EP3497195B1

EP3497195B1 - Laundry composition

Info

Publication number: EP3497195B1
Application number: EP17742707.7A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Amanda Jane Adams; Martin Charles Crossman; Philip Ronald Moore
Original assignee: Unilever Global IP Ltd; Unilever IP Holdings BV
Current assignee: Unilever Global IP Ltd; Unilever IP Holdings BV
Priority date: 2016-08-10
Filing date: 2017-07-13
Publication date: 2022-09-07
Anticipated expiration: 2037-07-13
Also published as: WO2018028928A1; BR112019002478A2; EP3497195A1; CN109563444A; ZA201900668B; AR109309A1

Description

Technical Field

The present invention concerns a powder composition for use in laundry. The powder may be used to provide softening benefits.

Background to the Invention

Textile fabrics, including clothes, have traditionally been cleaned with laundry detergents. After cleaning, fabrics can often feel harsh. To prevent this, especially harshness experienced after multiple wash cycles, technologies have been developed to increase the softness of fabrics, including rinse-added conditioner compositions and softening systems added to the detergent composition.
Silicones are known in the art to provide softening benefits for example WO 2006/005068 (The Procter & Gamble Company ) discloses liquid laundry detergent compositions containing functionalised silicone materials as fabric care agents. WO 2015/078692 discloses that fabric softening silicones have been used to provide softness to fabrics from a laundry detergent composition.
EP 1561803 (The Procter & Gamble Company ) discloses a need to improve the fabric-softening performance of a laundry detergent composition without unduly negatively affecting its fabric-cleaning performance. There is disclosed an auxiliary composition, for use in the laundering or treatment of fabrics, comprising a co-particulate admix, the co-particulate ad-mix comprising: i) clay; and ii) a hydrophobic component that is a silicone; and iii) a cationic polymeric fabric-softening boosting component that is a cationic guar gum; ... wherein the co-particulate admix is obtained by a process comprising the steps of contracting the hydrophobic component with the clay and the charged polymeric fabric-softening boosting component to form a mixture, and then agglomerating the mixture in a high shear mixer and/or a low shear mixer to form a co-particulate admix. Further powder laundry compositions are disclosed in WO 2007/028773 , WO 2012/075611 and EP 1561806 .

Statement of the Invention

It has been found that zeolite provides improved carrying capacity for a softening silicone and cationic polymers mix.
A powder composition for laundry, comprising:

a. Fabric softening silicone;
b. cationic polymer; and
c. 60 to 85 wt. % zeolite;

softening silicone is less than 150 000g/mol.

In a second aspect of the present invention is provided a method of producing the powder composition as disclosed herein comprising the steps of:

Preparing a premix of silicone and cationic polymer
Adding the premix to the zeolite
Mixing
Optionally adding the powder to a separate laundry product

In a third aspect of the present invention is provided a use of the powder composition as disclosed herein for softening textiles.

Detailed Description of the Invention

Form of the Invention

The present invention relates to a powder composition. The powder composition may be used in a powder form or formed into a whole or part of a tablet or solid structure. The powder composition may be utilised as a laundry product on its own to provide softening benefits for example as an ancillary product. Alternatively the powder composition may be integrated into another laundry product to provide an additional softening benefit e.g. added to a powdered laundry detergent, added to a unit dose capsule or incorporated into a tablet.
In one embodiment the powder forms part of a unit dose capsule or tablet, preferably the powder is contained in a unit does capsule. More preferably the powder is contained in a unit dose capsule which further comprises a detergent composition. Preferably the detergent composition is in a separate compartment to the powder.
It is important that the powder is not sticky, this would cause problems with processing and the ability to mix the powder into other products.

Silicone Composition

The silicones suitable for the present invention are fabric softening silicones. Non-limiting examples of such silicones include: non-functionalised silicones such as polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) or alkyl (or alkoxy) functional silicones, and functionalised silicones or copolymers with one or more different types of functional groups such as amino, phenyl, polyether, acrylate, siliconhydride, carboxy acid, quarternized nitrogen etc.
The molecular weight of the softening silicone is less than 150 000 g/mol, more preferably the molecular weight is less than 125 000 g/mol, most preferably the molecular weight is less than 105 00 g/mol.
In one embodiment the molecular weight can be from 500 to 150 000 g/mol, more preferably the molecular weight 500 to 125 000 g/mol, most preferably the molecular weight is 500 to 105 00 g/mol.
The viscosity of the silicone is preferably 500 to 11 000 cP as measured at 25°C using a TA Instruments Discovery HR-2 rheometer. Viscosity is determined at a range of shear rates between 0.1s-1 and 10s-1 and the largest value taken as the viscosity.
Preferred silicones are selected from polydialkylsiloxanes, anionic silicones and mixtures thereof.
Most preferably the silicones are selected from polydialkylsiloxanes, amino functionalised silicones, carboxyl functionalised silicone and mixtures thereof. Commercially available examples are Wacker SLM 441075, SFD209 (Ex Dow Corning) or X-22-3014E (ShinEtsu) DOW CORNING^® 2-8566 AMINO FLUID and DOW CORNING^® 200 FLUID. Mixtures of silicones may be used.
The silicone may be in the form of an emulsion or a fluid. It is preferably a silicone fluid.

Cationic Polymer

The cationic polymer may also be referred to as a deposition polymer, this aids the delivery of the silicone composition to the textile surface.
The cationic polymer may be naturally derived or synthetic. Examples of suitable cationic polymers include: cationic guars, acrylate polymers, cationic starches, cationic amino resins, cationic urea resins, and cationic polysaccharides; preferably cationic celluloses.
Preferably the cationic polymer is selected from; cationic guars, cationic cellulose, and cationic acrylate polymers. Cationic hydroxyethyl cellulose is a particularly preferred cationic cellulose.
A particularly preferred class of cationic polymer is cationic celloluse ethers. Such ethers are commercially available under the tradename Ucare LR-400 ([2-hydroxy- 3 (trimethylammonio) propyl ] -w-hydroxypoly (oxy-1, 2- ethanediyl) chloride) or the Jaguar polymers such as Guar hydroxypropyl trimonium chloride, Jaguar C13 ex Rhodia.
The molecular weight of the cationic polymer is preferably greater than 50 000 g/mol, more preferably greater than 100 000 g/mol. The molecular weight is preferably less than 5 000 000 g/mol.

Carrier Material

The carrier material for the silicone composition and cationic polymer is a zeolite. Zeolites are microporous crystalline aluminosilicate minerals.
The zeolite is preferably of type A, P or X, or mixtures thereof. A more preferred type of zeolite is type MAP - maximum aluminium zeolite P (zeolite MAP) as described and claimed in EP 384 070A (Unilever ). MAP is defined as an alkali metal aluminosilicate of zeolite P type having a silicon to aluminium ratio not exceeding 1.33, preferably within the range of from 0.90 to 1.33, more preferably within the range of from 0.90 to 1.20. Especially preferred is zeolite MAP having a silicon to aluminium ratio not exceeding 1.07, more preferably 1.00. Commercially available zeolites include zeolite 4A, A28 and A24 available under the Doucil ^® trademark from PQ Corporation. A particularly preferred zeolite for the present invention is Doucil A24 ex. PQ Corporation.
Preferably the particle pour size of the zeolite is 0.05 to 1um, more preferably 0.1 to 0.5um.

Other Components

Other ingredients may be loaded onto the carrier material in addition to the silicone and cationic polymer. These may, for example be other laundry ingredients, benefit agents or materials providing an enhanced consumer experience.
Some particularly preferred optional ingredients include:

Free oil perfumes

Free oil perfumes and fragrances may be added to the powder composition. These may be to scent the powder, to provide scent in the washing process or to provide scent to the textiles after the wash.
The powders of the present invention may comprise one or more perfumes if desired. The perfume is preferably present in an amount from 0.01 to 10 % by weight, more preferably from 0.05 to 5 % by weight, even more preferably from 0.1 to 4.0 %, most preferably from 0.15 to 4.0 % by weight, based on the total weight of the composition.
Useful components of the perfume include materials of both natural and synthetic origin. They include single compounds and mixtures. Specific examples of such components may be found in the current literature, e.g., in Fenaroli's Handbook of Flavor Ingredients, 1975, CRC Press; Synthetic Food Adjuncts, 1947 by M. B. Jacobs, edited by Van Nostrand; or Perfume and Flavor Chemicals by S. Arctander 1969, Montclair, N.J. (USA). These substances are well known to the person skilled in the art of perfuming, flavouring, and/or aromatizing consumer products.
Particularly preferred perfume ingredients are blooming perfume ingredients and substantive perfume ingredients. Blooming perfume ingredients are defined by a boiling point less than 250°C and a LogP ogreater than 2.5. Substantive perfume ingredients are defined by a boiling point greater than 250°C and a LogP greater than 2.5. Preferably a perfume composition will comprise a mixture of blooming and substantive perfume ingredients. The perfume composition may comprise other perfume ingredients.
It is commonplace for a plurality of perfume components to be present in a formulation. In the compositions for use in the present invention it is envisaged that there will be three or more, preferably four or more, more preferably five or more, most preferably six or more different perfume components. An upper limit of 300 perfume ingredients may be applied.

Colourants

Colour may optionally be provided to the powder by the addition of one or more colorants. The colorant comprises one or more dyes and/or pigments. The pigment/dye may be any colour. These may be substantive or non-substantive dyes/pigments. A preferred level is one where the colour is discernible to the consumer and aesthetically pleasing. The powder may be a plurality of colours.

Microcapsules

The powder of the present invention may further comprise microcapsules encapsulating a benefit agent. Suitable encapsulating material, may comprise, but are not limited to; aminoplasts, proteins, polyurethanes, polyacrylates, polymethacrylates, polysaccharides, polyamides, polyolefins, gums, silicones, lipids, modified cellulose, polyphosphate, polystyrene, polyesters or combinations thereof.
Preferred benefit agents include perfumes, lubricants and any other oily materials. Particularly preferred benefit agents include, but are not limited to, the following:

a) silicone oils, resins, and modifications thereof such as linear and cyclic polydimethylsiloxanes, amino-modified, allcyl, aryl, and alkylaryl silicone oils, which preferably have a viscosity of greater than 50,000 cst;
b) perfume components including fragrance, perfumery, and essential oils and resins, aromatherapy actives and pro-fragrance materials;
c) insect repellants
d) organic sunscreen actives, for example, octylmethoxy cinnamate;
e) antimicrobial agents, for example, 2-hydroxy-4, 2,4- trichlorodiphenylether;
f) ester solvents; for example, isopropyl myristate;
g) lipids and lipid like substance, for example, cholesterol;
h) hydrocarbons such as paraffins, petrolatum, and mineral oil
i) fish and vegetable oils;
j) hydrophobic plant extracts;
k) waxes;
l) pigments including inorganic compounds with hydrophobically- modified surface and/ or dispersed in an oil or a hydrophobic liquid, and;
m) sugar-esters, such as sucrose polyester (SPE).

The most preferred benefit agents are perfume components. Perfume components include both odiferous materials and pro-fragrance materials.
When the microcapsule comprises perfume ingredients, particularly preferred perfume ingredients are blooming perfume ingredients and substantive perfume ingredients. Blooming perfume ingredients are defined by a boiling point less than 250°C and a LogP ogreater than 2.5. Substantive perfume ingredients are defined by a boiling point greater than 250°C and a LogP greater than 2.5. Preferably a perfume composition will comprise a mixture of blooming and substantive perfume ingredients. The perfume composition may comprise other perfume ingredients.
It is commonplace for a plurality of perfume components to be present in a formulation. In the compositions for use in the present invention it is envisaged that there will be three or more, preferably four or more, more preferably five or more, most preferably six or more different perfume components. An upper limit of 300 perfume ingredients may be applied.

Loading and carrying capacity

The powder composition of the present invention comprises 60 to 85 w.t. % zeolite, more preferably 65 to 85 w.t. %, most preferably 65 to 80 w.t. %.
The powder composition of the present invention comprises 15 to 35 w.t. %, most preferably 20 to 35 w.t. % a combined weight of silicone and cationic polymer.
The ratio of silicone to cationic polymer is between 5:4 and 10:1, preferably between 5:4 and 8:1, more preferably between 5:4 and 6:1 and most preferably between 5:3 and 5:1.
It is preferred that the final laundry product comprising the powder of the present invention comprises 10 to 30 w.t. % silicone, more preferably, 15 to 25 w.t. % silicone.
Preferably the silicone, cationic polymer and carrier comprise at least 90 w.t. % of the powder composition. More preferably the silicone, cationic polymer and carrier comprise at least 95 w.t. % of the powder composition.

Method of production

The powder of the present invention, may in one embodiment be prepared by the following method:

Preparing a premix of silicone and cationic polymer
Adding the premix to the zeolite
Mixing
Optionally adding the powder to another laundry product

The other laundry product my for example be a powder laundry detergent, a laundry tablet, or a laundry unit dose capsule.

Use of the powder

In one embodiment of the current invention, the powder is used for softening benefits in other words as a softening booster for textiles. The powder may be incorporated into another laundry product or may be for use as a separate, stand-alone product which can be added during the wash process for a softening boost.

Examples

Preparation of the powder

The carrier material was added in to a Cutter C6 (ex. Sirman) mixer which was fitted with dough mix blades, and the mixer turned on. The carboxysilicone¹ and cationically modified polymer² where mixed separately and slowly dripped into the mixer while the mixer was running. Mixing was continued for a short period to ensure thorough mixing.

Visual assessment of the powder

The resulting powder was assessed visually. Dry powders which can flow more easily demonstrate higher loading capacity of the silicone, polymer mix. Damp and sticky powders demonstrate a lower loading capacity for the silicone, polymer mix.

Unconfined compression test

In this test, the freshly produced powders were compressed into a compact briquette and the force required to break the briquette was measured.
The powder was loaded into a cylinder and the surface levelled. A 10 kg consolidation weight was placed slowly on top of the powder and allowed to remain in position for 2 minutes. The weight was then removed and the cylinder removed carefully from the powder to leave a free-standing briquette of powder.
For the clay: If the briquette remained standing, a 200g weight was placed on the top of the briquette. If after 10 seconds the briquette was still standing, a 250g weight was placed on top of the briquette. If after 10 seconds the briquette was still standing, a 100g weight was added. 100g weights continued to be added until the briquette collapsed.
For the zeolite: If the briquette remained standing, a 200g weight was placed on the top of the briquette. If after 10 seconds the briquette was still standing, a 100g weight was added. 100g weights continued to be added until the briquette collapsed.
The total weight (w.t.) needed to effect collapse is noted.
The cohesiveness of a powder is classified by the weight (w.t.) as follows:

< 1.0 kg Good flowing
1.0 kg < w.t. < 2.0 kg Moderate flowing.
2.0 kg < w.t. < 5.0 kg Cohesive.

Table 1

Carrier type	Carrier		Cationic polymer²		Carboxysilicone¹		Visual Assessment	UCT (w.t.)	Flow assessment based on UTC result
Carrier type	(g)	w.t.%	(g)	w.t.%	(g)	w.t.%	Visual Assessment	UCT (w.t.)	Flow assessment based on UTC result
Bentonite clay³	584	73.06	61.5	7.69	153.8	19.24	Sticky damp powder	3450g	Cohesive
Zeolite⁴	584	73.14	61.5	7.70	153	19.16	Free flowing powder	1200g	Moderate flowing

1 -: Carboxy functionalised silicone SLM 441075 ex. Waker, having a visocisty of 2 000 Pascal seconds as measured as above and a molecular weight of less than 50 000 g/mol
2 -: UCARE^™ Ploymer LR400 ex. Dow
3 -: Bentonite ex. Sigma-Aldrich
4 -: Doucil A24 Zeolite ex. PQ Corporation

The visual assessment of the zeolite carrier compared to the bentonite clay demonstrates that the zeolite can carry more silicone and cationic polymer mix than the bentonite, while maintaining the properties of a flowing powder. Flowing powders are necessary for the processing and use of laundry products.
The UTC results also demonstrate that the zeolite carrier has a moderate flow / has improved flow compared to the bentonite clay which was cohesive and required significantly more weight to make the briquette collapse. If the carrier is a poor carrier and does not hold all of the silicone and cationic polymer mix, the powder sticks together and can support weights. However if the silicone and cationic polymer mix is carried well, the carrier is a free flowing powder which falls apart when weights are place on top.

Claims

A powder composition for laundry, comprising:
a. Fabric softening silicone;

b. cationic polymer; and

c. 60 to 85 wt. % zeolite;
wherein the silicone composition and cationic polymer are loaded onto the carrier, wherein the carrier is the zeolite and the combined weight of silicone and cationic polymer is 15 to 35 wt. % of the powder composition;

wherein the molecular weight of the softening silicone is less than 150 000g/mol.
A powder according to claim 1, wherein the silicone, cationic polymer and carrier comprise at least 90 wt. % of the powder composition.
A powder composition according to claim 1 wherein the silicone is selected from polydialkylsiloxanes, anionic silicones and mixtures thereof.
A powder composition according to any preceding claim, wherein a final laundry product comprising the powder of the present invention comprises 10 to 30 wt. % silicone.
A powder composition according to any preceding claim wherein the carrier is a type A, P or X zeolite, or mixtures thereof.
A powder composition according to any preceding claim wherein the cationic polymer is selected from: cationic guars, cationic cellulose and cationic acrylate polymers.
A powder composition according to any preceding claim, wherein the ratio of silicone to cationic polymer is between 5:4 and 10:1.
A unit dose capsule containing the powder composition according to any preceding claim.
A unit dose capsule according to claim 8, further containing a detergent composition.
A unit dose capsule according to claim 9, wherein the detergent composition is in a separate compartment of a unit dose to the powder.
A method of producing the powder composition according to claims 1 to 7 comprising the steps of:
- Preparing a premix of silicone and cationic polymer

- Adding the premix to the zeolite

- Mixing

- Optionally adding the powder to another laundry product
Use of the powder composition according to claims 1 to 7 for softening textiles.