ITBO20110680A1 - FABRIC DETERGENT - Google Patents

Description

DESCRIPTION

of the patent for industrial invention entitled:

"FABRIC CLEANER"

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to a fabric detergent (cloth) and to a use of a detergent to wash a fabric.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The products currently on the market for washing fabrics (in particular, for washing machines) do not always allow satisfactory cleaning results to be obtained (in particular for greasy stains).

The best products have very high costs. The object of the present invention is to provide a detergent and a use of a detergent which allow to overcome, at least partially, the drawbacks of the known art and are possibly, at the same time, easy and economical to produce.

SUMMARY

According to the present invention there are provided a detergent and a use of a detergent according to what is disclosed in the independent claims which follow and, preferably, in any one of the claims directly or indirectly dependent on the independent claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention is described below with reference to the attached drawing, which illustrates examples of its implementation, in which:

Figure 1 schematically illustrates results of comparative tests between detergents in accordance with the present invention and other detergents.

FORMS OF IMPLEMENTATION OF THE INVENTION

According to a first aspect of the present invention, a fabric cleaner is provided. The detergent can be used for hand washing. Advantageously, the detergent is used for washing in a washing machine.

The detergent comprises an amphoteric surfactant and is substantially free of (sodium) hypochlorite. In particular, the percentage by weight of the hypochlorite in the detergent, with respect to the total weight of the detergent itself, is less than 3% (more precisely, less than 1.5%; in particular, less than 1%).

The amphoteric surfactant is selected from the group consisting of: alkyl betaine, alkylamide propyl betaine, amine oxide and a combination thereof. The amphoteric surfactant has from 10 to 22, advantageously from 10 to 18 (in particular, from 12 to 16) carbon atoms.

1 / alkyl betaine, alkyl amidopropyl betaine and amine oxide each have at least one C8-C8 alkyl, each independently of the others. Advantageously, this alkyl has (in particular, it consists of) a linear (or mono-branched) C8-C8 chain.

In the present text "Cx-Cy" refers to a group which is intended as having x to y carbon atoms.

In the present text, "aliphatic" means a non-aromatic and unsubstituted, saturated or unsaturated, linear, branched and / or cyclic hydrocarbon. Non-limiting examples of aliphatic groups are: t-butyl, ethenyl, 1- or 2-propenyl, cyclohexyl.

In the present text, "alkyl" means a saturated aliphatic (ie an aliphatic group devoid of double or triple carbon-carbon bonds). Non-limiting examples of alkyls are: methyl, n-propyl, t-butyl, cyclohexyl.

More precisely, the alkyl betaine has the following formula (I):

wherein R <1> is a C8-Ci8 alkyl. Advantageously, this alkyl has (in particular, it consists of) a linear (or mono-branched) C8-C8 chain.

Alkylammidopropyl betaine has the following formula (II)

wherein R <2> is a C8-Ci8 alkyl. Advantageously, this alkyl has (in particular, it consists of) a linear (or mono-branched) C8-C8 chain.

Amine oxide took the formula (III):

wherein R <3> is a C8-Ci8 alkyl. Advantageously, this alkyl has (in particular, it consists of) a linear (or mono-branched) C8-C8 chain.

According to some embodiments, the amphoteric surfactant comprises (in particular, consists of) amine oxide (as defined above).

It is important to underline that the presence in the detergent of the amphoteric surfactant as defined above allows to remove some types of stains in a surprisingly efficient way. In particular, the detergents containing the aforementioned amphoteric surfactant have proved experimentally very efficient in removing machine oil stains. This occurs despite the fact that the amphoteric surfactant as defined above has not been considered up to now, in detergents for fabrics, in particular in detergents for washing machines or hand laundry, as an anti-grease (but only as a viscosifier).

According to some embodiments, the detergent comprises at least 0.1% by weight, with respect to the total weight of the detergent, of the amphoteric surfactant (as defined above). Advantageously, the detergent comprises at least 0.2% (in particular, at least 0.3%) by weight, with respect to the total weight of the detergent, of the amphoteric surfactant (as defined above).

According to some embodiments, the detergent comprises up to 5% by weight, with respect to the total weight of the detergent, of the amphoteric surfactant (as defined above). Advantageously, the detergent comprises up to 3.5% (in particular, up to 2%) by weight, with respect to the total weight of the detergent, of the amphoteric surfactant (as defined above).

Note that amphoteric surfactant also means a mixture of different amphoteric surfactants (in accordance with the above definitions).

Advantageously, the detergent comprises at least one ethanolamine. Ethanolamine is chosen from the group consisting of: monoethanolamine (Ν3⁄4 (CH2-CH2-OH)), diethanolamine (NH (CH2-CH2-OH) 2), triethanolamine (N (CH2-CH2-OH) 3) and a combination of them.

Advantageously, the ethanolamine is selected from the group consisting of monoethanolamine, triethanolamine and a combination thereof.

In particular, ethanolamine comprises (more precisely, is) triethanolamine.

It is important to underline that it has been experimentally observed that the amphoteric surfactant (as defined above) and ethanolamine act synergistically in order to obtain the removal of greasy spots in a surprisingly effective way. In particular, it has been experimentally observed that detergents which contain both the amphoteric surfactant and the ethanolamine obtain better results than the sum of the effects of the two components taken individually.

According to some embodiments, the detergent comprises at least 0.1% by weight, with respect to the total weight of the detergent, of the ethanolamine. Advantageously, the detergent comprises at least 0.5% (in particular, at least 2%) by weight, with respect to the total weight of the detergent, of the ethanolamine.

According to some embodiments, the detergent comprises up to 6% by weight, with respect to the total weight of the detergent, of the ethanolamine. Advantageously, the detergent comprises up to 5% (in particular, up to 4%) by weight, with respect to the total weight of the detergent, of the ethanolamine.

In particular, the concentration of ethanolamine in the detergent is such that the pH of the detergent is from 7 to 9.

It has been experimentally observed that the best results are obtained when the weight ratio between amphoteric surfactants and ethanolamines is from 10/1 to 1/30 (advantageously, from 5/1 to 1/20).

By ethanolamine we also mean a mixture of different ethanolamines (in accordance with the definitions indicated above).

According to some embodiments, the detergent comprises an anionic surfactant. In particular, the anionic surfactant comprises (in particular, is) an organic sulfonate. Advantageously, the sulfonate comprises (is) an alkylbenzene sulfonate.

In the present text, when reference is made to "sulfonate" it is meant both the compound in its ionic or salt form and the compound in the protonated form (ie the sulphonic acid). The form of the sulfonate will depend on the solution in which it is inserted (in particular, on the pH of the solution itself). In particular, according to what is proposed here (in the detergent), the sulfonates / o are found in a predominantly (substantially) deprotonated form.

The sulfonated alkylbenzene has at least one C10-C14 alkyl group. Advantageously, this alkyl group has (in particular, it consists of) a linear (or monoramified) C10-C14 chain. According to some embodiments, the alkylbenzene sulfonate has only one alkyl group.

More precisely, the alkylbenzene sulfonate has the following formula (IV):

wherein R <4> represents the alkyl group (as defined above).

According to some embodiments, the detergent comprises from 1% to 20% by weight, with respect to the total weight of the detergent, of the sulfonate. Advantageously, the detergent comprises from 5% to 15% (in particular, from 8% to 12%) by weight, with respect to the total weight of the detergent, of the sulfonate.

By sulfonate we also mean a mixture of different sulfonates (in accordance with the definitions indicated above).

According to some embodiments, the anionic surfactant comprises (in particular is) a sulfate. The sulfate is selected from the group consisting of: alcohol sulfate, alcohol ethoxysulfate and a combination thereof.

Alcohol sulfate has 8 to 18 (in particular, 12 to 16) carbon atoms. More precisely, the alcohol sulphate has a C8-Ci8 alkyl (in particular, C12-C16), which is linked to an ethoxy group. The ethoxy group is related to the sulfate group. In particular, the alkyl of the alcohol sulphate is linear (or monoramified).

Alcohol ethoxysulfate has 10 to 20 (in particular, 12 to 18) carbon atoms. More precisely, the sulphate alcohol has a C10-C20 alkyl (in particular, Ci2-Ci8), which is bound to the sulphate group. In particular, the alkyl of the alcohol sulfate is linear (or monoramified).

Alcohol ethoxysulfate has a degree of ethoxylation from 0.5 EO to 4 EO. The degree of ethoxylation "EO" indicates the average number of ethylene oxides (ethoxy) in each molecule of alcohol ethoxysulfate.

The degree of ethoxylation can be determined by gas chromatography / gas-mass analysis. In particular, it is possible to follow the methodology described in European Standard, Surface active agents - Determination of ethylene oxide and propylene oxide groups in ethylene oxide and propylene oxide adducts EN 13268, 2001.

In the present text, when reference is made to "sulfate" it is meant both the compound in its ionic or salt form and the compound in the protonated form. The form of the sulphate will depend on the solution in which it is inserted (in particular, on the pH of the solution itself).

According to some embodiments, the pH of the detergent is higher (or equal) than 4. More precisely, the pH is higher (or equal) than 5. Advantageously, the pH of the detergent is higher (or equal) than 7. A lower pH there is a risk that the amine oxide quaternarizes and reacts with the anionic surfactants by neutralizing.

In particular, according to what is proposed here (in the detergent), the sulphates / o are found in a predominantly (substantially) deprotonated form.

In particular, the sulphate alcohol has the following formula (V) R <5> -0-S03 <~>, in which R <5> represents a C8-CIB alkyl (more precisely, C12-C16).

In particular, ethoxysulfate alcohol has the following formula (VI) R <6> -0- (CH2CH2-0) n <_> S03 <~>, in which R <5> represents a C8-Ci8 alkyl (more precisely, C12-C16); n indicates the degree of ethoxylation "EO". For some molecules, n is 1.

According to some embodiments, the detergent comprises from 0.5% to 10% by weight, with respect to the total weight of the detergent, of the sulfate. Advantageously, the detergent comprises from 1% to 6% (in particular, from 2% to 4%) by weight, with respect to the total weight of the detergent, of the sulphate.

By sulphate we also mean a mixture of different sulphates (in accordance with the definitions indicated above).

According to some embodiments, the detergent comprises at least one soap, which is equipped with a linear (or monoramified) C8-C22 chain (advantageously, Cio-cie) More precisely, the soap has the following structure: R <7 > -COCT, wherein R <7> is a C7-C21 group (advantageously, C9-C17). In particular, R <7> is an aliphatic (saturated or unsaturated). Advantageously, R <7> is linear (or monoramified). In some advantageous cases, R <7> is unsaturated (in particular, it is an alkenyl). Alternatively, R <7> is an alkyl.

In particular, the detergent comprises from 0.1% to 10% by weight, with respect to the total weight of the detergent, of the soap. Advantageously, the detergent comprises from 0.5% to 6% (in particular, from 1% to 4%) by weight, with respect to the total weight of the detergent, of the soap.

Soap also means a mixture of different soaps (in accordance with the above definitions).

Alternatively or in addition to soap, other anti-foaming agents such as silicones, hydrophobic silica etc. can be used.

According to some embodiments, the detergent comprises at least one non-ionic surfactant, which is C8-C24 (advantageously, C1-C8; more precisely, C10-C16). The non-ionic surfactant has a linear (or monoramified) chain and has a degree of ethoxylation from 5 to 12 EO (in particular from 7 to 10 EO). According to some embodiments, the nonionic surfactant is ethoxylated or glycosidate (alkyl polyglucosides).

According to some embodiments, the non-ionic surfactant has the following structure: R <8> - (0-CH2-CH2) n-OH, in which R <8> is a C8-C2o group (advantageously, CIO-CIB ; more precisely, C10-C16) and n is from 4 to 20 (advantageously, from 5 to 12; more precisely, from 7 to 10). In particular, R <8> is an alkyl. Advantageously, R <8> is linear (or monoramified).

Some examples of non-ionic surfactants are as follows: Dehydol AE7, Empilan KCL7, Lialet 125-7, Dehydol 100, Etilon 911, Lialet 123-10, Glucopon 600 CSUP, Glucopon 225 DK, Glucopon 215 CS UP.

In particular, the detergent comprises from 1% to 15% by weight, with respect to the total weight of the detergent, of the non-ionic surfactant. Advantageously, the detergent comprises from 3% to 13% (in particular, from 5% to 10%) by weight, with respect to the total weight of the detergent, of the non-ionic surfactant.

Non-ionic surfactant also means a mixture of different non-ionic surfactants (in accordance with the above definitions).

One or more of the following components may also be present in the detergent: sequestrants (for example, EDTA, phosphonates, phosphates, polymers and copolymers), different types of enzymes or mixtures of them (proteases, amylases, lipases, etc.), dyes, perfumes, preservatives, hydrotropics, defoamers, optical brighteners. Usually these components define up to 7% by weight of the detergent (advantageously, up to 5%).

The detergent also includes (is predominantly made up of) water.

In particular, the detergent comprises up to 95% (more precisely, up to 85%) by weight, with respect to the total weight of the detergent, of water. Advantageously, the detergent comprises at least 40% (more precisely at least 50%) by weight, with respect to the total weight of the detergent, of water.

According to some embodiments, the detergent comprises up to 80% (more precisely, up to 75%) by weight, relative to the total weight of the detergent, of water. In some cases, the detergent comprises up to 70% (more precisely, up to 65%) by weight, relative to the total weight of the detergent, of water.

According to a further aspect of the present invention, the use of the detergent as defined above is provided for washing a fabric. According to some forms of implementation, washing is done by hand. Advantageously, the washing is done by washing machine.

Use involves bringing the detergent into contact with water. The resulting solution has a pH of 8 to 9.

Unless the contrary is explicitly indicated, the content of the references (articles, books, patent applications, etc.) cited in this text is referred to here in its entirety. In particular, the aforementioned references are incorporated herein by reference.

Further characteristics of the present invention will emerge from the following description of two merely illustrative and non-limiting examples.

Example 1

Detergents 1-10 were prepared by mixing the different components in the percentages by weight (with respect to the total weight of the detergent) shown in table 1 with water.

Table 1

In the first column of table 1 the different components have the following meaning: Na PAS indicates the sodium salt of a primary CIO-CIB sulphate alcohol (eg. Dacpon 27/23 AL, Sulfopon 1218, Sulfopon 1216 G, etc.); Na LES indicates the sodium salt of a lauryl ether sulfate (eg Empimin KSL 68 / A, Daclor 70-23-1 Al, Texapon N70, Tricopon N370, Empimin KSN 70 / LA, Daclor 70-3-23, etc. ); as amphoteric is intended eg. Amphotensid B4 / C, Empigen OB, Empigen OD, etc .; soap indicates coconut fatty acids (eg Aniodak AGCK-38, Flerogum K38, Flerogum LX, Empieoi XHL 210 etc.); the term amine indicates ethanolamines, in particular, for the examples of Table 1, triethanolamine; the term ethoxylated alcohol indicates a non-ionic surfactant such as e.g. Dehydol AE7, Empilan KCL7, Lialet 125-7, Dehydol 100, Etilon 911, Lialet 123-10, Glucopon 600 CSUP, Glucopon 225 DK, Glucopon 215 CS UP, etc.

Sulfonic acid indicates alkylbenzenesulfonic acid, in particular dodecylbenzenesulfonic acid (eg Nansa SSA / UB, Solfodac AC-3-H etc.).

Example 2

Washing tests were carried out with the detergent 1 described above and with Dash samples with Actilift concentrated formula 1.825L, 25 washes recommended dosage 73 ml, formula no. 997819545519, lot 1159030366 and Dixan Classico gold plus concentrated formula, 28 washes recommended dosage 66 ml, lot L023610004.

Washing conditions: the pieces were placed in the washing machine (Aqualtis AQ9F 291 S -Hotpoint Ariston) at 30 ° C, spin 600, washing program for cotton duration l: 17h, average water hardness 22 French degrees.

The soils used consisted of standard EMPA 102 patches with multi-dirt.

The washed pieces after drying were read with a Lange LucilOO reflectometer.

The results obtained as reflectance values and the comparison between them are shown in table 2.

Table 2

Note that higher reflectance corresponds to better dirt removal.

The signs were attributed in the following way:

= for differences of less than 2 points

for differences between 2 and 4.9

+ for differences between 5 and 9.9

++ for differences greater than 10

From the tests carried out, therefore, it can be seen that the detergent in accordance with the present invention is capable of removing the stains relating to greasy dirt in a significantly greater way than two of the best detergents currently on the market.

Example 3

Washing tests were carried out with the detergent 1 described above, with a detergent B, which differs from the detergent 1 exclusively in that it is devoid of the amphoteric surfactant; with a detergent C, which differs from detergent 1 exclusively in that it is free of the amine; and with a detergent D, which differs from detergent 1 exclusively in that it is free of the amine and of the amphoteric surfactant.

The procedure described in example 2 was followed, however, using a different batch of standard EMPA 102 patches (this is probably the reason for the diversions resulting from detergent 2).

The results obtained as reflectance values are shown in table 3.

Table 3

As can be easily seen, the use of the amphoteric surfactant and ethanolamine separately (ie one without the other - detergents B and C) leads to a slight deterioration as far as animal fat / color and butter are concerned. The combined use (detergent 1) instead leads to an improvement for butter.

The use of the amphoteric surfactant has led to an improvement in washing machine grease.

The sum of the improvements of detergents B and C over detergent D for machine grease is less than the improvement of detergent 1 over detergent D.

Figure 1 graphically shows the results of the machine oil washing tests (fourth column of table 3). In particular, in Figure 1, the first column illustrates the result of the detergent 1; the second column of Figure 1 illustrates the results of the detergent B; the third column of Figure 1 illustrates the results of the detergent C; the fourth column of Figure 1 illustrates the results of detergent D.

Claims (1)

R IV E N D I CA Z I O N I 1.- Detergent for fabric (cloth); the detergent comprising at least one anionic surfactant and at least one amphoteric surfactant selected from the group consisting of: alkyl betaine, alkylamidopropyl betaine, amine oxide and a combination thereof; The alkyl betaine, the alkylammidopropyl betaine and the amine oxide each having at least one C8-C8 alkyl, each independently of the others. 2.- Detergent according to claim 1, and comprising at least one ethanolamine selected from the group consisting of: monoethanolamine, diethanolamine, triethanolamine and a combination thereof. 3.- Detergent according to claim 2, wherein the ethanolamine is selected from the group consisting of: triethanolamine, monoethanolamine and a combination thereof. 4.- Detergent according to one of the preceding claims, in which the alkyl betaine, the alkyl amidopropyl betaine and the amine oxide comprise, each independently of the others, at least one alkyl with at least one C8-C8 linear chain. 5.- Detergent according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the alkyl betaine has the following formula (I): wherein R <1> is a C8-Cl8 alkyl; alkylamidopropyl betaine presenting the following formula (II): wherein R <2> is a C8-Cl8 alkyl; wherein the oxide of formula (III): wherein R <3> is a C8-Ci8 alkyl. 6.- Detergent according to one of the preceding claims, wherein said amphoteric surfactant comprises said amine oxide. 7.- Detergent according to one of the preceding claims, and comprising from 0.1% to 5% by weight, with respect to the total weight of the detergent, of said amphoteric surfactant; from 0.1% to 6% by weight, with respect to the total weight of the detergent, of an ethanolamine. 8.- Detergent according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the anionic surfactant comprises from 1% to 20% by weight, with respect to the total weight of the detergent, of a sulfonate having at least one C8- alkyl group Ci8. 9.- Detergent according to one of the preceding claims, and having a pH from 7 to 9. 10.- Detergent according to one of the preceding claims, and comprising at least one non-ionic surfactant and at least one soap. 11.- Detergent according to one of the preceding claims, and comprising from 1% to 15% by weight, with respect to the total weight of the detergent, of a non-ionic surfactant; and from 0.1% to 10% by weight, with respect to the total weight of the detergent, of the soap. 12.- Use of a detergent according to one of the preceding claims to wash a fabric, in particular by washing machine.