JP7489191B2 - Liquid fabric softener composition - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a liquid fabric softener composition. In particular, the present invention relates to a liquid fabric softener composition that has a good cooling sensation effect.

In recent years, with the onset of global warming and the resulting prolonged hot summers, the number of cooling products has been on the rise. For example, Patent Documents 1 and 2 describe the incorporation of a cooling/warming stimulant such as menthol into a textile product treatment composition. Patent Document 3 describes the incorporation of a cooling substance such as menthol into a textile finishing composition.

JP 2012-72539 A JP 2012-97377 A JP 2018-24950 A

However, it is difficult for cooling agents such as menthol to remain in the fabric, which creates problems in terms of feeling the effects.

In view of the above, an object of the present invention is to provide a liquid fabric softener composition that has a good cooling sensation effect.
As a result of intensive research, the present inventors have discovered that in a liquid fabric softener composition containing a specific softening material, by combining a cooling sensation material such as menthol with a sensation-imparting component such as amino-modified silicone, the fibers can be made smooth and the state can be changed, thereby improving the cooling sensation effect.

That is, the present invention relates to the following [1].
[1] A liquid softener composition comprising the following component (A), component (B), and component (C):
(A) 5 to 20% by mass of at least one compound selected from the group consisting of amine compounds having 1 to 3 hydrocarbon groups having 10 to 26 carbon atoms in the molecule, which may be interrupted by an ester group (-COO-) and/or an amide group (-NHCO-), their salts, and their quaternary derivatives.
(B) 0.5 to 10% by mass of at least one compound selected from the group consisting of amino-modified silicone, cationized cellulose, and fatty acid ester
(C) Menthol and/or menthol derivative: 0.05 to 1% by mass
[2] The liquid fabric softener composition according to [1] above, wherein the mass ratio B/C of the component (B) to the component (C) is 1 to 100.

According to one aspect of the present invention, a liquid fabric softener composition having a good cooling sensation effect can be provided.
According to one aspect of the present invention, a liquid fabric softener composition having a good cooling sensation effect and an appropriate viscosity can be provided.
According to one aspect of the present invention, it is possible to provide a liquid fabric softener composition that has a good cooling sensation effect and is sufficiently suppressed from thickening or separation.

[Component (A)]
In the liquid softener composition of the present invention, the component (A) is blended in order to impart to the liquid softener composition the effect of imparting softness (handle) to textile products (that is, the inherent function of a softener).
The component (A) is "at least one compound selected from the group consisting of amine compounds having 1 to 3 hydrocarbon groups having 10 to 26 carbon atoms in the molecule, which may be interrupted by an ester group (-COO-) and/or an amide group (-NHCO-), their salts, and their quaternary derivatives" and is a cationic surfactant.
The number of carbon atoms in the hydrocarbon group having 10 to 26 carbon atoms (hereinafter sometimes referred to as a "long-chain hydrocarbon group" in this specification) is preferably 17 to 26, and more preferably 18 to 24. When the number of carbon atoms is 10 or more, the softening effect is good, and when it is 26 or less, the handleability of the liquid softener composition is good.

The long-chain hydrocarbon group may be saturated or unsaturated. When the long-chain hydrocarbon group is unsaturated, the double bond may be located anywhere, but when there is one double bond, it is preferred that the double bond is located at the center of the long-chain hydrocarbon group or near the center.
The long chain hydrocarbon group may be a chain-like hydrocarbon group or a hydrocarbon group containing a ring in the structure, and is preferably a chain-like hydrocarbon group. The chain-like hydrocarbon group may be either a straight chain or a branched chain. As the chain-like hydrocarbon group, an alkyl group or an alkenyl group is preferable, and an alkyl group is more preferable.
The long-chain hydrocarbon group may be interrupted by a disconnecting group. The disconnection may be at one location or at two or more locations. Preferably, it is at one location. The disconnecting group is an ester group (-COO-) or an amide group (-NHCO-). When the long-chain hydrocarbon group has two or more disconnecting groups, the disconnecting groups may be the same or different. The carbon atoms in the disconnecting groups are counted in the number of carbon atoms of the long-chain hydrocarbon group.
The long-chain hydrocarbon group is usually introduced by using an industrially used unhydrogenated fatty acid derived from beef tallow, a fatty acid obtained by hydrogenating or partially hydrogenating an unsaturated portion, an unhydrogenated fatty acid or fatty acid ester derived from a plant such as palm or oil palm, or a fatty acid or fatty acid ester obtained by hydrogenating or partially hydrogenating an unsaturated portion.
The number of long-chain hydrocarbon groups in an "amine compound having 1 to 3 hydrocarbon groups having 10 to 26 carbon atoms in the molecule, which may be interrupted by an ester group (-COO-) or an amide group (-NHCO-) (hereinafter sometimes referred to as "amine compound" in this specification)" is 1 to 3. The number of long-chain hydrocarbon groups is preferably 2 (secondary amine compound) or 3 (tertiary amine compound), and more preferably 3.

〔式中、Ｒ¹～Ｒ³はそれぞれ独立に、－ＣＨ₂ＣＨ（Ｙ）ＯＣＯＲ⁴（Ｙは水素原子又はＣＨ₃であり、Ｒ⁴は炭素数７～２１の炭化水素基である。）、－（ＣＨ₂）_nＮＨＣＯＲ⁵（ｎは２又は３であり、Ｒ⁵は炭素数７～２１の炭化水素基である。）、水素原子、炭素数１～４のアルキル基、－ＣＨ₂ＣＨ（Ｙ）ＯＨ（Ｙは水素原子又はＣＨ₃である。）、又は、－（ＣＨ₂）_nＮＨ₂（ｎは２又は３である。）であり、
Ｒ¹～Ｒ³のうちの少なくとも１つは、－ＣＨ₂ＣＨ（Ｙ）ＯＣＯＲ⁴又は－（ＣＨ₂）_nＮＨＣＯＲ⁵である。〕 Specific examples of the amine compound as the component (A) include compounds represented by the following general formula (A1).

[In the formula, R ¹ to R ³ each independently represent -CH ₂ CH(Y)OCOR ⁴ (Y is a hydrogen atom or CH ₃ , and R ⁴ is a hydrocarbon group having 7 to 21 carbon atoms), -(CH ₂ ) _n NHCOR ⁵ (n is 2 or 3, and R ⁵ is a hydrocarbon group having 7 to 21 carbon atoms), a hydrogen atom, an alkyl group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms, -CH ₂ CH(Y)OH (Y is a hydrogen atom or CH ₃ ), or -(CH ₂ ) _n NH ₂ (n is 2 or 3);
At least one of R ¹ to R ³ is —CH ₂ CH(Y)OCOR ⁴ or —(CH ₂ ) _n NHCOR ⁵ .

In the group " _-CH2CH (Y) ^OCOR4 " in general formula (A1), Y is preferably a hydrogen atom. ^R4 is preferably a hydrocarbon group having 15 to 19 carbon atoms. When a plurality of ^R4s are present in the compound represented by general formula (A1), the plurality of ^R4s may be the same or different.
The hydrocarbon group of R ⁴ is a residue (fatty acid residue) obtained by removing a carboxy group from a fatty acid (R ⁴ COOH) having 8 to 22 carbon atoms, and the fatty acid (R ⁴ COOH) from which R ⁴ is derived may be a saturated or unsaturated fatty acid, and may also be a straight-chain or branched fatty acid. Among these, a saturated or unsaturated straight-chain fatty acid is preferred. In order to impart good water absorbency to softening-treated clothing, the saturated/unsaturated ratio (mass ratio) of the fatty acid from which R ⁴ is derived is preferably 90/10 to 0/100, more preferably 90/10 to 40/60, and particularly preferably 90/10 to 70/30.
When R ⁴ is an unsaturated fatty acid residue, it exists in cis and trans forms, and the mass ratio of cis/trans isomers is preferably 40/60 to 100/0, particularly preferably 70/30 to 90/10.

Specific examples of fatty acids that are the basis of ^R4 include stearic acid, palmitic acid, myristic acid, lauric acid, oleic acid, elaidic acid, linoleic acid, partially hydrogenated palm oil fatty acid (iodine value 10 to 60), and partially hydrogenated beef tallow fatty acid (iodine value 10 to 60).
Among these, it is preferable to use a fatty acid composition prepared by combining two or more kinds of acids selected from stearic acid, palmitic acid, myristic acid, oleic acid, elaidic acid, and linoleic acid in predetermined amounts so as to satisfy the following conditions (a) to (c).
(a) The ratio (mass ratio) of saturated fatty acids to unsaturated fatty acids is from 90/10 to 0/100, more preferably from 90/10 to 40/60, and particularly preferably from 90/10 to 70/30.
(b) The ratio (mass ratio) of cis isomer/trans isomer is 40/60 to 100/0, more preferably 70/30 to 90/10.
(c) The fatty acid having 18 carbon atoms is 60% by mass or more, preferably 80% by mass or more, the fatty acid having 20 carbon atoms is less than 2% by mass, and the fatty acid having 21 to 22 carbon atoms is less than 1% by mass.
In the group "-( _CH2 ) _nNHCOR5 ^" in the general formula (A1), n is preferably 3. ^R5 is preferably a hydrocarbon group having 15 to 19 carbon atoms. When a plurality of ^R5s are present in the compound represented by the general formula (A1), the plurality of ^R5s may be the same as or different from each other. Specific examples of ^R5 include the same as ^R4 .

In general formula (A1), at least one of R ¹ to R ³ is —CH ₂ CH(Y)OCOR ⁴ or —(CH ₂ ) _n NHCOR ^5. It is preferable that two of R ¹ to R ³ are —CH ₂ CH(Y)OCOR ⁴ and/or —(CH ₂ ) _n NHCOR ⁵ .
When one or two of R ¹ to R ³ are -CH ₂ CH(Y)OCOR ⁴ and/or -(CH ₂ ) _n NHCOR ⁵ , the remaining two or one are a hydrogen atom, an alkyl group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms, -CH ₂ CH(Y)OH, or -(CH ₂ ) _n NH ₂ , and preferably an alkyl group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms, -CH ₂ CH(Y)OH, or -(CH ₂ ) _n NH _2. Here, the alkyl group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms is preferably a methyl group or an ethyl group, and particularly preferably a methyl group. Y in -CH ₂ CH(Y)OH is the same as Y in -CH ₂ CH(Y)OCOR ^4. n in -(CH ₂ ) _n NH ₂ is the same as n in -(CH ₂ ) _n NHCOR ⁵ .

〔（Ａ１－１）～（Ａ１－６）の各式中、Ｒ⁹はそれぞれ独立に、炭素数７～２１の炭化水素基であり、（Ａ１－６）～（Ａ１－７）の各式中、Ｒ¹⁰はそれぞれ独立に、炭素数７～２１の炭化水素基である。〕 Preferred examples of the compound represented by general formula (A1) include tertiary amine compounds represented by the following general formulas (A1-1) to (A1-7).

[In each of the formulas (A1-1) to (A1-6), R ⁹ is independently a hydrocarbon group having 7 to 21 carbon atoms, and in each of the formulas (A1-6) to (A1-7), R ¹⁰ is independently a hydrocarbon group having 7 to 21 carbon atoms.]

Examples of the hydrocarbon group having 7 to 21 carbon atoms in ^R9 and ^R10 include the same as the hydrocarbon group having 7 to 21 carbon atoms in ^R4 in the general formula (A1), and are preferably alkyl and alkenyl groups having 15 to 17 carbon atoms. When a plurality of ^R9s are present in the formula, the plurality of ^R9s may be the same or different.

The component (A) of the present invention may be a salt of an amine compound. As the salt, a salt of a tertiary amine compound is preferable.
The salt of an amine compound can be obtained by neutralizing the amine compound with an acid. The acid used for neutralizing the amine compound may be an organic acid or an inorganic acid, and examples of the acid include hydrochloric acid, sulfuric acid, and methylsulfuric acid. The neutralization of the amine compound can be carried out by a known method.
The component (A) may be a quaternary amine compound. As the quaternary amine compound, a quaternary amine compound is preferable.
The quaternary product of an amine compound is obtained by reacting the amine compound with a quaternizing agent. Examples of the quaternizing agent used for quaternizing an amine compound include alkyl halides such as methyl chloride and dialkyl sulfates such as dimethyl sulfate. When these quaternizing agents are reacted with an amine compound, the alkyl group of the quaternizing agent is introduced to the nitrogen atom of the amine compound, and a salt of a quaternary ammonium ion and a halogen ion or a monoalkyl sulfate ion is formed. The alkyl group introduced by the quaternizing agent is preferably an alkyl group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms, more preferably a methyl group or an ethyl group, and particularly preferably a methyl group. The quaternization of an amine compound can be carried out by a known method.

The compounds represented by the general formulae (A1) and (A1-1) to (A1-7), their salts and their quaternary derivatives may be commercially available or may be produced by a known method.
For example, the compound represented by general formula (A1-1) (hereinafter referred to as "compound (A1-1)") and the compound represented by general formula (A1-2) (hereinafter referred to as "compound (A1-2)") can be synthesized by a condensation reaction between the fatty acid composition described in the column of ^R4 in general formula (A1) or a fatty acid methyl ester composition in which the fatty acid in the fatty acid composition is replaced with a methyl ester of the fatty acid, and methyldiethanolamine. In this case, from the viewpoint of imparting good flexibility, it is preferable to synthesize the compound so that the abundance ratio represented by "compound (A1-1)/compound (A1-2)" is 99/1 to 50/50 by mass ratio.
Furthermore, when the quaternized product is used, it is more preferable to use dimethyl sulfate as the quaternizing agent. In this case, from the viewpoint of imparting flexibility, it is preferable to synthesize the compound (A1-1) so that the abundance ratio represented by "quaternized product of compound (A1-1)/quaternized product of compound (A1-2)" is 99/1 to 50/50 by mass ratio.

The compound represented by the general formula (A1-3) (hereinafter referred to as "compound (A1-3)"), the compound represented by the general formula (A1-4) (hereinafter referred to as "compound (A1-4)"), and the compound represented by the general formula (A1-5) (hereinafter referred to as "compound (A1-5)") can be synthesized by a condensation reaction between the fatty acid composition or fatty acid methyl ester composition described in the column of R ⁴ of the general formula (A1) and triethanolamine. In this case, from the viewpoint of imparting flexibility, the content ratio of each component relative to the total mass of the compounds (A1-3), (A1-4) and (A1-5) is preferably 1 to 60 mass% for the compound (A1-3), 5 to 98 mass% for the compound (A1-4), and 0.1 to 40 mass% for the compound (A1-5), and more preferably 30 to 60 mass% for the compound (A1-3), 10 to 55 mass% for the compound (A1-4), and 5 to 35 mass% for the compound (A1-5).
In addition, when the quaternized product is used, it is more preferable to use dimethyl sulfate as the quaternizing agent in order to sufficiently proceed with the quaternization reaction. The abundance ratio of each of the quaternized products of the compounds (A1-3), (A1-4), and (A1-5) is, in terms of imparting flexibility, preferably 1 to 60% by mass of the quaternized product of the compound (A1-3), 5 to 98% by mass of the quaternized product of the compound (A1-4), and 0.1 to 40% by mass of the quaternized product of the compound (A1-5), more preferably 30 to 60% by mass of the quaternized product of the compound (A1-3), 10 to 55% by mass of the quaternized product of the compound (A1-4), and 5 to 35% by mass of the quaternized product of the compound (A1-5).
In addition, when the compounds (A1-3), (A1-4), and (A1-5) are quaternized, generally, non-quaternized esteramine remains even after the quaternization reaction. In this case, the ratio of "quaternized product/non-quaternized esteramine" is preferably within a mass ratio range of 70/30 to 99/1.

The compound represented by the general formula (A1-6) (hereinafter referred to as "compound (A1-6)") and the compound represented by the general formula (A1-7) (hereinafter referred to as "compound (A1-7)") can be synthesized by a condensation reaction of the fatty acid composition described in the R ⁴ column of the general formula (A1) with N-(2-hydroxyethyl)-N-methyl-1,3-propylenediamine, which is synthesized from an adduct of N-methylethanolamine and acrylonitrile by a known method described in J. Org. Chem., 26, 3409 (1960). In this case, it is preferable to synthesize the compound so that the abundance ratio represented by "compound (A1-6)/compound (A1-7)" is 99/1 to 50/50 by mass ratio.
When the quaternized product is used, it is preferable to use methyl chloride as a quaternizing agent, and it is preferable to synthesize the compound so that the abundance ratio represented by "quaternized product of compound (A1-6)/quaternized product of compound (A1-7)" is 99/1 to 50/50 in mass ratio.

The component (A) is
At least one selected from the group consisting of a compound represented by general formula (A1), a salt thereof, and a quaternary compound thereof is preferable,
More preferably, the compound is at least one selected from the group consisting of compounds represented by general formulas (A1-1) to (A1-7), salts thereof, and quaternary products thereof.
More preferred is at least one selected from the group consisting of compounds represented by formulas (A1-3) to (A1-5), salts thereof and quaternary products thereof.
The component (A) may be a single amine compound, a salt thereof, or a quaternary product thereof, or a mixture of two or more types, for example, a mixture of the compounds represented by the general formulas (A1-3) to (A1-5).
The blending amount of the (A) component is 5 to 20 mass %, and preferably 8 to 15 mass %, based on the total mass of the liquid softener composition. When the blending amount of the (A) component is 5 mass % or more, a sufficient softening effect can be obtained and a good cooling effect can be exhibited. When the blending amount of the (A) component is 20 mass % or less, the increase in viscosity of the liquid softener composition can be kept within a certain range, and thickening and separation can be avoided.

[Component (B)]
In the liquid softener composition of the present invention, the component (B) is blended to impart the effect of smoothing fibers to the liquid softener composition. Specifically, the component (B) is selected from amino-modified silicone, cationized cellulose, and fatty acid ester. The component (B) may be used alone or in combination of two or more.

（式中、Ｒは、それぞれ独立して、－Ｈ、－ＯＨ、－ＣＨ₃及び－Ｓｉ（ＣＨ₃）₃からなる群より選ばれ、Ｘは、－（ＣＨ₂）_a－ＮＨ₂、または、－（ＣＨ₂）_a－ＮＨ（ＣＨ₂）_bＮＨ₂であり（ａは０～３の整数であり、ｂは１～３の整数である）、ｎは１～１５００であり、ｍは１～２０である。）で表される、側鎖Xにアミノ基を導入してなる化合物である。 Amino-modified silicone
The amino-modified silicone is a compound in which amino groups have been introduced into both ends or into the side chain of a dimethyl silicone skeleton.
A preferred amino-modified silicone has the following general formula (B):

(wherein each R is independently selected from the group consisting of -H, -OH, _-CH3 and -Si( _CH3 ) ₃ , X is -( _{CH2 ) a} - _NH2 or -( _CH2 ) _a -NH( _CH2 ) _bNH2 (a is an integer from 0 to 3, b is an integer from 1 to 3), n is 1 to 1500, and m is 1 to 20), and is a compound having an amino group introduced into the side chain X.

The amino-modified silicone may be in the form of an oil (silicone oil) or in the form of an emulsion (silicone emulsion) emulsified using a nonionic surfactant or a cationic surfactant as an emulsifier.
When used as a silicone oil, the kinetic viscosity at 25°C is preferably 50 to 20,000 mm ² /s, more preferably 500 to 10,000 mm ² /s. When the kinetic viscosity is in this range, a high texture-imparting effect is obtained, and the liquid softener composition is easy to manufacture and handle. The kinetic viscosity can be measured with an Ostwald viscometer. The amino equivalent of the silicone oil is preferably 100 to 10,000 g/mol, more preferably 1,200 to 4,000 g/mol. When the amino equivalent is in this range, it is preferable because the function as a softener is good. The amino equivalent can be determined by dividing the weight average molecular weight of the amino-modified silicone by the number of nitrogen atoms contained in the amino-modified silicone. The number of nitrogen atoms can be determined by elemental analysis.
When used as a silicone emulsion, the viscosity of the base silicone oil is 1,000 ^mm2 /s or more, and more preferably 10,000 ^mm2 /s or more. Emulsifiers used in preparing the emulsion include cationic surfactants and nonionic surfactants, with cationic surfactants being preferred.

A particularly preferred amino-modified silicone is an emulsion obtained by emulsion polymerization of an amino-modified silicone having a terminal -H group and/or -OH group with a surfactant. This emulsion is preferred because it minimizes the degree of yellowing of the liquid softener composition during storage and also has an excellent texture improving effect. This emulsion preferably has a kinetic viscosity of 100 to 20,000 ^mm2 /s at 25°C and an amino equivalent of 400 to 8000 g/mol.
As the amino-modified silicone, commercially available products can be used.
Examples of silicone oils include those sold by Dow Corning Toray Co., Ltd. under the product names SF-8417, BY16-849, BY16-892, FZ-3785, or BY16-890, and those sold by Shin-Etsu Chemical Co., Ltd. under the product names KF-864, KF-860, KF-880, KF-8004, KF-8002, KF-8005, KF-867, KF-869, KF-861, and KF-8010.
Examples of silicone emulsions include those sold by Dow Corning Toray Co., Ltd. under the product names SM8904, BY22-079, FZ-4671, or FZ-4672, those sold by Shin-Etsu Chemical Co., Ltd. as the Polon series under the product names PolonMF-14, PolonMF-29, PolonMF-14D, PolonMF-44, PolonMF-14EC, and PolonMF-52, and those sold by Wacker Asahi Kasei Silicones Co., Ltd. under the product name WACKER FC201.
The amino-modified silicone may be used alone or in combination of two or more kinds.

<Fatty acid ester>
The fatty acid ester may be an ester of a monohydric alcohol and a fatty acid, or an ester of a polyol and a fatty acid. In the case of an ester of a polyol, it may be a monoester, a diester, a triester, or the like.
The fatty acid ester is preferably a fatty acid glycerin ester. The fatty acid glycerin ester is an ester of a saturated or unsaturated fatty acid having 12 or more carbon atoms and glycerin. The fatty acid constituting the fatty acid glycerin ester preferably has 16 or more carbon atoms, more preferably a fatty acid having 16 to 24 carbon atoms. Specific examples of the fatty acid include stearic acid, palmitic acid, and oleic acid.
As the fatty acid ester, commercially available products can be used, and a specific example is that sold by BASF under the trade name Plantatex LLE.

<Cationized cellulose>
The cationized cellulose is obtained by reacting a cationizing agent with a cellulose raw material, and preferably contains a small amount of water.
An example of the cellulose raw material is hydroxyethyl cellulose (HEC), which is obtained by adding ethylene oxide to cellulose.
Examples of the cationizing agent include 3-chloro-2-hydroxypropyltrimethylammonium and glycidyltrimethylammonium chloride.
Examples of cationic cellulose suitable as the component (B) are shown below.

（式中、Ｒ₃～Ｒ₅は、それぞれ独立して水素原子または下記式（Ｂ－１－１）で表される基である。但し、Ｒ₃～Ｒ₅の少なくとも一つは式（Ｂ－１－１）で表される基である。ｌ、ｍ、ｎは、それぞれエチレンオキシドの平均付加モル数を示す。）

(In the formula, R ₃ to R ₅ are each independently a hydrogen atom or a group represented by the following formula (B-1-1), provided that at least one of R ₃ to R ₅ is a group represented by the formula (B-1-1). l, m, and n each represent the average number of moles of ethylene oxide added.)

The polymer having the repeating unit represented by the formula (B-1) is (halogen)-O-[2-hydroxy-3-(trimethylammonio)propyl]hydroxyethyl cellulose.
In the formula (B-1), the degree of ethylene oxide (EO) substitution per glucose ring unit is preferably 0.7 to 2.5. However, the "degree of EO substitution" refers to the average number of hydroxyl groups substituted with EO per glucose ring unit of the cellulose raw material (indicating how many of the three hydroxyl groups on the glucose ring are EO-added, up to a maximum of 3).
The average number of moles of EO added per glucose ring unit is preferably l+m+n=1 to 5. Since the effect of improving stiffness is particularly good, the lower limit is more preferably 1 or more and the upper limit is more preferably 3 or less.

As the cationic cellulose, commercially available products can be used. Specific examples of suitable commercially available products include Leoguard GPS, Leoguard GP, Leoguard GP0, Leoguard LP, Leoguard KGP, Leoguard MGP, Leoguard MLP (all trade names: Lion), Catinal HC-100, Catinal HC-200, Catinal LC-100, Catinal LC-200 (all trade names: Toho Chemical Industry), UCARE Polymer LR400, UCARE Polymer LR30M, SupraCare 241 (all trade names: The Dow Chemical Company), and the like.
The differences in grades among the above commercially available products are due to differences in the molecular weight of cellulose, the average number of moles of EO added, the degree of cationization, and the like.

The blending amount of the (B) component is 0.5 to 10% by mass, preferably 2 to 8% by mass, more preferably 3 to 6% by mass, and even more preferably 4 to 6% by mass, based on the total mass of the liquid softener composition. When the blending amount of the (B) component is 0.5% by mass or more, the smoothness imparting effect is sufficiently obtained, and a good cooling effect can be exhibited. When the blending amount of the (B) component is 10% by mass or less, the increase in the viscosity of the liquid softener composition is kept within a certain range, and thickening and separation can be avoided. In addition, when the blending amount of the (B) component is 2% by mass or more, the blending effect of the (B) component can be sufficiently exhibited, and when it is 8% by mass or less, yellowing of the liquid softener composition during storage can be sufficiently suppressed, and an increase in production costs can be suppressed.
From the viewpoint of the cooling sensation effect when used in combination with the component (C), the component (B) is preferably an amino-modified silicone.
The total amount of the (A) and (B) components in the liquid softener composition of the present invention is preferably 10 to 30% by mass, more preferably 15 to 20% by mass. Both the (A) and (B) components are blended for the purpose of imparting a feel to fibers, and if the total amount of the (A) and (B) components is 10% by mass or more, a sufficient cooling effect can be obtained when the (C) component is used in combination, and if it is 30% by mass or less, thickening and separation can be suppressed.
The mass ratio A/B of the component (A) to the component (B) is preferably 1 to 10, more preferably 1 to 5, and even more preferably 2 to 4. When A/B is 1 or more, sufficient softness can be imparted, and when it is 10 or less, a sufficient cooling sensation effect can be exerted.

（式（Ｉ）中、Ｒ¹は、水素原子、炭素数１～４のアルキル基または炭素数１～５のアシル基であり、Ｒ²およびＲ³は、各々独立に、置換基を有していてもよい炭素数２～５のアルキレン基であり、

は、単結合または二重結合であり、ｎは、１～３の整数である。） [Component (C)]
In the liquid softener composition of the present invention, the component (C) is blended in order to impart a cooling sensation effect to the liquid softener composition.
The component (C) includes menthol, which may be either d-menthol or l-menthol, with l-menthol being preferred.
The component (C) may be a menthol derivative. Specific examples of the menthol derivative may be either d-menthol derivatives or l-menthol derivatives, and include, for example, the compound represented by the following formula (I).

In formula (I), R ¹ is a hydrogen atom, an alkyl group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms, or an acyl group having 1 to 5 carbon atoms, R ² and R ³ each independently is an alkylene group having 2 to 5 carbon atoms which may have a substituent,

is a single bond or a double bond, and n is an integer from 1 to 3.

In formula (I), examples of the alkyl group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms for R ¹ include a methyl group, an ethyl group, an n-propyl group, an isopropyl group, an n-butyl group, an isobutyl group, a sec-butyl group, and a tert-butyl group.
In formula (I), examples of the acyl group having 1 to 5 carbon atoms for R ¹ include a formyl group, an acetyl group, a propionyl group, a butyroyl group, an isobutyroyl group, a valeroyl group, an isovaleroyl group, and a pivaloyl group.
In formula (I), examples of the alkylene group having 2 to 5 carbon atoms which may have a substituent of R ² and R ³ include an ethylene group, a propylene group, a butylene group, a pentylene group, etc., and the substituent is not particularly limited as long as it does not adversely affect the effects of the present invention. Examples of the substituent include an alkyl group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms (e.g., a methyl group, an ethyl group, an n-propyl group, an isopropyl group, an n-butyl group, an isobutyl group, a sec-butyl group, a tert-butyl group, etc.), a hydroxyl group, an alkoxy group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms (e.g., a methoxy group, an ethoxy group, an n-propoxy group, an isopropyl ... Examples of the acyloxy group include an acyl group having 1 to 5 carbon atoms (e.g., a formyl group, an acetyl group, a propionyl group, a butyroyl group, an isobutyroyl group, a valeroyl group, an isovaleroyl group, a pivaloyl group, and the like), and an acyloxy group having 1 to 5 carbon atoms (e.g., a formyloxy group, an acetyloxy group, a propionyloxy group, a butyroyloxy group, an isobutyroyloxy group, a valeroyloxy group, an isovaleroyloxy group, a pivaloyloxy group, and the like).

Specific examples of the compound represented by formula (I) include 2-(2-menthyloxyethoxy)ethanol, 2-(2-menthyloxyethoxy)ethyl methyl ether, 2-(2-menthyloxyethoxy)ethyl ethyl ether, 2-(2-menthyloxyethoxy)ethyl n-propyl ether, 2-(2-menthyloxyethoxy)ethyl isopropyl ether, 2-(2-menthyloxyethoxy)ethyl n-butyl ether, 2-(2-menthyloxyethoxy)ethyl isobutyl ether, 2-(2-menthyloxyethoxy)ethyl sec-butyl ether, 2-(2-menthyloxyethoxy)ethyl tert-butyl ether, 3-(2-menthyloxyethoxy)propanol, 3-(2-menthyloxyethoxy)propyl methyl ether, 3-(2-menthyloxyethoxy)propyl ethyl ether, 3-(2-menthyloxyethoxy)propyl n-propyl ether, 3-(2-menthyloxyethoxy)propyl isopropyl ether, 3-(2-menthyloxyethoxy)propyl n-butyl ether, 3-(2-menthyloxyethoxy)propyl isobutyl ether, 3-(2-menthyloxyethoxy)propyl sec-butyl ether, 3-(2-menthyloxyethoxy)propyl tert-butyl ether,

4-(2-menthyloxyethoxy)butanol, 4-(2-menthyloxyethoxy)butyl methyl ether, 4-(2-menthyloxyethoxy)butyl ethyl ether, 4-(2-menthyloxyethoxy)butyl n-propyl ether, 4-(2-menthyloxyethoxy)butyl isopropyl ether, 4-(2-menthyloxyethoxy)butyl n-butyl ether, 4-(2-menthyloxyethoxy)butyl isobutyl ether, 4-(2-menthyloxyethoxy)butyl sec-butyl ether, 4-(2-menthyloxyethoxy)butyl tert-butyl ether, 2-(3-menthyloxypropoxy)ethanol, 2-(3-menthyloxypropoxy)ethyl methyl ether, 2-(3-menthyloxypropoxy)ethyl ethyl ether, 2-(3-menthyloxypropoxy)ethyl n-propyl ether, 2-(3-menthyloxypropoxy)ethyl isopropyl ether, 2-(3-menthyloxypropoxy)ethyl n-butyl ether, 2-(3-menthyloxypropoxy)ethyl isobutyl ether, 2-(3-menthyloxypropoxy)ethyl sec-butyl ether, 2-(3-menthyloxypropoxy)ethyl tert-butyl ether,

3-(3-menthyloxypropoxy)propanol, 3-(3-menthyloxypropoxy)propyl methyl ether, 3-(3-menthyloxypropoxy)propyl ethyl ether, 3-(3-menthyloxypropoxy)propyl n-propyl ether, 3-(3-menthyloxypropoxy)propyl isopropyl ether, 3-(3-menthyloxypropoxy)propyl n-butyl ether, 3-(3-menthyloxypropoxy)propyl isobutyl ether, 3-(3-menthyloxypropoxy)propyl sec-butyl ether, 3-(3-menthyloxypropoxy)propyl tert-butyl ether, 3-(3-menthyloxy-2-propyl)-2-propanol, 3-(3-menthyloxy-2-propyl)-2-propyl methyl ether, 3-(3-menthyloxy-2-propyl)-2-propyl ethyl ether, 3-(3-menthyloxy-2-propyl)-2-propyl n-propyl ether, 3-(3-menthyloxy-2-propyl)-2-propyl isopropyl ether, 3-(3-menthyloxy-2-propyl)-2-propyl n-butyl ether, 3-(3-menthyloxy-2-propyl)-2-propyl isobutyl ether, 3-(3-menthyloxy-2-propyl)-2-propyl sec-butyl ether, 3-(3-menthyloxy-2-propyl)-2-propyl tert-butyl ether,

2-(2-isopregyloxyethoxy)ethanol, 2-(2-isopregyloxyethoxy)ethyl methyl ether, 2-(2-isopregyloxyethoxy)ethyl ethyl ether, 2-(2-isopregyloxyethoxy)ethyl n-propyl ether, 2-(2-isopregyloxyethoxy)ethyl isopropyl ether, 2-(2-isopregyloxyethoxy)ethyl n-butyl ether, 2-(2-isopregyloxyethoxy)ethyl isobutyl ether, 2-(2-isopregyloxyethoxy)ethyl sec-butyl ether, 2-(2-isopregyloxyethoxy)ethyl tert-butyl ether, 3-(2-isopregyloxyethoxy)propanol, 3-(2-isopregyloxyethoxy)propyl methyl ether, 3-(2-isopregyloxyethoxy)propyl ethyl ether, 3-(2-isopregyloxyethoxy)propyl n-propyl ether, 3-(2-isopregyloxyethoxy)propyl isopropyl ether, 3-(2-isopregyloxyethoxy)propyl n-butyl ether, 3-(2-isopregyloxyethoxy)propyl isobutyl ether, 3-(2-isopregyloxyethoxy)propyl sec-butyl ether, 3-(2-isopregyloxyethoxy)propyl tert-butyl ether,

4-(2-isopregyloxyethoxy)butanol, 4-(2-isopregyloxyethoxy)butyl methyl ether, 4-(2-isopregyloxyethoxy)butyl ethyl ether, 4-(2-isopregyloxyethoxy)butyl n-propyl ether, 4-(2-isopregyloxyethoxy)butyl isopropyl ether, 4-(2-isopregyloxyethoxy)butyl n-butyl ether, 4-(2-isopregyloxyethoxy)butyl isobutyl ether, 4-(2-isopregyloxyethoxy)butyl sec-butyl ether, 4-(2-isopregyloxyethoxy)butyl tert-butyl ether, 2-(3-isopregyloxypropoxy)ethanol, 2-(3-isopregyloxypropoxy)ethyl methyl ether, 2-(3-isopregyloxypropoxy)ethyl ethyl ether, 2-(3-isopregyloxypropoxy)ethyl n-propyl ether, 2-(3-isopregyloxypropoxy)ethyl isopropyl ether, 2-(3-isopregyloxypropoxy)ethyl n-butyl ether, 2-(3-isopregyloxypropoxy)ethyl isobutyl ether, 2-(3-isopregyloxypropoxy)ethyl sec-butyl ether, 2-(3-isopregyloxypropoxy)ethyl tert-butyl ether,

3-(3-isopregyloxypropoxy)propanol, 3-(3-isopregyloxypropoxy)propyl methyl ether, 3-(3-isopregyloxypropoxy)propyl ethyl ether, 3-(3-isopregyloxypropoxy)propyl n-propyl ether, 3-(3-isopregyloxypropoxy)propyl isopropyl ether, 3-(3-isopregyloxypropoxy)propyl n-butyl ether, 3-(3-isopregyloxypropoxy)propyl isobutyl ether, 3-(3-isopregyloxypropoxy)propyl sec-butyl ether, 3-(3-isopregyloxypropoxy)propyl tert-butyl ether, 3-(3-isopregyloxy-2-propyl)-2-propanol, 3-(3-isopregyloxy-2-propyl)-2-propyl methyl ether, 3-(3-isopregyloxy-2-propyl)-2-propyl ethyl ether, 3-(3-isopregyloxy-2-propyl)-2-propyl n-propyl ether, 3-(3-isopregyloxy-2-propyl)-2-propyl isopropyl ether, 3-(3-isopregyloxy-2-propyl)-2-propyl n-butyl ether, 3-(3-isopregyloxy-2-propyl)-2-propyl isobutyl ether, 3-(3-isopregyloxy-2-propyl)-2-propyl sec-butyl ether, 3-(3-isopregyloxy-2-propyl)-2-propyl tert-butyl ether, and the like can be mentioned.

The blending amount of the (C) component is 0.05 to 1 mass %, preferably 0.1 to 1 mass %, more preferably 0.1 to 0.5 mass %, based on the total mass of the liquid softener composition. When the blending amount of the (C) component is 0.05 mass % or more, the cooling sensation effect can be sufficiently exhibited. When the blending amount of the (C) component is 1 mass % or less, the increase in viscosity of the liquid softener composition can be kept within a certain range, and thickening and separation can be avoided.
In the liquid softener composition of the present invention, the mass ratio B/C of the component (B) to the component (C) is preferably 1 to 100, more preferably 5 to 100, and even more preferably 10 to 80. When B/C is 1 or more, the increase in viscosity of the liquid softener composition can be kept within a certain range, and thickening and separation can be avoided. When B/C is 100 or less, the cooling sensation effect can be sufficiently exhibited.
The component (C) may be used as a component contained in the fragrance composition.

[Component (D)]
The liquid softener composition of the present invention may further comprise a functional capsule.
Functional capsules are used for the purpose of imparting various functions, and are microcapsules whose wall material is composed of a polymeric substance and contain, as core substances, fragrances, essential oils, whitening agents, insect repellents, silicones, waxes, flavorings, vitamins, skin care agents, enzymes, probiotics, dyes, pigments, fragrance precursors, cooling agents, warming agents, attractants such as pheromones, antibacterial agents, bleaching agents, flavorings, sweeteners, waxes, medicines, fertilizers, and herbicides. The component (D) containing these core substances may be used alone or in appropriate combination of two or more types.
Specific examples of capsule fragrances include BLUEFLOWERPOP "FFMHN2814" manufactured by Firmenich, GREEN BREEZE CAPS, ORCHARD GARDEN CAPS, RAINBOW CAPS, VELVET CAPS, AURORACAPS, and COSMIC CAPS manufactured by Givaudan; UNICAP101 and UNICAP503 manufactured by IFF, and the like.
Specific examples of cooling capsules include MultiSal SalCool, HydroSal FreshCool, and SalSphere SalCool manufactured by SALVONA Technologies, and Neoage AROMA-C manufactured by NICCA CHEMICAL CO., LTD.
Specific examples of the warming capsule include Riken Resin RMC-TO manufactured by Miki Riken Co., Ltd. and Hydrosal Heat manufactured by SALVONA Technologies.
Specific examples of functional capsules include Rikenresin NFHO-W (antibacterial effect), Rikenresin, RMC-HBP (insect repellent effect), and RMC-PT (insect repellent effect), all manufactured by Miki Riken Co., Ltd.

The amount of component (D) is not particularly limited as long as the effects of the present invention are achieved, but it is preferably 0.05 to 5% by mass based on the total mass of the liquid softener composition.

[Other optional ingredients]
In addition to the above components (A) to (D), the liquid softener composition of the present invention may contain other components known in the field of liquid softener compositions, as necessary, within the scope of not impairing the effects of the present invention. For example, the liquid softener composition of the present invention may contain the following components.

Repellents
In this specification, the term "repellent" refers to a component that has a repellent effect against insects such as mosquitoes, black flies, horseflies, stinging flies, mites, moths, and ants.
Repellents include diethyl toluamide, paramenthan-3,8-diol, anise oil, cinnamic acetate, neryl propionate, methyl anthranilate, citronella, neryl formate, cyclic terpene alcohol, cypress oil, bever oil, bromoamphor, laurel oil, and eucalyptus oil.
Among these, paramenthane-3,8-diol, diethyltoluamide and bay leaf oil are more preferred, and paramenthane-3,8-diol and diethyltoluamide are even more preferred, because they have a particularly good mosquito repellent effect, a long-lasting effect and safety.

<Skin protection ingredients>
In this specification, the term "skin protecting ingredient" refers to an ingredient that enhances the skin's moisturizing effect when the agent comes into contact with the skin when the textile product is worn.
Skin protective ingredients include liquid paraffin, Vaseline, montan wax, squalane, squalene, olive oil, avocado oil, evening primrose oil, jojoba oil, camellia oil, macadamia nut oil, peppermint oil, sunflower oil, rapeseed oil, sesame oil, wheat germ oil, castor oil, safflower oil, cottonseed oil, soybean oil, jojoba oil, ceramide, and pseudo-ceramides.

<Ultraviolet absorber>
In this specification, the term "ultraviolet ray absorber" refers to a drug having an effect of protecting against ultraviolet rays, and refers to a component that absorbs ultraviolet rays and converts them into infrared rays, visible light, or the like and emits them.
Examples of the ultraviolet absorber include aminobenzoic acid derivatives such as p-aminobenzoic acid, ethyl p-aminobenzoate, glyceryl p-aminobenzoate, and amyl p-dimethylaminobenzoate; salicylic acid derivatives such as ethylene glycol salicylate, dipropylene glycol salicylate, octyl salicylate, and myristyl salicylate; cinnamic acid derivatives such as methyl diisopropylcinnamate, ethyl p-methoxycinnamate, isopropyl p-methoxycinnamate, 2-ethylhexyl p-methoxycinnamate, and butyl p-methoxycinnamate; benzophenone derivatives such as 2-hydroxy-4-methoxybenzophenone, 2-hydroxy-4-methoxybenzophenone-5-sulfonic acid, and 2,2'-dihydroxy-4-methoxybenzophenone; azole compounds such as urocanic acid and ethyl urocanate; and 4-t-butyl-4'-methoxybenzoylmethane.

<Antibacterial agents>
In this specification, "antibacterial agent" means a component that has the effect of suppressing the growth of bacteria on fibers and further suppressing the generation of unpleasant odors resulting from the decomposition products of microorganisms.
Antibacterial agents include diclosan, triclosan, bis-(2-pyridylthio-1-oxide) zinc, polyhexamethylene biguanidine hydrochloride, 8-oxyquinoline, polylysine, and the like.

<Antiviral agents>
In this specification, "antiviral agent" refers to a component that has the effect of destroying viruses on fibers. Examples of antiviral agents include polyoxyethylene alkyl ethers having an alkyl or alkenyl group with 10 to 22 carbon atoms and an average added mole number of ethylene oxide of 3 to 5 moles, and ricinoleic acid monoglyceride.

<Water-soluble solvent>
Examples of the water-soluble solvent include primary alcohols having 2 to 3 carbon atoms, such as ethanol and isopropanol; glycols having 2 to 6 carbon atoms, such as ethylene glycol, propylene glycol and dipropylene glycol; and polyhydric alcohols having 3 to 8 carbon atoms, such as glycerin and diethylene glycol monobutyl ether.
Among these, primary alcohols having 2 to 3 carbon atoms and polyhydric alcohols are preferred from the standpoint of fragrance and price, and among these, ethanol and glycerin are particularly preferred.
The water-soluble solvents may be used alone or in appropriate combination of two or more kinds.

<Nonionic surfactant>
When the softener composition of the present invention is an emulsion, the nonionic surfactant can be preferably used mainly for the purpose of improving the emulsion dispersion stability of the oil-soluble component in the emulsion. In particular, when a nonionic surfactant is blended, a sufficient level of freeze-restore stability is easily ensured in terms of commercial value.
As the nonionic surfactant, for example, those derived from polyhydric alcohols, higher alcohols, higher amines or higher fatty acids can be used. More specifically, glycerin fatty acid esters or pentaerythritol in which fatty acids having 10 to 22 carbon atoms are ester-bonded to glycerin or pentaerythritol, polyoxyethylene alkyl ethers having an alkyl or alkenyl group having 10 to 22 carbon atoms and an average number of moles of ethylene oxide added of 10 to 100 moles, polyoxyethylene fatty acid alkyl (the alkyl has 1 to 3 carbon atoms) esters; polyoxyethylene alkylamines having an average number of moles of ethylene oxide added of 10 to 100 moles, alkyl polyglucosides having an alkyl or alkenyl group having 8 to 18 carbon atoms, and hydrogenated castor oil having an average number of moles of ethylene oxide added of 10 to 100 moles are listed. Among them, polyoxyethylene alkyl ethers having an alkyl group having 10 to 18 carbon atoms and an average number of moles of ethylene oxide added of 20 to 80 moles are preferred.
The content of the nonionic surfactant in the softener composition can be determined depending on the desired function, and is, for example, preferably 0.01 to 10 mass%, more preferably 0.1 to 8 mass%, and even more preferably 0.5 to 5 mass%. When the content of this component is equal to or higher than the lower limit, the emulsion dispersion stability of the oil-soluble component in the emulsion and the freeze-restoration stability of the emulsion are further improved. When the content is equal to or lower than the upper limit, the increase in viscosity of the liquid softener composition can be suppressed, making it easy to use.

<Dextrins>
Examples of dextrins include cyclodextrin and highly branched cyclic dextrin. Examples of highly branched cyclic dextrin include dextrin which is a glucan having an inner branched cyclic structure portion and an outer branched structure portion and a degree of polymerization in the range of 50 to 10,000, in which the inner branched cyclic structure portion is a cyclic glucan chain formed of α-1,4-glucosidic bonds and α-1,6-glucosidic bonds, and the outer branched structure portion is a non-cyclic glucan chain bonded to the inner branched cyclic structure portion. Examples of highly branched cyclic dextrin include cluster dextrin (manufactured by Glico Nutrition Foods Co., Ltd.).

The liquid softener composition of the present invention may further contain additives such as antioxidants, preservatives, antifoaming agents, inorganic salts, pH adjusters, etc., and may also contain a fragrance to improve the fragrance of the liquid softener composition. Examples of the fragrance include fragrance components and fragrance compositions that are generally used in fiber finishing agents or clothing softeners.
The content of the fragrance in the liquid softener composition is preferably 0.001 to 5 mass%, more preferably 0.01 to 4 mass%, and even more preferably 0.1 to 3 mass%. If the content of the fragrance is less than the lower limit, the residual fragrance of the textile product is insufficient, and if it exceeds the upper limit, no further residual fragrance can be obtained, which is not economically preferable.

[viscosity]
The viscosity of the liquid softener composition of the present invention is not particularly limited, but is preferably less than 1000 mPa·s (B-type viscometer, manufactured by Tokimec Corporation, 25°C, the same applies below). Considering the increase in viscosity due to storage over time, the viscosity immediately after production is more preferably less than 800 mPa·s, and even more preferably less than 500 mPa·s. If it is in such a range, usability such as handleability when put into a washing machine is good.
The viscosity of the liquid softener composition of the present invention is preferably 10 to 400 rpm, more preferably 10 to 350 rpm, and even more preferably 10 to 300 rpm. When the viscosity is higher than 10 rpm, the softening effect is good and the cooling effect can be sufficiently exhibited. When the viscosity is lower than 400 rpm, thickening and separation can be avoided.
[pH]
The pH of the liquid softener composition of the present invention is not particularly limited, but from the viewpoint of inhibiting hydrolysis of the ester groups contained in the molecules of component (A) over storage time, it is preferable to adjust the pH to a range of 1 to 6, and more preferably to a range of 2 to 4.

[Production method]
The method for producing the liquid softener composition of the present invention is not particularly limited, and the liquid softener composition of the present invention can be produced by a known method, for example, a method similar to the method for producing a conventional liquid softener composition using a cationic surfactant as a main agent.
For example, an oil phase containing component (A), component (B) (e.g., an amino-modified silicone), and component (C) is mixed with an aqueous phase containing water under a temperature condition that is equal to or higher than the melting point of component (A) to prepare an emulsion, and then, optional components are added to the obtained emulsion as necessary and mixed, thereby producing the liquid softener composition of the present invention.
The oil phase can be prepared by mixing component (A), component (B) (oil-soluble), and component (C), as well as any optional components, as required, at a temperature equal to or higher than the melting point of component (A).
The aqueous phase can be prepared by mixing water and, if necessary, any optional ingredients.
The component (B) (e.g., fatty acid ester, cationic cellulose) may be added to an emulsion obtained by mixing an oil phase and an aqueous phase.
The component (C) may be contained in the fragrance composition, in which case the fragrance composition may be contained in the oil phase.

[Use and Usage]
The method of treating textile products such as clothes with the liquid softener composition of the present invention is not particularly limited, and can be used in the same manner as in the conventional method. For example, there is a method of dissolving the liquid softener composition in rinsing water at the stage of washing to soften the washed items, or a method of dissolving the liquid softener composition in water in a container such as a basin and then placing the washed items in the container for immersion treatment, and the liquid softener composition is used after being diluted to an appropriate concentration.
Specifically, when performing softening treatment, it is preferable to use an amount of component (A) so that the concentration is 15 ppm to 100 ppm relative to the total amount of water used. Incidentally, it can be used whether the number of rinses in the wash is one or multiple, and can impart the texture and fragrance that are the characteristics of softeners to clothes.
The textile products that can be treated with the liquid softener composition of the present invention are not particularly limited, and examples thereof include clothes, curtains, sofas, carpets, towels, handkerchiefs, sheets, pillowcases, etc. The material thereof may be natural fibers such as cotton, silk, wool, etc., or chemical fibers such as polyester.

The liquid softener composition of the present invention will be described in more detail below with reference to examples and comparative examples, but the scope of the present invention is not limited to these examples.
In the examples and comparative examples, the amounts of the components are all expressed in mass% (based on the pure content unless otherwise specified).

[Component (A)]
The following A-1 was used.
A-1: Cationic surfactant (compound described in Example 4 of JP-A 2003-12471)
A-1 is a composition containing compounds represented by general formulas (A1-3), (A1-4) and (A1-5) (in each formula, ^R9 is an alkyl or alkenyl group having 15 to 17 carbon atoms) quaternized with dimethyl sulfate.

[Component (B)]
The following B-1 to B-4 were used.
B-1: Amino-modified silicone (KF-864, manufactured by Shin-Etsu Chemical Co., Ltd.)
B-2: fatty acid ester (Plantatex LLE, manufactured by BASF)
B-3: Cationic cellulose (SupraCare 241, manufactured by The Dow Chemical Company)
B-4 (Comparative Example): Polyether-modified silicone (SH3775, manufactured by Dow Corning Toray Co., Ltd.)

[Component (C)]
The following C-1 was used.
C-1: L-menthol (Clariant Japan, average particle size: 30 μm (after grinding))

[Component (D)]
The following D-1 was used.
・D-1: GREEN BREEZE CAPS (manufactured by GIVAUDAN)

[Common ingredients]
E-1: Fragrance composition (The fragrance components contained in the composition are shown in Table 1 below.)

F-1: Components shown in Table 2 below

[Method for preparing liquid softener composition]
Examples 1 to 3, 6 to 9, Comparative Examples 10 to 16
Using a glass container having an inner diameter of 100 mm and a height of 150 mm and an agitator (Ajiter SJ type, manufactured by Shimadzu Corporation), a liquid fabric softener composition was prepared according to the following procedure.
First, the (A) component, the B-1 component, the E-1 component in which the (C) component had been dissolved, and the nonionic surfactant were mixed and stirred to obtain an oil phase mixture. Meanwhile, the preservative was dissolved in ion-exchanged water for balance to obtain an aqueous phase mixture. Here, the mass of the ion-exchanged water for balance corresponds to the remainder obtained by subtracting the total amount of the oil phase mixture, the (D) component, and the common component (F-1 component) other than the nonionic surfactant from 980 g. Next, the oil phase mixture heated to above the melting point of the (A) component was placed in a glass container and stirred, while the aqueous phase mixture heated to above the melting point of the (A) component was added in two separate portions and stirred. Here, the division ratio of the aqueous phase mixture was 30:70 (mass ratio), and stirring was performed at a rotation speed of 1,500 rpm for 3 minutes after the first addition of the aqueous phase mixture and for 2 minutes after the second addition of the aqueous phase mixture. Thereafter, component (D) and a common component other than the nonionic surfactant (component F-1) were added, and if necessary, an appropriate amount of hydrochloric acid (reagent 1 mol/L, Kanto Chemical) or sodium hydroxide (reagent 1 mol/L, Kanto Chemical) was added to adjust the pH to 2.5, and ion-exchanged water was added to make the total mass 1,000 g, thereby obtaining the desired softener composition.

Examples 4 and 5
A liquid softener composition was prepared by the following procedure using a glass container with an inner diameter of 100 mm and a height of 150 mm and an agitator (Ajiter SJ type, manufactured by Shimadzu Corporation). First, the component (A), the component (C) dissolved in the component E-1, and the nonionic surfactant were mixed and stirred to obtain an oil phase mixture. Meanwhile, the preservative was dissolved in ion-exchanged water for balance to obtain an aqueous phase mixture. Here, the mass of the ion-exchanged water for balance corresponds to the remainder obtained by subtracting the total amount of the oil phase mixture, the component (D), and the common component (F-1 component) other than the nonionic surfactant from 980 g. Next, the oil phase mixture heated to above the melting point of the component (A) was placed in a glass container and stirred, while the aqueous phase mixture heated to above the melting point of the component (A) was added in two divided portions and stirred. Here, the division ratio of the aqueous phase mixture was 30:70 (mass ratio), and stirring was performed at a rotation speed of 1,500 rpm for 3 minutes after the first addition of the aqueous phase mixture and for 2 minutes after the second addition of the aqueous phase mixture. Thereafter, component B-2 or component B-3, and a common component other than component (D) and the nonionic surfactant (component F-1) were added, and if necessary, an appropriate amount of hydrochloric acid (reagent 1 mol/L, Kanto Chemical) or sodium hydroxide (reagent 1 mol/L, Kanto Chemical) was added to adjust the pH to 2.5, and ion-exchanged water was added to make the total mass 1,000 g, thereby obtaining the desired liquid fabric softener composition.

[Evaluation method]
The liquid fabric softener compositions prepared as described above were evaluated for "cool feeling,""viscosity," and "appearance (separation)" according to the following procedures, and the results are shown in Table 3 below.

＜Cool sensation＞
Pretreatment of Evaluation Fabric A commercially available cotton towel (manufactured by Toshinsha) was subjected to the following pretreatment three times using a commercially available detergent "Top Platinum Clear" (manufactured by Lion Corporation) in a twin-tub washing machine (Toshiba VH-30S).
Pretreatment: Wash for 10 minutes with standard amount of detergent, 30 times the bath ratio, and 45°C tap water, followed by rinsing for 10 minutes, twice.
Treatment in the rinsing step during washing: 1.5 kg of pre-washed cotton towels (manufactured by Toshinsha) were rinsed for 3 minutes using a twin-tub washing machine (Toshiba VH-30S). At the start of this rinsing, the liquid softener composition prepared as above was added, and softening treatment was carried out for 3 minutes (bath ratio 20, tap water at 25°C was used), and after the rinsing step, spin-drying was carried out for 1 minute.
After the treatment, the cotton towel was removed from the twin-tub washing machine and dried for 24 hours under constant temperature and humidity conditions of 25° C. and 40% RH to obtain a treated cloth for evaluation.

Cooling sensation evaluation: Using the cotton towels stored overnight as described above, the cooling sensation intensity during face washing was sensorily evaluated according to the following four-level intensity. The cooling sensation was judged according to the following criteria based on the average score of five expert panelists. An average score of 2 points or more was rated as ○, 1 point or more but less than 2 points was rated as △, and less than 1 point was rated as ×, with ○ and △ being considered as passing. The results are shown in Table 3 below.
(4-level sensory evaluation)
0: No cold sensation at all 1: Slight cold sensation 2: Quite cold sensation 3: Extremely cold sensation

<Viscosity>
The viscosity at 25° C. of the liquid softener composition prepared as above was measured using a Brookfield viscometer manufactured by Tokimec Co., Ltd. The results are shown in Table 3 below.

<Appearance (separated)>
80 mL of the liquid softener composition prepared as described above was placed in a lightweight PS glass bottle (PS-No. 11, manufactured by Tanuma Glass Industry Co., Ltd.) and sealed, and separation evaluation was performed using the three-level evaluation method shown below. The evaluation samples were similarly sealed samples stored at 25°C for three months, and visually evaluated by five expert panelists based on the following criteria. In terms of commercial value, △ or higher is preferable. The results are shown in Table 3 below.
(Evaluation criteria)
○: Recognized as equivalent to the sample before storage.
△: Slight separation is observed.
×: Separation is clearly observed.

Claims (2)

A liquid softener composition comprising the following component (A), component (B), and component (C), wherein a mass ratio A/B of component (A) to component (B) is 1 to 10:
(A) 5 to 20% by mass of at least one compound selected from the group consisting of amine compounds having 1 to 3 hydrocarbon groups having 10 to 26 carbon atoms in the molecule, which may be interrupted by an ester group (-COO-) and/or an amide group (-NHCO-), their salts, and their quaternary derivatives.
(B) ^{2 to} 10% by mass of at least one compound selected from the group consisting of an oil-type amino-modified silicone, a cationized hydroxyethyl cellulose , and a fatty acid glycerin ester, the compound having a kinetic viscosity at 25° C. of 50 to 20,000 mm 2 /s and an amino equivalent of 100 to 10,000 g/mol.
(C) Menthol and/or menthol derivative: 0.1 to 1% by mass 2. The liquid softener composition according to claim 1, wherein the mass ratio B/C of the component (B) to the component (C) is 5 to 100.