EP0833975A1 - Compositions pour nettoyage a sec ayant des proprietes antistatiques - Google Patents

Compositions pour nettoyage a sec ayant des proprietes antistatiques

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Publication number
EP0833975A1
EP0833975A1 EP96915872A EP96915872A EP0833975A1 EP 0833975 A1 EP0833975 A1 EP 0833975A1 EP 96915872 A EP96915872 A EP 96915872A EP 96915872 A EP96915872 A EP 96915872A EP 0833975 A1 EP0833975 A1 EP 0833975A1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
cleaning
fabrics
composition according
weight
static
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.)
Withdrawn
Application number
EP96915872A
Other languages
German (de)
English (en)
Inventor
Timothy Claire Roetker
Ronald Anthony Masters
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.)
Procter and Gamble Co
Original Assignee
Procter and Gamble Co
Priority date (The priority date 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 date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Procter and Gamble Co filed Critical Procter and Gamble Co
Publication of EP0833975A1 publication Critical patent/EP0833975A1/fr
Withdrawn legal-status Critical Current

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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
    • C11D3/16—Organic compounds
    • C11D3/37—Polymers
    • C11D3/3746—Macromolecular compounds obtained by reactions only involving carbon-to-carbon unsaturated bonds
    • C11D3/3757—(Co)polymerised carboxylic acids, -anhydrides, -esters in solid and liquid compositions
    • C11D3/3765—(Co)polymerised carboxylic acids, -anhydrides, -esters in solid and liquid compositions in liquid 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
    • C11D3/00—Other compounding ingredients of detergent compositions covered in group C11D1/00
    • C11D3/16—Organic compounds
    • C11D3/20—Organic compounds containing oxygen
    • C11D3/2068—Ethers
    • 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
    • C11D3/16—Organic compounds
    • C11D3/37—Polymers
    • C11D3/3746—Macromolecular compounds obtained by reactions only involving carbon-to-carbon unsaturated bonds
    • C11D3/378—(Co)polymerised monomers containing sulfur, e.g. sulfonate
    • D—TEXTILES; PAPER
    • D06—TREATMENT OF TEXTILES OR THE LIKE; LAUNDERING; FLEXIBLE MATERIALS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • D06L—DRY-CLEANING, WASHING OR BLEACHING FIBRES, FILAMENTS, THREADS, YARNS, FABRICS, FEATHERS OR MADE-UP FIBROUS GOODS; BLEACHING LEATHER OR FURS
    • D06L1/00—Dry-cleaning or washing fibres, filaments, threads, yarns, fabrics, feathers or made-up fibrous goods
    • D—TEXTILES; PAPER
    • D06—TREATMENT OF TEXTILES OR THE LIKE; LAUNDERING; FLEXIBLE MATERIALS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • D06L—DRY-CLEANING, WASHING OR BLEACHING FIBRES, FILAMENTS, THREADS, YARNS, FABRICS, FEATHERS OR MADE-UP FIBROUS GOODS; BLEACHING LEATHER OR FURS
    • D06L1/00—Dry-cleaning or washing fibres, filaments, threads, yarns, fabrics, feathers or made-up fibrous goods
    • D06L1/02—Dry-cleaning or washing fibres, filaments, threads, yarns, fabrics, feathers or made-up fibrous goods using organic solvents
    • D—TEXTILES; PAPER
    • D06—TREATMENT OF TEXTILES OR THE LIKE; LAUNDERING; FLEXIBLE MATERIALS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • D06L—DRY-CLEANING, WASHING OR BLEACHING FIBRES, FILAMENTS, THREADS, YARNS, FABRICS, FEATHERS OR MADE-UP FIBROUS GOODS; BLEACHING LEATHER OR FURS
    • D06L1/00—Dry-cleaning or washing fibres, filaments, threads, yarns, fabrics, feathers or made-up fibrous goods
    • D06L1/02—Dry-cleaning or washing fibres, filaments, threads, yarns, fabrics, feathers or made-up fibrous goods using organic solvents
    • D06L1/04—Dry-cleaning or washing fibres, filaments, threads, yarns, fabrics, feathers or made-up fibrous goods using organic solvents combined with specific additives

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to dry cleaning compositions which are especially adapted for use in the home.
  • the compositions contain anionic ingredients which reduce static electricity on fabrics.
  • dry cleaning has been used to describe processes for cleaning textiles using nonaqueous solvents. Dry cleaning is an old art, with solvent cleaning first being recorded in the United Kingdom in the 1860's. Typically, dry cleaning processes are used with garments such as woolens which are subject to shrinkage in aqueous laundering baths, or which are judged to be too valuable or too delicate to subject to aqueous laundering processes. Various hydrocarbon and halocarbon solvents have traditionally been used in dry cleaning processes, and the need to handle and reclaim such solvents has mainly restricted the practice of conventional dry cleaning to commercial establishments.
  • dry cleaning In addition to the cleaning function, dry cleaning also provides important "refreshment” benefits. For example, dry cleaning removes undesirable odors and extraneous matter such as hair and lint from garments, which are then generally folded or pressed to remove wrinkles and restore their original shape.
  • One problem sometimes associated with non-immersion dry cleaning processes relates to the tendency of fabrics to acquire a static charge, thereby resulting in undesirable static "cling". In some instances, this problem can be exacerbated when in-home dry cleaning processes are conducted in a hot air clothes dryer.
  • sulfonated polymers such as sulfonated polystyrene (“SPS") and copolymers of sulfonated polystyrene with various monomers including maleic anhydride (i.e., "SSMA” copolymer) provide anti-static benefits to fabrics when employed in a dry cleaning process.
  • SPS sulfonated polystyrene
  • SSMA copolymers of sulfonated polystyrene with various monomers including maleic anhydride
  • One advantage of this invention is that it provides the anti-static benefit without the problems encountered in using a traditional cationic anti ⁇ static agent such as ditallowdimethylammonium chloride (DTDMAC) or ditallowdimethyl- ammonium methylsulfate (DTDMAMS).
  • DTDMAC ditallowdimethylammonium chloride
  • DTDMAMS ditallowdimethyl- ammonium methylsulfate
  • SPS and SSMA anti-stats herein are compatible with anionic ingredients whereas typical cationic static control agents are not Moreover, unlike DTDMAC, SPS and SSMA are soluble in water, thus facilitating the formulation of combined cleaning plus anti-static products and delivery of the anti-static agent to fabrics. Furthermore, unlike conventional dryer softener sheets, SPS and SSMA do not need to rely on dryer heat to release and spread on fabrics to achieve the static control benefit Accordingly, when spot treating stains on fabrics prior to tumbling in the dryer, the risk of staining is lower when using such water- soluble anti-stats which do not need to rely on melting and spreading to be effective.
  • Sheet substrates for use in a laundry dryer are disclosed in Canadian 1,005,204.
  • U.S. 3,956,556 and 4,007,300 relate to perforated sheets for fabric conditioning in a clothes dryer.
  • U.S. 4,692,277 discloses the use of 1,2-octanediol in liquid cleaners.
  • Multifunctional Sulfonated Polymers for Household AppUcations are disclosed by Guth, et al., in happi, December, 1994, beginning at page 105. See also U.S. Patents 3,591,510; 3,737,387 3,764,544; 3,882,038; 3,907,496; 4,097,397; 4,102,824; 4,336,024; 4,606,842; 4,758,641 4,797,310; 4,802,997; 4,943,392; 4,966,724; 4,983,317; 5,004,557; 5,062,973; 5,080,822 5,173,200; EP 0 213 500; EPO 261 718; G.B.
  • the present invention encompasses a dry cleaning and spot removal composition, comprising:
  • the anionic anti-static agent used herein is preferably a multi-functional sulfonated polymer which is film forming on fabric surfaces and effective at dispersing the static electrical charges which cause fabric "cling".
  • Preferred anti-static agents herein are water-soluble sulfonated polymers, especially members selected from the group consisting of sulfonated polystyrene and copolymers of sulfonated polystyrene with unsaturated monomers.
  • the organic solvent used herein is preferably a member selected from the group consisting of butoxy propoxy propanol (BPP; preferred herein), methoxy propoxy propanol (MPP), ethoxy propoxy propanol (EPP), propoxy propoxy propanol (PPP), and mixtures and all isomers thereof, although other water-insoluble solvents may be used.
  • BPP butoxy propoxy propanol
  • MPP methoxy propoxy propanol
  • EPP ethoxy propoxy propanol
  • PPP propoxy propoxy propanol
  • mixtures and all isomers thereof although other water-insoluble solvents may be used.
  • the polyacrylate emulsifier preferred for use herein is available commercially from a variety of sources, and preferably has a molecular weight in the range from about 100,000 to about 10,000,000.
  • compositions herein optionally can also comprise a detersive surfactant which is preferably a member selected from the group consisting of amine oxides, alkyl ethoxy sulfates, and mixtures thereof.
  • a detersive surfactant which is preferably a member selected from the group consisting of amine oxides, alkyl ethoxy sulfates, and mixtures thereof.
  • the alkyl ethoxy sulfate surfactants are preferably in their magnesium salt form.
  • the compositions herein additionally comprise at least about 0.05%, by weight, of 1,2-octanediol as a highly preferred wetting agent
  • the invention also encompasses a method for cleaning fabrics, comprising applying to said fabrics a composition according to the present invention, and especially wherein said method is conducted in a hot air clothes dryer.
  • the invention also encompasses an article for cleaning fabrics, comprising a carrier, preferably an integral carrier, releasably containing an amount of the cleaning and anti-static composition herein sufficient to clean a designated load of soiled fabrics, i.e., typically from about 5- 50 grams of composition per kilogram of fabrics. All percentages, ratios and proportions herein are by weight, unless otherwise specified.
  • compositions which are used to provide the cleaning function in the present dry cleaning process comprise ingredients which are safe and effective for their intended use. Since the process herein does not involve an aqueous rinse step, the cleaning compositions employ ingredients which do not leave undesirable residues on fabrics when employed in the manner disclosed herein. Moreover, since the process may be carried out in a hot air clothes dryer, the compositions contain only ingredients whose flash points render them safe for such use.
  • the cleaning compositions preferably do contain some water, since water not only aids in the cleaning function, but also can help remove wrinkles and restore fabric drape and appearance, especially in hot air dryers. While conventional laundry detergents are typically formulated to provide good cleaning on cotton and cotton/polyester blend fabrics, the cleaning compositions herein must be formulated to safely and effectively clean and refresh fabrics such as wool, silk, rayon, rayon acetate, and the like. In addition, the cleaning compositions herein comprise ingredients which are specially selected and formulated to minimi y -e dye removal from the fabrics being cleaned. In this regard, it is recognized that the solvents typically used in immersion dry cleaning processes can remove some portion of certain types of dyes from certain types of fabrics.
  • the dye removal attributes of the present cleaning compositions can be compared with art- disclosed cleaners using photographic or photometric measurements, or by means of a simple, but effective, visual grading test Numerical score units can be assigned to assist in visual grading and to allow for statistical treatment of the data, if desired.
  • a colored garment typically, silk, which tends to be more susceptible to dye loss than most woolen or rayon substrates
  • Hand pressure is applied, and the amount of dye which is transferred onto the white towel is assessed visually.
  • compositions will comprise at least about 0.5%, typically from about 2% to about 8%, by weight of the anionic anti-static agent
  • the objective is to provide at least about 75 mg, preferably from about 100 mg to about
  • compositions will preferably comprise at least about 4%, typically from about 5% to about 25%, by weight ofthe solvent The objective is to provide at least about 0.4 g, preferably from about 0.5 g to about 2.5 g, of solvent per kg of fabrics being cleaned.
  • Emulsifier - The compositions will preferably comprise sufficient polyacrylate emulsifier to provide a stable, homogeneous composition comprising components (a), (b) and (d).
  • emulsifiers disclosed herein levels as low as 0.05%, preferably 0.07% to about 0.20%, by weight are effective. Levels above about 0.2% are unnecessary and are preferably not used, thereby avoiding residues on fabrics.
  • compositions herein may comprise various optional ingredients, including perfumes, certain surfactants, carriers and the like. If used, such optional ingredients will typically comprise from about 0.1% to about 10%, by weight of the compositions, having due regard for residues on the cleaned fabrics.
  • compositions will comprise at least about 60%, typically from about 80% to about 95%, by weight of water. Stated otherwise, the objective is to provide at least about 6 g of water per kg of fabrics being cleaned.
  • the preferred anti-static agents herein are sulfonated polymers. As reported by Guth, et al., ibid, incorporated herein by reference, these materials include, but are not limited to, sulfonated polystyrenes (SPS) having molecular weights in the 100,000-700,000 range and copolymers of sulfonated styrene and maleic anhydride (SSMA), having a molecular weight of about 20,000.
  • SPS sulfonated polystyrenes
  • SSMA maleic anhydride
  • SPS 1001 (SPS); VERSAFLEX 2004 (SPS); and VERSAFLEX 7000 (SPS).
  • the preferred solvent herein is butoxy propoxy propanol (BPP) which is available in commercial quantities as a mixture of isomers in about equal amounts.
  • BPP butoxy propoxy propanol
  • the isomers, and mixtures thereof, are all useful herein.
  • the isomer structures are as follows.
  • Other useful solvents include methoxy propoxy propanol (MPP), ethoxy propoxy propanol (EPP) and propoxy propoxy propanol
  • PPP PPP
  • MPP, EPP and PPP solvents also exist as isomers and isomer mixtures, all of which are useful herein. Mixtures ofthese solvents can also be used.
  • H BPP is outstanding for cleaning, and is so effective that it allows the amount of the relatively expensive 1,2-octanediol wetting agent noted hereinafter to be minimized. Moreover, it allows for the formulation of effective cleaning compositions herein without the use of conventional surfactants. Importantly, the odor of BPP is of a degree and character that it can be relatively easily masked by conventional perfume ingredients. While BPP is not completely miscible with water and, hence, could negatively impact processing of the cleaning compositions herein, that potential problem is successfully overcome by means of the PEMULEN-type polyacrylate emulsifiers, in the manner disclosed hereinafter.
  • OD 1,2-octanediol
  • OD has now been found to be a superior wetting agent with respect to both cleaning and ease-of-use in the present context of home-use cleaning compositions and processes. If used, OD will comprise at least about 0.05%, typically from about 0.1% to about 1.5%, by weight of the cleaning compositions herein.
  • the BPP solvent used herein is preferably a mixture ofthe aforesaid isomers.
  • the cleaning compositions comprise a mixture ofthe 1,2-octanediol and BPP, at a weight ratio of OD:BPP in the range of from about 1:250 to about 2:1, preferably from about 1:200 to about 1:5. Similar ratios can be used with the MPP, EPP and PPP solvents.
  • PEMULEN The highly preferred emulsifier herein is commercially available under the trademark PEMULEN, The B. F. Goodrich Company, and is described in U.S. Patents 4,758,641 and 5,004,557, incorporated herein by reference.
  • PEMULEN polymeric emulsifiers are high molecular weight polyacrylic acid polymers.
  • the structure of PEMULEN includes a small portion that is oil- loving (lipophilic) and a large water-loving (hydrophilic) portion. The structure allows PEMULEN to function as a primary oil-in-water emulsifier.
  • the lipophilic portion adsorbs at the oil-water interface, and the hydrophilic portion swells in the water forming a network around the oil droplets to provide emulsion stability.
  • An important advantage for the use of such polyacrylate emulsifiers herein is that cleaning compositions can be prepared which contain solvents or levels of solvents that are otherwise not soluble or readily miscible with water.
  • a further advantage is that effective emulsification can be accomplished using PEMULEN-type emulsifier at extremely low usage levels (0.05-0.2%), thereby minimizing the level of any residue left on fabrics following product usage.
  • the anionic anti-static agents in the manner of this invention are compatible with the anionic PEMULEN-type emulsifiers. This allows for the formulation of stable, effective anti-stat/cleaning compositions . In contrast, the use of conventional cationic anti-static agents would presumably result in undesirable interactions with the anionic emulsifier. While the cleaning compositions herein function quite well with only the anti-static agent BPP, PEMULEN, 1,2-octanediol and water, they may also optionally contain detersive surfactants to further enhance their cleaning performance.
  • detersive surfactants such as the C j 2-Ci6 alkyl sulfates and alkylbenzene sulfonates, the C ⁇ -C j g ethoxylated (EO 0.5-10 avg.) alcohols, the C 12 -Ci4 N-methyl glucamides, and the like can be used herein, it is highly preferred to use surfactants which provide high grease/oil removal. Included among such preferred surfactants are the C12-C16 alkyl ethoxy sulfates (AES), especially in their magnesium salt form, and the C ⁇ 2 - i6 dimethyl amine oxides.
  • AES alkyl ethoxy sulfates
  • An especially preferred mixtures comprise MgAEjS/MgAE ⁇ .5S/C12 dimethyl amine oxide, at a weight ratio of about 1:1:1, and MgAE j S/Ci ⁇ dimethyl amine oxide at a 2:1 weight ratio. If used, such surfactants will typically comprise from about 0.05% to about 2.5%, by weight ofthe cleaning compositions herein.
  • the cleaning compositions herein may comprise various other optional ingredients, such as perfumes, preservatives, co-solvents, brighteners, salts for viscosity control pH adjusters or buffers, anti-static agents, softeners, colorants, mothproofing agents, insect repellents, and the like.
  • the cleaning compositions are preferably used in combination with a carrier, such that the cleaning composition performs its function as the surfaces ofthe fabrics being cleaned come in contact with the surface ofthe carrier.
  • the carrier can be in any desired form, such as powders, flakes, shreds, and tbe like. However, it will be appreciated that such comminuted carriers would have to be separated from the fabrics at the end of the cleaning process. Accordingly, it is highly preferred that the carrier be in the form of an integral pad or sheet which substantially maintains its structural integrity throughout the cleaning process.
  • Such pads or sheets can be prepared, for example, using well-known methods for manufacturing non-woven sheets, paper towels, fibrous batts, cores for bandages, diapers and catamenials, and the like, using materials such as wood pulp, cotton, rayon, polyester fibers, and mixtures thereof. Woven cloth pads may also be used, but are not preferred over non-woven pads due to cost considerations. Integral carriers may also be prepared from natural or synthetic sponges, foams, and the like.
  • the carriers are designed to be safe and effective under the intended operating conditions of the present process.
  • the carriers must not be flammable during the process, nor should they deleteriously interact with tbe cleaning composition or with the fabrics being cleaned.
  • non-woven polyester-based pads or sheets are quite suitable for use as the carrier herein.
  • non-linting herein is meant a carrier which resists the shedding of visible fibers or microfibers onto the fabrics being cleaned, i.e., the deposition of what is known in common parlance as "lint".
  • a carrier can easily and adequately be judged for its acceptability with respect to linting by rubbing it on a piece of dark blue woolen cloth and visually inspecting the cloth for lint residues.
  • the non-linting sheet or pad carriers used herein can be prepared by several means, including but not limited to: preparing the carrier from a single strand of fiber, employing known bonding techniques commonly used with nonwoven materials, e.g., point bonding, print bonding, adhesive resin saturation bonding, adhesive/resin spray bonding, stitch bonding and bonding with binder fibers.
  • a carrier can be prepared using an absorbent core, said core being made from a material which, itself, may shed lint The core is then enveloped within a sheet of porous, non-linting material having a pore size which allows passage of the cleaning compositions, but through which lint from the core cannot pass.
  • a carrier comprises a cellulose or polyester fiber core enveloped in a non-woven polyester scrim.
  • the carrier should be of a size which provides sufficient surface area that effective contact between the surface ofthe carrier and the suiface ofthe fabrics being cleaned is achieved. Of course, the size ofthe carrier should not be so large as to be unhandy for the user.
  • the dimensions of the carrier will be sufficient to provide a macroscopic surface area (both sides of the carrier) of at least about 360 cm 2 , preferably in the range from about 360 cm 2 to about 3000 cm 2 .
  • a rectangular carrier may have the dimensions (x-direction) of from about 20 cm to about 35 cm, and (y-direction) of from about 18 cm to about 45 cm.
  • the carrier is intended to contain a sufficient amount of the cleaning composition to be effective for its intended purpose.
  • the capacity ofthe carrier for the cleaning composition will vary according to the intended usage. For example, carrier/cleaning composition pads or sheets which are intended for a single use will require less capacity than such pads or sheets which are intended for multiple uses.
  • the capacity for the cleaning composition will vary mainly with the thickness or "caliper" (z-direction; dry basis) of the sheet or pad.
  • typical single-use polyester sheets used herein will have a thickness in the range from about OJ mm to about 0.7 mm and a basis weight in the range from about 30 g/m 2 to about 100 g/m 2 .
  • Typical multi-use polyester pads herein will have a thickness in the range from about 0.2 mm to about 1.0 mm and a basis weight in the range from about 40 g/m 2 to about 150 g/m 2 .
  • Open-cell sponge sheets will range in thickness from about OJ mm to about 1.0 mm.
  • the preferred carrier herein comprises a binderless (or optional low binder), hydroentangled absorbent material, especially a material which is formulated from a blend of cellulosic, rayon, polyester and optional bicomponent fibers.
  • Such materials are available from Dexter, Non-Wovens Division, The Dexter Corporation as HYDRASPUN®, especially Grade 10244.
  • the manufacture of such materials forms no part ⁇ f this invention and is already disclosed in the literature. See, for example, U.S. Patents 5,009,747, Viazmensky, et al., April 23, 1991 and 5,292,581, Viazmensky, et al., March 8, 1994, incorporated herein by reference.
  • Preferred materials for use herein have the following physical properties. Grade Optional
  • the hydroentangling process provides a nonwoven material which comprises cellulosic fibers, and preferably at least about 5% by weight of synthetic fibers, and requires less than 2% wet strength agent to achieve improved wet strength and wet toughness.
  • the hydroentangled carrier material used herein provides an additional, unexpected benefit due to its resiliency.
  • the dry cleaning sheets herein are designed to function in a substantially open configuration.
  • the sheets are packaged and sold to the consumer in a folded configuration.
  • carrier sheets made from conventional materials tend to undesirably revert to their folded configuration in-use. This undesirable attribute can be overcome by perforating such sheet, but this requires an additional processing step.
  • the hydroentangled materials used to form the carrier sheet herein do not tend to re-fold during use, and thus do not require such perforations (although, of course, perforations may be used, if desired). Accordingly, this newly-discovered and unexpected attribute ofthe preferred carrier materials herein makes them optimal for use in the manner of the present invention.
  • Container - The present cleaning process is conducted using a flexible container.
  • the fabrics to be cleaned are placed within the container with the carrier/cleaning composition article, and the container is agitated, thereby providing contact between the carrier/cleaning composition and the surfaces cf the fabrics.
  • the flexible container used herein can be provided in any number of configurations, and is conveniently in the form of a flexible pouch, or "bag", which has sufficient volume to contain the fabrics being cleaned.
  • Suitable containers can be manufactured from any economical material, such as polyester, polypropylene, and the like, with the proviso that it must not melt if used in contact with hot dryer air. It is preferred that the walls of the container be substantially impermeable to water vapor and solvent vapor under the intended usage conditions. It is also preferred that such containers be provided with a sealing means which is sufficiently stable to remain closed during the cleaning process. Simple tie strings or wires, various snap closures such as ZIP LOK® closures, and
  • VELCRO®-type closures contact adhesive, adhesive tape, zipper-like closures, and the like, suffice.
  • the container can be of any convenient size, and should be sufficiently large to allow tumbling of the container and fabrics therein, but should not be so large as to interfere with the operation of the tumbling apparatus. With special regard to containers intended for use in hot air clothes dryers, the container must not be so large as to block the air vents. If desired, the container may be small enough to handle only a single shirt, blouse or sweater, or be sufficiently large to handle a man's suit
  • the present cleaning process can be conducted in any manner which provides mechanical agitation, such as a tumbling action, to the container with the fabrics being cleaned.
  • the agitation may be provided manually.
  • a container with the carrier/cleaning composition and enveloping the soiled fabric is sealed and placed in the drum of an automatic clothes dryer.
  • the drum is allowed to revolve, which imparts a tumbling action to the container and agitation of its contents concurrently with the tumbling.
  • the fabrics come in contact with the carrier releasably containing and carrying the cleaning composition.
  • the composition is released to the fabrics by contact with the carrier. It is preferred that heat be employed during the process. Of course, heat can easily be provided in a clothes dryer.
  • the tumbling and optional (but preferred) heating is carried out for a period of at least about 10 minutes, typicaUy from about 20 minutes to about 30 minutes.
  • the process can be conducted for longer or shorter periods, depending on such factors as the degree and type of soiling of the fabrics, the nature (rf the soils, the nature of the fabrics, the fabrw load, the amount of heat applied, and the like, according to the needs ofthe user.
  • the following illustrates a typical process in more detail, but is not intended to be limiting thereof.
  • a dry cleaning article in sheet form is assembled using a sheet substrate and a cleaning composition prepared by admixing the following ingredients.
  • a non-linting carrier is prepared using stock HYDRASPUN® Grade 10244 fabric, described above. The fabric is cut into carrier sheets, approximately 9 in. (22.9 cm) x 10 in. (25.4 cm), i.e., 580.6 cm 2 sheets.
  • the cleaning composition can be applied by dipping or spraying the composition onto the substrate, followed by squeezing with a roller or pair ⁇ f nip rollers, i.e., by "dip-squeezing” or "spray squeezing".
  • the external surfaces of the sheet are damp but not tacky to the touch.
  • a dry cleaning sheet of the foregoing type is unfolded and placed flat in a plastic bag having a volume of about 25,000 cm 3 together with about 2 kg of dry ga ⁇ nents to be cleaned.
  • the bag is closed, sealed and placed in a conventional hot-air clothes dryer.
  • the air is preferably not squeezed out of the bag before closing and sealing. This allows the bag to billow, thereby providing sufficient space for the fabrics and cleaning sheet to tumble freely together.
  • the dryer is started and the bag is tumbled for a period of 20-30 minutes at a dryer air temperature in the range from about 50°C to about 85°C. During this time, tbe dry cleaning sheet remains substantially in the desired open position, thereby providing effective contact with the fabrics.
  • the bag and its contents are removed from the dryer, and the spent dry cleaning sheet is discarded.
  • the plastic bag is retained for re-use.
  • the garments are cleaned, refreshed, and substantially free from static electricity.
  • the water present in the cleaning composition serves to minimize wrinkles in the fabrics.
  • heavily soiled areas of the fabric being cleaned can optionally be pre- treated by pressing or rubbing a fresh dry cleaning sheet according to this invention on the area.
  • the sheet and pre-treated fabric are then placed in the container, and the dry cleaning process is conducted in the manner described herein.
  • compositions prepared in the manner of this invention can also be directly applied to isolated spots and stains on fabrics in the manner of a spot remover product
  • a spot remover composition comprises the following: Ingredients % (wU
  • Sulfonated styrene/maleic anhydride available as VERSAFLEX 207 from National Starch. ⁇ May be replaced by an equivalent amount of MPP, EPP and PPP, respectively, or mixtures thereof, and mixtures thereof with BPP.
  • composition is directly padded or sprayed onto spots and stains, followed by nibbing, to effect their removal.
  • the composition can be gelled or thickened using conventional ingredients to provide a "stick-form" spot remover.
  • Spot-cleaned fabrics can then be placed in a container together with a sheet containing about 20 g of the foregoing con ⁇ osition and tumbled in an automatic clothes dryer in the manner of Example I. The fabrics are cleaned, refreshed and are substantially free of static.
  • Water Balance pH Range from about 6 to about 8.
  • MPP MPP
  • EPP EPP
  • PPP PPP
  • co-solvents which can be used herein together with the BPP, MPP, EPP and PPP primary solvents include various glycol ethers, including materials marketed under trademarks such as CarbitoL methyl CarbitoL butyl Carbitol, propyl CaibitoL hexyl Cellosolve, and the like.
  • various conventional chlorinated and hydrocarbon dry cleaning solvents may also be used. Included among these are 1,2-dichloroethane, trichloroethylene, isoparaffins, and mixtures thereof. ⁇ As disclosed in U.S.
  • Patents 4,758,641 and 5,004,557 such polyacrylates include homopolymers which may be crosslinked to varying degrees, as weU as non-crosslinked. Prefe ⁇ ed herein are homopolymers having a molecular weight in the range of from about 100,000 to about 10,000,000, preferably 200,000 to 5,000,000.
  • ExceUent cleaning performance is secured using any of the foregoing non-immersion processes and articles to provide from about 5 g to about 50 g of the cleaning compositions per kilogram of fabric being cleaned.
  • Use of the polyacrylate emulsifier at the indicated low levels minimizes residues on the fabrics.
  • a dry cleaning composition with reduced tendency to cause dye "bleeding" or removal from fabrics as disclosed above is as foUows.
  • the composition is fully compatible with tbe anti-static agents disclosed above.
  • KOH Potassium Hydroxide
  • a preferred carrier substrate comprises a binderless (or optional low binder), hydroentangled absorbent material, especiaUy a material which is formulated from a blend ⁇ f ceUulosic, rayon, polyester and optional bicomponent fibers.
  • binderless or optional low binder
  • hydroentangled absorbent material especiaUy a material which is formulated from a blend ⁇ f ceUulosic, rayon, polyester and optional bicomponent fibers.
  • especiaUy a material which is formulated from a blend ⁇ f ceUulosic, rayon, polyester and optional bicomponent fibers.
  • Such materials are available from Dexter, Non-Wovens Division, The Dexter Corporation as
  • HYDRASPUN® especiaUy Grade 10244.
  • the manufacture ⁇ f such materials forms no part of this invention and is already disclosed in the literature. See, for example, U.S. Patents 5,009,747, Viazmensky, et al., April 23, 1991 and 5,292,581, Viazmensky, et al., March 8, 1994, incorporated herein by reference.
  • Preferred materials for use herein have the foUowing physical properties.
  • CD* 300 100-500 Brightness 80 60-90 Absorption Capacity 735 400-900(H 2 0) Di MuUen gm/cm 2 1050 700-1200
  • the hydroentangling process provides a nonwoven material which comprises ceUulosic fibers, and preferably at least about 5% by weight of synthetic fibers, and requires less than 2% wet strength agent to achieve improved wet strength and wet toughness.
  • this hydroentangled carrier is not merely a passive absorbent for the cleaning compositions herein, but actuaUy optimizes cleaning performance. While not in en ing to be limited by theory, it may be speculated that this carrier is more effective in delivering the cleaning con ⁇ osition to soUed fabrics. Or, this particular carrier might be better for removing soils by contact with the soUed fabrics, due to its mixture of fibers. Whatever the reason, improved dry cleaning performance is secured. In addition to the improved cleaning performance, it has now been discovered that this hydroentangled carrier material provides an additional, unexpected benefit due to its resiliency. In- use, the dry cleaning sheets herein are designed to function in a substantiaUy open configuration.
  • the sheets are packaged and sold to the consumer in a folded configuration. It has been discovered that carrier sheets made from conventional materials tend to undesirably revert to their folded configuration in-use. This undesirable attribute can be overcome by perforating such sheet but this requires an additional processing step. It has now been discovered that the hydroentangled matwi- j l g used to form the carrier sheet herein do not tend to re-fold during use, and thus do not require such perforations (although, of course, perforations may be used, if desired). Accordingly, this newly-discovered and unexpected attribute ofthe carrier materials herein makes them optimal for use in the manner ofthe present invention.
  • a sheet of the foregoing type is placed together with the fabrics to be dry cleaned in a flexible containment bag having dimensions as noted hereinabove and sealing means.
  • the containment bag is constructed of thermal resistant film in order to provide resistance to hot spots (350°F-400°F; 177°C to 204°C) which can develop in some dryers. This avoids internal self-sealing and external surface deformation of the bag, thereby aUowing the bag to be re-used.
  • nylon film is converted into a 26 inch (66 cm) x 30 in. (76 cm) bag. Bag manufacture can be accomplished in a conventional manner using standard impulse heating equipment air blowing techniques, and the like. In an alternate mode, a sheet of nylon is simply folded in half and sealed along two of its
  • the containment bags herein can also be prepared using sheets of co-extruded nylon and/or polyester or nylon and/or polyester outer and/or inner layers surrounding a less the ⁇ naUy suitable inner core such as polypropylene.
  • a bag is constructed using a nonwoven outer "shell” comprising a heat-resistant material such as nylon or polyethylene terephthalate and an inner sheet of a polymer which provides a vapor barrier.
  • the non-woven outer sheU protects the bag from melting and provides an improved tactile impression to the user.
  • the objective is to protect the bag's integrity under conditions of thermal stress at temperatures up to at least about 400-500 (204°C to 260°C).
  • Nylon VELCRO®-type, ZIP-LOK®-type and/or zipper-type closures can be used to seal the bag, in- use.
  • the compositions used herein can contain enzymes to fiirther enhance cleaning performance. Lipases, amylases and protease enzymes, or mixtures thereof, can be used. If used, such enzymes wiU typicaUy comprise from about 0.001% to about 5%, preferably from about 0.01% to about 1%, by weight of the composition.
  • detersive enzymes such as LIPOLASE, ESPERASE, ALCALASE, SAVINASE and TERMAMYL (all ex. NOVO) and MAXATASE and RAPTDASE (ex. International Bio-Synthesis, Inc.) can be used.
  • compositions herein can optionaUy be stabilized for storage using conventional preservatives such as KATHON® at a level of 0.001%-1%, by weight If the compositions herein are used in a spot-cleaning mode, they are preferably pressed
  • an appUcator pad comprising looped fibers, such as is available as APLDC 200 or 960 Uncut Loop, from Aplix, Inc., Charlotte, NC.
  • An underlying absorbent sheet or pad ⁇ f looped fibers can optionaUy be placed beneath the fabric in this mode of operation.

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  • Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
  • Chemical Kinetics & Catalysis (AREA)
  • Oil, Petroleum & Natural Gas (AREA)
  • Wood Science & Technology (AREA)
  • Organic Chemistry (AREA)
  • Textile Engineering (AREA)
  • Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Emergency Medicine (AREA)
  • Detergent Compositions (AREA)

Abstract

Cette invention concerne des compositions pour nettoyage à sec, lesquelles sont mises en formulation avec des agents antistatiques et conviennent à un usage domestique. Des compositions nettoyantes comprenant de l'eau, du butoxy propoxy propanol, éventuellement du 1,2-octanédiol et éventuellement des agents tensioactifs, sont ainsi mises en formulation avec des agents antistatiques anioniques, tels que des polymères de polystyrène sulfoné ou de polystyrène sulfoné/d'anhydride maléique, afin de conférer des propriétés antistatiques aux vêtements. La composition est placée dans un coussinet ou dans tout autre véhicule, puis mise avec les vêtements dans une sécheuse à tambour et à air chaud. Les vêtements sont ainsi nettoyés et débarrassés de l'électricité statique.
EP96915872A 1995-06-20 1996-05-17 Compositions pour nettoyage a sec ayant des proprietes antistatiques Withdrawn EP0833975A1 (fr)

Applications Claiming Priority (5)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US493198 1990-03-14
US49319895A 1995-06-20 1995-06-20
US54544295A 1995-10-17 1995-10-17
US545442 1995-10-17
PCT/US1996/007125 WO1997000991A1 (fr) 1995-06-20 1996-05-17 Compositions pour nettoyage a sec ayant des proprietes antistatiques

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP0833975A1 true EP0833975A1 (fr) 1998-04-08

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EP (1) EP0833975A1 (fr)
WO (1) WO1997000991A1 (fr)

Cited By (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP0205348A3 (en) * 1985-06-12 1987-06-24 E.I. Du Pont De Nemours And Company Herbicidal sulfonamides

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CA2301223A1 (fr) * 1997-08-27 1999-03-04 Bruce Albert Yeazell Kit de nettoyage a sec sans sac et procedes de lavage a sec
AU1109699A (en) * 1998-10-22 2000-05-08 Custom Cleaner, Inc. Dry-cleaning compositions containing polysulfonic acid
US6315800B1 (en) * 1998-10-27 2001-11-13 Unilever Home & Personal Care Usa, A Division Of Conopco, Inc. Laundry care products and compositions
US8795730B2 (en) 2006-01-31 2014-08-05 David John Vachon Compositions and methods for promoting the healing of tissue of multicellular organisms

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DE1925047A1 (de) * 1969-05-16 1970-11-19 Zschimmer & Schwarz Verfahren zum Chemischreinigen von Fasergut
US4692277A (en) * 1985-12-20 1987-09-08 The Procter & Gamble Company Higher molecular weight diols for improved liquid cleaners
GB8802106D0 (en) * 1988-01-30 1988-02-24 Procter & Gamble Hard-surface cleaning compositions
US5055215A (en) * 1989-03-03 1991-10-08 Fabritec International Corporation Unit-dose drycleaning product and method
GB8923285D0 (en) * 1989-10-16 1989-12-06 Unilever Plc Fabric conditioning article
US5238587A (en) * 1991-03-20 1993-08-24 Creative Products Resource Associates, Ltd. Dry-cleaning kit for in-dryer use

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See references of WO9700991A1 *

Cited By (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP0205348A3 (en) * 1985-06-12 1987-06-24 E.I. Du Pont De Nemours And Company Herbicidal sulfonamides

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
WO1997000991A1 (fr) 1997-01-09

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