MXPA06007932A - Tablets with improved resistance to breakage - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a process for making a detergent tablet, comprising the steps of:(a) providing a binder system comprising (i) a binder, and, (ii) optionally, a viscosity modifier, so that the binder system has a shear modulus value G of from 10 to 100 GPa, a phase angle value of at least 7°, and a melting point of at least 45°C at 100 kPa;(b) heating the binder system to above its melting point to form a molten binder system;(c) applying the molten binder system to a base powder comprising a premix of detergent components, to form a detergent composition;and (d) forming the detergent composition into tablets. The present invention is further directed to a tablet composition obtainable by such process and to the use of such a binder system or such a binder, in its molten form for improving the breakage resistance properties of a detergent tablet.

Description

TABLETS WITH GREATER RESISTANCE TO BREAKAGE FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to compositions in tablet form, especially tablets for automatic washing of garments or crockery with a greater resistance to breakage. These pellets can be obtained by means of a process in which a binder system or a binder with a defined friction modulus (G-value), a determined phase angle (value d) and a given melting point, in a molten state is applied. , to a base powder before tabletting.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Compositions in tablet form, for example for the automatic washing of garments or crockery are increasingly popular with consumers as they allow them to be supplied in unit dosages and are easy to store and handle. For detergent manufacturers, the tablet compositions also offer many advantages such as lower transport, handling and storage costs. However, one of the usual problems of the use of tablet compositions lies in their reduced dimensional stability and resistance to breakage and their frequent instability in the face of abrasion. The Tablet compositions are often not suitable for packaging, shipping and handling requirements, that is, when they are dropped or worn out. Consequently, the broken edges and visible abrasion of the pads affect their appearance or even cause their structure to be completely destroyed. One option to solve this problem is the use of relatively high pressure when compressing the particulate materials that make up the tablet. However, this leads to a severe densification of the components of the tablet and often produces a reduced or delayed disintegration of the tablet in the washing liquid with all the drawbacks associated therewith, such as a lower cleaning performance and others. Tablets having a reduced disintegration profile can not be placed in household washing machines, since they do not disintegrate rapidly enough into secondary particles small enough to pass from the detergent receptacle to the washing drums. Another method for increasing the stability of tablet compositions is the use of a binder. The detergent tablets can be prepared by contacting a compact detergent powder with a binder and the subsequent tabletting of the powder to form the tablet. The binder acts as an adherent in the powder detergent and allows to apply a lower pressure when forming the tablet. EP 971 028 (P &G, published January 12, 2000) discloses a tablet formed by compressing conventional detergent ingredients with such a binder. as alkali metal C3-C8 alkyl and dialkylaryl sulfonates. The most commonly used binder material is polyethylene glycol (PEG). The PEG agglutinates the compact detergent powder in the proper way. EP 1 352 951 (P &G, published October 15, 2003) discloses a tablet detergent composition with a binder system for spraying comprising PEG. Sugars have also been used as binders. EP 1 138 756 (Henkel, published on October 4, 2001) describes sugar binders that are incorporated as a dry aggregate to a base powder. The resulting mixture is granulated and subsequently compressed to form the detergent tablet. DE 101 25 441 (Henkel, published December 5, 2002) illustrates premixtures containing sugar, compressed and subsequently heated. U.S. Pat. no. No. 4,642,197 (Henkel, published February 10, 1987) discloses an aqueous solution of 70% sorbitol that is sprayed onto a base powder prior to forming the tablet by compression. In view of the current high demands related to handling and fast transport, pills with greater physical strength are required. Therefore, one of the objects of the present invention is to provide a tablet composition with greater physical integrity, for example with greater resistance to breakage, while maintaining excellent profiles of dissolution and clearance. The inventors have found that a tablet obtained by means of a process in which a binder system or a binder with a modulus of friction (G value), a determined phase angle (value d) and a melting point determined in the molten state to a base powder, exhibits that greater resistance to breakage and at the same time maintains optimal dissolution profiles and dispatch. Another advantage of the present invention is that the tablets with optimum breaking strength can be produced with a density range greater than that which can be obtained with common binders. This provides pellets with an improved dissolution profile.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION In a first embodiment of the present invention there is provided a process for making a detergent tablet comprising the steps of: (a) Providing a binder system comprising (i) A binder, and (i) optionally, a modifier of viscosity so that the binder system exhibits a value of the friction modulus G of 10 to 100 GPA, a value of the phase angle d of at least 7o, and a minimum melting point of 45 ° C to 100 kPa; (b) heating the binder system to a temperature above its melting point to form a molten binder system; (c) applying the molten binder system to a base powder comprising a premix of detergent components to form a detergent composition; and (d) forming the detergent composition into tablets. In a second embodiment of the present invention there is provided a tablet composition obtainable by means of the aforementioned process. In a third embodiment of the present invention is provided the use of a binder system or a binder that exhibits a value of the friction modulus G of 10 to 100 GPA, a value of the minimum phase angle of 7o and a minimum melting point from 45 ° C to 100 kpa in its molten form to improve the resistance of the detergent tablets to breakage.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION Unless specifically indicated otherwise, all figures referring to quantities, percentages, portions and proportions are modified by the word "approximately" and do not intend to indicate fixed digits. The reference to a pressure of 100 kpa in the present invention means atmospheric pressure. As used in the present invention, the term "alkoxylation" includes the use of any linear, branched alkoxy group, substituted or unsubstituted, usually C, C to C10 alkoxy groups and mixtures thereof. Preferred alkoxy groups are selected from ethoxy, propoxy, butoxy and mixtures thereof; especially ethoxy is preferred. As used in the present invention, the term "unsubstituted" means that the hydrocarbon chain contains only carbon and hydrogen atoms and no other heteroatoms except, where appropriate, the hydroxy group that forms the alcohol functional group. As used in the present invention, the term "substituted" means that the hydrocarbon chain also contains atoms other than carbon and hydrogen atoms. The substituted hydrocarbon chains can also contain heteroatoms as one or more nitrogen atoms, phosphorus, sulfur, fluorine, chlorine, bromine, iodine and any other atom of the periodic table of the elements. The process The process of the present invention, referred to herein as "process" is used to prepare a composition in tablet form. It comprises the steps of: (a) supplying a binder system comprising (i) a binder and (ii) optionally, a viscosity modifier such that the binder system exhibits a value of the friction modulus G of 10 to 100 GPA , a value of the minimum phase angle d of 7 ° and a minimum melting point of 45 ° C to 100 kpa; (b) heating the binder system to a temperature above its melting point to form a molten binder system; (c) applying the molten binder system to a base powder comprising a premix of detergent components to form a detergent composition; and (d) forming the detergent composition into tablets. In the present invention it is essential to heat the binder system to a temperature above its melting point, by any heating system, to form a molten binder system before applying said system to the base powder. The binder system comes into contact with the base powder to form a composition in the proper form. In general, this contact occurs at a minimum temperature of 45 ° C, preferably from 55 ° C to 150 ° C, and more preferably from 70 ° C to 120 ° C. Such contact generally occurs when spraying the molten binder system onto the base powder. In general, this step of the process is carried out using a spray arm, preferably a spray arm in a rotating spray drum. Preferred spray arms include at least one nozzle, preferably more than one nozzle, for example 10 to 18 nozzles connected to a low pressure hot air line. Low pressure refers to a pressure less than 700 kNm "2, preferably between 100 kNm" 2 and 600 kNm "2, more preferably 150 kNm" 2 to 550 kNm "2 and most preferably 200 kNm" 2 at 450 kNm "2. The temperature of the hot air is usually at least 45 ° C, preferably from 55 ° C to 160 ° C and more preferably from 70 ° C to 120 ° C. this composition, usually by means of compression or compaction to form a detergent tablet.This compression / compaction step is generally done in a press conventional for tablets, for example a normal one-hit press or a rotary press such as Courtoy, Korch, Manesty or Bonals. Preferably, the force used in this compression / compaction step is generally less than 100,000 N, preferably less than 50,000 N, more preferably less than 5,000 N, and with an even greater preference less than 3000 N. Most preferably, the process of the present invention includes a step of compressing or compacting the composition with a force of up to 2500 N. The detergent tablets for automatic dishwashers can be compressed or compacted with a force greater than 2500 N, if necessary. Other steps of the compaction process can be used, including for example, agglomerate or extrusion. The diameter of the detergent tablet usually varies from 20 mm to 60 mm and the weight varies from 10 g to 100 g. The height / width ratio of the pads usually exceeds 1: 3. The minimum density of the tablets is usually 900 g / l, preferably 950 g / l and the maximum density is preferably 2000 g / l, more preferably 1500 g / l and most preferably 1200 g / l. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the detergent tablet is generally coated with a coating material. This material generally comes into contact with the rest of the detergent tablet at a minimum temperature of 40 ° C, preferably at least 100 ° C, more preferably at least 140 ° C, and most preferably at a temperature from 150 ° C to 170 ° C. Coating materials preferred ones contain a combination of (i) a dicarboxylic acid and (i) a clay or ion exchange resin. A preferred ion exchange resin is PG2000Ca distributed by Purolite. Preferred dicarboxylic acids are selected from oxalic acid, malonic acid, succinic acid, glutaric acid, adipic acid, pimelic acid, suberic acid, azelaic acid, sebasic acid, undecanedioic acid, dodecanedioic acid, tridecanedioic acid, derivatives thereof or combinations of these; Adipic acid is especially preferred. Preferably, the weight ratio of components (i) to (ii) above is included in the range of from 40: 1 to 10: 1, and more preferably from 30: 1 to 20: 1. When a coating material is included, its amount usually varies from 1% to 10% and more preferably from 4% to 8% by weight of the detergent tablet. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the detergent tablet has multiple layers of the same or different colors. Especially preferred are multilayer tablets having 2 or 3 layers. Also included in the present invention are multi-layer or single-layer pellets having projections, cavities or holes of any geometric shape. Especially preferred are pads with incorporated geometric shapes such as hemispheres, which protrude from their surface. In general, the concentration of the binder system varies from 0.1% to 80% by weight, preferably from 0.5% to 30% by weight, more preferably from 1.0% to 10% and most preferably from 1.25% to 5% in weight of the detergent tablet. Usually, the concentration of the powder base ranges from 20% to 99.9%, preferably from 35% to 99%, more preferably from 50% to 98.5%, and most preferably from 55 to 95% by weight of the detergent tablet. Binder System The minimum melting point of the binder system of the present invention is 45 ° C, preferably 55 ° C to 125 ° C, and more preferably 60 ° C to 110 ° C. "Molten" binder refers to a material that is solid up to a temperature below 45 ° C, preferably below 55 ° C, more preferably below 60 ° C and that is liquid under the processing conditions described herein , as a minimum temperature of 45 ° C, preferably 55 ° C and more preferably 60 ° C (all temperatures are measured at a pressure of 100 kPa). further, the value of the friction modulus G of the binder system is 10 to 100 GPA and the value of the minimum phase angle d is 7 °. Preferably, the value of the friction modulus G of the binder system is from 20 to 90 GPA and more preferably from 25 to 65 GPA. The value of the phase angle d of the binder system is preferably at least 8.5 ° and more preferably at least 10 °. So that the resistance of the detergent tablet to breakage is greater, it is essential that the binder system with a value of the friction modulus G of 10 to 100 GPA, a minimum phase angle value of 7o and a minimum melting point 45 ° C is applied to the base powder in its molten form.

The molten binder system may contain a part of undissolved material, but most of the molten binder system is liquid under the processing conditions described above, for example at least 80% by weight, at least 85% by weight, at least 90% by weight. % by weight, or at least 95% by weight of the binder system is liquid under the mentioned processing conditions. Preferably, the entire binder system is liquid under these conditions. Definition of the friction module (G), the phase angle (d) and the melting point: The friction module (G) and the phase angle (d) of solid materials can be easily measured with conventional rheometers or with equipment dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA). The two techniques analyze the response or deformation of materials when a voltage is applied to them. The answer depends a lot on the temperature of the sample being analyzed and the frequency of the applied voltage. The basic distribution and operation of this technique consists of placing the solid sample between two parallel plates. The bottom plate is fixed while the top plate rotates or oscillates following a sine wave. The equipment continuously controls: (1) the torsion applied to the upper plate rod (shear stress, t); (2) its rotating or oscillating displacement (shear deformation,?) And (3) the delay or lack of a phase between them. The complex friction module (G *) is defined as follows: t = G * -? (Shear force = G * - shear deformation) which is a complex number formed by a real part and an imaginary part. This complex friction module can be represented as: G * = G '+ i- G " where G 'is the elastic modulus of friction and G "the viscous modulus of friction.The friction modulus | G * ¡is then the absolute value of the complex modulus of friction and is calculated as: | G * | = (G' + G "2), / 2.

In the present invention and only to simplify, the symbol G is used in place of the symbol | G * | to refer to the friction module.

The phase angle d is defined as: d = are tan G "/ G '.

Melting point refers to the temperature at which the binder is transformed into a liquid when heated slowly, for example in a capillary tube (at a pressure of 100 kPa).

Measurement conditions and sample preparation The friction modulus (G) and the phase angle (d) are measured at 21 ° C and 100 kpa. The molten binder system is poured into an empty cylindrical mold at a temperature above its melting point when it solidifies at 21 ° C. After solidification, the binder system is extracted from the mold with a cylindrical shape, a diameter of 10 mm and a length of 21 mm. The cylindrical sample is placed vertically between the two parallel plates mentioned above and adjusted by some suitable means. The measurement consists of applying an oscillation in the form of a sine wave on the upper plate at a frequency of 60 Hz while maintaining the sample at 21 ° C. The appropriate equipment for this measurement can be a Bohlin rheometer, Physica, Mettler-toledo and any type of similar equipment known. The equipment is calibrated in such a way that the G value and the value of the phase angle d of polyethylene glycol ethoxylate with a molecular weight of 4000 g / mol (PEG 4000) is 340 GPA and 5o (at 21 ° C and 100 kPa ). Binders suitable for use in the binder system of the present invention can be selected from a wide group of substances. The binders can be selected from anionic, nonionic and cationic surfactants, polymeric materials, sugars, sugar acids, sugar alcohols, sugar esters, fatty acids, fatty acid esters, fatty acid amides and mixtures thereof. Anionic surfactants include compounds such as C6-C20 alkyl or alkylaryl sulfonates or sulfates, preferably C8-C20 alkylbenzenesulfonates (see for example the anionic surfactants described in WO 02/90 481, P & amp;; G, published on November 14, 2002). Nonionic surfactants include compounds such as C7-C18 alkoxylates of phenol with 10 to 80 equivalents of alkoxylation; C5-C24 alcohol alkoxylates with 25 to 250 alkoxylation equivalents; castor oil alkoxylates with 10 to 100 equivalents of alkoxylation (see for example the nonionic surfactants described in WO 02/31 100, P &G, published on April 18, 2002). Cationic surfactants include compounds such as quaternary ammonium surfactants which may have up to 26 carbon atoms, alkoxylated quaternary ammonium surfactants (AQÁ) as described in U.S. Pat. no. 6,136,769; dimethyl hydroxyethyl quaternary ammonium (K1) as described in patent no. 6,004,922; cationic polyamine surfactants as described in WO 98/35002, WO 98/35003, WO 98/35004, WO 98/35005 and WO 98/35006; cationic ester surfactants as described in U.S. Pat. num. 4,228,042, 4,239,660 4,260,529 and 6,022,844 and the amino surfactants as described in U.S. Pat. no. 6,221,825 and in patent WO 00/47708, especially amido propyldimethyl amine (APA). The polymeric materials include polyvinylpyrrolidones with an average molecular weight of 12,000 to 700,000 and polyethylene glycols with an average molecular weight of 600 to 10,000. Other examples of binders Polymers are copolymers of maleic anhydride with ethylene, methyl vinyl ether, methacrylic acid or acrylic acid. Sugars, sugar acids, sugar alcohols and sugar esters include any sugar such as sorbitol, dextrose, lactose, saccharose, saccharin, fructose, ribose, arabinose, rhamnose, maltose, maltodextrin, erythritol, mannitol, maltitol, xylitol, iditol , galactitol, cyclodextrin, trehalose, lactitol, and mixtures thereof. Other binders also include mono and diglycerol ethers C10-C20, C5 to C25 fatty acids, mono, di and triesters of glycerin with C5-C25 fatty acids; C5 to C25 fatty alcohols, cellulose derivatives such as carboxymethylcellulose and homo- or copolymeric polycarboxylic acid or salts thereof, and mixtures thereof. Among the aforementioned binders, the most suitable are sorbitol, dextrose, lactose, saccharose, saccharin, fructose, ribose, arabinose, rhamnose, maltose, maltodextrin, erythritol, mannitol, maltitol, xylitol, iditol, galactitol, cyclodextrin, trehalose, lactitol, alkoxylates. of C7-C18 of phenol with 10 to 80 equivalents of alkoxylation, C5-C24 alcohol alkoxylates with 25 to 250 equivalents of alkoxylation, alkoxylates of castor oil with 10 to 100 equivalents of alkoxylation, mono, di and triesters of glycerin with fatty acids of C5-C25, fatty acids of C5 to C25 and mixtures of these. Optionally, the binder system of the present invention can be mixed with one or more additional compounds. These additional compounds can be selected from a wide variety of different ingredients. Suitable ingredients can be selected from viscosity modifiers, additive agents, dissolution aids, surfactants, fabric softening agents, alkalinity sources, dyes, perfumes, lime soap dispersants, organic polymeric compounds including polymeric ink transfer inhibiting agents , crystalline growth inhibitors, heavy metal ion sequestrants, metal ion salts, corrosion inhibitors, softening agents, optical brighteners and combinations of these. Preferred ingredients are viscosity modifiers, dissolution aids, surfactants, alkalinity sources, dyes, perfumes, crystalline growth inhibitors and combinations thereof. A particularly preferred additional component is a viscosity modifier. When a viscosity modifier is included, its concentration varies from 1.0% to 95%, preferably from 2.5% to 50%, more preferably from 5.0% to 15% and most preferably from 7.5% to 12.5% by weight of the binder system. Suitable viscosity modifiers can be aqueous or non-aqueous and can include only water or organic solvents or combinations of these. Preferred organic solvents include linear, branched, cyclic, substituted or unsubstituted monohydric, dihydric and linear polyhydric alcohols, ethers, alkoxylated ethers, low viscosity silicone-containing solvents, low-melting and optionally alkoxylated non-ionic surfactants having one point of fusion less than 45 ° C and combinations of these. More preferably they include glycerin, glycols, linear, branched, cyclic, substituted or unsubstituted polyalkylene glycols such as polyalkylene glycols, dialkylene glycol mono ethers of Cr C8, nonionic C5-C15 surfactants with 1 to 10 equivalents of ethoxylation, monohydric alcohols, dihydric alcohols and combinations thereof. With an even greater preference, they include diethylene glycol monoethyl ether, diethylene glycol monopropyl ether, diethylene glycol monobutyl ether, and combinations thereof. Most preferably they include linear, branched, cyclic, substituted or unsubstituted short chain aliphatic alcohols such as ethanol, propanol, butanol, isopropanol and diols such as 1,2-propanediol, 1,3-propanediol, 1,6-hexanediol, 1, 2-hexanediol, 2-ethyl-1,3-hexanediol, 2-methyl-2,4-pentanediol, 2,3,4-trimethyl-1,3-pentanediol, 1,4-bis (hydroxymethyl) cyclohexane and combinations of these, optionally with dialkylene glycol mono C6 ethers, glycols and water. The especially preferred viscosity modifier is water alone or a 50:50 mixture of water with glycerin or C12-C15 nonionic surfactant with 3 to 7 equivalents of ethoxylation or 1,2-propanediol, 1,3-propanediol, 1.6 -hexanediol, 1,2-hexanediol, 2-ethyl-1,3-hexanediol, 2-methyl-2,4-pentanediol, 2,3,4-trimethyl-1,3-pentanediol, 1,4-bis (hydroxy) ) cyclohexane and combinations of these. When water is used as a viscosity modifier, alone or in combination with other viscosity modifiers, the total water content is preferably up to 20%, more preferably up to 10% and most preferably 3% and 7% by weight of the water. binder. In this case, it is not intended to use an aqueous solution of one or more binders.

A typical example is polyethylene glycol ethoxylate with a molecular weight of 4000 g / mol (PEG 4000). The G value of the PEG 4000 is 340 GPA, the value of the phase angle d is 5 ° and its melting point is 55 ° C. When PEG 4000 is mixed with glycerin in a weight ratio of 75:25, the G value is 20, the value of the phase angle d is 7 ° and the melting point is 49 ° C. In the present invention, the mixture of 75% PEG 4000 and 25% glycerin constitutes a suitable binder system.

In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the binder already exhibits a modulus of friction G of 10 to 100 GPA, a minimum phase angle value of 7 ° and a minimum melting point of 45 ° C to 100 kpa. These binders are selected from the group comprising sorbitol, xylitol, erythritol, C 10 -C 18 alkoxylates of phenol with 20 to 80 alkoxylation equivalents; C12-C24 alcohol alkoxylates with 50 to 250 alkoxylation equivalents; Castor oil alkoxylates with 50 to 100 alkoxylation equivalents; mono, di and triesters of glycerin with C12-C25 fatty acids; fatty acids from C10 to C25 and mixtures of these. Preferably, the binder is sorbitol. More preferably, the binder system contains sorbitol and between 3% and 7% water of the viscosity modifier, by weight.

Examples of those preferred binders are (the data of G and d- are measured at 21 ° C to 100 kPa): (1) Distributed as Berol 291, (2) distributed as Berol 08, (3) distributed as Berol 198; all of them ex Akzo Nobel; (4) and (5) are distributed by ex Sigma-Aldrich,. (6) distributed by former Clariant and (7) distributed as Lutensol AO30 ex BASF. The binder systems or binders of the present invention can also be used to bind in the particle-making processes, for example agglomeration, compaction, granulation, spray drying, extrusion. Base powder Base powder usually contains a wide variety of different ingredients such as additives, effervescent system, enzymes, dissolving aids, disintegrants, bleaching agents, foam suppressors, surfactants (non-ionic, anionic, cationic, amphoteric, or zwitterionic), fabric softening agents, alkalinity sources, dyes, perfumes, lime soap dispersants, organic polymeric compounds including dye transfer inhibition polymeric agents , crystal growth inhibitors, antiredeposit agents, stain release polymers, hydrotropes, fluorescers, heavy metal ion sequestrants, metal ion salts, enzyme stabilizers, corrosion inhibitors, softening agents, optical brighteners and combinations thereof. In general, the base powder is a preformed detergent granule.

This granule can be an agglomerated particle or it can be presented in some other form. "Agglomerated particle" usually refers to a previously agglomerated particle and is therefore already in that state before contact with the molten binder as described above. In general, the average particle size of the base powder is 100 μm to 2,000 μm, preferably 200 μm, 300 μm, 400 μm or 500 μm to preferably 1, 800 μm, 1, 500 μm, 1,200 μm, 1,000 μm, 800 μm or 700 μm. Most preferably, it is from 400 μm to 700 μm. In general, the bulk density of the base powder is 400 g / l, 200 g / l, preferably from 500 g / l to 950 g / l, more preferably from 600 g / l to 900 g / l, and with the maximum preference of 650 g / l to 850 g / l.

Preferred optional ingredients are described hereinafter in more detail. All percentages are expressed based on the weight of the entire detergent tablet, unless otherwise specified. Preferred Optional Ingredients Additive Compound Here, the base powder preferably contains an additive compound, usually at a concentration of 1% to 80%, preferably from 10% to 70% and most preferably from 20% to 60% by weight of the base powder. Especially preferred additive compounds for use in the present invention are water soluble phosphate additives. Specific examples of water-soluble phosphate additives are the tripolyphosphates of alkali metals, sodium pyrophosphate, potassium and ammonium, sodium and potassium orthophosphate, polymeta / sodium phosphate with a degree of polymerization of 6 to 21 and salts of phytic acid. Examples of partially water soluble additives include the layered crystalline silicates such as those described for example in EP-A-0164514, DE-A-3417649 and DE-A-3742043. Examples of water insoluble additives include sodium aluminosilicates. Suitable aluminosilicates include aluminosilicate zeolites whose unit cell has the formula Naz [(AI02) z (Si02) and] - H20 where z and y are at least 6; the molar ratio of z to y is from 1.0 to 0.5 and x is at least 5, preferably from 7. 5 to 276, more preferably 10 to 264. The aluminosilicate material is in hydrated form and is preferably crystalline and contains from 10% to 28%, more preferably from 18% to 22% of water in bound form. Effervescent System Preferably, the base powder herein contains an effervescent system, usually at a concentration of 1% to 30%, preferably 5% to 25% and most preferably 10% to 20% by weight of the base powder. The effervescent systems suitable herein include those derived from the combination of an acid source and a bicarbonate or carbonate or from the combination of hydrogen peroxide and cathay? of any combination of materials that releases small gas bubbles, for example carbon dioxide gas. The components of the effervescent system can be dispensed in combination to form effervescence upon mixing or can be formulated together whenever conventional coatings or protection systems are used. Hydrogen peroxide and catalase are very effective and can be included with much lower concentrations producing excellent results. Surfactant The base powder of the present preferably contains at least one surfactant, preferably two or more. The total concentration of surfactant generally ranges from 1% to 80%, preferably from 10% to 70% and most preferably from 20% to 60% by weight of the base powder.

Suitable surfactants are selected from anionic, cationic, nonionic, ampholytic and zwitterionic surfactants and mixtures thereof. A typical list of the classes and species of the anionic, nonionic, amphoteric and zwitterionic surfactants is included in U.S. Pat. no. 3,929,678 issued to Laughlin and Heuring on December 30, 1975. A list of suitable cationic surfactants ST is included in U.S. Pat. no. 4,259,217 issued to Murphy on March 31, 1981. A list of the surfactants generally used in laundry detergent compositions is included for example in EP-A-0414 549 and in PCT applications no. WO 93/08876 and WO 93/08874. Other suitable active detergent compounds are fully reported and described in WO 02/31100 published on April 18, 2002 and assigned to P & G and in the literature, for example in "Surface-active agents and detergents" (Surface Agents and Detergents) active), Vol. I and II by Schwartz, Perry and Berch. Dissolving aid Preferably, the base powder of the present contains a dissolving aid, usually at a concentration of 0.01% to 10%, preferably from 0.1% to 5% and most preferably from 0.15% to 2.5% in weight of the base powder. The solution aid may preferably contain a sulphonated organic compound such as alkenyl and C 4 alkyl sulphonic acids and C 4 alkyl alkylsulfonic acids, or derivatives, salts or combinations thereof.

Preferably, the dissolution aid may contain salts of arylsulfonic acids, including the alkali metal salts of benzoic acid, salicylic acid, benzenesulfonic acid, naphthoic acid, derivatives and combinations thereof. Preferred examples of arylsulfonic acid salts are the sodium, potassium and ammonium benzene sulphonate salts derived from toluenesulfonic acid, xylene sulfonic acid, eumenal sulphonic acid, tetralin sulfonic acid, naphthalenesulfonic acid, methyl naphthalene sulfonic acid, dimethyl naphthalene sulfonic acid and trimethyl acid. Naphthalene sulphonic Especially preferred are sodium toluenesulfonate, sodium cumene sulphonate, sodium xylene sulfonate, derivatives and combinations thereof. The solution aid may contain salts of dialkylbenzenesulfonic acid as salts of diisopropyl benzene sulfonic acid, ethyl methyl benzene sulphonic acid, alkylbenzenesulfonic acid with a linear or branched C3-C10 alkyl chain, preferably C4-C8. The dissolving aid may contain a C4-C alcohol such as methanol, ethanol, propanol such as isopropanol and derivatives and combinations thereof, preferably ethanol and isopropanol. The solution aid may contain a C4-C10 diol such as hexanediol or cyclohexanediol, preferably 1,6-hexanediol or 1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol. The dissolving aid may contain a compound comprising a chemical group of the following general formula R R, I I - (CHzC > (CH2-C) and- E R2 where E is a hydrophilic functional group, R is H or a group C1-C10 alkyl or a hydrophilic functional group, R1 is H or an alkyl group of C C 10 or an aromatic group, R 2 is H or a cyclic alkyl or an aromatic group. The number average molecular weight of the compound preferably it is from 1,000 to 1,000,000. The dissolution aid may contain 5-carboxy-4-hexyl-2-cyclohexen-1-yl octanoic acid. The dissolution aid may contain a cationic compound. Preferably it contains a cationic polymer, more preferably an ethoxylated cationic diamine. Preferred ethoxylated cationic diamines correspond to the general formula; 1 1 X X o 1 1 1 X X ".

(R3) d R3 (XL) 2-M2-R? -M2-R2 R2- wherein M1 is a N + or N group, preferably a N + group; each M2 is a group N + or N, preferably a group N + and at least one M2 is a group N +; R is H or C4 alkyl or hydroxyalkyl; R1 is alkylene, hydroxyalkylene, alkenylene, arylene or C2-C12 alkarylene or an entity C2-C3 oxyalkylene having from 2 to 20 oxyalkylene units as long as no O-H bonds are formed; each R2 is alkyl or hydroxyalkyl of C C4, the entity LX or two R2 together form the entity (CH2) r-A2- (CH2) s, wherein A2 is O or CH2, r is 1 or 2, s is 1 or 2 and r + s is 3 or 4; each R3 is C8 alkyl or hydroxyalkyl, benzyl, the L-X entity or two R3 or one R3 and one R2 together they form the entity (CH2) r-A2- (CH2) s, where A2 is O or CH2, r is 1 or 2, s is 1 or 2 and r + s is 3 or 4; X is a nonionic group selected from H, groups C4 alkyl or hydroxyalkyl ester or ether and mixtures thereof, among the esters and ethers, the acetate ester and the methyl ether are preferred, respectively; L is a hydrophilic chain containing the polyoxyalkylene entity. { (R60) m (CH2CH20) n} wherein R6 is C3-C4 alkylene or hydroxyalkylene, m and n are numbers such that the entity (CH2CH20) n contains at least 50% of the polyoxyalkylene entity by weight; d is 1 when M2 is N + and is 0 when M2 is N; n is at least 6.

The positive charge of the N + groups is compensated by the appropriate number of counter-anions. Suitable counter-anions include CI ", Br", S032", S042", P042", MeOS03" and the like. In particular, Cl "and Br" are preferred. A preferred ethoxylated cationic diamine suitable for use herein is the one known under the tradename Lutensit K-HD 96 distributed by BASF. Softening Ingredient Optionally, the base powder of the present may contain a softening ingredient, usually at a concentration of 0.5% to 50%, preferably 1% to 30% and most preferably 5% to 20% in weight of the base powder. Suitable softening ingredients for use herein may be selected from any known ingredient that provides fabric softening benefits, for example, smectite clay. The smectite clays used herein are usually commercially available. These clays include, for example, montmorillonite, volchonskoite, nontronite, hectorite, saponite, sauconite and vermiculite. The clays herein are distributed under different trade names, for example Thixogel # 1® and Gelwhite GP® by Georgia Kaolin Co., Elizabeth, New Jersey; Volclay BC® and Volclay n # 325® by American Colloid Co., Skokie, Illinois; Black Hills Bentonite BH450® by International Minerals and Chemicals and Veegum Pro and Veegum F by R.T. Vanderbilt It must be recognized that those smectite-type minerals distributed with the Trade names mentioned above may include mixtures of the various different mineral parts. These mixtures of smectite minerals are suitable for use herein. Smectite clays are described in U.S. Pat. num. 3,862,058, 3,948,790, 3,954,632 and 4,062,647. European patents no. EP-A-299,575 and EP-A-313,146 in the name of Procter and Gamble Company describe suitable organic polymer clay flocculating agents. Enzymes When enzymes are included, these are selected from cellulase, hemicellulases, peroxidases, proteases, glucoamylases, amylases, xylanases, lipases, phospholipases, esterases, cutinases, pectinases, keratanases, reductases, oxidases, phenoloxidases, lipoxygenases, ligninases, pullulanases, tanases, pentosanas, malanases, β -glucanases, arabinosidases, hyaluronidase, chondroitinase, laccase or mixtures thereof. Preferred enzymes include protease, amylase, lipase, peroxidases, cutinase or cellulase together with one or more enzymes that degrade the plant cell wall. In general, the enzymes are incorporated in the detergent tablets with a concentration of 0.0001% to 2% of active enzyme by weight of the base powder. Enzymes can be added as separate individual ingredients (nuggets, granulates, stable fusions, etc., which contain an enzyme) or as mixtures of two or more enzymes (eg granulates).

Bleaching agents Optionally, the base powder of the present may contain materials selected from metal catalyst complexes, activated sources of peroxide compound, bleach activators, bleach boosters, photobleaches, free radical initiators and hypohalite bleach. Examples of suitable metal catalyst complexes include but are not limited to manganese-based catalysts such as Mn? V2 (u-0) 3 (1, 4,7-trimethyl-1,4,7-triazacyclononane) 2 (PF6) 2 described in U.S. Pat. no. 5,576,282, cobalt-based catalysts described in U.S. Pat. no. 5,597,936 as cobalt pentamino acetate salts corresponding to the formula [Co (NH3) 5OAc] Ty, wherein "OAc" represents an acetate entity and "Ty" is an anion; Transition metal complexes of a rigid macropolicíclico ligand, abbreviated as "MRL". Suitable metals in MRLs include Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, Cr, V, Mo, W, Pd and Ru in their various oxidation states. Examples of suitable MRLs include: dichloro-5,12-diethyl-1, 5,8,12-tetraazabicyclo [6.6.2] hexadecane manganese (II), dichloro-5,12-diethyl-1, 5,8 , 12-tetraaza-bicyclo [6.6.2] hexadecane manganese (III), hexafluorophosphate and dichloro-5-n-butyl-12-methyl-1, 5,8,12-tetraaza-bicyclo [6.6.2] hexadecane manganese ( II). Suitable MRLs of transition metals are prepared rapidly by known procedures such as those described, for example, in WO 00/332601 and in U.S. Pat. no. 6,225,464.

Suitable activated peroxide compound sources include but are not limited to preformed perishes, a source of hydrogen peroxide combined with a bleach activator or a mixture thereof. Suitable preformed perishes include but are not limited to compounds selected from percarboxylic salts and acids, percarbonic salts and acids, perimidic salts and acids, salts and peroxymonosulfuric acids, and mixtures thereof. Suitable sources of hydrogen peroxide include but are not limited to compounds selected from perborate, percarbonate, perphosphate compounds and mixtures thereof. Suitable types and concentrations of activated sources of peroxide compound are included in U.S. Pat. num. 5,576,282; 6,306,812 B1; and 6,326,348 B1, incorporated herein by reference. Suitable bleach activators include but are not limited to perhydrolyzable esters and perhydrolysable imides such as tetraacetylethylenediamine, octanoylcaprolactam, benzoyloxybenzenesulfonate, nonanoyloxybenzenesulfonate, benzoylvalerolactam, dodecanoyloxybenzenesulfonate. Suitable bleach builders include but are not limited to those described in U.S. Pat. no. 5,817,614. For practical reasons and not in the form of limitation, the base powder of the present can be adjusted to provide at least about one part in one hundred million of the metal catalyst complex in the aqueous wash. When sources of peroxide are included hydrogen, generally its approximate concentration varies from 1% to 30% by weight of the base powder. When peracids or bleach activators are included, their approximate concentration usually ranges from 0.1% to 60% by weight of the bleaching composition. For practical reasons and not in the form of limitation, the base powder herein can be adjusted to provide at least about one part in one hundred million of the bleach booster in the aqueous wash. Heavy Metal Ion Sequestering Agent The base powder of the present may contain a heavy metal ion sequestrant as an optional component. By heavy metal ion sequestrant, components that act to sequester (chelate) heavy metal ions are referred to herein. These components may also have chelating capacity for calcium and magnesium, although they preferably show selectivity for binding to heavy metal ions such as iron., manganese and copper. In general, the concentration of heavy metal ion sequestrants ranges from 0.005% to 20%, preferably from 0.1% to 10%, more preferably from 0.25% to 7.5% and most preferably from 0.5% to 5%. % by weight of the base powder. Water-soluble sulfate salt Optionally, the base powder of the present invention contains a water-soluble sulfate salt. When a soluble sulphate salt is included in water its concentration varies from 0.1% to 40%, more preferably from 1% to 30% and most preferably from 5% to 25% by weight of the base powder. The water soluble sulfate salt can basically be any sulfate salt with any counter cation. The preferred salts are selected from the sulfates of the alkali and alkaline earth metals, especially sodium sulfate. Alkali metal silicate A preferred component of the base powder herein is an alkali metal silicate. A preferred alkali metal silicate is sodium silicate having a Si02: Na20 ratio of 1.8 to 3.0, preferably 1.8 to 2.4 and most preferably 2.0. The concentration of the sodium silicate is preferably less than 20%, more preferably from 1% to 15%, and most preferably from 3% to 12% by weight of SiO2. The alkali metal silicate can be in the form of anhydrous or hydrated salt. Foam suppressor systems When the base powder of the present is formulated for use in washing machine compositions, preferably it contains a foam suppressor system with a concentration of 0.01% to 15%, preferably 0.05% to 10% and most preferably from 0.1% to 5% by weight of the base powder. The foam suppressor systems that can be used herein comprise practically any known antifoam compound, including for example, silicone antifoam compounds and 2-alkali and alkanol antifoam compounds. The suppressor systems of preferred foam and antifoam compounds are disclosed in PCT application no. WO93 / 08876 and in EP-A-705 324. Other Optional Ingredients Other optional ingredients suitable for inclusion in the base powder of the invention include perfumes, optical brighteners, dye transfer inhibiting agents and filler salts among which is preferred. sodium sulfate.

Examples All percentages are expressed by weight, unless otherwise specified.

Table 1 The values provided in Table 1 are percentages by weight of the entire detergent tablet.

Table 2 The values given in table 2 are percentages by weight of the entire detergent tablet. and Anionic / cationic agglomerates contain 20% to 45% anionic surfactant, 0.5% to 5% cationic surfactant, 0% to 5% TAE80, 15% to 30% SKS6, 10% to 25%. % zeolite, 5% to 15% carbonate, 0% to 5% carbonate, 0% to 5% sulfate, 0% to 5% silicate and 0% to 5% water. 4. Anionic agglomerates contain 40% to 80% anionic surfactant and 20% to 60% DIBS.

. Nonionic agglomerates contain 20% to 40% nonionic surfactant, 0% to 10% polymer, 30% to 50% anhydrous sodium acetate, 15% to 25% carbonate and 5% to 10% zeolite. Clay agglomerates contain 90% to 100% modified surface clay (CSM) Quest 5A, 0% to 5% alcohol or diol, and 0% to 5% water. 7 The layered silicate contains 90% to 100% SKS6 and 0% to 10% silicate. 8. The bleach activator agglomerates 1 contain 65% to 75% bleach activator, 10% to 15% anionic surfactant and 5% to 15% sodium citrate. 9. The bleach activator agglomerates 2 contain from 75% to 85% TAED, from 15% to 20% acrylic / maleic copolymer (acid form) and from 0% to 5% water. ^ u. The sulphate / sodium salt of ethylene diamine N, N-disuccinic acid contains from 50% to 60% of the sodium salt of ethylene diamine N, N-disuccípico acid, from 20% to 25% of sulphate and from 15% to 25% of Water. 1 1 • Phthalocyanine zinc sulfonate encapsulates are from 5% to 15% active. 1 ^. The supres jjde ^ foam_cpmprende_of 10% to 15% silicone oil (ex Dow Corning), from 50% to 70% do. 7P.nlita v rte? Fl% a 3F > HP% api Example 1 i) Binder A was prepared by heating sorbitol at 105 ° C in a 250 mL beaker (Duran® from Schott Glass / Germany) with a laboratory heating plate distributed by IKA Labortechnik. ii) The base powder F was prepared by mixing the ingredients of the base powder F mentioned in Table 2, in a concrete mixer drum (distributed by LESCHA) at atmospheric pressure and room temperature, ii) 2.4 g of molten binder A from step i) was sprayed on 97.6 g of base powder F from step i) to a temperature of 105 ° C and at a pressure of 200 kPa to form a composition, v) The composition was allowed to cool to a temperature of 25 ° C and then tableted using a GEPA press. 40 g of composition were placed in a square 41 • 41 mm matrix and the composition was pressed to obtain a detergent tablet with a hardness of 63.74 N as determined in a VK200 tablet hardness tester (distributed by Van Kell Industries, Inc. .).

Example 2 i) Binder B was prepared by mixing 28 g of solid sorbitol with 4 g of glycerin before heating the mixtures to 105 ° C in a 250 mL beaker (Duran® from Schott Glass / Germany) with a laboratory heating plate distributed by IKA Labortechnik. The resulting liquid mixture was mixed 10 minutes. ii) The base powder G was prepared by mixing the ingredients of the base powder G mentioned in Table 2, in a concrete mixing drum (distributed by LESCHA) at atmospheric pressure and room temperature. iii) 3.2 g of the molten binder B from step i) was sprayed onto 96.8 g of the base powder G of step ii) at a temperature of 105 ° C and a pressure of 200 kPa to form a composition. V) The composition was allowed to cool to a temperature of 25 ° C and then tabletting was performed as indicated in Example 1, iv).

Example 3 i) The binder C was prepared by mixing 18.8 g of solid sorbitol with 1.2 g of water before heating the mixture to 105 ° C in a 250 mL beaker (Duran® from Schott Glass / Germany) with a laboratory heating plate distributed by IKA Labortechnik. The resulting liquid mixture was mixed 10 minutes. I) The base powder F was prepared as in Example 1, ii). iii) 2.0 g of the molten binder C of step i) was sprayed onto 98.0 g of the base powder F of step ii) at a temperature of 105 ° C and a pressure of 200 kPa to form a composition. iv) The composition was allowed to cool to a temperature of 25 ° C and then tabletting was performed as indicated in Example 1, iv).

Example 4 i) Binder D was prepared by mixing 27 g of solid sorbitol with 2.5 g of water and 2.5 g of glycerin before heating the mixture to 105 ° C in a 250 mL beaker (Duran® from Schott Glass / Germany) with a laboratory heating plate distributed by IKA Labortechnik. The resulting liquid mixture was mixed 10 minutes. ii) The base powder G was prepared as in Example 2, ii). iii) 3.2 g of the molten binder D from step i) was sprayed onto 96.8 g of the base powder F of step ii) at a temperature of 105 ° C and a pressure of 200 kPa to form a composition. iv) The composition was allowed to cool to a temperature of 25 ° C and then tabletting was performed as indicated in Example 1, iv).

Example 5 i) The binder E was prepared by mixing 24 g of PEG 4000 with 8 g of glycerin before heating the mixtures to 70 ° C in a 250 ml beaker (Duran® from Schott Glass / Germany) with a laboratory heating plate distributed by IKA Labortechnik. The resulting liquid mixture was mixed 10 minutes. ii) The base powder G was prepared by mixing the ingredients of the base powder G mentioned in Table 2, in a concrete mixing drum (distributed by LESCHA) at atmospheric pressure and room temperature. iii) 3.2 g of the molten binder E from step i) was sprayed onto 96.8 g of the base powder G from step ii) at a temperature of 70 ° C and a pressure of 200 kPa to form a composition. iv) The composition was allowed to cool to a temperature of 25 ° C and then tabletting was performed as indicated in Example 1, iv).

Example 6 Detergent tablets weighing 40 g each were prepared in accordance with Examples 1 and 3. The detergent tablets are coated with a coating material comprising adipic acid and PG-2000Ca. 2.5 g of coating material was applied to each detergent tablet. The coating material is prepared by mixing 95 g of adipic acid with 5 g of ion exchange resin such as PG-2000Ca distributed by Purolite at a temperature of 160 ° C.

Claims (17)

NOVELTY OF THE INVENTION CLAIMS

1. A process for making a detergent tablet comprising the steps of: (a) Providing a binder system comprising (i) a binder, and (ii) optionally, a viscosity modifier, so that the binder system exhibits a value of the modulus of friction G of 10 to 100 GPA, a value of the phase angle d minimum of 7o and a minimum melting point of 45 ° C to 100 kpa; (b) heating the binder system to a temperature above its melting point to form a molten binder system; (c) applying the molten binder system to a base powder comprising a premix of detergent components to form a detergent composition; and (d) forming the detergent composition into tablets.

2. The process according to claim 1, further characterized in that the concentration of the viscosity modifier is from 1.0% to 95%, more preferably from 2.5% to 50%, even more preferably from 5.0% to 15% and with the maximum preference of 7.5 to 12.5%, by weight of the binder system.

3. The process according to any of claims 1 or 2, further characterized in that the viscosity modifier is selected from the group comprising: water, alcohols monohydric, dihydric alcohols, polyhydric alcohols, ethers, alkoxylated ethers, low viscosity silicone-containing solvents, low-melting and optionally alkoxylated non-ionic surfactants having a melting point of less than 45 ° C to 100 kPa, and combinations of these. The process according to any of the preceding claims, further characterized in that the binder exhibits a value of the friction modulus G of 10 to 100 GPA, a value of the minimum phase angle of 7 ° and a minimum melting point of 45 ° C to 100 kpa. 5. The process according to any of the preceding claims, further characterized in that the binder system or the binder exhibits a value of the friction modulus G of 20 to 90 GPA. 6. The process according to any of the preceding claims, further characterized in that the binder system or the binder exhibits a minimum phase angle value of 8.5 °. The process according to any of the preceding claims, further characterized in that the binder system or the binder exhibits a melting point of 55 ° C to 125 ° C at 100 kPa. 8. The process according to any of the preceding claims, further characterized in that the binder is selected from the group comprising: anionic surfactants, non-ionic surfactants, polymeric materials, sugars, sugar acids, alcohols of sugar, sugar esters, fatty acids, fatty acid esters, fatty acid amides, and mixtures thereof. The process according to claim 8, further characterized in that the binder is selected from the group comprising: sorbitol, dextrose, lactose, saccharose, saccharin, fructose, ribose, arabinose, rhamnose, maltose, maltodextrin, erythritol, mannitol, maltitol , xylitol, iditol, galactitol, cyclodextrin, trehalose, lactitol, C7-C18 alkoxylates of phenol with 10 to 80 equivalents of alkoxylation, C5-C24 alcohol alkoxylates with 25 equivalents of alkoxylation, castor oil alkoxylates with 10 to 100 equivalents of alkoxylation, mono, di and tri-esters of glycerin with C5-C25 fatty acids, C5 to C25 fatty acids and mixtures of these. 10. The process according to claim 9, further characterized in that the binder is selected from the group comprising sorbitol, xylitol, erythritol, C10-C18 alkoxylates of phenol with 20 to 80 equivalents of alkoxylation; C12-C24 alcohol alkoxylates with 50 to 250 alkoxylation equivalents; Castor oil alkoxylates with 50 to 100 alkoxylation equivalents; mono, di and triesters of glycerin with C12-C25 fatty acids; fatty acids from C10 to C25 and mixtures of these. 11. The process according to any of the preceding claims, further characterized in that the binder is sorbitol. 12. The process according to any of the preceding claims, further characterized in that the binder is sorbitol and because the viscosity modifier is water, with a concentration of 3% to 7% by weight of the binder system. 13. The process according to any of the preceding claims, further characterized in that the binder is sprayed onto the base powder. The process according to any of the preceding claims, further comprising step (e): (e) Coating the detergent tablet with a coating material. 15. A tablet composition obtained by means of a process defined in any of the preceding claims. 16. A coated tablet composition obtained by means of a process defined in claim 1

4. 17. The use of a binder system comprising: (i) A binder, and (i) optionally, an auxiliary. viscosity, so that the molten binder system exhibits a friction modulus value G of 10 to 100 GPA, a minimum phase angle value of 7 ° and a minimum melting point of 45 ° C to 100 kPa to improve the properties of resistance to breakage of detergent tablets.