WO2021122692A1

WO2021122692A1 - Textile coated with malodor reducing polymers

Info

Publication number: WO2021122692A1
Application number: PCT/EP2020/086349
Authority: WO
Inventors: Dustin D Hawker; Keith E Gutowski; Pirro Cipi
Original assignee: Basf Se
Priority date: 2019-12-18
Filing date: 2020-12-16
Publication date: 2021-06-24

Abstract

The presently claimed invention relates to a textile coated with at least one polymer (A) comprising the reaction product of at least one monomer of the general formula (I) and at least one macromonomer of general formula (II). The presently claimed invention further relates to a method for coating the textile by treating it with a solution comprising the at least one polymer. The presently claimed invention also relates to a process for the reduction of adhesion of a microorganism to the textile.

Description

TEXTILE COATED WITH MALODOR REDUCING POLYMERS

TECHNICAL FIELD

The presently claimed invention relates to a textile coated with at least one polymer (A) comprising the reaction product of at least one monomer of the general formula (I) and at least one macromonomer of general formula (II). The presently claimed invention further relates to a method for coating the textile by treating it with a solution comprising the at least one polymer (A). The presently claimed invention also relates to a process for the reduction of adhesion of a microorganism to the textile.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Various skin areas of the body contain sweat glands that produce perspiration or sweat, on the surface of the skin. Some skin areas of the body perspire more profusely than others, one reason being the higher density or concentration of sweat glands in some skin areas of the body. Furthermore, some skin areas of the body where perspiration is produced have only limited exposure to light and/or air due to their anatomical location and/or their being normally covered by clothing. The axillae, otherwise known as the underarms or armpits are skin areas of the body where perspiration is produced, oftentimes profusely, and where there is typically minimal light and ventilation resulting in a damp environment. These skin areas present an environment especially favorable to the proliferation of various bacterial organisms that ordinarily colonize the surface of the epidermis and become mixed with the perspiration produced thereon. Malodor may be generated from a number of sources, mostly microbial and in particular bacterial sources (including compounds derived or produced therefrom). Although perspiration by itself is essentially an odorless fluid, the degradation or decomposition of perspiration by the bacterial organisms on the skin causes an offensive odor, commonly referred to as body odor or malodor. Certain strains of bacteria such as Staphylococcus generate volatile fatty acids which is the reason for axillary malodor. The malodor gets deposited on to the clothing worn by humans. Commercial underarm deodorant products most commonly comprise an antiperspirant component thereby attempting to control body odor by reducing the amount of perspiration produced by and on the skin, but do not directly act on the underlying bacterial organisms responsible for degrading or decomposing the perspiration into body odor. The anti-odor components that are found in commercial underarm deodorant products generally comprise chemical agents which are selected for their ability to diffuse odor. In many products, the anti-odor components attempt to absorb or merely mask the odor. Like the anti-perspirant components, the anti-odor components do not directly act on the underlying bacterial organisms that are responsible for degrading or decomposing perspiration into body odor.

In addition, due to their large surface area and ability to retain moisture, textiles are known as being conducive to microorganisms’ growth, such as bacteria and fungi, which can be found almost everywhere and are able to quickly multiply, depending on the moisture, nutrients and temperature levels. The microorganism’s growth on textiles causes a range of undesirable effects, not only on the textile itself, but also on the user. The main effect includes the generation of unpleasant odor or malodor and an increased likelihood of user contamination.

Fabric refresher products have become a popular product in today's consumer goods market. Such products typically involve a liquid composition that is sprayed onto surfaces, such as fabrics, to reduce or remove malodor from the surfaces. Some of these products can also provide a pleasing scent by incorporation of perfume into the composition. However, such products utilize strong perfume scents to mask malodors by providing a scent stronger than the malodor, but they do not treat the cause of the odor.

Accordingly, it is an object of the presently claimed invention to provide textiles which leads to less malodor. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Surprisingly, it has been found that the object is achieved by coating the textile with a polymer (A) which is a reaction product of a vinylic monomer and a vinylic macromonomer. The coated textile strongly adsorbs the polymer (A).

Thus, in one aspect, the presently claimed invention is directed to a textile coated with a polymer (A) comprising the reaction product of:

(a) at least one monomer of general formula (I)

wherein

Ri denotes H or CH3;

R2 denotes an unsubstituted or substituted phenyl or -C(=0)-0R₃; and R3 denotes H or a linear or branched, acyclic or cyclic, unsubstituted or substituted Ci to Ci₆ alkyl or an unsubstituted phenyl;

(b) at least one macromonomer of general formula (II)

wherein

R4 denotes H or CH3;

Rs denotes -C(=0)-0R7; Rs denotes -C(=0)-ORs;

R7 denotes linear or branched, acyclic, unsubstituted Ci to G alkyl;

Re denotes H or linear or branched, acyclic, unsubstituted Ci to

Ce alkyl;

X denotes -C(=0)-0R or an unsubstituted phenyl group or linear or branched Ci to G, alkyl which is substituted with hydroxy;

R’ denotes H or linear or branched, acyclic, unsubstituted or substituted Ci to

Ce alkyl; a is an integer in the range of 0 to 150; and b is an integer in the range of 0 to 150; with the proviso that 2 < a +b < 150.

In another aspect, the presently claimed invention relates to a method for coating a textile comprising the steps of:

(A) putting a solution comprising a polymer (A) in contact with the textile, and

(B) keeping the textile in contact with the solution comprising the polymer (A) as defined above, for a time period in the range of 0.1 minute to 12 hours. The textile coated with the polymer (A) strongly adsorbs the polymer (A).

By the term ‘adsorption’ it is meant that the polymer (A) adheres to the surface of the textile.

In another aspect, the presently claimed invention relates to a process for the reduction of adhesion of a microorganism to a textile comprising the steps of:

(I) adding a solution comprising the at least one polymer (A) as defined above, on to the textile, and

(II) keeping the textile in the solution comprising the at least one polymer (A) as defined above, for a time period in the range of 2 minutes to 2 hours. In another aspect, the presently claimed invention relates to a process for the reduction of adhesion of proteinaceous substance to a textile comprising at least the steps of:

(I) adding a solution comprising a polymer (A) as defined above, on to the textile,

(II) keeping the solution comprising the polymer (A), in contact with the textile for a time period in the range of 0.1 minutes to 12 hours.

In another aspect, the presently claimed invention relates to the use of a polymer (A) comprising reaction product of at least one monomer of general formula (I) and at least one macromonomer of general formula (II), for the reduction of adhesion of a microorganism to a textile.

In another aspect, the presently claimed invention relates to a laundry detergent composition comprising

(i) polymer (A) as defined above,

(ii) at least one surfactant which is different from the polymer (A) as defined above; and

(iii) optionally at least one additive.

In another aspect, the presently claimed invention relates to a method for removal of soil from the textile, said method comprising the step of contacting the textile with the laundry detergent composition as defined above.

In another aspect, the presently claimed invention relates to the use of laundry detergent composition as defined above, for the removal of soil from the textile.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Before the present compositions and formulations of the invention are described, it is to be understood that this invention is not limited to particular compositions and formulations described, since such compositions and formulation may, of course, vary. It is also to be understood that the terminology used herein is not intended to be limiting, since the scope of the presently claimed invention will be limited only by the appended claims.

If hereinafter a group is defined to comprise at least a certain number of embodiments, this is meant to also encompass a group which preferably consists of these embodiments only. Furthermore, the terms "first", "second", "third" or "(a)", "(b)", "(c)", "(d)" etc. and the like in the description and in the claims, are used for distinguishing between similar elements and not necessarily for describing a sequential or chronological order. It is to be understood that the terms so used are interchangeable under appropriate circumstances and that the embodiments of the invention described herein are capable of operation in other sequences than described or illustrated herein. In case the terms "first", "second", "third" or “(A)”, “(B)” and “(C)” or "(a)", "(b)", "(c)", "(d)", "1", "h" etc. relate to steps of a method or use or assay there is no time or time interval coherence between the steps, that is, the steps may be carried out simultaneously or there may be time intervals of seconds, minutes, hours, days, weeks, months or even years between such steps, unless otherwise indicated in the application as set forth herein above or below.

In the following passages, different aspects of the invention are defined in more detail. Each aspect so defined may be combined with any other aspect or aspects unless clearly indicated to the contrary. In particular, any feature indicated as being preferred or advantageous may be combined with any other feature or features indicated as being preferred or advantageous.

Reference throughout this specification to "one embodiment" or "an embodiment" means that a particular feature, structure or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the presently claimed invention. Thus, appearances of the phrases "in one embodiment" or "in an embodiment" or “in another embodiment” in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment but may do so. Furthermore, the particular features, structures or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner, as would be apparent to a person skilled in the art from this disclosure, in one or more embodiments. Furthermore, while some embodiments described herein include some, but not other features included in other embodiments, combinations of features of different embodiments are meant to be within the scope of the invention, and form different embodiments, as would be understood by those in the art. For example, in the appended claims, any of the claimed embodiments can be used in any combination. Thus, in one aspect, the presently claimed invention is directed to a textile coated with a polymer (A) comprising the reaction product of:

(a) at least one monomer of the general formula (I)

wherein

Ri denotes H or CFf;

R2 denotes an unsubstituted or substituted phenyl or -C(=0)-0R3; and R3 denotes H or a linear or branched, acyclic or cyclic, unsubstituted or substituted Ci to Ci₆ alkyl or an unsubstituted phenyl;

(b) at least one macromonomer of general formula (II)

wherein

R4 denotes H or CH3;

R5 denotes -C(=0)-0R7;

Rs denotes -C(=0)-ORs;

R7 denotes linear or branched, acyclic, unsubstituted Ci to G alkyl; Re denotes H or linear or branched, acyclic, unsubstituted Ci to

Ce alkyl;

X denotes -C(=0)-0R or an unsubstituted phenyl group or linear or branched Ci to G alkyl which is substituted with hydroxy;

Polymer (A)

The at least one polymer (A) is a reaction product of the at least one monomer of general formula (I) and the at least one macromonomer of general formula (II).

As used herein, the term "polymer" generally denotes a molecule having monomer units between five and a hundred. Unless otherwise specifically limited, the term "polymer" shall include all possible isomeric configurations of the monomers, including, but are not limited to isotactic, syndiotactic and random symmetries configurations, and combinations thereof. Furthermore, unless otherwise specifically limited, the term "polymer" shall include all possible geometrical configurations of the molecule.

The polymer (A) has a weight average molecular weight in the range of 300 g/mol to 30000 g/mol as determined by size exclusion chromatography.

The weight average molecular weights can be determined by size exclusion chromatography using a mixed bed scouting column for water soluble linear polymers at 35°C. The eluent is 0.01 M phosphate buffer at pH=7.4 containing 0.01 M sodium azide. The polymer (A) is used as 1.5 mg/mL concentrated solution in the eluent. Before injection, all the samples are filtered through a 0.2 pm filter. The calibration is carried out with narrow poly(ethylene glycol) samples having molecular weights between 106 and 1,378,000 g/mol. The method of preparing the polymer (A) may be a continuous reactor process. According to such methods, the residence time, i.e. the time that a particular reactant is in the reactor on an average, is dependent upon reactor design and reaction conditions to achieve certain properties.

In an embodiment, the residence time of the reaction mixture is from 5 minutes to 60 minutes.

In another embodiment, the residence time of the reaction mixture is from 5 minutes to 40 minutes. Suitable reactors include, but are not limited to, continuous stirred tank reactors ("CSTRs"), tube reactors, loop reactors, extruder reactors, combinations of any two or more thereof, or any reactor suitable for continuous operation.

A suitable form of a CSTR is a tank reactor provided with cooling coils and/or cooling jackets. The cooling coils and/or the cooling jackets provide for sufficient removal of the heat of polymerization to maintain a preselected temperature for polymerization therein. Such a CSTR may be provided with at least one, and usually more, agitators to provide a well-mixed reaction zone.

Such CSTR may be operated at varying filling levels from about 20% to 100% full (liquid full reactor LFR).

In one embodiment, the polymerization temperatures range from about 120° C to about 190° C.

Monomer of general formula (I)

The at least one monomer is represented by general formula (I)

wherein

Ri denotes H or CH₃; R2 denotes an unsubstituted or substituted phenyl or -C(=0)-0R₃; and R3 denotes H or a linear or branched, acyclic or cyclic, unsubstituted or substituted Ci to Ci₆ alkyl or an unsubstituted phenyl;

Within the context of the presently claimed invention, the term "alkyl", as used herein, refers to acyclic or cyclic saturated aliphatic residues, including linear or branched alkyl residues.

As used herein, “branched” denotes a chain of atoms with one or more side chains attached to it. Branching occurs by the replacement of a substituent, e.g., a hydrogen atom, with a covalently bonded aliphatic moiety.

In connection with “alkyl”, the term “substituted” within the scope of this invention is understood as meaning the substitution of hydrogen of the alkyl by 1, 2, 3, 4 or 5 substituents selected from the group consisting of F, Cl, Br, I, CN, NH2, OH, NH — Ci-₆-alkyl, NH — Ci-₆-alkylene-OH, N(Ci- 6-alkyl)2, N(Ci-6-alkylene-OH)2, NO2, SH, S — Ci-₆-alkyl, S-benzyl, O — Ci-₆-alkyl, O — C1-6- alkylene-OH, =0, O-benzyl, C(=0)Ci-₆-alkyl, CO2H, CO2 — Ci-₆-alkyl, phenyl or benzyl. The substitution of hydrogen occurs either on different atoms or on the same atom, for example trisubstituted on the same carbon atom, as in the case of CF3 or CH2CF3, or at different positions, as in the case of CH(C1) — CH=CH — CHCh. Polysubstitution can be carried out with the same or with different substituents, such as, for example, in the case of CH(OH) — CH=CH — CHCI2.

In an embodiment, the alkyl is substituted by an -OH group, for example, in case of C₂ alkyl, it is -CH₂-CH₂-OH.

In a preferred embodiment, the alkyl is unsubstituted and includes, as in the case of C1-C16 alkyl 1 to 16 carbon atoms.

Representative examples of linear and branched, unsubstituted acyclic C1-C16 alkyl include, but are not limited to methyl, ethyl, «-propyl, «-butyl, «-pentyl, «-hexyl, «-heptyl, «-octyl, «-nonyl, «- decyl, «-undecyl, «-dodecyl, «-tridecyl, «-tetradecyl, «-pentadecyl, «-hexadecyl, isopropyl, isobutyl, isopentyl, isohexyl, isoheptyl, isooctyl, isononyl, isodecyl, isoundecyl, isododecyl, isotridecyl, isotetradecyl, isopentadecyl, isohexadecyl, 2-ethyl hexyl, 2-propyl heptyl, /-butyl, neo pentyl, methylphenyl, ethylphenyl, propylphenyl, butylphenyl, pentylphenyl or hexylphenyl.

In another embodiment, the alkyl is Ci-Ce, linear and substituted with phenoxy (C6H5O-). Representative examples of linear C₁-C₆ alkyl substituted with phenoxy include, but are not limited to methyl phenoxy (-CH₂-O-C₆H₅), ethyl phenoxy(-CH₂-CH₂-0-C₆H₅), propyl phenoxy (-CH₂- CH2-CH2-O-C6H5), butyl phenoxy (-CH2-CH2-CH2-CH2-O-C6H5), pentyl phenoxy (-CH2-CH2- CH2-CH2-CH2-O-C6H5) and hexyl phenoxy (-CH2-CH2-CH2-CH2-CH2-CH2-O-C6H5).

In an embodiment, R2 is unsubstituted phenyl.

In another embodiment, R2 is -C(=0)-0R₃.

In an embodiment, R₃ is selected from H, methyl, ethyl, «-propyl, «-butyl, «-pentyl, «-hexyl, «- heptyl, «-octyl, «-nonyl, «-decyl, «-undecyl, «-dodecyl, «-tridecyl, «-tetradecyl, «-pentadecyl, «- hexadecyl, isopropyl, isobutyl, isopentyl, isohexyl, isoheptyl, isooctyl, isononyl, isodecyl, isoundecyl, isododecyl, isotridecyl, isotetradecyl, isopentadecyl, isohexadecyl, 2-ethyl hexyl, 2- propyl heptyl, /-butyl, neo-pentyl, methyl phenoxy, ethyl phenoxy, propyl phenoxy, butyl phenoxy, pentyl phenoxy and hexyl phenoxy.

In another embodiment, R₃ is selected from H, methyl, ethyl, «-propyl, «-butyl, «-pentyl, «-hexyl, «-heptyl, «-octyl, isopropyl, isobutyl, isopentyl, isohexyl, isoheptyl, isooctyl, 2-ethyl hexyl, 2- propyl heptyl, /-butyl, methyl phenoxy, ethyl phenoxy, propyl phenoxy, butyl phenoxy, pentyl phenoxy and hexyl phenoxy.

In an embodiment, R₃ can be ethyleneoxy group end capped with methyl.

The at least one monomer of general formula (I) is selected from the group consisting of acrylic acid, methacrylic acid, methyl acrylate, ethyl acrylate, n-propyl acrylate, isopropyl acrylate, n- butyl acrylate, isobutyl acrylate, n-amyl acrylate, n-hexyl acrylate, isoamyl acrylate, 2- hydroxyethyl acrylate, 2-hydroxypropyl acrylate, trifluoroethyl acrylate, glycidyl acrylate, benzyl acrylate, allyl acrylate, 2-n-butoxyethyl acrylate, 2-chloroethyl acrylate, sec-butyl-acrylate, tert- butyl acrylate, 2-ethylbutyl acrylate, cinnamyl acrylate, crotyl acrylate, cyclohexyl acrylate, cyclopentyl acrylate, 2-ethoxyethyl acrylate, furfuryl acrylate, n-decyl acrylate, lauryl acrylate, hexafluoroisopropyl acrylate, methallyl acrylate, 3-methoxybutyl acrylate, 2-methoxy butyl acrylate, n-octyl acrylate, 2-ethylhexyl acrylate, 2-phenoxyethyl acrylate, 2-phenylethyl acrylate, phenyl acrylate, propargyl acrylate, tetrahydrofurfuryl acrylate, tetrahydropyranyl (meth)acrylate, methyl (meth)acrylate, ethyl (meth)acrylate, n-propyl (meth)acrylate, n-butyl (meth)acrylate, isopropyl (meth)acrylate, isobutyl (meth)acrylate, n-amyl (meth)acrylate, n-hexyl (meth)acrylate, isoamyl (meth)acrylate, 2-hydroxyethyl (meth)acrylate, 2-hydroxypropyl (meth)acrylate, trifluoroethyl (meth)acrylate, glycidyl (meth)acrylate, benzyl (meth)acrylate, allyl (meth)acrylate, 2-n-butoxyethyl (meth)acrylate, 2-chloroethyl (meth)acrylate, sec-butyl-(meth)acrylate, tert-butyl (meth)acrylate, 2-ethylbutyl (meth)acrylate, cinnamyl (meth)acrylate, crotyl (meth)acrylate, cyclohexyl (meth)acrylate, cyclopentyl (meth)acrylate, 2-ethoxyethyl (meth)acrylate, furfuryl (meth)acrylate, lauryl (meth)acrylate, hexafluoroisopropyl (meth)acrylate, methallyl (meth)acrylate, 3-methoxybutyl (meth)acrylate, 2-methoxy butyl (meth)acrylate, n- octyl(meth)acrylate, 2-ethylhexyl (meth)acrylate, 2-phenoxyethyl (meth)acrylate, 2-phenylethyl (meth)acrylate, phenyl(meth)acrylate, propargyl (meth)acrylate, tetrahydrofurfuryl (meth)acrylate and tetrahydropyranyl (meth)acrylate, 2-phenoxyethyl acrylate, styrene, vinyltoluene, tertbutylstyrene, a-methylstyrene, 2-hydroxyethyl acrylate and poly(ethylene glycol) methyl ether methacrylate

In a more preferred embodiment, the at least one monomer of general formula (I) is selected from the group consisting of acrylic acid, methacrylic acid, methyl acrylate, ethyl acrylate, n-butyl acrylate, 2-ethylhexyl acrylate, methyl (meth)acrylate, n-butyl(meth)acrylate, 2-ethylhexyl (meth)acrylate, lauryl (meth)acrylate, 2-phenoxyethyl acrylate, 2-phenoxyethyl (meth)acrylate, styrene, tertbutylstyrene, a-methylstyrene, 2-hydroxyethyl acrylate and poly(ethylene glycol) methyl ether methacrylate (mpeg methacrylate).

In a most preferred embodiment, the at least one monomer of general formula (I) is selected from the group consisting of acrylic acid, methacrylic acid, methyl acrylate, ethyl acrylate, n-butyl acrylate, 2-ethylhexyl acrylate, methyl (meth)acrylate, styrene, tertbutylstyrene, a-methylstyrene, 2-hydroxyethyl acrylate and poly(ethylene glycol) methyl ether methacrylate (mpeg methacrylate). Macromonomer of general formula (II)

The at least one macromonomer is represented by general formula (P)

wherein

R4 denotes H or CH3;

R5 denotes -C(=0)-0R7;

Rs denotes -C(=0)-ORs;

R7 denotes linear or branched, acyclic, unsubstituted Ci to G alkyl;

Rs denotes H or linear or branched, acyclic, unsubstituted Ci to

Ce alkyl;

C6 alkyl; a is an integer in the range of 0 to 150; and b is an integer in the range of 0 to 150; with the proviso that 2 < a +b < 150.

In an embodiment, R7 is linear, acyclic and unsubstituted Ci to G, alkyl. In an embodiment, R7 is selected from methyl, ethyl, propyl, butyl, pentyl and hexyl.

In an embodiment, R7 is selected from methyl, ethyl and butyl.

In an embodiment, Rs is H or linear, acyclic and unsubstituted Ci to G, alkyl.

In an embodiment, Rs is selected from H, methyl, ethyl, propyl, butyl, pentyl and hexyl.

In an embodiment, Rs is selected from H, methyl, ethyl or butyl. In an embodiment, a is an integer in the range of 2 to 140, b is an integer in the range of 2 to 100, such that the sum of a and b is in the range of 2 to 140. The macromonomer of general formula (II) is prepared by polymerization of at least one vinylic monomer. In an embodiment, the macromonomer of general formula (II) is prepared by the homopolymerization or copolymerization of the at least one vinylic monomer.

The vinylic monomer may include a (meth)acrylic monomer and a styrenic monomer. As used herein, "(meth)acrylic monomers" refer to acrylic or methacrylic acid, esters of acrylic or methacrylic acid, and salts, amides, and other suitable derivatives of acrylic or methacrylic acid, and mixtures thereof. Examples of suitable acrylic monomers include, without limitation, the following methacrylate esters: methyl methacrylate, ethyl methacrylate, n-propyl methacrylate, n- butyl methacrylate (BMA), isopropyl methacrylate, isobutyl methacrylate, n-amyl methacrylate, n-hexyl methacrylate, isoamyl methacrylate, 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate, 2-hydroxypropyl methacrylate, N,N-dimethylaminoethyl methacrylate, N,N-diethylaminoethyl methacrylate, t- butylaminoethyl methacrylate, 2-sulfoethyl methacrylate, trifluoroethyl methacrylate, glycidyl methacrylate (GMA), benzyl methacrylate, allyl methacrylate, 2-n-butoxyethyl methacrylate, 2- chloroethyl methacrylate, sec-butyl-methacrylate, tert-butyl methacrylate, 2-ethylbutyl methacrylate, cinnamyl methacrylate, crotyl methacrylate, cyclohexyl methacrylate, cyclopentyl methacrylate, 2-ethoxyethyl methacrylate, furfuryl methacrylate, hexafluoroisopropyl methacrylate, methallyl methacrylate, 3-methoxybutyl methacrylate, 2-methoxy butyl methacrylate, 2-nitro-2-methylpropyl methacrylate, n-octylmethacrylate, 2-ethylhexyl methacrylate, 2-phenoxyethyl methacrylate, 2-phenylethyl methacrylate, phenyl methacrylate, propargyl methacrylate, tetrahydrofurfuryl methacrylate and tetrahydropyranyl methacrylate. Example of suitable acrylate esters include, without limitation, methyl acrylate, ethyl acrylate, n- propyl acrylate, isopropyl acrylate, n-butyl acrylate (BA), n-decyl acrylate, isobutyl acrylate, n- amyl acrylate, n-hexyl acrylate, isoamyl acrylate, 2-hydroxyethyl acrylate, 2-hydroxypropyl acrylate, N,N-dimethylaminoethyl acrylate, N,N-diethylaminoethyl acrylate, t-butylaminoethyl acrylate, 2-sulfoethyl acrylate, trifluoroethyl acrylate, glycidyl acrylate, benzyl acrylate, allyl acrylate, 2-n-butoxyethyl acrylate, 2-chloroethyl acrylate, sec-butyl-acrylate, tert-butyl acrylate, 2-ethylbutyl acrylate, cinnamyl acrylate, crotyl acrylate, cyclohexyl acrylate, cyclopentyl acrylate, 2-ethoxyethyl acrylate, furfuryl acrylate, hexafluoroisopropyl acrylate, methallyl acrylate, 3- methoxybutyl acrylate, 2-methoxybutyl acrylate, 2-nitro-2-methylpropyl acrylate, n-octylacrylate, 2-ethylhexyl acrylate, 2-phenoxyethyl acrylate, 2-phenylethyl acrylate, phenyl acrylate, propargyl acrylate, tetrahydrofurfuryl acrylate and tetrahydropyranyl acrylate. Examples of other suitable acrylic monomers include, without limitation, methacrylic acid derivatives such as: methacrylic acid and its salts, methacrylonitrile, methacrylamide, N-methylmethacrylamide, N- ethylmethacrylamide, N,N-diethylmethacrylamide, N,N-dimethylmethacrylamide, N- phenylmethacrylamide and methacrolein. Examples of acrylic acid derivatives include, without limitation, acrylic acid and its salts, acrylonitrile, acrylamide, methyl alpha-chloroacrylate, methyl 2-cyanoacrylate, N-ethylacrylamide, N,N-diethylacrylamide and acrolein.

In an embodiment, the (meth)acrylic monomer may include ethyl acrylate, methyl (meth)acrylate, butyl (meth)acrylate, 2-ethylhexyl (meth)acrylate, hydroxyethyl (meth)acrylate, glycidyl (meth)acrylate, acrylic acid, (meth)acrylic acid, hydroxy propyl (meth)acrylate, hydroxy butyl(meth)acrylate, or a combination thereof.

In another embodiment, the styrenic monomer may include alpha-methyl styrene (AMS), styrene, vinyl toluene, tertiary butyl styrene and o-chlorostyrene. In an embodiment, the styrenic monomer may include styrene and/or alpha-methylstyrene. In some embodiments, the styrenic monomer includes styrene and the (meth)acrylic monomer includes glycidyl (meth)acrylate.

In an embodiment, the polymerization initiator may include an azo compound, a peroxide, or a mixture of any two or more thereof. For example, the polymerization initiator may include 2,2'- azodi-(2,4-dimethylvaleronitrile); 2,2'-azobisisobutyronitrile (AIBN); 2,2'-azobis(2- methylbutyronitrile); I,G-azobis (cyclohexane-l-carbonitrile); tertiary butylperbenzoate; tert- amyl peroxy 2-ethylhexyl carbonate; 1 , 1 -bis(tert-amylperoxy)cyclohexane, tert-amylperoxy-2- ethylhexanoate, tert-amylperoxyacetate, tert-butylperoxyacetate, tert-butylperoxybenzoate, 2,5- di-(tert-butylperoxy)-2,5-dimethylhexane, di-tert-amyl peroxide (DTAP); di-tert-butylperoxide (DTBP); lauryl peroxide; dilauryl peroxide, succinic acid peroxide; benzoyl peroxide; or a combination of two or more thereof. In an embodiment, the reaction solvent may include acetone, aromatic 100, aromatic 150, aromatic-200, ethyl-3 -ethoxypropionate, methyl amyl ketone, methylethylketone, methyl-iso- butylketone, N-methylpyrrolidone, (propylene glycol monomethyl ether acetate, xylene, toluene, ethyl benzene, carbitol, cyclohexanol, dipropylene glycol (mono)methyl ether, n-butanol, n- hexanol, hexyl carbitol, iso-octanol, iso-propanol, methyl cyclohexane methanol, decyl alcohol, lauryl alcohol, myristal alcohol, cetyl alcohol, stearyl alcohol, behenyl alcohol, isoparaffins, or a combination of two or more thereof.

In an embodiment, the macromonomer of general formula (II) is synthesized by charging into a reactor a mixture including a vinylic monomer that includes a styrenic monomer, a (meth)acrylic monomer, or a mixture thereof; a polymerization initiator; and optionally a reaction solvent; maintaining the reactor at a temperature sufficient to produce the macromonomer of general formula (II) from the vinylic monomer.

In an embodiment, the macromonomer of general formula (II) has a weight average molecular weight in the range of 300 g/mol to 30,000 g/mol as determined by size exclusion chromatography (SEC).

The at least one macromonomer of general formula (II) has a polydispersity in the range of 1.4 to 8

"Polydispersity ratio" or "polydispersity index" is a measure of the distribution of molecular mass in a given polymer sample. PDI of a polymer is calculated: PDI = Mw/Mn. Polymers or oligomers having the same average molecular weight, but having a different molecular polydispersity possess different solution viscosities. The product with the higher polydispersity has a higher solution viscosity, because high molecular weight fractions make a significantly greater contribution toward viscosity than low molecular weight fractions.

In an embodiment, the ratio of monomer of general formula (I) to macromonomer of general formula (II) is in the range of 1 : 1 to 70: 1. The textile can be coated with the at least one polymer (A) of the presently claimed invention, before or after the textile has been manufactured into garments, as part of an industrial textile treatment process. Alternatively, the textile can be coated with the at least one polymer (A) as part of a laundering process. Suitable laundering processes include large scale and small-scale (e.g. domestic) processes. The at least one polymer (A) of the presently claimed invention may be a main wash detergent composition, in which case the textile compatible carrier may be a detergent and the composition may contain other additives, which are conventional in main wash detergent compositions. Alternatively, the at least one polymer (A) of the presently claimed invention may be adapted to the use in the rinse cycle of a domestic laundering process, and the textile compatible carrier may be simply water. If the at least one polymer (A) of the presently claimed invention is applied during the wash or rinse cycle of a laundry process, a progressive build-up of benefits is expected after each wash.

In an embodiment, the at least one polymer (A) of the presently claimed invention finds application as a pre-spotter. Pre-spotters are usually applied directly to difficult stains shortly before the normal washing process. The at least one polymer (A) of the presently claimed invention can be used as a conventional pre-spotter that is applied just before washing. The textile is washed in a standard washing machine using a conventional washing protocol. Alternatively, the at least one polymer (A) of the presently claimed invention can be used as a pre-spotter for a substantial time before the textile is laundered. The at least one polymer (A) of the presently claimed invention pre-spotter may be used as a "bucketless soak". By bucketless soak it is meant that there is no need for promptly running a laundry load after a stain occurred, or promptly after the pre-spotter was used.

(A) putting a solution comprising a polymer (A), in contact with the textile,

(B) keeping the textile in contact with the solution comprising the polymer (A), for a time period in the range of 0.1 minute to 12 hours. According to the presently claimed invention, the textile is at least partly coated with the at least one polymer (A). By the term “coated” it is meant that the at least one polymer (A) is deposited on the surface of the textile, covering it at least partly. The at least one polymer (A) is normally bound to the surface of the textile via physisorption like adhesion.

"Solution" in this context shall mean that the at least one polymer (A) is dissolved in at least one solvent or at least one solvent mixture. The at least one solvent is selected from methanol, ethanol, 1 -propanol, 2-propanol or isopropanol, butanol and water. The at least one solvent mixture comprises ethanol and water.

A "solution" comprising the at least one polymer (A) means that the at least one polymer (A) is completely or partly dissolved in the at least one solvent. In a preferred embodiment, the solution is a clear solution without any turbidity. In another embodiment, the solution comprises the at least one polymer (A) at least partly in dissolved state but shows turbidity. More preferably, the solution comprising the at least one polymer (A) is clear. ‘Clear’ herein refers to the clarity observed visually.

In an embodiment, the presently claimed invention relates to a method for coating a textile comprising the steps of:

(A) putting a solution comprising a polymer (A) on to the textile, and

(B) keeping the textile in contact with the solution comprising the polymer (A) for a time period in the range of 1 minute to 12 hours.

In an embodiment, the at least one polymer (A) is present in an amount in the range of 0.0001 wt.% to 10.0 wt.%, based on the overall weight of the solution.

In an embodiment, the presently claimed invention relates to a method of coating a textile comprising the steps of:

(A) putting a solution comprising the polymer (A) in contact with the textile, (B) keeping the textile in contact with the solution comprising the polymer (A) for a time period in the range of 0.1 minute to 12 hours; and

(C) rinsing the textile of step (B).

(A) adding a solution comprising the at least one polymer (A) on to the textile,

(B) keeping the textile in the solution comprising the at least one polymer (A) for a time period in the range of 1 minute to 12 hours; and

(C) rinsing the textile of step (B).

In another aspect, the presently claimed invention relates to a process for preparing textile with anti-malodor finish; the said process comprising the following steps:

(A) providing a textile,

(B) subjecting the textile to pre-treatment,

(C) adding a solution comprising the at least one polymer (A) on to the textile at a temperature in the range of about 25 to 50 °C; and

(D) subjecting the textile to post-treatment to obtain a textile with anti-malodor finish.

Typically, the pre-treatment comprises at least one operation selected from the group consisting of scouring at a temperature of about 55-60°C, drying at a temperature of about 90-160°C, heat setting on a stenter at a temperature of about 170-210°C, dyeing, singeing, crabbing and shearing.

Typically, the post-treatment comprises at least one operation selected from the group consisting of drying at a temperature of about 90-160°C, pressing and kier decasting at a temperature of about 100-115°C.

Scouring is a process in which the grey textile is subjected to washing with the help of synthetic detergents and stain removers in order to remove dirt, dust, stains and various oily substances from the textile and making it suitable for further chemical & mechanical processing. Heat Setting is a process of conferring stability upon fibers, yarns, or textiles, by means of dry heat. Dyeing is a process where different types of dye stuffs are impregnated into the textile in order to achieve the desired colour.

Singeing is a process in which the textile is made to pass over a series of flames across the entire width to burn out the fibers protruding from the textile surface. This is done to make the textile surface smooth.

Crabbing sets the cloth and yarn twist by rotating the textile over cylinders through a hot-water bath, or through a series of progressively hotter baths, followed by a cold-water bath. Crabbing is done to stabilize the textile before dyeing and finishing and is necessary only for wool textiles.

In the shearing process the textile is passed over a set of rotating helical blades, across the width of the textile to clean the surface hair.

Decatising is a finishing treatment whereby a textile's physical and dimensional form is enhanced and then stabilized by the use of heat, moisture, pressure and time. Generally, a pressure decatising method produces a permanent change in textile properties by the action of heat and pressurized steam at greater than 100 kPa (1 atm) pressure on a mechanically constrained textile, and is usually performed during the final stages of textile production for several reasons: (a) to develop desirable aesthetic qualities in the textile such as handle, luster and smoothness, (b) to improve the dimensional stability of the textile particularly for the purposes of garment assembly, and (c) to permanently set or preserve these qualities during textile use.

The term ‘textile’ covers clothing, carpeting, drapery and upholstery. In a preferred embodiment, the textile is made of fibers selected from the group consisting of natural fibers and synthetic fibers.

In an embodiment, the natural fibers are selected from the group consisting of flax, jute, cotton, silk, sheep wool, angora, mohair and cashmere.

In another embodiment, the synthetic fibers are selected from the group consisting of polyurethane fibers, polyester fibers, polyolefins and polyamide fibers.

Examples of synthetic fibers are polyurethane fibers such as Spandex^® or Lycra^®, polyester fibers, polyolefins such as elastofin and polyamide fibers such as nylon. Fibers may be single fibers or parts of textiles such as knitwear, wovens, or nonwovens.

As the textile fabrics, in particular those made of rayon, viscose, cotton, and mixtures thereof, tend to wrinkle because the individual fibers are sensitive to bending, kinking, compression, and squeezing perpendicularly to the fiber direction, synthetic crease-prevention agents can be used. These include, for example, synthetic products based on fatty acids, fatty acid esters, fatty acid amides, fatty acid alkylol esters, fatty acid alkylolamides, or fatty alcohols that are usually reacted with ethylene oxide, or products based on lecithin or modified phosphoric acid esters.

(I) putting a solution comprising the polymer (A), on to the textile,

(II) keeping the solution comprising the polymer (A), in contact with the textile, for a time period in the range of 2 minutes to 12 hours.

In an embodiment, the presently claimed invention relates to a process for the reduction of adhesion of a microorganism to a textile comprising the steps of: (I) putting a solution comprising the at least one polymer (A) in an amount in the range of 0.0001 wt.% to 10 wt.%, based on the overall weight of the solution, on to the textile,

(II) keeping the solution comprising the polymer (A), in contact with the textile for a time period of 0.1 minutes to 12 hours.

In an embodiment, the presently claimed invention relates to a process for the reduction of adhesion of a microorganism to a textile comprising the steps of:

(I) putting a solution comprising the at least one polymer (A), on to the textile,

(II) keeping the solution comprising the polymer (A), in contact with the textile for a time period of 0.1 minutes to 12 hours, and

(III) rinsing the textile of step (II).

In an embodiment, the presently claimed invention relates to a process for the reduction of adhesion of a microorganism to a textile comprising at least the steps of: (I) adding a solution comprising the at least one polymer (A), on to the textile, and

(II) keeping the textile in the solution comprising the at least one polymer (A) for a time period in the range of 10 minutes to 12 hours.

In an embodiment, the presently claimed invention relates to a process for the reduction of adhesion of a microorganism to a textile comprising at least the steps of:

(I) adding a solution comprising the at least one polymer (A) in an amount in the range of 0.0001 wt.% to 10 wt.%, based on the overall weight of the solution, on to the textile, and

(I) adding a solution comprising the at least one polymer (A), on to the textile, (II) keeping the textile in the solution comprising the at least one polymer (A) for a time period in the range of 10 minutes to 12 hours, and

(III) rinsing the textile of step (II).

In another aspect, the presently claimed invention relates to a process for the reduction of adhesion of proteinaceous substance to a textile comprising at least the steps of:

(I) adding a solution comprising the at least one polymer (A), on to the textile,

(II) keeping the textile in the solution comprising the at least one polymer (A), for a time period in the range of 0.1 minutes to 12 hours.

In another aspect, the presently claimed invention relates to the use of the polymer (A) comprising reaction product of at least one monomer of general formula (I) and at least one macromonomer of general formula (II), for the reduction of adhesion of a microorganism to a textile.

In an embodiment, the adhesion of the microorganism to a textile is reduced by at least 20% from the initial value, over two days as determined by placing the textile in a glass vessel in an inoculum of bacteria (diluted with saline). The textile is removed from the glass vessel and the cell number of the liquid is determined by diluting in saline and spot plating on Tryptone soy agar (TSA). The countable spots are enumerated.

In an embodiment, the microorganism is a bacterium.

In another embodiment, the bacterium is selected from the group consisting of Staphylococcus, Corynebacterium, Propionibacterium and Escherichia.

In a preferred embodiment, the bacterium is selected from the group consisting of Staphylococcus hominis, Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus epidermidis and Escherichia coli.

In a preferred embodiment, the bacterium is Staphylococcus aureus or Escherichia coli. In hospitals and institutions and other places where sterile conditions are necessary, it is highly desirable to provide linen, including bed linen; table linen; towels; gowns; jackets, and other frocks for personnel; etc., which does not readily serve as a carrier for' germs and other infections organisms. Infection of institutionalized patients, especially by Staphylococcus organisms, presents a considerable problem in view of the resistance of such organisms to standard treatments.

(i) at least one polymer (A),

(ii) at least one surfactant which is different from the polymer (A); and

(iii) optionally at least one additive.

‘Laundry’ herein refers to any item or article made from textile material or including textile materials itself, such as woven fabrics, non-woven fabrics and knitted fabrics. The textile materials can include natural or synthetic fibers such as silk fibers, linen fibers, cotton fibers, polyester fibers, polyamide fibers such as nylon, acrylic fibers, acetate fibers, and blends thereof, including cotton and polyester blends. The fibers can be treated or untreated. Exemplary treated fibers include those treated for flame retardancy. The term “linen” is used to describe certain types of laundry items including bed sheets, pillow cases, towels, table linen, table cloth, bar mops and uniforms.

In an embodiment, the laundry detergent composition comprises

(I) 0.1 % to 20.0 % by weight of the polymer (A),

(II) 2.0 % to 60.0 % by weight of the at least one surfactant which is different from the polymer (A); and

(III) 0.5 % to 80.0 % by weight of at least one additive in each case, based on the total weight of the composition.

In an embodiment, the laundry detergent composition as described above, is in solid or liquid form. The term ‘solid’ refers to a composition which is generally in a shape-stable form at ambient temperature, for example a powder, particle, agglomerate, flake or granule. A solid may have varying degrees of shape stability and will substantially retain its shape under moderate stress, pressure or mere gravity.

“Liquid” as used herein means that a continuous phase or predominant part of the laundry detergent composition is liquid, and that the composition flows freely and is of constant volume at ambient temperature (i.e., suspended solids may be included). ‘Deformable’ herein denotes that the composition will flow on applying pressure or on gentle shaking. Gels are included in the definition of ‘liquid’ as used herein.

In an embodiment, the liquid laundry detergent composition comprises

(I) at least one polymer (A),

(II) at least one surfactant which is different from the polymer (A);

(III) at least one additive; and

(IV) water.

Surfactant

The laundry detergent composition of the present composition comprises at least one surfactant. The at least one surfactant is not the polymer (A).

The at least one surfactant is selected from the group consisting of anionic, cationic, amphoteric, nonionic surfactants and mixtures thereof.

Suitable anionic surfactants are selected from the group consisting of salt of alkyl sulfate, alkyl ether sulfate, a-olefin sulphonate and linear alkyl benzene sulphonate.

The alkyl sulfates are compounds of the formula:

ROSO³ M⁺ wherein

R denotes linear or branched, unsubstituted C₆-C₂₂ alkyl, and M denotes alkali metal or ammonium cation

For the purposes of the presently claimed invention, the term “C6-C22-alkyl” covers acyclic saturated hydrocarbon residues, which may be linear or branched and unsubstituted having 6 to 22 carbon atoms.

The alkyl sulfates are obtained by sulfating the higher alcohols (Ce- C22 carbon atoms) produced from the glycerides of tallow, coconut oil, suitable vegetable oil or synthetic alcohols followed by neutralization with alkali hydroxide. Thus, the alkyl sulfates also contain reaction by-products such as free salt (for example sodium chloride is the free salt by product, when neutralization agent is sodium hydroxide), free fatty alcohol, salt of fatty alcohol. Therefore, the solid content of the alkyl sulfate will be different from the active content. Active content denotes ‘the amount of alkyl sulfate’ present in the composition whereas the solid content denotes ‘a total of alkyl sulfate, fatty alcohol, salt of fatty alcohol and the free salt’ in the composition. ‘Free’ herein denotes that the salt is not bound to the fatty alcohol/ alkyl sulfate by any kind of chemical bonding.

Alkyl ether sulfates are compounds of the formula R'-0-(C₂H 0)_n-S03M wherein

R' denotes linear or branched, unsubstituted C6-C22 alkyl, n is from 1 to 20, and

M denotes alkali metal or ammonium cation

The alkyl ether sulfates are produced by the ethoxylation of fatty alcohol and thus will generally be obtained in the form of mixtures comprising varying alkyl chain lengths and varying degrees of ethoxylation. Frequently such mixtures will inevitably also contain some non-ethoxylated alkyl sulfates. a-Olefin sulphonates are generally produced by sulphonating a -olefin. The a -olefins, which are sulphonated to form the surfactants used in the compositions of the presently claimed invention, may contain from about 10 to 22 carbon atoms and preferably 12 to 18 carbon atoms. They may be derived from a variety of processes such as, for example, by wax cracking, ethylene built up or dehydration of the corresponding primary alcohol. Exemplary olefins are 1-decene, 1-undecene, 1-dodccene, 1-tridecene, 1-tetradecene, 1 -pentadecene, 1-hexadecene, 1 -heptadecene, 1- octadecene and the like and mixtures of the aforesaid. Sulphonation of these long chain olefins is typically carried out utilizing sulfur trioxide mixed with a diluent. After the sulphonation is completed, neutralization and hydrolysis of the acid mixture is carried out so that any by-product sultones which are formed are converted to the corresponding hydroxy-alkane sulphonates. Thus, as is well known in the art, the term a-olefin sulphonates as used herein includes not only the alkene sulphonate itself but also admixtures of the same that are formed as a result of the usual sulphonation neutralization, and hydrolysis procedure with substantial proportions of the corresponding water soluble hydroxyalkane sulphonates.

Linear alkyl benzene sulfonate (LABS) is produced by sulphonation of linear alkylbenzene (LAB) and subsequent neutralization of the corresponding sulphonic acid (HLAS). Linear alkylbenzene is synthesized by the alkylation of benzene with linear olefins. Traditional processes for alkylation of aromatics compounds use Lriedel-Craft type catalysts, for example, hydrofluoric acid, aluminum trichloride and the like.

Anionic surfactant may also include alkylamide sulphates of formula R₉CONHR₁₀OSO₃M wherein

R9 denotes a C2-C22 alkyl

Rio C2-C3 alkyl radical, and

M is a hydrogen atom or an alkali metal cation or ethoxylated (EO) and/or propoxylated (PO) derivatives thereof, containing on average from 0.5 to 60 EO and/or PO units;

Lurther anionic surfactants are, salts of C₈-C₂₄, saturated or unsaturated fatty acids, alkylglyceryl sulphonates, paraffin sulphonates, N-acyl N-alkyltaurates, alkylphosphates, isethionates, alkylsuccinamates, alkyl sulphosuccinates, sulphosuccinate monoesters or diesters, N-acyl sarcosinates, alkylglycoside sulphates, polyethoxycarboxylates, the cation being an alkali metal (sodium, potassium or lithium), a substituted or unsubstituted ammonium residue (methyl-, dimethyl-, trimethyl- or tetramethylammonium, dimethylpiperidinium, etc.) or an alkanolamine derivative (monoethanolamine, diethanolamine, triethanolamine, etc.) and alkyl or alkylaryl phosphate esters.

Cationic surfactants are a well-known group of surface-active compounds which have at least one active cationic (positive ion) constituent. As the cationic surfactant, quaternary ammonium hydroxides such as octyltrimethylammonium hydroxide, dodecyltrimethylammonium hydroxide, hexadecyltrimethylammonium hydroxide, octyldimethylbenzylammonium hydroxide decyldimethylbenzylammonium hydroxide, didodecyldimethylammonium hydroxide, dioctadecyldimethylammonium hydroxide, beef tallow trimethylammonium hydroxide, and coconut oil trimethylammonium hydroxide, and their salts can be exemplified. Examples of amphoteric surfactants comprise betaines, sulphobetaines and carboxylates and sulphonates of fatty acids and of imidazole, such as alkyldimethylbetaines, alkylamidopropyldimethylbetaines, alkyldimethylsulphobetaines or alkylamidopropyldimethylsulphobetaines, such as Mirataine CBS sold by the company Rhodia, and the products of condensation of fatty acids and of protein hydrolysates; alkylamphoacetates or alkylamphodiacetates in which the alkyl group contains from 6 to 20 carbon atoms; amphoteric alkylpolyamine derivatives such as Amphionic XL^® sold by Rhodia and Ampholac 7T/X^® and Ampholac 7C/X^® sold by Berol Nobel.

Among the nonionic surfactants which may be mentioned in particular are condensates of alkanediyl oxide, in particular of ethylene oxide, with alcohols, polyols, alkylphenols, fatty acid esters, fatty acid amides and fatty amines; oxide amines, sugar derivatives such as polyalkylglycosides or fatty acid esters of sugars, in particular sucrose monopalmitate; long-chain tertiary phosphine oxides; dialkyl sulphoxides; block copolymers of polyoxyethylene and of polyoxypropylene; polyalkoxylated sorbitan esters; fatty esters of sorbitan, poly(ethylene oxide) and fatty acid amides modified so as to give them a hydrophobic nature (for example fatty acid mono- and diethanolamides containing from 10 to 18 carbon atoms). Particularly, polyoxyalkylated (polyethoxyethylated, polyoxypropylated or polyoxybutylated) alkylphenols in which the alkyl substituent is Ce-Cn and containing from 5 to 25 oxyalkanediyl units, glucosamides, glucamides and glycerolamides; polyoxyalkylenated C_&-C22 aliphatic alcohols containing from 1 to 25 oxyalkanediyl (oxyethylene, oxypropylene) units.

Additional examples of suitable surfactants are compounds generally used as surfactants denoted in Surface Active Agents, volume I by Schwartz and Perry, and Surface-Active Agents and Detergents, volume II by Schwartz, Perry and Berch.

Additive

The laundry detergent composition which is in the form of a liquid or a solid comprises at least one additive. The at least one additive is selected from the group consisting of polyacrylates, dye transfer inhibitors, solvents, enzymes, bleaching compounds, chelating agents, builders, alkali metal hydroxide and fragrances.

In case of the solid laundry detergent composition, the at least one additive is selected from the group of polyacrylates, dye transfer inhibitors, enzymes, bleaching compounds, chelating agents, builders, alkali metal hydroxide, fillers and fragrances.

In case of the liquid laundry detergent composition, the at least one additive is selected from the group of polyacrylates, dye transfer inhibitors, solvents, enzymes, bleaching compounds, chelating agents, builders, alkali metal hydroxide, viscosity modifiers and fragrances.

Polyacrylates

Polyacrylates that are suitable for the use as cleaning agents include, but are not limited to, polyacrylic acid, polymethacrylic acid, acrylic acid-methacrylic acid copolymers, hydrolyzed polyacrylamide, hydrolyzed polymethacrylamide, hydrolyzed polyamide methacrylamide copolymers, hydrolyzed polyacrylonitrile, hydrolyzed polymethacrylonitrile and hydrolyzed acrylonitrile-methacrylonitrile copolymers.

Dye transfer inhibitors

Suitable dye transfer inhibitors are, in accordance with the invention, for example, homopolymers, copolymers and graft polymers of 1 -vinylpyrrolidone, 1 -vinylimidazole and 4-vinylpyridine N- oxide. Reaction products of homopolymers and copolymers of 4-vinylpyridine with chloroacetic acid are also suitable as dye transfer inhibitors.

Solvents

The liquid laundry detergent composition according to the presently claimed invention contains water in an amount (based on the total composition) from 2.0 wt.% to 84.0 wt.%, whereby this, if desired, can also be replaced proportionally by a water-soluble solvent component. Non-aqueous solvents that may be used in the liquid laundry detergent compositions can be selected from monovalent or polyvalent alcohols, alkanolamines or glycol ethers. The solvents are preferably selected from ethanol, n-propanol, isopropanol, ethylene glycol, butanediol, glycerol, diethylene glycol, butyl diglycol, hexylene glycol, ethylene glycol methyl ether, ethylene glycol ethyl ether, ethylene glycol propyl ether, ethylene glycol mono-n-butyl ether, diethylene glycol methyl ether, diethylene glycol ethyl ether, propylene glycol methyl ether, propylene glycol ethyl ether or propylene glycol propyl ether, dipropylene glycol monomethyl ether, dipropylene glycolethyl ether, diisopropylene glycol monomethyl ether, diisopropylene glycol monoethyl ether, methoxytriglycol, ethoxytriglycol, butoxytriglycol, 1 -butoxyethoxy-2-propanol, 3 -methyl-3 - methoxybutanol, propylene glycol tert-butyl ether and mixtures thereof.

Enzymes

Enzymes can be added to the laundry detergent composition for a wide variety of fabric laundering purposes, including removal of protein-based, carbohydrate-based, or triglyceride-based stains and for the prevention of refugee dye transfer as well as for fabric restoration. Preferred enzymes are selected from cellulases, proteases, amylases, lipases and mixtures thereof.

The choice of the enzymes is governed by several factors such as the pH-activity and/or stability optima, the thermostability, the stability versus active detergents and the builders.

Along with enzymes, enzyme stabilizing systems may also be used, such as for ex-ample, calcium ions, boric acid, boronic acids, propylene glycol and short chain carboxylic acids.

Bleaching compounds

The bleaching compounds may be bleach catalysts or bleach activators and combinations thereof. The laundry detergent compositions according to the presently claimed invention can comprise one or more bleach catalysts. Bleach catalysts can be selected from the group of oxaziridinium- based bleach catalysts, bleach-boosting transition metal salts or transition metal complexes such as, for example, manganese-, iron-, cobalt-, ruthenium- or molybdenum-salen complexes or carbonyl complexes. Manganese, iron, cobalt, ruthenium, molybdenum, titanium, vanadium and copper complexes with nitrogen-containing tripod ligands and cobalt-, iron-, copper- and ruthenium-amine complexes.

The laundry detergent compositions according to the presently claimed invention can comprise one or more bleach activators, for example, tetraacetyl ethylene diamine, tetraacetylmethylene diamine, tetraacetylglycoluril, tetraacetylhexylenediamine, acylated phenolsulphonates such as for example n-nonanoyloxybenzene sulphonates or isononanoyloxybenzene sulphonates, N- methylmorpholinium acetonitrile salts ("MMA salts"), trimethylammonium acetonitrile salts, N- acylimides such as, for example, N-nonanoylsuccinimide, l,5-diacetyl-2,2-dioxohexahydro-l,3,5- triazine ("DADHF) or nitrile quats (trimethylammonium acetonitrile salts).

Chelating agents The laundry detergent composition according to the presently claimed invention may include a chelating/sequestering agent such as an aminocarboxylic acid, a condensed phosphate, a phosphonate and a polyacrylate. In general, a chelating agent is a molecule capable of coordinating (i.e., binding) the metal ions commonly found in natural water to prevent the metal ions from interfering with the action of the other detersive ingredients of a cleaning composition. Useful aminocarboxylic acids include, for example, n-hydroxyethyliminodiacetic acid, nitrilotriacetic acid (NTA), ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA), N-hydroxyethyl ethylenediaminetriacetic acid (HEDTA), diethylenetriamine pentaacetic acid (DTP A), methylglycinediacetic acid (MGDA) and glutamic acid diacetic acid (GLDA). Examples of condensed phosphates are sodium and potassium orthophosphate, sodium and potassium pyro-phosphate, sodium tripolyphosphate and sodium hexametaphosphate.

Builders

The laundry detergent composition according to the presently claimed invention may also include a detergent builder to assist in controlling mineral hardness. Inorganic or phosphorus-containing detergent builders include, but are not limited to, the alkali metal, ammonium and alkanol ammonium salts of polyphosphates (exemplified by the tripolyphosphates, pyrophosphates, and glassy polymeric meta-phosphates), phosphonates, phytic acid, silicates, carbonates (including bicarbonates and sesquicarbonates), sulphates, and aluminosilicates.

Examples of silicate builders are the alkali metal silicates, particularly those having a Si02:Na20 ratio from 1.6: 1 to 3.2: 1 and the layered silicates.

Examples of carbonate builders are the alkaline earth and alkali metal carbonates. Aluminosilicate builders are of great importance in most currently marketed detergent compositions and can also be a significant builder ingredient in liquid detergent formulations.

Useful aluminosilicate ion exchange materials are commercially available. These aluminosilicates can be crystalline or amorphous in structure and can be naturally occurring aluminosilicates or synthetically derived. Synthetic crystalline aluminosilicate ion exchange materials are available under the designations Zeolite A, Zeolite P (B), Zeolite MAP and Zeolite X.

Organic detergent builders include a wide variety of polycarboxylate compounds. As used herein, “polycarboxylate” refers to compounds having a plurality of carboxylate groups, preferably at least 3 carboxylates. Polycarboxylate builder can generally be added to the composition in acid form but can also be added in the form of a neutralized salt. When utilized in the salt form, alkali metals, such as sodium, potassium, lithium and alkanolammonium salts are preferred.

One important category of polycarboxylate builders encompasses the ether polycarboxylates, including oxydisuccinate. Suitable ether polycarboxylates also include cyclic compounds, particularly abcyclic compounds.

Other useful detergency builders include the ether hydroxypoly carboxylates, copolymers of maleic anhydride with ethylene or vinyl methyl ether, l,3,5-trihydroxybenzene-2,4,6-trisulphonic acid and carboxymethyloxysuccinic acid, the various alkali metal, ammonium and substituted ammonium salts of polyacetic acids such as ethylenediamine tetraacetic acid and nitrilotriacetic acid, as well as polycarboxylates such as mellitic acid, succinic acid, oxydisuccinic acid, polymaleic acid, benzene 1,3,5 tricarboxylic acid, carboxymethyloxysuccinic acid, and soluble salts thereof. Citrate builders, e.g., citric acid and soluble salts thereof (particularly sodium salt), are polycarboxylate builders of importance for liquid detergent formulations due to their availability from renewable resources and their biodegradabibty. Citrates can also be used in granular compositions, especially in combination with zeolite and/or layered silicate builders. Fatty acids, e.g., Cn - Cix monocarboxylic acids, can also be incorporated into the compositions alone, or in combination with the afore mentioned builders, especially citrate and/or the succinate builders, to provide additional builder activity.

Alkali metal hydroxide The laundry detergent compositions of the presently claimed invention may also include alkali metal hydroxide as an additive. Preferable alkali metal hydroxide is selected from sodium hydroxide, potassium hydroxide and mixtures thereof.

Viscosity modifiers

The liquid laundry detergent compositions of the presently claimed invention may also comprise viscosity modifiers or thickeners for obtaining a desired viscosity of the laundry detergent composition. Suitable viscosity modifiers are polysaccharides, for e.g. xanthan gum, carboxymethylcellulose, organic clays (organically modified or un-modified), polycarboxylates and silicates. Some examples of additional thickeners include soluble organic or inorganic thickener material. Some examples of inorganic thickeners include clays, silicates and other well- known inorganic thickeners. Some examples of organic thickeners include thixotropic and non- thixotropic thickeners. In some preferred embodiments, the thickeners have some substantial pro portion of water solubility to promote easy removability. Examples of soluble organic thickeners are, but not limited to, carboxylated vinyl polymers such as polyacrylic acids and sodium salts thereof, ethoxylated cellulose, polyacrylamide thickeners, xanthan thickeners, guar gum, sodium alginate and algin by-products, hydroxy propyl cellulose, hydroxy ethyl cellulose and other similar aqueous thickeners that have some substantial proportion of water solubility.

Fillers

The solid laundry detergent composition according to the presently claimed invention may also include a minor, but effective amount of one or more of a detergent filler which does not perform as a cleaning agent per se but cooperates with the cleaning agent to enhance the overall cleaning capacity of the composition. Fillers also provide a structure to the solid laundry detergent compositions. Examples of fillers suitable for use in the present laundry detergent compositions are, but not limited to, sodium sulfate, sodium chloride, starch and sugars.

Fragrances Suitable fragrances are those derived from natural sources or are synthetic aromatic substances. Natural aromatic substances are, for example, extracts from blossom (lilies, lavender, roses, jasmine, neroli, ylang-ylang), from stems and leaves (geranium, patchouli, petitgrain), from fruit (aniseed, coriander, carraway, juniper), from fruit peel (bergamot, lemons, oranges), from roots (mace, angelica, celery, cardamom, costus, iris, calmus), from wood (pinewood, sandalwood, guaiacum wood, cedar-wood, rose-wood), from herbs and grasses (tarragon, lemon grass, sage, thyme), from needles and twigs (spruce, pine, scots pine, mountain pine), from resins and balsams (galbanum, elemi, benzoin, myrrh, olibanum, opoponax). Typical synthetic aromatic substances are, for example, products of the ester, ether, aldehyde, ketone, alcohol or hydrocarbon type. Aromatic substance compounds of the ester type are, for example, benzyl acetate, phenoxyethyl isobutyrate, p-tert-butylcyclohexyl acetate, linalyl acetate, dimethylbenzylcarbinyl acetate, phenylethyl acetate, linalyl benzoate, benzyl formate, ethylmethylphenyl glycinate, allylcyclohexyl propionate, styrallyl propionate and benzyl salicylate. The ethers include, for example, benzyl ethyl ether; the aldehydes include, for example, the linear alkanals having from 8 to 18 hydrocarbon atoms, citral, citronellal, citronellyl oxyacetaldehyde, cyclamen aldehyde, hydroxy citronellal, lilial and bourgeonal; the ketones include, for example, the ionones, isomethylionone and methyl cedryl ketone; the alcohols include, for example, anethol, citronellol, eugenol, isoeugenol, geraniol, linalool, phenyl ethyl alcohol and terpinol; and the hydrocarbons include mainly the terpenes and balsams. Ethereal oils of relatively low volatility, which are chiefly used as aroma components, are also suitable for fragrance, e.g. sage oil, camomile oil, clove oil, melissa oil, oil of cinnamon leaves, lime blossom oil, juniper berry oil, vetiver oil, olibanum oil, galbanum oil, labolanum oil and lavandin oil.

Optical Brighteners

Optical brighteners (called "whiteners") can be added to the laundry detergent compositions according to the presently claimed invention in order to eliminate greying and yellowing of the treated textile fabrics. These substances attach to the fibres and bring about a brightening and simulated bleaching effect by converting invisible ultraviolet radiation to visible longer-wave light, with emission of the ultraviolet light absorbed from the sunlight as pale bluish fluorescence to give pure white with the yellow shade of greyed and/or yellowed laundry. Suitable optical brighteners are compounds of the substance classes of the 4,4'-diamino-2,2'-stilbenedisulphonic acids (flavonic acids), 4,4'-distyrylbiphenylene, methylumbelliferones, coumarins, dihydroquinolinones, 1,3-diarylpyrazolines, naphthalimides, benzoxazole, benzisoxazole and benzimidazole systems, and the pyrene derivatives substituted by heterocycles.

Other additional Ingredients

A wide variety of other ingredients, based on the state of laundry detergent composition, i.e. solid or liquid can be included, such as other active ingredients, carriers, hydrotropes, processing aids, dyes or pigments, soda ash, pearlizing polymers and biocides.

‘Soil’ herein refers to Greasy stains. Greasy stains are stains due to oil, grease or make-up. Greasy stain also herein includes the stains due to dust sebum. Dust sebum is a complex mixture of palmitic acid, stearic acid, oleic acid, linoleic acid, coconut oil, olive oil, paraffin wax, cholesterol and squalene.

‘Contacting’ herein refers to contacting the textile with the solution of the laundry detergent composition either by applying it manually, i.e. by hand on the textile or by means of a washing machine. Contacting typically occurs by soaking, washing, rinsing or spraying the laundry detergent composition onto the textile, but can also include contact of a substrate inter alia a material onto which the composition has been absorbed, with the textile. In an embodiment, the presently claimed invention relates to a method for removal of soil from the textile, said method comprising the step of contacting the textile with the solution of laundry detergent composition as defined above. ‘Solution’ refers to, adding the solid laundry detergent composition to water such that the solid laundry detergent composition according to the invention dissolves partly or completely in it. In case of a liquid laundry detergent composition, a solution is obtained by adding water to a liquid laundry detergent composition. In an embodiment, the temperatures during laundry washing is from 20 to 70 °C.

The method for the removal of soil from the textile may be employed with a variety of laundry washing machines, including industrial, commercial and/or consumer machines (e.g. residential and/or home laundry washing machine).

The method for the removal of soil from the textile according to the present invention can be provided as part of an overall method for cleaning laundry according to the invention, that is, as part of a laundry cleaning operation or it can be used alone to treat the laundry. The presently claimed invention offers one or more of following advantages:

1. Prevention of protein adsorption to surface and subsequent fouling.

2. Prevention of bacteria (and other microorganisms) adsorption to and subsequent biofilm formation and surface fouling. 3. Prevention, reduction or elimination of malodor associated with bacterial metabolic processes.

4. Reduced need for fragrance ingredients.

5. Extended lifetime of consumer clothing.

6. Release of soil from surface and "easier-to-clean" claims.

7. Less consumer washing and sustainability. In the following, specific embodiments of the presently claimed invention are described:

1. A textile coated with a polymer (A), said polymer comprising the reaction product of:

(a) at least one monomer of the general formula (I)

wherein

Ri denotes H or CH₃;

R2 denotes an unsubstituted or substituted phenyl or -C(=0)-0R₃;

R₃ denotes H or a linear or branched, acyclic or cyclic, unsubstituted or substituted Ci to Ci₆ alkyl or an unsubstituted phenyl; and (b) at least one macromonomer of general formula (II)

wherein

R4 denotes H or CH3;

R5 denotes -C(=0)-0R7;

R6 denotes -C(=0)-ORs;

R₇ denotes linear or branched, acyclic, unsubstituted Ci to G alkyl;

Re denotes H or linear or branched, acyclic, unsubstituted Ci to G, alkyl;

X denotes -C(=0)-0R or an unsubstituted phenyl group or linear or branched Ci to Ce alkyl which is substituted with hydroxy;

R’ denotes H or linear or branched, acyclic, unsubstituted or substituted Ci to Ce alkyl; a is an integer in the range of 0 to 150; and b is an integer in the range of 0 to 150; with the proviso that 2 < a +b < 150.

2. The textile according to embodiment 1, wherein each R₃ independently denotes H, methyl, ethyl, «-propyl, «-butyl, «-pentyl, «-hexyl, «-heptyl, «-octyl, «-nonyl, «-decyl, «-undecyl, «- dodecyl, «-tridecyl, «-tetradecyl, «-pentadecyl, «-hexadecyl, isopropyl, isobutyl, isopentyl, isohexyl, isoheptyl, isooctyl, isononyl, isodecyl, isoundecyl, isododecyl, isotridecyl, isotetradecyl, isopentadecyl, isohexadecyl, 2-ethyl hexyl, 2-propyl heptyl, /-butyl, neo pentyl, methyl phenoxy, ethyl phenoxy, propyl phenoxy, butyl phenoxy, pentyl phenoxy or hexyl phenoxy.

3. The textile according to embodiment 1, wherein R7 denotes methyl, ethyl or butyl.

4. The textile according to embodiment 1, wherein a is an integer in the range of 1 to 140.

5. The textile according to embodiment 1, wherein b is an integer in the range of 1 to 100.

6. The textile according to embodiment 1 , wherein the at least one macromonomer has a weight average molecular weight in the range of 200 to 3000 g/mol.

7. The textile according to one or more of embodiments 1 to 5, wherein the polymer (A) has a weight average molecular weight in the range of 300 g/mol to 30000 g/mol.

8. The textile according to one or more of embodiments 1 to 6, wherein the ratio of monomer (a) to macromonomer (b) is in the range of 1 : 1 to 70: 1.

9. The textile according to one or more of embodiments 1 to 8, wherein the textile is made of fibers selected from the group of natural fibers, synthetic fibers, and blends thereof. The textile according to embodiment 9, wherein the natural fibers are selected from the group of flax, jute, cotton, silk, sheep wool, angora, mohair, cashmere, and blends thereof.

The textile according to embodiment 9, wherein the synthetic fibers are selected from the group of polyurethane fibers, polyester fibers, polyolefins, polyamide fibers, and blends thereof. A method for coating a textile comprising the steps of:

(A) putting a solution comprising a polymer (A) in contact with the textile, said polymer comprising the reaction product of:

(a) at least one monomer of the general formula (I)

wherein

Ri denotes H or CTT;

R₂ denotes an unsubstituted or substituted phenyl or -C(=0)-OR₃; and

R₃ denotes H or a linear or branched, acyclic or cyclic, unsubstituted or substituted

Ci to Ci₆ alkyl or an unsubstituted phenyl; and

(b) at least one macromonomer of general formula (II)

wherein

Ri denotes H or CI¾;

Rs denotes -C(=0)-0R7;

Re denotes -C(=0)-ORs;

Rv denotes linear or branched, acyclic, unsubstituted Ci to G alkyl;

Rs denotes H or linear or branched, acyclic, unsubstituted Ci to G, alkyl; X denotes -C(=0)-0R or an unsubstituted phenyl group or linear or branched Ci to Ce alkyl which is substituted with hydroxy;

R’ denotes H or linear or branched, acyclic, unsubstituted or substituted Ci to Ce alkyl; a is an integer in the range of 0 to 150; and b is an integer in the range of 0 to 150; with the proviso that 2 < a +b < 150;

(B) keeping the textile in contact with the solution comprising the polymer (A) for a time period of 0.1 minute to 12 hours.

The method according to embodiment 12, wherein the polymer (A) is present in an amount of 0.0001 wt.% to 10.0 wt.%, based on the overall weight of the solution.

The method according to embodiments 12 or 13, which further comprises the step of (C) rinsing the textile of step (B).

A process for the reduction of adhesion of proteinaceous substance to a textile comprising the steps of:

(I) adding a solution comprising a polymer (A), said polymer comprising the reaction product of:

(a) at least one monomer of the general formula (I)

wherein

Ri denotes H or CI¾;

R2 denotes an unsubstituted or substituted phenyl or -C(=0)-OR₃; and R3 denotes H or a linear or branched, acyclic or cyclic, unsubstituted or substituted

Ci to Ci₆ alkyl or an unsubstituted phenyl; and

(b) at least one macromonomer of general formula (II) wherein

R4 denotes H or CH3;

R5 denotes -C(=0)-0R7;

R6 denotes -C(=0)-ORs;

R7 denotes linear or branched, acyclic, unsubstituted Ci to G alkyl;

Re denotes H or linear or branched, acyclic, unsubstituted Ci to G, alkyl;

(II) keeping the solution comprising the polymer (A) in contact with the textile for a time period of 2 minutes to 12 hours.

16. The process according to embodiment 15, wherein the polymer (A) is present in an amount of 0.0001 wt.% to 10.0 wt.%, based on the overall weight of the solution.

17. The process according to embodiment 15 or 16, which further comprises the step of (III) rinsing the textile of step (P). 18 A process for the reduction of adhesion of a microorganism to a textile comprising the steps of: (I) adding a solution comprising a polymer (A) onto the textile, said polymer comprising the reaction product of:

(a) at least one monomer of the general formula (I)

wherein

Ri denotes H or Cfb;

R2 denotes an unsubstituted or substituted phenyl or -C(=0)-0R₃; and R3 denotes H or a linear or branched, acyclic or cyclic, unsubstituted or substituted Ci to Ci₆ alkyl or an unsubstituted phenyl; and

(b) at least one macromonomer of general formula (II)

wherein

R4 denotes H or CH3;

R5 denotes -C(=0)-0R7;

Rs denotes -C(=0)-ORs;

R7 denotes linear or branched, acyclic, unsubstituted Ci to G alkyl;

Rs denotes H or linear or branched, acyclic, unsubstituted Ci to G, alkyl;

R’ denotes H or linear or branched, acyclic, unsubstituted or substituted Ci to Ce alkyl; a is an integer in the range of 0 to 150; and b is an integer in the range of 0 to 150; with the proviso that 2 < a +b < 150; (II) keeping the solution comprising the polymer (A) in contact with the textile for a time period of 2 minutes to 2 hours. Use of a polymer (A) for the reduction of adhesion of a microorganism to a textile, said polymer comprising the reaction product of:

(a) at least one monomer of the general formula (I)

wherein Ri denotes H or CH3; R₂ denotes an unsubstituted or substituted phenyl or -C(=0)-0R₃; and

Ci to Ci6 alkyl or an unsubstituted phenyl; and

(b) at least one macromonomer of general formula (II)

wherein

Rr denotes H or CI¾;

Rs denotes -C(=0)-0R7;

Re denotes -C(=0)-ORs;

Rv denotes linear or branched, acyclic, unsubstituted Ci to G alkyl;

Rs denotes H or linear or branched, acyclic, unsubstituted Ci to G, alkyl;

The process or use according to embodiment 18 or 19, wherein the microorganism is a bacterium.

The process or use according to one or more of embodiments 18 to 20, wherein the bacterium is selected from the group of Staphylococcus, Corynebacterium, Propionibacterium, Escherichia and mixtures thereof.

The process or use according to one or more of embodiments 18 to 20, wherein the bacterium is Staphylococcus.

The process or use according to embodiment 22, wherein Staphylococcus is selected from the group of Staphylococcus hominis, Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus epidermidis, and mixtures thereof.

A laundry detergent composition comprising

(iv) polymer (A) comprising the reaction product of:

(a) at least one monomer of the general formula (I)

wherein

Ri denotes H or CI¾;

Ci to Ci₆ alkyl or an unsubstituted phenyl; and

(b) at least one macromonomer of general formula (II) wherein

R4 denotes H or CH3;

R5 denotes -C(=0)-0R7;

R6 denotes -C(=0)-ORs;

R₇ denotes linear or branched, acyclic, unsubstituted Ci to G alkyl;

Re denotes H or linear or branched, acyclic, unsubstituted Ci to G, alkyl;

(v) at least one surfactant which is different from the polymer (A); and

(vi) optionally at least one additive.

The laundry detergent composition according to embodiment 24 comprising

(i) 0.1 % to 10.0 % by weight of the polymer (A) comprising the reaction product of:

(a) at least one monomer of the general formula (I)

wherein

Ri denotes H or CH₃;

R₂ denotes an unsubstituted or substituted phenyl or -C(=0)-OR₃; and R₃ denotes H or a linear or branched, acyclic or cyclic, unsubstituted or substituted Ci to Ci₆ alkyl or an unsubstituted phenyl; and (b) at least one macromonomer of general formula (II)

wherein

R4 denotes H or CH3;

R5 denotes -C(=0)-0R7;

Re denotes -C(=0)-0Rx;

R7 denotes linear or branched, acyclic, unsubstituted Ci to C₆ alkyl;

Re denotes H or linear or branched, acyclic, unsubstituted Ci to C₆ alkyl;

X denotes -C(=0)-0R or an unsubstituted phenyl group or linear or branched Ci to C₆ alkyl which is substituted with hydroxy;

R’ denotes H or linear or branched, acyclic, unsubstituted or substituted Ci to C₆ alkyl; a is an integer in the range of 0 to 150; and b is an integer in the range of 0 to 150; with the proviso that 2 < a +b < 150;

(ii) 2.0 % to 60.0 % by weight of the at least one surfactant; and

(iii) 0.5 % to 80.0 % by weight of the at least one additive; in each case, based on the total weight of the composition. The laundry detergent composition according to embodiment 24 or 25 which is in a solid or liquid form. The laundry detergent composition according to one or more of embodiments 24 to 26, wherein the at least one surfactant is selected from the group of anionic, cationic, amphoteric, nonionic surfactants, and mixtures thereof. The laundry detergent composition according to one or more of embodiments 24 to 27, wherein the at least one additive is selected from the group of polyacrylates, dye transfer inhibitors, solvents, enzymes, bleaching compounds, chelating agents, builders, alkali metal hydroxide, fragrances, and mixtures thereof. The liquid laundry detergent composition according to embodiment 23 comprising (i) the polymer (A) comprising the reaction product of:

(a) at least one monomer of the general formula (I)

wherein

Ri denotes H or CH₃;

R2 denotes an unsubstituted or substituted phenyl or -C(=0)-0R3; and R₃ denotes H or a linear or branched, acyclic or cyclic, unsubstituted or substituted Ci to Ci₆ alkyl or an unsubstituted phenyl; and (b) at least one macromonomer of general formula (II)

wherein

R4 denotes H or CH3;

R5 denotes -C(=0)-0R7;

Rs denotes -C(=0)-ORs;

R7 denotes linear or branched, acyclic, unsubstituted Ci to Ce alkyl;

Rs denotes H or linear or branched, acyclic, unsubstituted Ci to Ce alkyl;

X denotes -C(=0)-0R or an unsubstituted phenyl group or linear or branched Ci to Ce alkyl which is substituted with hydroxy; R’ denotes H or linear or branched, acyclic, unsubstituted or substituted Ci to G alkyl; a is an integer in the range of 0 to 150; and b is an integer in the range of 0 to 150; with the proviso that 2 < a +b < 150;

(ii) the at least one surfactant;

(iii) the at least one additive; and

(iv) water.

30. A method for the removal of soil from the textile, said method comprising the step of contacting the textile with the laundry detergent composition according to one or more of embodiments 23 to 28.

31. Use of a laundry detergent composition according to one or more of embodiments 23 to 28 for removal of soil from the textile.

EXAMPLES

Compounds

Acrylic acid (AA)

Methyl acrylate (MA)

Methyl methacrylate (MMA)

Styrene (Sty) a-methyl styrene Butyl acrylate 2-Ethylhexyl acrylate Acetone

Di-tert-amyl peroxide

Determination of molecular weight Number average molecular weights and weight average molecular weights were determined by size exclusion chromatography using a mixed bed scouting column for water soluble linear pol ymers at 35°C. The eluent used was 0.01 M phosphate buffer at pH=7.4 containing 0.01 M so- dium azide. The polymer (A) used as 1.5 mg/mL concentrated solution in the eluent. Before injection all samples were filtered through a 0.2 pm filter. The calibration was carried out with narrow poly(ethylene glycol) samples having molecular weights between 106 and 1,378,000 g/mol.

Polymer (A) Synthesis Macromonomer of general formula (II)

The macromonomer of general formula (II) containing terminal double bonds were produced using a stainless-steel reactor (continuous stirred tank reactor, “CSTR”) connected in series to a flash evaporator and a condenser unit. The monomer, solvent, and initiator mixture were fed continuously with a volumetric rate of 8.4 cc/min (to achieve a 12-min residence time in the CSTR reactor) at temperature in the range of 180-300 °C. Solvent was xylene (11 wt% of the feed) and initiator was DTBP (1 wt% of the feed). Volatiles were distilled by flashing off in a tank at 200- 300 °C under 130 - 0.1 mbar vacuum. The amount of monomers is as mentioned in Table-1: Table-1

The terminal double bonds (TBD) per chain for the macromonomer were in the range of 0.49-0.99 and the polydispersity was in the range of 1.56-7.08. The general procedure for the synthesis of the polymer (A) is as follows:

Polymers A1 and A2 were synthesized using a continuous polymerization method. The monomers, macromonomer, solvent, and initiator as described in Table-2 were continuously charged to a continuous stirred tank reactor (CSTR) connected in series to a heated evaporator. The reaction mixture was maintained at 170 °C for 15 minutes and continuously discharged through a heated evaporator to remove residual monomers and solvent. The polymer was collected in the polymer collection zone.

Table-2

Bacteria anti-adhesion test

Wash formulation (0.75 g/L) in lOmM HEPES (4-(2-hy droxy ethyl)- 1 -piperazine ethanesulfonic acid) buffer at pH 7 (“solvent”) was used. As “buffer”, an aqueous HEPES (4-(2-hydroxyethyl)- 1 -piperazine ethanesulfonic acid) buffer (10 mM) with pH 7 was applied. Fabrics were used wet after coating. 2 hours inoculum contact time

The overnight cultures were diluted 1:10 in saline to achieve 3.4 - 3.7 x l0⁷ colony forming unit per ml (cfu/ml).

Contact time (bacteria) and temperature of inoculum: 2h at 35°C under shaking conditions (~ 100 mot 1 / min)

Elution media (“Neutralizer”): Phosphate buffer pH 7.4 with 1% Tween 80 and 0.3% soy lecithin Rinsing medium: saline solution 0.85%

Dilution media: saline solution 0.85%

Nutrient medium: Tryptone soy broth, Tryptone soy agar (TSA) Incubation of TSA plates: 18 - 20h at 36°C

Single-fiber adjacent polyester fabric of surface area of 400 mm² (made by testex) was washed by Linitest. Polymer (A) A1 and A2 were diluted in wash formulation (0.075 wt.%) to achieve use concentrations of 7.5 ppm, 15 ppm and 75 ppm. The test fabric was placed in 10 ml of this solution for a time of 18 hours at room temperature with continuous shaking at 60 rpm. Fabrics were used in a wet state after coating for subsequent procedures. The inoculum was prepared by adding one part of S. aureus to ten parts of saline (0.85 % NaCl solution). The fabrics were transferred with tweezers in saline solution and rinsed two times in 10 ml saline (10 sec resp.) and were then placed in 5 ml inoculum for lh at 35°C under shaking conditions (~ 100 mot 1 / min) in a humid chamber. After lh of incubation the fabrics were rinsed two times in 2 x 10 ml saline (2 min resp.) under shaking conditions (~ 150 mot 1 / min) to remove non-adherent bacteria. The bacteria were removed from the fabrics by shaking them in glass vessels with 30 g glass beads in 10 ml phosphate buffer for two min each side (~ 250 mot 1 / min). The fabrics were removed from the glass vessels and the cell number of the liquid was determined by diluting in saline and spot plating on TSA (5 mΐ spots). The countable spots were enumerated. The results of % reduction of bacteria after 1 hour are given in Table-3 and 4 for polymers al and A2 respectively.

Table-3: Bacteria reduction test results

Test strain: Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 6538 (S. aureus)

Table-4: Bacteria reduction test results Test strain: Escherichia coli ATCC 25922

Soil removing data Calculation of reflectance (dE) dE = The total color difference between sample (reading after wash) and stained fabric (reading before wash).

The following equation is used for calculating dE

dL = difference in lightness and darkness (+ = lighter, - = darker) da = difference in red and green (+ = redder, - = greener) db = difference in yellow and blue (+ = yellower, - = bluer)

L, a, and b are the coordinates of the CIE 1976 (L, a, b) colour space, determined using a standard reflectometer.

Procedure:

The tested pre-soiled fabrics/swatches were 3 inches x 2 inches rectangles of cotton and polyester. The tested swatches had been pre-soiled with butter, motor oil, olive oil and synthetic sebum with carbon black. A total of 2 swatches per soil and per fabric type, 4 un-soiled cotton swatches and 4 un-soiled polyester swatches were used. The test was performed in a terg-o-tometer. AATCC

Test Method 61 was used to evaluate the wash fastness of the test fabrics.

Table-5: Wash conditions

Swatches of clean, pinked pre-stained fabrics were washed, in duplicate, for 1 cycle in solutions of AATCC detergent according to AATCC test method 61. The ability of the detergent composition comprising the polymer A2 to remove stain/soil was estimated by comparing the reflectance (dE) of the pre-stained swatches before and after wash in the laundry detergent composition. dE values represent the difference between the reflectance after wash of the test detergent and the reflectance before wash. A higher value of dE indicates better cleaning performance.

Soil Removing Efficiency

In Examples 5-12 the soiled fabric was treated according to the wash conditions specified in table- 5 whereas in the control examples the soiled fabric was treated with the laundry detergent composition without the polymer A2.

Table 6

Examples 5-12 comprising the laundry detergent formulation with the polymer according to the present invention, exhibited a higher dE value compared to control samples, thereby indicating a high soil removing performance due to the laundry detergent compositions comprising the polymer according to the presently claimed invention.

Claims

1. A textile coated with a polymer (A), said polymer comprising the reaction product of: (a) at least one monomer of the general formula (I)

wherein

Ri denotes H or CH₃;

R₂ denotes an unsubstituted or substituted phenyl or -C(=0)-0R₃; and R₃ denotes H or a linear or branched, acyclic or cyclic, unsubstituted or substituted Ci to Ci6 alkyl or an unsubstituted phenyl; and

(b) at least one macromonomer of general formula (II)

wherein

R4 denotes H or CH3;

R5 denotes -C(=0)-0R7;

Rs denotes -C(=0)-ORs;

R₇ denotes linear or branched, acyclic, unsubstituted Ci to G alkyl;

Rs denotes H or linear or branched, acyclic, unsubstituted Ci to G, alkyl;

X denotes -C(=0)-0R or an unsubstituted phenyl group or linear or branched Ci to Ce alkyl which is substituted with hydroxy; R’ denotes H or linear or branched, acyclic, unsubstituted or substituted Ci to G alkyl; a is an integer in the range of 0 to 150; and b is an integer in the range of 0 to 150; with the proviso that 2 < a +b < 150.

2. The textile according to claim 1 , wherein each R₃ independently denotes H, methyl, ethyl, «-propyl, «-butyl, «-pentyl, «-hexyl, «-heptyl, «-octyl, «-nonyl, «-decyl, «-undecyl, «- dodecyl, «-tridecyl, «-tetradecyl, «-pentadecyl, «-hexadecyl, isopropyl, isobutyl, isopentyl, isohexyl, isoheptyl, isooctyl, isononyl, isodecyl, isoundecyl, isododecyl, isotridecyl, isotetradecyl, isopentadecyl, isohexadecyl, 2-ethyl hexyl, 2-propyl heptyl, /-butyl, neo pentyl, methyl phenoxy, ethyl phenoxy, propyl phenoxy, butyl phenoxy, pentyl phenoxy or hexyl phenoxy.

3. The textile according to claim 1, wherein R7 denotes methyl, ethyl or butyl.

4. The textile according to claim 1, wherein a is an integer in the range of 1 to 140.

5. The textile according to claim 1, wherein b is an integer in the range of 1 to 100.

6. The textile according to claim 1, wherein the at least one macromonomer has a weight average molecular weight in the range of 200 g/mol to 3000 g/mol.

7. The textile according to one or more of claims 1 to 5, wherein the polymer (A) has a weight average molecular weight in the range of 300 g/mol to 30000 g/mol.

8. The textile according to one or more of claims 1 to 7, wherein the ratio of monomer (a) to macromonomer (b) is in the range of 1 : 1 to 70: 1.

9. The textile according to one or more of claims 1 to 8, wherein the textile is made of fibers selected from the group of natural fibers, synthetic fibers, and blends thereof.

10. A method for coating a textile comprising the steps of: (A) putting a solution comprising a polymer (A) in contact with the textile, said polymer comprising the reaction product of:

(a) at least one monomer of the general formula (I)

wherein

Ri denotes H or Ctb;

R2 denotes an unsubstituted or substituted phenyl or -C(=0)-0R₃; and R3 denotes H or a linear or branched, acyclic or cyclic, unsubstituted or substituted Ci to Ci₆ alkyl or an unsubstituted phenyl; and (b) at least one macromonomer of general formula (II)

wherein

R4 denotes H or CH3;

R5 denotes -C(=0)-0R7;

Rs denotes -C(=0)-ORs;

R7 denotes linear or branched, acyclic, unsubstituted Ci to G alkyl;

Rs denotes H or linear or branched, acyclic, unsubstituted Ci to G, alkyl;

11 The method according to claim 10, wherein the polymer (A) is present in the solution in an amount of 0.0001 wt.% to 10.0 wt.%, based on the overall weight of the solution.

12 The method according to claims 10 or 11, which further comprises the step of (C) rinsing the textile of step (B).

13 A process for the reduction of adhesion of proteinaceous substance to a textile comprising the steps of:

(I) adding a solution comprising a polymer (A) onto the textile, said polymer comprising the reaction product of:

(a) at least one monomer of the general formula (I)

wherein

Ri denotes H or CI¾;

Ci to Ci₆ alkyl or an unsubstituted phenyl; and

(b) at least one macromonomer of general formula (II)

wherein

R4 denotes H or CH3;

R5 denotes -C(=0)-0R7;

R6 denotes -C(=0)-ORs;

R7 denotes linear or branched, acyclic, unsubstituted Ci to G alkyl;

Re denotes H or linear or branched, acyclic, unsubstituted Ci to G, alkyl;

(II) keeping the solution comprising the polymer (A) in contact with the textile for a time period of 2 minutes to 2 hours.

14. The process according to claim 13, wherein the polymer (A) is present in an amount of 0.0001 wt.% to 10.0 wt.%, based on the overall weight of the solution.

15. The process according to claim 13 or 14, which further comprises the step of (III) rinsing the textile of step (II).

16. A process for the reduction of adhesion of a microorganism to a textile comprising the steps of:

(a) at least one monomer of the general formula (I) wherein

Ri denotes H or CI¾;

wherein

R4 denotes H or CH3;

R5 denotes -C(=0)-0R7;

Rs denotes -C(=0)-ORs;

R7 denotes linear or branched, acyclic, unsubstituted Ci to Ce alkyl;

Rs denotes H or linear or branched, acyclic, unsubstituted Ci to Ce alkyl;

17. Use of the polymer (A) for the reduction of adhesion of a microorganism to a textile, said polymer comprising the reaction product of:

(a) at least one monomer of the general formula (I)

wherein

Ri denotes H or CI¾;

wherein

R4 denotes H or CH3;

R5 denotes -C(=0)-0R7;

Rs denotes -C(=0)-ORs;

R7 denotes linear or branched, acyclic, unsubstituted Ci to G alkyl;

Rs denotes H or linear or branched, acyclic, unsubstituted Ci to G, alkyl;

18. A laundry detergent composition comprising

(i) polymer (A) comprising the reaction product of: (a) at least one monomer of the general formula (I)

wherein

Ri denotes H or Cfb;

wherein

R4 denotes H or CH3;

R5 denotes -C(=0)-0R7;

Rs denotes -C(=0)-ORs;

R7 denotes linear or branched, acyclic, unsubstituted Ci to G alkyl;

Rs denotes H or linear or branched, acyclic, unsubstituted Ci to G, alkyl;

(ii) at least one surfactant; and (iii) optionally at least one additive.

19. The laundry detergent composition according to claim 18, wherein the at least one surfactant is selected from the group of anionic, cationic, amphoteric, nonionic surfactants, and mixtures thereof.

20 The laundry detergent composition according to claim 18 or 19, wherein the at least one additive is selected from the group of polyacrylates, dye transfer inhibitors, solvents, enzymes, bleaching compounds, chelating agents, builders, alkali metal hydroxide, fragrances, and mixtures thereof.

21. A method for removal of soil from the textile, said method comprising the step of contacting the textile with the laundry detergent composition according to one or more of claims 18 to 20

22 Use of laundry detergent composition according to one or more of claims 18 to 20 for removal of soil from the textile.