U.S. patent number 3,793,214 [Application Number 05/191,794] was granted by the patent office on 1974-02-19 for transparent soap composition.
This patent grant is currently assigned to Avon Products, Inc.. Invention is credited to Thomas E. Babcock, Robert J. Edmundson, Joseph A. Komor, John J. O'Neill, Edward G. Shay.
United States Patent |
3,793,214 |
O'Neill , et al. |
February 19, 1974 |
TRANSPARENT SOAP COMPOSITION
Abstract
A transparent soap composition, preferably in the form of a bar,
which will maintain its transparency and surface gloss after
repeated use comprising an admixture of saturated fatty acids and a
branched chain C.sub.5 -C.sub.18 saturated aliphatic monocarboxylic
acid neutralized with an agent comprising a mixture of an alkaline
sodium compound and an alkanolamine, and an alkanolamine. The
process of making such compositions comprises mixing the acids,
neutralizing agent, and alkanolamine as a hot melt and forming the
composition to the shape desired by cooling without further
working.
Inventors: |
O'Neill; John J. (Cresskill,
NJ), Komor; Joseph A. (Ramsey, NJ), Babcock; Thomas
E. (Mahwah, NJ), Edmundson; Robert J. (Cornwall, NY),
Shay; Edward G. (Suffern, NY) |
Assignee: |
Avon Products, Inc. (Suffern,
NY)
|
Family
ID: |
26887398 |
Appl.
No.: |
05/191,794 |
Filed: |
October 22, 1971 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
510/147; 510/152;
510/483; 510/480 |
Current CPC
Class: |
C11D
9/005 (20130101); C11D 9/30 (20130101); C11D
17/0095 (20130101) |
Current International
Class: |
C11D
9/04 (20060101); C11D 9/30 (20060101); C11D
9/26 (20060101); C11D 9/00 (20060101); C11D
17/00 (20060101); C11d 007/32 (); C11d 013/16 ();
C11d 017/00 () |
Field of
Search: |
;252/108,117,118,121,132,134,DIG.16 |
References Cited
[Referenced By]
U.S. Patent Documents
Primary Examiner: Rosdol; Leon D.
Assistant Examiner: Albrecht; Dennis L.
Attorney, Agent or Firm: Pennie & Edmonds
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A transparent soap bar comprising a C.sub.12 -C.sub.18 straight
chain saturated fatty acid and a branched chain C.sub.5 -C.sub.18
saturated unsubstituted aliphatic monocarboxylic acid neutralized
with a combination of an alkaline sodium compound and an
alkanolamine, the sodium compound being present in an amount
sufficient to neutralize at least about 40 percent of the acid, and
an alkanolamine, said alkanolamines being selected from
diethanolamine, triethanolamine and mixtures thereof, and the
proportions, by weight, for each 100 parts by weight of the
combined components are from about 25 to 75 parts fatty acids, from
about 10 to 20 parts branched chain acid, and from about 15 to 45
parts of alkanolamine, said amount of alkanolamine being in excess
of the amount required to neutralize said acids.
2. The soap of claim 1 wherein the neutralized admixture includes
from about 5-10 parts of each 100 parts by weight of the combined
components of a polybasic branched chain saturated acid selected
from the group consisting of C.sub.36 aliphatic dibasic acids and
C.sub.54 trimer acids containing alkyl side chains and mixtures
thereof.
3. The transparent soap bar of claim 1 in which the sodium compound
is present in an amount sufficient to neutralize from about 40-80
percent of the acid.
4. The soap of claim 3 including a polybasic branched chain
saturated acid selected from the group consisting of C.sub.36
aliphatic dibasic acids and C.sub.54 trimer acids containing alkyl
side chains and mixture thereof, substituted for not more than 50
percent by weight of the branched chain C.sub.5 -C.sub.18 saturated
aliphatic monocarboxylic acid.
5. The soap of claim 3 wherein the fatty acids are a mixture of
stearic, palmitic, myristic, and lauric acids, the branched chain
acid is C.sub.10 trialkyl acetic acids, the sodium compound is
sodium hydroxide, and the alkanolamine is triethanolamine.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Numerous attempts have been made to have transparent soap
compositions, such as soap bars, which will maintain their intial
glassy, high gloss appearance and transparency after repeated use.
It is well known that with respect to such products the appearance
thereof, particularly high gloss, is an important factor in public
acceptance. Heretofore it has not been possible to obtain the
combination of main-tenance of transparency and high gloss
appearance even though various formulation modifications have been
made. Thus, Pat. No. 3,155,624 is directed to obtaining
transparency by the addition of certain polyhydric alcohols to
superfatted transparent soap bars. Others, as in Pat. No.
2,970,116, require certain processing steps in order to obtain the
desired degree of transparency. Maintenance of such glossy
appearance is also difficult in washing compositions generally
whether or not they be of the transparent type, as best illustrated
in Pat. No. 3,223,645. This patent shows that a high glossy surface
appearance can be obtained by the addition of certain proportions
of sodium and potassium chloride and by carefully regulating the
amount of sodium and potassium cation portion of the soap. Also, as
set forth in Pat. No. 2,820,768, transparent soaps have been made
by first saponifying certain fats with the sodium compound and then
adding thereto triethanolammonium salts of fatty acids. The
resultant products, however, are not satisfactory in that they are
only transluscent and do not maintain their surface gloss.
None of these methods or formulations, however, has been found to
produce a transparent soap composition, such as a bar, which
retains its transparency as well as its initial glossy appearance
after repeated usage.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
A transparent soap composition and method of making same has now
been found which results in products that maintain their
transparency as well as their glossy surface appearance even after
repeated usage.
The present invention comprises a transparent soap composition,
preferably in the form of a bar, comprising an admixture of
saturated free fatty acids and a branched chain C.sub.5 -C.sub.18
saturated monocarboxylic acid neutralized with an agent comprising
a mixture of an alkaline sodium compound and an alkanolamine, and
an alkanolamine. The invention also comprises the method of making
such composition comprising forming a hot melt of the components
and shaping the composition to the form desired by cooling and
without further working of the composition.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
The essential components of the composition are the saturated free
fatty acids, branched chain C.sub.5 -C.sub.18 saturated aliphatic
monocarboxylic acids, and alkanolamines as more particularly set
forth hereinafter. In addition, the usual preservatives, colorants,
perfumes, bleaching agents, antioxidants, chelating agents, and the
like can be added to the composition in their usual amounts and for
their usual effects without detracting from the novel properties of
the subject composition. Also, such cosmetic additives as
glycerine, mineral oil, and the like, can be added in minor amounts
in order to help reduce skin irritation, and in the case of
glycerine to additionally help in preserving the transparent
clarity of composition.
With respect to the free fatty acids used, these are preferably
C.sub.12 -C.sub.18 saturated fatty acids with mixtures of stearic,
palmitic, myristic and lauric acids being preferred. While
naturally occurring sources of such fatty acids can be used,
whether in the form of a fat or an oil, such as coconut oil, these
are not preferred. As to proportions of fatty acids in the mixtures
thereof, the most satisfactory results are obtained when
substantially equivalent amounts by weight of stearic, palmitic and
myristic acid are used with the lauric acid being present in an
amount of about 25 to 30 percent of the weight of myristic acid. In
some formulations, the proportions of myristic and lauric acid can
be reversed. While C.sub.18 saturated fatty acids have been
indicated as a practical upper limit minor percentages of C.sub.20
acids such as aracludic can be tolerated.
The branched chain acid used must be a C.sub.5 -C.sub.18 saturated
monocarboxylic acid, preferably one made by carboxylating alkenes.
Examples of suitable acids are the trialkylacetic acids, more
commonly known as neo-acids, 2-ethylhexanoic acid, oxoprocess acids
(such as 5-methyl heptanoic acid) and Versatic 911 acid (an acid of
average molecular weight 175 composed of a mixture of saturated
monocarboxylic acids, mainly of tertiary structure, having C.sub.9,
C.sub.10 and C.sub.11 chain length). With respect to the neo-acids,
these are branched chain carboxylic acids produced from olefins and
having the representative formula: ##SPC1##
wherein R, R', and R" are the same or different alkyl groups. Some
specific examples thereof are Neopentanoic acid (trimethylacetic
acid), Neo-heptanoic acid (95 percent 2, 2-dimethylpentanoic acid
and 5 percent 2-ethyl-2-methylbutanoic acid), and Neo-decanoic acid
(a mixture of c.sub.10 trialkylacetic acids typically having an
alpha carbon configuration of 31 percent 2,2-dimethyl, 67 percent
2-methyl-2-higher alkyl, and 2 percent 2, 2-di-higher alkyl). The
use of C.sub.5 -C.sub.18 saturated monocarboxylic acids alone is
preferred, but certain dibasic and tribasic branched chain
saturated acids can be used in combination therewith. Such
polybasic acids can be substituted for up to 50 percent by weight
of the monocarboxylic acid. Examples of such polybasic acids are
the C.sub.36 aliphatic dibasic acids and C.sub.54 trimer acids
containing alkyl side chains. Specific examples are Hystrene 3695
(95 percent dimer, 4 percent trimer, 1 percent monomer), Hystrene
3880 (83 percent dimer, 17 percent trimer), Hystrene 3675 (75
percent dimer, 25 percent trimer), Empol 1010 (97 percent dimer, 3
percent trimer), Empol 1014 (95 percent dimer, 4 percent trimer, 1
percent monomer), and Hystrene 5,440 (20 percent dimer, 80 percent
trimer).
The neutralizing agent comprises a combination of an alkaline
sodium compound, such as sodium hydroxide or sodium carbonate, with
an alkanolamine. The alkanolamine preferred is triethanolamine
because the monoalkanolamines such as monoethanolamine tend to have
an undesireable odor which is difficult to mask even with perfumes.
With respect to dialkanolamines, it is best not to use such alone
but in combination with the triethanolamine, and then they should
not be substituted for more than about 50 percent by weight of the
triethanolamine nor used in amount less than about 10 percent by
weight of the triethanolamine. In the combination sufficient
alkaline sodium compound is used to neutralize completely from
about 40 to 80 percent of the total fatty acid content. The
preferred neutralizing agent is a combination of sodium hydroxide
and triethanolamine. The amount of neutralizing agent used is that
required to neutralize the acids, i.e., the combination of the
fatty acids and branched chain saturated acids discussed above. The
alkanolamine is preferably added in an amount exceeding that
required to neutralize the acids since the final product requires
an excess of alkanolamine. Specifically, the composition should
include an amount of alkanolamine, preferably triethanolamine,
above that required in the composition for neutralization of from
about 15 to 45 parts by weight based on 100 parts by weight of the
composition.
As previously noted, additional materials, such as preservatives,
antioxidants, colorants, and perfumes can also be used in their
usual proportions and for their usual effect.
As to proportions, from about 10 to about 20 parts by weight, based
on the total weight of the soap base, must comprise a branched
chain C.sub.5 -C.sub.18 saturated acid and the fatty acid should
comprise from about 25 to 75 parts by weight, with the proportion
of alkanolamine noted above, or more of the total composition. This
soap base comprises at least 50 percent by weight of the final soap
bar. The remainder of the composition, if other materials are
added, can comprise the preservatives, colorants, perfumes and
other conventional additives as discussed above which are usually
added in minor amounts.
The method of making the composition is different from that
ordinarily employed in making soap. First, the fatty acids and
branched chain acids are heated and then neutralized with a
neutralizing agent (such as a mixture of sodium hydroxide and
triethanolamine). The heating and neutralization are carried out at
a temperature of about 130.degree.F to 210.degree.F and in any
conventional equipment such as vats provided with stirrers and
heating means. To this hot melt there are also added the other
components of the soap including additional alkanolamine if an
excess thereof was not added with the neutralizing agent. The hot
melt is then solidified by being cooled and can be shaped during
cooling to any desired form, as bars, utilizing the usual and well
known molding equipment present employed for the purpose of shaping
soaps.
The invention will be further described in connection with the
following examples, which are set forth for purposes of
illustration only and in which proportions are by weight unless
specifically stated to the contrary.
EXAMPLE I
Transparent soap bars were prepared using the following
formulation:
INGREDIENTS % BY WEIGHT Neo-Decanoic Acid 16.434 Stearic Acid
(Triple pressed grade).sup.1 19.955 Myristic Acid 9.978 Lauric Acid
2.935 Sodium Hydrosulfite (25% Solution) 0.047 Triethanolamine
(Techanical grade).sup.2 37.563 Sodium Hydroxide 6.456 Water 6.456
Versenex 80 (Pentasodium salt of diethylenetriamine-pentaacetic
0.176 ______________________________________ 100.000 1. 45 percent
Stearic acid and 55 percent palmitic acid 2. 85 percent
Triethanolamine and 15 percent Diethanolamine
The fatty acids, branched chain acid, and sodium hydrosulfite were
heated at 180.degree.F with stirring until a substantially
homogeneous molten mass was formed. To this molten mass there was
slowly added a preblend of sodium hydroxide, triethanolamine,
Versenex 80, and water. The entire mixture was stirred until
homogeneous and neutralization of the acids was complete and then
poured into standard soap bar molds where the mass was permitted to
cool to form the shaped bars.
The resultant bars were clear and transparent to the eye and had a
high surface gloss with the transparency and surface gloss being
retained after repeated usage of the bars.
EXAMPLE II
Transparent soap bars were prepared using the following
formulation:
INGREDIENTS % BY WEIGHT Neo-Decanoic Acid 15.1737 Stearic Acid
(Triple press grade) 19.0895 Myristic Acid 9.3003 Lauric Acid
2.4476 Sodium Hydrosulfite (25% Solution) 0.1957 Ortho-Tolyl
Biguanide 0.2936 Glycerine 11.2579 Triethanolamine (Techanical
grade) 31.3265 Sodium Hydroxide 5.3842 Water 5.3842 Versenex 80
0.1468 ______________________________________ 100.0000
The procedure of Example 1 was followed except that the orthotolyl
biguanide and glycerine were included with the acids and
hydrosulfite.
The products were clear and transparent to the eye with surface
gloss present after repeated usage and subsequent drying.
EXAMPLE II
Transparent soap bars were prepared using the following
formulation:
INGREDIENTS % BY WEIGHT Versatic Acid 911 14.4793 Stearic Acid
(Triple press grade) 14.4793 Myristic Acid 7.9403 Lauric Acid
2.3353 Glycerine 20.0840 Triethanolamine (Technical grade) 29.8925
Sodium Hydroxide 5.1377 Water 5.1377 Versenex 80 0.1403 Ortho-Tolyl
Biguanide 0.2802 Sodium Hydrosulfite (25% Solution) 0.0934
__________________________________________________________________________
100.0000
The precedure of Example II was followed and the products were
clear and transparent to the eye with surface gloss present after
repeated usage and subsequent drying.
EXAMPLE IV
The process of Example I is followed except that for the
Neodecanoic acid used therein there is substituted, separately and
in turn an equal proportion of 2-ethylhexanoic acid, Versatic 911
acid, neopentanoic acid, and neo-heptanoic acid. In each case the
finished product has a high surface gloss and retains such gloss
upon repeated usage.
EXAMPLE V
Transparent soap bars were formed using the following
formulation:
INGREDIENTS % BY WEIGHT Neo-Decanoic Acid 2.6 Empol 1010 Dimer Acid
2.6 Stearic Acid (Triple pressed grade) 20.0 Myristic Acid 9.7
Lauric Acid 2.6 Sodium Hydrosulfite (25% solution) 0.2 Antioxidant
(Sopanox) 0.3 Glycerine 6.6 Triethanolamine (Technical grade) 37.6
50% Sodium Hydroxide 8.5 Demineralized Water 6.0 Versenex 80 0.1
Lilac perfume (Compound 2-2368) 3.0 Violet color (C.S. D&C
Violet No. 2) 0.2 ______________________________________ 100.0
The procedure of Example II was followed with respect to the
glycerine addition with the antioxidant being included in the
preblend. The perfume and color was added to and dispersed in the
homogeneous mixture just prior to the mixture being poured into
molds.
Transparent and high gloss soap bars were formed which maintains
such characteristics after repeated usage.
While the exact theory of the instant invention is not precisely
understood, it is believed that the glassy or high gloss surface
appearance of the soap composition of the invention which is
maintained after repeated use is due to the fact that the
particular combination of fatty acids and branched chain saturated
acid prevents phase separation during usage into substances that
are not transparent and which would tend to give the surface of the
soap a cloudy, dull, opaque appearance.
As used herein, the term "soap bar" is meant to define a solidified
soap of any shape, i.e., round, rectangular, square, or any of the
myriad shapes in which soaps can be molded.
It will be understood that it is intended to cover all changes and
modifications of the disclosure of the invention herein chosen for
the purpose of illustration which do not constitute departures from
the spirit and scope of the invention.
* * * * *