Abstract: A cleaning composition, in a concentrated form comprising a water-soluble organic solvent, an ionic surfactant, a nonionic surfactant, a chelating agent, and distilled water.

Abstract: Clear, or translucent fabric softener compositions comprise fabric softener compound, principal solvent system, and high electrolyte levels. The high electrolyte level allows for a broader range of principal solvents to be used and/or reduces the incidence of increased viscosity when low levels of principal solvent are used. Phase stabilizers which are primarily ethoxylated hydrophobic materials can be used to reduce the amount of principal solvent that is needed and/or to stabilize the compositions in the presence of the highest levels of electrolyte. Specific phase stabilizers provide additional benefits including improved softening. Specific electrolytes provide improved results. Addition of primary solvents and/or phase stabilizers to the softener compounds can improve the viscosity/handling of the compounds and the ability to create the finished compositions.

Abstract: Ether-capped poly(oxyalkylated) alcohol surfactants having superior grease cleaning abilities and improved spotting/filming benefits are provided.

Abstract: A rinse agent composition containing: (a) a gemini surfactant corresponding to formula I: R—CHOH—CH2—[OCH2CH2]x—O—CH2—CHOH—R  (I) wherein R is a linear or branched alkyl and/or alkenyl radical having from about 4 to 22 carbon atoms, and x is a number from about 5 to 90; and (b) a fatty alcohol alkoxylate corresponding to formula II: R1O[CH2(CH3)CHO]q(CH2CH2O)rH  (II) wherein R1 is a linear or branched alkyl and/or alkenyl group having from about 4 to 22 carbon atoms, and q is a number up to about 10, and r is a number from about 1 to 50, and wherein (a) and (b) are present in the composition in a ratio by weight of from about 1:1 to 4:1.

Abstract: The invention relates to gemini surfactants, optionally in combination with ingredients customary in dishwashing detergents and cleaners, optionally with further nonionic surfactants and anionic surfactants, and to the use of such gemini surfactants for improving the wetting behavior and the compatibility with plastics, for the simplified preparation of solid cleaners and as foam-suppressing surfactant in rinse aid formulations.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are hard surface cleaners which provide improved fragrance retention properties to the treated hard surface, and methods for using them. The cleaners include a fragrance, a carrier, and a surfactant selected from ethylene oxide/propylene oxide block copolymers, polyglycosides, ethoxylated alkyl alcohols, and ethylene oxide/propylene oxide copolymers functionalized with a fatty alcohol moiety. The cleaner may also contain water and a base.

Abstract: The invention relates to gemini surfactants, optionally in combination with ingredients customary in laundry detergents, dishwashing detergents and cleaners, optionally with further nonionic surfactants and anionic surfactants, and to the use of such gemini surfactants for improving the wetting behavior and the compatibility with plastics, for the simplified preparation of solid cleaners and as foam-suppressing surfactant in rinse aid formulations.

Abstract: An aqueous composition for the reduction or elimination of unpleasant odors from surfaces containing such odors comprises a perfume, a surfactant/solubilizer, a solvent/drying aid, an odor absorber, and, preferably, a buffer to maintain the desired pH. The solution contains minimal or no volatile organic compounds. Due to the specific nature of the combination of the surfactant/solubilizer and the solvent/drying aid, the use of fragrances previously too hydrophobic for use in an aqueous solution is possible, providing a large variety of efficient odor counteractants not previously available. The composition may optionally comprise additional components, such as preservatives, antimicrobials, anti-static compositions, anti-wrinkling agents, insect control agents, moth repellents, UV protectants, water-proofing agents, and textile treatment agents. The aqueous solution may be applied to a variety of surfaces, in sufficient quantity to wet the surface, preferably by spraying.

Abstract: The present invention is a laundry detergent booster liquid composition comprising from about 0.3% to about 7% of a soluble alkali metal carbonate, especially sodium carbonate in an aqueous solution. The booster liquid formulation may contain additional laundry detergent additive materials such as thickening agents, optical brighteners, anti-redeposition agents, surfactants, phosphates, dyes, and fragrances in addition to the alkali metal carbonate.

Abstract: A rinse aid composition containing: (a) a hydroxy mixed ether corresponding to formula I: R1O[CH2CHR2O]x[CH2CHR3O]yCH2CH(OH)R4  (I) wherein R1 is an alkyl and/or alkenyl group containing from about 4 to 22 carbon atoms, R2 is hydrogen or a methyl or an ethyl group, R3 is hydrogen or a methyl or an ethyl group, R4 is an alkyl group containing from about 2 to 22 carbon atoms, x is a number up to 30, y is a number up to 30, and x+y is greater than or equal to 1; (b) an alkyl and/or alkenyl oligoglycoside corresponding to formula II: R5O—[G]p  (II) wherein R5 is an alkyl and/or alkenyl group containing from about 4 to 22 carbon atoms, G is a sugar unit containing 5 or 6 carbon atoms, and p is a number from 1 to 10; and (c) a nonionic co-surfactant, and wherein (a) and (b) are present in the composition in a ratio by weight of from about 10:0.1 to 1:10.

Abstract: Thus use of a post detergent step for removing aqueous residue from ware combined with a subsequent step using a potable rinse or a dilute solution of an aqueous food grade rinse aid to rinse alkaline washed ware provides significant advantages. The two step rinse method insures complete and sanitary cleaning of ware while permitting the use of different formulations in the post detergent step and the subsequent rinse step. Such process conditions permit the use of differing times and temperatures in the post detergent step and in the rinse step and permits the use of different formulations in the post detergent step and in the rinse step.

Abstract: Rinse aid materials for coating, coating compositions, methods and articles of manufacture for use in automatic dishwashing appliances comprising a nanoparticle system or employing the same to impart surface modifying benefits for all types of dishware surfaces are disclosed. In some embodiments, dispersement of nanoparticles in a suitable carrier medium allows for the creation of rinse aid surface coating compositions, methods and articles of manufacture that create multi-use benefits to modified dishware surfaces. These surface modifications can produce long lasting or semi-permanent multi-use benefits that include at least one of the following improved surface properties: wetting and sheeting, uniform drying, anti-spotting, anti-staining, anti-filming, self cleaning, and durability benefits, relative to dishware surfaces unmodified with such nanoparticle systems.

Abstract: A cleaning composition containing a gemini surfactant corresponding to formula I: R—CHOH—CH2—[OCH2CH2]x—O—CH2—CHOH—R  (I) wherein R is a linear or branched alkyl and/or alkenyl radical having from about 4 to 22 carbon atoms, and x is a number from about 5 to 90.

Abstract: A stable aqueous rinse aid dispersion includes a low foaming nonionic surfactant present in a range of from about 2% to about 80% by weight of the rinse aid dispersion, a hydrotrope present in a range of from about 0.5% to about 20% by weight of the rinse aid dispersion, and a partially neutralized poly(meth)acrylic acid polymer present in a range of from about 0.1% to about 15% by weight of the rinse aid dispersion, wherein the polymer is at least 75% non-neutralized. The poly(meth)acrylic acid polymer has an average molecular weight in a range of from about 1000 to about 50,000. The rinse aid dispersion has a pH in a range of from about 2 to about 6. The stable aqueous rinse aid dispersion is essentially free of a high molecular weight compatibilizing polymer.

Abstract: A perfume-containing water-in-oil microemulsion is provided which is capable of being mixed with an aqueous fabric softener base composition to provide perfume thereto. The use of the defined microemulsion enables the addition of perfume as well as other cosmetic attributes to an aqueous base composition under conditions of low shear while avoiding any problems of gelation or physical instability in the finished fabric softener product.

Abstract: Compositions including ether-capped poly(oxyalkylated) alcohol surfactants having superior grease cleaning abilities and improved spotting/filming benefits are provided.

Abstract: The present invention provides a softener composition which contains a softening base having an excellent softening effect and satisfactory biodegradability. That is, the present invention provides the softener composition that has (A) a nonionic compound which has at least one C5-C36 alkyl or alkenyl group and an amide bond but contains no dissociative group of amino or carboxyl group; and (B) at least one member selected among (B-&agr;) cationic or ampholytic surfactants having one C5-C36 alkyl or alkenyl group or one optionally substituted aryl group and (B-&bgr;) amino compounds, having at least one C5-C36 alkyl or alkenyl group and salts of the compunds.

Abstract: Thus use of a post detergent step for removing aqueous residue from ware combined with a subsequent step using a potable rinse or a dilute solution of an aqueous food grade rinse aid to rinse alkaline washed ware provides significant advantages. The two step rinse method insures complete and sanitary cleaning of ware while permitting the use of different formulations in the post detergent step and the subsequent rinse step. Such process conditions permit the use of differing times and temperatures in the post detergent step and in the rinse step and permits the use of different formulations in the post detergent step and in the rinse step.

Abstract: The present invention discloses an aqueous, concentrated, stable, translucent, or preferably, clear, rinse added liquid fabric softening compositions which provide excellent water dispersibility in rinse water, comprising a fabric softening active and a principal solvent having a ClogP of from about 0.15 to about 0.64, and an asymmetric structure. In order to achieve the main object of the invention, namely excellent water dispersibility, the molar ratio of a principal solvent of a fabric softening active should be not less than 3, preferably from about 3.6 to about 100.

Abstract: The present invention relates to rinse-added fabric softening compositions, including translucent or clear liquid compositions. The compositions of the present invention comprise a polyoxyalkylene alkyl amide surface active agent which provides increased softness to fabrics, increased stability and formulatability to dispersed phase liquids, and provide for a reduced level of principal solvent when formulated into translucent or clear liquid compositions. In the most basic form, the compositions of the present invention comprise: a) from about 1% to about 80% by weight, of a fabric softening active; b) less than about 15% by weight, of a principal solvent, said principal solvent having a ClogP of from about 0.15 to about 1; c) from about 0.5% to about 10% by weight, of a polyoxyalkylene alkyl amide surface active agent; and d) the balance carriers and adjunct ingredients.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to an aqueous softening and antistatic agent composition comprising a quaternary ammounium compound and a biodegradable nonionic surfactant, which composition comprises a quaternary ammounium compound having the formula wherein R1 is a C6-C22 hydrocarbyl group; and X is halogen or SO42−, in a concentration of at least about 15% by weight. The surfactant is a linear alkoxylated fatty acid or a linear alkoxylated unsaturated alcohol. Furthermore a method for providing cellulosic materials with a reduced tendency to retain an electrostatic charge as well as providing said material with improved softness, wherein the cellulosic material is treated with said composition, and fluff obtainable from fluff pulp treated with the composition.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a liquid fabric softening composition comprising a cationic biodegradable fabric softener and an alkoxylated amino-functional polymer, whereby said combination provides an increased color care benefit on treated fabrics but also enables the use of higher levels of polymers without being detrimental to the stability of the composition.

Abstract: An aqueous composition and a method of applying an aqueous composition to a surface in which the surface active properties of the composition are improved through addition of a new class of surfactants based on the trans isomers of olefinic diols having the formula: ##STR1## wherein each of R.sub.1, R.sub.2, R.sub.3, and R.sub.4 is the same or a different C1 to C9 linear or branched alkyl group and the total number of carbons atoms in the olefinic diol is between 12 and 17. The compounds are useful in lowering the equilibrium surface tension of aqueous organic compositions; for example, those used in coatings, inks and adhesives.

Abstract: Rinse cycle fabric softeners are described which are stable and pourable and which contain a quaternary diester fabric softener such as N-methyl, N,N,N-triethanolamine ditallow ester quaternary ammonium salt in combination with glycerol monostearate and a fatty alcohol ethoxylate nonionic surfactant as the emulsifier having an HLB value above 7.5.

Abstract: The subject invention involves liquid fabric softener compositions for use in the rinse cycle of a laundering process, and concentrates of such compositions, the compositions and concentrates comprising: (a) from about 0.4% to about 24% cationic fabric softener; (b) from about 0.3% to about 10% hydrophobic perfume; (c) from about 0.4% to about 20% nonionic surfactant; (d) from 0% to about 3% water-soluble ionizable inorganic salt; (e) from about 60% to about 98.5% water; and (f) from 0% to about 10% other ingredients; the composition having a ratio of cationic softener to perfume of from about 1:3 to about 5:1, and a ratio of cationic softener to nonionic surfactant of from about 1:2 to about 4:1, the amount of cationic softener plus nonionic surfactant being from about 1% to about 30%; and the composition being a liquid aqueous phase with discrete hydrophobic particles dispersed substantially uniformly therein. The subject invention also involves processes for making such compositions and concentrates.

Abstract: Liquid fabric softener compositions containing a combination of certain block copolymers and water soluble polymers to provide excellent storage stability and viscosity characteristics, especially at elevated temperatures.

Abstract: A laundry detergent composition is disclosed which comprises: (A) a nonionic surfactant represented by formula (1); (B) at least one cationic surfactant represented by formula (2) wherein the cationic surfactant has a whole iodine value of 40 to 100; (C) at least one sparingly water-soluble solvent selected from a solvent represented by formula (3) and a solvent represented by formula (4); and (D) at least one easily water-soluble solvent selected from a solvent represented by formula (5) and a solvent represented by formula (6).

Abstract: A detergent base which is obtainable from the reaction of an ethylenically unsaturated sulfonic acid or carboxylic acid or anhydride thereof with a nonionic surfactant of the formulaR.sub.1 --O-(alkylene-O).sub.n.sbsb.1 --R.sub.2 (1)in whichR.sub.1 is C.sub.8 -C.sub.22 alkyl or C.sub.8 -C.sub.18 alkenyl;R.sub.2 is hydrogen, C.sub.1 -C.sub.4 alkyl, a cycloaliphatic radical having at least 6 C atoms or benzyl; andn.sub.1 is a number from 1 to 60;and if appropriate with sugar derivatives.The detergent base has a good calcium-dispersing power, is very stable to electrolytes and heat and has an excellent washing action and anti-redeposition properties. It is therefore suitable for the preparation of powder and liquid detergents.

Abstract: The invention relates to laundry softener concentrates comprisinga) 5-40% by weight of a cationic softening agent,b) 0.1-25% by weight of an ester of a C.sub.1 -C.sub.22 -carboxylic acid with a di-, tri- or tetrahydric alcohol having 2 to 10 carbon atoms,c) 0-10% by weight of a nonionic dispersing agent,d) 0-20% by weight of a polyglycol ande) water and if appropriate other customary auxiliaries corresponding to the balance to give 100% by weight,and furthermore the use thereof for the preparation of laundry softener emulsions and laundry softener emulsions comprising the laundry softener concentrate.

Abstract: Biodegradable fabric softener compounds that contain ester linkages a substantial level of polyunsaturation in the hydrophobic chains. The compounds can be used to form fabric softening compositions that are aqueous dispersions of the compounds or clear compositions. These compositions have a desirable low viscosity and recover, after freezing and thawing to have a stable low viscosity.

Abstract: An aqueous composition for the post-treatment of washed laundry containing 0.1 to 30% by weight of a water-insoluble quaternary ammonium compound, 0.1 to 50% by weight of a water-soluble quaternary ammonium compound, 0 to 5% by weight of a terpene compound, 0.1 to 20% by weight of a water-soluble acid, and 0.1 to 20% by weight of an emulsifier.

Abstract: Biodegradable fabric softener premix compositions are described containing (1) biodegradable softener actives that contain substantial unsaturation and (2) perfume. The premixes can be added at ambient temperatures to water containing acid, to provide a pH of from about 1.5 to about 5, to form finished compositions. The water can also contain calcium and/or magnesium salt to modify the viscosity.

Abstract: The invention relates to textile softener concentrates based on pentaerythritol and/or dipentaerythritol fatty acid partial esters. The dispersibility of such softener concentrates in cold water can be significantly improved by addition of a special emulsifier combination of quaternary ammonium compounds and nonionic compounds. The quaternary ammonium compounds are quaternized alkoxylated alkylamines and/or esterquats. Ethoxylated and/or propoxylated fatty acids or fatty acid esters and end-capped fatty alcohol polyglycol ethers are suitable nonionic emulsifiers.

Abstract: Biodegradable fabric softener compounds that contain ester linkages a substantial level of polyunsaturation in the hydrophobic chains. The compounds can be used to form fabric softening compositions that are aqueous dispersions of the compounds. These compositions have a desirable low viscosity and recover, after freezing and thawing to have a stable low viscosity.

Abstract: Laundry additive compositions and methods for their use are provided. The compositions include a dispersible polyolefin, preferably polyethylene, and at least one compound selected from the group consisting of dye fixative agents, chelating agents, dye transfer inhibiting agents, chlorine scavenging agents, free radical scavenging agents, cellulase enzymes and mixtures thereof. Preferably, the composition is a liquid composition added to the rinse cycle of a consumer laundry process or to a pre-treatment cycle before a wash cycle of a consumer laundry process.

Abstract: Biodegradable fabric softener compounds that contain ester linkages a substantial level of polyunsaturation in the hydrophobic chains. The compounds can be used to form fabric softening compositions that are aqueous dispersions of the compounds or clear compositions. These compositions have a desirable low viscosity and recover, after freezing and thawing to have a stable low viscosity.

Abstract: Cationic surfactant compound comprising, in the form of a quaternary ammonium salt, a product of condensation between, on the one hand a fraction of saturated or unsaturated fatty acids, or of derivatives of said acids chosen from the group comprising esters, anhydrides and acid chlorides, and on the other hand at least one tertiary amine, characterized in that, in combination:the alkyl chains of the tertiary amine together contain from 4 to 12 carbon atomsthe alkyl chains of the tertiary amine together contain from 1 to 4 functions each chosen from the group comprising hydroxyl and amine functionsthe fatty acids fraction/tertiary amine mole ratio is between 1.85 and 1.40the fatty acids each possess a hydrocarbon chain in which the number of carbon atoms is between 5 and 23.

Abstract: Rinse-added fabric softening compositions are provided comprising mixtures of a substituted imidazoline fabric softener material and a highly ethoxylated hydrophobic material as a scum dispersant to prevent the formation of scum by interaction of the substituted imidazoline fabric softener material with anionic detergent surfactant and/or phosphate detergency builder entrapped in the fabric, and a liquid carrier. These, preferably biodegradable, compositions have good product stability, dispersibility, and concentratability, as well as excellent fabric softening characteristics.

Abstract: The present invention relates to liquid and solid biodegradable fabric softener compositions combined with nonionic or anionic esters of a non-allylic alcohol perfumes. These compositions exhibit improved perfume longevity and reduced environmental impact.

Abstract: Clear fabric softener microemulsion compositions have been developed for use in the rinse cycle comprising a combination of diester quaternary ammonium surfactants, diamido ammonium surfactants and selected organic solvents. Fatty co-softeners and oil perfumes may be included as optional ingredients. These microemulsions are converted to macroemulsions upon dilution with water in the rinse cycle to provide a fabric softening treatment.

Abstract: The present invention relates to liquid and solid biodegradable fabric softener compositions combined with highly enduring substantive perfume compositions. These enduring perfume compositions comprise at least about 70% of enduring perfume ingredients. These compositions provide better perfume deposition on treated fabric, and consequently are not substantially lost during the rinse and drying cycle for less impact on the environment. Also, these perfumes improve the physical stability of the softener composition.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a stable, homogenous fabric softening composition providing good static control, selected from the group consisting of:I. a liquid composition comprising: (A) from about 5% to about 40% by weight of a biodegradable quaternary ammonium fabric softening compound; (B) from about 0% to about 2.5% by weight of an electrolyte; (C)an aqueous liquid carrier; and (D) from about 0% to about 0.5% of a silicone antifoam agent; and II. a solid particulate composition comprising: (A) from about 50% to about 95% by weight of a biodegradable quaternary ammonium fabric softening compound; and (B) from about 0% to about 30% by weight of dispersibility modifier selected from the group consisting of: 1.) single-long-chain, C.sub.10 -C.sub.22 alkyl, cationic surfactant; 2.) nonionic surfactant with at least 8 ethoxy moieties; 3.) amine oxide; and 4.) mixtures thereof; wherein the quaternary ammonium fabric softening compound has the formula:(R).sub.4-m -N.sup.+ -[(CH.sub.2).sub.n -Y-R.sup.2 ].sub.

Abstract: A fabric softening product which is a composition or an article for application to fibrous materials so that a fabric softening component thereof is deposited on the fibrous materials and softens the same, the fabric softening component comprising at least one higher aliphatic acid ester selected from the group consisting of:I. an ester having the formula: ##STR1## wherein R.sub.1, R.sub.2, R.sub.3 and R.sub.4 may be the same or different and are H, (--H.sub.2).sub.x OR.sub.5 or (--H.sub.2).sub.y CH.sub.3 ; R.sub.5 is H, --OCR.sub.6, [--(--CH.sub.2 --].sub.n H or [--(--CH.sub.2 --).sub.m O]--.sub.n OCR.sub.6 and --OCR.sub.6 is a higher fatty acid acyl group having 8 to 24 carbon atoms;x is an integer from 0 to 3, y is an integer from 0 to 4, m is an integer from 1 to 3, and n is an integer from 1 to 10;with the proviso (1) that only two of R.sub.1, R.sub.2, R.sub.3 and R.sub.4 may be H or --(CH.sub.2).sub.y CH.sub.3 and (2) that there be at least 2 higher fatty acid acyl groups;II. an oligomer of I; andIII.

Abstract: Compositions are disclosed containing fabric softener compound having two hydrophobic groups attached to the remainder of the compound through ester linkages (DEQA), said compositions being concentrated and containing viscosity/dispersibility modifiers which are single long chain cationic surfactants, highly ethoxylated nonionic surfactants and/or mixtures thereof. Premixes of the DEQA and viscosity modifiers to lower the viscosity of the molten DEQA are disclosed. Processes for making aqueous liquid compositions from solid particulate compositions containing the DEQA are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to softening compounds; stable, homogeneous, preferably concentrated, aqueous liquid and solid textile treatment compositions; and intermediate compositions and/or processes for making said compositions. The compositions of the present invention contain diester quaternary ammonium compounds wherein the fatty acyl groups have an Iodine Value of from greater than about 5 to less than about 100, a cis/trans isomer weight ratio of greater than about 30/70 when the Iodine Value is less than about 25, the level of unsaturation being less than about 65% by weight, wherein said compounds are capable of forming concentrated aqueous compositions with concentrations greater than about 13% by weight at an Iodine Value of greater than about 10 without viscosity modifiers other than normal polar organic solvents present in the raw material of the compound or added electrolyte.

Abstract: The present invention relates to liquid and solid biodegradable fabric softener compositions combined with nonionic or anionic esters of a non-allylic alcohol perfumes. These compositions exhibit improved perfume longevity and reduced enviromental impact.