.

[0176] Examples of suitable polycarboxylic acids or reactive equivalents thereof include oxalic acid, malonic acid, succinic acid, glutaric acid, adipic acid, pimelic acid, suberic acid, azelaic acid, sebacic acid, undecanedioic acid, dodecanedioic acid, maleic acid, fumaric acid, malic acid, tartaric acid, citric acid, C20-24 alkenyl succinic acid, dodecenyl succinic acid (such as (2-dodecen-1-yl)succinic acid), nonenyl succinic acid, octadecenyl succinic acid, octenyl succinic acid, polyisobutenylsuccinic acid, itaconic acid, 1,2-cyclohexanedicarboxylic acid, 1,4-cyclohexanedicarboxylic acid, phthalic acid, isophthalic acid, terephthalic acid, homophthalic acid, 1 ,2,4-benzenetricarboxylic acid, pyromellitic acid, 1,2-naphthalenedicarboxylic acid, 2,3-naphthalenedicarboxylic acid, 1,8-naphthalenedicarboxylic acid, 2,6-naphthalenedicarboxylic acid, 2,7-naphthalenedicarboxylic acid, diglycolic acid, thiodiglycolic acid, 3,3’-thiodipropanoic acid, iminodiacetic acid, poly(ethylene glycol)bis(carboxymethyl) ether, a dimer acid, and acid chlorides and esters thereof.

[0177] Preferably, the polycarboxylic acid is selected from pimelic acid, suberic acid, sebacic acid, dodecanedioic acid, citric acid, diglycolic acid, thiodiglycolic acid, poly(ethylene glycol)bis(carboxymethyl) ether, or a hydrogenated dimer acid.

[0178] The third monomer may be (ii) a monocarboxylic acid or an ester thereof.

[0179] Suitable monocarboxylic acids may be aliphatic or aromatic. The aliphatic monocarboxylic acid may be cycloaliphatic. The aliphatic monocarboxylic acid may be saturated or unsaturated. The monocarboxylic acid may contain from 2 to 40 carbon atoms, suitably from 4 to 30 carbon atoms, preferably from 6 to 20 carbon atoms, for example from 8 to 18 carbon atoms. The monocarboxylic acid may be a fatty acid. Examples of suitable monocarboxylic acids or esters thereof include hexanoic acid, octanoic acid, decanoic acid, lauric acid, myristic acid, myristoleic acid, palmitic acid, palmitoleic acid, stearic acid, oleic acid, elaidic acid, linoleic acid, linolelaidic acid, arachidic acid, arachidonic acid, behenic acid, erucic acid, and esters (preferably methyl esters) thereof.

[0180] Preferably, the monocarboxylic acid is selected from propionic acid, hexanoic acid, lauric acid, stearic acid, oleic acid, or erucic acid.

[0181] The third monomer may be (iii) a hydroxycarboxylic acid or a cyclic ester thereof.

[0182] Suitable hydroxycarboxylic acids comprise one or more hydroxy groups and one or more carboxylic acid groups. The hydroxycarboxylic acid may be a monocarboxylic acid comprising one or more hydroxy groups.

[0183] By the term “cyclic ester” of a hydroxycarboxylic acid we mean a compound comprising a cyclic group, wherein the cyclic group comprises one or more ester groups. The ester may be a cyclic monoester or a cyclic diester. The cyclic ester may correspond to a single cyclised molecule of the hydroxycarboxylic acid. This may, for example, be formed by an intramolecular reaction between the hydroxy group and the carboxylic acid group on one molecule of the hydroxycarboxylic acid. Alternatively, the cyclic ester may correspond to a cyclic dimer of a hydroxycarboxylic acid. This may, for example, be formed by an intermolecular reaction between the hydroxy groups and the carboxylic acid groups on two molecules of the hydroxycarboxylic acid.

[0184] Examples of suitable hydroxycarboxylic acids or cyclic esters thereof include glycolic acid, hydroxylauric, lactic acid, hydroxybutyric acid, hydroxyvaleric acid, hydroxycaproic acid, hydroxy stearic acid (preferably 12-hydroxystearic acid), di hydroxystearic acid, 2,2-bis(hydroxymethyl)propionic acid, mandelic acid, ricinoleic acid, malic acid, tartaric acid, citric acid, y-butyrolactone, b-valerolactone, e-caprolactone, menthide, D-lactide, L-lactide, or DL-lactide.

[0185] Preferably, the hydroxycarboxylic acid is selected from ricinoleic acid or citric acid.

[0186] The third monomer may be (iv) an epoxide compound. Suitable epoxide compounds may comprise one or more than one epoxide group. For example, suitable epoxide compounds may comprise two epoxide groups.

[0187] Examples of suitable epoxide compounds include 1,2-epoxydodecane, ethyl glycidyl ether, isopropylglycidyl ether, 2-ethylhexyl glycidyl ether, octyl glycidyl ether, nonyl glycidyl ether, decyl glycidyl ether, butyl glycidyl ether (such as n-butyl glycidyl ether), 1,2-epoxyhexane, epichlorohydrin, glycidyltrimethylammonium chloride, cyclopentene oxide, cyclohexene oxide, poly(ethylene glycol) diglycidyl ether, polypropylene glycol) diglycidyl ether and poly(butylene glycol) diglycidyl ether.

[0188] The epoxide may be formed in situ by a dehydrohalogenation reaction e.g. using a halohydrin reacted with a base. The halohydrin may be chlorohydrin. An exemplary chlorohydrin is 3-chloro-2-hydroxypropylalkyldimethylammonium chloride, where the alkyl group could be methyl, lauryl, coco, stearyl.

[0189] The third monomer may be (v) a polyfunctional monomer having a reactive amino group.

[0190] By the term “polyfunctional monomer” we mean a monomer with at least two reactive groups. By the term “reactive group” we mean a group that reacts with the first monomer and / or the second monomer. At least one of the reactive groups is a reactive amino group. The other reactive groups in the polyfunctional monomer may be reactive amino groups, or may be reactive groups other than amino groups, such as hydroxy groups or carboxyl groups. Reactive amino groups are suitably primary amino groups or secondary amino groups.

[0191] The polyfunctional monomer may comprise at least one reactive amino group and at least one hydroxy group. The polyfunctional monomer may be an alkanolamine or an alkoxylated alkanolamine. The polyfunctional monomer may comprise at least two reactive amino groups. The polyfunctional monomer may be an aliphatic diamine, a polyether diamine, or a polyalkylene polyamine. The polyfunctional monomer may comprise at least one reactive amino group and at least one carboxyl group. The polyfunctional monomer may be an amino acid, such as a naturally occurring amino acid.

[0192] Examples of suitable polyfunctional monomers having at least one reactive amino group include ethanolamine, diethanolamine, ethylene diamine, coco propylene diamine, diethylenetriamine (DETA), triethylenetetramine (TETA), tetraethylenepentamine (TEPA), a polyether diamine (preferably Jeffamine ED-600, Jeffamine ED-900, or Jeffamine ED-2003 which are commercially available), alanine, arginine, asparagine, aspartate, cysteine, glutamine, glutamate, glycine, histidine, isoleucine, leucine, lysine, methionine, phenylalanine, proline, serine, threonine, tryptophan, tyrosine, and valine.

[0193] The third monomer may be (vi) a monoalcohol.

[0194] Suitable monoalcohols may be aliphatic or aromatic. The aliphatic monoalcohol may be cycloaliphatic. The aliphatic monoalcohol may be saturated or unsaturated. The monoalcohol may contain from 2 to 40 carbon atoms, suitably from 4 to 30 carbon atoms, preferably from 6 to 20 carbon atoms, for example from 8 to 18 carbon atoms. The monoalcohol may be a fatty alcohol.

[0195] Examples of suitable monoalcohols include hexanol, octanol, 2-ethylhexanol, decanol, dodecanol alcohol, myristyl alcohol, myristoleyl alcohol, palmityl alcohol, palmitoleyl alcohol, stearyl alcohol, oleyl alcohol, elaidyl alcohol, linoleyl alcohol, linolelaidyl alcohol, arachidyl alcohol, arachidonyl alcohol, behenyl alcohol, erucyl alcohol, benzyl alcohol, and choline chloride.

[0196] Preferably, the monoalcohol is hexanol or oleyl alcohol.

[0197] The third monomer may be (vii) a monofunctional monomer having a reactive amino group.

[0198] Suitable monofunctional monomers having a reactive amino group have one reactive amino group and no other reactive groups. The monofunctional monomer may contain other functional groups that are not reactive groups, such as tertiary amino groups or ether groups. The monofunctional monomer may be an aliphatic monoamine (such as a fatty alkyl amine), an N,N-dialkylaminoalkylamine, or a polyether monoamine.

[0199] The polyether monoamine suitably comprises a polyether backbone selected from polyethylene glycol (PEG), polypropylene glycol (PPG), or a copolymer of polyethylene glycol (PEG) and polypropylene glycol (PPG). The copolymer of PEG and PPG may be a block copolymer or a random copolymer. The polyether backbone is suitably capped at one end with the reactive amino group, and capped at the other end with an alkyl group (preferably a methyl group). The polyether monoamine suitably has a molecular weight of from 150 to 6000, preferably from 400 to 3000, for example from 600 to 2000. The polyether monoamine may have a weight average molecular weight of from 150 to 6000, preferably from 400 to 3000, for example from 600 to 2000.

[0200] Examples of suitable monofunctional monomers having a reactive amino group include propylamine, dipropylamine, butylamine, hexylamine, octylamine, decylamine, dodecylamine, tetradecylamine, hexadecylamine, octadecylamine, tallow alkyl amine, benzylamine, phenethylamine, 3-dimethylaminopropylamine (DMAPA), or Jeffamine M-1000 (which is commercially available).

[0201] Preferably, the monofunctional monomer having a reactive amino group is selected from dodecylamine, N,N-dimethylaminopropylamine (DMAPA), or Jeffamine M-1000.

[0202] The polymers may be prepared by suitable method, as would be known to the person skilled in the art. The polymerisation reaction will typically be conducted in the presence of a suitable polymerisation catalyst, such as tin(ll) ethylhexanoate, tin(ll) oxalate, p-toluenesulfonic acid, methanesulfonic acid, or sulfuric acid.

[0203] Suitable molar ratios of the first, second and optional third monomers may be used to prepare the polymers. Thus repeat units in the polymer derived from the first, second and third monomers when present may be present in the polymer in any suitable molar ratio and in any suitable arrangement.

[0204] When the third monomer is used, the molar ratio of the first monomer to the sum of the second and third monomers is suitably from 1:1 to 1:5, such as from 1:1 to 1:3.

[0205] The polymer may be a random copolymer or a block copolymer, in particular when there is more than one first monomer or more than one second monomer. Preferably, the polymer is a random copolymer.

[0206] The polymer may be the reaction product of monomers consisting essentially of or consisting of one or more first monomers, one or more second monomers, and optionally one or more third monomers,

[0207] wherein the or each first monomer is a cyclic anhydride; the or each second monomer is a polyol, wherein at least one of the one or more second monomers is a nitrogen containing polyol and / or a polyol of formula (IVA):

[0208] H-(OR18)q-OH

[0209] (IVA)

[0210] wherein each R18is independently an optionally substituted alkylene group wherein the optional substituent is not hydroxy and q is an integer of at least 1 ; and

[0211] the or each third monomer is selected from:

[0212] (viii) polycarboxylic acids or reactive equivalents thereof;

[0213] (ix) monocarboxylic acids or esters thereof;

[0214] (x) hydroxycarboxylic acids or cyclic esters thereof;

[0215] (xi) epoxide compounds;

[0216] (xii) polyfunctional monomers having a reactive amino group;

[0217] (xiii) monoalcohols; and

[0218] (xiv) monofunctional monomers having a reactive amino group.

[0219] Suitably, the polymer may be the reaction product of monomers consisting essentially of or consisting of one or more first monomers, one or more second monomers, and optionally one or more third monomers,

[0220] wherein the or each first monomer is a cyclic anhydride;

[0221] the or each second monomer is a polyol, wherein at least one of the one or more second monomers is selected from ethylene glycol, propylene glycol, 1,3-propanediol, 1,2-butanediol, 1,3-butanediol, 1,4-butanediol, 2,3-butanediol, 1,6-hexanediol, 1,12-dodecanediol, 2-ethyl-1 ,3,-hexanediol, 2,2-diethyl-1,3-propanediol, 2,2-bis(hydroxymethyl)propionic acid, neopentyl glycol, diethylene glycol, triethylene glycol, dipropylene glycol, tripropylene glycol, polyethylene glycol, polypropylene glycol, 2,4,7,9-tetramethyl-5-decyne-4,7-diol ethoxylate, N-methyl diethanolamine, N-butyl diethanolamine, diethanolamine, or derivatives (for example quaternary ammonium salts) of N-methyl diethanolamine or N-butyl diethanolamine; and

[0222] the or each third monomer is selected from:

[0223] (i) polycarboxylic acids or reactive equivalents thereof;

[0224] (ii) monocarboxylic acids or esters thereof;

[0225] (iii) hydroxycarboxylic acids or cyclic esters thereof;

[0226] (iv) epoxide compounds;

[0227] (v) polyfunctional monomers having a reactive amino group; (vi) monoalcohols; and

[0228] (vii) monofunctional monomers having a reactive amino group.

[0229] Suitably, the polymer may be the reaction product of monomers consisting essentially of or consisting of one or more first monomers, one or more second monomers, and optionally one or more third monomers,

[0230] wherein the or each first monomer is a cyclic anhydride;

[0231] the or each second monomer is a polyol; and

[0232] the or each third monomer is selected from:

[0233] (i) polycarboxylic acids or reactive equivalents thereof;

[0234] (ii) aliphatic monocarboxylic acids or esters thereof;

[0235] (iii) hydroxycarboxylic acids or cyclic esters thereof;

[0236] (iv) epoxide compounds;

[0237] (v) polyfunctional monomers having a reactive amino group;

[0238] (vi) monoalcohols; and

[0239] (vii) monofunctional monomers having a reactive amino group.

[0240] Suitably, the polymer may be the reaction product of monomers consisting essentially of or consisting of one or more first monomers, one or more second monomers, and optionally one or more third monomers,

[0241] wherein the or each first monomer is a cyclic anhydride;

[0242] the or each second monomer is a polyol; and

[0243] the or each third monomer is selected from:

[0244] (i) polycarboxylic acids or reactive equivalents thereof;

[0245] (ii) hydroxycarboxylic acids or cyclic esters thereof;

[0246] (iii) epoxide compounds;

[0247] (iv) polyfunctional monomers having a reactive amino group;

[0248] (v) monoalcohols; and

[0249] (vi) monofunctional monomers having a reactive amino group.

[0250] Suitably, the polymer may be the reaction product of monomers consisting essentially of or consisting of one or more first monomers, one or more second monomers, and optionally one or more third monomers,

[0251] wherein the or each first monomer is a cyclic anhydride;

[0252] the or each second monomer is a polyol; and the or each third monomer is selected from:

[0253] (i) polycarboxylic acids or reactive equivalents thereof;

[0254] (ii) monocarboxylic acids or esters thereof;

[0255] (iii) hydroxycarboxylic acids or cyclic esters thereof;

[0256] (iv) epoxide compounds;

[0257] (v) polyfunctional monomers having a reactive amino group selected from ethanolamine, diethanolamine, ethylene diamine, coco propylene diamine, diethylenetriamine (DETA), triethylenetetramine (TETA), tetraethylenepentamine (TEPA), a polyether diamine (preferably Jeffamine ED-600, Jeffamine ED-900, or Jeffamine ED-2003 which are commercially available), alanine, arginine, asparagine, aspartate, cysteine, glutamine, glutamate, glycine, histidine, isoleucine, leucine, lysine, methionine, phenylalanine, proline, serine, threonine, tryptophan, tyrosine, or valine;

[0258] (vi) monoalcohols; and

[0259] (vii) monofunctional monomers having a reactive amino group selected from propylamine, dipropylamine, butylamine, hexylamine, octylamine, decylamine, dodecylamine, tetradecylamine, hexadecylamine, octadecylamine, tallow alkyl amine, benzylamine, phenethylamine, 3-dimethylaminopropylamine (DMAPA), or Jeffamine M-1000.

[0260] Suitably, the polymer may be the reaction product of monomers consisting essentially of or consisting of one or more first monomers, one or more second monomers, and optionally one or more third monomers,

[0261] wherein the or each first monomer is a cyclic anhydride;

[0262] the or each second monomer is a polyol; and

[0263] the or each third monomer is selected from:

[0264] (i) polycarboxylic acids or reactive equivalents thereof;

[0265] (ii) monocarboxylic acids or esters thereof;

[0266] (iii) hydroxycarboxylic acids or cyclic esters thereof;

[0267] (iv) epoxide compounds; and

[0268] (v) monoalcohols.

[0269] Suitably, the or each third monomer (when present) is a monocarboxylic acid or an ester thereof selected from hexanoic acid, octanoic acid, decanoic acid, lauric acid, myristic acid, myristoleic acid, palmitic acid, palmitoleic acid, stearic acid, oleic acid, elaidic acid, linoleic acid, linolelaidic acid, arachidic acid, arachidonic acid, behenic acid, erucic acid, and esters (preferably methyl esters) thereof; and the second and third monomers are reacted in a molar ratio of from 1 :2 to 2:1, such as from 1:2 to 1:1, preferably 1:1 or 1:1.5.

[0270] Suitably, the or each third monomer (when present) is a fatty acid and the second and third monomers are reacted in a molar ratio of from 1:2 to 2:1, such as from 1:2 to 1:1, preferably 1:1 or 1:1.5.

[0271] Ratios refer to the total amounts of second monomers or third monomers if more than one second monomer or third monomer is present.

[0272] Suitably, at least one of the first monomers may be a cyclic anhydride of formula (I) wherein at least one of R1and R2is a Ce-3o, such as a Cs-24, alkyl or alkenyl (more preferably alkenyl) group and at least one of the second monomers may be castor oil.

[0273] Suitably, at least one of the first monomers may be a cyclic anhydride of formula (I) wherein R1is hydrogen and R2is a Ce-3o, such as a Cs-24, alkyl or alkenyl (more preferably alkenyl) group and at least one of the second monomers may be castor oil.

[0274] Suitably, the first monomer may be a cyclic anhydride of formula (I) wherein R1is hydrogen and R2is a Ce-3o, such as a Cs-24, alkyl or alkenyl (more preferably alkenyl) group and the second monomer may be castor oil.

[0275] Suitably, the first monomer may be dodecenyl succinic anhydride and the second monomer may be castor oil. The dodecenyl succinic anhydride and the castor oil may be reacted in a molar ratio of from 10:1 to 1:10, such as from 2:1 to 1:2, preferably from 1.5:1 to 1:1.5. More preferably, the dodecenyl succinic anhydride and the castor oil may be reacted in a 1:1 molar ratio.

[0276] Suitably, the first monomer may be selected from succinic anhydride, maleic anhydride, glutaric anhydride, C20-24 alkenyl succinic anhydride, nonenyl succinic anhydride, octadecenyl succinic anhydride, octenyl succinic anhydride, octadecyl succinic anhydride, octyl succinic anhydride, a branched alkenyl succinic anhydride such as tetrapropenyl succinic anhydride or polyisobutenyl succinic anhydride, phthalic anhydride, pyromellitic dianhydride, 1,2,4-benzenetricarboxylic anhydride, 1,2-cyclohexanedicarboxylic anhydride, 1,2-naphthalic anhydride, 2,3-naphthalic anhydride, 1,8-naphthalic anhydride or homophthalic anhydride and the second monomer may be castor oil. The first monomer and second monomer may be reacted in a 1 :1 molar ratio.

[0277] Suitably, the first monomer may be selected from C20-24 alkenyl succinic anhydride, nonenyl succinic anhydride, octadecenyl succinic anhydride, octenyl succinic anhydride, octadecyl succinic anhydride, or octyl succinic anhydride and the second monomer may be castor oil. The first monomer and second monomer may be reacted in a 1:1 molar ratio.

[0278] Suitably, at least one of the first monomers may be a cyclic anhydride of formula (I) wherein least one of R1and R2is a C6-30, such as a Cs-24, alkyl or alkenyl (more preferably alkenyl) group, or at least one of the first monomers may be a cyclic anhydride of formula (II) wherein R3and R4together with the carbon atoms to which they are attached represent an optionally substituted cyclic group; and at least one of the second monomers may be selected from N-methyl diethanolamine, N-butyl diethanolamine, castor oil, tris(2-hydroxyethyl)methyl ammonium methylsulfate, PEG 200, 1,6-hexanediol, or sorbitol.

[0279] Suitably, the polymer may be the reaction product of monomers comprising a first monomer, one or more second monomers, and optionally a third monomer, wherein the first monomer is selected from dodecenyl succinic anhydride, octadecenyl succinic anhydride, or pyromellitic dianhydride; the one or more second monomers are selected from N-methyl diethanolamine, N-butyl diethanolamine, castor oil, tris(2-hydroxyethyl)methyl ammonium methylsulfate, PEG 200, 1,6-hexanediol, or sorbitol; and the third monomer is oleyl alcohol. The molar ratio of the first monomer and the one or more second monomers is preferably 1:1. When the third monomer is used, the molar ratio of the first monomer, second and third monomers is suitably 1:1: 1.5.

[0280] Preferably, the polymer is the reaction product of monomers comprising:

[0281] (i) dodecenyl succinic anhydride and N-methyl diethanolamine, preferably in a molar ratio of 1:1;

[0282] (ii) dodecenyl succinic anhydride, castor oil, and tris(2-hydroxyethyl)methyl ammonium methylsulfate, preferably in a molar ratio of 1:0.6:0.4;

[0283] (iii) dodecenyl succinic anhydride and N-butyl diethanolamine, preferably in a molar ratio of 1:1;

[0284] (iv) octadecenyl succinic anhydride and N-butyl diethanolamine, preferably in a molar ratio of 1:1; (v) dodecenyl succinic anhydride, N-methyl diethanolamine, and castor oil, preferably in a molar ratio of 1:0.5:0.5;

[0285] (vi) dodecenyl succinic anhydride and castor oil, preferably in a molar ratio of 1:1;

[0286] (vii)dodecenyl succinic anhydride, N-butyl diethanolamine, and PEG 200, preferably in a molar ratio of 1:0.5:0.5;

[0287] (viii) pyromellitic dianhydride, PEG 200 and oleyl alcohol, preferably in a molar ratio of 1:1:1.5;

[0288] (ix) dodecenyl succinic anhydride, N-butyl diethanolamine, and 1,6-hexanediol, preferably in a molar ratio of 1 :0.8:0.2;

[0289] (x) octadecenyl succinic anhydride and N-methyl diethanolamine, preferably in a molar ratio of 1 : 1 ; or

[0290] (xi) dodecenyl succinic anhydride, sorbitol, and 1,6-hexanediol, preferably in a molar ratio of 1:0.2:0.8.

[0291] Preferably, the polymer is the reaction product of monomers consisting essentially of or consisting of:

[0292] (i) dodecenyl succinic anhydride and N-methyl diethanolamine, preferably in a molar ratio of 1:1;

[0293] (ii) dodecenyl succinic anhydride, castor oil, and tris(2-hydroxyethyl)methyl ammonium methylsulfate, preferably in a molar ratio of 1:0.6:0.4;

[0294] (iii) dodecenyl succinic anhydride and N-butyl diethanolamine, preferably in a molar ratio of 1:1;

[0295] (iv) octadecenyl succinic anhydride and N-butyl diethanolamine, preferably in a molar ratio of 1:1;

[0296] (v) dodecenyl succinic anhydride, N-methyl diethanolamine, and castor oil, preferably in a molar ratio of 1:0.5:0.5;

[0297] (vi) dodecenyl succinic anhydride and castor oil, preferably in a molar ratio of 1:1;

[0298] (vii)dodecenyl succinic anhydride, N-butyl diethanolamine, and PEG 200, preferably in a molar ratio of 1:0.5:0.5;

[0299] (viii) pyromellitic dianhydride, PEG 200 and oleyl alcohol, preferably in a molar ratio of 1:1:1.5;

[0300] (ix) dodecenyl succinic anhydride, N-butyl diethanolamine, and 1,6-hexanediol, preferably in a molar ratio of 1 :0.8:0.2;

[0301] (x) octadecenyl succinic anhydride and N-methyl diethanolamine, preferably in a molar ratio of 1 : 1 ; or (xi) dodecenyl succinic anhydride, sorbitol, and 1,6-hexanediol, preferably in a molar ratio of 1:0.2:0.8.

[0302] The polymer formed from the first, second and optional third monomers may comprise a suitable number of total monomer units (i.e. repeat units). For example, the polymer may comprise at least 4 monomer units. In other words, the polymer may comprise a total of at least 4 monomer units including the first, second and optional third monomers. Suitably, the polymer may comprise from 4 to 50 monomer units, preferably from 4 to 30 monomer units.

[0303] Suitably, the polymer has a number average molecular weight of from 1,000 to 50,000 Daltons, preferably from 1,000 to 15,000 Daltons (for example from 2,000 to 7,000 Daltons).

[0304] Preferably, the polymer is substantially free of silicon atoms. By substantially free of silicon atoms we mean that the polymer contains less than 1 wt% of silicon in the polymer, preferably less than 0.5 wt% of silicon in the polymer. More preferably, the polymer is free of silicon atoms, by which we mean that it is not possible to detect silicon in the polymer. Suitable methods of measuring the amount of silicon in a polymer are well known to those skilled in art and include elemental analysis and inductively coupled plasma (ICP) spectroscopy.

[0305] Compositions according to the invention may comprise at least 0.01 wt%, at least 0.05 wt%, at least 0.1 wt%, at least 1 wt%, at least 2 wt%, at least 5 wt%, at least 10 wt% or at least 15wt% but less than 20wt% of the polymer, based on total weight of the composition.

[0306] The compositions may comprise less than 15wt%, less than 10 wt%, less than 8 wt%, less than 5%wt, less than 3 wt%, less than 2 wt%, less than 1 wt%, less than 0.1 wt%. of the polymer based on total weight of the composition.

[0307] Preferably, the polymer is present in the range 0.01 - 15%wt, more preferably 0.05 to 10%wt, most preferably 0.1 to 5wt%, based on total weight of the composition.

[0308] References herein to the amount of polymer in the composition are intended to refer to the total of the or each polymer as defined herein that is included in the composition. Perfume

[0309] The fabric conditioning composition preferably comprises perfume. Without wishing to be bound by theory, it is believed that the composition described herein provides enhanced delivery of perfume ingredients. By improving the delivery of the perfume less perfume will be lost when the composition is used in a laundry process and more is deposited onto fabrics treated by the compositions.

[0310] The fabric conditioning composition of the present invention preferably comprises 0.1 to 20 wt. % perfume, i.e. free perfume and / or perfume microcapsules. Preferably the fabric conditioning composition comprises free perfume, more preferably the compositions comprise 0.1 to 15 wt.% free perfume, more preferably 0.5 to 8 wt. % free perfume.

[0311] 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.

[0312] Preferably the perfume comprises an ester. More preferably the perfume comprises at least 5 wt.% by weight of the perfume composition ester(s), even more preferably at least 10 wt.% ester(s) and most preferably at least 15 wt.% ester(s). The perfume may comprise up to 100 wt.% ester(s). Preferably the perfume comprises an ester selected from: Allyl amyl glycolate, allyl cyclohexane propionate, amyl acetate, amyl salicylate, benzyl acetate, benzyl salicylate, dodecahydro-3a,6,6,9a-tetramethyl, cis-3-hexenyl acetate, cis-3-hexenyl alicylate, cyclohexyl salicylate, dimethyl benzyl carbinyl acetate, ethyl-2-methyl butyrate, tricyclodecenyl propionate, frutene, geranyl acetate, geranyl nitrile, hexyl acetate, hexyl salicylate, linalyl acetate, resorcyclic acid ester, methyl chavicol, phenyl ethyl acetate, phenyl ethyl phenyl acetate, prenyl acetate, terpinyl acetate, Butyl Cyclohexyl Acetate (verdox), (4-tert-butylcyclohexyl) acetate (vertenex), and combinations thereof.

[0313] 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 or greater than 2.5. Substantive perfume components are defined by a boiling point greater than 250°C and a LogP greater than 2.5. Boiling point is measured at standard pressure (760 mm Hg). Preferably a perfume composition will comprise a mixture of blooming and substantive perfume components. The perfume composition may comprise other perfume components.

[0314] It is commonplace for a plurality of perfume components to be present in the perfume. In the perfume 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.

[0315] The fabric conditioning compositions of the present invention may comprise perfume microcapsules. When present, the fabric conditioning composition preferably comprises 0.1 to 15 w.% perfume microcapsules, more preferably 0.5 to 8 wt. % perfume microcapsules.

[0316] When perfume components are encapsulated, suitable encapsulating materials, 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. Particularly preferred materials are protein and polysaccharides.

[0317] Perfume microcapsules of the present invention can be friable microcapsules and / or moisture activated microcapsules. By friable, it is meant that the perfume microcapsule will rupture when a force is exerted. By moisture activated, it is meant that the perfume is released in the presence of water. The fabric conditioning composition of the present invention preferably comprises friable microcapsules. Moisture activated microcapsules may additionally be present. Examples of a microcapsules which can be friable include aminoplast microcapsules.

[0318] The microcapsules may comprise perfume components and a carrier for the perfume ingredients, such as zeolites or cyclodextrins. Softening agent

[0319] Preferably the fabric conditioning composition comprises further softening actives. Such actives include quaternary ammonium compounds, silicones, fatty acid methyl ester compounds and mixtures thereof. When present the further softening active is present at from 0.01 to 40 wt.%, preferably 0.5 to 30 wt.% further softening active and more preferably 1 to 20 wt.% further softening agent by weight of the fabric conditioning composition.

[0320] Quaternary ammonium compound

[0321] A preferred softening active is quaternary ammonium compound. Preferred levels of quaternary ammonium compound are from 1 to 40wt.%, preferably 2 to 30 wt.%, more preferably 3 to 20 wt.% and most preferably 4 to 10wt.% by weight of the fabric conditioning composition.

[0322] Preferably the quaternary ammonium compound comprises at least one chain derived from fatty acids, more preferably at least two chains derived from a fatty acids. Generally fatty acids are defined as aliphatic monocarboxylic acids having a chain of 4 to 28 carbons. Fatty acids may be derived from various sources such as tallow or plant sources. Preferably the fatty acid chains are derived from plants. Preferably the fatty acid chains of the QAC comprise from 10 to 50 wt. % of saturated C18 chains and from 5 to 40 wt. % of monounsaturated C18 chains by weight of total fatty acid chains. In a further preferred embodiment, the fatty acid chains of the QAC comprise from 20 to 40 wt. %, preferably from 25 to 35 wt. % of saturated C18 chains and from 10 to 35 wt. %, preferably from 15 to 30 wt. % of monounsaturated C18 chains, by weight of total fatty acid chains.

[0323] Typically, TEA-based fabric softening compounds comprise a mixture of mono, di- and tri ester forms of the compound where the di-ester linked component comprises no more than 70 wt.% of the fabric softening compound, preferably no more than 60 wt.% e.g. no more than 55%, or even no more that 45% of the fabric softening compound and at least 10 wt.% of the monoester linked component.

[0324] A first group of quaternary ammonium compounds (QACs) suitable for use in the present invention is represented by formula: [(CH )n(TR)]m

[0325]

[0326] Formula (I)

[0327] wherein each R is independently selected from a C5 to C35 alkyl or alkenyl group; R1 represents 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.

[0328] Also suitable are actives rich in the di-esters of triethanolammonium methylsulfate, otherwise referred to as "TEA ester quats".

[0329] A second group of QACs suitable for use in the invention is represented by formula:

[0330] (R1hN - (CH -CH-TR X

[0331]

[0332] Formula (II)

[0333] wherein each R1 group is independently selected from C1 to C4 alkyl, hydroxyalkyl or C2 to C4 alkenyl groups; and wherein each R2 group is independently selected from C8 to C28 alkyl or alkenyl groups; and wherein n, T, and X- are as defined above.

[0334] Preferred materials of this second group include 1 ,2 bis[tallowoyloxy]-3- trimethylammonium propane chloride, 1,2 bis[hardened tallowoyloxy]-3- trimethylammonium propane chloride, 1,2-bis[oleoyloxy]-3-trimethylammonium propane chloride, and 1,2 bis[stearoyloxy]-3-trimethylammonium propane chloride. Such materials are described in US 4, 137,180 (Lever Brothers). Preferably, these materials also comprise an amount of the corresponding monoester. A third group of QACs suitable for use in the invention is represented by formula: (R'VW (CH -T'R'' . X

[0335] Formula (III)

[0336] wherein each R1 group is independently selected from C1 to C4 alkyl, or C2 to C4 alkenyl groups; and wherein each R2 group 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.

[0337] A fourth group of ester-linked QACs is represented the by the formula:

[0338]

[0339] Formula (IV)

[0340] A fifth group of QACs suitable for use in the invention are represented by formula:

[0341]

[0342] Formula (V)

[0343] R1 and R2 are independently selected from C10 to C22 alkyl or alkenyl groups, preferably C14 to C20 alkyl or alkenyl groups. X- is as defined above.

[0344] A sixth group of ester-linked quaternary ammonium compounds suitable for use in the present compositions are compounds obtained by reacting:

[0345] i) a mixture of at least one dicarboxylic acid of formula (VI)

[0346]

[0347] Formula (VI) wherein X represents a saturated or unsaturated hydrocarbon residue having 1 to 8 carbon atoms, and at least one monocarboxylic acid of formula (VII)

[0348]

[0349] Formula (VII)

[0350] wherein R1 represents a saturated or unsaturated hydrocarbon residue having 5 to 21 carbon atoms, with

[0351] ii) at least one tertiary amine of formula (VIII)

[0352]

[0353] Formula (VIII)

[0354] wherein R2, R3, and R4independently represent a C2to Ce hydroxyalkyl group, preferably 2-hydroxyethyl, and then reacting the resulting product with

[0355] iii) at least one quaternizing agent for quaternizing at least one amino group contained in the reaction product.

[0356] In the dicarboxylic acid of formula (VI), 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.

[0357] In the monocarboxylic acids of formula (VII), 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.

[0358] Preferably the dicarboxylic acid of formula (VI) 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.

[0359] The alkanolamines of formula (VIII), preferably contain a hydroxyalkane residue (alkanol residue) having 2 to 6 carbon atoms, preferably 2 to 4 carbon atoms. Preferably the alkanolamines of formula (III) comprises triethanolamine.

[0360] The monocarboxylic acids (of formula VII) and the dicarboxylic acids (of formula VI) 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.

[0361] In an especially preferred embodiment of the sixth type of ester linked quaternary ammonium compounds, is an esterquat compound of formula (IX)

[0362]

[0363] Formula (IX) wherein,

[0364] X is a saturated or unsaturated hydrocarbon residue having 1 to 10 carbon atoms preferably butan-1,4-diyl A is a (C2 to C6) alkanediyl group, preferably ethan-1,2-diyl

[0365] 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;

[0366] R2 is methyl or ethyl;

[0367] R3 and R4-independently are a hydrogen atom or a (C6 to C2) acyl group;

[0368] n is 1 or 2; and

[0369] Z- is an anion, preferably methyl sulphate;

[0370] And wherein, at least one of the groups R1, R3, or R4 comprises a (C6 to C22) acyl residue.

[0371] The iodine value of the quaternary ammonium fabric conditioning material is preferably from 0 to 80, more preferably from 0 to 60, and most preferably from 0 to 45. The iodine value may be chosen as appropriate. Essentially saturated material having an iodine value of from 0 to 5, preferably from 0 to 1 may be used in the compositions of the invention. Such materials are known as "hardened" quaternary ammonium compounds.

[0372] A further preferred range of iodine values is from 20 to 60, preferably 25 to 50, more preferably from 30 to 45. A material of this type is a "soft" triethanolamine quaternary ammonium compound, preferably triethanolamine di-alkylester methylsulfate. Such ester-linked triethanolamine quaternary ammonium compounds comprise unsaturated fatty chains.

[0373] If there is a mixture of quaternary ammonium materials present in the composition, the iodine value, referred to above, represents the mean iodine value of the parent fatty acyl compounds or fatty acids of all of the quaternary ammonium materials present. Likewise, if there is any saturated quaternary ammonium materials present in the composition, the iodine value represents the mean iodine value of the parent acyl compounds of fatty acids of all of the quaternary ammonium materials present.

[0374] Iodine value as used in the context of the present invention refers to, the fatty acid used to produce the QAC, the measurement of the degree of unsaturation present in a material by a method of nmr spectroscopy as described in Anal. Chem., 34, 1136 (1962) Johnson and Shoolery.

[0375] A further type of softening compound may be a non-ester quaternary ammonium material represented by formula:

[0376]

[0377] wherein each R1 group is independently selected from C1 to C4 alkyl, hydroxyalkyl or C2 to C4 alkenyl groups; R2 group is independently selected from C8 to C28 alkyl or alkenyl groups, and X- is as defined above.

[0378] Silicones

[0379] If present silicones are present from 0.01wt.% to 10wt.% of the fabric conditioning composition. Many types of silicone are suitable for use with the present invention, including polydialkylsilicone, a polydimethyl silicone (polydimethyl siloxane or “PDMS”) or a derivative thereof. Preferably, the silicone is chosen from an aminofunctional silicone, alkyloxylated silicone, ethoxylated silicone, propoxylated silicone, ethoxylated / propoxylated silicone, quaternary silicone, or combinations thereof.

[0380] Other useful silicone materials may include materials of the formula:

[0381] HO[Si(CH3)2-O]x{Si(OH)[(CH2)3-NH-(CH2)2-NH2]O}yH

[0382] wherein x and y are integers which depend on the molecular weight of the silicone. Preferably the silicone has a molecular weight such that the silicone exhibits a viscosity of from 500 cSt to 1 ,500,000 cSt at 25° C, more preferably from 1 ,000 cSt to 500,000 cSt and most preferably from 5,000 cSt to 100,000 cSt.

[0383] One example of a PDMS is DC 200 fluid from Dow Corning. It is possible for the viscosity of the aminofunctional silicone to be low (e.g., from about 50 cSt to about 100,000 cSt).

[0384] A further example of a suitable silicone for use in the fabric conditioning composition of the invention is Liosil® FC 225, available from Wacker.

[0385] A suitable method for measuring the viscosity of the silicone is the "Cone / Plate Method" as described herein. The viscosity is measured by a cone / plate viscometer (such as Wells - Brookfield cone / plate viscometer by Brookfield Engineering Laboratories, Stoughton, MA.). Using the Cone / Plate Method, the spindle is "CP-52" and the revolutions per minute (rpm) is set at 5. The viscosity measurement is conducted at 25°C. Under the Cone / Plate Method, a typical PDMS fluid measured at about 100,000 cSt will have an average molecular weight of about 139,000.

[0386] Fatty acid methyl esters

[0387] If present fatty acid methyl esters are present from 0.001wt.% to 10wt.% of the fabric conditioning composition, more preferably 0.01 to 8wt.%, even more preferably from 0.1 to 5wt.% and most preferably from 0.5 to 3wt.%, based on total weight of the composition.

[0388] A fatty acid methyl ester is a compound derived from the rection between a fatty acid and methanol, where the carboxyl group of the fatty acid is esterified with the hydroxyl group of the methanol. Preferred fatty acid methyl esters are represented by formula:

[0389] R1-COO-CH3

[0390] wherein R1 is a linear or branched, Ci to C21 alkyl or alkenyl group.

[0391] Preferably R1 is a linear or branched, C7 to C21 alkyl or alkenyl group, more preferably a linear or branched C9 to C19 alkyl or alkenyl group, even more preferably a linear or branched C11 to C17 alkyl or alkenyl group, most preferably a linear or branched C15 to C17 alkyl or alkenyl group.

[0392] More preferably, R1 is a linear C7 to C21 alkyl or alkenyl group having 0 to 3 carbon-carbon double bonds, more preferably a linear C9 to C19 alkyl or alkenyl group having 0 to 3 carboncarbon double bonds, even more preferably a linear C11 to C17 alkyl or alkenyl group having 0 to 3 carbon-carbon double bonds, most preferably a linear C15 to C17 alkyl or alkenyl group having 0 to 3 carbon-carbon double bonds.

[0393] Alternatively, R1 is a linear C7 to C21 alkyl group, more preferably a linear C9 to C19 alkyl group, even more preferably a linear Cn to C17 alkyl group, most preferably a linear C15 to C17 alkyl group.

[0394] R1-COO is a fatty acid moiety. Suitable fatty acid moiety can be derived from caproic acid, octanoic acid, lauric acid, myristic acid, palmitic acid, palmitoleic acid, stearic acid, behenic acid, arachidic acid, oleic acid, linoleic acid, linolenic acid, arachidonic acid, erucic acid, 2- ethylhexanoic acid, isostearic acid, methyl-branched isostearic acid, 2-octyldodecanoic acid or mixtures thereof. Preferably lauric acid, myristic acid, palmitic acid, oleic acid, stearic acid or mixtures thereof, more preferably palmitic acid, oleic acid, stearic acid or mixtures thereof.

[0395] Examples of suitable fatty acid methyl ester include, but are not limited to, methyl laurate, methyl myristate, methyl palmitate, methyl oleate, methyl stearate or mixtures thereof, preferably methyl palmitate, methyl oleate, methyl stearate or mixtures thereof.

[0396] The fatty acid methyl ester can be mono-, di- and tri-esters, depending on the number of fatty acid chains that are esterified with an alcohol molecule. Preferably the fatty acid methyl ester comprises monoesters, diesters or a mixture thereof. It is preferred that the fatty acid methyl ester comprises at least 50%, more preferably 60 to 100%, even more preferably 70 to 100% and most preferably from 80 to 100% by weight of the monoesters, based on total weight of the fatty acid methyl ester.

[0397] Preferably the fatty acid methyl ester comprises at least 50% by weight of Cieto C22 fatty acid methyl esters, more preferably from 70 to 100%, even more preferably from 80 to 100%, most preferably from 90 to 100% by weight of Cieto C22 fatty acid methyl esters, based on total weight of the fatty acid methyl ester.

[0398] Preferably the fatty acid methyl ester comprises at least 50% by weight of Cieto C20 fatty acid methyl esters, more preferably from 70 to 100%, even more preferably from 80 to 100%, most preferably from 90 to 100% by weight of Cieto C20 fatty acid methyl esters, based on total weight of the fatty acid methyl ester.

[0399] It is particularly preferred that the fatty acid methyl ester comprises C16 and Cis fatty acid methyl esters such as methyl palmitate, methyl oleate, methyl stearate, or mixtures thereof. Preferably the fatty acid methyl ester comprises at least 50% C16 and C18 fatty acid methyl esters, preferably 70 to 100%, even more preferably from 80 to 100%, most preferably from 90 to 100% by weight of C16 and C18 fatty acid methyl esters, based on total weight of the fatty acid methyl ester.

[0400] Suitable fatty acid methyl esters may be derived from natural fats and / or hydrogenated natural oils (e.g. soy oil, castor oil, coconut oil, palm kernel oil, or tallow). Examples of suitable fatty acid methyl ester is commercially available under the trade name STEPAN C-65 from Stepan Company.

[0401] Composition pH

[0402] The liquid compositions have a pH ranging from about 2.2 to 6, preferably from about 2.3 to 4.8, most preferably about 2.5 to 2.8. The compositions of the invention may also contain pH modifiers such as hydrochloric acid or lactic acid.

[0403] Composition viscosity

[0404] The fabric conditioning composition has a viscosity of 1 to 2500 mPa.s, preferably 5 to 2500 mPa.s, more preferably 10 to 2000 mPa.s at 25°C. The viscosity is measured at 25°C at a shear rate of 21 s'1. Viscosity can be measured using a Thermo Scientific Haake Viscotester 550 model with a MV1 Sensor System.

[0405] Optional ingredients

[0406] Other ingredients which may be present in the fabric conditioning composition include dyes, colourants, preservatives, bactericides, pH agents, perfume carriers, hydrotropes, antiredeposition agents, soil-release agents, polyelectrolytes, anti-shrinking agents, anti-wrinkle agents, anti-oxidants, sunscreens, anti-corrosion agents, drape imparting agents, anti-static agents, antifoams, sequestrants and ironing aids. The products of the invention may contain pearlisers and / or opacifiers.

[0407] Product form

[0408] A composition for use in the invention is preferably in liquid form. The composition may be a concentrate to be diluted in a solvent, including water, before use. The composition may also be a ready-to-use (in-use) composition. Preferably the composition is provided as a ready to use liquid comprising an aqueous phase. The aqueous phase may comprise water-soluble species, such as mineral salts or short chain (C1-4) alcohols.

[0409] The composition is preferably for use in the rinse cycle of a home textile laundering operation, where, it may be added directly in an undiluted state to a washing machine, e.g. through a dispenser drawer or, for a top-loading washing machine, directly into the drum. Alternatively, it can be diluted prior to use. The compositions may also be used in a domestic hand-washing laundry operation. It is also possible for the compositions of the present invention to be used in industrial laundry operations, e.g. as a finishing agent for softening new clothes prior to sale to consumers.

[0410] Preparation of compositions according to the invention

[0411] A preferred method of preparation is as follows:-

[0412] 1. Heat water to about 35 to 50°C, preferably about 40°C.

[0413] 2. Add the polymer to the water slowly, preferably over about 1 minute with stirring.

[0414] 3. Mix thoroughly, preferably for from 10 to 15 minutes.

[0415] 4. Add any minor ingredients, such as antifoams, sequestrants and preservatives.

[0416] 5. Melt the softening active.

[0417] 6. Add the softening active to the heated water.

[0418] 7. Add acid to the preferred pH, if required.

[0419] 8. Add dyes and perfumes.

[0420] 9. Cool.

[0421] Alternatively, but less preferably, the acid may be added at step 4 and / or the minor ingredients may be added after step 6.

[0422] Method of conditioning a fabric

[0423] Conditioning

[0424] Conditioning means the treatment of a fabric such that its properties are altered. Preferably, conditioning according to the invention comprises softening, this may be realized as reduced fabric surface friction, fabrics that feel softer when assessed by human hands or various other metrics known to those skilled in the art.

[0425] Laundry Process

[0426] A laundry process suitable for performing a method according to the invention is one that provides conditioning to a fabric. Preferably such processes comprise one or more washing steps. Typically the first such step is a cleaning step, wherein an aqueous solution is firstly applied to the fabric, typically such that a laundry detergent liquid (suitable for stain removal) or a laundry detergent powder (also suitable for stain removal) is diluted many times. This has the benefit of providing a more even distribution of the detergent product across the fabric. Secondly one or more rinsing steps are performed, typically such that a high volume of water is applied to the fabric but also such that in one or more of said rinsing steps fabric conditioning compositions according to the invention are applied to the fabric, for example by dispensing from a specific compartment in a washing machine drawer set to dispense during a rinse cycle, preferably the final rinse cycle.

[0427] Following the washing steps the fabric is dried, for example by line drying or tumble drying. The fabric may be stored, for example in a wardrobe or set of drawers. The fabric may be worn, either immediately after drying or following a period of storage, alternatively the fabric may be washed immediately again, said process beginning again with the washing steps outlined above.

[0428] Preferably the method of conditioning a fabric is such that the laundry process is executed at least once, more preferably at least two times and still more preferably at least three times.

[0429] Application during rinse

[0430] Preferably the laundry process for performing a method according to the invention is executed such that the fabric conditioning composition is applied to the fabric during a rinse step of a washing machine or hand washing process.

[0431] Fabrics

[0432] Many fabric types are suitable for use in the method of conditioning a fabric according to the invention. Preferably the fabric comprises cotton, polyester, or mixtures thereof.

[0433] Other fabrics that may be suitable for use in the method of conditioning a fabric according to the invention include wool, hemp, jute, flax / linen, cashmere, mohair, alpaca, angora, ramie, bamboo, wood, coconut fibres, lymer, nylon, rayon, acrylic, spandex / lycra, polyolefin (for example polypropylene), modal, tencel / lyocell, viscose, and aramid / Kevlar fibres. Reduced fabric damage

[0434] In some instances performing a method according to the invention results in reduced damage to a fabric when compared with the same process carried out with a composition not according to the invention. The reduced damage may amongst other things be exhibited through tensile strength maintenance, fabric weight maintenance or colour maintenance.

[0435] If tensile strength is used to assess damage, then a suitable method is to prepare fabric swatches 200 mm x 55 mm. Each sample is then tested using a Testometric testing machine, where it is pulled to destruction under controlled conditions. A pre-tension load of 4N is applied longitudinally or in a transverse direction before loading, and the sample is stretched at a constant speed of 60 mm / min. The maximum force (in Newtons) recorded during the test is used as the primary metric for determining strength retention. Measurements are taken postwash and compared against unwashed controls to assess degradation. Replicates are used to ensure statistical reliability. A good reduction in damage is a 5% or more tensile strength difference for fabrics treated with compositions according to the invention when compared with an untreated sample, more preferably the reduction in damage is 7% or more, more preferably 9% or more, more preferably 10% or more and most preferably 11% or more.

[0436] If fabric weight maintenance is used to assess damage then a suitable method is that the fabrics are weighed before and after washing using precision analytical balances, preferably in an environment where both the temperature and humidity are controlled. The weight change is expressed as a percentage relative to the initial mass. Replicate measurements are taken across fabric types (e.g. cotton, polyester), and laundering conditions. A negative change in weight might indicate fibre loss, whereas a positive change might indicate deposition of one or more ingredients.

[0437] If colour maintenance is used to assess damage then a multi-stage protocol that simulates real-world laundering conditions using standardised fabric monitors can be used. In such a method fabrics are washed under controlled conditions using European ballast loads and dyed substrates such as pink pongee and terry towel monitors. Colour retention is quantified postwash using spectrophotometric analysis, capturing AE values to reflect perceptible colour change. Measurements are taken after each wash cycle. The protocol includes reference fabrics from AISE dye sets to benchmark performance across colour protection, dye transfer, and fading.

[0438] One or more of the above methods are suitable for determining fabric damage.

[0439] Use

[0440] In the third aspect of the invention is provided a use of a fabric conditioning composition conditioner as described herein to condition a fabric, preferably in a laundry process, more preferably in a laundry conditioning step. Preferably the laundry process comprises washing the fabric, drying the fabric, optionally storing the fabric, optionally wearing the fabric, followed by washing the fabric a subsequent time in a wash cycle of a washing machine, wherein the fabric experiences reduced damage in the wash cycle of the washing machine.

[0441] Examples

[0442] Example 1 - synthesis of polyol monomer from gluconolactone and amine

[0443] Gluconolactone and an amine (1 eq) were combined in methanol (100 mL, for 70 mmol of gluconolactone) and heated at 65°C for 2 hours. The reaction mass was concentrated in vacuo to provide a polyol, which was used in subsequent reactions without further purification.

[0444] In cases where a diamine was used (for example ethylenediamine or Jeffamine ED-600) the mole equivalents of diamine were reduced (0.5 eq).

[0445] Example 2 - synthesis of polyol monomer from glycerol carbonate and amine

[0446] Glycerol carbonate and an amine (1 eq) were combined and heated at 70°C for two hours. The reaction mass was cooled to provide a polyol, which was used in subsequent reactions without further purification.

[0447] In cases where a diamine was used (for example ethylenediamine or Jeffamine ED-600) the mole equivalents of diamine were reduced (0.5 eq). Example 3 - general method for synthesis of polyesters

[0448] The cyclic anhydride monomer(s) were combined with the polyol(s) and optional further third monomers. Tin(ll) ethylhexanoate (0.5 wt% relative to the total weight of monomers) was added. The reaction mass was heated at 160°C for 6 hours. The resulting polyester was decanted from the reaction flask, and no further purification was carried out.

[0449] Example 4 - specific method for further testing

[0450] Dodecenyl succinic anhydride was used as the cyclic anhydride and castol oil used as the polyol and reacted in a 1:1 molar ratio as per example 3.

[0451] Composition preparation

[0452] Table 1: the following compositions were produced:

[0453]

[0454] Performance testing

[0455] Washing trials were performed in horizontal axis Miele washing machines. The machines were set to use the following conditions:

[0456] • Wash cycle water level: 8 litres

[0457] • Machine cycle type: 40°C cotton

[0458] • Number of rinses: 3

[0459] • Soak time: No soak • Product dosage: Dispenser drawer

[0460] • Main wash product: Neutral® laundry detergent powder; recommended dosage

[0461] • Water hardness: 25°FH (Ca2+:Mg2+ratio: 4:1)

[0462] Each time a trial was run a total load of 2.5kg was used (including all test cloths). The load composition was 25wt% cotton terry towels, 25% woven cotton and 50% woven polyester. New clean fabrics were used in each case, and the fabrics were prewashed once in the Neutral® laundry detergent powder and line dried before use. No soil was present during the wash testing. A material to wash liquor ratio of 1:2.66 was used.

[0463] Several machines were used to take into account any machine-machine variation.

[0464] Multiple washes were undertaken to assess the softness after 3 washes.

[0465] The performance of the compositions was assessed using a trained panel test. 3 replicates were assessed by each panelist. An analysis of variation was adopted to test the hypothesis that:

[0466] • Null hypothesis: The means are the same at 95% confidence level

[0467] • Alternate hypothesis: Means of at least two products are different at a 95% confidence level

[0468] A multi-comparison test was used to find out which products differ.

[0469] 16 panelists were selected and presented with the towels for assessment. They scored them using a “softness intensity” scale, this is a 10-point scale where a higher number is indicative of more softening.

[0470] Table 2: Softness scored when compared to the control sample which was only washed with the Neutral powder (no conditioning product)

[0471]

[0472] It clearly be seen that washing fabrics with compositions comprising a polymer according to the invention led to improved softening compared to compositions without such a polymer.

Claims

Claims1. A home care fabric conditioning composition comprising a polymer and perfume, wherein the polymer is the reaction product of monomers comprising one or more first monomers and one or more second monomers, wherein the or each first monomer is a cyclic anhydride of the following formula:wherein at least one of R1and R2is a Ce-30 alkyl or alkenyl group,and the or each second monomer is an ester of glycerol and a hydroxycarboxylic acid, and wherein the polymer is present at less than 20wt.% (based on the total weight of the composition).

2. A home care fabric conditioning composition according to claim 1 , wherein the one or more first monomers is dodecenyl succinic anhydride and where the or each second monomer is castor oil.

3. A home care fabric conditioning composition according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising a softening agent.

4. A home care fabric conditioning composition according to any preceding claim, comprising quaternary ammonium compound.

5. A home care fabric conditioning composition according to any preceding claim, wherein the perfume comprises perfume microcapsules.

6. A home care fabric conditioning composition according to any preceding claim, wherein the pH of the composition is from 2.2 to 6.

7. A method of conditioning a fabric, wherein a composition according to any preceding claim is applied to a fabric in a laundry process.

8. A method of conditioning a fabric according to claim 7, wherein the composition is applied to a fabric in the rinse stage of the laundry process.

9. A method of conditioning a fabric according to claim 7 or 8, wherein the fabric comprises cotton, polyester, or mixtures thereof.

10. A method of conditioning a fabric according to claims 7 to 9, wherein the conditioning is softening.

11. A method of conditioning a fabric according to claims 7 to 10, wherein the laundry process is executed 3 or more times.

12. A method of conditioning a fabric according to claims 7 to 11, wherein the laundry process comprises washing the fabric, drying the fabric, optionally storing the fabric, optionally wearing the fabric, followed by washing the fabric a subsequent time in a wash cycle of a washing machine.

13. A method of conditioning a fabric with reduced damage according to claims 7 to 12, wherein the tensile strength of the fabric is increased by 5% or more.

14. Use of a composition according to any of claims 1 to 6 to condition a fabric.

15. Use of a composition according to claim 14, wherein the laundry process comprises washing the fabric, drying the fabric, optionally storing the fabric, optionally wearing the fabric, followed by washing the fabric a subsequent time in a wash cycle of a washing machine, wherein the fabric experiences reduced damage in the wash cycle of the washing machine.

Images