Title of Invention	FABRIC CONDITIONING COMPOSITION COMPRISING INORGANIC ELECTROLYTE, FATTY COMPLEXING AGENT AND QUATERNARY AMMONIUM SOFTENING MATERIAL
Abstract	we claim: 1.A fabric conditioning composition comprising: (a) from 7.5% to 80% by weight of a ester-linked quaternary ammonium fabric softening material comprising at least one mono-ester linked component and at least one tri-ester linked component; (b) an inorganic electrolyte in amount of 0.1 to 3.0% by weight based on the total weigh of composition; (c) a fatty complexing agent in amount of from 0.01 to 15% by weight of the total weight of composition; wherein the parent fatty acids or fatty acyl compounds from which component (a) is formed have an iodine value from 0 to 4.

Title of Invention

FABRIC CONDITIONING COMPOSITION COMPRISING INORGANIC ELECTROLYTE, FATTY COMPLEXING AGENT AND QUATERNARY AMMONIUM SOFTENING MATERIAL

Abstract

we claim: 1.A fabric conditioning composition comprising: (a) from 7.5% to 80% by weight of a ester-linked quaternary ammonium fabric softening material comprising at least one mono-ester linked component and at least one tri-ester linked component; (b) an inorganic electrolyte in amount of 0.1 to 3.0% by weight based on the total weigh of composition; (c) a fatty complexing agent in amount of from 0.01 to 15% by weight of the total weight of composition; wherein the parent fatty acids or fatty acyl compounds from which component (a) is formed have an iodine value from 0 to 4.

Full Text	FORM -2 THE PATENTS ACT, 1970 (39 of 1970) COMPLETE SPECIFICATION (See Section 10) ) HINDUSTAN LEVER LIMITED, a company incorporated under the Indian Companies Act, 1913 and having its registered office at Hindustan Lever House, 165/166, Backbay Reclamation, Mumbai -400 020, Maharashtra, India The following specification particularly describes the nature of the invention and the manner in which it is to be performed. GRANTED ORIGENAL 161/MUMNP/2004 9/3/2004 van niinvyai' prT/Fpn-)/noRr.) - 1 - FABRIC CONDITIONING COMPOSITION? Field of the Invention 5 The present invention relates to fabric conditioning compositions. More specifically, the invention relates tc stable fabric-softening compositions comprising an ester-linked quaternary ammonium compound, a long chain fatty comnound and an inoraanic electrolvte. i r Background of the Invention It is well known to provide liquid fabric conditioning compositions, which soften in the rinse cycle. ■x t Such compositions comprise less-than 7.5% by weight of softening active, in which case the composition is defined as "dilute", from 7.5% to about 30% by weight of active in which case the compositions are defined as "concentrated" or 20 more than about 30% by weight of active, in which case the composition is "defined." as "Super-conc en tratred** Concentrated and super-concentrated compositions are . desirable since these require less packaging and are 25 therefore environmentally more compatible than dilute or semi-dilute compositions. A problem known to affect concentrated and super-concentrated- fabric softening compositions is that the 30 initial viscositv of a fullv formulated .composition can be WO 03/022973 PCT/EP02/09868 - 2 - vary high-, up-to a point- that the composition forms a--gel or solid which is not dispersible or dispensable. A further problem is that, upon storage, the product is not 5 stable, especially when stored at high temperatures. Storage instability can manifest itself as a thickening of the product upon storage, again to the point that the product is no longer pourable. 10 The problem of thickening upon storage is particularly apparent in concentrated and superconcentrated fabric softening compositions comprising an ester-linked quaternary ammonium fabric softening material having one or more fully saturated alkyl chains. 15 It is believed that compositions comprising fully saturated quaternary ammonium fabric softeners form a lamellar gel structure. This structure is characterised by stacks of alternate bilayers of the quaternary ammonium material and 20 water. In compositions comprising fully saturated softeners the bilayers are'"in"a solid Lp state. When the concentration of quaternary ammonium material increases, the liquid can become very thick or can even gel. 25 It is believed that this high viscosity is due to the presence of the solid bilayers because the solid chains produce rigid droplets which occupy a larger volume hence trapping a larger amount of the external agueous phase, and because the rigid particles deform less in flow. WO 03/022973 PCT/EP02/09868 - 3 - This-problem is -typically.. not observed in compositions comprising unsaturated or partially saturated quaternary ammonium materials since the chains of the unsaturated softening materials are present in a more mobile state, 5 known as the La-state. That is, the particles are less rigid occupying a smaller volume. As a consequence, fabric-conditioning compositions produced by using partially saturated or unsaturated actives show a lower viscosity for the same level of active as fully saturated ones. Another 10 consequence of La-state softeners is the tendency for the compositions to be more stable in terms of long term viscosity than fully saturated softeners because the La-state particles have less tendency to aggregate. 15 Thus, the problems encountered with fully saturated sofeners as identified above are not addressed in any way by compositions comprising partially saturated or fully unsaturated softening compounds. 20 Nevertheless, it is desirable to use ester-linked compounds due to their inherent biodegradability and to use substantially fully saturated quaternary ammonium fabric softening compounds due to their excellent softening capabilities and because they are more stable to oxidative 25 degradation (which can lead to malodour generation) than partially saturated or fully unsaturated quaternary ammonium softening compounds. Of the types of ester-linked' quaternary ammonium materials 30 known, it is desirable to use those based on triethanolamine which produce at least some mono-ester linked component and WO 03/022973 PCT/EP02/09868 - 4 - at least some tri-ester linked component since the raw material has a low melting temperature which enables the manufacturing process of the composition to occur at low temperatures. This reduces difficulties associated with 5 high temperature handling, transport and processing of the raw material and compositions produced therefrom. The problem of high initial viscosity and visco-stability upon storage has previously been addressed in various ways. 10 For instance, a first approach involves the reduction in the swelling of water layers (reduction in inter-lamellar spacing) of particles; a second approach involves the reduction in the size {number of layers) of each particle; 15 and a third approach involves the combination of de-swelling and size reduction. The first approach can be delivered by using electrolytes, polyelectrolytes and solvents. However, such compositions 20 can suffer from colloidal stability problems since it is believed that the" electrostatic charges which keep liposomes stable are shielded by the electrolyte. The second approach can be achieved by attrition of the 25 particles to smaller sizes by an input of energy such as milling or shearing. If the mechanical energy input (power/unit volume) is intense, bilayer 'pieces' or fragments may result. Fragments obtained mechanically may not be colloidally stable and can flocculate causing loss of 30 fluidity. Also, milling or shearing products in a WO 03/022973 PCT/EP02/09868 - 5 - manufacturing process on an industrial scale is time consuming and expensive. The third approach can be delivered by using micelle-forming 5 surfactants to alter the intrinsic curvature of the quaternary ammonium fabric softening material and force it to form smaller particles - this acts as chemical energy input. The surfactants can simultaneously reduce the phase volume too. For instance, it is known to incorporate 10 ethoxylated nonionic surfactants into fabric conditioning compositions for the purpose of stability. However, at high temperature it is often found that thickening of the composition is not prevented. 15 EP-A2-0415698 (Unilever) discloses the use of electrolytes, polyelectrolytes, or decoupling polymers to reduce the initial viscosity of fabric softening compositions. DE 2503026 (Hoechst) discloses formulations comprising 3-12% 20 of a softener (a mixture of non-ester quaternary ammonium compounds imidazoline group containing compounds), 1-6% of a cationic disinfectant, 0.1-5% of a lower alcohol, 0.5-5% of a fatty alcohol and 0-5% of a nonionic emulsifier. 25 WO 99/5 0378 (Unilever) relates to compositions comprising from 1 to 8% of a quaternary ammonium compound, a stabilising agent and a fatty alcohol. The fatty alcohol is present in order to thicken the dilute composition. The disclosure only relates to dilute compositions and so is not 3 0 in any way directed to the problem addressed in the present WO 03/022973 PCT/EP02/09868 - 6 - invention of high temperature storage stability of concentrated compositions. US 48448-23 (Colgate-Palmolive) discloses a composition 5 comprising 3 to 20% by weight of the combination of a mixture of quaternary ammonium fabric softening compound and fatty alcohol in a weight ratio of from 6:1 to 2.8:1. Only non-ester quaternary ammonium compounds are exemplified and there is no disclosure or teaching of fully saturated 10 quaternary ammonium compounds. The compositions optionally comprise salt and ethoxylated amines. The salt is suggested for further reduction in the initial viscosity and the ethoxylated amine for further storage stability. None of the examples comprises electrolyte. The viscosities are 15 controlled by high-pressure homogenisation rather than by electrolyte. Indeed the prior art review in this document teaches that the use of electrolytes is unsatisfactory in concentrated fabric conditioning compositions because they offer the initial low viscosity but cause gellation or 20 severe changes in viscosity on storage (over the temperature range of from 18 to 60°C; the extremes at which fabric conditioners may be handled). The prior art does not address nor give any suggestion how 25 to overcome high initial viscosity and high temperature storage stability problems in concentrated compositions comprising fully hardened quaternary ammonium ester linked compounds based on triethanolamine. 30 WO 93/235310 (Procter & Gamble) mentions fatty alcohols and fatty acids as optional nonionic softeners and teaches that WO 03/022973 PCT/EP02/09868 - 7 - they can improve the fluidity of premix melts. There is no reference to reducing the viscosity of dispersions made from premix melts. 5 WO 98/49132, US 4213867, US 4386000, GB-A-2007734, DE 2503026, DE 3150179, US 5939377, US 93915867 and US 3644203 all disclose fabric conditioning compositions comprising fatty alcohols. 10 Objects of the Invention The present invention seeks to address one or more of the above-mentioned problems, and, to give one or more of the above-mentioned benefits desired by consumers. 15 Surprisingly, the inventors have now found that, in the combined presence of an inorganic electrolyte and a fatty complexing agent, undesirably high viscosity of certain fabric conditioning compositions can not only be reduced but 20 also long term storage stability can be achieved. In particular, it has been found that by incorporating a fatty component which comprises a long alkyl chain, such as fatty alcohols or fatty acids (hereinafter referred to as 25 "fatty complexing agents") together with an inorganic electrolyte into softening compositions comprising a quaternary ammonium softening material having substantially fully saturated alkyl chains, at least some mono-ester linked component and at least some tri-ester linked 30 component, the stability and initial viscosity of the composition can be dramatically improved. WO 03/022973 PCT/EP02/09868 - 8 - Summary of the Invention According to the present invention there is provided a 5 fabric conditioning composition comprising: (a) from 7.5 to 80% by weight of an ester-linked quaternary ammonium fabric softening material comprising at least some mono-ester linked component and at least 10 some tri-ester linked component; (b) a fatty complexing agent; (c) an inorganic electrolyte. 15 wherein the parent fatty acids or fatty acyl compounds from which component (a) is formed have an iodine value of from 0 to 4. 20 There is also provided a method for treatment of fabrics comprising contacting the above-mentioned composition with fabrics in a laundry treatment process. In the context of the present invention, the term 25 "comprising" means "including" or "consisting of". That is the steps, components, ingredients, or features to which the term "comprising" refers are not exhaustive. 3 0 Detailed Description of the Invention WO 03/022973 PCT/EP02/09868 - 9 - The compositions of the present invention are preferably rinse conditioner compositions, more preferably aqueous rinse conditioner compositions for use in the rinse cycle of a domestic laundry process. 5 Quaternary ammonium fabric softening material The fabric conditioning material used in the compositions of the present invention comprises one or more quaternary 10 ammonium materials comprising a mixture of monoester linked, di-ester linked and tri-ester linked compounds. By mono-, di- and tri-ester linked components, it is meant that the quaternary ammonium softening material comprises, 15 respectively, a quaternary ammonium compound comprising a single ester-link with a fatty hydrocarbyl chain attached thereto, a quaternary ammonium compound comprising two ester-links each of which has a fatty hydrocarbyl chain attached thereto, and a quaternary ammonium compound 20 comprising three ester-links each of which has a fatty hydrocarbyl chain attached thereto. Below is shown typical levels of mono-, di- and tri-ester linked components in a fabric softening material used in the 25 compositions of the invention. Component % by weight of the raw material (TEA based softener with solvent) Mono-ester 10-30 WO 03/022973 PCT/EP02/09868 - 10 - Di-ester 30-60 Tri-ester 10-30 Free fatty acid 0.2-1.0 Solvent 10-20 The level of the mono-ester linked component of the quaternary ammonium material used in the compositions of the invention is preferably between 8 and 40% by weight, based 5 on the total weight of the raw material in which the quaternary ammonium material is supplied. The level of the tri-ester-linked component is preferably between 20 and 50% based on the total weight of the raw 10 material in which the quaternary ammonium material is supplied. The level of the tri-ester-linked component is preferably between 20 and 50% based on the total weight of quaternary 15 ammonium material. Preferably, the average chain length of the alkyl or alkenyl group is at least C14, more preferably at least C16. Most preferably at least half of the chains have a length of C18- 20 It is generally preferred if the alkyl or alkenyl chains are predominantly linear. The preferred ester-linked quaternary ammonium cationic 25 softening material for use in the invention is represented by ,formula (I). WO 03/022973 PCT/EP02/09868 - 11 - [(CH2)n(TR)3m X, Formula (I) R1-N+-[(CH2)n(OH)]3-ra 5 wherein each R is independently selected from a c5.35 alkyl or alkenyl group, R represents a C1_4 alkyl or hydroxyalkyl group or a C2-4 alkenyl group, 10 0 0 Tis — 0 — C — or — C — O / 15 n is 0 or an integer selected from 1 to 4, m is 1, 2 or 3 and denotes the number of moieties to which it refers that pend. directly from the N atom, and X is an anionic group, such as halides or alkyl sulphates, e.g. chloride, methyl sulphate or ethyl sulphate. 20 Especially preferred materials within this class are di-alkyl esters of triethanol ammonium methyl sulphate. A commercial example of a compound within this formula are Tetranyl® AHT-1 (di-hardened tallowyl ester of triethanol 25 ammonium methyl sulphate 85% active).Iodine value of The parent Fatty Acyl group or Acid WO 03/022973 PCT/EP02/09868 - 12 - The iodine value of the parent fatty acyl compound or acid from which the quaternary ammonium fabric softening material is formed is from 0 to 4, preferably from 0 to 3, more preferably from 0 to 2. Most preferably the iodine value of 5 the parent fatty acid or acyl group from which the quaternary ammonium fabric softening material is formed is from 0 to 1. That is, it is preferred that the alkyl or alkenyl chains are substantially fully saturated. 10 If there is any unsaturated quaternary ammonium fabric softening material present in the composition, the iodine value, referred to above, represents the mean iodine value of the parent fatty acyl compounds or fatty acids of all of the quaternary ammonium materials present. 15 In the context of the present invention, iodine value of the parent fatty acyl compound or acid from which the fabric softening material formed, is defined as the number of grams of iodine which react with 100 grams of the compound. 20 In the context of'the present invention, the method for calculating the iodine value of a parent fatty acyl compound/acid comprises dissolving a prescribed amount (from 0.1-3g) into about 15ml chloroform. The dissolved parent 25 fatty acyl compound/fatty acid is then reacted with 25 ml of iodine monochloride in acetic acid solution (0.1M). To this, 20ml of 10% potassium iodide solution and about 150-ml deionised water is added. After addition of the halogen has taken place, the excess of iodine monochloride is determined 30 by titration with sodium thiosulphate solution (0.1M) in the presence of a blue starch indicator powder. At the same WO 03/022973 PCT/EP02/09868 - 13 - time a blank is determined with the same quantity of reagents and under the same conditions. The difference between the volume of sodium thiosulphate used in the blank and that used in the reaction with the parent fatty acyl 5 compound or fatty acid enables the iodine value to be calculated. The quaternary ammonium fabric softening material of formula (I) is present in an amount from about 7.5 to 80% by weight 10 of quaternary ammonium material (active ingredient) based on the total weight of the composition, more preferably 10 to 60% by weight, most preferably 11 to 40% by weight, e.g. 12.5-25% by weight. 15 Excluded quaternary ammonium compounds Quaternary ammonium fabric softening materials which are free of ester linkages or, if ester-linked, do not comprise at least some mono-ester component and some tri-ester 20 component are excluded from the scope of the present invention. For'instance, quaternary ammonium compounds having the following formulae are excluded: WO 03/022973 PCT/EP02/09868 14 - 12 wherein R , R , T, n and X are as defined above; and 10 15 where Ri to R4 are not interrupted by ester-links, Ri and R2 are Cs-28. alkyl or alkenyl groups; R3 and R4 are C1-4 alkyl or C2-4 alkenyl groups and X is as defined above. 20 Inorganic Electrolyte The inorganic electrolyte may comprise a univalent or a multivalent anion. Preferably, the multivalent anion is divalent. Sulphate is particularly preferred. The counter 25 ion is preferably an alkaline earth metal, ammonium or alkali metal. Preferably, it comprises an alkali metal cation or ammonium. Typically preferred are sodium, WO 03/022973 PCT/EP02/09868 - 15 potassium, calcium, magnesium or ammonium salts. There may be more than one salt of a multivalent anion present, and they may differ in the choice of anion, cation or both. Sodium sulphate is particularly preferred. 5 Salts of organic sequestering anions, such as ethylene diamine disuccinate are not suitable. The total quantity of salt of multivalent anion is suitably 10 in the range 0.001-2.0, more preferably 0.02-1.5%, most preferably 0.1-1.2%, e.g. 0.2-1.0% by weight, based on the total weight of the composition. It is preferred that the salt of the multivalent anion is 15 substantially water soluble. Preferably, the salt of the multivalent anion has a solubility in excess of 1 gram per litre, preferably in excess of 25 grams per litre. It is preferred that the salt of the univalent anion 20 \ comprises an alkali metal or alkaline earth metal salt. It is particularly preferred that the cation is sodium, potassium, calcium, magnesium or ammonium. The univalent anion may be any suitable univalent anion. It is preferably a halide, most preferably chloride. There may be more than 25 one salt of a univalent anion present. They may differ in the choice of anion, cation, or both. Particularly preferred are calcium chloride, magnesium chloride, sodium chloride, ammonium halide, rare earth halides, such as lanthanum: chloride, and alkali-metal salts of organic acids 3 0 such as sodium acetate and sodium benzoate. WO 03/022973 PCT/EP02/09868 - 16 - The total quantity of salt of univalent anion is suitably in the range 0.005-2.0%, more preferably 0.01-1.5%, most preferably 0.1-1.2%, e.g. 0.2 to 1.0% by weight, based on the total weight of the composition. 5 A particularly preferred combination comprises a mixture of sodium sulphate with an electrolyte selected from the group consisting of sodium chloride, calcium chloride, magnesium chloride, potassium chloride and ammonium chloride. 10 Preferably, the total weight of salts of univalent and multivalent anions is in the range 0.5-3.0%, more preferably 1.0-2.0%, more preferably 1.0-1.5% by weight, based on the total weight of the composition. 15 The weight ratio of salt of univalent anion to salt of multivalent anion is suitably in the range 10:1 to 1:10, more preferably 5:1 to 1:5, most preferably 3:1 to 1:3. 20 Preferably, the total weight of inorganic electrolyte present in the composition is in the range from 0.1-3.0%, more preferably 0.2-2.0%, more preferably 0.5-1.5% by weight, based on the total weight of the composition. 25 The salt of the univalent anion must be substantially water soluble. Preferably, it has a solubility in excess of 1 gram per litre, more preferably in excess of 20 grams per litre. WO 03/022973 PCT/EP02/09868 17 - Fatty complexing agent The compositions of the present invention comprise a fatty 5 complexing agent. Without being bound by theory it is believed that the fatty complexing material improves the viscosity profile of the composition by complexing with mono-ester component of the 10 fabric softening material thereby providing a composition which has relatively higher, levels of di-ester linked and tri-ester linked components. The di-ester and tri-ester linked components are more stable and do not affect initial viscosity as detrimentally as the mono-ester component. 15 Therefore, compositions already free of the mono- and tri-ester linked components do not fall within the scope of the invention. The applicants also believe that that the complexing of the 20 mono-ester linked component (which does not contribute to softening) with the* fatty complexing material thereby provides a material which does contribute to softening. Especially suitable fatty complexing agents include fatty 25 alcohols and fatty acids. Of these, fatty alcohols are most preferred. Preferred fatty acids include hardened tallow fatty acid (available under the tradename"Pristerene, ex Uniqema) . WO 03/022973 PCT/EP02/09868 - 18 - Preferred fatty alcohols include hardened tallow alcohol (available under the tradenames Stenol and Hydrenol, ex Cognis and Laurex CS, ex Albright and Wilson) and behenyl alcohol, a C22 chain alcohol, available as Lanette 22 (ex 5 He.nke.if. The fatty complexing agent is present in an amount from 0.01% to 15% by weight based on the total weight of the composition. More preferably, the fatty component is 10 present in an amount of from 0.5 to 10%, most preferably from greater than 1.5% to 5%, e.g. 1.6 to 4% by weight, based on the total weight of the composition. The weight ratio of the mono-ester component of the 15 quaternary ammonium fabric softening material to the fatty complexing agent is preferably from 5:1 to 1:5, more preferably 4:1 to 1:4, most preferably 3:1 to 1:3, e.g. 2:1 to 1:2. 2 0 Without wishing to be bound by theory, the inventors believe 'that the stabilisation of viscosity of fabric conditioners even in the presence of the electrolyte, which is known to destabilise fabric conditioning compositions, is due to the fatty complexing agent increasing the level of counter-ion 25 dissociation and hence increasing electrostatic repulsion between liposomal particles such that partial shielding with an electrolyte is not detrimental to stability. 30 Calculation of Mono-ester Linked Component of the Quaternary Ammonium Material WO 03/022973 PCT/EP02/09868 19 - The quantitative analysis of mono-ester linked component of the quaternary ammonium material is carried out through the use of Quantitative 13C NMR spectroscopy with inverse gated 5 XH decoupling scheme. The sample of known mass of the quaternary ammonium raw material is first dissolved in a known volume of CDC13 along with a known amount of an assay material such as 10 naphthalene. A 13C NMR spectrum of this solution is then recorded using both an inverse gated decoupling scheme and a relaxation agent. The inverse gated decoupling scheme is \ used to ensure that any Overhauser effects are suppressed whilst the relaxation agent is used to ensure that the 15 negative consequences of the long t1. relaxation times are overcome (i.e. adequate signal-to-noise can be achieved in a reasonable timescale). The signal intensities of characteristic peaks of both the 20 carbon atoms in the quaternary ammonium material and the naphthalene are'used to calculate the concentration of the mono-ester linked component of the quaternary ammonium material. In the quaternary ammonium material, the signal represents the carbon of the nitrogen-methyl group on the 25 quaternary ammonium head group. The chemical shift of the nitrogen-methyl group varies slightly due to the different degree of esterification; characteristic chemical shifts for the mono-, di- and tri-ester links are 48.28, 47.97 and 47-.76 ppm respectively. Any of the peaks due to the 3 0 napthalene carbons that are free' of interference from other WO 03/022973 PCT/EP02/09868 - 20 - components can then be used to calculate the mass of mono-ester linked component present in the sample as follows:- MassMQ(mg/ml) = (massNaph x IMQ X NNaph x Mm Q)/(INaph x NMQ x MNAph) where MassMQ = mass mono-ester linked quaternary ammonium material in mg/ml, massNaph = mass naphthalene in mg/ml, I = peak intensity, N = number of contributing nuclei and M = relative molecular mass. The relative molecular mass of naphthalene used is 12 8.17 and the relative molecular mass of the mono-ester linked component of the quaternary ammonium material is taken as 526. The weight percentage of mono-ester linked quaternary ammonium material in the raw material can thus be calculated: % of mono-ester linked quaternary ammonium material in the raw material = (massMQ / mass HT-TEA) X 100 where mass HT-TEA = mass of the quaternary ammonium material and both mass MQ and mass HT-TEA are expressed as mg/ml. For a discussion of the NMR technique, see "100 and More Basic NMR Experiments", S Braun, H-0 Kalinowski, S Berger, 1st edition, pages 234-236. WO 03/022973 PCT/EP02/09868 - 21 - Nonionic surfactant It is preferred that the compositions further comprise a 5 nonionic surfactant. Typically these can be included for the purpose of stabilising the compositions. Suitable nonionic surfactants include addition products of ethylene oxide and/or propylene oxide with fatty alcohols, 10 fatty acids and fatty amines. Any of the alkoxylated materials of the particular type described hereinafter can be used as the nonionic surfactant. 15 Suitable surfactants are substantially water soluble surfactants of the general formula: R_Y—(C2H40)z —C2H40H 20 where R is selected*from the group consisting of primary, secondary and branched chain alkyl and/or acyl hydrocarbyl groups; primary, secondary and branched chain alkenyl hydrocarbyl groups; and primary, secondary and branched 25 chain alkenyl-substituted phenolic hydrocarbyl groups; the hydrocarbyl groups having a chain length of from 8 to about 25, preferably 10 to 20, e.g. 14 to 18 carbon atoms. In the general formula for the ethoxylated nonionic 30 surfactant, Y is typically: WO 03/022973 PCT/EP02/09868 - 22 - --0-- , --C(0)0-- , --C(0)N(R)-- or --C(0)N(R)R-- in which R has the meaning given above or can be hydrogen; and Z is at least about 8, preferably at least about 10 or 5 11, Preferably the nonionic surfactant has an HLB of from about 7 to about 20, more preferably from 10 to 18, e.g. 12 to 16. 10 Examples of nonionic surfactants follow. In the examples, the integer defines the number of ethoxy (EO) groups in the molecule. A. Straight-Chain, Primary Alcohol Alkoxylates 15 The deca-, undeca-, dodeca-, tetradeca-, and pentadecaethoxylates of n-hexadecanol, and n-octadecanol having an HLB within the range recited herein are useful viscosity/dispersibility modifiers in the context of this 20 invention. Exemplary ethoxylated primary alcohols useful herein as the viscosity/dispersibility modifiers of the compositions are C18 EO(10); and C18 E0(11). The ethoxylates of mixed natural or synthetic alcohols in the "tallow" chain length range are also useful herein. Specific examples of 25 such materials include tallow alcohol-EO(ll), tallow alcohol-EO(18), and tallow alcohol-EO (25), coco alcohol-E0(10), coco alcohol-EO(15), coco alcohol-EO(2 0) and coco alcohol-EO(25), 30 WO 03/022973 PCT/EP02/09868 - 23 - B. Straight-Chain, Secondary Alcohol Alkoxylates The deca-, undeca-, dodeca-, tetradeca-, pentadeca-, octadeca-, and nonadeca-ethoxylates of 3-hexadecanol, 5 2-octadecanol, 4-eicosanol, and 5-eicosanol having an HLB within the range recited herein are useful viscosity and/or dispersibility modifiers in the context of this invention. Exemplary ethoxylated secondary alcohols useful herein as the viscosity and/or dispersibility modifiers of the 10 compositions are: C16 EO(ll); C20 EO(ll); and C16 EO(14). C. Alkyl Phenol Alkoxylates 15 As in the case of the alcohol alkoxylates, the hexa- to octadeca-ethoxylates of alkylated phenols, particularly monohydric alkylphenols, having an HLB within the range recited herein are useful as the viscosity and/or dispersibility modifiers of the instant compositions. The 20 hexa- to octadeca-ethoxylates of p-tri-decylphenol, m- pentadecylphenol,' and the like, are useful herein. Exemplary ethoxylated alkylphenols useful as the viscosity and/or dispersibility modifiers of the mixtures herein are: p-tridecylphenol E0(11) and p-pentadecylphenol EO(18). 25 As used herein and as generally recognised in the art, a phenylene group in the nonionic formula is the equivalent of an alkylene group containing from 2 to 4 carbon atoms. For present purposes, nonionics containing a phenylene group are 30 considered to contain an equivalent number of carbon atoms calculated as the sum of the carbon atoms in the alkyl group WO 03/022973 PCT/EP02/09868 - 24 -plus about 3.3 carbon atoms for each phenylene group. D. Olefinic Alkoxylates 5 The alkenyl alcohols, both primary and secondary, and alkenyl phenols corresponding to those disclosed immediately hereinabove can be ethoxylated to an HLB within the range recited herein and used as the viscosity and/or dispersibility modifiers of the instant compositions. 10 E. Branched Chain Alkoxylates Branched chain primary and secondary alcohols which are available from the well-known "0X0" process can be 15 ethoxylated and employed as the viscosity and/or dispersibility modifiers of compositions herein. F. Polyol Based Surfactants 20 Suitable polyol based surfactants include sucrose esters such sucrose moncf-oTeates, alkyl polyglucosides such as stearyl monoglucosides and stearyl triglucoside and alkyl polyglycerols. 25 The above nonionic surfactants are useful in the present compositions alone or in combination, and the term "nonionic surfactant" encompasses mixed nonionic surface-active agents. 30 Preferably the nonionic surfactant is present in an amount from 0.01 to 10%, more preferably 0.1 to 5%, most preferably WO 03/022973 PCT/EP02/09868 - 25 - 0.35 to 3.5%, e.g. 0.5 to 2% by weight, based on the total weight of the composition. Perfume 5 The compositions of the invention preferably comprise one or more perfumes. It is well known that perfume is provided as a mixture of 10 various components. It is preferred that at least a quarter (by weight) or more, preferably a half or more of the perfume components have a ClogP of 2.0 or more, more preferably 3.0 or more, most 15 preferably 4.5 or more, e.g. 10 or more. Suitable perfumes having a ClogP of 3 or more are disclosed in US 5500137. 20 The hydrophobicity of the perfume and oily perfume carrier are measured by'ClogP. ClogP is calculated using the "CldgP" program (calculation of hydrophobicities as logP (oil/water)) version 4.01, available from Daylight Chemical Information Systems Inc of Irvine California, USA. 25 The perfume is preferably present in an amount from 0.01 to 10% by weight, more preferably 0.05 to 5% by weight, most preferably 0.5 to 4.0% by weight, based on the total weight of the composition. WO 03/022973 PCT/EP02/09868 - 26 - Liquid Carrier The liquid carrier employed in the instant compositions is preferably water due to its low cost relative availability, 5 safety, and environmental compatibility. The level of water in the liquid carrier is more than about 50%, preferably more than about 80%, more preferably more than about 85%, by weight of the carrier. The level of liquid carrier is greater than about 50%, preferably greater than about 65%, 10 more preferably greater than about 70%. Mixtures of water and a low molecular weight, e.g. 15 etc.) trihydric (glycerol, etc.), and polyhydric (polyols) alcohols are also suitable carriers for use in the compositions of the present invention. Co-active softeners 20 Go-active softeners.for- the cationic surfactant may also be incorporated in an amount from 0.01 to 20% by weight, more preferably 0.05 to 10%, based on the total weight of the composition. Preferred co-active softeners include fatty 25 esters, and fatty N-oxides. Preferred fatty esters include fatty monoesters, such as glycerol monostearate. If GMS is present, then it is preferred that the level of GMS in the composition, is from 30 0.01 to 10 wt%, based on the total weight of the composition. WO 03/022973 PCT/EP02/09868 - 27 - The co-active softener may also comprise an oily sugar derivative. Suitable oily sugar derivatives, their methods of manufacture and their preferred amounts are described in 5 WO-Al-01/46361 on page 5 line 16 to page 11 line 20, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein. Polymeric viscosity control agents 10 It is useful, though not essential, if the compositions comprise one or more polymeric viscosity control agents. Suitable polymeric polymeric viscosity control agents include nonionic and cationic polymers, such as hydrophobically modified cellulose ethers (e.g. Natrosol 15 Plus, ex Hercules), cationically modified starches (e.g. Softgel BDA and Softgel BD, both ex Avebe) . A particularly preferred viscosity control agent is a copolymer of methacrylate and cationic acrylamide available under the tradename Flosoft 200 (ex SNF Floerger). 20 Nonionic and/or cationic polymers are preferably present in an amount of 0.01 to 5wt%, more preferably 0.02 to 4wt%, based on the total weight of the composition. 25 Further Optional Ingredients Other optional nonionic softeners, bactericides, soil-releases agents may also be incorporated in the compositions of the invention. WO 03/022973 PCT/EP02/09868 - 28 - The compositions may also contain one or more optional ingredients conventionally included in fabric conditioning compositions such as pH buffering agents, perfume carriers, fluorescers, colourants, hydrotropes, antifoaming agents, 5 antiredeposition agents, enzymes, optical brightening agents, anti-shrinking agents, anti-wrinkle agents, anti-spotting agents, antioxidants, sunscreens, anti-corrosion agents, drape imparting agents, anti-static agents, ironing aids and dyes. 10 Product Form In its undiluted state at ambient temperature the product comprises an aqueous liquid. 15 The compositions are preferably aqueous dispersions of the quaternary ammonium softening material. Product Use 20 The composition is preferably used in the rinse cycle of a home textile laundering operation, where, it may be added directly in an undiluted state to a washing machine, e.g. through a dispenser drawer or, for a top-loading washing 25 machine, directly into the drum. Alternatively, it can be diluted prior to use. The compositions may also be used in a domestic hand-washing laundry operation. It is also possible, though less desirable, for the 3 0 compositions of the present invention to be used in WO 03/022973 PCT/EP02/09868 - 29 - industrial laundry operations, e.g. as a finishing agent for softening new clothes prior to sale to consumers. Preparation 5 The compositions of the invention may be prepared according to any suitable method. In a first preferred method, water is heated in a vessel. 10 The quaternary ammonium material and fatty complexing agent are co-melted in a separate vessel and added to water, while stirring, at a temperature above the melting temperature of the quaternary ammonium material. Perfume is then added to the vessel. The mixture is then allowed to cool to room 15 temperature and the inorganic electrolyte, and optional minor ingredients are added with stirring if necessary. In an alternative method, the perfume can be added to the mixture after the co-melt is formed, e.g. at any time during the cooling stage. 20 Examples The invention will now be illustrated by the following non-limiting examples. Further modifications will be apparent 25 to the person skilled in the art. Samples of the invention are represented by a number. Comparative samples are represented by a letter. 30 All values are % by weight of the active ingredient unless stated otherwise. WO 03/022973 PCT/EP02/09868 - 31 - Table 1 Sample A Sample B Quat A 13 0 Quat B 0 13 Perfume 0.96 0.96 Antifoam 0.03 - Preservative 0.08 0 Dye 0.0015 0.0015 CaCl2 0 0 MgCl2 0 0 Water To 100 To 100 5 Quat A is Stepantex VA90 (ex Stepan). A partially saturated tallowyl ester of TEA with methyl sulphate counter-ion provided as 90% active in 10% isopropyl alcohol (IPA). The iodine value of the parent fatty acid of the quaternary ammonium material is substantially greater than 4. 10 Quat B is Tetranyl AHT-1 (ex Kao) . A fully hardened tallowyl ester of TEA with methyl sulphate (provided as 85% active in 15% IPA). The iodine value of the parent fatty acid of the quaternary ammonium material is less than 1. 15 Sample A was prepared by heating the quaternary ammonium material and water to a temperature above the melting point of the quaternary ammonium material and then mixing the ingredients together. The mixture was cooled to room 20 temperature and then perfume was added. The minor ingredients were then added with stirring if necessary. WO 03/022973 PCT/EP02/09868 - 32 - ■ Sample B was prepared by heating the quaternary ammonium material and water to a temperature above the melting point of the quat and then mixing the ingredients together. 5 Perfume was added and the mixture was then allowed to cool. The minor ingredients were then added with stirring if necessary. 10 The visco-stability of the compositions based on unsaturated and saturated quaternary ammonium species v?as compared. The results are in table 2 below. Table 2 Viscosity Sample A Sample B initial at 25°C 233 2550 4 weeks at 4°C 110 1190 4 weeks at 25°C 210 965 4 weeks at 37°C 210 1410 4 weeks at 4i°C" Not measured gel Viscosity was measured at 25°C at 25s"1 using a Haake RV2 0 Rotoyiscometer NV cup and bob. 20 The results demonstrate that the problem of undesirably high viscosity both initially and upon storage is very apparent when the composition is based on a saturated quaternary ammonium material but is not present when the composition is based on an unsaturated quaternary ammonium material. WO 03/022973 PCT/EP02/09868 - 33 -Example 2 The following compositions were prepared: 5 Table 3 Sample C Sample 1 Sample 2 Quat B 11.09 11.09 11.09 Fatty alcohol 1.89 1.89 1.89 Perfume 0.95 0.95 0.95 Antifoam 0.03 0.03 0.03 Preservative 0.08 0.08 0.08 Dye 0.0015 0.0015 0.0015 MgCl2 0 0.1 0.05 Water To 100 To 100 To 100 Quat B is defined above The fatty alcohol is Laurex CS (ex Albright and Wilson) 10 The MgCl2 was provided as a 10% aqueous solution. The samples were prepared by co-melting the quaternary ammonium material, the fatty complexing agent and adding to water at a temperature above the melting temperature of the 15 quaternary ammonium material. Perfume was. then added to the vessel. The mixture was then allowed to cool to room temperature and salt (if present), and minor ingredients were added with stirring if necessary. 20 The visco-stability results are given in the following table. WO 03/022973 PCT/EP02/09868 - 34 - Table 4 Viscosity Sample C Sample 1 Sample 2 Initial at 25°C 477 199 182 4 weeks at 25°C 228 184 150 4 weeks at 37°C 425 204 144 4 weeks at 41°C 490 195 Not measured 4 weeks at 45°C Not measured Not measured 160 5 Viscosity was measured at 25°C at 25s"1 using a Haake RV20 Rotoviscometer NV cup and bob. The results demonstrate that not only does the presence of the electrolyte in the compositions reduce initial viscosity 10 but significantly further reduces the viscosity over the long term during high (37°C and above) and room temperature (25°C) storage. This result is particularly surprising since it is known 15 that the presence of an electrolyte often destabilises fabric conditioning compositions when they are stored under high and room temperature conditions. we claim: 1.A fabric conditioning composition comprising: (a) from 7.5% to 80% by weight of a ester-linked quaternary ammonium fabric softening material comprising at least one mono-ester linked component and at least one tri-ester linked component; (b) an inorganic electrolyte in amount of 0.1 to 3.0% by weight based on the total weigh of composition; (c) a fatty complexing agent in amount of from 0.01 to 15% by weight of the total weight of composition; wherein the parent fatty acids or fatty acyl compounds from which component (a) is formed have an iodine value from 0 to 4. 2. A composition as claimed in claim 1, in which the electrolyte comprises a halide of an alkaline earth metal or an alkali metal. 3. A composition as claimed in anyone of claims 1 or 2 in which the weight ratio of mono-ester linked component of material (a) to fatty complexing agent (c) is from 5:1 to 1:5. 4. A composition as claimed in anyone of claims 1 to 3 wherein the quaternary ammonium material is represented by formula (I): [(CH2)n(TR)3m X Formula (I) R1-N+-[(CH2)n(CH)]3-m wherein each R is independently selected from a C5.35 alkyl or alkenyl group, R1 represents a C1-4 alkyl or hydroxyalkyl group or a C2-4 alkenyl group,. n is O or an integer selected from 1 to 4, m is 1, 2 or 3 and denotes the number of moieties to which it refers that pend directly from the N atom, and X" is an anionic group, such as halides or alkyl sulphates, e.g. chloride, methyl sulphate or ethyl sulphate. 5. A composition as claimed in anyone of claims 1 to 4 further comprising an oily sugar derivative. Dr. Sanchita Ganguli Of S.Majumdar&Co. Applicant's Agent

Full Text

FORM -2
THE PATENTS ACT, 1970 (39 of 1970)
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION
(See Section 10)
)
HINDUSTAN LEVER LIMITED, a company incorporated under the Indian Companies Act, 1913 and having its registered office at Hindustan Lever House, 165/166, Backbay Reclamation, Mumbai -400 020, Maharashtra, India
The following specification particularly describes the nature of the invention and the manner in which it is to be performed.
GRANTED
ORIGENAL
161/MUMNP/2004
9/3/2004

van niinvyai'

prT/Fpn-)/noRr.)

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FABRIC CONDITIONING COMPOSITION?
Field of the Invention
5 The present invention relates to fabric conditioning
compositions. More specifically, the invention relates tc stable fabric-softening compositions comprising an ester-linked quaternary ammonium compound, a long chain fatty comnound and an inoraanic electrolvte.
i r
Background of the Invention
It is well known to provide liquid fabric conditioning compositions, which soften in the rinse cycle.
■x t
Such compositions comprise less-than 7.5% by weight of softening active, in which case the composition is defined as "dilute", from 7.5% to about 30% by weight of active in which case the compositions are defined as "concentrated" or 20 more than about 30% by weight of active, in which case the composition is "defined." as "Super-conc en tratred**
Concentrated and super-concentrated compositions are . desirable since these require less packaging and are 25 therefore environmentally more compatible than dilute or semi-dilute compositions.
A problem known to affect concentrated and super-concentrated- fabric softening compositions is that the 30 initial viscositv of a fullv formulated .composition can be

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vary high-, up-to a point- that the composition forms a--gel or solid which is not dispersible or dispensable.
A further problem is that, upon storage, the product is not 5 stable, especially when stored at high temperatures.
Storage instability can manifest itself as a thickening of the product upon storage, again to the point that the product is no longer pourable.
10 The problem of thickening upon storage is particularly apparent in concentrated and superconcentrated fabric softening compositions comprising an ester-linked quaternary ammonium fabric softening material having one or more fully saturated alkyl chains.
15
It is believed that compositions comprising fully saturated quaternary ammonium fabric softeners form a lamellar gel structure. This structure is characterised by stacks of alternate bilayers of the quaternary ammonium material and
20 water. In compositions comprising fully saturated softeners the bilayers are'"in"a solid Lp state.
When the concentration of quaternary ammonium material increases, the liquid can become very thick or can even gel. 25 It is believed that this high viscosity is due to the presence of the solid bilayers because the solid chains produce rigid droplets which occupy a larger volume hence trapping a larger amount of the external agueous phase, and because the rigid particles deform less in flow.

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This-problem is -typically.. not observed in compositions comprising unsaturated or partially saturated quaternary ammonium materials since the chains of the unsaturated softening materials are present in a more mobile state, 5 known as the La-state. That is, the particles are less
rigid occupying a smaller volume. As a consequence, fabric-conditioning compositions produced by using partially saturated or unsaturated actives show a lower viscosity for the same level of active as fully saturated ones. Another 10 consequence of La-state softeners is the tendency for the compositions to be more stable in terms of long term viscosity than fully saturated softeners because the La-state particles have less tendency to aggregate.
15 Thus, the problems encountered with fully saturated
sofeners as identified above are not addressed in any way by compositions comprising partially saturated or fully unsaturated softening compounds.
20 Nevertheless, it is desirable to use ester-linked compounds due to their inherent biodegradability and to use substantially fully saturated quaternary ammonium fabric softening compounds due to their excellent softening capabilities and because they are more stable to oxidative
25 degradation (which can lead to malodour generation) than
partially saturated or fully unsaturated quaternary ammonium softening compounds.
Of the types of ester-linked' quaternary ammonium materials 30 known, it is desirable to use those based on triethanolamine which produce at least some mono-ester linked component and

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at least some tri-ester linked component since the raw material has a low melting temperature which enables the manufacturing process of the composition to occur at low temperatures. This reduces difficulties associated with 5 high temperature handling, transport and processing of the raw material and compositions produced therefrom.
The problem of high initial viscosity and visco-stability upon storage has previously been addressed in various ways.
10
For instance, a first approach involves the reduction in the swelling of water layers (reduction in inter-lamellar spacing) of particles; a second approach involves the reduction in the size {number of layers) of each particle;
15 and a third approach involves the combination of de-swelling and size reduction.
The first approach can be delivered by using electrolytes, polyelectrolytes and solvents. However, such compositions 20 can suffer from colloidal stability problems since it is
believed that the" electrostatic charges which keep liposomes stable are shielded by the electrolyte.
The second approach can be achieved by attrition of the 25 particles to smaller sizes by an input of energy such as milling or shearing. If the mechanical energy input (power/unit volume) is intense, bilayer 'pieces' or fragments may result. Fragments obtained mechanically may not be colloidally stable and can flocculate causing loss of 30 fluidity. Also, milling or shearing products in a

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manufacturing process on an industrial scale is time consuming and expensive.
The third approach can be delivered by using micelle-forming 5 surfactants to alter the intrinsic curvature of the
quaternary ammonium fabric softening material and force it to form smaller particles - this acts as chemical energy input. The surfactants can simultaneously reduce the phase volume too. For instance, it is known to incorporate 10 ethoxylated nonionic surfactants into fabric conditioning
compositions for the purpose of stability. However, at high temperature it is often found that thickening of the composition is not prevented.
15 EP-A2-0415698 (Unilever) discloses the use of electrolytes, polyelectrolytes, or decoupling polymers to reduce the initial viscosity of fabric softening compositions.
DE 2503026 (Hoechst) discloses formulations comprising 3-12% 20 of a softener (a mixture of non-ester quaternary ammonium
compounds imidazoline group containing compounds), 1-6% of a cationic disinfectant, 0.1-5% of a lower alcohol, 0.5-5% of a fatty alcohol and 0-5% of a nonionic emulsifier.
25 WO 99/5 0378 (Unilever) relates to compositions comprising from 1 to 8% of a quaternary ammonium compound, a stabilising agent and a fatty alcohol. The fatty alcohol is present in order to thicken the dilute composition. The disclosure only relates to dilute compositions and so is not
3 0 in any way directed to the problem addressed in the present

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invention of high temperature storage stability of concentrated compositions.
US 48448-23 (Colgate-Palmolive) discloses a composition 5 comprising 3 to 20% by weight of the combination of a
mixture of quaternary ammonium fabric softening compound and fatty alcohol in a weight ratio of from 6:1 to 2.8:1. Only non-ester quaternary ammonium compounds are exemplified and there is no disclosure or teaching of fully saturated
10 quaternary ammonium compounds. The compositions optionally comprise salt and ethoxylated amines. The salt is suggested for further reduction in the initial viscosity and the ethoxylated amine for further storage stability. None of the examples comprises electrolyte. The viscosities are
15 controlled by high-pressure homogenisation rather than by electrolyte. Indeed the prior art review in this document teaches that the use of electrolytes is unsatisfactory in concentrated fabric conditioning compositions because they offer the initial low viscosity but cause gellation or
20 severe changes in viscosity on storage (over the temperature range of from 18 to 60°C; the extremes at which fabric conditioners may be handled).
The prior art does not address nor give any suggestion how 25 to overcome high initial viscosity and high temperature storage stability problems in concentrated compositions comprising fully hardened quaternary ammonium ester linked compounds based on triethanolamine.
30 WO 93/235310 (Procter & Gamble) mentions fatty alcohols and fatty acids as optional nonionic softeners and teaches that

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they can improve the fluidity of premix melts. There is no reference to reducing the viscosity of dispersions made from premix melts.
5 WO 98/49132, US 4213867, US 4386000, GB-A-2007734, DE
2503026, DE 3150179, US 5939377, US 93915867 and US 3644203 all disclose fabric conditioning compositions comprising fatty alcohols.
10 Objects of the Invention
The present invention seeks to address one or more of the above-mentioned problems, and, to give one or more of the above-mentioned benefits desired by consumers.
15
Surprisingly, the inventors have now found that, in the combined presence of an inorganic electrolyte and a fatty complexing agent, undesirably high viscosity of certain fabric conditioning compositions can not only be reduced but
20 also long term storage stability can be achieved.
In particular, it has been found that by incorporating a fatty component which comprises a long alkyl chain, such as fatty alcohols or fatty acids (hereinafter referred to as
25 "fatty complexing agents") together with an inorganic electrolyte into softening compositions comprising a quaternary ammonium softening material having substantially fully saturated alkyl chains, at least some mono-ester linked component and at least some tri-ester linked
30 component, the stability and initial viscosity of the composition can be dramatically improved.

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Summary of the Invention
According to the present invention there is provided a 5 fabric conditioning composition comprising:
(a) from 7.5 to 80% by weight of an ester-linked
quaternary ammonium fabric softening material comprising
at least some mono-ester linked component and at least
10 some tri-ester linked component;
(b) a fatty complexing agent;
(c) an inorganic electrolyte.
15
wherein the parent fatty acids or fatty acyl compounds from which component (a) is formed have an iodine value of from 0 to 4.
20 There is also provided a method for treatment of fabrics
comprising contacting the above-mentioned composition with fabrics in a laundry treatment process.
In the context of the present invention, the term 25 "comprising" means "including" or "consisting of". That is the steps, components, ingredients, or features to which the term "comprising" refers are not exhaustive.
3 0 Detailed Description of the Invention

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The compositions of the present invention are preferably rinse conditioner compositions, more preferably aqueous rinse conditioner compositions for use in the rinse cycle of a domestic laundry process. 5
Quaternary ammonium fabric softening material
The fabric conditioning material used in the compositions of the present invention comprises one or more quaternary 10 ammonium materials comprising a mixture of monoester linked, di-ester linked and tri-ester linked compounds.
By mono-, di- and tri-ester linked components, it is meant that the quaternary ammonium softening material comprises,
15 respectively, a quaternary ammonium compound comprising a single ester-link with a fatty hydrocarbyl chain attached thereto, a quaternary ammonium compound comprising two ester-links each of which has a fatty hydrocarbyl chain attached thereto, and a quaternary ammonium compound
20 comprising three ester-links each of which has a fatty hydrocarbyl chain attached thereto.
Below is shown typical levels of mono-, di- and tri-ester linked components in a fabric softening material used in the 25 compositions of the invention.

Component % by weight of the raw material (TEA based softener with solvent)
Mono-ester 10-30

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Di-ester 30-60
Tri-ester 10-30
Free fatty acid 0.2-1.0
Solvent 10-20
The level of the mono-ester linked component of the quaternary ammonium material used in the compositions of the invention is preferably between 8 and 40% by weight, based 5 on the total weight of the raw material in which the quaternary ammonium material is supplied.
The level of the tri-ester-linked component is preferably between 20 and 50% based on the total weight of the raw 10 material in which the quaternary ammonium material is supplied.
The level of the tri-ester-linked component is preferably between 20 and 50% based on the total weight of quaternary 15 ammonium material.
Preferably, the average chain length of the alkyl or alkenyl group is at least C14, more preferably at least C16. Most
preferably at least half of the chains have a length of C18-
20
It is generally preferred if the alkyl or alkenyl chains are predominantly linear.
The preferred ester-linked quaternary ammonium cationic 25 softening material for use in the invention is represented by ,formula (I).

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[(CH2)n(TR)3m
X, Formula (I) R1-N+-[(CH2)n(OH)]3-ra
5
wherein each R is independently selected from a c5.35 alkyl or alkenyl group, R represents a C1_4 alkyl or hydroxyalkyl
group or a C2-4 alkenyl group,

10
0 0
Tis — 0 — C — or — C — O /
15 n is 0 or an integer selected from 1 to 4, m is 1, 2 or 3 and denotes the number of moieties to which it refers that
pend. directly from the N atom, and X is an anionic group,
such as halides or alkyl sulphates, e.g. chloride, methyl sulphate or ethyl sulphate. 20
Especially preferred materials within this class are di-alkyl esters of triethanol ammonium methyl sulphate. A commercial example of a compound within this formula are
Tetranyl® AHT-1 (di-hardened tallowyl ester of triethanol 25 ammonium methyl sulphate 85% active).Iodine value of
The parent Fatty Acyl group or Acid

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The iodine value of the parent fatty acyl compound or acid from which the quaternary ammonium fabric softening material is formed is from 0 to 4, preferably from 0 to 3, more preferably from 0 to 2. Most preferably the iodine value of 5 the parent fatty acid or acyl group from which the
quaternary ammonium fabric softening material is formed is from 0 to 1. That is, it is preferred that the alkyl or alkenyl chains are substantially fully saturated.
10 If there is any unsaturated quaternary ammonium fabric
softening material present in the composition, the iodine value, referred to above, represents the mean iodine value of the parent fatty acyl compounds or fatty acids of all of the quaternary ammonium materials present.
15
In the context of the present invention, iodine value of the parent fatty acyl compound or acid from which the fabric softening material formed, is defined as the number of grams of iodine which react with 100 grams of the compound.
20
In the context of'the present invention, the method for calculating the iodine value of a parent fatty acyl compound/acid comprises dissolving a prescribed amount (from 0.1-3g) into about 15ml chloroform. The dissolved parent
25 fatty acyl compound/fatty acid is then reacted with 25 ml of iodine monochloride in acetic acid solution (0.1M). To this, 20ml of 10% potassium iodide solution and about 150-ml deionised water is added. After addition of the halogen has taken place, the excess of iodine monochloride is determined
30 by titration with sodium thiosulphate solution (0.1M) in the presence of a blue starch indicator powder. At the same

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time a blank is determined with the same quantity of reagents and under the same conditions. The difference between the volume of sodium thiosulphate used in the blank and that used in the reaction with the parent fatty acyl 5 compound or fatty acid enables the iodine value to be calculated.
The quaternary ammonium fabric softening material of formula (I) is present in an amount from about 7.5 to 80% by weight 10 of quaternary ammonium material (active ingredient) based on the total weight of the composition, more preferably 10 to 60% by weight, most preferably 11 to 40% by weight, e.g. 12.5-25% by weight.
15 Excluded quaternary ammonium compounds
Quaternary ammonium fabric softening materials which are free of ester linkages or, if ester-linked, do not comprise at least some mono-ester component and some tri-ester 20 component are excluded from the scope of the present
invention. For'instance, quaternary ammonium compounds having the following formulae are excluded:

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12
wherein R , R , T, n and X are as defined above; and

10

15
where Ri to R4 are not interrupted by ester-links, Ri and R2 are Cs-28. alkyl or alkenyl groups; R3 and R4 are C1-4 alkyl or C2-4 alkenyl groups and X is as defined above.
20 Inorganic Electrolyte
The inorganic electrolyte may comprise a univalent or a multivalent anion. Preferably, the multivalent anion is divalent. Sulphate is particularly preferred. The counter 25 ion is preferably an alkaline earth metal, ammonium or alkali metal. Preferably, it comprises an alkali metal cation or ammonium. Typically preferred are sodium,

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potassium, calcium, magnesium or ammonium salts. There may be more than one salt of a multivalent anion present, and they may differ in the choice of anion, cation or both. Sodium sulphate is particularly preferred. 5
Salts of organic sequestering anions, such as ethylene diamine disuccinate are not suitable.
The total quantity of salt of multivalent anion is suitably 10 in the range 0.001-2.0, more preferably 0.02-1.5%, most
preferably 0.1-1.2%, e.g. 0.2-1.0% by weight, based on the total weight of the composition.
It is preferred that the salt of the multivalent anion is 15 substantially water soluble. Preferably, the salt of the multivalent anion has a solubility in excess of 1 gram per litre, preferably in excess of 25 grams per litre.
It is preferred that the salt of the univalent anion 20 \ comprises an alkali metal or alkaline earth metal salt. It is particularly preferred that the cation is sodium, potassium, calcium, magnesium or ammonium. The univalent anion may be any suitable univalent anion. It is preferably a halide, most preferably chloride. There may be more than 25 one salt of a univalent anion present. They may differ in the choice of anion, cation, or both. Particularly preferred are calcium chloride, magnesium chloride, sodium chloride, ammonium halide, rare earth halides, such as lanthanum: chloride, and alkali-metal salts of organic acids 3 0 such as sodium acetate and sodium benzoate.

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The total quantity of salt of univalent anion is suitably in the range 0.005-2.0%, more preferably 0.01-1.5%, most preferably 0.1-1.2%, e.g. 0.2 to 1.0% by weight, based on the total weight of the composition. 5
A particularly preferred combination comprises a mixture of sodium sulphate with an electrolyte selected from the group consisting of sodium chloride, calcium chloride, magnesium chloride, potassium chloride and ammonium chloride.
10
Preferably, the total weight of salts of univalent and multivalent anions is in the range 0.5-3.0%, more preferably 1.0-2.0%, more preferably 1.0-1.5% by weight, based on the total weight of the composition.
15
The weight ratio of salt of univalent anion to salt of multivalent anion is suitably in the range 10:1 to 1:10, more preferably 5:1 to 1:5, most preferably 3:1 to 1:3.
20 Preferably, the total weight of inorganic electrolyte
present in the composition is in the range from 0.1-3.0%, more preferably 0.2-2.0%, more preferably 0.5-1.5% by weight, based on the total weight of the composition.
25 The salt of the univalent anion must be substantially water soluble. Preferably, it has a solubility in excess of 1 gram per litre, more preferably in excess of 20 grams per litre.

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Fatty complexing agent
The compositions of the present invention comprise a fatty 5 complexing agent.
Without being bound by theory it is believed that the fatty complexing material improves the viscosity profile of the composition by complexing with mono-ester component of the
10 fabric softening material thereby providing a composition which has relatively higher, levels of di-ester linked and tri-ester linked components. The di-ester and tri-ester linked components are more stable and do not affect initial viscosity as detrimentally as the mono-ester component.
15 Therefore, compositions already free of the mono- and tri-ester linked components do not fall within the scope of the invention.
The applicants also believe that that the complexing of the 20 mono-ester linked component (which does not contribute to softening) with the* fatty complexing material thereby provides a material which does contribute to softening.
Especially suitable fatty complexing agents include fatty 25 alcohols and fatty acids. Of these, fatty alcohols are most preferred.
Preferred fatty acids include hardened tallow fatty acid (available under the tradename"Pristerene, ex Uniqema) .

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Preferred fatty alcohols include hardened tallow alcohol (available under the tradenames Stenol and Hydrenol, ex Cognis and Laurex CS, ex Albright and Wilson) and behenyl alcohol, a C22 chain alcohol, available as Lanette 22 (ex 5 He.nke.if.
The fatty complexing agent is present in an amount from 0.01% to 15% by weight based on the total weight of the composition. More preferably, the fatty component is 10 present in an amount of from 0.5 to 10%, most preferably from greater than 1.5% to 5%, e.g. 1.6 to 4% by weight, based on the total weight of the composition.
The weight ratio of the mono-ester component of the 15 quaternary ammonium fabric softening material to the fatty complexing agent is preferably from 5:1 to 1:5, more preferably 4:1 to 1:4, most preferably 3:1 to 1:3, e.g. 2:1 to 1:2.
2 0 Without wishing to be bound by theory, the inventors believe 'that the stabilisation of viscosity of fabric conditioners even in the presence of the electrolyte, which is known to destabilise fabric conditioning compositions, is due to the fatty complexing agent increasing the level of counter-ion
25 dissociation and hence increasing electrostatic repulsion
between liposomal particles such that partial shielding with an electrolyte is not detrimental to stability.
30 Calculation of Mono-ester Linked Component of the Quaternary Ammonium Material

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The quantitative analysis of mono-ester linked component of the quaternary ammonium material is carried out through the use of Quantitative 13C NMR spectroscopy with inverse gated 5 XH decoupling scheme.
The sample of known mass of the quaternary ammonium raw material is first dissolved in a known volume of CDC13 along with a known amount of an assay material such as
10 naphthalene. A 13C NMR spectrum of this solution is then
recorded using both an inverse gated decoupling scheme and a relaxation agent. The inverse gated decoupling scheme is \ used to ensure that any Overhauser effects are suppressed whilst the relaxation agent is used to ensure that the
15 negative consequences of the long t1. relaxation times are
overcome (i.e. adequate signal-to-noise can be achieved in a reasonable timescale).
The signal intensities of characteristic peaks of both the 20 carbon atoms in the quaternary ammonium material and the naphthalene are'used to calculate the concentration of the mono-ester linked component of the quaternary ammonium material. In the quaternary ammonium material, the signal represents the carbon of the nitrogen-methyl group on the 25 quaternary ammonium head group. The chemical shift of the nitrogen-methyl group varies slightly due to the different degree of esterification; characteristic chemical shifts for the mono-, di- and tri-ester links are 48.28, 47.97 and 47-.76 ppm respectively. Any of the peaks due to the 3 0 napthalene carbons that are free' of interference from other

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components can then be used to calculate the mass of mono-ester linked component present in the sample as follows:-
MassMQ(mg/ml) = (massNaph x IMQ X NNaph x Mm Q)/(INaph x NMQ x MNAph)
where MassMQ = mass mono-ester linked quaternary ammonium material in mg/ml, massNaph = mass naphthalene in mg/ml, I = peak intensity, N = number of contributing nuclei and M = relative molecular mass. The relative molecular mass of naphthalene used is 12 8.17 and the relative molecular mass of the mono-ester linked component of the quaternary ammonium material is taken as 526.
The weight percentage of mono-ester linked quaternary ammonium material in the raw material can thus be calculated:
% of mono-ester linked quaternary ammonium material in the raw material = (massMQ / mass HT-TEA) X 100
where mass HT-TEA = mass of the quaternary ammonium material and both mass MQ and mass HT-TEA are expressed as mg/ml.
For a discussion of the NMR technique, see "100 and More Basic NMR Experiments", S Braun, H-0 Kalinowski, S Berger, 1st edition, pages 234-236.

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Nonionic surfactant
It is preferred that the compositions further comprise a 5 nonionic surfactant. Typically these can be included for the purpose of stabilising the compositions.
Suitable nonionic surfactants include addition products of ethylene oxide and/or propylene oxide with fatty alcohols, 10 fatty acids and fatty amines.
Any of the alkoxylated materials of the particular type described hereinafter can be used as the nonionic surfactant. 15
Suitable surfactants are substantially water soluble surfactants of the general formula:
R_Y—(C2H40)z —C2H40H
20
where R is selected*from the group consisting of primary, secondary and branched chain alkyl and/or acyl hydrocarbyl groups; primary, secondary and branched chain alkenyl hydrocarbyl groups; and primary, secondary and branched
25 chain alkenyl-substituted phenolic hydrocarbyl groups; the hydrocarbyl groups having a chain length of from 8 to about 25, preferably 10 to 20, e.g. 14 to 18 carbon atoms.
In the general formula for the ethoxylated nonionic 30 surfactant, Y is typically:

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--0-- , --C(0)0-- , --C(0)N(R)-- or --C(0)N(R)R--
in which R has the meaning given above or can be hydrogen; and Z is at least about 8, preferably at least about 10 or 5 11,
Preferably the nonionic surfactant has an HLB of from about 7 to about 20, more preferably from 10 to 18, e.g. 12 to 16.
10 Examples of nonionic surfactants follow. In the examples,
the integer defines the number of ethoxy (EO) groups in the molecule.
A. Straight-Chain, Primary Alcohol Alkoxylates
15
The deca-, undeca-, dodeca-, tetradeca-, and pentadecaethoxylates of n-hexadecanol, and n-octadecanol having an HLB within the range recited herein are useful viscosity/dispersibility modifiers in the context of this
20 invention. Exemplary ethoxylated primary alcohols useful herein as the viscosity/dispersibility modifiers of the compositions are C18 EO(10); and C18 E0(11). The ethoxylates of mixed natural or synthetic alcohols in the "tallow" chain length range are also useful herein. Specific examples of
25 such materials include tallow alcohol-EO(ll), tallow
alcohol-EO(18), and tallow alcohol-EO (25), coco alcohol-E0(10), coco alcohol-EO(15), coco alcohol-EO(2 0) and coco alcohol-EO(25),
30

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B. Straight-Chain, Secondary Alcohol Alkoxylates
The deca-, undeca-, dodeca-, tetradeca-, pentadeca-, octadeca-, and nonadeca-ethoxylates of 3-hexadecanol, 5 2-octadecanol, 4-eicosanol, and 5-eicosanol having an HLB within the range recited herein are useful viscosity and/or dispersibility modifiers in the context of this invention. Exemplary ethoxylated secondary alcohols useful herein as the viscosity and/or dispersibility modifiers of the 10 compositions are: C16 EO(ll); C20 EO(ll); and C16 EO(14).
C. Alkyl Phenol Alkoxylates
15 As in the case of the alcohol alkoxylates, the hexa- to octadeca-ethoxylates of alkylated phenols, particularly monohydric alkylphenols, having an HLB within the range recited herein are useful as the viscosity and/or dispersibility modifiers of the instant compositions. The
20 hexa- to octadeca-ethoxylates of p-tri-decylphenol, m-
pentadecylphenol,' and the like, are useful herein. Exemplary ethoxylated alkylphenols useful as the viscosity and/or dispersibility modifiers of the mixtures herein are: p-tridecylphenol E0(11) and p-pentadecylphenol EO(18).
25
As used herein and as generally recognised in the art, a phenylene group in the nonionic formula is the equivalent of an alkylene group containing from 2 to 4 carbon atoms. For present purposes, nonionics containing a phenylene group are
30 considered to contain an equivalent number of carbon atoms calculated as the sum of the carbon atoms in the alkyl group

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D. Olefinic Alkoxylates
5 The alkenyl alcohols, both primary and secondary, and
alkenyl phenols corresponding to those disclosed immediately hereinabove can be ethoxylated to an HLB within the range recited herein and used as the viscosity and/or dispersibility modifiers of the instant compositions. 10
E. Branched Chain Alkoxylates
Branched chain primary and secondary alcohols which are available from the well-known "0X0" process can be 15 ethoxylated and employed as the viscosity and/or dispersibility modifiers of compositions herein.
F. Polyol Based Surfactants
20 Suitable polyol based surfactants include sucrose esters such sucrose moncf-oTeates, alkyl polyglucosides such as stearyl monoglucosides and stearyl triglucoside and alkyl polyglycerols.
25 The above nonionic surfactants are useful in the present compositions alone or in combination, and the term "nonionic surfactant" encompasses mixed nonionic surface-active agents.
30 Preferably the nonionic surfactant is present in an amount
from 0.01 to 10%, more preferably 0.1 to 5%, most preferably

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0.35 to 3.5%, e.g. 0.5 to 2% by weight, based on the total weight of the composition.
Perfume 5
The compositions of the invention preferably comprise one or more perfumes.
It is well known that perfume is provided as a mixture of 10 various components.
It is preferred that at least a quarter (by weight) or more, preferably a half or more of the perfume components have a ClogP of 2.0 or more, more preferably 3.0 or more, most 15 preferably 4.5 or more, e.g. 10 or more.
Suitable perfumes having a ClogP of 3 or more are disclosed in US 5500137.
20 The hydrophobicity of the perfume and oily perfume carrier are measured by'ClogP. ClogP is calculated using the "CldgP" program (calculation of hydrophobicities as logP (oil/water)) version 4.01, available from Daylight Chemical Information Systems Inc of Irvine California, USA.
25
The perfume is preferably present in an amount from 0.01 to 10% by weight, more preferably 0.05 to 5% by weight, most preferably 0.5 to 4.0% by weight, based on the total weight of the composition.

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Liquid Carrier
The liquid carrier employed in the instant compositions is preferably water due to its low cost relative availability, 5 safety, and environmental compatibility. The level of water in the liquid carrier is more than about 50%, preferably more than about 80%, more preferably more than about 85%, by weight of the carrier. The level of liquid carrier is greater than about 50%, preferably greater than about 65%,
10 more preferably greater than about 70%. Mixtures of water
and a low molecular weight, e.g. 15 etc.) trihydric (glycerol, etc.), and polyhydric (polyols) alcohols are also suitable carriers for use in the compositions of the present invention.
Co-active softeners
20
Go-active softeners.for- the cationic surfactant may also be incorporated in an amount from 0.01 to 20% by weight, more preferably 0.05 to 10%, based on the total weight of the composition. Preferred co-active softeners include fatty
25 esters, and fatty N-oxides.
Preferred fatty esters include fatty monoesters, such as glycerol monostearate. If GMS is present, then it is preferred that the level of GMS in the composition, is from 30 0.01 to 10 wt%, based on the total weight of the composition.

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The co-active softener may also comprise an oily sugar derivative. Suitable oily sugar derivatives, their methods of manufacture and their preferred amounts are described in 5 WO-Al-01/46361 on page 5 line 16 to page 11 line 20, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein.
Polymeric viscosity control agents
10 It is useful, though not essential, if the compositions comprise one or more polymeric viscosity control agents. Suitable polymeric polymeric viscosity control agents include nonionic and cationic polymers, such as hydrophobically modified cellulose ethers (e.g. Natrosol
15 Plus, ex Hercules), cationically modified starches (e.g.
Softgel BDA and Softgel BD, both ex Avebe) . A particularly preferred viscosity control agent is a copolymer of methacrylate and cationic acrylamide available under the tradename Flosoft 200 (ex SNF Floerger).
20
Nonionic and/or cationic polymers are preferably present in an amount of 0.01 to 5wt%, more preferably 0.02 to 4wt%, based on the total weight of the composition.
25 Further Optional Ingredients
Other optional nonionic softeners, bactericides, soil-releases agents may also be incorporated in the compositions of the invention.

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The compositions may also contain one or more optional ingredients conventionally included in fabric conditioning compositions such as pH buffering agents, perfume carriers, fluorescers, colourants, hydrotropes, antifoaming agents, 5 antiredeposition agents, enzymes, optical brightening
agents, anti-shrinking agents, anti-wrinkle agents, anti-spotting agents, antioxidants, sunscreens, anti-corrosion agents, drape imparting agents, anti-static agents, ironing aids and dyes. 10
Product Form
In its undiluted state at ambient temperature the product comprises an aqueous liquid. 15
The compositions are preferably aqueous dispersions of the quaternary ammonium softening material.
Product Use 20
The composition is preferably used in the rinse cycle of a home textile laundering operation, where, it may be added directly in an undiluted state to a washing machine, e.g. through a dispenser drawer or, for a top-loading washing 25 machine, directly into the drum. Alternatively, it can be diluted prior to use. The compositions may also be used in a domestic hand-washing laundry operation.
It is also possible, though less desirable, for the 3 0 compositions of the present invention to be used in

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industrial laundry operations, e.g. as a finishing agent for softening new clothes prior to sale to consumers.
Preparation 5
The compositions of the invention may be prepared according to any suitable method.
In a first preferred method, water is heated in a vessel.
10 The quaternary ammonium material and fatty complexing agent are co-melted in a separate vessel and added to water, while stirring, at a temperature above the melting temperature of the quaternary ammonium material. Perfume is then added to the vessel. The mixture is then allowed to cool to room
15 temperature and the inorganic electrolyte, and optional
minor ingredients are added with stirring if necessary. In an alternative method, the perfume can be added to the mixture after the co-melt is formed, e.g. at any time during the cooling stage.
20
Examples
The invention will now be illustrated by the following non-limiting examples. Further modifications will be apparent 25 to the person skilled in the art.
Samples of the invention are represented by a number. Comparative samples are represented by a letter.
30 All values are % by weight of the active ingredient unless stated otherwise.

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Table 1

Sample A Sample B
Quat A 13 0
Quat B 0 13
Perfume 0.96 0.96
Antifoam 0.03 -
Preservative 0.08 0
Dye 0.0015 0.0015
CaCl2 0 0
MgCl2 0 0
Water To 100 To 100
5 Quat A is Stepantex VA90 (ex Stepan). A partially saturated tallowyl ester of TEA with methyl sulphate counter-ion provided as 90% active in 10% isopropyl alcohol (IPA). The iodine value of the parent fatty acid of the quaternary ammonium material is substantially greater than 4.
10
Quat B is Tetranyl AHT-1 (ex Kao) . A fully hardened tallowyl ester of TEA with methyl sulphate (provided as 85% active in 15% IPA). The iodine value of the parent fatty acid of the quaternary ammonium material is less than 1.
15
Sample A was prepared by heating the quaternary ammonium material and water to a temperature above the melting point of the quaternary ammonium material and then mixing the ingredients together. The mixture was cooled to room
20 temperature and then perfume was added. The minor
ingredients were then added with stirring if necessary.

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Sample B was prepared by heating the quaternary ammonium material and water to a temperature above the melting point of the quat and then mixing the ingredients together. 5 Perfume was added and the mixture was then allowed to cool.
The minor ingredients were then added with stirring if necessary.
10 The visco-stability of the compositions based on unsaturated and saturated quaternary ammonium species v?as compared. The results are in table 2 below.
Table 2

Viscosity Sample A Sample B
initial at 25°C 233 2550
4 weeks at 4°C 110 1190
4 weeks at 25°C 210 965
4 weeks at 37°C 210 1410
4 weeks at 4i°C" Not measured gel
Viscosity was measured at 25°C at 25s"1 using a Haake RV2 0
Rotoyiscometer NV cup and bob.
20 The results demonstrate that the problem of undesirably high viscosity both initially and upon storage is very apparent when the composition is based on a saturated quaternary ammonium material but is not present when the composition is based on an unsaturated quaternary ammonium material.

WO 03/022973 PCT/EP02/09868
- 33 -Example 2
The following compositions were prepared: 5 Table 3

Sample C Sample 1 Sample 2
Quat B 11.09 11.09 11.09
Fatty alcohol 1.89 1.89 1.89
Perfume 0.95 0.95 0.95
Antifoam 0.03 0.03 0.03
Preservative 0.08 0.08 0.08
Dye 0.0015 0.0015 0.0015
MgCl2 0 0.1 0.05
Water To 100 To 100 To 100
Quat B is defined above
The fatty alcohol is Laurex CS (ex Albright and Wilson) 10 The MgCl2 was provided as a 10% aqueous solution.
The samples were prepared by co-melting the quaternary ammonium material, the fatty complexing agent and adding to water at a temperature above the melting temperature of the 15 quaternary ammonium material. Perfume was. then added to the vessel. The mixture was then allowed to cool to room temperature and salt (if present), and minor ingredients were added with stirring if necessary.
20 The visco-stability results are given in the following table.

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Table 4

Viscosity Sample C Sample 1 Sample 2
Initial at 25°C 477 199 182
4 weeks at 25°C 228 184 150
4 weeks at 37°C 425 204 144
4 weeks at 41°C 490 195 Not measured
4 weeks at 45°C Not measured Not measured 160
5 Viscosity was measured at 25°C at 25s"1 using a Haake RV20 Rotoviscometer NV cup and bob.
The results demonstrate that not only does the presence of the electrolyte in the compositions reduce initial viscosity 10 but significantly further reduces the viscosity over the
long term during high (37°C and above) and room temperature (25°C) storage.
This result is particularly surprising since it is known 15 that the presence of an electrolyte often destabilises
fabric conditioning compositions when they are stored under high and room temperature conditions.

we claim:
1.A fabric conditioning composition comprising:
(a) from 7.5% to 80% by weight of a ester-linked quaternary ammonium fabric softening material comprising at least one mono-ester linked component and at least one tri-ester linked component;
(b) an inorganic electrolyte in amount of 0.1 to 3.0% by weight based on the total weigh of composition;
(c) a fatty complexing agent in amount of from 0.01 to 15% by weight of the total weight of composition;
wherein the parent fatty acids or fatty acyl compounds from which component (a) is formed have an iodine value from 0 to 4.
2. A composition as claimed in claim 1, in which the electrolyte comprises a halide of an alkaline earth metal or an alkali metal.
3. A composition as claimed in anyone of claims 1 or 2 in which the weight ratio of mono-ester linked component of material (a) to fatty complexing agent (c) is from 5:1 to 1:5.
4. A composition as claimed in anyone of claims 1 to 3 wherein the quaternary ammonium material is represented by formula (I):
[(CH2)n(TR)3m
X Formula (I)
R1-N+-[(CH2)n(CH)]3-m
wherein each R is independently selected from a C5.35 alkyl or alkenyl group, R1 represents a C1-4 alkyl or hydroxyalkyl group or a C2-4 alkenyl group,.

n is O or an integer selected from 1 to 4, m is 1, 2 or 3 and denotes the number of moieties to which it refers that pend directly from the N atom, and X" is an anionic group, such as halides or alkyl sulphates, e.g. chloride, methyl sulphate or ethyl sulphate.
5. A composition as claimed in anyone of claims 1 to 4 further comprising an oily sugar derivative.

Dr. Sanchita Ganguli Of S.Majumdar&Co. Applicant's Agent

Documents:

161-mumnp-2004 claim(granted)-(9-3-2004).doc

161-mumnp-2004 form 2(granted)-( 9-3-2004).doc

161-mumnp-2004-cancelled pages(09-03-2004).pdf

161-mumnp-2004-claims(granted)-(09-03-2004).pdf

161-MUMNP-2004-CORRESPONDENCE(8-2-2012).pdf

161-mumnp-2004-correspondence(ipo)-(06-09-2007).pdf

161-mumnp-2004-correspondence1(21-12-2006).pdf

161-mumnp-2004-correspondence2(20-07-2005).pdf

161-mumnp-2004-form 18(20-07-2005).pdf

161-mumnp-2004-form 1a(09-03-2004).pdf

161-mumnp-2004-form 2(granted)-(09-03-2004).pdf

161-mumnp-2004-form 3(09-03-2004).pdf

161-mumnp-2004-form 5(09-03-2004).pdf

161-mumnp-2004-form-pct-ipea-409(09-03-2004).pdf

161-mumnp-2004-form-pct-isa-210(09-03-2004).pdf

161-mumnp-2004-power of attorney(09-03-2004).pdf

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Patent Number

209709

Indian Patent Application Number

161/MUMNP/2004

PG Journal Number

42/2008

Publication Date

17-Oct-2008

Grant Date

06-Sep-2007

Date of Filing

09-Mar-2004

Name of Patentee

HINDUSTAN UNILEVER LIMITED

Applicant Address

HINDUSTAN LEVER HOUSE 165/166, BACKBAY RECLAMATION, MUMBAI

Inventors:

#	Inventor's Name	Inventor's Address
1	ILETT STEPHEN MARK	43 THE HOLKHAM, OLD PEARL LANE, CHESTER, CH3 5NE, UNITED KINGDOM

PCT International Classification Number

C11D3/00

PCT International Application Number

PCT/EP02/09868

PCT International Filing date

2002-08-30

PCT Conventions:

#	PCT Application Number	Date of Convention	Priority Country
1	0121803.1	2001-09-10	U.K.