EP0657528B1 - Percarbonate detergent compositions - Google Patents

Percarbonate detergent compositions Download PDF

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Publication number
EP0657528B1
EP0657528B1 EP93309961A EP93309961A EP0657528B1 EP 0657528 B1 EP0657528 B1 EP 0657528B1 EP 93309961 A EP93309961 A EP 93309961A EP 93309961 A EP93309961 A EP 93309961A EP 0657528 B1 EP0657528 B1 EP 0657528B1
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EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
particles
weight
micrometers
sulfate
water
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EP93309961A
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German (de)
English (en)
French (fr)
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EP0657528A1 (en
Inventor
Richard Timothy Hartshorn
Gerard Marcel Baillely
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Procter and Gamble Co
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Procter and Gamble Co
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Application filed by Procter and Gamble Co filed Critical Procter and Gamble Co
Priority to DE69328105T priority Critical patent/DE69328105T2/de
Priority to AT93309961T priority patent/ATE190646T1/de
Priority to EP93309961A priority patent/EP0657528B1/en
Priority to ES93309961T priority patent/ES2142851T3/es
Priority to CA002177676A priority patent/CA2177676C/en
Priority to JP7516227A priority patent/JP2898095B2/ja
Priority to PCT/US1994/013700 priority patent/WO1995016018A1/en
Priority to US08/648,112 priority patent/US5773400A/en
Priority to CN94194955A priority patent/CN1071785C/zh
Publication of EP0657528A1 publication Critical patent/EP0657528A1/en
Publication of EP0657528B1 publication Critical patent/EP0657528B1/en
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Classifications

    • 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
    • C11D3/00—Other compounding ingredients of detergent compositions covered in group C11D1/00
    • C11D3/02—Inorganic compounds ; Elemental compounds
    • C11D3/04—Water-soluble compounds
    • C11D3/046—Salts
    • 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
    • C11D17/0039—Coated compositions or coated components in the compositions, (micro)capsules
    • 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
    • C11D3/00—Other compounding ingredients of detergent compositions covered in group C11D1/00
    • C11D3/02—Inorganic compounds ; Elemental compounds
    • C11D3/04—Water-soluble compounds
    • C11D3/08—Silicates
    • 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
    • C11D3/00—Other compounding ingredients of detergent compositions covered in group C11D1/00
    • C11D3/02—Inorganic compounds ; Elemental compounds
    • C11D3/04—Water-soluble compounds
    • C11D3/10—Carbonates ; Bicarbonates
    • 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
    • C11D3/00—Other compounding ingredients of detergent compositions covered in group C11D1/00
    • C11D3/02—Inorganic compounds ; Elemental compounds
    • C11D3/12—Water-insoluble compounds
    • C11D3/124—Silicon containing, e.g. silica, silex, quartz or glass beads
    • C11D3/1246—Silicates, e.g. diatomaceous earth
    • C11D3/1253—Layer silicates, e.g. talcum, kaolin, clay, bentonite, smectite, montmorillonite, hectorite or attapulgite
    • 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
    • C11D3/00—Other compounding ingredients of detergent compositions covered in group C11D1/00
    • C11D3/02—Inorganic compounds ; Elemental compounds
    • C11D3/12—Water-insoluble compounds
    • C11D3/124—Silicon containing, e.g. silica, silex, quartz or glass beads
    • C11D3/1246—Silicates, e.g. diatomaceous earth
    • C11D3/128—Aluminium silicates, e.g. zeolites
    • 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
    • C11D3/00—Other compounding ingredients of detergent compositions covered in group C11D1/00
    • C11D3/39—Organic or inorganic per-compounds
    • C11D3/3942—Inorganic per-compounds

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to granular detergent compositions which contain a percarbonate bleach and which are formulated to provide not only good detergency and bleaching performance, but also improved storage stability and improved flowability and dispensing of the granules.
  • Inorganic beaches such as percarbonate offer prospective advantages to the detergent formulator due to their inherent cleaning ability.
  • percarbonate bleaches offer prospective advantages over the commonly-used perborate bleach, inasmuch as they do not disadvantageously interact with important new surfactants such as the polyhydroxy fatty acid amides.
  • perborate bleach can sometimes undesirably complex with, and stabilize, "polyol" stains, such as the polyphenolic materials found in chocolate.
  • Percarbonates do not suffer from this disadvantage.
  • percarbonate can provide superior dispensing properties as compared with perborate.
  • percarbonates are not as stable as perborates; hence, their formulation in granular detergents can be problematic.
  • the present invention addresses the problems associated with the formulation of granular detergent compositions which contain percarbonate bleach and provides means for overcoming such problems.
  • the present invention provides granular compositions with superior dispensing properties, superior fabric cleansing performance at both high and low washing temperatures (typically, 20°C to 90°C) and equal storage stability, as compared with granular compositions containing perborate bleach.
  • EP-A-451,893, U.S.-A-5,236,613, Japanese A-4-227,693, Japanese-A-63-62442 and Japanese KOKOKU 61-16319 relate to percarbonate bleach.
  • WO-A-92/06163 describes detergents containing percarbonate bleach, which have a controlled moisture level and reduced heavy metal ion content to stabilise the compositions.
  • FR 2226463-A describes stable percarbonate bleach compositions.
  • the present invention encompasses granular detergent compositions (preferably nil-phosphate) with builder, surfactant and percarbonate bleach, characterized in that they comprise:
  • particle (a) In order to achieve optimal stability of the percarbonate, particle (a) should have a moisture content not exceeding 13%, most preferably less than 11%, by weight. In order to achieve good flowability and dispensing in automatic equipment, particle (a) should have a moisture content of at least 2%, by weight. If particle (a) is prepared by spray-drying, it preferably should have a moisture content of at least 7%, by weight.
  • compositions herein are those wherein particle (a) comprises a builder selected from the group consisting of zeolites A, P, MAP, X, Y or mixtures thereof, layered silicate builders, sodium carbonate builders, and mixtures thereof.
  • a builder selected from the group consisting of zeolites A, P, MAP, X, Y or mixtures thereof, layered silicate builders, sodium carbonate builders, and mixtures thereof.
  • particle (a) also comprises greater than 1% of an optional water-soluble sulfate component, it typically will also contain a chelant, preferably selected from the group consisting of phosphonate, amino carboxylate, and polycarboxylate chelants, and mixtures thereof, usually at levels of from 0.3% to 4.0% by weight in said particle.
  • a chelant preferably selected from the group consisting of phosphonate, amino carboxylate, and polycarboxylate chelants, and mixtures thereof, usually at levels of from 0.3% to 4.0% by weight in said particle.
  • the particles of percarbonate bleach (b) may be coated, e.g., with a member selected from the group consisting of water-soluble carbonate, water-soluble sulfate, water-soluble citrate, dehydrated or partially hydrated zeolite, water-soluble surfactants, or mixtures thereof. Whether or not stabilized by such means, the particles of percarbonate bleach have an average size in the range from 500 micrometers to 1,000 micrometers. For stability purposes, it is also preferred that percarbonate particles (b) have a moisture content not greater than 1%, more preferably not greater than 0.5%, by weight of said percarbonate particles.
  • the particles of sulfate (c) contain preferably less than 25 ppm, more preferably less than 5 ppm, iron, and preferably have an average particle size in the range of 450 micrometers to 800 micrometers.
  • the moisture content of the overall compositions herein is not greater than 8% by weight.
  • Fully-formulated detergent compositions which additionally contain from 0.1% to 20% by weight of various adjunct ingredients such as those selected from the group consisting of bleach activators, enzymes, soil release agents, fabric softeners, dispersants, optical brighteners and mixtures thereof, are also provided by this invention.
  • various adjunct ingredients such as those selected from the group consisting of bleach activators, enzymes, soil release agents, fabric softeners, dispersants, optical brighteners and mixtures thereof.
  • Detergency Builders - Particle (a) herein contains various conventional builders, or, optionally, mixtures of builders. Such builders assist in controlling mineral hardness in wash liquors and to assist in the removal of particulate soils from fabrics.
  • Aluminosilicate (zeolite) builders are quite useful in particles (a) herein and such builders are of great importance in most currently marketed heavy duty granular detergent compositions.
  • Aluminosilicate builders include those having the empirical formula: M z (zAlO 2 ⁇ ySiO 2 ) wherein M is sodium, potassium, ammonium or substituted ammonium, z is from 0.5 to about 2; and y is 1; this material having a magnesium ion exchange capacity of at least 50 milligram equivalents of CaCO 3 hardness per gram of anhydrous aluminosilicate.
  • Preferred aluminosilicates are zeolite builders which have the formula: Na z [(AlO 2 ) z (SiO 2 ) y ] ⁇ xH 2 O wherein z and y are integers of at least 6, the molar ratio of z to y is in the range from 1.0 to 0.5, and x is an integer from about 15 to 264.
  • aluminosilicate ion exchange materials are commercially available. These aluminosilicates can be crystalline or amorphous in structure and can be naturally-occurring aluminosilicates or synthetically derived. A method for producing aluminosilicate ion exchange materials is disclosed in U.S. Patent 3,985,669, Krummel, et al, issued October 12, 1976. Preferred synthetic crystalline aluminosilicate ion exchange materials useful herein are available under the designations Zeolite A, Zeolite P (B), Zeolite X, Zeolite Y, and Zeolite MAP.
  • the crystalline aluminosilicate ion exchange material has the formula: Na 12 [(AlO 2 ) 12 (SiO 2 ) 12 ] ⁇ xH 2 O wherein x is from about 20 to about 30, especially about 27.
  • the aluminosilicate has a particle size of 0.1-10 microns in diameter. Mixtures of zeolites with organic builders such as citrate are also useful.
  • silicate builders useful in particles (a) herein include the alkali metal silicates, particularly those having a SiO 2 :Na 2 O ratio ("R") in the range 1.6:1 to 3.2:1 and especially layered silicates, such as the layered sodium silicates described in U.S. Patent 4,664,839, issued May 12, 1987 to H. P. Rieck.
  • NaSKS-6 is the trademark for a crystalline layered silicate marketed by Hoechst (commonly abbreviated herein as "SKS-6").
  • the Na SKS-6 silicate builder does not contain aluminum.
  • NaSKS-6 has the delta-Na 2 SiO 5 morphology form of layered silicate.
  • SKS-6 is a highly preferred layered silicate for use herein, but other such layered silicates, such as those having the general formula NaMSi x O 2x+1 ⁇ yH 2 O wherein M is sodium or hydrogen, x is a number from 1.9 to 4, preferably 2, and y is a number from 0 to 20, preferably 0 can be used herein.
  • Various other layered silicates from Hoechst include NaSKS-5, NaSKS-7 and NaSKS-11, as the alpha, beta and gamma forms.
  • delta-Na 2 SiO 5 (NaSKS-6 form) is most preferred for use herein.
  • Other silicates may also be useful such as for example magnesium silicate, which can serve as a crispening agent in granular formulations, as a stabilizing agent for oxygen bleaches, and as a component of suds control systems. Mixtures of silicates, especially layered silicates, with organic builders such as citrate are also useful.
  • carbonate builders are the alkaline earth and alkali metal carbonates as disclosed in German Patent Application No. 2,321,001 published on November 15, 1973. Typical examples include calcite and sodium carbonate.
  • the finished compositions herein can optionally also comprise from 2% to 20% of various organic detergent builders, including, but not restricted to, a wide variety of polycarboxylate compounds.
  • Such builders can be dry-mixed with the overall compositions, or, less preferably, can be incorporated into particle (a).
  • polycarboxylate refers to compounds having a plurality of carboxylate groups, preferably at least 3 carboxylates.
  • Polycarboxylate builder can generally be added to the composition in acid form, but can also be added in the form of a neutralized salt. When utilized in salt form, alkali metals, such as sodium, potassium, and lithium, or alkanolammonium salts are preferred.
  • polycarboxylate builders include a variety of categories of useful materials.
  • One important category of polycarboxylate builders encompasses the ether polycarboxylates, including oxydisuccinate, as disclosed in Berg, U.S. Patent 3,128,287, issued April 7, 1964, and Lamberti et al, U.S. Patent 3,635,830, issued January 18, 1972. See also "TMS/TDS" builders of U.S. Patent 4,663,071, issued to Bush et al, on May 5, 1987.
  • Suitable ether polycarboxylates also include cyclic compounds, particularly alicyclic compounds, such as those described in U.S. Patents 3,923,679; 3,835,163; 4,158,635; 4,120,874 and 4,102,903.
  • ether hydroxypolycarboxylates copolymers of maleic anhydride with ethylene or vinyl methyl ether, 1, 3, 5-trihydroxy benzene-2, 4, 6-trisulphonic acid, and carboxymethyloxysuccinic acid
  • various alkali metal, ammonium and substituted ammonium salts of polyacetic acids such as ethylenediamine tetraacetic acid and nitrilotriacetic acid
  • polycarboxylates such as mellitic acid, succinic acid, oxydisuccinic acid, polymaleic acid, benzene 1,3,5-tricarboxylic acid, carboxymethyloxysuccinic acid, and soluble salts thereof.
  • Citrate builders e.g., citric acid and soluble salts thereof (particularly sodium salt), are polycarboxylate builders of particular importance due to their availability from renewable resources and their biodegradability. Citrates are often used in granular compositions in combination with zeolite and/or layered silicate builders. Oxydisuccinates are also useful in such compositions and combinations.
  • succinic acid builders include the C 5 -C 20 alkyl and alkenyl succinic acids and salts thereof.
  • a particularly preferred compound of this type is dodecenylsuccinic acid.
  • succinate builders include: laurylsuccinate, myristylsuccinate, palmitylsuccinate, 2-dodecenylsuccinate (preferred), 2-pentadecenylsuccinate, and the like. Laurylsuccinates are the preferred builders of this group, and are described in European Patent Application 86200690.5/0,200,263, published November 5, 1986.
  • Fatty acids e.g., C 12 -C 18 monocarboxylic acids
  • the aforesaid builders especially citrate and/or the succinate builders, to provide additional builder activity.
  • Such use of fatty acids will generally result in a diminution of sudsing, which should be taken into account by the formulator.
  • the various alkali metal phosphates such as the well-known sodium tripolyphosphates, sodium pyrophosphate and sodium orthophosphate can be used.
  • Detersive Surfactants - Particle (a) herein also contains various anionic surfactants, or, optionally, mixtures of anionics with nonionic, zwitterionic or semipolar surfactants.
  • Nonlimiting examples of surfactants useful herein include the conventional C 11 -C 18 alkyl benzene sulfonates ("LAS") and primary, branched-chain and random C 10 -C 20 alkyl sulfates ("AS”), the C 10 -C 18 secondary (2,3) alkyl sulfates of the formula CH 3 (CH 2 ) x (CHOSO 3 - M + ) CH 3 and CH 3 (CH 2 ) y (CHOSO 3 - M + ) CH 2 CH 3 where x and (y + 1) are integers of at least about 7, preferably at least about 9, and M is a water-solubilizing cation, especially sodium, the C 10 -C 18 alkyl alkoxy sulfates (“AE x S”; especially EO 1-5 ethoxy sulfates), C 10 -C 18 alkyl alkoxy carboxylates (especially the EO 1-5 ethoxycarboxylates), the C 10 - 18 glycerol
  • the conventional nonionic and amphoteric surfactants such as the C 12 -C 18 alkyl ethoxylates ("AE") including the so-called narrow peaked alkyl ethoxylates and C 6 -C 12 alkyl phenol alkoxylates (especially ethoxylates and mixed ethoxy/propoxy), C 12 -C 18 betaines and sulfobetaines ("sultaines"), C 10 -C 18 amine oxides, and the like, can also be included in the overall compositions.
  • the C 10 -C 18 N-alkyl polyhydroxy fatty acid amides can also be used. Typical examples include the C 12 -C 18 N-methylglucamides.
  • Other conventional useful surfactants are listed in standard texts.
  • the percarbonate bleach employed herein is the conventional percarbonate material available from suppliers such as Solvay, FMC, Tokai Denka and others. If desired, and to provide additional stability on storage, the particles of percarbonate can be coated or "dusted" with various materials such as sodium citrate, sodium carbonate, sodium sulfate, water-soluble surfactants, and mixtures thereof.
  • a stabilized percarbonate bleach can comprise 2.5% of a 2.5:1 sodium carbonate:sodium sulfate by weight, or can comprise 5% citrate.
  • Sulfate Salts - Particle (a) herein can optionally comprise a water-soluble sulfate salt, and component (c) herein also comprises particles of sulfate salts having the physical and chemical parameters disclosed hereinabove.
  • Typical examples of such salts include sodium sulfate, magnesium sulfate and aluminum sulfate.
  • Chelating Agents - Particle (a) of detergent compositions herein may also optionally contain one or more iron and/or manganese chelating agents, especially when a sulfate salt is present in said particle (a).
  • the overall compositions may comprise from 0.1% to 5% by weight of such chelants.
  • Such chelating agents can be selected from the group consisting of amino carboxylates, amino phosphonates, polyfunctionally-substituted aromatic chelating agents and mixtures thereof, all as hereinafter defined. Without intending to be bound by theory, it is believed that the benefit of these materials is due in part to their exceptional ability to remove iron and manganese ions from washing solutions by formation of soluble chelates.
  • Amino carboxylates useful as optional chelating agents include ethylenediaminetetraacetates, N-hydroxyethylethylenediaminetriacetates, nitrilotriacetates, ethylenediamine tetraproprionates, triethylenetetraaminehexaacetates, diethylenetriaminepentaacetates, and ethanoldiglycines, alkali metal, ammonium, and substituted ammonium salts therein and mixtures therein.
  • Amino phosphonates are also suitable for use as chelating agents in the compositions of the invention when at least low levels of total phosphorus are permitted in detergent compositions, and include ethylenediaminetetrakis (methylenephosphonates), nitrilotris (methylenephosphonates) and diethylenetriaminepentakis (methylenephosphonates) as DEQUEST® ("DTPMP").
  • these amino phosphonates do not contain alkyl or alkenyl groups with more than 6 carbon atoms.
  • HEDP 1,hydroxyethane diphosphonate, is suitable and preferably combined with aminophosphonates or amino carboxylates for use herein.
  • Polyfunctionally-substituted aromatic chelating agents are also useful in the compositions herein. See U.S. Patent 3,812,044, issued May 21, 1974, to Connor et al.
  • Preferred compounds of this type in acid form are dihydroxydisulfobenzenes such as 1,2-dihydroxy -3,5-disulfobenzene.
  • EDDS ethylenediamine disuccinate
  • compositions herein can optionally include one or more other detergent adjunct materials or other materials for assisting or enhancing cleaning performance, treatment of the substrate to be cleaned, or to modify the aesthetics of the detergent composition (eg., perfumes, colorants, dyes, etc.).
  • other detergent adjunct materials e.g., perfumes, colorants, dyes, etc.
  • the following are illustrative, but nonlimiting, examples of such materials.
  • Enzymes - Enzymes can be included in the formulations herein for a wide variety of fabric laundering purposes, including removal of protein-based, carbohydrate-based, or triglyceride-based stains, for example, and for the prevention of refugee dye transfer, and for fabric restoration.
  • the enzymes to be incorporated include proteases, amylases, lipases, cellulases, and peroxidases, as well as mixtures thereof.
  • Other types of enzymes may also be included. They may be of any suitable origin, such as vegetable, animal, bacterial, fungal and yeast origin. However, their choice is governed by several factors such as pH-activity and/or stability optima, thermostability, stability versus active detergents, builders and so on. In this respect bacterial or fungal enzymes are preferred, such as bacterial amylases and proteases, and fungal cellulases.
  • Enzymes are normally incorporated at levels sufficient to provide up to 5 mg by weight, more typically 0.01 mg to 3 mg, of active enzyme per gram of the composition. Stated otherwise, the compositions herein will typically comprise from 0.001% to 5%, preferably 0.01%-1%, by weight of a commercial enzyme preparation. Protease enzymes are usually present in such commercial preparations at levels sufficient to provide from 0.005 to 0.1 Anson units (AU) of activity per gram of composition.
  • AU Anson units
  • proteases are the subtilisins which are obtained from particular strains of B.subtilis and B.licheniforms. Another suitable protease is obtained from a strain of Bacillus, having maximum activity throughout the pH range of 8-12, developed and sold by Novo Industries A/S under the registered trade name ESPERASE. The preparation of this enzyme and analogous enzymes is described in British Patent Specification No. 1,243,784 of Novo.
  • protealytic enzymes suitable for removing protein-based stains that are commercially available include those sold under the tradenames ALCALASE and SAVINASE by Novo Industries A/S (Denmark) and MAXATASE by International Bio-Synthetics, Inc. (The Netherlands).
  • proteases include Protease A (see European Patent Application 130,756, published January 9, 1985) and Protease B (see European Patent Application Serial No. 87303761.8, filed April 28, 1987, and European Patent Application 130,756, Bott et al, published January 9, 1985).
  • Amylases include, for example, a-amylases described in British Patent Specification No. 1,296,839 (Novo), RAPIDASE, International Bio-Synthetics, Inc. and TERMAMYL, Novo Industries.
  • the cellulases usable in the present invention include both bacterial or fungal cellulase. Preferably, they will have a pH optimum of between 5 and 9.5. Suitable cellulases are disclosed in U.S. Patent 4,435,307, Barbesgoard et al, issued March 6, 1984, which discloses fungal cellulase produced from Humicola insolens and Humicola strain DSM1800 or a cellulase 212-producing fungus belonging to the genus Aeromonas, and cellulase extracted from the hepatopancreas of a marine mollusk (Dolabella Auricula Solander). Suitable cellulases are also disclosed in GB-A-2.075.028; GB-A-2.095.275 and DE-OS-2.247.832.
  • Suitable lipase enzymes for detergent usage include those produced by microorganisms of the Pseudomonas group, such as Pseudomonas stutzeri ATCC 19.154, as disclosed in British Patent 1,372,034. See also lipases in Japanese Patent Application 53-20487, laid open to public inspection on February 24, 1978. This lipase is available from Amano Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd., Nagoya, Japan, under the trade name Lipase P "Amano,” hereinafter referred to as "Amano-P.” Other commercial lipases include Amano-CES, lipases ex Chromobacter viscosum, e.g. Chromobacter viscosum var.
  • lipolyticum NRRLB 3673 commercially available from Toyo Jozo Co., Tagata, Japan; and further Chromobacter viscosum lipases from U.S. Biochemical Corp., U.S.A. and Disoynth Co., The Netherlands, and lipases ex Pseudomonas gladioli.
  • the LIPOLASE enzyme derived from Humicola lanuginosa and commercially available from Novo is a preferred lipase for use herein.
  • Peroxidase enzymes are used in combination with oxygen sources, e.g., percarbonate, perborate, persulfate, hydrogen peroxide, etc. They are used for "solution bleaching," i.e. to prevent transfer of dyes or pigments removed from substrates during wash operations to other substrates in the wash solution.
  • Peroxidase enzymes are known in the art, and include, for example, horseradish peroxidase, ligninase, and haloperoxidase such as chloro- and bromo-peroxidase.
  • Peroxidase-containing detergent compositions are disclosed, for example, in PCT International Application WO 89/099813, published October 19, 1989, by O. Kirk, assigned to Novo Industries A/S.
  • Patent 3,600,319 issued August 17, 1971 to Gedge, et al, and European Patent Application Publication No. 0,199,405, Application No. 86200586.5, published October 29, 1986, Venegas. Enzyme stabilization systems are also described, for example, in U.S. Patent 3,519,570.
  • Enzyme Stabilizers The enzymes employed herein can be stabilized by the presence of water-soluble sources of calcium and/or magnesium ions in the finished compositions which provide such ions to the enzymes. (Calcium ions are generally somewhat more effective than magnesium ions and are preferred herein if only one type of cation is being used.) Additional stability can be provided by the presence of various other art-disclosed stabilizers, especially borate species: see Severson, U.S. 4,537,706. Typical detergents will comprise from 1 to 30, preferably from 2 to 20, more preferably from 5 to 15, and most preferably from 8 to 12, millimoles of calcium ion per kilo of finished composition.
  • the level of calcium or magnesium ions should be selected so that there is always some minimum level available for the enzyme, after allowing for complexation with builders or fatty acids in the composition.
  • Any water-soluble calcium or magnesium salt can be used as the source of calcium or magnesium ions, including, but not limited to, calcium chloride, calcium sulfate, calcium malate, calcium maleate, calcium hydroxide, calcium formate, and calcium acetate, and the corresponding magnesium salts.
  • a small amount of calcium ion generally from 0.05 to 0.4 millimoles per kilo, is often also present in the composition due to calcium in the enzyme slurry and formula water.
  • the formulation may include a sufficient quantity of a water-soluble calcium ion source to provide such amounts in the laundry liquor. In the alternative, natural water hardness may suffice.
  • compositions herein may comprise from 0.05% to 2% by weight of a water-soluble source of calcium or magnesium ions, or both. The amount can vary, of course, with the amount and type of enzyme employed in the composition.
  • compositions herein may also optionally, but preferably, contain various additional stabilizers, especially borate-type stabilizers.
  • additional stabilizers especially borate-type stabilizers.
  • such stabilizers will be used at levels in the compositions from 0.25% to 10%, preferably from 0.5% to 5%, more preferably from 0.75% to 3%, by weight of boric acid or other borate compound capable of forming boric acid in the composition (calculated on the basis of boric acid).
  • Boric acid is preferred, although other compounds such as boric oxide, borax and other alkali metal borates (eg., sodium ortho-, meta- and pyroborate, and sodium pentaborate) are suitable.
  • Substituted boric acids e.g., phenylboronic acid, butane boronic acid, and p-bromo phenylboronic acid
  • Bleach Activators may optionally contain bleaching agents or bleaching compositions containing a bleaching agent and one or more bleach activators. If present, the amount of bleach activators will typically be from 0.1 % to 60%, more typically from 0.5% to 40% of the bleaching composition comprising the percarbonate bleaching agent-plus-bleach activator.
  • the percarbonates are preferably used in the presence of bleach activators, which lead to the in situ production in aqueous solution (ie., during the washing process) of the peroxy acid corresponding to the bleach activator.
  • bleach activators Various nonlimiting examples of activators are disclosed in U.S. Patent 4,915,854, issued April 10, 1990 to Mao et al, and U.S. Patent 4,412,934.
  • NOBS nonanoyloxybenzene sulfonate
  • TAED tetraacetyl ethylene diamine
  • Benzoyl caprolactam and benzoyloxybenzene sulfonate activators can also be used. See also U.S. 4,634,551 for other typical bleaches and activators useful herein.
  • Bleaching agents other than percarbonate bleaching agents are known in the art and can optionally also be utilized herein.
  • One type of non-oxygen bleaching agent of particular interest includes photo-activated bleaching agents such as the sulfonated zinc and/or aluminum phthalocyanines. See U.S. Patent 4,033,718, issued July 5, 1977 to Holcombe et al. If used, detergent compositions will typically contain from 0.025% to 1.25%, by weight, of such photoactivated bleaches, especially sulfonated zinc phthalocyanine.
  • Polymeric Soil Release Agent Any polymeric soil release agent known to those skilled in the art can optionally be employed in the compositions and processes of this invention.
  • Polymeric soil release agents are characterized by having both hydrophilic segments, to hydrophilize the surface of hydrophobic fibers, such as polyester and nylon, and hydrophobic segments, to deposit upon hydrophobic fibers and remain adhered thereto through completion of washing and rinsing cycles and, thus, serve as an anchor for the hydrophilic segments. This can enable stains occurring subsequent to treatment with the soil release agent to be more easily cleaned in later washing procedures.
  • the polymeric soil release agents useful herein especially include those soil release agents having: (a) one or more nonionic hydrophile components consisting essentially of (i) polyoxyethylene segments with a degree of polymerization of at least 2, or (ii) oxypropylene or polyoxypropylene segments with a degree of polymerization of from 2 to 10, wherein said hydrophile segment does not encompass any oxypropylene unit unless it is bonded to adjacent moieties at each end by ether linkages, or (iii) a mixture of oxyalkylene units comprising oxyethylene and from 1 to 30 oxypropylene units wherein said mixture contains a sufficient amount of oxyethylene units such that the hydrophile component has hydrophilicity great enough to increase the hydrophilicity of conventional polyester synthetic fiber surfaces upon deposit of the soil release agent on such surface, said hydrophile segments preferably comprising at least 25% oxyethylene units and more preferably, especially for such components having 20 to 30 oxypropylene units, at least 50% oxyethylene units; or (b) one
  • the polyoxyethylene segments of (a)(i) will have a degree of polymerization of from 2 to 200, although higher levels can be used, preferably from 3 to 150, more preferably from 6 to 100.
  • Suitable oxy C 4 -C 6 alkylene hydrophobe segments include, but are not limited to, end-caps of polymeric soil release agents such as MO 3 S(CH 2 ) n OCH 2 CH 2 O-, where M is sodium and n is an integer from 4-6, as disclosed in U.S. Patent 4,721,580, issued January 26, 1988 to Gosselink.
  • Polymeric soil release agents useful in the present invention also include cellulosic derivatives such as hydroxyether cellulosic polymers, copolymeric blocks of ethylene terephthalate or propylene terephthalate with polyethylene oxide or polypropylene oxide terephthalate, and the like. Such agents are commercially available and include hydroxyethers of cellulose such as METHOCEL (Dow). Cellulosic soil release agents for use herein also include those selected from the group consisting of C 1 -C 4 alkyl and C 4 hydroxyalkyl cellulose; see U.S. Patent 4,000,093, issued December 28, 1976 to Nicol, et al.
  • Soil release agents characterized by poly(vinyl ester) hydrophobe segments include graft copolymers of poly(vinyl ester), e.g., C 1 -C 6 vinyl esters, preferably poly(vinyl acetate) grafted onto polyalkylene oxide backbones, such as polyethylene oxide backbones.
  • poly(vinyl ester) e.g., C 1 -C 6 vinyl esters
  • poly(vinyl acetate) grafted onto polyalkylene oxide backbones such as polyethylene oxide backbones.
  • Commercially available soil release agents of this kind include the SOKALAN type of material, e.g., SOKALAN HP-22, available from BASF (West Germany).
  • soil release agent is a copolymer having random blocks of ethylene terephthalate and polyethylene oxide (PEO) terephthalate.
  • the molecular weight of this polymeric soil release agent is in the range of from about 25,000 to 55,000. See U.S. Patent 3,959,230 to Hays, issued May 25, 1976 and U.S. Patent 3,893,929 to Basadur issued July 8, 1975.
  • Another polymeric soil release agent is a polyester with repeat units of ethylene terephthalate units containing 10-15% by weight of ethylene terephthalate units together with 90-80% by weight of polyoxyethylene terephthalate units, derived from a polyoxyethylene glycol of average molecular weight 300-5,000.
  • this polymer include the commercially available material ZELCON 5126 (from Dupont) and MILEASE T (from ICI). See also U.S. Patent 4,702,857, issued October 27, 1987 to Gosselink.
  • Another polymeric soil release agent is a sulfonated product of a substantially linear ester oligomer comprised of an oligomeric ester backbone of terephthaloyl and oxyalkyleneoxy repeat units and terminal moieties covalently attached to the backbone.
  • Suitable polymeric soil release agents include the terephthalate polyesters of U.S. Patent 4,711,730, issued December 8, 1987 to Gosselink et al, the anionic end-capped oligomeric esters of U.S. Patent 4,721,580, issued January 26, 1988 to Gosselink, and the block polyester oligomeric compounds of U.S. Patent 4,702,857, issued October 27, 1987 to Gosselink.
  • Still other polymeric soil release agents also include the soil release agents of U.S. Patent 4,877,896, issued October 31, 1989 to Maldonado et al, which discloses anionic, especially sulfoaroyl, end-capped terephthalate esters.
  • soil release agents will generally comprise from 0.01% to 10.0%, by weight, of the detergent compositions herein, typically from 0.1% to 5%, preferably from 0.2% to 3.0%.
  • compositions of the present invention can also optionally contain water-soluble ethoxylated amines having clay soil removal and antiredeposition properties.
  • Granular detergent compositions which contain such agents typically contain from 0.01% to 10.0% by weight of the water-soluble ethoxylated amines.
  • the most preferred soil release and anti-redeposition agent is ethoxylated tetraethylenepentamine. Exemplary ethoxylated amines are further described in U.S. Patent 4,597,898, VanderMeer, issued July 1, 1986.
  • Another group of preferred clay soil removal/antiredeposition agents are the cationic compounds disclosed in European Patent Application 111,965, Oh and Gosselink, published June 27, 1984.
  • Other clay soil removal/antiredeposition agents which can be used include the ethoxylated amine polymers disclosed in European Patent Application 111,984, Gosselink, published June 27, 1984; the zwitterionic polymers disclosed in European Patent Application 112,592, Gosselink, published July 4, 1984; and the amine oxides disclosed in U.S.
  • CMC carboxy methyl cellulose
  • Polymeric Dispersing Agents can advantageously be utilized at levels from 0.1% to 7%, by weight, in the compositions herein, especially in the presence of zeolite and/or layered silicate builders.
  • Suitable polymeric dispersing agents include polymeric polycarboxylates and polyethylene glycols, although others known in the art can also be used. It is believed, though it is not intended to be limited by theory, that polymeric dispersing agents enhance overall detergent builder performance, when used in combination with other builders (including lower molecular weight polycarboxylates) by crystal growth inhibition, particulate soil release peptization, and anti-redeposition.
  • Polymeric polycarboxylate materials can be prepared by polymerizing or copolymerizing suitable unsaturated monomers, preferably in their acid form.
  • Unsaturated monomeric acids that can be polymerized to form suitable polymeric polycarboxylates include acrylic acid, maleic acid (or maleic anhydride), fumaric acid, itaconic acid, aconitic acid, mesaconic acid, citraconic acid and methylenemalonic acid.
  • the presence in the polymeric polycarboxylates herein of monomeric segments, containing no carboxylate radicals such as vinylmethyl ether, styrene, ethylene, etc. is suitable provided that such segments do not constitute more than 40% by weight.
  • Particularly suitable polymeric polycarboxylates can be derived from acrylic acid.
  • acrylic acid-based polymers which are useful herein are the water-soluble salts of polymerized acrylic acid.
  • the average molecular weight of such polymers in the acid form preferably ranges from 2,000 to 10,000, more preferably from 4,000 to 7,000 and most preferably from 4,000 to 5,000.
  • Water-soluble salts of such acrylic acid polymers can include, for example, the alkali metal, ammonium and substituted ammonium salts. Soluble polymers of this type are known materials. Use of polyacrylates of this type in detergent compositions has been disclosed, for example, in Diehl, U.S. Patent 3,308,067, issued March 7, 1967.
  • Acrylic/maleic-based copolymers may also be used as a preferred component of the dispersing/antiredeposition agent.
  • Such materials include the water-soluble salts of copolymers of acrylic acid and maleic acid.
  • the average molecular weight of such copolymers in the acid form preferably ranges from 2,000 to 100,000, more preferably from 5,000 to 75,000, most preferably from 7,000 to 70,000.
  • the ratio of acrylate to maleate segments in such copolymers will generally range from 30:1 to 1:1, more preferably from 10:1 to 2:1.
  • Water-soluble salts of such acrylic acid/maleic acid copolymers can include, for example, the alkali metal, ammonium and substituted ammonium salts. Soluble acrylate/maleate copolymers of this type are known materials which are described in European Patent Application No. 66915, published December 15, 1982.
  • PEG poly-ethylene glycol
  • PEG can exhibit dispersing agent performance as well as act as a clay soil removal/antiredeposition agent.
  • Typical molecular weight ranges for these purposes range from 500 to 100,000, preferably from 1,000 to 50,000, more preferably from 1,500 to 10,000.
  • Polyaspartate and polyglutamate dispersing agents may also be used, especially in conjunction with zeolite builders.
  • Brightener Any optical brighteners or other brightening or whitening agents known in the art which do not contain copper or iron species can optionally be incorporated at levels typically from 0.05% to 1.2%, by weight, into the detergent compositions herein.
  • Commercial optical brighteners which may be useful in the present invention can be classified into subgroups which include, but are not necessarily limited to, derivatives of stilbene, pyrazoline, coumarin, carboxylic acid, methinecyanines, dibenzothiphene-5,5-dioxide, azoles, 5- and 6-membered-ring heterocycles, and other miscellaneous agents. Examples of such brighteners are disclosed in "The Production and Application of Fluorescent Brightening Agents", M. Zahradnik, Published by John Wiley & Sons, New York (1982).
  • optical brighteners which are useful in the present compositions are those identified in U.S. Patent 4,790,856, issued to Wixon on December 13, 1988. These brighteners include the PHORWHITE series of brighteners from Verona. Other brighteners disclosed in this reference include: Tinopal UNPA, Tinopal CBS and Tinopal 5BM; available from Ciba-Geigy; Arctic White CC and Artic White CWD, available from Hilton-Davis, located in Italy; the 2-(4-styryl-phenyl)-2H- naphthol[1,2-d]triazoles; 4,4'-bis- (1,2,3-triazol-2-yl)-stilbenes; 4,4'-bis(styryl)bisphenyls; and the aminocoumarins.
  • these brighteners include 4-methyl-7-diethylamino coumarin; 1,2-bis(-benzimidazol-2-yl)ethylene; 1,3-diphenylphrazolines; 2,5-bis(benzoxazol-2-yl)thiophene; 2-styryl-naphth-[1,2-d]oxazole; and 2-(stilbene-4-yl)-2H-naphtho[1,2-d]triazole. See also U.S. Patent 3,646,015, issued February 29, 1972 to Hamilton.
  • Suds Suppressors - Compounds for reducing or suppressing the formation of suds can be incorporated into the compositions of the present invention. Suds suppression can be of particular importance under conditions such as those found in European-style front loading laundry washing machines, or in the concentrated detergency process of U.S. Patents 4,489,455 and 4,489,574, or when the detergent compositions herein optionally include a relatively high sudsing adjunct surfactant.
  • suds suppressors A wide variety of materials may be used as suds suppressors, and suds suppressors are well known to those skilled in the art. See, for example, Kirk Othmer Encyclopedia of Chemical Technology, Third Edition, Volume 7, pages 430-447 (John Wiley & Sons, Inc., 1979).
  • One category of suds suppressor of particular interest encompasses monocarboxylic fatty acids and soluble salts therein. See U.S. Patent 2,954,347, issued September 27, 1960 to Wayne St. John.
  • the monocarboxylic fatty acids and salts thereof used as suds suppressor typically have hydrocarbyl chains of 10 to 24 carbon atoms, preferably 12 to 18 carbon atoms.
  • Suitable salts include the alkali metal salts such as sodium, potassium, and lithium salts, and ammonium and alkanolammonium salts.
  • the detergent compositions herein may also contain non-surfactant suds suppressors.
  • non-surfactant suds suppressors include, for example: high molecular weight hydrocarbons such as paraffin, fatty acid esters (e.g., fatty acid triglycerides), fatty acid esters of monovalent alcohols or aliphatic C 18 -C 40 ketones (e.g. stearone).
  • suds inhibitors include N-alkylated amino triazines such as tri- to hexa-alkylmelamines or di- to tetra-alkyldiamine chlortriazines formed as products of cyanuric chloride with two or three moles of a primary or secondary amine containing 1 to 24 carbon atoms, propylene oxide, and monostearyl phosphates such as monostearyl alcohol phosphate ester and monostearyl di-alkali metal (e.g. K, Na, and Li) phosphates and phosphate esters.
  • the hydrocarbons such as paraffin and haloparaffin can be utilized in liquid form.
  • the liquid hydrocarbons will be liquid at room temperature and atmospheric pressure, and will have a pour point in the range of -40°C and 5°C, and a minimum boiling point not less than 110°C (atmospheric pressure). It is also known to utilize waxy hydrocarbons, preferrably having a melting point below 100°C.
  • the hydrocarbons constitute a preferred category of suds suppressor for detergent compositions. Hydrocarbon suds suppressors are described, for example, in U.S. Patent 4,265,779, issued May 5, 1981 to Gandolfo et al.
  • the hydrocarbons thus, include aliphatic, alicyclic, aromatic, and heterocyclic saturated or unsaturated hydrocarbons having from 12 to 70 carbon atoms.
  • the term "paraffin,” as used in this suds suppressor discussion, is intended to include mixtures of true paraffins and cyclic hydrocarbons.
  • Non-surfactant suds suppressors comprises silicone suds suppressors.
  • This category includes the use of polyorganosiloxane oils, such as polydimethylsiloxane, dispersions or emulsions of polyorganosiloxane oils or resins, and combinations of polyorganosiloxane with silica particles wherein the polyorganosiloxane is chemisorbed of fused onto the silica.
  • Silicone suds suppressors are well known in the art and are, for example, disclosed in U.S. Patent 4,265,779, issued May 5, 1981 to Gandolfo et al and European Patent Application No. 89307851.9, published February 7, 1990, by Starch, M. S.
  • silicone and silanated silica are described, for instance, in German Patent Application DOS 2,124,526.
  • Silicone defoamers and suds controlling agents in granular detergent compositions are disclosed in U.S. Patent 3,933,672, Bartolotta et al, and in U.S. Patent 4,652,392, Baginski et al, issued March 24, 1987.
  • An exemplary silicone based suds suppressor for use herein is a suds suppressing amount of a suds controlling agent consisting essentially of:
  • the solvent for a continuous phase is made up of certain polyethylene glycols or polyethylene-polypropylene glycol copolymers or mixtures thereof (preferred), and not polypropylene glycol.
  • the primary silicone suds suppressor is branched/crosslinked and not linear.
  • typical laundry detergent compositions with controlled suds will optionally comprise from 0.001 to 1, preferably from 0.01 to 0.7, most preferably from 0.05 to 0.5, weight % of said silicone suds suppressor, which comprises (1) a nonaqueous emulsion of a primary antifoam agent which is a mixture of (a) a polyorganosiloxane, (b) a resinous siloxane or a silicone resin-producing silicone compound, (c) a finely divided filler material, and (d) a catalyst to promote the reaction of mixture components (a), (b) and (c), to form silanolates; (2) at least one nonionic silicone surfactant; and (3) polyethylene glycol or a copolymer of polyethylene-polypropylene glycol having a solubility in water at room temperature of more than 2 weight %; and without polypropylene glycol.
  • a primary antifoam agent which is a mixture of (a) a polyorganosiloxane, (b)
  • the silicone suds suppressor herein preferably comprises polyethylene glycol and a copolymer of polyethylene glycol/polypropylene glycol, all having an average molecular weight of less than 1,000, preferably between 100 and 800.
  • the polyethylene glycol and polyethylene/polypropylene copolymers herein have a solubility in water at room temperature of more than 2 weight %, preferably more than 5 weight %.
  • the preferred solvent herein is polyethylene glycol having an average molecular weight of less than 1,000, more preferably between 100 and 800, most preferably between 200 and 400, and a copolymer of polyethylene glycol/polypropylene glycol, preferably PPG 200/PEG 300.
  • Preferred is a weight ratio of between 1:1 and 1:10, most preferably between 1:3 and 1:6, of polyethylene glycol:copolymer of polyethylene-polypropylene glycol.
  • the preferred silicone suds suppressors used herein do not contain polypropylene glycol, particularly of 4,000 molecular weight. They also preferably do not contain block copolymers of ethylene oxide and propylene oxide, like PLURONIC L101®.
  • suds suppressors useful herein comprise the secondary alcohols (e.g., 2-alkyl alkanols) and mixtures of such alcohols with silicone oils, such as the silicones disclosed in U.S. 4,798,679, 4,075,118 and EP 150,872.
  • the secondary alcohols include the C 6 -C 16 alkyl alcohols having a C 1 -C 16 chain.
  • a preferred alcohol is 2-butyl octanol, which is available from Condea under the trademark ISOFOL 12.
  • Mixtures of secondary alcohols are available under the trademark ISALCHEM 123 from Enichem.
  • Mixed suds suppressors typically comprise mixtures of alcohol + silicone at a weight ratio of 1:5 to 5:1.
  • suds should not form to the extent that they overflow the washing machine.
  • Suds suppressors when utilized, are preferably present in a "suds suppressing amount.”
  • Suds suppressing amount is meant that the formulator of the composition can select an amount of this suds controlling agent that will sufficiently control the suds to result in a low-sudsing laundry detergent for use in automatic laundry washing machines.
  • the compositions herein will generally comprise from 0% to about 5% of suds suppressor. When utilized as suds suppressors, monocarboxylic fatty acids, and salts therein, will be present typically in amounts up to 5%, by weight, of the detergent composition.
  • fatty monocarboxylate suds suppressor is utilized.
  • Silicone suds suppressors are typically utilized in amounts up to 2.0%, by weight, of the detergent composition, although higher amounts may be used. This upper limit is practical in nature, due primarly to concern with keeping costs minimized and effectiveness of lower amounts for effectively controlling sudsing.
  • from 0.01% to 1% of silicone suds suppressor is used, more preferably from 0.25% to 0.5%.
  • these weight percentage values include any silica that may be utilized in combination with polyorganosiloxane, as well as any adjunct materials that may be utilized.
  • Monostearyl phosphate suds suppressors are generally utilized in amounts ranging from 0.1 % to 2%, by weight, of the composition. Hydrocarbon suds suppressors are typically utilized in amounts ranging from 0.01% to 5.0%, although higher levels can be used. The alcohol suds suppressors are typically used at 0.2%-3% by weight of the finished compositions.
  • compositions herein can also be used with a variety of other adjunct ingredients which provide still other benefits in various compositions within the scope of this invention.
  • the following illustrates a variety of such adjunct ingredients, but is not intended to be limiting therein.
  • Fabric Softeners Various through-the-wash fabric softeners, especially the impalpable smectite clays of U.S. Patent 4,062,647, Storm and Nirschl, issued December 13, 1977, as well as other softener clays known in the art, can optionally be used typically at levels of from 0.5% to 10% by weight in the present compositions to provide fabric softener benefits concurrently with fabric cleaning.
  • Clay softeners can be used in combination with amine and cationic softeners, as disclosed, for example, in U.S. Patent 4,375,416, Crisp et al March 1, 1983 and U.S. Patent 4,291,071, Harris et al, issued September 22, 1981.
  • Mixtures of cellulase enzymes (e.g., CAREZYME®, Novo) and clays are also useful as high-performance fabric softeners.
  • Various cationic materials can be added to enhance static control.
  • compositions herein A wide variety of other ingredients useful in detergent compositions can be included in the compositions herein, including other active ingredients, carriers, hydrotropes, processing aids, dyes or pigments, etc.
  • suds boosters such as the C 10 -C 16 alkanolamides can be incorporated into the compositions, typically at 1%-10% levels.
  • the C 10 -C 14 monoethanol and diethanol amides illustrate a typical class of such suds boosters.
  • Use of such suds boosters with high sudsing adjunct surfactants such as the amine oxides, betaines and sultaines noted above is also advantageous.
  • soluble magnesium salts such as MgCl 2 , MgSO 4 , and the like, can be added at levels of, typically, 0.1%-2%, to provide additional sudsing and/or product stability, as noted hereinafter.
  • detersive ingredients employed in the present compositions optionally can be further stabilized by absorbing said ingredients onto a porous hydrophobic substrate, then coating said substrate with a hydrophobic coating.
  • the detersive ingredient is admixed with a surfactant before being absorbed into the porous substrate.
  • the detersive ingredient is released from the substrate into the aqueous washing liquor, where it performs its intended detersive function.
  • a porous hydrophobic silica (trademark SIPERNAT D10, Degussa) is admixed with a proteolytic enzyme solution containing 3%-5% of C 13-15 ethoxylated alcohol EO(7) nonionic surfactant.
  • the enzyme/surfactant solution is 2.5 X the weight of silica.
  • the resulting powder is dispersed with stirring in silicone oil (various silicone oil viscosities in the range of 500-12,500 can be used).
  • silicone oil various silicone oil viscosities in the range of 500-12,500 can be used.
  • the resulting silicone oil dispersion is emulsified or otherwise added to the final detergent matrix.
  • ingredients such as the aforementioned enzymes, bleaches, bleach activators, bleach catalysts, photoactivators, dyes, fluorescers, fabric conditioners and hydrolyzable surfactants can be "protected” for use in detergents, including liquid laundry detergent compositions.
  • particle (a) for use in granular detergent compositions according to the present invention.
  • particles [b] and [c] can be prepared by conventional grinding or agglomerating processes.
  • Current commercial practice in the field involves mixing the various ingredients in an aqueous medium (the so-called “crutcher” mix) followed by passage through a heated spray-drying tower to produce granular particles, such as (a), which often have a density less than 550 g/l. If such low density particles are desired, spray-drying is an acceptable means for their preparation.
  • the resulting spray-dried particles can be further densified such as by using the means and equipment described hereinafter.
  • the formulator can eliminate spray-drying by using mixing, densifying and granulating equipment that is commercially available. The following is a nonlimiting description of such equipment suitable for use herein.
  • High speed mixer/densifiers can be used in the present process to prepare high density particles.
  • the device marketed under the trademark "Lödige CB30" Recycler comprises a static cylindrical mixing drum having a central rotating shaft with mixing/cutting blades mounted thereon.
  • the ingredients for the overall detergent composition are introduced into the drum and the shaft/blade assembly is rotated at speeds in the range of 100-2500 rpm to provide thorough mixing/densification.
  • Other such apparatus includes the devices marketed under the trademark “Shugi Granulator” and under the trademark “Drais K-TTP 80).
  • a processing step involving further densification can be conducted.
  • Equipment such as that marketed under the trademark “Lödige KM600 Mixer”, also known as the “Lödige Ploughshare” can be used. Such equipment is typically operated at 40-160 rpm. Other useful equipment includes the device which is available under the trademark "Drais K-T 160".
  • the Lödige CB or KM type equipment can be used by itself or sequentially, e.g., by using the CB for paste dispersion and the KM for agglomeration. Batch or continuous feed can be employed.
  • particle (a) of this invention can be prepared using a fluidized bed mixer.
  • the various ingredients are combined in an aqueous slurry and sprayed into a fluidized bed of particles comprising, for example, particles of a zeolite or layered silicate or carbonate builder to provide the particles (a).
  • the slurry can be sprayed into a fluidized bed of zeolite or layered silicate particles, plus particles of a surfactant.
  • the first step may optionally include mixing of the slurry using a "Lödige CB30" or "Flexomix 160", available from Shugi.
  • Fluidized bed or moving beds of the type available under the trademark "Escher Wyss can be used in such processes.
  • Other types of granules manufacturing apparatus useful herein include the apparatus disclosed in U.S. Patent 2,306,898, to G. L. Heller, December 29, 1942.
  • particles (a) are combined with percarbonate particles (b) and sulfate particles (c), conveniently by dry-blending. Any adjunct agents, perfumes, etc., can be admixed or sprayed onto the mixture of the three types of particles.
  • the final density of the particles and compositions herein can be measured by a variety of simple techniques, which typically involve dispensing a quantity of the granular material into a container of known volume, measuring the weight of material and reporting the density as grams/liter. Methods used herein allow the material to flow into the measuring container under gravity, and without pressure or other compaction in the measuring container.
  • the density measurements should be run at room temperature.
  • the granular material whose density is being measured should be at least 24 hours old and should be held at room temperature for 24 hours prior to testing.
  • the relative humidity is not particularly critical, but should not be so high that the particles stick together. A relative humidity of 50% or less is convenient. Of course, any clumps in the material should be gently broken up prior to running the test.
  • the sample of material is allowed to flow through a funnel mounted on a filling hopper and stand (#150; Seedburo Equipment Company, Chicago, Illinois) into an Ohaus cup of known volume and weight (#104; Seedburo).
  • the top of the cup is positioned about 50 mm from the bottom of the funnel, and the cup is filled to overflowing.
  • a spatula or other straight edge is then scraped over the top of the cup, without vibration or tapping, to level the material, thereby exactly and entirely filling the cup.
  • the weight of material in the cup is then measured. Density can be reported as g/l or ounces/cubic inch. Repeat runs are made and reported as an average. Relative error is about 0.4%.
  • the detergent compositions herein will preferably be formulated such that, during use in aqueous cleaning operations, the wash water will have a pH of between 6.5 and 11, preferably between 7.5 and 10.5.
  • Techniques for controlling pH at recommended usage levels include the use of buffers, alkalis or acids, and are well known to those skilled in the art.
  • compositions exhibit acceptable stability of the percarbonate, i.e., typically less than about 15% decomposition, as measured in a simple storage test (28°C, sealed bottle, 6-weeks' storage).
  • the stabilization benefits of the silicate are further improved by the addition of soluble magnesium salts such as Mg Cl 2 or Mg SO 4 to the spray-dried particles (a), conveniently in the crutcher mix. While not intending to be limited by theory, it is hypothesized that the Mg/silicate colloids which form in the crutcher would strongly scavenge heavy metal cations. Magnesium:silicate ratios as low as 0.2:3.0 are effective.
  • Moisture in the foregoing compositions can be measured by any conventional means.
  • moisture is measured as moisture loss on heating.
  • a 2 gram sample of particles is loaded onto the weighing pan of a PM400 Mettler balance fitted with an LP16 infrared heater. The sample is heated at 160°C for 20 minutes. The moisture level is displayed as a function of percent weight loss.
  • the dispensing properties of the foregoing granules can be measured as follows.

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EP93309961A 1993-12-10 1993-12-10 Percarbonate detergent compositions Expired - Lifetime EP0657528B1 (en)

Priority Applications (9)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
DE69328105T DE69328105T2 (de) 1993-12-10 1993-12-10 Percarbonathaltige Waschmittelzusammensetzungen
AT93309961T ATE190646T1 (de) 1993-12-10 1993-12-10 Percarbonathaltige waschmittelzusammensetzungen
EP93309961A EP0657528B1 (en) 1993-12-10 1993-12-10 Percarbonate detergent compositions
ES93309961T ES2142851T3 (es) 1993-12-10 1993-12-10 Composiciones detergentes de percarbonato.
PCT/US1994/013700 WO1995016018A1 (en) 1993-12-10 1994-12-01 Percarbonate detergent compositions
JP7516227A JP2898095B2 (ja) 1993-12-10 1994-12-01 ペルカーボネート洗剤組成物
CA002177676A CA2177676C (en) 1993-12-10 1994-12-01 Percarbonate detergent compositions
US08/648,112 US5773400A (en) 1993-12-10 1994-12-01 Nil-phosphate granular detergent compositions which contain percarbonate and sulfate particles
CN94194955A CN1071785C (zh) 1993-12-10 1994-12-01 过碳酸盐洗涤剂组合物

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EP93309961A EP0657528B1 (en) 1993-12-10 1993-12-10 Percarbonate detergent compositions

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EP0657528A1 EP0657528A1 (en) 1995-06-14
EP0657528B1 true EP0657528B1 (en) 2000-03-15

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Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP93309961A Expired - Lifetime EP0657528B1 (en) 1993-12-10 1993-12-10 Percarbonate detergent compositions

Country Status (8)

Country Link
EP (1) EP0657528B1 (es)
JP (1) JP2898095B2 (es)
CN (1) CN1071785C (es)
AT (1) ATE190646T1 (es)
CA (1) CA2177676C (es)
DE (1) DE69328105T2 (es)
ES (1) ES2142851T3 (es)
WO (1) WO1995016018A1 (es)

Families Citing this family (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP0781320B2 (en) * 1994-09-13 2013-10-16 Kao Corporation Washing method
US6551983B1 (en) 1998-11-07 2003-04-22 The Procter & Gamble Company Bleach-containing detergent composition
GB2343457A (en) * 1998-11-07 2000-05-10 Procter & Gamble Bleach containing detergent composition
US7323955B2 (en) 2005-06-06 2008-01-29 The United States Of America As Represented By The Secretary Of The Navy Narrow-band absorptive bandstop filter with multiple signal paths

Family Cites Families (9)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
JPS49128887A (es) * 1973-04-17 1974-12-10
JPS5315717B2 (es) * 1973-12-20 1978-05-26
US3997692A (en) * 1974-09-16 1976-12-14 Lever Brothers Company Process of coating calcium sulfate dihydrate detergent filler particles
GB2123044B (en) * 1982-06-10 1986-02-05 Kao Corp Bleaching detergent composition
JPS61117104A (ja) * 1984-11-12 1986-06-04 Nippon Gosei Senzai Kk 安定化された過炭酸ソ−ダ組成物
JPS63199796A (ja) * 1987-02-16 1988-08-18 花王株式会社 高密度粒状洗剤組成物
JPH0832916B2 (ja) * 1987-09-26 1996-03-29 ライオン株式会社 漂白性洗剤組成物
GB9007999D0 (en) * 1990-04-09 1990-06-06 Unilever Plc Particulate bleaching detergent composition
GB9021761D0 (en) * 1990-10-06 1990-11-21 Procter & Gamble Detergent compositions

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
CN1071785C (zh) 2001-09-26
ES2142851T3 (es) 2000-05-01
ATE190646T1 (de) 2000-04-15
CN1142849A (zh) 1997-02-12
JP2898095B2 (ja) 1999-05-31
EP0657528A1 (en) 1995-06-14
JPH09508650A (ja) 1997-09-02
DE69328105T2 (de) 2000-11-09
CA2177676C (en) 2001-01-02
DE69328105D1 (de) 2000-04-20
WO1995016018A1 (en) 1995-06-15
CA2177676A1 (en) 1995-06-15

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