WO2002079364A1

WO2002079364A1 - Softener compositions and their use

Info

Publication number: WO2002079364A1
Application number: PCT/EP2002/003189
Authority: WO
Inventors: Petr Kvita; Peter Otto; Mario Dubini
Original assignee: Ciba Specialty Chemicals Holding Inc.
Priority date: 2001-03-30
Filing date: 2002-03-21
Publication date: 2002-10-10

Abstract

There are described softener compositions comprising as textile-softening component a mixture of (a) a fatty acid amide of formula (1), wherein R and R' are each independently of the other hydrogen or C1-C4 alkyl, R1 is a C8-C22 alkyl radical, R2 is hydrogen or a radical of formula R3-C(O)-, wherein R3 is as defined above for R1, and X is a C2-C12 alkylene radical uninterrupted or interrupted by -O- or by -NH-; or a salt thereof, and (b) a polyethylene wax. The softener compositions according to the invention impart to the treated textile material a soft handle, they reduce creasing and are readily biodegradable. Fibre materials treated with the softener compositions according to the invention are also distinguished by good rewettability and good dye fixing.

Description

Softener compositions and their use

The present invention relates to softener compositions based on mixtures of special fatty acid amides and polyethylene waxes and to the use of such softener compositions.

Softener compositions that can be added to the rinsing water when household laundry is being washed are generally known as "softeners". The use of such compositions reduces hardening of the fabric caused by drying and has an attractive effect on the handle of the treated fabric. In addition, with special softeners it is also possible to reduce creasing so that, ideally, after treatment ironing is not necessary or is at least made substantially easier because of the reduced creasing.

Water-insoluble quaternary ammonium compounds are usually used as active substances. Particularly widely used are, for example, esters of quaternary ammonium compounds, so- called "esterquats", that have at least one long-chain hydrophobic alkyl or alkenyl group interrupted by carboxy groups. Such compounds are described, for example, in EP-A-0239 910 or in WO-A-95/24460. Also widely used is distearyldimethylammonium chloride (DSDMAC). Active substances in softeners have the disadvantage that they reduce the water absorption capacity of the textile fabrics treated with the softener, especially cotton fabric. Also, not all softeners exhibit satisfactory properties in respect of dye fixing.

The problem of the present invention is to provide softener compositions having alternative biodegradable active substances that have especially good properties in respect of soft handle, hydrophilicity, creasing and dye fixing.

The present invention relates to softener compositions comprising as textile-softening component a mixture of

(a) a fatty acid amide of formula

wherein R and R' are each independently of the other hydrogen or CrC alkyl, R_T is a C₈-C₂₂alkyl radical,

R₂ is hydrogen or a radical of formula R₃-C(O)-, wherein R₃ is as defined above for R_1t and

X is a C₂-Cι₂alkylene radical uninterrupted or interrupted by -O- or by -NH-; or a salt thereof, and

(b) a polyethylene wax.

As C C₄alkyl radicals for R and R' there come into consideration, each independently of the other, for example, methyl, ethyl, n- or iso-propyl and n-, iso-, sec- or tert-butyl, especially methyl or ethyl.

R and R' are preferably hydrogen.

As C₈-C₂₂alkyl radicals Ri and R₃ there come into consideration both corresponding unbranched and branched alkyl radicals. Preference is given to C₁₂-C₂₀alkyl radicals, especially C₁₄-C₂₀alkyl radicals. Of special importance are C₁₆-C₁₈alkyl radicals and especially C₁₇alkyl radicals. Examples of radicals Ri-C(O)- and R₃-C(O)- that may be mentioned are the radicals derived from the following fatty acids: caprylic acid, caproic acid, lauric acid, myristic acid, palmitic acid, isostearic acid, stearic acid, oleic acid, elaidic acid, arachidic acid, behenic acid, technical C₁₂/C₁₈ coconut fatty acids and C₁₆/C₁₈ tallow or palm fatty acids, especially stearic acid.

R₂ is preferably a raόicai of formula R₃-C(O)-, wherein R₃ has the definitions and preferred meanings given above for R₃.

For X there come into consideration especially C₂-C₈alkylene radicals, more especially C₂-C₄alkylene radicals and preferably C alkylene radicals. The alkylene radicals X can be branched or preferably straight-chained. The alkylene radicals may also be interrupted by -O- or by -NH-, preference being given to alkylene radicals interrupted by -O- or preferably by -NH-. Of special importance is the radical of formula -CH₂CH₂-NH-CH₂CH₂-.

Of particular interest are compounds of formula (1) wherein

R and R' are hydrogen,

R₂ is a radical of formula R₃-C(O)-, Ri and R₃ are each independently of the other a Cι -C₂oalkyl radical, especially a C ₆-C₁₈- alkyl radical, and

X is a radical of formula -CH₂CH₂-NH-CH₂CH₂-.

As salts of compounds of formula (1) there come into consideration salts of organic or inorganic acids. Examples of such acids that may be mentioned are the acids listed below for neutralising the dye-fixing agents.

The compounds of formula (1) are known or can be obtained analogously to known processes.

The polyethylene waxes used as component (b) are generally those having functional groups, especially carboxyl groups, which may also be partially esterified. Such functional groups are introduced, for example, by oxidation of the polyethylene. It is also possible, however, to obtain the functionality by copolymerisation of ethylene with, for example, acrylic acid. At 20°C, the polyethylene waxes preferably have a density of at least 0.9 g/cm³, an acid number of at least 5 and a saponification number of at least 10. Special preference is given to those polyethylene waxes having, at 20°C, a density of from 0.95 to 1.05 g/cm³, an acid number of from 10 to 60 and a saponification number of from 15 to 80.

Corresponding polyethylene waxes and processes for the preparation thereof are known, for example, from DE-C-2359966, DE-A-2824716 and DE-A-1 925993.

Special preference is given to softener compositions wherein component (a) is a compound of formula (1) wherein

R and R' are hydrogen,

R₂ is a radical of formula R₃-C(O)-,

Ri and R₃ are each independently of the other a C₁₄-C₂₀alkyl radical, especially a C₁₆-C₁₈- alkyl radical, and

X is a radical of formula -CH2CH2-NH-CH2CH2-; and component (b) contains carboxyl functional groups and, at 20°C, has a density of at least

0.9 g/cm³, an acid number of at least 5 and a saponification number of at least 10. ln the softener compositions, components (a) and (b) are present preferably in a ratio by weight of from 0.2:1 to 1:0.2, especially a ratio by weight of from 0.5:1 to 1:0.5.

The softeners can be prepared, for example, directly using components (a) and (b) as such or preferably using dispersions of components (a) and (b). In the latter case it is possible to use either individual dispersions of components (a) and (b) or a dispersion that contains both components (a) and (b). Generally the dispersions are aqueous dispersions that contain, for example, from 1 to 50 % by weight, especially from 5 to 50 % by weight and preferably from 10 to 50 % by weight, of component (a) and/or (b). Those dispersions may also comprise customary dispersing agents.

Examples of such dispersing agents that may be mentioned are anionic, cationic, amphoteric, zwitterionic and preferably non-ionic dispersing agents. Examples of suitable non-ionic dispersing agents are fatty alcohol polyglycol ethers, alkylphenol polyglycol ethers, fatty acid polyglycol ethers, fatty acid amide polyglycol ethers, fatty amine polyglycol ethers, alkoxylated triglycerides, alk(en)yloligoglycosides, fatty acid N-alkylglucamides, polyol fatty acid esters, sugar esters, sorbitan esters, polysorbates and amine oxides.

Of particular importance are ethoxylated alkylphenols and ethoxylates of alcohols, especially those of fatty alcohols. Of special interest are ethoxylated alkylphenols and ethoxylates of alcohols having about from 5 to 60 ethylene oxide units added. Examples of suitable alcohols that may be mentioned are those having about from 8 to 22 carbon atoms, especially those having from 12 to 20 carbon atoms and preferably those having from 16 to 20 carbon atoms.

The dispersing agents can be used in the dispersions, for example, in amounts of from 0.1 to 20 % by weight, especially from 1 to 15 % by weight.

If necessary, the softener can then be adjusted to the desired concentration by dilution with water. For the amounts of components (a) and (b), preference is given to from 0.1 to 25 % by weight, preferably from 0.5 to 20 % by weight and especially from 1 to 10 % by weight, based on the total weight of the softener composition.

Preference is given to softener compositions comprising from 0.5 to 20 % by weight of component (a), from 0.5 to 20 % by weight of component (b), from 0 to 20 % by weight, especially from 0 to 10 % by weight, of further additives customary in softeners, and water.

There may be mentioned as additives customary in softeners, for example: alcohols, such as ethanol, n-propanol, isopropanol, polyhydric alcohols, e.g. glycerol and propylene glycol; amphoteric and non-ionic surfactants, e,g, carboxyl derivatives of imidazole, oxethylated fatty alcohols, hydrogenated and ethoxylated castor oil, alkylpolyglycosides, for example decylpolyglucose and dodecylpolyglucose, fatty alcohols, fatty acid esters, fatty acids, ethoxylated fatty acid glycerides or fatty acid partial glycerides; and also inorganic or organic salts, e.g. water-soluble potassium, sodium or magnesium salts, non-aqueous solvents, pH buffers, perfumes, colorants, hydrotropic agents, antifoams, anti-redeposition agents, polymeric or other thickeners, enzymes, fluorescent whitening agents, anti-shrinkage agents, anti-stain agents, germicides, fungicides, antioxidants, corrosion inhibitors and anti-crease agents. There may also be mentioned silicone emulsions, polyurethanes and modified polysilicic acids.

As textile-softening agents the softener compositions preferably comprise substantially only components (a) and (b). They preferably contain, based on the total weight of components (a) and (b), not more than 20 % by weight, especially not more than 10 % by weight and preferably not more than 5 % by weight, of further textile-softening components. An upper limit of 1 % by weight is especially preferred. The softener compositions very especially comprise no further textile-softening components of any kind.

The softener compositions may also additionally comprise a dye-fixing agent, especially a polymeric dye-fixing agent.

The polymeric dye-fixing agent is preferably one based on a basic polycondensation product of an amine of formula

and a cyanamide, wherein the mentioned polycondensation products are neutralised wholly or partially by an inorganic or organic acid, wherein R , R₅, R₆ and R₇ are each independently of the others hydrogen or alkyl unsubstituted or substituted by amino, hydroxy, cyano or by C C alkoxy, and

A is alkylene that is unsubstituted or substituted and/or uninterrupted or interrupted by one or more hetero atoms.

A in formula (2) is especially C₂-C₂₀alkylene that is uninterrupted or interrupted by -O-, -S-, -NH- or by -N(C C₄alkyl)- and/or unsubstituted or substituted by hydroxy, preferably C₂-C₂₀- alkylene that is interrupted one or more times by -NH-.

R , R₅, R₆ and R₇ are each independently of the others preferably hydrogen or C C₄alkyl.

Examples of suitable compounds of formula (2) are 1,4-butanediamine, 1,6-hexanediamine, dipropylenetriamine, N-(2-aminoethyl)-1 ,3-propanediamine, N,N-bis(2-aminopropyl)methyl- amine, polyethyleneimines or polyethylenepolyamines, such as diethylenetriamine, triethylenetetramine, tetraethylenepentamine or pentamethylenehexamine. Preferred compounds of formula (2) are polyethylenepolyamines and especially diethylenetriamine. The number of repeating units of the monomers of formula (2) in the basic polycondensation products is, for example, from 4 to 100, especially from 4 to 50.

Suitable cyanamides are, for example, cyanamide, dicyandiamide, guanidine and biguanidine. Preference is given to dicyandiamide.

The above-mentioned dye-fixing agents are known, for example, from EP-A-0 692 511 and can be obtained according to the process disclosed therein. For example, an amine of formula (2) is reacted with an ammonium salt in the presence of a non-aqueous solvent, and the resulting protonated product is reacted with a cyanamide at elevated temperature.

Suitable ammonium salts are, for example, ammonium salts of organic or inorganic acids, e.g. ammonium chloride, ammonium sulfate, ammonium carbonate, ammonium formate or ammonium acetate, especially ammonium chloride.

Suitable non-aqueous solvents are, for example, hydroxyl-group-containing solvents, e.g. ethylene glycol, 1,2- or 1 ,3-propylene glycol, butylene glycol, di-, tri- or tetra-ethylene glycol and ethers thereof, and polyethylene glycols having a molecular weight of, for example, from 600 to 5000 and mixtures thereof.

The amine of formula (2) and the ammonium salt are used, for example, in a molar ratio of from 1:0.1 to 1:2.5, preferably from 1:0.7 to 1:2. The amount of hydroxyl-group-containing solvent can vary within a wide range and is, for example, from 0.2 to 20 mol, preferably from 0.4 to 5 mol, per mol of compound of formula (2).

The reaction of the amine of formula (2) with the ammonium salt takes place especially at elevated temperature, such as from 80 to 200°C, especially from 100 to 160°C. For example, the amine of formula (2) is placed in the hydroxyl-group-containing solvent or solvent mixture and the ammonium compound is metered in; advantageously the reaction step is carried out under inert conditions, such as under a nitrogen atmosphere.

The resulting protonated product is then reacted with, for example, from 0.5 to 2 mol, preferably from 0.8 to 1.5 mol, of cyanamide per mol of starting compound of formula (2). The reaction takes place, for example, in the presence of one or more of the above- mentioned hydroxyl-group-containing solvents at elevated temperature, for example from 80 to 250°C and especially from 140 to 220°C. The reaction products are generally molten substances having basic properties that are solid at room temperature and yield clear solutions in water.

Neutralisation with an inorganic or organic acid is carried out, for example, in an aqueous medium, the addition of the acid being carried out in such a manner that a pH value of, for example, from 2 to 12, especially from 3 to 10 and preferably from 4 to 8, is obtained. Special preference is given to an amount of acid that yields a pH value of about 7.

As inorganic or organic acid there come into consideration, for example, mono- or poly-basic carboxylic acids, hydrochloric acid, phosphoric acid, sulfuric acid or a mixture of at least two such acids. Organic acids are preferred. Examples of organic acids that may be mentioned are oxalic acid, tartaric acid, acetic acid, propionic acid, succinic acid, maleic acid, citric acid, formic acid, gluconic acid, p-toluenesulfonic acid, terephthalic acid, benzoic acid, phthalic acid, acrylic acid and polyacrylic acid. Of special interest are aliphatic carboxylic acids, especially those having a total of from 1 to 12 carbon atoms. Preferred acids are mono- or poly-basic aliphatic CrCi₂carboxylic acids, monobasic carboxylic acids being especially those having a total of at least 3 carbon atoms. As substituents of the carboxylic acids there come into consideration, for example, hydroxy and amino, especially hydroxy. Also of interest are mixtures of the mentioned acids; as an example there may be mentioned the mixture of maleic acid and propionic acid.

Special preference is given to polybasic aliphatic C₂-Cι₂carboxylic acids, especially polybasic aliphatic C₂-C₆carboxylic acids. More especially preferred are polybasic hydroxy-substituted aliphatic C₂-C₆carboxylic acids.

The dye-fixing agents are generally used in liquid, aqueous form. For neutralisation of the basic polycondensation products it is therefore possible to proceed, for example, as follows: first a relatively concentrated liquid aqueous composition is prepared. For that purpose there may be mixed the basic polycondensation product, the acid, water and optionally a water- miscible organic solvent. Preferably there is used from 0.1 to 70 % by weight, especially from 0.5 to 70 % by weight and preferably from 1 to 60 % by weight, of dye-fixing agent, based on the total weight of the solution. Special preference is given to the use of from 5 to 50 % by weight, especially from 15 to 50 % by weight, of the dye-fixing agent. The amount of acid selected will be such that the solution has a pH value of, for example, from 2 to 12, especially from 3 to 10 and preferably from 4 to 8. Special preference is given to an amount of acid that yields a pH value of about 7. As water-miscible organic solvent there come into consideration, for example, corresponding hydroxy-group-containing solvents, such as methanol or ethanol, or ethers. The solution is preferably prepared without organic solvents. The dye-fixing agents can be used in the softener compositions, for example, in amounts of from 0.01 to 10 % by weight, especially from 0.05 to 5 % by weight and preferably from 0.1 to 2.5 % by weight.

The present invention relates also to the use of the softener compositions according to the invention in the treatment of household textile fibre materials to improve soft handle or rewettability or to reduce creasing.

Textile fibre materials suitable for treatment with the softener composition according to the invention include, for example, materials made from silk, wool, polyamide or polyurethanes, and especially cellulosic fibre materials of all types. Such fibre materials are, for example, natural cellulose fibres, such as cotton, linen, jute and hemp, as well as cellulose and regenerated cellulose. Preference is given to textile fibre materials made from cotton. The softener compositions according to the invention are suitable also for hydroxyl-group- containing fibres contained in blend fabrics, e.g. blends of cotton with polyester fibres or polyamide fibres.

The softener compositions according to the invention impart a soft handle to the treated textile material and they are readily biodegradable. In particular, fibre materials that have been treated with the softener composition according to the invention are distinguished by good rewettability, a reduction in creasing and good dye-fixing properties.

The following Examples serve to illustrate the invention but do not limit it thereto.

Example 1 (Preparation of the softener compositions)

The softener compositions I, II and III indicated below are in accordance with the invention; softener compositions IV and V are used for comparison purposes. a) Preparation of softener compositions I, II and III

Preparation of dispersion A:

In order to prepare a dispersion of component (a), 5 g of a commercially available dispersing agent (fatty alcohol ethoxylate) are introduced into about 70 g of deionised water and dissolved therein with stirring. The solution is heated and, by steady dropwise addition, 20 g of the molten compound of formula R-C(O)-NH-CH₂CH₂-NH-CH₂CH₂-NH-C(O)-R, wherein R is stearyl, are added. After homogenisation and cooling to room temperature, the final weight of the resulting dispersion is adjusted to 100 g with water.

Preparation of dispersion B:

In order to prepare a dispersion of component (b), 5 g of a commercially available dispersing agent (fatty alcohol ethoxylate) are introduced into about 70 g of deionised water and dissolved therein with stirring. The solution is heated and, by steady dropwise addition, 25 g of a polyethylene wax containing carboxyl functional groups that, at 20°C, has a density of from 0.95 to 1.05 g/cm³, an acid number of from 10 to 60 and a saponification number of from 15 to 80, and that has a melting point of about from 100 to 110°C, are added. Thereafter the resulting dispersion is homogenised intensively for at least 10 minutes using a powerful stator/rotor mixing apparatus and is then slowly cooled to room temperature. The dispersion is adjusted to a final weight of 100 g with deionised water.

The softener compositions given in the following Table 1 are prepared using dispersions A and B obtainable as described above and adding water up to 100 % by weight. For that purpose, a total of about 2/3 of the total amount of deionised water required is taken as starting material, and the amount of dispersion A given in Table 1 is introduced and stirred for 2-3 minutes. Then the amount of dispersion B given in Table 1 is introduced and the mixture is stirred again for 2-3 minutes, and then the remaining amount of deionised water is added. In each case a white emulsion is obtained. Table 1

b) Preparation of softener composition IV

About 70 g of deionised water is taken as starting material and heated to about 40°C. 5 g of the molten textile-softening component Rewoquat^® WE 38 DPG (di-palmcarboxyethyl)- hydroxyethylmethylammonium methosulfate) are added to the heated water with stirring and the mixture is stirred for 1 hour. The mixture is cooled to room temperature with stirring, and 0.03 g of magnesium chloride is added. The pH value of the formulation is adjusted to a value of 3.2 with 0.1 N hydrochloric acid. The dispersion is adjusted to a final weight of 100 g with deionised water.

c) Preparation of softener composition V

About 70 g of deionised water is taken as starting material and heated to about 40°C. 5 g of the molten textile-softening component Arquad^® 2HT-75 (distearyldimethylammonium chloride) are added to the heated water with stirring and the mixture is stirred for 1 hour. The mixture is cooled to room temperature with stirring. The dispersion is adjusted to a final weight of 100 g with deionised water.

Example 2 (Application of the softener compositions)

The fabric to be treated is washed, together with ballast material (polyester), in a load of 2 kg in a washing machine of type AEG, Okolavamat 73729, on the short programme, coloured wash, at 40°C for 15 minutes with 50 g of a standard detergent (standard detergent ECE 77, formulation January 1977, according to ISO 105-C06). An amount of the softener I given in Example 1 corresponding to 3 g of active substance (or the same amount of softener II, III, IV or V given in Example 1) is added to the final rinse at a temperature of 20°C. After rinsing, the fabrics are dried at room temperature.

In each case the following fabrics are used:

- 4 pieces of cotton fabric, size 40x50 cm (without synthetic resin finish)

- 4 pieces of cotton fabric, size 40x50 cm (with synthetic resin finish) - 4 pieces of cotton/polyester blend fabric, size 40x50 cm (66/34; without synthetic resin finish)

- 4 pieces of cotton/polyester blend fabric, size 40x50 cm (66/34; with synthetic resin finish)

- 5 pieces of renforce (strong plain-weave) cotton fabric (each 10 g)

- 6 pieces of frotte (terry towelling) cotton fabric.

The procedure is also carried out in identical manner, but without the addition of a softener.

a) Soft handle results (for frotte cotton fabric)

The pieces of frotte cotton fabric obtained with the addition of softeners I, II and III exhibit a significantly softer handle and much greater surface smoothness than a fabric obtained in identical manner but without the addition of a softener.

b) Creasing behaviour results

The creasing behaviour for the fabrics obtained is evaluated according to AATCC Test 124. Four people assess the creasing behaviour against the AATCC three dimensional smoothness appearance replicas. A rating of 1 indicates the presence of substantial creasing, whereas a rating of 5 indicates that the fabrics are virtually crease-free. In the case of the evaluation of wash creases given in the following Tables, the ratings refer to relatively large, so-called "wash creases", the number of such creases increasing from A to D, with A indicating no creases or only very few creases and D indicating substantial creasing.

Table 2 (for cotton/polyester blend fabrics, 66/34; with synthetic resin finish)

Table 3 (for cotton/polyester blend fabrics, 66/34; without synthetic resin finish)

The results given in Tables 2 to 5 show that the creasing behaviour of the fabrics can be improved significantly by the addition of the softeners according to the invention.

c) Results for water absorption capacity (for renforce cotton fabric) Test strips of the fabric treated as indicated above are secured to a riser apparatus and immersed in a 0.1% aqueous methyl blue solution. The migration of liquid is measured after 20 minutes and is given as height risen in cm. The greater the height risen, the better is the water absorption capacity of the fabric. The results obtained are shown in the following Table 6.

Table 6 (for renforce cotton fabric)

The results given in Table 6 indicate that softener compositions I to III according to the invention are able to bring about a marked improvement in water absorption capacity compared with the commercially available softener compositions IV and V. The effect of a reduction in water absorption capacity, which usually occurs when softeners are used, can also be reduced significantly.

Example 3 (comparison of softener compositions in respect of dye fixing) a) Softener compositions used

The softener compositions I to V indicated in Example 1 are used (without dye-fixing agent).

In addition, a separate softener composition is prepared from softener composition I by the addition of 2.5 % by weight of a dye-fixing agent formulation obtained as described below, which is denoted hereinafter by Al (with dye-fixing agent).

The dye-fixing agent used is prepared as follows:

206.4 parts of diethylenetriamine and 55.6 parts of ethylene glycol are placed at room temperature in a reactor under an inert gas atmosphere and are heated to 120°C under a gentle nitrogen stream. Thereafter, 128 parts of ammonium chloride are added, in portions, in the course of one hour in such a manner that the internal temperature remains at 118°C. When the addition is complete, the reaction mixture is heated to 160°C and 218 parts of dicyandiamide are added under inert conditions in the course of one hour in such a manner that the internal temperature remains above 155°C. The mixture is then heated to from 180 to 210°C and maintained at that temperature for about from 1 to 5 hours. Finally, 200 parts of deionised water are added in the course of about from 20 to 25 minutes to obtain 665 parts of a solution having a dry solids content of 70 %. 558.7 parts of the resulting reaction mixture are taken as starting material and diluted with 206.6 parts of deionised water. At 50°C, 32.5 parts of acetic acid are added in the course of 12 minutes. When the addition is complete, the mixture is cooled to room temperature with stirring. A clear pale yellow liquid having a pH value of 7.24 is obtained. A final concentration of about 30 % by weight of dye-fixing agent, based on the total weight of the solution, is obtained with deionised water

b) Application of the softener compositions

First wash cycle (without accompanying fabric):

Cotton fabric that has been dyed using dyestuff C.I. Direct Blue 78 is added to a washing bath that contains 4 g/l of a standard detergent. Washing is carried out at a temperature of

25°C and a liquor ratio of 20:1 for 15 minutes and then rinsing is carried out with water, followed by spinning.

Rinse cycle:

The still damp cotton fabric is added to a rinsing bath that contains per kg of cotton fabric an amount of softener composition I (or II, III, IV, V or Al) corresponding to 2 g of active substance. The cotton fabric is treated at a temperature of 25°C and a liquor ratio of 10:1 for 10 minutes, and, without further rinsing, is then spun and dried in a drying cabinet at a temperature of 60°C.

Second wash cycle (with accompanying fabric):

The cotton fabric obtained after the rinse cycle is subjected to a second wash cycle together with white, undyed cotton fabric, the second wash cycle being carried out in the same manner as described for the first wash cycle. The cotton fabrics are then dried in a drying cabinet at a temperature of 60°C.

c) Results in respect of the change in colour of the cotton fabric dyed using dyestuff C.I. Direct Blue 78 and the staining of the accompanying white fabric

The extent of the change in colour of the^" cotton fabric dyed using dyestuff C.F.^" Direct Blue δ was determined by means of CIE colour measurement. By means of CIE colour measurement, the colour of the fabric was determined spectrophotometrically with reference to colour coordinates L*, a*, b* (L*, a*, b* according to Colorimetry, 2^nd Edition, CIE Publication No. 15.2, Bureau Central de la CIE, Paris 1982). The values for Delta E given in the following Tables are obtained as follows:

Delta E = {(L*_rL*i)²+(a*_ra*i)²+(bγb*i)²} ² i characterises the colour coordinates originally obtained for the cotton fabric dyed using dyestuff C.I. Direct Blue 78 (that is to say before the application described above under b)). f characterises the colour coordinates obtained for the cotton fabric dyed using dyestuff C.I. Direct Blue 78 after the application described above under b). The lower the value for Delta E, the smaller is the change in colour of the cotton fabric.

The extent of the staining of the originally white accompanying fabric is obtained by subtraction of the brightness values Y, there being determined in each case the difference between the value after the application described above under b) and the value before the application described above under b). The brightness value Y is determined spectrophotometrically.

The smaller the value of the difference in brightness Delta Y, the lesser is the extent of staining of the accompanying fabric.

Table 7

As can be seen from Table 7, the use of the softener compositions I to III according to the invention yields a marked improvement in dye fixing compared with the commercially available softeners IV and V. If required, a further improvement in dye fixing can be achieved by adding a dye-fixing agent, as shown in the case of softener Al.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A softener composition comprising as textile-softening component a mixture of

(a) a fatty acid amide of formula

wherein R and R' are each independently of the other hydrogen or CrC₄alkyl,

Ri is a C₈-C₂₂alkyl radical,

R₂ is hydrogen or a radical of formula R₃-C(O)-, wherein R₃ is as defined above for R₁₍ and

X is a C₂-C₁₂alkylene radical uninterrupted or interrupted by -O- or by -NH-; or a salt thereof, and

(b) a polyethylene wax.

2. A softener composition according to claim 1 wherein R and R' are hydrogen.

3. A softener composition according to either claim 1 or claim 2 wherein R₂ is a radical of formula R₃-C(O)-, wherein R₃ is as defined in claim 1.

4. A softener composition according to any one of claims 1 to 3 wherein X is a C₂-C₈- alkylene radical interrupted by -NH-.

5. A softener composition according to any one of claims 1 to 4 wherein R and R¹ are hydrogen,

R₂ is a radical of formula R₃-C(O)-,

Ri and R₃ are each independently of the other a C₁₄-C₂oalkyl radical, and

X is a radical of formula -CH₂CH₂-NH-CH₂CH₂-.

6. A softener composition according to any one of claims 1 to 5 wherein component (b) contains carboxyl functional groups.

7. A softener composition according to any one of claims 1 to 6 wherein, at 20°C, component (b) has a density of at least 0.9 g/cm³, an acid number of at least 5 and a saponification number of at least 10.

8. A softener composition according to any one of claims 1 to 7 wherein component (a) is a compound of formula (1) wherein

R and R' are hydrogen,

R₂ is a radical of formula R₃-C(O)-,

Ri and R₃ are each independently of the other a C₁₄-C₂₀alkyl radical, and

0.9 g/cm³, an acid number of at least 5 and a saponification number of at least 10.

9. A softener composition according to any one of claims 1 to 8 that comprises from 0.5 to 20 % by weight of component (a), from 0.5 to 20 % by weight of component (b), from 0 to 20 % by weight of further additives customary in softeners, and water.

10. A softener composition according to any one of claims 1 to 9 that contains components (a) and (b) in a ratio by weight of from 0.2:1 to 1 :0.2, especially in a ratio by weight of from 0.5:1 to 1:0.5.

11. A softener composition according to any one of claims 1 to 10 that comprises as textile- softening agent substantially only components (a) and (b).

12. A softener composition according to any one of claims 1 to 11 that additionally contains a polymeric dye-fixing agent.

13. A softener composition according to claim 12 that contains as polymeric dye-fixing agent a basic polycondensation product of an amine of formula

and a cyanamide, wherein the mentioned polycondensation products are neutralised wholly or partially by an inorganic or organic acid, wherein R , R₅, R₆ and R₇ are each independently of the others hydrogen or alkyl unsubstituted or substituted by amino, hydroxy, cyano or by C C₄alkoxy and

14. Use of a softener composition according to claim 1 in the treatment of household textile fibre materials to improve soft handle or rewettability or to reduce creasing.