CN101506344A - Cationic polymer stabilized microcapsule compositions - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to the use of a cationic polymer to provide stability to microcapsules in a composition, wherein the microcapsules contain a shell encapsulating materials having an average ClogP of at least 2.5 and more than 60% by weight of the encapsulated materials have a Clog P of at least 3.3. The cationic polymer is polymerized from about 5 to 100 mole percent of a cationic vinyl addition monomer, from 0 to about 95 mole percent of acrylamide, and from about 5 to about 500ppm of a difunctional vinyl addition monomer crosslinking agent. Cationic polymers and encapsulated materials can be used, for example, in fabric softener compositions.

Description

Cationic polymer stabilized microcapsule composition

Related Application Cross Reference

[0001] This application claims priority to US Patent Application No. 11/479,679, filed June 30, 2006, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

Background of the invention

[0002] It is well known in the art that consumer products, such as fabric care products, personal care products and household cleaning products, typically contain one or more fragrances that impart fragrance to the consumer product and/or substrates treated or coated with the consumer product; however, These fragrances in consumer products or substrates disappear over time. Another problem with fragrances in consumer products is that they are released before the optimal release time and the user of the consumer product cannot experience the scent of the fragrance. For example, fragrances are required to persist in laundry after treatment with detergents and/or fabric emulsifiers, and fragrances in laundry have a tendency to evaporate or diffuse over time.

[0003] Accordingly, attempts have been made to minimize fragrance loss due to volatility and evaporation and to optimize fragrance release from the fragrance. One such approach is to encapsulate the fragrance within a shell, creating fragrance microcapsules.

Theoretical log P (Clog P) of known multiple essence in the art, can be found in the Ponoma 92 database that for example Daylight Chemical Information Systems, Inc. (Daylight CIS) Irvine, CA obtains. Methods for calculating Clog P are also known in the art. Fragrances with lower Clog P values can be more volatile and water soluble than fragrances with higher Clog P values, so they are preferred for use in consumer products. However, when substances with lower ClogP are encapsulated, their tendency to leach or diffuse out of the shell into the consumer product may be stronger (preventing optimal release of the fragrance), and the fragrance may end up diffusing out of the consumer product before it is used by the consumer.

[0005] Methods have been developed to prevent the leaching of essences in fragrance microcapsules. These methods may include coating one or more polymers on the interior or exterior of the shell, or incorporating stabilizers into the core. However, there is a continuing need to develop systems for releasing fragrances. More efficient delivery systems or more stable encapsulated fragrances can lead to more efficient use of fragrances, thereby reducing manufacturing costs.

[0006] Stability issues can arise when fragrance microcapsules are incorporated into consumer products containing solvents and/or surfactants, such as shampoos. Encapsulated fragrance may seep out of the shell. The shell may also absorb solvents, surfactants or any other material in the consumer product, causing the integrity of the shell to be compromised. The shell may also expand due to diffusion of other materials into the shell or core, or contract due to diffusion of core material out of the shell. Indeed, shell components can even diffuse into consumer products.

[0007] Similar considerations apply to the delivery of microcapsules with other substances that provide benefits to consumers, such as flavorants or antimicrobial substances.

[0008] Accordingly, there is a need to develop compositions suitable for use in compositions that provide stability to microcapsules encapsulating fragrance or antimicrobial substances.

Brief description of the invention

[0009] In one embodiment, the invention provides compositions comprising:

a. Microcapsules comprising a shell encapsulating a substance having an average Clog P of at least about 2.5, and greater than 60% by weight of the substance having a Clog P of at least 3.3, and

b. A cross-linked cationic polymer consisting of about 5-100 mole percent cationic vinyl addition monomer, 0-about 95 mole percent acrylamide, and about 5-about 500 ppm difunctional vinyl addition monomer It is obtained by polymerization of monomeric cross-linking agent.

[0010] In another embodiment, the present invention provides a method for increasing the stability of a product containing at least one microcapsule, the method comprising exposing the product (before, after or simultaneously with the addition of the at least one microcapsule) to the Mixture of dicationic polymers crosslinked from about 5 to 100 mole percent cationic vinyl addition monomers, 0 to about 95 percent acrylamide, and about 5 to about 500 ppm difunctional vinyl addition monomers Polymerization of an agent wherein the microcapsules contain a shell encapsulating a substance having an average ClogP of at least 2.5, and more than 60% by weight of the substance has a ClogP of at least 3.3.

Detailed description of the invention

[0010] When used herein, ranges are used as shorthand for describing each value that is within the range. Any value within the range can be chosen as the end point of the range. Unless otherwise stated, the percentages given below are total weight percentages.

[0011] The present invention relates to the benefits provided by the use of cationic polymers in compositions comprising microcapsules, especially those having an average Clog P of at least about 2.5 and greater than 60% by weight of the substance having a Clog P of at least 3.3 Microcapsules. The addition of a cationic polymer to the composition increases the stability of the microcapsules in the composition compared to a composition lacking such a cationic polymer.

[0012] Fragrances are known in the art and may include odoriferous substances that provide fragrance to consumer products and/or impart fragrance to substrates, such as shampoos and conditioners for treating hair, laundering for treating fabrics and clothes Use detergent and rinse-time fabric softener, glass cleaner for glass and hard surfaces, cologne for skin and hair, soap, deodorant, antiperspirant, and shower gel. Fragrances can also counteract malodors and/or provide fragrance. Fragrances may be in a liquid state at ambient temperature, although solid fragrances may also be effective. Fragrances may include aldehydes, ketones, esters, and other chemicals and compounds known in the art, including natural, synthetic fragrances, and mixtures thereof. Fragrances useful in the present invention may be of relatively simple composition, or may contain complex mixtures of natural and synthetic chemical ingredients, all of which are used to provide an odor or fragrance in a consumer product and/or to a substrate odor or fragrance. In this application, it can be understood that fragrances known in the art can be used instead of fragrances, so the term fragrances used herein also includes fragrances. Typically, fragrances may be present in consumer products at 0.00001-10%.

[0013] In addition to any fragrance substances present in the microcapsules, the formulations of the invention may also contain unencapsulated fragrance substances.

Fragrance microcapsules are generally known in the art, see for example WO/2004016234, US 2005/0153135, US 2005/0256027, US2004/0072719A1, US 2004/0072720A1, US 20040071742A1, US2004/00717346A1, US2004/00717346A1, 4US 02/074430A1; US 6,620,777, the contents of each patent publication are incorporated herein by reference. Fragrance microcapsules typically have a shell that encapsulates the fragrance and optionally other substances such as solvents, surfactants, hydrophobic polymers and others known in the art. Shells are contemplated to be made from dense collections of polymer bundles, which may be less than 1000 μm in diameter, and the average diameter of these shells may range from 1-500 μm, preferably 1-300 μm, more preferably 1-50 μm, most preferably 1-10 μm. The size of the shell can be adjusted by methods known in the art. The preferred shell size will depend on their intended use.

[0015] The shell generally prevents the fragrance from leaching from the consumer product. The shell can also be combined with the matrix to release the fragrance under predetermined conditions, that is, when the fabric is ironed, the fragrance microcapsules on the fabric are suddenly broken due to temperature changes, or when the fabric is damaged, the fragrance microcapsules are broken due to friction, shearing or wear. Sudden rupture due to other physical/mechanical stresses caused by user movement.

[0016] Microcapsule shells can be prepared by any method known in the art. The shell can be a polymer or resin known in the art. Shells composed of polyurethanes, polyamides, polyolefins, polysaccharides, proteins, polysiloxanes, lipids, modified celluloses, gums, polyacrylates, polyphosphates, polystyrenes, and polyesters, or combinations thereof can applicable to the present invention. A preferred shell may be an aminoplast formed by reacting one of a variety of amines known in the art with one or more aldehydes known in the art, such as formaldehyde. In a preferred embodiment, the aminoplasts are prepared by polycondensation. Preferred aminoplasts may be melamine-formaldehyde or urea-formaldehyde condensates, such as melamine resins or urea-formaldehyde resins. Aminoplasts, preferably melamine resins, may be used alone or in combination with other suitable amides known in the art, crosslinking agents known in the art (e.g. toluene diisocyanate, divinylbenzene, butyl diacrylate glycol esters), and secondary polymers known in the art such as polymers and copolymers of maleic anhydride. Aminoplasts can also be urea-formaldehyde, maleic anhydride copolymers and melamine-formaldehyde hybrid resins.

[0017] The microcapsules of the present invention have a shell with an inner surface and an outer surface. Polymers, for example, may be coated on the inner and/or outer surfaces of the shell. Coatings on the inner and/or outer surfaces can improve the barrier properties of the shell and thus increase the residence time of the encapsulated substance in surfactant- and/or solvent-containing consumer products.

[0018] Cationic-charged water-soluble polymers known in the art may be coated on the shell. The water soluble polymer may also be an amphoteric polymer having a ratio of cationic to anionic functional groups that results in a net total charge of zero and positive. Methods of coating cationically charged polymers onto microcapsules are also known in the art.

[0019] The coating can be applied to the interior surface of the shell capsule by a variety of methods known in the art. One method known in the art involves the use of suitable materials for coating which are insoluble in the substance to be encapsulated but soluble in water soluble solvents such as ethanol, carbitol which are miscible with the substance to be encapsulated . A coating, usually a polymer, is dissolved in a solvent, and the solution is then dissolved in the substance to be encapsulated. The substance to be encapsulated is then emulsified into an aqueous solution forming standard aminoplast capsules. As the emulsion forms, the solvent separates from the water, and the polymer precipitates out of solution at the surface of the emulsion droplets, forming a film at the water/substance to be encapsulated interface. Encapsulation methods known in the art can then be carried out and the coating can be deposited on the inner surface of the shell.

[0020] In another method known in the art, coatings such as polysiloxanes are used that are immiscible with the substance to be encapsulated and immiscible with water, but capable of forming a film at the water interface. Silicone-containing on the inner surface of the shell can be prepared by dispersing the substance to be encapsulated in polysiloxane and then emulsifying the mixture so as to form an emulsion in which a thin film of polysiloxane surrounds the droplets of the encapsulated substance Oxane-coated encapsulates. Encapsulation is then performed as known in the art. Alternatively, a film can be formed on the surface by dispersing the substance to be encapsulated in water, adding a second substance such as polysiloxane, and then allowing it to coat the droplets of encapsulating material. Interior surface coatings can also be prepared from film-forming polymers known in the art, such as: poly(ethylene-maleic anhydride), povidone; waxes such as polyethylene glycol; polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) and its copolymers such as Polyvinylpyrrolidone-ethyl acrylate (PVP-EA); Polyvinylpyrrolidone-vinyl acrylate, polyvinylpyrrolidone methacrylate (PVP-MA), polyvinylpyrrolidone/vinyl acetate, polyvinyl acetal, polyvinyl acetal Vinyl butyral, polysiloxanes, poly(propylene maleic anhydride), maleic anhydride derivatives and copolymers of the above such as polyvinyl methyl ether/maleic anhydride. Preferably, the inner wall coating comprises polysiloxane, PVP or a PVP copolymer, more preferably PVP or a PVP copolymer, even more preferably a PVP copolymer, especially PVP-MA or PVP-EA.

[0021] The coating may be applied to the outer surface of the shell by techniques known in the art, including, for example, spraying, fluidized bed coating, or precipitation. For example, a coating such as a polymeric coating can be precipitated from an aqueous solution, such as in the form of a capsule slurry, coagulated on the outer surface of the shell or microcapsule, and precipitated by changing temperature, pH; adding salt, and other methods known in the art. Variables and conditions cause. The capsule to be coated is thus formed in a separate first step before the coating is applied to the outer surface of the shell wall. Depending on the composition of the outer surface coating, coated shells can be produced, for example, by coacervation or polycondensation.

[0022] The outer surface coating may comprise high molecular weight film-forming polymers known in the art, which may be optionally crosslinked. "High molecular weight" means an average molecular weight greater than 2000 Da, preferably greater than 4000 Da, more preferably greater than 5000 Da. The polymers may be water soluble or water insoluble, preferably water soluble. Suitable polymers may include polyvinyl alcohol (PVOH), styrene-butadiene latex, gelatin, gum arabic, carboxymethyl cellulose, carboxymethyl hydroxyethyl cellulose, hydroxyethyl cellulose, other modified Cellulose, sodium alginate, chitosan, casein, pectin, modified starch, polyvinyl acetal, polyvinyl butyral, polyvinyl methyl ether/maleic anhydride, PVP and its copolymerization (e.g. polyvinylpyrrolidone/vinyl acetate (PVP/VA), poly(vinylpyrrolidone/dimethylaminoethyl methacrylate) (PVP/DMAEMA), poly(vinylpyrrolidone/methacrylamidopropyl trimethylammonium chloride), melamine-formaldehyde and urea-formaldehyde. Preferably, the outer surface of the shell is coated with PVOH, PVP or PVP copolymers.

[0023] A preferred coated shell may be an aminoplast capsule having a PVOH, PVP or copolymer PVP (preferably PVP/DMAEMA) coating on the outer surface of the shell and/or a film-forming polymer on the inner surface (preferably PVP-EP) coating.

[0024] The coating (inner and/or outer layer) may be crosslinked in any known manner, such as by interfacial crosslinking. Herein, the outer shell surface of an effective shell capsule may have more than one coating.

[0025] The wall thickness of the coated shell is generally from about 0.01 to about 30 μm, preferably from about 0.01 to about 5 μm, more preferably from about 0.03 to about 1 μm, most preferably from about 0.03 to about 0.5 μm. The wall thickness can be adjusted and controlled according to the size of the encapsulant and by changing the relative proportions of coating and shell polymers. The weight ratio of coating to shell wall is generally from about 0.01 to about 10:1, preferably from about 0.1:1 to about 10:1, more preferably from about 0.1:1 to about 3:1.

[0026] Typically, the weight ratio of polymer shell material to encapsulated material is from about 1:10 to about 3:2, preferably from about 1:10 to about 1:2. Coatings on the interior and/or exterior surfaces will increase these weight ratios.

[0027] When the shell is coated, a material having an average Clog P value equal to or greater than 2.5, preferably about 3 to about 5, can be encapsulated. Materials for use in uncoated microcapsules may include materials wherein at least about 60% of the materials have a Clog P equal to or greater than about 3.3, preferably greater than about 4. "Average Clog P" indicates the average Clog P of all encapsulated species. Thus, for example, the average Clog P of an encapsulated species can be increased by adding a solvent with a high ClogP, such as about 6 or greater, where the solvent is miscible with other encapsulated species.

[0028] In the present invention, one or more essences can be used as an essence mixture. Thus, for microcapsules with uncoated shells, a fragrance mixture can be used wherein greater than about 60% by weight of the fragrance has a Clog P greater than about 3.3, preferably greater than about 80% by weight of the fragrance has a Clog P value greater than about 4.0, more preferably greater than about 90% by weight of the fragrance has a Clog P value greater than about 4.5.

[0029] The microcapsule shell contains a core which contains essences or other benefit agents such as flavorants or antibacterial substances, and may optionally contain other substances known in the art, such as hydrophobic solvents such as triglyceride oils, monoglycerides Esters and diesters; mineral oil, silicone oil, diethyl phthalate, polyalphaolefins, fatty alcohols, castor oil and isopropyl myristate. The solvent material is miscible with the benefit agent. For microcapsules with shells that are uncoated on the inner or outer surfaces, suitable solvents include those solvents that have a moderate affinity for fragrances, and such solvents may have a Clog P greater than 3.3, preferably greater than 6, and most preferably greater than 10. A preferred solvent may be isopropyl myristate. Preferred solvents are also polysiloxanes, such as polydimethylsiloxane and polydimethylcyclosiloxane. In another embodiment of the present invention, the preferred solvent may be diethyl phthalate. The solvent may be greater than about 30% by weight, preferably greater than about 50% by weight, more preferably greater than about 70% by weight, based on the core.

[0030] It is known in the art that the addition of a hydrophobic polymer to the microcapsules can also improve the stability of the microcapsules by delaying the diffusion of the fragrance in the shell. The amount of hydrophobic polymer may be less than 80%, preferably less than 50%, most preferably less than 20% by weight, based on the microcapsule. The hydrophobic polymer may be ethyl cellulose, hydroxypropyl cellulose, cellulose acetate butyrate, ethylene vinyl acetate, polystyrene, and PVP as well as ester- or amide-terminated polyamides.

[0031] As noted previously, stability issues can arise when microcapsules are incorporated into certain solvents and/or surfactant-containing consumer products such as shampoos. Therefore in the present invention cationic polymers are added to consumer products to increase microcapsule stability.

[0032] Cationic polymers in the present invention are cross-linked polymers, with about 5-500ppm, preferably about 70-about 300ppm, preferably about 75-about 200ppm, most preferably about 80-about 150ppm level of bifunctional vinyl plus monomer to crosslink the polymer. The cationic polymer may be a cationic vinyl polymer. Cationic vinyl polymers can be obtained by polymerizing from about 5 to 100 mole percent cationic vinyl addition monomers and from 0 to about 95 mole percent acrylamide. The difunctional vinyl addition monomer may be polyethylene glycol diacrylate having a weight average molecular weight of 300-3,000.

[0033] The cationic polymer can be crosslinked by about 5-100 mole percent cationic vinyl addition monomer, 0-about 95 mole percent acrylamide, and about 70-about 300 ppm difunctional vinyl addition monomer obtained by polymerization. The difunctional vinyl addition monomer may be polyethylene glycol diacrylate having a weight average molecular weight of about 300 to about 3,000.

[0034] The cationic polymer can also be a cross-linked cationic vinyl addition polymer consisting of about 15 to about 70 mole percent of a quaternary ammonium salt of dimethyl/aminoethyl methacrylate and about 30 - Polymerized from about 85 mole percent acrylamide and about 0.005 to about 0.025 weight percent polyethylene glycol diacrylate. The polyethylene glycol diacrylate may be polyethylene glycol dimethacrylate.

[0035] The cationic polymers can be formulated as water-in-oil emulsions in which the crosslinked polymer is dispersed in an oil, preferably mineral oil. The cationic polymer may be a cross-linked copolymer of quaternary ammonium salts of acrylic or methacrylic acid and acrylamide comonomers. Additional discussions of cationic polymers useful in the present invention can be found in US Patent Nos. 4,806,345 and 6,864,223, which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0036] The composition may contain from about 0.001% to about 40%, preferably from about 0.01% to about 10%, more preferably from about 0.01% to about 5%, by weight of the cationic polymer. The amount of cationic polymer included will depend on the composition and the microcapsules used therein. The cationic polymer can be mixed with the consumer product before, during or after the microcapsules are added to the consumer product.

[0037] As described herein, cationic polymers are well suited for use in a variety of well-known microencapsulated consumer products such as oral care products, toothpaste, mouthwash, personal care products, lotions, ointments, shampoos, Conditioners, Hair Gels, Antiperspirants, Deodorants, Shaving Creams, Hair Sprays, Cologne, Body Washes, Home Care Products, Laundry Detergents, Fabric Softeners, Liquid Dishwashing Detergents, Tumble Drying tablets, automatic dishwasher detergent, and hard surface cleaners. These consumer products may employ surfactants, solvents and emulsification systems well known in the art. Fragrances are used in consumer product bases to provide consumers with a pleasant scent or to mask the unpleasant odor of certain functional ingredients used in the product, both during and after use of the product. As mentioned above, the problem with using encapsulated fragrance in the product matrix is the loss of fragrance before the optimal time for fragrance release.

[0038] In the present invention, the microcapsules may be in an aqueous solution of the consumer product. Alternatively, the microcapsules may be in the continuous phase of an oil-in-water emulsion of a consumer product. Alternatively, the microcapsules may be in the discontinuous phase of an oil-in-water emulsion of a consumer product. Alternatively, the microcapsules may be in the discontinuous phase of a water-in-oil emulsion of a consumer product. Alternatively, the microcapsules can be in the continuous phase of a water-in-oil emulsion of a consumer product.

[0039] Although diols, polyols, alcohols, or silicone oils are used as primary solvents or carriers in some products, consumer products can be prepared with aqueous bases containing surfactants. Suitable surfactants for use herein include those commonly used in consumer products such as laundry detergents, fabric softeners, and the like. These products generally contain cationic surfactants which are also used as fabric softeners; and nonionic and anionic surfactants known in the art. Surfactants are typically present at levels of about 1-30% by weight. In some cases, the surfactant loading can be greater than 85%, typically greater than 95%, and greater than about 99% by weight of the formulation.

[0040] The use of the invention in consumer products such as fabric softener compositions is further described. Fabric softener compositions are known in the art and contain fabric softening ingredients and other optional materials such as perfumes, chelants, preservatives, dyes, soil release polymers and thickeners. Other optional ingredients may also include solvents, alcohols, amphoteric and nonionic surfactants, fatty alcohols, fatty acids, organic or inorganic salts, pH buffers, anti-foaming agents, bactericides, fungicides, antioxidants, corrosion Inhibitors, enzymes, optical brighteners, anti-foaming agents and others known in the art.

[0041] The fabric softener composition may be substantially free of anionic surfactants known in the art such as lithium or sodium lauryl sulfate. Substantially free means that the fabric softener composition contains less than 5% by weight of anionic surfactant, preferably less than 1% by weight, more preferably less than .5% by weight, still more preferably less than 0.1% by weight anionic surfactants.

[0042] The fabric softener composition may be substantially free of water-soluble builder salts known in the art such as alkali metal phosphates, eg sodium phosphate and potassium phosphate. Substantially free means that the fabric softener composition contains less than 5% by weight of builder salts, preferably less than 1% by weight, more preferably less than 0.5% by weight, still more preferably less than 0.1% by weight of Water soluble builder salt.

[0043] Fabric softening ingredients in fabric softener compositions are well known in the art and may include cationic surfactants, quaternary ammonium salts (acrylic quaternary ammonium salts, ester quaternary ammonium salts, cyclic quaternary ammonium salts, diamido quaternary ammonium salts, biodegradable quaternary ammonium salts, polymeric ammonium salts), polyquaternary ammonium compounds, tertiary fatty amines, carboxylic acids, esters of polyols, fatty alcohols, ethoxylated fatty alcohols, alkylphenols, ethyl Oxylated alkylphenols, ethoxylated fatty amines, difatty, ethoxylated monolycerides, ethoxylated diglycerides, mineral oil, clays and polyols.

[0044] The fabric softener compositions can contain from about 0.01% to about 35% by weight of one or more fabric softening ingredients. Preferably, the present invention may comprise from about 0.5% to about 25% by weight of fabric softening ingredients. Optionally, the present invention may contain from about 1.5% to about 12% fabric softening ingredients. Optionally, the present invention may comprise from about 15% to about 24% fabric softening ingredients.

[0045] The amount of ingredients in the fabric softener composition will depend on the purpose of the formulation, ie whether the formulation is thick or thin. Thus, the fabric softening ingredient may comprise, for example, from about 0.1% to about 50% by weight of the total composition, such as from about 10% to about 25% for thick compositions and from about 1% to about 10% for thin compositions. The fabric softener composition may also contain one or more chelating agents, dyes, fatty alcohols, preservatives and/or fragrances, and/or other ingredients known in the art.

[0046] The fabric softening component may be an esterquat (or a mixture of esterquats) having structural formula 1

Structure 1

in

R ₁ represents -(CH ₂ ) _t R ₆ , wherein R ₆ represents benzyl, phenyl, (C ₁ -C ₄ )-alkyl substituted phenyl, OH or H;

R ₂ and R ₃ represent -(CH ₂ ) _s -R ₅ , wherein R ₅ represents acyloxy, benzyl, phenyl, (C1-C4)-alkyl substituted phenyl containing 8-22 carbon atoms , OH or H;

_R represents an aliphatic hydrocarbon group with 8-22 carbon atoms;

q, s, and t each independently represent an integer from 1 to 3; and

X- is a softener compatible anion.

by reacting 2 moles of fatty acid methyl esters with 1 mole of triethanolamine followed by quaternization with dimethyl sulfate (further details of this preparation are disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 3,915,867, which is incorporated herein by reference) , to prepare specific softeners for use in the present invention. The distribution of the reaction products was as follows: (a) 50% diesterquat material; (b) 20% monoesterquat; and (c) 30% triesterquat.

[0048] Depending on the esterification treatment conditions, the distribution of the 3 products (mono-, di- and tri-esterquats) can vary. By quaternizing the product of a condensation reaction between a fatty acid moiety containing at least one saturated or unsaturated linear or branched chain fatty acid or derivative and at least one functionalized tertiary amine, wherein the molar ratio of fatty acid moiety to tertiary amine is about 1.7:1, to prepare the esterquat compounds described herein. Methods for preparing such esterquat surfactants are described in US Patent No. 5,637,743 (Stepan), the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0049] The aforementioned molar ratios will determine the balance between the mono-, di- and tri-esterquat compounds in the product. For example, using a molar ratio of about 1.7 yields a normal distribution of about 34% monoesterquat, about 56% diesterquat, and about 10% triesterquat, which are essential esterquats. Invented fatty acid ester quaternary ammonium compound. On the other hand, for example, a normal distribution of about 21% monoesterquat, 61% diesterquat, and 18% triesterquat is obtained with a molar ratio of about 1.96.

[0050] Thus, preferred fabric softening ingredients may include quaternized fatty acid triethanolamine ester salts, such as triethanolamine-esterquat tallow. Preferred fabric softening ingredients of the present invention may include the dialkyl esters of triethanolammonium methylsulfate, or di(hydrogenated tallowethyl)hydroxyethylammonium methoxysulfate. Fabric softening ingredients are available from Kao Corporation under the product names Tetranyl L1/90 or Tetranyl AT1-75.

[0051] The fabric softener composition may also contain a soil release polymer (SRP). SRPs are well known in the art and may include polymers that absorb onto fabric fibers where they prevent the fibers from re-soiling. Such polymers may include polyesters and copolymers of terephthalic acid, polyesters and copolymers of ethylene glycol, copolymers of ethylene glycol and benzene, and poly(ethylene terephthalate). Polymers may include nonionic polyesters. The polymer can be modified in which the ethylene glycol moiety is removed and replaced with a high molecular weight hydroxyl terminated polyethylene glycol.

[0052] Chelating agents are well known in the art and may be present at a level of at least about 0.001% (by weight), preferably from about 0.001% to about 1%, more preferably from about 0.01% to about 0.5%, in the fabric softening composition, More preferably from about 0.06% to about 0.1% by weight. Wherein the chelating agent can be selected from aminocarboxylic acid compounds, organic aminophosphonic acid compounds and their mixtures. Suitable aminocarboxylic acid compounds may include: ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid, N-hydroxyethylenediaminetriacetic acid, nitrilotriacetic acid, and diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid. Suitable organic aminophosphonic acid compounds may include methylenephosphonic acid, 1-hydroxyethane 1,1-diphosphonic acid and aminotrimethylenephosphonic acid. A preferred chelating agent may be aminotrimethylenephosphonic acid, which is available as Dequest 2000 from Solutia, Inc. (St. Louis, Missouri, USA).

[0053] Preservatives are well known in the art and may include lactic acid, formaldehyde, or other preservatives known in the art. The fabric softener compositions may contain from 0% to about 10%, preferably from about 0.01% to about 2%, more preferably from about 0.05% to about 0.5%, by weight, of preservatives. In the present invention, a preferred preservative may be lactic acid.

[0054] Fatty and aliphatic alcohols are known in the art. Fatty alcohols can have fully saturated or unsaturated carbon chains. Preferred fatty alcohols include C ₁₀ -C ₂₈ alcohols, preferably C _16-18 , C ₁₃ -C ₁₅ alcohols and mixtures thereof. The fabric softener compositions may contain from 0% to about 10% by weight fatty alcohol, preferably from about 0.1% to about 5%, more preferably from about 0.1% to about 0.5% fatty alcohol.

[0055] Dyes are well known in the art and may comprise from 0% to about 5% of the product.

[0056] In another embodiment, the present invention provides a method of releasing a fragrance or antimicrobial substance from a product comprising incorporating any ingredient into a consumer product. Such consumer products can be oral care products, toothpaste, mouthwash, personal care products, lotions, ointments, shampoos, conditioners, hair gels, antiperspirants, deodorants, antiperspirants and deodorants shaving cream, hair spray, cologne, body wash, home care products, laundry detergent, fabric softener, liquid dish detergent, tumble dryer tablets, automatic dishwasher detergent or hard surface cleaning agent.

Example

Example 1

By mixing in deionized water, an emulsion is formed to prepare the following compositions (percentages are total weight percent):

FC#1 FC#2 TEA-Esterquat Tallow 8.667% 8.667% cationic polymer 0.268% - Amino trimethylene phosphonic acid 0.1% 0.1% lactic acid 0.063% 0.063% Fragrance Microcapsules 3.6% 3.6% water margin margin

[0058] The water and TEA-esterquat tallow were each individually heated to 65°C. Add the aminotrimethylenephosphonic acid to the water and mix. Add the TEA-esterquat to the water at a rate of about 25-40 g/min. Mix for 10 minutes and cool in an ice/water bath until the temperature reaches 35°C while stirring. Add lactic acid, mix. Add the cationic polymer and mix for 10 minutes. The fragrance microcapsules were added and the solution was mixed for an additional 30 minutes.

Example 2

[0059] In a washing machine, terry cotton towels were washed with equal amounts of compositions FC#1 and FC#2. After washing, line the towels and let dry at room temperature for 1 day. A 20-person panel was asked to evaluate the towels washed with FC#1 and FC#2 on the basis of odor. 63% of the judges preferred the towels washed with FC#1. The towels were then rubbed and the panelists were asked to re-evaluate the towels. 70% of judges preferred FC#1. The results showed that towels washed with FC#1 containing cationic polymer and fragrance microcapsules gave increased fragrance.

Example 3

By mixing in deionized water, an emulsion is formed to prepare the following compositions (percentages are total weight percent):

FC#3 FC#4 Tetranyl L1/90 8.667% 8.667% cationic polymer 0.268% 0.268% Dequest2000 0.1% 0.1% lactic acid 0.063% 0.063% spices 0.99% - Fragrance microcapsules (17.3% fragrance) - 5.723% (0.99% fragrance) water margin margin

[0061] Water and Tetranyl L1/90 were each heated separately to 65°C. Add Dequest2000 to the water and mix. Add Tetranyl L1/90 to the water at a rate of about 25-40 g/min. Mix for 10 minutes and cool in an ice/water bath to reach a temperature of 35°C while mixing. Add lactic acid, mix. Add the cationic polymer and mix for 10 minutes. The fragrance microcapsules and fragrance are added to the respective formulations and the solutions are mixed for an additional 30 minutes.

Example 4

[0062] In a washing machine, terry cotton towels were washed with equal amounts of compositions FC#3 and FC#4. After washing, the towels were stored at room temperature for 1 week, 3 months at 35°C, and 1 month at 43°C. After storage, a 20-person panel of judges was asked to grade the strength of the fragrance on the towel, rub the towel several times, and then grade the strength of the fragrance on the towel. The result is shown in the figure below. Towels laundered with FC#4 containing encapsulated fragrance and cationic polymer outperformed towels laundered with FC#3 without encapsulated fragrance.

[0063] The content presented herein is provided by way of illustration only and not as limitation. While particular embodiments have been shown and described, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that changes and modifications can be made without departing from the broad scope of the invention. The actual scope of protection sought will be defined by the claims when viewed in light of the prior art to their proper perspective.

Claims (34)

1. composition, described composition comprises:

(a) micro-capsule, this micro-capsule comprise that the average Clog P of described material is at least about 2.5 with the shell of material encapsulation, and greater than the Clog P of 60% weight substance at least 3.3 and

(b) crosslinked cation type polymer, this cation type polymer is obtained by the cationic vinyl addition of about 5-100% mole monomer, the about 95% mol propylene acid amides of 0-and monomer crosslinked dose of polymerization of the about 500ppm difunctional vinyl of about 5-addition.

2. the composition of claim 1, wherein said shell has internal surface and outside surface, and described shell is at internal surface, outside surface or have the polymeric film coating on internal surface and outside surface.

3. the composition of claim 1, wherein said linking agent level is 70-200ppm.

4. the composition of claim 1, wherein said linking agent level is 80-150ppm.

5. the composition of claim 1, wherein said crosslinked cation type polymer comprises the quaternary ammonium salt of (methyl) acrylate.

6. the composition of claim 1, wherein said crosslinked cation type polymer comprises the quaternary ammonium salt of methylacrylic acid dimethylamino ethyl ester.

7. the composition of claim 1, wherein said shell comprises aminoplastics.

8. the composition of claim 7, wherein said aminoplastics comprises the resin of melamine and formaldehyde.

9. the composition of claim 1, wherein said shell comprises the hybrid resin of urea-formaldehyde resin, copolymer-maleic anhydride and melamine resin.

10. the composition of claim 1, the average ClogP value of wherein said material is equal to or greater than 3.3.

11. the composition of claim 2, wherein said internal surface has the coating that has polymeric film.

12. the composition of claim 11, wherein said polymkeric substance are selected from the multipolymer and the combination thereof of poly-(ethene-maleic anhydride), polyamine, wax, polyvinylpyrrolidone, polyvinylpyrrolidone multipolymer, polyvinylpyrrolidone-ethyl propenoate, polyvinylpyrrolidone-vinyl acrylate, polyvinylpyrrolidone methacrylic acid ester, polyvinylpyrrolidone/vinyl-acetic ester, polyvinylacetal, polyvinyl butyral acetal, polysiloxane, poly-(propylene maleic anhydride), maleic anhydride derivative, maleic anhydride derivative.

13. the composition of claim 2, wherein said outside surface has the polymeric film coating, and described polymeric film coating comprises outside polymkeric substance.

14. the composition of claim 13, the polymkeric substance of wherein said outside is selected from polyvinyl alcohol, styrene-butadiene latex, gelatin, gum arabic, carboxymethyl cellulose, carboxymethyl hydroxyethyl cellulose, Natvosol, other modified-cellulose, sodiun alginate, chitosan, casein, pectin, treated starch, polyvinylacetal, polyvinyl butyral acetal, polyvinyl methyl ether/maleic anhydride, polyvinylpyrrolidone and multipolymer thereof, poly-(V-Pyrol RC/methacryloyl aminopropyl trimethyl ammonium chloride), polyvinylpyrrolidone/vinyl-acetic ester, poly-(V-Pyrol RC/methylacrylic acid dimethylamino ethyl ester) and combination thereof.

15. the composition of claim 1, wherein said material comprises spices.

16. the composition of claim 1, wherein said material comprises antimicrobial material.

Be at least 6 solvent 17. the composition of claim 1, described composition also comprise ClogP in the described micro-capsule that contains material, described solvent and described material are miscible.

18. the composition of claim 1, wherein said material comprises spices.

19. the composition of claim 1, described composition also comprise at least a fabric-softening composition.

20. the composition of claim 19, wherein said fabric-softening composition is an ester based quaternary ammonium salt.

21. the composition of claim 20, wherein said ester based quaternary ammonium salt are the mixture of structure 1 compound or this compound

Structure 1

Wherein

R ₁Representative-(CH ₂) _tR ₆, R wherein ₆The phenyl, OH or the H that represent benzyl, phenyl, (C1-C4)-alkyl to replace;

R ₂And R ₃Representative-(CH ₂) _s-R ₅, R wherein ₅Representative comprises acyloxy, benzyl, the phenyl of 8-22 carbon atom, phenyl, OH or the H of (C1-C4)-alkyl replacement;

R ₄Representative has the aliphatic hydrocarbyl of 8-22 carbon atom;

Q, s and t independently represent the integer of 1-3 separately; And

X ^-Be the tenderizer compatible anionic.

22. the composition of claim 20, wherein said ester based quaternary ammonium salt comprise list-alkyl, two-alkyl and the three-alkyl ester mixture of triethanol ammonium Methylsulfate.

23. the composition of claim 22, being distributed as of wherein said ester-formin

A) monoesters: 15-40%

B) diester: 50-65%

C) three esters: 5-30%.

24. the composition of claim 22, being distributed as of wherein said ester-formin

A) monoesters: 32-36%

B) diester: 54-58%

C) three esters: 8-12%.

25. the composition of claim 22, being distributed as of wherein said ester-formin

A) monoesters: 19-23%

B) diester: 59-63%

C) three esters: 16-20%.

26. the composition of claim 22, being distributed as of wherein said ester-formin

A) monoesters: 18-22%

B) diester: 48-52%

C) three esters: 28-32%.

27. the composition of claim 19, wherein said fabric-softening composition accounts for the about 0.1%-of described composition total weight about 50%.

28. the composition of claim 19, wherein said micro-capsule encapsulated fragrance, and exist with the amount that accounts for the about 0.0001%-of described composition total weight about 10%.

29. a raising comprises the method for the product stability of at least a micro-capsule, described method comprises mixes described product with crosslinked cation type polymer, described crosslinked cation type polymer is obtained by the polymerization of monomer crosslinked dose of the cationic vinyl addition of about 5-100% mole monomer, about 95% acrylamide of 0-and the addition of the about 500ppm difunctional vinyl of about 5-, wherein said micro-capsule comprises the shell of encapsulated substance, the average ClogP of described material is at least 2.5, and is at least 3.3 greater than the Clog P of the described material of 60% weight.

30. the method for claim 29, wherein said shell has internal surface and outside surface, and has the polymeric film coating on the internal surface of described shell, outside surface or internal surface and the outside surface.

31. the method for claim 29, wherein said linking agent level is 70-300ppm.

32. the method for claim 29, wherein said linking agent level is 80-150ppm.

33. the method for claim 29, wherein said crosslinked cation type polymer comprises the quaternary ammonium salt of (methyl) acrylate.

34. the method for claim 29, wherein said crosslinked cation type polymer comprises the quaternary ammonium salt of methylacrylic acid dimethylamino ethyl ester.