Rinse cycle fabric softeners

VARISOFT 222LM-(90%) is a more fluid and cold water dispersible version of VARISOFT 222-90%. It is designed to be used in the formulation of regular rinse, concentrated rinse, and high solids aqueous dispersions. Water at temperatures as low as 55F can be used to formulate these liquid rinse cycle fabric softeners. Its versatility simplifies inventory control of the base, yet offers much formulation flexibility. 

Cationic surfactants are mainly employed for the purpose of achieving certain special effects, which include applications in rinse-cycle fabric softeners, antistatic agents, and microbicides [4]. 

The cationic detergents invariably contain amino compounds. The most widely used would be the quaternary ammonium salts, such as cetyltrimethylammonium chloride, a well-known germicide and di-stearyldimethylammonium chloride (DSDMAC), known as fabric softener for cotton diapers and as a laundry rinse-cycle fabric softener [4]. 

The copolymer of acrylamide and ammonium acrylate is used to build viscosity in rinse cycle fabric softeners. This polymer is compatible with nonionic and most cationic surfactants that are used in fabric softener formulations. The polymer is incompatible with anionic surfactants and strong oxidizing agents, and it is sensitive to electrolytes. An example of other cationic polymers useful as thickeners for aqueous acid solutions is described in patent application EP 395282 [24],... 

Among the aesthetic attributes, viscosity also deserves special mention. The final viscosity of a rinse cycle fabric softener is indeed critical for the perception of product performance. Thick usually means rich in the consumer s mind. Thickness also affects the performance. Too thick a product is indeed not easily poured from the bottle and may disperse badly in the rinse, leaving residues in the dispenser of... 

Concentrated products lead to a reduction of plastic waste and distribution costs. They enable space savings on the shelves at the point of sale and at home. Their success, however, varies strongly from country to country introduced in Germany in 1980 [14], they represented 95% of the German rinse cycle fabric softener market in 1994 and only 10% of the Spanish and Italian ones [21], In France and the U.K. they are at parity with regular products [5], Likewise, they appeared on the Japanese market in 1988 and represented 50% of sales six years after [5], On the contrary, in emerging countries, regular products still remain the most popular, as consumers feel they get more for their money. 

In the first washes, the softness obtained with clay, although being perceivable, remains far from that delivered by a rinse cycle fabric softener, despite the high clay levels involved - up to 20% of the product and more. These levels are possible because of the relatively low price of bentonites. 

Electrical tumble dryers are much more popular in the U.S. than in Europe (see Section IV). Consequently the market penetration of dryer cycle fabric softeners is much more important in North America than anywhere else. They are usually based on the same types of actives as the rinse cycle fabric softeners [35], Two methods of delivery exist. Nonwoven sheets are impregnated with cationic softener that are incorporated in the wet load at the start of tumble drying or a fabric conditioner is sprayed from an aerosol onto the empty dryer drum before the drying process [16]. 

A key attribute of rinse cycle fabric softeners is their viscosity. The control of the finished product viscosity is very delicate, as its value at the end of the formulation depends on several parameters linked to the ingredient composition and the manufacturing procedure. Also, viscosity may vary upon storage. 

For three decades, rinse cycle fabric softeners were essentially 3-8 wt% active dispersions [22], which were considered regular strength. In the past 10-15 years, a market for less bulky, more concentrated products has emerged as a result of the desire to cut packaging and transportation costs, reduce the shelf-space, and utilize smaller, easier-to-handle containers. Section 9.6 discusses the concentrated rinse cycle fabric softeners. 

The launch of Downy Rinse Free (Libre Enjuagne) rinse cycle fabric softener in Mexico in 2004 had a significant impact on the fabric conditioner market in Mexico [23]. The product, which... 

No rinse fabric conditioners are formulated with defoamers that eliminate the visible foam from the anionic surfactant carried over into the rinse by the washed fabrics [24]. These formulations are also formulated to minimize the interaction of the cationic softener and anionic surfactant or to prevent the formation of large aggregates of cationic softener/anionic surfactant complexes [25]. Mexican consumers have shown their appreciation for the time savings of only one rinse step and the ability to save on water use. Signihcant consumer interest has resulted in additional entries into the category such as Suavitel Sin Enjuague rinse cycle fabric softener. 

Keys, R. O., Formulation and production of concentrated rinse cycle fabric softeners. HAPPI (March) 95-97, 1995. 

Water temperature during the rinse cycle Fabric softener concentration Dispersibility by additives/mixing Dryer versns air dry... 

Uses Fabric softener for use in rinse cycle fabric softeners Features Gives high vise, dispersions at low solids Properties Gardner 6 paste dens. 8.12 Ib/gal (50 C) vise. 1500 cps (95 F) pour pt. 86 F pH 6 (10% water/IPA) 90% solids ACCOSOFT 540HC [Stepan]... 

Uses Softener for rinse cycle fabric softening Features No greasy feel... 

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