GB783778A - Improvements in or relating to detergents - Google Patents

Abstract

A detergent composition comprises (a) sodium tripolyphosphate, (b) a non-ionic detergent obtained by condensing 1-8 mols. of ethylene or propylene oxide with 1 mol. of fatty acid amide or mono-alkylolamide, and (c) a foaming agent which may be either (i) an alkali metal alkyl sulphate in which the alkyl chain contains 8-18 carbon atoms, or (ii) an alkali metal alkyl aryl sulphonate in which the alkyl chain contains 10-16 carbon atoms and the aryl radical is benzene or toluene. The foaming agent may be a mixture of (i) and (ii). In the final product the weight ratio of (b) to (c) is between 0.5-2.0, and that of (a) to (c) is at least 5. Generally (a) is more than 50 per cent and (b) and (c) each less than 10 per cent of the final mixture. In preferred embodiments, the alkylolamides in (b) are the monoethanolamides or monoisopropanolamides of lauric, myristic and palmitic acids, or mixtures thereof; 1-4 mols. of ethylene oxide may be used per mol. of monoalkaloamide, the preferred products being obtained with 1.5-2.5 mols. of oxide; the alkyl sulphates are those derived from primary lauryl, myristyl and cetyl alcohols, and are present to the extent of 4-7 per cent; and the total of (b) and (c) together is less than 12 per cent. Water, in amounts of 8-11 per cent, and sodium sulphate may be added, the mixture spray-dried, and sodium perborate added to the extent of about 10 per cent, if required. Examples and comparative experimental results are given. Sodium silicate, carboxymethyl cellulose, fluorescent dyes, and antistaining agents may also be incorporated in the compositions.