EP2630222B1

EP2630222B1 - Improvements relating to laundry products

Info

Publication number: EP2630222B1
Application number: EP11764778.4A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Nigel Peter Bird; Karl Burgess; Vincent Charles Mole; Paula Wilcocks
Original assignee: Unilever PLC; Unilever NV
Current assignee: Unilever PLC; Unilever NV
Priority date: 2010-10-22
Filing date: 2011-10-07
Publication date: 2014-12-24
Anticipated expiration: 2031-10-07
Also published as: EP2630222A1; WO2012052305A1; AR083520A1; ES2532768T3; CN103154220A; BR112013009464A2; BR112013008956A2; ZA201300754B; CN103154220B; BR112013009464B1

Description

Technical Field

The present invention relates to a kit of parts comprising a main wash composition, which comprises a shading dye and a fabric treatment composition other than a main wash composition, which also comprises a shading dye.

Background and Prior Art

White fabrics discolour with age, due to a range of factors, including residual soiling, autoxidation of residual fatty soil and dye transfer. Shading dyes, which can provide a very slight blue or purplish tinge, at a level acceptable to the human eye, are a well established route to combating such discolouration.
Moreover many fabric treatment products contain materials that are sensitive to UV light and/or transition metal ion catalysed radical auto-oxidation. An example of such materials is unsaturated quaternary ammonium compounds. These materials suffer degradation as a result of the aforementioned sources, with an attendant risk of yellowing of fabric treated therewith. The presence of a shading dye also reduces the risk of yellowing from these sources.
During a laundry process, in order to avoid excessive colouration of fabrics, shading dyes are designed to build up on the fabric, so that the desired colour effect gradually builds up. However, there remains a risk of a build up of excessive colouration over multiple washes. Thus, the level of shading dye in the laundry composition needs to be chosen with great care. In general, the higher the level of shading dye the greater the bluing or purpling effect.
Our own studies show that this problem is particularly acute where two products containing shading dye are used, for example a wash product and a fabric conditioner product. The combination is prone to deliver too much shading dye, even where each on its own might provide too little.
US 3,958,928 discloses a dye composition together with methods for its use. The dye composition is a mixture of anthraquinone dyes suitable for use with liquid laundry detergents. The composition substantially reduces the undesirable fabric staining characteristic of a detergent in which the dye is employed, while still retaining the ability to blue the fabric. A wide range of disperse and solvent anthraquinone dyes without long alkyl chains are disclosed which function as shading dyes from homogeneous (isotropic) liquid laundry or granular formulations.
US 6,521,581 discloses the use of anthraquinone dyes in a bi-phase (anisotropic) liquid detergent composition with high levels of coloured inorganic salts.
Our granted European patent EP1794275 B1 discloses a granular laundry treatment composition comprising between 0.0001 to 0.1 wt % of a hydrophobic dye and between 2 to 60 wt % of a surfactant. The hydrophobic dye is selected from solvent violet 13 and disperse violet 27 and an anthroquinone. Detergent compositions comprising anionic and non-ionic surfactants are preferred. Fabric conditioners containing a cationic quaternary ammonium compound are also disclosed.
Our granted European patent EP1945747 B1 discloses a laundry treatment composition comprising from 2 to 70 wt % of a surfactant and from 0.0001 to 0.1 wt % of an azine dye having a specified core structure. Fabric conditioner as well as fabric wash compositions are envisaged.
WO2009/030601 A1 discloses a composition comprising an unsaturated quaternary ammonium compound and a photobleach. The composition presents reduced malodour arising from the unsaturated chains of the quaternary active.
US2006/079438 A1 is concerned with mitigating discoloration of white and light coloured fabrics. Fabric conditioning compositions are disclosed, which comprise a fabric care active and a hueing dye, wherein the hueing dye exhibits a hueing efficiency of about 20 and a so-called "wash removal value" of 50% to 98%.
EP0304410 A2 discloses a multi-compartment pouch suitable for use in laundry application comprising water-soluble film and having at least first and second compartments, each comprising a composition. The second compartment comprises a whitening agent that exhibits a hueing efficiency of at least 5 and a wash removal value in the range of from about 30% to about 95%.
EP2133410 A1 is concerned with whitening of laundry and utilises a system whereby a multi-compartment pouch delivers a whitening benefit to laundry. Chromophores such as alkoxylated thiophenes are used.
Finally, a dispenser bottle consisting of two part-compositions kept separate from each other are known from US2007/029344 A1 .
It has now surprisingly been found that a superior whitening effect may be achieved, without over-colouring, on fabrics by the provision of a kit of parts comprising a fabric wash composition and a fabric treatment composition other than a main wash composition, where both compositions comprise a specified amount of the shading dye acid violet 50. Unexpectedly, the use of the two compositions to treat fabric results in restricted overall delivery of shading dye, thus enabling over-delivery to be avoided.
This invention enables better control over shading dye delivery with lower risk of over-purpling, without having to drop the shading dye level so low that most consumers would see no benefit.

Statement of the Invention

In a first aspect of the invention there is provided a kit of parts for treating fabrics comprising:

a) a fabric wash composition comprising a first shading dye in an amount of from 0.1 to 100 ppm and an anionic cleaning surfactant; and
b) a fabric treatment composition other than a main wash composition, comprising a second shading dye in an amount of up to 9 ppm, preferably from 0.5 to 8 ppm and a fabric treatment active;

Detailled Description of the Invention

The Kit of Parts

The kit of parts of the invention comprises a fabric wash composition and a fabric treatment composition other than a main wash composition, each having a shading dye which is acid violet 50. In the context of the invention, kit of parts means a fabric wash composition and a fabric treatment composition, which is separate from the fabric wash composition; said compositions being either collected together physically or associated together by explicit or implicit instructions, for example, by information provided in leaflets, or on posters or websites, or even by a common brand. The compositions may simply be cross-referenced to one another. The fabric wash composition and the fabric treatment composition may, for example, be packaged in separate containers, in adjoined containers, in separate compartments of the same container or adjoined containers, and so on. Preferably, the fabric wash composition and the fabric treatment composition are packaged in separate containers. Preferably, the fabric composition and the fabric treatment composition are contacted with the fabric in separate stages of the treatment process.
The kit of parts also provides a direction that the fabric wash composition and the fabric treatment composition are used together. In the context of the invention, "used together" means that the compositions are used in a suitable sequence. A suitable sequence is one that takes into account the purpose and type of the fabric treatment composition. This means, for example, that the products may be used as part of the same laundry process. Where the fabric treatment composition is a rinse added fabric treatment composition, and where the laundry process comprises more than one wash and/or rinse step, there may be one or more intermediate wash and/or rinse steps between the use of the fabric wash composition and the fabric treatment composition of the kit of parts. By way of a further example, where the fabric treatment composition is a pre-treatment, the fabric treatment composition is applied to the fabric prior to washing with the fabric wash composition of the kit of parts of the invention.

The Shading Dye

The kit of parts comprises a fabric wash composition and a fabric treatment composition other than a main wash composition. The fabric wash and fabric treatment compositions comprise a first and a second shading dye respectively. Both compositions comprise the same shading dye, which is acid violet 50.
Different shading dyes give different levels of colouring. The level of shading dye present in the compositions for use in the kit of parts depends, therefore, on the type of shading dye. Overall ranges, suitable for the present invention are given below.
The first shading dye, acid violet 50 (AV50) (present in the fabric wash component part of the kit of parts) is present in the range of from 0.5 to 20 ppm, preferably from 3 to 17 ppm and most preferably from 8 to 15 ppm.
The second shading dye, acid violet 50, (present in the fabric conditioner component part of the kit of parts) is present in an amount of up to 9 ppm, preferably from 0.5 to 8 ppm, most preferably from 4 to 7 ppm.
The total amount of shading dye present in the fabric wash composition and the fabric treatment composition is in the range of from 1 to 25 ppm, preferably from 10 to 25 ppm. In the context of the invention, the total amount of shading dye means the amount present in the fabric wash composition plus the amount present in the fabric treatment composition.
The ratio of the first shading to the second shading dye is from 1.5:1 to 50:1, preferably from 1.5:1 to 25:1, more preferably from 1.5:1 to 12:1 and most preferably from 1.75:1 to 6:1, for example 2:1 to 6:1.
Suitable and preferred classes of dyes are described below. The dyes are the Na salt, unless otherwise stated.

Acid Dyes

Cotton substantive acid dyes give benefits to cotton containing garments.
Preferably the acid dye is present at 0.0005 wt% to 0.01 wt% of the formulation.

The Fabric Wash Composition

The fabric wash composition may comprise an anionic cleaning surfactant and optionally other conventional detergent ingredients.
It is preferred that the composition comprises an amount of anionic cleaning surfactant of from 0.5 to 50 wt %, preferably from 1 to 40 wt %, more preferably from 2 to 35 wt % and most preferably from 5 to 25 wt %, based on the total weight of the fabric wash composition.
Suitable anionic detergent compounds which may be used are usually water-soluble alkali metal salts of organic sulphates and sulphonates having alkyl radicals containing from about 8 to about 22 carbon atoms, the term alkyl being used to include the alkyl portion of higher acyl radicals. Examples of suitable synthetic anionic detergent compounds are sodium and potassium alkyl sulphates, especially those obtained by sulphating higher C₈ to C₁₈ alcohols, produced for example from tallow or coconut oil, sodium and potassium alkyl C₉ to C₂₀ benzene sulphonates, particularly sodium linear secondary alkyl C₁₀ to C₁₅ benzene sulphonates; and sodium alkyl glyceryl ether sulphates, especially those ethers of the higher alcohols derived from tallow or coconut oil and synthetic alcohols derived from petroleum. The preferred anionic detergent compounds are sodium C₁₁ to C₁₅ alkyl benzene sulphonates and sodium C₁₂ to C₁₈ alkyl sulphates. Also applicable are surfactants for example those described in EP-A-328 177 (Unilever ), which show resistance to salting-out, the alkyl polyglycoside surfactants described in EP-A-070 074 , and alkyl monoglycosides.
Nonionic detergent compounds may also be used. Suitable non-ionic detergents include, in particular, the reaction products of compounds having a hydrophobic group and a reactive hydrogen atom, for example, aliphatic alcohols, acids, amides or alkyl phenols with alkylene oxides, especially ethylene oxide either alone or with propylene oxide. Specific nonionic detergent compounds are C₆ to C₂₂ alkyl phenol-ethylene oxide condensates, generally 5 to 25 EO, i.e. 5 to 25 units of ethylene oxide per molecule, and the condensation products of aliphatic C₈ to C₁₈ primary or secondary linear or branched alcohols with ethylene oxide, generally 5 to 40 EO.
Preferred surfactant systems are mixtures of anionic with nonionic detergent active materials, in particular the groups and examples of anionic and nonionic surfactants pointed out in EP-A-346 995 (Unilever ). Especially preferred is surfactant system that is a mixture of an alkali metal salt of a C₁₆ to C₁₈ primary alcohol sulphate together with a C₁₂ to C₁₅ primary alcohol 3 to 7 EO ethoxylate.
The nonionic detergent is preferably present in amounts greater than 10 wt %, e.g. 25 to 90 wt % of the surfactant system. Anionic surfactants can be present for example in amounts in the range from about 5% to about 40 wt % of the surfactant system.
In general, the nonionic and anionic surfactants of the surfactant system may be chosen from the surfactants described "Surface Active Agents" Vol. 1, by Schwartz & Perry, Interscience 1949, Vol. 2 by Schwartz, Perry & Berch, Interscience 1958, in the current edition of "McCutcheon's Emulsifiers and Detergents" published by Manufacturing Confectioners Company or in "Tenside-Taschenbuch", H. Stache, 2nd Edn., Carl Hauser Verlag, 1981.
The composition may also comprise an enzymatic detergent composition which comprises from 0.1 to 50 wt %, based on the total detergent composition, of one or more surfactants. This surfactant system may in turn comprise 0 to 95 wt % of one or more anionic surfactants and 5 to 100 wt % of one or more nonionic surfactants. The surfactant system may additionally contain amphoteric or zwitterionic detergent compounds, but this in not normally desired owing to their relatively high cost. The enzymatic detergent composition according to the invention will generally be used as a dilution in water of about 0.05 to 2 wt%.

Balance Carriers and Adjunct Ingredients

The fabric wash composition, in addition to the shading dye and anionic cleaning surfactant comprises balance carriers and adjunct ingredients to 100 wt % of the composition.
These may be, for example, surfactants, builders, foam agents, anti-foam agents, solvents, fluorescers, bleaching agents, and enzymes. The use and amounts of these components are such that the composition performs depending upon economics, environmental factors and use of the composition.

Bleaching Species

The fabric wash composition may comprise bleaching species. The bleaching species, for example, may be selected from perborate and percarbonate. These peroxyl species may be further enhanced by the use of an activator, for example, TAED or SNOBS. Alternatively or in addition to, a transition metal catalyst may used with the peroxyl species. A transition metal catalyst may also be used in the absence of peroxyl species where the bleaching is termed to be via atmospheric oxygen, see, for example WO02/48301 . Photobleaches, including singlet oxygen photobleaches, may be used with the laundry treatment composition. A preferred photobleach is vitamin K3.

Fluorescent Agent

The fabric wash composition and fabric conditioner may comprise a fluorescent agent (optical brightener). Fluorescent agents are well known and many such fluorescent agents are available commercially. Usually, these fluorescent agents are supplied and used in the form of their alkali metal salts, for example, the sodium salts. The total amount of the fluorescent agent or agents used in laundry treatment composition is generally from 0.005 to 2 wt %, more preferably 0.01 to 0.1 wt %. Preferred classes of fluorescer are: Di-styryl biphenyl compounds, e.g. Tinopal (Trade Mark) CBS-X, Di-amine stilbene di-sulphonic acid compounds, e.g. Tinopal DMS pure Xtra and Blankophor (Trade Mark) HRH, and Pyrazoline compounds, e.g. Blankophor SN. Preferred fluorescers are: sodium 2 (4-styryl-3-sulfophenyl)-2H-napthol[1,2-d]trazole, disodium 4,4'-bis{[(4-anilino-6-(N methyl-N-2 hydroxyethyl) amino 1,3,5-triazin-2-yl)]amino}stilbene-2-2' disulfonate, disodium 4,4'-bis{[(4-anilino-6-morpholino-1,3,5-triazin-2-yl)]amino} stilbene-2-2' disulfonate, and disodium 4,4'-bis(2-sulfoslyryl)biphenyl.
The fabric wash composition when diluted in the wash liquor (during a typical wash cycle) will typically give a pH of the wash liquor from 7 to 10.5 for a main wash detergent.
Particulate fabric wash compositions are suitably prepared by spray-drying a slurry of compatible heat-insensitive ingredients, and then spraying on or post-dosing those ingredients unsuitable for processing via the slurry. The skilled detergent formulator will have no difficulty in deciding which ingredients should be included in the slurry and which should not.
Particulate fabric wash compositions of the invention preferably have a bulk density of at least 400 g/1 litre, more preferably at least 500 g/litre. Especially preferred compositions have bulk densities of at least 650 g/litre, more preferably at least 700 g/litre.
Such powders may be prepared either by post-tower densification of spray-dried powder, or by wholly non-tower methods such as dry mixing and granulation; in both cases a high-speed mixer/granulator may advantageously be used. Processes using high-speed mixer/granulators are disclosed, for example, in EP 340 013A , EP 367 339A , EP 390 251A and EP 420 317A (Unilever ).
Liquid fabric wash compositions can be prepared by admixing the essential and optional ingredients thereof to provide compositions containing components in the requisite concentrations. A suitable method for the production of a liquid fabric wash composition, comprises the following steps:

a) preparation of a mix by adding surfactants (preferably comprising synthetic anionic and/or nonionic surfactants) and a base to water under agitation at a temperature of at least 55° having a pH from 7.5 to 11, and
b) cooling of the mix, preferably with gentle agitation, at low shear conditions.

Preferably the surfactants in step a) comprise the synthetic anionic surfactant linear alkylbenzene sulphonate (LAS). The base in step a) comprises preferably an alkali metal hydroxide or triethanolamine, more preferably the neutralising agent comprises sodium hydroxide or triethanolamine or mixtures thereof.
Liquid compositions according to the present invention can also be in compact form which means it will contain a lower level of water compared to a conventional liquid detergent.

The Fabric Treatment Composition

The fabric treatment composition can be in any suitable treatment composition that is not a main wash composition, for example, a pre-treatment composition or a post-wash composition. A non-limiting example of a post wash composition is a rinse added fabric conditioner. A preferred fabric treatment composition is a fabric conditioner composition.
Suitable fabric conditioner compositions for use in the invention comprise a fabric conditioning active. Suitable fabric conditioning compositions, are described below:-

The Fabric Conditioning Active

Preferably the fabric conditioning active is a fabric softening agent. The fabric softening agent may be cationic or non-ionic.
Suitable, the fabric conditioner composition component part of the kit of parts, in accordance with the invention, may be dilute or concentrated. Dilute products typically contain up to about 8 wt % (for example from 0.5 to 8 wt %), generally about 2 to 7 wt % by weight of conditioning active, whereas concentrated products may contain up to about 50 wt % (for example from 0.5 to 50 wt %), preferably from about 9 to about 45 wt %, more preferably from 9 to 25 wt % by weight active. Compositions of greater than about 20 wt % by weight of active are defined as "super concentrated", depending on the active system, and are also intended to be covered by the present invention. The fabric conditioning agent may, for example, be used in amounts of from 0.5 wt % to wt 35 %, preferably from 1 wt % to 30 wt %, more preferably from 2 wt % to 25 wt % and most preferably from 3 wt % to 20 wt % by weight of the composition.
The preferred fabric softening agent for use in the fabric conditioner compositions in accordance with the invention is a quaternary ammonium compound (QAC). The preferred quaternary ammonium compound for use in compositions of the present invention are the so called "ester quats".
Particularly preferred materials are the ester-linked triethanolamine (TEA) quaternary ammonium compounds comprising a mixture of mono-, di- and tri-ester linked components.
Typically, TEA-based fabric softening compounds comprise a mixture of mono, di- and tri-ester forms of the compound where the di-ester linked component comprises no more than 70 % by weight of the fabric softening compound, preferably no more than 60 wt % of the fabric softening compound and at least 10 % of the monoester linked component. A preferred hardened type of active has a typical mono:di:tri ester distribution in the range of from 12 to 25 mono from 50 to 65 di and from 15 to 27 tri. A soft TEA quat may have a typical mono:di:tri ester distribution of from 25 to 45 %, preferably from 30 to 40 % mono, from 45 to 60 %, preferably from 50 to 60 % di: and from 5 to 25 %, preferably from 5 to 15 % tri; for example 40:60:10.
A first group of quaternary ammonium compounds (QACs) suitable for use in the present invention is represented by formula (I):
wherein each R is independently selected from a C_5-35 alkyl or alkenyl group; R¹ represents a C_1-4 alkyl, C_2-4 alkenyl or a C_1-4 hydroxyalkyl group; T is generally O-CO. (i.e. an ester group bound to R via its carbon atom), but may alternatively be CO-O (i.e. an ester group bound to R via its oxygen atom); n is a number selected from 1 to 4; m is a number selected from 1, 2, or 3; and X^- is an anionic counterion, such as a halide or alkyl sulphate, e.g. chloride or methylsulphate. Di-esters variants of formula I (i.e. m = 2) are preferred and typically have mono- and tri-ester analogues associated with them. Such materials are particularly suitable for use in the present invention.
Especially preferred agents are preparations which are rich in the di-esters of triethanolammonium methylsulphate, otherwise referred to as "TEA ester quats".
Commercial examples include Stepantex™ UL85, ex Stepan, Prapagen™ TQL, ex Clariant, and Tetranyl™ AHT-1, ex Kao, (both di-[hardened tallow ester] of triethanolammonium methylsulphate), AT-1 (di-[tallow ester] of triethanolammonium methylsulphate), and L5/90 (di-[palm ester] of triethanolammonium methylsulphate), both ex Kao, and Rewoquat™ WE15 (a di-ester of triethanolammonium methylsulphate having fatty acyl residues deriving from C₁₀-C₂₀ and C₁₆-C₁₈ unsaturated fatty acids), ex Witco Corporation.
Also, soft quaternary ammonium actives such as Stepantex VK90, Stepantex VT90, SP88 (ex-Stepan), Prapagen TQ (ex-Clariant), Dehyquart AU-57 (ex-Cognis), Rewoquat WE18 (ex-Degussa) and Tetranyl L190 P, Tetranyl L190 SP and Tetranyl L190 S (all ex-Kao) are suitable.
A second group of QACs suitable for use in the invention is represented by formula (II):
wherein each R¹ group is independently selected from C_1-4 alkyl, hydroxyalkyl or C_2-4 alkenyl groups; and wherein each R² group is independently selected from C_8-28 alkyl or alkenyl groups; and wherein n, T, and X^- are as defined above.
Preferred materials of this second group include 1,2 bis[tallowoyloxy]-3-trimethylammonium propane chloride, 1,2 bis[hardened tallowoyloxy]-3-trimethylammonium propane chloride, 1,2-bis[oleoyloxy]-3-trimethylammonium propane chloride, and 1,2 bis[stearoyloxy]-3-trimethylammonium propane chloride. Such materials are described in US 4,137,180 (Lever Brothers ). Preferably, these materials also comprise an amount of the corresponding mono-ester.
A third group of QACs suitable for use in the invention is represented by formula (III):

(R¹)₂-N⁺-[(CH₂)_n-T-R²]₂ X^- (III)

wherein each R¹ group is independently selected from C_1-4 alkyl, or C_2-4 alkenyl groups; and wherein each R² group is independently selected from C_8-28 alkyl or alkenyl groups; and n, T, and X^- are as defined above. Preferred materials of this third group include bis(2-tallowoyloxyethyl)dimethyl ammonium chloride, partially hardened and hardened versions thereof.
The iodine value of the quaternary ammonium fabric conditioning material is preferably from 0 to 80, more preferably from 0 to 60, and most preferably from 0 to 45. The iodine value may be chosen as appropriate. Essentially saturated material having an iodine value of from 0 to 5, preferably from 0 to 1 may be used in the compositions of the invention. Such materials are known as "hardened" quaternary ammonium compounds.
A further preferred range of iodine values is from 20 to 60, preferably 25 to 50, more preferably from 30 to 45. A material of this type is a "soft" triethanolamine quaternary ammonium compound, preferably triethanolamine di-alkylester methylsulphate. Such ester-linked triethanolamine quaternary ammonium compounds comprise unsaturated fatty chains.
Iodine value as used in the context of the present invention refers to the measurement of the degree of unsaturation present in a material by a method of nmr spectroscopy as described in Anal. Chem., 34, 1136 (1962) Johnson and Shoolery.
A further type of softening compound is a non-ester quaternary ammonium material represented by formula (IV) below:-
wherein each R¹ group is independently selected from C_1-4 alkyl, hydroxyalkyl or C_2-4 alkenyl groups; R² group is independently selected from C_8-28 alkyl or alkenyl groups, and X^- is as defined above.

Oily Sugar Derivatives

The fabric treatment compositions for use in the invention may contain a non-cationic fabric softening agent, which is preferably an oily sugar derivative. An oily sugar derivative is a liquid or soft solid derivative of a cyclic polyol (CPE) or of a reduced saccharide (RSE), said derivative resulting from 35 to 100 % of the hydroxyl groups in said polyol or in said saccharide being esterified or etherified. The derivative has two or more ester or ether groups independently attached to a C₈-C₂₂ alkyl or alkenyl chain.
Advantageously, the CPE or RSE does not have any substantial crystalline character at 20°C. Instead it is preferably in a liquid or soft solid state as herein defined at 20°C.
The liquid or soft solid (as hereinafter defined) CPEs or RSEs suitable for use in the present invention result from 35 to 100% of the hydroxyl groups of the starting cyclic polyol or reduced saccharide being esterified or etherified with groups such that the CPEs or RSEs are in the required liquid or soft solid state. These groups typically contain unsaturation, branching or mixed chain lengths.
Typically the CPEs or RSEs have 3 or more ester or ether groups or mixtures thereof, for example 3 to 8, especially 3 to 5. It is preferred if two or more of the ester or ether groups of the CPE or RSE are independently of one another attached to a C₈ to C₂₂ alkyl or alkenyl chain. The C₈ to C₂₂ alkyl or alkenyl groups may be branched or linear carbon chains.
Preferably 35 to 85 % of the hydroxyl groups, most preferably 40-80 %, even more preferably 45-75 %, for example 45-70 % are esterified or etherified.
Preferably the CPE or RSE contains at least 35 % tri or higher esters, e.g. at least 40%.
The CPE or RSE has at least one of the chains independently attached to the ester or ether groups having at least one unsaturated bond. This provides a cost effective way of making the CPE or RSE a liquid or a soft solid. It is preferred if predominantly unsaturated fatty chains, derived from, for example, rape oil, cotton seed oil, soybean oil, oleic, tallow, palmitoleic, linoleic, erucic or other sources of unsaturated vegetable fatty acids, are attached to the ester/ether groups.
These chains are referred to below as the ester or ether chains (of the CPE or RSE).
The ester or ether chains of the CPE or RSE are preferably predominantly unsaturated. Preferred CPEs or RSEs include sucrose tetratallowate, sucrose tetrarapeate, sucrose tetraoleate, sucrose tetraesters of soybean oil or cotton seed oil, cellobiose tetraoleate, sucrose trioleate, sucrose triapeate, sucrose pentaoleate, sucrose pentarapeate, sucrose hexaoleate, sucrose hexarapeate, sucrose triesters, pentaesters and hexaesters of soybean oil or cotton seed oil, glucose tiroleate, glucose tetraoleate, xylose trioleate, or sucrose tetra-,tri-, penta- or hexa- esters with any mixture of predominantly unsaturated fatty acid chains. The most preferred CPEs or RSEs are those with monounsaturated fatty acid chains, i.e. where any polyunsaturation has been removed by partial hydrogenation. However some CPEs or RSEs based on polyunsaturated fatty acid chains, e.g. sucrose tetralinoleate, may be used provided most of the polyunsaturation has been removed by partial hydrogenation.
The most highly preferred liquid CPEs or RSEs are any of the above but where the polyunsaturation has been removed through partial hydrogenation.
Preferably 40 % or more of the fatty acid chains contain an unsaturated bond, more preferably 50 % or more, most preferably 60% or more. In most cases 65 % to 100 %, e.g. 65 % to 95 % contain an unsaturated bond.
CPEs are preferred for use with the present invention. Inositol is a preferred example of a cyclic polyol. Inositol derivatives are especially preferred.
In the context of the present invention, the term cyclic polyol encompasses all forms of saccharides. Indeed saccharides are especially preferred for use with this invention. Examples of preferred saccharides for the CPEs or RSEs to be derived from are monosaccharides and disaccharides.
Examples of monosaccharides include xylose, arabinose, galactose, fructose, sorbose and glucose. Glucose is especially preferred. Examples of disaccharides include maltose, lactose, cellobiose and sucrose. Sucrose is especially preferred. An example of a reduced saccharide is sorbitan.
The liquid or soft solid CPEs can be prepared by methods well known to those skilled in the art. These include acylation of the cyclic polyol or reduced saccharide with an acid chloride; trans-esterification of the cyclic polyol or reduced saccharide fatty acid esters using a variety of catalysts; acylation of the cyclic polyol or reduced saccharide with an acid anhydride and acylation of the cyclic polyol or reduced saccharide with a fatty acid. See for instance US 4 386 213 and AU 14416/88 (both P&G ).
It is preferred if the CPE or RSE has 3 or more, preferably 4 or more ester or ether groups. If the CPE is a disaccharide it is preferred if the disaccharide has 3 or more ester or ether groups. Particularly preferred CPEs are esters with a degree of esterification of 3 to 5, for example, sucrose tri, tetra and penta esters.
Where the cyclic polyol is a reducing sugar it is advantageous if each ring of the CPE has one ether or ester group, preferably at the C₁ position. Suitable examples of such compounds include methyl glucose derivatives.
Examples of suitable CPEs include esters of alkyl(poly)glucosides, in particular alkyl glucoside esters having a degree of polymerisation of 2.
The length of the unsaturated (and saturated if present) chains in the CPE or RSE is C₈-C₂₂, preferably C₁₂-C₂₂. It is possible to include one or more chains of C₁-C₈, however these are less preferred.
The liquid or soft solid CPEs or RSEs which are suitable for use in the present invention are characterised as materials having a solid:liquid ratio of between 50:50 and 0:100 at 20°C as determined by T₂ relaxation time NMR, preferably between 43:57 and 0:100, most preferably between 40:60 and 0:100, for example, 20:80 and 0:100. The T₂ NMR relaxation time is commonly used for characterising solid:liquid ratios in soft solid products for example fats and margarines. For the purpose of the present invention, any component of the signal with a T₂ of less than 100 µs is considered to be a solid component and any component with T₂ ≥ 100 µs is considered to be a liquid component.
For the CPEs and RSEs, the prefixes (e.g. tetra and penta) only indicate the average degrees of esterification. The compounds exist as a mixture of materials ranging from the monoester to the fully esterified ester. It is the average degree of esterification which is used herein to define the CPEs and RSEs.
The HLB of the CPE or RSE is typically between 1 and 3.
Where present, the CPE or RSE is preferably present in the composition in an amount of 0.5-50% by weight, based upon the total weight of the composition, more preferably 1-30% by weight, for example 2-25%, e.g. 2-20%.
The CPEs suitable for use in the compositions of the invention include sucrose tetraoleate, sucrose pentaerucate, sucrose tetraerucate and sucrose pentaoleate.

Co-softeners and Fatty Complexing Agents

Co-softeners may be used, for example fatty acids. When employed, they are typically present at from 0.1 to 20% and particularly at from 0.5 to 10%, based on the total weight of the composition. Preferred co-softeners include fatty esters, and fatty N-oxides. Fatty esters that may be employed include fatty monoesters, for example glycerol monostearate, fatty sugar esters, for example those disclosed WO 01/46361 (Unilever ).
Preferred fatty acids include hardened tallow fatty acid (available under the tradename Pristerene™, ex Uniqema). Preferred fatty alcohols include hardened tallow alcohol (available under the tradenames Stenol™ and Hydrenol™, ex Cognis and Laurex™ CS, ex Albright and Wilson).
The compositions for use in the present invention may comprise a fatty complexing agent.
Especially suitable fatty complexing agents include fatty alcohols.
Fatty complexing material may be used to improve the viscosity profile of the composition.
The fatty complexing agent is preferably present in an amount greater than 0.3 to 5% by weight based on the total weight of the composition. More preferably, the fatty component is present in an amount of from 0.4 to 4%. The weight ratio of the mono-ester component of the quaternary ammonium fabric softening material to the fatty complexing agent is preferably from 5:1 to 1:5, more preferably 4:1 to 1:4, most preferably 3:1 to 1:3, e.g. 2:1 to 1:2.

Non-ionic Surfactant

The fabric treatment compositions for use in the present invention may further comprise a nonionic surfactant. Typically these can be included for the purpose of stabilising the compositions. These are particularly suitable for compositions comprising hardened quaternary ammonium compounds.
Suitable nonionic surfactants include addition products of ethylene oxide and/or propylene oxide with fatty alcohols, fatty acids and fatty amines. Any of the alkoxylated materials of the particular type described hereinafter can be used as the nonionic surfactant.
Suitable surfactants are substantially water soluble surfactants of the general formula:

R-Y-(C₂H₄O)_z-CH₂-CH₂-OH

where R is selected from the group consisting of primary, secondary and branched chain alkyl and/or acyl hydrocarbyl groups (when Y = -C(O)O, R ≠ an acyl hydrocarbyl group); primary, secondary and branched chain alkenyl hydrocarbyl groups; and primary, secondary and branched chain alkenyl-substituted phenolic hydrocarbyl groups; the hydrocarbyl groups having a chain length of from 8 to about 25, preferably 10 to 20, e.g. 14 to 18 carbon atoms.
In the general formula for the ethoxylated nonionic surfactant, Y is typically:

-O-, -C(O)O-, -C(O)N(R)- or -C(O)N(R)R-

in which R has the meaning given above or can be hydrogen; and Z is at least about 8, preferably at least about 10 or 11.
Preferably the nonionic surfactant has an HLB of from about 7 to about 20, more preferably from 10 to 18, e.g. 12 to 16. Genapol™ C200 (Clariant) based on coco chain and 20 EO groups is an example of a suitable nonionic surfactant.
If present, the nonionic surfactant is present in an amount from 0.01 to 10%, more preferably 0.1 to 5 by weight, based on the total weight of the composition.

Cationic Polymers

The fabric treatment compositions for use in the present invention may further comprise a cationic polymer. Cationic polymers suitable for use in this invention include partially cationically substituted quaternary ammonium salts.
Suitable polymers of this type conform to the structure given by Formula (I) below:
Wherein, x is from 0 to 3, preferably from 0 to 1; and the ratio of y:n is in the range of from 0.01 to 0.5 (i.e. n:y = from 100 to 2). It is a feature of the present invention that polymers with fully quaternised sugar units, i.e. y = n, are excluded.
The ratio of unquaternised to quaternised sugar units (n:y) is preferably in the range of from 3 to 30, more preferably from 4 to 25, most preferably from 5 to 20.
The level of nitrogen in the polymer is in the range of from 0.1 to 1.5%, more preferably, from 0.3 to 1.3%, most preferably from 0.5 to 1.1 % by weight.
The molecular weight of the polymer is in the range of from 1,000 to 1,000,000 kDa, preferably from 5,000 to 750,000 kDa, more preferably from 10,000 to 500,000 kDa.
Mixtures of polymers may be used.
These polymers are linear in structure.
Examples of suitable materials include cationic derivatives of natural polymers, for example cationically-modified polysaccharides, for example Polyquaternium-10.
Preferred examples are Polyquaternium 10, UCARE Polymer JR-400, UCARE Polymer LR-400, all ex Dow, and their copolymers. The most preferred polymer is UCARE Polymer LR-400.
The polymer may be used in a liquid base, for example as an aqueous solution or dispersion. The polymer solution or dispersion may then be applied directly to fabric, or may be added to the rinse water, preferably the final rinse of a wash process.
Alternatively, the polymer may be comprised in a textile treatment composition, preferably a fabric conditioning composition, more preferably a rinse added fabric softening composition. The amount of polymer in the textile treatment composition suitably ranges from 0.001 % to 1 %, preferably from 0.005 % to 0.5 %, more preferably from 0.01 % to 0.25 % and most preferably from 0.02 to 0.1 % by weight of the total composition.

Thickening Polymers

Thickening polymers may be added to the fabric treatment compositions of the invention for further thickening. Any suitable thickener polymer may be used. Suitable polymers are water soluble or dispersable. A high M.Wt, (for example, in the region of about 100,000 to 5,000,000) which can be achieved by crosslinking, is advantageous. Preferably, the polymer is cationic.
Polymers particularly useful in the compositions of the invention include those described in WO2010/078959 (SNF S.A.S.). These are crosslinked water swellable cationic copolymers having at least one cationic monomer and optionally other non-ionic and/or anionic monomers. Preferred polymers of this type are copolymers of acrylamide and trimethylaminoethylacrylate chloride. Preferred polymers comprise less than 25 % of water soluble polymers by weight of the total polymer, preferably less than 20 %, and most preferably less than 15 %, and a cross-linking agent concentration of from 500 ppm to 5000 ppm relative to the polymer, preferably from 750 ppm to 5000 ppm, more preferably from 1000 to 4500 ppm. The cross-linking agent concentration must be higher than about 500 ppm relative to the polymer, and preferably higher than about 750 ppm when the crosslinking agent used is the methylene bisacrylamide, or concentrations of other cross-linking agents that lead to equivalent cross-linking levels of from 10 to 10,000 ppm.
Suitable cationic monomers are selected from the group consisting of the following monomers and derivatives and their quaternary or acid salts: dimethylaminopropylmethacrylamide, dimethylaminopropylacrylamide, diallylamine, methyldiallylamine, dialkylaminoalkyl-acrylates and methacrylates, dialkylaminoalkyl-acrylamides or -methacrylamides.
Following is a non-restrictive list of monomers performing a non-ionic function: acrylamide, methacrylamide, N-Alkyl acrylamide, N-vinyl pyrrolidone, N-vinyl formamide, N-vinyl acetamide, vinylacetate, vinyl alcohol, acrylate esters, allyl alcohol.
Following is a non-restrictive list of monomers performing an anionic function: acrylic acid, methacrylic acid, itaconic acid, crotonic acid, maleic acid, fumaric acid, as well as monomers performing a sulfonic acid or phosphonic acid functions, such as 2-acrylamido-2-methyl propane sulfonic acid (ATBS) etc.
The monomers may also contain hydrophobic groups.
Following is a non-restrictive list of cross-linking agents: methylene bisacrylamide (MBA), ethylene glycol diacrylate, polyethylene glycol dimethacrylate, diacrylamide, triallylamine, cyanomethylacrylate, vinyl oxyethylacrylate or methacrylate and formaldehyde, glyoxal, compounds of the glycidyl ether type such as ethyleneglycol diglycidyl ether, or the epoxydes or any other means familiar to the expert permitting cross-linking.
By way of preeminent preference the cross-linking rate preferably ranges from 800 to 5000 ppm (on the basis of MBA) relative to the polymer or equivalent cross-linking with a cross-linking agent of different efficiency.
As described in US 2002/0132749 and Research Disclosure 429116, the degree of non-linearity can additionally be controlled by the inclusion of chain transfer agents (such as isopropyl alcohol, sodium hypophosphite, mercaptoethanol) in the polymerisation mixture in order to control the polymeric chain's length and the cross-linking density.
The final polymer has a water-soluble polymer fraction ranging below about 25 % by weight of the total polymer (as determined by a metering method such as that described on page 8 of patent EP 343840 ).
The amount of polymer used in the compositions of the invention is suitably from 0.001 to 0.5 wt %, preferably from 0.005 to 0.4 wt %, more preferably from 0.05 to 0.35 wt % and most preferably from 0.1 to 0.25 wt %, by weight of the total composition.
An example of the preferred polymer is Flosoft 270LS ex SNF.
Where the fabric treatment composition is a fabric conditioner composition it preferably has a pH ranging from about 2.5 to 6, more preferably from about 2.5 to 4.5 and most preferably about 2.5 to 2.8. The compositions for use in the invention may also contain pH modifiers, for example, hydrochloric acid or lactic acid.

Perfume

The compositions for use in the present invention may comprise one or more perfumes if desired. The perfume is preferably present in an amount from 0.01 to 10 % by weight, more preferably from 0.05 to 5 % by weight, even more preferably from 0.1 to 4.0 %, most preferably from 0.15 to 4.0 % by weight, based on the total weight of the composition.
Useful components of the perfume include materials of both natural and synthetic origin. They include single compounds and mixtures. Specific examples of such components may be found in the current literature, e.g., in Fenaroli's Handbook of Flavor Ingredients, 1975, CRC Press; Synthetic Food Adjuncts, 1947 by M. B. Jacobs, edited by Van Nostrand; or Perfume and Flavor Chemicals by S. Arctander 1969, Montclair, N.J. (USA). These substances are well known to the person skilled in the art of perfuming, flavouring, and/or aromatizing consumer products, i.e., of imparting an odour and/or a flavour or taste to a consumer product traditionally perfumed or flavoured, or of modifying the odour and/or taste of said consumer product.
By perfume in this context is not only meant a fully formulated product fragrance, but also selected components of that fragrance, particularly those which are prone to loss, such as the so-called 'top notes'.
Top notes are defined by Poucher (Journal of the Society of Cosmetic Chemists 6(2):80 [1955]). Examples of well known top-notes include citrus oils, linalool, linalyl acetate, lavender, dihydromyrcenol, rose oxide and cis-3-hexanol. Top notes typically comprise 15-25%wt of a perfume composition and in those embodiments of the invention which contain an increased level of top-notes it is envisaged at that least 20%wt would be present within the encapsulate.
Some or all of the perfume or pro-fragrance may be encapsulated. Typical perfume components which it is advantageous to encapsulate include those with a relatively low boiling point, preferably those with a boiling point of less than 300°C, preferably 100-250°C and pro-fragrances which can produce such components.
It is also advantageous to encapsulate perfume components which have a low Clog P (i.e. those which will be partitioned into water), preferably with a Clog P of less than 3.0. These materials, of relatively low boiling point and relatively low Clog P have been called the "delayed blooming" perfume ingredients and include the following materials:
Allyl Caproate, Amyl Acetate, Amyl Propionate, Anisic Aldehyde, Anisole, Benzaldehyde, Benzyl Acetate, Benzyl Acetone, Benzyl Alcohol, Benzyl Formate, Benzyl Iso Valerate, Benzyl Propionate, Beta Gamma Hexenol, Camphor Gum, Laevo-Carvone, d-Carvone, Cinnamic Alcohol, Cinamyl Formate, Cis-Jasmone, cis-3-Hexenyl Acetate, Cuminic Alcohol, Cyclal C, Dimethyl Benzyl Carbinol, Dimethyl Benzyl Carbinol Acetate, Ethyl Acetate, Ethyl Aceto Acetate, Ethyl Amyl Ketone, Ethyl Benzoate, Ethyl Butyrate, Ethyl Hexyl Ketone, Ethyl Phenyl Acetate, Eucalyptol, Eugenol, Fenchyl Acetate, Flor Acetate (tricyclo Decenyl Acetate), Frutene (tricyclco Decenyl Propionate), Geraniol, Hexenol, Hexenyl Acetate, Hexyl Acetate, Hexyl Formate, Hydratropic Alcohol, Hydroxycitronellal, Indone, Isoamyl Alcohol, Iso Menthone, Isopulegyl Acetate, Isoquinolone, Ligustral, Linalool, Linalool Oxide, Linalyl Formate, Menthone, Menthyl Acetphenone, Methyl Amyl Ketone, Methyl Anthranilate, Methyl Benzoate, Methyl Benyl Acetate, Methyl Eugenol, Methyl Heptenone, Methyl Heptine Carbonate, Methyl Heptyl Ketone, Methyl Hexyl Ketone, Methyl Phenyl Carbinyl Acetate, Methyl Salicylate, Methyl-N-Methyl Anthranilate, Nerol, Octalactone, Octyl Alcohol, p-Cresol, p-Cresol Methyl Ether, p-Methoxy Acetophenone, p-Methyl Acetophenone, Phenoxy Ethanol, Phenyl Acetaldehyde, Phenyl Ethyl Acetate, Phenyl Ethyl Alcohol, Phenyl Ethyl Dimethyl Carbinol, Prenyl Acetate, Propyl Bornate, Pulegone, Rose Oxide, Safrole, 4-Terpinenol, Alpha-Terpinenol, and/or Viridine.
Preferred non-encapsulated perfume ingredients are those hydrophobic perfume components with a ClogP above 3. As used herein, the term "ClogP" means the logarithm to base 10 of the octanol/water partition coefficient (P). The octanol/water partition coefficient of a perfume raw material (PRM) is the ratio between its equilibrium concentrations in octanol and water. Given that this measure is a ratio of the equilibrium concentration of a PRM in a non-polar solvent (octanol) with its concentration in a polar solvent (water), ClogP is also a measure of the hydrophobicity of a material--the higher the ClogP value, the more hydrophobic the material. ClogP values can be readily calculated from a program called "CLOGP" which is available from Daylight Chemical Information Systems Inc., Irvine Calif., USA. Octanol/water partition coefficients are described in more detail in U.S. Pat. No. 5,578,563 .
Perfume components with a ClogP above 3 comprise: Iso E super, citronellol, Ethyl cinnamate, Bangalol, 2,4,6-Trimethylbenzaldehyde, Hexyl cinnamic aldehyde, 2,6-Dimethyl-2-heptanol, Diisobutylcarbinol, Ethyl salicylate, Phenethyl isobutyrate, Ethyl hexyl ketone, Propyl amyl ketone, Dibutyl ketone, Heptyl methyl ketone, 4,5-Dihydrotoluene, Caprylic aldehyde, Citral, Geranial, Isopropyl benzoate, Cyclohexanepropionic acid, Campholene aldehyde, Caprylic acid, Caprylic alcohol, Cuminaldehyde, 1-Ethyl-4-nitrobenzene, Heptyl formate, 4-Isopropylphenol, 2-Isopropylphenol, 3-Isopropylphenol, Allyl disulfide, 4-Methyl-1-phenyl-2-pentanone, 2-Propylfuran, Allyl caproate, Styrene, Isoeugenyl methyl ether, Indonaphthene, Diethyl suberate, L-Menthone, Menthone racemic, p-Cresyl isobutyrate, Butyl butyrate, Ethyl hexanoate, Propyl valerate, n-Pentyl propanoate, Hexyl acetate, Methyl heptanoate, trans-3,3,5-Trimethylcyclohexanol, 3,3,5-Trimethylcyclohexanol, Ethyl p-anisate, 2-Ethyl-1-hexanol, Benzyl isobutyrate, 2,5-Dimethylthiophene, Isobutyl 2-butenoate, Caprylnitrile, gamma-Nonalactone, Nerol, trans-Geraniol, 1-Vinylheptanol, Eucalyptol, 4-Terpinenol, Dihydrocarveol, Ethyl 2-methoxybenzoate, Ethyl cyclohexanecarboxylate, 2-Ethylhexanal, Ethyl amyl carbinol, 2-Octanol, 2-Octanol, Ethyl methylphenylglycidate, Diisobutyl ketone, Coumarone, Propyl isovalerate, Isobutyl butanoate, Isopentyl propanoate, 2-Ethylbutyl acetate, 6-Methyl-tetrahydroquinoline, Eugenyl methyl ether, Ethyl dihydrocinnamate, 3,5-Dimethoxytoluene, Toluene, Ethyl benzoate, n-Butyrophenone, alpha-Terpineol, Methyl 2-methylbenzoate, Methyl 4-methylbenzoate, Methyl 3, methylbenzoate, sec. Butyl n-butyrate, 1,4-Cineole, Fenchyl alcohol, Pinanol, cis-2-Pinanol, 2,4, Dimethylacetophenone, Isoeugenol, Safrole, Methyl 2-octynoate, o-Methylanisole, p-Cresyl methyl ether, Ethyl anthranilate, Linalool, Phenyl butyrate, Ethylene glycol dibutyrate, Diethyl phthalate, Phenyl mercaptan, Cumic alcohol, m-Toluquinoline, 6-Methylquinoline, Lepidine, 2-Ethylbenzaldehyde, 4-Ethylbenzaldehyde, o-Ethylphenol, p-Ethylphenol, m-Ethylphenol, (+)-Pulegone, 2,4-Dimethylbenzaldehyde, Isoxylaldehyde, Ethyl sorbate, Benzyl propionate, 1,3-Dimethylbutyl acetate, Isobutyl isobutanoate, 2,6-Xylenol, 2,4-Xylenol, 2,5-Xylenol, 3,5-Xylenol, Methyl cinnamate, Hexyl methyl ether, Benzyl ethyl ether, Methyl salicylate, Butyl propyl ketone, Ethyl amyl ketone, Hexyl methyl ketone, 2,3-Xylenol, 3,4, Xylenol, Cyclopentadenanolide and Phenyl ethyl 2 phenylacetate 2.
It is commonplace for a plurality of perfume components to be present in a formulation. In the compositions for use in the present invention it is envisaged that there will be four or more, preferably five or more, more preferably six or more or even seven or more different perfume components from the list given of delayed blooming perfumes given above and/or the list of perfume components with a ClogP above 3 present in the perfume.
Another group of perfumes with which the present invention can be applied are the so-called 'aromatherapy' materials. These include many components also used in perfumery, including components of essential oils such as Clary Sage, Eucalyptus, Geranium, Lavender, Mace Extract, Neroli, Nutmeg, Spearmint, Sweet Violet Leaf and Valerian.

Further Optional Ingredients

The compositions for use in the invention may contain one or more other ingredients. Such ingredients include further preservatives (e.g. bactericides), pH buffering agents, perfume carriers, hydrotropes, anti-redeposition agents, soil-release agents, polyelectrolytes, anti-shrinking agents, anti-wrinkle agents, antioxidants, sunscreens, anti-corrosion agents, drape imparting agents, anti-static agents, ironing aids, silicones, antifoams, colourants, pearlisers and/or opacifiers, natural oils/extracts, processing aids, e.g. electrolytes, hygiene agents, e.g. antibacterials and antifungals, thickeners and skin benefit agents.

Product Form

The kit of parts of the invention comprises fabric wash and fabric treatment compositions.
The compositions of the invention may be in any physical form e.g. a solid, for example a powder or granules, a tablet, a solid bar, a paste, gel, liquid (e.g. an aqueous based liquid). The compositions may be non-aqueous, substantially non-aqueous or low water compositions. In particular the compositions may be liquid, powder or unit dose compositions.
The fabric wash compositions for use in the present invention are preferably granular powders or tablets.
The fabric treatment compositions for use in the present invention are preferably rinse-added softening compositions.
The fabric treatment composition of the present invention is preferably in liquid form. The composition may be a concentrate to be diluted in a solvent, including water, before use. The composition may also be a ready-to-use (in-use) composition. Preferably the composition is provided as a ready to use liquid comprising an aqueous phase. The aqueous phase may comprise water-soluble species, for example mineral salts or short chain (C_1-4) alcohols.
The fabric wash and fabric treatment compositions of the present invention are preferably for use in a home textile laundering operation, where, they may be added directly in an undiluted state to a washing machine, e.g. through a dispenser drawer or directly into the drum. The fabric wash and fabric treatment compositions may also be used in a domestic hand-washing laundry operation. It is also possible for the compositions of the present invention to be used in industrial laundry operations, e.g. as a finishing agent for softening new clothes prior to sale to consumers.

Preparation Of The Compositions Of The Invention

The fabric conditioner compositions for use in the kit of parts of the invention may typically be made by combining a melt comprising the fabric softening active with an aqueous phase. Further adjuncts may be combined with the water phase or the melt, or post dosed into the composition after combination of the melt and water phase. The skilled formulator will have no difficulty in deciding which ingredients should be included in the water phase and which should be included in the melt and indeed, which may be added by post dosing.

Examples

Embodiments of the invention will now be illustrated by the following non-limiting examples. Further modifications will be apparent to the person skilled in the art.
Examples of the invention are represented by a number. Comparative examples are represented by a letter.
Unless otherwise stated, amounts of components are expressed as a percentage of the total weight of the composition.

Example 1:- Compositions of Fabric Washing Powders (WP control & WP1) and Fabric Conditioners (FC control, FC1, FC2 & FC3).

A number of kits of parts were made up, which had a fabric washing powder and a rinse added fabric conditioner, with various levels of shading dye. These fabric washing powders and rinse added fabric conditioners were then used to treat fabric in a sequential manner.
The shading dye used in the compositions was Acid Violet 50 (AV50).
The washing powder compositions were designated by the prefix "WP", whilst the fabric conditioner compositions were designated by the prefix "FC". A washing powder control (WP control) and a fabric conditioner control (FC control) were also prepared, which did not contain shading dye. The amount of shading dye in the compositions is summarised in Table 1 below. Table 1: Amount (ppm) of shading dye (AV50) in compositions WP control, WP1, FC control, FC1, FC2 and FC3

Composition Amount of Acid Violet 50¹ (AV50) (ppm)

WP control 0

WP1 12

FC control 0

FC1 2

FC2 6

FC3 10

¹as 100% active

The compositions of the washing powders are given in Table 2. The compositions of the fabric conditioners are given in Table 3.

Table 2: Composition of the Fabric Washing Powders

Raw material	Trade/chemical Name	Supplier	Amount (wt %)
Anionic surfactant	Na LAS	Cepsa Quimica	14.47
Silicate	Na Silicate	Rhodia	8.7
Carbonate	Na Carbonate	Solvay	12.3
Sulphate	Na Sulphate	MSM	33.1
Salt	Na Cl		0.55
Nonionic surfactant	Lutensol AO5	BASF	1.4
Zeolite	Zeolite A24	Ineos	1.3
Percarbonate	Q30	Evonik	15
Bleach activator (83 % granule)	Tetra Acetyl Ethylene Diamine (TAED)	Clariant	3.5
Protease	Protease	Novozyme	0.1
Lipase	Lipase	Novozyme	0.1
Mannanase	Mannanase	Novozyme	0.08
Shading dye	Acid Violet 50¹		See Table 1
Minors (antifoam, acid, sequestrant, etc)			to100%

¹AV50 (64 % active)

The washing powders were manufactured as follows:

A base powder was made by spray drying the bulk of the builders and surfactants. The remaining ingredients, including the shading dye were then post dosed in a drum mixer to form the final product.

Table 3: Composition of the Fabric Conditioners

Function	Raw Material/Trade Name	Supplier	Amount (wt %) (as 100% active)
Softener active	HT-TEAQ¹	Stepan	10.72
Stabiliser	Genapol C200²	Clariant	0.2
Co-active	Stenol 1618L³	Cognis	0.74
Shading dye	Acid Violet 50⁴		See Table 1
Fluorescer	Tinopal CBS SP slurry	Ciba	0.30
Perfume	-	IFF	0.86
Minors (preservative, antifoam, acid, pearlescser)	-	-	∼ 0.25
water	--	-	To 100

¹Hardened tallow triethanol ammonium methosulphate
²Coco alcohol ethoxylate 20EO
³C16/18 Fatty alcohol
⁴AV50 (64 % active)

The following method was used to prepare the fabric conditioners

1. The water was heated to about 60°C
2. The preservative and minors were then added to the water with stirring
3. The shading dye and fluorescer were then added to the water with stirring.
4. The softening active and fatty alcohol were melted together to form a co-melt.
5. The co-melt was then added to the heated water.
6. The acid was then added and the mixture allowed to cool to about 45°C.
7. The perfume was then added.
8. The resultant composition was then cooled

Example 2:- Treatment of Fabrics

Wash Conditions

Fabrics (3.0 kg of mixed monitors and fabrics, including white 85 % nylon 15 % elastane knickers) were washed with 120 g of washing powder (WP control or WP1) at 40°C in a front loading automatic washing machine (Miele Plus FLA). 55 ml of fabric conditioner (FC control, FC1, FC2 or FC3) was dispensed into the final rinse. At the end of the wash cycle the fabrics were dried in a domestic tumble dryer. This process was repeated to a total of 10 times using the same fabrics, in order to assess build-up effects.

The amounts of shading dye that the fabrics were exposed to during the treatment process is summarised in Table 4.

Table 4: Treatment conditions for Kit of Parts A-F - amount of shading dye (AV50) present in the washing powder and fabric conditioner component parts, and the total amount of shading dye in each kit of parts.

Kit of Parts	Washing Powder Component	Fabric Conditioner Component	AV50 (ppm) in wash powder (a)	AV50 (ppm) in fabric conditioner (b)	Total AV50 (ppm)	Ratio of (a):(b)
A	WP1	FC control	12	0	12	-
B	WP control	FC3	0	10	10	-
C	WP1	FC3	12	10	22	1.2:1
D	WP1	FC2	12	6	18	2:1
E	WP1	FC1	12	2	14	6:1
F	WP control	Water rinse only	0	0	0	-

Note: Water hardness was 26°FH and 2:1 Ca:Mg (Prenton)

Examples D and E are in accordance with the invention.

Example 3:- Whiteness of Treated Fabrics

The effect of the treatments detailed in Example 2 on the whiteness of the fabrics was measured.

Measurement of Whiteness

The whiteness of the fabrics was assessed by measuring the Ganz Whiteness values before and after treatment.
Ganz Whiteness is a parameter based on measured data, defining consumer preference on whiteness under standard illumination conditions.
The calculation of Ganz Whiteness and tint start from the reflectance (remission) spectrum of textiles. Spectral measurements are made using a Hunterlab Ultrascan XE with specular reflectance excluded and with a calibrated UV content in the incident light beam. The spectral data are converted to the CIE X, Y and Z tristimulus values employed in colour difference calculations using the standard Northern daylight illuminant D65 and the CIE 10 degree observer weighting functions.
The following formula are then used
Ganz Whiteness: $W = D * Y + P * (x_{n} - x) + Q * (y_{n} - n)$

In which: $x = / (X + Y + Z) and y = Y / (X + Y + Z)$

and in which x_n, y_n, D, P, Q, m and n are constants for D65 illumination and the standard 10° observer:

D = 1, P = -1868.322 , Q = -3695.69, n = 679 m = -964 (x_n = 0.313795, y_n = 0.330972)

The above formulas can be further simplified as follows: $Ganz Whiteness (W) = D * Y + P * x + Q * y + C$

in which constant C = 1809.441.
b* = CIE Lab colour space co-ordinates in the blue (-ve) to yellow (+ve) regions.

The results of the whiteness measurements are given in Table 5 below. A higher number indicates higher whiteness.

Table 5: Ganz Whiteness Trend (85% Nylon 15% Elastane knickers)

Kit of Parts	Ganz - Start	Ganz - 5 Washes	Ganz - 10 Washes
B	221.65	216.03	215.47
F	221.38	205.33	198.25
A	221.71	235.24	240.11
E	221.56	237.11	243.04
D	221.52	237.22	242.49
C	221.52	247.28	258.44

Whiteness has been reduced following treatment with kit of parts B and F, which is due to yellowing. As expected, F has lost more whiteness than B due to the absence of shading dye altogether.
Fabrics treated with kit of parts E and D show an improvement in whiteness over fabric treated with kit of parts A.
Kit of parts C gives a big improvement in whiteness.
The same fabrics were then measured for blueness. The results of the blueness measurements are given in Table 6 below. The more negative the number, the higher the blueness of the fabric. A level of blueness of about - 2.0 or more (i.e. more negative) indicates a level of bluing that is unacceptable to the consumer. Table 6: Blueness (b*) Trend (85% Nylon 15% Elastane knickers)

Product b* - Start b* - 5 Washes b* - 10 Washes

B 2.12 1.61 1.69

F 2.27 2.83 3.31

A 2.08 -0.43 -0.90

E 2.22 -0.81 -1.37

D 2.17 -0.73 -1.13

C 2.28 -1.74 -2.87
It will be seen that over-blueing has occurred as a result of treatment with kit of parts C but, surprisingly, not D or E.
These results show that treatment of fabric with kits of parts D and E, in accordance with the invention, leads to significantly improved whiteness, without over blueing.

Claims

A kit of parts for treating fabrics comprising:
a) a fabric wash composition comprising a first shading dye in an amount of from 0.1 to 100 ppm and an anionic cleaning surfactant; and

b) a fabric treatment composition comprising a second shading dye in an amount of up to 9 ppm, preferably from 0.5 to 8 ppm and a fabric conditioning active;
wherein the total amount of shading dye present in the fabric wash composition and the fabric treatment composition is in the range of from 0.2 to 105 ppm; and wherein the ratio of the first shading dye to the second shading dye is in the range of from 1.5:1 to 50:1, and wherein the first shading dye and the second shading dye are acid violet 50,
with a direction that the fabric wash composition and the fabric treatment composition are used together.
A kit of parts as claimed in claim 1, wherein the ratio of the first shading to the second shading dye is from 1.5:1 to 12:1.
A kit of parts as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the first shading dye is present in an amount of from 3 to 17 ppm.
A kit of parts as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the second shading dye is present in an amount of from 4 to 7 ppm.
A kit of parts as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the total amount of shading dye present in both the fabric wash composition and the fabric treatment composition is in the range of from 10 to 25 ppm.
A kit of parts as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the fabric conditioning active is a quaternary ammonium compound.
A kit of parts as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the fabric wash composition further comprises a non-ionic surfactant.
A kit of parts as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the anionic cleaning surfactant is present in an amount of from 0.5 to 50 wt %, preferably from 1 to 40 wt %, more preferably from 2 to 35 wt % and most preferably from 5 to 25 wt %, based on the total weight of the fabric wash composition.
A kit of parts as claimed in an preceding claim, wherein the fabric treatment active is present In an amount of from 0.5 to 35 wt%, preferably from 1 to 30 wt 5, more preferably from 2 to 25 wt % and most preferably from 3 to 20 wt %, based on the total weight of the fabric treatment composition.
Use of a kit of parts, as defined in any one of claims 1 to 9 to improve whitening of fabrics without over-colouring.