DE3530506A1 - DETERGENT COMPOSITION SUITABLE FOR WASHING AND SOFTENING TEXTILES IN WASHING WATER AT AN INCREASED TEMPERATURE OF AT LEAST 60 (DEGREE) C. - Google Patents

Description

description

The invention relates to a composition and the use the same for cleaning and softening textiles in the wash cycle of a washing program, in particular compositions, which are suitable when using hot water and a water-insoluble quaternary ammonium compound as A detergent, a nonionic surfactant with a cloud point below the wash temperature, and a amphoteric surfactant to raise the cloud point of the composition to a temperature above the washing temperature contain.

Treatment mixtures for improving the softness and tactility of textiles are known.

Fabric softening agents are usually added to the rinse water when washing in the household during the rinse cycle, which only has a duration of about 2 to 5 minutes, which is why the consumer is forced to switch to the washing program monitor or take other precautions to add the Texti! Softener at the right time. Through this it becomes necessary that the consumer is either shortly before or at the beginning of the wash cycle of the washing program Washing machine, which is of course annoying. Also, one must take special care to use an appropriate amount of it Use fabric softeners to avoid overdosing the fabrics by depositing a greasy film on the surface of the fabric can make it water-repellent or yellow to a certain extent leaves.

To solve these problems, the use of fabric softening agents has already been proposed, the conventional ones Detergents are compatible and therefore combined with these in a single pack and used during the wash cycle of the Washing program can be used. Examples of such fabric softeners to be added in the wash cycle Compositions are given in U.S. Patents 3,351,438, 3,660,286 and 3,703,480. These to be added in the wash cycle Fabric softening compositions contain a cationic quaternary ammonium compound as a fabric softening agent and additional ingredients that the softening compounds with the usual detergents make compatible.

However, it is also known that the either as part of a surfactant softening composition or as Softening agents Softening compounds added in the wash cycle, both lightening and cleaning Impair the detergent's effectiveness. That has led to attempts to degrade this in plasticizing Detergent compositions by using nonionic surfactants, higher concentrations of brighteners, carboxymethyl cellulose, To compensate for yellowing preventing compounds, blueing agents, etc. to a certain extent.

However, there has been little improvement in wash cycle softening detergents which use several surfactants, most of which are anionic.

However, there are also numerous publications on detergent compositions containing cationic softening agents including quaternary ammonium compounds as plasticizers and nonionic surfactants. Examples of this are U.S. Patents 4,264,457, 4,239,659, 4,259,217, 4,222,905, 3,951,879, 3,360,470, 3,351,483,

3 644 203, etc. mentioned. In addition, the üS-PSen 3,537,993, 3,583,912, 3,983,079, 4,203,872 and 4,264,479, especially combinations of nonionic surfactants, cationic ones Fabric softeners and other ionic surfactants 5 or modifiers such as two zwitterionic surfactants, amphoteric surfactants and the like.

Although a number of these known formulations ensure satisfactory cleaning and / or softening under many different conditions, they have the disadvantages that they do not provide adequate softening, for example comparable to the softening agents added in the rinse, especially in hot washing water, ie at temperatures of 60 ^° C. and above, guarantee? require the formation of complexes of the cationic compound? Use less plasticizing, water-soluble, e.g. cationic mono-higher alkyl quaternary ammonium compounds? are limited to liquid compositions? etc.

While it is not uncommon nowadays for detergents and common automatic household washing machines, particularly in the United States, to enable effective washing / cleaning of soiled fabrics using cold or warm wash water, especially delicate fabrics, wash-wear fabrics, permanent pressed fabrics and like that. Nevertheless, it is assumed that more effective cleaning (removal of dirt) requires higher washing temperatures. Furthermore, in Europe and in other countries, household ^{washing machines are operated at warm temperatures of 60 °} C. or more up to the boiling temperature of the washing water. While these high temperatures are beneficial for soil removal, they are not equally beneficial for softening.

The applicant has now found that the softening effect a detergent system based on a mixture of nonionic surfactant and fabric softening cationic quaternary ammonium compound is significantly improved if one has a certain, through cloud points above the Washing temperature characterized class of nonionic surfactants used. This improvement in the softening effect will furthermore without any, or at least without significant impairment of the washing (i.e. cleaning) performance achieved. This invention is the subject of the applicant's German patent application, accordingly U.S. Serial No. 646,594, incorporated herein by reference.

The Applicant has also found that the cloud point nonionic surfactants which have cloud point temperatures below 60 ⁰ C, can be increased to above 60 ⁰ C in that incorporating an amphoteric surfactant in the detergent composition. It has also been found that the surfactant mixtures of nonionic and amphoteric surfactants are compatible with water-insoluble cationic quaternary ammonium compounds as fabric softening agents such as dimethyl distearyl ammonium chloride (DMDSAC) and increase the softening performance of the cationic fabric softeners to the same extent as the nonionic surfactants with a high cloud point, which are above the washing temperature lying high cloudiness points by themselves. Finally, it has also been found that the mixed nonionic / amphoteric surfactant system, even in the presence of the cationic fabric softener, acts synergistically in that it surprisingly provides better cleaning performance than the same or greater amounts of either surfactant in the absence of the other.

A relationship between detergency and cloud point of a nonionic / cationic surfactant mixture is known from U.S. Patents 4,222,905 and 4,259,217. In particular, in column 5, lines 40 to 61 is the the latter:

Methods are proposed for washing fabrics with the compositions of the invention which provide superior removal of greasy or oily soil and the benefits of gentle fabric treatment. In these methods, the detergent compositions are applied under temperature conditions such that the aqueous washing solution is either at or near (ie within about 20 ^° C.) the cloud point (ie the temperature at which a phase rich in nonionic surfactants is deposited in the washing solution) of the nonionic / cationic surfactant mixture be formulated that its cloud point between about 0 and 95 ° C, especially about 10 to 70 ⁰ C, especially between about 20 and 70 ⁰ C, in particular between about 30 and about 50 C falls. During washing, the temperature of the wash solution within this temperature range and within 2 0 C kept from the temperature of the cloud point. The result is further improved if the temperature of the aqueous washing solution within about 15 ° C, preferably cationic within about 10 ⁰ C, the cloud point temperature of the nonionic / surfactant mixture is. "

Obviously, the requirement for wash temperatures at or below the cloud point temperature increases work starts from the premise that the cloud point

of the surfactant mixture in the washing water corresponds to the temperature, in which the micelle formation of the surfactant occurs to such an extent that these aggregations become so large that they emerge from the solution and thereby cause the observed turbidity. Another temperature rise will lead to complete phase separation of water and nonionic surfactant and the result is the cleaning effect for soiled textiles and the overall cleaning ability lost.

Although US Pat. No. 4,259,217 states that the nonionic / cationic mixtures "depending on the identity and concentration of the cationic component ... ensure the advantages known from the prior art for such cationic surfactants, such as ... the Cleaning Effect of Textiles "nevertheless, there is no doubt that this does not imply or suggest that the softening effects of cationic surfactants can be significantly improved by using certain nonionic surfactants, which per se have high cloud point temperatures. Compared to the teaching of these US patents, which describe a relationship between the cloud point of the nonionic / cationic mixture, the washing temperature and the cleaning performance, it was found according to the invention that there is the relationship between the cloud point of the nonionic surfactant alone (or the nonionic surfactant and in the wash water electrolytes present) and the washing temperature, which causes the softening effect of the water-insoluble cationic quaternary ammonium softening agents. In contrast to the condition in accordance with the invention, high cloud point temperatures (eg above about 60 ⁰ C, especially above about 90 ⁰ C, especially preferably above 100 ⁰ C) to be applied to the above US-PS 4,259,217 and 4,222,905 nonionic according Surfactants with relatively low cloud points

preferred. Therefore, the nonionic surfactants used according to these patents are fatty alcohols with at most 12 moles of ethylene oxide, preferably at most 9 moles of ethylene oxide, are ethoxylated and have HLB values, i.e. Have values of the hydrophilic-lipophilic balance of about 5 to 17, preferably about 6 to 15.

It was thus completely surprising that the plasticizing performance of cationic plasticizers improved dramatically could be without the cleaning performance of the nonionic surfactant not only not reduced, but is actually improved using a mixed nonionic / amphoteric surfactant system that has one Has a cloud point above the washing temperature.

It is the object of the invention to improve the softening effect of detergents, the quaternary ammonium compounds contained as plasticizers and nonionic surfactants without affecting the overall cleaning effect in any significant way Way is adversely affected.

The object of the invention is also _; to improve both the softening and the cleaning effect of a surfactant-softener composition which contains water-insoluble cationic textile softeners and nonionic surfactants whose cloud point ^{temperature is below 60 °} C. if these mixtures are used for washing soiled textiles in what:
be used.

Textiles in water at a temperature of at least 60 ^° C

To achieve this and other objects that will become apparent from the following description, a detergent for washing soiled textiles in washing water at an elevated temperature of at least about 60 ^° C. to the boiling point of about 100 ^° C. is proposed

nonionic surfactant with a cloud point below the elevated temperature, a water-insoluble cationic one quaternary ammonium compound as a fabric softener and an amphoteric surfactant in an amount sufficient to increase the cloud point of the composition to a temperature above the elevated temperature. In a preferred Embodiment of the invention, the detergent contains at least one further detergent additive of the group from builders, thickeners ^ substances to prevent reprecipitation, corrosion inhibitors, bleaches, Enzymes, dyes ,. Bluing agents, optical Brighteners, fragrances and the like.

The nonionic surfactants used according to the invention are only determined by their water solubility and their cloud point temperature.

Suitable nonionic surfactants are commercially available and are condensation products of an alkylene oxide or equivalent reactant and a hydrophobic compound with reactive hydrogen. The hydrophobic organic Compounds can be aliphatic, aromatic or heterocyclic, with the first two classes being preferred are. The preferred types of hydrophobic compounds are higher aliphatic alcohols and alkyl phenols, although also others can be used such as carboxylic acids, carboxamides, mercaptans, sulfonamides, etc. The ethylene oxide condensates with higher alkyl phenols or higher fatty alcohols represent preferred classes of nonionic compounds In general, the hydrophobic portion should have at least about 6 carbon atoms, preferably at least about 8 carbon atoms and may even contain about 50 carbon atoms or more, with a preferred range from 8 to 22 Carbon atoms, especially 10 to 18 carbon atoms

for the aliphatic alcohols and 12 to 20 carbon atoms for the higher alkyl phenols. The amount of alkylene oxide varies considerably depending on the hydrophobic moiety or compound. As a general guideline and rule, at least about 3 moles of alkylene oxide per mole of hydrophobic ensure connection up to about 14 moles of alkylene oxide per mole of hydrophobic compound, the necessary water solubility, detergency and cloud point temperatures of less than about 60 ⁰ C.

For example, the preferred nonionic surfactants can be represented by the formulas

RO (CH ₀ CH ₀ O) H (I)

& £ » Xl

where R is a primary or secondary alkyl radical having about 8 to 22 carbon atoms and η is an average of Is 3 to 14, preferably 4 to 12, especially 6 to 11; or

R ¹ O- (CH ₀ CH ₀ O) H (II)
2. λ m

where R ¹ denotes a primary or secondary alkyl radical having 4 to 12 carbon atoms and m is an average value of 3 to 14, preferably 4 to 12, in particular 6 to 11, are shown.

The preferred alcohols from which the compounds of the formula I can be prepared include the lauryl, myristyl, cetyl, stearyl and oleyl alcohols and mixtures thereof. Above all preferred meanings of R are C ₁₀ to C _g , the C ₀ to C ₁₅ alkyls and mixtures thereof being particularly preferred.

The preferred meanings for R ¹ are C _g to C ₁₂ , with Cg and Cq including octyl, isooctyl and nonyl being particularly preferred.

Typical examples of a nonionic compound of formula I are with 5 or 7 or 11 moles of ethylene oxide condensed lauryl alcohol. Typical examples of a nonionic compound of Formula II are from 3 to 8 moles Ethylene oxide condensed isooctylphenol or nonylphenol.

Other nonionic compounds that can be used include the polyoxyalkylene esters of organic Acids such as the higher fatty acids, resin acids, tall oil acids, acids from crude oil oxidation products, etc. These esters usually contain about 10 to about 22 carbon atoms in the acid portion and about 3 to about 12 moles of ethylene oxide or an equivalent of the same.

Other nonionic surfactants are the alkylene oxide condensates with higher fatty acid amides. The fatty acid group contains generally from about 8 to about 22 carbon atoms, and with about 3 to about 12 moles of ethylene oxide is more preferred Compound condensed. The corresponding carboxamides and sulfonamides can also be used as equivalent compounds to serve.

The amount of nonionic surfactant should generally be the minimum amount that is added to the wash water with the amphoteric surfactant has an adequate cleaning effect. Generally the amounts will be in the range from about 0.5 to about 20%, preferably from about 1 to about 15%, and particularly preferably from about 1 to 10% on the weight of the composition.

The compositions according to the invention are primarily intended for use in commercial and domestic washing programs which work at elevated washing temperatures, in particular at washing temperatures above 60 ^° C., preferably above 80 ^° C. and especially preferably at the boiling point, ie at 100 ^° C. or below more. Of course, these compositions can nonetheless, even if they are particularly effective when used at these elevated temperatures, provide their improved plasticization even at lower temperatures below 60 ^° C. up to about 20 ^° C. or below.

If the compositions are formulated for use for a wide range of washing temperatures such as 20 to 60 ^° C as well as for higher temperatures in order to be ideally suited for a wide range of textiles including delicate natural and synthetic fibers as well as less temperature sensitive fabrics such as cotton etc. , The combination and ratio of nonionic and amphoteric surfactant can be chosen so that a cloud point temperature is achieved which ^{exceeds the washing temperature by at least about 20 0} C, for example a cloud point temperature of the composition in the range of 80 to 90 ⁰ C. However, if the formulation is intended to be mainly at elevated wash temperatures of 60 ⁰ C or more is used, such as in Europe in general, the case as well as in commercial laundry operations, said composition substantially higher Trübuhgspunkte will have, for example, up to about 50 ⁰ C above the washing temperature. To the mixture of nonionic and amphoteric surfactant for a washing temperature of 60 ⁰ C to a cloud point of at least

about 65 C, preferably at least about 70 C and up to about 90 ⁰ C, preferably in the range of about 70 ⁰ C to 85 ° C have. For washing temperatures of 100 ⁰ C, the composition should have a cloud point in the range of about 105 C to about 150 ⁰ C, preferably from 105 ⁰ C to 120 ⁰ C hold.

The term "cloud point" here means the temperature at which a curve in which the dependence of the light scattering intensity is obtained the composition, represented by the temperature of the washing solution, begins to sharply to theirs to increase to the maximum value, the experimental conditions being as follows:

The light scattering intensity is measured with a photogoniodiffusometer model VM-12397 manufactured by the Societe Francaise d ¹ instruments de controle et d ¹ analyzes, France (the device is hereinafter referred to as SOFICA). The SOFICA cell for the sample and its lid are washed with hot acetone and then left to dry. The surfactant mixture is prepared and brought into solution with distilled water at a concentration of 1000 ppm. A sample of the solution of approximately 15 ml is placed in the sample cell by means of a syringe with a 0.2 μ nucleopore filter. The syringe needle goes through the sample cell lid so that the inside of the cell is not exposed to atmospheric dust. The sample is left in a variable temperature bath and both the bath and the sample are constantly agitated. The bath is heated with the aid of the SOFICA heater (heating rate 1 ° C./minute) and cooled by adding ice; the temperature of the sample is determined by the temperature of the bath. The light scattering intensity (90 ° angle) of the sample is then determined in the SOFICA at different temperatures, using a green filter and without a polarizer.

According to the invention, cloud point determinations were made both for the solutions of the nonionic / amphoteric surfactant (with 1% by weight) in distilled water as well as in 10% NaCl containing water carried out, although in the latter in general the amount of salt and electrolyte that in normal Usage far exceeds actual amount. Therefore, if the cloud point of the nonionic / amphoteric surfactant mixture measured in a 10% NaCl solution is the corresponds to the cloud point requirements according to the invention, there is no problem with the formulation of Compositions containing very high concentrations of builder salts and other electrolytes, for example up to about 85% of the composition.

The cloud point temperature of a given composition in the washing solution depends, as is known, on the physical and chemical properties (such as CMC and solubility) of cationic, nonionic / amphoteric and additional components contained in this composition, and is made by extending the alkyl chain of the nonionic surfactant, reducing the degree of ethoxylation of the nonionic component, or by adding Electrolytes such as phosphates, polyphosphates, perborates, carbonates, sulfates, etc., especially in proportion small amounts (e.g. from about 1 to about 15% of a given composition).

Since, according to the invention, water-insoluble cationic softening compounds are used, they have essentially no effect of any kind on the cloud point of the overall composition. In fact, since the According to the invention applied plasticizing cationic compounds are water-insoluble, the cloud point temperature The overall formulation is very difficult to measure because the mixtures are naturally somewhat cloudy. For this reason

becomes the cloud point of the nonionic surfactant and the nonionic / amphoteric surfactant mixture, with or without Addition of electrolytes, in the absence of the cationic compound, determines what is a sufficiently accurate measurement of the Cloud point of the overall composition including the cationic compound results.

At washing temperatures of about 60 to 70 ^° C., all of the nonionic surfactants specified above, provided they are ethoxylated with at least 15 moles of ethylene oxide, generally 15 to 30 moles of ethylene oxide, cloud points above the washing temperature and result in improved softening without the amphoteric surfactant.

At higher washing temperatures, however, from 71 ⁰ C to 100 ⁰ C, especially 80 ° to 100 ⁰ C, only the more strongly ethoxylated surfactants, with, for example, 25 to 30 moles of ethylene oxide per mole of hydrophobic fraction, for example those with 25 to 30 moles, in particular with 28 to 30 moles of ethylene oxide and most preferably with about 30 moles of ethoxylated Cg-C _g alkyl phenols sufficiently high cloud points to provide improved softening without the amphoteric surfactant.

Detergent compositions based on nonionic surfactants with a high cloud point ensure improved softening, as in the patent application mentioned
in accordance with US-Serial No. 646 594, however, often show a certain impairment of their cleaning effect. In addition, the highly ethoxylated nonionic surfactants are more expensive and less readily available commercially than the low cloud point nonionic surfactants employed in the present invention.

These disadvantages of the applicant's parallel application are avoided according to the invention, since the addition of the amphoteric surfactant allows the use of the less expensive and easily available nonionic surfactants, which are characterized by cloud points of below 60 ^° C. and HLB values of about 5 to about 17 * Smaller amounts of total surfactants present are required to achieve equivalent or superior cleaning action; and to improve the softening effect of the cationic textile softeners, the cloud point of the detergent composition is increased to above the selected washing temperature.

It has now been found that the cloud point of any nonionic surfactant can be reduced by about 40 ^° C., generally about 5 to 20 ° C., by adding an amphoteric surfactant, for example an amphoteric carboxyethylated higher fatty alkylKz.B. coco) imidazoline compound, generally in an amount of 1 to 20%, preferably 1 to 15%, particularly preferably from about 1 to 10%, based on the weight of the composition.

Therefore, according to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the detergent contains, in addition to the nonionic surfactant of the formula I or II and the water-insoluble cationic quaternary, which is especially suitable for washing soiled textiles in washing water at an elevated temperature in the range from about 80 to 100 ^{° C} Ammonium textile softener of the formula III or IV an amphoteric surfactant in a sufficient amount to increase the cloud point of the composition to a temperature above the elevated temperature of 80 ^° C. to 100 ^° C., preferably above about 105 ^° C.

Without wishing to be bound by a specific theory, the hypothesis is that the amphoteric and Nonionic surfactants form mixed micelles which are more soluble than micelles made from nonionic surfactant alone. These mixed micelles continue to form aggregates that are large enough to stand out from the solution to deposit more resistance, which increases the temperature of the cloud point.

To increase the cloud point of the composition of nonionic surfactants and cationic fabric softener Essentially all of the known amphoteric surfactants can be used.

Examples of suitable amphoteric surfactants are those which have both an anionic and a cationic group and a hydrophobic organic group, which is advantageously a higher aliphatic radical with, for example, about 10 to 20 carbon atoms. These include the aminocarboxylic acids substituted with long-chain alkyl on the nitrogen (eg of the formula RR ₂ NR ¹ COOM)? iminodicarboxylic acids substituted with long-chain alkyl on the nitrogen (e.g. of the formula RN (R ¹ COOM) ₂ ) and the betaines substituted with long-chain alkyl on the nitrogen (e.g. of the formula RR ₃ R ₄ SR ¹ COO "), where R is a long-chain alkyl radical with, for example, 10 is up to 20 carbon atoms, R ^{1 is} a divalent radical that connects the amino and carboxylic acid parts of an amino acid (e.g. an alkylene radical with 1 to 4 carbon atoms), M stands for hydrogen or a salt-forming metal, R _{3 is} hydrogen or another monovalent substituent ( for example methyl or other lower alkyl), and R ₃ and R. represent monovalent substituents which are bonded to the nitrogen by carbon-nitrogen bonds (for example methyl or other lower alkyl substituents) Examples of special amphoteric substituents

Surfactants are the N-alkyl-beta-aminopropionic acids and N-alkylbeta-iminodipropionic acids and N-alkyl, N, N-dimethylglycine; the alkyl group can, for example, be derived from coconut fatty alcohol, lauryl alcohol, myristyl alcohol (or a mixture of lauryl and myristyl), Derive hydrogenated tallow alcohol, cetyl, stearyl or mixtures of such alcohols. The substituted ones Aminopropionic and iminodipropionic acids are often supplied in the sodium or other salt forms used for Implementation of the invention are applicable in the same way. Examples of other amphoteric surfactants are Fatty imidazolines such as those that are produced by the reaction of a long-chain fatty acid (e.g. with 10 to 20 carbon atoms) with diethylenediamine and monohalocarboxylic acids with 2 up to 6 carbon atoms can be obtained, e.g. l-coco-5-hydroxyethyl-S-carboxyethylimidazoliny Betaines which contain a sulfonic acid group instead of a carboxylic acid group; Betaines in which the long-chain substituent is with the carboxylic acid group with no intervening nitrogen atom such as inner salts of 2-trimethylamino fatty acids such as 2-trimethylaminolauric acid, and compounds all of the types mentioned above in which the nitrogen atom is replaced by phosphorus.

A special class of amphoteric surfactants are the complex fatty amido surfactants of the general formula (V)

I P

RC J ^ - R ¹ - OM (V)

OH "R ² - COOM

wherein R is a straight or branched chain, saturated or unsaturated aliphatic group with 12 to 18 carbon atoms (such as lauryl, tridecyl, tetradecyl, pentadecyl, Palmityl, heptadecyl, stearyl, tallow, coconut, soy, oleyl,

ι ο
Linoleyl), R and R each independently represent a divalent aliphatic hydrocarbon radical having 2 to 5 carbon atoms (e.g. methylene, ethylene, propylene, butylene, 2-methylbutylene, pentylene, etc.), and M represents hydrogen or an alkali metal (e.g. sodium , Potassium, cesium and lithium). Examples of compounds of Formula V that are commercially available include

! r

C _n H ₂ 3 C -N ^ -CH ₂ CH ₂ -ONa

OH "CH ₂ COONa

available as Miranol CM (liquid) and Miranol DM (paste) from Miranol Chemical Co.; Soromine AL and Soromine AT from GAF Corporation and the Deriphatic compounds from General Mills.

The compounds shown in columns 3 and 4 of U.S. Patent No. 4,230,872 can also be used. This includes the following seven connection groups

(1) Betaine surfactants of the formula

Ri-N ⁺ -Ra-30

R ₂ 0
Rl-N ⁺ -RA-CO-

R3

A suitable example is

CH ₃ ο
- N ⁺ CH ₂ CO "
CH3

(2) Betaine surfactants with an alkyl bridge of the formula

O R2 O

ti H "

R1 - CH2 - C - N - CH2CH2CH2 - N ⁺ - R4 - CO "R3

A suitable example is

H CH3 p,

(Cio-Ci4) n-alkyl-CH2— C — N —CH2CH2CH2 - N ⁺ - CH2CO "

CH3

(3) Imidazole surfactants of the formula CH2COOH 0

R ₁ -CN ⁺ - R4-0 — CH ₂ CO "

N CH ₂

A suitable example is

CH ₂ COOH

(C ₁₀ C _1A ) n-alkyl - C ^ ⁺ -CH ₂ CH ₂ OCH ₂ CO '

CH ₂

(4) Alkyliminopropxonate surfactants of Formula 30

R ₁ -N- CH 2 CH 2 COOH

(5) Alkyliminodipropionate surfactants of the formula

RI-OCH2CH2CH2-N

(6) Ether-bridged alkyliminodipropionate surfactants

the formula
10

CH2CH2COOH cH2CH2COOH

(7) Amphoteric surfactants based on cocoimxdazoline of the formula

HO

_Rl _C N + -CH2OCH2CH2CO

Ji i

Mixtures of the amphoteric surfactants with one another and with the amine oxide surfactants specified above can also be used.

In the above formulas (1) to (7), R ₁ denotes a straight-chain or branched, saturated or unsaturated aliphatic radical having about 7 to about 20, preferably about 8 to 18, particularly preferably about 10 to 14 carbon atoms, R2 and R, respectively lower alkyl with

C. to C ₄ -, preferably methyl or ethyl, above all

Ethyl, R. a divalent C. to C 1-4 alkyl, preferably Methylene or ethylene, particularly preferably ethylene. A particularly preferred group of amphoteric compounds are the carboxyethoxyethylated higher fatty alkylimidazoline compounds of formula (8)

/ CH2

H ₂ C ^ HN ⁺ -CH ₂ CH ₂ COO-

HOR4- N C «- Ri

where R- is a straight-chain or branched, saturated or unsaturated aliphatic group with 7 to 20 carbon atoms, preferably 8 to 18 carbon atoms, particularly preferably 10 to 14 carbon atoms and R. is a divalent lower alkyl group with 1 to 4 carbon atoms, preferably 1 or 2 carbon atoms means. Preferred groups R ₁ include coco, tallow, heptadecyl, oleyl, decyl and dodecyl, in particular coco (for example of coconut fatty acid). The preferred group R. is ethylene (-CH ₂ CH ₂ -). The compound carboxyethylated cocoimidazoline is available as Rexoteric CSF, a product of Rexolin, with 100% active ingredients or as a solution containing 45% active ingredients.

The open chain carboxyethylated alkylamine derivatives of higher fatty alkyls are another preferred class of amphoteric Links. These include the above groups (4), (5), and (6), e.g. the alkyliminopropionate and ether-bridged Alkyliminopropionate surfactants. A particularly preferred representative of this group is carboxyethylated octylamine, the available as Rexoteric OASF from Rexolin. Other classes of amphoteric surfactants such as the sarcosines, taurines, Isothionates and the like can also be used.

Although there are no rigid guidelines on choosing combinations of nonionic and amphoteric surfactants or suitable ones Amounts of the same to achieve the necessary cloud point temperature above the washing temperature are around the To increase the softening performance of the cationic fabric softener, it is generally sufficient that amphoteric surfactant with the above specified amount of nonionic surfactant in an amount of 1 to 20%, preferably from about 1 to about 15%, especially from about 1 to about 10%, based on the total weight of the composition. Suitable ratios of nonionic to amphoteric surfactant within the abovementioned amounts are in that Range from about 1: 5 to 10: 1, preferably 1: 3 to 6: 1, especially 1: 2 to 4: 1.

However, some general guidelines and rules have been described above regarding the factors that affect the cloud point such as that longer alkyl chain groups in the amphoteric surfactant generally affect the cloud point of the Decrease composition. Accordingly, it can be assumed that within the above general Ranges of the amount and nature of the amphoteric surfactant can vary widely, depending on the particular one Temperature at which the formulation is to be used and the type and amount of the other ingredients, in particular the nonionic surfactant and the electrolytes.

Typical examples of this can be found in the following compilation of experimental data obtained by measuring the cloud point ^{temperatures (0} C) using the method given above from solutions containing 1% active ingredient either in distilled water or in a saline solution (10% NaCl) How the amphoteric surfactant increases the cloud point:

Distilled H ₃ O 10% NaCl 43 + 2 * 25 85 + 2 59 + 2 75 + 2 50 + 2 58 + 2 28 + 2 55 + 2 42 + 2 100 85 + 2 95 + 2 70 + 2 > 100 80 + 2 > 100 - > 100 72 91 _

Cloud point ( ⁰ C) surfactant (weight ratio)

A. ^C 12 " ^C 15 alkyl alcohol EO 7: 1 ₅ B. ^c i2 ~ ^C l5 alkyl alcohol EO 11: 1 A. + Rexoteric OASF (1: 2) A. + Rexoteric OASF (4: 1) A. + Rexoteric CSF (4: 1) B. + Rexoteric OASF (1: 2) B. + Rexoteric OASF (4: 1)

B. + Rexoteric CSF (4: 1) Isooctylphenol EO 30: 1 Nonylphenol EO 20: 1 Nonylphenol EO 15: 1

The above data allow to compare some more nonionic ethoxylated alkyl phenol _and} the values of cloud points.

The third essential component in the inventive Formulations is the cationic fabric softener. Softeners are applied to fabrics or textiles to soften. The terms "softening" and "softening" refer to the touch, touch, or that

Hand feeling; this is a tactile impression, the 25th

the hand or body is conveyed through fabrics or textiles and that of aesthetic and economic Meaning is. In general, the cationic fabric softeners contain at least one hydrophilic one functional group that carries a negative charge,

and a hydrophobic group containing a quaternary ammonium atom has that is positively charged.

In order to give the treated fabrics a satisfactory softness, it is essential that the cationic Compound is insoluble in water. According to the invention, a Compound considered insoluble in water if its solubility in water at the washing temperature is less than about 1%, preferably less than about 1/2%.

In general, it is desirable that the cationic softening compound be in the composition in a form is incorporated, which has the greatest possible dispersibility in the washing liquid and thus maximum adhesion the treated fabric guaranteed. To achieve this effect, dispersed particles can be added to the washing liquid may be used whose sizes range from about <10 to about 50 microns, preferably from about ^ 10 to about 20 microns.

As textile softeners which are known in the trade, water-insoluble quaternary ammonium compounds of the following formulas are suitable

R ₂ R ₅ -

(III)

R ₆ R ₇

(IV)

wherein R ₁ and R ₂ and R ₅ and R _{g are} each, independently of one another, a long-chain aliphatic radical with 16 to 22 carbon atoms, R ₃ and R ₄ and R-, independently of one another, mean lower alkyl radicals, or R _g the group - RgNHCRg is where Rg is a long chain aliphatic

is a table radical with 16 to 22 carbon atoms and R _g for a divalent alkyl group with 1 to 3 carbon atoms and X is a water-soluble salt-forming anion such as a halide, e.g. chloride, bromide, iodidej a sulfate, acetate, hydroxide, methosulfate, ethosulfate, or a is similar inorganic or organic solubilizing mono- or divalent radical. The carbon chain of the aliphatic radical having 16 to 22 carbon atoms, in particular 16 to 20 carbon atoms, can be straight-chain or branched, saturated or unsaturated. The lower alkyl radicals contain 1 to 4 carbon atoms and can have a hydroxy radical. Preferably the carbon chains are obtained from long chain fatty acids such as those derived from tallow and soybean oil. The terms “disoja” and “ditallow” etc. relate here to the starting substance from which the long-chain fatty alkyl chains are derived. Mixtures of the above and other water-insoluble quaternary ammonium surfactants can also be used, if appropriate. The preferred ammonium salt is a dialkyldimethylammonium chloride in which the alkyl group is derived from hydrogenated tallow or stearic acid, or a di-higher alkylimidazolinium chloride. Specific examples of quaternary ammonium softening agents according to Formula III suitable for use in the detergents of the invention include the following: hydrogenated ditallow dimethyl ammonium chloride, dimethyl distearyl ammonium chloride, dimethyl stearyl cetyl ammonium bromide, dimethyl dicetyl ammonium chloride, disojadimethyl ammonium sulfides, bromine dimethyl ammonium sulfates, etc.

Examples of softening quaternary ammonium compounds of Formula IV include 1-methyl-1,2-diheptadecylimidazolinium chloride (bromide, methosulfate), 1,2-dieicosylalkylamidoethyl-1-methylimidazolinium chloride (bromide, methosulfate), 2-hexadecyl-1 methyl-1 [(2-dodecoylamido) ethyl] imidazolinium methyl sulf ate, 2-heptadecyl-1-methyl-1 [(2-stearoylamido) ethyl] -imidazolinium methyl sulfate, 2-nonadecyl / heneicosyl-1 - [(2-eicosoyl / docosoylimidojethylj-imidazolinium methyl chloride.

Dimethyldistearylammonium chloride is because of its superior plasticizing effect, biodegradability, low water solubility, Availability and cost particularly preferred.

The amount of cationic fabric softener can in general in the range from about 1 to about 20%, preferably from about 4 to about 16%, and more preferably from about 6 to 9% based on the weight of the composition.

The weight ratio of the nonionic surfactant to the cationic plasticizer can be in the range of about 1:10 to 5: 1, preferably from about 1: 8 to 4.5: 1.

The detergents of the invention are preferably formulated as free flowing powders, but can also be in be in liquid form.

The detergent compositions according to the invention can also, which is generally the case, water-soluble Contains builder salts. Water-soluble inorganic alkaline builder salts, which can be used with the surfactant alone or in Mixtures that can be used with other builders are alkali metal carbonates, borates, phosphates, polyphosphates, Bicarbonates and silicates. Ammonium or substituted ammonium salts can also be used. Specific

Examples of such salts are sodium tripolyphosphate, sodium carbonate, Sodium tetraborate, sodium pyrophosphate, potassium pyrophosphate, Sodium bicarbonate, potassium tripolyphosphate, sodium hexametaphosphate, sodium sesguicarbonate, sodium mono- and diorthophosphate and potassium bicarbonate. The alkali metal silicates are valuable builder salts, which are also the Have the function of making the composition anti-corrosive to washing machine parts. Sodium silicates with Na2O / SiC> 2 ratios of 1.6 / 1 to 1 / 3.2, in particular from about 1/2 to 1 / 2.8 are preferred. Potassium silicates in the same proportions can also be used.

Another class of builders are the water-insoluble crystalline and / or amorphous aluminosilicates. Different Crystalline zeolites (i.e., aluminosilicates) are disclosed in British Patent 1,504,168, U.S. Patent 4,409,136 and Canadian Patents 1,072,835 and 1,087,477, all of which are incorporated herein by reference. An example for Amorphous zeolites which can be used according to the invention are found in Belgian patent 835 351. The zeolites have the general formula

(M ₂ O) _x - (Al ₂ O ₃ ) • (SiO ₂ ) _z • WH ₂ O

wherein χ is 1, y is 0.8 to 1.2 and preferably 1, ζ is 1.5 to 3.5 or more and preferably 2 to 3, w is 0 to 9, preferably 2.5 to 6, and M is preferably sodium. A typical zeolite is type A or of a similar structure, with type 4A being particularly preferred. The preferred aluminosilicates have Calcium ion exchange capacities of about 200 milligram equivalents per gram or more, e.g., 400.

Other materials such as clays, especially the water-insoluble ones, can be valuable additives in the inventive Be compositions, especially bentonite. This material consists mainly of montmorillonite, a hydrated aluminum silicate in which about 1/6 of the aluminum atoms can be replaced by magnesium atoms and with which varying amounts of hydrogen, sodium, potassium, calcium etc. can be easily combined. In its In a purer form (e.g. without gravel, sand, etc.), bentonite, which is suitable for detergents, invariably contains at least 50% Montmorillonit, so that its Katxonenaustauschkapazxtat at least about 50 to 75 milligram equivalent (meq) per 100 g bentonite is. Particularly preferred bentonites are the Wyoming or western US bentonites, which are called Thixo-jels 1, 2, 3, and 4 are sold by Georgia Kaolin Co. These bentonites are in GB-PS as textile softeners 401 413 and 461 221.

Examples of organic alkaline sequestering builder salts that can be used alone with the detergent or together with Other organic and inorganic builders that can be used are alkali metal, ammonium or substituted ones Ammonium aminopolycarboxylates, e.g. sodium and potassium ethylenedxamine tetraacetate, sodium and potassium nitrilotriacetates and triethanolammonium N- (2-hydroxyethyl) nitrilodiacetate. Mixed salts of these polycarboxylates are also suitable.

Other suitable organic builders include carboxymethyl succinates, Tartronates and glycolates. The polyacetal carboxylates are of particular value. The polyacetal carboxylates and their use in laundry detergents are disclosed in U.S. Patents 4,144,226; 4,315,092 and 4,146,495. Other patents over Similar builders include U.S. Patent 4,141,676? 4,169,934; 4,201,858; 4,204,852; 4,224,420; 4,225,685; 4,226,960;

4,233,422; 4,233,423; 4 302 564 and 4 303 777. Are also relevant are the European patent applications 0015024? 0021491 and 0063399.

To achieve additional desirable properties, more functional or aesthetically, various other detergent additives or auxiliaries may be present in the product be. The formulation can contain small amounts of dirt-bearing substances or substances that prevent reprecipitation may be incorporated, e.g., polyvinyl alcohol, fatty amides, sodium carboxymethyl cellulose, hydroxypropylmethyl cellulose; optical brighteners such as cotton, amine and polyester brighteners, e.g. stilbene, triazole and benzidine sulfone compositions, in particular sulfonated substituted triazinyl stilbene, sulfonated naphthotriazole tubes, benzidine sulfone, etc., with stilbene and triazole combinations being most preferred.

Bluing agents such as ultramarine blue can also be used; Enzymes, preferably proteolytic enzymes such as subtilisin, bromelin, papain, trypsin and pepsin and amylase enzymes; Bactericides, for example tetrachlorosalicylanilide, hexachlorophene; Fungicides; Dyes; Pigments (water dispersible); Protective fabrics; ultraviolet absorption means; anti-yellowing agents such as sodium carboxymethyl cellulose, or a complex of C 1 -C 4 alkyl alcohol with C ₁₂ to C 8 alkyl sulfate; pH modifiers and pH buffers; color-saving bleaching agents, fragrances as well as anti-foaming and anti-foaming agents, e.g. silicone compounds.

The bleaching agents are suitably roughly divided into chlorine bleaching agents and oxygen bleaching agents. Chlorine bleach Examples include sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl), potassium dichloroisocyanate (59% available chlorine), and trichloroisocyanuric acid (85% available chlorine). Oxygen-

Examples of bleaching agents are sodium and potassium perborates and potassium monopersulphate. Are oxygen bleaches preferred. Bleach stabilizers and / or activators such as tetraacetylethylenediamine can also be used to be built in.

The proportions of the components that are present in the preferred total care compositions are active ingredients in percent by weight, based on the total weight of the end product as follows: nonionic surfactant - about 0.5 to about 20%, preferably about 1 to about 15%, most preferably 1 to 10%; amphoteric surfactant - about 2 to 20%, preferably 1 to 15% and especially 1 to 10%; quaternary ammonium salt - about 1 to about 20%, preferably about 4 to about 16%, most preferably about 6 to 9% alkali metal builder salts - about 20% to about 85%, preferably about 35 to about 80% and especially about 60 to 75%, the remainder being detergent additives, fillers and Moisture is. Suitable ranges for detergent additives are: enzymes - 0 to 2%, especially 0.7 to 1.3%; Corrosion inhibitors - about 0 to 40%, preferably 5 to 30%? Anti-foam and foam-suppressing substances - 0 up to 15%, preferably 0 to 5%, e.g. 0.1 to 3%; dirt-bearing or reprecipitation-preventing and the Substances preventing yellowing - 0-10%, preferably 0.5-5%; Dyes, fragrances, brighteners and Blueing agent in total 0 to about 2%, preferably 0 to about 1% y pH modifier and pH buffer - 0 to 5%, preferably 0 to 2%; Bleach - 0 to about 40%, preferably 0 to about 25%, e.g., 2 to 20%; Stabilizers and activators for bleach - 0 to about 15%, preferably 0 to 10%, e.g., 0.1 to 8%. The ones to choose Auxiliaries and additives should be compatible with the main components of the detergent.

Although it is preferred that the nonionic and amphoteric surfactants be the only surfactants in the present invention Detergents, small amounts of other surfactants can also be used, including other nonionic, anionic and zwitterionic surfactants, preferably in amounts up to 20% by weight, especially up to 10% by weight and above all up to 5% by weight,

Examples of other nonionic surfactants include all of the above, but which are greater than 15 moles, for example Alkylene oxide per mole of hydrophobic portion, e.g., 15 to 30 moles of ethylene oxide per mole of hydrophobic compound.

Examples of suitable anionic surfactants include the water-soluble salts such as the sodium, potassium, ammonium, Alkylolammonium salts of higher fatty acids having 8 to 20 carbon atoms, preferably 10 to 18 carbon atoms.

Suitable fatty acids can be obtained from oils and waxes of animal or vegetable origin, for example tallow, fat, coconut oil, tall oils and mixtures thereof. The sodium and potassium salts of fatty acid mixtures made from coconut oil and tallow, for example sodium coconut soap and potassium tallow soap, are particularly suitable.
25th

The class of anionic surfactants also includes the water-soluble sulfated and sulfonated synthetic surfactants with an alkyl radical of 8 to 26, preferably about 12 to 22 carbon atoms in its molecule. (The term alkyl includes the alkyl portion of higher acyl groups.)

Examples of sulfonated anionic surfactants are the higher-alkyl-substituted mononuclear aromatic sulfonates like the higher-alkylbenzenesulfonates with 10 to 16

Carbon atoms in the higher, straight-chain or branched alkyl group, for example the sodium, potassium and ammonium salts of higher-alkylbenzenesulphonates, higher-alkyltoluenesulphonates, higher alkyl phenol sulfonates and higher Naphthalene sulfonate or higher alkyl naphthalene sulfonate. A preferred sulfonate is linear alkyl benzene sulfonate high in 3- (or higher) phenyl isomers and a correspondingly low content (well below 50%) of 2- (or lower) phenyl isomers, i.e. the benzene ring preferably mainly linked to the 3 or higher (such as 4, 5, 6 or 7) position of the alkyl group and the content the number of isomers in which the benzene ring is attached to the 2- or 1-position is correspondingly low. Particularly preferred substances are given in US Pat. No. 3,320,174.

Further suitable anionic surfactants are the olefin sulfonates including long-chain alkene sulfonates, long-chain hydroxyalkane sulfanates or mixtures of alkene sulfonates and hydroxyalkane sulfonates. The preparation of these Olefinsulfonattenside can be carried out in known manner by the reaction of _SO3 with long chain ^c o_25 ~ 'preferably C ₁₂ _2i ~ ^o ^ ^e f ^ ^NEN ^ ^he formula _RCH-CHR1, where R is a higher alkyl group having 6 to 23 Carbon atoms and R _{1 is} an alkyl radical having 1 to 17 carbon atoms or hydrogen, a mixture of sultones and alkene sulfonic acids being formed which is then treated to convert the sultones into sulfonates. Other examples of sulfate or sulfonate surfactants are paraffin sulfonates with about 10 to 20, preferably about 15 to 20 carbon atoms, e.g. the primary paraffin sulfonates, which are obtained by reacting long-chain alpha-olefins and bisulfites, and paraffin sulfonates in which the sulfonate groups along the paraffin chain, as in U.S. Patents 2,503,280; 2,507,088} 3,260,741; 3 372 188 and DE-PS

735 096 shown are distributed? Sodium and potassium sulfates of higher alcohols having 8 to 18 carbon atoms such as sodium lauryl sulfate and sodium tallow alcohol sulfate; Sodium and potassium salts of alpha-sulfo fatty acid esters with about 10 to 20 carbon atoms in the acyl radical such as methyl-alpha-sulfomyristate and methyl-alpha-sulffotalgate, ammonium sulfates of mono- or diglycerides of higher (C ₁₀ -C ₁₈ ) -fatty acids, for example stearic monoglyceride monosulfate; Sodium and alkylolammonium salts of alkyl polyethenoxyether sulfates made by condensing 1 to 5 moles of ethylene oxide with 1 mole of higher (Cg-Cg) alcohol; Sodium higher alkyl (CQ ^- Cg) glyceryl ether sulfonates; and sodium or potassium alkylphenol polyetheneoxyether sulfates having from about 1 to 6 oxyethylene groups per molecule, wherein the alkyl radicals have from about 8 to about 12 carbon atoms.

Suitable anionic surfactants also include the Cg-C ₁₈ acyl sarcosinates (e.g. sodium lauroyl sarcosinate), sodium and potassium salts of the reaction products of higher fatty acids with 8 to 18 carbon atoms, which are esterified with isethionic acid, and sodium and potassium salts of ^c o ~ ^c io ~ Acyl-N-methyl taurides, for example sodium cocoyl methyl taurate and potassium stearoyl methyl taurate.

Examples of zwitterionic surfactants include the derivatives of quaternary ammonium compounds with an aliphatic straight-chain C ₁ ._- "group and a solubilizing anionic sulfate or sulfonate group. Specific examples are 3- (N, N-dimethyl-N-hexadecylammonio) -2-hydroxypropane-1-sulfonate, 3- (N, N-dimethyl-N-tallowylammonio) -2-hydroxypropane-1-sulfonate, S-iNjN -Dimethyl-N-tetradecylammonioJ-propane-i-sulfonate and 6-N, N- (dimethyl-N-hexadecylammonio) -hexanoate.

It was also found that the nonionic / amphoteric Surfactant mixture surprisingly shows improved cleaning effect in comparison with an equal weight amount of the same nonionic surfactant alone or in comparison with the corresponding, with a sufficient one Amount of Ethylene Oxide to Achieve the Same Cloud Point, Ethoxylated Nonionic Surfactant. For example, can when using carboxyethylated higher fatty alkylimidazoline as an amphoteric surfactant, about 50 to 90% of the nonionic surfactant Surfactant can be replaced by only about 10 to 40% of the amphoteric surfactant if one is the same or superior Softening (depending on the washing temperature) and wanting to achieve the same or better cleaning.

Since the amphoteric surfactant can act synergistically with the nonionic surfactant in terms of cleaning performance, the Total amount of nonionic and amphoteric surfactant in the detergent formulation can be largely reduced, for example to 3 to 20%, especially 5 to 10% of the composition. The ratio of nonionic to amphoteric surfactant is not particularly critical, but it increases for a given weight of nonionic surfactant the cloud point with the amount of amphoteric surfactant. In general, ratios of nonionic to amphoteric surfactant of about 1: 5 to 10: 1, preferably 1: 3 to 6: 1, especially 1: 2 to 4: 1, improves cleaning as well as softening (where it is necessary to set the cloud point of the nonionic surfactant above the Increase the washing temperature). Further, within the above amounts and ratios, the nonionic / amphoteric Surfactant mixture fully compatible with the softening cationic quaternary ammonium compound.

In addition to the so-called active ingredients of this composition, filler salt (s) and moisture are important Components. A filler salt helps to improve the mechanical properties of the product. In general it improves flowability and counteracts the tendency to become sticky. It can also be training promote the finished solution of product in washing water. Among beneficial filler salts, sodium sulfate is the best, preferably in an anhydrous state. However, other fillers can also be used including sodium chloride, sodium acetate and the alkali metal salts of this acid are used as well as starches, talc, silicas and various other fillers that have a load-bearing or supporting function. The amount of filler or mixture this is in the range from 5 to 50%, preferably 10 to 30%, mostly about 20%, especially when anhydrous Sodium sulfate is the filler salt. The percentages of moisture are usually 1 to 15%, preferably 5 to 12% and particularly preferably about 8%. When such amounts are used, a satisfactory flow is obtained particulate powdery or granulated product, in which by regulating particle size and Moisture content can prevent excessive dusting.

Whatever form the detergent is in, its application in the washing process is essentially the same. That particulate mixture is generally added to the wash water in an automatic washing machine added so that the concentration thereof in the washing water is in the range of 0.05 to 1.5%, usually 0.1 to 1.2%. The washing water to which it is added is preferably medium or low hardness, e.g. 30 to 120 ppm hardness as calcium carbonate, however, both softer and harder

Water can be applied with success. The water temperature can be from 20 to 100 ^° C. and is preferably from 60 to 100 ^° C. if the textiles can withstand high temperatures without the colors going out. If you want to wash at a low temperature, the temperature is kept at 20 to 40 ⁰ C, good cleaning and softening results are achieved, although it may be that the textiles are not as clean as if they were washed at higher temperatures. At the detergent concentrations mentioned, the pH of the washing water is generally 7 to 11, preferably 8 to 10. At such pH values, the detergent is an effective detergent, not too acidic to the material to be washed or the human skin and provides effective cleaning and cleaning Softening.

The weight ratio of scrubber wash water is mostly at 1: 4 to 1:30 or 1:10 to 1:30.

The detergent according to the invention provide significantly improved softening at washing temperatures of at least 60 C compared with, for example, formulations that are identical except that no amphoteric surfactant to increase the cloud point is applied to over 60 ⁰ C. This effect could not be expected on the basis of the prior art, since no relationship was known between the cloud point of the nonionic surfactant and the softening effect.

The following examples are intended to illustrate the invention, all parts and percentages being based on weight.

Examples Composition A

C ₁₂ -C ₁₅ fatty alcohol EO 11: 1 2.0

Rexoteric OASF 45 (45% A.I.) 8.9

Sodium Etasilicate 8.0

Sodium tripolyphosphate 28.0

Sodium pyrophosphate · 10 H ₃ O 24.0

Sodium orthophosphate 0.5

Nitrilotriacetate (NTA), sodium salt 8.0

Dimethyl distearyl ammonium chloride (93% AI) 8.0 small amount of various substances
(e.g. perfume, optical brighteners,

Moisture, etc.) rest

Soiled fabrics were at 6O ⁰ C in about 20 liters of water having a hardness of 0.5 g (7 grain) per 3.8 liters (1 gallon) using 100 g of composition A washed.

The washed textiles were rated for softness by a panel of 4 experts after cumulative washing with multiple repetitions. For comparison, an identical composition was made with the exception that Rexoteric OASF was omitted and the amount of C ₁₂ -C ₁₅ fatty alcohol EO 11: 1 was increased to 8% (comparative example), or about 15% C 1 -C 6 fatty alcohol EO 30: 1

(Reference example 1) or 15% nonylphenol EO 20: 1 (reference example 2) was used in place of the nonionic and amphoteric surfactants in composition A, each of these compositions in the same manner as Composition A was evaluated. Every composition was made classified on a scale from 1 to 10, with 10 being the

is the highest rating and indicates the value that can be obtained with the same detergent (without a cationic softener) and a softening agent (dimethyldistearylammonium chloride) added in the rinse cycle. On this scale, Composition A and Reference Examples 1 and 2 achieved a rating of 5-6 and one just such cleaning performance. The composition of the comparative example was rated only 2-3.

If in composition A the C ₁₂ -C ₁ fatty alcohol EO 11: 1 is replaced by an equal amount of nonylphenol EO 4: 1 or nonylphenol EO 8: 1 or C ₁₂ ″ ^c ic fatty alcohol 7: 1 or

C ₁ V ₁ -C ₁ , -fatty alcohol EO 5: 1 was replaced, was also 14 Io

achieved a rating of 5-6.

Similar good results were achieved if the dimethylstearylammonium chloride in composition A was used Dimethyl hydrogenated tallow ammonium chloride, diethyl disoja ammonium chloride, Dimethylstearylcetylammonium chloride or 2-hexadecyl-1-methyl-1 - [2- (dodecoylamino) ethyl] -imidazolinium methyl sulfone and replaced the corresponding bromide, sulfate and hydroxide salts thereof.

Similar good results were obtained if Rexoteric OASF in composition A was mixed with Rexoteric CSF, Miranol DM,

CH3 0

CH3

or

H °

n -alkyl (C _{12 -Ci 8} -CN ⁺ -CH ₂ OCH ₂ CH ₂ CO

H2

3 "5 3Ό 5 O 6

replaced.

It is a particular advantage of the detergent-softener compositions according to the invention, that, since they achieve better cleaning action with lower total amounts of surfactant more concentrated formulations and packaged for consumer use.

The methods of making the compositions of the invention are known per se. In particular, reference is made to US Pat. No. 4,269,722, in which the manufacture relatively high density builder-containing nonionic powder composed of spray-dried base beads is described which be sprayed over with non-ionic surfactant (the other common additives in small amounts such as dye, fragrance, May contain brighteners, bleaching agents, etc.).

Claims (10)

UEXKÜLL & .- STÖLBERG PATENT LAWYERS BESELERSTRASSE A D -2000 HAMBURG 52 ■ -EUWOPEAN PATENT ATTORNEYS DR. J.-D. FRHR. by UEXKÜLL DR. ULRICH GRAF STOLBERG DIPL.-ING. JÜRGEN SUCHANTKE DIPL.-ING. ARNULF HUBER DR. ALLARD von KAMEKE COLGATE-PALMOLIVE COMPANY 300 Park Avenue New York, N.Y. 10022 V.St.A. (Prio .: August 31, 1984 US 646 604 - 22156 / üE / leC / wo) August 1985 For washing and softening fabrics in the wash water to an elevated temperature of at least 60 ⁰ C suitable detergent Composition nuation Claims Detergent composition suitable for washing and softening textiles in washing water at an elevated temperature of at least 60 ^° C., characterized by a content of (a) a water-soluble nonionic surfactant / das has a cloud point below the elevated temperature; (b) a fabric softening water-insoluble cationic quaternary ammonium compound, which the Formula III or IV ^ ^R 3 R ₆ R ₇ (III) (IV) corresponds to, wherein R-, R ₂ , R ₅ and Rg respectively (c) are independently long-chain aliphatic radicals having 16 to 22 carbon atoms, R ₃ , R. and R _{7 are} each independently lower alkyl radicals, or R, - the group -R ₀ NHCR ₀ ο y "a may be where R _{3 is} a long chain aliphatic radical having 16 to 22 carbon atoms, R _{g is} a divalent alkyl radical having 1 to 3 carbon atoms and X is a salt-forming anion; and on an amphoteric surfactant in one for increasing the cloud point of the composition to a temperature sufficient amount above the elevated temperature. 2. Composition according to claim 1, characterized in that the nonionic surfactant (a) of the formula I or II (D
(II) where R is a primary or secondary, straight-chain or branched alkyl radical having 8 to 22 carbon atoms, R ^{1 is} primary or secondary alkyl having 7 to 12 carbon atoms and η and m are each numbers with an average value of 4 to 14. 3. Composition according to claim 1, characterized in - net that the amphoteric surfactant is selected from the group consisting of (1) betaine surfactants of the formula R2 O
Rl-N ⁺ -R ₄ -CO- (2) Betaine surfactants with an alkyl bridge of the formula ¹ OR? 0 RX-CH2-C-N-CH2CH2CH2-N + -R4-CO R3 (3) Imidazole surfactants of the formula CH2COOH 0
R ₁ -C N + -R4-O-CH2CO " 11 · N ^ CH ₂
CH ₂ (4) Alkyliminopropionate surfactants of the formula H Rl-N-CH ₂ CH ₂ COOH (5) Alkyliminodipropionate surfactants of the formula CH ₂ CH ₂ COOH
CH ₂ CH ₂ COOH (6) Alkylimxnodipropionatensiden with ether bridge der formula / CH ₂ CH ₂ COOH
Rl-OCH ₂ CH ₂ CH ₂ -N ^ 'CH ₂ CH ₂ COOH (7) amphoteric surfactants based on cocoimidazoline of the formula ? 0 ^R IC N ⁺ -CH ₂ OCH ₂ CH ₂ CO " H CH ₂ CH ₂ (8) amphoteric surfactants based on carboxyethylated higher fatty alkylimxdazoline of the formula CH ₂
H ₂ C HN ⁺ -CH ₂ CH ₂ COO " HOR ₂ N = C-Ri and mixtures thereof, wherein R _{1 is} an aliphatic radical having 7 to 20 carbon atoms, R ₀ and Ro each represent a lower alkyl radical having 1 to 4 carbon atoms and R. mean a divalent alkyl radical having 1 to 4 carbon atoms. 4. Composition according to claim 1, characterized by a content of active ingredients (weight basis), based on the total weight of the composition of (a) about 0.5 to about 20%, (b) about 1 to about 20%, (c) about 1 to about 20% and (d) detergent additives, fillers and moisture as the rest. 5. Composition according to claim 4, characterized in that the ratio of (a) :( b) 1:10 to 5: 1 and the ratio of (a) :( c) 1: 5 to 10: 1. 6. The composition according to claim 1 , characterized in that it also contains at least one detergent additive from the group of inorganic and organic builder salts, dirt-bearing substances, substances preventing reprecipitation, fatty amides, foam suppressors, foam-preventing substances, optical brighteners, dyes, pigments, blueing agents, the Yellowing preventing substances, enzymes, corrosion inhibitors, pH modifiers, pH buffers, bactericides, fungicides, protective agents, bleaching agents including stabilizers and activators for the same, fragrances and water. 7. The composition according to claim 1 , characterized in that it, based on weight, active ingredients (a) about 0.5 to about 20% nonionic surfactant; (b) about 1 to about 20% cationic softener j (c) about 1 to about 20% amphoteric surfactants (d) about 20 to about 85% builder salts; (e) 0 to about 40% corrosion inhibitors? (f) 0 to about 40% bleaches and activators; (g) 0 to about 10% soil bearing or reprecipitation preventive substances; (h) from 0 to about 10% anti-yellowing substances; (i) 0 to about 2% of each of the optical brighteners, dyes, blueing agents, bactericides, fungicides and enzymes? (j) 0 to about 15% anti-foaming or anti-foaming agents Substances? (k) 0 to about 5% of each of pH modifiers and pH buffers; and (1) Contains the remainder water. 8. The composition according to claim 3, characterized in that it (a) about 1 to 10%, (b) about 6 to 9%, (c) about 1 to 10%, and (d) the remainder of auxiliary materials, fillers and moisture contains, wherein the ratio of (a) :( b) is 1: 8 to 4.5: 1 and the ratio of (a) :( c) is 1: 2 to 4: 1. 9. Use of the composition according to claim 1 for cleaning and softening soiled textiles in an aqueous washing medium at a temperature of at least about 60 C. 10. Use according to claim 9, characterized in that the temperature of the wash water is at least about 100 ⁰ C.