CA2970590A1 - Use of a first film and a second film to improve seal strength of a water-soluble unit dose article - Google Patents
Use of a first film and a second film to improve seal strength of a water-soluble unit dose article Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- CA2970590A1 CA2970590A1 CA2970590A CA2970590A CA2970590A1 CA 2970590 A1 CA2970590 A1 CA 2970590A1 CA 2970590 A CA2970590 A CA 2970590A CA 2970590 A CA2970590 A CA 2970590A CA 2970590 A1 CA2970590 A1 CA 2970590A1
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- water
- film
- soluble film
- soluble
- polyvinyl alcohol
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Granted
Links
Classifications
-
- C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
- C11—ANIMAL OR VEGETABLE OILS, FATS, FATTY SUBSTANCES OR WAXES; FATTY ACIDS THEREFROM; DETERGENTS; CANDLES
- C11D—DETERGENT COMPOSITIONS; USE OF SINGLE SUBSTANCES AS DETERGENTS; SOAP OR SOAP-MAKING; RESIN SOAPS; RECOVERY OF GLYCEROL
- C11D17/00—Detergent materials or soaps characterised by their shape or physical properties
- C11D17/04—Detergent materials or soaps characterised by their shape or physical properties combined with or containing other objects
- C11D17/041—Compositions releasably affixed on a substrate or incorporated into a dispensing means
- C11D17/042—Water soluble or water disintegrable containers or substrates containing cleaning compositions or additives for cleaning compositions
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D65/00—Wrappers or flexible covers; Packaging materials of special type or form
- B65D65/38—Packaging materials of special type or form
- B65D65/46—Applications of disintegrable, dissolvable or edible materials
Landscapes
- Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
- Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Chemical Kinetics & Catalysis (AREA)
- Oil, Petroleum & Natural Gas (AREA)
- Wood Science & Technology (AREA)
- Organic Chemistry (AREA)
- Wrappers (AREA)
- Detergent Compositions (AREA)
- Packages (AREA)
Abstract
The present invention relates to the use of a first water-soluble film and a second water-soluble film to make a unit dose article and the use of said unit dose article.
Description
USE OF A FIRST FILM AND A SECOND FILM TO IMPROVE SEAL STRENGTH OF A
WATER-SOLUBLE UNIT DOSE ARTICLE
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to the use of a first water-soluble film and a second water-soluble film to make a unit dose article and the use of said unit dose article.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Water-soluble detergent unit dose articles are preferred by consumers as they are a convenient, efficient and clean way of dosing detergent during the wash process. The water-soluble unit dose form means that the consumer does not need to measure the dose themselves nor do they suffer from accidental spillage of the detergent which some consumers find messy and inconvenient.
However, such water-soluble unit dose articles can suffer from premature rupture during storage, especially rupture due to failure of the seal between the two films making up with the unit dose article. Often such unit dose articles are stored in flexible resealable bags or rigid closeable tubs. In either case premature rupture of a water-soluble unit dose article can negatively affect the dosing experience as the internal contents of the ruptured unit dose article contaminate the other non-ruptured unit dose articles. Hence, the consumer may find the dosing experience 'messy' and inconvenient.
Furthermore, seal failure can occur during the unit dose article manufacturing process. Such failure results in wasted resource and time as the ruptured pouches need to be scrapped.
Therefore, there is a need in the art to improve the seal strength of the seal area of water-soluble unit dose articles to reduce premature rupture of the unit dose articles ahead of use by the consumer and also during manufacture.
There is also a need in the art to improve the consumer detergent dosing experience.
It was surprisingly found that the use of a water-soluble unit dose article according to the present invention overcame these technical problems.
A first aspect of the present invention is the use of a first water-soluble film and a second water-soluble film in the manufacture of a water-soluble unit dose article comprising a detergent CM4496M1,-.IC
composition wherein the first water-soluble film and the second water-soluble film are sealed together along a seal area, in order to improve the seal strength in the seal area; wherein the first water-soluble film and the second water-soluble film are chemically different to one another, and wherein the first water-soluble film has a first water capacity, and wherein the second water-soluble film has a second water capacity, wherein the first water capacity is less than the second water capacity, and wherein the difference between the water capacity of the first water soluble film and the second water-soluble film is between 0.01% and 1%.
A second use of the present invention is the use of a unit dose article comprising at least a first water-soluble film, a second water-soluble film and a detergent composition, wherein the first water-soluble film, the second water-soluble film and the detergent are according to the present invention, to improve the consumer detergent dosing experience.
BRIEF DESCRITPION OF THE DRAWINGS
The figures herein are illustrative in nature and are not intended to be limiting.
FIG. 1 shows a schematic illustration of the basic configuration of the unit dose article strength test and seal failure test.
FIG. 2 shows a side cross-sectional view of a pouch.
FIG. 3 shows a multi-compartment pouch.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
The Use The present invention is to the use of a first water-soluble film and a second water-soluble film in the manufacture of a water-soluble unit dose article comprising a detergent composition wherein the first water-soluble film and the second water-soluble film are sealed together along a seal area. in order to improve the seal strength in the seal area. The unit dose article. the first water-soluble film. the second water-soluble film and the detergent are described in more detail below.
Preferably the use is to improve the seal strength in the seal area to reduce the volume of scrapped material during manufacture of water-soluble unit dose articles.
A further aspect of the present invention is the use of a unit dose article comprising at least a first water-soluble film, a second water-soluble film and a detergent composition, wherein the first water-soluble film, the second water-soluble film and the detergent are according to the present invention, to improve the consumer detergent dosing experience.
Preferably, the consumer detergent dosing experience comprises the consumer transferring at least one water-soluble unit dose article from a storage receptacle to an automatic washing machine, preferably to the drum of an automatic washing machine. Alternatively, the water-soluble unit dose article may be added to the drawer of an automatic washing machine.
The water-soluble unit dose article may be added to the washing machine by hand. The water-soluble unit dose article may be added to the drum by hand.
Alternatively it may be dispensed from a storage receptacle into the washing machine, preferably the drum. Those skilled in the art will be aware of relevant storage receptacles.
Those skilled in the art will be aware of suitable automatic washing machines.
Those skilled in the art will also be aware that automatic washing machines comprise a drum and a drawer and will be able to locate said drum or drawer and add both the fabrics and the water-soluble unit dose article thereto accordingly.
Those skilled in the art will be aware of relevant storage receptacles.
Preferably, the storage receptacle is a flexible, preferably resealable, bag, a rigid, preferably recloseable, tub or a mixture thereof, preferably, wherein the storage receptacle comprises a child resistant closure. Those skilled in the art will be aware of suitable child resistant closures.
Preferably, the improved consumer dosing experience comprises reduced mess and increased convenience to the consumer during the dosing operation.
Without wishing to be bound by theory, it was surprisingly found that the use of two films have the characteristics of the present invention improved the seal strength of a water-soluble unit dose article manufactured from said films. By improving the seal strength, the instances of premature rupture both during manufacture, storage and during dosing by the consumer were all reduced.
Water-soluble unit dose article The present invention is to the use of a first water-soluble film and a second water-soluble film in the manufacture of a water-soluble unit dose article comprising a detergent composition wherein the first water-soluble film and the second water-soluble film are sealed together along a seal area, in order to improve the seal strength in the seal area.
The water-soluble unit dose article comprises the first water-soluble film and the second water-soluble film shaped such that the unit-dose article comprises at least one internal compartment surrounded by the water-soluble films. The water-soluble films are sealed to one another such to define the internal compartment and such that that the detergent composition does not leak out of the compartment during storage. However, upon addition of the water-soluble unit dose article to water, the water-soluble film dissolves and releases the contents of the internal compartment into the wash liquor.
I 0 The area in which the two films meet and are sealed together is referred to as the seal area.
Often, the seal area comprises a 'skirt' or 'flange' which comprises area of the first water-soluble film sealed to an area of the second water-soluble film and which generally protrudes out from the main body of the unit dose article. A preferred method of making a unit dose article is described in more detail below.
The compartment should be understood as meaning a closed internal space within the unit dose article, which holds the detergent composition. During manufacture, the first water-soluble film according to the present invention may be shaped to comprise an open compartment into which the detergent composition is added. The second water-soluble film according to the present invention is then laid over the first film in such an orientation as to close the opening of the compartment. The first and second films are then sealed together along a seal region.
The unit dose article may comprise more than one compartment, even at least two compartments, or even at least three compartments. The compartments may be arranged in superposed orientation, i.e. one positioned on top of the other. In such an orientation the unit dose article will comprise three films, top, middle and bottom. Preferably, the middle film will correspond to the second water-soluble film according to the present invention and top and bottom films will correspond to the first water-soluble film according to the present invention. Alternatively, the compartments may be positioned in a side-by-side orientation, i.e. one orientated next to the other. The compartments may even be orientated in a 'tyre and rim' arrangement, i.e. a first compartment is positioned next to a second compartment. but the first compartment at least partially surrounds the second compartment, but does not completely enclose the second compartment.
Alternatively one compartment may be completely enclosed within another compartment. In such a multicompartment orientation, the first water-soluble film according to the present invention may be shaped to comprise an open compartment into which the detergent composition is added. The second water-soluble film according to the present invention is then laid over the first film in such an orientation as to close the opening of the compartment.
Wherein the unit dose article comprises at least two compartments, one of the compartments may be smaller than the other compartment. Wherein the unit dose article comprises at least three compartments, two of the compartments may be smaller than the third compartment, and preferably the smaller compartments are superposed on the larger compartment. The superposed compartments preferably are orientated side-by-side.
In a multi-compartment orientation, the detergent composition according to the present invention may be comprised in at least one of the compartments. It may for example be comprised in just one compartment, or may be comprised in two compartments, or even in three compartments.
Each compartment may comprise the same or different compositions. The different compositions could all be in the same form, or they may be in different forms.
The water-soluble unit dose article may comprise at least two internal compartments, wherein the liquid laundry detergent composition is comprised in at least one of the compartments, preferably wherein the unit dose article comprises at least three compartments, wherein the detergent composition is comprised in at least one of the compartments.
First and second water-soluble films The water-soluble unit dose article comprises a first water-soluble film and a second water-soluble film and the first water-soluble film and the second water-soluble film are chemically different to one another.
For the avoidance of doubt. in the context of the present invention 'chemically different' herein means where the 'virgin films', i.e. films received from the supplier/manufacture and prior to unwinding on a unit dose article making unit, having at least one substance present in at least one of the film compositions that differentiates the first from the second film composition and impacts at least the water capacity. per the test method described herein, rendering this at least one physical film property different between the first and second films. Varying chemical compositions of films due to natural making processes i.e. batch to batch variations are as such not considered chemically different films within the scope of this invention.
Non limiting examples of chemically differentiating substances include use of different polymer target resins and or content, different plasticizer composition and or content or different surfactant and or content. Water soluble unit dose articles comprising films solely differing in physical properties but having the same substance content such as films solely differing in film thickness are considered outside the scope of this invention. Unit dose articles made from films being solely differentiated through the presence versus the absence of a coating layer are also considered outside the scope of the invention.
The first water-soluble film has a first water capacity, and the second water-soluble film has a second water capacity wherein the first water capacity is less than the second water capacity.
The difference between the water capacity of the first water soluble film and the second water-soluble film is between 0.01% and 1%, preferably from 0.03% to 0.5%, most preferably from 0.05% to 0.3%. The first water-soluble film and the second water-soluble film are described in more detail below. By 'difference. we herein mean the difference in the value of the first water capacity and the value of the second water capacity. By 'water capacity' we herein mean the capacity of the film to absorb water over a fixed period of time at a particular relative humidity and temperature, measured as a mass increase of the film being tested. The method for measuring water capacity is described in more detail below.
Preferably, the first water-soluble film has a water capacity from 1% to 10%, more preferably from 2% to 8%, most preferably from 3 % to 6 %.
Preferably, the second water-soluble film has a water capacity from 1.5% to 12%, more preferably from 2.5% to 10%, most preferably from 3.5% to 8 %.
Preferably, the first water-soluble film is thermoformed during manufacture of the unit dose article. By 'thermoforming' we herein mean that the film is heated prior to deformation, i.e. by passing the film under an infrared lamp, the deformation step preferably being enabled by laying the water soluble film over a cavity and applying vacuum or an under pressure inside the cavity under the film. The second water-soluble film may be thermoformed during manufacture of the unit dose article. Alternatively the second water-soluble film may not be thermoformed during manufacture of the unit dose article. Preferably, the first water-soluble film is thermoformed during manufacture of the unit dose article and the second water-soluble film is not thermoformed durim2, manufacture of the unit dose article.
The first water-soluble film, the second water-soluble film or a mixture thereof independently may have a thickness before incorporation into the unit dose article of between 40 microns and 100 microns, preferably between 60 microns and 90 microns, more preferably between 70 microns and 80 microns.
Preferably the difference in thickness before incorporation into the unit dose article between the first water-soluble film and the second water-soluble film is less than 50%. preferably less than 30%, more preferably less than 20%, even more preferably less than 10%, or the thicknesses may be equal.
The first water-soluble film and the second water-soluble film according to the invention are preferably single layer films, more preferably manufactured via solution casting.
The first water-soluble film may have a first tensile strain at break of between 300% and 1600%, preferably between 400% and 1200%, more preferably between 700% and 1200%. The method to determine tensile strain at break is described in more detail below.
The second water-soluble film may have a second tensile strain at break of between 300%
and 1200%. preferably between 500% and 1000%. By tensile strain at break we herein mean the ability of the film, pre-equilibrated with the detergent composition contacting the film in a unit dose article comprising said film and detergent composition, to elongate prior to breaking when a stress is applied. The method to determine tensile strain at break is described in more detail below.
The difference between the first tensile strain at break and the second tensile strain at break may be from 10% to 1000%, preferably from 100% to 750%, more preferably from 200% to 500%.
By 'difference in tensile strain at break' we herein mean the difference in the value of the first tensile strain at break and the second tensile strain at break.
Preferably. the first water soluble film has a first elongation modulus. the second water soluble film has a second elongation modulus, the first elongation modulus is greater than the second elongation modulus. and the difference between the first elongation modulus and the second elongation modulus is from a 0.5 MPa to 10 MPa. preferably from 1 MPa to 8 MPa. more preferably from 2 MPa to 7 MPa.
By 'difference we herein mean the difference in the value of the first elongation modulus and the value of the second elongation modulus. By 'elongation modulus' we herein mean the ability of the film to be elongated when a stress is applied. The method for measuring elongation modulus is described in more detail below.
Preferably, the first elongation modulus is from 1 MPa to 20 MPa, more preferably from 3MPa to 20 MPa.
Preferably. the second elongation modulus is from 1 MPa to 15 MPa, more preferably from 3 MPa to 15MPa.
Preferably, the first water soluble film comprises a first water soluble resin and the second water soluble film comprises a second water soluble resin. Preferably, the first water soluble resin comprises at least one polyvinyl alcohol or at least one polyvinylalcohol copolymer or a blend thereof and the second water soluble resin comprises at least one polyvinyl alcohol or at least one polyvinylalcohol copolymer or a blend thereof The first water soluble resin may comprise a blend of a polyvinyl alcohol homopolymer and a polyvinyl alcohol copolymer comprising an anionic monomer unit, preferably wherein the blend comprises from 0% to 70% by weight of the first water soluble resin of the polyvinyl alcohol copolymer comprising an anionic monomer unit and from 30% to about 100% by weight of the first water soluble resin of the polyvinyl alcohol homopolymer, more preferably wherein the blend comprises from 10% to 70%, even more preferably from 15% to less than 65%, even more preferably from 20% to 50%, most preferably from 30% to 40% of the polyvinyl alcohol copolymer comprising an anionic monomer unit and from 30% to 90%, or greater than 35% to 85%, or from 50% to 80%. or from 60 wt% to 70 wt% by weight of the first water soluble resin of the polyvinyl alcohol homopolytner, based on the total weight of the first water soluble resin. The polyvinyl alcohol copolymer can be present at a concentration which, together with the concentration of the polyvinyl alcohol homopolymer, sums to 100%.
Polyvinyl alcohol homopolymer means polyvinyl alcohol comprising polyvinyl alcohol units and optionally but preferably polyvinylacetate units. Polyvinyl alcohol copolymer means a polymer comprising polyvinyl alcohol units, optionally but prefereably polyvinyl acetate units and anionically modified polyvinylalcohol units.
The second water soluble resin may comprise a blend of a polyvinyl alcohol homopolymer and a polyvinyl alcohol copolymer comprising an anionic monomer unit.
preferably wherein the blend comprises from 0% to 70% of the polyvinyl alcohol copolymer comprising an anionic monomer unit and from 30% to 100% of the polyvinyl alcohol homopolymer. based on the total weight of the second water soluble resin in the film, more preferably wherein the blend comprises from 10% to 70%, even more preferably from 15% to 65%, even more preferably from 20% to 50%, most preferably from 30% to 40% of the polyvinyl alcohol copolymer comprising an anionic monomer unit and from 30% to 90%, or from 35% to 85%, or from 50% to 80%, or from 60 wt% to 70 wt% by weight of the second water soluble resin of the polyvinyl alcohol homopolymer, based on the total weight of the second water soluble resin in the film. The polyvinyl alcohol copolymer can be present at a concentration which, together with the concentration of the polyvinyl alcohol homopolymer, sums to 100%.
The anionic monomer unit present in the polyvinyl alcohol copolymer of the first resin, present in the polyvinyl alcohol copolymer of the second resin, or a mixture thereof may independently be selected from the group consisting of anionic monomers derived from of vinyl acetic acid, alkyl acrylates, maleic acid, monoalkyl maleate, dialkyl maleate, monomethyl maleate, dimethyl maleate, maleic anhydride, fumaric acid, monoalkyl fumarate, dialkyl fumarate, monomethyl fumarate, dimethyl fumarate, fumaric anhydride, itaconic acid, monomethyl itaconate, dimethyl itaconate, itaconic anhydride, citraconic acid, monoalkyl citraconate, dialkyl citraconate, citraconic anhydride, mesaconic acid, monoalkyl mesaconate, dialkyl mesaconate, mesaconic anhydride. glutaconic acid, monoalkyl glutaconate, dialkyl glutaconate.
glutaconic anhydride, vinyl sulfonic acid, alkyl sulfonic acid, ethylene sulfonic acid, 2-acrylamido-1 -methyl propane sulfonic acid, 2-acrylamide-2-methylpropanesulfonic acid, 2-methylacrylamido-2-methylpropanesulfonic acid. 2-sulfoethyl acrylate, alkali metal salts thereof, esters thereof, and combinations thereof;
preferably. wherein the anionic monomer unit is selected from the group consisting of anionic monomers derived from maleic acid, monoalkyl maleate. dialkyl maleate.
maleic anhydride, alkali metal salts thereof, esters thereof, and combinations thereof;
more preferably wherein the anionic monomer unit is selected from the group consisting of anionic monomers derived from maleic acid, monomethyl maleate. dimethyl maleate, maleic anyhydride. alkali metal salts thereof, esters thereof, and combinations thereof Preferably. the first and second polyvinyl alcohol copolymers independently comprise from 1 mol% to 8 mol% more preferably from 2 mol% to 5 mol%. most preferably from 3 mol% to 4 mol%
of the anionic monomer unit with respect to total polyvinyl alcohol copolymer present.
Preferably. the first polyvinyl alcohol homopolymer and second polyvinyl alcohol homopolymer and the first polyvinyl alcohol copolymer and second polyvinyl alcohol copolymer independently have a degree of hydrolysis of from 80% to 99% preferably from 85% to 95% more preferably from 86% and 93%.
Preferably, the first polyvinyl alcohol homopolymers and second polyvinyl alcohol homopolymer and first polyvinyl alcohol copolymer and second polyvinyl alcohol copolymer independently have a 4% solution viscosity in demineralized water at 25 C in a range of 4 cP to 40cP, preferably of 10cP to 30 cP, more preferably of 12 cP to 25 cP.
Preferably, the first water-soluble film and the second water-soluble film independently have a water soluble resin content of between 30% and 90%, more preferably between 40% and 80%, even more preferably between 50% and 75%, most preferably between 60% and 70%
by weight of the film.
Preferably, the water-soluble unit dose article exhibits a dissolution profile, according to the unit dose article dose article machine wash dissolution test method described below of less than 6.2 preferably less than 6 more preferably less than 5.8.
The first and or second film may independently be opaque, transparent or translucent. The first and or second film may independently comprise a printed area. The printed area may cover between 10 and 80% of the surface of the film; or between 10 and 80% of the surface of the film that is in contact with the internal space of the compartment; or between 10 and 80% of the surface of the film and between 10 and 80% of the surface of the compartment.
The area of print may cover an uninterrupted portion of the film or it may cover parts thereof, i.e. comprise smaller areas of print, the sum of which represents between 10 and 80% of the surface of the film or the surface of the film in contact with the internal space of the compartment or both.
The area of print may comprise inks, pigments, dyes, blueing agents or mixtures thereof.
The area of print may be opaque, translucent or transparent.
The area of print may comprise a single colour or maybe comprise multiple colours, even three colours. The area of print may comprise white, black. blue. red colours, or a mixture thereof.
The print may be present as a layer on the surface of the film or may at least partially penetrate into the film. The film will comprise a first side and a second side. The area of print may be present on either side of the film. or be present on both sides of the film.
Alternatively, the area of print may be at least partially comprised within the film itself.
The area of print may be achieved using standard techniques. such as flexographic printing or inkjet printing. Preferably. the area of print is achieved via flexographic printing, in which a film is printed, then moulded into the shape of an open compartment. This compartment is then filled with a detergent composition and a second film placed over the compartment and sealed to the first film.
The area of print may be on either or both sides of the film.
Alternatively, an ink or pigment may be added during the manufacture of the film such that all or at least part of the film is coloured.
The first and or second film may independently comprise an aversive agent, for example a bittering agent.
Suitable bittering agents include, but are not limited to, naringin, sucrose octaacetate, quinine hydrochloride, denatonium benzoate, or mixtures thereof.
Any suitable level of aversive agent may be used in the film. Suitable levels include, but are not limited to, 1 to 5000ppm, or even 100 to 2500ppm, or even 250 to 2000ppm.
The first and or second film may also comprise other actives typically known by a skilled person in the art including water, plasticizer and surfactant.
Detergent composition The detergent composition may be in the form of free flowing powder, a liquid, a compacted solid, a gel or a mixture thereof The detergent composition may be in the form of a free flowing powder. Such a free flowing powder may have an average particle size diameter of between 100 microns and 1500 microns, preferably between 100 microns and 1000 microns, more preferably between 100 microns and 750 microns. Those skilled in the art will be aware of standard techniques to measure particle size. The detergent composition may be a free flowing laundry detergent composition.
The detergent composition may be a liquid. In relation to the liquid detergent composition of the present invention, the term 'liquid' encompasses forms such as dispersions. gels, pastes and the like. The liquid composition may also include gases in suitably subdivided form. However, the liquid composition excludes forms which are non-liquid overall, such as tablets or granules.
The detergent composition may be a liquid laundry detergent composition. The term 'liquid laundry detergent composition' refers to any laundry detergent composition comprising a liquid capable of wetting and treating fabric e.g.. cleaning clothing in a domestic washing machine.
The laundry detergent composition is used during the main wash process but may also be used as pre-treatment or soaking compositions.
Laundry detergent compositions include fabric detergents, fabric softeners, 2-in-1 detergent and softening, pre-treatment compositions and the like.
The laundry detergent composition may comprise an ingredient selected from bleach, bleach catalyst, dye, hueing dye, brightener, cleaning polymers including alkoxylated polyamines and polyethyleneimines, soil release polymer, surfactant, solvent, dye transfer inhibitors, chelant, builder, enzyme, perfume, encapsulated perfume, polycarboxylates. rheology modifiers, structurant, hydrotropes, pigments and dyes, opacifiers, preservatives, anti-oxidants, processing aids, conditioning polymers including cationic polymers, antibacterial agents, pH
trimming agents such as hydroxides and alkanolamines, suds suppressors, and mixtures thereof Surfactants can be selected from anionic, cationic, zwitterionic, non-ionic.
amphoteric or mixtures thereof. Preferably, the fabric care composition comprises anionic, non-ionic or mixtures thereof The anionic surfactant may be selected from linear alkyl benzene sulfonate, alkyl ethoxylate sulphate and combinations thereof Suitable anionic surfactants useful herein can comprise any of the conventional anionic surfactant types typically used in liquid detergent products. These include the alkyl benzene sulfonic acids and their salts as well as alkoxylated or non-alkoxylated alkyl sulfate materials.
The non-ionic surfactant may be selected from fatty alcohol alkoxylate, an oxo-synthesised fatty alcohol alkoxylate, Guerbet alcohol alkoxylates, alkyl phenol alcohol alkoxylates or a mixture thereof Suitable nonionic surfactants for use herein include the alcohol alkoxylate nonionic surfactants. Alcohol alkoxylates are materials which correspond to the general formula:
RI(CmH2m0)õ011 wherein R' is a C8-C16 alkyl group. m is from 2 to 4, and n ranges from about 2 to 12. In one aspect, RI is an alkyl group, which may be primary or secondary.
that comprises from about 9 to 15 carbon atoms, or from about 10 to 14 carbon atoms. In one aspect, the alkoxylated fatty alcohols will also be ethoxylated materials that contain on average from about 2 to 12 ethylene oxide moieties per molecule, or from about 3 to 10 ethylene oxide moieties per molecule.
The shading dyes employed in the present laundry detergent compositions may comprise polymeric or non-polymeric dyes, pigments. or mixtures thereof Preferably the shading dye comprises a polymeric dye, comprising a chromophore constituent and a polymeric constituent. The chromophore constituent is characterized in that it absorbs light in the wavelength range of blue. red, violet, purple, or combinations thereof upon exposure to light. In one aspect.
the chromophore constituent exhibits an absorbance spectrum maximum from about 520 nanometers to about 640 nanometers in water and/or methanol, and in another aspect, from about 560 nanometers to about 610 nanometers in water and/or methanol.
Although any suitable chromophore may be used, the dye chromophore is preferably selected from benzodifuranes, methine, triphenylmethanes, napthalim ides, pyrazole, napthoquinone, anthraquinone, azo, oxazine, azine, xanthene. triphenodioxazine and phthalocyanine dye chromophores. Mono and di-azo dye chromophores are preferred.
The dye may be introduced into the detergent composition in the form of the unpurified mixture that is the direct result of an organic synthesis route. In addition to the dye polymer therefore, there may also be present minor amounts of un-reacted starting materials, products of side reactions and mixtures of the dye polymers comprising different chain lengths of the repeating units, as would be expected to result from any polymerisation step.
The laundry detergent compositions can comprise one or more detergent enzymes which provide cleaning performance and/or fabric care benefits. Examples of suitable enzymes include, but are not limited to, hemicellulases, peroxidases, proteases, cellulases, xylanases, lipases, phospholipases, esterases, cutinases, pectinases, keratanases, reductases, oxidases, phenoloxidases, lipoxygenases, ligninases, pullulanases, tannases, pentosanases, malanases, 13-glucanases, arabinosidases, hyaluronidase, chondroitinase, laccase, and amylases, or mixtures thereof A typical combination is a cocktail of conventional applicable enzymes like protease, lipase, cutinase and/or cellulase in conjunction with amylase.
The laundry detergent compositions of the present invention may comprise one or more bleaching agents. Suitable bleaching agents other than bleaching catalysts include photobleaches, bleach activators, hydrogen peroxide, sources of hydrogen peroxide, pre-formed peracids and mixtures thereof.
The composition may comprise a brightener. Suitable brighteners are stilbenes, such as brightener 15. Other suitable brighteners are hydrophobic brighteners, and brightener 49. The brightener may be in micronized particulate form, having a weight average particle size in the range of from 3 to 30 micrometers, or from 3 micrometers to 20 micrometers. or from 3 to 10 micrometers.
The brightener can be alpha or beta crystalline form.
The compositions herein may also optionally contain one or more copper, iron and/or manganese chelating agents. The chelant may comprise 1-hydroxyethanediphosphonic acid (HEDP) and salts thereof; N,N-dicarboxymethy1-2-aminopentane-1.5-dioic acid and salts thereof; 2-phosphonobutane-1,2,4-tricarboxylic acid and salts thereof; and any combination thereof The compositions of the present invention may also include one or more dye transfer inhibiting agents. Suitable polymeric dye transfer inhibiting agents include, but are not limited to, polyvinylpyrrolidone polymers, polyamine N-oxide polymers, copolymers of N-vinylpyrrolidone and N-vinylimidazole, polyvinyloxazolidones and polyvinylimidazoles or mixtures thereof The laundry detergent composition may comprise one or more polymers. Suitable polymers include carboxylate polymers, polyethylene glycol polymers, polyester soil release polymers such as terephthalate polymers, amine polymers, cellulosic polymers, dye transfer inhibition polymers, dye lock polymers such as a condensation oligomer produced by condensation of imidazole and epichlorhydrin, optionally in ratio of 1:4:1, hexamethylenediamine derivative polymers, and any combination thereof.
Other suitable cellulosic polymers may have a degree of substitution (DS) of from 0.01 to 0.99 and a degree of blockiness (DB) such that either DS+DB is of at least 1.00 or DB+2DS-DS2 is at least 1.20. The substituted cellulosic polymer can have a degree of substitution (DS) of at least 0.55. The substituted cellulosic polymer can have a degree of blockiness (DB) of at least 0.35. The substituted cellulosic polymer can have a DS + DB, of from 1.05 to 2.00. A
suitable substituted cellulosic polymer is carboxymethylcellulose.
Another suitable cellulosic polymer is cationically modified hydroxyethyl cellulose.
Suitable perfumes include perfume microcapsules, polymer assisted perfume delivery systems including Schiff base perfume/polymer complexes, starch-encapsulated perfume accords, perfume-loaded zeolites, blooming perfume accords, and any combination thereof A suitable perfume microcapsule is melamine formaldehyde based, typically comprising perfume that is encapsulated by a shell comprising melamine formaldehyde. It may be highly suitable for such perfume microcapsules to comprise cationic and/or cationic precursor material in the shell, such as polyvinyl formamide (PVF) and/or cationically modified hydroxyethyl cellulose (catHEC).
Suitable suds suppressors include silicone and/or fatty acid such as stearic acid.
The laundry detergent composition maybe coloured. The colour of the liquid laundry detergent composition may be the same or different to any printed area on the film of the article.
Each compartment of the unit dose article may have a different colour.
Preferably. the liquid CM4496M1_,-.1C 15 laundry detergent composition comprises a non-substantive dye having an average degree of alkoxylation of at least 16.
At least one compartment of the unit dose article may comprise a solid. If present, the solid may be present at a concentration of at least 5% by weight of the unit dose article.
Method of making a unit dose article Those skilled in the art will be aware of processes to make the detergent composition of the present invention. Those skilled in the art will be aware of standard processes and equipment to make the detergent compositions.
Those skilled in the art will be aware of standard techniques to make the unit dose article according to any aspect of the present invention. Standard forming processes including but not limited to thermoforming and vacuum forming techniques may be used.
A preferred method of making the water-soluble unit dose article according to the present invention comprises the steps of moulding the first water-soluble film in a mould to form an open cavity, filling the cavity with the detergent composition, laying the second film over the first film to close the cavity, and sealing the first and second films together preferably through solvent sealing, the solvent preferably comprising water, to produce the water-soluble unit dose article.
The dimensions and values disclosed herein are not to be understood as being strictly limited to the exact numerical values recited. Instead, unless otherwise specified, each such dimension is intended to mean both the recited value and a functionally equivalent range surrounding that value. For example, a dimension disclosed as -40 mm- is intended to mean -about 40 mm.-Test protocols 1. Unit dose article seal failure test method This test method describes the practice for determining unit dose article seal failure using the Instron Universal Materials Testing instrument (Instron Industrial Products, 825 University Ave., Norwood. MA 02062-2643) with a load cell of maximum 100 kN (kilo Newton). Via compression of a unit dose article, this method determines the seal failure of the unit dose article by putting pressure on the film and seal regions. Unit dose articles opening at the seal area at a pressure lower than 250N are reported as seal failures.
The unit dose article seal failure was measured no sooner than one hour after unit dose article production so that the film/unit dose articles had time to set after converting. The method was performed in a room environment between 30% and 40% relative humidity (RH) and between 20%
and 23 C. Stored unit dose articles were allowed to re-equilibrate to the testing room environment for one hour prior to testing.
FIG. 1. shows a schematic illustration of the basic configuration of the unit dose article seal failure test. To measure unit dose article seal failure, a unit dose article 510 was enclosed in a plastic de-aerated bag 500 (150 mm by 124 mm with closure. 60 micron thick - e.g. Raja grip RGP6B) to prevent contamination of working environment upon unit dose article rupture.
After enclosure in the bag, the unit dose article 510 was centered between two compression plates 520, 530 of the instrument. The unit dose article 510 was placed in an upright position, so that the width seal dimension 540 (e.g. smallest dimension within a defined rectangular plane just encompassing the seal area, 41mm in actual unit dose articles tested) was between the compression plates (x-direction) such that the stress was applied on the width seal. For the compression, the speed of decreasing the distance between the plates 520 and 530 is set at 60 mm/min. Ten replicates were conducted per test leg, and number of seal failed unit dose articles, i.e. opening at the seal area at a pressure lower than 250N, are reported.
WATER-SOLUBLE UNIT DOSE ARTICLE
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to the use of a first water-soluble film and a second water-soluble film to make a unit dose article and the use of said unit dose article.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Water-soluble detergent unit dose articles are preferred by consumers as they are a convenient, efficient and clean way of dosing detergent during the wash process. The water-soluble unit dose form means that the consumer does not need to measure the dose themselves nor do they suffer from accidental spillage of the detergent which some consumers find messy and inconvenient.
However, such water-soluble unit dose articles can suffer from premature rupture during storage, especially rupture due to failure of the seal between the two films making up with the unit dose article. Often such unit dose articles are stored in flexible resealable bags or rigid closeable tubs. In either case premature rupture of a water-soluble unit dose article can negatively affect the dosing experience as the internal contents of the ruptured unit dose article contaminate the other non-ruptured unit dose articles. Hence, the consumer may find the dosing experience 'messy' and inconvenient.
Furthermore, seal failure can occur during the unit dose article manufacturing process. Such failure results in wasted resource and time as the ruptured pouches need to be scrapped.
Therefore, there is a need in the art to improve the seal strength of the seal area of water-soluble unit dose articles to reduce premature rupture of the unit dose articles ahead of use by the consumer and also during manufacture.
There is also a need in the art to improve the consumer detergent dosing experience.
It was surprisingly found that the use of a water-soluble unit dose article according to the present invention overcame these technical problems.
A first aspect of the present invention is the use of a first water-soluble film and a second water-soluble film in the manufacture of a water-soluble unit dose article comprising a detergent CM4496M1,-.IC
composition wherein the first water-soluble film and the second water-soluble film are sealed together along a seal area, in order to improve the seal strength in the seal area; wherein the first water-soluble film and the second water-soluble film are chemically different to one another, and wherein the first water-soluble film has a first water capacity, and wherein the second water-soluble film has a second water capacity, wherein the first water capacity is less than the second water capacity, and wherein the difference between the water capacity of the first water soluble film and the second water-soluble film is between 0.01% and 1%.
A second use of the present invention is the use of a unit dose article comprising at least a first water-soluble film, a second water-soluble film and a detergent composition, wherein the first water-soluble film, the second water-soluble film and the detergent are according to the present invention, to improve the consumer detergent dosing experience.
BRIEF DESCRITPION OF THE DRAWINGS
The figures herein are illustrative in nature and are not intended to be limiting.
FIG. 1 shows a schematic illustration of the basic configuration of the unit dose article strength test and seal failure test.
FIG. 2 shows a side cross-sectional view of a pouch.
FIG. 3 shows a multi-compartment pouch.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
The Use The present invention is to the use of a first water-soluble film and a second water-soluble film in the manufacture of a water-soluble unit dose article comprising a detergent composition wherein the first water-soluble film and the second water-soluble film are sealed together along a seal area. in order to improve the seal strength in the seal area. The unit dose article. the first water-soluble film. the second water-soluble film and the detergent are described in more detail below.
Preferably the use is to improve the seal strength in the seal area to reduce the volume of scrapped material during manufacture of water-soluble unit dose articles.
A further aspect of the present invention is the use of a unit dose article comprising at least a first water-soluble film, a second water-soluble film and a detergent composition, wherein the first water-soluble film, the second water-soluble film and the detergent are according to the present invention, to improve the consumer detergent dosing experience.
Preferably, the consumer detergent dosing experience comprises the consumer transferring at least one water-soluble unit dose article from a storage receptacle to an automatic washing machine, preferably to the drum of an automatic washing machine. Alternatively, the water-soluble unit dose article may be added to the drawer of an automatic washing machine.
The water-soluble unit dose article may be added to the washing machine by hand. The water-soluble unit dose article may be added to the drum by hand.
Alternatively it may be dispensed from a storage receptacle into the washing machine, preferably the drum. Those skilled in the art will be aware of relevant storage receptacles.
Those skilled in the art will be aware of suitable automatic washing machines.
Those skilled in the art will also be aware that automatic washing machines comprise a drum and a drawer and will be able to locate said drum or drawer and add both the fabrics and the water-soluble unit dose article thereto accordingly.
Those skilled in the art will be aware of relevant storage receptacles.
Preferably, the storage receptacle is a flexible, preferably resealable, bag, a rigid, preferably recloseable, tub or a mixture thereof, preferably, wherein the storage receptacle comprises a child resistant closure. Those skilled in the art will be aware of suitable child resistant closures.
Preferably, the improved consumer dosing experience comprises reduced mess and increased convenience to the consumer during the dosing operation.
Without wishing to be bound by theory, it was surprisingly found that the use of two films have the characteristics of the present invention improved the seal strength of a water-soluble unit dose article manufactured from said films. By improving the seal strength, the instances of premature rupture both during manufacture, storage and during dosing by the consumer were all reduced.
Water-soluble unit dose article The present invention is to the use of a first water-soluble film and a second water-soluble film in the manufacture of a water-soluble unit dose article comprising a detergent composition wherein the first water-soluble film and the second water-soluble film are sealed together along a seal area, in order to improve the seal strength in the seal area.
The water-soluble unit dose article comprises the first water-soluble film and the second water-soluble film shaped such that the unit-dose article comprises at least one internal compartment surrounded by the water-soluble films. The water-soluble films are sealed to one another such to define the internal compartment and such that that the detergent composition does not leak out of the compartment during storage. However, upon addition of the water-soluble unit dose article to water, the water-soluble film dissolves and releases the contents of the internal compartment into the wash liquor.
I 0 The area in which the two films meet and are sealed together is referred to as the seal area.
Often, the seal area comprises a 'skirt' or 'flange' which comprises area of the first water-soluble film sealed to an area of the second water-soluble film and which generally protrudes out from the main body of the unit dose article. A preferred method of making a unit dose article is described in more detail below.
The compartment should be understood as meaning a closed internal space within the unit dose article, which holds the detergent composition. During manufacture, the first water-soluble film according to the present invention may be shaped to comprise an open compartment into which the detergent composition is added. The second water-soluble film according to the present invention is then laid over the first film in such an orientation as to close the opening of the compartment. The first and second films are then sealed together along a seal region.
The unit dose article may comprise more than one compartment, even at least two compartments, or even at least three compartments. The compartments may be arranged in superposed orientation, i.e. one positioned on top of the other. In such an orientation the unit dose article will comprise three films, top, middle and bottom. Preferably, the middle film will correspond to the second water-soluble film according to the present invention and top and bottom films will correspond to the first water-soluble film according to the present invention. Alternatively, the compartments may be positioned in a side-by-side orientation, i.e. one orientated next to the other. The compartments may even be orientated in a 'tyre and rim' arrangement, i.e. a first compartment is positioned next to a second compartment. but the first compartment at least partially surrounds the second compartment, but does not completely enclose the second compartment.
Alternatively one compartment may be completely enclosed within another compartment. In such a multicompartment orientation, the first water-soluble film according to the present invention may be shaped to comprise an open compartment into which the detergent composition is added. The second water-soluble film according to the present invention is then laid over the first film in such an orientation as to close the opening of the compartment.
Wherein the unit dose article comprises at least two compartments, one of the compartments may be smaller than the other compartment. Wherein the unit dose article comprises at least three compartments, two of the compartments may be smaller than the third compartment, and preferably the smaller compartments are superposed on the larger compartment. The superposed compartments preferably are orientated side-by-side.
In a multi-compartment orientation, the detergent composition according to the present invention may be comprised in at least one of the compartments. It may for example be comprised in just one compartment, or may be comprised in two compartments, or even in three compartments.
Each compartment may comprise the same or different compositions. The different compositions could all be in the same form, or they may be in different forms.
The water-soluble unit dose article may comprise at least two internal compartments, wherein the liquid laundry detergent composition is comprised in at least one of the compartments, preferably wherein the unit dose article comprises at least three compartments, wherein the detergent composition is comprised in at least one of the compartments.
First and second water-soluble films The water-soluble unit dose article comprises a first water-soluble film and a second water-soluble film and the first water-soluble film and the second water-soluble film are chemically different to one another.
For the avoidance of doubt. in the context of the present invention 'chemically different' herein means where the 'virgin films', i.e. films received from the supplier/manufacture and prior to unwinding on a unit dose article making unit, having at least one substance present in at least one of the film compositions that differentiates the first from the second film composition and impacts at least the water capacity. per the test method described herein, rendering this at least one physical film property different between the first and second films. Varying chemical compositions of films due to natural making processes i.e. batch to batch variations are as such not considered chemically different films within the scope of this invention.
Non limiting examples of chemically differentiating substances include use of different polymer target resins and or content, different plasticizer composition and or content or different surfactant and or content. Water soluble unit dose articles comprising films solely differing in physical properties but having the same substance content such as films solely differing in film thickness are considered outside the scope of this invention. Unit dose articles made from films being solely differentiated through the presence versus the absence of a coating layer are also considered outside the scope of the invention.
The first water-soluble film has a first water capacity, and the second water-soluble film has a second water capacity wherein the first water capacity is less than the second water capacity.
The difference between the water capacity of the first water soluble film and the second water-soluble film is between 0.01% and 1%, preferably from 0.03% to 0.5%, most preferably from 0.05% to 0.3%. The first water-soluble film and the second water-soluble film are described in more detail below. By 'difference. we herein mean the difference in the value of the first water capacity and the value of the second water capacity. By 'water capacity' we herein mean the capacity of the film to absorb water over a fixed period of time at a particular relative humidity and temperature, measured as a mass increase of the film being tested. The method for measuring water capacity is described in more detail below.
Preferably, the first water-soluble film has a water capacity from 1% to 10%, more preferably from 2% to 8%, most preferably from 3 % to 6 %.
Preferably, the second water-soluble film has a water capacity from 1.5% to 12%, more preferably from 2.5% to 10%, most preferably from 3.5% to 8 %.
Preferably, the first water-soluble film is thermoformed during manufacture of the unit dose article. By 'thermoforming' we herein mean that the film is heated prior to deformation, i.e. by passing the film under an infrared lamp, the deformation step preferably being enabled by laying the water soluble film over a cavity and applying vacuum or an under pressure inside the cavity under the film. The second water-soluble film may be thermoformed during manufacture of the unit dose article. Alternatively the second water-soluble film may not be thermoformed during manufacture of the unit dose article. Preferably, the first water-soluble film is thermoformed during manufacture of the unit dose article and the second water-soluble film is not thermoformed durim2, manufacture of the unit dose article.
The first water-soluble film, the second water-soluble film or a mixture thereof independently may have a thickness before incorporation into the unit dose article of between 40 microns and 100 microns, preferably between 60 microns and 90 microns, more preferably between 70 microns and 80 microns.
Preferably the difference in thickness before incorporation into the unit dose article between the first water-soluble film and the second water-soluble film is less than 50%. preferably less than 30%, more preferably less than 20%, even more preferably less than 10%, or the thicknesses may be equal.
The first water-soluble film and the second water-soluble film according to the invention are preferably single layer films, more preferably manufactured via solution casting.
The first water-soluble film may have a first tensile strain at break of between 300% and 1600%, preferably between 400% and 1200%, more preferably between 700% and 1200%. The method to determine tensile strain at break is described in more detail below.
The second water-soluble film may have a second tensile strain at break of between 300%
and 1200%. preferably between 500% and 1000%. By tensile strain at break we herein mean the ability of the film, pre-equilibrated with the detergent composition contacting the film in a unit dose article comprising said film and detergent composition, to elongate prior to breaking when a stress is applied. The method to determine tensile strain at break is described in more detail below.
The difference between the first tensile strain at break and the second tensile strain at break may be from 10% to 1000%, preferably from 100% to 750%, more preferably from 200% to 500%.
By 'difference in tensile strain at break' we herein mean the difference in the value of the first tensile strain at break and the second tensile strain at break.
Preferably. the first water soluble film has a first elongation modulus. the second water soluble film has a second elongation modulus, the first elongation modulus is greater than the second elongation modulus. and the difference between the first elongation modulus and the second elongation modulus is from a 0.5 MPa to 10 MPa. preferably from 1 MPa to 8 MPa. more preferably from 2 MPa to 7 MPa.
By 'difference we herein mean the difference in the value of the first elongation modulus and the value of the second elongation modulus. By 'elongation modulus' we herein mean the ability of the film to be elongated when a stress is applied. The method for measuring elongation modulus is described in more detail below.
Preferably, the first elongation modulus is from 1 MPa to 20 MPa, more preferably from 3MPa to 20 MPa.
Preferably. the second elongation modulus is from 1 MPa to 15 MPa, more preferably from 3 MPa to 15MPa.
Preferably, the first water soluble film comprises a first water soluble resin and the second water soluble film comprises a second water soluble resin. Preferably, the first water soluble resin comprises at least one polyvinyl alcohol or at least one polyvinylalcohol copolymer or a blend thereof and the second water soluble resin comprises at least one polyvinyl alcohol or at least one polyvinylalcohol copolymer or a blend thereof The first water soluble resin may comprise a blend of a polyvinyl alcohol homopolymer and a polyvinyl alcohol copolymer comprising an anionic monomer unit, preferably wherein the blend comprises from 0% to 70% by weight of the first water soluble resin of the polyvinyl alcohol copolymer comprising an anionic monomer unit and from 30% to about 100% by weight of the first water soluble resin of the polyvinyl alcohol homopolymer, more preferably wherein the blend comprises from 10% to 70%, even more preferably from 15% to less than 65%, even more preferably from 20% to 50%, most preferably from 30% to 40% of the polyvinyl alcohol copolymer comprising an anionic monomer unit and from 30% to 90%, or greater than 35% to 85%, or from 50% to 80%. or from 60 wt% to 70 wt% by weight of the first water soluble resin of the polyvinyl alcohol homopolytner, based on the total weight of the first water soluble resin. The polyvinyl alcohol copolymer can be present at a concentration which, together with the concentration of the polyvinyl alcohol homopolymer, sums to 100%.
Polyvinyl alcohol homopolymer means polyvinyl alcohol comprising polyvinyl alcohol units and optionally but preferably polyvinylacetate units. Polyvinyl alcohol copolymer means a polymer comprising polyvinyl alcohol units, optionally but prefereably polyvinyl acetate units and anionically modified polyvinylalcohol units.
The second water soluble resin may comprise a blend of a polyvinyl alcohol homopolymer and a polyvinyl alcohol copolymer comprising an anionic monomer unit.
preferably wherein the blend comprises from 0% to 70% of the polyvinyl alcohol copolymer comprising an anionic monomer unit and from 30% to 100% of the polyvinyl alcohol homopolymer. based on the total weight of the second water soluble resin in the film, more preferably wherein the blend comprises from 10% to 70%, even more preferably from 15% to 65%, even more preferably from 20% to 50%, most preferably from 30% to 40% of the polyvinyl alcohol copolymer comprising an anionic monomer unit and from 30% to 90%, or from 35% to 85%, or from 50% to 80%, or from 60 wt% to 70 wt% by weight of the second water soluble resin of the polyvinyl alcohol homopolymer, based on the total weight of the second water soluble resin in the film. The polyvinyl alcohol copolymer can be present at a concentration which, together with the concentration of the polyvinyl alcohol homopolymer, sums to 100%.
The anionic monomer unit present in the polyvinyl alcohol copolymer of the first resin, present in the polyvinyl alcohol copolymer of the second resin, or a mixture thereof may independently be selected from the group consisting of anionic monomers derived from of vinyl acetic acid, alkyl acrylates, maleic acid, monoalkyl maleate, dialkyl maleate, monomethyl maleate, dimethyl maleate, maleic anhydride, fumaric acid, monoalkyl fumarate, dialkyl fumarate, monomethyl fumarate, dimethyl fumarate, fumaric anhydride, itaconic acid, monomethyl itaconate, dimethyl itaconate, itaconic anhydride, citraconic acid, monoalkyl citraconate, dialkyl citraconate, citraconic anhydride, mesaconic acid, monoalkyl mesaconate, dialkyl mesaconate, mesaconic anhydride. glutaconic acid, monoalkyl glutaconate, dialkyl glutaconate.
glutaconic anhydride, vinyl sulfonic acid, alkyl sulfonic acid, ethylene sulfonic acid, 2-acrylamido-1 -methyl propane sulfonic acid, 2-acrylamide-2-methylpropanesulfonic acid, 2-methylacrylamido-2-methylpropanesulfonic acid. 2-sulfoethyl acrylate, alkali metal salts thereof, esters thereof, and combinations thereof;
preferably. wherein the anionic monomer unit is selected from the group consisting of anionic monomers derived from maleic acid, monoalkyl maleate. dialkyl maleate.
maleic anhydride, alkali metal salts thereof, esters thereof, and combinations thereof;
more preferably wherein the anionic monomer unit is selected from the group consisting of anionic monomers derived from maleic acid, monomethyl maleate. dimethyl maleate, maleic anyhydride. alkali metal salts thereof, esters thereof, and combinations thereof Preferably. the first and second polyvinyl alcohol copolymers independently comprise from 1 mol% to 8 mol% more preferably from 2 mol% to 5 mol%. most preferably from 3 mol% to 4 mol%
of the anionic monomer unit with respect to total polyvinyl alcohol copolymer present.
Preferably. the first polyvinyl alcohol homopolymer and second polyvinyl alcohol homopolymer and the first polyvinyl alcohol copolymer and second polyvinyl alcohol copolymer independently have a degree of hydrolysis of from 80% to 99% preferably from 85% to 95% more preferably from 86% and 93%.
Preferably, the first polyvinyl alcohol homopolymers and second polyvinyl alcohol homopolymer and first polyvinyl alcohol copolymer and second polyvinyl alcohol copolymer independently have a 4% solution viscosity in demineralized water at 25 C in a range of 4 cP to 40cP, preferably of 10cP to 30 cP, more preferably of 12 cP to 25 cP.
Preferably, the first water-soluble film and the second water-soluble film independently have a water soluble resin content of between 30% and 90%, more preferably between 40% and 80%, even more preferably between 50% and 75%, most preferably between 60% and 70%
by weight of the film.
Preferably, the water-soluble unit dose article exhibits a dissolution profile, according to the unit dose article dose article machine wash dissolution test method described below of less than 6.2 preferably less than 6 more preferably less than 5.8.
The first and or second film may independently be opaque, transparent or translucent. The first and or second film may independently comprise a printed area. The printed area may cover between 10 and 80% of the surface of the film; or between 10 and 80% of the surface of the film that is in contact with the internal space of the compartment; or between 10 and 80% of the surface of the film and between 10 and 80% of the surface of the compartment.
The area of print may cover an uninterrupted portion of the film or it may cover parts thereof, i.e. comprise smaller areas of print, the sum of which represents between 10 and 80% of the surface of the film or the surface of the film in contact with the internal space of the compartment or both.
The area of print may comprise inks, pigments, dyes, blueing agents or mixtures thereof.
The area of print may be opaque, translucent or transparent.
The area of print may comprise a single colour or maybe comprise multiple colours, even three colours. The area of print may comprise white, black. blue. red colours, or a mixture thereof.
The print may be present as a layer on the surface of the film or may at least partially penetrate into the film. The film will comprise a first side and a second side. The area of print may be present on either side of the film. or be present on both sides of the film.
Alternatively, the area of print may be at least partially comprised within the film itself.
The area of print may be achieved using standard techniques. such as flexographic printing or inkjet printing. Preferably. the area of print is achieved via flexographic printing, in which a film is printed, then moulded into the shape of an open compartment. This compartment is then filled with a detergent composition and a second film placed over the compartment and sealed to the first film.
The area of print may be on either or both sides of the film.
Alternatively, an ink or pigment may be added during the manufacture of the film such that all or at least part of the film is coloured.
The first and or second film may independently comprise an aversive agent, for example a bittering agent.
Suitable bittering agents include, but are not limited to, naringin, sucrose octaacetate, quinine hydrochloride, denatonium benzoate, or mixtures thereof.
Any suitable level of aversive agent may be used in the film. Suitable levels include, but are not limited to, 1 to 5000ppm, or even 100 to 2500ppm, or even 250 to 2000ppm.
The first and or second film may also comprise other actives typically known by a skilled person in the art including water, plasticizer and surfactant.
Detergent composition The detergent composition may be in the form of free flowing powder, a liquid, a compacted solid, a gel or a mixture thereof The detergent composition may be in the form of a free flowing powder. Such a free flowing powder may have an average particle size diameter of between 100 microns and 1500 microns, preferably between 100 microns and 1000 microns, more preferably between 100 microns and 750 microns. Those skilled in the art will be aware of standard techniques to measure particle size. The detergent composition may be a free flowing laundry detergent composition.
The detergent composition may be a liquid. In relation to the liquid detergent composition of the present invention, the term 'liquid' encompasses forms such as dispersions. gels, pastes and the like. The liquid composition may also include gases in suitably subdivided form. However, the liquid composition excludes forms which are non-liquid overall, such as tablets or granules.
The detergent composition may be a liquid laundry detergent composition. The term 'liquid laundry detergent composition' refers to any laundry detergent composition comprising a liquid capable of wetting and treating fabric e.g.. cleaning clothing in a domestic washing machine.
The laundry detergent composition is used during the main wash process but may also be used as pre-treatment or soaking compositions.
Laundry detergent compositions include fabric detergents, fabric softeners, 2-in-1 detergent and softening, pre-treatment compositions and the like.
The laundry detergent composition may comprise an ingredient selected from bleach, bleach catalyst, dye, hueing dye, brightener, cleaning polymers including alkoxylated polyamines and polyethyleneimines, soil release polymer, surfactant, solvent, dye transfer inhibitors, chelant, builder, enzyme, perfume, encapsulated perfume, polycarboxylates. rheology modifiers, structurant, hydrotropes, pigments and dyes, opacifiers, preservatives, anti-oxidants, processing aids, conditioning polymers including cationic polymers, antibacterial agents, pH
trimming agents such as hydroxides and alkanolamines, suds suppressors, and mixtures thereof Surfactants can be selected from anionic, cationic, zwitterionic, non-ionic.
amphoteric or mixtures thereof. Preferably, the fabric care composition comprises anionic, non-ionic or mixtures thereof The anionic surfactant may be selected from linear alkyl benzene sulfonate, alkyl ethoxylate sulphate and combinations thereof Suitable anionic surfactants useful herein can comprise any of the conventional anionic surfactant types typically used in liquid detergent products. These include the alkyl benzene sulfonic acids and their salts as well as alkoxylated or non-alkoxylated alkyl sulfate materials.
The non-ionic surfactant may be selected from fatty alcohol alkoxylate, an oxo-synthesised fatty alcohol alkoxylate, Guerbet alcohol alkoxylates, alkyl phenol alcohol alkoxylates or a mixture thereof Suitable nonionic surfactants for use herein include the alcohol alkoxylate nonionic surfactants. Alcohol alkoxylates are materials which correspond to the general formula:
RI(CmH2m0)õ011 wherein R' is a C8-C16 alkyl group. m is from 2 to 4, and n ranges from about 2 to 12. In one aspect, RI is an alkyl group, which may be primary or secondary.
that comprises from about 9 to 15 carbon atoms, or from about 10 to 14 carbon atoms. In one aspect, the alkoxylated fatty alcohols will also be ethoxylated materials that contain on average from about 2 to 12 ethylene oxide moieties per molecule, or from about 3 to 10 ethylene oxide moieties per molecule.
The shading dyes employed in the present laundry detergent compositions may comprise polymeric or non-polymeric dyes, pigments. or mixtures thereof Preferably the shading dye comprises a polymeric dye, comprising a chromophore constituent and a polymeric constituent. The chromophore constituent is characterized in that it absorbs light in the wavelength range of blue. red, violet, purple, or combinations thereof upon exposure to light. In one aspect.
the chromophore constituent exhibits an absorbance spectrum maximum from about 520 nanometers to about 640 nanometers in water and/or methanol, and in another aspect, from about 560 nanometers to about 610 nanometers in water and/or methanol.
Although any suitable chromophore may be used, the dye chromophore is preferably selected from benzodifuranes, methine, triphenylmethanes, napthalim ides, pyrazole, napthoquinone, anthraquinone, azo, oxazine, azine, xanthene. triphenodioxazine and phthalocyanine dye chromophores. Mono and di-azo dye chromophores are preferred.
The dye may be introduced into the detergent composition in the form of the unpurified mixture that is the direct result of an organic synthesis route. In addition to the dye polymer therefore, there may also be present minor amounts of un-reacted starting materials, products of side reactions and mixtures of the dye polymers comprising different chain lengths of the repeating units, as would be expected to result from any polymerisation step.
The laundry detergent compositions can comprise one or more detergent enzymes which provide cleaning performance and/or fabric care benefits. Examples of suitable enzymes include, but are not limited to, hemicellulases, peroxidases, proteases, cellulases, xylanases, lipases, phospholipases, esterases, cutinases, pectinases, keratanases, reductases, oxidases, phenoloxidases, lipoxygenases, ligninases, pullulanases, tannases, pentosanases, malanases, 13-glucanases, arabinosidases, hyaluronidase, chondroitinase, laccase, and amylases, or mixtures thereof A typical combination is a cocktail of conventional applicable enzymes like protease, lipase, cutinase and/or cellulase in conjunction with amylase.
The laundry detergent compositions of the present invention may comprise one or more bleaching agents. Suitable bleaching agents other than bleaching catalysts include photobleaches, bleach activators, hydrogen peroxide, sources of hydrogen peroxide, pre-formed peracids and mixtures thereof.
The composition may comprise a brightener. Suitable brighteners are stilbenes, such as brightener 15. Other suitable brighteners are hydrophobic brighteners, and brightener 49. The brightener may be in micronized particulate form, having a weight average particle size in the range of from 3 to 30 micrometers, or from 3 micrometers to 20 micrometers. or from 3 to 10 micrometers.
The brightener can be alpha or beta crystalline form.
The compositions herein may also optionally contain one or more copper, iron and/or manganese chelating agents. The chelant may comprise 1-hydroxyethanediphosphonic acid (HEDP) and salts thereof; N,N-dicarboxymethy1-2-aminopentane-1.5-dioic acid and salts thereof; 2-phosphonobutane-1,2,4-tricarboxylic acid and salts thereof; and any combination thereof The compositions of the present invention may also include one or more dye transfer inhibiting agents. Suitable polymeric dye transfer inhibiting agents include, but are not limited to, polyvinylpyrrolidone polymers, polyamine N-oxide polymers, copolymers of N-vinylpyrrolidone and N-vinylimidazole, polyvinyloxazolidones and polyvinylimidazoles or mixtures thereof The laundry detergent composition may comprise one or more polymers. Suitable polymers include carboxylate polymers, polyethylene glycol polymers, polyester soil release polymers such as terephthalate polymers, amine polymers, cellulosic polymers, dye transfer inhibition polymers, dye lock polymers such as a condensation oligomer produced by condensation of imidazole and epichlorhydrin, optionally in ratio of 1:4:1, hexamethylenediamine derivative polymers, and any combination thereof.
Other suitable cellulosic polymers may have a degree of substitution (DS) of from 0.01 to 0.99 and a degree of blockiness (DB) such that either DS+DB is of at least 1.00 or DB+2DS-DS2 is at least 1.20. The substituted cellulosic polymer can have a degree of substitution (DS) of at least 0.55. The substituted cellulosic polymer can have a degree of blockiness (DB) of at least 0.35. The substituted cellulosic polymer can have a DS + DB, of from 1.05 to 2.00. A
suitable substituted cellulosic polymer is carboxymethylcellulose.
Another suitable cellulosic polymer is cationically modified hydroxyethyl cellulose.
Suitable perfumes include perfume microcapsules, polymer assisted perfume delivery systems including Schiff base perfume/polymer complexes, starch-encapsulated perfume accords, perfume-loaded zeolites, blooming perfume accords, and any combination thereof A suitable perfume microcapsule is melamine formaldehyde based, typically comprising perfume that is encapsulated by a shell comprising melamine formaldehyde. It may be highly suitable for such perfume microcapsules to comprise cationic and/or cationic precursor material in the shell, such as polyvinyl formamide (PVF) and/or cationically modified hydroxyethyl cellulose (catHEC).
Suitable suds suppressors include silicone and/or fatty acid such as stearic acid.
The laundry detergent composition maybe coloured. The colour of the liquid laundry detergent composition may be the same or different to any printed area on the film of the article.
Each compartment of the unit dose article may have a different colour.
Preferably. the liquid CM4496M1_,-.1C 15 laundry detergent composition comprises a non-substantive dye having an average degree of alkoxylation of at least 16.
At least one compartment of the unit dose article may comprise a solid. If present, the solid may be present at a concentration of at least 5% by weight of the unit dose article.
Method of making a unit dose article Those skilled in the art will be aware of processes to make the detergent composition of the present invention. Those skilled in the art will be aware of standard processes and equipment to make the detergent compositions.
Those skilled in the art will be aware of standard techniques to make the unit dose article according to any aspect of the present invention. Standard forming processes including but not limited to thermoforming and vacuum forming techniques may be used.
A preferred method of making the water-soluble unit dose article according to the present invention comprises the steps of moulding the first water-soluble film in a mould to form an open cavity, filling the cavity with the detergent composition, laying the second film over the first film to close the cavity, and sealing the first and second films together preferably through solvent sealing, the solvent preferably comprising water, to produce the water-soluble unit dose article.
The dimensions and values disclosed herein are not to be understood as being strictly limited to the exact numerical values recited. Instead, unless otherwise specified, each such dimension is intended to mean both the recited value and a functionally equivalent range surrounding that value. For example, a dimension disclosed as -40 mm- is intended to mean -about 40 mm.-Test protocols 1. Unit dose article seal failure test method This test method describes the practice for determining unit dose article seal failure using the Instron Universal Materials Testing instrument (Instron Industrial Products, 825 University Ave., Norwood. MA 02062-2643) with a load cell of maximum 100 kN (kilo Newton). Via compression of a unit dose article, this method determines the seal failure of the unit dose article by putting pressure on the film and seal regions. Unit dose articles opening at the seal area at a pressure lower than 250N are reported as seal failures.
The unit dose article seal failure was measured no sooner than one hour after unit dose article production so that the film/unit dose articles had time to set after converting. The method was performed in a room environment between 30% and 40% relative humidity (RH) and between 20%
and 23 C. Stored unit dose articles were allowed to re-equilibrate to the testing room environment for one hour prior to testing.
FIG. 1. shows a schematic illustration of the basic configuration of the unit dose article seal failure test. To measure unit dose article seal failure, a unit dose article 510 was enclosed in a plastic de-aerated bag 500 (150 mm by 124 mm with closure. 60 micron thick - e.g. Raja grip RGP6B) to prevent contamination of working environment upon unit dose article rupture.
After enclosure in the bag, the unit dose article 510 was centered between two compression plates 520, 530 of the instrument. The unit dose article 510 was placed in an upright position, so that the width seal dimension 540 (e.g. smallest dimension within a defined rectangular plane just encompassing the seal area, 41mm in actual unit dose articles tested) was between the compression plates (x-direction) such that the stress was applied on the width seal. For the compression, the speed of decreasing the distance between the plates 520 and 530 is set at 60 mm/min. Ten replicates were conducted per test leg, and number of seal failed unit dose articles, i.e. opening at the seal area at a pressure lower than 250N, are reported.
2. Method for measurement of water capacity Water capacity was measured with a DVS (Dynamic Vapor Sorption) Instrument.
The instrument used was a SPS-DVS (model SPSx-1 vt-High load with permeability kit) from ProUmid. The DVS
uses gravimetry for determination of moisture sorption/desorption and is fully automated.
The accuracy of the system is 0.6% for the RI I (relative humidity) over a range of 0-98% and 0.3 C at a temperature of 25 C. The temperature can range from +5 to +60 C.
The microbalance in the instrument is capable of resolving 0.1 lig in mass change. 2 replicates of each film are measured and the average water capacity value is reported.
For the specific conditions of the test. a 6 pan carousel which allows to test 5 films simultaneously (1 pan is used as a reference for the microbalance and needs to remain empty) was used.
Each pan has an aluminum ring with screws, designed to fix the films. A piece of film was placed onto a pan and after gentle stretching, the ring was placed on top and the film was tightly fixed with the screws and excess film removed. The film covering the pan surface had an 80 mm diameter.
The temperature was fixed at 20 C. Relative humidity (RH) was set at 35% for 6 hours, and then gradually raised onto 50 % in 5 min. The RH remained at 50 % for 12hours. The total duration of the measurement was 18 hours.
The cycle time (= time between measuring each pan) was set to 10 min and the DVS records each weight result vs. time and calculates automatically the % Dm (relative mass variation versus starting weight of the film, i.e. 10% reflects a 10% film weight increase versus starting film weight).
The water capacity (or %Dm gained over 50%RH cycle during the fixed time of 12 hours at C) was calculated by difference of the value %Dm at 50%RH (last value measured at 50%R1-1) minus %Dm at 35%R14 (last value before going up to 50%RH).
15 3. Tensile Strain Test and e-modulus Test A water-soluble film characterized by or to be tested for tensile strain according to the Tensile Strain (TS) Test and e-modulus (elongation modulus or tensile stress) according to the Modulus (MOD) Test was analyzed as follows. The procedure includes the determination of tensile strain and the determination of e-modulus according to ASTM D 882 ("Standard Test Method for Tensile 20 Properties of Thin Plastic Sheeting"). An 1NSTRON tensile testing apparatus (Model 5544 Tensile Tester or equivalent - Instron Industrial Products, 825 University Ave., Norwood, MA 02062-2643) was used for the collection of film data. A minimum of three test specimens, each cut with reliable cutting tools ( e.g. .1DC precision sample cutter. Model 1-10, from Thwing Albert Instrument Company, Philadelphia. PA U.S.A. ) to ensure dimensional stability and reproducibility, were tested in the machine direction (MD) (where applicable), i.e. water soluble film roll winding / unwinding direction, for each measurement. Water soluble films were pre-conditioned to testing environmental conditions for a minimum of 48h. Tests were conducted in the standard laboratory atmosphere of 23 2.0 C and 35 5 % relative humidity. For tensile strain or modulus determination, 1"-wide (2.54 cm) samples of a single film sheet having a thickness of 3.0 0.15 mil (or 76.2 3.8 [im) are prepared. For e-modulus testing virgin films were tested. For tensile strain testing test films were first pre-immersed in testing detergent according to the protocol described below. The sample was then transferred to the INSTRON tensile testing machine to proceed with testing. The tensile testing machine was prepared according to manufacturer instructions, equipped with a 500 N load cell, and calibrated. The correct grips and faces were fitted (INSTRON grips having model number 2702-032 faces, which are rubber coated and 25 mm wide, or equivalent). The samples were mounted into the tensile testing machine, elongated at a rate of 1N/min, and analyzed to determine the e- modulus (i.e., slope of the stress-strain curve in the elastic deformation region) and tensile strain at break (i.e., % elongation achieved at the film break, i.e. 100% reflects starting length, 200% reflects a film that has been lengthened 2 times at film break). The average of minimum three test specimens was calculated and reported.
Film pre-immersion protocol A film sample measuring 11 cm by 12 cm was prepared of both films intended to be used to form a sealed compartment enclosing a liquid household detergent composition.
A total of 750 ml of the household liquid detergent composition intended to be enclosed within a sealed compartment comprising the test films, was required for each test film. The bottom of a clean inert glass recipient was covered with a thin layer of liquid and the film to be tested was spread on the liquid; air bubbles trapped under the film were gently pushed towards the sides. The remaining liquid was then gently poured on top of the film, in such a way that the film was fully immersed into the liquid. The film should remain free of wrinkles and no air bubbles should be in contact with the film. The film stayed in contact with the liquid and was stored under closed vessel conditions for 6 days at 35 C
and 1 night at 21 C. A separate glass recipient was used for each test film.
The film was then removed from the storage vessel, and the excess liquid was removed from the film. A piece of paper was put on the film which was laid on top of a bench paper, and then the film was wiped dry thoroughly with dry paper. Films were consequently pre-conditioned to tensile strain environmental testing conditions as described above. When intending enclosing solid household detergent compositions. virgin films were used for tensile strain testing.
EXAMPLES
The following unit dose articles were prepared and tested for unit dose article seal strength per the protocol described herein. Comparative unit dose articles outside the scope of the invention have been prepared out of a single film type while example unit dose articles according to the invention were prepared out of two different films, differing in water capacity value according to the invention.
Multicompartment water soluble unit dose articles with a 41mmx43mm footprint, cavity depth of 20.1mm and cavity volume of 25m1, were made through thermo/vacuum forming. For dual film example unit dose article films A and C were deformed under vacuum while films B and D
were used as closing films respectively. A standard detergent composition, as commercially available in the UK in January 2016 in the bottom compartment of Fairy non-Bio
The instrument used was a SPS-DVS (model SPSx-1 vt-High load with permeability kit) from ProUmid. The DVS
uses gravimetry for determination of moisture sorption/desorption and is fully automated.
The accuracy of the system is 0.6% for the RI I (relative humidity) over a range of 0-98% and 0.3 C at a temperature of 25 C. The temperature can range from +5 to +60 C.
The microbalance in the instrument is capable of resolving 0.1 lig in mass change. 2 replicates of each film are measured and the average water capacity value is reported.
For the specific conditions of the test. a 6 pan carousel which allows to test 5 films simultaneously (1 pan is used as a reference for the microbalance and needs to remain empty) was used.
Each pan has an aluminum ring with screws, designed to fix the films. A piece of film was placed onto a pan and after gentle stretching, the ring was placed on top and the film was tightly fixed with the screws and excess film removed. The film covering the pan surface had an 80 mm diameter.
The temperature was fixed at 20 C. Relative humidity (RH) was set at 35% for 6 hours, and then gradually raised onto 50 % in 5 min. The RH remained at 50 % for 12hours. The total duration of the measurement was 18 hours.
The cycle time (= time between measuring each pan) was set to 10 min and the DVS records each weight result vs. time and calculates automatically the % Dm (relative mass variation versus starting weight of the film, i.e. 10% reflects a 10% film weight increase versus starting film weight).
The water capacity (or %Dm gained over 50%RH cycle during the fixed time of 12 hours at C) was calculated by difference of the value %Dm at 50%RH (last value measured at 50%R1-1) minus %Dm at 35%R14 (last value before going up to 50%RH).
15 3. Tensile Strain Test and e-modulus Test A water-soluble film characterized by or to be tested for tensile strain according to the Tensile Strain (TS) Test and e-modulus (elongation modulus or tensile stress) according to the Modulus (MOD) Test was analyzed as follows. The procedure includes the determination of tensile strain and the determination of e-modulus according to ASTM D 882 ("Standard Test Method for Tensile 20 Properties of Thin Plastic Sheeting"). An 1NSTRON tensile testing apparatus (Model 5544 Tensile Tester or equivalent - Instron Industrial Products, 825 University Ave., Norwood, MA 02062-2643) was used for the collection of film data. A minimum of three test specimens, each cut with reliable cutting tools ( e.g. .1DC precision sample cutter. Model 1-10, from Thwing Albert Instrument Company, Philadelphia. PA U.S.A. ) to ensure dimensional stability and reproducibility, were tested in the machine direction (MD) (where applicable), i.e. water soluble film roll winding / unwinding direction, for each measurement. Water soluble films were pre-conditioned to testing environmental conditions for a minimum of 48h. Tests were conducted in the standard laboratory atmosphere of 23 2.0 C and 35 5 % relative humidity. For tensile strain or modulus determination, 1"-wide (2.54 cm) samples of a single film sheet having a thickness of 3.0 0.15 mil (or 76.2 3.8 [im) are prepared. For e-modulus testing virgin films were tested. For tensile strain testing test films were first pre-immersed in testing detergent according to the protocol described below. The sample was then transferred to the INSTRON tensile testing machine to proceed with testing. The tensile testing machine was prepared according to manufacturer instructions, equipped with a 500 N load cell, and calibrated. The correct grips and faces were fitted (INSTRON grips having model number 2702-032 faces, which are rubber coated and 25 mm wide, or equivalent). The samples were mounted into the tensile testing machine, elongated at a rate of 1N/min, and analyzed to determine the e- modulus (i.e., slope of the stress-strain curve in the elastic deformation region) and tensile strain at break (i.e., % elongation achieved at the film break, i.e. 100% reflects starting length, 200% reflects a film that has been lengthened 2 times at film break). The average of minimum three test specimens was calculated and reported.
Film pre-immersion protocol A film sample measuring 11 cm by 12 cm was prepared of both films intended to be used to form a sealed compartment enclosing a liquid household detergent composition.
A total of 750 ml of the household liquid detergent composition intended to be enclosed within a sealed compartment comprising the test films, was required for each test film. The bottom of a clean inert glass recipient was covered with a thin layer of liquid and the film to be tested was spread on the liquid; air bubbles trapped under the film were gently pushed towards the sides. The remaining liquid was then gently poured on top of the film, in such a way that the film was fully immersed into the liquid. The film should remain free of wrinkles and no air bubbles should be in contact with the film. The film stayed in contact with the liquid and was stored under closed vessel conditions for 6 days at 35 C
and 1 night at 21 C. A separate glass recipient was used for each test film.
The film was then removed from the storage vessel, and the excess liquid was removed from the film. A piece of paper was put on the film which was laid on top of a bench paper, and then the film was wiped dry thoroughly with dry paper. Films were consequently pre-conditioned to tensile strain environmental testing conditions as described above. When intending enclosing solid household detergent compositions. virgin films were used for tensile strain testing.
EXAMPLES
The following unit dose articles were prepared and tested for unit dose article seal strength per the protocol described herein. Comparative unit dose articles outside the scope of the invention have been prepared out of a single film type while example unit dose articles according to the invention were prepared out of two different films, differing in water capacity value according to the invention.
Multicompartment water soluble unit dose articles with a 41mmx43mm footprint, cavity depth of 20.1mm and cavity volume of 25m1, were made through thermo/vacuum forming. For dual film example unit dose article films A and C were deformed under vacuum while films B and D
were used as closing films respectively. A standard detergent composition, as commercially available in the UK in January 2016 in the bottom compartment of Fairy non-Bio
3-in-1 water soluble unit dose articles product were enclosed inside these unit dose articles.
Table 1 below details film compositions used to prepare comparative and example unit dose articles.
Table I
Starting film Resin Blend Polymer I (anionic-PVOH copolymer) Polymer 2 thickness = 76 content ratio (PVOH
micron in film homopolymer) Anionic Anionic dH 4% dH 4%
source substition viscosity viscosity Example 1 Comparative Film 65% 40/60 Monomethyl 4% 89% I 6cps 87% 24cps article 1 A ma I eate (single film (carboxylated) type = A) article I Film 65% 40/60 Monomethyl 4% 89% 16cps 87% 24cps (dual film A ma I eate type = A+B) (carboxylated) Film 65% 30/70 Monomethyl 4% 89% 16cps 87% 13cps maleate (carboxylated) Example 2 Comparative Film 65% 30/70 Monomethyl 4% 89% I 6cps 88%
17cps article 2 C maleate (single film (carboxylated) type = C) article 2 Film 65% 30/70 Monomethyl 4% 89% 16cps 88% 17cps (dual film C maleate type = C+D) (carboxylated) Film 65% 30/70 Monomethyl 4% 89% 16cps 88% 12cps maleate (carboxylated) Table 2 below details key physical properties of the respective films used in the examples.
Table 2 Water capacity e-modulus Tensile strain at break Film A 5.058% 11.4MPa 1123%
Film B 5.141% 8.25MPa 855%
Film C 4.259% I 9.35MPa 906%
Film D 4.406% 14.29MPa 555%
From Table 3 below it is clear that the unit dose articles 1 and 2 made of 2 films differing in water capacity according to the scope of the invention provide both good seal strength, compared to respective comparative examples 1 and 2 made out of a single type film.
Table 3 Seal Failures Exam plcl Comparative 1 article 1 Article 1 0 Example 2 Comparative article 2 Article 2 0 The dimensions and values disclosed herein are not to be understood as being strictly limited to the exact numerical values recited. Instead, unless otherwise specified, each such dimension is intended to mean both the recited value and a functionally equivalent range surrounding that value.
For example, a dimension disclosed as "40 mm" is intended to mean "about 40 mm-.
Every document cited herein, including any cross referenced or related patent or application, is hereby incorporated herein by reference in its entirety unless expressly excluded or otherwise limited. The citation of any document is not an admission that it is prior art with respect to any invention disclosed or claimed herein or that it alone, or in any combination with any other reference or references, teaches, suggests or discloses any such invention. Further, to the extent that any meaning or definition of a term in this document conflicts with any meaning or definition of the same term in a document incorporated by reference, the meaning or definition assigned to that term in this document shall govern.
While particular embodiments of the present invention have been illustrated and described, it would be obvious to those skilled in the art that various other changes and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. It is therefore intended to cover in the appended claims all such changes and modifications that are within the scope of this invention.
Table 1 below details film compositions used to prepare comparative and example unit dose articles.
Table I
Starting film Resin Blend Polymer I (anionic-PVOH copolymer) Polymer 2 thickness = 76 content ratio (PVOH
micron in film homopolymer) Anionic Anionic dH 4% dH 4%
source substition viscosity viscosity Example 1 Comparative Film 65% 40/60 Monomethyl 4% 89% I 6cps 87% 24cps article 1 A ma I eate (single film (carboxylated) type = A) article I Film 65% 40/60 Monomethyl 4% 89% 16cps 87% 24cps (dual film A ma I eate type = A+B) (carboxylated) Film 65% 30/70 Monomethyl 4% 89% 16cps 87% 13cps maleate (carboxylated) Example 2 Comparative Film 65% 30/70 Monomethyl 4% 89% I 6cps 88%
17cps article 2 C maleate (single film (carboxylated) type = C) article 2 Film 65% 30/70 Monomethyl 4% 89% 16cps 88% 17cps (dual film C maleate type = C+D) (carboxylated) Film 65% 30/70 Monomethyl 4% 89% 16cps 88% 12cps maleate (carboxylated) Table 2 below details key physical properties of the respective films used in the examples.
Table 2 Water capacity e-modulus Tensile strain at break Film A 5.058% 11.4MPa 1123%
Film B 5.141% 8.25MPa 855%
Film C 4.259% I 9.35MPa 906%
Film D 4.406% 14.29MPa 555%
From Table 3 below it is clear that the unit dose articles 1 and 2 made of 2 films differing in water capacity according to the scope of the invention provide both good seal strength, compared to respective comparative examples 1 and 2 made out of a single type film.
Table 3 Seal Failures Exam plcl Comparative 1 article 1 Article 1 0 Example 2 Comparative article 2 Article 2 0 The dimensions and values disclosed herein are not to be understood as being strictly limited to the exact numerical values recited. Instead, unless otherwise specified, each such dimension is intended to mean both the recited value and a functionally equivalent range surrounding that value.
For example, a dimension disclosed as "40 mm" is intended to mean "about 40 mm-.
Every document cited herein, including any cross referenced or related patent or application, is hereby incorporated herein by reference in its entirety unless expressly excluded or otherwise limited. The citation of any document is not an admission that it is prior art with respect to any invention disclosed or claimed herein or that it alone, or in any combination with any other reference or references, teaches, suggests or discloses any such invention. Further, to the extent that any meaning or definition of a term in this document conflicts with any meaning or definition of the same term in a document incorporated by reference, the meaning or definition assigned to that term in this document shall govern.
While particular embodiments of the present invention have been illustrated and described, it would be obvious to those skilled in the art that various other changes and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. It is therefore intended to cover in the appended claims all such changes and modifications that are within the scope of this invention.
Claims (16)
1. Use of a first water-soluble film and a second water-soluble film in the manufacture of a water-soluble unit dose article comprising a detergent composition wherein the first water-soluble film and the second water-soluble film are sealed together along a seal area, in order to improve the seal strength in the seal area;
wherein the first water-soluble film and the second water-soluble film are chemically different to one another and wherein the first water-soluble film has a first water capacity, and wherein the second water-soluble film has a second water capacity, wherein the first water capacity is less than the second water capacity, and wherein the difference between the water capacity of the first water soluble film and the second water-soluble film is between 0.01% and 1%.
wherein the first water-soluble film and the second water-soluble film are chemically different to one another and wherein the first water-soluble film has a first water capacity, and wherein the second water-soluble film has a second water capacity, wherein the first water capacity is less than the second water capacity, and wherein the difference between the water capacity of the first water soluble film and the second water-soluble film is between 0.01% and 1%.
2. The use according to claim 1 to improve the seal strength in the seal area to reduce the volume of scrapped material during manufacture of water-soluble unit dose articles.
3. The use according to any preceding claims, wherein the first water-soluble film has a water capacity from 1% to 10%, preferably from 2% to 8%, more preferably from 3 % to 6 %.
4. The use according to any preceding claims, wherein the second water-soluble film has a water capacity from 1.5% to 12%, preferably from 2.5% to 10%, more preferably from 3.5 % to 8%.
5. The use according to any preceding claims wherein the difference in water capacity is from 0.03% to 0.5%, most preferably from 0.05% to 0.3%.
6. The use according to any preceding claims wherein the first water soluble film comprises a first water soluble resin and the second water soluble film comprises a second water soluble resin, preferably wherein the first water soluble resin comprises at least one polyvinyl alcohol homopolymer or at least one polyvinylalcohol copolymer or a blend thereof and the second water soluble resin comprises at least one polyvinyl alcohol homopolymer or at least one polyvinylalcohol copolymer or a blend thereof
7. The use according to claim 6, wherein the first water soluble resin comprises a blend of a polyvinyl alcohol homopolymer and a polyvinyl alcohol copolymer comprising an anionic monomer unit, preferably wherein the blend comprises from 0% to 70% of polyvinyl alcohol copolymer comprising an anionic monomer unit and from 30% to about 100% of the polyvinyl alcohol homopolymer, based on the total weight of the first water soluble resin in the first film, more preferably wherein the blend comprises from 10% to 70%. even more preferably from 15% to less than 65%, even more preferably from 20% to 50%, most preferably from 30% to 40% of the polyvinyl alcohol copolymer comprising an anionic monomer unit and from 30% to 90%, or greater than 35% to 85%, or from 50% to 80%, or from 60 wt% to 70 wt%
by weight of the first water soluble resin of the polyvinyl alcohol homopolymer, based on the total weight of the first water soluble resin in the first film.
by weight of the first water soluble resin of the polyvinyl alcohol homopolymer, based on the total weight of the first water soluble resin in the first film.
8. The use according to claims 6 or 7, wherein the second water soluble resin comprises a blend of a polyvinyl alcohol homopolymer and a polyvinyl alcohol copolymer comprising an anionic monomer unit, preferably wherein the blend comprises from 0% to 70% of the polyvinyl alcohol copolymer comprising an anionic monomer unit and from 30% to 100% of the polyvinyl alcohol homopolymer, based on the total weight of the second water soluble resin in the second film, more preferably wherein the blend comprises from 10% to 70%. even more preferably from 15% to 65%, even more preferably from 20% to 50%, most preferably from 30% to 40% of the polyvinyl alcohol copolymer comprising an anionic monomer unit and from about 30% to about 90%. or from about 35 wt% to about 85 wt%, or from about 50% to about 80%, or from about 60% to about 70% by weight of the second water soluble resin of the polyvinyl alcohol homopolymer. based on the total weight of the second water soluble resin in the second film.
9. The use according to claims 6 to 8, wherein the anionic monomer unit is selected from the group consisting of anionic monomers derived from of vinyl acetic acid, alkyl acrylates, maleic acid, monoalkyl maleate, dialkyl maleate, monomethyl maleate. dimethyl maleate.
maleic anhydride, fumaric acid. monoalkyl fumarate, dialkyl fumarate, monomethyl fumarate, dimethyl fumarate, fumaric anhydride. itaconic acid, monomethyl itaconate, dimethyl itaconate, itaconic anhydride.
citraconic acid. monoalkyl citraconate, dialkyl citraconate, citraconic anhydride, mesaconic acid.
monoalkyl mesaconate. dialkyl mesaconate, mesaconic anhydride. glutaconic acid. monoalkyl glutaconate, dialkyl glutaconate, glutaconic anhydride, vinyl sulfonic acid, alkyl sulfonic acid, ethylene sulfonic acid, 2-acrylamido-1-methyl propane sulfonic acid, 2-acrylamide-2-methylpropanesulfonic acid, 2-methylacrylamido-2-methylpropanesulfonic acid, 2-sulfoethyl acrylate, alkali metal salts thereof, esters thereof, and combinations thereof, preferably, wherein the anionic monomer unit is selected from the group consisting of anionic monomers derived from maleic acid, monoalkyl maleate, dialkyl maleate, maleic anhydride, alkali metal salts thereof. esters thereof, and combinations thereof, more preferably wherein the anionic monomer unit is selected from the group consisting of anionic monomers derived from maleic acid, monomethyl maleate, dimethyl maleate, maleic anyhydride, alkali metal salts thereof, esters thereof, and combinations thereof
maleic anhydride, fumaric acid. monoalkyl fumarate, dialkyl fumarate, monomethyl fumarate, dimethyl fumarate, fumaric anhydride. itaconic acid, monomethyl itaconate, dimethyl itaconate, itaconic anhydride.
citraconic acid. monoalkyl citraconate, dialkyl citraconate, citraconic anhydride, mesaconic acid.
monoalkyl mesaconate. dialkyl mesaconate, mesaconic anhydride. glutaconic acid. monoalkyl glutaconate, dialkyl glutaconate, glutaconic anhydride, vinyl sulfonic acid, alkyl sulfonic acid, ethylene sulfonic acid, 2-acrylamido-1-methyl propane sulfonic acid, 2-acrylamide-2-methylpropanesulfonic acid, 2-methylacrylamido-2-methylpropanesulfonic acid, 2-sulfoethyl acrylate, alkali metal salts thereof, esters thereof, and combinations thereof, preferably, wherein the anionic monomer unit is selected from the group consisting of anionic monomers derived from maleic acid, monoalkyl maleate, dialkyl maleate, maleic anhydride, alkali metal salts thereof. esters thereof, and combinations thereof, more preferably wherein the anionic monomer unit is selected from the group consisting of anionic monomers derived from maleic acid, monomethyl maleate, dimethyl maleate, maleic anyhydride, alkali metal salts thereof, esters thereof, and combinations thereof
10. The process according to any preceding claims wherein the first water-soluble film, and the second water-soluble film independently have a thickness before incorporation into the unit dose article of between 40 microns and 100 microns, preferably between 60 microns and 90 microns, more preferably between 70 microns and 80 microns, preferably wherein the difference in thickness before incorporation into the unit dose article between the first water-soluble film and the second water-soluble film is less than 50%, preferably less than 30%, more preferably less than 20%, even more preferably less than 10%, or 0%.
11. The use according to any preceding claims wherein the first water-soluble film has a first tensile strain at break of between 300% and 1600%, preferably between 400% and 1200%, more preferably between 700% and 1200%, and the second water-soluble film has a second tensile strain at break of between 300% and 1200%, preferably between 500% and 1000%.
12. The use according to claim 12 wherein the difference between the first tensile strain at break and the second tensile strain at break is from 10% to 1000%, preferably from 100%
to 750%, more preferably from 200% to 500%.
to 750%, more preferably from 200% to 500%.
13. Use of a unit dose article comprising at least a first water-soluble film.
a second water-soluble film and a detergent composition, wherein the first water-soluble film and the second water-soluble film are according to any preceding claims, to improve the consumer detergent dosing experience.
a second water-soluble film and a detergent composition, wherein the first water-soluble film and the second water-soluble film are according to any preceding claims, to improve the consumer detergent dosing experience.
14. The use according to claim 13 wherein the consumer detergent dosing experience comprises the consumer transferring at least one water-soluble unit dose article from a storage receptacle automatic washing machine, preferably the drum of an automatic washing machine by hand.
15. The use according to claim 14 wherein the storage receptacle is a flexible, preferably resealable, bag, a rigid, preferably recloseable, tub or a mixture thereof: preferably, wherein the storage receptacle comprises a child resistant closure.
16. The use according to claims 14-15 wherein the improved consumer dosing experience comprises reduced mess and increased convenience to the consumer during the dosing operation.
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| US201662349223P | 2016-06-13 | 2016-06-13 | |
| US62/349,223 | 2016-06-13 |
Publications (2)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2970590A1 true CA2970590A1 (en) | 2017-08-15 |
| CA2970590C CA2970590C (en) | 2022-09-27 |
Family
ID=59091660
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA2970590A Active CA2970590C (en) | 2016-06-13 | 2017-06-13 | Use of a first film and a second film to improve seal strength of a water-soluble unit dose article |
Country Status (4)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| EP (1) | EP3469061A1 (en) |
| JP (1) | JP6790127B2 (en) |
| CA (1) | CA2970590C (en) |
| WO (1) | WO2017218448A1 (en) |
Families Citing this family (8)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| RU2760028C2 (en) | 2016-04-13 | 2021-11-22 | МОНОСОЛ, ЭлЭлСи | Water-soluble film, film packages, and methods for production and application thereof |
| EP3469059A1 (en) | 2016-06-13 | 2019-04-17 | The Procter & Gamble Company | Water-soluble unit dose articles made from a combination of different films and containing household care compositions |
| US10479965B2 (en) | 2016-06-13 | 2019-11-19 | The Procter & Gamble Company | Water-soluble unit dose articles made from a combination of different films and containing household care compositions |
| CN109312276A (en) | 2016-06-13 | 2019-02-05 | 蒙诺苏尔有限公司 | The water soluble unit dose product as made from the combination of different films |
| EP3469063A1 (en) | 2016-06-13 | 2019-04-17 | Monosol, LLC | Use of a first film and a second film to improve seal strength of a water-soluble |
| US10370627B2 (en) | 2016-06-13 | 2019-08-06 | The Procter & Gamble Company | Water-soluble unit dose articles made from a combination of different films and containing household care compositions |
| US10899518B2 (en) | 2016-06-13 | 2021-01-26 | Monosol, Llc | Water-soluble packets |
| JP7288008B2 (en) * | 2020-06-30 | 2023-06-06 | ザ プロクター アンド ギャンブル カンパニー | Method for manufacturing water-soluble unit dose articles |
Family Cites Families (7)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| JPH04164998A (en) * | 1990-10-29 | 1992-06-10 | Lion Corp | Detergent in item packaging form |
| EP2108041A1 (en) * | 2007-01-18 | 2009-10-14 | Reckitt Benckiser N.V. | Dosage element and a method of manufacturing a dosage element |
| ES2729654T3 (en) * | 2010-01-29 | 2019-11-05 | Monosol Llc | Water soluble film that has improved dissolution and overload properties, as well as containers made from it |
| WO2014151718A2 (en) * | 2013-03-15 | 2014-09-25 | Monosol Llc | Water-soluble film for delayed release |
| KR20160014720A (en) * | 2013-06-04 | 2016-02-11 | 모노졸, 엘엘씨 | Water-soluble film sealing solutions, related methods, and related articles |
| EP2927307A1 (en) * | 2014-03-31 | 2015-10-07 | The Procter & Gamble Company | Laundry unit dose article |
| AR103786A1 (en) * | 2014-10-13 | 2017-06-07 | Procter & Gamble | ARTICLES THAT INCLUDE A WATER SOLUBLE FILM OF COMBINATIONS OF POLYLINOLIC ALCOHOL AND RELATED METHODS |
-
2017
- 2017-06-13 WO PCT/US2017/037115 patent/WO2017218448A1/en unknown
- 2017-06-13 CA CA2970590A patent/CA2970590C/en active Active
- 2017-06-13 EP EP17731768.2A patent/EP3469061A1/en active Pending
- 2017-06-13 JP JP2018563486A patent/JP6790127B2/en active Active
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| JP2019518673A (en) | 2019-07-04 |
| WO2017218448A1 (en) | 2017-12-21 |
| EP3469061A1 (en) | 2019-04-17 |
| CA2970590C (en) | 2022-09-27 |
| JP6790127B2 (en) | 2020-11-25 |
Similar Documents
| Publication | Publication Date | Title |
|---|---|---|
| CA2970590C (en) | Use of a first film and a second film to improve seal strength of a water-soluble unit dose article | |
| US11078451B2 (en) | Water-soluble unit dose articles made from a combination of different films and containing household care compositions | |
| US11781094B2 (en) | Water-soluble unit dose articles made from a combination of different films and containing household care compositions | |
| US10370627B2 (en) | Water-soluble unit dose articles made from a combination of different films and containing household care compositions | |
| CA2970499A1 (en) | Use of a water-soluble unit dose article to improve the consumer detergent dosing experience | |
| US10377980B2 (en) | Process of washing fabrics |