JP2006104628A - Softener composition - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a softener composition having good softness-imparting effects on various kinds of textile fibers and solving such problems as improving the composition's stability with time, improving the water absorbability of fabrics treated therewith and suppressing yellowing such fabrics. <P>SOLUTION: The softener composition comprises a component(A) as a nonionic surfactant of chemical formula(1) derived from saturated primary alcohols including ≥80% of 5-10C alcohols and a component(B) as one or more cationic surfactants selected from the group consisting of a mono-long-chain hydrocarbon group-type quaternary ammonium salt, di-long-chain hydrocarbon group-type quaternary ammonium salt, mono-long-chain hydrocarbon group-type tertiary amine and di-long-chain hydrocarbon group-type tertiary amine each represented by chemical formula(2a) in the figure or chemical formula(2b) in the figure. In this composition, the solid weight ratio (A)/(B) is (1:10) to (20:1), and the component(B) accounts for 3-40 wt.% of the whole composition. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2006,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to a softener composition.

  Conventionally, quaternary ammonium salts having a long-chain alkyl group or tertiary amine acid salts have been used as softeners, and these are water-insoluble, so they cannot be incorporated in the composition at a high concentration. There was a problem that sometimes gelation and viscosity increase occurred. In addition, conventional softener compositions are forced to have a product form in a dispersed state due to the above-mentioned problems. For the purpose of improving compatibility and improving stability over time, components that are not inherently involved in imparting flexibility, for example, dispersion stabilization In some cases, it is necessary to add an auxiliary agent or a solvent, which is a cause of high cost. In recent years, product appearance has also become an important factor in commercial products, and it is desired to increase the added value of products by improving product appearance.

  The following techniques are disclosed as measures for solving these problems. For example, in recent years, a transparent or translucent softening agent has been developed in order to improve the product value from an aesthetic point of view. JP-A-7-229061 discloses a softening agent having an unsaturated alkyl group and a nonaqueous solution. A composition using a solvent is disclosed. Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 9-250085 discloses a softening agent composition using a softening base material having a specific iodine value. However, the softening agent having an unsaturated alkyl group is colored during storage and the odor is deteriorated, so that the product value is significantly impaired. Moreover, the problem that the clothing after a flexible process turns yellow arises.

  In order to solve this problem, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 9-310276 discloses a softener composition with improved odor stability containing a specific antioxidant, chelating agent and solvent. Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 7-3650 discloses a transparent and stable liquid softening agent composition using a specific aromatic compound. Furthermore, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 11-43863 discloses a softener composition using a specific aryl compound and having excellent color and odor stability. However, even with these technologies, the coloring and odor deterioration during storage cannot be suppressed to a satisfactory level. In addition, it is difficult to make the softening agent composition transparent by these techniques, or even if it can be made transparent, problems such as white turbidity at low temperatures occur. Furthermore, the problem of yellowing of clothing after flexible processing has not been solved.

  Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2001-164466 discloses a transparent softener composition excellent in odor and color stability using a softener base material composed of a saturated hydrocarbon group and a specific solvent. A softener composition using a softener base material having a hydrocarbon group has a tendency that water does not easily soak into a towel or the like and has poor water absorption, and an improvement thereof is desired.

In addition, JP 2003-328268 A, JP 2003-105667 A, and International Publication No. 99/06509 pamphlet describe an asymmetric dialkyl type softening agent for the purpose of making the softening agent composition transparent and improving compatibility. Although the base material is illustrated, there is a problem that the production process is not multistage and complicated, and the level of the production technique is high, which is not preferable for commercial production.
JP 2003-105667 A JP 2003-328268 A

  As described above, in the conventional softener composition, the softener component concentration is increased, the compatibility is improved, the temporal stability with respect to coloring and odor is improved, the water absorption of clothing and towels after the softening treatment is improved, and the yellowing is suppressed. However, there has been a demand for a liquid softener composition that is preferably transparent and that exhibits a good softening effect on a wide variety of fiber types while solving these problems. Yes. In addition, dialkyl dimethyl quaternary ammonium salts that have been widely used as a softener base material can impart good flexibility, but are poor in biodegradability, and therefore have a softener excellent in biodegradability. It is desired.

  In view of the various problems of the prior art as described above, the present invention is capable of increasing the concentration of a softening agent component that is practically desired, improving compatibility, and stabilizing over time with respect to coloring and odor, in addition to a good softening effect. Requirements for softener compositions that solve problems such as improved water absorbency, improved water absorption of clothing and towels, and suppression of yellowing, and exhibit good flexibility for a wide variety of fiber types As a result of searching for, by using a nonionic surfactant having a specific chemical structure and preferably having a specific range of critical micelle concentration (cmc), good flexibility is provided while satisfying desired requirements It has been found that an effect can be obtained, and has come to provide the softener composition of the present invention which is extremely useful in practice.

That is, the softener composition of the present invention is represented by the following chemical formula (1) derived from a saturated primary alcohol in which the content of alcohol having 5 to 10 carbon atoms is 80% (% by weight, the same applies hereinafter). A non-ionic surfactant component (A), and a mono long chain hydrocarbon group type quaternary ammonium salt or di long chain hydrocarbon group type quaternary ammonium salt represented by the following chemical formula (2a) or (2b) And a component (B) which is one or more cationic surfactants selected from the group consisting of mono long chain hydrocarbon group type tertiary amines and di long chain hydrocarbon group type tertiary amines. The solid content weight ratio of the component (A) to the component (B) is (A) / (B) = 1/10 to 20/1, and the component (B) is 3 wt% or more and 40 wt% or less. (Claim 1).

(In the chemical formula (1), R ¹ represents a hydrocarbon group having a hydrocarbon group content of 5 to 10 carbon atoms of 80% or more, and — (AO) — represents one type having 2 to 4 carbon atoms or An oxyalkylene group obtained by an addition polymerization reaction of two or more kinds of alkylene oxides is shown, n is an average addition mole number of alkylene oxides and is 0-100.

(In the chemical formulas (2a) and (2b), R ¹¹ has an alkyl group, an alkenyl group, or a β-hydroxyalkyl group having 8 to 24 carbon atoms, or an ester group, an amide group, or an ether group as a separating group. A hydrocarbon group having 8 to 27 carbon atoms including a splitting group R ¹² is an alkyl group, alkenyl group or β-hydroxyalkyl group having 8 to 24 carbon atoms, or an ester group or an amide group as a splitting group; It has an ether group and is a hydrocarbon group having 8 to 27 carbon atoms, including these splitting groups, an alkyl group having 1 to 3 carbon atoms, or a β-hydroxyalkyl group, and R ¹³ has 1 to 3 carbon atoms. Or two R ¹³ in the chemical formula (2a) may be the same or different, and X ⁻ represents halo. A gen ion or a monoalkyl sulfate group having an alkyl group having 1 to 3 carbon atoms, or another anionic compound present in the system substituted by an equilibrium action in the system.Chemical formula (2b) which is a tertiary amine The compound may form a neutralized salt with an acid.)

In the above, component (A) is represented by the following chemical formula (3) derived from a saturated primary alcohol having a content of alcohol having 5 to 10 carbon atoms of 80% or more and a content of branched alcohol of 50% or more. It is preferable that it is a nonionic surfactant represented (Claim 2).

(In Formula (3), R ² is a hydrocarbon group having a hydrocarbon group content of 5 to 10 carbon atoms of 80% or more, and — (A′O) — is an oxy having 3 and / or 4 carbon atoms. Represents an alkylene group,-(EO)-represents an oxyethylene group having 2 carbon atoms, n 'represents the average number of added moles of alkylene oxide, m represents the average number of added moles of ethylene oxide, and n' is 0. -10 and m are 1 to 100, and the total number of n 'and m is 0 to 100.)

The component (A) is more preferably a nonionic surfactant represented by the following chemical formula (4) derived from a branched saturated primary alcohol of 2-alkyl-1-alkanol type (Claim 3).

(In the chemical formula (4), R ³ and R ⁴ represent a hydrocarbon group, the hydrocarbon group constituting R ³ has 2 to 6 carbon atoms, and the hydrocarbon group constituting R ⁴ has 1 to 4 carbon atoms. And the sum of the hydrocarbon groups of R ³ and R ⁴ is 3 to 10. In addition, — (A′O) — represents an oxyalkylene group having 3 and / or 4 carbon atoms, and — (EO) -Represents an oxyethylene group having 2 carbon atoms, n 'represents the average number of added moles of alkylene oxide, m represents the average number of added moles of ethylene oxide, n' represents 0 to 10, m represents 1 to 100, The total number of n ′ and m is 0 to 100.)

  In the softener composition, the critical micelle concentration (cmc) of the component (A) is in the range of 0.01 wt% or more and less than 10 wt%, and the critical micelle concentration (cmc) of the component (B) is 0.0001. It is preferable to be in the range of not less than 0.1% by weight.

  According to the softener composition of the present invention, a practically satisfactory level of flexibility can be imparted to a wide range of fiber types and clothing.

  Further, the nonionic surfactant used in the present invention does not adversely affect the flexibility, and acts as a viscosity reducer, compatibility improver, solubilizer, emulsifier, dispersant, etc. in the formulation of the softener base. To do. Further, after the softening treatment, it acts as a penetrability and water absorption improver while minimizing adverse effects on the softness. Therefore, when blending a hydrophobic softener base material into a softener composition, it has been added for the purpose of reducing viscosity, improving compatibility, solubilizing, emulsifying, dispersing, etc., and may adversely affect flexibility. Since various additives that are costly and cause high costs are not required, the product can be made transparent and a wide range of formulations can be prepared, which contributes to the improvement of commercial value. Also, depending on handling conditions and blending conditions, viscosity reducing agents that exhibit skin irritation and flammability problems, that is, the amount of solvents can be greatly reduced, and high cost problems due to blending of viscosity reducing agents can be eliminated. .

  In addition, it suppresses the adsorption of iron in water to clothing and eliminates the yellowing problem caused by finishing or over time.

  Furthermore, an environment-friendly softener composition with improved biodegradability can be provided by appropriately selecting the softener base to be used.

  As described above, the softener composition of the present invention contains a nonionic surfactant (component (A)) having a specific composition and a cationic surfactant (component (B)) as a softener base as essential components. To do.

The nonionic surfactant as the component (A) has a structure represented by the following chemical formula (1) derived from a saturated primary alcohol having a content of alcohol having 5 to 10 carbon atoms of 80% or more.

In the chemical formula (1), R ¹ represents a hydrocarbon group having a C 5-10 hydrocarbon group content of 80% or more, and — (AO) — represents an oxyalkylene group having 2 to 4 carbon atoms. It is obtained by addition polymerization reaction of at least one kind of alkylene oxide, and n represents the average number of added moles of alkylene oxide, and is 0-100.

In order to achieve the object of the present invention, the nonionic surfactant is derived from a saturated primary alcohol having a content of alcohol of 5 to 10 carbon atoms of 80% or more and a content of branched alcohol of 50% or more. It is desirable to have a structure represented by the following chemical formula (3).

In the chemical formula (3), R ² is a hydrocarbon group having a hydrocarbon group content of 5 to 10 carbon atoms of 80% or more, and — (A′O) — is an oxyalkylene having 3 and / or 4 carbon atoms. -(EO)-represents a oxyethylene group having 2 carbon atoms. N ′ represents the average number of added moles of alkylene oxide, m represents the average number of added moles of ethylene oxide, n ′ is 0 to 10, m is 1 to 100, and the total number of n ′ and m is 0 to 100. It is.

More preferably, the nonionic surfactant has a structure represented by the following chemical formula (4) derived from a branched saturated primary alcohol of 2-alkyl-1-alkanol type.

In the chemical formula (4), R ³ and R ⁴ represent a hydrocarbon group, the hydrocarbon group constituting R ³ has 2 to 6 carbon atoms, and the hydrocarbon group constituting R ⁴ has 1 to 4 carbon atoms. Yes, the total number of carbon atoms of the hydrocarbon groups of R ³ and R ⁴ is 3-10. -(A'O)-,-(EO)-, n ', and m are the same as in chemical formula (3).

  By using a nonionic surfactant having the above-mentioned specific composition, the present invention can increase the concentration of a softening agent component desired for practical use, improve compatibility, improve stability over time with respect to coloring and odor, and clothing after softening treatment. , Problems such as improved water absorption of towels and suppression of yellowing can be solved. Still further, it is possible to provide a softener composition that exhibits good flexibility for a wide variety of fiber types.

  In addition, the nonionic surfactant used in the present invention not only improves the above-mentioned various problems, but also has a low impact on imparting flexibility, and by appropriately selecting the composition of the softener substrate to be used. This is practically useful in that it can provide an environmentally friendly softener composition with improved biodegradability.

  The component (A) is derived from a saturated primary alcohol having an alcohol content of 5 to 10 carbon atoms of 80% or more. Further, as described above, the saturated primary alcohol is preferably derived from a saturated primary alcohol having an alcohol content of 8 to 10 carbon atoms of 80% or more and a branched alcohol content of 50% or more. May have a single carbon number or a mixture of higher alcohols having different carbon numbers, and the chemical structure of the higher alcohol may have a single composition or a mixture of a plurality of isomers. There may be. Preferable examples include linear and / or branched pentanol, hexanol and heptanol, and octanol and 2-ethyl-1-hexanol as preferable examples of alcohol having 8 to 10 carbon atoms. In addition, branched saturated primary alcohols produced by an oxo method via higher olefins derived from propylene or butene or a mixture thereof are listed, and isononanol, isodecanol and the like produced by this production method are commercially available. Yes. Moreover, a mixture of branched saturated primary alcohols produced by this production method, for example, EXXAL9, EXXAL10 (manufactured by Exxon Chemical Co., Ltd.) and the like are also examples of branched higher alcohols that can be suitably used. Further, linear and branched mixed alcohols produced by an oxo method via an olefin derived from n-paraffin or ethylene oligomer can also be suitably used. Also, 2-alkyl-1-alkanols such as 2-propyl-1-hexanol, 2-butyl-1-hexanol, 2-ethyl-1-heptanol, 2-propyl-1-heptanol, 2-ethyl-1-octanol and the like A single composition of Guerbet Alcohol having a chemical structure of a type or a mixture thereof is an example of a branched type higher alcohol that can be suitably used. Moreover, it is also possible to mix | blend and use 2 or more types of said various alcohol.

  The nonionic surfactant used in the present invention is obtained by addition polymerization of a C2-C4 alkylene oxide to a saturated primary alcohol, preferably a C2-C2 alkylene oxide and a C3-C4. Obtained by block addition of alkylene oxide. The alkylene oxide having 2 carbon atoms is ethylene oxide, and the alkylene oxide having 3 carbon atoms is propylene oxide. The alkylene oxide having 4 carbon atoms also includes tetrahydrane, but is preferably 1,2-butylene oxide or 2,3-butylene oxide.

  N ′ in the compounds represented by the above general formulas (3) and (4), that is, the average number of moles added of the alkylene oxide having 3 and / or 4 carbon atoms is the ability to reduce surface tension, wetting and penetrating power, etc. From the point that the practical performance and properties are excellent, 0 to 10 is preferable, and 0 to 5 is more preferable.

  M in the compounds represented by the general formulas (3) and (4), that is, the average number of moles of ethylene oxide added is 1 to 100, and is excellent in surface tension reducing ability, wetting / penetrating ability, and physical property balance. In this respect, 1 to 50 is more preferable.

  The nonionic surfactant used in the present invention can be derived from the above-mentioned saturated primary alcohol using various known catalysts such as metal oxides, metal salts, metal complexes in addition to alkali catalysts and acid catalysts. It is. Among them, the alkali catalyst is advantageous in commercial production from the viewpoint of the reaction rate, production cost and the like because the amount of by-product produced is relatively low. Examples of the alkali catalyst that can be used include hydroxides of alkali metals such as potassium hydroxide and sodium hydroxide, and various amine compounds including triethylamine. A suitable amount of catalyst is in the range of 0.005 to 1.0% (converted to solid content) per reaction crude product (total charge), more preferably 0.03 to 0.4% (converted to solid content).

  Furthermore, the present inventor has found that the critical micelle concentration (cmc), which is a physicochemical characteristic value that is extremely important in characterizing the performance of a surfactant, is extremely rational in defining the effect of the present invention that is practically useful. The range of surfactants that can be suitably used in the present invention was specified by the critical micelle concentration (cmc) at 25 ° C.

  The critical micelle concentration (cmc) of the surfactant is an important characteristic value that determines the performance and actual use concentration of the surfactant. In the present invention, the critical micelle concentration (cmc) is a characteristic value obtained from surface tension data (bending point of surface tension-concentration curve) by the Wilhelmy method for a surfactant aqueous solution having an arbitrary concentration at 25 ° C. % By weight.

  The nonionic surfactant of component (A) preferably has a critical micelle concentration (cmc) in the range of 0.01 wt% or more and less than 10 wt%. When the critical micelle concentration of the component (A) is less than 0.01% by weight, the flexibility is greatly lowered and the texture is deteriorated. In addition, skin irritation and environmental impact (aquatic toxicity) tend to deteriorate. On the other hand, when the critical micelle concentration is 10% by weight or more, there are problems that the desired softness is not developed, the texture is deteriorated, and the water absorption after the softening process is lowered.

  Component (A) does not adversely affect or minimizes the action of component (B) imparting flexibility, in the softener composition as a thickening agent and / or as a compatibilizer and / or Alternatively, it acts as a solubilizer and / or as an emulsification / dispersion stabilizer and / or as a permeability / water absorption improver after softening treatment. In the expression of the action that is very useful in practical use, the requirements on the composition of the component (A) and the limited range of the critical micelle concentration (cmc) in the present invention are important requirements.

Next, the component (B) used in the present invention is a mono-long-chain hydrocarbon group-type quaternary ammonium salt or di-long-chain hydrocarbon group-type quaternary ammonium represented by the following chemical formula (2a) or (2b): It is a cationic surfactant that is a salt, a mono long chain hydrocarbon group type tertiary amine, or a di long chain hydrocarbon group type tertiary amine. The compound represented by these chemical formulas (2a) or (2b) is 1 A seed may be used independently and a 2 or more types of mixture may be used.

In the chemical formulas (2a) and (2b), R ¹¹ has an alkyl group, an alkenyl group, or a β-hydroxyalkyl group having 8 to 24 carbon atoms, or an ester group, an amide group, or an ether group as a separating group. It is a hydrocarbon group having 8 to 27 carbon atoms including the group. R ¹² has an alkyl group, an alkenyl group, a β-hydroxyalkyl group having 8 to 24 carbon atoms, or an ester group, an amide group, or an ether group as a splitting group, and has 8 to 27 carbon atoms including the splitting group. It is a hydrocarbon group. Alternatively, it may be an alkyl group having 1 to 3 carbon atoms or a β-hydroxyalkyl group. R ¹³ is an alkyl group having 1 to 3 carbon atoms or a β-hydroxyalkyl group, and two R ¹³ in the chemical formula (2a) may be the same or different. Further, X ^- is a monoalkyl sulfate group having a halogen ion or an alkyl group having 1 to 3 carbon atoms. X ⁻ may be replaced by another anionic compound present in the system by an equilibrium action in the system. Moreover, when an acid coexists in the system, the compound of the chemical formula (2b) which is a tertiary amine may form a neutralized salt with the acid.

  Specific examples of the cationic surfactant that can be used as the component (B) in the present invention include the following compounds. However, these are examples of compounds that can be suitably used, and the component (B) is limited to these. It is not something.

In the chemical formula (2-1), R ^* is preferably coconut fatty acid-derived alkyl group, palm fatty acid-derived alkyl group, tallow fatty acid-derived alkyl group, hydrogenated beef tallow fatty acid-derived alkyl group, stearyl group, oleyl group, cetyl A group or a mixture thereof.

In the chemical formula (2-2), R ^* -CO- is preferably an alkyl residue derived from palm fatty acid, an alkyl residue derived from palm fatty acid, an alkyl residue derived from tallow fatty acid, an alkyl residue derived from hydrogenated tallow fatty acid, A stearic acid residue, an oleic acid residue, a palmitic acid residue, or a mixture thereof. X is an integer of 2 or 3.

In the chemical formula (2-3), R ^* -CO- is preferably a palm fatty acid-derived alkyl residue, palm fatty acid-derived alkyl residue, tallow fatty acid-derived alkyl residue, hydrogenated beef tallow fatty acid-derived alkyl residue, A stearic acid residue, an oleic acid residue, a palmitic acid residue, or a mixture thereof. X is an integer of 2 or 3.

In the chemical formula (2-4), R ^* —CO— is preferably a coconut fatty acid-derived alkyl residue, a palm fatty acid-derived alkyl residue, a tallow fatty acid-derived alkyl residue, a hydrogenated beef tallow fatty acid-derived alkyl residue, A stearic acid residue, an oleic acid residue, a palmitic acid residue, or a mixture thereof. X is an integer of 2 or 3.

In the chemical formula (2-5), R ^** is preferably a palm fatty acid-derived alkyl group, a palm fatty acid-derived alkyl group, a tallow fatty acid-derived alkyl group, a hydrogenated beef tallow fatty acid-derived alkyl group, a behenyl group, a stearyl group, An oleyl group, a cetyl group, or a mixture thereof.

In the chemical formula (2-6), R ^* -CO- is preferably a coconut fatty acid-derived alkyl residue, a palm fatty acid-derived alkyl residue, a tallow fatty acid-derived alkyl residue, a hydrogenated beef tallow fatty acid-derived alkyl residue, A behenic acid residue, a stearic acid residue, an oleic acid residue, a palmitic acid residue or a mixture thereof. X is an integer of 2 or 3.

  In order to obtain a synergistic effect between the component (A) and the component (B), which are the factors that manifest the effects of the present invention, the critical micelle concentration (cmc) of the component (B) cationic surfactant is 0.0001% by weight. It is desirable that it is in the range of 0.1% by weight or more. When the critical micelle concentration of the component (B) is less than 0.0001% by weight, the water solubility of the component (B) is poor, it is difficult to mix in the softener composition, gelation, and the compatibility is lowered. Tend to occur. Also, it does not exhibit the desired softness in practical use, tends to cause problems such as deterioration of water absorption after softening treatment, yellowing of clothing, and deterioration of skin irritation and environmental impact (aquatic biotoxicity). It is in. On the other hand, when the critical micelle concentration is 0.1% by weight or more, there is a tendency to cause problems that the flexibility desired in practice is not exhibited and the texture is deteriorated.

  In order to achieve the object of the present invention, the component ratio (solid content weight ratio) of the two components (A) and (B) is (A) / (B) = 1 / 20-30 / 1. It is desirable that (A) / (B) = 1/10 to 20/1. The amount of component (B) is preferably 3% by weight or more and 40% by weight or less, and more preferably 5% by weight or more and 40% by weight or less. In addition, when components (A) and (B) are not in the range of this blending ratio, problems such as not exhibiting practically desired flexibility, deterioration of water absorption after softening treatment, and yellowing of clothing. cause.

  In addition, the softener composition composed of the components (A) and (B) within the range specifically limited in the present invention develops skin irritation and flammability problems depending on cost, handling conditions and blending conditions. Thus, the amount of solvents added for the purpose of lowering viscosity and improving compatibility can be greatly reduced. In addition, when the selection of the components (A) and (B) and the blending conditions are limited within a specific range within the scope of the present invention, a transparent softener composition having a uniform external appearance is obtained. Significantly improve the product value of the product.

  In the softener composition of the present invention, within the range not inhibiting the effects of the present invention, in addition to the above essential components, higher fatty acids, higher alcohols, known chelating agents, viscosity modifiers such as water, calcium chloride, sodium chloride, Lower alcohols such as magnesium chloride, sodium acetate, ethanol, propylene glycol, ethylene glycol, propylene glycol, glycols, urea, benzene sulfonate, toluene sulfonate, xylene sulfonate, benzoate, etc. As the pH adjuster, for example, sodium hydroxide, potassium hydroxide, alkanolamines, sulfuric acid, hydrochloric acid, alkylbenzenesulfonic acid, toluenesulfonic acid, xylenesulfonic acid, cumenesulfonic acid, and the like can be used. The pH of the softener composition is not particularly limited, but is preferably 2 to 5 from the viewpoint of product stability. In addition, known thickeners, preservatives, pigments, fragrances and the like can be used in combination.

  Hereinafter, the present invention will be described in more detail with reference to examples, but the present invention is not limited to these examples.

1. Synthesis of Nonionic Surfactant After charging a predetermined amount of alcohol and potassium hydroxide (0.10% per crude product) as starting materials shown in Table 1 in an 8 L autoclave, the inside of the autoclave was replaced with nitrogen, The pressure was reduced at 70 ° C. with stirring, and after the internal pressure in the reactor reached 2.7 KPa, dehydration under reduced pressure was continued for 30 minutes. Next, after the temperature was raised to 120 ° C., alkylene oxide (PO: propylene oxide, BO: butylene oxide) in an amount corresponding to the number of added moles shown in the same table was introduced at 125 ± 5 ° C. and a reaction pressure of 0.20 MPa. did. After the introduction, the reaction temperature was maintained, and aging was performed until the internal pressure decreased and became constant. Next, after introducing ethylene oxide in an amount corresponding to the number of moles of addition shown in the same table at 135 ± 5 ° C. and a reaction pressure of 0.25 MPa, the reaction temperature is maintained and aging is performed until the internal pressure decreases and becomes constant. I let you. The reaction solution was cooled to 70 ° C. and then neutralized with lactic acid to obtain a nonionic surfactant.

  Table 1 shows the composition, cloud point, critical micelle concentration (cmc), and environmental characteristic values of the nonionic surfactant obtained as described above.

  In addition, the cloud point showed the value by 1% aqueous solution of a nonionic surfactant.

  The critical micelle concentration (cmc) was obtained by measuring the surface tension of a nonionic surfactant aqueous solution having an arbitrary concentration at 25 ° C. by the Wilhelmy method, and obtained [surface tension (mN / m) −aqueous solution concentration (wt%). )] The value (unit: wt%) obtained from the curve was shown (surface tension method).

Moreover, the fish toxicity as an environmental characteristic value is the water temperature of 24 ± 1 ° C with reference to the section of the acute toxicity test for fish in Oryzias Latipes, JIS K 0102: 1998 “Factory drainage test method”. The results of evaluation with a _50- h LC ₅₀ value (half lethal concentration) in 10 fish tests are shown.
○… LC ₅₀ value ≧ 10mg / L
×… LC ₅₀ value <10 mg / L

In addition, the biodegradability as an environmental characteristic value is tested for 28 days at a water temperature of 22 ± 2 ° C. according to the OECD test guideline (easy biodegradability test) 301B. The results of evaluating the biodegradability by obtaining the rate (%) are shown.
○ Decomposition rate (28 days) ≧ 60%
×… Decomposition rate (28 days) <60%

2. Preparation and Evaluation of Softener Composition Using the nonionic surfactant obtained above and other components shown in Table 2, a softener composition was prepared according to the formulation shown in Table 2, and evaluated in the following manner. Went. The composition shown in Table 2 is parts by weight (in terms of solid content), and the total composition was 100 parts by weight.

(1) Softener treatment method
After washing a commercial cotton towel and an acrylic jersey cloth measuring 30cm x 30cm with a commercial laundry detergent by repeating the washing standard course three times using an electric automatic washing machine under the standard washing conditions, Rinse thoroughly with water to make a test cloth. Next, with respect to 30 liters of 25 degreeC tap water, the softener composition obtained by the Example and the comparative example was added so that it might become 7 g, and it was set as the uniform solution. The washed test cloth was treated with this solution at a bath ratio of 1/30 for 3 minutes. After dehydration for 3 minutes, it was left for 24 hours under the conditions of 25 ° C. and 65% RH and used in the following evaluation test.

(2) Evaluation of softness and yellowing property of the treated cloth As a control, the cloth treated with the softener composition shown as a comparative control example in Table 2 in which bis (hydrogenated beef tallow) dimethylammonium chloride was blended as a softener base, A pairwise comparison was made and evaluated according to the following criteria.

[Flexibility evaluation criteria]
A pair comparison was performed using the control cloth as a control, and sensory evaluation was performed according to the following criteria. The evaluation was performed by a total score (0 to 15 points) obtained by adding the evaluation points of five female (married) panelists.
+2 points: very softer than the control cloth +1 point: slightly softer than the control cloth 0 points: the same as the control cloth -1 point: the control is slightly softer -2 points: the control is much softer

[Yellowness evaluation]
A paired comparison was made using the control fabric as a control, and visual evaluation was performed according to the following criteria. The evaluation was made with a total score (-10 to 0 points) obtained by adding the evaluation points of five female (married) panelists.
+1 point: slightly whiter than the control cloth 0 point: whiteness equivalent to the control cloth -1 point: yellowish than the control cloth

(3) Water Absorption Evaluation of Treated Cloth The cotton towel and acrylic jersey cloth (30 cm x 30 cm) treated with the softener by the method of (1) above are folded in four, and this is put into a container containing 25 ° C tap water. It was put in gently and the time until the cotton towel completely submerged was measured.

(4) Storage Stability Evaluation of Softener Composition The appearance (gelation / separation, etc.) after storing the softener composition in a thermostat at 50 ° C. for 1 month was evaluated according to the following evaluation criteria.
○: No change in appearance △: Some change in appearance is observed ×: Change in appearance is recognized

  The softener composition of the present invention improves the compatibility of the softener base material, which has been a problem in the prior art, while ensuring the post-finish flexibility and texture necessary for practical use. It is possible to provide a softener composition that eliminates viscosity and gelation, greatly reduces the amount of solvent used, and is excellent in stability over time. Moreover, environmental compatibility can also be improved by selecting the softener base material used suitably. Accordingly, it can be suitably used in various processes, various applications, and various industrial fields for the purpose of imparting flexibility as a softening agent for business use, linen use, home use and the like.

Claims (4)

Component (A) which is a nonionic surfactant represented by the following chemical formula (1) derived from a saturated primary alcohol having a content of alcohol having 5 to 10 carbon atoms of 80% or more, and the following chemical formula (2a) ) Or (2b) mono long chain hydrocarbon group type quaternary ammonium salt, di long chain hydrocarbon group type quaternary ammonium salt, mono long chain hydrocarbon group type tertiary amine and di long chain hydrocarbon group A component (B) that is one or more cationic surfactants selected from the group consisting of type tertiary amines;
The solid content weight ratio of the component (A) and the component (B) is (A) / (B) = 1/10 to 20/1, and the component (B) is 3 wt% or more and 40 wt% or less. A softener composition characterized by containing in a proportion.

(In the chemical formula (1), R ¹ represents a hydrocarbon group having a hydrocarbon group content of 5 to 10 carbon atoms of 80% or more, and — (AO) — represents one type having 2 to 4 carbon atoms or An oxyalkylene group obtained by an addition polymerization reaction of two or more kinds of alkylene oxides is shown, n is an average addition mole number of alkylene oxides and is 0-100.

(In the chemical formulas (2a) and (2b), R ¹¹ has an alkyl group, an alkenyl group, or a β-hydroxyalkyl group having 8 to 24 carbon atoms, or an ester group, an amide group, or an ether group as a separating group. A hydrocarbon group having 8 to 27 carbon atoms including a splitting group R ¹² is an alkyl group, alkenyl group or β-hydroxyalkyl group having 8 to 24 carbon atoms, or an ester group or an amide group as a splitting group; It has an ether group and is a hydrocarbon group having 8 to 27 carbon atoms, including these splitting groups, an alkyl group having 1 to 3 carbon atoms, or a β-hydroxyalkyl group, and R ¹³ has 1 to 3 carbon atoms. Or two R ¹³ in the chemical formula (2a) may be the same or different, and X ⁻ represents halo. A gen ion or a monoalkyl sulfate group having an alkyl group having 1 to 3 carbon atoms, or another anionic compound present in the system substituted by an equilibrium action in the system.Chemical formula (2b) which is a tertiary amine The compound may form a neutralized salt with an acid.) The component (A) is represented by the following chemical formula (3) derived from a saturated primary alcohol in which the content of alcohol having 5 to 10 carbon atoms is 80% or more and the content of branched alcohol is 50% or more. The softener composition according to claim 1, wherein the softener composition is a nonionic surfactant.

(In Formula (3), R ² is a hydrocarbon group having a hydrocarbon group content of 5 to 10 carbon atoms of 80% or more, and — (A′O) — is an oxy having 3 and / or 4 carbon atoms. Represents an alkylene group,-(EO)-represents an oxyethylene group having 2 carbon atoms, n 'represents the average number of added moles of alkylene oxide, m represents the average number of added moles of ethylene oxide, and n' is 0. -10 and m are 1 to 100, and the total number of n 'and m is 0 to 100.) The component (A) is a nonionic surfactant represented by the following chemical formula (4) derived from a branched saturated primary alcohol of 2-alkyl-1-alkanol type. Or the softening agent composition of 2.

(In the chemical formula (4), R ³ and R ⁴ represent a hydrocarbon group, the hydrocarbon group constituting R ³ has 2 to 6 carbon atoms, and the hydrocarbon group constituting R ⁴ has 1 to 4 carbon atoms. And the sum of the hydrocarbon groups of R ³ and R ⁴ is 3 to 10. In addition, — (A′O) — represents an oxyalkylene group having 3 and / or 4 carbon atoms, and — (EO) -Represents an oxyethylene group having 2 carbon atoms, n 'represents the average number of added moles of alkylene oxide, m represents the average number of added moles of ethylene oxide, n' represents 0 to 10, m represents 1 to 100, The total number of n ′ and m is 0 to 100.) The critical micelle concentration (cmc) of the component (A) is in the range of 0.01 wt% or more and less than 10 wt%, and the critical micelle concentration (cmc) of the component (B) is 0.0001 wt% or more and 0.1 The softening agent composition according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the softening agent composition is in a range of less than% by weight.