Background and Prior Art The laundry process generally has several benefits for fabric, the most common being to remove dirt and stains fr ( the fabric during the wash cycle and to soften the fabric during the rinse cycle. However, there are numerous disadvantages associated with repeated use of conventional laundry treatment compositions and/or the actual laundry process; one of these being a fairly harsh mechanical treatment of fabric in the laundry process.

Fabrics can be damaged in several ways as a result of repeated laundering and/or wear. Fabric pilling and loss fabric surface appearance e. g. fuzzing, shrinkage (or expansion), loss of colour from the fabric or running of colour on the fabric (usually termed dye transfer) are som of the common problems associated with repeated laundering These problems may occur merely from repeated hand washing as well as the more vigorous machine washing process.

Furthermore, problems relating to damage of fabric over ti

through normal use, such as loss of shape and increased likelihood of wrinkling are also significant.

The present invention is directed towards alleviating one c more of the problems referred to above.

Laundry detergent compositions containing polyamide- polyamine fabric treatment agents are described in WO 98/29530. The compositions are claimed to impart improved overall appearance to fabrics laundered using the detergent compositions, in terms of surface appearance properties such as pill/fuzz reduction and anti-fading.

Laundry compositions containing polyamide-polyamine treatment agents of similar types are taught in WO 97/4228' Laundry compositions containing polyamide-polyamine fabric treatment agents can exhibit increased dye pick-up (i. e. increased dye transfer) and poor stain removal properties compared to other conventional laundry compositions.

W00008127 & EP0978556 disclose the use of cationic cross- linking polymers for garment care benefits; in particular, the group of compounds known as polyamide epichlorohydrin resins (PAE). W00015755 discloses the tumble dryer delive : of PAE resins.

US 5571286 (Connell et al) discloses certain polymers and pre-polymers derived from polyoxyalkyleneamines and their use in a process for shrink-proofing wool (a non-cellulosi fiber) on an industrial scale. The treated wool may also have a softer handle than untreated wool.

Our earlier patent application GB 9923921.2 discloses the rinse or wash delivery followed by tumble dryer activation of a material identified as Polymer AM'. This is described as a polyoxyalkyleneamine derivative. Example 5 of that patent relates to pad-applied materials on garments which are then tumble dried. Pad application is a time consuming process which would be unsuitable for large-scale commercia application.

Definition of the Invention We have now determined that when selected polyoxyalkylene- amine materials are delivered through the tumble dryer rather than merely being activated in it, significant benefits are obtained as compared with delivery in the mair wash. One particular benefit is the avoidance of the additional step of pad application or reliance on delivery through the rinse, which we have found to be less effective According to the present invention, there is provided a fabric care composition comprising: a) a polymeric material which comprises one or more poly (oxyalkylene) -amine group and epihalohydrin derive ( terminal group, b) one or more textile compatible carriers,

wherein the composition is packaged together with instructions to apply the composition to the fabric in a tumble drier.

It is believed that the compositions of the invention do no significantly cross-link under the conditions of application, i. e. in the tumble drier. These materials can cross-link at higher temperatures or in the absence of water. While the mechanism of action is not fully understood it is believed that the polymers in part act as lubricants and reduce abrasion of the fabric both in the tumble drier and in subsequent washes. It is further believed that the reduction of abrasion leads to a reductio in localised colour loss, such as on seams, collars and cuffs.

It is further believed that advantages of the present invention relate to improving the general surface colour definition of a fabric after multiple washings and/or to imparting pill and/or fuzz resistance to fabric during subsequent laundering. The overall appearance of the fabri is also believed to be improved, by a reduction in the tendency of the fabric to become creased and/or wrinkled.

The polymeric materials selected are believed to avoid adverse side-effects, in terms of increased dye transfer ar poor stain removal, for example, compared to certain compositions containing polyamide-polyamine fabric treatmei agents.

The invention also provides a method of treating fabric, a part of a laundering process, which comprises applying to

the fabric, in a tumble-drier, a fabric care composition of the invention or a polymeric material which is a component of the fabric care composition of the invention.

Further provided by the invention in another aspect is the use of a fabric care composition of the invention or a polymeric material which is a component of the fabric care composition in a method for preparation of a composition fo improving the surface colour definition of a fabric after a tumble drying cycle.

It is also believed that use of compositions according to the present invention lead to a softness benefit and also t an improved perfume delivery In another aspect, the invention provides the use of a fabric care composition of the invention or a polymeric material which is a component of the fabric care compositic of the invention, in a tumble drier, to impart pill and/or fuzz resistance to fabric during laundering.

Detailed Description of the Invention As described above the polymers used in the present invention comprise one or more poly (oxyalkylene)-amine groups having at least one end group which comprises an epihalohydrin dervative.

Suitable molecules are of the general form: Rl- (NR2) - (CH2) mol-0- (AlkO) 1- (CH2) m2- (NR3)-R4 (1) wherein: R1, R2, R3 and R4 are independently epihalohydrin residues or hydrogen with the proviso that at least two of the amine protons are reacted to form an epihalohydrin derivative M1 and M2 are independently 1-6, AlkO is C1-C6 oxyalkylene, 1 is 2-100.

The epihalohydrin is preferably an epichlorohydrin It is believed highly preferable that the polymer (1) is a cationic material. It is believed that cationic materials have the advantage that they bind to fabric surfaces throuc electrostatic interactions.

It is preferable that at least, and preferably more than, average 50% of the terminal nitrogen atoms have been reacts to form the epihalohydrin derivatives. Where two terminal nitrogens are present it is preferable that at least 50% o: the amine protons have been modified.

The polymeric material which can be used in the present invention can be any of the polymers or pre-polymers deriv from poly-oxyalkylene amines that are described in US 5571286, the contents of which are incorporated herein reference.

Methods for preparing the polymeric materials are described in US 5571286. Hence the polymeric material can be, for example, the reaction product of a diamine or triamine polyoxyalkylene polymer having a polymerisation degree of from 4 to 50 or a mixture thereof with epichlorohydrin.

The poly (oxyalkylene) chain which forms a part of the AlkO group may be, for example, a poly (oxyethylene), poly (oxybutylene) or poly (oxyprop-1, 2-ylene) chain. The length of the chain can vary from 2 to 100 repeat units.

Polymeric materials which are suitable for use in the present invention are available from Precision Processes Textiles (Ambergate, Derbyshire, UK) under the trade marks POLYMER DP5355. The polymeric materials of the invention are preferably in the form of aqueous solutions.

Other suitable materials are available from the same manufacturer as POLYMER AM (which also comprises nonionic surfactant), POLYMER MRSM (which also comprises a silicone and PERMAVEL MP (which further comprises a cationic/fatty acid fabric softener).

Polymer DP5355 is a polymer believed to have at least two the nitrogen protons reacted. It is believed to be a mixtu: of the material shown below with other related materials e. g. dimers and trimers. From the structure given below it can be seen that a varying proportion of the material will be cationic depending on the extent to which the epichlorohydrin groups are in their ring-closed form.

The compositions of the invention preferably comprise a perfume, such as of the type which is conventionally used i fabric care compositions.

The polymers of the invention must be applied in a non- cross-linked form, i. e. preferably as an aqueous solution.

The polymeric material is preferably present in the product in a sufficient quantity to give an amount of 0. 0005% to 5 by weight on the fabric based on the weight of the fabric, more preferably 0. 001% to 2% by weight on fabric.

The compositions of the invention, when applied to a fabric can impart benefits to the fabric when uncured. However, they may be at least partially cured by a domestic curing step including ironing and/or as part of the tumble drying.

Most preferably this is done as part of the tumble drying.

The curing is preferably carried out at a temperature in tl range of from 40 to 100°C, more preferably from 50 to 80°C Whether curing occurs or not will depend in part on the

temperature reached inside the dryer and the final moisture content of the fabric.

In the context of the present invention the term"textile compatible carriers a component which can assist in the interaction of the first component with the fabric. The carrier can also provide benefits in addition to those provided by the above-mentioned polymeric component e. g. softening.

The carrier may be water, in which case the composition of the invention will contain another additive, suitable for use in laundry compositions such as perfume, for example, o the carrier may be a fabric softener or conditioning compound or other suitable fabric treatment agent.

The fabrics which may be treated in the present invention include those which comprise cellulosic fibres, preferably from 1% to 100% cellulosic fibres (more preferably 5% to 100% cellulosic fibres, most preferably 40% to 100%). The fabric may be in the form of a garment, in which case the method of the invention may represent a method of launderir a garment.

When the fabric contains less than 100% cellulosic fibres, the balance comprises other fibres or blends of fibres suitable for use in garments such as polyester, for example Preferably, the cellulosic fibres are of cotton or regenerated cellulose such as viscose.

The process can be conducted in the presence of other fabr : treatment agents. These are preferably one or more of a

fabric softening agents, fabric conditioning agents, perfumes, anti-static agents, dye-transfer inhibiting polymers, dye fixing agents, other sequestrants, chlorine scavenging agents, lubricants, cross-linking polymers, soil release polymers, and optical brightening agents.

In its broadest aspect, compositions that embody the presen invention can be in the form of a liquid, gel, paste, foam, powder, sheet, film, deformable solid, breakable solid or combination thereof.

Fabric Softening and/or Conditioner Compounds If the composition of the present invention is in the form of a fabric conditioner composition, the textile-compatible carrier will be a fabric softening and/or conditioning compound (hereinafter referred to as"fabric softening compound"), which may be a cationic or nonionic compound.

The softening and/or conditioning compounds may be water insoluble quaternary ammonium compounds.

Suitable cationic fabric softening compounds are substantially water-insoluble quaternary ammonium material comprising a single alkyl or alkenyl long chain having an average chain length greater than or equal to C2p or, more preferably, compounds comprising a polar head group and tw alkyl or alkenyl chains having an average chain length greater than or equal to C14. Preferably the fabric

softening compounds have two long chain alkyl or alkenyl chains each having an average chain length greater than or equal to C16. Most preferably at least 50% of the long chain alkyl or alkenyl groups have a chain length of C18 or above. It is preferred if the long chain alkyl or alkenyl groups of the fabric softening compound are predominantly linear.

Quaternary ammonium compounds having two long-chain aliphatic groups, for example, distearyldimethyl ammonium chloride and di (hardened tallow alkyl) dimethyl ammonium chloride, are widely used in commercially available rinse conditioner compositions. Other examples of these cationic compounds are to be found in"Surface-Active Agents and Detergents", Volumes I and II, by Schwartz, Perry and Berch Any of the conventional types of such compounds may be used in the compositions of the present invention.

The fabric softening compounds are preferably compounds the provide excellent softening, and are characterised by a chain melting Lß to La transition temperature greater than 25°C, preferably greater than 35°C, most preferably greater than 45°C. This L to La transition can be measured by DSC as defined in"Handbook of Lipid Bilayers", D Marsh, CRC Press, Boca Raton, Florida, 1990 (pages 137 and 337).

Substantially water-insoluble fabric softening compounds a] defined as fabric softening compounds having a solubility less than 1 x 10 wt % in demineralised water at 20°C.

Preferably the fabric softening compounds have a solubility

of less than 1 x 10 wt%, more preferably less than 1 x 10 to 1 x 10-6 wt%.

Especially preferred are cationic fabric softening compounc that are water-insoluble quaternary ammonium materials having two C12-22 alkyl or alkenyl groups connected to the molecule via at least one ester link, preferably two ester links. An especially preferred ester-linked quaternary ammonium material can be represented by the formula II: wherein each R1 group is independently selected from C1-4 alkyl or hydroxyalkyl groups or 3-4 alkenyl groups; each I group is independently selected from Cg-28 alkyl or alkenyl groups; and wherein R3 is a linear or branched alkylene group of 1 to 5 carbon atoms, T is

and p is 0 or is an integer from 1 to 5.

Di (tallowoxyloxyethyl) dimethyl ammonium chloride and/or it hardened tallow analogue is especially preferred of the compounds of formula (II).

A second preferred type of quaternary ammonium material cal be represented by the formula (III): wherein Rl, p and R2 are as defined above.

It is advantageous if the quaternary ammonium material is biologically biodegradable.

Preferred materials of this class such as 1,2-bis (hardened tallowoyloxy) -3-trimethylammonium propane chloride and the methods of preparation are, for example, described in US 4 137 180 (Lever Brothers Co). Preferably these materials comprise small amounts of the corresponding monoester as described in US 4 137 180, for example, 1-hardened tallowoyloxy-2-hydroxy-3-trimethylammonium propane chloride.

Other useful cationic softening agents are alkyl pyridinium salts and substituted imidazoline species. Also useful are primary, secondary and tertiary amines and the condensation products of fatty acids with alkylpolyamines.

The compositions may alternatively or additionally contain water-soluble cationic fabric softeners, as described in GB 2 039 556B (Unilever).

The compositions may comprise a cationic fabric softening compound and an oil, for example as disclosed in EP-A-0829531.

The compositions may alternatively or additionally contain nonionic fabric softening agents such as lanolin and derivatives thereof.

Lecithins are also suitable softening compounds.

Nonionic softeners include Lp phase forming sugar esters described in M Hato et al Langmuir 12,1659, 1666, (1996)) and related materials such as glycerol monostearate or sorbitan esters. Often these materials are used in conjunction with cationic materials to assist deposition (see, for example, GB 2 202 244). Silicones are used in a similar way as a co-softener with a cationic softener in rinse treatments (see, for example, GB 1 549 180).

The compositions may also suitably contain a stabilizing agent, preferably a nonionic stabilising agent. Suitable

nonionic stabilising agents are linear Cg to C22 alcohols alkoxylated with 10 to 20 moles of alkylene oxide, C1o to C : alcohols, or mixtures thereof.

Advantageously the nonionic stabilising agent is a linear C to C22 alcohol alkoxylated with 10 to 20 moles of alkylene oxide. Preferably, the level of nonionic stabiliser is within the range from 0.1 to 10% by weight, more preferably from 0.5 to 5% by weight, most preferably from 1 to 4% by weight. The mole ratio of the quaternary ammonium compound and/or other cationic softening agent to the nonionic stabilising agent is suitably within the range from 40: 1 tc about 1: 1, preferably within the range from 18: 1 to about 3: 1.

The composition can also contain fatty acids, for example ( to C24 alkyl or alkenyl monocarboxylic acids or polymers thereof. Preferably saturated fatty acids are used, in particular, hardened tallow C16 to C1g fatty acids.

Preferably the fatty acid is non-saponified, more preferably the fatty acid is free, for example oleic acid, lauric aci ( or tallow fatty acid. The level of fatty acid material is preferably more than 0.1% by weight, more preferably more than 0.2% by weight.

The weight ratio of quaternary ammonium material or other cationic softening agent to fatty acid material is preferably from 10: 1 to 1: 10.

The fabric conditioning compositions may include silicones, such as predominately linear polydialkylsiloxanes, e. g. polydimethylsiloxanes or aminosilicones containing amine- functionalised side chains; soil release polymers such as block copolymers of polyethylene oxide and terephthalate; amphoteric surfactants; smectite type inorganic clays; zwitterionic quaternary ammonium compounds; and nonionic surfactants.

Other optional ingredients include emulsifiers, electrolyte (for example, sodium chloride or calcium chloride) preferably in the range from 0.01 to 5% by weight, pH buffering agents, and-perfumes (preferably from 0.1 to 5% t weight).

Further optional ingredients include non-aqueous solvents, perfume carriers, fluorescers, colourants, hydrotropes, antifoaming agents, antiredeposition agents, enzymes, optical brightening agents, opacifiers, dye transfer inhibitors, anti-shrinking agents, anti-wrinkle agents, anti-spotting agents, germicides, fungicides, anti-oxidanti UV absorbers (sunscreens), heavy metal sequestrants, chlorine scavengers, dye fixatives, anti-corrosion agents, drape imparting agents, antistatic agents and ironing aids This list is not intended to be exhaustive.

Fabric Treatment Products The composition of the invention may be in the form of a liquid, solid (e. g. powder or tablet), a gel or paste,

spray, stick or a foam or mousse. It is essential feature c the. present invention that the composition is applied to th fabric in the dryer rather than being used as any form of pre-treatment.

The composition may also be applied to a substrate e. g. a flexible sheet, sponge, dosing ball or used in a dispenser which can be used in the dryer cycle. Provided that the composition is maintained in a wet condition so as to prevent cross-linking of the materials.

The invention will now be described by way of example only and with reference to the following non-limiting examples.

EXAMPLES Polymer DP5355 was obtained from Precision Processes Textiles of Ambergate, Derbyshire, UK.

Example 1- This example shows how a colour benefit is obtained under European wash conditions by adding Polymer DP5355 from the tumble dryer (at 0.7% on Weight of Fabric)

(a) Wash Dry Cycle Treating Fabrics with Polymer DP5355 in the Tumble Dryer Coloured fabric employed was a low quality woven cotton fabric decorated with red and black pigment print (Manchester United' Logo and stripes). The printed fabric was cut into 20cm swatches and over-locked. Six swatches were used per wash load (=37g). The printed cloths were mixe in with ballast fabric.

Ballast load: white non-mercerised, de-sized woven cotton.

Total weight of ballast + coloured fabric = 1.25kg.

L* values were measured for the new coloured fabrics using DatacolourTM SF600 Plus Spectraflash which had been calibrated using the following settings: W Excluded-400nm cutoff Specular Included Large aperture L* is calculated from the CIELAB formula which was recommended for general use by the CIE in 1976 (p. 88 Colo Physics for Industry'Published by Society of Dyers and Colourists, 1987).

The measurements were taken using four thicknesses of fabr over the aperture. Four measurements were taken (for each colour) per cloth, giving 24 readings per wash load.

The fabric load detailed above was washed in a Zanussi 1250 Jet System Excel washing machine at 40°C with 7gl~1 of Pers: Colour washing powder. The machine used 15 litres of water (13-14°French Hardness) and was set to the high spin settir (1250 rpm).

The Zanussi TD 525, tumble dryer was allowed to warm up o] the high heat setting for 5min prior to placing the (washec fabric load inside.

A nonwoven, embossed, polyester/rayon (50: 50 mix) sheet ex.

PGI (95gm) was loaded with 87.5g of Polymer (DP5355) (Polyoxyalkylene epichlorohydrin resin, 10% activity, ex.

PPT). This level corresponds to 0.7% Polymer DP5355 on weight of fabric in the load.

The polymer solution was spread out evenly over the sheet, using a glass rod and the dry mass of the sheet, plus the mass of added polymer were recorded.

The sheet was placed inside the dryer, with the fabric loa ( which was dried on the high heat setting, for 90 minutes.

The load was removed from the dryer and the nonwoven sheet was weighed to determine the % delivery of Polymer DP5355.

This wash/dry regimen was repeated 5 times in total.

The L* values of the black and red stripes for the fabrics after 5 wash/dry cycles were measured using the Datacolour SF600 Plus SpectraflashTM (calibrated as above). The measurements were taken using four thicknesses of fabric

over the aperture and four measurements were taken (for eac stripe) per cloth giving 24 readings in total for each colour.

The fading of the fabrics after 5 wash/dry cycles was assessed by comparing the L* value of the fabrics that had been washed/dried 5 times, with the L* values for the ne fabric. DL* for the black and red stripes were calculated c follows: DL* = L*s cycles-L*New Here, low DL* values mean that the fabric has been kept close to new.

The whole of experiment (a) was repeated using a new wash load, therefore giving a total of 48 DL* readings per colour. The average DL* reading, standard deviation and 9 confidence values for each colour were then calculated.

(b) Control Run The above experiment was repeated again except that no Polymer DP5355 was applied in the tumble drying stage. 48 DL* values for the red and black stripes were calculated a above and the average, standard deviation and 95% confiden values obtained.

The colour measurements for the control runs and for the runs using Polymer DP5355 are compared in Table 1.

Table 1. Results for the Change in colour intensity (DL*) for red and black pigment dyed fabric after 5 wash/dry cycles) using polymer DP5355 mean DL* Standard 95% Deviation Confident Red Stripe Untreated fabric 2. 01 0. 77 0. 44 Fabric Treated with Polymer 1.08 0.48 0.27 DP5355 Black Stripe Untreated fabric 4. 84 1. 4 0. 79 Fabric Treated with Polymer 2.34 1.3 0.74 DP5355

As can be seem from the results, the DL* values for the fabrics treated with Polymer DP5355 under European wash conditions were less than for the untreated fabrics, showi : a colour maintenance benefit.

The average amount of polymer delivered from the sheet und these conditions was 97.2% 0.4% (95% confidence)

Example 2:-To Show the Colour Benefit under US wash conditions from Adding Polymer DP5355 from the Tumble Dryex compared with Rinse Delivery (at 0.1% on weight of fabric) This example shows that tumble dryer delivery of Polymer DP5355 under US conditions is superior to that delivered vi the rinse. a) Wash Protocol Whirlpool Super Capacity Plus Washer -30°C main wash/20°C rinse - 1.69g/l Wisk liquid (regular variant) - Wash volume (65 litres) - 18 minute wash - Water hardness (main wash = 13-14°FH, rinse = demineralised) - Medium load setting - Warm/cold setting b) Drying Protocol -Whirlpool Super Capacity Dryer - Permanent press/heavy setting - 60 mins - Tumble dryer sheet (50/50 mix polyester/rayon, diamond embossed, 95 gm (ex. PGI)

-Sheet loaded with Polymer DP5355 27g i. e. 0.1% owf (thi was diluted to 50g with demineralised water) c) Fabric Load Composition Coloured fabric: Low quality woven cotton fabric decorated with red and black pigment print (Manchester United Logo and stripes). The printed fabric was cut into 20cm swatche and overlocked. Six swatches were used per wash load (=37g, The printed cloths were mixed in with ballast fabric.

Ballast load: white non-mercerised, desized woven cotton.

Total weight of ballast + coloured fabric = 2.7kg.

L* values were measured for the new coloured fabrics using Datacolour SF600 Plus Spectraflash which had been calibrated using the following settings: UV Excluded-400nm cutoff Specular Included Large aperture The measurements were taken using four thicknesses of fabr over the aperture. Six measurements were taken per colour, per cloth, giving 36 readings per colour for the wash load

Experimental Procedure Six wash loads were prepared with composition described above. Two wash loads were used for each set of experiments. The loads were treated as follows: Control experiments: Wash load (1) was washed according to protocol (a) and the : dried according to drying protocol (b) after the tumble dry, had been allowed to warm up for 5 minutes on permanent pre heavy setting. This procedure was repeated until the load (1) had been through 5 wash/dry cycles. The printed, fabrics were measured using the Datacolour SF600 Plus SpectraflashTM (settings as above). Six readings were take for each colour per fabric swatch, giving 36 readings (for each colour) for the load. From these, 36 DL* values were calculated. The entire procedure was repeated with wash lo (2) to give a further 36 DL* values for each colour. The average DL* value, standard deviation and 95% confidence limits from the total 72 DL* values were then calculated.

Rinse delivery experiments: Wash load (3) was washed according to wash protocol (a), adding 27g of Polymer DP5355"over the side"during the rinse cycle (this technique will be familiar to those skilled in the art.)

A Whirlpool Super Capacity Dryer was allowed to warm up on the permanent press/heavy, heat setting for 5min. Wash loi (3) was then placed inside the hot dryer and dried for 60 minutes according to drying protocol (b). The load was taken through 5 wash/rinse/dry cycles. After the 5th cycle, 6 L* readings were measured per colour per cloth using the Datacolour SF600 Plus Spectraflash, giving 36 readings per colour for the load. The corresponding DL* values-were then calculated. The entire procedure was repeated with wash load (4) to give a total of 72 DL* readings for the black and red stripes. The average value, standard deviation value and 95% confidence limits were th calculated.

Tumble dryer delivery experiments: Wash load (5) was washed according to wash protocol (a) an then tumble-dried as follows: A Whirlpool Super Capacity Dryer was allowed to warm up on the permanent press/heavy, heat setting for 5min prior to placing the (washed) fabric load inside. A nonwoven, embossed, polyester/rayon (50: 50 mix) sheet (95gm) was loaded with 27g (diluted to 50g with demineralised water) Polymer (DP5355) (Polyoxyalkylene epichlorohydrin resin, 1 activity, ex. PPT). This corresponds to 0.1% on weight of the total fabric load. The polymer solution was spread ou evenly over the sheet, using a glass rod. The dry mass of the sheet, plus the mass of polymer added were recorded.

The sheet was placed inside the dryer, with the fabric loa

The load was dried on the high heat setting, for 60 minute After this time, the load was removed from the dryer and t nonwoven sheet was weighed to determine the % delivery of Polymer DP5355.

Wash load (5) was taken through 5 wash/dry cycles. After the 5th cycle, the L* values of the red and black stripes c the printed fabrics were measured using the large aperture on Datacolour SF600 Plus Spectraflash (excluding the UV from 400nm). Six measurements were taken (for both the re and black stripes) per cloth, using 4 cloth thicknesses ov the Spectraflash aperture, giving a total of 36 readings f each colour. The entire procedure was repeated with wash load (6), giving a total of 72 reflectance readings for ea colour on the treated fabrics. The DL* value for each reading and the average value, standard deviation value an 95% confidence limits were calculated.

The colour benefit due to the Polymer DP5355 is shown by t reduction in change of the lightness value (DL*) of the re and black pigment printed stripes, compared to new fabric.

The lower the DL*, value, the closer the fabric is to a 'new'appearance.

Table 2. Results for Application of Polymer DP5355 via th Tumble Dryer and In the Rinse for US Conditions. DL* valu After 5 Wash/Dry Cycles Black Stripe DL* Standard Deviation 95% Confidenc Control 9.9 0.3 0.1 Rinse 9.9 0.6 0.1 Dryer 8.7 0.7 0.2 Red Stripe Control 3. 5 0. 2 0. 1 Rinse 3. 7 0. 3 0. 1 Dryer 2. 8 0. 4 0. 1

After 5 wash/tumble drying cycles, Polymer DP5355 showed statistically significant colour care benefits over the rinse application and control runs (to 95% confidence) on red and black pigment printed fabrics, when added at 0. 1% weight of fabric in the tumble dryer.

The average amount of polymer DP5355 delivered over 5 wash/dry cycles over the 2 repeat experiments was found tc be 99.5% 0.3%.