JP2007009364A - Transparent softener composition - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a softener having well-softening effect and also transparent not only in a stock solution condition but also in a diluted condition. <P>SOLUTION: The transparent softener composition comprises a quaternary ammonium salt of general formula(I): R<SP>1</SP>R<SP>2</SP>R<SP>3</SP>R<SP>4</SP>N<SP>+</SP>X<SP>-</SP>(wherein, R<SP>1</SP>is a 10-18C alkyl or alkenyl; R<SP>2</SP>, R<SP>3</SP>and R<SP>4</SP>are each methyl, ethyl or hydroxyethyl, and at least one of them being hydroxyethyl; and X<SP>-</SP>is an anion) and an anionic surfactant of general formula(II): R<SP>5</SP>-(O)<SB>n</SB>SO<SB>3</SB>-M (wherein, R<SP>5</SP>is a 10-18C alkyl or alkenyl; M is an alkali metal atom or ammonium group; and n is 0 or 1) in the molar ratio (I)/(II) of (65:35) to (90:10), wherein the total number of the carbon atoms in R<SP>1</SP>and R<SP>5</SP>is 22-32. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2007,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a softening agent for softening textile products and garments. In particular, the present invention relates to a transparent softener composition that maintains transparency even when diluted to an actual use concentration and can impart good flexibility to textiles and clothing.

  As a softener for textiles and clothing, those based on cationic quaternary ammonium salts having two long-chain alkyl groups such as di-long-chain alkyldimethylammonium salts have been widely used. Yes. However, such a softening finish has an excellent softening action, but the solubility of the di-long-chain alkyldimethylammonium salt of the base component in water is low, and an emulsion-like or slurry-like liquid in which a solid is precipitated. Used in the state. In recent years, various soft finishes having a transparent or translucent appearance have been proposed by devising the base components and blends used, and have gained popularity as more attractive products. For example, a transparent softener composition obtained by combining a specific amine or quaternary ammonium compound having one long-chain hydrophobic group, an anionic surfactant, and a specific organic solvent in a certain ratio (for example, Patent Document 1), and a transparent aqueous fabric softener using a fabric softening active agent having a hydrophobic moiety containing an ester or amide bond and a branched or unsaturated hydrophobic group has been proposed (for example, Patent Document 2). reference).

  Such a conventional soft finish having a transparent appearance is a specific amine or quaternary ammonium compound having a hydrophobic group containing, for example, one long-chain alkyl group or ester or amide bond as a hydrophobic group in the cationic component. Is to use. Since such a compound has improved solubility in water, it can be made into a solution having a transparent appearance by itself or by using a solvent or the like, but it has a sufficient softening action itself. Absent. For this reason, a combination of a specific anionic compound and such a cationic compound is formed, and a complex of both is formed, thereby obtaining a softening agent having a good softening action while being transparent in the mixed stock solution. It was.

  In general, softening agents for textiles and clothing are used by diluting the stock solution with water to a solid content concentration of about 0.001 to 0.02%. And even if the conventional softening finish is transparent in the stock solution, it becomes cloudy when diluted to the use concentration. This is particularly when used at home, because the concentration of the soft base is extremely low under the conditions of use, so that it is cationic in order to efficiently adsorb the soft base to fibers and fabrics. This is because reducing the solubility in water and making the flexible base easier to adsorb on the surface of the fiber or fabric is one important condition.

However, even if it can be a product with a transparent or translucent appearance as a corner softener, it is a half-finished product whose characteristics are halved if it becomes cloudy when diluted to use. I must say. Therefore, if it is possible to provide a soft finish that has an excellent softening action and at the same time, even a product stock solution or a transparent or translucent state that does not become turbid when diluted to use, it has more attractive characteristics. Since it can be set as the goods which have, such a softening finish was calculated | required.
JP 2002-371469 A Japanese National Patent Publication No. 11-507095

  The present invention solves the problems of the conventional softeners as described above, has an excellent softening action, and at the same time is transparent not only in the state of the stock solution but also in the state diluted to the use conditions. An object of the present invention is to provide a softening agent having the following characteristics.

  As a result of intensive studies to solve the above-described problems, the present inventors have formulated a quaternary ammonium compound having a specific structure and a specific anionic surfactant at a constant ratio, thereby providing a stock solution. In addition, the present invention has been completed by finding that a transparent state can be obtained without causing turbidity even at a concentration in a use state diluted with water.

That is, the gist of the present invention is as follows.
(1) a quaternary ammonium salt represented by the following general formula (I):

（ここで、Ｒ^５は炭素数１０〜１８のアルキル基又はアルケニル基であり、Ｍはアルカリ金属またはアンモニウム基であり、ｎは０または１の数である。）
Ｒ^１とＲ^５の炭素数の合計が２２〜３２の範囲内にあり、かつ一般式(I)と(II)の化合物の比率がモル比で(I)／(II)＝６５／３５〜９０／１０の範囲内であることを特徴とする透明な柔軟仕上げ剤組成物。
（２）一般式(I)と(II)の化合物の比率が、モル比で(I)／(II)＝７０／３０〜９０／１０の範囲内であることを特徴とする、前記(１)記載の透明な柔軟仕上げ剤組成物。
（３）Ｒ^１とＲ^５の炭素数の合計が２４〜２８の範囲内であることを特徴とする、前記(１)または（２）に記載の透明な柔軟仕上げ剤組成物。
（４）一般式(I)と(II)の化合物の合計の配合量が３〜２０質量％であることを特徴とする、前記（１）乃至（３）のいずれかに記載の透明な柔軟仕上げ剤組成物。
（５）更に次の一般式(III)で表わされる非イオン性界面活性剤

（ここで、Ｒ^６は炭素数１０〜１８のアルキル基又はアルケニル基であり、ｍは６〜１００の数である。）
を含有することを特徴とする、前記（１）乃至（４）のいずれかに記載の透明な柔軟仕上げ剤組成物。
（６）一般式(III)で表わされる非イオン性界面活性剤の配合量が０．２〜５質量％であることを特徴とする、前記（５）に記載の透明な柔軟仕上げ剤組成物。
（７）更に、炭素数２〜６を有し、かつ少なくとも一つのヒドロキシ基を有する有機溶剤を含有することを特徴とする、前記（１）乃至（６）のいずれかに記載の透明な柔軟仕上げ剤組成物。
（８）前記有機溶剤の配合量が１〜１０質量％であることを特徴とする、前記（７）に記載の透明な柔軟仕上げ剤組成物。 (Wherein R ¹ is an alkyl or alkenyl group having 10 to 18 carbon atoms, R ² , R ³ and R ⁴ are each independently any of a methyl group, an ethyl group or a hydroxyethyl group, and at least one of a hydroxyethyl group, X ^- is either a halide ion, alkylsulfate ion having 1 to 2 carbon atoms).
Containing an anionic surfactant represented by the following general formula (II),

(Here, R ⁵ is an alkyl or alkenyl group having 10 to 18 carbon atoms, M is an alkali metal or ammonium group, and n is a number of 0 or 1.)
The total number of carbon atoms of R ¹ and R ⁵ is in the range of 22 to 32, and the ratio of the compounds of the general formulas (I) and (II) is (I) / (II) = 65/35 A transparent softener composition, characterized in that it is in the range of 90/10.
(2) The ratio of the compounds of the general formulas (I) and (II) is in the range of (I) / (II) = 70/30 to 90/10 in terms of molar ratio (1) ) The transparent softener composition as described.
(3) The transparent softener composition according to (1) or (2) above, wherein the total number of carbon atoms of R ¹ and R ⁵ is in the range of 24-28.
(4) The transparent softness according to any one of (1) to (3) above, wherein the total amount of the compounds of the general formulas (I) and (II) is 3 to 20% by mass Finishing composition.
(5) Further, a nonionic surfactant represented by the following general formula (III)

(Here, R ⁶ is an alkyl or alkenyl group having 10 to 18 carbon atoms, and m is a number of 6 to 100.)
The transparent softener composition according to any one of the above (1) to (4), comprising:
(6) The transparent softener composition according to (5) above, wherein the blending amount of the nonionic surfactant represented by the general formula (III) is 0.2 to 5% by mass. .
(7) The transparent flexible film according to any one of (1) to (6), further comprising an organic solvent having 2 to 6 carbon atoms and having at least one hydroxy group. Finishing composition.
(8) The transparent softener composition according to (7) above, wherein the amount of the organic solvent is 1 to 10% by mass.

  In the softener composition of the present invention, unlike a softener for garments that has been widely used in the past, a specific quaternary ammonium compound and a specific anionic surfactant are combined and formulated as a product. Not only can the appearance of the blended softener composition itself have excellent transparency, but even when it is diluted with water to a concentration that actually performs the softening treatment of textiles and clothing. An excellent transparent state can be maintained without causing turbidity. Conventionally, in order to attach a softening component to clothing or the like in this diluted state, it was thought that it was preferable to make this a turbid state in which a solid content was deposited, but in the softener composition of the present invention, Contrary to this common sense, although it is dissolved transparently in a diluted state, it exhibits an excellent softening effect comparable to that of the conventional one. Furthermore, the softener composition of the present invention has a unique effect of so-called deodorizing action, which has not been found in conventional softeners, to suppress the adsorption of malodor to clothing and the like treated with the softener.

Hereinafter, the present invention will be described in detail.
As already mentioned, a softening composition for clothing having a transparent appearance in its stock solution state is already known, and in particular, the above-mentioned Patent Document 1 discloses a specific amine or quaternary ammonium compound and an anionic interface. A transparent softening finish containing an activator and a specific organic solvent is disclosed. In this invention, the processed clothing is prevented from having an oily texture with a softening effect, and a softening agent composition becomes transparent.

  In contrast, the softener composition of the present invention is represented by the general formula (I), which is a quaternary ammonium compound having a specific structure that is not specifically disclosed in Patent Document 1 or the like. A softener composition in an undiluted state formulated as a product by selecting a compound and combining it in combination with the specific anionic surfactant represented by the general formula (II) having a sulfate group or a sulfonate group Not only does the appearance of the product have excellent transparency, but also surprisingly it is a concentration at which the fiber product or clothing is actually softened, as a solid content concentration of 0.001 to 0.02. Even when diluted with water to a concentration of about%, it was possible to maintain a transparent state without causing any turbidity.

First, the softener composition of the present invention uses a quaternary ammonium compound represented by the general formula (I) as a softening component. This is a quaternary ammonium compound having a structure having one alkyl group or alkenyl group having 10 to 18 carbon atoms as a long-chain hydrocarbon group and at least one hydroxyethyl group. R ¹ of the long-chain hydrocarbon group is an alkyl group or alkenyl group having 10 to 18 carbon atoms, and an alkyl group having 12 or 14 carbon atoms is particularly preferable. R ² , R ³ and R ⁴ are each independently a methyl group, an ethyl group or a hydroxyethyl group, but at least one is a hydroxyethyl group. One hydroxyethyl group is preferred, and the remaining substituents are preferably both methyl. X ^- is a counter ion of a cationic nitrogen atom, a halogen ion, it can be used those alkyl sulfate ion having 1 to 2 carbon atoms, halogen ions, particularly chlorine ions. Examples of such quaternary ammonium compounds include dodecyldimethyl 2-hydroxyethylammonium chloride, tetradecyldimethyl 2-hydroxyethylammonium chloride, decyldimethyl 2-hydroxyethylammonium chloride, oleyldimethyl 2-hydroxyethylammonium chloride, Examples include dodecylbis (2-hydroxyethyl) methylammonium chloride and oleylbis (2-hydroxyethyl) methylammonium chloride.

The softening agent composition of the present invention uses an anionic surfactant having —SO ₃ M group or —OSO ₃ M group represented by the general formula (II) together with the quaternary ammonium compound. The hydrophobic group R ⁵ is an alkyl group or alkenyl group having 10 to 18 carbon atoms, and particularly preferably an alkyl group having 12 or 14 carbon atoms, although it depends on the type of quaternary ammonium compound used in combination.

Here, it is necessary that the total number of carbon atoms of R ¹ and R ⁵ which are the hydrophobic groups of the quaternary ammonium compound and the anionic surfactant be in the range of 22 to 32, and in the range of 24 to 28. More preferably, it is within. For example, when R ^{1 of the} quaternary ammonium compound has 12 carbon atoms, R ⁵ of the anionic surfactant is an alkyl group or alkenyl group having 10 or more carbon atoms, and an alkyl group having 12 to 16 carbon atoms. The radicals are preferred. When R ^{1 of the} quaternary ammonium compound has 14 carbon atoms, R ⁵ of the anionic surfactant is an alkyl group or alkenyl group having 8 or more carbon atoms, but an alkyl group having 10 to 12 carbon atoms. Are preferred.
When the carbon number is out of the range, that is, when the total number of carbon atoms of R ¹ and R ⁵ exceeds 32, it is not sufficiently transparent as a softener composition or in its diluted state. It becomes cloudy with the liquid. In addition, when the total number of carbon atoms of R ¹ and R ⁵ is less than 22, sufficient clothing flexibility cannot be imparted.

Moreover, in the softening finish composition of this invention, the above-mentioned specific quaternary ammonium compound and specific anionic surfactant are mix | blended and combined by the ratio of a fixed range. That is, the condition that the quaternary ammonium compound of the general formula (I) and the anionic surfactant of the general formula (II) are within the range of 22 to 32 in the total number of carbon atoms of R ¹ and R ⁵ described above. Therefore, it may be blended at an arbitrary ratio so that the molar ratio falls within the range of 65/35 to 90/10. Depending on the type of quaternary ammonium compound and anionic surfactant to be used, the ratio of 70/30 to 90/10 has excellent transparency with no turbidity in the liquid diluted with the composition stock solution. It is more preferable because it has a softening action that simultaneously imparts excellent softness of clothing. Furthermore, the quaternary ammonium compound and the anionic surfactant are selected so that the total number of carbon atoms of R ¹ and R ⁵ is in the range of 24-28, and the ratio is 70/30 to molar ratio. A range of 90/10 is more preferable.

  The amount of the quaternary ammonium compound and the anionic surfactant used in the softening finish composition is such that the total of these two components is 3 to 20% by mass, preferably 4 to 15% by mass. It is. The ratio between the quaternary ammonium compound and the anionic surfactant can be appropriately changed within this range as described above.

  In the softener composition of the present invention, the quaternary ammonium compound of the general formula (I), which is a cationic compound, was excessively blended in a molar ratio with respect to the anionic surfactant of the general formula (II). The composition system. In this way, the cationic compound is incorporated in an excess state while keeping the number of carbons of the hydrophobic group of the cationic compound and the number of carbons of the hydrophobic group of the anionic surfactant within a certain range. It is considered that a stable complex is formed and its solubility is improved, so that not only the stock solution of the composition but also a dilute aqueous solution diluted with water completely dissolves and becomes transparent.

On the other hand, for example, the softening agent described in Patent Document 1 shows a certain degree of transparency as a stock solution of the composition by blending a solvent or the like, but becomes cloudy in a diluted solution diluted to use conditions with water. It will not be transparent.
Further, even when the same quaternary ammonium compound as the present invention is used as a cationic compound, a transparent composition can be obtained when used alone, but it does not exhibit a softening effect on clothes. It becomes. Further, even when the same quaternary ammonium compound and an anionic surfactant as in the present invention are used together, if the blending ratio is outside the range of the present invention, for example, both of them are excessive in an anionic surfactant. In such a case where it is blended at an equimolar or less, the complex becomes unstable and becomes turbid both in a stock solution state and in a diluted state, and a transparent appearance cannot be obtained, and sufficient flexibility is not exhibited.

  Furthermore, in the present invention, it is necessary to use a quaternary ammonium compound having at least one hydroxyethyl group at the cationic nitrogen atom as shown in the general formula (I). By using such a quaternary ammonium compound having a hydroxyethyl group, the solubility in water is improved, and a transparent product can be obtained without causing turbidity even when diluted to use conditions. On the other hand, when a quaternary ammonium compound having no hydroxyethyl group as a substituent of a cationic nitrogen atom, such as tetradecyltrimethylammonium chloride, is used, the stock solution may have the same other composition. Although it remains transparent, it becomes cloudy in the diluted state.

  In the present invention, the quaternary ammonium compound of the general formula (I) and the anionic surfactant of the general formula (II) are used as essential components, and more preferably represented by the general formula (III). Nonionic surfactants and / or organic solvents having 2 to 6 carbon atoms and having at least one hydroxy group are used.

  The nonionic surfactant represented by the general formula (III) improves the solution stability of the softening finish composition, improves the solubility of the components in the stock solution and the diluted solution of the composition, and improves the composition. When frozen at a low temperature, separation of the components is prevented, and when it is dissolved again, it is excellent in freezing and recovering properties such as recovering a good dissolved state and transparency of the solution. Examples of such nonionic surfactants include polyoxyethylene (m = 8) dodecyl ether, polyoxyethylene (m = 20) octadecyl ether, polyoxyethylene (m = 40) tetradecyl ether, and polyoxyethylene. (M = 75) oleyl ether and the like. The compounding quantity of this nonionic surfactant is 0.2-5 mass% with respect to the whole composition.

  The softener composition of the present invention preferably further uses an organic solvent having 2 to 6 carbon atoms and having at least one hydroxy group. Examples of such organic solvents include ethanol, propanol, isopropanol, n-butanol, i-butanol, glycerin, ethylene glycol, propylene glycol, dipropylene glycol, hexanediol, and 3-methoxy-3-methyl-1-butanol. And methylpropylene glycol. These organic solvents are also effective in improving the solubility of the components of the softening finish and the stability of the solution, and thus improving the transparency of the stock solution of the composition and the diluted solution. The compounding quantity of this organic solvent is 1-10 mass% with respect to the whole composition.

  Regarding other components, various components may be added as necessary within a range that does not impair the effects of the present invention, such as imparting flexibility of clothing and transparency in the stock solution and diluent of the composition. it can. As such other components, for example, other than the general formulas (II) and (III), for example, a saturated or unsaturated fatty acid salt having 10 to 18 carbon atoms, saturated or unsaturated having 10 to 18 carbon atoms Various surfactants such as polyoxyethylene (m = 1 to 5) alkyl ether sulfate ester salt having an alkyl group, saturated or unsaturated fatty acid polyethylene glycol (m = 6 to 100) having 10 to 18 carbon atoms, Examples thereof include sequestering agents such as ethylenediaminetetraacetate, diethylenetriaminepentaacetate, 1-hydroxyethane-1,1-diphosphonate, citric acid, preservatives, fragrances, and coloring agents.

Although it does not specifically limit as a manufacturing method of the softening agent composition of this invention, It can prepare by a conventional method. For example, a predetermined amount of water or hot water as necessary is used, and a predetermined amount of the quaternary ammonium compound of the general formula (I) is added thereto, and this is thoroughly stirred to dissolve. Next, a predetermined amount of the anionic surfactant of the general formula (II) is added to this aqueous solution while stirring and stirred uniformly. Furthermore, if necessary, add the nonionic surfactant of the general formula (III) and an organic solvent, and further add other additive components as necessary, and stir uniformly to obtain the final softener composition. To do.
In use, the softening agent composition is diluted with water until the solid content concentration is about 0.001 to 0.02% by mass, and the fiber product or clothing is immersed in the aqueous solution for softening treatment.

  As described above, the softener composition of the present invention exhibits an excellent softening action, and not only the stock solution but also the diluted solution has a transparent appearance. By treating the clothes and clothes, there is a deodorizing effect that suppresses adsorption of odor components such as tobacco odors to the fibers. Accordingly, when the garment is treated with the softening finish composition of the present invention, not only the garment becomes soft, but also it is possible to prevent a bad odor such as a cigarette odor.

  Next, the present invention will be described in more detail with reference to examples. In the following examples, “%” and “parts” are based on mass unless otherwise noted.

In the following examples, the contents of the evaluation items and the evaluation method were based on the methods described below.
(1) Transparency:
・ Softening agent composition (stock solution)
300 mL of the stock solution of the softening finish composition was put in a transparent glass container having a diameter of 80 mm, and the transparency was observed with the naked eye at 25 ° C., and evaluated as follows.
○: completely dissolved and transparent.
Δ: almost transparent.
X: Cloudy state.
・ Diluted solution:
In a transparent glass container with a diameter of 80 mm, put 300 mL of an aqueous solution (effective concentration 0.033%) diluted at a ratio of 10 mL of a softening finish composition (stock solution) with 30 L of water of 5 degree German hardness, at 25 ° C. The transparency was observed with the naked eye and evaluated according to the same criteria as in the case of the stock solution.

(2) Cloud point:
Place the stock solution or diluted solution of the softening finish composition and a thermometer in a test tube, immerse it in a water bath made of water / ice / salt, and gradually cool it with gentle stirring until the temperature is uniform. The clouding temperature was observed with the naked eye, and this was taken as the cloud point.

(3) Clear point:
Immerse the cloudy sample in the above cloud point measurement in a water bath or warm water bath, gradually raise the temperature while stirring gently so that the temperature becomes uniform. Observed, this was the clearing point.

(4) Freezing recovery:
The stock solution or diluted solution of the softening finish composition is stored in a -20 ° C constant temperature bath for 16 hours, frozen, then left in a 5 ° C constant temperature bath for 8 hours, and the stock solution of the softening finish composition after 8 hours. Alternatively, the state of the diluted solution was observed with the naked eye and evaluated according to the following criteria.
○: It completely dissolves and becomes transparent.
(Triangle | delta): It will be in a substantially transparent state.
X: The state which became cloudy (it does not recover transparently).

(5) Flexibility:
Sixteen 100% cotton towels (about 1 kg) were washed in a commercially available washing machine using a commercially available weak alkaline powder detergent (detergent concentration 0.067%, tap water 30 L, water temperature about 20 ° C.). Thereafter, the washing solution was discharged, dehydrated for 3 minutes, poured 30 L of tap water, rinsed for 5 minutes, and dehydrated for 3 minutes after drainage. Thereafter, 30 L of tap water was poured again, and then 10 mL of the stock solution of the softening finish composition of the sample was added and stirred for 5 minutes. After draining and dewatering for 3 minutes, the towel was naturally dried, and the flexibility of the towel was evaluated by the following method.
That is, 10 female panelists respectively determined the flexibility of 16 towels according to the following criteria, and obtained the average score based on the following criteria.
Finished very soft ... 3
Finished softly ... 2
Slightly finished ... 1
Does not finish softly ... 0
The results were displayed as “◯” for those having an average score of 2 or more, “Δ” for those having an average score of 2 or less, and “x” for those having an average score of less than 1.

(6) Deodorizing effect:
In the same manner as in the evaluation of the softness, a fabric (broad) of cotton 35 / polyester 65 of 90 cm in length and width treated with a softener was hung on a hanger in a draft filled with tobacco smoke and left for 1 hour. After leaving for 1 hour, it was taken out from the draft, immediately after taking it out and after being left in the room for 1 hour, the presence or absence of the smell of tobacco in the fabric was judged by the 10 female panelists according to the following criteria, and the average score was obtained.
Tobacco odor is strong ... 4
Tobacco smell ... 3
Slight tobacco smell ... 2
Tobacco smell is not so much ... 1
Does not smell of tobacco ... 0
The results were displayed as “◯” when the average score was less than 1.5, “Δ” when 1.5 or more and less than 2.5, and “X” when 2.5 or more.

(I) Evaluation test of transparency and flexibility Using the following quaternary ammonium compound (referred to as “Component C”) and an anionic surfactant (referred to as “Component A”), these were added to water in various proportions. An aqueous solution was prepared so that the concentration of the solid content (component C + component A) was constant at 14.00% by mass by dissolution. The types of component C and component A and the blending ratio (molar ratio) are as shown in Table 1.
Quaternary ammonium compound (component C):
Decyldimethylhydroxyethylammonium chloride (displayed as “C10”)
・ Dodecyldimethylhydroxyethylammonium chloride (indicated as “C12”)
・ Tetradecyldimethylhydroxyethylammonium chloride (labeled “C14”)
・ Octadecyldimethylhydroxyethylammonium chloride (indicated as “C18”)
・ Dodecylbis (2-hydroxyethyl) methylammonium chloride
(Displays as “C12-2EO”)
・ Oleylbis (2-hydroxyethyl) methylammonium chloride
(Displays as “C18F1-2EO”)
・ Dodecyltrimethylammonium chloride (displayed as “DTAC”)
Anionic surfactant (component A):
・ Sodium dodecyl sulfate ester (displayed as “C12”)
・ Sodium tetradecyl sulfate (displayed as “C14”)
・ Solid beef tallow alkyl sulfate sodium (labeled “C16-18”)
About the composition mix | blended by the combination of these various component C and component A, the transparency, cloud point, clearing point, and softness | flexibility of those compositions were evaluated by the method mentioned above. The results are shown in Tables 1 and 2.

As can be seen from the results shown in Table 1 and Table 2, when component C, which is a quaternary ammonium compound of general formula (I), is used alone, the long chain alkyl group has any of 10 to 18 carbon atoms, Both the stock solution and the diluted solution have transparency, but show little softening action.
However, with respect to these components C, the component A, which is an anionic surfactant, is added to the total carbon number of the long chain alkyl group (R ¹ ) of the component C and the long chain alkyl group (R ⁵ ) of the component A (R ¹ + R ⁵ ) by adding component A, which is an anionic surfactant, so that component C / component A is in the range of 65/35 to 90/10 in terms of a molar ratio under the condition of 22 to 32 It can be seen that the stock solution and the diluted solution have excellent softening action at the same time while maintaining good transparency. This softening action has a more preferable range depending on the combination of component C and component A and the molar ratio thereof, and the total number of carbon atoms (R ¹ + R ⁵ ) of the alkyl groups of component C and component A is in the range of 24-28. Is more preferable, and the molar ratio is more preferably in the range of 70/30 to 90/10. Further, when the carbon number of the long chain alkyl group (R ¹ ) of Component C is relatively small as 10 to 12, the carbon number of the long chain alkyl group (R ⁵ ) of the anionic surfactant was 14 to 18. Te, the range of the molar ratio of 70 / 30-90 / 10 showed better flexibility, when ^{R 1} is relatively large and 14 to 18, ^{R 5} is a 12 to 16, the molar ratio However, the range of 80/20 to 90/10 tends to show better flexibility.

When this molar ratio is less than 65/35, both the stock solution and the diluted solution lose transparency and become clouded, and have almost no softening action. Further, when the total number of carbon atoms of R ^{1 of} component C and R ⁵ of component A exceeds 32, transparency is lost not only in the stock solution but also in the diluted solution, resulting in a cloudy state.
In addition, as shown in Table 2, even when a quaternary ammonium compound having two hydroxyethyl groups as a nitrogen atom substituent is used as Component C, both the stock solution and the diluted solution have good transparency. It also has a softening action. On the other hand, when DTAC having no hydroxyethyl group as a nitrogen atom substituent is used (control), even if it is mixed with component A which is an anionic surfactant, the transparency of the stock solution and the diluted solution Becomes slightly worse, and hardly shows a softening action in any case.

  Various softener finishing compositions composed of the components and compositions shown in Table 3 were prepared, and the transparency of the stock solution and diluted solution of this composition was evaluated in the same manner as in Example 1. The results are also shown in Table 3.

In Table 3, when dodecyldimethylhydroxyethylammonium chloride or alkyl (C16-18) bis (2-hydroxyethyl) methylammonium chloride is used as Component C which is an example of the present invention, various anionic surface activities of Component A A non-ionic surfactant and a solvent blended with an agent to form a soft finish exhibits good transparency in the stock solution as well as in the diluted solution. On the other hand, as shown in Comparative Example 1, when component C is composed of octadecyltrimethylammonium chloride having R ¹ having 18 carbon atoms and no hydroxyethyl group, such as polyoxyethylene octadecyl ether. Although the stock solution can be made transparent by using a solvent such as a nonionic surfactant or ethylene glycol, the diluted solution becomes cloudy and cannot be made transparent. In addition, as shown in Comparative Example 2, when component C is di (cured beef tallow) dimethylammonium chloride having two long-chain alkyl groups, which is a traditional softening finish widely used in the past. The stock solution itself becomes cloudy and a transparent product cannot be obtained. Further, as shown in Comparative Example 3, when N-stearoylaminopropyl-N, N, N-trimethylammonium chloride as disclosed in Patent Document 1 is used as Component C, dipropylene glycol monopropyl ether is also used. The stock solution can be made transparent by using a large amount of such a special solvent. However, the diluted solution becomes cloudy and cannot be made transparent.

  Various softening finish compositions comprising the components and compositions shown in Table 4 were prepared, the cloud point and clearing point of the stock solution of this composition were measured, and freeze recovery was evaluated by the method described above. The results are shown in Table 4.

  As can be seen from the results in Table 4, the quaternary ammonium compound of component C and the anionic surfactant of component A are blended to obtain the softening finish of the present invention (No. 1-1). Addition of ionic surfactant (No.1-2) or solvent (No.1-3) lowers the cloud point and clearing point, and when frozen after melting, it becomes a transparent solution without becoming cloudy. Recovery is improved. The effect is even more remarkable when a nonionic surfactant and a solvent are used in combination (No. 1-4). It is a composition (No.2-1, 3-1) with poor freezing recovery that contains a quaternary ammonium compound of Component C and an anionic surfactant of Component A without using a nonionic surfactant and a solvent. However, it can be set as the composition by which the freeze recovery property was improved by mix | blending a nonionic surfactant and a solvent.

  Various softener finishing compositions comprising the components and compositions shown in Table 5 were prepared, and the deodorizing effect of the composition was evaluated by the method described above. The results are shown in Table 5.

  As can be seen from the results in Table 5, the deodorizing effect is not observed with only the alkyl chloride (C12-14) dimethyl 2-hydroxyethylammonium of component C (No. 4-1), When blended with the softener of the present invention blended in combination with the anionic surfactant of Component A, the deodorizing effect is observed (No. 4-2, 4-3). However, when the quaternary ammonium compound is an alkyl chloride (C12-14) trimethylammonium chloride which does not have a hydroxyethyl group, it is of course used alone (No. 5-1), and combined with sodium alkyl sulfate ester. Even (No. 5-2), no deodorizing effect was observed. Further, when a quaternary ammonium compound having two long-chain alkyl groups that have been used conventionally is used (No. 5-3), no deodorizing effect was observed.

  The present invention is a soft finish formulated by combining a specific quaternary ammonium compound and a specific anionic surfactant in a certain range, and has excellent flexibility equivalent to that of a conventional soft finish, Not only the undiluted solution but also diluting it with water to the use concentration, it is transparent and has a deodorizing effect that suppresses the adsorption of bad odors to clothing. Therefore, it is useful as a softening agent for clothes and the like that do not exist in the prior art utilizing such characteristics.

Claims (8)

A quaternary ammonium salt represented by the following general formula (I):

(Wherein R ¹ is an alkyl or alkenyl group having 10 to 18 carbon atoms, R ² , R ³ and R ⁴ are each independently any of a methyl group, an ethyl group or a hydroxyethyl group, and at least one of a hydroxyethyl group, X ^- is either a halide ion, alkylsulfate ion having 1 to 2 carbon atoms).
Containing an anionic surfactant represented by the following general formula (II),

(Here, R ⁵ is an alkyl or alkenyl group having 10 to 18 carbon atoms, M is an alkali metal or ammonium group, and n is a number of 0 or 1.)
The total number of carbon atoms of R ¹ and R ⁵ is in the range of 22 to 32, and the ratio of the compounds of the general formulas (I) and (II) is (I) / (II) = 65/35 A transparent softener composition, characterized in that it is in the range of 90/10.   2. The transparent composition according to claim 1, wherein the ratio of the compounds of the general formulas (I) and (II) is in the range of (I) / (II) = 70/30 to 90/10 in molar ratio. Softener composition. Wherein the total number of carbon atoms of R ¹ and R ⁵ is in the range of 24 to 28, claim 1 or transparent fabric softener composition according to 2.   The transparent softener composition according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the total amount of the compounds of the general formulas (I) and (II) is 3 to 20% by mass. Further, a nonionic surfactant represented by the following general formula (III)

(Here, R ⁶ is an alkyl or alkenyl group having 10 to 18 carbon atoms, and m is a number of 6 to 100.)
The transparent softening agent composition according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized by comprising:   6. The transparent softener composition according to claim 5, wherein the amount of the nonionic surfactant represented by the general formula (III) is 0.2 to 5% by mass.   The transparent softener composition according to any one of claims 1 to 6, further comprising an organic solvent having 2 to 6 carbon atoms and having at least one hydroxy group. The transparent softening agent composition according to claim 7, wherein the amount of the organic solvent is 1 to 10% by mass.