MXPA96003691A - Granulated detergent composition containing hydrotro - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to a detergent composition having a density of at least 650 g / l, characterized in that it comprises: a) from about 1% to about 50% by weight of a detersive surfactant system comprising at least about 30% by weight of said surfactant system, of a sulphated surfactant selected from the group consisting of C10-20 alkyl sulphates, C10-18 alkyl ethoxy sulfates having from about 1 to about 7 ethoxy groups, secondary alkyl sulphates and mixtures of b) from about 1% to about 50% by weight of hydrotrope, which is sodium sulfilsuccinate, and c) at least 1% by weight of a builder, wherein said surfactant system, said hydrotrope, and said builder are agglomerated to form detergent agglomerates, which are substantially free of phosphates, wherein said surfactant is fatado has improved solubility in a water wash solution

Description

. COMPOSITION GRANULATED DETERGENT CONTAINING HYDROTHROPOSES CñllPQ PE LR INVENTION The present invention is generally directed to a granular detergent composition having improved solubility in cold temperature wash solutions. Most particularly, the invention is directed to a detergent composition containing high levels of an unsaturated surfactant selected from the group consisting of alkyl sulfates (referred to herein as "OS"), alkylethoxy sulphates (also referred to as co or "AF.S" herein) and secondary alkyl sulfates (also referred to herein as "SfiS") and mixtures thereof, and a hydrotrope selected from the group consisting of sulfilsuccmates, xylenesulfonates, cumenesulfonates and mixtures thereof, which improve the solubility in solutions of cold temperature washing (for example 5 ° C-30 ° C) and conditions of high water hardness (for example 120 rng / 1). compact detergent composition of al + a density, the detergent of the invention is rather in the form of agglomerates detergen + is that of granules dried by spray.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Typically, conventional detergent compositions contain mixtures of various agents + agents to re fl ect a wide variety of dirt and surface stains. For example, various ammonium surfactants, especially alkylbenzene sulfonates, are useful for removing dirt particles, and various non-ammonium surfactants, such as alkyl ethoxylates and alkylphenol ethoxylates, are useful for removing fatty spots. Although the art is replete with a wide variety of surfactants, for those skilled in the art of the detergent formulation, most of the available surfactants are chemical specialties that are not suitable for routine use in low-weight articles. It is a fact that many laundry detergents for home use still comprise one or more of the conventional alkylbenzene sulphonates or primary alkyl sulfates, another class of surfactants that has found use in different compositions. where the emulsification is convenient, they comprise the secondary axyl sulphates Conventional secondary alkyl sulfate surfactants are generally available as random, pasty mixtures of linear and / or partially branched sulphated alkanes, for example Rossall and other US Patent No. 4,235,752 describe a detergent surfactant which is a sulfa of secondary alkyl of C o-j to which contains 50% of sulfate isomers 2/3 and 40% of other different effective isomers. The surfactant materials described by Rossall and Ors are for primary use in dishwashing operations. Such materials have not had extensive use in laundry detergents, since they offer no advantage over alkylbenzene sulfonates, especially with respect to water solubility which facilitates the production of highly surfactant granular detergents. According to the above, Rossall et al. Do not provide a high density laundry detergent that has improved solubility or cold storage solutions, nor under conditions of high water hardness. The limited solubility of alkylsulfate surfactants, which includes both primary and secondary alkyl sulfates, is especially prevalent in modern granular washing detergents that are typically used in cold temperature wash solutions (eg, 5 to 30 ° C) and are formulated in "condensed" or "compact" form for use in low dosages. For the consumer, the smaller package size concomitant with the compact detergent products provides ease of storage and handling. For the manufacturer, unit storage costs are decreased, the shipping and packing costs. The manufacture of condensed or compact granular detergents acceptable has its difficulties. In a typical compact detergent formulation, the ingredients (referred to as "inert" ones, such as sodium sulfate, are substantially removed.) However, such ingredients play a role in increasing the solubility of conventional detergents. Compact detergents often suffer from solubility problems, especially in cold temperature wash solutions.In addition, standard density or compact detergent granules are usually prepared by spray drying procedures, which results in highly detergent particles. In contrast, compact detergents are typically comprised of less porous high density detergent particles that are less soluble, for example agglomerates, in this way, since the compact form of granular detergents typically comprises particulate The grains that contain high levels of detergent ingredients with little or no space for agents <; - Olig? lzantes, and since such particles are intentionally manufactured at high volume densities, the net result can be a substantial problem with respect to solubility during use. In the detergent technique, the use of hydrotropes has generally been associated with liquid detergent compositions to increase the solubility of various detergent ingredients in the composition. For example, Gutiérrez et al., US Patent No. 4,528,144 (ever), are directed to liquid detergent compositions containing terpensulfonate hydrotropes and various other detergent ingredients. In a similar manner, La Bertí et al., U.S. Patent No. 4,623,483 (Lever), are also directed to a liquid detergent composition comprising a hydrotrope and other conventional detergent ingredients. Both Patents of Lambertí and others, and Gutiérrez suggest only liquid compositions and do not refer to the granulated or agglomerated versions of the detergents described? "In this way, these Patents do not speak of the problem of associated solubility in cold temperature washing solutions. , a problem particularly prevalent when detergents are used that are not spray dried, Therefore, despite the descriptions in the art, there is a need for a detergent composition having improved solubility, especially in cold temperature wash solutions. This need is especially prevalent in the technique of compact or high density detergents currently in use by consumers.There is also a need for such a detergent composition which also has improved solubility under conditions of high water hardness. there is a need for such a detergent composition exhibiting improved biodegradability.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION The present invention meets the needs identified above by providing a detergent composition in the form of agglomerates that exhibit improved solubility or dissolution of the ammonium surfactants in cold temperature wash solutions, as well as high water hardness conditions. The detergent composition comprises a surfactant system having a high level F > a sulfated tenectant selected from the group of alkylsulphonates, alkyl ethoxysulfates, secondary alkylsulphonates and mixtures thereof, in combination with a hydrotrope selected from the group consisting of sulphlucsuccinates, xylene sulphonates, cunensulphonates and mixtures thereof. Other auxiliary detergent ingredients may also be included in the detergent agglomerates, which form the detergent composition. For example, highly active particles (high levels of -surfactants) can optionally be included to increase cleanliness. In order to increase the biodegradability, the detergent compositions do not contain any phosphate. As used herein, the phrase "improved solubility" means that the solubility of the ammonium surfactants of the detergent composition is increased by at least 5% in the wash solution when employed in the form of this invention, compared to the solubility of the same ammonium per se agents. under the same conditions of p? test (that is, temperature and pH of the water, speed and time of agitation, particle size, hardness of water, and the like). As used herein, the term "agglomerates" refers to particles formed by the agglomeration of particles that typically have a smaller average particle size than the agglomerates formed. All percentages, radii and proportions used herein are by weight, unless otherwise specified. All - * > < "[u] uments, including the patents and publications cited herein, are incorporated herein by reference In accordance with one aspect of the invention, a detergent composition is provided herein in the form of agglomerates The detergent composition comprises from about 1 to 50 % by weight of a detergent surfactant system The surfactant system itself comprises, by weight of surfactant system, at least about 30% of a sulfated surfactant selected from the group consisting of alkyl sulfates, alkyl ethoxysulfates, secondary alkylsulphates and mixtures The detergent composition includes from about 1 to 50% of a hydrotrope selected from the group consisting of sulphyl succinates, xylene sulphonates, curne sulphonates and mixtures thereof The detergent composition includes at least about 1% by weight of a detergency speaker to increase cleaning The surfactant, hydrotope, and training system is agglomerate to form agglomerates detergents that are substantially free of phosphates. The ammonium surfactants in the detergent composition have improved solubility in an aqueous wash solution. In this way, the solubility of the sulfated surfactant (AS, AES and / or SAS) is increased by at least 5%, preferably from 10 to 50% on those same surfactants alone or the same test conditions in aqueous washing solutions of cold temperature, that is, from 5 to 30 ° C. According to another aspect of the invention, a method for washing soiled fabrics is provided. The method comprises the p > of contacting soiled fabrics with an effective amount of a detergent composition, as described herein, in an aqueous wash solution. An effective amount is typically in the order of 1000 to 1500 p.m. Therefore, it is an object of the present invention to provide a granular detergent composition having improved solubility, especially in cold temperature wash solutions. It is also an object of the invention to provide a detergent composition having improved biodegradability. These and other objects, features and concomitant advantages of the present invention will become clear to those skilled in the art from a reading of the following detailed description of the preferred embodiment and the appended claims.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED MODALITY The invention is directed to a granular detergent composition having improved solubility in cold temperature wash solutions. A multitude of consumers around the world wash dirty clothes in conventional washing machines unique to their particular geographical location. Typically, these conventional washers wash clothes soiled in water provided at relatively high temperatures, for example in the range of 5 to 30 ° C and at high hardness concentrations, for example 120 rng / l (rich in Ca and Mg ions). Most modern consumers use condensed or compact washing detergents to meet their washing needs. Under the conditions mentioned above, the solubility of current detergents in aqueous washing solutions has been a problem. This problem is exacerbated especially when the detergent composition has high levels of alkylsulphates, cycoxysulphonates and / or secondary alkylene sulphates, which are not particularly susceptible to dissolution in cold aqueous washing solutions. Such surfactants are particularly useful in modern laundry detergents, since they minimize or eliminate the need for benzene sulfate linear alkyl surfactants which generally have biodegradability. c, e has found that the solubility of a detergent composition having a high content of alkylene glycols, quyoxysulfate and / or secondary alkyl sulfate ("sulfated" surfactant system) can be increased by incorporating a hydrotrope selected from the group consisting of sulfilsuccinates, xylene, lymphonates, carbon n-sulfonates and mixtures thereof. For that purpose, the preferred detergent composition of the invention comprises from about 1 to 50%, preferably from about 15 to 40% by weight of a hydrotope. The surfactant system of the detergent composition - "learns at least 30%, preferably from 35 to 90%, of a sulfated surfactant selected from the group consisting of alkyl sulfates, alkyl ethoxy sulfates, secondary alkalies and mixtures thereof. Preferably, the detergent composition is in the form of agglomerates and has an overall density of 650 g / l or greater It has been found that such a detergent composition, containing agglomerates with the aforementioned surfactant system and the hydrotope, surprisingly improves the solubility In a significant way, the cold temperature (from 5 to 30 ° C) of the washing solutions, as well as under conditions of high water hardness, preferably the detergent composition of the invention also comprises at least about 1%, preferably 10%. about 40% of a detergent builder The detergent composition can also include one or more auxiliary detergent ingredients. Non-limiting examples of the builder and auxiliary ingredients are described in detail below. Preferably, the detergent composition herein is formulated and processed to achieve a density of at least 650 g / 1 in order to produce a "compact" detergent product. For the purpose of increasing biodegradability, the detergent agglomerates that are formed in the detergent composition of the invention preferably do not contain phosphates. Also, it is important p > for the detergent composition < j * ar in the form of "agglomerates" as opposed to the granules dried by sprinkling. This is particularly important since most sulfated surfactants can not easily be subjected to the spray-drying process without causing or creating extremely adverse feathers from the spray dryer towers. The "improved solubility" achieved by the detergent composition refers to the increase in the solubility of the ammonium surfactants contained in the surfactant system, ie, AS, AES, SAS or LAS, if used. Preferably, the improvement repre sents at least a 5% increase in the solubility of these ammonia in the wash solution compared to the solubility of the same surfactants if they were dissolved alone or without being contained in a detergent composition as defined in US Pat. I presented. More preferably, the improvement of the solubility is from 10 to 50% approximately. As those skilled in the art will appreciate, any comparison of the solubility of ammonium surfactants should be completed under the same washing conditions, that is, temperature, hardness and pH of the water, speed and time of agitation and particle size. Typical improvements in the solubility of the surfactant to ionic are set forth in the examples below. Those skilled in the art will also appreciate the numerous ways in which the density of the surfactant system in the wash solution can be determined.For example, in the titration technique referred to as "catso3" samples can be taken from the solution. aqueous wash containing the detergent composition after one minute and filtering with nylon filter of 0.45 nm HPLC, after which the filtered solution can be titrated with a cationic titrant, which can be purchased commercially, for example from Sigma Chemical Company under the brand name Hyarnine, in the presence of ammonium chloroquine From the foregoing, the amount of surfactant to ion that has dissolved in the wash solution can be determined.

SYSTEM OF AGENT SURGICAL The surfactant system in the detergent composition should include a sulphated surfactant selected from the group consisting of alkyl sulfates, -alkyl ethoxylates, secondary alkylsulphates and mixtures thereof. As mentioned above, the ammonium surfactants in the surfactant system of the invention, that is AS, AES, and / or SAS have improved solubility and more particularly, in the order of 5% or more. Optionally, the surfactant system may contain one or more additional surfactants, non-limiting examples of which are provided below. The surfactant system preferably includes conventional primary alkyl sulfate surfactants having the general formula: R0SC-3-M + Where R is typically a linear hydrocarbyl group of C cs-C ^ a and M is a cation of water solubilization.

Here also branched chain primary ilo sulfate surfactants (ie, branched chain "PAS") having from 10 to 20 carbon atoms can be used; see for example European Patent Application 439,316, Srnith et al., filed January 21, 1991, the description of which is incorporated herein by reference (included in the term "alkyl" is the alkyl portion of the groups acyl). Included in the surfactant system are the alkylalkoxide sulfates of C? 0-C? ("AEx", especially 1-7 ethoxysulfates l- "Q).

Substantial alkylsulfate surfactants conventional herein can also be used, and include those materials having the sulfate entity randomly distributed along the hydrocarbyl backbone of the molecule. Such materials can be represented with the structure: CHa (CHZ) n (CHOS03 ~ M +) (CHE) mCH-3 wherein rn and n are integers of 2 or greater and the sum of rn + n 'ta typically between 9 and 17, and M is a cation of water solubilization.

More preferably, a surfactant selected from secondary (2,3) alkylsulfate is used here which comprises the structures of formulas A and B (A) CHsíCHa? KÍCHOSOa-M + J Ha V (B) 0Ha (CH-32) and (CH0 0s-M +) CHaCHa for 2-sulfate and 3-sulfate, respectively. Mixtures of 2- and 3-sulfate can be used here, in formulas A and B, xe (and + 1) are, respectively, integers of at least about 6, and can range from about 7 to about 20, preferably from 10 to about 16. approximately. M is a cation, such as an alkali metal, ammonium, alkanolarnome, alkaline earth metal, or the like. Sodium is typical for use as M to prepare the (2, 3) alkyl sulfates, soluble in water, but ethanolamome, diethanolamome, triethanolammonium, potassium, ammonium and the like may also be present. It is preferred that the secondary (2,3) alkylsulphates be substantially free (ie, contain less than about 20%), preferably less than about 10%, preferably less than about 5%) of such incidental secondary alkyl sulphates.

The preparation of secondary (2,3) alkyl derivatives of the type useful herein can be carried out by the addition of H2SO4. to olefmae A typical synthesis is described - polymers and sulfuric acid in U.S. Patent 3,234,258, Morris, or in U.S. Patent 5,075,041, Lutz, issued December 24, 1991, both of which are incorporated to the present as reference. The synthesis, conducted in solvents that produce the secondary (2,3) alkalies by cooling, comprises products that, when purified to remove materials that did not react, the materials randomly sulfated, the < - unsulfated products such as the higher alcohols of 10 carbon atoms, the more secondary sulfonates, and the like, are typically 90% or pure mixtures, of 2- and 3-sulphated materials (typically up to 10% are present of sodium atoms) and are white solid, not viscous, apparently crystalline. Some 2,3-sulfates may be present, but generally do not comprise more than 5% of the mixture of the secondary (2,3) rnonoalkylsulphates. Such materials are available under the name "DAN" for example "DAN 200" from Shell ü l Cornpany.

If it is desired to increase the solubility of the "crystalline" secondary alkyl (2,3) sulfate surfactants, the fornulator may wish to employ blends of surfactant surfactants having a mixture of alkyl chain lengths. In this manner, a mixture of C 2 -C 2 alkyl chains provides an increase in solubility over a secondary (2,3) alkyl sulfate wherein the alkyl chain is, say, completely C 16. The solubility of the secondary (2,3) alkylsulphates can also be increased with the addition of other surfactants such as materials that decrease the crystallinity of the secondary (2,3) alkylsulfates. Such crystal disruption materials are typically effective at levels of 20% or less of the secondary (2,3) alkyl sulfate.

Hidrp? Ropp The granular detergent composition of the present invention preferably includes a hydrotrope such as those commonly used in liquid detergents. It has been found that the inclusion of a hydrotrope within the agglomerated detergent composition described herein surprisingly aids in the solderability of detergent agglomerates that are rich in sulfated surfactants (ie, more than 30% of the system). of surfactants). The hydrotrope, to import the form (that is, solid, liquid or paste), is mixed with the surfactant paste before or during the passage of the agglomeration. Those skilled in the art will appreciate the wide variety of hydrotropes useful in this detergent composition. As previously mentioned, the hydrotrope used herein is preferably selected from the group consisting of silfilsuccmates, xylene sulphonates, curne sulphonates and mixtures of the same. More preferred are the sodium salts of the above-mentioned preferred hydrotropes, such as sodium t-L-lysuccinate. Other suitable hydrotropes include n-phthalene sulphonates, benzoates, salicylates, gallates, hydroxynaphthates, picolmates. These and other hydrotropes suitable for use herein are described in known texts such as Mitijevic, "Surface and Colloid Science" Plenurn Press, vol. 15 (1993), the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

Me-speaker of Deterqenc a The detergent composition of the invention also includes a detergency builder material to aid in the control of mineral hardness. Organic as well as inorganic builders can be used. Detergency builders are typically used in fabric washing compositions to aid in the removal of dirt particles. Inorganic builders include, but are not limited to, salts of alkali metals, ammonium and anionic acid phytate, silicates, carbonates (including bicarbonates and sesquicarbonates), sulfates and aluminosilicates.

Examples of silicate builders are alkali metal silicates, particularly those having a S SO =: NaaO radius in the range from 1.6: 1 to 3.2: 1 and layered silicates, such as the layered sodium silicates described in US Pat. U.S. Patent 4,664,839, filed May 12, 1987 for HP Riecl-, rva¿KS-6 is the trademark of a crystalline layered silicate marketed by Hoechst (commonly abbreviated here as "SKS-6)." Unlike the zeolite builders, the silicate builder Na SKS-6, does not contain aluminum NaSKS-6 has the morphological form delta-Na-a IOs of layered silicate .. It can be prepared by methods such as that described in Germán ÜE-A-3, 417, 649 and DE-A- No. 3,742,043 SKS-6 is a highly reactive layered silicate for use herein, but other layered silicates may be used, such as those having the general formula MaM "0S) <: -t. And H?" 0 in where M is sodium or hydrogen, X is a number from 1.9 to 4, preferably 2, and e is a number from 0 to 20, preferably 0. Several other Hoechst stratified silicates include NaSKS-5, NaSKS-7 and NaSKS-11 as the alpha, beta and gamma forms. As noted earlier, the delta-Na? S? Os (NaSKS-6 form) is most preferred to be used here. Other silicates, such as, for example,%? magnesium licato, which can serve as a curling agent in granulated formulations, as a stabilizing agent for oxygen bleaches, and as a component of foam control systems.

Examples of carbonate builders are alkali metal and alkaline earth metal carbonates, as described in German Patent Application No. 2,321,001 published November 15, 1973. Alurinosilicate etherity builders are useful in the present invention. Al-rninosilicate builder detergents are of great importance in heavy duty granular detergent compositions sold more generally and can also be a significant detergent ingredient in liquid detergent formulations. Alurinosilicate detergent builders include those that have the empirical formula: M ^ (zAl02) vlxH20 where z and y are integers of at least 6, the mol ratio burns z a and is on the scale of 1.0 to 0.5 approximately, and x is an integer of approximately 15 to 264.

There are useful alurinosilicate ion exchange materials, available commercially. These alurnmosilicates can be crystalline or amorphous in structure and can be naturally occuring alurninosilicates or synthetically derived. A method for the production of aluminosilicate lomeo exchange materials is disclosed in U.S. Patent 3,985,669, Krurnrnel et al., Issued October 12, 1976. Preferred synthetic crystalline alurninosilicate ion exchange materials useful herein are available under the designations Zeolite A, Zeol te P (B), Zeolite MAP and Zeolite X. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the ion exchange material of the crystalline urninosilicate has the formula: Na 2C (A10: 2) 3.s »(S? 02) S» l.xH: »0 wherein x is from about 20 to 30, especially about 27. This material is known as Zeolite A. Dehydrated zeolites (x = 0 -10) can also be used herein. Preferably, the alummosilicate has a particle size of about 0.1 -10 microns in diameter.

The best organic detergency regulators "for the purposes of the present invention include, but are not restricted to, a wide variety of polycarboxylate compounds," as used herein "polycarboxylate" refers to compounds having a plurality of carboxylate groups, preferably at least 3 carboxylates. The polycarboxylate builder can generally be added to the composition in acid form, but can also be added in the form of a neutralized salt.When the salt form is used, the salts of 3α'almoe metals are preferred, such as sodium, potassium, or lithium, or salts of aicanolamomo.

Included among the polycarboxylate builders are a variety of useful material categories. An important category of polycarboxylate detergent builders comprises the polycarboxylate ethers, including oxydisuccmate, as described in Berg, U.S. Patent No. 3,128,287, issued April 7, 1964, and L < ? rnbert? and others, US Patent No. 3,635,830, issued January 18, 1972. See also "TMS / TDS" detergency builders of U.S. Patent No. 4,663,071 issued to B? sh and others on May 5, 1987. Ethers Suitable polycarboxylate also include cyclic compounds, particularly alicyclic compounds such as those described in U.S. Patents 3,923,579, 1,835,163, 4,158,635; 4,120,874 and 4,102,903.

Other useful detergency builders include the hydroxycarboxylates, polymers of the anionic anhydride with ethylene or vinylmethyl ether, acid 1, 3, 5-tph? Drox? benzene-2, 4,6-tpsul phonic and carboxymethyloxyacimic acid, the salts of the different alkali metals, ammonium and substituted ammonium of polyacetic acids such as the tetrahedral acid and the tetracyclic acid and the methyltriacetic acid, as well as polycarboxylates such as rhnelitic acid , succinic acid, oxydisuccinic acid, polyarnaléic acid, brocen-1, 3,5-tr? carboxylic acid and carboxymethyl-oxysuccinic acid, and soluble salts thereof.

The detergent builders of citrus, for example, the citric acid and the soluble salts thereof (particularly the sodium salt), are the builders of p-olicarboxylate of particular importance for liquid detergent formulations due to their availability from from renewable sources and their biodegradability. The citrates can also be used, however, in granular compositions, especially in combination with zeolite and / or with layered silicate builders. Oxydisuccinates are also especially useful in such compositions and combinations.

Also suitable in the detergent compositions of the present invention are the 3, 3-d-carboxy-4-oxa-l, 6-hexanedioates and the related compounds disclosed in U.S. Patent 4,566,984, Bush, issued on June 28. January 1986. Useful succimic acid builders include the alkyl or alkenic acids of Cs to C ^ o and salts of the others. A particularly preferred compound of this type is the acid dodece lsuccimco. Specific examples of scinacinate builders include: lauplsuccmate, inipstils? Ccinate, palisisuccinate, 2-dodecen? Lsuccmate, (preferred), 2-p > entadecemlsucc? nato, and the like). The - inksuccmates are the preferred detergency builders in this group, and are described in patent application E? R-ope 86200690.5 / 0,200,263 published November 5, 1986. Other suitable polycarboxylates are disclosed in U.S. Patent 4,144,226 , Crutchfield et al., Issued March 13, 1979 and in United States Patent 3,308,067, Diehl, issued March 7, 1967. See also Diehl, US Patent 3,723,322.

The fatty acids, for example the Cxa-Cie acids, can also be incorporated into the compositions alone, or in combination with the above-mentioned detergency builders, especially the citrate and / or the sucrase builders to provide additional forming activity. . Such use of fatty acids will generally result in a decrease in foam, which should be taken into account by the fornulator.

AUXILIARY SURGICAL AGENTS One or more auxiliary surfactants may generally be included at a level of about 1 to 50% of the surfactant system described herein. Non-limiting examples of surfactant agents useful in conjunction with the surfactants described herein are the C10-Cla alkylalkoxycarboxylates (especially the 1-5 EO-ethoxycarboxylates), the glycerol ethers of C.sub.1 -C. , the alkyl polyglycosides of C o C and their corresponding sulfated polyglycosides, and the fatty acid esters of the α-sulfonated C 2 -C (3). If desired, standard amphoteric and nonionic surfactants can be included in the general compositions. alkylatoxylate ("AE") of C s »-Cxs, including the so-called alkyl ethoxylates of the narrow type and alkyl phenol-alkoxylates of C, s, -Cxa (especially ethoxylates and ethoxy / propoxy), betamas and sulfobetaines of CS! -CXT ("sultamas"), also n "'" -Jen to be included in the overall compositions.The C-CX £ 3 N-alkyl polydroxylic acid amides can also be used. C -3-C ß. Vaseneglucarnides SO 9,206,154 N-propyl-N-hexyl glucanides of C2-C can be used to decrease froth.C0-C0- 0- Conventional soaps can also be used If you want a high foam you can use branched chain soaps of C o-Cx < s.

Also included in the system of surfactants are conventional C-B alkyl alkyl benzenesulfonates (also referred to herein as "LAS"). Although the biodegradability of so-called "LAS" surfactants has been subject to some interest, the surfactant system herein may include an optimum level, from about 0.1 to 15% and preferably from about 3 to 8% by weight, to improve the solubility such of the cornp >Detergent, without substantially reducing the total biodegradability of the detergent composition present. Alternatively, the level of LAS can be included as from about 1 to 40%, more preferably from about 10 to 25% by weight of the surfactant system in the detergent composition. The surfactant system may also include an amine oxide surfactant. Non-bidding examples include amine oxides of C or ~ 3.a secondary amine oxides such as dimethylamine oxide, and tertiary amine oxides having the general formula RR'R "N0 in which k '" - = a primary alkyl group containing from 8 to 24 carbon atoms; R 'is methyl, ethyl or 2-hydroxyl; and R "is independently selected from methyl, ethyl, 2-hydroxyethyl and primary alkyl groups containing from 8 to 24 carbon atoms.In addition, the tertiary amine oxide surfactants may be in hydrated form and have the general formula RR 'R' NO nH20 where R, R 'and R "are the same as above and n is 1 or 2. Examples of other tertiary rounds suitable for use herein include those containing 1 or 2 short chain groups independently selected from methyl, ethyl and 2-hydroxyethanol, with the remaining amino nitrogen valencies being satisfied with long chain groups independently selected from primary alkyl groups containing from 8 to 24 carbon atoms, for example octyl, decyl, dodecyl, tetradecyl, Hexadecyl, octadecyl, eicosyl, docoyl, and tetracosyl The primary alkyl groups may be effective chain groups, but the amines are preferred in at least the majority of the alkyl groups. the primary have a straight chain. Exemplary of these tertiary amines are N-octydirnethylamine, N, Nd? Dec? Lrnet? Lam? Na, N-decyl-N-dodecylethyliamma, N-dodecyldirnetiiarnine, N-tetradecyldi ethylamine, N-tetradecyl-N-ethylrhenylamine, N- tetradecyl -N-et? Ol-2-hydrox? Et? Lam? Na, N, Nd? -tetradec? L ~ 2-hydroxyethylamine, N-hexadecyldimethylamine, N-hexadec? Ld? -2-hidroxietiia ma N- octadecyldimethylaminine, N, N- * "ioeylethylarnine, n-docos? lN-2-h? drox? et? lmet? iam? na, N-tetracosyldimeti sheet, etc. Additional description is given to amine oxide surfactants and methods of preparation thereof all of which are suitable for use herein in Borland et al. U.S. Patent No. 5,071,594 and Tosaka et al, U.S. Patent No. 5,096,621, incorporated herein by reference Mixtures of ammonium and non-ionic surfactants they are especially useful Other conventional useful surfactants are listed in standard texts.

AUXILIARY INGREDIENTS OF THE DETERGENT The detergent composition can also include any number of additional ingredients. These include detergent builders, bleaches, bleach activators, foam promoters or foam suppressors, anti-corrosion agents and anti-corrosion agents, soil suspending agents, soil release agents, germicides, pH adjusting agents, alkalinity sources non-forming, chelating agents, smectite clays, enzymes, enzyme stabilizing agents and perfumes. See U.S. Patent 3,936,537, filed February 3, 1976 to Bas erville, 3 et al, incorporated herein by reference. Fabric conditioning agents may also be included as an adjuvant material such as those described in US Pat. No. 4,861,502, filed August 29, 1989 to Caswell, incorporated herein by reference. Bleaching and activating agents are described in US Pat. U.S. Patent 4,412,934, Chung et al., filed November 19, 1983, and in U.S. Patent 4,483,781, Hartman filed November 20, 1984, both are incorporated herein by reference. US Pat. No. 4,663,071, Bush, et al., of column 17, line 54 to column 18, line 18, incorporated herein by reference, are described in. The foam modifiers are also suctional ingredients and are described in the patents of US Pat. United States 3,933,672 filed on January 20, 1976 for Barroletta et al and 4,136,045 filed on January 23, 1979 for Gault and others both incorporated Here's a reference. Smectite clays suitable for use herein are described in U.S. Patent No. 62,645, Tucker et al, filed August 9, 1988, column 6, line 3 to column 7, line 24, incorporated herein by reference. Additional detergency builders suitable for use herein are listed in the Baskerville Patent. column 13, line 54 to column 16, line 16 and in United States Patent 4,663,071, Bush et al. filed May 5, 1987, both incorporated herein by reference. Enzymes may be included in the formulations herein for a wide variety of fabric washing purposes, including the removal of protein-based, carbohydrate-based or triglyceride-based stains, for example, and for the prevention of the transfer of migratory dyes. , and for the restoration of fabrics. Enzymes to be incorporated include proteases, amylases, nipples, cellulaeae and peroxides as well as mixtures thereof. Other types of enzymes can also be included. These can be of any suitable origin, such as vegetable, animal, bacterial, sour and yeast origin. However, its choice is regulated by several factors such as pH or activity and / or optimal stability, terrnostability, stability against active detergents, cornadoree etc. To this respect, bacterial or enzymatic enzymes are preferred, such as bacterial lases and proteases andnicnic cellulases. Suitable examples of proteases are the subtilisins which are obtained from particular strains of B. subtilis and I. Ilfheniforrns. Another suitable protease is obtained from a strain of Bacill? S which has maximum activity throughout the pH range of 8 to 12 coiled and laid by Novo Industries A / S under the trademark ESPERASE. The preparation of this enzyme and analogous enzymes is described in the specification of British Patent No. 1,243,784 of Novo. Suitable proteolytic enzymes for the removal of stains based on proteins that are commercially available include those sold under the trademark ALCALASE and SAVINA? E by Novo ** 'ustries A / S (Denmark) and MAXATASE by International Bio-Synthetics, Inc (The Net erlands). Other proteases include protease A (see European Patent Application 130), 756, published on January 9, 1985) and the Roteasa of B (see European Patent Application Serial No. 87303761.8 filed on April 29, 1987 and European Patent Application 130,756 Bott et al published on January 9, 1985 ). Arnilases include, for example, α-arylases described in British Patent specification no. 1,296,839 (Novo), RAPIDASE, International Bio-Synthetics, Inc. and Terrna yl. Novo Industries). The cellulase usable in the present invention includes both bacterial andnicnic cellulase. Preferably, it will have an optimum pH of between 5 and 9.5. Suitable cellulases are described in U.S. Patent 4,435,307, Barbesgoard et al., Filed March 6, 1984, which describes the icotic cellulase produced by H / apicola insolens and HUIM Qia strain D? M1800 or a cellulase-producing fungus. 212 that belongs to the genus Aeromonae. and cellulase extracted from the hepatopancreas of a marine mollusk (Dolabella auricula solander), the appropriate cellulases are also transcribed in GB-A-20,075,028; GB-A-2, 095, 275 and DE-OS-2,247,832. Lipase enzymes suitable for use as detergents include those produced by microorganisms of the Pseudomonas group such as Pseu ^ ornon.s stutzep ATCC. 19. 154 as described in British Patent 1,372,034. See ** "the lipases in Japanese patent application 53.20487, open to public inspection on February 24, 1978. This lipase is available from Amano Pharrnaceutical Ltd. Nagoya, 3ap, under the brand name Lipase P" Amano, "hereinafter referred to as" Arnano-P. "Other commercial lipases include Amano-CES, ex-Chrornobacter viscous lipases, for example, Chromobacter visprosi» Iipolvum var NRRLB 3673, commercially available from Toyo lozo Co. Tagata , Dapon, and also lipases Chromobacter viscosu from US Biochernical Corp. uSA and Dieoynth Co., The Netherlands and lipases ex Pse? Dornonas oladioli The LIPOLASE enzyme derived from Humicola lanucinosa and commercially available from Novo (see also EPO 341 947. It is a lipase Preferred for use herein: Peroxidase enzymes are used in combination with oxygen sources, for example, precarbonate, perborate, persulfate, hydrogen peroxide, are used for bleaching the solution; This is to prevent the transfer of ruminants or pigments removed from the substrates during washing operations to other substrates in the wash solution. Peroxidase enzymes are known in the art, and include, for example, ruminal peroxidase, lignase, and haloperoxidase such as chloro- and bromo-peroxidase. Peroxidase-containing detergent compositions are described, for example, in the international application PCT UO 89/099813. published on October 19, 1989 by 0. Kir assigned to Novo Industpee A / S. A wide variety of enzymatic materials and means for their incorporation into synthetic detergent compositions are also described in U.S. Patent 3,553,139, filed January 5, 1971 to McCarty et al.). Enzymes are also described in U.S. Patent 4,101,457, Place et al, filed July 18, 1978 and U.S. Patent 4,507,219 Hughes filed March 26, 1985 in both. Enzymatic materials useful for liquid ether formulations and their incorporation into such formulations are described in U.S. Patent 4,261,868, Hora et al, filed April 14, 1981. Enzymes for use in detergents can be stabilized by various techniques. Stabilization techniques are described and illustrated in U.S. Patent 3,600,319 filed August 17, 1971 to Gedge et al. And European Patent Application Publication No. 0 199 405, Application No., 86200586.5 filed on October 29. 1986, Venegas. Enzyme stabilization semas are also described, for example, in U.S. Patent 3,519,570. Additionally, dye transfer inhibiting agents, for example polyvinylpyrrolidone, polyarynin N-oxide, copolymers of N-vinylpyrrolidone and N-vinylnitridazole are suitable dye transfer inhibiting polymers for use in the present detergent composition. The level of such additional dye transfer agents may vary but typically ranges from about 0.01 to 10% by weight of the detergent composition.

Agglomeration procedure The following description illustrates the agglomeration process by means of which the detergent composition of the invention is produced. The parameters obeved in the present ion are only illustrative and should not be considered as limiting in any way. PaSQ A-Preparation of. The Agent's Pass Surfactant The objective is to combine the surfactants and the liquid of the compositions in a common mixture to aid in the solubilization of the surfactant and in the agglomeration. In this step, surfactants and other liquid components including the hydrotop are mixed together in a sigma mixer at 60 ° C at about 40 to 75 rpm for a period of about 15 to 30 minutes to yield a paste that has the general consistency of 20,000-40,000 centipoise. Once it is completely mixed, the paste is stored at 60 ° C until the agglomeration of the paste (B) is ready to be carried out.

Paßp B - RqlQffleracigrí je jos powders with the paste Active Tensi agents. - The purpose of this step is to aneform the ingredients of the base formula in the agglomerates of fluid detergents having an average particle size scale of approximately 800 to 1600 microns. In this step, the powders (including materials such horn zeolite, citrate, forming citric acid, forming layered silicate (as SKS-6) sodium carbonate, ethylenediamine disuccinate, magnesium succinate and optical brightener) are charged into the mixer Eirich (R-eries) and mix briefly (5 to 10 seconds approximately) and 1500 to 3000 rprn to mix the different dry powders completely. The surfactant paste from step A is then charged into the mixer and mixing is continued at about 1500-3000 rpm for a period of about 1 to 10 minutes, preferably 1 to 3 minutes, at room temperature. The mixture stops when the agglomerates of the method are formed (average particle size 800-1,600 microns).

Step C- The purpose of this step is to reduce the viscosity of the agglomerates by reduction / drying of the moisture and to assist in the reduction of particle size to the white particle size (in the range of average particle size of 800 to 1600 rnicrae, sold by sieving analysis). In this step, the wet agglomerates are charged to a fluidised bed at an airflow temperature of about 4.1 to 60 ° C and dried to a final moisture content of the particles of about 4 to 10%. - Step D.- Coating or < He agglomerates v addition ^ And assistants n ra free fluio - The objective in this step is to achieve the final size range white agglomerates of 800 to about 1600 microns, and mixing the materials coating the agglomerates, reduce the tendency of caking / clod the particles and help maintain an acceptable fluidity. In this step, the dry agglomerates Step C are charged into the Eirich Mixer (E-Series) and a speed of 1,500 are mixed at 3000 rpm while make 2 to 6%, ^ - olit.a (particle size half 2-5 micras) during it. Mixing is continued until the desired edia particle size has been achieved (typically about 5 to 45 seconds). At this point about 0.1 to 1.5 wt.% Of precipitated silica is added (average particle size 1-3 microns) as an aid p > for the flow and the mixture stops. To make the present invention more easily eotendible, reference is made to the following examples, which are intended to be illustrative only and are not intended to be limiting in scope.

EXAMPLE I Various detergent compositions (A-C) were made in accordance with the agglomeration process described above. The compositions A and B are within the range q > The invention and composition C is outside the invention presented for the purpose of comparison as described in Example II hereinafter. The relative proportions of the compositions A-C in the form of agglomerate are listed in Table I below.

TABLE I to J & £ Surfactants Components Z (P) Z (D) X < D) primary alkyl Cx ^ _ 18.8 18.8 19.2 s (1-3) Alk? Iletoxis? Lfato CX2-CXS 10.6 10.6 10.8 S? Lfilsuccinato (Na) 2.0 xylene sulfonate (Na) 2.0 I -¡oradores detergency Zeolite 4A 39.2 39.2 40.0 Carbonate (Na) 15.8 15.8 16.1 R-JitiYQS Mise, (water, perfume, and secondary) 13 .6 1.3,.,, -I 13, 9 00. 0 100 0 100 0 AXIS? PLQ II This example illustrates the surprisingly improved solubility achieved by the detergent composition of the invention. Specifically, normal dosages of the AC compositions (1170 PPRn) are dissolved in na aqueous wash solution having a water temperature of 10 ° C and a water hardness of 120 ng / liter (Ca radius: Mg 3: 1). The wash solution is continuously stirred at a rate of 75 rprn and samples of the wash solution are taken at various time intervals as shown in Table I below. < For purposes of illustration of the improved solubility of the detergent composition according to the invention, the amount of surfactant the washing solution is determined by carrying out the well known titration technique "catSo3" on the samples taken from the washing solutions. individual containing one of the AC compositions. In particular, the amount of anionic surfactant in the wash solution is determined by filtering the samples through nylon filter paper of 0.45 to remove the insolubles and then by titrating the filtered solution to which the anionic dyes (bromide). of dimides) have been supplemented with a cationic titrant such as Hyarnine ™ commercially available from Sigrna Chemical Company Accordingly, the relative amount of anionic surfactant dissolved in the wash solution can be determined.This technique is well known and others can be used if you want, with results shown in table II below.

TABLE II (% of total dissolved anion) Time (Minutes) to 1 £ 0 0% 0% 0% 1 22% 37% 22% 3 29% 45% 34% 10 52% 58% 34% Of the results in Table II , it is very clear that compositions A and B which are within the scope of the invention have surprisingly improved solubility over composition C which is outside the scope of the invention.

EXAMPLE III Several laundry bars, D and E, suitable for hand washing of soiled fabrics were prepared by the normal extrusion method and contain the following ingredients listed in Table III.

TABLE III O. E Stressing Agents XJLP Components. _LC L Alkyl primary sulfate of CX4.- to 18.8 18.8 (1-3) Alkylethoxysiloxates of C s, -C s 10.6 10.6 Sulfilsuccinate (Na) 2.0 Xylene sulfonate (Na) - 2.0 tx nor 'Jores < je det.ergencia Zeolite 4A 39.2 39.2 Carbonate (Na) 15.8 15.8 Additives Mise, (water, perfume, and eecundarioe) 13.6 13.6 100.0 100.0 Having thus described the invention with < It will be obvious to those skilled in the art that various changes can be made without departing from the scope of the invention and the invention should not be considered limited to what is described in the specification.

Claims (13)

1. NOVELTY OF THE INVENTION
2. RETVTNPTCACTONFS
3. A detergent composition having a density of content: a) from about 1 to 50% by weight of a detersive surfactant system comprising at least 30% by weight of said surfactant system, of a selected sulfated surfactant and 1 group consisting of alkyl sulphates, alkyl ethoxysulfates, secondary alkyl sulfates and mixtures thereof; b) from about 1 to 50% of a hydrotrope selected from the group consisting of silfilsuccinates, xylene sulphonates, ducsulfonates and mixtures thereof; and c) at least 1% by weight of a detergency builder; characterized in that said surfactant system, said hydrotrope, and said former are agglomerated to form detergent agglomerates that are substantially free of phosphates; characterized in that said sulfate surfactant has an improved solubility in an aqueous wash solution. 2.- The cornp > detergent detergent of claim 1, further characterized p > or said secondary alkoxy sulfate surfactant is a secondary (2,3) alkylsulfate. 3. The detergent composition of claim 1, further characterized in that said builder is in an amount of about 10 to 40% by weight.
4. 4. - The detergent composition of claim 1, further characterized in that said sulphated surfactant is a mixture of alkyl sulfate surfactants and alkyl ethoxysulfate.
5. 5. The detergent composition of claim 1, further characterized in that said hydrotrope is sodium sulfilsuccmate.
6. 6. The detergent composition of claim 1, further characterized in that it comprises auxiliary ingredients r * selected from the group consisting of bleaching agents, bleach activators, foam suppressors and soil release agents.
7. 7. The detergent composition of claim 1, characterized in that said builder is selected from the group consisting of sodium carbonate, zeoites and mixtures thereof.
8. 8. The detergent composition of claim 1, further characterized in that the density of said detergent composition is at least about 650 g / 1.
9. 9. The detergent composition of claim 1, further characterized in that said surfactant system further comprises, by weight of said surfactant system, from 1 to 50% of a n-alkylic polyhydroxylic acid amide of Cxo- C ß to be used as an auxiliary surfactant *.
10. 10. The detergent composition of the claim,? further characterized in that said sulfate surfactant is at least 5% more soluble in said detergent composition when compared to said sulfate surfactant dissolved only in said aqueous wash solution.
11. 11.- The detergent composition of the claim 1, further characterized in that it comprises from about 0.1 to 15% of a linear alkylbenzenesulfonate surfactant.
12. 12. The detergent composition of claim > . '' further characterized in that said wash solution is at a temperature of about 5 to 30 ° C.
13. 13. A method for washing soiled fabrics comprising the step of contacting said soiled fabrics with an effective amount of a detergent composition according to claim 1 in an aqueous washing solution. RFSUMFN DF I A INVENTION A detergent composition is provided in the form of agglomerates; the detergent composition contains from about 1 to 50% by weight of a detersive surfactant system; the surfactant system includes, by weight of the seventh surfactant, at least 30% of a surfactant surfactant selected from alkyl sulphates, alkolethoxysilates, secondary alkaloids and mixtures thereof; the detergent includes from 1 to 50% approximately of a hydrotrope selected from the group consisting of sulfilsuccinate, xylene sulphonates, c-methane sulfonates and mixtures thereof; also, the detergent composition includes at least about 1% by weight of a builder to increase cleaning; the surfactant system, the hydrotrope and the former are agglomerated to form detergent agglomerates which are substantially free of phosphates; the anionic surfactants in the detergent composition have significantly improved dissolution in aqueous wash solutions, especially those kept at cold temperature, ie, from 5 to 30 ° C. EA / ieoh * rnvs- * cgt P96 / 541F