GB1580330A - Detergent composition with antiredeposition properties - Google Patents

Description

(54) DETERGENT COMPOSITION WITH ANTIREDEPOSITION PROPERTIES (71) We, THE DOW CHEMICAL COMPANY, a Corporation organised and existing under the laws of the State of Delaware, United States of America, of Midland, County of Midland, State of Michigan, United States of America, do hereby declare the invention, for which we pray that a patent may be granted to us, and the method by which it is to be performed, to be particularly described in and by the following statement:- The present invention relates to detergent compositions for washing synthetic textile fabrics.

It is known to use cellulosic polymers such as carboxymethylcellulose in detergent formulations to inhibit redeposition of soil on the fabrics being washed.

Combinations of carboxymethylcellulose and a methylhydroxyalkylcellulose have been used for the purpose of conventional phosphate-detergent compositions such as those described in U.S. Patents 2,886,533 and 3,523,088, also in German Patent Applications 2,138,731 and 2,340,161. U.S. Patent 3,928,213 discloses a fabric softener composition that includes an alkylcellulose or hydroxyalkyl alkyl cellulose and a nonionic surfactant.

Carboxymethylcellulose, while an effective redeposition inhibitor for cotton fabrics, is less effective with synthetic fabrics, particularly polyester. Also, in recent years the use of phosphate builders such as sodium tripolyphosphate in detergent formulations has been minimized or avoided in order to reduce the concentrations of phosphate in waste water. A common replacement for the phosphate component in detergent formulations has been sodium carbonate or a mixture of sodium carbonate and sodium bicarbonate. Sodium nitrilotriacetate and sodium ethylenediaminetetraacetate have also been used as detergency builders. Generally, the detergency of carbonate formulations is significantly poorer than that of corresponding high phosphate formulations, especially with synthetic fabrics.

The deficiencies of the prior art compositions have been substantially overcome by the present invention, which is a detergent composition for washing a synthetic textile fabric, which composition comprises: (a) from 7 to 70 percent by weight of a nonionic surfactant (as hereinafter defined); (b) from 5 to 30 percent by weight of sodium silicate having an SiO2/Na2O ratio of from 2 to 3/1; (c) from 0 to 80 percent by weight of a builder salt other than sodium silicate; and (d) from 0.05 to 5 percent by weight, preferably 0.3 to 2 percent by weight, of a hydroxybutyl methylcellulose having a DS (as hereinafter defined) of 1.5-2.5 methoxyl groups, an MS (as hereinafter defined) of 0.01--0.8 hydroxybutyl groups, and a viscosity of 10400 cps in 2 percent aqueous solution at 200 C, the percentage of each of the components in the composition being based on the dry weight of the total composition. Unless otherwise specified, the percentages in the following description are by weight. Such a composition provides, in addition to the antisoil activity, unusually good detergency and excellent antiredeposition effect.

This new detergent composition is particularly advantageous in washing polyester and other synthetic fabrics.

As used herein the terms "DS" and "MS" refer to the amounts of substitution on each anhydroglucose unit in the cellulose molecule.

DS means the degree of substitution of the three hydroxyl groups on each anhydroglucose unit, to form methyl ether groups in the present case, and is an average number. For example, in the hydroxybutyl methylcellulose used in the composition of this invention an average of 1.5-2.5 of the hydroxyl groups per anhydroglucose unit have been etherified to form methoxyl substituents. The best results are usually obtained when DS = 1.8-2.3.

MS means the average moles of reactant, in this case butylene oxide, combined with free hydroxyl groups per anhydroglucose unit. Since the butylene oxide reaction product itself has a reactive hydroxyl group which can react further to form a butylenoxy chain, the value of MS reflects a sum of butylenoxy units present both as single hydroxybutyl and butylenoxyhydroxybutyl substituents for each anhydroglucose moiety. As noted above, MS can range as high as 0.8 and is preferably 0.01--0.6 for this hydroxybutyl methylcellulose. Generally, best results are obtained with hydroxybutyl methylcellulose wherein the MS and DS values are both moderate, instead of where one is higher and the other low. For example, a hydroxybutyl methylcellulose having a DS of 1.5 and MS of 0.4 can give good results comparable to those obtained with DS of 2 and MS of 0.01.

Thehydroxybutyl methyicellufose useful in this new detergent composition is of relatively low molecular weight. This property is most readily defined by measuring the viscosity of an aqueous solution. Best results are obtained when the viscosity is in the range of 2(F-200 cps in 2 percent aqueous solution at 200 C.

Hydroxybutyl methylcellulose can be made by conventional means such as described in Savage, U.S. Patent 2,835,666.

A liquid formulation can contain as much as 70 percent nonionic surfactant based on the total active ingredients. Dry formulations preferably contain 7-30 percent of this component. By "nonionic surfactant", as used herein, we mean compounds produced by the condensation of ethylene oxide with an active hydrogen or hydroxyl group in an organic hydrophobic compound which can be aliphatic or alkyl-substituted aromatic in nature. The length of the hydrophilic polyoxyethylene alcohol radical thereby formed on the hydrophobic and lipophilic nucleus can be readily adjusted to yield a water-soluble compound having the desired hydrophilic-lipophilic balance (HLB). Substantially any such substance which has the required stability under relatively high pH laundry conditions and good detergent properties is useful in the present invention.An HLB value in the approximate range of 12-16 is preferred for best activity as a detergent.

The nonionic surfactant is preferably any one or a mixture of two or more of the commonly available higher alkyl monoethers of polyethylene glycol and the corresponding higher alkylphenyl monoethers. These surfactants are the condensation products of 5-20 moles of ethylene oxide with a mole of alkanol containing 8-22 carbon atoms, or with a mole of alkylphenol wherein the alkyl group contains 8-18 carbon atoms. Some examples of the commercially available compounds of this type are the products of condensation of octyl alcohol with six moles of ethylene oxide, dodecyl alcohol with thirteen moles of ethylene oxide, dodecyl alcohol with ten moles of ethylene oxide, nonylphenol with ten moles of ethylene oxide, and octylphenol with nine moles of ethylene oxide.

The surfactant can also be the condensation product of a higher alkanoic acid amide having 8-20 carbon atoms with 6-20 moles of ethylene oxide, the amount of oxide being roughly proportional to the molecular weight of the acid. Examples of this class include stearamide + 15 EO, lauramide + 12 EO and caprylamide + 10 EO.

Another well-known type of nonionic surfactant useful in this invention is the condensation product of ethylene oxide with polypropylene glycol, for example, in the form of block copolymers. Liquid products of this kind made by condensing up to about an equal weight of ethylene oxide with a propylene glycol of 15002000 molecular weight have good detergent values.

The detergent composition may further comprise a builder salt, that is in an amount of up to 80 percent. A liquid formulation may contain no builder component whereas a dry composition can contain 8-80 percent builder, and preferably from 25 percent to 60 percent of builder is used, depending on the kind of builder, the type of formulation and its application. Any of the commonly used organic or inorganic builder salts can be used effectively. These are water-soluble salts, usually alkali metal salts, and in practice sodium salts are the standard choice.

Among such salts are the phosphates, which term is used to include orthophosphates, pyrophosphates, polyphosphates, and phosphonates. A phosphate builder is preferably used in a proportion of 15d0 percent of the dry detergent composition, most preferably 2040 percent when it is the principal builder present. Other effective builders are amine polyacetates such as ethylenediaminetetraacetate and nitrilotriacetate. These can be used in a proporation of 8 percent to 50 percent, preferably 20--30 percent of the dry composition.

Of particular interest in the present invention are carbonate builders, partially because of limitations put in recent years on the use of phosphates and amine polyacetates, but also because of unexpectedly good detergency found when these builders are used with this nonionic surfactant-cellulose ether combination. A sodium carbonate component can be Na2CO3 alone or it may be a mixture of Na2CO3 and NaHCO3 in order to hold the pH of the wash solution below the level provided by Na2CO3 only. An equimolar mixture of carbonate and bicarbonate (sodium sesquicarbonate) is suitable for most applications. The total quantity of carbonate is adjusted within the defined limits according to the hardness of the local water. Usually 5060 percent of carbonate is employed based on the weight of dry formulation unless the water is relatively soft.

Water-soluble silicates are useful auxiliary builders used in combination with any of the above. Sodium silicate is a component of the composition of the invention, and is preferably in an amount of 5-15 percent of the whole.

An optional component of the formulation is sodium sulfate (Na2SO4) present in an amount of 5w0 weight percent. Best results are usually obtained when sodium sulfate is present in a proportion of 5-15 percent by weight of total formulation on a dry basis or up to 30 percent when the formulation is to be spray dried. Sodium chloride is an inert impurity often present in minor amount.

In one preferred embodiment, the composition comprises 20 percent by weight of the condensation product of from 5 to 20 moles of ethylene oxide with each 1 mole of an alkanol containing from 8 to 22 carbon atoms, 60 percent of an approximately equimolar mixture of Na2CO3 and NaHCO3, 10 percent of sodium silicate having a ratio of SiO2/Na2O of 2-3/1, 0.2-2 percent of a hydroxybutyl methylcellulose having a DS of 1.8-2.3 and an MS of 0.01--0.6, and 10 percent of Na2SO In another preferred embodiment, the composition comprises:: (a) from 1--30 percent of at least one nonionic surfactant which is an alkyl monoether of a polyethylene glycol having from 5-20 alkylene oxide units, which alkyl group contains from 8-22 carbon atoms, an alkylphenyl monoether of said polyethylene glycol wherein the alkyl group contains from 8-18 carbon atoms, or the condensation product of an alkanoic acid amide having from 8-20 carbon atoms with 6-20 moles of ethylene oxide, (b) from 5-30 percent of sodium silicate having an SiO/Na2O ratio of 2-3/1, (c) from 2080 percent of a sodium carbonate component, and (d) from 0.05-5 percent based on the dry weight of the total composition of the hydroxybutyl methylcellulose component.

In another preferred embodiment, the composition comprises about 20 percent by weight of an alkyl monoethyer of a polyethylene glycol having from 5-20 alkylene oxide units, which alkyl group contains from 8-22 carbon atoms, about 60 percent of an approximately equimolar mixture of Na2CO3 and NaHCO3, about 10 percent of sodium silicate having a ratio of SiO2/Na2O of 2-3/1, 0.2-2 percent of a hydroxybutyl methylcellulose having a DS of 1.5-2.5, preferably 1.8-2.3, and an MS of 0.01--0.8, preferably 0.010.6, and about 10 percent of Na2SO4.

A principal advantage of this new detergent composition is its characteristic property of imparting to a synthetic textile fiber or fabric a resistance to soiling when that fiber or fabric is contacted with an aqueous solution of the composition.

Only the basic combination of nonionic surfactant with the hydroxybutyl methylcellulose is necessary in the solution to produce the antisoil effect on the contacted textile fibers. The maximum initial antisoil activity is obtained when the textile material is prewashed with either this basic solution or with a solution of the full detergent formulation before use, although conventional washing using this composition after soiling also builds up and maintains a high resistance to soiling after repeated washings so that the material stays cleaner between washes.

The new detergent composition is advantageously used on synthetic textiles such as polyesters, polyamides, polyacrylates, and blends thereof. It is particularly useful for washing polyester fabrics.

Compositions within the present invention were prepared and tested according to the following procedure. The results were compared to those obtained by the same procedure using somewhat similar known detergent compositions.

The detergency measurement was made in a soil accumulation test in which swatches of fabric 5 in. x 5 in, (12.7 cm. x 12.7 cm.) were subjected to multiple soiling-washing cycles. Antiredisposition was measured on unsoiled swatches of the same fabric put in the wash water during washing. Measurements were by reflectance. The detailed procedure was as follows: (1) A standard soil slurry was prepared by dispersing 16 g. of < 270 mesh representative vacuum cleaner household dirt in 3 liters of deionized water.

(2) Eight swatches of fabric were added to 3 liters of the soil slurry and the slurry was shaken on a mechanical shaker for one hour.

(3) The swatches were removed and dipped twice into warm tap water to remove loose soil, excess water was squeezed out, the wet swatches were blotted on clean paper towels and dried in a forced air oven at 550C.

(4) The dried swatches were immersed in 2 percent artificial sebum (4:1 lanolin oleic acid) solution in perchloroethylene, excess solution was squeezed out, and the wet swatches were partially air-dried in a hood, then drying was completed in a forced air oven at 550C.

(5) Swatches soiled as described above and clean swatches of the same material were washed together in a liter of 0.2 percent solution of detergent composition in water (150 ppm hardness) for ten minutes at 480C in a test washing machine.

(6) The washed swatches were flooded and squeezed out twice with deionized water, then washed in the washing machine for five minutes with a liter of water (150 ppm hardness) at room temperature. The swatches were removed from the rinse water, excess water was squeezed out, and they were dried at about 55"C in a tumble drier.

(7) Reflectance of the dry swatches was determined using a commercial model reflectometer.

Solutions containing 0.2 percent by weight of total detergent composition were made up as follows for test and comparison purposes: AATCC Standard Phosphate Formulation 0.028% linear dodecylbenzenesulfonate, Na salt 0.0046% higher linear alkyl monoether of polyethylene glycol 0.005% high molecular weight soap 0.096% Na tripolyphosphate 0.0194% Na silicate (SiO2/Na2O = 2.0) 0.0308% Na2So4 0.0005% sodium carboxymethylcellulose 0.0157% inerts and moisture balance 150 ppm hardness water Carbonate-built Formulation 0.04% nonionic surfactant 0.053% NaHCO3 0.067% Na2CO3 0.02% Na silicate (SiO2/Na2O = 2.4/1) 0.018% Na2SO4 0.002% hydroxybutyl methylcellulose (or Na2SO4 for a blank) Examples 1--10.

Using the standard phosphate formulation and the carbonate formulation listed above with no cellulosic polymer additive and the carbonate formulation containing 0.002 percent of a hydroxybutyl methylcellulose with DS, MS, and viscosity values as shown, swatches of doubleknit polyester fabric were subjected to three wash cycles for determination of antiredeposition and detergency as previously described. The nonionic surfactant was the condensation product of a Cs6 (average) linear alkanol with about 9 moles of ethylene oxide.

TABLE 1.

Hydroxybutyl Methyl Cellulose Reflectance** Example No. DS(MeO) MS(HB) Visc.* Antiredep. Detergency 1.52 0.46 22 -0.2(76.9)3.3 7.1(52.4)9.5 2 1.59 0.18 49 0.1(78.4)2.8 10.0(55.0)12.4 3 1.73 0.14 34 0.1(78.4)3.1 10.0(55.0)8.4 4 1.85 0.07 20 -1.0(79.9)0.5 11.3(54.2)9.4 5 1.88 0.09 67 -1.0(77.3)3.0 5.1(49.1)12.1 6 1.94 0.05 22 -1.0(79.9)0.7 11.3(54.2)13.5 7 2.04 0.01 104 -1.8(79.0)1.9 1.7(51.9)13.0 8 2.04 0.01 202 -0.1(77.3)3.5 7.4(47.7)18.5 9 2.17 0.01 106 -1.8(79.0)1.3 1.7(51.9)6.3 10 2.17 0.05 26 -1.0(79.9)1.4 11.3(54.2)15.6 * viscosity in cps of 2% water solution at 20"C Footnotes to Table I (Cont'd.).

** The reference values are relative to blanks run with the carbonate formulation containing no cellulosic polymer. In each column, the carbonate blank reading is in parentheses and the figures to the left and right of the blank represent the differences between the blank and the phosphate formulation result and between the blank and the carbonate-cellulosic polymer formulation result, respectively. Thus in Example 1, the average reflectances of the antiredeposition tests using phosphate, blank carbonate, and carbonate+polymer respectively were 76.7, 76.9, and 80.2.

Example 11.

According to the procedure of Example 1--10, swatches of doubleknit polyester cloth were subjected to three wash cycles using as wash solutions the standard phosphate solution, a blank carbonate solution containing no cellulosic polymer and made up with a lower concentration of the same nonionic surfactant, the carbonate solution with added 0.002 percent sodium carboxymethylcellulose, and the carbonate solution with added 0.002 percent HBMC (1.88 DS methoxyl, 0.09 MS hydroxybutyl, 2 percent viscosity=67 cps). The blank carbonate solution was as shown above but contained 0.024 percent nonionic surfactant and 0.034 percent Na2SO4.

Average reflectances (2 replicates of each) of the washed swatches were as follows: TABLE II.

Reflectance Wash Solution Antiredepositlon Detergency AATCC Phosphate 76.4 51.8 Carbonate blank 76.1 42.5 Carbonate + CMC 75.5 40.5 Carbonate + HBMC 79.6 60.0 Examples 12-14.

As described in Examples 1-1 0, swatches of polyester doubleknit fabric were subjected to three soiling-washing cycles for detergency effect using the blank carbonate formulation for one set of swatches and the carbonate formulation containing 0.002 percent of a hydroxybutyl methylcellulose of DS 1.88, MS 0.09, and 2 percent viscosity 67 cps. The reflectances were measured before and after each cycle. The procedure was repeated twice as a check on accuracy. The average reflectances found are listed in Table III.

TABLE III Reflectance Example No. Stage Blank withHBMC 12 cycle 1 clean fabric 81 81 soiled 50.9 50.5 washed 70.5 t2.2 cycle 2 soiled 31.8 34.5 washed 54.0 66.0 cycle 3 soiled 24.3 35.2 washed 42.3 60.6 13 cycled clean fabric 81 81 soiled 51.0 51.3 washed 73.1 73.4 cycle 2 soiled 35.5 39.0 washed 61.7 67.4 cycle 3 soiled 29.0 38.6 washed 51.9 67.4 14 cycle 1 clean fabric 81 81 soiled 50.3 49.2 washed 72.9 73.2 cycle 2 soiled 33.4 39.0 washed 60.5 69.4 cycle 3 soiled 26.1 39.1 washed 47.7 66.7 It is seen from the above figures that the values from each cycle were reasonably reproducible. The results also show consistently that the swatches washed with the cellulosic polymer are more resistant to soiling.Particularly, in each third cycle, these test swatches pick up less soil when deliberately soiled and are washed cleaner to the point where the reflectance of the washed swatches seem to be approaching a constant level as compared to the steadily deteriorating values for the blank swatches.

Examples 15-18.

Swatches of polyester doubleknit fabric were washed according to the threecycle procedure of Examples l--l0'using various concentrations of a hydroxybutyl methylcellulose (DS = 2.00, MS = 0.05, 2 percent viscosity = 100 cps) in a carbonate-nonionic surfactant formulation. A quantity of 2 grams of formulation was dissolved in a liter of 150 ppm hardness water in each case. The formulation had the following composition: 20% by weight nonionic surfactant (same as used in Examples 1-10) 60% NaHCO3.Na2Co3 10% Na silicate (SiO2/Na2O = 2.4/1) 01% hydroxybutyl cellulose l9% Na2SO4 The reflectance values listed in Table IV are those observed after the third wash cycle.

TABLE IV.

Reflectance Example HBMC No. wt.% Antiredeposition Detergency blank 0 81.6 53.2 19 0.1 85.4 56.7 20 0.3 86.2 64.5 21 0.5 86.0 66.1 22 1.0 85.7 67.0 Example 19.

Swatches of two types of polyester and nylon were prewashed in detergent solutions listed below before soiling with dirty motor oil and washing to determine relative antisoiling effects according to the following procedure.

(1) One swatch each of polyester doubleknit, spun polyester, and nylon 66 were prewashed for 10 minutes at 480 C.

(2) The washed swatches were squeezed to remove excess solution and then rinsed in 250 ml deionized water for two minutes.

(3) The rinsed swatches were squeezed and dried at about 55"C in a tumble drier.

(4) The dry swatches were each soiled with 3 drops of dirty motor oil and allowed to stand for 2 hours.

(5) Reflectances of the soiled swatches were measured with a reflectometer.

(6) The combined swatches were washed in one liter of 0.11 percent solution of a commercial laundry detergent for 20 minutes at 500C, rinsed, and dried as above and reflectances were measured.

The following detergent solutions were made up in 90 ppm hardness water to contain, based on the weight of the solution, 0.04 percent surfactant, 0.07 percent Na tripolyphosphate, 0.02 percent Na silicate (SiO2/Na2O = 2.4/1), Na2SO4 as noted, and, when used, 0.002 percent antisoilant.

TABLE VI.

Test No. Surfactant %Na2SO4 Antisoilant Nonionice 0.07 none 2 ,, 0.068 CMC' 3 " 0.068 HBMC-Ab 4 " 0.068 HBMC-Bc 5 LASd 0.07 none 6 ,, 0.068 CMC' 7 " 0.068 HBMC-Ab 8 " 0.068 HBMC-Bc carboxymethylcellulose, 0.7 DS sodium carboxymethyl.

bhydroxybutyl methylcellulose, 2.08 DS CH3O, 0.07 MS hydroxybutyl, 74 cps (2 percent solution).

chydroxybutyl methylcellulose, 1.53 DS CH3O, 0.1 MS hydroxybutyl, 29.5 cps (2 percent solution).

dlinear dodecylbenzene sulfonate, Na salt.

'condensation product of a C15 linear alkanol with about 9 moles of ethylene oxide.

Reflectance readings are reported in Table VII as A Reflectance = Reflectance washed-Reflectance soiled. The results show clearly the strong antisoil effect obtained by the combination of nonionic surfactant with the hydroxybutylated methyl cellulose, particularly that with the higher DS value.

TABLE VII.

LAS Solution Nonionice Solution Antisoilant Doubleknit Spun nylon Doubleknit Spun nylon none -0.5 0 2.5 -0.6 -0.4 1.8 CMC -0.6 1.0 4.2 -0.1 0 3.4 HBMC-A 2.2 1.9 5.8 16.5 24.6 11.4 HBMC-B 2.3 1.0 6.8 2.9 5.5 7.8 WHAT WE CLAIM IS: 1. A detergent composition for washing a synthetic textile fabric, which composition comprises: (a) from 7 to 70 percent by weight of a nonionic surfactant (as hereinbefore.

defined);

**WARNING** end of DESC field may overlap start of CLMS **.

Claims (21)

1. **WARNING** start of CLMS field may overlap end of DESC **.

   contain, based on the weight of the solution, 0.04 percent surfactant, 0.07 percent Na tripolyphosphate, 0.02 percent Na silicate (SiO2/Na2O = 2.4/1), Na2SO4 as noted, and, when used, 0.002 percent antisoilant.

   TABLE VI.

   Test No. Surfactant %Na2SO4 Antisoilant Nonionice 0.07 none

   2 ,, 0.068 CMC'

   3 " 0.068 HBMC-Ab

   4 " 0.068 HBMC-Bc

   5 LASd 0.07 none

   6 ,, 0.068 CMC'

   7 " 0.068 HBMC-Ab

   8 " 0.068 HBMC-Bc carboxymethylcellulose, 0.7 DS sodium carboxymethyl.

   bhydroxybutyl methylcellulose, 2.08 DS CH3O, 0.07 MS hydroxybutyl, 74 cps (2 percent solution).

   chydroxybutyl methylcellulose, 1.53 DS CH3O, 0.1 MS hydroxybutyl, 29.5 cps (2 percent solution).

   dlinear dodecylbenzene sulfonate, Na salt.

   'condensation product of a C15 linear alkanol with about 9 moles of ethylene oxide.

   Reflectance readings are reported in Table VII as A Reflectance = Reflectance washed-Reflectance soiled. The results show clearly the strong antisoil effect obtained by the combination of nonionic surfactant with the hydroxybutylated methyl cellulose, particularly that with the higher DS value.

   TABLE VII.

   LAS Solution Nonionice Solution Antisoilant Doubleknit Spun nylon Doubleknit Spun nylon none -0.5 0 2.5 -0.6 -0.4 1.8 CMC -0.6 1.0 4.2 -0.1 0 3.4 HBMC-A 2.2 1.9 5.8 16.5 24.6 11.4 HBMC-B 2.3 1.0 6.8 2.9 5.5 7.8 WHAT WE CLAIM IS: 1. A detergent composition for washing a synthetic textile fabric, which composition comprises: (a) from 7 to 70 percent by weight of a nonionic surfactant (as hereinbefore.

   defined);

   (b) from 5 to 30 percent by weight of sodium silicate having an SiO2/Na2O ratio of from 2 to 3/1; (c) from 0 to 80 percent by weight of a builder salt other than sodium silicate; and (d) from 0.05 to 5 percent by weight of a hydroxybutyl methylcellulose having a DS (as hereinbefore defined) of 1.5-2.5 methoxyl groups, an MS (as hereinbefore defined) of 0.010.8 hydroxybutyl groups, and a viscosity of 10400 cps in 2 the percent aqueous solution at 200 C, the percentage of each of the components in the composition being based on the dry weight of the total composition.
2. 2. A composition as claimed in claim 1, in which the nonionic surfactant is selected from the condensation product of from 5 to 20 moles of ethylene oxide with each 1 mole of an alkanol containing from 8 to 22 carbon atoms, the condensation product of from 5 to 20 moles of ethylene oxide with each 1 mole of an alkylphenol in which the alkyl group contains from 8 to 18 carbon atoms, the condensation product of from 6 to 20 moles of ethylene oxide with each 1 mole of an alkanoic acid amide having from 8 to 20 carbon atoms, the condensation product of ethylene oxide with polypropylene glycol, and mixtures of two or more thereof.
3. 3. A composition as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the builder is a sodium phosphate present in a quantity of 2560 weight percent.
4. 4. A composition as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the builder is sodium nitrilotriacetate present in a quantity of 8-50 weight percent.
5. 5. The composition as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the builder is a sodium carbonate present in a quantity of 2080 weight percent.
6. 6. A composition as claimed in claim S wherein the sodium carbonate is a mixture of Na2CO3 and NaHCO3.
7. 7. A composition as claimed in any one of the preceding claims which further comprises 540 weight percent of Na2SO4, based on the dry weight of the total composition.
8. 8. A composition as claimed in claim 1, which comprises 20 percent by weight of the condensation product of from 5 to 20 moles of ethylene oxide with each 1 mole of an alkanol containing from 8 to 22 carbon atoms, about 60 percent by weight of an approximately equimolar mixture of Na2CO3 and NaHCO3, about 10 percent by weight of sodium silicate having a ratio of SiO2/Na2O of 2-3/1, 0.2-2 percent by weight of a hydroxybutyl methylcellulose having a DS of 1.8-2.3 and an MS of 0.010.6, and about 10 percent by weight of Na2SO4.
9. 9. A composition as claimed in claim 1, which comprises sodium carbonate.
10. 10. A composition as claimed in claim 9, which comprises (a) from 1030 percent by weight of at least one nonionic surfactant which is an alkyl monoether of a polyethylene glycol having from 5-20 alkylene oxide units, which alkyl group contains from 8-22 carbon atoms, an alkylphenyl monoether of said polyethylene glycol wherein the alkyl group contains from 8-18 carbon atoms, or the condensation product of an alkanoic acid amide having from 8-20 carbon atoms with 6-20 moles of ethylene oxide, (b) from 5-30 percent by weight of sodium silicate having an SiO2/Na2O ratio of 2-3/1, (c) from 20 .80 percent by weight of a sodium carbonate component, and (d) from 005-5 percent by weight of the hydroxybutyl methylcellulose component.
11. 11. A composition as claimed in claim 9 or claim 10 wherein the sodium carbonate component is a mixture of Na2CO3 and NaHCO3.
12. 12. A composition as claimed in any one of claims 9 to 11, which further comprises 5--40 weight percent of Na2SO4, based on the dry weight of the total composition.
13. 13. A composition as claimed in claim 9, which comprises about 20 percent by weight of an alkyl monoether of a polyethylene having from 5-20 alkylene oxide units, which alkyl group contains from 822 carbon atoms, about 60 percent by weight of an approximately equimolar mixture of Na2CO3 and NaHCO3, about 10 percent by weight of sodium silicate having a ratio of SiO2/Na2O of 2-3/1, 0.02-2 weight percent of a hydroxybutyl methylcellulose having a DS of 1.5-2.5 and an MS of 0.010.8, and about 10 percent by weight of Na2SO4.
14. 14. A composition as claimed in claim 1 substantially as hereinbefore described in Example 19.
15. 15. A composition as claimed in claim 9 substantially as hereinbefore described in any one of Examples 1 to 18.
16. 16. A method for imparting antisoil properties to a synthetic textile which comprises contacting said textile with an aqueous solution of the composition as claimed in any one of claims I to 8 and 14.
17. 17. A method as claimed in claim 16 wherein the textile is a polyester fabric.
18. 18. Textile to which antisoil properties have been imparted by the method as claimed in claim 16 or claim 17.
19. 19. A method for imparting antisoil properties to a synthetic textile which comprises contacting said textile with an aqueous solution of the composition as claimed in any one of claims 9 to 13 and 15.
20. 20. A method as claimed in claim 19 in which the textile is a polyester fabric.
21. 21. Textile to which antisoil properties have been imparted by the method as claimed in claim 19 or claim 20.