U.S. patent application number 10/470674 was filed with the patent office on 2004-04-08 for use of non-ionic polysaccharides in a composition for textile care.
Invention is credited to Harrison, Ian.
Application Number | 20040067865 10/470674 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 8860064 |
Filed Date | 2004-04-08 |
United States Patent
Application |
20040067865 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Harrison, Ian |
April 8, 2004 |
Use of non-ionic polysaccharides in a composition for textile
care
Abstract
The invention concerns the use, in a composition for textile
care in aqueous or wet medium, of a non-ionic polysaccharide
whereof the native skeleton is formed of a main chain comprising
similar or different anhydrohexose units, and branches including at
least an anhydropentose and/or anhydrohexose unit. The
anhydrohexose and/or anhydropentose units of the native skeleton
being modified by at least a non-ionic group. The composition is
designed for washing and/or rinsing and/or softening, prespotting
textile articles, drying wet clothes in a dryer or for facilitating
ironing.
Inventors: |
Harrison, Ian; (Poissy,
FR) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Jean-Louis Seugnet
Rhodia Inc
Intellectual Property Dept
259 Prospect Plains Road CN 7500
Cranbury
NJ
08512-7500
US
|
Family ID: |
8860064 |
Appl. No.: |
10/470674 |
Filed: |
July 29, 2003 |
PCT Filed: |
February 13, 2002 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/FR02/00549 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
510/405 ;
536/18.7 |
Current CPC
Class: |
C11D 1/667 20130101;
C11D 1/526 20130101; C11D 1/662 20130101; C11D 1/66 20130101; C11D
1/525 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
510/405 ;
536/018.7 |
International
Class: |
C11D 017/08 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Feb 15, 2001 |
FR |
01/02079 |
Claims
1. The use, in a composition for caring for articles made of
textile fibers in aqueous or wet medium, of at least one nonionic
polysaccharide that is soluble under the working conditions of said
composition, a polysaccharide the native skeleton of which is
formed from a main chain comprising similar or different
anhydrohexose units, and branches comprising at least one
anhydropentose and/or anhydrohexose unit, the anhydrohexose and/or
anhydropentose units of the native skeleton being modified with at
least one nonionic group, the degree of modification MS of the
anhydrohexose and/or anhydropentose units with said nonionic group
or groups being of at least 0.001 and preferably of at least 0.01,
as an agent for preventing the degradation of said articles and for
protecting the colors of said articles and/or for affording said
articles crease-resistance and/or softening properties.
2. The use as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that the degree
of modification MS is up to 6.
3. The use as claimed in claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the
degree of modification MS is less than 3.
4. The use as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in
that the degree of modification MS is up to 2.
5. The use as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in
that the nonionic groups are linked to the carbon atoms of the
sugar skeleton either directly or via --O-- bonds.
6. The use as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in
that the nonionic groups have the
formula:--[--CH.sub.2--CH(R)--O].sub.x--R.su- p.1 in which:R is a
hydrogen atom or an alkyl radical containing from 1 to 4 carbon
atoms, x is an integer ranging from 0 to 6, R.sup.1 represents: a
hydrogen atom when x is different from 0 an alkyl radical
containing from 1 to 22 carbon atoms, optionally interrupted with
one or more oxygen and/or nitrogen hetero atoms, cycloalkyl, aryl
or arylalkyl, containing from 6 to 12 carbon atoms, a radical
--(CH.sub.2).sub.y--COOR.sup.2 a radical --(CH.sub.2).sub.y--CN a
radical --(CH.sub.2).sub.y--CONHR.sup.2 R.sup.2 representing an
alkyl, aryl or arylalkyl radical containing from 1 to 22 carbon
atoms, and y is an integer ranging from 0 to 5 --CO--NH--R.sup.1
linked to a carbon atom of the sugar skeleton via an --O-- bond,
R.sup.1 having the definition given above.
7. The use as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in
that said nonionic groups are the following groups methyl, ethyl,
propyl, isopropyl, butyl, hexyl, octyl, dodecyl, octadecyl, phenyl,
benzyl, linked to a carbon atom of the sugar skeleton via an ether,
ester, amide or urethane bond, cyanoethyl, hydroxyethyl,
hydroxypropyl, hydroxybutyl, linked to a carbon atom of the sugar
skeleton via an --O-- bond.
8. The use as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in
that the hexose units (identical or different) of the main chain of
the native skeleton are D-glucose, D- or L-galactose, D-mannose, D-
or L-fucose or L-rhamnose units.
9. The use as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in
that the pentose and/or hexose units (identical or different) of
the branches of the native skeleton are D-xylose, L- or
D-arabinose, D-glucose, D- or L-galactose, D-mannose, D- or
L-fucose, or L-rhamnose units.
10. The use as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized
in that said native skeleton is a galactomannan,
galactoglucomannan, xyloglucan or scleroglucan.
11. The use as claimed in claim 10, characterized in that said
native skeleton is a galactomannan.
12. The use as claimed in claim 11, characterized in that said
nonionic polysaccharide is a hydroxypropyl galactomannan.
13. The use as claimed in claim 12, characterized in that said
nonionic polysaccharide is a hydroxypropyl guar.
14. The use as claimed in claim 13, characterized in that said
hydroxypropyl guar has a degree of modification from 0.1 to 6,
preferably from 0.1 to 1.6 and most particularly from 0.4 to
1.2.
15. The use as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 14, characterized
in that said composition is in the form of a solid, of a dispersion
or of a concentrated aqueous solution placed in contact with the
articles made of textile fibers to be treated, after dilution in
water; of a dispersion or of a concentrated aqueous solution placed
beforehand on the dry articles made of textile fibers to be treated
before dilution in water; of a dispersion or of an aqueous solution
to be placed directly on the dry articles made of textile fibers to
be treated without dilution or of a solid support comprising said
nonionic polysaccharide, to be applied directly to the dry articles
to be treated; or of an insoluble solid support comprising said
nonionic polysaccharide placed directly in contact with the wet
articles made of textile fibers to be treated.
16. The use as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 15, characterized
in that said composition comprises from 0.05% to 10% of said
nonionic polysaccharide expressed as solids.
17. The use as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 16, characterized
in that said composition is a solid or liquid detergent formulation
comprising from 0.05% to 5%, preferably from 0.1% to 3% of said
nonionic polysaccharide, expressed as solids, capable of directly
forming a washing bath by dilution; a liquid rinsing and/or
softening formulation comprising from 0.05% to 3%, preferably from
0.1% to 2% of said nonionic polysaccharide, expressed as solids,
capable of directly forming a rinsing and/or softening bath by
dilution; a solid material, especially a textile material,
comprising from 0.05% to 10%, preferably from 0.1% to 5% of said
nonionic polysaccharide, expressed as solids, which is intended to
be placed in contact with wet articles made of textile fibers in a
tumble dryer; an aqueous ironing formulation comprising from 0.05%
to 10%, preferably from 0.1% to 5% of said nonionic polysaccharide,
expressed as solids. a prespotter comprising from 0.05% to 10%,
preferably from 0.1% to 5% of said nonionic polysaccharide,
expressed as solids, which is intended to be applied to the dry
articles made of textile fibers prior to a washing operation using
a detergent formulation containing or not containing said nonionic
polysaccharide.
18. The use as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 17, characterized
in that said composition contains at least one surfactant and/or
one detergent additive and/or rinsing additive and/or softener for
articles made of textile fibres and/or one solid support for said
nonionic polysaccharide.
19. A process for improving the properties of a composition for
caring for articles made of textile fibers in aqueous or wet
medium, by adding to said composition at least one nonionic
polysaccharide, the use of which forms the subject of any one of
claims 1 to 14, for preventing the degradation of said articles and
in an amount for protecting the colors of said articles and/or for
affording said articles crease-resistance and/or softening
properties.
20. A process for preventing the degradation of articles made of
textile fibers and for protecting the colors of said articles
and/or for affording said articles crease-resistance and/or
softening properties, by treating said articles, in aqueous or wet
medium, using a composition comprising at least one nonionic
polysaccharide, the use of which forms the subject of any one of
claims 1 to 14.
21. The process as claimed in claim 19 or 20, characterized in that
said composition is in the form of a solid, of a dispersion or of a
concentrated aqueous solution placed in contact with the articles
made of textile fibers to be treated, after dilution in water; of a
dispersion or of a concentrated aqueous solution placed beforehand
on the dry articles made of textile fibers to be treated before
dilution in water; of a dispersion or of an aqueous solution to be
placed directly on the dry articles made of textile fibers to be
treated without dilution or of a solid support comprising said
nonionic polysaccharide, to be applied directly to the dry articles
to be treated; or of an insoluble solid support comprising said
nonionic polysaccharide placed directly in contact with the wet
articles made of textile fibers to be treated.
22. The process as claimed in any one of claims 19 to 21,
characterized in that said composition is a solid or liquid
detergent formulation comprising from 0.05% to 5%, preferably from
0.1% to 3% of said nonionic polysaccharide, expressed as solids,
capable of directly forming a washing bath by dilution; a liquid
rinsing and/or softening formulation comprising from 0.05% to 3%,
preferably from 0.1% to 2% of said nonionic polysaccharide,
expressed as solids, capable of directly forming a rinsing and/or
softening bath by dilution; a solid material, especially a textile
material, comprising from 0.05% to 10%, preferably from 0.1% to 5%
of said nonionic polysaccharide, expressed as solids, which is
intended to be placed in contact with wet fabrics in a tumble
dryer; an aqueous ironing formulation comprising from 0.05% to 10%,
preferably from 0.1% to 5% of said nonionic polysaccharide,
expressed as solids. a prespotter comprising from 0.05% to 10%,
preferably from 0.1% to 5% of said nonionic polysaccharide,
expressed as solids, which is intended to be applied to the dry
articles made of textile fibers prior to a washing operation using
a detergent formulation containing or not containing said nonionic
polysaccharide.
23. The process as claimed in any one of claims 19 to 22,
characterized in that said articles contain at least 35% by weight
of cotton, preferably colored cotton.
Description
[0001] The present invention relates to the use, in a composition
for caring for articles made of textile fibers (textile care) and
especially cotton-based articles, in particular colored articles,
of at least one nonionic polysaccharide as an agent for preventing
the degradation of these articles, for protecting the colors of
said articles and/or for affording said articles crease-resistance
and/or softening properties.
[0002] It is advantageous, especially during washing or rinsing
operations, to protect articles made of textile fibers, in
particular fabrics, against physical or chemical degradation
phenomena (especially to protect the colors of colored articles)
and/or to provide benefits thereto, for instance softening and/or
crease-resistance properties.
[0003] The machine washing of fabrics leads to a physical and
chemical degradation of the fibers and most particularly of cotton
fibers. The alkalinity delivered by detergents and also by certain
specific compounds such as oxidizing substances (perborate or
percarbonate) or certain enzymes may be the cause of the chemical
degradation of cotton fibers. However, it is generally the
combination of the chemical and mechanical actions which leads to
degradation of the fibers. The mechanical action is produced during
the washing, rinsing, spin-drying or tumble-drying, when the latter
takes place in a tumble dryer. This degradation of the fibers leads
to the formation of fibrils at the surface of the textile which end
up causing colored textiles to lose their radiance. This
degradation also induces a decrease in the strength of the textile
which, at the extreme, may lead to tearing of the fabrics. This
degradation of the textiles may be evaluated quantitatively either
by a loss of the colors of colored textiles or by a reduction in
the tear strength of the textile. It is generally necessary to
carry out 10 to 20 cumulative machine washes in order to perceive
this type of degradation.
[0004] Cleaning in a washing machine, which systematically includes
a spin-drying operation, also leads to creased fabrics, which is
accentuated during the tumble-drying stage, in particular by the
formation of inter-fiber hydrogen bonds. It is thus necessary to
iron the fabrics in order to make them look presentable.
[0005] In order to reduce the degradation of the fibers during
washing or rinsing, the suppliers of chemical products or
detergents have made use of changes in detergent formulations or
have used certain specific additives.
[0006] Mention may be made in particular of detergents comprising
no oxidizing system, but which have reduced cleaning
capacities.
[0007] Silicone-based compounds have also been used, and in
particular aminosilicones (U.S. Pat. No. 4,585,563; WO 92/07927; WO
98/39401).
[0008] The use of hydroxypropyl guar as thickener in liquid
detergent compositions for textiles is known (JP 11 335 698 A).
[0009] The Applicant has found that the use, in compositions for
treating articles made of textile fibers, especially cotton-based
articles, which are in particular colored, of certain nonionic,
hydrophobic substituent-carrying polysaccharides that are soluble
under the working conditions in aqueous or wet medium of said
compositions, makes it possible to prevent the degradation of these
articles, makes it possible to protect the colors and/or gives
these articles crease-resistance and/or softening properties.
[0010] Such compositions may especially be compositions for washing
and/or rinsing and/or softening articles made of textile fibers,
for destaining articles made of textile fibers before washing
("prespotting"), for tumble-drying articles made of textile fibers
in a tumble dryer or for making ironing of articles made of textile
fibers easier.
[0011] A first subject of the invention consists of the use, in a
composition for caring for articles made of textile fibers in
aqueous or wet medium, of at least one nonionic polysaccharide that
is soluble under the working conditions of said composition, a
polysaccharide the native skeleton of which is formed from
[0012] a main chain comprising identical or different anhydrohexose
units, and
[0013] branches comprising at least one anhydropentose and/or
anhydrohexose unit,
[0014] the anhydrohexose and/or anhydropentose units of the native
skeleton being modified with at least one nonionic group,
[0015] the degree of modification MS of the anhydrohexose and/or
anhydropentose units with said nonionic group or groups being of at
least 0.001 and preferably of at least 0.01,
[0016] as an agent for preventing the degradation of said articles
and/or for protecting the colors of said articles and/or for
affording said articles crease-resistance and/or softening
properties.
[0017] The viscosity of an aqueous solution containing 1% by weight
of said nonionic polysaccharides, measured at 25.degree. C. using a
Brookfield viscometer at 20 rpm, can preferably range from 200 to 5
000 mpa.s.
[0018] The degree of modification MS is expressed as the average
number of moles of precursor of the nonionic modifying group that
have reacted per anhydrohexose and/or anhydropentose unit.
[0019] The degree of modification MS may vary according to the
nature of the precursor of said modifying group.
[0020] If said precursor is incapable of forming new reactive
hydroxyl groups (for example alkylation precursor), the degree of
modification with the nonionic groups is less than 3, by
definition.
[0021] If said precursor is capable of forming new reactive
hydroxyl groups (for example hydroxyalkylation precursor), the
degree of modification MS is theoretically unlimited; it may be,
for example, up to 6 and preferably up to 2.
[0022] Said nonionic groups are linked to the carbon atoms of the
sugar skeleton either directly or via --O-- bonds.
[0023] Among the nonionic groups that may be mentioned are those of
formula:
--[--CH.sub.2--CH(R)--O].sub.x--R.sup.1 in which:
[0024] R is a hydrogen atom or an alkyl radical containing from 1
to 4 carbon atoms,
[0025] x is an integer ranging from 0 to 6,
[0026] R.sup.1 represents:
[0027] a hydrogen atom when x is different from 0
[0028] an alkyl radical containing from 1 to 22 carbon atoms,
optionally interrupted with one or more oxygen and/or nitrogen
hetero atoms, cycloalkyl, aryl or arylalkyl, containing from 6 to
12 carbon atoms,
[0029] a radical --(CH.sub.2).sub.y--COOR.sup.2
[0030] a radical --(CH.sub.2).sub.y--CN
[0031] a radical --(CH.sub.2).sub.y--CONHR.sup.2
[0032] R.sup.2 representing an alkyl, aryl or arylalkyl radical
containing from 1 to 22 carbon atoms, and
[0033] y is an integer ranging from 0 to 5
[0034] --O--NH--R.sup.1 linked to a carbon atom of the sugar
skeleton via an --O-- bond, with R.sup.1 having the definition
given above.
[0035] Mention may be made most particularly of the following
groups:
[0036] methyl, ethyl, propyl, isopropyl, butyl, hexyl, octyl,
dodecyl, octadecyl, phenyl, benzyl, linked to a carbon atom of the
sugar skeleton via an ether, ester, amide or urethane bond,
[0037] cyanoethyl, hydroxyethyl, hydroxypropyl, hydroxybutyl,
linked to a carbon atom of the sugar skeleton via an --O--
bond.
[0038] The hexose units (identical or different) of the main chain
of the native skeleton may be D-glucose, D- or L-galactose,
D-mannose, D- or L-fucose, L-rhamnose, etc. units.
[0039] The pentose and/or hexose units (identical or different) of
the branches of the native skeleton may be D-xylose, L- or
D-arabinose, D-glucose, D- or L-galactose, D-mannose, D- or
L-fucose, L-rhamnose, etc. units.
[0040] Examples of native skeletons that may be mentioned include
galactomannans, galactoglucomannans, xyloglucans, scleroglucans,
etc.
[0041] The native skeleton is preferably a galactomannan.
Galactomannans are macromolecules comprising a main chain of
D-mannopyranose units linked in position .beta.(1-4) substituted
with D-galactopyranose units in position .alpha.(1-6). Among these,
mention may be made of guar gum, carob gum and tara gum.
[0042] The native skeleton is most preferably a guar gum. Guar gums
have a mannose/galactose ratio of 2.
[0043] The nonionic polysaccharides according to the invention may
be obtained in a manner that is known per se.
[0044] Most of them are commercial products.
[0045] Examples of nonionic polysaccharides according to the
invention that may be mentioned most particularly include
hydroxypropyl galactomannans, in particular hydroxypropyl
guars.
[0046] For good implementation of the invention, these
polysaccharides may have a degree of modification of about from 0.1
to 6, preferably from 0.1 to 1.6 and most preferably from 0.4 to
1.2.
[0047] A second subject of the invention consists of a process for
improving the properties of a composition for caring for articles
made of textile fibers in aqueous or wet medium, by adding to said
composition an effective amount of at least one nonionic
polysaccharide according to the invention for preventing the
degradation of said articles and for protecting the colors of said
articles and/or for affording said articles crease-resistance
and/or softening properties.
[0048] A third subject of the invention consists of a process for
preventing the degradation of articles made of textile fibers and
for protecting the colors of said articles and/or for affording
said articles crease-resistance and/or softening properties, by
treating said articles, in aqueous or wet medium, with a
composition comprising at least one nonionic polysaccharide
according to the invention.
[0049] The composition and the working (or treatment) conditions
may be in numerous forms.
[0050] Said composition may be
[0051] in the form of a solid (powder, granules, tablets, etc.) or
of a dispersion or of a concentrated aqueous solution placed in
contact with the articles to be treated, after dilution in
water;
[0052] in the form of a dispersion or of a concentrated aqueous
solution placed beforehand on the dry articles to be treated before
dilution in water;
[0053] in the form of a dispersion or of an aqueous solution to be
placed directly on the dry articles to be treated without dilution
or of a solid support (stick) comprising said nonionic
polysaccharide, to be applied directly to the dry articles to be
treated;
[0054] in the form of an insoluble solid support comprising said
nonionic polysaccharide placed directly in contact with the wet
articles to be treated.
[0055] Thus, the composition of the invention may be:
[0056] a solid or liquid detergent formulation capable of directly
forming a washing bath by dilution;
[0057] a liquid rinsing and/or softening formulation capable of
directly forming a rinsing and/or softening bath by dilution;
[0058] a solid material, in particular a textile, comprising said
nonionic polysaccharide, which is intended to be placed in contact
with wet fabrics in a tumble dryer (said solid material is referred
to hereinbelow as a "tumble dryer additive");
[0059] an aqueous ironing formulation;
[0060] a washing additive ("prespotter") intended to be placed on
the dry fabrics prior to a washing operation using a detergent
formulation containing or not containing said nonionic
polysaccharide (said additive is referred to hereinbelow as a
"prespotter").
[0061] The composition of the invention is particularly suitable
for caring for articles (fabrics) and especially cotton-based
articles, in particular articles containing at least 35% cotton. It
is most particularly suitable for caring for colored articles.
[0062] The nonionic polysaccharides used according to the invention
are soluble under the working conditions in aqueous or wet medium
of said composition.
[0063] Said nonionic polysaccharides are considered as soluble when
more than 50% and preferably more than 70% of their weight are
soluble in the working aqueous or wet medium of the composition of
the invention, i.e. especially under the temperature and pH
conditions of said medium.
[0064] The working pH of the composition of the invention may range
from about 2 to about 12, depending on the desired use.
[0065] When it is:
[0066] a detergent formulation, the pH of the washing bath is
generally from about 7 to 11 and preferably from 8 to 10.5;
[0067] a rinsing and/or softening formulation, the pH of the
rinsing and/or softening bath is generally from about 2 to 8;
[0068] a tumble dryer additive, the pH to be considered is that of
the residual water, which may be from about 2 to 9;
[0069] an aqueous ironing formulation, the pH of said formulation
is generally from about 5 to 9;
[0070] a prespotter, the pH to be considered is that of the washing
bath for the operation following washing, i.e. from about 7 to 11
and preferably from 8 to 10.5.
[0071] The amount of nonionic polysaccharide present in the care
composition according to the invention may range from 0.05% to 10%
as dry weight relative to the dry weight of said composition,
depending on the desired application.
[0072] Thus, said nonionic polysaccharide (NP) may be used as
follows:
1 in a care composition % of (NP) according to the invention (as
dry weight) used as 0.05-5 detergent formulation preferably 0.1-3
0.05-3 rinsing and/or softening preferably 0.1-2 formulation
0.05-10 tumble dryer additive 0.05-10 ironing formulation
preferably 0.1-5 0.05-10 prespotter preferably 0.1-5
[0073] Other constituents may be present, along with the nonionic
polysaccharide, in the care composition according to the invention.
Said composition may contain at least one surfactant and/or one
detergent additive and/or rinsing additive and/or softening
additive for articles made of textile fibers and/or one solid
support (especially a textile support) for said nonionic
polysaccharide.
[0074] The nature of these constituents depends on the desired use
of said composition.
[0075] Thus, when it is a detergent formulation, for washing
articles made of textile fibers, it generally comprises:
[0076] at least one natural and/or synthetic surfactant,
[0077] at least one detergent adjuvant ("builder")
[0078] optionally an oxidizing agent or system, and
[0079] a series of specific additives.
[0080] The detergent formulation may comprise surfactants in an
amount corresponding to about 3% to 40% by weight relative to the
detergent formulation, these surfactants being such as
[0081] Anionic Surfactants
[0082] alkyl ester sulfonates of formula R--CH(SO.sub.3M)--COOR',
in which R represents a C.sub.8-C.sub.20 and preferably
C.sub.10-C.sub.16 alkyl radical, R' represents a C.sub.1-C.sub.6
and preferably C.sub.1-C.sub.3 alkyl radical and M represents an
alkali metal (sodium, potassium or lithium) cation, a substituted
or unsubstituted ammonium (methyl-, dimethyl-, trimethyl- or
tetramethylammonium, dimethylpiperidinium, etc.) or an alkanolamine
derivative (monoethanolamine, diethanolamine, triethanolamine,
etc.). Mention may be made most particularly of methyl ester
sulfonates in which the radical R is C.sub.14-C.sub.16;
[0083] alkyl sulfates of formula ROSO.sub.3M, in which R represents
a C.sub.5-C.sub.24 and preferably C.sub.10-C.sub.18 alkyl or
hydroxyalkyl radical, M representing a hydrogen atom or a cation of
the same definition as above, and also the ethoxylenated (EO)
and/or propoxylenated (PO) derivatives thereof, containing on
average from 0.5 to 30 and preferably from 0.5 to 10 EO and/or PO
units;
[0084] alkylamide sulfates of formula RCONHR'OSO.sub.3M in which R
represents a C.sub.2-C.sub.22 and preferably C.sub.6-C.sub.20 alkyl
radical, R' represents a C.sub.2-C.sub.3 alkyl radical, M
representing a hydrogen atom or a cation of the same definition as
above, and also the ethoxylenated (EO) and/or propoxylenated (PO)
derivatives thereof, containing on average from 0.5 to 60 EO and/or
PO units;
[0085] saturated or unsaturated C.sub.8-C.sub.24 and preferably
C.sub.14-C.sub.20 fatty acid salts, C.sub.9-C.sub.20
alkylbenzenesulfonates, primary or secondary C.sub.8-C.sub.22
alkylsulfonates, alkylglyceryl sulfonates, the sulfonated
polycarboxylic acids described in GB-A-1 082 179, paraffin
sulfonates, N-acyl N-alkyltaurates, alkyl phosphates, isethionates,
alkyl succinamates, alkyl sulfosuccinates, sulfosuccinate
monoesters or diesters, N-acyl sarcosinates, alkylglycoside
sulfates, polyethoxycarboxylates; the cation being an alkali metal
(sodium, potassium or lithium), a substituted or unsubstituted
ammonium residue (methyl-, dimethyl-, trimethyl- or
tetramethylammonium, dimethylpiperidinium, etc.) or an alkanolamine
derivative (monoethanolamine, diethanolamine, triethanolamine,
etc.);
[0086] Nonionic Surfactants
[0087] polyoxyalkylenated (polyoxyethylenated, polyoxypropylenated
or polyoxybutylenated) alkylphenols in which the alkyl substituent
is C.sub.6-C.sub.12 and containing from 5 to 25 oxyalkylene units;
examples which may be mentioned are the products Triton X-45,
X-114, X-100 or X-102 sold by Rohm & Haas Co.;
[0088] glucosamide, glucamide or glycerolamide;
[0089] polyoxyalkylenated C.sub.8-C.sub.22 aliphatic alcohols
containing from 1 to 25 oxyalkylene (oxyethylene or oxypropylene)
units; examples which may be mentioned are the products Tergitol
15-S-9 and Tergitol 24-L-6 NMW sold by Union Carbide Corp., Neodol
45-9, Neodol 23-65, Neodol 45-7 and Neodol 45-4 sold by Shell
Chemical Co., and Kyro EOB sold by The Procter & Gamble
Co.;
[0090] products resulting from the condensation of ethylene oxide
or the compound resulting from the condensation of propylene oxide
with propylene glycol, such as the Pluronic products sold by
BASF;
[0091] products resulting from the condensation of ethylene oxide
or the compound resulting from the condensation of propylene oxide
with ethylenediamine, such as the Tetronic products sold by
BASF;
[0092] amine oxides such as C.sub.10-C.sub.18 alkyl dimethylamine
oxides and C.sub.8-C.sub.22 alkoxy ethyl dihydroxyethylamine
oxides;
[0093] the alkylpolyglycosides described in US-A-4 565 647;
[0094] C.sub.8-C.sub.20 fatty acid amides;
[0095] ethoxylated fatty acids;
[0096] ethoxylated fatty amides;
[0097] ethoxylated amines.
[0098] Amphoteric and Zwitterionic Surfactants
[0099] alkyldimethylbetaines, alkylamidopropyldimethylbetaines,
alkyltrimethylsulfobetaines and the products of condensation of
fatty acids and of protein hydrolysates;
[0100] alkyl amphoacetates or alkyl amphodiacetates in which the
alkyl group contains from 6 to 20 carbon atoms.
[0101] The detergent adjuvants ("builders") for improving the
surfactant properties may be used in amounts corresponding to about
5-50% and preferably to about 5-30% by weight for the liquid
detergent formulations or to about 10-80% and preferably 15-50% by
weight for the powder detergent formulations, these detergent
adjuvants being such as:
[0102] Mineral Detergent Adjuvants
[0103] polyphosphates (tripolyphosphates, pyrophosphates,
orthophosphates or hexametaphosphates) of alkali metals, of
ammonium or of alkanolamines
[0104] tetraborates or borate precursors;
[0105] silicates, in particular those with an SiO.sub.2/Na.sub.2O
ratio from about 1.6/1 to 3.2/1 and the lamellar silicates
described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,664,839;
[0106] alkali metal or alkaline-earth metal carbonates
(bicarbonates, sesquicarbonates);
[0107] cogranulates of alkali metal silicate hydrates and of alkali
metal (sodium or potassium) carbonates that are rich in silicon
atoms in Q2 or Q3 form, described in EP-A-488 868;
[0108] crystalline or amorphous aluminosilicates of alkali metals
(sodium or potassium) or of ammonium, such as zeolites A, P, X,
etc.; zeolite A with a particle size of about 0.1-10 micrometers is
preferred.
[0109] Organic Detergent Adjuvants
[0110] water-soluble polyphosphonates (ethane
1-hydroxy-1,1-diphosphonates- , methylenediphosphonate salts,
etc.);
[0111] water-soluble salts of carboxylic polymers or copolymers or
water-soluble salts thereof, such as:
[0112] polycarboxylate ethers (oxydisuccinic acid and its salts,
monosuccinic acid tartrate and its salts, disuccinic acid tartrate
and its salts);
[0113] hydroxypolycarboxylate ethers;
[0114] citric acid and its salts, mellitic acid and succinic acid
and their salts;
[0115] polyacetic acid salts (ethylenediaminetetraacetates,
nitrilotriacetates, N-(2-hydroxyethyl)nitrilodiacetates);
[0116] C.sub.5-C.sub.20 alkyl succinic acids and their salts
(2-dodecenyl-succinates, lauryl succinates);
[0117] carboxylic polyacetal esters;
[0118] polyaspartic acid and polyglutamic acid and their salts;
[0119] polyimides derived from the polycondensation of aspartic
acid and/or of glutamic acid;
[0120] polycarboxymethyl derivatives of glutamic acid or of other
amino acids.
[0121] The detergent formulation may also comprise at least one
oxygen-releasing bleaching agent comprising a percompound,
preferably a persalt.
[0122] Said bleaching agent may be present in an amount
corresponding to about 1% to 30% and preferably from 4% to 20% by
weight relative to the detergent formulation.
[0123] As examples of percompounds which may be used as bleaching
agents, mention should be made in particular of perborates such as
sodium perborate monohydrate or tetrahydrate; peroxygenated
compounds such as sodium carbonate peroxyhydrate, pyrophosphate
peroxyhydrate, urea peroxyhydrate, sodium peroxide and sodium
persulfate.
[0124] The preferred bleaching agents are sodium perborate
monohydrate or tetrahydrate and/or sodium carbonate
peroxyhydrate.
[0125] Said agents are generally combined with a bleaching
activator which generates, in situ in the washing medium, a
peroxycarboxylic acid in an amount corresponding to about 0.1% to
12% and preferably from 0.5% to 8% by weight relative to the
detergent formulation. Among these activators, mention may be made
of tetraacetylethylenediamine, tetraacetylmethylenediamine,
tetraacetylglycoluryl, sodium p-acetoxybenzenesulfonate,
pentaacetylglucose and octaacetyllactose.
[0126] Mention may also be made of non-oxygenated bleaching agents,
which act by photoactivation in the presence of oxygen, these being
agents such as sulfonated aluminum and/or zinc phthalocyanins.
[0127] The detergent formulation may also comprise soil-release
agents, anti-redeposition agents, chelating agents, dispersants,
fluorescers, foam suppressants, softeners, enzymes and various
other additives.
[0128] Soil-release Agents
[0129] These may be used in amounts of about 0.01-10%, preferably
about 0.1-5% and more preferably about 0.2-3% by weight.
[0130] Mention may be made more particularly of agents such as:
[0131] cellulose derivatives such as cellulose hydroxy ethers,
methylcellulose, ethylcellulose, hydroxypropylmethylcellulose or
hydroxybutylmethylcellulose;
[0132] polyvinyl esters grafted onto polyalkylene trunks, such as
polyvinyl acetates grafted onto polyoxyethylene trunks (EP-A-219
048);
[0133] polyvinyl alcohols;
[0134] polyester copolymers based on ethylene terephthalate and/or
propylene terephthalate and polyoxyethylene terephthalate units,
with an ethylene terephthalate and/or propylene terephthalate
(number of units)/polyoxyethylene terephthalate (number of units)
molar ratio from about 1/10 to 10/1 and preferably from about 1/1
to 9/1, the polyoxyethylene terephthalates containing
polyoxyethylene units with a molecular weight from about 300 to 5
000 and preferably from about 600 to 5 000 (U.S. Pat. Nos.
3,959,230, 3,893,929, 4,116,896, 4,702,857, 4,770,666);
[0135] sulfonated polyester oligomers obtained by sulfonation of an
oligomer derived from ethoxylated allylic alcohol, from dimethyl
terephthalate and from 1,2-propylene diol, containing from 1 to 4
sulfonated groups (U.S. Pat. No. 4,968,451);
[0136] polyester copolymers based on propylene terephthalate and
polyoxyethylene terephthalate units and ending with ethyl or methyl
units (U.S. Pat. No. 4,711,730) or polyester oligomers ending with
alkylpolyethoxy groups (U.S. Pat. No. 4,702,857) or sulfopolyethoxy
(U.S. Pat. No. 4,721,580) or sulfoaroyl (U.S. Pat. No. 4,877,896)
anionic groups;
[0137] sulfonated polyester copolymers derived from terephthalic,
isophthalic and sulfoisophthalic acid, anhydride or diester and
from a diol (FR-A-2 720 399).
[0138] Anti-redeposition Agents
[0139] These may be used in amounts generally of about 0.01-10% by
weight for a powder detergent formulation of about 0.01-5% by
weight for a liquid detergent formulation.
[0140] Mention may be made in particular of agents such as:
[0141] ethoxylated monoamines or polyamines, and ethoxylated amine
polymers (U.S. Pat. No. 4,597,898, EP-A-11 984);
[0142] carboxymethylcellulose;
[0143] sulfonated polyester oligomers obtained by condensation of'
isophthalic acid, dimethyl sulfosuccinate and diethylene glycol
(FR-A-2 236 926);
[0144] polyvinylpyrrolidones.
[0145] Chelating Agents
[0146] Agents for chelating iron and magnesium may be present in
amounts of about 0.1-10% and preferably of about 0.1-3% by
weight.
[0147] Mention may be made, inter alia, of:
[0148] aminocarboxylates such as ethylenediaminetetra-acetates,
hydroxyethylethylenediaminetriacetates and nitrilotriacetates;
[0149] aminophosphonates such as
nitrilotris(methylenephosphonates);
[0150] polyfunctional aromatic compounds such as
dihydroxydisulfobenzenes.
[0151] Polymeric Dispersants
[0152] These may be present in an amount of about 0.1-7% by weight,
to control the calcium and magnesium hardness, these being agents
such as:
[0153] water-soluble polycarboxylic acid salts with a molecular
mass from about 2 000 to 100 000, obtained by polymerization or
copolymerization of ethylenically unsaturated carboxylic acids such
as acrylic acid, maleic acid or anhydride, fumaric acid, itaconic
acid, aconitic acid, mesaconic acid, citraconic acid or
methylenemalonic acid, and most particularly polyacrylates with a
molecular mass from about 2 000 to 10 000 (U.S. Pat. No.
3,308,067), copolymers of acrylic acid and of maleic anhydride with
a molecular mass from about 5 000 to 75 000 (EP-A-66 915);
[0154] polyethylene glycols with a molecular mass from about 1 000
to 50 000.
[0155] Fluorescers (brighteners)
[0156] These may be present in an amount of about 0.05-1.2% by
weight, these being agents such as: stilbene, pyrazoline, coumarin,
fumaric acid, cinnamic acid, azole, methinecyanin, thiophene, etc.
derivatives ("The production and application of fluorescent
brightening agents"--M. Zahradnik, published by John Wiley &
Sons, New York, 1982).
[0157] Foam Suppressants
[0158] These may be present in amounts which may be up to 5% by
weight, these being agents such as:
[0159] C.sub.10-C.sub.24 monocarboxylic fatty acids or alkali
metal, ammonium or alkanolamine salts thereof, and fatty acid
triglycerides;
[0160] saturated or unsaturated aliphatic, alicyclic, aromatic or
heterocyclic hydrocarbons, such as paraffins and waxes;
[0161] N-alkylaminotriazines;
[0162] monostearyl phosphates and monostearyl alcohol
phosphates;
[0163] polyorganosiloxane oils or resins optionally combined with
silica particles.
[0164] Softeners
[0165] These may be present in amounts of about 0.5-10% by weight,
these being agents such as clays.
[0166] Enzymes
[0167] These may be present in an amount which may be up to 5 mg by
weight and preferably of about 0.05-3 mg of active enzyme/g of
detergent formulation, these being enzymes such as:
[0168] proteases, amylases, lipases, cellulases and peroxidases
(U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,553,139, 4,101,457, 4,507,219, 4,261,868).
[0169] Other Additives
[0170] Mention may be made, inter alia, of:
[0171] buffers,
[0172] fragrances,
[0173] pigments.
[0174] The detergent formulation may be used, in particular in a
washing machine, in a proportion of from 0.5 g/l to 20 g/l and
preferably from 2 g/l to 10 g/l to carry out washing operations at
a temperature from about 25 to 90.degree. C.
[0175] A second embodiment of the care composition of the invention
consists of an aqueous liquid formulation for rinsing and/or
softening articles made of textile fibers.
[0176] This formulation may be used in a proportion of from 0.2 to
10 g/l and preferably from 2 to 10 g/l.
[0177] Along with the nonionic polysaccharide, there may be present
other constituents of the type such as:
[0178] combinations of cationic surfactants (triethanolamine
diester quaternized with dimethyl sulfate, N-methylimidazoline
tallow ester methyl sulfate, dialkyldimethylammonium chloride,
alkylbenzyldimethylanmo- nium chloride, methyl alkylimidazolinium
sulfate, methyl and
methylbis(alkylamidoethyl)-2-hydroxyethylammonium sulfate, etc.) in
an amount which may range from 3% to 50% and preferably from 4% to
30% of said formulation, optionally combined with nonionic
surfactants (ethoxylated fatty alcohols, ethoxylated alkylphenols,
etc.) in an amount which may be up to 3%;
[0179] polyorganosiloxanes (0.1% to 10%)
[0180] optical brighteners (0.1% to 0.2%);
[0181] optionally, color-fast agents (polyvinylpyrrolidone,
polyvinyloxazolidone, polymethacrylamide, etc. 0.03% to 25% and
preferably 0.1% to 15%),
[0182] colorants,
[0183] fragrances,
[0184] solvents; especially alcohols (methanol, ethanol, propanol,
isopropanol, ethylene glycol or glycerol),
[0185] foam limiters.
[0186] A third embodiment of the care composition of of the
invention consists of an additive for drying articles made of
textile fibers in a suitable tumble dryer.
[0187] Said additive comprises a flexible solid support consisting,
for example, of a strip of woven or nonwoven textile or a sheet of
cellulose, impregnated with said nonionic polysaccharide; said
additive is introduced at the time of tumble-drying into the wet
laundry to be dried at a temperature from about 50 to 80.degree. C.
for 10 to 60 minutes.
[0188] Said additive may also comprise cationic softeners (up to
99%) and color-fast agents (up to 80%), such as those mentioned
above.
[0189] A fourth embodiment of the care composition of the invention
consists of an ironing formulation which may be sprayed directly
onto the dry fabrics before ironing.
[0190] Said formulation may also contain siliconebased polymers
(from 0.2% to 5%), nonionic surfactants (from 0.5% to 5%) or
anionic surfactants (from 0.5% to 5%), fragrances (0.1% to 3%) or
cellulose derivatives (0.1% to 3%), for instance starch; spraying
said formulation onto the fabrics makes it easier to iron them and
limits the creasing of the fabrics when they are worn.
[0191] A fifth embodiment of the care compositon of the invention
consists of a prespotter which is in the form of an aqueous
solution or dispersion or a solid (stick).
[0192] Along with the nonionic polysaccharide, there may be present
other constituents of the type such as:
[0193] anionic surfactants such as those already mentioned above,
in an amount of at least 5% of the weight of the composition
[0194] nonionic surfactants such as those already mentioned above,
in an amount which may range from 15% to 40% of the weight of the
composition
[0195] aliphatic hydrocarbons, in an amount which can range from 5%
to 20% of the weight of the composition.
[0196] The examples that follow are given for illustrative
purposes.
[0197] The nonionic polysaccharides used in the examples are
[0198] hydroxypropyl guar HPG1 with a degree of modification of 1.2
and a dynamic viscosity of 1300 mPa.s
[0199] hydroxypropyl guar HPG2 with a degree of modification of 0.6
and a dynamic viscosity of 3000 mPa.s
EXMAPLE 1
[0200] Detergent Formulation
2 (C) (D) Formulation (A) (B) color color Constituents % by weight
% by weight % by weight % by weight Zeolite 4A 25 25 25 25 2
SiO.sub.2, Na.sub.2O 5 5 5 5 silicate Sodium carbonate 15 15 15 15
Acrylate/maleate 5 5 5 5 copolymer Sokalan CP5 (BASF) Sodium
sulfate 8 8 21 21 CMC blanose 7MXF 1 1 1 1 (HERCULES) Perborate 15
15 0 0 monohydrate Granulated TAED 5 5 0 0 Anionic 6 6 8 8
surfactant Laurylbenzene sulfate (Nansa) Nonionic 3 3 5 5
surfactant Symperonic A3 (3 EO ethoxylated alcohol - ICI) Nonionic
9 9 11 11 surfactant Symperonic A9 (9 EO ethoxylated alcohol - ICI)
Enzymes 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.5 (esterases, amylases, cellulase, protease)
Fragrances 1 1 1 1 Nonionic 0 1 0 1 polysaccharide (% solids)
Polyvinylpyrrolid 0 0 1 1 one Soil-release 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.5
sulfonated Copolyester REPEL-O-TEX PF 594 from Rhodia
[0201] A washing operation is performed in a Tergotometer
laboratory machine which is well known in the profession to
detergent composition formulators. The machine simulates the
mechanical and thermal effects of pulsating-type American washing
machines, but, by virtue of the presence of 6 washing drums, it
makes it possible to carry out simultaneous series of tests with an
appreciable saving in time.
[0202] 10.times.10 cm test pieces are cut from unfinished cotton
(supplied under the reference 2436W by Phoenix Colio Ltd.)
[0203] The cotton test pieces are first ironed so that they all
have the same level of creasing before washing.
[0204] They are then washed using the above detergent formulation
containing or not containing the nonionic polysaccharide and rinsed
thrice, under the following conditions:
[0205] number of test pieces per Tergotometer drum: 10
[0206] volume of water: 1 liter
[0207] water of French hardness 30.degree.TH obtained by suitable
dilution of Contrexeville.RTM. brand mineral water
[0208] washing product concentration: 5 g/l
[0209] washing temperature: 40.degree. C.
[0210] washing time: 20 min
[0211] spin speed of the Tergotometer: 100 rpm
[0212] rinsing with cold water (about 30.degree.TH)
[0213] rinsing time: 5 minutes
[0214] The test pieces are then creased under a 150
g.multidot.cm.sup.-2 press for 90 seconds, after which they are
dried vertically overnight.
[0215] A digital color photograph is then taken of the dry test
pieces, which is then converted into 256 levels of gray (gray scale
from 0 to 255).
[0216] The number of pixels corresponding to each level of gray are
counted.
[0217] For each histogram obtained, the standard deviation .sigma.
of the distribution of the level of gray is measured.
[0218] .sigma.1 corresponds to the standard deviation obtained with
the detergent formulation containing no nonionic
polysaccharide.
[0219] .sigma.2 corresponds to the standard deviation obtained with
the detergent formulation containing the nonionic
polysaccharide.
[0220] The performance value WR (Wrinkle Recovery) is given by the
following equation
WR (%)=[(.sigma.1-.sigma.2)/.sigma.1]f.times.100
[0221] f being a normalization factor, which is about 2.1 here.
[0222] A value of:
[0223] 0% corresponds to zero benefit
[0224] 100% corresponds to an uncreased surface (flat surface
obtained after ironing).
[0225] The performance values obtained are as follows:
3 (B) (D) Formulation (A) HPG1 HPG2 (C) HPG1 HPG2 WR 0% 20% 18% 0%
29% 22%
[0226] These positive values of WR are representative of a
crease-resistance property provided by the detergent formulation
comprising the nonionic polysaccharide according to the
invention.
EXMAPLE 2
[0227] Rinsing/softening Formulation
4 Constituents % by weight Cationic surfactant: ditallow 5%
dimethylammonium chloride Fragrance 1% HCl to obtain a pH = 3 0.2%
Nonionic polysaccharide (% solids) 2%
EXMAPLE 3
MEASUREMENT OF THE PROTECTION OF COLORS
PRINCIPLE
[0228] This consists in performing, under defined conditions, 10
washes of a sample of several colored cotton fabrics. The color
protection efficacy is tested in an automatic washing machine. The
actual assessment is performed by a reflectance measurement. The
fabrics are examined before and after 10 washes. The variation in
color thus recorded (.DELTA.E*) constitutes the loss of color on
each type of fabric.
APPARATUS--REAGENTS
[0229] AEG Lavamat 2050 Turbo automatic washing machine:
[0230] Commercial front-loading washing machine--wash cycles at
40.degree. C.--volume of washing water: 13 liters Recorded program:
10 wash cycles
[0231] LUCI100--Dr Lange reflectometer:
[0232] This is a reflectance machine used for measuring the colors
of fabrics before and after washing.
[0233] 6 tea towels: made of gray cotton cloth referenced 402MBLI
(from D. PORTHAULT SA)
[0234] 4 towels (as ballast): plush-loop white cotton terry towel
500 g/m.sup.2 (from D. PORTHAULT SA)
[0235] Sampling of 3 different commercial colored fabrics
[0236] black woven cotton
[0237] red woven cotton
[0238] turquoise woven cotton
[0239] blue woven cotton
[0240] printed woven cotton
[0241] PROCEDURE
5 Wash temperature: 40.degree. C. Duration: about 67 min Number of
washes: 10 Laundry load: 3 kg dry weight (4 towels + 6 tea cloths +
colored fabrics) Bath volume: 13 liters .+-. 1 liter Water
hardness: about 23.degree.TH French Washing formula 5 .+-. 0.1 g/l
concentration:
[0242] Procedure: 5 steps
[0243] Measuring the color of the new fabric samples
[0244] Sewing of the colored fabric samples to the tea cloths in
order to avoid fraying during the successive washes
[0245] Performing the 10 washes without drying between the
cycles
[0246] Drying in open air
[0247] Measuring the colors on the washed fabrics
[0248] The colors are measured on a LUCI100 reflectometer:
[0249] The measuring system used is the CIE [International
Commission on Illumination]--L.star. a.star. b.star. system
(DIN6174, CIE-LAB 1976).
[0250] It is made up as follows:
[0251] L.star. corresponds to the degree of whiteness on a
white-black scale.
[0252] L*=100 for a white sample
[0253] L*=0 for a black sample
[0254] a.star. positions the color in a range from green to
red.
[0255] a*.gtoreq.0 the color tends toward red.
[0256] a*.ltoreq.0 the color tends toward green.
[0257] b.star. positions the color in a range from yellow to
blue.
[0258] b*.gtoreq.0 the color tends toward yellow.
[0259] b*.ltoreq.0 the color tends toward blue.
[0260] Each sample of fabric is measured at 5 different points (one
at the center and one in each corner) and the average of the
components L*, a* and b* is calculated.
EXPLOITING THE RESULTS
[0261] The reflectometer is equipped with software that indirectly
calculates the .DELTA.E.star. from the data recorded above. This
value corresponds to the color variation recorded on the fabric
after washing and is expressed as follows:
[0262] .DELTA.L*=L*.sub.after washing-L*.sub.before washing
[0263] .DELTA.a*=a*.sub.after washing-a*.sub.before washing
[0264] .DELTA.b*=b*.sub.after washing-b*.sub.before washing
[0265] The loss of color for each fabric is then given by the
following expression:
.DELTA.E*={square root}{square root over
((.DELTA.L*).sup.2+(.DELTA.a*).su- p.2+(.DELTA.b*).sup.2)}
[0266] The performance quality of the polysaccharide is evaluated
as a percentage, according to the following equation 1 %
performance = ( E ref - E treated E ref ) .times. 100 %
[0267] .DELTA.E.sub.ref corresponding to the .DELTA.E obtained with
formulation (C) of Example 1 without nonionic polysaccharide
.DELTA.E.sub.treated corresponding to the .DELTA.E obtained with
formulation (D) of Example 1 containing a nonionic
polysaccharide.
[0268] A performance of
[0269] 0% corresponds to zero benefit relative to the fabric washed
without nonionic polysaccharide
[0270] 100% corresponds to an absence of color change (the fabric
is like new).
[0271] The results obtained are as follows:
6 (D) Fabric (C) HPG1 HPG2 Black 0% 16% 24% Red 0% 31% 12%
Turquoise 0% 18% 47% Blue 0% 12% 14% Printed 0% 8% 15%
[0272] These results show that the presence of nonionic
polysaccharide in the formulation (D) allows the protection of the
colors to be considerably improved.
* * * * *