CN113710786A

CN113710786A - Fabric conditioner composition

Info

Publication number: CN113710786A
Application number: CN202080027701.8A
Authority: CN
Inventors: I·K·史密斯; S·利驰
Original assignee: Unilever IP Holdings BV
Current assignee: Unilever IP Holdings BV
Priority date: 2019-04-10
Filing date: 2020-03-26
Publication date: 2021-11-26
Also published as: BR112021020182A2; WO2020207820A1; PH12021552271A1; EP3953443A1

Abstract

Use of a composition comprising a hydrolysed protein and a perfume in a fabric laundering process to improve the performance of a perfume on laundered fabrics.

Description

Fabric conditioner composition

Technical Field

The present invention is in the field of providing perfume to fabrics during a laundering process.

Background

Perfumes have become an important feature of laundry care, especially fabric conditioner products. Consumers often choose products based on their fragrance and buy them again if they are satisfied with the fragrance properties of the product.

Unfortunately, it is challenging to provide a satisfactory level of perfume to the consumer during the wash process. Consumers are often dissatisfied with the perfume intensity of laundered fabrics. Consumers often use fabric conditioners/softeners in excess in order to meet their desired intensity of the laundered perfume. This is undesirable for a number of reasons. One particular example is a towel; when towels are used in excess of fabric conditioner, they become hydrophobic and become less efficient at absorbing water.

Accordingly, there is a continuing need to improve the perfume performance of laundry compositions to meet the high consumer expectations for products.

Summary of The Invention

In a first aspect of the invention there is provided the use of a composition comprising hydrolysed protein and perfume in a fabric laundering process to improve the performance of perfume on laundered fabrics.

Detailed Description

These and other aspects, features and advantages will become apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art from a reading of the following detailed description and the appended claims. For the avoidance of doubt, any feature of one aspect of the invention may be used in any other aspect of the invention. The term "comprising" is intended to mean "including", but not necessarily "consisting of … … (of the consistent of)" or "consisting of … … (of the consistent of)". In other words, the listed steps or options need not be exhaustive. It is to be noted that the examples given in the following description are intended to illustrate the present invention and are not intended to limit the present invention to these examples per se. Similarly, all percentages are weight/weight percentages unless otherwise indicated. Except in the operating and comparative examples, or where otherwise explicitly indicated, all numbers in this description indicating amounts of material or conditions of reaction, physical properties of materials and/or use are to be understood as modified by the word "about". Numerical ranges expressed in "from x to y" format are understood to include x and y. When multiple preferred ranges are described in the format "from x to y" for a particular feature, it is to be understood that all ranges combining the different endpoints are also contemplated.

The present invention relates to the use of a composition comprising hydrolysed protein and perfume in a fabric laundering process to improve the performance of perfumes on laundered fabrics. Perfume intensity refers to the intensity of the perfume odor perceived by the user. The improved perfume intensity may be at any stage of the washing process. In particular, the consumer may perceive improved perfume intensity after the washing process. For example, improved perfume intensity may be perceived when the laundry is removed from the washing machine, during drying, during folding or during wearing of the garment, preferably providing improved intensity on dry fabrics when folded or worn. For example, the consumer can measure improved perfume intensity by smelling the clothes and grading on a scale of 1 to 10 or using analytical instruments such as headspace gas chromatography/mass spectrometry.

Hydrolysed proteins

Protein hydrolysates are proteins which can be obtained by hydrolysing proteins. Hydrolysis may be achieved by chemical reactions, in particular by base hydrolysis, acid hydrolysis, enzymatic hydrolysis or combinations thereof.

For the alkali or acid hydrolysis, a method such as boiling in a strong acid or strong alkali for a long time may be employed.

For the enzymatic hydrolysis, all hydrolases are suitable, for example alkaline proteases. For example, g.schuster and a.domsch in soap and oils Fette Wachse 108, (1982)177 and cosm.toil, respecitvely.99, (1984)63, h.w.steissringer at parf.kosm.72, (1991)556 and f.aurich et al, tens.surf.det.29, (1992)389 describes the production of protein hydrolysates.

The hydrolyzed proteins of the invention can be derived from a variety of sources. The proteins may be of natural origin, e.g. from plant or animal origin, or they may be synthetic proteins. Preferably, the protein is a naturally derived protein or a synthetic equivalent of a naturally derived protein. A preferred class of proteins are plant proteins, i.e., proteins obtained from plants or their synthetic equivalents. Preferably, the protein is obtained from a plant. Preferred plant sources include nuts, seeds, legumes and grains.

A particularly preferred plant source is cereal. Examples of cereals include cereals (e.g., millet, corn, barley, oats, rice and wheat), pseudocereals (e.g., buckwheat and quinoa), beans (e.g., chickpeas, lentils and soybeans), and oilseeds (e.g., mustard, rapeseed, sunflower, hemp, poppy, linseed). Most preferred are cereal grains, particularly wheat proteins or synthetic equivalents of wheat proteins.

The protein hydrolysate preferably has a weight-average molecular weight Mw in the range from 300g/mol to 50,000g/mol, in particular from 300g/mol to 15,000 g/mol. The average Molecular Weight Mw can be determined, for example, by Gel Permeation Chromatography (GPC) (Andrews P., "Estimation of the Molecular Weight of Proteins by Sephadex Gel Filtration"; Biochem J.,1964,91, pages 222to 233). The use of protein hydrolysates with average molecular weights in this range can give particularly effective flavour benefits.

It is preferred if the protein hydrolysate is modified with cations. Preferably, the wheat protein hydrolysate is cationically modified. Preferably, the hydrolyzed protein contains at least one group of the formula:

R1-N⁺(CH₃)₂-CH₂-CH(OH)-CH₂-XR

r1 is an alkyl group having 1 to 30 carbon atoms, an alkenyl group having 1 to 30 carbon atoms, or a hydroxyalkyl group having 1 to 30 carbon atoms. R1 is preferably selected from methyl, C10-18 alkyl or C10-13 alkenyl,

x is O, N or S, and X is,

r represents a protein residue. The term "protein residue" is understood to mean the backbone of the corresponding protein hydrolysate formed by the attachment of amino acids to which cationic groups are bound.

Cationization of protein hydrolysates having the above-mentioned residues can be achieved by reacting the reactive groups of the protein hydrolysates, in particular the amino acids of the protein hydrolysates, with halides which additionally correspond to the compounds of the above formula (wherein the X-R moiety is substituted by a halogen).

Wheat protein hydrolysate is commercially available, for example, from Croda under the trade name collede radiance.

The composition of the invention preferably comprises 0.125 to 4 wt% hydrolysed protein, preferably 0.2 to 2 wt% hydrolysed protein, more preferably 0.25 to 1.5 wt% hydrolysed protein.

Perfume

The composition of the present invention preferably comprises 0.1 to 30 wt% of perfume material, i.e. free perfume and/or perfume microcapsules. As is known in the art, the difference between free perfume and perfume microcapsules during the wash cycle provides the consumer with perfume impact. It is particularly preferred that the composition of the invention comprises a combination of free perfume and perfume microcapsules.

Preferably, the composition of the present invention comprises from 0.25 to 20 wt% of perfume material, more preferably from 0.5 to 15 wt% of perfume material, most preferably from 1 to 10 wt% of perfume material.

Useful perfume components may include materials of natural and synthetic origin. They include single compounds and mixtures. Specific examples of such components can be found in the current literature, for example, in the Fenaroli's Handbook of flavour Ingredients,1975, CRC Press; synthetic Food additives, 1947by M.B. Jacobs, edited by Van Nostrand; or Perfun and flavour Chemicals by S.arctander 1969, Montclair, N.J. (USA). These materials are well known to those skilled in the art of perfuming, flavoring and/or aromatizing consumer products.

Free perfume:

the fabric conditioners of the invention preferably comprise from 0.1 to 15 wt% free perfume, more preferably from 0.5 to 8 wt% free perfume.

Particularly preferred perfume components are blooming perfume components and enduring perfume components. The strong perfume component is defined as having a boiling point below 250 ℃, LogP or greater than 2.5. A long lasting perfume component is defined as having a boiling point above 250 ℃ and a LogP above 2.5. The boiling point is measured at standard pressure (760mm Hg). Preferably, the perfume composition will comprise a mixture of strong and long lasting perfume components. The perfume composition may comprise further perfume components.

It is common to have a variety of perfume components present in free oil perfume compositions. In the compositions for use in the present invention, it is envisaged that three or more, preferably four or more, more preferably five or more, most preferably six or more different perfume components will be present. An upper limit of 300 perfume components may be applied.

Perfume microcapsule:

the fabric conditioner of the present invention preferably comprises from 0.1 to 15 wt% perfume microcapsules, more preferably from 0.5 to 8 wt% perfume microcapsules. The weight of the microcapsules is the material provided.

When the perfume component is encapsulated, suitable encapsulating materials may include, but are not limited to; aminoplasts, proteins, polyurethanes, polyacrylates, polymethacrylates, polysaccharides, polyamides, polyolefins, gums, silicones, lipids, modified celluloses, polyphosphates, polystyrenes, polyesters, or combinations thereof. Particularly preferred materials are aminoplast microcapsules, such as melamine formaldehyde or urea formaldehyde microcapsules.

The perfume microcapsules of the present invention may be friable microcapsules and/or moisture activated microcapsules. By frangible is meant that the perfume microcapsule breaks upon application of force. Moisture activation refers to the release of a perfume in the presence of water. The fabric conditioner of the present invention preferably comprises frangible microcapsules. Moisture activated microcapsules may additionally be present. Examples of friable microcapsules include aminoplast microcapsules.

The perfume component contained in the microcapsules may comprise a fragrance material and/or a fragrance precursor material.

Particularly preferred perfume components comprised in the microcapsules are strong perfume components and long lasting perfume components. The strong perfume component is defined as having a boiling point below 250 ℃ and a LogP above 2.5. The long lasting perfume component is defined as having a boiling point above 250 ℃ and a LogP above 2.5. The boiling point is measured at standard pressure (760mm Hg). Preferably, the perfume composition will comprise a mixture of strong and long lasting perfume components. The perfume composition may comprise further perfume components.

It is common for a variety of perfume components to be present in microcapsules. In the compositions for use in the present invention, three or more, preferably four or more, more preferably five or more, most preferably six or more different perfume components are envisaged in the microcapsules. An upper limit of 300 perfume components may be applied.

The microcapsules may contain a perfume component and a carrier for the perfume component, such as a zeolite or cyclodextrin.

Preferably, the ratio of hydrolysed protein to perfume component is from 20:1 to 1:30, more preferably from 10:1 to 1:20, most preferably from 5:1 to 1: 15.

Fabric softening active

Preferably, the compositions of the present invention are fabric conditioner or fabric softener compositions. Fabric conditioners comprise an active material which softens or conditions fabric. These are fabric softening compounds. The fabric softening compound (also referred to herein as a fabric softening or conditioning active or agent) may be any known fabric softening material. These may be polymeric materials or compounds of known softening materials.

Examples of suitable fabric softening actives include: quaternary ammonium compounds, silicone polymers, polysaccharides, clays, amines, fatty esters, dispersible polyolefins, polymer latexes, and mixtures thereof.

The fabric softening compound may preferably be cationic or nonionic. Preferably, the fabric softening compounds of the present invention are cationic. Suitable cationic fabric softening compounds are described below.

The fabric conditioning compositions used according to the present invention may be diluted or concentrated. Dilute products typically contain up to about 6%, typically about 1% to 5%, by weight of the softening compound, whereas concentrated products may contain up to about 50%, preferably about 5% to about 50%, more preferably 6% to 25%, by weight of the active agent. In summary, the product of the invention may comprise from 1 to 50 wt%, preferably from 2to 25 wt%, more preferably from 2to 20 wt% of the softening compound.

The preferred softening compound for use in the fabric conditioner compositions of the present invention is a Quaternary Ammonium Compound (QAC).

The QAC preferably comprises at least one chain derived from a fatty acid, more preferably at least two chains derived from a fatty acid. Generally, a fatty acid is defined as an aliphatic monocarboxylic acid having a chain of 4 to 28 carbons. Preferably, the fatty acid chain is a palm or tallow fatty acid. Preferably, the fatty acid chains of the QAC comprise 10 to 50 wt.% saturated C18 chains and 5 to 40 wt.% monounsaturated C18 chains, based on the weight of total fatty acid chains. In a further preferred embodiment, the fatty acid chains of the QAC comprise from 20 to 40 wt.%, preferably from 25 to 35 wt.%, saturated C18 chains and from 10 to 35 wt.%, preferably from 15 to 30 wt.%, monounsaturated C18 chains, by weight of total fatty acid chains.

The preferred quaternary ammonium fabric softening compounds for use in the compositions of the present invention are the so-called "esterquats". A particularly preferred material is an ester-linked Triethanolamine (TEA) quaternary ammonium compound comprising a mixture of mono-, di-, and tri-ester linked components.

Typically, TEA-based fabric softening compounds comprise a mixture of mono-, di-and tri-ester forms of the compound, wherein the di-ester linked component comprises no more than 70 wt%, preferably no more than 60 wt%, e.g. no more than 55%, or even no more than 45% of the fabric softening compound and at least 10 wt% of the mono-ester linked component of the fabric softening compound.

A first group of Quaternary Ammonium Compounds (QACs) suitable for use in the present invention is represented by formula (I):

wherein each R is independently selected from C5 to C35 alkyl or alkenyl; r1 represents C1 to C4 alkyl, C2 to C4 alkenyl or C1 to C4 hydroxyalkyl; t may be O-CO (i.e., an ester group bonded to R through its carbon atom), or may alternatively be CO-O (i.e., an ester group bonded to R through its oxygen atom); n is a number selected from 1 to 4; m is a number selected from 1,2 or 3; x-is an anionic counterion, such as a halide or an alkyl sulfate, for example chloride or methyl sulfate. The diester variants of formula I (i.e., m ═ 2) are preferred, and typically have monoester and triester analogs associated therewith. Such materials are particularly suitable for use in the present invention.

Suitable actives include soft quaternary ammonium actives such as Stepandex VT90, Rewoquat WE18(ex-Evonik) and Tetranyl L1/90N, Tetranyl L190 SP and Tetranyl L190S (all ex-Kao).

Also suitable are actives rich in diesters of triethanolammonium methylsulfate, also known as "TEA ester quats".

Commercially available examples include Preapagen TQL (ex-Clariant) and Tetranyl AHT-1(ex-Kao) (both di [ hardened tallow ester of triethanolammonium methylsulfate)]) AT-1 (ditalloyl ester of triethanolammonium methylsulfate)]) And L5/90 (di [ palmityl ester of triethanolammonium methylsulfate)]) (both ex-Kao) and Rewoquat^TMWE15 (diester of triethanolammonium methylsulfate with fatty acyl residues derived from C10-C20 and C16-C18 unsaturated fatty acids) (ex-Evonik).

A second group of QACs suitable for use in the present invention are represented by formula (II):

wherein each R1 group is independently selected from C1 to C4 alkyl, hydroxyalkyl, or C2 to C4 alkenyl; and wherein each R2 group is independently selected from C8 to C28 alkyl or alkenyl; wherein n, T and X-are as defined above.

Preferred materials of this second group include 1,2 bis [ tallowoyloxy ] -3-trimethylpropane ammonium chloride, 1,2 bis [ hardened tallowoyloxy ] -3-trimethylpropane ammonium chloride, 1,2 bis [ oleoyloxy ] -3-trimethylpropane ammonium chloride and 1,2 bis [ stearoyloxy ] -3-trimethylpropane ammonium chloride. Such materials are described in US 4,137,180(Lever Brothers). Preferably, these materials also contain a certain amount of the corresponding monoester.

A third group of QACs suitable for use in the present invention is represented by formula (III):

(R¹)₂-N⁺-[(CH₂)_n-T-R²]₂X^-(III)

wherein each R1 group is independently selected from C1 to C4 alkyl or C2 to C4 alkenyl; and wherein each R2 group is independently selected from C8 to C28 alkyl or alkenyl; n, T and X-are as defined above. Preferred materials of this third group include bis (2-tallowoyloxyethyl) dimethylammonium chloride, partially hardened and hardened forms thereof.

A specific example of a fourth group QAC is represented by the following formula:

a fourth group QAC suitable for use in the present invention is represented by formula (V)

R1 and R2 are independently selected from C10 to C22 alkyl or alkenyl groups, preferably C14 to C20 alkyl or alkenyl groups. X-is as defined above.

The iodine value of the quaternary ammonium fabric conditioning material is preferably from 0 to 80, more preferably from 0 to 60, most preferably from 0 to 45. The iodine value can be appropriately selected. Substantially saturated materials having an iodine value of from 0 to 5, preferably from 0 to 1, may be used in the compositions of the present invention. Such materials are known as "hardened" quaternary ammonium compounds.

A further preferred range of iodine value is from 20 to 60, preferably from 25 to 50, more preferably from 30 to 45. Materials of this type are "soft" triethanolamine quaternary ammonium compounds, preferably triethanolamine dialkyl methyl sulfate. Such ester-linked triethanolamine quaternary ammonium compounds contain unsaturated fatty chains.

If a mixture of quaternary ammonium materials is present in the composition, the above iodine value represents the average iodine value of the parent fatty acyl compound or fatty acid of all the quaternary ammonium materials present. Similarly, if any saturated quaternary ammonium material is present in the composition, the iodine value represents the average iodine value of the parent acyl compound of fatty acid of all the quaternary ammonium materials present.

Iodine value, as used in the context of the present invention, refers to the fatty acids used to produce the QAC, and the unsaturation present in the material is measured by nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy as described in anal. chem.,34,1136(1962) Johnson and shop.

Another type of softening compound may be a non-ester quaternary ammonium material represented by formula (VI):

wherein each R1 group is independently selected from C1 to C4 alkyl, hydroxyalkyl, or C2 to C4 alkenyl; the R2 groups are independently selected from C8 to C28 alkyl or alkenyl groups, and X "is as defined above.

Cationic polymers

The composition of the present invention preferably comprises a cationic polymer. This refers to a polymer having an overall positive charge.

The cationic polymers may be naturally derived or synthetic. Examples of suitable cationic polymers include: acrylate polymers, cationic amino resins, cationic urea resins and cationic polysaccharides, including: cationic cellulose, cationic guar gum and cationic starch.

The cationic polymers of the present invention can be classified as polysaccharide-based cationic polymers or non-polysaccharide-based cationic polymers.

Polysaccharide-based cationic polymers:

polysaccharide-based cationic polymers include cationic cellulose, cationic guar gum, and cationic starch. Polysaccharides are polymers formed by connecting monosaccharide monomers through glycosidic bonds.

The cationic polysaccharide-based polymer present in the composition of the present invention has a modified polysaccharide backbone, which is modified in that additional chemical groups have reacted with some of the free hydroxyl groups of the polysaccharide backbone, thereby imparting an overall positive charge to the modified cellulose monomer units.

The preferred polysaccharide polymer is cationic cellulose. This refers to a polymer having a cellulose backbone and an overall positive charge.

Cellulose is a polysaccharide based on glucose, in particular a linear polymer of D-glucopyranose units linked by β -1,4 glycosidic bonds, and is a linear, unbranched polymer.

The cationic cellulose-based polymers of the present invention have a modified cellulose backbone modified in that additional chemical groups have reacted with some of the free hydroxyl groups of the polysaccharide backbone to impart an overall positive charge to the modified cellulose monomer units.

One preferred class of cationic cellulose polymers suitable for use in the present invention are those in which the cellulose backbone is modified to incorporate a quaternary ammonium salt. Preferably, the quaternary ammonium salt is linked to the cellulose backbone via hydroxyethyl or hydroxypropyl groups. Preferably, the charged nitrogen of the quaternary ammonium salt has one or more alkyl substituents.

An exemplary cationic cellulose Polymer is a salt of hydroxyethyl cellulose reacted with a trimethylammonium substituted epoxide, referred to in the art as polyquaternium 10 according to the international nomenclature for cosmetic components and commercially available from Amerchol Corporation, a subsidiary of the dow chemical company, under the trade designations Polymer LR, JR and KG series of polymers. Other suitable types of cationic cellulose include the polymeric quaternary ammonium salts of hydroxyethyl cellulose reacted with lauryl dimethyl ammonium-substituted epoxide, referred to in the art as polyquaternium 24 according to the international nomenclature for cosmetic ingredients. These materials are available from Amerchol Corporation under the trade name Polymer LM-200.

Typical examples of preferred cationic cellulose polymers include coco dimethyl ammonium hydroxypropyl oxyethyl cellulose, lauryl dimethyl ammonium hydroxypropyl oxyethyl cellulose, stearyl dimethyl ammonium hydroxypropyl oxyethyl cellulose and stearyl dimethyl ammonium hydroxyethyl cellulose; cellulose 2-hydroxyethyl 2-hydroxy 3- (trimethylammonium) propyl ether salt, polyquaternium-4, polyquaternium-10, polyquaternium-24 and polyquaternium-67 or mixtures thereof.

More preferably, the cationic cellulose polymer is a quaternized hydroxyether cellulose cationic polymer. These are commonly referred to as polyquaternium-10. Suitable commercial cationic cellulosic polymer products for use in accordance with the present invention are sold under the trade name UCARE by Amerchol Corporation.

The counter ion of the cationic polymer may be freely selected from halides: chloride, bromide, and iodide; or selected from the group consisting of hydroxide, phosphate, sulfate, bisulfate, ethylsulfate, methylsulfate, formate, and acetate.

Non-polysaccharide based cationic polymers:

the non-polysaccharide based cationic polymers are composed of structural units, which may be nonionic, cationic, anionic or mixtures thereof. The polymer may comprise non-cationic structural units, but the polymer must have a net cationic charge.

The cationic polymer may consist of only one type of structural unit, i.e. the polymer is a homopolymer. The cationic polymer may be composed of two types of structural units, i.e. the polymer is a copolymer. The cationic polymer may be composed of three types of structural units, i.e. the polymer is a terpolymer. The cationic polymer may comprise two or more types of structural units. A structural unit can be described as a first structural unit, a second structural unit, a third structural unit, and the like. The structural units or monomers can be incorporated into the cationic polymer in random form or in block form.

The cationic polymer may comprise nonionic structural units derived from monomers selected from the group consisting of: (meth) acrylamide, vinyl formamide, N-dialkyl acrylamide, N-dialkyl methacrylamide, C1-C12 alkyl acrylates, C1-C12 hydroxyalkyl acrylates, polyalkylene glycol acrylates, C1-C12 alkyl methacrylates, C1-C12 hydroxyalkyl methacrylates, polyalkylene glycol methacrylates, vinyl acetate, vinyl alcohol, vinyl formamide, vinyl acetamide, vinyl alkyl ethers, vinyl pyridine, vinyl pyrrolidone, vinyl imidazole, vinyl caprolactam, and mixtures thereof.

The cationic polymer may comprise cationic structural units derived from monomers selected from the group consisting of: n, N-dialkylaminoalkyl methacrylate, N-dialkylaminoalkyl acrylate, N-dialkylaminoalkyl acrylamide, N-dialkylaminoalkyl methacrylamide, methylaminoalkyl trialkylammonium salts, acrylamidoalkyl trialkylammonium salts, vinylamines, vinylimines, vinylimidazoles, quaternized vinylimidazoles, diallyl dialkylammonium salts, and mixtures thereof.

Preferably, the cationic monomer is selected from: diallyldimethylammonium salt (DADMAS), N, N-dimethylaminoethyl acrylate, N, N-dimethylaminoethyl methacrylate (DMAM), [2- (methacryloylamino) ethyl ] trl-methylammonium salt, N, N-Dimethylaminopropylacrylamide (DMAPA), N, N-Dimethylaminopropylmethacrylamide (DMAPMA), acrylamidopropyltrimethylammonium salt (APTAS), methacrylamidopropyltrimethylammonium salt (MAPTAS), Quaternized Vinylimidazole (QVi), and mixtures thereof.

The cationic polymer may comprise anionic structural units derived from monomers selected from: acrylic Acid (AA), methacrylic acid, maleic acid, vinylsulfonic acid, styrenesulfonic acid, acrylamidopropylmethanesulfonic Acid (AMPS) and salts thereof, and mixtures thereof.

Some of the cationic polymers disclosed herein will require a stabiliser, i.e. a material which exhibits a yield stress in the auxiliary laundry composition of the present invention. Such stabilizers may be selected from: linear structured systems such as hydrogenated castor oil or trihydroxystearines such as Thixcin ex elementis Specialties, cross-linked polyacrylic acids such as Carbopol ex lubrizol and gums such as carrageenan.

Preferably, the cationic polymer is selected from: cationic polysaccharides and acrylate polymers. More preferably, the cationic polymer is a cationic acrylate polymer.

The molecular weight of the cationic polymer is preferably more than 20000g/mol, more preferably more than 25000 g/mol. The molecular weight is preferably less than 2000000 g/mol, more preferably less than 1000000 g/mol.

The fabric conditioner composition according to the invention preferably comprises the cationic polymer at a level of from 0.05 to 10 wt% of the formulation, preferably from 0.1 to 5 wt% of the formulation, more preferably from 0.2 to 2 wt% of the formulation.

Softening assistant

Co-softeners may be used in the composition. When used, they are generally present at 0.1 to 20%, especially 0.5 to 10%, based on the total weight of the composition. Preferred co-softeners include fatty esters and fatty N-oxides. Fatty esters which may be used include fatty monoesters, for example glyceryl monostearate, fatty sugar esters, for example those disclosed in WO 01/46361 (Unilever).

The compositions of the present invention may comprise a fatty complexing agent.

Particularly suitable fatty complexing agents include fatty alcohols and fatty acids. Among them, most preferred are fatty alcohols.

Without being bound by theory, it is believed that the fat complexing material improves the viscosity profile of the composition by complexing with the monoester component of the fabric conditioner material, thereby providing a composition with relatively high levels of diester and triester linked components. The diester and triester linked components are more stable and do not adversely affect the initial viscosity as the monoester component does.

It is also believed that the higher levels of monoester linked components present in compositions comprising TEA-based quaternary ammonium materials may destabilize the composition by depleting flocculation. By complexing with the monoester linked component using a fatty complexing material, consumption flocculation is significantly reduced.

In other words, as required by the present invention, the increased level of fatty complexing agent "neutralizes" the monoester linked components of the quaternary ammonium material. This in situ formation of the diester from the monoester and fatty alcohol also improves the softening of the composition.

Preferred fatty acids include tallow fatty acid or vegetable fatty acid, with hardened tallow fatty acid or hardened vegetable fatty acid (tradename Pristerene) being particularly preferred^TMObtained, ex Croda). Preferred fatty alcohols include tallow alcohol or vegetable alcohol, with hardened tallow alcohol or hardened vegetable alcohol (under the trade name Stenol) being particularly preferred^TMAnd hydranol^TMObtained as ex BASF and under the trade name Laurex^TMCS obtained, ex Huntsman).

The fatty complexing agent is preferably present in an amount of from greater than 0.3 to 5% by weight, based on the total weight of the composition. More preferably, the fat component is present in an amount of 0.4 to 4%. The weight ratio of monoester component of the quaternary ammonium fabric softener to the fatty complexing agent is preferably from 5:1 to 1:5, more preferably from 4:1 to 1:4, most preferably from 3:1 to 1:3, for example from 2:1 to 1: 2.

Nonionic surfactant

The composition may also comprise a nonionic surfactant. Generally, these may be included for the purpose of stabilizing the composition. Suitable nonionic surfactants include the addition products of ethylene oxide and/or propylene oxide with fatty alcohols, fatty acids and fatty amines. Any particular type of alkoxylated material described below may be used as the nonionic surfactant.

Suitable surfactants are substantially water-soluble surfactants of the general formula (VII):

R-Y-(C2H4O)z-CH2-CH2-OH(VII)

wherein R is selected from primary, secondary and branched alkyl and/or acyl hydrocarbyl; primary, secondary and branched alkenyl hydrocarbyl groups; and primary, secondary and branched alkenyl substituted phenolic hydrocarbyl groups; a hydrocarbyl group of 8 to about 25, preferably 10 to 20, for example 14 to 18 carbon atoms in chain length.

In the general formula of ethoxylated nonionic surfactants, Y is typically:

o-, -C (O) N (R) -or-C (O) N (R) R-

Wherein R has the meaning given above for formula (VII), or may be hydrogen; z is at least about 8, preferably at least about 10 or 11.

Preferably, the nonionic surfactant has an HLB of from about 7 to about 20, more preferably from 10 to 18, for example from 12 to 16. Genapol based on cocoa chains and 20 EO groups^TMC200(Clariant) is an example of a suitable nonionic surfactant.

If present, the nonionic surfactant is present in an amount of from 0.01 to 10%, more preferably from 0.1 to 5% by weight based on the total weight of the composition.

One preferred class of nonionic surfactants includes the addition products of ethylene oxide and/or propylene oxide with fatty alcohols, fatty acids and fatty amines. These are preferably selected from the addition products of (a) alkoxides selected from ethylene oxide, propylene oxide and mixtures thereof with (b) fatty materials selected from fatty alcohols, fatty acids and fatty amines.

Suitable surfactants are substantially water-soluble surfactants of the general formula (VIII):

R-Y-(C2H4O)z-CH2-CH2-OH(VIII)

wherein R is selected from the group consisting of: primary, secondary and branched alkyl and/or acyl hydrocarbyl (when Y ═ c (O) O, R ≠ acyl hydrocarbyl); primary, secondary and branched alkenyl hydrocarbyl groups; and primary, secondary and branched alkenyl substituted phenolic hydrocarbyl groups; a hydrocarbon group having a chain length of 10 to 60, preferably 10 to 25, for example 14 to 20 carbon atoms.

In the general formula of ethoxylated nonionic surfactants, Y is typically:

o-, -C (O) N (R) -or-C (O) N (R) R-

Wherein R has the meaning given above for formula (VIII) or may be hydrogen; z is at least about 6, preferably at least about 10 or 11.

Lutensol based on C16:18 chain and 25 EO groups^TMAT25(BASF) is an example of a suitable nonionic surfactant. Other suitable surfactants include Renex 36 (trideeth-6), ex Croda; tergitol 15-S3, ex Dow Chemical Co.; dihydro LT7, ex Thai Ethoxylate ltd; cremophor CO40, ex BASF and Neodol 91-8, ex Shell.

Others

The composition may comprise other components of a laundry composition, in particular a fabric conditioner liquid known to those skilled in the art. Among these materials, mention may be made of: antifoams, insect repellents, shading or colouristic dyes, preservatives (e.g. bactericides), pH buffers, perfume carriers, hydrotropes, antiredeposition agents, soil release agents, polyelectrolytes, anti-shrinkage agents, anti-wrinkle agents, antioxidants, dyes, colorants, sunscreens, anti-corrosion agents, drape imparting agents, antistatic agents, chelating agents and ironing aids. The products of the invention may contain pearlizing agents and/or opacifiers. The preferred chelating agent is HEDP, an abbreviation for etidronic acid or 1-hydroxyethane 1, 1-diphosphonic acid.

Mode for the invention

The composition is preferably in aqueous form. The composition preferably comprises at least 75% by weight of water.

Washing process

The composition is used in a fabric laundering process. The washing process may be hand washing or machine washing. Preferably, the composition is used in the rinse stage of a fabric washing process. Preferably, the fabric is washed with the detergent composition prior to contact with the composition. Preferably, the detergent composition comprises anionic and/or nonionic surfactants.

Preferably, for a load of 4 to 7kg of laundry, the laundry is treated with a dose of 10 to 100ml of fabric conditioner. More preferably, for a load of 4 to 7kg of clothes, 10 to 80ml is used.

Examples

Example compositions:

fabric softening active¹-Tetranyl AT7590 ex Kao

Cationic polymers²-Flosoft 270LS ex.SNF

Hydrolyzed wheat protein³-Coltide radiance ex.Croda

Claims

1. Use of a composition in a fabric laundering process for improving the performance of a perfume on laundered fabrics, wherein the composition is a fabric conditioner comprising:

1 to 50 wt% of a fabric softening active;

0.125 to 4 wt% of hydrolyzed protein;

c. a fragrance; and

d. and (3) water.

2. Use of a composition according to claim 1, wherein the composition is used in the rinse stage of a fabric washing process.

3. Use of a composition according to any preceding claim, wherein the fabric is washed with a detergent composition prior to contact with the composition.

4. Use of a composition according to any preceding claim, wherein the fabric softening active is a quaternary ammonium compound.

5. Use of a composition according to any preceding claim, wherein a dose of 10 to 100ml of the fabric conditioner composition is used for a 4 to 7kg load of clothing.

6. Use of a composition according to any preceding claim, wherein the composition further comprises a cationic polymer.

7. Use of a composition according to any preceding claim, wherein the protein is a plant protein.

8. Use of a composition according to any preceding claim, wherein the protein is wheat protein.

9. Use of a composition according to any preceding claim, wherein the perfume comprises free perfume.

10. Use of a composition according to any preceding claim, wherein the perfume comprises an encapsulated perfume.

11. Use of a composition according to any preceding claim, wherein the ratio of hydrolysed protein to perfume component is from 20:1 to 1: 30.