WO2024250146A1

WO2024250146A1 - Laundry detergent composition containing hydrophobic benefit agent and graft copolymer

Info

Publication number: WO2024250146A1
Application number: PCT/CN2023/098316
Authority: WO
Inventors: Ming Tang; Yajie DING; Xiaoyi Ren; Xialong ZUO; Kejing DU; Shiqing Wu
Original assignee: Procter and Gamble Co
Current assignee: Procter and Gamble Co
Priority date: 2023-06-05
Filing date: 2023-06-05
Publication date: 2024-12-12
Anticipated expiration: 2025-12-05
Also published as: CN119081795A

Abstract

A laundry detergent composition containing a graft copolymer and a hydrophobic benefit agent.

Description

LAUNDRY DETERGENT COMPOSITION CONTAINING HYDROPHOBIC BENEFIT AGENT AND GRAFT COPOLYMER

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a laundry detergent composition containing a hydrophobic benefit agent and a graft copolymer.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

As detergent products are evolving, consumer needs in the term of cleaning have been well met. However, there are still some other unmet consumer needs in the field of laundry benefit. Particularly, for example, anti-bacteria or anti-mite benefit can help to improve the hygiene of garments. Typically, these benefits require the use of hydrophobic benefit agents including anti-microbial agents, anti-mite agents. However, the benefits achieved by detergent compositions containing these actives are not sufficient to meet consumers’ expectation. For example, the deposition of the hydrophobic benefit agents on the fabric after washing may vary in different area of clothes or in different washing batch. Therefore, there are still needs for providing a laundry detergent composition which is capable of providing a more efficient benefit (e.g., more even/homogenous deposition of the benefit agent) .

Certain polymers have been used in laundry compositions to address the dye transfer problem. Such polymers include polyvinyl pyrrolidone (PVP) , poly (vinylpyridine-N-oxide) (PVNO) , polyvinylpyrrolidone-co-polyvinylimidazole (PVP/PVI) , poly (vinylpyrrolidone) co-poly (vinylpyridine-N-oxide) (PVP/PVNO) polymers. Some various graft copolymers including polyalkylene oxide, N-vinylpyrrolidone, and vinyl ester have also been described that deliver less dye transfer. However, it is unknown that such polymers contribute to the benefit delivered by the hydrophobic benefit agents.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is a surprising and unexpected discovery of the present invention that the combination of a hydrophobic benefit agent and a graft copolymer in a detergent formulation can deliver an improved deposition of the hydrophobic benefit agent on fabrics so as to provide an improved benefit compared to a detergent formulation containing the hydrophobic benefit agent only. Particularly, the combination of a hydrophobic benefit agent and a graft copolymer can provide a significantly increased uniformity of deposition of the hydrophobic benefit agent compared to a detergent formulation containing the hydrophobic benefit agent only. Without wishing to be bound by theory, it is believed that the hydrophobic benefit agent will constantly function after it is deposited onto the fabrics. As such, a poor uniformity of deposition of the hydrophobic benefit agent would result in less efficacy in the regions without a sufficient amount of deposited hydrophobic benefit agent. Accordingly, the combination of a hydrophobic benefit agent and a graft copolymer can deliver an improved benefit because it can provide a better uniformity of deposition of the hydrophobic benefit agent.

Correspondingly, the present invention in one aspect relates to a laundry detergent composition, comprising:

1) a graft copolymer comprising:

a) polyalkylene oxide which has a number average molecular weight of from 1000 to 20,000 Daltons and is based on ethylene oxide, propylene oxide, butylene oxide or mixtures thereof;

b) N-vinylpyrrolidone; and

c) vinyl ester derived from a saturated monocarboxylic acid containing from 1 to 6 carbon atoms and/or a methyl or ethyl ester of acrylic or methacrylic acid;

wherein the weight ratio of (a) : (b) is from 1: 0.1 to 1: 2, and

wherein the amount, by weight, of (a) is greater than the amount of (c) ; and

2) a hydrophobic benefit agent selected from the group consisting of an anti-microbial agent, an anti-mite agent and any combinations thereof.

In one embodiment according to the present application, in the graft copolymer, a) the polyalkylene oxide comprises and preferably consists of ethylene oxide units, and c) the vinyl ester comprises and preferably consists of vinyl acetate.

In another embodiment according to the present application, in the graft copolymer, a) the polyalkylene oxide comprises and preferably consists of ethylene oxide units and propylene oxide units, and c) the vinyl ester comprises and preferably consists of vinyl acetate.

In one embodiment according to the present application, the polyalkylene oxide has a number average molecular weight of from 1000 to 20,000 Daltons.

In one embodiment according to the present application, in the graft copolymer, the weight ratio of (a) : (c) is from 1.0: 0.1 to 1.0: 0.99, preferably from 1.0: 0.3 to 1.0: 0.9.

In one embodiment according to the present application, in the graft copolymer, from 1.0 mol%to 60 mol%, preferably from 20 mol%to 60 mol%, more preferably from 30 mol%to 50mol%of the grafted-on monomers of component (c) are hydrolyzed.

In one embodiment according to the present application, the graft copolymer has a weight average molecular weight of from 4,000 Da to 100,000 Da, preferably from 5,000 Da to 100,000 Da, more preferably from 5,000 Da to 50,000 Da, most preferably from 8,000 Da to 20,000 Da.

In one embodiment according to the present application, the composition comprises from about 0.01%to about 15%, preferably from about 0.05%to about 10%, and more preferably from about 0.1%to about 5%, by weight of the composition, of the graft copolymer.

In some embodiments, the hydrophobic benefit agent is an anti-microbial agent.

In one embodiment according to the present application, the anti-microbial agent is a diphenyl ether. Preferably, the diphenyl ether is a hydroxyl diphenyl ether of formula (I) :

wherein:

each Y is independently selected from chlorine, bromine, or fluorine, preferably is chlorine or bromine, more preferably is chlorine,

each Z is independently selected from SO₂H, NO₂, or C₁-C₄ alkyl,

r is 0, 1, 2, or 3, preferably is 1 or 2,

o is 0, 1, 2, or 3, preferably is 0, 1 or 2,

p is 0, 1, or 2, preferably is 0,

m is 0 or 1, preferably is 0, and

n is 1or 2, preferably is 1.

In one embodiment according to the present application, the composition comprises from about 0.001%to about 5%, preferably from about 0.01%to about 1%, and more preferably from about 0.02%to about 0.6%, by weight of the composition, of the anti-microbial agent. In a preferred embodiment, the composition comprises from about 0.001%to about 5%, preferably from about 0.01%to about 1%, and more preferably from about 0.02%to about 0.6%, by weight of the composition, of the diphenyl ether. In some embodiments, the weight ratio of the graft copolymer to the anti-microbial agent in the composition is from about 100: 1 to about 1: 1, preferably from about 70: 1 to about 3: 1, more preferably from about 50: 1 to about 7: 1, and most preferably from about 30: 1 to about 10: 1.

In one embodiment according to the present application, the anti-microbial agent is selected from the group consisting of 4, 4’-dichloro-2-hydroxydiphenyl ether, 2, 4, 4’-trichloro-2’- hydroxydiphenyl ether, and a combination thereof, preferably 4, 4’-dichloro-2-hydroxydiphenyl ether.

In some embodiments according to the present application, the hydrophobic benefit agent is an anti-mite agent. In one embodiment the composition comprises from about 0.1%to about 10%, preferably from about 0.2%to about 9%, and more preferably from about 0.5%to about 8%, by weight of the composition, of the anti-mite agent.

In some embodiments, the weight ratio of the graft copolymer to the anti-mite agent in the laundry detergent composition is from about 10: 1 to about 1: 10, preferably from about 5: 1 to about 1: 5, and more preferably from about 3: 1 to about 1: 3.

Preferably the anti-mite agent is benzyl benzoate.

In one embodiment according to the present application, the composition further comprises a treatment adjunct which is preferably selected from the group consisting of a surfactant system, fatty acids and/or salts thereof, enzymes, encapsulated benefit agents, soil release polymers, hueing agents, builders, chelating agents, dye transfer inhibiting agents, dispersants, enzyme stabilizers, catalytic materials, bleaching agents, bleach catalysts, bleach activators, polymeric dispersing agents, soil removal/anti-redeposition agents, polymeric grease cleaning agents, amphiphilic copolymers, brighteners, suds suppressors, dyes, hueing agents, perfume, structure elasticizing agents, fabric softeners, carriers, fillers, hydrotropes, solvents, and/or preservatives, neutralizers and/or pH adjusting agents, processing aids, rheology modifiers and/or structurants, opacifiers, pearlescent agents, pigments, anti-corrosion and/or anti-tarnishing agents, and mixtures thereof.

In one embodiment according to the present application, said composition is in the form of a liquid composition, a granular composition, a single-compartment pouch, a multi-compartment pouch, a sheet, a pastille or bead, a fibrous article, a tablet, a bar, flake, or a mixture thereof.

In another aspect, the present application is related to a method for inhibiting microbial growth on a fabric comprising contacting the fabric with the laundry detergent composition according to the present application.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Definitions

As used herein, the articles including “a” and “an” when used in a claim, are understood to mean one or more of what is claimed or described.

As used herein, the terms “comprise” , “comprises” , “comprising” , “include” , “includes” , “including” , “contain” , “contains” , and “containing” are meant to be non-limiting, i.e., other steps and other ingredients which do not affect the end of result can be added. The above terms encompass the terms “consisting of” and “consisting essentially of” .

As used herein, when a composition is “substantially free” of a specific ingredient, it is meant that the composition comprises less than a trace amount, alternatively less than 0.1%, alternatively less than 0.01%, alternatively less than 0.001%, by weight of the composition, of the specific ingredient.

As used herein, the term “laundry detergent composition” means a composition for cleaning soiled materials, including fabrics. Such compositions may be used as a pre-laundering treatment, a post-laundering treatment, or may be added during the rinse or wash cycle of the laundering operation. The laundry detergent composition compositions may have a form selected from liquid, powder, unit dose such as single-compartment or multi-compartment unit dose, pouch, tablet, gel, paste, bar, or flake. Preferably, the laundry detergent composition is a liquid or a unit dose composition. The term of “liquid laundry detergent composition” herein refers to compositions that are in a form selected from the group consisting of pourable liquid, gel, cream, and combinations thereof. The liquid laundry detergent composition may be either aqueous or non-aqueous, and may be anisotropic, isotropic, or combinations thereof. The term of “unit dose laundry detergent composition” herein refers to a water-soluble pouch containing a certain volume of liquid wrapped with a water-soluble film.

As used herein, the term "alkyl" means a hydrocarbyl moiety which is branched or unbranched, substituted or unsubstituted. Included in the term "alkyl" is the alkyl portion of acyl groups.

As used herein, the term “washing solution” refers to the typical amount of aqueous solution used for one cycle of laundry washing, preferably from 1 L to 50 L, alternatively from 1 L to 20 L for hand washing and from 20 L to 65 L for machine washing.

As used herein, the term “soiled fabric” is used non-specifically and may refer to any type of natural or artificial fibers, including natural, artificial, and synthetic fibers, such as, but not limited to, cotton, linen, wool, polyester, nylon, silk, acrylic, and the like, as well as various blends and combinations.

As used herein, the term “hydrophobic” means repel to water or cannot mix with water directly. Herein the term “hydrophobic benefit agent” means an organic benefit agent which is slightly soluble or insoluble in water. Particularly, the term “slightly soluble” means solubility of the agent in water is between 0.01g/100 mL and 1g/100 mL at 20℃. The term “insoluble” means solubility of the product in water is below 0.01g/100 mL at 20℃.

Composition

The compositions of the present disclosure may be selected from the group of light duty liquid detergents compositions, heavy duty liquid detergent compositions, detergent gels commonly used for laundry, bleaching compositions, laundry additives, fabric enhancer compositions, and mixtures thereof.

The composition may be in any suitable form. The composition may be in the form of a liquid composition, a granular composition, a single-compartment pouch, a multi-compartment pouch, a sheet, a pastille or bead, a fibrous article, a tablet, a bar, flake, or a mixture thereof. The composition can be selected from a liquid, solid, or combination thereof.

The composition can be an aqueous liquid laundry detergent composition. For such aqueous liquid laundry detergent compositions, the water content can be present at a level of from 5.0 %to 95 %, preferably from 85 %to 90 %, more preferably from 10 to 85%, even more preferably from 50 %to 80 %by weight of the liquid detergent composition.

The pH range of the detergent composition may be preferably from 6.0 to 9.9, more preferably from pH 7 to 9.5. even more preferably from pH 7 to 8.8.

The detergent composition can also be encapsulated in a water-soluble film, to form a unit dose article. Such unit dose articles comprise a detergent composition of the present invention, wherein the detergent composition comprises less than 20%, preferably less than 15%, more preferably less than 10%by weight of water, and the detergent composition is enclosed in a water-soluble or dispersible film. Such unit-dose articles can be formed using any means known in the art. Suitable unit-dose articles can comprise one compartment, wherein the compartment comprises the liquid laundry detergent composition. Alternatively, the unit-dose articles can be multi-compartment unit-dose articles, wherein at least one compartment comprises the liquid laundry detergent composition.

Graft copolymers

The detergent composition may comprise one or more graft copolymers. The graft copolymer can be present at a level of from about 0.01%to about 15%, preferably from about 0.05%to about 10%, and more preferably from about 0.1%to about 5%, e.g., 0.10%, 0.15%, 0.20%, 0.25%, 0.30%, 0.35%, 0.40%, 0.45%, 0.50%, 1%, 2%, 3%, 3.5%, 4%, or any ranges therebetween, by weight of the composition.

The graft copolymer comprises: (a) polyalkylene oxide which has a number average molecular weight of from 1000 to 20,000 Daltons and is based on ethylene oxide, propylene oxide, or butylene oxide, (b) N-vinylpyrrolidone, and (c) vinyl ester derived from a saturated monocarboxylic acid containing from 1 to 6 carbon atoms, wherein the weight ratio of (a) : (b) is from 1: 0.1 to 1: 2, preferably from 1: 0.1 to 1: 1, more preferably from 1: 0.3 to 1: 1, and wherein the amount, by weight, of (a) is greater than the amount of (c) .

The weight ratio of (a) : (c) is from 1.0: 0.1 to 1.0: 0.99, or from 1.0: 0.3 to 1.0: 0.9. The weight ratio of (b) : (c) can be from 1.0: 0.1 to 1.0: 5.0, or to 1.0: 4.0.

The amount, by weight of the polymer, of (a) is greater than the amount of (c) . The polymer may comprise at least 50%by weight, preferably at least 60%by weight, more preferably at least 75%by weight of (a) polyalkylene oxide.

The graft copolymer comprises and/or is obtainable by grafting (a) a polyalkylene oxide which has a number average molecular weight of from 1000 Da to 20000 Da, or to 15000 Da, or to 12000 Da, or to 10000 Da and is based on ethylene oxide, propylene oxide, or butylene oxide, preferably based on ethylene oxide, with (b) N-vinylpyrrolidone, and further with (c) a vinyl ester derived from a saturated monocarboxylic acid containing from 1 to 6 carbon atoms, preferably a vinyl ester that is vinyl acetate or a derivative thereof.

Suitable polyalkylene oxides may be based on homopolymers or copolymers, with homopolymers being preferred. Suitable polyalkylene oxides may be based on homopolymers of ethylene oxide or ethylene oxide copolymers having an ethylene oxide content of from 40 mol%to 99 mol%. Suitable comonomers for such copolymers may include propylene oxide, n-butylene oxide, and/or isobutylene oxide. Suitable copolymers may include copolymers of ethylene oxide and propylene oxide, copolymers of ethylene oxide and butylene oxide, and/or copolymers of ethylene oxide, propylene oxide, and at least one butylene oxide. The copolymers may include an ethylene oxide content of from 40 to 99 mol%, a propylene oxide content of from 1.0 to 60 mol%, and a butylene oxide content of from 1.0 to 30 mol%. The graft base may be linear (straight-chain) or branched, for example a branched homopolymer and/or a branched copolymer.

Branched copolymers may be prepared by addition of ethylene oxide with or without propylene oxides and/or butylene oxides onto polyhydric low molecular weight alcohols, for example trimethylol propane, pentoses, or hexoses.

The alkylene oxide unit may be randomly distributed in the polymer or be present therein as blocks.

The polyalkylene oxides of component (a) may be the corresponding polyalkylene glycols in free form, that is, with OH end groups, or they may be capped at one or both end groups. Suitable end groups may be, for example, C1-C25-alkyl, phenyl, and C1-C14-alkylphenyl groups. The end group may be a C1-alkyl (e.g., methyl) group. Suitable materials for the graft base may include PEG 1000, PEG 2000, PEG 4000, PEG 6000, PEG 8000, PEG 10000, PEG 12000, and/or PEG 20000, which are polyethylene glycols, and/or MPEG 2000, MPEG 4000, MPEG 6000, MPEG 8000 and MEG 10000 which are monomethoxypolyethylene glycols that are commercially available from BASF under the tradename PLURIOL and/or block copolymers made from ethylene oxide-propylene oxide-ethylene oxide (EO-PO-EO) or from propylene oxide-ethylene oxide-propylene oxide (PO-EO-PO) such as PE 6100, PE 6800 or PE 3100 commercially available from BASF under the tradename PLURONIC.

The graft copolymers of the present disclosure may be characterized by relatively low degree of branching (i.e., degree of grafting) . In the graft copolymers of the present disclosure, the average number of grafting sites may be less than or equal to 1.0, or less than or equal to 0.8, or less than or equal to 0.6, or less than or equal to 0.5, or less than or equal to 0.4, per 50 alkylene oxide groups, e.g., ethylene oxide groups. The graft copolymers may comprise, on average, based on the reaction mixture obtained, at least 0.05, or at least 0.1, graft site per 50 alkylene oxide groups, e.g., ethylene oxide groups. The degree of branching may be determined, for example, by means of ¹³C NMR spectroscopy from the integrals of the signals of the graft sites and the -CH₂-groups of the polyalkylene oxide.

The number of grafting sites may be adjusted by manipulating the temperature and/or the feed rate of the monomers. For example, the polymerization may be carried out in such a way that an excess of component (a) and the formed graft copolymer is constantly present in the reactor. For example, the quantitative molar ratio of component (a) and polymer to ungrafted monomer (and initiator, if any) is generally greater than or equal to 10: 1, or to 15: 1, or to 20: 1.

The polyalkylene oxides are grafted with N-vinylpyrrolidone as the monomer of component (b) . Without wishing to be bound by theory, it is believed that the presence of the N-vinylpyrrolidone ( “VP” ) monomer in the graft copolymers according to the present disclosure provides water-solubility and good film-forming properties compared to otherwise-similar polymers that do not contain the N-vinylpyrrolidone monomer. The vinyl pyrrolidone repeat unit has amphiphilic character with a polar amide group that can form a dipole, and a non-polar portion with the methylene groups in the backbone and the ring, making it hydrophobic.

The polyalkylene oxides are grafted with a vinyl ester as the monomer of component (c) . The vinyl ester may be derived from a saturated monocarboxylic acid, which may contain 1 to 6 carbon atoms, or from 1 to 3 carbon atoms, or from 1 to 2 carbon atoms, or 1 carbon atom. Suitable vinyl esters may be selected from the group consisting of vinyl formate, vinyl acetate, vinyl propionate, vinyl butyrate, vinyl valerate, vinyl iso-valerate, vinyl caproate, or mixtures thereof. Preferred monomers of component (c) include those selected from the group consisting of vinyl acetate, vinyl propionate, or mixtures thereof, preferably vinyl acetate.

Conventionally, molecular weights are expressed by their “K-values, ” which are derived from relative viscosity measurements. The graft copolymers may have a K value of from 5.0 to 200, optionally from 5.0 to 50, determined according to H. Fikentscher in 2%strength by weight solution in dimethylformamide at 25C.

The graft copolymers of the present disclosure may be characterized by a relatively narrow molar mass distribution. For example, the graft copolymers may be characterized by a polydispersity M_w/M_n of less than or equal to 3.0, or less than or equal to 2.5, or less than or equal to 2.3. The polydispersity of the graft copolymers may be from 1.5 to 2.2. The polydispersity may be determined by gel permeation chromatography using organic solvent such as hexafluoroisopropanol (HFIP) with multi-angle laser light scattering detection.

The mean molecular weight Mw of the preferred graft polymers may be from 3000 Da to 100,000 Da, preferably from 6000 Da to 45,000 Da, and more preferably from 8000 Da to 30,000 Da.

The graft copolymers may be prepared by grafting the suitable polyalkylene oxides of component (a) with the monomers of component (b) in the presence of free radical initiators and/or by the action of high-energy radiation, which may include the action of high-energy electrons. This may be done, for example, by dissolving the polyalkylene oxide in at least one monomer of group (b) , adding a polymerization initiator and polymerizing the mixture to completion. The graft polymerization may also be carried out semicontinuously by first introducing a portion, for example 10%, of the mixture of polyalkylene oxide to be polymerized, at least one monomer of group (b) and/or (c) and initiator, heating to polymerization temperature and, after the polymerization has started, adding the remainder of the mixture to be polymerized at a rate commensurate with the rate of polymerization. The graft copolymers may also be obtained by introducing the polyalkylene oxides of group (a) into a reactor, heating to the polymerization temperature, and adding at least one monomer of group (b) and/or (c) and polymerization initiator, either all at once, a little at a time, or uninterruptedly, optionally uninterruptedly, and polymerizing.

In the preparation of the graft copolymers, the order in which the monomers (b) and (c) are grafted onto component (a) may be immaterial and/or freely chooseable. For example, first N-vinylpyrrolidone may be grafted onto component (a) , and then a monomer (c) or a mixture of monomers of group (c) . It is also possible to first graft the monomers of group (c) and then N-vinylpyrrolidone onto the graft base (a) . It may be that a monomer mixture of (b) and (c) are grafted onto graft base (a) in one step. The graft copolymer may be prepared by providing graft base (a) and then first grafting N-vinylpyrrolidone and then vinyl acetate onto the graft base.

Any suitable polymerization initiator (s) may be used, which may include organic peroxides such as diacetyl peroxide, dibenzoyl peroxide, succinyl peroxide, di-tert-butyl peroxide, tert-butyl perbenzoate, tert-butyl perpivalate, tert-butyl permaleate, cumene hydroperoxide, diisopropyl peroxodicarbamate, bis (o-toluoyl) peroxide, didecanoyl peroxide, dioctanoyl peroxide, dilauroyl peroxide, tert-butyl perisobutyrate, tert-butyl peracetate, di-tert-amyl peroxide, tert-butyl peracetate, di-tert-amyl peroxide, tert-butyl hydroperoxide, mixtures thereof, redox initiators, and/or azo starters. The choice of initiator may be related to the choice of polymerization temperature.

The graft polymerization may take place at from 50℃ to 200℃, or from 70℃ to 140℃. The graft polymerization may typically be carried out under atmospheric pressure, but may also be carried out under reduced or superatmospheric pressure.

The graft polymerization may be carried out in a solvent. Suitable solvents may include: monohydric alcohols, such as ethanol, propanols, and/or butanols; polyhydric alcohols, such as ethylene glycol and/or propylene glycol; alkylene glycol ethers, such as ethylene glycol monomethyl and -ethyl ether and/or propylene glycol monomethyl and -ethyl ether; polyalkylene glycols, such as di-or tri-ethylene glycol and/or di-or tri-propylene glycol; polyalkylene glycol monoethers, such as poly (C2-C3-alkylene) glycol mono (C1-C16-alkyl) ethers having 3-20 alkylene glycol units; carboxylic esters, such as ethyl acetate and ethyl propionate; aliphatic ketones, such as acetone and/or cyclohexanone; cyclic ethers, such as tetrahydrofuran and/or dioxane; or mixtures thereof.

The graft polymerization may also be carried out in water as solvent. In such cases, the first step may be to introduce a solution which, depending on the amount of added monomers of component (b) , is more or less soluble in water. To transfer water-insoluble products that can form during the polymerization into solution, it is possible, for example, to add organic solvents, for example monohydric alcohols having 1 to 3 carbon atoms, acetone, and/or dimethylformamide. In a graft polymerization process in water, it is also possible to transfer the water-insoluble graft copolymers into a finely divided dispersion by adding customary emulsifiers or protective colloids, for example polyvinyl alcohol. The emulsifiers used may be ionic or nonionic surfactants whose HLB value is from 3.0 to 13. HLB value is determined according to the method described in the paper by W. C. Griffin in J. Soc. Cosmet. Chem. 5 (1954) , 249.

The amount of surfactant used in the graft polymerization process may be from 0.1 to 5.0 %by weight of the graft copolymer. If water is used as the solvent, solutions or dispersions of graft copolymers may be obtained. If solutions of graft copolymers are prepared in an organic solvent or in mixtures of an organic solvent and water, the amount of organic solvent or solvent mixture used per 100 parts by weight of the graft copolymer may be from 5 to 200, optionally from 10 to 100, parts by weight.

After the graft polymerization, the graft copolymer may optionally be subjected to a partial hydrolysis, e.g., 1.0 mol%, 10 mol%, 20 mol%, 30 mol%, 40 mol%, 50 mol%, 60 mol%, 70 mol%, or any ranges there between. For instance, the hydrolysis of graft copolymers prepared using vinyl acetate or vinyl propionate as component (c) gives graft copolymers containing vinyl alcohol units. The hydrolysis may be carried out, for example, by adding a base, such as sodium hydroxide solution or potassium hydroxide solution, or alternatively by adding acids and if necessary, heating the mixture.

Hydrophobic Benefit Agent

The detergent composition according to the present application may comprise a hydrophobic benefit agent selected from the group consisting of an anti-microbial agent, an anti-mite agent and any combinations thereof. Without wishing to be bound by theory, it is believed that the hydrophobic benefit agent will constantly function after it is deposited onto the fabrics during the washing.

Anti-microbial Agent

The hydrophobic benefit agent used in the detergent composition of the present invention may be an anti-microbial agent. The suitable anti-microbial agent can be a diphenyl ether.

Preferably, the anti-microbial agent is a hydroxyl diphenyl ether. The anti-microbial agent herein can be either halogenated or non-halogenated, but preferably is halogenated. In one embodiment, the anti-microbial agent is a hydroxyl diphenyl ether of formula (I) :

wherein:

each Z is independently selected from SO₂H, NO₂, or C₁-C₄ alkyl,

r is 0, 1, 2, or 3, preferably is 1 or 2,

o is 0, 1, 2, or 3, preferably is 0, 1 or 2,

p is 0, 1, or 2, preferably is 0,

m is 0 or 1, preferably is 0, and

n is 1or 2, preferably is 1.

In the above definition for formula (I) , 0 means nil. For example, when p is 0, then there is no Z in formula (I) . Each Y and each Z could be the same or different. In one embodiment, o is 1, r is 2, and Y is chlorine or bromine. This embodiment could be: one chlorine atom bonds to a benzene ring while the bromine atom and the other chlorine atom bond to the other benzene ring; or the bromine atom bonds to a benzene ring while the two chlorine atoms bond to the other benzene ring.

More Preferably, the anti-microbial agent is selected from the group consisting of 4, 4’-dichloro-2-hydroxydiphenyl ether ( “Diclosan” ) , 2, 4, 4’-trichloro-2’-hydroxydiphenyl ether ( “Triclosan” ) , and a combination thereof. Most preferably, the anti-microbial agent is 4, 4’-dichloro-2-hydroxydiphenyl ether, commercially available from BASF, under the trademark name

In some embodiments, the composition of the present invention comprises from about 0.001%to about 5%, preferably from about 0.005%to about 2%, more preferably from about 0.01%to about 1%, and most preferably from about 0.02%to about 0.8%, by weight of the composition, of the anti-microbial agent. For example, the anti-microbial agent can be present in the level of 0.01%, or 0.02%, or 0.03%, or 0.05%, or 0.1%, or 0.2%, or 0.3%, or 0.5%, or 0.8%, or 1%, or 1.2%, or 1.5%, or any ranges therebetween, by weight of the composition.

In some embodiments, the weight ratio of the graft copolymer to the anti-microbial agent in the composition of the present invention is from about 100: 1 to about 1: 1, preferably from about 70: 1 to about 3: 1, more preferably from about 50: 1 to about 7: 1, and most preferably from about 30: 1 to about 10: 1.

Anti-mite Agent

Dust mites may be one of the most prevalent indoor allergens. They are potentially responsible for from 50 to 80 percent of all asthma cases, and countless cases of eczema, hay fever and other allergic reactions. Dust mites can burrow and cling to fabrics, mostly in carpet, household upholstery, mattress, beddings, and sometimes clothing.

Correspondingly, it is desirable to provide a detergent composition with anti-mite benefits. There are a number of known anti-mite actives to date, including certain plant extracts, certain natural essential oils, phenol derivatives, antibiotic natamycin, zirconium phosphate, gamma-hexachlorocyclohexane, pirimiphos methyl, diethyl-m-toluamide, dibutyl phthalate, benzyl benzoate, thiabendazole, p-menthane-3, 8-diol, tannic acid, N-lower alkyl neoalkanamides, propylene glycol monooleate, propylene glycol mono-linoleate, propylene glycol linolenate, and the like.

In some embodiments, the hydrophobic benefit agent is an anti-mite agent, which is preferably benzyl benzoate.

In an embodiment, the composition of the present invention comprises from about 0.01%to about 10%, preferably from about 0.2%to about 9%, more preferably from about 0.5%to about 8%, and most preferably from about 1%to about 7%, by weight of the composition, of the anti-mite agent. In a preferred embodiment, the composition comprises from about 0.1%to about 10%, preferably from about 0.5%to about 8%, more preferably from about 1%to about 7%, and most preferably from about 1.2%to about 6.8%, by weight of the composition, of benzyl benzoate. For example, the benzyl benzoate can be present in the level of 0.2%, or 0.5%, or 1%, or 2%, or 3%, or 5%, or 6%, or 7%, or 8%, or 9%, or any ranges therebetween, by weight of the composition.

In some embodiments, the weight ratio of the graft copolymer to the anti-mite agent in the composition of the present invention is from about 10: 1 to about 1: 10, preferably from about 5: 1 to about 1: 5, more preferably from about 3: 1 to about 1: 3, and most preferably from about 2.5: 1 to about 1: 2.5.

Surfactant System

Preferably, the composition comprises from 1%to 99%, preferably from 4%to 80%, preferably from 6%to 50%, more preferably from 10%to 30%, e.g., 5%, 10%, 15%, 20%, 25%, 30%, 35%, 40%, 45%, 50%, 60%, 70%, 80%, 90%or any ranges therebetween, by weight of the composition, of a surfactant system. Particularly, the surfactant system may comprise an anionic surfactant and a nonionic surfactant.

The anionic surfactant suitable for the composition in the present invention may be selected from the group consisting of C₆-C₂₀ linear alkylbenzene sulfonates (LAS) , C₆-C₂₀ alkyl sulfates (AS) , C₆-C₂₀ alkyl alkoxy sulfates (AAS) , C₆-C₂₀ methyl ester sulfonates (MES) , C₆-C₂₀ alkyl ether carboxylates (AEC) , and any combinations thereof. For example, the laundry detergent composition may contain a C₆-C₂₀ alkyl alkoxy sulfates (AA_xS) , wherein x is about 1-30, preferably about 1-15, more preferably about 1-10, most preferably x is about 1-3. The alkyl chain in such AA_xS can be either linear or branched, with mid-chain branched AA_xS surfactants being particularly preferred. A preferred group of AA_xS include C₁₂-C₁₄ alkyl alkoxy sulfates with x of about 1-3. In some embodiments, the composition comprises from 1%to 30%, preferably from 2%to 25%, more preferably from 3%to 20%, for example, 4%, 5%, 6%, 7%, 8%, 9%, 10%, 12%, 14%, 16%, 18%, 20%, or any ranges therebetween, by weight of the composition of the anionic surfactant.

The nonionic surfactant suitable for the composition in the present invention may be selected from the group consisting of alkyl alkoxylated alcohols, alkyl alkoxylated phenols, alkyl polysaccharides, polyhydroxy fatty acid amides, alkoxylated fatty acid esters, sucrose esters, sorbitan esters and alkoxylated derivatives of sorbitan esters, and any combinations thereof. Non-limiting examples of nonionic surfactants suitable for use herein include: C₁₂-C₁₈ alkyl ethoxylates, such as nonionic surfactants available from Shell; C₆-C₁₂ alkyl phenol alkoxylates wherein the alkoxylate units are a mixture of ethyleneoxy and propyleneoxy units; C₁₂-C₁₈ alcohol and C₆-C₁₂ alkyl phenol condensates with ethylene oxide/propylene oxide block alkyl polyamine ethoxylates such as available from BASF; C₁₄-C₂₂ mid-chain branched alkyl alkoxylates, BAEx, wherein x is from about 1 to about 30; alkylpolysaccharides, specifically alkylpolyglycosides; polyhydroxy fatty acid amides; and ether capped poly (oxyalkylated) alcohol surfactants. Also useful herein as nonionic surfactants are alkoxylated ester surfactants such as those having the formula R¹C (O) O (R₂O) nR³ wherein R¹ is selected from linear and branched C₆-C₂₂ alkyl or alkylene moieties; R² is selected from C₂H₄ and C₃H₆ moieties and R³ is selected from H, CH₃, C₂H₅ and C₃H₇ moieties; and n has a value between about 1 and about 20. Such alkoxylated ester surfactants include the fatty methyl ester ethoxylates (MEE) and are well-known in the art. In some particular embodiments, the alkoxylated nonionic surfactant contained by the laundry detergent composition of the present invention is a C₆-C₂₀ alkoxylated alcohol, preferably C₈-C₁₈ alkoxylated alcohol, more preferably C₁₀-C₁₆ alkoxylated alcohol. The C₆-C₂₀ alkoxylated alcohol is preferably an alkyl alkoxylated alcohol with an average degree of alkoxylation of from about 1 to about 50, preferably from about 3 to about 30, more preferably from about 5 to about 20, even more preferably from about 5 to about 9. In some embodiments, the composition comprises from 1%to 30%, preferably from 2%to 25%, more preferably from 3%to 20%, for example, 4%, 5%, 6%, 7%, 8%, 9%, 10%, 12%, 14%, 16%, 18%, 20%, or any ranges therebetween, by weight of the composition of the nonionic surfactant.

The ratio of anionic surfactant to nonionic surfactant may be between 0.01 and 100, preferably between 0.05 and 20, more preferably between 0.1 and 10, and most preferably between 0.2 and 5.

In some embodiments, the anionic surfactant comprises a C₆-C₂₀ linear alkylbenzene sulfonate surfactant (LAS) , preferably C₁₀-C₁₆ LAS, and more preferably C₁₂-C₁₄ LAS. In other embodiments, the anionic surfactant comprises a C₆-C₂₀ alkyl alkoxy sulfates (AAS) , preferably C₁₀-C₁₆ AAS, and more preferably C₁₂-C₁₄ AAS. In other embodiments, the anionic surfactant comprises a C₆-C₂₀ alkyl sulfates (AS) , preferably C₁₀-C₁₆ AS, and more preferably C₁₂-C₁₄ AS.

In some particular embodiments of the present invention, the anionic surfactant may be present as the main surfactant, preferably as the majority surfactant, in the composition. Preferably, the ratio of anionic surfactant to nonionic surfactant may be between 1.05 and 100, preferably between 1.1 and 20, more preferably between 1.2 and 10, and most preferably between 1.3 and 5. Particularly, the anionic surfactant may comprise C₆-C₂₀ linear alkylbenzene sulfonates (LAS) .

In some particular embodiments of the present invention, the nonionic surfactant may be present as the main surfactant, preferably as the majority surfactant, in the composition. Preferably, the ratio of anionic surfactant to nonionic surfactant may be between 0.01 and 0.95, preferably between 0.05 and 0.9, more preferably between 0.1 and 0.85, and most preferably between 0.2 and 0.8. Particularly, the nonionic surfactant may comprise C₆-C₂₀ alkoxylated alcohol.

The laundry detergent composition of the present invention may further comprise a cationic surfactant. Non-limiting examples of cationic surfactants include: quaternary ammonium surfactants, which can have up to 26 carbon atoms include: alkoxylate quaternary ammonium (AQA) surfactants; dimethyl hydroxyethyl quaternary ammonium compounds; dimethyl diisopropyl quaternary ammonium compounds; dimethyl hydroxyethyl lauryl ammonium chloride; polyamine cationic surfactants; and amino surfactants, specifically amido propyldimethyl amine (APA) .

The laundry detergent composition of the present invention may further comprise an amphoteric surfactant. Non-limiting examples of amphoteric surfactants include: amine oxides, derivatives of secondary and tertiary amines, derivatives of heterocyclic secondary and tertiary amines, or derivatives of quaternary ammonium, quaternary phosphonium or tertiary sulfonium compounds. Preferred examples include: C₆-C₂₀ alkyldimethyl amine oxides, betaine, including alkyl dimethyl betaine and cocodimethyl amidopropyl betaine, sulfo and hydroxy betaines, such as N-alkyl-N, N-dimethylammino-1-propane sulfonate where the alkyl group can be C₈-C₁₈ or C₁₀-C₁₄.

Other Ingredients

The laundry detergent composition according to the present disclosure may further comprise from 0.01%to 10%, preferably from 0.1%to 5%, more preferably from 0.2%to 3%, most preferably from 0.3%to 2%, by weight of the composition, of a surfactant boosting polymer, preferably polyvinyl acetate grafted polyethylene oxide copolymer.

The laundry detergent composition herein may comprise adjunct ingredients. Suitable adjunct materials include but are not limited to: builders, chelating agents, rheology modifiers, dye transfer inhibiting agents, dispersants, enzymes, and enzyme stabilizers, catalytic materials, bleach activators, hydrogen peroxide, sources of hydrogen peroxide, preformed peracids, polymeric dispersing agents, clay soil removal/anti-redeposition agents, brighteners, suds suppressors, dyes, photobleaches, perfumes, perfume microcapsules, structure elasticizing agents, fabric softeners, carriers, hydrotropes, processing aids, solvents, hueing agents, structurants and/or pigments. The precise nature of these adjunct ingredients and the levels thereof in the laundry detergent composition will depend on the physical form of the composition and the nature of the cleaning operation for which it is to be used.

In some embodiments, the laundry detergent composition according to the present disclosure may further comprise from 0.01%to 2%, preferably from 0.1%to 1%, for example, 0.2%, 0.5%, 0.8%, 1%, or any ranges thereof, by weight of the composition, of a fluorescent whitening agent (e.g., brightener) .

In some embodiments, the laundry detergent composition according to the present disclosure may further comprise from 0.01%to 10%, preferably from 0.1%to 5%, more preferably from 0.2%to 4%, most preferably from 0.3%to 3%, for example, 0.5%, 1%, 2%, 3%, 4%, 5%or any ranges thereof, by weight of the composition, of a fatty acid.

Composition Preparation

The laundry detergent composition of the present invention is generally prepared by conventional methods such as those known in the art of making laundry detergent compositions. Such methods typically involve mixing the essential and optional ingredients in any desired order to a relatively uniform state, with or without heating, cooling, application of vacuum, and the like, thereby providing laundry detergent compositions containing ingredients in the requisite concentrations.

Film

As described above, the detergent composition can be encapsulated in a water-soluble film, to form a unit dose article. Such unit-dose articles can be formed using any means known in the art. Suitable unit-dose articles can comprise one compartment, wherein the compartment comprises the liquid laundry detergent composition. Alternatively, the unit-dose articles can be multi-compartment unit-dose articles, wherein at least one compartment comprises the liquid laundry detergent composition.

Example water soluble film materials comprise polymeric materials. The film material can, for example, be obtained by casting, blow-moulding, extrusion or blown extrusion of the polymeric material. In some examples, the water-soluble film comprises polyvinyl alcohol homopolymer or polyvinyl alcohol copolymer, for example a blend of polyvinylalcohol homopolymers and/or polyvinylalcohol copolymers, wherein the polyvinyl alcohol copolymers preferably are selected from sulphonated and carboxylated anionic polyvinylalcohol copolymers especially carboxylated anionic polyvinylalcohol copolymers, for example a blend of a polyvinylalcohol homopolymer and a carboxylated anionic polyvinylalcohol copolymer, alternatively a blend of two or more preferably two polyvinyl alcohol homopolymers. In another example the water-soluble film comprises a single polyvinyl alcohol polymer, more preferably a carboxylated anionic polyvinylalcohol copolymer. In some examples water soluble films are those supplied by Monosol under the trade references M8630, M8900, M8779, M8310. In some examples the film may be opaque, transparent or translucent. The film may comprise a printed area. The area of print may be achieved using techniques such as flexographic printing or inkjet printing.

Method of Use

Another aspect of the present invention is directed to a method of using the laundry detergent composition to treat a fabric. Such method can deliver a color protection benefit. The method comprises the step of administering from 5 g to 120 g of the above-mentioned laundry detergent composition into a laundry washing basin comprising water to form a washing solution. The washing solution in a laundry washing basin herein preferably has a volume from 1 L to 65 L, alternatively from 1 L to 20 L for hand washing and from 10 L to 65 L for machine washing. The temperatures of the laundry washing solution preferably range from 5℃ to 60℃.

In some embodiments, the composition is added to a washing machine via a dispenser (e.g., a dosing drawer) . In some other embodiments, the composition is added to an automatic dosing washing machine via an automatic dosing mechanism. In some other embodiments, the composition is added directly to a drum of a washing machine. In some other embodiments, the composition is added directly to the wash liquor.

The dosing amount in the method herein may be different depending on the washing type. In one embodiment, the method comprises administering from about 5 g to about 60 g of the laundry detergent composition into a hand washing basin (e.g., about 2-4 L) . In an alternative embodiment, the method comprises administering from about 5 g to about 100 g, preferably from about 10 g to about 65 g of the laundry detergent composition into a washing machine (e.g., about 10-45 L) .

Test Method

Test 1: Anti-microbial Deposition Test

Anti-microbial Deposition Test is conducted as below:

1) Fabric Treatment in a Full Scale Programmable Machine.

Programmable machines (Electrolux W565H) is pre-washed in a self-clean model (90 ℃ water, 1 hour cycle) every time before washing fabrics.

Cotton fabrics (Heavy Cotton, CW98, from Daxin Textile Co. Beijing China) are washed (5cmx5cm, 4 test fabrics in each washing machine) with 31.43g of Samples (i.e., detergent compositions) in different machines and samples as table below:

Test fabrics are washed together with 0.65kg ballast (cotton to fabric ratio 1: 1) and one half piece of soil ballast sheets (SBL2004 available from WfK Testgewebe GmbH, Brüggen, Germany) under cycling below:

After drying the washed fabric at room temperature for 12 hours, deposition of the anti-microbial agent is determined by using LCMS measurements

2) Deposition of Anti-microbial Agent

The Anti-microbial agent (e.g., 4-4’-dichloro-2-hydroxy diphenyl ether) deposited on fabric via laundry is extracted by using methanol with the aid of ASE (Accelerated Solvent Extractor) . The extraction is subjected to gradient reversed-phase high performance liquid chromatographic (HPLC) separation on a Waters Acquity UPLC C18 column and quantified by tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS) operating under multiple reaction monitoring (MRM) conditions at negative mode. Calibration standards (STD) , method Quality Control (QC) are prepared and specimen are diluted with 50%methanol/50%water mix solvent. The nominal range of quantitation is 0.5 to 500 ng/mL. Specimen concentrations are determined by back-calculation using a weighted (1/x²) quadratic regression of calibration curve generated from STDs.

Test 2: Anti-mite Deposition Test

Anti-mite Deposition Test is conducted as below:

3) Fabric Treatment in a Full Scale Programmable Machine.

Programmable machines (Electrolux W565H) are pre-washed in a self-clean model (90 ℃ water, 1 hour cycle) every time before washing fabrics.

Cotton fabrics (100%Cotton shirt (ACA71A1A) , from Muji) are washed (11cmx17cm, 3test fabrics in each washing machine) (i.e., detergent compositions) in different machines and samples as table below:

Test fabrics are washed together with 1.7kg ballast (cotton to fabric ratio 8: 2) and half piece of soil ballast sheets (SBL2004 available from WfK Testgewebe GmbH, Brüggen, Germany) under cycling below:

Haier Mix HDL30:

After drying the washed fabric at room temperature for 12 hours, deposition of the anti-mite agent is determined by using GC-MS measurements.

4) Deposition of Anti-mite Agent

The Anti-Mite agent BB (benzyl benzoate) deposited on fabric via laundry is extracted by using ethanol with the aid of ASE (Accelerated Solvent Extractor) . The extraction is analyzed by GC-MS (Agilent Technologies Gas Chromatograph 7890B-Mass Selective Detector 5977B) equipped withJ&W^TM DB-5ms Ultra Inert Column (30m length x 0.25mm internal diameter x 0.25μm film thickness) . The following settings are used for Front Split/Splitless inlet helium: Split ratio 10: 1, Heater on 280℃, Pressure 13.81psi, Flow 1.6mL/min. The following settings are used for oven: 50℃ initial temperature and 0.5 min hold time, 17℃/min heating program to 280℃ and hold time 4mins. SIM mode is used for MSD and number of Ions is 5: 57.00, 50/71.00, 50/91.00, 50/105.00, 100/212.00, 50 (Mass, Dwell) . BB is identified by matching retention time and mass spectra with that of BB raw material standard. Deposition amount (BB/fabric: mg/g) is calibrated by external standard curve (Tetradecane as Internal standard) by spiking different amount of BB onto clean/blank fabrics and then extracted/treated using same procedures with testing samples.

EXAMPLES

Synthesis Example 1: Synthesis of Graft Copolymer

A graft polymer which is PVP/PVAc-g-PEG at a weight ratio of 20: 30: 50 ratio with a weight average molecular weight 16,800 Dalton is prepared as follows.

A polymerization vessel equipped with stirrer and reflux condenser is initially charged with 720g of PEG (6000 g/mol) and 60g 1, 2-propane diol (MPG) under nitrogen atmosphere. The mixture is homogenized at 70℃.

Then, 432 g of vinyl acetate (in 2 h) , 288 g of vinylpyrrolidone in 576 g of MPG (in 5 h) , and 30.2 g of tert. -butyl perpivalate in 196.6 g MPG (in 5.5 h) are metered in. Upon complete addition of the feeds, the solution is stirred at 70℃ for 1 h. Subsequently, 3.8 g tert. -butyl perpivalate in 25.0 g MPG (in 1.5 h) are metered in followed by 0.5 h of stirring.

The volatiles are removed by vacuum stripping. Then, 676.8 g deionized water are added and a steam distillation is conducted at 100℃ for 1 h.

The temperature of the reaction mixture is reduced to 80℃ and 160.6 g of aqueous sodium hydroxide solution (50 %, 40 mol%respective VAc) is added with maximum feed rate. Upon complete addition of the sodium hydroxide solution, the mixture is stirred for 1 h at 80℃ and subsequently cooled to ambient temperature.

The resulting graft polymer is characterized by a K-value of 24. The solid content of the final solution is 45 %.

Example 1: Improved Deposition of Anti-microbial Agent on Fabrics in the Presence of Graft Copolymer

Two (2) sample liquid laundry detergent compositions are prepared containing the following ingredients. Comparative Sample 1 does not contain a graft copolymer but only an anti-microbial agent (i.e., 4, 4’-dichloro-2-hydroxydiphenyl ether) . The Inventive Sample 1 contains both a graft copolymer and the anti-microbial agent.

Table 1

¹ Graft copolymer described in Synthesis Example 1 with PVP/PVAc-g-PEG at a weight ratio of 20: 30: 50
ratio with a weight average molecular weight 16, 800 Dalton.
is 4, 4’-dichloro-2-hydroxydiphenyl ether, available from BASF

In accordance with Test 1: Anti-microbial Deposition Test as described hereinabove, the deposition of the anti-microbial agent for Comparative Sample 1 and Inventive Sample 1 are measured. Eight replicates (i.e., eight test fabrics) are tested for each sample. The average deposition amount and standard deviations are shown in Table 2.

Table 2

The results indicate that the introduction of the graft copolymer can significantly reduce the standard deviation of the deposition of anti-microbial agent (0.13 vs. 0.26) . In other words, the combination of the anti-microbial agent and the graft copolymer can provide a significantly increased uniformity of deposition of the anti-microbial agent compared to a detergent formulation containing the anti-microbial agent only. Without wishing to be bound by theory, it is believed that the anti-microbial agent will constantly function after it is deposited onto the fabrics. As such, the increased uniformity of deposition of the anti-microbial agent would result in improved anti-microbial efficacy (i.e., to avoid some regions without a sufficient amount of deposited anti-microbial agent) . Accordingly, the combination of an anti-microbial agent and a graft copolymer can deliver an improved anti-microbial benefit.

Example 2: Improved Deposition of Anti-mite Agent on Fabrics in the Presence of Graft Copolymer

The following unit dose detergent compositions as shown in Table 3 are made comprising the listed ingredients in the listed proportions (weight %) . These compositions are encapsulated into compartment (s) of the unit dose by using a polyvinyl-alcohol-based film. Comparative Sample 2 does not contain a graft copolymer but only an anti-mite agent (i.e., benzyl benzoate) . The Inventive Sample 1 contains both a graft copolymer and the anti-mite agent.

Table 3

¹ Graft copolymer described in Synthesis Example 1 with PVP/PVAc-g-PEG at a weight ratio of 20: 30: 50 ratio with
a weight average molecular weight 16,800 Dalton.
² anti-mite agent is benzyl benzoate.
³ Brightener 49 Premix comprises 8.4%active brightener 49, 39.5%nonionic surfactant and 39.5%propylene glycol
⁴DTI polymer, poly (1-vinylpyrrolidone-co-1-vinylimidazole) , commercially available as HP 56K from
BASF

In accordance with Test 2: Anti-mite Deposition Test as described hereinabove, the deposition of the anti-microbial agent for Comparative Sample 1 and Inventive Sample 1 are measured, except that the detergent composition is in a unit dose article form, and the washing step comprises adding the unit dose detergent composition to sufficient water to dilute by a factor of at least 300 fold to create a wash liquor and contacting items to be washed with said wash liquor.

Twelve replicates (i.e., 12 test fabrics) are tested for each sample. The average amount of the deposition amounts for each fabric and standard deviations are shown in Table 4.

Table 4

The results indicate that the introduction of the graft copolymer can significantly reduce the standard deviation of the deposition of anti-mite agent (0.075 &0.044 vs. 0.111) . In other words, the combination of the anti-mite agent and the graft copolymer can provide a significantly increased uniformity of deposition of the anti-mite agent compared to a detergent formulation containing the anti-mite agent only. And the increase of the graft copolymer amount even provides improvement of the deposition as well as the uniformity of deposition (Inventive Sample 3 vs. Inventive Sample 2) . Without wishing to be bound by theory, it is believed that the anti-mite agent will constantly function after it is deposited onto the fabrics. As such, the increased uniformity of deposition of the anti-mite agent would result in improved anti-mite efficacy (i.e., to avoid some regions without a sufficient amount of deposited anti-mite agent) . Accordingly, the combination of an anti-mite agent and a graft copolymer can deliver an improved anti-mite benefit.

Example 3: Exemplary Formulations of Liquid Laundry Detergent Compositions Containing Graft Copolymer and the hydrophobic benefit agents

The following liquid laundry detergent compositions as shown in Table 5 are made comprising the listed ingredients in the listed proportions (weight %) .

Table 5

¹ Graft copolymer, with PVP/PVOH/PVAc-PEG at 20: 13: 17: 50 ratio with MW 16,000 Dalton.
² DTI polymer, poly (1-vinylpyrrolidone-co-1-vinylimidazole) , commercially available asHP 56K from
BASF
³ the anti-mite agent is benzyl benzoate.
⁴ the anti-microbial agent isis 4, 4’-dichloro-2-hydroxydiphenyl ether, available from BASF

Table 5 (continued)

¹ Graft copolymer, with PVP/PVOH/PVAc-PEG at 20: 13: 17: 50 ratio with MW 16,000 Dalton.
² DTI polymer, poly (1-vinylpyrrolidone-co-1-vinylimidazole) , commercially available asHP 56K from
BASF
³ the anti-mite agent is benzyl benzoate.
⁴ the anti-microbial agent isis 4, 4’-dichloro-2-hydroxydiphenyl ether, available from BASF

Example 4: Exemplary Formulations of Unit Dose Laundry Detergent Compositions Containing Graft Copolymer and the hydrophobic benefit agents

The unit dose article comprises one single chamber or multiple compartments. The compartments may be arranged in superposed orientation, i.e., one positioned on top of the other, alternatively, the compartments may be positioned in a side-by-side orientation. The following are exemplary water-soluble unit dose formulations. The composition can be part of a single chamber water soluble unit dose article or can be split over multiple compartments resulting in below “averaged across compartments” full article composition. The below composition is enclosed in a polyvinyl alcohol based water soluble film, more specifically a water soluble film comprising a blend of a polyvinylalcohol homopolymer and a carboxylated anionic polyvinylalcohol copolymer, alternatively a water soluble film comprising a carboxylated anionic polyvinylalcohol copolymer such as M8630 or M8310 ex the MonoSol company.

The following unit dose laundry detergent compositions as shown in Table 6 are made comprising the listed ingredients in the listed proportions (weight %) .

Table 6

¹ Graft copolymer described in Synthesis Example 1 with PVP/PVAc-g-PEG at a weight ratio of 20: 30: 50 ratio with
MW 16,800 Dalton.
² DTI polymer, poly (1-vinylpyrrolidone-co-1-vinylimidazole) , commercially available asHP 56K from
BASF
³ the anti-mite agent is benzyl benzoate.
⁴ the anti-microbial agent isis 4, 4’-dichloro-2-hydroxydiphenyl ether, available from BASF
⁵ SRP polymer: ethoxylated polyethyleneimine commercially available from BASF.
⁶Organic solvent: can be selected from PEG (200-3000) , 1, 2-propane diol, Glycerin, DPG (DiPropyleneGlycol) ,
TPG (TriPropyleneGlycol)

The dimensions and values disclosed herein are not to be understood as being strictly limited to the exact numerical values recited. Instead, unless otherwise specified, each such dimension is intended to mean both the recited value and a functionally equivalent range surrounding that value. For example, a dimension disclosed as “40 mm” is intended to mean “about 40 mm. ”

Every document cited herein, including any cross referenced or related patent or application and any patent application or patent to which this application claims priority or benefit thereof, is hereby incorporated herein by reference in its entirety unless expressly excluded or otherwise limited. The citation of any document is not an admission that it is prior art with respect to any invention disclosed or claimed herein or that it alone, or in any combination with any other reference or references, teaches, suggests or discloses any such invention. Further, to the extent that any meaning or definition of a term in this document conflicts with any meaning or definition of the same term in a document incorporated by reference, the meaning or definition assigned to that term in this document shall govern.

While particular embodiments of the present invention have been illustrated and described, it would be obvious to those skilled in the art that various other changes and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. It is therefore intended to cover in the appended claims all such changes and modifications that are within the scope of this invention.

Claims

A laundry detergent composition, comprising:

1) a graft copolymer comprising:

a) polyalkylene oxide which has a number average molecular weight of from 1000 to 20,000 Daltons and is based on ethylene oxide, propylene oxide, butylene oxide or mixtures thereof;

b) N-vinylpyrrolidone; and

c) vinyl ester derived from a saturated monocarboxylic acid containing from 1 to 6 carbon atoms and/or a methyl or ethyl ester of acrylic or methacrylic acid;

wherein the weight ratio of (a) : (b) is from 1: 0.1 to 1: 2, and

wherein the amount, by weight, of (a) is greater than the amount of (c) ; and

2) a hydrophobic benefit agent selected from the group consisting of an anti-microbial agent, an anti-mite agent and a combination thereof.
The laundry detergent composition according to Claim 1, wherein in the graft copolymer

a) the polyalkylene oxide comprises and preferably consists of ethylene oxide units, and

c) the vinyl ester comprises and preferably consists of vinyl acetate.
The laundry detergent composition according to Claim 1, wherein in the graft copolymer

a) the polyalkylene oxide comprises and preferably consists of ethylene oxide units and propylene oxide units, and

c) the vinyl ester comprises and preferably consists of vinyl acetate.
The laundry detergent composition according to any preceding claim, wherein the polyalkylene oxide has a number average molecular weight of from 2000 to 15,000 Daltons.
The laundry detergent composition according to any preceding claim, wherein in the graft copolymer, the weight ratio of (a) : (c) is from 1.0: 0.1 to 1.0: 0.99, preferably from 1.0: 0.3 to 1.0: 0.9.
The laundry detergent composition according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the graft copolymer has a weight average molecular weight of from 4,000 Da to 100,000 Da, preferably 5,000 Da to 100,000 Da, more preferably from 5,000 Da to 50,000 Da, most preferably from 8,000 Da to 20,000 Da.
The laundry detergent composition according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the composition comprises from 0.01%to 15%, preferably from 0.05%to 10%, and more preferably from 0.1%to 5%, by weight of the composition, of the graft copolymer.
The laundry detergent composition according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the hydrophobic benefit agent is an anti-microbial agent which is a diphenyl ether,

more preferably, wherein said anti-microbial agent is a hydroxyl diphenyl ether of formula (I) :

wherein:

each Y is independently selected from chlorine, bromine, or fluorine,

each Z is independently selected from SO₂H, NO₂, or C₁-C₄ alkyl,

r is 0, 1, 2, or 3,

o is 0, 1, 2, or 3,

p is 0, 1, or 2,

m is 0 or 1, and

n is 1 or 2.

most preferably, wherein said anti-microbial agent is 4, 4’-dichloro-2-hydroxydiphenyl ether.
The laundry detergent composition according to claim 8, wherein the anti-microbial agent is present at the level of from 0.001%to 5%, preferably from 0.01%to 2%, and more preferably from 0.02%to 1%, by weight of the composition.
The laundry detergent composition according to any one of claims 8 or 9, wherein the weight ratio of the graft copolymer to the anti-microbial agent is from 100: 1 to 1: 1, preferably from 70:1 to 3: 1, more preferably from 50: 1 to 7: 1, and most preferably from 30: 1 to 10: 1.
The laundry detergent composition according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the hydrophobic benefit agent is an anti-mite agent which is preferably benzyl benzoate.
The laundry detergent composition according to claim 11, wherein the anti-mite agent is present at the level of from 0.1%to 10%, preferably from 0.2%to 9%, and more preferably from 0.5%to 8%, by weight of the composition.
The laundry detergent composition according to any one of claims 11 or 12, wherein the weight ratio of the graft copolymer to the anti-mite agent is from 10: 1 to 1: 10, preferably from 5: 1 to 1: 5, and more preferably from 3: 1 to 1: 3.
The laundry detergent composition according to any of preceding claims, wherein the composition further comprises a treatment adjunct which is preferably selected from the group consisting of a surfactant system, fatty acids and/or salts thereof, enzymes, encapsulated benefit agents, soil release polymers, hueing agents, builders, chelating agents, dye transfer inhibiting agents, dispersants, enzyme stabilizers, catalytic materials, bleaching agents, bleach catalysts, bleach activators, polymeric dispersing agents, soil removal/anti-redeposition agents, polymeric grease cleaning agents, amphiphilic copolymers, brighteners, suds suppressors, dyes, hueing agents, perfume, structure elasticizing agents, fabric softeners, carriers, fillers, hydrotropes, solvents, and/or preservatives, neutralizers and/or pH adjusting agents, processing aids, rheology modifiers and/or structurants, opacifiers, pearlescent agents, pigments, anti-corrosion and/or anti-tarnishing agents, and mixtures thereof.
The laundry detergent composition according to any of preceding claims, wherein said composition is in the form of a liquid composition, a granular composition, a single-compartment pouch, a multi-compartment pouch, a sheet, a pastille or bead, a fibrous article, a tablet, a bar, flake, or a mixture thereof.