MPEA ESTER QUATS WITH HIGH CONTENT OF MONOESTER
IN BLENDS WITH TEA ESTER OUATS
DESCRIPTION
Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to fabric softener compositions, and more particularly to a
fabric softener composition that comprises a blend of a methyl diethanol amine (MDEA)
ester quaternary (quat) and a triethanol amine (TEA) ester quaternary (quat), wherein the
MDEA ester quat has a high content of monoester. The fabric softener composition of
the present invention provides improved softening performance as compared with either
of the individual components alone. Moreover, the fabric softener composition of the
present invention is capable of providing a high-solids formulation that forms stable
dispersions that maintain long term stability.
Background of the Invention
In North America, methyl- diethanol amine (MDEA) ester quats are generally used as
softening agents in various fabric softener formulations. MDEA ester quats are typically
made by reacting various fatty acids such as a tallow fatty acid with MDEA; MDEA,
which is also known as 2,2'-methyliminodiethanol, has the basic structural formula
(HOCH2CH2)2NCH3.
The MDEA ester quats are normally made so that the products contain low levels of
monoester (on the order of about 4 to about 7 % solids) for the fabric softener market
because MDEA ester quats having a high monoester content are reported to be hard to
formulate and they give thick gelatinuous formulations at high solids over 12 %. Most
formulations employed in the North American market are ultra products that are over 24
% solids and even as high as 28 % solids.
Triethanol amine (TEA) ester quats are the generic ester quats that are used in Europe,
but TEA ester quats are not used much in the North America market because TEA ester
quats do not soften well under Northern American washing conditions. The reasons for
this is because of residual anionics remaining in the rinse cycle due to the single rinse
cycles employed in typical North American top loading washing machines. Prior art
TEA ester quats can only be formulated to about 18 % solids due to their chemistry.
The raw materials used in making TEA quats are lower in cost than MDEA ester quats
and thus have a cost driver if TEA ester quats could be used in the production of fabric
softener formulations in North American products.
Attempts have been made in the prior art to provide formulations in which MDEA and
TEA ester quats are both present. In such formulations, a mixture of two different
amines, i.e., MDEA/TEA, is first provided. The amine mixture is then esterified in the
presence of a fatty acid and thereafter the esterification reaction product is quaternized.
Such a formulation is disclosed, for example, in DE 196 42 038 Cl assigned to Henkel
KGAA (hereinafter DE '038).
Specifically, DE '038 discloses quaternary esters that are obtained by esterifying
MDEA/TEA mixtures (weight ratio=20-l :80-99) with fatty acids and then quaternizing
the reaction product with an alkylating agent using known quatemization processes. The
ester quats disclosed in DE '038 are said to have a sufficiently low and storage stable
viscosity which makes the ester quats highly suitable for use in cosmetics and
brighteners.
In DE '038, an esterification product of a partially hydrogenated Ci6-i8 tallow fatty acid
and a MDEA/TEA mixture is described for a fabric softener. In particular, DE '038
discloses that the MDEA/TEA ratio on the order of 15 % MDEA and 85 % TEA makes
a superior softener. Manufacturing quats in the manner disclosed in DE '038 does not
allow for the controlled production of MDEA having a high monoester content.
In view of the state of the prior art mentioned above, there is a need for providing a
fabric softener composition that incorporates both MDEA and TEA ester quats into a
single formulation in which the use of an amine pre-mixture, i.e., a mixture of MDEA
and TEA which is formed prior to esterification and quaternization, is avoided.
Summary of the Invention
The present invention relates to a fabric softener composition in which a blend of
MDEA having a high monoester content and TEA ester quats is employed. Throughout
the remaining portions of the application, the term "high mono alkyl MDEA ester quat"
is used to describe the MDEA having a high monoester content. It should be understood
that the two terms are interchangeably used in the present application to describe a
methyl diethanol amine ester quat having a mono alkyl ester quat level of about 10 % or
greater. It has been found by the present applicants that a formulated blend of a high
mono alkyl MDEA ester quat, i.e., MDEA having a high monoester content, and a TEA
ester quat provides improved softening performance that is better than that obtained with
either of the individual components (standard low mono alkyl MDEA ester quats or
standard TEA ester quats).
In addition, the applicants have determined that even though the individual ester quat
products can be formulated to 12 to 18 % solids, when the two ester quats are blended
together, as in the present invention, the blend may have a solids content about 25 % or
higher. Moreover, the inventive blend of a high mono alkyl MDEA ester quat, i.e.,
MDEA having a high monoester content, and a TEA ester quat forms a stable dispersion
that maintains long-term stability.
The fabric softener composition of the present invention has a definite synergism that
enables the use of less expensive raw materials to provide improved softening results.
The fabric softener composition of the present invention may further contain other quats
blended with the initial blend of high mono alkyl MDEA ester quat, i.e., MDEA having
a high monoester content, and TEA ester quat that provides even further softening
improvements as well as stable formulations.
Normally formulations containing commercially available di tallow dimethyl ammonium
chloride are known to thicken over time when they are formulated into a composition of
high solids with TEA or MDEA ester quats. In the present invention, the high mono
alkyl MDEA ester quat, i.e., MDEA having a high monoester content, and TEA ester
quat compositional blend permits the formulation of a thermally stable high-solids
product even when other conventional quats are formulated therein.
The fabric softener composition of the present invention, i.e., the blend of high mono
alkyl MDEA ester quat (MDEA having a high monoester content) and TEA ester quat,
can be dispersed in warm water to form high solids formulations that are stable under
commercial conditions. The term "high solids" as used throughout the instant
application denotes a solids content of about 20% or higher.
In broad terms, the present invention relates to a fabric softener composition that
comprises a blend of from about 15 to about 65 %, by weight of the total blend, of a
triethanol amine ester quat and from about 35 to about 85 %, by weight of the total
blend, of a methyl diethanol amine ester quat, said methyl diethanol amine ester quat
having a mono alkyl ester quat level of about 10 % or greater. Throughout this
application the term "high mono alkyl MDEA ester quat" is used to describe the methyl
diethanol amine ester quat having a mono alkyl ester (i.e., monoester) quat level of about
10% or greater.
The fabric softener composition of the present invention may contain more than one high
mono alkyl MDEA ester quat and more than one TEA ester quat blended together.
Other ingredients/components that are typically present in a fabric softener composition
may or may not be present in the inventive TEA/MDEA ester quat blend. In some
embodiments of the present invention, the blend consists essentially of the TEA ester
quat and the MDEA ester quat; water can be used in conjunction with the TEA/MDEA
blend since it would not materially affect the softening properties of the blend. Blends
of only TEA/MDEA ester quat (and optionally water) provide improved softness without
the need of other fabric softener ingredients/components.
The fabric softener composition of the present invention may also contain other quats
blended therein. Other quats that maybe added to the blended formulation of the
present invention include, but are not limited to: di tallow dimethyl ammonium chloride,
di tallow imidazoUnium methyl sulfate and amido amine based methyl sulfate quats.
The present invention also provides a liquid fabric softener composition which
comprises a blend of from about 15 to about 65 %, by weight of the total blend, of a
triethanol amine ester quat and from about 35 to about 85 %, by weight of the total
blend, of a methyl diethanol amine ester quat, said methyl diethanol amine ester quat
having a mono alkyl ester quat level of about 10 % or greater; and water.
Detailed Description of the Invention
As stated above, the present invention provides a fabric softener composition, solid and
liquid, which includes at least a blend of from about 15 to about 65 %, by weight of the
total blend, of a triethanol amine (TEA) ester quat and from about 35 to about 85 %, by
weight of the total blend, of a methyl diethanol amine (MDEA) ester quat, said methyl
diethanol amine ester quat having a mono alkyl ester quat level of about 10 % or greater.
The MDEA ester quat of the present invention may be referred to herein as a "high
mono alkyl MDEA ester quat" or "MDEA ester quat with a high content of monoester"
since it contains 10 % or more of a mono alkyl ester quat. The liquid fabric softener
composition includes water.
More preferably, the blend of the present invention comprises from about 25 to about 50
%, by weight of the total blend, of a triethanol amine ester quat and from about 50 to
about 75 %, by weight of the total blend, of a high mono alkyl methyl diethanol amine
ester quat. Even more preferably, the blend of the present invention comprises from
about 30 to about 45 %, by weight of the total blend, of a triethanol amine ester quat and
from about 55 to about 70 %, by weight of the total blend, of a high mono alkyl methyl
diethanol amine ester quat. Most preferably, the blend of the present invention
comprises from about 35 to about 40 %, by weight of the total blend, of a triethanol
amine ester quat and from about 60 to about 65 %, by weight of the total blend, of a high
mono alkyl methyl diethanol amine ester quat.
As stated above, the high mono alkyl MDEA ester quat, i.e., MDEA ester quat with a
high content of monoester, of the present invention contains about 10 % or greater of the
corresponding mono alkyl ester quat present therein. The mono alkyl ester component,
i.e., monoester, is a bi-product that is typically formed during the synthesis of the
MDEA ester quat. In the prior art, it is known to use MDEA ester quats that have a low
level of mono alkyl ester component In the present invention, however, the MDEA
ester quat employed has a high mono alkyl ester component, i.e., monoester, that is
within the range mentioned above. More preferably, the high mono alkyl MDEA ester
quat of the present invention contains from about 15 to about 50 % of the corresponding
mono alkyl ester component. Even more preferably, the level of mono alkyl ester
component present in the MDEA ester quat is from about 20 to about 35 %.
The term "TEA ester quat" is used in the present invention to denote an ester quat
having the following structural formula:
in which each Ra is individually selected from the group consisting of straight or
branched chain, optionally substituted alkyl groups having from 11 to 23 carbon atoms;
Ral is the alkyl or aralkyl moiety of the alkylating agent, i.e., a C1-C4, preferably C\-C),
straight or branched alkyl or a C7-C10 aralkyl; ALK is an alkylene having from 2 to
about 6 carbon atoms; Z' is a softener compatible anion such as, for example, a halogen,
CH3SO4" or CaHsSCV; and x+y = the mole ratio of fatty acid to triethanol amine, i.e., 1.2
to 2.5. More preferably, each Ra is individually selected from the group consisting of
straight or branched chain, optionally substituted alkyl groups having from 11-21 carbon
atoms; Ra! is methyl; ALK is an C2H4; and Z" is an anion such as Cl", CH3SO4",
C2H5SO4", and other like softening anions.
The TEA ester quat is prepared using conventional procedures that are well known to
those skilled in the art. For example, the TEA ester quat may be prepared by reacting at
least one C12 -C22 fatty acid, the hydrogenation product thereof, or a mixture of such
acids, with a triethanol amine, optionally in the presence of an acid catalyst, wherein the
ratio of fatty acid to triethanol amine is from about 1.2-2.5. The resultant esteramine
reaction product is subsequently quatemized to obtain the TEA ester quat of the present
invention.
The fatty acid is preferably a C16-C22 acid containing a degree of unsaturation such that
the iodine value ("IV") is in the range of from about 0-150, preferably, from about 0-70,
and more preferably in the range of 0-50. Preferred fatty acids include, but are not
limited to: oleic, palmitic, erucic, eicosanic and mixtures thereof. Soy, tallow, partially
hydrogenated tallow, palm, palm kernel, rape seed, lard, coconut, canola, safflower,
corn, rice, tall oil and mixtures thereof and the like are typical sources for fatty acids
which can be employed in the present invention. The fatty acids can be partially or fully
hydrogenated and blends of the above-mentioned oils or other naturally occurring oils or
triglycerides may be used.
Partial hydrogenation or full hydrogenation can be employed, if required, to minimize
the polyunsaturate levels in order to improve the stability (e.g., odor, color, etc.) of the
final product.
The molar ratio of fatty acid to triethanol atnine is generally in the range of from about
1.2 to 2.5, preferably from about 1.4^-2.0, and more preferably, in the range of from
about 1.6-1.9. Examples of acid catalysts that may be employed in the present process
include, but are not limited to: acid catalysts such as sulphonic acid, phosphorous acid,
p-toluene sulphonic acid, methane sulphonic acid, oxalic acid, hypophosphorous acid or
an acceptable Lewis acid in an amount of 500-3000 ppm based on the amount of fatty
acid charge. A preferred acid catalyst is hypophosphorous acid. Typically, 0.02-0.2 %
by weight, and more preferably 0.1 to 0.15 % by weight of acid catalyst, based on the
weight of fatty acid may be employed in the present process.
The esterification of fatty acids with triethanol amine is carried out at a temperature of
from about 170°C.-250°C. until the reaction product has an acid value of below 5. After
the esterification, the crude product is reacted with an alkylating agent in order to obtain
the quaternary ammonium product. Preferred alkylating agents include CrQ, more
preferably C1-C3, straight or branched chain alkyl halides, phosphates, carbonates, or
sulfates, C7-C10 aralkyl halides, phosphates or sulfates, and mixtures thereof. Examples
of preferred alkylating agents employed in the present invention include, but are not
limited to: methyl chloride, benzyl chloride, diethyl sulfate, dimethyl carbonate,
trimethyl phosphate, dimethyl sulfate or mixtures thereof. Choosing the type and
amount of alkylating agent employed is well within the skill of one in the art.
The term "MDEA ester quat" is used in the present invention to denote an ester quat
having the following structural formula:
in which RB is individually selected from the group consisting of straight or branched
chain, optionally substituted alkyi groups having from 11 to 23 carbon atoms; ALK is an
alkylene having from 2 to about 6 carbon atoms; k= the mole ratio of fatty acid to
MDEA, i.e., 1.2 to 1.7; Rc is a Ci-C4, preferably a C1-C3, alkyi, or a C7-C10 aralkyl; and
Z" is a softener compatible anion such as a halogen, CH3SO4* or C2H5SO4". Preferably,
RB is individually selected from the group consisting of straight or branched chain,
optionally substituted alkyi groups having from 11-21 carbon atoms; ALK is C2H4; Rc is
methyl; and Z" is an anion such as Cl", CH3SO4", and C2H5SO4".
The MDEA ester quat is prepared using a procedure in which a high mono alkyi ester
component, e.g., monoester, is obtained. For example, the MDEA ester quat maybe
prepared by reacting at least one C12 -C22 fatty acid, the hydrogenation product thereof,
or a mixture of such acids, with methyl diethanol amine optionally, in the presence of an
acid catalyst, wherein the ratio of fatty acid to diethanol amine is from about 1.2-1.7.
The resultant esteramine reaction product is subsequently quaternized to obtain the
MDEA ester quat of the present invention.
The fatty acid is preferably a C16-C22 acid containing a degree of unsaturation such that
the iodine value ("IV") is in the range of from about 0-150, preferably, from about 0-70,
9
and more preferably in the range of 0-50. Preferred fatty acids include, but are not
limited to: oleic, stearic palmitic, erucic, eicosanic and mixtures thereof. Soy, tallow,
partially hydrogenated tallow, palm, palm kernel, rape seed, lard, coconut, canola,
safflower, corn, rice, tall oil and mixtures thereof and the like are typical sources for
i
fatty acids which can be employed in the present invention. The fatty acids can be
partially or fully hydrogenated and blends of the above-mentioned oils or other naturally
occurring oils or triglycerides may be used.
Partial hydrogenation or full hydrogenation can be employed, if required, to minimize
the polyunsaturate levels in order to improve the stability (e.g., odor, color, etc.) of the
final product.
The molar ratio of fatty acid to diethanol amine is generally in the range of from about
1.2 to 1.7, preferably from about 1.2-1.5, and more preferably, in the range of from
about 1.2-1.35. The acid catalyst that may be used in the present process includes, but is
not limited to: acid catalysts such as sulphonic acid, phosphorous acid, p-toluene
sulphonic acid, methane sulphonic acid, oxalic acid, hypophosphorous acid or an
acceptable Lewis acid in an amount of 500-3000 ppm based on the amount of fatty acid
charge. A preferred acid catalyst is hypophosphorous acid. Typically, 0.02-0.2 % by
weight, and more preferably 0.1 to 0.15 % by weight of acid catalyst, based on the
weight of fatty acid, may be employed in the present process.
The esterification of fatty acids with diethanol amine is carried out at a temperature of
from about 170°C.-250°C. until the reaction product has an acid value of below 5. After
the esterification, the crude product is reacted with an alkylating agent in order to obtain
the quaternary ammonium product. Preferred alkylating agents include C1-C4, more
preferably C1-C3, straight or branched chain alkyl halides, phosphates, carbonates, or
sulfates, C7-C10 aralkyl halides, phosphates or sulfates, and mixtures thereof. Examples
of preferred alkylating agents employed in the present invention include, but are not
limited to: methyl chloride, benzyl chloride, diethyl sulfate, dimethyl carbonate,
trimethyl phosphate, dimethyl sulfate or mixtures thereof. Choosing the type and
amount of alkylating agent employed is well within the skill of one in the art.
Because of the synthesis employed in making the MDEA ester quat, a mono alkyl ester
component, e.g., monoester, is typically present In the present invention, the mono
alkyl ester component is typically present in an amount of about 10 % or greater.
As stated above, the fabric softener composition of the present invention includes a
blend of at least one TEA ester quat and at least one high mono alkyl MDEA ester quat,
i.e., MDEA ester quat with a high content of monoester. That is, the fabric softener
composition of the present invention is a product that is obtained from blending the TEA
ester quat with the high mono alkyl MDEA ester quat, i.e., MDEA ester quat with a high
content of monoester. The present invention does not include a product in which an
amine pre-mixture is first provided and thereafter the amine pre-mixture is esterified and
quaternized.
The blending step of the present invention is carried out using procedures well known to
those skilled in the art In particular, the blending is carried out in an apparatus
containing a stirrer. The individual ester quats are added to the apparatus in any order
and then stirring is initiated.
hi accordance with the present invention, the blend comprises from about 15 to about 65
%, by weight of the total blend, of a triethanol amine ester quat and from about 35 to
about 85 %, by weight of the total blend, of a high mono alkyl methyl diethanol amine
ester quat, i.e., MDEA ester quat with a high content of monoester. More preferably, the
blend of the present invention comprises from about 25 to about 50 %, by weight of the
total blend, of a triethanol amine ester quat and from about 50 to about 75 %, by weight
of the total blend, of a high mono alkyl methyl diethanol amine ester quat. Even more
preferably, the blend of the present invention comprises from about 30 to about 45 %, by
weight of the total blend, of a triethanol amine ester quat and from about 55 to about 70
%, by weight of the total blend, of a high mono alkyl methyl diethanoi amine ester quat.
Most preferably, the blend of the present invention comprises from about 35 to about 40
11
%, by weight of the total blend, of a triethanol amine ester quat and from about 60 to
about 65 %, by weight of the total blend, of a high mono alkyl methyl diethanol amine
ester quat
The solid fabric softener blend of the present invention may be formulated into an
aqueous, i.e., liquid, fabric softener, by adding water to the blended product. The
amount of water added to the blended product is typically from about 250 to about 5000
ml per 100 grams of blended product. More preferably, the amount of water added is
from about 900 to about 300 ml water per 100 grams of blended product.
The blended TEA/MDEA ester quat product of the present invention has a solids
content, as measured by oven evaporation, of about 10 to about 30 %. More preferably,
the solids content of the blended product of the present invention is from about 20 to
about 28 %.
The blended product of the present invention may also include other quaternary
ammonium compounds including di ester ammonium quaternaries, imadizolinum based
quaternaries, and amido amine based quaternaries that are well known to those skilled in
the art. Examples of some optional quats that may preferably be employed in the present
invention include, but are not limited to: di tallow dimethyl ammonium chloride, di
tallow imidazaolium methyl sulfate, amido amine based quaternaries and the like
thereof, including mixtures thereof.
The other quats may be added during or after the initial blending process. The amount
of other quats that may be used in the present invention is from about 0 to about 60 %,
based on the total blend, with an amount of other optional quat of from about 0 to about
20 % being more highly preferred.
The other quats employed in the present invention are typically difficult to formulate
into high-solids formulation. In the present invention, the blend of TEA/MDEA ester
quats allows other quats to be used in a high-solids formulation.
The formulated blend of a high monoalkyl MDEA ester quat, i.e., MDEA ester quat with
a high content of monoester, and a TEA ester quat provides improved softening
performance that is better than that obtained with either of the individual components.
In addition, the applicants have determined that even though the individual products can
be formulated to 12 to 18 % solids, when the two ester quats are blended together, as in
the present invention, the blend may have a solids content about 25 % or higher.
Moreover, the inventive blend of a high mono alkyl MDEA ester quat, i.e., MDEA ester
quat with a high content of monoester, and a TEA ester quat forms a stable dispersion
that maintains long-term stability.
Although the stability of the fabric softening composition of the present invention is
such that stabilizing cosurfactants are not required, they may nevertheless be included
along with a wide variety of other optional ingredients. A non-limiting description of
some of the optional ingredients that may be employed in the fabric softening
composition of the present invention is provided below. These optional ingredients may
be added before, or after, the initial blending process.
I.) Viscosity/Dispersibility Aids
As mentioned above, relatively concentrated compositions of the inventive blend can be
prepared that are stable, without the addition of concentration aids. However, the
compositions of the present invention may require organic and/or inorganic
concentration aids to go to even higher concentrations and/or to meet higher stability
standards depending on the other ingredients. These concentration aids, which are
typically viscosity modifiers, may be needed, or preferred, for ensuring stability under
extreme conditions when particular softener active levels in relation to IV are present.
Surfactant Concentration Aids
Surfactant concentration aids typically fall into four categories:
(1) mono long chain alkyl cationic surfactants;
(2) nonionic surfactants;
(3) amine oxides; and
(4) fatty acids.
Mixtures of the aforementioned surfactant concentration aids can, of course, also be
employed.
(1) Mono-Long Chain Alkyl Cationic Surfactants
Preferred mono-long chain alkyl or ester based water-soluble cationic surfactants
generally fall within the scope of the following general formula:
[RV(R)3]x-
wherein the R2 group is C8-C22 hydrocarbon group, preferably C12-C18 alkyl group or the
corresponding ester linkage interrupted group with a short chain alkylene (Cj-Ce) group
between the ester linkage and the N, and having a similar hydrocarbon group. Each R is
a C1-C6 unsubstituted or substituted alkyl (e.g., by hydroxy) or hydrogen, preferably
methyl, and the counterion X- is a softener compatible anion such as, for example,
chloride, bromide, methyl sulfate, etc.
The cationic surfactants, if present, are usually added to solid compositions at a level of
from 0 % to about 15 %, preferably from about 3 % to about 15 %, more preferably from
about 5 % to about 15 %. In liquid compositions they are usually employed at level of
from 0 % to about 15 %, preferably from about 0.5 % to about 10 %. In general, the
total amount single-long-chain cationic surfactant is added in an amount effective to
obtain a stable composition. The foregoing levels represent the amount of the single-
long-chain-alkyl cationic surfactant that is added to the composition of the present
invention.
The long chain group R2, of the single-long-chain-alkyl cationic surfactant generally
contains an alkylene group having from about 10 to about 22 carbon atoms, preferably
from about 12 to about 16 carbon atoms for solid compositions, and preferably from
about 12 to about 18 carbon atoms for liquid compositions.
This R2 group can be attached to the cationic nitrogen atom through a group containing
one, or more, ester, amide, ether, amine, etc., preferably ester, linking groups which can
be desirable for increased hydrophilicity, biodegradability, etc. Such linking groups are
preferably within about three carbon atoms of the nitrogen atom. Suitable biodegradable
single-long-chain alkyl cationic surfactants containing an ester linkage in the long chain
are described in U.S. Patent No. 4,840,738, which is incorporated herein by reference. If
the corresponding, non-quaternary amines are used, any acid (preferable a mineral or
polycarboxylic acid) which is added to keep the ester groups stable will also keep the
amine protonated in the compositions and preferably during the rinse so that the amine
has a cationic group. The composition is buffered (pH from about 2 to about 5,
preferably from about 2 to about 4) to maintain an appropriate, effective charge density
in the aqueous liquid concentrate product and upon further dilution e.g., to form a less
concentrated product and/or upon addition to the rinse cycle of a laundry process.
The main function of the water-soluble cationic surfactant is to lower the viscosity
and/or increase the dispersibility of the fabric softener composition of the present
invention and it is not, therefore, essential that the cationic surfactant itself have
substantial softening properties, although this may be the case. Also, surfactants having
only a single long alkyl chain, presumably because they have greater solubility in water,
can protect the fabric softener composition of the present invention from interacting with
anionic surfactants and/or detergent builders that are carried over into the rinse.
IS
Other cationic materials with ring structures such as alkyl imidazoline, imidazolimium,
pyridine, and pyridinium salts having a single C12-C30 alkyl chain can also be used.
Some alkyl imidazolinium salts useful in the present invention have the general formula:

wherein Y2 is -C(O)-O-, -O-(O)C-, -C(O)-N(R5), or -N(R5)-C(O)- in which R5 is
hydrogen or a C1-C4 alkyl radical; R6 is a C1-C4 alkyl radical; R7 and R8 are each
independently selected from R and R2 as defined hereinbefore for the single-long-chain
cationic surfactant with only one being R .
Some alkyl pyridinium salts useful in the present invention have the general formula:

wherein R2 and X" are as defined above. A typical material of this type is cetyl
pyridinium chloride.
(2) Nonionic surfactants—alkoxylated materials.
Nonionic surfactants suitable as viscosity/dispersibility modifiers include the addition
products of ethylene and/or propylene oxide with fatty alcohols, fatty acids, fatty amines,
etc. Any of the alkoxylated materials hereinafter described can be used as the nonionic
surfactant. In general terms, the nonionics herein can be employed in solid compositions
at a level of from about 5 % to about 20 %, preferably from about 8 % to about 15 %,
and in liquid compositions at a level of from 0% to about 5%, preferably from about 0.1
% to about 5 %, more preferably from about 0.2 % to about 3 %.
Suitable water-soluble nonionic surfactants generally fall within the scope of the
following general formula:
R2-Y-(C2H4O)Z-C2H4OH
wherein R2 for both solid and liquid compositions is selected from the group consisting
of primary, secondary and branched chain alkenyl hydrocarbyl groups; and primary,
secondary and branched chain alkyl- and alkenyl-substituted phenolic hydrocarbyl
groups; said hydrocarbyl groups having a hydrocarbyl chain length of from about 8 to
about 20, preferably from about 10 to about 18 carbon atoms. More preferably the
hydrocarbyl chain length for liquid compositions is from about 16 to about 18 carbon
atoms and for solid compositions from about 10 to about 14 carbon atoms. In the
general formula for the ethoxylated nonionic surfactants herein, Y is typically -O-, -
C(O)-, -C(O)N(R)-, or -C(O)N(R)R-, wherein R, when present, has the meanings given
hereinbefore, and/or R can be hydrogen, and z is at least about 8, preferably at least
about 10-11. Performance, and usually stability of the softener composition decrease
when fewer ethoxylate groups are present.
The nonionic surfactants herein are characterized by an HLB (hydrophilic-lipophilic
balance) of from about 7 to about 20, preferably from about 8 to about 15. By defining
R2 and the number of ethoxylate groups, the HLB of the surfactant is, for the most part,
determined. However, it is preferred that for concentrated liquid compositions, the
nonionic surfactants contain relatively long chain R2 groups and are relatively highly
ethoxylated. While shorter alkyl chain surfactants having short ethoxylated groups may
possess the requisite HLB, they are not as effective.
Nonionic surfactants that may be employed in the present invention include, but are not
limited: in the examples, the number of ethoxyl groups in the molecule (EO) is defined
by an integer.
17
(i) Straight-Chain, Primary Alcohol Alkoxylates
The deca-, undeca-, dodeca-, tetradeca-, and pentadeca-ethoxylates of n-hexadecanol,
and n-octadecanol having an HLB within the preferred range are useful as
viscosity/dispersibility modifiers of the context of the present invention. Preferred
examples of ethoxylated primary alcohols useful herein include, but are not limited to: n-
CigEO(lO) and n-Cio EO(11). The ethoxylates of mixed natural or synthetic alcohols in
the "tallow" chain length range are also useful herein. Specific examples of such
materials include tallow alcohol-EO(l 1), tallow alcohol-EO(18), and tallow alcohol-
EO(25).
(ii) Straight-Chain, Secondary Alcohol Alkoxylates
The deca-, undeca-, dodeca-, tetradeca-, pentadeca-, octadeca-, and nonadeca-
ethoxylates of 3-hexadecanol, 2-octadecanol, 4-eicosanol, and 5-eicosanol having an
HLB within the preferred range are useful viscosity/dispersibility modifiers in the
context of the present invention. Examples of ethoxylated secondary alcohols useful
herein as the viscosity/dispersibility modifiers of the compositions include but are not
limited to: 2-C16 EO(11); 2-C20 EO(11); and 2-C16 EO(14).
(iii) Alkyl Phenol Alkoxylates
As is the case of the alcohol alkoxylates, the hexa- through octadeca-ethoxylates of
alkylated phenols, particularly monohydric alkylphenols, having an HLB within the
preferred range are useful as the viscosity/dispersibility modifiers. The hexa-thro ugh
octadeca-ethoxylates of p-tridecylphenol, m-pentadecylphenol, and the like, are useful
herein. Preferred examples of ethoxylated alkylphenols useful as the
viscosity/dispersibility modifiers include but are not limited to: p-tridecylphenol EO(1 ])
and p-pentadecylphenol EO(18).
It is generally recognized by one of ordinary skill in the art that a phenyl group in the
nonionic formula is the equivalent of an alkylene group containing from 2 to 4 carbon
atoms. For the present purpose, nonionic surfactants containing a phenylene group are
considered to contain an equivalent number of carbon atoms calculated as the sum of the
carbon atoms in the alkyl group plus about 3.3 carbon atoms for each phenylene group.
(iv) Olefinic Alkoxylates
The alkenyl alcohols, both primary and secondary, and alkenyl phenols corresponding to
those disclosed hereinabove can be ethoxylated to an HLB within the range recited
herein and used as the viscosity/dispersibility modifiers in the compositions of the
present invention.
(v) Branched Chain Alkoxylates
Branched chain primary and secondary alcohols which are available from the well-
known "OXO" process can be ethoxylated and employed as the viscosity/dispersibility
modifiers in the present compositions.
The ethoxylated nonionic surfactants summarized hereinabove can be usefully employed
in the present compositions either alone or in specific mixtures.
(3) Amine Oxides
Suitable amine oxides include, but are not limited to: those with one alkyl or
hydroxyalkyl moiety of about 8 to about 28 carbon atoms, preferably from about 8 to
about 16 carbon atoms, and two alkyl moieties selected from the group consisting of
alkyl groups and hydroxyalkyl groups with about 1 to about 3 carbon atoms. Amine
oxides, if employed, are generally present in solid compositions at a level of from 0 % to
1Q
about 15 %, preferably from about 3 % to about 15 %; and in liquid compositions at a
level of from 0 % to about 5 %, preferably from about 0.25 % to about 2 %. The total
amount amine oxide is generally present in an amount effective to provide a stable
composition.
Preferred examples of amine oxides employable in the present invention include, but are
not limited to: dimethyloctylamine oxide, diethyldecylamine oxide, bis-(2-
hydroxyethyl)dodecylamine oxide, dimethyl dodecylamine oxide,
dipropyltetradecylamine oxide, methylethylhexadecylamine oxide,
dimethyloctadecylamine oxide, di(2-hydroxyethyl)octyldecylamine oxide and coconut
fatty alkyl dnnethylamine oxide.
(4) Fatty Acids and/or Alkoxylated Fatty Acids
Suitable fatty acids include those containing from about 12 to about 25, preferably from
about 13 to 22, more preferably from about 16 to about 20, total carbon atoms, with the
fatty moiety containing from about 10 to about 22, preferably from about 10 to about 18,
more preferably from about 10 to about 14 carbon atoms. Fatty acids are typically
present at approximately the levels outlined above for amine oxides. Alkoxylated fatty
acids prepared by reaction alkylene oxide with the aforementioned fatty acids can also
be preferably employed in the compositions of the present invention.
Electrolyte Concentration Aids
Inorganic viscosity control agents that can also act like, or augment the effect of the -
surfactant concentration aids include: water-soluble, ionizable salts. Such salts can also
optionally be incorporated into the fabric softener compositions of the present invention.
A wide variety of ionizable salts can be used. Examples of suitable salts include, but are
not limited to: the halides of the Group IA and IIA metals of the Periodic Table of
Elements, e.g., calcium chloride, magnesium chloride, sodium chloride, potassium
bromide, and lithium chloride. The amount of ionizable salts used depends on the
amount of active ingredients used in the compositions. Typical levels of salts used to
control the composition viscosity are from about 20 to about 20,000 ppm, preferably
from about 20 to about 11,000 ppm, by weight of the composition.
Alkylene polyammonium salts can be incorporated into the composition to give viscosity
control in addition to, or in place of, the water-soluble, ionizable salts described above.
Additionally, these agents can act as scavengers, forming ion pairs with anionic
detergent carried over from the main wash to the rinse and may improve softening
performance. These agents may stabilize the viscosity over a broader range of
temperature, especially at low temperatures, compared to the inorganic electrolytes.
Some examples of alkylene polyammonium salts include but are not limited to 1-lysine
monohydrochloride and l,5-diammonium-2-methylpentane dihydrochloride.
II) Stabilizers
Stabilizers may also be optionally employed in the compositions of the present
invention. The term "stabilizer," as used herein, includes antioxidants and reductive
agents. These agents are typically present at levels of from 0% to about 2%, preferably
from about 0.01 % to about 0.2 %, more preferably from about 0.05 % to about 0.1 %
for antioxidants and more preferably from about 0.01 % to about 0.2 % for reductive
agents. The stabilizers provide good odor stability under long term storage conditions.
Examples of antioxidants which can be employed in the compositions of the present
invention include, but are not limited to: a mixture of ascorbic acid, ascorbic palmitate,
and propyl gallate; a mixture of BHT (butylated hydroxytoluene), BHA (butylated
hydroxyanisole), propyl gallate, and citric acid; butylated hydroxytoluene; tertiary
butylhydroquinone; natural tocopherols; and butylated hydroxyanisole; long chain esters
(C8-C22) of gallic acid such as dodecyl gallate; and the like.
Examples of reductive agents include, but are not limited to: sodium borohydride,
sodium bisulfite, hypophosphorous acid, and mixtures thereof.
ADDITIONAL OPTIONAL INGREDIENTS
Soil Release Agent
The fabric softener composition of the present invention may optionally contain from 0.1
% to 10 %, preferably from 0.2 % to 5 %, of a soil release agent Preferably, the soil
release agent is a polymeric soil release agent such as one which contains copolymeric
blocks of terephthalate and polyethylene oxide or polypropylene oxide, cationic guar
gums, and the like. U.S. Patent No. 4,956,447, which is incorporated herein by
reference, discloses some preferred soil release agents comprising cationic
functionalities.
Cellulosic derivatives are also functional as soil release agents. Examples of such agents
include, but are not limited to: hydroxyethers of cellulose, methyl cellulose,
hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, hydroxybutyl methylcellulose, or mixtures thereof
wherein said cellulosic polymer has a viscosity in a 2 % aqueous solution at 20°C. of 15
to 75,000 centipose. Other effective soil release agents are cationic guar gums.
Bacteriocides
Examples of bacteriocides which can be employed in the compositions of the present
invention include, but are not limited to: parabens such as methyl, glutaraldehyde,
formaldehyde, 2-bromo-2-nitropropane-l, 3-diol, and a mixture of 5~chloro-2-methyl-4-
isothiazoline-3-one and 2-methyl-4-isothiazoline-3-one. Typical levels of bacteriocides
used in the present compositions are about 1 ppm to about 2,000 ppm by weight of the
composition, depending on the type of bacteriocide selected.
Sili cones
Dimethylpolysiloxane (silicone) or modified silicone can be added to the composition of
this present invention, in order to enhance the softening property and water-absorbency
of the unsaturated quaternary ammonium salt of formula (I)-(III). Dimethypolysiloxane
or a modified silicone, having a viscosity of 20-10000 cps at 25°C, is preferred.
Modified silicones useful in the present invention include, for example, polyoxyethylene
modified silicone and amino-modified silicone, wherein the amount of the modification
is preferably less than 10 %.
It is preferable that dimethylpolysiloxane or modified silicones are emulsified with a
polyoxyethylene-type nonionic surfactant or a monoalkylcationic-type or
dialkylcationic-type cationic surfactant prior to their use.
Other Optional Components
The present invention can include other optional components conventionally used in
textile treatment compositions, for example, colorants, preservatives, optical brighteners,
opacifiers, fabric conditioning agents, surfactants, stabilizers such as guar gum, anti-
shrinkage agents, anti-wrinkle agents, fabric crisping agents, anti-spotting agents,
fungicides, anti-corrosion agents, antifoam agents, and the like.
An optional additional softening agent of the present invention is a nonionic fabric
softener material. Typically, such nonionic fabric softener materials have an HLB of
from about 2 to about 9, more typically from about 3 to about 7. The foregoing nonionic
fabric softener materials tend to be readily dispersed either by themselves, or when
combined with other materials such as a single-long-chain alkyl cationic surfactant, the
materials as set forth hereinafter, use of hotter water, and/or with more agitation. In
23
general, the materials selected should be relatively crystalline, higher melting, (e.g.,
50°C. or greater) and relatively water-insoluble.
The level of optional nonionic softener in the solid composition is typically from about
10 % to about 40 %, and preferably from about 15 % to about 30 %. The level of
optional nonionic softener in the liquid composition is typically from about 0.5 % to
about 10 %, preferably from about 1 % to about 5 %. Preferred nonionic softeners are
fatty acid partial esters of polyhydric alcohols, or anhydrides thereof, wherein the
alcohol, or anhydride, contains from 2 to about 18, preferably from 2 to about 8, carbon
atoms, and each fatty acid moiety contains from about 12 to about 30, preferably from
about 16 to about 20 carbon atoms. Typically, such softeners contain from about one to
about 3, preferably about 2 fatty acid groups per molecule.
The polyhydric alcohol portion of the ester can be ethylene glycol, glycerol, poly (e.g.,
di-, tri-, tetra, penta-, and/or hexa-) glycerol, xylitol, sucrose, erythritol, pentaerythritol,
sorbitol or sorbitan. Sorbitan esters and polyglycerol monostearate are particularly
preferred. The fatty acid portion of the ester is normally derived from fatty acids having
from about 12 to about 30, preferably from about 16 to about 20 carbon atoms, typical
examples of said fatty acids being lauric acid, myristic acid, palmitic acid, stearic acid
and behenic acid.
Examples of sorbitan esters that may be employed in the softening composition of the
present invention include: sorbitan monolaurate, sorbitan monomyristate, sorbitan
monopalmitate, sorbitan monobehenate, sorbitan monooleate, sorbitan dilaurate, sorbitan
dimyristate, sorbitan dipalmitate, sorbitan distearate, sorbitan dibehenate, sorbitan
dioleate, and mixtures thereof, and mixed tallowalkyl sorbitan mono- and di-esters. Such
mixtures are readily prepared by reacting the foregoing hydroxy-substituted sorbitans,
particularly the 1,4 and 1,5-sorbitans, with the corresponding acid or acid chloride in a
simple esterification reaction. It is to be recognized, of course, that commercial
materials prepared in this manner will comprise mixtures usually containing minor
proportions of uncyclized sorbitol, fatty acids, polymers, isosorbide structures, and the
like.
The following examples are provided to illustrate the fabric softener composition of the
present invention as well as some advantages that can be obtained therefrom.
EXAMPLE 1
This example shows that the use of high mono alkyl in the MDEA ester quat, i.e., .
MDEA ester quat with a high content of monoester, enables the TEA ester quat to be
formulated to higher solids that has high softening properties. This example also shows
that a blend of standard MDEA ester quat (low monoester or low mono alkyl) with
standard TEA ester quat results in a blended product that performs less effectively than
pure MDEA ester quat and better than standard TEA ester quat. This data shows what
one would expect with performance being more of an additive effect of the two softeners
being blended. The data for the compositions of the present invention, on the other
hand, illustrate a true synergism that is not additive.
The softening effectiveness of a formulation in this example was determined by judging
the softness of cotton hand towels washed in an identical manner and rinsed with a
known amount of softener formulation present. A panel was used to rank the towels by
softness (1 for worst, 2 for second worst, etc. up to the number of formulations being
ranked) with no ties being allowed. The total of each formulation's ranks is computed
and statistical analysis (Freidman Simple Rank Test) was used to determine if a
statistical difference at 95 % confidence level existed between the formulations.
The results of the simple ranking test are provided in a shorthand form. In particular, the
softness is listed in the order of their total rank number and preceded by a letter or
letters. If two softeners share a common letter they are statistically equal. Formulations
that do not share a letter were judged to be statistically different and the formulation
listed first was superior in softening. The number following the @ represents the dosage
of the softener actives/ dry weight of fabric laundry being treated and this result
multiplies by 100%. Typical, North American Washing conditions were employed in
this example.
Samples of MDEA ester quat and TEA ester quat (prior art) made from 20 IV raw
materials were compared to the normal versions and the following was observed:
A MDEA ester quat @ 0.2
A MDEA ester quat 20 IV @ 0.2
B TEA ester quat @ 0.2
B TEA ester quat 20IV @ 0.2
The foregoing data illustrates that MDEA ester quat was statistically better than TEA
ester quat
High mono (26 %) MDEA ester quat (prior art) was compared to Commercial Brand
MDEA ester quat, Commercial Brand Softener B and Commercial Brand Softener C and
the following results were observed:
A High Mono MDEA ester quat @ 0.2
A High Mono MDEA ester quat @ 0.175
B Commercial Brand MDEA ester quat @ 0.2
B Commercial Brand Softener B @ 0.2
C Commercial Brand Softener C @ 0.3
The foregoing data demonstrates that high mono MDEA ester quat was statistically
superior to Commercial Brand Softeners A,.B and C, and statistically superior to
commercial brand MDEA ester quat even when used at a lower dosage.
50:50 blends of High mono MDEA ester quat with TEA ester quat of 20 IV and 50IV
were prepared at 25 % solids. These samples were compared to Commercial Brand
MDEA ester quat at equal volume addition. The results were:
A MDEA/TEAIV 20(1:1) 15 ml

A MDEA/TEAIV 50(1:1) 15 ml
A Commercial Brand MDEA ester quat 15 ml
The above data demonstrates that high mono MDEA ester quat blended with TEA ester
quat at a 1:1 ratio can be formulated to high solid levels and is equivalent to Commercial
Brand MDEA ester quat on an equal volume basis.
Various TEA ester quats representing different mole ratios of fatty acid to TEA were
blended with 50:50 MDEA ester quat with high mono and compared to Commercial
Brand MDEA ester quat and the following results were observed:
A High mono MDEA ester quat @ 0.2
B Commercial Brand MDEA ester quat
B,C 1.5 mole ratio FA/TEA @ 0.2
B,C 1.75 mole ratio FA/TEA @ 0.2
C 2.25 mole ratio FA/TEA @ 0.2
High mono MDEA ester quat was statistically superior to Commercial Brand MDEA
ester quat. Low mole ratio fatty acid to TEA was preferred and such blends were
equivalent to Commercial Brand MDEA ester quat.
The MDEA ester quat with high mono used in the above experiments had an IV of 20.
A new sample of high mono MDEA ester quat having an IV of 50 was used in the
following experiments. Blends with TEA ester quat were tested against Commercial
Brand MDEA ester quat and the following was observed:
A MDEA ester quat high mono (IV 50) @ 0.2
A,B MDEA ester quat high mono (IV 50)/TEA ester quat (3:1) @ 0.2
B MDEA ester quat high mono (IV) 50/TEA ester quat (1:1) @ 0.2
B Commercial Brand MDEA ester quat @ 1.2
High mono (IV 50) MDEA ester quat performed statistically better than Commercial
Brand ester quat. TEA ester quat blends are better, but not statistically better than '
Commercial Brand MDEA ester quat.
A 50:50 blend of high mono MDEA ester quat and TEA ester quat with a 1.6 FA/TEA
ratio was compared to Commercial Brand ester quat, a 50:50 blend of regular TEA ester
quat with high mono MDEA ester quat, and a 3:1 blend of high mono MDEA and
ADOGEN® 470 (a di tallow dimethyl ammonium chloride supplied by Goldschmidt
Chemical Corporation) and the following was observed:
A 3:1 blend MDEA ester quat high mono/ADOGEN® 470 @ 0.2
B High mono MDEA ester quat/1.6FA/TEA ratio ester quat (1:1) @ 02
B High mono MDEA ester quat/regular TEA ester quat (1:1) @ 0.2
B Commercial Brand MDEA ester quat @ 0.2
The aforementioned results indicate that the high mono MDEA ester quat blend with
ADOGEN® 470 maintained superiority over Commercial Brand MDEA ester quat.
Blends of high mono MDEA ester quat with TEA ester quat were equivalent to
Commercial Brand MDEA ester quat.
EXAMPLE 2
This example shows the importance of providing a blend of MDEA ester and TEA ester
that is made from the individual prepared quats. It is important that the MDEA ester
quat be made in such a way as to maximize production of the mono alkyl, i.e.,
monoester, quat. German Patent No. 196 42 038 Cl teaches that a blend of MDEA and
TEA quats can be made from blending the polyamines before esterification and
quaternization. Manufacturing quats in this manner does not allow the controlled
production of high mono MDEA, which is key to the blends of the present invention.
A quat made from the disclosure of the German patent containing 15 % MDEA and 85
% TEA was made and was compared to a composition with same ratio of MDEA (high
mono alkyl) to TEA made by blending the individual quats and a quat using a higher
ratio of MDEA (high mono alkyl) to TEA. National brand "B" was used as a control.
The softness of each composition was determined and the results of this testing is as
follows:
The softener blend typically of the present application was statistically superior to the
blend taught in German patent.
German Patent No. 196 42 038 Cl also teaches that the quatmade by blending the
polyamines before esterification and quaternization was superior in forming high solids
"ultra" softener formulations. One of the requirements for a successful "ultra"
formulation is a low and stable viscosity. Formulations containing 10,15, 20 % active
softener from the teachings of the German patent were compared to formulations
containing the same TEA to MDEA ratios of the separate quats. A formulation
containing 10 % active softener composition as disclosed in this application was
included for comparison. Viscosity measurements (Brookfield DV 1 using spindle # 2)
were made immediately after formulation (time 0) as well as 24 and 48 hours later.
Calcium chloride was used at 0.8 % level in all formulations.
This data shows that the softener of the German patent thickness on sitting especially at
the higher solids levels. The individual quats blended to the same ratio are thin and
stable when formulated to the same solids level. The blend typical of the present .
application also showed low and stable viscosity.
While the present invention has been particularly shown and described with respect to
preferred embodiments thereof, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that the
foregoing and other changes in forms and details may be made without departing from
the spirit and scope of the present invention. It is therefore intended that the present
invention not be limited to the exact forms and details described and illustrated, but fall
within the scope of the appended claims.
WE CLAIM:
1. The fabric softener composition comprising a blend of from 15 to
65%, by weight of the total Mend, of a triethanel amine ester quat
and from 35 to 85% by weight of the total blead, of a methyl
diethanol amine ester quat, said methyl diethanol amine ester quat
having a mono alkyl ester quat level of 10% or greater.
2. The fabric softener composition at claimed in claim 1 wherein
the blend comprises from 25 to 50% by weight, preferably from 30
to 45% by weight, most preferably from 35 to 40% by weight of the
triethanol amine ester quat and from 50 to 75% by weight,
preferably from 55 to 70% by weight, most preferably from 60 to
65% by weight, of the methyl diethanol amine ester quat.
3. The fabric softener composition as claimed in claims 1 or 2
wherein the mono alkyl ester quat level is from 15 to 50%.
4. The fabric softener composition as claimed in any of the
preceedhif dahna, wherehi the triethanel amhie eater quat has the
structural formula
whoroto each RB it individually selected from the group consisting of
straight or branched chain, optionally substituted alkyl groups
having from 11 to 23 carbon atoms;
Ral is a C1-C4 straight or branched alkyl or a C7-C10 aralkyl;
ALK is an alkylene having 2 carbon atoms;
Z to a softener compatible anien; and
X+y=1.2to2.5.
5. The fabric softener composition as claimed in claim 4 wherein
Ra to individually selected from the group consisting of straight or
branched chain, optionally substituted alkyl groups having from 11-
21 carbon atoms; Ra1 is methyl; and ALK is C2H4.
6. Tho fabric softonor composition as claimed in any of the
proceeding claims wherein the methyl diethanol amine ester quat
has the fallowing structural formula;
wherein RB is individually selected from the group consisting of
straight or branched chain, optionally substituted alkyl groups
having from 11 to 23 carbon aterms;
ALK is an alkylene having 2 carbon aterms;
K= 1.2 to 1.7;
Rc is a C1-C4 alkyl or a C7-C10 aralkyl; and
Z is a softener compatible anion.
7. The fabric softener composition as claimed in claim 6, wherein
RB is individually selected from the group consisting of straight or
branched chain, optionally substituted alkyl groups havhif from 11-
21 carbon atoms; ALK is C2H4; and Rc is methyl.
8. The fabric softener composition as claimed in any of the
preceeding claims further comprising other quaternary ammonium
compounds.
9. The fabric softener composition as claimed in any of the
preceedhif claims, wherein the triethanol amine ester quat and the
methyl diethanol amine ester quat are esters of C18-C22 fatty acids
with an iodine value of 0-150, prferably 0-70, most preferably
0-50, that can be optionally partially or fully hydrogenated.
10. The fabric softener composition as claimed in any of the
proceeding claims further comprising water to form a liquid fabric
softener.
11. The fabric softener composition as claimed in claim 10
comprising from 250 to 5000 ml water added to 100 g of the blend.

A fabric softener composition comprising a blend of from 15 to 65%
by weight of the total blend, of a triethamol amine ester quat and from
35 to 85% by weight of the total blend, of a methyl diethanol amine
ester quat, said methyl diethanol amine ester quat having a mono alkyl
ester quat level of 10% or greater.