EP0754217B1 - Fabric softening composition - Google Patents

Fabric softening composition Download PDF

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Publication number
EP0754217B1
EP0754217B1 EP95914296A EP95914296A EP0754217B1 EP 0754217 B1 EP0754217 B1 EP 0754217B1 EP 95914296 A EP95914296 A EP 95914296A EP 95914296 A EP95914296 A EP 95914296A EP 0754217 B1 EP0754217 B1 EP 0754217B1
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EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
fabric softening
compound
composition according
softening composition
compositions
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.)
Expired - Lifetime
Application number
EP95914296A
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German (de)
French (fr)
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EP0754217A1 (en
Inventor
Ziya Haq
Abid Nadim Khan-Lodhi
Philip John Sams
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Unilever PLC
Unilever NV
Original Assignee
Unilever PLC
Unilever NV
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Priority claimed from GB9406832A external-priority patent/GB9406832D0/en
Priority claimed from GB9406826A external-priority patent/GB9406826D0/en
Priority claimed from GB9406825A external-priority patent/GB9406825D0/en
Application filed by Unilever PLC, Unilever NV filed Critical Unilever PLC
Publication of EP0754217A1 publication Critical patent/EP0754217A1/en
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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
    • C11D3/00—Other compounding ingredients of detergent compositions covered in group C11D1/00
    • C11D3/0005—Other compounding ingredients characterised by their effect
    • C11D3/001—Softening compositions
    • 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
    • C11D1/00—Detergent compositions based essentially on surface-active compounds; Use of these compounds as a detergent
    • C11D1/38—Cationic compounds
    • C11D1/62—Quaternary ammonium compounds
    • 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
    • C11D1/00—Detergent compositions based essentially on surface-active compounds; Use of these compounds as a detergent
    • C11D1/88—Ampholytes; Electroneutral compounds
    • C11D1/94—Mixtures with anionic, cationic or non-ionic compounds
    • 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
    • C11D3/00—Other compounding ingredients of detergent compositions covered in group C11D1/00
    • C11D3/0005—Other compounding ingredients characterised by their effect
    • C11D3/001—Softening compositions
    • C11D3/0015—Softening compositions liquid
    • 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
    • C11D1/00—Detergent compositions based essentially on surface-active compounds; Use of these compounds as a detergent
    • C11D1/88—Ampholytes; Electroneutral compounds
    • C11D1/90—Betaines
    • 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
    • C11D1/00—Detergent compositions based essentially on surface-active compounds; Use of these compounds as a detergent
    • C11D1/88—Ampholytes; Electroneutral compounds
    • C11D1/92—Sulfobetaines ; Sulfitobetaines

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to fabric softening compositions.
  • the invention relates to fabric softening compositions that have excellent stability, dispensing and dispersing properties.
  • Rinse added fabric softener compositions are well known. Typically such compositions contain a water insoluble fabric softening agent dispersed in water at a level of softening agent up to 7% by weight in which case the compositions are considered dilute, or at levels from 7% to 30% in which case the compositions are considered concentrates. Fabrics can also be softened by the use of sheets coated with softening compound for use in tumble dryers. In more detail the commercially available fabric softening compounds generally form stacked lamellar structures in water which have characteristic L ⁇ to L ⁇ phase transition temperatures.
  • liquid fabric softening compositions are in the form of dispersed colloidal particles of the fabric softening compound.
  • Fabric softening compositions comprising dissolved fabric softening compound in organic solvent and powder or granular compositions have also been described.
  • Physical instability manifests itself as a thickening on storage of the composition to a level where the composition is no longer pourable, and can even lead to the irreversible formation of a gel.
  • the formation of a gel can also occur in the dispensing drawer of a washing machine when the temperature of the drawer is increased by the influx of warm water. The thickening is very undesirable since the composition can no longer be conveniently used.
  • Physical instability can also manifest itself as phase separation into two or more separate layers.
  • FR-A-1 447 334 discloses a general procedure for increasing the dispersibility and solubility of cationic compounds by the use of specific betaines but makes no reference to cationic based rinse conditioners.
  • GB-A-2 163 771 discloses wash cycle detergent compositions comprising a nonionic surfactant and a cationic quaternary ammonium compound which does not contain an ester link or a single long chain.
  • EP-A-0 354 011 discloses a fabric conditioning composition
  • a fabric conditioning composition comprising a cationic fabric conditioner having two C 15-22 alkyl or alkenyl groups and sufficient nonionic or amphoteric surfactant to lower the viscosity of the composition.
  • EP-A-0 125 031 discloses a liquid fabric softening composition comprising a cationic fabric softening agent, an amphoteric compound and a non-aqueous solvent.
  • EP-A-0 326 213 discloses a rinse conditioner comprising a water soluble amphoteric conditioning material and a co-active material. No reference is made to quaternary ammonium compounds having a single C 20 or above chain or two C 12-22 alkyl or alkenyl groups connected to the head group via at least one ester link.
  • EP-A-0 569 847 discloses a fabric conditioning composition which may comprise cationic actives and amphoteric surfactants, although no disclosure is made of the cationic actives being solubilised by the amphoteric surfactants.
  • US-A-4 789 491 discloses a specific process for the formulation of aqueous dispersions of cationic softening compounds. The process is said to overcome the difficulties of product viscosity and poor dispensing and dispersing on storage.
  • the physical stability of rinse added fabric softener compositions has been improved by the addition of viscosity control agents or anti-gelling agents.
  • viscosity control agents are added to certain concentrated compositions.
  • the agents may include C 10 -C 18 fatty alcohols.
  • EP-A-280 550 Unilever
  • EP-A-507 478 discloses a physically stable fabric softening composition comprising a water insoluble, biodegradable, ester-linked quaternary ammonium compounds and a nonionic stabilising agent.
  • EP-A-111074 is typical and uses a silica to carry the softener.
  • a disadvantage of using a carrier such as silica is that it bulks up the product and serves no function beyond making the powder compatible with other ingredients that may be contained in a washing powder.
  • EP-A-569 184 discloses use of a granular composition to form a pre-dilute which is then added to the dispenser drawer of the washing machine.
  • WO-A-92/18593 discloses a granular fabric softening composition which can be added to water to form an aqueous emulsion.
  • the composition contains a nonionic fabric softener such as a sorbitan ester and a mono-long chain alkyl cationic surfactant.
  • WO-A-93/23510 discloses liquid and solid fabric softeners comprising biodegradable diester quaternary ammonium fabric softening compounds and a viscosity and/or dispersibility modifier, the application also discloses specific processes for making these products.
  • the viscosity and/or dispersibility modifier may be a single long chain, alkyl cationic or a nonionic surfactant.
  • the solid composition when added to water forms an emulsion or dispersion.
  • US-A-3 892 669 discloses a clear, homogeneous, aqueous based liquid fabric softening composition and is limited to solubilised tetraalkyl quaternary ammonium salts having two short-chain alkyl groups and two long-chain alkyl groups, the longer chain groups having some methyl and ethyl branching.
  • the solubilisers comprise of aryl sulphonates, diols, ethers, low molecular weight quaternaries, sulphobetaines, and nonionic surfactants.
  • nonionic surfactants and phosphine oxides are not suitable for use alone and only have utility as auxiliary solubilisers.
  • the present invention discloses fabric softening compositions having excellent softening properties yet which exhibit excellent storage stability at both high and low temperatures, good freeze thaw recovery and excellent dispensability and dispersibility when the composition is concentrated and even when the fabric softening compound is concentrated to levels greater than 30 wt%. Furthermore compositions prepared according to our invention do not suffer from loss of softening performance.
  • a fabric softening composition comprising
  • the fabric conditioner of the invention is not in conventional lamellar form, and when contacted with water may be solubilised partially in the form of self-size-limiting molecular aggregates, such as micelles or micellar solutions with solid or liquid interiors or mixtures thereof.
  • self-size-limiting molecular aggregates such as micelles or micellar solutions with solid or liquid interiors or mixtures thereof.
  • the composition is in a form containing water the composition itself may be at least partially in the form of self-size-limiting molecular aggregates. It is thought that it is this new structure of the fabric softening compositions that overcomes the problems of the prior art.
  • the fabric softening compound and solubilising agent form a transparent mix.
  • the following tests may be used to determine definitely whether or not a composition falls within the present invention.
  • the fabric softening compositions according to the invention may be translucent.
  • Translucent in the context of this invention means that when a cell 1cm in depth is filled with the fabric softening composition, "Courier 12 point" typeface can be read through the cell.
  • the fabric softening compound is suitably a water insoluble quaternary ammonium material comprising a single alkyl or alkenyl chain length equal to or greater than C 20 or, more preferably, the softening compound comprising a polar head group and two alkyl or alkenyl chains each having an average chain length equal to or greater than C 12 such as a quaternary ammonium material having two C 12-22 alkyl or alkenyl groups connected to the quaternary ammonium head group via at least one ester link.
  • the fabric softening compound of the invention has two long chain alkyl or alkenyl chains with an average chain length equal to or greater than C 14 . More preferably each chain has an average chain length equal or greater than C 16 . Most preferably at least 50% of each long chain alkyl or alkenyl group has a chain length of C 18 .
  • Substantially insoluble fabric softening compounds in the context of this invention are defined as fabric softening compounds having a solubility less than 1 x 10 -3 wt% in demineralised water at 20°C.
  • the fabric softening compounds Preferably have a solubility less than 1 x 10 -4
  • the fabric softening compounds have a solubility at 20°C in demineralised water from 1 x 10 -8 to 1 x 10 -6 .
  • the fabric softening compound is a water insoluble quaternary ammonium material which comprises a compound having two C 12-18 alkyl or alkenyl groups connected to the molecule via at least one an ester link. It is more preferred if the quaternary ammonium material has two ester links present.
  • the especially preferred ester-linked quaternary ammonium material for use in the invention can be represented by the formula: wherein each R 1 group is independently selected from C 1-4 alkyl, hydroxyalkyl or C 2-4 alkenyl groups; and wherein each R 2 group is independently selected from C 8-28 alkyl or alkenyl groups;
  • a second preferred type of quaternary ammonium material can be represented by the formula: wherein R 1 , n X - and R 2 are as defined above.
  • Preferred materials of this class such as 1,2 bis[hardened tallowoyloxy]-3- trimethylammonium propane chloride and their method of preparation are, for example, described in US-A-4 137 180 (Lever Brothers).
  • these materials comprise small amounts of the corresponding monoester as described in US-A-4 137 180 for example 1-hardened tallowoyloxy -2-hydroxy -3-trimethylammonium propane chloride.
  • the solubilising agent is an amphoteric surfactant, and is characterised in terms of its phase behaviour.
  • Suitable solubilising agents are amphoteric surfactants for which, when contacted within water, the first lyotropic liquid crystalline phase formed is normal cubic (I1) or normal cubic-bicontinuous (V1) or hexagonal (H1) or nematic (Ne1), or intermediate (Int1) phase as defined in the article by G J T Tiddy et al, J Chem Soc. Faraday Trans. 1., 79, 975, 1983 and G J T Tiddy , "Modern Trends of Colloid Science in Chemistry and Biology", Ed. H-F Eicke, 1985 Birkhauser Verlag Basel].
  • Surfactants forming L ⁇ phases at concentrations of less than 20 wt% are not suitable.
  • amphoteric surfactants are defined as substances with molecular structures consisting of a hydrophilic and hydrophobic part.
  • the hydrophobic part consists of a hydrocarbon and the hydrophilic part consists of both a positive and a negative group.
  • Preferred amphoteric surfactants include amine oxides, betaines including sulphobetaines and tegobetaines, phosphine oxides and sulphoxides.
  • Mixtures of solubilising agents may be used.
  • the solubilising is desirably solid at room temperature as this provides crisp composition particles.
  • the solubilising agent further comprises a non-surfactant co-solubiliser.
  • co-solubilisers include propylene glycol, urea , acid amides up to and including chain lengths of C 6, citric acid and other poly carboxylic acids as disclosed in EP-A-0 404 471 (Unilever), glycerol, sorbitol and sucrose.
  • Particularly preferred are polyethylene glycols (PEG) having a molecular weight ranging from 200 - 6000, most preferably from 1000 to 2000.
  • the ratio of co-solubiliser to amphoteric surfactant is from to 2:1 to 1:40.
  • the ratio of co-solubiliser to nonionic surfactant is less than 1:1, more preferably 1:5.
  • the weight ratio of solubilising agent (where relevant this would also include the co-solvent) to fabric softening compound is greater than 1:4, preferably equal to or greater than 2:3. It is advantageous if the ratio of solubilising agent to fabric softening compound is equal to or below 4:1, more preferably below 3:2.
  • solubilising agent/ co-solubiliser is present at a level greater than 5 wt% of the total composition, preferably at a level greater than 10 wt%.
  • the solubilising agent/ co-solubiliser may be present at a level greater than 20 wt% of the total composition, or even at a level greater than 30 wt%. Such higher levels are especially preferred where the fabric softening composition is a solid.
  • compositions of the invention preferably have a pH of more than 1.5, more preferably less than 5.
  • the composition can also contain fatty acids, for example C 8 - C 24 alkyl or alkenyl monocarboxylic acids, or polymeric carboxylic acids.
  • fatty acids for example C 8 - C 24 alkyl or alkenyl monocarboxylic acids, or polymeric carboxylic acids.
  • saturated fatty acids are used, in particular, hardened tallow C 16 -C 18 fatty acids.
  • the level of fatty acid material is preferably more than 0.1% by weight, more preferably more than 0.2% by weight. Especially preferred are concentrates comprising from 0.5 to 20% by weight of fatty acid, more preferably 1% to 10% by weight.
  • the weight ratio of fabric softening compound to fatty acid material is preferably from 10:1 to 1:10.
  • composition is substantially free of nonionic hydrophobic organic materials such as hydrocarbons and hydrocarbyl esters of fatty acids.
  • the composition can also contain one or more optional ingredients, selected from non-aqueous solvents, pH buffering agents, perfumes, perfume carriers, fluorescers, colorants, hydrotropes, antifoaming agents, antiredeposition agents, polymeric or other thickeners, enzymes, optical brightening agents, opacifiers, anti-shrinking agents, anti-wrinkle agents, anti-spotting agents, germicides, fungicides, antioxidants, anti-corrosion agents, drape imparting agents, antistatic agents and ironing aids.
  • optional ingredients selected from non-aqueous solvents, pH buffering agents, perfumes, perfume carriers, fluorescers, colorants, hydrotropes, antifoaming agents, antiredeposition agents, polymeric or other thickeners, enzymes, optical brightening agents, opacifiers, anti-shrinking agents, anti-wrinkle agents, anti-spotting agents, germicides, fungicides, antioxidants, anti-corrosion agents, drape imparting agents, antistatic agents and
  • the product may be in any product form. Particularly preferred forms are liquid and solid compositions and compositions suitable for coating onto a dryer sheet.
  • Solid composition in this context includes compositions in the form of a tablet, a gel, a paste and preferably granules or a powder.
  • the invention further provides a process for preparing a rinse conditioner, as described above, which comprises the steps of:
  • composition may be prepared by the independent addition of the water insoluble fabric softening compound and the solubilising agent to conventional ingredients.
  • compositions in solid form may be prepared by spray drying, freeze drying, milling, extraction, cryogenic grinding or any other suitable means.
  • Softening performance was evaluated by adding 0.lg of fabric softening compound (2ml of a 5% a.d. dispersion) for liquids to 1 litre of tap water, 10°FH, at ambient temperature containing 0.001% (w/w) sodium alkyl benzene sulphonate (ABS) in a tergotometer.
  • ABS sodium alkyl benzene sulphonate
  • Three pieces of terry towelling (8cm x 8cm, 40g total weight) were added to the tergotometer pot. The cloths were treated for 5 minutes at 65 rpm, spin dried to remove excess liquor and line dried overnight.
  • Each panel member assessed four sets of test cloths. Each set of test cloths contained one cloth of each test system under a evaluation. Panel members were asked to assess softness on a 8 point scale. Softness scores were calculated using an "Analysis of Variance" technique. Lower values are indicative of better softening.
  • compositions having a range of fabric softening compound to solubilising agent ratios were prepared according to the either of the methods described above in Preparation of Examples. The softening performance was determined. Softening Results HT TMAPC:L5351 (wt ratio) Softness Score A 5:0 2.5 4 4:1 2.75 5 3:2 3.0 6 2:3 3.25 7 1:4 5.5 B 0:5 7.25
  • compositions 4 to 7 all exhibited good softening performance and good stability.
  • Composition A set under a freeze/thaw test as described under Test III above.
  • compositions were prepared by either one of the methods described for Preparation of Examples.
  • compositions 8 to 14 The storage stability of compositions 8 to 14 was determined by storing the compositions under a variety of conditions including a freeze/thaw regime and measuring the viscosity thereof using a Carri-med rheometer at a shear rate of 110 sec -1 . The results are shown below.
  • the comparative compositions all set or the components separated illustrating poor stability.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
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Description

Technical Field
The present invention relates to fabric softening compositions. In particular the invention relates to fabric softening compositions that have excellent stability, dispensing and dispersing properties.
Backaround and Prior Art
Rinse added fabric softener compositions are well known. Typically such compositions contain a water insoluble fabric softening agent dispersed in water at a level of softening agent up to 7% by weight in which case the compositions are considered dilute, or at levels from 7% to 30% in which case the compositions are considered concentrates. Fabrics can also be softened by the use of sheets coated with softening compound for use in tumble dryers. In more detail the commercially available fabric softening compounds generally form stacked lamellar structures in water which have characteristic Lβ to Lα phase transition temperatures.
The rinse added fabric softening compositions of the prior art soften by depositing dispersed colloidal particles of softening compound onto fabrics, whilst dryer sheets soften fabrics by direct transfer of molten softening compound, as taught by the review by R. G. Laughlin in "Surfactant Science Series 2 Volume 37 Cationic surfactants Physical Properties Pages 449 to 465. (Marcel Decker, inc, 1991)
Conventional liquid fabric softening compositions are in the form of dispersed colloidal particles of the fabric softening compound. Fabric softening compositions comprising dissolved fabric softening compound in organic solvent and powder or granular compositions have also been described.
Fabric softening compositions formed from dispersed colloidal particles have complex, unstable structures. Because of this instability there are many problems associated with conventional fabric softening compositions. The principal problems are: physically instability when stored at high and low temperatures; when frozen they are converted irreversibly to gels; it is difficult to obtain compositions that exhibit good dispersibility into the wash liquor, deposition onto the fabrics and dispensability from the washing machine dispenser drawer. Poor dispersibility results in uneven coating of fabric softener onto the laundry and in some cases spotting can occur. These problems are exacerbated in concentrated fabric softening compositions and on the addition of perfume.
Physical instability manifests itself as a thickening on storage of the composition to a level where the composition is no longer pourable, and can even lead to the irreversible formation of a gel. The formation of a gel can also occur in the dispensing drawer of a washing machine when the temperature of the drawer is increased by the influx of warm water. The thickening is very undesirable since the composition can no longer be conveniently used. Physical instability can also manifest itself as phase separation into two or more separate layers.
Concentrated products, good dispersibility and dispensability, and storage stability at low or high temperature are however desired by the consumer.
The problems associated with conventional dispersed colloidal particles are addressed by the prior art.
FR-A-1 447 334 discloses a general procedure for increasing the dispersibility and solubility of cationic compounds by the use of specific betaines but makes no reference to cationic based rinse conditioners.
GB-A-2 163 771 discloses wash cycle detergent compositions comprising a nonionic surfactant and a cationic quaternary ammonium compound which does not contain an ester link or a single long chain.
EP-A-0 354 011 discloses a fabric conditioning composition comprising a cationic fabric conditioner having two C15-22 alkyl or alkenyl groups and sufficient nonionic or amphoteric surfactant to lower the viscosity of the composition.
EP-A-0 125 031 discloses a liquid fabric softening composition comprising a cationic fabric softening agent, an amphoteric compound and a non-aqueous solvent.
EP-A-0 326 213 discloses a rinse conditioner comprising a water soluble amphoteric conditioning material and a co-active material. No reference is made to quaternary ammonium compounds having a single C20 or above chain or two C12-22 alkyl or alkenyl groups connected to the head group via at least one ester link.
EP-A-0 569 847 discloses a fabric conditioning composition which may comprise cationic actives and amphoteric surfactants, although no disclosure is made of the cationic actives being solubilised by the amphoteric surfactants.
US-A-4 789 491 (Chang) discloses a specific process for the formulation of aqueous dispersions of cationic softening compounds. The process is said to overcome the difficulties of product viscosity and poor dispensing and dispersing on storage.
EP-A-0 239 910 (Procter and Gamble)) discloses compositions containing dispersions of either diester or monoester quaternary ammonium compounds in which the nitrogen has either two or three methyl groups, stabilized by maintaining a critical low pH.
The physical stability of rinse added fabric softener compositions has been improved by the addition of viscosity control agents or anti-gelling agents. For example in EP-A-13 780 (Procter and Gamble) viscosity control agents are added to certain concentrated compositions. The agents may include C10-C18 fatty alcohols. More recently in EP-A-280 550 (Unilever) it has been proposed to improve the physical stability of dilute compositions comprising biodegradable, quaternary ammonium compounds and fatty acid by the addition of nonionic surfactants. EP-A-507 478 (Unilever) discloses a physically stable fabric softening composition comprising a water insoluble, biodegradable, ester-linked quaternary ammonium compounds and a nonionic stabilising agent.
Various proposals have been made to supply fabric softener in granular or powdered form. EP-A-111074 is typical and uses a silica to carry the softener. A disadvantage of using a carrier such as silica is that it bulks up the product and serves no function beyond making the powder compatible with other ingredients that may be contained in a washing powder.
EP-A-569 184 (Unilever) discloses use of a granular composition to form a pre-dilute which is then added to the dispenser drawer of the washing machine.
WO-A-92/18593 (Procter and Gamble) discloses a granular fabric softening composition which can be added to water to form an aqueous emulsion. The composition contains a nonionic fabric softener such as a sorbitan ester and a mono-long chain alkyl cationic surfactant.
WO-A-93/23510 (Procter and Gamble) discloses liquid and solid fabric softeners comprising biodegradable diester quaternary ammonium fabric softening compounds and a viscosity and/or dispersibility modifier, the application also discloses specific processes for making these products. The viscosity and/or dispersibility modifier may be a single long chain, alkyl cationic or a nonionic surfactant. The solid composition when added to water forms an emulsion or dispersion.
Our co-pending application WO 95/13346 published on 18.05.85, discloses the use of a tegobetaine to overcome the problem of instability induced by perfume in concentrated fabric softeners. This application discloses also compositions comprising above 7% of ester linked ammonium softener, more preferably above 15% and most preferably from 15 to 40%; and 0.1 to 8% of a zwitterionic material, more preferably 0.4 to 5%.
In an attempt to overcome the problems associated with dispersed colloidal particles the prior art has turned to fabric conditioners in the form of solutions of fabric softening compounds in organic solvents. Compositions of this type are exemplified by our copending application WO-A-94/17169 colloidal particles are still formed.
A further way of making solutions of fabric conditioners is by specific structural modifications.
US-A-3 892 669 (Lever Brothers) discloses a clear, homogeneous, aqueous based liquid fabric softening composition and is limited to solubilised tetraalkyl quaternary ammonium salts having two short-chain alkyl groups and two long-chain alkyl groups, the longer chain groups having some methyl and ethyl branching. The solubilisers comprise of aryl sulphonates, diols, ethers, low molecular weight quaternaries, sulphobetaines, and nonionic surfactants. The specification teaches that nonionic surfactants and phosphine oxides are not suitable for use alone and only have utility as auxiliary solubilisers.
We have surprisingly found that a novel fabric softening composition can be formed without the disadvantages of the prior art. The present invention discloses fabric softening compositions having excellent softening properties yet which exhibit excellent storage stability at both high and low temperatures, good freeze thaw recovery and excellent dispensability and dispersibility when the composition is concentrated and even when the fabric softening compound is concentrated to levels greater than 30 wt%. Furthermore compositions prepared according to our invention do not suffer from loss of softening performance.
Definition of the Invention
Thus according to one aspect of the invention there is provided a fabric softening composition comprising
  • i) a substantially water insoluble fabric softening compound comprising a compound having two C12-22 alkyl or alkenyl groups connected to a quaternary ammonium head group via at least one ester link or a quaternary ammonium compound comprising a single chain with an average chain length equal to or greater than C20 and;
  • ii) a solubilising agent comprising a amphoteric surfactant and optionally a non-surfactant co-solubiliser; wherein the weight ratio of (ii) solubilising agent to (i) fabric softening compound is greater than 1:4 and when the fabric softening composition is diluted in water to a concentration of 5 wt % of (i) and
  • (ii), at least 70 wt% of the fabric softening compound is in solution.
    • Detailed DescriDtion of the Invention
    Without wishing to be bound by theory it is believed that the fabric conditioner of the invention is not in conventional lamellar form, and when contacted with water may be solubilised partially in the form of self-size-limiting molecular aggregates, such as micelles or micellar solutions with solid or liquid interiors or mixtures thereof. Where the composition is in a form containing water the composition itself may be at least partially in the form of self-size-limiting molecular aggregates. It is thought that it is this new structure of the fabric softening compositions that overcomes the problems of the prior art.
    Suitably the fabric softening compound and solubilising agent form a transparent mix. However, the following tests may be used to determine definitely whether or not a composition falls within the present invention.
    Test I
  • a) The fabric softening composition is diluted with water at a concentration of 5 wt% (of the fabric softening compound and the total solubilising agent ie the nonionic surfactant and any non-surfactant cosolubiliser). The diluate is warmed to between 60 - 80 °C then cooled to room temperature and stirred for 1 hour to ensure equilibration. A first portion of the resulting test liquor is taken and any material which is not soluble in the aqueous phase is separated by sedimentation or filtration until a clear aqueous layer is obtained. (Ultarcentrifuges or ultrafilters can be used for this task.) The filtration may be performed by passing through successive membrane filters of 1 µm, 0.45 µm and 0.2 µm.
  • b) The concentration of the fabric softening compound in the clear layer is measured by titrating with standard anionic surfactant (sodium dodecyl sulphate) using dimidiumsulphide disulphine blue indicator in a two-phase titration with chloroform as extracting solvent.
  • c) The titration with anionic surfactant is repeated with a second portion of fabric softening composition which has been diluted but not separated.
  • d) Comparison of b) with c) should show that the concentration of fabric softening compound in b) is at least 70 wt% (preferably 80 wt%) of the concentration of fabric softening compound in c). This demonstrates that the fabric softening compound was in solution.
    • Test II
  • a) The fabric softening composition is diluted as for Test I.
  • b) The viscosity of the diluate at a shear rate of 110s-1 is measured.
  • c) The diluate is warmed to 60°C and held at this temperature for 1 day.
  • d) The diluate is cooled to 20°C and the viscosity is once again measured at a shear rate of 110s-1.
  • e) Comparison between the viscosities of b) and c) should show that they differ by less 5 mPas.
    • It is preferable if the fabric softening compositions of the invention conforms to the following test:
    Test III
  • a) The fabric softening composition is diluted as for Test I.
  • b) The viscosity of the diluate at a shear rate of 110s-1 is measured.
  • c) The diluate is frozen and thawed.
  • d) The viscosity is once again measured at a shear rate of 110s-1.
  • e) Comparison between the viscosities of b) and c) should show that they differ by less than 10 mPaS.
    • The fabric softening compositions according to the invention may be translucent. Translucent in the context of this invention means that when a cell 1cm in depth is filled with the fabric softening composition, "Courier 12 point" typeface can be read through the cell.
    A further advantage of the present invention is that the softening of the composition is enhanced over compositions of the prior art comprising similar levels of fabric softening compound.
    The present invention has the advantage that high levels of perfume can be tolerated without adversely effecting the stability of the product.
    The Fabric Softening Compound
    The fabric softening compound is suitably a water insoluble quaternary ammonium material comprising a single alkyl or alkenyl chain length equal to or greater than C20 or, more preferably, the softening compound comprising a polar head group and two alkyl or alkenyl chains each having an average chain length equal to or greater than C12 such as a quaternary ammonium material having two C12-22alkyl or alkenyl groups connected to the quaternary ammonium head group via at least one ester link.
    Preferably the fabric softening compound of the invention has two long chain alkyl or alkenyl chains with an average chain length equal to or greater than C14. More preferably each chain has an average chain length equal or greater than C16. Most preferably at least 50% of each long chain alkyl or alkenyl group has a chain length of C18.
    It is preferred if the long chain alkyl or alkenyl groups of the fabric softening compound are predominantly linear.
    The fabric softening compounds used in the compositions of the invention are molecules which provide excellent softening, characterised by chain melting -Lβ to Lα-transition temperature greater than 25°C, preferably greater than 35°C, most preferably greater than 45°C. This Lβ to Lα transition can be measured by DSC as defined in "Handbook of Lipid Bilayers, D Marsh, CRC Press, Boca Raton Florida, 1990 (Pages 137 and 337).
    Substantially insoluble fabric softening compounds in the context of this invention are defined as fabric softening compounds having a solubility less than 1 x 10-3 wt% in demineralised water at 20°C. Preferably the fabric softening compounds have a solubility less than 1 x 10-4 Most preferably the fabric softening compounds have a solubility at 20°C in demineralised water from 1 x 10-8 to 1 x 10-6.
    Preferred fabric softening compounds are quaternary ammonium compounds.
    It is especially preferred if the fabric softening compound is a water insoluble quaternary ammonium material which comprises a compound having two C12-18 alkyl or alkenyl groups connected to the molecule via at least one an ester link. It is more preferred if the quaternary ammonium material has two ester links present. The especially preferred ester-linked quaternary ammonium material for use in the invention can be represented by the formula:
    Figure 00110001
    wherein each R1 group is independently selected from C1-4 alkyl, hydroxyalkyl or C2-4 alkenyl groups; and wherein each R2 group is independently selected from C8-28 alkyl or alkenyl groups;
  • T is
    Figure 00110002
    and
  • n is an integer from 0-5 and X- is a suitable counterion. Di(tallowyloxyethyl)dimethyl ammonium chloride, available from Hoechst, is especially preferred.
    • A second preferred type of quaternary ammonium material can be represented by the formula:
    Figure 00120001
    wherein R1, n X- and R2 are as defined above.
    It is advantageous for environmental reasons if the quaternary ammonium material is biologically degradable.
    Preferred materials of this class such as 1,2 bis[hardened tallowoyloxy]-3- trimethylammonium propane chloride and their method of preparation are, for example, described in US-A-4 137 180 (Lever Brothers). Preferably these materials comprise small amounts of the corresponding monoester as described in US-A-4 137 180 for example 1-hardened tallowoyloxy -2-hydroxy -3-trimethylammonium propane chloride.
    The Amphoteric Solubiliser
    The solubilising agent is an amphoteric surfactant, and is characterised in terms of its phase behaviour. Suitable solubilising agents are amphoteric surfactants for which, when contacted within water, the first lyotropic liquid crystalline phase formed is normal cubic (I1) or normal cubic-bicontinuous (V1) or hexagonal (H1) or nematic (Ne1), or intermediate (Int1) phase as defined in the article by G J T Tiddy et al, J Chem Soc. Faraday Trans. 1., 79, 975, 1983 and G J T Tiddy , "Modern Trends of Colloid Science in Chemistry and Biology", Ed. H-F Eicke, 1985 Birkhauser Verlag Basel]. Surfactants forming Lα phases at concentrations of less than 20 wt% are not suitable.
    In the context of this invention amphoteric surfactants are defined as substances with molecular structures consisting of a hydrophilic and hydrophobic part. The hydrophobic part consists of a hydrocarbon and the hydrophilic part consists of both a positive and a negative group. Preferred amphoteric surfactants include amine oxides, betaines including sulphobetaines and tegobetaines, phosphine oxides and sulphoxides.
    Mixtures of solubilising agents may be used.
    For compositions in solid form, especially powder, the solubilising is desirably solid at room temperature as this provides crisp composition particles.
    It is particularly advantageous if the solubilising agent further comprises a non-surfactant co-solubiliser. Preferred co-solubilisers include propylene glycol, urea , acid amides up to and including chain lengths of C6, citric acid and other poly carboxylic acids as disclosed in EP-A-0 404 471 (Unilever), glycerol, sorbitol and sucrose. Particularly preferred are polyethylene glycols (PEG) having a molecular weight ranging from 200 - 6000, most preferably from 1000 to 2000.
    It is preferred if the ratio of co-solubiliser to amphoteric surfactant is from to 2:1 to 1:40. Preferably the ratio of co-solubiliser to nonionic surfactant is less than 1:1, more preferably 1:5.
    The weight ratio of solubilising agent (where relevant this would also include the co-solvent) to fabric softening compound is greater than 1:4, preferably equal to or greater than 2:3. It is advantageous if the ratio of solubilising agent to fabric softening compound is equal to or below 4:1, more preferably below 3:2.
    It is beneficial if the solubilising agent/ co-solubiliser is present at a level greater than 5 wt% of the total composition, preferably at a level greater than 10 wt%.
    The solubilising agent/ co-solubiliser may be present at a level greater than 20 wt% of the total composition, or even at a level greater than 30 wt%. Such higher levels are especially preferred where the fabric softening composition is a solid.
    Composition pH
    The compositions of the invention preferably have a pH of more than 1.5, more preferably less than 5.
    Other Ingredients
    The composition can also contain fatty acids, for example C8 - C24 alkyl or alkenyl monocarboxylic acids, or polymeric carboxylic acids. Preferably saturated fatty acids are used, in particular, hardened tallow C16-C18 fatty acids.
    The level of fatty acid material is preferably more than 0.1% by weight, more preferably more than 0.2% by weight. Especially preferred are concentrates comprising from 0.5 to 20% by weight of fatty acid, more preferably 1% to 10% by weight. The weight ratio of fabric softening compound to fatty acid material is preferably from 10:1 to 1:10.
    Compositions according to the present invention may contain detergency builders and/or anionic surfactants as desired. However it is especially preferred that the composition is substantially free of builders. It is also preferred that the composition be substantially free of anionic surfactant.
    Suitably the composition is substantially free of nonionic hydrophobic organic materials such as hydrocarbons and hydrocarbyl esters of fatty acids.
    The composition can also contain one or more optional ingredients, selected from non-aqueous solvents, pH buffering agents, perfumes, perfume carriers, fluorescers, colorants, hydrotropes, antifoaming agents, antiredeposition agents, polymeric or other thickeners, enzymes, optical brightening agents, opacifiers, anti-shrinking agents, anti-wrinkle agents, anti-spotting agents, germicides, fungicides, antioxidants, anti-corrosion agents, drape imparting agents, antistatic agents and ironing aids.
    Product Form
    The product may be in any product form. Particularly preferred forms are liquid and solid compositions and compositions suitable for coating onto a dryer sheet. Solid composition in this context includes compositions in the form of a tablet, a gel, a paste and preferably granules or a powder.
    The composition may be used in a tumble drier but is preferred for use in a washing machine for example by dispensing the composition via a drawer of a washing machine optionally with dilution prior to dosing into the dispensing drawer.
    Preparation of the Composition
    The invention further provides a process for preparing a rinse conditioner, as described above, which comprises the steps of:
  • i) mixing the substantially water insoluble fabric softening compound and the solubilising agent, preferably by co-melting;
  • ii) adding the resulting mixture to conventional ingredients for example, water.
    • Alternatively the composition may be prepared by the independent addition of the water insoluble fabric softening compound and the solubilising agent to conventional ingredients.
    Compositions in solid form may be prepared by spray drying, freeze drying, milling, extraction, cryogenic grinding or any other suitable means.
    The invention will now be illustrated by the following nonlimiting examples. In the examples all percentages are expressed by weight.
    Comparative Examples are designated by letters, while Examples of the invention are designated by numbers.
    Preparation of Examples
    The following examples were prepared by one of the following methods:
  • 1) co-melting the fabric softening compound in the solubilising agent and adding the resulting dispersion in the required amount of hot water.
  • 2) Sequentially adding the fabric softening compound and the solubilising agent to hot water.
    • In the comparative cases where there is no solubilising agent present the cationic is dispersed in hot water (liquid compositions).
    In the Examples:
  • HT TMAPC = 1,2 bis[hardened tallowoyloxy]-3-trimethylammonium propane chloride
  • DEQA = di(tallowyloxyethyl)dimethyl ammonium chloride
    • Softness Evaluation
    Softening performance was evaluated by adding 0.lg of fabric softening compound (2ml of a 5% a.d. dispersion) for liquids to 1 litre of tap water, 10°FH, at ambient temperature containing 0.001% (w/w) sodium alkyl benzene sulphonate (ABS) in a tergotometer. The ABS was added to simulate carryover of anionic detergent from the main wash. Three pieces of terry towelling (8cm x 8cm, 40g total weight) were added to the tergotometer pot. The cloths were treated for 5 minutes at 65 rpm, spin dried to remove excess liquor and line dried overnight.
    Softening of the fabrics was assessed by an expert panel of 4 people using a round robin paired comparison test protocol.
    Each panel member assessed four sets of test cloths. Each set of test cloths contained one cloth of each test system under a evaluation. Panel members were asked to assess softness on a 8 point scale. Softness scores were calculated using an "Analysis of Variance" technique. Lower values are indicative of better softening.
    Examples 1 to 3
    The following examples were made according to either of the standard methods.
    Example wt (g)
    Ingredient 1 2 3
    HT TMAPC 1.2 1.2 0.9
    C10 Sulphobetaine 0.3 - -
    C14 Sulphobetaine - 0.3 0.6
    Water 8.5 8.5 8.5
    The Examples dispersed and dispensed well.
    Examples 4 to 7 and A and B
    Compositions having a range of fabric softening compound to solubilising agent ratios were prepared according to the either of the methods described above in Preparation of Examples. The softening performance was determined.
    Softening Results
    HT TMAPC:L5351 (wt ratio) Softness Score
    A 5:0 2.5
    4 4:1 2.75
    5 3:2 3.0
    6 2:3 3.25
    7 1:4 5.5
    B 0:5 7.25
    Compositions 4 to 7 all exhibited good softening performance and good stability. Composition A set under a freeze/thaw test as described under Test III above.
    Examples 8 to 14 and C to F
    The compositions were prepared by either one of the methods described for Preparation of Examples.
    Figure 00200001
    The storage stability of compositions 8 to 14 was determined by storing the compositions under a variety of conditions including a freeze/thaw regime and measuring the viscosity thereof using a Carri-med rheometer at a shear rate of 110 sec-1. The results are shown below.
    The comparative compositions all set or the components separated illustrating poor stability.
    Figure 00220001
    The compositions according to the invention all exhibited acceptable storage stability and did not set under the freeze/thaw regime.
    Compositions were analysed in accordance with Test 1 described above and were filtered by being consecutively passed through filters of pore sizes 1 µm, 0.45 µm and 0.2 µm to achieve separation. The cationic material remaining was measured by standard titration.
    Nonionic used % Cationic remaining 0.2um filter
    8 85
    9 90
    10 97.1
    11 94.9
    12 86.3
    13 84.6
    14 94.1
    C 50
    D 56
    E 16
    F Too viscous to filter
    The compositions were analysed under Tests II and III described above. The viscosities were measured on a Carri-med rheometer at shear rate of 110 sec-1.
    Product Initial Viscosity/ mPas Test II 24 hrs @ 60°C / mPas Test III F/Thaw / mPas
    8 3.2 3.4 3.8
    9 6.8 4.1 2.7
    10 2.7 1.9 2.8
    11 2.6 2.0 1.8
    12 2.0 4.2 3.5
    13 2.6 2.5 2.1
    14 1.8 1.7 2.3
    C 7.4 Separated
    D Separated Separated
    E 57 95
    F 111 Separated
    The softening effect of compositions was determined. The results are shown below using a 5% solution of fabric softening compound and solubilising agent (ratio 3:2)..
    Softening appraisal
    Sample Softness Std.
    5% HEQ 5:0 3.0
    10 2.75
    13 3.75

    Claims (9)

    1. A fabric softening composition comprising
      i) a substantially water insoluble fabric softening compound comprising a compound having two C12-22 alkyl or alkenyl groups connected to a quaternary ammonium head group via at least one ester link or a quaternary ammonium compound comprising a single chain with an average chain length equal to or greater than C20 and;
      ii) a solubilising agent comprising an amphoteric surfactant and optionally a non-surfactant co-solubiliser;
      wherein the weight ratio of (ii) solubilising agent to (i) fabric softening compound is greater than 1:4 and when the fabric softening composition is diluted in water to a concentration of 5 wt% of (i) and (ii), at least 70 wt% of the fabric softening compound is in solution.
    2. A fabric softening composition according to claim 1 in which the quaternary ammonium compound comprises a substantially water insoluble fabric softening compound comprising a compound having two C12-22 alkyl or alkenyl groups connection to a quaternary ammonium head group via at least one ester link.
    3. A fabric softening composition according to claim 1 or claim 2, in which the solubilising agent comprises an amphoteric surfactant and a non-surfactant co-solubiliser.
    4. A fabric softening composition according to any preceding claim in which the ratio of solubilising agent to fabric softening compound within the range from 2:3 to 4:1.
    5. A fabric softening composition according to any preceding claim in which the softening compound is selected from 1,2 bis[hardened tallowloxy]-3-trimethylammonium propane chloride and di(tallowyethyleneoxy) dimethyl ammonium chloride.
    6. A fabric softening composition according to any preceding claims in which the level of solubilising agent is greater than 10 wt% of the total composition.
    7. A fabric softening composition according to any preceding claim in which the composition is in the form of self-size-limiting molecular aggregates such as micelles or micellar solutions with solid or liquid interiors or mixtures thereof.
    8. A fabric softening composition according to any preceding claim which is in liquid form.
    9. A fabric softening composition according to any one of claims 1 to 9 which is granular or powdered.
    EP95914296A 1994-04-07 1995-03-22 Fabric softening composition Expired - Lifetime EP0754217B1 (en)

    Applications Claiming Priority (7)

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    GB9406832 1994-04-07
    GB9406825 1994-04-07
    GB9406832A GB9406832D0 (en) 1994-04-07 1994-04-07 Fabric softening composition
    GB9406826A GB9406826D0 (en) 1994-04-07 1994-04-07 Fabric softening composition
    GB9406826 1994-04-07
    GB9406825A GB9406825D0 (en) 1994-04-07 1994-04-07 Fabric softening composition
    PCT/EP1995/001085 WO1995027771A1 (en) 1994-04-07 1995-03-22 Fabric softening composition

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    EP0754217B1 true EP0754217B1 (en) 1999-03-03

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    GB9520519D0 (en) * 1995-10-04 1995-12-13 Unilever Plc Detergent composition
    US5830845A (en) * 1996-03-22 1998-11-03 The Procter & Gamble Company Concentrated fabric softening composition with good freeze/thaw recovery and highly unsaturated fabric softener compound therefor
    GB9930430D0 (en) * 1999-12-22 2000-02-16 Unilever Plc A method of preparing fabric softening compositions
    US6737392B1 (en) * 2003-06-11 2004-05-18 Goldschmidt Chemical Corporation MDEA ester quats with high content of monoester in blends with tea ester quats
    JP5038444B2 (en) * 2007-03-22 2012-10-03 エルジー ハウスホールド アンド ヘルスケア リミテッド Fiber softening composition having low temperature activity and fiber softening sheet containing the same
    CN101818105B (en) * 2010-05-17 2012-01-18 北京绿伞化学股份有限公司 Washing agent with stain removal and softening functions and preparation method thereof
    KR101050726B1 (en) * 2011-03-22 2011-07-20 주식회사 선진화학 Fabric softener and preparation method thereof
    CA2961403C (en) 2014-10-08 2019-09-17 The Procter & Gamble Company Fabric enhancer composition

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    FR1447334A (en) * 1965-06-15 1966-07-29 Prod Chim D Auby Soc D Method for improving the dispersibility and solubility of cationic surfactants
    US3892669A (en) * 1972-10-27 1975-07-01 Lever Brothers Ltd Clear fabric-softening composition
    US4556502A (en) * 1983-04-08 1985-12-03 Lever Brothers Company Liquid fabric-softening composition
    GB2163771B (en) * 1984-08-31 1989-01-18 Colgate Palmolive Co Wash cycle detergent-softener compositions
    GB2188653A (en) * 1986-04-02 1987-10-07 Procter & Gamble Biodegradable fabric softeners
    EP0326213B1 (en) * 1988-01-28 1994-11-09 Unilever N.V. A fabric treatment composition and the preparation thereof
    GB8818593D0 (en) * 1988-08-04 1988-09-07 Albright & Wilson Fabric conditioners
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