WO2026017399A1

WO2026017399A1 - Fabric conditioner composition

Info

Publication number: WO2026017399A1
Application number: PCT/EP2025/068596
Authority: WO
Inventors: Jun Shen; Na Xu; Qin Yin; Xinyu Zhang
Original assignee: Unilever Global IP Ltd; Unilever IP Holdings BV; Conopco Inc
Current assignee: Unilever Global IP Ltd; Unilever IP Holdings BV; Conopco Inc
Priority date: 2024-07-16
Filing date: 2025-07-01
Publication date: 2026-01-22
Anticipated expiration: 2027-01-16

Abstract

A fabric conditioner composition is disclosed comprising: (a) a quaternary ammonium compound; (b) a fatty acid methyl ester having a structure represented by the following formula: R₁-COO-CH₃, wherein R₁ is a linear or branched, C₇ to C₂₁ alkyl or alkenyl group; and (c) from 0.001 to 5% by weight of a cationic polymer; wherein the quaternary ammonium compound is an ester-linked quaternary ammonium compound and wherein the cationic polymer is selected from cationic polyacrylamide polymers, cationic polyacrylate polymers, cationic amino resins, cationic urea resins, cationic hydrolysed proteins and cationic polysaccharides and combinations thereof.

Description

FABRIC CONDITIONER COMPOSITION

Field of the Invention The present invention is in the field of fabric conditioners. In particular, the present invention relates to a fabric conditioner composition comprising a quaternary ammonium compound, a fatty acid methyl ester and a cationic polymer.

Background of the Invention Fabric conditioner is a popular household cleaning product that is used to reduce harshness in clothes that are dried in air after washing. Fabric conditioners typically coat the surface of a fabric with substances that are electrically charged, causing threads to “stand up” from the surface and thereby imparting a softer and fluffier texture. In fabric conditioner compositions, one of the main ingredients that is responsible for softening the fabric is cationic quaternary ammonium compounds. These compounds have the ability to form micelles, which act as carriers of any hydrophobic materials in the composition, such as perfume oils. Ideally, the micelles should have a uniform size distribution, so that they can evenly deposit on the fabric surface and deliver benefit agents in a consistent manner. Another ingredient that is often used in fabric conditioners is cationic polymer, which can have various functions, depending on the type and amount of polymer used. For example, cationic polymer can thicken the composition or improve the performance of the fabric conditioner by increasing the deposition of benefit agents on the fabric. However, cationic polymers have a negative impact on the stability of micelles, as they cause them to aggregate. This aggregation of micelles may also indicate the instability of the composition, as it can lead to phase separation or sedimentation over time. This reduces the ability of the micelles to spread evenly on the fabric and deliver the desired benefits, such as softness and fragrance.

Therefore, there is a need for fabric conditioner compositions that can achieve a more uniform size distribution and less aggregation of micelles, which can provide improved stability of the composition and more even deposition of benefit agents on the fabric surface.

Summary of the Invention

In a first aspect, the present invention is directed to a fabric conditioner composition comprising a) a quaternary ammonium compound; b) a fatty acid methyl ester having a structure represented by the following formula:

R1-COO-CH3 wherein R1 is a linear or branched, C7 to C30 alkyl or alkenyl group; and c) from 0.001 to 5% by weight of a cationic polymer; wherein the quaternary ammonium compound is an ester-linked quaternary ammonium compound; and wherein the cationic polymer is selected from cationic polyacrylamide polymers, cationic polyacrylate polymers, cationic amino resins, cationic urea resins, cationic hydrolysed proteins and cationic polysaccharides and combinations thereof.

In a second aspect, the present invention is directed to use of a fatty acid methyl ester in a fabric conditioner composition of any embodiment of the first aspect to improve the stability of the composition, wherein the fatty acid methyl ester is represented by the following formula:

R1-COO-CH3 wherein R1 is a linear or branched, C7 to C21 alkyl or alkenyl group.

All other aspects of the present invention will more readily become apparent upon considering the detailed description and examples which follow. Detailed Description of the Invention

Except in the examples, or where otherwise explicitly indicated, all numbers in this description indicating amounts of material or conditions of reaction, physical properties of materials and/or use may optionally be understood as modified by the word “about”. All amounts are by weight of the composition, unless otherwise specified.

It should be noted that in specifying any range of values, any particular upper value can be associated with any particular lower value. For the avoidance of doubt, the word “comprising” is intended to mean “including” but not necessarily “consisting of” or “composed of”. In other words, the listed steps or options need not be exhaustive. The disclosure of the invention as found herein is to be considered to cover all embodiments as found in the claims as being multiply dependent upon each other irrespective of the fact that claims may be found without multiple dependency or redundancy. Where a feature is disclosed with respect to a particular aspect of the invention (for example a composition of the invention), such disclosure is also to be considered to apply to any other aspect of the invention (for example a method of the invention) mutatis mutandis.

Unless specified otherwise, amounts as used herein are expressed in percentage by weight based on the total weight of the composition and is abbreviated as “wt.%” or “weight %”.

Quaternary ammonium compound

The quaternary ammonium compound (QAC) preferably comprises at least one chain derived from fatty acids, more preferably at least two chains derived from a fatty acid. Generally fatty acids are defined as aliphatic monocarboxylic acids having a chain of 4 to 28 carbons. Fatty acids may be derived from various sources such as tallow or plant sources (e.g. palm oil).

Preferably the fatty acid chains are derived from plants. Preferably the fatty acid chains of the QAC comprise from 10 to 50 wt. % of saturated C18 chains and from 5 to 40 wt. % of monounsaturated C18 chains by weight of total fatty acid chains. In a further preferred embodiment, the fatty acid chains of the QAC comprise from 20 to 40 wt. %, preferably from 25 to 35 wt. % of saturated C18 chains and from 10 to 35 wt. %, preferably from 15 to 30 wt. % of monounsaturated C18 chains, by weight of total fatty acid chains.

The QACs for use in compositions of the present invention are so called "ester quats" or ester- linked quaternary ammonium compounds. Particularly preferred materials are the ester-linked triethanolamine (TEA) quaternary ammonium compounds comprising a mixture of mono-, di- and tri-ester linked components. When the quaternary ammonium compound is an ester-linked quaternary ammonium compound, the fabric conditioner composition of the present invention preferably comprises from 0.01 to 30% by weight of an ester-linked quaternary ammonium compound, more preferably from 0.1 to 20%, even more preferably from 0.5 to 15%, more preferably still from 1 to 10% and most preferably from 1.5 to 5% by weight of an ester-linked quaternary ammonium compound, based on total weight of the composition and including all ranges subsumed therein.

A first group of quaternary ammonium compounds (QACs) suitable for use in compositions described herein are represented by formula (I): [(CH₂)_n(TR)]_m

I

R¹-N⁺-[(CH₂)_n(OH)]_3.m X-

(i) wherein each R is independently selected from a C5 to C35 alkyl or alkenyl group; R¹ represents a C1 to C4 alkyl, C2 to C4 alkenyl or a C1 to C4 hydroxyalkyl group; T may be either O-CO. (i.e. an ester group bound to R via its carbon atom), or may alternatively be CO-O (i.e. an ester group bound to R via its oxygen atom); n is a number selected from 1 to 4; m is a number selected from 1, 2, or 3; and X- is an anionic counter-ion, such as a halide or alkyl sulphate, e.g. chloride or methylsulfate. Di-esters variants of formula I (i.e., m = 2) are preferred and typically have mono- and tri-ester analogues associated with them. Such materials are particularly suitable for use in the present invention.

A second group of QACs suitable for use in the compositions described herein are represented by formula (II):

(R¹)₃N⁺- (CH₂)_n-CH-TR² X’

CH₂TR²

(II) wherein each R¹ group is independently selected from C1 to C4 alkyl, hydroxyalkyl or C2 to C4 alkenyl groups; and wherein each R² group is independently selected from C8 to C28 alkyl or alkenyl groups; and wherein n, T, and X- are as defined above.

Preferred materials of this second group include 1,2 bis[tallowoyloxy]-3- trimethylammonium propane chloride, 1,2 bis[hardened tallowoyloxy]-3- trimethylammonium propane chloride, 1 ,2- bis[oleoyloxy]-3-trimethylammonium propane chloride, and 1,2 bis[stearoyloxy]-3- trimethylammonium propane chloride. Such materials are described in US 4, 137,180 (Lever Brothers). Preferably, these materials also comprise an amount of the corresponding monoester. A third group of QACs suitable for use in the compositions described herein are represented by formula (III):

(R¹)₂-N⁺-[(CH₂)n-T-R²]₂X- (III) wherein each R¹ group is independently selected from C1 to C4 alkyl, or C2 to C4 alkenyl groups; and wherein each R² group is independently selected from C8 to C28 alkyl or alkenyl groups; and n, T, and X- are as defined above. Preferred materials of this third group include bis(2-tallowoyloxyethyl)dimethyl ammonium chloride, partially hardened and hardened versions

5 thereof.

A fourth group of suitable QACs are represented by formula (IV)

A fifth group of QACs suitable for use in the invention are represented by formula (V) wherein R¹ and R² are each independently a C10 to C22 alkyl or alkenyl group, preferably a C14 to C20 alkyl or alkenyl group. X' is as defined above.

The iodine value of the quaternary ammonium compound is preferably from 0 to 80, more preferably from 0 to 60, and most preferably from 0 to 45. The iodine value may be chosen as appropriate. Essentially saturated material having an iodine value of from 0 to 5, preferably from 0 to 1 may be used in the compositions described herein. Such materials are known as "hardened" quaternary ammonium compounds.

>0 A further preferred range of iodine values is from 20 to 60, preferably 25 to 50, more preferably from 30 to 45. A material of this type is a "soft" triethanolamine quaternary ammonium compound, preferably triethanolamine di-alkylester methylsulfate. Such ester-linked triethanolamine quaternary ammonium compounds comprise unsaturated fatty chains.

If there is a mixture of quaternary ammonium materials present in the composition, the iodine

>5 value, referred to above, represents the mean iodine value of the parent fatty acyl compounds or fatty acids of all the quaternary ammonium materials present. Likewise, if there are any saturated quaternary ammonium materials present in the composition, the iodine value represents the mean iodine value of the parent acyl compounds of fatty acids of all of the quaternary ammonium materials present.

Iodine value as used in the context of the present invention refers to, the fatty acid used to produce the QAC, the measurement of the degree of unsaturation present in a material by a method of NMR spectroscopy as described in Anal. Chem., 34, 1136 (1962) Johnson and Shoolery.

The fabric conditioner composition of the present invention preferably comprises from 0.01 to 30% by weight of the quaternary ammonium compound, more preferably from 0.1 to 20%, even more preferably from 0.5 to 15%, more preferably still from 1 to 10% and most preferably from 1.5 to 5%, based on total weight of the composition and including all ranges subsumed therein.

Fatty acid methyl ester The fabric conditioner composition of the present invention comprises a fatty acid methyl ester. A fatty acid methyl ester is a compound derived from the rection between a fatty acid and methanol, where the carboxyl group of the fatty acid is esterified with the hydroxyl group of the methanol. The fatty acid methyl ester suitable for use in the present invention is represented by formula (VII): R1-COO-CH3 (VII) wherein R1 is a linear or branched, C7 to C21 alkyl or alkenyl group.

Preferably R1 is a linear or branched C9 to C19 alkyl or alkenyl group, more preferably a linear or branched Cn to C17 alkyl or alkenyl group, most preferably a linear or branched C15 to C17 alkyl or alkenyl group.

More preferably, R1 is a linear C7 to C21 alkyl or alkenyl group having 0 to 3 carbon-carbon double bonds, more preferably a linear C9 to C19 alkyl or alkenyl group having 0 to 3 carboncarbon double bonds, even more preferably a linear Cn to C17 alkyl or alkenyl group having 0 to 3 carbon-carbon double bonds, most preferably a linear C15 to C17 alkyl or alkenyl group having

0 to 3 carbon-carbon double bonds.

Alternatively, R1 is a linear C7 to C21 alkyl group, more preferably a linear C9 to C19 alkyl group, even more preferably a linear Cn to C17 alkyl group, most preferably a linear C15 to C17 alkyl group. Ri-COO is a fatty acid moiety. Suitable fatty acid moiety can be derived from caproic acid, octanoic acid, lauric acid, myristic acid, palmitic acid, palmitoleic acid, stearic acid, behenic acid, arachidic acid, oleic acid, linoleic acid, linolenic acid, arachidonic acid, erucic acid, 2- ethylhexanoic acid, isostearic acid, methyl-branched isostearic acid, 2-octyldodecanoic acid or

5 mixtures thereof. Preferably lauric acid, myristic acid, palmitic acid, oleic acid, linoleic acid, stearic acid or mixtures thereof, more preferably palmitic acid, oleic acid, linoleic acid, stearic acid or mixtures thereof.

Examples of suitable fatty acid methyl ester include, but are not limited to, methyl laurate,

IO methyl myristate, methyl palmitate, methyl oleate, methyl linoleate, methyl stearate or mixtures thereof, preferably methyl palmitate, methyl oleate, methyl linoleate, methyl stearate or mixtures thereof.

The fatty acid methyl ester can be mono-, di- and tri-esters, depending on the number of fatty

15 acid chains that are esterified with an alcohol molecule. Preferably the fatty acid methyl ester of the present invention comprises monoesters, diesters or a mixture thereof. It is preferred that the fatty acid methyl ester comprises at least 50%, more preferably 60 to 100%, even more preferably 70 to 100% and most preferably from 80 to 100% by weight of the monoesters, based on total weight of the fatty acid methyl ester.

>0

Preferably the fatty acid methyl ester of the present invention comprises at least 50% by weight of Cieto C22 fatty acid methyl esters, more preferably from 70 to 100%, even more preferably from 80 to 100%, more preferably still from 90 to 100% and most preferably from 95 to 100% by weight of Cieto C22 fatty acid methyl esters, based on total weight of the fatty acid methyl ester.

>5

Preferably the fatty acid methyl ester of the present invention comprises at least 50% by weight of Cieto C20 fatty acid methyl esters, more preferably from 70 to 100%, even more preferably from 80 to 100%, more preferably still from 90 to 100% and most preferably from 95 to 100% by weight of Cieto C20 fatty acid methyl esters, based on total weight of the fatty acid methyl ester.

30

It is particularly preferred that the fatty acid methyl ester of the present invention comprises C16 and Cis fatty acid methyl esters such as methyl palmitate, methyl oleate, methyl linoleate, methyl stearate, or mixtures thereof. Preferably the fatty acid methyl ester comprises at least 50% C16 and C18 fatty acid methyl esters, preferably 70 to 100%, even more preferably from 80 to 100%, more preferably still from 90 to 100% and most preferably from 95 to 100% by weight of Ci6 and Cis fatty acid methyl esters, based on total weight of the fatty acid methyl ester.

Suitable fatty acid methyl esters for use in the present invention may be derived from natural fats and/or hydrogenated natural oils (e.g. soy oil, castor oil, coconut oil, palm kernel oil, or tallow). Examples of suitable fatty acid methyl ester is commercially available under the trade name STEPAN C-65 from Stepan Company or from Guangdong Yeser Industrial Co., Ltd.

The fabric conditioner composition of the present invention preferably comprises from 0.001 to 10% by weight of the fatty acid methyl ester, more preferably 0.01 to 8%, even more preferably from 0.1 to 5% and most preferably from 0.5 to 3%, based on total weight of the composition and including all ranges subsumed therein.

Cationic polymer The fabric conditioner composition of the present invention comprises from 0.001 to 5% by weight of a cationic polymer. Preferably the composition comprises from 0.005 to 3% by weight of a cationic polymer, more preferably from 0.1 to 2% by weight of a cationic polymer.

The cationic polymer may be naturally derived or synthetic. The cationic polymer is selected from cationic polyacrylamide polymers, cationic polyacrylate polymers, cationic amino resins, cationic urea resins, cationic hydrolysed proteins and cationic polysaccharides and combinations thereof. Preferably the cationic polymer is selected from cationic polyacrylamide polymers, cationic polyacrylate polymers, cationic hydrolysed proteins and cationic polysaccharides and combinations thereof. Even more preferably the cationic polymer is selected from polyacrylamide polymers, cationic polyacrylate polymers and combinations thereof.

A particularly preferred cationic polymer is synthetic cationic polymers that comprise structural units, these structural units may be non-ionic, cationic, anionic or mixtures thereof. The polymer may comprise non-cationic structural units, but the polymer must have a net cationic charge.

The cationic polymer may consist of only one type of structural unit, i.e. , the polymer is a homopolymer or a copolymer (which consist of two or more types of structural unit). The structural units, or monomers, may be incorporated in the cationic polymer in a random format or in a block format. The cationic polymer may comprise a nonionic structural units derived from monomers selected from: (meth)acrylamide, vinyl formamide, N, N-dialkyl acrylamide, N, N-dialkylmethacrylamide, C1-C12 alkyl acrylate, C1-C12 hydroxyalkyl acrylate, polyalkylene glyol acrylate, C1-C12 alkyl methacrylate, C1-C12 hydroxyalkyl methacrylate, polyalkylene glycol methacrylate, vinyl

5 acetate, vinyl alcohol, vinyl formamide, vinyl acetamide, vinyl alkyl ether, vinyl pyridine, vinyl pyrrolidone, vinyl imidazole, vinyl caprolactam, and mixtures thereof.

The cationic polymer may comprise a cationic structural units derived from monomers selected from: N, N-dialkylaminoalkyl methacrylate, N, N-dialkylaminoalkyl acrylate, N, N-

I0 dialkylaminoalkyl acrylamide, N, N-dialkylaminoalkylmethacrylamide, methacylamidoalkyl trialkylammonium salts, acrylamidoalkylltrialkylamminium salts, vinylamine, vinylimine, vinyl imidazole, quaternized vinyl imidazole, diallyl dialkyl ammonium salts, and mixtures thereof. Preferably, the cationic monomer is selected from: diallyl dimethyl ammonium salts (DADMAS), N, N-dimethyl aminoethyl acrylate, N,N-dimethyl aminoethyl methacrylate (DMAM), [2-

I5 (methacryloylamino)ethyl]trl-methylammonium salts, N, N-dimethylaminopropyl acrylamide (DMAPA), N, N-dimethylaminopropyl methacrylamide (DMAPMA), acrylamidopropyl trimethyl ammonium salts (APTAS), methacrylamidopropyl trimethylammonium salts (MAPTAS), quaternized vinylimidazole (QVi), and mixtures thereof.

>0 The cationic polymer may comprise an anionic structural units derived from monomers selected from: acrylic acid (AA), methacrylic acid, maleic acid, vinyl sulfonic acid, styrene sulfonic acid, acrylamidopropylmethane sulfonic acid (AMPS) and their salts, and mixtures thereof.

The cationic structural units are preferably present in an amount from 20 to 100%, more

>5 preferably from 40 to 99%, even more preferably from 60 to 98%, and most preferably from 80 to 96% by weight of the total structural units. The non-ionic and/or anionic structural units are preferably present in an amount from 0 to 80%, more preferably from 1 to 60%, even more preferably from 2 to 40% and most preferably from 4 to 20% by weight of the total structural units.

50

Examples of suitable synthetic cationic polymers include polyquaternium 37 or polyquaternium 32. It is particularly preferred that the cationic polymer is polyquaternium 32 (a copolymer of acrylamide and trimethylaminoethylmethacrylate chloride). Suitable commercial synthetic cationic polymers for use in the present invention are marketed by SNF under the trade name

55 Flosoft. When the cationic polymer is synthetic cationic polymers, the composition preferably comprises 0.001 to 5% by weight of a synthetic cationic polymer, more preferably 0.005 to 3%, and even more preferably 0.1 to 2% by weight of a synthetic cationic polymer. In an especially preferred embodiment, the composition preferably comprises 0.001 to 5% by weight of polyquaternium 32, more preferably 0.005 to 3%, and even more preferably 0.1 to 2% by weight of polyquaternium 32.

Another suitable cationic polymer is cationic polysaccharides. Cationic polysaccharides are preferably selected from: cationic celluloses, cationic guars and cationic starches.

Polysaccharides are polymers made up from monosaccharide monomers joined together by glycosidic bonds. The cationic polysaccharide-based polymers suitable for use in the present invention have a modified polysaccharide backbone, modified in that additional chemical groups have been reacted with some of the free hydroxyl groups of the polysaccharide backbone to give an overall positive charge to the modified cellulosic monomer unit.

A preferred polysaccharide polymer is cationic cellulose. This refers to polymers having a cellulose backbone and an overall positive charge. Cellulose is a polysaccharide with glucose as its monomer, specifically it is a straight chain polymer of D-glucopyranose units linked via beta -1 ,4 glycosidic bonds and is a linear, non-branched polymer.

A preferred class of cationic cellulose polymers suitable for this invention are those that have a cellulose backbone modified to incorporate a quaternary ammonium salt. Preferably the quaternary ammonium salt is linked to the cellulose backbone by a hydroxyethyl or hydroxypropyl group. Preferably the charged nitrogen of the quaternary ammonium salt has one or more alkyl group substituents.

Examples of suitable cationic cellulose polymers polyquaternium 10, polyquaternium 24, cocodimethylammonium hydroxypropyl oxyethyl cellulose, lauryldimethylammonium hydroxypropyl oxyethyl cellulose, stearyldimethylammonium hydroxypropyl oxyethyl cellulose, and stearyldimethylammonium hydroxyethyl cellulose; cellulose 2-hydroxyethyl 2- hydroxy 3- (trimethyl ammonio) propyl ether salt, polyquaternium-4, polyquaternium-10, polyquaternium-24 and polyquaternium-67. More preferably the cationic cellulosic polymer is a quaternised hydroxy ether cellulose cationic polymer. These are commonly known as polyquaternium-10. Suitable commercial cationic cellulosic polymer products for use according to the present invention are marketed by the Amerchol Corporation under the trade name LICARE.

Cationic hydrolysed proteins suitable for use in the present invention are proteins which are obtainable by hydrolysis of proteins. Hydrolysis can be achieved by chemical reactions, in particular by alkaline hydrolysis, acid hydrolysis, enzymatic hydrolysis or combinations thereof. For alkaline or acid hydrolysis, methods such as prolonged boiling in a strong acid or strong base may be employed. For enzymatic hydrolysis, all hydrolytic enzymes are suitable, for example alkaline proteases. The production of protein hydrolysates is described, for example, by G. Schuster and A. Domsch in soaps and oils Fette Wachse 108, (1982) 177 and Cosm.Toil, respectively. 99, (1984) 63, by H.W. Steisslinger in Parf.Kosm. 72, (1991) 556 and F. Aurich et al. in Tens. Surf. Det. 29, (1992) 389 appeared.

The hydrolysed proteins may come from a variety of sources. The proteins may be naturally sourced, e.g., from plants or animal sources, or they may be synthetic proteins. Preferably the protein is a naturally sourced protein or a synthetic equivalent of a naturally sourced protein. A preferred class of proteins are plant proteins, i.e. , proteins obtained from a plant or synthetic equivalents thereof. Preferably the protein is obtained from a plant. Preferred plant sources include nuts, seeds, beans, and grains. Particularly preferred plant sources are grains. Examples of grains include cereal grains (e.g., millet, maize, barley, oats, rice and wheat), pseudoceral grains (e.g., buckwheat and quinoa), pulses (e.g., chickpeas, lentils and soybeans) and oilseeds (e.g. mustard, rapeseed, sunflower seed, hemp seed, poppy seed, flax seed). Most preferred are cereal grains, in particular wheat proteins or synthetic equivalents to wheat proteins.

It is preferred that the protein hydrolysate is a cationically modified wheat protein hydrolysate. Preferably the hydrolyses protein is a quaternised protein. Preferably the hydrolysed protein contains at least one radical of the formula:

R1-N+(CH3)2-CH2-CH(OH)-CH2 -XR

R1 is an alkyl group having 1 to 30 carbon atoms, an alkenyl group having 1 to 30 carbon atoms, or a hydroxyalkyl group having 1 to 30 carbon atoms. R1 is preferably selected from, a methyl group, a C 10-18 alkyl, or a C 10-13 alkenyl group, X is O, N or S. R represents the protein residue. The term "protein residue" is to be understood as meaning the backbone of the corresponding protein hydrolyzate formed by the linking of amino acids, to which the cationic group is bound. The cationization of the protein hydrolysates with the above-described residues can be achieved by reacting the protein hydrolyzates, in particular the reactive groups of the amino acids of the protein hydrolysates, with halides which otherwise correspond to compounds of the above formula (wherein the X-R moiety is replaced by a halogen). The hydrolysed protein may a be hydrolysed protein-silicone copolymer. The silicone component may be covalently bonded to amino groups of the protein groups. Silicone components may form cross-links between different protein chains. The protein component of a protein-silicone copolymer may represent from 5 to 98% by weight of the copolymer, more preferably from 50 to 90%.

Preferably, the silicone component is organofunctional silane/silicone compounds. The protein- silicone copolymer may be prepared by covalently attaching organofunctional silane/silicone compounds to the protein amino groups to form larger polymer molecules including protein cross-linking. In addition, further polymerisation may occur through condensation of silanol groups, and such further polymerisation increases the amount of cross-linking. The organofunctional silicone compounds used for reaction with the protein component to form the copolymer must contain a functional group capable of reacting with the chain terminal and/or side chain amino groups of the protein. Suitable reactive groups include, for example, acyl halide, sulphonyl halide, anhydride, aldehyde and epoxide groups. The silicone component may be any compound which contains a siloxane group (Si-O-Si) or any silane capable of forming a siloxane in situ by condensation of silanol (Si-OH) groups or any alkoxysilane or halosilane which hydrolyses to form a corresponding silanol and then condenses to form a siloxane group.

Wheat protein hydrolysates are commercially available, for example, from Croda under the trade name ColtideRadiance.

The counterion of the cationic polymer is freely chosen from the halides: chloride, bromide, and iodide; or from hydroxide, phosphate, sulphate, hydrosulphate, ethyl sulphate, methyl sulphate, formate, and acetate. The molecular weight of the cationic polymer is preferably greater than 20 000 g/mol, more preferably greater than 25 000 g/mol. The molecular weight is preferably less than 2 000 000 g/mol, more preferably less than 1 000 000 g/mol. Perfume

The fabric conditioner composition of the present invention preferably comprises a perfume. Preferably the composition comprises from 0.01 to 20% by weight of perfume, more preferably from 0.05 to 15%, even more preferably from 0.1 to 10%, and most preferably from 0.15 to 5% by weight of perfume. The perfume may be free perfumes and/or encapsulated perfumes (perfume microcapsules). Preferably the perfume is a combination of free perfume and perfume microcapsules.

Particularly preferred perfume components are blooming perfume components and substantive perfume components. Blooming perfume components are defined by a boiling point less than 250°C and a LogP or greater than 2.5. Substantive perfume components are defined by a boiling point greater than 250°C and a LogP greater than 2.5. Boiling point is measured at standard pressure (760 mm Hg). Preferably a perfume composition will comprise a mixture of blooming and substantive perfume components. The perfume composition may comprise other perfume components.

It is commonplace for a plurality of perfume components to be present in a free oil perfume composition. In the compositions for use in the present invention it is envisaged that there will be three or more, preferably four or more, more preferably five or more, most preferably six or more different perfume components. An upper limit of 300 perfume components may be applied.

Preferably the perfume comprises at least one ingredient selected from: Aldehyde C12 MNA, verdyl acetate, cyclamen aldehyde, beta ionone, hexyl salicylate, tonalid, and combinations thereof. These ingredients show a particular benefit on wet fabrics.

The compositions may comprise perfume microcapsules, in other words encapsulated perfume. The encapsulating materials, preferably comprise, but are not limited to; aminoplasts, proteins, polyvinyl acetates, polyurethanes, polyacrylates, polymethacrylates, polysaccharides, polyamides, polyolefins, gums, silicones, lipids, modified cellulose, polyphosphate, polystyrene, polyesters or combinations thereof. More preferably the encapsulating materials comprise aminoplast (such as melamine formaldehyde or urea formaldehyde microcapsules), polyvinyl acetate, proteins, polysaccharides or combinations thereof.

Co-active The fabric conditioner composition of the present invention may comprise a co-active. The coactive may aid the dissolution of softening actives or even provide additional softening benefits.

Suitable co-active includes, for example, fatty alcohols, single-chain cationic surfactants, nonionic surfactants, polyethylene glycols or mixtures thereof. Fatty alcohols are most preferred. Fatty alcohols which may be employed include tallow alcohol or vegetable alcohol, particularly preferred are hardened tallow alcohol or hardened vegetable alcohol (available under the trade names Stenol™ and Hydrenol™, ex BASF and Laurex™ CS, ex Huntsman). Preferably the fatty alcohol has a fatty chain length of C12 to C22, more preferably C14 to C20. Cetostearyl alcohol is particularly preferred. The fatty alcohol may be present in the composition in an amount from 0.01 to 10%, preferably from 0.1 to 5%, more preferably from 0.2 to 1% by weight of the composition.

The co-active may be a single chain cationic surfactant. The single chain cationic surfactant preferably has the general formula (VIII):

(R¹)₃ - N⁺ - R² X- (VIII)

Wherein each R¹ independently comprises 1 to 6 carbon atoms, selected from alky, alkenyl, aryl or combinations thereof. Each R¹ may independently comprise hydroxy groups. Preferably at least two of the R¹ groups correspond to a methyl group.

Wherein R² comprises at least 10 carbon atoms. The carbon atoms may be in the form of an alkyl, alkenyl, aryl or combinations thereof. Preferably the single chain cationic surfactant comprises at least 12 carbon atoms, preferably at least 14 and most preferably at least 16. R² may further comprise additional functional groups such as ester groups or hydroxy groups. X' is an anionic counterion, such as a halide or alkyl sulphate, e.g. chloride or methylsulfate.

Preferred cationic surfactants include hydroxyethyl laurdimonium chloride, cetyltrimethylammonium chloride (CTAC), behentrimonium chloride (BTAC), an alkyl dimethyl hydroxyethyl ammonium chloride such as Praepagen HY ex Clariant GmbH. The co-active may be a non-ionic surfactant. Suitable non-ionic surfactants include addition products of ethylene oxide and/or propylene oxide with fatty alcohols, fatty acids and fatty amines. Any of the alkoxylated materials of the particular type described hereinafter can be used as the non-ionic surfactant.

Suitable surfactants are substantially water-soluble surfactants of the general formula (IX):

R-Y-(C₂H₄O)Z-CH2-CH2-OH (IX) where R is selected from the group consisting of primary, secondary and branched chain alkyl and/or acyl hydrocarbyl groups; primary, secondary and branched chain alkenyl hydrocarbyl groups; and primary, secondary and branched chain alkenyl-substituted phenolic hydrocarbyl groups; the hydrocarbyl groups having a chain length of from 8 to about 25, preferably 10 to 20, e.g. 14 to 18 carbon atoms.

In the general formula for the ethoxylated non-ionic surfactant, Y is typically:

-O- , -C(O)O- , -C(O)N(R)- or -C(O)N(R)R- in which R has the meaning given above for formula (IX), or can be hydrogen; and Z is a number at least about 8, preferably at least about 10 or 11.

Preferably the non-ionic surfactant has an HLB of from about 7 to about 20, more preferably from 10 to 18, e.g. 12 to 16. Genapol™ C200 (Clariant) based on coco chain and 20 EO groups is an example of a suitable non-ionic surfactant.

A class of preferred non-ionic surfactants include addition products of ethylene oxide and/or propylene oxide with fatty alcohols, fatty acids and fatty amines. These are preferably selected from addition products of (a) an alkoxide selected from ethylene oxide, propylene oxide and mixtures thereof with (b) a fatty material selected from fatty alcohols, fatty acids and fatty amines.

A second class of preferred non-ionic surfactants are polyethylene glycol ethers of glycerine. Such as Glycereth-6 Cocoate, Glycereth-7 Cocoate and Glycereth-17 Cocoate. Preferably the non-ionic surfactant is selected from addition products of ethylene oxide and/or propylene oxide with fatty alcohols, fatty acids and fatty amines and polyethylene glycol ethers of glycerine. Suitable non-ionic surfactants are available commercially as Lutensol™ AT25 ex. BASF based on C16:18 chain and 25 EO groups is an example of a suitable non-ionic surfactant. Other suitable surfactants include Renex 36 (Trideceth-6), ex Croda; Tergitol 15-S3, ex Dow Chemical Co.; Dihydrol LT7, ex Thai Ethoxylate ltd; Cremophor CO40, ex BASF and Neodol 91-8, ex Shell; LEVENOL® F-200, LEVENOL® C-301 and LEVENOL® C-201 ex. Kao.

If present, the non-ionic surfactant is present in an amount from 0.01 to 10%, preferably from 0.01 to 5%, more preferably from 0.02 to 1%, even more preferably from 0.03 to 0.6% by weight of the composition. Other ingredients

The fabric conditioner composition may preferably comprise further ingredients suitable for use in fabric conditioners. A non-limiting list of such ingredients include: fatty acids, solvents, antifoams, anti-malodour ingredients, insect repellents, shading or hueing dyes, preservatives (e.g. bactericides), pH buffering agents, perfume carriers, hydrotropes, anti-redeposition agents, soil-release agents, dye transfer inhibitors, polyelectrolytes, anti-shrinking agents, anti-wrinkle agents, anti-oxidants, dyes, colorants, sunscreens, anti-corrosion agents, drape imparting agents, anti-static agents, oils (e.g. plant based oils and mineral oils), plant extracts, waxes, sugar-esters, silicones, sequestrants, ironing aids, pearlisers or opacifiers. Product form

The fabric conditioner composition may be a concentrate to be diluted in a solvent, including water, before use. The composition may also be a ready-to-use (in-use) composition. Preferably the composition is provided as a ready-to-use liquid composition. The composition is preferably in an aqueous form. Preferably, the composition comprises at least 75 wt.% water, more preferably from 80 to 98 wt.%, even more preferably from 85 to 96 wt.% water by weight of the composition.

The fabric conditioner composition is preferably for use in the rinse stage of the laundry cycle. The laundry cycle or laundry process may be machine washing or hand washing. It may be added directly in an undiluted state to a washing machine, e.g. through a dispenser drawer or, for a top-loading washing machine, directly into the drum. Alternatively, it can be diluted prior to use. It is also possible for the compositions of the present invention to be used in industrial laundry operations, e.g. as a finishing agent for softening new clothes prior to sale to consumers.

Use of the compositions

The fabric conditioner compositions of the present invention may be supplied in multidose plastics packs with a top or bottom closure. A dosing measure may be supplied with the pack either as a part of the cap or as an integrated system. Preferably the composition is stored in a moulded article. Preferably, such moulded article comprises post-consumer recycled material.

Typically, the primary use of the compositions of the present invention is to provide fabric care benefits to laundered fabrics during the laundry process. Application of the composition of the present invention to fabrics may provide one or more of the following fabric care benefits: fabric scent enhancement, wrinkle removal and/or reduction, fabric shape retention, fabric softening, fabric wear reduction, fabric pilling reduction, fabric color fading reduction, fabric color maintenance, fabric color restoration, fabric soiling reduction, and/or fabric shrinkage reduction. The present invention is also directed to use of a fatty acid methyl ester in a fabric conditioner composition of the present invention to improve the stability of the composition, wherein the fatty acid methyl ester is represented by the following formula:

The term “stability” as used in the context of the present invention refers to the physical and colloidal stability of the fabric conditioner composition, particularly the ability of the micelles to maintain a uniform particle size distribution over time without undergoing phase separation, sedimentation, or aggregation. This can be measured using Dynamic Light Scattering.

Examples

Compositions were prepared as shown in table 1. All ingredients are expressed by weight percent of the total composition, and as level of active ingredients. Table 1 a. Commercial Di-esters of triethanolammonium methylsulfate under the trade name TEP- QP from Solvay;

5 b. Commercial fatty acid methyl ester (>95% by weight of Ci6 and Cis fatty acid methyl esters) from Guangdong Yeser Industrial Co., Ltd; c. Commercial copolymer of acrylamide and trimethylaminoethylmethacrylate chloride under the trade name Flosoft 270LS from SNF; d. Commercial C16-C18 fatty alcohol ethoxylated with 25 moles of ethylene oxide under

10 the trade name Lutensol® AT25 from BASF.

The particle size distribution of micelles in the sample was measured using Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS) technology (Malvern Zetasizer Nano ZS), with Polydispersity Index (PDI) employed as an indicator of the uniformity of the particle size distribution. A lower PDI value indicates a more uniform particle size distribution and corresponds to a more stable system. A higher PDI value indicates a broader particle size distribution and a less stable system. The results are shown in table 2.

Table 2

>0

Claims

1. A fabric conditioner composition comprising: a) a quaternary ammonium compound; b) a fatty acid methyl ester having a structure represented by the following formula:

R1-COO-CH3 wherein R1 is a linear or branched, C7 to C21 alkyl or alkenyl group; and c) from 0.001 to 5% by weight of a cationic polymer; wherein the quaternary ammonium compound is an ester-linked quaternary ammonium compound; and wherein the cationic polymer is selected from cationic polyacrylamide polymers, cationic polyacrylate polymers, cationic amino resins, cationic urea resins, cationic hydrolysed proteins and cationic polysaccharides and combinations thereof.

2. The composition according to claim 1 , wherein R1 is a linear C7 to C21 alkyl or alkenyl group having 0 to 3 carbon-carbon double bonds, preferably a linear C9 to C19 alkyl or alkenyl group having 0 to 3 carbon-carbon double bonds.

3. The composition according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the fatty acid moiety R1-COO of the fatty acid methyl ester is derived from caproic acid, octanoic acid, lauric acid, myristic acid, palmitic acid, palmitoleic acid, stearic acid, behenic acid, arachidic acid, oleic acid, linoleic acid, linolenic acid, arachidonic acid, erucic acid, 2-ethylhexanoic acid, isostearic acid, methyl-branched isostearic acid, 2-octyldodecanoic acid or mixtures thereof, preferably lauric acid, myristic acid, palmitic acid, oleic acid, linoleic acid, stearic acid or mixtures thereof.

4. The composition according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the fatty acid methyl ester comprises methyl laurate, methyl myristate, methyl palmitate, methyl oleate, methyl linoleate, methyl stearate or mixtures thereof, preferably the fatty acid ester comprises methyl palmitate, methyl oleate, methyl linoleate, methyl stearate or mixtures thereof.

5. The composition according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the fatty acid methyl ester comprises at least 50% by weight of C16 to C20 fatty acid methyl esters, preferably 70 to 100%, based on total weight of the fatty acid methyl ester.

6. The composition according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the fatty acid methyl ester comprises at least 50% by weight of C16 and Cis fatty acid methyl esters, preferably 70 to 100%, based on total weight of the fatty acid methyl ester.

7. The composition according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the composition comprises from 0.005 to 3%, preferably from 0.1 to 2% by weight of a cationic polymer.

8. The composition according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the composition comprises from 0.001 to 10%, preferably from 0.01 to 8% by weight of the fatty acid methyl ester.

9. The composition according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the composition comprises from 0.01 to 30%, preferably from 0.1 to 20% by weight of the quaternary ammonium compound.

10. The composition according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the composition comprises from 0.01 to 20% by weight of perfume.

11. The composition according to claim 10, wherein the perfume is a combination of free perfume and perfume microcapsules.

12. The composition according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the composition comprises from 0.01 to 10% by weight of a non-ionic surfactant.

13. Use of a fatty acid methyl ester in a fabric conditioner composition according to any of the preceding claims to improve the stability of the composition, wherein the fatty acid methyl ester is represented by the following formula: R1-COO-CH3, wherein R1 is a linear or branched, C7 to C21 alkyl or alkenyl group.