MXPA99008928A - Gels and transparent solutions after the formation of esp - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to novel transparent solutions or gels containing a volatile hydrocarbon, surfactants and a block copolymer coupling agent of polyalkylene oxide is not separated, however, due to the solubilization of the volatile hydrocarbon by the agent of coupling, provide acceptable consumer products

Description

TRANSPARENT GELS AND SOLUTIONS AFTER FOAM FORMATION BACKGROUND 1. Technical Field The present disclosure relates to detergent compositions that will then foam. More specifically, the present disclosure relates to compositions containing coupling agents that are selected from a group of block copolymer surfactants of polyalkylene oxide which, in the presence of anionic and amphoteric detergents, solubilize a volatile hydrocarbon producing a solution or gel transparent. These gels or self-foaming solutions can be useful as skin cleansers, hair shampoo or shower gel. They also have applications such as household cleaners, such as stain cleaners for clothes, carpet cleaner or hard surface cleaner. 2. BACKGROUND OF RELATED ART US Patent No. 5,429,815 discloses an optional use of the coupling agent such as the propoxylated adduct of mono- or polyhydric alcohols to prepare self-foaming, single-phase, stable cleaners.

U.S. Patent No. 4,762,944 discloses transparent shampoo formulations which are aqueous solutions of water soluble salts of lauryl sulfate, volatile hydrocarbon, a tertiary amine oxide and water soluble gums. In US Patent No. 4,744,979 a clear formulation is provided by the use of aqueous soap solution and a surface active agent such as amine oxide or alkanolamides and a volatile, water soluble organic liquid. U.S. Patent No. 4,772,427 obtains a transparent, solubilized, volatile hydrocarbon formulation by the use of alkali metal, anionic, water-soluble alkali metal alkyl, cis, ether, sulfate, or ethoxylated fatty alcohol, dispersible in water, myristate of isopropyl, mono- or disaccharide and a mixture of volatile hydrocarbons such as n-pentane and isobutane. However, Patent No. 4,772,427 states in column 6, lines 20-27 that "the omission of a single component adversely affects the unique properties of the total composition." Therefore, the criticality of the essential ingredients and the specificity of each The ingredient is necessary in the formulation of the shower gel products after the foam formation described herein.

In U.S. Patent No. 5,186,857 an oil-in-water emulsion composition includes foaming surfactants which are used to increase the solubility of a volatile hydrocarbon.

COMPENDIUM All the potential technology for the above mentioned foam formation makes use of ethoxylated or propoxylated coupling agents to solubilize volatile hydrocarbons in order to prepare liquids that will later foam. For the first time, it has been discovered that block polymers containing ethoxylation and propoxylation in a molecule, for example, Tetronic or Pluronic type surfactants, can be used to solubilize a volatile hydrocarbon (such as n-pentane, isopentane, -butane, isobutane and Ci-Cβ alkyl ethers such as di ethyl ether, diethyl ether, iaethyl ether and diisobutane ether) in anionic and amphoteric detergent solutions. The resulting transparent, foaming liquid or gel will foam on a surface with or without the aid of water. The clear solution or gel will not foam when contained in a bottle and exposed to high temperatures such as 100-120 ° F (55-66 ° C). Accordingly, the products prepared from the present compositions are consumer friendly and can withstand the conditions of transportation and storage on the roads to the market place. The present foaming transparent solutions or gels described herein may be stored in a non-pressurized container such as a bottle and in pumps or pressurized aerosol containers when n-butane, isobutane or dimethyl ether is used as a propellant. In another aspect, novel compositions containing ammonium cocoyl isethionate in combination with an amphoteric surfactant are described herein. This combination is particularly useful in hair and skin care compositions due to the extremely mild properties of these surfactants.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED MODALITIES The compositions and products according to this disclosure contain a primary surfactant or a combination of primary surfactants, optionally a secondary surfactant, water, a volatile hydrocarbon and a coupling agent to solubilize the volatile hydrocarbon. The surfactant or combination of surfactants should be soluble in water to produce a clear solution or gel. Suitable primary surfactants include such anionic surfactants, for example, alkyl ether sulfates, alkyl sulphates, ammonium cocoyl isethionate and amphoteric surfactants. The amount of primary surfactant employed in this composition will depend on a number of factors including the final use of the composition, the desired foaming characteristics and the other ingredients present in the composition. A combination of primary surfactants can be used to formulate a desired product having particular characteristics. Additionally, it has been found that a unique combination of ammonium cocoyl isethionate with amphoteric surfactants solubilizes volatile hydrocarbons to produce clear solutions which will then foam without the help of any ethoxylated, propoxylated or mixed block polymer. Preferably, the amphoteric surfactant is a betaine. Suitable betaines include cocoa gone propyl betanin, behenyl betaine and babasuamido propyl betaine which are marketed under the trademark INCRONAM of Croda Formulary, Parsippany, New Jersey. A volatile hydrocarbon is included in the present compositions for foaming with use or as a propellant. The volatile hydrocarbon is used to improve the foam produced by the primary surfactant (s) and is a gas producing agent, which when • v exposes to air and at room temperature will provide immediate abundant foam. The liquid, organic, volatile foam improver preferably boils in the range of 25 ° C to 50 ° C at atmospheric pressure. Such volatile organic liquids include saturated hydrocarbons such as n-pentane, iso-pentane, n-butane, isobutane and Ci-Cß alkyl ethers such as dimethyl ether, diethyl ether, methyl ethyl ether and diisopropyl ether. The amount of volatile hydrocarbon in the compositions will depend on the type of product formulated and the function that the volatile hydrocarbon will have. Normally, however, the volatile hydrocarbon will be present in an amount from about 1 to about 7% by weight by weight of the final composition, preferably from 3 to about 4% by weight. The present compositions also contain an effective solubilizing amount of a coupling agent. The coupling agents used in the novel compositions described herein are polyalkylene oxide block copolymer surfactants. Particularly useful for the compounds containing polyoxyethylene and polyoxypropylene blocks. The most preferred polyalkylene oxide block copolymers, useful herein, are those available under the trademark PLURONIC or TETRONIC from BASF Corporation, Mount Olive, New Jersey. These compounds are totally different compounds from the conventional ethoxylated or propoxylated coupling agents described in prior art foaming cleaners. The surfactants of the Pluronic type contain alternating blocks of polyethylene oxide and polypropylene oxide. Typically, Pluronic type surfactants are prepared by first making a hydrophobic of desired molecular weight by the controlled addition of propylene oxide to the two hydroxyl groups of propylene glycol. Then the ethylene oxide is added to intercalate this hydrophobe between the hydrophilic groups, the structure of the surfactants of the Pluronic type where the propylene oxide is sandwiched between ethylene oxide is shown below.CH3 HO- (CH2CH20) x- (CH2CH0) r- (CH2CH20) x-OH Another Pluronic type surfactant generally known as Pluronic R surfactants has the hydrophobic and hydrophilic inverted blocks. In this way, the Pluronic R surfactants have a structure as follows: CH3 CH3 HO- (CH2CHO)? - (CH2CH20) - (CH2CHO)? - OH Surfactants of the Tetronic type are another class of coupling agents useful herein. Tetronic type surfactants are tetrafunctional block copolymers derived from the consecutive addition of propylene oxide and ethylene oxide to ethylene diamine. Surfactants of the Tetronic type, in this way, have the general formula: CH, CU, H- (OCH2CH2)? N- (OCHCH2)? "(CH2C IHO) x- (CH2CH20)? - HN-CHp-CrVN / \ H-. { OCH2CH2) ?, "- (OCHCH2)? I1 (CH2CHO) x, - (CH2CH20)?, - H CH, CH, The Tetronic R surfactant is produced by the consecutive addition of ethylene oxide and propylene oxide to ethylenediamine. The general structure of Tetronic R surfactants is: CH3 CH, H- (OC IHCH2)? M- (OCH2CH2) x "(CH2CH20) x- (CH2C IHO)? - H / N-CH2-CH2-N / \ H- (OCHCH2) ?," -. { OCH2CH2)? Ll (CH2CH20)?, - (CH2CHO) ?? - H CH, CH, An effective solubilizing amount is an amount sufficient to prevent any significant separation of the volatile hydrocarbon and the surfactant. In this way, for example, an effective amount will prevent the formation of a separate layer of volatile hydrocarbon. Usually, an effective solubilizing amount should be from about 0.5 to about 20% by weight of the final composition, preferably about 5 to about 10% by weight. It will also be present in the novel compositions described in the present water (preferably deionized) in an amount from about 10 to about 65% by weight of the final composition. In addition to the aforementioned ingredients, the aqueous, transparent, foaming solution or gel present may also contain a variety of non-essential ingredients. For example, water-soluble gums, such as cellulosic polymers or natural gum, or water-soluble cleaners can be added by imparting the desired aesthetic properties to the product. Transparent solutions and gels may also contain humectants such as glycerin, sorbitol, propylene glycol, etc., which provide beneficial hair or skin moisturization. The fragrance and color can be added to improve the cosmetic appearance of the product. Active ingredients such as triclosan, chlorhexidene gluconate or salicylic acid may also be dissolved in the surfactant system to provide an antibacterial function to the product. In addition, it is possible to use small amounts of water-soluble soaps such as palmitate or sodium, potassium or ammonium stearate to improve the stability of the foam for an application in shaving. In the same way, the alkanola ida can be added to improve the stability of the foam. The transparent gel or solution compositions achieved by means of a polyalkylene oxide coupling agent such as block polymer of the Tetronic type and concentration of the mild surfactant of ammonium cocoyl isethionate and the amphoteric surfactate can be stored in any plastic bottle or of non-pressurized, conventional glass. In cases where isobutane or dimethyl ether is used as a solvent for subsequent foam formation, it is preferable to use a pressurized atomizer bottle or a pressurized barrier container.

EXAMPLE The following examples are presented to illustrate the specific modalities of the present methods and compositions. These examples should not be construed as limitations on the scope of the invention. The comparative examples are also presented to show the novel effects provided by the compositions herein. All values shown in Tables I-V are based on percent by weight of the total weight of the composition.

COMPARATIVE EXAMPLES A-C TABLE I The compositions of comparative examples A, B and C which do not contain block copolymer surfactant as a coupling agent showed a separation of n-pentane - in the upper part of the bottle in less than 24 hours.

These comparative examples clearly indicate that n-pentane is insoluble in a primary surfactant or a mixture of primary surfactant and amphoteric surfactant.

EXAMPLES 1-7 The compositions having the formulations provided in Table II were prepared to show the effect of including a Pluronic type surfactant as a coupling agent in a composition containing a combination of anionic and amphoteric surfactants.

TABLE II The compositions in Table II produce a clear liquid or gel without separation of layers. When stored at room temperature or at a higher temperature, such as 110 ° -120 ° F (61 ° -66 ° C), these compositions remain transparent without any separation, indicating that the complete solubilization of the volatile hydrocarbon in anionic and amphoteric surfactants is has reached with the help of the coupling agent. Resting overnight at room temperature in an oven at 100-200 ° F (55-111 ° C) will remove any air bubbles in the composition that may form during the mixing of the product. The final product is a clear solution when a coupling agent is used. This is a surprising result when compared to a separate layer of n-pentane that is formed when coupling agent is not used, as in the formulations of Comparative Examples A through C in Table I.

EXAMPLES 8-13 Additional formulations as shown in the Table III were prepared to show the solubilizing effect of surfactants of the Pluronic type in a composition wherein an amphoteric surfactant is used alone as the primary surfactant.

TABLE III The formulations of Examples 8-13 all remained in one phase as a clear solution without any separation at room temperature or at 120 ° F (66 ° C), indicating that surfactants of the Pluronic type solubilized the pentane in the amphoteric surfactant system. As shown by Comparative Example B in Table I, the amphoteric surfactant only does not solubilize pentane, resulting in phase separation.

EXAMPLES 14 AND 15 The formulations shown in Table IV were prepared and the resulting compositions were observed to determine if separation of pentane occurs.

TABLE IV Comparative example D containing n anionic surfactant and non-coupling agent showed separation of pentane in the upper part within 24 hours. Example 14 provided a one phase clear solution showing the solubilizing effect of surfactants of the Pluronic type. Surprisingly, however, Example 15 also remained a one phase transparent solution despite the absence of a Pluronic type coupling agent. Example 15 demonstrates the unexpected solubilizing effects of pentane from the combination of a particular anionic surfactant, i.e., ammonium cocoyl isethionate with an amphoteric surfactant such as betaine.

EXAMPLES 16-19 The formulations shown in Table V were prepared to show the solubilizing effects of surfactants of the Tetronic type.

TABLE V Examples 16-19 again show the complete solubilization of n-pentane using a coupling agent copolymer and polyalkylene oxide to produce a clear solution without separation of layers. In comparison, as shown by Comparative Examples A, B, C in Table I, without the block polymer coupling agent, the n-pentane was separated in an upper layer indicating the insolubility in the same surfactant system.

Claims (20)

1. A one-phase composition comprising: a surfactant system that includes a primary surfactant that is selected from the group consisting of: amphoteric surfactants and optionally a secondary surfactant selected from the group consisting of anionic surfactants; a volatile hydrocarbon solvent, wherein the volatile hydrocarbon solvent is selected from the group consisting of: n-pentane, iso-pentane, Ci-Cβ alkyl ethers and mixtures thereof; Water; and an effective amount of a polyalkylene oxide block copolymer copolymer surfactant solubilizing the volatile hydrocarbon.

The composition, as mentioned in claim 1, wherein the polyalkylene oxide block copolymer surfactant includes at least one polyethylene oxide block and at least one polypropylene oxide block.

The composition, as mentioned in claim 1, wherein the surfactant system comprises an alkyl ether sulfate.

4. The composition, as mentioned in the "X claim 1, wherein the volatile hydrocarbon solvent is present in an amount from about 1 to about 7% by weight of the composition

5. The composition, as mentioned in claim 1, wherein the surfactant system comprises a betaine

6. The composition, as mentioned in claim 1, further contains an active ingredient

7. The compositions, as recited in claim 6, wherein the active ingredient is selected from the group consisting of triclosan, gluconate of chlorohexidene and salicylic acid

8. The composition, as recited in claim 1, wherein the polyalkylene oxide block copolymer is a triblock copolymer having a polypropylene oxide core block and polyethylene oxide end blocks.

9. The composition, as recited in claim 1, wherein the polyalkylene oxide block copolymer is a triblock copolymer with a block ethylene oxide central and final blocks of propylene oxide.

10. The composition, as recited in claim 1, wherein the polyalkylene oxide block copolymer is of the formula: wherein A represents a block of repeating units of propylene oxide and B represents a block of repeating units of ethylene oxide.

11. The composition, as recited in claim 1, wherein the polyalkylene oxide block copolymer is of the formula: wherein A represents repeating units of propylene oxide and B represents a block of repeating units of ethylene oxide.

12. A composition comprising: pentane; Water; and an effective pentane solubilizing amount of a surfactant system including an ammonium cocoyl isethionate and an amphoteric surfactant.

13. The composition, as mentioned in claim 12, wherein the amphoteric surfactant is a betaine.

The composition, as mentioned in claim 12, wherein the pentane is selected from the group consisting of n-pentane, iso-pentane and combinations thereof.

15. The composition, as recited in claim 12, wherein the pentane is present in an amount from about 1 to about 7% by weight of the composition.

16. The composition, as mentioned in claim 13, wherein the betaine is selected from the group consisting of cocoamidopropyl betaine, behenyl betaine and babasuamido propyl betaine.

17. The composition, as mentioned in claim 12, further contains an active ingredient.

18. The composition, as recited in claim 12, wherein the active ingredient is selected from the group consisting of triclosan, chlorohexidene gluconate, and salicylic acid.

19. A method for preventing the separation of a volatile hydrocarbon from a surfactant system, the method consists of: forming an aqueous solution containing one or more surfactants selected from the group consisting of anionic surfactants, amphoteric surfactants and combinations thereof, and an effective amount of a volatile hydrocarbon-solubilizing polyalkylene oxide block copolymer surfactant; mixing a volatile hydrocarbon solvent with an aqueous solution to form a clear solution or gel, wherein the volatile hydrocarbon solvent is selected from the group consisting of n-pentane, iso-pentane, "alkyl ethers of C? -C6 and mixtures of the and store the solution or transparent gel in a closed container

20. A method to prevent the separation of pentane from a surfactant system, the method consists of: forming an aqueous solution containing an ammonium cocoyl isethionate and ananphanoteric surfactant. mix pentane with the aqueous solution to form a clear solution or gel, and store the clear solution or gel in a closed container.