DESC:FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to an organic fabric softener composition comprising at least two modified fatty acid derivatives, at least two hydrotropes, one or more defoamer(s), optionally with one or more preservative(s) and one or more additive(s). The present invention further relates to a process for preparation of such organic fabric softener composition.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Background description includes information that may be useful in understanding the present invention. It is not an admission that any of the information provided herein is prior art or relevant to the presently claimed invention, or that any publication specifically or implicitly referenced is prior art.
[0003] Fabric softeners are widely used by home consumers and commercial laundries to provide softness, surface smoothness, good draping qualities, fluffiness and antistatic properties while avoiding surface greasiness or excessive build-up on the fabric. Although fabric softener technology is well known, the exact softening mechanism is not known. One commonly accepted mechanism relates softness to the lubricity of the adsorbed softener on the cloth and the consequent reduction of friction between the fabric fibers.
[0004] Fabric softener compositions are used in textile finishing and laundering processes to impart properties such as softness and a pleasant feel to fabrics, and used particularly in a final stage of the laundering process immediately after the laundry articles have been washed in a washing machine.
[0005] Fabric softener compositions that can be added to rinse water when washing household laundry normally contain, as active substance, a water-insoluble quaternary ammonium compound. Commercially available fabric softener compositions are based on aqueous dispersions of water-insoluble quaternary compounds. Recently, there has been increasing interest in biodegradable active substances. Such substances include, for example, esters of quaternary ammonium compounds, so-called "esterquats," which have at least one long-chain hydrophobic alkyl or alkenyl group interrupted by carboxyl groups.
[0006] A large number of proposals have been made for the formulation of fabric softening compositions, most of these involving the use of an aqueous dispersion of a cationic surfactant, for instance a quaternary ammonium salt, a pyridnium salt or an imidazolinium salt, as the active component or as part of it. It has been suggested that nonionic and anionic surfactants could also be used as another part of the active component.
[0007] The formulation of conventional, "single strength" fabric softeners which generally comprise from about 5%-10% by weight of the cationic softener dispersed in water is fairly routine. However, the formulation of modern, concentrated liquid fabric softeners comprising up to about 30% of a cationic softener is not without difficulty. At the higher concentrations, viscosities can be difficult to control.
[0008] Viscosity of the softener product is also an important aspect of the successful formulation of such commercial products, stable low to medium viscosities being highly preferred. To fulfil such need, fatty acids have been incorporated into fabric softening compositions. Such a disclosure can be found in the Application EP 95870104.7.
[0009] PCT Publication no. WO 2012136427 discusses about a fabric softener composition comprising non-soap surfactant, ethoxylated polyethylene amine, polymers and enzymes. It discusses fatty acid amide derivatives as non soap surfactant which increases the performance of the softener. However, mixing anionic surfactant with cationic softener is very tough and would lead to formation of complex and agglomeration.
[0010] Clear stable fabric softeners are usually achieved through the use of high concentrations of organic solvents. PCT Publication no. WO 1997003172 further discusses the use of organic solvents at lower level to the softener composition. It discusses about the problems associated with high level organic solvents such as staining and agglomeration of softener on fabrics. However, use of such low level organic solvents also produces a negative odour to fabric composition.
[0011] Cationic softeners can be stabilized with hydrotropes by solubilizing the organic cationic molecules so that the organic molecules do not precipitate when they come in contact with anionic additives under any condition.
[0012] PCT publication no. WO2002092742 discusses about a clear fabric softener composition comprising cationic fabric softener, fabric co-softener and hydrotrope. Here they discuss about use of co-softener and hydrotrope to the cationic fabric softener to make a clear viscous softener composition. However, it fails to solve problems of bath compatibility and negative odour of composition.
[0013] Patent Publication no. US 2008/0045438 discusses about softener composition comprising non-ionic surfactants such as alkanolamines with fatty acids, cationic quaternary compounds. US patent no. US 7,452,854 discusses about a softener composition comprising mainly cationic quaternary ammonium salts, tertiary fatty amines and cationic polymers.
[0014] US patent no. US 4,292,412 discusses about a softener composition with improved release ability of the fabric softener. It discusses about the use of long chain of quaternary ammonium compounds and sodium salt of fatty acids for the composition.
[0015] It can thus be concluded that cationic organic softeners deliver good softness but lead to stains when they come in contact with anionic textile additives like optical brightening additives (OBA), soaping agents, etc. which are traces leached from the fabric as adhered material from previous process stage. Organic softeners when used alone give good softness, but lead to more yellowing on the treated goods. Cationic softeners having high molecular weight are when used to deliver good softness, they affect water hydrophilicity of the treated fabrics. Stabilising agents, when added in the bath, reduce the softness label at the same time imparting objectionable pungent odour on the treated goods . To reduce the stains, the yellowing and the hydrophobicity problems, if one uses non-ionic organic softeners, they would not exhaust on the fabric completely and do not hook to the fabric thus giving very less softness level, which no customer will like.
[0016] There is thus a need to develop a new organic softener composition which is stable to all textile bath additives (anionic, non ionic and amphoteric) under all temperature (for example, 30°C to 60°C) and under various pressure and machine conditions without affecting softness level but at the same time having enhanced bath stability, low yellowing, enhanced hydrophilicity and zero odour. There is also a need to develop an improved fabric softener composition that prevents coagulation of cationic and anionic parts.
[0017] The present invention satisfies the existing needs, as well as others, and generally overcomes the deficiencies found in the prior art.

OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION

[0018] It is an object of the present invention to provide an organic fabric softener composition comprising at least two modified fatty acid derivatives, at least two hydrotropes, one or more defoamer(s), optionally one or more preservative(s) and optionally one or more additive(s).
[0019] It is a further object of the present invention to provide an organic softener composition having high bath stability under shear and temperature for an extended period of time.
[0020] It is another object of the present invention to provide an organic softener composition capable of achieving zero stains under robust application conditions.
[0021] It is another object of the present invention to provide an organic softener composition capable of delivering high softness level.
[0022] It is another object of the present invention to provide an organic softener composition capable of having low yellowing.
[0023] It is another object of the present invention to provide an organic softener composition capable of exhibiting zero odour on treated materials.
[0024] It is another object of the present invention to provide an organic softener composition capable of exhibiting high defoaming property.
[0025] It is another object of the present invention to provide an organic softener composition capable of exhibiting high hydrophilicity and wicking height.
[0026] It is another object of the present invention to provide an organic softener composition capable of exhibiting hardness stability and bath compatibility.
[0027] It is another object of the present invention to provide a process for preparing organic softener composition.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0028] The present invention provides an organic fabric softener composition comprising:
at least two modified fatty acid derivatives, wherein a first modified fatty acid derivative can be a fatty acid derivative of diethanol amine and a second modified fatty acid derivative can be a mixture of a fatty acid derivative of diethylene triamine and a fatty acid derivative of diethylene triamine further alkylated with dimethyl sulphate;
at least two hydrotropes, wherein a first hydrotrope can be sodium salt of sulphonated lauryl ether and a second hydrotrope can be mono and/or diester phosphate ester of ethoxylated lauryl alcohol; and
one or more defoamer(s).
[0029] According to embodiments, the organic fabric softener composition of the present invention can optionally comprise one or more preservatives and/or additives.
[0030] In an embodiment, the present invention provides a process for preparation of organic fabric softener composition comprising the steps of:
i) preparing a first dispersion mixture by mixing a first hydrotrope and a first modified fatty acid derivative;
ii) mixing a second hydrotrope with the first dispersion mixture of step (i) to form a mixture;
iii) mixing a second modified fatty acid derivative to the mixture as obtained in step (ii) to obtain a second dispersion mixture;
iv) mixing one or more defoamer(s) with the second dispersion mixture as obtained in step (iii);
(v) optionally, mixing one or more preservatives and/or one or more additives with the mixture as obtained in step (iv);
(vi) adding water in a quantity sufficient to make 100 weight %.
[0031] According to embodiments of the present invention, concentration of the first modified fatty acid derivative can range from 1 to 60% by weight based on the total weight of the softener composition; concentration of the second modified fatty acid derivative can range from 1 to 60% by weight based on the total weight of the softener composition; concentration of the first hydrotrope can range from 1 to 10% by weight based on the total weight of the softener composition; concentration of the second hydrotrope can range from 1 to 10% by weight based on the total weight of the softener composition; and concentration of the one or more defoamer(s) can range from 1 to 10% by weight based on the total weight of the softener composition.
[0032] Various objects, features, aspects and advantages of the inventive subject matter will become more apparent from the following detailed description of preferred embodiments.


DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0033] The following is a detailed description of embodiments of the disclosure. The embodiments are in such detail as to clearly communicate the disclosure. However, the amount of detail offered is not intended to limit the anticipated variations of embodiments; on the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the present disclosure as defined by the appended claims.
[0034] Each of the appended claims defines a separate invention, which for infringement purposes is recognized as including equivalents to the various elements or limitations specified in the claims. Depending on the context, all references below to the "invention" may in some cases refer to certain specific embodiments only. In other cases it will be recognized that references to the "invention" will refer to subject matter recited in one or more, but not necessarily all, of the claims.
[0035] Unless the context requires otherwise, throughout the specification which follow, the word “comprise” and variations thereof, such as, “comprises” and “comprising” are to be construed in an open, inclusive sense that is as “including, but not limited to.”
[0036] Reference throughout this specification to “one embodiment” or “an embodiment” means that a particular feature, structure or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment. Thus, the appearances of the phrases “in one embodiment” or “in an embodiment” in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment. Furthermore, the particular features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments.
[0037] As used in this specification and the appended claims, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include plural referents unless the content clearly dictates otherwise. It should also be noted that the term “or” is generally employed in its sense including “and/or” unless the content clearly dictates otherwise.
[0038] In some embodiments, the numbers expressing quantities of ingredients, properties such as concentration, reaction conditions, and so forth, used to describe and claim certain embodiments of the invention are to be understood as being modified in some instances by the term “about.” Accordingly, in some embodiments, the numerical parameters set forth in the written description are approximations that can vary depending upon the desired properties sought to be obtained by a particular embodiment. In some embodiments, the numerical parameters should be construed in light of the number of reported significant digits and by applying ordinary rounding techniques. Notwithstanding that the numerical ranges and parameters setting forth the broad scope of some embodiments of the invention are approximations, the numerical values set forth in the specific examples are reported as precisely as practicable. The recitation of ranges of values herein is merely intended to serve as a shorthand method of referring individually to each separate value falling within the range. Unless otherwise indicated herein, each individual value is incorporated into the specification as if it were individually recited herein. All methods described herein can be performed in any suitable order unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context. The use of any and all examples, or exemplary language (e.g. “such as”) provided with respect to certain embodiments herein is intended merely to better illuminate the invention and does not pose a limitation on the scope of the invention otherwise claimed. No language in the specification should be construed as indicating any non-claimed element essential to the practice of the invention.
[0039] The headings and abstract of the invention provided herein are for convenience only and do not interpret the scope or meaning of the embodiments.
[0040] The following discussion provides many example embodiments of the inventive subject matter. Although each embodiment represents a single combination of inventive elements, the inventive subject matter is considered to include all possible combinations of the disclosed elements. Thus if one embodiment comprises elements A, B, and C, and a second embodiment comprises elements B and D, then the inventive subject matter is also considered to include other remaining combinations of A, B, C, or D, even if not explicitly disclosed.
[0041] Various terms as used herein are shown below. To the extent a term used in a claim is not defined below, it should be given the broadest definition persons in the pertinent art have given that term as reflected in printed publications and issued patents at the time of filing.
[0042] In one aspect, the present invention provides an organic fabric softener composition which can include i) at least two modified fatty acid derivatives, wherein a first modified fatty acid derivative can be a fatty acid derivative of diethanol amine and a second modified fatty acid derivative can be a mixture of a fatty acid derivative of diethylene triamine and a fatty acid derivative of diethylene triamine further alkylated with dimethyl sulphate;
ii) at least two hydrotropes, wherein a first hydrotrope can be sodium salt of sulphonated lauryl ether and a second hydrotrope can be mono and/or diester phosphate ester of ethoxylated lauryl alcohol; and
iii) one or more defoamer(s);
[0043] As used herein, the term "hydrotrope" refers to a compound with the ability to increase the solubilities, preferably aqueous solubilities, of certain slightly soluble organic compounds. Furthermore, the hydrotropes used in the present invention can have better compatibility with other additives such as optical brighteners, preservatives and other solvents.
[0044] In one exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the first hydrodrope can be sodium salt of sulphonated lauryl ether, which can be represented by the structural Formula 1.

Formula 1

[0045] In another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the second hydrotrope can be a mono and/or diester phosphate ester of ethoxylated lauryl alcohol, which can be represented by the structural Formulas 2 and 3, wherein Formula 2 is the monoester and Formula 3 is the diester:

Formula 2 Formula 3
[0046] In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the first modified fatty acid derivative can be a fatty acid derivative of diethanol amine. In a further specific embodiment, the fatty acid derivative of diethanol amine can be a mixture comprising an amide and an ester compound which can be represented by the structural Formulas 4 and 5, wherein Formula 4 is amide and Formula 5 is ester:

Formula 4 Formula 5

[0047] In another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the second fatty acid derivative can be a mixture comprising a fatty acid derivative of diethylene triamine and a fatty acid derivative of diethylene triamine further alkylated with dimethyl sulphate. In a further specific embodiment, the fatty acid derivative of diethylene triamine can be quartenized distearyl amido amine of diethylene triamine which can be represented by the structural Formula 6. The fatty acid derivative of diethylene triamine when further reacted/alkylated with dimethyl sulphate may result in a formation of a cationic quaternary ammonium compound i.e. protonated distearyl amido amine of diethylene triamine, which can be represented by the structural Formula 7.

Formula 6

Formula 7

[0048] In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the first modified fatty acid derivative and the second modified fatty acid derivative can be in a form of 10-40% water dispersion.
[0049] In a specific exemplary embodiment, the first modified fatty acid derivative can be in a form of 30% water dispersion and the second modified fatty acid derivative can be in a form of 20% water dispersion.
[0050] As used herein, the term "defoamer" may refer to any defoaming or anti-foaming agent which can be a chemical additive that reduces or hinders the formation of foam in a liquid. The defoamer may be used to increase process speed and reduce other problems that foam may cause in industrial processes. The defoamer may address problems with both surface foam and entrained/entrapped air. Suitable defoamer can include, but not limited to, oil-based defoaming agents, powder defoaming agents, water-based defoaming agents, silicone based defoaming agents (i.e., HL-36, Fumerol, polydimethylsiloxane), ethylene oxide/propylene oxide (EO/PO) defoaming agents, or any combinations thereof. Preferably, the defoamer can be silicone based defoaming agent.
[0051] According to embodiments of the present invention, one or more preservatives may optionally be incorporated into the organic fabric softener composition of the present invention.
[0052] As used herein, the term "preservative" refers to a compound that can be added to the fabric softener composition of the present invention to inhibit microbial growth. For example, preservative(s) may optionally be included in various embodiments as a way to further boost microbial protection for gross bacteria, virus and/or fungi contamination introduced by any source. Any conventional preservative known in the art may be used. Some illustrative preservatives can include, but not limited to, potassium sorbate, sodium benzoate, benzoic acid, phenoxyethanol, benzyl alcohol, dehydroxyacetic acid, sodium borate, boric acid, usinic acid, phenols, quaternary ammonia compounds, glycols, isothiazolinones (methyl, benzyl, chloro), DMDM hydantoin, hexidine, ethanol, polyaminopropyl biguanide, phenylphenol, imidazolidinyl urea, iodopropynyl butyl carbamate, parabens, formaldehyde, salicylic acid or salts, caprylyl glycol, D-glucono-1,5 lactone, sodium erythorbate, sodium hydroxymethylglycinate, peroxides, sodium sulfite, bisulfite, glucose oxidase, lacto peroxidase, and other preservatives compatible with the cleaning ingredients. Some other natural materials might also be considered such as cinnamon, fruit acids, essential oils like thyme and rosemary, willow bark, aspen bark, tocopherol, curry, citrus extracts, honeysuckle, and amino acid based preservatives. Especially preferred can be preservatives that do not compete with the cleaning ingredients (cationic materials) and do not have reported health or environmental issues (parabens, formaldehyde etc.).
[0053] In a specific exemplary embodiment, the one or more preservatives that may be utilized to formulate the organic fabric softener composition of the present invention can preferably be phenoxyethanol, benzoic acid, potassium sorbate, enzymes, borates and combinations thereof.
[0054] According to embodiments of the present invention, one or more additives may optionally be incorporated into the organic fabric softener composition of the present invention.
[0055] Suitable additives can be selected from the group consisting of pH control agent, metal ion control agent, colorant, brightener, dye, odor control agent, pro-perfume, cyclodextrin, solvent, chlorine scavenger, anti-shrinkage agent, fabric crisping agent, spotting agent, anti-oxidant, anti-corrosion agent, bodying agent, drape and form control agent, smoothness agent, static control agent, wrinkle control agent, germ control agent, mold control agent, mildew control agent, drying agent, stain resistance agent, soil release agent, malodor control agent, fabric refreshing agent, chlorine bleach odor control agent, dye fixative, dye transfer inhibitor, color maintenance agent, color restoration/rejuvenation agent, anti-fading agent, whiteness enhancer, anti-abrasion agent, wear resistance agent, fabric integrity agent, anti-wear agent, and rinse aid, UV protection agent, sun fade inhibitor, flame retardant, water proofing agent, fabric comfort agent, water conditioning agent, shrinkage resistance agent, stretch resistance agent, enzymes, cationic starch, and mixtures thereof.
[0056] In another aspect, the present invention provides a process for preparing the organic fabric softener composition of the present invention, wherein the process can comprise the steps of:
i) preparing a first dispersion mixture by mixing a first hydrotrope and a first modified fatty acid derivative at a suitable temperature and maintaining the temperature for a suitable time interval;
ii) mixing a second hydrotrope to the first dispersion mixture of step (i) and maintaining a suitable temperature for a suitable time interval to form a mixture;
iii) mixing a second modified fatty acid derivative to the mixture as obtained in step (ii) to obtain a second dispersion mixture;
iv) mixing one or more defoamer(s) with the second dispersion mixture as obtained in step (iii);
(v) optionally, mixing one or more preservatives and/or one or more additives with the mixture as obtained in step (iv);
(vi) adding water in a quantity sufficient to make 100 weight %.
[0057] In one exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the first modified fatty acid derivative used in step (i) can be a fatty acid derivative of diethanol amine.
[0058] In one exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the concentration of first modified fatty acid used in step (i) can range from 1 to 80% by weight based on the total weight of the fabric softener composition, preferably 1 to 60 % wt/wt of the composition.
[0059] In another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the first hydrotrope used in step (i) can be sodium salt of sulphonated lauryl ether.
[0060] In one exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the concentration of first hydrotrope used in step (i) can range from 1 to 15% wt/wt of the fabric softener composition, preferably 2 to 10 % wt/wt of the composition.
[0061] In another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the second hydrotrope used in step (ii) can be mono and/or diester phosphate ester of ethoxylated lauryl alcohol
[0062] In one exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the concentration of second hydrotrope used in step (ii) can range from 1 to 15% wt/wt of the fabric softener composition, preferably 2 to 10 % wt/wt of the composition.
[0063] In another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the second modified fatty acid derivative used in step (iii) can be a mixture containing a fatty acid derivative of diethylene triamine and a fatty acid derivative of diethylene triamine further alkylated with dimethyl sulphate.
[0064] In one exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the concentration of second modified fatty acid derivative used in step (iii) can range from 1 to 80% wt/wt of the fabric softener composition, preferably 1 to 60 % wt/wt of the composition.
[0065] In one exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the concentration of defoamer used in step (iv) can range from 1 to 12% wt/wt of the fabric softener composition, preferably 2 to 10 % wt/wt of the composition.
[0066] In an embodiment, the mixing in steps (i), (ii), (iii) and (iv) can be performed by any method known in the relevant art including, but not limited to, rotor-stator, colloid mills, homogenizers, high shear mixer and sonolaters.
[0067] In an exemplary embodiment, the mixing in steps (i), (ii), (iii) and (iv) can be performed with the help of electric stirrer/homogenizer for a time period ranging from 1 minute to 2 hours.
[0068] In another embodiment of the present invention, the temperature maintained for all the steps can range from 20 to 50oC, preferably 20 to 40oC, more preferably 30oC.
[0069] The fabric softener composition of the present invention can be effective at softening fabrics in both soft and hard water and may be provided in ready-to-use i.e. without dilution, or may be diluted with water prior to adding to the washing machine during the rinse cycle. The composition can allow for flexible dosing to provide user-specific desired levels of softness when added to cold, warm or hot rinse water, as selected by the user.
[0070] The fabric softener composition of the present invention can exhibit high defoaming property which avoids dust and particle accumulation on top of the bath keeping the fabric surface clear and free from stain. The hydrotropes can entrap the cationic sites of the modified fatty acid derivatives in water bath and release the cationic sites when come in contact with fabric surface. This can prevent the agglomeration and formation of a complex between the ingredients.
[0071] In an embodiment, the organic fabric softener composition of the present invention can provide very good softening properties and very good compatibility with anionic bath additives like optical brightening additives (OBA) and soaping agents at higher temperatures such as 60°C and in presence of higher hardness such as 4000 ppm.

EXAMPLES

[0072] The present disclosure is further explained in the form of following examples. However, it is to be understood that the foregoing examples are merely illustrative and are not to be taken as limitations upon the scope of the invention. Various changes and modifications to the disclosed embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Such changes and modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the invention.

Preparation of organic fabric softener composition of the present invention:
[0073] About 11.5 gm of aqueous dispersion (20 % active intermediate form) containing a mixture of monoester and monoamide of dietanolamine with stearic acid (Formula 5 and Formula 4 respectively) was added to about 3 gm of mono phosphoric acid ester of lauryl polyethylene oxide condensate derivative at 30oC and stirred well with an electric stirrer to obtain a uniform mixture. About 2.3 gm of lauryl sulphonate sodium salt was then slowly added to the above mixture and mixed for about 5 min. 5.2 gm of an aqueous dispersion (18 % active water dispersion intermediate form) containing quartenized distearyl amido amine of diethylene triamine and protonated distearyl amido amine of diethylene triamine (Formula 6 and Formula 7 respectively) was then slowly added to the above mixture at 30oC and mixed for about 5 min. About 3 gm of silica activated EO/PO block copolymer water dispersion (Dowcorning - DCFB50 Plus) was then added and mixed with an electric stirrer for about 10 min to obtain a dispersion mixture. This composition was made 100 % by adding sufficient quantity of water slowly to the dispersion mixture with stirring to obtain the fabric softener composition. Tests were performed to determine the bath stability of the thus obtained fabric softener composition and the test results are provided in below Table 1.

Table 1
Bath temp (oC) Bath pH Shear RPM %OBA contamination Bath water Hardness (ppm) Bath water TDS (ppm) % of dye & dye fixing contamination Over all bath stability
60 5 3000 0.1 2000 2000 0 Stable
60 5 3000 0.5 2000 2000 0 Stable
60 5 3000 1 2000 2000 0 Stable
60 5 3000 0 2000 2000 0.5 Stable
60 5 3000 0 2000 2000 1 Stable
60 5 3000 0 2000 2000 0 Stable

ADVANTAGES OF THE INVENTION

[0074] The present invention provides an organic fabric softener composition having high bath stability under shear and temperature for an extended period of time.
[0075] The present invention provides an organic fabric softener composition capable of achieving zero stains under robust application conditions.
[0076] The present invention provides an organic fabric softener composition capable of delivering high softness level.
[0077] The present invention provides an organic fabric softener composition that can minimize yellowing.
[0078] The present invention provides an organic fabric softener composition capable of exhibiting zero odour on treated materials.
[0079] The present invention provides an organic fabric softener composition capable of exhibiting high defoaming property.
[0080] The present invention provides an organic fabric softener composition capable of exhibiting high hydrophilicity and wicking height.
[0081] The present invention provides an organic fabric softener composition capable of exhibiting hardness stability and bath compatibility.
[0082] The present invention provides a process for producing the organic fabric softener composition that is technically and commercially feasible.
,CLAIMS:A fabric softener composition comprising:
at least two modified fatty acid derivatives, wherein a first modified fatty acid derivative is a fatty acid derivative of diethanol amine and a second modified fatty acid derivative is a mixture comprising a fatty acid derivative of diethylene triamine and a fatty acid derivative of diethylene triamine further alkylated with dimethyl sulphate;
at least two hydrotropes, wherein a first hydrotrope is a sodium salt of sulphonated lauryl ether and a second hydrotrope is a mono or diester phosphate ester of ethoxylated lauryl alcohol; and
one or more defoamer(s).

2. The fabric softener composition of claim 1, wherein said fatty acid derivative of diethanol amine comprises
(a) a compound of formula 4

Formula 4

and,
(b) a compound of formula 5

Formula 5

3. The fabric softener composition of claim 1, wherein said fatty acid derivative of diethylene triamine is a compound of formula 6.

Formula 6

4. The fabric softener composition of claim 1, wherein said fatty acid derivative of diethylene triamine further alkylated with dimethyl sulphate is a cationic quaternary ammonium compound of formula 7.

Formula 7

5. The fabric softener composition of claim 1, wherein said defoamer is selected from the group consisting of silicone based defoaming agent, ethylene oxide based defoaming agent, propylene oxide based defoaming agent and mixtures thereof.

6. The fabric softener composition of claim 1, wherein the amount of said first modified fatty acid derivative ranges from 1 to 60% by weight based on the total weight of said softener composition.

7. The fabric softener composition of claim 1, wherein the amount of said second modified fatty acid derivative ranges from 1 to 60% by weight based on the total volume of said softener composition.

8. The fabric softener composition of claim 1, wherein the amount of said first hydrotrope ranges from 1 to 10% by weight based on the total volume of said softener composition.

9. The fabric softener composition of claim 1, wherein the amount of said second hydrotrope ranges from 1 to 10% by weight based on the total volume of said softener composition.

10. The fabric softener composition of claim 1, wherein the amount of said one or more defoamer(s) ranges from 1 to 10% by weight based on the total volume of said softener composition.

11. The fabric softener composition of claim 1 further comprises one or more preservatives.

12. The fabric softener composition of claim 1 further comprises one or more additives.

13. The fabric softener composition of claim 12, wherein said additive is selected from the group consisting of pH control agent, metal ion control agent, colorant, brightener, dye, odor control agent, pro-perfume, cyclodextrin, chlorine scavenger, anti-shrinkage agent, fabric crisping agent, spotting agent, anti-oxidant, anti-corrosion agent, bodying agent, drape and form control agent, smoothness agent, static control agent, wrinkle control agent, germ control agent, mold control agent, mildew control agent, drying agent, stain resistance agent, soil release agent, malodor control agent, fabric refreshing agent, chlorine bleach odor control agent, dye fixative, dye transfer inhibitor, color maintenance agent, color restoration/rejuvenation agent, anti-fading agent, whiteness enhancer, anti-abrasion agent, wear resistance agent, fabric integrity agent, anti-wear agent, and rinse aid, UV protection agent, sun fade inhibitor, flame retardant, water proofing agent, fabric comfort agent, water conditioning agent, shrinkage resistance agent, stretch resistance agent, enzymes, cationic starch, and mixtures thereof.

14. A process for preparing an organic fabric softener composition comprising:
i) preparing a first dispersion mixture by mixing a first hydrotrope and a first modified fatty acid derivative;
ii) mixing a second hydrotrope with the first dispersion mixture of step (i) to form a mixture;
iii) mixing a second modified fatty acid derivative to the mixture as obtained in step (ii) to obtain a second dispersion mixture;
iv) mixing one or more defoamer(s) with the second dispersion mixture as obtained in step (iii);
(v) optionally, mixing one or more preservatives and/or one or more additives with the mixture as obtained in step (iv);
(vi) adding water in a quantity sufficient to make 100 weight %.