US20190352843A1

US20190352843A1 - Alkoxylated-polyethylenimine and composition containing the same

Info

Publication number: US20190352843A1
Application number: US16/482,315
Authority: US
Inventors: Laszlo Szarvas; Si Jun Zhu; Yi Lin; R.K. Prasad Nadella
Original assignee: BASF SE
Current assignee: BASF SE
Priority date: 2017-02-14
Filing date: 2018-02-09
Publication date: 2019-11-21
Also published as: US20220154392A1; WO2018149760A1; BR112019014940A2; EP3583263A1; CN110312830A; EP3583263B1

Abstract

The present invention relates to an alkoxylated polyethylenimine, for use in textile treatment in textile industry, especially in textile finishing processes.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to an alkoxylated polyethylenimine applicable for textile treatment in the textile industry, especially for textile finishing. In particular, the present invention relates to an alkoxylated polyethylenimine to be used as an additive in textile treatment compositions, such as a textile softening composition or a water-repellant treatment composition in a textile finishing process. The present invention further relates to a textile softening composition and a water-repellant composition containing the same to be used in textile industry, especially in the textile finishing process.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

In textile industry, especially during the finishing process, textile treatment agents are applied, which provide desired properties to the fabricated textile.
A textile softener is a treating agent for textile to make the textile soft, fluffy and anti-static. A commonly used textile softener, e.g. amino modified silicone oil, long carbon chain alcohol, quaternary ammonium compounds, wax, ester, etc., can offer soft hand feeling with economical cost.
A water-repellant agent, such as fluoro-containing water-repellant agent or silicon-containing water-repellant agent, is a treating agent for textile to provide the textile with water-repellant properties. It can be used for textile-treating, textile-finishing, and the like.
Furthermore, after being treated by the composition of the present invention, the treated textile will have excellent washing durability, which means that, after several times of washing cycles, the treated textile will keep excellent performances such as soft hand feeling or water repellence.
However, generally, textile softeners and water repellant agents in the art have poor hydrophilicity.
Because of the hydrophobicity of textile softeners, treating with these textile softeners will reduce the hydrophilicity of the treated textile, thus lead to poor water absorption of the textile.
Hydrophilic silicone oils have been developed in recent years. Compared with amino modified silicone oil, hydrophilic silicone oils exhibit an improved hydrophilicity. However, producing several hydrophilic silicone oils is tedious, and the hydrophilic silicone oil will adversely influence the hand of the treated textile.
US 2011/0177994A1 discloses a fabric care composition comprising a polyethylenimine as deposition aid. In this application, polyethylenimine is used for improving the deposition of a fabric care active with some examples being silicone or other water-insoluble actives.
In the field of textile treating, especially in the finishing process in textile treatment, there is still a need in the art to provide a stable textile softening composition which will improve hydrophilicity of textile at economical cost, while the soft hand feeling of the textile being kept.
In the field of textile treating, there is as well still a need in the art to provide a stable water-repellant composition providing water-repellant properties to the textile.
Also, the treated textile will have excellent washing durability, which means that, after several times of washing cycle, the treated textile will keep excellent performances such as soft hand feeling or water repellence.

SUMMARY

Accordingly, in an effort to meet the needs in textile industry, it has been found that specific alkoxylated polyethylenimine, when being used in a textile softening composition or a water-repellant composition, can achieve the desired results of the above.
The first aspect of the invention relates to an alkoxylated polyethylenimine, having alkylene oxide segments attached to the nitrogen atoms of the polyethylenimine,
wherein the alkylene oxide segments are selected from the group consisting of ethylene oxide segment and C₃-C₆-alkylene oxide segments, preferably the alkylene oxide segments are comprised of ethylene oxide segment and C₃-C₆-alkylene oxide segments, more preferably the alkylene oxide segments are comprised of ethylene oxide segment and C₃-C₄-alkylene oxide segments, most preferably the alkylene oxide segments are comprised of ethylene oxide segment and C₃-alkylene oxide segments;
wherein the amount of alkylene oxide segments is on average in the range of from 1 to 120 alkylene oxide segments per nitrogen atom, for example in the range of from 1 to 100 alkylene oxide segments per nitrogen atom, preferably 1 to 80 alkylene oxide segments per nitrogen atom, more preferably 1 to 70 alkylene oxide segments per nitrogen atom, most preferably 1 to 60 alkylene oxide segments per nitrogen atom, such as 1 to 55 alkylene oxide segments per nitrogen atom, and
wherein the weight average molecular weight (M_w) of the alkoxylated polyethylenimine is from 1,000 to 1,000,000 g/mole, preferably in the range of 5,000 to 500,000, more preferably in the range of 10,000 to 50,000, most preferably in the range of 30,000 to 50,000 g/mol.
Especially this first aspect of the invention relates to use of the alkoxylated polyethylenimine in textile treatment processes in textile industry, particularly in the textile finishing processes.
In the second aspect, the present invention relates to a textile softening composition comprising:
(a) hydrophobic textile softener; and
(b) the alkoxylated polyethylenimine of the present invention.
The third aspect of the invention relates to the use of the alkoxylated polyethylenimine of the invention as an additive in a textile softening composition.
The fourth aspect of the present invention is a process for treating a textile, comprising a step of contacting the textile softening composition of the present invention with the textile.
The fifth aspect of the present invention is a water-repellant composition, which comprising:
(A) water-repellant agent, and
(B) the alkoxylated polyethylenimine of the invention.
The sixth aspect of the invention relates to the use of the alkoxylated polyethylenimine of the invention as an additive in a water-repellant composition.
The seventh aspect of the present invention is a process for treating a textile, comprising a step of contacting the water-repellant composition of the present invention with the textile.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs.
Expressions “a”, “an”, and “the”, when used to define a term, includes both the plural and singular forms of the term.
The term “polymer”, as used herein, includes both homopolymers, that is, polymers prepared from a single reactive compound, and copolymers, that is, polymers prepared by reaction of at least two polymer forming reactive, monomeric compounds.
The first aspect of the invention relates to an alkoxylated polyethylenimine, having alkylene oxide segments attached to the nitrogen atoms of the polyethylenimine,
wherein the alkylene oxide segments are selected from the group consisting of ethylene oxide segment and C₃-C₆-alkylene oxide segments, preferably the alkylene oxide segments are comprised of ethylene oxide segment and C₃-C₆-alkylene oxide segments, more preferably the alkylene oxide segments are comprised of ethylene oxide segment and C₃-C₄-alkylene oxide segments, most preferably the alkylene oxide segments are comprised of ethylene oxide segment and C₃-alkylene oxide segments;
wherein the amount of alkylene oxide segments is on average in the range of from 1 to 120 alkylene oxide segments per nitrogen atom, for example in the range of from 1 to 100 alkylene oxide segments per nitrogen atom, preferably 1 to 80 alkylene oxide segments per nitrogen atom, more preferably 1 to 70 alkylene oxide segments per nitrogen atom, most preferably 1 to 60 alkylene oxide segments per nitrogen atom, such as 1 to 55 alkylene oxide segments per nitrogen atom, and
wherein the weight average molecular weight (M_w) of the alkoxylated polyethylenimine is from 1,000 to 1,000,000 g/mole, preferably in the range of 5,000 to 500,000, more preferably in the range of 10,000 to 50,000, most preferably in the range of 30,000 to 50,000 g/mol
for use in textile treatment processes in textile industry, especially in the textile finishing processes.
The average molecular weight Mw may be determined e.g. by gel permeation chromatography (GPC), with 1.5% by weight aqueous formic acid as eluent and cross-linked polyhydroxyethylmethacrylate as stationary phase. Alternatively, the average molecular weight Mw may be calculated based on its structure.
The term “polyethylenimine” in the context of the present invention does not only refer to polyethylenimine homopolymers but also to polyalkyleneimines containing NH—CH₂—CH₂—NH structural elements together with other alkylene diamine structural elements, for example NH—CH₂—CH₂—CH₂—NH structural elements, NH—CH₂—CH(CH₃)—NH structural elements, NH—(CH₂)₄—NH structural elements, NH—(CH₂)₆—NH structural elements or (NH—(CH₂)₈—NH structural elements but the NH—CH₂—CH₂—NH structural elements being in the majority with respect to the molar share. Preferred polyethylenimines contain NH—CH₂—CH₂—NH structural elements being in the majority with respect to the molar share, for example amounting to 60 mol-% or more, more preferably amounting to at least 70 mol-%, referring to all alkyleneimine structural elements. In a special embodiment, polyethylenimine refers to those polyalkylene imines that bear one or zero alkyleneimine structural element per molecule that is different from NH—CH₂—CH₂—NH.
The “polyethylenimine” in the context of the present invention is branched, preferably highly branched. The degree of the branching may be determined by a skilled person according to practical application.
In a embodiment wherein the alkylene oxide segments are comprised of ethylene oxide segment and C₃-C₆-alkylene oxide segments, more preferably the alkylene oxide segments are comprised of ethylene oxide segment and C₃-C₄-alkylene oxide segments, most preferably the alkylene oxide segments are comprised of ethylene oxide segment and C₃-alkylene oxide segments. The molar ratio of ethylene oxide segment to the remaining alkylene oxide segment may be in the range of 1:10 to 6:1, for example 1:10 to 5:1, preferably in the range of 1:2 to 3:1, more preferably in the range of 1:1 to 2:1. In a most preferred embodiment, the molar ratio of ethylene oxide segment to the remaining alkylene oxide segment is 3:2.
In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the alkylene oxide segments in the alkoxylated polyethylenimine of the present invention are ethylene oxide segments, the amount of the ethylene oxide segments is in the range of from 15 to 25 ethylene oxide segments per nitrogen atom, and the weight average molecular weight of the alkoxylated polyethylenimine of the present invention is in the range of 15,000 to 20,000 g/mol.
In a still preferred embodiment of the present invention, the alkylene oxide segments in the alkoxylated polyethylenimine of the present invention are comprised of ethylene oxide segment and C₃-alkylene oxide segments, wherein the amount of alkylene oxide segments is on average in the range of from 35 to 70 alkylene oxide segments per nitrogen atom, preferably the amount of alkylene oxide segments is on average in the range of from 35 to 60 alkylene oxide segments per nitrogen atom, more preferably the amount of alkylene oxide segments is on average in the range of from 35 to 55 alkylene oxide segments per nitrogen atom, and the molar ratio of ethylene oxide segment to the remaining alkylene oxide segment is in the range of 1:10 to 6:1, for example 1:10 to 5:1, preferably in the range of 1:2 to 3:1, more preferably in the range of 1:1 to 2:1, such as 3:2, and the weight average molecular weight of the alkoxylated polyethylenimine of the present invention is in the range of from 35,000 to 40,000 g/mol.
There is no specific requirement on the process for obtaining the alkoxylated polyethylenimine of the present invention. The alkoxylated polyethylenimine of the present invention can be obtained by alkoxylation of polyethylenimine via a process commonly known in the art. For example, the alkoxylated polyethylenimine of the present invention may be obtained by the process described in such as U.S. Pat. No. 5,445,765, the disclosure of which is incorporated by reference.
The alkoxylated polyethylenimine of the present invention described herein above, and with its preferred embodiments, is used and applied for textile treatment and in textile treatment compositions.
The alkoxylated polyethylenimine of the present invention described herein above, and with its preferred embodiments, can be used and applied in textile industry in order to address the needs regarding the balancing of the hydrophilicity and hydrophobicity in textile finishing process.
The second aspect of the invention relates to a textile softening composition comprising:
(a) hydrophobic textile softener; and
(b) the alkoxylated polyethylenimine of the present invention.
The hydrophobic textile softener suitable for the present invention may be any hydrophobic textile softener. For example, the hydrophobic textile softener may be amino modified silicone oil, wax, ester, long carbon chain alcohol, and quaternary ammonium compounds, etc. For example, without limitation, the hydrophobic textile softeners comprise amino modified silicone oil, for example, amino modified silicone oils which have nitrogen content in the range of from 0.1%˜1.0% and Viscosity in the range of from 400 cSt˜20,000 cSt, such as Xiameter® OFX 8209 A, Xiameter® OFX 8417, and Xiameter® OFX 8040 commercially available from DOW CORNING, Michigan, USA; quaternary ammonium compounds; Varisoft® 222 from Evonik Industries, Essen, Germany; wax softener prepared with e.g. Honeywell Polymer Wax from Honeywell International, New Jersey, USA, and the like.
In the textile softening composition of the present invention, the amount of component (b) is in the range of from 0.1 to 75% by weight, based on the total weight of component (a) and component (b), preferably, the amount of component (b) is in the range of from 1 to 50% by weight, more preferably from 1 to 25% by weight, and most preferably in the range of from 1 to 20% by weight, such as in the range of from 10 to 20% by weight, based on the total weight of component (a) and component (b).
The total amount of the component (a) and component (b) in the textile softening composition of the present invention can be determined by a skilled person in the art according to practical application, provided that the obtained the textile softening composition can be effectively used for textile treating. For example, the total amount of the component (a) and component (b) in the textile softening composition of the present invention may correspond to the amount of a textile softener contained in a conventional textile softening composition without component (b). Generally, such as for amino modified silicone oil softener, conventional textile compositions comprise from about 20% to about 30% by weight of textile softener.
The textile softening composition of the present invention may further contain other additives that are generally used in a textile softening composition. Such additives include, without limitation, solvent, water, surfactant, and the like.
Solvents are useful for fluidizing the textile softening composition of the present invention, and may provide good dispersibility, and in some embodiments, provide a clear or translucent composition. Suitable solvents of the present invention can be water-soluble or water-insoluble. Non-limiting examples of the solvent include ethanol, propanol, isopropanol, n-propanol, n-butanol, t-butanol, propylene glycol, 1,3-propanediol, ethylene glycol, diethylene glycol, dipropylene glycol, 1,2,3-propanetriol, propylene carbonate, phenylethyl alcohol, 2-methyl 1,3-propanediol, hexylene glycol, glycerol, butyl Di-glycol sorbitol, polyethylene glycols, 1,2-hexanediol, 1,2-pentanediol, 1,2-butanediol, 1,4-butanediol, 1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol, pinacol, 1,5-hexanediol, 1,6-hexanediol, 2,4-dimethyl-2,4-pentanediol, 2,2,4-trimethyl-1,3-pentanediol (and ethoxylates), 2-ethyl-1,3-hexanediol, phenoxyethanol (and ethoxylates), glycol ethers such as butyl carbitol and dipropylene glycol n-butyl ether, ester solvents such as dimethyl esters of adipic, glutaric, and succinic acids, hydrocarbons such as decane and dodecane, or combinations thereof. In one embodiment, the composition is free or substantially free of one or more of the above-identified solvents.
The textile softening composition of the present invention may further contain water. The level of water in the textile softening composition of the present invention may be high, for example, at least about 50%, preferably at least about 60%, and more preferably at least about 70% water.
The textile softening composition of the present invention may further contain surfactant. Surfactants are emulsifiers for the softener and may also help disperse the composition in the wash cycle. Appropriate surfactant may include nonionic surfactants, for example C₁₂-C₁₈alkyl ethoxylates, such as, NEODOL® nonionic surfactants from Shell; cationic surfactants such as alkoxylate quaternary ammonium (AQA) surfactants; zwitterionic surfactants such as betaine, specific examples include alkyl dimethyl betaine and cocodimethyl amidopropyl betaine; ampholytic surfactants, such as aliphatic derivatives of secondary or tertiary amines; and mixtures thereof.
Other additives applicable for a textile softening composition may be incorporated into the textile softening composition of the present invention by a skilled person according to practical application.
The third aspect of the present invention is the use of the alkoxylated-polyethylenimine of the invention as an additive in a textile softening composition for treating a textile.
The fourth aspect of the present invention is a process for treating a textile, comprising a step of contacting the textile softening composition of the present invention with the textile. Preferably, the step of contacting the textile softening composition of the present invention with the textile is carried out by immersing the textile into the textile softening composition of the present invention. Preferably, the process of the invention is exhaust process or padding process.
The fifth aspect of the present invention is a water-repellant composition, which comprising
(A) water-repellant agent, and
(B) the alkoxylated polyethylenimine of the invention.
The water-repellant agent applicable to the water-repellant composition of the present invention may be any water-repellant agent used for textile-treating, textile-finishing, and the like. For example, the water-repellant agent may be fluoro-containing water-repellant agent or silicon-containing water-repellant agent.
In the water-repellant composition of the present invention, the amount of component (B) is in the range of from 0.01 to 10% by weight, based on the total weight of component (A) and component (B), preferably, the amount of component (B) is in the range of from 0.1 to 6% by weight, more preferably from 0.1 to 4% by weight, and most preferably in the range of from 0.1 to 2% by weight, such as 0.1 to 1% by weight, based on the total weight of component (A) and component (B).
The total amount of the component (A) and component (B) in the water-repellant composition of the present invention can be determined by a skilled person in the art according to practical application, provided that the obtained the water-repellant composition can be effectively used for textile treating. For example, the total amount of the component (A) and component (B) in the water-repellant composition of the present invention may correspond to the amount of a fluoro-containing water-repellant agent contained in a conventional water-repellant composition without component (B).
The sixth aspect of the invention relates to the use of the alkoxylated polyethylenimine of the invention as an additive in a water-repellant composition.
The seventh aspect of the present invention is a process for treating a textile, comprising a step of contacting the water-repellant composition of the present invention with the textile. Preferably, the step of contacting the water-repellant composition of the present invention with the textile is carried out by immersing the textile into the water-repellant composition of the present invention.
The textile suitable for being treated by the compositions of the present invention may be prepared from various natural or synthetic fibers, which could be such as woven, knitted or nonwoven fabric. For example, the textile may be prepared from cotton; polyester such as Polyethylene terephthalate (PET); polyamide, such as polyamide 6 and polyamide 66; PP (polypropylene); and the like.
The alkoxylated polyethylenimine of the present invention may be applied on nature fibre, e.g. cotton, and synthetic fibre, e.g. polyester (such as PET, Polyglycolide or polyglycolic acid (PGA), Polylactic acid (PLA), Polycaprolactone (PCL), Polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA), Polyhydroxybutyrate (PHB), Polyethylene adipate (PEA), Polybutylene succinate (PBS), Poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyvalerate) (PHBV), Polyethylene terephthalate (PET), Polytrimethylene terephthalate (PTT), Polyethylene naphthalate (PEN), and so forth), polyamide, polyethylene (PE), PP (polypropylene), and so on, which could be woven, knitted or nonwoven fabric, together with other finishing auxiliary (e.g. softener or water repellent) or alone.
For instance, the alkoxylated polyethylenimine of the present invention may be applied to a PE/PP or a PE/Polyester (e.g. PE/PET) bi-component nonwoven fabric, which is made from continuous filament fibers and is non-linting or very low in linting, and which comprises a sheath, that is polyethylene (PE) and a core, that is polypropylene (PP) or a polyester (e.g. Polyethylene terephthalate (PET), Polyglycolide or polyglycolic acid (PGA), Polylactic acid (PLA), Polycaprolactone (PCL), Polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA), Polyhydroxybutyrate (PHB), Polyethylene adipate (PEA), Polybutylene succinate (PBS), Poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyvalerate) (PHBV), Polytrimethylene terephthalate (PTT) or Polyethylene naphthalate (PEN)). The core part provides strength and polyethylene sheath part provides softness and low melting point.
The alkoxylated polyethylenimine of the present invention may be applied in textile industry also for producing textiles for specific purposes, e.g. including but not limited to for medical or hygienic use (e.g. gauze, wound dressings, bandages, diapers, sanitary napkins and so forth), and membrane industry, with the function of improving hydrophilicity of substrates.
For instance, it improves the flow of the liquids e.g. into an absorbent core, which is optionally made from cellulose fibers, like a matrix of fluff material made from wood pulp, which may also optionally additionally include wheat/corn based materials. The liquids are absorbed by the capillaries in the void spaces between the fibers and the surface tension angle between the fibers and the water. An alternative to pulp is to use air laid synthetic fibers. Also, cellulose acetate, e.g. used to make cigarette filters, has been used in some absorbent products, as well as PP synthetic fiber has also been attempted for absorbent core formation. For some purposes, the absorbent core may further comprise chemical crystals of absorbent polymers such as hydrogel, sodium polyacrylate, polyacrylate absorbents, which may hold the liquids under pressure.
In summary, the present invention relates to the embodiments as follows.

Embodiment 1

An alkoxylated polyethylenimine, having alkylene oxide segments attached to the nitrogen atoms of the polyethylenimine,
wherein the alkylene oxide segments are selected from the group consisting of ethylene oxide segment and C₃-C₆-alkylene oxide segments, preferably the alkylene oxide segments are comprised of ethylene oxide segment and C₃-C₆-alkylene oxide segments, more preferably the alkylene oxide segments are comprised of ethylene oxide segment and C₃-C₄-alkylene oxide segments, most preferably the alkylene oxide segments are comprised of ethylene oxide segment and C₃-alkylene oxide segments;
wherein the amount of alkylene oxide segments is on average in the range of from 1 to 120 alkylene oxide segments per nitrogen atom, for example in the range of from 1 to 100 alkylene oxide segments per nitrogen atom, preferably 1 to 80 alkylene oxide segments per nitrogen atom, more preferably 1 to 70 alkylene oxide segments per nitrogen atom, most preferably 1 to 60 alkylene oxide segments per nitrogen atom, such as 1 to 55 alkylene oxide segments per nitrogen atom, and
wherein the weight average molecular weight (M_w) of the alkoxylated polyethylenimine is from 1,000 to 1,000,000 g/mole, preferably in the range of 5,000 to 500,000, more preferably in the range of 10,000 to 50,000, most preferably in the range of 30,000 to 50,000 g/mol,
for use in a textile treatment process, especially in a textile finishing process.

Embodiment 2

The alkoxylated polyethylenimine of embodiment 1, wherein the alkylene oxide segments are consisting of ethylene oxide segment and C₃-C₆-alkylene oxide segments, more preferably the alkylene oxide segments are comprised of ethylene oxide segment and C₃-C₄-alkylene oxide segments, most preferably the alkylene oxide segments are comprised of ethylene oxide segment and C₃-alkylene oxide segments.

Embodiment 3

The alkoxylated polyethylenimine of embodiment 2, wherein the molar ratio of ethylene oxide segment to the remaining alkylene oxide segment is in the range of 1:10 to 6:1, for example 1:10 to 5:1, preferably in the range of 1:2 to 3:1, more preferably in the range of 1:1 to 2:1, such as 3:2.

Embodiment 4

The alkoxylated polyethylenimine of embodiment 1, wherein the alkylene oxide segments in the alkoxylated polyethylenimine are ethylene oxide segments, the amount of the ethylene oxide segments is in the range of from 15 to 25 ethylene oxide segments per nitrogen atom, and the weight average molecular weight of the alkoxylated polyethylenimine is in the range of 15,000 to 20,000 g/mol.

Embodiment 5

The alkoxylated polyethylenimine of embodiment 2 or 3, wherein the alkylene oxide segments are comprised of ethylene oxide segment and C₃-alkylene oxide segments, and the amount of alkylene oxide segments is on average in the range of from 35 to 70 alkylene oxide segments per nitrogen atom, preferably the amount of alkylene oxide segments is on average in the range of from 35 to 60 alkylene oxide segments per nitrogen atom, more preferably the amount of alkylene oxide segments is on average in the range of from 35 to 55 alkylene oxide segments per nitrogen atom, and the weight average molecular weight of the alkoxylated polyethylenimine of the present invention is in the range of from 35,000 to 40,000 g/mol.

Embodiment 6

The alkoxylated polyethylenimine of embodiment 1, wherein the alkylene oxide segments in the alkoxylated polyethylenimine are C₃-C₆-alkylene oxide segments.

Embodiment 7

The alkoxylated polyethylenimine of embodiment 1 or 2, wherein the C₃-C₆-alkylene oxide segments in the alkoxylated polyethylenimine are C₃-C₄-alkylene oxide segments.

Embodiment 8

The alkoxylated polyethylenimine of embodiment 1 or 2, wherein the C₃-C₆-alkylene oxide segments in the alkoxylated polyethylenimine are C₃-alkylene oxide segments.

Embodiment 9

A textile softening composition comprising:
(a) hydrophobic textile softener; and
(b) the alkoxylated polyethylenimine of any one of embodiments 1-8.

Embodiment 10

The textile softening composition of embodiment 9, wherein the hydrophobic textile softener is selected from the group consisting of amino modified silicone oil, wax, ester, long carbon chain alcohol, and quaternary ammonium compounds.

Embodiment 11

The textile softening composition of embodiment 9 or 10, wherein the amount of component (b) is in the range of from 0.1 to 75% by weight, based on the total weight of component (a) and component (b), preferably, the amount of component (b) is in the range of from 1 to 50% by weight, more preferably from 1 to 25% by weight, and most preferably in the range of from 1 to 20% by weight, such as in the range of from 10 to 20% by weight, based on the total weight of component (a) and component (b).

Embodiment 12

The textile softening composition of any one of embodiments 9-11, wherein the textile softening composition further comprises additives such as solvent, surfactant, and the like.

Embodiment 13

The textile softening composition of any one of embodiments 9-11, wherein the textile to be treated is prepared from natural or synthetic fibers, for example, cotton; polyester such as Polyethylene terephthalate (PET); polyamide, such as polyamide 6 and polyamide 66; polypropylene and the like, preferably the textile is woven, knitted or nonwoven fabric.

Embodiment 14

A process for treating a textile, comprising a step of contacting the textile softening composition of any one of embodiments 9-13 with the textile, preferably, the step of contacting the textile softening composition of any one of embodiments 9-13 with the textile is carried out by immersing the textile into the textile softening composition of any one of embodiments 9-13.

Embodiment 15

The process of embodiment 14, which is selected from exhaust process or padding process.

Embodiment 16

A water-repellant composition, which comprising
(A) water-repellant agent, and
(B) the alkoxylated polyethylenimine of any one of embodiments 1-8.

Embodiment 17

The water-repellant composition of embodiment 16, wherein the water-repellant agent is fluoro-containing water-repellant agent or silicon-containing water-repellant agent.

Embodiment 18

The water-repellant composition of embodiment 16 or 17, wherein the amount of component (B) is in the range of from 0.01 to 10% by weight, based on the total weight of component (A) and component (B), preferably, the amount of component (B) is in the range of from 0.1 to 6% by weight, more preferably from 0.1 to 4% by weight, and most preferably in the range of from 0.1 to 2% by weight, such as 0.1 to 1% by weight, based on the total weight of component (A) and component (B).

Embodiment 19

The use of the alkoxylated polyethylenimine as defined in any one of embodiments 1-8 as an additive in a textile softening composition for treating a textile.

Embodiment 20

The use of the alkoxylated polyethylenimine as defined in any one of embodiments 1-8 as an additive in a water-repellant composition for treating a textile.

Embodiment 21

A process for treating a textile, comprising a step of contacting the water-repellant composition of any one of embodiments 16-18 with the textile, preferably, the step of contacting the water-repellant composition of any one of embodiments 16-18 with the textile is carried out by immersing the textile into the water-repellant composition of any one of embodiments 16-18.

Embodiment 22

The process of embodiment 14, 15 or 21, wherein the textile is prepared from natural or synthetic fibers, for example, cotton; polyester such as Polyethylene terephthalate (PET); polyamide, such as polyamide 6 and polyamide 66; polypropylene and the like, preferably the textile is woven, knitted or nonwoven fabric.

Advantages of the Invention

The alkoxylated polyethylenimine of the present invention will improve excellent properties of the treated textile, such as hydrophilicity, hand feeling, antistatic/anti-dust properties, and the like.
The present invention provides a stable textile softening composition. The textile softening composition improves excellent hydrophilicity of the treated textile, while the soft hand feeling of the textile is kept. Furthermore, after being treated by the textile softening composition of the present invention, the treated textile will have excellent washing durability, which means that after several washing cycles the treated textile will keep excellent performances such as soft hand feeling or water repellence.
In addition, the present invention provides an excellent water-repellant composition. The excellent water-repellant composition of the present invention improves antistatic/anti-dust properties of the treated textile at economical cost. Furthermore, after being treated by the water-repellant composition of the present invention, the treated textile will have excellent washing durability, which means that, after several washing cycles the treated textile will keep excellent performances such as soft hand feeling or water repellence.

EXAMPLES

The present invention will be further illustrated hereinafter with the reference of the specific examples which are exemplary and explanatory only and are not restrictive.
Each part and percentage when used, if not defined otherwise, is provided on weight basis.
In the examples, wicking height was measured according to GB/T 21665, 1-2008; Working solution was prepared from the composition for being applicable in the process.
CIE whiteness was measured according to AATCC Test Method 110-2005, and 110-2011 (new one); and
Softness was measured by hand feeling, and rating thereof was provided as follows:
“5”: Best,
“4”: Very good,
“3”: Good,
“2”: Inferior, and
“1”: Worst.
The term “blank” means the fabric is tested as such without treatment.
The improving degree of the alkoxylated polyethylenimines according to the present invention, shown the different examples for absorbency, hand feeling (softness), and whiteness index (CIE units) of the treated fabrics, were summarized and generalized accordingly in respective tables, wherein “+” means improving degree, “++” means higher improving degree as comparing with “+” and “−” means somewhat decreased, and whereas similar or no effects were named as such or not specified at all.

TABLE M

Materials that were used:

Materials	description	Supplier

Xiameter ®	Amino modified Silicone, fluid:	DOW CORNING, Michigan, USA
OFX 8209 A	N % = 0.60%, viscosity = 500 cSt;
	Ingredients:
	>60 wt % Amino functional siloxane
	<10 wt % Methyl alcohol
	<1 wt % Ethylenediamine
Xiameter ®	Amino modified Silicone, fluid: N % = 0.9%,	DOW CORNING, Michigan, USA
OFX 8417	viscosity = 1200 cSt; Ingredients:
	>60 wt % Dimethyl, (aminoethylaminopropyl) methyl
	Siloxane (CAS-No. 71750-79-3)
Xiameter ®	Amino modified Silicone, fluid: N % = 0.4%,	DOW CORNING, Michigan, USA
OFX 8040	viscosity = 3500 cSt;
	Ingredients:
	85.0-100.0 wt % Dimethyl siloxane,
	(aminoalkyl)methoxymethylsiloxy- and
	dimethylalkoxy-terminated (CAS-
	No. 188627-10-3)
	1.0-5.0 wt % Alcohols, C14-16 (CAS-No.
	68333-80-2)
Wax Emulsion	O/W Emulsion of	CAS-No. 68441-17-8 available in
	23 wt % of oxidized Polyethylene Homo-	a concentration of 100% as Honeywell
	polymers (CAS-No. 68441-17-8) with	A-C ® 629 from Honeywell
		International, New Jersey, USA
	7 wt % Isotridecanolethoxylate as emulsifier
TRANSOFT	hydrophilic silicone oil;	TRANSFAR INTERNATIONAL
HYDRO	Ingredient(s):	CORP. Zhejiang, China
TF405B	≥95.0 wt % Polysiloxanes, di-Me,3-
	hydroxypropyl Me, ethoxylated (CAS-No.
	68937-54-2)
2253D	amino silicone oil	Suzhou Liansheng Chemistry
	Ingredient(s):	Co., Ltd., Jiangsu, China
	80 wt % amino modified polysiloxane elastomer
Varisoft ®	Quaternary Amine Tetra-Alkyl Ammonium Sulfate	Evonik Industries AG, Essen,
222	Ingredient(s):	Germany
	≥80% N,N-Di(2-tallow amidoethyl)-N-
	methyl-ammonium methyl sulfate
	8-10% Isopropanol

The individual components of the compositions applied in the examples, and the contents thereof, are shown in the tables further below, with the balance, if not stated otherwise, being water.

Applied Finishing Treatment Methods

In the examples below, the fabrics are treated in an exhaust process and in a padding process, which are common chemical finishing treatments in textile industry.
Padding is one of the most common finishing technique, which can be applied to carry out almost all wet finishing operations. For the padding process, the dosage of softener is calculated by weight of working solution, not by weight of fabric. Hence, the concentration of the applied working solution is provided in g of softener composition diluted per liter of water.
The treatment of fabrics in exhaustion liquor is another possible finishing method, and is recommended when stable chemical products are applied on the textile substrate. Here the concentration of the applied softener is provided in percentage, % “owf” (or o.w.f.) meaning based on the weight of fabric, which has to be further diluted accordingly for the working solution.

TABLE P

Alkoxylated PEIs that were used:

alkoxylated PEI	Description

alkoxylated PEI-A	the alkylene oxide segments in the alkoxylated PEI-A are ethylene
	oxide segments, the amount of the ethylene oxide segments is in
	the range of from 15 to 25 ethylene oxide segments per nitrogen
	atom, and the weight average molecular weight of alkoxylated
	PEI-A is in the range of 15,000 to 20,000 g/mol.
alkoxylated PEI-B	the alkylene oxide segments in alkoxylated PEI-B are comprised of
	ethylene oxide segment and C₃-alkylene oxide segments, wherein
	the amount of alkylene oxide segments is on average in the range
	of from 35 to 55 alkylene oxide segments per nitrogen atom, and
	the molar ratio of ethylene oxide segment to the remaining alkylene
	oxide segment is 3:2, and the weight average molecular weight of
	alkoxylated PEI-B is in the range of from 35,000 to 40,000 g/mol.

Example 1

Compositions Comprising Amino Modified Silicone Oils (AMS) and Alkoxylated PEI

Nine compositions were prepared in this example.
The amino modified silicone oils (AMS) and emulsifiers used therein are listed in table 1.

	TABLE 1

	Amino Modified Silicone	Emulsifier used with
	oils (AMS) used	in combination

	Xiameter ® OFX 8209 A	Emulsifier A
	Xiameter ® OFX 8417	Emulsifier A
	Xiameter ® OFX 8040	Emulsifier B

	Emulsifier A: C10 + 8EO, C10-Guerbet alcohol alkoxylate;
	Emulsifier B: C10 + 7EO, C10-Guerbet alcohol alkoxylate.

The alkoxylated PEI used in example 1 was Alkoxylated PEI-A.
For each of the listed amino modified silicone oils, three compositions were prepared, adjusting the relative amount of Alkoxylated PEI-A and the amino modified silicone oil.
In order to get clear composition (homogeneous and stable), BDG (Butyl Di-glycol) was added.
The amounts of the components of each of the nine compositions are listed in table 2, with the balance being water.

TABLE 2

	Xiameter ®	Xiameter ®	Xiameter ®	Alkoxylated
Composition	OFX 8209 A	OFX 8417	OFX 8040	PEI-A	Emulsifier A	Emulsifier B	BDG
No.	wt %	wt %	wt %	wt %	wt %	wt %	wt %

1-1-A	20			0	12		0
1-1-B	18			2	10.8		3
1-1-C	16			4	9.6		2.5
1-2-A		20		0	12		0
1-2-B		18		2	10.8		0.5
1-2-C		16		4	9.6		1
1-3-A			20	0		12	0
1-3-B			18	2		10.8	3
1-3-C			16	4		9.6	1

The obtained 9 compositions were tested in Exhaust process and Padding process to evaluate the absorbency and softness of the textile treated by these compositions.

1.1. Exhaust Process

In the exhaust process, the 9 compositions of table 2 were tested.
The fabrics used in the test were terry tower and cotton knits.
The process parameters of the Exhaust process were provided as follows:


Fabric	Cotton knits and Terry towel
Equipment	Dyeing controller DC4 F/R SP (H.T.H.P beaker dyeing machine),
	Model GN084088, commercial available from R.B. Electronic and
	Engineering Pvt Ltd, India,
Softener (Compositions	To be applied in 0.6% by weight of fabric (after having been
of table 2)	diluted accordingly to a working solution)
pH	4.5-5.5
Liquor ratio	1:10 (fabric:working solution, by weight)
Process	Soak at room temperature for 20 min at 40° C.
	Squeeze and then dry at 120° C. for 5 min, followed by drying
	at 160° C. for 2 min.
	Keep the obtained fabrics at 24° C. for 2 hours for balance, then
	Measure the
	wicking height (after 5 min and 30 min respectively),
	Water absorbency
	Whiteness Index (CIE Standard Illuminant D65) and
	hand feeling.

The obtained data are reported in table 3 and table 4 below.
It can be seen that in the exhaust process, for three compositions of each amino modified silicone oil, the absorbency of the treated fabric was improved as the amount of the amount of alkoxylated PEI increases, while the softness was almost remained.

1.2. Padding Process

The 9 compositions of table 2 were also tested in the Padding process.
The fabrics used in the test were cotton knits and cotton woven.
The process parameters of the Padding process were provided as follows:


Fabric	Cotton knits, cotton woven
Equipment	Laboratory universal padding mangle, Model
	HV0230708, commercial available from R.B.
	Electronic and Engineering Pvt Ltd, India
Softener	To be applied in 6 g/l; calculated based on softener/
(Compositions	working solution
of table 2)
pH	4.5-5.5
Process	Liquor (working solution) up-take 100% for padding,
	Squeeze,
	dry at 120° C. for 5 min, followed by drying at
	160° C. for 2 min
	Keep the obtained fabrics at 24° C. for 2 hr's for
	balance, then Measure:
	wicking height (after 5 min and 30 min
	respectively), Water absorbency
	Whiteness Index (CIE Standard Illuminant D65),
	and hand feeling.

The obtained data were shown in table 3 and table 4.
Therein, it can be seen that in the Padding process, for three compositions of each amino modified silicone oil, the absorbency of the treated fabric was improved as the amount of the amount of alkoxylated PEI increases, while the softness was remained or improved and the withness index was not adversely affected.

	TABLE 3

	Absorbency (seconds [s])	Whiteness Index (CIE Units)

	Exhaust Process	Padding Process	Exhaust Process	Padding Process
	fabric	fabric	fabric	fabric

Composition No.	Terry Towel	Cotton Knits	Cotton Knits	Cotton Woven	Terry Towel	Cotton Knits	Cotton Knits	Cotton Woven

Blank	Instant	Instant	Instant	20 s	65.1	78.9	79.1	77.2
1-1-A	20-22 s	45-55 s	6-7 s	150 s	64.1	76	77.8	71.1
1-1-B	13-15 s	30-35 s	5 s	135 s	63.8	75.7	78.1	74.9
1-1-C	7-8 s	20-25 s	4-5 s	135 s	64.1	77.1	78.1	72.8
1-2-A	28-29 s	40 s	10 s	100 s	59.3	74.7	77.6	69.2
1-2-B	18-19 s	20 s	8 s	75 s	60.9	76	77.6	74.3
1-2-C	15-16 s	15 s	7 s	70 s	62.1	78.6	77.7	73.8
1-3-A	85 s	65-40 s	12 s	65 s	63.8	76.7	75.6	75.4
1-3-B	23-28 s	20-25 s	10 s	55 s	64.2	79.1	75.7	75.4
1-3-C	12-14 s	20-22 s	9-10 s	50 s	64.2	78.8	76.1	75.6

	TABLE 4

	softness

	Exhaust Process	Padding Process
Composition	fabric	fabric

No.	Terry Towel	Cotton Knits	Cotton Knits	Cotton Woven

1-1-A	4	4	4	4
1-1-B	4	4	5	5
1-1-C	4	4	5	4
1-2-A	5	4	4	4
1-2-B	4	4	5	5
1-2-C	4	3	4	5
1-3-A	4	4	4	4
1-3-B	4	4	5	5
1-3-C	4	4	5	5

The improving degree of Alkoxylated PEI-A for the absorbency, hand feeling (softness), and whiteness index (CIE units) of the fabrics in exhaust process and padding process respectively was generalized in table 5, wherein “+” means improving degree and “++” means higher improving degree as comparing with “+”.

TABLE 5

Alkoxylated PEI-	Terry Towel	Cotton Knits
A: Exhaust	Hydrophilicity (++)	Hydrophilicity (+)
Process	Hand feeling (+)	Hand feeling
	Whiteness Index: Similar	Whiteness Index (+)
Alkoxylated PEI-	Cotton Knits	Cotton Woven
A: Padding Process	Hydrophilicity: Slight	Hydrophilicity: Slight
	Improvement	Improvement
	Hand feeling	Hand feeling
	Whiteness Index: Similar	Whiteness Index (+)

Example 2

Compositions Comprising Hydrophobic Textile Softener and Alkoxylated PEI

2.1. Compositions Comprising Cationic Softener and Alkoxylated PEI

In these compositions, alkoxylated PEI-A was used as alkoxylated PEI together with a cationic softener.


The parameters of
the Cationic softener
were provided
as follows:	Description	pH	1% Dilution	% Solids

Cationic softener A	quaternary	4.0-4.5	Translucent	13.3
	ammonium
	compounds,
	white milky
	emulsion

Three compositions were prepared as shown in table 6.

TABLE 6

	Composition	Composition	Composition 2-
Components	2-1-A	2-1-B	1-C

Cationic softener A	14%	12.60%	11.20%
(% by weight)
Alkoxylated PEI-A	0	1.40%	2.80%
(% by weight)
Emulsifier C (% by weight)	0.70%	0	0
Water (% by weight)	85.30%	86%	86%
Total:	100%	100%	100%

Emulsifier C: C16-C18 fatty alcohol alkoxylate, (25EO).

In table 6, composition 2-1-A contained Cationic softener without the addition of the alkoxylated PEI present invention; Composition 2-1-B contained the Cationic softener wherein 10% by weight of the Cationic softener was replaced by Alkoxylated PEI-A; and Composition 2-1-C contained Cationic softener wherein 20% by weight of the Cationic softener was replaced by Alkoxylated PEI-A.
The obtained three compositions were used for treating fabrics in Exhaust process and Padding process.
The process parameters of the Exhaust process were provided as follows.


	Fabric	Cotton knits and Terry towel
	Softener	To be applied in 2% o.w.f. (and comprising 0.3%
	(Compositions	active components after having been diluted
	of table 6)	accordingly to a working solution)
	Equipment	Dyeing controller DC4 F/R SP (H.T.H.P beaker
		dyeing machine), Model GN084088, commercial
		available from R.B. Electronic and Engineering
		Pvt Ltd, India,
	pH	4.5-5.5
	Liquor ratio	1:10 (fabric: working solution, by weight)
	Process	Soak at room temperature for 20 min at 40° C.
		Squeeze
		Dry at 120° C. for 5 min, followed by drying at
		160° C. for 2 min
		Keep the obtained fabrics at 24° C. for 2 hr's
		for balance, then Measure
		the wicking height (after 5 min and 30 min
		respectively), Water absorbency
		Whiteness Index (CIE Standard Illuminant
		D65), and hand feeling

The process parameters of the Padding process were provided as follows:


Fabric	Cotton knits and Terry towel
Equipment	Laboratory universal padding mangle, Model
	HV0230708, commercial available from R.B.
	Electronic and Engineering Pvt Ltd, India
Softener	To be applied in 20 gpl (and comprising 3 gpl
(Compositions	active components); calculated based on
of table 6)	softener/working solution
pH	4.5-5.5
Process	Liquor (working solution) up-take 100% for padding,
	squeeze and
	dry at 120° C. for 5 min, followed by drying at
	160° C. for 2 min.
	Keep the obtained fabrics at 24° C. for 2 hr's for
	balance, then Measure
	the wicking height (after 5 min and 30 min
	respectively), Water absorbency
	Whiteness Index (CIE Standard Illuminant
	D65), and hand feeling.

Water absorbency of the treated fabrics is reported in the table 7.

	TABLE 7

	Absorbency (seconds, s)

	Exhaust Process	Padding Process
Composition	fabric	fabric

No.	Terry Towel	Cotton Knits	Terry Towel	Cotton Knits

2-1-A	Instant	Instant	30-40 s	20-25 s
2-1-B	Instant	Instant	13-14 s	6-7 s
2-1-C	Instant	Instant	12-13 s	2-3 s

Softness Rating is provided as follows:

- Composition 2-1-B>Composition 2-1-C>Composition 2-1-A.

The improving degree of Alkoxylated PEI-A for the absorbency, hand feeling (softness), and whiteness index (CIE units) of the fabrics in exhaust process and padding process respectively was generalized in table 8, wherein “+” means improving degree, “++” means higher improving degree as comparing with “+”, and “−” means somewhat decreased.

TABLE 8

Alkoxylated PEI-	Terry Towel	Cotton Knits
A: Exhaust	Hydrophilicity: no effect	Hydrophilicity: no effect
Process	Hand feeling: (++)	Hand feeling
	Whiteness Index: (−)	Whiteness Index: Similar
Alkoxylated PEI-	Terry Towel	Cotton Knits
A: Padding Process	Hydrophilicity: (++)	Hydrophilicity: (++)
	Hand feeling: (+)	Hand feeling
	Whiteness Index: Similar	Whiteness Index: Similar

2.2. Compositions Comprising Wax Softener and Alkoxylated PEI

In these compositions, Wax Emulsion was used as wax softener.


Appearance	pH	1% Dilution	% Solids

Wax Emulsion	Amber Colored	2.5-3.0	Clear Amber	20
	Clear Liquid		Colored Liquid

Three compositions were prepared as follows in table 9, with the balance being water.

TABLE 9

	Composition 2-	Composition	Composition 2-
Components	2-A	2-2-B	2-C

Wax Emulsion diluted	100	100	100
with water to 20% by
weight)
Alkoxylated PEI-A	0	10	20
diluted with water to
20% by weight)

The test results of absorbency of fabrics treated in Exhaust process and Padding process with Composition 2-2-A, Composition 2-2-B, and Composition 2-2-C are provided in table 10.
The process parameters of the Exhaust process were provided as follows.


	Fabric	Cotton knits and Terry towel
	Softener	2% o.w.f. (and 0.4% of active components;
	(Compositions	after having been diluted accordingly
	of table 9)	to a working solution)
	Equipment	Dyeing controller DC4 F/R SP (H.T.H.P beaker
		dyeing machine), Model GN084088, commercial
		available from R.B. Electronic and Engineering
		Pvt Ltd, India,
	pH	4.5-5.5
	Liquor ratio	1:10 (fabric: working solution, by weight)
	Process	Soak at room temperature for 20 min at 40° C.
		Squeeze
		Dry at 120° C. for 5 min, followed by drying at
		160° C. for 2 min
		Keep the obtained fabrics at 24° C. for 2 hr's
		for balance, then Measure:
		the wicking height (after 5 min and 30 min
		respectively), Water absorbency,
		Whiteness Index (CIE Standard Illuminant
		D65), and hand feeling.

The process parameters of the Padding process were provided as follows.


Fabric	Cotton knits and Terry towel
Equipment	Laboratory universal padding mangle, Model
	HV0230708, commercial available from R.B.
	Electronic and Engineering Pvt Ltd, India
Softener	20 gpl (and 4 gpl active components; calculated
(Compositions	based on softener/working solution)
of table 9)
pH	4.5-5.5
Process	Liquor (working solution) up-take 100% for padding,
	squeeze
	dry at 120° C. for 5 min, followed by drying at
	160° C. for 2 min
	Keep the obtained fabrics at 24° C. for 2 hr's
	for balance, then Measure
	the wicking height (after 5 min and 30 min
	respectively), Water absorbency
	Whiteness Index (CIE Standard Illuminant
	D65), and hand feeling.

	TABLE 10

	Absorbency (seconds, s)

	Exhaust Process	Padding Process
Composition	fabric	fabric

No.	Terry Towel	Cotton Knits	Terry Towel	Cotton Knits

blank	Instant	Instant	15 s	15-17 s
2-2-A	8-9 s	2 s	>1 minutes	>2 minutes
2-2-B	3-4 s	1-2 s	>1 minutes	1 min
				20 seconds
2-2-C	1-2 s	1-2 s	>1 minutes	40-45 s

Softness Rating:

- Composition 2-2-C>Composition 2-2-B>Composition 2-2-A.

The improving degree of Alkoxylated PEI-A for the absorbency, hand feeling (softness), and whiteness index (CIE units) of the fabrics in exhaust process and padding process respectively was generalized in table 11, wherein “+” means improving degree, and “++” means higher improving degree as comparing with “+”.

TABLE 11

Alkoxylated PEI-	Terry Towel	Cotton Knits
A: Exhaust Process	Hydrophilicity: (+)	Hydrophilicity: Similar
	Hand feeling: (++)	Hand feeling
	Whiteness Index: (++)	Whiteness Index: (+)
Alkoxylated PEI-	Terry Towel	Cotton Knits
A: Padding Process	Hydrophilicity: Similar	Hydrophilicity: (++)
	Hand feeling: (++)	Hand feeling
	Whiteness Index: (++)	Whiteness Index: (+)

Example 3

Compositions Comprising Alkoxylated PEI-A and Hydrophilic Silicone Oils

3.1. Padding Process

The test for performance comparison was carried out in the padding process.
The process parameters were provided as follows:


	Fabric	Cotton knits
	Equipment	Rapid Padding Mangle
	Softener (compositions	To be applied in 4 g/l; calculated
	according table 12)	based on softener/working solution
	pH	4.5
	Process	up-take 100% for padding, and dry at
		160° C. for120 s, 2 hr's balance
		then measure the wicking height (5 min
		& 30 min) and hand feeling.

The comparison results were provided in table 12 and table 13. Table 13 provided the test results measured without washing (0), after one time washing (1), after two times washing (2), after three times washing (3), after four times washing (4), and after five times washing (5).
In table 12, the compositions comprised the hydrophilic silicone oil (HSO) TF405B and amino silicone oil (ASO) 2253D as softeners in water as solvent.

TABLE 12

Performance Comparison between Alkoxylated PEI-A and hydrophilic silicone oils
(Padding Process)

Wicking height

			Hand	In [cm],	In [cm],
	Composition		feeling	after	after
Components	No.	Conc.	(softness)	5 min	30 min

Amino	hydrophilic	3-1-A	1 g/l ASO +	4	8.6	17
silicone	silicone oil		3 g/l HSO
oil	emulsion
	Alkoxylated	3-1-B	1 g/l ASO +	4-5	6.3	13
	PEI-A		3 g/l Alkoxylated
			PEI-A

Amino silicone oil	3-1-C	1 g/l	4-5	5.5	14
hydrophilic silicone oil	3-1-D	3 g/l	2	10.2	18.3
emulsion
Alkoxylated PEI-A	3-1-E	3 g/l	2	10.3	18.3
Amino silicone oil	3-1-F	4 g/l	5	3.3	11
emulsion
Blank	3-1-G	—	1	10.6	18.7

TABLE 13

Durability Comparison between Alkoxylated PEI-A and hydrophilic silicone oils (Padding Process)

wicking

Composition

hand

height*

hand

height*

hand

height*

hand

wicking

hand

wicking

hand

wicking

No.

feeling 0

0

feeling 1

1

feeling 2

2

feeling 3

height* 3

feeling 4

height* 4

feeling 5

height* 5

3-1-A	4	8.6	3	7.6	3	6.6	2	5.7	2	7.3	2	6.5
		17		14.5		11.6		11.2		12		10.5
3-1-B	4~5	6.3	4	6.7	3	5.5	3	5.2	3	5.5	2	5.6
		13		12.5		10.6		9.2		8.5		8
3-1-C	4~5	5.5	4	5	3	4	3	6.1	3	5	2	7
		14		10.2		8.3		8.2		9		10
3-1-D	2	10.2	1	12	1	12.5	1	13.5	1	13.5	1	13.5
		18.3		21		21.9		21.9		21.9		21.9
3-1-E	2	10.3	1	12	1	11.5	1	13	1	13	1	13.5
		18.3		21.9		21.5		21.9		21.9		21.9
3-1-F	5	3.3	5	3.5	4	1.5	4	3.6	3	4	3	1.5
		11		7.8		4.7		8		8		3
3-1-G	1	10.6	1	13	1	13	1	14	1	13.5	1	13.5
		18.7		21.9		21.9		21.9		21.9		21.9

*For wicking height of each composition in each test, the upper value was measured after 5 minutes, and the lower value was measured after 30 minutes, with unit of cm.

3.2. Exhaust Process

The test for performance comparison was carried out in the Exhaust process. The process parameters of the Exhaust process were provided as follows.


	Fabric	Cotton knits
	Equipment	Mathis with type No. BFA12 221210
	Softener (compositions	To be applied in 4% o.w.f. (of weight
	according table 12)	fabric), after having been diluted
		accordingly to a working solution);
	pH	4.5
	Liquor ratio	1:20 (fabric: working solution, by
		weight)
	Process	Soak at room temperature for 15 min,
		up-take 70% for padding, and dry at
		160° C.for120 s.(e.g. 0.4 g softener
		(as it is), 10 g fabric, soft water
		200 g.) 2 hr's balance then measure
		the wicking height (5 min & 30 min)
		and hand feeling.

The comparison results were provided in table 14 and table 15.

TABLE 14

Performance Comparison between Alkoxylated PEI-A and hydrophilic silicone oils
(Exhaust Process)

Hand

Wicking height

	Composition		feeling		cm,
Components	No.	Conc.	(softness)	cm, 5 min	30 min

Amino	hydrophilic	3-2-A	1% ASO +	3	9.8	17.7
silicone	silicone oil		3% HSO
oil	emulsion
	Alkoxylated	3-2-B	1% ASO +	3	9	16
	PEI-A		3% Alkoxylated
			PEI-A

Amino silicone oil	3-2-C	1%	3	8.8	15.7
hydrophilic silicone oil	3-2-D	3%	2	11.2	19.5
emulsion
Alkoxylated PEI-A	3-2-E	3%	2	11.4	19.4
Amino silicone oil	3-2-F	4%	4	7	13.5
emulsion
Blank	3-2-G	—	1	10.6	18.7

TABLE 15

Durability Comparison between Alkoxylated PEI-A and hydrophilic silicone oils (Exhaust Process)

hand

Composition

hand

wicking

hand

wicking

hand

wicking

feeling

wicking

feeling

wicking

feeling

wicking

No.

feeling 0

height* 0

feeling 1

height* 1

feeling 2

height* 2

3

height* 3

4

height* 4

5

height* 5

3-2-A	3	9.8	3	11	2	10	1	11.2	1	11.3	1	12.5
		17.7		18.7		18		21.9		21.9		21.9
3-2-B	3	9	2	11.5	2	11	1	12.5	1	12	1	13.5
		16		18.5		18.6		21.3		21.9		21.9
3-2-C	3	8.8	2	11.5	2	11.6	1	13.6	1	12.5	1	13.5
		15.7		20.5		21		21.9		21.9		21.9
3-2-D	2	11.2	1	12.1	1	11.5	1	13.3	1	13.5	1	13.5
		19.5		21		21		21		21.9		21.9
3-2-E	2	11.4	1	12.5	1	12	1	14.1	1	15	1	13.5
		19.4		21.9		21.3		21.9		21.9		21.9
3-2-F	4	7	4	5.2	3	4.5	3	6.2	2	6	2	4
		13.5		10.7		10.1		10.5		11		8
3-2-G	1	10.6	1	13	1	13	1	14	1	13.5	1	13.5
		18.7		21.9		21.9		21.9		21.9		21.9

*For wicking height of each composition in each test, the upper value was measured after 5 minutes, and the lower value was measured after 30 minutes.

Example 4

Compositions Comprising Alkoxylated PEI-A and Alkoxylated PEI-B

Five compositions were prepared as textile softening compositions, wherein amino modified silicone oil type softener Xiameter® OFX 8040 (AMS) was used.
The raw materials used for preparing the compositions were provided in table 16.

	TABLE 16

	Products Used	Appearance

	Xiameter ® OFX 8040 (AMS)	Viscous flowing liquid
	Emulsifier B	free flowing clear liquid
	Alkoxylated PEI-A	viscous slightly yellow liquid
	Alkoxylated PEI-B	viscous slightly yellow liquid

	Emulsifier B: C10 + 7EO, C10-Guerbet alcohol alkoxylate.

The components of each composition and the contents thereof were list in table 17, with the balance being water.

TABLE 17

Composition No.	4-1-1	4-1-2	4-1-3	4-1-4	4-1-5

Xiameter ® OFX 8040, %	20			16	16
Emulsifier B, %	12			9.6	9.6
Alkoxylated PEI-A, %		32		4
Alkoxylated PEI-B, %			32		4
Total, %	32	32	32	29.6	29.6

4.1. Test of the Fabrics Treated by the Compositions as Above in the Exhaust Process.

Cotton Terry Towel was used as fabric to be treated in this test. Each of the compositions was used and applied in dosage of 2% owf (of weight fabric). The fabric liquid (work solution) ratio was 1:10, and the pH values of the compositions were in the range of from 5.0 to 6.0.
The process was carried at 40° C. for 20 min.
The results were reported in table 18.

TABLE 18

Composition No.	Absorbency (second)	Softness Rating

Blank	Instant	1
4-1-1	2.0	3
4-1-2	Instant	1
4-1-3	Instant	1
4-1-4	1.0	3-4
4-1-5	1.0-2.0	3-4

The data in table 18 showed that: Blank Cotton Terry Towel had very fast water droplet absorbency (instant), however Hand feeling was poor (see sample Blank); when being treated with amino modified silicon oil softener, the Hand feeling of the treated fabric was increased, the hydrophilicity was then decreased (2 seconds) (see fabric treated with composition 4-1-1); using only Alkoxylated PEI-A or Alkoxylated PEI-B would not benefit to soft hand feeling of the treated fabric (see fabrics treated with composition 4-1-2 and composition 4-1-3) either; but when 20% amino modified silicone oil softener was replaced by Alkoxylated PEI-A or Alkoxylated PEI-B, the hydrophilicity was improved as compared with the fabric treated with composition 4-1.

4.2. Test of the Fabrics Treated by the Compositions as Above in Padding Process

PET fabric was used as fabric to be treated in this test. Each of the compositions was used in dosage of 20 g/L. The pH values of the compositions were in the range of 5.0 to 6.0.
The process was carried at pressure of 2.5 kg, and the % pickup was 65%. The results were reported in table 19.

TABLE 19

Composition No.	Absorbency	Softness Rating

Blank

1 min 56 second

1

	4-1-1	>5	min	3
	4-1-2	2	min	1

4-1-3

1 min 10 sec

1

4-1-4

3

minute

2

	4-1-5	2 min 50 second	2

The data in table 19 showed that: Blank PET fabric was relative hydrophobic as compared with cotton, and the hand feeling thereof was also poor (sample Blank); when being treated with amino modified silicon oil softener, hand feeling of the treated PET fabric was increased, and the hydrophilicity was then obviously decreased (fabric treated with composition 4-1-1); when 20% amino modified silicone oil softener was replaced by Alkoxylated PEI-A or Alkoxylated PEI-B, the hydrophilicity of the treated fabric was obviously improved as compared with the PET fabric treated with composition 4-1-1.
4.3. Test of the Fabrics Treated by the Compositions Containing Alkoxylated PEI-A, Hydrophilic Silicone Oil and/or Alkoxylated PEI-B in Padding Process
The fabrics used in the test was woven PET which is hydrophobic. Process parameters of the Padding Process were provided as follows.


	Fabric	woven PET
	Equipment	Rapid Padding Mangle
	Softener (compositions	To be applied: 4 g/l; calculated
	4-1-1 to 4-1-5 according	based on softener/working solution
	to table 17)
	pH	4.5
	Process	up-take 70% for padding, and dry at
		160° C. for 120 s, 2 hr's
		balance, then measure wicking
		height (5 min & 30 min) and hand
		feeling. (PET woven)

Five compositions were prepared as shown in table 20 to test the properties of the fabrics treated by the compositions containing Alkoxylated PEI-A, hydrophilic silicone oil and/or Alkoxylated PEI-B in Padding Process.

TABLE 20

Composition	Wicking height	Hand

No.	Components	cm, 5 min	cm, 30 min	feeling

Blank		0	0.2	1
4-2-1	4 g/L 2253D	1.5	7.2	1~2
4-2-2	3 g/L 2253D + 1	4.9	10.8	1~2
	g/L TF405B
4-2-3	3 g/L 2253D + 1	1.9	7.6	1~2
	g/L Al-koxylated
	PEI-A
4-2-4	3 g/L 2253D + 1	5.8	12.9	1~2
	g/L Al-koxylated
	PEI-B

It can be seen that for PET woven fabrics, the fabric treated with composition 4-2-4 showed better hydrophilic performance than the fabrics treated with other compositions in table 20.

Example 5

Compositions Comprising Alkoxylated PEI-A, Alkoxylated PEI-B and/or Quaternary Ammonium Compound
The quaternary ammonium compound used in example 5 was Varisoft® 222 having the Chemical structure of:
Five compositions were prepared wherein the softeners contained therein were described in table 21.

	TABLE 21

	Softeners that contained

Composition 5-1	Varisoft ® 222 only, 100 parts by weight
Composition 5-2	Varisoft ® 222 and Alkoxylated PEI-A (PEI-A),
	100 parts by weight in total, wherein the
	Varisoft 222:Alkoxylated PEI-A = 9:1 by weight
Composition 5-3	Varisoft ® 222 and Alkoxylated PEI-B (PEI-B),
	100 parts by weight in total, wherein the
	Varisoft 222:Alkoxylated PEI-B = 9:1 by weight
Composition 5-4	Varisoft ® 222 and Alkoxylated PEI-A (PEI-A),
	100 parts by weight in total, wherein the
	Varisoft 222 Alkoxylated PEI-A = 8:2 by weight
Composition 5-5	Varisoft ® 222 and Alkoxylated PEI-B (PEI-B),
	100 parts by weight in total, wherein the
	Varisoft 222:Alkoxylated PEI-A = 8:2 by weight

5.1. Test 1, Exhaust Process, 100% Cotton Fabric

Process described:

- 12 g Cotton Fabric in 240 ml working solution, (adjusting the pH to 4.5 by acetic acid, fabric to Liquor (working solution) ratio=1:20);
- Softener (Compositions 5-1 to 5-5 of table 21)=2% owf (of weight fabric);
- Fabrics were soaked in the working solution at room temperature (RT) for 15 min, up-take 70% for padding, and dry at 160° C. for 120 s.
- More than 2 hours balance.
- Equipment: Mathis with type No. BFA12 221210
- Test results were reported in table 22 and 23.

TABLE 22

wicking height

Composition

		Composition	Composition
	Composition	5-2	5-3

	Blank	5-1	Varisoft ®	Varisoft ®
Time	wicking	Varisoft ®	222:PEI-	222:PEI-
(after)	height	222	A = 9:1	B = 9:1

2	min	9	cm	3.9 cm	4.9 cm	4.8	cm
5	min	12	cm	4.8 cm	5.7 cm	5.4	cm
30	min	20.3	cm	5.9 cm	8.4 cm	8	cm

TABLE 23

Hand feeling

Composition

		Composition	Composition
		5-2	5-3
	Composition	Varisoft ®	Varisoft ®
	5-1	222:PEI-	222:PEI-
Blank	Varisoft ® 222	A = 9:1	B = 9:1

Hand	Stiff	Soft	Soft	Soft
feeling

It can be seen from table 22 and 23 that Blank cotton fabric was very hydrophilic with poor hand feeling; with Cotton Fabric treated with Composition 5-1, hand feeling got obviously improved, wicking height however was decreased a lot, as compared with the blank sample;
The Composition 5-2 with 10% Alkoxylated PEI-A and Composition 5-3 with 10% Alkoxylated PEI-B improved the hydrophilicity of the treated fabric without influencing hand feeling, as compared with Cotton Fabric treated with Composition 5-1.

5.2. Test 2, Exhaust Process, 100% PET Fabric (Hydrophobic)

Process described:

- 12 g PET Fabric in 240 ml working solution, (adjusting the pH to 4.5 by acetic acid, fabric to Liquor (working solution) ratio=1:20);
- Softener (Compositions 5-1 to 5-5 of table 21)=2% owf (of weight fabric);
- Fabrics were soaked in the working solution at room temperature (RT) for 15 min, up-take 70% for padding, and dry at 160° C. for 120 s.
- More than 2 hours balance.
- Equipment: Mathis with type No. BFA12 221210.
- Test results were reported in table 24 and 25.

TABLE 24

wicking height

Composition

		Composition	Composition	Composition	Composition
	Composition	5-2	5-3	5-4	5-5
	5-1	Varisoft ®	Varisoft ®	Varisoft ®	Varisoft ®
	Varisoft ®	222:PEI-A =	222:PEI-	222:PEI-	222:PEI-B =
Blank	222	9:1	B = 9:1	A = 8:2	8:2

2 min	2.4 cm	5.4 cm	5.7 cm	5.1 cm	5.6 cm	5.5 cm
5 min	2.9 cm	6.8 cm	7.3 cm	6.5 cm	7.4 cm	7.3 cm
30 min	4.3 cm	11.0 cm	11.0 cm	11.4 cm	12.2 cm	12.7 cm

TABLE 25

Hand feeling

Composition

		Composition	Composition	Composition	Composition
	Composition	5-2	5-3	5-4	5-5
	5-1	Varisoft ®	Varisoft ®	Varisoft ®	Varisoft ®
	Varisoft ®	222:PEI-	222:PEI-	222:PEI-	222:PEI-B =
Blank	222	A = 9:1	B = 9:1	A = 8:2	8:2

Hand feeling	Stiff	Soft	Soft	Soft	Rough	Soft

It can be seen from table 24 and 25 that Blank PET fabric (hydrophobic) had poor hand feeling; With hydrophobic PET Fabric treated with Composition 5-1, hand feeling got obviously improved, wicking height was also raised, as compared with the blank sample;
Composition 5-5 with 20% Alkoxylated PEI-B improved the hydrophilicity of the treated PET Fabric (hydrophobic) without influencing hand feeling, as compared with the blank sample.
The overall performance of the fabrics treated with Composition 5-4 and Composition 5-5 was improved as compared with the Cotton Fabric treated with Composition 5-1.
5.3. Test 3, Exhaust process, 100% PET Fabric (relative Hydrophilic)
Process described:

- 12 g 100% PET Fabric (relative Hydrophilic) in 240 ml working solution, (adjusting the pH to 4.5 by acetic acid, fabric to Liquor (working solution) ratio=1:20);
- Softener (as it is)=2% owf (of weight fabric);
- Fabrics were soaked in the working solution at room temperature (RT) for 15 min, up-take 70% for padding, and dry at 160° C. for 120 s.
- More than 2 hours balance.
- Equipment: Mathis with type No. BFA12 221210.
- Test results were reported in table 26 and 27.

TABLE 26

wicking height

composition

		Composition	Composition	Composition	Composition
	Composition	5-2	5-3	5-4	5-5
	5-1	Varisoft ®	Varisoft ®	Varisoft ®	Varisoft ®
	Varisoft ®	222:PEI-A =	222:PEI-B =	222:PEI-A =	222:PEI-B =
Blank	222	9:1	9:1	8:2	8:2

2 min	3.7 cm	4.8 cm	5.2 cm	5.1 cm	5.6 cm	5.1 cm
5 min	4.2 cm	5.9 cm	6.2 cm	6.2 cm	6.7 cm	6.4 cm
30 min	4.6 cm	8.6 cm	9.8 cm	9.2 cm	10.1 cm	9.5 cm

TABLE 27

Hand feeling

Composition

		Composition	Composition
		5-3	5-4
	Composition	Varisoft ®	Varisoft ®
	5-1	222:PEI-	222:PEI-
Blank	Varisoft ® 222	B = 9:1	A = 8:2

Hand	Rough	Soft	Soft	Soft
feeling

It can be seen from table 26 and 27 that Blank PET fabric (relative hydrophilic) had poor hand feeling; With PET Fabric (relative hydrophilic) treated with Composition 5-1, hand feeling got obviously improved, wicking height was also raised, as compared with the blank sample; Composition 5-3 with 10% Alkoxylated PEI-B and Composition 5-4 with 20% Alkoxylated PEI-A improved hydrophilicity of the treated PET Fabric (relative hydrophilic) without influencing hand feeling, as compared with the blank sample.

Example 6

Effect of Alkoxylated PEI-B on Non-Woven Fabric Samples

To study the effect of Alkoxylated PEI-B on a non-woven fabric, three samples of a non-woven fabric were prepared, wherein the non-woven fabric was made of fiber composed of PE (polyethylene) sheath and PET (poly(ethylene terephthalate)) core.
The three samples were provided in table 28. The non-woven fabric used for preparing the three samples was obtained from the same batch.

TABLE 28

Sample 6.1	non-woven fabric sample, not treated
Sample 6.2	non-woven fabric sample, treated with Alkoxylated
	PEI-B
Sample 6.3	non-woven fabric sample, treated with oleic acid
	ethoxylate with HLB value 9 (nonionic surfactant)

6.1 Evaluation of the Diffusion Distance

The test was carried out on a sample as provided above on a liquid absorbing substrate (made from a disposable diaper) at room temperature.
The disposable diaper used in the example 6 had layers sequentially as follows:

- a top sheet nonwoven layer;
- a acquisition distribution layer (a PE/PET bi-component nonwoven layer, with sheath being PE, and core being PET);
- absorbent pad layer (consisted of (a) water-absorbing polymers and (b) fibrous materials);
- bottom sheet nonwoven layer.

The disposable diaper was used as such and not treated.
In the test, the acquisition distribution layer of the diaper was substituted by one of the above samples, thereby forming a liquid absorbing device. 150 ml colored normal saline was poured on the liquid absorbing device through a PVC sleeve (having an inner diameter of 6 cm and an outer diameter of 7 cm) with one end contacting directly to the top sheet layer of the liquid absorbing device. Time recording started once the colored normal saline reached to the top sheet layer of the liquid absorbing device, and ended once the liquid level of the colored normal saline was disappeared in the PVC sleeve. The obtained time was reported as “Acquisition time” in table 29.
In addition, the longest diffusion distance of the colored normal saline on the top sheet layer of the liquid absorbing device and the shortest diffusion distance of the colored normal saline on the top sheet layer of the liquid absorbing device were measured and reported on the table 29.
After the diffusion of the colored normal saline on the top sheet layer of the liquid absorbing device was finished, the diffusion on the absorbent pad layer of the liquid absorbing device was further studied. The longest diffusion distance of the colored normal saline on the absorbent pad layer of the liquid absorbing device and the shortest diffusion distance of the colored normal saline on the absorbent pad layer of the liquid absorbing device were further measured and reported on the table 29.
The test was carried out for each of the three samples provided in table 28.

6.2 Evaluation of the Rewetting Property

Further to the test in section 6.1, rewetting property was tested. A piece of dry filter paper was provided and weighted. The weight of the dry filter paper was reported as the initial weight. Then the dry filter paper was put on top of the top sheet layer of the wetted liquid absorbing device obtained according to the experimental procedure of section 6.1, and a 3.6 kg weight was placed on the filter paper for 2 minutes. Then the weight was taken away, and the weight of the wetted filter paper was measured as the wetted weight.
The rewetting property was characterized according to the wetted weight of the filter paper minus the initial weight of the filter paper, which was reported as “rewet” in table 29.
Rewet=the wetted weight of the filter paper−the initial weight of the filter paper.
The test was carried out for each of the three samples provided in table 28. The dry filter paper used for testing each sample was of the same condition.

TABLE 29

Sample 6.1	Sample 6.2	Sample 6.3

¹Acquisition time(s)	16	15	15
Rewet (g)	1.3	0.8	1.6
Longest diffusion on top	265	275	260
sheet layer (mm)
Shortest diffusion on	235	245	245
top sheet layer (mm)
Longest diffusion on	260	270	250
absorbent pad layer (mm)
Shortest diffusion on	220	235	220
absorbent pad layer (mm)

¹also generally referred to as “strike through time (STT)”, which may be defined as the time taken for a known volume of liquid to pass through the nonwoven fabric that is in contact with an underlying dry standard absorbent pad.

Results:

It can be seen from table 29 that the Sample 6.2, which is treated with Alkoxylated PEI-B, has the best results on longest diffusion on top sheet layer and on both longest diffusion and shortest diffusion on core. As for the shortest diffusion on top sheet layer, the result obtained by sample 6.2 is as good as the result obtained by sample 6.3.

6.3 Evaluation of the Diffusion Rate

The test was carried out at room temperature and controlled humidity. A sample in table 28 was put on top of the center of a tissue paper, wherein the tissue paper was balanced in terms of weight and moisture beforehand.
20 ml colored normal saline was poured to the sample through a sleeve with one end contacting directly to the sample on the tissue paper. Time recording started once the colored normal saline reached to the surface of the tissue paper, and ended once the colored normal saline was diffused to a marked line on the tissue paper. The obtained time was reported on table 30.
The test was carried out for each of the three samples, with all the conditions remaining the same.

TABLE 30

Sample 6.1	Sample 6.2	Sample 6.3

	Time (in s)	37	15	16

Results:

It can be seen from table 30 that the Sample 6.2, which is treated with Alkoxylated PEI-B, has the shortest time for diffusion.
Each of the documents referred to above is incorporated herein by reference.
Except in the Examples, or where otherwise explicitly indicated, all numerical quantities in this description specifying amounts of materials, reaction conditions, molecular weights, number of carbon atoms, and the like, are to be understood as modified by the word “about”.
It is to be understood that the ranges and amounts for each element of the invention can be used together with ranges or amounts for any of the other elements.
The present invention is not to be limited in scope by the specific embodiments and examples described herein. Indeed, various modifications of the invention in addition to those described herein will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the foregoing description. Such modifications are intended to fall within the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. An alkoxylated polyethylenimine, having alkylene oxide segments attached to the nitrogen atoms of the polyethylenimine,

wherein the alkylene oxide segments are selected from the group consisting of ethylene oxide segment and C₃-C₆-alkylene oxide segments;

wherein the amount of alkylene oxide segments is on average in the range of from 1 to 120 alkylene oxide segments per nitrogen atom, and

wherein the weight average molecular weight (M_w) of the alkoxylated polyethylenimine is from 1,000 to 1,000,000 g/mole,

for use in a textile treatment process, especially in a textile finishing process.

2. The alkoxylated polyethylenimine of claim 1, wherein the alkylene oxide segments consist of ethylene oxide segment and C₃-C₆-alkylene oxide segments.

3. The alkoxylated polyethylenimine of claim 2, wherein the molar ratio of ethylene oxide segment to the remaining alkylene oxide segment is in the range of 1:10 to 6:1.

4. The alkoxylated polyethylenimine of claim 1, wherein the alkylene oxide segments in the alkoxylated polyethylenimine are ethylene oxide segments, the amount of the ethylene oxide segments is in the range of from 15 to 25 ethylene oxide segments per nitrogen atom, and the weight average molecular weight of the alkoxylated polyethylenimine is in the range of 15,000 to 20,000 g/mol.

5. The alkoxylated polyethylenimine of claim 2, wherein the alkylene oxide segments are comprised of ethylene oxide segment and C₃-alkylene oxide segments, and the amount of alkylene oxide segments is on average in the range of from 35 to 70 alkylene oxide segments per nitrogen atom, and the weight average molecular weight of the alkoxylated polyethylenimine of the present invention is in the range of from 35,000 to 40,000 g/mol.

6. The alkoxylated polyethylenimine of claim 1, wherein the alkylene oxide segments in the alkoxylated polyethylenimine are C₃-C₆-alkylene oxide segments.

7. The alkoxylated polyethylenimine of claim 1, wherein the C₃-C₆-alkylene oxide segments in the alkoxylated polyethylenimine are C₃-C₄-alkylene oxide segments.

8. The alkoxylated polyethylenimine of claim 1, wherein the C₃-C₆-alkylene oxide segments in the alkoxylated polyethylenimine are C₃-alkylene oxide segments.

9. A textile softening composition comprising:

(a) hydrophobic textile softener; and

(b) the alkoxylated polyethylenimine of claim 1.

10. The textile softening composition of claim 9, wherein the hydrophobic textile softener is selected from the group consisting of amino modified silicone oil, wax, ester, long carbon chain alcohol, and quaternary ammonium compounds.

11. The textile softening composition of claim 9, wherein the amount of component (b) is in the range of from 0.1 to 75% by weight, based on the total weight of component (a) and component (b).

12. The textile softening composition of claim 9, wherein the textile softening composition further comprises additives.

13. The textile softening composition of claim 9, wherein the textile to be treated is prepared from natural or synthetic fibers.

14. A process for treating a textile, comprising

contacting the textile softening composition of claim 9 with the textile.

15. The process of claim 14, which is selected from exhaust process or padding process.

16. A water-repellant composition, which comprising

(A) water-repellant agent, and

(B) the alkoxylated polyethylenimine of claim 1.

17. The water-repellant composition of claim 16, wherein the water-repellant agent is fluoro-containing water-repellant agent or silicon-containing water-repellant agent.

18. The water-repellant composition of claim 16, wherein the amount of component (B) is in the range of from 0.01 to 10% by weight, based on the total weight of component (A) and component (B).

19. The use of the alkoxylated polyethylenimine as defined in claim 1 as an additive in a textile softening composition for treating a textile.

20. The alkoxylated polyethylenimine as defined claim 1 for use as an additive in a water-repellant composition for treating a textile.

21. A process for treating a textile, comprising a step of contacting the water-repellant composition of claim 16.

22. The process of claim 14, wherein the textile is prepared from cotton; polyester; polyamide; and polypropylene.