U.S. patent application number 10/450077 was filed with the patent office on 2005-09-01 for relating to fabric care.
Invention is credited to Felton, Jule, Johnson, Amanda, Jones, Christopher Clarkson, Oakes, John.
Application Number | 20050192202 10/450077 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 26245415 |
Filed Date | 2005-09-01 |
United States Patent
Application |
20050192202 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Felton, Jule ; et
al. |
September 1, 2005 |
Relating to fabric care
Abstract
The invention is concerned with improvements relating to fabric
care and in particular to means by which the apparent ageing of
clothes can be reduced or retarded. Colour loss during laundering,
as opposed to during wear, is a significant source of colour loss.
We have determined that this problem may be overcome by use of a
lubricant during the laundering process, to prevent the visible
appearance of local colour loss through mechanical damage by the
laundering process.
Inventors: |
Felton, Jule; (Bebington
Wirral, GB) ; Johnson, Amanda; (Ellesmere Port,
GB) ; Jones, Christopher Clarkson; (Bebington Wirral,
GB) ; Oakes, John; (Winsford, GB) |
Correspondence
Address: |
UNILEVER INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY GROUP
700 SYLVAN AVENUE,
BLDG C2 SOUTH
ENGLEWOOD CLIFFS
NJ
07632-3100
US
|
Family ID: |
26245415 |
Appl. No.: |
10/450077 |
Filed: |
January 13, 2004 |
PCT Filed: |
December 3, 2001 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/EP01/14382 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
510/475 |
Current CPC
Class: |
C11D 3/3719 20130101;
C11D 11/0017 20130101; C11D 3/3723 20130101; C11D 3/001 20130101;
C11D 3/3746 20130101; A61M 2205/6072 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
510/475 |
International
Class: |
C11D 003/37 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Dec 11, 2000 |
GB |
0030177.0 |
Apr 11, 2001 |
GB |
0109142.0 |
Claims
1. Use of a lubricant during the laundering process, to prevent the
visible appearance of local colour loss through mechanical damage
by the laundering process.
2. Use according to claim 1, wherein the lubricant is a nonionic or
anionic, polymeric material.
3. Use according to claim 2, wherein the lubricant has an index of
wet cotton lubrication as defined herein greater than 15 when
measured with a solution containing 1 g dm.sup.-3 of the
lubricant.
4. Use according to claim 2, wherein the lubricant is a material
which when dissolved at a concentration of 1 g dm.sup.-3 in water
at 25.degree. C. gives a solution that has a viscosity greater than
0.05 Pa s when measured at a shear rate of 100 s.sup.-1.
5. Use according to claim 2 wherein the lubricant has a molecular
weight greater than 100,000 Dalton.
6. Use according to claim 5 wherein the lubricant is a
polyacrylate, polyacrylic acid, polyacrylamide, poly vinyl
pyrrolidone or a co-polymer thereof.
7. Use according to claim 2 wherein the lubricant is a polydimethyl
siloxane.
8. Use according to claim 2 wherein the lubricant is an oxidised
polyethylene wax.
9. Use according to claim 2 wherein the lubricant is present at a
level of 0.5-5% wt.
10. Use according to claim 2 wherein the articles being laundered
are garments.
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present invention is concerned with improvements
relating to fabric care and in particular to means by which the
apparent ageing of clothes can be reduced or retarded.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] It is well known that clothes, particularly lower cost and
quality clothes, lose dye when washed. Almost everyone who washes a
mix of clothes has at some time experienced the detrimental effects
of washing a new dyed article with white articles. In simple terms,
the dye is transferred from the dyed article to the white articles
causing a significant change in their colour. The commonplace
solution to this problem is to wash new clothes separately.
[0003] Articles which are not new also release dye, but at a
reduced rate. For this reason it has been proposed to incorporate
various `dye fixatives`, `dye scavengers` or `colour-safe` bleaches
for dyestuffs in laundry compositions. These have been the subject
of intensive and extensive research and variously fix the dye in
place, prevent it re-depositing or chemically bleach it so as to
overcome the problem of dye transfer in mixed washes.
[0004] It is well established that relatively small amounts of dye
are released from older garments and that the bulk of dye release
occurs in the first wash of a new garment. As will be explained in
further detail below, this initial dye loss is seldom noted by
users except in incidents of dye transfer.
[0005] WO 01/53600 (P&G: 2000) relates to fabric dye protection
which is specific to denim. As noted in that specification and
otherwise known, denim is a rather unique cloth. First, it is woven
from two forms of yarn, one of which is dyed and the other is not.
Second, the dyed yarn is typically dyed with indigo and has most of
the dye located in the outer fibres of the yarn. This form of
dyeing is known as `ring-dyeing` and results in a fabric where the
dye is easily removed by abrasion during wear: a process known in
the art as `crocking`. Thus, during wear, the dye becomes detached
from the fabric, particularly on the seat, knees and thighs and is
then easily extracted during washing.
[0006] The characteristic colour loss from denim is thought by some
to be a desirable feature. Some may even go so far as to
deliberately augment damage to denim goods to make the goods appear
`older`. Others, (according to the applicants of WO 01/53600) see
such colour loss as a problem.
[0007] WO 01/53600 suggests that this rather specific problem can
be overcome by the combined uses of a cationic polymer, a low
molecular weight polyamine, crystal growth inhibitor and dye fixing
agent to provide protection to denim fabric from dye loss which is
primarily due to mechanical loss. This mechanical loss occurs
through the normal abrasive destruction of the fabric during wear.
The agents proposed to overcome this, apparently bind to the cloth
and fix the colour in place and thereby prevent or reduce the
appearance of ageing.
[0008] The characteristic colour loss of denim, which arises due to
its peculiar structure, is somewhat unique. Very few other garments
are purposefully ring-dyed so as to encourage colour loss.
[0009] Ageing in garments which have not been ring-dyed still
presents problems.
[0010] As noted above, a large part if not the bulk of, colour loss
occurs in the first wash. Despite this, clothes are not generally
perceived as `old` after the first wash. Indeed, the first wash of
an article generally produces no appreciable change in appearance
to the normal observer. While there may have been a significant
change in hue or colour depth, this is simply not perceived without
a suitable comparison. Thus, prevention of actual colour loss (by
the use of dye transfer inhibitors, dye fixatives etc) is not in
itself sufficient to prevent apparent ageing of garments.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0011] We have determined that the most significant cue for ageing
in clothes and other articles is colour loss which is localised
rather than general. While an article may lose a significant
proportion of its colour overall, this loss is not perceived by the
casual spectator unless it is extreme. Whereas any localised colour
loss, for example on seams, acts as a strong indication that the
article is `faded`.
[0012] In addition, we have determined that actual removal of
dyestuff is not required for an apparent colour loss to be
perceived. On seams and the like, abrasion of the surface is
sufficient to produce a modified scattering of light which gives
the appearance of loss of dyestuff. In reality, the dyestuff may
still be present.
[0013] Moreover, we have determined that colour loss during
laundering, as opposed to during wear, is a significant source of
colour loss.
[0014] We have determined that this problem may be overcome by use
of a lubricant during the laundering process, to prevent the
visible appearance of local colour loss through mechanical damage
by the laundering process.
[0015] By use of a lubricant in this manner, it is believed that
localised abrasion of the articles being washed may be reduced or
retarded.
[0016] Without wishing to be limited by reference to any theory of
operation, it is believed that, when dyed textiles fade, this is,
almost without exception, characterised by an increase in the
luminance component of the colour. It is known that human ability
to perceive small differences in lightness is spatially dependent
[M. D. Fairchild, `Colour Appearance models`, Addison Wesley
Longman Publishing Co, New York (1998)]. The maximum in sensitivity
corresponds to a spatial frequency in the range 2-15 cycles per
degree. It just so happens that when a garment (such as a pair of
jeans) is viewed at a typical viewing distance, then the
laundry-induced faded features tend to fall within this range of
spatial frequencies. Thus, relatively small changes in colour can
strongly influence the perception of the garment provided that they
are localised.
[0017] While generalised colour loss may still occur to a
significant and easily measurable extent, the perceived effect of
this colour loss is greatly reduced when the colour loss is even.
The effect of preventing local colour loss is to significantly
reduce the degree to which the articles being washed appear visibly
aged.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0018] The extent of mechanical damage to articles being laundered
will vary with the machine type, conditions and the stage of the
wash being considered. Use of low water levels and violent
agitation are envisaged to promote damage whereas higher water
levels and less violent agitation will reduce damage.
Unfortunately, mechanised washing machines and environmental
concerns have led to increased agitation and lower water
levels.
[0019] The degree of agitation and the level of water present vary
during the laundry cycle and it is preferable that the lubricant is
present in those parts of the cycle which involve low water and/or
high agitation.
[0020] The lubricants which are especially preferred are polymeric
materials.
[0021] A preferred feature of the present invention is that the
in-wash protection is achieved by the use of a material which does
not adsorb onto the fabrics being washed. It is believed that this
avoids adverse effects on the desirable properties of the fabric
once it is in the post-wash dry state. For example there is
preferably no stiffening of the fabric, no increased tendency for
the fabric to attract and retain soils or stains, no reduction in
the breathability or water absorbency characteristics of the
fabric.
[0022] It is therefore preferred that the lubricants are species
which do not carry a cationic charge. Nonionic and anionic species
are preferred. It is believed that anionic materials exhibit better
performance due to their tendency to form an extended
structure.
[0023] In order that the invention may be further understood it
will be described hereinafter with reference to various preferred
features.
[0024] Lubricants:
[0025] It is possible to define suitable lubricants in several
ways.
[0026] Preferred lubricants show a reduction of friction on wet
cotton. Preferred lubricants in the context of this invention are
materials which, when measured using the frictional technique
described below and with a solution containing 1 g dm.sup.-3 of the
material, give an I.sub.wcl (index of wet cotton lubrication)
greater than 15. Preferably this index is greater than 50 more
preferably greater than 75.
[0027] Preferred lubricants exhibit particular viscosity
properties. A preferred lubricant in the context of this invention
is a material which when dissolved at a concentration of 1 g
dm.sup.-3 in water at 25.degree. C. gives a solution that has a
viscosity greater than 0.05 Pa s when measured at a shear rate of
100 s.sup.-1.
[0028] Suitable lubricants include:
[0029] polyacrylate salts with mol wt greater than 100 000 Dalton,
preferably greater than 500,000 Dalton;
[0030] polyacrylic acids with mol wt greater than 100,000 Dalton,
preferably greater than 500,000 Dalton;
[0031] polyacrylamides with mol wt greater than 100,000 Dalton
preferably greater than 500,000 Dalton; or,
[0032] co-polymers of these various acrylic materials.
[0033] Also suitable are dextrans, preferably with mol wt greater
than 50,000 Dalton and preferably greater than 200,000 Dalton.
[0034] Other suitable materials are poly vinyl pyrrolidones with
mol wt greater than 100,000 Dalton; polydimethyl siloxanes
emulsified in nonionic surfactant; and, dispersions of lightly
oxidise polyethylene wax e.g. (Imacol C.TM. ex Clariant).
[0035] It is preferable that the lubricant material is presented
together with a textile-compatible carrier. In general, it is
preferred that the carrier makes up the bulk of a product for use
according to the present invention.
[0036] Levels for the polymeric lubricants in compositions for use
according to the invention fall in the range 0.05% wt-20% wt, with
levels of 0.5-5% wt being preferred. Unless otherwise stated all %
values given in this specification are % wt and all ratios are
weight ratios.
[0037] As these levels of lubricants are relatively low, powders,
granules, tablets, liquids and other forms of detergent product can
be manufactured by conventional means and the lubricants included
in the formulations as appropriate.
[0038] Surfactants:
[0039] If the composition of the present invention is in the form
of a typical detergent composition (such as a main wash
composition), the textile-compatible carrier may be chosen from
soap and non-soap anionic, cationic, nonionic, amphoteric and
zwitterionic detergent active compounds, and mixtures thereof.
[0040] Many suitable detergent active compounds are available and
are fully described in the literature, for example, in
"Surface-Active Agents and Detergents", Volumes I and II, by
Schwartz, Perry and Berch.
[0041] The preferred textile-compatible carriers that can be used
are soaps and synthetic non-soap anionic and nonionic surfactant
compounds.
[0042] Anionic surfactants are well-known to those skilled in the
art. Commonly employed materials include alkylbenzene sulphonates,
particularly linear alkylbenzene sulphonates having an alkyl chain
length of C.sub.8-C.sub.15; primary and secondary alkyl sulphates,
particularly C.sub.8-C.sub.15 primary alkyl sulphates; alkyl ether
sulphates; olefin sulphonates; alkyl xylene sulphonates; dialkyl
sulphosuccinates; and fatty acid ester sulphonates. Sodium salts
are generally preferred.
[0043] Nonionic surfactants that may be used include the primary
and secondary alcohol ethoxylates, especially the C.sub.8-C.sub.20
aliphatic alcohols ethoxylated with an average of from 1 to 20
moles of ethylene oxide per mole of alcohol, and more especially
the C.sub.10-C.sub.15 primary and secondary aliphatic alcohols
ethoxylated with an average of from 1 to 10 moles of ethylene oxide
per mole of alcohol. Non-ethoxylated nonionic surfactants include
alkylpolyglycosides, glycerol monoethers, and polyhydroxyamides
(glucamide).
[0044] Cationic surfactants that may be used include quaternary
ammonium salts of the general formula
R.sub.1R.sub.2R.sub.3R.sub.4N.sup.+X.sup.- wherein the R groups are
independently hydrocarbyl chains of C.sub.1-C.sub.22 length,
typically alkyl, hydroxyalkyl or ethoxylated alkyl groups, and X is
a solubilising anion (for example, compounds in which R.sub.1 is a
C.sub.8-C.sub.22 alkyl group, preferably a C.sub.8-C.sub.10 or
C.sub.12-C.sub.14 alkyl group, R.sub.2 is a methyl group, and
R.sub.3 and R.sub.4, which may be the same or different, are methyl
or hydroxyethyl groups); and cationic esters (for example, choline
esters) and pyridinium salts.
[0045] The total quantity of detergent surfactant in the
composition is suitably from 0.1 to 60 wt %, preferably 0.5-55 wt
%, more preferably 5-50 wt %.
[0046] Preferably, the quantity of anionic surfactant (when
present) is in the range of from 1 to 50% by weight of the total
composition. More preferably, the quantity of anionic surfactant is
in the range of from 3 to 55% by weight, e.g. 5 to 30% by
weight.
[0047] Preferably, the quantity of nonionic surfactant when present
is in the range of from 2 to 25% by weight, more preferably from 5
to 20% by weight.
[0048] Amphoteric surfactants may also be used, for example amine
oxides or betaines.
[0049] Detergency Builders:
[0050] The compositions may suitably contain from 10 to 70%,
preferably from 15 to 70% by weight, of detergency builder.
Preferably, the quantity of builder is in the range of from 15 to
50% by weight.
[0051] The detergent composition may contain as builder a
crystalline aluminosilicate, preferably an alkali metal
alumino-silicate, more preferably a sodium alumino-silicate.
[0052] The alumino-silicate may generally be incorporated in
amounts of from 10 to 70% by weight (anhydrous basis), preferably
from 25 to 50%. Alumino-silicates are materials having the general
formula:
0.8-1.5 M.sub.2O Al.sub.2O.sub.3. 0.8-6 SiO.sub.2
[0053] where M is a monovalent cation, preferably sodium. These
materials contain some bound water and are required to have a
calcium ion exchange capacity of at least 50 mg CaO/g. The
preferred sodium alumino-silicates contain 1.5-3.5 SiO.sub.2 units
in the formula above. They can be prepared readily by reaction
between sodium silicate and sodium aluminate, as amply described in
the literature.
[0054] Rinse and Conditioner Compositions:
[0055] Compositions according to the invention may be in the form
of a rinse composition, such as a fabric conditioner
composition.
[0056] If the fabric care composition or the laundry rinse
composition of the present invention is in the form of a fabric
conditioner composition, the textile-compatible carrier will be a
fabric softening and/or conditioning compound (hereinafter referred
to as "fabric softening compound"), which may be a cationic or
nonionic compound.
[0057] The softening and/or conditioning compounds may be water
insoluble, non-polymeric, quaternary ammonium compounds. The
compounds may be present in amounts of up to 8% by weight (based on
the total amount of the composition) in which case the compositions
are considered dilute, or at levels from 8% to about 50% by weight,
in which case the compositions are considered concentrates.
[0058] Compositions suitable for delivery during the rinse cycle
may also be delivered to the fabric in the tumble dryer if used in
a suitable form. Thus, another suitable product form is a
composition (for example, a paste) suitable for coating onto, and
delivery from, a substrate e.g. a flexible sheet or sponge or a
suitable dispenser (such as a container having apertures therein,
for example) during a tumble dryer cycle.
[0059] Suitable cationic fabric softening compounds are
substantially water-insoluble quaternary ammonium materials
comprising a single alkyl or alkenyl long chain having an average
chain length greater than or equal to C.sub.20 or, more preferably,
compounds comprising a polar head group and two alkyl or alkenyl
chains having an average chain length greater than or equal to
C.sub.14. Preferably the fabric softening compounds have two long
chain alkyl or alkenyl chains each having an average chain length
greater than or equal to C.sub.16. Most preferably at least 50% of
the long chain alkyl or alkenyl groups have a chain length of
C.sub.18 or above. It is preferred if the long chain alkyl or
alkenyl groups of the fabric softening compound are predominantly
linear.
[0060] Quaternary ammonium compounds having two long-chain
aliphatic groups, for example distearyldimethyl ammonium chloride
and di (hardened tallow alkyl) dimethyl ammonium chloride, are
widely used in commercially available rinse conditioner
compositions. Other examples of these cationic compounds are to be
found in "Surface-Active Agents and Detergents", Volumes I and II,
by Schwartz, Perry and Berch. Any of the conventional types of such
compounds may be used in the compositions of the present
invention.
[0061] The fabric softening compounds are preferably compounds that
provide excellent softening, and are characterised by a chain
melting L.beta. to L.alpha. transition temperature greater than
25.degree. C., preferably greater than 35.degree. C., most
preferably greater than 45.degree. C. This L.beta. to L.alpha.
transition can be measured by DSC as defined in "Handbook of Lipid
Bilayers", D Marsh, CRC Press, Boca Raton, Fla., 1990 (pages 137
and 337). Substantially water-insoluble fabric softening compounds
are defined as fabric softening compounds having a solubility of
less than 1.times.10.sup.-3 wt % in demineralised water at
20.degree. C. Preferably the fabric softening compounds have a
solubility of less than 1.times.10.sup.-4 wt %, more preferably
less than 1.times.10.sup.-8 to 1.times.10.sup.-6 wt %.
[0062] Especially preferred are cationic fabric softening compounds
that are water-insoluble quaternary ammonium materials having two
C.sub.12-22 alkyl or alkenyl groups connected to the molecule via
at least one ester link, preferably two ester links.
[0063] It is particularly advantageous if the quaternary ammonium
material is biologically biodegradable. Preferred materials of this
class such as 1,2-bis (hardened tallowoyloxy)-3-trimethylammonium
propane chloride and their methods of preparation are, for example,
described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,137,180 (Lever Brothers Co).
Preferably these materials comprise small amounts of the
corresponding mono-ester as described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,137,180,
for example, 1-hardened tallowoyloxy-2-hydroxy-3-trimethylammo-
nium propane chloride.
[0064] Other useful cationic softening agents are alkyl pyridinium
salts and substituted imidazoline species. Also useful are primary,
secondary and tertiary amines.
[0065] The compositions may alternatively or additionally contain
water-soluble cationic fabric softeners, as described in GB 2 039
556B (Unilever).
[0066] The compositions may comprise a cationic fabric softening
compound and an oil, for example as disclosed in EP-A-0829531.
[0067] The compositions may alternatively or additionally contain
nonionic fabric softening agents such as lanolin and derivatives
thereof.
[0068] Lecithins are also suitable softening compounds.
[0069] Nonionic softeners include L.beta. phase forming sugar
esters (as described in M Hato et al Langmuir 12, 1659, 1966,
(1996)) and related materials such as glycerol mono-stearate or
sorbitan esters. Often these materials are used in conjunction with
cationic materials to assist deposition (see, for example, GB 2 202
244). Silicones are used in a similar way as a co-softener with a
cationic softener in rinse treatments (see, for example, GB 1 549
180).
[0070] The compositions may also suitably contain a nonionic
stabilising agent. Suitable nonionic stabilising agents are linear
C.sub.8 to C.sub.22 alcohols alkoxylated with 10 to 20 moles of
alkylene oxide, C.sub.10 to C.sub.20 alcohols, or mixtures thereof.
Advantageously the nonionic stabilising agent is a linear C.sub.8
to C.sub.22 alcohol alkoxylated with 10 to 20 moles of alkylene
oxide. Preferably, the level of nonionic stabiliser is within the
range from 0.1 to 10% by weight, more preferably from 0.5 to 5% by
weight, most preferably from 1 to 4% by weight. The mole ratio of
the quaternary ammonium compound and/or other cationic softening
agent to the nonionic stabilising agent is suitably within the
range from 40:1 to about 1:1, preferably within the range from 18:1
to about 3:1.
[0071] The composition can also contain fatty acids, for example
C.sub.8 to C.sub.24 alkyl or alkenyl mono-carboxylic acids or
polymers thereof. Preferably saturated fatty acids are used, in
particular hardened tallow C.sub.16 to C.sub.18 fatty acids.
Preferably the fatty acid is non-saponified, more preferably the
fatty acid is free, for example oleic acid, lauric acid or tallow
fatty acid. The level of fatty acid material is preferably more
than 0.1% by weight, more preferably more than 0.2% by weight.
Concentrated compositions may comprise from 0.5 to 20% by weight of
fatty acid, more preferably 1% to 10% by weight. The weight ratio
of quaternary ammonium material or other cationic softening agent
to fatty acid material is preferably from 10:1 to 1:10.
[0072] The fabric conditioning compositions may include silicones,
such as predominantly linear polydialkylsiloxanes, e.g.
polydimethylsiloxanes or aminosilicones containing
amine-functionalised side chains; amphoteric surfactants; smectite
type inorganic clays; zwitterionic quaternary ammonium compounds;
and nonionic surfactants. Preferably, the silicone component is a
dimethylpolysiloxane with aminoalkyl groups.
[0073] The fabric conditioning compositions may also include an
agent which produces a pearlescent appearance, e.g. an organic
pearlising compound such as ethylene glycol distearate, or
inorganic pearlising pigments such as microfine mica or titanium
dioxide (TiO.sub.2) coated mica.
[0074] The fabric conditioning compositions may be in the form of
emulsions or emulsion precursors thereof.
[0075] Minor and Other Components:
[0076] Other optional and minor ingredients include emulsifiers,
electrolytes (for example, sodium chloride or calcium chloride)
preferably in the range from 0.01 to 5% by weight, pH buffering
agents, and perfumes (preferably from 0.1 to 5% by weight).
[0077] Further optional ingredients include one or more of
non-aqueous solvent, perfume carriers, fluorescers, colourants,
hydrotropes, antifoaming agents, enzymes, optical brightening
agents, opacifiers, anti-shrinking agents, anti-wrinkle agents,
anti-spotting agents, germicides, fungicides, anti-oxidants, UV
absorbers (sunscreens), heavy metal sequestrants, chlorine
scavengers, dye fixatives, anti-corrosion agents, drape imparting
agents, antistatic agents and ironing aids. This list is not
intended to be exhaustive.
[0078] Product Form and Presentation:
[0079] The compositions of the invention may be in the form of a
liquid, solid (e.g. powder or tablet), a gel or paste, spray, stick
or a foam or mousse. Examples include a pre-wash soaking product, a
rinse treatment (e.g. conditioner or finisher) or a main-wash
product. The composition may also be applied to a substrate (e.g. a
flexible sheet) or used in a dispenser which can be used in the
wash cycle or the rinse cycle.
[0080] Embodiments of the invention which take the form of
incorporation and use of lubricants in main wash products are
preferred. In such compositions the product form is generally a
powder or other particulate form ranging in size from a granulate
to a tablet, or a liquid. Liquids according to the present
invention may be structured or isotropic.
[0081] The fabrics which treated according to the present invention
are generally in the form of garments and preferably comprise
cellulosic fibres, preferably from 1% to 100% cellulosic fibres
(more preferably 5% to 100% cellulosic fibres, most preferably 40%
to 100% such as 75% to 100%). When the fabric contains less than
100% cellulosic fibres, the balance comprises other fibres or
blends of fibres suitable for use in garments such as polyester or
polyamide, for example. Preferably, the cellulosic fibres are of
cotton or regenerated cellulose such as viscose.
[0082] As noted above, it is particularly preferred that the
composition is used as part of a main wash formulation. Typically
the product will be packaged together with instructions for use in
a main wash, in an automatic washing machine.
[0083] In order that the invention may be further understood it
will be described hereinafter with reference to the following
non-limiting examples.
EXAMPLES
Example 1
Eye-Tracking Studies
[0084] A pair of black cotton jeans were subjected to 10 repeat
wash and dry cycles using the 40.degree. C. cotton cycle in a
Miele.TM. front loading automatic washing machine and a 1 hour dry
cycle in a Miele.TM. tumble drier. The jeans were not worn between
washes.
[0085] These conditions generated a typical pattern of in-wash
induced uneven colour fading: specifically a periodic light dark
pattern along the double seam of the leg and increased colour
fading at the seams of the pocket, fly and waistband. Colour
matched digital images were produced of the front and back of the
jeans. These images were used as stimulus material in the following
experiment to determine how a human observer perceives that a
garment has faded.
[0086] The subject was seated in front of a computer monitor
screen. Below the screen was position a small device which uses an
infra red tracking system that, once calibrated, is able to
determine in which direction the subject is looking. This can then
be transformed to calculate which part of the on-screen image the
subject is fixating. This information is recorded for the duration
of the experiment so that it is possible to reconstruct the
subject's eye movements and, in particular, determine the sequence,
location and duration of their fixation at different parts of the
on-screen image.
[0087] After initial calibration, the subject was informed of their
task. This was to look at the on screen image and determine which
of the two garments shown had been washed the greater number of
times. Initially, they were presented with a blank screen apart
from a coloured circle, the fixation point, which they were told to
look at. This was then replaced with the image of the front and
back of the same pair of jeans. From this point, the subject's eye
movements were recorded until they voiced their decision. Two
images of the same garment were used to ensure that differences
were not sufficiently large that the observers could decide
instantly using peripheral vision alone. The experiment was
repeated using six different subjects.
[0088] The recorded eye-tracks showed that without exception, the
great majority of fixations and fixation time was associated with
the features of the garment showing uneven rather than even colour
fading namely: the seams, fly, pockets and waistband.
Example 2
Human Sensitivity to Colour Changes
[0089] The following experiment was performed to quantify the
enhanced sensitivity of human colour change perception to uneven
colour change compared to uniform colour change at a spatial
frequency corresponding to abrasion induced faded features on
washed garments.
[0090] Two sets of calibrated colour chips were produced using
Adobe Photoshop.TM. in a calibrated printing set-up. One set of
chips consisted of a number of pairs of chips of uniform colour
where the colour differed only in its lightness value. The
differences covered a range of values. Six series of chips of
different hue were used. The second set of chips consisted of the
same series except that this time the lighter of the two chips had
the light colour superimposed as a band down the centre of the chip
on top of the original colour. The width of the band was such that,
at the viewing distance, the spatial frequency was 2 cycles per
degree. 24 panellists were asked to put each of the series in the
two sets into order of increased fading. Their performance was
analysed using a Probit.TM. Statistical Analysis which then gave
the `just noticeable difference` (JND) value for colour fading
perception.
[0091] The results are tabulated below (Table 1) in terms of CIELAB
Delta-E values. (Delta-E represents the magnitude of colour
difference). It is clear that while the absolute magnitudes vary
with hue, there is a consistent ability of the panellist to
discriminate lower levels of colour fading when presented with an
unevenly faded sample compared to a uniformly faded sample.
1TABLE 1 `Just noticeable difference` values for even and uneven
fading JND for even fading/ JND for uneven fading/ Hue CIELAB
.DELTA.E CIELAB .DELTA.E Yellow 1.50 1.00 Magenta 1.10 0.50 Blue
0.45 0.25 Black 0.75 0.35
Example 3
Correlation Studies
[0092] A number of black cotton `combat` style trousers were washed
and dried for various numbers of cycles (between 1 and 10) using a
number of different wash protocols (different detergent, drying
method, ironing or not). The result of these various processes was
to arrive at a wardrobe of clothes all showing different amounts of
fading.
[0093] An area 10 cm.times.10 cm on the leg of the garments was
identified which contained a double stitched seam showing enhanced
colour fading and an area of uniform `background` colour fading.
The reflectance spectrum of the background and the seam areas was
measured using a Datacolor Spectraflash.TM. 500 spectrometer.
[0094] From these spectra, the CIELAB L* values were calculated for
the seam and background areas of each garment. The garments were
then presented, one at a time to each of 20 different panellists.
The garments were presented in such a way that only the 10.times.10
cm area was visible. The panellists were asked to score the level
of fading on a 0 to 100 scale. The average score was calculated for
each garment. From the data, two graphs were constructed: a plot of
the L* value for the background area of the garment against the
panel score; and a plot of the L* value of the seam against the
panel score. The correlation coefficient was calculated for each
plot.
[0095] These are tabulated below in Table 2. It is clear from these
values that the lightness of the unevenly faded seam correlates
more closely to the panellists' visual assessment of fading than
does the lightness value of the evenly faded background fabric.
2TABLE 2 Correlation between measured lightness and visual
assessment correlation coefficient L* (background) vs panel score
0.79 L* (seam) vs panel score 0.90
Example 4
Friction Measurements
[0096] The coefficient of friction between two pieces of white
cotton fabric immersed in a solution of the lubricant material was
measured using an Eldredge.TM. tribometer that had been modified to
permit the study of submerged materials.
[0097] In summary, the set up consisted of a cylindrical watertight
trough, to the bottom of which was affixed a 30.times.8 cm strip of
plain, woven, white, non-mercerised 100% cotton sheeting. Above
this was located a piece of similar fabric mounted a round a
cylindrical holder 1 cm in diameter and 6 cm in length. This was
attached to a pivoted arm which could be driven in such a way that
the fabric cylinder was placed in contact with the stationery strip
with defined normal load and then driven at a controlled velocity
along a 6.5 cm length of the strip. Stain gauges on the arm
permitted measurement of the frictional force opposing this motion.
From the frictional force and the normal load it is possible to
calculate the coefficient of friction (.mu.). This measurement can
be made for a range of velocities; but for present purposes it is
appropriate to choose a sliding velocity of 6 cm s.sup.-1.
[0098] For the purposes of assessing efficacy of potential
lubricant systems, the index of wet cotton lubrication (I.sub.wcl)
is defined as: 1 I wcl = ( 0 - 0 ) .times. 100
[0099] where .mu..sub.0 is the coefficient of friction measured by
the above method using a solution containing none of the
lubrication.
Examples 5-8
Formulations
[0100] The examples given below are typical formulations according
to the present invention. The materials used in the examples are
identified in table 3.
3TABLE 3 Raw material specification Component Specification LAS
Linear Alkyl Benzene Sulphonic-acid, Marlon AS3 .TM., ex Huls
Na-PAS Primary Alkyl Benzene Sulphonic-acid, neutralised with NaOH
Dobanol .TM. 25-7 C.sub.12-15 ethoxylated alcohol, 7EO, ex Shell
Zeolite Wassalith .TM. P, ex Degussa STPP Sodium Tri Polyphosphate,
Thermphos .TM. NW, ex Hoechst Dequest .TM. 2066 Metal chelating
agent, ex Monsanto Lipolase Type 100L, ex Novo Savinase .TM. 16L
Protease, ex Novo Sokalan .TM. CP5 Acrylic/Maleic Builder Polymer,
ex BASF Deflocculating Polymer A-11 disclosed in EP-A-346 Polymer
995 SCMC Sodium Carboxymethyl Cellulose Minors Anti-redeposition
polymers, transition-metal scavengers/bleach stabilisers,
fluorescers, antifoam, dye-transfer-inhibition polymers, enzymes,
perfume
Example 5
Spray-Dried Powder
[0101] Example 5 provides a spray dried powder according to the
present invention. The composition of the powder is given in Table
4.
4 TABLE 4 Component % w/w Na PAS 11.5 Dobanol 25-7 6.3 Soap 2
Zeolite 24.1 SCMC 0.6 Na Citrate 10.6 Na Carbonate 23 sodium
polyacrylate 0.7 (mol wt 1 300 000) Dequest 2066 0.4 Sokalan CP5
0.9 Savinase 16L 0.7 Lipolase 0.1 Perfume 0.4 Water/salts Up to
100%
Example 6
Detergent Granulate Prepared by Non-Spray Drying Method
[0102] Example 6 provides the formulation of a granulate
manufactured according to the present invention by a non-tower
route.
5 TABLE 5 Component % w/w Na PAS 13.5 Dobanol 25-7 2.5 STPP 45.3 Na
Carbonate 4 Polyacrylamide 2.8 (mol wt 5-6 000 000) Na Silicate
10.1 Minors 1.5 Water Up to 100%
Example 7
Isotropic Laundry Liquid
[0103] Example 6 provides an example of an isotropic laundry liquid
according to the present invention. The formulation is given in
Table 6:
6 TABLE 6 Component % w/w Na Citrate 10.7 Propylene Glycol 7.5
Ethylene Glycol 4.5 Borax 3 Savinase 16L 0.3 Lipolase 0.1 Dextran
(mol wt 800 000) 1.0 Monoethanolamine 0.5 Cocofatty acit 1.7 NaOH
(50%) 2.2 LAS 10.3 Dobanol 25-7 6.3 LES 7.6 Minors (adjust pH to 7
white NaOH) 1.3 Water Up to 100%
Example 8
Structured Laundry Liquids
[0104] Example 8 provides an example of a structured laundry liquid
according to the present invention. The formulation of the product
is given in Table 7.
7 TABLE 7 Component % w/w LAS 16.5 Dobanol 25-7 9 Oleic acid
(Priolene (6907)) 4.5 Zeolite 15 KOH, neutralisation of 8.5 acids
and pH to Citric acid 8.2 Defloculating Polymer 1 Protease 0.38
Lipolase 0.2 Imacol C (ex Clariant) 2.0 Minors 0.4 Water Up to
100%
Example 9
Powder Formulation
[0105] Example 9 provides an example of a further powder
formulation. The composition of which is given in Table 8.
8 TABLE 8 Component % w/w Na LAS 6.3 Nonionic 3EO branched 3.15
Nonionic 7EO branched 4.05 Soap 0.28 sodium tripolyphosphate 23.9
Sodium perborate 20.00 Sodiumsilicate 6.31 Tetra acetyl ethylene
diamine 2.22 SCMC 0.23 Sodium sulphate 9.87 Na Carbonate 8.49
sodium polyacrylate 5.0 (mol wt 1 300 000) Dequest 2047 0.55
Sokalan CP5 1.13 Savinase 12 TXT 0.40 Lipolase 0.1 Perfume 0.24
Water/salts Up to 100%
* * * * *