EP3519546A1

EP3519546A1 - Laundry composition

Info

Publication number: EP3519546A1
Application number: EP17768719.1A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Martin Charles Crossman; Belinda Fay DAWSON; Christopher Clarkson Jones; Nicki Elizabeth MILLIGAN
Original assignee: Unilever PLC; Unilever NV
Current assignee: Unilever PLC; Unilever NV
Priority date: 2016-09-29
Filing date: 2017-09-06
Publication date: 2019-08-07
Anticipated expiration: 2037-09-06
Also published as: CN109790493B; ZA201901039B; CN109790493A; AR109741A1; EP3519546B1; WO2018059892A1; BR112019005657A2

Abstract

A laundry composition comprising 0.01 to 5 w.t. % anionic silicone and a perfume, wherein the anionic groups(s) on the anionic silicone are located in pendent positions on the silicone and the anionic silicone and perfume are pre-mixed prior to addition to the base laundry composition. A method of producing the laundry composition comprising the steps of: - Preparing a pre-mix of anionic silicone and perfume - Adding the pre-mix to a base laundry composition. Use of the laundry composition to improve the perfume intensity of the laundry composition.

Description

LAUNDRY COMPOSITION

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to laundry compositions with an intense fragrance experience. In particular laundry compositions comprising silicone and a perfume.

Background of the Invention

Consumers of laundry products desire enhanced fragrance experience both during and after the laundry process. Fragrance is often conceived as an indicator of efficacy of a laundry product. Manufacturers constantly strive to improve consumer fragrance experiences. US 2003 0212232 (The Procter and Gamble Company) discloses that dicarboxy functionalized polyorganosiloxanes can be used in home care formulations, particularly in cleaning, rinsing or care compositions ... targeted at conferring on the above surfaces benefits such as ...improving the residuality, impact and or efficacy of active materials comprised in said compositions on the surfaces treated therewith. It is further disclosed that among the other common additive and/or active agents which are part of the formulation includes perfumes.

US 2007 0225198 (The Procter & Gamble Company) discloses fabric laundering compositions comprising selected organiosilicones which are formulated into microemulsions for improved deposition onto fabrics to provide fabric care benefits. The compositions comprise an

organosilicone and another laundry adjunct material, which may be a perfume.

US 2002 0148994 (Givaudan SA) discloses a fabric composition which provides long-lasting fragrance retention, malodour reduction, and wrinkle abatement. This composition includes a water soluble silicone, a fragrance composition and an aqueous carrier containing an emulsifier.

Although these disclosures present compositions with improved fabric care and fragrance retention, there remains a need to further improve the fragrance experience of a consumer particularly the intensity of the post wash fragrance experience. Summary of the Invention

In one embodiment of the invention is provided a laundry composition comprising an anionic silicone and a perfume, wherein the anionic groups(s) on the anionic silicone are located in pendent positions on the silicone and the anionic silicone and perfume are pre-mixed prior to addition to the base laundry composition.

In another embodiment is provided a method of producing the laundry composition of any proceeding claim comprising the steps of:

Preparing a pre-mix of anionic silicone and perfume

Adding the pre-mix to a base laundry composition.

In another embodiment is provided a use of the laundry composition according to any preceding claim to improve the perfume intensity of the laundry composition.

Detailed Description of the Invention Anionic Silicone Silicones and their chemistry are described in, for example in The Encyclopaedia of Polymer Science, volume 11 , p765.

The anionic group(s) on the anionic silicones of the present invention are located in pendent positions on the silicone i.e. the composition comprises anionic silicones wherein the anionic group is located in a position other than at the end of the silicone chain. The terms 'terminal position' and

'at the end of the silicone chain' are used to indicate the terminus of the silicone chain.

When the silicones are linear in nature, there are two ends to the silicone chain. In this case the anionic silicone preferably contains no anionic groups located on a terminal position of the silicone. When the silicones are branched in nature, the terminal position is deemed to be the two ends of the longest linear silicone chain. Preferably, no anionic functionality is not located on the terminus of the longest linear silicone chain.

Preferred anionic silicones are those that comprise the anionic group at a mid-chain position on the silicone. Preferably the anionic group(s) of the anionic silicone are located at least five Si atoms from a terminal position on the silicone. Preferably, the anionic groups are distributed randomly along the silicone chain.

Examples of anionic silicones suitable for the current invention include silicones comprising the following functionalities; carboxylic, sulphate, sulphonic, phosphate and/or phosphonate functionality.

Preferably, the anionic silicones of the current invention comprise silicones having a functionality selected from; carboxylic, sulphate, sulphonic, phosphate and/or phosphonate functionality or mixtures thereof. More preferably, the anionic silicone of the present invention comprises carboxyl functionality. Most preferably, the anionic silicone of the current invention is a carboxyl silicone. For the purposes of the current invention, the anionic silicone may be in the form of the acid or the anion. For example for a carboxyl functionalised silicone, may be present as a carboxylic acid or carboxylate anion.

An example of a commercially available material is: X22-3701 E from Shin Etsu and Pelosil PS-100 from Pheonix Chemical.

Preferably, the anionic silicone has a molecular weight of from 1 ,000 to 100,000, more preferably from 2,000 to 50,000 even more preferably from 5,000 to 50,000.

Preferably, the anionic silicone has an anionic group content of at least 1 mol%, preferably at least 2 mol%. The silicone composition of the current invention may be in the form of an emulsion, oil or as a silicone fluid. In a preferred embodiment the silicone is in the form of a silicone fluid.

When the silicone is in an emulsion, the particle size can be in the range from about 1 nm to 100 microns and preferably from about 10 nm to about 10 microns including microemulsions (< 150 nm), standard emulsions (about 200 nm to about 500 nm) and macroemulsions (about 1 micron to about 20 microns).

Laundry compositions according to the current invention preferably comprise anionic silicone at a level of 0.01 to 5 w.t % of the formulation, more preferably 0.1 to 2.5 w.t. % of the formulation. Perfume

A perfume according to the present invention is defined as a composition comprising top, middle and bottom notes. A perfume composition according to the present invention comprises 3-300 different perfume ingredient. Preferably, the perfume comprises more than 4, more preferably more than 5, most preferably more than 6 different perfume ingredients, with an upper limit of 300 perfume ingredients.

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.

Particularly preferred perfume ingredients are blooming perfume ingredients and substantive perfume ingredients. Blooming perfume ingredients are defined by a boiling point less than 250°C and a LogP greater than 2.5. Substantive perfume ingredients are defined by a boiling point greater than 250°C and a LogP greater than 2.5. Preferably, a perfume composition will comprise a mixture of blooming and substantive perfume ingredients. The perfume composition may comprise other perfume ingredients. The perfume composition may comprise other perfume ingredients for example pro fragrances.

The laundry composition of the present invention preferably comprises 0.01 to 20 w.t. % perfume, more preferable 0.25 to 15 w.t. % perfume, most preferably 0.1 to 10 w.t. % perfume.

Perfume and anionic silicone pre-mix

The perfume and anionic silicone are premixed prior to addition to the laundry composition. The mix may comprise silicone fluid and perfume, silicone oil and perfume or silicone emulsion and perfume.

The premix may be homogeneous or non-homogeneous. ln a preferred embodiment the perfume and anionic silicone form an emulsion. The emulsion does not require an emulsifier, however in some embodiments an emulsifier may be present. Examples of suitable emulsifiers include anionic and non-ionic surfactants. In a more preferred embodiment the pre-mix is in the form of an emulsion formed from silicone fluid and perfume.

Perfume: silicone ratio In laundry compositions of the present invention the ratio of perfume to anionic silicone is preferably 20:1 to 1 :10. More preferably, the ration of perfume to anionic silicone is 20:1 to 1 :1.

Laundry compositions By laundry composition is meant any composition which may be used during the laundry process. For example a pre-treatment, a composition for the main wash (including detergent compositions and auxiliary compositions for additional benefits), a rinse added product such as a fabric softening composition, a post wash treatment or a refresh spray. The compositions may be in any physical form e.g. a solid such as a powder or granules, a tablet, a solid bar, a paste, gel or liquid.

The active ingredient in the compositions is preferably a surface active agent or a fabric softening agent. More than one active ingredient may be included and for some applications a mixture of active ingredients may be used. For example, a main wash product may include a fabric softening agent and the rinse added product may include a surface active agent. In a preferred embodiment the composition is a main wash or rinse add product comprising a fabric softening agent.

Main wash product

Detergent compositions of the invention may suitably comprise: (a) from 5 to 60 wt percent, preferably from 10 to 40 wt percent, of organic surfactant,

(b) optionally from 5 to 80 wt percent, preferably from 10 to 60 w percent, of detergency builder,

(c) optionally other detergent ingredients to 100 wt percent.

The detergent compositions of the invention may contain a surface-active compound (surfactant) which may be chosen from soap and non-soap anionic, cationic, non-ionic, amphoteric and zwitterionic surface-active compounds and mixtures thereof. Many suitable surface-active compounds are available and are fully described in the literature, for example, in "Surface-Active Agents and Detergents", Volumes I and II, by Schwartz, Perry and Berch. The preferred detergent-active compounds that can be used are soaps and synthetic non-soap anionic and non-ionic compounds.

The compositions of the invention may contain linear alkylbenzene sulphonate, particularly linear alkylbenzene sulphonates having an alkyl chain length of C8-C15. It is preferred if the level of linear alkylbenzene sulphonate is from 0 wt percent to 30 wt percent, more preferably 1 wt percent to 25 wt percent, most preferably from 2 wt percent to 15 wt percent.

The compositions of the invention may contain other anionic surfactants in amounts additional to the percentages quoted above. Suitable anionic surfactants are well-known to those skilled in the art. Examples include primary and secondary alkyl sulphates, particularly C8-C15 primary alkyl sulphates; alkyl ether sulphates; olefin sulphonates; alkyl xylene sulphonates; dialkyl

sulphosuccinates; and fatty acid ester sulphonates. Sodium salts are generally preferred.

The compositions of the invention may also contain non-ionic surfactant. Nonionic surfactants that may be used include the primary and secondary alcohol ethoxylates, especially the C8-C20 aliphatic alcohols ethoxylated with an average of from 1 to 20 moles of ethylene oxide per mole of alcohol, and more especially the C10-C15 primary and secondary aliphatic alcohols ethoxylated with an average of from 1 to 10 moles of ethylene oxide per mole of alcohol. Non-ethoxylated nonionic surfactants include alkylpolyglycosides, glycerol monoethers, and polyhydroxyamides (glucamide). It is preferred if the level of non-ionic surfactant is from 0 wt percent to 30 wt percent, preferably from 1 wt percent to 25 wt percent, most preferably from 2 wt percent to 15 wt percent.

It is also possible to include certain mono-alkyl cationic surfactants which can be used in main-wash compositions for fabrics. Cationic surfactants that may be used include quaternary ammonium salts of the general formula R1 R2R3R4N+ X- wherein the R groups are long or short hydrocarbon chains, typically alkyl, hydroxyalkyl or ethoxylated alkyl groups, and X is a counter-ion (for example, compounds in which R1 is a C8-C22 alkyl group, preferably a C8-C10 or C12-C14 alkyl group, R2 is a methyl group, and R3 and R4, which may be the same or different, are methyl or hydroxyethyl groups); and cationic esters (for example, choline esters).

The choice of surface-active compound (surfactant), and the amount present, will depend on the intended use of the detergent composition. In fabric washing compositions, different surfactant systems may be chosen, as is well known to the skilled formulator, for handwashing products and for products intended for use in different types of washing machine.

Detergent compositions suitable for use in most automatic fabric washing machines generally contain anionic non-soap surfactant, or non-ionic surfactant, or combinations of the two in any suitable ratio, optionally together with soap.

Fabric softening agent

Any conventional fabric softening agent may be used in the compositions of the present invention. The softening agents may be cationic or non-ionic. They may for example, be used in amounts from 3 percent to 35 percent, preferably from 4 percent to 30 percent more preferably from 5 percent to 25 percent by weight of the composition.

The softening active for use in rinse conditioner compositions of the invention is preferably a quaternary ammonium compound (QAC). The preferred quaternary ammonium compounds for use in compositions of the present invention are the so called "ester quats" comprising an ester link. Particularly preferred materials are the ester-linked triethanolamine (TEA) quaternary ammonium compounds comprising a mixture of mono- di- and tri-ester linked components. Most preferably the ester-linked quaternary ammonium compound is an ester-linked triethanolamine quaternary ammonium compound comprising unsaturated fatty chains. Typically, TEA-based fabric softening actives 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 %, e.g. 55 %, or 45 % of the fabric softening compound and at least 10 % of the monoester linked component, for example 11 % monoester. A preferred hardened type of active has a typical mono:di:tri ester distribution of from 18 to 22 monoester: from 58 to 62 diester: from 18 to 22 triester; for example 20:60:20. A soft TEA quat may have a typical mono:di:tri ester distribution of from 25 to 45 %, preferably from 30 to 40 % monoester: from 45 to 60 %, preferably from 50 to 55 % diester: and from 5 to 25 %, preferably from 10 to 15 % triester; for example 40:50:10.

A first group of quaternary ammonium compounds (QACs) suitable for use in the present invention is represented by formula (I):

[(CH₂)_n(TR)]_m

I

^-^-[(CHz^OH^ X- (I) wherein each R is independently selected from a C535 alkyl or alkenyl group; R¹ represents a C1-4 alkyl, C2-4 alkenyl or a C1-4 hydroxyalkyl group; T is generally O-CO. (i.e. an ester group bound to R via its carbon atom), but may alternatively be CO (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 counter-ion, 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 methylsulfate, 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 Evonik. Also suitable are soft quaternary ammonium actives such as Stepantex VK90, Stepantex VT90, SP88 (ex-Stepan), Ceca Noramine, 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).

A second group of QACs suitable for use in the invention is represented by formula (II):

(R¹)3N⁺-(CH₂)n-CH-TR² X- (II)

I

CH₂TR² wherein each R¹ group is independently selected from C1-4 alkyl, hydroxyalkyl or C2-4alkenyl groups; and wherein each R² group is independently selected from C&.28 alkyl or alkenyl groups; and wherein n, T, and X^" are as defined above.

Preferred materials of this second group include 1 ,2 t)/s[tallowoyloxy]-3-trimethylammonium propane chloride, 1 ,2 fc>/s[hardened tallowoyloxy]-3-trimethylammonium propane chloride, 1 ,2- t)/s[oleoyloxy]-3-trimethylammonium propane chloride, and 1 ,2 fc>/s[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 rT- ¾ X- (III) wherein each R¹ group is independently selected from C1-4 alkyl, or C2-4 alkenyl groups; and wherein each R² group is independently selected from C&.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 and hardened versions thereof.

The iodine value of the quaternary ammonium fabric softening 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 fatty acid used to produce the QAC, 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 may be a non-ester quaternary ammonium material represented by formula (IV):

R

15

R N R X (IV)

R wherein each R¹ group is independently selected from C-M alkyl, hydroxyalkyl or C2-4 alkenyl groups; each R² group is independently selected from C&.28 alkyl or alkenyl groups, and X^"is as defined above.

It is advantageous if the quaternary ammonium material is biologically biodegradable.

Other useful cationic softening agents are alkyl pyridinium salts and substituted imidazoline species. Also useful are primary, secondary and tertiary amines and the condensation products of fatty acids with alkylpolyamines.

The compositions may alternatively or additionally contain water-soluble cationic fabric softeners, as described in GB 2 039 556B (Unilever).

The compositions may comprise a cationic fabric softening compound and an oil, for example as disclosed in EP-A-0829531.

The compositions may alternatively or additionally contain nonionic fabric softening agents such as lanolin and derivatives thereof. Lecithins and other phospholipids are also suitable softening compounds.

In fabric softening compositions nonionic stabilising agent may be present. Suitable nonionic stabilising agents may be present such as linear Cs to C22 alcohols alkoxylated with 10 to 20 moles of alkylene oxide, C10 to C20 alcohols, or mixtures thereof. Other stabilising agents include the deflocculating polymers as described in EP 0415698A2 and EP 0458599 B1.

Advantageously the nonionic stabilising agent is a linear Cs to C22 alcohol alkoxylated with 10 to 20 moles of alkylene oxide. Preferably, the level of nonionic stabiliser is within the range from 0.1 to 10 percent by weight, more preferably from 0.5 to 5 percent by weight, most preferably from 1 to 4 percent by weight. The mole ratio of the quaternary ammonium compound and/or other cationic softening agent to the nonionic stabilising agent is suitably within the range from 40:1 to about 1 :1 , preferably within the range from 18:1 to about 3:1.

The composition can also contain fatty acids, for example Cs to C24 alkyl or alkenyl monocarboxylic acids or polymers thereof. Preferably saturated fatty acids are used, in particular, hardened tallow C16 to C18 fatty acids. Preferably the fatty acid is non-saponified, more preferably the fatty acid is free, for example oleic acid, lauric acid or tallow fatty acid. The level of fatty acid material is preferably more than 0.1 percent by weight, more preferably more than 0.2 percent by weight. Concentrated compositions may comprise from 0.5 to 20 percent by weight of fatty acid, more preferably 1 percent to 10 percent by weight. The weight ratio of quaternary ammonium material or other cationic softening agent to fatty acid material is preferably from 10:1 to 1 :10. Other polymers

The compositions may comprise one or more polymers, these may be in addition to a detergent or fabric softening agent or an alternative to these. The polymers suitable for use in the composition include cleaning polymers, viscosity control polymers, structuring polymers and polymers for colour and garment care. Preferred polymers include ethoxylated polyethylene imine (available as

Sokalan HP20 ex. BASF) and/or polyester soil release polymers. Preferably the detergent liquid further comprises at least 0.5 wt% ethoxylated polyethylene imine polymer. For example polyester soil release polymers and ethoxylated polyethylene imine. Deposition polymer

The laundry composition of the present invention preferably comprises a cationic deposition polymer.

The cationic polymer may be naturally derived or synthetic. Examples of suitable cationic polymers include: acrylate polymers, cationic amino resins, cationic urea resins, and cationic polysaccharides, including: cationic celluloses, cationic guars and cationic starches.

Preferably the cationic polymer is selected from; cationic polysaccharides and acrylate polymers. More preferably the deposition polymer is a cationic polysaccharide.

The molecular weight of the cationic polymer is preferably greater than 50 000 g mol, more preferably greater than 100 000 g/mol. The molecular weight is preferably less than 5000 000 g/mol.

Other optional ingredients

The compositions of the present invention may comprise other ingredients suitable for laundry compositions as will be known to the person skilled in the art. Among such materials there may be mentioned: antifoams, other free perfumes, encapsulated perfumes and fragrances, insect repellents, shading or hueing dyes, preservatives (e.g. bactericides), enzymes, dye transfer inhibitors, pH buffering agents, perfume carriers, hydrotropes, anti-redeposition agents, soil-release agents, softening agents, polyelectrolytes, anti-shrinking agents, anti-wrinkle agents, anti-oxidants, dyes, colorants, fluorescent agents, sunscreens, anti-corrosion agents, drape imparting agents, antistatic agents, sequestrants and ironing aids. The products of the invention may contain pearlisers and/or opacifiers. A preferred sequestrant is HEDP, an abbreviation for Etidronic acid or 1- hydroxyethane 1 ,1-diphosphonic acid. Method of production

The laundry composition according to the claims of the present invention may be prepared by the following method:

- Preparing a pre-mix of anionic silicone and perfume

Adding the pre-mix to a base laundry composition.

Preferably the pre-mix is prepared as an emulsion. The emulsion may be with or without an emulsifier.

Use of the present invention

The laundry composition according to the claims of the present invention may be used for improving the perfume intensity of the laundry composition.

Examples

Example 1 : Compatibility

The compatibility of various silicones and fragrances were accessed in the laundry product Base #1.

Table 1 : Composition of base #1

Base #1

Ingredient (w.t % active)

LAS acid 6.4

Neodol 25_7¹ 9.5

SLES 3EO 3.1

Glycerol 1.0

NAOH 1.2

triethanolamine 1.8

Citric acid 0.9

Fatty acid 1.0

Phosphonate 0.2

Ucare LR400² 0.15

Minors minor

Water To 100 Neodol 25_7¹ - C12-C15 alcohol ethoxylate with 7 moles of ethylene oxide

Ucare LR400² - cationic polymer ex. The Dow Chemical Company Base #1 is a clear composition.

Fragrance A - D are proprietary perfumes used in Unilever laundry products which are commercially available. Fragrances A-D all comprise top middle and bottom notes and comprise 3- 300 different perfume ingredients.

All Fragrances A - D produce a clear composition when added to Base #1

Silicone A - Polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) 1000 Cst

Silicone B - X-22-162C difunctional carboxylic silicone ex. Shin-Etsu

Silicone C - Carboxysilicone ex. Wacker, according to the invention

Silicone D - TEGOMER® C-Si 2342 ex. Evonik

Silicone E - Carboxysilicone ex. Dow Coming, according to the invention

Silicone A has no carboxy groups, Silicone B has terminal carboxy groups, Silicone C-E have pendent carboxy groups.

All Silicones A - E produce a cloudy composition when added as non-aqueous silicone fluids (ie not as a silicone emulsion) to Base #1

Method

Water and hydrotropes were mixed together at ambient temperature (approximately 22°C) for 2-3 minutes at a shear rate of 150 rpm using a Janke & Kunkel IKA RW20 overhead mixer. Salts and alkalis were added and mixed for 5 minutes prior to addition of surfactants and fatty acid. After allowing to cool to <30°C, Ucare LR400 (cationic polymer) was added as an aqueous solution, and any remaining components such as preservatives and dyes.

The fragrance and silicone where added to the base either sequentially or pre-mixed together in an emulsion. The silicone and fragrance emulsions only contained the silicone fluid and fragrance, no carriers or emulsifiers were present. All runs comprised:

- 50g of base #1

0.33g of fragrance

0.2g of Silicone

Table 2: Results of compatibility test

Table 2 demonstrates that a premix of certain silicones and a fragrance provides a clear final composition whereas sequential addition of these components leads to a hazy final composition. The silicone and fragrance mixes which provide a clear final compositions are those with carboxy groups in a pendent position on the silicone. Example 2: Perfume intensity

Method of production of formulation: Water and hydrotropes were mixed together at ambient temperature (approximately 22°C) for 2-3 minutes at a shear rate of 150 rpm using a Janke & Kunkel IKA RW20 overhead mixer. Salts and alkalis were added and mixed for 5 minutes prior to addition of surfactants and fatty acid. After allowing to cool to <30°C, Ucare LR400 (cationic polymer) was added as an aqueous solution, and any remaining components such as preservatives and dyes.

Formulations with a number are according to the invention, formulations with a letter are comparative.

Table 3: Composition of Base #2

The silicone and fragrance were added to Base #2 sequentially and as a blend as shown in Table 2. The silicone fluid and fragrance blends were prepared by mixing at ambient temperature (approximately 22°C) for 5-10 minutes at a shear rate of 100 rpm using a Janke & Kunkel I KA RW20 overhead mixer. The blends did not contain an emulsifier (eg an anionic or nonionic surfactant).

Both the individual components and the blend of silicone and fragrance were added directly to Base #2.

Table 4: Silicone and Fragrance Compositions

Fragrance³ - Fragrance B as above

Silicone emulsion⁴ - Silicone C above, prepared as an emulsion with tergitol TMN-6

Silicone fluid⁵ - Silicone C as above

The silicone fluid and fragrance form an emulsion. Wash experiment and panel test:

The laundry detergent compositions where tested in Computer Controlled Miele Machines, model no. W1613. The machines were programmed to a 40°C cotton cycle with 3 rinses. The water hardness was 26° FH (3:1 Calcium:Magnesium ratio).

A 1 ½ kg ballast load comprising of Polycotton sheeting (approx size 50x100cm) and 35 Terry Towelling Squares (20x20cm size) were added to the machine drum. The towelling squares were mixed in with the sheeting in a random order within the drum. 35g of the laundry detergent composition was added to the drum via a dosing ball, door was closed and then the machine set to wash. When the wash finished the load was removed from the machine. The terry towelling squares were separated and line dried on racks overnight. The sheeting was tumble dried. The washing and drying process is repeated again to achieve 5 washes with drying.

After 5 cycles, the Terry Towelling Squares where line dried for 24 hours and then used for the panel tests. The panellists had all undergone olfactive screening to ensure suitability for an olfactive assessment.

The 'paired comparison' sensory technique was used for the perfume intensity trial. Two dry test cloths and 1 blank control cloth were presented to each participant. Test samples were presented in a randomised order, with the control cloth always being presented after the 1st and before the 2nd test cloths. The participants were asked to pick up the first test cloth (e.g. A1 ) in both hands and instructed to gently manipulate it close to their nose, noting how intense the perfume was. The participant was then instructed to pick up the blank cloth and treat it in the same way. Lastly the participant picked up the second of the test cloth (e.g. A2), manipulating it close to the nose and judge if it was more or less intense than the first test cloth.

Table 5 - Results of Perfume Intensity Trial

The results show that in every case the towels with the silicone emulsion and fragrance premixed are selected as more intense smelling by significantly more panellists than the non-premixed composition. This is despite the fact that the compositions contain the same quantity of fragrance.

Claims

1. A laundry composition comprising 0.01 to 5 w.t. % anionic silicone and a perfume, wherein the anionic groups(s) on the anionic silicone are located in pendent positions on the silicone and the anionic silicone and perfume are pre-mixed prior to addition to the base laundry composition.

2. A laundry composition according to claim 1 , wherein the laundry composition further

comprises a cationic deposition polymer.

3. A laundry composition according to claim 2, where in the cationic deposition polymer

comprises a cationic polysaccharide.

A laundry composition according to any preceding claim, wherein the anionic silicone is a silicone fluid.

A laundry composition according to any preceding claim, wherein the anionic silicone comprise functionality selected from: carboxylic, sulphate, sulphonic, phosphate and/or phosphonate functionality or mixtures thereof.

A laundry composition according to any preceding claim, wherein the anionic silicone comprise carboxyl functionality.

A laundry composition according to any preceding claim, wherein the anionic silicone has a molecular weight of from 1 ,000 to 100,000.

A laundry composition according to any preceding claim, wherein the anionic silicone has at least 1 mol % functionality.

A laundry composition according to any preceding claim, wherein the anionic silicone and perfume pre-mix forms an emulsion.

10. A laundry composition according to any preceding claim, wherein the laundry composition comprises 0.01 to 20 w.t. % perfume.

11. A laundry composition according to any preceding claim, wherein the ratio of perfume to anionic silicone is 20:1 to 1 :10.

12. A method of producing the laundry composition of any proceeding claim comprising the steps of:

Preparing a pre-mix of anionic silicone and perfume

Adding the pre-mix to a base laundry composition.

13. Use of the laundry composition according to any preceding claim to improve the perfume intensity of the laundry composition.