Surfactant system comprising mannosylerythritol lipid for detergents

Abstract

A surfactant system comprising alkyl ether sulfate(s), mannosylerythritol lipid(s) (MEL) and fatty alcohol ethoxylate(s), wherein the weight fraction of surfactants b) + c) based on the total weight of the surfactant system is at most 50 wt.%, is suitable for use in a washing, cleaning or textile care agent and exhibits enhanced washing performance.

Description

[0001] 2025P00100WG

[0002] Henkel AG & Co. KGaA

[0003] Dr. Ludwig

[0004] “MEL comprehensive surfactant system for detergents”

[0005] The present application relates to a surfactant system containing alkyl ether sulfates in excess alongside mannosylerythritol lipids and fatty alcohol ethoxylates, and to a washing, cleaning and textile care product based on such a surfactant system.

[0006] The present application is directed towards a process for cleaning and / or caring for textiles.

[0007] The use of various surfactants in detergents, cleaning agents, and fabric care products is well-established. The vast majority of commercially available detergents, cleaning agents, and fabric care products contain highly effective LAS (linear alkylbenzenesulfonates). However, the detergent industry has been focusing on LAS-free products for some time now, due to increasing consumer demand. This is because consumers perceive products containing LAS as unsustainable and environmentally harmful. Because of the insufficient anaerobic biodegradability of LAS, products containing it cannot be certified with the EU Ecolabel.

[0008] The growing demand for LAS-free products is driving the need for innovative formulations that not only meet the "LAS-free" criterion but also offer the same high-performance properties as conventional, LAS-containing detergents, cleaners, and fabric care products, such as rich lather and excellent dirt and / or grease removal. A completely satisfactory solution for replacing LAS has not yet been found. So-called biosurfactants are gaining importance as potential replacements for LAS. These can be derived from renewable resources and therefore have an improved CO2 footprint. This aligns with consumers' desire for more sustainable detergents and cleaning products.

[0009] Biosurfactants include mannosylerythritol lipids (MEL), which are obtained through fermentation from various microorganisms and have so far been primarily investigated for their use in cosmetic products. There is a desire to also use this class of biosurfactants in detergents and cleaning agents, thereby replacing other, less environmentally friendly surfactants.

[0010] Initial trials showed that such detergents exhibited very poor cleaning performance, and a complete replacement of LAS with renewable surfactants (such as MEL) has so far been neither satisfactory nor economical. Increased surfactant concentrations can improve the performance of LAS-free surfactant systems containing biosurfactants (such as MEL), but this is undesirable for environmental reasons and due to higher costs.

[0011] From WO 2024 / 256548, surfactant mixtures for the surfactant system often contained in commercially available products, consisting of LAS, other anionic surfactants and fatty alcohol alkoxylates, are known in principle.

[0012] However, it has been found that the washing performance of such surfactant systems can vary greatly depending on the mixing ratio of the surfactants.

[0013] The objective of the present invention was therefore to further increase the washing performance of MEL-containing detergents and to optimize their overall product performance.

[0014] Surprisingly, it was found that this task can be solved excellently using a surfactant system comprising an excess of anionic alkyl ether sulfates as well as MEL and smaller amounts of fatty alcohol ethoxylates.

[0015] This made it possible to provide more environmentally friendly surfactant combinations for washing, cleaning or textile care products with the renewable biosurfactant mannosylerythithol lipid (MEL), which can even outperform LAS-based surfactant combinations.

[0016] A first subject matter of the present application is therefore a surfactant system comprising a) alkyl ether sulfate(s)

[0017] b) Mannosylerythritol lipid(s) (MEL)

[0018] c) Fatty alcohol ethoxylate(s),

[0019] where the weight fraction of surfactants b) + c) to the total weight of the surfactant system is a maximum of 50 wt.%.

[0020] Another object of the invention is a method for cleaning and / or caring for textiles, in which a means containing this surfactant system is used.

[0021] Another object of this invention is the use of a surfactant system according to the invention to increase the cleaning performance of a washing, cleaning or textile care product.

[0022] These and other aspects, features, and advantages of the invention will become apparent to the person skilled in the art upon studying the following detailed description and claims. Each feature from one aspect of the invention can be incorporated into any other aspect of the invention. Furthermore, it is understood that the examples contained herein are intended to describe and illustrate the invention, but do not limit it, and in particular, the invention is not limited to these examples.

[0023] Unless otherwise stated, all percentages are weight percentages based on the total weight of the agent / composition. Numerical ranges in the format "from x to 2025P00100WQ"

[0024] The values ​​specified in "y" include those mentioned. If multiple preferred numeric ranges are specified in this format, it is understood that all ranges resulting from the combination of the different endpoints are also included.

[0025] “At least one,” as used herein, refers to 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, or more. In the context of components of the compositions described herein, this term refers not to the absolute quantity of molecules but to the type of component. “At least one anionic surfactant,” for example, means one or more different anionic surfactants, i.e., one or more different types of anionic surfactants. When used in conjunction with quantity specifications, these quantities refer to the total amount of the respective type of component.

[0026] A first essential component of the surfactant system according to the invention is an or are an alkyl ether sulfate(s) a).

[0027] This preferably includes compounds of the following general formula

[0028] R 1 -O-(EO) n -SO3- X +

[0029] understood,

[0030] wherein

[0031] R 1 for a linear or branched, substituted or unsubstituted alkyl group, preferably for a fatty alcohol group. Preferred groups are R. 1 Selected from decyl, undecyl, dodecyl, tridecyl, tetradecyl, pentadecyl, hexadecyl, heptadecyl, octadecyl, nonadecyl, and eicosyl groups and mixtures thereof, with representatives having an even number of carbon atoms being further preferred. Particularly preferred groups R 1are derived from Cs-Cis fatty alcohols, for example from coconut fatty alcohol, tallow fatty alcohol, lauryl, myristyl, cetyl or stearyl alcohol, C12-14 fatty alcohols are particularly preferred.

[0032] EO stands for an ethylene oxide grouping

[0033] The index n represents an integer from 1 to 50, preferably an integer from 1 to 20, and particularly from 2 to 10. Most preferably, the index n represents the numbers 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, or 8.

[0034] X represents a monovalent cation or the nth part of an n-valent cation, preferably the alkali metal ions, including Na. + or K + , where Na + is extremely preferred.

[0035] Particularly preferred is a linear or branched C8-18 alkyl ether sulfate with a degree of ethoxylation of 1 to 8 and in particular a Ci2-14 alkyl ether sulfate with 2 EO as surfactant a) in the surfactant system according to the invention.

[0036] Alkyl ether sulfate(s) a), preferably alkyl ether sulfate(s) of the aforementioned formula and in particular Ci2-14-alkyl ether sulfates with 2 EO are used in the surfactant system according to the invention. 2025P00100WQ

[0037] preferably used in an amount of 50 to 80 wt.%, more preferably 51 to 77.5 wt.%, particularly preferably 52 to 77.5 wt.% and especially 53 to 75 wt.%.

[0038] A second essential component of the surfactant system according to the invention is a mannosylerythritol lipid(s) (MEL) b).

[0039] Mannosylerythritol lipids (MELs) are surfactants consisting of a hydrophilic part, 4-O-β-D-mannopyranosyl-mesoerythritol, and several hydrophobic parts, which are fatty acid chains and varying degrees of acetylation. They are produced by fermentation from various microorganisms, primarily yeasts such as Pseudozyma antarctica (also known as Candida arctica or Mesosziomyces). Other microorganisms suitable for MEL production include Pseudozyma sp. and Ustilago maydis. Fungi of the Ustilaginaceae family, such as Moesziomyces aphidis (Front. Bioeng. Biotechnol., 17 May 2022; See. Industrial Biotechnology; Volume 10 - 2022), are also particularly well-suited for fermentation. Due to their origin, they are classified as biosurfactants.

[0040] The MELs used according to this invention preferably conform to the following

[0041]

[0042] Ri and R2 independently for saturated or unsaturated acyl groups with 4 to

[0043] There are 16 carbon atoms,

[0044] R3 and R4 can independently represent H or an acetyl group (Ac).

[0045] Suitable MELs according to the present invention typically comprise mixtures of MEL-A: R3= R4= Ac

[0046] MEL-B: R3= Ac, R4= H

[0047] MEL-C: R3= H, R4= AC

[0048] MEL-D: R3= R4= H.

[0049] To optimize washing performance, it can be advantageous if the degree of acetylation in the MELs according to formula (I) is higher (MEL-A, MEL-B, MEL-C). 2025P00100WQ

[0050] Furthermore, it may be advantageous if MEL according to formula (I) includes acyl groups Ri and R2 in which at least one of the groups carries a double bond in the acyl chain.

[0051] Furthermore, MELs according to formula (I) are advantageous, in which the substituents Ri and R2 represent acyl chains of medium chain lengths with 8-12 and in particular 10 carbon atoms.

[0052] In a preferred embodiment, the surfactant system MEL b) comprises according to formula (I), wherein at least one of the substituents Ri or R2 carries at least one double bond in the carbon chain.

[0053] In a further preferred embodiment, the surfactant system MEL bi) according to formula (I) comprises Ri and R2, which represent C8-Ci2 acyl groups, most preferably Cio acyl groups. A particularly preferred embodiment is characterized in that the surfactant system MEL bi) according to formula (I) comprises Ri, which represents a saturated Cio acyl group and R2 represents a monounsaturated Cio acyl group.

[0054] In a further preferred embodiment, the surfactant system MEL bii) comprises according to formula (I), wherein one of the substituents Ri, R2 represents a Ci2-Ci6 acyl group and the other represents a C4-C8 acyl group.

[0055] A particularly preferred embodiment is characterized in that the surfactant system MEL bii) comprises formula (I) wherein Ri represents a saturated C4 acyl group and R2 represents a singly unsaturated Ci6 acyl group.

[0056] The combination of at least two MELs with different lipophilic chain lengths in the surfactant systems according to the invention is also possible and may lead to improved performance.

[0057] Thus, a combination of MELs, compared to pure MELs, exhibits a lower interfacial tension between the oily and aqueous phases as well as an increased adsorption rate at the surface.

[0058] A combination of the two MELs bi) and bii), which leads to a reduction in interfacial tension, can be further enhanced by selecting two very specific MELs that are produced by different microorganisms and therefore have different chain lengths.

[0059] In a further preferred embodiment, mixtures of MELs according to bi) and bii) are therefore used in the surfactant system according to the invention, wherein at least one of the two residues Ri or R2 has a double bond in the carbon chain.

[0060] MELs (corresponding to bi) and bii)) where R3 represents H and R4 represents an acetyl group are also preferred. Such MELs are designated MEL-B. 2025P00100WQ

[0061] Particularly preferred are mixtures of previously described MELs bi) and bii), i.e., mixtures of • MEL bi) according to formula (I), wherein Ri and R2 represent C8-Ci2 acyl groups, most preferably Cio-acyl groups, and in particular wherein Ri represents a saturated Cio-acyl group and R2 represents a monounsaturated Cio-acyl group (MEL-1B1), and

[0062] • MEL bii) according to formula (I), wherein one of the residues Ri, R2 represents a Ci2-Ci6 acyl group and the other represents a C4-Cs acyl group, in particular wherein Ri represents a saturated C4 acyl group and R2 represents a monounsaturated Ci6 acyl group (MEL-3B1).

[0063] Within this embodiment, it is advantageous if MEL bi) and MEL bii)

[0064] in a weight ratio bi) : bii) of 5 : 1 to 1 : 1, more preferably 4 : 1 to 1 : 1 and in particular 3 : 1 to 1 : 1 in the surfactant system according to the invention.

[0065] The surfactant system according to the invention contains previously described MELs or mixtures of MELs preferably in a weight fraction of 20 to 45 wt.%, more preferably of 21 to 45 wt.%, particularly preferably of 22 to 42.5 wt.% and particularly of 23 to 40 wt.% of the total weight of the surfactant system.

[0066] The surfactant system according to the invention also contains a fatty alcohol ethoxylate as a further component. These obey the formula

[0067] R 2 -O-(EO)mH,

[0068] in the

[0069] R 2 for a linear or branched, substituted or unsubstituted alkyl group, EO for an ethylene oxide (EO) group,

[0070] m represents whole numbers from 1 to 50.

[0071] In the formula mentioned above, R stands for 2for 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 2 are selected from decyl, undecyl, dodecyl, tridecyl, tetradecyl, pentadecyl, hexadecyl, heptadecyl, octadecyl, nonadecyl, and eicosyl groups and mixtures thereof, with representatives having an even number of carbon atoms being preferred. Particularly preferred groups R 2 These are derived from Ci2-Ci8 fatty alcohols, for example, coconut fatty alcohol, tallow fatty alcohol, lauryl, myristyl, cetyl, or stearyl alcohol. EO stands for an ethylene oxide (EO) group.

[0072] The index m represents an integer from 1 to 50, preferably from 1 to 20, particularly preferably from 1 to 15, and particularly from 2 to 10. Most preferably, m represents the numbers 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, or 8. 2025P00100WQ

[0073] Particularly preferred are linear or branched ethoxylated C8-20 alcohols with a degree of ethoxylation of 1 to 15 and in particular C s-fatty alcohol ethoxylate with 7 EO as surfactant c) in the surfactant system according to the invention.

[0074] Fatty alcohol ethoxylate(s) c), preferably fatty alcohol ethoxylate(s) of the aforementioned formula and in particular Cms fatty alcohol ethoxylate with 7 EO are used in the surfactant system according to the invention preferably in an amount of 1 to 30 wt.%, more preferably 1.5 to 27.5 wt.%, particularly preferably 2 to 25 wt.% and in particular 2.5 to 20 wt.%.

[0075] In a particularly preferred embodiment, the surfactant system according to the invention comprises – based on its total weight – • 50–80 wt.%, in particular 53–75 wt.% Ci2–14 alkyl ether sulfates with 2 EO

[0076] • 20 - 45 wt.%, in particular 23 to 40 wt.% MEL bi) and / or bii)

[0077] • 1 - 30 wt.%, in particular 2.5 - 20 wt.% Cms fatty alcohol ethoxylate with 7 EO.

[0078] The surfactant system according to the invention can advantageously be incorporated into washing, cleaning and textile care products.

[0079] Another subject of this application is therefore a washing, cleaning or textile care product containing a surfactant system as described above.

[0080] Preferably, the surfactant system is contained in an amount of 1 to 30 wt.%, preferably in an amount of 10 to 25 wt.% in the washing, cleaning or textile care product, in each case based on the total product.

[0081] In addition to the surfactant system, the washing, cleaning or textile care product preferably contains at least one further active ingredient, preferably selected from the group comprising one or more further surfactants, builders, bleaching agents, bleach activators, enzymes, electrolytes, pH adjusters, perfumes, perfume carriers, fluorescent agents, dyes, hydrotopes, foam inhibitors, anti-redeposition agents, anti-graying inhibitors, dirt-removing polymers, shrinkage inhibitors, wrinkle-resistant agents, color transfer inhibitors, antimicrobial agents, solvents, germicides, fungicides, antioxidants, preservatives, corrosion inhibitors, antistatic agents, bittering agents, ironing aids, phobic and impregnating agents, skin-conditioning agents, swelling and slip-resistant agents, plasticizing components and UV absorbers.

[0082] In addition to the surfactants already mentioned, other surfactants, such as nonionic surfactants, can also be used. These include, for example, alkoxylated fatty acid alkyl esters, fatty acid amides, polyhydroxy fatty acid amides, alkylphenol polyglycol ethers, amine oxides, alkyl polyglycosides, and mixtures thereof.

[0083] Zwitterionic or amphoteric surfactants can also be used, for example betaines, sulfobetaines or amphoacetates.

[0084] Other anionic surfactants, such as ether carboxylates, isethionates, sulfosuccinates, taurides or soaps, can also be used.

[0085] Cationic surfactants can also be used, such as quaternary ammonium compounds, especially esterquats.

[0086] In a preferred embodiment, however, the washing, cleaning or textile care product is free of cationic or amphoteric surfactants.

[0087] A washing, cleaning, or textile care product according to the invention preferably contains at least one water-soluble and / or water-insoluble, organic and / or inorganic builder. The water-soluble organic builder substances include polycarboxylic acids, in particular citric acid and sugar acids, monomeric and polymeric aminopolycarboxylic acids and their salts, in particular glutamic acid N,N-diacetic acid (GLDA), methylglycine diacetic acid (MGDA), nitrilotriacetic acid (NTA), and iminodisuccinates such as ethylenediamine N.N'-disuccinic acid (EDDS) and hydroxyiminodisuccinates (HIDS), ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) as well as polyaspartic acid, polyphosphonic acids, in particular aminotris(methylenephosphonic acid), ethylenediaminetetrakis(methylenephosphonic acid), lysinetetra(methylenephosphonic acid) and 1-hydroxyethane1,1-diphosphonic acid, polymeric hydroxy compounds such as dextrin as well as polymeric (poly-)carboxylic acids, in particular polycarboxylates accessible by oxidation of polysaccharides, polymeric acrylic acids, methacrylic acids, maleic acids and copolymers of these, which may also contain small amounts of polymerizable substances without carboxylic acid functionality polymerized into the polymer. The relative mean molecular mass of the homopolymers of unsaturated carboxylic acids is generally between 5000 g / mol and 200000 g / mol, that of the copolymers between 2000 g / mol and 200000 g / mol, preferably 50000 g / mol to 120000 g / mol, in each case based on free acid.A particularly preferred acrylic acid-maleic acid copolymer has a relative mean molecular mass of 50,000 to 100,000. Suitable, though less preferred, compounds of this class are copolymers of acrylic acid or methacrylic acid with vinyl ethers, such as vinyl methyl ethers, vinyl esters, ethylene, propylene, and styrene, in which the acid content is at least 50% by weight. Terpolymers containing as monomers two unsaturated acids and / or their salts, and as a third monomer vinyl alcohol and / or a vinyl alcohol derivative or a carbohydrate, can also be used as water-soluble organic builder substances.

[0088] Suitable water-soluble inorganic builder materials include polyphosphates, preferably sodium triphosphate, as well as water-soluble crystalline and / or amorphous alkali silicate builders. In a preferred embodiment, however, the washing, cleaning, or textile care products according to the invention are phosphate-free. 2025P00100WQ

[0089] Water-insoluble inorganic builder materials, particularly crystalline or amorphous, water-dispersible alkali aluminosilicates, are used. Among these, crystalline sodium aluminosilicates of detergent quality, especially zeolite A, zeolite P, zeolite MAP, and optionally zeolite X, are preferred.

[0090] Bleaching agents can be any substance that destroys or absorbs dyes through oxidation, reduction, or adsorption, thereby decolorizing materials. These include, among others, hypohalite-containing bleaching agents, hydrogen peroxide, perborate, percarbonate, peroxoacetic acid, diperoxoazelic acid, diperoxododecanedioic acid, and oxidative enzyme systems.

[0091] The washing, cleaning, or textile care product may further contain one or more enzymes. In principle, all enzymes established in the prior art for these purposes can be used. Preferably, these are one or more enzymes that can exert catalytic activity in a detergent, in particular a protease, amylase, lipase, cellulase, hemicellulase, mannanase, pectin-splitting enzyme, tannase, xylanase, xanthanase, β-glucosidase, carrageenase, perhydrolase, oxidase, oxidoreductase, and mixtures thereof. Preferred hydrolytic enzymes include, in particular, proteases, amylases (especially α-amylases), cellulases, lipases, hemicellulases (especially pectinases), mannanases, β-glucanases, and mixtures thereof. Proteases, amylases and / or lipases and mixtures thereof are particularly preferred, and proteases are especially preferred.These enzymes are essentially of natural origin; based on the natural molecules, improved versions are available for use in detergents and are therefore preferred. The enzymes can be adsorbed onto carrier substances and / or embedded in coating materials to protect them against premature inactivation. The enzymes used can also be combined with accompanying substances, such as those from fermentation, or with stabilizers.

[0092] To adjust a desired pH value that does not result automatically from the mixture of the other components, the agents according to the invention can contain system- and environmentally compatible acids, in particular citric acid, acetic acid, tartaric acid, malic acid, lactic acid, amino acids such as glycine, glutamic acid, arginine and / or aspartic acid, glycolic acid, maleic acid, fumaric acid, salicylic acid, succinic acid, glutaric acid and / or adipic acid, but optionally also mineral acids, in particular sulfuric acid, or bases, in particular ammonium or alkali hydroxides.

[0093] Anti-graying agents serve to keep dirt detached from 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 for this purpose.

[0094] Other starch derivatives besides those mentioned above can also 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 preferred.

[0095] Furthermore, the product may contain dirt-removing polymers or soil release polymers (SRPs). SRPs available in particular include oligoesters of preferably terephthalic acid, isophthalic acid, sulfoisophthalic acid and / or their methyl esters, aliphatic dicarboxylic acids (saturated and / or unsaturated), for example, adipic acid, and / or their anhydrides, aliphatic substituted dicarboxylic acids, for example, nonyl succinic acid, alkylene glycols (ethylene, 1,2-propylene, 1,2-butylene glycol), polyethylene glycols, alkyl polyethylene glycols, polyethylene glycol sulfobenzoic acid esters, and optionally alkanolamines. Terephthalate-PEG-based polymers, such as those commercially available under the trade name Texcare®, are preferred. Alternatively, (co)polymers based on polyethyleneimine, polyvinyl acetate and polyethylene glycol can also be used.

[0096] Suitable dirt-removing polymers are generally already sufficiently known from the prior art. In particular, all polymers known from the prior art for this purpose can therefore be used.

[0097] To effectively suppress dye transfer and / or dye transfer to other textiles during washing and / or cleaning of dyed textiles, the composition according to the invention can contain a dye transfer inhibitor (DTI). It is preferred that the dye transfer inhibitor is a polymer or copolymer of cyclic amines such as vinylpyrrolidone and / or vinylimidazole. Suitable polymers include polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP), polyvinylimidazole (PVI), copolymers of vinylpyrrolidone and vinylimidazole (PVP / PVI), polyvinylpyridine N-oxide, poly-N-carboxymethyl-4-vinylpyridium chloride, and mixtures thereof. Polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP), polyvinylimidazole (PVI), or copolymers of vinylpyrrolidone and vinylimidazole (PVP / PVI) are particularly preferred as the dye transfer inhibitor.

[0098] Polycarboxylates are particularly suitable as anti-reposition agents. Appropriate materials can be prepared by the polymerization or copolymerization of unsaturated carboxylic acid monomers, such as acrylic acid, maleic acid (or anhydride), fumaric acid, itaconic acid, aconitic acid, mesaconic acid, citraconic acid, and methylmalonic acid. Acrylate polymers and acrylic / maleic acid copolymers are especially preferred.

[0099] Washing, cleaning, or textile care products can contain optical brighteners such as derivatives of diaminostilbene disulfonic acid or its alkali metal salts. However, color detergents are preferably free of optical brighteners. Suitable examples include salts of 4,4'-bis(2-anilino-4-morpholino-1,3,5-triazinyl-6-amino)stilbene-2,2'-disulfonic acid or similarly structured compounds that, instead of the morpholino group, bear a diethanolamino group, a methylamino group, an anilino group, or a 2-methoxyethylamino group. Furthermore, optical brighteners of the substituted diphenylstyryl type may be present, for example, the alkali salts of 4,4'-bis(2-sulfostyryl)diphenyl, 4,4'-bis(4-chloro-3-sulfostyryl)diphenyl, or 4-(4-chlorostyryl)-4'-(2-sulfostyryl)diphenyl. Mixtures of the aforementioned optical brighteners may also be used.

[0100] Particularly when used in automated processes, it can be advantageous to add common foam inhibitors to washing, cleaning, or textile care products. Suitable foam inhibitors include, for example, soaps of natural or synthetic origin that have a high proportion of C18-C24 fatty acids. Suitable non-surfactant foam inhibitors include, for example, organopolysiloxanes and their mixtures with microfine, optionally silanized silica, as well as paraffins, waxes, microcrystalline waxes, and their mixtures with silanized silica or bis-fatty acid alkylenediamides. Mixtures of different foam inhibitors, such as those of silicones, paraffins, or waxes, are also advantageously used. Preferably, the foam inhibitors, especially silicone- and / or paraffin-containing foam inhibitors, are bound to a granular, water-soluble or dispersible carrier substance.In particular, mixtures of paraffins and bistearylethylenediamide are preferred.

[0101] The washing, cleaning, or textile care agent can be in any known form, for example, solid, liquid, gel, paste, powder, granules, or tablet. Liquid agents contain solvents. In a preferred embodiment, the main solvent is water. In addition, non-aqueous solvents can be added to the agent. Suitable non-aqueous solvents include mono- or polyhydric alcohols, alkanolamines, or glycol ethers, provided they are miscible with water within the specified concentration range.Preferably, the solvents are selected from ethanol, n-propanol, i-propanol, butanols, glycol, propanediol, butanediol, methylpropanediol, glycerin, diglycylene, propyldiglycol, butyldiglycylene, 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, propylene glycol ethyl ether, 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. this2025P00100WQ.

[0102] Solvent. An alcohol, especially ethanol and / or glycerin, is particularly preferred.

[0103] To further improve the stability of the agents, hydrotropes can be used in addition to the surfactant systems described herein. The term "hydrotrope," as used in connection with the present invention, refers to additives or solvents that increase the water solubility of sparingly soluble (hydrophobic) organic compounds. A second component (i.e., the hydrotrope) is added to the sparingly soluble substance, but it is not itself a solvent. Such hydrotropes have hydrophilic and hydrophobic structural units (like surfactants) but without the tendency to form aggregates in water (unlike surfactants). In various embodiments, these hydrotropes have no micelle-forming activity, or the critical micelle concentration (CMC) is greater than 10⁻⁵. -4 mol / L, preferably greater than 10 -3 mol / L and even more preferably 10 -2mol / L. The "critical micelle formation concentration," in accordance with the general understanding in the prior art, is the concentration of the substance above which it begins to form micelles and any further molecule added to the system is converted into micelles. The hydrotropes used typically have a molecular weight < 10,000 g / mol, preferably < 2,500 g / mol, more preferably < 1,000 g / mol, and most preferably < 500 g / mol. They can be selected, for example, from short-chain mono-, di-, tri-, tetra- or penta-alkylbenzenesulfonates, in particular Ci-e alkylbenzenesulfonates, wherein the alkyl groups may be linear or branched, including but not limited to cumenesulfonate, toluenesulfonate and / or xylenesulfonate, as well as butyl glycol, propylene glycol, 3-methoxy-3-methyl-1-butanol, 2,2-dimethyl-4-hydroxymethyl-1,2-dioxolane, propylene carbonate, butyl lactate, 2-isobutyl-2-methyl-1,3-dioxolane-4-methanol or mixtures thereof.The hydrotropic compounds are preferably used in a range of 0.1 to 5 wt.%, more preferably from 1 to 2 wt.%, based on the total weight of the detergents.

[0104] In one embodiment, the washing, cleaning, or textile care product is offered as a pre-portioned single dose in a water-soluble coating. The water-soluble coating is preferably formed from a water-soluble film material.

[0105] Such individual doses can be manufactured either by vertical form-fill-seal (VFFS) or hot-forming processes. The hot-forming process generally involves forming a first layer of a water-soluble film material to create indentations for receiving a composition, filling the indentations with the composition, covering the composition-filled indentations with a second layer of a water-soluble film material, and sealing the first and second layers together, at least around the indentations.

[0106] The water-soluble coating is preferably formed from a water-soluble film material selected from the group consisting of polymers or polymer mixtures. The2025P00100WQ

[0107] The casing can be formed from one, two, or more layers of water-soluble film material. The water-soluble film material of the first layer and any subsequent layers can be the same or different. The single dose, comprising the washing, cleaning, or fabric care agent and the water-soluble casing, can also have one or more compartments. The agent can be contained in one or more compartments, if present, of the water-soluble casing. The amount of detergent preferably corresponds to the full or half dose required for one wash cycle.

[0108] It is preferred that the water-soluble coating contains polyvinyl alcohol or a polyvinyl alcohol copolymer. In addition, polymers selected from the group comprising acrylic acid-containing polymers, polyacrylamides, oxazoline polymers, polystyrene sulfonates, polyurethanes, polyesters, polyethers, polylactic acid, and / or mixtures of the aforementioned polymers may be added to the film material.

[0109] Preferred polyvinyl alcohol copolymers comprise, in addition to vinyl alcohol, dicarboxylic acids as further monomers. Suitable dicarboxylic acids are itaconic acid, malonic acid, succinic acid, and mixtures thereof, with itaconic acid being preferred.

[0110] The single dose can have an essentially dimensionally stable spherical, rotationally ellipsoidal, cubic, cuboidal or cushion-shaped form with a circular, elliptical, square or rectangular base.

[0111] Furthermore, it may have one or more compartments for storing one or more substances. If the water-soluble packaging has two or more compartments, each compartment may contain a solid component or a liquid component, or one or more compartments may contain solid components and one or more other compartments may contain liquid components.

[0112] Another subject of the invention is a method for cleaning and / or caring for textiles, comprising the following process steps:

[0113] a) Providing a washing solution comprising a washing, cleaning or textile care agent according to the invention and

[0114] b) Bringing a textile into contact with the washing solution according to a).

[0115] This includes both manual and machine-based methods, with machine-based methods being preferred.

[0116] Another aspect of this invention is the use of a surfactant system according to the invention to increase the cleaning performance of a washing, cleaning or textile care product. 2025P00100WQ

[0117] Examples of implementation

[0118] Washing performance analysis

[0119] Washing performance was investigated in full-scale washing tests.

[0120] The washing temperature was 40°C and the dosage was 48g of detergent to 171ml of washing liquid.

[0121] The washing performance was investigated on 35 standardized stains on cotton or polyester-cotton blends, with a particular focus on greasy surfactant stains (23 of 35), as changes in washing performance due to alterations in the surfactant system are especially evident on such stains. After drying, the remission values ​​of the washed textiles were determined and summed. The following table presents the results as mean values ​​from five sets of measurements on the 35 different stains.

[0122] Alkyl ether sulfate MEL (%) Fatty alcohol ethoxylate washing power (FAEOS) (%) (FAEO) (%)

[0123] Reference 2272

[0124] (LAS, FAEOS,

[0125] FAEO)

[0126] Negative test 75 25 2234 Example 1 74 25 1 2287 Example 2 50 33.3 16.7 2275 Example 3 60 10 30 2239 Example 4 33.3 33.3 33.3 2245

[0127]

[0128] A Ci2-14 fatty alcohol ether sulfate with 2 EO was used as the alkyl ether sulfate, and a C s fatty alcohol with 7 EO was used as the fatty alcohol ethoxylate.

[0129] The washing performance (remission units) of standard stains (so) in a comprehensive primary washing test shows that the commercially available reference formulation with the surfactants LAS, FAEOS, and FAEO can be outperformed by a formulation with FAEOS, MEL, and low levels of FAEO (Example 1) or a combination of FAEOS, MEL, and an FAEO content below 20% (Example 2). The results in Examples 3 and 4 show that the washing performance decreases when the MEL concentration is too low (10%) or the FAEO concentration is too high, and simultaneously the FAEOS concentration is below 50%.

[0130] Further high-throughput experiments (HTE) were conducted to optimize the surfactant combination. 2025P00100WQ

[0131] The washing performance of various surfactant systems, composed of MEL, FAEO, and FAEOS, was investigated at 40°C and a pH of 7.5. The total concentration in the wash liquor was 48 g / 17 l in all trials. Ten different standardized soils (3x lipstick, pigment / oil, olive oil, 2x sebum, mayonnaise, frying fat) were applied to cotton or polyester-cotton blend fabrics. After drying, the remission values ​​of the washed textiles were determined and summed. The following table presents the results as mean values ​​from triplicate determinations of the ten different soils, depending on the respective surfactant combination.

[0132] Example MEL FAEO FAEOS HTE washing performance

[0133] 1 24% 6% 70% 489.01

[0134] 2 23% 20% 57% 488.42

[0135] 3 40% 1% 59% 486.22

[0136] 4 40% 1% 59% 485.47

[0137] 5 28% 18% 54% 484.20

[0138] 7 23% 47% 30% 479.46

[0139] 8 16% 47% 37% 477.78

[0140] 9 37% 26% 37% 476.95

[0141] 10 50% 20% 30% 476.65

[0142] 11 50% 6% 44% 476.59

[0143] 12 10% 60% 30% 474.95

[0144] 13 37% 33% 30% 472.55

[0145] 14 10% 60% 30% 471.57

[0146]

[0147] The HTE washing performance of ten standard stains (so) shows that formulations containing FAEOS, FAEO, and MEL, where the FAEOS content is <50%, remove stains less effectively than corresponding formulations where the FAES content is >50% (see lines 1-5). Furthermore, it is evident that a simultaneous MEL content in the range of 23-40% and a maximum FAEO content of 20% is particularly advantageous.

Claims

2025P00100WQ Patent claims:

1. Comprehensive surfactant system a) Alkyl ether sulfate(s) b) Mannosylerythritol lipid(s) (MEL) c) Fatty alcohol ethoxylate(s), characterized in that the weight fraction of surfactants b) + c) to the total weight of the surfactant system is a maximum of 50 wt.%.

2. Surfactant system according to claim 1, characterized in that it contains alkyl ether sulfates a) in a weight fraction of 50 to 80 wt.% of the total weight of the surfactant system.

3. Surfactant system according to one of claims 1 or 2, characterized in that it contains mannosylerythritol lipid(s) (MEL) b) in a weight fraction of 20 - 45 wt.% of the total weight of the surfactant system.

4. Surfactant system according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that it contains fatty alcohol ethoxylate(s) c) in a weight fraction of 1 - 30 wt.% of the total weight of the surfactant system.

5. Surfactant system according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that alkyl ether sulfates a) are selected from linear or branched C8-18 alkyl ether sulfates with a degree of ethoxylation of 1 to 8.

6. Surfactant system according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that mannosylerythritol lipid(s) (MEL) b) from compounds of the following formula (I) wherein Ri and R2 independently represent saturated or unsaturated acyl groups with 4 to 16 carbon atoms, R3 and R4 can independently represent H or an acetyl group. 2025P00100WQ 7. Surfactant system according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that fatty alcohol ethoxylates c) are selected from linear or branched ethoxylated C8-20 alcohols with a degree of ethoxylation of 1 to 15.

8. Washing, cleaning or textile care product, characterized in that it comprises a surfactant system according to one of the preceding claims.

9. Washing, cleaning or textile care product according to claim 8, characterized in that it contains the surfactant system in a weight fraction of 1 to 30 wt.% of the total weight of the entire product.

10. Washing, cleaning or textile care product according to one of claims 8 or 9, characterized in that it contains at least one further active ingredient, preferably selected from the group comprising one or more further surfactants, builders, bleaching agents, bleach activators, enzymes, electrolytes, pH adjusters, perfumes, perfume carriers, fluorescent agents, dyes, hydrotopes, foam inhibitors, anti-redeposition agents, anti-graying inhibitors, dirt-removing polymers, shrinkage inhibitors, anti-crease agents, color transfer inhibitors, antimicrobial agents, solvents, germicides, fungicides, antioxidants, preservatives, corrosion inhibitors, antistatic agents, bittering agents, ironing aids, phobic and impregnating agents, skin-conditioning agents, swelling and slip-resistant agents, plasticizing components and UV absorbers.

Images