CA2153354C - Stable concentrated premix and its use for manufacturing aqueous detergent compositions - Google Patents
Stable concentrated premix and its use for manufacturing aqueous detergent compositionsInfo
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- CA2153354C CA2153354C CA002153354A CA2153354A CA2153354C CA 2153354 C CA2153354 C CA 2153354C CA 002153354 A CA002153354 A CA 002153354A CA 2153354 A CA2153354 A CA 2153354A CA 2153354 C CA2153354 C CA 2153354C
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Abstract
The present invention relates to a stable concentrated premix comprising water-insoluble materials and surfactants comprising a hydrophobic portion and a hydrophilic portion, wherein the length chain of said hydrophobic portion is C6-C10. More specifically a process for manufacturing an aqueous detergent composition comprising the step of preparing said stable concentrated premix is disclosed, said process allowing good production flexibility at reduced costs.
Description
CM803/AA21~335~ - ~
A STABLE CONCENTRATED PREMIX AND ITS USE FOR
sMANUFACTURING AQUEOUS DETERGENT COMPOSITIONS
Technical Field The present invention relates to a process for manufacturing aqueous detergent compositions suitable for household applications and to a stable concentrated premix used in said process.
20Backqround of the Invention Liquid detergent compositions comprising surfactants and water-insoluble materials such as perfumes, fatty acids and/or soaps are well known in the art.
Such compositions can be made by a variety of processes wherein for example 2s the dirrerenl ingredients are incorporated in said compositions at different process steps Such processes for manufacturing aqueous detergent compositions are not fully satisfying. Indeed, a problem encountered with such fully formulated compositions is the cost of their overall sourcing, e.g. it is often needed to supply different locations with said fully formulated compositions 30 thus having to handle and ship big volumes. Accordingly, there is a need for the development of processes for manufacturing aqueous detergent compositions sourced in the most economical way.
- _ 21~3~ 4 It is thus an object of the present invention to provide a process for manufacturing aqueous detergent compositions comprising a surfactant and water-insoluble materials, said process allowing cheaper and easier sourcing.
5 We have now found that this object can be met by including in a process for manufacturing an agueous detergent co",position, a step wherein a stable co"cenlrated premix is prepared, said premix comprising most of the active ingredients of the finished detergent c~"~positions. Indeed, in the process of the present invention a stable concenlta~ed premix is prepared by mixing, 10 under alkaline conditions, a surfactant comprising a hydropl,obic portion and a hydrophilic portion, wherein the length chain of said hyclropl~obic portion is C6-C10, together with water-insoluble materials such as perfumes, soaps, fatty acids and the like. Such a premix is then diluted to obtain the desired ~ueous detergent composition. In its broadest aspect, the present invention is based on the surprising finding that a stable premix can be formulated with a high concenlralion of actives, including water-insoluble materials, this even withoutany added water, i.e. other than the water coming from the raw material used.
The use of such a premix in the process of the present invention for manufacturing an ~ueous detergent composition allows great flexibility in the 20 production chain while also reducing the sourcing cost. Indeed, said premix may advant~geously be manufactured in only one site of production and then shipped to the various desired sites, e.g. countries, where said premix may then be turned in the desired finished product by simple dilution. Also, according to the process of the present invention the volume to handle and 25 ship for a given amount of active ingredients is reduced.
An advantage of the stable concentra~ed premix of the present invention which comprises a su,racta,)t comprising a hydrophobic portion and a hydrophilic portion, wherein the length chain of said hyd~-~phobic portion is C6-C10, is that said premix incorporates high amount of water-insoluble materials, this without 30 the need of any hydlotrope or any solubilizer.
Another advantage of the stable concentrated premix of the present invention is that they have good physical stability properties, even across a wide range of temperature, e.g. from 0C to 50C.
35 GB-1329086 discloses conventional methods of making detergent compositions wherein the perfume is solubilized with the aid of a specific 215335~
surface active agent, an amine oxide or long chain betaine. This patent application does not disclose a process for manufacturing aqueous detergent compositions, wherein a stable concentrated premix comprising a surfactant comprising a hydrophobic portion and a hydrophilic portion, wherein the length chain of said hydrophobic portion is C6-C10, together with water-insoluble materials is prepared.
Summary of the Invention The present invention enco~passes a stable concentrated premix having a pH
15 greater than 10 and comprising from 0.1% to 4% by weight of the total premix of a water-insoluble material, or mixtures thereof, more than 6% by weight of the total premix of a surfactant comprising a hydrophobic portion and a hydrophilic portion, wherein the length chain of said hydrophobic portion is C6-C10 and from 55% to 86% by weight of the total premix of water.
The present invention further encoi"l)Asses a process for manufacturing an a~ue~us detergent co"~posilion co"~.rising from 0.5% to 10% by weight of the total composition of a surfactant com,urisin9 a hydrophobic portion and a 2s hydrophilic portion, wherein the length chain of said hydrophobic portion is C6-C10, or mixtures thereof, and from 0.1% to 2% by weight of the total composition of a water-insoluble material, or mixtures thereof, said process comprising the steps of:
30 - prepating under alkaline conditions a stable concentrated premix according to the present invention, - diluting said premix in water to obtain said detergent composition.
3s Detailed Description of the Invention The present invention encomp~sses a stable concentrated premix having a pH
5 greater than 10 and comprising at least a sur~actant comprising a hydrophobic portion and a hydrophilic portion, wherein the length chain of said hydrophobic portion is C6-C10, and at least a water-insoluble material. By "stable" it is to be understood herein that the concenlrated premix of the present invention does not substantially separate into distinct layers, upon standing for at least 8 10 weeks at 25 C. By "concentrated" it is to be understood herein that the level of water present in said premix is from 5~% to 86% by weight, preferably from 60% to 85% by weight and more preferably from 65% to 80%.
As a first essential element, the premix of the present invention comprises at least a su,ra~tant comprising a hydrophobic portion and a hydrophilic portion, 15 wherein the length chain of said hydrophobic portion is C6-C10, or mixtures thereof. Such surfactants having from 6 to 10 carbon atoms in their hydrophobic portion can be of any type. Such surfactants are able to boost the cleaning performance of any composition comprising them.
Accordingly, suitable s~"raclants having from 6 to 10 carbon atoms in their hyd~o~ obic portion, for use herein include C6-C1 o alkyl sulphates (C6-C10SO4), alkyl ether sulphates (C6-C10(OCH2CH2)eSO4), alkyl sulphonates (C6-C1 oSO3), alkyl succinates (C6-C1 oOOCCH2CH2COOZ), alkyl 25 carboxylates (C6-C10COOM), alkyl ether carboxylates (C6-C10(OCH2CH2)eCOOM), alkyl sarcosinates (C6-C10CON(CH3)R), alkyl sulpho succinates (C6-C1 oOOCCH(SO3M)CH2COOZ), amine oxides (C6-C10RR'NO), glucose amides (C6-C10CONR"X), alkyl pyrrolidones (C6-C1 o(C4H6ON), alkylpolysaccharides (C6-C1 oOGg), alkyl alkoxylates(C6 30 C1 0(OcH2cH2)e(ocH2cH2cH2)poH) and betaines (c6 C1 oN+(CH3)2CH2COO-) In the formulae in ~rackets, e and p are independently from 0 to 20 and e+p>0, Z is M or R, M is H or any counter ion such as those known in the art, including Na, K, Li, NH4, amine, X is a polyhydroxyhydro~rbyl having a linear hydrocarl,yl chain with at least 3 3s hydroxyls directly connected to the chain, or an alkoxylated derivative thereof, s 21533S4 R, R' and R" are C1-Cs alkyl groups, possibly functionalized with hydroxyl groups, R and R' are preferably C1-C3, most preferably methyl, R" is preferably 2-hydroxyethyl or 2 hydroxypropyl, G is a saccharide, preferably glucose, and g is of from 1.5 to 8. All these surfactants are well known in the art. A more 5 complete disclosure of conventional glucose amides can be found for instance in WO 92-06154 and a more complete disclosure of conventional alkyl polysaccharides can be found for insLance in US 4,536,319. The premix according to the present invention may comprise any of the above surfactants alone, or any combination thereof, depending on the end use envisioned.
Preferred nonionic surfactants for use herein are alkyl alkoxylates according tothe formula C6-C1 o(OCH2CH2)e(0CH2CH2CH2)pOH, where e and p represenLing respectively the degree of ethoxylation and propoxylation, are independently of from O to 20, and that e+p>O. Most preferred nonionic 15 surfactants for use herein are those where e and p are such that e+p is from 3 to 10, particularly those where p is O and e is from 3 to 8. Also, most prefer, ed nonionic su, ractants for use herein are those where said hydrophobic portion isa hydrocarbon chain comprising from 7 to 11 carbon atoms.
20 Said preferred nonionic s~"ractanls for use herein can be manufactured by theprocesses well known to the man skilled in the art, such as condensation of the corresponding alcohol and alkylene oxide, but such surfactants are more conveniently com",ercially available for instance from Sidobre under the trade name Mergital@) C4 (C8E04), from Kolb under the trade names Imbentin~
25 AG/810/050 and AG/810/080 (respectively C8-1 OE05 and C8-1 OE08) Preferred anionic surfactants for use herein are C6-C10 alkyl sulphates (C6-C1oS04) and alkyl sulphonates (C6-C10S03). Most prererred are the C6-C8 alkyl sulphates and sulphonates. Such anionic surfactants can be made by well 30 known sulphation or sulphonation processes followed by neutralization, but said anionic su,rdctanLs are more conveniently co"""ercially available, for instance from Rhone Poulenc under the trade name Rhodapo"~ OLS, or from Witco under the trade name Witconate~.
The most preferred surfactants for use herein are dimethyloctylamine oxide and 3s octyl sulphate. Suitable surfactants for use herein are preferallly hypochlorite compatible. According to the present invention, the stable concentrated premix 6 21533~ l of the present invention comprises more than 6% by weight of the total premix of a surfactant as defined herein, or mixtures thereof, preferably from 6.1% to 15%, more preferably from 6.5% to 12% and most preferably from 6.5% to 10%
by weight.
s As a second essential element, the premix of the present invention comprises at least a water-insoluble material, or mixtures thereof. By "water-insoluble material" it is to be understood herein any component that is not miscible to water at ambient te",pera~ure, i.e. from 20C to 25C. In other words inco, ~oraling said given component in water at ambient temperature will result 10 in a precipitation of said component in said medium.
Typically the premix of the present invention comprises from 0.1% to 4% by weight of the total premix of a water-insoluble material, or mixtures thereof, preferably from 0.5% to 3% by weight and more preferably from 1% to 2.5% by weight.
15 Suitable water-insoluble materials to be used herein include the following cl~sses of compounds, soaps and/or fatty acids or perfumes, or colorants, or dyes or mixtures thereof.
Suitable fatty acids to be incorporated in the premix of the present invention include alkali metal salts of a Cg-C1g fatty acid. Suitable fatty acids for use 20 herein can be any Cg-C1g fatty acid, preferably fully saturated, preferably asodium, potassium or lithium salt, more preferably the sodium salt. Suitable fatty acids may be selected from caprylic acid, capric acid, lauric acid, myristic acid, palmitic acid, stearic acid and mixtures of fatty acids suitably hardened,derived from natural sources such as tallow, coconut oil, ground oil and 2s bAbAssu oil. Said fatty acids may be used as an additional thickening aid andas suds suppressers. Typically, the premix according to the present invention co"")rises from 0.5% to 4%, preferably from 1% to 3% by weight o~ the total premix of fatty acids.
Suitable perfumes to be incorporated in the premix of the present invention 30 include a perfume as is as well as a perfume blend. Prefer,ed perfumes to be used herein are bleach stable perfumes, especially when said premix is used as raw material in the process of the present invention for manufacturing an aqueous detergent composition comprising bleaches. Typically, the premix ~' 7 21533S4 herein comprises of from 0.2% to 2% by weight of the total premix of said perfume and preferably of from 0.5% to 1%.
A further essential feature of the present invention is the alkalinity of said premix. Indeed, alkalinity plays an impo(lant role in the premix stability.
s Accordingly the premix of the present invention has a pH as is greater than 10, preferably greater than 11, more prererably greater than 12. This is achieved by the addition of from 0.5% to 6% by weight of the total premix of a caustic alkali or mixtures lhereor and prefera~ly of from 1.5% to 3%. Suitable caustic alkalis for use herein include sodium andlor pot~ssi~ Im hydroxide.
The stable concenl,ated premix of the present invention may further comprise other ingredients such as long chain amine oxides. This, for example, in an embodiment where the premix according to the present invention may be used as a raw material in order to provide aqueous detergent co,npositions having particular properties, such as viscous compositions. rreferled long chain amine oxides are according to the formula R1 R2R3N0 where R1 is primarily a C12-C1g alkyl group and R2 and R3 are C1 to C3 alkyl groups and even more preferred is to use a mixture of said long chain amine oxides. Indeed, such long chain amine oxides for use herein can be GenaminoxR LA, GemaminoxR
20 MY-X (available from Hoechst), C12-C14 AromoxR DMMC0-W, (AKZ0), Aromox DM14D-W, (AKZ0) and Aromox DM14D-W (AKZ0). Suitable long chain surfactants for use herein are preferably hypochlorite CG" ,palible.
Particularly suitable to be used herein is a mixture of said long chain amine oxides, more specifically a mixture of a C14 chain amine oxide with a C12 25 chain amine oxide or a C16 chain amine oxide, with a ratio of said C14 chain amine oxide to said C12 chain amine oxide of from 0.3 to 10 and a ratio of said C14 chain amine oxide to said C16 chain amine oxide of from 0.2 to 4.5. The stable concen~,ated premix accordi"g to the present invention comprises from 0% to 12% by weight of the total premix of said long chain amine oxide, or 30 mixtures thereof. If prese"t said long chain amine oxide are preferably at a level of from 5% to 10% and more pre~rdbly of from 6% to 8% by weight of the total premix.
The stable concenlrated premix of the present invention may further comprise 35 other optional ingredients such as silicates, silicones, other long chain surface-active agents and the like. This, for example in an embodiment where the 8 21~335~
premix according to the present invention may be used as a raw material in order to provide aqueous detergent compositions comprising such ingredients.
Suitable long chain surface-active agents include organic surface-active agents selected from anionic, nonionic, cationic, and zwitterionic surface-active agents 5 and mixtures thereof and prefer, ed herein are alkyl sarcosinates, paraffin sulphonates, alkyl sulphates and alkyl ether sulphates. Highly preferred optional ingredients are C12 to C14 alkyl sulphates such as sodium dodecyl sulphate or sodium lauryl sulphate.
The stable concer,lldled premix of the present invention may also comprise a 10 bleaching agent, as an optional highly prefer,ed ingredient. Bleaching agent as mentioned herein inchldes hypochlorite bleaching agent and preferably an alkali metal hypochlorite. Although alkali metal hypochlorites are prefer,ed, other hypochlorite co",pounds may also be used herein and can be selected from calcium and magnesium hypochlorite. Preferred alkali metal hypochlorite for use herein is sodium hypochlorite. The premix according to the present invention comprises said hypochlorite bleaching agent, such that the content of active chlorine in the composition is from 0% to 8% and preferably from 0% to 3.5%. According to the present invention the ingredients of the premix are selected so that said premix is hypochlorite compatible.
An advantage of the present invention is that said stable concentrated premix can be used as is in various cleaning applications including for example toilet bowl cleaning and preferably as a raw material suitable to allow the formulationof fully formulated detergent compositions. Accordingly said premix constitutes 2s up to 40% by weight of said detergenl composition, preferably from 15% to 40% and more preferably from 25% to 35%.
Accordingly the present invention also encorr~p~sses a process for manufacturing an aqueous detergent composition, said process co,nprising the 30 step of preparing a stable concenlrated premix as defined herein before. Saidprocess further comprises a dilution step where said premix is diluted with water. The extent of dilution is at the discretiGi, of the process operator and depends on the aqueous detergent composition desired. Indeed, the process of the present invention allows to manufacture a wide range of aqueous 35 detergen~ compositions including highly conce,)lraled co",posilions to non-concenl,aled compositions, depending on the dilution levels. However, it is preferable in the process of the present invention to dilute until the aqueous detergent cornposition obtained herein has a concei l~ration of surfactants having from 6 to 10 carbon atoms in their hydrophobic portion, of from 0.5% to 10% by weight of the total detergent co~"position, preferably of from 1% to 6%
5 and more preferably of from 2% to 5%. Accordingly, the aqueous detergent composition obtained with the process of the present invention comprises from 0.1% to 2% by weight of the total deterge"~ composition of water-insoluble material, or mixtures thereof, preferably from 0.5% to 2% and more preferably from 1% to 1.5%. The dilution stage is conducted at or around ambient 10 te",peral-lre. The dilution water often has a temperature of from 15C to 35 C.
The step of prepa,ing the premix may be conducted by simply adding in lukewarm to warm water (i.e. of from 35C to approximately 45C) all of the desired ingredients, i.e. surfactants as defined herein before with water-15 insoluble materials and the optional ingredients, e.g. silicates and/or long chainS~JI ra~ants, if present, this in presence of caustic to raise the pH above 10 and while stirring. Alternatively, if the water conten~ of said premix is low, less than 75% by weight of the total concen~,a~ed premix, i.e. if not water has been added other than the water coming from the raw material used, the surfactants 20 used in the present invention, having from 6 to 10 carbon atoms in their hydrophobic portion, may be heated up to about 40C to facilitate dissolution ofthe water-insoluble materials. Prefer, ed in the process of the present invention the su,rac~an~s having from 6 to 10 carbon atoms in their hydrophobic portion are added ahead of the low water solubility ingredients.
2s In an embodiment of the present invention where a bleaching agent is desired in the ~ueous detergent co",positions obtained accordi.lg to the process of the present invention, said bleaching agent is preferably added as the last ingredient in said process, thereby ensuring longest possiblc market life for 30 said compositions.
In an~tl ,er embodiment of the process of the present invention for manufacturing aqueous detergent co",posilions, the perfumes and/or colorants and/or dyes are preferably added during or after the dilution step, thereby 3s ensuring great flexibility in adapting the aqueous detergent compositions to different market places.
21533~4 The aqueous detergent campositions obtained according to the process of the present invention may be used for a variety of cleaning purposes in any hard surfaces appiication including toilet bowl cleaning, in dishwashing applications, including hand dishwashing as well as washing with automatic dishwashing machines. Said compositions are suitable to be used as a pretreatment composition for treating dishes especially pans, pots kitchen grills and/or any kitchenware soiled by though food stains/encrustations.
Examples The following premix according to the present invention were prepared.
Premix (% weight) I ll ill IV V Vl V
C12/14 amine oxide / I 1 8 6 8 C14 amine oxide 6 5 4.5 C16 amine oxide 4 4.5 3 / 0 3 octyl sulphate 7 9 5 7 6.5 8 7.5 C8/C10 amine oxide 3 1 2 fatty acid 1.1 1.4 0.9 1 1.5 1 2.2 sodium hydroxide 0.6 2.6 4 3 2 3 3 perfume / 0.8 0.8 0.7 0.5 0.7 0.7 Silicate Water upto 100 According to the process of the present invention the above mentioned premix 3s were prepared by simply mixing in warm water (about 45C) the surfactants comprising a hydrophobic portion and a hydrophilic portion, wherein the length chain of said hydrophobic portion is C6-C10. The resulting mix was maintained ~ 11 21S3354 at this temperature while pre-melted fatty acid was added with stirring. This was followed by addition of caustic soda and perfume under agitation. After a few minutes of stirring to ensure complete dissolution of the water-insoluble materials, the long chain surfactants (e.g. amine oxide) were added if desired.
s The resulting premix was allowed to stir for another 30 minutes.
All the above mentioned conce"lrated premix were stable.
The above mentioned premix were diluted with water to yield aqueous 10 detergent compositions, i.e. the finished products. Indeed, the above premix were diluted with water at 1:3 ratio (three parts of water for each part of premix).
A STABLE CONCENTRATED PREMIX AND ITS USE FOR
sMANUFACTURING AQUEOUS DETERGENT COMPOSITIONS
Technical Field The present invention relates to a process for manufacturing aqueous detergent compositions suitable for household applications and to a stable concentrated premix used in said process.
20Backqround of the Invention Liquid detergent compositions comprising surfactants and water-insoluble materials such as perfumes, fatty acids and/or soaps are well known in the art.
Such compositions can be made by a variety of processes wherein for example 2s the dirrerenl ingredients are incorporated in said compositions at different process steps Such processes for manufacturing aqueous detergent compositions are not fully satisfying. Indeed, a problem encountered with such fully formulated compositions is the cost of their overall sourcing, e.g. it is often needed to supply different locations with said fully formulated compositions 30 thus having to handle and ship big volumes. Accordingly, there is a need for the development of processes for manufacturing aqueous detergent compositions sourced in the most economical way.
- _ 21~3~ 4 It is thus an object of the present invention to provide a process for manufacturing aqueous detergent compositions comprising a surfactant and water-insoluble materials, said process allowing cheaper and easier sourcing.
5 We have now found that this object can be met by including in a process for manufacturing an agueous detergent co",position, a step wherein a stable co"cenlrated premix is prepared, said premix comprising most of the active ingredients of the finished detergent c~"~positions. Indeed, in the process of the present invention a stable concenlta~ed premix is prepared by mixing, 10 under alkaline conditions, a surfactant comprising a hydropl,obic portion and a hydrophilic portion, wherein the length chain of said hyclropl~obic portion is C6-C10, together with water-insoluble materials such as perfumes, soaps, fatty acids and the like. Such a premix is then diluted to obtain the desired ~ueous detergent composition. In its broadest aspect, the present invention is based on the surprising finding that a stable premix can be formulated with a high concenlralion of actives, including water-insoluble materials, this even withoutany added water, i.e. other than the water coming from the raw material used.
The use of such a premix in the process of the present invention for manufacturing an ~ueous detergent composition allows great flexibility in the 20 production chain while also reducing the sourcing cost. Indeed, said premix may advant~geously be manufactured in only one site of production and then shipped to the various desired sites, e.g. countries, where said premix may then be turned in the desired finished product by simple dilution. Also, according to the process of the present invention the volume to handle and 25 ship for a given amount of active ingredients is reduced.
An advantage of the stable concentra~ed premix of the present invention which comprises a su,racta,)t comprising a hydrophobic portion and a hydrophilic portion, wherein the length chain of said hyd~-~phobic portion is C6-C10, is that said premix incorporates high amount of water-insoluble materials, this without 30 the need of any hydlotrope or any solubilizer.
Another advantage of the stable concentrated premix of the present invention is that they have good physical stability properties, even across a wide range of temperature, e.g. from 0C to 50C.
35 GB-1329086 discloses conventional methods of making detergent compositions wherein the perfume is solubilized with the aid of a specific 215335~
surface active agent, an amine oxide or long chain betaine. This patent application does not disclose a process for manufacturing aqueous detergent compositions, wherein a stable concentrated premix comprising a surfactant comprising a hydrophobic portion and a hydrophilic portion, wherein the length chain of said hydrophobic portion is C6-C10, together with water-insoluble materials is prepared.
Summary of the Invention The present invention enco~passes a stable concentrated premix having a pH
15 greater than 10 and comprising from 0.1% to 4% by weight of the total premix of a water-insoluble material, or mixtures thereof, more than 6% by weight of the total premix of a surfactant comprising a hydrophobic portion and a hydrophilic portion, wherein the length chain of said hydrophobic portion is C6-C10 and from 55% to 86% by weight of the total premix of water.
The present invention further encoi"l)Asses a process for manufacturing an a~ue~us detergent co"~posilion co"~.rising from 0.5% to 10% by weight of the total composition of a surfactant com,urisin9 a hydrophobic portion and a 2s hydrophilic portion, wherein the length chain of said hydrophobic portion is C6-C10, or mixtures thereof, and from 0.1% to 2% by weight of the total composition of a water-insoluble material, or mixtures thereof, said process comprising the steps of:
30 - prepating under alkaline conditions a stable concentrated premix according to the present invention, - diluting said premix in water to obtain said detergent composition.
3s Detailed Description of the Invention The present invention encomp~sses a stable concentrated premix having a pH
5 greater than 10 and comprising at least a sur~actant comprising a hydrophobic portion and a hydrophilic portion, wherein the length chain of said hydrophobic portion is C6-C10, and at least a water-insoluble material. By "stable" it is to be understood herein that the concenlrated premix of the present invention does not substantially separate into distinct layers, upon standing for at least 8 10 weeks at 25 C. By "concentrated" it is to be understood herein that the level of water present in said premix is from 5~% to 86% by weight, preferably from 60% to 85% by weight and more preferably from 65% to 80%.
As a first essential element, the premix of the present invention comprises at least a su,ra~tant comprising a hydrophobic portion and a hydrophilic portion, 15 wherein the length chain of said hydrophobic portion is C6-C10, or mixtures thereof. Such surfactants having from 6 to 10 carbon atoms in their hydrophobic portion can be of any type. Such surfactants are able to boost the cleaning performance of any composition comprising them.
Accordingly, suitable s~"raclants having from 6 to 10 carbon atoms in their hyd~o~ obic portion, for use herein include C6-C1 o alkyl sulphates (C6-C10SO4), alkyl ether sulphates (C6-C10(OCH2CH2)eSO4), alkyl sulphonates (C6-C1 oSO3), alkyl succinates (C6-C1 oOOCCH2CH2COOZ), alkyl 25 carboxylates (C6-C10COOM), alkyl ether carboxylates (C6-C10(OCH2CH2)eCOOM), alkyl sarcosinates (C6-C10CON(CH3)R), alkyl sulpho succinates (C6-C1 oOOCCH(SO3M)CH2COOZ), amine oxides (C6-C10RR'NO), glucose amides (C6-C10CONR"X), alkyl pyrrolidones (C6-C1 o(C4H6ON), alkylpolysaccharides (C6-C1 oOGg), alkyl alkoxylates(C6 30 C1 0(OcH2cH2)e(ocH2cH2cH2)poH) and betaines (c6 C1 oN+(CH3)2CH2COO-) In the formulae in ~rackets, e and p are independently from 0 to 20 and e+p>0, Z is M or R, M is H or any counter ion such as those known in the art, including Na, K, Li, NH4, amine, X is a polyhydroxyhydro~rbyl having a linear hydrocarl,yl chain with at least 3 3s hydroxyls directly connected to the chain, or an alkoxylated derivative thereof, s 21533S4 R, R' and R" are C1-Cs alkyl groups, possibly functionalized with hydroxyl groups, R and R' are preferably C1-C3, most preferably methyl, R" is preferably 2-hydroxyethyl or 2 hydroxypropyl, G is a saccharide, preferably glucose, and g is of from 1.5 to 8. All these surfactants are well known in the art. A more 5 complete disclosure of conventional glucose amides can be found for instance in WO 92-06154 and a more complete disclosure of conventional alkyl polysaccharides can be found for insLance in US 4,536,319. The premix according to the present invention may comprise any of the above surfactants alone, or any combination thereof, depending on the end use envisioned.
Preferred nonionic surfactants for use herein are alkyl alkoxylates according tothe formula C6-C1 o(OCH2CH2)e(0CH2CH2CH2)pOH, where e and p represenLing respectively the degree of ethoxylation and propoxylation, are independently of from O to 20, and that e+p>O. Most preferred nonionic 15 surfactants for use herein are those where e and p are such that e+p is from 3 to 10, particularly those where p is O and e is from 3 to 8. Also, most prefer, ed nonionic su, ractants for use herein are those where said hydrophobic portion isa hydrocarbon chain comprising from 7 to 11 carbon atoms.
20 Said preferred nonionic s~"ractanls for use herein can be manufactured by theprocesses well known to the man skilled in the art, such as condensation of the corresponding alcohol and alkylene oxide, but such surfactants are more conveniently com",ercially available for instance from Sidobre under the trade name Mergital@) C4 (C8E04), from Kolb under the trade names Imbentin~
25 AG/810/050 and AG/810/080 (respectively C8-1 OE05 and C8-1 OE08) Preferred anionic surfactants for use herein are C6-C10 alkyl sulphates (C6-C1oS04) and alkyl sulphonates (C6-C10S03). Most prererred are the C6-C8 alkyl sulphates and sulphonates. Such anionic surfactants can be made by well 30 known sulphation or sulphonation processes followed by neutralization, but said anionic su,rdctanLs are more conveniently co"""ercially available, for instance from Rhone Poulenc under the trade name Rhodapo"~ OLS, or from Witco under the trade name Witconate~.
The most preferred surfactants for use herein are dimethyloctylamine oxide and 3s octyl sulphate. Suitable surfactants for use herein are preferallly hypochlorite compatible. According to the present invention, the stable concentrated premix 6 21533~ l of the present invention comprises more than 6% by weight of the total premix of a surfactant as defined herein, or mixtures thereof, preferably from 6.1% to 15%, more preferably from 6.5% to 12% and most preferably from 6.5% to 10%
by weight.
s As a second essential element, the premix of the present invention comprises at least a water-insoluble material, or mixtures thereof. By "water-insoluble material" it is to be understood herein any component that is not miscible to water at ambient te",pera~ure, i.e. from 20C to 25C. In other words inco, ~oraling said given component in water at ambient temperature will result 10 in a precipitation of said component in said medium.
Typically the premix of the present invention comprises from 0.1% to 4% by weight of the total premix of a water-insoluble material, or mixtures thereof, preferably from 0.5% to 3% by weight and more preferably from 1% to 2.5% by weight.
15 Suitable water-insoluble materials to be used herein include the following cl~sses of compounds, soaps and/or fatty acids or perfumes, or colorants, or dyes or mixtures thereof.
Suitable fatty acids to be incorporated in the premix of the present invention include alkali metal salts of a Cg-C1g fatty acid. Suitable fatty acids for use 20 herein can be any Cg-C1g fatty acid, preferably fully saturated, preferably asodium, potassium or lithium salt, more preferably the sodium salt. Suitable fatty acids may be selected from caprylic acid, capric acid, lauric acid, myristic acid, palmitic acid, stearic acid and mixtures of fatty acids suitably hardened,derived from natural sources such as tallow, coconut oil, ground oil and 2s bAbAssu oil. Said fatty acids may be used as an additional thickening aid andas suds suppressers. Typically, the premix according to the present invention co"")rises from 0.5% to 4%, preferably from 1% to 3% by weight o~ the total premix of fatty acids.
Suitable perfumes to be incorporated in the premix of the present invention 30 include a perfume as is as well as a perfume blend. Prefer,ed perfumes to be used herein are bleach stable perfumes, especially when said premix is used as raw material in the process of the present invention for manufacturing an aqueous detergent composition comprising bleaches. Typically, the premix ~' 7 21533S4 herein comprises of from 0.2% to 2% by weight of the total premix of said perfume and preferably of from 0.5% to 1%.
A further essential feature of the present invention is the alkalinity of said premix. Indeed, alkalinity plays an impo(lant role in the premix stability.
s Accordingly the premix of the present invention has a pH as is greater than 10, preferably greater than 11, more prererably greater than 12. This is achieved by the addition of from 0.5% to 6% by weight of the total premix of a caustic alkali or mixtures lhereor and prefera~ly of from 1.5% to 3%. Suitable caustic alkalis for use herein include sodium andlor pot~ssi~ Im hydroxide.
The stable concenl,ated premix of the present invention may further comprise other ingredients such as long chain amine oxides. This, for example, in an embodiment where the premix according to the present invention may be used as a raw material in order to provide aqueous detergent co,npositions having particular properties, such as viscous compositions. rreferled long chain amine oxides are according to the formula R1 R2R3N0 where R1 is primarily a C12-C1g alkyl group and R2 and R3 are C1 to C3 alkyl groups and even more preferred is to use a mixture of said long chain amine oxides. Indeed, such long chain amine oxides for use herein can be GenaminoxR LA, GemaminoxR
20 MY-X (available from Hoechst), C12-C14 AromoxR DMMC0-W, (AKZ0), Aromox DM14D-W, (AKZ0) and Aromox DM14D-W (AKZ0). Suitable long chain surfactants for use herein are preferably hypochlorite CG" ,palible.
Particularly suitable to be used herein is a mixture of said long chain amine oxides, more specifically a mixture of a C14 chain amine oxide with a C12 25 chain amine oxide or a C16 chain amine oxide, with a ratio of said C14 chain amine oxide to said C12 chain amine oxide of from 0.3 to 10 and a ratio of said C14 chain amine oxide to said C16 chain amine oxide of from 0.2 to 4.5. The stable concen~,ated premix accordi"g to the present invention comprises from 0% to 12% by weight of the total premix of said long chain amine oxide, or 30 mixtures thereof. If prese"t said long chain amine oxide are preferably at a level of from 5% to 10% and more pre~rdbly of from 6% to 8% by weight of the total premix.
The stable concenlrated premix of the present invention may further comprise 35 other optional ingredients such as silicates, silicones, other long chain surface-active agents and the like. This, for example in an embodiment where the 8 21~335~
premix according to the present invention may be used as a raw material in order to provide aqueous detergent compositions comprising such ingredients.
Suitable long chain surface-active agents include organic surface-active agents selected from anionic, nonionic, cationic, and zwitterionic surface-active agents 5 and mixtures thereof and prefer, ed herein are alkyl sarcosinates, paraffin sulphonates, alkyl sulphates and alkyl ether sulphates. Highly preferred optional ingredients are C12 to C14 alkyl sulphates such as sodium dodecyl sulphate or sodium lauryl sulphate.
The stable concer,lldled premix of the present invention may also comprise a 10 bleaching agent, as an optional highly prefer,ed ingredient. Bleaching agent as mentioned herein inchldes hypochlorite bleaching agent and preferably an alkali metal hypochlorite. Although alkali metal hypochlorites are prefer,ed, other hypochlorite co",pounds may also be used herein and can be selected from calcium and magnesium hypochlorite. Preferred alkali metal hypochlorite for use herein is sodium hypochlorite. The premix according to the present invention comprises said hypochlorite bleaching agent, such that the content of active chlorine in the composition is from 0% to 8% and preferably from 0% to 3.5%. According to the present invention the ingredients of the premix are selected so that said premix is hypochlorite compatible.
An advantage of the present invention is that said stable concentrated premix can be used as is in various cleaning applications including for example toilet bowl cleaning and preferably as a raw material suitable to allow the formulationof fully formulated detergent compositions. Accordingly said premix constitutes 2s up to 40% by weight of said detergenl composition, preferably from 15% to 40% and more preferably from 25% to 35%.
Accordingly the present invention also encorr~p~sses a process for manufacturing an aqueous detergent composition, said process co,nprising the 30 step of preparing a stable concenlrated premix as defined herein before. Saidprocess further comprises a dilution step where said premix is diluted with water. The extent of dilution is at the discretiGi, of the process operator and depends on the aqueous detergent composition desired. Indeed, the process of the present invention allows to manufacture a wide range of aqueous 35 detergen~ compositions including highly conce,)lraled co",posilions to non-concenl,aled compositions, depending on the dilution levels. However, it is preferable in the process of the present invention to dilute until the aqueous detergent cornposition obtained herein has a concei l~ration of surfactants having from 6 to 10 carbon atoms in their hydrophobic portion, of from 0.5% to 10% by weight of the total detergent co~"position, preferably of from 1% to 6%
5 and more preferably of from 2% to 5%. Accordingly, the aqueous detergent composition obtained with the process of the present invention comprises from 0.1% to 2% by weight of the total deterge"~ composition of water-insoluble material, or mixtures thereof, preferably from 0.5% to 2% and more preferably from 1% to 1.5%. The dilution stage is conducted at or around ambient 10 te",peral-lre. The dilution water often has a temperature of from 15C to 35 C.
The step of prepa,ing the premix may be conducted by simply adding in lukewarm to warm water (i.e. of from 35C to approximately 45C) all of the desired ingredients, i.e. surfactants as defined herein before with water-15 insoluble materials and the optional ingredients, e.g. silicates and/or long chainS~JI ra~ants, if present, this in presence of caustic to raise the pH above 10 and while stirring. Alternatively, if the water conten~ of said premix is low, less than 75% by weight of the total concen~,a~ed premix, i.e. if not water has been added other than the water coming from the raw material used, the surfactants 20 used in the present invention, having from 6 to 10 carbon atoms in their hydrophobic portion, may be heated up to about 40C to facilitate dissolution ofthe water-insoluble materials. Prefer, ed in the process of the present invention the su,rac~an~s having from 6 to 10 carbon atoms in their hydrophobic portion are added ahead of the low water solubility ingredients.
2s In an embodiment of the present invention where a bleaching agent is desired in the ~ueous detergent co",positions obtained accordi.lg to the process of the present invention, said bleaching agent is preferably added as the last ingredient in said process, thereby ensuring longest possiblc market life for 30 said compositions.
In an~tl ,er embodiment of the process of the present invention for manufacturing aqueous detergent co",posilions, the perfumes and/or colorants and/or dyes are preferably added during or after the dilution step, thereby 3s ensuring great flexibility in adapting the aqueous detergent compositions to different market places.
21533~4 The aqueous detergent campositions obtained according to the process of the present invention may be used for a variety of cleaning purposes in any hard surfaces appiication including toilet bowl cleaning, in dishwashing applications, including hand dishwashing as well as washing with automatic dishwashing machines. Said compositions are suitable to be used as a pretreatment composition for treating dishes especially pans, pots kitchen grills and/or any kitchenware soiled by though food stains/encrustations.
Examples The following premix according to the present invention were prepared.
Premix (% weight) I ll ill IV V Vl V
C12/14 amine oxide / I 1 8 6 8 C14 amine oxide 6 5 4.5 C16 amine oxide 4 4.5 3 / 0 3 octyl sulphate 7 9 5 7 6.5 8 7.5 C8/C10 amine oxide 3 1 2 fatty acid 1.1 1.4 0.9 1 1.5 1 2.2 sodium hydroxide 0.6 2.6 4 3 2 3 3 perfume / 0.8 0.8 0.7 0.5 0.7 0.7 Silicate Water upto 100 According to the process of the present invention the above mentioned premix 3s were prepared by simply mixing in warm water (about 45C) the surfactants comprising a hydrophobic portion and a hydrophilic portion, wherein the length chain of said hydrophobic portion is C6-C10. The resulting mix was maintained ~ 11 21S3354 at this temperature while pre-melted fatty acid was added with stirring. This was followed by addition of caustic soda and perfume under agitation. After a few minutes of stirring to ensure complete dissolution of the water-insoluble materials, the long chain surfactants (e.g. amine oxide) were added if desired.
s The resulting premix was allowed to stir for another 30 minutes.
All the above mentioned conce"lrated premix were stable.
The above mentioned premix were diluted with water to yield aqueous 10 detergent compositions, i.e. the finished products. Indeed, the above premix were diluted with water at 1:3 ratio (three parts of water for each part of premix).
Claims (21)
1. A stable concentrated premix having a pH greater than 10 and comprising from 0.1% to 4% by weight of the total premix of a water-insoluble material, or mixtures thereof, more than 6% by weight of the total premix of a surfactant comprising a hydrophobic portion and a hydrophilic portion, wherein the length chain of said hydrophobic portion is C6-C10, or mixtures thereof, and from 55% to 86% by weight of the total premix of water.
2. A premix according to Claim 1 wherein said surfactant is a C6-C8 alkyl sulphate and/or sulphonates.
3. A premix according to Claim 1 wherein said surfactant is octyl sulphate.
4. A premix according to Claim 1 or 2 wherein said water-insoluble material includes perfumes, colorants, dyes, fatty acid and/or soaps.
5. A premix according to Claim 1 or 2 comprising from 6.1 % to 15%
by weight of the total premix of said surfactant, or mixtures thereof.
by weight of the total premix of said surfactant, or mixtures thereof.
6. A premix according to Claim 1 or 2 comprising from 6.5% to 12%
by weight of the total premix of said surfactant, or mixtures thereof.
by weight of the total premix of said surfactant, or mixtures thereof.
7. A premix according to Claim 1 or 2 comprising from 6.5% to 10%
by weight of the total premix of said surfactant, or mixtures thereof.
by weight of the total premix of said surfactant, or mixtures thereof.
8. A premix according to Claim 2 comprising from 0.5% to 3% by weight of the total premix of said water-insoluble material, or mixtures thereof and preferably from 1% to 2.5% by weight.
9. A premix according to Claim 1 or 2 wherein said premix has a pH
greater than 11.
greater than 11.
10. A premix according to Claim 1 or 2 wherein said premix has a pH
greater than 12.
greater than 12.
11. A premix according to Claim 1 wherein said premix further comprises optional ingredients including silicates, silicones, long chain amine oxides or other long chain surface-active agents or mixtures thereof, said long chain surface-active agents including anionic, nonionic, cationic, zwitterionic surface-active agents, or mixtures thereof.
12. A premix according to Claim 11 wherein said anionic surface-active agents are alkyl sarcosinates, paraffin sulphonates, alkyl sulphates, alkyl ether sulphates, or mixtures thereof.
13. A premix according to Claim 11 wherein said anionic surface-active agents are C12 to C14 alkyl sulphates.
14. A premix according to Claim 11 wherein said anionic surface-active agents are sodium dodecyl sulphate and sodium lauryl sulphate.
15. A premix according to Claims 11 or 12 wherein said long chain amine oxides are according to the formula R~R2R3N0 wherein R2 and R3 are independently C1-C3 alkyl groups and R, is C12-C18 alkyl group.
16. A premix according to Claim 1 wherein said premix further comprises a bleaching agent.
17. A premix according to Claim 1 wherein said premix further comprises an alkali metal hypochlorite.
18. A process for manufacturing an aqueous detergent composition comprising from 0.5% to 10% by weight of the total composition of a surfactant comprising a hydrophobic portion and a hydrophilic portion, wherein the length chain of said hydrophobic portion is C6-C10, and from 0.1 % to 2% by weight of the total composition of a water-insoluble material or mixtures thereof, said process comprising the steps of:
- preparing a stable concentrated premix under alkaline conditions according to any one of the Claims 1 to 15, -diluting said premix with water to obtain said detergent composition.
- preparing a stable concentrated premix under alkaline conditions according to any one of the Claims 1 to 15, -diluting said premix with water to obtain said detergent composition.
19. A process according to Claim 18 wherein said process comprises as the last step the addition of a bleaching agent.
20. A process according to Claim 18 wherein said process comprises as the last step the addition of an alkali metal hypochlorite.
21. A process according to Claims 18, 19 or 20 wherein said premix is prepared by adding in warm water of temperature from 35°C to 45°C, under alkaline conditions, said surfactants comprising a hydrophobic portion and a hydrophilic portion, wherein the length chain of said hydrophobic portion is C6-C10, said water-insoluble materials, and optionally said optional ingredients while stirring.
Applications Claiming Priority (4)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| USPCT/US94/08089 | 1994-07-18 | ||
| PCT/US1994/008089 WO1995003383A1 (en) | 1993-07-23 | 1994-07-18 | Thickened aqueous detergent compositions with improved cleaning performance with short chain surfactants |
| EP94202726.9 | 1994-09-22 | ||
| EP94202726A EP0693548B1 (en) | 1994-07-18 | 1994-09-22 | A stable concentrated premix and its use for manufacturing aqueous detergent compositions |
Publications (2)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2153354A1 CA2153354A1 (en) | 1996-01-19 |
| CA2153354C true CA2153354C (en) | 1999-09-14 |
Family
ID=8217215
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA002153354A Expired - Fee Related CA2153354C (en) | 1994-07-18 | 1995-07-06 | Stable concentrated premix and its use for manufacturing aqueous detergent compositions |
Country Status (2)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| CA (1) | CA2153354C (en) |
| PT (1) | PT693548E (en) |
-
1994
- 1994-09-22 PT PT94202726T patent/PT693548E/en unknown
-
1995
- 1995-07-06 CA CA002153354A patent/CA2153354C/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| PT693548E (en) | 2002-04-29 |
| CA2153354A1 (en) | 1996-01-19 |
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