U.S. patent application number 10/634926 was filed with the patent office on 2004-05-06 for conditioning agent.
Invention is credited to Jeschke, Rainer, Jonke, Hermann, Schymitzek, Tatiana.
Application Number | 20040087475 10/634926 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 7677469 |
Filed Date | 2004-05-06 |
United States Patent
Application |
20040087475 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Jonke, Hermann ; et
al. |
May 6, 2004 |
Conditioning agent
Abstract
A laundry conditioning agent containing up to 50% by weight of
at least one fabric-softening component, at least one easier-iron
component, and at least one polyether-modified siloxane as
spreading agent. The fabric-softening component contains one or
more quaternary ammonium compounds of the formula (II) 1 or of the
formula (V) 2 and the easier-iron component and spreading agent are
present in a weight ratio of 10:6 to 40:1.
Inventors: |
Jonke, Hermann;
(Duesseldorf, DE) ; Schymitzek, Tatiana; (Krefeld,
DE) ; Jeschke, Rainer; (Duesseldorf, DE) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Glenn E. J. Murphy, Henkel Corporation
Law Department
Suite 200
2500 Renaissance Blvd.
Gulph Mills
PA
19406
US
|
Family ID: |
7677469 |
Appl. No.: |
10/634926 |
Filed: |
August 5, 2003 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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10634926 |
Aug 5, 2003 |
|
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PCT/EP02/00759 |
Jan 25, 2002 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
510/515 ;
510/499; 510/504 |
Current CPC
Class: |
C11D 1/835 20130101;
C11D 1/62 20130101; C11D 1/82 20130101; C11D 3/373 20130101; C11D
3/3742 20130101; C11D 3/0015 20130101; C11D 1/72 20130101; C11D
3/3749 20130101; C11D 3/3738 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
510/515 ;
510/499; 510/504 |
International
Class: |
D06L 001/00 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Feb 5, 2001 |
DE |
101 12 318.3 |
Claims
What is claimed:
1. A laundry conditioning agent, comprising up to 50% by weight of
at least one fabric-softening component, at least one easier-iron
component, and at least one polyether-modified siloxane as
spreading agent.
2. The laundry conditioning agent of claim 1, wherein the
fabric-softening component comprises one or more quaternary
ammonium compounds of the formula (II) 14where R.sup.4 is an
aliphatic alkyl radical having 12 to 22 carbon atoms with 0, 1, 2
or 3 double bonds; R.sup.5 is H, OH or O(CO)R.sup.7, R.sup.6,
independently of R.sup.5, is H, OH or O(CO)R.sup.8, where R.sup.7
and R.sup.8, independently of one another, are in each case an
aliphatic alkyl radical having 12 to 22 carbon atoms with 0, 1, 2
or 3 double bonds, m, n and p can, in each case independently of
one another, have the value 1, 2 or 3, and X.sup.- can either be a
halide, methosulfate, methophosphate or phosphate ion, and mixtures
thereof, or of the formula (V) 15where R.sup.12, R.sup.13 and
R.sup.14, independently of one another, are a C.sub.1-4-alkyl,
alkenyl or hydroxyalkyl group, R.sup.15 and R.sup.16, in each case
chosen independently, is a C.sub.8-28-alkyl group and r is a number
between 0 and 5, and wherein the easier-iron component and
spreading agent are present in a weight ratio of 10:6 to 40:1.
3. The agent of claim 2, wherein the fabric-softening component
comprises one or more of
N-methyl-N(2hydroxyethyl)-N,N-(ditallow-acyloxyethyl)ammon- ium
methosulfate or
N-methyl-N(2-hydroxyethyl)-N,N-(dipalmitoylethyl)ammon- ium
methosulfate.
4. The agent of claim 1, comprising 0.1 to 45% by weight of the
fabric-softening component.
5. The agent of claim 4, comprising 5 to 40% by weight of the
fabric-softening component.
6. The agent of claim 5, comprising 11 to 35% by weight of the
fabric-softening component.
7. The agent of claim 1, additionally comprising one or more
nonionic surfactants.
8. The agent of claim 7, wherein the one or more nonionic
surfactants comprise C.sub.8-C.sub.18-alcohols having 1 to 12
EO.
9. The agent of claim 2, wherein it is liquid and comprises up to
95% by weight of one or more aqueous solvents.
10. The agent of claim 9, comprising 20 to 90% by weight of one or
more aqueous solvents.
11. The agent of claim 10, comprising 50 to 80% by weight of one or
more aqueous solvents.
12. The agent of claim 9, wherein the easier-iron component
comprises one or more silicone oils.
13. Thje agent of claim 12, wherein the one or more silicone oils
comprise one or more dimethylpolysiloxanes.
14. The agent of claim of claim 9, comprising up to 10% by weight
of the easier-iron component.
15. The agent of claim 14, comprising 0.1 to 8% by weight of the
easier-iron component.
16. The agent of claim 15, comprising 0.5 to 5% by weight of the
easier-iron component.
17. The agent of claim 1, wherein the spreading agent comprises one
or more polyether-modified siloxanes.
18. The agent of claim 14, comprising up to 10% by weight of the
spreading agent.
19. The agent of claim 18, comprising 0.01 to 5% by weight of the
spreading agent.
20. The agent of claim 19, comprising 0.05 to 2% by weight of the
spreading agent.
21. The agent of claim 20, comprising 0.1 to 1% by weight of the
spreading agent.
22. The agent of claim 18, wherein the easier-iron component and
spreading agent are present in a weight ratio of 10:6 to 40:1.
23. The agent of claim 22, wherein the easier-iron component and
spreading agent are present in a weight ratio of 10:4 to 30:1.
24. The agent of claim 23, wherein the easier-iron component and
spreading agent are present in a weight ratio of 10:3 to 20:1.
25. The agent of claim 24, wherein the easier-iron component and
spreading agent are present in a weight ratio of 10:2.5 to
15:1.
26. A method of conditioning textile fabrics in a textile-drying
process or in a washing process, comprising contacting a textile
fabric with an effective amount of the laundry conditioning agent
of claim 1.
27. A conditioning substrate, comprising a fabric substrate
impregnated and/or saturated with the liquid laundry conditioning
agent of claim 1.
28. The conditioning substrate of claim 27, wherein the agent
comprises up to 95% by weight of one or more aqueous solvents.
29. The conditioning substrate of claim 27, wherein the fabric
substrate comprises a nonwoven material.
30. The conditionaing substrate of claim 29, wherein the nonwoven
material is a viscose nonwoven.
31. The conditioning substrate of claim 27, having a weight of from
20 to 500 g/m.sup.2.
32. The conditioning substrate of claim 32, having a weight of from
25 to 200 g/m.sup.2.
33. The conditioning substrate of claim 33, having a weight of from
30 to 100 g/m.sup.2.
34. The conditioning substrate of claim 34, having a weight of from
40 to 80 g/m.sup.2.
35. The conditioning substrate of claim 27, wherein the fabric
substrate has an area of from 0.2 to 0.005 m.sup.2.
36. The conditioning substrate of claim 35, wherein the fabric
substrate has an area of from 0.15 to 0.01 m.sup.2.
37. The conditioning substrate of claim 36, wherein the fabric
substrate has an area of from 0.1 to 0.03 m.sup.2.
38. The conditioning substrate of claim 37, wherein the fabric
substrate has an area of from 0.09 to 0.06 m.sup.2.
Description
STATEMENT OF RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This is a continuation application claiming priority under
35 U.S.C. .sctn..sctn. 119 and 365 of International Application No.
PCT/EP02/00759, filed Jan. 25, 2002, in the European Patent Office,
designating the United States, and application DE 101 12 318.3,
filed Feb. 5, 2001, in the German Patent Office.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The invention relates to a conditioning agent and to the use
of the conditioning agent in a washing or textile drying process.
In addition, the invention relates to a conditioning substrate
which comprises a conditioning agent, and to a conditioning process
using the conditioning substrate in a textile drying process.
[0003] The use of conditioning agents and application thereof to
carrier cloths for textile conditioning in a domestic dryer has
been part of the prior art for a long time. Usually, the
conditioning agents comprise cationic surfactants to establish a
pleasant textile soft feel, and optionally textile conditioning
additives, such as crease-resistant agents, deodorizing substances
and perfumes. The conditioning agents are applied to the carrier
cloth by melting on, so that they can be released at the
temperatures which are customarily present in a domestic dryer.
[0004] WO 00/24853 describes liquid fabric softener formulations
with crease-reducing components chosen from silicone derivatives
and sulfated or sulfonated vegetable oils, and also dryer cloths
which comprise one of the crease-reducing components.
[0005] EP 255 711 describes a conditioning cloth which is provided
with a textile conditioning agent comprising cationic surfactants
and polydiorganosiloxanes, where the textile conditioning agent has
a melting point above 38.degree. C.
[0006] U.S. Pat. No. 5,174,911 describes a textile conditioning
article for a laundry dryer, where the conditioning agent which is
applied to the article comprises a softening component and an
aminosilicone component.
[0007] EP 317 135 discloses an aqueous fabric softener formulation
which comprises a cationic and a nonionic softener component. The
nonionic softener component here is a special siloxane which
carries at least one C.sub.6-C.sub.22-alkyl group.
[0008] EP 544 493 describes high-concentration fabric softeners
which have 60 to 99% by weight of a textile-softening component,
and 1 to 40% by weight of an emulsified mixture of silicone oil and
silicone emulsifier. Through the use of the emulsified
silicone-containing mixture, and the high content of softener
components, phase separation of the components is avoided, and
uniform coating of dryer cloths is achieved. The conditioning agent
composition for the dryer cloths here have a melting point of from
25 to 150.degree. C.
[0009] The conditioning agents and conditioning cloths described in
the prior art, however, have the disadvantage that stains often
arise at the points of contact of conditioning cloth or
conditioning agent with the textiles to be conditioned, which are
caused by the transfer of active substances onto the damp textiles.
The stains are very intensive particularly when the conditioning
agents or the conditioning cloths comprise silicone oils.
[0010] It was, then, an object of the present invention to provide
a laundry conditioning agent which avoids visible stains on
textiles and at the same time brings about an excellent soft feel
and significantly easier ironing of the conditioned textiles.
DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0011] The invention therefore provides, in a first embodiment, a
laundry conditioning agent which comprises up to 50% by weight of
at least one fabric-softening component, at least one easier-iron
component and at least one spreading agent.
[0012] As an essential constituent, the conditioning agents
according to the invention comprise at least one fabric-softening
component.
[0013] Examples of such fabric-softening components are quaternary
ammonium compounds, cationic polymers and emulsifiers, as are used
in haircare compositions and also in compositions for textile
softening.
[0014] Suitable examples are quaternary ammonium compounds of the
formulae (I) and (II) 3
[0015] where, in (I), R and R.sup.1 are an acyclic alkyl radical
having 12 to 24 carbon atoms, R.sup.2 is a saturated
C.sub.1-C.sub.4-alkyl or hydroxyalkyl radical, R.sup.3 is either R,
R.sup.1 or R.sup.2 or is an aromatic radical, X.sup.31 is either a
halide, methosulfate, methophosphate or phosphate ion and mixtures
thereof. Examples of cationic compounds of the formula (I) are
didecyldimethylammonium chloride, ditallow-dimethylammonium
chloride or dihexadecyl-ammonium chloride.
[0016] Compounds of the formula (II) are so-called ester quats.
Ester quats are characterized by excellent biodegradability. Here,
R.sup.4 is an aliphatic alkyl radical having 12 to 22 carbon atoms
with 0, 1, 2 or 3 double bonds; R.sup.5 is H, OH or O(CO)R.sup.7
R.sup.6 is, independently of R.sup.5, H, OH or O(CO)R.sup.8, where
R.sup.7 and R.sup.8, independently of one another, are each an
aliphatic alkyl radical having 12 to 22 carbon atoms with 0, 1, 2
or 3 double bonds. m, n and p can each, independently of one
another, have the value 1, 2 or 3. X.sup.- can either be a halide,
methosulfate, methophosphate or phosphate ion or mixtures thereof.
Preference is given to compounds which contain the group
O(CO)R.sup.7 for R.sup.5, and alkyl radicals having 16 to 18 carbon
atoms for R.sup.4 and R.sup.7. Particular preference is given to
compounds in which R.sup.6 is also OH. Examples of compounds of the
formula (II) are
methyl-N-(2-hydroxyethyl)-N,N-di(tallow-acyloxyethyl)amm- onium
methosulfate, bis(palmitoyl)ethylhydroxyethylmethylammonium
methosulfate or
methyl-N,N-bis(acyloxyethyl)-N-(2-hydroxy-ethyl)ammonium
methosulfate. If quaternized compounds of the formula (II) which
have unsaturated alkyl chains are used, preference is given to the
acyl groups whose corresponding fatty acids have an iodine number
between 5 and 80, preferably between 10 and 60 and in particular
between 15 and 45 and which have a cis/trans isomer ratio (in % by
weight) greater than 30:70, preferably greater than 50:50 and in
particular greater than 70:30. Standard commercial examples are the
methylhydroxyalkyldialkoyloxyalkylam- monium methosulfates sold by
Stepan under the trade name Stepantex.RTM., or the products from
Cognis known under Dehyquart.RTM. or the products from
Goldschmidt-Witco known under Rewoquat.RTM.. Further preferred
compounds are the diester quats of the formula (III), which are
available under the name Rewoquat.RTM. W222 LM or CR 3099 and, as
well as softening, also ensure stability and color protection.
4
[0017] R.sup.21 and R.sup.22 are, independently of one another,
each an aliphatic radical having 12 to 22 carbon atoms with 0, 1, 2
or 3 double bonds.
[0018] As well as the above-described quaternary compounds, other
known compounds can also be used, such as, for example, quaternary
imidazolinium compounds of the formula (IV), 5
[0019] where R.sup.9 is H or a saturated alkyl radical having 1 to
4 carbon atoms, R.sup.10 and R.sup.11, independently of one
another, are each an aliphatic, saturated or unsaturated alkyl
radical having 12 to 18 carbon atoms, R.sup.10 may alternatively
also be O(CO)R , where R.sup.20 is an aliphatic, saturated or
unsaturated alkyl radical having 12 to 18 carbon atoms, and Z is an
NH group or oxygen and X.sup.- is an anion. q can assume integer
values between 1 and 4.
[0020] Further suitable quaternary compounds are described by
formula (V), 6
[0021] where R.sup.12, R.sup.13 and R.sup.14, independently of one
another, are a C.sub.1-4-alkyl, alkenyl or hydroxyalkyl group,
R.sup.15 and R.sup.16 are each, chosen independently, a
C.sub.8-28-alkyl group and r is a number between 0 and 5.
[0022] As well as the compounds of the formulae (I) and (II),
short-chain, water-soluble, quaternary ammonium compounds can also
be used, such as trihydroxyethylmethyl-methylammonium methosulfate
or the alkyltrimethyl-ammonium chlorides, dialkyldimethylammonium
chlorides and trialkylmethylammonium chlorides, e.g.
cetyltrimethylammonium chloride, stearyltrimethyl-ammonium
chloride, distearyldimethylammonium chloride,
lauryldimethylammonium chloride, lauryldimethylbenzyl-ammonium
chloride and tricetylmethylammonium chloride.
[0023] Protonated alkylamine compounds which have a softening
action, and the nonquaternized, protonated precursors of the
cationic emulsifiers are also suitable.
[0024] Further cationic compounds which can be used according to
the invention represent the quaternized protein hydrolyzates.
[0025] Suitable cationic polymers include the polyquaternium
polymers, as in the CTFA Cosmetic Ingredient Dictionary (The
Cosmetic, Toiletry and Fragrance, Inc. 1997), in particular the
polyquaternium-6, polyquaternium-7, polyquaternium-10 polymers
(Ucare Polymer IR 400; Amerchol), also referred to as merquats,
polyquaternium-4 copolymers, such as graft copolymers with a
cellulose backbone and quaternary ammonium groups which are bonded
via allyldimethylammonium chloride, cationic cellulose derivatives,
such as cationic guar, such as guar hydroxypropyltriammonium
chloride, and similar quaternized guar derivatives (e.g. Cosmedia
Guar, manufacturer: Cognis GmbH), cationic quaternary sugar
derivatives (cationic alkyl polyglucosides), e.g. the commercial
product Glucquat.RTM.100, according to CTFA nomenclature a "Lauryl
Methyl Gluceth-10 Hydroxypropyl Dimonium Chloride", copolymers of
PVP and dimethylaminomethacrylate, copolymers of vinylimidazole and
vinylpyrrolidone, aminosilicone polymers and copolymers.
[0026] It is likewise possible to use polyquaternized polymers
(e.g. Luviquat Care from BASF) and also cationic biopolymers based
on chitin and derivatives thereof, for example the polymer
obtainable under the trade name Chitosan.RTM. (manufacturer:
Cognis).
[0027] Likewise suitable according to the invention are cationic
silicone oils, such as, for example, the commercially available
products Q2-7224 (manufacturer: Dow Corning; a stabilized
trimethylsilylamodimethicone), Dow Corning 929 emulsion (comprising
a hydroxylamino-modified silicone, which is also referred to as
amodimethicone), SM-2059 (manufacturer: General Electric),
SLM-55067 (manufacturer: Wacker) Abil.RTM.-Quat 3270 and 3272
(manufacturer: Goldschmidt-Rewo; diquaternary
polydimethylsiloxanes, quaternium-80) and Siliconquat Rewoquat.RTM.
SQ 1 (Tegopren.RTM. 6922, manufacturer: Goldschmidt-Rewo).
[0028] It is likewise possible to use compounds of the formula (VI)
7
[0029] which may be alkylamidoamines in their nonquaternized or, as
shown, their quaternized form. R.sup.17 may be an aliphatic alkyl
radical having 12 to 22 carbon atoms with 0, 1, 2 or 3 double
bonds. s can assume values between 0 and 5. R.sup.18 and R.sup.19
are, independently of one another, each H, C.sub.1-4-alkyl or
hydroxyalkyl. Preferred compounds are fatty acid amidoamines, such
as the stearylamidopropyldimethylamine obtainable under the name
Tego Amid.RTM. S18, or the 3-tallow-amidopropyltrimethylam- monium
methosulfate obtainable under the name Stepantex.RTM. X 9124, which
are characterized, not only by a good conditioning effect, but also
by color-transfer-inhibiting effect and in particular by their good
biodegradability. Particular preference is given to alkylated
quaternary ammonium compounds in which at least one alkyl chain is
interrupted by an ester group and/or amido group, in particular
N-methyl-N-(2hydroxyethyl) -N,N-(ditallow-acyloxyethyl)ammonium
methosulfate and/or N-methyl-N-(2-hydroxyethyl)-N,
N-(palmitoyloxyethyl)ammonium methosulfate.
[0030] Preferred nonionic softeners are primarily polyoxyalkylene
glycerol alkanoates, as are described in British patent
specification GB 2,202,244, polybutylenes, as are described in
British patent specification GB 2,199,855, long-chain fatty acids,
as are described in EP 13780, ethoxylated fatty acid ethanolamides,
as are described in EP 43547, alkyl polyglycosides, in particular
sorbitan mono-, di- and triesters, as are described in EP 698140
and fatty acid esters of polycarboxylic acids, as are described in
German patent specification DE 2,822,891.
[0031] In the laundry conditioning agent according to the
invention, softener components are present in amounts up to 50% by
weight, preferably from 0.1 to 45% by weight, particularly
preferably from 5 to 40% by weight and in particular from 11 to 35%
by weight, in each case based on the total agent.
[0032] As a further component, the conditioning agents according to
the invention comprise at least one easier-iron component. For the
purposes of the invention, easier-iron components are understood as
meaning substances which, as a result of their effect on textile
fabrics, ensure that the textile has a low frictional resistance
upon ironing. Particularly suitable easier-iron components have
been found to be the following silicone oils having the formulae I
to III. 8
[0033] where R=phenyl or C.sub.1-C.sub.5-alkyl, particularly
preferably methyl and x=5 to 100 000. 9
[0034] where R.sup.2=linear or branched alkyl having 6 to 50 carbon
atoms and where the linkage to the Si atom is via an Si--O--C or an
Si--C bond, or is a linear or branched aminoalkyl radical where x=0
to 10 000 and y=1 to 10 000. 10
[0035] where R.sup.4 and R.sup.5independently of one another, are
linear or branched alkyl groups having 6 to 50 carbon atoms. The
linkages to the Si atoms are via C--Si or C--O--Si bonds. The
number z is between 1 and 10 000.
[0036] Further easier-iron components are the partially oxidized
polyethylenes.
[0037] Partially oxidized polyethylene is primarily understood as
meaning linear polyethylene waxes which are products with
relatively low molar masses in the range from 500 to 50 000. The
polyethylene waxes are generally prepared by direct low-pressure
polymerization or, preferably, high-pressure polymerization of the
monomers or by targeted depolymerization of products of higher
molar masses. The modified polyethylene waxes used here can be
prepared by polymerization of ethylene, preferably in the absence
of a catalyst with premature polymerization termination, and
subsequent oxidation, e.g. by introducing air, or by
copolymerization of ethylene with suitable other monomers such as,
for example, acrylic acid, where the proportion of acrylic acid
units preferably does not exceeed 20%, in particular 10%. Finally,
it is possible to improve the dispersibility of polyolefins by
oxidative surface treatment. Reviews on this topic can be found,
for example, in Ullmann's Encyclopedia of Industrial Chemistry, 4th
edition, 24, 36, and in Encycl. Polym. Sci. Eng. 17, 792f.
[0038] The easier-iron component(s) are present in amounts up to
10% by weight, preferably 0.1 to 8% by weight and in particular
from 0.5 to 5% by weight, in each case based on the total
agent.
[0039] As further component, the conditioning agents according to
the invention comprise at least one spreading agent. The spreading
agent has a wetting function and ensures that the other components
are optimally distributed over a large area. This is achieved by
preventing partial over-concentrations on the textile surface which
would be visible as stains.
[0040] Suitable spreading agents are polyether-modified siloxanes
as shown, for example, in 11
[0041] The groups R.sup.1 and R.sup.3 in the formulae IV and V are,
independently of one another, --R.sup.r
(C.sub.2H.sub.4O).sub.m--(C.sub.3- H.sub.6O).sub.nR.sup.6--,
where
[0042] R.sup.r is a divalent alkylene radical, e.g. --CH.sub.2-- or
--C.sub.2H.sub.4--
[0043] R.sup.6=H, methyl or C.sub.2-C.sub.6-alkyl
[0044] x and y are in each case 1 or more, where the sum of x+y
extends to 10 000
[0045] z is between 1 and 10 000
[0046] m and n may assume numerical values from 0 to 300, where,
however, the sum of m+n is between 1 and 300.
[0047] The spreading agent is present in amounts up to 10% by
weight, preferably from 0.01 to 5% by weight, particularly
preferably from 0.05 to 2% by weight and in particular from 0.1 to
1% by weight, in each case based on the total agent.
[0048] Advantageously, the weight ratio in the conditioning agents
according to the invention of easier-iron component(s) to spreading
agent is 10:6 to 40:1, preferably 10:4 to 30:1, particularly
preferably 10:3 to 20:1 and in particular 10:2.5 to 15:1, for
example 4:1.
[0049] In a preferred embodiment, the conditioning agents according
to the invention are present in liquid form. To achieve a liquid
consistency, the use both of liquid organic solvents, and also that
of water may be appropriate. The laundry conditioning agents
according to the invention therefore optionally comprise
solvents.
[0050] Solvents which may be used in the agents according to the
invention originate, for example, from the group of mono- or
polyhydric alcohols, alkanolamines or glycol ethers, provided they
are miscible with water in the given concentration range.
Preferably, the solvents are chosen from ethanol, n- or
isopropanol, butanols, glycol, propanediol or butanediol, glycerol,
diglycol, propyl or butyl diglycol, hexylene glycol, ethylene
glycol methyl ether, ethylene glycol ethyl ether, ethylene glycol
propyl ether, ethylene glycol mono-nbutyl ether, diethylene glycol
methyl ether, diethylene glycol ethyl ether, propylene glycol
methyl, ethyl or propyl ether, butoxypropoxypropanol (BPP),
dipropylene glycol monomethyl or monoethyl ether, diisopropylene
glycol monomethyl or monoethyl ether, methoxy, ethoxy or butoxy
triglycol, 1-butoxyethoxy-2-propanol, 3-methyl-3-methoxybutanol,
propylene glycol t-butyl ether, and mixtures of these solvents.
[0051] Some glycol ethers are available under the trade names
Arcosolv.RTM. (Arco Chemical Co.) or Cellosolve.RTM., Carbitol.RTM.
or Propasol.RTM. (Union Carbide Corp.); these also include, for
example, ButylCarbitol.RTM., HexylCarbitol.RTM.,
MethylCarbitol.RTM. and Carbitol.RTM. itself,
(2-(2-ethoxy)ethoxy)ethanol. The choice of glycol ether can readily
be made by the person skilled in the art on the basis of its
volatility, solubility and water, its percentage by weight of the
total dispersion and the like. Pyrrolidone solvents, such as
N-alkylpyrrolidones, for example N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone or
N-C.sub.8-C.sub.12-alkylpyrrolidone, or 2-pyrrolidone, can likewise
be used. Also preferred as the sole solvents or as a constituent of
the solvent mixture are glycerol derivatives, in particular
glycerol carbonate.
[0052] The alcohols which can be used in the present invention as
cosolvents include liquid polyethylene glycols, with a low
molecular weight, for example polyethylene glycols with a molecular
weight of 200, 300, 400 or 600. Further suitable cosolvents are
other alcohols, for example (a) lower alcohols, such as ethanol,
propanol, isopropanol and n-butanol, (b) ketones, such as acetone
and methyl ethyl ketone, (c) C.sub.2-C.sub.4-polyols, such as a
diol or a triol, for example ethylene glycol, propylene glycol,
glycerol or mixtures thereof. From the class of diols, particular
preference is given to 1,2-octanediol.
[0053] The conditioning agents according to the invention can, in a
preferred embodiment, comprise one or more water-soluble organic
solvents and/or water. Water-soluble is understood here as meaning
that the organic solvent is soluble in the amount present in an
optionally aqueous agent.
[0054] In a preferred embodiment, the conditioning agent according
to the invention comprises one or more solvents from the group
consisting of C.sub.1- to C.sub.4-monoalcohols, C.sub.2- to
C.sub.6-glycols, C.sub.3- to C.sub.12-glycol ethers and glycerol,
in particular ethanol. The C.sub.3- to C.sub.12-glycol ethers
according to the invention comprise alkyl or alkenyl groups having
fewer than 10 carbon atoms, preferably up to 8, in particular up to
6, particularly preferably 1 to 4 and most preferably 2 to 3 carbon
atoms.
[0055] Preferred C.sub.1- to C.sub.4-monoalcohols are ethanol,
n-propanol, isopropanol and tert-butanol. Preferred C.sub.2- to
C.sub.6-glycols are ethylene glycol, 1,2-propylene glycol,
1,3-propylene glycol, 1,5-pentanediol, neopentyl glycol and
1,6-hexanediol, in particular ethylene glycol and 1,2-propylene
glycol. Preferred C.sub.3- to C.sub.12-glycol ethers are di-, tri-,
tetra- and pentaethylene glycol, di-, tri- and tetrapropylene
glycol, propylene glycol monotertiary-butyl ether and propylene
glycol monoethyl ether, and the solvents referred to according to
INCI as butoxydiglycol, butoxyethanol, butoxyisopropanol,
butoxypropanol, butyloctanol, ethoxydiglycol, ethoxyethanol, ethyl
hexanediol, isobutoxypropanol, isopentyldiol, 3-methoxybutanol,
methoxethanol, methoxyisopropanol and methoxymethylbutanol.
[0056] Particularly preferred solvents are ethanol, 1,2propylene
glycol and dipropylene glycol, and mixtures thereof, in particular
ethanol and isopropanol.
[0057] The agent according to the invention optionally comprises
one or more solvents and/or in particular water in an amount of
customarily up to 95% by weight, preferably 20 to 90% by weight and
in particular 50 to 80% by weight, in each case based on the total
agent.
[0058] In a preferred embodiment, the conditioning agents according
to the invention can additionally comprise nonionic
surfactants.
[0059] The nonionic surfactants used are preferably alkoxylated,
advantageously ethoxylated and/or propoxylated, in particular
primary alcohols having preferably 8 to 18 carbon atoms and on
average 1 to 12 mol of ethylene oxide (EO) and/or 1 to 10 mol of
propylene oxide (PO) per mole of alcohol. Particular preference is
given to C.sub.8-C.sub.16-alcohol alkoxylates, advantageously
ethoxylated and/or propoxylated C.sub.10-C.sub.15-alcohol
alkoxylates, in particular C.sub.12-C.sub.14-alcohol alkoxylates,
with a degree of ethoxylation between 2 and 10, preferably between
3 and 8, and/or a degree of propoxylation between 1 and 6,
preferably between 1.5 and 5. The alcohol radical can preferably be
linear or particularly preferably methyl-branched in the 2 position
or contain linear and methyl-branched radicals in a mixture, as are
customarily present in oxo alcohol radicals. However, alcohol
ethoxylates with linear radicals from alcohols of native origin
having 12 to 18 carbon atoms, e.g. from coconut, palm, tallow fatty
or oleyl alcohol, and on average 2 to 8 EO per mole of alcohol are
particularly preferred. Preferred ethoxylated alcohols include, for
example, C.sub.12-14-alcohols having 3 EO or 4 EO,
C.sub.9-11-alcohol having 7 EO, C.sub.13-15-alcohols having 3 EO, 5
EO, 7 EO or 8 EO, C.sub.12-18alcohol having 3 EO, 5 EO or 7 EO and
mixtures of these, such as mixtures of C.sub.12-14-alcohol with 3
EO and C.sub.12-18-alcohol with 5 EO. The given degrees of
ethoxylation and propoxylation are statistical average values which
may be an integer or a fraction for a specific product. Preferred
alcohol ethoxylates and propoxylates have a narrowed homolog
distribution (narrow range ethoxylates/propoxylates, NRE/NRP). In
addition to these nonionic surfactants, fatty alcohols with more
than 12 EO can also be used. Examples thereof are tallow fatty
alcohol with 14 EO, 25 EO, 30 EO or 40 EO.
[0060] Also suitable are alkoxylated amines, advantageously
ethoxylated and/or propoxylated, in particular primary and
secondary amines having preferably 1 to 18 carbon atoms per alkyl
chain and on average 1 to 12 mol of ethylene oxide (EO) and/or 1 to
10 mol of propylene oxide (PO) per mole of amine.
[0061] In addition, further nonionic surfactants which may be used
are also alkyl glycosides of the general formula RO(G).sub.x, e.g.
as compounds, particularly with anionic surfactants, in which R is
a primary straight-chain or methyl-branched, in particular
methyl-branched in the 2 position, aliphatic radical having 8 to
22, preferably 12 to 18 carbon atoms, and G is the symbol which
stands for a glycose unit having 5 or 6 carbon atoms, preferably
glucose. The degree of oligomerization x, which gives the
distribution of monoglycosides and oligoglycosides, is any number
between 1 and 10; preferably x is 1.2 to 1.4.
[0062] A further class of preferred nonionic surfactants, which are
used either as the sole nonionic surfactant or in combination with
other nonionic surfactants, are alkoxylated, preferably ethoxylated
or ethoxylated and propoxylated fatty acid alkyl esters, preferably
having 1 to 4 carbon atoms in the alkyl chain, in particular fatty
acid methyl esters, as are described, for example, in Japanese
patent application JP 58/217598 or which are preferably prepared in
accordance with the process described in international patent
application WO-A-90/13533.
[0063] Nonionic surfactants of the amine oxide type, for example
N-cocoalkyl-N,N-dimethylamine oxide and
N-tallow-alkyl-N,N-dihydroxyethyl- amine oxide, and of the fatty
acid alkanolamide type may also be suitable.
[0064] Suitable further surfactants are so-called gemini
surfactants. This is generally understood as meaning those
compounds which have two hydrophilic groups and two hydrophobic
groups per molecule. These groups are generally separated from one
another by a so-called spacer. This spacer is usually a carbon
chain which should be long enough for the hydrophilic groups to be
adequately spaced so that they can function independently of one
another. Such surfactants are generally characterized by an
unusually low critical micelle concentration and the ability to
greatly reduce the surface tension of water. In exceptional cases,
however, the expression gemini surfactants is understood as meaning
not only dimeric surfactants, but also trimeric surfactants.
[0065] Suitable gemini surfactants are, for example, sulfated
hydroxy mixed ethers according to German patent application DE-A-43
21 022 or dimer alcohol bis- and trimer alcohol tris-sulfates and
ether sulfates according to international patent application
WO-A-96/23768. Terminally capped dimeric and trimeric mixed ethers
according to German patent application DE-A-195 13 391 are
characterized in particular by their bi- and multifunctionality.
Thus, said terminally capped surfactants have good wetting
properties and are low-foam, meaning that they are suitable in
particular for use in machine washing and cleaning processes.
[0066] It is, however, also possible to use gemini-polyhydroxy
fatty acid amides or poly-polyhydroxy fatty acid amides, as are
described in international patent applications WO-A-95/19953,
WO-A-95/19954 and WO-A-95/19955.
[0067] Further suitable surfactants are polyhydroxy fatty acid
amides of the following formula, 12
[0068] in which RCO is an aliphatic acyl radical having 6 to 22
carbon atoms, R.sup.5 is hydrogen, an alkyl or hydroxyalkyl radical
having 1 to 4 carbon atoms and [Z] is a linear or branched
polyhydroxyalkyl radical having 3 to 10 carbon atoms and 3 to 10
hydroxyl groups. The polyhydroxy fatty acid amides are known
substances which can usually be obtained by reductive amination of
a reducing sugar with ammonia, an alkylamine or an alkanolamine and
subsequent acylation with a fatty acid, a fatty acid alkyl ester or
a fatty acid chloride.
[0069] The group of polyhydroxy fatty acid amides also include
compounds of the following formula, 13
[0070] in which R is a linear or branched alkyl or alkenyl radical
having 7 to 12 carbon atoms, R.sup.6 is a linear, branched or
cyclic alkyl radical or an aryl radical having 2 to 8 carbon atoms
and R.sup.7 is a linear, branched or cyclic alkyl radical or an
aryl radical or an oxyalkyl radical having 1 to 8 carbon atoms,
where C.sub.1-4-alkyl or phenyl radicals are preferred and [Z] is a
linear polyhydroxyalkyl radical whose alkyl chain is substituted by
at least two hydroxyl groups, or alkoxylated, preferably
ethoxylated or propoxylated, derivatives of these radicals.
[0071] [Z] is preferably obtained by reductive amination of a
reduced sugar, for example glucose, fructose, maltose, lactose,
galactose, mannose or xylose. The N-alkoxy- or
N-aryloxy-substituted compounds can then be converted into the
desired polyhydroxy fatty acid amides, for example in accordance
with the teaching of international application WO-A-95/07331 by
reaction with fatty acid methyl esters in the presence of an
alkoxide as catalyst.
[0072] The nonionic surfactants are usually present in amounts up
to 20% by weight, preferably from 0.5 to 10% by weight and
particularly preferably from 0.8 to 5% by weight, in each case
based on the total agent.
[0073] In a further preferred embodiment, the conditioning agents
according to the invention additionally optionally comprise
electrolytes. Electrolytes serve to regulate the viscosity
(viscosity regulator) and can usually be used in amounts up to 15%
by weight, preferably up to 10% by weight, particularly preferably
from 0.5 to 8% by weight and in particular from 1 to 6% by weight,
in each case based on the total agent.
[0074] As electrolytes from the group of inorganic salts, it is
possible to use a broad number of very different salts. Preferred
cations are the alkali metals and alkaline earth metals, preferred
anions are the halides and sulfates. From a preparation point of
view, the use of NaCl, CaCl.sub.2 or MgCl.sub.2 in the agents
according to the invention is preferred.
[0075] In order to bring the pH of the agents according to the
invention into the desired range, the use of pH extenders may be
appropriate. Here, it is possible to use all known acids or
alkaline solutions provided their use is not prohibited for
application or ecological reasons or for reasons of consumer
protection. The amount of these extenders usually does not exceed
2% by weight of the total formulation.
[0076] The conditioning agents according to the invention have a pH
of from 2 to 7, preferably from 2.2 to 5 and in particular from 2.4
to 3.
[0077] As well as relatively small amounts of anionic and
amphoteric surfactants, the agents according to the invention can
optionally comprise one or more customary auxiliaries and
additives, in particular from the group of builders, enzymes,
bleaches, bleach activators, complexing agents, fragrances, perfume
carriers, fluorescent agents, dyes, thickeners, foam inhibitors,
graying inhibitors, crease resistance agents, antimicrobial active
ingredients, germicides, fungicides, antioxidants, antistats, UV
absorbers, optical brighteners, antiredeposition agents, pearlizing
agents, color-transfer inhibitors, antishrink agents, corrosion
inhibitors, preservatives, phobicizing and impregnation agents,
hydrotropic agents, and swelling agents and nonslip agents.
[0078] In a preferred embodiment, the agent according to the
invention can optionally additionally comprise one or more
complexing agents.
[0079] Complexing agents (INCI chelating agents) also called
sequestrants, are ingredients which are able to complex and
deactivate metal ions in order to prevent their disadvantageous
effect on the stability or the appearance of the agent, for example
turbidity. On the one hand, it is important to complex the calcium
and magnesium ions of water hardness which are incompatible with
numerous ingredients. The complexation of the ions of heavy metals
such as iron or copper delays the oxidative decomposition of the
finished agent.
[0080] Suitable complexing agents are, for example, the following
complexing agents named in accordance with INCI, which are
described in more detail in International Cosmetic Ingredient
Dictionary and Handbook: Aminotrimethylene Phosphonic Acid,
BetaAlanine Diacetic Acid, Calcium Disodium EDTA, Citric Acid,
Cyclodextrin, Cyclohexanediamine Tetraacetoc Acid, Diammonium
Citrate, Diammonium EDTA, Diethylenetriamine Pentamethylene
Phosphonic Acid, Dipotassium EDTA, Disodium Azacycloheptane
Diphosphonate, Disodium EDTA, Disodium Pyrophosphate, EDTA,
Etidronic Acid, Galactaric Acid, Gluconic Acid, Glucuronic Acid,
HEDTA, Hydroxypropyl Cyclodextrin, Methyl Cyclodextrin,
Pentapotassium Triphosphate, Pentasodium Aminotrimethylene
Phosphonate, Pentasodium Ethylenediamine tetramethylene
Phosphonate, Pentasodium Pentetate, Pentasodium Triphosphate,
Pentetic Acid,
[0081] Phytic Acid, Potassium Citrate, Potassium EDTMP, Potassium
Gluconate, Potassium Polyphosphate, Potassium
Trisphosphonomethylamine Oxide, Ribonic Acid, Sodium Chitosan
Methylene Phosphonate, Sodium Citrate, Sodium Diethylenetriamine
Pentamethylene Phosphonate, Sodium Dihydroxyethylglycinate, Sodium
EDTMP, Sodium Gluceptate, Sodium Gluconate, Sodium Glycereth-1
Polyphosphate, Sodium Hexametaphosphate, Sodium Metaphosphate,
Sodium Metasilicate, Sodium Phytate, Sodium
Polydimethylglycinophenolsulfonate, Sodium Trimetaphosphate,
TEA-EDTA, TEA-Polyphosphate, Tetrahydroxyethyl Ethylenediamine,
Tetrahydroxypropyl Ethylenediamine, Tetrapotassium Etidronate,
Tetrapotassium Pyrophosphate, Tetrasodium EDTA, Tetrasodium
Etidronate, Tetrasodium Pyrophosphate, Tripotassium EDTA, Trisodium
Dicarboxymethyl Alaninate, Trisodium EDTA, Trisodium HEDTA,
Trisodium NTA and Trisodium Phosphate.
[0082] Preferred complexing agents are tertiary amines, in
particular tertiary alkanolamines (aminoalcohols) . The
alkanolamines have both amino and also hydroxyl and/or ether groups
as functional groups. Particularly preferred tertiary alkanolamines
are triethanolamine and tetra-2-hydroxypropylethylenediamine
(N,N,N',N'-tetrakis(2-hydroxypropyl)- ethylenediamine).
[0083] A particularly preferred complexing agent is etidronic acid
(1-hydroxyethylidene-1,1-diphosphonic acid,
1-hydroxyethyane-1,1-diphosph- onic acid, HEDP, acetophosphonic
acid, INCI etidronic acid) including its salts. In a preferred
embodiment, the agent according to the invention accordingly
comprises, as complexing agent, etidronic acid and/or one or more
of its salts.
[0084] In a particular embodiment, the agent according to the
invention comprises a complexing agent combination of one or more
tertiary amines and one or more further complexing agents,
preferably one or more complexing agent acids or salts thereof, in
particular of triethanolamine and/or
tetra-2-hydroxypropylethylene-diamine and etidronic acid and/or one
or more of its salts.
[0085] The agent according to the invention comprises complexing
agents in an amount of usually 0 to 20% by weight, preferably 0.1
to 15% by weight, in particular 0.5 to 10% by weight, particularly
preferably 1 to 8% by weight, most preferably 1.5 to 6% by weight,
for example 1.5, 2.1, 3 or 4.2% by weight.
[0086] In a further embodiment, the agent optionally comprises one
or more thickeners.
[0087] The viscosity of the optionally liquid agent can be measured
using customary standard methods (for example Brookfield viscometer
RVD-VII at 20 rpm and 20.degree. C., spindle 3) and is preferably
in the range from 10 to 5000 mPas. Preferred liquid to gel-like
agents have viscosities of from 20 to 4000 mPas, particular
preference being given to values between 40 and 2000 mpas. If the
conditioning agents according to the invention are used as
impregnation liquid for the conditioning substrates according to
the invention, then a viscosity below 150 mPas is advantageous,
preferably between 10 and 100 mPas and in particular between 20 and
80 mpas.
[0088] Suitable thickeners are inorganic or polymeric organic
compounds. It is also possible to use mixtures of two or more
thickeners.
[0089] The inorganic thickeners include, for example, polysilicic
acids, clay minerals, such as montmorillonites, zeolites, silicas,
aluminum silicates, phyllosilicates and bentonites.
[0090] The organic thickeners originate from the groups of natural
polymers, modified natural polymers and completely synthetic
polymers.
[0091] Polymers originating in nature which are used as thickeners
are, for example, xanthan, agar-agar, carrageen, tragacanth, gum
arabic, alginates, pectins, polyoses, guar flour, gellan gum, carob
seed flour, starch, dextrins, gelatins and caseine.
[0092] Modified natural substances originate primarily from the
group of modified starches and celluloses, examples which may be
mentioned here being carboxymethylcellulose and other cellulose
ethers, hydroxyethylcellulose and hydroxypropylcellulose, highly
etherified methylhydroxyethylcellulose, and carob flour ether.
[0093] A large group of thickeners which is used widely in very
diverse fields of application are the completely synthetic
polymers, such as polyacrylic and polymethacrylic compounds which
may be crosslinked or uncrosslinked and optionally cationically
modified, vinyl polymers, polycarboxylic acids, polyethers,
activated polyamide derivatives, castor oil derivatives,
polyimines, polyamides and polyurethanes. Examples of suitable
polymers are acrylic resins, ethyl acrylate-acrylamide copolymers,
acrylic estermethacrylic ester copolymers, ethyl acrylate-acrylic
acid-methacrylic acid copolymers, N-methylolmethacrylamide, maleic
anhydride-methyl vinyl ether copolymers, polyether-polyol
copolymers, and butadiene-styrene copolymers.
[0094] Further suitable thickeners are derivatives of organic acids
and alkoxide adducts thereof, for example aryl polyglycol ethers,
carboxylated nonylphenol ethoxylate derivatives, sodium alginate,
diglycerol monoisostearate, nonionogenic ethylene oxide adducts,
coconut fatty acid diethanolamide, isododecenylsuccinic anhydride,
and galactomannan.
[0095] Thickeners from said classes of substance are commercially
available and are offered, for example, under the trade names
Acusol.RTM.-820 (methacrylic acid (stearyl alcohol-20-EO)
ester-acrylic acid copolymer, 30% strength in water, Rohm &
Haas), Dapral.RTM.-GT-282-S (alkyl polyglycol ether, Akzo),
Deuterol.RTM.-Polymer-11 (dicarboxylic acid copolymer, Schoner
GmbH), Deuteron.RTM.-XG (anionic heteropolysaccharide based on
.beta.-D-glucose, D-manose, D-glucuronic acid, Schoner GmbH),
Deuteron.RTM.-XN (nonionogenic polysaccharide, Schoner GmbH),
Dicrylan.RTM.-Verdicker-O (ethylene oxide adduct, 50% strength in
water/isopropanol, Pfersse Chemie), EMA.RTM.-81 and EMA.RTM.-91
(ethylene-maleic anhydride copolymer, Monsanto), Verdicker-QR-1001
(polyurethane emulsion, 19-21% strength in water/diglycol ether,
Rohm & Haas), Mirox.RTM.-AM (anionic acrylic acid-acrylic ester
copolymer dispersion, 25% strength in water, Stockhausen),
SER-AD-FX-1100 (hydrophobic urethane polymer, Servo Delden),
Shellflo.RTM.-S (high molecular weight polysaccharide, stabilized
with formaldehyde, Shell), Shellflo.RTM.-XA (xanthan biopolymer,
stabilized with formaldehyde, Shell), Kelzan, Keltrol T
(Kelco).
[0096] In a further preferred embodiment, the agent optionally
comprises one or more enzymes.
[0097] Suitable enzymes are, in particular, those from the classes
of hydrolases, such as the proteases, esterases, lipases or
lipolytically effective enzymes, amylases, cellulases or other
glycosylhydrolases and mixtures of said enzymes. All of these
hydrolases contribute, during washing, to the removal of stains
such as proteinaceous, grease-containing or starchy stains and
graying. Cellulases and other glycosylhydrolases can, moreover,
contribute to color retention and to an increase in the softness of
the textile by removing pilling and microfibrils. For the bleaching
and for inhibiting color transfer it is also possible to use
oxireductases. Particularly highly suitable are enzymatic active
ingredients obtained from bacterial strains or fungi such as
Bacillus subtilis, Bacillus licheniformis, Streptomyceus griseus
and Humicola insolens. Preference is given to using proteases of
the subtilisin type and in particular proteases obtained from
Bacillus lentus. In this connection, enzyme mixtures, for example
of protease and amylase or protease and lipase or lipolytically
effective enzymes or protease and cellulase or of cellulose and
lipase or lipolytically effective enzymes or of protease, amylase
and lipase or lipolytically effective enzymes or protease, lipase
or lipolytically effective enzymes and cellulase, but in particular
protease and/or lipase-containing mixtures or mixtures with
lipolytically effective enzymes are of particular interest.
Examples of such lipolytically effective enzymes are the known
cutinases. Peroxidases or oxidases have also proven to be suitable
in some cases. Suitable amylases include, in particular,
.alpha.-amylases, isoamylases, pullulanases and pectinases. As
cellulases, preference is given to using cellobiohydrolases,
endoglucanases and.beta.-glucosidases, which are also called
cellobiases, or mixtures thereof. Since various types of cellulase
differ in their CMCase and avicelase activities, the cellulases can
be mixed in a targeted manner to achieve the desired
activities.
[0098] The enzymes can be embedded as shaped bodies adsorbed or
coated onto carrier substances in order to protect against
premature decomposition. The proportion of enzymes, enzyme mixtures
or enzyme granulates can, for example, be about 0.1 to 5% by
weight, preferably 0.12 to about 2% by weight.
[0099] The agents can optionally comprise bleaches. Among the
compounds serving as bleaches which produce H.sub.2O.sub.2 in
water, sodium percarbonate, sodium perborate tetrahydrate and
sodium perborate monohydrate are of particular importance. Further
bleaches which can be used are, for example, peroxopyrophosphates,
citrate perhydrates, and H.sub.2O.sub.2-producing peracidic salts
or peracids, such as persulfates or persulfuric acid. It is also
possible to use the urea peroxohydrate percarbamide, which can be
described by the formula H.sub.2N--CO--NH.sub.2.H.sub.2O.sub.2.
Particularly when the agents are used for the cleaning of hard
surfaces, for example for machine dishwashing, they can, if
desired, also comprise bleaches from the group of organic bleaches,
although their use is in principle also possible for agents for
textile washing. Typical organic bleaches are the diacyl peroxides,
such as, for example, dibenzoyl peroxide. Further typical organic
bleaches are the peroxy acids, particular examples being the
alkylperoxy acids and the arylperoxy acids. Preferred
representatives are peroxybenzoic acid and its ring-substituted
derivatives, such as alkylperoxybenzoic acids, but also
peroxy-.alpha.-naphthoic acid and magnesium monoperphthalate, the
aliphatic or substituted aliphatic peroxy acids, such as
peroxylauric acid, peroxystearic acid,
.epsilon.-phthalimidoperoxycaproic acid (phthalimidoperoxyhexanoic
acid, PAP), o-carboxybenz-amidoperoxycaproic acid,
N-nonenylamidoperadipic acid and N-nonenylamidopersuccinates, and
aliphatic and araliphatic peroxydicarboxylic acids, such as
1,12-diperoxycarboxylic acid, 1,9-diperoxyazelaic acid,
diperoxysebacic acid, diperoxybrassylic acid, the diperoxyphthalic
acids, 2-decyldiperoxybutane-1,4-dioic acid,
N,N-terephthaloyl-di(6-aminopercaproic acid) can be used.
[0100] The bleaches can be coated in order to protect against
premature decomposition.
[0101] In a preferred embodiment, the composition optionally
comprises one or more perfumes in an amount of usually up to 10% by
weight, preferably 0.01 to 5% by weight, in particular 0.05 to 3%
by weight, particularly preferably 0.2 to 2% by weight, most
preferably 0.3 to 1.8% by weight. The perfume intensifies the
deodorizing effect of the agent according to the invention
additionally for--partial or complete--odor removal by the
deodorizing active ingredient on the basis of its odor-concealing
action. Of advantage here is the indifference of the deodorizing
active ingredient component according to the invention, in
particular on zinc ricinoleate, toward most perfumes, meaning that
neither the deodorizing active ingredient binds the perfume and
both components deactivate one another, nor the perfume is
destroyed by the deodorizing active ingredient.
[0102] Perfume oils or fragrances which may be used are individual
odorant compounds, e.g. the synthetic products of the ester, ether,
aldehyde, ketone, alcohol and hydrocarbon type. Fragrance compounds
of the ester type are, for example, benzyl acetate, phenoxyethyl
isobutyrate, p-tert-butylcyclohexyl acetate, linalyl acetate,
dimethylbenzylcarbinyl acetate, phenylethyl acetate, linalyl
benzoate, benzyl formate, ethyl methylphenylglycinate, allyl
cyclohexylpropionate, styrallyl propionate and benzyl salicylate.
The ethers include, for example, benzyl ethyl ether, the aldehydes
include, for example, the linear alkanals having 8-18 carbon atoms,
citral, citronellal, citronellyloxyacetaldehyde, cyclamenaldehyde,
hydroxycitronellal, lilial and bourgeonal, the ketones include, for
example, the ionones, .alpha.-isomethylionone and methyl cedryl
ketone, the alcohols include anethole, citronellol, eugenol,
geraniol, linalool, phenylethyl alcohol and terpineol, the
hydrocarbons include mainly the terpenes, such as limonene and
pinene. Preference is, however, given to using mixtures of
different odorants which together produce a pleasing scent note.
Such perfume oils may also comprise natural odorant mixtures, as
are obtainable from plant sources, e.g. pine oil, citrus oil,
jasmine oil, patchouli oil, rose oil or ylang ylang oil. Likewise
suitable are muscatel, sage oil, camomile oil, oil of cloves, balm
oil, mint oil, cinnamon leaf oil, lime blossom oil, juniperberry
oil, vetiver oil, olibanum oil, galbanum oil and labdanum oil, and
orange blossom oil, neroliol, orange peel oil and sandalwood
oil.
[0103] Dyes can optionally be used in the agent according to the
invention, the amount of one or more dyes being chosen to be so low
that no visible residues remain following use of the agent.
However, the agent according to the invention is preferably free
from dyes.
[0104] In addition, the agent according to the invention can
optionally have one or more antimicrobial active ingredients or
preservative in an amount of usually 0.0001 to 3% by weight,
preferably 0.0001 to 2% by weight, in particular 0.0002 to 1% by
weight, particularly preferably 0.0002 to 0.2% by weight, most
preferably 0.0003 to 0.1% by weight.
[0105] Particularly in cases where the conditioning agent according
to the invention is used as impregnation fluid for the conditioning
substrates according to the invention, the use of antimicrobial
active ingredients may be appropriate for destroying the bacteria
located on the substrate.
[0106] Antimicrobial active ingredients or preservatives are
differentiated, depending on the antimicrobial spectrum and
mechanism of activity, between bacteriostats and bacteriocides,
fungistats and fungicides etc. Important substances from these
groups are, for example, benzalkonium chlorides,
alkylarylsulfonates, halophenols and phenol mercuriacetate. For the
purposes of the teaching according to the invention, the terms
antimicrobial effect and antimicrobial active ingredient have the
standard specialist meanings which are given, for example, by K. H.
WallhuBer in "Praxis der Sterilisation,
Desinfektion--Konservierung: Keimidentifizierung--Betriebshygiene"
[Practice of Sterilization, Disinfection--Preservation: Microbial
Identification--Operational Hygiene] (5th edition Stuttgart; New
York: Thieme, 1995), where all of the substances with an
antimicrobial effect described therein can be used. Suitable
antimicrobial active ingredients are preferably chosen from the
groups of alcohols, amines, aldehydes, antimicrobial acids or salts
thereof, carboxylic esters, acid amides, phenols, phenol
derivatives, diphenyls, diphenylalkanes, urea derivatives, oxygen-,
nitrogen-acetals and formals, benzamidines, isothiazolines,
phthalimide derivatives, pyridine derivatives, antimicrobial
surface-active compounds, guanidines, antimicrobial amphoteric
compounds, quinolines, 1,2-dibromo-2,4-dicyanobutane,
iodo-2-propylbutyl carbamate, iodine, iodophores, peroxo compounds,
halogen compounds and any mixtures of the above.
[0107] Here, the antimicrobial active ingredient can be chosen from
ethanol, n-propanol, isopropanol, 1,3-butanediol, phenoxyethanol,
1,2-propylene glycol, glycerol, undecylenic acid, benzoic acid,
salicylic acid, dihydracetic acid, o-phenylphenol,
N-methylmorpholinium acetonitrile (MMA), 2-benzyl-4-chlorophenol,
2,2'-methylenebis(6-bromo-4-- chlorophenol),
4,4'-dichloro-2'-hydroxydiphenyl ether (dichlosan),
2,4,4'-trichloro-2'-hydroxydiphenyl ether (trichlosan),
chlorhexidine, N-(4-chlorophenyl)-N-3,4-dichlorophenyl)urea,
N,N'-(1,10-decanediyldil-py- ridinyl-4-ylidene)bis(1-octanamine)
dihydrochloride,
N,N'-bis-(4-chlorophenyl)-3,12-diimino-2,4,11,13-tetraazatetradecanediimi-
de amide, glucoprotamines, antimicrobial surface-active quaternary
compounds, guanidines, including the bi- and poly-guanidines, such
as, for example, 1,6-bis(2-ethyl-hexylbiguanidohexane)
dihydrochloride, 1,6-di (N.sub.1, N.sub.1'-
phenyldiguanido-N.sub.5,N.sub.5')hexane tetrahydrochloride, 1,6-di
(N.sub.1, N.sub.1'-phenyl-N.sub.1,
N.sub.1'-methyldiguanido-N.sub.5, N.sub.5') hexane dihydrochloride,
1,6-di
(N.sub.1,N.sub.1'-o-chlorophenyldiguanido-N.sub.5,N.sub.5')hexane
dihydrochloride, 1,6-di
(N.sub.1,N.sub.1'-2,6-dichlorophenyldiguanido-N.s-
ub.5,N.sub.5')hexane dihydrochloride, 1,6-di [N.sub.1,
N.sub.1'-.beta.- (p-methoxyphenyl) diguanido-N.sub.5, N.sub.5']
hexane dihydrochloride, 1,6-di
(N.sub.1,N.sub.1'-.alpha.-methyl-.beta.-phenyldiguanido-N.sub.5,N.-
sub.5')hexane dihydrochloride,
1,6-di(N.sub.1,N.sub.1'-p-nitrophenyldiguan- ido-N.sub.5,N.sub.5')
hexane dihydrochloride, .omega.:.omega.-di
(N.sub.1,N.sub.1'-phenyldiguanido-N.sub.5,N.sub.5') -di-n-propyl
ether dihydrochloride, .omega.: .omega.'-di
(N.sub.1,N.sub.1'-p-chlorophenyldig- uanido-N.sub.5,N.sub.5')
-di-n-propyl ether tetrahydrochloride, 1,6-di
(N.sub.1,N.sub.1'-2,4-dichlorophenyldiguanido-N.sub.5,N.sub.5')hexane
tetrahydrochloride, 1,6-di
(N.sub.1,N.sub.1'-p-methylphenyldiguanido-N.su- b.5,N.sub.5')hexane
dihydrochloride, 1,6-di (N.sub.1,N.sub.1'-2,4,5-trichl-
orophenyldiguanido-N.sub.5,N.sub.5') hexane tetrahydrochloride,
1,6-di [N.sub.1,N.sub.1'-.alpha.-
(p-chlorophenyl)ethyldiguanido-N.sub.5,N.sub.5- ']hexane
dihydrochloride, .omega.:.omega.'-di(N.sub.1,N.sub.1'-p-chlorophe-
nyldiguanido-N.sub.5,N.sub.5')-m-xylene dihydrochloride,
1,12-di(N.sub.1,N.sub.1'-p-chlorophenyldiguanido-N.sub.5,N.sub.5')dodecan-
e dihydrochloride,
1,10-di(N.sub.1,N.sub.1,'-phenyldiguanido-N.sub.5,N.sub- .5')decane
tetrahydrochloride, 1,12-di (N.sub.1,N.sub.1'-phenyldiguanido-N-
.sub.5,N.sub.5')dodecane tetrahydrochloride,
1,6-di(N.sub.1,N.sub.1'-o-chl- orophenyldiguanido-N.sub.5,N.sub.5')
hexane dihydrochloride, 1,6-di
(N.sub.1,N.sub.1'-o-chlorophenyldiguanido-N.sub.5,N.sub.5')hexane
tetrahydrochloride, ethylenebis(l-tolylbiguanide),
ethylenebis(p-tolylbiguanide),
ethylenebis(3,5-dimethylphenylbiguanide),
ethylenebis(p-tertamylphenylbiguanide),
ethylenebis(nonylphenylbiguanide)- , ethylenebis(phenylbiguanide),
ethylenebis(N-butylphenylbiguanide),
ethylenebis(2,5-diethoxyphenylbiguanide),
ethylenebis(2,4-dimethylphenylb- iguanide),
ethylenebis(o-diphenylbiguanide), ethylenebis(mixed
amyl-naphthylbiguanide), N-butylethylenebis(phenylbiguanide),
trimethylenebis(o-tolylbiguanide),
N-butyltrimethylebis(phenylbiguanide) and the corresponding salts,
such as acetates, gluconates, hydrochlorides, hydrobromides,
citrates, bisulfites, fluorides, polymaleates, N-cocoalkyl
sarcosinates, phosphites, hypophosphites, perfluorooctanoates,
silicates, sorbates, salicylates, maleates, tartrates, fumarates,
ethylenediaminetetraacetates, iminodiacetates, cinnamates,
thiocyanates, arginates, pyromellitates, tetracarboxybutyrates,
benzoates, glutarates, monofluorophosphates, perfluoropropionates
and any mixtures thereof. Also suitable are halogenated xylol and
cresol derivatives, such as p-chlorometacresol or
p-chlorometaxylol, and natural antimicrobial active ingredients of
vegetable origin (e.g. from spices or herbs) animal origin, or
microbial origin. Preference may be given to using antimicrobially
active surface-active quaternary compounds, a natural antimicrobial
active ingredient of vegetable origin and/or a natural
antimicrobial active ingredient of animal origin, most preferably
at least one natural antimicrobial active ingredient of vegetable
origin from the group which includes caffeine, theobromine and
theophylline and essential oils such as eugenol, thymol and
geraniol, and/or at least one natural antimicrobial active
ingredient of animal origin from the group which includes enzymes
such as milk protein, lysozyme and lactoperoxidase, and/or at least
one antimicrobially active surfaceactive quaternary compound having
an ammonium, sulfonium, phosphonium, iodonium or arsonium group,
peroxo compounds and chlorine compounds. Substances of microbial
origin, so called bacteriocines, can also be used. Glycine, glycine
derivatives, formaldehyde, compounds which readily release
formaldehyde, formic acid and peroxides are preferably used.
[0108] When the conditioning agent according to the invention is
used as an impregnation liquid for the conditioning substrate
according to the invention, dehydroacetic acid and glycolic acid
are particularly suitable.
[0109] The quaternary ammonium compounds (QACS) suitable as
antimicrobial active ingredients have the general formula (R.sup.1)
(R.sup.2) (R.sup.3) (R.sup.4) N.sup.+X.sup.-, in which R.sup.1 to
R.sup.4 are identical or different C.sub.1-C.sub.22-alkyl radicals,
C.sub.7-C.sub.28-aralkyl radicals or heterocyclic radicals, where
two, or in the case of an aromatic incorporation as in pyridine,
even three radicals, together with the nitrogen atom, form the
heterocycle, e.g. a pyridinium or imidazolinium compound, and
X.sup.- are halide ions, sulfate ions, hydroxide ions or similar
anions. For optimal antimicrobial action, preferably at least one
of the radicals has a chain length of from 8 to 18, in particular
12 to 16, carbon atoms.
[0110] QACs can be prepared by reacting tertiary amines with
alkylating agents, such as, for example, methyl chloride, benzyl
chloride, dimethyl sulfate, dodecyl bromide, and also ethylene
oxide. The alkylation of tertiary amines having one long alkyl
radical and two methyl groups proceeds particularly readily, and
the quaternization of tertiary amines having two long radicals and
one methyl group can also be carried out using methyl chloride
under mild conditions. Amines which have three long alkyl radicals
or hydroxy-substituted alkyl radicals are less reactive and are
preferably quaternized using dimethyl sulfate.
[0111] Examples of suitable QACs are benzalkonium chloride
(N-alkyl-N,N-dimethylbenzylammonium chloride, CAS No. 8001-54-5),
benzalkone B (m,p-dichlorobenzyldimethyl-C12-alkylammonium
chloride, CAS No. 58390-78-6), benzoxonium chloride
(benzyldodecylbis(2-hydroxyethyl)-a- mmonium chloride), cetrimonium
bromide (N-hexadecylN,N-trimethylammonium bromide, CAS No.
57-09-0), benzetonium chloride (N,N-dimethyl-N-[2[2-[p(1-
,1,3,3-tetramethylbutyl)phenoxy]ethoxy]ethyl]benzyl ammonium
chloride, CAS No. 121-54-0), dialkyldimethylammonium chlorides such
as di-n-decyldimethylammonium chloride (CAS No. 7173-51-5-5),
didecyldimethylammonium bromide (CAS No. 2390-68-3),
dioctyldimethylammonium chloride, 1-cetylpyridinium chloride (CAS
No. 123-03-5) and thiazoline iodide (CAS No. 15764-48-1) and
mixtures thereof. Particularly preferred QACs are the benzalkonium
chlorides having C.sub.8-C.sub.18-alkyl radicals, in particular
C.sub.12-C.sub.14-alkylbenzyldimethylammonium chloride.
[0112] Benzalkonium halides and/or substituted benzalkonium halides
are, for example, commercially available as Barquat.RTM. ex Lonza,
Marquat.RTM. ex Mason, Variquat.RTM. ex Witco/Sherex and
Hyamine.RTM. ex Lonza, and Bardac.RTM. ex Lonza. Further
commercially available antimicrobial active ingredients are
N-(3-chloroallyl)hexaminium chloride such as Dowicide.RTM. and
Dowicil.RTM. ex Dow, benzethonium chloride such as Hyamine.RTM.
1622 ex Rohm & Haas, methylbenzethonium chloride such as
Hyamine.RTM. 10X ex Rohn & Haas, cetylpyridinium chloride such
as cepacol chloride ex Merrell Labs.
[0113] The agents can also optionally comprise UV absorbers which
attach to the treated textiles and improve the light resistance of
the fibers and/or the light resistance of the other formulation
constituents. UV absorbers are understood as meaning organic
substances (light protection filters) which are able to absorb
ultraviolet rays and emit the absorbed energy again in the form of
longer-wave radiation, e.g. heat. Compounds which have these
desired properties are, for example, the compounds which are active
via radiationless deactivation, and derivatives of benzophenone
with substituents in the 2 and/or 4 position. Also suitable are
substituted benzotriazoles, such as, for example, the water-soluble
benzenesulfonic acid
3-(2Hbenzotriazol-2-yl)-4-hydroxy-5-(methylpropyl)mo- nosodium salt
(Cibafast.RTM. H), acrylates phenyl-substituted in the 3 position
(cinnamic acid derivatives), optionally with cyano groups in the 2
position, salicylates, organic Ni complexes and natural substances,
such as umbelliferone and endogenous urocanic acid. Particular
importance is given to biphenyl and primarily stilbene derivatives,
as are described, for example, in EP 0728749 A and are available
commercially as Tinosorb.RTM. FD or Tinosorb.RTM. FR ex Ciba. UV-B
absorbers to be mentioned are 3-benzylidenecamphor or
3-benzylidenenorcamphor and derivatives thereof, e.g.
3-(4-methylbenzylidene)camphor, as described in EP 0693471 B1;
4-aminobenzoic acid derivatives, preferably 2-ethylhexyl
4-(dimethylamino)benzoate, 2-octyl 4-(dimethylamino)benzoate and
amyl 4-(dimethylamino)benzoate; esters of cinnamic acid, preferably
2-ethylhexyl 4-methoxycinnamate, propyl 4-methoxycinnamate, isoamyl
4-methoxycinnamate, 2-ethylhexyl 2-cyano-3,3-phenylcinnamate
(octocrylene); esters of salicylic acid, preferably 2-ethylhexyl
salicylate, 4-isopropylbenzyl salicylate, homomenthyl salicylate;
derivatives of benzophenone, preferably
2-hydroxy-4-methoxybenzophenone,
2-hydroxy-4-methoxy4'-methylbenzophenone,
2,2'-dihydroxy-4-methoxybenzoph- enone; esters of benzylmalonic
acid, preferably di-2ethylhexyl 4-methoxybenzmalonate; triazine
derivatives, such as, for example,
2,4,6-trianilino(p-carbo-2'ethyl-1'-hexyloxy)-1,3,5-triazine and
octyl triazone, as described in EP 0818450 Al or
dioctylbutamidotriazone (Uvasorb.RTM. HEB); propane-1,3-diones,
such as, for example,
1-(4-tert-butylphenyl)-3(4'methoxyphenyl)propane-1,3-dione;
ketotricyclo-(5.2.1.0)decane derivatives, as described in EP
0694521 B1. Also suitable are 2-phenylbenzimidazole-5-sulfonic acid
and the alkali metal, alkaline earth metal, ammonium,
alkylammonium, alkanolammonium and glucammonium salts thereof;
sulfonic acid derivatives of benzophenones, preferably
2-hydroxy-4-methoxybenzophenone-5-sulfonic acid and its salts;
sulfonic acid derivatives of 3-benzylidenecamphor, such as, for
example, 4-(2-oxo-3-bornylidenemethyl)benzenesulfonic acid and
2-methyl-5-(2-oxo-3-bornylidene)sulfonic acid and salts
thereof.
[0114] Suitable typical UV-A filters are, in particular,
derivatives of benzoylmethane, such as, for example,
1-(4'-tert-butylphenyl)-3-(4'-metho- xyphenyl)propane1,3-dione,
4-tert-butyl-4'-methoxydibenzoylmethane (Parsol 1789),
1-phenyl-3-(4'-isopropylphenyl)propane-1,3-dione, and enamine
compounds, as described in DE 19712033 Al (BASF). The UV-A and UV-B
filters can of course also be used in mixtures. As well said
soluble substances, insoluble light protection pigments, namely
finely dispersed, preferably nanoiozed metal oxides or salts are
also suitable for this purpose. Examples of suitable metal oxides
are, in particular, zinc oxide and titanium dioxide and in addition
oxides of iron, zirconium, silicon, manganese, aluminum and cerium,
and mixtures thereof. Salts which can be used are silicates (talc),
barium sulfate or zinc stearate. The oxides and salts are already
used in the form of the pigments for skin care and skin-protecting
emulsions and decorative cosmetics. The particles here should have
an average diameter of less than 100 nm, preferably between 5 and
50 nm and in particular between 15 and 30 nm. They can have a
spherical form, although it is also possible to use those particles
which have an ellipsoidal shape or shape which deviates in some
other way from the spherical configuration. The pigments may also
be present in surface-treated form, i.e. hydrophilized or
hydrophobicized. Typical examples are coated titanium dioxide, such
as, for example, titanium dioxide T 805 (Degussa) or Eusolex.RTM.
T2000 (Merck). Suitable hydrophobic coating compositions here are
primarily silicones and in particular trialkoxyoctylsilanes or
simethicones. Preference is given to using micronized zinc oxide.
Further suitable UV light protection filters are given in the
review by P. Finkel in SFW-Journal 122, 543 (1996).
[0115] The UV absorbers are usually used in amounts of from 0.01%
by weight to 5% by weight, preferably from 0.03% by weight to 1% by
weight.
[0116] In a second embodiment, the invention provides for the use
of the conditioning agent according to the invention for the
conditioning of textile fabrics in a textile drying process or in a
washing process.
[0117] For the purposes of this invention, the term "conditioning"
is understood as meaning the finishing treatment of textiles,
materials and fabrics. The conditioning imparts positive properties
to the textiles, such as, for example, improved soft feel,
increased shine and color brilliance, reduction in creasing
behavior and in static charging, and in particular easier-iron
behavior. The easier-iron behavior is expressed here not only by a
lower sliding friction of the iron to the conditioned texile, but
also by the fact that the creases and folds to be smoothed
disappear as a result of a shorter application time of pressure and
heat during the ironing operation.
[0118] The use according to the invention of the conditioning
agents according to the invention can take place in a washing
process directly, for example by integrating the conditioning agent
according to the invention into a detergent formulation and/or
preferably into a softening cycle which follows the washing
process. Advantageously, the conditioning agents according to the
invention can be used in a device for drying textiles, preferably
in a domestic laundry dryer.
[0119] The invention thirdly provides a conditioning substrate,
which is a substrate which is impregnated and/or saturated with the
conditioning agent according to the invention.
[0120] The substrate material consists of porous materials which
are able to reversibly yield and release an impregnation liquid.
Suitable for this purpose are three-dimensional structures, such
as, for example, sponges, but preferably porous, flat cloths. They
can consist of a fibrous or cellular flexible material which has
adequate thermal stability for use in the dryer and which can
retain adequate amounts of an impregnation or coating agent in
order to effectively condition substances without noteworthy
leakage or bleeding of the agent taking place during storage. These
cloths include cloths made of woven and nonwoven synthetic and
natural fibers, felt, paper or foamed material, such as hydrophilic
polyurethane foam.
[0121] Preference is given here to using conventional cloths made
of nonwoven material (nonwovens). Nonwovens are generally defined
as adhesively bonded fibrous products which have a mat or layered
fiber structure, or those which include fiber mats in which the
fibers are distributed randomly or in statistical arrangement. The
fibers may be natural, such as wool, silk, jute, hemp, cotton,
linen, sisal or ramie; or synthetic, such as rayon, cellulose
ester, polyvinyl derivatives, polyolefins, polyamides, viscose or
polyesters. In general, any fiber diameter or titer is suitable for
the present invention. The nonwoven materials used here have a
tendency, due to the random or statistical arrangement of fibers in
the nonwoven material, to impart excellent strength in all
directions, not to tear or disintegrate when they are used, for
example, in a customary domestic laundry dryer. Examples of
nonwoven substances which are suitable as substrates in the present
invention are known, for example, from WO 93/23603. Preferred
porous and flat conditioning cloths consist of one or different
fiber materials, in particular of cotton, finished cotton,
polyamide, polyester or mixtures thereof. Preferably, the
conditioning substrates in cloth form have an area of from 0.2 to
0.005 m.sup.2, preferably from 0.15 to 0.01 m.sup.2, in particular
from 0.1 to 0.03 cm.sup.2 and particularly preferably from 0.09 to
0.06 m.sup.2. The grammage of the material here is usually between
20 and 500 g/m.sup.2. preferably from 25 to 200 g/m.sup.2, in
particular from 30 to 100 g/m.sup.2 and particularly preferably
from 40 to 80 2 g/m.sup.2.
[0122] The invention fourthly provides a conditioning process for
conditioning damp textiles by means of the conditioning substrate
according to the invention.
[0123] The conditioning process is carried out by using the
conditioning substrate according to the invention together with
damp textiles which originate, for example, from a prior washing
process, in a textile drying process. The textile drying process
usually takes place in a device for drying textiles, preferably in
a domestic laundry dryer.
[0124] Surprisingly, it has been found that the agents according to
the invention for conditioning and the conditioning substrates
according to the invention prepared therefrom bring about a
reduction in the linting and the pilling on conditioned
textiles.
[0125] The invention therefore fifthly provides for the use of the
agents according to the invention and/or of the conditioning
substrates according to the invention for reducing the linting of
fabrics. The invention further provides for the use of the agents
according to the invention and/or of the conditioning substrates
according to the invention for reducing the pilling of textile
fabric.
[0126] Linting arises when fibers break on textile surfaces. The
fiber sections are then found again in a domestic dryer with fluff
filter. The fiber particles are transported through the stream of
air to the fluff filter. Pilling proceeds in a similar manner.
Pills are more or less spherical structures which are bonded to the
fabrics by anchor fibers and whose density is such that no light
penetrates through and a shadow is cast.
[0127] This change can arise either during the washing operation or
also during use. Pills are formed when fibers work themselves out
of a fabric and become entangled during use. Such surface changes
are undesired. Generally, the degree of pilling is determined by
the rate of the following processes which occur in parallel: a)
fiber entanglement which leads to pilling; b) formation of other
surface fibers and c) rubbing off of fibers and pills.
EXAMPLES
[0128] Conditioning agents according to the invention are, for
example, I1 and I2, a comparison formulation is C1, the
compositions of which are given in Table 1.
1TABLE 1 Composition in % by wt. I1 I2 I3 I4 C1 Dehyquart AU
56.sup.[a] 27.75 27.5 25.0 - 27.5 Stepantex VA 90.sup.[b] - - -
22.5 Tinotex-CMA (silicone 7.5 7.5 2.25 5 7.5 oil emulsion).sup.[c]
Tegopren 5843.sup.[d] 0.75 0.75 0.75 0.75 - MgCl.sub.2.6H.sub.2O
4.0 + 0.5 0.5 + Propan-2-ol - - 2.8 - - Fatty alcohol - - 0.2 - -
ethoxylate Perfume + + 1.6 1.6 + Dye + + + + + Water, demineralized
ad ad ad ad ad 100 100 100 100 100
.sup.[a]Bispalmitoylethyl(hydroxyethyl)methylammonium methosulfate
ex Cognis .sup.[b]N-methyl-N(2-hydroxyethyl)-N,N-(ditallow-acylox-
yethyl)ammonium methosulfate ex Stepan .sup.[c]Dimethylpolysiloxan-
e ex Ciba .sup.[d]Polyether-modified polysiloxane ex
Goldschmidt
[0129] To prepare conditioning substrates according to the
invention, nonwovens made of viscose (area 0.08 m.sup.2; grammage:
60 g/m.sup.2) were saturated in each case with 19 g of one of the
conditioning agents I1 and I2.
[0130] Stain formation on test fabrics:
[0131] 3 kg (2 kg of colored textiles; 1 kg of white textiles) of
dry laundry (mixed fabric of 34% polyester and 66% cotton) were
washed with a standard commercial color detergent and then spun.
Subsequently, the damp laundry was placed in a domestic dryer
together with a nonwoven made of viscose (area 0.08 m.sup.2;
grammage: 60 g/m.sup.2 ), which was impregnated with 19 g of
conditioning agent II and the laundry was dried. The experiment was
repeated except that the viscose nonwoven was saturated with the
agent C1.
[0132] A visual comparison of the treated textiles showed that
significant stains were visible on the fabric treated with the
agent C1, whereas the treatment with the conditioning substrate
according to the invention which was saturated with I1 had no
visible stains. Ironing test:
[0133] The weight of 2940 g was produced by supplying the iron,
which itself weighed 1700 g, with an additional weight in order to
simulate the pressure which is normally exerted on the iron during
ironing.
[0134] The fabric used was a rough cotton fabric which is known
under the name bleached cheesecloth and is used for table linen and
bed linen. The sections of fabric were each, following final
finishing, furnished with a standard commercial fabric softener in
a concentration of 12 g/kg of dry laundry.
[0135] The items of laundry finished in this way were ironed using
an exact measurement apparatus developed by ourselves. For this,
the iron from Rowenta (model Rowenta professional DE-811 inox steam
iron), which was on setting III, was drawn over the fabric to be
tested at a constant rate of 800 mm/min over a length of 670 mm.
The necessary forces here were determined by means of a universal
testing machine from Zwick (model 2.5/TN1P).
[0136] The examples show the easier-iron effect as a result of the
conditioning substrates. Whereas for untreated textiles the ironing
force applied varied between 7 and 8.5 N, it was 6 N for a
conventional fabric softener, and just 3 N for the fabrics treated
with the conditioning substrate according to the invention.
[0137] This shows the clearly improved ironing properties of the
textiles which have been treated with the conditioning cloths
according to the invention.
[0138] Linting and pilling:
[0139] A conditioning substrate according to the invention was
prepared by saturating a 24.5.times.39 cm cloth (100% Airlaid
(cellulose)) with 20 g of the conditioning agent I4.
[0140] 3.5 kg of dry laundry consisting of 6 terry hand towels, 8
pillows, 5 tea towels, 2 m of white 100% Co woven fabric (shirt
grade), 2 m.times.1.5 m of white 100% PES microfiber woven fabric,
2 m.times.1.5 m of white 100% PES microfiber jersey, 0.5
m.times.1.5 m of white 50% CO/50% PES poplin fabric, 2 m.times.1.5
m of white 100% CO single jersey and 2 pairs of underpants (cotton)
are washed with tower powder at 30.degree. C. in an automatic
washing machine (Miele Novotronic W 985; normal wash program
30.degree. C.) and then dried in a domestic laundry dryer (Miele
Electronic T 352 C.; cupboard-dry, easycare).
[0141] Following the drying operation, the previously tared fluff
filter of the domestic dryer is weighed.
[0142] The washing-drying-weighing cycles were repeated 10 times
under the following conditions:
[0143] a) the textiles were dried without conditioning
substrate
[0144] b) the textiles were placed in the domestic dryer with a
conditioning substrate which was impregnated with a standard
commercial conditioning agent (Vernel) [24.5.times.39 cm cloth
(100% Airlaid (cellulose)) with 20 g of the conditioning
agent].
[0145] c) the textiles were placed into the domestic dryer with a
conditioning substrate according to the invention prepared by
impregnating a 24.5.times.39 cm cloth (100% Airlaid (cellulose))
with 20 g of the conditioning agent I4.
[0146] The weight of the fluff was determined after each drying
cycle and added over the 10 cycles. The fluff weights were as
follows: a) 7.58 g; b) 8.39 and for the use according to the
invention c) 4.05 g.
[0147] Thus, the use of the conditioning substrates according to
the invention considerably reduces linting and protects the
textiles.
[0148] Under the same conditions as given above, experiments
relating to pilling were carried out. The experiments were carried
out in accordance with DIN EN ISO 12945 Part 2 "Determination of
the tendency of fabrics toward linting on the surface and the
pilling tendency" using a Martindale abrasion and pilling tester
model 404. The investigations were carried out in a climatically
controlled room (textile climate 20.degree. C., 65% relative
atmospheric humidity). The principle of the Martindale test is that
test samples are abraded against a defined fabric in a continually
changing movement which ensures that the surface fibers of the
samples are bent in all directions. The resulting pills on the
surface of the test samples are evaluated after a defined number of
revolutions by visual comparison against a standard set. The
abrasion disks with a diameter of 140 mm are mounted above the
abrasion tables, with standard felt disks underneath. The test
specimens (diameter 140 mm) are fixed in special sample holders and
placed with the right side to the counter-textile. The guide plate
of the instrument is mounted above, and spindles with weights
attached are introduced through the guide plate into the sample
holder underneath. The drive mechanism consists of two external and
one internal drive which forces the guide plate of the sample
holder to describe a Lissajous figure. The Lissajous movement
changes to a circular movement, then gradually narrowing ellipses
until it becomes a straight line, from which progressively
extending ellipses develop in a diagonally opposite direction
before the pattern is repeated.
[0149] The degree of pilling is determined by comparing the test
specimen against prepared photographs of standard materials.
[0150] The measurement has shown that the pilling of textiles
treated with the conditioning substrate c) according to the
invention is considerably reduced compared with samples from a) and
b).
[0151] Following the treatment of textiles with the conditioning
agents I1 to I4 according to the invention, the textiles likewise
exhibited significantly less pilling than the textiles which were
treated with the conventional after-treatment agents.
* * * * *