EP4359502A1

EP4359502A1 - Laundry composition

Info

Publication number: EP4359502A1
Application number: EP22731175.0A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Jiemin GE; Na Xu
Original assignee: Unilever Global IP Ltd; Unilever IP Holdings BV
Current assignee: Unilever Global IP Ltd; Unilever IP Holdings BV
Priority date: 2021-06-21
Filing date: 2022-05-30
Publication date: 2024-05-01
Also published as: WO2022268446A1; CN117545832A

Abstract

A laundry composition is disclosed comprising a plurality of particles, wherein the particle comprises from 30 to 95% by weight of polyethylene glycol having a weight average molecular weight of 4,000 to 20,000 g/mol; and a quaternary ammonium compound having a structure represented by formula (I): (R1)(R2)N+(R3)(R4) X- (I) wherein each of R1 and R2 is independently a linear or branched C1-C4 alkyl group; each of R3 and R4 is independently a linear or branched C16 to C22 alkyl or alkenyl group; X- is a halide or alkyl sulfate, preferably chloride or methylsulfate.

Description

LAUNDRY COMPOSITION

Technical Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a laundry composition comprising a plurality of particles which comprise polyethylene glycol as a carrier and softening actives.

Background of the Invention

A wide variety of laundry products are available in the market, including detergents, fabric softeners or enhancers, stain removers and bleach. Fabric softener is a popular household cleaning product that is used to reduce harshness in clothes that are dried in air after washing. Fabric softeners typically coat the surface of a fabric with substances that are electrically charged, causing threads to “stand up” from the surface and thereby imparting a softer and fluffier texture.

A typical laundry cycle can be divided in sub-cycles of washing, rinsing and drying. Most current softening agents used in home fabric softener are either liquid compositions that are released from a special compartment of the washing machine during the rinsing step or softening sheets that are manually introduced during the drying step.

Fabric softeners comprising cationic softening actives are usually not suitable to be applied during the washing cycle of laundry washing together with a laundry detergent because undesirable interactions will occur between the cationic softening active and anionic surfactants in the detergent, which leads to little or no softening benefit and even affects the cleaning performance of the laundry detergent.

WO 2020/117643 relates to a composition comprising a plurality of particles, said plurality of particles comprising: about 25% to about 94% by weight a water soluble carrier; about 5% to about 45% by weight a quaternary ammonium compound; and about 0.5% to about 10% by weight a cationic polymer; wherein said plurality of particles comprises individual particles; wherein each individual particles has a mass from about 1 mg to about 1 g; and wherein said individual particles each have a density less than about 0.98 g/cm³. WO 2019/025244 relates to a composition comprising a plurality of particles, said particles comprising: about 25% to about 94% by weight a water soluble carrier; about 5% to about 45% by weight a quaternary ammonium compound; about 1% to about 40% by weight a fatty acid; and about 0.5% to about 10% by weight a cationic polymer; wherein each of said particles has a mass from about 1 mg to about 1 g.

US 2019/0169539A1 relates to a composition comprising a plurality of particles, the plurality of particles including about 25% to about 94% by weight a water soluble carrier; about 5% to about 45% by weight a quaternary ammonium compound; and about 0.5% to about 10% by weight a cationic polymer; wherein the plurality of particles comprises individual particles that comprises at least one of the quaternary ammonium compound and the cationic polymer; wherein the individual particles differ from one another in weight fraction of at least one of the quaternary ammonium compound and the cationic polymer; and wherein the individual particles each have a mass from about 1 mg to about 1g.

WO 2020/006346A1 relates to solid laundry fabric softening compositions combining quaternary dialkyl actives with low iodine values and silicone provide softness without causing any significant yellowing or loss of water absorption or wicking to the treated linen.

Therefore, there remains a need to provide a composition which can be applied in the washing cycle of laundry washing with a laundry detergent to provide excellent softening benefit without compromising the cleaning performance of the detergent.

Summary of the Invention

In a first aspect, the present invention is directed to a composition comprising a plurality of particles, wherein the particles comprise: a) from 30 to 95% by weight of polyethylene glycol having a weight average molecular weight of 4,000 to 20,000; and b) a quaternary ammonium compound having a structure represented by formula (I):

(R¹)(R²)N⁺(R³)(R⁴) X- (I) wherein each of R¹ and R² is independently a C₁-C₄ alkyl group; each of R³ and R⁴ is independently a linear or branched C₁₆ to C₂₂ alkyl or alkenyl group;

X is a halide or alkyl sulfate, preferably chloride or methylsulfate.

In a second aspect, the present invention is directed to use of the composition of any embodiment of the first aspect to provide a softening benefit to laundered fabrics during the laundry process.

All other aspects of the present invention will more readily become apparent upon considering the detailed description and examples which follow.

Detailed Description of the Invention

Except in the examples, or where otherwise explicitly indicated, all numbers in this description indicating amounts of material or conditions of reaction, physical properties of materials and/or use may optionally be understood as modified by the word “about”.

All amounts are by weight of the composition, unless otherwise specified.

It should be noted that in specifying any range of values, any particular upper value can be associated with any particular lower value.

For the avoidance of doubt, the word “comprising” is intended to mean “including” but not necessarily “consisting of” or “composed of’. In other words, the listed steps or options need not be exhaustive.

The disclosure of the invention as found herein is to be considered to cover all embodiments as found in the claims as being multiply dependent upon each other irrespective of the fact that claims may be found without multiple dependency or redundancy.

Where a feature is disclosed with respect to a particular aspect of the invention (for example a composition of the invention), such disclosure is also to be considered to apply to any other aspect of the invention (for example a method of the invention) mutatis mutandis. The composition of the present invention can be used as a conventional softening composition after the washing cycle, but it is particularly suited for use during the washing sub-cycle of a laundry cycle.

Polyethylene Glycol (PEG)

The particles of the present invention comprise polyethylene glycol (PEG). PEG comes in various weight average molecular weights. The PEG employed in the particles has a weight average molecular weight of from 4,000 to 20,000 g/mol, preferably from 5,000 to 18,000 g/mol, more preferably from 6,000 to 15,000 g/mol and most preferably from 7,000 to 13,000 g/mol. Non-limiting examples of suitable PEG are: Polyglycol 8000 ex Clariant and Pluriol 8000 ex BASF.

The particles of the present invention comprise no less than 30% by weight of PEG, preferably more than 40% of PEG, more preferably more than 50% of PEG and most preferably more than 60% of PEG by weight of the particle. The particles of the present invention comprise no more than 95% by weight of PEG, preferably less than 85% of PEG, more preferably less than 75% of PEG and most preferably less than 70% of PEG by weight of the particles. Suitably the particles comprise 30 to 95% of PEG, preferably 40 to 85% of PEG, more preferably 50 to 75% by weight of the particles.

Quaternary ammonium compound

The particles comprise a quaternary ammonium compound having a structure represented by formula (I):

(R¹)(R²)N⁺(R³)(R⁴) X- (I) wherein each of R¹ and R² is independently a linear or branched C1-C4 alkyl group; each of R³ and R⁴ is independently a linear or branched C16 to C22 alkyl or alkenyl group, X is a halide or alkyl sulfate, preferably chloride or methylsulfate.

Preferably, each of R¹ and R² independently is a linear C1-C4 alkyl, more preferably a methyl or ethyl group, most preferably a methyl group. Preferably, each of R³ and R⁴ is a linear Cie to C22 alkyl or alkenyl group.

It is especially preferred that each of R³ and R⁴ independently is a linear Cie to C22 alkyl group.

Preferably, R³ and R⁴are identical groups.

The quaternary ammonium compound preferably comprises dimethyldioctadecylammonium halide, dimethyldihexadecylammonium halide, dimethyldidocosylammonium halide, dimethyldieicosylammonium halide or combinations thereof. The counter ion is preferably chloride.

It is particularly preferred that the quaternary ammonium compound is dimethyldioctadecylammonium chloride.

The particles of the present invention preferably comprise from 0.1 to 50% by weight of the quaternary ammonium compound, more preferably from 1 to 40%, more preferably still from 5 to 35% and most preferably 10 to 30%.

The combination of the PEG and the quaternary ammonium compound preferably makes up at least 70%, more preferably at least 80% by weight of the particles.

The particles may comprise other quaternary ammonium compounds in addition to the quaternary ammonium compound having a structure represented by formula (I). A preferred class of quaternary ammonium compound are 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 wt.% of the fabric softening compound, preferably no more than 60 wt.% e.g. no more than 55%, or even no more that 45% of the fabric softening compound and at least 10 wt.% of the monoester linked component. A first group of suitable quaternary ammonium compound is represented by formula (II):

[(CH₂)_n(TR)]_m

I

R¹-N⁺-[(CH₂)n(OH)]_3-m XT

(II) wherein each R is independently selected from a Cs to C35 alkyl or alkenyl group; R¹ represents a Ci to C4 alkyl, C2 to C4 alkenyl or a Ci to C4 hydroxyalkyl group; T may be either O-CO. (i.e. an ester group bound to R via its carbon atom), or 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 counter-ion, such as a halide or alkyl sulphate, e.g. chloride or methylsulfate. Di-esters variants of formula II (i.e. m = 2) are preferred and typically have mono- and tri-ester analogues associated with them.

Suitable actives include soft quaternary ammonium actives such as Stepantex VT90, Rewoquat WE18 (ex-Evonik) and Tetranyl L1/90N, Tetranyl L190 SP and Tetranyl L190 S (all ex-Kao).

Also suitable are actives rich in the di-esters of triethanolammonium methylsulfate, otherwise referred to as "TEA ester quats".

Commercial examples include Preapagen™ TQL (ex-Clariant), and Tetranyl™ AHT-1 (ex-Kao), (both di-[hardened tallow ester] of triethanolammonium methylsulfate), AT-1 (di- [tallow ester] of triethanolammonium methylsulfate), and L5/90 (di-[palm ester] of triethanolammonium methylsulfate), (both ex-Kao), and Rewoquat™ WE15 (a di-ester of triethanolammonium methylsulfate having fatty acyl residues deriving from C10-C20 and C16-C18 unsaturated fatty acids) (ex-Evonik).

A second group of suitable quaternary ammonium compound is represented by formula (III):

(R¹)₃N⁺-(CH₂)_n-CH-TR² X

CH₂TR²

(ill) wherein each R¹ group is independently selected from Ci to C4 alkyl, hydroxyalkyl or C2 to C4 alkenyl groups; and wherein each R2 group is independently selected from Cs to C28 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 suitable quaternary ammonium compound is represented by formula (IV): wherein each R¹ group is independently selected from Ci to C4 alkyl, or C2 to C4 alkenyl groups; and wherein each R2 group is independently selected from Cs to C28 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.

A particular example of the fourth group of quaternary ammonium compound is represented the by the formula (V):

A fourth group of suitable quaternary ammonium compound is represented by formula (VI)

R¹ and R² are independently selected from C10 to C22 alkyl or alkenyl groups, preferably C_M to C20 alkyl or alkenyl groups. X- is as defined above.

The iodine value of the quaternary ammonium compound 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 methylsulfate. Such ester- linked triethanolamine quaternary ammonium compounds comprise unsaturated fatty chains.

If there is a mixture of quaternary ammonium materials present in the composition, the iodine value, referred to above, represents the mean iodine value of the parent fatty acyl compounds or fatty acids of all of the quaternary ammonium materials present. Likewise, if there is any saturated quaternary ammonium materials present in the composition, the iodine value represents the mean iodine value of the parent acyl compounds of fatty acids of all of the quaternary ammonium materials present.

Iodine value as used in the context of the present invention refers to, the fatty acid used to produce the quaternary ammonium compound, 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.

When the particles comprise other quaternary ammonium compounds in addition to the quaternary ammonium compound having a structure represented by formula (I), the particles typically comprise less than 10% by weight of the additional quaternary ammonium compound, more preferably less than 5% and most preferably less than 1%. It is especially preferred that the particles do not comprise other quaternary ammonium compound in addition to the quaternary ammonium compound having a structure represented by formula (I).

Perfume

The particles of the present invention may be used to additionally impart fragrance to a fabric. According to this embodiment, the particles comprise from 0.1 to 30% by weight of perfume materials i.e. free perfume and/or perfume microcapsules. As is known in the art, free perfumes and perfume microcapsules provide the consumer with perfume hits at different points during the wash cycle. It is particularly preferred that the particles of the present invention comprise a combination of both free perfume and perfume microcapsules.

Preferably the particles of the present invention comprise 0.5 to 20% perfume materials, more preferably 1 to 15% perfume materials, most preferably 2 to 10% perfume materials.

Useful perfume components may 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.

Free perfumes:

The particles of the invention preferably comprise 0.1 to 15% free perfume, more preferably 0.5 to 8% of free perfume by weight of the particles.

Particularly preferred perfume components are blooming perfume components and substantive perfume components. Blooming perfume components are defined by a boiling point less than 250°C and a LogP greater than 2.5. Substantive perfume components are defined by a boiling point greater than 250°C and a LogP greater than 2.5. Boiling point is measured at standard pressure (760 m Hg). Preferably, a perfume composition will comprise a mixture of blooming and substantive perfume components. The perfume composition may comprise other perfume components.

It is commonplace for a plurality of perfume components to be present in a free oil perfume composition. In the compositions for use in the present invention it is envisaged that there will be three or more, preferably four or more, more preferably five or more, most preferably six or more different perfume components. An upper limit of 300 perfume components may be applied.

Perfume microcapsules:

The particles of the present invention preferably comprise 0.1 to 15% of perfume microcapsules, more preferably 0.5 to 8% of perfume microcapsules by weight of the particles. The weight of microcapsules is of the material as supplied.

When perfume components are encapsulated, suitable encapsulating materials, may comprise, but are not limited to; aminoplasts, proteins, polyurethanes, polyacrylates, polymethacrylates, polysaccharides, polyamides, polyolefins, gums, silicones, lipids, modified cellulose, polyphosphate, polystyrene, polyesters or combinations thereof. Particularly preferred materials are aminoplast microcapsules, such as melamine formaldehyde or urea formaldehyde microcapsules.

Perfume microcapsules of the present invention can be friable microcapsules and/or moisture activated microcapsules. By friable, it is meant that the perfume microcapsule will rupture when a force is exerted. By moisture activated, it is meant that the perfume is released in the presence of water. The particles of the present invention preferably comprise friable microcapsules. Moisture activated microcapsules may additionally be present. Examples of a microcapsules which can be friable include aminoplast microcapsules.

Perfume components contained in a microcapsule may comprise odiferous materials and/or pro-fragrance materials. Particularly preferred perfume components contained in a microcapsule are blooming perfume components and substantive perfume components. Blooming perfume components are defined by a boiling point less than 250°C and a LogP greater than 2.5. Substantive perfume components are defined by a boiling point greater than 250°C and a LogP greater than 2.5. Boiling point is measured at standard pressure (760 mm Hg). Preferably, a perfume composition will comprise a mixture of blooming and substantive perfume components. The perfume composition may comprise other perfume components.

It is commonplace for a plurality of perfume components to be present in a microcapsule. In the compositions for use in the present invention it is envisaged that there will be three or more, preferably four or more, more preferably five or more, most preferably six or more different perfume components in a microcapsule. An upper limit of 300 perfume components may be applied.

The microcapsules may comprise perfume components and a carrier for the perfume ingredients, such as zeolites or cyclodextrins.

Hydrolysed protein and/or its derivatives

The particles of the present invention may additionally comprise a hydrolysed protein and/or its derivatives. When included, the hydrolysed protein and/or its derivatives is preferably present at a level of from 0.01 to 10% by weight of the particles, more preferably from 0.05 to 8%, most preferably from 0.1 to 5%.

Hydrolysed protein or protein hydrolysates are proteins which are obtainable by hydrolysis of proteins. Hydrolysis can be achieved by chemical reactions, in particular by alkaline hydrolysis, acid hydrolysis, enzymatic hydrolysis or combinations thereof.

For alkaline or acid hydrolysis, methods such as prolonged boiling in a strong acid or strong base may be employed.

For enzymatic hydrolysis, all hydrolytic enzymes are suitable, for example alkaline proteases. The production of protein hydrolysates is described, for example, by G. Schuster and A. Domsch in soaps and oils Fette Wachse 108, (1982) 177 and Cosm.Toil, respectively. 99, (1984) 63, by H.W. Steisslinger in Parf.Kosm. 72, (1991) 556 and F. Aurich et al. in Tens. Surf. Det. 29, (1992) 389 appeared.

The hydrolysed proteins of the present invention may come from a variety of sources.

The proteins may be naturally sourced, e.g from plants or animal sources, or they may be synthetic proteins. Preferably the protein is a naturally sourced protein or a synthetic equivalent of a naturally sourced protein. A preferred class of proteins are plant proteins, i.e. proteins obtained from a plant or synthetic equivalents thereof. Preferably the protein is obtained from a plant. Preferred plant sources include nuts, seeds, beans, and grains_»

Particularly preferred plant sources are grains. Examples of grains include cereal grains (e.g. millet, maize, barley, oats, rice and wheat), pseudoceral grains (e.g. buckwheat and quinoa), pulses (e.g. chickpeas, lentils and soybeans) and oilseeds (e.g. mustard, rapeseed, sunflower seed, hemp seed, poppy seed, flax seed). Most preferred are cereal grains, in particular wheat proteins or synthetic equivalents to wheat proteins.

The hydrolysed protein preferably has a weight-average molecular weight Mw in the range from 300 g/mol to 50,000 g/mol, in particular from 300 g/mol to 15,000 g/mol. The average molecular weight Mw can be determined, for example, by gel permeation chromatography (GPC) (Andrews P., "Estimation of the Molecular Weight of Proteins by Sephadex Gel Filtration"; Biochem J., 1964, 91, pages 222 to 233). The use of hydrolysed protein with average molecular weights in this range leads to a particularly effective perfume benefits.

The derivatives of hydrolysed protein are prepared by chemically modify the hydrolysed protein. Such chemical modification includes, for example, esterification of carboxyl groups, acylation of amino groups and quaternisation of amino groups.

It is preferred if the derivative of hydrolysed protein is cationically modified hydrolysed protein. Preferably, a cationically modified hydrolysed wheat protein. Preferably the hydrolysed protein contains at least one radical of the formula:

R1-N⁺(CH₃)2-CH2-CH(0H)-CH₂ -XR R1 is an alkyl group having 1 to 30 carbon atoms, an alkenyl group having 1 to 30 carbon atoms, or a hydroxyalkyl group having 1 to 30 carbon atoms. R1 is preferably selected from, a methyl group, a C1o-i₈ alkyl, or a C10-13 alkenyl group,

X is O, N or S

R represents the protein residue. The term "protein residue" is to be understood as meaning the backbone of the corresponding hydrolysed protein formed by the linking of amino acids, to which the cationic group is bound.

The cationization of the hydrolysed protein with the above-described residues can be achieved by reacting the hydrolysed protein, in particular the reactive groups of the amino acids of the hydrolysed protein, with halides which otherwise correspond to compounds of the above formula (wherein the X-R moiety is replaced by a halogen).

It is also preferred if the derivative of hydrolysed protein is a protein-silicone copolymer. The silicone component is covalently bonded to amino groups of the protein and at least some of the silicone component forms cross-links between different protein chains.

The protein component of the copolymer is preferably a hydrolysed plant protein, more preferably a hydrolysed wheat protein. The protein component may be in the form of a chemically modified protein, preferably cationically modified protein, more preferably quaternised protein. It is preferred if the protein component of the protein-silicone copolymer is a cationically modified hydrolysed protein as described above, more preferably a quaternised hydrolysed protein. It is particularly preferred that the protein component of the copolymer is a quaternised hydrolysed wheat protein. The protein component of the protein-silicone copolymer may represent from 5 to 98% by weight of the copolymer, more preferably from 50 to 90%.

Preferably, the silicone component is organofunctional silane/silicone compounds. The protein-silicone copolymer may be prepared by covalently attaching organofunctional silane/silicone compounds to the protein amino groups to form larger polymer molecules including protein cross-linking. In addition, further polymerisation may occur through condensation of silanol groups and such further polymerisation increases the amount of cross-linking. The organofunctional silicone compounds used for reaction with the protein component to form the copolymer must contain a functional group capable of reacting with the chain terminal and/or side chain amino groups of the protein. Suitable reactive groups include, for example, acyl halide, sulphonyl halide, anhydride, aldehyde and epoxide groups. The silicone component may be any compound which contains a siloxane group (Si-O-Si) or any silane capable of forming a siloxane in situ by condensation of silanol (Si-OH) groups or any alkoxysilane or halosilane which hydrolyses to form a corresponding silanol and then condenses to form a siloxane group.

It is preferred if the derivative of hydrolysed protein is a quaternised hydrolysed wheat protein-silicone copolymer, which is made commercially available, for example, from Croda under the trade name Coltide Radiance.

Hydrolysed protein and/or its derivatives in the particles described herein may provide an improved perfume experience for the consumer and / or improve softness of a fabric.

By improved perfume experience, it is meant an increased intensity on wet and 24 hour dry fabrics.

Fatty acid

The particles of the present invention may additionally comprise a fatty acid. Preferably, the particles comprise from 0.2 to 20% by weight of saturated or unsaturated fatty acid. More preferably the particles comprise 0.5 to 15%, even more preferably 0.7 to 10%, most preferably 1 to 5% by weight of fatty acid.

The iodine value of the fatty acid is preferably less than 20, more preferably less than 10, and most preferably less than 5.

It is preferred that the fatty acid is a saturated or unsaturated Cs to C24 fatty acid, more preferably a saturated or unsaturated C12 to C22 fatty acid.

Examples of fatty acids that may be used according to the present invention include lauric acid, caprylic acid, myristic acid, stearic acid, oleic acid, palmitic acid or mixtures thereof. Preferably, the fatty acid comprises stearic acid, palmitic acid, myristic acid or mixtures thereof. Silicone Compound

The particles of the present invention may additionally comprise a silicone compound.

Suitable silicone compounds include polysiloxanes, in particular polydimethylsiloxanes which have the I NCI designation dimethicone. Also suitable for use in particles of this invention are polydimethylsiloxanes having hydroxyl end groups, which have the I NCI designation dimethiconol. Another class of silicones which may be used are functionalized silicones such as amino functional silicones, meaning a silicone containing at least one primary, secondary or tertiary amine group, or a quaternary ammonium group. Or anionically modified silicones which incorporate a carboxylate, sulphate, sulphonate, phosphate, and/or phosphonate functionality. Also suitable for use in compositions of this invention are silicone gums having a slight degree of cross-linking, as are described for example in WO 96/31188.

It is preferred that the silicone compound is amino functional silicones. The primary, secondary, tertiary and/or quaternary amine groups may either form part of the main polymer chain or more preferably be carried by a side or pendant group carried by the polymeric backbone. Such polymers are described, for example, in US4185087. Examples of suitable amino functional silicones include polysiloxanes having the I NCI designation “amodimethicone.”

Preferably, the particles comprise from 0.01 to 20%, more preferably from 0.05 to 10%, most preferably from 0.1 to 5% by weight of a silicone compound.

Colourant

The particles of the invention may comprise a colourant. The colourant may be a dye or a pigment or a mixture thereof. The colourant has the purpose to impart colour to the particles, it is not intended to be a shading dye or to impart colour to the laundered fabrics. A single colourant or a mixture of colourants may be used.

Preferably, the colourant is a dye, more preferably a polymeric dye. Non-limiting examples of suitable dyes include the LIQUITINET range of dyes ex Milliken Chemical. Preferably the particles of the present invention comprise 0.001 to 2%, more preferably 0.005 to 1%, most preferably 0.01 to 0.6% of by weight of the colourant.

Additional carrier

The particles of the present invention may additionally comprise an additional carrier (in addition to the PEG). The additional carrier material may provide various benefits such as stability benefits. The additional carrier materials may be selected from the group consisting of: polymers (e.g, polyethylene glycol, ethylene oxide/propylene oxide block copolymers, polyvinyl alcohol, polyvinyl acetate, and derivatives thereof), proteins (e.g., gelatin, albumin, casein), water-soluble or water dispersible fillers (e. g., sodium chloride, sodium sulfate, sodium carbonate/bicarbonate, zeolite, silica, clay), and combinations thereof.

Suitable additional carrier materials include, for example, water soluble organic alkali metal salt, water soluble inorganic alkaline earth metal salt, water soluble organic alkaline earth metal salt, water soluble carbohydrate, water soluble silicate, water soluble urea, clay, water insoluble silicate, citric acid, carboxymethyl cellulose, fatty acid, fatty alcohol, glyceryl diester of hydrogenated tallow, glycerol, polyvinyl alcohol or mixtures thereof.

Preferably the particles of the present invention comprise from 0.1 to 50%, more preferably from 1 to 35% and most preferably from 2 to 25% by weight of the additional carrier.

Preferably, the particle is substantially free of water. By substantially free, it is meant herein 0 to 1 wt.% of water, more preferably 0 to 0.1 wt.% of water, even more preferably 0 to 0.01 wt.% of water in the particles and most preferably free of any water.

Additional benefit agents

The particles of the present invention may comprise other benefit agents in addition to the perfumes and the quaternary ammonium compound which are included in the particles to deliver benefits to laundered fabrics. The benefit agents may be free in the carrier material i.e. the PEG, or they may be encapsulated. Suitable encapsulating materials are outlined above in relation to perfumes. Exemplary additional benefit agent includes: a) malodour agents for example: uncomplexed cyclodextrin; odor blockers; reactive aldehydes; flavanoids; zeolites; activated carbon; and mixtures thereof b) dye transfer inhibitors c) shading dyes d) insect repellents e) organic sunscreen actives, for example, octylmethoxy cinnamate; f) antimicrobial agents, for example, 2-hydroxy-4, 2,4- trichlorodiphenylether; g) ester solvents; for example, isopropyl myristate; h) lipids and lipid like substance, for example, cholesterol; i) hydrocarbons such as paraffins, petrolatum, and mineral oil j) fish and vegetable oils; k) hydrophobic plant extracts;

L) waxes; m) pigments including inorganic compounds with hydrophobically- modified surface and/ or dispersed in an oil or a hydrophobic liquid; and n) sugar-esters, such as sucrose polyester (SPE)

It is preferred if the particles of the present invention additionally comprise a surfactant, more preferably a surfactant selected from anionic surfactants, nonionic surfactants and a combination thereof. Preferred surfactants include, for example, alkyl sulfates, alkyl ether sulfates, soap, ethoxylated alkyl alcohols, alkyl polyglucosides, fatty acid amides or a mixture thereof.

When included, the amount of surfactant is present in an amount of from 0.1 to 15%, more preferably from 0.4 to 7% and most preferably 1 to 5% by weight of the particles.

Form of particles

The particles of the present invention may be in any solid form, for example: powder, pellet, tablet, prill, pastille or extrudate. Preferably the particles are in the form of a pastille. Pastilles can, for example, be produced using ROTOFORMER Granulation Systems ex. Sandvick Materials. The particles may be any shape or size suitable for dissolution in the laundry process. Preferably, each individual particle has a mass of between 0.95 mg to 5 grams, more preferably 0.01 to 1 gram and most preferably 0.02 to 0.5 gram. Preferably each individual particle has a maximum linear dimension in any direction of less than 10 mm, more preferably 1 to 8 mm and most preferably a maximum linear dimension of 4 to 6 mm. The shape of the particles may be selected for example from spherical, hemispherical, compressed hemispherical, lentil shaped, oblong, or planar shapes such as petals. A preferred shape for the particles is hemispherical, i.e. a dome shaped wherein the height of the dome is less than the radius of the base. When the particles are compressed hemispherical, it is preferred that diameter of the substantially flat base provides the maximum linear dimension and the height of the particle is 1 to 5 mm, more preferably 2 to 3 mm. the dimensions of the particles of the present invention can be measured using Calipers.

The polyethylene glycol present in the particles of the present invention is suitably melted at a temperature above the melting point of the polyethylene glycol, preferably at least 2°C above the melting point of the polyethylene glycol, more preferably at least 5°C above the melting point of the polyethylene glycol. The melting point is the average melting point for the polyethylene glycol used in a particular composition.

The particles of the present invention are formed from a melt comprising the ingredients, as outlined in the examples. The melt can, for example, be formed into particles by: Pastillation e.g. using a ROTOFORMER ex Sandvick Materials, extrusion, prilling, by using moulds, casting the melt and cutting to size or spraying the melt.

The particles of the present invention are preferably homogeneously structured. By homogeneous, it is meant that there is a continuous phase throughout the particle. There is not a core and shell type structure. The ingredients will be distributed within the continuous phase. The continuous phase is provided predominately by the polyethylene glycol.

To provide a particle with a faster dissolution rate, it is desirable that the particles have a similar density with the washing liquid. In a such way, the particles may suspend in the middle of washing liquid longer to make them dissolve quicker. Therefore, it is preferable that the particles have a density of from 1 to 1.08 g/cm³ and more preferably 1 to 1.05 g/cm³.

Method of use

The particles of the present invention are for use in the laundry process. They may be added in the wash sub-cycle or a rinse sub-cycle of a laundry cycle using a washing machine. Alternatively, the particles may be used in manual hand washing of fabrics. The particles may be used in addition to other laundry products or they may be used as a standalone product.

The particles of the present invention are preferably dosed in a quantity of 1g to 50g, more preferably 10 g to 45 g, most preferably 15 g to 40 g. The particles may be dosed by consumers from a package directly into the washing machine or into a dosing compartment on the washing machine.

Use for the particles

Typically, the primary use of the particles of the present invention is to provide a softening benefit to laundered fabrics during the laundry process. The particles may be further used to impart fragrance to laundered fabrics during the laundry process.

The following examples are provided to facilitate an understanding of the invention. The examples are not intended to limit the scope of the claims.

Examples

Example 1

Particles were prepared as shown in Table 1. All ingredients are expressed by weight percent of the total formulation. Table 1 a. Commercially available PEG 10000 from Clariant. b. Commercially available under the trade name Adogen 442 from Evonik. c. Commercially available under the trade name Rewoquat WE 28 SH from Evonik d. Commercially available under the trade name Fentacare 1631 70 from Solvay.

Process of manufacturing pastilles

Samples were prepared as follows: The PEG was heated in a mixing vessel with stirring until molten and homogeneous. The other ingredients were then slowly added with stirring one by one, and finally free perfume and perfume microcapsules were added. Stirring was continued during the addition of the ingredients and maintained for 30 minutes. The molten mixture was dropped onto a chilled plate by syringe. When the molten mixture falls on the cold surface a pastille will form as the melt solidifies. The formed pastilles had a compressed hemispherical shape with a maximum diameter 4 to 6 mm and a height 2 to 3 mm.

Evaluation of softening performance A 1.3 kg ballast load comprised of 6 pieces of cotton T-shirt and 5 pieces of Terry

Towelling Squares (30x30cm size). The towelling squares were mixed in with the cotton T-shirt in a random order within the washing machine so that they are not all together. 20g of samples were added to the drum of a front loading washing machine followed by the mixed fabrics and finally 40g of liquid detergent (commercial OMO detergent) was added to the draw of the machine, door was closed and then the machine was set to wash. Wash time was 29 minutes including one-time wash and two times rinses. Once the wash had finished the load was removed from the machine and the terry towelling squares were separated out and lined dried on racks. Once the terry towelling squares were dry then the whole process was repeated again to achieve 3 washes with drying.

The towels were passed on for sensory evaluation without further conditioning. The participants were asked to pick up the test towel in hands and required to gently manipulate it, then gave scores from 0 to 5. A score of 5 is the highest score which corresponds to an excellent softening result. A score of 0 is the lowest score which corresponds to a poor softening result.

The results of the panel evaluation are shown in Table 2.

Table 2

Evaluation of cleaning performance

The cleaning performance of liquid detergent (commercial OMO detergent) in the presence of particle samples was evaluated by washing two standard stained textiles JB- 01 (carbon black oil) and JB-03 (sebum) according to National Standard of the People’s Republic of China GB/T 13174-2008.

0.67g of particle samples and 2g of liquid detergent (commercial OMO detergent) were dissolved in 1 L water (250 ppm CaC0₃, Ca²⁺ ions and Mg²⁺ ions in a molar ratio of 6:4). The solution was dosed into the drum of a standard washing machine according to GB/T 13174-2008 followed by the addition of standard stained textiles JB-01 and JB-03 (3 pieces each). As a control, 2g of liquid detergent (commercial OMO detergent) without adding any particle samples was used. The whiteness of the stained textiles was measured before and after washing by automatic whiteness meter WSD-3C from Beijing Jingyi Kangguang Optical Instrument Co. Ltd. The cleaning performance (D) was calculated as:

D=Wx/Wo

W_x: change in whiteness of the stained textile treated with test samples before and after washing

Wo: change in whiteness of the stained textile treated with standard laundry detergent (according to GB/T 13174-2008) before and after washing

The results are shown in Table 3. The larger the D value, the better the cleaning performance. Table 3

Claims

1. A composition comprising a plurality of particles, wherein the particle comprises: a) from 30 to 95% by weight of polyethylene glycol having a weight average molecular weight of 4,000 to 20,000 g/mol; and b) a quaternary ammonium compound having a structure represented by formula

(I):

(R¹)(R²)N⁺(R³)(R⁴) X- (I) wherein each of R¹ and R² is independently a linear or branched C1-C4 alkyl group; each of R³ and R⁴ is independently a linear or branched C16 to C22 alkyl or alkenyl group;

X is a halide or alkyl sulfate, preferably chloride or methylsulfate.

2. The composition according to claim 1, wherein the polyethylene glycol has a weight average molecular weight of from 5,000 to 18,000 g/mol, preferably 6,000 to 15,000 g/mol.

3. The composition according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the polyethylene glycol is present in an amount of from 40 to 85% by weight of the particles, preferably from 50 to 75%.

4. The composition according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein each of R¹ and R² is independently a methyl group.

5. The composition according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein each of R³ and R⁴ is independently a linear C16 to C22 alkyl group.

6. The composition according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the quaternary ammonium compound comprises dimethyldioctadecylammonium halide, dimethyldihexadecylammonium halide, dimethyldidocosylammonium halide, dimethyldieicosylammonium halide or combinations thereof, preferably the halide is chloride.

7. The composition according to claim 6, wherein the quaternary ammonium compound is dimethyldioctadecylammonium chloride.

8. The composition according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the quaternary ammonium compound is present in an amount of from 0.1 to 50% by weight of the particles, preferably from 1 to 40%.

9. The composition according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the particles additionally comprise a fatty acid, preferably a saturated or unsaturated C12 to C22 fatty acid.

10. The composition according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the particles additionally comprise hydrolysed protein and/or its derivatives.

11. The composition according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the particles additionally comprise a silicone compound, preferably amino functional silicones.

12. The composition according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the particles additionally comprise a perfume material, preferably a combination of free perfume and perfume microcapsules.

13. The composition according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the particles are in the form of a pastille.

14. The composition according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the particles have a maximum linear dimension in any direction of less than 10 mm, preferably 1 to 8 mm.

15. Use of a composition according to any one of claims 1-14 to provide a softening benefit to laundered fabrics during the laundry process.