WO2016066369A1 - Reduction of colour damage during the laundry process - Google Patents

Reduction of colour damage during the laundry process Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2016066369A1
WO2016066369A1 PCT/EP2015/072751 EP2015072751W WO2016066369A1 WO 2016066369 A1 WO2016066369 A1 WO 2016066369A1 EP 2015072751 W EP2015072751 W EP 2015072751W WO 2016066369 A1 WO2016066369 A1 WO 2016066369A1
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WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
wash
active agent
polycarboxylic acid
acid polymers
acid
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/EP2015/072751
Other languages
French (fr)
Inventor
Martin Charles Crossman
Julie Cullen
Belinda Fay DAWSON
Christopher FIDGE
Jane Catherine JONES
Original Assignee
Unilever Plc
Unilever N.V.
Conopco, Inc., D/B/A Unilever
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Application filed by Unilever Plc, Unilever N.V., Conopco, Inc., D/B/A Unilever filed Critical Unilever Plc
Publication of WO2016066369A1 publication Critical patent/WO2016066369A1/en

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Classifications

    • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C11—ANIMAL OR VEGETABLE OILS, FATS, FATTY SUBSTANCES OR WAXES; FATTY ACIDS THEREFROM; DETERGENTS; CANDLES
    • C11D—DETERGENT COMPOSITIONS; USE OF SINGLE SUBSTANCES AS DETERGENTS; SOAP OR SOAP-MAKING; RESIN SOAPS; RECOVERY OF GLYCEROL
    • C11D3/00—Other compounding ingredients of detergent compositions covered in group C11D1/00
    • C11D3/16—Organic compounds
    • C11D3/36—Organic compounds containing phosphorus
    • C11D3/361—Phosphonates, phosphinates or phosphonites
    • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C11—ANIMAL OR VEGETABLE OILS, FATS, FATTY SUBSTANCES OR WAXES; FATTY ACIDS THEREFROM; DETERGENTS; CANDLES
    • C11D—DETERGENT COMPOSITIONS; USE OF SINGLE SUBSTANCES AS DETERGENTS; SOAP OR SOAP-MAKING; RESIN SOAPS; RECOVERY OF GLYCEROL
    • C11D3/00—Other compounding ingredients of detergent compositions covered in group C11D1/00
    • C11D3/16—Organic compounds
    • C11D3/37—Polymers
    • C11D3/3746—Macromolecular compounds obtained by reactions only involving carbon-to-carbon unsaturated bonds
    • C11D3/3757—(Co)polymerised carboxylic acids, -anhydrides, -esters in solid and liquid compositions
    • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C11—ANIMAL OR VEGETABLE OILS, FATS, FATTY SUBSTANCES OR WAXES; FATTY ACIDS THEREFROM; DETERGENTS; CANDLES
    • C11D—DETERGENT COMPOSITIONS; USE OF SINGLE SUBSTANCES AS DETERGENTS; SOAP OR SOAP-MAKING; RESIN SOAPS; RECOVERY OF GLYCEROL
    • C11D3/00—Other compounding ingredients of detergent compositions covered in group C11D1/00
    • C11D3/16—Organic compounds
    • C11D3/37—Polymers
    • C11D3/3746—Macromolecular compounds obtained by reactions only involving carbon-to-carbon unsaturated bonds
    • C11D3/3757—(Co)polymerised carboxylic acids, -anhydrides, -esters in solid and liquid compositions
    • C11D3/3765—(Co)polymerised carboxylic acids, -anhydrides, -esters in solid and liquid compositions in liquid compositions
    • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C11—ANIMAL OR VEGETABLE OILS, FATS, FATTY SUBSTANCES OR WAXES; FATTY ACIDS THEREFROM; DETERGENTS; CANDLES
    • C11D—DETERGENT COMPOSITIONS; USE OF SINGLE SUBSTANCES AS DETERGENTS; SOAP OR SOAP-MAKING; RESIN SOAPS; RECOVERY OF GLYCEROL
    • C11D3/00—Other compounding ingredients of detergent compositions covered in group C11D1/00
    • C11D3/16—Organic compounds
    • C11D3/37—Polymers
    • C11D3/3746—Macromolecular compounds obtained by reactions only involving carbon-to-carbon unsaturated bonds
    • C11D3/378—(Co)polymerised monomers containing sulfur, e.g. sulfonate
    • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C11—ANIMAL OR VEGETABLE OILS, FATS, FATTY SUBSTANCES OR WAXES; FATTY ACIDS THEREFROM; DETERGENTS; CANDLES
    • C11D—DETERGENT COMPOSITIONS; USE OF SINGLE SUBSTANCES AS DETERGENTS; SOAP OR SOAP-MAKING; RESIN SOAPS; RECOVERY OF GLYCEROL
    • C11D3/00—Other compounding ingredients of detergent compositions covered in group C11D1/00
    • C11D3/16—Organic compounds
    • C11D3/37—Polymers
    • C11D3/3746—Macromolecular compounds obtained by reactions only involving carbon-to-carbon unsaturated bonds
    • C11D3/3784—(Co)polymerised monomers containing phosphorus
    • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C11—ANIMAL OR VEGETABLE OILS, FATS, FATTY SUBSTANCES OR WAXES; FATTY ACIDS THEREFROM; DETERGENTS; CANDLES
    • C11D—DETERGENT COMPOSITIONS; USE OF SINGLE SUBSTANCES AS DETERGENTS; SOAP OR SOAP-MAKING; RESIN SOAPS; RECOVERY OF GLYCEROL
    • C11D3/00—Other compounding ingredients of detergent compositions covered in group C11D1/00
    • C11D3/40—Dyes ; Pigments
    • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C11—ANIMAL OR VEGETABLE OILS, FATS, FATTY SUBSTANCES OR WAXES; FATTY ACIDS THEREFROM; DETERGENTS; CANDLES
    • C11D—DETERGENT COMPOSITIONS; USE OF SINGLE SUBSTANCES AS DETERGENTS; SOAP OR SOAP-MAKING; RESIN SOAPS; RECOVERY OF GLYCEROL
    • C11D3/00—Other compounding ingredients of detergent compositions covered in group C11D1/00
    • C11D3/43—Solvents
    • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C11—ANIMAL OR VEGETABLE OILS, FATS, FATTY SUBSTANCES OR WAXES; FATTY ACIDS THEREFROM; DETERGENTS; CANDLES
    • C11D—DETERGENT COMPOSITIONS; USE OF SINGLE SUBSTANCES AS DETERGENTS; SOAP OR SOAP-MAKING; RESIN SOAPS; RECOVERY OF GLYCEROL
    • C11D3/00—Other compounding ingredients of detergent compositions covered in group C11D1/00
    • C11D3/50—Perfumes
    • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C11—ANIMAL OR VEGETABLE OILS, FATS, FATTY SUBSTANCES OR WAXES; FATTY ACIDS THEREFROM; DETERGENTS; CANDLES
    • C11D—DETERGENT COMPOSITIONS; USE OF SINGLE SUBSTANCES AS DETERGENTS; SOAP OR SOAP-MAKING; RESIN SOAPS; RECOVERY OF GLYCEROL
    • C11D7/00—Compositions of detergents based essentially on non-surface-active compounds
    • C11D7/22—Organic compounds
    • C11D7/36—Organic compounds containing phosphorus
    • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C11—ANIMAL OR VEGETABLE OILS, FATS, FATTY SUBSTANCES OR WAXES; FATTY ACIDS THEREFROM; DETERGENTS; CANDLES
    • C11D—DETERGENT COMPOSITIONS; USE OF SINGLE SUBSTANCES AS DETERGENTS; SOAP OR SOAP-MAKING; RESIN SOAPS; RECOVERY OF GLYCEROL
    • C11D2111/00—Cleaning compositions characterised by the objects to be cleaned; Cleaning compositions characterised by non-standard cleaning or washing processes
    • C11D2111/10—Objects to be cleaned
    • C11D2111/12—Soft surfaces, e.g. textile
    • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C11—ANIMAL OR VEGETABLE OILS, FATS, FATTY SUBSTANCES OR WAXES; FATTY ACIDS THEREFROM; DETERGENTS; CANDLES
    • C11D—DETERGENT COMPOSITIONS; USE OF SINGLE SUBSTANCES AS DETERGENTS; SOAP OR SOAP-MAKING; RESIN SOAPS; RECOVERY OF GLYCEROL
    • C11D2111/00—Cleaning compositions characterised by the objects to be cleaned; Cleaning compositions characterised by non-standard cleaning or washing processes
    • C11D2111/40—Specific cleaning or washing processes
    • C11D2111/44—Multi-step processes

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a method of reduction of colour damage during the laundry process.
  • Coloured fabrics are susceptible to damage during the laundry process that reduces or otherwise fades the colour of the fabric.
  • One method of damage occurs by build up of solid material in the wash process, which can abrade the fabric, or build up onto the fabric, known as fabric encrustation.
  • the prior art still has a problem of high colour damage to coloured fabrics.
  • the present invention therefore provides in a first aspect, a method of reducing colour damage to a coloured fabric during a laundry process, the method comprising the steps of:
  • a main wash detergent composition comprising from 4 to 20 wt.% of an anionic surfactant; from 0.5 to 25 wt.% more preferably from 2.5 to 15 wt.% of a nonionic surfactant, and optionally a fatty acid or soap thereof; and,
  • the pre-wash treatment is carried out in such a way that the active agent polymer is carried over into the main wash step b).
  • the pre- treatment step a) occurs by active agent added directly to the washing machine drum prior to said drum filling with water.
  • the step b) is carried out within 30 minutes, more preferably within 10 minutes, even more preferably within 5 minutes, most preferably within 2 minutes of the pre-wash treatment step a).
  • the active agent is a polymer comprised from monomers comprising acrylic acid, maleic acid, methacrylic acid, ethylacrylate, vinyl acetate, itaconic acid, 2- acrylamido-2-methyl propane sulfonic acid, allyl sulfonate, methallyl sulfonate, styrene, sulfonated styrene, and mixtures thereof.
  • the pre-wash treatment step a) is carried out using an aqueous liquor comprising at least the active agent polymer and water.
  • the active agent polymer is present at a level of from 0.01 g/L to 1 g/L, preferably 0.025 to 0.25 g/L, in the aqueous liquor of the pre-wash treatment of method step a).
  • the main wash detergent composition is a powder composition.
  • the main wash detergent composition may be a liquid or gel composition.
  • the main wash detergent composition comprises anionic surfactant.
  • the invention relates to a laundry pre-wash treatment composition suitable for use with the method of the first aspect, wherein the composition comprises:- a) from 0.5 to 60 wt.% of an active agent selected from the group consisting of:- polycarboxylic acid homopolymers, polycarboxylic acid copolymers, hydrophobically modified polycarboxylic acid polymers, sulfonated polycarboxylic acid polymers, phosphonates, phosphonocarboxylic acid polymers, phosphinocarboxylic acid polymers, and mixtures thereof:
  • an active agent selected from the group consisting of:- polycarboxylic acid homopolymers, polycarboxylic acid copolymers, hydrophobically modified polycarboxylic acid polymers, sulfonated polycarboxylic acid polymers, phosphonates, phosphonocarboxylic acid polymers, phosphinocarboxylic acid polymers, and mixtures thereof:
  • a carrier solvent comprising water and optionally a second solvent:
  • the laundry pre-wash treatment composition comprises a nonionic surfactant, if present at a level of from 0.1 to 20 wt.%.
  • the second solvent is an alcohol, preferably a polyol, more preferably glycerol.
  • Pre-treatment involves treatment of the coloured fabric with an active agent selected from the group consisting of:- polycarboxylic acid homopolymers, polycarboxylic acid copolymers, hydrophobically modified polycarboxylic acid polymers, sulfonated polycarboxylic acid polymers, phosphonates, phosphonocarboxylic acid polymers, and, phosphinocarboxylic acid polymers.
  • an active agent selected from the group consisting of:- polycarboxylic acid homopolymers, polycarboxylic acid copolymers, hydrophobically modified polycarboxylic acid polymers, sulfonated polycarboxylic acid polymers, phosphonates, phosphonocarboxylic acid polymers, and, phosphinocarboxylic acid polymers.
  • the pre-wash treatment step a) is carried out using an aqueous liquor comprising at least the active agent polymer and water. Carriers other than water may be used; however water is useful being that it is fully compatible with
  • the pre-wash treatment is carried out in such a way that the active agent polymer is carried over into the main wash step b).
  • the pre- treatment step a) occurs by active agent added directly to the washing machine drum prior to said drum filling with water.
  • the step b) is carried out within 30 minutes, more preferably within 10 minutes, even more preferably within 5 minutes, most preferably within 2 minutes of the pre-wash treatment step a).
  • the invention also relates to a laundry pre-wash treatment composition suitable for use with the method of the invention, wherein the composition comprises:- a) from 0.5 to 60 wt.% of an active agent selected from the group consisting of:- polycarboxylic acid homopolymers, polycarboxylic acid copolymers, hydrophobically modified polycarboxylic acid polymers, sulfonated polycarboxylic acid polymers, phosphonates, phosphonocarboxylic acid polymers, phosphinocarboxylic acid polymers, and mixtures thereof;
  • an active agent selected from the group consisting of:- polycarboxylic acid homopolymers, polycarboxylic acid copolymers, hydrophobically modified polycarboxylic acid polymers, sulfonated polycarboxylic acid polymers, phosphonates, phosphonocarboxylic acid polymers, phosphinocarboxylic acid polymers, and mixtures thereof;
  • a carrier solvent comprising water and optionally a second solvent
  • d) optionally a dye or shading dye, if present at a level of from 0.0001 to 0.01 wt %.
  • the laundry pre-wash treatment composition comprises a nonionic surfactant, if present at a level of from 0.1 to 20 wt.%.
  • the second solvent is a alcohol, preferably a polyol, more preferably glycerol.
  • Active Agent a polyol, more preferably glycerol.
  • the active agent is selected from the group consisting of:- polycarboxylic acid
  • phosphonocarboxylic acid polymers phosphinocarboxylic acid polymers, and mixtures thereof.
  • the active agent is a polymer comprised from monomers comprising acrylic acid, maleic acid, methacrylic acid, ethylacrylate, vinyl acetate, itaconic acid, 2- acrylamido-2-methyl propane sulfonic acid, allyl sulfonate, methallyl sulfonate, styrene, sulfonated styrene, and mixtures thereof.
  • Pre-treatment preferably takes place with a carrier for the active agent polymer.
  • this carrier is a liquid. More preferably it is water.
  • the main wash detergent composition can be a powder, liquid or gel composition.
  • the main wash detergent composition is a powder composition.
  • the main wash detergent composition will generally comprise surfactant.
  • the main wash detergent composition comprises from 4 to 20 wt.% of an anionic surfactant; from 0.5 to 25 wt.%, more preferably from 2.5 to 15 wt.% of a nonionic surfactant, and optionally a fatty acid or soap thereof.
  • the surfactants may be chosen from the surfactants described in "Surface Active Agents” Vol. 1 , by Schwartz & Perry, Interscience 1949, Vol. 2 by Schwartz, Perry & Berch, Interscience 1958, in the current edition of "McCutcheon's Emulsifiers and Detergents” published by Manufacturing Confectioners Company or in "Tenside-Taschenbuch", H. Stache, 2nd Edn., Carl Hauser Verlag, 1981.
  • the surfactants used are saturated.
  • Suitable nonionic detergent compounds which may be used include, in particular, the reaction products of compounds having a hydrophobic group and a reactive hydrogen atom, for example, aliphatic alcohols, acids, amides or alkyi phenols with alkylene oxides, especially ethylene oxide either alone or with propylene oxide.
  • Specific nonionic detergent compounds are C6 to C22 alkyi phenol-ethylene oxide condensates, generally 5 to 25 EO, i.e. 5 to 25 units of ethylene oxide per molecule, and the condensation products of aliphatic Cs to C18 primary or secondary linear or branched alcohols with ethylene oxide, generally 5 to 40 EO.
  • the nonionic surfactant if present, preferably comprises alcohol ethoxylate.
  • the alcohol ethoxylates are formed from the reaction of primary or secondary alcohols with ethylene oxide.
  • ethylene oxide is reacted with ethylene oxide in the required molar amount to produce the alcohol ethoxylate.
  • Preferred alcohol ethoxylates have from 2 to 40, preferably from 3 to 30, more preferably from 5 to 20 ethylene oxide units attached to the aliphatic chain.
  • Suitable anionic detergent compounds which may be used can be water-soluble alkali metal salts of organic sulphates and sulphonates having alkyi radicals containing from about 8 to about 22 carbon atoms, the term alkyi being used to include the alkyi portion of higher acyl radicals.
  • suitable synthetic anionic detergent compounds are sodium and potassium alkyi sulphates, especially those obtained by sulphating higher Cs to C18 alcohols, produced for example from tallow or coconut oil, sodium and potassium alkyi C9 to C20 benzene sulphonates, particularly sodium linear secondary alkyi C10 to C15 benzene sulphonates; and sodium alkyi glyceryl ether sulphates, especially those ethers of the higher alcohols derived from tallow or coconut oil and synthetic alcohols derived from petroleum.
  • the preferred anionic detergent compounds are sodium Cn to C15 alkyi benzene sulphonates and sodium C12 to Cis alkyi sulphates. Salts of sulphonates included as hydrotrobes can additionally be considered as anionic surfactants as defined herein. Also applicable are surfactants such as those described in EP-A-328 177
  • the total amount of surfactant present in the composition can suitably be from 5 to 40 wt.%.
  • the surfactant level is preferably at least 6 wt.%, more preferably at least 10 wt.%,
  • a preferred surfactant system comprises anionic and non-ionic surfactant.
  • a preferred nonionic surfactant is C12-C15 alkyl chain with an average of 7 to 9 moles of ethoxylation.
  • Preferred anionic surfactants are: linear alkyl benezene sulphonates, sodium lauryl ether sulphonates with 1 to 3 moles (average) of ethoxylation, primary alkyl sulphonates, methyl ether sulphates and secondary alkyl sulphonates or mixtures thereof.
  • fatty acid and their salts are not included in the level of surfactant.
  • surfactants such as amphoteric, zwitterionic and cationic surfactants may also be present in addition to the aforementioned nonionic and anionic surfactants.
  • the detergent composition may further optionally comprise one or more of the following optional ingredients, cationic polymers, silicones, fatty acids or salts thereof, shading dye, enzyme, antiredeposition polymer, dye transfer inhibiting polymer, builder, sequestrant, sunscreen, fluorescer, perfume, and/or soil release polymer.
  • cationic polymers silicones, fatty acids or salts thereof
  • shading dye enzyme, antiredeposition polymer, dye transfer inhibiting polymer, builder, sequestrant, sunscreen, fluorescer, perfume, and/or soil release polymer.
  • the main wash formulation may contain a cationic polymer at a level of from 0.05 to 2.5 wt.%.
  • a cationic polysaccharide polymer Preferably it is a cationic polysaccharide polymer, more preferably a cationic cellulose polymer.
  • Examples are LR400 from Amerchol ex Dow. Silicones
  • the main wash formulation may contain a silicone at a level of from 0.05 to 5 wt.%.
  • Examples include PDMS, aminosilicones and anionic silicones such as silicones that incorporate a carboxylic, sulphate, sulphonic, phosphate and/or phosphonate
  • compositions may also comprise a fatty acid, or a fatty acid salt such as a soap.
  • a fatty acid or a fatty acid salt such as a soap.
  • examples include C6-C22 fatty acids and sodium, potassium and ammonium salts thereof.
  • fatty acid and their salts are not included in the level of surfactant.
  • Fatty acid is present at a level of from 0.25 to 12 wt.%, preferably from 0.5 to 10 wt.%.
  • the detergent formulation may contain a solid inorganic builder.
  • a solid inorganic builder examples include carbonates, sulphates, silicates and their salts thereof, preferably sodium salts; and also zeolites.
  • the detergent compositions may also optionally contain relatively low levels of organic detergent builder or sequestrant material. Examples include the alkali metal, citrates, succinates, malonates, and carboxymethyl succinates. Specific examples include sodium, potassium and lithium salts of oxydisuccinic acid, mellitic acid, benzene polycarboxylic acids, ethylene diamine tetra-acetic acid, diethylenetriamine-pentaacetic acid, alkyl- or alkenylsuccinic acid, nitrilotriacetic acid, and citric acid.
  • the builder materials may comprise from about 0.5% to 80 wt%, preferably from 1 wt% to 70 wt%, of the composition.
  • the laundry detergent formulation is a non-phosphate built laundry detergent formulation, i.e., contains less than 1 wt.% of phosphate.
  • Shading dyes deposit to fabric during the wash or rinse step of the washing process providing a visible hue to the fabric. Shading of white garments may be done with any colour depending on consumer preference. Blue and Violet are particularly preferred shades and consequently preferred dyes or mixtures of dyes are ones that give a blue or violet shade on white fabrics.
  • the shading dyes used are preferably blue or violet.
  • the shading dye chromophore is preferably selected from the group comprising: mono- azo, bis-azo, triphenylmethane, triphenodioxazine, phthalocyanin, naptholactam, azine and anthraquinone. Most preferably mono-azo, bis-azo, azine and anthraquinone. Most preferably the dye bears at least one sulfonate group.
  • Preferred shading dyes are selected from direct dyes, acid dyes, hydrophobic dyes, cationic dyes and reactive dyes. If included, the shading dye is present is present in the composition in range from 0.0001 to 0.01 wt %.
  • the composition preferably comprises a fluorescent agent (optical brightener).
  • Fluorescent agents are well known and many such fluorescent agents are available commercially. Usually, these fluorescent agents are supplied and used in the form of their alkali metal salts, for example, the sodium salts.
  • the total amount of the fluorescent agent or agents used in the composition is generally from 0.005 to 2 wt.%, more preferably 0.01 to 0.1 wt.%.
  • the composition comprises a perfume.
  • the perfume is preferably in the range from 0.001 to 3 wt.%, most preferably 0.1 to 1 wt.%.
  • CTFA Cosmetic, Toiletry and Fragrance Association
  • OPD OPD 1993 Chemicals
  • compositions of the present invention it is envisaged that there will be four or more, preferably five or more, more preferably six or more or even seven or more different perfume components.
  • the composition may comprise one or more polymers.
  • Polymers can assist in the cleaning process by helping to retail soil in solution or suspension and/or preventing the transfer of dyes. Polymers can also assist in the soil removal process. Dye transfer, anti- redeposition and soil-release polymers are described in further detail below.
  • the composition may comprise one or more polymers. Examples are:
  • carboxymethylcellulose hydroxyethyl cellulose, hydroxpropyl cellulose, poly(ethylene glycol), polyvinyl alcohol), and ethoxylated polyamines.
  • Modern detergent compositions typically employ polymers as so-called 'dye-transfer inhibitors'. These prevent migration of dyes, especially during long soak times.
  • dye-transfer inhibiting agents include polyvinyl pyrrolidone polymers, polyamine N- oxide polymers, copolymers of N-vinylpyrrolidone and N-vinylimidazole, manganese pthalocyanine, peroxidases, and mixtures thereof, and are usually present at a level of from 0.01 to 10 wt.% based on total amount in the laundry composition.
  • Anti-redeposition polymers are designed to suspend or disperse soil. Typically antiredeposition polymers are ethoxylated and or propoxylated polyethylene imine materials.
  • suitable soil release polymers include graft copolymers of polyvinyl ester), e.g., Ci -C6 vinyl esters, preferably polyvinyl acetate) grafted onto polyalkylene oxide backbones.
  • graft copolymers of polyvinyl ester e.g., Ci -C6 vinyl esters, preferably polyvinyl acetate
  • commercially available soil release agents of this kind include the
  • SOKALAN type of material e.g., SOKALAN HP-22, available from BASF (Germany).
  • Further suitable soil release polymers of a different type include the commercially available material ZELCON 5126 (from DuPont) and MILEASE T (from ICI). If present, the soil release polymer may be included at a level of from from 0.01 to 10 wt.% based on total amount in the laundry composition.
  • Further examples of soil release polymers are terephthalic acid / glycol copolymers sold under the tradenames Texcare, Repel-o-tex, Gerol, Marloquest, Cirrasol. Hydrotrope
  • the liquid detergent composition may optionally include a hydrotrope, which can prevent liquid crystal formation.
  • a hydrotrope which can prevent liquid crystal formation.
  • the addition of the hydrotrope thus aids the clarity/transparency of the composition.
  • Suitable hydrotropes include but are not limited to propylene glycol, ethanol, glycerol, urea, salts of benzene sulphonate, toluene sulphonate, xylene sulphonate or cumene sulphonate.
  • Suitable salts include but are not limited to sodium, potassium, ammonium, monoethanolamine, triethanolamine. Salts of sulphonates can also be considered as anionic surfactants as defined herein.
  • the hydrotrope is selected from the group consisting of propylene glycol, xylene sulfonate, ethanol, and urea to provide optimum performance.
  • the amount of the hydrotrope is generally in the range of from 0 to 30%, preferably from 0.5 to 30%, more preferably from 0.5 to 30%, most preferably from 1 to 15%.
  • Enzymes can also be present in the formulation.
  • Preferred enzymes include protease, lipase, pectate lyase, amylase, cutinase, cellulase, mannanase. If present the enzymes may be stabilized with a known enzyme stabilizer for example boric acid.
  • a known enzyme stabilizer for example boric acid.
  • a wash load was prepared containing the following coloured fabrics:- 4 new navy joggers (70/30% cotton/polyester fleece),
  • the active agent (5 wt.% on total weight of formulation) were added by the following methods: Method 1.1 - according to the invention - the active agent polymer pre-treats the coloured fabric
  • Active agent was diluted in approx 50ml of water (same hardness) and added to machine via drawer
  • Powder is added via drawer as normal.
  • Active agent was diluted in approx 50ml of water and then added via drawer with extra water which flows into the drum Main Wash formulations used
  • Pre-washed joggers were measured on a Colour IE7 in 10 places on the 4 replicates after the 10 washes (an average of all the readings is recorded). This value is compared to new garments.
  • a Delta E (DE) of 0 (zero) implies no colour change from new, whereas a higher DE indicates a greater colour change from new. This indicates that the colour has been damaged during the laundry process.
  • a lower positive number for Delta E means that less damage has occurred.
  • Method A reflects the teaching of the prior art US 5,496,376, where the active agent is added slightly after the main wash formulation due to the delayed release of the active.
  • a wash load was prepared containing the following coloured fabrics:- 4 new navy joggers (70/30% cotton/polyester fleece),
  • the wash load was run through 10 wash cycles, tumble drying between cycles.
  • the active agent (5 wt.% on total weight of formulation) were added by the following methods:
  • Method B Comparative - the active agent was added after (within 2 minutes after) the detergent was added.
  • Powder is added via drawer as normal.
  • Active agent was diluted in approx 50ml of water and then added via drawer with extra water which flows into the drum
  • Pre-washed joggers were measured on a Colour IE7 in 10 places on the 4 replicates after the 10 washes (an average of all the readings is recorded). This value is compared to new garments.
  • a Delta E (DE) of 0 (zero) implies no colour change from new, whereas a higher DE indicates a greater colour change from new. This indicates that the colour has been damaged during the laundry process.
  • a lower positive number for Delta E means that less damage has occurred.
  • Method B reflects the teaching of the prior art US 5,496,376, where the active agent is added slightly after the main wash formulation due to the delayed release of the active.
  • Method 2.1 Invention
  • Method B Comparative

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Abstract

The invention relates to a method of reducing colour damage to a coloured fabric during a laundry process, the method comprising the steps of: a) pre-wash treatment of coloured fabric with an active agent polymer selected from the group consisting of:- polycarboxylic acid homopolymers, polycarboxylic acid copolymers, hydrophobically modified polycarboxylic acid polymers, sulfonated polycarboxylic acid polymers, phosphonates, phosphonocarboxylic acid polymers, phosphinocarboxylic acid polymers, and mixtures thereof; b) within 1 hour of the pre-wash treatment a), washing the coloured fabric with a main wash detergent composition comprising from 4 to 20 wt.% of an anionic surfactant; from 0.5 to 25 wt.% more preferably from 2.5 to 15 wt.% of a nonionic surfactant, and optionally a fatty acid or soap thereof; and, c) the fabric is rinsed and allowed to dry; and also to a pre-wash composition suitable for use with the method of the invention.

Description

REDUCTION OF COLOUR DAMAGE DURING THE LAUNDRY PROCESS FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a method of reduction of colour damage during the laundry process.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Coloured fabrics are susceptible to damage during the laundry process that reduces or otherwise fades the colour of the fabric. One method of damage occurs by build up of solid material in the wash process, which can abrade the fabric, or build up onto the fabric, known as fabric encrustation.
Using a polymer such as a polycarboxylate to disperse or sequester this solid material is known. US 5,496,376 discloses the use of a delayed release composition incorporating a polymeric polycarboxylate, whereby the release into the wash water of the polymer is delayed in comparison to the other ingredients of the detergent formulation (such as surfactant and builder). This apparently causes a lower amount of fabric encrustation.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The prior art still has a problem of high colour damage to coloured fabrics.
It is an object of the invention to reduce the amount of the colour damage to coloured fabrics found by methods of the prior art. In contrast to the disclosure of the prior art, we have now found that if an active agent polymer of specific type is used as a pre-treatment of coloured fabric prior to the main wash of the laundry process, then a colour care benefit is seen for the coloured fabric.
The present invention therefore provides in a first aspect, a method of reducing colour damage to a coloured fabric during a laundry process, the method comprising the steps of:
a) pre-wash treatment of coloured fabric with an active agent selected from the group consisting of:- polycarboxylic acid homopolymers, polycarboxylic acid copolymers, hydrophobically modified polycarboxylic acid polymers, sulfonated polycarboxylic acid polymers, phosphonates, phosphonocarboxylic acid polymers, phosphinocarboxylic acid polymers, and mixtures thereof;
b) within 1 hour of the pre-wash treatment a), washing the coloured fabric with a main wash detergent composition comprising from 4 to 20 wt.% of an anionic surfactant; from 0.5 to 25 wt.% more preferably from 2.5 to 15 wt.% of a nonionic surfactant, and optionally a fatty acid or soap thereof; and,
c) the fabric is rinsed and allowed to dry.
Preferably the pre-wash treatment is carried out in such a way that the active agent polymer is carried over into the main wash step b).
Preferably, when the washing step b) utilises a washing machine with a drum, the pre- treatment step a) occurs by active agent added directly to the washing machine drum prior to said drum filling with water.
Preferably the step b) is carried out within 30 minutes, more preferably within 10 minutes, even more preferably within 5 minutes, most preferably within 2 minutes of the pre-wash treatment step a). Preferably the active agent is a polymer comprised from monomers comprising acrylic acid, maleic acid, methacrylic acid, ethylacrylate, vinyl acetate, itaconic acid, 2- acrylamido-2-methyl propane sulfonic acid, allyl sulfonate, methallyl sulfonate, styrene, sulfonated styrene, and mixtures thereof. Preferably the pre-wash treatment step a) is carried out using an aqueous liquor comprising at least the active agent polymer and water.
Preferably the active agent polymer is present at a level of from 0.01 g/L to 1 g/L, preferably 0.025 to 0.25 g/L, in the aqueous liquor of the pre-wash treatment of method step a).
Preferably the main wash detergent composition is a powder composition. Alternatively the main wash detergent composition may be a liquid or gel composition. Preferably the main wash detergent composition comprises anionic surfactant.
In a second aspect, the invention relates to a laundry pre-wash treatment composition suitable for use with the method of the first aspect, wherein the composition comprises:- a) from 0.5 to 60 wt.% of an active agent selected from the group consisting of:- polycarboxylic acid homopolymers, polycarboxylic acid copolymers, hydrophobically modified polycarboxylic acid polymers, sulfonated polycarboxylic acid polymers, phosphonates, phosphonocarboxylic acid polymers, phosphinocarboxylic acid polymers, and mixtures thereof:
b) from 99.5 to 40 wt.% of a carrier solvent, comprising water and optionally a second solvent:
c) optionally a perfume, if present at a level of from 0.001 to 3 wt.%; and,
d) optionally a dye or shading dye, if present at a level of from 0.0001 to 0.01 wt %. Preferably the laundry pre-wash treatment composition comprises a nonionic surfactant, if present at a level of from 0.1 to 20 wt.%.
Preferably in the laundry pre-wash treatment composition, the second solvent is an alcohol, preferably a polyol, more preferably glycerol.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Pre-Treatment Composition Form
Pre-treatment involves treatment of the coloured fabric with an active agent selected from the group consisting of:- polycarboxylic acid homopolymers, polycarboxylic acid copolymers, hydrophobically modified polycarboxylic acid polymers, sulfonated polycarboxylic acid polymers, phosphonates, phosphonocarboxylic acid polymers, and, phosphinocarboxylic acid polymers. Preferably the pre-wash treatment step a) is carried out using an aqueous liquor comprising at least the active agent polymer and water. Carriers other than water may be used; however water is useful being that it is fully compatible with fabrics, and that the pre-treatment aqueous liquor incorporating the active agent polymer may be usefully transferred into the main wash, where water is also used.
Preferably the pre-wash treatment is carried out in such a way that the active agent polymer is carried over into the main wash step b).
Preferably, when the washing step b) utilises a washing machine with a drum, the pre- treatment step a) occurs by active agent added directly to the washing machine drum prior to said drum filling with water.
Preferably the step b) is carried out within 30 minutes, more preferably within 10 minutes, even more preferably within 5 minutes, most preferably within 2 minutes of the pre-wash treatment step a).
The invention also relates to a laundry pre-wash treatment composition suitable for use with the method of the invention, wherein the composition comprises:- a) from 0.5 to 60 wt.% of an active agent selected from the group consisting of:- polycarboxylic acid homopolymers, polycarboxylic acid copolymers, hydrophobically modified polycarboxylic acid polymers, sulfonated polycarboxylic acid polymers, phosphonates, phosphonocarboxylic acid polymers, phosphinocarboxylic acid polymers, and mixtures thereof;
b) from 99.5 to 40 wt.% of a carrier solvent, comprising water and optionally a second solvent;
c) optionally a perfume, if present at a level of from 0.001 to 3 wt.%; and,
d) optionally a dye or shading dye, if present at a level of from 0.0001 to 0.01 wt %.
Preferably the laundry pre-wash treatment composition comprises a nonionic surfactant, if present at a level of from 0.1 to 20 wt.%.
Preferably in the laundry pre-wash treatment composition, the second solvent is a alcohol, preferably a polyol, more preferably glycerol. Active Agent
The active agent is selected from the group consisting of:- polycarboxylic acid
homopolymers, polycarboxylic acid copolymers, hydrophobically modified polycarboxylic acid polymers, sulfonated polycarboxylic acid polymers, phosphonates,
phosphonocarboxylic acid polymers, phosphinocarboxylic acid polymers, and mixtures thereof.
Preferably the active agent is a polymer comprised from monomers comprising acrylic acid, maleic acid, methacrylic acid, ethylacrylate, vinyl acetate, itaconic acid, 2- acrylamido-2-methyl propane sulfonic acid, allyl sulfonate, methallyl sulfonate, styrene, sulfonated styrene, and mixtures thereof.
Carrier
Pre-treatment preferably takes place with a carrier for the active agent polymer.
Preferably this carrier is a liquid. More preferably it is water.
Main Wash Detergent Product Form
The main wash detergent composition can be a powder, liquid or gel composition.
Preferably the main wash detergent composition is a powder composition.
Surfactants
The main wash detergent composition will generally comprise surfactant.
The main wash detergent composition comprises from 4 to 20 wt.% of an anionic surfactant; from 0.5 to 25 wt.%, more preferably from 2.5 to 15 wt.% of a nonionic surfactant, and optionally a fatty acid or soap thereof.
The surfactants may be chosen from the surfactants described in "Surface Active Agents" Vol. 1 , by Schwartz & Perry, Interscience 1949, Vol. 2 by Schwartz, Perry & Berch, Interscience 1958, in the current edition of "McCutcheon's Emulsifiers and Detergents" published by Manufacturing Confectioners Company or in "Tenside-Taschenbuch", H. Stache, 2nd Edn., Carl Hauser Verlag, 1981. Preferably the surfactants used are saturated. Suitable nonionic detergent compounds which may be used include, in particular, the reaction products of compounds having a hydrophobic group and a reactive hydrogen atom, for example, aliphatic alcohols, acids, amides or alkyi phenols with alkylene oxides, especially ethylene oxide either alone or with propylene oxide. Specific nonionic detergent compounds are C6 to C22 alkyi phenol-ethylene oxide condensates, generally 5 to 25 EO, i.e. 5 to 25 units of ethylene oxide per molecule, and the condensation products of aliphatic Cs to C18 primary or secondary linear or branched alcohols with ethylene oxide, generally 5 to 40 EO. The nonionic surfactant if present, preferably comprises alcohol ethoxylate.
The alcohol ethoxylates are formed from the reaction of primary or secondary alcohols with ethylene oxide. Typicially an aliphatic Cs to C18 primary or secondary linear or branched alcohol is reacted with ethylene oxide in the required molar amount to produce the alcohol ethoxylate. Preferred alcohol ethoxylates have from 2 to 40, preferably from 3 to 30, more preferably from 5 to 20 ethylene oxide units attached to the aliphatic chain.
Suitable anionic detergent compounds which may be used can be water-soluble alkali metal salts of organic sulphates and sulphonates having alkyi radicals containing from about 8 to about 22 carbon atoms, the term alkyi being used to include the alkyi portion of higher acyl radicals. Examples of suitable synthetic anionic detergent compounds are sodium and potassium alkyi sulphates, especially those obtained by sulphating higher Cs to C18 alcohols, produced for example from tallow or coconut oil, sodium and potassium alkyi C9 to C20 benzene sulphonates, particularly sodium linear secondary alkyi C10 to C15 benzene sulphonates; and sodium alkyi glyceryl ether sulphates, especially those ethers of the higher alcohols derived from tallow or coconut oil and synthetic alcohols derived from petroleum. The preferred anionic detergent compounds are sodium Cn to C15 alkyi benzene sulphonates and sodium C12 to Cis alkyi sulphates. Salts of sulphonates included as hydrotrobes can additionally be considered as anionic surfactants as defined herein. Also applicable are surfactants such as those described in EP-A-328 177
(Unilever), which show resistance to salting-out, the alkyi polyglycoside surfactants described in EP-A-070 074, and alkyi monoglycosides. The total amount of surfactant present in the composition can suitably be from 5 to 40 wt.%. The surfactant level is preferably at least 6 wt.%, more preferably at least 10 wt.%,
A preferred surfactant system comprises anionic and non-ionic surfactant.
A preferred nonionic surfactant is C12-C15 alkyl chain with an average of 7 to 9 moles of ethoxylation.
Preferred anionic surfactants are: linear alkyl benezene sulphonates, sodium lauryl ether sulphonates with 1 to 3 moles (average) of ethoxylation, primary alkyl sulphonates, methyl ether sulphates and secondary alkyl sulphonates or mixtures thereof.
For the purposes of interpreting the level of surfactant present in the formulation, fatty acid and their salts are not included in the level of surfactant.
Other surfactants such as amphoteric, zwitterionic and cationic surfactants may also be present in addition to the aforementioned nonionic and anionic surfactants.
Further Ingredients
The detergent composition may further optionally comprise one or more of the following optional ingredients, cationic polymers, silicones, fatty acids or salts thereof, shading dye, enzyme, antiredeposition polymer, dye transfer inhibiting polymer, builder, sequestrant, sunscreen, fluorescer, perfume, and/or soil release polymer. Cationic Polymer
The main wash formulation may contain a cationic polymer at a level of from 0.05 to 2.5 wt.%. Preferably it is a cationic polysaccharide polymer, more preferably a cationic cellulose polymer. Examples are LR400 from Amerchol ex Dow. Silicones
The main wash formulation may contain a silicone at a level of from 0.05 to 5 wt.%.
Examples include PDMS, aminosilicones and anionic silicones such as silicones that incorporate a carboxylic, sulphate, sulphonic, phosphate and/or phosphonate
functionality. Fatty Acids
The compositions may also comprise a fatty acid, or a fatty acid salt such as a soap. Examples include C6-C22 fatty acids and sodium, potassium and ammonium salts thereof. For the purposes of interpreting the level of surfactant present in the formulation, fatty acid and their salts are not included in the level of surfactant.
Fatty acid is present at a level of from 0.25 to 12 wt.%, preferably from 0.5 to 10 wt.%. Builders and sequestrants
The detergent formulation may contain a solid inorganic builder. Examples include carbonates, sulphates, silicates and their salts thereof, preferably sodium salts; and also zeolites. The detergent compositions may also optionally contain relatively low levels of organic detergent builder or sequestrant material. Examples include the alkali metal, citrates, succinates, malonates, and carboxymethyl succinates. Specific examples include sodium, potassium and lithium salts of oxydisuccinic acid, mellitic acid, benzene polycarboxylic acids, ethylene diamine tetra-acetic acid, diethylenetriamine-pentaacetic acid, alkyl- or alkenylsuccinic acid, nitrilotriacetic acid, and citric acid.
If utilized, the builder materials may comprise from about 0.5% to 80 wt%, preferably from 1 wt% to 70 wt%, of the composition. Preferably the laundry detergent formulation is a non-phosphate built laundry detergent formulation, i.e., contains less than 1 wt.% of phosphate.
Shading Dye
Shading dyes deposit to fabric during the wash or rinse step of the washing process providing a visible hue to the fabric. Shading of white garments may be done with any colour depending on consumer preference. Blue and Violet are particularly preferred shades and consequently preferred dyes or mixtures of dyes are ones that give a blue or violet shade on white fabrics. The shading dyes used are preferably blue or violet. The shading dye chromophore is preferably selected from the group comprising: mono- azo, bis-azo, triphenylmethane, triphenodioxazine, phthalocyanin, naptholactam, azine and anthraquinone. Most preferably mono-azo, bis-azo, azine and anthraquinone. Most preferably the dye bears at least one sulfonate group.
Preferred shading dyes are selected from direct dyes, acid dyes, hydrophobic dyes, cationic dyes and reactive dyes. If included, the shading dye is present is present in the composition in range from 0.0001 to 0.01 wt %.
Fluorescent Agent
The composition preferably comprises a fluorescent agent (optical brightener).
Fluorescent agents are well known and many such fluorescent agents are available commercially. Usually, these fluorescent agents are supplied and used in the form of their alkali metal salts, for example, the sodium salts. The total amount of the fluorescent agent or agents used in the composition is generally from 0.005 to 2 wt.%, more preferably 0.01 to 0.1 wt.%.
Perfume
Preferably the composition comprises a perfume. The perfume is preferably in the range from 0.001 to 3 wt.%, most preferably 0.1 to 1 wt.%. Many suitable examples of perfumes are provided in the CTFA (Cosmetic, Toiletry and Fragrance Association) 1992 International Buyers Guide, published by CFTA Publications and OPD 1993 Chemicals
Buyers Directory 80th Annual Edition, published by Schnell Publishing Co.
It is commonplace for a plurality of perfume components to be present in a formulation. In the compositions of the present invention it is envisaged that there will be four or more, preferably five or more, more preferably six or more or even seven or more different perfume components. Polymers
The composition may comprise one or more polymers. Polymers can assist in the cleaning process by helping to retail soil in solution or suspension and/or preventing the transfer of dyes. Polymers can also assist in the soil removal process. Dye transfer, anti- redeposition and soil-release polymers are described in further detail below.
The composition may comprise one or more polymers. Examples are
carboxymethylcellulose, hydroxyethyl cellulose, hydroxpropyl cellulose, poly(ethylene glycol), polyvinyl alcohol), and ethoxylated polyamines.
Dye transfer inhibitors
Modern detergent compositions typically employ polymers as so-called 'dye-transfer inhibitors'. These prevent migration of dyes, especially during long soak times. Generally, such dye-transfer inhibiting agents include polyvinyl pyrrolidone polymers, polyamine N- oxide polymers, copolymers of N-vinylpyrrolidone and N-vinylimidazole, manganese pthalocyanine, peroxidases, and mixtures thereof, and are usually present at a level of from 0.01 to 10 wt.% based on total amount in the laundry composition.
Anti-redeposition polymers
Anti-redeposition polymers are designed to suspend or disperse soil. Typically antiredeposition polymers are ethoxylated and or propoxylated polyethylene imine materials.
Soil Release Polymers
Examples of suitable soil release polymers include graft copolymers of polyvinyl ester), e.g., Ci -C6 vinyl esters, preferably polyvinyl acetate) grafted onto polyalkylene oxide backbones. Commercially available soil release agents of this kind include the
SOKALAN type of material, e.g., SOKALAN HP-22, available from BASF (Germany). Further suitable soil release polymers of a different type include the commercially available material ZELCON 5126 (from DuPont) and MILEASE T (from ICI). If present, the soil release polymer may be included at a level of from from 0.01 to 10 wt.% based on total amount in the laundry composition. Further examples of soil release polymers are terephthalic acid / glycol copolymers sold under the tradenames Texcare, Repel-o-tex, Gerol, Marloquest, Cirrasol. Hydrotrope
If in the form of a liquid, then the liquid detergent composition may optionally include a hydrotrope, which can prevent liquid crystal formation. The addition of the hydrotrope thus aids the clarity/transparency of the composition. Suitable hydrotropes include but are not limited to propylene glycol, ethanol, glycerol, urea, salts of benzene sulphonate, toluene sulphonate, xylene sulphonate or cumene sulphonate. Suitable salts include but are not limited to sodium, potassium, ammonium, monoethanolamine, triethanolamine. Salts of sulphonates can also be considered as anionic surfactants as defined herein. Preferably, the hydrotrope is selected from the group consisting of propylene glycol, xylene sulfonate, ethanol, and urea to provide optimum performance. The amount of the hydrotrope is generally in the range of from 0 to 30%, preferably from 0.5 to 30%, more preferably from 0.5 to 30%, most preferably from 1 to 15%. Enzymes
Enzymes can also be present in the formulation. Preferred enzymes include protease, lipase, pectate lyase, amylase, cutinase, cellulase, mannanase. If present the enzymes may be stabilized with a known enzyme stabilizer for example boric acid. The invention will now be demonstrated by the following non-limiting examples.
Examples
Example 1 - Polycarboxlate polymers active agent
A wash load was prepared containing the following coloured fabrics:- 4 new navy joggers (70/30% cotton/polyester fleece),
4 pre-washed navy joggers (70/30% cotton/polyester fleece),
4 Drimarine Blue knitted cotton 40x40cm double sided panels,
3 Reactive Black woven cotton double sided panel (approx 15x10cm) The wash load was run through 10 wash cycles, tumble drying between cycles.
Wash temperature 30°C, water hardness 12FH. 80g of Formulation A was used.
The active agent (5 wt.% on total weight of formulation) were added by the following methods: Method 1.1 - according to the invention - the active agent polymer pre-treats the coloured fabric
Active agent was diluted in approx 50ml of water (same hardness) and added to machine via drawer
All water was added - wash load agitates for 2mins
Powder is then added via drawer with extra water which then flows into the drum
Method A - Comparative - the active agent was added (within 2 minutes) after the detergent was added.
Powder is added via drawer as normal.
All water was added - wash load agitates for 2 mins
Active agent was diluted in approx 50ml of water and then added via drawer with extra water which flows into the drum Main Wash formulations used
Figure imgf000013_0001
Analysis
Pre-washed joggers were measured on a Colour IE7 in 10 places on the 4 replicates after the 10 washes (an average of all the readings is recorded). This value is compared to new garments. A Delta E (DE) of 0 (zero) implies no colour change from new, whereas a higher DE indicates a greater colour change from new. This indicates that the colour has been damaged during the laundry process. A lower positive number for Delta E means that less damage has occurred.
Method A reflects the teaching of the prior art US 5,496,376, where the active agent is added slightly after the main wash formulation due to the delayed release of the active.
Figure imgf000014_0001
Supplied by AkzoNobel
2Supplied by Dow chemical
3Supplied by BASF
The Delta E values show that there is a clear statistically significant benefit for the method according to the invention where the active agent is used in a pre-treatment method for coloured fabrics. This is surprising because the prior art document US 5,496,376 teaches to add the active agent in a delayed fashion, e.g. slightly after (within 2 minutes after) the main wash formulation.
Example 2 - Phosphonate active agent
A wash load was prepared containing the following coloured fabrics:- 4 new navy joggers (70/30% cotton/polyester fleece),
4 pre-washed navy joggers (70/30% cotton/polyester fleece),
4 Drimarine Blue knitted cotton 40x40cm double sided panels, 3 Reactive Black woven cotton double sided panel (approx 15x10cm)
The wash load was run through 10 wash cycles, tumble drying between cycles.
Wash temperature 40°C, water hardness 26FH. 80g of Formulation B was used.
The active agent (5 wt.% on total weight of formulation) were added by the following methods:
Method 2.1 - according to the invention - the active agent pre-treats the coloured fabric Active agent was diluted in approx 50ml of water (same hardness) and added to machine via drawer
All water was added - wash load agitates for 2mins
Powder is then added via drawer with extra water which then flows into the drum
Method B - Comparative - the active agent was added after (within 2 minutes after) the detergent was added.
Powder is added via drawer as normal.
All water was added - wash load agitates for 2 mins
Active agent was diluted in approx 50ml of water and then added via drawer with extra water which flows into the drum
Analysis
Pre-washed joggers were measured on a Colour IE7 in 10 places on the 4 replicates after the 10 washes (an average of all the readings is recorded). This value is compared to new garments. A Delta E (DE) of 0 (zero) implies no colour change from new, whereas a higher DE indicates a greater colour change from new. This indicates that the colour has been damaged during the laundry process. A lower positive number for Delta E means that less damage has occurred.
Method B reflects the teaching of the prior art US 5,496,376, where the active agent is added slightly after the main wash formulation due to the delayed release of the active. Method 2.1 (Invention) Method B (Comparative)
Phosphonate Delta E (DE) Delta E (DE)
± Standard Error ± Standard Error
No phosphonate
3.50 ± 0.15 3.50 ± 0.15
(formulation B only)
Dequest 20164 2.97 ± 0.141 4.03 ± 0.124
Dequest 20104 2.73 ± 0.159 3.31 ± 0.137
4Supplied by Italmatch Chemicals The Delta E values show that there is a clear statistically significant benefit for the method according to the invention where the active agent is used in a pre-treatment method for coloured fabrics. This is surprising because the prior art document US 5,496,376 teaches to add the active agent in a delayed fashion, e.g. slightly after the main wash formulation. Example pre-wash treatment formulations
Ingredient 1 2 3
Aquatreat AR545 10g - -
Sokolan CP5 - 10g -
Dequest 2016 - - 5g
Water 5g 5g 5g
Glycerol 5g 5g 5g
Perfume 0.05g -

Claims

A method of reducing colour damage to a coloured fabric during a laundry process, the method comprising the steps of:
a) pre-wash treatment of coloured fabric with an active agent selected from the group consisting of:- polycarboxylic acid homopolymers, polycarboxylic acid copolymers, hydrophobically modified polycarboxylic acid polymers, sulfonated polycarboxylic acid polymers, phosphonates, phosphonocarboxylic acid polymers, phosphinocarboxylic acid polymers, and mixtures thereof; b) within 1 hour of the pre-wash treatment a), washing the coloured fabric with a main wash detergent composition comprising from 4 to 20 wt.% of an anionic surfactant; from 0.5 to 25 wt.% more preferably from 2.5 to 15 wt.% of a nonionic surfactant, and optionally a fatty acid or soap thereof; and, c) the fabric is rinsed and allowed to dry.
A method as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the pre-wash treatment is carried out in such a way that the active agent polymer is carried over into the main wash step b).
A method as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the active agent is a polymer comprised from monomers comprising acrylic acid, maleic acid, methacrylic acid, ethylacrylate, vinyl acetate, itaconic acid, 2-acrylamido-2-methyl propane sulfonic acid, allyl sulfonate, methallyl sulfonate, styrene, sulfonated styrene, and mixtures therof.
A method as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the washing step b) utilises a washing machine with a drum, the pre-treatment step a) occurs by active agent added directly to the washing machine drum prior to said drum filling with water.
A method as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein step b) is carried out within 30 minutes, more preferably within 10 minutes, even more preferably within 5 minutes, most preferably within 2 minutes of the pre-wash treatment step a). A method as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the pre-wash treatment step a) is carried out using an aqueous liquor comprising at least the active agent polymer and water.
A method as claimed in claim 6, wherein the active agent polymer is present at a level of from 0.01 g/L to 1 g/L, preferably 0.025 to 0.25 g/L, in the aqueous liquor of the pre-wash treatment of method step a).
A method as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the main wash detergent composition is a powder composition.
A method as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the main wash detergent composition is a liquid or gel composition.
A method as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the main wash detergent composition anionic surfactant.
A laundry pre-wash treatment composition suitable for use with the method of any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the composition comprises:- a) from 0.5 to 60 wt.% of an active agent selected from the group consisting of:- polycarboxylic acid homopolymers, polycarboxylic acid copolymers, hydrophobically modified polycarboxylic acid polymers, sulfonated polycarboxylic acid polymers, phosphonates, phosphonocarboxylic acid polymers, phosphinocarboxylic acid polymers, and mixtures thereof:
b) from 99.5 to 40 wt.% of a carrier solvent, comprising water and optionally a second solvent:
c) optionally a perfume, if present at a level of from 0.001 to 3 wt.%; d) optionally a dye or shading dye, if present at a level of from 0.0001 to 0.01 wt %.
12. A laundry pre-wash treatment composition according to claim 1 1 , wherein the composition comprises a nonionic surfactant, if present at a level of from 0.1 to 20 wt.%. A laundry pre-wash treatment composition according to any one of claims 1 1 or 12, wherein the second solvent is a alcohol, preferably a polyol, more preferably glycerol.
PCT/EP2015/072751 2014-10-29 2015-10-01 Reduction of colour damage during the laundry process WO2016066369A1 (en)

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Citations (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US5496376A (en) * 1994-06-30 1996-03-05 Church & Dwight Co., Inc. Carbonate built laundry detergent composition containing a delayed release polymer
WO2003014458A1 (en) * 2001-08-10 2003-02-20 Henkel Kommanditgesellschaft Auf Aktien Washing method
WO2007149806A1 (en) * 2006-06-19 2007-12-27 The Procter & Gamble Company Liquid detergent compositions with low polydispersity polyacrylic acid based polymers
EP2031050A1 (en) * 2007-08-29 2009-03-04 Unilever N.V. A process for cleaning fabrics
WO2012028483A1 (en) * 2010-08-30 2012-03-08 Novozymes A/S A concentrated soak wash

Patent Citations (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US5496376A (en) * 1994-06-30 1996-03-05 Church & Dwight Co., Inc. Carbonate built laundry detergent composition containing a delayed release polymer
WO2003014458A1 (en) * 2001-08-10 2003-02-20 Henkel Kommanditgesellschaft Auf Aktien Washing method
WO2007149806A1 (en) * 2006-06-19 2007-12-27 The Procter & Gamble Company Liquid detergent compositions with low polydispersity polyacrylic acid based polymers
EP2031050A1 (en) * 2007-08-29 2009-03-04 Unilever N.V. A process for cleaning fabrics
WO2012028483A1 (en) * 2010-08-30 2012-03-08 Novozymes A/S A concentrated soak wash

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