EP4695359A1 - Method of formulating laundry detergent for low temperature detergency stability - Google Patents

Method of formulating laundry detergent for low temperature detergency stability

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Publication number
EP4695359A1
EP4695359A1 EP23932437.9A EP23932437A EP4695359A1 EP 4695359 A1 EP4695359 A1 EP 4695359A1 EP 23932437 A EP23932437 A EP 23932437A EP 4695359 A1 EP4695359 A1 EP 4695359A1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
sulfonates
laundry detergent
alkyl
detergent formulation
sulfonic acids
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Pending
Application number
EP23932437.9A
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
Inventor
Yang Zhang
Cheng Shen
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Dow Global Technologies LLC
Original Assignee
Dow Global Technologies LLC
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Dow Global Technologies LLC filed Critical Dow Global Technologies LLC
Publication of EP4695359A1 publication Critical patent/EP4695359A1/en
Pending legal-status Critical Current

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Classifications

    • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C11—ANIMAL OR VEGETABLE OILS, FATS, FATTY SUBSTANCES OR WAXES; FATTY ACIDS THEREFROM; DETERGENTS; CANDLES
    • C11D—DETERGENT COMPOSITIONS; USE OF SINGLE SUBSTANCES AS DETERGENTS; SOAP OR SOAP-MAKING; RESIN SOAPS; RECOVERY OF GLYCEROL
    • C11D1/00—Detergent compositions based essentially on surface-active compounds; Use of these compounds as a detergent
    • C11D1/66—Non-ionic compounds
    • C11D1/83—Mixtures of non-ionic with anionic compounds
    • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C11—ANIMAL OR VEGETABLE OILS, FATS, FATTY SUBSTANCES OR WAXES; FATTY ACIDS THEREFROM; DETERGENTS; CANDLES
    • C11D—DETERGENT COMPOSITIONS; USE OF SINGLE SUBSTANCES AS DETERGENTS; SOAP OR SOAP-MAKING; RESIN SOAPS; RECOVERY OF GLYCEROL
    • C11D3/00—Other compounding ingredients of detergent compositions covered in group C11D1/00
    • C11D3/16—Organic compounds
    • C11D3/20—Organic compounds containing oxygen
    • C11D3/2003—Alcohols; Phenols
    • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C11—ANIMAL OR VEGETABLE OILS, FATS, FATTY SUBSTANCES OR WAXES; FATTY ACIDS THEREFROM; DETERGENTS; CANDLES
    • C11D—DETERGENT COMPOSITIONS; USE OF SINGLE SUBSTANCES AS DETERGENTS; SOAP OR SOAP-MAKING; RESIN SOAPS; RECOVERY OF GLYCEROL
    • C11D3/00—Other compounding ingredients of detergent compositions covered in group C11D1/00
    • C11D3/16—Organic compounds
    • C11D3/20—Organic compounds containing oxygen
    • C11D3/2003—Alcohols; Phenols
    • C11D3/2006—Monohydric alcohols
    • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C11—ANIMAL OR VEGETABLE OILS, FATS, FATTY SUBSTANCES OR WAXES; FATTY ACIDS THEREFROM; DETERGENTS; CANDLES
    • C11D—DETERGENT COMPOSITIONS; USE OF SINGLE SUBSTANCES AS DETERGENTS; SOAP OR SOAP-MAKING; RESIN SOAPS; RECOVERY OF GLYCEROL
    • C11D3/00—Other compounding ingredients of detergent compositions covered in group C11D1/00
    • C11D3/16—Organic compounds
    • C11D3/20—Organic compounds containing oxygen
    • C11D3/2003—Alcohols; Phenols
    • C11D3/2041—Dihydric alcohols
    • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C11—ANIMAL OR VEGETABLE OILS, FATS, FATTY SUBSTANCES OR WAXES; FATTY ACIDS THEREFROM; DETERGENTS; CANDLES
    • C11D—DETERGENT COMPOSITIONS; USE OF SINGLE SUBSTANCES AS DETERGENTS; SOAP OR SOAP-MAKING; RESIN SOAPS; RECOVERY OF GLYCEROL
    • C11D3/00—Other compounding ingredients of detergent compositions covered in group C11D1/00
    • C11D3/16—Organic compounds
    • C11D3/20—Organic compounds containing oxygen
    • C11D3/2003—Alcohols; Phenols
    • C11D3/2065—Polyhydric alcohols
    • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C11—ANIMAL OR VEGETABLE OILS, FATS, FATTY SUBSTANCES OR WAXES; FATTY ACIDS THEREFROM; DETERGENTS; CANDLES
    • C11D—DETERGENT COMPOSITIONS; USE OF SINGLE SUBSTANCES AS DETERGENTS; SOAP OR SOAP-MAKING; RESIN SOAPS; RECOVERY OF GLYCEROL
    • C11D3/00—Other compounding ingredients of detergent compositions covered in group C11D1/00
    • C11D3/16—Organic compounds
    • C11D3/20—Organic compounds containing oxygen
    • C11D3/2068—Ethers
    • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C11—ANIMAL OR VEGETABLE OILS, FATS, FATTY SUBSTANCES OR WAXES; FATTY ACIDS THEREFROM; DETERGENTS; CANDLES
    • C11D—DETERGENT COMPOSITIONS; USE OF SINGLE SUBSTANCES AS DETERGENTS; SOAP OR SOAP-MAKING; RESIN SOAPS; RECOVERY OF GLYCEROL
    • C11D3/00—Other compounding ingredients of detergent compositions covered in group C11D1/00
    • C11D3/43—Solvents
    • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C11—ANIMAL OR VEGETABLE OILS, FATS, FATTY SUBSTANCES OR WAXES; FATTY ACIDS THEREFROM; DETERGENTS; CANDLES
    • C11D—DETERGENT COMPOSITIONS; USE OF SINGLE SUBSTANCES AS DETERGENTS; SOAP OR SOAP-MAKING; RESIN SOAPS; RECOVERY OF GLYCEROL
    • C11D1/00—Detergent compositions based essentially on surface-active compounds; Use of these compounds as a detergent
    • C11D1/66—Non-ionic compounds
    • C11D1/722—Ethers of polyoxyalkylene glycols having mixed oxyalkylene groups; Polyalkoxylated fatty alcohols or polyalkoxylated alkylaryl alcohols with mixed oxyalkylele groups

Definitions

  • the present invention is related to a method of formulating a laundry detergent formulation to have detergency stability for cleaning water temperatures ranging from 10 to 30 °C.
  • the present invention relates to a method of formulating a laundry detergent formulation to have detergency stability for cleaning water temperatures ranging from 10 to 30 °C, comprising: (a) selecting an anionic surfactant, wherein the anionic surfactant is selected from the group consisting of alkyl sulfates, alkyl benzene sulfates, alkyl benzene sulfonic acids, alkyl benzene sulfonates, alkyl polyethoxy sulfates, paraffin sulfonic acids, paraffin sulfonates, olefin sulfonic acids, olefin sulfonates, alpha-sulfocarboxylates, esters of alpha-sulfocarboxylates, alkyl glyceryl ether s
  • R 1 is a linear C 8-18 alkyl group; wherein x is 2 to 4; wherein AO is an oxyalkylene group with 3 to 5 carbon atoms; wherein y is 6 to 25; wherein z is 1 to 50; and wherein the nonionic surfactant is selected based on its ability to impart detergency stability to the laundry detergent formulation for cleaning water temperatures ranging from 10 to 30 °C; (c) selecting a water miscible organic solvent, wherein the water miscible organic solvent is selected from the group consisting of C 1-4 alcohol with one hydroxyl group; propylene glycol; glycerol; 1, 3-butanediol; 1, 3-hexanediol; dipropylene glycol and mixtures thereof; and combining the selected anionic surfactant, the selected nonionic surfactant, the selected water miscible organic solvent and water to provide the formulated laundry detergent formulation.
  • the present invention provides a method of formulating a laundry detergent formulation to have detergency stability for cleaning water temperatures ranging from 10 to 30 °C, comprising: (a) selecting an anionic surfactant, wherein the anionic surfactant is selected from the group consisting of alkyl sulfates, alkyl benzene sulfates, alkyl benzene sulfonic acids, alkyl benzene sulfonates, alkyl polyethoxy sulfates, paraffin sulfonic acids, paraffin sulfonates, olefin sulfonic acids, olefin sulfonates, alpha-sulfocarboxylates, esters of alpha-sulfocarboxylates, alkyl glyceryl ether sulfonic acids, alkyl glyceryl ether sulfonates, sulfates of fatty acids, sulfonates of fatty acids
  • R 1 is a linear C 8-18 alkyl group; wherein AO is an oxyalkylene group with 3 to 5 carbon atoms; wherein x is 2 to 4; wherein y is 6 to 25; wherein z is 1 to 50; and wherein the nouiouic surfactant is selected based on its ability to impart detergency stability to the laundry detergent formulation for cleaning water temperatures ranging from 10 to 30 °C; (c) selecting a water miscible organic solvent, wherein the water miscible organic solvent is selected from the group consisting of C 1-4 alcohol with one hydroxyl group; propylene glycol; glycerol; 1, 3-butanediol; 1, 3-hexanediol; dipropylene glycol and mixtures thereof; and combining the selected anionic surfactant, the selected nouionic surfactant, the selected water miscible organic solvent and water to provide the formulated laundry detergent formulation.
  • the present invention also provides a method of formulating a laundry detergent formulation to have detergency stability for cleaning water temperatures ranging from 10 to 30 °C, comprising: (a) selecting an anionic surfactant, wherein the anionic surfactant is selected from the group consisting of alkyl sulfates, alkyl benzene sulfates, alkyl benzene sulfonic acids, alkyl benzene sulfonates, alkyl polyethoxy sulfates, paraffin sulfouic acids, paraffin sulfonates, olefin sulfonic acids, olefin sulfonates, alpha-sulfocarboxylates, esters of alpha-sulfocarboxylates, alkyl glyceryl ether sulfonic acids, alkyl glyceryl ether sulfonates, sulfates of fatty acids, sulfonates of
  • the present invention also provides a method of formulating a laundry detergent formulation to have detergency stability for cleaning water temperatures ranging from 10 to 30 °C, comprising: (a) selecting an anionic surfactant, wherein the anionic surfactant is selected from the group consisting of alkyl sulfates, alkyl benzene sulfates, alkyl benzene sulfonic acids, alkyl benzene sulfonates, alkyl polyethoxy sulfates, paraffin sulfonic acids, paraffin sulfonates, olefin sulfonic acids, olefin sulfonates, alpha-sulfocarboxylates, esters of alpha-sulfocarboxylates, alkyl glyceryl ether sulfonic acids, alkyl glyceryl ether sulfonates, sulfates of fatty acids, sulfonates of fatty
  • the present invention also provides a method of formulating a laundry detergent formulation to have detergency stability for cleaning water temperatures ranging from 10 to 30 °C, comprising: (a) selecting an anionic surfactant, wherein the anionic surfactant is selected from the group consisting of alkyl sulfates, alkyl benzene sulfates, alkyl benzene sulfonic acids, alkyl benzene sulfonates, alkyl polyethoxy sulfates, paraffin sulfonic acids, paraffin sulfonates, olefin sulfonic acids, olefin sulfonates, alpha-sulfocarboxylates, esters of alpha-sulfocarboxylates, alkyl glyceryl ether sulfonic acids, alkyl glyceryl ether sulfonates, sulfates of fatty acids, sulfonates of fatty
  • the present invention also provides use of a surfactant blend to impart low temperature detergency stability to a laundry detergent formulation, wherein the surfactant blend comprises: (a) an anionic surfactant is selected from the group consisting of alkyl sulfates, alkyl benzene sulfates, alkyl benzene sulfonic acids, alkyl benzene sulfonates, alkyl polyethoxy sulfates, paraffin sulfonic acids, paraffin sulfonates, olefin sulfonic acids, olefin sulfonates, alpha-sulfocarboxylates, esters of alpha-sulfocarboxylates, alkyl glyceryl ether sulfonic acids, alkyl glyceryl ether sulfonates, sulfates of fatty acids, sulfonates of fatty acids, sulfonates of fatty acid
  • the present invention also provides a method of washing a fabric article, comprising: providing a soiled fabric article; formulating a laundry detergent formulation according to the method of the present invention; providing a wash water; and applying the wash water and the formulated laundry detergent formulation to the soiled fabric article to provide a cleaned fabric article; wherein the wash water is at a temperature of 10 to 30 °C.
  • aqueous liquid laundry detergents specifically formulated with a combination of a selection of anionic surfactants, with a nonionic surfactant having formula (I) R 1 -O- (EO) x - (AO) y - (EO) z -H
  • R 1 is a linear C 8-18 alkyl group (preferably, a linear C 10-18 alkyl group; more preferably, a linear C 12-14 alkyl group or a linear C 16-18 alkyl group) ; wherein AO is an oxyalkylene group with 3 to 5 carbon atoms (preferably, 3 to 4 carbon atoms; more preferably, 3 carbon atoms) ; wherein x is 2 to 4 (preferably, 4) ; wherein y is 6 to 25 (preferably, 7 to 20; more preferably, 8 to 15; most preferably, 8 to 14) ; wherein z is 1 to 50 (preferably, 4 to 40; more preferably, 6 to 30; most preferably, 8 to 25) ; exhibit detergency stability for cleaning water temperatures ranging from 10 to 30 °C.
  • ratios, percentages, parts, and the like are by weight.
  • low temperature detergency stability means that the soil removal index (SRI) , calculated using ASTM Method D4265-14, for a given laundry detergent formulation at a wash temperature of 10 °C is at least 95% (preferably, at least 97 %; more preferably, at least 98%; most preferably, at least 100%) of the soil removal index (SRI) , calculated using ASTM Method D4265-14, for the same laundry detergent formulation at a wash temperature of 30 °C.
  • the method of formulating a laundry detergent formulation to have detergency stability for cleaning water temperatures ranging from 10 to 30 °C, of the present invention comprises: (a) selecting an anionic surfactant, wherein the anionic surfactant is selected from the group consisting of alkyl sulfates, alkyl benzene sulfates, alkyl benzene sulfonic acids, alkyl benzene sulfonates, alkyl polyethoxy sulfates, paraffin sulfonic acids, paraffin sulfonates, olefin sulfonic acids, olefin sulfonates, alpha-sulfocarboxylates, esters of alpha-sulfocarboxylates, alkyl glyceryl ether sulfonic acids, alkyl glyceryl ether sulfonates, sulfates of fatty acids, sulfonates of
  • R 1 is a linear C 8-18 alkyl group (preferably, a linear C 10-18 alkyl group; more preferably, a linear C 12-14 alkyl group or a linear C 16-18 alkyl group) ; wherein AO is an oxyalkylene group with 3 to 5 carbon atoms (preferably, 3 to 4 carbon atoms; more preferably, 3 carbon atoms) ; wherein x is 2 to 4 (preferably, 4) ; wherein y is 6 to 25 (preferably, 7 to 20; more preferably, 8 to 15; most preferably, 8 to 14) ; wherein z is 1 to 50 (preferably, 4 to 40; more preferably, 6 to 30; most preferably, 8 to 25) ; and wherein the nonionic surfactant is selected based on its ability to impart detergency stability to the laundry detergent formulation for cleaning water temperatures ranging from 10 to 30 °C; (c) selecting a water miscible organic solvent, wherein the water miscible organic solvent is selected from the group consisting of C
  • the method of formulating a laundry detergent formulation to have detergency stability for cleaning water temperatures ranging from 10 to 30 °C, of the present invention further comprises selecting an optional additive for incorporating into the formulated laundry detergent formulation. More preferably, the method of formulating a laundry detergent formulation to have detergency stability for cleaning water temperatures ranging from 10 to 30 °C, of the present invention, further comprises selecting an optional additive for incorporating into the formulated laundry detergent formulation; wherein the optional additive is selected from the group consisting of builders (e.g., sodium bicarbonate, sodium carbonate, zeolites, sodium citrate, sodium tripolyphosphate and aminocarboxylates (such as methylglycine diacetic acid, sodium salt or glutamic acid diacetic acid, sodium salt) ) ; hydrotropes (e.g., sodium xylene sulfonate, sodium cumene sulfonate, sodium toluene sulfonate) ; foam control agents (e.g., poly
  • the use of a surfactant blend to impart low temperature detergent stability to a laundry detergent formulation comprises: (a) an anionic surfactant is selected from the group consisting of alkyl sulfates, alkyl benzene sulfates, alkyl benzene sulfonic acids, alkyl benzene sulfonates, alkyl polyethoxy sulfates, paraffin sulfonic acids, paraffin sulfonates, olefin sulfonic acids, olefin sulfonates, alpha-sulfocarboxylates, esters of alpha-sulfocarboxylates, alkyl glyceryl ether sulfonic acids, alkyl glyceryl ether sulfonates, sulfates of fatty acids, sulfonates of fatty acids, sulfonates of fatty acids, sulfonates of fatty acids, sul
  • R 1 is a linear C 8-18 alkyl group (preferably, a linear C 10-18 alkyl group; more preferably, a linear C 12-14 alkyl group or a linear C 16-18 alkyl group) ; wherein AO is an oxyalkylene group with 3 to 5 carbon atoms (preferably, 3 to 4 carbon atoms; more preferably, 3 carbon atoms) ; wherein x is 2 to 4 (preferably, 4) ; wherein y is 6 to 25 (preferably, 7 to 20; more preferably, 8 to 15; most preferably, 8 to 14) ; wherein the low temperature detergency stability is exibited across washing temperatures of 10 to 30 °C (preferably, wherein the laundry detergent formulation comprises 5 to 95 wt% (preferably, 25 to 80 wt%; more preferably, 35 to 75 wt%; still more preferably, 45 to 70 wt%; yet more preferably, 50 to 70 wt%; most preferably, 60 to 70 wt%) , based on weight
  • the method of washing a fabric article of the present invention comprises: providing a soiled fabric article (preferably, wherein the soiled fabric article is soiled with oil and grease borne soil; more preferably, wherein the soiled fabric article is soiled with sebum oils) (preferably, wherein the soiled fabric article is stained cotton fabric; more preferably, wherein the soiled fabric article is stained polycotton fabric) ; providing a formulated laundry detergent formulation having a detergency stability for cleaning water temperatures ranging from 10 to 30 °C according to the method of the present invention; providing a wash water; and applying the wash water and the formulated laundry detergent formulation to the soiled fabric article to provide a cleaned fabric article; wherein the wash water is at a temperature of 10 to 30 °C.
  • the method of washing a fabric article of the present invention comprises: providing a soiled fabric article (preferably, wherein the soiled fabric article is soiled with oil and grease borne soil; more preferably, wherein the soiled fabric article is soiled with sebum oils) (preferably, wherein the soiled fabric article is stained cotton fabric; more preferably, wherein the soiled fabric article is stained polycotton fabric) ; providing a formulated laundry detergent formulation having a detergency stability for cleaning water temperatures ranging from 10 to 30 °C according to the method of the present invention; providing a wash water; providing a rinse water; applying the wash water and the laundry detergent formulation to the soiled fabric to provide a cleaned fabric article; wherein the wash water is at a temperature of 10 to 30 °C; and then applying the rinse water to the cleaned fabric article to remove the formulated laundry detergent formulation from the cleaned fabric article.
  • a soiled fabric article preferably, wherein the soiled fabric article is soiled with oil and grease borne soil; more
  • a nonionic surfactant represented by the formula L-C 16-18 - (EO) 4 - (PO) 14 - (EO) 25 was prepared, wherein “L-C 16-18 ” is a linear C 16-18 alkyl moiety.
  • L-C 16-18 alcohol and a 45-50 wt%aqueous solution of potassium hydroxide were charged to a reactor.
  • the potassium hydroxide charge was sufficient to provide a KOH concentration of 0.17 wt%, based on weight of the polymer porduct.
  • the contents of the reactor were maintained at 50 to 60 °C for thirty minutes.
  • the moisture content in the vapor space of the reactor was then reduced to less than 1,000 ppm by vacuum stripping at 80 °C.
  • the temperature set point for the reactor contents was then raised to 110 °C.
  • EO ethylene oxide
  • PO propylene oxide
  • the unit dose laundry detergent formulations of Comparative Examples CF1-CF11 and Examples F1-F14 used in the cleaning tests in subsequent Examples were prepared having the formulation as described in TABLES 2-3.
  • the water and propylene glycol were mixed in a beaker with mechanical stirring.
  • the dodecylbenzene sulfonic acid, oleic acid and monoethanol amine were then added in the beaker with continued stirring.
  • the nonionic surfactant (Synthesis S1-S10) was then added to the beaker with continued stirring.
  • the pH was then adjusted to 7.5 with monoethanol amine to form the unit dose laundry detergent.
  • the liquid laundry detergent formulations of Comparative Examples CF12-CF13 and Examples F15-F21 used in the cleaning tests in subsequent Examples were prepared having the formulation as described in TABLE 4.
  • the water and propylene glycol were mixed in a beaker with mechanical stirring.
  • the dodecylbenzene sulfonic acid, oleic acid and monoethanol amine were then added in the beaker with continued stirring.
  • the nonionic surfactant (Synthesis S1-S6 or Synthesis S9-S10) was then added to the beaker with continued stirring.
  • the pH was then adjusted to 8-8.5 with monoethanol amine to form the concentrated liquid laundry detergent.
  • the soil removal index (SRI) was calculated using ASTM Method D4265-14.
  • LTDS is the low temperature detergency stability in %
  • SRI (T2) is the soil removal index calculated using ASTM Method D4265-14 at temperature 2 (10 °C)
  • SRI (T1) is the soil removal index calculated using ASTM Method D4265-14 at temperature 1 (30 °C) .
  • TABLE 6 The results are provided in TABLE 6.

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  • Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Chemical Kinetics & Catalysis (AREA)
  • Oil, Petroleum & Natural Gas (AREA)
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  • Detergent Compositions (AREA)

Abstract

A method of formulating a laundry detergent is provided, comprising: (a) selecting an anionic surfactant; (b) selecting a nonionic surfactant, wherein the nonionic surfactant is selected from the group of nonionic surfactants having formula (I) R1-O- (EO) x- (AO) y- (EO) z-H wherein R1 is a linear C8-18 alkyl group; wherein x is 2 to 4; wherein AO is an oxyalkylene group with 3 to 5 carbon atoms; wherein y is 6 to 25; wherein z is 1 to 50; and wherein the nonionic surfactant is selected based on its ability to impart detergency stability to the laundry detergent formulation for cleaning water temperatures ranging from 10 to 30 ℃; (c) selecting a water miscible organic solvent; and combining the selected anionic surfactant, the selected nonionic surfactant, the selected water miscible organic solvent and water to provide the formulated laundry detergent formulation.

Description

    METHOD OF FORMULATING LAUNDRY DETERGENT FOR LOW TEMPERATURE DETERGENCY STABILITY
  • The present invention is related to a method of formulating a laundry detergent formulation to have detergency stability for cleaning water temperatures ranging from 10 to 30 ℃. In particular, the present invention relates to a method of formulating a laundry detergent formulation to have detergency stability for cleaning water temperatures ranging from 10 to 30 ℃, comprising: (a) selecting an anionic surfactant, wherein the anionic surfactant is selected from the group consisting of alkyl sulfates, alkyl benzene sulfates, alkyl benzene sulfonic acids, alkyl benzene sulfonates, alkyl polyethoxy sulfates, paraffin sulfonic acids, paraffin sulfonates, olefin sulfonic acids, olefin sulfonates, alpha-sulfocarboxylates, esters of alpha-sulfocarboxylates, alkyl glyceryl ether sulfonic acids, alkyl glyceryl ether sulfonates, sulfates of fatty acids, sulfonates of fatty acids, sulfonates of fatty acid esters, alkyl phenol polyethoxy ether sulfates, 2-acryloxy-alkane-1-sulfonic acids, 2-acryloxy-alkane-1-sulfonates, beta-alkyloxy alkane sulfonic acids, beta-alkyloxy alkane sulfonates, oleic acid, salts thereof and mixtures thereof; (b) selecting a nonionic surfactant, wherein the nonionic surfactant is selected from the group of nonionic surfactants having formula (I)
    R1-O- (EO) x- (AO) y- (EO) z-H
  • wherein R1 is a linear C8-18 alkyl group; wherein x is 2 to 4; wherein AO is an oxyalkylene group with 3 to 5 carbon atoms; wherein y is 6 to 25; wherein z is 1 to 50; and wherein the nonionic surfactant is selected based on its ability to impart detergency stability to the laundry detergent formulation for cleaning water temperatures ranging from 10 to 30 ℃; (c) selecting a water miscible organic solvent, wherein the water miscible organic solvent is selected from the group consisting of C1-4 alcohol with one hydroxyl group; propylene glycol; glycerol; 1, 3-butanediol; 1, 3-hexanediol; dipropylene glycol and mixtures thereof; and combining the selected anionic surfactant, the selected nonionic surfactant, the selected water miscible organic solvent and water to provide the formulated laundry detergent formulation.
  • The efficiency of fabric cleaning is dependent on the wash liquid temperature. Lowering of the wash liquid temperature usually leads to poorer soil removal. However, cleaning fabric articles under low temperature conditions is inevitable during the winter months in many geographic regions. That is, many consumers do not have a hot water supply in their houses and municipal water supplies can sometimes be at temperatures of 10 ℃ when fed into washing machines. In addition, consumers are increasingly choosing to do laundry  without heating to reduce energy consumption and carbon emissions. Notwithstanding the temperature of the wash water, consumers expect their laundry detergent to perform consistently.
  • Accordingly, there is a continuing need for laundry detergent formulations that exhibit detergency stability for cleaning water temperatures from 10 to 30 ℃.
  • The present invention provides a method of formulating a laundry detergent formulation to have detergency stability for cleaning water temperatures ranging from 10 to 30 ℃, comprising: (a) selecting an anionic surfactant, wherein the anionic surfactant is selected from the group consisting of alkyl sulfates, alkyl benzene sulfates, alkyl benzene sulfonic acids, alkyl benzene sulfonates, alkyl polyethoxy sulfates, paraffin sulfonic acids, paraffin sulfonates, olefin sulfonic acids, olefin sulfonates, alpha-sulfocarboxylates, esters of alpha-sulfocarboxylates, alkyl glyceryl ether sulfonic acids, alkyl glyceryl ether sulfonates, sulfates of fatty acids, sulfonates of fatty acids, sulfonates of fatty acid esters, alkyl phenol polyethoxy ether sulfates, 2-acryloxy-alkane-1-sulfonic acids, 2-acryloxy-alkane-1-sulfonates, beta-alkyloxy alkane sulfonic acids, beta-alkyloxy alkane sulfonates, oleic acid, salts thereof and mixtures thereof; (b) selecting a noniouic surfactant, wherein the nonionic surfactant is selected from the group of noniouic surfactants having formula (I)
    R1-O- (EO) x- (AO) y- (EO) z-H
  • wherein R1 is a linear C8-18 alkyl group; wherein AO is an oxyalkylene group with 3 to 5 carbon atoms; wherein x is 2 to 4; wherein y is 6 to 25; wherein z is 1 to 50; and wherein the nouiouic surfactant is selected based on its ability to impart detergency stability to the laundry detergent formulation for cleaning water temperatures ranging from 10 to 30 ℃; (c) selecting a water miscible organic solvent, wherein the water miscible organic solvent is selected from the group consisting of C1-4 alcohol with one hydroxyl group; propylene glycol; glycerol; 1, 3-butanediol; 1, 3-hexanediol; dipropylene glycol and mixtures thereof; and combining the selected anionic surfactant, the selected nouionic surfactant, the selected water miscible organic solvent and water to provide the formulated laundry detergent formulation.
  • The present invention also provides a method of formulating a laundry detergent formulation to have detergency stability for cleaning water temperatures ranging from 10 to 30 ℃, comprising: (a) selecting an anionic surfactant, wherein the anionic surfactant is selected from the group consisting of alkyl sulfates, alkyl benzene sulfates, alkyl benzene sulfonic acids, alkyl benzene sulfonates, alkyl polyethoxy sulfates, paraffin sulfouic acids,  paraffin sulfonates, olefin sulfonic acids, olefin sulfonates, alpha-sulfocarboxylates, esters of alpha-sulfocarboxylates, alkyl glyceryl ether sulfonic acids, alkyl glyceryl ether sulfonates, sulfates of fatty acids, sulfonates of fatty acids, sulfonates of fatty acid esters, alkyl phenol polyethoxy ether sulfates, 2-acryloxy-alkane-1-sulfonic acids, 2-acryloxy-alkane-1-sulfonates, beta-alkyloxy alkane sulfonic acids, beta-alkyloxy alkane sulfonates, oleic acid, salts thereof and mixtures thereof; (b) selecting a nonionic surfactant, wherein the nonionic surfactant is selected from the group of nonionic surfactants having formula (I) ; wherein R1 is a linear C8-18 alkyl group; wherein AO is an oxyalkylene group with 3 carbon atoms; wherein x is 2 to 4; wherein y is 6 to 25; wherein z is 1 to 50; and wherein the nonionic surfactant is selected based on its ability to impart detergency stability to the laundry detergent formulation for cleaning water temperatures ranging from 10 to 30 ℃; (c) selecting a water miscible organic solvent, wherein the water miscible organic solvent is selected from the group consisting of C1-4 alcohol with one hydroxyl group; propylene glycol; glycerol; 1, 3-butanediol; 1, 3-hexanediol; dipropylene glycol and mixtures thereof; and combining the selected anionic surfactant, the selected nonionic surfactant, the selected water miscible organic solvent and water to provide the formulated laundry detergent formulation; wherein the formulated laundry detergent formulation comprises 5 to 95 wt%, based on weight of the formulated laundry detergent formulation, of the selected anionic surfactant (a) plus the selected nonionic surfactant (b) .
  • The present invention also provides a method of formulating a laundry detergent formulation to have detergency stability for cleaning water temperatures ranging from 10 to 30 ℃, comprising: (a) selecting an anionic surfactant, wherein the anionic surfactant is selected from the group consisting of alkyl sulfates, alkyl benzene sulfates, alkyl benzene sulfonic acids, alkyl benzene sulfonates, alkyl polyethoxy sulfates, paraffin sulfonic acids, paraffin sulfonates, olefin sulfonic acids, olefin sulfonates, alpha-sulfocarboxylates, esters of alpha-sulfocarboxylates, alkyl glyceryl ether sulfonic acids, alkyl glyceryl ether sulfonates, sulfates of fatty acids, sulfonates of fatty acids, sulfonates of fatty acid esters, alkyl phenol polyethoxy ether sulfates, 2-acryloxy-alkane-1-sulfonic acids, 2-acryloxy-alkane-1-sulfonates, beta-alkyloxy alkane sulfonic acids, beta-alkyloxy alkane sulfonates, oleic acid, salts thereof and mixtures thereof; (b) selecting a nonionic surfactant, wherein the nonionic surfactant is selected from the group of nonionic surfactants having formula (I) ; wherein R1 is a linear C8-18 alkyl group; wherein AO is an oxyalkylene group with 3 atoms; wherein x is 2 to 4; wherein y is 6 to 25; wherein z is 1 to 50; and wherein the  nonionic surfactant is selected based on its ability to impart detergency stability to the laundry detergent formulation for cleaning water temperatures ranging from 10 to 30 ℃; (c) selecting a water miscible organic solvent, wherein the water miscible organic solvent is selected from the group consisting of C1-4 alcohol with one hydroxyl group; propylene glycol; glycerol; 1, 3-butanediol; 1, 3-hexanediol; dipropylene glycol and mixtures thereof; and combining the selected anionic surfactant, the selected nonionic surfactant, the selected water miscible organic solvent and water to provide the formulated laundry detergent formulation; wherein the formulated laundry detergent formulation comprises 5 to 95 wt%, based on weight of the formulated laundry detergent formulation, of the selected anionic surfactant (a) plus the selected nonionic surfactant (b) ; wherein the selected nonionic surfactant (b) comprises 15 to 60 wt%of the combination of the selected anionic surfactant (a) plus the selected nonionic surfactant (b) .
  • The present invention also provides a method of formulating a laundry detergent formulation to have detergency stability for cleaning water temperatures ranging from 10 to 30 ℃, comprising: (a) selecting an anionic surfactant, wherein the anionic surfactant is selected from the group consisting of alkyl sulfates, alkyl benzene sulfates, alkyl benzene sulfonic acids, alkyl benzene sulfonates, alkyl polyethoxy sulfates, paraffin sulfonic acids, paraffin sulfonates, olefin sulfonic acids, olefin sulfonates, alpha-sulfocarboxylates, esters of alpha-sulfocarboxylates, alkyl glyceryl ether sulfonic acids, alkyl glyceryl ether sulfonates, sulfates of fatty acids, sulfonates of fatty acids, sulfonates of fatty acid esters, alkyl phenol polyethoxy ether sulfates, 2-acryloxy-alkane-1-sulfonic acids, 2-acryloxy-alkane-1-sulfonates, beta-alkyloxy alkane sulfonic acids, beta-alkyloxy alkane sulfonates, oleic acid, salts thereof and mixtures thereof; (b) selecting a nonionic surfactant, wherein the nonionic surfactant is selected from the group of nonionic surfactants having formula (I) ; wherein R1 is a linear C8-18 alkyl group; wherein AO is an oxyalkylene group with 3 carbon atoms; wherein x is 2 to 4; wherein y is 6 to 25; wherein z is 1 to 50; and wherein the nonionic surfactant is selected based on its ability to impart detergency stability to the laundry detergent formulation for cleaning water temperatures ranging from 10 to 30 ℃; (c) selecting a water miscible organic solvent, wherein the water miscible organic solvent is selected from the group consisting of C1-4 alcohol with one hydroxyl group; propylene glycol; glycerol; 1, 3-butanediol; 1, 3-hexanediol; dipropylene glycol and mixtures thereof; and combining the selected anionic surfactant, the selected nonionic surfactant, the selected water miscible organic solvent and water to provide the formulated laundry detergent  formulation; wherein the formulated laundry detergent formulation comprises 5 to 95 wt%, based on weight of the formulated laundry detergent formulation, of the selected anionic surfactant (a) plus the selected nonionic surfactant (b) ; wherein the selected nonionic surfactant (b) comprises 15 to 60 wt%of the combination of the selected anionic surfactant (a) plus the selected nonionic surfactant (b) ; wherein the formulated laundry detergent formulation comprises 5 to 40 wt%, based on weight of the formulated laundry detergent formulation, of the water miscible organic solvent.
  • The present invention also provides use of a surfactant blend to impart low temperature detergency stability to a laundry detergent formulation, wherein the surfactant blend comprises: (a) an anionic surfactant is selected from the group consisting of alkyl sulfates, alkyl benzene sulfates, alkyl benzene sulfonic acids, alkyl benzene sulfonates, alkyl polyethoxy sulfates, paraffin sulfonic acids, paraffin sulfonates, olefin sulfonic acids, olefin sulfonates, alpha-sulfocarboxylates, esters of alpha-sulfocarboxylates, alkyl glyceryl ether sulfonic acids, alkyl glyceryl ether sulfonates, sulfates of fatty acids, sulfonates of fatty acids, sulfonates of fatty acid esters, alkyl phenol polyethoxy ether sulfates, 2-acryloxy-alkane-1-sulfonic acids, 2-acryloxy-alkane-1-sulfonates, beta-alkyloxy alkane sulfonic acids, beta-alkyloxy alkane sulfonates, oleic acid, salts thereof and mixtures thereof; and (b) a nonionic surfactant, wherein the nonionic surfactant is selected from the group of nonionic surfactants having formula (I) ; wherein R1 is a linear C8-18 alkyl group; wherein AO is an oxyalkylene group with 3 to 5 carbon atoms; wherein x is 2 to 4; wherein y is 6 to 25; wherein the low temperature detergency stability is exibited across washing temperatures of 10 to 30 ℃.
  • The present invention also provides a method of washing a fabric article, comprising: providing a soiled fabric article; formulating a laundry detergent formulation according to the method of the present invention; providing a wash water; and applying the wash water and the formulated laundry detergent formulation to the soiled fabric article to provide a cleaned fabric article; wherein the wash water is at a temperature of 10 to 30 ℃.
    • DETAILED DESCRIPTION
  • It has been surprisingly found that aqueous liquid laundry detergents specifically formulated with a combination of a selection of anionic surfactants, with a nonionic surfactant having formula (I)
    R1-O- (EO) x- (AO) y- (EO) z-H
  • wherein R1 is a linear C8-18 alkyl group (preferably, a linear C10-18 alkyl group; more preferably, a linear C12-14 alkyl group or a linear C16-18 alkyl group) ; wherein AO is an oxyalkylene group with 3 to 5 carbon atoms (preferably, 3 to 4 carbon atoms; more preferably, 3 carbon atoms) ; wherein x is 2 to 4 (preferably, 4) ; wherein y is 6 to 25 (preferably, 7 to 20; more preferably, 8 to 15; most preferably, 8 to 14) ; wherein z is 1 to 50 (preferably, 4 to 40; more preferably, 6 to 30; most preferably, 8 to 25) ; exhibit detergency stability for cleaning water temperatures ranging from 10 to 30 ℃.
  • Unless otherwise indicated, ratios, percentages, parts, and the like are by weight.
  • The term “low temperature detergency stability” as used herein and in the appended claims means that the soil removal index (SRI) , calculated using ASTM Method D4265-14, for a given laundry detergent formulation at a wash temperature of 10 ℃ is at least 95% (preferably, at least 97 %; more preferably, at least 98%; most preferably, at least 100%) of the soil removal index (SRI) , calculated using ASTM Method D4265-14, for the same laundry detergent formulation at a wash temperature of 30 ℃.
  • Preferably, the method of formulating a laundry detergent formulation to have detergency stability for cleaning water temperatures ranging from 10 to 30 ℃, of the present invention, comprises: (a) selecting an anionic surfactant, wherein the anionic surfactant is selected from the group consisting of alkyl sulfates, alkyl benzene sulfates, alkyl benzene sulfonic acids, alkyl benzene sulfonates, alkyl polyethoxy sulfates, paraffin sulfonic acids, paraffin sulfonates, olefin sulfonic acids, olefin sulfonates, alpha-sulfocarboxylates, esters of alpha-sulfocarboxylates, alkyl glyceryl ether sulfonic acids, alkyl glyceryl ether sulfonates, sulfates of fatty acids, sulfonates of fatty acids, sulfonates of fatty acid esters, alkyl phenol polyethoxy ether sulfates, 2-acryloxy-alkane-1-sulfonic acids, 2-acryloxy-alkane-1-sulfonates, beta-alkyloxy alkane sulfonic acids, beta-alkyloxy alkane sulfonates, oleic acid, salts thereof and mixtures thereof (preferably, wherein the anionic surfactant is selected from the group consisting of C8-20 alkyl benzene sulfates, C8-20 alkyl benzene sulfonic acids, C8-20 alkyl benzene sulfonates, C8-20 alkyl polyethoxy sulfates, paraffin sulfonic acids, paraffin sulfonates, alpha-olefin sulfonic acids, alpha-olefin sulfonates, sulfonates of fatty acids, sulfonates of fatty acid esters, oleic acid, salts thereof and mixtures thereof; more preferably, wherein the anionic surfactant is selected from the group consisting of C12-16 alkyl benzene sulfonic acids, C12-16 alkyl benzene sulfonates, C12-16 alkyl polyethoxy sulfates, C12-18 paraffin-sulfonic acids, C12-18 paraffin-sulfonates, oleic acid and mixtures thereof; still more preferably, wherein the anionic surfactant is selected from the  group consisting of C12-16 alkyl benzene sulfonic acids, C12-16 alkyl benzene sulfonates, C12-16 alkyl polyethoxy sulfates, oleic acid and mixtures thereof; yet more preferably, wherein the anionic surfactant includes a mixture of dodecyl benzene sulfonic acid, sodium laureth-2 sulfate and oleic acid; most preferably, wherein the anionic surfactant is a mixture of dodecyl benzene sulfonic acid, sodium laureth-2 sulfate and oleic acid) ; (b) selecting a nonionic surfactant, wherein the nonionic surfactant is selected from the group of nonionic suffactants having formula (I)
    R1-O- (EO) x- (AO) y- (EO) z-H
  • wherein R1 is a linear C8-18 alkyl group (preferably, a linear C10-18 alkyl group; more preferably, a linear C12-14 alkyl group or a linear C16-18 alkyl group) ; wherein AO is an oxyalkylene group with 3 to 5 carbon atoms (preferably, 3 to 4 carbon atoms; more preferably, 3 carbon atoms) ; wherein x is 2 to 4 (preferably, 4) ; wherein y is 6 to 25 (preferably, 7 to 20; more preferably, 8 to 15; most preferably, 8 to 14) ; wherein z is 1 to 50 (preferably, 4 to 40; more preferably, 6 to 30; most preferably, 8 to 25) ; and wherein the nonionic surfactant is selected based on its ability to impart detergency stability to the laundry detergent formulation for cleaning water temperatures ranging from 10 to 30 ℃; (c) selecting a water miscible organic solvent, wherein the water miscible organic solvent is selected from the group consisting of C1-4 alcohol with one hydroxyl group (e.g., ethanol) ; propylene glycol; glycerol; 1, 3-butanediol; 1, 3-hexanediol; dipropylene glycol and mixtures thereof (preferably, ethanol, propylene glycol and mixtures thereof; more preferably, propylene glycol) ; and combining the selected anionic suffactant, the selected nonionic surfactant, the selected water miscible organic solvent and water to provide the formulated laundry detergent formulation (preferably, wherein the formulated laundry detergent formulation comprises 5 to 95 wt% (preferably, 25 to 80 wt%; more preferably, 35 to 75 wt%; still more preferably, 45 to 70 wt%; yet more preferably, 50 to 70 wt%; most preferably, 60 to 70 wt%) , based on weight of the formulated laundry detergent formulation, of the selected anionic surfactant (a) plus the selected nonionic surfactant (b) ) (preferably, wherein the selected nonionic surfactant (b) comprises 15 to 60 wt% (preferably, 25 to 60 wt%; more preferably, 35 to 57 wt%; most preferably, 40 to 56 wt%) of the combination of the selected anionic surfactant (a) plus the selected nonionic surfactant (b) ) (preferably, wherein the formulated laundry detergent formulation comprises 5 to 40 wt% (preferably, 20 to 40 wt%; more preferably, 20 to 35 wt%; still more preferably, 20 to 30 wt%; most  preferably, 20 to 25 wt%) , based on weight of the formulated laundry detergent formulation, of the water miscible organic solvent) .
  • Preferably, the method of formulating a laundry detergent formulation to have detergency stability for cleaning water temperatures ranging from 10 to 30 ℃, of the present invention, further comprises selecting an optional additive for incorporating into the formulated laundry detergent formulation. More preferably, the method of formulating a laundry detergent formulation to have detergency stability for cleaning water temperatures ranging from 10 to 30 ℃, of the present invention, further comprises selecting an optional additive for incorporating into the formulated laundry detergent formulation; wherein the optional additive is selected from the group consisting of builders (e.g., sodium bicarbonate, sodium carbonate, zeolites, sodium citrate, sodium tripolyphosphate and aminocarboxylates (such as methylglycine diacetic acid, sodium salt or glutamic acid diacetic acid, sodium salt) ) ; hydrotropes (e.g., sodium xylene sulfonate, sodium cumene sulfonate, sodium toluene sulfonate) ; foam control agents (e.g., polydimethylsiloxane) ; enzymes (e.g., protease, cellulases, lipase, amylase, mannanases) ; preservatives; fragrances (e.g., essential oils such as D-limonene) ; fluorescent whitening agents; bleach (e.g., sodium percarbonate, sodium perborate, sodium hypochlorite) ; dyes; additive polymers (e.g., dispersant polymers such as acrylic acid homopolymers and copolymers of acrylic acid with maleic acid, sulfonated monomer and/or ethyl acrylate) ; frabric softeners (e.g., softening silicones, cationic coacervating polymers (e.g., cationic hydroxyalkyl cellulose, polyquaternium polymers) ) ; pH adjusters/buffers; additional surfactants (e.g., cationic surfactants, amphoteric surfactants) ; cleaning boosters and mixtures thereof.
  • Preferably, the use of a surfactant blend to impart low temperature detergent stability to a laundry detergent formulation, wherein the surfactant blend of the present invention comprises: (a) an anionic surfactant is selected from the group consisting of alkyl sulfates, alkyl benzene sulfates, alkyl benzene sulfonic acids, alkyl benzene sulfonates, alkyl polyethoxy sulfates, paraffin sulfonic acids, paraffin sulfonates, olefin sulfonic acids, olefin sulfonates, alpha-sulfocarboxylates, esters of alpha-sulfocarboxylates, alkyl glyceryl ether sulfonic acids, alkyl glyceryl ether sulfonates, sulfates of fatty acids, sulfonates of fatty acids, sulfonates of fatty acid esters, alkyl phenol polyethoxy ether sulfates, 2-acryloxy-alkane-1-sulfonic acids, 2-acryloxy-alkane-1-sulfonates, beta-alkyloxy alkane sulfonic acids, beta-alkyloxy alkane sulfonates, oleic acid, salts thereof and mixtures thereof (preferably, wherein the anionic surfactant is selected from the group consisting of C8-20 alkyl  benzene sulfates, C8-20 alkyl benzene sulfonic acids, C8-20 alkyl benzene sulfonates, C8-20 alkyl polyethoxy sulfates, paraffin sulfonic acids, paraffin sulfonates, alpha-olefin sulfonic acids, alpha-olefin sulfonates, sulfonates of fatty acids, sulfonates of fatty acid esters, oleic acid, salts thereof and mixtures thereof; more preferably, wherein the anionic surfactant is selected from the group consisting of C12-16 alkyl benzene sulfonic acids, C12-16 alkyl benzene sulfonates, C12-16 alkyl polyethoxy sulfates, C12-18 paraffin-sulfonic acids, C12-18 paraffin-sulfonates, oleic acid and mixtures thereof; still more preferably, wherein the anionic surfactant is selected from the group consisting of C12-16 alkyl benzene sulfonic acids, C12-16 alkyl benzene sulfonates, C12-16 alkyl polyethoxy sulfates, oleic acid and mixtures thereof; yet more preferably, wherein the anionic surfactant includes a mixture of dodecyl benzene sulfonic acid, sodium laureth-2 sulfate and oleic acid; most preferably, wherein the anionic surfactant is a mixture of dodecyl benzene sulfonic acid, sodium laureth-2 sulfate and oleic acid) ; and (b) a nonionic surfactant, wherein the nonionic surfactant is selected from the group of nonionic surfactants having formula (I)
    R1-O- (EO) x- (AO) y- (EO) z-H
  • wherein R1 is a linear C8-18 alkyl group (preferably, a linear C10-18 alkyl group; more preferably, a linear C12-14 alkyl group or a linear C16-18 alkyl group) ; wherein AO is an oxyalkylene group with 3 to 5 carbon atoms (preferably, 3 to 4 carbon atoms; more preferably, 3 carbon atoms) ; wherein x is 2 to 4 (preferably, 4) ; wherein y is 6 to 25 (preferably, 7 to 20; more preferably, 8 to 15; most preferably, 8 to 14) ; wherein the low temperature detergency stability is exibited across washing temperatures of 10 to 30 ℃ (preferably, wherein the laundry detergent formulation comprises 5 to 95 wt% (preferably, 25 to 80 wt%; more preferably, 35 to 75 wt%; still more preferably, 45 to 70 wt%; yet more preferably, 50 to 70 wt%; most preferably, 60 to 70 wt%) , based on weight of the laundry detergent formulation, of surfactant blend) (preferably, wherein the surfactant blend comprises 15 to 60 wt% (preferably, 25 to 60 wt%; more preferably, 35 to 57 wt%; most preferably, 40 to 56 wt%) , based on weight of the surfactant blend, of the nonionic surfactant (b) ) (preferably, wherein the laundry detergent formulation further comprises 5 to 40 wt% (preferably, 20 to 40 wt%; more preferably, 20 to 35 wt%; still more preferably, 20 to 30 wt%; most preferably, 20 to 25 wt%) , based on weight of the laundry detergent formulation, of a water miscible organic solvent) .
  • Preferably, the method of washing a fabric article of the present invention, comprises: providing a soiled fabric article (preferably, wherein the soiled fabric article is soiled with oil  and grease borne soil; more preferably, wherein the soiled fabric article is soiled with sebum oils) (preferably, wherein the soiled fabric article is stained cotton fabric; more preferably, wherein the soiled fabric article is stained polycotton fabric) ; providing a formulated laundry detergent formulation having a detergency stability for cleaning water temperatures ranging from 10 to 30 ℃ according to the method of the present invention; providing a wash water; and applying the wash water and the formulated laundry detergent formulation to the soiled fabric article to provide a cleaned fabric article; wherein the wash water is at a temperature of 10 to 30 ℃. More preferably, the method of washing a fabric article of the present invention, comprises: providing a soiled fabric article (preferably, wherein the soiled fabric article is soiled with oil and grease borne soil; more preferably, wherein the soiled fabric article is soiled with sebum oils) (preferably, wherein the soiled fabric article is stained cotton fabric; more preferably, wherein the soiled fabric article is stained polycotton fabric) ; providing a formulated laundry detergent formulation having a detergency stability for cleaning water temperatures ranging from 10 to 30 ℃ according to the method of the present invention; providing a wash water; providing a rinse water; applying the wash water and the laundry detergent formulation to the soiled fabric to provide a cleaned fabric article; wherein the wash water is at a temperature of 10 to 30 ℃; and then applying the rinse water to the cleaned fabric article to remove the formulated laundry detergent formulation from the cleaned fabric article.
  • Some embodiments of the present invention will now be described in detail in the following Examples.
  • Synthesis S1: L-C16-18- (EO) 4- (PO) 14- (EO) 25
  • A nonionic surfactant represented by the formula L-C16-18- (EO) 4- (PO) 14- (EO) 25 was prepared, wherein “L-C16-18” is a linear C16-18 alkyl moiety. One mole of L-C16-18 alcohol and a 45-50 wt%aqueous solution of potassium hydroxide were charged to a reactor. The potassium hydroxide charge was sufficient to provide a KOH concentration of 0.17 wt%, based on weight of the polymer porduct. The contents of the reactor were maintained at 50 to 60 ℃ for thirty minutes. The moisture content in the vapor space of the reactor was then reduced to less than 1,000 ppm by vacuum stripping at 80 ℃. The temperature set point for the reactor contents was then raised to 110 ℃. Then four molar equivalents of ethylene oxide, EO, based on the initial charge of L-C16-18 alcohol, was fed to the reactor slowly while the temperature of the reactor contents was maintained at 110 to 140 ℃. When the pressure in the reactor returned to approximately the same as the pressure prior to feeding the EO,  fourteen molar equivalents of propylene oxide, PO, based on the initial charge of L-C16-18 alcohol, was fed to the reactor slowly while the temperature of the reactor contents was maintained at 110 to 140 ℃. When the pressure in the reactor returned to approximately the same as the pressure prior to feeding the PO, five molar equivalents of EO, based on the initial charge of L-C16-18 alcohol, was fed to the reactor slowly while the temperature of the reactor contents was maintained at 110 to 140 ℃. When the pressure in the reactor returned to approximately the same pressure as before feeding the EO, the reactor contents were maintained at 1 l0 to 140 ℃ for two more hours to facilitate full reaction of the EO. The reactor was then purged with nitrogen and the reactor contents were cooled down to 60 ℃. Then acetic acid was added to the reactor contents to neutralize the potassium hydroxide. After the reactor contents cooled down to 40 ℃ the product polymer was recovered.
  • Syntheses S2-S9
  • The procedure described in Synthesis S1 was repreated in Syntheses S2-S9 wherein the alcohol used had an alkyl group as noted in TABLE 1 and the relative molar amounts of EO and PO added in the various steps as noted in TABLE 1.
  • TABLE 1
  • Comparative Examples CF1-CF11 and Examples F1-F14: Unit Dose Detergent
  • The unit dose laundry detergent formulations of Comparative Examples CF1-CF11 and Examples F1-F14 used in the cleaning tests in subsequent Examples were prepared having the formulation as described in TABLES 2-3. The water and propylene glycol were  mixed in a beaker with mechanical stirring. The dodecylbenzene sulfonic acid, oleic acid and monoethanol amine were then added in the beaker with continued stirring. The nonionic surfactant (Synthesis S1-S10) was then added to the beaker with continued stirring. The pH was then adjusted to 7.5 with monoethanol amine to form the unit dose laundry detergent.
  • Comparative Examples CF12-CF13 and Examples F15-F21: Liquid Laundry Detergent
  • The liquid laundry detergent formulations of Comparative Examples CF12-CF13 and Examples F15-F21 used in the cleaning tests in subsequent Examples were prepared having the formulation as described in TABLE 4. The water and propylene glycol were mixed in a beaker with mechanical stirring. The dodecylbenzene sulfonic acid, oleic acid and monoethanol amine were then added in the beaker with continued stirring. The nonionic surfactant (Synthesis S1-S6 or Synthesis S9-S10) was then added to the beaker with continued stirring. The pH was then adjusted to 8-8.5 with monoethanol amine to form the concentrated liquid laundry detergent.

  • Low Temperature Detergency Stability
  • The low temperature detergency stability, LTDS, of the laundry detergent formulations of Comparative Examples CF1-CF13 and Examples F1-F21 was assessed in a Terg-o-tometer Model TOM-52-Aavailable from SR Lab Instruments (6 x 1 L wells) agitated at 120 cycles per minute with the conditions noted in TABLE 5.
  • TABLE 5
  • The soil removal index (SRI) was calculated using ASTM Method D4265-14. The low temperature detergency stability, LTDS, was determined for each of the laundry detergent formulations of Comparative Examples CF1-CF13 and Examples F1-F21 using the following formula:
    LTDS = [ (SRI (T2) ) / (SRI (T1) ) ] x 100%
  • wherein LTDS is the low temperature detergency stability in %, SRI (T2) is the soil removal index calculated using ASTM Method D4265-14 at temperature 2 (10 ℃) , and SRI (T1) is the soil removal index calculated using ASTM Method D4265-14 at temperature 1 (30 ℃) . The results are provided in TABLE 6.
  • TABLE 6

Claims (10)

  1. A method of formulating a laundry detergent formulation to have detergency stability for cleaning water temperatures ranging from 10 to 30 ℃, comprising:
    (a) selecting an anionic surfactant, wherein the anionic surfactant is selected from the group consisting of alkyl sulfates, alkyl benzene sulfates, alkyl benzene sulfonic acids, alkyl benzene sulfonates, alkyl polyethoxy sulfates, paraffin sulfonic acids, paraffin sulfonates, olefin sulfonic acids, olefin sulfonates, alpha-sulfocarboxylates, esters of alpha-sulfocarboxylates, alkyl glyceryl ether sulfonic acids, alkyl glyceryl ether sulfonates, sulfates of fatty acids, sulfonates of fatty acids, sulfonates of fatty acid esters, alkyl phenol polyethoxy ether sulfates, 2-acryloxy-alkane-1-sulfonic acids, 2-acryloxy-alkane-1-sulfonates, beta-alkyloxy alkane sulfonic acids, beta-alkyloxy alkane sulfonates, oleic acid and mixtures thereof;
    (b) selecting a nonionic surfactant, wherein the nonionic surfactant is selected from the group of nonionic surfactants having formula (I)
    R1-O- (EO) x- (AO) y- (EO) z-H
    wherein R1 is a linear C8-18 alkyl group; wherein AO is an oxyalkylene group with 3 to 5 carbon atoms; wherein x is 2 to 4; wherein y is 6 to 25; wherein z is 1 to 50; and wherein the nonionic surfactant is selected based on its ability to impart detergency stability to the laundry detergent formulation for cleaning water temperatures ranging from 10 to 30 ℃;
    (c) selecting a water miscible organic solvent, wherein the water miscible organic solvent is selected from the group consisting of a C1-4 alcohol with one hydroxyl group (e.g., ethanol) ; propylene glycol; glycerol; 1, 3-butanediol; 1, 3-hexanediol; dipropylene glycol and mixtures thereof; and
    combining the selected anionic surfactant, the selected nonionic surfactant, the selected water miscible organic solvent and water to provide the formulated laundry detergent formulation.
  2. The method of claim 1, wherein AO is an oxyalkylene group with 3 carbon atoms; wherein the formulated laundry detergent formulation comprises 5 to 95 wt%, based on weight of the formulated laundry detergent formulation, of the selected anionic surfactant (a) plus the selected nonionic surfactant (b) .
  3. The method of claim 2, wherein the selected nonionic surfactant (b) comprises 15 to 60 wt%of the combination of the selected anionic surfactant (a) plus the selected nonionic surfactant (b) .
  4. The method of claim 3, wherein the formulated laundry detergent formulation comprises 5 to 40 wt%, based on weight of the formulated laundry detergent formulation, of the water miscible organic solvent.
  5. The method of claim 1, wherein AO is an oxyalkylene group with 3 carbon atoms; wherein the formulated laundry detergent formulation comprises 45 to 70 wt%, based on weight of the formulated laundry detergent formulation, of the selected anionic surfactant (a) plus the selected nonionic surfactant (b) .
  6. The method of claim 5, wherein the selected nonionic surfactant (b) comprises 15 to 60 wt%of the combination of the selected anionic surfactant (a) plus the selected nonionic surfactant (b) .
  7. The method of claim 6, wherein the formulated laundry detergent formulation comprises 20 to 40 wt%, based on weight of the formulated laundry detergent formulation, of the water miscible organic solvent.
  8. The method of claim 1, wherein the formulated laundry detergent formulation further comprises an optional additive selected from the group consisting of builders; hydrotropes; foam control agents; enzymes; preservatives; fragrances; fluorescent whitening agents; bleach; dyes; additive polymers; frabric softeners; pH adjusters/buffers and mixtures thereof.
  9. Use of a surfactant blend to impart low temperature detergency stability to a laundry detergent formulation, wherein the surfactant blend comprises:
    (a) an anionic surfactant is selected from the group consisting of alkyl sulfates, alkyl benzene sulfates, alkyl benzene sulfonic acids, alkyl benzene sulfonates, alkyl polyethoxy sulfates, paraffin sulfonic acids, paraffin sulfonates, olefin sulfonic acids, olefin sulfonates, alpha-sulfocarboxylates, esters of alpha-sulfocarboxylates, alkyl glyceryl ether sulfonic acids, alkyl glyceryl ether sulfonates, sulfates of fatty acids, sulfonates of fatty acids, sulfonates of fatty acid esters, alkyl phenol polyethoxy ether sulfates, 2-acryloxy-alkane-1-sulfonic acids, 2-acryloxy-alkane-1-sulfonates, beta-alkyloxy alkane sulfonic acids, beta-alkyloxy alkane sulfonates, oleic acid and mixtures thereof; and
    (b) a nonionic surfactant, wherein the nonionic surfactant is selected from the group of nonionic surfactants having formula (I)
    R1-O- (EO) x- (AO) y- (EO) z-H
    wherein R1 is a linear C8-18 alkyl group; wherein x is 2 to 4; wherein AO is an oxyalkylene group with 3 to 5 carbon atoms; wherein y is 6 to 25; wherein the low temperature detergency stability is exibited across washing temperatures of 10 to 30 ℃.
  10. A method of washing a fabric article, comprising:
    providing a soiled fabric article;
    formulating a laundry detergent formulation according to the method of claim 1;
    providing a wash water; and
    applying the wash water and the formulated laundry detergent formulation to the soiled fabric article to provide a cleaned fabric article; wherein the wash water is at a temperature of 10 to 30 ℃.
EP23932437.9A 2023-04-13 2023-04-13 Method of formulating laundry detergent for low temperature detergency stability Pending EP4695359A1 (en)

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EP4695359A1 true EP4695359A1 (en) 2026-02-18

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CN (1) CN120897985A (en)
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Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
CN1092711C (en) * 1996-12-02 2002-10-16 花王株式会社 Surfactant composition
JP2915391B2 (en) * 1997-09-01 1999-07-05 花王株式会社 Textile scouring agent composition
JP4494516B1 (en) * 2008-11-21 2010-06-30 花王株式会社 Liquid detergent composition
JP5455483B2 (en) * 2009-07-17 2014-03-26 花王株式会社 Cleaning composition
JP2011219730A (en) * 2010-03-25 2011-11-04 Kao Corp Detergent composition for steel plate
CN105368427B (en) * 2014-08-27 2018-08-17 中国石油化工股份有限公司 Anion surfactant and preparation method thereof

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AU2023443378A1 (en) 2025-12-04
WO2024212146A1 (en) 2024-10-17

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