GB707703A - Improvements in and relating to treatment of soap particles - Google Patents

Abstract

"Balling" in powdered soap compositions containing silicate solids is reduced by applying to the particles at least 1 per cent. by weight of fatty acid having from 8 to 14 carbon atoms in the molecule, and reacting the fatty acid in fluid condition with silicate solids at the surface of the particles. The resistance to "balling" is effected by a thin crust on the particles comprising a coconut-oil type of soap and silicate complex. A single fatty acid, such as capric acid, may be used or a mixture of fatty acids derived from an oil of the coconut - oil group such as oils of tangkellak kernel, ucahuba nut, jaboty kernel, khakan kernel, coconut, muru-muru kernel, tucuma kernel, cohune nut, ouricoury nut, babassu kernel and palm kernel. The fatty acids may also include synthetic fatty acids prepared by oxidation of petroleum or by hydrogenation of carbon monoxide by the Fischer-Tropsch process. From 2 to 5 per cent. of the fatty acid is preferred. The fatty acids may be sprayed on to the particles while the latter are agitated or the particles may be passed through a mist of the fatty acids. The fatty acids should be in a fluid condition, such as heated to liquefy them or in solution in a solvent, e.g. ethyl alcohol. The temperature of the particles during spraying is preferably 50 to 115 DEG F. The moisture content of the particles is preferably within a range of 4 to 20 per cent. The compositions treated may comprise silicate-containing ground soap flakes, chips, threads or granules. The soap compositions contain at least 1.5 per cent. by weight of the silicate solids, which may be derived from a wide variety of water-soluble silicates. Sodium silicates of SiO2 to Na2O ratios varying from 2.0 to 1 to 4.0 to 1 are preferred. A maximum of 50 per cent. of the silicate solids is specified. The silicates may be mixed with an alkaline material such as caustic soda or soda ash. The compositions may contain other builders such as soluble pyrophosphates, orthophosphates, tripolyphosphates and borates.