Patent Description:
There are various solid surfaces, such as glasses, metals, plastics, clothes, skins, and hairs, in personal belongings. The feel, lubricity, wettability, chargeability, and the like of the solid surface are determined by properties of the solid surface, and a surfactant or an oil solution is generally used for controlling them. In particular, to make the oil solution remain on the solid surface is a method with extremely high effectiveness because the properties of the solid surface, such as wettability, can be greatly changed.

With respect to cleansing agents and conditioning agents containing a surfactant or an oil solution, there have hitherto been made various proposals.

For example, <CIT> (PTL <NUM>) discloses a liquid cleansing composition for clothing containing specified first and second nonionic surfactants, an anionic surfactant having an SO<NUM> group or an SO<NUM> group, a specified quaternary ammonium compound, and a water-insoluble silicone compound.

<CIT> (PTL <NUM>) discloses a cleansing composition in the hair/skin cleansing field containing specified amounts of an anionic surfactant, a cationic surfactant, a dimethylpolysiloxane having a kinematic viscosity at <NUM> of <NUM>,<NUM>,<NUM><NUM>/s or more, and maltooligosaccharide.

<CIT> (PTL <NUM>) discloses a cleansing composition for skin or hair containing an internal olefin sulfonate having <NUM> to <NUM> carbon atoms.

<CIT> (PTL <NUM>) discloses a cleansing composition for skin or hair containing an internal olefin sulfonate having <NUM> to <NUM> carbon atoms and an oil solution.

<CIT> (PTL <NUM>) describes a cleansing composition for skin or hair comprising an internal olefin sulfonate (A) having <NUM> or more and <NUM> or less carbon atoms.

<CIT> (PTL <NUM>) describes a detergent composition that comprises (a) ≥<NUM> wt. % of a nonionic surfactant and (b) a quaternary nitrogen-containing polymer in an amount smaller than that of the component (a).

<CIT> (PTL <NUM>) describes a hair straightening formulation that comprises as active ingredients one or more keratin hydrolysates and an aldehyde.

The present invention relates to a surfactant composition containing anionic surfactant (A), cationic surfactant (B), and dimethylpolysiloxane (C) as defined in the appended claims, as well as to its use as defined in the appended claims.

In order to greatly change the properties of the solid surface, it is desired to make an oil solution highly remain on the solid surface. However, according to the conventional surfactant composition-containing cleansing agents as in PTLs <NUM> to <NUM>, it is difficult to make an oil solution, such as a dimethylpolysiloxane, highly remain on the solid surface.

The present invention relates to a surfactant composition capable of making a dimethylpolysiloxane highly remain on the solid surface.

The present inventors have found that the aforementioned problem can be solved by a surfactant composition containing an anionic surfactant, a cationic surfactant, and a dimethylpolysiloxane, in which a branched-type anionic surfactant and a branched-type cationic surfactant are blended in a specified proportion.

Specifically, the present invention relates to a surfactant composition containing anionic surfactant (A), cationic surfactant (B), and dimethylpolysiloxane (C), wherein.

In accordance with the present invention, it is possible to provide a surfactant composition capable of making a dimethylpolysiloxane highly remain on the solid surface.

The surfactant composition of the present invention is a surfactant composition containing anionic surfactant (A), cationic surfactant (B), and dimethylpolysiloxane (C), wherein.

In the surfactant composition of the present invention, both of the anionic surfactant (A) (hereinafter also referred to as "component (A)") and the cationic surfactant (B) (hereinafter also referred to as "component (B)") contain surfactant of a branched type. That is, the surfactant composition of the present invention contains the branched-type anionic surfactant (a1) (hereinafter also referred to as "component (a1)") and the branched-type cationic surfactant (b1) (hereinafter also referred to as "component (b1)").

The term "branched type" as referred to herein means that in the surfactant having a hydrophobic group and a hydrophilic group, the hydrophobic group has at least one branched structure, or the surfactant has a plurality of linear or branched hydrophobic groups are existent. Examples of the hydrophobic group of the branched-type surfactant include a hydrocarbon group having a linear or branched structure, and more preferably an alkyl group or an aryl group each having a linear or branched structure which may contain a substituent or a connecting group.

In the present invention, the molar ratio Rb {[(a1) + (b1)]/[(A) + (B)]} of the total amount of the component (a1) and the component (b1) to the total amount of the component (A) and the component (B) is <NUM> or more.

From the viewpoint of emulsion stability of the dimethylpolysiloxane (C) (hereinafter also referred to as "component (C)") in the composition and making the component (C) highly remain on the solid surface, the molar ratio Rb is preferably <NUM> or more, more preferably <NUM> or more, still more preferably <NUM> or more, and yet still more preferably <NUM> or more, and it is preferably <NUM> or less.

The amount of the component (a1) can be determined by combining titration with a cationic surfactant and analysis, such as NMR and LC-MS, or comparing with an authentic sample having the same structure. In addition, the amount of the component (b1) can be determined by combining titration with an anionic surfactant and analysis, such as NMR and LC-MS, or comparing with an authentic sample having the same structure.

By applying the surfactant composition of the present invention onto the solid surface, the dimethylpolysiloxane (C) can be made to highly remain. As a result, for example, by using the surfactant composition of the present invention by applying onto the shampooed hair and then rinsing away, a drying time of the hair can be shortened by means of natural drainage of the moisture remaining among the hairs with gravity as far as possible. In other words, the surfactant composition of the present invention is used in order to make the dimethylpolysiloxane (C) highly remain on the solid surface.

Although the reason why the dimethylpolysiloxane (C) can be made to highly remain is not elucidated yet, it may be considered that the surfactant composition of the present invention is able to emulsify the dimethylpolysiloxane in water, and emulsion droplets of the dimethylpolysiloxane are apt to attach onto the solid surface.

In addition, it may be considered that by containing the component (a1) and the component (b1) in specified proportions, the remaining properties of the dimethylpolysiloxane (C) on the solid surface can be effectively improved.

Although the form of the surfactant composition of the present invention is not particularly restricted, from the viewpoint of handling properties, an aqueous system is preferred, and an aqueous solution containing the surfactant composition of the present invention, in which water is a continuous phase, is preferred.

Although the component (A) which is contained in the surfactant composition of the present invention is not particularly restricted, it is preferred to contain at least one selected from a sulfonic acid salt type surfactant and a sulfuric acid ester salt type surfactant.

Examples of the sulfonic acid salt type surfactant include surfactants of a sulfonic acid salt type having an aliphatic hydrocarbon group having <NUM> or more and <NUM> or less carbon atoms. Suitable examples thereof include an alkylbenzenesulfonic acid salt, an alkylsulfosuccinic acid salt, and an alkylsulfonic acid salt, each having an alkyl group having <NUM> or more and <NUM> or less carbon atoms. In the case of the alkylbenzenesulfonic acid salt, the alkyl group having <NUM> or more and <NUM> or less carbon atoms means an alkyl group substituting on the benzene ring and does not include the benzene skeleton. From the viewpoint of high remaining properties of the component (C) on the solid surface, the carbon number of the alkyl group is preferably <NUM> or more, more preferably <NUM> or more, and still more preferably <NUM> or more, and it is preferably <NUM> or less, and more preferably <NUM> or less.

Examples of the aforementioned salt include an alkali metal salt of sodium, potassium, etc., an alkanolamine salt, and an alkaline earth metal salt of magnesium, calcium, etc. Among those, an alkali metal salt is preferred, and a sodium salt is more preferred from the same viewpoint as mentioned above.

Examples of the sulfuric acid ester salt type surfactant include surfactants of a sulfuric acid ester salt type having an aliphatic hydrocarbon group having <NUM> or more and <NUM> or less carbon atoms. Suitable examples of the sulfuric acid ester salt include a polyoxyalkylene alkyl ether sulfuric acid ester salt.

Specific examples thereof include those in which not only an average addition molar number m of the alkyleneoxy group is <NUM> or more, preferably <NUM> or more, and more preferably <NUM> or more, and it is <NUM> or less, preferably <NUM> or less, and more preferably <NUM> or less, but also the carbon number of the alkyl group is <NUM> or more, and preferably <NUM> or more, and it is <NUM> or less, and preferably <NUM> or less.

The alkyleneoxy group preferably contains an ethyleneoxy group (EO group) and may contain a PO group within a range of <NUM> to <NUM> mols in terms of an average addition molar number.

The surfactant composition of the present invention contains the branched-type anionic surfactant (a1).

As the component (a1), one represented by the following general formula (<NUM>) is used.

In the formula (<NUM>), R<NUM> and R<NUM> each independently represent a hydrocarbon group which may contain a substituent or a connecting group; the total carbon number of R<NUM> and R<NUM> is <NUM> or more and <NUM> or less; Y represents a single bond; Z represents a group selected from a -SO<NUM> group and a -OSO<NUM> group; and M represents a cation.

From the same viewpoint as mentioned above, in the formula (<NUM>), the carbon numbers of R<NUM> and R<NUM> are each independently <NUM> or more, preferably <NUM> or more, more preferably <NUM> or more, and still more preferably <NUM> or more, and they are preferably <NUM> or less, more preferably <NUM> or less, and still more preferably <NUM> or less.

The hydrocarbon group represented by R<NUM> and R<NUM> is preferably an aliphatic hydrocarbon group, and more preferably an alkyl group, an alkenyl group, or a hydroxyalkyl group.

From the same viewpoint as mentioned above, the total carbon number of R<NUM> and R<NUM> is preferably <NUM> or more, more preferably <NUM> or more, and still more preferably <NUM> or more, and it is preferably <NUM> or less, more preferably <NUM> or less, and still more preferably <NUM> or less.

The hydrocarbon group represented by R<NUM> and R<NUM> may contain a substituent, such as a hydroxy group, or a connecting group, such as a COO group. The carbon number of the aforementioned substituent or connecting group is not calculated into the carbon number of the hydrocarbon group represented by R<NUM> and R<NUM>.

Examples of the cation M in the formula (<NUM>) include an alkali metal ion and an alkanolammonium ion having <NUM> or more and <NUM> or less carbon atoms. Among those, at least one selected from a sodium ion, a potassium ion, a monoethanolammonium ion, a diethanolammonium ion, and a triethanolammonium ion is preferred.

From the viewpoint of emulsion stability of the component (C) and high remaining properties onto the solid surface, the component (a1) is preferably at least one selected from an internal olefin sulfonate (IOS), an alkylbenzenesulfonate, a secondary alkanesulfonate, and a dialkylsulfosuccinate, with IOS being more preferred.

The IOS can be obtained by sulfonating an internal olefin in which a double bond is existent in the interior of an olefin chain (at the <NUM>-position or higher position), followed by neutralization and then hydrolysis. When the internal olefin is sulfonated, β-sultone is quantitatively produced, and a part of the β-sultone is converted into γ-sultone and an olefin sulfonic acid, which are further converted into a hydroxyalkane sulfonate (H-body) and an olefin sulfonate (O-body) in the neutralization/hydrolysis process (see, for example, "J. , <NUM>, <NUM> (<NUM>)"). The IOS is a mixture of these materials and is mainly a sulfonate in which a sulfonate group is existent in the interior (at the <NUM>-position or higher position) of a carbon chain (a hydroxyalkane chain in the H-body or an olefin chain in the O-body).

From the same viewpoint as mentioned above, the carbon number of the IOS is preferably <NUM> or more, and more preferably <NUM> or less, and it is preferably <NUM> or less, and more preferably <NUM> or less. The aforementioned carbon number is the carbon number as expressed in terms of an acid-type compound.

Examples of the salt of IOS include an alkali metal salt, an alkaline earth metal (<NUM>/<NUM> atom) salt, an ammonium salt, and an organic ammonium salt. Examples of the alkali metal salt include a sodium salt and a potassium salt. Examples of the alkaline earth metal salt include a calcium salt and a magnesium salt. Examples of the organic ammonium salt include an alkanolammonium salt having <NUM> or more and <NUM> or less carbon atoms.

In the IOS, from the same viewpoint as mentioned above, a mass ratio of the content of an internal olefin sulfonate having <NUM> carbon atoms (hereinafter also referred to as "(<NUM>) component") to the content of an internal olefin sulfonate having <NUM> carbon atoms (hereinafter also referred to as "(<NUM>) component" [(<NUM>) component/(<NUM>) component] is preferably <NUM>/<NUM> to <NUM>/<NUM>, more preferably <NUM>/<NUM> to <NUM>/<NUM>, still more preferably <NUM>/<NUM> to <NUM>/<NUM>, and yet still more preferably <NUM>/<NUM> to <NUM>/<NUM>.

In the IOS, from the same viewpoint as mentioned above, the total content of the (<NUM>) component and the (<NUM>) component is preferably <NUM>% by mass or more, more preferably <NUM>% by mass or more, still more preferably <NUM>% by mass or more, and yet still more preferably <NUM>% by mass.

In the IOS, from the same viewpoint as mentioned above, the content of the internal olefin sulfonate in which the sulfonate group is existent at the <NUM>-position is preferably <NUM>% by mass or more, more preferably <NUM>% by mass or more, and still more preferably <NUM>% by mass or more, and it is preferably <NUM>% by mass or less, more preferably <NUM>% by mass or less, and still more preferably <NUM>% by mass or less.

In the IOS, the mass ratio of H-body/O-body, and the substitution position distribution of the sulfonate group can be measured by high performance liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS), gas chromatography, nuclear magnetic resonance spectrometry, or the like. More specifically, the measurement can be performed by the methods described in <CIT> and <CIT>.

Details of the internal olefin sulfonate and a method for producing the same can be made by reference to <CIT>, <CIT>, <CIT>, or "<NPL>)".

From the viewpoint of emulsion stability of the component (C) and high remaining properties onto the solid surface, the surfactant composition of the present invention contains the cationic surfactant (B).

The component (B) contains the branched-type cationic surfactant (b1) which is at least one represented by any of the following general formulae (<NUM>) and (<NUM>).

As for the quaternary ammonium salt represented by any of the general formulae (<NUM>) and (<NUM>), one or a combination of two or more specific compounds included in any of the formulae (<NUM>) and (<NUM>) can be used. The foregoing component is typically used as a mixture containing plural compounds.

In the formula, R<NUM> and R<NUM> each independently represent a hydrocarbon group having <NUM> or more and <NUM> or less carbon atoms; R<NUM> and R<NUM> each independently represent an alkyl group having <NUM> or more and <NUM> or less carbon atoms; and X-represents an anion.

The hydrocarbon group represented by R<NUM> is preferably an aliphatic hydrocarbon group, and more preferably an alkyl group.

The hydrocarbon group represented by R<NUM> is preferably an aliphatic hydrocarbon group or an aryl group, and more preferably an alkyl group or a benzyl group.

From the same viewpoint as mentioned above, the carbon number of the aliphatic hydrocarbon group represented by R<NUM> and R<NUM> is preferably <NUM> or more, more preferably <NUM> or more, and still more preferably <NUM> or more, and it is preferably <NUM> or less, and more preferably <NUM> or less. From the same viewpoint as mentioned above, the aliphatic hydrocarbon group is preferably an alkyl group. Specific examples thereof include various octyl groups, various decyl groups, various dodecyl group, various tetradecyl groups, various hexadecyl groups, various octadecyl groups, and various eicosyl groups.

From the same viewpoint as mentioned above, the aryl group represented by R<NUM> is preferably a benzyl group.

From the viewpoint of easiness of availability and the same viewpoint as mentioned above, the alkyl group having <NUM> or more and <NUM> or less carbon atoms represented by R<NUM> and R<NUM> is a methyl group, an ethyl group, a propyl group, or an isopropyl group, preferably a methyl group or an ethyl group, and more preferably a methyl group.

In the formula (<NUM>), examples of the anion represented by X- include organic or inorganic anions. Specific examples of the anion X- include a halogen ion, an alkyl sulfate ion having <NUM> or more and <NUM> or less carbon atoms, an alkyl phosphate ion having <NUM> or more and <NUM> or less carbon atoms, a fatty acid ion having <NUM> or more and <NUM> or less carbon atoms, and a benzenesulfonic acid ion on which one or more and three or less alkyl groups having <NUM> or more and <NUM> or less carbon atoms may be substituted. Among these, a halogen ion or an alkyl sulfate ion having <NUM> or more and <NUM> or less carbon atoms is preferred; a chlorine ion, a bromine ion, a methyl sulfate ion, or an ethyl sulfate ion is more preferred; and a chlorine ion or a methyl sulfate ion is still more preferred.

Suitable examples of the quaternary ammonium salt represented by the formula (<NUM>) include a didecyl(C10) dimethylammonium salt, a dilauryl(C12) dimethylammonium salt, a dicoco dimethylammonium salt (C8 to <NUM>), a dimyristyl(C14) dimethylammonium salt, a dicetyl(C16) dimethylammonium salt, a distearyl(C18) dimethylammonium salt, a diarachidyl(C20) dimethylammonium salt, a dibehenyl(C22) dimethylammonium salt, a stearyl lauryl dimethylammonium salt, a dialkyl(C12 to <NUM>) dimethylammonium salt, and a dialkyl(C12 to <NUM>) dimethylammonium salt. Among these, from the same viewpoint as mentioned above, a dialkyl(C12 to <NUM>) dimethylammonium salt, a dicetyl(C16) dimethylammonium salt, and a dialkyl(C12 to <NUM>) dimethylammonium salt are preferred, and chlorides thereof are more preferred.

Examples of commercially available products of the quaternary ammonium salt represented by the formula (<NUM>) include "QUARTAMIN" Series, manufactured by Kao Corporation; VARISOFT 432PPG (dicetyldimonium chloride), manufactured by Evonik Nutrition & Care GmbH; RQUAD PC 2C-<NUM> (dicocodimonium chloride), manufactured by Akzo Nobel N. ; and LIPOQUAD 2C-<NUM> (dicoconut alkyl dimethylammonium chloride), manufactured by Lion Specialty Chemicals Co.

In the formula, R<NUM>, R<NUM>, and R<NUM> are as defined above ; R<NUM> represents an alkyl group having <NUM> or more and <NUM> or less carbon atoms; and X- represents an anion.

Specifically, it is preferred to contain a compound represented by the formula (<NUM>) in which R<NUM> and R<NUM> are an acyl group, and R<NUM> is a hydrogen atom; and a compound represented by the formula (<NUM>) in which R<NUM>, R<NUM>, and R<NUM> are an acyl group.

From the viewpoint of emulsion stability of the component (C) and high remaining properties onto the solid surface, the carbon number of the acyl group represented by R<NUM> to R<NUM> is <NUM> or more, more preferably <NUM> or more, and still more preferably <NUM> or more, and it is <NUM> or less, and more preferably <NUM> or less.

From the same viewpoint as mentioned above, specific examples of R<NUM> to R<NUM> include preferably an aliphatic acyl group, more preferably a linear aliphatic acyl group, and still more preferably a linear alkanoyl group or a linear alkenoyl group. Examples of the linear alkanoyl group include a hexadecanoyl group and an octadecanoyl group. Examples of the linear alkenoyl group include an oleoyl group.

The acyl group is represented by R<NUM>-CO- (in the formula, R<NUM> represents a hydrocarbon group); the aliphatic acyl group is one in which R<NUM> is an aliphatic hydrocarbon group; the linear aliphatic acyl group is one in which R<NUM> is a linear aliphatic hydrocarbon group; the linear alkanoyl group is one in which R<NUM> is a linear alkyl group; and the linear alkenoyl group is one in which R<NUM> is a linear alkenyl group. The carbon number of the acyl group is a number resulting from adding <NUM> to the carbon number of R<NUM>.

From the same viewpoint as mentioned above, R<NUM> in the formula (<NUM>) is preferably a methyl group or an ethyl group, and more preferably a methyl group.

In the formula (<NUM>), examples of the anion represented by X- include an organic or inorganic anion. Specific examples of the anion X- include a halogen ion, an alkyl sulfate ion having <NUM> or more and <NUM> or less carbon atoms, an alkyl phosphate ion having <NUM> or more and <NUM> or less carbon atoms, a fatty acid ion having <NUM> or more and <NUM> or less carbon atoms, and a benzenesulfonic acid ion on which one or more and three or less alkyl groups having <NUM> or more and <NUM> or less carbon atoms may be substituted. Among these, a halogen ion or an alkyl sulfate ion having <NUM> or more and <NUM> or less carbon atoms is preferred; a chlorine ion, a bromine ion, a methyl sulfate ion, or an ethyl sulfate ion is more preferred; and a chlorine ion or a methyl sulfate ion is still more preferred.

From the viewpoint of emulsion stability and wetting spreadability onto the solid surface, the component (C) which is used in the present invention is preferably a low-molecular weight dimethylpolysiloxane having a weight average molecular weight of <NUM> or more and <NUM>,<NUM> or less.

From the viewpoint of high remaining properties onto the solid surface, the weight average molecular weight of the component (C) is preferably <NUM> or more, more preferably <NUM>,<NUM> or more, and still more preferably <NUM>,<NUM> or more, and it is preferably <NUM>,<NUM> or less, more preferably <NUM>,<NUM> or less, still more preferably <NUM>,<NUM> or less, and yet still more preferably <NUM>,<NUM> or less. In addition, from the viewpoint of wetting spreadability onto the solid surface, the weight average molecular weight of the component (C) is preferably <NUM> or more, more preferably <NUM> or more, and still more preferably <NUM> or more, and it is preferably <NUM>,<NUM> or less, more preferably <NUM>,<NUM> or less, still more preferably <NUM>,<NUM> or less, and yet still more preferably <NUM> or less.

In the case of using two or more dimethylpolysiloxanes having a different weight average molecular weight from each other, the weight average molecular weight of the component (C) means an arithmetic average molecular weight. More specifically, in the case of applying to the hair, the weight average molecular weight of the component (C) is preferably <NUM> or more and <NUM>,<NUM> or less, more preferably <NUM> or more and <NUM>,<NUM> or less, still more preferably <NUM> or more and <NUM>,<NUM> or less, and yet still more preferably <NUM> or more and <NUM>,<NUM> or less.

From the same viewpoint as mentioned above, the content of the dimethylpolysiloxane having a molecular weight of <NUM> or more and <NUM>,<NUM> or less in the component (C) is preferably <NUM>% by mass or more, more preferably <NUM>% by mass or more, still more preferably <NUM>% by mass or more, and yet still more preferably <NUM>% by mass or more, and it is preferably <NUM>% by mass or less.

The weight average molecular weight of the component (C) and the amount corresponding to the molecular weight of <NUM> or more and <NUM>,<NUM> or less in the component (C) are measured by the methods described in the section of Examples.

Examples of the component (C) include at least one selected from a linear dimethylpolysiloxane and a cyclic dimethylpolysiloxane, with a linear dimethylpolysiloxane being more preferred.

From the viewpoint of high remaining properties, the kinematic viscosity at <NUM> of the component (C) is preferably <NUM><NUM>/s or more, more preferably <NUM><NUM>/s or more, and still more preferably <NUM><NUM>/s or more, and it is preferably <NUM><NUM>/s or less, more preferably <NUM><NUM>/s or less, and still more preferably <NUM><NUM>/s or less. In addition, from the viewpoint of wetting spreadability onto the solid surface, the kinematic viscosity at <NUM> of the component (C) is preferably <NUM><NUM>/s or more, and more preferably <NUM><NUM>/s or more, and it is preferably <NUM><NUM>/s or less, more preferably <NUM><NUM>/s or less, and still more preferably <NUM><NUM>/s or less.

The kinematic viscosity is measured by the method described in the section of Examples.

Examples of commercially available products of the linear dimethylpolysiloxane include KF-<NUM> Series, manufactured by Shin-Etsu Chemical Co. ; SH200C Series and <NUM>-<NUM> Fluid, manufactured by Dow Corning Toray Co. ; and Silsoft DML, Element <NUM> PDMS <NUM>-JC, Element <NUM> PDMS <NUM>-JC, and Element <NUM> PDMS <NUM>-JC, manufactured by Momentive Performance Materials Inc.

Examples of the cyclic dimethylpolysiloxane include cyclopentasiloxane and cyclohexasiloxane. Examples of commercially available products of the cyclic dimethylpolysiloxane include KF-<NUM>, manufactured by Shin-Etsu Chemical Co. ; SH245 Fluid, DC345 Fluid, and DC246 Fluid, manufactured by Dow Corning Toray Co. ; and TSF405, SF1258, and Silsoft <NUM>, manufactured by Momentive Performance Materials Inc.

From the viewpoint of emulsion stability of the component (C) and high remaining properties, the content of each of the components in the surfactant composition of the present invention is as follows.

The content of the anionic surfactant (A) in the surfactant composition is preferably <NUM>% by mass or more, more preferably <NUM>% by mass or more, and still more preferably <NUM>% by mass or more, and it is preferably <NUM>% by mass or less, more preferably <NUM>% by mass or less, still more preferably <NUM>% by mass or less, and yet still more preferably <NUM>% by mass or less.

The content of the branched-type anionic surfactant (a1), preferably the internal olefin sulfonate (IOS) in the surfactant composition is preferably <NUM>% by mass or more, more preferably <NUM>% by mass or more, still more preferably <NUM>% by mass or more, and yet still more preferably <NUM>% by mass or more, and it is preferably <NUM>% by mass or less, more preferably <NUM>% by mass or less, still more preferably <NUM>% by mass or less, and yet still more preferably <NUM>% by mass or less.

The content of the cationic surfactant (B), preferably the branched-type cationic surfactant (b1) in the surfactant composition is preferably <NUM>% by mass or more, more preferably <NUM>% by mass or more, and still more preferably <NUM>% by mass or more, and it is preferably <NUM>% by mass or less, more preferably <NUM>% by mass or less, still more preferably <NUM>% by mass or less, and yet still more preferably <NUM>% by mass or less.

The molar ratio RA: {(A)/[(A) + (B)]} of the amount of the component (A) to the total amount of the component (A) and the component (B) in the surfactant composition is <NUM> or more and <NUM> or less.

From the viewpoint of emulsion stability of the component (C) and high remaining properties, the molar ratio RA is preferably <NUM> or more, more preferably <NUM> or more, still more preferably <NUM> or more, and yet still more preferably <NUM> or more, and it is preferably <NUM> or less, more preferably <NUM> or less, still more preferably <NUM> or less, and yet still more preferably <NUM> or less.

The molar ratio Rb: {[(a1) + (b1)]/[(A) + (B)]} in the surfactant composition is <NUM> or more; and as mentioned above, it is preferably <NUM> or more, more preferably <NUM> or more, still more preferably <NUM> or more, and yet still more preferably <NUM> or more, and it is preferably <NUM> or less.

The content of the dimethylpolysiloxane (C) in the surfactant composition is <NUM>% by mass or more, preferably <NUM>% by mass or more, more preferably <NUM>% by mass or more, and still more preferably <NUM>% by mass or more, and it is <NUM>% by mass or less, preferably <NUM>% by mass or less, more preferably <NUM>% by mass or less, and still more preferably <NUM>% by mass or less.

A molar ratio {(C)/[(A) + (B)]} of the amount of the dimethylpolysiloxane (C) to the total amount of the anionic surfactant (A) and the cationic surfactant (B) in the surfactant composition is preferably <NUM> or more, more preferably <NUM> or more, and still more preferably <NUM> or more, and it is preferably <NUM> or less, more preferably <NUM> or less, and still more preferably <NUM> or less.

The content of water in the surfactant composition is preferably <NUM>% by mass or more, more preferably <NUM>% by mass or more, still more preferably <NUM>% by mass or more, yet still more preferably <NUM>% by mass or more, and even yet still more preferably <NUM>% by mass or more, and it is preferably <NUM>% by mass or less, and more preferably <NUM>% by mass or less.

In the surfactant composition of the present invention, optional components, such as a surfactant other than that as mentioned above, an oil solution other than the component (C), an inorganic builder, a solubilizing agent, a diluent, a touch improver, a chelating agent, an antioxidant, a moisturizer, a UV absorber, a pH modifier, and a fragrance, can be appropriately added in conformity with an application thereof.

Examples of the surfactant other than that as mentioned above include an ampholytic surfactant and a nonionic surfactant.

Examples of the ampholytic surfactant include betaine-based surfactants, such as an imidazoline-based betaine, an alkyldimethylamino acetate betaine, a fatty acid amidopropyl betaine, and a sulfobetaine; and amine oxide type surfactants, such as an alkyldimethylamine oxide.

Examples of the nonionic surfactant include at least one fatty acid monoalkanolamide, selected from a polyoxyalkylene alkyl ether or a coconut oil fatty acid monoethanolamide.

As the oil solution other than the component (C), one which is liquid at room temperature is preferred, and specific examples thereof include an ester oil, an ether oil, an aliphatic higher alcohol, a polyhydric alcohol, an α-olefin oligomer, a hydrocarbon oil, such as a liquid isoparaffin, a liquid paraffin, and squalane, a glyceride, a fatty acid, a chained polysiloxane, and a modified silicone, such as a polyether-modified silicone, a polyamino-modified silicone, an alcohol-modified silicone, a fluorine-modified silicone, and a fatty acid-modified silicone.

Examples of the ester oil include isopropyl myristate, octyl myristate, isopropyl palmitate, octyl palmitate, isopropyl stearate, octyl stearate, and isopropyl isostearate.

Examples of the ether oil include dihexyl ether, dioctyl ether, didecyl ether, and dilauryl ether.

Examples of the aliphatic higher alcohol include alcohols having a linear or branched alkyl group or alkenyl group having preferably <NUM> or more and <NUM> or less carbon atoms, more preferably <NUM> or more and <NUM> or less carbon atoms, and still more preferably <NUM> or more and <NUM> or less carbon atoms.

Examples of the polyhydric alcohol include ethylene glycol, diethylene glycol, propylene glycol, dipropylene glycol, glycerin, diglycerin, polyglycerin, isoprene glycol, <NUM>,<NUM>-butylene glycol, and a polyethylene glycol or a polypropylene glycol having a number average molecular weight of less than <NUM>,<NUM>.

Although it is not required to venture to use the oil solution other than the component (C), in the case of using it, it can be appropriately regulated and contained within a range of about <NUM> to <NUM>% by mass in the surfactant composition.

Examples of the inorganic builder include alkaline inorganic salts, such as sodium carbonate, potassium carbonate, sodium bicarbonate, crystalline stratiform sodium silicate, sodium silicate, and an aluminosilicate, e.g., zeolite; and water-soluble inorganic salts, such as a sulfate, a sulfite, a hydrogensulfate, a hydrochloride, and a phosphate. From the viewpoint of making the component (C) highly remain, the content of the inorganic builder in the surfactant composition is preferably less than <NUM>% by mass, more preferably less than <NUM>% by mass, still more preferably less than <NUM>% by mass, yet still more preferably less than <NUM>% by mass, and even yet still more preferably <NUM>% by mass (namely, the inorganic builder is not contained).

The surfactant composition of the present invention can be produced by a conventional method. For example, purified water, such as ion-exchanged water, is heated to preferably <NUM> or higher, and more preferably <NUM> or higher, and preferably <NUM> or lower, and more preferably <NUM> or lower, the respective surfactant components are uniformly mixed and allowed to stand for cooling, and the component (C) is then added. If desired, an optional component or components are added. As the case may be, an acid or a base is added to regulate the pH, whereby the surfactant composition of the present invention can be obtained.

Although the dosage form of the surfactant composition of the present invention is not particularly restricted, it is preferably in a liquid form.

As for the form of a product containing the surfactant composition of the present invention, there are preferably exemplified those to be used after shampooing of hair within a bathroom, such as a hair rinse, a hair conditioner, a hair treatment, and a hair pack, namely those to be used in such a manner that after applying on the hair, they are applied well smoothly over the hair and then rinsed away; those to be used at the time of rinsing after washing, such as a fabric softener; and those to be used after car washing, such as a car wax. Among these, from the viewpoint of exhibiting the effects of the surfactant composition of the present invention, it is preferably used as a hair conditioner.

The dosage form of a cleansing agent for skin, a cleansing agent for clothing, a cleansing agent for dish, a cleansing agent for housing, or the like, each containing the surfactant composition of the present invention, is not particularly restricted, and it can be appropriately prepared by a conventional method.

A remaining method of the dimethylpolysiloxane (C) of the present invention is a method for bringing the surfactant composition of the present invention into contact with the solid surface.

The "solid surface" as referred to herein is not particularly restricted. As for a suitable solid to which the method of the present invention is applicable, though there is exemplified a hair, the method of the present invention is also applicable to in addition to natural fibers and synthetic fibers, hydrophobic solids, such as a glass, a ceramic, a metal, and a synthetic resin.

The contact method is not particularly limited, too, and examples thereof include a method for dipping the solid in an aqueous solution containing the surfactant composition of the present invention, a method for spraying or applying the foregoing aqueous solution onto the solid surface, and a method for cleansing the solid surface with the foregoing aqueous solution.

With respect to the aforementioned embodiments, the present invention further discloses the following surfactant composition, use thereof, cleansing agent, and production method of a surfactant composition.

The weight average molecular weight (Mw) of the dimethylpolysiloxane was measured by means of the gel permeation chromatography (GPC).

The Mw was calculated by using two mixed gel columns (Shodex K-<NUM>, manufactured by Showa Denko K. ) connected with each other as a column, by using chloroform (one for high performance liquid chromatography, manufactured by Kanto Chemical Co. ) as a mobile phase and a diluent solvent, using a differential refractive index (RI) detector as a detector, and using a monodisperse polystyrene having an already-known molecular weight as a standard substance.

The amount corresponding to the molecular weight of <NUM> to <NUM>,<NUM> in the dimethylpolysiloxane was determined from an integral molecular weight distribution curve.

The kinematic viscosity of the dimethylpolysiloxane was measured at <NUM> by using an Ubbelohde viscometer on the basis of JIS Z8803: "Methods for viscosity measurement of liquid".

The <NUM>H-NMR measurement or the high performance liquid chromatographic measurement was performed under the following condition, peaks derived from the branched structure and peaks derived from the linear structure were detected, and the branching fraction was calculated.

High Performance Liquid Chromatography Mass Spectrometer (LCMS-<NUM>, manufactured by Shimadzu Corporation).

Examples <NUM>-<NUM> to <NUM>-<NUM> and Comparative Examples <NUM>-<NUM> to <NUM>-<NUM> It is noted that example <NUM>-<NUM> and comparative examples <NUM>-<NUM>- to <NUM>-<NUM> are not according to the invention.

Surfactants and dimethylpolysiloxanes (C) as shown below were prepared.

In a wide-mouthed standard bottle (PS-No. <NUM>, manufactured by Tokyo Glass Kikai Co. ), each of surfactant raw materials described in Table <NUM> and water were added. The contents were heated and mixed in a warm water bath at <NUM> for about one hour, and after allowing to stand for cooling to <NUM>, the dimethylpolysiloxane was added. The mixture was stirred and shaken until it was uniformly emulsified and dispersed through visual inspection, thereby obtaining a surfactant composition.

Using the obtained surfactant composition, the remaining amount of the dimethylpolysiloxane (C) onto each substrate or base material was measured and evaluated with the method mentioned below. The results are shown in Table <NUM>.

The same procedures as in Example <NUM>-<NUM> were followed, except that in Example <NUM>-<NUM>, the condition was changed to that shown in Tables <NUM> to <NUM>, respectively. The results are shown in Tables <NUM> to <NUM>.

<NUM> of an internal olefin having <NUM> carbon atoms and <NUM> of an internal olefin having <NUM> carbon atoms were mixed to obtain <NUM> of an internal olefin having <NUM>/<NUM> carbon atoms (mass ratio: <NUM>/<NUM>). Using a thin film sulfonation reactor, the obtained internal olefin having <NUM>/<NUM> carbon atoms was subjected to a sulfonation reaction by passing a sulfur trioxide gas having a concentration of SO<NUM> of <NUM>% by volume therethrough.

The resulting sulfonation product was neutralized and hydrolyzed to obtain a sodium internal olefin sulfonate having <NUM>/<NUM> carbon atoms. In the resulting sodium internal olefin sulfonate, the molecular weight was <NUM>, the mass ratio of the H-body to the O-body was <NUM>/<NUM>, and the content of the raw material internal olefin was less than <NUM> ppm (less than the GC detection lower limit).

The amount of the branched sulfonic acid was measured by the method [high performance liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS)] as described in paragraph [<NUM>] of <CIT>. The content of the internal olefin sulfate in which the sulfonate group was existent at the <NUM>-position (corresponding to the linear type) was <NUM>% by mass, namely <NUM> mol%.

According to the <NUM>H-NMR measurement, an area ratio of a peak (<NUM> ppm) derived from a proton of the terminal methyl group (<NUM>) of each of R<NUM> and R<NUM> of the formula (<NUM>) and a peak (<NUM> ppm) derived from a proton of the methine group (<NUM>) connecting R<NUM> and R<NUM> to each other was calculated and found to be <NUM>/<NUM>. Accordingly, these peaks are derived from the branched structure. In addition, a peak derived from the linear structure (for example, a peak derived from the methylene group adjacent to R<NUM> produced in the case where R<NUM> is a hydrogen atom) was not detected. Accordingly, the branching fraction was defined as <NUM> mol%.

According to the <NUM>H-NMR measurement, an area ratio of a peak (<NUM> ppm) derived from a proton of the terminal methyl group (<NUM>) of each of R<NUM> and R<NUM> of the formula (<NUM>) and a peak (<NUM> ppm) derived from a proton of the methine group (<NUM>) connecting R<NUM> and R<NUM> to each other was calculated and found to be <NUM>/<NUM>. Accordingly, these peaks are derived from the branched structure. In addition, a peak derived from the linear structure was not detected. Accordingly, the branching fraction was defined as <NUM> mol%.

According to the <NUM>H-NMR measurement, an area ratio of a peak (<NUM> ppm) derived from a proton of the terminal methyl group of each of R<NUM> and R<NUM> of the formula (<NUM>) and a peak (<NUM> to <NUM> ppm) derived from a proton of the methine group or methylene group connecting R<NUM> and R<NUM> to each other was calculated, but it did not become <NUM>/<NUM>. An area ratio of a peak (<NUM> ppm) derived from a proton of the methine group (<NUM>) connecting R<NUM> and R<NUM> to each other and a peak (<NUM> ppm) derived from the methylene group (<NUM>) adjacent to R<NUM> of the linear structure (R<NUM> = H) was found to be <NUM>/<NUM>. In consequence, a molar ratio of the branched type to the linear type was <NUM>/<NUM>, and the branching fraction was defined as <NUM> mol%.

Trade name: EMAL <NUM>, manufactured by Kao Corporation, active ingredient: <NUM>% by mass, molecular weight: <NUM>.

A one-liter reactor was charged with triethanolamine (<NUM> mol, "Triethanolamine-S", manufactured by Nippon Shokubai Co. ), a semi-cured palm oil fatty acid (<NUM> mols, "Palmac 605T", manufactured by Acidchem International Sdn. ), and <NUM> of BHT and then purged with nitrogen. Subsequently, the pressure was reduced from atmospheric pressure to <NUM> kPa at <NUM> over one hour while bubbling nitrogen, and an esterification reaction was performed for <NUM> hours, thereby obtaining <NUM> of a triethanolamine ester having an acid value of <NUM> KOH/g.

<NUM> (<NUM> mols) of the obtained triethanolamine ester and <NUM> of BHT were mixed, and <NUM> (<NUM> mols) of dimethyl sulfate was added dropwise in a nitrogen atmosphere at atmospheric pressure and at <NUM> to <NUM> over <NUM> hours. The contents were aged at <NUM> to <NUM> for <NUM> hours, and <NUM> of ethanol was added and mixed at <NUM> to <NUM> for <NUM> hours such that the amount of the solvent in the final quaternary ammonium salt became <NUM>% by mass, thereby obtaining a quaternary ammonium salt.

The obtained quaternary ammonium salt was analyzed by means of high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and quantitatively determined using tetraoctylammonium bromide as an internal standard substance. As a result, the reaction product contained <NUM>% by mass of the quaternary ammonium salt represented by the general formula (<NUM>) and <NUM>% by mass of ethanol. The molecular weight was <NUM>.

The analysis with a high performance liquid chromatograph was performed. As a result, the reaction product was found to be a mixture of a monoester body (<NUM>), a diester body (<NUM>), and a triester body (<NUM>). A molar ratio of these ester bodies was <NUM>/<NUM>/<NUM>. The diester body and the triester body are corresponding to the branched type, and therefore, the branching fraction becomes <NUM> mol%.

According to the <NUM>H-NMR measurement, an area ratio of a peak (<NUM> ppm) derived from a proton of the methylene group (<NUM>) second adjacent to nitrogen in R<NUM> of the formula (<NUM>), a peak (<NUM> ppm) derived from a proton of the benzyl group (<NUM>) adjacent to nitrogen in R<NUM>, and a peak (<NUM> ppm) derived from a proton of the methyl group (<NUM>) of each of R<NUM> and R<NUM> was calculated and found to be <NUM>/<NUM>/<NUM>. Accordingly, these peaks are derived from the branched structure. In addition, a peak derived from the linear structure was not detected. Accordingly, the branching fraction was defined as <NUM> mol%.

<NUM> of each surfactant composition was uniformly applied onto the surface of the following substrate or base material and rinsed with <NUM> of tap water, and then, deuterated chloroform (CDCl<NUM>) was put thereinto until the substrate or base material was completely dipped therein (<NUM> in the case of the glass substrate and the polypropylene substrate, and <NUM> in the case of the stainless steel substrate and the cotton or hair base material).

The dimethylpolysiloxane (C) remaining on the substrate or base material was extracted by applying ultrasonic waves over <NUM> minutes, pyrazine as an internal standard was added to the extract, and the mixture was subjected to the <NUM>H-NMR measurement with a superconducting Fourier transform nuclear magnetic resonance apparatus "<NUM>-MR", manufactured by Agilent Technologies, Inc.

The remaining amount of the dimethylpolysiloxane (C) was calculated from the integrated ratio of peak areas of pyrazine (<NUM> ppm) and silicone (<NUM> ppm).

From Tables <NUM> to <NUM>, it is noted that the surfactant compositions of the Examples are able to make the dimethylpolysiloxane highly remain on the solid surface, as compared with the surfactant compositions of the Comparative Examples.

In addition, when the surfactant composition obtained in Example <NUM>-<NUM> was applied onto the shampooed hair, and the wet hair after rinsing was allowed to stand, the moisture remaining among the hairs was quickly naturally drained off due to the gravity, and the amount of moisture in the hair became lower than that in the untreated hair.

Claim 1:
A surfactant composition comprising anionic surfactant (A), cationic surfactant (B), and dimethylpolysiloxane (C), wherein
the following molar ratio RA is <NUM> or more and <NUM> or less; and
the following molar ratio Rb is <NUM> or more:
RA: a molar ratio {(A)/[(A) + (B)]} of the amount of anionic surfactant (A) to the total amount of anionic surfactant (A) and cationic surfactant (B)
Rb: a molar ratio {[(a1) + (b1)]/[(A) + (B)]} of the total amount of branched-type anionic surfactant (a1) and branched-type cationic surfactant (b1) to the total amount of anionic surfactant (A) and cationic surfactant (B);
wherein the surfactant composition comprises branched-type anionic surfactant (a1) and branched-type cationic surfactant (b1);
wherein the branched-type anionic surfactant (a1) is at least one selected from an internal olefin sulfonate, a secondary alkanesulfonate, and a dialkylsulfosuccinate, and wherein the branched-type anionic surfactant (a1) is represented by the following general formula (<NUM>), and the branched-type cationic surfactant (b1) is at least one represented by any of the following general formulae (<NUM>) and (<NUM>):
<CHM>
wherein,
R<NUM> and R<NUM> each independently represent a hydrocarbon group which may contain a substituent or a connecting group; the total carbon number of R<NUM> and R<NUM> is <NUM> or more and <NUM> or less; Y represents a single bond; Z- represents a group selected from a -SO<NUM>- group and a -OSO<NUM>- group; and M+ represents a cation;
<CHM>
wherein,
R<NUM> and R<NUM> each independently represent a hydrocarbon group having <NUM> or more and <NUM> or less carbon atoms; R<NUM> and R<NUM> each independently represent an alkyl group having <NUM> or more and <NUM> or less carbon atoms; and X- represents an anion; and
<CHM>
wherein,
R<NUM> and R<NUM> each independently represent an acyl group having <NUM> or more and <NUM> or less carbon atoms and R<NUM> represents a hydrogen atom or R<NUM>, R<NUM>, and R<NUM> each independently represent an acyl group having <NUM> or more and <NUM> or less carbon atoms; R<NUM> represents an alkyl group having <NUM> or more and <NUM> or less carbon atoms; and X- represents an anion.