U.S. patent application number 09/818880 was filed with the patent office on 2002-08-01 for method for reducing wrinkles and improving feel in fabrics.
Invention is credited to Goodson, Susanne, Rodrigues, Klein A..
Application Number | 20020100122 09/818880 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 27108022 |
Filed Date | 2002-08-01 |
United States Patent
Application |
20020100122 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Rodrigues, Klein A. ; et
al. |
August 1, 2002 |
Method for reducing wrinkles and improving feel in fabrics
Abstract
The present invention is directed to a method for treating a
material to impart wrinkle reduction and temporary crease
resistance thereto, and improve feel. The method involves: applying
to said material a solution of a treatment composition in an amount
effective to impart temporary crease and stain resistance, said
treatment composition contains a hydroxy urea or hydroxy amide
compound; and allowing said treatment composition to dry at ambient
temperature, wherein said hydroxy urea compound comprises one urea
and at least one hydroxyl group and said hydroxy amide compound
comprises at least one amide group and at least one hydroxyl group.
The material treatment is useful in reducing wrinkles in clothing,
improving the feel of fabrics, and increasing the moisture
adsorbence and retention in natural and synthetic fabrics.
Inventors: |
Rodrigues, Klein A.; (Signal
Mountain, TN) ; Goodson, Susanne; (Warrington,
PA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Thomas F. Roland
NATIONAL STARCH AND CHEMICAL COMPANY
10 Finderne Ave.
Bridgewater
NJ
08807-0500
US
|
Family ID: |
27108022 |
Appl. No.: |
09/818880 |
Filed: |
March 27, 2001 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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09818880 |
Mar 27, 2001 |
|
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09708133 |
Nov 8, 2000 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
8/115.51 |
Current CPC
Class: |
C11D 3/32 20130101; C11D
3/323 20130101; D06M 2200/50 20130101; D06M 2200/20 20130101; D06M
13/419 20130101; D06M 13/432 20130101; C11D 3/0015 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
8/115.51 |
International
Class: |
D06M 010/00 |
Claims
1. A method for treating a material to impart wrinkle reduction and
temporary crease resistance thereto, and improve feel, comprising:
a) applying to said material a treatment composition in an amount
effective to impart temporary crease and stain resistance, said
treatment composition comprising a hydroxy compound; and b)
allowing said treatment composition to dry at ambient temperature
without requiring application of an external heat source, wherein
said hydroxy compound comprises either: 1) a hydroxy urea
comprising one urea and at least one hydroxyl moiety; or 2) a
hydroxy amide comprising at least one amide and at least one
hydroxyl moiety.
2. The method of claim 1 wherein said hydroxy compound comprises a
(hydroxyalkyl)urea, .beta.-hydroxyalkylamide, or combinations
thereof.
3. The method of claim 1 wherein said treatment composition further
comprises at least one compound selected from the group consisting
of surfactants; buffers; dyes; electrolytes; builders; modified or
unmodified cellulosic compounds; modified or unmodified starch;
polymers which are cationic, nonionic or zwitterionic; enzymes;
cyclodextrins; silicones; and fragrances.
4. The method of claim 2 wherein a) said (hydroxyalkyl)urea has the
structure 7R.sup.2 is H or R.sup.5, R.sup.3 is H or R, and R.sup.4
is H, R.sup.1, or R.sup.5, wherein 8wherein R.sup.8 is H, methyl or
ethyl, R.sup.9 is H, methyl or ethyl, and R.sup.10 is H, methyl or
ethyl; and b) said .beta.-hydroxyalkylamide has the structure
9wherein A is a bond, hydrogen, a monovalent or polyvalent organic
radical derived from a saturated or unsaturated alkyl containing
from 1 to 60 carbon atoms, aryl, tri-lower alkyleneamino or an
ethylenically unsaturated radical; R.sup.11 is selected from the
group consisting of hydrogen, lower alkyl having 1 to 5 carbon
atoms, and hydroxyalkyl having from 1 to 5 carbon atoms; R.sup.12
and R.sup.13 are independently selected from the group consisting
of hydrogen, straight or branched chain lower alkyl having from 1
to 5 carbon atoms, and one of the R.sup.12 and R.sup.13 radicals
joined together with the carbon atoms to which they are attached to
form a cycloalkyl; n is an integer of 1 or 2 and n' is an integer
of 0 to 2; n being 2 when n' is 0.
5. The method of claim 1 wherein said material comprises a natural
or synthetic material
6. The method of claim 5 wherein said material is selected from the
group consisting of cotton, rayon, linen, leather, silk,
polyester/cotton, polyester/rayon, and combinations thereof.
7. The method of claim 2 wherein said hydroxy compound is selected
from the group consisting of N,N-bis(2-hydroxyethyl)urea,
tetrakis(2-hydroxyethyl)urea, tris(2-hydroxyethyl)urea,
N,N'-bis(2-hydroxyethyl)urea, N,N'-bis(3-hydroxypropyl)urea,
N,N'-bis(4-hydroxybutyl)urea, 2-urea-2-ethyl-1,3-propanediol,
N-hydroxyethylurea, N-methyl-D-glocourea, and combinations
thereof.
8. The method according to claim 2 wherein said
.beta.-hydroxyalkylamide has the structure 10wherein m is 0 to 8;
R.sup.11 is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, lower
alkyl having 1 to 5 carbon atoms, and hydroxyalkyl having from 1 to
5 carbon atoms; and R.sup.13 is selected from hydrogen or straight
or branched chain lower alkyl having from 1 to 5 carbon atoms.
9. The method according to claim 8 wherein said
.beta.-hydroxyalkylamide has the structure 11wherein R.sup.13 is
hydrogen or methyl.
10. The method according to claim 2 wherein said
.beta.-hydroxyalkylamide is selected from the group consisting of
bis[N,N-di(beta-hydroxyethyl)] adipamide,
bis[N,N-di(beta-hydroxypropyl)] succinamide, N-2-hydroxyethylurea,
bis[N,N-di(beta-hydroxyethyl)] azelamide,
bis[N-N-di(beta-hydroxypropyl)] adipamide, and
bis[N-methyl-N-(beta-hydro- xyethyl)] oxamide.
11. The method according to claim 1 wherein the hydroxy compound is
present in an amount sufficient to provide from about 0.00001 to
about 10 weight percent of hydroxy compound in the material based
on the oven-dry weight of the material.
12. The method according to claim 1 wherein the treatment
composition further comprises one or more compounds selected from
the group consisting of surfactants; buffers; dyes; electrolytes;
builders; modified or unmodified cellulosic compounds; modified or
unmodified starch; polymers which are cationic, nonionic or
zwitterionic; enzymes; cyclodextrins; silicones; and
fragrances.
13. The method of claim 1 wherein said treatment composition is
applied as a solution.
14. The method according to claim 13 wherein the treatment
composition is applied to the material by means of a spray or
mist.
15. The method according to claim 13 wherein said solution has a pH
of from about 1 to about 10.
16. The method according to claim 15 wherein said solution has a pH
of from about 2 to about 7.
17. The method according to claim 16 wherein said solution has a pH
of from about 3 to about 5.
18. The method of claim 1 wherein said treatment composition
comprises a portion of a laundry detergent or fabric softener
composition.
19. The method of claim 18 wherein said detergent or fabric
softener composition comprises from 0.001 to 20 percent by weight
of said hydroxy compound.
20. The method of claim 1 wherein said treatment composition is
applied to the material by means of transfer from another material
which has been impregnated with said treatment composition.
21. A material treated by the method of claim 1.
22. A method for increasing the feel, and moisture absorption and
retention of a material comprising: b) applying to said material a
treatment composition in an amount effective to impart temporary
crease and stain resistance, said fabric treatment composition
comprising a hydroxy compound; and c) allowing said treatment
composition to dry at ambient temperature, wherein said hydroxy
urea compound comprises either: 1) a hydroxy urea comprising one
urea and at least one hydroxyl moiety; or 2) a hydroxy amide
comprising at least one amide and at least one hydroxyl moiety.
Description
[0001] This application is a continuation-in-part of application
Ser. No. 09/708133, filed on Nov. 8, 2000.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates to the use of a treatment
composition comprising a hydroxy urea or hydroxy amide compound in
the treatment of a material to reduce wrinkles, impart temporary
crease resistance and improve fabric hand (feel), and increase
moisture absorbance. More specifically, the method of the invention
involves applying the hydroxy compound to a material, in a
solution, neat or as a mist, and allowing the material to dry at
ambient temperature, without the application of an external heat
source. The treatment composition can also be included in a laundry
detergent or fabric softener.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] Clothing, fabric, and other materials, free of wrinkles are
viewed in a more favorable light than the same materials that are
wrinkled. Thus there have been many methods developed to reduce
wrinkles on clothing and other materials, and to develop materials
resistant to wrinkling. The use of thermosetting resins or
reactants to impart crease resistance and dimensional stability to
textile materials is well-known in the art. These materials, known
as "aminoplast resins", include the products of the reaction of
formaldehyde with such compounds as urea, thiourea, ethylene urea,
dihydroxyethylene urea, melamines or the like. A serious drawback
to the use of such materials is that they contain free
formaldehyde. This is present during the preparation and storage of
the finishing agent and its use in treating textiles, on the
treated fabric, and on the finished garments. Also, when the
fabrics or garments made therefrom are stored under humid
conditions, additional free formaldehyde is produced.
[0004] The presence of even less than one percent of free
formaldehyde, based on the total weight of the product, is
undesirable, not only because of its unpleasant odor, but because
it is an allergen and an irritant, causing severe reactions in the
operators who manufacture the agent and who treat and handle the
treated fabrics and to persons who handle and wear garments
fabricated from the treated fabrics.
[0005] Solutions containing lubricants such as silicone compounds
are known to reduce interfiber friction, allowing fibers to slide
past each other and thereby reducing wrinkling. Such compounds are
described in the art such as in U.S. Pat. No. 5,968,404, and in WO
11/24857.
[0006] U.S. Pat. No. 5,879,749 describes compositions containing a
poly-functional molecule having at least two functional groups
selected from carboxyl, anhydride and amine which is crosslinked
using a (hydroxyalkyl)urea crosslinking agent. U.S. Pat. No.
5,965,466 describes the use of hydroxyalkyl urea and/or
.beta.-hydroxyalkylamide for imparting permanent press properties
to a textile containing cellulose fibers. U.S. Pat. No. 4,076,917
describes .beta.-hydroxyalkylamides as curing agents for polymers
containing one or more carboxy or anhydride functions. These
references require a heating step following application of the
composition to the fabric, in order to effect a cross-linking
reaction.
[0007] Treating textiles with resin compositions that do not
contain or evolve formaldehyde is also known, as in U.S. Pat. No.
3,260,565 which describes finishing agents formed by the reaction
of alkyl or aryl ureas or thioureas with glyoxal. U.S. Pat. Nos.
4,332,586 and 4,300,898 describe alkylated glyoxal/cyclic urea
condensates as crosslinking agents for textiles. U.S. Pat. No.
4,295,846 describes a finishing agent for textiles which is
prepared by reacting urea or symmetrically disubstituted ureas in
an aqueous solution with glyoxal. These agents, however, have the
disadvantage of having marginal permanent press properties.
Finishing agents formed by the reaction of ethylene urea with
glyoxal are described in Japanese publication No. 5 3044-567, but
they too do not have satisfactory properties.
[0008] Copending U.S. application Ser. No. 09/456,358 describes a
texile antiwrinkling composition containing polyhydroxyalkyl urea
crease resistance agents having at least two urea moities.
[0009] There is a need for a material treatment composition which
can be applied to a material to reduce wrinkles and impart
temporary permanent press properties, without the need to follow
the application with the addition of an external heat source.
Ideally the treatment composition should be one which does not emit
formaldehyde. Surprisingly, it has been found that a hydroxy urea
or hydroxy amide compound, when applied to a fabric by means such
as a spray, will reduce wrinkles, without the need for the addition
of an external heat source. This method provides consumers the
ability to provide crease resistance properties easily and
cost-effectively to clothing at home, and even the ability to
reduce wrinkles on clothing being worn. Furthermore, there is a
need for anti-wrinkling treatments that do not discolor the fabric.
Additionally the treatment should not negatively impact stain
removal unlike the silicones that are difficult to clean because
they attract oily stains. Finally, there is a need for a material
that does not leave the fabric with an oily type of finish. The
method of the present invention fulfills these needs.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0010] The present invention relates to a method of treating a
material which comprises applying to the material an amount of a
treatment composition which is effective to impart temporary crease
resistance.
[0011] The treatment composition comprises a hydroxy compound which
is either a hydroxy urea or a hydroxy amide. The material treatment
composition may be applied to clothing, fabric, and textiles; and
without the need of an external heat source, reduce wrinkles and
provide the material temporary crease resistance. In addition,
there is no build-up of the composition on clothes or irons, and no
residual flaking is noted, even on dark fabric. The treatment
composition may also be formulated into a laundry detergent or
fabric softener and thus applied to a material in the wash or rinse
cycle. The treated material also has a tactile sensation of feeling
soft, and increased moisture absorbance. Moreover, there is no
discoloration of the fabric and the material does not hold on to
oily stains unlike the silicones typically used.
DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0012] This invention relates to a method for imparting wrinkle
reduction, permanent press properties, and improved feel, and
increased moisture absorbance to a material. As used herein,
"crease resistance" shall be synonymous with wrinkle resistance,
durable press, dimensional stability, shrinkage resistance, and
wrinkle recovery. The method involves applying a treatment
composition of a hydroxy compound to a material, and allowing the
material to dry at ambient temperature without application of an
external heat source, to impart crease resistance properties to the
material. The treatment composition is essentially free of
formaldehyde and may be applied in the form of a solution or
neat.
[0013] The material treated by the method of the present invention
consists of a natural or synthetic material. The material may be a
material such a leather, or a fibrous material. Fibrous materials
may be natural, synthetic, or a mixture thereof. Such material
includes, but is not limited to, fabrics, textiles, non-wovens, and
finished products made from these materials. The material
preferably is a cellulosic fabric or textile, and may be woven or
non-woven, and includes 100 percent cellulosic fabrics, for
example, cotton, rayon, and linen, as well as blends, for example,
polyester/cotton or polyester/rayon. The fibrous material may also
be a non-cellulosic natural or synthetic fiber, such as for example
nylon, silk, and polyester. Both white and colored (printed, dyed,
yarn-dyed, cross-dyed, etc.) materials can be effectively treated
with the material treatment composition of the present invention.
The materials may comprise new or used clothing including
previously worn clothing and/or laundered clothing.
[0014] The hydroxy compound is either a hydroxy urea or a hydroxy
amide. The hydroxy urea useful in the present invention is one
containing one urea functionality and at least one hydroxyl
functionality. The term urea, as used herein, refers to a N-CO-N
moiety in which the other two bonds on each nitrogen atom form
additional attachments, as for example those found in the
illustrations and examples herein. The urea and hydroxyl
functionalities may be separated from each other in the compound by
one carbon atom. Preferably they are separated by at least two
carbon atoms. The hydroxy amide useful in the invention is one
containing at least one amide functionality and at least one
hydroxyl functionality. Preferably the hydroxy compound should not
be a formaldehyde emitter. The preferred compounds of the invention
are either a hydroxyalkyl urea, or a .beta.-hydroxyalkyl amide, or
a mixture thereof.
[0015] Preferred hydroxy urea compounds are derived from urea, and
comprise only a single urea group, at least one hydroxyl group, at
least two carbon atoms disposed between the urea group and each of
the hydroxyl groups. The two carbons disposed between the hydroxyl
and urea groups may be in linear, branched or substituted
configuration. The hydroxy urea compound is represented by
structure (I) as follows: 1
[0016] R.sup.2 is H or R.sup.5, R.sup.3 is H or R.sup.5, and
R.sup.4 is H, R.sup.1, or R.sup.5, wherein 2
[0017] wherein R.sup.8 is H, methyl or ethyl, R.sup.9 is H, methyl
or ethyl, and R.sup.10 is H, methyl or ethyl.
[0018] Preferred hyroxy urea compounds are N-2-hydroxyethyl urea,
N,N-bis(2-hydroxyethyl)urea, tetrakis(2-hydroxyethyl)urea,
tris(2-hydroxyethyl)urea, N,N'-bis(2-hydroxyethyl)urea,
N,N'-bis(3-hydroxypropyl)urea, N,N'-bis(4-hydroxybutyl)urea,
N-methyl-D-glucourea, and 2-urea-2-ethyl-1,3-propanediol. Most
preferably, the hydroxy urea compound is
N,N'-bis(2-hydroxyethyl)urea. Combinations of hydroxy urea
compounds can also be used in the method of the invention.
[0019] The hydroxy urea compound is the reaction product of urea
and an alkanolamine with the evolution of ammonia. Preferred
alkanolamines include, but are not limited to, diethanolamine,
monoethanolamine, 2-amino-2-methyl-1,3-propanediol,
bis(hydroxymethyl)amino-methane, 2-methyl-3-amino-1-propanol and
2-methylaminoethanol. Processes for preparing the hydroxy urea
compound is described in U.S. patent application Ser. No.
08/783,350 which is hereby incorporated herein by reference.
[0020] Preferred hydroxy amide compounds are .beta.-hydroxyalkyl
amide compounds represented by structure (II) as follows: 3
[0021] In structure (II), A is a bond, hydrogen or a monovalent or
polyvalent organic radical derived from a saturated or unsaturated
alkyl radical wherein the alkyl radical contains from 1 to 60
carbon atoms, such as methyl, ethyl, propyl, butyl, pentyl, hexyl,
heptyl, octyl, nonyl, decyl, eicosyl, triacontyl, tetracontyl,
pentacontyl, hexylcontyl and the like; aryl, for example, mono- and
dinuclear aryl such as phenyl, naphthyl and the like; tri-lower
alkyleneamino such as trimethyleneamino, triethyleneamino and the
like; or an unsaturated radical containing one or more ethylenic
groups such as ethenyl, 1-methylethenyl, 3-butenyl-1,3-diyl,
2-propenyl-1,2-diyl, carboxy lower alkenyl, such as
3-carboxy-2-propenyl and the like, lower alkoxy carbonyl lower
alkenyl such as 3-ethoxycarbonyl-2-propenyl and the like; R.sup.11
is hydrogen, lower alkyl of from 1 to 5 carbon atoms such as
methyl, ethyl, n-propyl, n-butyl, sec-butyl, tert-butyl, pentyl and
the like or hydroxy lower alkyl of from 1 to 5 carbon atoms such as
hydroxyethyl, 3-hydroxypropyl, 2-hydroxypropyl, 4-hydroxybutyl,
3-hydroxybutyl, 2-hydroxy-2-methylpropyl- , 5-hydroxypentyl,
4-hydroxypentyl, 3-hydroxypentyl, 2-hydroxypentyl and the isomers
of pentyl; R.sup.12 and R.sup.13 are the same or different radicals
selected from hydrogen, straight or branched chain lower alkyl of
from 1 to 5 carbon atoms or one of the R.sup.12 and one of the
R.sup.13 radicals may be joined to form, together with the carbon
atoms, such as cyclopentyl, cyclohexyl and the like; n is an
integer having a value of 1 or 2 and n' is an integer having a
value of 0 to 2 or when n' is 0.
[0022] A preferred .beta.-hydroxyalkyl amide compound is
represented by structure (III) as follows: 4
[0023] In structure (III), R.sup.11 is H, lower alkyl, or
HO(R.sup.13).sub.2C(R.sup.12).sub.2C--, n and n' are each 1,--A--
is --(CH.sub.2)[m]-, m is 0-8, preferably 2-8, each R.sup.12 is H,
and one of the R.sup.3 radicals in each case is H and the other is
H or a C.sub.1-C.sub.5 alkyl; that is wherein R.sup.11, R.sup.13,
and m have the meanings just given. The most preferred
.beta.-hydroxyalkyl amide compound is represented by structure (IV)
as follows: 5
[0024] In structure (IV), R.sup.13 is H or --CH.sub.3.
[0025] Specific examples of .beta.-hydroxyalkyl amide compounds are
bis[N,N-di(beta-hydroxyethyl)] adipamide,
bis[N,N-di(beta-hydroxypropyl)] succinamide,
bis[N,N-di(beta-hydroxyethyl)] azelamide,
bis[N-N-di(beta-hydroxypropyl)] adipamide, and
bis[N-methyl-N-(beta-hydro- xyethyl)] oxamide.
[0026] The .beta.-hydroxyalkyl amide compounds are either known
compounds or may be prepared by treating an ester with an amine at
a temperature in the range of from about ambient to about
200.degree. C. Suitable esters are prepared by esterifying the
corresponding acid by standard esterifying procedures. Among the
preferred acids used to prepare the .beta.-hydroxyalkyl amide
crosslinking agents are oxalic, malonic, succinic, glutaric,
adipic, pimelic, suberic, azelaic, sebacic, 1,4-cyclohexane and the
like and alkyl derivatives thereof. Dimer and trimer acids may also
be used. Suitable amines used to prepare the P-hydroxyalkyl amide
compounds are 2-aminoethanol; 2-methylaminoethanol;
2-ethylaminoethanol; 2-n-propylaminoethanol; 2,2'-iminodiethanol;
2-aminopropanol; 2,2'-iminodiisopropanol; 2-amninocyclohexanol;
2-aminocyclopentanol; 2-aminomethyl-2-methylethanol;
2-n-butylaminoethanol; 2-methylamino-1,2-dimethylethanol;
2-amino-2-methyl-1-propanol; 2-amino-2-methyl-1,3-propanediol;
2-amino-2-ethyl-1,3-propanediol and
2-amino-2-hydroxymethyl-1,3-propanedi- ol. The .beta.-hydroxyalkyl
amide compounds are prepared according to processes described in
U.S. Pat. No. 4,076,917 which is hereby incorporated herein by
reference.
[0027] The treatment composition of the present invention can be
used either in the neat form, or as a solution. It can also be
formulated into a liquid or powder form laundry detergent or fabric
softener composition. A solution can be in any solvent which forms
a solution or suspension with the hydroxy compound. Examples of
useful solvents include, but are not limited to, water, acetone and
alcohols such as methanol, ethanol, propanols and butanols, and
mixtures of such solvents. A preferred solvent is water. An aqueous
solution containing the hydroxy compound preferably has a pH of
from about 1 to about 12, more preferably from about 2 to about 10,
and most preferably from 4 to 7. Most preferably, an aqueous
solution containing the hydroxy compound has a pH of from about 3
to about 8. It is understood that any means of adjusting the pH of
the aqueous solution may be employed in the method of the invention
to achieve a desired pH. The treatment composition may contain, in
addition to the hydroxy compound, one or more compounds selected
from the group containing surfactants; buffers; dyes; electrolytes;
builders; modified or unmodified cellulosic compounds; modified or
unmodified starch; polymers which are cationic, nonionic or
zwitterionic; enzymes; cyclodextrins; silicones; and fragrances.
Compositions containing a mono hydroxy alkyl urea may also be
combined with anionic polymers.
[0028] Any method of applying the treatment composition to the
material is acceptable. Some examples of application methods
include, but are not limited to, spray or mist application,
application in the laundering process wash or rinse cycle,
application from a sheet of material containing the treatment
compound--for example in a dryer, and immersion in a solution
containing the treatment composition.
[0029] A preferred method of applying the treatment composition to
a material is by spray or mist application by means of a pump or
aerosol, or other methods known in the art. One method, useful for
individual use, is application from a spray or mist bottle. The
treatment composition may be applied to clothing, which is being
worn, as well as to clothing not being worn. Misting can also occur
in an industrial or consumer apparatus designed for such a use,
such as a home valet machine or a machine for freshening
clothing.
[0030] The material may be impregnated with an aqueous solution of
the treatment composition. As used herein, "impregnate" refers to
the penetration of the solution into the fiber matrix of the
material, and to the distribution of the solution in a preferably
substantially uniform manner into and through the interstices in
the material. The solution therefore preferably envelopes,
surrounds, and/or impregnates individual fibers substantially
through the thickness of the material as opposed to only forming a
surface coating on the material.
[0031] The treatment composition may be applied to the textile in a
textile manufacturing process as part of the durable press
finishing operation. Where the textile is not treated in a textile
manufacturing process, the treatment composition may be applied in
a laundering process, most preferably to rinse water in the rinse
cycle of the laundering process at home or at a laundromat.
[0032] The treatment composition may also be transferred to the
material to be treated through contact with another material
impregnated with the treatment composition. An example would be the
addition to a dryer or tumbling device of a sheet containing the
treatment composition of the invention, and the transfer of the
treatment composition to laundry through contact in the dryer.
Since heat is not required for the method of the present invention,
this method of application is useful on no-heat or low-heat
settings. Application by an impregnated sheet can also include the
use of such a sheet in home dry cleaning applications.
[0033] Additionally, the treatment composition may be applied by
soaking the textile in a solution containing the treatment
composition.
[0034] The material treated with the treatment composition of the
present invention is dried at ambient temperature, without the need
for an external heat source. Application of an external heat source
could speed the drying process, but is not required for the method
of the present invention. Such heat sources include, but are not
limited to temperatures found in a clothes dryer.
[0035] The hydroxy compound is present in an amount sufficient to
provide about 0.00001 to about 10 percent of hydroxy compound in
the material based on the oven-dry weight of the material.
Preferably, the hydroxy compound is present in an amount sufficient
to provide from about 0.1 to about 5 weight percent, and more
preferably from about 0.5 to about 2 weight percent of hydroxy
compound in the material based on the oven-dry weight of the
material.
[0036] A dilute solution of the material is typically sprayed on to
the fabric. The spray solution may contain 0.001 to 20 weight
percent of the hydroxy urea compound, preferably 0.1 to 10 percent
and most preferably 0.5 to 5 percent
[0037] The treatment composition of the present invention may be
formulated as a portion of a laundry detergent or a fabric
softener. The treatment composition may be formulated into both
liquid and powdered or tableted detergents. The hydroxy compound is
present in the detergent or fabric softener at from 0.0001 to 20,
preferably from 0.1 to 10, and most preferrably from 0.5 to 5
percent. The treatment composition of the present invention may be
formulated into the detergent or fabric softener using standard
methods known in the art. Application of the treatment composition
to a material occurs during a normal wash and/or rinse cycle. A
laundry detergent composition containing the hydroxy compound of
the present invention could also contain ingredients typically
found in laundry detergents, including, but not limited to
surfactants, builders and co-builders, dispersants, enzymes,
fillers, and dye. Likewise, fabric softener compositions containing
the hydroxy compound of the present invention also contains other
ingredients typically found in a fabric softener. In addition to
providing wrinkle reduction and feel improvement, the hydroxy
compound of the invention also serves as a dissolution aid for
detergents in the form of tablets or sachets, and will help hard
ingredients to dissolve faster in detergent powders.
[0038] The hydroxy compound may be encapsulated in a material, such
as a starch, modified starch, cellulosic, or modified cellulosic,
for delivery onto the material to be treated.
[0039] The method of the present invention provides crease
resistance properties to materials treated therewith. Moreover, the
treated textiles have a tactile sensation of feeling soft and
retain their smoothness even after laundering.
[0040] The following non-limiting examples illustrate further
aspects of the invention.
EXAMPLE 1
[0041] 106.2 g diethanolamine and 61.24 g urea were charged to a
250 mL flask equipped with a condenser, thermometer, stirrer, and
nitrogen purge needle. The mixture was heated at 115.degree. C. for
5 hours. A nitrogen purge was used to remove evolving ammonia. The
progress of the reaction was monitored by titration of the
remaining diethanolamine with 0.1 N hydrochloric acid. A clear
hydroscopic liquid was obtained which contained
N,N-bis(2-hydroxyethyl)urea.
EXAMPLES 2-7
[0042] The following amines were reacted with urea according to the
procedure set forth in Example 1.
1 Wt, Urea Example Amine g g 2 Ethanolamine 61 60 3
3-amino-1-propanol 150 60 4 2-amino-2-ethyl-1,3-propanediol 119 30
(AEPD) 5 Ethanolamine 122 60 6 Diethanolamine 210 60 7
4-aminobutanol 12 4
EXAMPLE 8
[0043] 212.4 g diethanolamine in 212.4 g of water was neutralized
with 101.85 g concentrated sulfuric acid to a pH of 4. A solution
of 168.99 g potassium cyanate in 260 g of water was then added and
the mixture was heated to 90.degree. C. for 3 hours. After cooling
to ambient temperature, potassium sulfate precipitated and was
filtered out. The filter cake was washed with 425 g of hot ethanol.
The recovered ethanol was then added to the contents of the
filtrate, causing the filtrate to become cloudy. The white
precipitate was removed by filtration and then the ethanol was
removed by distillation to give a viscous liquid solution of
N,N-bis(2-hydroxyethyl)urea. The product similarly could be
obtained using other acids to neutralize the amine, e.g. sulfuric
acid. Also, other cyanate salts could be used, e.g. sodium
cyanate.
EXAMPLE 9
[0044] Following the procedure of Example 8, 195.22 g
N-methyl-D-glucamine in 200 g water were reacted with 98.08 g
sulfuric acid. After adjusting pH to 4, 81.11 g potassium cyanate
was charged to the flask in 100 g water. The mixture was heated to
70.degree. C. for 2 hours. After cooling to 0.degree. C., the
precipitated potassium sulfate byproduct was removed by filtration.
The filtrate was treated with 250 mL of hot methanol and again
filtered to remove any remaining salt byproduct. The methanol was
then removed by vacuum distillation to give a solution containing
N-methyl-D-glucourea.
EXAMPLE 10
[0045] Using the procedure set forth in Example 1, the reaction can
also be conducted effectively using refluxing water as a means of
removing evolving ammonia. 105 g diethanolamine, 25 g water, and 60
g urea were charged in a 250 mL flask equipped with heating mantle,
stirrer, and thermometer and allowed to react at 115.degree. C. for
8 hours.
EXAMPLE 11
[0046] 210 g diethanolamine and 90 g dimethylcarbonate were charged
to a flask with a heating mantle, stirrer, and condenser. The flask
contents were heated to 80.degree. C. and allowed to stir for 3
hours. Volatile byproducts, e.g., methanol, were removed by vacuum
distillation. A mixture containing tetrakis(2-hydroxyethyl)urea was
obtained.
EXAMPLE 12
[0047] To a solution of 106 g of diethanolamine in 700 mL of
methanol was added a solution of 99 g of n-butylisocyanate in 40 mL
of tetrahydrofuran over 1 hour, holding the temperature below
30.degree. C. After the addition, the mixture was stirred for 1
hour and then the solvent was removed by vacuum distillation to
give a white solid, N'-butyl-N,N-bis(2-hydroxyethyl)urea.
EXAMPLES 13-14
[0048] The following amines were reacted with an isocyanate
according to the procedure set forth in Example 12.
2 Wt. Wt. Example Amine (g) Isocynate (g) 13 Ethanolamine 61
N-butyl isocyanate 99 14 N-methyl-D-glucoamine 196 N-butyl
isocyanate 99
EXAMPLE 15
[0049] A 500 mL flask equipped with stirrer and condenser was
charged with 145.1 g of 40% glyoxal and 90 g of urea. The
temperature was held at 30.degree. C. for 6 hours. The resultant
solution contained 4,5-dihydroxyimidazolidone.
EXAMPLE 16
[0050] Cotton swatches, 6" by 11" were sprayed with a solution of
the Example compounds, such that 7.times.10.sup.-4 moles of the
material were delivered to the fabric. The swatches were allowed to
dry overnight and then the wrinkle recovery was measured as in
AATCC (American Association of Textile Chemists and Colorists) Test
Method 128-1980. Instead of using the standard evaluation method
found in section 6, a pairwise comparison of the wrinkled swatches
was used. Less wrinkled swatches were given a score of 2, while the
more wrinkled fabric was assigned a value of 1. When no difference
in fabric appearance could be distinguished, a ranking of 1.5 was
given to each swatch. The totals for each swatch were added
together and called "rank sum". By this method, swatches with a
higher rank sum were found to be less wrinkled by the
panelists.
3 TABLE 1 Rank Sum Example (higher = less wrinkling) 1 26 2 21
Water 15
EXAMPLE 17
[0051] Swatches 5" by 5" in size were sprayed with an aqueous
solution of the Example materials to give the concentrations on the
swatch as shown in Table 2. The swatches were conditioned in a
dessicator kept at constant humidity level to equilibrate the
samples. The humidity level was controlled by saturated salt
aqueous solutions. After conditioning, the cloth samples were
loaded into the TGA instrument at room temperature, equilibrated
for half a minute at 25.degree. C., then heated to 100.degree. C.
and held at 105.degree. C. for 10 minutes. TGA measurements were
conducted under ultra pure N.sub.2 The instrument detected the
sample weight loss in percentage of total starting sample weight.
The experimental error was about 0.5. The weight loss was found to
be due to water loss rather than to derivative decomposition. The
total water loss is effectively the water uptake of the swatches at
100% relative humidity. The total water uptake is for each of the
materials is shown in Table 2. Samples, which were treated with
hydroxy urea materials, were shown to absorb more water than
samples with no treatment.
4TABLE 2 Moisturizing Effect of Hydroxy Ureas Moles material/ Water
Uptake gram swatch 100% RH Material (moles/g) (% mass increase) 1
5.11 .times. 10.sup.-3 40.8 2 5.02 .times. 10.sup.-3 42.9 9 5.38
.times. 10.sup.-3 54.2 13 5.54 .times. 10.sup.-3 33.9 14 5.15
.times. 10.sup.-3 37.4 12 4.98 .times. 10.sup.-3 31.7 Water 0
14.4
EXAMPLE 18
Fabric Feel
[0052] For the fabric feel test, 3% solutions were made of each of
the following products; Example 1 (N,N-bis(2-hydroxy ethyl urea)),
Example 2 (N-2-hydroxyethylurea) and Example 9
(N-methyl-D-glucourea). These solutions were sprayed for 10 seconds
each onto 10 inch square swatches of cotton, {fraction (50/50)}
cotton polyester blend, and polyester. The swatches were then
ironed dry. A panel was asked to evaluate the feel of the fabric by
comparing each sample swatch to a blank swatch of the same fabric
that had been sprayed with deionized water and ironed dry. Each
individual decided if the sample felt better, worse or equal to the
blank.
[0053] Results were tallied by allocating one point for a sample
that felt better than the blank, deducting one point for a sample
rated worse than the blank, and by giving zero points for samples
that 6
[0054] felt equivalent to the blank. Total points for each
individual sample were then added together. Results appear in the
chart below.
[0055] Example 1 and Example 2 when applied to cotton, received the
most points (four each). Example 1 also received three points on
polycotton and two on polyester. Example 2 received two points each
on polycotton and polyester. Example 9 performed poorly receiving
two votes for polyester, one point for cotton and zero points for
polycotton.
[0056] In order to decide the best overall performer, the points
for a single product's use on each of the individual fabrics were
added together. Example 1 had the best overall rating with nine
points. Example 2 followed closely behind with eight points.
Example 9 received an overall rating of three points. The maximum
number of points available was eleven.
[0057] Following this evaluation, drops of water were placed on
each sample and the rate of absorption was visually evaluated.
There seemed to be no difference in the rate at which the water was
absorbed by the various swatches but polyester samples ironed with
Example 2 and Example 9 and Example 1 seemed to dry faster than the
blank.
EXAMPLE 19
[0058] Wrinkle Release Method
[0059] Shirts were first prewashed in Tide powder and dried in the
drier. Each shirt was then placed on a flat surface and one side
was covered with paper. The uncovered side was sprayed with the
following treatment solutions,
[0060] 3% solution of N,N-bis(2-hydroxyethyl urea) (Example 1)
[0061] Water
[0062] Commercial Wrinkle reducing spray.
[0063] The paper was then removed and the shirt was pulled taught
and smoothed to remove wrinkles. The shirt was then allowed to air
dry. Pictures were taken of these shirts. The pictures listed below
are of the
[0064] (A) starting shirt
[0065] (B) shirt treated with water
[0066] (C) shirt treated with commercial wrinkle spray
[0067] (D) 3% solution of N,N-bis(2-hydroxyethylurea) with
water
[0068] The pictures indicate that the hydoxy urea of this invention
is superior to water or a commercial wrinkle reducing spray.
[0069] Picture A
[0070] Picture B
[0071] Picture C
[0072] Picture D
EXAMPLE 20
Granular Detergent Test Composition Preparation
[0073] Typical heavy duty granular detergent compositions can be
prepared containing one or more hydroxy compounds of this
invention. These granular detergent compositions all have the
following basic formula:
5 TABLE 3 Component Wt. % C.sub.12 Linear alkyl benzene sulfonate
9.31 C.sub.14-15 alkyl ether (0.35 EO) sulfate 12.74 Zeolite
Builder 27.79 Sodium Carbonate 27.31 PEG 4000 1.60 Dispersant 2.26
C.sub.12-13 Alcohol lEthoxylate (9 EO) 1.5 Sodium Perborate 1.03
Soil Release Polymer 0.41 Enzymes 0.59 Hydroxy compund 3.0 Perfume,
Brightener, Suds Suppressor, Balance Other Minors, Moisture,
Sulfate 100%
EXAMPLE 21
Liquid Detergent Test Composition Preparation
[0074] Typical heavy duty liquid detergent compositions can be
prepared containing one or more hydroxy compounds of this
invention. These granular detergent compositions all have the
following basic formula:
6 TABLE 4 Component Wt. % C12-15 alkyl ether (2.5) sulfate 38 C12
glucose amide 6.86 Citric Acid 4.75 C12-14 Fatty Acid 2.00 Enzymes
1.02 MEA 1.0 Propanediol 0.36 Borax 6.58 Dispersant 1.48 Na Toluene
Sulfonate 6.25 Hydroxy compound 1.0 Dye, Perfume, Brighteners,
Preservatives, Suds Balance Suppressor, Other Minors, Water
100%
EXAMPLE 22
Granular Detergent Test Composition Preparation
[0075] Typical granular detergent compositions can be prepared
containing one or more hydroxy compounds of this invention. These
granular detergent compositions all have the following basic
formula:
7TABLE 5 Example Comparative Component Wt. % Wt. % Na C.sub.12
Linear alkyl benzene sulfonate 9.40 9.40 Na C.sub.14-15 alkyl
sulfonate 11.26 11.26 Zeolite Builder 27.79 27.29 Sodium Carbonate
27.31 27.31 PEG 4000 1.60 1.60 Dispersant, Na polyacrylate 2.26
2.26 C.sub.12-13 alkyl ethoxylate (E9) 1.5 1.5 Sodium Perborate
1.03 1.03 Hydroxy compound 2.0 0 Other Adjunct ingredients Balance
Balance 100% 100%
EXAMPLE 23
[0076] Typical dilute fabric softener formulations are listed
below.
8TABLE 6 Formulations of Dilute Traditional Softeners (Single
Active).sup.a Ingredient (%) Formula A distearyldimethylammonium
Chloride (75% active) 6-9 Hydroxy compound 0.1-3.0 Perfume 0.2-0.5
Colorant 0.001 Water Balance Formula B Quatenary
dialkylimidazolines (75% active) 6-9 Hydroxy compound 0.1-3.0
Perfume 0.2-0.5 Colorant 0.001 Preservative +
EXAMPLE 24
Examples of Concentrated Fabric Softener Compositions
[0077]
9TABLE 7 Ready-to-Use Rinse Conditioners at Triple Concentration
(Mixed Actives) Ingredient (%) Formula C distearyldimethylammonium
chloride 75% 14 hydroxy compound 3 Lanolin 2 Ethoxylated fatty acid
4 CaCl.sub.2 0.05 Water, perfume, color Balance Fomulation D
distearyldimethylammonium chloride 5-10 Amidoamine 5-10 Imidazoline
3.75-5.25 hydroxy compound 0.1-2.0 Electrolyte 0.05-.4 Water,
perfume, color Balance
EXAMPLE 25
Examples of concentrated fabric softener compositions
[0078]
10TABLE 8 Examples of Concentrated Biodegradable Formulations
Ingredient (%) Formulation E (product with 37.5% actives)
Amidoamine 23.45 Diester quat 14.05 Hydroxy compound 1.25 HCI 1.10
C.sub.aCl.sub.2 0.55 Emulsifier 0.5 Perfume 2 Colorant 0.03 Water
Balance A B Formulation F Ester quat 5 2 Imidazoline-substituted
ester 17 30 Isopropanol -- 1.5 Silicone 0.5 -- Hydroxy compound
0.25 0.75 Polyethylene glycol 1.2 -- Color, perfume,
C.sub.aCl.sub.2, Na citrite, water Balance Balance
EXAMPLE 26
Examples of Dyer Sheet Compositions
[0079]
11TABLE 9 MATERIALS IN FORMULATION G ARE COATED ON A NONWOVEN OR
FABRIC SURFACE. MATERIAL IN FORMULATION H IS AN EXAMPLE OF A FINAL
USE APPLICATION. FORMULATION G INGREDIENT (%) DITALLOW DIMETHYL
AMMONIUM 70 22.7 METHYL SULFATE HARDENED TALLOW FATTY ACID 20-30
STEARATE AMINE SALT 25-35.9 SORBITAN ESTER 29.1 BENTONITE CLAY 4.7
CYCLODEXTRIN STARCH 4.3 HYDROXY COMPOUND 0.1-10 0.1-10 PERFUME 3
FORMULATION H COMMERCIAL BOUNCE BRAND DRYER 2.5 2.5 SHEET HYDROXY
UREA COMPOUND 1.3 0.38 RESULTS (1-3, LEAST TO MOST 3 1 2
WRINKLED)
* * * * *