RU2509799C2 - Suspension of mother of pearl agent for liquid treatment composition - Google Patents

Abstract

FIELD: chemistry.

SUBSTANCE: present invention relates to a physically stable suspension of an inorganic mother of pearl agent suitable for use in a liquid treatment composition containing: an inorganic mother of pearl agent; an organic solvent selected from a group consisting of glycerine, sorbite and mixtures thereof; and a rheology modifier containing non-polymeric crystalline hydroxy-functional material. The present invention also relates to a method of preparing the suspension.

EFFECT: improved physical stability and processing life of the suspension of the inorganic mother of pearl agent.

9 cl, 5 tbl, 1 ex

Description

FIELD OF TECHNOLOGY

The present invention relates to a suspension suitable for use as a component of liquid processing compositions.

KNOWN LEVEL OF TECHNOLOGY

In the manufacture of liquid compositions for processing, the goal is to improve their technical and aesthetic characteristics. One way to improve the aesthetic characteristics of a liquid composition for processing is to give it a pearly look.

The pearlescent effect can be achieved by incorporating the pearlescent agent in the liquid treatment composition. Pearlescent agents include inorganic natural materials such as mica, bismuth oxychloride and titanium dioxide, and organic compounds such as metal salts of higher fatty acids, glycol fatty acid esters and fatty acid alkanolamides. The present invention relates only to the use of inorganic pearlescent agents. The pearlescent agent can be obtained in the form of a powder, a suspension of the agent in a suitable suspending agent, or, when the agent is a crystalline material, it can be obtained in situ.

Detergent compositions and pearlescent dispersions containing pearlescent agents such as glycol fatty acid ester are disclosed in the following sources: US 4717501 (in the name of Kao); US 5,017,305 (in the name of Henkel); US 6,210,659 (in the name of Henkel); US 6835700 (in the name of Cognis). Liquid treatment compositions containing pearlescent agents are disclosed in US 6956017 (in the name of Procter & Gamble). Liquid detergents for washing delicate garments containing a pearlescent agent are disclosed in EP 520551 B1 (Unilever).

The present invention relates to a suspension containing an inorganic pearlescent agent. The suspension described in WO 2007/111899 A2 (in the name of Procter & Gamble) uses water as a carrier for the pearlescent agent. However, applicants have found that the use of water as a carrier for the pearlescent agent provides only up to six weeks of physical stability, after which the pearlescent agent begins to precipitate.

A suspension of an inorganic pearlescent agent according to WO 2007/11189 is prepared using a batch process. The measured amount of a suspension of inorganic pearlescent agent is then introduced into the continuous process used to prepare the liquid treatment compositions. However, as indicated above, inorganic pearlescent agents tend to precipitate from suspension. This deposition creates problems when using a continuous process for preparing liquid formulations for treatment, because there will be areas in which excessive pearlescent may exist or pearls may be absent. One potential solution to these problems may be to increase the viscosity of suspensions. However, the final products should have a relatively low viscosity, especially at high shear loads, so that they can be transfused or used for processing. Therefore, the components of the liquid composition for processing, as well as the suspension, should not have too high a viscosity. Conversely, if the suspension has a low viscosity at low shear, dispersed materials tend to stand out from the suspension and float or settle during storage. This leads to the formation of an undesirable inhomogeneous suspension, in which part of the suspension is pearlescent, and part is transparent and homogeneous. Obviously, such suspensions will have undesirable effects on the aesthetic characteristics of the finished composition, which may be excessively pearly or not at all pearly. However, the applicant found that a simple change in the viscosity of the suspension does not sufficiently eliminate the problems described in the present invention.

In addition, inorganic pearlescent agents are insoluble and, without an appropriate solution, behave like raw sand, creating problems in processing the suspension. The behavior similar to wet sand complicates the mixing of the suspension and requires considerable effort from the equipment used in the mixing process.

The present invention provides a suspension and a procedure for preparing a suspension suitable for further processing into liquid compositions for processing. The present invention specifically relates to improving the physical stability and process lifetime of a suspension of an inorganic pearlescent agent and, thereby, improving the manufacturing method and improving the quality of the liquid composition for processing. The present invention also relates to the use of a combination of a solvent and a rheology modifier in a suspension of inorganic pearlescent agents to improve the physical stability and process life of the suspension. Applicants have found that replacing water with a glycerol or sorbitol solvent increases the physical stability of the suspension, with the suspension remaining physically stable for 16 weeks. The present invention also relates to an optimized method for the manufacture of a suspension of an inorganic pearlescent agent, in which the administration of the inorganic pearlescent agent is strictly controlled.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In accordance with the present invention provides a suspension of inorganic pearlescent agent suitable for use in a liquid composition for processing, containing:

a) inorganic pearlescent agent,

b) an organic solvent selected from the group consisting of glycerol, sorbitol and mixtures thereof,

c) rheology modifier.

The present invention also relates to a method for preparing a suspension of an inorganic pearlescent agent for use in liquid treatment compositions, comprising the steps of:

a) combining an organic solvent selected from the group consisting of glycerol and sorbitol and mixtures thereof, and from 10% to 66% wt. 100% active substance of an inorganic pearlescent agent;

b) adding a rheology modifier and mixing; and

c) adding the remaining inorganic pearlescent agent.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

In the present invention, the term suspension is used to mean a liquid composition that is typically fluid at ambient temperature and contains water-insoluble solid particulate materials or other solids.

A suspension of the inorganic pearlescent agent of the present invention is suitable for use as a component of liquid treatment compositions suitable for washing or household use. The term composition for washing is understood to include all liquid compositions used in the processing by washing, including cleaning and softening or conditioning compositions. The term composition for treating hard surfaces is understood to include all liquid compositions used for treating hard surfaces, such as surfaces in a kitchen or bathroom, as well as tableware and kitchenware when washing dishes by hand or using automatic devices.

A suspension of pearlescent agent in accordance with the present invention for this application contains from 30% to 60% water. However, preferably, it does not contain added free water. In cases where the suspension contains water, it is preferably present as a component of another ingredient in the suspension, such as a rheology modifier premix.

The suspension of the inorganic pearlescent agent of the present invention preferably has a viscosity of from 21,000 to 65,000 centipoise at 0.5 s ⁻¹ and from 1000 to 3000 centipoise at 20 s ⁻¹ . Viscosity can be determined by conventional methods. The viscosity in accordance with the present invention, however, is measured with a TA Instruments AR 550 rheometer using a 40 mm diameter steel spindle and a gap value of 500 μm. Viscosity at high shear rate at 20 s ^-1 and viscosity at low shear rate at 0.5 s ^-1 can be determined from the logarithmic scan curve for shear rates from 0.1 ^-1 to 25 ^-1 in 3 minutes at 21 ° C .

The suspension of the present invention preferably has a pH of from 7 to 11, more preferably from 7 to 9, when measured directly in suspension.

The temperature of the suspension during the manufacturing process and during storage is preferably below 35 ° C. In cases where the rheology modifier used is hydrogenated castor oil (HCO), the temperature is more preferably in the range of 10 ° C. to 30 ° C. NSO has a low melting point and will lose the activity of the rheology modifier during melting, causing instability of the suspension.

Mother of Pearl Agent

Pearlescent agents in accordance with the present invention are inorganic crystalline or glassy, solid, transparent or translucent compounds capable of reflecting and refracting light, creating a pearlescent effect. Typically, pearlescent agents are crystalline particles insoluble in the composition in which they are included. Preferably, the pearlescent agents are in the form of thin plates or spheres. Spheres in accordance with the present invention should be understood as having a generally spherical shape. Particle size is measured by the largest diameter of the sphere. Lamellar particles have two particle sizes (length and width) at least 5 times the third size (height or thickness). Crystals of other forms, such as cubic or needle-shaped or other crystalline forms, do not exhibit a pearlescent effect. Many pearlescent agents, such as mica, are natural minerals that have monoclinic crystals. The form apparently affects the stability of the agents. Spherical, even more preferably lamellar agents, can be stabilized most successfully.

The mechanism for the occurrence of the pearlescent effect is described by R. L. Crombie in the International Journal of Cosmetic Science, Vol.19, page 205-214. The light reflected from the pearlescent plates or spheres located essentially parallel to each other at different levels in the composition creates a feeling of depth and brilliance. Some of the light is reflected by the pearlescent agent, and the rest of the light passes through the agent. In this case, the light passing through the pearlescent agent can pass through it or be refracted. Reflected refracted light creates different colors, brightness and brilliance. The smaller the particle size of the pearlescent agent and their size distribution, the easier they are suspended. However, with a decrease in the particle size of the pearlescent agent, the effectiveness of the agent also decreases. Therefore, it is preferable that in the present invention, the pearlescent agent has a particle size of preferably from 5 to 32 micrometers, more preferably from 5 to 26 micrometers.

The suspension of the present invention preferably contains from 1% to 35%, by weight of the suspension, 100% of the active substance of the inorganic pearlescent agent. More preferably, the suspension contains from 10% to 30%, more preferably from 10% to 20%, by weight of the suspension, 100% of the active substance of the inorganic pearlescent agent.

The pearlescent agents of the present invention are inorganic. Inorganic pearlescent agents provide both dynamic and static pearlescent effects. By dynamic pearlescent effect is meant that the composition exhibits a pearlescent effect when it is in motion. By a static pearlescent effect is meant that the composition exhibits a pearlescent effect when the composition is stationary.

Inorganic Pearlescent Agents

Inorganic pearlescent agents include materials selected from the group consisting of mica, mica coated with metal oxide, mica coated with silica, mica coated with bismuth oxychloride, bismuth oxychloride, myristyl myristate, glass, glass coated with metal oxide, guanine spangles (polyester or metal) and mixtures thereof.

Suitable mica include muscovite or potassium aluminum hydroxyfluoride. Mica plates are preferably coated with a thin layer of metal oxide. Preferred metal oxides are selected from the group consisting of rutile, titanium dioxide, iron oxide (3), tin oxide, alumina, and mixtures thereof.

The pearlescent effect of such pearlescent agents occurs due to interference between light beams reflected at angles of specular reflection from the upper and lower surfaces of the metal oxide layer. The color intensity of the agents decreases with the distance of the observation angle from the region of the angles of specular reflection and gives them a pearly appearance.

More preferably, inorganic pearlescent agents are selected from the group consisting of mica and bismuth oxychloride and mixtures thereof. More preferably, inorganic pearlescent agents are mica. More preferably, the pearlescent agent is a mica coated with metal oxide, more preferably a mica coated with titanium oxide, a mica coated with bismuth oxychloride or a mica coated with silicon dioxide, and mixtures thereof.

Commercially available suitable inorganic pearlescent agents are marketed by Merck under the trademarks Iriodin, Biron, Xirona, Timiron Colorona, Dichrona, Candurin and Ronastar. Other commercially available inorganic pearlescent agents are marketed by BASF (Engelhard, Mearl) under the trademarks Biju, Bi-Lite, Chroma-Lite, Pearl-Glo, Mearlite, and Eckart under the trademarks Prestige Soft Silver and Prestige Silk Silver Star.

Inorganic pearlescent agents are preferably administered in powder form and are used to prepare the suspension without the need for any additional processing steps. A method of preparing a suspension will be described in more detail below.

Organic solvent system

A solvent system in combination with a rheology modifier is essential to ensure the physical stability of the suspension. Suitable solvents in accordance with the present invention are organic solvents selected from the group consisting of glycerol and sorbitol and mixtures thereof. The solvent is typically present in amounts ranging from 10% to 50%, preferably from 20% to 40%, by weight of the suspension.

Glycerin is a colorless and viscous odorless liquid. It has a sweet taste and low toxicity. Glycerin contains three hydroxyl groups, which ensure its solubility in water and its hygroscopic nature.

Sorbitol is a sugar alcohol having six hydroxyl groups, which ensure its solubility in water and its hygroscopic nature.

Without the desire to limit ourselves to theory, we indicate that it is believed that there is a synergy between the solvent and the rheology modifier. In addition, it is believed that a system containing these two elements provides greater elasticity in the system. Such elasticity is manifested in the fact that the system or grid is able to recover faster after applying shear load.

Rheology modifier

The suspension of the present invention contains a rheology modifier. The general purpose of adding such a rheology modifier to the suspension of the present invention is to obtain a suspension that is suitably functional and aesthetically pleasing in view of such characteristics of the suspension as density, fluidity, physical stability, optical properties and / or performance of the particles of the suspension. Thus, the rheology modifier serves to provide suitable rheological characteristics of the suspension and performs this function without imparting any undesirable characteristics to the product, such as unacceptable optical properties or undesired phase separation. By rheological characteristics are meant flow characteristics of the suspension upon application of load and deformation.

The component of the rheology modifier of the suspension of the pearlescent agent of the present invention can be characterized as an “external” or “internal” rheology modifier. An “external” rheology modifier, for the purposes of the present invention, is a material whose primary function is to provide changes in the rheological characteristics of the liquid matrix. Usually, therefore, an external rheology modifier alone will not provide any significant beneficial effect of tissue cleaning or tissue care, or any significant beneficial effect of solubilizing the ingredient. The external rheology modifier is thus different from the “internal” rheology modifier, which can also change the matrix rheology, but which is introduced into the liquid product for a specific additional primary purpose. Thus, for example, anionic surfactants that can serve to alter the rheological properties of the suspension, but which are added to the suspension primarily as a cleaning ingredient in the finished product, will be a preferred internal rheology modifier.

The suspension rheology modifier of the present invention is used to create a liquid matrix for a suspension of a pearlescent agent having certain rheological characteristics. The main characteristic is that the matrix must be able to “liquefy under shear”. Shear thinning fluid has a viscosity that decreases when shear is applied to the fluid. Thus, at rest, i.e. when storing or transporting the suspension, the liquid matrix of the suspension must have a relatively high viscosity. However, if a pearlescent agent is applied to the suspension with a shear load, such as during pouring, pumping or mixing the suspension, the viscosity of the matrix should be reduced to such an extent that the suspension can be easily and easily dosed and mixed.

One type of rheology modifier agent, especially suitable for use in the suspension of the present invention, contains non-polymeric (with the exception of conventional alkoxylation) crystalline hydroxy-functional materials that can form filamentary structuring systems inside the liquid matrix when they crystallize in the matrix in situ. Such materials can be generally characterized as crystalline hydroxyl-containing fatty acids, fatty acid esters or fatty waxes.

Specific examples of preferred crystalline hydroxyl-containing rheology modifiers include castor oil and its derivatives. Particularly preferred are derivatives such as hydrogenated castor oil (HCO) and hydrogenated castor wax. Commercially available crystalline, hydroxyl-containing rheology modifiers based on castor oils include THIXCIN ^® Rheox manufactured, Inc. (currently Elementis).

Alternative commercially available materials are materials suitable for use as crystalline hydroxyl-containing rheology modifiers. An example of a rheology modifier of this type is 1,4-di-O-benzyl-D-threite in R, R and S, S forms and in any mixtures, optically active or not.

It is believed that all of these crystalline hydroxyl-containing rheology modifiers described above function by forming filamentary structuring systems when they are crystallized in situ in the liquid matrix of the suspension of the present invention or in the premix that is used to form such a liquid matrix. Such crystallization is caused by heating an aqueous mixture of these materials to a temperature above the melting point of the rheology modifier, followed by cooling the mixture to room temperature with continuous stirring of the liquid.

Other types of rheology modifiers, in addition to the non-polymeric crystalline hydroxyl-containing rheology modifiers described above, can be used in the suspension of the present invention. Polymeric materials can also be used that provide the ability to dilute when shear is applied to the aqueous liquid matrix.

Suitable polymer rheology modifiers include materials such as polyacrylates, polysaccharides, or polysaccharide derivatives. Polysaccharide derivatives typically used as rheology modifiers include polymer resin materials. Such resins include pectin, alginate, arabinogalactan (gum arabic), carrageenan, gellan gum, xanthan gum and guar gum.

When polymeric rheology modifiers are used in the present invention, gellan gum is the preferred material of this type. Gellan gum is a heteropolysaccharide obtained by fermentation of Pseudomonaselodea ATCC 31461. Gellan gum is commercially available from CP Keico U.S., Inc. under the trademark KELCOGEL. Methods of making gellan gum are described in US Pat. Nos. 4,326,052; 4326053; 4,377,636 and 4,385,123.

In another preferred embodiment, the rheology modifier is a polyacrylate of an unsaturated mono- or dicarboxylic acid and 1-30C (meth) acrylic acid alkyl ester. Such copolymers are available from Noveon Inc. under the brand name Carbopol Aqua 30.

Preferably, the rheology modifier of the present invention is an external rheology modifier. The rheology modifier is selected from the group consisting of non-polymer crystalline hydroxy-functional materials, polymer rheology modifiers and mixtures thereof. The rheology modifier gives the suspension the ability to dilute under shear stress. Crystalline hydroxyfunctional materials are rheology modifiers that form filamentous structuring systems within the composition matrix upon in situ crystallization in the matrix. Polymeric rheology modifiers are preferably selected from polyacrylates, polymer resins, other non-resinous polysaccharides and combinations of these polymeric materials.

The suspension of the pearlescent agent of the present invention preferably contains from 40% to 80% by weight of the suspension of the inorganic pearlescent agent, a rheology modifier. Preferably, from 40% to 60%, more preferably from 40% to 50%, by weight of the suspension of the inorganic pearlescent agent of the present invention.

Detergent surfactants

The suspension may also contain a surfactant. The specified surfactant may or may not be a component of a rheology modifier. A surfactant is used in the present invention as a detergent to suspend contaminants.

The detergent surfactants used may be of the anionic, nonionic, zwitterionic, ampholytic or cationic type or may contain compatible mixtures of these types. More preferably, the surfactants are selected from the group consisting of anionic, nonionic, cationic surfactants and mixtures thereof. Preferably, the compositions are substantially free of betaine surfactants. Detergent surfactants suitable for use in the present invention are described in US Pat. No. 3,664,961, Morris, issued May 23, 1972, US Pat. No. 3,919,678, Laughlin et al., Issued December 30, 1975, US Pat. No. 4,222,905, Cockrell, issued September 16, 1980 and US Pat. No. 4,239,659 to Murphy, issued December 16, 1980. Anionic and nonionic surfactants are preferred.

Suitable anionic surfactants can themselves be divided into several different types. For example, water soluble salts of higher fatty acids, i.e. "soaps" are suitable anionic surfactants in the compositions of the present invention. They include alkali metal soaps such as sodium, potassium, ammonium and alkyl ammonium salts of higher fatty acids containing from about 8 to about 24 carbon atoms, preferably from about 12 to about 18 carbon atoms. Soaps can be obtained by direct saponification of fats and oils or by neutralizing free fatty acids. Particularly suitable are the sodium and potassium salts of mixtures of fatty acids derived from coconut oil and tallow, i.e. sodium or potassium tall and coconut soaps.

Additional soap-free anionic surfactants suitable for use in the present invention include water-soluble salts, preferably alkali metal and ammonium salts, reaction products of organic compounds with sulfuric acid, having in their molecular structure an alkyl group containing from about 10 to about 20 carbon atoms and a sulfonic acid or sulfuric acid ester group (the term “alkyl” includes the alkyl portion of the acyl groups). Examples of this group of synthetic surfactants are a) sodium, potassium and ammonium alkyl sulfates, especially those obtained by sulfating higher alcohols (C ₈ -C ₁₈ carbon atoms), such as those obtained by the recovery of tall oil or coconut glycerides; b) sodium, potassium and ammonium alkyl polyethoxylate sulfates, especially those in which the alkyl group contains from 10 to 22, preferably from 12 to 18 carbon atoms, and the polyethoxylate chain contains from 1 to 15, preferably 1-6, ethoxylate units; and c) sodium and potassium alkylbenzenesulfonates in which the alkyl group contains from about 9 to about 15 carbon atoms in a linear or branched configuration, for example, belonging to materials of the type described in US Pat. in which the average number of carbon atoms in the alkyl group is from about 11 to 13, abbreviated as C ₁₁ -C ₁₃ LAS.

Preferred non-ionic surfactants are materials of the formula R ¹ (OC ₂ H ₄ ) _n- OH, where R ¹ represents a C ₁₀ -C ₁₆ alkyl group or a C ₈ -C ₁₂ alkyl phenyl group and n has a value of from 3 to about 80 Particularly preferred are the condensation products of C ₁₂ -C ₁₅ alcohols with from about 5 to about 20 moles of ethylene oxide per mole of alcohol, for example, C ₁₂ -C ₁₃ alcohol, condensed with about 6.5 moles of ethylene oxide per mole of alcohol.

A suspension of the inorganic pearlescent agent of the present invention may contain from about 6% to 13%, by weight of the suspension, of a surfactant. A surfactant is a particularly preferred suspension ingredient when the rheology modifier is hydrogenated castor oil,

LIQUID COMPOSITION FOR PROCESSING

A suspension of inorganic pearlescent agent is preferably used as a component of a liquid composition for processing. Therefore, the suspension should preferably meet the requirements for a liquid composition for processing and be suitable for processing with its other components. Suitable components of the liquid composition for processing are listed and described in detail below.

A suspension of inorganic pearlescent material

The suspension is described and described in detail above.

Rheology modifier

The liquid treatment composition preferably contains a rheology modifier, in addition to the pearlescent agent used in the suspension. The function and choice of the rheology modifier in the liquid composition for processing are similar to those already described for the suspension.

Detergent surfactants

The liquid treatment composition preferably contains a detergent surfactant, in addition to the pearlescent agent used in the suspension. The function and choice of detergent surfactant for the liquid composition for processing are similar to those already described for the suspension.

Optional ingredients of a liquid composition for processing

The liquid composition for processing may contain other ingredients selected from the following list of optional ingredients. Unless defined herein below, an “effective amount” of a particular laundry detergent is preferably from 0.01%, more preferably from 0.1%, even more preferably from 1% to 20%, more preferably , up to 15%, even more preferably up to 10%, even more preferably up to 7%, most preferably up to 5%, by weight of the detergent composition.

Beneficial tissue care agents

According to a preferred embodiment of the compositions of the present invention, they contain a tissue care agent that provides a beneficial effect. As used herein, “tissue care agent that produces a beneficial effect” refers to any material that can provide beneficial tissue care effects, such as softening the fabric, protecting the color, reducing the rolling of nodules / rashes, soaking, wiping, and creasing resistance and the like, for garments and fabrics, especially cotton and high-cotton garments and fabrics, in the case of applying a sufficient amount of material to the garment / fabric. Non-limiting examples of tissue care agents that provide beneficial effects include cationic surfactants, silicones, polyolefin waxes, latexes, oily sugar derivatives, cationic polysaccharides, polyurethanes, fatty acids, and mixtures thereof. A suitable amount of tissue care agents creating beneficial effects, if present in the treatment composition, is in certain embodiments up to about 30% by weight of the composition, more typically 1% to 20%, preferably 2% to 10 %

Detergent enhancer

Liquid treatment compositions may optionally contain a detergent enhancing additive. Suitable detergent enhancers are described below.

Suitable polycarboxylate detergent enhancers include cyclic compounds, especially alicyclic compounds, such as those described in US Pat. Nos. 3,923,679; 3,835,163; 4,158,635; 4,120,874 and 4,102,903.

Other suitable detergent enhancing additives include ether hydroxypolycarboxylates, copolymers of maleic anhydride with ethylene or vinyl methyl ether, 1,3,5-trihydroxybenzene-2,4,6-trisulfonic acid and carboxymethyloxy succinic acid, various alkali metal salts, ammonium and substituted ammonium polyacetic acids such as ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid and nitrilotriacetic acid, as well as polycarboxylates such as mellitic acid, succinic acid, hydroxy succinic acid, polyme einovaya acid, benzene-1,3,5-tricarboxylic acid, carboxymethyloxysuccinic acid, and soluble salts thereof.

Detergent enhancing citrate additives, such as citric acid and its soluble salts (especially sodium salt), are detergent enhancing polycarboxylate additives, especially important for liquid detergent compositions intended for washing heavily soiled products, due to their availability from renewable sources and their biodegradability. Oxidisuccinates are also particularly suitable for use in such compositions and combinations.

Also suitable for use in liquid treatment compositions are 3,3-dicarboxy-4-oxa-1,6-hexanedioates and related compounds disclosed in US Pat. No. 4,566,984 to Bush, issued January 28, 1986. Suitable detergent enhancers, based on succinic acid include C ₅ -C ₂₀ alkyl and alkenyl succinic acids and their salts. A particularly preferred compound of this type is dodecenyl succinic acid. Specific examples of succinate detergent enhancers include: lauryl succinate, myristyl succinate, palmityl succinate, (2) dodecenyl succinate (preferably), 2-pentadecenyl succinate and the like. Lauryl succinates are the preferred detergent enhancers of this group and are described in EP-A-0200263 published November 5, 1986.

Specific examples of nitrogen-containing phosphorus-free aminocarboxylates include ethylenediamidineduccinic acid and its salts (ethylenediamindisuccinates, EDDS) and ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid and its salts (ethylenediaminetetraacetates, EDTA) and diethylenetriamine pentaacetic acid and its diethyl triethane di-acetic acid and its diethane ethenoacetate. Other suitable polycarboxylates are disclosed in US Pat. No. 4,144,226, Crutchfield et al., Issued March 13, 1979, and in US Pat. No. 3,308,067, issued March 7, 1967. See also Diehl, US Pat. No. 3,723,321. Such materials include homo water-soluble salts. - and copolymers of aliphatic carboxylic acids such as maleic acid, itaconic acid, mesaconic acid, fumaric acid, aconitic acid, citraconic acid and methylene malonic acid.

Bleach system

A bleach system suitable for use in liquid processing compositions contains one or more bleaching agents. Non-limiting examples of suitable bleaching agents are selected from the group consisting of catalytic metal complexes, activated sources of peroxides, bleaching activators, bleaching enhancers, photo bleaches, bleaching enzymes, free radical initiators and hyohalite bleaches.

Flavoring

Flavorants are preferably included in the liquid compositions for processing. The flavoring ingredients may be premixed to create a flavoring flavoring before being added to the detergent compositions of the present invention. As used herein, the term “flavoring” encompasses individual flavoring ingredients as well as flavoring chords. More preferably, the liquid treatment compositions contain flavor microcapsules. Flavoring microcapsules include aromatic raw materials encapsulated in a capsule made of materials selected from the group consisting of urea and formaldehyde, melamine and formaldehyde, phenol and formaldehyde, gelatin, polyurethane, polyamides, cellulose ethers, cellulose esters, polymethacrylate and mixtures, most preferably, the flavor is encapsulated in a melamine and formaldehyde coating. Encapsulation techniques are given in Microincapsulation: methods and industrial applications, edited by Benita and Simon (Marcel Dekker Inc., 1996),

Typical examples of flavoring ingredients and flavoring chords are disclosed in US Pat. No. 5,445,747; U.S. Patent 5,500,138; U.S. Patent 5,531,910; U.S. Patent 6,491,840; and US patent 6903061.

The solvent system of the liquid composition for processing

The solvent system in liquid processing compositions, unlike suspensions, can be a solvent system containing only water or a mixture of organic solvents with water. Preferred organic solvents include 1,2-propanediol, ethanol, glycerin, dipropylene glycol, methylpropanediol, and mixtures thereof. Other lower alcohols, C ₁ -C ₄ alkanolamines such as monoethanolamine and triethanolamine can also be used. Solvent systems may be absent, for example, in anhydrous solid embodiments of the invention, but are more typically present in amounts ranging from 0.1% to 98%, preferably from at least 10% to 95%, more often from 25% to 75% .

Substantial to fabric and hue dye

Dyes are usually defined as acidic, basic, reactive, dispersed, direct, vat, sulphurous or solvent dyes, etc. For liquid treatment compositions, direct dyes, acid dyes and reactive dyes are preferred, with direct dyes being most preferred. Direct dyes are a group of water-soluble dyes that are directly absorbed by the fibers from an aqueous solution containing an electrolyte, presumably due to selective adsorption. In the Color Index system, directive dyes denote various planar, strongly conjugated molecular structures containing one or more anionic sulfonate groups. Acid dyes are a group of water-soluble anionic dyes that are applied from an acid solution. Reactive dyes are a group of dyes containing reactive groups capable of forming covalent bonds with certain parts of the molecules of natural or synthetic fibers. From the point of view of the chemical structure, suitable dyestuffs with respect to tissue for use in the present invention can be azo compounds, stilbenes, oxazines and phthalocyanines.

Suitable tissue substantive dyes for use in the present invention include the compounds listed in the Color Index as direct violet dyes, direct blue dyes, acid violet dyes, and acid blue dyes.

The hue dye is included in the detergent composition for washing in an amount sufficient to provide a tinting effect of the fabric, which is washed in a solution containing the detergent.

Encapsulated Composition

The treatment composition of the present invention, and thus its suspension, can be encapsulated in a water-soluble film. The water-soluble film may be made of polyvinyl alcohol or other suitable variants, including carboxymethyl cellulose, cellulose derivatives, starch, modified starch, sugars, PEG, waxes, or combinations thereof.

In another embodiment, the water-soluble film may contain other excipients, such as a copolymer of vinyl alcohol and a carboxylic acid. US Pat. No. 7,022,656 B2 (Monosol) describes such film compositions and their advantages.

The water-soluble film may also contain additional comonomers. Suitable additional comonomers include sulfonates and ethoxylates. An example of a preferred sulfonic acid is 2-acrylamido-2-methyl-1-propanesulfonic acid (AMPS). A suitable water-soluble film for use in the context of the present invention is commercially available under the trademark M8630 ™ from Mono-Sol (Indiana, US). The water-soluble film of the present invention may also contain ingredients other than a polymer or polymeric material. For example, it may be useful to add plasticizers, for example glycerol, ethylene glycol, diethylene glycol, propanediol, 2-methyl-1,3-propanediol, sorbitol and mixtures thereof, additional water, fluffing agents, fillers, antifoam agents, emulsifying / dispersing agents and / or agents preventing adhesion. It may be useful that the sachet or water-soluble film itself contain a detergent that must be further delivered to the washing solution, for example, organic polymeric dirt-repellent agents, dispersants, dye transfer inhibitors. Optionally, the surface of the sachet film may be dusted with a fine powder to reduce the coefficient of friction. Examples of suitable finely divided powders are sodium aluminosilicate, silica, talc and amylose. Encapsulated sachets can be made using any conventional known method. More preferably, the sachets are made using horizontal thermoforming techniques.

Other excipients

Examples of other suitable cleaning auxiliary materials include, but are not limited to, alkoxylated benzoic acids or their salts, such as trimethoxybenzoic acid or its salt (TMBA); enzyme stabilization systems; chelating agents, including aminocarboxylates, aminophosphonates, nitrogen-free phosphonates and phosphorus and carboxylate-free chelating agents; inorganic detergent enhancers, including inorganic detergent enhancers, such as zeolites, and water-soluble organic detergent enhancers, such as polyacrylates, acrylate / maleate copolymers and the like, absorbent agents, including fixing agents for anionic dyes, complexing agents for anionic surfactants and mixtures thereof; foaming systems containing hydrogen peroxide and catalase; optical brighteners or phosphors; dirt-repellent polymers; dispersants; defoamers; dyes; coloring matter; salt fillers such as sodium sulfate; hydrotropic substances such as toluenesulfonates, cumensulfonates and naphthalenesulfonates; photoactivators; hydrolyzable surfactants; preservatives; antioxidants; anti-shrink agents; creamers; germicides; fungicides; colored sparkles; colored beads, spheres or extrudates; sunscreens; fluorinated compounds; clay; luminescent agents or chemiluminescent agents; anticorrosive agents and / or agents for equipment protection; alkalinity sources or other pH adjusting agents; solubilizers; technological additives; pigments free radical scavengers and mixtures thereof. Suitable materials include the substances described in US patent No. 5705464, 5710115, 5698504, 5695679, 5686014 and 5646101. Mixtures of excipients - mixtures of the above components in any ratio can be prepared.

Suspension preparation

The suspension of the present invention is obtained by mixing the ingredients with each other. However, the order and amount of added inorganic pearlescent agent are important factors, and the inorganic pearlescent agent must be added in two parts. The specified method includes the steps of:

a) combining an organic solvent selected from the group consisting of glycerol, sorbitol and mixtures thereof, and from 10% to 66%, by weight, 100% of the active substance of an inorganic pearlescent agent;

b) adding a rheology modifier and mixing; and

c) adding the remaining inorganic pearlescent agent.

Inorganic pearlescent agents are insoluble and, without a suitable solution, behave like wet sand, causing problems in processing the suspension. The behavior similar to wet sand makes it difficult to mix the suspension and requires considerable effort on the part of the equipment used in the mixing process. The addition of the inorganic pearlescent agent in two portions allows you to get suitable for processing and homogeneous suspension. When the inorganic pearlescent agent is first added, 10% to 66% by weight of the inorganic pearlescent agent is added stepwise and mixed.

Hydrogenated castor oil is the preferred rheology modifier. In cases where hydrogenated castor oil is used as a rheology modifier, it is preferable to prepare, using a batch process, a premix of hydrogenated castor oil and a surfactant. Water is heated to a temperature of 80 ° C to 98 ° C. The surfactant is then added to the solution and the pH is adjusted to 7-8 using a suitable pH adjusting agent, for example, NaOH and a buffer. The rheology modifier based on hydrogenated castor oil is dispersed in solution at a temperature above the melting point of the rheology modifier and the mixture is emulsified. The premix is then crystallized by cooling the emulsion at a rate of 1 ± 0.2 ° C / min to an end point of 25 ° C.

The remaining inorganic pearlescent agent is added in stages and mixed.

The mixing speed of a suspension of pearlescent agent depends on the composition of the suspension: a higher percentage of pearlescent agent requires a higher mixing speed compared to a lower percentage of pearlescent agent. A sufficient and constant mixing speed is required to ensure mixing and incorporation of the pearlescent agent in the composition. However, the shear load in the process should be kept to a minimum to avoid destruction of the mesh created by the rheology modifier.

EXAMPLES

The following non-limiting examples illustrate the present invention. Percentages are by weight unless otherwise indicated.

The viscosity in accordance with the present invention is measured using an AR 550 rheometer from TA Instruments using a 40 mm diameter steel spindle and a gap value of 500 μm. Viscosity at high shear rate (HSV), measured at 20 s ^-1 , and viscosity at low shear rate (LSV) at 0.5 ^-1 can be determined from the logarithmic curve of the scan shear rate from 0.1 ^-1 to 25 ^-1 in 3 minutes at 21 ° C.

Example 1

In Example 1, Examples A-D are examples of the suspension of the present invention.

BUT AT FROM D Mica 10.00 10.00 25.00 30.00 Water 30.40 48.64 30.40 30.40 Glycerol 50.00 26.00 35.00 30.00 Rheology modifier 1,60 2,56 1,60 1,60 Surface-active substance 6.40 10.24 6.40 6.40 NaOH (50%) 1,60 2,56 1,60 1,60 Total 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 LSV, cP 21013 29934 32681 31386 HSV, cP 1101 1297 1756 1821

Suspension A

A detailed description of an example of a method for manufacturing suspension A is given in the table below. The table represents the process over time. The addition of an inorganic pearlescent agent in the two main stages is indicated in the table as follows: the 1st addition of mica (10-66% by weight of the inorganic pearl agent) in stages and the 2nd addition of mica (the remaining weight of the inorganic pearl agent) is also phased.

The batch size is 1100 g and the diameter of the beaker is 140 mm. The type of impeller of the mixer is with inclined blades, the diameter of the impeller is 100 mm. The clearance C (mm) is the distance from the bottom of the beaker to the impeller and can be measured using any measuring device, such as a meter or ruler.

Stage Time (min) Mixing speed (r / min) Clearance C (mm) The amount of added compound (g) The rate of addition (kg / min / m ² ) glycerol addition 0 1st addition of mica one 200 10 6 0.39 increase in speed 1,5 400 10 1st addition of mica 2 400 10 12.24 0.80 1st addition of mica 3 400 10 12.56 0.82 1st addition of mica 3,5 400 10 6.04 0.78 mixing 3,5 400 10 mixing four one hundred 10 adding rheology modifier 5.5 200 10 increase in speed 6.5 250 10 adding rheology modifier 7.5 250 10 mixing 8 200 10 mixing 9 250 10 2nd addition of mica 10 250 10 13.6 0.88 2nd addition of mica eleven 300 10 16,4 1,07 2nd addition of mica 12 300 10 15,5 1.01 2nd addition of mica 12.5 300 10 fifteen 1.95 2nd addition of mica 13.5 300 10 13.25 0.86 mixing fourteen 250 10 mixing 17 250 10

Suspension B

A detailed description of an example of a method of manufacturing a suspension is shown in the table below. The table represents the process over time. The addition of an inorganic pearlescent agent in the two main stages is indicated in the table as follows: the 1st addition of mica (10-66% by weight of the inorganic pearl agent) in stages and the 2nd addition of mica (the remaining weight of the inorganic pearl agent) is also phased.

The batch size is 1100 g and the diameter of the beaker is 140 mm. The type of impeller of the mixer is with inclined blades, the diameter of the impeller is 100 mm. The clearance C (mm) is the distance from the bottom of the beaker to the impeller and can be measured using any measuring device, such as a measuring device or ruler.

Stage Time (min) Mixing speed (r / min) Clearance C (mm) The amount of added compound (g) The rate of addition (kg / min / m ² ) glycerol addition 1st addition of mica one 200 10 13.1 0.85 1st addition of mica 2 300 10 15.3 0.99 1st addition of mica 2,5 300 10 8.3 1,08 adding rheology modifier 3,5 300 10 adding rheology modifier 5.5 300 10 mixing 6 200 10 mixing 7 200 10 increase in speed 7.5 350 2nd addition of mica 8 300 10 14.7 0.95 2nd addition of mica 9 400 10 14.3 0.93 2nd addition of mica 10 400 10 17.4 1.13 2nd addition of mica eleven 400 10 13,4 0.87 2nd addition of mica 12 400 10 13.9 0.90 mixing 13 300 10 mixing fifteen 300 10

Suspension C

A detailed description of an example of a method of manufacturing a suspension of C is shown in the table below. The table represents the process over time. The addition of an inorganic pearlescent agent in the two main stages is indicated in the table as follows: the 1st addition of mica (10-66% by weight of the inorganic pearl agent) in stages and the 2nd addition of mica (the remaining weight of the inorganic pearl agent) is also phased.

The batch size is 1100 g and the diameter of the beaker is 140 mm. The type of impeller of the mixer is with inclined blades, the diameter of the impeller is 100 mm.

Stage Time (min) Mixing speed (r / min) Clearance C (mm) The amount of added compound (g) The rate of addition (kg / min / m ² ) glycerol addition 0 1st addition of mica one 250 10 16.6 1,08 1st addition of mica 2 250 10 14.7 0.95 1st addition of mica 3 250 10 14.0 0.91 1st addition of mica four 250 10 16.3 1.06 1st addition of mica 5 250 10 11,4 0.74 1st addition of mica 6 250 10 20.6 1.34 mixing 6 300 10 mixing 6.5 250 10 adding rheology modifier 7.5 300 10 adding rheology modifier 8.5 300 10 mixing 9 300 10 mixing 9.5 200 10 mixing 10 200 10 2nd addition of mica eleven 250 10 16.8 1.09 2nd addition of mica 12 250 10 17.5 1.14 2nd addition of mica 13 300 10 11.8 0.77 2nd addition of mica fourteen 300 10 13.8 0.90 2nd addition of mica fifteen 300 10 13.6 0.88 2nd addition of mica 16 300 10 15.3 0.99 2nd addition of mica 17 300 10 16.6 1,08 2nd addition of mica eighteen 350 10 14.3 0.93 2nd addition of mica 19 350 10 13.6 0.88 2nd addition of mica twenty 350 10 16,4 1,07 2nd addition of mica 21 350 10 10.8 0.70 2nd addition of mica 22 350 10 22.4 1.45 mixing 22.5 400 10 mixing 23.5 300 10 mixing 25 200 10 mixing 26 200 10

Suspension D

A detailed description of an example of a method for manufacturing suspension D is given in the table below. The addition of an inorganic pearlescent agent in the two main stages is indicated in the table as follows: the 1st addition of mica (10-66% by weight of the inorganic pearl agent) in stages and the 2nd addition of mica (the remaining weight of the inorganic pearl agent) is also phased.

The batch size is 30 kg and the diameter of the tank is 390 mm. The type of impeller of the mixer is with inclined blades, the diameter of the impeller is 250 mm. The clearance C (mm) is the distance from the bottom of the tank to the impeller and can be measured using any measuring device, such as a measuring device or ruler.

Stage Mixing speed (r / min) Clearance C (mm) The amount of added compound (g) The rate of addition (kg / min / m ² ) glycerol addition one hundred 60 1st addition of mica one hundred 60 2980 0.80 mixing one hundred 60 adding rheology modifier one hundred 60 mixing 150 one hundred 2nd addition of mica 190 150 5600 1.20 mixing 190 150

The dimensions and values disclosed herein are not to be construed as strictly limited by the indicated exact numerical values. Instead, unless otherwise indicated, each such size shall denote both the indicated value and the functionally equivalent interval surrounding the given value. For example, a dimension disclosed as “40 mm” should mean “about 40 mm”.

Claims (9)

1. A physically stable suspension of an inorganic pearlescent agent, suitable for use in a liquid composition for processing, containing:
a) inorganic pearlescent agent;
b) an organic solvent selected from the group consisting of glycerol, sorbitol and mixtures thereof; and
c) a rheology modifier containing non-polymer crystalline hydroxy-functional material. 2. A physically stable suspension according to claim 1, characterized in that the inorganic pearlescent agent is selected from the group consisting of mica or bismuth oxychloride, more preferably mica coated with metal oxide, more preferably mica coated with TiO ₂ , mica with a coating of bismuth oxychloride or mica coated with silicon dioxide and mixtures thereof. 3. The physically stable suspension according to claim 1, characterized in that it further comprises an anionic surfactant selected from the group consisting of C ₁₁ -C ₁₈ alkylbenzenesulfonates (LAS), C ₁₀ -C ₂₀ branched and random alkyl sulfates (AS) , C ₁₀ -C ₁₈ alkyl ethoxysulfates (AE _x S), where x is in the range of 1-30, medium chain branched alkyl sulfates, medium chain branched alkyl alkoxysulfates, C ₁₀ -C ₁₈ alkyl alkoxy carboxylates containing 1-5 ethoxide units modified alkylbenzenesulfo ata (MLAS), C ₁₂ -C ₂₀ complex metilefirsulfonata (MES), C ₁₀ -C ₁₈ alpha olefin sulfonates (AOS), C ₆ -C ₂₀ sulfosuccinates and mixtures thereof. 4. The physically stable suspension according to claim 1, characterized in that it further comprises a nonionic surfactant selected from the group consisting of C ₉ -C ₁₈ alkyl ethoxylates, C ₆ -C ₁₂ alkyl phenol alkoxylates, C ₁₂ -C ₁₈ alcohols and products condensation of C ₆ -C ₁₂ alkyl phenols with ethylene oxide / propylene oxide block copolymers, C ₁₄ -C ₂₂ branched alcohols with an average chain length, C ₁₄ -C ₂₂ branched alkyl alkoxylates with an average chain length, alkyl polyglycosides, fatty polyoxy acid amides, poly (oxyalkylated) alcohols with is simple ester groups, esters of sorbitan and fatty acids (C _12-18 ) and mixtures thereof. 5. A physically stable suspension according to claim 1, characterized in that the weight of the solvent present is from about 10% to about 50% by weight of the suspension of inorganic pearlescent agent, more preferably from about 20% to about 40% by weight of the suspension of inorganic pearlescent agent . 6. The physically stable suspension according to claim 1, characterized in that the inorganic pearlescent agent is present in an amount of from about 1% to about 35% by weight of the suspension of the inorganic pearlescent agent, more preferably from about 10% to about 30%, and more preferably , from about 10% to about 20%, by weight of a suspension of inorganic pearlescent agent. 7. The physically stable suspension according to claim 1, characterized in that the rheology modifier is present in an amount of from about 40% to about 80% by weight of a suspension of an inorganic pearlescent agent, more preferably from about 40% to about 60%, and more preferably from about 40% to about 50%, by weight of a suspension of inorganic pearlescent agent. 8. The physically stable suspension according to claim 1, characterized in that the rheology modifier is present in the form of a premix of hydrogenated castor oil and a surfactant, while the surfactant is preferably present in an amount of from about 6% to about 13% from rheology modifier premix weights. 9. A method of manufacturing a suspension according to claim 1, intended for use in detergent compositions, comprising the steps of:
i) combining an organic solvent with from about 10% to about 66% by weight of an inorganic pearlescent agent, wherein the pearlescent agent is 100% active;
ii) add, with stirring, a rheology modifier containing a non-polymer crystalline hydroxy-functional material to an organic solvent and a pearlescent agent; then
iii) the remainder of the inorganic pearlescent agent is added with stirring.