JP7727369B2 - Method for improving the durability of deodorizing effect of deodorant - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a method for improving the durability of the deodorizing effect of a deodorant.

In recent years, along with the growing demand for more comfortable living, there has also been a growing need for odor control measures to make living spaces more comfortable. Conventional methods for combating odors in everyday life include using spray, aerosol, or stationary deodorizers, which are sprayed into the space or allowed to volatilize. These deodorizers use organic deodorizing ingredients such as dihydrazide compounds and amine compounds, as well as plant extracts such as polyphenols.

Traditionally, various deodorizers have been developed with the aim of improving their deodorizing function. For example, Patent Document 1 reports that a deodorizer containing a hydrazide compound, adenine sulfate, and cationic amino-modified silicone is not only excellent at removing aldehyde-based and ammonia-based malodorous components not only at room temperature but also in high-temperature environments, but also reduces the re-release of the removed malodorous components. Furthermore, Patent Document 2 reports that a deodorizer containing a hydrazide compound, hydroxylamine sulfate, smectite, and water can exhibit excellent deodorizing effects against both aldehydes and ammonia. However, Patent Documents 1 and 2 do not consider improving the durability of the deodorizing effect of the hydrazide compound.

JP 2012-19872 A JP 2010-5093 A

Conventional odor control methods involve spraying deodorizers into spaces where odor elimination is desired, or spraying or applying deodorizers to items that have absorbed odors, so that the sprayed or applied deodorizer comes into direct contact with the odor. For deodorizers that are sprayed or applied directly to odors in this way, it is important that the deodorizing effect itself is strong, but it is also desirable that the deodorizing effect lasts.

On the other hand, one effective method of combating odors is to place a deodorizer in the space where deodorization is desired (such as an indoor space or the interior of a vehicle) to eliminate or mitigate odors within the space. Another effective method is to attach a deodorizer to the structures (walls, floors, ceilings, doors, etc.) of the space where deodorization is desired (such as an indoor space or the interior of a vehicle) or to products (curtains, sofas, etc.) within the space, thereby adding deodorizing functionality to the structures or products, thereby eliminating or mitigate odors within the space. When using this method to eliminate or mitigate odors within a space, it is important that the deodorizing effect of the deodorizing ingredients is sustained, as the deodorizer is not sprayed directly onto the odors within the space.

As such, deodorizers (especially those that are used by placing them in a space or by attaching them to structures or products within the space) are required to have a sustained deodorizing effect.

Under these circumstances, the inventors investigated the sustainability of deodorizers containing deodorizing ingredients and found that while conventional deodorizers exhibit excellent deodorizing effects immediately after spraying or application, or when the deodorizer remains in the space after being left to dry over time, the deodorizing effect disappears and cannot be sustained.

The present invention therefore aims to provide a method for improving the durability of the deodorizing effect of a deodorant.

The inventors conducted extensive research to solve the above-mentioned problems and discovered that by incorporating at least one compound selected from the group consisting of polyhydric alcohol, 3-methoxy-3-methylbutanol, and polyoxyethylene alkyl ether in a deodorizing agent in addition to the deodorizing component and water, the durability of the deodorizing effect of the deodorizing component can be dramatically improved. More specifically, they discovered that when a deodorizing agent having the above-mentioned composition is used by impregnating a liquid-absorbent material or by adhering it to a space structure or a product in the space, the deodorizing effect can be maintained even after the volatile components contained in the deodorizing agent have evaporated and become dry. The present invention was completed through further research based on this finding.

That is, the present invention provides the following aspects.
Item 1. A method for improving the sustainability of the deodorizing effect of a deodorant, the method comprising blending (A) a deodorizing component, (B) at least one selected from the group consisting of a polyhydric alcohol, 3-methoxy-3-methylbutanol, and a polyoxyethylene alkyl ether, and (C) water into the deodorant.
Item 2. The method for improving deodorizing effect according to claim 1, which is carried out to maintain the deodorizing effect after the deodorizer has dried.

The present invention makes it possible to improve the durability of a deodorizing effect of a deodorizer. Therefore, when a deodorizer whose durability of deodorizing effect has been improved by the method of the present invention is sprayed onto a structure in a space where deodorization is required or onto a product within that space, the deodorizing function can be sustained in the structure or product, making it possible to effectively eliminate or mitigate malodors within the space. Furthermore, when a deodorizer whose durability of deodorizing effect has been improved by the method of the present invention is absorbed into a liquid-absorbent member, the deodorizing effect can be sustained even after the volatile components contained in the deodorizer have volatilized and the liquid-absorbent member has dried out.

The method of the present invention is a method for improving the durability of the deodorizing effect of a deodorizer, and is characterized by blending the deodorizer with component (A), at least one selected from the group consisting of (B) a polyhydric alcohol, 3-methoxy-3-methylbutanol, and a polyoxyethylene alkyl ether, and (C) water. The method of the present invention is described in detail below.

[(A) Deodorizing ingredient]
In the method of the present invention, the deodorizer contains a deodorizing component. The deodorizing component used in the present invention may be appropriately selected depending on the type of malodorous substance, and examples thereof include hydrazide compounds, amine compounds, polyphenols, betaine compounds, acids, bases, metal ions, etc. Suitable examples of the deodorizing component include deodorizing components that exhibit deodorizing effects by adsorbing or reacting with aldehydes (formaldehyde, acetaldehyde, isovaleraldehyde, etc.). Specific examples of deodorizing components that exhibit deodorizing effects against aldehydes include hydrazide compounds, amine compounds, polyphenols, betaine compounds, etc.

Among the deodorizing components, hydrazide compounds are compounds that have one or more hydrazide groups (-NH- _NH2 ) in one molecule and have the effect of adsorbing and deodorizing aldehydes (formaldehyde, acetaldehyde, isovaleraldehyde, etc.) that cause bad odors.

The hydrazide compound used in the present invention may be a monohydrazide compound having one hydrazide group per molecule, a dihydrazide compound having two hydrazide groups per molecule, or a polyhydrazide compound having three or more hydrazide groups per molecule.

Specific examples of monohydrazide compounds include acetohydrazide, formhydrazide, carbohydrazide, lauric acid hydrazide, salicylic acid hydrazide, propionic acid hydrazide, p-hydroxybenzoic acid hydrazide, naphthoic acid hydrazide, and 3-hydroxy-2-naphthoic acid hydrazide.

Specific examples of dihydrazide compounds include succinic acid dihydrazide, adipic acid dihydrazide, oxalic acid dihydrazide, malonic acid dihydrazide, glutaric acid dihydrazide, pimelic acid dihydrazide, suberic acid dihydrazide, azelaic acid dihydrazide, sebacic acid dihydrazide, dodecanedioic acid dihydrazide, terephthalic acid dihydrazide, isophthalic acid dihydrazide, tartaric acid dihydrazide, malic acid dihydrazide, iminodiacetic acid dihydrazide, itaconic acid dihydrazide, dodecane dihydrazide, hexadecanedihydrazide, naphthoedihydrazide, benzenedihydrazide, pyridine dihydrazide, cyclohexane dihydrazide, and pyromellitic acid dihydrazide.

Specific examples of polyhydrazide compounds having three or more hydrazide groups per molecule include citric acid trihydrazide, trinitroacetic acid trihydrazide, nitriloacetic acid trihydrazide, cyclohexanetricarboxylic acid trihydrazide, ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid tetrahydrazide, naphthoic acid tetrahydrazide, and polyacrylic acid hydrazide.

These hydrazide compounds may be used alone or in combination of two or more.

Among the deodorizing components, amine compounds are compounds that have at least one amino group in each molecule. There are no particular restrictions on the type of amine compound used in the present invention, as long as it has a deodorizing effect, but examples include alkanolamines and polyamines.

Specific examples of alkanolamines include monoalkanolamines such as monoethanolamine, triethanolamine, monomethanolamine, propanolamine, isopropanolamine, aminomethylpropanol, N-methylethanolamine, N-methylisopropanolamine, N-ethylethanolamine, N-methylpropanolamine, and N-ethylbutanolamine; and dialkanolamines such as diethanolamine, dipropanolamine, diisopropanolamine, dibutanolamine, and 2-amino-2-methyl-1,3-propanediol.

Specific examples of polyamines include ethylenediamine, diaminopropane, and hexamethylenediamine.

These amine compounds may be used alone or in combination of two or more.

Among the deodorizing ingredients, polyphenols are compounds that contain a phenolic hydroxyl group in one molecule. The type of polyphenol used in the present invention is not particularly limited, as long as it has a deodorizing effect. Examples include flavanols (catechins), flavones, anthocyanidins, leucoanthocyanidins, and proanthocyanidins. Polyphenols are also found in plants such as cypress, grape seeds, pine, Japanese cypress, cedar, tea, camellia, camellia sasanqua, persimmon, bamboo, bamboo grass, sage, thyme, rosemary, eucalyptus, lavender, parsley, apple fruit, mushrooms, and algae. Therefore, extracts of these plants can also be used as deodorizing ingredients in the present invention. These polyphenols may be used alone or in combinations of two or more.

Among the deodorizing ingredients, betaine compounds are compounds that have a positive charge and a negative charge at non-adjacent positions within the same molecule, with no dissociable hydrogen bonded to the positively charged atom, and the molecule as a whole has no charge. There are no particular restrictions on the type of betaine compound used in the present invention, as long as it has a deodorizing effect, but examples include lauryl dimethylaminoacetic acid betaine. These betaine compounds may be used alone or in combination of two or more.

Among the deodorizing components, the acid is not particularly limited as long as it has a deodorizing effect, but examples include citric acid. The acid may be used alone or in combination of two or more.

Among the deodorizing components, the base is not particularly limited as long as it has a deodorizing effect, but examples include bicarbonate. The base may be used alone or in combination of two or more types.

Among the deodorizing components, the metal ions are not particularly limited as long as they have a deodorizing effect, but examples include silver ions, magnesium ions, zinc ions, titanium ions, copper ions, etc. These metal ions may be used alone or in combination of two or more.

Of these deodorizing ingredients, from the perspective of further improving the durability of the deodorizing effect, preferred are hydrazide compounds and amino compounds; more preferred are alkanolamines, polyamines, monohydrazide compounds, and dihydrazide compounds; and even more preferred are acetohydrazide, succinic acid dihydrazide, adipic acid dihydrazide, carbohydrazide, propanolamine, aminomethylpropanol, 2-amino-2-methyl-1,3-propanediol, and ethylenediamine. In particular, acetohydrazide is particularly suitable for use, as the addition of component (B), described below, not only improves the durability of the deodorizing effect, but also enhances the deodorizing effect itself (deodorizing effect at the initial stage of use).

In the method of the present invention, the amount of component (A) contained in the deodorizer can be appropriately determined depending on the type of deodorizing component used, the target to be deodorized, the level of deodorizing effect to be achieved, and other factors, but is, for example, 0.1 to 20% by weight, preferably 0.5 to 10% by weight, and more preferably 1 to 5% by weight.

[(B) Polyhydric alcohol, methoxymethyl butanol, and/or polyoxyethylene alkyl ether]
In the method of the present invention, the deodorizer contains, in addition to the component (A), a polyhydric alcohol, 3-methoxy-3-methylbutanol, and/or polyoxyethylene alkyl ether as component (B). By containing component (B), it is possible to improve the durability of the deodorizing effect of component (A).

Of the polyhydric alcohols in component (B), examples include dihydric, dihydric, and tetrahydric alcohols. Specific examples of polyhydric alcohols include dihydric alcohols such as ethylene glycol, propylene glycol, triethylene glycol, diethylene glycol, triethylene glycol, and isoprene glycol; trihydric alcohols such as glycerin and butanetriol (1,2,3-butanetriol, 1,2,4-butanetriol); and tetrahydric alcohols such as erythritol and pentaerythritol. These polyhydric alcohols may be used alone or in combination of two or more.

Among the components (B), polyoxyethylene alkyl ethers are compounds in which a polyoxyethylene chain is ether-bonded to an alkyl group. The average number of moles of ethylene oxide added in the polyoxyethylene alkyl ether chain is not particularly limited, but may be, for example, 2 to 30, preferably 5 to 20, and more preferably 8 to 12. The alkyl group constituting the polyoxyethylene alkyl ether may be either linear or branched. The number of carbon atoms in the alkyl group constituting the polyoxyethylene alkyl ether is not particularly limited, but may be, for example, 8 to 22, preferably 8 to 14, and more preferably 8 to 10. Specific examples of polyoxyethylene alkyl ethers include POE octyl ether, POE isooctyl ether, POE decyl ether, POE isodecyl ether, POE lauryl ether, POE myristyl ether, POE cetyl ether, POE isocetyl ether, POE stearyl ether, POE isostearyl ether, POE arachidyl ether, and POE behenyl ether. Here, "POE" stands for polyoxyethylene, and these polyoxyethylene alkyl ethers may be used alone or in combination of two or more.

In the present invention, component (B) may be one selected from polyhydric alcohols, 3-methoxy-3-methylbutanol, and polyoxyethylene alkyl ethers and used alone, or two or more of these may be used in combination.

Of these (B) components, from the perspective of further improving the durability of the deodorizing effect, preferred examples include ethylene glycol, propylene glycol, triethylene glycol, glycerin, butanetriol, erythritol, pentaerythritol, 3-methoxy-3-methylbutanol, and polyoxyethylene alkyl ether.

In particular, when acetohydrazide is used as component (A), from the viewpoint of further improving the durability of the deodorizing effect, component (B) is preferably ethylene glycol, propylene glycol, triethylene glycol, glycerin, 3-methoxy-3-methylbutanol, and polyoxyethylene alkyl ether; more preferably ethylene glycol, triethylene glycol, glycerin, 3-methoxy-3-methylbutanol, and polyoxyethylene alkyl ether. Furthermore, when succinic acid dihydrazide is used as component (A), from the viewpoint of further improving the durability of the deodorizing effect, preferred examples of component (B) include ethylene glycol, propylene glycol, triethylene glycol, glycerin, butanetriol, erythritol, pentaerythritol, 3-methoxy-3-methylbutanol, and polyoxyethylene alkyl ether; more preferred examples are ethylene glycol, propylene glycol, triethylene glycol, glycerin, butanetriol, erythritol, and pentaerythritol; and particularly preferred examples are glycerin, butanetriol, erythritol, and pentaerythritol. Furthermore, when adipic acid dihydrazide and/or carbohydrazide is used as component (A), from the viewpoint of further improving the durability of the deodorizing effect, preferred examples of component (B) include glycerin. Furthermore, when propanolamine, aminomethylpropanol, and/or 2-amino-2-methyl-1,3-propanediol is used as component (A), glycerin is preferred as component (B) from the perspective of further improving the durability of the deodorizing effect.

In the method of the present invention, the amount of component (B) contained in the deodorant may be appropriately determined depending on the type of component (B) used, the target to be deodorized, etc., but may be, for example, 0.1 to 20% by weight, preferably 0.5 to 10% by weight, and more preferably 1 to 10% by weight.

Furthermore, in the method of the present invention, the ratio of component (A) to component (B) contained in the deodorant is, for example, 10 to 1,000 parts by weight, preferably 50 to 500 parts by weight, and more preferably 100 to 400 parts by weight of component (B) per 100 parts by weight of component (A).

[(C)Water]
In the method of the present invention, the deodorant contains water as a base. The amount of water contained in the deodorant may be the balance of the components (A) and (B) and other additives added as needed, and may be, for example, 50% by weight or more, preferably 60 to 99% by weight, and more preferably 70 to 97% by weight.

[Monohydric lower alcohol]
In the method of the present invention, the deodorant may contain a monohydric lower alcohol, if necessary. Examples of monohydric lower alcohols include monohydric alcohols having 2 to 5 carbon atoms, more specifically ethanol, n-propanol, isopropanol, n-butanol, sec-butanol, tert-butanol, n-amyl alcohol, sec-amyl alcohol, isoamyl alcohol, tert-amyl alcohol, neopentyl alcohol, etc. These monohydric lower alcohols may be contained alone or in combination of two or more.

When a monohydric lower alcohol is contained in the deodorant in the method of the present invention, its content is not particularly limited, but may be, for example, 1 to 30% by weight.

[Other ingredients]
In the method of the present invention, the deodorant may contain other additives in addition to the components described above, as long as the additives do not impair the effects of the present invention. Examples of such other additives include other solvents, pH adjusters, preservatives, antibacterial agents, disinfectants, antioxidants, ultraviolet absorbers, colorants, fragrances, surfactants, thickeners, etc.

[Deodorizer with improved deodorizing effect]
The deodorizer whose deodorizing effect has been improved in durability by the method of the present invention can be used by applying it to spaces or objects that require deodorization, for example, for the purpose of removing or alleviating bad odors present in indoor spaces, vehicle interiors, pet care areas, walls, floors, ceilings, curtains, sofas, bedding, beds, clothing, shoes, leather products, fabric products, storage furniture (shoe cabinets, etc.), etc.

To deodorize using a deodorizer whose deodorizing effect has been improved by the method of the present invention, the deodorizer may be placed in an open-ended container or absorbed into an absorbent member, and placed in the space to be deodorized or near the product to be deodorized. Examples of absorbent members that absorb the deodorizer include fibrous materials such as natural fibers such as cotton, plant fibers, and pulp; synthetic fibers such as rayon, polyester, polyethylene terephthalate, polypropylene, and polyethylene, or blends thereof; wood materials such as wood chips, rattan, bamboo, and sora; and resin sponge materials such as urethane foam. Furthermore, when the absorbent member is made of a fibrous material, it is preferably a nonwoven fabric, but woven or knitted fabrics are also acceptable. The absorbent member may be in the shape of a sheet, rod, string, block, or the like.

When a deodorizer whose deodorizing effect has been improved by the method of the present invention is absorbed into an absorbent member and used, the deodorizing effect persists even when the volatile components (water, etc.) in the deodorizer evaporate and the absorbent member dries, so the absorbent member can continue to be used in its dry state. The period of continued use from the point at which the absorbent member dries varies depending on the composition of the deodorizer, the space to be deodorized, etc., but for example, it can be used continuously for approximately 120 days, preferably approximately 30 days, from the point at which the absorbent member dries.

Furthermore, when deodorizing a space (such as an indoor space or the interior of a vehicle) using a deodorizer whose deodorizing effect has been improved by the method of the present invention, the deodorizer may be sprayed directly onto the space to be deodorized, or the deodorizer may be sprayed or applied to the structures of the space (walls, floors, ceilings, doors, etc.) or products within the space (curtains, sofas, etc.). By spraying or applying the deodorizer to the structures or products within the space in this way, the structures or products within the space are endowed with deodorizing properties, thereby eliminating or mitigating odors within the space. When deodorizing a space by imparting deodorizing properties to the structures or products within the space, the deodorizing effect of the deodorizing components attached to the structures or products is required to be sustained. Deodorizers manufactured using the method of the present invention have improved deodorizing effect sustainability and meet these requirements. A preferred embodiment of a deodorizer manufactured using the method of the present invention is a deodorizer sprayed or applied to walls to deodorize indoor spaces. Furthermore, when a deodorizer that has been subjected to the method of the present invention is sprayed or applied to structures in a space or products within the space in order to deodorize the space, the structures or products themselves do not need to be subject to deodorization, and therefore do not need to have any foul odors.

Deodorizers manufactured using the method of the present invention may be in any form, including spray, aerosol, stationary, and wipe-off sheets. In the case of spray or aerosol types, the deodorizer manufactured using the method of the present invention is placed in a spray or aerosol container and sprayed onto the space to be deodorized, the structures in the space, the products in the space, and the products to be deodorized. In the case of stationary types, the deodorizer manufactured using the method of the present invention is placed in a container or absorbed into a liquid-absorbent member so that it can come into contact with the space, and then placed in the space to be deodorized or near the products to be deodorized. In the case of wipe-off sheets, the surface of the object to be deodorized is wiped with a fabric such as a nonwoven fabric impregnated with the deodorizer manufactured using the method of the present invention. From the standpoint of ease of use, it is preferable to use deodorizers manufactured using the method of the present invention in the form of spray, aerosol, or stationary.

The present invention will be explained in more detail below using examples and comparative examples, but the present invention is not limited to these.

Test Examples Deodorants having the compositions shown in Tables 1 to 4 were prepared and the following tests were carried out to evaluate the durability of the deodorizing effect.

First, 0.4 g of each deodorant was dropped onto a test cloth (Kanakin cotton No. 3, 5 cm x 5 cm, Japan Standards Association), placed on a petri dish, and dried with a dryer for 20 minutes (without using hot air), and then left to stand at room temperature for 60 minutes. Next, the test cloth treated as above was sealed in a 10 L Tedlar bag together with 5 L of odorless air. Then, acetaldehyde was introduced into the Tedlar bag so that the concentration was approximately 100 ppm. The time when acetaldehyde was introduced was set to 0 minutes, and the acetaldehyde concentrations in the Tedlar bag after 0 minutes and 60 minutes were measured using a gas detector tube (Acetaldehyde 92M, Gastec Corporation), and the deodorizing rate was calculated based on the following formula.

In this test, 0.4 g of deodorant was dropped onto a test cloth, which was then air-dried for 20 minutes and allowed to stand for 60 minutes before the deodorizing rate was measured. Therefore, a high deodorizing rate indicates excellent durability of the deodorizing effect. When 0.4 g of deodorant liquid was applied to a test cloth and the deodorizing rate was measured under the same conditions as above without drying or leaving it to stand, it was confirmed that the deodorizing rate was 30 to 80% in all of the examples and comparative examples.

The results are shown in Tables 1 to 4. For deodorants containing only a hydrazide compound or an amide compound, the deodorizing rate was 0% after 20 minutes of drying and 60 minutes of standing, indicating that the deodorizing effect of the hydrazide compound was not sustained (Comparative Examples 1 to 8). On the other hand, for deodorants containing both a hydrazide compound or an amide compound and a polyhydric alcohol, 3-methoxy-3-methylbutanol, or polyoxyethylene alkyl ether, the deodorizing rate was high and the deodorizing effect was highly sustained, even after 20 minutes of drying and 60 minutes of standing (Examples 1 to 28).

The deodorizing rate (initial deodorizing rate) measured without drying or standing using a deodorizer containing acetohydrazide alone (Comparative Example 1) was 31%. In contrast, the deodorizers (Examples 1 to 7) that used acetohydrazide as the hydrazide compound and contained a polyhydric alcohol, 3-methoxy-3-methylbutanol, or polyoxyethylene alkyl ether had deodorizing rates of 31% or higher after 20 minutes of drying and 60 minutes of standing. In other words, it was confirmed that the deodorizers of Examples 1 to 7, by containing a polyhydric alcohol, 3-methoxy-3-methylbutanol, or polyoxyethylene alkyl ether, not only did the deodorizing effect of acetohydrazide last longer, but the deodorizing effect rate (initial deodorizing effect) of acetohydrazide itself was also improved.

On the other hand, the deodorizing rate (initial deodorizing rate) measured without drying or leaving to stand using a deodorizer containing only succinic acid dihydrazide (Comparative Example 2) was 75%. In contrast, when succinic acid dihydrazide was used as the hydrazide compound and a polyhydric alcohol, particularly a trihydric or higher polyhydric alcohol, was used as component (B) (Examples 11-15), it was confirmed that the deodorizing effect lasted longer. In particular, when butanetriol was used as component (B), not only was the duration increased, but the deodorizing effect rate itself was also confirmed to be improved.

Claims (2)

A method for improving the durability of the deodorizing effect of a deodorizer contained in an open container or absorbed in a liquid-absorbent member, comprising blending the deodorizer (excluding those containing one or more metal ions selected from silver, zinc, copper, aluminum, iron, nickel, tin, and lead, and those containing phytoncides) with (A) at least one deodorizing component selected from the group consisting of hydrazide compounds, alkanolamines, polyamines, betaine compounds, magnesium ions , and titanium ions , (B) at least one selected from the group consisting of polyhydric alcohols, 3-methoxy-3-methylbutanol, and polyoxyethylene alkyl ethers, and (C) water ;
The method for improving durability, characterized in that the amount of component (B) contained in the deodorant is 0.1 to 20% by weight . The method for improving deodorizing effect according to claim 1, which is carried out to maintain the deodorizing effect after the deodorizer has dried.