EP2980196A1

EP2980196A1 - Product for the washing of clothes and the capture of molecules of color dissolved in the washing water in the washing machine

Info

Publication number: EP2980196A1
Application number: EP15179202.5A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Alessandro BARATTO
Original assignee: ORSA Srl
Current assignee: ORSA NW S.R.L.
Priority date: 2014-07-30
Filing date: 2015-07-30
Publication date: 2016-02-03

Abstract

A product for capturing colour molecules dissolved in the wash water in a washing machine consisting of a textile patch support on which cationic resins, an acrylic copolymer and a water-based detergent comprising vegetable extracts, water-soluble and with a neutral pH are applied.

Description

Field of the invention

The present invention relates to a product for washing and simultaneously capturing colour molecules dispersed in the washing-machine wash waters; in particular it refers to a textile patch (woven and/or non-woven fabric) which has the function of supplying the laundry detergent and of attracting the dye molecules, sequestering them from the wash waters.

Background Art

The problem referred to is of a general character and is known to whoever is involved in washing ordinary coloured items of clothing, both by hand and in the washing machine. As a matter of fact, while washing does not imply per se special problems for white fabrics, washing coloured fabrics is often more problematic, especially in warm water (for example at temperatures above 30°C), because it often leads to the dissolution of colours in the wash waters, which hence take on a different colour from the usual clear one. An issue is that this loss of dye does not end exclusively in the wash waters and does not only lead to progressive discoloration of the fabric, but in turn leads to the partial dying of other fabrics immersed in the same bath. On the other hand, a low-temperature wash cycle - which in certain cases does not solve the problem either - could imply insufficient cleaning, not removing stains which could be removed at a higher temperature and, especially, obtaining a degree of cleanliness and of bacterial and fungus reduction on the item of clothing insufficient for normal use. Hence, it is nevertheless necessary to find a compromise between the degree of cleanliness and the preservation of the original colours on the items of clothing.
This problem has been traditionally partly solved by carefully separating coloured items of clothing and especially with respect to white items of clothing, and avoiding mixing in the same wash cycle different-colour items of clothing; in particular, it is avoided to mix coloured and white items of clothing.
This system is certainly valid and allows to wash coloured items of clothing without special problems, even at relatively high temperatures. However, such method, at least in the case of washing-machine washes, implies problems, because it requires to prepare clearly distinct wash batches; that often implies to perform wash cycles even for few items of clothing (for example particularly staining items of clothing), causing the washing machine to operate at a reduced load, remarkably increasing the number of wash cycles with respect to what would be possible to obtain operating each time at full load. Thereby, there is a greater energy and detergent consumption and, in machines which do not provide the opportunity to automatically adjust also the water level based on the weight of dry fabric, also of water waste. Some machines, furthermore, are unable to cause the centrifuge to start in the presence of a load below a certain weight threshold, with the result that the laundry comes out wet and imbibed, significantly increasing drying times.
Finally, if often happens that at least one item of clothing of the wrong colour enters the washing machine, despite the care put in the separation, vanifying the work performed. The case of a small red-coloured cloth which remains perhaps in the pocket of a white item of clothing and which, in 60-90°C washing conditions, causes all the laundry of that wash cycle to take on a reddish colour is typical. The problem linked to the items of clothing then becomes unsolvable, generally linked to childhood, where different colours, and sometimes very intense ones, reside by contrast on the same item of clothing.
A solution which has been proposed to be able to wash together different-coloured items of clothing without the problems set forth above consists of patch-like supports to which a resin is variously applied, capable of sequestering the dye molecules from the wash waters.
EP 2 447 412 in the name of Orlandi SpA deals with the problem of avoiding damages to items of clothing from colours coming from other items of clothing and present in the wash waters with a support of textile material, on which a polyamide cationic resin is applied, comprising a copolymer of adipic acid and cloromethyloxythane, diethylenetriamine and epichlorohydrin. The opportunity of integrating such application with the addition of a water softener is also provided, so as to reduce the risk of scale deposits in the washing machine, which deposits may damage it over time. Dye removal occurs due to the fact that the dyes which enter into solution during the wash show a greater affinity for the agents present on the support than for the other items of clothing which are being washed: hence, the support according to this known technique sequesters the dye molecules before they reach the other laundry.
In the course of the wash, the additive employed for capturing the colour does not dissolve in the wash waters and remains anchored to the support which becomes coloured. The number of fabric support pieces to be employed in the single wash varies depending on the type and weight of the load which is to be washed.
This system performs at the same time its own colour-capturing and anti-scale function. However, it requires a certain capacity for the adjustment of the number of support pieces to be used, an incorrect assessment of such number de facto invalidating the usefulness of the product and an excessive use being polluting for the environment. Moreover, the use of a fabric softener and of a detergent is still required, so that a dosing ability for three different products must be acquired.
WO2007/088149 describes a proceeding for applying to a textile support a cationic polymer and an acrylic resin which acts synergistically with the polymer for maintaining the dye molecules dispersed and for avoiding that the same adhere again to the fabrics. The acrylic resin is applied by printing on the support, using a paste. As cationic polymer, epichlorohydrin-imidazole is employed. As acrylic resin, a resin obtained by copolymerising acrylic acid and/or methacrylic acid and a monomer containing a strongly acidic group, such as a sulphonic group, is generally used.
This product has not proved fully satisfactory, because the combination of the cationic polymer and of the acrylic resin per se is not automatically industrialisable and effective; moreover, the process is complex and expensive. Finally, the product always requires to be combined with the use with a washing agent which ends up affecting the adhesion of the components to the fabric partly neutralising the benefits thereof.
WO2009/062865 describes a textile patch made of non-woven fabric (TNT), imbibed with an acrylic polymer, an anionic or cationic surfactant, a mixture of polyvinylpyrrolidone-covinyl-imidazole, an epichlorohydrine polymer, clay particles containing ethoxylated alcohols and ethylene oxide. Thereby, with respect to the previous solutions, the textile support allows to combine in itself both the colour-sequestering and the deterging functions. However, the embedded product used is a rather complex mixture and is relatively expensive; moreover, it ends up discharging clay into the environment. Moreover, clay could also accumulate in the washing machine, causing problems not unlike those usually caused by scale. In any case, the complexity of the mixture clearly shows the difficulty which must be faced to obtain a support which allows both to wash and to sequester excess colours.
From the prior art just examined, the need to have a support for capturing colours in wash waters appears urgent, which combines other features obtained today with other additives, so as to use a single support for washing and preserving colours effectively. However, the attempts made so far to combine in a simple manner the sequestering action with the washing one have led to mostly poor results, since the ordinary surfactants found in detergents have among the main effects that of bringing in solution precisely the resins which sequester colours, so that this type of combination is ineffective, or in any case less effective than conventional systems, in removing colours.

Summary of the Invention

The problem at the basis of the invention is to provide a textile support with the following features:

capturing the dye molecules dissolved in the wash waters in the washing machine (colour-catching action);
including a detergent in such an amount as to guarantee the same washing performances as the common detergents currently present on the market;
preserving or in any case not deteriorating the washing-machine performances;
optimising the synergy between deterging action and "colour catching" action;
simplifying the industrialisation process.

Such object is achieved through a product and process as described in their essential features in the attached main claims.
Other inventive aspects of the product are described in the dependent claims.
In particular, a support is provided for capturing colour molecules dissolved in the wash waters in the washing machine, consisting of a patch to which a cationic resin and an acrylic polymer are applied, wherein a water-based detergent is also applied to said support, consisting of vegetable extracts, water-soluble and with a neutral pH.
The present invention also refers to a process for the industrial production of such a support which provides the following steps: a) application by "foulard" impregnation of a patch with an acrylic polymer; b) application by "foulard" impregnation of the patch coming out of step a) with a cationic resin; and c) application by "foulard" impregnation of the patch coming out of step b) with a water-based detergent consisting of vegetable extracts, water-soluble and with a neutral pH.

Brief Description of the Drawings

Further features and advantages of the device according to the invention will in any case be more evident from the following detailed description of preferred embodiments of the same, given as an example and illustrated with the help of the attached drawing, which represents a table with comparison values of tests carried out on the products of the invention.

Description of a Preferred Embodiment

At the beginning of the development steps of the present invention it has become evident that the simultaneous presence on the same support of a colour-catching agent and of a deterging one led to the partial or total inhibition of the former. That has originated intense tests and experiments, aimed at identifying and selecting the composition suitable to be able to supply the desired product with the above-indicated features.
A support for a colour-catching product, to be used in particular in a washing machine, consists, in a way known per se, of a handkerchief or patch imbibed - according to the way illustrated further on - with a cationic resin and an acrylic polymer.
As support any known fabric material can be used. In particular, both natural and synthetic materials can be used.
Particularly preferred is a viscose-fibre-based non-woven fabric. The non-woven fabric may be obtained by needle punching or, more preferably, by the spunlace method, that is by interlacing with water jets and without further chemical treatments (with a smooth or "perforated" surface appearance of the material, that is, characterised by a continuous series of small holes obtained by water microjets). It appears very pleasant, soft, light, it can be easily draped. Moreover, it is highly resistant and elastic and, not having undergone further chemical treatments, it is extremely pure and does not bring foreign agents into the wash solutions.
An advantageous alternative consists of a non-woven fabric obtained with bamboo fibres, which is completely natural - with guessable disposal advantages - and provided with particularly welcome bacteriostatic features.
The support size is not critical and can be chosen depending on requirements (evidently the wider the surface, the more sequestering product and detergent can be introduced into the wash with a single support). A number of supports with mutually different dimensions may also be manufactured, to be sold by dirt categories and load categories to be treated.
According to the invention, as cationic resins, resins based on polyamine-epichlorphydrin, adipic acid/epoxypropyl diethylenetriamine copolymer, polymer of propenoic acid or ethyl ester with 1-ethinylpyrrolidone or vinylimidazole-based copolymer are preferably used.
As regards the acrylic polymer, an acrylic-vinyl copolymer is preferably used, for example the product marketed under the name Appretan^®.
According to an essential and advantageous aspect of the invention, on the support a water-based detergent is furthermore provided comprising only vegetable extracts, water-soluble and with a neutral pH. Such detergent, in particular, is devoid of oxidants and enzymes, which implies enormous advantages for environmental protection. This specific choice is innovative since this detergent, unlike the ones known in the prior art, does not dissolve the two polymer components: by doing so, only the acrylic polymer and the detergent will enter into solution, upon washing, to the benefit of the effectiveness of this product.
The detergent comprises vegetable extracts, non-ionic surfactants (in amounts below 5% by weight, preferably below 1% by weight) and possibly fragrances.
As regards the vegetable extracts, they are water extracts and may contain: Aloe vera, peppermint, rosemary, sage, lavender, marigold, limetree, Valeriana officinalis and/or witch hazel (amamelide).

An example of detergent which has proven particularly effective has the following formulation:

Ingredients (substances)	INCI name	CAS no.	Level %
Aqua	Aqua	7732-18-5	A 100
Dimethyl glutarate	Dimethyl glutarate	1119-40-0	≥ 5 - ≤10 %
Dimethyl succinate	Dimethyl succinate	106-65-0	≥ 1 - ≤5 %
Dimethyl adipate	Dimethyl adipate	627-93-0	≥ 1 - ≤5 %
Biodac 2-32	(non ionic surfactant)	68154-97-2	≥ 1 - ≤5 %
Dacol MLS-20	(non ionic surfactant)	9005-64-5	≥ 1 - ≤5 %
Extract of Aloe Vera	Aloe Vera, extract	85507-69-3	≥0.1 - ≤ 1 %
Argan, Oil	Argan, oil	223747-87-3	≥0.1 - ≤1%
Extract of Rosemary	Rosemary, extract	84604-14-8	≥0.1 - ≤ 1 %
Extract of Sage	Sage, extract	84082-79-1	≥0,1 - ≤ 1 %
Extract of Lavander	Lavander, extract	90063-37-9	≥0,1 - ≤ 1 %
Extract of Marigold	Marigold, extract	84776-23-6	≥0,1 - ≤ 1 %
Extract of Linden	Linden, extract	90063-53-9	≥0,1 - ≤ 1%
Extract of Thymus	Thymus, extract	84929-51-1	≥0,1 - ≤ 1 %
Extract of Valerian	Valerian, extract	8057-49-6	≥0,1 - ≤ 1 %
Extract of Amamelide I	Amamelide, extract	84696-19-5	≥0.1 - ≤ 1 %

In addition to the components listed above, other additives may also be applied onto the support, such as fragrances, sequestering agents, softeners, optic whiteners. Some of them may be applied by paste printing methods.
The support according to the present invention may be accomplished as follows.
The patch base is prepared in the desired size and weight, of course with a size suited to the industrial process, for example a canvas of 300 cm width and indefinite length, which will be subsequently cut to measure.
The weight of a viscose-based non-woven fabric varies from 40 to 100 g/m², and is preferably of 80 g/m².
According to a first embodiment of the invention, the different products are applied one each, through a "foulard" application process and causing the support to pass in sequence through three stable baths for the three products. This way is the one which has proven functional for the specific products to be applied, which do not negatively affect each other and which perfectly adhere to the product.
Preferably, firstly the "foulard" impregnation in stenter of the acrylic copolymer takes place. The drying temperature following impregnation is of about 170°C. Preferably 3-10 g/m² are applied. Subsequently, it is proceeded to the "foulard" impregnation with cationic resins, drying at about 150°C and applying at least 8-15 g/m². At this point, it is proceeded to foulard impregnation with detergent, in the amount of at least 20-40 g/m² and drying at about 120°C. At the end of the three baths the product undergoes a weight increase of about 30-65 g/m² of active product only. Any other additives may be added by printing subsequently.
As mentioned above, this way is the one which has been proven to be most effective, both to suitably bind the products to the patch, and to obtain the desired dissolution of detergent and acrylic polymer during the wash, leaving the action of the cationic resin unimpaired.
The first impregnation with the acrylic copolymer and subsequent drying imparts to the support also wash-resistance, so that the fabric patch does not get torn to pieces in the washing machine.
The foulard application provides that the support (to then be cut into patches) is immersed in the impregnation solution and is then caused to pass through two cylinders, one of which pushes onto the other in an adjustable manner, obtaining the squeezing of the excess liquid. Although the application may occur in any known manner, the application by foulard impregnation is preferable, since it allows an optimal distribution of the imbibing material, a greater absorption of the solution by the support, without implying a useless increase of the product to be applied.
According to a variant of the process, which is industrially more economic, the product of the invention is produced by a single step of foulard impregnation.
Fig. 1 shows evidence of some comparison tests on the product according to the invention and on a prior-art product. In such respect the greater absorption capacity of the detergent on the substrate in the presence of the treatment according to the invention compared to a standard product (sample C) must be underlined. This last aspect shows a peculiarity of the present invention, deriving from the careful choice and combination of products with which the fabric is imbibed.

Experimental Tests

In the following table the experimental evidence obtained is reported.

The tests have been carried out selecting a representative sample of fabric with size 15.5 cm x 19.5 cm on which a dying solution has been poured (standard dying agent Hispamin 10BS dissolved in water) and then closed in a container by agitation for 60 seconds. Once the fabric has been removed, the liquid has been left to decanter in a container identical to the ones used for standard solutions and then the colour thereof has been compared against standard solutions. A visual comparison has then been recorded as well as an instrumental colorimetric assessment.

GRADE	Transmittance Average	Visual Analysis	Processability
invention (JETTEX 2005/52 FBVP + ER)	Transmission 51%	2	Optimal

G1 + A1	Transmission 22%	4	Problems in the impregnation step due to the high viscosity of the detergent
G1 + D1	Transmission 11%	5	Problems in the impregnation step due to the high viscosity of the detergent
G1 + S1	Transmission 5%	5	Problems in the impregnation step due to the high viscosity of the detergent
JETTEX 2005/52 FBVP + A1	Transmission 33%	4	Problems in the impregnation step due to the high viscosity of the detergent
JETTEX 2005/52 FBVP + D1	Transmission 6%	5	Problems in the impregnation step due to the high viscosity of the detergent
JETTEX 2005/52 FBVP + S1	Transmission 6%	5	Problems in the impregnation step due to the high viscosity of the detergent

The results of the transmittance and visual analysis (according to the SDLTM8 method) reported in the table represent the average value detected by the tests carried out on 5 samples for each type of detergent. A greater transmission % shows greater clearness of the released water; the clearer the released water, the greater the colour captured by the fabric.
The visual analysis has been carried out against standard samples; the values vary from 1 to 6: the lower the result, the better the clearness degree of the released water.
Furthermore the aspect relating to processability is very important: the lower viscosity of the ER detergent allows an optimal processing of the fabric during the impregnation step, while it was possible to detect that the other detergents, being of a higher viscosity, cause product processability problems during this step.
The best synergistic results have hence been obtained using a fabric provided with the colour-catching agents of the invention, with cationic resin, combined with the ER detergent, the composition of which is reported above.

Operation

The operation of the product according to the invention is simple but highly effective. The support of the invention, in the form of a patch, is inserted in a dry status into the washing machine, together with the laundry to be washed, without adding any other detergent in the machine. Once the washing programme has been started, the (hot or cold) water enters the basket and begins to dissolve the detergent and the particles of acrylic copolymer. The choice of the particular detergent according to the present invention causes said detergent, unlike all other detergents, not to dissolve the cationic resin, so that said resin can continue to sequester the colour molecules which may be found in the wash water, capturing them before they are absorbed or adsorbed on the fabric of the other items of clothing, often of a different colour.
At the end of the wash, the cationic resins will have absorbed part of the colour, making evident the effectiveness of the product. The dispersion of the copolymer, which has dissolved in the wash water, will also have performed a function of colour attractor, precipitating and then being disposed of with the drain waters. The synergy between the two resins is then particularly effective both in preventing the colouring of the items of clothing, and in making evident the absorbing function on the colour-catching patch.
The detergent used according to the present invention also has a water softening function, so that together with the wash and with the capture of the colour molecules dispersed in the wash waters, a preventative action is also obtained with respect to scale forming, which makes superfluous adding an anti-scale additive to the washing machine. Moreover, this detergent, unlike most of the ones normally on the market, is of natural origin and can be disposed of more easily than ordinary detergents currently on the market. As a result it also avoids the possible arising of residues of deterging agents which may with time lead to stoppages and clogging in the drain pipes. Hence, the support according to the present invention proves better than those according to the state of the art, also from an environmental point of view.
The support according to the present invention does not require to choose the items of clothing to be washed, allowing them to be introduced into the basket in a purely random way; it does not require to acquire particular abilities for dosing the additives, allowing to dose only the number of supports to be introduced into the basket; it acts effectively washing and avoiding to stain the fabrics of other items of clothing; it has a low environmental impact and is not harmful for washing machines; finally, it has a relatively modest manufacturing cost.
As can be understood from the above description, with the product according to the invention the objects set forth in the premises are perfectly achieved.
As a matter of fact, the support allows to advantageously bring together the washing function, the capturing of the colours dispersed in the washing solution, possibly the softening function and optionally others, all in a single support which acts effectively on dirt, preserving the colours.
However, it is understood that the invention must not be considered limited to the particular arrangement illustrated above, which represents only an exemplifying embodiment thereof, but that different variants are possible, all within the reach of a person skilled in the field, without departing from the scope of protection of the invention, as defined by the following claims.

Claims

A product for capturing the colour molecules dissolved in the wash waters in washing machine, consisting of a patch support on which cationic resins, an acrylic copolymer and a water-based detergent consisting of vegetable extracts, water-soluble and with a neutral pH are applied.
The product as in 1, wherein said cationic resins are chosen from the group consisting of polyamine-epichlorohydrin, adipic acid copolymer/epoxypropyl diethylenetriamin, propenoic acid copolymer or ethyl ester with 1-ethenylpyrrolidone or vinylimidazole-based copolymer.
The product as in 1 or 2, wherein said acrylic copolymer is an acryl-vinyl copolymer.
The product as in 1, 2 or 3, wherein said detergent contains one or more components chosen among Aloe vera, peppermint, rosemary, sage, lavender, marigold, limetree, Valeriana officinalis, witch hazel.
The product as in 4, wherein said detergent is devoid of enzymes and oxidants.
The product as in any one of the preceding claims, wherein said paatch support is a non-woven fabric based on viscose fibre or bamboo fibre.
A method of manufacturing a product as in any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that it provides the following processing steps on a patch support:
a) application by "foulard" impregnation in a stenter with an acrylic copolymer and subsequent drying;

b) application by "foulard" impregnation with cationic resins and subsequent drying; and

c) application by "foulard" impregnation with a water-based detergent consisting of vegetable extracts, water-soluble and with a neutral pH.
The method as in 7, wherein the drying of step a) occurs at a temperature of about 170°C and said applied acrylic copolymer is present at least for 3-10 g/m².
The method as in 7 or 8, wherein the drying of step b) occurs at a temperature of about 150°C and said cationic resins are present for at least 8-15 g/m².
The method as in any one of claims 7 to 9, wherein said step c) is followed by drying at a temperature of about 120°C and said detergent is present for at least 20-40 g/m².