EP0170091B2 - Compositions détergentes liquides - Google Patents

Compositions détergentes liquides Download PDF

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Publication number
EP0170091B2
EP0170091B2 EP85108260A EP85108260A EP0170091B2 EP 0170091 B2 EP0170091 B2 EP 0170091B2 EP 85108260 A EP85108260 A EP 85108260A EP 85108260 A EP85108260 A EP 85108260A EP 0170091 B2 EP0170091 B2 EP 0170091B2
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Prior art keywords
sodium
composition according
composition
foregoing
surfactant
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German (de)
English (en)
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EP0170091A1 (fr
EP0170091B1 (fr
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Brian John Akred
Edward Tunstall Messenger
William John Nicholson
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Solvay Solutions UK Ltd
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Albright and Wilson Ltd
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Priority to AT85108260T priority Critical patent/ATE42113T1/de
Priority claimed from EP83300605A external-priority patent/EP0086614B2/fr
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    • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C11—ANIMAL OR VEGETABLE OILS, FATS, FATTY SUBSTANCES OR WAXES; FATTY ACIDS THEREFROM; DETERGENTS; CANDLES
    • C11D—DETERGENT COMPOSITIONS; USE OF SINGLE SUBSTANCES AS DETERGENTS; SOAP OR SOAP-MAKING; RESIN SOAPS; RECOVERY OF GLYCEROL
    • C11D17/00—Detergent materials or soaps characterised by their shape or physical properties
    • C11D17/0008—Detergent materials or soaps characterised by their shape or physical properties aqueous liquid non soap compositions
    • C11D17/0017—Multi-phase liquid compositions
    • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C11—ANIMAL OR VEGETABLE OILS, FATS, FATTY SUBSTANCES OR WAXES; FATTY ACIDS THEREFROM; DETERGENTS; CANDLES
    • C11D—DETERGENT COMPOSITIONS; USE OF SINGLE SUBSTANCES AS DETERGENTS; SOAP OR SOAP-MAKING; RESIN SOAPS; RECOVERY OF GLYCEROL
    • C11D17/00—Detergent materials or soaps characterised by their shape or physical properties
    • C11D17/0008—Detergent materials or soaps characterised by their shape or physical properties aqueous liquid non soap compositions
    • C11D17/0026—Structured liquid compositions, e.g. liquid crystalline phases or network containing non-Newtonian phase

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to novel, aqueous-based, pourable, fluid detergent compositions containing effective quantities of detergent builder. It is a divisional of Application No. 8303343.
  • builder is sometimes used loosely in the detergent art to include any non-surfactant whose presence in a detergent formulation enhances the cleaning effect of the formulation. More usually, however, the term is restricted to those typical "builders”, which are primarily useful as a means of preventing or ameliorating the adverse effects on washing of calcium and magnesium ions e.g. by chelation, sequestering, precipitation or absorption of the ions, and secondarily as a source of alkalinity and buffering.
  • Builder is used herein in the latter sense, and refers to additives which ameliorate the aforesaid adverse effects to a substantial extent.
  • It includes sodium or potassium tripolyphosphate and other phosphate and condensed phosphate salts such as sodium or potassium orthophosphates, pyrophosphates, metaphosphates or tetraphosphate, as well as phosphonates such as acetodiphosphonates, amino tris methylene phosphonates and ethylenediamine tetramethylene phosphonates. It also includes alkali metal carbonates, zeolites and such organic sequestrants as salts of nitrilotriacetic acid, citric acid and ethylene diamine tetracetic acid, polymeric polycarboxylic acids such as polyacrylates and maleic anhydride based copolymers.
  • phosphate and condensed phosphate salts such as sodium or potassium orthophosphates, pyrophosphates, metaphosphates or tetraphosphate, as well as phosphonates such as acetodiphosphonates, amino tris methylene phosphonates and ethylenediamine t
  • Builder is used herein to include water soluble alkali metal silicates such as sodium silicate, but excludes additives such as carboxymethyl cellulose, or polyvinyl pyrrolidone whose function is primarily that of soil suspending or anti-redeposition agent.
  • Electrode is used herein in relation to a component of a liquid detergent composition to denote those non-surface active, water soluble, ionic compounds which dissociate at least partially in aqueous solution to provide ions, and which tend to lower the solubility or micellar concentration in the composition of the surfactants present by a “salting out” effect. It includes water soluble dissociable, inorganic salts such as, for example alkali metal or ammonium, chlorides, nitrates, phosphates, carbonates, silicates and polyphosphates, and also certain water soluble nonsurface active organic salts which desolubilise or "salt out” those surfactants which are present in the composition. It does not include salts of cations which form water insoluble precipitates with the surfactants present, or salts which, at the concentrations used, tend to give unacceptable crystallisation when the composition is stored.
  • water soluble dissociable, inorganic salts such as, for example alkali metal or ammonium, chlor
  • Hydrotrope is used herein in relation to a component of a liquid detergent composition to denote any water soluble compound which tends to increase the solubility in the composition of the surfactants present.
  • Typicai Hydrotropes include urea and the alkali metal or ammonium salts of the lower alkyl benzene sulphonic acids such as sodium toluene sulphonate and sodium xylene sulphonate. Whether a given compound is an Electrolyte or a Hydrotrope may in some cases depend upon which surfactants are present in the particular liquid detergent composition.
  • Soap means an at least sparingly water soluble salt of a natural or synthetic aliphatic monocarboxylic acid, which salt has surfactant properties.
  • the term includes sodium, potassium, lithium, ammonium and alkanolamine salts of C 8-22 natural and synthetic fatty acids, including stearic, palmitic, oleic, linoleic, ricinoleic, behenic and dodecanoic acids, resin acids and branched chain monocarboxylic acids.
  • the "Usual Minor Ingredients” includes those ingredients other than Water, Active Ingredients, Builders and Electrolytes which may be included in laundry detergent compositions, typically in proportions up to 5%, and which are compatible in the relevant Formulation with a pourable, chemically stable Non-sedimenting composition.
  • the term includes antiredeposition agents, perfumes, dyes, optical brightening agents, Hydrotropes, solvents, buffers, bleaches, corrosion inhibitors, antioxidants, preservatives, scale inhibitors, humectants, enzymes and their stabilizers, bleach activators, and the like.
  • “Functional Ingredients” means ingredients which are required to provide a beneficial effect in the wash liquor and includes ingredients which contribute to the washing effectiveness of the composition e.g. surfactants, Builders, bleaches, optical brighteners, buffers, enzymes and antiredeposition agents, and also anti-corrosives but excludes water, solvents, dyes, perfume, Hydrotropes, sodium chloride, sodium sulphate, solubilisers and stabilisers whose sole function is to impart stability, fluidity or other desirable characteristics to a concentrated formulation.
  • surfactants e.g. surfactants, Builders, bleaches, optical brighteners, buffers, enzymes and antiredeposition agents, and also anti-corrosives but excludes water, solvents, dyes, perfume, Hydrotropes, sodium chloride, sodium sulphate, solubilisers and stabilisers whose sole function is to impart stability, fluidity or other desirable characteristics to a concentrated formulation.
  • Payment means the percentage of Functional Ingredients based on the total weight of the composition.
  • Active Ingredients means surface active materials.
  • Separable Phase is used herein to denote phases which are each separable from the mixture to form a distinct layer upon Centrifuging.
  • a single Separable Phase may comprise two or more thermodynamically distinct phases, which are not separable from each other on Centrifuging as in, for example, a stable emulsion.
  • Dispersed is used herein to describe a phase which is discontinuously distributed as discrete particles or droplets in at least one other phase.
  • Co-continuous describes two or more interpenetrating phases each of which extends continuously through a common volume, or else is formed of discreet elements which interact to form a continuous matrix tending to maintain the position and orientation of each element in relation to the matrix when the system is at rest.
  • Interspersed describes two or more phases which are either Co-continuous or of which one or more is Dispersed in the other or others.
  • Solid phases are to substances actually present in the composition in the solid state at ambient temperature, and including any water of crystallization or hydration unless the context requires otherwise.
  • a “Solid Layer” is a solid, pasty or non-pourable gelatinous layer formed on Centrifuging.
  • Total Water refers to water present as liquid water in a predominantly aqueous phase, together with any other water in the composition, e.g. water of crystallisation or hydration or water dissolved or otherwise present in any predominantly non-aqueous phase.
  • Total Weight refers to residual weight after removal of Total Water and also of any solvent which has a boiling point below 110°C.
  • Formulation is used to describe the combination of ingredients which make up the Dry Weight of a composition.
  • formulation may be exemplified by a number of compositions, differing in their Percentage Dry Weight.
  • Viscosities unless otherwise stated are to the viscosity as measured on a cup and bob viscometer at 25°C after two minutes running using a 20 mm internal diameter flat bottomed cup, 92 mm long, and a 13.7 mm diameter bob, 44 mm long, with conical ends having a 45° horizontal angle, and 4mm diameter spindle, rotating at 350 rpm.
  • the tip of the bob was 23mm from the base of the cup. This corresponds to Contraves "Rheomat 30" viscometer using measuring system C at speed setting 30. These conditions are un-suitable for measuring Viscosities greater than 12 Pascal Seconds at which partial loss of contact between the bob and the sample may arise.
  • “Pourable” as used herein means having a Viscosity of less than 11.5 Pascal Seconds.
  • L 1 phase denotes a fluid, isotropic, micellar solution of surfactant in water, which occurs at concentrations between the critical micellar concentration and the first lyotropic mesophase, wherein the surfactant molecules aggregate to form spherical or rod shaped micelles.
  • G phase refers to a liquid crystal phase of the type, also known in the literature as “neat phase” or “lamellar phase” in which the surfactant molecules are arranged in parallel layers of indefinite extent separated by layers of water or an aqueous solution. The layers may be bilayers or interdigited layers of surfactant.
  • the "G” phase for any given surfactant or surfactant mixture normally exists in a narrow range of concentrations. Pure “G” phases can normally be identified by examination of a sample under a polarising microscope, between crossed polarisers. Characteristic textures are observed in accordance with the classic paper by Rosevear, JAOCS Vol. 31 P628 (1954) or in J. Colloid and Interfacial Science, Vol. 30 No. 4, P.500 (1969).
  • Yield Points whenever referred to herein are as measured on an RML Series II “DEER” (R.T.M.) Rheometer at 25°C.
  • references herein to “sedimentation” include references to upward as well as downward separation of solid particles. “Non-sedimenting” means not undergoing significant visible separation of phases after three months at room temperature under normal earth gravity.
  • Liquid detergents have hitherto been used mainly for light duty applications such as dish washing.
  • the market for heavy duty detergents e.g. laundry detergents
  • Such liquids should in theory be cheaper than powder detergents since they would avoid the need to dry and would in many instances replace the sulphate filler conventionally used in powder detergents with water. They also offer the possibilities of greater convenience and more rapid dissolution in wash water than powder.
  • Attempts to provide solutions of the Functional Ingredients have been relatively unsuccessful commercially. One reason for this lack of success has been that the most commonly used and cost effective Functional Ingredients, e.g.
  • sodium tripolyphosphate and sodium dodecyl benzene sulphonate are insufficiently soluble in aqueous compositions.
  • Potassium pyrophosphate and amine salts of the Active Ingredients which are more soluble, have been tried as alternatives but have not been found cost effective.
  • the Payload has been undesirably low.
  • the proportion of Builder to Active Ingredient has generally been less than is preferred for optimum washing, and expensive ingredients, not usually required in powder Formulations, have often been needed to increase the amount of Functional Ingredient in solution, and to inhibit sedimentation of the suspended solid.
  • Non-sedimenting, Pourable, fluid, aqueous based detergent compositions which have novel structural features and which can employ as surfactant virtually any surfactant or surfactant combination which is useful in laundry applications, in desired optimum proportions with any of the commonly used detergent Builders.
  • compositions of our invention can be obtained, which contain substantially higher Payloads at effective Builder to surfactant ratio than have hitherto been attainable.
  • Preferred embodiments of our invention exhibit at least some of the following advantages compared with products marketed hitherto: Higher Payload; increased Builder to surfactant ratio; improved stability; lower cost due to use of cheaper ingredients and ease of production; satisfactory mobility; improved washing performance; "non-drip" characteristics, permitting the compositions to be added to the compartments of washing machines designed to operate with powders, without premature release; a consistency suitable for automatic dispensing; and the flexibility to select optimum surfactant combinations for the requirements of any particular market.
  • surfactants can be constrained to form an open three dimensional structure conferring stability on aqueous suspensions, by the presence of Electrolytes and by controlling the conditions of mixing.
  • thixotropic gels which may contain suspended particles of solid Builder, which have particular advantages over conventional detergent suspensions.
  • U.S.P. 4057506 describes the preparation of clear emulsions of sodium tripolyphosphate
  • U.S.P. 4107067 describes inverse emulsions in which an aqueous solution of Builder is dispersed in a liquid crystal surfactant system.
  • Powder detergents are normally prepared by spray drying aqueous slurries, which may superficially resemble liquid detergent formulations, but which are not required to be stable to storage, and which, are prepared and handled at elevated tempertures. Such slurries are generally not Pourable at ambient temperature. Patents describing the preparation and spray drying of such slurry intermediates include U.S.P. 3639288 and W. German OLS 1567656.
  • the invention provides a fluid, aqueous based detergent composition not comprising sodium sulphate in quantities in excess of its solubility in the composition at normal temperatures, but comprising: a surfactant; a Builder, at least a proportion of said Builder being present as solid particles suspended in the composition; and a surfactant-desolubilising Electrolyte, said Electrolyte including any dissolved portion of surfactant-desolubilising Builder; and which is separable by Centrifuging at 800 times normal earth gravity for 17 hours at 25°C into at least two layers at least one of which layers is an aqueous layer characterised in that: said aqueous layer contains sufficient of said Electrolyte dissolved therein to contribute from 2 to 4.5 gm ions of alkali metal ion per litre to said aqueous layer; and the Payload is above the minimum at which the composition is Non-sedimenting and below the maximum at which the composition is Pourable.
  • our invention provides an aqueous, fluid detergent medium, capable of suspending solid particulate Builders to form Pourable, Non-Sedimenting suspensions, and comprising water, surfactant and dissolved Electrolyte, wherein the said dissolved Electrolyte is sufficient to provide from 2 to 4.5 gm ions of alkali metal per litre in said medium and said surfactant is sufficient to form, in the presence of said Electrolyte, a vesicular and/or lamellar surfactant structure capable of supporting said builder.
  • our invention provides Non-Sedimenting, Pourable, fluid detergent compositions comprising Active Ingredients and Dispersed solid Builder said compositions comprising at least one predominantly aqueous liquid phase and one or more other phases separable from said predominantly aqueous liquid phase by Centrifuging and containing Active Ingredient present in at least one of said one or more other phases, and a Builder, present in at least one of said one or more other phases, said one or more other phases being Interspersed with the predominantly aqueous phase, all of which compositions exhibit at least some, but not necessarily all, of the following characteristics: They are thixotropic; they are gels; they comprise a continuous, at least predominantly aqueous Separable Phase, containing dissolved Electrolyte, a Separable Phase containing a substantial proportion of the Active Ingredient as spheroids or vesicles Interspersed with said at least predominantly aqueous phase, and a Dispersed solid phase consisting at least predominantly of Builder; said one or more other phases are at least predominantly
  • the predominantly aqueous phase contains a concentration of less than 15%, preferably less than 8%, e.g. less than 2%, typically, in the case of nonionic surfactant or alkyl benzene sulphonates, less than 0.5% by weight dissolved Active Ingredients; the proportion by weight of Active Ingredient in the predominantly aqueous phase to total Active Ingredient in the composition is less than 1:1.5 preferably less than 1:2 e.g.
  • the at least one predominantly aqueous liquid phase contains sufficient Electrolyte to provide a concentration of at least 0.8, typically at least 1.2, preferably 2.0 to 4.5 gram ions per litre of total alkali metal and/or ammonium cations; the compositions contain at least 15% by weight, preferably more than 20% by weight of Builder; the Builder is at least predominantly sodium tripolyphosphate; the Builder comprises a minor proportion of alkali metal silicate, preferably sodium silicate; the bulk Viscosity of the composition is between 0.1 and 10 pascal seconds, preferably between 0.5 and 5 pascal seconds; the composition has a Yield Point preferably of at least 0.2 e.g. at least 0.5, preferably less than 20 e.g.
  • a phase containing Builder comprises solid particles having a maximum particle size below the limit at which the particles tend to sediment; the particles have, adsorbed on their surfaces at least one crystal growth inhibitor sufficient to maintain the solid particles below the limit at which the particles tend to sediment; the composition contains an agglomeration inhibitor sufficient to prevent flocculation or coagulation of the solid particles.
  • Aqueous based liquid laundry detergents containing suspended solid builder can, in general, conveniently be classified by Centrifuging as hereinbefore defined.
  • Group I Three principal types of laundry liquid having a continuous aqueous phase and dispersed solid are distinguishable, which will be hereinafter referred to as Group I, Group II and Group III suspensions.
  • the first Group of laundry suspensions is characteristic of the prior art discussed above which relates to suspensions of solid Builder in aqueous solutions or emulsions of surfactant.
  • Group I compositions separate into a Solid Layer consisting essentially of Builder, and a viscous liquid layer comprising water and surfactant.
  • Formulation factors tending to form Group 1 compositions include the use of the more water soluble surfactants, such as alkyl ether sulphates, the presence of solubilising agents such as Hydrotropes and water miscible organic solvents, relatively low levels of Electrolyte and relatively low Payloads.
  • Group 1 compositions normally display at least some of the following typical properties.
  • the bulk viscosity of the composition is determined by, and is similar to, the viscosity of the aqueous liquid layer.
  • the aqueous layer typically has a viscosity of from 0.1-1.0 pascal seconds. Viscosities of the compositions are generally also under 1 pascal second, e.g. 0.3 to 0.6 pascal seconds.
  • the compositions usually have yield points of less than 0.4, often less than 0.1, Newton m -2 . This implies a relatively unstructured composition. This is confirmed by neutron scattering and x-ray diffraction studies and by electron microscopy. Subjection to high shear rate renders Group I compositions unstable.
  • Group II is essentially distinguished from Group I in that at least a substantial proportion of the surfactant is present in a Separable Phase, which is distinct from the predominantly aqueous liquid phase containing the Electrolyte.
  • This Group is distinguished from Group III in that at least the major portion of the separable surfactant separates on Centrifuging as a liquid or liquid crystal layer.
  • Group II compositions typically show a three layer separation on Centrifuging, giving a non-viscous liquid aqueous layer (e.g. less than 0.1 pascal seconds, usually less than 0.02 pascal seconds), which contains Electrolyte but little or no surfactant, a viscous liquid layer which contains a major proportion of the Active Ingredients and a Solid Layer consisting predominantly of Builder.
  • a non-viscous liquid aqueous layer e.g. less than 0.1 pascal seconds, usually less than 0.02 pascal seconds
  • a viscous liquid layer which contains a major proportion of the Active Ingredients and a Solid Layer consisting predominantly of Builder.
  • Group II compositions have, typically, a very low Yield Point on being first prepared but become more gel like on ageing.
  • the Viscosity of the composition is usually between 1 and 1.5 pascal seconds.
  • the compositions of this type show evidence of lamellar structure in X-ray and neutron diffraction experiments and by electron microscopy.
  • Centrifuged Group II compositions have the liquid or liquid crystal surfactant layer uppermost, but we do not exclude compositions in which the aqueous Electrolyte layer is uppermost or in which there are two or more Solid Layers distinguishable from each other, at least one of which may sediment upwardly, in relation to either or both liquid layers on Centrifuging.
  • Group III is that at least a substantial proportion of the surfactant Centrifuges into a Solid Layer.
  • Group III compositions may Centrifuge into more than one Solid Layer. Normally both surfactant and Builder sediment downwardly on Centrifuging and the two phases are intermixed. However some Group III compositions may provide an upwardly sedimentary surfactant phase or more than one surfactant phase at least one of which may sediment upwardly. It is also possible for some or all of the Builder to sediment upwardly.
  • the third Group of laundry liquids is typical of those compositions of the present invention prepared from those surfactants which are more sparingly soluble in the aqueous phase, especially anionic surfactants such as sodium alkyl benzene sulphonates, as well as mixtures of such surfactants with minor proportions of non-ionic surfactant.
  • Group III compositions typically separate on Centrifuging into two layers. The first of which is an aqueous layer containing dissolved Electrolyte and the second is a Solid Layer comprising Builder and surfactant.
  • the rheological properties of Group III typically, show the strongest evidence for structure.
  • the Viscosity of the suspension is substantially greater than that of the aqueous layer, e.g. typically 1.2 to 2 Pascal seconds
  • the compositions generally have a fairly high Yield Point, e.g. greater than 1 Newton m -2 .
  • Group III compositions exhibit equal or greater stability and, often, increased Viscosity.
  • compositions of our invention may show, in addition to a liquid layer and a Solid Layer, a small amount of a third layer which is liquid on Centrifuging, but have rheological properties characteristic of Group III.
  • Compositions at the borderline of Groups I and II are sometimes shear unstable but may be converted into more shear stable Group III compositions of the invention by addition of sufficient Electrolyte and/or by increasing Pay Load. Most Group I compositions may be converted into either Group II or III if sufficient Electrolyte is added. Conversely, Group II and Group III can generally be converted to Group I, by addition of Hydrotrope.
  • compositions of our invention and of the prior art have been examined by x-ray and neutron diffraction and by electron microscopy.
  • Samples for neutron diffraction studies were prepared using deuterium oxide in place of water. Water was kept to a minimum, although some ingredients, normally added as aqueous solutions (e.g. sodium silicate), or as hydrates, were not available in a deuterated form.
  • aqueous solutions e.g. sodium silicate
  • Deuterium oxide based compositions were examined on the Harwell small angle Neutron Scattering Spectrometer. Both deuterium oxide based and aqueous samples were also examined using a small angle x-ray diffractometer. Aqueous samples were freeze fracture etched, coated with gold or gold/paladium and studied under the Lancaster University Low Temperature Scanning Electron Microscope. Competitive commercial compositions, which are not, of course, available in a deuterated form, could not be examined by neutron scattering.
  • compositions belonging typically to Group I were characterised under both neutron and x-ray analysis by high levels of small angle scattering and an absence of discrete peaks, corresponding to regular, repeating, structural features. Some compositions showed broad indistinct shoulders or humps, others a smooth continuum.
  • Small angle scattering is scattering very close to the line of the incident beam and is usually dominated by scattering from dilute dispersions of inhomogeneities in the composition.
  • the shoulders or humps observed with some Group I compositions additionally show a form and angular displacement typical of concentrated micellar solutions of surfactant (L 1 phase).
  • a different type of pattern was obtained from typical Group II compositions. These showed relatively low levels of small angle scattering near the incident beam, a peak typical of concentrated micellar solution (L 1 phase) and a sharply defined peak or peaks corresponding to a well defined lamellar structure. The positions of the latter peaks were in a simple numerical ratio, with first, second and, sometimes, third order peaks usually distinguishable. The peaks were evidence of relatively broadly spaced lamellae (36-60 Angstrom). Under the electron microscope lamellar structures were visible.
  • Some Group III compositions gave relatively narrow and intense small angle scattering, together with distinct peaks indicative of a lamellar structure.
  • the peaks were broader than in the case of typical Group II compositions, and second and third order peaks were not always separately distinguishable.
  • the displacement of the peaks indicated a lamellar structure with the lamellae more closely spaced than in the case of typical Group II compositions (e.g. 2 ⁇ 6-3 ⁇ 6 nm (26-36 Angstrom)).
  • Lamellar structures were clearly visible under the electron microscope. In other instances spheroidal structures could be observed.
  • Certain embodiments of our invention are believed to comprise pourable gel systems in which there may be two or more Co-continuous or Interspersed phases.
  • the properties of such compositions can be explained on the basis that they are thixotropic gels comprising a relatively weak three dimensional network of solid surfactant hydrate Interspersed with a relatively non viscous aqueous phase which contains dissolved Electrolyte, but little or no surfactant.
  • the network prevents sedimentation of the network-forming solids, and any suspended discrete particles.
  • the network forming solids may be present as platelets, sheets of indefinite extent, or fibres or alternatively, as asymetric particles joined into or interacting to provide, a random mesh, which is Interspersed with the liquid.
  • the structure is sufficiently stable to inhibit or prevent precipitation on storage and will also limit the extent of spreading of the gel on a horizontal surface, however the structure is weak enough to permit the compositions to be poured or pumped.
  • the solid structure is composed at least predominantly of surfactant hydrate e.g. sodium alkyl benzene sulphonate or alkyl sulphate. Thus no other stabilising agent is required over that required in the end-use of the composition.
  • Such gels may, in particular, exhibit a clay-like structure, sometimes referred to as a "house of cards” structure, with a matrix of plate shaped crystals orientated at random and enclosing substantial interstices, which accomodate the particles of builder.
  • the solid surfactant may, in some instances be associated with, or at least partially replaced by "G" phase surfactant.
  • compositions there may be up to four thermodynamically distinct phases of which two are Separable Phases under the conditions herein defined.
  • the phases detected by diffraction comprise a lamellar phase, which is probably a "G” phase, but possibly in some instances surfactant hydrate or a mixture thereof with “G” phase, and Predominantly aqueous "L 1 " micellar solution, together with the solid Builder. There is also a predominantly aqueous solution containing Electrolyte.
  • the Builder is suspended in a system which may comprise a network of "G" phase and/or spheroids or vesicles" which may have an onion like structure, or outer shell, formed from successive layers of surfactant and which may contain at least one of the Predominantly aqueous phases, e.g. the Electrolyte solution, or more probably the "L 1 " micellar solution. At least one of the predominantly aqueous phases is the continuous phase. Evidence for the presence of vesicles is provided by microscopy in the case of the compositions containing olefin and paraffin sulphonates.
  • compositions of our invention preferably contain at least 5% by weight of surfactants.
  • surfactant constitutes from 7 to 35% by weight of the composition, e.g. 10 to 20% by weight.
  • the surfactant may for example consist substantially of an at least sparingly water-soluble, salt of sulphonic or mono esterified sulphuric acids e.g. an alkylbenzene sulphonate, alkyl sulphate, alkyl ether sulphate, olefin sulphonate, alkane sulphonate, alkylphenol sulphate, alkylphenol ether sulphate, alkylethanolamide sulphate, alkylethanolamide ether sulphate, or alpha sulpho fatty acid or its esters each having at least one alkyl or alkenyl group with from 8 to 22, more usually 10 to 20, aliphatic carbon atoms.
  • sulphonic or mono esterified sulphuric acids e.g. an alkylbenzene sulphonate, alkyl sulphate, alkyl ether sulphate, olefin sulphonate, alkane sulphonate
  • alkyl or alkenyl groups are preferably straight chain primary groups but may optionally be secondary, or branched chain groups.
  • ether hereinbefore refers to polyoxyethylene, polyoxypropylene, glyceryl and mixed polyoxyethylene-oxy propylene or mixed glyceryl-oxyethylene or glyceryl-oxy propylene groups, typically containing from 1 to 20 oxyalkylene groups.
  • the sulphonated or sulphated surfactant may be sodium dodecyl benzene sulphonate, potassium hexadecyl benzene sulphonate, sodium dodecyl dimethyl benzene sulphonate, sodium lauryl sulphate, sodium tallow sulphate, potassium oleyl sulphate, ammonium lauryl monoethoxy sulphate, or monoethanolamine cetyl 10 mole ethoxylate sulphate.
  • anionic surfactants useful according to the present invention include fatty alkyl sulphosuccinates, fatty alkyl ether sulphosuccinates, fatty alkyl sulphosuccinamates, fatty alkyl ether sulphosuccinamates, acyl sarcosinates, acyl taurides, isethionates, Soaps such as stearates, palmitates, resinates, oleates, linoleates, and alkyl ether carboxylates.
  • Anionic phosphate esters may also be used.
  • the anionic surfactant typically contains at least one aliphatic hydrocarbon chain having from 8 to 22 preferably 10 to 20 carbon atoms, and, in the case of ethers one or more glyceryl and/or from 1 to 20 ethyleneoxy and or propyleneoxy groups.
  • anionic surfactants such as olefin sulphonates and paraffin sulphonates are commercially available only in a form which contains some disulphonates formed as by-products of the normal methods of industrial manufacture. The latter tend to solubilise the surfactant in the manner of a Hydrotope.
  • the olefin and paraffin sulphonates readily form stable compositions which, on Centrifuging, contain a minor portion of the total surfactant in the aqueous phase, and which show evidence of spheroidal structures.
  • These compositions are valuable, novel, laundry detergents and which accordingly constitute a particular aspect of the present invention.
  • Preferred anionic surfactants are sodium salts.
  • Other salts of commercial interest include those of potassium, lithium, calcium, magnesium, ammonium, monoethanolamine, diethanolamine, triethanolamine and alkyl amines containing up to seven aliphatic carbon atoms.
  • the surfactant may optionally contain or consist of nonionic surfactants.
  • the nonionic surfactant may be e.g. a C 10-22 alkanolamide of a mono or di-lower alkanolamine, such as coconut monoethanolamide.
  • nonionic surfactants which may optionally be present, include ethoxylated alcohols, ethoxylated carboxylic acids, ethoxylated amines, ethoxylated alkylolamides, ethoxylated alkylphenols, ethoxylated glyceryl esters, ethoxylated sorbitan esters, ethoxylated phosphate -esters, and the propoxylated or ethoxylated and propoxylated analogues of all the aforesaid ethoxylated nonionics, all having a C 8-22 alkyl or alkenyl group and up to 20 ethyleneoxy and/or propyleneoxy groups, or any other nonionic surfactant which has hitherto been incorporated in powder or liquid detergent compositions e.g. amine oxides.
  • the latter typically have at least one C 8-22 , preferably C 10-20 alkyl or alkenyl group and up to two lower (e
  • the preferred nonionics for our invention are for example those having an HLB range of 7-18 e.g. 12-15.
  • Cationic fabric softeners of value in the invention include quaternary amines having two long chain (e.g. C 12-22 typically C 16-20 ) alkyl or alkenyl groups and either two short chain (e.g. C 1-4 ) alkyl groups, or one short chain and one benzyl group. They also include imidazoline and quaternised imidazolines having two long chain alkyl or alkenyl groups, and amido amines and quaternised amido amines having two long chain alkyl or alkenyl groups.
  • the quaternised softeners are all usually salts of anions which impart a measure of water solubility such as formate, acetate, lactate, tartrate, chloride, methosulphate, ethosulphate, sulphate or nitrate.
  • Compositions of our invention having fabric softener character may contain smectite clays.
  • compositions of our invention may also contain amphoteric surfactant, which may be included typically in surfactants having cationic fabric softener, but may also be included, usually as a minor component of the Active Ingredients, in any of the other detergent types discussed above.
  • amphoteric surfactant may be included typically in surfactants having cationic fabric softener, but may also be included, usually as a minor component of the Active Ingredients, in any of the other detergent types discussed above.
  • Amphoteric surfactants include betaines, sulphobetaines and phosphobetains formed by reacting a suitable tertiary nitrogen compound having a long chain alkyl or alkenyl group with the appropriate reagent, such as chloroacetic acid or propane sultone.
  • tertiary nitrogen containing compounds examples include: tertiary amines having one or two long chain alkyl or alkenyl groups, and optionally a benzyl group, any other substituent being a short chain alkyl group; imidazolines having one or two long chain alkyl or alkenyl groups and amidoamines having one or two long chain alkyl or alkenyl groups.
  • the Builder in preferred compositions of our invention is believed to be normally present, at least partially, as discrete solid crystallites suspended in the composition.
  • the crystallites typically have a size of up to 60 e.g. 5 to 50 microns.
  • Formulations containing sodium tripolyphosphate as Builder exhibit stability and mobility over a wider range of Dry Weight than corresponding Formulations with other Builders. Such Formulations are therefore preferred.
  • Our invention also provides compositions comprising other Builders such as potassium tripolyphosphate, carbonates, zeolites, nitrilo triacetates, citrates, metaphosphates, pyrophosphates, phosphonates, EDTA and/or polycarboxylates, optionally but preferably, in admixture with tripolyphosphate.
  • Orthophosphates may be present, preferably as minor components in admixture with tripolyphosphate, as may alkali metal silicates.
  • compositions of our invention should contain at least 1% and up to 12.3% by weight of the composition preferably at least 2% and up to 10%, most preferably more than 3% and up to 6.5% e.g. 3.5 to 5% of alkali metal silicate, preferably sodium silicate measured as SiO 2 based on the total weight of composition.
  • the silicate used to prepare the above compositions has an Na 2 O:SiO 2 ratio of from 1:1 to 1:2 or 1:1.5 to 1:1.8. It will however be appreciated that any ratio of Na 2 O (or other base) to SiO 2 , or even silicic acid could be used to provide the silicate in the composition, and any necessary additional alkalinity provided by addition of another base such as sodium carbonate or hydroxide. Formulations not intended for use in washing machines do not require silicates provided that there is an alternative source of alkalinity.
  • the Builder normally constitutes at least 15% by weight of the compositions, preferably at least 20%.
  • the ratio of Builder to surfactant is greater than 1:1 preferably 1.2:1 to 5:1.
  • the concentration of dissolved organic material and more particularly of Active Ingredients in the predominantly aqueous, liquid phase is preferably maintained at a low level. This may be achieved by selecting, so far as possible, surfactants which are sparingly soluble in the predominantly aqueous phase, and keeping to a minimum the amount of any more soluble surfactant which is desired for the particular end use. For a given surfactant system and Payload, we have found that it is generally possible to stabilise the system in accordance with an embodiment of our invention by including in the at least one predominantly aqueous phase a sufficient quantity of Electrolyte.
  • Electrolyte is to limit the solubility of Active Ingredient in the at least one predominantly aqueous phase, thereby increasing the proportion of surfactant available to provide a solid, liquid crystal, or vesicular matrix which stabilises the compositions of our invention.
  • the proportion of Electrolyte dissolved in the at least one predominantly aqueous phase is sufficient to provide a concentration of 2.0 to 4.5 gram moles per litre of alkali metal, alkaline earth metal and/or ammonium cations.
  • the stability of the system may be further improved by ensuring so far as possible that the anions required in the composition are provided by salts which have a common cation, preferably sodium.
  • the preferred Builder is sodium tripolyphosphate
  • the preferred anionic surfactants are sodium salts of sulphated or sulphonated anionic surfactants and any anti-redeposition agent, e.g. carboxymethyl cellulose, or alkali, e.g.
  • silicate or carbonate are also preferably present as the sodium salts.
  • Sodium chloride, or other soluble inorganic sodium salts may be added to increase the Electrolyte concentration and minimise the concentration of Active Ingredients in the predominantly aqueous liquid phase.
  • the preferred electrolytes are sodium carbonate and sodium silicate.
  • Alkaline earth metals are only normally present when the Active Ingredients comprise surfactants, such as olefin sulphonates or nonionics which are tolerant of their presence.
  • US-A-4 018 720 describes compositions containing from 3 to 20% sulphate as a stabiliser. However, the compositions described contain sodium sulphate in excess of its solubility in the composition at normal temperatures, and exhibit unacceptable instability when stored.
  • the particle size of any solid phase should be less than that which would give rise to sedimentation.
  • the critical maximum limit to particle size will vary according to the density of the particles and the density of the continuous phase and the Yield Point of the composition.
  • Compositions of our invention preferably contain a particle growth inhibitor.
  • the particle growth inhibitor is believed to function by adsorption onto the faces of suspended crystallites of sparingly soluble solids preventing deposition of further solid thereon from the saturated solution in the predominantly aqueous liquid phase.
  • Typical particle growth inhibitors include sulphonated aromatic compounds.
  • a sodium alkyl benzene sulphonate such as sodium dodecyl benzene sulphonate when present as a surfactant is itself a particle growth inhibitor and may be sufficient to maintain particles of, for example, Builder in the desired size range without additional stabilisers.
  • lower alkyl benzene sulphonate salts such as sodium xylene sulphonate or sodium toluene sulphonate have stabilising activity, as well as being conventionally added to liquid detergents as Hydrotropes.
  • the presence of the lower alkyl benzene sulphonates is less preferred.
  • Sulphonated naphthalenes especially methyl naphthalene sulphonates are effective crystal growth inhibitors. They are not, however, normal ingredients of detergent compositions and therefore on cost grounds they are not preferred.
  • Other particle growth inhibitors include water soluble polysaccharide derivatives such as sodium carboxymethyl cellulose, which is frequently included in detergent compositions as a soil anti-redeposition agent.
  • compositions according to our invention should be present in minor amounts in compositions according to our invention, sufficient to perform its normal functions in detergent compositions and to assist in stabilising the suspension, but preferably not sufficient to increase so substantially the viscosity of the predominantly aqueous liquid phase as to impair the pourability of the composition.
  • compositions according to our invention are the sulphonated aromatic dyes, especially the sulphonated aromatic optical brightening agents, which are sometimes included in powder Formulations.
  • Typical examples include 4,4'-bis (4-phenyl-1,2,3-triazol-2-yl-2,2'-stilbene disulphonate salts and 4,4'-diphenylvinylene-2,2'-biphenyl disulphonate salts.
  • Such particle growth inhibitors may be included instead of, or more usually in addition to, for example, a sulphonated surfactant.
  • effective particle growth inhibitors include lignosulphonates and C 6-18 alkane sulphonate surfactants, which latter compounds may also be present as part of the surfactant content of the composition.
  • the presence of an agglomeration inhibitor is also preferred.
  • the agglomeration inhibitor for use according to our invention may also conveniently be sodium carboxymethyl cellulose. It is preferred that the composition should include an effective agglomeration inhibitor which is chemically distinct from the particle growth inhibitor, despite the fact that, for example, sodium carboxymethyl cellulose, is capable of performing either function. It is sometimes preferred, when preparing the detergent composition to add the crystal growth inhibitor to the composition prior to the agglomeration inhibitor, and to add the agglomeration inhibitor subsequent to the solid phase, so that the crystal growth inhibitor is first adsorbed onto the solid particles to inhibit growth thereof and the agglomeration inhibitor is subsequently introduced to inhibit agglomeration of the coated particles.
  • agglomeration inhibitors which may less preferably be used include polyacrylates and other polycarboxylates, polyvinyl pyrrolidone, carboxy methyl starch and lignosulphonates.
  • the concentration of the crystal growth inhibitor and agglomeration inhibitor can be widely varied according to the proportion of solid particles and the nature of the dispersed solid as well as the nature of the compound used as the inhibitor and whether that compound is fulfilling an additional function in the composition.
  • the preferred proportions of alkyl benzene sulphonate are as set out hereinbefore in considering the proportion of surfactant.
  • the preferred proportions of sodium carboxy methyl cellulose are up to 2.5% by weight of the composition preferably 0.5 to 2% by weight e.g. 1 to 2% although substantially higher proportions up to 3 or even 5% are not excluded provided they are consistent in the particular Formulation with a pourable composition.
  • the sulphonated optical brighteners may typically be present in proportions of 0.05 to 1% by weight e.g. 0.1 to 0.3% although higher proportions e.g. up to 5% may less preferably be present in suitable compositions.
  • compositions of our invention are preferably alkaline, being desirably buffered with an alkaline buffer adapted to provide a pH above 8 e.g. above 9 most preferably above 10 in a wash liquor containing the composition diluted to 0.5% Dry Weight. They preferably have sufficient free alkalinity to require from 0.4 to 12 mls. preferably 3 to 10 mls, of N/10 HCI to reduce the pH of 100 mls. of a dilute solution of the composition, containing 0.5% Dry Weight, to 9, although compositions having higher alkalinity may also be commercially acceptable. In general lower alkalinities are less acceptable in commercial practice, although not excluded from the scope of our invention.
  • the alkaline buffer is preferably sodium tripolyphosphate and the alkalinity preferably provided at least in part by sodium carbonate or sodium silicate.
  • liquid detergent compositions have commonly contained substantial concentrations of Hydrotropes and/or organic water miscible hydroxylic solvents such as methanol, ethanol, isopropanol, glycol, glycerol, polyethylene glycol and polypropylene glycol.
  • Hydrotropes and/or organic water miscible hydroxylic solvents such as methanol, ethanol, isopropanol, glycol, glycerol, polyethylene glycol and polypropylene glycol.
  • Such additives are often necessary to stabilise Group I compositions.
  • Group II and III compositions of the present invention they may have a destabilising effect which often requires the addition of extra amounts of Electrolyte to maintain stability. They are, moreover, costly and not Functional Ingredients. They may, however, in certain circumstances, promote Pourability. We do not therefore totally exclude them from all compositions of our invention, but we prefer that their presence be limited to the minimum required to ensure adequate Pourability. If not so required we prefer that they be absent.
  • Optimum Payload may vary considerably from one type of Formulation to another. Generally speaking it has not been found possible to guarantee Non-sedimenting compositions below about 35% by weight Payload, although some types of Formulation can be obtained in a Non-sedimenting form below 30% Payload, and sometimes as low as 25% Payload. In particular we have obtained Soap based Formulations at concentrations below 25% Pay Load e.g. 24%. We do not exclude the possibility of making such Formulations at Payloads down to 20%.
  • a range of Payloads can be identified within which the composition is both stable and Pourable. Generally below this range, sedimentation occurs and above the range the Formulation is too viscous.
  • the acceptable range may be routinely determined for any given Formulation by preparing the suspension using the minimum water required to maintain a stirrable composition, diluting a number of samples to progressively higher dilutions, and observing the samples for signs of sedimentation over a suitable period.
  • the acceptable range of Payloads may extend from 30%, or 35% to 60, or 70%, or even 75% by weight for others it may be much narrower, e.g. 40 to 45% by weight.
  • Group III Formulations show an increase in Yield Point with increasing Payload.
  • the minimum stable Payload for such typical Group III Formulations usually corresponds to a Yield Point of about 1-1.2 Newtons/m 2 .
  • compositions of our invention can, in many instances be readily prepared by normal stirring together of the ingredients. However, some Formulations according to the invention are not fully stable unless the composition is subjected to more prolonged or vigorous mixing. In some extreme cases the solid content of product may require comminution in the presence of the liquid phase. The use of a colloid mill for the latter is not excluded, but is not generally necessary. In some instances mixing under high shear rate provides products of high viscosity.
  • a method of preparation that we have found generally suitable for preparing stable mixtures from those Formulations which are capable of providing them, is to mix the Active Ingredients or their hydrates, in a concentrated form, with concentrated (e.g. 30 to 60%, preferably 45-50%) aqueous silicate solution, or alternatively, a concentrated solution of any other non-surfactant Electrolyte required in the Formulation. Other ingredients are then added including any anti-redeposition agents, optical brightening agents and foaming agents.
  • the Builder when not required to provide the initial Electrolyte solution, may be added last. During mixing, just sufficient water is added at each addition to maintain the composition fluid and homogeneous. When all the Functional Ingredients are present, the mixture is diluted to provide the required Pay Load.
  • mixing is carried out at ambient temperature where consistent with adequate dispersion.
  • Certain ingredients e.g. non-ionic surfactants such as coconut monoethanolamide require gentle warming e.g. 40° for adequate dispersion. This degree of warming may generally be achieved by the heat of hydration of sodium tripolyphosphate.
  • To ensure sufficient warming we prefer to add the tripolyphosphate in the anhydrous form containing a sufficiently high proportion of the high temperature rise modification commonly called "Phase I".
  • Phase I the high temperature rise modification
  • our Formulations may most conveniently be an anionic type (Type "A") in which the Active Ingredient preferably consists at least predominantly of sulphated or sulphonated anionic surfactant, optionally with a minor proportion of other surfactants such as non-ionic surfactant.
  • Type "A" the Active Ingredient preferably consists at least predominantly of sulphated or sulphonated anionic surfactant, optionally with a minor proportion of other surfactants such as non-ionic surfactant.
  • High foaming Formulations may typically be based on sodium C 10-14 straight or branched chain alkyl benzene sulphonate, alone or in admixture with a C 10-18 alkyl sulphate and/or C 10-20 alkyl 1-10 mole ether sulphate. Small amounts (e.g. up to 1% of the weight of the compositions) of Soap may be present to aid rinsing of the fabric.
  • Nonionic foam boosters and stabilisers such as C 12-18 acyl (e.g.
  • coconut) monoethanolamide or diethanolamide or their ethoxylates, ethoxylated alkyl phenol, fatty alcohols or their ethoxylates may optionally be present as foam boosters or stabilisers, usually in proportions up to about 6% of the Dry Weight of the composition.
  • the sodium alkyl benzene sulphonate may be totally or partially replaced, in the above Formulations by other sulphonated surfactants including fatty alkyl xylene or toluene sulphonates, or by e.g. alkyl ether sulphates (preferably) or alkyl sulphates, paraffin sulphonates and olefin sulphonates, sulphocarboxylates, and their esters and amides, including sulphosuccinates and sulphosuccinamates, alkyl phenyl ether sulphates, fatty acyl monoethanolamide ether sulphates or mixtures thereof.
  • alkyl ether sulphates preferably
  • alkyl sulphates preferably
  • paraffin sulphonates and olefin sulphonates sulphocarboxylates
  • esters and amides including sulphosuccinates and sulphosucc
  • the sulphated or sulphonated anionic surfactant consists substantially of alkyl benzene sulphonate preferably sodium alkyl benzene sulphonate, e.g. C 10-14 alkyl benzene sulphonate.
  • the proportion of alkyl benzene sulphonate in the absence of foam boosters is preferably from 20 to 60% e.g. 30 to 55% of the Dry Weight of the composition.
  • the anionic surfactant may comprise a mixture of alkyl benzene sulphonate, and alkyl sulphate and/or alkyl ether sulphate and/or alkyl phenol ether sulphate in weight proportions of e.g. from 1:5 to 5:1 typically 1:2 to 2:1 preferably 1:1.5 to 1.5:1 e.g. 1:1.
  • the total anionic surfactant is preferably from 15 to 50% e.g. 20 to 40% of the Dry Weight of the compositions, in the absence of foam booster.
  • the alkyl sulphate, and/or alkyl ether sulphate for use in admixture with the alkyl benzene sulphonate typically has an average of from 0 to 5 ethyleneoxy groups per sulphate group e.g. 1 to 2 groups.
  • our invention provides a Pourable, Non-sedimenting, fluid detergent composition consisting essentially of water and: (A) from 10 to 20% based on the weight of the composition of Active Ingredients comprising a substantially linear sodium alkyl benzene sulphonate having from 10 to 20 aliphatic carbon atoms and optionally an alkyl ethoxy sulphate having an alkyl group with from 10 to 20 carbon atoms, and/or a minor proportion of a non-ionic surfactant and/or of a soap; (B) at least 15% of Builder partly present as solid and selected from condensed phosphates, zeolites, citrates, nitrilotriacetates, ethylenediamine tetracetates, orthophosphates and silicates, wherein at least 50% by weight of said Builder is sodium tripolyphosphate and said Builder further comprises at least 4.7%, based on the total weight of the composition, of sodium carbonate; (C) optionally up to 2.5%
  • our invention provides a Pourable, Non-Sedimenting, fluid, liquid detergent composition consisting essentially of water and (A) from 10 to 20% based on the weight of the composition of a mixture of a substantially linear C 10-14 alkyl benzene sulphonate and C 10-20 alkyl 1-10 mole ethoxy sulphate; (B) at least 15% by weight of the composition of total Builder partly present as suspended solid, selected from sodium tripolyphosphate, zeolite, sodium carbonate, sodium silicate and mixtures thereof; (C) an aqueous Separable Phase containing sufficient dissolved Electrolyte selected from sodium tripolyphosphate, sodium carbonate, sodium silicate and mixtures thereof to provide from 2 to 4.5 gm ions per litre sodium in said phase; and (D) optionally any of the Usual Minor Ingredients; the Payload of said composition being above the minimum at which the composition is Non-sedimenting but below the maximum at which it is Pourable.
  • the anionic surfactant consists substantially of alkyl sulphate and/or, alkyl ether sulphate.
  • the total concentration of Active Ingredients in the absence of foam booster is preferably from 15 to 50% of the Dry Weight of the composition.
  • the Active Ingredients comprise an average of from 0 to 5 e.g. 0.5 to 3 ethyleneoxy groups per molecule of sulphated surfactant.
  • the fatty alkyl chain length is preferably from 10 to 20°C, higher chain lengths being preferred with higher ethylene-oxy content.
  • Soap may be added to any of the foregoing detergent Formulations as an aid to rinsing the fabric. Soap is preferably present for this purpose in concentrations of from 0 to 6% preferably 0.1 to 4% e.g. 0.5 to 2% by Dry Weight of the composition. The amount of Soap is preferably less than 25% of the total sulphated and sulphonated surfactant, to avoid foam suppression; typically less than 10%.
  • Foam boosters and/or stabilisers may be incorporated in any of the foregoing types of high foam anionic detergent.
  • the foam boosters or stabilisers are typically C 10-18 alkyl nonionic surfactants such as coconut monoethanolamide or diethanolamide or their ethoxylates, alkyl phenol ethoxylates, fatty alcohols or their ethoxylates or fatty acid ethoxylates.
  • the foam booster and/or stabiliser is added typically in proportions up to 20% of the Dry Weight of the composition e.g. 0.1 to 6% preferably 0.5 to 4%.
  • the presence of foam booster and/or stabiliser may permit a reduction of total concentration of Active Ingredients in a high foam product.
  • compositions comprising alkyl benzene sulphonate with a foam booster and/or stabiliser will contain from 15 to 40% of alkyl benzene sulphate based on the weight of the composition preferably 20 to 36% e.g. 25% with from 2 to 6% e.g. 4% of nonionic surfactant, the lower proportions of anionic surfactant being preferred with higher proportions of nonionic surfactant and vice versa.
  • the other sulphated or sulphonated anionic surfactant Formulations discussed above may be similarly reduced in active concentration by inclusion of foam boosters and/or stabilisers.
  • the Builder is preferably sodium tripolyphosphate, optionally but preferably with a minor proportion of soluble silicate although the alternative Builders hereinbefore described may be employed instead, as may mixed Builders.
  • the proportion of Builder in type "A" Formulations is usually at least 30% of the Dry Weight of the composition, preferably from 35% to 85% e.g. 40 to 80%. Builder proportions in the range 50 to 70% of Dry Weight are particularly preferred.
  • the Builder to Active Ingredients ratio should desirably be greater than 1:1 preferably from 1.2:1 to 4:1 e.g. from 1.5:1 to 3:1.
  • Low foaming Formulations are generally dependent upon the presence of lower proportions of sulphated or sulphonated anionic surfactant than in the high foam types together with higher, but still minor, proportions of Soap, and/or the addition of non-ionic, silicone, or phosphate ester foam depressants.
  • a Non-sedimenting Pourable fluid, aqueous based detergent composition comprising an at least predominantly aqueous phase containing Electrolyte in solution, and suspended particles of Builder, said composition comprising from 15 to 50% based on Dry Weight of Active Ingredient, at least 30% of Builder based on Dry Weight, a ratio of Builder to Active Ingredient greater than 1:1, and optionally the Usual Minor Ingredients, wherein the surfactant comprises from 15 to 50% based on the Dry weight of the composition of sulphated and/or sulphonated anionic surfactant and an effective amount of at least one foam depressant.
  • the foam depressant is selected from Soap, in a proportion of from 20 to 60% based on the weight of sulphated or sulphonated anionic surfactant, C 16-20 alkyl nonionic foam depressant in a proportion of up to 10% of the Dry Weight of the composition, C 16-20 alkyl phosphate ester in a proportion of up to 10% of the Dry Weight of the composition and silicone antifoams.
  • Soap as a foam depressant is dependant on the proportion of Soap to sulphated or sulphonated anionic surfactant. Proportions of 10% or less are not effective as foam depressants but are useful as rinse aids in high foaming detergent compositions. Foam depressant action requires a minimum proportion of about 20% of soap based on the sulphated and/or sulphonated surfactant. If the proportion of soap to sulphated/sulphonated surfactant in a type "A" detergent is above about 60% by weight, the foam depressant action is reduced. Preferably, the proportion of Soap is from 25 to 50% e.g. 30 to 45% of the weight of sulphated/sulphonated surfactant.
  • Low foaming detergents may contain, in addition to, or instead of soap, a nonionic foam depressant.
  • a nonionic foam depressant may, for example, be a C 16-22 acyl monoethanolamide e.g. rape monoethanolamide, a C 16-22 alkyl phenol ethoxylate, C 16-22 alcohol ethoxylate or C 16-22 fatty acid ethoxylate.
  • the composition may contain an alkali metal mono and/or di C 16-22 alkyl phosphate ester.
  • the nonionic or phosphate ester foam depressant is typically present in the Formulation in a proportion of up to 10%, preferably 2 to 8% e.g. 3 to 4% based on Dry Weight.
  • Silicone antifoams may also be used, as or as part of, the foam depressant.
  • the effective concentration of these last in the Formulation is generally substantially lower than in the case of the other foam depressants discussed above. Typically, it is less than 2%, preferably less than 0.1%, usually 0.01 to 0.05% e.g. 0.02% of the Dry Weight of the Formulation.
  • Our Formulations preferably contain the Usual Minor Ingredients.
  • Certain fabric softeners, such as clays, may be included, however cationic fabric softeners are not normally effective in anionic based Formulations, but may sometimes be included in specially formulated systems.
  • the type "B" Formulations of our invention comprise Soap as the principal active component. They may additionally contain minor amounts of nonionic or other anionic surfactants.
  • the typical percentage Dry Weight of type "B" Formulations may be rather lower than type "A", e.g. 20 to 60%, preferably 29 to 45%.
  • the total proportion of Active Ingredients is usually between 10 and 55%, preferably 15 to 40% e.g. 20 to 30% of the Dry Weight of the composition.
  • Builder proportions are typically 20 to 80% of Dry Weight.
  • the mobility of type "B" Formulations can be improved by including sufficient water soluble inorganic Electrolyte, especially sodium silicate, in the Formulation.
  • High foam Soap Formulations may typically contain Active Ingredient consisting substantially of Soap, optionally with a minor proportion of a nonionic foam booster and/or stabilizer as described in relation to type "A" Formulations, and/or with sulphated anionic booster such as alkyl ether sulphate or alkyl ether sulphosuccinate.
  • Active Ingredient consisting substantially of Soap, optionally with a minor proportion of a nonionic foam booster and/or stabilizer as described in relation to type "A" Formulations, and/or with sulphated anionic booster such as alkyl ether sulphate or alkyl ether sulphosuccinate.
  • Low foam type B Formulations may contain a lower concentration of Soap together with minor proportions of sulphated and or sulphonated anionic surfactant, nonionic or phosphate ester foam depressants and/or silicone antifoams.
  • sulphated and/or sulphonated anionic surfactants and Soap in a type "B" low foam Formulation is the converse of that in a type "A" low foam Formulation.
  • the sulphated and/or sulphonated anionic surfactant acts as foam suppressant when present in a proportion of from about 20 to about 60% of the weight of the Soap.
  • nonionic, phosphate ester and silicone foam depressants are, conveniently, substantially as described in relation to type "A" detergents.
  • Type "B” detergents may contain any of the Usual Minor Ingredients.
  • cationic fabric softeners are not normally included, but other fabric softeners may be present.
  • Non-ionic based detergents represent a further aspect of the present invention.
  • Non-ionics are particularly suitable for cleaning man-made fibres.
  • no commercially acceptable, fully built, non-ionic liquid detergent has yet been marketed.
  • the surfactant comprises a C 12-18 alkyl group, usually straight chain, although branched chain and/or unsaturated hydrocarbon groups are not excluded.
  • the nonionic surfactants present have an average HLB of 12 to 15.
  • the preferred nonionic surfactant in Type C Formulations is fatty alcohol ethoxylate.
  • C 12-16 alkyl nonionics having 8 to 20 ethylenoxy groups, alkyl phenol ethoxylate having 6-12 aliphatic carbon atoms and 8 to 20 ethyleneoxy groups together optionally with a minor proportion e.g. 0 to 20% of the Dry Weight of the composition of anionic surfactant preferably sulphated and/or sulphonated anionic e.g.
  • the Formulation may however include a nonionic foam booster and/or stabiliser such as C 10-18 acyl monoethanolamide typically in proportions as described above in relation to type "A" Formulations.
  • the non-ionic Active Ingredients together have an HLB of 12-15.
  • Low foam nonionic compositions are especially preferred. They preferably comprise 10 to 40% based on Dry Weight of the composition of C 12-18 alkyl 5 to 20 mole ethyleneoxy, nonionic surfactants such as fatty alcohol ethoxylates, fatty acid ethoxylates or alkyl phenol ethoxylates, having a preferred HLB of 12 to 15. They optionally contain a minor proportion, e.g.
  • any of the anionic sulphated and/or sulphonated surfactants hereinbefore described in relation to type "A" detergents and they contain a foam depressant such as a mono, di- or trialkyl phosphate ester or silicone foam depressant, as discussed hereinbefore in the context of low foaming type "A" detergents.
  • Type "C” Formulations may contain any of the Usual Minor Ingredients.
  • nonionic based detergents of our invention may incorporate cationic fabric softeners.
  • the cationic fabric softeners may be added to type "C" Formulations, in a weight proportion based on the nonionic surfactant of from 1:1.5 to 1:4 preferably 1:2 to 1:3.
  • the cationic fabric softeners are cationic surfactants having two long chain alkyl or alkenyl groups, typically two C 16-20 alkyl or alkenyl groups, preferably two tallowyl groups. Examples include di C 12-20 alkyl di (lower, e.g. C 1-3 ' alkyl) ammonium salts, e.g.
  • di tallowyl dimethyl ammoniumchloride di (C 16-20 alkyl) benzalkonium salts e.g. ditallowyl methyl benzyl ammonium chloride, di C 16-20 alkyl amido imidazolines and di C 16-20 acyl amido amines or quaternised amino amines, e.g. bis (tallow amido ethyl) ammonium salts.
  • Formulations containing cationic fabric softeners preferably do not contain sulphated or sulphonated anionic surfactants or soaps. They may however contain minor proportions of anionic phosphate ester surfactants e.g. up to 3% by weight of the composition preferably up to 2%. They may additionally or alternatively contain minor proportions (e.g. up to 3%, preferably 1 to 2% by weight of amphoteric surfactants such as betaines and sulphobetaines. They may also contain smectite clays, and the Usual Minor Ingredients.
  • Compositions of the invention may contain the Usual Minor Ingredients. Principal of these are antiredeposition agents, optical brightening agents and bleaches.
  • the most commonly used antiredeposition agent in making detergents is sodium carboxymethyl cellulose (SMC), and we prefer that this be present in compositions of this invention, e.g. in conventional amounts, e.g. greater than 0.1 but less than 5%, and more usually between 0.2 and 4%, especially 0.5 to 2% preferably 0.7 to 1.5%.
  • SCMC sodium carboxymethyl cellulose
  • SCMC is effective at concentrations of about 1% and we prefer not to exceed the normal effective concentrations very substantially, since SCMC in greater amounts can raise the viscosity of a liquid composition very considerably.
  • SCMC sodium carboxymethyl cellulose
  • Alternative antiredeposition and/or soil releasing agents include methylcellulose, polyvinylpyrrolidone, carboxymethyl starch and similar poly electrolytes, all of which may be used in place of SCMC, as may other water soluble salts of carboxymethyl cellulose.
  • Optical Brighteners are optional, but preferred ingredients of the compositions of our invention. Unlike some prior art formulations, our compositions are not dependent on OBA's for stability and we are therefore free to select any convenient and cost effective OBA, or to omit them altogether.
  • OBA's any of the fluorescent dyes hitherto recommended for use as OBA's in liquid detergents may be employed, as may many dyes normally suitable for use in powder detergents.
  • the OBA may be present in conventional amounts. However we have found that OBA's in some liquid detergent (e.g. type "C" formulations) tend to be slightly less efficient than in powder detergents and therefore may prefer to add them in slightly higher concentrations relative to the Formulation than is normal with powders.
  • concentrations of OBA between 0.05 and 0.5% are sufficient e.g. 0.075 to 0.3% typically 0.1 to 0.2%. Lower concentrations could be used but are unlikely to be effective, while higher concentrations, while we do not exclude them, are unlikely to prove cost effective and may, in some instances rise to problems of compatibility.
  • OBA's which may be used in the present invention include: ethoxylated 1,2-(benzimidazolyl) ethylene;
  • Bleaches may optionally be incorporated in liquid detergent compositions of our invention subject to chemical stability and compatibility. Encapsulated bleaches may form part of the suspended solid.
  • peroxy bleaches in compositions of our invention may be enhanced by the presence of bleach activators such as tetra acetyl ethylenediamine, in effective amounts.
  • Photoactive bleaches such as zinc or aluminium sulphonated phthalocyanin, may be present.
  • Perfumes and colourings are conventionally present in laundry detergents in amounts up to 1 or 2%, and may similarly be present in compositions of our invention. Provided normal care is used in selecting additives which are compatible with the Formulation, they do not affect the performance of the present invention.
  • Proteolytic and amylolitic enzymes may optionally be present in conventional amounts, together optionally with enzyme stabilizers and carriers. Encapsulated enzymes may be suspended.
  • Minor Ingredients include germicides such as formaldehyde, opacifiers such as vinyl latex emulsion and anticorrosives such as benzotriazole.
  • compositions of our invention are, in general, suitable for laundry use and our invention provides a method of washing clothes or other soiled fabric by contacting and, preferably, agitating them in an aqueous wash liquor containing any composition of the invention as described herein.
  • Low foam compositions herein described are in particular of use in automatic washing machines.
  • the compositions may also be used in the washing of dishes, or the cleaning of hard surfaces, the low foam products being particularly suitable for use in dishwashing machines. These uses constitute a further aspect of the invention.
  • compositions of our invention may, generally, be used for washing clothes in boiling water, or for washing at medium or cool temperatures, e.g. 50 to 80°C, especially 55 to 68°C, or 20 to 50°C especially 30 to 40°C, respectively.
  • the compositions may be added to the washwater at concentrations of between 0.05 and 3% Dry Weight based on the wash water preferably 0.1 to 2%, more usually 0.3 to 1% e.g. 0.4 to 0.8%.
  • compositions of the Various Feedstocks Materials
  • alkyl benzene sulphonate used was the sodium salt of the largely para-sulphonated "Dobane" JN material. (Dobane is a Registered Trade Mark).
  • composition is as follows:- C 10 C 11 C 12 C 13 C 14 C 15 13.0 27.0 27.0 19.0 11.0 1.0
  • This composition refers only to the alkyl chain length.
  • This material is the sodium salt of sulphonated C 16 /C 18 olefin having the following approximate composition. 55.0% C 16 Terminal olefin 45.0% C 18 Terminal olefin
  • This material is an average 8 mole ethylene oxide condensate of an alcohol of the following composition :- C 10 3.0% C 12 57.0% C 14 20.0% C 16 9.0% C 18 11.0%
  • This material was prepared by neutralising sulphonated C 14-17 normal paraffins with sodium hydroxide and contained 10% disulphonates based on total Active Ingredients.
  • This material was added as anhydrous Na 5 P 3 O 10 containing 30% Phase I.
  • This material is added to Formulations as a viscous aqueous solution containing 47% solids with a Na 2 O:SiO 2 ratio of 1:1.6.
  • optical brightening agent for Examples 51 to 66 was the disodium salt of 4;4'-[di(styryl-2-sulphonic acid)] biphenyl which is marketed under the trademark "TINOPAL CBS-X”.
  • the optical brightener for Examples 1 to 50 was a mixture of the aforesaid Optical brightener with the disodium salt of 4;4'-[di(4-chlorostyryl-3-sulphonic acid)] biphenyl which mixture is marketed under the trademark "TINOPAL ATS-X".
  • 1 and 2 represent a basic type A Formulation
  • 3 and 4 a type A formulation with SCMC and optical brightener
  • 6 and 7 demonstrate that neither SCMC nor optical brightener is essential to obtain a Non-sedimenting Formulation
  • 8 contains anticorrosive and perfume
  • 9(a) and (b) illustrate a high Builder to Active ratio Formulation (3:1) at two Pay Loads
  • 10(a) and (b) illustrate a relatively low Builder to Active Formulation at two Pay Loads
  • 11 corresponds to a Non-sedimenting Formulation obtained by centrifuging the Formulation of Example 9 at low Payload for only three hours and decanting the supernatent liquor
  • 12 illustrates the effect of relatively high SCMC levels
  • 13 to 19 illustrate Type A Formulations with various anionic surfactants
  • 20 to 23 illustrate various Electrolytes
  • 24 is a Formulation in which sodium tripoly
  • the comparative example represents a commercial Formulation currently being marketed in Australia. which corresponds to Australian Patent 522983.
  • the comparative example was the material as purchased, except for the neutron scattering results which were carried out on samples prepared in accordance with the example of the patent to match the commercial Formulation as analysed and using deuterium oxide instead of water.
  • the composition, by analysis was: % Sodium C 10-14 linear alkylbenzene sulphonate 12 Sodium salt of three mole ethoxylate of C 12-15 alcohol sulphate 3 Sodium tripolyphosphate 15 Sodium carbonate 2.5
  • Optical brightener (Tinopal LMS) 0.5 Sodium carboxymethyl cellulose 1.0 Water to 100
  • composition corresponded to that specified in the example of the Australian patent, except that the latter specifies the sodium carboxymethyl cellulose, together with perfume, colouring and substantive blueing agents as being "qs".
  • Effective Wash Solids refers to the sum of the Active Ingredient and Builder. The powder standard was used at 6 g/l and the Examples adjusted to give the same % Effective Wash Solids in the wash Liquor.

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  • Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Chemical Kinetics & Catalysis (AREA)
  • Oil, Petroleum & Natural Gas (AREA)
  • Wood Science & Technology (AREA)
  • Organic Chemistry (AREA)
  • Crystallography & Structural Chemistry (AREA)
  • Detergent Compositions (AREA)

Claims (55)

  1. Composition détergente fluide, à base aqueuse, ne comprenant pas de sulfate de sodium en quantités dépassant sa solubilité dans la composition aux températures normales mais comprenant : un tensioactif ; un adjuvant, dont au moins une proportion est présente sous forme de particules solides en suspension dans la composition ; et un électrolyte de désolubilisation du tensioactif, dissous, ledit électrolyte contenant une proportion dissoute quelconque de l'adjuvant de désolubilisation du tensioactif; et qui est séparable par centrifugation à 800 fois la pesanteur normale pendant 17 heures à 25°C, en au moins deux couches dont l'une au moins est une couche aqueuse; caractérisée en ce que ladite couche aqueuse contient une quantité suffisante d'électrolyte dissous pour apporter de 2 à 4,85 ions-g de métal alcalin par litre à ladite couche aqueuse; et la charge utile de ladite composition est supérieure au minimum auquel la composition ne sédimente pas et inférieure au maximum auquel elle est coulable.
  2. Composition selon la revendication 1, qui est séparable par centrifugation en une seule couche liquide et une couche solide contenant au moins une partie de l'adjuvant solide et du tensioactif.
  3. Composition selon l'une ou l'autre des revendications 1 et 2, contenant au moins 5% en poids de tensioactif, par rapport au poids total de la composition.
  4. Composition selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, comportant une charge utile supérieure à 25%.
  5. Composition selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, dans laquelle l'électrolyte apporte de 2 à 4,5 ions-g par litre en ions sodium et/ou potassium à ladite couche aqueuse.
  6. Composition selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, dans laquelle ledit électrolyte apporte de 2 à 4,5 ions-g par litre d'ions sodium à ladite couche aqueuse.
  7. Composition selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, dans laquelle le rapport de l'adjuvant total au tensioactif total est supérieur à 1,2:1.
  8. Composition selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, comportant une charge utile d'au moins 35% en poids.
  9. Composition selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, ayant une limite élastique d'au moins 1 Newton par m2.
  10. Composition selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, ayant un rapport pondéral de l'adjuvant au tensioactif de 1,2:1 à 4:1.
  11. Composition selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, dans laquelle l'adjuvant comprend le tripolyphosphate de sodium.
  12. Composition selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, contenant au moins 15% de son poids d'adjuvant.
  13. Composition selon la revendication 12, contenant au moins 20% de son poids d'adjuvant.
  14. Composition selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, contenant plus de 8% de son poids de tensioactif.
  15. Composition selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, ayant un pH supérieur à 8 lorsqu'elle est dissoute dans une liqueur de lavage à une concentration de 0,5% de poids sec.
  16. Composition selon la revendication 15, ayant un pH supérieur à 10 lorsqu'elle est dissoute dans une liqueur de lavage à une concentration de 0,5% de poids sec.
  17. Composition selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, ayant une alcalinité libre suffisante pour nécessiter 0,4 à 12 ml d'acide chlorhydrique 0,1N pour réduire à 9 le pH de 100 ml de composition diluée à 0,5% de poids sec.
  18. Composition selon la revendication 17, ayant une alcalinité libre suffisante pour nécessiter de 3 à 10 ml d'acide chlorhydrique 0,1N pour réduire à 9 le pH de 100 ml de composition diluée à 0,5% de poids sec.
  19. Composition selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, dans laquelle les tensioactifs comprennent au moins une proportion majeure d'un tensioactif anionique sulfaté et/ou sulfonaté.
  20. Composition selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, dans laquelle ledit adjuvant solide comprend un phosphate condensé, un phosphonate, un carbonate, une zéolite et/ou un orthophosphate.
  21. Composition selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, dans laquelle ledit électrolyte dissous est essentiellement constitué de carbonate et d'un phosphate condensé, orthophosphate, citrate, nitrilotriacétate, chlorure et/ou éthylène-diamine-tétraacétate de métal alcalin.
  22. Composition selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, dans laquelle l'adjuvant total comprend une proportion majeure de son poids de tripolyphosphate de sodium.
  23. Composition selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, dans laquelle les tensioactifs constituent de 10 à 20% du poids de ladite composition.
  24. Composition selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, dans laquelle ledit tensioactif comprend un mélange d'un alkyl(en C10-C14 essentiellement linéaire)benzène-sulfonate et d'un alkyl(en C10-C20)sulfate polyéthoxylé à 1-10 moles d'oxyde d'éthylène.
  25. Composition selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, contenant une quantité efficace d'un agent antiredéposition.
  26. Composition selon la revendication 25, dans laquelle l'agent antiredéposition est une carboxyméthylcellulose.
  27. Composition selon la revendication 26, contenant de 0,5 à 2%, du poids de ladite composition, de carboxyméthylcellulose de métal alcalin ou d'ammonium.
  28. Composition selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, contenant une quantité efficace d'un agent azurant optique.
  29. Composition détergente liquide, fluide, coulable, qui ne sédimente pas, selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, essentiellement constituée par de l'eau et : (A) de 10 à 20%, par rapport au poids de la composition, d'un mélange d'alkyl(en C10-C14 essentiellement linéaire)benzène-sulfonate et d'alkyl(en C10-C20)sulfate polyéthoxylé avec 1-10 moles d'oxyde d'éthylène; (B) au moins 15%, du poids de la composition, d'adjuvant total partiellement présent sous forme d'un solide en suspension, choisi parmi le tripolyphosphate de sodium,une zéolite, le carbonate de sodium, le silicate de sodium et leurs mélanges; (C) une phase aqueuse séparable contenant une quantité suffisante d'électrolyte dissous choisi parmi le tripolyphosphate de sodium, le carbonate de sodium, le silicate de sodium et leurs mélanges, pour fournir de 2 à 4,5 moles-g par litre d'ions sodium dans ladite phase; et (D) éventuellement n'importe quel ingrédient mineur habituel; la charge utile de ladite composition étant supérieure au minimum auquel la composition ne sédimente pas mais inférieure au maximum auquel elle est coulable.
  30. Composition selon l'une quelconque des revendications 24 et 29, dans laquelle le rapport pondéral dudit alkylbenzène-sulfonate audit alkyléthersulfate est compris entre 5:1 et 1:5.
  31. Composition selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, qui présente, par récupération après exposition à une contrainte de cisaillement élevée, une viscosité accrue.
  32. Composition selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, dans laquelle l'électrolyte et l'adjuvant sont essentiellement constitués de tripolyphosphate de sodium et de carbonate de sodium.
  33. Composition selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, dans laquelle la proportion de tripolyphosphate de sodium est de 14 à 32,7% du poids de la composition.
  34. Composition selon la revendication 33, dans laquelle la proportion de tripolyphosphate de sodium est supérieure à 15,8% en poids.
  35. Composition selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, contenant de 2,1 à 18% en poids d'alkyl(essentiellement linéaire)benzène-sulfonate de sodium.
  36. Composition selon la revendication 35, contenant au moins 9,0% en poids d'alkylbenzène-sulfonate de sodium.
  37. Composition selon la revendication 36, contenant au moins 9,9% en poids d'alkylbenzène-sulfonate de sodium.
  38. Composition selon la revendication 37, contenant au moins 11,2% en poids d'alkylbenzène-sulfonate de sodium.
  39. Composition selon la revendication 38, contenant au moins 12% en poids d'alkylbenzène-sulfonate.
  40. Composition selon la revendication 39, contenant au moins 12,6% en poids d'alkylbenzène-sulfonate.
  41. Composition selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, contenant jusqu'à 9,6% en poids d'alkyléthersulfate de sodium.
  42. Composition selon l'une quelconque des revendications 1 à 27, dans laquelle ledit électrolyte est essentiellement constitué de carbonate de sodium et/ou de silicate de sodium, et/ou de tripolyphosphate de sodium.
  43. Composition selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, dans laquelle les ingrédients actifs comprennent une proportion mineure d'un tensioactif non ionique.
  44. Composition selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, dans laquelle l'électrolyte comprend un nitrate.
  45. Procédé de lavage de vêtements ou d'autres tissus salis, qui comprend leur agitation dans une liqueur de lavage aqueuse contenant une composition selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes.
  46. Composition détergente liquide selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, du type qui comprend : une phase contenant un mélange d'électrolytes dissous comprenant du tripolyphosphate de sodium dissous, avec du carbonate de sodium et/ou du silicate de sodium, et au moins 5%, par rapport au poids de la composition, de tensioactifs anioniques choisis parmi les alkyl(linéaire)benzène-sulfonates de sodium, les alkyléthoxysulfates de sodium et leurs mélanges; du tripolyphosphate de sodium solide en suspension dans ladite phase aqueuse; et n'importe lequel des ingrédients mineurs habituels.
  47. Milieu détergent fluide aqueux ne comprenant pas de sulfate de sodium en excès de sa solubilité dans la composition aux températures normales, mais capable de mettre en suspension des adjuvants particulaires solides pour former des suspensions coulables, qui ne sédimentent pas, et comprenant de l'eau, un tensioactif et un électrolyte dissous de désolubilisation du tensioactif, dans lequel ledit électrolyte dissous est suffisant pour fournir de 2 à 4,5 ions-g de métal alcalin par litre dans ledit milieu, et ledit tensioactif est suffisant pour former, en présence dudit électrolyte, une structure tensioactive vésiculaire et/ou lamellaire capable de supporter ledit adjuvant.
  48. Milieu détergent fluide aqueux selon la revendication 47, contenant de 7 à 35%, du poids dudit milieu, de tensioactif.
  49. Composition selon l'une ou l'autre des revendications 47 et 48, dans laquelle ledit électrolyte dissous est essentiellement constitué d'adjuvant.
  50. Composition selon l'une quelconque des revendications 47 à 49, dans laquelle ledit électrolyte est essentiellement constitué de carbonate de sodium, de silicate de sodium, de citrate de sodium, de nitrilotriacétate de sodium, de phosphate de sodium, de pyrophosphate de sodium, d'un polyphosphate de sodium, d'un phosphonate de sodium ou d'un mélange de n'importe lesquels des électrolytes sus-mentionnés.
  51. Composition selon l'une quelconque des revendications 47 à 50, dans laquelle le tensioactif est essentiellement constitué d'alkyl(linéaire)benzène-sulfonate de sodium, ou d'un mélange de ceux-ci, avec un alkyléthersulfate de sodium, un alkylsulfate de sodium, un paraffine-sulfonate de sodium, un oléfine-sulfonate de sodium, des tensioactifs non ioniques et/ou un savon.
  52. Composition selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, ayant une viscosité inférieure à 10 Pa.s.
  53. Composition selon la revendication 52, ayant une viscosité inférieure à 5 Pa.s.
  54. Composition selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, ayant une viscosité supérieure à 0,1 Pa.s.
  55. Composition selon la revendication 54, ayant une viscosité supérieure à 0,5 Pa.s.
EP85108260A 1982-02-05 1983-02-07 Compositions détergentes liquides Expired - Lifetime EP0170091B2 (fr)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
AT85108260T ATE42113T1 (de) 1982-02-05 1983-02-07 Fluessige detergenszusammensetzungen.

Applications Claiming Priority (9)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
GB8203398 1982-02-05
GB8203398 1982-02-05
GB8210670 1982-04-13
GB8210670 1982-04-13
GB8219227 1982-07-02
GB8219227 1982-07-02
GB8236664 1982-12-23
GB8236664 1982-12-23
EP83300605A EP0086614B2 (fr) 1982-02-05 1983-02-07 Compositions détergentes liquides

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EP83300605.9 Division 1983-02-07

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EP0170091A1 EP0170091A1 (fr) 1986-02-05
EP0170091B1 EP0170091B1 (fr) 1989-04-12
EP0170091B2 true EP0170091B2 (fr) 1997-11-19

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* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
CA1323280C (fr) * 1987-07-31 1993-10-19 Mario Bulfari Detergents liquides
GB8818704D0 (en) * 1988-08-05 1988-09-07 Albright & Wilson Liquid cleaning compositions
IN185580B (fr) * 1991-08-30 2001-03-03 Albright & Wilson Uk Ltd
US6720300B1 (en) * 1998-10-26 2004-04-13 Reckitt Benckiser N.V. Liquid cleaning agent or detergent composition
ATE414134T1 (de) 2000-08-25 2008-11-15 Reckitt Benckiser Nv Wasserlössliche verpackungen enthaltend flüssige zusammensetzungen
DE10060095A1 (de) * 2000-12-02 2002-06-20 Henkel Kgaa Verfahren zur Herstellung wäßriger mehrphasiger Reinigungsmittel
DE10303130A1 (de) 2003-01-28 2004-07-29 Clariant Gmbh Wässrige Flüssigwaschmittel-Dispersionen

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US3075922A (en) * 1957-08-01 1963-01-29 Colgate Palmolive Co Prepartion of liquid detergent compositions
NL259309A (fr) * 1959-12-22
US3346503A (en) * 1963-10-11 1967-10-10 Monsanto Co Heavy-duty liquid detergent emulsion compositions and processes for preparing the same
US3574122A (en) * 1967-08-18 1971-04-06 Lever Brothers Ltd Liquid detergent compositions
US4018720A (en) * 1975-07-14 1977-04-19 The Procter & Gamble Company Laundry detergent compositions in emulsion/suspension
GB2031941B (en) * 1978-02-07 1982-06-30 Albright & Wilson Concentrated aqueous surfactant compositions
DE2921366A1 (de) * 1978-05-26 1979-12-06 Albright & Wilson Konzentrierte waessrige oberflaechenaktive zubereitung

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MY102009A (en) 1992-02-29
EP0170091A1 (fr) 1986-02-05
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EP0170091B1 (fr) 1989-04-12

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