FIELD OF THE TECHNOLOGY

[0001] The disclosed technology relates to esterquat free liquid fabric softener compositions having good stability, dispersibility and conditioning properties. The disclosed technology relates to a fatty acid soap dispersed in aqueous media in which the soap dispersion is stabilized with a cationic polymer. The stabilized soap dispersions of the disclosed technology are capable of imparting softness to fabrics treated with such dispersions, particularly in the rinse cycle of a laundering procedure.

BACKGROUND

[0002] Quaternary ammonium salts of alkanolamines esterified with an average of two fatty acid aliphatic moieties per molecule are commonly referred to as esterquats. Esterquats (e.g., tallowquats) are replacing the more environmentally challenging dialkyldimethyl ammonium salt fabric softeners owing to the inclusion of ester linkages into the aliphatic moieties which significantly enhances biodegradation and lowers environmental exposure levels. However, the formulation of esterquat fabric softeners in aqueous based liquid formulations have been challenging because the ester linkages contained in the compound are susceptible to hydrolysis leading to shelf-life instability.

[0003] Instability of the active ingredients of liquid softeners frequently results in the phase separation or drastic changes in the viscosity of the product. These separation and viscosity instability problems are particularly severe during transit and storage in warmer climates where the product is exposed to higher temperatures. In colder climates, the product is frequently exposed to lower temperatures and freezes or becomes very viscous. Upon subsequent thawing or returning to normal room temperature they show very poor recovery to their original state and remain viscous so that they are not readily pourable or dispersible in the rinse cycle of a laundering process. Moreover, conventional esterquat based softeners tend to negatively affect the moisture wicking and drying properties of fabrics. This is of growing concern in the industry as athletic, leisure and similar natural, synthetic and natural/synthetic blend fiber-based garments have become increasingly popular. Accordingly, there have been many proposals for the partial or total replacement of these "quat" based fabric softeners.

[0004] Most fabric softening quats are water dispersible and are not water soluble to ensure a better deposition efficiency of the softening ingredient. Likewise, the fatty acid/soap used in the composition of the present technology have limited solubility in water. The solubility of saturated fatty acid soaps in water is highly limited in comparison to detersive surfactants. Due to the formation of a liquid crystal phase, a soap solution can solidify even at a low soap concentration. For instance, a 0.5% stearate soap in water can form a solid. In contrast, the water solubility of an unsaturated soap is much higher. The water solubility of an unsaturated fatty acid can be tailored by the degree of neutralization. Unsaturated fatty acids neutralized to a lesser degree than a fully neutralized unsaturated fatty acid will be less soluble in aqueous media. Accordingly, to ensure a better deposition efficiency of an unsaturated fatty acid soap to a fabric surface, it is sometimes preferred not to fully neutralize the fatty acid. The combination of free unsaturated fatty acid and neutralized unsaturated fatty acid soap provides the same water dispersibility profile mimicking the deposition efficiencies of traditional quats that are commonly employed in fabric softening products. Consequently, the combination of free fatty acid to neutralized fatty acid soap in the liquid fabric softening compositions of the present technology is not isotropic and light transmittance is limited (could be less than 50% for a 1 cm cuvette at 520 nm wave length).

[0005] Another method to reduce the water solubility of a soap is by salting out the soap by the means of reducing the degree of hydration of the head groups and/or forming coacervates with a cationic polymer. In general, a transparent liquid soap system is indicative that the soap is fully solubilized in water. On the other hand, an opaque system is indicative that the soap molecules are not fully dissolved in water but are dispersed in water.

[0006] US 6,949,498 concerns a laundry cleansing and conditioning composition consisting essentially of one or more cationic polymers and one or more anionic surfactants having a percent transmittance of greater than 50 percent at 570 nanometers. The ratio of cationic polymer to anionic surfactant is disclosed to be less than 1 :4, and the concentration of cationic polymer is less than 5 wt.% of the composition. The anionic surfactant has an HLB of greater than 4 and is present in an amount greater than 5 wt.% of the composition. While a fatty acid soap is disclosed among the myriad of anionic surfactant components useful in the disclosed fabric softening composition, all of the examples include a detersive surfactant other than the fatty acid soap in order to achieve the stated transmittance of greater than 50 %.

[0007] US 7,718,596 discloses a unit dose wash cycle fabric softener composition contained within a water-soluble container wherein the fabric softener composition includes: i) one or more fatty acid esters; ii) optionally a fatty acid soap; iii) optionally a fatty acid; iv) optionally a perfume; and v) optionally a cellulose ether cationic deposition polymer.

[0008] US 9,441 , 188 concerns a rinse cycle fabric conditioning composition comprising an emulsion of particles in an aqueous medium. The particles comprise: a) a fatty acid triglyceride; and b) a water swellable cationic polymer. There is no disclosure of a fatty acid soap component.

[0009] US 2006/0217287 discloses a wash and/or rinse cycle fabric softener composition comprising: a) 0.5 to 4 wt.% of a synthetic anionic surfactant; b) a fatty acid soap, wherein the weight ratio of the synthetic anionic surfactant to the fatty acid soap is less than 1 ; and c) 0.05 to about 2 wt.% of a cationic quaternary cellulose ether polymer.

[0010] US 2006/0223739 concerns a wash and/or rinse cycle fabric conditioning composition comprising: a) 0.05 to 2 wt.% of a cationic quaternary cellulose ether polymer; b) a fatty acid soap, wherein the weight ratio of the soap to the cationic cellulose ether polymer is at least 2: 1 ; and c) 0.1 to 5 wt.% of an amphoteric surfactant.

[0011] US 2008/0076692 discloses a wash cycle fabric softening composition comprising: a) at least 1 wt.% of a detersive surfactant other than soap having a molecular weight below 1000 Daltons: b) at least 1 wt.% of a C6 to C30 soap; c) 0.005 to 5 wt.% of a polymeric nonionic surfactant having a molecular weight above 2200 Daltons; d) 0.001 to 15 wt.% of one or more cationic polymers capable of forming a complex with the soap.

[0012] The forgoing patents and publications teach fabric softener compositions that are used in the wash cycle of a laundering process and/or which necessarily contain a detersive surfactant other than the fatty acid soap component. Detersive surfactants are inherently water soluble in and would deleteriously affect the affinity and substantivity of the active fabric softener component by impeding the deposition of the softener to the fabric surface during the wash and/or rinse cycle of a laundering process.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSED TECHNOLOGY

[0013] In accordance with one aspect of the present technology there is provided a stable aqueous liquid fabric softener composition comprising, consisting of, or consisting essentially of:

(i) from about 0.2 to about 35 wt.% (based on the weight of the total composition); of a fabric softening agent selected from at least one unsaturated fatty acid containing 8 to 22 carbon atoms with a degree of neutralization of greater than 0.1 ;

(ii) an amount of at least one cationic polymer for forming and stabilizing coacervates, complexes, and/or vesicles of said cationic polymer and said unsaturated fatty acid soap component in aqueous dispersion;

(iii) water; and

(iv) optional fabric softener formulation adjuvants. [0014] Another aspect of the present technology is to provide a means for stabilizing dispersions of anionic soap-based fabric softeners.

[0015] The present technology provides fabric softening compositions without the disadvantages of prior fabric softening formulations. The fabric softener compositions provide excellent dispersibility and storage stability at high and low temperatures and good freeze/thaw recovery. The compositions of the present technology do not suffer from the loss of softening performance and moisture wicking properties when compared to the prior esterquat fabric softeners.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0016] Unless otherwise stated, all percentages, parts, and ratios expressed herein are based upon the total weight of the components contained in the fabric softening compositions of the disclosed technology.

[0017] While overlapping weight ranges for the various components, ingredients, and adjuvants that can be contained in the compositions have been expressed for selected embodiments and aspects of the disclosed technology, it should be readily apparent that the specific amount of each component in the disclosed compositions/copolymers will be selected from its disclosed range such that the amount of each component/monomer is adjusted such that the sum of all components in the composition will total 100 weight percent. The amounts employed will vary with the purpose and character of the desired product and can be readily determined by one skilled in the art.

[0018] As defined and used herein, the terms "fatty acid salt", "fatty acid soap" and "soap" are used interchangeably.

[0019] As defined herein, "stable" and "stability" means that no visible phase separation is observed for a period of at least about one week of storage, or at least about 1 month of storage, or at least about 6 months of storage at ambient room temperature (20 to about 25°C). In another aspect, the products of the disclosed technology show no visible phase separation after about at least four weeks, or at least about 6 weeks, or at least about 8 weeks of storage at 45°C.

[0020] In one aspect, the fabric softening compositions of the disclosed technology are free of synthetic detersive surfactants. Detersive surfactants, are very water soluble and can prevent dispersed fabric softening actives from depositing on or can remove deposited fabric softening components from the fabric surface.

[0021] In one aspect, the fabric softening compositions of the disclosed technology show no phase separation after at least one freeze/thaw cycle, or after at least 2 freeze/thaw cycles, or at least 3 freeze/thaw cycles, wherein the composition of the disclosed technology is cycled between a freezing temperature, usually -20°C, and an ambient temperature of 20-25°C.

[0022] It has been determined that certain cationic polymers can be incorporated into a soap-based fabric softener composition to enhance formulation dispersibility and stability, as well as the substantivity of the active soap softening agent to a laundered fabric. Without wishing to be bound by theory, it is surmised that the polyelectrolytic nature of the cationic polymer reduces the quality of solvation and induces the salting out of the fatty acid soap to form vesicles or particle aggregates and/or interacts with the anionically charged soap molecules to form coacervates. Furthermore, the cationic polymer's presence in the formulation also stabilizes the viscosity of the liquid composition.

Fatty Acid Soap

[0023] In one aspect, the active fabric softening component of the present technology is selected from at least one linear or branched unsaturated fatty acid soap wherein the acyl moiety of the fatty acid contains 8 to 22 carbon atoms, or 10 to 20 carbon atoms, or 12 to 18 carbon atoms. In one aspect, the at least one fatty acid soap component is selected from a compound of the formula: RC(0)OM (I) where R represents an unsaturated moiety containing 7 to 21 carbon atoms and M is a solubilizing cation. In one aspect, R represents a mixture of moieties having carbon atom chain lengths of 7 to 21 carbon atoms. In one aspect, R is unsaturated (e.g., a C7-C22 alkenyl moiety). Representative unsaturated fatty acids include but are not limited to myristoleic, palmitoleic, oleic, ricinoleic, linoleic, linolenic, eleostearic, eicosenic, erucic, and mixtures thereof.

[0024] In one aspect, the fatty acid is a mixture of fatty acids derived from the saponification of natural oils and fats. Examples of natural oils include coconut, tallow, tall, palm, palm kernel, soybean, canola, castor, corn, cottonseed, linseed, rapeseed, tung, and algal oils. While mixtures of saturated and unsaturated fatty acids are obtained from the saponification of natural oils and fats, unsaturated fatty acids contained in these mixtures can be separated from the mixture by known means, such as distillation. In one aspect, mixtures of fatty acids derived from natural fats and oils contain 50 wt.% or higher, or 80 wt.% or higher, or 85 wt.% or higher, unsaturated fatty acid content (based on the total wt. of the fatty acid mixture). Mixtures of fatty acids with high unsaturated fatty acid content are commercially available. For example, high purity oleic fatty acid with a high unsaturated fatty acid content (> 99 wt.% oleic acid) is available.

[0025] In one aspect, M is a cation selected from sodium, potassium and ammonium or an alkanolamine selected from triethanolamine, diethanolamine, monoethanolamine, and mixtures thereof.

[0026] In one aspect, the fatty acid soap is selected from the sodium and potassium salts of myristoleic, palmitoleic, oleic, ricinoleic, linoleic, linolenic, eleostearic, eicosenic, and erucic, acids, and mixtures thereof. In one aspect, the fatty acid soap is selected from the sodium and potassium salts of oleic acid containing 1 wt.% or less of saturated fatty acid salt content.

[0027] In one aspect, the fabric softener composition of the present technology may optionally contain a saturated fatty acid in combination with the unsaturated fatty acids mentioned above. In this aspect, R in formula (I) above represents a saturated moiety containing 7 to 21 carbon atoms. Representative saturated fatty acids include but are not limited to caprylic acid, capric acid, lauric acid, myristic acid, palmitic acid, stearic acid, isostearic acid, arachidic acid, behenic acid, and mixtures thereof.

[0028] When unsaturated fatty acid soaps are mixed with saturated fatty acid soaps the weight ratio of unsaturated fatty acid soap to saturated fatty acid soap is 1 : 1 , or 1 :0.75, or 1 :0.5, or 1 :0.25, or 1 :0.1 , or 1 :0.05, or 1 :0.01 , or 1 :0.

[0029] The amount of fatty acid soap content in the fabric softener compositions of the present technology ranges from about 0.2 to 35 wt.%, or from about 0.5 to about 20 wt.%, or from about 1 to about 10 wt.%, or from about 2 to about 8 wt.%, based on the total wt. of the composition.

[0030] The soap can be prepared by a variety of well-known means such as by the direct neutralization of a fatty acid or mixtures thereof with a suitable base or mixture of bases or by the saponification of suitable fats and natural oils or mixtures thereof with a suitable base or a mixture of suitable bases. Exemplary bases include, but are not limited to, potassium hydroxide, potassium carbonate, sodium hydroxide, ammonium hydroxide, triethanolamine, and mixtures thereof.

[0031] The degree of neutralization of the fatty acid ranges from about

0.1 to about 1 .0, or from about 0.2 to about 1 .0, or from about 0.3 to about 1 .0, or from about 0.5 to about 1 .0. The degree of neutralization is stoichiometric calculated by the mole ratio of neutralizer and fatty acid. When the mole ratio of neutralizer to fatty acid is over 1 , the degree of fatty acid neutralization is considered to be 1 . The amount of neutralizer over 1 is considered to be an electrolyte and a pH adjuster. The presence of other ingredients, such as cationic polymers and other adjuvants are not considered in the calculation of the degree of neutralization. Cationic Polymer

[0032] The cationic polymers of the disclosed technology provide the mechanism for the anionic soap softening component to deposit onto the negatively charged fabrics, potentially imparting additional softening benefits and anti-static performance. Without wishing to be bound by theory, the polyelectrolytic nature of the cationic polymer component also facilitates the conversion of the soap from a solid state to a dispersed state via a salting out phenomenon and coacervation between soap and cationic polymer forming coacervates, complexes, and/or vesicles. The presence of the cationic polymer creates an osmotic gradient difference which extracts water from the coacervates and vesicles. In addition, the wrapping of the cationic polymer around the surface of the coacervates and vesicles stabilizes the fatty acid soap dispersed within the continuous aqueous phase of the softener composition. Furthermore, a high level of cationic polymer increases product viscosity by associating with multiple negatively charged soap vesicles and coacervates to form a network. Saturated fatty acid soaps in aqueous media may be solid even when present in amounts as low as 0.5 % (w/w). Surprisingly, by adding a cationic polymer having sufficient total ionic strength converts a solid soap system into a liquid dispersed state.

[0033] The positively charged soap/cationic polymer aggregates have the advantage of providing substantivity to the often negatively charged textile materials (e.g., cellulose).

[0034] In one aspect, a cationic polymer is defined as a polymer containing at least one monomer residue that contains a positive charge or can be made to contain a positive charge (e.g., protonated) under the conditions of end product use.

[0035] In one aspect, the cationic polymer may be selected from the group consisting of cationic or amphoteric polysaccharides, polyethyleneimine and its derivatives, a synthetic polymer made by polymerizing one or more cationic monomers selected from the group consisting of N,N- dialkylaminoalkyl acrylate, Ν,Ν-dialkylaminoalkyl methacrylate, Ν,Ν-dialkylaminoalkyl acrylamide, Ν,Ν-dialkylaminoalkylmethacrylamide, quaternized N, N dialkylaminoalkyl acrylate quaternized Ν,Ν-dialkylaminoalkyl methacrylate, quaternized N,N- dialkylaminoalkyl acrylamide, quaternized N,N-dialkylaminoalkylmethacrylamide, Methacryloamidopropyl-pentamethyl-l,3-propylene-2-ol-ammoniu m dichloride, N,N,N,N',N',N",N"-heptamethyl-N"-3-(l- oxo-2-methyl-2- propenyl)aminopropyl-9- oxo-8-azo-decane-l,4,10-triammonium trichloride, vinylamine and its derivatives, allylamine and its derivatives, vinyl imidazole, quaternized vinyl imidazole and diallyl dialkyl ammonium chloride, methacryloyloxyethyl trimethyl ammonium methylsulfate, and combinations thereof. The cationic polymer may optionally comprise a second monomer selected from the group consisting of acrylamide, Ν,Ν-dialkyl acrylamide, methacrylamide, Ν,Ν-dialkylmethacrylamide, C1-C12 alkyl acrylate, C1 -C12 hydroxyalkyl acrylate, polyalkylene glyol acrylate, C1 -C12 alkyl methacrylate, C1-C12 hydroxyalkyl methacrylate, polyalkylene glycol methacrylate, vinyl acetate, vinyl alcohol, vinyl formamide, vinyl acetamide, vinyl alkyl ether, vinyl pyridine, vinyl pyrrolidone, vinyl imidazole, vinyl caprolactam, and derivatives, acrylic acid, methacrylic acid, maleic acid, vinyl sulfonic acid, styrene sulfonic acid, acrylamidopropylmethane sulfonic acid (AMPS ^® monomer) and their salts. The polymer may be a terpolymer prepared from more than two monomers. The polymer may optionally be branched or cross-linked by using branching and crosslinking agents, including but not limited to ethylene glycoldiacrylate divinylbenzene, and butadiene. In one aspect, the cationic polymer may include those produced by polymerization of ethylenically unsaturated monomers using a suitable initiator or catalyst, such as those disclosed in WO 00/56849 and US 6,642,200. In one aspect, the cationic polymer may comprise charge neutralizing anions such that the overall polymer is neutral under ambient conditions. Suitable counter ions include (in addition to anionic species generated during use) chloride, bromide, sulfate, methylsulfate, sulfonate, methylsulfonate, carbonate, bicarbonate, formate, acetate, citrate, nitrate, and mixtures thereof.

[0036] In one aspect, the cationic polymer may be selected from the group consisting of poly(acrylamide-co-diallyldimethylammonium chloride), poly(acrylamide-co-methacryloyloxyethyl trimethylammonium methylsulfate) poly(acrylamide-co-methacrylamidopropyltrimethyl ammonium chloride), poly(acrylamide-co-N,N-dimethyl aminoethyl acrylate) and its quaternized derivatives, poly(acrylamide-co-N,N-dimethyl aminoethyl methacrylate) and its quaternized derivative, poly(hydroxyethylacrylate-co-dimethyl aminoethyl methacrylate), poly(hydroxpropylacrylate-co-dimethyl aminoethyl methacrylate), poly(hydroxpropylacrylate-co-methacrylamidopropyltrimethylam monium

chloride), poly(acrylamide-co-diallyldimethylammonium chloride-co-acrylic acid), poly(acrylamide-co-methacrylamidopropyltrimethyl ammonium chloride-co- acrylic acid), poly(diallyldimethylammonium chloride-co-acrylic acid), poly(diallyldimethyl ammonium chloride), poly(methyl acrylate-co- methacrylamidopropyltrimethyl ammonium chloride-co-acrylic acid), poly(vinylpyrrolidone-co-dimethylaminoethyl methacrylate), poly(ethyl methacrylate-co-quaternized dimethylaminoethyl methacrylate), poly(ethyl methacrylate-co- oleyl methacrylate-co-diethylaminoethyl methacrylate), poly(diallyldimethylammonium chloride-co-acrylic acid), polyvinyl pyrrolidone-co- quaternized vinyl imidazole) and poly(acrylamide-co-methacrylamidopropyl- pentamethyl-l,3-propylene-2-ol-ammonium dichloride).

[0037] The foregoing cationic polymers may be further classified by their

INCI (International Nomenclature of Cosmetic Ingredients) names as Polyquaternium-1 , Polyquaternium-5, Polyquaternium-6, Polyquaternium-7, Polyquaternium-8, Polyquaternium-1 1 , Polyquaternium-14, Polyquaternium-22, Polyquaternium-28, Polyquaternium-30, Polyquaternium-32, Polyquaternium-33, Polyquaternium-39, Polyquarternium-47 and Polyquaternium-53.

[0038] The cationic polymer may include natural polysaccharides that have been cationically and/or amphoterically modified. Representative cationically or amphoterically modified polysaccharides include those selected from the group consisting of cationic and amphoteric cellulose ethers; cationic or amphoteric galactomannans, such as cationic guar gum, cationic locust bean gum and cationic cassia gum; chitosan; cationic and amphoteric starch; and combinations thereof. These polymers may be further classified by their INCI names as Polyquarternium-10, Polyquaternium-24, Polyquaternium-29, Guar Hydroxypropyltrimonium Chloride, Cassia Hydroxypropyltrimonium Chloride and Starch Hydroxypropyltrimonium Chloride.

[0039] In one aspect, the cationic polymer may have a net cationic charge density of from about 0.005 to about 23, or from about 0.01 to about 12, or from about 0.1 to about 7 milliequivalents/g, at the pH of the intended use of the composition. For amine-containing polymers, wherein the charge density depends on the pH of the composition, charge density is measured at the intended use pH of the product. Such pH will generally range from about 2 to about 1 1 , more generally from about 2.5 to about 9.5. Charge density is calculated by dividing the number of net charges per repeating unit by the molecular weight of the repeating unit. The positive charges may be located on the backbone of the polymers and/or the side chains of polymers.

[0040] In one aspect, the cationic polymer may have a weight average molecular weight (Mw) of from about 500 to about 5,000,000, or from about 50,000 to about 2,000,000, or from about 100,000 to about 1 ,600,000, or from about 200,000 to about 1 ,200,000 Daltons as determined by size exclusion chromatography relative to polyethyleneoxide standards with Rl detection. The cationic polymers may also range in both molecular weight and charge density. In one aspect, the cationic polymer may have a charge density of from about 0.05 meq/g to about 12 meq/g, or from about 0.3 to about 6 meq/q, or from about 0.5 to about 4 meq/g at a pH of from about pH 3 to about pH 12. In one aspect, the one or more cationic polymer may have a weight average molecular weight of 75,000 Daltons to about 2,500,000 Daltons and a charge density from about 0.1 meq/g to about 12.

[0041] Suitable cationic polymers are commercially available under the

Noverite™ tradename, product designations 300, 301 , 302, 303, 304, 305, 306, 307, 308, 310, 31 1 , 312, 313, 314 and 315 as well as Sensomer™ CI-50 and 10M polymers marketed by Lubrizol Advanced Materials, Inc., Cleveland, Ohio.

[0042] In one aspect, the cationic polymer component may be present in an amount ranging from about 0.1 to about 50 wt.%, or from about 0.5 to about 20 wt.%, or from about 1 to about 10 wt.%, based on the weight of the total composition.

Aqueous Phase

[0043] The fabric softener compositions of the present technology are provided as aqueous dispersions in which the majority of fabric softening fatty acid salt compounds are stably dispersed in the aqueous phase. The aqueous phase is primarily water, usually deionized or distilled water, with partially dissolved fatty acid soap, polymers and adjuvants. In one aspect, the compositions comprise from about 25 to about 99 wt.%, or from about 30 to about 90 wt.%, or from about 35 to about 80 wt.%, or about 40 to about 75 wt.%, or from about 60 to about 96 wt.%, or from about 75 to about 93 wt.%, or from about 80 to about 90 wt.% water, based on the total weight of the composition. In one aspect, the water component is demineralized.

Cosolvents

[0044] In addition to water, the aqueous carrier may comprise water miscible cosolvents. Cosolvents can aid in the dissolution of various fabric softener components including the soap component and adjuvants that require dissolution in the liquid phase. Manipulation of the level of soap dissolution could be used for adjusting product viscosity by altering the volume ratio of soap aggregates and continuous bulk liquid as well as the viscosity of bulk liquid. Suitable cosolvents include the lower alcohols such as ethanol and isopropanol but can be any lower monohydric alcohol containing up to 5 carbon atoms. Some or all of the alcohol may be replaced with dihydric or trihydric lower alcohols or glycol ethers which in addition to providing solubilizing properties and reducing the flash point of the product, also can provide anti-freezing attributes as well as to improve the compatibility of the solvent system with particular laundry detergent adjuvants. Exemplary dihydric and trihydric lower alcohols and glycol ethers are glycol, propanediol (e.g., propylene glycol, 1 ,3-propane diol), butanediol, glycerol, diethylene glycol, propyl or butyl diglycol, hexylene glycol, ethylene glycol methyl ether, ethylene glycol ethyl ether, ethylene glycol propyl ether, ethylene glycol mono-n-butyl ether, diethylene glycol methyl ether, diethylene glycol ethyl ether, propylene glycol methyl, ethyl or propyl ether, dipropylene glycol monomethyl ether monoethyl ether, diisopropylene glycol monomethyl ether, diisopropylene glycol monoethyl ether, methoxytriglycol, ethoxytriglycol, butoxytriglycol, isobutoxyethoxy-2-propanol, 3-methyl-3- methoxybutanol, propylene glycol t-butyl ether, and mixtures of these solvents.

[0045] The amount of cosolvent(s) if utilized can range from about 0.1 to about 10 wt.%, or from about from about 0.5 to about 5 wt.%, or from about 1 to 3.5 wt.%, based on the weight of the total composition.

Optional Components

A) Dispersing Agent

[0046] In one aspect, the softener compositions may contain an optional auxiliary dispersing agent to facilitate the processing of compositions containing higher levels of the soap softening agent. In one aspect, the auxiliary dispersing agent can be selected from polyetheramines (e.g., Jeffamine ^® monoamines, Huntsman Corporation), fatty amine ethoxylates, polyoxyalkylene sodium salts (Carbosperse ^® K-XP228 dispersant, Lubrizol Advanced Materials, Inc.), aromatic poly(alkyleneoxide) (e.g., Solsperse ^® 27000 dispersant, Lubrizol Advanced Materials, Inc.) and anionically modified polyalkoxylated polyurethanes (Solsperse™ VW 400 dispersant, Lubrizol Advanced Materials, Inc.). Other dispersing agents suitable for dispersing soaps may also be utilized.

[0047] In one aspect, the auxiliary dispersing agent is a polyetheramine is represented by the formula:

where R ¹ is hydrogen or methyl; and x and y are integers from 0 to 100, or from 1 to 50, or from 10 to 25, subject to the proviso that x and y cannot both be zero at the same time. In one aspect x and y are taken such that the molecular weight of the dispersant ranges from about 200 to about 5000, or from about 400 to about 4000, or from about 800 to about 2500 Daltons. These materials are commercially available from Huntsman Corporation, under the tradename Jeffamine ^® , product designations M-600, M-1000, M-2005 and M-2070. In one aspect, the polyetheramine and the unsaturated fatty acid soap may form vesicles and/or coacervates which provide anti-coagulation effects through a steric hindrance mechanism.

[0048] In one aspect, the dispersing agent is a fatty amine ethoxylate. In one aspect, the fatty amine ethoxylate is represented by the formula:

where R ² is selected from hydrogen, C1-C22 alkyl, hydroxy(Ci-C22) alkyl or poly(ethyleneoxide) containing 2 to 30 ethylene oxide units, optionally R ² can contain an ether linkage; and n and m independently represent an integer from 1 to 29.

[0049] In one aspect, the fatty amine ethoxylate is selected from but not limited to bis-(2-hydroxyethyl) isodecyloxypropylamine, poly(oxyethylene)(5) isodecyloxypropylam ine, bis-(2-hydroxyethyl) isotridecyloxypropylam ine, poly(oxyethylene)(5) isotridecyloxypropyl amine, bis-(2-hydroxyethyl) dodecylamine, poly(oxyethylene)(5) dodecylamine, poly(oxyethylene)(10) dodecylamine, poly(oxyethylene)(15) dodecylamine, bis-(2-hydroxyethyl) soya amine, poly(oxyethylene)(5) soya amine, poly(oxyethylene)(15) soya amine, bis- (2-hydroxyethyl) octadecylamine, poly(oxyethylene)(5) octadecylamine, poly(oxyethylene)(8) octadecylamine, poly(oxyethylene)(10) octadecylamine, poly(oxyethylene)(15) octadecylamine, bis-(2-hydroxyethyl) octadecyloxypropylamine, bis-(2-hydroxyethyl) tallow amine, poly(oxyethylene)(5) tallow amine, poly(oxyethylene)(15) tallow amine, bis-(2- hydroxyethyl) coco amine, bis-(2-hydroxyethyl) isodecyloxypropylamine, poly(oxyethylene)(5) isodecyloxypropylam ine, bis-(2-hydroxyethyl) isotridecyloxypropylamine and poly(oxyethylene)(5) isotridecyloxypropyl amine.

[0050] Not to be bound by theory, it is believed that the amine head portion of fatty amines associate with the fatty acid within the soap vesicle or coacervate, while the ethoxylated portion of fatty amine ethoxylate extends sufficiently away from the soap vesicle or coacervate to form a steric repulsive barrier preventing the aggregation or cohesion of individual soap vesicles or coacevates to assist in the stabilization of the dispersion.

[0051] In one aspect, the auxiliary dispersant component may be present in an amount ranging from about 0 to about 10 wt.%, or about 0.05 to about 7 wt.%, or from about 0.1 to about 5 wt.%, or from about 0.25 to about 3 wt.% or from about 0.5 to about 2.5 wt.%, based on the weight of the total composition.

B) Hydrotrope

[0052] In one aspect, the softener compositions may contain an optional hydrotrope. The hydrotrope can be selected from those materials recognized in the art as hydrotropes. In one aspect, the hydrotrope can be selected from the sodium, potassium, ammonium, monoethanolamine, and triethanolamine salts of cumene sulfonate, xylene sulfonate, toluene sulfonate, diisopropyl naphthalene sulfonate, and mixtures thereof. In one aspect, nonionic hydrotropes such as glycerin, propylene glycol, ethanol and urea can be employed. Non-limiting examples of suitable hydrotropes include: sodium cumene sulfonate, sodium toluene sulfonate, sodium xylene sulfonate, and sodium diisopropyl naphthalene sulfonate.

[0053] In one aspect, the amount of hydrotrope can range from about 0 to about 10 wt.%, or from about 0.1 to about 5 wt.%, or from about 0.2 to about 4 wt.%, or from about 0.5 to about 3 wt.%, based on the weight of the total composition. C) Electrolyte

[0054] In one aspect, the softener compositions may contain an optional electrolyte. The electrolyte is included in the composition to modify the viscosity/elasticity profile of the composition on dilution and to provide lower dispersion viscosity and/or elasticity to the composition itself. Generally, any of the alkaline metals or alkaline earth metal salts of the mineral acids can be used as the electrolyte. In view of availability, solubility and low toxicity, NaCI, KCI, CaC , MgC , MgS04, Na2S04 and similar salts of alkaline and alkaline earth metals are employed.

[0055] In one aspect, the amount of the electrolyte salt can range from about 0 to 3 wt.%, or from about 0.05 to about 2.5 wt.%, or from about 0.1 to about 2 wt.% or from about 0.25 to 1 .5 wt.%, based on the total weight of the composition.

D) Auxiliary Thickening Agent

[0056] In one aspect, the softener compositions of the disclosed technology may contain an optional thickening agent to help increase the viscosity of the softener compositions. Various categories of thickeners may be used for increasing the viscosities of fabric softening compositions containing cationic components. It is possible to employ thickeners of natural origin, for example, gelatins, starches and carrageenans, as well as cellulose-based natural thickeners known as cellulose ethers, for example, ethylhexylethylcellulose (EHEC), hydroxybutylmethylcellulose (HBMC), hydroxyethylmethylcellulose (HEMC), hydroxypropylmethylcellulose (HPMC), methyl cellulose (MC), hydroxyethylcellulose (HEC), hydroxypropylcellulose (HPC) and cetyl hydroxyethylcellulose. Thickeners bearing urethane bonds, for example., hydrophobically modified ethoxylated urethanes (HEUR) formed from the condensation of a poly(alkylene glycol), a polyisocyanate and a reagent that provides hydrophobic associativity (e.g, alkyl, aryl or arylalkyl groups) are also useful herein. [0057] In one aspect, the thickener may be selected from crossiinked homopolymers of acrylic acid (INCI name: Carbomer), crossiinked copolymers of (meth)acrylic acid and a C10-C30 alkyl ester of (meth)acrylic acid (INCI name: Acrylates/C 10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Cross-polymer), an alkali-swellable emulsion (ASE) polymer or a hydrophobically modified alkali-swellable emulsion (HASE) polymer. An ASE polymer is a crossiinked emulsion copolymer prepared from (meth)acrylic acid and at least one monomer of a C1-C5 alkyl (meth)acrylate (INCI name: Acrylates Copolymer). A HASE polymer is a emulsion copolymer of (meth)acrylic acid, at least one C1-C5 alkyl (meth)acrylate and an associative monomer with a pendant poly(alkylenoxy) moiety having a hydrophobic end group, e.g, alkyl, aryl or arylalkyl groups (representative INCI name: Acrylates/Beheneth-25 Methacrylate Copolymer).

[0058] In one aspect, the amount of the thickener component can range from about 0 to 10 wt.%, or from about 0.001 to 5 wt.%, or from about 0.1 to 2.5 wt.%, or from about 0.25 to 1 wt.%, based on the total weight of the composition.

E) Chelation Agents

[0059] Chelation agents (chelators) can be employed to stabilize the softener compositions against the deleterious effects of metal ions. When utilized, suitable chelating agents include amino carboxylates, ethylene diamine- Ν,Ν'-disuccinate, amino phosphonates (where low levels of phosphorus are permitted), citric acid and salts thereof, and cyclodextrins.

[0060] Amino carboxylates useful as chelating agents include ethylenediaminetetraacetates (EDTA), N- hydroxyethylethylenediaminetriacetates, nitrilotriacetates (NTA), ethylenediamine tetraproprionates, ethylenediamine-N,N'-diglutamates, 2- hyroxypropylenediamine-N,N-disuccinates, triethylenetetraamine- hexacetates, diethylenetriaminepentaacetates (DETPA), and ethanoldiglycines, including their water-soluble salts such as the alkali metal, ammonium, and substituted ammonium salts thereof and mixtures thereof. Suitable amino phosphonates are also suitable for use as chelating agents in the compositions of the invention when at least low levels of total phosphorus are permitted in laundry compositions, and include ethylenediaminetetrakis(methylenephosphonates), diethylenetriamine-N,N,N',N",N"-pentakis(methanephosphonate) (DETMP) and I- hydroxyethane-1 , 1 -diphosphonate (HEDP).

[0061] In one aspect, the chelating agents are used in an amount ranging from about 0 to about 10 wt.%, or from about 0.25 to about 5 wt.%, or from about 0.5 to about 3 wt.%, based on the total weight of the composition.

F) Preservatives

[0062] In one aspect, the softener compositions of the disclosed technology may contain an optional preservative(s). Suitable preservatives include polymethoxy bicyclic oxazolidine, methyl paraben, ethyl paraben, propyl paraben, butyl paraben, benzyltriazole, DMDM hydantoin (also known as 1 ,3-dimethyl-5,5-dimethyl hydantoin), imidazolidinyl urea, phenoxyethanol, phenoxyethylparaben, methylisothiazolinone, methylchloroisothiazolinone, benzoisothiazolinone, triclosan, and suitable polyquaternium compounds disclosed above (e.g., Polyquaternium-1 ).

[0063] In one aspect, the preservatives comprise from about 0 to about

3.0 wt.%, or from about 0.01 to about 2 wt.%, or from about 0.1 to about 1 wt.%, based on the total weight of composition.

G) pH Adjusting Agents

[0064] In one aspect, the softener compositions of the disclosed technology may contain optional pH adjusting agent(s). In one aspect, the liquid fabric softener of the present technology will have a neat pH of from about 4 to about 13, or from about 5 to about 10, or from about 6 to about 9.5, or from about 6.5 to about 8.5. To adjust or maintain a desired pH, the liquid fabric softener composition may contain a pH adjusting agent and/or buffering agent in a sufficient amount to attain the above-mentioned pH ranges. The pH adjusting agents useful in the present laundry compositions include alkalizing agents. Suitable alkalizing agents include, for example, ammonia solution, triethanolamine, diethanolamine, monoethanolamine, potassium hydroxide, sodium hydroxide, sodium phosphate dibasic, soluble carbonate salts, and combinations thereof. If it is necessary to reduce the pH of the liquid composition, inorganic and organic acidifying agents may be included. Suitable inorganic and organic acidifying agents include, for example, HF, HCI, HBr, HI, boric acid, sulfuric acid, phosphoric acid, and/or sulphonic acid; or boric acid. The organic acidifying agent can include substituted and substituted, branched, linear and/or cyclic carboxylic acids and anhydrides thereof (e.g., citric acid, lactic acid).

H) Buffer Agents

[0065] In one aspect, the softener compositions of the disclosed technology may contain an optional buffer agent(s). Suitable buffering agents include, but are not limited to, alkali or alkali earth metal carbonates, phosphates (where small amounts of phosphorus are permitted), bicarbonates, citrates, borates, acetates, silicates, acid anhydrides, succinates, and the like, such as sodium phosphate, sodium citrate, sodium acetate, sodium bicarbonate, sodium silicate and sodium carbonate.

I) Perfumes and Fragrances

[0066] In one aspect, the softener compositions of the disclosed technology may contain one or more enduring perfume ingredients which are substantive to fabrics to minimize the perfume lost during the laundry rinse cycle. The perfume may be in the form of free oil or encapsulates. Substantive perfume ingredients are those fragrance compounds that effectively deposit on fabrics during the rinsing cycle and are detectable on the subsequently dried fabrics by individuals with normal olfactory acuity. Enduring perfumes are those which are effectively retained and remain on the laundry for a long-lasting aesthetic benefit with a minimum amount of material, and not lost and/or wasted in the rinsing, and/or drying steps of the laundering process. [0067] In one aspect, the perfume can be derived from a naturally occurring molecule or a synthetic molecule. Naturally occurring molecules are those that are derived directly or indirectly from living beings (e.g., animals, plants, fruit, flowers, and the like). Naturally occurring molecules include products of naturally occurring molecules and synthetic molecules. Synthetic perfumes include alcohols, ketones, aldehydes, esters, ethers, nitriles, alkenes, and mixtures thereof. Suitable perfumes and fragrances are disclosed in U.S. Patent Nos. 8, 188,030; 8,357,649 and 8,293,697, the pertinent disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0068] In one aspect, the perfume is incorporated into the present softener compositions at a level from about 0 or 0.001 to about 5 wt.%, or from about 0.1 to 3 wt.%, or from about 0.5 to about 2 wt.%, based on the total weight of the composition.

[0069] Other optional adjunct ingredients that may be added to the fabric softener composition of the present technology include, but are not limited to, colorant, brightener, dye, odor control agent, pro-perfume, cyclodextrin, solvent, soil release polymer, antimicrobial agent, chlorine scavenger, enzyme, anti- shrinkage agent, fabric crisping agent, spotting agent, anti-oxidant, anti-corrosion agent, bodying agent, drape and form control agent, smoothness agent, wrinkle control agent, sanitization agent, disinfecting agent, germ control agent, mold control agent, mildew control agent, antiviral agent, anti-microbial, drying agent, stain resistance agent, soil release agent, malodor control agent, fabric refreshing agent, chlorine bleach odor control agent, dye fixative, dye transfer inhibitor, color maintenance agent, color restoration/rejuvenation agent, anti- fading agent, whiteness enhancer, anti-abrasion agent, wear resistance agent, fabric integrity agent, anti-wear agent, and rinse aid, UV protection agent, sun fade inhibitor, insect repellent, anti-allergenic agent, enzyme, flame retardant, water proofing agent, fabric comfort agent, shrinkage resistance agent, stretch resistance agent, enzymes, anti-static agents, auxiliary softening agents, and combinations thereof. [0070] In one aspect, the softener composition comprises one or more adjunct ingredient(s) ranging from about 0 to 10 wt.%, or from about 0 to about 5 wt.%, or from about 0 to about 2 wt.%, based on the total weight of the composition. In one aspect, the composition of the present technology is free or essentially free of any one or more adjunct ingredients. In one aspect, the composition is free or essentially free of detersive laundry surfactants (other than the fatty acid soap).

[0071] In one aspect, the fabric softener compositions of the present technology may be prepared by the procedure set forth below:

1 . Add water to a vessel and heat the water to a temperature equal to or greater than the melting point of fatty acid.

2. Add and disperse neutralizer(s) in water.

3. Add and disperse optional ingredients, such as hydrotropes, electrolytes, chelating agents, auxiliary dispersing agents, buffer agents, etc.

4. Slowly add fatty acid(s) under moderate agitation until homogeneous.

5. Slowly add cationic polymer solution under moderate agitation until homogeneous.

6. Add colorant, preservative and auxiliary thickener with agitation.

7. Cool the system to less than 35 ^° C, then add perfume fragrance with moderate agitation until homogeneous.

[0072] To prevent the shocking of the system, the cationic polymers and liquid thickener may be pre-diluted with at least the same amount of water as a premix before adding to the system.

[0073] In one aspect, heating of the water in step 1 may not be required.

[0074] In one aspect, depending on the choice of polymer and fatty acid and available mixing equipment the order of steps 2 through 6 may be modified to optimize processing time and stability. Methods and Materials Viscosity

[0075] Brookfield viscometers were used to measure the viscosity of compositions prepared in the examples. Either Model RV or LV Brookfield viscometer (Ametek Brookfield) was used depending on the viscosity range. The measurements were carried out at ambient room temperature (20-25°C) at the rotation speed of 20 rpm. Spindle sizes are selected in accordance with the standard operating recommendations from the manufacturer. The artisan of ordinary skill in the art will select a spindle size appropriate for the system to be measured.

Softness Index Test

[0076] A top load washer (General Electric Model No.

GTWN2800D1VWV) was used for testing. Before each test cycle, the washer was cleaned as follows:

1 . Premeasure Tide™ Original Powder laundry detergent powder (~125 g) and place in the washer drum.

2. Set the washer settings to Large Size Load and Hot Water Temperature.

3. Turn dial to Regular setting and start the washer.

4. After the wash cycle has finished, spray the inside of the drum, agitator and lid with isopropyl alcohol and wipe the drum, agitator and lid with a dry towel.

5. Air dry for 5 minutes.

[0077] New terry cloth towels (Baltic Linen Pyramid Excel) used for the softness index test were washed (3 wash cycles) using Tide Original Powder laundry detergent to strip the manufacturing finish from the towels. After the third wash cycle the towels were removed from the washer and tumble dried. Before tumble drying the surface of the dryer was sprayed with isopropyl alcohol and wiped with a clean towel to insure chemical residues were removed. A front load tumble dryer (Whirlpool Quiet Dry LEB6300PWO was used for all drying steps. [0078] The wash machine parameters were set to Regular cycle time,

Medium size load, Warm water temperature and Cold water rinse. City tap water having a 140-ppm water hardness level was used for all the tests. Three stripped terry cloth towels were placed in the washer drum along with Tide™ Original liquid laundry detergent dosed at 50 grams/wash and the wash cycle was started. Residual detergent in the dosing cup was rinsed into the washer drum by holding the dosing cup under the fill water dispenser. The liquid softener test formulations and control formulation (Ultra Downy™ fabric softener) were dosed into the washer drum at the beginning of the rinse cycle at 2.45 gram total active solids. Any residual softener in the dosing cup was rinsed into the washer by holding the dosing cup under the fill water dispenser. After the spin cycle the treated towels were placed in the front load tumble dryer drum which was wiped with isopropyl alcohol. The drying parameters were set to a 65 Minute cycle time with the temperature set to Medium. Three towels were washed in each test sample and control formulation.

[0079] A Phabrometer™ 3 fabric assessment instrument and associated software (PhES) (Nu Cybertek, Inc.) was interfaced with a personal computer and used to measure the resilience and softness parameters of the softener treated towels. Individual circular swatches (area: approximately 100 cm ² ) were cut from each of the 3 treated towels in each fabric softener test run. Each softener treated swatch sample was individually placed onto the mounting platform over the orifice (1 1 cm diameter) of the instrument and weighted down with mass plates weighing a total of 1 .814 kg. The treated swatch was forced through the orifice by the instrument plunger. The force required to push the sample through the orifice was measured by the instrument and reported as "resilience" (scale: 0-100) and "softness" (scale: 0-100). After each test the portions of the instrument in contact with the swatch were wiped with isopropyl alcohol to remove residue contamination. Three test repetitions were conducted for each sample and the average of the three were utilized in the calculation of the SI index described below. [0080] From consumer panel evaluations, the contribution of resilience

(how easily a hand glides over a fabric - frictional component) and softness (ease of compressibility - compression component) parameters to the overall consumer perception of softness is weighted at about 70% and 30%, respectively. To simplify the reporting of the data a Softening Index (SI) equation was created: SI = 0.7 x (100 - Resilience) + 0.3 x Softness. Higher SI values is indicative of better softening performance.

[0081 ] To further demonstrate softening performance, the softeners of the disclosed technology were compared with the softening performance of two controls, a blank formulation (no softener) and a leading commercial softener product (Ultra Downy™ fabric softener). The softening results were calculated according two equations below:

AS I Blank - S lsample— S lBlank

AS I Control— SI Sample— SI Control where S lsampie is the SI value of a sample tested, S lBiank is the SI value without addition of a softener, and S lcontroi is the SI value of a leading commercial softener.

Light Transmittance

[0082] A Brinkmann PC 950 Probe Colorimeter (STH Company) equipped with 520 nm filter was used for light transmittance measurements. The light path of the probe of PC 950 colorimeter was 1 cm. Measurements were carried out by immersing the probe into a sample solution at ambient room temperature (20-25°C). Light transmission measurements were taken against deionized water (transmittance of 100 percent). The light transmittance was recorded as a percentage (%T). Freeze/Thaw Cycle

[0083] Free/Thaw stability testing was carried out by storing samples in a freezer at (-20°C) for at least 12 hours followed by thawing at ambient room temperature (20 - 25°C) for at least 3 hours before visual examination for gel formation or phase separation. The sample passes if there is no gel formation or phase separation. The test is repeated for up to 3 cycles.

Shelf-Life Stability

[0084] To eliminate the need to conduct stability studies in excess of one year, stability testing is conducted under accelerated conditions in order to predict the shelf-life of a composition. Accelerated stability testing is carried out by storing samples in stability ovens (typically 40°C - 50°C) or under refrigeration (typically 4°C) set at the designated temperatures. Samples are removed periodically for assessment. Samples are considered to pass the stability test if no visible gel formation or phase separation is evident. Additional properties such as turbidity, viscosity and pH may also be monitored for select samples. A composition should be stable for at least 2 weeks, or at least 1 month, or at least 2 or 3 months, or at least 4 or 5 months at 45°C.

Wicking Index Test

[0085] In addition to softening, the moisture management properties of laundered fabrics are important for comfort and/or function. Conventional tallow- quat and esterquat based softeners tend to negatively affect the moisture wicking and drying properties of many natural and synthetic fabrics. The present technology helps to maintain the wicking properties of fabrics as compared to current esterquat based commercial products.

[0086] A top load washer (General Electric Model No.

GTWN2800D1VWV) was used for testing. Before each test cycle, the washer was cleaned as follows:

1 . Premeasure Tide™ Original Powder laundry detergent powder (~125 g) and place in the washer drum. 2. Set the washer settings to Large Size Load and Hot Water Temperature.

3. Turn dial to Whites Regular setting and start the washer.

4. After the wash cycle has finished, spray the inside of the drum, agitator and lid with isopropyl alcohol and wipe the drum, agitator and lid with a dry towel.

5. Air dry for at least 5 minutes.

[0087] New terry cloth towels (Baltic Linen Pyramid Excel) used for the wicking index test were washed (3 wash cycles) using Tide Original Powder laundry detergent to strip the manufacturing finish from the towels. After the third wash cycle the towels were removed from the washer and tumble dried. Before tumble drying the surface of the dryer interior was sprayed with isopropyl alcohol and wiped with a clean towel to insure chemical residues were removed. A front load tumble dryer (Whirlpool Quiet Dry LEB6300PWO) was used for all drying steps.

[0088] The wash machine parameters were set to Whites Regular cycle time, Medium size load, Warm water temperature and Cold-water rinse. City tap water having approximately 140-ppm water hardness level was used for all the tests. Three stripped terry cloth towels were placed in the washer drum along with Tide™ Original liquid laundry detergent dosed at 50 grams/wash and the wash cycle was started. Residual detergent in the dosing cup was rinsed into the washer drum by holding the dosing cup under the fill water dispenser. The liquid softener test formulations or control formulation (Ultra Downy™ fabric softener) were dosed into the washer drum at the beginning of the rinse cycle at a dose of 2.45 grams total solids. Any residual softener in the dosing cup was rinsed into the washer by holding the dosing cup under the fill water dispenser. After the spin cycle the treated towels were placed in the front load tumble dryer drum which was again previously cleaned with isopropyl alcohol. The drying parameters were set to a 65 Minute cycle time with the temperature set to Medium. Three towels were washed in each test sample and control formulation.

[0089] Vertical wicking was assessed by cutting a 1 -inch by 5-inch strip of the desired fabric, holding it vertically lengthwise, and dipping it to a depth of 0.5" into a 300 ml beaker of Dl water colored with blue dye. The time for the water front to reach a specified height (e.g., 1 inch or 2 inches) are measured and compared via the equation below.

VWIheight = Tsample/Tblank where VWIheight is the vertical wicking index of the sample for the specified height, Tsampie is the time to reach the specified height for the sample, and Tbiank is the time to reach the specified height for the blank (detergent only, no softener treatment). A lower wicking index correlates to faster drying times for treated fabrics. In one aspect, textile substrates treated with the fabric softening compositions of the present technology provide VWI of at least 0.25, or at least 0.5, or at least 0.6, or at least 0.75, or at least 1 , or up to 1 .5.

[0090] This present technology is exemplified by the following examples that are merely for illustration and are not to be regarded as limiting the scope of the technology or the way it can be practiced. Unless specifically indicated otherwise, the ingredients in all examples below are set forth as total active material, and specified parts and percentages of listed ingredients are given by weight.

Examples 1 to 7

[0091 ] Examples 1 to 2 are comparative, and Examples 3 to 7 are exemplary of the present technology. Aqueous soap compositions were prepared by combining the ingredients in the amounts indicated in Table 1 . To a mixing vessel equipped with a stirrer was added deionized (Dl) water followed by the addition of a sodium hydroxide solution and homogeneously mixed. To the aqueous solution of sodium hydroxide and water was added the fatty acid component under gentle agitation. The fatty acid was neutralized in situ to form a fatty acid soap. The cationic polymer was then added to the soap composition and mixed until homogeneous. Table 1

Comparative

² Lubrizol Advanced Materials, Inc.

[0092] The performance of the composition of Example 3 demonstrates a synergic improvement over the compositions of Comparative Example 1 (without a cationic polymer component) and Comparative Example 2 (without a soap component). The softening results (AS lBiank) show that the softening benefits effected by the compositions of the disclosed technology for improving fabric softness vs. the fabrics without softening treatment. In comparison, AS Icontroi shows that the compositions of the present technology have a similar or better performance at the dosage of the same total solids level vs. a leading commercially available liquid fabric softener product. Examples 8 to 15

[0093] Examples 8 to 15 are exemplary of the present technology and were formulated from the ingredients listed in Tables 2 and 2A using the same procedure set forth in Examples 1 to 7.

Table 2

Lubrizol Advanced Materials, Inc.

Table 2A

Ex. No. 12 13 14 15

DN 1.37 1 .02 1 .02 1 .02

AS I Blank 10.16 10.18 3.26 14.96

AS I Control 3.95 4.52 -2.40 9.31

Lubrizol Advanced Materials, Inc.

[0094] The softening results (ASI _B iank) show the softening benefits effected by the compositions of the disclosed technology for improving fabric softness vs. the fabrics without softening treatment. In comparison, ASIcontroi shows the inventive compositions have a similar or better performance at the dosage of the same total solid level vs. a leading commercially available liquid fabric softener product.

Examples 16 to 22

[0095] Examples 16 to 22 are exemplary of the present technology and are formulated from the ingredients listed in Tables 3 and 3A using the same procedure set forth in Examples 1 to 7.

Table 3

Ex. No. 16 17 18 19

ASlBlank 14.54 16.58 13.65 17.24

ASIcontrol 5.64 4.41 2.48 6.07

Lubrizol Advanced Materials, Inc.

2The Dow Chemical Company

3Solvay Novecare

Table 3A

Lubrizol Advanced Materials, Inc.

2The Dow Chemical Company

Examples 23 to 25

[0096] Examples 23 to 25 are of the present technology. The Examples were formulated from the ingredients listed in Table 4 using the procedure of Examples 1 to 7.

Table 4

Ex. No. 23 24 25

Ingredient (wt.%) (wt.%) (wt.%)

Dl Water 80.36 76.92 86.92

Oleic Acid 10.00 10.00 10.00

NaOH 1.44 1 .44 1.44

Cationic Polymer

8.20 1 .64 1 .64

(Noverite™ 301 Polymer ¹ )

Examples 26 to 28

[0097] The Examples were formulated from the ingredients listed in Table

5 using the procedure of Examples 1 to 7. The compositions contained a 20 wt.% fatty acid soap levels.

Table 5

Lubrizol Advanced Materials, Inc.

[0098] The addition of Canola oil of Example 28 has shown improvement of softening performance. Examples 29 to 30

[0099] The compositions of Examples 29 to 30 were formulated from the ingredients set forth in Table 6 utilizing the procedure set forth in Examples 1 to 4.

Table 6

¹ Lubrizol Advanced Materials, Inc.

Examples 31 to 34

[00100] The compositions of Examples 31 to 34 were formulated from the ingredients set forth in Table 7 utilizing the procedure set forth in Examples 1 to 7. These Examples have various ratios of unsaturated and saturated fatty acids.

Table 7

Ex. No. 31 32 33 34

Ingredient (wt.%) (wt.%) (wt.%) (wt.%)

Dl Water 78.37 66.58 69.33 79.52

Oleic Acid 10.00 16.00 15.84 10.06

Stearic Acid 5.00 8.00 7.98 5.31

NaOH 1.77 2.37 1.37 0.92

Cationic Polymer

(Noverite™ 301 1.23 2.05 2.02 1 .21

Polymer ¹ )

Ethanol 0.63 1 .50 - -

Huntsman Corporation

Example 35

[00101] The composition of Example 35 was formulated to show the stability of high cationic polymer concentrations in an opaque formulation. The composition was formulated from the ingredients set forth in Table 8 utilizing the procedure set forth in Examples 1 to 7.

Table 8

Lubrizol Advanced Materials, Inc.

[00102] The formulation was stable for at least one-month at 50°C and passed three freeze/thaw cycles. Example 36

[00103] The composition of Example 36 was formulated from the ingredients set forth in Table 9 utilizing the procedure set forth in Examples 1 to 7. The Softness (ASlBiank) and Wicking (WVI at 1 and 2 inches) Indices of Terry cloth towel fabric treated with the exemplified composition was measured in accordance with the test protocols described above. A commercially available liquid fabric softener containing an esterquat softening agent was identically tested as a comparison. The results of the Wicking Test are set forth in Table 10.

Table 9

¹ Lubrizol Advanced Materials, Inc.

Table 10

Ultra Downey™ April Fresh™ fabric softener, The Proctor and Gamble Company

[00104] Fabrics treated with the esterquat free compositions of the present technology exhibit a lower wicking index than fabrics treated with esterquat containing softening agents. Examples 37 and 38

[00105] The softening compositions of Examples 37 and 38 were formulated from the ingredients listed in Table 1 1 using the procedure of Examples 1 to 7. The unsaturated fatty acid was neutralized in situ with a mixture two neutralizing bases. Both compositions exhibited good freeze/thaw and self-life stabilities.

Table 1 1

¹ Lubrizol Advanced Materials, Inc.

² Thor Specialties, Inc. (1 ,2-benzisothiazolin-3-one/2-methyl-4— isothiazolin-3-one)