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
  • C11D3/48—Medical, disinfecting agents, disinfecting, antibacterial, germicidal or antimicrobial 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
  • C11D1/00—Detergent compositions based essentially on surface-active compounds; Use of these compounds as a detergent
  • C11D1/38—Cationic compounds
  • C11D1/62—Quaternary ammonium compounds
• • 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
  • C11D3/0005—Other compounding ingredients characterised by their effect
  • C11D3/001—Softening 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
  • C11D3/26—Organic compounds containing nitrogen
  • C11D3/30—Amines; Substituted amines ; Quaternized amines
• • 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
  • C11D1/00—Detergent compositions based essentially on surface-active compounds; Use of these compounds as a detergent
  • C11D1/38—Cationic compounds
  • C11D1/645—Mixtures of compounds all of which are cationic
• • 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

Definitions

• the present invention generally relates to stable and clear softener compositions comprising mixtures of quaternary ester ammonium compounds and one or more biocidal agents; as well as to uses and methods for softening and sanitizing fabrics.
• fabric softening compositions that include surfactants and low quantities of optional ingredients such as perfumes, stabilisers, preservatives and colorants.
• fabric softener There are two main types of fabric softener; those that use cationic surfactants and those that use anionic surfactants.
• the choice of softener can vary depending on the fabric to be treated.
• adhesion of microorganisms to surfaces is undesirable, particularly when the microorganisms are pathogenic. Adhering microorganisms frequently lead to infections or reinfection in humans, animals and plants.
• disinfecting compositions that can eliminate such microorganisms is becoming more extensive, especially in underwear or delicate clothing, sportswear, household linen (towels, cloths, sheets, blankets, covers, bath mats, shower curtains), or workwear. To effectively eliminate such microorganisms, it is recommended to the consumer that the disinfecting compositions are not used together with a softening agent.
• liquid detergents which are generally free of bleaching agents.
• the present invention aims at the problem of providing clear and stable softener formulations which, when mixed with water below 40 °C, preferably at room temperature, are able to provide the softening as well as the biocidal effect. Additionally, it is preferable that such formulations exhibit advantageous storage stability under various conditions, advantageous handleability (simple handling), and/or advantageous softening properties.
• the present inventors have found that the above problems can be solved when the biocidal component is mixed with a mixture of cationic surfactants obtainable as provided below.
• the resulting formulation is a single-phase composition (i.e., is a continuous liquid phase including both components), clear, stable (i.e, there is no separation of the biocidal agent(s) and the cationic mixture with time) and biocidal-efficient.
• the present invention provides, in a further aspect, a process for preparing the composition of the first aspect of the invention, comprising the step of mixing the mixture of cationic surfactants as provided herein, and the biocidal component.
• the invention provides the use of the composition of the invention for softening and/or sanitizing fabrics.
• the invention provides a method for softening and/or sanitizing textiles or fabrics, the method comprising the step of:
• any ranges given include both the lower and the upper endpoints of the range.
• the present inventors have surprisingly found that particular mixtures of cationic surfactants (esterquats (EQ)) obtainable by reacting a combination of mono- and di-carboxylic acids with alkanolamine(s) and optionally polyol(s), and subsequent cation formation, form clear, optically transparent, single phase stable solutions when formulated with one or more biocidal agents.
• EQ cationic surfactants
• the cationic surfactant mixtures suitable in the context of the invention can be directly dissolved in water, thereby providing softener compositions that are optically transparent and stable upon storage under various conditions. No additives are necessary for achieving the optical transparency and stability of the final compositions.
• the cationic surfactant mixtures of the present invention can be used to formulate clear fabric biocidal softener compositions at a temperature between 20°C and 40°C, preferably between 25°C and 35°C.
• Addition of non-ionic surfactants and solvents is optional, not necessary for, and not affecting the optical transparency of the final composition.
• Optical transparency is an attractive and desirable feature of the products. Using less additives is advantageous from of environmental, bio- and skin compatibility, and economical perspective.
• the molar ratio of monoacid(s)/diacid(s) is 0.20 to 1.0, preferably 0.30 to 1.0; and/or the molar ratio between organic carboxylic groups and organic hydroxyl groups (COOH/OH) present in the system is 0.40 to 0.70, preferably 0.50 to 0.70; and/or the molar ratio between the compound(s) within the definition a.2 and the compound/s under definition a.1 is 0 or 0.1 to 0.5, preferably 0.1 to 0.5.
• each of these particular ratios may even further improve the optical transparency. Additionally, handleability (simple handling), and/or softening properties may be improved.
• the amounts of the compounds a.1, a.2, b.1 and b.2 are introduced in the reaction system of Step I in amounts that result in the following molar ratios: the molar ratio of monoacid(s)/diacid(s) (b.1/b.2) is 0.30 to 1.0;the molar ratio between organic carboxylic groups and organic hydroxyl groups (COOH/OH) present in the system is 0.40 to 0.70, preferably 0.50 to 0.70; and the molar ratio between the compound(s) within the definition a.2 and the compound/s under definition a.1 is 0, or is 0.1 to 0.5.
• the particular mixture of cationic surfactants incorporated in the composition of the invention allows the incorporation of biocides with different antimicrobial activity.
• the examples provided below are performed with a biocidal component consisting of a mixture of an antifungal+antibacterial substance.
• the composition remains stable (single-phase composition) and clear, even incorporating the biocidal agents.
• the mixture of surfactants does not hinder or affect negatively to the biocidal agents, which are formulated, together, in the same composition.
• the antimicrobial effect both antibacterial and antifungal are highly notable.
• the alkanolamine(s) of formula (I) is/are selected from triethanolamine, N-methyldiethanolamine, N-methyldiisopropanolamine and triisopropanolamine, each of which is optionally alkoxylated with ethylene oxide or propylene oxide, and mixtures thereof.
• each L is selected from ethane-1,2-diyl, 1-hydroxyethane-1,2-diyl, cis- ethene-1,2-diyl, trans -ethene-1,2-diyl, propane-1,2-diyl, propane-1,3-diyl, butane-1,4-diyl, pentane-1,5-diyl, hexane-1,6-diyl, cyclohexane-1,4-diyl, octane-1,8-diyl and 1,4-phenylenyl; preferably butane-1,4-diyl, hexane-1,6-diyl or octane-1,8-diyl.
• the dicarboxylic acid of formula (III) is selected from succinic, malic, glutaric, adipic, sebacic, pimelic, suberic, maleic and terephthalic acid, acids obtained by thermal oligomerisation of unsaturated fatty acids, and mixtures thereof.
• the reactive derivative(s) of the dicarboxylic acid(s) of the general formula (III) are one or more selected from halide, anhydride, preferably mixed anhydride with acetic acid or cyclic anhydride.
• the monocarboxylic acid(s) of formula (II) are synthetic fatty acids and/or are obtained from fats or oils of natural origin, and are optionally hydrogenated; or are derived from oils of vegetal origin which are optionally hydrogenated.
• the monocarboxylic acid(s) of formula (II) are selected from those which are obtained from tallow, palm, olive, coconut, sunflower, soya, rapeseed, grape marc and grape, each of which can be hydrogenated, partially hydrogenated, or non-hydrogenated.
• the iodine value of the carboxylic monoacid(s) of formula (II) is from 5 to 280, from 5 to 180, from 5 to 100, from 5 to 80, from 5 to 60, from 10 to 10 to 60, from 10 to 50, from 20 to 50, from 20 to 40.
• using carboxylic monoacid(s) having such iodine values may contribute to even further improving the optical transparency at various temperatures, and/or the storage stability of the aqueous formulations obtained from the mixture of cationic surfactants according to the present invention.
• the carboxylic monoacid(s) of formula (II) is one or more selected from caproic acid, caprylic acid, 2-ethylhexanoic acid, capric acid, lauric acid, isotridecanoic acid, myristic acid, palmitic acid, palmoleic acid, stearic acid, isostearic acid, oleic acid, elaidic acid, petroselinic acid, linoleic acid, linolenic acid, eleostearic acid, arachic acid, gadoleic acid, behenic acid and erucic acid, and mixtures thereof which are obtained for example by pressure splitting of natural fats and oils, in the reduction of aldehydes from Roelen's oxosynthesis or dimerization of unsaturated fatty acids, stearic acids, isostearic acid, palmitic acid, myristic acid, lauric acid, capric acid, caprylic acid, 2-e
• the compounds corresponding to a.1 and/or a.2 can be from natural origin or from synthetic origin.
• the polyol a.2 is one or more selected from trimethylolpropane (TMP), glycerine, neopentyl glycol (NPG) and sorbitol, each of which can be optionally alkoxylated, preferably ethoxylated; wherein the polyol a.2 is more preferably trimethylolpropane (TMP), or is absent.
• TMP trimethylolpropane
• NPG neopentyl glycol
• sorbitol each of which can be optionally alkoxylated, preferably ethoxylated
• TMP trimethylolpropane
• Step I is and esterification step of reacting a) with b).
• monoacid b.1 and diacid b.2 are combined with alkanolamine a.1 and optionally the polyol b.2.
• the obtained mixture is heated.
• the mixture is heated to reflux under atmospheric pressure, e.g., for 1-5, preferably 2-4 hours at 140-200 °C, preferably 160-180°C.
• step I is performed until no more water is distilled off the reaction mixture.
• Step II can correspond to the formation of the addition salts of the alkanolamine esters obtained from Step I with mineral or organic acids, preferably wherein the mineral or organic acids are one or more selected from hydrochloric, sulphuric, phosphoric, citric and lactic acid.
• Step II can correspond to the quaternisation of reaction mixtures of Step I with alkylating agent(s), preferably wherein the alkylating agents are one or more selected from methyl chloride, methyl bromide, dimethyl sulphate, diethyl sulphate and dimethyl carbonate.
• Step II can be performed at room temperature or elevated temperature, e.g., 40-100 °C, preferably 50-90 °C; preferably for 1-5, more preferably 2-4 hours, or until the virtually complete absence of amine value was verified by acid/base assay.
• the mixture further comprises an organic solvent, preferably an alcohol, more preferably ethanol, n-propanol or isopropanol, butanols, glycol, propane or butanediol, glycerol, diglycol, propyl or butyl diglycol, ethylene glycol methyl ether, ethylene glycol ethyl ether, ethylene glycol propyl ether, ethylene glycol mono-n-butyl ether, diethylene glycol methyl ether, diethylene glycol ethyl ether, propylene glycol methyl, ethyl or propyl ether, dipropylene glycol methyl or ethyl ether, methoxy, ethoxy or butoxy triglycol, 1-butoxyethoxy-2-propanol, 3-methyl-3-methoxybutanol, or propylene glycol t-butyl ether.
• an organic solvent preferably an alcohol, more preferably ethanol, n-prop
• the content of the organic solvent in the cationic surfactant mixture is 0-30%, preferably 0-20%, more preferably 10-20% by weight.
• the mixture is essentially water-free.
• the mixture essentially consists of the reaction products of steps I and II, and optionally an organic solvent.
• the mixture consists of the reaction products of steps I and II and solvent, if any, and unreacted starting materials as well as inevitable impurities from the production process, if any.
• biocidal component refers to a single substance with biocidal activity (hereinafter referred as “biocide”, “biocidal agent” or “biocidal active substance”), but also to mixtures including two or more biocides, biocidal agents or biocidal active substance.
• biocide In the context of the invention a “biocide”, “biocidal agent” and “biocidal active substance” have the same meaning, can be used interchangeably, and refer to a chemical substance or microorganism intended to destroy, deter, render harmless, or exert a controlling effect on any harmful organism.
• Biocides can be mainly classified in synthetic and natural biocides.
• Illustrative non-limitative examples of natural biocides are: extracts of natural oils with biocide activity, such as Agastache Rugosa Stem Oil, Azadirachta Indica Bark/Seed Extract, Azadirachta Indica Leaf Extract, Eucalyptus Globulus Leaf Oil, Eugenia Uniflora Leaf Oil, Eugenol, Illicium Verum Oil, Melia Azadirachta Bark Extract, Melia Azadirachta Extract, Melia Azadirachta Leaf Powder, P-chloro-m-cresol, Tanacetum Cinerariifolium (Pyrethrum) Root Extract, Vitex Negundo Flower/Leaf/Seed Oil
• biocide activity such as Agastache Rugosa Stem Oil, Azadirachta Indica Bark/Seed Extract, Azadirachta Indica Leaf Extract, Eucalyptus Globulus Leaf Oil, Eugenia Uniflora Leaf Oil, Eugenol, Illicium Verum Oil, Melia Az
• CBs Cationic biocides
• CBs have been in use for surface disinfection and topical antisepsis. Broad-spectrum activity and relatively low toxicity have led to increased deployment of these compounds in medicated dressings, in contact lens cleaning solutions, in swimming pools to control microbial growth, and in domestic cleaning products. Their mode of action normally involves interaction with the cell envelope, displacing divalent cations. Subsequent interactions with membrane proteins and the lipid bilayer depend upon the specific nature of the biocide, but generally CB exposure results in membrane disruption and lethal leakage of cytoplasmic materials.
• CBs have a range of structures that can be categorized according to the number of cationic groupings per molecule.
• the quaternary ammonium compounds are often monocationic surfactants generally containing one quaternary nitrogen associated with at least one major hydrophobic component.
• Illustrative non-limitative examples of synthetic biocides not included within the cationic biocides group are BHAP (2-Bromo-4-hydroxyacetophenone), Bronopol (2-Bromo-2-nitropropane-1,3-diol), DBNPA (2-2-Dibromo-3-nitrilopropionamide), DTEA (2-(Decylthio)ethanamine), Glutaraldehyde, and Isothiozolines, among others.
• the biocidal component comprises one or more quaternary ammonium compound(s). In another embodiment, the biocidal component comprises at least two biocides, particularly quaternary ammonium compound(s). In another embodiment, the biocidal component consists of two biocides. In another embodiment, the biocidal component consists of two biocides, wherein one or both are quaternary ammonium compound(s)
• quaternary ammonium compound refers to a salt of a quaternary ammonium cation, wherein the protonated nitrogen atom (N+) is covalently bonded to four radicals, such as alkyl and/or aryl groups.
• the quaternary ammonium compound is of general formula (IV): wherein R 4 to R 7 are the same or different, each independently being selected from the group consisting of: a (C 1 -C 20 ) straight or branched alkyl chain, (C 3 -C 20 )cycloalkyl optionally substituted with a straight or branched alkyl having from 1 to 6 carbon atoms, (C 6 -C 20 ) aryl optionally substituted with a straight or branched alkyl having from 1 to 6 carbon atoms, and benzyl; and X - is an anionic counterion.
• R 4 to R 7 are the same or different, each independently being selected from the group consisting of: a (C 1 -C 20 ) straight or branched alkyl chain, (C 3 -C 20 )cycloalkyl optionally substituted with a straight or branched alkyl having from 1 to 6 carbon atoms, (C 6 -C 20 ) aryl optional
• Examples of (C 1 - C 20 ) straight or branched alkyl chain include, but are not limited to: methyl, ethyl, n-propyl, isopropyl, n-butyl, sec-butyl, isobutyl, tert-butyl, n-pentyl, isopentyl, tert-pentyl, neopentyl, n-hexyl, n-heptyl, n-octyl, n-decyl, n-dodecyl, n-hexadecyl and n-octadecyl.
• cycloalkyl refers to cyclic alkyl groups having the indicated number of ring carbon atoms.
• substituted or unsubstituted (C 3 -C 20 )cycloalkyl groups include, but are not limited to: cyclopropyl, cyclopentyl, cyclohexyl, 4-methylcyclohexyl, 4-ethylcyclohexyl, 4-n-propylcyclohexyl and 4-n-butylcyclohexyl.
• aryl refers to an aromatic hydrocarbon radical having the indicated number of ring carbon atoms such as phenyl, naphthyl or anthracyl.
• the aryl group may be unsubstituted or substituted with a straight or branched alkyl group having from 1 to 6 carbon atoms, preferably from 1 to 3 carbon atoms, such as methyl or ethyl.
• Examples (C 6 -C 20 ) of substituted or unsubstituted aryl groups include, but are not limited to: phenyl, naphthyl, 4-methylphenyl and 4-ethylphenyl.
• anionic counterion includes any ion that can form a salt with quaternary ammonium.
• suitable counterions include halides (such as chlorides and bromides), propionates, methosulphates, saccharinates, ethosulphates, hydroxides, acetates, phosphates, carbonates, and nitrates.
• the anionic counterion is chloride.
• the composition of the invention comprises one quaternary compound of formula (IV). In another embodiment, the composition of the invention comprises at least two quaternary ammonium compounds of formula (IV), which are the same or different. In another embodiment, the composition of the invention comprises two different quaternary ammonium compounds of formula (IV).
• the quaternary ammonium compound of formula (IV) is one wherein R 4 , R 5 , R 6 and R 7 are the same or different, each independently being selected from the group consisting of (C 1 -C 20 ) straight or branched alkyl chain, and benzyl; and X - is a halide.
• R 4 , R 5 , R 6 and R 7 are methyl, and the other two of R 4 , R 5 , R 6 and R 7 are selected from the group consisting of (C 1 -C 20 ) straight or branched alkyl chain, and benzyl; and X - is a halide, particularly Cl - .
• R 4 , R 5 , R 6 and R 7 are methyl, and the other(s) are selected from the group consisting of (C 1 -C 20 ) straight or branched alkyl chain, and benzyl; and X - is a halide, particularly Cl - (chloride).
• quaternary ammonium compounds of formula (IV) are selected from:
• the quaternary ammonium compound(s) of formula (IV) are selected from the group consisting of (C 8 -C 18 ) alkyl dimethylbenzylammonium salt and di-(C 1 -C 10 ) alkyl dimethylammonium salt.
• quaternary ammonium compounds of formula (IV) include but are not limited to, alkyl C12-16 dimethylbenzylammonium chloride, alkyl C12-18 dimethylbenzylammonium chloride, octyl decyl dimethyl ammonium chloride, dioctyl dimethyl ammonium chloride, and didecyl dimethyl ammonium chloride, to name few.
• a softener composition preferably a fabric-softening, comprising the cationic surfactant mixture as defined above together with the biocidal component.
• the composition preferably further comprises water.
• the weight ratio between the mixture of cationic surfactants and the biocidal component is from 1:1 to 5:1, particularly from 2:1 to 4:1.
• weight ratio refers to ratio between the weight (expressed in grams, g) of the mixture of cationic surfactants and weight (expressed in grams, g) of the biocidal component.
• the "weight”, when the biocidal component comprises two or more biocides or biocidal agents, will be understood, in context of the invention, as the total weight, summing the weight of each one of the biocides forming the biocidal component.
• the mixture of cationic surfactants is at a % by weight, with respect to the total weight of the composition, from 0.5 to 20%, particularly from 0.5 to 3 or from 3 to 15%.
• the amount of the one or more biocidal agents selected to form the biocidal component of the composition can be easily and routine stablished by the skilled person in art. In the context of the invention, the amount would be, in the context of the invention, suitable to be used and be in contact with mammals, particularly human beings.
• the composition comprises a biocidal component: (ii) comprising or consisting of one or more quaternary ammonium biocide compounds as defined in any of the embodiments provided above; and (ii) it is at a % by weight, with respect to the total weight of the composition, from 0.5 to 5%, particularly from 1 to 4%, with respect to the total weight of the composition.
• the composition comprises a biocidal component (ii) comprising at least a dialkyldimethylammonium chloride compound, wherein the content of dialkyldimethylammonium chloride compound is from 0.5 to 5%, particularly from 1 to 4%, with respect to the total weight of the composition.
• the composition comprises a biocidal component (ii) comprising at least an alkyldimethylbenzylammonium compound, wherein the content of alkyldimethylbenzylammonium compound is from 0.5 to 5%, particularly from 0.5 to 3%, with respect to the total weight of the composition.
• the composition comprises a biocidal component: (ii) comprising at least a dialkydimethylammonium chloride compound and at least an alkyldimethylbenzylammonium compound, wherein the sum of dialkyldimethylammonium chloride and alkyldimethylbenzylammonium compound is from 0.5 to 5, particularly from 1 to 4%, with respect to the total weight of the composition.
• the composition comprises a biocidal component: (ii) comprising at least a dialkydimethylammonium chloride compound and at least an alkyldimethylbenzylammonium compound, wherein the content of dialkyldimethylammonium compound is from 0.5 to 2%, preferably from 0.5 to 1,5%, with respect to the total weight of the composition; and wherein the content of alkyldimethylbenzylammonium compound is from 0.5 to 3.5%, preferably from 1.5 to 3% wt, with respect to the total weight of the composition.
• compositions of the invention may exhibit advantageous storage stability (remains in a single phase) under various conditions, as well as further advantageous properties, such as handleability (simple handling) and/or softening properties.
• compositions are clear solutions at RT, and can be stable upon storage at RT, or at 40°C, e.g., for at least 2 months.
• the composition is optically transparent at room temperature, and preferably also at temperatures of 10-45°C, 15-35°C or 20-30 °C.
• compositions of the invention provide a potent antimicrobial effect at low laundry temperatures, together with a softening effect of the fabrics. Examples below show that using water at 20°C, a remarkable antifungal and antibacterial effects were achieved.
• the water content is preferably higher than 50%, more preferably higher than 80%, most preferably higher than 85% w/w, preferably higher than 90% w/w, alternatively, water content is from 80 to 98% w/w.
• the composition further comprises a perfume.
• the perfume consists of one or more substance(s).
• the average logP of the perfume substance(s) is from 1 to 6, preferably from 1 to 4, preferably from 2 to 4.
• the weight ratio between the cationic surfactant mixture according to the invention, as defined hereinabove, and the perfume is from 99:1 to 90:10, from 99:1 to 80:20.
• the composition further comprises a non-ionic surfactant.
• the weight ratio between the cationic surfactant mixture and the non-ionic surfactant is preferably from 100:0 (i.e., no non-ionic surfactant is present) to 70:30.
• a non-ionic surfactant can advantageously improve solubility of a perfume in the composition, especially when high amounts of perfume are used (e.g., > 1%, optionally up to 3% by weight of the composition, or more).
• the amount of perfume in the composition is 0.3% by weight or less, no non-ionic surfactant is used; otherwise, a non-ionic surfactant may optionally be used.
• the addition of a non-ionic surfactant can even further improve the good stability of the formulation upon storage.
• the composition further comprises a thickener, e.g., a thickening polymer.
• a thickener e.g., a thickening polymer.
• the weight ratio the cationic surfactant mixture to the thickener is preferably from 100:0 to 10:5, more preferably from 100:1 to 10:2.
• a thickener may be added to increase the viscosity of the composition.
• Suitable thickeners are, e.g., PEG-150 distearate, Hydroxyethyl cellulose, hydroxymethyl cellulose and derivatives thereof, PEG-120 Methyl Glucose Dioleate, PEG-120 Methyl Glucose Trioleate (and) propanediol, ethoxylated Sorbitan Triisostearate (e.g., PEG-160 Sorbitan Triisostearate, such as Kaopan TW IS-559S from Kao Chemicals Europe, S.L.), and copolymers of acrylamide and dimethyl amino ethyl methacrylate methyl chloride cross- methylene bisacrylamide (such as FLOSOFT 222 manufactured by SNF).
• PEG-150 distearate Hydroxyethyl cellulose, hydroxymethyl cellulose and derivatives thereof
• PEG-120 Methyl Glucose Dioleate PEG-120 Methyl Glucose Triole
• the composition further comprises a chelating agent.
• the chelating agent plays the role of providing detergency through a mechanism of destroying hardness components within a washing liquid by chemically bonding to a multivalent cation (hardness component) to form a metal ion complex, and favorably satisfies conditions of a) fast chelating speed, b) high chelating ability, c) chelate stability, d) high security, e) good biodegradability, and f) good solubility.
• sodium salt of organic carboxylic acid such as oxalic acid (OA), citric acid (CA), tartaric acid (TA), or gluconic acid (GA)
• a hydroxyamino carboxylic acid chelating agent which is sodium salt of N-(2-hydroxylethyl) glycine (DEG), triethanolamine (TEA), N-(2-hydroxyethyl) iminodiacetic acid (HEIDA), or N-(hydroxyethyl)ethylenediamine tetraacetic acid (HEDTA)
• an ether carboxylic acid chelating agent which is sodium salt of O-carboxymethyltartronic acid (CMT) or O-carboxymethylsuccinic acid (CMOS)
• a vinyl polyelectrolyte chelating agent which is sodium salt of a copolymer of acrylic acid/maleic acid and polyacrylic acid, or a carboxylic acid chelating agent, which is sodium salt of
• Some of quantitative conditions for when selecting an appropriate organic chelating agent for use in the present invention are i) pH of a 1% aqueous chelating agent solution is 9 or greater, preferably within a range of 10 and 12.5, and ii) maximum calcium trapping ability (number of milligrams of CaCOS per gram for pH 11) is 200 mg/g or greater, preferably 300 mg/g or greater.
• the chelating agent such as tetrasodium ethylene diamine tetraacetic acid (may be referred to as "EDTA-4Na” hereafter): Trilon B powder (registered trademark, manufactured by BASF Corporation), or trisodium methylglycinediacetic acid (may be referred to as "MGDA-3Na” hereafter): Trilon M powder (registered trademark, manufactured by BASF Corporation) may be given as an example of a substance satisfying such quantitative conditions.
• EDTA-4Na Trilon B powder
• MGDA-3Na trisodium methylglycinediacetic acid
• the weight ratio of the cationic mixture and the chelating agent is from 100:0 to 75:25.
• the softener composition further comprises:
• the softener composition further comprises:
• the non-ionic surfactant(s) can be selected from fatty acids, linear or branched, alkoxylated or non-alkoxylated esters of fatty acids, especially those containing from 8 to 18 carbon atoms, alkoxylated or non-alkoxylated Guerbet alcohols, optionally alkoxylated glycerol and polyglycerol esters, xylitol esters, alkoxylated or non-alkoxylated sorbitan esters, esters of sugars, such as glucose, fructose, galactose, mannose, xylose, arabinose, ribose, 2-deoxyribose and sucrose, C 8-18 fatty alcohols, alkyl polyglucosides, non-ionic surfactants with amide groups derived from amines, such as glucamine, and the derivatives of methylethanolamine, diethanolamine, isopropanolamine and monoethanolamine, with linear or
• Suitable non-ionic surfactants are Glycereth-6 Cocoate (e.g., Levenol F-200), Glycereth-17 Cocoate (e.g., Levenol C-201), ethoxylated C 13-15 alcohol (e.g., with 7EO, such as Findet 1315/19), ethoxylated C 16-18 alcohol (e.g., with 23 EO, such as Findet 1618/35); particularly suitable is ethoxylated hydrogenated castor oil (e.g., with 40 EO, such as Findet ARH-52).
• Glycereth-6 Cocoate e.g., Levenol F-200
• Glycereth-17 Cocoate e.g., Levenol C-201
• ethoxylated C 13-15 alcohol e.g., with 7EO, such as Findet 1315/19
• ethoxylated C 16-18 alcohol e.g., with 23 EO, such as Findet 1618
• the softener composition may have a viscosity at 20 °C of 2-500cps, as measured on a Brookfield LVT viscometer with spindle 2 at 60 rpm.
• such compositions have a viscosity of 2 to 200 mPas as measured on a Brookfield LVT viscometer with spindle 4 at 12 rpm.
• diluted formulations (from 2% active to 50% active) can have viscosity values between 2 and 500 mPa ⁇ s.
• composition of the invention comprises the following:
• composition of the invention comprising the mixture of cationic surfactants and the biocidal component.
• the process for preparing the composition of the invention comprises:
• the present invention further provides the following aspects.
• optical transmittance of a mixture/composition/formulation refers to essentially complete optical transmittance, e.g., preferably ⁇ 90%, more preferably ⁇ 95%, even more preferably ⁇ 98%, most preferably ⁇ 99%.
• stable or “stable upon storage” refer to compositions comprising the cationic surfactant mixture according to the present invention which maintain essentially complete optical transmittance and single-phase appearance, as described above immediately after their preparation and after storage.
• the compositions are stable over at least 7 days at 20 °C; over at least 14 d at 20 °C; over at least 28 days at 20 °C; or over at least 28 days at 40 °C.
• viscosity is measured on a Brookfield LVT viscometer at 20 °C with a spindle 2 at 30 or 60 rpm (preferably: for low viscosities), or with a spindle 4 at 12 rpm (preferably: for high viscosities).
• iodine number (or “iodine value”, IV) describes the degree of unsaturation, e.g., of a fatty acid, and can be determined according to EN 14111:2003.
• room temperature is understood as a temperature from 10 to 40°C, preferably from 20 to 40°C.
• Example 1 preparation of the mixture of cationic surfactants
• a yellowish liquid product from the esterification was obtained. consisting essentially of a mixture of unesterified fatty acids and adipic acid, mono-, di- and triesterified triethanolamine with fatty acids, mono-, di- and triesterified triethanolamine with adipic acid or a combination thereof, mono-, di- and triesterified trimethylolpropane with fatty acids, mono-, di- and triesterified trimethylolpropane with adipic acid or a combination thereof, together with unreacted triethanolamine and trimethylolpropane.
• Example 2 preparation of the biocidal softener compositions of the invention
• BACTERICIDAL ACTIVITY was determined following UNE-EN 1276:2020.
• ANTIFUNGAL ACTIVITY was determined following UNE EN 1650:2020
• Softening performance of fabric softener compositions was determined by means of a sensorial test carried out by a panel of experts using pieces of terry cotton towel treated with the corresponding aqueous dispersions of the fabric softener active compositions.
• Fabric treatment consists of a consecutive sequence of washing and softening step, carried out in hard water of 20°HF.
• Previously scoured terry cotton towels were washed at 40°C with a heavy duty powder detergent (at a dosage of 2.7% on weight fabric), rinsed twice and spinning dried.
• Wet towels were treated for 10 minutes at 25°C with the corresponding aqueous dispersions diluted in water to provide a dosage of 0.12% fabric softener active composition on weight fabric, for a bath ratio of 1/10.
• Treated cotton towels were finally spun dried and let dry by hanging, and left still for 24 hours under controlled atmospheric conditions (60%HR and 20°C).
• Softening effect was determined by comparison in pairs, by 12 panelists,.
• the comparative evaluation was made according to the following criteria:the softness scale went from 0 to 5, with 0 being not soft (so the higher the number the better).
• Table 1 show results for appearance, bactericidal activity, fungicidal activity and sensorial softness for prepared formulations: Table 1 Comparative Formulation 1 Formulation 2 Appearance X ⁇ ⁇ Bactericidal Activity (1276:2020), logR has to be >5 - 5.6 5.5 Fungicidal Activity (1650:2020), logR should be >4 - 4.1 4.1 Sensorial Softness (0-5) - 2.5 3.0
• Bactericidal, fungicidal and sensorial softness could not be evaluated as formulation was not stable to perform the evaluation.
• the cationic mixture of the invention is stable and clear when mixed with the biocides, and the combination of the cationic mixture of the invention with the biocide does not affect the final bactericidal and fungicidal activity, while also providing softness to fabrics.

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• 2023
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