NL8600909A - DETERGENT SOFTENER COMPOSITION AND METHOD FOR CLEANING AND SOFTENING TISSUES. - Google Patents

Description

'6 -' 3 VO No. 8133 1

Detergent softener composition and method for cleaning and softening fabrics.

The invention relates to a detergent softener composition and a method of cleaning and softening fabrics during the washing cycle of a cleaning treatment, in particular softener / anti-static rendering compositions suitable for use during the wash cycle of a cleaning treatment, which composition contains as essential constituents a water-dispersible mono-high alkyl cationic quaternary ammonium softener, a non-ionic surfactant and an anionic sulfosuccinamate detergent.

Compositions for treating fabrics to improve their softness and grip are well known.

In household cleaning treatments, the fabric softeners are typically added to the rinse water during the rinse cycle, which lasts only about 2 - 5 minutes. The consumer should monitor the cleaning treatment or otherwise ensure that the fabric softener is added at the right time.

The consumer has to return to the washing machine just before or at the start of the rinse cycle, which is difficult. In addition, care must be taken to use an appropriate amount of fabric softener to prevent overdose, which can render the fabric water-repellent by depositing a greasy film on the fabric surface, as well as causing some degree of yellowing of the fabric.

As a solution to these problems, it has been proposed to use fabric softeners compatible with conventional detergents so that the softeners can be combined with the detergents in a single package for use during the wash cycle of the cleaning treatment. Examples of such fabric softener compositions to be added during the wash cycle are found in U.S. Patents 3,351,438, 3,660,286 and 3,703,480 and many others. Generally, these fabric softener compositions to be added during the wash cycle contain a cationic quaternary ammonium softener. ·; s 2 bond as fabric softener and further ingredients, making the softener compatible with the usual detergents.

However, it is known that the cationic softeners added during the wash cycle, either as part of a detergent softener composition or by themselves, interfere with the detergent brightening activity and cleaning effect. Therefore, efforts have been made to limit this interfering effect to some extent by the use of non-ionic surfactants, higher levels of the brightening compound, carboxymethyl cellulose, anti-yellowing agents, bluing agents and the like. However, little improvement has been achieved in softener compositions to be added during the wash cycle with a variety of detergents, most of which are anionic.

Many detergent compositions have been described in the literature containing cationic softeners, including quaternary ammonium compounds and non-ionic surfactants. Reference may be made to U.S. Patents 4,264,457, 4,239,659, 4,259,217, 4,222,905, 3,951,879, 3,360,470, 3,351,483, 3,644,203. Furthermore, U.S. Patents 3,537,993, 3,583,912, 3,983,079, 4,203,872 and 4,264,479 disclose combinations of a nonionic surfactant, a cationic fabric softener and another ionic surfactant or modifying agent such as zwitterionic surfactants, amphoteric surfactants and the like.

Although many of these known compositions provide satisfactory cleaning and / or softening under many different conditions, the drawback nevertheless is that the softening effect is not sufficient and in particular is not comparable to that of softeners added during the rinse cycle.

US Patent 3,920,565 describes a liquid fabric softener composition to be added during the rinse cycle containing 2-15% of a cationic fabric softener and 0.5-4.0% of an alkali metal salt of a fatty acid of 16-22 carbon atoms (soap), if desired at most 2% of a non-ionic emulsifier and the remainder water. Preferred cationic softeners are di-high alkyl-dimethylammonium chloride, although mono-3-high alkyl quaternary compounds are also mentioned.

In the present art, it is generally accepted that the mono-high alkyl quaternary ammonium compounds, such as stearyl trimethylammonium chloride, which are relatively water soluble, are less effective softeners than the di-high alkyl cationic quaternary softeners (see, for example, the US Patent 4,326,965) therefore, a use in combination with, for example, anionic detergents, such as fatty acid soaps, with which they can form softening complexes, has been proposed for use as fabric softeners to be added during the rinse cycle.

It is known from U.S. Pat. No. 3,997,453 that stable fabric softening compositions with improved dispersibility in cold water, such as used during the rinse cycle, are obtained by combining a cationic quaternary ammonium compound as the sole softener and an anionic sulfonate in a weight ratio of cationic compound to anionic compound between 80: 1 and 3: 1. The patent discloses both mono-high alkyl and di-high alkyl cationic quaternary softening compounds and further alkyl benzene sulfonates as the anionic compound.

According to this patent, by adding minor amounts of the anionic sulfonate to dispersions of the excess amount of quaternary softener in water, the viscosity of the dispersion is reduced and a homogeneous liquid which is readily dispersible in cold water (with especially the rinse cycle of an automatic washing machine).

However, as already mentioned, there is a need for the possibility of using the fabric softener together with the detergent in the washing cycle of the washing machine.

U.S. Patent 4,22,905 discloses wax compositions which may be liquid and which are composed of certain nonionic surfactants and certain cationic surfactants including mono-high alkyl quaternary ammonium compounds such as tallowalkyl trimethyl ammonium halide, in a weight ratio of nonionic to cationic material between 5: 1 and 1: 1. The patent teaches that the amount of anion producing materials should be minimized and preferably avoided altogether, and in any case, anionic materials with a dissociation constant of less than 1 x 10 such as sodium CQ linear alkylbenzene sulfonate are present only in 11.0 amounts of up to 10% by weight of the amount of cationic surfactant.

Mixed nonionic / cationic surfactant detergent compositions having a weight ratio of nonionic to cationic material between 1: 1 and 40: 1, wherein the nonionic surfactant has a hydrophilic-lipophilic balance (HLB ) of 5-17 and wherein the cationic surfactant belongs to the class of mono-high alkyl quaternary ammonium compounds in which the high alkyl group contains 20-30 carbon atoms are described in U.S. Patent 4,239,659. This patent discloses quite generally that other auxiliary components may be present at their usual levels, designated 0-40%. The patent contains a broad list of auxiliary components, including semi-polar, nonionic, anionic, zwitterionic and ampholytic auxiliary surfactants, builders, dyes, fillers, enzymes, bleaches and many other materials. There are no examples of the use of, and no mention of, anionic surfactants, however it is stated that the auxiliary surfactants must be compatible with the nonionic and cationic materials and may be selected from the U.S. Patent 4,259,217 mentioned anionic materials.

The latter patent describes mixtures of nonionic surfactants with an HLB of 5-17 and a cationic surfactant, including mono-high alkyl quaternary ammonium compounds, at a weight ratio of nonionic to cationic material of 5, 1: 1 to 100: 1. According to the patent, the detergent compositions can contain up to 50%, preferably 1-15%, anionic and / or zwitterionic surfactants. Examples of the anionic surfactants include linear alkyl benzene sulfonates and alkyl ether sulfates. Example XV in column 40 of the patent describes a heavy duty liquid laundry detergent composition of the following composition: Component% by weight

Sodium sulfate of c 2-5 alcohol 5.0 ethoxylated with 3 moles ethylene oxide 5 c12-13 alcohol ethoxylate, containing an average 20.0 6.5 moles ethylene oxide

Coconut alkyl trimethyl ammonium 3.5 chloride

Glycine. 8.0 10 Sodium toluene sulfonate 10.0

Water and minor ingredients up to 100%

Example XVII (column 41) describes the following heavy duty liquid detergent composition: Component _Wt% 15 Condensate of C 1 -C 2 28.5 fatty alcohol with an average of 7 moles of ethylene oxide

Triethanolamine salt of linear 20.0 alkyl benzene sulfonic acid in which the 20 alkyl chain contains on average 11.9 C atoms C8-18 alkyl dihydroxyethyl methyl ammonium chloride

Ethanol 10.0

Diethylene trlamine pentamethyl-0.3 phosphoric acid

Citric acid 0.2 9.1 mixture of dimethylpolysiloxane and 0.3 acrogelsilica, emulsified in highly ethoxylated fatty acid (DB31 from Dow Corning) 30 Saturated fatty acid with 16 - 22 C atoms 0.75 in the alkyl chain

Proteolytic enzyme 0.4

Minor additives and water up to 100%

U.S. Patent 4,264,457 discloses a liquid laundry detergent and fabric softener composition containing 3-35% by weight of a nonionic surfactant, 3-30% by weight mono-high alkyl quaternary ammonium compound cationic surface area -active substance, and a mixture of naionic surface-active compounds, including (a) C 2 -C 2 q alcohol sulfates and (b) C 2 -G 22 alcohol ethoxylated ether sulfates or carboxylates. The mol ratio of the total amount of cationic surfactant to the total amount of anionic surfactant can range from 0.8: 1 to 10: 1. The patent shows that the choice and amounts of the two specific anionic surfactants excluding other known anionic surfactants essential to obtain the maximum effectiveness for detergent, softness and anti-static properties.

It has previously been found (see US patent application 661,775 filed October 17, 1984) that the softening and anti-static effect of a detergent compound and a cationic mono-high alkyl quaternary ammonium compound fabric softener are significantly improved by using the cationic softener as an approximately 1: 1 complex with an anionic surfactant, which is a linear alkyl aromatic sulfonate. This improvement in the softening / anti-static effect has been achieved without reduction, and in some cases even with a marked improvement in the whitening and cleaning effect.

Although a significant improvement in the emollient * and anti-static properties is obtained by (¾ liquid nonionic detergent compositions based on the complex of the cationic fabric softener and the linear alkyl benzene sulfonate, there is still a need for further improvements in the overall cleaning effect. there is a need for the ability to form the complex of the mono-high alkyl quaternary fabric softener with a wide range of commercially available anionic detergents than just the linear alkyl aromatic sulfonates.

It has now been found that both these objectives can be achieved by adding to the composition an additional surfactant, especially a sulfosuccinamate compound. The inclusion of the sulfosuccinamate compound significantly improves the detergent of the nonionic / cationic mixture with or without the further advantages of other anionic surfactants such as linear alkylbenzene sulfonates.

* ά 7

An object of the invention is therefore to improve the softening, whitening and anti-static effect, as well as the overall cleaning effect, of detergent compositions containing quaternary ammonium compounds such as softeners and nonionics detergent compounds.

Another object of the invention is to formulate stable liquid detergent softener compositions using mono-high alkyl quaternary ammonium cationic softeners with nonionic and sulfosuccinamate surfactants as the major and essential surfactant components, which compositions are compatible with fluorescent brighteners, enzymes, soil release agents and other detergent additives.

A further object of the invention is to provide a wash cycle detergent softener composition which can efficiently clean a wide range of contaminants including clay, oils, grease and the like and impart softness to both natural and synthetic fibers and tissues.

The invention provides a detergent composition capable of washing contaminated fabrics in an aqueous washing liquid, which composition comprises a nonionic surfactant and a sulfosuccinamate surfactant as the essential surfactants, a mono-high alkyl quaternary ammonium compound contains cationic fabric softener and optionally an anionic surfactant. In a preferred embodiment, the detergent composition is in the form of an aqueous liquid and the composition can contain at least one coloring and / or whitening agent, in particular dyes, bluing agents and optical brighteners, and mixtures thereof, and other optional auxiliaries, in the particularly enzymes and soil release agents.

In other useful embodiments, the composition can be formulated with exclusively or predominantly non-aqueous liquid carrier or a mixture of water and organic solvent. In a further embodiment, the composition can be in the form of a paste or a highly viscous liquid.

The non-ionic surfactants can generally be selected from the non-ionic materials known to be used as detergents for cleaning dirty fabrics.

Suitable nonionic surfactants are commercially available and are obtained by condensation of an alkylene oxide or equivalent reactant and a hydrophobic compound with reactive hydrogen. The hydrophobic organic compounds can be aliphatic, aromatic or heterocyclic, with the aliphatic and aromatic compounds being preferred. Preferred hydrophobic compounds are the higher aliphatic 1Ό. alcohols and alkyl phenols, although other compounds may also be used, such as carboxylic acids, carboxamides, mercaptans, sulfonamides, and the like. Condensates of ethylene oxide with higher alkyl phenols or higher fatty alcohols are preferred. The hydrophobic molecular moiety usually contains at least 6 carbon atoms, preferably at least 8 carbon atoms, and can contain 50 carbon atoms or more; it preferably contains 8-22 carbon atoms, especially 10-18 carbon atoms for the aliphatic alcohols and 12-20 carbon atoms for the higher alkyl phenols. The amount of alkylene oxide can vary within wide limits depending on the hydrophobic compound. As a general rule, at least 3 moles to about 200 moles, preferably 3-50 moles, and especially 5-20 moles of alkylene oxide per mole of hydrophobic compound, provides the required cleaning effect and compatibility with the other components.

Preferred classes of nonionic 25i surfactants are represented by formula I derived from the formula sheet, wherein R represents a primary or secondary alkyl chain of 8-22 carbon atoms and n has an average value of 5 - 50 , preferably 5-20, in particular 6-13, and formula II, wherein R represents a primary or secondary alkyl chain with 4 -30 12 carbon atoms, and m has an average value of 5 - 50, preferably 5 - 20, in particular 6-13.

The compounds of formula I are preferably derived from lauryl, myristyl, cetyl, stearyl and / or oleyl alcohol. R preferably contains 10-18 carbon atoms, 12-15 carbon atoms.

R * in formula II preferably contains 6-12 carbon atoms, especially 8-9 carbon atoms, such as octyl, isoctyl and no 9 if% nyl.

Typical examples of a nonionic compound of formula I are lauryl alcohol condensed with 5 or 7 or 11 moles of ethylene oxide. Typical examples of a nonionic compound 5 of formula II is isoctylphenol or nonylphenol condensed with 3-8 moles of ethylene oxide.

Other nonionic compounds which can be used are the polyoxyalkylene esters of organic acids, such as the higher fatty acids, rosin acids, tall oil acids, acids of petroleum oxidation products, etc. These esters usually contain 10-22 carbon atoms in the acidic molecular moiety and 3-30 moles of ethylene oxide or equivalent.

Further nonionic surfactants are the condensates of alkylene oxide with higher fatty acid amides and amines.

The fatty acid group generally contains 8-22 carbon atoms and is condensed with preferably 3-30 moles ethylene oxide. The carboxamides and sulfonamides can also be used as equivalents.

Although ethylene oxide has been mentioned, for example, as an alkylene oxide group, nonionic surfactants formed with propylene oxide and preferably with a mixture of ethylene oxide and propylene oxide can also be used. Examples are the nonionic surfactants available under the name Plurafac, such as Plurafac B-26, the reaction product of a higher linear alcohol and a mixture of ethylene oxide and propylene oxide containing a mixed chain of ethylene oxide and propylene oxide with a terminal hydroxyl group.

To obtain the best equilibrium of hydrophilic and lipophilic molecular moieties in the preferred poly-layer alkoxylated higher alkanols, the number of lower alkoxy-30 groups is usually 40-100%, preferably 40-60%, of the number of carbon atoms in the higher alcohol; the nonionic detergent preferably contains at least 50% of such a preferred poly-layer alkoxylated higher alkanol. Higher molecular alkanols and various other normally solid nonionic detergents and surfactants may contribute to the gelation of the liquid detergent compositions and are therefore preferably omitted or used in limited amounts in the present liquid compositions, although minor amounts thereof may be used in connection with their cleaning properties and the like, while they may be desirable in the higher viscous or pasty compositions. In both the preferred nonionic detergents and those that are less preferred, linear alkyl groups are most preferred, although a small degree of branching is acceptable, for example, at a carbon atom after or at a distance of 2 carbon atoms from the straight chain terminal carbon and away from the ethoxy chain when such a branched alkyl group is not more than 3 carbon atoms in length. Normally, the number of carbon atoms in such a branched configuration is minor, rarely more than 20% of the total carbon atom content of the alkyl group. Although linear alkyl groups terminally attached to the ethylene oxide chains are particularly preferred and are believed to provide the best combination of detergent, biodegradability, and non-gelling properties, intermediate or secondary adhesion to the ethylene oxide in the prevent chain.

This is usually in only a minor part of the alkyl-20 groups, usually less than 50%, but may also be larger, such as in the case of the Tergitols, for example. If propylene oxide is present in the alkylene oxide chain, it will usually be less than 20% thereof, and preferably less than 10% thereof, although higher percentages may also occur, as in some of the Plurafacs.

The amount of the nonionic material will generally be the minimum amount which, when added to the wash water, provides adequate cleaning. The amount is generally 1 -50 wt.% And preferably 10-40 wt.%, Especially 12-35 wt.% Of the composition. A second essential component of the present compositions is the cationic fabric softener. Softeners are used to soften fabrics or textile materials. Softness refers to the tactile impression that fabrics or textile materials make on the hand or body and is of aesthetic and commercial importance. The cationic fabric softeners to be used according to the invention are the mono-high alkyl quaternary ammonium compounds of formula III, 2 11 wherein R represents a long chain aliphatic group having 10-22 carbon atoms and the three groups independently represent lower alkyl or hydroxyalkyl groups and X is a water-soluble salt-forming anion such as halide, for example chloride, bromide or iodide, sulfate, citrate, acetate, hydroxide, methosulfate, ethosulfate, phosphate or a similar inorganic or organic solubilizing radical. The carbon chain of the aliphatic group, which contains 10 to 22 carbon atoms, especially 12 to 20 carbon atoms, preferably 12 to 18 carbon atoms, particularly preferably 16 to 18 carbon to 10 atoms, may be straight or branched and saturated or unsaturated.

The lower alkyl groups contain 1-4 carbon atoms, preferably 1 or 2 carbon atoms, especially methyl, and may contain a hydroxyl group. Preferably, the long carbon chains are derived from long chain fatty acids, such as derived from tallow and soybean oil.

The terms "soy" and "tallow" and the like refer to the source from which the long chain fatty alkyl chains originate. Mixtures of the quaternary ammonium compound fabric softeners can also be used. The preferred ammonium salt is a mono-high alkyl trimethylammonium chloride, wherein the alkyl group is derived from tallow acid, hydrogenated tallow acid or stearic acid. Specific examples of quaternary ammonium softeners of formula III, suitable for use in the composition of the invention are tallow trimethyl ammonium chloride, hydrogenated tallow trimethyl ammonium chloride, trimethyl stearyl ammonium chloride, triethyl-25 stearyl ammonium chloride, ammonium ethyl trimethyl chloride, soybean ethyl chloride, soybean ethyl chloride tallow dilsopropylmethyl ammonium chloride, its corresponding sulfate, methosulfate, ethosulfate, bromide and hydroxide salts thereof, etc.

Another class of commercially available quaternary ammonium fabric softening compounds to be used according to the invention are the ethoxylated compounds of formula IV, wherein 2 3 X, R and R are as defined for formula III and wherein x and y represent positive numbers with a value of at least 1, where the sum x + y has a value of 2-15.

A particularly preferred compound of formula IV is marketed by Armak under the name Ethoquad 12 18/12 (R 2 = CH 2, R 2 = C alkyl, x + y = 12).

J lo

The amount of the cationic monoalkyl quaternary fabric softener can generally be 1 to 20% by weight, and is preferably 4 to 16%, especially 5 to 10% by weight, based on the composition.

The weight ratio of the nonionic surfactant to the cationic fabric softener can be between 1: 1 and 15: 1, preferably between 1.5: 1 and 10: 1, especially between 2: 1 and 8: 1.

The sulfosuccinamate surfactant is the third essential active component of the compositions of the invention. These compounds are characterized by an open chain hydrocarbon substituent bonded to the nitrogen atom of the carbonamide group, which is present at one terminal carboxy group of the succinamate molecule portion, and by the sulfonyl group, which is bonded to one of the carbon atoms at the alpha or beta position relative to the carbonamide group.

Examples of these sulfosuccinamate compounds are disodium N-octadecyl sulfosuccinamate (available as Alkasurf SS-TA, 20 Alkaril Chemicals, or as ASTROMID 18, Alco Chemical Corp.), disodium N-oleylsulfosuccinamate (available as Alkasurf SS-OA from Alkaril Chemicals N), tetrasodium. - (1,2-dicarboxyethyl) N-octadecyl sulfosuccinamate (available as ASTROMID 22, Alco Chemical, Corp., or as Monawet SNO-35, Mona Industries, Ine.).

More generally, suitable sulfosuccinamate compounds can be represented by formula V, wherein Z is a monovalent 4 salt-forming cation, such as alkali metal, ammonium and amine, R hydrogen, low alkyl, carboxy day alkyl), or 1,2-dicarboxy (low alkyl ), and R ~ * represent an open chain hydrocarbon group having 10-22 carbon atoms.

As the alkali metal, sodium, potassium and lithium are preferred and sodium is particularly preferred.

The monovalent amine salt-forming cation can be, for example, a mono-, di- or tri-layer alkanolamine, such as mono-, di- or tri-ethanolamine.

The "lower alkyl" group contains 1 to 5 carbon atoms, preferably 1 to 3 carbon atoms, and especially 1 to 2 carbon atoms.

The open chain hydrocarbon group shown may be saturated or unsaturated and branched or unbranched and is preferably an alkyl or alkenyl group having 14-18 carbon atoms, especially 16-18 carbon atoms, e.g. tallow, hydrogenated tallow, fractionated tallow, oleyl, octadecyl, stearyl, and the like.

4

When R represents carboxy day alkyl) or 1,2-dicarboxy (lower alkyl) such as carboxyethyl, carboxypropyl, carboxy-2-methylethyl, 1,2-dicarboxy-10 ethyl and the like, the one or more carboxyl groups may be in the form -COOY wherein Y represents the group Z or lower alkyl, preferably the group Z, especially sodium.

The amount of the sulfosuccinamate should be carefully selected depending on such factors as the nature and amount of the nonionic surfactant and the cotton-containing fabric softener, the sulfosuccinamate used, the intended wash conditions, including, for example, fabric types , dirt, washing temperature, water hardness, and the like. Generally, however, the best cleaning is obtained when the amounts of sulfosuccinamate, nonionic surfactant and cationic fabric softener are used in the following amounts, expressed in parts by weight, calculated on the total composition.

General Preference (a) Nonionic surfactant 10 - 50 12 - 35 25 compound (b) Cationic fabric softener 1-10 2-6 (c) Sulfosuccinamate 1-10 2-6

Within these ranges, the weight ratios of (a): (b), (a): (c) and (b): (c) are also important, although the optimum values may differ for different compounds and different washing conditions. For most cases, however, the ratios (a): (b) and (a): (c) are between 15: 1 and 1: 1, preferably between 10: 1 and 1.5: 1, especially between 8: 1 and 2: 1. The weight ratio (b): (c) is generally between 3: 1 and 1: 3, preferably between 2: 1 and 1: 2, especially between 1.3: 1 and 1: 2. Furthermore, the weight ratio of (a): (b) + (c) is between 10: 1 and 1: 1, preferably between 6: 1 and 1.5: 1.

For example, according to a preferred embodiment of the invention in which the nonionic compound is a C 2-2 C 5 alcohol, it is ethoxylated with an average of 7 moles of ethylene oxide per mole of alcohol (such as Neodol 25-7, Shell Oil Company) in an amount of 15-25% by weight, based on the total composition, the monoalkyl quaternary fabric softener is tallow trimethyl ammonium chloride and the sulfo-10: succinamate is tetrasodium N- (1,2-dicarboxyethyl) -N-octadecyl sulfosuccinate (e.g. Monawet SNO-35) under typical washing conditions, e.g. 49 ° C, 0.2% product concentration, 100 ppm hardness ions for a wide range of fabrics and soils, the preferred ratios of the nonionic compound to the quaternary compound and from the quaternary compound to the sulfosuccinamate comprised between 12 s 1 and 4: 1 and between 1: 1 and 1: 2, respectively.

An optional but preferred further component of the detergent composition of the invention is an anionic surfactant. As disclosed in the aforementioned U.S. Patent Application 661,775, the softening and antistatic effect of the mixture of nonionic surfactant and mono-high alkyl quaternary ammonium compound fabric softener is markedly enhanced by the use of a linear alkyl aromatic sulfonate detergent, at preferably as a 1: 1 molar 253 complex with the quaternary fabric softener.

Examples of suitable anionic detergents are the water-soluble salts, for example the sodium, potassium, ammonium, alkylolammonium salts of high-linear alkyl aromatic sulfonates with 8-26 carbon atoms, preferably 10-22 carbon atoms in the alkyl group (the term alkyl includes the alkyl portion of the higher acyl radicals). Preferred examples of the linear alkyl aromatic sulfonates are those containing 10-16 carbon atoms in the linear alkyl group, for example, the sodium, potassium and ammonium salts of high linear alkyl benzene sulfonates, high linear alkyl toluene sulfonates, high linear alkyl phenol sulfonates and high-linear alkylnaphthalene sulfonates. The high-linear alkyl benzene sulfonates, such as the C 1 -C 4 -C 18 alkyl, especially C 10 -C 14 alkyl, for example C 1 (n-dodecyl) alkyl benzene sulfonates, are particularly preferred anionic surfactants.

Another preferred class of aniono-5 gene surfactants, which may enhance the overall effect, especially anti-static and softening, of the detergent compositions of the invention are the alkyl ether sulfates of the formula R 6 (CHoCH + O) -SO-M, wherein R is an alkyl group with 8-20 carbon-2 2 atoms, in particular 10-18 carbon atoms, M a solubilizing salt-forming cation, such as an alkali metal ion, alkaline earth metal ion, ammonium ion, ammonium ion substituted with 1-3 lower alkyl groups or mono-, di- and tri-alkanolamines with 2-3 carbon atoms in the alkanol group or groups, and p a number with a value of 2-8, preferably 2-6 (in especially represent 1/5 to 1/3 or 1/2 of the number of carbon atoms in R). A preferred polyethoxylated alcohol sulfate detergent is available under the name Neo-dol 25-3S from Shell Chemical Company. This material, the sodium salt, is normally sold as a product containing 60% active substance in an aqueous solvent medium. Although Neodol 25-3S is the sodium salt, the potassium salt and other suitable soluble salts of the triethoxy C 1 -C 2 C 5 alcohol sulfate and other such compounds can be used to replace all or part of the sodium salt. Mixtures of salts can also be used.

Examples of the higher alcohol polyethenoxy sulfates which can be used as the anionic detergent ingredient of the present liquid detergents or as a partial substitute for that ingredient are the sodium salt of mixed C normal or primary alkyl triethanoxysulfate, the potassium salt of myristyl triethyleneoxy sulfate. , the diethanolamine salt of n-decyl-diethenoxysulfate, the ammonium salt of lauryl diethenoxysulfate, the sodium salt of palmethyl-tetraethanoxysulfate, the sodium salt of mixed C 1 -C 4 -g normal primary alkyl mixed tri- and tetraethoxysulfate sulfethylethyl sulfate, trimethylethyl sulfate and the potassium salt of mixed C 1 -C 4 -g normal primary alkyl triethenoxy sulfate. Minor amounts of the corresponding branched and medially alkoxylated detergents, as described above, but with the ethoxylation on a medial carbon atom / e.g. 4 carbon atoms from the end of the chain may also be where the carbon atom content of the high alkyl group will be the same. Likewise, the attachment to the normal alkyl group may be at a secondary carbon atom or at a distance of 2 carbon atoms from the end of the chain. As already mentioned, in such cases only minor amounts will be present, usually 10 or 20%.

As is the case with the preferred nonionic detergents, the present poly-layer alkoxy higher alkanol sulfates are readily biodegradable and have better detergent when the fatty alkyl group is terminally linked to the poly-layer oxyalkylene chain which is terminated is bound to the sulfate. Again, as with the nonionic detergents, a small amount, for example no more than 10%, of branching and medial adhesion may be present. In general, it is preferred that the alkyl in the anionic alkoxylate detergent as well as in the non-ionic detergent be a mixture of different chain lengths, for example chains with 11, 12, 13, 14 and 15 carbon atoms or chains with 12 and 13 carbon atoms , instead of one-length chains. Nevertheless, the invention applies to liquid detergents containing purely nonionic and anionic components.

The lower alkylene oxide of the anionic alkoxylate detergent is preferably ethylene oxide, and the amount thereof in the polyethoxylated higher alkanol sulfate is preferably 2-5 moles of ethylene oxide groups per mole of anionic detergent, with 3 moles being the most preference is given, especially when the higher alkanol contains 12-13 carbon atoms or 11 or 12-15 carbon atoms. To maintain the desired hydrophilic-lipophilic equilibrium, if the carbon atom content of the alkyl chain is in the lower portion of the C 1 -C 20 g range, the ethylene oxide content of the detergent can be reduced to about 2 moles per mole while with an alkyl chain of 16-18 carbon atoms, the number of ethylene oxide groups can be increased to 4 or 5, and in some cases even to 8 or 9. 0 2c, the salt-forming cation can be changed to obtain the best solubility. This cation can be any desired solubilizing metal or radical, but is usually alkali metal, for example sodium, or ammonium. When low alkylamine or alkanolamine groups are used, the alkyl and alkanol groups usually contain 1-4 carbon atoms and the amines and alkanolamines are mono-, di- or tri-substituted, such as in monoethanolamine, diisopropanolamine-5 and trimethylamine.

The poly-lower alkoxy higher alkanol sulfates and the linear alkyl aromatic sulfonates are very much preferred as detergents in the present compositions, but other anionic detergents may also be used in conjunction with these compounds or in their place. For example, alpha olefin sulfonates, paraffin sulfonates and higher alcohol sulfates can be used. The olefin sulfonate salts generally contain alkenyl sulfonates or long chain hydroxyalkane sulfonates (where the Oh group is on the carbon atom, which is not directly bound to the carbon atom, which carries the 15 -SO2 H group). The olefin sulfonate detergent usually consists of a mixture of such types of compounds in varying amounts, often together with disulfonates or long chain sulfate sulfonates. Such olefin sulfonates have been described in many patents, such as in U.S. Pat. Nos. 2,061,618, 3,409,637, 3,332,880, 3,420,875, 3,428,654, and 3,506,580, as well as

British Patent 1,129,158. The number of carbon atoms in the olefin sulfonate is usually between 10 and 25, more often between 10 and 20, or between 12 and 18; it may, for example, be a mixture of mainly r and C ^g with an average of about 14 carbon atoms, or a mixture of mainly C ^, C ^g and C18 with an average of about 16 carbon atoms.

Another class of useful anionic detergents is that of the higher paraffin sulfonates. They can be primary or secondary paraffin sulfonates, while reaction of long chain alpha-30 olefins and bisulfites, for example sodium bisulfate, or paraffin sulfonates in which the sulfonate groups are distributed over the paraffin chains, such as the products obtained by reacting a paraffin with long chain with sulfur dioxide and oxygen under ultraviolet light, followed by neutralization with sodium hydroxide or another suitable base (see U.S. Pat. Nos. 2,503,280, 2,505,088, 3,260,741 and 3,372,188, and German Patent 735,096). The paraffin sulfonates preferably contain 13-17 carbon atoms and are normally monosulfonates, but may optionally also be di-, tri- or higher sulfonates. The di- and polysulfonates are typically used together with a corresponding monosulfate, for example as a mixture of mono- and disulfonates, containing up to about 30% of the disulfonate. The hydrocarbon substituent thereof is preferably linear, but branched paraffin sulfonates can also be used if desired, although they are not as good in terms of biodegradability. The paraffin sulfonate may be sulfonated at the end, but the sulfonate substituent may also be attached to the 2-carbon atom or other chain carbon atom; similarly, in di- or higher sulfonates, the sulfonate groups can be distributed among different carbon atoms of the hydrocarbon chain.

The paraffin sulfonates and olefin sulfonates are used in the form of their alkali metal salts, for example, sodium or potassium, ammonium salts, mono-, di- and tri-layer alkanolamine salts as mixtures thereof. Triethanolamine is the preferred al-kalolamine salt-forming cation. The linear alkylbenzene sulfonates and alkyl ether sulfates are particularly preferred as the anionic surfactant.

In addition to interacting with the mono-high alkyl quaternary compound, these anionic surfactants may enhance the softening and antistatic effect, but may also effect the deposition of various optional adjuvants, in particular optical brighteners, on the laundry.

Although no specific rules can be applied for any combination of ingredients and for all washing conditions, when comparing the two preferred classes of anionic surfactants, as a general rule, the linear alkylbenzene sulfonates are observed to be somewhat more effective than the alkyl ether sulfates in terms of softening effect. but less well in terms of cleaning effect - although the addition of an anionic surfactant often produces only little improvement in cleaning effect compared to the same composition without anionic surfactant. Of course, mixtures of two or more of the anionic surfactants can be used.

Since the anionic surfactant is likely to form a complex with the cationic softener, which improves the softening / antistatic effect without adversely affecting, or even any beneficial effect on, the cleaning performance of the nonionic compound or the brightening in the composition, the ratio of cationic material to anionic material is particularly critical because a large excess of either component could adversely affect the overall effect. A ratio of katio-10 still material to anionic material between 1.3: 1 and 1: 1.5, preferably between 1.2: 1 and 1: 1.2, especially between 1.1: 1 and 1 1.1 and most preferably about 1: 1 provides improved softening and anti-static properties, as well as improved whitening and perhaps cleaning.

The total amount of the mixture of cationic / anionic material in the composition is generally 2-20 wt.%, Preferably 5-15 wt.%, Based on the total composition.

The total amount of cationic softener and anionic surfactant is generally 20-100 wt.%, Preferably 30-80 wt.%, Based on the nonionic surfactant. Within the stated amounts and ratios, the mixture of cationic / anionic material is compatible with the nonionic surfactant, the sulfosuceinamate and the optical brightener, etc.

The liquid carrier for the present detergent detergent composition is preferably an aqueous carrier, which may consist of only water or water, in which solvents have been added to solubilize certain ingredients. Because of the availability of water and the low cost, it is preferable to use water as the main solvent present. Other solvents, generally in amounts up to 20%, and preferably up to 15%, may be used. Generally, such another solvent will be a low alkanol or a low diol or polyol, for example, ethanol, isopropanol, ethylene glycol, propylene glycol, glycerol, and the like. Ethereal polyols such as diethylene glycol and cellosolve can also be used.

20

In addition to the additional solvent, a hydrotrope material is preferably also included in the mixture to obtain maximum compatibility of all active ingredients and to make the liquid mixture more homogeneous and stable. Examples of suitable hydrotropes are the alkali metal aryl sulfonates, such as sodium benzene sulfonate, sodium toluene sulfonate, sodium xylene sulfonate, and the corresponding potassium salts. The hydrotrope can be used in an amount of up to 15%, preferably up to 10% by weight of the total composition, for example in an amount of 1-8% or 2-6%. Although aqueous carriers are preferred, non-aqueous liquid carriers can also be used, such as the above-mentioned organic co-solvents, either as the sole liquid carrier or as the main liquid carrier, ie the non-aqueous liquid carrier for 50 - 100% can consist of that liquid carrier, the residual if any consisting of water and / or hydrotrope material. Mixtures of two or more organic solvents can also be used.

Furthermore, it is possible to prepare the detergent compositions containing the three essential ingredients: non-ionic surfactant, mono-high alkyl quaternary ammonium compound and sulfosuccinamate, plus optional anionic surfactant and optional auxiliaries in the form of strong viscous compositions, such as gels, pastes and the like, for example by adding conventional thickeners to the liquid carrier. Examples of suitable thickeners are the cellulose seethers, such as hydroxyethyl cellulose, hydroxymethyl cellulose, methyl hydroxyethyl cellulose, hydroxypropyl cellulose and the like, xanthan gum, clay minerals and the like. Also, the compositions can be prepared directly as a paste or as highly viscous liquids by mixing the various ingredients in the absence of a liquid carrier or in the presence of only a minor amount, for example up to 20% by weight liquid carrier, preferably water or a mixture of water and organic solvent.

The water for the present liquid or pasty detergents may come from the starting materials themselves, such as solutions or suspensions of the various detergent salts, or may be added. When added, it is preferable to use deionized water or water of low hardness, for example less than 50 ppm hardness salts, such as calcium carbonate, preferably less than 10 ppm CaCO 2. Although it is undesirable to use hard water, this can still be done and satisfactory products can be obtained with water having a hardness of even 200 ppm, but generally the use of such water is avoided wherever possible.

The detergent composition may contain various selected adjuvants which impart further desirable functional or aesthetic properties such as enzymes, eg proteases, amylases, lipases and the like, and mixtures thereof, bleaches, bleach activators and stabilizers, soil suspending or anti-redeposition agents for example polyvinyl alcohol, sodium carboxymethyl cellulose, hydroxypropylmethyl cellulose, soil release agents, for example, Polymer 15 QCJ from Alkaril Chemical for releasing engine oil, and the like, dyes, bluing agents, pigments, optical brighteners, for example cotton, amide and polyester brighteners, bactericides, e.g. hexachlorophene, preservatives, e.g. methyl parasept or sodium benzoate, ultraviolet absorbers, pH-20 modifiers, e.g. amines, pH buffers, opacifying agents, e.g. behenic acid, polystyrene suspension and the like, and perfumes. The excipients should, of course, be compatible with the main components of the composition.

Of the said auxiliaries, the optical brighteners are probably the most important for functional effect, because the modern housewife expects washed clothes to be not only clean and white, but also clear in appearance. The optical brighteners are fabric-washable (such substantivity can be selective) and sometimes have relatively low solubility.

It is therefore important that they are kept in solution in the liquid detergent composition, and more importantly that they are immediately dispersed in the wash water to avoid obtaining laundry, which shows discernible bright spots and does not have a uniform clear appearance. . The person skilled in the art will easily be able to determine which clarifier produces the best results. It has been found that relatively small amounts of the brighteners should be used so as not to exceed the solubility limits. Within the class of these materials, certain brighteners have been found to be particularly easy to dissolve, so that they are suitable for inclusion in the present products. These brighteners are suitable for both cotton and amide poly-5 esters, so that they can be used for laundry containing a variety of materials and synthetic materials. Examples of commercially available brighteners that can be used in the present compositions include Tinopal UNPC, Tinopal CBS (Ciba-Geigy), Arctic White CC (Hilton Davis), and the following 10 Verona Phorwhites: BKL, BUP, BBC solution, BRV solution, DCR liquid, DCBVP, EV liquid, DBS liquids and ANR.

Other types of optical brighteners that provide superior whitening effects are those components that do not contain sulfonate molecular moieties. Examples of preferred brighteners for use according to the invention are the 2- (4-styrylphenyl) -2H-naphthol [1,2-d] triazoles, 4,4'-bis (1,2,3- triazol-2-yl) silent legs, 4,4'-bis (styryl) bisphenyls and the γ-amino coumarins. Specific examples of these brighteners are 4-methyl-7-diethylamino coumarin, 1,2-bis (benzimidazol-2-yl) ethylene and the 1,3-diphenyl frazolines, as well as 2,5-bis (benzoxazole -2-yl) thiophene, 2-styryl-naphtho (1,2-d] oxazole and 2- (stilben-4-yl) -2H-naphtho [1,2-d] triazole.

The optical brightener content of the liquid composition is generally 0.2-3.0%, preferably 0.25-2.7%. Such concentrations are soluble in the liquid detergents described and are effective in brightening the washed clothes. As already mentioned, the presence of the anionic surfactant can promote uniform deposition of the optical brightener.

Yet another class of optical adjuvants are the organic detergent builders, other than the nitrilo triacetates, and sequestrants. Representative of the class of detergent builders and sequestrants or chelating agents are sodium citrate, potassium gluconate, polyacrylic acids, ethylenediamine tetraacetic acid and its alkali metal, alkaline earth metal, amine, alkanolamine 35 and ammonium salts, etc. It generally deserves the It is preferred, and often necessary, to avoid the inorganic builders, especially the phosphate builders, entirely. However, where they are not prohibited for environmental contamination, minor amounts of the inorganic phosphate builders may be included in the compositions.

The contents of the other auxiliaries are preferably kept below 5%, preferably less than 3%, by weight of the product. Use of more than the amounts of such compounds described can often significantly alter the properties, for example stability, of the liquid detergent, so that they should be avoided.

Although the liquid composition of the invention is a stable, clear single phase liquid, a compatible opacifying agent can be added to impart a creamy appearance to the composition.

Yet another optional ingredient, which is very much preferred in the detergent compositions herein, is an ethoxylated fatty amine, such as the Armethyl Company's Ethendom Compound Series, and the Ashland Chemicals Varonic Series. These compounds can be represented by the general formula 6, wherein R7 is a fatty-20 alkyl group with 10 - 22 carbon atoms, preferably 12 - 18 carbon 7 atoms, and the sum x + y has a value of 2 - 15. The group R can be saturated or unsaturated and are, for example, derived from coconut. fatty acid, oleic acid, soy fatty acid, tallow fatty acid, stearic acid or a mixture of these acids.

25 ... The ethoxylated amines contribute to the cleaning, softening and anti-static properties. Usually the ethoxylated amine is used in an amount of up to about 15%, preferably up to about 10%, for example in an amount of 1 - 10% or 1 - 8%, in particular 2 - 8%, by weight of the total composition.

To help solubilize the detergents and optical brighteners present in the liquid composition, a small amount of alkaline material or a mixture of such materials is often included in the present compositions. Suitable alkali materials are mono-, di- and trialkanolamines, alkyl amines, ammonium hydroxide and alkali metal hydroxides. Of these, the alkanolamines are preferred, especially the trialkanolamines, of which triethanolamine is most preferred. The pH of the final liquid detergent containing such a basic material is usually neutral or slightly basic. A satisfactory pH range is 7-10, preferably 7.5-9.5, but because a pH measurement of the liquid detergent with a glass electrode and a reference calomel electrode is often inaccurate due to the fact that the detergent system is often substantially non-aqueous, a better indication is obtained by measuring the pH of a 1% solution of the liquid detergent in water. Such a pH normally ranges from 7-10, preferably from 7.5-9.5. In the wash water, the pH will usually be in this range or somewhat more on the acidic side, for example 0.5-1 pH unit, due to the organic acid content of the soiled laundry. For the liquid compositions, the viscosity at 25 ° C is between 40 and 120 centipoise, preferably between 40 and 100 centipoise, especially between 70 and 100 centipoise, with 80 - 95 centipoise being the most preferred, which viscosity is measured with a Brookfield viscometer at room temperature with a No. 1 shaft at 12 revolutions per minute.

The liquid composition is usually added to the wash water in an automatic washing machine of the top or front loader type, such that its concentration in the wash water is 0.05-1.5%, usually 0.1-1.2% . Depending on the type of machine and the load with dirty laundry, the amount of the liquid composition is generally 60 - 300 ml, usually about 120 ml.

As wash water, relatively soft water or water of reasonable hardness can be used. It is generally and preferably used at an elevated temperature, especially at about 38 ° C or higher, such as 48 - 82 ° C or higher. The composition according to the invention is also suitable for washing clothes in very hard water and at a lower temperature. The water hardness can range from 0 to over 300 ppm, calculated as calcium carbonate, and the washing temperature can be 4 - 49 ° C or higher. Washing takes place in an automatic washing machine, in which the washing cycle is formed by a rinsing cycle and rotation or other dewatering or wringing treatments. Of course, the composition according to the invention can also be used for hand washing, in which case the composition is sometimes applied in full strength to certain stains in the laundry, but the laundry can also be soaked in a solution with washing before washing. a higher detergent concentration.

2 The washing treatment generally requires from 3 minutes to 1 hour, depending on the fabrics to be washed and the degree of soiling. After completion of the washing and rotation, dewatering or wringing operations, it is preferable to dry the laundry in an automatic dryer soon afterwards, although it can also be hung on the line.

The present composition dissolves very easily regardless of whether the wash water is hot or cold and cleans, softens and eliminates static charge very effectively with clothes and other laundry without making it water resistant. The composition can be used in top or front load washers and can be adjusted as desired to foam to the correct degree. The product is an attractive clear stable liquid, which retains its activity and uniformity over a long shelf life. In tests comparing the effects of the use of the composition of the invention with those of commercially available liquid detergents, the composition of the invention showed very favorably.

The composition of the invention can be prepared by simply mixing the various ingredients at room temperature with stirring to ensure solubilization thereof in the aqueous medium. The order of addition of the ingredients and the temperature can be varied without adversely affecting the formation of a clear liquid product in a single phase. Higher viscous mixtures or pastes can be prepared in the usual way.

The composition according to the invention has many desirable properties, both in terms of physical properties and behavior during use. As for physical properties, the liquid compositions are pourable and free-flowing from the package in the state in which the composition was prepared and after aging.

The compositions exhibit a high degree of storage stability at room temperature of the order of 20 ° C for many months without precipitation occurring. Therefore, the user can apply the composition in a conventional manner by adding very small amounts to a washing liquid, the detergent and the softener being in a fixed ratio in each portion. While compatible adjuvants can be added to make the final product translucent or opaque, the fact that the major components are dissolved in one phase ensures the stability and homogeneity of the product, providing effective washing and softening with each portion. The composition can be packaged in any suitable vessel or packaging material, such as metal, plastic or glass.

The following examples are intended to illustrate the invention without limiting its scope.

To test the cleaning effect of the compositions of the invention, different compositions were prepared and used in standardized test conditions against a variety of contaminants on different fabrics with different levels and proportions of active ingredients. All cleaning tests were performed under the same conditions, unless otherwise stated, in identical washing machines (Terg-O-tometer): 49 ° C, 100 ppm Ca ++, 20 65 l washing water, 0.2% product concentration (120 ml). The test fabrics were nylon, cotton and a 65/35 blend of polyester (Dacron) and cotton. The contaminants were a mixed soil (TF) from Test Fabrics Company, Piscatamay Clay (PC) and an oily soil (on cotton) EMPA from Test Fabrics Company. The cleaning effect was measured by determining the reflectance (Rd) as a measure of whiteness. From the measured values, the total soil removal value (SR) was derived by multiplying the Rd values for the different soiled fabrics each by a coefficient determined for each artificially contaminated tissue and showing the relationship between the cleaning effect on the artificially contaminated tissues using practical laundry detergent tests. By comparing the SR values of two compositions, the relative total cleaning effect (SRI) of the two compositions can be evaluated.

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In Table A, Run 11 is a repeat of Run 1 using a freshly prepared composition.

The following conclusions can be drawn from the results.

The addition of only the quaternary compound (Runs 2 and 7) to the nonionic compound (Run 1) has a marked negative effect on cleaning.

The addition of succinate alone (Runs 3 and 6) markedly improves cleaning, but does not improve softening by the quaternary compound.

The addition of the quaternary compound and succinamate in a ratio of 1.7: 1 (Run 8) gives a marked improvement over the quaternary compound alone (Runs 2 and 7), but produces a significantly less effective effect than the control -15 test (test 1).

For a total amount of quaternary compound and succinamate of 8% by weight, a quaternary compound / succinamate ratio of 1: 1.7 (Test 9) gives the best cleaning, which is somewhat better than at a ratio of 1: 1 ( Run 4), while a 1: 3 ratio (Run 12) provides approximately the same purification as succinamate alone (Runs 3 and 6) at 4% and 8% levels. In fact, the 1: 3 ratio at the 8 wt% (Test 12) content provides less effective cleaning than the 1: 1 (Test 10) ratio at a total 4 wt% content.

Under the conditions of this test, therefore, preferred ratios of quaternary compound to succinamate are between 1: 1 and 1: 2, with ratios of greater than 1: 2 to 1: 3 being still improvements in cleaning ( for example, whitening), as well as an improved emollient / anti-static effect.

Example 2

Each of Runs 1-12 of Example 1 was repeated, but now with the addition of an anionic surfactant, namely the sodium salt of linear dodecylbenzene sulfonate (LDBS) in the amounts listed in Table B, which also includes the results . For comparison, Table B also lists the values of SR (total) 29 and SRI relative to Test 1 of Example 1.

TABLE · B

Trial Weight% Weight% With SR (total) SRI vs. Trial 1

LDBS SMO IiDBS without LDBS with LDBS without LDBS

I 4 207.3 204.8 52 41 - 213.3 185.7 +6.0 -19.1 344 212.8 213.3 +5.5 +8.5 4 41 4 219.2 219.2 + 11.9 +14.4 5 (29% non- 8 - 211.4 206.5 +4.2 +1.8 ionic) 6 8 8 214.4 213.4 +7.1 +8.8 7 81 - 208.7 191.7 +1.3 -13.1 8 51 3 220.5 195.8 +13.1 -8.9 9 31 5 218.7 221.3 +11.4 +16.6 15 10 21 2 218.2 214.7 +10.9 +9.9 II 4 - 210.7 208.0 +3.4 +3.2 12 21 6 218.1 213.2 +10.8 +8, 4

Quaternary compound / LDBS 1: 1 weight ratio

The following conclusions can be drawn from these results. Runs 2 and 7 correspond to the compositions of U.S. Patent Application 661,775, namely mixtures of a nonionic surfactant with 1: 1 mixtures of cationic fabric softener and anionic surfactant (without sulfo succinamate).

Tests 3, 4, 6, 8, 9, 10 and 12 are according to the invention. Quaternary compound to succinate weight ratios between 1.7: 1 (Test 8) and 1: 3 (Test 12) achieve significantly better cleaning than with the quaternary compound alone (Tests 2 and 7} and only the succinate ( tests 3 and 6).

Furthermore, the presence of the anionic surfactant compound in these compositions has the further beneficial effect of enhancing the anti-static and softening action of the mono-high alkyl quaternary ammonium compound, while in the preferred composition comprising an optical brightener, the anionic compound also more efficiently deposits the brightener. It is clear that in certain compositions the combination of the succinate with the anionic surfactant significantly enhances the total cleaning action (eg compare SR (total) for Run 8 of Example 2 with Run 8 of Example 1).

It is worth noting that in Examples 1 and 2, where 120 ml of composition is used, 21% and 29% Neodol 25-7 correspond to 25 g per wash and 35 g per wash, respectively; 4% and 8% Arquad T-50 correspond to 5 g per wash and 10 g per wash, respectively; and 4% and 8% Monawet SNO correspond to 5 g per wash and 10 g per wash, respectively.

Example 3

If example 1 or example 2 is repeated with the same amount of Neodol 23-6.5 (R0 (CoH.0). _H, where R = mixed 1 4 6.5 C 2 and C 14 primary alcohol) or Tergitol 15-S -7 or Tergitol 15-S-9 (both secondary C 1 -C 4 g alcohol ethoxylates, the former with 7 moles of ethylene oxide and the latter with 9 moles of ethylene oxide) or with non-phenyl phenol condensed with 5.7 or 9 moles of ethylene oxide, isoctylphenol, condensed with 9, 10, 11 or 12 moles of ethylene oxide, etc., instead of the Neodol 25-7, analogous results are obtained.

If in example 1 or example 2 the Monawet SNO-35 is replaced by an equal amount of Astromid 18, Astromid 22, Al-Kasurf SS-OA or Alkasurf SS-ΤΑ, analogous results are obtained.

Similarly, in Examples 1 and 2, analogous results are obtained using hydrogenated tallow trimethyl ammonium chloride, steraryl trimethyl ammonium chloride, stearyl triethyl ammonium chloride, steryl dimethyl ammonium chloride, tallow diisopropyl methyl ammonium chloride, ethylene sulfonate, sulfonethyldesulfon. and hydroxide salts instead of Arquad T-50. Arquad T-50 may also be replaced in whole or in part by, for example, Ethoquad 18/12 or other analog ethoxylated mono-high alkyl quaternary ammonium compounds.

In Example 2, analogous results are generally obtained if, instead of the linear dodecylbenzenesulfonate anionic surfactant, for example, use is made of Neodol 25-3S (Shell Oil Products, formula RO (C2H ^ Q)) ^ SO ^ Na, where R = mixed Cl2-Cl5 Primary fatty alcohol). The anionic surfactant compound LDBS may also be replaced in whole or in part by, for example, sodium alpha olefin sulfonate of 14-18 carbon atoms or sodium paraffin sulfate of 13-17 carbon atoms or the corresponding potassium salts of these compounds. Example 4

The compositions listed in Table C were tested in the same manner as in Example 1. The results are reported in Table 10 C.

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Example 5

In each of the compositions of Example 4, a portion of the Neodol 25-7 was replaced by Ethomen T-25 (Armak), and ethoxylated amine with foxmuleVII, where x + y = 15, in an amount such that 3- 8% of the ethoxylated amine and 18-13% of the nonionic surfactant were obtained.

Improvements have been observed in cleaning, softening and anti-static properties. Compositions with 15% by weight of the nonionic compound and 6% by weight of the ethoxylated amine gave particularly good results.

Example 6

In each of the compositions of Examples 4 and 5, the addition of an enzyme, such as a protease enzyme, in an amount of up to about 1%, especially about 0.5%, by weight of the composition, resulted in an improved cleaning against certain impurities, such as protease against protein impurities, amylase against starch impurities, and the like. The enzymes are stable in the compositions; mixtures of different enzymes can also be used.

20 Example 7

Very stable homogeneous clear aqueous compositions with comparable cleaning performance were prepared from the following ingredients:

A B

25 Neodol 25-7 21 16

Neodol 25—3S 4 -

Sodium dodecylbenzene sulfonate - 4

SNA-35 Monawet 4 3

Arquad T-50 4 3 30 Sodium Citrate 4

Sodium xylene sulfonate 4 3

Optical brightener 0.5 0.5

Enzyme 0.5 0.5

Water to 100 to 100 35 Example 8

This example shows the effect of the wash temperature on the cleaning performance and also shows that the combination of cationic quaternary compound and succinamate is effective at both low and high temperatures. In the same manner as described in Example 1, liquid compositions with the compositions listed in Table D were prepared and evaluated under conditions described in Example 1 at a wash water temperature of 49 ° C or 21 ° C. The results (SRI values with a control test 1 only the non-ionic compound) are shown in Table D.

TABLE D

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 10 Neodol 25-7 21 21 21 21 21 21 21 21

Neodol 25-3S -4444444

Adogen 471 * --444-44

Monawet-SNO-35 --- 4448-

Sodium citrate - - - - 4 4 - 8 15 Water --- * rest -----— SRI vs. test 1 49 ° C - +4 +3 +14 +13 +9 +10 +7 SRI vs. test 1 21 ° C - +1 -4 +10 +10 +5 0 +4 20 * Tallow trimethyl ammonium chloride; Sherex

Claims (21)

1. Detergent composition, characterized by a. non-ionic detergent, a mono-high alkyl quaternary ammonium compound as a fabric softener and antistatic agent, and a sulfosuccinamate detergent compound. The composition of claim 1, further comprising an anionic surfactant selected from linear high alkyl aromatic sulfonates, polydayer alkoxy high alkanol sulfates, olefin sulfonates and paraffin sulfonates. 3. Composition according to claim 1, characterized in that the sulfosuccinamate detergent compound is a compound of formula V-, wherein Z is a monovalent salt-forming cation, R hydrogen, lower alkyl, carboxy (lower alkyl) or 1.2 -dicarboxy (lower alkyl), and R represent a C10 -C22 open chain hydrocarbon group. 4. Composition according to claim 3, characterized in that in formula 'SZ' an alkali metal, ammonium or amine, R hydrogen, methyl, ethyl, carboxymethyl, carboxyethyl, 1,2-dicarboxymethyl or 1,2-dicarboxyethyl, and R 1 a saturated or unsaturated, branched or unbranched. C 1 -C 8 C 8 alkyl or alkenyl group. 5. Composition according to claim 1, characterized in that the sulfosuccinamate detergent is disodium N-octadecyl sulfosuccinamate, disodium N-oleyl sulfosuccinamate or tetrasodium N- (1,2-dicarboxyethyl) N-octadecyl sulfosuccinamate. 6. A composition according to claim 1, characterized by 10 -50% of the non-ionic surfactant, 1-10% of the monoalkyl quaternary compound and 1-10% of the sulfosuccinamate compound. Composition according to claim 6, characterized by 12 - 35% non-ionic surfactant compound, 2 - 6% monoalkyl quaternary compound and 2-6% of the sulfosuccinamate compound. Composition according to claim 6, characterized in that the composition also contains an anionic surfactant selected from linear high-alkyl aromatic sulfonates, poly (low alkoxy) -high alkanol sulfates, olefin sulfonates and paraffin sulfonates in such an amount that the ratio of monoalkyl quaternary compound to the anionic compound is between 1.3: 1: 1.5. 9. A composition according to claim 8, characterized in that the weight ratio of the non-ionic surfactant to the monoalkyl quaternary compound is between 15: 1 and 2: 1 and the weight ratio of the monoalkyl quaternary compound until the sulfosuccinamate is between 3: 1 and 1: 3. 10. Aqueous liquid detergent composition for cleaning and softening soiled fabrics, which composition can be added to the washing cycle of an automatic washing machine, characterized by (A) 10 - 50% by weight of a liquid nonionic detergent of formula I, wherein R represents a primary or secondary or secondary alkyl chain with 8-22 carbon atoms and n has an average value of 5-20, or of formula II, wherein R * represents a primary or secondary alkyl chain with 4-12 carbon atoms and m has an average value of 5-20, (B) 1-10 wt.% of a mono-high alkyl quaternary 2 ammonium compound of formula III or IV, wherein R is a cyclic "C22 alkyl" group with long chain, each of the groups R 3 in formula III and 3 20. in formula IV lower alkyl or hydroxy (lower alkyl) groups, X represent a water-soluble salt-forming anion and x and y having a value of at least 1, wherein the sum x + y = 2-15, (C) 1-10 wt% of a sulfosuccinamate- detergent of formula V, wherein Z is a monovalent salt-forming cation, R is hydrogen, lower alkyl, carboxy (lower alkyl) or 1,2-dicarboxy (lower alkyl) and R5 is called a C10 "C22 hydrocarbons with Pen. D) up to 10% by weight of an anionic surfactant selected from linear high-alkyl aromatic sulfonates, poly-low alkoxy-high alkanol sulfates, olefin sulfonates and paraffin sulfonates, (E) up to 3% of an optical brightener , (P) up to 15% of an ethoxylated amine, (G) up to 5% of an alkaline substance, (H) up to 3% enzymes, (I) up to 3% of a soil release agent, and (J) aqueous solvent carrier. t- c Composition according to claim 10, characterized in that the anionic detergent (Dj is present in a ratio of (C] f: (D) between 1.3: 1 and 1; 1.5. Composition according to claim 10, characterized by 12 - 5 35% (A), 2 - 6% (B), 2 - 6% (C), (D) in such an amount that the ratio (C): ( D) is between 1.2: 1 and 1: 1.2, 0.2 - 2 wt% (E), up to 10% (F), up to 3% (G), up to 2% (E) , up to 2% (I), and the rest (J). Composition according to claim 12, characterized in that 10 (A) is a compound of formula I, wherein R represents a C 1 -C 1 alkyl group or ΧΔ 15 mixture of alkyl groups and n is a number with a value of 6-13, (B) tallow trimethyl ammonium chloride is, (C) disodium N-octa-decyl sulfosuccinamate, disodium N-oleyl sulfosuccinaraate or tetrasodium N— (1,2-dicarboxyethyl) N-octadecyl sulfosuccinate and (D) is linear 15 is dodecylbenzene sulfonate or triethenoxy (C 1 -C 6) a-1-alkyl sulfate. A composition according to claim 10, characterized by (A) 15-25% of a compound of formula I, wherein R is a C 1 -C 12 g primary or secondary alkyl group and n is a number with a value of 6-13 for 2 (B) 2-6% of a compound of formula III, wherein R represents an aliphatic group of 12-18 carbon atoms and each group R represents methyl, (C) 2-6% of the sulfosuccinamate compound of formula V, wherein 3 in R contains 14-18 carbon atoms and R represents hydrogen or 1,2-dicarboxyethyl and an aqueous liquid carrier. Composition according to claim 14, characterized in that the ratio of (B): (C) is between 1: 1 and 1; 2. Composition according to claim 14, characterized in that decomposition also contains (D) a linear high-alkylbenzene sulfonate or polyethoxy-high alkanol sulfate in an amount such that the ratio (C): (D) is between 1.1 : 1 and. 1: 1.1. Composition according to claim 16, characterized in that the ratio (B); (C) is located between 1.5: 1 and 3 ί 1. A method of cleaning and softening soiled fabrics by contacting the soiled fabrics with an aqueous wash bath in the presence of the detergent composition of claim 1. A method according to claim 18, characterized in that the contacting takes place in an automatic washing machine with a washing cycle and a water rinsing cycle, wherein the detergent composition is added during the washing cycle. A method according to claim 19, characterized in that the temperature of the aqueous washing bath is at least during the washing cycle 21 ° C. VV 1 2 R0 (CH2CH20) nH Rljfj} -0- (CH2CH20) mH 3 / N ^ r2 r3 + r -j X 'r3 sr3 r3 J R2-N- (CH2CH20) xH x- (CH2CH20) yH 5 ° ^ 6 ch2-c-nCT Z-O3-S-CH-COQZ r5 r7 n / (CH2CH2O) xH2 (CH2CH2O) yH. 7 (CH2CH2O) xH Tallow-^ '^ \ (CH2CH2O) yH