Detergent composition with color protection

Abstract

The present invention relates to a liquid detergent composition comprising a surfactant and succinic acid. The use of succinic acid in the liquid detergent composition leads to an improvement in color retention when cleaning colored textiles.

Description

[0001] Henkel AG & Co. KGaA

[0002] Detergent composition with color protection

[0003] The present application relates to a liquid detergent composition comprising an organic acid and a surfactant for maintaining the colour appearance of washed textiles and / or garments.

[0004] People choose clothing based on appearance, such as cut and color. There's a desire for the clothing's color to remain vibrant from the moment of purchase. However, depending on the fabric type, dyeing process, and pre-treatment of the textiles, colored garments can experience color loss or fading during normal washing. This color loss also gives colored clothing an aged, dull appearance. For this reason, garments are often replaced with new purchases after only a few wears and washes.

[0005] Another problem is that dyes released from clothing can be transferred from one garment to another during washing, creating unwanted color stains or blemishes that were not present before washing.

[0006] The majority of textile dyes used for coloring are bonded to the textile fiber only via van der Waals forces (direct-pulling dyes such as Direct Blue 22) or ionic bonds (acidic or basic dyes such as Acid Green 28 or mauveine). These dyes, in particular, can be leached from the textile fiber by the surfactants used during the washing process.

[0007] When using pigment dyes, fixatives are often applied afterward to improve the bleed-through of the loosely bound dyes. Polyacrylates, polyurethanes, polyesters, and copolymers of butyl acrylate and acetonitrile are used for this purpose. These processes are very environmentally harmful and are therefore often omitted. Furthermore, the aforementioned polymers are not biodegradable.

[0008] The above points indicate an increased need for color-protecting detergents.

[0009] From US patent 7,659,354, hydrophobically modified cationic polymers are known as detergent additives that prevent the transfer of dyes or fix dyes on fabric surfaces to prevent color bleeding.

[0010] WO 2017 / 044749 A1 discloses washing or cleaning compositions containing a cationic

[0011] The product contains a polymer and a non-ionic surfactant to maintain the color appearance of washed textiles and / or garments. It is desirable to minimize and / or prevent both color loss and color transfer when washing colored clothing.

[0012] This task is solved by a liquid detergent composition comprising - each based on the total weight of the liquid detergent composition - a. 1 to 85 wt.% surfactant and b. 0.5 to 12 wt.% succinic acid.

[0013] Surprisingly, the addition of succinic acid to a surfactant-containing liquid detergent composition has proven to be particularly advantageous for color retention when cleaning colored textiles.

[0014] Liquid detergent compositions can be available in various packaging and sales formats. In particular, liquid detergent compositions can also be packaged as pre-portioned detergent units.

[0015] A first essential component of the liquid detergent composition is 1 to 85 wt. % surfactant, wherein preferred liquid detergent compositions contain 2 to 80 wt.%, preferably 3 to 75 wt.% surfactant, based on their total weight.

[0016] The surfactant is preferably selected from the group consisting of anionic surfactants, nonionic surfactants and mixtures thereof.

[0017] Preferred liquid detergent compositions contain an anionic surfactant. Its weight fraction in the total weight of the liquid detergent composition is preferably 1 to 50 wt.%, particularly preferably 2 to 45 wt.%, and especially 3 to 40 wt.%.

[0018] The anionic surfactant is preferably selected from the group comprising C9-C13 alkylbenzenesulfonates, olefin sulfonates, Ci2-Cia alkanesulfonates, ester sulfonates, alk(en)yl sulfates, fatty alcohol ether sulfates, C12-18 fatty acid salts, and mixtures thereof. Compositions comprising Cg-Cn alkylbenzenesulfonates and fatty alcohol ether sulfates as the anionic surfactant exhibit particularly good dispersing properties. Suitable sulfonate-type surfactants include preferably Cg-Cn alkylbenzenesulfonates, olefin sulfonates (i.e., mixtures of alkene and hydroxyalkanesulfonates), and disulfonates, such as those obtained, for example, from Ci2-Ci8 monoolefins with terminal or internal double bonds by sulfonation with gaseous sulfur trioxide and subsequent alkaline or acidic hydrolysis of the sulfonation products.Also suitable are Ci2-Ci8-alkanesulfonates and the esters of α-sulfofaticial acids (estersulfonates), for example, the α-sulfonated methyl esters of hydrogenated coconut, palm kernel, or tallow fatty acids. It is particularly preferred if the composition contains at least one anionic surfactant of formula (I).

[0019] (I), in the

[0020] R' and R" are independent of H or alkyl and together contain 8 to 18, preferably 9 to 15 and particularly 9 to 13 C atoms and Y + a monovalent cation or the nth part of an n-valent cation (especially monoethanolamine).

[0021] The group of alkyl ether sulfates includes fatty alcohol ether sulfates, for example, the sulfuric acid monoesters of straight-chain or branched C7-C2i alcohols ethoxylated with 1 to 6 mol of ethylene oxide, such as 2-methyl-branched C9-11 alcohols with an average of 3.5 mol of ethylene oxide (EO) or C12-18 fatty alcohols with 1 to 4 EO. Alkyl ether sulfates with formula (II) are preferred.

[0022] R 1 -O-(AO) n -SO3- X + (II)

[0023] In this formula (II) R 1 for a linear or branched, substituted or unsubstituted alkyl group, preferably for a linear, unsubstituted alkyl group, particularly preferably for a fatty alcohol group. Preferred groups R 1The residues of formula (II) are selected from decyl, undecyl, dodecyl, tridecyl, tetradecyl, pentadecyl, hexadecyl, heptadecyl, octadecyl, nonadecyl, and eicosyl groups and mixtures thereof, with the representatives having an even number of carbon atoms being preferred. Particularly preferred residues R 1 of formula (II) are derived from fatty alcohols with 12 to 18 C atoms, for example from coconut fatty alcohol, tallow fatty alcohol, lauryl, myristyl, cetyl or stearyl alcohol or from oxo alcohols with 10 to 20 C atoms.

[0024] In formula (II), AO represents an ethylene oxide (EO) or propylene oxide (PO) group, preferably an ethylene oxide group. The subscript n in formula (I) is an integer from 1 to 50, preferably from 1 to 20, and particularly from 2 to 10. n 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, or 8 is especially preferred. X is a monovalent cation or the nth part of an n-valent cation, preferably the alkali metal ions, including Na. + or K+ , where Na + is highly preferred. Other cations X+ can be selected from NHT, % Zn 2+ ,% Mg 2+ ,% Ca 2+ ,% Mn 2+ , and their mixtures as well as primary and secondary amines, especially monoethanolamine.

[0025] Particularly preferred compositions contain an alkyl ether sulfate selected from fatty alcohol ether sulfates of formula (III) with k = 11 to 19, n = 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, or 8. Particularly preferred representatives are Na fatty alcohol ether sulfates with 12 to 18 carbon atoms and 2 EOs (k = 11 to 13, n = 2 in Formula III). The stated degree of ethoxylation represents a statistical average, which may be a whole number or a fraction for a specific product. The stated degrees of alkoxylation represent statistical averages, which may be a whole number or a fraction for a specific product. Preferred alkoxylates / ethoxylates exhibit a narrow range of homologs (narrow range ethoxylates, NRE).

[0026] In summary, preferred liquid detergent compositions contain an anionic surfactant selected from the group of Cs-is alkylbenzenesulfonates, Cs-is olefin sulfonates, Cs-is alkanesulfonates, Cs-18 ester sulfonates, Cs-is alkyl sulfates, Cs-is alkenyl sulfates, fatty alcohol ether sulfates and C12-18 fatty acid salts, preferably from the group of Cs-is alkylbenzenesulfonates, Cs-is alkyl sulfates, fatty alcohol ether sulfates and C12-18 fatty acid salts and in particular from the group of Cs-18 alkylbenzenesulfonates and C12-18 fatty acid salts.

[0027] The use of anionic surfactants from the group of alkanolamine-Cs-is-alkylbenzenesulfonates has proven to be particularly advantageous for the storage stability of the liquid detergent composition, which is packaged in the form of pre-portioned detergent units.

[0028] In preferred liquid detergent compositions, which are packaged in the form of pre-portioned detergent units, the anionic surfactant is selected from the group of alkanolamine Cs-18 alkylbenzenesulfonates with alkanolamine from the group monoethanolamine, monoisopropanolamine, diisopropanolamine, preferably from the group monoethanolamine.

[0029] Other preferably used anionic surfactants belong to the group of C12-18 fatty acid salts. Particularly preferred C12-18 fatty acid salts are selected from the group consisting of caprylic acid, capric acid, lauric acid, myristic acid, palmitic acid, stearic acid, oleic acid, linoleic acid, and mixtures thereof.

[0030] C12-18 fatty acid salts can exist in the form of their sodium, potassium, magnesium, or ammonium salts. Preferably, they exist in the form of their sodium and / or ammonium salts. Amines suitable for neutralization are preferably choline, triethylamine, monoethanolamine, diethanolamine, triethanolamine, monoisopropanolamine, diisopropanolamine, methylethylamine, or a mixture thereof. In liquid detergent compositions intended for use in portioned detergents, the anionic surfactant is preferably selected from the group of alkanolamine C12 fatty acid salts containing alkanolamines. Preferred alkanolamines include monoethanolamine, monoisopropanolamine, and / or diisopropanolamine, with monoethanolamine being preferred.

[0031] The C12-18 fatty acid salts are classified as anionic surfactants within the scope of the application.

[0032] Both storage stability and washing and cleaning performance can be further improved by the composition of the surfactant system. In preferred detergents, the weight ratio of Cs-is-alkylbenzenesulfonate to C12-18 fatty acid salts is 8:1 to 2:1, preferably 7:1 to 5:2, and particularly 6:1 to 3:1. Detergents in which the weight ratio of alkanolamine-Cs-is-alkylbenzenesulfonate to alkanolamine-Cs fatty acid salt is 8:1 to 2:1, preferably 7:1 to 5:2, and particularly 6:1 to 3:1 are especially preferred.

[0033] Preferred liquid detergent compositions contain a nonionic surfactant. Its weight fraction in the total weight of the liquid detergent composition is preferably 1 to 35 wt.%, particularly preferably 2 to 33 wt.%, and especially 3 to 30 wt.%.

[0034] The use of non-ionic surfactants from the group of alkyl ethoxylates is particularly preferred, wherein preferred alkyl ethoxylates are selected from the group of ethoxylated primary Cs-is alcohols, preferably the ethoxylated primary Cs-is alcohols with a degree of alkoxylation of 4 to 10, particularly preferably the Ci2-14 alcohols with 4 EO or 7 EO, the Cg-n alcohols with 7 EO, the C13-15 alcohols with 5 EO, 7 EO or 8 EO, the Ci3-15 oxo alcohols with 7 EO, the Cs alcohols with 5 EO or 7 EO, in particular the Ci2-is fatty alcohols with 7 EO or the C-is oxo alcohols with 7 EO.

[0035] In summary, preferred liquid detergent compositions contain, based on their total weight, 1 to 35 wt.%, particularly preferably 2 to 33 wt.% and particularly 3 to 30 wt.% non-ionic surfactant from the group of ethoxylated primary Cs-is alcohols, preferably the ethoxylated primary Cs-is alcohols with a degree of alkoxylation of 4 to 10, particularly preferably the Ci2-14 alcohols with 4 EO or 7 EO, the Cg-n alcohols with 7 EO, the C-is alcohols with 5 EO, 7 EO or 8 EO, the C-is oxo alcohols with 7 EO, the Ci2-18 alcohols with 5 EO or 7 EO, in particular the Ci2-is fatty alcohols with 7 EO or the C-is oxo alcohols with 7 EO.

[0036] In a preferred embodiment of the liquid detergent composition, the surfactant comprises anionic and non-ionic surfactants.

[0037] With regard to the rheological properties of the liquid detergent composition, its processability and cleaning effect, it may be advantageous to use non-ionic surfactant and anionic surfactant in a weight ratio of 3:1 to 1:3, preferably 2:1 to 1:2 and particularly 3:2 to 2:3.

[0038] A second essential component of the liquid detergent composition is succinic acid. Succinic acid (also called butanedioic acid) is an aliphatic dicarboxylic acid.

[0039] The weight fraction of succinic acid in the total weight of the liquid

[0040] The detergent composition preferably comprises 0.5 to 12 wt.%, more preferably 0.75 to 8 wt.%, and particularly preferably 1 to 4 wt.%. The addition of succinic acid leads to improved color retention when cleaning colored textiles.

[0041] The liquid detergent composition preferably contains water. Depending on the formulation of the liquid detergent composition, the water content can vary considerably.

[0042] Pre-portioned detergent compositions in water-soluble foil pouches preferably contain 5 to 15 wt.%, preferably 8 to 15 wt.%, water, based on the total weight of the liquid detergent composition.

[0043] In other formulations, the liquid detergent composition can contain more than 40% by weight, preferably 50 to 90% by weight and particularly preferably 60 to 80% by weight, water, in each case based on the total weight of the liquid detergent composition.

[0044] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the liquid detergent composition has a pH value in the range of 7.0 to 10.0, preferably in the range of 7.8 to 9.5 and most preferably in the range of 8.5 to 9.2, at 20 °C.

[0045] As an optional component, the liquid detergent compositions may contain 5 to 25 wt.% organic solvent. The weight fraction of the organic solvent in the total weight of the liquid detergent composition is preferably 7 to 20 wt.% and particularly 10 to 18 wt.%.

[0046] Preferred organic solvents are selected from the group consisting of ethanol, n-propanol, i-propanol, butanols, glycol, propanediol, butanediol, methylpropanediol, glycerol, diglycyl diglycylene, butyl diglycylene, hexylene glycol, ethylene glycol methyl ether, ethylene glycol ethyl ether, ethylene glycol propyl ether, ethylene glycol mono-n-butyl ether, diethylene glycol methyl ether, diethylene glycol ethyl ether, propylene glycol methyl ether, and propylene glycol ethyl ether.

[0047] Propylene glycol propyl ether, dipropylene glycol monomethyl ether, dipropylene glycol monoethyl ether, methoxytriglycol, ethoxytriglycol, butoxytriglycol, 1-butoxyethoxy-2-propanol, 3-methyl-3-methoxybutanol, propylene glycol tert-butyl ether, di-n-octyl ether, and mixtures thereof, preferably from the group consisting of propanediol, glycerol, and mixtures thereof. Any alkanolamine used to neutralize the anionic surfactant is not classified as an organic solvent.

[0048] The liquid detergent composition may also include a perfume composition in amounts of 0.01 to 5% by weight. Perfume compositions are typically complex mixtures of perfume raw materials such as alcohols, ethers, esters, ketones, aldehydes, and / or hydrocarbons.

[0049] As a further optional component, preferred liquid detergent compositions may contain 1 to 10 wt.%, preferably 1.2 to 7 wt.% and in particular 1.5 to 4 wt.% of a polyalkoxylated amine with a weight-average molecular weight Mw in the range of 600 g / mol to 10000 g / mol, obtainable by reacting ammonia or primary alkyl or hydroxyalkyl amines having a molecular weight below 200 g / mol with alkylene oxides to increase washing or cleaning performance.

[0050] Preferred polyalkoxylated amines have a weight-average molecular weight Mw in the range of 1300 g / mol to 6000 g / mol, particularly from 1400 g / mol to 4500 g / mol. (The mean molecular weights given here and subsequently, if applicable, for other polymers are weight-average molecular weights Mw, which can generally be determined by gel permeation chromatography using an Rl detector, the measurement being expediently carried out against an external standard.)) For their production, one can start with ammonia, a monoalkylamine, a monoalkylmonoalkanolamine, a monoalkyldialkanolamine, or a mono-, di-, or trialkanolamine, for example, triethanolamine, methyl-, ethyl-, propyl-, and isopropyl-diethanolamine, methyl-, ethyl-, propyl-, and isopropyl-diisopropanolamine, tripropanolamine, triisopropanolamine, N,N-di-(2-hydroxyethyl)cyclohexylamine, N,N-di-(2-hydroxypropyl)cyclohexylamine, n-butylamine, n-hexylamine, n-octylamine, isopropylamine, sec-butylamine, tert-butylamine, cyclohexylamine, 2-ethylhexylamine, 2-phenylethylamine, and mixtures thereof, in a known manner, using an alkylene oxide, in particular selected from the group consisting of ethylene oxide, propylene oxide, butylene oxide, and Mixtures thereof are reacted, in particular with a mixture containing propylene oxide and preferably ethylene oxide, especially preferably with propylene oxide.The polyalkoxylated amines obtained in this way can have block or random structures. A polyalkoxylated amine obtainable by propoxylation of triethanolamine, preferably with a length of 15 propylene oxide units for each of the three side arms, is particularly preferred. A polyalkoxylated amine obtainable by propoxylation of triisopropanolamine, preferably with a length of 15 propylene oxide units for each of the three side arms, is also preferred. Polyalkoxylated monoalkylamines with a linear, branched, or cyclic alkyl group are also suitable, wherein alkoxylation is performed with an alkylene oxide selected from the group consisting of ethylene oxide, propylene oxide, butylene oxide, and mixtures thereof, preferably with a mixture containing propylene oxide, and particularly preferably with propylene oxide.A polyalkoxylated amine obtainable by propoxylation of tert-butylamine is also preferred, preferably with a length of the two side arms of 12 propylene oxide units each.

[0051] Preferred polyalkoxylated amines satisfy the general formula (IV), in the R for a linear, optionally branched or optionally cyclic alkyl group with 1 to 12 C atoms or a group -(CH2CHR'O) n -(CH2CHR“O) m-H represents, R' and R" independently represent H, CH3 or CH2CH3, n, n' and n" independently represent numbers from 0 to 30, preferably from 0 to 10 and particularly from 0 to 5, and m, m' and m" independently represent numbers from 0 to 30, preferably from 5 to 20 and particularly from 12 to 16, provided that the sum n + n' + n" + m + m' + m" is at least 14, preferably in the range of 18 to 100 and particularly in the range of 20 to 70. Preferably, in the compounds of formula I, at least one of the residues R' and R" is a CHs group.

[0052] Polyalkoxylated amines, particularly preferred due to their purification performance, are obtained by reacting triethanolamine with alkylene oxides, preferably by reacting triethanolamine with ethylene oxide and propylene oxide. Polyalkoxylated amines obtained by reacting triethanolamine with ethylene oxide followed by reaction with propylene oxide are especially preferred.

[0053] Preferred liquid detergent compositions contain detergent- or cleaning-active polymers. Particularly preferred detergent- or cleaning-active polymers are selected from the group consisting of soil release polymers, color transfer inhibitors, graying inhibitors, and anti-reposition agents.

[0054] Soil release agents are components that positively influence the washability of oil and grease from textiles. This effect is particularly noticeable when a textile becomes soiled after having been repeatedly washed with a product containing this oil- and grease-dissolving component. Preferred soil release agents include, for example, non-ionic cellulose ethers such as methylcellulose and methylhydroxypropylcellulose with a methoxyl group content of 15 to 30 wt.% and a hydroxypropoxyl group content of 1 to 15 wt.%, based on the non-ionic cellulose ether, as well as polymers of phthalic acid and / or terephthalic acid or their derivatives known from the prior art, with monomeric and / or polymeric diols, in particular polymers of ethylene terephthalates and / or polyethylene glycol terephthalates or anionically and / or nonionically modified derivatives thereof.Anionic or nonionic polyesters of polypropylene terephthalates are still preferred. Such polyesters are commercially available, for example, under the trade name Texcare®. In summary, liquid detergent compositions are preferred which contain a washing- or cleaning-active polymer from the group consisting of phthalic acid and / or terephthalic acid or their derivatives with monomeric and / or polymeric diols, preferably from the group consisting of polymers of ethylene terephthalates and / or polyethylene glycol terephthalates and / or polypropylene terephthalates or anionically and / or nonionically modified derivatives thereof, and particularly preferably from the group consisting of anionic or nonionic polyesters of polypropylene terephthalates.

[0055] It is preferred that the color transfer inhibitor is a polymer or copolymer of cyclic amines such as vinylpyrrolidone and / or vinylimidazole. Polymers suitable as color transfer inhibitors include polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP), polyvinylimidazole (PVI), copolymers of vinylpyrrolidone and vinylimidazole (PVP / PVI), polyvinylpyridine N-oxide, poly-N-carboxymethyl-4-vinylpyridium chloride, polyethylene glycol-modified copolymers of vinylpyrrolidone and vinylimidazole, and mixtures thereof. Polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP), polyvinylimidazole (PVI), or copolymers of vinylpyrrolidone and vinylimidazole (PVP / PVI) are particularly preferred as color transfer inhibitors. The polyvinylpyrrolidones (PVP) used preferably have a mean molecular weight of 2,500 to 400,000 and are commercially available from ISP Chemicals as PVP K 15, PVP K 30, PVP K 60 or PVP K 90 or from BASF as Sokalan® HP 50 or Sokalan® HP 53.The vinylpyrrolidone and vinylimidazole (PVP / PVI) copolymers used preferably have a molecular weight in the range of 5,000 to 100,000 g / mol. A PVP / PVI copolymer is commercially available, for example, from BASF under the name Sokalan® HP 56.

[0056] Anti-graying agents serve to keep the dirt detached from the textile fibers suspended in the cleaning solution. Water-soluble colloids, mostly of organic origin, are suitable for this purpose, such as starch, glue, gelatin, salts of ethercarboxylic or ethersulfonic acids of starch or cellulose, or salts of acidic sulfuric acid esters of cellulose or starch. Water-soluble polyamides containing acidic groups are also suitable. Furthermore, starch derivatives other than those mentioned above can be used, for example, aldehyde starches. Cellulose ethers, such as carboxymethylcellulose (sodium salt), methylcellulose, hydroxyalkylcellulose, and mixed ethers, such as methylhydroxyethylcellulose, methylhydroxypropylcellulose, methylcarboxymethylcellulose, and mixtures thereof, are particularly favored.

[0057] Anti-reposition agents can be used in particular on (co)polymers based on polyethyleneimine, polyvinyl acetate and polyethylene glycol, preferably in mixtures with anti-reposition agents.

[0058] Particularly preferred is the use of ethoxylated polyethyleneimine with ethylene oxide segments bonded to the nitrogen atoms of the polyethyleneimine, wherein the weight fraction of this ethoxylated polyethyleneimine in the total weight of the detergent is preferably 1 to 10 wt.%, more preferably 1.2 to 7 wt.%, and particularly 1.5 to 4 wt.%. The ethoxylated polyalkylenemine is a polymer with a polyalkylenemine backbone bearing polyalkoxy groups on the nitrogen atoms. The ethoxylated polyethyleneimine preferably has a polyethyleneimine backbone with a weight-average molecular weight in the range of 100 g / mol to 2000 g / mol, particularly from 400 g / mol to 800 g / mol. The weight-average molecular weight of the ethoxylated polyethyleneimine is preferably from 5000 g / mol to 20000 g / mol, in particular from 8000 g / mol to 14000 g / mol.

[0059] The polyalkylenemine has primary amino groups at its ends and preferably both secondary and tertiary amino groups in its interior; optionally, it may also have only secondary amino groups in its interior, resulting in a linear rather than a branched-chain polyalkylenemine. The ratio of primary to secondary amino groups in the polyalkylenemine is preferably in the range of 1:0.5 to 1:1.5, particularly in the range of 1:0.7 to 1:1. The ratio of primary to tertiary amino groups in the polyalkylenemine is preferably in the range of 1:0.2 to 1:1, particularly in the range of 1:0.5 to 1:0.8. The nitrogen atoms in the polyalkylenemine are separated from one another by alkylene groups with 2 to 12 carbon atoms, particularly 2 to 6 carbon atoms, whereby not all alkylene groups need to have the same number of carbon atoms. Particularly preferred are ethylene groups, 1,2-propylene groups, 1,3-propylene groups, and mixtures thereof.The primary amino groups in the polyalkylenemine can bear one or two polyalkoxy groups, and the secondary amino groups one polyalkoxy group, although not every amino group needs to be alkoxy substituted. The average number of alkoxy groups per primary and secondary amino group in the ethoxylated polyalkylenemine is preferably 5 to 100, and more particularly 10 to 50. The ethoxylated polyalkylenemines are accessible by reacting the polyalkylenemines with ethylene oxide.

[0060] In summary, particularly preferred liquid detergent compositions contain washing or cleaning active polymer from the group of carboxymethyl celluloses, nonionic cellulose ethers, polyalkoxylated polyethyleneimines and (co)polymers of phthalic or terephthalic acid.

[0061] To further increase cleaning performance, preferred detergents contain, based on their total weight, 0.5 to 7 wt.%, preferably 1.0 to 6 wt.% enzyme preparations.

[0062] An enzyme preparation comprises, in addition to the actual enzyme protein, other components such as enzyme stabilizers, carrier materials, or fillers. The enzyme protein typically constitutes only a fraction of the total weight of the enzyme preparation. Preferred enzyme preparations contain between 0.1 and 40 wt%, preferably between 0.2 and 30 wt%, more preferably between 0.4 and 20 wt%, and most preferably between 0.8 and 10 wt% of the enzyme protein. In such compositions, an enzyme stabilizer may be present in an amount of 0.05 to 35 wt%, preferably 0.05 to 10 wt%, based on the total weight in the enzyme composition. The protein concentration can be determined using known methods, for example, the BCA method (bicinchoninic acid; 2,2'-bicinolyl-4,4'-dicarboxylic acid) or the biuret method.The determination of the active protein concentration is carried out by titration of the active sites using a suitable irreversible inhibitor (for proteases, for example, phenylmethylsulfonyl fluoride (PMSF)) and determination of the residual activity.

[0063] The liquid detergent compositions preferably contain at least one enzyme preparation, particularly preferably at least three enzyme preparations of enzymes from the group consisting of lipase, mannanase, amylase, protease, cellulase, hexosaminidase, preparations of a pectinolytic enzyme and endoglucanase.

[0064] With regard to their cleaning performance, preferred liquid detergent compositions contain, based on their total weight, 0.1 to 0.4 wt.% and in particular 0.2 to 0.3 wt.% hexosaminidase preparation, particularly preferably β-hexosaminidase preparation.

[0065] The term "hexosaminidase" refers to a polypeptide with hexosaminidase activity (hexosaminidases) and includes enzymes that catalyze the hydrolysis of N-acetyl-D-hexosamine or N-acetyl-glucosamine polymers.

[0066] Polypeptides with hexosaminidase activity include dispersins such as dispersin B (DspB), which are β-N-acetylglucosamininidases belonging to the glycoside hydrolase 20 family. Dispersins are produced by the periodontal pathogen Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans, a Gram-negative oral bacterium. Dispersin B is a β-hexosaminidase that specifically hydrolyzes β-1,6-glycosidic bonds of acetylglucosamine polymers. The use of hexosaminidases from the β-hexosaminidase group is preferred.

[0067] It is preferred if the liquid detergent composition contains at least one lipase preparation. According to the invention, preferred lipases are selected from at least one enzyme of the group consisting of triacylglycerol lipase (EC 3.1.1.3), lipoprotein lipase (EC 3.1.1.34), and monoglyceride lipase (EC 3.1.1.23).

[0068] Preferred lipase preparations are the commercial products marketed by Amano Pharmaceuticals under the names Lipase M-AP10®, Lipase LE®, and Lipase F® (also Lipase JV®). Lipase F®, for example, occurs naturally in Rhizopus oryzae. Lipase M-AP10®, for example, occurs naturally in Mucor javanicus.

[0069] A highly preferred lipase is commercially available under the trade name Lipex® from Novozymes (Denmark) and can be advantageously used in the detergents according to the invention. Lipex® 100 L is particularly preferred. Preferred liquid detergent compositions are characterized in that they contain 0.01 to 1 wt.%, and in particular 0.05 to 0.3 wt.%, of lipase preparation based on their total weight.

[0070] The liquid detergent compositions preferably contain at least one amylase, in particular an α-amylase. α-Amylases (EC 3.2.1.1) act as enzymes to hydrolyze internal α-1,4-glycosidic bonds of starch and starch-like polymers. Examples include α-amylases from Bacillus licheniformis, B. amyloliquefaciens, and B. stearothermophilus, as well as their improved formulations for use in detergents or cleaning agents. The enzyme from B. licheniformis is available from Novozymes under the trade name Termamyl® and from Genencor under the trade name Purastar®ST. Further developments of these α-amylases are available from Novozymes under the trade names Duramyl® and Termamyl®ultra, from Genencor under the name Purastar®OxAm, and from Daiwa Seiko Inc., Tokyo, Japan, as Keistase®. The α-amylase of B.Amyloliquefaciens is marketed by Novozymes under the name BAN®, and derivatives of the α-amylase from B. stearothermophilus are marketed under the names BSG® and Novamyl®, also by Novozymes. Examples of α-amylases from other organisms include the further developments of α-amylase from Aspergillus niger and A. oryzae, available from Novozymes under the trade names Fungamyl®.

[0071] The weight fraction of the amylase preparation, in particular the α-amylase preparation, in the total weight of the liquid detergent compositions is preferably 0.1 to 2 wt.%, in particular 0.2 to 1 wt.%.

[0072] It is preferred that the liquid detergent composition contains at least one protease as an enzyme. A protease is an enzyme that cleaves peptide bonds by hydrolysis. According to the invention, each of the enzymes from class EC 3.4 falls under this category (comprising each of the thirteen subclasses included therein). “Protease activity” is present when the enzyme possesses proteolytic activity (EC 3.4). Various types of protease activity are known: The three main types are: trypsin-like, wherein cleavage of the amide substrate occurs along the amino acids Arg or Lys at P1; chymotrypsin-like, wherein cleavage occurs along one of the hydrophobic amino acids at P1; and elastase-like, wherein cleavage of the amide substrate occurs along the Ala at P1.

[0073] Surprisingly, it was found that a protease of the alkaline protease type from Bacillus lentus DSM 5483, or a sufficiently similar protease (with respect to sequence identity) exhibiting several of these modifications in combination, is particularly suitable for use in the detergents according to the invention and is advantageously stabilized therein. The advantages of using this protease thus arise particularly with regard to washing performance and / or stability. Most preferably, the liquid detergent composition contains a protease of the alkaline protease type from Bacillus lentus DSM 5483, or a sufficiently similar protease (with respect to sequence identity) exhibiting several of these modifications in combination.

[0074] The weight fraction of the protease preparation in the total weight of the liquid detergent composition is preferably 0.2 to 4 wt.% and particularly 0.4 to 3 wt.%.

[0075] Preferred liquid detergent compositions further contain, as an optional component based on their total weight, 0.05 to 2 wt.%, preferably 0.1 to 0.4 wt.%, of a preparation of a pectinolytic enzyme.

[0076] Within the scope of the present invention, the pectinolytic enzymes include enzymes designated as pectinase, pectate lyase, pectin esterase, pectin demethoxylase, pectin methoxylase, pectin methyl esterase, pectase, pectin methyl esterase, pectin pectyl hydrolase, pectin depolymerase, endopolygalacturonase, pectolase, pectin hydrolase, pectin polygalacturonase, endo-polygalacturonase, poly-α-1,4-galacturonide glycanohydrolase, endogalacturonase, endo-D-galacturonase, galacturan 1,4-α-galacturonidase, exopolygalacturonase, poly(galacturonate) hydrolase, exo-D-galacturonanase, and exo-D-galacturonanase. Exopoly-D-galacturonase, exo-poly-α-galacturonosidase, exopolygalacturonosidase, or 25-exopolygalacturanosidase. The use of pectate lyases is particularly preferred.

[0077] Within the EC classification of enzymes, the numerical classification system for enzymes, pectinolytic enzymes belong specifically to the enzyme classes (Enzyme Commission numbers) EC 3.1.1.11, EC 3.2.1.15, EC 3.2.1.67, and EC 3.2.1.82. Consequently, they are part of the third of the six main enzyme classes, the 10 hydrolases (EC 3.1.1.11), specifically the glycosylases (EC 3.2.1.1.11) and, within these, the glycosidases (EC 3.2.1.1.11), i.e., enzymes that hydrolyze O- and / or S-glycosyl compounds. Pectinolytic enzymes are therefore particularly effective against residues on dishes containing pectic acid and / or other galacturonans, and catalyze their hydrolysis.

[0078] Pectate lyases within the meaning of the invention are enzymes that catalyze the non-hydrolytic cleavage of pectate via an endo-mechanism.

[0079] Examples of suitable pectinolytic enzymes are the enzymes and enzyme preparations available under the trade names Gamanase®, Pectinex AR®, X-Pect® or Pectaway® from Novozymes, under the trade names Rohapect UF®, Rohapect TPL®, Rohapect PTE100®, Rohapect MPE®, 30 Rohapect MA plus HC, Rohapect DA12L®, Rohapect 10L®, Rohapect B1 L® from AB Enzymes and under the trade name Pyrolase® from Diversa Corp., San Diego, CA, USA.

[0080] The detergent preferably contains 0.01 to 1 wt.%, preferably 0.02 to 0.3 wt.% of a mannanase preparation.

[0081] A mannanase catalyzes the hydrolysis of 1,4-beta-D-mannosidic bonds in mannans, galactomannans, glucomannan, and galactoglucomannan. These mannanases are classified as EC 3.2.1.78 according to enzyme nomenclature.

[0082] As a further preferred component, the liquid detergent compositions contain a cellulase preparation. Synonymous terms can be used for cellulases, in particular endoglucanase, endo-1,4-beta-glucanase, carboxymethylcellulase, endo-1,4-beta-D-glucanase, beta-1,4-glucanase, beta-1,4-endoglucan hydrolase, celludextrinase, or avicelase. The decisive factor in determining whether an enzyme is a cellulase within the meaning of the invention is its ability to hydrolyze 1,4-β-D-glucosidic bonds in cellulose.

[0083] Suitable cellulases (endoglucanases, EG) include, for example, fungal endoglucanase (EG)-rich compositions offered by Novozymes under the trade name Celluzyme®. The products Endolase® and Carezyme®, also available from Novozymes, are based on the 50 kDa EG and 43 kDa EG from Humicola insolens DSM 1800, respectively. Other usable products from this company are Cellusoft®, Renozyme®, and Celluclean®. Also suitable are cellulases available from AB Enzymes, Finland, under the trade names Ecostone® and Biotouch®, which are at least partially based on the 20 kDa EG from Melanocarpus. Other cellulases from AB Enzymes include Econase® and Ecopulp®. Further suitable cellulases are derived from Bacillus sp. CBS 670.93 and CBS 669.93, the latter being Bacillus sp. CBS 670.93, which is available from Danisco / Genencor under the trade name Puradax®.Other usable commercial products from the company Danisco / Genencor are “Genencor detergent cellulase L” and IndiAge®Neutra.

[0084] The weight fraction of the cellulase preparation in the total weight of the detergent is preferably 0.01 to 1 wt.%, preferably 0.05 to 0.3 wt.%.

[0085] In addition to the explicitly described optional ingredients, the liquid detergent compositions may contain further ingredients that further improve the application-related and / or aesthetic properties of the composition, depending on the intended use. Within the scope of the present invention, they may contain, but are not limited to, builders, silicone oils, emulsifiers, thickeners, electrolytes, pH adjusters, fluorescent agents, dyes, hydrotopes, foam inhibitors, optical brighteners, antimicrobial agents, antioxidants, corrosion inhibitors, preservatives, antistatic agents, pearlescent agents, and UV absorbers.

[0086] Another preferred subject matter of this application is a detergent portion unit comprising i) a liquid detergent composition according to the invention; ii) a transparent water-soluble film which completely encloses the liquid detergent composition.

[0087] The water-soluble film enclosing the liquid detergent composition can comprise one or more structurally different water-soluble polymers. Particularly suitable water-soluble polymers include polymers from the group of (optionally acetalized) polyvinyl alcohols (PVALs) and their copolymers.

[0088] Water-soluble films are preferably based on a polyvinyl alcohol or a polyvinyl alcohol copolymer with a molecular weight in the range of 10,000 to 1,000,000 gmol. -1 , preferably from 20,000 to 500,000 gmol -1 , particularly preferably from 30,000 to 100,000 gmol -1 and especially from 40,000 to 80,000 gmol -1 lies.

[0089] The production of polyvinyl alcohols and polyvinyl alcohol copolymers generally involves the hydrolysis of intermediate polyvinyl acetate. Preferred polyvinyl alcohols and polyvinyl alcohol copolymers have a degree of hydrolysis of 70 to 100 mol%, preferably 80 to 90 mol%, particularly preferably 81 to 89 mol%, and especially 82 to 88 mol%.

[0090] Preferred polyvinyl alcohol copolymers comprise, in addition to vinyl alcohol, an ethylene-unsaturated carboxylic acid, its salt, or its ester. Particularly preferred are such polyvinyl alcohol copolymers containing, besides vinyl alcohol, sulfonic acids such as 2-acrylamido-2-methyl-1-propanesulfonic acid (AMPS), acrylic acid, methacrylic acid, acrylic acid esters, methacrylic acid esters, or mixtures thereof; among the esters, Ci-4 alkyl esters or hydroxyalkyl esters are preferred. Further suitable monomers include ethylene-unsaturated dicarboxylic acids, for example, itaconic acid, maleic acid, fumaric acid, and mixtures thereof.

[0091] Suitable water-soluble films for use are distributed by companies such as MonoSol LLC under the designations M8630, M8720, M8310, C8400, or M8900. Films such as Solublon® PT, Solublon® GA, Solublon® KC, or Solublon® KL from Aicello Chemical Europe GmbH, or the VF-HP films from Kuraray, are also suitable.

[0092] The water-soluble films may contain additional active ingredients or fillers, as well as plasticizers and / or solvents, particularly water. These additional active ingredients include, for example, materials that protect the ingredients of the preparation enclosed by the film material from degradation or deactivation by light exposure. Antioxidants, UV absorbers, and fluorescent dyes have proven particularly suitable for this purpose.

[0093] Examples of plasticizers that can be used include glycerin, ethylene glycol, diethylene glycol, propanediol, 2-methyl-1,3-propanediol, sorbitol or mixtures thereof.

[0094] To reduce its coefficient of friction, the surface of the water-soluble film of the detergent portion unit can optionally be dusted with fine powder. Sodium aluminosilicate, silicon dioxide, talc, and amylose are examples of suitable powders.

[0095] Preferred water-soluble films are suitable for processing in a thermoforming apparatus.

[0096] The volume of the detergent portion unit is preferably from 10 to 30 ml, in particular from 12 to 25 ml.

[0097] Preferred detergent portion units have one to four receiving chambers, preferably three or four. In detergent portion units with two or more receiving chambers, preferably at least one, and preferably the majority, of the receiving chambers is transparent. Preferred detergent portion units have three or four receiving chambers, and at least two of the chambers contain a detergent according to the invention.

[0098] The following further embodiments are particularly preferred:

[0099] Detergent portion unit comprising at least two receiving chambers surrounded by a water-soluble film, wherein one receiving chamber is filled with the liquid detergent composition according to the invention and the other receiving chamber is filled with a second detergent different from the liquid detergent composition according to the invention;

[0100] Detergent portion unit comprising at least three receiving chambers surrounded by a water-soluble film, wherein two receiving chambers are filled with the liquid detergent composition according to the invention and the further receiving chamber is filled with a second detergent different from the liquid detergent composition according to the invention;

[0101] Detergent portion unit comprising at least four receiving chambers surrounded by a water-soluble film, wherein three receiving chambers are filled with the liquid detergent composition according to the invention and the further receiving chamber is filled with a detergent different from the liquid detergent composition according to the invention.

[0102] As explained at the outset, the liquid detergent composition is particularly suitable for cleaning textiles in machine-based textile cleaning. A further subject matter of this application is therefore a method for textile cleaning in which a detergent composition or a detergent portion unit according to the invention is introduced into the washing liquor of a textile washing machine.

[0103] The machine-based textile cleaning process preferably takes place at temperatures of 20°C to 60°C, preferably from 30°C to 45°C.

[0104] Another subject matter of this application is the use of succinic acid in a liquid detergent composition comprising surfactant, to improve color retention when cleaning colored textiles.

[0105] The use of succinic acid in liquid, surfactant-containing detergent compositions leads to an improvement in color retention when cleaning colored textiles compared to a liquid, surfactant-containing detergent composition that does not contain succinic acid.

[0106] EXAMPLES

[0107] Table 1: Composition of a detergent composition E1 according to the invention and a detergent composition V1 not according to the invention Color retention was determined in a Miele washing machine (WCI 360 WTL Powerwash 2.0) using the easy-care program (40°C, 1200 rpm). The detergent dosage was 45 ml each. 2.5 kg of white T-shirts (50% cotton / 50% polyester) were used as the load. Color retention was also determined on black and red textiles (100% cotton jersey) from the brand Trigema. These textiles were washed 10 times with detergents of formulations V1 and E1 and then colorimetrically measured in their dry state.

[0108] The value "Delta E" indicates the color difference from the original value. A value of Delta E = 2 corresponds to a difference visible to the untrained eye.

[0109] Table 2: “Delta E” values ​​after 10 washes

[0110] Both the black and the red textiles showed color changes after washing. When using the detergent composition E1 according to the invention, the color difference from the initial value was less pronounced than with the comparison detergent composition V1.

[0111] The results clearly show that the use of succinic acid in liquid detergent compositions leads to an improvement in color retention when colored textiles are washed several times.

Claims

Patent claims 1. Liquid detergent composition comprising - each based on the total weight of the liquid detergent composition - a. 1 to 85 wt.% surfactant and b. 0.5 to 12 wt.% succinic acid.

2. Liquid detergent composition according to claim 1, characterized in that the surfactant is selected from the group consisting of anionic surfactants, nonionic surfactants and mixtures thereof.

3. Liquid detergent composition according to claim 1 or claim 2, characterized in that the surfactant comprises an anionic surfactant, the weight fraction of which in the total weight of the liquid detergent composition is 1 to 50 wt.%.

4. Liquid detergent composition according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the surfactant comprises a non-ionic surfactant, the weight fraction of which in the total weight of the liquid detergent composition is 1 to 35 wt.%.

5. Liquid detergent composition according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the liquid detergent composition further comprises 1 to 10 wt.%, based on the total weight of the liquid detergent composition, of a polyalkoxylated amine having a weight-average molecular weight Mw in the range of 600 g / mol to 10000 g / mol, obtainable by reacting ammonia or primary alkyl or hydroxyalkyl amines having a molecular weight below 200 g / mol with alkylene oxides.

6. Liquid detergent composition according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the liquid detergent composition has a pH value in the range of 7.0 to 10.0 at 20 °C.

7. Detergent portion unit comprising i) a liquid detergent composition according to any one of claims 1 to 6 and ii) a transparent water-soluble film which completely encloses the liquid detergent composition.

8. A method for textile cleaning in which a liquid detergent composition according to one of claims 1 to 6 or a detergent portion unit according to claim 7 is introduced into the washing liquor of a textile washing machine.

9. Use of succinic acid in a liquid detergent composition comprising surfactant, for improving color retention in the cleaning of colored textiles.

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