GB713128A - Detergent compositions - Google Patents

Abstract

A detergent composition comprises a mixture of (a) 15-30 parts by weight of a condensation product of ethylene oxide and abietic acid or a material containing abietic acid, the condensation product having been obtained by reaction of 1 part of abietic acid or material containing it with from 0.5 to 2.3 parts of ethylene oxide, (b) 20-50 parts by weight, anhydrous basis, of a water-soluble alkali-metal polyphosphate, pyrophosphate, orthophosphate or hexametaphosphate or mixture thereof, and (c) starch or carboxymethylcellulose. The composition may also contain a water-soluble neutral or alkaline reacting alkali-metal salt. Materials containing abietic acid may comprise tall oil and rosin oil. The unsaponifiables may be removed from the tall oil prior to the condensation. The rosin oil used may contain varying amounts of abietic acid together with terpenes resulting from the decarboxylation of abietic acid by means of heat. The condensation may be effected above the melting point of the abietic acid material used, generally 130 DEG -190 DEG C. A catalyst, such as potassium hydroxide, may be employed. The condensation products vary from a sticky oil to a soft waxy material. The phosphates specified comprise sodium tripolyphosphate, sodium tetraphosphate, tetrasodium pyrophosphate, trisodium orthophosphate and sodium hexametaphosphate. Anhydrous products are preferred. The starch used may be maize or potato starch, preferably granular or powdered. The starch and carboxymethylcellulose may be used in admixture the latter preferably comprising 0.1 to 5 parts by weight. The optional alkali-metal salts may be used in the proportion of 20-40 parts by weight and are preferably sodium salts. Sodium carbonate, sodium sesquicarbonate, sodium sulphate and sodium borate or a mixture of two or more such salts are specified. The compositions in use are substantially free from foam and thus are particularly adapted for use in washing machines.