DE2433079A1 - COMBINED DETERGENT AND SOFTENING AGENT - Google Patents

Description

Combined detergent and softener

This invention relates to a detergent and softener mixture containing phosphate builder and to a method for simultaneous softening and washing of soiled laundry; it relates in particular to a detergent mixture, those based on anionic and nonionic surfactants, a phosphate salt and a cationic quaternary ammonium softening compound based.

Efforts have been made to modify detergent blends to provide softness properties to washed fabrics without affecting the cleaning power of the detergent. So far you had to because of the intolerance the quaternary ammonium salt dichotomizer with the conventional ones anionic detergents separate the softening agents and use it for the last rinse, otherwise a decrease in both the

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Cleaning and softening effectiveness of the applied Means occurs.

The invention has set itself the task of proposing a mixture for washing and softening laundry at the same time, which contain compatible detergents and softeners.

To solve this problem, a combined detergent and make-up agent is proposed, which is characterized is due to a content of 5 to 20% anionic surfactant, 1 to 10% nonionic surfactant, 10 to 45% phosphate builder salt and 2 to 10% quaternary ammonium compound.

It has been found that the addition of nonionic surfactants to one containing a cationic plasticizer Detergent increases the solubility of this cationic softener. The addition of nonionic surfactants to mixtures containing anionic surfactants increases accordingly the solubility of these anionic surfactants. It was also found that the turbidity caused by the addition of a cationic Softener to an anionic surfactant system is caused by the addition of a nonionic Surfactant is eliminated. Consequently, the interaction in precipitation or turbidity between the

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anionic surfactant and the cationic plasticizer canceled by the presence of a nonionic surfactant. The joint use of softening agent and surfactant in a mixture results in a product with a dual function, namely softening and washing. In addition, the nonionic surfactant improves the cleaning properties of the detergent mixture without increasing the foaming properties , this is desirable because excessive foaming leads to clogging of the washing machines. Accordingly, a nonionic surfactant is an indispensable component for an immediate and multiply effective detergent, hereinafter referred to as a combined detergent and softener or "softergent", in order to enable both excellent washing and softening properties.

As nonionic surfactants, condensation products of an alkylene oxide or an equivalent reactant and a reactive hydrogen containing hydrophobic compound can be used. The hydrophobic organic compound can be aliphatic, aromatic or heterocyclic, although the first two classes of compounds are preferred are. The preferred types of hydrophobic compounds are higher aliphatic alcohols and alkyl phenols, although also others such as carboxylic acid, carboxylamides, mercaptans, sulfon

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amide etc. can be used. Ethylene oxide condensates with higher alkyl phenols constitute a preferred class of nonionic compounds. Normally, the hydrophobic portion should be at least 6, but better at least 8 Contain carbon atoms and up to 50 or more carbon atoms. The amount of alkylene oxide changes considerably in Dependence on the hydrophobic compound; in general, at least about 5 moles of alkylene oxide should be hydrophobic per mole Connection can be used. The upper limit for the alkylene oxide can also vary, but is of less influence. Per mole of hydrophobic compound can be 200 or more moles of alkylene oxide are used ^ Although ethylene oxide is the preferred and predominant oxyalkylating reagent, Other lower alkylene oxides such as propylene oxide, butylene oxide and the like can also be used, or in part that Replace ethylene oxide. Other suitable nonionic compounds are the polyoxyalkylene ethers of organic acids such as higher fatty acids, resin acids, higher oleic acids or acids from petroleum oxidation products. These contain esters usually between 10 and 22 carbon atoms in the acid portion and between 12 and 30 moles of ethylene oxide or equivalent alkylene oxides.

Further suitable nonionic surfactants are alkylene oxide condensates with higher fatty acid amides. The fatty acid group

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usually contains between 8 and 22 carbon atoms and is preferably condensed with 10 to 50 moles of ethylene oxide. The corresponding carboxamides and sulfonamides can be used accordingly can be used.

Further suitable nonionic surfactants are oxyalkylated higher aliphatic alcohols. The fatty alcohols should contain at least 6, and preferably at least 8 carbon atoms. The most preferred alcohols are lauryl7, Myristyl, cetyl, stearyl and oleyl alcohol. The alcohols should be condensed with at least 6 moles, but better with 10 to 30 moles of ethylene oxide. A typical non-ionic Surfactant is oleyl alcohol condensed with 15 moles of ethylene oxide. The corresponding alkyl mercaptans condensed with ethylene oxide are also suitable.

The amount of nonionic surfactant must be sufficient to effect dissolution of the cationic / anionic complex. In general, between 1 and 10%, but better between 2 and 7% by weight, based on the total weight of the detergent. The amount can be changed depending on both the amount and the nature the other components as well as the conditions of use such as water hardness and temperature.

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The primary and main detergent ingredient is a water-soluble anionic surfactant, i.e. surface-active Substances that have an organic hydrophobic group and a anionic, solubility causing group such as sulfonate, Contain sulfate, carboxylate, phosphonate and phosphate. the hydrophobic group is an alkyl or aralkyl radical with 8 to carbon atoms.

Suitable anionic surfactants are alkylarylsulfonates such as higher alkylbenzenesulfonates with 10 to 16 carbon atoms in the alkyl group in a straight or branched chain such as sodium salts of higher alkylbenzenesulfonates, alkylnaphthalene sulfonate, Ammonium diamyl naphthalene sulfonate and sodium dinonyl naphthalene sulfonate. A preferred mixture is a linear alkyl benzene sulfonate having a high content of 3- (or higher) phenyl isomers and a corresponding lower content (well below 50%) of 2- (or lower) phenyl isomers used. The benzene ring is therefore preferably largely on the 3rd or higher (for example 4th, 5th, 6th or 7.) Carbon atom of the alkyl group bonded and the content of isomers in which the benzene ring on the 2nd or 1st carbon atoms is bound is correspondingly low. Particularly suitable materials are given in US Pat. No. 3,320,174.

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Other anionic detergent components are olefin sulfonates, long-chain alkene sulfonates, long-chain hydroxyalkane sulfonates or mixtures of alkene sulfonates and hydroxyalkane sulfonates. The olefin sulfonate detergents can be prepared in a known manner by reacting SO ₂ with long-chain olefins having 8 to 25, but better 12 to 21 carbon atoms of the formula RCH = CHR ₁ , where R is an alkyl radical and R ^ is an alkyl radical or hydrogen. This creates a mixture of sulfones and alkene sulfonic acids, which is then treated further to convert the sulfones into sulfonates. Examples of other sulfate or sulfonate detergents are paraffin sulfonates, such as the reaction of <* £ -olefins with bisulfite (for example sodium bisulfite), for example primary paraffin sulfonates with about 10 to 20 carbon atoms, but preferably with 15 to 20 carbon atoms, sulfates or higher Alcohols and salts of o ^ -Sulfofettestern with, for example, 10 to 20 carbon atoms as in methyl od-sulfomyristate or in Od-sulfotallate.

Examples of sulfates of higher alcohols are sodium lauryl sulfate, Sodium tallyl sulfate, Turkish red oil, or other sulfated ones Oils or sulfates of mono- or diglycerides of fatty acids, e.g. stearic monoglyceride monosulfate, alkyl poly (ethenoxy) ether sulfates like the sulphates of the condensation products of ethylene oxide and lauric alcohol, usually with

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T to 5 ethenoxy groups per molecule, lauryl or others higher alkyl glycerol ether sulfonates, aromatic poly (ethenoxy) ether sulfates like the sulfates of the condensation products of ethylene oxide and nonylphenol with usually 1 to 6 oxyethylene groups per molecule.

Suitable anionic detergents are also acyl sarcosinates such as sodium lauroyl sarcosinate, acyl esters, e.g. oleic acid esters Isothionate and the acyl-N-methyltauride such as potassium-N-methyllauroyl- or oleyl tauride.

Most preferred water soluble anionic detergent compounds are ammonium and substituted ammonium salts / e.g. mono-, di- and triethanolamine salts as well as alkali and alkaline earth salts of the higher alkyl benzene sulfonates, the olefin sulfonates, the higher alkyl sulfates and the higher Fatty acid monoglyceride sulfates.

Soaps, which are also anionic detergents, can be used in addition to the synthetic anionic detergents, especially for foam regulation if necessary or desirable. Suitable water-soluble salts of higher fatty acids or resin acids are alkali salts of saturated, unsaturated or mixed unsaturated and saturated fatty acids with

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about 8 to 18 carbon atoms in the molecule such as: Sodium caprate, sodium laurate / sodium myristate, sodium palmitate / potassium oleate, sodium stearate, sodium and Potassium salts of tallow fatty acids, sodium and potassium salts of Coconut oil fatty acids and the like.

The amount of anionic detergent used can vary widely depending on the specific nature and intended purpose Use of the detergent mixture. In general, however, about 5 to 20% synthetic anionic can be used Detergent and xmapprox. 0 to 4% soap based on that Total weight of the mixture. The ratio of the specific surfactants can be varied within suitable limits will.

Other .essential components of combined washing and Plasticizer mixtures are quaternary ammonium plasticizers of the following formulas:

N-

R.

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- 1O ■ -

wherein R _{1 is} a long-chain aliphatic radical with 8 to 22 carbon atoms, R _{2 is} a long-chain aliphatic radical with 8 to 22 carbon atoms, a lower alkyl or alkylene radical with 1 to 4 carbon atoms or an aryl or aralkyl radical. R ₃ and R ₄ are alkyl or alkenyl radicals and. X is a water-soluble salt-forming anion such as halide, sulfate, acetate, hydroxide, methosulfate or similar inorganic or organic solubilizing monobasic or dibasic radicals. The carbon chain of the aliphatic radical with 8 to 22 carbon atoms can be straight-chain or branched and saturated or unsaturated. The lower alkyl radicals can have other substituents such as hydroxy, halogen, cyano, carbalkoxy, alkoxy and similar groups. The preferred ammonium salt is a dialkyldimethylammonium chloride in which the alkyl group is derived from hydrogenated tallow or stearic acid or from a dialkylimidazoline chloride. Examples of suitable quaternary ammonium softening agents are hydrogenated ditallyldimethylammonium chloride, 1-hydroxyethyl-1-methyl-2-heptadecylimidazoline chloride, dimethyldistearylammonium chloride, trimethylistearylammonium bromide, cetyltrimethylammonium chloride, di-coco-dimethyl-higher methylbenzyl-ammonium chloride, di-coco-dimethyl-dimethyl-benzyl-ammonium chloride. ammonium chloride and the corresponding sulfates, methosulfates, bromides and hydroxides of these salts, etc.

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The term "coco" refers to fatty acid groups derived from the fatty acids in coconut oil. Such acids contain between 8 and 18 carbon atoms per molecule, but predominantly C ₂ to C ₁₄ acids.

Suitable quaternary ammonium compounds are available as 95% active powder, as 57% active water-containing pastes and as 25 to 50% aqueous-alcoholic solutions. It is preferable to use the 95% active powder, but the The choice of the specific physical form depends on the storage and production conditions.

The amount of quaternary ammonium compound must be sufficient to make the textiles treated with the combined detergent and softener sufficiently soft without adversely affecting the cleaning properties of the detergent. A content of about 2 to 10% active quaternary compound, based on the total weight of the mixture, results not only significantly softens the laundry, but also maintains the excellent cleaning properties of the combined detergents and softeners.

Another essential part of the invention multiply effective detergent mixtures is an inorganic or organic water-soluble builder salt such as:

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Trisodium phosphate, tetrasodium pyrophosphate, acid sodium pyrophosphate, sodium tripolyphosphate, primary sodium phosphate, secondary sodium phosphate, sodium hexametaphosphate, sodium metasilicate, sodium silicates, Na ₂ O / SiO ₂ from 1.6 / 1 to 3.2 / 1, sodium carbonate, sodium sulfate, borax, nitrate or ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid, tetrasodium salts, etc.

Particularly preferred are water-soluble alkali metal polyphosphates, the complexes which are water-soluble with calcium and magnesium ions and thus prevent the formation of insoluble salts in hard water, which would otherwise form on the textiles during washing drop. Furthermore, such phosphates increase the cleaning effect of anionic detergents and help the foaming ability to control and help the dirt in after its removal from the soiled textiles in the washing bath To keep suspension.

The detergents can also contain other additives, such as Dirt-suspending agents or agents that prevent the dirt from re-settling on the textiles, for Example polyvinyl alcohol, sodium carboxymethyl cellulose, hydroxypropylmethyl cellulose, optical brighteners, for example Cotton, amine and polyester brighteners, bactericides, for

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Example tetrachlorosalicylanilide, hexachlorobenzene, fungicides, Dyes, pigments, preservatives, substances that absorb ultraviolet light and perfumes.

The ratio of the ingredients in the new combined detergent and softener mixture is precisely aligned that maximum cleaning performance is achieved in the presence of the cationic quaternary ammonium softener. the Cleaning performance is measured via the degree of dirt removal (washing power) and the percentage of it back on the fabric of deposited dirt. The luminosity of a brightener is a function of its texture and quantity the dirt that remains on the fabric, that is, the more dirt, the less luminosity of the brightener. The cleaner of detergent mixtures depends, among other things, on the hardness and temperature of the washing water, the type and amount of dirt, the type of substances to be treated and the specific components of the mixture. The non-ionic Based on equivalent weights, surfactants are more effective than the anionic ones at removing oily soiling. In addition the effectiveness of the surfactants is a function of the amount of dirt present. The combination of low temperature, high water hardness and high plasticizer content drastically reduce the removal of dirt. Analog increases the Combination of great water hardness and high plasticizer content

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and high temperature the redeposition of dirt on the Tissue. The removal of dirt increases at high temperatures and decreases with increasing water hardness. Opposite for this purpose, high temperatures increase the redeposition of the dirt. Maximum dirt removal is achieved with a Detergent mixture that is 3.75% nonionic, 12% anionic and contains 5% cationic quaternary ammonium compound. A growing content of softener in the combined detergent and Softeners require a corresponding increase in the amount of nonionic surfactants for maximum cleaning effect. The proportion of the quaternary ammonium softening compound can vary between about 2 and 10%, based on the total weight of the mixture, but must be sufficient to give softness to fabrics treated with it. The amount of nonionic surfactant can vary between about 1 to 10%, based on the total weight of the mixture and must be sufficient that the above plasticizer with the anionic To make surfactant compatible. The more important detergent ingredient is the anionic surfactant, which is between about 5 and can vary by 20% based on the weight of all components. The inorganic phosphorus salt, which has the detergency of the combined detergent and softener, thus enabling coarse cleaning, makes about 10 to 45%, based on the weight of the total mixture.

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The detergent and softener mixture of this invention can are made by simply mixing the various ingredients together in a dry state at room temperature, constant mixing must be carried out to ensure the homogeneity of the end product. Another method will be the different ingredients mixed with water to a paste and then spray-dried. The parts can be put together in any suitable order or texture, but must be mixed enough to ensure the formation of a uniform product in finely divided form. The combined detergent and softener can be processed into pearls, granules, flakes, chips or powder in any way.

The application of the present detergent and softener product is both simple and extremely effective and can be used in both top and front fill washers as well as for hand washing. A weight of approximately 100 g (1 1/4 cups) of the combined Detergent and softening agent is advantageously used in washing machines for both softening and excellent To achieve cleaning of soiled laundry that is made of a mixture of fabrics, i.e. cotton, iron-resistant textiles, synthetic blends, polyester blends such as dacron cotton and the like. The weight varies depending on

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the amount of water used in the washing machine, where the concentration of the combined detergent and softener is approximately 1 to 2.5 g per liter of wash water, but preferably T.5 g per liter.

The washing water used can be quite soft or moderately hard water and should generally be used at high temperatures. The present invention is also useful for washing clothes in very hard water at low temperature. Thus, the water hardness can be between and over 300 ppm, calculated as calcium carbonate, and the temperatures are between 15 ° C and 50 ° C. That Washing should be done in an automatic washing machine, where washing includes rinsing and spinning or other drying or wringing passes to follow. The washing process generally takes between 3 minutes and 1 hour, which depends on the fabrics to be washed and the degree of pollution observed. After finishing washing and The laundry is spinning, drying or wringing out preferably shortly afterwards to dry in an automatic dryer.

example 1

It became a detergent and softening agent of the following composition manufactured:

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granulated soft

Ingredients machine tool product

in% by weight

Sodium n-tridecylbenzyl

sulfonate (anionic) 12/0

^C 14-15 ^{fatty alcohol} ethoxylated

with 11 AO units (non-ionic) 4.0

Dimethyl distearyl ammonium chloride

(cationic) 5.0

Sodium tripolyphosphate 33.0

Sodium silicate 7.5

Carboxymethyl cellulose 0.5

Sodium sulfate 30.0

Humidity 8.0

When using tap water and at a concentration of 1.5 g / liter wash water, this mixture gave a 51% strength Soil removal and a 17% redeposition of the dirt.

Example 2

The amounts of the nonionic and the cationic constituents according to Example 1 were increased to 4.9% and 7.0%, respectively, and the Moisture content adjusted accordingly. This product gave 44% soil removal.

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Example 3

The content of anionic constituents according to Example 1 was increased to 18% and the non-ionic content decreased to 3% and the moisture content correspondingly customized. Soil removal was 49% and redeposition 15%.

Example 4

The content of the cationic component according to Example 3 was increased to 7% and the moisture content adjusted accordingly. Soil removal was 46%.

Example 5

The content of anionic constituents according to Example 1 was increased to -17%, the content of nonionic constituents to 2.25% and the moisture content adjusted accordingly. The dirt removal was 48% at 38 G.

Example 6

The content of anionic constituents according to Example 1 was increased to 14% and the moisture content was adjusted. the Soil removal was 48% at 38 ° C.

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Example 7

The content of the cationic component according to Example 1 was reduced to 2% and the moisture content adjusted accordingly. At 21 C and using tap water, a Soil removal of 42% obtained "At 55 ° C using tap water, a soil removal of 48% was obtained. However, increasing the water hardness decreased the percentage of soil removal.

Example 8

The content of the nonionic component according to Example 1 was reduced to 3% and the moisture content correspondingly customized. At 36 C and using tap water, the maximum dirt removal was 50% and the redeposition was minimal of 15% received. Increasing the hardness of the wash water reduced the dirt removal and increased it the redeposition. Fabrics washed with the above mixture were extremely soft.

The examples described above clearly show that the The cleanability of a product is a function of the treatment conditions, namely both temperature and water hardness as well as the proportion of the individual components. Hence the content ranges of the ingredients are important to the optimum Cleaning and softening fabrics.

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-2O-

Example 9

1% sodium tallow soap was added to a mixture according to Example 1 and the moisture content was reduced to 7%. This Product gave the best detergency and softness.

Example 10

The content of the anionic constituent of a mixture according to Example 1 was reduced to 10%, the proportion of the nonionic Ingredient reduced to 2% and 2% sodium tallow soap added and the moisture content adjusted accordingly. the Kaschkraft and softness results were also good, though also not as good as in example 9.

Example 11

The content of quaternary ammonium compound in Example 10 was reduced to 3% and the moisture content adjusted. There were similarly good softness and detergency results obtain.

Example 12

Tallyl sulfate was found with similarly good detergency and softness results in place of the anionic constituent in Example 10.

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Example 13

A secondary alcohol with 11 to 15 carbon atoms and Ethoxylated with 9 Ä.O. groups V7urde in place of the nichi ionic component set in Example 1. Similarly good cleaning and softening results were obtained.

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Claims (9)

A η s ρ r u c h e Combined softener and detergent in finely divided form Form, characterized by a content of 5 to 2O% anionic surfactant, 1 to 10% nonionic surfactant, 2 to 10% cationic quaternary airanonium fabric softening compound and 10 to 45% inorganic water soluble phosphate builder salt. 2. Mixture according to claim 1, characterized in that the anionic surfactant is a higher alkyl benzyl sulfonate. 3. Mixture according to claim 1 to 2, characterized in that the phosphate salt is sodium tripolyphosphate. 4. Mixture according to claim 1 to 3, characterized in that that the nonionic surfactant is an ethoxylated higher aliphatic alcohol. 5. Mixture according to claim 1 to 4, characterized in that that the fabric softener is dimethyl distearyl ammonium chloride is. 40 9886/1440 6 .. Mixture according to claim 1 to 5, characterized in that it contains non-phosphatic, other inorganic builder salts contains. 7 .. Mixture according to claim 6, characterized in that. they use a small amount of a soil suspending agent contains. 8. A method for the simultaneous washing and softening of textiles, characterized in that in an aqueous Bath a sufficient amount of the mixture according to claim 1 to 7 is applied. 9. The method according to claim 8, characterized in that the mixture of claim 7 during the washing cycle Washing is added. ue: ka: kö <P 409886/144 0