Use for improved perfume performance

Abstract

The present invention relates to use of a laundry composition comprising a plurality of particles to provide improved perfume performance, wherein the particles comprise: (a) from 20 to 95% by weight of a water-soluble carrier selected from a carbohydrate, an inorganic alkali metal salt, an organic alkali metal salt, an inorganic alkaline earth metal salt, an organic alkaline earth metal salt, a urea and mixtures thereof; wherein the water-soluble carrier comprises a carbohydrate; (b) from 0.1 to 30% by weight of perfume; and (c) from 0.01 to 10% by weight of a copolymer polymerized from monomers comprising: (i) at least one ethylenically unsaturated carboxylic acid; and (ii) at least one ethylenically unsaturated dicarboxylic acid and / or an anhydride; wherein the monomer (i) is selected from acrylic acid, methacrylic acid, crotonic acid, vinylacetic acid and mixtures thereof; wherein the monomer (ii) is selected from maleic acid, maleic anhydride, fumaric acid, citraconic acid, citraconic anhydride, itaconic acid and mixtures thereof; wherein the particles provide improved perfume performance in comparison to comparative particles that do not comprise the copolymer; wherein the term "perfume performance" refers to overall perfume experience as perceived by consumers including the strength and longevity of the fragrance and its pleasantness and appeal; and wherein the term "comparative particles" refers to particles used as a benchmark that are similar in all respects to the particles except for the absence of the copolymer.

Description

[0001] P0001274W01

[0002] 1

[0003] USE FOR IMPROVED PERFUME PERFORMANCE

[0004] Field of the Invention

[0005] 5 The present invention relates to a laundry composition comprising a plurality of particles. In particular, the invention relates to use of the laundry composition comprising a plurality of particles to provide improved perfume performance.

[0006] Background of the Invention

[0007] A wide variety of laundry products are available in the market, including detergents, fabric conditioners, stain removers, and bleach. Traditionally, detergents are primarily used for cleaning, while fabric conditioners serve to soften and perfume fabrics. There is a continuing need for laundry products that offer additional fabric care benefits beyond the typical functions of cleaning and softening.

[0008] 15

[0009] Various benefit agents, such as perfumes, are commonly incorporated into laundry products to provide these additional fabric care benefits. In recent years, there has been a growing demand for laundry products that enable consumers to customize the amount of benefit agents, particularly perfumes, based on their personal preferences. Consumers appreciate the ability to 20 tailor their laundry process to meet their specific needs, adjusting the intensity and presence of fragrances according to their desired outcomes.

[0010] Perfume performance has become an essential feature for these products, with many consumers evaluating the efficacy of a laundry product based on its perfume performance. This 25 performance may be assessed at various stages, including the product in the bottle, on wet fabrics, during drying, on dry fabrics, when folding and putting away, when wearing, or any combination of these touchpoints. Key factors in evaluating perfume performance include the intensity of the perfume and its hedonics, or the overall pleasantness of the scent experience.

[0011] WO 2024 / 160483A1 discloses a laundry composition comprising a plurality of particles, wherein the particle comprises from 20 to 95% by weight of a water-soluble carrier selected from a carbohydrate, an inorganic alkali metal salt, an organic alkali metal salt, an inorganic alkaline earth metal salt, an organic alkaline earth metal salt, a urea and mixtures thereof; a filler selected from silica, zeolite, clay, calcium carbonate, magnesium carbonate, calcium stearate, 35 magnesium stearate, titanium dioxide, calcium phosphate and mixtures thereof; and perfume;P0001274W01

[0012] 2

[0013] wherein the water- soluble carrier comprises a carbohydrate selected from sugar, sugar alcohol, and mixtures thereof; wherein the particles are homogeneously structured; and wherein the filler has a D50 particle size from 0.01 to 100 microns and wherein the particle size is measured using Malvern Mastersizer.

[0014] 5

[0015] It is desirable that laundry products in the form of particles exhibit excellent perfume performance. The perfume performance can serve as an indicator of product quality over time under various conditions (e.g., temperature, humidity, light) and is crucial for establishing the product’s shelf life and storage conditions. Consumers are highly attuned to olfactory cues when utilizing such laundry products. Any change in the perfume performance can suggest a decline in quality and negatively impact consumer satisfaction and acceptance.

[0016] Therefore, there remains a need to improve such laundry products.

[0017] Summary of the Invention

[0018] 15 In a first aspect, the present invention is directed to use of a laundry composition comprising a plurality of particles to provide improved perfume performance, wherein the particles comprise:

[0019] a) from 20 to 95% by weight of a water-soluble carrier selected from a carbohydrate, an inorganic alkali metal salt, an organic alkali metal salt, an inorganic alkaline earth metal salt, an organic alkaline earth metal salt, a urea, and mixtures thereof; wherein the 20 water-soluble carrier comprises a carbohydrate;

[0020] b) from 0.1 to 30% by weight of perfume; and

[0021] c) from 0.01 to 10% by weight of a copolymer polymerized from monomers comprising:

[0022] (i) at least one ethylenically unsaturated carboxylic acid; and

[0023] (ii) at least one ethylenically unsaturated dicarboxylic acid and / or an anhydride; 25 wherein the monomer (i) is selected from acrylic acid, methacrylic acid, crotonic acid, vinylacetic acid and mixtures thereof;

[0024] wherein the monomer (ii) is selected from maleic acid, maleic anhydride, fumaric acid, citraconic acid, citraconic anhydride, itaconic acid and mixtures thereof; wherein the particles provide improved perfume performance in comparison to comparative particles that do not comprise the copolymer; wherein the term “perfume performance” refers to overall perfume experience as perceived by consumers including the strength and longevity of the fragrance and its pleasantness and appeal; and wherein the term “comparative particles” refers to particles used as a benchmark that are similar in all respects to the particles except for the absence of the copolymer.

[0025] 35P0001274W01

[0026] 3

[0027] In a second aspect, the present invention is directed to a method of the use according to any embodiment of the first aspect to treat laundry comprising the steps of:

[0028] a) providing fabrics in a washing machine;

[0029] b) dispensing the laundry composition into the washing machine; and

[0030] 5 c) contacting the fabrics with the laundry composition during a wash sub-cycle of the washing machine.

[0031] All other aspects of the present invention will more readily become apparent upon considering the detailed description and examples which follow.

[0032] Detailed Description of the Invention

[0033] Except in the 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 may optionally be understood as modified by the word “about”.

[0034] 15

[0035] All amounts are by weight of the composition, unless otherwise specified.

[0036] It should be noted that in specifying any range of values, any particular upper value can be associated with any particular lower value.

[0037] 20

[0038] For the avoidance of doubt, 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.

[0039] 25 The disclosure of the invention as found herein is to be considered to cover all embodiments as found in the claims as being multiply dependent upon each other irrespective of the fact that claims may be found without multiple dependency or redundancy.

[0040] Where a feature is disclosed with respect to a particular aspect of the invention (for example a composition of the invention), such disclosure is also to be considered to apply to any other aspect of the invention (for example a method of the invention) mutatis mutandis.

[0041] The present invention relates to use of a laundry composition comprising a plurality of particles to provide improved perfume performance, wherein the particles comprise: (a) from 20 to 95% by 35 weight of a water-soluble carrier selected from a carbohydrate, an inorganic alkali metal salt, anP0001274W01

[0042] 4

[0043] organic alkali metal salt, an inorganic alkaline earth metal salt, an organic alkaline earth metal salt, a urea, and mixtures thereof; wherein the water-soluble carrier comprises a carbohydrate; (b) from 0.1 to 30% by weight of perfume; and (c) from 0.01 to 10% by weight of a copolymer polymerized from monomers comprising: (i) at least one ethylenically unsaturated carboxylic acid; 5 and (ii) at least one ethylenically unsaturated dicarboxylic acid and / or an anhydride; wherein the monomer (i) is selected from acrylic acid, methacrylic acid, crotonic acid, vinylacetic acid and mixtures thereof; wherein the monomer (ii) is selected from maleic acid, maleic anhydride, fumaric acid, citraconic acid, citraconic anhydride, itaconic acid and mixtures thereof; wherein the particles provide improved perfume performance in comparison to comparative particles that do not comprise the copolymer; wherein the term “perfume performance” refers to overall perfume experience as perceived by consumers including the strength and longevity of the fragrance and its pleasantness and appeal; and wherein the term “comparative particles” refers to particles used as a benchmark that are similar in all respects to the particles except for the absence of the copolymer.

[0044] 15

[0045] The term “comparative particles”, as used herein, refers to particles used as a benchmark that are similar in all respects to the test particles except for the absence of specific ingredients being compared. This allows for a direct comparison to evaluate the impact of those specific ingredients on the overall performance of the test particles. In the present invention, the specific 20 ingredient being compared is the copolymer described herein.

[0046] The term “perfume performance”, as used herein, refers to the overall perfume experience as perceived by consumers. It includes the strength and longevity of the fragrance (Perfume Intensity) and the pleasantness and appeal of the fragrance (Hedonics).

[0047] 25

[0048] The laundry composition in the context of the present invention is a laundry composition intended for use in addition to a traditional detergent or fabric conditioner. The laundry composition specifically incorporates a perfume, providing an additional fragrance boost over and above those delivered by a detergent or fabric conditioner. It allows consumers to customize the level of perfume delivered in the wash according to their preferences.

[0049] Water-soluble carrier

[0050] The term “water-soluble” as used herein, means that a material is soluble or otherwise dispersible in water at a level of at least 90% by weight at 25°C under ambient condition, 35 preferably at least 95% by weight and more preferably at least 98% by weight at 25°C underP0001274W01

[0051] 5

[0052] ambient condition. The particles of the present invention comprise no less than 20% by weight of a water-soluble carrier, preferably no less than 30%, more preferably no less than 35% and most preferably no less than 40% by weight of a water-soluble carrier. The particles of the present invention comprise no more than 95% by weight of water-soluble carrier, preferably no 5 more than 85%, more preferably no more than 75% and most preferably no more than 70% by weight of a water-soluble carrier. The particles of the present invention comprise from 20 to 95% by weight of a water-soluble carrier, preferably from 30 to 85%, more preferably from 35 to 75%, even more preferably from 40 to 70%, and most preferably from 50 to 70% by weight of a water-soluble carrier.

[0053] The water-soluble carrier is selected from a carbohydrate, an inorganic alkali metal salt, an organic alkali metal salt, an inorganic alkaline earth metal salt, an organic alkaline earth metal salt, a urea, and mixtures thereof. Preferably the water-soluble carrier is selected from a carbohydrate, an inorganic alkali metal salt and mixtures thereof.

[0054] 15

[0055] Suitable alkali metal salt comprises an alkali metal ion selected from lithium, sodium, potassium and mixtures thereof, and an anion selected from fluoride, chloride, bromide, iodide, sulfate, bisulfate, phosphate, carbonate, acetate, citrate, lactate, pyruvate, ascorbate, sorbate and mixtures thereof. Examples of suitable inorganic alkali metal salts include, but not limited to, 20 sodium fluoride, sodium chloride, sodium bromide, sodium iodide, sodium sulfate, sodium bisulfate, sodium phosphate, sodium monohydrogen phosphate, sodium dihydrogen phosphate, sodium carbonate, sodium hydrogen carbonate, potassium fluoride, potassium chloride, potassium bromide, potassium iodide, potassium sulfate, potassium bisulfate, potassium phosphate, potassium monohydrogen phosphate, potassium dihydrogen phosphate, potassium 25 carbonate, potassium monohydrogen carbonate or mixtures thereof. Examples of suitable organic alkali metal salts include sodium acetate, sodium citrate, sodium lactate, sodium tartrate, sodium ascorbate, sodium sorbate, potassium acetate, potassium citrate, potassium lactate, potassium tartrate, potassium ascorbate, potassium sorbate or mixtures thereof.

[0056] Suitable alkaline earth metal salt comprises an alkali earth metal ion selected from magnesium, calcium and mixtures thereof, and an anion selected from fluoride, chloride, bromide, iodide, sulfate, bisulfate, phosphate, carbonate, acetate, citrate, lactate, pyruvate, ascorbate, sorbate and mixtures thereof. Examples of suitable inorganic alkaline earth metal salts include, but not limited to, magnesium fluoride, magnesium chloride, magnesium bromide, magnesium iodide, 35 magnesium sulfate, magnesium phosphate, magnesium monohydrogen phosphate, magnesiumP0001274W01

[0057] 6

[0058] dihydrogen phosphate, magnesium carbonate, magnesium monohydrogen carbonate, calcium fluoride, calcium chloride, calcium bromide, calcium iodide, calcium sulfate, calcium phosphate, calcium monohydrogen phosphate, calcium dihydrogen phosphate, calcium carbonate, calcium monohydrogen carbonate or mixtures thereof. Examples of suitable organic alkaline earth metal 5 salts include magnesium acetate, magnesium citrate, magnesium lactate, magnesium tartrate, magnesium ascorbate, magnesium sorbate, calcium acetate, calcium citrate, calcium lactate, calcium tartrate, calcium ascorbate, calcium sorbate or mixtures thereof.

[0059] The water-soluble carrier comprises a carbohydrate, which may reduce the corrosion of the internal parts of the washing machine compared with using salts as the carrier. The water- soluble carrier may optionally comprise a further water-soluble carrier selected from an inorganic alkali metal salt, an organic alkali metal salt, an inorganic alkaline earth metal salt, an organic alkaline earth metal salt, a urea, and mixtures thereof. It is preferred that the water- soluble carrier comprises at least 80% by weight of a carbohydrate, preferably at least 90%, 15 more preferably at least 95% and even more preferably 100% by weight a carbohydrate, based on total weight of the water-soluble carrier. It is particularly preferred that the water-soluble carrier is a carbohydrate.

[0060] The particles of the present invention preferably comprise from 20 to 95% by weight of a 20 carbohydrate, more preferably from 30 to 85%, even more preferably from 35 to 75%, more preferably still from 40 to 70%, and most preferably from 50 to 70% by weight of a carbohydrate, based on total weight of the particles.

[0061] Preferably the carbohydrate is selected from sugar, sugar alcohol and mixtures thereof.

[0062] 25 Suitable sugar may be selected from dextrose, sucrose, fructose, glucose, isoglucose, rhamnose, fucose, deoxyribose, ribose, trehalose, xylose, mannose, arabinose, galactose, cellobiose, lactose, maltose, isomaltose, melibiose, gentobiose, maltotriose, raffinose, panose, and mixtures thereof. Preferably the sugar is selected from dextrose, sucrose, fructose, glucose, isoglucose, galactose, raffinose, and mixtures thereof. More preferably the sugar comprises or is sucrose. A sugar alcohol is an organic compound having more than two hydroxyl groups. The sugar alcohol can have from 4 to 12 carbon atoms. Suitable sugar alcohol may be selected from sorbitol, mannitol, isomalt, maltitol, lactitol, xylitol, erythritol, and mixtures thereof. Preferably the sugar alcohol is selected from mannitol, sorbitol and mixtures thereof. More preferably the water-soluble carrier comprises sugar. It is preferred that the water-soluble 35 carrier comprises at least 80% by weight of sugar, preferably at least 90%, more preferably atP0001274W01

[0063] 7

[0064] least 95% and even more preferably 100% by weight of sugar, based on total weight of the water-soluble carrier. It is particularly preferred that the water-soluble carrier is sugar.

[0065] The particles of the present invention preferably comprise from 20 to 95% by weight of sugar, 5 more preferably from 30 to 85%, even more preferably from 35 to 75%, more preferably still from 40 to 70%, and most preferably from 50 to 70% by weight of sugar, based on total weight of the particles.

[0066] More preferably the water-soluble carrier comprises sucrose. It is preferred that the water- soluble carrier comprises at least 80% by weight of sucrose, preferably at least 90%, more preferably at least 95% and even more preferably 100% by weight of sucrose, based on total weight of the water-soluble carrier. It is particularly preferred that the water-soluble carrier is sucrose.

[0067] 15 The particles of the present invention preferably comprise from 20 to 95% by weight of sucrose, more preferably from 30 to 85%, even more preferably from 35 to 75%, more preferably still from 40 to 70%, and most preferably from 50 to 70% by weight of sucrose, based on total weight of the particles.

[0068] 20 It may be preferable to include a bittering agent if the water-soluble carrier comprises sugar.

[0069] Preferred bettering agent is selected from the group consisting of denatonium benzoate, denatonium saccharide, quinine or a salt of quinine. The chemical name of denatonium is phenylmethyl-[2-[(2,6-dimethylphenyl)amino]-2-oxoethyl]-diethylammonium. Denatonium benzoate is particularly preferred. An example is Bitrex® from Johnson Matthey Fine Chemicals. Preferably the bittering agent is present in an amount from 0.001 to 0.01% by weight of the particles.

[0070] The particles of the present invention may comprise an additional carrier (in addition to the water-soluble carrier). The additional carrier material may provide various benefits such as 30 stability benefits. The additional carrier materials may be selected from the group consisting of polymers (e.g, ethylene oxide / propylene oxide block copolymers, polyvinyl alcohol, polyvinyl acetate, and derivatives thereof), proteins (e.g., gelatin, albumin, casein), polysaccharides (e.g., starch, xanthan gum, cellulose, or derivatives thereof), water dispersible fillers (e. g., zeolite, silica, clay), vegetable soap (e.g. coconut soap beads or palm soap), ethoxylated non-ionicP0001274W01

[0071] 8

[0072] surfactants (having a formula RIO(R2O)XH, wherein Ri preferably comprises 12 to 20 carbon atoms, R2 is C2H4 or mixture of C2H4and C3H6 units and x = 8 to 120) and mixtures thereof.

[0073] Preferably the additional carrier comprises or is polysaccharide. A polysaccharide is a

[0074] 5 saccharide polymer comprising more than 10 monosaccharides units, preferably 15 to 1000 monosaccharides units and more preferably 25 to 500 monosaccharides units. Suitable polysaccharides may be selected from starch, glycogen, chitin, gum Arabic, xanthan gum, cellulose, callose, dextran, tunicin, inulin, alginic acid, gellan, guar, carob flour, carrageenan, and derivatives of these compounds, and mixtures thereof. Preferably the polysaccharide comprises or is starch and / or its derivatives. Most preferably the polysaccharide comprises or is starch. Suitable starch may be selected from wheat starch, rice starch, potato starch, corn starch, tapioca starch and mixtures thereof.

[0075] Preferably the additional carrier comprises starch. It is preferred that the additional carrier 15 comprises at least 80% by weight of starch, preferably at least 90%, more preferably at least 95% and even more preferably 100% by weight of starch, based on total weight of the additional carrier. It is particularly preferred that the additional carrier is starch.

[0076] Preferably the particles of the present invention comprise from 0.1 to 50% by weight of the 20 additional carrier, more preferably from 1 to 35%, even more preferably from 2 to 25%, and most preferably from 5 to 20% by weight of the additional carrier. When the additional carrier is starch, the particles of the present invention preferably comprise from 0.1 to 50% by weight of starch, more preferably from 1 to 35%, even more preferably from 2 to 25%, and most preferably from 5 to 20% by weight of starch.

[0077] 25

[0078] The particles of the present invention comprise a copolymer obtainable by polymerizing monomers comprising (i) at least one ethylenically unsaturated carboxylic acid; and (ii) at least one ethylenically unsaturated dicarboxylic acid and / or an anhydride; wherein the monomer (i) is selected from acrylic acid, methacrylic acid, crotonic acid, vinylacetic acid and mixtures thereof; wherein the monomer (ii) is selected from maleic acid, maleic anhydride, fumaric acid, citraconic acid, citraconic anhydride, itaconic acid and mixtures thereof. The particles comprise from 0.01 to 10% by weight of the copolymer, preferably from 0.1 to 8%, more preferably from 0.5 to 5%, even more preferably 1 to 3.5%, most preferably from 1.5 to 3% by weight of 35 copolymer, based on total weight of the particles and including all ranges subsumed therein.P0001274W01

[0079] 9

[0080] Monomer (i) is the ethylenically unsaturated carboxylic acid. Preferably the monomer (i) is monoethylenically unsaturated C3-C7 monocarboxylic acid. The monomer (i) is preferably selected from acrylic acid, methacrylic acid and mixtures thereof.

[0081] 5 Suitable physiologically acceptable salts of the monomer (i) include its sodium, magnesium, potassium, ammonium and mono-, di-, and triethanolamine salts. It should be noted that where the monomer (i) is mentioned in the present disclosure, this also includes the corresponding physiologically acceptable salts thereof, also where not explicitly stated.

[0082] Monomer (ii) is ethylenically unsaturated dicarboxylic acid and / or an anhydride. Preferably monomer (ii) monoethylenically unsaturated C4-C8 dicarboxylic acid and / or an anhydride. The monomer (ii) is preferably selected from maleic acid, maleic anhydride, and mixtures thereof.

[0083] Suitable physiologically acceptable salts of the monomer (ii) include its sodium, magnesium, 15 potassium, ammonium and mono-, di-, and triethanolamine salts. It should be noted that where the monomer (ii) is mentioned in the present disclosure, this also includes the corresponding physiologically acceptable salts thereof, also where not explicitly stated.

[0084] The copolymer of the present invention preferably has the monomer (i) in a higher weight 20 percent, that is a copolymer having 60 weight percent to 90 weight percent monomer (i) and 10 weight percent to 40 weight percent monomer (ii). The copolymer preferably has a weight ratio of monomer (i) to monomer (ii) ranging from 10:1 to 1:10, more preferably from 10:1 to 1:1, more preferably from 8:1 to 1.5:1, even more preferably from 6:1 to 2:1 and most preferably from 5:1 to 2:1.

[0085] 25

[0086] The copolymer of the present invention preferably has a weight average molecular weight of from 5,000 g / mol to 120,000 g / mol, more preferably from 10,000 g / mol to 100,000 g / mol, even more preferably from 50,000 to 100,000 g / mol, and most preferably from 60,000 g / mol to 90,000 g / mol.

[0087] The term “weight avearage molecular weight” in the context of this invention, refers to the weight average mass of a given polymer, which is determined by SEC (Size Exclusion Chromatography) analysis using absolute carlibration (universal calibration). Polymethyl methacrylate is used for calibration.

[0088] 35P0001274W01

[0089] 10

[0090] Suitable physiologically acceptable salts of the copolymer include its sodium, magnesium, potassium, ammonium and mono-, di-, and triethanolamine salts. It should be noted that where the copolymer is mentioned in the present disclosure, this also includes the corresponding physiologically acceptable salts thereof, also where not explicitly stated.

[0091] 5

[0092] Preferably monomer (i) is (meth) acrylic acid and monomer (ii) is selected from maleic acid, maleic anhydride and mixtures thereof. “(Meth) acrylic acid” refers to both acrylic acid and methacrylic acid. It is preferred that the copolymer is a copolymer of (i) (meth) acrylic acid and (ii) maleic acid and / or anhydride, more preferably a copolymer of (i) acrylic acid and (ii) maleic acid and / or anhydride. An example is Sokalan® CP5 from BASF.

[0093] When the copolymer is a copolymer of (i) acrylic acid and (ii) maleic acid and / or anhydride, the particles preferably comprise from 0.01 to 10% by weight of the copolymer, preferably from 0.1 to 8%, more preferably from 0.5 to 5%, even more preferably 1 to 3.5%, most preferably from 15 1.5 to 3% by weight of copolymer, based on total weight of the particles and including all ranges subsumed therein.

[0094] Perfume

[0095] The particles of the present invention comprise from 0.1 to 30% by weight of perfume, i.e. free 20 perfume and / or perfume microcapsules. As is known in the art, free perfumes and perfume microcapsules provide the consumer with perfume hits at different points during the wash cycle. It is particularly preferred that the particles of the present invention comprise a combination of both free perfume and perfume microcapsules. The perfume is dispersed within the carrier materials.

[0096] 25

[0097] Preferably the particles of the present invention comprise 0.5 to 20% perfume materials, more preferably 1 to 15% perfume materials, most preferably 2 to 10% perfume materials.

[0098] 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.

[0099] 35P0001274W01

[0100] 11

[0101] Free perfumes:

[0102] The particles of the invention preferably comprise 0.1 to 15% free perfume, more preferably 0.5 to 8% of free perfume by weight of the particles.

[0103] 5

[0104] Particularly preferred perfume components are blooming perfume components and substantive perfume components. Blooming perfume components are defined by a boiling point less than 250°C and a LogP greater than 2.5. Substantive perfume components are defined by a boiling point greater than 250°C and a LogP greater than 2.5. 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.

[0105] It is commonplace for a plurality of perfume components to be present in a free oil perfume 15 composition. In the compositions for use in the present invention it is envisaged that there will be three or more, preferably four or more, more preferably five or more, most preferably six or more different perfume components. An upper limit of 300 perfume components may be applied.

[0106] 20 Perfume microcapsules:

[0107] The particles of the present invention preferably comprise 0.1 to 15% of perfume microcapsules, more preferably 0.5 to 8% of perfume microcapsules by weight of the particles. The weight of microcapsules is of the material as supplied.

[0108] 25

[0109] 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 mixtures thereof. More preferably the encapsulating materials comprise aminoplast, such as melamine formaldehyde or urea formaldehyde microcapsules, proteins and / or polysaccharides.

[0110] 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 35 a force is exerted. By moisture activated, it is meant that the perfume is released in theP0001274W01

[0111] 12

[0112] presence of water. The particles of the present invention preferably comprise friable microcapsules. Moisture activated microcapsules may additionally be present. Examples of a microcapsules which can be friable include aminoplast microcapsules.

[0113] 5 Perfume components contained in a microcapsule may comprise odiferous materials and / or pro-fragrance materials.

[0114] Particularly preferred perfume components contained in a microcapsule are blooming perfume components and substantive perfume components. Blooming perfume components are defined by a boiling point less than 250°C and a LogP greater than 2.5. Substantive perfume components are defined by a boiling point greater than 250°C and a LogP greater than 2.5. 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.

[0115] 15

[0116] It is commonplace for a plurality of perfume components to be present in a microcapsule. In the compositions for use in the present invention it is envisaged that there will be three or more, preferably four or more, more preferably five or more, most preferably six or more different perfume components in a microcapsule. An upper limit of 300 perfume components may be 20 applied.

[0117] The microcapsules may comprise perfume components and a carrier for the perfume ingredients, such as zeolites or cyclodextrins.

[0118] 25 Anionic surfactant

[0119] The particles of the present invention may comprise an anionic surfactant selected from alkyl sulfate, alkyl ether sulfate, soap and mixtures thereof. Preferably the anionic surfactant is selected from alkyl sulfate, soap and mixtures thereof, more preferably the anionic surfactant is a combination of alkyl sulfate and soap. In another preferred embodiment, the anionic surfactant comprises or is alkyl sulfate. The anionic surfactant may serve as binder to bind the carrier material and other constituent ingredients of the composition together thereby helping to provide for a processable composition in production.

[0120] Preferably the particles of the present invention comprise no less than 5% by weight of an 35 anionic surfactant, more preferably no less than 6% by weight of an anionic surfactant, mostP0001274W01

[0121] 13

[0122] preferably no less than 7% by weight of an anionic surfactant. Preferably the particles of the present invention comprise no more than 15% by weight of an anionic surfactant, more preferably no more than 12% by weight of an anionic surfactant, most preferably no more than 10% by weight of an anionic surfactant. Preferably the particles of the present invention

[0123] 5 comprise from 5 to 15% by weight of an anionic surfactant, more preferably from 6 to 12% by weight of an anionic surfactant, most preferably from 7 to 10% by weight of an anionic surfactant.

[0124] The use of 5 to 15% by weight of an anionic surfactant was surprisingly found to provide improved processability of the composition. The anionic surfactant may also improve the appearance of the particles and make the surface of the particles look smoother. Consumers are sensitive to visual cues when using a laundry product. A laundry product containing particles with rough surfaces are often regarded as quality problems and not liked by consumers.

[0125] 15

[0126] Alkyl sulfates are anionic surfactants which are water soluble salts containing a hydrocarbon hydrophobic group and a hydrophilic sulfate group. Preferably, the alkyl sulfate has an alkyl group having 8 to 18 carbon atoms, more preferably from 10 to 18 carbon atoms, even more preferably from 10 to 16 carbon atoms. It will be appreciated that both branched and linear alkyl 20 groups are encompassed. The alkyl group is preferably linear, i.e. normal alkyl, however, branched chain alkyl sulfates can be employed, although they are less preferred from a biodegradability perspective.

[0127] Preferably, the alkyl sulfate comprises a salt of an alkyl sulfate. In this way, the alkyl sulfate 25 comprises a positively charged ion and a negatively alkyl sulfate moiety. The positively charged ion may be a metal ion such as sodium, potassium or magnesium; or an ammoniacal ion such as ammonium, monoethanolamine, diethanolamine or triethanolamine. Mixtures of such ions may also be employed. Sodium and potassium are preferred.

[0128] It is preferred that the alkyl sulfate comprises sodium, potassium, calcium, magnesium, ammonium or ethanolamine salts of alkyl sulfate having 8 to 18 carbon atoms, more preferably 10 to 18 carbon atoms, even more preferably from 10 to 16 carbon atoms. Illustrative yet nonlimiting examples of alkyl sulfates include sodium lauryl sulfate (also known as sodium dodecyl sulfate), ammonium lauryl sulfate, diethanolamine (DEA) lauryl sulfate. Suitable examples also 35 include alkyl sulfates commercially available from natural source with trade names Galaxy 689,P0001274W01

[0129] 14

[0130] Galaxy 780, Galaxy 789, Galaxy 799 SP, and llfarol TCL 92N and from synthetic origin with trade names Safol 23, Dobanol 23A or23S, Lial 123 S, Alfol 1412S, Empicol LC3, Empicol 075SR.

[0131] 5 Sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS), also known as sodium dodecyl sulfate, is particularly preferred as the alkyl sulfate. An example of sodium lauryl sulfate is commercially available from Dongming Jujin Chemical Co., Ltd.

[0132] Alkyl ether sulfate is an anionic surfactant having a formula RO(CH2CH2O)nSO3M, wherein R is a linear or branched, alkyl or alkenyl group having 8 to 18 carbon atoms, preferably 10 to 18 carbon atoms, more preferably 12 to 14 carbon atoms; M is a positively charged ion comprising sodium, potassium, calcium, magnesium, ammonium, monoethanolamine, diethanolamine, triethanolamine or mixtures thereof, preferably sodium, potassium or mixtures thereof; n is the degree of ethoxylation of from 0.5 to 3, preferably from 1 to 3. A preferred example is sodium 15 lauryl ether sulfate (SLES) in which the predominantly C12 lauryl alkyl group has been ethoxylated with an average of 2EO units per molecule.

[0133] The term “soap” as used herein, means the alkali metal or alkanol ammonium salts of aliphatic, alkanes, or alkene monocarboxylic acids. Preferred monocarboxylic acids are fatty acids with 6 20 to 22 carbon atoms, more preferably from 12 to 18 carbon atoms. Examples of suitable soap include, but not limited to, sodium, potassium, calcium, magnesium, ammonium, monoethanolamine, diethanolamine, triethanolamine salts of lauric acid, myristic acid, palmitic acid, stearic acid, (hydrogenated) erucic acid, behenic acid, coconut oil fatty acid, palm oil fatty acid, palm kernel oil fatty acid, olive oil fatty acid, tallow fatty acid or mixtures thereof. The fatty 25 acids may be saturated or unsaturated, linear or branched. It is particularly preferred that the soap comprises sodium or potassium salts of coconut fatty acid, palm kernel oil fatty acid or mixtures thereof.

[0134] The particles of the present invention may comprise other anionic surfactants in addition to the anionic surfactants described above. Examples of suitable anionic surfactants include, but not limited to, alkyl sulfonates, alkaryl sulfonates, alpha-olefin sulfonates, alkyl isethionates, alkanoyl isethionates, alkyl succinates, alkyl sulphosuccinates, alkyl ether sulphosuccinates, N- alkyl sarcosinates, alkyl phosphates, alkyl ether phosphates, alkyl ether carboxylic acids and salts thereof, especially their sodium, potassium, calcium, magnesium, ammonium and mono-, 35 di-, and triethanolamine salts. The alkyl radicals preferably contain from 10 to 18 carbon atomsP0001274W01

[0135] 15

[0136] and may be unsaturated. The alkyl ether sulphosuccinates, alkyl ether phosphates and alkyl ether carboxylic acids and salts thereof may contain from one to twenty ethylene oxide or propylene oxide units per molecule.

[0137] 5 The particles of the present invention may comprise alkylbenezene sulfonates, particularly linear alkylbenzene sulfonates (LAS) with an alkyl chain length of from 10 to 18 carbon atoms. Commercial LAS is a mixture of closely related isomers and homologues alkyl chain homologues, each containing an aromatic ring sulfonated at the “para" position and attached to a linear alkyl chain at any position except the terminal carbons. The linear alkyl chain typically has a chain length of from 11 to 15 carbon atoms, with the predominant materials having a chain length of about C12. Each alkyl chain homologue consists of a mixture of all the possible sulfophenyl isomers except for the 1 -phenyl isomer. LAS is normally formulated into compositions in acid (i.e. HLAS) form and then at least partially neutralized in-situ. Examples of alkylbenzene sulfonates include sodium salt of linear alkylbenzene sulphonate, alkyl toluene 15 sulphonate, alkyl xylene sulphonate, alkyl phenol sulphonate, alkyl naphthalene-sulphonate, ammonium diamylnaphthalene-sulphonate and sodium dinonylnaphthalene-sulphonate and mixtures with olefin sulphonates. Preferably the particles of the present invention are substantially free of alkylbenezene sulfonates. “Substantially free of”, as used herein, means less than 1.5%, preferably less than 1.0%, more preferably less than 0.75%, more preferably 20 still less than 0.5% and even more preferably less than 0.1% and most preferably from 0 to 0.01% by weight, based on total weight of the composition, including all ranges subsumed therein. It is preferred that the particles of the present invention do not comprise any alkylbenezene sulfonates.

[0138] 25 Filler

[0139] The particles of the present invention may comprise a filler. Preferably, the particles comprise from 0.1 to 10% by weight of a filler, more preferably from 0.3 to 8%, even more preferably from 0.5 to 5% and most preferably from 1 to 4% by weight of a filler. The filler may act as a process aid to improve the processibility of the composition in production by giving the composition hardness.

[0140] The filler is selected from silica, zeolite, clay (e.g. kaolin, talc, bentonite), calcium carbonate, magnesium carbonate, calcium stearate, magnesium stearate, titanium dioxide, calcium phosphate and mixtures thereof. Preferably the filler is selected from silica, zeolite, clay (e.g.

[0141] 35 kaolin, talc, bentonite), calcium carbonate and mixtures thereof. Silica is particularly preferred.P0001274W01

[0142] 16

[0143] An example is silica commercially available under the trade name GF052 from Jinsanjiang (Zhaoqing) Silicon Material Company Limited.

[0144] The filler used in this invention has a D50 particle size from 0.01 to 100 microns, preferably 5 from 0.1 to 50 microns, more preferably from 1 to 30 microns, even more preferably from 5 to 25 microns, more preferably still from 8 to 20 microns and most preferably from 10 to 18 microns. It is preferred that the filler is silica having a D50 particle size from 0.01 to 100 microns, preferably from 0.1 to 50 microns, more preferably from 1 to 30 microns, even more preferably from 5 to 25 microns, more preferably still from 8 to 20 microns and most preferably from 10 to 18 microns. The D50 particle size of a particulate material is the particle size diameter at which 50 wt% of the particles are larger in diameter and 50 wt% are smaller in diameter. In the context of the present invention, particle sizes are measured using Malvern Mastersizer 2000.

[0145] 15 The filler may be porous. Preferably the apparent density of filler is from 0.05 to 0.5 g / ml, more preferably from 0.1 to 0.4 g / ml, even more preferably from 0.15 to 0.35 g / ml and most preferably from 0.2 to 0.3 g / ml. It is preferred that the filler is silica having the apparent density from 0.05 to 0.5 g / ml, more preferably from 0.1 to 0.4 g / ml, even more preferably from 0.15 to 0.35 g / ml and most preferably from 0.2 to 0.3 g / ml.

[0146] 20

[0147] It is not preferable to use a high level of fillers in the particles. More fillers may cause the particles to become brittle and tend to break up into undesirable small pieces. Furthermore, the dissolution time of particles in the laundry process may also increase when a high level of fillers is present in the particles.

[0148] The particles of the present invention may comprise polymers. The polymers may enhance the perfume experience for consumers. Additionally, the polymers may also improve the appearance of the particles by making their surfaces smoother. Consumers are sensitive to 30 visual cues when using a laundry product. They often associate rough-surfaced particles in laundry products with quality issues, which can negatively impact their perception of the product.P0001274W01

[0149] 17

[0150] Examples of suitable polymers include, but not limited to, polyethylene glycol, polyvinyl alcohols, polyacrylates, polyvinyl pyrrolidone, polyesters or mixtures thereof. Polyethylene glycol (PEG) is particularly preferred.

[0151] 5 PEG can serve as a binder to bind the carrier material and other constituent ingredients of the composition together thereby helping to provide for a processable composition in production. It is not preferable to use a high level of PEG in the particles. More PEG may cause the particles to become soft and / or sticky.

[0152] PEG comes in various weight average molecular weights. Preferably, the PEG employed in the particles has a weight average molecular weight of from 3,000 to 20,000 g / mol, preferably from 4,000 to 18,000 g / mol, more preferably from 5,000 to 15,000 g / mol and most preferably from 5,000 to 11,000 g / mol. Non-limiting examples of suitable PEG are: Polyglycol 6000 ex Clariant, Polyglycol 8000 ex Clariant, Pluriol 6000 ex BASF, and Pluriol 8000 ex BASF.

[0153] 15

[0154] Preferably the particles of the present invention comprise no less than 0.1% by weight of PEG, more preferably no less than 0.5% by weight of PEG, even more preferably no less than 1% by weight of PEG, more preferably still no less than 1.2% by weight of PEG, and most preferably no less than 1.5% by weight of PEG. Preferably the particles of the present invention comprise 20 no more than 9% by weight of PEG, more preferably no more than 8% by weight of PEG, even more preferably no more than 5% by weight of PEG, more preferably still no more than 3.5% by weight of PEG, most preferably no more than 3% by weight of PEG. Preferably the particles of the present invention comprise 0.1 to 9% by weight of PEG, more preferably from 0.5 to 8%, even more preferably from 1 to 5%, even more preferably from 1.2 to 3.5%, more preferably still 25 from 1.5 to 3.5%, and most preferably from 1.5 to 3% by weight of PEG.

[0155] Disintegrant

[0156] The particles of the present invention may comprise a disintegrant. Disintegrant, as used herein, refers to materials which are added to the particles to make them disintegrate and thus 30 release the benefit agent upon contact with water. The particles of the present invention preferably comprise from 0.1 to 20% by weight of the disintegrant, more preferably from 0.5 to 15%, even more preferably 1 to 10%, more preferably still from 1 to 5%, and most preferably from 1.5 to 3% by weight of the disintegrant.P0001274W01

[0157] 18

[0158] Preferably the disintegrant is a non-effervescent disintegrant. Examples of suitable non- effervescent disintegrant include, but not limited to, polyvinylpyrrolidone, crospovidone (crosslinked polyvinylpyrrolidone), starch derivatives, cellulose, cellulose derivatives, clays (e.g. bentonite, alginates), gums (e.g., agar, Arabic, xanthan, guar, locust bean, karaya, pectin, 5 tragacanth), non-carbonate salt (e.g. sodium chloride, potassium chloride, magnesium sulfate, calcium silicate, magnesium aluminum silicate) or mixtures thereof.

[0159] It is preferred that the disintegrant is a cellulose or a cellulose derivative. Examples of suitable cellulose derivatives include, but not limited to, methyl cellulose, ethyl cellulose, propyl cellulose, methyl ethyl cellulose, carboxymethyl cellulose, ethyl carboxymethyl cellulose, hydroxyethyl cellulose, hydroxypropyl cellulose, carboxymethyl hydroxyethyl cellulose, methyl hydroxyethyl cellulose, hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose, ethyl hydroxyethyl cellulose, methyl ethyl hydroxyethyl cellulose, calcium carboxymethyl cellulose, sodium carboxymethyl cellulose, microcrystalline cellulose, croscarmellose sodium (cross-linked sodium carboxymethyl 15 cellulose) or mixtures thereof. Preferably the disintegrant is selected from calcium carboxymethyl cellulose, sodium carboxymethyl cellulose, microcrystalline cellulose, croscarmellose sodium and mixtures thereof.

[0160] It is also preferred that the disintegrant is a starch derivative, which is also known as modified 20 starch. Examples of suitable starch derivatives include, but not limited to, sodium starch glycolate, carboxymethyl starch, sodium carboxymethyl starch, hydroxypropyl starch, pregelatinized starch or mixtures thereof.

[0161] Preferably, the disintegrant is selected from croscarmellose sodium (cross-linked sodium 25 carboxymethyl cellulose), sodium carboxymethyl starch, sodium starch glycolate and mixtures thereof. Croscarmellose sodium is particularly preferred. Croscarmellose sodium is particularly preferred. An example is croscarmellose sodium commercially available under Anhuisunhere Pharmaceutical Excipients Co., Ltd.

[0162] 30 It is preferred that the particles of the present invention comprise from 0.1 to 20% by weight of croscarmellose sodium, more preferably from 0.5 to 15%, even more preferably from 1 to 10%, more preferably still from 1 to 5% and most preferably from 1.5 to 3% by weight of croscarmellose sodium.P0001274W01

[0163] 19

[0164] The disintegrant may be an effervescent disintegrant. Suitable effervescent disintegrant includes a carbonate salt and an acid. Preferably the acid is selected from an organic acid, a salt of organic acid, a salt of inorganic acid and mixtures thereof. More preferably the acid is organic acids. The organic acid suitable for use in the composition of the present invention can 5 be any organic acid. Particularly good results were achieved with organic acids being polyacids (i.e. acids having more than one carboxylic acid group), and more particularly with di- or tricarboxylic organic acids. The organic acid used in the invention has a weight average molecular mass of at most 500 Dalton, more preferably of at most 400 Dalton and most preferably of at most 300 Dalton, the molecular mass being based on the free acid equivalent. In any case, preferably the organic acid is not a polymer-based acid. The organic acid employed in accordance with the invention preferably comprises 3 to 25 carbon atoms, more preferably 4 to 15 carbon atoms.

[0165] In view of consumer acceptance and reducing environmental impact, the organic acids

[0166] 15 preferably are those which are also found naturally occurring, such as in plants. Examples of suitable organic acids include acetic acid, citric acid, aspartic acid, lactic acid, adipic acid, succinic acid, glutaric acid, gluconic acid, malic acid, tartaric acid, maleic acid, fumaric acid, saccharic acid, their salts or mixtures thereof. Of particular interest are citric acid, aspartic acid, acetic acid, lactic acid, succinic acid, glutaric acid, gluconic acid, their salts or mixtures thereof.

[0167] 20 Most preferably, the organic acid is citric acid, succinic acid, their salts or a mixture thereof.

[0168] Preferably the carbonate salt comprises sodium carbonate, sodium bicarbonate, sodium glycine carbonate, potassium carbonate, potassium bicarbonate, potassium glycine carbonate, calcium carbonate, calcium bicarbonate, magnesium carbonate or mixtures thereof. More preferably the 25 carbonate salt comprises sodium carbonate, sodium bicarbonate, potassium carbonate, potassium bicarbonate or mixtures thereof. Most preferably the carbonate salt comprises sodium carbonate, sodium bicarbonate or mixtures thereof.

[0169] It is particularly preferred that the effervescent disintegrant is a combination of sodium bicarbonate, citric acid and succinic acid.

[0170] It is preferred that the amount of carbonate salt is related to the amount of acid. More specifically it is desired that the weight ratio of the carbonate salt to the acid is from 1 : 10 to 10:1, more preferably from 1:5 to 5:1, even more preferably from 1:3 to 3:1.

[0171] 35P0001274W01

[0172] 20

[0173] Colourant

[0174] The particles of the invention may comprise a colourant. The colourant may be a dye or a pigment or a mixture thereof. The colourant has the purpose to impart colour to the particles, it is not intended to be a shading dye or to impart colour to the laundered fabrics. A single 5 colourant or a mixture of colourants may be used.

[0175] Preferably, the colourant is a dye, more preferably a polymeric dye. Non-limiting examples of suitable dyes include the LIQUITINET range of dyes ex Milliken Chemical.

[0176] Preferably the particles of the present invention comprise 0.001 to 2%, more preferably 0.005 to 1%, most preferably 0.005 to 0.6% of by weight of the colourant.

[0177] Water

[0178] Water may be included to enhance the processibility of the composition in production.

[0179] 15 Preferably, the particles comprise from 0.1 to 10% by weight of water, more preferably from 0.5 to 8% by weight of water, even more preferably from 1 to 6% by weight of water, and most preferably from 1.5% to 5% by weight of water.

[0180] Form of particles

[0181] 20 The particles of the present invention may be in any solid form, for example: powder, pellet, tablet, prill, pastille or extrudate. Preferably the particles are in the form of an extruded particle.

[0182] The particles may be any shape or size suitable for dissolution in the laundry process.

[0183] Preferably, each individual particle has a mass of between 0.95 mg to 5 grams, more preferably 25 0.005 to 1 gram, even more preferably 0.005 to 0.5 gram and most preferably 0.01 to 0.1 gram.

[0184] Preferably each individual particle has a maximum linear dimension in any direction of less than 10 mm, more preferably 1 to 8 mm and most preferably of 4 to 6 mm.

[0185] It is preferred that the particles have a substantially flat base and a height perpendicular to the base. Preferably each particle has a maximum base dimension of less than 10 mm, more preferably 1 to 8 mm and most preferably of 4 to 6 mm. Preferably each particle has a height of from 0.05 to 5 mm, more preferably from 0.1 to 3 mm, and most preferably from 0.2 to 2.5 mm. It is preferred that each individual particle has a maximum base dimension of less than 10 mm and a height of from 0.05 to 5 mm.

[0186] 35P0001274W01

[0187] 21

[0188] The shape of the particles may be selected from hemispherical, compressed hemispherical, lentil-shaped, oblong, cubical, rectangular, circular, cylindrical, disc, flower-shaped, starshaped, petal-shaped, heart-shaped and mixtures thereof. Preferably the shape of the particles is selected from disc, flower-shaped, star-shaped, petal-shaped, heart-shaped and mixtures 5 thereof, which can be more visually attractive to consumers.

[0189] Preferably, the particles of the present invention are formed using an extrusion apparatus. The extrusion apparatus may be a single screw extruder or a twin screw extruder, preferably a twin screw extruder having co-rotating or contra-rotating screws. The present invention also relates to a method of forming the particles comprising the steps of:

[0190] a) combining constituent ingredients of the composition to form a mixture;

[0191] b) feeding the mixture to an extruder and extruding it to form an extrudate;

[0192] c) cutting the extrudate to form the particles;

[0193] 15 d) drying the particles; and

[0194] e) optionally dusting the particles with an anti-caking agent.

[0195] Preferably, the method is carried out at a temperature from 10 to 50°C, more preferably from 15 to 40°C and even more preferably from 20 to 30°C. It is preferred that the method is carried out 20 at room temperature (25°C) and one atmospheric pressure.

[0196] Preferably the mixture of step (a) is homogeneous. By homogeneous, it means that the mixture prior to extrusion has a uniform texture so that extrudates obtained from the mixture have an even quality. When the constituent ingredients of the composition include perfume

[0197] 25 microcapsules, it is preferred that the perfume microcapsules are added to the mixture as the last ingredient for mixing, which may reduce the breakage of perfume microcapsules during mixing.

[0198] During the extrusion process of steps (b) and (c), the mixture of step (a) is extruded from the 30 extruder through a die having an orifice with a predetermined diameter. The extruder is equipped with a cutter-knife allowing to cut the extrudate at the die exit to form particles. The desired height of the particles may be achieved by varying the speed that the extrudate is fed into the cutter and the rate at which the extrudate is cut.P0001274W01

[0199] 22

[0200] The drying step (d) may be carried out before, during or after step (c). Preferably the drying is carried out at room temperature (25°C), relative humidity (RH) <50% and one atmospheric pressure, which may reduce the evaporative loss of benefit agent such as perfume.

[0201] 5 Following step (d), the method may comprise a step (e) of dusting the particles with an anticaking agent. The anti-caking agent may be applied to the exterior surface of the particles to reduce the potential for particles to stick together.

[0202] The method does not require to heat up the mixture above a melting temperature to shape it into a desired form and cool it down again, which greatly simplifies the production process and reduces the loss of benefit agent such as perfume in production.

[0203] The particles of the present invention may also be made using roller compacting. The constituent ingredients of the composition are introduced between two rollers and rolled under 15 pressure between the two rollers to form a sheet of compactate. The sheet of compactate is broken up into small pieces by cutting. The small pieces can be further shaped into particles.

[0204] The particles of the present invention need to dissolve in a typically wash cycle time, preferably no more than 20 minutes, more preferably no more than 15 minutes, even more preferably no 20 more than 10 minutes. If the dissolution rate of the particles is too slow, there may be undissolved residues formed from constituent ingredients of the particles remaining on the laundered fabrics when the wash is complete which is undesirable for consumers. The particles preferably have a dissolution rate of no less than 1 minutes, more preferably no less than 2 minutes, and even more preferably no less than 3 minutes. If the dissolution rate of the particles is too fast, most of the benefit agent may be released early and washed away before they can be delivered to laundered fabrics to provide various benefits. Preferably the particles have a dissolution rate from 1 minutes to 20 minutes, more preferably from 2 minutes to 15 minutes, even more preferably from 3 minutes to 10 minutes.

[0205] 30 The particles of the present invention are for use in the laundry process. They may be added in the wash sub-cycle or a rinse sub-cycle of a laundry cycle using a washing machine.

[0206] Alternatively, the particles may be used in manual hand washing of fabrics. The particles may be used in addition to other laundry products or they may be used as a standalone product.P0001274W01

[0207] The particles of the present invention are preferably dosed in a quantity of 1g to 50g, more preferably 10 g to 45 g, most preferably 15 g to 40 g. The particles may be dosed by consumers from a package directly into the washing machine or into a dosing compartment on the washing machine.

[0208] 5

[0209] The present invention also relates to a method of treating laundry comprising the steps of: a) providing fabrics in a washing machine;

[0210] b) dispensing the laundry composition into the washing machine; and

[0211] c) contacting the fabrics with the laundry composition during a wash sub-cycle of the washing machine.

[0212] The following examples are provided to facilitate an understanding of the invention. The examples are not intended to limit the scope of the claims.

[0213] 15 Examples

[0214] Particles were prepared as shown in Table 1. All ingredients are expressed by weight percent of the total formulation, and as level of active ingredients.

[0215] TABLE 1

[0216] Ingredient Samples

[0217] A 1

[0218] Sugar373.6 71.6

[0219] Starch 12 12

[0220] Silica 2 2 Copolymerb— 2

[0221] Free perfume 6 6

[0222] Perfume microcapsules 6 6 Colourant 0.4 0.4

[0223] Perfume stability duration 45 days 75 days

[0224]

[0225] a. Refined cane sugar from Guangxi Fengtang Biochemical Co., Ltd

[0226] b. A copolymer of acrylic acid and maleic acid under the trade name Sokalan® CP5 from BASF.

[0227] Process of manufacturing particles

[0228] Samples were prepared as follows: the ingredients except for the perfume microcapsules were 25 added into a dough mixer and mixed evenly by a triple-roller miller. After that, the perfumeP0001274W01

[0229] 24

[0230] microcapsules were added into the dough mixer and the resulted mixture was mixed evenly. The mixture was fed into a twin-screw co-rotating extruder fitted with a die having an orifice with a predetermined diameter and cutter blade. The mixture was extruded to form an extrudate having a diameter of about 5 mm. The extrudate was cut into particles with a thickness of about 5 2 mm. The particles were dried at room temperature (25°C) and one atmospheric pressure.

[0231] Perfume stability assessment

[0232] 200 grams of particles were stored at 5°C and 45°C, respectively. The sample stored at 5°C served as the control, while the sample stored at 45°C was used as the test sample. Every 15 days, a 20 grams sample of particles was taken for fragrance evaluation.

[0233] A 0.3 kg ballast load comprised of 1 pieces of cotton T-shirt and 2 pieces of Terry Towelling Squares (30x30cm size). The towelling squares were mixed in with the cotton T-shirt in a random order within the washing machine so that they are not all together. 20g of particles were 15 added to the drum of a front-loading washing machine followed by the mixed fabrics and finally 20g of liquid detergent (commercial OMO detergent) was added to the draw of the machine, door was closed and then the machine was set to standard wash. Wash time was 46 minutes including one-time wash and two times rinses.

[0234] 20 Three professional fragrance evaluators scored both the control and test samples at four distinct stages, with the final score determined by the majority judgement. The four stages included: neat fragrance beads; damp fabrics (immediately after washing and removal from the washing machine); dry fabrics (after rack drying); and rubbed dry fabrics (after being rubbed 3 to 5 times). The assessment focused on two dimensions: Perfume Intensity and Hedonics. Perfume Intensity was graded on a scale from 1 to 5, where 1 indicated no change (same as the control) and 5 indicated an unacceptable loss of intensity. Hedonics was assessed from A to E, with A indicating no change (same as the control) and E representing an unrecognizable fragrance. A perfume intensity rating of 1 or 2, along with hedonics rating of A or B, were considered acceptable. Both criteria had to be met for the fragrance to be deemed stable. The 30 maximum duration for which the test samples maintained stable fragrance was recorded.

Claims

P0001274W0125Claims1. Use of a laundry composition comprising a plurality of particles to provide improved perfume performance, wherein the particles comprise:a) from 20 to 95% by weight of a water-soluble carrier selected from a carbohydrate, an inorganic alkali metal salt, an organic alkali metal salt, an inorganic alkaline earth metal salt, an organic alkaline earth metal salt, a urea, and mixtures thereof; wherein the water-soluble carrier comprises a carbohydrate;b) from 0.1 to 30% by weight of perfume; andc) from 0.01 to 10% by weight of a copolymer polymerized from monomers comprising:(i) at least one ethylenically unsaturated carboxylic acid; and(ii) at least one ethylenically unsaturated dicarboxylic acid and / or an anhydride; wherein the monomer (i) is selected from acrylic acid, methacrylic acid, crotonic acid, vinylacetic acid and mixtures thereof;wherein the monomer (ii) is selected from maleic acid, maleic anhydride, fumaric acid, citraconic acid, citraconic anhydride, itaconic acid and mixtures thereof; wherein the particles provide improved perfume performance in comparison to comparative particles that do not comprise the copolymer; wherein the term “perfume performance” refers to overall perfume experience as perceived by consumers including the strength and longevity of the fragrance and its pleasantness and appeal; and wherein the term “comparative particles” refers to particles used as a benchmark that are similar in all respects to the particles except for the absence of the copolymer.

2. The use according to claim 1, wherein the carbohydrate is selected from sugar, sugar alcohol, and mixtures thereof.

3. The use according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the water-soluble carrier comprises at least 80% by weight of sugar, preferably the water-soluble carrier is sugar.

4. The use according to claim 3, wherein the sugar is selected from dextrose, sucrose, fructose, glucose, isoglucose, rhamnose, fucose, deoxyribose, ribose, trehalose, xylose, mannose, arabinose, galactose, cellobiose, lactose, maltose, isomaltose, melibiose, gentobiose, maltotriose, raffinose, panose, and mixtures thereof, preferably the sugar is selected from dextrose, sucrose, fructose, glucose, isoglucose, galactose, raffinose, and mixtures thereof.P0001274W01265. The use according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the monomer (i) is monoethylenically unsaturated C3-C7 monocarboxylic acid.

6. The use according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the monomer (i) is selected from acrylic acid, methacrylic acid and mixtures thereof.

7. The use according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the monomer (ii) is monoethylenically unsaturated C4-C8 dicarboxylic acid.

8. The use according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the monomer (ii) is selected from maleic acid, maleic anhydride, and mixtures thereof.

9. The use according to any of the preceding claims, the copolymer has a weight ratio of monomer (i) to monomer (ii) ranging from 10:1 to 1:10, preferably from 10:1 to 1:1.

10. The use according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the copolymer is a copolymer of (i) acrylic acid and (ii) maleic acid and / or anhydride.

11. The use according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the copolymer has a weight average molecular weight of from 5,000 g / mol to 120,000 g / mol, preferably from 10,000 g / mol to 100,000 g / mol.

12. The use according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the particles comprise from 0.1 to 8%, preferably from 0.5% to 5% by weight of the copolymer.

13. The use according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the particles comprise from 0.1 to 9% by weight of polyethylene glycol.

14. The use according to any of the preceding claims, wherein each particle has a maximum linear dimension in any direction of less than 10 mm, preferably 1 to 8 mm.

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