| abstract |
The invention relates to new surface-active quaternary ammonium compounds having the general formula: <IMAGE> wherein: R1 and R2 are each hydrocarbon groups having from about twelve to about forty carbon atoms; R3 and R4 are selected from the group consisting of methyl, ethyl and hydroxyethyl; A is an oxyalkylene group derived from both ethylene oxide and propylene oxide, having a ratio of oxyethylene units to the total number of oxyalkylene groups within the range from about 1:6 to about 5:6; m is a number corresponding to the valence of X; n1 and n2 represent the average number of oxyalkylene units and are within the range from about 6 to about 30; and X is an anion. The compounds impart to the treated textiles and cellulosic materials a reduced tendency to retain an electrostatic charge and/or improved softness and/or reduced mechanical strength due to a reduction in interfiber bonding, and at the same time preserve good hydrophilic properties. |